The first and second volumes of Chronicles. [vol. 3 (i.e. The Third Volume of Chronicles)] comprising 1 The description and historie of England, 2 The description and historie of Ireland, 3 The description and historie of Scotland: first collected and published by Raphaell Holinshed, William Harrison, and others: now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of singular note and worthie memorie) to the yeare 1586. by Iohn Hooker aliàs Vowell Gent and others. With conuenient tables at the end of these volumes.

Edward the third, who came to the crowne by the resignation of his father Edward the second. (Book Edward III)

EDward the third of that name, the sonne of Edward the second, and of Isabell the onelie daughter of Philip le Beau, & sister to Charles the fift king of France, began his reigne as king of Eng∣land, his father yet liuing, the 25 daie of Ianuarie, after the creation 5293, in the yeare of our lord 1327, [year 1327] after the account of them that [line 10] begin the yeare at Christmasse, 867 after the com∣ming of the Saxons, 260 after the conquest, the 13 yeare of the reigne of Lewes the fourth then empe∣rour, the seuenth of Charles the fift king of France, the second of Andronicus Iunior emperour of the east almost ended, and about the end of the 22 of Ro∣bert le Bruce king of Scotland. He was crowned at Westminster on the day of the Purification of our ladie next insuing, by the hands of Walter the archbishop of Canturburie. [line 20]

* 1.1And bicause he was but fourteene yeares of age, so that to gouerne of himselfe he was not sufficient, it was decréed that twelue of the greatest lords within the realme should haue the rule and gouernment till he came to more perfect yeares. The names of which lords were as followeth. The archbishop of Cantur∣burie, the archbishop of Yorke, the bishops of Win∣chester and of Hereford, Henrie earle of Lancaster, Thomas Brotherton earle marshall, Edmund of Woodstoke earle of Kent, Iohn earle of Warren, the lord Thomas Wake, the lord Henrie Percie, the [line 30] lord Oliuer de Ingham, & the lord Iohn Ros. These were sworne of the kings councell, and charged with the gouernement as they would make answer. But this ordinance continued not long: for the quéene, and the lord Roger Mortimer tooke the whole rule so into their hands, that both the king and his said coun∣cellors were gouerned onelie by them in all matters both high and low. Neuerthelesse, although they had taken the regiment vpon them, yet could they not foresee the tumults and vprores that presentlie vpon [line 40] the yoong kings inthronizing did insue: but needs it must come to passe that is left written where chil∣dren weare the crowne, & beare the scepter in hand,

Vaepueri terrae saepissimè sunt ibi guerrae.

He confirmed the liberties and franchises of the ci∣tie of London, and granted that the maior of the same citie for the time being might sit in all places of iudgement within the liberties thereof for cheefe iustice,* 1.2 aboue all other, the kings person onelie excep∣ted; and that euerie alderman that had béene maior [line 50] should be iustice of peace through all the citie of Lon∣don and countie of Middlesex; and euerie alderman that had not béene maior, should be iustice of peace within his owne ward. He granted also to the citi∣zens, that they should not be constreined to go foorth of the citie to anie warres in defense of the land, and that the franchises of the citie should not be seized from thenceforth into the kings hands for anie cause, but onelie for treason and rebellion shewed by the whole citie. Also Southwarke was appointed to be vnder the rule of the citie, and the maior of Lon∣don to be bailiffe of Southwarke, and to ordeine such a substitute in the same borough as pleased him.

In the first yeare of this kings reigne,* 1.3 we find in records belonging to the abbeie of S. Edmundsbu∣rie in Suffolke, that the inhabitants of that towne raised a sore commotion against the abbat & moonks of the same abbeie, and that at seuerall times, as first on the wednesdaie next after the feast of the conuer∣sion of S. Paule, in the said first yeare of this kings reigne, one Robert Foxton, Richard Draiton, and a great number of other, assembling themselues togi∣ther in warlike order and araie, assaulted the said ab∣beie, brake downe the gates, windowes, and doores, entered the house by force, and assailing certeine moonks and seruants that belonged to the abbat, did beat, wound, and euill intreat them, brake open a number of chests, coffers, and forssets, tooke out chali∣ces of gold and siluer, books, vestments, and other or∣naments of the church, beside a great quantitie of rich plate, and other furniture of household, apparell, armour, and other things, beside fiue hundred pounds in readie coine, & also three thousand florens of gold.

All these things they tooke and caried awaie, togi∣ther with diuerse charters, writings, & miniments, as thrée charters of Knute sometime king of Eng∣land, foure charters of king Hardiknute, one charter of king Edward the confessor, two charters of king Henrie the first, & other two charters of king Hen∣rie the third, which charters concerned as well the foundation of the same abbeie, as the grants and confirmations of the possessions and liberties be∣longing thereto. Also they tooke awaie certeine wri∣tings obligatorie, in the which diuerse persons were bound for the paiement of great summes of monie, and deliuerie of certeine wines vnto the hands of the said abbat. Moreouer they tooke awaie with them ten seuerall buls, concerning certeine exemptions and immunities granted to the abbats and moonks of Burie by sundrie bishops of Rome.

Furthermore, not herewith contented, they tooke Peter Clopton prior of the said abbeie, and other moonks foorth of the house, and leading them vnto a place called the Leaden hall, there imprisoned them, till the thursdaie next before the feast of the Purifica∣tion of our ladie, and that daie bringing them backe againe into the chapter-house, deteined them still as prisoners, till they had sealed a writing, conteining that the abbat and conuent were bound in ten thou∣sand pounds to be paid to Oliuer Kempe and others by them named. And further, they were constreined

to seale a letter of release for all actions, quarels, debts, transgressions, suits and demands, which the abbat might in anie wise claime or prosecute against the said Oliuer Kempe and others in the same let∣ters named.

For these wrongs and other, as for that they would not permit the abbats bailiffes and officers to kéepe their ordinarie courts as they were accusto∣med to doo, as well thrée daies in the wéeke for the market, to wit, mondaie, wednesdaie and fridaie, as the Portman mote euerie tuesdaie thrée wéeks, [line 10] and further prohibit them from gathering such tols, customes, and yearelie rents, as were due to the ab∣bat for certeine tenements in the towne, which were let to farme, the abbat brought his action against the said Foxton, Draiton, and others, and hauing it tried by an inquest, on the fridaie next after the feast of saint Lucie the virgine, in a sessions holden at Burie by Iohn Stonore, Walter Friskney, Ro∣bert Maberthorpe, & Iohn Bousser, by vertue of the kings writ of oier and determiner to them direc∣ted, [line 20] the offendors were condemned in 40000 pounds, so that the said Richard Draiton, and others there present in the court, were committed to prison in custodie of the shiriffe Robert Walkefare, who was commanded also to apprehend the other that were not yet arrested, if within his bailiwike they might be found, and to haue their bodies before the said iustices at Burie aforsaid, on thursdaie in Whit∣sunwéeke next insuing.

Beside this, there was an other indictement and [line 30] action of trespasse found there the same daie against the said Richard Draiton and others, for a like disor∣der and riot by them committed, on the thursday next after the feast of the Purification of our ladie,* 1.4 in the same first yeare of this king, at what time they did not onelie breake into the abbie, and beat the abbats men, but also tooke the abbat himselfe, being then at home, with certeine of his moonks, kéeping both him and them as prisoners, till the next daie that they were constreined to seale certeine writings. [line 40] And amongst other, a charter, in which it was contei∣ned, that the abbat and his conuent did grant vnto the inhabitants of the towne of Burie, to be a corpo∣ration of themselues, and to haue a common seale with a gild of merchants and aldermen: also they were compelled to seale another charter, wherein was conteined a grant to the said inhabitants, that they should haue the custodie of the towne gates, and likewise the wardship of all pupils and orphans within the same towne, beside diuerse other liber∣ties. [line 50]

Moreouer, they were in like manner constreined to seale thrée seuerall obligations, in which the abbat and conuent were bound to the said inhabitants, as to a communaltie of a corporation, in seauen thou∣sand pounds, as in two thousand by one obligation, and in two thousand by an other, and in three thou∣sand by the third obligation: and further they were driuen to seale a letter of release of all trespasses, and other things that might be demanded against the [line 60] said inhabitants, with a generall acquittance of all debts. Beside this, the said riotous persons tooke at the same time foorth of the abbie great riches, as well in plate, armor, books, & apparell, as in other things. They also brake downe two houses or messuages, that belonged to the abbeie, and situate within the towne of Burie: they also destroied his fish-ponds, and tooke out such store of fish as they found in the same: they cut downe also thréescore ashes there growing on the soile that belonged to the said abbat, and did manie other great outrages and enormities, so that it was found by the inquest, that the abbat was damnified to the value of other fortie thousand pounds.

These riots may seeme gréeuous and verie strange,* 1.5 but yet the same were not so heinouslie taken, as an other which the said inhabitants of Burie attempted against the said abbeie in manner of a plaine com∣motion, vpon saint Lukes day in the same yeare, at what time (as by the records of that abbeie it should appeare) both the abbat and his house were in the kings speciall protection, and the said inhabitants prohibited by his letters to attempt anie iniurie a∣gainst him or his conuent. But neuerthelesse we find that not onelie the inhabitants of Burie, but also a great number of other misgouerned persons, that resorted to them from places there about, arraied and furnished with horsse, armor and weapons, after the manner of warre, came and assaulted the abbeie gates, set fire on them, and burned them with diuerse other houses néere adioining, that belonged to the abbeie, and continued in that their riotous enterprise all that day and the night following.

The same night also they burnt a manor of the ab∣bats called Holdernesse barne,* 1.6 with two other ma∣nors called the Almoners barne, and Haberdone, al∣so the granges that stood without the south gate, and the manour of Westlie, in which places they burned in corne & graine, to the value of a thousand pounds.* 1.7 The next daie they entered into the abbeie court, and burnt all the houses on the north side, as stables, brewhouses, bakehouses, garners, and other such ne∣cessarie houses and conuenient roomes of offices; and on the other side the court, they burnt certeine hou∣ses belonging to the Almonrie. On the next daie they burned the mote hall, and Bradford hall, with the new hall, and diuerse chambers and sollers to the same halles annexed, with the chapell of saint Lau∣rence at the end of the hospitall hall. Also the manor of Eldhall, the manor of Horninger, with all the corne and graine within and about the same.

The next day they burnt the soller of the Sollerer, with a chapell there: also the kitchin, the larder, and a part of the farmarie. On the thursdaie they burnt the residue of the farmarie, and the lodging called the blacke lodging, with a chapell of S. Andrew therein. In executing of all these riotous disorders, one Gef∣frie Moreman was an aider, who with diuerse other persons vnknowne, departed foorth of the towne of Burie, and by the assent of the other his complices he burnt the manor of Fornham.* 1.8 The same day also other of their companie, as William the sonne of Iames Neketon, Rafe Grubbe, Richard Kerie, and a great number of other persons vnknowne, by the assent and abbetment of the other that committed the said disorders, burnt two manors belonging also to the said abbeie in great Berton, with all the corne and graine there found.

Upon knowledge had of these great riots, and pe∣rillous commotions, there was a commission direc∣ted from the king, vnto Thomas earle of Northfolke high marshall of England, to Thomas Bardulfe, Robert Morlie, Peter Wedall, Iohn Howard, and Iohn Walkfare, authorising them with the power of the countesse of Suffolke and Norffolke, to appre∣hend, trie and punish such lewd disordered persons, and rebellious malefactors, which had committed such felonious enterprises, to the breach of the kings peace, and dangerous disquieting of his subiects: but the said commissioners procéeded not according to the effect of their commission in triall of anie felo∣nies by the same persons committed and doone, but onelie caused them to be indicted of trespasse: albeit Robert Walkfare, and Iohn Clauer, with their as∣sociats iustices of peace, in their sessions holden at Elueden the tuesdaie next after the feast of the apo∣stles Simon and Iude, in the said first yeare of this

K. Edward the third procéeded in such wise against the said malefactors, that Iohn de Berton cordwai∣ner, Robert Foxton, and a great number of other were indicted of felonie, for the misdemenours afore mentioned, and the indictements so found were after sent and presented vnto Iohn Stonore, Walter de Friskenie, Robert Malberthorpe, and Iohn Bous∣ser, who by vertue of the kings commission of oier and determiner to them directed, sat at S. Edmunds∣burie the wednesdaie next after the feast of saint [line 10] Lucie the virgine; and then and there sent foorth pre∣cepts to the shiriffe, commanding him to apprehend the said Berton, Foxton, and others, that were indi∣cted of the foresaid felonies, and also to returne a suf∣ficient iurie to trie vpon their arreignment the said malefactors by order of law, the fridaie next after the said feast of S. Lucie. Herevpon Alane de Latoner, and Robert Dalling, with seauenteene others, being arreigned, were found guiltie, and suffered death ac∣cording to the order appointed for felons. [line 20]

One Adam Miniot stood mute, and refused to be tried by his countrie, and so was pressed to death, as the law in such case appointeth. Diuerse other were saued by their bookes, according vnto the order of clerkes conuict, as Alexander Brid person of Hoge∣set, Iohn Rugham person of little Welnetham, Iohn Berton cordwainer, and diuerse other. Some were repriued, as one woman named Iulian Bar∣bor, who being big bellied was respited, till she were deliuered of child. Benedict Sio and Robert Russell [line 30] were repriued, and committed to the safe kéeping of the shiriffe, as triers or appeachers (as we tearme them) of other offendors: and bicause there was not anie as yet attached by their appeales, they were commanded againe to prison. One Robert de Cres∣well was saued by the kings letters of speciall par∣don, which he had there readie to shew. As for Robert Foxton, Adam Cokefield, and a great number of o∣ther, whome the shiriffe was commanded to appre∣hend, he returned that he could not heare of them [line 40] within the precinct of his bailiffewéeke, wherevpon exigents were awarded against them, and the shi∣riffe was commanded, that if he might come to at∣tach them, he should not faile but so to doo, and to haue their bodies there at Burie before the said iustices, the thursdaie in Whitsunwéeke, next in∣suing.

Diuerse also were arreigned at the same time of the said felonies, and thereof acquited, as Michaell Scabaille,* 1.9 Rafe Smeremonger, and others. Indéed [line 50] those that were found guiltie, and suffered, were the chéefe authors and procurors of the commotion, bea∣ring others in hand, that the abbat had in his custo∣die a certeine charter, wherein the king should grant to the inhabitants of the towne of Burie, certeine liberties, whereby it might appeare that they were free, and discharged from the paiment of diuerse cu∣stomes and exactions, wherevpon the ignorant mul∣titude easilie giuing credit to such surmised tales, were the sooner induced to attempt such disorders as [line 60] before are mentioned. ¶ Thus haue yée heard all in effect that was doone in this first yeare of king Ed∣ward the third his reigne, by and against those offen∣dors. But bicause we will not interrupt matters of other yeares with that which followed further of this businesse, we haue thought good to put the whole that we intend to write thereof here in this place.

Yée shall therefore vnderstand, that diuerse of those, against whome exigents were awarded, came in, and yéelded their bodies to the shiriffes prison, be∣fore they were called on the fift countie daie. Albeit a great manie there were that came not, and so were outlawed. Robert Foxton got the kings pardon, and so purchasing foorth a supersede as,* 1.10 the suit therevpon against him was staied. The shiriffe therefore in Whitsunwéeke, in the second yeare of this kings reigne, made his returne touching Benedict Sio, Robert Russell, & Iulian Barbor, so that he deliuered them vnto the bailiffes of the libertie of the abbat of Burie, by reason of an ancient priuilege,* 1.11 which the abbat claimed to belong to his house. The bailiffes confessed they had receiued the said prisoners, but for∣somuch as they had beene arreigned at a Portmane mote, which was vsed to be kept euerie thrée wéeks,* 1.12 and vpon their arreignment were found guiltie of certeine other felonies by them committed within the towne of Burie, and therevpon were put to exe∣cution,* 1.13 Adam Finchman the kings attournie there tooke it verie euill, & laid it greeuouslie to the charge of the abbats officers, for their hastie and presumptu∣ous proceeding against the said prisoners, namelie, bicause the said Sio and Russell were repriued, to the end that by their vtterance, many heinous offen∣ses might haue béene brought to light.

On the same daie, that is to wit, the thursdaie in Whitsunweeke, the foresaid Robert Foxton, and di∣uerse other came in, and were attached by the shiriffe to answer the abbat to his action of trespasse, which he brought against them, and putting the matter to the triall of an inquest,* 1.14 they were condemned in sixtie thousand pounds, to be leuied of their goods and chattels, vnto the vse of the abbat, and in the meane time they were committed to prison. But first they made suit that they might be put to their fines for their offenses committed against the kings peace, and their request in that behalfe was granted, so that vpon putting in sufficient suerties for their good a∣bearing, their fines were assessed, as some at more and some at lesse, as the case was thought for to re∣quire.

Thus rested the matter a long season after, vntill the fift yeare of this kings reigne, in which the thurs∣daie next after the feast of the blessed Trinitie, the K. being himselfe in person at S. Edmundsburie afore∣said,* 1.15 a finall agreement and concord was concluded betwixt the said abbat and his conuent on the one partie, and Richard Draiton and others of the inha∣bitants of that towne on the other partie, before the right reuerend father in God Iohn bishop of Win∣chester and chancellor of England, and the kings iu∣stices Iohn Stonore and Iohn Cantbridge sitting there at the same time, by the kings commandement. The effect of which agreement was as followeth.

The articles of agreement betweene the moonks of Burie and the inha∣bitants of Burie.

FIrst, wheras the said abbat had recouered by iudgement before the said Iohn Sto∣nore and other his associats iustices of oier and deter∣miner in the said towne of Burie, the summe of seuen score thousand pounds for trespasses to him and his house committed and doone by the said Richard Draiton, and other the inhabitants of Bu∣rie: now at the desire of the said king, and for other good respects him moouing, he pardoned and released vnto the said Ri∣chard Draiton, and to other the inhabi∣tants of Burie, to their heires, executors, and assigns the summe of 122333 pounds, eight shillings eight pence, of the said to∣tall summe of 140000 pounds.

And further the said abbat and conuent granted and agreed for them and their suc∣cessors, that if the said Richard Draiton, & other the inhabitants of the said towne of Burie, or any of them, their heires, exe∣cutors or assignes, should paie to the said abbat & conuent, or their successors within twentie yeares next insuing the date of that present agreement, 2000 marks, that is to saie, 100 marks yearelie at the feasts [line 10] of S. Michaell & Easter, by euen portions: that then the said Richard & other the in∣habitants of the towne of Burie should be acquited & discharged of 4000 marks, par∣cell of 17666 pounds, thirteene shillings foure pence residue behind for euer.

Moreouer, whereas the said abbat and conuent, & the said abbat by himselfe, since the 19 yeare of the reigne of king Edward [line 20] the second vnto that present time, had sea∣led certeine charters, deeds, & writings, as well with the proper seale of the abbat, as with the common seale of the abbat & con∣uent, if the said Richard and the inhabi∣tants of the said towne of Burie did restore vnto the said abbat & conuent all the same writings, or take such order, that neither the abbat nor conuent be impleaded, or in [line 30] any wise hindered, indamaged nor molested by force of the same: and further if neither the said Richard, nor any the inhabitants of the said towne, nor their heires, execu∣tors, nor assignes, shall go about to reuerse the iudgements against them, at the suit of the said abbat, nor shall seeke to impeach the executions of the same iudgements by anie false or forged acquitances or relea∣ses, [line 40] nor implead nor molest any of the iurie, by whom they were conuict, that then they and their heires, executors & assignes shall be acquited & discharged of ten thousand pounds parcell of the said 17666 pounds, 13 shillings foure pence.

And furthermore, if the said Richard and other the inhabitants of the said towne of Burie, doo not hereafter maliciouslie rise against the said abbat or conuent, nor seeke [line 50] to vex them by any conspiracie, confedera∣cie, or by some other secret vniust cause, nor likewise euill intreat any man by reason of the inditement found against them, nor yet claime to haue any corporation of them∣selues within that towne, that then the said Richard, & the said inhabitants, their heires, successors & assignes, shall remaine acquited and discharged of all the residue [line 60] of the said 17666 pounds, thirteene shil∣lings foure pence for euer. And the said ab∣bat and conuent doo grant for them & their successours, that their intention is not, that if any singular person of his owne pri∣uate malice, shall rise against the said ab∣bat and conuent, their successors, moonks▪ bailiffes, or seruants, to doo them, or any of them iniurie or displeasure; that those which be not partakers of the offense, shall be in any wise punished for the same, so that the offendors be not mainteined by any of the same towne, but that the inhabitants there, doo assist the abbat and conuent their successours, bailiffes, seruants & officers, that the same offendors may be punished, according to their demerits, as reason and law shall allow.

This was the effect of the agréement at length had and made betwixt the abbat and moonks of Bu∣rie on the one part, & the inhabitants of that towne on the other part, and for the more confirmation ther∣of, it pleased the king to put his seale to the charter conteining the same agréement. ¶ But how soeuer it chanced, it should appeare by such records as came to the hands of master Iohn Fox,* 2.1 as he alledgeth in the first tome of his booke of acts and monuments, this agreement was but sorilie kept: for diuerse of the former offendors, bearing grudge towards the abbat for breaking promise with them at London, did confederat themselues togither, and priuilie in the night comming to the manour of Chennington where the abbat then did lie, burst open the gates, and entring by force, first bound all his seruants, and af∣ter they had robbed the house, they tooke the abbat, and shauing him, secretlie conueied him to London, and there remoouing him from street to stréet vn∣knowne, had him ouer the Thames into Kent, and at length transported him ouer vnto Dist in Brabant, where they kept him for a time in much penurie, thral∣dome and miserie, vntill at length the matter being vnderstood, they were all excommunicate, first by the archbishop, & after by the pope. At the last, his freends hauing knowledge where he was, they found means to deliuer him out of the hands of those theeues, and finallie brought him home with procession, and so he was restored to his house againe.

Thus much touching those troubles betwixt the townesmen of Burie & the abbat and moonks there, and now we will returne to other generall matters touching the publike state of the realme. ¶ And first you shall vnderstand, that in the beginning of this kings reigne the land trulie séemed to be blessed of God: for the earth became fruitfull, the aire tempe∣rate, and the sea calme and quiet. This king though he was as yet vnder the gouernement of other, ne∣uerthelesse he began within a short time to shew to∣kens of great towardnesse, framing his mind vnto graue deuises, and first he prepared to make a iornie against the Scotishmen, the which in his fathers time had doone so manie displeasures to the Englishmen, and now vpon confidence of his minoritie, ceassed not to inuade the borders of his realme. And namelie the verie selfe night that followed the day of this kings coronation, they had thought by skaling to haue stolne the castell of Norham:* 2.2 but Robert Ma∣ners capteine of that place, vnderstanding of their enterprise aforehand by a Scotishman of the garison there, so well prouided for their comming, that where sixtéene of them boldlie entred vpon the wall, he slue nine or ten of them, and tooke fiue.

This was thought an euill token, that they should still be put to the worsse in this kings time, sith they had so bad successe in the verie beginning of his reigne: but they continuing in their malicious pur∣poses, about saint Margarets tide inuaded the land with three armies, the earle of Murrey hauing the leading of one of the same armies,* 2.3 and Iames Douglas of another, and the third was guided by the earle of Mar. King Edward aduertised hereof, assembled not onelie a great power of Englishmen, but also required Iohn lord Beaumont de Heinault, whome he had latelie sent home right honorablie re∣warded for his good assistance,* 2.4 to come againe into England, with certeine bands of men at armes, and he should receiue wages and good interteinement

for them. The lord Beaumont, as one that loued déeds of armes,* 2.5 was glad to accomplish king Ed∣wards request: and so therevpon with seauen hun∣dred men at armes, or fiue hundred (as Froissart saith) came ouer into England againe, to serue a∣gainst the Scots.

The generall assemblie of the armie was appoin∣ted to be at Yorke, and thither came the said lord Beaumont with his people, and was ioifullie recei∣ued of the king and his lords. Here whilest not one∣lie [line 10] the Scotish ambassadours (which had béene sent to treat of peace, were heard to tell their message) but also whilest the councell tooke some leisure in de∣bating the matter how to guide their enterprise, which they had now in hand: vpon Trinitie sundaie, it chanced that there arose contention within the ci∣tie of Yorke, betwixt the English archers, and the strangers,* 2.6 which the lord Beaumont of Heinault had brought with him, insomuch that fighting togither there were slaine to the number of foure score per∣sons [line 20] of those archers, which were buried within the church of saint Clement in Fosgate. ¶Some write that there were slaine to the number of thrée hun∣dred Englishmen: yet bicause the Henuiers came to aid the king, their peace was cried vpon paine of life.* 2.7 And further, it was found by an inquest of the ci∣tie, that the quarrell was begun by the Englishmen, the which (as some write) were of the Lincolneshire men, of those that sometime belonged to the Spen∣sers, and to the earle of Arundell, so that there was [line 30] cause,* 2.8 whie they bare euill will to the Henuiers which had aided (as yee haue heard) to bring the said earle and Spensers to their confusion.

In this meane time the Scots being entred into England, had doone much hurt, and were come as farre as Stanop parke in Wiredale:* 2.9 and though they had sent their ambassadours to treat with the king and his councell for peace, yet no conclusion fol∣lowed of their talke. At the same time, bicause the English souldiours of this armie were cloathed all [line 40] in cotes and hoods embrodered with floures and branches verie séemelie, and vsed to nourish their beards: the Scots in derision thereof made a rime, which they fastened vpon the church doores of saint Peter toward Stangate, conteining this that fol∣loweth.

* 2.10Long beards, hartlesse, Painted hoods, witlesse, Gaie cotes, gracelesse, Make England thriftlesse.

The king when he saw it was but a vaine thing to staie anie longer in communication with the am∣bassadors [line 50] about peace, departed from Yorke with his puissant armie, and getting knowledge how the Scots were closelie lodged in the woods of Stan∣op parke, he came and stopped all the passages, so it was thought that he should haue had them at his pleasure, but through treason (as was after reported) of the lord Roger Mortimer, after that the Scots had béene kept within their lodgings for the space of fiftéene daies, till they were almost famished, they did not onelie find a waie out, but about two hundred of [line 60] them vnder the leading of the lord William Dou∣glas,* 2.11 assailing that part of the English campe where the kings tent stood, in the night season, missed not much of either taking the king or sleieng him: and hauing doone hurt inough otherwise, as in the Sco∣tish chronicle is also touched, they followed their com∣panie, and with them returned into Scotland with∣out impeachment.

It is said, that Henrie earle of Lancaster, and Iohn the lord Beaumont of Heinault would gladlie haue passed ouer the water of Wire, to haue assal∣ted the Scots, but the earle of March through coun∣sell of the lord Mortimer, pretending to haue right to the leading of the fore ward, and to the giuing of the first onset, would not suffer them. Howsoeuer it was the king missed his purpose, and right pensiue there∣fore, brake vp his field, and returned vnto London. ¶Walter bishop of Canturburie departed this life in Nouember, and then Simon Mepham was ad∣uanced to the gouernement of that sée. The lord Beaumont of Heinalt was honorablie rewarded for his paines and trauell,* 2.12 and then licenced to re∣turne into his countrie, where he had not beene long, but that through his means then (as some write) the marriage was concluded betweene king Edward, and the ladie Philip daughter to William earle of Heinault, and neece to the said lord Beaumont, who had the charge to sée hir brought ouer thither into England about Christmasse: where in the citie of Yorke vpon the eeuen of the Conuersion of saint Paule, being sundaie,* 2.13 [year 1328] in the latter end of the first yeare of his reigne, king Edward solemnlie mari∣ed hir.

In the second yeare of his reigne, about the feast of Pentecost,* 2.14 king Edward held a parlement at Northampton, at the which parlement by euill and naughtie counsell, whereof the lord Roger Mortimer and the queene mother bare the blame, the king con∣cluded with the Scotish king both an vnprofitable and a dishonorable peace. For first,* 2.15 he released to the Scots their fealtie and homage. Also he deliuered vnto them certeine old ancient writings, sealed with the seales of the king of Scots, and of diuerse lords of the land both spirituall and temporall: amongst the which was that indenture,* 2.16 which they called Rag∣man, with manie other charters and patents, by the which the kings of Scotland were bound as feoda∣ries vnto the crowne of England;* 2.17 at which season al∣so there were deliuered certeine iewels, which before time had béene woone from the Scots by the kings of England, and among other, the blacke crosier or rood is speciallie named.

And not onelie the king by his sinister councell lost such right and title as he had to the realme of Scotland, so farre as by the same councell might be deuised, but also the lords and barons, and other men of England that had anie lands or rents within Scotland, lost their right in like manner, except they would dwell vpon the same lands, and become liege men to the king of Scotland.* 2.18 Herevpon was there also a marriage concluded betwixt Dauid Bruce the sonne of Robert Bruce king of Scotland, and the ladie Iane sister to king Edward, which of diuerse writers is surnamed Ione of the tower, and the Scots surnamed hir halfe in derision, Ione Make∣peace.* 2.19 This marriage was solemnised at Berwike vpon the daie of Marie Magdalen. The quéene with the bishops of Elie and Norwich, the earle Warren, the lord Mortimer, and diuerse other barons of the land, and a great multitude of other people were pre∣sent at that marriage,* 2.20 which was celebrate with all the honour that might be.

After the quindene of saint Michaell, king Ed∣ward held a parlement at Salisburie,* 2.21 in which the lord Roger Mortimer was created earle of March, the lord Iohn of Eltham the kings brother was made earle of Cornwall, and the lord Iames Butler of Ireland earle of Ormond, who about the same time had married the earle of Herefords daughter. But the earle of March tooke the most part of the rule of all things perteining either to the king or realme into his owne hands:* 2.22 so that the whole gouernment rested in a manner betwixt the queene mother and him. The other of the councell that were first appoin∣ted, were in manner displaced; for they bare no rule to speake of at all, which caused no small grudge to arise against the quéene and the said earle of March,* 2.23 who mainteined such ports, and kept among them

such retinue of seruants, that their prouision was woonderfull, which they caused to be taken vp, name∣lie for the queene, at the kings price, to the sore oppres∣sion of the people, which tooke it displesantlie inough.

* 2.24There was like to haue growen great variance betwixt the queene and Henrie earle of Lancaster, by reason that one sir Thomas Wither, a knight per∣teining to the said earle of Lancaster, had slaine Ro∣bert Holland,* 2.25 who had betraied sometime Thomas earle of Lancaster, and was after committed to pri∣son [line 10] by earle Henries means, but the queene had cau∣sed him to be set at libertie, and admitted him as one of hir councell. The quéene would haue had sir Tho∣mas Wither punished for the murther, but earle Henrie caused him to be kept out of the waie, so that for these causes and other, Henrie the earle of Lanca∣ster went about to make a rebellion,* 2.26 and the quéene hauing knowledge thereof, sought to apprehend him: but by the mediation of the earles Marshall and Kent, the matter was taken vp, and earle Henrie [line 20] had the kings peace granted him for the summe of eleuen thousand pounds, which he should haue paid, but he neuer paid that fine, though it was so assessed at the time of the agreement.

There were diuerse lords and great men that were confederat with him,* 2.27 the lord Thomas Wake, the lord Henrie Beaumont, the lord Foulke Fitz Warrein, sir Thomas Rosselin, sir William Trus∣sell, and other, to the number of an hundred knights. ¶ In the third yeare of his reigne,* 2.28 about the Ascen∣sion [line 30] tide, king Edward went ouer into France, and comming to the French king Philip de Ualois, as then being at Amiens, did there his homage vnto him for the duchie of Guien (as in the French historie appeareth.) ¶ The same yeare Simon the archbishop of Canturburie held a synod at London, wherein all those were excommunicated that were guiltie to the death of Walter Stapleton bishop of Excester, that had béene put to death by the Londoners, as in the last kings time ye haue heard. ¶ This bishop of Ex∣cester [line 40] founded Excester colledge in Oxford, & Harts hall. But now to the purpose.

The king about the beginning, or (as other saie) a∣bout the middle of Lent,* 2.29 held a parlement at Win∣chester, during the which, Edmund of Woodstoke earle of Kent the kings vncle was arrested the mor∣row after saint Gregories day, and being arreigned vpon certeine confessions and letters found about him, he was found giltie of treason. There were di∣uerse in trouble about the same matter, for the earle [line 50] vpon his open confession before sundrie lords of the realme, declared that not onelie by commandement from the pope, but also by the setting on of diuerse nobles of this land (whome he named) he was persua∣ded to indeuour himselfe by all waies and meanes possible how to deliuer his brother king Edward the second out of prison, and to restore him to the crowne, whome one Thomas Dunhed, a frier of the order of preachers in London,* 2.30 affirmed for certeine to be a∣liue, hauing (as he himselfe said) called vp a spirit to [line 60] vnderstand the truth thereof, and so what by counsell of the said frier, and of three other friers of the same order,* 2.31 he had purposed to worke some meane how to deliuer him, and to restore him againe to the king∣dome. Among the letters that were found about him, disclosing a great part of his practise, some there were, which he had written and directed vnto his bro∣ther the said king Edward, as by some writers it should appeare.

[year 1330] The bishop of London and certeine other great personages, whome he had accused, were permitted to go at libertie,* 2.32 vnder suerties taken for their good demeanour and foorth comming. But Robert de Touton, and the frier that had raised the spirit for to know whether the kings father were liuing or not, were committed to prison, wherein the f••ier remai∣ned till he died. The earle himselfe was had out of the castell gate at Winchester, and there lost his head the 19 day of March,* 2.33 chiefelie (as was thought) tho∣rough the malice of the quéene mother, and of the earle of March: whose pride and high presumption the said earle of Kent might not well abide. His death was the lesse lamented, bicause of the presumptuous gouernement of his seruants and retinue,* 2.34 which he kept about him, for that they riding abroad, would take vp things at their pleasure, not paieng nor agrée∣ing with the partie to whome such things belonged; in so much that by their meanes, who ought to haue doone their vttermost for the inlargement of his ho∣nour, he grew in greater obloquie and reproch: a fowle fault in seruants so to abuse their lords names to their priuat profit, to whome they cannot be too trustie. But such are to be warned, that by the same wherin they offend, they shall be punished, euen with seruants faithlesse to plague their vntrustinesse, for

Qui violare fidem solet, & violetur eidem.

The yoong queene Philip was brought to bed at Woodstoke the 15 day of Iune of hir first sonne,* 2.35 the which at the fontstone was named Edward, and in processe of time came to great proofe of famous chi∣ualrie, as in this booke shall more plainelie appeare. He was commonlie named when he came to ripe yeares prince Edward, & also surnamed the Blacke prince. The sixtéenth day of Iulie chanced a great eclipse of the sunne,* 2.36 and for the space of two moneths before, and three moneths after, there fell exceeding great raine, so that through the great intemperancie of weather, corne could not ripen, by reason whereof, in manie places they began not haruest till Michael∣mas,* 2.37 & in some places they inned not their wheat till Alhallontide, nor their pease till saint Andrews tide.

On Christmasse euen, about the breake of day, a maruellous sore and terrible wind came foorth of the west, which ouerthrew houses and buildings,* 2.38 ouer∣turned trees by the roots, and did much hurt in diuerse places. ¶ This yeare shortlie after Easter, the king with the bishop of Winchester, and the lord William Montacute, hauing not past fifteene horsses in their companie, passed the sea, apparelled in clokes like to merchants, he left his brother the earle of Cornewall his deputie & gardian of the realme till his returne. Moreouer, he caused it to be proclaimed in London, that he went ouer on pilgrimage, and for none other purpose. He returned before the later end of Aprill, and then was there holden a turnie at Dertfort.

The mondaie after saint Matthews day in Sep∣tember, the king held a solemne iusts in Cheapeside, betwixt the great crosse and Soperlane, he with 12 as chalengers answering all defendants that came. This solemne iusts and turnie continued three daies. The quéene with manie ladies being present at the same, fell beside a stage, but yet as good hap would they had no hurt by that fall, to the reioising of ma∣nie that saw them in such danger, and yet so luckilie to escape without harme. ¶ Also in a parlement holden at Notingham about saint Lukes tide, sir Roger Mortimer the earle of March was apprehen∣ded the seuenteenth day of October within the castell of Notingham, where the king with the two queenes, his mother and his wife, and diuerse other were as then lodged. And though the keies of the castell were dailie and nightlie in the custodie of the said earle of March, and that his power was such, as it was doub∣ted how he might be arrested (for he had,* 2.39 as some writers affirme, at that present in retinue nine score knights, beside esquiers, gentlemen and yeomen) yet at length by the kings helpe, the lord William Mon∣tacute, the lord Humfrie de Bohun, and his brother

sir William, the lord Rafe Stafford, the lord Robert Ufford, the lord William Clinton, the lord Iohn Neuill of Hornbie, and diuerse other, which had accu∣sed the said earle of March for the murther of king Edward the second, found means by intelligence had with sir William de Eland constable of the ca∣stell of Notingham, to take the said earle of March with his sonne the lord Roger or Geffrey Mortimer, and sir Simon Bereford, with other.

Sir Hugh Trumpington or Turrington (as [line 10] some copies haue) that was one of his chéefest fréends with certeine other were slaine, as they were about to resist against the lord Montacute, and his compa∣nie in taking of the said earle. The manner of his ta∣king I passe ouer, bicause of the diuersitie in report thereof by sundrie writers. From Notingham he was sent vp to London with his sonne the lord Ro∣ger or Geffrey de Mortimer, sir Simon Bereford, and the other prisoners, where they were committed to prison in the tower. Shortlie after was a parle∣ment [line 20] called at Westminster, chéefelie (as was thought) for reformation of things disordered through the misgouernance of the earle of March. But who∣soeuer was glad or sorie for the trouble of the said earle, suerlie the queene mother tooke it most heauilie aboue all other, as she that loued him more (as the fame went) than stood well with hir honour. For as some write,* 2.40 she was found to be with child by him. They kept as it were house togither, for the earle to haue his prouision the better cheape, laid his penie [line 30] with hirs, so that hir takers serued him as well as they did hir both of vittels & cariages. Of which mis∣vsage (all regard to honour and estimation neglec∣ted) euerie subiect spake shame. For their manner of dealing, tending to such euill purposes as they conti∣nuallie thought vpon, could not be secret from the eies of the people. And their offense héerein was so much the more heinous, bicause they were persons of an extraordinarie degree, and were the more nar∣rowlie marked of the multitude or common people, [line 40]

* 2.41—nam lux altissima fati Occultum nil esse sinit, latebrás{que} per omnes Intrat, & obtrusos explorat fama recessus.

But now in this parlement holden at Westminster he was attainted of high treason expressed in fiue articles,* 2.42 as in effect followeth.

1 First, he was charged that he had procured Edward of Carnaruan the kings father to be mur∣thered in most heinous and tyrannous maner with∣in the castell of Berklie.

2 Secondlie, that the Scots at Stanop parke [line 50] through his means escaped.

3 Thirdlie, that he receiued at the hands of the lord Iames Dowglas, at that time generall of the Scots, great summes of monie to execute that trea∣son, and further to conclude the peace vpon such dis∣honorable couenants as was accorded with the Scots at the parlement of Northampton.

4 Fourthlie, that he had got into his hands a great part of the kings treasure, and had wasted and [line 60] consumed it.

5 Fiftlie, that he had impropried vnto him diuers wards that belonged vnto the king: and had béene more priuie with queene Isabell the kings mother, than stood either with Gods law, or the kings pleasure.

These articles with other being prooued against him, he was adiudged by authoritie of the parlement to suffer death, and according therevnto, vpon saint Andrewes eeuen next insuing, he was at London drawne and hanged,* 2.43 at the common place of executi∣on, called in those daies The elmes, & now Tiborne, as in some bookes we find. His bodie remained two daies and two nights on the gallowes, and after taken downe was deliuered to the friers minors, who buried him in their church the morrow after he was deliuered to them, with great pompe and fune∣rall exequies, although afterwards he was taken vp and carried vnto Wigmore, whereof he was lord. He came not to his answer in iudgement, no more than any other of the nobilitie had doone, since the death of Thomas earle of Lancaster.

Sir Simon de Bereford knight that had béene one of the kings iustices,* 2.44 was drawne also and hang∣ed at London, vpon S. Lucies daie. In this parle∣ment holden at Westminster, the king tooke into his hand, by aduise of the states there assembled, all the possessions, lands and reuenues that belonged to the quéene his mother, she hauing assigned to hir a thousand pounds by yeare,* 2.45 for the maintenance of hir estate, being appointed to remaine in a certeine place, and not to go elsewhere abroad: yet the king to comfort hir, would lightlie euerie yeare once come to visit hir. ¶After that the erle of March was execu∣ted (as yée haue heard) diuerse noble men that were departed the realme, bicause they could not abide the pride and presumption of the said earle, now retur∣ned: as the sonne and heire of the earle of Arundell,* 2.46 the lord Thomas Wake, the L. Henrie Beaumont, sir Thomas de Rosselin, sir Foulke fitz Warren, sir Griffin de la Poole, and diuerse other.

In the fift yeare of K. Edwards reigne,* 2.47 Edward Balioll came foorth of France into England, and ob∣teined such fauour through the assistance of the lord Henrie Beaumont,* 2.48 the lord Dauid of Strabogie earle of Athole, the lord Geffrey de Mowbraie, the lord Walter Cumin, and others, that king Edward granted him licence to make his prouision in Eng∣land to passe into Scotland, with an armie of men to attempt the recouerie of his right to the crowne of Scotland, with condition that if he recouered it, he should acknowledge to hold it of the king of Eng∣land as superiour lord of Scotland. The comming a∣waie of Edward Balioll out of France is diuerslie reported by writers: some saie that he was aided by the French king, whose sister he had married:* 2.49 and o∣ther saie, that he being in prison in France, for the escape of an Englishman,* 2.50 one Iohn Barnabie es∣quier, which had slaine a Frenchman by chance of quarelling in the towne of Dampierre, where the same Barnabie dwelled with the said Edward Ba∣lioll,* 2.51 so it came to passe that the lord Henrie Beau∣mont hauing occasion of businesse with the French king, that fauoured him well, came ouer to France, and there vnderstanding of Baliols imprisonment, procured his deliuerance, and brought him ouer into England, and caused him to remaine in secret wise at the manor of Sandhall vpon Ouse in Yorkeshire with the ladie Uesci••, till he had purchased the kings grant for him to make his prouision of men of war and ships within the English dominions.

In the sixt yeare of king Edwards reigne,* 2.52 Reig∣nold earle of Gelderland married the ladie Elianor sister to this king Edward the third,* 2.53 who gaue vnto the said earle with hir for hir portion, fifteene thou∣sand pounds sterling. ¶ Isabell the kings daughter was borne also this yeare at Woodstoke. ¶ After that Edward Balioll had prepared and made readie his purueiances for his iournie, and that his men of warre were assembled and come togither, being in all not past fiue hundred men of armes, and about two thousand archers, and other footmen, he tooke the sea at Rauenspurgh in Yorkeshire, and from thence directing his course northward, he arriued at length in Scotland, where he atchiuing great victories (as in the Scotish chronicle yée may read more at large) was finallie crowned king of that realme.* 2.54

It may séeme a woonder to manie, that the king

of England would permit Edward Balioll to make his prouision thus in England, and to suffer his peo∣ple to aid him against his brother in law king Da∣uid that had married his sister (as before ye haue heard.* 2.55) Indéed at the first he was not verie readie to grant their suit that mooued it, but at length he was contented to dissemble the matter, in hope that if Edward Balioll had good successe, he should then recouer that againe, which by the conclusion of peace during his minoritie, he had through euill counsell [line 10] resigned out of his hands. The Scots neuerthelesse in December chased their new king Edward Bali∣oll out of Scotland, so that he was faine to retire into England, and celebrated the feast of the Natiuitie at Carleill, in the house of the friers minors, and the morrow after being S. Stephans day, he went into Westmerland,* 2.56 where of the lord Clifford he was right honorablie receiued, to whome he then granted Douglas Dale in Scotland, which had béene gran∣ted to the said lord Cliffords grandfather in the daies [line 20] of king Edward the first, if he might at anie time re∣couer the realme of Scotland out of his aduersaries hands. [year 1333]

After this, he went and laie a time with the ladie of Gines, that was his kinsewoman. Finallie about the téenth day of March,* 2.57 hauing assembled a power of Englishmen and Scotishmen, he entred Scot∣land,* 2.58 and besieged the towne of Berwike, during the which siege, manie enterprises were attempted by the parties: and amongst other, the Scots entred [line 30] England by Carleill, dooing much mischiefe in Gille∣s••and, by burning, killing, robbing and spoiling. The king aduertised hereof, thought himselfe discharged of the agréement concluded betwixt him and Dauid Bruce, the sonne of Robert Bruce that had married his sister, & therfore tooke it to be lawfull for him to aid his coosen Edward Balioll the lawfull K. of Scots. And herewith assembling an armie, came to the siege of Berwike, togither with his brother Iohn of El∣tham earle of Cornewall,* 2.59 and other noble men, sée∣king [line 40] by all meanes possible how to win the towne: and finallie discomfited an armie of Scots, which came to the rescue theerof vpon Halidon hill, in slea∣ing of them what in the fight and chase, seuen earles, nine hundred knights and baronets, foure hundred esquiers, and vpon 32 thousand of the common peo∣ple: and of Englishmen were slaine but 15 persons, as our English writers make mention. The Scotish writers confesse, that the Scotishmen lost the num∣ber of 14 thousand. [line 50]

* 2.60On the morrow following, being S. Margarets day, the towne of Berwike was rendered vnto king Edward with the castell, as in the Scotish chronicle ye may read, with more matter touching the siege and battell aforesaid, and therfore here in few words, I passe it ouer. King Edward hauing thus sped his businesse, left a power of men with Edward Balioll, vnder the conduct of the lord Richard Talbot,* 2.61 and returned himselfe backe into England, appointing the lord Percie to be gouernor of the towne of Ber∣wike, [line 60] and sir Thomas Grey knight his lieutenant. The lord Iohn Darcie lord chéefe iustice of Ireland, leauing the lord Thomas Bourgh his deputie in that countrie,* 2.62 passed ouer with an armie into Scotland, to aid the king, who (as ye haue heard) was there the same time in person. And so by the king on one side, and by the Irishmen on an other, Scotland was sub∣dued, and restored vnto Balioll, who the morrow af∣ter the octaues of the Natiuitie of our ladie, held a parlement at saint Iohns towne, in the which he re∣uoked and made void all acts, which the late king of Scots Robert Bruce had inacted or made: and fur∣ther ordeined, that all such lands and possessions as the said Bruce had giuen to any maner of person, should be taken from them, and restored to the for∣mer and true inheritour.

