The history and fate of sacrilege discover'd by examples of scripture, of heathens, and of Christians; from the beginning of the world continually to this day / by Sir Henry Spelman ...

CHAP. VIII. (Book 8)

The particulars of divers Monasteries in Norfolk, whereof the late Owners since the Dissolution are extinct, or decayed, or overthrown by Misfortunes and grievous Accidents.

ABout the Year, I suppose, 1615 or 1616, I described with a Pair of Compasses in the Mapp of Norfolk, a Cir∣cle of 12 Miles, the Semi-diameter accor∣ding to the Scale thereof, placing the Center about 24 the chief Seat of the Yel∣vertons within this Circle and the Borders of it; I inclosed the Mansion-houses of a∣bout 24 Families of Gentlemen, and the sight of as many Monasteries all standing together at the time of Dissolution; and I then noted that the Gentlemen's Seats con∣tinued at that day in their own Families and Names. But the Monasteries had flung out their Owners with their Names and Families (all of them save 2) thrice at least, and some of them 4 or 5 or 6 times, not only by fail of Issue, or ordi∣nary Sale, but very often by grievous Ac∣cidents

and Misfortunes. I observe yet further, that though the Seats of these Monasteries were in the fattest and choi∣cest Places of all that Part of the Coun∣try (for our Ancestors offer'd like Abel, the best unto God) yet it hath not hap∣pened that any of them to my knowledge, or any other in all this Country, hath been the permanent Habitation of any Fa∣mily of Note, but like desolate Places left to Farmers and Husbandmen, no Man al∣most adventuring to build or dwell upon them for dread of Infelicity that pursueth them. Let me here report, what hath been related to me from the Mouth of Sir Clement Edmonds, lately a Clark of his Majesty's Counsel, that did take his know∣ledge from the Council-books, viz. that in the beginning of Queen Mary's Reign the Parliament was not willing to restore Popery and the Supremacy to the Pope, unless they might be suffered to retain the Lands, which were lately taken from the Monasteries; this Resolution was signifi'd to Rome, whereto the Pope gave Answer, that for the Lands belonging to Religious Houses he would dispense for detaining of them, but for the Situation of the Hou∣ses, Churches, and such consecrated Ground, there could be no alienation thereof to

profane Uses, whereupon those that en∣joyed them did not inhabit, or build up∣on the Houses, but forsook them for ma∣ny Years, till the time of Queen Eliz. a great Plague happening, the poor People betook themselves into the remainder of the Houses, and finding many good Rooms, began to settle there, till at length they were put out by them, to whom the grant of the Leases and Lands were made.* 1.1 We see hereby how fearfull they were long after the Dissolution to meddle with Places consecrated to God (though per∣verted to superstitious Uses) when as yet they had no experience what the Success would be; let them therefore that shall read this our Collection following, consi∣der of it as they shall see Cause. I urge nothing, as not medling with the secret Judgments of Almighty God, but relate rem gestam only as I have privately gotten notice of it, and observed living in these parts almost all my life, and endeavour∣ing faithfully to understand the truth, yet no doubt many things have been mista∣ken by those who related them unto me; and therefore I desire that wheresoever it so falleth out, my Credit may not be en∣gaged for it.

The Collection of divers Ancient Gen∣tlemen's Families in Norfolk, all standing and continuing in their Names, and Heirs, with the Possessors of Religious Houses since the Dissolution; most part whereof are cast out and changed often in few Years, besides many strange Misfortunes and grievous Accidents happening to them, their Children and Heirs.

Monasteries.			Gentlemen's Families.
	1	1	BEdingfield at Oxburgh
AT Linn 3	2	2	Spelman at Narburgh
	3	3	Yelverton at—
Crabhouse	4	4	Townsend at Kameham
Wrongey	5	5	Farmer at Barsham
Blackborough	6	6	Boyenne at—
Wall Deerham	7	7	Calthrope at Coxford
Pontney	8	8	Straing at Hunstanton
Westacre	9	9	Sharburgh at Shar∣burgh
Castleacre	10	10	Walpool at Houghton
Warham	11	11	Mordant at Mas∣singham
Stronldham	12	12	Cobbs at Sandring∣ham
Wendling-Abbey	13	13	Thursby at Wichen
Walsingham-Priory	14	14	Cocket at Brusthorp

	15	15	Ashley at Melton
Binham	16	16	Guirney at Barsham
Burcham	17	17	Carvyll at S. Marses
Peeterston	18	18	Gansell at Watlington
Coxford	19	19	Pigat at—
Flitcham	20	20	Grey at Marton
Hempton	21	21	Woodhouse at Kim∣berley
Croake	22	22	Meshold at Langford
Carbrocke	23	23	Jarmy at Streston
Tomson	24	24	Badgscroft at Bextel
Attleburgh Burnham	25	25	Pratt at Kaston
			Hogan at Denton parva.
			Keps.

Linn Monasteries.

• 1. Friars Carmelites alias White-Friars in South-lane.
• 2. Friars Minorites alias Grey-Friars.
• 3. Friars Preachers alias Black-Friars.
• 4. Augustine-Friars.
• 5. A Cell or College of Priests belong∣ing to Norwich.

The four first were purchased of Hen. 8. by John Eyer, Esq one of the King's Au∣ditors or Receivers, a great Receiver of

Monasteries, and amongst others of that of St. Edmondsbury; he married Margaret Daughter of Sir Tho. Blendhasseil, Widow of Sir John Spelman, eldest Son of Sir John Spelman, and died without Issue.

He in his life-time conveyed the four first Monasteries to a Priest, from whom the Corporation of Linn purchased the Carmelites and Minorites; and being thus enter'd into things consecrated to God, purchased also the Impropriation of the Church of St. Margaret's there, and defa∣cing the Church of St. James perverted it to be a Town-house for the Manufacture of Stuffs, Laces and Tradesmen's Com∣modities, whereby they thought greatly to enrich their Corporation and them∣selves. Great Projects and good Stocks with a Contribution from some Country-Gentlemen were raised for this purpose, two several times of my knowledge, but the Success was, that it came to nought, and all the Money employ'd about new building and transforming the Church hath only encreased Desolation: for so it hath stood during the whole time almost of my Memory, till they lately attempted by the undertaking of Mr. Fr. Gurney, and some Ar∣tisans from London to revive the Enterprize of their Predecessors; but speeding no bet∣ter

than they did, have now again with loss of their Money and Expectation left it to future Ruine, thus in this particular hath been the Success of their Corporati∣on: For other matters I will only note what I have observ'd touching them in the general, when I was young, they flou∣rished extraordinarily with Shipping-tra∣ding, plenty of Merchandize native and foreign, some Men of very great Worth, as Killingtree, Grave, Clayburne, Vilet, Lendall, many of good Note, as Grant, Overend, Hoe, Baker, Waters, and many more of later time; but all of them with their Male-Posterity are in effect extinct and gone, and as at this day they have little shipping, or trade otherwise than to the black Indies, as they call it, (that is Newcastle for Coal) so there is not a Man amongst them of any Estimation for his Wealth, or of any Note (that I can hear of) descended from any that was an Al∣derman there in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth.

