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.

Norfolk.

NOrfolk hath the German Ocean on the N. E. Suffolk on the S. Cambridg and a part of Lincoln-shire on the W. 50 miles in length and 30 in breadth. The Soile is various, comprehending all Kinds and Degrees, so that Norfolk collectively taken hath a sufficient result of pleasure and profit. This County hath the most Churches of any in Eng∣land (viz. 660) and tho the poorest Livings, yet the richest Clergy-men. Nor can there be given a greater demonstration of the Wealth and Popu∣lousness of this County, than that in the late Act for an Assessment upon England, at the Rate of 60000l. by the Month, for 3 Months; Norfolk with the City of Norwich is rated at 3266l. 13s. 4d. the highest Proportion of any Shire in England. The Natural Commodities are chiefly Rabbits, and Her∣rings caught nigh Yarmouth, besides the County shareth plentifully in all other English Commodi∣ties. 'Tis reported of a Gentleman in Norfolk that he made above 10000l ster. of a Piece of ground (not 40 yards square) which contained a sort of Clay for the making a choice sort of earthen ware. The Manufactures are Worsteds, (so called from Worsted a Village in this County) which first found a general repute in England

towards the end of King Henry 6. Worsted Stock∣ins were first made in England An. 1564. by Wil∣liam Rider Apprentice in London, who made a pair by an Italian Pattern and presented them to Wil∣liam Earl of Pembrook.

Proverbs.

I. Norfolk Dumplings. The fare they generally feed on. II. Norf. Wiles. Such the Skill of the Common People in the Common Law, who are said to study Law as following the Plough tail; and some would perswade us that they will enter an action for their neighbours horse but looking over their hedge. III. A Yarmouth Capon, That is a Red Herring. IV. He is arrested by the Baily of Marshland. That is, an Ague caused by the unwholsomness of the Air in the Marshes.

Prelates

Gilb. Berkeley, descended from the ancient Bar∣ons of that Name (as appeareth by his Arms) was made Bishop of Bath and Wells An. 1 Eliz. He died 1581. and was buried in his own Cathe∣dral.

Jo. Aylmer, (brother to Sir Rob.) was born at Ayl∣mer-hall, and bred in Cambridg. He became Chap∣lain to H. Gray D. of Suffolk, and had the tuition of his Daughter the Lady Jane Gray. Flying in the Reign of Queen Mary he was wonderfully saved from the Searchers of the Ship, by a Merchant who put him in a great Wine-But which had a Partition in the middle, so that Mr. Aylmer sat in the hin∣der part, whilst the Searchers drank Wine which they saw drawn out of the head or other end

thereof. In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth he was made Arch-deacon of Linclon and at last Bishop of London. He had a Son called Tob-el (i. e. God is Good) in memorial of a great deliverance bestowed on his mother, when being big with child of him, she was thrown out of a coach. This Bishop was a great Scholar and Divine. He was chosen a Di∣sputant at Westminster against the Popish Bishops An. 1. Elizabeth. He stoutly opposed the Non-con∣formists, and was fouly be-libelled by them. He died 1594. He left the main of his great Estate to Sam. his eldest Son (High-Sheriff of Suff. in the Reign of King Ch.) of his youngest Sons, Dr. Ayl∣mer Rector of Haddam in Hartford, was a very Learned Man and great Divine.

Jo. Towers bred in Cambridge, became Chaplain to William Earl of Northampton, who bestowed on him the Benefice of Castle-Ashby in Northampton. He was preferred Dean, and at last B. of Peterbo∣rough. He was a good Actor when he was young, and a great Sufferer when he was Old, (dying about 1650) rich only in Children and Patience.

Capital Judges and Writers on the Law.

Ralph de Hengham, was made Lord Chief Justice of the K. Bench, An. 2 E. 1▪ and fined in 7000 Marks for bribery, and ejected out of his place 18 E. 1. He was afterwards made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, under the confidence generally conceived of his Amendment. He died An. 19 E. 1. and lyes buried in the Church of St. Paul's.