In this yeare about the twelfth of October, Simon Mepham archbishop of Canturburie, departed this life, in whose place succeeded Iohn Stretford, being remooued from the see of Winchester,* 2.63 whereof he was bishop, before that he was thus called to the see of Canturburie.* 2.64 After Candlemas the king of Eng∣land repaired towards Yorke,* 2.65 there to hold a parle∣ment, to the which (beginning on the mondaie in the second wéeke in Lent) when Edward Balioll doub∣ting to be surprised by his aduersaries, could not come, yet he sent the lord Henrie de Beaumont, and the lord William de Montacute, to make excuse for him. The king of England passing further into the north parts, held his Whitsuntide at Newcastell vpon Tine, with great roialtie: and shortlie af∣ter, Edward Balioll king of Scots came thither,* 2.66 and vpon the nintéenth daie of Iune made his ho∣mage vnto the king of England, and sware vnto him fealtie in the presence of a great number of Nobles and gentlemen there assembled, as to his superiour and chiefe lord of the realme of Scotland, binding himselfe by that oth, to hold the same realme of the king of England, his heires and successors for euer. He also gaue and granted vnto the king of England at that time fiue counties next adioining vnto the borders of England, as Berwike and Rocksburgh, Peplis, and Dunfres, the townes of Hadington and Gedworth with the castell, the forrests of Silkirke, Etherike, and Gedworth, so as all these portions should be cléerelie separated and put apart from the crowne of Scotland, and annexed vnto the crowne of England for euer. And these things were confirmed and roborated with oth, scepter, and wit∣nesse sufficient.

Which things doone in due order, as was requisite, the king of England returned home, and the kings went backe into Scotland. And then were all such lords restored againe to their lands and possessions in Scotland, which in the daies of Edward the second had béene expelled from the same: and now they did their homage vnto the king of Scotland for those lands as apperteined. ¶ Immediatlie after, the king of England called a councell of his lords spirituall and temporall at Notingham, commanding them to meet him there about the thirtéenth daie of Iulie, there to consult with him of weightie causes concer∣ning the state of the realme. This yeare on saint Clements daie at night,* 2.67 which fell on the thrée and twentith of Nouember, through a maruellous in∣undation & rising of the sea all alongst by the coasts of this realme, but especiallie about the Thames, the sea bankes or walles were broken and borne downe with violence of the water, and infinite numbers of beasts and cattell drowned, fruitfull grounds and pa∣stures were made salt marishes, so as there was no hope that in long time they should recouer againe their former fruitfulnesse.

In this meane time the French king was appoin∣ted to haue made a viage against the Saracens, eni∣mies of our faith, and had sent to the king of Eng∣land, requiring him of his companie in that iournie. But the king of England being otherwise occupied with the affaires of Scotland, made no direct answer therevnto,* 2.68 so that the French king perceiuing that the king of England was not in all things well pleased with him, thought good before he set forward on that iournie to vnderstand his meaning, and ther∣vpon sent eftsoones vnto him other ambassadours. These ambassadours arriued here in England and had audience, but nothing they concluded in effect, saue that the king promised to send his ambassadors ouer into France, to haue further communication

in the matter touching such points of variance as de∣pended betwixt them.

Although Edward Balioll by the puissance of the king of Englands assistance had got the most part of the realme of Scotland into his hands, yet diuerse castels were holden against him, and the Scots dai∣lie slipped from him, and by open rebellion molested him diuerse waies. The king of England aduertised thereof called a parlement at London,* 2.69 wherein he tooke order for his iournie into Scotland, had a tenth [line 10] and a fiftéenth granted him, and so about Alhallon∣tide he came to Newcastell vpon Tine, with his ar∣mie, and remained there till the feast of saint Katha∣rine,* 2.70 and then entring into Scotland, came to Roc∣kesburgh, where he repared the castell which had beene aforetime destroied. After the third daie of Christ∣masse was past, the king of England entred into E∣thrike forrest, [year 1335] beating it vp and downe, but the Scots would not come within his reach: wherevpon he sent the king of Scots that was there present with him, [line 20] and the earles of Warwike and Oxenford, and cer∣teine other barons and knights with their retinues vnto Carleill, to keepe and defend those west parts of the realme from the Scots.

In their iournie thitherwards, they went by Pe∣plis to apprehend certeine Scots, whome they heard to be lodged and abiding thereabouts, but when they found them not, they wasted the countrie, and turned streight to Carleill, where after the Epiphanie there assembled an armie foorth of the counties of Lanca∣ster, [line 30] Westmerland, and Cumberland, by the kings appointment, which armie togither with the king of Scots and the other lords there found, entred Scot∣land, and did much hurt in the countrie of Galloway, destroieng towns and all that they found abroad,* 2.71 but the people were fled and withdrawne out of their waie. And when they had taken their pleasure, the king of Scots returned backe to Carleill. This yere there fell great abundance of raine,* 2.72 and therevpon insued morren of beasts: also corne so failed this yeare, that a quarter of wheat was sold at fortie [line 40] shillings.

Finallie, when the king had finished his businesse in Scotland,* 2.73 as to his séeming stood with his plea∣sure, he returned into England, and shortlie after he sent the archbishop of Canturburie,* 2.74 sir Philip de Montacute, and Geffrey Scroope vnto the French king, to conclude a firme amitie & league with him. These lords comming into France, were not at the first admitted to the French kings presence, till they shewed themselues halfe greeued with that strange [line 50] dealing: for then finallie were they brought vnto him, who gentlie receiued them, and caused the mat∣ter to be intreated of about the which they were sent, in furthering whereof, such diligence was vsed, that finallie a conclusion of peace and concord was a∣greed, and so farre passed, that proclamation thereof should haue béene made in Paris, and in the coun∣trie thereabout the next day: but scarse were the En∣glish ambassadours returned vnto their lodgings, when they were sent for backe againe, and further [line 60] informed, that the French king minded to haue Da∣uid king of Scotland comprised in the same league, so that he might be restored vnto his kingdome, and the Balioll put out. The English ambassadors an∣swered, that their commission extended not so farre, and therfore they could not conclude any thing there∣in. Herevpon all the former communication was reuoked, and cléerelie made void, so that the English ambassadors returned home into England without anie thing concluded.

About the feast of the Ascension, the king held a parlement at Yorke,* 2.75 ordeining for his iournie into Scotland, and also deuising by authoritie thereof di∣uerse profitable statutes for the common-wealth. About midsummer, he came with his armie vnto Newcastell vpon Tine, whither came to him from Carleill the king of Scots, and there order was ta∣ken, that the king of England, and his brother the earle of Cornwall, the earls of Warwike, Lanca∣ster, Lincolne, and Hereford, with all their retinues, and the earle of Gulikerland, that had married the kings sister, and with a faire companie was come to serue the king in these warres, should passe to Carle∣ill, and on the twelfe of Iulie enter Scotland. The king of Scots, the earles of Surrie, and Arundell, and the lord Henrie Percie, a baron of great might and power, being all of kin vnto the king of Scots, with their retinues should go to Berwike, and there enter the same day aboue mentioned, and as it was appointed, so it was put in practise. For both kings on the same day entring Scotland in seuerall parts passed forward without resistance at their pleasures, wasting and burning all the countries, both on this side, and beyond the Scotish sea.* 2.76 The Welshmen spared neither religious persons nor their houses, making no more accompt of them than of others: the mariners of Newcastell also burnt a great part of the towne of Dundée.* 2.77

The earle of Namure about the same time com∣ming into England, to serue the king in his warres,* 2.78 tooke vpon him to passe into Scotland with a band of an hundred men of armes, beside seauen or eight knights which he brought ouer with him, and certeine Englishmen to be his guides from Berwike,* 2.79 but he was assailed before he could get to Edenburgh, by the earles of Murrey and Dunbarre, and the lord William Dowglas: so that notwithstanding the strangers bare themselues verie manfullie, yet op∣pressed with multitude, they were forced to giue place, but yet still fighting and defending themselues till they came to Edenburgh, and there taking the hill where the ruines of the castell stood, kept the same all the night folowing. But the next day they despai∣ring of all succours, and hauing neither meat nor drinke, at length yéelded themselues, whom the earle of Murrey receiuing right courteouslie,* 2.80 shewed them such fauour, that without ransome he was con∣tented they should returne into their countries: and for more suertie, he conueied the said earle of Na∣mure (whome the Scotish books call earle of Gelder∣land) and his companie backe to the borders; but in his returne, or shortlie after,* 2.81 the same earle of Mur∣rey that tooke himselfe for gouernour of Scotland, was encountred by the Englishmen that laie in gar∣rison within Rockesburgh, and by them taken priso∣ner. The lord William Dowglas being there also with him escaped, but Iames Dowglas brother to the said lord William Dowglas, was at that bicke∣ring slaine with diuerse other.

About the feast of the Assumption of our ladie,* 2.82 di∣uerse of the Scotish nobilitie came and submitted themselues to the king, namelie the earle of Atholl and others, but earle Patrike of Dunbarre, and the earle of Rosse, the lord Andrew de Murrey, the lord William Dowglas, and the lord William de Keth, and manie other would not come in, but assembling themselues togither, did all the mischéefe they could vnto those that had receiued the kings peace.* 2.83 The earle of Atholl in the winter season, besieging the ca∣stell of Kildrummie beyond the Scotish sea was set vpon by the earles of Dunbarre and Rosse,* 2.84 so that they slue him there in field, for his men fled from him (through some traitorous practise as was thought) and left him and a few other in all the danger. ¶The king of England being returned foorth of Scotland, remained for the most part of the winter in the north parts, and held his Christmasse at Newcastell vpon

Tine, and after the Epiphanie hauing assembled an armie readie to passe into Scotland, to reuenge the earle of Athols death, which he tooke verie displeasant∣lie, there came in the meane time ambassadors both from the pope and the French king, [year 1336] and found the king of England at Berwike, readie with his armie to set forwards into Scotland.* 2.85 But these ambassa∣dors did so much by intreatie with the two kings of England and Scotland, that about the feast of the Purification,* 2.86 a truce was agréed vpon to indure till [line 10] midlent.

Then was a parlement to be holden at London, and herewith articles were drawne, and certeine pe∣titions put foorth, vpon the which if the parties in the meane time could agrée, the peace accordinglie might be established, if not, then the warre to be pro∣secuted as before. The chiefest article and petition which the Scots proponed, as desirous to be therein resolued, was to vnderstand which of the two that claimed the crowne of Scotland, to wit, Edward [line 20] Balioll, and Dauid Bruce, had most right thereto. But when in the parlement time the lord Maurice de Murrey slue sir Geffrey de Rosse a Scotish knight, that was shiriffe of Aire and Lenarke, being of the Baliols side, for that in time of open warre the same sir Geffrey had slaine his brother,* 2.87 vpon respect of this presumptuous part, and by reason of such stoutnesse as the Scots otherwise shewed, no conclusion of peace could be brought to effect.

Before the feast of the Ascension, the king of Eng∣land [line 30] sent forward the king of Scots, the earles of Lancaster, Warwike, Oxford, and Anegos, and di∣uerse lords and capteins with an armie, the which af∣ter Whitsuntide entring into Scotland,* 2.88 passed ouer the Scotish sea, and comming to saint Iohns towne (which the Scots had burnt, despairing to defend it a∣gainst the English power) they set in hand to fortifie it, compassing it with déepe diches and a strong ram∣pier of earth. ¶ About the same time the king called a parlement at Northampton, where leauing the pre∣lats [line 40] and other to treat of such matters as were pro∣poned,* 2.89 he himselfe rode northwards, and comming to Berwike, tooke with him a small band of men of armes, and setting forward, hasted foorth till he came to saint Iohns towne,* 2.90 where he found the king of Scots, and other his nobles greatlie woondering at his comming thither so vnlooked for. After he had re∣sted there a little, he tooke with him part of the armie, and passed forward ouer the mounteines of Scot∣land euen vnto Elgen in Murrey and Inuernes, [line 50] further by manie miles than euer his grandfather had gone.

* 2.91In his returne he burnt the towne of Aberden, in reuenge of the death of a right valiant knight called sir Thomas Rosselin, that comming thither by sea tooke land there, and was slaine by the enimies: he burnt diuerse other townes and places in this voi∣age, spoiling and wasting the countries where he came,* 2.92 not finding anie to resist him. About Lammas the earle of Cornewall with the power of Yorkeshire [line 60] and Northumberland, and the lord Anthonie Lucie with the Cumberland and Westmerland men en∣tred Scotland, and destroied the west parts, as Car∣rike, and other which obeied not the Balioll. The lord William Douglas still coasted the Englishmen,* 2.93 dooing to them what damage he might. At length this armie loden with preies and spoile returned home, but the earle of Cornewall with his owne retinue came through to saint Iohns towne, where he found the king being returned thither frō his iournie which he had made beyond the mounteins. The king staied not long there,* 2.94 but leauing the king of Scots with his companie in that towne, he went to Striueling, where, on the plot of ground vpon which the destroied castell had stood, he built an other fortresse, called a Pile. And now, bicause he had spent a great deale of treasure in those warres of Scotland, he summoned a parlement to be holden at Notingham, in which there was granted to him a tenth of the cleargie, and likewise of the citizens and burgesses of good towns, and a fifteenth of other that dwelt foorth of cities and boroughes.

About the latter end of October, Iohn of Eltham earle of Cornewall the kings brother departed this life at saint Iohns towne in Scotland:* 2.95 his bodie was afterwards conueied to Westminster, & there buried with all solemne funerals. The Scotish wri∣ters affirme that he was slaine by his brother king Edward for the crueltie he had vsed in the west parts of Scotland, in sleaing such as for safegard of their liues fled into churches. Moreouer, in December there deceassed at S. Iohns towne aforesaid,* 2.96 Hugh de Fresnes, that in right of the countesse of Lin∣colne was intituled earle of Lincolne. He died of the flix, or (as was said) through excessiue cold, which in those quarters in that cold time of the yeare sore af∣flicted the English people. ¶ In the meane time,* 2.97 a∣bout the feast of saint Luke the euangelist, the king went with an armie into Scotland toward the castell of Bothuille, and comming thither repared the same, which by the Scots had latelie before béene destroied. The baron Stafford at the same time comming to∣wards the king with a power of men,* 2.98 tooke Douglas Dale in his waie, taking in the same a great preie of cattell and other things.

Before Christmasse the king returned into Eng∣land, but the king of Scots remained all the winter in saint Iohns towne with a sober companie. When the king had setled the state of Scotland vnder the gouernement of the Balioll,* 2.99 those Scotishmen which tooke part with the Balioll, ordeined as it were in re∣compense of king Edwards friendship a statute, whereby they bound themselues to the said king Ed∣ward and his heires kings of England, that they should aid and assist him against all other princes: and whensoeuer it chanced that either he or any king of England being rightfull inheritor, had any wars against any prince, either within the land or without, the Scotishmen of their owne proper costs and ex∣penses should find thrée hundred horssemen, & a thou∣sand footmen well and sufficientlie arraied for the warre, the which thirtéene hundred men the Scots should wage for a whole yeare: & if the king of Eng∣land ended not his warres within the yeare, then he to giue wages to the said number of thirteene hun∣dred Scots, as he dooth to other of his souldiers and men of warre. There be that write, that the king of England should not onlie fortifie saint Iohns towne about this time, as before is mentioned,* 2.100 but also saint Andrews, Cowper, Aberdine, Dunfermeling, with certeine other castels,* 2.101 leauing garisons of men in the same. But for so much as ye may read sufficientlie of those troubles, in Scotland; and of the returne of king Dauid foorth of France, and how his realme was recouered out of the Baliols hands in the Sco∣tish chronicles: we néed not here to make anie long discourse thereof.

The quéene was deliuered of hir second sonne at Hatfield,* 2.102 who was therfore named William of Hat∣field, who liued but a short time,* 2.103 departing this world when he was but yoong. The king being returned home out of Scotland,* 2.104 sought by all waies possible how to recouer monie, both to supplie his charges for the Scotish wars, and also to furnish the other wars which he meant to take in hand against the French king: he got so much into his hands (as it is reported by writers) that it was verie scant and hard to come by throughout the whole realme: by reason of which

scarsitie and want of monie, or vpon some other ne∣cessarie cause,* 2.105 vittels, and other chaffer and merchan∣dize were excéeding cheape: for at London a quar∣ter of wheat was sold for two shillings, a fat oxe for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shillings eight pence, a fat shéepe for six pence or eight pence, halfe a doozen of pigeons for one penie, a fat goose for two pence, a pig for one penie, and so all other v••••tels after the like rate.

This yeare was the warre proclamed betwixt England and France, cheefelie by the procurement [line 10] of the lord Robert Dartois, a Frenchman, as then banished out of France, vpon occasion of a claime by him made vnto the earldome of Artois. This lord Robert after he was banished France, fled ouer vn∣to king Edward, who gladlie receiued him and made him earle of Richmond. ¶ All the goods of the Italians were by the kings commandement this yeare confiscate to his vse, and so likewise were the goods of the moonks of the Cluniake and Cisterce∣aur orders. ¶ This yeare also a comet or blasing∣starre [line 20] appeared, with long and terrible streames pas∣sing from it. In the eleauenth yeare of his reigne, the king held a parlement at Westminster,* 2.106 about the time of Lent, during the which, of the earledome of Cornewall he made a duchie,* 2.107 and gaue it vnto his eldest sonne Edward, that was then earle of Che∣ster, whom also (as some write) he created at the same time prince of Wales.

Moreouer in reward of seruice, there were six no∣ble men at this parlement aduanced to the honour and title of earles, as the lord Henrie sonne to the [line 30] earle of Lancaster was created earle of Derbie,* 2.108 or after some writers, earle of Leicester; William Bo∣hun was created earle of Northampton, William Montacute earle of Salisburie, Hugh Audeley earle of Glocester, William Clinton earle of Hun∣tingdon,* 2.109 and Robert Ufford earle of Suffolke. This creation was on the second sundaie in Lent, and the same day were twentie knights made, whose names for breefenesse we doo here omit.* 2.110 In this parlement [line 40] it was enacted, that no man should weare any man∣ner of silke in gowne, cote, or doublet; except he might dispend of good and sufficient rent an hundred pounds by yeare, which act was not long obserued. For the nature of man is such, that of it owne cor∣rupt & euill inclination, it withstandeth good things, and chooseth rather to follow whatsoeuer is forbidden▪ yea though the same be starke naught and offensiue to law and conscience: which preposterous and o∣uerthwart disposition the poet noteth well, saieng, [line 50]

— aliéd{que} cupido Mens aliud suadet: video meliora, probó{que}, Deteriora sequor.

It was also ordeined by the aduise of this parle∣ment, that Henrie of Lancaster newlie created erle of Derbie should go ouer into Gascoine, there to re∣maine as the kings lieutenant. But Richard South∣well saith, that the earle of Salisburie, and not the earle of Derbie was appointed to go into Gascoine at that time, and the earle of Warwike into Scot∣land.* 2.111 [line 60] Moreouer in this parlement it was enacted that no wooll of the English growth should go foorth of the land, but be here wrought and made in cloath: and further an act was ordeined for receiuing of stran∣gers that were clothworkers, and order taken, that fit and conuenient places should be assigned foorth to them where to inhabit, with manie priuileges and liberties, and that they should haue wages and sti∣pends allowed them, till they were so setled as they might gaine commodiouslie by their occupation and science: but now to returne againe to other matters.* 2.112

The Scots this yeare tooke the castell of Bothuile by surrender, so as the Englishmen that were with∣in it, departed with their liues and goods saued. Di∣uerse other castels and fortresses were taken by the Scots in Fife, and in other parts, but the countrie of Galloway was by them speciallie sore afflicted, bi∣cause the people there held with their lord Edward Balioll. Herevpon it was agreed in this last parle∣ment, that the earle of Warwike being appointed to go thither, should haue with him the power beyond Trent northwards. But when about the Ascension tide the Scots had besieged the castell of Striueling, the king of England in person hasted thitherwards, of whose approach the Scots no sooner vnderstood, but that streightwaies they brake vp their siege, and de∣parted thence: the king therefore returned backe in∣to the south parts.* 2.113 About the same time sir Eustace de Maxwell knight, lord of Carlauerocke, reuolted from Edward Balioll vnto Dauid le Bruse his side, and so that part dailie increased, and also the warre continued, with damage inough vnto both parts.

In the beginning of September the earle of Warwike with an armie entred Scotland by Ber∣wike, and the lord Thomas de Wake,* 2.114 and the lord Clifford, with the bishop of Carleill accompanied with the Westmerland and Cumberland men, en∣tred by Carleill, and within two daies after met with the earle of Warwike, as before it was appointed, and so ioining togither, they passed forwards, spoi∣ling and wasting Teuidale, Mofeteidale, and Nides∣dale. The lord Anthonie Lucie with a part of the ar∣mie entred into Galloway, and after he had wasted that countrie, he returned to the armie, which by rea∣son of the exceeding great weat that fell in that sea∣son, they could not kéepe on their iournie into Dou∣glasdale, and to Aire, as they had appointed: but ha∣uing remained in Scotland twelue daies, they re∣turned altogither vnto Carleill. Edward Balioll was not with them in this iournie, but remained still in England.

The Scots in reuenge hereof made diuerse rodes into England, withdrawing still with their prey and booties, before the English power could assemble to giue them battell. About Alhallontide, the Scots be∣sieged the castell of Edenburgh,* 2.115 but the bishop of Carleill, the lord Randoll Dacres of Gillesland, with the power of the counties of Cumberland and of Westmerland, and the king of Scots Edward Ba∣lioll, with the lord Anthonie Lucie, and such compa∣nie as they brought from Berwike, meeting at Roc∣kesburgh, marched foorth vnto Edenburgh,* 2.116 and cha∣sing the Scots from the siege, tooke order for the safe keeping of the castell from thencefoorth, and returned into England. In this meane time things happened so well to the purpose of king Edward,* 2.117 that by prac∣tise he alienated the hearts of the Flemings from the obedience of their earle, being altogither an ear∣nest fréend to the French king. He therefore vnder∣standing the minds of his people, sought to winne them by some gentle treatie, and so did euen at the first, concluding an agréement with them of Gaunt, which were fullie at a point to haue entred into league with the king of England, as with him whose fréendship by reason of the traffike of merchandize, (and namelie of the English wools) they knew to be more necessarie for their countrie than the French kings.

Although by the helpe of the bishop of Tournie the earle of Flanders caused them to staie from conclu∣ding or ioining in anie such bonds of amitie with the king of England for that time,* 2.118 yet he doubted the ar∣riuall of some power out of England, and therevp∣on appointed his bastard brother Guie of Rij••ken∣burgh, and certeine other noble men and capteins,* 2.119 with a crue of men of warre to lie in the Ile of

Cadsant,* 2.120 to defend the passage there, and to see that no English ships should come or go that waie by the seas: whereof the king of England being aduerti∣sed, sent thither the earle of Derbie, the lord Lewes Beauchampe,* 2.121 the lord Reginald Cobham, also the lord William sonne to the earle of Warwike, the lord Walter de Mannie an Hanneuier, and other lords, knights, and capteins, with a power of fiue hundred men of armes,* 2.122 and two thousand archers, the which comming to the foresaid Ile of Cadsant, [line 10] found the Flemings, about fiue thousand in num∣ber, readie arranged on the towne dikes and sands, in purpose to defend the entrie, which they did a cer∣teine space right valiantlie:* 2.123 but in the end they were discomfited, and three thousand of them slaine in the stréets, hauen, and houses. Sir Guie the bastard of Flanders was taken with diuerse other knights and gentlemen, the towne was burnt, and the goods with the prisoners were carried into England. This chanced on a sundaie the daie before the feast of saint [line 20] Martine in Nouember. Where the lord Walter de Mannie might haue had 11 thousand pounds ster∣ling for the ransome of the said sir Guie, and other prisoners, the king bought them of him in the foure∣téenth yeare of his reigne for eight thousand pounds sterling, as by records in the tower it appeareth.

About the feast of saint Martine in winter, there came vnto London two cardinals,* 2.124 sent by the pope to treat for a peace betwixt the kings of England, and France. ¶The archbishop of Canturburie, with [line 30] the bishops of Winchester, Elie, Chichester, Couen∣trie, & the cōmoners of the citie of London met them on Shooters hill.* 2.125 The duke of Cornewall with the earle of Surrie, and manie other of the nobilitie re∣ceiued them a mile without the citie. The king him∣selfe receiued them at the lesser hall doore of his pa∣lace at Westminster, and brought them into the painted chamber, where they declared their message: wherevpon the king caused a parlement to be sum∣moned at London, to begin the morrow after Can∣dlemasse [line 40] day. The king held his Christmasse at Gild∣ford, and within the octaues of the same feast he tooke his iournie towards Scotland, [year 1339] or rather (as other haue) he sent thither the earles of Salisburie,* 2.126 Gloce∣ster, Derbie, and Anegos, with three barons, the lords Percie, Neuill, and Stafford, the which with twentie thousand men besieged the castell of Dunbar.

This siege began euen in the beginning of the twelfth yeare of king Edwards reigne, and continu∣ed for the space of nineteene wéeks, with small gaine [line 50] and lesse honour to the Englishmen, in so much that the same brake vp vnder a colour of a truce, when there was no hope of winning the place, and that the noble men that laie there at siege, hasted to make an end, that they might attend the king in his iournie o∣uer into Brabant.* 2.127 The morrow after Candlemasse day the parlement began, in which there was a grant made to the king by the laitie of the one halfe of their woolles through the whole realme for the next sum∣mer,* 2.128 which he receiued, and likewise he leuied of the [line 60] cleargie the whole, causing them to paie nine marks of euerie sacke of the best wooll. But after the rate of the one halfe he tooke in whose hands so euer it was found, aswell merchants as others. After this, he tooke a fiftéenth of all the communaltie of his realme in wooll, the price of euerie stone conteining foure∣téene pounds rated at two shillings. The one and twentith of March the two cardinals tooke the sea at Douer,* 2.129 and in their companie went ouer the archbi∣shop of Canturburie, and the bishop of Durham to treat of a peace, if by any good means the two kings might be made fréends. But as it appeared, their tra∣uell was in vaine, for although they abode togither for a time on the frontiers, dooing their best indeuor, yet their trauell nothing auailed, as by that which fol∣loweth is most manifest.

The Flemings that fauoured king Edward, were put in such comfort by the late victorie obteined by the Englishmen in the Ile of Cadsant, that falling to their former practise, one Iaques or Iacob ••an Arteueld an hommaker of the towne of Gant,* 2.130 was chosen amongst them to be as it were the defender of the people, and namelie of the weauer••, and other clothworkers. Finallie, his authoritie grew so huge∣lie amongst all the whole number of the commons in Flanders▪* 2.131 that he might doo mo••e with them than their earle; and yet the earle to reconcile the people to his fauour, ceassed not to vse all courteous means towards them that he could deuise, as releasing cu∣stomes and duties of monie, pardoning offenses, forfeitures, and other such like, but all would not a∣uaile him. The king of England had so woon them by the meanes of the said Iaques van Arteueld, that in the end Iohn archbishop of Canturburie, & Richard the bishop of Durham,* 2.132 came into Flanders as am∣bassadors from king Edward, and trauelled so ear∣nestlie to draw the Flemings vnto an amitie with their master king Edward, that finallie a league was concluded betwixt the countrie of Flanders, and the said king at Gant, in the presence of the earle of Gelderland, as then being there. The cheefe authors of this league were the said Iaques van Ar∣teueld, and a noble man of Flanders,* 2.133 called Siger de Curtrey.

But this Siger being immediatlie after appre∣hended by the earle of Flanders, was put to death. Which act procured the earle so much hatred of the people, that shortlie after comming to Bruges, and attempting to force the towne to his will, he was forced himselfe to flee from thence, for otherwise he had béene either taken or slaine;* 2.134 the commons of the towne & namelie the fullers, of whome he had slaine some there in the stréets, rose so fast vpon him. Here∣vpon fléeing home to his house, he tooke his wife,* 2.135 and a sonne which he had, and fled with them into France, so forsaking his countrie which was now gouerned by Iaques van Arteueld, as though he had béene im∣mediatlie lord thereof. After this, the earle returned home againe,* 2.136 as it were with the French kings com∣mission, to persuade the Flemings to renounce the league concluded with the king of England: but he could bring nothing to passe, but was still in danger to haue beene arrested and staied of his owne sub∣iects, both at Gant and in other places, but namelie at Dixmue,* 2.137 where if he had not made the more hast awaie, he had beene taken by them of Bruges. A∣mongst other of his stuffe which he left behind him in that hastie departure, his signet was forgotten,* 2.138 and not missed till he came to saint Omers, whither he fled for his safegard.

Thus ye may perceiue that Flanders rested who∣lie at king Edwards commandement,* 2.139 who to esta∣blish amitie also with the duke of Brabant, and other princes of the empire, about the middest of Iulie sai∣led ouer vnto Antwerpe, with his wife quéene Philip, his sonne the prince of Wales,* 2.140 and a great number of other of the péeres and barons of his realme, where he was most ioifullie receiued of the duke of Brabant, and other lords of the empire. There was sent to the emperour to procure his fréendship, from the king of England,* 2.141 the marques of Gulike with certeine noble men of England, and also certeine of the duke of Gelderland his councell, the which mar∣ques was made at that time an earle, & the earle of Gelderland was made duke. This duke of Gelder∣land named Reginald had married the ladie Isabell sister of king Edward,* 2.142 and therefore in fauour of the king his brother in law, trauelled most earnestlie to

procure him all the freends within the empire that he could make.

The princes and lords then, with whom king Ed∣ward was alied and confederated at that time, I find to be these;* 2.143 the dukes of Brabant and Gelder∣land, the archbishop of Cullen, the marquesse of Gulike, sir Arnold de Baquehen, and the lord of Ualkenburgh, who all promised to defie the French king, in the king of Englands quarrell, and to serue him with notable numbers of men, where and when∣soeuer [line 10] it should please him to appoint. The aliance of the earle of Heinault first procured the king of England all these fréends, vnto the which earle he had sent ouer the bishop of Lincolne and other in ambas∣sage, immediatlie after that he had resolued to make warres against France, by the counsell and aduise of sir Robert Dartois, as in the French historie more plainlie appeareth. In this meane season was queene Philip brought to bed at Antwerpe of hir third sonne,* 2.144 which was named Lionell. ¶The king of England earnestlie followed his businesse, and had [line 20] manie treaties with his fréends and confederats, till at length he made sure to him the fréendship of all those townes & countries, which lie betwixt France and the riuer of Rhene: onelie the cities of Tournie and Cambrie held of the French kings part, though Cambrie belonged to the empire.

* 2.145In this twelfth yeare of king Edwards reigne at a councell holden at Northampton by the duke of Cornewall, lord warden of England in absence of [line 30] the king his brother, and by manie of the prelats and barons of the realme, there was granted to the king a subsidie in wooll, to the great burthen of the com∣mons: but for so much as the cleargie of the land was not present at that councell, it was ordeined that they should be called, and so they assembled in a conuocation at London the first day of October, in which the cleargie granted to the king a tenth for the third yeare then to come, ouer and besides the two tenths before granted, and that the tenth of this pre∣sent [line 40] yeare should be paid in shorter time than it was appointed: but they flatlie denied to grant their wools, which neuerthelesse the laitie paid, and that to their great hinderance, for it rose double to a fiftéene. From the beginning of October, to the beginning of December this yeare,* 2.146 fell such abundance of raine that it hindered greatlie the husbandmen in sowing of their winter corne: and in the beginning of De∣cember came such a vehement frost continuing the space of twelue wéeks, that it destroied vp all the séed [line 50] almost that was sowne, by reason whereof small store of winter corne came to proofe in the summer following: but though there was no plentie, yet all kinds of graine were sold at a reasonable price,* 2.147 through want of monie.

The Frenchmen by sea sore troubled the sea coasts of this realme, speciallie where the champion coun∣tries stretch towards the sea coasts. At Hastings in the feast of Corpus Christi,* 2.148 they burnt certeine fisher∣mens houses, and slue some of the inhabitants. Also [line 60] in the hauens about Deuonshire and Cornewall, and towards Bristow, they tooke and burnt certeine ships, killing the mariners that came to their hands, and in the Whitsun-wéeke they landed at Plim∣mouth, and burnt the more part of the towne: but Hugh Courtnie earle of Deuonshire, a man almost fourescore yeares of age,* 2.149 and other knights and men of the countrie came against these Frenchmen, slea∣ing such as came into their hands to the number of fiue hundred, as was estéemed, and chased the resi∣due. ¶ The Scots also about the same time did much hurt and great mischéefe to the Englishmen both by sea and land.* 2.150

* 2.151In the beginning of Iulie the lord William Dow∣glas, with a number of men of warre, returned from France home into England, and to him vpon his re∣turne the castell of Cowper was deliuered, with all the countrie thereabouts. After this, comming to the siege of S. Iohns towne, which the gouernour the earle of Murrey, the erle of March,* 2.152 Patrike de Dun∣barre, and other of the Scotish lords had besieged, at length it was surrendered by sir Thomas Uthred capiteine there of the English garison, departing in safetie home into England. Thrée daies before the feast of the Assumption of our ladie, there chanced in the night season such a mightie and sudden inunda∣tion of water at Newcastell vpon Tine,* 2.153 that it bare downe a péece of the towne wall, six perches in length, néere to a place called Walknow, where a hundred and twentie temporall men with diuerse préests and manie women were drowned and la∣mentablie perished.

But now to returne to the king, which all this while remained in Brabant. Ye haue heard how the citie of Cambrie held with the French king: wher∣fore the K. of England assembling togither a migh∣tie strong armie aswell of Englishmen as of the low countries of Dutchland, ment to besiege it, but first he sent the archbishop of Canturburie with the bishops of Lincolne and Durham vnto Arras, as commissioners from him to méet there with the archbishop of Rouen,* 2.154 and the bishops of Langres and Beauuais, appointed to come thither as com∣missioners from the French king, to treat with the Englishmen of a peace, but they could not a∣grée vpon anie conclusion, wherevpon king Ed∣ward, comming forward with his power,* 2.155 approa∣ched to Cambrie, and planted his siege round a∣bout it. But the bishop,* 2.156 not meaning to deliuer the citie vnto king Edward nor vnto anie other that should demand it to the behoofe of the emperour Ludouike of Bauiere, as then excommunicated of the pope, had receiued into the towne fiue thou∣sand Frenchmen, with the French kings eldest sonne,* 2.157 the duke of Normandie latelie returned out of Guien, and the lord Theobald Maruise,* 2.158 with cer∣teine companies of Sauoisins, so that the citie was so defended, that the king of England perceiuing he should but lose time, leuied his siege, and entred into France, pitching his field at a place called Flamin∣guerie.

In the meane time had the French king not onelie made himselfe strong by land, but also by sea,* 2.159 hauing sent foorth a strong nauie of ships and gallies towards the coasts of England, which arriuing at Southampton the mondaie after Michaelmas day,* 2.160 tooke and spoiled the towne, and the morrow after set fire vpon it in fiue places, so that a great part of it was burnt. Also thirteene sailes of the French fléet met with fiue English ships, and after a sore fight which continued nine houres, tooke two of those fiue being tall and goodlie ships, the one called the Ed∣ward, and the other the Christopher; the other thrée be∣ing smaller vessels,* 2.161 as two of them barks and the other a caruell escaped by their swiftnesse of sailing. There was slaine in that fight vpon both parts about the number of six hundred men.

The French king himselfe hearing that the king of England would inuade his realme, make his ge∣nerall assemblie of his armie at Peronne; and when he heard that he was entred France, he remooued towards him with his whole power, being at the point of an hundred thousand men,* 2.162 as in the French chronicle yee may read more at large. The king of England had not pas•• thréescore thousand in his ar∣mie at the most:* 2.163 but whilest he laie there vpon the borders of France, his people did much hurt, making roads abroad beyond the water of Some, burning

and spoiling abbies,* 2.164 towns, and villages, as Orignie, saint Benoit, Rib••mont in Thi••rasse, saint Gouan, Marle, and Cressie. Also the lord Beaumont of Hei∣nault burnt the towne of Guise, though his daugh∣ter was as then within the same towne wife vnto Lewes earle of Blois:* 2.165 his brother William earle of Heinault was latelie before deceassed,* 2.166 leauing the earledome to his sonne named also William, who continued with the king of England so long as he laie before Cambrie, & kept him within the bounds [line 10] of the empire, as though his allegiance had bound him to no lesse, but after the said king was passed the riuer of Lescault, otherwise called the Skell, and in Latine Scaldis, which diuideth the empire from the kingdome of France, he would no longer serue the king of England, but departed from him for feare to offend the French king, accounting that the matter perteined not now to the empire, but to the priuate quarell and businesse of the king of England: not∣withstanding his vncle the said sir Iohn like a faith∣full gentleman continued still in king Edward his [line 20] seruice.

* 2.167The two armies of England and France appro∣ched within foure miles togither, so that euerie man thought that there would sure haue béene battell be∣twixt them, as there had béene in deed, if the French king had béene willing; yet some saie, that he of him∣selfe was disposed thereto:* 2.168 but his councellors ad∣uised him to the contrarie, by reason of certeine signs and tokens which they misliked, as the starting of an hare amongst them, and such like. Also it was said [line 30] that Robert king of Naples being then come into France,* 2.169 whose knowledge in astronomie was knowne to be great, dissuaded the French king by his letters, that in no wise he should fight with the king of England, for he had vnderstanding by art of the heauenlie influences and disposition of the bo∣dies aboue, that if the French king fought with this Edward king of England, he should assuredlie b•• put to the worse. Whether this was the cause, or anie other, sure it is that the Frenchmen had no mind to [line 40] fight, so that these two mightie armies departed in sunder without battell, and the king of England re∣turned into Flanders,* 2.170 sorie in déed that he had not with him halfe the number that the French king had, yet in trust of the valiancie of his souldi••rs, chosen out of the pikedst men through England and all the low countrie on this side the Rhene, he ment verelie to haue incountered his enimies, if they had come forward.

* 2.171At his comming backe into Brabant, there was a [line 50] councell called at Brussels, where were present all those lords of the empire which had béene with him in that iournie, as the dukes of Brabant, Gelderland, and Gulike, the marques of Blankbourgh, the earle of Bergen, the lord Beaumont of Heinault other∣wise called sir Iohn de Heinault, the lord of Ualken∣bourgh, and manie others. Thither came also Iaques Arteueld chéefe gouernour of Flanders. Here in councell taken how the king of England might best [line 60] mainteine the wars which be had begun thus against the French king, he was aduised that he should in a∣nie wise require them of Flanders to aid him, and in his quarell to defie the French king, and to go with hi•• against the said French king, and if they would thus doo, then should he promise them to recouer and deliuer into their hands the towns of Lisle, Dowaie, and Bothon. The king of England, according to this aduise to him giuen, made such request to the Fle∣mings, who therevpon desires time to consult togi∣ther, what they might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ••nd finallie they de∣clared for answer, that they would gladlie so doo, but yet whereas they were bound by ••aith and oth, and in the summe of two millians of ••lorens in the popes chamber, not to make nor mooue any warre against the king of France, whosoeuer he were, on paine to lose that summe,* 2.172 and beside to run in the sentence of cursing, they besought him, that it might stand with his pleasure, to take vpon him the title and armes of France, as the same apperteined to him of right, and then would they obey him as rightfull K. of France, and require of him acquittances in discharge of their bonds, and he to pardon them thereof, as rightfull king of France.

The king of England, though he had iust cause to claime the crowne of France, in right of his mother queene Isabell, yet to take vpon him the name and armes of that realme, before he had made conquest of any part thereof, he thought it stood not with much reason: but yet after he had caused the matter to be throughlie debated amongst them of his councell, as well to satisfie the Flemings, as for other respects, he saw it should be the best waie that might be taken to the aduancement of his purpose.* 2.173 Then he answered the Flemings, that if they would sweare, and seale to this accord, and promise to mainteine his warre, he would be contented to fulfill their desire, and also he promised to get for them againe the townes of Lisle, Dowaie, and Be••hune.* 2.174 Herevpon was a day assigned to meet at Gant: the king came thither, and the most part of the said lords, and all the councellors of the good townes & places in Flanders were there assembled, and so all the foresaid matters were re∣hearsed, sworne, and sealed,* 2.175 and the armes of France were then quartered with those of England, and from thenceforth he tooke vpon him the name of king of France, in all his writings, proclamations, and commandements. This is noted by Christopher Ok∣land, where speaking of the mingling of the French and English armes, he saith amongst other things,

—vt haere•• Legitimus regni Celtarum,* 2.176 insignia gentis Ille suis immiscet a••r••x, quòd auunculus orbus Carolus è vita ad superas migrauerat oras, &c.

¶ Sith then that we be come to this place,* 2.177 it shall not be much amisse to rehearse somewhat of the right and title whereby king Edward did thus claime the crowne of France, hauing of purpose omitted to speake thereof, till now that he intituled himselfe with the name, & tooke vpon him to beare the armes also of France, vpon occasion before expressed.* 2.178 It is well knowne that Philip le Beau king of France had issue by his wife queene Ione three sons, Lewes surnamed Hutine, Philip le Long, and Charles le Beau: also two daughters, the one dieng in hir in∣fancie, and the other named Isabell liued, and was maried vnto Edward the second of that name king of England, who begot of hir this Edward the third, that made this claime. The thrée sonnes of the fore∣said Philip le Beau reigned ech after other, as kings of France. First after Philip the father,* 2.179 succéeded his eldest sonne Lewes H••tine, who had issue by his first wife Margaret, daughter to Robert duke of Burgogne, a daughter named Ione, the which was anon giuen in mariage vnto Lewes earle of Eu∣reux: but she liuing not long, died without issue. Hir father the said Lewes Hutine married after the de∣ceasse of his first wife, an other wife named Cle∣mence, daughter to Charles Martell, the father of K. Robert of Sicill, whom he left great with child when he died. The child being borne proued a son, & was na∣med Iohn, but liued not manie daies after. Then Philip the Long was admitted vnto the cro••••e of France,* 2.180 though manie stood in opinion that Ione the daughter of Lewes Hutine, which yet was aliue, ought to haue inherited the kingdome after hir fa∣ther: and namelie Odo duke of Burgogne, w••••le to the said Ione, was most earnest in that ma••ter, in fa∣uour

of his néece. But might ouercame right, so that he was constreined to be quiet. Philip le Long, after he had reigned fiue yeares, died also, and left no issue behind him. Then lastlie Charles le Beau tooke vpon him the kingdome,* 2.181 and the seuenth yeare after died, his wife big bellied, which shortlie after brought foorth a maiden named Blanch, shal streightwaies hasting to follow hir father, liued no while in this world. By this means then the bloud roiall in the heires male of Philip le Beau was extinguished in his sonne the [line 10] foresaid Charles le Beau, whereof the contention tooke beginning about the right to the crowne of France, betwixt the Frenchmen and Englishmen, which hangeth as yet vndecided till these our daies. For king Edward auerred that the kingdome of France apperteined vnto him as lawfull heire, bi∣cause that he alone was remaining of the kings stocke, and touched his mothers father Philip le Be∣au, in the next degree of consanguinitie, as he that was borne of his daughter Isabell. [line 20]

Therefore immediatlie after the deceasse of the said Charles le Beau, by ambassadours sent vnto the peeres of France, he published to them his right, requiring that they would admit him king accor∣ding therevnto:* 2.182 but his ambassadours could neuer be quietlie heard, and therefore returned home with∣out anie towardlie answer, which mooued him in the end to attempt the recouerie of his lawfull inheri∣tance by force, sith by law he could not preuaile, and now by aduise of his fréends to take vpon him both [line 30] the title and armes of France, to signifie to the world what right he had to the same.* 2.183 After that this league therefore was concluded with them of Flanders, and that king Edward had taken vpon him the name of king of France with the armes; the duke of Gel∣derland and Iaques van Arteueld went vnto all the good townes and iurisdictions of Flanders, to receiue their oths of fidelitie vnto king Edward, persuading with the people, that the supreme rule belonged vnto him, sauing to the townes their ancient lawes and li∣berties, [line 40] and to their earle his right of proprietie.