The Friars Preachers came from Mr. Eyers to Tho. Waters,* 1.2 who had Issued Ed∣ward Waters, and a Daughter married to George Baker. Edward died without Issue-Male, leaving a Daughter Eliz. who was

first married to Nicholas Killingtree, then divorced and married to Edward Bacon (qr.) who had no Issue by her (qr.) after to Sir John Bowles of Lincolnshire.

Sir John Bowles and she sold this Friars to Nicholas Killingtree, who left it to his Son William Killingtree, and he sold it to Henry Barkenham a Miller, who sold it to Mr. John Rivett now living.

The Augustine Friars came from Eyer to one Shavington a Bastard,* 1.3 who died without Issue, and by his Will gave it to one Waters (other than the former) and to the Heirs of his Body. This Waters died without Issue, whereupon the Augu∣stine Friars was to revert to his Heir, but having none, because he was a Bastard great Suit ensued about it.

But John Ditefield being then in Possessi∣on of it, left it by Descent (as it seemeth) to his Son John Ditefield, who gave it in Marriage with Thomasin his sister to Chri∣stopher Pickering brother of the then Lord Keeper, and he then recovered it in Chan∣cery and sold it to John Lease.

John Lease pulling down the Buildings selleth first the Stones, and then dividing the Ground into divers Garden-rooms, sold the same to divers Persons.

The Cell of Priests was near the Guild∣hall,* 1.4 and the Prior's House was somewhat remote from it by St. Margaret's Church.

The College was sometime Mr. Hough∣ton's, after Parker's, then Ball's, lately Sen∣dall's, and now Hargott's, all of them save Hargott are extinct and gone, and Mr. Hargott is on the declining Hand; the Site of the Prior's House was lately con∣secrated and annexed to St. Margaret's Church-yard for a Burying-place.

Shouldham-Abbey.

Sir Francis Gaudy of the Justices of the King's Bench was owner of it, he married—the Daughter and Heir of Christopher Cunningsby Lord of the Ma∣nour of Wallington, and having this Ma∣nour and other Lands in right of his Wife, induced her to acknowledge a Fine there∣of, which done she became a distracted Woman, and continued so to the day of her Death, and was to him for many Years a perpetual affliction.

He had by her his only Daughter and Heir Eliz. married to Sir William Hatton, who died without Issue-Male, leaving al∣so a Daughter and Heir, who being brought up with her Grandfather the Judge, was secretly married against his Will to Sir Ro∣bert Rich now Earl of Warwick.

The Judge shortly after being made chief Justice of the Common-pleas (at a dear Rate as was reported) was suddenly stricken with an Apoplexy, or double Palsie, and so to his great loss died with∣out Issue-Male, e'er he had continued in his Place one whole Michaelmas Term, and having made his appropriate Parish-Church a Hay-house, or a Dog-kennel, his dead Corps being brought from London unto Walling, could for many days find no Place of Burial, but in the mean time growing very offensive by the Contagi∣ous and ill Savours that issued through the Chinks of Lead not well soder'd, he was at last carry'd to a poor Church of a lit∣tle Village there by called Runcto, and bu∣ried there without any Ceremony, lieth yet uncovered (if the Visitors have not reformed it) with so small a Matter as a few paving Stones.

Sir Robert Rich now Earl of Warwick succeeded in the Inheritance (by his Wife) of this Abby, with the Impropriation, and his great Possessions amounting by Esti∣mation to 5000 l. a Year, and hath alrea∣dy sold the greatest part of them together with this Abbey and Impropriation unto the Family of Mr. Nich. Hare, the Judge's Neighbour and chiefest Adversary.

For among divers other goodly Ma∣nours that Sir John Hare hath purchased of him, or his Feoffees, he hath also bought this Abbey of Shouldham, and the Impro∣priation there, with the Manour belonging to the Abbey valued together at 600 l. yearly Rent.

Binham-Priory.

Binham Priory, a Cell of St. Albans was granted by King Henry 8. to Sir Thomas Paston; he left it to Mr. Edward Paston his Son and Heir, who living above 80 Years continued the Possession of it till— Caroli R. and having buried ... his Son and Heir apparent, left it then un∣to his Grandchild Mr. Paston the third Owner of it, and thereby now in the Wardship to the King. Mr. Edward Paston many Years since was desirous to build a Mansion-house upon or near the Priory, and attempting for that purpose to clear some of that Ground, a Piece of Wall fell upon a Workman, and slew him, perplexed with this Accident in the begin∣ning of this Business, he gave it wholly over, and would by no means all his Life after be perswaded to re-attempt it, but built his Mansion-house, a very fair one, at Appleton.

Castle-Acre-Abbey.

Sir Tho. Cecil Earl of Exeter was owner of it, and of the impropriate Personage here; he had Issue Sir William Cecil Earl Exeter, who married Eliz. the Daughter and Heir of Edw. Earl of Rutland, and had Issue by her (dying as I take it in Child∣bed) his only Son William Lord Rosse.

This William Lord Rosse married Anne the Daughter of Sir Tho. Lake, and they living together in extreme Discord, many infamous Actions issued thereupon, and finally a great Suit in the Star-Chamber to the high Dishonour of themselves, and their Parents. In this Affliction the Lord Rosse dyeth without Issue, and the Eldest Male-line of his Grandfather's House is extinguished.

Sir Richard Cecil was second Son of Sir Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter, and had Issue David who married Eliz. the Daughter of John Earl of Bridgewater, and is now in expectation to be Earl of Exeter.

His third Son was Sir Edw. Cecil Knight, his 4th and 5th Tho. Cecil and Christopher drowned in Germany.

Sir Tho. the Grandfather Earl of Exeter made a Lease of this Monastery and Im∣propriation to one Paine (as I take it) by whose Widow the same came in Mar∣riage

to Mr. Humfrey Guibon Sheriff of Norfolk, Anno 38. Eliz. whose Grand-child and Heir Tho. Guibon consumed his whole Inheritance, and lying long in the Fleet, either died there a Prisoner, or shortly after.

Sir Edw. Coke Lord Chief Justice marri∣ed for his second Wife the Lady Eliz. Hat∣ton, one of the Daughters of the said Earl Tho. and afterwards bought the Castle of Acre with this Monastery and Impropria∣tion of his Brother-in-Law Earl William Son of Earl Thomas, since which time he hath felt abundantly the Change of For∣tune, as we have partly touched in Flit∣cham-Abbey.

West-Acre-Abbey.

This also belonged to Sir Tho. Cecil of whom we have now spoken; he sold both it and the Impropriation of West-Acre to Sir Horatio Palvicini an Italian, that be∣fore his coming into England had dipt his Fingers very deep in the Treasure of the Church.

Being in his Youth in the Low-countries (as his Son Edward affirmed to me) he there secretly married a very mean Wo∣man, and by her had Issue him this Ed∣ward, but durst never discover it to his Father as long as they lived together, his

Father being dead he came into England, and here married a second Wife, by whom he had Issue his Son Toby, and for his Wive's sake disinherited him his eldest Son Edward, and conferred all his Lands with the Abbey, and Impropriation of West-Acre to Toby and his Heirs.

