A prospect of the most famous parts of the vvorld Viz. Asia, 3 Affrica, 5 Europe, 7 America. 9 With these kingdomes therein contained. Grecia, 11 Roman Empire, 13 Germanie, 15 Bohemia, 17 France, 19 Belgia, 21 Spaine, 23 Italie, 25 Hungarie, 27 Denmarke, 29 Poland, 31 Persia, 33 Turkish Empire, 35 Kingdome of China, 37 Tartaria, 39 Sommer Ilands, 41 Civill Warres, in England, Wales, and Ireland. You shall find placed in the beginning of the second booke marked with these [3 asterisks in triangle formation] and (5) together with all the provinces, counties, and shires, contained in that large theator of Great Brittaines empire. / Performed by John Speed.

¶ The Description of BELGIA.

IN this we continue still the Description of Belgia, begunne in the Mappe of France. For the title is common as well to these Territories as indeed to all the North-east Tracts of the old Gallia. The portion hereditary to the French King, was marked out among the rest of his Dominions. The resi∣due (since it hath beene by length of time, chance of warre, or at least chance of Fortune, dispersed into the power of severall Princes) is better knowne to us by the familiar names of the Low-Countries, then Netherlands, Flanders, &c.

(2) In the search of her Originall, we may have reference to our precedent Discourse. For questionlesse it was possest by the Gaules, as the other parts were: and (if trust may be given to those antique Stories, whose truth is almost worn out with age) she reacheth her Pedegree as high as any, and likely enough did pertake in the spoyles of Rome, when the Capitoll was ransacked by the Gauls, under the conduct of our two English Brothers. For her chiefe Captaine Belgius, whose memory she preserves to this day in her name, is mentioned by Quadus and others, as Companion to Brennius in his expedition toward Macedonia after they were intreated from Rome.

(3) In the first times they were a stout people, and pra∣ctised to continuall warres by the bordering Germanes, which made them as well expert as hardy. It seemes Caesar found them so in his tryall: for he gives them (in his Commentaries) the honour of a valiant Nation above any other part of Gallia. Yet at last he brought them under, and in time they were ex∣pulsed by the Germanes, who for their neerest speech and cu∣stoms are supposed, and justly too, the Predecessours to the now Inhabitants.

(4) For her first name I find no other likely account given, then from a Citie built by their Belgius in the Province of Han∣nonia, where now stands Bavaris. The rest, Germania inferior, the L••w-Countries and Netherlands require no long search: for without doubt they have little other ground, then her low situ∣ation upon the Seas: and indeed it is such as hath oft-times in∣dangered her by inundations, and sunke many hundreds of their Townes and Villages, which to this day in some places shew their tops above water at a dead low ebbe. Lastly, Flanders, though but a single Province in this Belgia, yet of that esteeme, as the whole Countrey bears her name, and may indeed well enough upon the same reason as she took it up. For (as the most will) it had its Etymon à flatibus fluctibúsque quibus tota haec ob∣noxia est regio.

(5) For on the North it is bounded with a part of the great Sea, and on the West with the maine Ocean: On the East with the Rivers, Rhene and Mosa, and on the South with Loraigne, Campaigne, and Picardie, parts of the Kingdome of France. It is accounted to be in circuit 1000. Italian miles: no Countrey abounds more with Lakes, Pooles, and Rivers of great note. The principall are Rhene, Mosa, and Scaldis, 16. others are spe∣cially named by Maginus: and more intimated, which afford them great store of fish, as well for their owne use, as supply for traffique to other Nations.

(6) Yet by reason of her watery situation, it must needs be that the aire is exceeding moyst, and therefore unwholesome: but not so as heretofore. For the multitude of Inhabitants, and those wonderfully industrious, have laboured out many of her ma∣rishes, and drawne their Pooles into running channels, and by this means fewer vapours arise, in so much that now the Natives at last may very well agree with the temper, which (as Maginus gives it) incolarū sanitati nec non digestioni conducit. Their Sum∣mer is pleasant, not extreme hot, nor abounds it with such troublesome flies and gnats as ours doth. There is seldome any thunder heard, or lightning seene, or earth-quake felt. The rea∣son is the same for all. The Winter is not altogether so tolerable: but brings with it bleake windes, and much raine. Yet betwixt both, the Countrey is moderately fertile, yeelds Corne and fruit in some places more, and in some lesse: very few Grapes, and those make but a hard Wine: no store of Mines: and yet they are as rich as those which have.