William Paston, Esquire, born at Paston, was Serj. to H. 6. and was by him preferred second Judge of the Common Pleas. The King allowed him, besides the ordinary Salary, 110 Marks, with 2

Gowns yearly out of the Exchequer. He had been also in Grace with two former Kings, H. 4. & H. 5. This William married Agnes Daughter and Heir of Sir Ed∣mund Berrey, by which Marriage the Pastons Quar∣ter at this day, the several Coats of Hetherest, Wa∣chesham, Craven, Gebredge, Hemgrave and Kerde∣ston. He died at London 1444, and lyes buried in Norwich▪ Wolstan de Paston, his Ancestor, came into England 3 years after the Conquest, from whom all the descendants except this Will. were buried at Paston. Jo. eldect Son to Will. married Marg. the Daughter of Jo. Mautby, and William his se∣cond Surviving Son married Anne Daughter to Edm. D. of Somerset.

Sir Ed. Coke, Knight, Son of Rob. Esquire, and of Winefred his Wife, was born at Mileham, and bred in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, and in Clif∣fords-Inn London. Afterwards in the Inner-Temple. After 6 years he was called to the Barr, and for 3 years he was Reader in Lyons-Inn. He had 30000l. with his incomparable Wife, Bridget, Daughter and Coheir of Jo. Paston, Esquire. By her he had 10 Children. Then began Preferment to press upon him, being made Recorder of the City of Norwich, Knight of the Shire for the County of Norfolk, Speaker in the House of Commons, and successively the Queens Solicitor and Attorney. King James honoured him with Knighthood, and made him Chief Justice first of the Common Pleas, then of the K. Bench. Thus beginning on a good Bottom left him by his Father, Marrying a Wife of Extraordi∣nary Wealth, having at the first great and gainful Practice, afterwards many and profitable Offices, being provident to choose good Penny-worths in purchases, leading a thrifty life, living to a great Age, during flourishing and peaceable times, no wonder

〈◊〉〈◊〉 he advanced a fair Estate. Some falsly Character him a back-friend to the Church and Clergy, being a Grand Benefactor to the Church of Norwich, which he vigorously defended (and that gratis) a∣gainst a Frye of busie Informers and Devourers of Churches who intended to swallow down the Church Lands of Norwich under the obscure Title of Concealments. He freely gave the Benefices in his own Patronage to worthy Men, and used to say, That he would have Church-Livings pass by Livery and Seisin and not Bargain and Sale. Five sorts of people he used to fore-design to Misery. viz. Chy∣mists, Monopolizers, Concealers, Promoters and Rhy∣ming Poets. For three things he would give God solemn thanks, that he never gave his Body to Phy∣sick, nor his Heart to Cruelty, nor his Hand to Cor∣ruption. In three things he did much applaud his own success; in his fair fortune with his Wife, in his happy study of the Laws, and in his free coming by all his Offices, nec Prece nec Pretio, neither begging nor bribing for preferment. His parts were admirable, he had a deep Judgment, faithful Me∣mory, active Fancy; and the Jewel of his Mind was put into a fair case, a beautiful Body with a com∣ly Countenance. Being always neat he was wont to say That the out-ward neatness of our Bodies might be a Monitor of purity to our Souls. He always decli∣ned Circumlocutions. He commended Moderati∣on, saying, if a River swell beyond its Banks it loseth its own Channel. If any adverse party crossed him, he would patiently reply, If another Punish me, I will not Punish my self. He would never privately retract what he had publickly adjudged, professing, that he was Judge in a Court and not in a Chamber. He was wont to say, No Wise Man would do that in Prosperity, whereof he should Repent in Adversity.