About the latter end of this thirteenth yeare of K. Edwards reigne,* 2.184 the mariners and sea-men of the cinque ports, getting them aboord into a number of small ships and balingers, well trimmed and ap∣pointed for the purpose, passed ouer to Bullongne, where they tooke land one day in a thicke foggie wea∣ther, and setting on the Base towne, they burnt nine∣teene gallies, foure great ships, and to the number of twentie smaller vessels, togither with their tackle [line 50] and furniture. They set fire also on the houses that stood néere to the water side, and namelie they burnt one great house, wherein laie such a number of oares, sailes, armour, and crossebowes, as might haue suf∣ficed to furnish so manie men as could be well aboord in ninetéene gallies. There were manie slaine on both parts in atchiuing this enterprise, but more of the Frenchmen than of the Englishmen. About the same time the quéene of England was deliuered of his fourth sonne in the towne of Gaunt, the which [line 60] was named Iohn, first created earle of Richmond, and after duke of Lancaster.* 2.185 He was borne about Christmasse, in the thirteenth yere of king Edwards reigne.

[year 1340] When king Edward had finished his businesse with the Flemings at Gaunt,* 2.186 he left his wife quéene Philip there still in that towne, and returned him∣selfe vnto Antwerpe, and shortlie after about the feast of Candlemasse tooke the sea, and came backe into England, to prouide for monie to mainteine his be∣gun warres. And herevpon about the time of Lent following,* 2.187 he called his high court of parlement at Westminster, in the which he asked of his commons towards his charges, for the recouerie of his right in France, the fift part of their mooueable goods,* 2.188 the customes of wools for two yeares to be paid afore∣hand, and the ninth sheafe of euerie mans corne. At length it was agreed,* 2.189 that the king should haue for euerie sacke of wooll fortie shillings, for euerie three hundred wooll fels fortie shillings, and for euerie last of leather fortie shillings, and for other merchandize after the rate; to begin at the feast of Easter, in this fouretéenth yeare of the kings reigne, and to indure till the feast of Pentecost then next following, and from that feast till the feast of Pentecost, then next insuing into one yeare: for which the king granted, that from the feast of Pentecost, which was then to come into one yeare, he nor his heires should not demand, assesse, nor take, nor suffer to be assessed or taken, more custome of a sacke of wooll of any Eng∣lishman, but halfe a marke, and vpon the wooll fels and leather the old former custome.

Beside this, the citizens and burgesses of cities and good townes, granted to giue the ninth part of all their goods; and the forren merchants and other not liuing of gaine, nor of bréeding cattell, nor of shéepe, should giue the fiftéenth part of all their goods lawfullie to the value: for the which he granted that as well now in time of warre as of peace, all mer∣chants, denizens and forreiners (those excepted that were of the enimies countries) might without let safelie come into the realme of England with their goods and merchandize, and safelie tarie, and likewise returne, paieng the customs, subsidies, and profits, resonable thereof due, so alwaies that the franchises and frée customs granted by him or his predecessours reasonablie to the citie of London, and other cities, burroughes, and townes, might alwaies to them be saued. Moreouer, there was granted vnto him the ninth sheafe, the ninth fléece, and ninth lambe, to be taken by two yeares next comming. And for the le∣uieng thereof, the lords of euerie shire through the land, were appointed to answer him, euerie one for the circuit within the which he dwelled. And bicause the king must néeds occupie much monie yer the re∣ceit of this subsidie could come to his hands, he boro∣wed in the meane time manie notable summes of diuerse cities, and particular persons of this land,* 2.190 a∣mongst the which he borrowed of the citie of Lon∣don 20000 marks, to be paied againe of the monie comming of the foresaid subsidie.

In the meane while, now that king Edward was come backe into England, the warres were hotlie pursued against his fréends, that had their lands néere to the borders of France, and namelie against sir Iohn de Heinault lord Beaumont, for the French men burned all his lands of Chimaie, except the for∣tresses, and tooke from thence a great preie.* 2.191 All the frontiers were full of men of warre, lodged within townes in garrison, as at Tournie, Mortaigne, S. Amond, Dowaie, Cambrie, and in other smaller fortresses. These men of warre late not idle, but were dooing oftentimes in Flanders, and sometime other∣where, neither was the countrie of Heinault spared, though the earle (as yee haue heard) did not onelie re∣fuse to serue the king of England against France, but also when the same king entred France, he resor∣ted to the French king, and serued him; yet by the suggestion of the bishop of Cambrie, who complai∣ned of the Hainniers, for the damages which they had doone him, the French garrisons of the frontiers thereabouts were commanded to make a road into that countrie, which they did,* 2.192 burning the towne of Asper, and brought from thence a great bootie. The earle of Heinault sore mooued therewith to haue his lands so spoiled and burnt, defied the French king,* 2.193 and ioining with his vncle the lord Beaumont, en∣tred with an armie into Thierasse, tooke & destroied

Aubenton,* 2.194 with Mawbert, Fonteine, Daubecuille, and diuerse other.

In this meane time the French king procured the pope to pronounce his cursse against the Flemings for their rebellion, and to suspend all diuine seruice that ought to be said in anie hallowed place,* 2.195 so that there were no priests to be found that would take vp∣on them to saie any diuine seruice: wherevpon the Flemings sent ouer into England certeine messen∣gers to giue notice to king Edward how they were [line 10] intreated, but he sent them word that he would bring at his comming ouer vnto them, priests that should saie masses and other seruice, whether the pope would or not, for he had priuilege so to doo. ¶ In Aprill, Wil∣liam Melton archbishop of Yorke departed this life, after whome variance rose in the election of a new gouernour to that church, so that two were elected, William la Zouch,* 2.196 and William Killesbie: but at length William la Zouch tooke place, being the 43 archbishop that had sit in that seat. ¶ The earles of [line 20] Salisburie and Suffolke,* 2.197 which were left in Flan∣ders by king Edward to helpe the Flemings, short∣lie after Ester, or (as other haue) in the time of Lent, were discomfited by the garrison of Lisle, and taken prisoners as they would haue passed by that towne, to haue ioined with Iaques Arteueld,* 2.198 meaning to besiege Tournie; but now by the taking of those two earles that enterprise was broken. The duke of Nor∣mandie with a great armie entered into Heinault, burning and wasting the countrie,* 2.199 euen to the gates [line 30] of Ualenciennes and Quesnoy. And thus were they occupied in those parts, whilest the king of England prepared himselfe with all diligence to returne into Flanders.

The French king being aduertised, that the king of England meant shortlie to returne into Flan∣ders with a great power,* 2.200 in purpose to inuade the realme of France on that side, assembled a nauie of foure hundred ships vnder the leading of three expert capteins of the warres by sea,* 2.201 as sir Hugh Kiriell, sir [line 40] Peter Bahuchet, and a Geneweis named Barbe Noir, appointing them to the coasts of Flanders to defend the king of England from landing there, if by any meanes they might. These three capteins or ad∣merals came and laie with their ships in the hauen of Sluise, for that it was supposed the king of England would arriue there, as his meaning was indeed, wherevpon when his men, ships, and prouisions were once readie in the moneth of Iune, he tooke the sea with two hundred saile, and directing his course to∣wards [line 50] Flanders,* 2.202 there came vnto him the lord Ro∣bert Morley, with the north nauie of England, so that then he had in all about three hundred saile, or (as other saie) two hundred and three score.

The French nauie laie betwixt Sluise and Blanc∣bergh,* 2.203 so that when the king of England approched, either part descried other, & therewith prepared them to battell. The king of England staied, till the sunne which at the first was in his face, came somewhat westward, and so had it vpon his backe, that it should [line 60] not hinder the sight of his people, and so therewith did set vpon his enimies with great manhood, who likewise verie stoutlie incountered him,* 2.204 by reason whereof insued a sore and deadlie fight betwixt them. The nauies on both sides were diuided into three bat∣tels. On the English part, the earles of Glocester, Northampton and Huntington,* 2.205 who was admerall of the fléet that belonged to the cinque ports, and the lord Robert Morley admerall of the northerne nauie had the guiding of the fore ward, bearing themselues right valiantlie, so that at length the Englishmen hauing the aduantage, not onlie of the sunne, but al∣so of the wind and tide, so fortunatlie, that the French fléet was driuen into the streights of the hauen, in such wise that neither the souldiers nor mariners could helpe themselues, in somuch that both heauen, sea, and wind, seemed all to haue conspired against the Frenchmen. And herewith manie ships of Flan∣ders ioining themselues with the English fleet,* 2.206 in the end the Frenchmen were vanquished, slaine and ta∣ken, their ships being also either taken, bowged, or broken.

When night was come vpon them, there were thirtie French ships,* 2.207 that yet had not entred the bat∣tell, the which sought by couert of the night to haue stolne awaie, and one of them being a mightie great vessell, called the Iames of Déepe,* 2.208 would haue taken awaie with hir a ship of Sandwich that belonged to the prior of Canturburie: but by the helpe of the earle of Huntington, after they had fought all the night till the next morning, the Englishmen at length pre∣uailed, and taking that great huge ship of Déepe, found in hir aboue foure hundred dead bodies. To conclude, verie few of the French ships escaped, ex∣cept some of their smaller vessels, and certeine gal∣lies with their admerall Barbenoir,* 2.209 who in the begin∣ning of the battell got foorth of the hauen, aduising the other capteins to doo the like, thereby to auoid the danger which they wilfullie imbraced. There died in this battell fought (as some write) on midsummer daie, in the yeare aforesaid, of Frenchmen to the number of 30000, of Englishmen about 4000,* 2.210 or (as other haue that liued in those daies) not past 400, a∣mongst whom there were foure knights of great no∣bilitie, as sir Thomas Monhermere, sir Thomas La∣timer, sir Iohn Boteler, and sir Thomas Poinings.

It is said also, that the king himselfe was hurt in the thigh. The two English ships that had béene ta∣ken the yéere before, the Edward and the Christopher, were recouered at this time, amongst other of the French ships that were taken there. ¶ Sir Peter Bahuchet was hanged vpon a crosse pole fastened to a mast of one of the ships. Through the wilfulnesse of this man, the Frenchmen receiued this losse (as the French chronicles report) bicause he kept the nauie so long within the hauen, till they were so inclosed by the Englishmen, that a great number of the French∣men could neuer come to strike stroke, nor to vse the shot of their artillerie, but to the hurt of their fellows. Howsoeuer it was, the Englishmen got a famous victorie, to the great comfort of themselues, and dis∣comfort of their aduersaries. ¶ The king of Eng∣land, after he had thus vanquished his enimies, re∣mained on the sea by the space of three daies, and then comming on land, went to Gant, where he was re∣ceiued of the queene with great ioy and gladnesse.

In this meane while had the duke of Normandie besieged the castell of Thuine Leuesques,* 2.211 néere to Cambrie, which was taken by sir Walter of Man∣nie, a lord of Heinault, at the first beginning of the warres, and euer since till that time kept to the king of England his vse. The earle of Heinault, who had beene of late both in England with king Edward, and also in Almaine with the emperour, to purchase their assistance for the defense of his countrie a∣gainst the inuasions of the Frenchmen, was now returned home, and meaning to rescue such as were besieged in Thuine, sent for succours into Flanders, and into Almaine, and in the meane time leuieng such power as he could make with his owne coun∣trie, came therewith to Ualenciennes, whither foorth∣with resorted vnto him the earle of Namure with two hundred speares, the duke of Brabant with six hundred, the duke of Gelderland, the earle of Ber∣gen, the lord of Ualkenburgh, and diuerse other, the which togither with the earle of Heinault went and lodged alongst by the riuer of Lestault ouer against the French host,* 2.212 which kept siege (as ye haue heard)

vnder the conduct of the duke of Normandie be∣fore Thuine Leuesques, that is situate vpon the same riuer.

There came also to the aid of the earle of Heinault Iaques Arteueld,* 2.213 with his three score thousand Fle∣mings. Now it was thought that they would haue fought yer they had departed in sunder, but they did not. For after it was knowne how the king of Eng∣land was arriued in Flanders, and had discomfited the French fléet, the duke of Brabant and others [line 10] thought good to breake vp their enterprise for that time, and to resort vnto the king of England, to vn∣derstand what his purpose was to doo. Neither were the Frenchmen hastie to giue battell, so that after the capteins of Thuine Leuesques, sir Richard Limo∣sin knight an Englishman,* 2.214 and two esquiers, bre∣thren to the erle of Namure, Iohn and Thierrie, had left their fortresse void, and were come ouer the ri∣uer by boats vnto the earle of Heinaults campe, the armies on both sides brake vp and departed, the [line 20] Frenchmen into France, and the other to Ualenci∣ennes,* 2.215 and from thence the princes and great lords drew to Gaunt, to welcome the king of England into the countrie, of whome they were right ioifullie receiued: and after they had communed togither of their affaires, it was appointed by the king, that they should meet him at Uillefort in Brabant at a daie prefixed, where he would be readie to consult with them about his proceedings in his warres against his aduersaries the Frenchmen. [line 30]

* 2.216At the day appointed, there came to Uillefort the dukes of Brabant, and Gelderland, the earle of Hei∣nault, Gulike, Namure, Blackenheim, Bergen, sir Robert Dartois earle of Richmond, the earle of Ualkenburgh, and Iaques Arteueld, with the other rulers of Flanders, and manie others. Here it was ordeined,* 2.217 that the countries of Flanders, Brabant, and Heinault, should be so vnited and knit in one corporation, that nothing should be doone amongst them in publike affaires, but by common consent, [line 40] and if anie warres were mooued against anie of them, then should the other be readie to aid them, a∣gainst whome anie such warre was mooued▪ and if vpon anie occasion anie discord rose betwixt them for anie matter, they should make an end of it a∣mongst themselues; and if they could not, then should they stand to the iudgement and arbitrement of the king of England, vnto whome they bound them∣selues by oth to kéepe this ordinance and agrée∣ment.

The French king being informed that the king [line 50] of England ment to laie siege vnto Tournie,* 2.218 as it was indeed deuised at this councell holden at Uille∣fort, tooke order for the furnishing thereof with men, munition, and vittels in most defensible wise. There were sent to that towne the best men of warre in all France, as the earle of Ewe constable of France, the yoong earle of Guines his sonne, the earle of Foiz and his brethren, the earle Amerie de Narbon, with manie other, hauing with them foure thousand [line 60] souldiers. Sir Godmar du Foie was there before as capteine of the towne, so that it was prouided of all things necessarie. Howbeit, the king of England (according as it was appointed at the councell hol∣den at Uillefort, about the feast of Marie Magdalen) departed from Gaunt, and came to Tournie, hauing with him seauen earles of his owne countrie, as Darbie, Penbroke, Hereford, Huntingdon, North∣ampton, Glocester, and Arundell, eight prelats, eight and twentie baronets,* 2.219 two hundred knights, foure thousand men of armes, and nine thousand archers, besides other footmen. He lodged at the gate called saint Martine, in the waie that is toward Lisle and Dowaie.

Anon after came the dukes of Brabant and Gel∣derland, the earle of Gulike, the marquesse of Blan∣queburgh, the marquesse of Musse, the earls of Ber∣gen, Sauines, and Heinault: also Iaques Arteueld, who brought with him about fortie thousand Fle∣mings.* 2.220 So that there was at this siege to the num∣ber of six score thousand men, as some writers af∣firme. There was also an other armie of Flemings, as of the townes of Ypres, Popringue, Furnes, Cassell, of the Chateleinie, & of Bergis, being to the number of fortie thousand, appointed to make warre against the Frenchmen that kept saint Omers, and other townes there on the frontiers of Arthois, which armie was led by the earle of Richmond, otherwise called the lord Robert Dartois, and by sir Henrie de Flanders,* 2.221 the which approching one day to saint O∣mers, were sharplie fought with; for within saint O∣mers at that time laie a strong power of French∣men with the duke of Burgoine, the earle of Armi∣nacke and others.

The Flemings were not willing to serue, for nei∣ther had they any trust in their capteine the said erle of Richmond, neither would they willinglie haue passed out of their owne confines, but onlie to defend the same from the inuasion of their enimies: yet through much persuasion, forward they went, diui∣ded into sundrie battels contrarie to their manner. The enimies perceiuing some aduantage,* 2.222 issued forth vpon them, and assailed them verie stoutlie, insomuch that the earle of Arminacke setting vpon them of Ypres, ouerthrew them, and chased them vnto a towne called Arques, which they had a little before set on fire and burned. An other companie of French∣men, skirmishing with them of Franks, Furnes, and Bergis, put them also to the worse. Contrarilie, those Frenchmen that encountered with the lord Robert Dartois, and them of Bruges whome he led,* 2.223 susteined great losse, and were beaten backe into the citie:* 2.224 the duke of Burgoine himselfe being in no small danger for a time, so sharpe the bickering was betwixt them, and the euent so variable. Wherefore it is notablie and fitlie said in this behalfe, that

—incerti fallax fiducia Martis.* 2.225

There be that write, that this fight continued from thrée of the clocke till euentide, and that the earle of Richmond was twise put to flight, for his people did leaue him in the plaine field: but at length by the ad∣uise of sir Thomas Uthred,* 2.226 whome the king of Eng∣land had appointed to attend the said earle, with ma∣nie Englishmen and archers, he assembled his peo∣ple eftsoones togither againe, and setting on his eni∣mies. Now when it was almost night, neere to the gates of saint Omers, he finallie ouercame them, where were slaine of the French part fiftéene barons and fourescore knights, beside a great number of o∣ther people. Diuerse also were slaine on the earle of Richmonds part at this last encounter, and among other an English knight, that bare armes escheeked siluer and gules.

Finallie, as the earle of Richmond returned to∣wards his campe, which laie in the vale of Cassell, he met with certeine Artesines and Frenchmen, which had béene chasing the other Flemings, and though it was late in the euening, that one could not take good view of an other, yet here they fought againe, and so diuerse of the Frenchmen were taken and killed, and amongst other that were caught, was a knight of Burgoine, named sir William de Nillie. But when the earle of Richmond and those that were with him came to the place where the campe laie, they found that all the residue of the Flemings were fled and gone. And when the said earle came to Cassell,* 2.227 the people were readie to haue slaine him, their for∣mer malice towards him being now much increased

with the euill successe of this passed enterprise, so that he was glad to get him thence, and to repaire vnto king Edward, that laie yet at the siege before Tour∣nie, during which siege manie proper feats of armes were doone betwixt those within and them without: for few daies passed without the atchiuing of some enterprise.

* 2.228Also the French king, hauing made his assemblie at Arras, and got thither a mightie host, as well out of the empire as of his owne subiects, came and lod∣ged [line 10] at the bridge of Bouuins, thrée leagues from Tournie. There were with him the king of Bohem, the duke of Lorreine, the bishop of Mentz, the earles of Bar, mount Belliard, & Sauoie, also the dukes of Burgogne and Burbone, with a great number of other earles and lords, so that the greatest puissance of all France was iudged to be there with the king. Whilest he laie incamped thus at Bouuins, and the king of England at Tournie, manie exploits were atchiued betwixt their people, who laie not idle, but [line 20] still rode abroad and oftentimes met, and then that part which was weakest paied for the others char∣ges, so that manie were slaine & taken on both sides as well of the nobilitie as other. Also diuerse townes were sacked and burned on the frontiers of France, during this siege at Tournie, namelie at the pursuit of the earle of Heinault, as Seclin, S. Amond, Or∣chies, Landas, and other.

* 2.229At length at the suit of the ladie Iane de Ualois, sister to the French king, and mother to the earle of [line 30] Heinault, trauelling still betwixt the parties to bring them vnto some accord, it was granted that either partie should send certeine sufficient persons to in∣treat of the matter, which should méet at a little chap∣pell, standing in the fields called Esplotin, and hereto also was a truce granted for thrée daies. For the English part were appointed the duke of Brabant, the bishop of Lincolne, the duke of Gelderland, the earle of Gulike, and sir Iohn de Heinault lord Beau∣mont. For the French part, the king of Bohem, [line 40] Charles erle of Alanson brother to the French king, the bishop of Liege, the earle of Flanders, and the earle of Arminacke: and the ladie of Ualois was still among them as a mediatrix, by whose meanes chéefelie they at length did agrée vpon a truce to in∣dure for a yeare betweene all parties and their men,* 2.230 and also betweene them that were in Scotland, in Gascoigne, and Poictou.

It was agréed also by these commissioners, that there should other commissioners of either part foure [line 50] or fiue meet at Arras at a daie appointed, and thither also should the pope send his legats, to treat of a per∣petuall peace and full agréement to be made betwixt the two kings of England and France. There was also consideration had of the Flemings,* 2.231 so that they were released of all such summes of monie as they were by any bonds indangered to paie by forfeiture, or otherwise, for any matter before that time vnto the crowne of France. Also they were released of the interdiction and cursse of the church,* 2.232 and then also [line 60] was their earle restored home. It was further accor∣ded,* 2.233 that the French king should restore vnto the king of England certeine townes and places in Guien, which in the beginning of these warres the earle of Alanson had taken from the Englishmen, as Penne in Agenois, and others. Also whereas the French king had seized the countie of Pontieu into his hands, which was the dower of quéene Isabell, the mother of king Edward, he should also restore the same vnto king Edward, to hold it as he did before.

Herevpon was the siege raised from Tournie, af∣ter it had continued there the space of ten wéekes and foure daies.* 2.234 They within stood in great danger for lacke of vittels to haue beene constreined to the sur∣rendring of the towne, if this truce had not béene con∣cluded, which caused the French king the sooner to a∣grée, in like case as the lacke of monie caused the king of England to take his truce, which otherwise (as was thought) he would not haue doone: so that by the violent constraint of necessitie they were forced thus to doo, against which there is no trieng of maiste∣ries, nor strugling to make it stoope and obeie: for

A necessitate omnia in seruitutem rediguntur.

After he had raised his siege he went to Gant, and thither came also the earle of Flanders being now restored home to his countrie,* 2.235 and made the king of England great cheare, feasting and banketting him right princelie, togither with the quéene. Finallie, af∣ter that king Edward had refreshed himselfe a while at Gant, he tooke a verie few with him,* 2.236 and ••ame in∣to Zealand; and there taking the seas to passe ouer into England, he was sore tossed by force of outragi∣ous stormes of wind and weather. Yet at length af∣ter thrée daies and thrée nights sailing,* 2.237 in the night of the feast of saint Andrew, he came on land at the tower of London about cocke-crowing, and with him the earle of Northampton, the lord Walter de Mannie, the lord Iohn Darcie, the sonne of the lord Iohn Beauchampe, Giles Beauchampe, with two chapleins that were his secretaries, sir William Killesbie, and sir Philip Weston, beside a few others.

After his arriuall he sent for the bishop of Chiche∣ster that was lord chancellor, for the bishop of Couen∣trie and Lichfield being lord treasuror, and for such of the iudges as were then in London. The lord chan∣cellor and the lord treasuror he streightwaies dischar∣ged of their offices,* 2.238 threatening to send them into Flanders, there to remaine as pledges for monie that he there owght, or if they refused to go thither, then to kéepe them prisoners in the towne. But when the bishop of Chichester declared to him the danger of the canon established against such as imprisoned bishops, he suffered them to depart: but the iudges, to wit, Iohn de Stonore, Richard de Willoughbie, William de Shareshull, and also Nicholas or (as o∣ther haue) Matthew de la Bech, who was before gar∣dian of his sonne, and lieutenant of the tower:* 2.239 also Iohn de Pultnie, and William de Poole merchants; and the chiefe clerkes of the chancerie, Iohn de saint Paule, Michaell de Wath, Henrie de Stretford, and Robert de Chikewell; and of the escheker, Iohn de Thorpe, and manie other, were committed to diuerse prisons, but yet bicause they were committed but onelie vpon commandement, they were within a while after deliuered.

The lord Wake was also committed, but shortlie after, he was deliuered to his great honor, as Wal∣singham writeth. Robert de Bourchier was made lord chancellor,* 2.240 and Richard de Sadington lord trea∣suror: all the shiriffes of shires, and other officers al∣so were remooued, and other put in their places, and iustices appointed in euerie shire, to inquire vpon the defaults of collectors and other officers, so that few or none escaped vnpunished, howsoeuer they had de∣meaned themselues, so streictlie those iustices procée∣ded in their commissions. The king indeed was sore offended with those whom he had put in trust to leuie monie, and to sée it conueied ouer to him into the low countrie, bicause that for want therof in time of néed, he was constreined to take truce with his aduersarie the French king, and leaue off his enterprise, which he was in good forwardnesse to haue gone through withall, if he had not béene disappointed of treasure which he had commanded to be sent ouer vnto him, which was not doone but kept backe, in whom soeuer the fault rested.

There were some of his secretaries, namelie, sir William Killesbie,* 2.241 which stirred him to take no

small displeasure against the archbishop of Cantur∣burie Iohn Stratford, who therevpon withdrew him into the priorie of Christes church at Canturburie, and there remaining for a season, wrote his mind to the king, exhorting him not to giue too light credit vnto such as should counsell him to haue those in con∣tempt that were faithfull and true to him,* 2.242 for in so dooing, he might happilie loose the loue and good will of his people. Neuertheles, he wished that he should trie out in whose hands the wools and monie remai∣ned, which were taken vp to his vse, and that vpon a [line 10] iust accompts had at their hands, it might appeare who were in fault, that he had not monie brought to him, whilest he laie at siege before Tournie, as he had appointed; and that when the truth was knowne, they that were in fault might be worthilie punished. And as for his owne cause, he signified, that he was readie to be tried by his péeres, sauing alwaies the state of holie church, and of his order, &c. Further, he besought the king, not to thinke euill of him, and of other good men, till the truth might be tried, for o∣therwise, [line 20] if iudgement should be pronounced, with∣out admitting the partie to come to his answere, as well the guiltlesse as the guiltie might be con∣demned.

The king neuerthelesse still offended towards the archbishop,* 2.243 caused Adam bishop of Winchester to indite a letter against him, directed from the king to the deane and chapiter of Paules, openlie to be publi∣shed by them: the effect whereof was, to burthen the archbishop with vnthankfulnesse, and forgetting of [line 30] his bounden duetie towards his souereigne lord and louing maister, namelie, in that where he promised the king to sée him throughlie furnished with monie, towards the maintenance of his warres: when it came to passe, none would be had, which turned not onelie to the hinderance of the kings whole procée∣dings, but also to his great discredit, and causing him to run greatlie in debt by interest, through borrow∣ing of monie, for the paiment of the wages of his men of warre, when through the archbishops negli∣gence, [line 40] who had the chéefe rule of the land, the collec∣tors and other officers slacked their duetie, whereby there was no monie sent ouer, according to that was appointed: and wheras now, since his comming ouer, he had sent to the archbishop to come vnto him, that by his information, he might the better learne who they were that neglected their duetie, he disobedient∣lie refused to come, pretending some feare of bodi∣lie harme, through the malice of some that were a∣bout the king. Wherevpon, when Rafe lord Stafford, [line 50] lord steward of the kings house, was sent with a safe conduct, for him to come in all safetie to the court, he flatlie made answer that he would not come, except in full parlement.

* 2.244Manie other misdemeanors was the archbishop charged with towards the king in that letter, as ma∣liciouslie slandering the king for vniust oppression of the people, confounding the cleargie, and greeuing the church with exactions, leuies of monie, tolles and ••allages. Therefore, sith he went about to slander the [line 60] kings roiall authoritie, to defame his seruants, to stirre rebellion among the people, and to withdraw the deuotion and loue of the earles, lords, and great men of the lan•• from the king: his highnesse decla∣red, that he meant to prouide for the integritie & pre∣seruation of his good name (whereof it is said trulie,

Dulcius est aere pretiosum nomen hab••re.)

and to meet with the archbishops malice. And here∣with diuerse things were rehersed to the archbishops reproch, which he should doo, procure, and suffer to be doone, by his euill and sinister counsell, whilest he had the rule of the realme in his hands vnder the king: wherein he had shewed himselfe not onelie an accep∣tor of gifts, but also of persons, in gratifieng diuerse that nothing had deserued sundrie waies foorth, and presuming to doo rashlie manie other things to the detriment of the kings roiall state, and hurt of his regall dignitie, and to no small damage of the peo∣ple, abusing the authoritie and office to him commit∣ted, so that if he persisted in his obstinate wilfulnesse, and rebellious contumacie, the king by those his let∣ters signified, that he meant to declare it more appa∣rantlie in due time and place, and therefore comman∣ded the said deane and chapiter of Paules, to publish all those things openlie, in places where they thought conuenient, according to their wisedome giuen to them by God, so as he might haue cause to commend therein their carefull diligence. ¶ This letter was dated at Westminster the tenth of Februarie, in the fifteenth yeare of his reigne ouer England, and se∣cond ouer France.

Where the Londoners would not permit the kings iustices to sit within the citie of London, contrarie to their liberties, the king appointed them to sit in the tower; and when they would not make anie answer there, a great tumult was raised by the commons of the citie, so that the iustices being in some perill (as they thought) feigned themselues to sit there till to∣wards Easter. Wherevpon, when the king could not get the names of them that raised the tumult, no o∣therwise but that they were certeine light persons of the common people, he at length pardoned the of∣fense. After this, those iustices neither sat in the tow∣er, nor elsewhere, of all that yeare.

In the quindene of Easter,* 2.245 the king held a par∣lement at London, in the which, the prelats, earls, ba∣rons, and commons, presented manie petitions;* 2.246 as to haue the great charter of liberties, and the charter of forrests dulie obserued, and that they which brake the same should be discharged of their offices, if they were the kings officers, and that the high officers of the king should be elected and chosen by their peeres in parlement. The king withstood these petitions a certeine time, yet at length he granted to some of them; but as concerning the election of his officers, he in no wise would consent, but yet he was conten∣ted that they should receiue an oth in parlement, to doo iustice to all men in their offices, &c. Upon which article and others, a statute was made and confir∣med with the kings seale.

In the meane while, the French king had with bribes woone Lewes of Bauaria,* 2.247 that named him∣selfe emperour, from further fauouring the king of England; in so much that, vnder a colourable pre∣tense of finding himselfe greeued, for that the king of England had without his knowledge taken truce with the French king, he reuoked the dignitie of be∣ing vicar in the empire, from the king of England, but yet signified to him, that where the French king had at his request put the matter in controuersie be∣twixt him and the king of England into his hands, to make an end thereof, if it so pleased the king of Eng∣land,* 2.248 that he should treat as an indifferent arbitrator betwixt them, he promised to doo his indeuour, so as he doubted not, but that by his means he should come to a good agréement in his cause, if he would f••llow his aduise. And to receiue answer hereof, he sent his letters by one Eberhard a chapleine of his, the reader of the ••riers heremits to S. Augustins or∣der, requesting the king of England to aduertise him by the same messenger, of his whole mind in that behalfe.

The king for answer, signified againe by his let∣ters to the emperour,* 2.249 that for the zeale which he had to make an accord betwixt him and his aduersarie Philip de Ualois, that named himselfe French king, he could not but much commend him, and for his part

he had euer wished, that some reasonable agreement might be had betwixt them: but sith his right to the realme of France was cléere and manifest inough, he purposed not to commit it by writing vnto the doubtfull iudgement or arbitrement of anie. And as concerning the agréement which the emperour had made with the French king, bicause (as he alledged) it was lawfull for him so to doo, sith without the em∣perors knowledge he had taken truce with the same French king, he said, if the circumstances were well considered, that matter could not minister any cause [line 10] to mooue him to such agreement: for if the emperour remembred, he had giuen to him libertie at all times to treat of peace, without making the emperour pri∣uie thereto (so that without his assent, he concluded not vpon any finall peace) which he protested that he neuer meant to doo, till he might haue his prouident aduise, counsell, and assent therevnto. And as concer∣ning the reuoking of the vicarship of the empire from him, he tooke it doone out of time; for it was pro∣mised, [line 20] that no such reuocation should be made, till he had obteined the whole realme of France, or at the least, the more part thereof. ¶ These in effect were the points of the kings letters of answer vnto the emperour. Dated at London the thirtenth of Iulie, in the second yeare of his reigne ouer France, and fiftéenth ouer England.

This yeare, about Midsummer, or somwhat before, at Gant in Flanders,* 2.250 died the lord Geffrey Scrope the kings iustice, and Henrie bishop of Lincolne, [line 30] two cheefe councellors to the king. The quéene after hir returne into England, was this yeare brought to bed in the tower of London of a daughter named Blanch, that died yoong, and was buried at West∣minster. ¶ In this meane while, during the warres betwixt France and England, the French king in fauour of Dauid king of Scotland, had sent men of warre into Scotland, vnder the conduct of sir Ar∣nold Dandreghen, who was after one of the mar∣shals of France, and the lord of Garrentiers, with o∣ther, [line 40] by whose comfort and helpe, the Scots that tooke part with king Dauid, did indeuor themselues to re∣couer out of the Englishmens hands, such castels and fortresses as they held within Scotland, as in the Scotish historie ye shall find mentioned, and how a∣bout this time, their king the foresaid Dauid retur∣ned foorth of France into Scotland by the French kings helpe, who hauing long before concluded a league with him, thought by his friendship to trouble the king of England so at home, that he should not be at great leisure to inuade him in France. [line 50]

But now to tell you what chanced of the méeting appointed at Arras.* 2.251 For the cōmissioners that shuld there treat of the peace, when the day assigned of their meeting was come, there arriued for the king of England the bishop of Lincolne, the bishop of Du∣resme, the earle of Warwike, the erle of Richmond, sir Robert Dartois, sir Iohn of Heinault, otherwise called lord Beaumont, and sir Henrie of Flanders. For the French king, there came the earle of Alan∣son, the duke of Burbon, the earle of Flanders, the [line 60] earle of Blois, the archbishop of Sens, the bishop of Beauuois, and the bishop of Aurerre. The pope sent thither two cardinals, Naples and Cleremont; these commissioners were in treatie fiftéene daies,* 2.252 during the which, manie matters were put forth and argued, but none concluded: for the Englishmen demanded largelie, and the Frenchmen would depart with no∣thing, sauing with the countie of Pontieu, the which was giuen with quéene▪ Isabell in marriage to the king of England. So the treatie brake, the commis∣sioners departed, and nothing doone, but onelie that the truce was prolonged for two yeares further.

Thus were the wars partlie appeased in some part of France, but yet was the truce but slenderlie kept in other parts, by reason of the duke of Britaine. For whereas contention arose betwixt one Charles de Blois, and Iohn earle of Mountfort,* 2.253 about the right to the duchie of Britaine, as in the historie of France maie more plainelie appeare; the earle of Mount∣fort, thinking that he had wrong offered him at the French kings hands, who fauoured his aduersarie Charles de Blois, alied himselfe with the king of England. And (as some write) after he had woone di∣uerse cities and townes within Britaine, he came o∣uer into England, and by doing homage to king Ed∣ward, acknowledged to hold it of him, as of the soue∣reigne lord thereof, so that he would promise to de∣fend him and that duchie against his aduersaries: which the king promised him to doo. After this, the French king made such warres against this earle of Mountfort, that he was at length taken prisoner in the towne of Naunts, and committed to safe kéeping within the castell of Loure at Paris. But his wife be∣ing a stout woman, and of a manlie courage, stood vp in the quarrell of hir husband, and presented a yoong sonne which she had by him, vnto such capteins and men of warre as serued hir husband, requiring them not to be dismaid with the infortunate chance of hir husbands taking; but rather like men of good sto∣machs, to stand in defense of his right, sith whatsoeuer happened to him, the same remained in that yoong gentleman his sonne: meaning that although the e∣nimies should deale tyrannicallie with him, & with∣out regard of his noblenesse practise his ouerthrow; yet there was hope in hir son, as increase of yeares should minister strength and courage, both to be re∣uenged on his fathers enimies, and to ad an inlarge∣ment of glorie and renowne to his present honor by practises of his prowesse: which to be singular the séemelie symmetrie or goodlie proportion of his per∣son and his iolie countenance séemed to testifie; for

Fortes creantur fortibus,* 2.254 & bonis▪ Est in iuuencis, est in equis patrum Virtus; nec imbellem feroces Progenerant aquilae columbam.

This countesse of Mountfort was sister vnto Lewes earle of Flanders, and named Margaret,* 2.255 and not Claudia (as some write.) She was verie diligent in hir businesse, and spared no trauell to aduance hir cause, so that she wan not onelie the harts of the men of warre, but also of the people of Britaine, the which fauoured hir husband, and lamented the mishap of his taking. She first furnished such cities, townes,* 2.256 castels, and fortresses as hir husband had in possessi∣on, with men, munition and vittels, as Renes, Di∣naunt, Guerand, Hanibout, and others. This doone, she sent ouer into England, sir Emerie de Clisson, a noble man of Britaine, to require the king of Eng∣land of succors, with condition, that if it pleased him, hir sonne Iohn should marrie one of his daughters. ¶ The king of England glad to haue such an entrie into France, as by Britaine, thought not to refuse the offer, & therevpon granted to aid the countesse: & foorthwith raising a power, sent the same ouer into Britaine, vnder the conduct of the lord Walter of Mannie, and others: the which at length, after they had continued long vpon the sea, by reason of contra∣rie winds, arriued in Britaine; in which meane time, a great armie of Frenchmen were entred into Bri∣taine▪ and had besieged the citie of Reues, and finallie woone it by surrender, & were now before the towne of Hanibout, which with streict siege, and sore brusing of the walles, they were néere at point to haue taken, and the countesse of Mountfort within it▪ If the suc∣cours of England had not arriued there, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at such time as the Frenchmen were in talke with them within, about the surrender. But after that the Eng∣lish

fleet was seene to approch, the treatie was soone broken off, for they within had no lust then to talke anie further of the matter.

The lord of Mannie, and the Englishmen arri∣uing at Hanibout thus in time of imminent danger,* 2.257 wherein the countesse, and the other within that towne were presentlie beset, greatlie recomforted the said countesse, as she well shewed by hir cheere∣full countenance in receiuing them.* 2.258 Shortlie after their arriuall, a certeine number of the English ar∣chers, [line 10] issuing foorth, beat the Frenchmen from an engine which they had reared against the walles, and set fire vpon the same engine. To conclude, the Frenchmen liked the Englishmen so well, that shortlie after being wearie of their companie, they raised their siege to get themselues further from them: and in an other part of the countrie indeuou∣red themselues to win townes and castels as they did indéed, hauing their armie diuided into two parts, the lord Charles de Blois gouerning the one [line 20] part,* 2.259 and a Spaniard called the lord Lewes de Spaine the other (which was the same that thus de∣parted from the siege of Hanibout, after the arriuall of the Englishmen) and then winning the townes of Dinant and Guerand, passed into the countrie of Britaine Britonant,* 2.260 and there not farre from Quin∣percorentine, were discomfited by the Englishmen, who followed them thither. Of six thousand Geno∣waies, Spaniards, and Frenchmen, which the lord Lewes of Spaine had there with him, there escaped [line 30] but a few awaie. A nephue which he had there with him named Alfonse was slaine, howbeit he himselfe escaped, though not without sore hurts.

* 2.261This yeare, the fift of Iune queene Philip was deliuered of a sonne at the towne of Langley, the which was named Edmund, and surnamed Langley of the place where he was thus borne. Also about the same time was a great iustes kept by king Edward at the towne of Dunstable, with other counterfeited feats of warre, at the request of diuerse yoong lords [line 40] and gentlemen, whereat both the king and queene were present, with the more part of the lords and la∣dies of the land. ¶ The lord Charles de Blois, hauing in the meane time woone Uannes, and other towns, brought his armie backe vnto Hanibout,* 2.262 and eft∣soones besieged the same, and the countesse of Mount∣fort within it. But for so much as it was well fortifi∣ed, and prouided of all things necessarie to defend a siege, the Englishmen being returned thither againe after the ouerthrow of the lord Lewes de Spaine,* 2.263 it [line 50] could not be easilie woone. At length, by the labour of certeine lords of Britaine,* 2.264 a truce was taken for a time, during the which, the countesse of Richmond came ouer into England, to commune with king Edward, touching the affaires of Britaine, who ap∣pointed sir Robert Dartois earle of Richmond, the earles of Salisburie, Penbroke, and Suffolke, the lords Stafford, Spenser, and Bourchier, with others, to go with hir ouer into Britaine, who made their prouision, so that they might take the sea, to come [line 60] thither against the time that the truce betwixt the countesse and the lord Charles de Blois should be expired.

* 2.265There be that write, how the lord Walter de Man∣nie, tooke a truce indéed with the lord Charles de Blois, to indure till Alhallontide next insuing, but with condition, that if the king of England were contented therewith, then the same to be firme and fullie ratified, otherwise not. Whervpon, when about the beginning of Iulie, the said lord Walter came o∣uer into England, bringing with him the lord of Li∣ons, and other such prisoners as he had taken, and sig∣nified to king Edward what he had concluded tou∣ching the truce, the king liked not thereof, and so sent ouer the earles of Northampton and Deuonshire, the lord Stafford,* 2.266 and sir William de Killesbie his chapleine, and one of his secretaries, with fiue hun∣dred men of armes, and a thousand archers, which ta∣king ship, on the vigill of th'Assumption of our ladie, sa••led foorth towards Britaine. The Frenchmen ther∣fore vnderstanding that this succour was comming, appointed the lord Lewes of Spaine, sir Charles Grimaldo, and sir Antonie Doria,* 2.267 with three thou∣sand Genowaies, and a thousand men of armes, im∣barked in two and thirtie great ships, to lie on the sea in wait to incounter with the English fleet, as the same should approch towards Britaine.

About Easter, the countesse of Mountford with the English armie, appointed to attend hir, tooke the sea at Southampton,* 2.268 and at length met with the lord Lewes of Spaine, and his fléet, where betwixt them was fought a sore battell. Of the Englishmen there were six and fortie vessels, but the lord Lewes of Spaine had nine great ships, and of more force than anie of those which the Englishmen had, and also he had thrée gallies. They began to fight about euen∣song time, and continued till that night parted them, and had gone togither againe in the morning, if by a tempest that rose about midnight, the same night, they had not béene scattered in sunder. The Spani∣ards and Genowaies tooke awaie with them foure English ships, which being vittellers, were left be∣hind. And bicause the same Spaniards and Geno∣waies were able to abide the sea better than the Englishmen, by reason of their great ships, they kept the maine sea; but the Englishmen were adui∣sed by their mariners to drawe vnto the land, and so they did, arriuing at a little hauen, not farre from Uannes, where comming on land, they streightwaie made towards that citie, and besieged it,* 2.269 not ceassing to assault it both day and night, till at length they wan it, by giuing the assault in two places at once, whilest an other number of them set vpon it in a third place, where was no suspicion, and so entred.

After this, the most part of the Englishmen de∣parted from Uannes, as some with the countesse, to bring hir vnto Hanibout, and some with the earls of Salisburie, Suffolke, and Cornewall, who went and laid siege to Rennes, so that the earle of Richmond remained in Uannes, with the lords Spenser and Stafford, to keepe it, hauing a certeine number of archers and other men of warre with them. The lord Clisson, and sir Henrie de Leon, which were within Uannes, when it was taken by the Englishmen, and found means to escape, were abashed at the ma••ter, that they had so lost the citie, wherevpon they secret∣lie assembled a great power of men thereabouts, and came againe vnto Uannes, and so fiercelie assai∣led the gates and wals, that in the end they entred by more force. The earle of Richmond was sore hurt, but yet he escaped out at a posterne gate, and the lord Stafford with him, but the lord Spenser was taken by sir Henrie de Leon.

Other write otherwise, both of the landing, and also concerning the misfortune of the lord Spenser,* 2.270 alledging letters sent from the earle of Northamp∣ton (whome the same authors repute as generall of that armie into Britaine) directed to the king, in which was signified, how that within the octaues of the Assumption of our ladie, they ariued on the coast of Britaine, néere to the towne and castell of Brest, in the which the dutchesse of Britaine with hir chil∣dren were of the enimies besieged, both by sea and land, by sea with thirtéene great gallies, by land by the lord Charles de Blois, the earls of Sauoie and Foiz. But the gallies perceiuing the English fleet to be approched vpon them, yer they were aware, so that they were compassed in, to their great danger, thrée

of the same gallies fled, and so escaped, the residue got vp into a riuer of the same hauen, where they that were aboord, left their vessels and fled to the land, and as well they, as the other that held siege before Brest and such as kept a castell there, not farre off, called Goule forrest, packed awaie without anie more adoo. The English mariners following the gallies (that were withdrawn vp the riuer) with their small boats and barges, set fire on the gallies, and so burnt them.

Thus all the Englishmen came on land, and lea∣ning the lord Saie capteine in the said castell of [line 10] Goule forrest, they passe forward into the countrie, and comming to a castell commonlie called Mon∣sieur Relix, gaue an assault thereto, where manie of their men of warre were wounded, and sir Iames Louell slaine. After this, staieng a time for the com∣ming of their confederats, which after a fortnights space came to them on the mondaie, being the mor∣row after Michaelmas daie, they heard that the lords Charles de Blois was comming in all hast with a power of thrée thousand men of armes, twelue hun∣dred [line 20] Genowaies, & a great multitude of commons to raise the siege. Whervpon the earle of Northamp∣ton with his armie marched softlie towards them, and choosing a plot of ground conuenient for his pur∣pose, fought with his enimies, slue and tooke of them at the least thrée hundred men of armes. The earle of Northampton lost not any noble man in this fight, the lord Edward Spenser onelie excepted.