Edward after the Death of his Father grows into contention with his Brother Toby, and in a Petition to King James ac∣cuseth both his Father and his Brother for deceiving (the one) of Q. Eliz. (the other) of K. James, of a Multitude of thousand Pounds, the Examination where∣of was by His Majesty referr'd unto me among others, and the two Brethren then agreeing among themselves the Reference was no further prosecuted. But Mr. Toby Palvicini consuming his whole Estate sold the Abbey and Impropriation to Alder∣man Barcham, and yet lieth in the Fleet for Debt, if not lately at liberty.

Blackborough and Wrongey-Abbeys.

These were by—granted and annex∣ed to the See and Bishoprick of Norwich, where Edmond Scaulter being made Bi∣shop 27 Eliz. and doing as much as well he might to impoverish the Church, made a Lease of most of the Manours and Lands thereof, and amongst them of these two

Abbies to Qu. Elizabeth for 29 Years at the lowest Rent he might, which Bishop Goodwin in like cases termeth Sacrilege.

Queen Elizabeth assigneth this Lease to Sir Tho. he leaveth it to his Lady, after the Countess of Southampton, she set∣teth her term in these Abbies with the Mannors and Lands belonging to them to one Fisher a Skinner in London, by the procurement of Wrenham her Servant.

Fisher entereth and enjoyeth them as undoubtedly his own, Leaseth them for 21 Year to Harpley at a great encreased Rent, Wrenham dieth without contradict∣ing any thing; his Son John Wrenham pretending that Fisher had the grand Lease but in trust for his Father (who never paid penny for it) exhibits one Bill in Chancery against Fisher, another against his Son Sir Edward Fisher as having it from his Father, a 3d against Harpley the Under-leaser. The Lord Chancellour Egerton by an order declareth Harpley's Lease to be good, who thereupon enjoy'd it quietly and dieth, his Executrix setteth it to Sir Henry Spelman, Wrenham exhi∣biteth a Bill against Sir Henry. The Suits proceed to an hearing betwixt Wrenham and the Fishers. The Lord Chancellour decreeth it against the Fishers and all

claiming under them. The Lord Chan∣cellour Egerton gives over his place, and Sir Francis Bacon placed in his room. He reverseth the Decree, and decreeth it back again to Sir Edward Fisher, and by ano∣ther Decree giveth also Sir Hen. Spelman's Lease unto him without calling or hear∣ing Sir Henry. Wrenham complaineth in a Petition to King James, and taxeth the Lord Chancellour Bacon of Corruption and Injustice. The King himself peruseth all the proceedings, and approveth the Lord Bacon's Decree, Wrenham is censured for his scandal in the Star-Chamber to loose his Ears on the Pillory, &c.

A Parliament followeth in Jacobi, both Wrenham and Sir Henry Spelman se∣verally complain there. It is found that the Lord Chancellour Bacon had for these Decrees of Sir Edw. Fisher a Suit of Hang∣ings of eight score pounds. The Lord Chancellour for this among other such crimes is deposed.

The Bishop of Lincoln is set in his room, the Suits are again in agitation before him between Wrenham and Fisher, and Sir Henry Spelman, by a Petition to the King obtaineth a Review of the Proceed∣ings against him, upon which a Recom∣pence is given him by Decree against Sir Edward Fisher.

The Bishop of Lincoln is removed by King Charles, and the Lord Coventry made Lord Keeper, by whom the other Diffe∣rences are at last compounded, and the Grand Lease divided into many parcels.

Wrenham that raised this Tempest, be∣sides his misfortune in the Star-Chamber, is never the richer by it, but liveth a Pro∣jectour.

Sir Edward Fisher of 8000 l. (as Bodon his Servant protesteth) in the Suit is con∣sumed, and not to be seen of every Man.

Sir Henry Spelman a great loser, and not beholden to Fortune, yet happy in this, that he is out of the Bryars, but e∣specially that hereby he first discerned the Infelicity of meddling with consecrated places.

Sir Tho.—died without Issue Male, and his Family extinct, Mr. James out of whose Bowels his Father the Bishop hoped to raise a Family of note, hath to this day no Issue at all.

Walsingham-Abby Dedicated to St. Ma∣ry, Canons regular, val. at 446 l. 14s. 4d.

One Sydney Governour of the Spittle there, as was commonly reported, when I was a Scholar at Walsingham, was

by the Townsmen imploy'd to have bought the Site of the Abby to the use of the Town, but obtain'd and kept it to himself. He had Issue Thomas, and a Daugh∣ter, Mother to Robin Angust the Foot-post of Walsingham.

Thomas by the advancement of Sir Fran∣cis Walsingham Brother to his Wife, grew to great Wealth, was Customer of Linne, and about a miscarrige of that place was long harrowed in Law by Mr. Farmer of Basham, and died leaving two Sons.

Thomas the eldest having the Abby, &c. married and died without Issue.

Sir Henry succeeded in the Abby, &c. married and died without Issue.

His Lady a vertuous Woman now hath it for life, the remainder being given for names sake by Sir Henry to Robert Sydney the 2d Son of the Earl of Leicester.

Walsingham-Priory not mentioned in the Tax.

* 1.5 One Mr. Jenner was Owner of it, and had Issue Thomas, Francis and Bar∣tholomew.

Francis a Lawyer of Gray's-Inn married into Kent,* 1.6 and was drowned in going thi∣ther by Boat.

Thomas the eldest had the Priory,* 1.7 and 3 or 4 Sons, and a Daughter, one of his Sons (or as some say two) went up and down a begging. His eldest he disinheri∣ted, settling his Estate upon his younger Son John, being my Servant, who died in his Father's life.

Then he gave his whole Estate to his Daughter,* 1.8 married to Bernard Vtbarr, and a Daughter of hers, his Grandchild, with a particular Summ of Money to maintain Suit against his Son and Heir, if he claim∣ed any thing after his death. Being dead, his Son enter'd and got possession of the Priory, but in fine with some little com∣position was wrested out by Vtbarr; and now Vtbarr's Daughter coming to age, it is to be sold by her.

Hempton-Abby al Takenham Dedica∣ted to St. Mary and St. Stephen, Black Canons, Aug. 39 l. 9 s.

If Sir Hen. Farmer had it,* 1.9 he died with∣out Issue.* 1.10 Sir William Farmer had it and died without Issue-male. His Brother was slain at Rising-Chase by the Rebels 2 Ed. 6.

His Son Mr. Thomas Farmer had it and* 1.11 the Impropriation of Basham, and wasting his Estate, sold about 15 or 16 Mannors,

leaving none but his chief House Basham.

His eldest Son Thomas died a young Man, his three Daughters unfortunate. The eldest and youngest poorly married. The middle to Mr. Barneys Son of Gunton, who disinherited by his Father was slain by Tho. Betts his Wives Uncle, of the half blood, at a Marriage at Litcham.

Nicholas Farmer younger Brother of Thomas was attainted and pardoned for Coining,* 1.12 and after taking a Boat to fly from the Serjeants was drowned in the Thames.