He gave for his Motto, Prudens qui Patiens, and his practice was accordingly, especially after he fell into the disfavour of K. James. (See the Engl. Chron.) In his private Life he triumphed in his own Innocency, that he had done nothing illegal∣ly, calling to mind the Motto which he gave in his Rings, when made Searj. Lex est tutissima Cassis, The Law is the safest Helmet. And now he had lei∣sure to peruse 30 Books written with his own hand, most pleasing himself with a Manual, which he called his Vade Mecum containing the Remark∣ables of his life. His most Learned and Laborious Works on the Laws, will last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be Admired by the Judicious Posterity, whilst Fame hath a Trumpet left her, and any breath to blow therein. His Judgment lately passed for an Oracle in Law, and if since the Credit thereof hath causlesly been que∣stioned, the wonder is not great. If the Prophet himself living in an incredulous Age, found cause to complain * 1.1 Who had believed our Report? It needs not seem strange that our licentious times have af∣forded some to shake the Authenticallness of the Re∣ports of any earthly Judge. He constantly had Prayers in his own House, and relieved the Poor with his constant Alms. The Foundation of the Charter-House had been ruined before it was raised, & crushed by some Courtiers in the hatching there∣of, had not his great care preserved the same. The Free-School at The••ford was supported in its being, by his assistance, and he founded a School at his own cost at Godwick in this County. Dr. Whit∣gift (afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury) was his Tutor, who sent unto his Pupil, when the Queens Attorney, a fair New Testament, with this Message; He had now studied Common Lawe∣nough,

let him hereafter study the Law of God. When he was under a Cloud at Court, and outed of his Judges Place, the Lands belonging to the Church of Norwich were again called into Question being begged by a Peer: Sr Edw. desired him to desist, telling him, that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap, and come into Westminster-Hall once again, and plead there in any Court in Justification of what he had done. He died at Stoke Poges in Buck. on Wedn. 3. September, being the 83 year of his Age; Whose last Words were, Thy Kingdome come, Thy Will be done.

Sir Th. Richardson, Knight, born at Mulberton, (his Father being Minister thereof) was the Kings Serj. afterwards sworn Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas 1626. Speaker of the House of Commons 21 and 22 Jac. He married for his second Lady Eliz. Beaumont, the Sister (as I take it) of Mary Coun∣tess of Buck and the Relict of —Ashburn∣ham, Knight She was by King Charles created Ba∣roness of Craumont in Scotland, and (tho issuless by the Judge) the Honours descended to his Grand∣child.

Souldiers.

Rob. Vinile, when about to fight Tournboll the Champion of the Scoth Army, is said to have made his Way through a Mastiff, (the Champions attendant) by cutting him off at the Loyns, and then cutt Tournboll's head from off his shoulders.

Sir Oliver Hingham, was born, richly landed and buried in Hingham. A Valiant Man, whom King Edward 3 left Governour of Aquitain in France. He gave the French (who had been drawn into Bourdeaux) such entertainment, that they drank

not so much Claret-wine in the City, as they left blood behind them, An. 13. & 3. He was afterwards made Knight of the Garter. His Monument has his Resemblance in Coat Armor, lively set forth in Metal with 24 Mourners about his Monument.

Jo. Fastolf, Baron of Sineginle in France, was a Ward to Jo. D. of Bedford, sufficient to prove him an Englishman. Tho he was truly Valiant, the stage hath made him a Thrasonica Puff and Emblem of Mock-valour. He was made Knight of the Garter by Henry 6. and died about the second year of his Reign.

Sir Clem. Paston, Knight, Grandson to Sir Jo. a favourite to Edward 4. was born at Paston. He was at the burning of the Conquest in France, and afterwards by Henry 8. was made Captain of one of his ships of war, and in a sea fight took a French gally and therein the Admiral of France Prisoner, called the Baron of Blancard, whom he brought into England and kept at Caster nigh Yarmouth, till he had paid 7000 Crowns for his Ransom, besides a Cup and 2 Snakes of Gold (of the Spoil of the Gally) bequeathed by Sir Clem to his Family. He received many wounds, and was left for dead in Musleborough Field in Scotland. He was the Gen∣tleman to whom Sir Wiat (when worsted at Lud∣gate) did willingly submit. He had the Com∣mand of some Ships of Queen Elizabeth at New-Haven and was Pensioner to 2 Kings and 2 Queens successively. At Oxnit he built a goodly house for Hospitality, and a Hospital hard by for 6 poor serving-men. He died 15—

Seamen.