But now as touching the earle of Richmont, Frois∣sard saith, that he comming to Hanibout, after he [line 30] had thus lost Uannes, tooke the sea, and sailed into England: but by reason of being tossed on the seas, his wounds rankled so, that shortlie after his com∣ming to London he died, & was buried in the church of S. Paule. The king of England was sore displea∣sed with his death,* 2.271 and immediatlie after passed ouer himselfe into Britaine with a great armie: and lan∣ding there the nine and twentith of Nouember, at the same place where the earle of Richmond did land [line 40] at his arriuall there, not far from Uannes, he went straight and besieged Uannes,* 2.272 but perceiuing that it would not be woone but by long siege, he left the earle of Arundell, and the lord Stafford to continue the siege, whilest he went to Rennes to aid his people, which still laie at the siege thereof. Before the kings arriuall in Britaine, those that were there vnder the earle of Northampton,* 2.273 as the lord Hugh Spenser, and the lord Richard Talbot, with their retinues, fought with the Frenchmen neere to Morleis, where [line 50] a few Englishmen, scarse fiue hundred, discomfited a mightie power of Frenchmen, estéemed to be aboue fiftie thousand,* 2.274 of whome some they slue, and some they tooke. Among other was taken the lord Geffrey de Charnie, accompted for one of the best and sagest knights in France, whome the lord Richard Talbot tooke and sent into England.

But now as touching the kings dooings, we find, that whilest he remained for this winter season in Britaine, his people forraied the countrie foure [line 60] daies iournie in length, and two daies iournie in bredth. After his comming to Rennes, he staied not past fiue daies, but leauing them whome he found there to continue the siege, he went himselfe to Naunts, where he had knowledge, that the lord Charles de Blois was. At his comming thither, he inuironed the citie about with a strong siege, & made manie fierce assaults to the walles and gates, but could not preuaile, then leauing certeine of his lords there to continue the siege,* 2.275 he raised with the residue, and went to Dinan, which towne with sore and fierce assaults he lastlie woone, and after that drew againe towards Uannes, for that he was informed, how the duke of Normandie was comming downe towards him, with an armie of fortie thousand men. Herevp∣on he sent for them that laie at siege before Naunts to come vnto him, and suffered them at Rennes to kéepe their siege still, till they heard other word from him.

The duke of Normandie with foure thousand men of armes, and thirtie thousand other men of warre, comming into Britaine to aid the lord Charles of Blois, was aduertised,* 2.276 that the king of England was with the most part of all his power withdrawen to Uannes, and there laie at siege, sore constreining them within: wherefore he also drew thitherwards, and approching to the place, incamped with his armie ouer against the king of England, inclosing his field with a great trench. The king of England supposing he should haue battell, sent vnto those which laie at siege before Rennes, commanding them to come from thence vnto him: so that by this meanes all the powers, both of the king of England, and of the duke of Normandie, generall to his father the French king in those warres of Britaine, being assembled before Uannes, had fought some great and bloudie battell, as was supposed, for the whole triall of the right of Britaine, if the cardinals of Cleremont and Prenesti, as legats from pope Clement the sixt, had not taken vp the matter, by concluding a truce be∣twixt them, for the tearme of three yeares.

Commissioners appointed to treat with these ca••∣dinals,* 2.277 on the behalfe of the king of England were these, Henrie of Lancaster earle of Derbie, Wil∣liam Bohun earle of Northampton, William Mon∣tacute earle of Salisburie, Rafe lord Stafford, Bar∣tholomew lord Burghese, Nicholas lord Cantelow, Reginald lord Cobham, Walter lord of Mannie, Maurice lord Berkeley, and maister Iohn Ufford archdeacon of Elie. For the French king, Odo duke of Burgogne,* 2.278 and Piers duke of Burbon were de∣puted commissioners. Such diligence was vsed by the parties, that finallie they agréed vpon this truce of thrée yeares, [year 1343] with certeine articles for meane to conclude some finall peace,* 2.279 as that there should be sent from either king some personages of their bloud and others, vnto the court of Rome, with sufficient authoritie, to agree, confirme, and establish vpon all controuersies and dissentions betwixt the said kings, according to the agreement of the pope, and such as should be so sent to treat thereof.

It was further agréed, that they should haue liber∣tie to declare and pronounce their arguments and reasons before the pope, but not to haue power to de∣cide and giue sentence, but onlie by waie of some bet∣ter treatie and order of agréement to be made. And these commissioners were appointed to appeare be∣fore the pope, afore the feast of saint Iohn Baptist next insuing, and the pope to dispatch the businesse be∣fore Christmasse after, if by consent of the said no∣bles, the terme were not proroged. And if it so were that the pope could make no agréement, yet should the truce indure the prefixed terme, to wit, till the feast of S. Michaell the archangell,* 2.280 and for the space of thrée yeares then next insuing, betwixt the kings of France, England and Scotland, the earle of Hei∣nault and their alies, as the dukes of Brabant, and of Gelderland, also the marques of Gullikerland, the lord Beaumont, otherwise called sir Iohn de Hei∣nault, and the people of Flanders, in all their lands and dominions, from the date of the charter made hereof, by all the said terme aforesaid, to be obserued, holden and kept. Also, the king of Scots, and the earle of Heinault were appointed to send certeine persons, as commissioners for them, vnto the said court of Rome.

This truce was also accorded to be kept in Bri∣taine, betwixt the said kings and their adherents, in

which countrie, as well as in Guien, and other pla∣ces, euerie man should remaine in possession of that which he held at the time of concluding this truce, saue that the citie of Uannes should be deliuered in∣to the hands of the cardinall, to be kept by them in the popes name, during the truce, and then to dispose thereof, as should séeme to them good. Manie other articles were comprised in the charter of this truce, too long héere to rehearse, all the which were confir∣med with the oths of the said dukes of Burgoigne, [line 10] and Burbone, on the French kings behalfe; and of the earles of Derbie, Northampton and Salisburie, the lord Burghersts, and the lord of Mannie, for the king of England. In witnesse whereof, the said car∣dinals caused the charter to be made, putting there∣vnto their seales, the ninetéenth daie of Ianuarie, in the yeare 1343 in presence of diuerse prelats, and of the earles of Bullongne, Ausserre, Sancerre, Iu∣ignie, and Porcien, the lord Miles de Nohers, the lord Ingram de Coucie, and the foresaid lords, Can∣telowe, [line 20] Cobham, and Berkeley, with manie other lords, barons, nobles, and gentlemen.

When this truce was thus confirmed, manie of the English armie returned home through France,* 2.281 so to passe ouer by the narrow seas into England, but the king himselfe,* 2.282 with a few other, taking their ships to passe by long seas, were maruellouslie tor∣mented by tempest, so that their ships were scattered and driuen to take land at diuerse hauens. The dut∣chesse of Britaine with hir sonne and daughter, came [line 30] on land in Deuonshire. Sir Peers de Ueele, and his sonne sir Henrie Uéele, and sir Iohn Raine knights, were drowned,* 2.283 togither with the ship in which they passed. The king escaping verie hardlie, landed at Weimouth, and on the fift day of March came to London to the queene. In the quindene of Easter, he held a parlement at Westminster,* 2.284 in which he created his eldest sonne Edward prince of Wales. In this parlement were diuerse matters talked of, and speciallie concerning wools, and of the assesse∣ment of a certeine price of them, more and lesse, ac∣cording [line 40] to the seuerall parts of the realme, and of the customes to be made of them, to wit, thrée marks and an halfe, for euerie sacke to be transported foorth of the realme.

* 2.285Also in the same parlement were ambassadors appointed foorth, such as should go to the pope to treat of peace (as in the charter of the truce among other articles it was conteined) whose names follow, Iohn bishop of Excester, Henrie de Lancaster earle of Derbie, Hugh le Dispenser lord of Glamorgan, [line 50] cousins to the king; Rafe lord Stafford, William de Norwich deane of Lincolne, William Trussell knight, and master Andrew de Ufford a ciuillian. These persons were sent with commission to the pope, to treat with him, not as pope, nor as iudge, but as a priuat person, and a common fréend to both parts, to be a meane or mediator, to find out some in∣different end of all controuersie betwixt the parties. The date of their commission was at Westminster, the foure and twentith of Maie, in this seauenteenth [line 60] yeare of the kings reigne.

Moreouer, in this parlement a gréeuous com∣plaint was exhibited, by the earles, barons, knights, burgesses, and other of the commons, for that stran∣gers, by vertue of reseruations and prouisions apo∣stolike, got the best benefices of this land into their hands, and neuer came at them, nor bare any charges due for the same, but diminishing the treasure of the realme, and conueieng it foorth, sore indamaged the whole state. The bishops durst not, or would not giue their consents in exhibiting this complaint, but ra∣ther seemed to stand against it, till the king compelled them to giue ouer.

Herevpon, a letter was framed by the lords of the temporaltie and commons, which they directed vnto the pope in all humble manner, beseeching him to consider of the derogation doone to the realme of England, by such reseruations, prouisions, and colla∣tions of benefices, as had béen practised here in Eng∣land. And therefore, sith the churches of England had béene founded and endowed by noble and worthie men in times past, to the end the people might be in∣structed by such as were of their owne language, and that he being so farre off, and not vnderstanding the default, had (like as some of his predecessors more than in times past had beene accustomed) granted by diuerse reseruations, prouisions, and collations, the churches and spirituall promotions of this land vnto diuerse persons, some strangers, yea, and enimies to the realme, whereby the monie and profits were car∣ried foorth, the cures not prouided for, almes with∣drawne, hospitalitie decaied, the temples and other buildings belonging to the churches ruinated and fallen downe, the charitie and deuotion of the people sore diminished, and diuerse other gréeuous enormi∣ties thereby growne cleane contrarie to the foun∣ders minds: wherefore, vpon due consideration ther∣of had, they signified to him, that they could not suf∣fer such enormities any longer, & therefore besought him wholie to reuoke such reseruations, prouisions, collations, to auoid such slanders, mischeefes, and harmes as might insue, and that the cures might therewith be committed to persons méet for the ex∣ercise of the same: further also, beseeching him with∣out delaie, to signifie his intention, sith they meant to imploie their diligence to remedie the matter, and to see that redresse might be had according to reason. The date of these letters was in full parlement at Westminster, the eight and twentith of Maie, in the yeare of Grace 1343.

Beside these letters, were other written, and sent from the king, conteining in summe,* 2.286 the tenor of the other aboue mentioned, and one sir Iohn Shordich, knight a graue personage and well seene in the law, was appointed to go with the same, who comming to Auignion, and there presenting his letters in the popes priuie chamber, where the pope sat, with all his cardinals about him, receiued no great courte∣ous welcome, after his letters were once read. And whie? Euen bicause the cōtents of the same misliked his mind, tending to the impairing of his vsurped profits & cōmodities from time to time in this land,

Ambitiosus enim sibi totum vendicat orbem, Se{que} (scelus) Christo clamitat esse parem.

Now when the knight made answer to such words as he heard the pope vtter,* 2.287 and charged him with gi∣uing the deanrie of Yorke vnto one that was re∣puted the kings enimie, the pope said;

Well, it is not vnknowne to vs who made and indited these let∣ters, and we know that thou madest them not, but there is one that pincheth at vs, and we shall punish him well inough: we know all. Herevnto he added thus much more, that there was a knight that spake defamous words of him, and the church of Rome, wherewith he séemed highlie offended. To conclude, he said, that he would answer the letters of the king and commons, as touching the points conteined in the same.

The cardinals, after they had heard these things, departed as if they had béene sore offended and troubled therewith: and the knight taking his leaue of the pope, departed also foorth of the chamber, and without anie longer abode, got him awaie to∣ward Burdeaux, about other of the kings businesse, doubting least if he had staied longer, he might haue béene kept there against his will. The pope sent an∣swer indéed, but neuerthelesse,* 2.288 the king procéeded in prohibiting such prouisions, and collations within

his realme, on paine of imprisonment and death to the intrudors thereby, as after ye shall perceiue.

* 2.289This yeare about Midsummer, there were solemne iusts proclaimed by the lord Robet Morley, which were holden in Smithféeld, where for challengers, came foorth one apparelled like to the pope, bringing with him twelue other in garments like to cardi∣nals, which tooke vpon them to answer all commers, for thrée courses. On the defendants side, ran the prince of Wales, with manie earls, barons knights [line 10] and esquires innumerable, so that those iusts conti∣nued thrée daies togither, to the great pleasure of the beholders. ¶ This yeare, king Edward ordeined a certeine new coine of gold,* 2.290 which he named the flo∣ren, that is, the penie of six shillings eight pence, the halfe penie of the value of three shillings foure pence, and the farthing of the value of twentie pence. This coine was ordeined for his wars in France, the gold whereof was not so fine as the noble, which in the fourtéenth yeare of his reigne he had caused [line 20] for to be coined.* 2.291 This yeare, the king caused a great number of artificers and labourers to be taken vp, whome he set in hand to build a chamber in the castell of Windsore, which was called the round table, the floore whereof, from the center or middle point, vnto the compasse throughout, the one halfe was (as Wal∣singham writeth) an hundred foot, and so the diameter or compasse round about, was two hundred foot. The expenses of this worke amounted by the weeke, first vnto an hundred pounds, but afterward by reason of [line 30] the wars that followed, the charges was diminished vnto two and twentie pounds the wéeke (as Thomas Walsingham writeth in his larger booke, intituled, the historie of England) or (as some copies haue) vn∣to 9 pounds.* 2.292 This yéere also, W. Montacute earle of Salisburie conquered the Ile of Man, out of the hands of the Scots, which Ile the king gaue vnto the said earle, and caused him to be intituled, and crow∣ned king of Man. ¶ This Ile (as Robert Southwell noteth) was woone by the Scots, about the second yeare of Edward the second his reigne, who in the [line 40] yeare before, to wit, anno Christi 1307, had giuen the same Ile vnto Péers de Gaueston, whom he had al∣so made earle of Cornewall.

Moreouer, about the beginning of this eightéenth yeare of his reigne, king Edward held a solemne feast at his castell of Windsore, where betwixt Can∣dlemasse and Lent, were atchiued manie martiall feats,* 2.293 and iusts, tornaments, and diuerse other the like warlike pastimes, at the which were present ma∣nie [line 50] strangers of other lands, and in the end thereof, he deuised the order of the garter, and after establi∣shed it, as it is at this daie. There are six and twentie companions or confrers of this felowship of that order,* 2.294 being called knights of the blew garter, & as one dieth or is depriued, an other is admitted into his place. The K. of England is euer chéefe of this order. They weare a blew robe or mantell, & a garter about their left leg, richlie wrought with gold and pretious stones, hauing this inscription in French vpon it, [line 60] Honi soit qui mal y pense, Shame come to him that e∣uill thinketh. This order is dedicated to S. George, as chéefe patrone of men of warre, and therefore euerie yeare doo the knights of this order kéepe so∣lemne his feast, with manie noble ceremonies at the castell of Windsore, where king Edward founded a colledge of canons, or rather augmenting the same, ordeined therein a deane with twelue canons secu∣lar, eight peticanons, and thirtéene vicars, thirteene clearks, and thirteene choristers.

The knights haue certeine lawes and rules apper∣teining to their order, amongst the which this is chéef∣lie to be obserued (as Polydor also notech) that they shall aid and defend one another, and neuer turne their backes or runne awaie out of the field in time of battell, where he is present with his souereigne lord, his lieutenant or deputie, or other capteine, ha∣uing the kings power roiall and authoritie, and wher∣as his banners, standards, or pennons are spred. The residue of the lawes and rules apperteining vnto this noble order, I doo here purposelie omit, for that the same in * 2.295 an other place more conuenient is ex∣pressed, so far as may be thought expedient. But now touching these six and twentie noble men & knights, which were first chosen and admitted into the same or∣der, by the first founder thereof, this king Edward the third, their names are as followeth.

First the said noble prince king Edward the third, the prince of Wales duke of Cornewall and earle of Chester his eldest sonne, Henrie duke of Lanca∣ster, the earle of Warwike, the capitall de Beuch aliàs Buz or B••ufe, Rafe earle of Stafford, William Montacute earle of Salisburie, Roger lord Morti∣mer, Iohn lord Lisle, Bartholomew lord Burwasch or Berghesech, the lord Iohn Beauchampe, the lord de Mahun, Hugh lord Courtnie, Thomas lord Ho∣land, Iohn lord Graie, Richard lord Fitz Simon, sir Miles Stapleton, sir Thomas Walle, sir Hugh Wrottesley, sir Néele Loring, sir Iohn Chandos, Iames lord Audelie, sir Otes Holand, sir Henrie Eme, sir Sanchet Dabrichcourt, sir Walter Pa∣nell. ¶ Christopher Okland speaking of the first insti∣tution of this honorable order, dooth saie,* 2.296 that after foure daies were expired in the said exercises of chi∣ualrie, the king besides the rich garter which he be∣stowed vpon them that tried maisteries, did also giue them a pretious collar of S S. but whether this collar had his first institution then with the garter he saith nothing, belike it was an ornament of greater anti∣quitie. Oklands words are these as followeth;

—concertatoribus ampla Praemia dat princeps, baccatas induit illis Crura periscelides, quas vnio mistus Eous Commendat, flammis interlucente pyropo. Praeterea ex auro puro, quod odorifer Indus Miserat, inserta donabat iaspide gemma, Si formam spectes duplicato ex sygmate torques.

¶ The cause and first originall of instituting this order is vncerteine.* 2.297 But there goeth a tale amongst the people, that it rose by this means. It chanced that K. Edward finding either the garter of the quéene, or of some * 2.298 ladie with whom he was in loue, being fallen from hir leg, stooped downe and tooke it vp, whereat diuerse of his nobles found matter to iest, and to talke their fansies merilie, touching the kings affection towards the woman, vnto whome he said, that if he liued, it should come so passe, that most high honor should be giuen vnto them for the garters sake: and there vpon shortlie after, he deuised and or∣deined this order of the garter, with such a posie, wher∣by he signified, that his nobles iudged otherwise of him than the truth was. Though some may thinke, that so noble an order had but a meane beginning, if this tale be true, yet manie honorable degrees of e∣states haue had their beginnings of more base and meane things, than of loue, which being orderlie vsed, is most noble and commendable, sith nobilitie it selfe is couered vnder loue, as the poet Ouid aptlie saith,

Nobilitas sub amore iacet.

William de Montacute earle of Salisburie king of Man, and marshall of England,* 2.299 was so brused at the iusts holden here at Windsore (as before ye haue heard) that he departed this life, the more was the pi∣tie, within eight daies after. ¶ The king about the same time, to wit, in the quindene of Candlemasse, held a councell at London, in the which with good ad∣uise and sound deliberation had vpon the complaint of the commons to him before time made, he gaue

out streict commandement, that no man, on paine of imprisonment and death, should in time to come, present or induct anie such person or persons, that were so by the pope promoted, without the kings a∣greement, in preiudice of his roiall prerogatiue. Héerevpon, he directed also writs to all archbishops, bishops, abbats, priors, deanes, archdeacons, officials and other ecclesiasticall persons, to whome it apper∣teined, inhibiting them in no wise to attempt anie thing in preiudice of that ordinance, vnder pretext of anie bulles, or other writings, for such manner of [line 10] prouisions to come from the court of Rome. Other writs were also directed to his sonne the prince of Wales, and to all the shiriffes within the realme, for to arrest all such as brought into the land any such buls or writings, and to bring them before the kings councell or his iustices, where they might be punished according to the trespasse by them committed.

About the same time, the king ordeined a certeine coine of fine gold, and named it the floren, which [line 20] coine was deuised for his warres in France, for the gold thereof was not so fine as was the noble, which in the fourtéenth yeare he had caused to be coined: but this coine continued not long. ¶ After the feast of the holie Trinitie, the king held a parlement at London, in the which he asked a tenth of the cleargie, and a fiftéenth of the laitie, about which demand there was no small altercation, but at length he had it granted for one yeare. ¶ At the same time, the archbi∣shop of Canturburie held a conuocation of all the cleargie at London, in the which manie things were [line 30] in talke about the honest demeanor of churchmen, which sildome is obserued, as the addition to Nicho∣las Triuet saith.* 2.300 About the feast of the Assumption of our ladie, the king disanulled the florens, to the great commoditie of his kingdome, ordeining a greater floren of halfe a marke, and a lesser of thrée shillings foure pence, and the least of all of twentie pence, and these were called nobles, and not without cause, for they were a noble coine, of faire & fine gold.

This yeare, on the seauentéenth daie of Nouem∣ber, [line 40] the pope in Auinion created the lord Lewes de Spaine, ambassador for the French king, prince of the Iles called Fortunatae, for what purpose it was not knowne, but it was doubted, not to be for anie good meaning towards the kingdome of England, the prosperitie whereof, the same pope was suspected not greatlie to wish. ¶ About the beginning of Lent the same yeare,* 2.301 the said pope had sent an arch∣bishop and a bishop, ambassadors to the king, who met them at Ospring in Kent, and to the end they [line 50] should not linger long within the realme, he quick∣lie dispatched them without effect of their message. ¶ This yeare, shortlie after Easter, the duke of Bri∣taine, that had beene deteined prisoner by the French king, and escaped out of prison, came ouer into England. ¶And about the same time, the king ordeined the exchange of monies at London, Can∣turburie, and Yorke, to the great commoditie of his people. [line 60]

About Midsummer, or (as other haue) Michaelmas, the earle of Derbie,* 2.302 with the earle of Penbroke, the lord Rafe Stafford, the lord Walter de Mannie, the lord Iohn Graie of Codnore, and diuerse other lords, knights,* 2.303 and esquires, to the number of fiue or six hundred men of armes, and as manie archers, sailed ouer into Gascoine, to assist the kings subiects there against the Frenchmen. This earle of Derbie, being generall of the armie, after his arriuall in Gascoine, about the beginning of December, wan the towne of Bergerat by force,* 2.304 hauing put to flight the earle of Lisle, as then the French kings lieutenant in Gascoine, who laie there with a great power, to de∣fend the passage: but being driuen into the towne, and hauing lost the suburbes to the Englishmen, he fled out in the night, and so left the towne,* 2.305 without anie souldiers to defend it, so that the townesmen yeelded it vnto the earle of Derbie, and sware them∣selues to be true liege men vnto the king of Eng∣land. After this, the earle of Derbie passed further in∣to the countrie, and wan diuerse castels and towns, as Lango, le Lake, Moundurant, Monguise, Pu∣nach, Laliew, Forsath, Pondair, Beaumont in La∣illois, Bounall, Auberoch and Liborne, part of them by assault, and the residue by surrender. This doone, he returned to Burdeaux, hauing left capteins and soul∣diers in such places as he had woone.

This yeare, the king sent foorth a commission vnto certeine persons in euerie countie within the realme, to inquire what lands and tenements euerie man, aboue fiue pounds of yeerelie reuenues, being of the laie fée, might dispend; bicause he had giuen order, that euerie man which might dispend fiue pounds and aboue, vnto ten pounds of such yeerelie reuenues in land of the laie fee, should furnish himselfe, or find an archer on horssebacke, furnished with armour and weapon accordinglie. He that might dispend ten pounds, should furnish himselfe, or find a demilance or light horsseman (if I shall so terme him) being then called a hobler with a lance. And he that might dispend fiue and twentie pounds, should furnish him∣selfe or find a man at armes. And he that might dispend fiftie pounds, should furnish two men at arms. And he that might dispend an hundred pounds should find thrée men at armes, that is, himselfe, or one in his stéed, with two other. And such as might dispend aboue an hundred pounds, were appointed to find more in number of men at armes, accordinglie as they should be assessed, after the rate of their lands which they might yearelie dispend, being of the laie fée, and not belonging to the church.

About this season, the duke of Britaine,* 2.306 hauing with him the earles of Northampton and Oxenford, sir William de Killesbie one of the kings secreta∣ries, and manie other barons and knights, with a great number of men of armes, passed ouer into Britaine, against the lord Charles de Blois, where they tarried a long time,* 2.307 and did little good to make anie accompt of, by reason that the duke, in whose quarrell they came into those parts, shortlie after his arriuall there, departed this life, and so they returned home into England. But after their comming from thence, sir Thomas Dagworth knight, that had béene before, and now after the departure of those lords and nobles, still remained the kings lieutenant there, so behaued himselfe against both Frenchmen and Britains, that the memorie of his worthie dooings deserueth perpetuall commendation.* 2.308 Sir Iohn de Heinault lord Beaumont, about the same time, changed his cote, and leauing the king of Englands seruice, was reteined by the French king.

In this ninetéenth yeare of king Edward I find, that about the feast of the Natiuitie of saint Iohn Baptist, he sailed ouer into Flanders,* 2.309 leauing his sonne the lord Lionell, warden of the realme in his absence. He tooke with him a great number of lords, knights, and gentlemen, with whome he landed at Sluse. The cause of his going ouer was, to further a practise which he had in hand with them of Flanders, the which by the labour of Iaques Arteueld, meant to cause their earle Lewes, either to doo homage vn∣to king Edward; or else if he refused,* 2.310 then to dis∣herit him, and to receiue Edward prince of Wales for their lord, the eldest sonne of king Edward.

King Edward promising to make a dukedome of the countie of Flanders,* 2.311 for an augmentation of ho∣nour to the countrie, there came vnto Sluse to the king, Iaques van Arteueld, and a great number of

other, appointed as councellors for their chéefest townes.* 2.312 The king with all his nauie lay in the hauen of Sluse, where, in his great ship called the Catha∣rine, a councell was holden vpon this foresaid pur∣pose: but at length, those of the councellors of the chee∣fest townes misliked the matter so much, that they would conclude nothing, but required respit for a mo∣neth, to consult with all the cōmunaltie of the coun∣tries and townes, and as the more part should be in∣clined, so should the king receiue answer. The king [line 10] and Iaques Arteueld would faine haue had a shorter daie, and a more towardlie answer, but none other could be gotten.

Herevpon the councell brake vp, and Iaques Ar∣teueld tarieng with the king a certeine space, after the other were departed, promised him to persuade the countrie well inough to his purpose, and suerlie, he had a great gift of eloquence, and had thereby in∣duced the countrie wonderfullie, to consent to manie things, as well in fauour of king Edward, as to his [line 20] owne aduancement: but this suit which he went now about to bring to passe, was so odious vnto all the Flemings, that in no wise they thought it reason to consent vnto the disheriting of the earle. At length, when Iaques Arteueld should returne vnto Gant,* 2.313 king Edward appointed fiue hundred Welshmen to attend him as a gard, for the preseruation of his per∣son, bicause he said, that one Gerard Denise deane of the weauers, an vnquiet man, maliciouslie pur∣posed his destruction. [line 30]

Capteins of these Welshmen were Iohn Ma∣treuers, and William Sturine or Sturrie, and so with this crue of souldiers Arteueld returned vnto Gant, and earnestlie went in hand with his suit in king Edwards behalfe, that either the earle should doo his homage to the king of England to whome it was due; or else to forfeit his earledome. Then the foresaid Gerard, as well of his owne mind, as pro∣cured thereto by the authoritie of earle Lewes, stir∣red the whole citie against the said Arteueld,* 2.314 and ga∣thering [line 40] a great power vnto him, came and beset Ar∣teuelds house round about vpon each side, the furie of the people being wonderfullie bent against him, cri∣eng;

Kill him, Kill him that hath robbed the tresurie of the countrie, and now goeth about to disherit our noble earle.

Iaques van Arteueld perceiuing in what danger he was, came vnto a window, and spake to that in∣raged multitude, in hope with faire and courteous words to appease them, but it could not be: whervpon [line 50] he sought to haue fled out of his house, but the same was broken vp, and so manie entred vpon him, that he was found out,* 2.315 and slaine by one Thomas Denise (as some write.) But other affirme, that on a sundaie in the after noone, being the 17 of Iulie, a cob∣ler, whose father this Iaques van Arteueld had some∣time slaine, followed him, as he was fléeing into a stable where his horsses stood, & there with an ax cloue his head asunder, so that he fell downe starke dead on the ground.* 2.316 And this was the end of the foresaid [line 60] Iaques van Arteueld, who by his wisedome and poli∣cie had obteined the whole gouernment of all Flan∣ders. This wofull end was allotted vnto him by destinie, whose decrée nothing is able by any shift to auoid, as is notablie said of the poet in this distichon;

* 2.317Nil extra fatum est, metitúrque omnia summi Mens regis, cuius sine numine fit nihil vsquam.

There were slaine also ten other persons that were of his councell, and diuerse of the Welshmen in like manner;* 2.318 but the other escaped, and got awaie vnto king Edward, as yet remaining at Sluse, vnto whome those of Bruges, Cassell, Curtrike, Ypres, Al∣denard, and other townes, did afterwards send their orators to excuse themselues, as nothing guiltie nor priuie to the death of his fréend, and their worthie go∣uernor Iaques van Arteueld, requiring him not to impute the fault vnto the whole countrie, which the rash and vnaduised Gantiners had committed, sith the countrie of Flanders was as readie now to doo him seruice and pleasure as before, sauing that to the disheriting of their earle they could not be agréeable, but they doubted not to persuade him to doo his ho∣mage vnto the king of England, and till then they promised not to receiue him. They put the king also in hope of a mariage to be had, betwixt the sonne of their earle, and some one of the kings daughters. Herewith the king of England (who was departed from Sluse, in great displeasure with the Flemings) became somewhat pacified in his mood, and so re∣newed the league eftsoons with the countrie of Flan∣ders: but the earle would neuer consent to doo ho∣mage vnto the king of England, but still sticked to the French kings part, which purchased him much trouble, and in the end cost him his life, as after shall appeare.

But now to returne vnto the earle of Derbie, whome we left in Gascoigne. Ye shall vnderstand,* 2.319 that shortlie after he was come backe to Burdeaux, from the conquest which he had made of Bergerat, and other townes thereabouts; the earle of Lisle, who (as ye haue heard) was the French kings lieute∣nant in that countrie, assembled an armie of twelue thousand men,* 2.320 & comming before Auberoch (a towne in Gascoigne) besieged it, sore pressing them within, in somuch that they were in great danger to haue béene taken, if the earle of Derbie, hauing knowlege in what case they stood, had not come to their rescue, who with three hundred speares or men of armes, as we maie call them, and six hundred archers, approch∣ing néere to the siege, laid himselfe closelie within a wood, till the Frenchmen in the euening were at sup∣per, & then suddenlie set vpon them in their campe,* 2.321 and discomfited them, so that the earle of Lisle was taken in his owne tent, and sore hurt. There were al∣so taken the earle of Ualentinois, and other earles, vicounts, and lords of great accompt, to the number of nine, besides those that were slaine. The residue were put to flight and chased, so that the Englishmen had a faire iournie, and wan great riches by priso∣ners and spoile of the enimies campe.

After this, the earle of Derbie, being returned to Burdeaux, and hauing put the captiues in safe kée∣ping, assembled his power, and marching foorth into the countrie,* 2.322 towards the Rioll (a towne in those parts which he meant to besiege) he wan diuerse towns and castels by the way, as saint Basill, Roch, Million, Montsegure, Aguillon, & Segart. At length he came to the towne of the Rioll, which he besieged, and laie about it nine wéekes yer he could win it, and then was the same towne surrendered into his hands, but the castell was still defended against him for the space of eleuen weekes, at which time being sore oppressed & vndermined, it was yéelded by them within conditionallie, that they should depart onelie with their armour. After this, the earle of Derbie wan Montpesance, Mauleon, Uille-Franche in A∣genois, Miremont, Thomines,* 2.323 the castell of Damas∣sen, and at length came before the citie of Angolesme the which made appointment with the earle, that if no succors came from the French king within the space of a moneth, that then the citie should be sur∣rendered to the king of Englands vse: and to assure this appointment, they deliuered to the earle foure and twentie of their chéefe citizens as hostages.

In the meane time, the earle laid siege to Blaues,* 2.324 but could not win it. His men rode abroad into the countrie, to Mortaigne, Mirabeau, and Aunay, but wan little, and so returned againe to the siege of

Blaues. Now when the month was expired, that they of Angolesme should yéeld, the earle sent his two marshals thither, who receiued the homage and feal∣tie of the citizens, in the king of Englands name, and so they were in peace, and receiued againe their ho∣stages. At length when the earle of Derbie saw that he did but lose his time in the besieging of Blaues, which sir Guischart Dangle, and sir Guilliaume de Rochfort, being capteins within, did so valiantlie de∣fend, that he could obteine no aduantage of them, he raised his siege, and returned vnto Burdeaux, hauing [line 10] furnished such townes as he had woone in that iour∣nie with conuenient garisons of men to defend them against the enimies, and to kéepe frontier warre, as they should sée cause.

* 2.325The French king being sore moued at the con∣quests thus atchiued by the earle of Derbie, raised a mightie armie, and sent the same foorth, vnder the lea∣ding of his sonne the duke of Normandie, into Gas∣coigne, to resist the said earle, and to recouer againe [line 20] those townes which he had woone in those parts. The duke of Normandie being come to Tholouz, where generall assemblie was appointed, set forward with his armie, and winning by the waie Miremount, and Uille Franche in Agenois; at length came to the citie of Angolesme, which he inuironed about with a strong siege, continuing the same, till finallie, the capiteine named Iohn Normell,* 2.326 required a truce to indure for one daie,* 2.327 which was granted, and the same was the daie of the Purification of our ladie, on the [line 30] which, the same capiteine, with the souldiers of the garrison departed, and left the citie in the citizens hands.* 2.328 The Frenchmen, bicause they had granted the truce to indure for that daie without exception, permitted them to go their waies without let or vex∣ation. The citizens in the morning yéelded the citie to the duke.* 2.329 After this, he wan the castell of Damas∣sen, Thonins, and Port S. Marie; Thonins by sur∣render, and the other two by force of assaults. Then he came to the strong castell of Aiguillon, which he [line 40] besieged,* 2.330 and laie thereat a long season. Within was the earle of Penbroke, the lord Walter de Mannie, sir Franke de Halle, and diuerse knights and cap∣teins, which defended themselues, and the place so stoutlie, that the Frenchmen could win little aduan∣tage at their hands.

Whilest the siege continued before this fortresse, the seneshall of Guien departed from the campe,* 2.331 with eight hundred horssemen, and foure thousand footmen, purposing to win a castell, belonging to a [line 50] nephue of the cardinall Della Motte, a twelue leagues distant from Aiguillon.* 2.332 The archdeacon of Unfort, owner of that castell, went to the Rioll, where the earle of Derbie with his armie as then was lodged, to whome he made suit, to haue some power of men to rescue his castell. The earle appointed to him a sufficient number, both of horssemen, and also of English archers, with whome the said archdeacon rode all the night, and the next morning betimes, be∣ing the one and thirtith of Iulie, they came to the ca∣stell [line 60] where the Frenchmen were arriued the daie be∣fore, and had fiercelie assailed the castell, dooing their best to win it by force. But the Englishmen without anie delaie, immediatlie vpon their comming, set vpon the Frenchmen, and gaue them so sharpe and fierce battell, that in the end, the Frenchmen were discomfited:* 2.333 the seneshall with manie other gen∣tlemen were taken prisoners, beside those that were slaine. To conclude, the number of them that were slaine, and taken prisoners in the whole, amounted to foure hundred horssemen, and two thousand footmen. Sir Godfrey de Harcourt being constreined to flée out of France, to auoid the French kings displea∣sure, came ouer vnto the king of England, who recei∣ued him verie ioifullie, for he was knowne to be a right valiant and a wise personage. He was brother to the earle of Harecourt, lord of saint Sauiour le Uicount, and of diuerse other townes in Norman∣die. A little before that he fell into the French kings displeasure, he might haue doone with the king of France, more than anie other lord within that realme.

In this twentith yeare of his reigne,* 2.334 king Edward vpon complaint of the people made against puruei∣ours of vittels for his houshold (the which vnder co∣lour of their commissions, abused the same, in ta∣king vp among the commons all manner of things that liked them, without making paiment for the same, further than the said commissions did allow them) he caused inquirie to be made of their misde∣meanors, and such as were found to haue offended, of whome there was no small number, some of them were put to death on the gallowes,* 2.335 and other were fi∣ned, so to teach the rest to deale more warilie in their businesse from thenceforth. ¶ About the same time,* 2.336 he caused all the iustices within his dominions to re∣nounce and giue ouer all their pensions, fées, and o∣ther bribing benefits and rewards, which they vsed to receiue of the lords and great men of the land, as well prelats, as of them of the temporaltie, to the end that their hands being free from gifts, iustice might more fréelie haue course, and be of them dulie and vprightlie ministred.* 2.337 Also this yeare in the Lent season, the king held a parlement at Westminster, and tooke into his hands all the profits, reuenues,* 2.338 and emoluments, which the cardinals held within this land: for he thought it not reason, that they which fa∣uoured the pope and the French king, being his ad∣uersaries, should inioy such commodities within his realme.

After this, in the moneth of Iulie following, he tooke shipping, and sailed into Normandie,* 2.339 hauing e∣stablished the lord Percie, and the lord Neuill, to be wardens of his realme in his absence, with the arch∣bishop of Yorke, the bishop of Lincolne, and the bi∣shop of Duresme. The armie which he had ouer with him,* 2.340 was to the number of foure thousand men of armes, and ten thousand archers, beside Irishmen, & Welshmen, that folowed the host on foot. The chée∣fest capteins that went ouer with him were these. First his eldest sonne Edward prince of Wales, be∣ing as then about the age of thirtéene yeares, the earles of Hereford, Northampton, Arundell, Corne∣wall, Huntington, Warwike, Suffolke, and Ox∣ford; of barons the lord Mortimer, who was after erle of March, the lords, Iohn, Lewes, and Roger Bean∣champe; also the lords Cobham, Mowbraie, Lucie, Basset, Barkeley, and Willoughbie, with diuerse o∣ther lords, besides a great number of knights and other worthie capteins. They landed by the aduise of the lord Godfrey of Harecourt, in the Ile of Con∣stantine, at the port of Hague saint Wast, néere to saint Sauiour le Uicount. The earle of Hunting∣ton was appointed to be gouernour of the fléet by sea, hauing with him a hundred men of armes, and foure hundred archers.

After that the whole armie was landed, the king appointed two marshals, the lord Godfrey of Hare∣court, and the earle of Warwike, and the earle of A∣rundell was made constable.* 2.341 There were ordeined thrèe battels, one to go on his right hand, following by the coast of the sea; and another to march on his left hand, vnder the conduct of the marshals; so that he himselfe went in the middest with the maine armie, and in this order forward they passed towards Caen, lodging euerie night togither in one field. They that went by the sea, tooke all the ships they found in their waie, and as they marched foorth thus,

what by water & land, at length they came to a towne called Harflew,* 2.342 which was giuen vp, but yet neuer∣thelesse it was robbed, and much goods found in it. After this they came to Chierburge,* 2.343 which towne they wan by force, robbed it, and burnt part of it, but the castell they could not win. Then came they to Mountburge and tooke it,* 2.344 robbed it & burnt it cleane. In this manner they passed foorth, and burnt manie towns and villages in all the countrie as they went. The towne of Carentine was deliuered vnto them against the will of the soldiers that were within it▪* 2.345 [line 10] The soldiers defended the castell two daies, and then yéelded it vp into the Englishmens hands, who burnt the same, and caused the burgesses to enter into their ships. All this was doone by the battell that went by the sea side, and by them on the sea togither.

On the other side, the lord Godfrie of Harecourt, with the battell on the right hand of the king, road foorth six or seuen leagues from the kings battell, in burning and exiling the countrie. The king had with him (beside those that were with the marshals) [line 20] 3000 men of armes, six thousand archers, and ten thousand men on foot. They left the citie of Con∣stance,* 2.346 and came to a great towne called saint Lo, a rich towne of draperie, hauing manie wealthie bur∣gesses within it: it was soone taken and robbed by the Englishmen vpon their first approch. From thence the king marched streight to Caen, wherein were capteins Rafe earle of Ewe and Guines con∣stable of France, & the earle of Tankeruile. These noble men meant to haue kept their defenses on the [line 30] walles, gate, bridge, and riuer, and to haue left the suburbes void, bicause they were not closed, but one∣lie with the riuer: but they of the towne said they would issue forth, for they were strong inough to fight with the king of England.

When the constable saw their good willes, he was contented to follow their desire, and so foorth they went in good order, and made good face to put their liues in hazard: but when they saw the Englishmen approch in good order, diuided into thrée battels, & the [line 40] archers readie to shoot, which they of Caen had not seene before, they were sore afraid, and fled awaie to∣ward the towne without any order or arraie, for all that the constable could doo to staie them. The Eng∣lishmen followed,* 2.347 and in the chase slue manie, and en∣tered the towne with their enimies. The constable, and the earle of Tankeruile tooke a tower at the bridge foot, thinking there to saue themselues, but perceiuing the place to be of no force, nor able long to hold out, they submitted themselues vnto sir Tho∣mas [line 50] Holland. ¶ But here whatsoeuer Froissard dooth report of the taking of this tower, and of the yéelding of these two noble men, it is to be proued that the said earle of Tankeruile was taken by one surnamed Legh,* 2.348 ancestor to sir Peter Legh now liuing, whe∣ther in the fight or within the tower, I haue not to saie: but for the taking of the said earle, and for his o∣ther manlike prowes shewed here and elsewhere in this iournie, king Edward in recompense of his a∣gréeable [line 60] seruice, gaue to him a lordship in the countie of Chester called Hanley, which the said sir Peter Legh now liuing dooth inioy and possesse, as successor and heire to his ancestor the foresaid Legh, to whom it was so first giuen.

But to returne now to the matter where we left. The Frenchmen being entred into their houses, cast downe vpon the Englishmen below in the stréets, stones,* 2.349 timber, hot water, and barres of iron, so that they hurt and slue more than fiue hundred persons. The king was so mooued therewith, that if the lord Godfrie of Harecourt had not asswaged his mood, the towne had béene burnt, and the people put to the edge of the sword: but by the treatie of the said lord Godfrie, proclamation w••s made, that no man should put fire into any house, nor ••lea any person, nor force any woman, and then did the townesmen and souldiers submit themselues, and receiued the Englishmen into their houses.* 2.350 There was great ••tore of riches gotten in this towne, and the most part thereof sent into England, with the fléet which the king sent home with the prisoners, vnder the guiding of the earle of Huntington, accompanied with two hundred men of armes, and foure hundred archers.

When all things were ordred in Caen as the king could desire, he marched from thence in the same or∣der as he had kept before, burning and exiling the countrie. He passed by Eureux & came to Louiers,* 2.351 which the Englishmen soone entred and sacked with∣out mercie. Then went they foorth and left Roan, and came to Gisors, the towne they burnt,* 2.352 but the castell they could not get: they burnt also Uernon,* 2.353 and at Poissie they repared the bridge which was broken, and so there they passed ouer the riuer of Saine. The power of the Englishmen increased dailie,* 2.354 by such numbers as came ouer foorth of England in hope to win by pillage. Also manie gentlemen of Norman∣die, and other of the French nation, which loued not nor owght any good will vnto the French king, came to the king of England, offering to serue him, so that there were in his armie foure thousand horsse∣men and fiftie thousand footmen with the Normans, and of this number there were thirtie thousand Eng∣lish arthers, as Giouan Villani writeth. The Eng∣lish marshals ran abroad iust to Paris,* 2.355 and burnt S. Germans in Laie: also Mountioy, and S. Clowd, and petie Bullongne by Paris, & the queenes Burge. In the meane time had the French king assembled a mightie armie vpon purpose to fight with the Eng∣lishmen. ¶ The lord Godfrey of Harecourt, as he rode foorth with fiue hundred men of armes, and 13 hundred archers, by aduenture incountered with a great number of the burgesses of Amiens on horsse∣backe, who were riding by the kings commande∣ment to Paris. They were quickelie assailed, and though they defended themselues manfullie for a while, yet at length they were ouercome, and eleuen hundred of them slaine in the field, beside those that were taken. The Englishmen had all their cariage and armour. Thus passed foorth the king of England, and came into Beauuoisin, and lodged neere vnto the citie of Beauuois one night in an abbeie called Mes∣sene, and for that after he was dislodged,* 2.356 there were that set fire in the same abbeie, without any com∣mandement giuen by him; he caused twentie of them to be hanged that were the first procurers of that fire.* 2.357

So long the king of England passed forward, that finallie he approched neere to the water of Some, the which was large and deepe, and all the bridges broken and the passages well kept, wherevpon he caused his two marshals with a thousand men of armes, & two thousand archers, to go along the riuer, to the end to find some passage. The marshals assaied diuerse pla∣ces, as at Piqueney, and other where, but they could not find any passage vnclosed,* 2.358 capteins with men of warre being set to defend the same, in somuch that the marshals returned to the king, and declared what they had seene and found. At the same instant time was the French king come to Amiens,* 2.359 with more than a hundred thousand men, and thought to inclose the king of England, that he should no waie escape, but be constreined to receiue battell in some place greatlie to his disaduantage.