William 2d Son of Thomas, a right ho∣nest Gentleman,* 1.13 still hath the Impropria∣tion, and having been married about 18 Years, hath only a Daughter.

Mr. Richard Benson bought the Abby and Mannor of Pudding Norton of Mr. Tho. Farmer,* 1.14 consumed all and went into Wales.

Mr. Gossald bought the Abby of Mr. Benson,* 1.15 and lest it to his Wife in Jointure.

Mr. Henry Gossald of Ireland his Son and Heir sold the Reversion to Sir Thomas Holland and goeth into Ireland.* 1.16

Mr. Nicholas Timperley bought it of Sir Tho. Holland.* 1.17

Malsingham-Abby not in the Tax.

It was Sir Tho. Gresham's, who died (as was said) suddenly in his Kitchin with∣out Issue-male.* 1.18

His Daughter and Heir was married to Sir William Read who had this Abby.* 1.19

Sir Tho. Read his eldest Son married Mil∣dred Daughter of Sir Tho. Cecil after Earl of Exeter,* 1.20 and died without Issue.

Sir Francis Read his 2d Son,* 1.21 an un∣thrift lived much in the Gaol, if he died not there.

The Daughter of Sir William was mar∣ried to Sir Michael Stanhope,* 1.22 who died without Issue-male.

Jane the eldest Daughter of Sir Michael married to Sir William is out of her Wits,* 1.23 and Sir William her Husband in sore danger of his life about the slaughter of 6 or 7 Men tumultuously kill'd at—

Elizabeth the younger of his Daughters and Heirs married to the Lord Barkley,* 1.24 is out of her Wits.

Flitcham-Abby.

Sir Tho. Hollis had it, and was (by report) at Dinner taken out of it in Exe∣cution for Debt by the Sheriff, and his Goods sold, whereof my Father bought some. Much suit there was about it be∣tween one Payne and him or his Heir, but the matter being at length reserr'd to the Duke of Norfolk, he bought both their Titles.

He, the Duke had it, and was attainted and beheaded, and it then came to the Crown.

King James gave it in Fee Farm to my Lord of Suffolk who was fined in the Star-Chamber and put out of Treasure-ship, and suffer'd much Affliction by the At∣tainder of the Lady Francis Countess of So∣merset his Daughter, and of her Husband the Earl.

My Lord Cooke bought it of the Earl of Suffolk, and bought out the Fee-Farm from King James: He was put out of the place of Ch. Justice of the King's Bench, fell into great Displeasure of the King, and hath been laded with Afflictions proceed∣ing chiefly from his own Wife, who liveth from him in Separation.

His eldest Son Sir Robert having been married many Years hath yet no Issue.

His Daughter the Lady Vicountess of Purbeck, the Fable of the Time, and her Husband a Lunatick.

Wendling.

Wendling-Abby differ'd from all the rest of this Circuit, for it was not dissolv'd by the Statute or by the Act of Hen. 8. but before that time by Cardinal Wolsey, and was one of the 40 small Monasteries that Pope Clement the 7th gave him licence

to suppress for the Erection of his 2 Col∣leges, Christ-Church in Oxon, and another at Ipswich.

The Cardinal employed 5 Persons e∣specially in this business, whereof one was slain by another of those his Compa∣nions, that other was hanged for the Fact, the third drowned himself in a Well, the fourth being a Man of good Wealth in those days, fell within three years after so poor, that he begg'd till his Death, the fifth (Dr. Allen) promoted to a Bishop∣rick in Ireland, was there cruelly maimed.

The Cardinal himself fell out of favour with the King and Kingdom, and condem∣ned in a praemunire, lost all his Offices, Honours, Goods, and Estate, and being called into further danger, died for grief by the way, not without suspicion of poi∣soning himself.

The Pope who gave the Licence, was, by the Duke of Bourbon's Army, driven out of his City of Rome, it cruelly sack'd, and himself besieg'd in the Castle of St. An∣gelo, taken Prisoner, scorned, and put to Ransom: And after all this, was at last (as some affirm) poison'd with certain of his Cardinals and Friends, by the Fume of a Torch prepared for that purpose. Stow in Anno Dom. Bale 18. 6.

Besides all these, Mr. Tho. Cromwell, who then was but Servant to the Cardi∣nal, having a principal hand in the De∣struction of these Monasteries given to his Master, had also a principal share in this Tragedy, for tho' he were after pro∣moted to great Honours, yet in the end he was thrown out of them all, convicted of Treason, attainted and beheaded, as in other places heretofore we have more ful∣ly related.

Now we come nearer to, and particu∣larly to this Abbey, wherein, as also in others of that Nature in Cor∣porations and Bodies Politick that are the Seminaries of the Church, little attention is to be expected, yet see what happened to their Tenants and Farmers, profanely abusing the consecrate places thereof.

The Cardinal did grant it to his Coll. at Christ-Church in Oxon, and to whom they first leased it I do not yet find, but Mr. Tho. Hogan of Bradenham that was Sheriff of Norfolk.

Eliz. died in his Sheriffship, and not long after him his Son Mr. Hen. Hogan, lea∣ving his Son and Heir very young, who attaining near to his full Age, and falling sick, acknowledged a fine upon his Death-Bed to the use of his Mother the Lady

Caesar that now is, and his half Sisters, and dying without reversing it, did by that means cut off his Heirs at common Law, and was the last of his Father's House in that Inheritance: This begat great Suits in the Star-Chamber, Chance∣ry, and Parliament it self.

The Lease is since come to Mr. Hamon.

Nor did the Colleges for which these Monasteries were suppressed by the Car∣dinal, and which he meant to make so glorious, come to good effect; for that of Ipswich was pulled down, and the o∣ther of Christ-Church was never finished, as also neither that of King's College in Cambridge, rising out of the Ruins of the Priory's Aliens.

Coxford Abbey al Ratha Abbey.

Coxford Abbey after the Dissolution came to the Duke of Norfolk, who was beheaded 2d June 1572, Eliz. 14.

The Queen then granted it to Edw. Earl of Oxon, who wasted all his Patrimony.

Sir Roger Townsend then bought it, who had Issue Sir Jo. Townsend, and Sir Robert Townsend: Sir Robert died without Issue, Sir Jo. had Issue Sir Robert the Bar. and Stanhope, and Ann married to Joh. Spelman; he falling into a Quarrel with Sir Mat∣thew Brown of Beach-North Castle in Sur∣rey,

each of them slew other in a Duel, 1 Jac. Stanhope Townsend wounded mor∣tally by in a Duel in the Low Countries, came into England and di∣ed at London.

Sir Roger the Bar. intending to build a goodly House at Rainham, and to fetch Stone for the same from Coxford Abbey, by advice of Sir Nathanael Bacon his Grand∣father, began to demolish the Church there, which till then was standing; and beginning with the Steeple, the first Stone (as 'tis said) in the fall brake a Man's Leg, which somewhat amazed them, yet contemning such Advertisement, they proceeded in the Work, and overthrow∣ing the Steeple, it fell upon a House by, and breaking it down, slew in it one Mr. Seller that lay lame in it of a broken Leg gotten at Foot-ball, others having saved themselves by Fright and Flight.