No County in England doth carry a Top and Top

Gallant more high in Maritine performances than Norfolk. Witness Yarmouth's proportion in the Navy used by Edward 3. against—of about 700 Ships and 14500 Men. 43 ships with 1950 belong∣ing to Yarmouth; well nigh double to what London did afford, Yarmouth was very Populous in that Age, and (tho but one Parish) a lamentable Plague in one year did sweep thence 7000 men.

Nich. of Lynne, bred in Oxford, accounted a Fran∣ciscan Frier, an Excellent Musician, Mathemation and Astrologer, is reported to have sailed to the Nor∣thern Islands in the World An. 30 E. 31, 330, and to have gone so far as the Pole Arctick, where he disco∣vered 4 In-draughts of the Ocean from the 4 Quar∣ters of the World. 'Tis said he wrote a Book of discoveries, called Inventio Fortunata. Chaucer makes an Honourable mention of him. He died 1360. and was buried in Lynne.

Pet. Read, Esq. worthily served his Prince and Country, as also Ch. 5. Emp. who gave him the Order of Barbary, for his valiant deeds there and at Tunis. He died 1569.

Writers.

Jo. Baconthorpe, born at Baconthorpe, bred a Carme∣lite in Blackney. made more Books for weight & number then his Body could bear. His Soul had but a small Diocess (of a Body) to visit, & therefore might the better attend the effectual informing thereof. 'Tis said that the Heart of the D. of Hamilton was the largest, and that of the Lord Capel was the least that the Anatomist ever beheld, whence 'its inferred, That contracted Spirits act with the greatest vigorous∣ness. This Jo. was termed the Resolute Dr. He equally disliked Scepticks of none; and unconstant peo∣ple;

(successively) of all Opinions. He groped af∣ter more light than he saw, saw more than he durst speak of, spake of more than he was thank'd for by those of his superstitious Order. He died 1346.

Jo. Colton, born at Tirington, was Chaplain to W. Bateman Bishop of Norwich, and first Master of Gon∣vil-Hall in Cambridge. For his Learning and Piety, he was by Henry 4 preferred Arch. Bishop of Ar∣magh and Primate of Ireland. He was employed to Rome in the Schisme between Pope Ʋrb. 6. and Clem. 7. which occasioned his writing a Learned Treatise De Causâ Schismatis, and another De Re∣medio ejusd. It seems he resigned his Arch-Bisho∣prick before his death, which hapned 1404.

Alan of Lynne, in Cambridge, then a Carmelite in Lynne, made Indexes of 33 Writers he perused, a∣mong which were Augustin, Anselm and Aquinas. He Flourished. 1420.

William Wells, born (probably) at Wells in this County, Provincial of the Augustinian Order in Lynne, D. D. in Cambridge, was an industrious Man and good Writer. He died and was buried at Lynne, 1421.

Jo. Thorpe, born in Thorpe, was a Carmelite at Norwich and Dr. at Cambridge. Being a great Lo∣gician, he wrote a Book entitled the Labyrinth of Sophismes, and another called the Rule of Consequen∣ces, for which he got the Title of Doctor Ingenio∣sus, not Ingenuus; having a pound of Wit for a Drachm of good nature, and being a Violent Perse∣cutor of W. White and other Wicklevites. He died 1440. and lyeth buried at Norwich.

Jo. Skelton, (Minister at Dis in Norf.) stiled himself the Kings Orator and Poet Laureat.* 1.2 Erasmus in a Letter to Henry 8. stileth him Britannicarum Literarum Lumen &

Decus. Besides a Satyrical Wit, (using biting dis∣course, scornfull laughter, and bitter Jests) which was unhappy to light on three Noli me tangere's, viz. the Rod of a School-Master, the Couls of Friers, and the Cap of a Cardinal; The first gave him a lash, the second deprived him of his livelyhood, the third almost outed him out his life. W. Lilly, with whom he fell foul, paid him sufficiently, when he told him, That whilst he was Ambitious of the Reputation of a Learned Poet, he was nei∣ther Learned nor a Poet. The Friers instigated Nix Bish. of Norwich to suspend this Skelton from his Benefice, for keeping a Concubine. And Cardinal Woolsey, his too Potent Enemy, being charged by him with too much truth, so persecuted him, that he was forced to take Sanctuary at Westminster. In his Restraint he died 1529. and was buried in St. Marg. Chap. with this Epitaph. Jo. Sceltonus, Vates Pierius, hîc situs est. On his death bed he declared he had kept the aforesaid supposed Concubine in notion of a Wife.