The king of England well perceiuing himselfe in danger, remoued from the place where he was in∣camped, and marched forward through the countries

of Pontiew and Uimew, approching vnto the good towne of Abuile, and at length by one of the priso∣ners named Gobin de Grace, he was told where he might passe with his armie ouer the riuer of Some, at a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the same riuer, being hard in the bot∣tome, and verie shallow at an eb water. The French king vnderstanding that the K. of England sought to passe the riuer of Some, sent a great baron of Normandie, one sir Godmare du Foy, to defend the passage of the same riuer,* 2.360 with a thousand men of armes, and six thousand on foot with the Genowaies. [line 10] This sir Godmare had with him also a great number of them of Muxterell and others of the countrie, so that he had in all to the number of twelue thousand men, one and other, and hearing that the king of England was minded to passe at Blanchetake (which was the passage that Gobin Agace had infor∣med the king of England of) he came thither.* 2.361 When the Englishmen approched, he arranged all his com∣panie to defend the passage. [line 20]

And suerlie when the Englishmen at the lowe water entered the foord to passe ouer, there was a sharpe bickering, for diuerse of the Frenchmen in∣countred the Englishmen on horssebacke in the wa∣ter, and the Genowaies did them much hurt, and troubled them sore with their crosbowes: but on the other side,* 2.362 the English archers shot so wholie togither, that the Frenchmen were faine to giue place to the Englishmen, so that they got the passage and came ouer, assembling themselues in the field, and then the Frenchmen fled, some to Abuile, some to saint Ri∣quier. [line 30] They that were on foot could not escape so well as those on horssebacke, insomuch that a great num∣ber of them of Abuile, Mutterell, Arras, and S. Ri∣quier were slaine and taken, for the chase indured more than a great league.* 2.363 There were slaine in all to the number of two thousand. When the K. of Eng∣land had thus passed the riuer, he acquitted Gobin Agace, and all his companie of their ransomes, and gaue to the same Gobin an hundred nobles, and a good horsse, and so the king road foorth as he did before. [line 40] His marshals road to Crotaie by the sea side,* 2.364 and burnt the towne, and tooke all such wines and goods as were in the ships and barks which laie there in the hauen.

One of the marshals road to the gates of Abuile, and from thence to S. Riquier, and after to the towne of Rue saint Esperit. This was on a fridaie, and both the marshals returned to the kings host about noone, and so lodged all togither about Cressie in Pontiew, where hauing knowledge that the French [line 50] king followed to giue him battell, he commanded his marshals to choose a plot of ground, somewhat to his aduantage, that he might there abide his aduersa∣ries. In the meane time the French king being come with all his puissance vnto Abuile, and hearing how the king of England was passed ouer the riuer of Some, and discomfited sir Godmare du Foy, was sore displeased in his mind: but when he vnderstood that his enimies were lodged at Cressie, and meant there to abide him, he caused all his people to issue [line 60] out of Abuile, and earlie on the saturdaie in the mor∣ning, anon after sunne rising he departed out of the towne himselfe, and marched towards his enimies. The king of England vnderstanding that his ad∣uersarie king Philip still followed him, to giue him battell, & supposing that the same saturdaie he would come to offer it, rose betimes in the morning, and commanded euerie man first to call vpon God for his aid, then to be armed, and to draw with speed into the field, that in the place before appointed they might be set in order of battell. Beginning his enterprise at inuocation or calling vpon God, he was the more fortunate in his affaires, and sped the better in the progresse of his actions, as the issue of the warre she∣wed. A notable example to euerie priuat man, to re∣member to call vpon▪ God when he purposeth anie thing, for as the poet saith, and that verie christianlie,

—nihil est mortalibus aegris Vtilius, quàm coelestem,* 2.365 sancté{que} pié{que} Orando sibi quaerere opem.

Beside this, he caused a parke to be made and clo∣sed by the wood side behind his host, in the which he or∣deined that all the carts and carriages should be set, with all the horsses (for euerie man was on foot.) Then he ordeined thrée battels, in the first was the prince of Wales, and with him the earle of War∣wike, the lord Godfrey of Harecourt, the lord Staf∣ford, the lord de la Ware, the lord Bourchier, the lord Thomas Clifford, the lord Reginald Cobham,* 2.366 the lord Thomas Holland, sir Iohn Chandos, sir Bar∣tholomew de Browash, sir Robert Neuill. They were eight hundred men of armes, and two thou∣sand archers, and a thousand of other with the Welsh men. In the second battell was the earle of North∣hampton, the earle of Arundell, the lords Ros and Willowbie, Basset, S. Albine, Multon, and others. The third battell the king led himselfe, hauing with him seauen hundred men of armes, and two thou∣sand archers, and in the other battell were to the number of eight hundred men of armes, and twelue hundred archers. Thus was the English armie mar∣shalled according to the report of Froissard. When e∣uerie man was gotten into order of battell, the king leapt vpon a white hobbie, and rode from ranke to ranke to view them,* 2.367 the one marshall on his right hand, and the other on his left, desiring euerie man that daie to haue regard to his right and honour. He spake it so courteouslie, and with so good a counte∣nance, that euen they which before were discomfor∣ted, tooke courage in hearing him speake such swéet and louing words amongst them. It was nine of the clocke yer euer he had thus visited all his battels, & therevpon he caused euerie man to eat and drinke a little, which they did at their leisure.

The French king, before he approched neere to his enimies, sent forth foure skilfull knights to view the demeanor of his enimies, the which returning a∣gaine, made report as they had séene, and that for so∣much as they could gesse, the Englishmen ment to abide him, being diuided into thrée battels, readie to receiue him and his puissance, if he went forward in purpose to assaile them. Here was the French king counselled to stay and not to giue battell that day, but to aduise all things with good deliberation and regard, to consider well how and what way he might best assaile them.* 2.368 Then by the marshals were all men commanded to staie, and not to go anie further, they that were formost and next to the enimies taried, but they that were behind would not abide but rode foorth, and said they would not staie till they were as far as the formost: and when they before saw them behind come forward, then they marched on also a∣gaine, so that neither the K. nor his marshals could rule them, but that they passed forward still without order, or anie good arraie, till they came in sight of their enimies: and as soone as the formost saw their enimies, then they reculed backe, whereof they be∣hind had maruell, and were abashed, supposing that the formost companie had béene fighting. Then they might haue had roome to haue gone forward, if they had béene minded. The commons, of whome all the waies betwixt Abuile and Cressie were full, when they saw that they were néere their enimies, they tooke their swords and cried; Downe with them, Let vs slea them all. There was no man, though he were present at the iornie, that could imagine or shew the truth of the euill order that was among the French

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partie, and yet they were a maruellous great num∣ber.

The Englishmen which beheld their enimies thus approching them, prepared themselues at leisure for the battell, which they saw to be at hand. The first battell, whereof the prince was ruler, had the archers standing in maner of an herse, and the men of armes in the botome of the battell. The earle of Northamp∣ton and the earle of Arundell with the second battell, were on a wing in good order, readie to comfort the [line 10] princes battell if néed were. The lords and knights of France came not to the assemblie togither, for some came after, in such hast and euill order, that one of them troubled another.* 2.369 There were of Genowaies crosbowes to the number of twelue or fifteene thou∣sand, the which were commanded to go on before, and with their shot to begin the battell; but they were so werie with going on foot that morning six leagues armed with their crosbowes, that they said to their constables; We be not well vsed, in that we are [line 20] commanded to fight this daie, for we be not in case to doo any great feat of armes, we haue more néed of rest. These words came to the hearing of the earle of Alanson, who said; A man is well at ease to be char∣ged with such a sort of rascals, that faint and faile now at most néed.

* 2.370Also at the same instant there fell a great raine, and an eclipse with a terrible thunder, and before the raine, there came flieng ouer both armies a great number of crowes, for feare of the tempest com∣ming: [line 30] then anon the aire began to wax cleare, and the sunne to shine faire and bright, which was right in the French mens eies, and on the English∣mens backs. ¶ When the Genowaies were assem∣bled togither, and began to approch, they made a great leape and crie,* 2.371 to abash the Englishmen, but they stood still and stirred not at all for that noise. Then the Genowaies the second time made an other leape and huge crie, and stepped forward a little, and the Eng∣lishmen remooued not a foot. The third time againe [line 40] the Genowaies leapt, and yelled, and went foorth till they came within shot, and fiercelie therwith dischar∣ged their crosbowes. Then the English archers stept foorth one pase,* 2.372 and let flie their arrowes so wholie and so thicke togither, that it séemed to snowe. When the Genowaies felt the arrowes persing their heads, armes and breasts, manie of them cast downe their crosbowes, and cut the strings, and returned discom∣fited. When the French king saw them flee awaie, he said:

Slea these rascals, for they will let and trouble vs without reason. [line 50]

Then ye might haue seene the men of armes haue dasht in amongst them, and killed a great number of them, and euer the Englishmen shot where they saw the thickest prease: the sharpe arrowes ran into the men of armes, and into their horsses, and manie fell horsse and man amongst the Genowaies, and still the Englishmen shot where they saw the thickest prease, and when they were once downe they could not reco∣uer againe. The throng was such that one ouer∣threw [line 60] another; & also among the Englishmen, there were certeine of the footmen with great kniues, that went in among the men of armes, and killed manie of them as they laie on the ground, both earles, ba∣rons,* 2.373 knights, and esquires. The valiant king of Bo∣hem being almost blind, caused his men to fasten all the reines of the bridels of their horsses ech to other, and so he being himselfe amongst them in the formost ranke, they ran on their enimies.

The lord Charles of Boheme sonne to the same king and late elected emperour, came in good order to the battell, but when he saw how the matter went awrie on their part, he departed and saued himselfe. His father by the meanes aforesaid went so far for∣ward, that ioining with his enimies he fought right valiantlie, and so did all his companie: but finallie being entred within the prease of their enimies, they were of them inclosed and slaine, togither with the king their master, and the next daie found dead lieng about him, and their horsses all tied ech to other. The earle of Alanson came right orderlie to the battell,* 2.374 and fought with the Englishmen, and so did the earle of Flanders also on his part. These two lords coa∣sted the English archers, and came to the princes bat∣tell, and there fought right valiantlie a long time. The French king perceiuing where their banners stood, would faine haue come to them, but could not, by reason of a great hedge of archers that stood be∣twixt them and him. This was a perillous battell and sore foughten: there were few taken to mercie, for the Englishmen had so determined in the mor∣ning.

Certeine Frenchmen and Almaines perforce o∣pened the archers of the princes battell,* 2.375 and came to fight with the men of armes hand to hand. Then the second battell of the Englishmen came to succor the princes battell, and not before it was time, for they of that battell had as then inough to doo, in somuch that some which were about him, as the earle of Northampton, and others sent to the king,* 2.376 where he stood aloft on a windmill hill, requiring him to ad∣uance forward, and come to their aid, they being as then sore laid to of their enimies. The king herevp∣on demanded if his sonne were slaine, hurt, or felled to the earth? No (said the knight that brought the message) but he is sore matched.* 2.377

Well (said the king) returne to him and them that sent you, and saie to them that they send no more to me for any aduenture that falleth, so long as my son is aliue, for I will that this iournie be his, with the honor thereof. With this answer the knight returned, which greatlie incoura∣ged them to doo their best to win the spurs, being half abashed in that they had so sent to the king for aid.

At length when it drew toward euening, and that the Frenchmen were beaten downe and slaine on ech hand▪* 2.378 king Philip as it were by constreint departed out of the field, not hauing as then past three score per∣sons about him, of whome the lord Iohn of Heinault was one, by whose persuasion he cheefelie consented to ride his waie for his owne safegard, when he saw the losse was such as on that daie it could not be re∣couered.

The slaughter of the Frenchmen was great and lamentable,* 2.379 namelie for the losse of so manie noble men, as were slaine at the same battell, fought be∣tweene Cressie and Broy on the saturdaie next fol∣lowing the feast of saint Bartholomew being (as that yeare fell) the 26 of August. Among other which died that daie, these I find registred by name as chéefest, Iohn king of Boheme,* 2.380 Rafe duke of Lor∣raine, Charles of Alanso brother germane to king Philip, Charles earle of Blois, Lewes earle of Flan∣ders, also the earle of Harecourt, brother to the lord Geffrie of Harecourt, with the earles of Ausserre, Aumerle, and saint Poule, beside diuerse other of the nobilitie. The Englishmen neuer brake out of their battels to chase any man, but kept themselues togi∣ther in their wards and ranks, and defended them∣selues euer against such as came to assaile them. This battell ended about euening.

When the Frenchmen were clearelie ouercome, and those that were left aliue fled and gone, so that the Englishmen heard no more noise of them,* 2.381 king Ed∣ward came downe from the hill (on the which he stood all that day with his helmet still on his head) and go∣ing to the prince, imbraced him in his armes, and kis∣sed him, saieng;

Faire sonne, God send you good per∣seuerance in this your prosperous beginning, you

haue noblie acquit your selfe, you are well worthie to haue the gouernance of a realme committed to your hands for your valiant dooings.

The prince inclined himselfe to the earth in honouring his father, as he best could. This done, they thanked God togither with their souldiers for their good aduenture. For so the king commanded, and willed no man to make anie boast of his owne power, but to ascribe all the praise to almightie God for such a noble victorie; séeming héerein to be affected as Dauid was in the foure and [line 10] fortith psalme; for he also referreth the happie successe of warre, and all victorie, vnto almightie God, and not to the strength of a multitude of men, saieng:

Tu nos ab hoste subtrahis, sternis solo * 2.382Infensa nobis agmina. Non ergo s••••per iure te cantabimus Nostrae salutis vindicem?

¶ On the sundaie in the morning, there was such a mist, that a man could not see an acres bredth before him. Then by the kings commandeme•••• there depar∣ted [line 20] from the host fiue hundred speares, and two thou∣sand archers, to trie if they might heare of anie Frenchmen gathered togither in anie place néere vnto them.

On the same morning there were departed out of Abuile and S. Requier in Pontiew, the commons of Roan and Beauuais, with other that knew no∣thing of the discomfiture the daie before. These met with the Englishmen, supposing they had beene Frenchmen, and being fiercelie assailed of them, af∣ter [line 30] sore fight, and great slaughter, the Frenchmen were discomfited and fled,* 2.383 of whome were slaine in the hedges & bushes, more than seuen thousand men. The archbishop of Roan, and the grand prior of France, ignorant also of the discomfiture the day be∣fore, & supposing (as they were informed) the French should not haue foughten till that sundaie, were like∣wise incountred (as they came thitherward) by the Englishmen, with whome they fought a sore battell, for they were a great number, but yet at length they [line 40] were not able to susteine the puissant force of the Englishmen,* 2.384 and so the most part of them were slaine, with the said archbishop and grand prior, and few there were that escaped.

On that sundaie morning, the Englishmen met with diuerse Frenchmen, that had lost their waie on the saturdaie, and wist not where the king nor their capteins were become. They were all slaine in man∣ner, so manie as the Englishmen could meet wish, insomuch that of the commons and footmen of the ci∣ties [line 50] and good townes of France (as was thought) there were slaine this sundaie foure times as manie as were slaine on the saturdaie in the great battell. When those Englishmen that were sent abroad thus to view the countrie, were returned againe, and sig∣nified to the king what they had seene and doone, and how there was no more appearance of the enimies, the king to search what the number was of them that were slaine, and vpon the view taken, it was re∣ported vnto him, that there were found dead eleuen [line 60] princes, foure score baronets, 12 hundred knights, and more than thirtie thousand other of the meaner sort. Thus was the whole puissance of France van∣quished, and that chéeflie by force of such as were of no reputation amongst them, that is to say, the Eng∣lish archers, by whose sharpe and violent shot the vic∣torie was atchiued, to the great confusion of the French nation. ¶ Of such price were the English bowes in that season, that nothing was able to with∣stand them; whereas now our archers couet not to drawe long and strong bowes, but ra••her to shoot compasse, which are not meet for the warres, nor greatlie to be feared, though they come into the field.

The king of England with his armie kept still his field, vntill mondaie in the morning, and then dis∣lodged, and came before Motureell by the sea, and his marsh••ls ran towards Hedin. The next daie they road toward Bullongne, & at Wisam the king and the prince incamped, and tarried a whole daie to re∣fresh their people, and on the wednesdaie being the thirtith day of August, he came before the strong towne of Calis, and there planted his siege, and e∣rected bastides betwéene the towne and the riuer,* 2.385 and caused carpenters to make houses and lodgings of great timber, which were couered with réed & broome, so manie and in such order, that it séemed a new towne, and in it was a market place appointed of purpose, in the which the market was dailie kept of vittels, & all other necessarie things euerie tuesdai•• and saturdaie, so that a man might haue bought what he would of things brought thither out of Eng∣land & Flanders. ¶But now, forsomuch as we haue spoken of this iournie and inuasion made by king Edward into France, in this nineteenth yéere of his reigne, accordinglie as we haue gathered out of Froissard, and diuerse other authors, I haue thought good to make the reader partaker of the contents of a letter written by a chapleine of the said king, and attendant about him in the same iornie, conteining the successe of his procéedings after his departure from Poissie, which letter is inserted with others in the historie of Robert de Auesburie, and Englished by maister Iohn Fox as followeth.

A letter of W. Northbourgh the kings confessor describing the kings voiage into France.

SAlutations premised.* 3.1 We giue you to vnderstand, that our souereigne lord the king came to the towne of Poissie the daie before the Assump∣tion of our ladie, where was a certeine bridge ouer the water of Saine broken downe by the enimie, but the king tarried there so long, till that the bridge was made againe. And whiles the bridge was in reparing, there came a great num∣ber of men at armes, and other souldiers well armed, to hinder the same. But the earle of Northampton issued out against them, a••••o slue of them more than a thou∣sand, the rest fled awaie: thankes be to God. And at another time, our men passed the water (although with much trauell) and slue a great number of the common souldiers of France, about the citie of Pa∣ris, and countrie adioining, being part of the French kings armie, and throughlie well appointed: so that our people haue now made other good bridges vpon our e∣nimies, God be thanked, without anie losse and damage to vs. And on the morrow af∣ter the Assumption of our ladie, the king passed the water of Saine, and marched toward Poissie, which is a towne of great defense, and stronglie walled, and a mar∣uellous strong castell within the same, which our enimies kept. And when our vauntgard was passed the towne, our rer∣gard gaue an assault therevnto, and tooke the same, where were slaine more than three hundred men at arms of our enimies

part. And the next daie following, the earle of Suffolke, and sir Hugh Spenser, mar∣ched foorth vpon the commons of the coun∣trie assembled and well armed, and in fine discomfited them, and slue of them more than two hundred, & tooke three score gen∣tlemen prisoners, beside others.

And after that, the king marched toward grand Uilliers, and while he was there in∣camped, [line 10] the kings vantgard was descried by the men at armes of the K. of Boheme: whervpon our men issued out in great hast and ioined battell with them, but were in∣forced to retire. Notwithstanding, thanks be vnto God, the earle of Northampton is∣sued out, and rescued the horssemen with the other soldiers: so that few or none of them were either taken or slaine, sauing onlie Thomas Talbot, but had againe the [line 20] enimie in chase within two leagues of A∣miens: of whome we tooke eight, and slue twelue of their best men at armes: the rest being well horssed, tooke the towne of Ami∣ens. After this the king of England mar∣ched toward Pountife, vpon Bartholo∣mew day, and came to the water of Some, where the French king had laid fiue hun∣dred men at armes, and three thousand foot∣men, purposing to haue kept and stopped [line 30] our passage: but thanks be to God, the K. of England and his host entered the same water of Some, where neuer man passed before, without losse of any of our men; and after that incountered with the enimie, and slue of them more than 2000, the rest fled to Abuile, in which chase were taken manie knights, esquiers, & men at armes. The same day sir Hugh Spenser tooke the [line 40] towne of Crotaie, where he & his soldiers slue 400 men at armes, & kept the towne, where they found great store of vittels.

The same night incamped the king of England in the forrest of Cressie vpon the same water, for that the French kings host came on the other side of the towne, neere vnto our passage: but he would not take the water of vs, & so marched toward Abuile. [line 50] And vpon the fridaie next following, the king being still incamped in the said forrest, our scuriers descried the French K. which marched toward vs in foure great bat∣tels; and hauing then vnderstanding of our enimies (as Gods will was) a little before the euening tide, we drew to the plaine field, and set our battels in arraie: and im∣mediatlie the fight began, which was sore and cruell, & indured long, for our enimies [line 60] behaued themselues right noblie. But thanks be giuen vnto God, the victorie fell on our side, & the king our aduersarie was discomfited with all his host & put to flight: where also was slaine the king of Boheme, the duke of Loraine, the earle of Alanson, the earle of Flanders, the earle of Blois, the earle of Harecourt, with his two sons, the earle of Daumarle, the earle de Ne∣uers, and his brother the lord of Tronard, the archbishop of Nismes, the archbishop of Sens, the high prior of France, the earle of Sauoie, the lord of Morles, the lord de Guies, le seigneur de Saint Nouant, le seigneur de Rosinburgh, with six earles of Almaine, and diuerse other earles, ba∣rons, knights, and esquiers, whose names are vnknowne. And Philip de Ualois him∣selfe, with an other marques, which was called lord elector among the Romans, es∣caped from the battell. The number of the men of armes which were found dead in the field, beside the common soldiers and footmen, were a thousand, fiue hundred, for∣tie and two: and all that night the king of England with his host aboad armed in the field, where the battell was fought.

On the next morrow, before the sunne rose, there marched towards vs another great host mightie & strong, of the French∣men: but the earle of Northampton, and the earle of Norffolke issued out against them in three battels, & after long and ter∣rible fight, them likewise they discomfi∣ted by Gods great helpe and grace (for o∣therwise it could neuer haue beene) where they tooke of knights and esquiers a great number, and slue aboue two thousand, pur∣suing the chase three leages from the place where the battell was fought. The same night also the king incamped himselfe a∣gaine in the forrest of Cressie, and on the morrow marched toward Bullongne, and by the way he tooke the towne of Staples: and from thence he marched toward Ca∣lis, where he intendeth to plant his siege, and laie his batterie to the same. And ther∣fore our souereigne lord the king willeth and commandeth you, in all that euer you may, to send to the said siege vittels conue∣nient. For after the time of our departing from Caen, we haue trauelled through the countrie with great perill & danger of our people, but yet alwaies had of vittels plen∣tie, thanks be to God therefore. But now (as the case standeth) we partlie need your helpe to be refreshed with vittels. Thus fare you well. Written at the siege before the towne of Calis, the fourteenth daie of September.

But now touching the siege of Calis, and to re∣turne where we left, ye shall vnderstand, that (as ye haue heard) the English campe was furnished with sufficient prouision of meat, drinke, apparell, muni∣tion, and all other things necessarie: and oftentimes also the soldiers made roads and forrais into the bor∣ders of France next adioining, as towards Guines, and saint Omer, ye euen to the gates of that towne, and sometime to Bullongne. Also the earle of North∣ampton fetched a bootie out of Arthois,* 3.2 and as he re∣turned toward the host, he came to Terrouan,* 3.3 which towne the bishop had fortified and manned, deliue∣ring the custodie therof vnto sir Arnold Dandrehen: for when he heard the Englishmen approched, he durst not tarrie within the citie himselfe, but got him to saint Omers. Sir Arnold stood valiantlie to his defense, and would not yéeld, till by verie force the Englishmen entered the citie, slue the soldiers,* 3.4 and tooke their capteine the said sir Arnold prisoner. The citie was put to sacke, and after set on fire. And when the Englishmen were departed, there came a number of Flemings from the siege, which they had

••aid before S. Omers, and began a new spoile, and fired such houses belonging to the canons and other, which the Englishmen had spared. Thus were those confines in most miserable case, for no house nor o∣ther thing was in safegard, but such as were contei∣ned within closure of strong townes and fortresses.

The king of England would not assaile the towne of Calis by giuing anie assault to it, for he knew he should but lose his labour,* 3.5 and waste his people, it was so strong of it selfe, and so well furnished with men of warre. Capteine thereof also was one sir [line 10] Iohn de Uienne, a valiant knight of Burgoigne, hauing with him diuerse other right hardie and ex∣pert capteins,* 3.6 knights, and esquiers. When the said sir Iohn de Uienne saw the manner of the English host, and what the kings intention was, he constrei∣ned all the poore and meane people to depart out of the towne. The king of England perceiuing that this was doone of purpose to spare vittels, would not driue them backe againe to helpe to consume the same, but rather pitied them; and therefore did not [line 20] onelie shew them so much grace to suffer them to passe through his host,* 3.7 but also gaue them meat and drinke to dinner, and moreouer two pence sterling to euerie person: which charitable déed wan him much praise, and caused manie of his enimies to praie right hartilie for his good successe and prosperitie. A most notable example of pitie and compassion, teaching other to be in like sort affected,* 3.8 and also to know, that

Spernit coelorum regem spretor miserorum. [line 30]

The French king meaning to raise the siege from Calis, which the king of England kept there, sent for his sonne the duke of Normandie, which had line long at the siege of Aiguillon, and now by commande∣ment of his father left it sore against his will. In this meane while, the earle of Derbie remained in the citie of Burdeaux, and there had held him du∣ring all the time that the siege laie before Aiguillon. When he once vnderstood that the siege was raised, and that the duke of Normandie had broken vp his [line 40] campe, he sent into Gascoigne for all knights and esquires that held of the English part. Then came to Burdeaux the lord Dalbret,* 3.9 the lord de Lespare, the lord de Rosam, the lord of Musident, the lord of Pu∣miers, and a great sort more of the lords and nobles of Gascoigne, so that the earle had twelue hundred men of armes, two thousand archers, and three thou∣sand other footmen. They passed the riuer of Garon, betwixt Burdeaux and Blaie, and tooke their waie to Zanctonge, so to go vnto Poictiers, and tooke by [line 50] the waie the towne of Mirabell by assault: they wan also the towne and castell of Aunaie, Surgieres and Benon. Also they tooke Maraunt in Poictow by force,* 3.10 they burnt also the towne of Lusignen, but the castell they could not win. Moreouer, they did win the bridge, towne, and castell of Tailburge, and slue all that were found within it, bicause a knight of the English part was slaine in the assaulting. From thence the earle of Derbie went and laid siege to saint Iohn Dangelie, which was yéelded to him by [line 60] composition.

At Niort he made thrée assaults, but could not win it, and so from thence he came to Bourge saint Max∣iment, the which was woone by force, and all that were within it slaine; and in like manner the towne of Montreuill Bonin was woone, and the most part of them within slaine, that tooke vpon them to defend it, which were 200 coiners of monie that wrought in the mint, which the French king kept there. From thence he passed forward with his host, and finallie came before the citie of Poictiers, which was great and large, so that he could not besiege it but on the one side. The third daie after his comming thither, he caused the citie to be assaulted in thrée places, and the greatest number were appointed to assaile the wea∣kest part of the citie. As then there were no expert men of warre within Poictiers, but a great multi∣tude of people vnskilfull and not vsed to any feats of warre, by reason whereof the Englishmen ente∣red in at the weakest place. When they within sawe the citie woone, they fled out at other gates, but yet there were slaine to the number of seauen hundred persons, for all that came in the Englishmens waie were put to the sword, men, women, and children. The citie was sacked and rifled, so that great store of riches was gotten there,* 3.11 as well of the inhabitants as other that had brought their goods thither for safe∣gard of the same. The earle of Derbie laie there ten or twelue daies, and longer might haue laine, if his pleasure had so béene, for there was none that durst go about to disquiet him, all the countrie trembled so at his presence.

At his departure from Poictiers he left the citie void, for it was too great to be kept: his souldiers and men of warre were so pestered with riches, that they wist not what to doo therewith: they estéemed nothing but gold and siluer, and feathers for men of warre. The earle visited by the waie as he returned homewards to Burdeaux the towne of saint Iohn Dangelie,* 3.12 and other fortresses which he had woone in going towards Poictiers, and hauing furnished them with men, munition, and vittels necessarie, at his comming to Burdeaux he brake vp his host, and licencing his people to depart, thanked them for their paines and good seruice. All this while the siege conti∣nued still before Calis, and the French king amongst other deuises which he imagined how to raise the K. of England from it, procured the Scots to make warre into England, insomuch that Dauid king of Scotland, notwithstanding the truce which yet indu∣red betwixt him and the king of England, vpon hope now to doo some great exploit, by reason of the ab∣sence of king Edward,* 3.13 intangled thus with the be∣sieging of Calis, he assembled the whole puissance of his realme, to the number of fortie or threescore thousand fighting men (as some write) and with them entered into England, burning, spoiling, and wast∣ing the countrie, till he came as far as Durham.

The lords of England that were left at home with the queene for the sure keeping and defense of the realme, perceiuing the king of Scots thus boldie to inuade the land, and in hope of spoile to send foorth his light horssemen to harrie the countrie on ech side him, assembled an host of all such people as were a∣ble to beare armour, both preests and other. Their ge∣nerall assemblie was appointed at Newcastell,* 3.14 and when they were all togither, they were to the num∣ber of 1200 men of armes, thrée thousand archers, and seauen thousand other, with the Welshmen, and issuing out of the towne, they found the Scots rea∣die to come forward to incounter them. Then euerie man was set in order of battell, and there were foure battels ordeined, one to aid another. The first was led by the bishop of Durham, Gilbert de Uinfreuile earle of Anegos, Henrie lord Percie, and the lord Henrie Scroope: the second by the archbishop of Yorke, and the lord Rafe Neuill: the third by the bi∣shop of Lincolne, Iohn lord Mowbraie, and the lord Thomas de Rokebie: the fourth was gouerned by the lord Edward Balioll capteine of Berwike, the archbishop of Canturburie, and the lord Ros: beside these were W. lord d' Eincourt, Robert de Ogle, and other. The queene was there in person, and went from ranke to ranke,* 3.15 and incouraged hir people in the best manner she could, and that doone she depar∣ted, committing them and their cause to God the gi∣uer of all victorie.

Shortlie herevpon the Scots set forward to be∣gin

the battell, and likewise did the Englishmen, and therewith the archers on both parts began to shoot: the shot of the Scots did little hurt, but the archers of England sore galled the Scots, so that there was an hard battell. They began at nine of the clocke, and continued still in fight till noone. The Scots had sharpe and heauie axes, & gaue with the same great and mightie strokes,* 3.16 howbeit finallie the English∣men by the helpe of God obteined the victorie, al∣though they lost manie of their men. There were di∣uerse [line 10] of the nobles of Scotland slaine,* 3.17 to the number of seuen earles, beside lords. The king was taken in the field sore wounded, for he fought valiantlie. He was prisoner to an esquier of Northumberland,* 3.18 who as soone as he had taken him, rode out of the field with him, accompanied onelie with eight of his ser∣uants, and rested not till he came to his owne castell where he dwelled, being thirtie miles distant from the place of the battell.

* 3.19There was taken also beside him, the earles of [line 20] Fife, Sutherland, Wighton, and Menteth, the lord William Douglas, the lord Uescie, the archbishop of S. Andrewes, and another bishop, with sir Thomelin Foukes, and diuerse other men of name. There were slaine of one and other to the number of 15 thousand. This battell was fought beside the citie of Durham at a place called Neuils crosse,* 3.20 vpon a saturdaie next after the feast of saint Michaell, in the yeare of our Lord 1346. Of this ouerthrow Christopher Ok∣land hath verie commendablie written, saieng, [line 30]

—haud omine dextro Iam Scotus intulerat vim Dunelmensibus agris, Cùm formidandum saeuus bellum instruit Anglus,* 3.21 Aggreditúrque hostem violantem foedera sacra. Nominis incerti Scoticae plebs obuia gentis Sternitur, & tristi gladio cadit impia turba, Frustrà obluctantur Scotiae comitésque ducésque, Quorum pars iacet occumbens; pars caetera capta Captiuum corpus dedit vincentibus, auro Et pacto pretio redimendum, bellicus vtmos [line 40] Postulat. At Dauid Scotiae rex captus ad vrbem Londinum fidei pendens dignissima fractae Supplicia, adductus celebri concluditur arce. Exiguus numerus volucri pede fisus equorum Effugit in patriam, testis certissimus Anglos Deuicissesuos, & tristia funera narrant.

¶ He that will sée more of this battell, may find the same also set foorth in the Scotish historie,* 3.22 as their writers haue written thereof. And for somuch as by the circumstances of their writings, it should séeme [line 50] they kept the remembrance of the same battell per∣fectlie registred, we haue in this place onelie shewed what other writers haue recorded of that matter, and left that which the Scotish chronicles write, to be seene in the life of king Dauid, without much abridg∣ing therof. The Englishmen after this victorie thus obteined,* 3.23 tooke the castels of Roxburgh and Hermi∣tage, and also without any resistance subdued the countries of Anandale, Galloway, Mers, Tiui∣dale, and Ethrike forrest, extending their marches [line 60] foorth at that time vnto Cokburnes Peth, and Sow∣tray hedge, and after vnto Trarlinlips, and crosse Caue.

The queene of England being certeinelie infor∣med that the king of Scots was taken, & that Iohn Copland had conueied him out of the field, no man vnderstood to what place, she incontinentlie wrote to him, commanding him foorthwith to bring his priso∣ner king Dauid vnto hir presence:* 3.24 but Iohn Cop∣land wrote to hir againe for a determinate answer, that he would not deliuer his prisoner the said king Dauid vnto any person liuing, man or woman, ex∣cept onelie to the king of England, his souereigne lord and master. Herevpon the quéene wrote letters to the king, signifieng to him both of the happie victo∣rie chanced to his people against the Scots, and also of the demeanor of Iohn Copland, in deteining the Scotish king. King Edward immediatlie by letters commanded Iohn Copland to repaire vnto him where he laie at siege before Calis,* 3.25 which with all con∣uenient spéed he did, and there so excused himselfe of that which the queene had found hirselfe greeued with him, for deteining the king of Scots from hir, that the king did not onelie pardon him, but also gaue to him fiue hundred pounds sterling of yearelie rent, to him & to his heires for euer, in reward of his good seruice and valiant prowes, and made him esquire for his bodie, commanding him yet vpon his re∣turne into England to deliuer king Dauid vnto the queene, which he did, and so excused himselfe also vnto hir, that she was therewith satisfied and contented. Then the quéene, after she had taken order for the safe kéeping of the king of Scots, and good gouerne∣ment of the realme, tooke the sea and sailed ouer to the king hir husband still lieng before Calis.

Whilest Calis was thus besieged by the king of England,* 3.26 the Flemings which had latelie before be∣sieged Betwine, and had raised from thence about the same time that the battell was fought at Cressie, now assemble togither againe, and dooing what da∣mage they might against the Frenchmen on the bor∣ders, they laie siege vnto the towne of Aire. Moreo∣uer,* 3.27 they wrought so for the king of England (ear∣nestlie requiring their fréendship in that behalfe) that their souereigne lord Lewes earle of Flanders be∣ing as then about fifteene yeares of age,* 3.28 fianced the ladie Isabell daughter to the king of England,* 3.29 more by constraint indeed of his subiects, than for any good will he bare to the king of England: for he would often saie, and openlie protest, that he would ne∣uer marrie hir whose father had slaine his: but there was no remedie, for the Flemings kept him in ma∣ner as a prisoner, till he granted to follow their ad∣uise. But the same weeke that the mariage was ap∣pointed to be solemnized, the earle as he was abroad in hawking at the hearon, stale awaie and fled into France, not staieng to ride his horsse vpon the spurs till he came into Arthois, and so dishonorablie disap∣pointed both the king of England, and his owne na∣turall subiects the Flemings, to their high displea∣sure.

While the king laie thus before Calis, diuerse lords and knights came to sée him out of Flanders, Brabant, Heinault, and Almaigne. Amongst other came the lord Robert of Namur, and was reteined with the king as his seruant, the king giuing him thrée hundred pounds sterling of yearelie pension out of his coffers to be paid at Bruges.* 3.30 During the time that the siege thus continued before Calis, the lord Charles de Blois, that named himselfe duke of Britaine, was taken before a castell in Britaine, called la Roch Darien, and his armie discomfited, chéeflie by the aid of that valiant English knight sir Thomas Dagworth,* 3.31 who had beene sent from the siege of Calis by king Edward to assist the countesse of Montfort and other his fréends against the said Charles de Blois, that with a gret armie of French∣men and Britains, had the same time besieged the said castell of Roch Darien, cōstreining them within in such forceable maner, that they stood in great néed of present succors.* 3.32 The said sir Thomas Dagworth aduertised hereof, with three hundred men of armes, and foure hundred archers of his owne retinues, be∣side certeine Britaines, approched to the siege, and on the 20 of Iune earlie in the morning, a quarter of an houre before day, suddenlie set vpon the enimies, who hauing knowledge of his comming, were readie to receiue him as the day before, but being now sur∣prised

thus on the sudden, they were greatlie ama∣zed: for they that were within Roch Darien, as soone as the appearance of daie had discouered the matter vnto them, so that they might know their freends from their enimies, they issued foorth, and holpe not a litle to the atchiuing of the victorie, which was cléere∣lie obteined before sunne-rising, and the French ar∣mie quite discomfited, greatlie to the praise of the said sir Thomas Dagworth and his companie, consi∣dering their small number, in comparison of their [line 10] aduersaries, who were reckoned to be twelue hun∣dred good men of armes, knights, and esquiers, beside six hundred other armed men, two thousand crosse∣bowes, six hundred archers of the countrie of Bri∣taine, and footmen of commons innumerable.

There were taken, besides the lord Charles de Blois naming himselfe duke of Britaine, diuerse o∣ther lords and men of name, as monsieur Guie de la Uaall sonne and heire to the lord la Uaall, which died in the battell, the lord of Rocheford, the lord de [line 20] Beaumanour, the lord of Loiacke, with other lords, knights, and esquiers, in great numbers. There were slaine the said lord de la Uaall, the Uicount of Ro∣han, the lord of Chasteau Brian, the lord de Maile∣streit, the lord de Quintin, the lord de Rouge, the lord of Dereuall and his sonne, sir Rafe de Montford, and manie other worthie men of armes, knights and esquiers, to the number of betwixt six and seuen hun∣dred, as by a letter written by the said sir Thomas Dagworth, and registred in the historie of Robert de [line 30] Auesburie dooth appeare.

In this meane while, king Philip hauing dailie word how the power of his enimie king Edward did increase by aid of the Easterlings and other na∣tions, which were to him alied, and that his men within Calis were brought to such an extreme point,* 3.33 that without spéedie rescue they could not long keepe the towne, but must of force render it ouer into the hands of his said enimie, to the great preiudice of all the realme of France, after great deliberation ta∣ken [line 40] vpon this so weightie a matter,* 3.34 he commanded euerie man to meet him in their best arraie for the warre, at the feast of Pentecost in the citie of Ami∣ens, or in those marches. At the daie and place thus appointed, there came to him Odes duke of Bur∣goigne, and the duke of Normandie eldest sonne to the king, the duke of Orleance his yoongest sonne, the duke of Burbon, the earle of Fois, the lord Lois de Sauoie, the lord Iohn of Hemalt, the earle of Armi∣nacke, the earle of Forrest, and the earle Ualentino∣is, [line 50] with manie others.

These noble men being thus assembled, they tooke councell which waie they might passe to giue battell to the Englishmen: it was thought the best waie had beene through Flanders, but the Flemings in fauor of the king of England denied,* 3.35 not onelie to open their passages to the Frenchmen, but also had leuied an armie of an hundred thousand men of one and o∣ther, and laid siege to Aire, and burnt the countrie all about.* 3.36 Wherepon there were manie sharpe bicke∣rings [line 60] and sore incoun••ers betwixt the Flemings and such Frenchmen as king Philip sent foorth a∣gainst them both, now, whilest the French armie laie about A••••ens, and also before, during all the time that the siege lay at Calis. For all the French towns vpon the frontiers were stuffed with strong garri∣sons of souldiers, as Lisle, saint Omers, Arras, Bul∣longne, Aire and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and those men of war were euer readie vpon occasion to attempt sundrie exploits. After this, when the armie of the Flemings was broken-vp,* 3.37 and returned home, or rather diui∣ded into parts, and lodged along on the frontiers, the French king with two thousand men one and other came forward, taking his way through the countrie called la Belme, and so by the countrie of Franke∣berge, came streight to the hill of Sangate, betwixt Calis and Wisant.

The king of England had caused a strong castell to be made betweene the towne of Calis and the sea, to close vp that passage, and had placed therein three score men of armes, and two hundred archers, which kept the hauen in such sort that nothing could come in nor out. Also considering that his enimies could come neither to succour the towne, nor to annoie his host, except either by the downes alongst the sea side, or else aboue by the high waie, he caused all his na∣uie to drawe alongst by the coast of the downes, to stop vp that the Frenchmen should not approch that waie. Also the erle of Derbie being come thither out of Guien, was appointed to kéepe Newland bridge,* 3.38 with a great number of men of armes and archers, so that the Frenchmen could not approch anie waie, vnlesse they would haue come through the marishes, which to doo was not possible.

Fiftéene hundred of the commons of Tournie wan a tower, which the Englishmen had made and kept for the impeachment of the Frenchmens pas∣sage by the downes, but that notwithstanding, when the marshals of France had well viewed all the pas∣sages and streicts through the which their armie must passe, if they meant to fight with the Englishmen, they well perceiued that they could not come to the Englishmen to giue them battell, without the king would lose his people, wherevpon (as Froissard saith) the French king sent the lord Geffrey de Charnie, the lord Eustace de Ribaumont, Guie de Néele, and the lord de Beauiew vnto the king of England,* 3.39 which required him on their maisters behalfe to appoint cer∣teine of his councell, as he would likewise appoint certeine of his, which by common consent might ad∣uise betweene them an indifferent place for them to trie the battell vpon: wherevnto the king of Eng∣land answered,* 3.40

That there he was and had béene al∣most a whole yeare, which could not be vnknowne to his aduersarie their maister, so that he might haue come sooner if he would: but now, sith he had suffered him there to remaine so long, without offer of bat∣tell, he meant not to accomplish his desire, nor to de∣part from that, which to his great cost he had brought now at length to that point, that he might easilie win it. Wherefore if the French K. nor his host could not passe those waies which were closed by the Eng∣lish power, let them séeke some other passage (said he) if they thinke to come hither.

In this meane while came two cardinals frō pope Clement,* 3.41 to treat a peace betwixt the two kings, wherevpon commissioners were appointed, as the dukes of Burgoigne and Burbone, the lord Lewes de Sauoie, and the lord Iohn de Heinault, otherwise called lord Beaumont, on the French part: and the earles of Derbie and Northampton, the lord Regi∣nald Cobham, and the lord Walter de Mannie, on the English part. These commissioners and the le∣gates (as intreators betwéene the parties) met and communed three daies togither, but agréed not vpon anie conclusion, and so the cardinals departed; and the French king perceiuing he could not haue his purpose, brake vp his host and returned to France,* 3.42 bidding Calis farewell. After that the French king with his host was once departed from Sangate,* 3.43 without ministring anie succour to them within the towne, they began to sue for a parlée, which being granted, in the end they were contented to yéeld, and the king granted to receiue them and the towne on these conditions; that six of the cheefe burgesses of the towne should come foorth bareheaded, barefooted,* 3.44 and barelegged, and in their shirts, with halters about their necks, with the keies of the towne and castell in

their hands, to submit themselues simplie to the kings will, and the residue he was contented to take to mercie.

This determinate resolution of king Edward be∣ing intimated to the commons of the towne, assem∣bled in the market place by the sound of the common bell before the capteine, caused manie a wéeping eie amongst them: but in the end, when it was percei∣ued that no other grace would be obteined, six of the most wealthie burgesses of all the towne agreed to hazard their liues for the safegard of the residue, and [line 10] so according to the prescript order deuised by the K. they went foorth of the gates, and were presented by the lord Walter de Mannie to the king,* 3.45 before whom they knéeled downe, offered to him the keies of the towne, and besought him to haue mercie vpon them. But the king regarding them with a fell counte∣nance, commanded streight that their heads should be striken off. And although manie of the noble men did make great intreatance for them, yet would no grace be shewed,* 3.46 vntill the quéene being great with [line 20] child, came and knéeled downe before the king hir husband, and with lamentable cheere & wéeping eies intreated so much for them, that finallie the kings anger was aswaged & his rigor turned to mercie (for

Flectitur iratus vo••erogante Deus)

so that he gaue the prisoners vnto hir to doo hir plea∣sure with them. Then the quéene commanded them to be brought into hir chamber, and caused the halters to be taken from their necks, clothed them anew, gaue them their dinner, and bestowing vpon ech of [line 30] them six nobles, appointed them to be conueied out of the host in safegard, and set at libertie.

* 3.47Thus was the strong towne of Calis yéelded vp into the hands of king Edward, the third of August, in the yeare 1347. The capteine the lord Iohn de Ui∣enne, and all the other capteins and men of name were staied as prisoners, and the common soldiers and other meane people of the towne were licenced to depart and void their houses, leauing all their ar∣mor and riches behind them. The king would not [line 40] haue any of the old inhabitants to remaine in the towne, saue onlie a priest, and two other ancient per∣sonages, such as best knew the customes, lawes and ordinances of the towne. He appointed to send ouer thither amongst other Englishmen, there to inhabit, 36 burgesses of London,* 3.48 and those of the wealthiest sort, for he meant to people the towne onelie with Englishmen, for the better and more sure defense thereof. The king and quéene were lodged in the ca∣stell,* 3.49 and continued there, till the queene was deliue∣red [line 50] of a daughter named Margaret.