(7) For the people are very thrifty, painfull, and ingenious in the invention of many pretty things, which draw many o∣ther Nations to them for Traffique: and they lie as sit for it, ha∣ving free accesse by Sea to and from all the chiefe parts, as of Europe, so also Asia, Africa, and America, and are as skilfull to trace the Seas at pleasure. The have the name for the first Au∣thors of the Compasse, Clock, and Printing. They are excellent Artificers, for working of pictures in glasse, for laying colours in Oyle, for Tapestry and other hangings: in briefe, for any Oeco∣nomicall commoditie either for use or ornament: and in their owne private Families excell any other people. The men are of a goodly presence: of a cold, or at least no cholerick temper. They neither love nor hate any extreamely; but will soone for∣get both a good turne, and (they say) an injury. They are not very open, or easie of beliefe, not apt to be deceived. Not very proud, nor exceeding base. Not much given to Venus, but more to Bacchus especially, when he presents himselfe upon an Eng∣lish Beere-Barrell. For they will hardly make a bargaine before they be well whetted. This is their common Character, but for the best part of it we have found it farre other, as in their commerce with us in the East Indies we have found, whereby their extreame dealings with our Nation, they have made knowne their unthankefulnesse for the many benefits our English hath shewed them. But I returne to their better qua∣lities. Their women are faire, somewhat bold and free in their carriage, but yet sober and honest: excellent housewives, and in some places traffique abroad, while their men play the Cot∣queans at home.

(8) As in their other businesse, so in their studies they are very laborious, and indeed trouble the world with writing more then they have thanks for: as if they had a right, (since they were the inventers of the Presse) to use it at pleasure: for so they doe. And send forth every cōmon exercise performed by their boyes, towards a degree, with a clutter of tedious Anagrams prefixed. But yet it hath heretofore bred many excellent men in their fa∣culties. Iustus Lipsius, Erasmus, Rodulphus Agricola, Ortelius, Mercator. And at this day how many others, good members of the Reformed Church, within compasse of the States govern∣ment? The rest which are under the Arch-Duke must appeare Romane Catholikes. In divers parts of Belgia, the Christian Re∣ligion was planted by Wilbrod an English man.

(9) The last qualitie required in a Nation of esteeme (as they are) is valour. And indeed I may well place it last. For so it grew upon them: since the long warre, which they have had w••th the Arch duke. Before they lived for the most part in peace; and as they had but little use of Chivalry, so they had as little heart to it: but were counted a heavy dull people. To say truth, they have hardly yet recovered that censure: for in the managing of their Land-fights especially, they are content enough to give way to other Nations, and will hardly second them in any dangerous attempt. The English have both acted and suffered their parts, in the behalfe of the Low-Countries: and that (me thinkes) might have beene remembred in the midst of their tyrannicall usage of our Merchants.