Sir Roger having digged the Cellering of his new House, and raised the Walls with some of the Abbey-Stone Breast-high, the Wall reft from the Corner Stones, though it was clear above ground, which being reported to me by my Servant Ri∣chard Tedcastle, I viewed them with mine own Eyes and found it so. Sir Roger ut∣terly d••smayed with these Occurrents, gave

over his begun Foundation, and digging a new wholly out of the ground about 20 Yards more forward toward the North, hath there finished a stately House, using none of the Abbey-Stone about it, but employed the same in building a Parso∣nage-House for the Minister of that Town, and about the Walls of the Church-yard, &c.

Himself also shewed me that as his first Foundation reft in sunder, so the new Bridge, which he had made of the same Stone at the foot of the Hill, which as∣cendeth to his House, settled down with a Belly as if it would fall.

But if there be any Offences or ominous Consequences depending upon such Pos∣sessions, he hath very nobly and piously endeavoured to expiate it; for he hath given back to the Church three or four Appropriations.

Burnham Priory.

It was sometime the Southwells of St. Faith's, whose Family is either extinct or gone out of the County. It was after∣wards Francis Cobbes, Gent. who likewise is gone; then Sir Charles Cornwallis Kt. wasted, and by him sold to Alderman Soame, who let the same to John Soame, Es{que} his 2d Son deceased.

Peterston.

About the latter Years of Q. Eliz. was Rich. Mansers, Gent. who had much suit and Quarrel with Firmine Gray about a Lease of it, and died without Issue, dis∣posing it by a Will (as was reported) to one Roger Manser his Brother; but they were of it by Ar∣miger of Creake who married Richard Man∣ser's Sister, and left it to William Armiger his Son and Heir, who sold it to my Lord Cooke to secure the Title.

Carbrocke, a Monastery of Hospital∣lers of St. John of Jerusalem.

Sir Richard Southwell, Knight, (a great Agent in spoiling the Abbeys) was Own∣er of it; he married Thomasin the Daugh∣ter of Sir Roger Darcy of Dambury, and living together had no Issue by her, but in the mean time he had by Mary Darcy, Daughter of Tho. Darcy also of Dambury, Richard Southwell of St. Faiths, and Tho. Southwell of Mowrton; Mary and Dorothy all born in Adultery, and Katherine mar∣ried to Tho. Audeley of Beer-Church in Es∣sex, Cousin and Heir Male to the Lord Audley (born, as it seems, after the Death of Thomasin his Wife) by the said Mary, who then and before was by Sir Richard married to one Leech, a Swallow∣man

of Norwich, that had been his Servant, and now his Lady dying, he took this Mary from Leech her Husband, and mar∣ried her himself, alledging that she could not be Leech's Wife, for that he had ano∣ther former Wife then living; hereupon a great Suit ensued in the high Commissi∣on Court, where Sir Richard prevailed and enjoyed her with shame enough.

Sir Richard dieth without other Issue than by this Mary, leaving the Abbey of St. Faiths to his base born Son Richard, and Mowrton to his base Son Thomas.

His Son Richard marries Bridget Daugh∣ter of Sir Roger Copley, Knight, and had Issue by her Richard, Thomas, and Robert. This last Richard married the Daughter of Sir Tho. Cornwallis, and having Issue by her Sir Tho. Southwell, and 2 or 3 other Sons, dyeth in the life-time of his Father, who for his 2d Wife marrieth his Maid, the Daughter of one Styles Parson of El∣lingham, and by her had Issue Sir Henry Southwell, and Dunsarry Southwell, now owner of Mowrton, and some Daughters, whereof Ann was in London And this Richard the Father having wasted his Estate, and sold the Abbey of St. Faiths to the Lord Chief Justice Hobart, died a Prisoner in the Fleet.

Tho. Southwell the other base Son of Sir Richard dieth without Issue, and having given by his Will the Mannor of Mowrton to his Sister Audley for Life, the Remain∣der to Thomas her younger Son. Sir Tho. Southwell, Nephew of the Testator, seek∣eth to overthrow the Will, and to have the Mannor as Heir at common Law to Thomas the Testator; hereupon the Heir of Leech strikes in against them both, la∣bouring with Sir Thomas to falsifie the Will against Mrs. Audley, and excluding Sir Tho. by alledging bastardy against him in Ri∣chard his Father, for that Mary Darcy the Mother of this Richard was Wife to the Father of this Leech, when Richard and Thomas the Testator was born.

This brought all the filthiness aforemen∣tioned to be raked over again, and when all were notoriously defamed by it, they all sit down without any recompence.

Tho. Audley that was in remainder died without Issue in the Life of his Mother, whereby Mowrton came to his Brother Sir Henry Audley.

Anthony Southwell and Southwell Brothers of Sir Thomas were in the Rob∣bery of Mrs. Grave, and fled into Ire∣land.

Sir Henry Southwell married the Daugh∣ter of the Lord Hor in Ireland without Issue.

After the Death of Sir Richard South∣well, his Nephew Sir Robert succeeded in the great Inheritance, and the Hospital of Carbrock, he married the Daughter of the Earl of Nottingham, and died in the Flow∣er of his Age, leaving his Son the now Sir Thomas an Infant, who about his full Age had a base Daughter by Dr. Corbett's Maid, and marrying her privily, liveth now in dis—of her, and keepeth the Daugh∣ter of one Eden in a poor House at Notton, and hath consumed the greatest part of his Estate.

His Sister, Mrs. Eliz. Florence liveth at Florence in Adultery with Sir Robert Dud∣ley, having another Wife before he mar∣ried her, and both of them still living.

Marham.

Sir Nicholas Hare, Knight, and John Hare Citizen and Mercer of London 3 Jul. Anno 38, H. 8. purchased of the King... totum fitum, circuitum, ambitum & praecinctum nuper Monasterii sive domus

De Marham in ac totum sun∣dum, situm & terram, Ecclesiam, Campani∣le, domus aedificiorum &c. ... necnon mane∣rium nostrum de Marham cum omnibus terris ... &c.

Sir Nicholas Hare married the Daugh∣ter and Heir of Bassingbourn, and had Issue Michael that died without Issue, Robert that died without Issue, and Richard that died without Issue; and his Inheritance went away to his two Daughters, the one married to Rouse,* 1.25 the other to Tim∣perley. See more of this Sir Nicholas in the Speaker of Parliament, Anno 31 H. 8. where he prophesied this ruin of his Fa∣mily.

John Hare the Citizen had Issue Nicho∣las the Lawyer, that died without Issue, Ralph that died without Issue, Edmund Lu∣natick, at a Lodge in Enfield-Chase, Hugh that died without Issue, Rowland and John that had Issue, and Thomas of Oxford that married and died without Issue.

Richard the elder married Eliz. Daugh∣ter of ... and had Issue Sir Ralph Hare,* 1.26 Knight of the Bath, and he mar∣ried ... the Daughter of Alderman Hambden, and John Son of John and Bro∣ther of Richard, was Clerk of the Court of Wards, and had Issue Nicholas, who was Lu∣natick, and died without Issue, and Hugh now Lord Colrane in Ireland.