The cardinals, of whome ye heard before, being come as legats from pope Clement to mooue com∣munication of peace, did so much in the matter, that a truce was granted betwixt the realme of England & France, for the terme of twelue moneths, or two yeares (as Froissard saith.) But the English chroni∣cle and Iacobus Meir seeme to agree,* 3.50 that this truce was taken but for nine moneths, though afterwards [line 60] the same was proroged. To the which truce all par∣ties agreed,* 3.51 Britaine excepted, for the two women there would not be quieted, but still pursued the war the one against the other. After that this truce was accorded, the king with the quéene his wife returned into England, and left as capteine within Calis one sir Amerie of Pauie an Italian knight,* 3.52 or (as o∣ther bookes haue) he was but capteine of the castell, or of some one of the towers of that towne, which sée∣meth more like to be true, than that the king should commit the whole charge of the towne vnto his go∣uernement, being a stranger borne, and therefore Ia∣cobus Meir is the more to be credited, that writeth how sir Amerie of Pauie was left but in charge with the castell onelie, and that the towne was com∣mitted to the kéeping of the lord Iohn Beauchampe, and Lewes his brother.

But now that there was a peace thus concluded betwixt the two kings,* 3.53 it seemed to the English peo∣ple that the sunne brake foorth after a long cloudie season, by reason both of the great plentie of althings,* 3.54 and remembrance of the late glorious victories: for there were few women that were housekéepers within this land, but they had some furniture of hous∣hold that had béene brought to them out of France, as part of the spoile got in Caen, Calis, Carenien, or some other good towne. And beside houshold stuffe, the English maides and matrones were bedecked and trimmed vp in French womens iewels and ap∣parell, so that as the French women lamented for the losse of those things, so our women reioised of the gaine. In this 22 yeare,* 3.55 from Midsummer to Christ∣masse for the more part it continuallie rained, so that there was not one day and night drie togither, by reason whereof great flouds insued, and the ground therewith was sore corrupted, and manie inconueni∣ences insued, as great sickenes, and other, in somuch that in the yeare following in France the people di∣ed woonderfullie in diuerse places. In Italie also, and in manie other countries,* 3.56 as well in the lands of the infidels, as in christendome,* 3.57 this grieuous mor∣talitie reigned to the great destruction of people. ¶A∣bout the end of August, the like death began in di∣uerse places of England, and especiallie in London, continuing so for the space of twelue moneths fol∣lowing. And vpon that insued great barrennesse, as well of the sea, as the land,* 3.58 neither of them yéelding such plentie of things as before they had doone. Wher∣vpon vittels and corne became scant and hard to come by.

About the same time died Iohn Stretford archbi∣shop of Canturburie, after whome succéeded Iohn Ufford, who liued not in that dignitie past ten mo∣neths, and then followed Thomas Bredwardin, who deceassed within one yeare after his consecration, so that then Simon Islep was consecrated archbishop by pope Clement the sixt, being the 53 archbishop that had sit in that seat. Within a while after, Wil∣liam archbishop of Yorke died: in whose place suc∣ceeded Iohn Torsbie, being the 44 archbishop that had gouerned that church. Moreouer in this 23 yeare of king Edwards reigne,* 3.59 the great mortalitie in England still continuing, there was a practise in hand for recouering againe of Calis to the French kings possession. The lord Geffrie of Charnie lieng in the towne of S. Omers, did practise with sir Am••rie de Pauie, to be receiued into the towne of Calis by the castell, secretlie in the night season. The Italian gaue eare to the lord Geffrie his sute; and to make few words, couenanted for the summe of twentie thousand crownes to betraie the towne vnto him, in such sort as he could best deuise.

¶ Here writers varie:* 3.60 for Froissard saith that king Edward had information thereof, before that sir A∣merie de Pauie vttered the thing himselfe; but the French chronicles, and also other writers affirme, that the Italian aduertised the king of all the drift and matter betwixt him & the lord Geffrie of Char∣nie, before he went through with the bargaine. But whether by him or by other, truth it is the king was made priuie to the matter at Hauering Bower in Essex (where he kept the feast of Christmasse) & there∣vpon departing from thence, he came to Douer,* 3.61 * 3.62 and the daie before the night of the appointment made for the deliuerie of the castell of Calis (hauing se∣cretlie made his prouision (he tooke shipping,* 3.63 and lan∣ded the same night at Calis, in so secret maner, that but few of the towne vnderstood of his arriuall, he

brought with him out of England thrée hundred men of armes, and six hundred archers, whom he laid in chambers and towers within the castell, so closelie that few or none perceiued it, the maner he knew by sir Amerie de Pauie his aduertisements (according∣lie as it was agréed betwixt them) that the lord Gef∣frie of Charnie was appointed to come and enter the towne that night,* 3.64 for the king had commanded sir Amerie to proceed in merchandizing with the said lord Charnie, and onelie to make him priuie of the day & houre in the which the feat should be wrought. [line 10]

The lord Geffrie de Charnie being couenanted that he should be receiued into Calis the first night of the new yeare, [year 1350] departed from S. Omers, where he had assembled fiue hundred speares, the last day of December toward night, and so in secret wise he passed foorth, till about the middest of the next night after, he approched neere to Calis, and sending an hundred men of armes to take possession of the ca∣stell, and to paie the Italian his twentie thousand [line 20] crownes, came to the posterne of the castell, where sir Amerie de Pauie hauing let downe the posterne bridge, was readie to bring them in by the same po∣sterne, and so the hundred men of armes entered, and sir Edward de Rentie deliuered to the Italian his twentie thousand crownes in a bag,* 3.65 who when he had cast the crownes into a coffer (for he had no leisure to tell them) he brought the Frenchmen into the dun∣geon of the castell, as it were to possesse them of the cheefest strength of the fortresse. Within this dunge∣on or tower was the king of England closelie laid, [line 30] with two hundred men of armes, who issued out with their swords and axes in their hands,* 3.66 crieng Mannie to the rescue, for the king had so ordeined, that both he and his sonne should fight vnder the banner of the lord Walter de Mannie, as chéefe of that enterprise.

Then were the Frenchmen greatlie abashed, in such wise, that perceiuing how no defense might ad∣uance them, they yeelded themselues without any great shew of resistance. Herewith the Englishmen issued out of the castell into the towne, and mounted [line 40] on horssebacke, for they had the French prisoners horsses, and then the archers road to Bullongne gate, where the lord Geffrie was with his banner before him of gules three scutchens siluer. He had great desire to be the first that should enter the towne: but shortlie the king of England with the prince his son was readie at the gate, vnder the banner of the lord Walter de Mannie to assaile him. There were also other banners,* 3.67 as the earles of Stafford and Suf∣folke, the lord Iohn Montacute brother to the earle of [line 50] Salisburie, the lord Beauchampe, the lord Berkley, and the lord de la Ware. Then the great gate was set open, and they all issued foorth crieng Mannie to the rescue. The Frenchmen perceiuing that they were betraied, alighted from their horsses, and put themselues in order of battell on foot, determining to fight it out like valiant men of war.* 3.68 The king per∣ceiuing this, caused his people likewise to be set in or∣der of battell, & sent thrée hundred archers to New∣land bridge, to distresse those Frenchmen, which he [line 60] heard should be there. This was earelie in the mor∣ning but incontinentlie it was daie: the French∣men kept their ground a while, and manie feats of armes were doone of both parts, but the Englishmen euer increased out of Calis, and the Frenchmen di∣minished, so that finallie they were ouercome, as well in the one place, as in the other.

* 3.69It chanced that in the hotest of the fight, the king was matched with sir Eustace de Ribaumont, a right strong and hardie knight. There was a sore in∣counter betwixt him and the king, that maruell it was to behold them. At length they were put asun∣der, for a great companie of both parts came that waie, and there fought fiercelie togither. The French∣men did behaue themselues right valiantlie, and e∣speciallie sir Eustace de Ribaumont:* 3.70 he strake the king that daie twise vpon his knées, but finallie he was taken prisoner by the king himselfe. The lord Geffrie of Charnie was also taken prisoner, and wounded right sore, but the king of his noble courte∣sie caused him to be dressed by surgions, and tender∣lie looked vnto. There were slaine, sir Henrie de Blois, and sir Pepin de la Ware, with other, to the number of six hundred. Monsieur de Memorancie escaped with great danger. Froissard saieth, that this battell was fought in the yeare 1348, vpon the last of December, towards the next morning being Newyeares daie: but (as Auesburie & Walsingham haue, who begin the yeare at our ladie day) this enter∣prise chanced 1349, and so consequentlie in the 23 yeare of this kings reigne. All the prisoners were brought to the castell of Calis, where the K. the next night gaue them a supper,* 3.71 & made them right hartie cheare, and gaue to sir Eustace de Ribaumont a rich chaplet of pearles, which he then did weare on his owne head, in token that he had best deserued it for his manfull prowes shewed in the fight; & beside that in fauour of his tried valiancie, he acquit him of his ransome, and set him at libertie. This fact of the king was roiall in deed, and his clemencie greatlie to be commended; & therfore it is well said to this purpose,

Gloria consequitur reges sic bella gerentes, Sic certare parit decus immortale duello.

About the end of August the death in London ceas∣sed,* 3.72 which had bin so great & vehement within that ci∣itie, that ouer & beside the bodies buried in other ac∣customed burieng places (which for their infinit num∣ber cannot be reduced into account) there were bu∣ried that yeare dailie, from Candlemasse till Easter, in the Charterhouse yard of London, more than two hundred dead corpses. Also this yeare, by the earnest sute of the two cardinals which were sent (as ye haue heard) from pope Clement the sixt, a peace was con∣cluded for one yeare. There met néere vnto Calis for the treatie of this peace, the foresaid two cardinals,* 3.73 as mediators; and for the king of England, the bi∣shop of Norwich treasuror and high chancellor of the realme, with others came thither as commissioners; and in like maner for the French king, there appea∣red the bishop of Lion, and the abbat of S. Denise. ¶ This yeare in August died Philip de Ualois the French king. Here is to be noted,* 3.74 that all those that were borne, after the beginning of that great mor∣talitie whereof ye haue heard, wanted foure cheeke teeth (when they came to the time of growth) of those 32 which the people before that time commonlie v∣sed to haue, so that they had but 28. In this 24 yeare of this kings reigne,* 3.75 there was a combat fought in lists within the kings palace of Westminster, be∣twixt the lord Iohn, bastard sonne to Philip king of France, & a knight of the towne of Ypres in Flan∣ders; but the bastard had the vpper hand, and vanqui∣shed his a••uersarie. ¶ About the feast of the decol∣lation of saint Iohn Baptist,* 3.76 king Edward aduerti∣sed of a fléet of Spaniards returning foorth of Flan∣ders, that was laden with clothes and other riches, assembled a conuenient power of men of armes and archers, & at Sandwich tooke the sea with them,* 3.77 sai∣ling foorth, till vpon the coast of Winchelsie he met with the Spaniards, and there assailed them; so that betwixt him and those Spaniards, there was a sore fight, and long continued, to the great losse of people on both parts; but in the end, the bright beame of vic∣torie shone vpon the English sailes, so that all the Spaniards were slaine, for they were so proud and obstinat (as Walsingham affirmeth) that they would not yéeld, but rather choose to die, & so they did indéed,

either on the Englishmens weapons points, or else were they drowned there in the sea,* 3.78 six and twentie of their ships were taken, in the which was found great store of good ware and riches.* 3.79 And so the king thought himselfe well reuenged of the Spaniards, which in the last yeare about Alhallontide, had entred into the riuer of Garons, as it runneth vp towards Burdeaux, and there finding manie ships fraught with wines, slue all the Englishmen they found a∣boord, and tooke awaie the ships with them: which in∣iurie [line 10] mooued the king to enterprise this exploit now at this time against them.

* 3.80About the beginning of August, sir Raoull de Cahors, and diuerse other knights and esquiers, to the number of six score men of armes, fought before a castell called Auleon, with sir Thomas Dagworth, and there slue the same sir Thomas, and to the num∣ber of one hundred men of armes with him. There were sent solemne messengers this yeare vn∣to Auignion,* 3.81 for the establishing of a peace, mentio∣ned [line 20] betwixt the king of England and France, at the sute of the pope, so that king Edward should haue re∣signed his title and claime to the crowne of France, and the French king should haue giuen ouer vnto him the whole duchie of Guien, to hold the same free∣lie, without knowledging of resort or superioritie, or dooing any manner of homage for the same: but such delaies were made, and the sute so prolonged by the pope, that the erale of Derbie, who with others was sent to him about this matter, returned without [line 30] spéed of his purpose for the which he went.

* 3.82In the fiue and twentith yeare of king Edwards reigne, the Frenchmen hauing laid siege vnto the towne of saint Iohn Dangeli, the lord Dalbrets son, hauing assembled six hundred men of armes, Gas∣coigns and Englishmen, meant to worke some feat for reliefe of them within, whervpon, as he was mar∣ching through the countrie of Xainctonge neere vnto Xaincts the eighth of Aprill,* 3.83 or (as other haue) the first, he was incountered by the lord Guie de Néell, one of [line 40] the marshals of France, & other French lords, where at length, the Frenchmen were discomfited, manie also slaine, and diuerse taken prisoners, of which number was the said marshall, with his brother the lord William, and sir Arnold de Dandrehen, beside others, to the number of 300 men of armes, but yet the siege remained, till for want of vittels the towne was rendered to the Frenchmen.

The same yeare in October, an English archer of the garison of Calis, named Iohn of Dancaster, by [line 50] licence of the lord deputie of Calis, tooke with him threescore persons men of armes and archers, and in the night that goeth before the feast daie of S. Uin∣cent, in the last quarter of the same night, he com∣ming to the castell of Guines,* 3.84 found as well the watch as others fast as••••••pe, wherevpon he passed a water that adioined to the castell, wading vp to the girdle, and so came to the wall, where he & his com∣panie rearing vp ladders, mounted by the same so se∣cretlie, that slaieng the watch, being not past thrée or [line 60] foure persons that were on the wals, they entred the castell, and finding the Frenchmen asleepe, slue those that vpon their wakening made any defense, and tooke the residue, whome they suffered to depart: and by this meanes they wan the castell, finding great store of vittels within, and so as they found it, they kept it to the king of Englands vse. The French hi∣stories declare, that one Guilliam de Beauconroy that was capteine of this castell, betraied the place to the Englishmen, for a summe of monie, and when the French king required restitution bicause the truce was not yet expired,* 3.85 he was shifted off with this for∣ged answer, that nothing was excepted by the assu∣rance of the truce, concerning things that should be bought and sold. The Frenchman that betraied it, was shortlie after put to execution at Amiens.

In this yeare were the first peeces of siluer called grotes and halfe grotes of foure penc•• & two pence the peece stamped, by the kings appointment,* 3.86 through the counsell of William de Edington bishop of Winchester lord treasur••r. Before that time, there were no other coines, but the noble▪ halfe noble, and quarter noble, with the péeces of siluer called ster∣lings. Bicause these new péeces wanted of the weight of the old sterling coine, the prices as well of vittels as of other wares, did dailie rise▪ and ser∣uants and workemen waxing more craftie than be∣fore time they had beene, demanded great wages, ¶ This yeare, vpon the euen of the Assumption of our lodie, sir Iohn Bentlie knight,* 3.87 as then lord warden of Britaine, fought with the lord Guie de Neell, marshall of France (latelie ransomed out of capti∣uitie) in the parts of Britaine, néere to a place called Mouron, betwixt Rennes and Pluremell, where the said marshall was slaine,* 3.88 togither with the lord of Briquebeke the Chateline of Beauuais, and diuerse other both Britains and Frenchmen.

In the seuen and twentith yeare of his reigne, K. Edward held a parlement at Westminster,* 3.89 after the feast of Easter, in which an ordinance was deuised,* 3.90 what wages seruants and laborers should be allow∣ed, prohibiting them to receiue aboue the rate which they were accustomed to take before the yeare of the great mortalitie. Seruants and laborers were in deed growen to be more subtill than before time they had béene; but by reason of the prices of things were inhanced, it is like they demanded greater wages than they had doone before time: and one cause of the dearth was imputed to the new coine of monie, be∣ing of lesse weight in the value thereof, than before it had béene, so that ••he bishop of Winchester being lord treasuror, who had counselled the king to ordeine those grotes and halfe grotes, was euill spoken of a∣mongst the people.* 3.91 In this parlement there were sta∣tutes also made, that clothes should in length and in breadth through the realme, beare the same assise, as was ordeined in the parlement holden at North∣ampton. Also, that all weares, milles, and other lets,* 3.92 should be remooued foorth of riuers, that might be a∣ny hinderance of ships, boats, or lighters to passe vp and downe the same. But these good ordinances tooke little or none effect, by reason of bribes that walked abroad, and fréendship of lords and great men, that sought rather their owne commoditie, than the com∣mon-wealths.

Shortlie after the feast of Pentecost,* 3.93 the earle of Derbie and Lancaster was made duke of Lanca∣ster, and Rafe lord Stafford was created earle of Stafford. Whereas there had beene a treatie betwixt the lords of Britaine, and the king of England, not onelie for the deliuerance of the lord Charles de Blois,* 3.94 but also for the matching of his eldest sonne in mariage with one of king Edwards daughters, and so to inioy the dukedome in peace: this matter was so far forwards, that in the yeare last passed, the said lord Charles, leauing two of his sonnes and a daugh∣ter in pledge for the paiment of fortie thousand flo∣reus, agréed vpon for his ransome; he was permit∣ted to returne into Britaine to prouide that monie: and withall, to procure a dispensation, that his eldest sonne might marrie with one of K. Edwards daugh∣ters, notwithstanding that otherwise they were with∣in the degrees of consanguinitie, prohibiting them to marrie. Herevpon this yeare about Michaelmas, he returned into England with the same dispensati∣on: but bicause about the same time the Britains had taken by stealth an Iland with a castell therein, that the Englishmen had kept, & put all those which they

••ound therein, to the sword, the said lord Charles, o∣therwise duke of Britaine, lost the kings fauour, so that he would heare no more of anie such aliance, by waie of marriage, as had beene communed of be∣fore: by reason whereof the British lords, that were in great number come ouer with the lord Charles de Blois, were constreined to returne home, without atchiuing anie part of their purpose, leauing the said lord Charles and his children behind them still héere in England.

On the fourth day of September, the duke of [line 10] Brunswike and the duke of Lancaster should haue fought a combat in Paris,* 3.95 about words the duke of Lancaster should speake, in derogation of the duke of Brunswikes honor, for the which the said duke had appealed him in the court of France: but when they were readie to haue tried it, and were on horssebacke with their speares in hand within the lists, at point to haue runne togither, the French king caused them to staie, and taking on him the matter, made them [line 20] fréends, and agréed them. This yeare the king by ad∣uise of his councell remooued the mart or staple of wools from the townes in Flanders,* 3.96 and caused the same to be kept at Westminster, Chichester, Lin∣colne, Bristowe, Canturburie and Hull. This was doone in despite of the Flemings, bicause they held not the couenants and agréements which they had made with the king, in the life time of Iaques Arte∣ueld, by whose prouision the said mart or staple had béene kept in sundrie townes in Flanders, to their [line 30] great aduantage and commoditie.* 3.97

Sir Walter Bentlie, vpon his comming ouer foorth of Britaine,* 3.98 where he had beene the kings lieu∣tenant, was committed to the tower, where he re∣mained prisoner for the space of twelue moneths, bi∣cause he refused to deliuer vp the castels within his gouernement, vnto sir Iohn Auenell knight, being appointed to receiue the same, to the vse of the lord Charles de Blois, at the same time when the treatie of agreement was in hand, betwixt the king, and the [line 40] said lord Charles. But after, when it was perceiued what damage might haue insued by deliuerie of those castels, sir Walter was set at libertie vpon suerties yet they were bound for his foorth comming, and that he should not depart the realme: at length, he was receiued againe into the kings fauour. In the sum∣mer of this seauen and twentith yeare,* 3.99 was so great a drought, that from the latter end of March, fell lit∣tle raine, till the latter end of Iulie, by reason where∣of, manie inconueniences insued: and one thing is [line 50] speciallie to be noted, that corne the yeare following waxed scant,* 3.100 and the price began this yeare to be greatlie inhanced. Also beeues and muttons waxed déere for the want of grasse, and this chanced both in England and France, so that this was called the déere summer. The lord William duke of Bauiere or Bauarie, and earle of Zeland, brought manie ships into London, fraught with rie, for reléefe of the people,* 3.101 who otherwise had, through their present p••••ching penurie, if not vtterlie perished, yet pitti∣fullie [line 60] pined.* 3.102

In the eight and twentith yeare of king Edwards reigne,* 3.103 vpon a treatie that was holden by commissi∣oners, appointed by the two kings of England and France, after Easter, they were in maner fullie a∣gréed vpon a peace, so that nothing wanted, but put∣ting vnto their seales. In the articles whereof it was conteined, that the king of England should inioy all the lands of his dutchie of Aquitaine, without hold∣ing the same of anie by homage, or resort, and in con∣sideration thereof he should resigne all his claime to the crowne of France.* 3.104 Héerevpon were ambassa∣dors sent from either king, vnto the pope, and a truce taken, to indure till the feast of saint Iohn Baptist in the yeare next following.* 3.105 Ambassadors for the king of England were these: Henrie duke of Lan∣caster, Iohn earle of Arundell, the bishops of Nor∣wich and London, and the lord Guie de Brian. For the French king, the archbishop of Rouen lord chan∣cellor of France, the duke of Burbon, and others: but when the matter came to be heard before the pope about Christmasse, all went to smoke that had béene talked of: for the Frenchmen denied that the arti∣cles were drawne according to the meaning of their commissioners, and the pope also winked at the mat∣ter, so that the English ambassadors (when they saw that nothing would be concluded) returned home all of them) the bishop of Norwich excepted who depar∣ted this life there) and so their iournie came to none effect.

This yeare, the tenth of Februarie,* 3.106 there rose a sore debate betwixt the scholers and townesmen of Ox∣enford.* 3.107 The occasion rose by reason of the falling out of a scholer with one that sold wine: for the scholer perceiuing himselfe euill vsed, powred the wine on the drawers head, knocking the pot about his pate, so as the bloud ranne downe by his eares. Héerevpon began a sore fraie betwixt the scholers and townes∣men, which continued for the most part of two daies togither. There were twentie townesmen slaine, be∣side those that were hurt: but at length, there came a great number of countrimen foorth of the villa∣ges next adioining, to aid the townesmen, entring the towne with a blacke banner, and so fiercelie assai∣led the scholers, that they were constreined to flee to their houses and hostels, but their enimies pursuing them, brake vp their doores, entered their chambers, slue diuerse of them, and threw them into priuies, tare their bookes, and bare awaie their goods. The scholers héerewith tooke such displeasure, that they departed the Uniuersitie: those of Merton colledge, and other the like colledges onelie excepted.

The bishop of Lincolne inhibited préests to cele∣brate diuine seruice in presence of anie laie man within that towne of Oxenford; and the king send∣ing his iustices thither, to take knowledge of this dis∣orderlie riot, there were diuerse, both of the townes∣men and scholers indited, and certeine of the burges∣ses committed to ward. ¶ This yeare, the first sun∣daie in Lent, the king held a roiall iustes at Wood∣stoke, for ioy of the queenes purifieng, after the birth of hir sixt sonne, the lord Thomas, whome the bishop of Durham (named Thomas) held at the fontstone: he was borne the seauenth of Ianuarie last past. In the parlement holden at Westminster this yeare af∣ter Easter,* 3.108 the king tooke vpon him to make an end of the quarrell betwixt the scholers and townesmen of Oxenford, and sauing to euerie man his right, pardoned the scholers of all transgressions: and this he signified into euerie shire, by writs directed to the shiriffes, they to proclame the same for more notice of the thing. And so in the summer following, the U∣niuersitie began againe to flourish, students resor∣ting thither from each side, and falling afresh to their academicall exercises, which they néeded not to haue discontinued, if either partie, I meane the townes∣men or scholers, would haue tolerated and borne one with another, and not so rashlie haue vndertaken the reuenge of one anothers wrath and iniurie; but,

Oderunt pacem stulti & certamina quaerunt.

In this parlement, the processe of the iudgement had and made against Roger Mortimer, late earle of March, was reuoked, adnihilated, and made void, so that the lord Roger Mortimer was restored to the title and possessions of the earledome of March, as cousine and heire to his grandfather the said erle of March. Moreouer, to this parlement came the bishop of Carpentras, and the abbat of Clugnie, being sent

from pope Innocent the sixt, to make sute to haue the truce proroged betwixt the two kings, of Eng∣land and France, to whome the king himselfe in per∣son, made this resolute answer, that he would not a∣grée to anie longer truce; for that, when diuerse times, at the Frenchmens sute, he had consented to haue truce by mediation of two cardinals, sent to him about the same matter, his aduersaries in the meane time, whilest such truces indured, had doone much harme and damage by subtill practises to per∣sons [line 10] and places beyond the sea, that were vnder his rule and gouernement, yet he said he would delibe∣rate heereof with his councell, and after intimate his pleasure to the pope, and to them of France by messengers which he would send ouer for that pur∣pose: and so these ambassadors within foure daies after their comming, were thus dispatched with an∣swer. Herewith in this parlement it was ordeined, that the prince of Wales, being as then about foure and twentie yeares of age, should passe ouer into [line 20] Gascoigne, and haue with him a thousand men of armes, and two thousand archers, with a great num∣ber of Welshmen.

* 3.109About the same time the king caused fortie ships to be prouided, rigged, and made readie at Ruther∣hiue, furnished with vittels for one quarter of a yéere, and euerie of the said ships had principall streamers of the duke of Lancasters armes, who was appointed with a great power of chosen men of armes and ar∣chers to passe to the sea with the same ships, but few [line 30] or none of his companie knew whither; horsses they had none. He had with him two of the kings sonnes, Lionell of Antwerpe,* 3.110 and Iohn of Gant, the elder of them being about sixtéene yeares of age. Also, there went with him the earles of Northampton, March, and Stafford, beside manie lords, barons, & knights. On the tenth of Iulie, he made saile to Greenewich, and there and at Sandwich he staied, till the Assump∣tion of our ladie, the wind for the most part continu∣ing all that while at west and south, contrarie to his [line 40] iournie, as it might appeare. At length with much dif∣ficultie he came to Winchel••ie, & after to the Wight. It was thought, that the dukes purpose was to passe into Normandie, to ioine with the king of Nauarre, who was at variance with the French king. But af∣ter it was knowen by espials that they were made fréends, the duke of Lancaster doubting crooked measures, and hauing with him no horssemen, retur∣ned home without further attempt.

* 3.111On saint Kenelmes daie being fridaie, and the [line 50] 17 of Iulie, master Humfrie Carleton professor of diuinitie, and Iohn Carleton the yoonger, doctor of the lawes, on the behalfe of the Uniuersitie of Ox∣ford, and Iohn saint Frideswide maior, Iohn Bere∣ford, and Iohn Norton, burgesses of the said towne of Oxford, on the behalfe of the communaltie of the same towne, came before the kings councell at Westminster in the councell chamber there, néere to the excheker, where the allegations on both parties being heard, and vpon request made, that it might [line 60] please his maiesties councell, acording to the submis∣sions by both parties made vnto the king and to his councell, to take order in the matter in controuersie betwixt them, concerning the late tumult and busi∣nesse which had chanced in the said towne, by the dis∣order of the communaltie of the same, in breaking downe, and burning vp of houses, in taking awaie the bookes and other goods of the said masters and scholers, & in committing other transgressions. The councell hauing consideration thereof, to auoid the decaie that might haue insued to the said towne, made this end betwixt them, that the said towne (Iohn Bereford,* 3.112 being in the kings prison, and Ro∣bert Lardiner onelie excepted) should be bound to paie vnto the said masters and scholers, damnified in the said tumult and businesse, for amends, and refor∣mation of iniuries and losses susteined (death and maime excepted) two hundred and fiftie pounds, beside the goods taken and borne awaie, to be resto∣red againe, and this monie to be paid to the said chancellor, masters and scholers, on that side the mon∣daie next before the feast of saint Iames, or else suffi∣cient suerties put in for the paiment thereof, at cer∣teine termes, as the parties should agrée vpon: and in respect thereof, the said Iohn Bereford, and Iohn Norton, shall be releassed out of prison of the Mar∣shalsea, at the baile of the said maior, and of Robert de Menkes, and Iohn Dimmoks, till the next sessi∣ons of gaole deliuerie, with condition, that the said summes of monie be paid, or suerties put in for the paiment thereof, as before is said, or else the bodies of the said Iohn Bereford, & Iohn de Norton, shall be returned to the said prison, within thrée daies after the feast of Peter ad Vincula, there to remaine in manner as before they did.

It was also ordeined by the councell, with the as∣sent of the said Humfrie and Iohn Carleton, that all and euerie manner of persons of the said towne of Oxford, and the suburbes of the same, indited and ar∣reigned of the fellonies and transgressions before mentioned, that should yeeld themselues to the kings prison to be tried by law, and also all other that were at that present in prison, which the said Humfrie and Iohn de Carleton should name (Iohn de Bereford and Robert Lardiner excepted) might be let to baile, vpon sufficient suerties, that should vndertake for them, bodies for bodies, to appeare at the next sessi∣ons of gaole deliuerie, there to be tried, according to the order of law. And further it was ordered, that all such goods and cattels as were taken and carried awaie from the said masters and scholers in the said tumult and businesse, by the men of the said towne and suburbes, in whose hands, and in what places soe∣uer within the said towne and suburbes, by inquisiti∣ons, informations, or other meanes, they should or might be found, should be deliuered to the said chan∣cellor, and procurators of the said Uniuersitie, to be by them restore•• vnto those persons, to whome they belonged▪ This was the effect of the order taken at that day and place, before the ••eu••r••nd fathers, Iohn archbishop of Yorke primat and chancellor of Eng∣land, William bishop of Winchester lord treasuror, Thomas de Br••mbre lord keeper of the priuie seale, and Dauid de Wollore master of the rolles, Henrie de Ingelbie ••learke, and other of the kings councell then and there present.

The prince of Wales (as ye haue heard) being ap∣pointed to passe ouer into Gascoigne,* 3.113 set forward from London the last daie of Iune, and comming to Plimmouth, where his nauie was appointed to be made readie, he staied there, for want of conuenient wind and weather a long time after. Finallie, ha∣uing with him the earles of Warwike, Suffolke, Salisburie & Oxford, also the lord Iohn Chan••••ls, sir Robert Knols, sir Franke de Hall, the lord Iames Audelie, with diuerse other of the nobilitie, and of men of armes and archers •• g••eat number▪ then in parlement to him assigned, ••e ••••••st set from Plim∣mouth on the daie of the Natiuitie of one ladie. They were in all thrée hundred saile, and finding the wind prosperous, they passed ouer into Gascoigne, where of th•• Gascoignes they were ioifullie receiued. In August, the Englishmen that were in Britaine, warring against the Frenchmen, that tooke part with the lord Charl••s de Blois, slue manie of them, & tooke the lord of Beaumanor, the vicount of Roan, and diuerse other. ¶ This yeare also, about Michael∣masse, the king hauing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an armie to be

readie at Sandwich, passed ouer to Calis with the same. There went ouer with him his two sonnes, Li∣onell of Antwerp earle of Ulster, and Iohn of Gant earle of Richmond. He found at Calis a thousand men of armes that came to serue him for wages, foorth of Flanders, Brabant, and Almaigne, so that he had about thrée thousand men of armes, and two thousand archers on horsebacke, beside archers on foot a great number. The citie of London had sent to him fiue hundred men of armes,* 3.114 and fiue hundred archers [line 10] all in one sute or liuerie, at their owne costs and charges. On the second of Nouember, he set from Calis, marching foorth towards saint Omers, wa∣sting the countrie by the waie as he passed.

* 3.115The French king being at the same time within the towne of saint Omers, sent the lord Bousicant vnto the king of England, that vnder colour of com∣munication, he might view the kings power, who made such report thereof, vpon his returne backe to the French king, that he determined not to fight [line 20] with the king of England, but rather to passe before him, and so to destroie vittels, that for want thereof, the king of England should be constreined to re∣turne. And as he determined, so it came to passe, for the vittels were so cut off, that the Englishmen for thrée full daies togither, dranke nothing but water. When therefore king Edward had followed his eni∣mies so farre as Heiden,* 3.116 where he brake the parke, and burnt the houses within and about the parke, al∣though he entered not into the towne nor castell, at [line 30] length, for default of vittels, he returned backe, and came againe to Calis on saint Martins day, being the tenth after his setting foorth from thence.* 3.117

* 3.118The morrow after being thursdaie, and the twelfe of Nouember, the constable of France, and other Frenchmen, came to the end of the causie of Calis, with letters of credence, offering battell on tuesdaie next following vnto the king of England, in pre∣sence of the duke of Lancaster, the earles of North∣ampton, and the lord Walter de Mannie, who in the [line 40] kings behalfe declared to the constable, that the king of England,* 3.119 to eschew shedding of bloud, would fight with the French king bodie to bodie, so to trie their right: and if he liked not of that match, then if he would choose thrée or foure knights to him that were neerest to him in bloud, he should choose the like num∣ber. But when this offer would not be accepted, the English lords offered battell the next day, being fri∣daie, or else on saturdaie following, at the French∣mens choice: but the constable of France and his companie, continuing in their first offer, refused both [line 50] those daies. Then the English lords accepted the daie by them assigned, with condition, that if they brought not king Edward to giue battell that day, they would yeeld themselues prisoners, so that the Frenchmen would likewise vndertake for their king. The consta∣ble hauing no answer readie, staied a while, and after flatlie refused to make any such couenant. Finallie, when the English lords perceiued their aduersaries, not to meane battell, as their words at the first pre∣tended, [line 60] they brake off, and both parties returned home. The king of England staied till the tuesdaie, and paid the strangers their wages, and so came backe into England.* 3.120 On the sixt of Nouember, whi∣lest the king was thus abroad in Picardie, the Scots verie earlie in the morning of that daie, came priui∣lie to Berwike, entred by stealth into the towne, and sle••ing three or foure Englishmen, tooke it, with all the goods and persons within it, those excepted, which got to the castell.

In a parlement summoned this yeare, the mon∣daie after the feast of saint Edmund the king,* 3.121 the lords and commons granted to king Edward fiftie shillings of euerie sacke of wooll, that should be cari∣ed ouer the sea, for the space of six yeares next insu∣ing. By this grant it was thought, that the king might dispend a thousand markes sterling a day, such vent of wools had the English merchants in that sea∣son. ¶The parlement being ended the king about S. Andrews tide set forward towards Scotland, and held his Christmasse at Newcastell. About which time by letters sent from the prince, the king was aduertised of his proceedings after his arriuall▪ in Gascoigne, where being ioifullie receiued of the no∣bles, and other the people of that countrie (as before yée haue heard) he declared to them the cause of his thither comming, and tooke aduise with them how to procéed in his businesse; and so about the tenth of Oc∣tober, he set forward to passe against his enimies, first entring into a countrie called Iuliake, which to∣gither with the fortresses yeelded to him, without a∣nie great resistance.* 3.122 Then he rode through the coun∣tie Armignac, wasting and spoiling the countrie, and so passed through the lands of the vicounts de la Ri∣uiere, and after entered into the countie de l'Estrac, and passing through the same, came to the countie of Commiges, finding the towne of S. Matain void, being a good towne & one of the best in that countrie.

After this, he passed by the land of the earle of Lis∣le, till he came within a league of Tholouse, where the earle of Armignac, being the French kings lieu∣tenant in those parts, and other great lords and no∣bles were assembled. The prince with his armie tar∣ried there two daies, and after passed ouer the riuer of Garonne, and after ouer an other riuer the rea∣bouts, a league aboue Tholouse, lodging that night a league on the other side of Tholouse▪ and so they passed thorough Tholouse, dailie taking townes & castels, wherein they found great riches, for the coun∣trie was verie plentifull. Upon Alhallowes éeuen, they came to castell Naudarie, and from thence they tooke the waie to Carcasson,* 3.123 into the which a great number of men of armes and commons were with∣drawne. But vpon the approch of the Englishmen, they slipt awaie, and got them to a strong castell that stood néere at hand. The third day after, the English∣men burnt the towne, and passing forth, trauersed all the countrie of Carcassono••s, till they came to the towne of Narbonne.* 3.124 The people there were fled in∣to the castell, in which the vicount of Narbonne was inclosed, with fiue hundred men of arms.* 3.125 The prince staied there two daies. The pope sent two bishops to∣wards the prince, to treat with him of peace, but bi∣cause the prince would not hearken to anie treatie without commission from his father, they could not get anie safe conduct to approch néerer.

The prince hauing aduertisments heere, that his enimies were assembled, and followed him, he tur∣ned backe to meet them, but they had no will to abide him: for although the earle of Armignac, the consta∣ble of France, the marshall Cleremont, and the prince of Orange, with diuerse other néere to Tho∣louse, made some shew to impeach the prince his pas∣sage, yet in the end they withdrew, not without some losse, for the lord Bartholomew de Burwasch alias Burghersch, sir Iohn Chandois, the lord Iames Audeley, and sir Thomas Felton, being sent foorth to view them, skirmished with two hundred of their men of armes, and tooke of them fiue and thirtie. Af∣ter this, they had no mind to abide the English pow∣er, but still shranke awaie, as the prince was readie to follow them, and so he perceiuing that the French∣men would not giue him battell, he withdrew to∣wards Burdeaux, after he had spent eight weekes in that his iournie, and so comming thither, he winte∣tered there, whilest his capteins in the meane time tooke diuerse townes and castels abroad in the coun∣trie. ¶And now to the end yee may haue more plaine

information of the princes dooings in those parties, I haue thought good to make you partakers of a let∣ter or two, written by sir Iohn Winkefield knight, attendant on the prince there in Gascoigne.

The copie of sir Iohn Winke∣fields letters.

MY lord, as touching the newes in these parts, may it please you to [line 10] vnderstand, that all the earles, barons, baronets, knights, and esquiers, were in helth at the making here∣of, and my lord hath not lost either knight or esquier in this voiage, except the lord Iohn Lisle, who was slaine after a strange man∣ner with a quarrell, the third day after we were entered into our enimies countries, he died the fiftenth of October. And please [line 20] it you to vnderstand, that my lord hath rid∣den through the countrie of Arminac, and hath taken many fensed townes, and burnt and destroied them, except certeine which he hath fortified. After this, he marched in∣to the vicountie of Rouergne, where he tooke a good towne named Pleasance, the chiefest towne of that countrie, which he hath burnt and destroied, with the coun∣trie [line 30] round about the same. This doone, he went into the countie d'Astrike wherin he tooke manie townes, wasted and destroied all the countrie. After this, he entred into the countie of Cominge, and tooke manie townes there, which he caused to be de∣stroied & burnt, togither with all the coun∣trie abroad. He tooke also the towne of S. Matan, which is the cheefest towne of that countrie, being as large in compasse as [line 40] Norwich.

Afterward, he entered into the countie of Lisle, and tooke the most part of the fen∣sed townes therin, causing diuerse of them to be burnt and destroied as he passed. And after entring into the lordship of Tholouse, we passed the riuer of Girond, and an other a league aboue Tholouse, which is verie great: for our enimies had burnt all the [line 50] bridges, as well on the one side of Tho∣louse, as the other, except the bridges with in Tholouse, for the riuer runneth through the towne. And the constable of France, the marshall Cleremont, and the earle of Arminac, were with a great power with∣in the towne the same time. And Tholouse is a great towne, strong, faire, and well walled, and there was none in our host [line 60] that knew the foord there: but yet by the grace and goodnesse of God we found it. So then we marched through the seignio∣rie of Tholouse, & tooke manie good townes inclosed, and burnt and destroied them, and all the countrie about.

Then we entred into the seigniorie of Carcason, and we tooke manie good towns, before we came to Carcason, which towne we also tooke, which is greater, stronger, & fairer than Yorke. And as well this towne as all other townes in the countrie were burnt and destroied. And after we had pas∣sed by manie iournies through the coun∣trie of Carcason, we came into the seig∣niorie of Narbon, and we tooke manie townes, and wasted them, till we came to Narbon, which towne was holden against vs, but it was woone by force, and the said towne is little lesse than London, and is si∣tuat vpon the Greekish sea, for that the di∣stance from the said towne vnto the Gree∣kish sea is not past two leagues,* 4.1 and there is an hauen and a place to arriue at, from whence the water cōmeth vp to Narbon. And Narbon is not but eleuen leagues di∣stant from Mountpellier, & eighteene from Eguemortz, & thirtie from Auignion. And may it please you to vnderstand, that the holie father sent his messengers to my lord, that were not past seuen leagues frō him, and they sent a sergeant at armes▪ that was sergeant at armes attendant on the doore of our holie fathers chamber, with their letters to my lord, praieng him to haue a safe conduct to come to declare to his highnesse their message from the holie father, which was to treat betwixt my L. and his aduersaries of France: and the said sergeant was two daies in the host before my lord would see him, or receiue his let∣ters. And the reason was, bicause he had vnderstanding, that the power of France was come forth of Tholouse toward Car∣cason, so that my lord was driuen to turne backe towards them suddenlie, and so did.

On the third daie when we should haue come vpon them, they had knowlege giuen before day, and so retiring, got them to the mounteins, hasting fast toward Tholouse; and the countrie people that were their guides to lead them that waie, were taken as they should haue passed the water. And bicause the popes sergeant at armes was in my keeping, I caused him to examine the guides that were so taken; and for that the guide which was thus examined, was the constables guide, and his countrieman▪ he might well see and know the countenance of the Frenchmen vpon this examining him. And I said to the same sergeant, that he might well declare to the pope, and to all them of Auignion, that which he had heard or seene. And as touching the answer which my lord made to them that were sent to treat with him, you would be well apaid if you vnderstood all the maner; for he would not suffer in any wise that they shuld come neerer vnto him. But if they came to treat of any matter, he would that they should send to the king his father: for my lord him∣selfe would not doo any thing therin, except by commandement from my lord his fa∣ther.

And of my lords turning backe to follow after his enimies, and of the passage of the riuer of Garonne, and of the taking of ca∣stels and townes in this iournie, and of o∣ther things which he hath doone against his enimies in pursuit of them in this iournie, being things right worthie and ho∣norable, as manie know verie well, in like

maner as sir Richard Stafford, & sir Wil∣liam Burton can more plainelie declare, than I to you can write, for it were too much to put in writing. And my lord rode thus abroad in the countrie of his enimies eight whole weekes, and rested not past ele∣uen daies in all those places where he came. And know it for certeine, that since this warre began against the French king he had neuer such losse or destruction as he [line 10] hath had in this iournie: for the countries and good townes which were wasted at this iournie, found to the king of France euerie yeare more to the maintenance of his warre than halfe his realme hath doon beside, except the exchange of his monie which he maketh euerie yeare, and the ad∣uantage and custome which he taketh of them of Poictou, as I can shew you by [line 20] good remembrances, which were found in diuerse townes in the receiuers houses: for Carcason and le Moignes, which is as great as Carcason, and two other townes in the coasts of Carcason, found to the king of France yeerelie wages for a thousand men of armes: and beside that 100000 old crowns to mainteine the war.

And know you, that by the remembran∣ces [line 30] which we found, that the townes in Tholouse which are destroied, and the townes in the countrie of Carcason, and the towne of Narbonne and Narbonnois did find euerie yeare with the sums afore∣said, in aid of his war, foure hundred thou∣sand old crownes, as the burgesses of the great townes & other people of the coun∣trie which ought to know it, haue told vs. And so by Gods assistance if my lord had [line 40] wherewith to mainteine this warre, and to make the kings profit and his owne ho∣nor, he should well inlarge the English marches, and gaine manie faire places: for our enimies are greatlie astonied. And at the making heereof, my lord hath appoin∣ted to send all the earles and baronets to abide in certeine places on the marches, to make roads, and to annoie his enimies. [line 50] Now my lord, at this present I know none other newes to send, but you may by your letters command me as yours to my pow∣er. My right honorable lord, God grant you good life, ioy, and health, long to conti∣nue. Written at Burdeaux, the tuesdaie next before Christmasse.

The tenor of an other letter written by sir Iohn Wingfield, directed to sir Richard Staf∣ford [line 60] knight, who had beene in Gascoigne, and there leauing his familie, was now returned into England.

RIght deare sir, and right louing freend, touching newes after your departure, you may vnder∣stand, [year 1356] that there be taken and yeelded fiue townes inclosed, to wit, port saint Marie, Cleirac, Tonings, Burgh, saint Pierre, Chastiell Sacret or Satrat and Brassake. Also seauenteene castels, to wit, Coiller, Buset, Lemnake, two castels called Boloines, which ioine the one neere so the other, Mounioy, U••resch, Freche∣net, Mountender, Pudeschales, Moun∣poun, Montanac, Ualeclare, Cenamont, Leistrake, Plassac, Cont Destablison, and Mounriuell. And will it please you to know that my lord Iohn Chandois, my lord Iames Audeley, and your men that are with them, and the other Gascoignes that are in their companie, & my lord Bald∣wine Butetort, & that companie, & my lord Reignald Cobham▪ tooke the said towne, which is called Chastiell Sacret or Sa∣trat, by assault: and the bastard of Lisle which was capteine of the said towne was also slaine there, as they assaulted it, be∣ing striken with an arrow thorough the head: and my lord Reignold is returned backe toward Languedocke: and my lord Baldwin towards Brassacke, with their companies: and the lords Iohn & Iames, and those of their companie remaine in Chastiell Satrat, and haue vittels plentie of all sorts to serue them between this and Midsummer, except fresh fish and cabages as they haue certified vs by letters, where∣fore yee need not take care for your men.