(10) These Netherlands toward our latter times were divided into 17. Provinces, whereof the most part had severall Rites and Governours, foure Dukedomes, seven Earledomes, five Baro∣nies, and one Marquiship. But by the mixt marriages of the heires to the sundry Titles, the whole at last fell upon one, was made an entire Government, and knowne by the name of the Duke∣dome of Burgundie. Yet still doth each Province retaine her pro∣per Laws, libertie of Religion, and other Customes, which their Rulers in succession were sworne to maintaine for their parts: and the people againe for their securitie, had this maine prero∣gative left them from the beginning: that if their Prince should at any time attempt the contrary, they might after Declaration proceed to the choyce of a new Governour. These Conditions confirmed, it continued for a while peacefully, and by marriage with Mary Heire and last of the house of Burgundie, it fell to Maximilian of Austria, Emperour of the Germans. And his Suc∣cessour Philip matching in the like sort with Ioan heire to the Kingdome of Spaine, joyned both together in his eldest sonne Charles the fift, who by the Mother was intituled to Spaine, and by his Father to Burgundy or Netherlands, as for Austria it passed to another brother. Thus came it subject to the King of Spaine. And while yet the Emperour enjoyed it, they felt no misery of civill wars among themselves. When he left it, he commanded this charge withall to his sonne Philip the second, that he should intreat the Low-Countries well. But this he either forgot or neglected: and taking it in foule scorne to be so curbed by the conditions of his Predecessors, began first with a pretence to Re∣ligion, and at last embroyled them in a bloudy warre, which hath found no end to this houre: and caused them to cast oft the Spa∣nish clogge, which they did in the yeare 1581. and declared by their publique Writings, that Philip the second King of Spaine, had forfeited his government of the Low-Countries by breach of his faith. And withall they bound their people by a new oath never to returne their obedience: which they yet make good a∣gainst the Arch-Dutchesse, who by kindred to the Spanish King, and marriage to the Arch-Duke is at this time interest in the go∣vernment, and therefore in the quarrell.

(11) To her there belongs of the 17. Provinces (1) the Dukedomes of Lutzenburg. (2) Limburg, and (3) Brabant. (4) The Earledomes of Flanders. (5) Artoyse. (6) Hannault. (7) Namurcia. (8) The Baronie of Mechlin. (9) The Marqui∣sate of the holy Empire. To the States are reckoned the (10)

[illustration] map of Low Germany

[illustration]

A NEW MAPE OF Y^E XVII PROVINCES OF LOW GERMANIE, mended a new in manie places. Anno 1626.

Dutchy of Geldria. (11) The Earledomes of Zutphen. (12) Zealand, and (13) Holland. (14) The Baronies of Vtrech. (15) Overissell. (16) Frizland. (17) And Groyning.

(12) We begin with the Dukedomes intayled to the Spanish faction: and for the easier finding their situation, we will take them as they lye from West to East: And in this order is (1) Lutzenburg; It stands betwixt the River Mosa on the West, and the Forrest of Ardenna East: on the South it joynes upon a part of France. Her chiefe City is Lucenburg, called by Ptolemy Augusta Romanduorum. In circuit this Dukedome is 240. miles, and containes in it many other Townes, which have beene much batterred in the warres, betwixt the French and Spanish Kings, before the States were at difference among themsel••es. Theon∣ville among others is of note for the stronger Bostonacum, for the chiefe Merchandize. It is called the Paris of Ardenna, for by some that Forrest is reckoned into this Dukedome. It stands on the East-side, was in Caesars time 500. miles compasse, now about 90. Neer to Ardenna is the Spaw bathes, of great fame for the Cure of sundry diseases: And hath oftentimes given our false English a pretence to leave their Countrey forsooth for Physick: when they have no other excuse to get free, and joyn themselves with the Romish Catholikes. Maginus rockons into this Region 1168. Villages, besides Castles, with seven Earledomes, many other petty Governments. In the South is the Dutchy of Bovillon, belonging to a Peere of France. (2) Limburg, on the North-east of Lutzenburg, divides the government betwixt her own Duke, and the Bishop of Luicke, who commands the Westerne Tract, as much as containes 24. walled Townes, and 1800. Villages, and hath under him 52. Baronies. Luicke the chiefe City of the Bishoprick is an Vniversitie, memorable for this one story, a∣bove any other in Christendome: That at one time there studied 9. Kings sonnes, 24. Dukes sonnes, 29. Earles sonnes, &c. The Dukes part in the East is not of that fam••, either for multi∣tude of Towns and Villages, or command of under-territories. In the yeare 1293. the heires Male were extinct, and by that means it fell to the Duke of Brabant. The whole Region is ex∣ceeding fertile, and affords almost all necessaries except Wine: Among other Commodities, it abounds with a kinde of stone, of excellent use in Physick, called Lapis calaminani. The princi∣pall Citie Limburg stands upon the River Wesa. (3) Brabant on the North of Limburg, which commonly is supposed to have the name from Branchlant, as if a barren soile: but it is otherwise re∣ported unlesse toward the North. The people are very jolly, ut viri gravem senectutem sentire videantur: And that me-thinkes should argue plenty. Her chiefe Cities are Loraine an Vniversi∣tie, which containes 20. Colledges, and among the rest a Se∣minary for English Iesuites. Bruxells, and this is the Dukes seat, strengthned with a double wall, and is adorned with very ele¦gant buildings. Bergen ap Some, which is yet fresh in the memo∣rie and mouthes, since the siege 1622. Bodue whose people are noted to have preserved the antique valour of their Predecessors, more then any other of the Provinces. Breda was the place of the Prince of Orange, got from the Spaniard by a desperate policy of a small number of Gentlemen, which ventured themselves into the Castle, being conveyed in a Boat covered with turves: when they were past recoile, they were forced to set their best strength forward, as wel for their lives as the victory; and were blest with a successe beyond hope. They mastered the Castle, and the rest soone followed. It was of late recovered by the Spaniards after a long siege, where our English got honour though not conquest, under the conduct of our noble and valiant Earle of Oxford. And lastly, within the compasse of this D. is contained.