Sir Ralph Hare to expiate this Sin of his Family, gave the Parsonage impropriate of Marham worth 100 l. yearly to St.

John's College in Cambridge, Anno 16 and died, leaving one only Child, Sir John Hare, who married Sir Thomas Coventry the now Lord Keeper's Daughter, and hath by her, she not being ... Years old ... Sons and Daughters, with hope of a numerous Posterity, God bless them.

Crab-House.

I have yet gotten little Intelligence of this Abbey; but I hear that it was not long since John Wright's of Wigen-Hall in Marse∣land, and that he had two Sons, whereof ... his eldest Son consumed his Estate, and sold the Abbey with the greatest part of the Land and died without Issue.

It came after to Mr. William Guybon of Watlington, and is now in the hands of his Son and Heir.

Bromill Abbey.

Sir Thomas Woodhouse of Wapham, 38 H. 8.* 1.27 purchased Bromill Abbey of the King, he died without Issue, and Sir Hen∣ry Woodhouse his Nephew succeeded, who utterly consumed his whole Estate, and selling the Abbey to John Smith, Esq Suits arose thereupon, which lasted many Years, till the Death of Sir Henry in Nov. 1624.

Mr. Smith hath only Daughters and no Son, so that the Abbey is not like to con∣tinue in his Name.

Ex inform. ipsius, Jo. Smith, 11^o. Nov. 1624.

The Impropriation of Besthurst in Lan∣cashire, as I take it, is worth 1600 l. per Annum, being Sir Vrion Lea's.

Dereham Abbey.

Tho Dereham in the 33 H. 8. bought it of the King: shortly after he was fetch'd out of it to the Tower about the Treason of his Brother Francis Dereham who was executed.

Thomas at length was delivered out of Prison; he had Issue Thomas, Robert, John and Baldwin, and a Daughter.

Thomas married . . . and died with∣out Issue Male; Robert and John died with∣out Issue.

Baldwin a decayed Merchant of London, had Issue four Sons, Thomas Dr. of Divini∣ty, John, and Martha a Daughter non com∣pos mentis.

Thomas succeeded his Uncle in the In∣heritance, and is now Knighted, having Issue Thomas.

Thomas, eldest Son of Sir Thomas, mar∣ried . . . daughter of . . . Scot, Es{que} of . . . in Kent; she fell Lu∣natick in Child-Bed upon the Death of her Son . . . 1623, and so continueth having yet only a Daughter.

Thetford.

Hitherto I have kept my self within my Circle; let us see for our further satisfacti∣on, whether the like fortune haunted the Monasteries without it; we will begin with Thetford.

The Monastery of the Black Nuns of St. Gregory in Thetford, being the Bene∣dictines, was the Duke of Norfolk's, whose Misfortunes are here before in other pla∣ces too often mentioned.

He sold the same to Sir Richard Ful∣marston, Knight, who died without Issue Male, leaving it to his Daughter, and her married to Sir Edward Clark, Knight.

Sir Edward Clark had two Sons by her, and a Son by his second Wife.

Sir Edward Clark Knight of St. Micha∣el the eldest Son, spent most of his Life in one Prison or other, had Issue a Son Sir Henry Clark, Baronet, that died without Issue Male in the Life of his Father, who consuming his whole Inheritance, sold the chief Seat of his Blickling to the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Sir Henry Hobart; and this Monastery upon Exchange and Money to Mr. God∣salve for Buckingham-Ferry, which he ...

Mr. Godsalve put over the Monastery, among other Lands, to Mr. John Smith

and Owen Shepheard, and having consu∣med all his Estate, went beyond Sea.

Mr. Smith and Mr. Shepheard, had a long and chargeable Suit about Mr. God∣salve's Estate, and sold the Monastery to Sir William Campion who now hath it, but with Suit and Trouble.

Sir Edw. . . . the elders second Son Francis died without Issue. This great and eminent Family is wholly extinct, as those also of Fulmarston's, Godsalve's, and Smith's for Smith hath no Issue Male.

I must here note that this Sir Edward ... the Elder, was one of the greatest Hunters, by way of Concealment, after Church Goods and Lands, that was in his time, and that sowing these unfortunate Pieces of new gotten Cloth into the Gar∣ment of his old Inheritance, the new hath not only rent away the old Garment, but the Family it self to which it served.

Pentney Priory.

Pentney Priory was purchased of the K••ng Anno 37 H. 8. by Thomas Mildmay the Auditor, whose Son Sir Thomas sold it to Francis Windham, one of the Justices of the King's-Bench, he entailed it first up∣on his own Issue, then to his Brother's Roger and Thomas, the Dr. after to his Si∣ster Coningsby, and after that to Edmund,

and Edmund's natural Brothers, all which dying without Issue, it came to Thomas Windham Esq Son of Sir Henry Windham, who in Anno 1622 sold it to Sir Richard Ballache Knight, and he in Anno 1631 to Judge Richardson.

The Abbey of Radegundis at Bradefalk in Kent by Dover is now Sir Tho. Edolph's Knight,* 1.28 who did lately build a fair House upon the Site of the Monastery, and it hath fallen down three times; his two Brothers lunatique.

Ex relat. Mrs. Meares qui duxit Vxorem Edw. Pegton Baronet.

St. Lawrence-Abbey by Canterbury now in the hands of Edolph lunatique, whose Grandfather was also lunatique; his Grand∣father first purchased the Abbey.

Shirburn.

Shirburn-Abbey (some time a Cathe∣dral-Church)* 1.29 yet belonging to the Bi∣shop of Salisbury, saith Cambden, p. 214. impres. 1610.

Sir John Horsey having no Issue, left for Name sake to Sir Ralph Horsey of Cam∣bridgeshire, the Monastery and Parsonage of Shirburn, who wasting much his Estate, sold them to Mr. Stikles, and he to my Lord Digby about 1620.

The Castle and the Manner was assign∣ed from the Bishop of Salisbury to Queen Elizabeth, and by her to Sir Walter Raw∣leigh after beheaded, then it came to Prince Henry, who died shortly after, then it came to the Earl of Somerset, who being attainted, the King granted it to my Lord Digby.

The Bishoprick being void, Toby Mat∣thew should have had it, but would not take it upon Sir Walter Rawleigh's conditi∣ons, but Henry Cotton accepting and per∣forming them, his Son was born blind, who notwithstanding was made a Mini∣ster, had 3 or 4 Parsonages, and was Ca∣non in Salisbury, yet died a Beggar.

Hale's-Abbey.

Hale's-Abbey and Manour for the most part (viz. 500 Acres) granted to the Lord Admiral (Seymor) in fee 19 Aug. 1. Edw. 6.* 1.30 He beheaded,* 1.31 it returned to the King Edw. who 12 June reg. 4. granted all with the 500 Acres to the Lord Mar∣quiss,* 1.32 who 16 June eodem Anno, leased it to Hodgkins for 21 Years at 159 l. 16 s. but as it seems came again to the Crown, for Q. Eliz 18 July reg. 7. leased it again to Hodgkins for 21 Years at 159 l. 16 s. Woods, Regalities, &c. excepted ut vide∣tur.