And there be in that towne more than three hundred glaiues, and three hundred yeomen, and a hundred and fiftie archers. And they haue rid before Agen, and burnt and destroied all their milles, and haue burnt and broken downe all their bridges that lie ouer Garon, and haue taken a ca∣stell without the same towne, and haue for∣tified it. And monsieur Iohn Darminake, and the seneshall of Agenois, which were in the towne of Agen, would not once put foorth their head, nor anie of their people, and yet haue they beene twise before that towne. And monsieur Busgaud was come, and monsieur Ernald de Spaine,* 5.1 and Gri∣moton de Chambule, with three hundred glaiues, and three sergeants Lombards, and they are in the towne of Muschacke, which is in Cressie, and it is but a mile from Chastiell Satrat or Sacret, and a league from Bressake, and yee may well thinke that there will be good companie one with another.

And further may it please yee to know, that monsieur Bartholomew is at Coni∣ake with six score men of armes of my lords house, & six score archers, & the capitall de Buche or Beuf, the L. Monferrant,* 5.2 & the L. of Crotonie, which haue with them 300 glaiues, & six score archers, and two hun∣dred sergeants, beside them which are in Tailbourgh, Tanney, and Rochford, so that when they are togither, they may be well six hundred glaiues, and at the mak∣ing heereof, they were vpon a iournie to∣wards Aniou and Poictou, and the earles of Suffolke, Oxford, and Salisburie, the lord of Museden, monsieur Ellis de Pomi∣ers, and other Gascoignes, with the which are well more then fiue hundred glaiues, and two hundred sergeants, and three hun∣dred archers, and they were at the making

hereof toward the parties of Nostredame de Rochemade, and haue beene foorth aboue twelue daies, and were not returned at the sending of these presents. My lord Iohn Chandois, my lord Iames, and my lord Baldwin, and those which be in their companie are also foorth vpon a iournie to∣ward their parties; my lord Reinold and those of the houshold, with the Gascoigns which be in their companie, are also foorth [line 10] vpon a iournie towards their parties.

The earle of Warwike hath beene at Tonings & Clerake, to take those towns, and at the making hereof was gone to∣wards Mermande to destroie their vines, and all other things which he can destroie of theirs. My lord is at Leiborne, and the lord of Pomiers at Fronsak, which is but a quarter of a leage from Leiborne: and my [line 20] lords people lie as well at saint Milion, as at Leiborne, and monsieur Berard de Bret is there with him, and my lord looketh for newes which he should haue, and accor∣ding to the news that he shall haue, he will behaue himselfe: for as it seemeth, he stan∣deth much on his honor. At the making hereof, the earle of Arminac was at Auig∣nion, and the king of Aragon is there al∣so: & of all other parleis which haue beene [line 30] in diuerse places (wherof you know) I can not certifie you at the making herof. Right deere sir, other thing I can not send vnto you, but that you remember your selfe to send newes to my lord prince as soone as in anie wise you may, and so the Lord grant you good life and long. Written at Lei∣borne the 21 of Ianuarie.

[line 40]

¶ These letters haue I thought good to make the reader partaker of, as I find them in the chronicle of Robert Auesburie, to the end ye may perceiue how other writers agrée therewith, sith the same letters may serue as a touchstone to trie the truth of the matter. And so now I will returne to speake of the kings dooings in the north part where we left him. On the fourtéenth of Ianuarie K. Edward hauing his armie lodged néere the towne of Berwike, and his nauie readie in the hauen to assaile the Scots [line 50] that were within the towne, he entered the castell which the Englishmen had in their hands, the lord Walter de Mannie being their capteine, who had gotten certeine miners thither from the forrest of Deane, and other parts of the realme, which were bu∣sie to make passage vnder the ground by a mine, through which the Englishmen might enter into the towne. Herevpon, when the Scots perceiued in what danger they stood, and knew that they could not long defend the towne against him, they surrendered it in∣to [line 60] his hands without further resistance.

In the Scotish histories it is recorded, that when those which were within the towne of Berwike,* 5.3 heard how that an armie of Englishmen came to the succours of the castell, they raced the walles and burnt the houses of the towne, and so departed with all the spoile which they had gotten there. But how soeuer it was, king Edward being againe possessed of the towne,* 5.4 he set men aworke to repare it, and passing foorth to Roxburge,* 5.5 there met with him the rightfull king of Scots Edward Balioll, who trans∣ferred & resigned all the right, title and interest, which he had or might haue to the crowne and realme of Scotland into king Edwards hands: which resigna∣tian he confirmed by his letters patents thereof made and giuen vnder his hand and seale, dated the 25 of Ianuarie 1356, requiring king Edward to perseuere in pursute of his title to the vttermost.

King Edward hauing thus receiued the resigna∣tion and release of the crowne of Scotland, mar∣ched foorth with his armie, till he came to Hading∣ton, burning and destroieng the countrie on ech side round about him, as he passed. And whilest he laie there, abiding for his ships, his men of warre were not idle, but ranged abroad in the countrie, and did all the damage to their enimies that they could de∣••ise. At length his armie which he had at the same time on the sea, arriued on that coast, and landing, spoiled a church of our ladie, called the White kirke: but being returned to their ships, there arose such a tempest and vehement north wind, that manie of their vessels rushing and beating against the banks and sands, were drowned togither with the men that were within them, for displeasure whereof king Ed∣ward fell to the spoile of the countrie againe,* 5.6 not spa∣ring one place more than another: by reason wherof, as well abbeis as all other churches and religious houses both in Hadington, in Edenborough, and tho∣rough all other the parts of Louthian, wheresoeuer he came, were defaced and put to sacke. At length when he had accomplished his will, and so set things in or∣der, he returned backe into England with the fore∣said Edward Balioll in his companie, whome he kept with him, for doubt least he should reuolt, and procure some new trouble. In the moneth of Iulie the duke of Lancaster being sent to the aid of the K. of Nauarre, came into Constantine,* 5.7 which is a por∣tion of Normandie, & there ioined with the lord Phi∣lip of Nauarre, brother to the king of Nauarre, and with the lord Godfrie de Harecourt,* 5.8 the which being returned into France, and restored to the French kings fauour, was latelie againe reuolted, vpon dis∣pleasure taken for the death of his nephue the lord Iohn de Harecourt, as in the French histories ye may read more at large.* 5.9 They were in all about the number of foure thousand fighting men, and being assembled togither, they went to Liseux, to Orbec,* 5.10 to Ponteau, & rescued the castell there, which had béene besieged by the lord Robert de Hotetot master of the crossebowes in France, more than two moneths: but now hearing that the Englishmen and Nauar∣rois approched, he departed from thence, leauing be∣hind him for hast his engins and artillerie.

The duke of Lancaster passed forward vnto Bre∣tueill, which he caused to be relieued and furnished with necessarie things as was conuenient. And then leauing the citie of Eureux,* 5.11 which was as then in the Frenchmens hands, latelie yéelded to them after a long siege, he went forward with the lord Philip de Nauarre in companie till they came to Uernueill in Perch, and there tooke both the towne and castell,* 5.12 and robbed the towne and burnt a great part therof. The French king,* 5.13 who had assembled a mightie ar∣mie, being aduertised of these matters, hasted for∣ward towards the duke of Lancaster, fullie purpo∣sing to giue him battell. The duke and the lord Philip de Nauarre, hauing knowledge that the French king followed them, withdrew towards the towne of the Eagle, and the king still went after them, till he came to Tuebeuf two leages from the towne of the Egle, and there it was shewed to him that he could not follow his enimies any further, by reason of the thicke forrests, which he could not passe with∣out great danger of his person and losse of his peo∣ple. Then returned he with all his host, and tooke from the Nauarrois the castell of Thilliers, and also the ca∣stell of Bretueill, which was yeelded to him after two moneths siege.

About the same time, that is to saie, in Iulie, the prince of Wales,* 5.14 hauing assembled an armie of men of warre, to the number of eight thousand, en∣tred into the French dominions, and first passing through Auuergne, at length he came into the coun∣trie of Berrie, wasting and burning the townes and villages as he went, taking easie iournies for the better reléefe of his people, and destruction of his enimies: for when he was entered into anie towne that was sufficientlie stored of things necessarie, he would tarie there two or three daies to refresh his sol∣diers [line 10] and men of warre, and when they dislodged, they would strike out the heads of the wine vessels, and burne the wheat, oates and barlie, and all other things which they could not take with them, to the in∣tent their enimies should not therewith be susteined and nourished.

* 5.15After this, they came before the citie of Burges, and there made a great skirmish at one of the ga••es, and there were manie feats of armes doone. The host departed from thence, without dooing anie more, and [line 20] comming to a strong castell called Issoldune,* 5.16 they fiercelie assailed it, but could not win it: the gentle∣men within defended the walles and gates so man∣fullie. Then passed they forward, and came to Uier∣zon,* 5.17 a great towne and a good castell, but it was no∣thing stronglie fortified; and therefore was it woone perforce, the people within it being not sufficient to resist the valiant puissance of the Englishmen. Here they found wine and other vittels in great plentie, [line 30] and herevpon they taried there three daies to refresh themselues at ease. But before they departed, the prince had aduertisement giuen him that the French king was come to Chartres, with an huge assemblie of men of warre, and that all the townes and passa∣ges aboue the riuer of Loire were closed and kept. Then was the prince counselled to returne and passe by Touraine and Poictow,* 5.18 and so that waie to Bur∣deaux.

* 5.19The prince following their aduise that thus coun∣selled [line 40] him, set forward toward Remorentine. The French king had sent into that countrie to kéepe the frontiers there, the lord of Craon, the lord Bouciqu∣ault, and the heremit of Chaumount, the which with three hundred men of armes had followed the Eng∣lishmen six daies togither, and could neuer find anie conuenient occasion to set vpon them: for the Eng∣lishmen gouerned themselues so sagelie, that their enimies could not lightlie assaile them, but to their owne disaduantage. One day the Frenchmen laid [line 50] themselues closelie in an ambush néere to the towne of Remorentine, at a maruellous streict passage, by which the Englishmen must néeds passe.

On the same daie there were departed from the princes battell, by licence of the marshals, certeine capteins, Englishmen and Gascoignes, as the lord Bartholomew de Burghers••e or Burwasche (as some write him) the lord of Mucident Gascongne, monsieur Petiton de Courton, the lord de la Ware; the lord Basset, sir Daniell Passelew, sir Richard [line 60] Ponchardon, sir Noell Loring, the yoong lord Spen∣ser, and two of the Danbreticourts, sir Edward, and an other, who hauing with them two hundred men of armes, went foorth to run before Remorentine, that they might view the place.* 5.20 They passed foorth alongst by the Frenchmen which laie in ambush, as yée haue heard, and they were not aduised of them, and they were no sooner passed, but that the Frenchmen brake out, and gallopped after the Englishmen with great randon, hauing their speares in their rests.

The Englishmen and the Gascoignes hearing horsses to come galloping after them, turned, and per∣ceiuing them to be their enimies, stood still to abide them.* 5.21 The Frenchmen couragiouslie gaue the charge, and the Englishmen as valiantlie defended them, so that there insued a great skirmish, which con∣tinued a long while, so that it could not be easilie iud∣ged who had the better, nor on which side the fortu∣nate issue of the present conflict would then fall (for

—mutabilis alea Martis)

till that the battell of the English marshals appro∣ched, the which when the Frenchmen saw comming by a wood side,* 5.22 they fled streightwaies towards Re∣morentine, and the Englishmen followed in chase so fast as their horsses might beare them, and entered the towne with the Frenchmen: but the French lords and the one halfe of their companie got into the castell, and so saued themselues.* 5.23 The prince hearing what had happened, came into the towne, and there lodged that night, sending sir Iohn Chandois to talke with the capiteines of the castell, to know if they would yeeld: and bicause they refused so to doo, on the next morrow he caused his people to giue an assault to the place, which continued the most part of the day, but yet missing their purpose, he commanded that they should draw to their lodgings, and rest them for that night.

In the morning as soone as the sunne was vp,* 5.24 the marshals caused the trumpets to sound, and those that were appointed to giue the assault againe, prepa∣red themselues to it. The prince himselfe was present personallie at this assault, so that the same was in∣forced to the vttermost: but when they saw that by assaults they could not win the castell, they deuised engines,* 5.25 wherewith they cast wild fire into the base court, and so set it on fire, which increased in such ve∣hement sort, that it tooke into the couering of a great tower, which was couered with reed: and then they within perceiuing they must either yeeld or perish with fire,* 5.26 came downe and submitted themselues to the prince, who as prisoners receiued them. The castell of Remorentine being thus woone and defaced with fire, the prince left it void, and marched foorth with his armie as before, destroieng the countrie, and ap∣proched to Aniou and Touraine.* 5.27 The French king came forwards toward the prince, and at Ambois heard how the prince was in Touraine, meaning to returne through Poictow. He was dailie aduertised of the princes dooings by such as were appointed to coast him euer in his iournie.

Then came the king to Haie in Touraine, and his people were passed the riuer of Loire at sundrie pas∣sages,* 5.28 where most conuenientlie they might. They were in number twentie thousand men of armes; of noble men there were six and twentie, dukes and earles, beside a great number of other lords and ba∣rons: the foure sonnes of the king were there, as the lord Charles duke of Normandie, the lord Lewes af∣ter duke of Aniou, the lord Iohn after duke of Ber∣rie, and the lord Philip which was after duke of Bur∣gongne. The French king doubting least the prince should escape by spéedie iournies out of his countrie, before he could come to giue him battell, remooued to Chauuignie;* 5.29 and there passed the riuer of Creuse by the bridge, supposing that the Englishmen had beene before him, but they were not. Some of the French∣men taried behind at Chauuignie for one night, and in the morning followed the king. They were about two hundred men of armes vnder the leading of the lord Craon, the lord Raoull de Coucie, and the earle of Ioignie. They chanced to incounter with cer∣teine of the auaunt currours of the English armie, which remooued that day from a little village fast by. Those Englishmen were not past three score men of armes, but well horssed, and therefore perceiuing the great number of the Frenchmen, they fled towards the princes battell, which they knew was not farre off. Capteins of the Englishmen were two knights

of Heinault, the lord Eustace Dambreticourt, and the lord Iohn of Guistelles.

The Frenchmen beholding them in this wise to flée, rode after amaine, and as they followed in chase, they came on the princes battell before they were a∣ware. The lord Raoull of Coucie went so far for∣ward with his banner,* 5.30 that he entred vnder the prin∣ces banner, and fought right valiantlie, but yet he was there taken, and the earle of Ioignie, also the vi∣count of Bruce, the lord Chauuignie, and diuerse o∣ther, [line 10] so that the most part of those Frenchmen were either taken or slaine,* 5.31 and verie few escaped. The prince vnderstood by the prisoners, that the French king was so farre aduanced forward in pursute of him, that he could not auoid the battell. Then he as∣sembled his men togither, and commanded them to kéepe order, and so rode that day being saturdaie from morning till it was toward night, & then came within two leagues of Poictiers: and herewith sen∣ding foorth certeine capteins, to search if they could [line 20] heare where the king was, he incamped himselfe that night in a strong place amongst hedges, vines, and bushes. They that were sent to discouer the countrie, rode so far, that they saw where the French king with his great battell was marching, and setting vp∣on the taile of the Frenchmen, caused all the host to stir: whereof knowledge being giuen to the king, the which as then was entring into Poictiers, he retur∣ned againe, and made all his host to doo the like, so that it was verie late yer he and his people were be∣stowed [line 30] in their lodgings that night. The English currours returning to the prince, declared what they had séene and doone. So, that night, the two armies being lodged within a small distance either of other, kept strong and sure watch about their campes.

On the morrow after being sundaie, and the eigh∣téenth daie of September, the French king caused his host to be diuided into three battels or wards, and in each of them were sixteene thousand armed men, all mustered and passed for armed men. The first bat∣tell [line 40] was gouerned by the duke of Orleance,* 5.32 wherein were six and thirtie banners, and twise as manie pe∣nons. The second was led by the duke of Norman∣die and his brethren, the lord Lewes & the lord Iohn. The third the French king himselfe conducted. And while these battels were setting in arraie, the king caused the lord Eustace de Ribaumount, and two o∣ther noble men to ride on before, to see the dealing of the Englishmen, and to aduise of what number they were. Those that were thus sent, rode foorth and be∣held [line 50] the order of the Englishmen at good leisure: and returning, infourmed the king, that as they could iudge, the enimies were about two thousand men of armes, foure thousand archers, and fiftéene hundred of others, and that they were lodged in such a strong place, and so well fensed with ditches and hedges, that it would be hard assaulting them therein.

The cardinall of Piergort the popes legat, as then li••ng in the citie of Poictiers,* 5.33 came that morning to the king, and required him to absteine from battell, [line 60] till he might vnderstand whether the prince would condescend vnto such conditions of peace as he him∣selfe should thinke reasonable, which if it might be brought to passe, the same should be more honorable for him, than to aduenture so manie noble men as were there with him at that present in hazard of bat∣tell. The king was contented that the cardinall should go to the prince, and see what he could doo with him.* 5.34 The cardinall rode to the prince, and talked with him till he was contented to come to a freatie. The cardinall returned to the French king, and required of him that a truce might be granted till the next daies sun-rising: which truce obteined, he spent that daie in riding to and fro betwixt them.

The prince offered to render into the kings hands all that he had woone in that voiage,* 5.35 as well townes as castels, and also to release all the prisoners, which he or any of his men had taken in that iournie: and further he was contented to haue béene sworne not to beare armour against the French king within the terme of seuen yeares next following. But the French king would not agree therevnto:* 5.36 the vtter∣most that he would agree vnto, was this, that the prince and an hundred of his knights should yéeld themselues as prisoners vnto him, otherwise he would not haue the matter taken vp. But it was the French kings hap after (notwithstanding his hau∣tines) to be taken captiue, as Okland noteth, saieng,

—seruilia sub iuga missus Disceret vt domino regi parêre Britanno.

But the prince in no wise cold be brought to any such vnreasonable conditions, and so the cardinall could not make them fréends, although he trauelled ear∣nestlie betwixt them all that daie. When it drew to∣wards night, he returned toward Poictiers.

The Englishmen were not idle,* 5.37 whilest the cardi∣nall was thus in hand to bring the parties to some good agréement, but cast great ditches, and made hed∣ges, and other fortifications about the place where their archers stood, and on the next morning, being mondaie, the prince and his people prepared them∣selues to receiue battell, as they had doone before, ha∣uing passed the day before and that night in great defect of necessarie things, for they could not stir a∣broad to fetch forrage or other prouisions without danger to be surprised of their enimies. The cardi∣nall came againe earlie in the morning vnto the French king, and found the French armie readie in order of battell by that time the sunne was vp, and though he eftsoones fell in hand to exhort the king to an agréement, yet it would not be. So he went to the prince,* 5.38 and declared to him how he could doo no good in the matter, and therefore he must abide the hazard of battell for ought that he could sée: wherewith the prince was content, and so the cardinall returned vn∣to Poic••iers.

¶ Here is to be remembred, that when (as Thomas Walsingham writeth) this cardinall of Piergort was sent from the pope to trauell betwixt the parties for a peace to be had, and that the pope exhorted him verie earnestlie to shew his vttermost diligence and indeuour therein: at his setting foorth to go on that message, the said cardinall (as was said) made this answer:* 5.39 Most blessed father (said he) either we will persuade them to peace and quietnesse, either else shall the verie flintstones crie out of it. But this he spake not of himselfe, as it was supposed▪ but being a prelate in that time, he prophesied what should follow; for when the English archers had bestowed all their arrowes vpon their enimies, they tooke ••p pebles from the place where they stood, being full of those kind of stones, and approching to their enimies, they threw the same with such violence on them, that ligh∣ting against their helmets, armor, and targets, they made a great ringing noise, so that the cardinals prophesie was fulfilled, that he woulde either persuade a peace, or else the stones should crie out thereof.

The worthie prince like a couragious chiefteine, when he saw that he must needs ••ight,* 5.40 required his people not to be abashed at the great number of their enimies, sith the victorie did not consist in the multi∣tude of men, but where God would send it: and if it fortuned that the iournie might be theirs and his, they should be the most honored people of the world: and if they should die in that righteous quarrell, he had the king his father and also his brethren, in like case as they had freends and kinsmen, that would seeke their reuenge. And therefore he desired them

that daie to shew themselues like valiant men of warre: and for his part he trusted in God and saint George, they should see in his person no default▪ These or the like words did this most gentle prince speake, which greatlie comforted all his people.

* 5.41There were with him of earles, Warwike, Su••∣folke, Sal••sburie, Stafford; of lords, Cobhain▪ Spenser, Andeley, Berkley, Basset, Warren, de la Wa••e, Bradeston, Burwasch, Felton, Mallow, and diuerse other: also sir Iohn Chandois, by whome he [line 10] was much counselled▪ sir Richard Stafford, sir Ri∣chard of Penbruche, and manie other knights and valiant esquires of England. Moreouer, there was of Gascoigne,* 5.42 the capitall of Buz or Beuf, the lords of Prumes, Burguenrie, Chaumount, de Lespare, Rosen, Monferant, Landuras, the Souldich of Le∣strad or Lescard, and other: and of Heinault, sir Eu∣stace Daubreticourt, sir Iohn de Guistelles▪ and o∣ther strangers.* 5.43 All the princes companie passed not the number of eight thousand men one and other, of [line 20] the which (as Iacobus Meire saith) thrée thousand were archers: though Froissard (as I haue rehearsed be∣fore) reporteth the number of archers to be more, as in one place six thousand, and in an other place foure thousand.

* 5.44The French king hauing in his armie thrée score thousand fighting men, wherof there were more than three thousand knights, made so sure account of vic∣torie, as anie man might of a thing not yet had, con∣sidering his great puissance, in regard to the small [line 30] number of his aduersaries: and therefore immedi∣atlie after that the cardinall was departed, he caused his battels to march forward, and approching to the place where the Englishmen stood readie to receiue their enimies,* 5.45 caused the onset to be giuen. There were certeine French horssemen, to the number of three hundred, with the Almains also on horssebacke appointed to breake the arraie of the English ar∣chers, but the archers were so defended and compas∣sed about with hedges and ditches, that the horsse∣men [line 40] of the French part could not enter to doo their feat, and being galled with the sharpe shot of the English bowes,* 5.46 they were ouerthrowne horsse and man, so that the vaward of the Frenchmen, wherein was the duke of Athens, with the marshals of France, the lord Iohn de Cleremont, and the lord Arnold Dandrehen or Odenhen, began to disorder within a while, by reason of the shot of the archers, to∣gither with the helpe of the men of armes, amongst whom in the forefront was the lord Iames Audeley,* 5.47 [line 50] to performe a vow which he had made, to be one of the first setters on.

There was the lord Arnold Dandrehen taken pri∣soner, and the lord Iohn de Cleremont slaine, so that the noble prowesse of the said lord Iames Audeley, breaking through the Frenchmens battell with the slaughter of manie enimies, was that day most ap∣parant.* 5.48 The loiall constancie of the noble earles of Warwike and Suffolke, that fought so stoutlie, so earnestlie, and so fiercelie, was right manifest. And [line 60] the prince himselfe did not onelie fulfill the office of a noble chéefteine, but also of a right valiant and ex∣pert souldiour, attempting what soeuer any other hardie warriour would in such cases haue done. Nei∣ther was this battell quicklie dispatched, nor easilie brought to end; but it was fought out with such ob∣stinate earnestnesse, that thrée times that daie were the Englishmen driuen to renew the fight, through the multitude of enimies that increased and came still vpon them.

Finallie, the marshals battell was quite discom∣fited: for the Frenchmen and Almains fell one vpon an other, and could not passe foorth; and those that were behind, & could not get forward, reculed backe: and while the marshals battell being on horssebacke thus assailed the English armie with great disaduan∣tage▪ and was ••n the end beaten backe▪ the two bat∣tels of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Norm••ndie and Orlean•••• came forward and likewise ••ss••iled th•• Englishmen, but could not preuaile. The archers shot so fercelie, that to conclude▪ the Frenchmen behind, vnderstanding the discomfiture of the marshals battell,* 5.49 and how their fellowes before could not enter vpon their enimies, they opened and ran to their horsses, in whome they did put more trust for their safegard by galloping on thei•• awaie, than in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hands, for all their late brauerie and gre••t 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ One thing sore dis∣couraged the Frenchmen▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that was this beside those Englishmen that were within the closure of their campe, there were certeine men of armes on horssebacke, with a number of archers also on horsse∣backe, appointed to coast vnder the couert of a moun∣teine, adioining to the place, where they thought to strike into a side of the duke of Normandies battell,* 5.50 so that with the terrour hereof, and with the continu∣all shot of the English archers, the Frenchmen not knowing where to turne themselues, sought to saue their liues by flight.

The prince of Wales, perceiuing how his enimies (for the more part of them) were fleeing awaie as men discomfited, sent out his horssemen as well on the one hand as on the other, and he himselfe with his whole power of footmen rushed foorth, and manfullie assailed the maine battell of the Frenchmen, where the king himselfe was,* 5.51 who like a valiant prince would not flee, but fought right manfullie: so that if the fourth part of his men had doo••e halfe their parts as he did his, the victorie by likelihood had rested (as Froissard saith) on his side: but he was forsaken of his three sonnes, and of his brother the duke of Orle∣ance, which fled out of the battell with cleare hands. Finallie, after huge slaughter made of those noble∣men, and other which abode with him euen to the end, he was taken, and so likewise was his yongest sonne Philip,* 5.52 and both put in great danger to haue béene murthered after they were taken, by the English∣men and Gascoignes, striuing who should haue the king to his prisoner, where in déed a knight of Flan∣ders or rather Artois, borne in saint Omers, called sir Denise Morbecke, tooke him,* 5.53 but he was straight∣waies taken from the same sir Denise by other that came in the meane season, better prouided (béelike) of strength, and lead him awaie vnresisted.

There were slaine in this battell, of noblemen, the dukes of Burbon and Athens,* 5.54 the marshall Clere∣mont, sir Geffrey Charnie that bare the chéefe stan∣dert of France, the bishop of Chaalons, sir Eustace de Ribaumont, with diuerse other to the number of eight hundred lords, knights,* 5.55 and gentlemen of name. In all there died on the French part six thou∣sand of one and other.* 5.56 The chase was continued euen to the gates of Poictiers, and manie slaine and bea∣ten downe in the stréet before the gates, which the ci∣tizens had closed, for doubt least the Englishmen should enter with them that fled thither for safegard. There were taken beside the king and his sonne, the lord Iaques de Burbon earle of Ponthieu,* 5.57 brother to the duke of Burbon that was slaine there, the erle of Ew, the lord Charles his brother earle of Long∣uile, the archbishop of Sens, the earles of Uandosme, Salesbruch, Uentadore, Tankeruille, Estampes, and Dampmartine:* 5.58 also Archembald Dowglas a noble man of Scotland, sonne to the honorable lord William Dowglas that was killed in Spaine, the marshall Dandrehen or Odenhen (as Iacobus Meir saith) with others to the number of seuenteene hundred earles, lords, knights, and gentlemen,* 5.59 be∣side those of the meaner sort; so that the Englishmen

〈…〉〈…〉

Thus was the prince of Wales victor in that no∣table battell fought in the fields of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Malpertuse, two leagues from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the nine∣teenth day of September being monday,* 5.60 in the yéere [line 10] 〈…〉〈…〉 all his men togither. It was almost night yet they were all returned from the chase. The prince made a great supper in his lodging that night to the French king,* 5.61 and to the most part of his nobles that there taken prisoners, and did all the honour that he could deuise to the king. And where he perceiued by [line 20] his chéere and countenance, that his heart was full of pensiue greéfe, carefull thought and heauinesse, he comforted him in the best maner that he might, and said to him: as followeth.

The meeke and comfortable oration of the English prince to the French king being taken prisoner.

MOst noble king, there is no cause [line 30] wherefore your grace should be pensiue, though God this day did not consent to follow your will. For your noble prowes and dignitie roiall, with the supreme type of your kinglie ma∣iestie, remaineth whole and inuiolate, and what soeuer may rightlie be called yours; so that no violent force of time shall blot out or diminish the same. The almightie God hath determined that the chance of [line 40] war shall rest in his disposition and will▪ as all other things. Your elders haue archi∣ued both by land & sea manie noble enter∣prises. The whole compasse of Europe, all the east parts of the world, all places and countries, both far & neere, are full of mo∣numents, witnessing the noble victories atteined by the French people.

The cause of godlie liuing and religion, [line 50] the dignitie and preheminence of christia∣nitie hath beene defended and augmented by you, against the most mightie and puis∣sant capteins of the infidels, enimies to the said christian religion. All ages shall make mention of your worthie praises, no nation there is but shall confesse it selfe bounden at one time or other for bene∣fits receiued at your hands▪ nether is there [line 60] any people but such as hope to be hereaf∣ter bounden to you for reliefe and benefits, to proceed from you in time to come. One or two battels happilie haue chanced among so manie triumphs otherwise than you would haue wished; chance would it should be so, which may infeeble and make weake the power of horsses, armor, and weapon: your inuincible courage and roiall magna∣nimitie lieth in your power to reteine: nei∣ther shall this day take any thing from you or yours. And this realme of France which hath procreat and brought foorth and nori∣shed so many of my noble progenitors, shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my good meaning towards h••r, as not forgetfull of mine elders, and toward your maiestie (if you will vouchsafe that I should glorie of that name) a most humble kinsman. There are manie occasions of loue and freendship betwixt you and my fa∣ther, which I trust shall take place, for I know all his thoughts and inward mea∣nings: you shall agree and come to an at∣tonement right easilie togither, & I praie God he neuer take me for his sonne, except I haue you in the same degree of honor, re∣uerence, and faithfull loue, which I owe towards him.

The king (as reason would) acknowledged this to procéed of great courtesie shewed toward him in the prince, and thanked him accordinglie.* 6.1 And the prince performing in déed that which he spake with word, ceassed from further vsing of fire, or other indama∣ging of the French dominions, and taking his waie through the countries of Poictou and Xaintonge, by easie iournies, he and his people came to Blaie, and so passed ouer the water to Burdeaux in good safetie with all their riches and prisoners.* 6.2 The prince gaue to the lord Iames Audelie (who had receiued in the battell manie sore wounds) fiue hundred marks of yearelie reuenues assigned foorth of his lands in En∣gland.* 6.3 The which gift the knight granted as fréelie as he had receiued it vnto foure of his esquiers, which in the battell had béene euer attendant about his person, without whose aid & valiant support, he knew well that he had beene slaine sundrie times in the same battell by his enimies, and therefore thought it a dutie of humanitie and gratitude to make them a∣mends with some temporall recompense, that had saued his life, than the which nothing is more déere, nor of greater price in the world, as the poet saith,

—nihil est vita pr••tiosius ipsa.

When the prince heard that he had so doone, he mer∣uelled what his meaning was therby, and caused him to be brought before his presence, and demanded of him wherefore he had so lightlie giuen awaie that reward which he had bestowed vpon him, and whe∣ther he thought that gift too meane for him or not. The lord Audelie so excused himselfe in extolling the good seruice doone to him by his esquiers, through whome he had so manie times escaped the dangers of death, that the prince did not onelie confirme the re∣signation of the fiue hundred marks giuen to the es∣quiers, but also rewarded the lord Audelie with six hundred marks more of like yearelie reuenues, in maner and forme as he had receiued the other.

When the newes of this great victorie came into England of the ouerthrow of the Frenchmen, and taking of the French king, ye may be sure there was great ioy shewed by outward tokens,* 6.4 as bonfiers made, feasts and bankets kept, through the whole realme. Likewise the Gascoignes and Englishmen being come to Burdeaux, made great reuell and pa∣stime there, spending freelie that gold and siluer which they had woone in the battell of Poictiers, and else∣where in that iournie.* 6.5 ¶ This yeare in Aprill the prince of Wales tooke shipping with his prisoners at Burdeaux,* 6.6 and on the fift of Maie arriued at Plim∣mouth. On the foure and twentith day of Maie he was with great honour ioifullie receiued of the citi∣zens into the citie of London, and so conueied to the palace of Westminster,* 6.7 where the king sitting in Westminster hall, receiued the French king, and af∣ter conueied him to a lodging appointed for him, where he laie a season; but after he was remoued to

the Sauoie, which was at that time a goodlie house, perteining to the duke of Lancaster, though after∣wards it was burnt and destroied by Wat Tiler, Iacke Straw, and their companie. In this place the French king laie, and kept house a long time after.

In the winter following were roiall iustes holden in Smithfield,* 6.8 at the which were present the kings of England, France, and Scotland, with manie great estates of all their thrée kingdoms, of the which the more part of the strangers were as then priso∣ners. [line 10] It was reported, that the French king could not so dissemble nor cloake his inward thought, but that there appeared some tokens of gréefe in his countenance, whilest he beheld these warlike pa∣stimes. And when the king of England, & his sonne prince Edward with comfortable words required him after supper to put all pensiue cares out of his fantasie,* 6.9 and to be merrie and sing as other did, he should make this answer with a smiling counte∣nance, [line 20] alluding to the complaint of the Israelits in time of their captiuitie vnder the gentiles, & saieng,

* 6.10Quomodo cantabimus canticum in terra aliena?

About the same time there came ouer into Eng∣land two cardinals, the one called Talirand being bishop of Alba (commonlie named the cardinall of Pierregort) and the other named Nicholas intituled cardinall of S. Uitale or (as Froissard saith) of Dar∣gell,* 6.11 they were sent from pope Innocent the sixt, to intreat for a peace betwixt the kings of England [line 30] and France: but they could not bring their purpose to anie perfect conclusion, although they remained her•• for the space of two yeares: but yet onelie by good means they procured a truce betwéene the said kings, and all their assistants, to indure from the time of the publication thereof, vnto the feast of S. Iohn Baptist,* 6.12 which should be in the yeare 1359: out of the which truce was excepted the L. Philip of Na∣uarre, and his alies, the countesse of Montfort, and the whole duchie of Britaine. [line 40]

Anon after, the French king was remooued from the Sauoie vnto the castell of Windsor with all his houshold,* 6.13 and then he went on hunting and haw∣king there about at his pleasure, and the lord Philip his sonne with him, all the residue of the prisoners abode still at London, but were suffered to go vp and downe, and to come to the court when they would. In the same yeare the duke of Lancaster besieged the ci∣tie of Rennes in Britaine,* 6.14 in the title of the coun∣tesse of Richmond, & hir yoong sonne Iohn of Mont∣fort, [line 50] that claimed to be duke of Britaine. Those that were within the citie, as the vicount of Rohan, and Berthram de Claiquin (who as then was a lustie yoong bacheler) and others defended themselues manfullie for a time, but yet at length they were compelled to render the citie into their enimies hands.

* 6.15About the same time two Franciscane friers were burnt at London, for matters of religion. ¶ More∣ouer queene Isabell, mother vnto king Edward the [line 60] third, departed this life the seauen and twentith daie of August, and was buried the seauen and twentith daie of Nouember, in the church of the friers minors at London, not yet dedicated. ¶ Dauid king of Scotland, shortlie after the truce was concluded be∣twixt England and France, was set at libertie, pai∣eng for his ransome the summe of one hundred thousand marks (as Fourdon saith) but whether he meaneth Scotish or sterling monie,* 6.16 I cannot saie. He also was bound by couenant now vpon his deli∣uerance, to cause the castels in Nidesdale to be rai∣sed, which were knowne to be euill neighbors to the English borderers,* 6.17 as Dunfrise, Dalswinton, Mor∣ton, Dunsd••re, and nine other.

His wife quéene Ione made such earnest sute to hir brother king Edward for hir husbands deliue∣rance, that king Edward was contented to release him vpon the paiment of so small a portion of mo∣nie, and performance of the couenants, for the rai∣sing of those castels; although Froissard saith,* 6.18 that he was couenanted to paie for his deliuerance within the tearme of ten yeares, fiue hundred thousand no∣bles, and for suertie of that paiment to send into England sufficient hostages, as the earles of Dow∣glas, Murrey, Mar, Sutherland, and Fiffe, the ba∣ron of Uescie, and sir William Camoise. Also he co∣uenanted neuer to weare armour against king Ed∣ward, within his realme of England, nor to consent that his subiects should so doo: and further should vp∣on his returne home, doo the best he could to cause the Scots to agree that their countrie should hold of him in fée, and that he and his successours, kings of Scotland, should doo homage to the king of Eng∣land, and his successors for the realme of Scot∣land.

In this two and thirtith yeare,* 6.19 as witnesseth the French chronicles, sir Robert Knolles, Iames Pipe, and one Thomlin Foulke, with other capiteins and men of warre as souldiours to the king of Nauarre vpon the tenth day of March earlie in the morning scaled the walles of the citie of Auxerre,* 6.20 and beha∣ued them so manfullie, that they were maisters of the towne before the sunne was vp. They got excee∣ding much by the spoile of that citie, and by ransom∣ing the prisoners which they tooke there.* 6.21 At length af∣ter they had remained eight daies in that citie, and taken their pleasures of all things within it, they wrought so with the citizens, that to haue possession of their citie againe, and to haue it saued from fire, they agréed to giue to sir Robert Knolles, and to his companie, fiftie thousand motons of gold, which a∣mounted to the summe of twelue thousand and fiue hundred pounds sterling or there about; and yet was it agreed, that the Englishmen should burne the gates, and throw downe the walles in diuers places. In Aprill next insuing, the towne of Daubignie sir le Metre was likewise woone by the Englishmen; and the second daie of Maie Chastelon sir Loigne was taken by the said sir Robert Knolles,* 6.22 and put to sacke as the other were. From thence they went to Newcastell vpon Loire. Thus did the English∣men and other, in title of the K. of Nauarre, greatlie indamage the realme of France, dailie winning townes and castels, ransoming the people, and wast∣ing the countries in most miserable wise, as in the historie of France you may read more at large.

In this meane while there was talke of peace be∣twixt the king of England, and the king of France,* 6.23 and articles thereof drawne in this forme, that the whole countries of Gascoine, Guien, Poictou, Tou∣raine, Xainctonge, Piergourd, Quercie, Limosin, Angolisinois, Calis, Guines, Bullogne, and Pon∣thieu, should remaine to the king of England wholie without dooing homage or paieng anie reléefe for the same: but on the other part, he should renounce all his right, which he might by anie manner of meane claime to the countries of Normandie, Aniou, or Maine. And further, that the French king should paie a certeine summe of monie for his ransome, and deliuer sufficient pledges for the same, and so depart into France. These articles were sent ouer into France, that the thrée states there might confirme them, which they refused to doo. Wherevpon when the truce ended, the warres were againe reuiued. ¶The king held this yéere the feast of S. George at Wind∣sor, in more sumptuous manner than euer it had béene kept before.

In the same yeare also,* 6.24 frier Iohn Lisle bishop of

Elie,* 6.25 being (as he tooke it) somewhat wronged by the ladie Blanch de Wake, and other that were of hir counsell, when the last yeare against the kings will vnto the popes court, where exhibiting his com∣plaint, he caused the pope to excommunicate all his aduersaries, sending to the bishop of Lincolne and o∣ther of the cleargie, that if they knew any of them so excommunicated to be dead and buried, they should draw them out of their graues:* 6.26 which was doone. And bicause some of those that were excommunica∣ted [line 10] were of the kings councell, the king tooke such displeasure therewith, that he gréeuouslie disquieted the prelats. Wherevpon there were sent from the court of Rome on the behalfe of the bishop of Elie, certeine persons, which being armed, met the bishop of Rochester lord treasuror, deliuering to him letters from the pope, the contents of the which were not knowen, and foorthwith they shranke awaie: but the kings seruants made such pursute after them, that some of them they tooke,* 6.27 and bringing them before the [line 20] kings iustices, vpon their arreignement they were condemned, and suffered death on the gallowes.

Great discord rose also about this time, or rather afore,* 6.28 betwixt the cleargie, and the foure orders of friers, as in the booke of acts & monuments set foorth by master Iohn Fox ye may read more at large. In this yeare Iohn of Gant earle of Richmond,* 6.29 sonne to the king, the ninetéenth day of Maie married the ladie Blanch daughter to Henrie duke of Lanca∣ster at Reading;* 6.30 and bicause they were cousins with∣in [line 30] the degrées of consanguinitie, forbidden by the church lawes to marrie, a dispensation was procured of the pope to remoue that obstacle and let. In this yeare the king set workemen in hand to take downe much old bildings belonging to the castell of Wind∣sore,* 6.31 and caused diuerse other faire and sumptuous works to be erected and set vp, in and about the same castell, so that almost all the masons and carpenters that were of any accompt within this land, were sent for and imploied about the same works, the ouerseer [line 40] whereof was William Wickham the kings chap∣l••in, by whose aduise the king tooke in hand to repare that place, the rather in déed bicause he was borne there, and therefore he tooke great pleasure to bestow cost in beautifieng it with such buildings, as may ap∣peare euen vnto this daie. Moreouer, this yeare in the Rogation wéeke was solemne iusts enterprised at London,* 6.32 for the maior and his foure and twentie brethren as challengers did appoint to answer all commers, in whose name and stéed the king with his [line 50] foure sonnes,* 6.33 Edward, Lionell, Iohn, and Edmund, and ninetéene other great lords, in secret manner came and held the field with honor, to the great plea∣sure of the citizens that beheld the same. ¶ Ye haue heard how the Frenchmen refused the peace, which was accorded betwixt K. Edward & their king, as then prisoner here in England. Wherupō K. Edward determined to make such warre against the realme of France, that the Frenchmen with all their harts should be glad to condescend and agrée to reason: and [line 60] first he commanded all manner of Frenchmen (other than such as were prisoners) to auoid out of Eng∣land. He also appointed the French king to be re∣moued from the castell of Hertford,* 6.34 where he then re∣mained, vnto the castell of Somerton in Lincolne∣shire, vnder the gard and conduct of the lord Willi∣am Deincourt, being allowed fourtie shillings the day for the wages of two and twentie men at armes, twentie archers, & two watchmen: as thus, for him∣selfe and sir Iohn Kirketon baronets, either of them foure shillings the daie; for thrée knights, sir Willi∣am Colleuill (in place of the lord Robert Colleuill, that could not trauell himselfe by reason of sicknesse) sir Iohn Deincourt, and sir Saer de Rochfort, ech of them two shillings the daie; seuentéene esquiers ech of them twelue pence the day, eight archers on horsse backe euerie of them six pence the day, and twelue archers on foot three pence, and the two watchmen ei∣ther of them six pence the day, which amounteth in the whole vnto nine and thirtie shillings the day; and the od twelue pence was allowed to the said lord Dein∣court to make vp the summe of 40 shillings. ¶ This haue I noted the rather, to giue a light to the reader to consider how chargeable the reteining of men of war in these daies is, in respect of the former times. But now to our purpose.

The king meaning to passe ouer himselfe in per∣son into France,* 6.35 caused a mightie armie to be mu∣stered and put in a readinesse, and sent before him the duke of Lancaster ouer to Calis with foure hun∣dred speares, and two thousand archers, where the said duke ioined with such strangers as were alrea∣die come to Calis in great numbers, and togither with them entered into the French dominions, and passing by saint Omers & Bethune, came to Mount saint Eloie, a goodlie abbeie and a rich, two leagues distant from Arras, and there the host tarried foure daies, and when they had robbed and wasted all the countrie thereabout, they rode to Braie,* 6.36 and there made a great assault, at the which a baronet of Eng∣land was slaine with diuerse other. When the Eng∣lishmen saw they could win nothing there, they de∣parted, and following the water of Some, came to a towne called Chersie, where they passed the riuer, and there tarried Alhallowen daie, & the night following.

On the same daie the duke of Lancaster was ad∣uertised,* 6.37 that the king was arriued at Calis the se∣uentéenth daie of October, commanding him by let∣ters to draw towards him with all his companie. The duke according to the kings commandement o∣beied, and so returned toward Calis.* 6.38 The king being there arriued with all his power, tooke counsell which way he should take. Some aduised him first to in∣uade Flanders, and to reuenge the iniurious dealing of the earle and the Flemings:* 6.39 but he would not a∣grée to that motion, for he purposed fullie either by plaine force to make a conquest of France, or else vt∣terlie to destroie and wast the countrie throughout with fier and sword. Herevpon he set forwards the fourth of Nouember, and passing through the coun∣tries of Arthois, and Uermendois, he came before the citie of Reimes. There went ouer with him in this iournie, & with the duke of Lancaster, his foure sonnes, Edward prince of Wales,* 6.40 Lionell earle of Ulster, Iohn earle of Richmond, and the lord Ed∣mund his yoongest sonne. Also there was Henrie the said duke of Lancaster, with the earles of March, Warwike, Suffolke, Hereford (who also was earle of Northampton) Salisburie, Stafford, and Oxford, the bishops of Lincolne, and Durham, and the lords Percie, Neuill, Spenser, Kirdiston, Rosse, Mannie, Cobham, Mowbray, de la Ware, Willoughbie, Fel∣ton, Basset, Fitz Water, Charleton, Audelie, Bur∣wasch, and others, beside knights and esquiers, as sir Iohn Chandois, sir Stephan Goussanton, sir Nowell Loring, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Iohn Lisle, sir Ri∣chard Pembruge, and others.