(13) The Marquisate of the holy Empire, whose chiefe Ci∣tie is Antwerpe, a Towne heretofore of infinite Trading: had two Marts every yeare, qualified with an extraordinary privi∣ledge, that during the time no man might be arrested, nor his goods seazed: and questionlesse this invited many which were in debt, and could not have the freedome of traffique else-where.

(14) The Earledomes are (1) Flanders: First indeed as well in esteeme as situation; For it gives name to the whole Region of the Netherlands: and the Prince writes himselfe Comes Dei gratiâ. It is the very Northwest tract of this Belgia: and is divi∣ded in Teutonicam, Imperatoriam, and Gallicam. The first is the Flandria Flandricans, properly Flanders. The principal Cities are Gandadū Gaunt, the birth-place of our Iohn Duke of Lancaster: She is severed by the Rivers Shead, and lets into 26. Ilands, and hath passage from one to another by 98. bridges. Her walls are seven miles in compasse. Her other Townes are Burgies and Graveling: Her Ports Dunkerke, Scluse, Newport, Ostend, &c. The two last notable, one for a pitcht field, the other for a long siege. In both the English honorably maintained the right of the States against the Arch-Duke. Flandria Imperatoria is but a smal parcell, and borders upon Brabant, is called the Earledome of Hulit, which is the chiefe Citie within her Territories: Gallica Flandria is not of any large extent, but very fertile and pleasant. Her chief towns are Lilla or Lilse, Duacum Doway an Vniver∣sitie, Orchais, Tornay taken by King Henry the eighth, and ranso∣med by the Inhabitants for 100000, Duckets. (2) Artesia, Ar∣toyse, the seat of the Atrebates in Caesars time. Their chiefe Ci∣ty was then called Atrebatum now Arras, whence we have our rich hangings and their name. It lyeth most on the South of Flanders; Maginus reckons to her 12. Cities, and 852. Villages. The chiefe of name besides their mother town Arras, are Ayre, Pernes, S^t. Omer, S^t. Paul. (3) Hannonia Hanolt on the East of Flanders, 60. miles long, broad 48. Containes 950. Villages, and 24. Towns beside Castles. The chiefe are Banais supposed to stand in the same place, where the ancient Belgium was built, Mons, Conde, Valenciennes, &c. (4) Namurce on the East of Ha∣nolt, a fruitfull Countrey, and full of Mines especially of Iron: It hath but foure Cities, 182. Villages. The Metropolis is Na∣murce, and the rest Charlemount, Valen-Court, Bornies.

(15) The only Barony of the Arch Dukes Province is Mech∣lin a City in Brabant, which stands almost at equall distance be∣twixt Lovane, Bruxells and Antwerpe. Before the Spanish w••rs it was a place of Parliament for the States: Since a great part of it was scattered by unfortunate chance of fire, which catch a∣mong 800. Barrells of Gunpowder. In this stands a Monastery, which at sometimes hath in it 1600 Nunnes; and within these limits is the power of the Arch-Duke confined: And surely by reason of his infinite charge to maintaine warre, and the ticklish termes he stands upon for feare of displeasing his Subjects, who (as he suspects) may be apt enough to revolt, he can reape but little cleare profit, and dares use as little Authority.