Hodgkins had three Sons, all died poor∣ly, but he gave his Estate to his Daugh∣ter married to Hobby.

St. Ousey given by King Edward to Tho∣mas Lord Darcy, and ... slain at St. Quintins. John had Issue Thomas Lord Darcy, whose Issue-Male of his Father and Grandfather failing, his Daughter is mar∣ried to Sir Thomas Savage.

At the latter end of Q. Mary's days, Callis being taken, Sir Hugh Paulett took down the Bells of the Church of Jersey, and send∣ing them to St. Malo's in Britain 14 of them were drowned at the Entry of the Harbour; and at this day it is a By-word in those Parts, when a strong ••ast-Wind bloweth there, that the Bells of Jersey ring.

Ex relatione Mri. Bandivell Decani, ib.

Traveling through Cambridgeshire, and passing through a Town there called An∣glary, I saw certain ruinous Walls, which seemed to have been some Monastery, hereupon I asked one of the Town, if it had not been an Abbey? he answered me, yes; I demanded of him whose it was, he said one Mr. Foulkes; I asked him further, how long he had had it? he said his Father a Londoner bought it; then I desired to know of him what Children he had? the Man answered me none; saying further

that he had a Son, who displeasing him once as he was grafting, threw his graf∣ting Knife at his Son, and therewith kil∣led him.

Passing also another time through Suf∣folk, I fell in company of a Gentleman∣like Man, who by way of Discourse, there had been in the Parts we there were, a∣bout 20 Justices of Peace, when he was young, and that at the present time there were not above three. He named also di∣vers of the Families decayed, some in E∣state, others for want of Issue-Male, and some by Misfortune. I having a jealous Eye upon it, asked if they were not set∣led upon Church-land, he answered me, yes; as Sir Michael Stanhope at Oxford-Abbey, Sir Anthony Wingfield at Levering∣ham-Abbey, both which died, one with∣out Issue, the other without Issue-Male. Sir Anthony Playford at Playford-Abbey, Mr. Brown at Lawson-Abbey, where he was murthered by his Wife, she burnt, and her Man hanged. Mr. Ford at Batley-Abbey, who disinherited his eldest Son, &c. saying further, that that Part was Church-land belonging to the Abbey of St. Edmundsbury, and called it St. Ethel∣reds Liberty. 30 Sept. 16▪ 9.

In the Sermon of John Bishop of Ely, at the Funeral of Dr. Andrews Bishop of Win∣chester, 11 Nov. 1626, at the Church of St. Saviours in Southwark.

Now before I come to his last End, give me leave to tell you, that private∣ly he did much find fault and reprove three Sins too common and reigning in this latter Age.

1. Vsury, &c.

2. Symony, &c.

3. The third and greatest was Sacrilege, which he did abhorr as one principal Cause among many of the foreign and civil Wars in Christendom, and Invasion of the Turks; wherein even the reformed, and other∣wise the true Professors and Servants of Christ (because they took God's Por∣tion, and turned it to publick profane Uses, and to private Advancements) did suffer just Chastisement and Correction at God's Hand. And at home, it had been observ'd; and he wish'd that some Man would take the pains to collect, how many Families that were rais'd by the Spoils of the Church, were now vanish'd, and the Place thereof knows them no more.

Of Sacrilege touching Bells.

It is reported in our Histories, and I have spoken of it before in the proper place, that King Edgar leading his Ar∣my into the parts of Glamorgan, for sup∣pressing a Rebellion of the Welshmen, some of his Soldiers, among other spoil, took away the Bell of St. Ellutus, and hanged it about an Horse's Neck. And it is noted upon this, that King Edgar sleeping in the Afternoon, saw one in a Vision that smote him on the Breast with a Spear, and that thereupon he re∣stored both the Bell and the other spoil; yet died within nine days folowing.

(Holl. p. 161.) If the Vision be fabulous, I maintain it not: tho' we have a Prece∣dent for it in the Ecclesiastical Histories, about the Death of Julian the Apostate. But the Mythology may be, that Edgar (abounding with Devotion) was stricken in Conscience with the Spear of Repen∣tance for this Sacrilege; and that notwith∣standing his Restitution, his Life was ta∣ken from him very shortly after.

I shall make a great Leap from thence to these latter Ages; but I can go no fur∣ther, than where Authors and my reading

carry me. Only for our Fathers times, I shall report what I have faithfully recei∣ved by Tradition.

When I was a Child (I speak of about threescore Years since) I heard much talk of the pulling down of Bells in every part of my Country the County of Nor∣folk, then common in Memory. And the summ of the Speech usually was, that in sending them over Sea, some were drown'd in one Haven, some in another, as at Lyn, Wells or Yarmouth. I dare not venture upon Particularities; for that I then hear∣ing it as a Child, regarded it as a Child. But the truth of it was lately discover'd by God himself; for that in the Year ... he sending such a dead Neipe (as they call it) as no Man living was known to have seen the like, the Sea fell so far back from the Land at Hunstanton, that the people going much further to gather Oy∣sters than they had done at any time be∣fore, they there found a Bell with the Mouth upward, sunk into the ground to the very Brim. They carried the News thereof to Sir Hamon le Strange, Lord of the Town, and of Wreck, and Sea-rights there, who shortly after sought to have weighed up and gained the Bell; but the Sea never since going so far back, they hitherto could

not find the place again. This Relation I receiv'd from Sir Hamon le Strange him∣self, being my Brother-in-law.

Such other Reports I have often in times past heard, touching some other parts of that Kingdom; but (as I said) I then regarded them not, and will not therefore now speak any thing of them.

But dining one day at Lambeth, with the most Reverend Father in God, George the late Archbishop of Canterbury; it pleased his Grace, in way of Discourse, to tell me, That being in Scotland, and lodg∣ing at his first entrance in Dunber, he viewed the Church there, and understand∣ing that there was never a Bell in the Steeple, demanded the reason of the Mi∣nister. Who not pleas'd with the Questi∣on, answer'd somewhat scornfully, That it was one of the Reformed Churches; implying thereby, that the Reformed Churches had no Bells. Then going to Edinborough, he found no Bell in all the City, save one only in the Church of St. Andrew; and enquiring there also of the reason, it was told him,

That the rest were pull'd down and shipp'd to be carried into the Low-Countries, but were all drowned in Leigh Haven.

Such havock in pulling down Bells and

defacing otherwise of Churches, had no doubt proceeded furiously throughout all England, if Queen Elizabeth in An. 2. of her Reign, had not by her Proclamations and course of the Star-Chamber, very se∣verely prevented the same.

At the end of Qu. Mary's days (Callis being taken) Sir Hugh Paulett pull'd down the Bells of the Churches of Jersey, and sending them to St. Malo's in Britain, fourteen of them were drowned at the en∣trance of that Harbour. Whereupon, it is a by-word at this day in these parts, when any strong East-wind bloweth there, to say, The Bells of Jersey now ring. (Ex re∣latione M. Bandinell Decani ibidem.

