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.

Prelates.

Joceline of Wells, whereof he was Bishop. He first changed the Stile of Bishop of Glaston (used by his Predecessors) into that of Bishop of Bath and Wells. The Monks of Glassenbury purchased their exemption from his Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, by parting with 4 fair Mannors to the See of Wells. After his return from Exile (for his obstinacy against King John) he Beautified and Enriched the Cathedral, Erected some new Prebends, and to the use of the Chapter appropri∣ated many Churches, and gave 3 Mannors of great value to the Episcopal See. He with Hugo Bishop of London, was the joynt Founder of St. Jo. in Wells and on his own cost, built two fair Chappels, one at Wokey, the other at Wells. The Church of Wells was rather rebuilt then repaired by him. He was Bishop 37 Years, and Dyed 1242. His Effigies in Brass which was on his Tomb, is since defaced.

Fulk of Samford, was Treasurer of St. Pauls, Lon∣don, and then by Papal-Bull declared Arch-Bishop of Dublin 1256. He dyed in his Mannor of Finglas 1271. and was Buried in the Church of St. Pat. whose Brother

Jo. of Samford Dean of St. Pat. in Dublin, and for a time Escheator of all Ireland, was afterward chosen, and by Edw. the 1st. Confirm'd Arch-Bishop of Dub∣lin 1284. For a time he was Chief Justice of Ireland, and thence was sent (with Anth. Bishop of Durham) Ambassador to the Emperour, whence returning, he dyed in London 1294. his Body being carried over in∣to Ireland, was buried in St. Pat.

Thomas Beckington, born at Beckington, bred in New-Colledge, Dr. of the Laws, and Dean of the Arches, till by King Hen. 6. he was advanced Bishop of Bath

and Wells. He gave for his Rebus (in allusion to his Name) a burning Beacon, to which he answered in his Nature, being a burning and shining light. He wrote a Book to prove the K. of England's Title to the Crown of France; He spent 6000 Marks in repairing and a∣dorning of his Palaces; He was a Loyal Subject, kind Kinsman, and a good Master, bequeathing 5 pound a piece to his Chief, and 5 Marks a piece to his meaner Servants, and 40 Shillings a piece to his Boys. He was a Benefactor to Wells Church, Winch. New, Mer∣ton, but chiefly Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford, being little less than a second Founder thereof. His Will was Confirmed under the Broad Seal of England: He dy∣ed 1464.

Richard Fitz-James Dr. of Law, was born at Red∣linch, of Ancient and Worshipful Extraction, and bred at Mert. Coll. in Oxford, where he built most Beautiful Lodgings, repairing also St. Ma. in Oxford. He was preferred successively Bishop of Rochester, Chichester, and London: An excellent Scholar, and Author of some Books not now Extant. He was over busie with Fire and Faggot, persecuting the poor servants of God in his Diocess. He dyed 1512, and was buried in his Cathedral, (having contributed to the adorning there∣of) in a Chappel like Tomb of Timber, since burnt down, 1561: He was Brother to Fitz-James Lord Chief Justice.