(16) To the States there hold first the Dukedome of Geldria, which some will have to take her name from Gelduba, once her chiefe Citie: whether or not, there appeares not now any mo∣nument of such a Towne. The Province stands on the East of Brabant; and North of Limburg: It is a very fertile soile; espe∣cially if it be well tilled, it returneth the husbandman a liberall reward for his labour. Her pastures are excellent, in so much, that they feed up their Cattle to an incredible bignesse and weight. A report passeth of one Bull which weighed 3200. pound: It was killed at Antwerpe, 1570. It hath in it 22. walled Townes, and about 300 Villages. The principall of account are Neoma∣gus or Nummegen an Imperial city, stands at the mouth of Rhene, which is called the Vahall. It was honoured with the title of a vice-County, had authority to coyn money, and was bound to ac∣knowledge subjection to the Emperour only by a small tribute. A glove of Gunpowder, which they were to tender at Aken once a year. Others of note are Ruermund, Arnem, and Zutph••n.

(17) The Earledomes are (1) Zutphen a Town only in Gel∣derland, at the north of the river Barikell, where that valiant soul∣dier, and incomparable Poet Sir Philip Sidney received his last wound. It was joyned into the States strength 1590. (2) Ze∣land, it stands in the North tract upon the Seas, from whence it hath the name as it were of Zeland: And indeed it oft times so fals out, that they can hardly say whether they live in Sea or up∣on the Land. Eight Ilands have bin utterly lost: what remaines of this Province is by the water divided into seven Ilands: Wal∣cheria, in which stands Middle-borough and Flushin. South Beve∣land, North Develand, Wolfors-dicke. These are the Westerne. The Easterne are Schoven, Tolen, and Develand. They are most of them a fierce people, craftie in merchandize, good Sea men, and great Fishers. (3) Holland or Holtland a woody Countrey: It is but a small Region, such as be a man where he will within her compasse, he may travell it out in three houres: And yet is it of great fame, and better knowne to the common sort of peo∣ple then any of these parts. The Inhabitants heretofore the Ba¦tavi: on the West it hath the Sea and Iles of Zeland: on the North the maine Ocean. It comprehends about 400. Villages, and 29. walled Towns. The chiefe are Dordret or Dort, memo∣rable for a Synode held against the Arminians, 1618. Harlem a Town which first sent forth a printed Booke into the other parts of Europe. Delft, Amsterdam, a great place of traffique, Roter∣dam, Lugdunum Batavorum, Leyden an Vniversitie. Among the rest the Hage may claime a roome here though but a village, yet the fairest in Christendome, and seat of the States Councell. The report lyeth upon this Province of Margaret sister to the Earle of Floris, that she brought at one birth 365. children, all living till they were christened.

(18) Baronies are (1) Vltrasectense utrecht on the East of Gelderland, and in part West, North, and South of Holland. It hath the name from her mother Citie Traiectum: and she hers, (as is supposed) from a common Ferry which is there: For before it was called Antonina. It hath foure other good Townes, and seventy villages. (2) Ov••rissall or Transisulana on the North of Gelderland: It hath above 100. Villages, and 11. Townes of note. The chief Deventer wonne by our Robert Dudley Earle of Leicester from the Spaniards to the States: It was once under go∣vernment of the Bishop of Vtrech: And the first was Wilbr••d an Englishman. (3) Frizia West Friezeland on the North of Overis∣sall: It hath 345. Villages and 5. Townes. The chiefe Lewarden, Harlingham a Sea-town, & Francker a late Vniversitie. (4) Groy∣ning a Town only of West Friezland, but hath Command over 145. villages, hath her proper laws & jurisdiction of a Province.

(19) These last eight joyn together in an Aristarchicall Go∣vernment, weilded by the LL. the States of the Low Countries, and their assistants. Each Province hath one, and his Common Councell is elected out of her owne principall Towns: But the residency of the generall Councell of the States is at the Hage in Holland; And to this are admitted with equall priviledge of suf∣frage their Generall of their Forces, and our English Embassador.