More to this purpose may appear in the Discourse next following; which lying now at my hand, I thought good to in∣sert, not only for coherence of the matter, but also to shew the Opinion, Piety, and Tenderness herein, of the greatest Father and Magistrate of our Church (under the King) at that time living.

Dining yesterday at Lambeth with my Lord of Canterbury,* 1.33 his Grace falling ca∣sually into a Discourse of Spanish matters, and the Wealth of their Churches, said, That he had heard that the very Lamps of Spain were worth half the Treasure of that

Kingdom. And calling to him Mr... Barkley of ... who had been a great Traveller and long in Spain, demanded his Opinion herein. Mr. Barkley answer'd, That he thought it to be true, and gave a reason; for that every body for their de∣livery from any notable danger, either of Sickness or otherwise, used to present a Saint by way of gratuity with a Lamp to burn before it, and commonly of Silver. So that before some one Saint, there were 4 or 5 thousand Lamps: His Grace sug∣gested St. James of Compostella. And Mr. Barkley affirm'd it of St. James; but ad∣ded, That the Bells in Spain and in other places of France and Italy, were few and small, yet holden to be very powerfull for driving away the Devils and Evil-spi∣rits. I upon this recited out of Gregorius Turonensis, the History of Lupus Bishop of Swessons, who by sudden ringing of Bells drave away the Pagan Army of Nor∣mans besieging that City, having never heard of a Bell before. Much being then said of the Nature and Office of Bells, his Grace esteem'd the Bells of England com∣paratively with the Lamps of Spain; and condemning the pulling of them down, complained of the Deformity they had thereby brought upon the Churches of

Scotland; saying, That at his being there, and lodging first at Dunbar, he went to see the Church, which being shew'd unto him by a crumpt unseemly Person the Mi∣nister thereof, he asked him how many Bells they had there? The Minister an∣swer'd, None. His Grace thinking that somewhat strange, demanded how it chanced? The Minister thinking that Question as strange, reply'd, It was one of the Reformed Churches. From thence his Grace went to Edinborough, where he found accordingly no Bell in all the City, save one only in the Church of St. Andrew. And enquiring, What became of all the rest? it was told him, That they were shipp'd to be carried into the Low-Coun∣tries, but were drowned in Leigh Haven—I said, That it was reported, that Queen Elizabeth hearing that Sir John Shelton for want of other Prey, had brought a Bell from the sacking of Cales, was highly offended at it, and said, By God's death she would make him carry it thither again. I might have added, that that Peerless Prin∣cess was so far against defacing the Monu∣ments in Churches, and the pulling down of Bells and Lead from them, as in the second Year of her Reign she caused ma∣ny Proclamations not only to be printed,

but signed them also with her own Hand, and sent them in that manner (the more to manifest her Zeal and restrain the Sa∣crilege) about into the Counties. But be∣cause I had spoken of sending the Bell back again, his Grace then requited me with this Relation.

A Gentleman (quoth he) of great de∣scent, richly married, and of fair Estate (yet not naming him) shewed me on a time a piece of Unicorns Horn, Sea Uni∣corn, as much as the Cover of a great Salt-celler (which was then standing up∣on the Table before Dinner) was about at the bottom; the piece of Unicorn's Horn having a Crucifix graven upon it, and a gapp in one of the Quarters, where part had been cut or scrap'd away for cu∣ring Infirmities. I desired to know of him where he had it; but he refus'd to tell it me; till after some pressure he discover'd to me, That in his Travels beyond the Seas, he came to a Nunnery, where the Nuns in courtesie shewing him the Re∣licks of their House, he whilst they heed∣ed him not, slipt this into his Pocket and brought it away. His Grace reproving him for it, told him, It was Sacrilege, and that although it were superstitiously us'd, yet it was dedicated unto God, advising

him to use some means for sending it back again; saying, that the Nuns no doubt suffer'd great Displeasure from their Ab∣bess, upon the missing of it. The Gentle∣man notwithstanding (quoth his Grace) refus'd my Counsel; but I observ'd (said he) that he never prosper'd after, and at length having consumed his Estate, died Childless.

It came not then to my Mind upon the sudden; but I might very truly have added the like of Sir John Shelton, That having married the Daughter of Henry Lord Cromwell, he died very little or no∣thing worth, and without any Issue (as I take it) but certainly without any Issue-male to continue his Family.

[Subscrib'd] Henry Spelman.

I Jeremy Stephens being then present, do testify the truth of this Relation.

Having made mention of Cales and Queen Elizabeth; I will add further what was lately told me by a Knight of worth (who was himself in the Voyage) much conducing to the Honour of that renown∣ed Princess, and to the scope also of this our Discourse. It is said, That when she set forth her Expedition for Cales, or

other Spanish Towns, she gave particular and streight Instructions that in no Case any Violence should be offered to any Church or consecrated thing. This not∣withstanding, Sir Coniers Clifford, upon the taking of Cales, fired and burnt the Ca∣thedral-Church there; and Sir Charles Blunt (in the return from thence) the Cathedral-Church of Pharos in Portugal. It followed, that Sir Coniers Clifford ne∣ver after prospered in any thing, and was at last slain by the Natives in Ireland, lea∣ving no Son to continue his Nominal-line; and that Sir Charles Blunt, about 2 Years after the Fact, was drowned at Sea in pas∣sing for Ireland. (Ex relat. Will. Slingsby Mil. 22. Nov. 1634.)

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mr. Ste∣phen's Treat. 27 Feb. 1625
• * 1.2

  Friars Preachers.
• * 1.3

  The Augu∣stine Fri∣ars.
• * 1.4

  The Cell or College.
• * 1.5

  1. Owner.
• * 1.6

  His 2d Son drowned.
• * 1.7

  Two of his eldest Sons are Vaga∣bonds.
• * 1.8

  All disinhe∣rited.
• * 1.9

  1. No Issue.
• * 1.10

  2. Without Issue-male. His Brother slain.
• * 1.11

  3. Wasted.
• * 1.12

  His Brother attainted and drown∣ed▪
• * 1.13

  His Son no Issue-male.
• * 1.14

  4. Ruin'd.
• * 1.15

  5 Owner.
• * 1.16

  6 Owner selleth it.
• * 1.17

  7 Owner.
• * 1.18

  •• died sud∣denly with∣out Issue-male.
• * 1.19

  2 Owner.
• * 1.20

  His eldest S••n died without Issue.
• * 1.21

  His 2d an unthrift.
• * 1.22

  3 Owner without Is∣sue-male.
• * 1.23

  His eldest Daughter distracted.
• * 1.24

  His yongest Daughter distracted.
• * 1.25

  Quere, Whether these two Daughters of Sir Nich. are of his Son Micha∣el or other Son.
• * 1.26

  Slew Black∣well, and obtain'd a Pardon with 1200.
• * 1.27

  Wapham 1st no Issue. 2d ruined. 3d litigi∣ous, and no Issue Male.
• * 1.28

  Kent.
• * 1.29

  Dorsetshi▪
• * 1.30

  Glocester∣shire.
• * 1.31

  Val. l. s. d. 65 14 8.
• * 1.32

  Val. l. s. 99 16.
• * 1.33

  Nov. 13. 1632.