Since the Reformation.

Jo Barret, born at Lynne, bred a Carmelite in Cambridg in an ignorant and ambitious Age, was stoped by Arch-Bishop Cranmer, for Insufficiency. Afterwards having plyed his Book hard he became an admirable Scholar, and having Commenced Dr. was Preacher in Norwich, always making honoura∣ble mention of Dr. Cranmer. 'Tis charitably be∣lieved, that tho complying in the times of Perse∣cution, he returned to the truth in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

Edm. Gourney, bred B. D. in Cambridge, was Prea∣cher in this Shire. An excellent Scholar, and in∣nocently

humorous. When I was collecting the Witnesses of the Truth in all Ages, even in the times of Popery, It is needless (saith he) for I know that I am desended from Adam, tho I can∣not prove my Pedigree from him. Yet he was born of as good a Family as any in Norf. He wrote 2 learned Treatises against Transubstantiation, and of the 2d. Commandment. He died in the beginning of the Civil Wars.

Benefactors to the Publick.

Godfrey Bollen, Knight, Son to Jeffrey, born at Sale, was Lord Mayor of London An. 1457. By his Will he bequeathed liberally to Prisons and Hospitals, &c. Besides he gave 1000l. to poor Housholders in London, and 200 l. to those in Norfolk. He was Great-Grandfather, by the Mo∣thers side to Q. Eliz.

Ja. Hobart, Attorney Gen. and of the Privy Council to, and Knighted by H. 7. besides his ma∣ny Benefactions to his Parish-Church in London, built a fair Bridge over the River Wareney betwixt this County and Suffolk, and a firm Causey there by, &c. There are 3 Houses of his Issue in this County.

Andr. Perne, born at Bilney, Mr. of Pet. House, Protector and Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, and Dean of Ely, founded a Fellowship and Scholar∣ships in his Colledge, and encreased the Library with many rare Manuscripts. In the daies of Queen Mary he was the Skreen to keep off the Fire of Persecution, from many poor Protestants; so that by his Means, no Gremial of the Univer∣sity was Martyred therein. Indeed he altered his Religion 4 times in 12 years (from the last of H.

8. to 1. Elizabeth) a Pap. a Prot. a Pap. a Prot. and was a bending tho no smarting Willow, guilty of Compliance not Cruelty. Being very Facetious he called a Clergy-man Fool (who indeed was little better) who returned that he would complain thereof to the Bishop of Ely. Do (sayes the Dean) when you please, and my Lord Bishop will Confirm you. Yet at last, he himself ('tis said) was Heart-bro∣ken with a Jest of the Queens Jester, who (Arch-Bishop Whitgift and Dr. Pern being present) dis∣suaded her Majesty from going abroad in a wet day. Heaven (says he) Madam, dissuades you, it is cold and wet; And Earth dissuades you, it is moist and dirty; Heaven dissuades you, this heavenly Man Arch-Bishop Whitgift; and Earth dissuades you, your Fool Clod, such a Lump of Clay as my self. And if neither will prevail with You, here is one that is neither Heaven nor Earth, but hangs betwixt both, Dr. Perne, and he also dissuades you. He died soon after at Lambeth.

Since the Reformation.

Sir Th. Gresham, bred a Mercer and Merchant in London, the Wealthiest Citizen in England of his Age, Founded 2 stately Fabricks, the Old Ex∣change, a kind of Colledge for Merchants, and Gresham College a kind of Exchange for Scholars. As Vessels of Massy Gold need no burnishing, whilst Vessels that are only gilded are set off therewith: So let lesser Donations be set off with Rhetorical Praises, whilst those of this Knight are resplendent without any adventitious Lustre. He died 21 Nov. 1579.

Sir William Paston, Knight (whose Ancestors were bountifull to the Abbeys of Saint Bennet in Holme and Bromholme in this County) erected a fair School with 30l. per An. at Northwalsham in

this County. He married Frances the daughter of Sir Th. Clear of Stokesby, and was great-grandfa∣ther to Sir William, the bountiful Promoter of all my weak endeavors.

Henry Howard, Youngest Son of Henry Earl of Surrey, and Brother to Th. last D. of Norfolk, was born at Shotesham, bred in King's Colledg in Cambridge, then in Trin. Hall, being afterwards Chancellor of the University. A great Scholar, Witness his Learned Dispensative against the Poi∣son of supposed Prophesies, dedicated to Sir Fr. Walsingham. He lived privately in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth till King James advanced him in Honour and Wealth, creating him Baron of Marnehill in Dors. Earl of Northampton, Lord Pri∣vy Seal, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Knight of the Garter. He founded and endowed an Ho∣spital for 12 poor Women and a Governour at Rising in this County: Another for 12 poor Men, and a Governour at Clun in Shrop. another at Greenwich in Kent, for a Governour and 20 poor men, of which 8 are to be chosen out of Shote∣sham. He died 15 June 1614. and was buried in the ancient Chappel of the Castle of Dover.

Memorable Persons.

—Sharnborn, born at, and Lord of Sharn∣bourn a Mannor in this County; which Mannor William the Conquerour conferred on Warren a Norman Souldier Sharborn traversed his Title, and (being a Norfolk-man) durst go to Law with the Conqueror and question the Validity of his Dona∣tions. Yea he got the better of the Suit, and the Kings Grant was adjudged void. This is pressed by many to prove that King William (tho in name)

was in deed no Conqueror, but came in by Composi∣tion to keep the Laws of England. Sharborn was lately aliened (the Heirs Males being extinct) to a worthy Person Fr. Ash. Esquire who hath setled it on Emanuel College.

Noted Sheriffs.

An. 14. Philip Calthrope, a Facetious Gentleman, [monarch H. 7.] when he understood that Jo. Drakes, a Shoe-maker had bought some of the same French Tawney that himself had provided for a Gown, commanded his Taylor to cut his Gown full of Holes, which purged Drakes of his Proud Humour, that he wou'd never be of the Gentlemans Fashion again.

An. 29. Edm. Windham (whose Grand∣mother was Daughter to Jo. Howard D. of Norf.) struck Mr. Clere, [monarch H. 8.] a Gentle∣man of his own Country in the Kings Tennis Court, For this he was arraigned in the great Hall at Greenwich, and had Judgment to lose his right∣hand. He desired that the King of Mercy would be pleased to take his left-hand, and spare his right; for therewith (said he) I may be hereafter able to do his Grace Service. The King being informed hereof, granted his full Pardon. He made his pro∣mise good (to E 6. by whom he was Knighted) en∣deavouring to suppress Kets Rebellion in this Coun∣ty, till at last it proved a Task above his Strength to perform.

Th. Woodhouse, Mil. descended from Honourable Ancestors, [monarch Q. Mary.] many of whom were employed in State Affairs, viz. Rob. (Treasurer) was summoned to Parliament, by E. 3▪ Jo. was Servant and Executor to Hen. 5. Sir Will. was Vice Ad. of the English Fleet in Masleborough

Field. Philip active at the taking of Cadiz and Knighted there by the Earl of Essex. And ever since there hath been a Military inclination in this Family which hath manifested it self on several occasions.

An. 18. Drugo Drury, Arm. afterwards Knighted, [monarch Q. Eliz.] was joyned in Commission with Sir Amias Paulet, to keep Ma. Q. of Scots. Both were nicknamed Puritans by the ill-natur'd Roman Catholicks.

An. 5. Roger Townsend, Baronet, a Re∣ligious Gentleman expending his Soul in Piety and Charity, [monarch K. Charles] a Lover of God, his Service a••d Servants, restored Impropriations to the Chur••h to some Hundreds per An. He married Mary, Daughter and Coheir of Horatio Lord Vere of Tilbury, by whom he had Sir Horace, created Ba∣on at the Coronation of K. Ch. II.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Is. 51.1.
• * 1.2

  AMP.