The siege was laid before Reimes about saint An∣drewes tide, and continued more than seuen weekes:* 6.41 but the citie was so well defended by the bishop and the earle of Porcien, and other capiteins within it, that the Englishmen could not obteine their pur∣pose, and so at length, when they could not haue for∣rage nor other necessarie things abroad in the coun∣trie for to serue their turne,* 6.42 the king raised his field, and departed with his armie in good order of battell, taking the way through Champaigne, and so passed by Chaalons, and after to Merie on the riuer of

Seine.* 6.43 From Merie he departed and came vnto Tonnere, which towne about the beginning of the foure and thirtith yeare of his reigne was woone by assault, but the castell could not be woone, for there was within it the lord Fiennes constable of France, and a great number of other good men of war, which defended it valiantlie.

After the king had rested there fiue daies, and that his men were well refreshed with the wines and other such things, which they found in that towne [line 10] in good plentie, he remooued and drew towards Bur∣gognie,* 6.44 comming to a towne called Guillon or A∣guillon, where he lay from Ashwednesday vnto Mid∣lent, hauing good prouision of all maner of vittels by the means of an esquier of his called Iohn Alanson, which had taken the towne of Flauignie not farre thence,* 6.45 wherein was great store of bread and wine and other vittels: and still the marshals rode foorth, and oftentimes refreshed the host with new prouisi∣on. The Englishmen had with them in their carria∣ges, [line 20] tents, pauillions, milles, ouens, and forges; also boates of leather cunninglie made and deuised, able to receiue three men a péece, and to passe them ouer waters and riuers.* 6.46 They had at the least six thousand carts with them, and for euerie cart foure horsses which they had out of England.

In this meane while, the Frenchmen made cer∣teine vessels foorth to the sea, vnder the gouernance of the earle of S. Paule, the which vpon the fiftéenth daie of March landed earlie in the morning at Win∣chelsie,* 6.47 [line 30] and before sunne rising entred the towne, and finding the inhabitants vnprouided to make anie great resistance, fell to and sacked the houses, slue manie men, women and also children, and after set fier on the towne;* 6.48 and vpon knowledge had that the people of the countrie next adioining were assem∣bled, and comming to the rescue, he caused his men to draw to their ships, and so they taking their pillage and spoile with them, got them aboord, not without some losse of their companie, which were slaine in the [line 40] towne by such as resisted their violence. Whilest the king laie at Aguillon, there came to him Anscaume de Salilans chancellor of Burgognie, Iaques de Uienne,* 6.49 and other lords of the countrie, being sent from their duke, to agrée with the king for the spar∣ing of the lands and seigniories apperteining to the duchie of Burgognie.

The chancellor, and the other Burgognian lords found the king so agréeable to their request, that a composition was made betwixt him and the coun∣trie of Burgognie, so that he should make to them an [line 50] assurance for him,* 6.50 and all his people, not to ouerrun or indamage that countrie, during the space of thrée yeares, and he to haue in readie monie the summe of two hundred thousand florens of gold, which of ster∣ling monie amounted to the summe of fiue and thir∣tie thousand pounds. When this agreement was in∣grossed vp in writing, and sealed, the king dislodged, and all his host, taking the right waie to Paris, and passing the riuer of Yonne, entered into Gastinois, [line 60] and at length by easie iournies, vpon a tuesdaie be∣ing the last of March in the wéeke before Easter, he came and lodged betwéene Mont le Herie, and Chartres, with his people in the countrie there a∣bouts.

Here the duke of Normandie made meanes for a treatie of peace, which was laboured by a frier called Simon de Langres prouinciall of the friers Iaco∣bins and the popes legat: he did so much, that a trea∣tie was appointed to be holden on good fridaie in the Malederie of Longegimew, where appeared for the king of England the duke of Lancaster, the erls of Warwike and Northampton,* 6.51 with sir Iohn Chandois, sir Walter de Mannie, and sir William Cheinie knights: and for the French king thither came the earle of Eu constable of France, and the marshall Bouciquant, with other; but their treatie came to none effect: wherfore the king vpon the tues∣daie in the Easter wéeke remooued neerer vnto Pa∣ris, and vpon the fridaie following, being the tenth of Aprill, by procurement of the abbat of Clugnie newlie come from pope Innocent the sixt, the fore∣said commissioners eftsoones did meet to treat of an agréement, but nothing they could conclude, the parties in their offers and demands were so farre at ods.

Upon the sundaie next following,* 6.52 a part of the kings hoste came before the citie of Paris, and im∣battelled themselues in a field fast by saint Marcil∣les, abiding there frō morning till three of the clocke in the after noone, to sée if the Frenchmen would come foorth to giue battell: but the French would not taste of that vessell. For the duke of Normandie (well considering what losse had insued within few yeares past vnto the realme of France, by giuing battell to the Englishmen, and taught by late triall and féeling of smart to dread imminent danger, for

Vulneribus didicit miles habere metum)

would not suffer anie of his people to issue foorth of the gates, but commanded them to be readie onelie to defend the walles and gates, although he had a great power of men of warre within the citie, beside the huge multitude of the inhabitants. The English∣men to prouoke their enimies the sooner to saile forth,* 6.53 burnt diuerse parts of the suburbs, and rode euen to the gates of the citie. When they perceiued that the Frenchmen would not come foorth, about three of the clocke in the afternoone they departed out of the field and withdrew to their campe, and then the king and all the English host remooued towards Chartres, and was lodged at a place called Dones.* 6.54 Thither came to him the bishop of Beauuois then chancellor of Normandie, with other, and so handled the mat∣ter with him, that a new daie of treatie was appoin∣ted to be holden at Bretignie, which is little more than a mile distant from Chartres, vpon the first day of Maie next insuing.

In which daie and place appointed, the foresaid duke of Lancaster, and the said earles and other commis∣sioners met with the said bishop, and other French lords and spirituall men to him associate,* 6.55 on the be∣halfe of the duke of Normandie then regent of France, to renew the former communication of peace, in full hope to bring it to a good conclusion; bi∣cause king Edward began to frame his imaginati∣on more to accord with his aduersaries, than he had doone of late, chéefelie for that the duke of Lancaster with courteous words and sage persuasions,* 6.56 aduised him not to forsake such reasonable conditions as the Frenchmen were contented now to agrée vnto, sith that by making such manner of warre as he had at∣tempted, his souldiers onelie gained, and he himselfe lost but time, and consumed his treasure•• and further he might warre in this sort all the daies of his life, be∣fore he could atteine to his intent, and loose perhaps in one daie more than he had gained in twentie yeares.

Such words spoken for the wealth of the king and his subiects, conuerted the kings mind to fansie peace, namelie by the grace of the Holie-ghost chéefe worker in this case. For it chanced on a daie, as he was marching not farre from Chartres,* 6.57 there came such a storme and tempest of thunder, lightening, haile and raine, as the like had neuer béene séene by anie of the English people. This storme fell so hide∣ous in the kings host, that it seemed the world should haue ended: for such vnreasonable great stones of haile fell from the skie, that men and horsses were

slaine therewith, so that the most hardie were aba∣shed. There perished thousands thereby, as some haue written. Then the king remembring what reasona∣ble offers of agréement he had refused, vpon remorse of conscience (as by some writers should appeare) as∣ked forgiuenesse of the damage doone by sword and fire in those parts, and fullie determined to grant vn∣to indifferent articles of peace, for reléefe of the chri∣stian inhabitants of that land: and so shortlie after, by the good diligence of the commissioners on both [line 10] parts,* 6.58 an vnitie and finall peace was accorded, the conditions whereof were comprised in fortie and one articles, the chiefe whereof in effect were these.

* 6.591 First that the king of England should haue and enioy (ouer and beside that which he held alreadie in Gascoigne and Guien) the castell,* 6.60 citie, and countie of Poictiers, and all the lands and countrie of Poicton, with the fée of Touars, and the lands of Belleuille; the citie and castell of Xainctes, and all the lands and countrie of Xaonctonge on both sides the riuer of [line 20] Charent, with the towne and fortresse of Rochell, with their appurtenances; the citie and castell of A∣gent, and the countrie of Agenois; the citie and ca∣stell of Piergort, and all the land and countrie of Pe∣rigueux; the citie and castell of Limoges, and all the lands and countrie of Limosin; the citie and castell of Cahors, and the lordship of Cahorsin; the castell and countrie of Tarbe; the lands countrie and countie of Bigorre; the countie, countrie, and lands of Gaure; the citie and castell of Angolesme; and the countie, [line 30] land, and countrie of Angolesmois; the citie, towne and castell of Rodaix; and all the countie, and coun∣trie of Rouergne; and if there were in the du••••ie of Guien any lords, as the earles of Foiz, Arminacke, Lisle, and Perigueux, the vicounts of Carmain, and Limoges, or other holding any lands within the fore∣said bounds, it was accorded that they should doo ho∣mage and other customarie seruices due for the same vnto the king of England.* 6.61

2 It was also agreed, that Calis and Guines, with [line 40] the appurtenances, the lands of Montreuill on the sea with the countie of Ponthieu, wholie and entirelie should remaine vnto the king of England. All the which countries, cities, townes, and castels, with the other lands and seigniories, the same king should haue and hold to him and his heires for euer, euen as they were in demaine or fee, immediatlie of God, and frée without recognizing any maner souereingtie to any earthlie man. In consideration whereof, king Edward renounced all such claimes, titles and inte∣rest [line 50] as he pretended vnto any part of France, other than such as were comprised within the charter of co∣uenants of this peace first agréed vpon at Bretignie aforesaid, and after confirmed at Calis, as appeareth by the same charter dated there the foure & twentith daie of October,* 6.62 in the yeare of our Lord 1360.

3 It was also couenanted, that the French king should paie vnto the king of England thirtie hun∣dred thousan•• crownes in name of his ransome:* 6.63 for assurance of which paiment, & performance of all the [line 60] couenants afore mentioned, and other agreed vpon by this peace, the dukes of Orleance, Aniou, Berrie, and Burbon, with diuerse other honorable persona∣ges,* 6.64 as earles, lords, and burgesses of euerie good towne, some were appointed to be sent ouer hither in∣to England to remaine as hostages.

* 6.654 It was further agréed, that neither the French king nor his successors should aid the Scots against the king of England or his successors; nor that king Edward nor his heirs kings of England should aid the Flemings against the crowne of France.

5 And as for the title or right of the duchie of Bri∣taine,* 6.66 which was in question betweene the earles of Blois and Mountfort, it was accorded, that both kings being at Calis, the parties should be called be∣fore them, and if the two kings could not make them fréends, then should they assigne certeine indifferent persons to agree them, and they to haue halfe a yeeres respit to end the matter: and if within that terme those that should be so appointed to agrée them, could not take vp the matter betwixt the said earles, then either of them might make the best purchase for him∣selfe that he could, by helpe of freends, or otherwise: but alwaies prouided, that neither of the kings nor their sonnes should so aid the said earles, whereby the peace accorded betwixt England and France, might by any meanes be broken or infringed. Also, to whe∣ther of the said earles the duchie of Britaine in the end chanced to fall by sentence of iudges, or other∣wise, the homage should be doone for the same vnto the French king.

All these ordinances, articles and agréements, with manie mo (which here would be too long to rehearse) were accorded and ratified by the instruments and seales of the prince of Wales on the one part, and of the duke of Normandie regent of France on the o∣ther part, as by their letters patents then sealed fur∣ther appeared, bearing date, the one at Loures in Normandie the sixteenth daie of Maie in the yeare of Grace 1360, and the other at Paris the tenth day of the same moneth, and in the yeare aforesaid. O∣uer & beside this, both the said princes tooke on them a solemne oth, to see all the same articles and coue∣nants of agreement throughlie kept, mainteined and performed. This doone, king Edward imbarked him∣selfe with his foure sonnes and the most part of his nobles at Hunfleu the twentith daie of Maie,* 6.67 and so sailed into England, leauing hehind him the earle of Warwike to haue the gouernement of all the men of warre which he left behind him, either in Gaien or in any other place on that side the sea.

There died in this iournie diuerse noble men of this land, as the earles of March and Oxford,* 6.68 the lord Iohn Graie then steward of England, and the lord Geffrie de Saie, with diuerse other. The eight of Iu∣lie next insuing, the French king hauing licence to depart, landed at Calis, and was lodged in the castell there, abiding till the king of England came thither, which was not till the ninth day of October next af∣ter. On the foure and twentith daie of October, both the kings being in two trauerses and one chappell at Calis, a masse was said before them,* 6.69 and when they should haue kissed the pax, either of them in signe of greater fréendship kissed the other, & there they were solemnelie sworne to mainteine the articles of the same peace; and for more assurance thereof, manie lords of both parts were likewise sworne to main∣teine the same articles to the vttermost of their powers. Whilest these kings laie thus at Calis, there was great banketting and chéere made betwixt them.

Also the duke of Normandie came from Bul∣longne to Calis, to visit his father,* 6.70 and to sée the king of England, in which meane time two of king Ed∣wards sonnes were at Bullongne. Finallie, when these two kings had finished all matters in so good order and forme that the same could not be amended nor corrected, and that the French king had deliuered his hostages to the king of England, that is to saie, six dukes, beside earles, lords, and other honorable personages, in all to the number of eight and thirtie: on the morrow after the taking of their oths,* 6.71 that is to saie on the fiue and twentith daie of October, be∣ing sundaie, the French king was freelie deliuered, and the same daie before noone he departed from Ca∣lis, and rode to Bullongne. The king of England brought him a mile foreward on his waie, and then tooke leaue of him in most louing maner. The prince

attended him to Bullongne, where both he and the duke of Normandie with other were eftsoons sworne to hold and mainteine the foresaid peace without all fraud or colourable deceit: and this doone, the prince returned to Calis. Thus was the French king set at libertie,* 6.72 after he had beene prisoner here in Eng∣land the space of foure yeares, and as much as from the nineteenth daie of September, vnto the fiue and twentith of October. When the king of England had finished his businesse at Calis, according to his mind, he returned into England, and came to Lon∣don [line 10] the ninth daie of Nouember.

¶Thus haue yée hard the originall begining, the pro∣cesse, and issue of sundrie conflicts and battels, and speciallie of two, one of Iohn the French king vn∣luckilie attempted against England; the other of Dauid the Scotish king as vnfortunatlie ended. For both kings were subdued in fight, vanquished, and taken prisoners; with a great number of their noblemen, whereas they were in hope to haue gone awaie with the conquest, and to haue had renowme [line 20] for their reward. Of which ouerthrow giuen to both these kings, with the clemencie of king Edward (in whose hands though their liues laie to be disposed as he list, yet he was so far from violating the same, that he shewed himselfe a woonderfull fauourer of their estates, and in fine not onelie put them to their reasonable ransoms, but restored them to their roial∣ties, from the which their sinister lot had deposed them) Christopher Okland hath left this remembred:

Plantageneta duos reges iam illustris habebat [line 30] * 6.73Captiuos tenuit comites custodia mitis Multos ambabus claro regionibus ortos Sanguine, quos saeuo bello cepere Britanni. Attamen Eduardi viguit clementia regis Tanta, & tanta animo virtus innata sedebat, Vt pretio & pacto dimitteret aere redemptos In patriam ad propriae consanguinitatis amicos.

In this foure and thirtith yeare of king Edward, men and cattell were destroied in diuerse places of this realme,* 6.74 by lightening and tempest; also houses [line 40] were set on fier and burnt, and manie strange and woonderfull sights seene. ¶The same yeare Edward prince of Wales married the countesse of Kent, which before was wife vnto the lord Thomas Hol∣land: and before that, she was also wife vnto the erle of Salisburie, and diuorsed from him, and wedded to the same lord Holland. She was daughter vnto Ed∣mund earle of Kent, brother to king Edward the se∣cond, that was beheaded in the beginning of this kings reigne, as before yée haue heard. And bicause [line 50] the prince and shee were within degrees of consan∣guinitie forbidden to marrie, a dispensation was gotten from the pope to remooue that let. In this yeare also was a great death of people (namelie of men,* 6.75 for women were not so much subiect thereto.) This was called the second mortalitie, bicause it was the second that fell in this kings daies.

* 6.76This yeare also by the death of Richard fitz Rafe primat of Ardmach, that departed this life in the court of Rome; and also of Richard Kilminton de∣ceassed [line 60] here in England, the discord that had conti∣nued for the space of three or foure yeares betwixt them of the cleargie on the one part, and the foure or∣ders of friers on the other part, was now quieted and brought to end. Moreouer, this yeare appeared two castels in the aire,* 6.77 of the which the one appeared to the southeast,* 6.78 and the other in the southwest, out of which castels about the houre of noone sundrie times were séene hosts of armed men (as appeared to mans sight) issuing foorth, and that host which sailed out of the castell in the southeast seemed white, and the o∣ther blacke. They appeared as they should haue fought either against other, and first the white had the vpper h••nd, and after was ouercome, and so vanished out of sight.

About the same time, the souldiors which were discharged in France and out of wages, by the brea∣king vp of the warres, assembled togither,* 6.79 and did much hurt in that realme, as in the French histories yée may read. Their cheefe leaders were Englishmen and Gascoignes subiects to the king of England. The king assembled the states of his realme in par∣lement at Westminster in the feast of the Conuersi∣on of S. Paule,* 6.80 and there was declared vnto them the tenor and whole effect of the peace concluded be∣twixt England and France, wherewith they were greatlie pleased,* 6.81 and herevpon the nobles of the realme, and such Frenchmen as were hostages, came togither at Westminster church on the first sundaie of Lent next following: and there such as were not alreadie sworne, receiued the oth for performance of the same peace, in a right solemne manner, hauing the tenour of their oths written in certeine scrols; and after they had taken their oths vpon the sacra∣ment and masse booke, they deliuered the same scrols vnto certeine notaries appointed to receiue and re∣gister the same.

The mortalitie yet during, that noble duke Hen∣rie of Lancaster departed this life on the éeuen of the Annunciation of our ladie, and was buried at Leicester. ¶Iohn of Gant the fourth son to the king, who had married his daughter the ladie Blanch, as before yee haue heard, succéeded him in that dutchie as his heire in right of the said ladie.* 6.82 The same yeere also died the lord Reginold Cobham, the lord Walter fitz Warren, and thrée bishops, Worcester, London, and Elie. This yeare vpon the fiftéenth day of Ianu∣rie there rose such a passing wind, [year 1362] that the like had not béene heard of in manie yéeres before.* 6.83 It began about euensong time in the south,* 6.84 and that with such force, that it ouerthrew and blew downe strong and mightie buildings, as towers, steeples, houses and chimnies. This outragious wind continued thus for the space of six or seauen daies, whereby euen those buildings that were not ouerthrowne and broken downe, were yet so shaken, that they without repa∣ring were not able long to stand.* 6.85 After this followed a verie wet season, namelie in the summer time and haruest, so that much corne and haie was lost and spoiled, for want of seasonable weather to gather in the same.

The lord Lionell the kings sonne went ouer into Ireland, to be deputie to his father there, and was created duke of Clarence, and his brother Edmund was created earle of Cambridge; also Edward prince of Wales was by his father king Edward inuested duke of Guien,* 6.86 and did homage vnto his father for the same, in like manner and forme as his father and other kings of England were accustomed to do for the said dutchie to the kings of France. And afterwards about the feast of Candlemasse next in∣suing, the said prince sailed into Gascoigne, and arri∣ued at Burdeaux, taking vpon him the gouernment and rule of the countrie. Moreouer this yeare,* 6.87 the fiue first daies of Maie, were kept roiall iusts in Smith∣field by London, the king and queene being present, with a great multitude of the nobles and gentlemen of both the realms of England and France; at which time came hither Spaniards, Cipriots, and Armeni∣ans, requiring aid of the king against the infidels, that sore molested their confines. ¶The staple of wols was this yeare remooued to Calis.

Also the sixtéenth of October, a parlement began, that was called at Westminster, which continued till the feast daie of S. Brice, on which daie, the king at that time fiftie yeares then past, was borne; where∣vpon, as it were in the yeare of his iubile, he shewed

himselfe more gratious to his people, granting par∣don to offendors,* 6.88 and reuoking outlawes. Moreouer, it was ordeined in this parlement, that no maner of person, of what estate or degrée soeuer he was, the king,* 6.89 the quéene, and dukes onelie excepted, should haue any purueiers of vittels, nor should take vp a∣ny thing without readie paiment, and those that from thencefoorth did contrarie to this ordinance, should be extremelie punished. There was granted to the king in this parlement six and twentie shil∣lings [line 10] eight pence of euerie sacke of wooll that was to be transported ouer the sea,* 6.90 for thrée yeares next insuing.

Furthermore, at the sute of the commons it was ordeined and established by an act in this parlement deuised, that men of law should plead their causes, and write their actions and plaints in the English toong,* 6.91 and not in the French, as they had béene accu∣stomed to doo, euer since the Conquerors time. It was ordeined also, that schoolemasters should teach [line 20] their scholers to construe their lessons in English, & not in French, as before they had béene vsed. The K. shewed so much curtesie to the French hostages, that he permitted them to go ouer to Calis, and there be∣ing néere home, to purchase friendship, by oft calling on their fréends for their deliuerance. They were suf∣fered to ride to and fro about the marches of Calis, for the space of foure daies togither, so that on the fourth daie before sunne setting, they returned into Calis againe. The duke of Aniou turning this liber∣tie [line 30] to serue his owne turne, departed from thence, and went home into France, without making his fellowes priuie to his purpose.

This yeare a parlement was called by the king, which began the ninth of October,* 6.92 from the which none of the noble men could obteine licence to be ab∣sent.* 6.93 In this parlement all rich ornaments of gold and siluer vsed to be worne in kniues,* 6.94 girdels, ouches, rings, or otherwise, to the setting foorth of the bodie, were prohibited, except to such as might dispend ten [line 40] pounds by yeare. Morouer that none should weare a∣ny rich clothes or furres, except they might dispend an hundred pounds by yeare. ¶ Moreouer it was en∣acted, that labourers and husbandmen should not vse any deintie dishes, or costlie drinks at their tables. But these, and such other acts as were deuised and e∣stablished at this parlement, tooke none effect, as af∣ter it appeared. In this yeare, there came into Eng∣land to speake with king Edward concerning their weightie affaires,* 6.95 thrée kings, to wit, the king of [line 50] France, the king of Scotland, & the king of Cypres: they were honorablie receiued, and highlie feasted.

The king of Scotland, and the king of Cypres af∣ter they had dispatched their businesse for the which they came, turned backe againe; but the French king fell sicke, and remained here till he died, as in the next yeare ye shall heare. He arriued here in Eng∣land, about the latter end of this yeare, and came to Eltham (where king Edward as then laie) on the foure and twentith day of Ianuarie, [year 1364] and there dined. [line 60] After diner, he tooke his horsse and rode toward Lon∣don, and vpon Blacke heath, the citizens of London clad in one kind of liuerie, and verie well horssed, met him, and conueied him from thence through to Lon∣don, to the Sauoy, where his lodging was prepared. About the beginning of March,* 6.96 in this eight and thir∣tith yeare, the forenamed French king fell into a gréeuous sickenesse,* 6.97 of the which he died the eight day of Aprill following. His corps was conueied into France, and there buried at S. Denise: his exequies were kept here in England in diuerse places right solemnelie, by king Edwards appointment.

* 6.98This yeare, by reason of an extreme sore frost, con∣tinuing from the seuen and twentith day of Septem∣ber last passed, vnto the beginning of Aprill, in this eight and thirtith yeare (or rather from the seuenth day of December till the ninetenth day of March, as Walsingham and other old writers doo report) the ground laie vntild, to the great hinderance and losse of all growing things on the earth. This yeare on Michaelmasse day, before the castell of Aulroy,* 6.99 not far distant from the citie of Uannes in Britaine, a sore battell was fought betwixt the lord Charles de Blois, and the lord Iohn of Mountford. For when there could be no end made betwixt these two lords, touching their title vnto the duchie of Britaine, they renewed the wars verie hotlie in that countrie,* 6.100 and procured all the aid they might from each side. The king of France sent to the aid of his cousine Charls de Blois a thousand speares; and the earle of Mount∣ford sent into Gascoigne, requiring sir Iohn Chan∣dois, and other Englishmen there to come to his suc∣cour. Sir Iohn Chandois gladlie consented to this re∣quest, and therevpon got licence of the prince, and came into Britaine, where he found the earle of Mountford at the siege of the foresaid castell of Aul∣roy. In the meane time, the lord Charles de Blois, being prouided of men, and all things necessarie to giue battell, came and lodged fast by his enimies.

The earle of Mountford aduertised of his approch, by the aduise of sir Iohn Chandois and other of his capteins, had chosen out a plot of ground to lodge in, and meant there to abide their enimies. With the lord Charles of Blois was that valiant knight sir Berthram de Cleaquin or Guesclin (as some write him) by whose aduise there were ordeined three bat∣tels, and a reregard,* 6.101 and in each battell were appoin∣ted a thousand of good fighting men. On the other part, the earle of Mountford diuided his men like∣wise into thrée battels and a reregard. The first was led by sir Robert Knols, sir Walter Hewet, and sir Richard Brulle or Burlie. The second by sir Oliuer de Clisson, sir Eustace Daubreticourt, and sir Mat∣thew Gournie. The third the earle of Mountford him selfe guided, and with him was sir Iohn Chandois as∣sociat, by whom he was much ruled: for the king of England, whose daughter the earle of Mountford should marie, had written to sir Iohn Chandois, that he should take good héed to the businesse of the said earle, and order the same as sagelie as he might de∣uise or imagine.

In ech of these thrée armies were fiue hundred ar∣med men, and foure hundred archers. In the reregard were appointed fiue hundred men of warre, vnder the gouernance of sir Hugh Caluerlie. Beside sir Iohn Chandois, & other Englishmen recited by Froissard, there was the lord William Latimer, as one of the chiefe on the earle of Mountfords side. There were not past sixtéene hundred good fighting men on that side, as Thomas Walsingham plainelie writeth. Now when the hosts were ordred on both sides (as be∣fore we haue said) they approched togither, the French∣men came close in their order of battell, and were to the number of fiue and twentie hundred men of armes, after the manner of that age, beside others. Euerie man had cut his speare (as then they vsed, at what time they should ioine in battell) to the length of fiue foot, and a short ax hanging at his side. At the first incounter, there was a sore battell, and trulie the archers shot right fiercelie, howbeit their shot did litle hurt to the Frenchmen, they were so well ar∣med and furnished: the archers perceiuing that (be∣ing big men and light) cast awaie their bowes,* 6.102 and entered in amongst the Frenchmen that bare the axes, and plucked them out of their hands, wherwith they fought after right hardlie. There was doone ma∣nie a noble feat of armes, manie taken, and rescued againe.

Against the earle of Montfords battell, fought the battell which the lord Charles de Blois ruled, and at the first, the earle of Montfords part was sore op∣pressed, and brought out of order in such sort, that if sir Hugh Caluerlie had not in time releeued them, the losse had runne on that side; but finallie so long they fought, that all the battels assembled and ioined each to other, except the reregard of the English∣men, whereof (as is said) sir Hugh Caluerlie was chéefe.* 6.103 He kept alwaies his battell on a wing, and [line 10] euer succoured where he saw néed. At length, the Frenchmen not able to indure the valiant dooings of their aduersaries, began to breake. First the earle of Auxerres batell was discomfited, and put to flight, and the said earle sore woimded,* 6.104 and taken prisoner, but the battell of sir Berthram de Cleaquin as yet stood manfullie at defense, howbeit at length the Englishmen perforce opened it, and then was the said sir Berthram taken prisoner,* 6.105 vnder the banner of sir Iohn Chandois. [line 20]

Héerewith also, all the other battels of the French∣men and Britaines, on the part of the lord Charles de Blois, were cleane discomfited, and put out of ar∣raie, so that such as resisted, and stood at defense, were slaine and beaten downe, and amongst others, the lord Charles was there slaine himselfe, and all other either taken or slaine, except those that escaped by flight, amongst the which there were not manie of the nobilitie. For (as Thomas Walsingham saith) there were slaine about a thousand men of armes, [line 30] and there were taken two earles, seuen and twentie lords, and fifteene hundred men of armes. The chase was followed to the citie of Reimes, eight great leagues from the place where the battell began. Af∣ter this victorie, the earle of Montford conquered manie townes and castels in Britaine, whereof the French king being aduertised, sent his brother the duke of Aniou, vnto the wife of the lord Charles of Blois now deceassed, to comfort hir in such an heauie case, and to take order for things as should [line 40] be thought expedient, vntill further prouision might be made.

Shortlie after, there were sent vnto the earle of Montford,* 6.106 the archbishop of Reimes, the marshall Bouciquault, and the lord of Cran, as commissio∣ners, to commune with him of a finall agréement. Wherevpon,* 6.107 after he had signified the matter vnto the king of England, and vnderstood his pleasure therein, this treatie was so handled, that peace ther∣of followed,* 6.108 and the parties were agreed in the mo∣neth [line 50] of Aprill next insuing. [year 1365] ¶ This yeare (as some haue written) king Edward finished his warres vp∣on S. Stephans daie,* 6.109 and began the foundation of S. Stephans chappell at Westminster in memorie thereof, which chappell was afterwards finished by king Richard the second that succeeded him.* 6.110 ¶ In the nine and thirtith yéere of king Edwards reigne, and in the moneth of Februarie, in the citie of Angoles∣me, was borne the first sonne of prince Edward, and was named after his father, but he departed this life [line 60] the seuenth yeare of his age.

Also this yeare, the seuen and twentith of Iulie, Ingeram de Guines lord de Coucie a Frenchman,* 6.111 married the ladie Isabell daughter to K. Edward. The solemnization of the marriage feast was kept at Windsor in most roiall and triumphant wise. The said lord Coucie was created earle of Bedford, with an yeerelie annuitie of thirtie markes, going foorth of the issues and profits of that countie, ouer and be∣side a thousand marks by yeare,* 6.112 assigned to him and his said wife, and to the heires male of their bodies begotten, to be paid forth of the exchecker. About this time, there was a treatie also for marriage to be had, betwixt the lord Edmund earle of Cambridge, and the ladie Margaret, daughter and heire to the earle of Flanders▪ which treatie went so far, that the earle came ouer to Douer, where the king was readie to receiue him, and there the earle promised by words of affiance,* 6.113 to giue his said daughter vnto the said lord Edmund in marriage: and after that the earle had beene at Douer, the space of thrée daies, passing the time in great solace and banketting, when he had finished his businesse, he returned backe againe into his countrie.

Whilest the king was thus at Douer with the earle of Flanders,* 6.114 the lord Latimer came from the lord Iohn de Montford, to vnderstand his pleasure, touching the offers that were made for peace, vpon whose returne with answer, the peace was conclu∣ded as before yee haue heard. This yeare was Peter king of Castile chased out of his realme,* 6.115 by his ba∣stard brother Henrie, which was aided in that enter∣prise by sir Berthram de Cleaquin latelie deliuered, and other Frenchmen; so that the said Henrie was crowned at Burgus, vpon Easter daie: wherefore the said Peter was constreined to flee, and so came to Burdeaux to sue for aid at the hands of the prince of Wales. This yeare by the kings commandement,* 6.116 a restraint was ordeined, that Peter pence should not be from thencefoorth anie more gathered within this realme, nor anie such paiment made at Rome, which had béene vsed to be paid there, euer since the daies of Ine, king of Westsaxons, which ordeined this pai∣ment toward the maintenance of a schoole for Eng∣lish scholers.* 6.117 But howsoeuer this paiment was abro∣gated at this time by king Edward, it was after re∣newed againe, and the monie gathered in certeine shires of this realme, till the daies of king Henrie the eight, so greatlie preuailed the vsurped power of that beast of Rome, which had poisoned the princes of the world with the dregs of his abhomination, whose glorie shall end in shame, his honor turne to horror, and his ambitious climing vp aloft aboue all princi∣palitie (to be compeere with God) shall haue an irre∣couerable ruine; as long agone, and of late like∣wise hath beene and now is prophesied of him, that he may readilie read his owne downefall into hell:

In rapidas acherontis aquas, qui gloria mundi Papafuit, lapsu corruet ille graui: Corruet vt rapidum descendit ab aethere fulmen, Corruet in stygios tempus in omne lacus.

In this yeare fell great abundance of raine in the time of haie haruest,* 6.118 so that much corne and haie was lost. ¶ There was also such fighting amongst spar∣rowes in that season, that they were found dead on the ground in great numbers. Also, there followed great mortalitie of people,* 6.119 the sicknesse being so sharpe and vehement, that manie being in perfect health ouer night when they went to bed, were found dead in the morning. Also, manie died of the small pocks, both men, women, and children. ¶ Moreouer this yeare, Simon Is••ep archbishop of Canturbu∣rie departed this life, and Simon Langham bishop of Elie succeeded in his place.* 6.120 This yeare at Burde∣aux, was borne the second sonne of prince Edward named Richard, on the third daie of Aprill; his god∣father at the fontstone was Iames K. of Maiorke. ¶ Peter the king of Spaine, who (as yee haue heard) was expelled out of his realme by his bastard bro∣ther, made such earnest sute to the prince of Wales for aid to be restored home, that finallie the prince ad∣uertising his father king Edward of the whole mat∣ter, by aduise from him, determined to bring home the said king Peter,* 6.121 and to restore him againe to his kingdome, by force of armes, in despite of all his aduersaries.

The prince indéed was verie desirous to take this enterprise vpon him, both of a certeine pitifull affec∣tion

to relieue the miserable state of king Peter, and also of an ardent desire which he had to purchase a glorious fame thorough martiall deeds, and noble acts of chiualrie. Therfore hauing this occasion to im∣ploie his time in such exercises, and now comman∣ded thereto of his father, he was excéedinglie glad in his mind, and with all spéed that might be, made his prouision both of a sufficient armie of men of warre, and also of all other things necessarie for the furni∣ture of such an enterprise: but first, he tooke good as∣surance [line 10] of king Peter, for the paiment of the soldi∣ers wages: so the king left at Baionne thrée of his daughters, Beatrice, Constance, and Isabell as pledges, for performance of all the couenants agreed betwixt him and the prince.

* 6.122Thus when the prince, by the aduise and coun∣sell of sir Iohn Chandois, and sir Robert Knols (by whome he was much ruled) had taken direction in his businesse, for that his iournie into Spaine, in each condition as was thought behoouefull, he with [line 20] the king of Spaine in his companie,* 6.123 passed foorth with a puissant armie, and came to the streicts of Ronceualle, at the entrie into Nauarre, and obtei∣ning so much fréendship of the king of Nauarre, as to haue the passages of his countrie opened, they en∣tered into his realme through the same,* 6.124 as freends, without finding any resistance. In this meane time, Henrie king of Spaine, hauing knowledge that the prince of Wales was thus comming against him, to restore his brother king Peter to his former de∣grée, [line 30] by aduise of sir Berthram de Cleaquin, got a great number of soldiers out of France, by whose aid he might the better defend himselfe against his e∣nimies.

Now it chanced, that whilest the prince of Wales was passing thorough Nauarre, toward the entrie of Spaine, certeine of those Frenchmen, vnder the lea∣ding of sir Oliuer Mannie,* 6.125 tooke the king of Na∣uarre prisoner, as he was riding from one towne to an other. Manie maruelled at that chance, and some [line 40] there were that thought he suffered himselfe to be ta∣ken for a caut••le, bicause he would not aid the prince of Wales any further, nor conduct him through his realme, as he had promised to doo. But the prince no∣thing dismaid herewith, passed forward, by the gui∣ding of a knight of Nauarre,* 6.126 called sir Martin de Care, and finallie came to the confines of Spaine, and lodged at Uictoria, not far from his enimies. For king Henrie of Spaine, vnderstanding which waie the prince drew, came forward to incounter [line 50] him, and pight downe his field, not far from the bor∣ders of his realme, at a place called saint Muchaule: and thus were both the hosts lodged within a small di∣stance the one against the other.* 6.127

King Henrie had sent to the prince an herauld of armes with a letter,* 6.128 requiring to know of him for what cause he moued warre against him, sith he had neuer offended him. The prince taking deliberation for answer of this letter, kept the messenger with him, and perceiuing that king Henrie came not for∣ward, [line 60] but laie still at saint Muchaule, stronglie in∣camped,* 6.129 he remooued from Uictoria, and came to a towne called Uiana, where he staied two daies to re∣fresh his people, and after went forward, and passed the riuer which diuideth the realmes of Castile and Nauarre, at the bridge of Groigne. King Henrie ad∣uertised hereof, departed from saint Muchaule, and came before the towne of Nauarret, situat on the same riuer. Not manie daies before the prince pas∣sed the riuer at Groigne, king Henrie had sent foorth two of his brethren, the earle Dom Teille, and the lord Sanches, with six hundred horssemen, to view the princes host.* 6.130

They chanced to incounter two hundred English horssemen, whom after long and sharpe fight they di∣stressed, & slue sir William Felton, one of the chiefe leaders of those Englishmen▪* 6.131 and tooke sir Thomas Felton his brother, sir Hugh Hastings, and diuerse other, both knights and esquiers. Whether that king Henrie was greatlie incouraged by this good lucke in the beginning, or that he trusted through the great multitude of his people, which he had there with him, to haue the vpper hand of his enimies, true it is▪ that he coueted sore to giue them battell; and although he might haue wearied the prince, and constreined him for want of vittels to haue returned, or to haue fought with him at some great aduantage, if he had deferred the battell, as the marshall of France Dan∣drehen gaue counsell, yet he would néeds fight in all the hast, and therefore did thus approch his enimies.

The prince perceiuing that his aduersarie came forward to incounter him, dispatched the herauld with an answer to the letter which he had of him re∣ceiued, conteining in effect, that for great considera∣tions, he had taken vpon him to aid the rightfull K. of Spaine, chased out of his realm by violent wrong, and that if it might be, he would gladlie make an a∣greement betwixt them; conditionallie, that king Henrie of necessitie must then forsake the admini∣stration, and all the title of the kingdome of Spaine, which by no rightfull meane he could inioy, and there∣fore if he refused thus to doo, he was for his part resol∣ued how to procéed. The herauld departed with this answer, and came therewith vnto king Henrie, and deliuered it vnto him, as then lodged with his puis∣sant armie at Nauarre, so that then both parties pre∣pared themselues to battell.

The prince hauing with him thirtie thousand men of Englishmen, Gascoignes, and other strangers,* 6.132 or∣deined three battels, of the which, the first was led by the duke of Lancaster, and with him was sir Iohn Chandois constable of Guien,* 6.133 sir William Beau∣champe son to the earle of Warwike, the lord Dal∣bret, sir Richard Dangle, and sir Stephan Cousen∣ton, marshals of Guien, & diuerse other. The middle ward was gouerned by the prince, and with him was the foresaid Peter king of Spaine, and diuerse other lords and knights of England, Poictou, and o∣ther countries, as the vicounts of Chatelareault and Rochcort, the lords of Partnie, Pinan, Taneboton, and others, sir Richard Pontchardon, sir Thomas Spenser, sir Iohn Grendon, and a great sort more, whose names it would be too long to rehearse. The rereward was vnder the gouernance of the king of Malorques, & with him were associat the earls of Ar∣minacke, Dalbreth, Piergort, Gominges, the capi∣toll of Buefz, sir Robert Knols, and manie other va∣liant lords, knights, and esquiers.

On the second day of Aprill, the prince with his battell thus ordered, remoued from Groigne, and marching that day two leagues forward, came be∣fore Nauarret, and there tooke his lodging, within a small distance from his enimies, so that both parties prepared to giue battell the next day in the morning, commanding that euerie man at the sounding of the first trumpet, should apparell themselues, that they might be readie vpon the next sound to be set in order of battell, and to go against their enimies. The Spa∣niards very earlie in the morning drew into the field, and ordeined thrée battels in this wise.* 6.134 The first was led by sir Berthram de Cleaquin, wherein were all the Frenchmen and other strangers, to the numb••r of foure thousand knights and esquiers, well armed and appointed, after the manner of France. In the se∣cond battell was the earle Dom Tielle, with his bro∣ther the lord Sanches, hauing with them fifteene thousand men on foot, and on horssebacke. The third battell and the greatest of all was gouerned by king

Henrie himselfe, hauing in that battell seuen thou∣sand horssemen, and threescore thousand footmen, with crossebowes, darts, speares, lances, and other abille∣ments of war:* 6.135 so in all three battels he had foure∣score and six thousand men on horssebacke and on foot.

The prince of Wales, at the breaking of the daie was readie in the field with his people arranged in order of battell, and aduanced forward with them to∣ward his enimies, an hosting pace; and as they pas∣sed a little hill, they might sée as they were descen∣ding downe the same, their enimies comming like∣wise [line 10] towards them, in good order of battell. When they were approached neere togither, and readie to ioine,* 6.136 the duke of Lancasters battell incountered with the battell of sir Berthram de Cleaquin, which two battels verie eagerlie assailed each other, so that there was betwixt them a sore conflict, and well con∣tinued. The erle Dom Teille, and his brother the lord Sanches, vpon the first approach of the princes bat∣tell towards them, fled out of the field, and with them two thousand speares, so that the residue of their bat∣tell [line 20] were shortlie after discomfited, for the capitall of Buz otherwise Beuf,* 6.137 and the lord Clisson, came vp∣on them on foot, and slue and hurt manie of them, so that they brake their arraie, and fled to saue them∣selues.

This chance discomforted the hearts of the Spa∣niards right sore, but yet king Henrie like a valiant gentleman came forward, and incouraged his men all that he might, so that there was a cruell battell, [line 30] and well foughten a long time. For the Spaniards with slings cast stones in such fierce manner, that they claue therewith manie an helmet and bassenet, hurt manie, and ouerthrew them to the earth. On the other part,* 6.138 the English archers shot freshlie at their enimies, galled and slue the Spaniards, and brought them to great confusion: yet king Henrie nothing abashed herewith, wheresoeuer he perceiued his men to shrinke, thither he resorted, calling vpon them, and exhorting them to remember their estimations and [line 40] duties, so that by his diligence and manfull incou∣ragement, thrise that daie did he staie his people, be∣ing at point to giue ouer, and set them in the faces of his enimies againe. Neither did the souldiers alone manfullie behaue themselues, but the cap∣teins also stoutlie laid about them. King Peter like a lion pressed forward,* 6.139 coueting to méet with his bro∣ther Henrie, that he might séeke his reuenge on him with his owne hands. Cruell was the fight, and tried throughlie with most eger and fierce minds. [line 50]

At length, when the Spaniards were no longer able to susteine the force and violence of the English∣men, Gascoignes, & other which were there against them, they brake their arraie, and fled; so that neither the authoritie nor bold exhortation of king Henrie, could cause them to tarrie anie longer: wherevpon, when he saw himselfe forsaken of his people,* 6.140 and that few abode with him to resist his enimies, he al∣so to saue himselfe fled out of the field, being fullie persuaded, that if he had béene taken, no ransome [line 60] should haue saued his life. The battell that was best fought, and longest held togither, was that of the strangers, which sir Berthram de Cleaquin led. For if the Spaniards had doone halfe their parts as well as the Frenchmen, & other in this battell, the matter had gone harder against the Englishmen than it did: yet finallie, by the noble courage of the duke of Lancaster, and the valiant prowesse of sir Iohn Chandois, sir Hugh Caluerlie, & others, the French∣men were put to flight, and their battell quite dis∣comfited. The slaughter in this battell was great, both of them that were slaine in the field, and of those that were drowned in the riuer that runneth by the towne of Nauarret.

After that the battell was ended, and that such as had followed the chase were returned, the prince cau∣sed the fields to be searched, to vnderstand what num∣ber had béene slaine in the battell: they that were ap∣pointed to take the view, vpon their returne repor∣ted,* 6.141 that there was dead of men of armes fiue hun∣dred and thréescore, and of commons about seauen thousand, and fiue hundred of the English part: there were slaine of men of name, but foure knights, two Gascoignes, one Almaine, and the fourth an Eng∣lishman, and of other meane souldiers, not past fortie (as Froissard saith.) But others affirme, that there were slaine of the princes part about sixtéene hun∣dred; which should séeme to be more like a truth,* 6.142 if the battell was fought so sore and fiercelie, as Froissard himselfe dooth make report. Howbeit,* 6.143 there be that write, how the duke of Lancaster wan the field by great fortune and valiancie, yet the prince came neere to his enimies. But howsoeuer it was, the Englishmen obteined the victorie in this battell, fought on a saturdaie being the third of Aprill, in the yeare 1367. There were taken prisoners,* 6.144 to the number of two thousand, and amongst them the erle of Dene, sir Berthram de Cleaquin, the marshall Dandrehen or Odenhen,* 6.145 and manie other men of name.

After the battell, king Peter went to Burgus, and was receiued into the citie, and shortlie after, that is to say, on the wednesdaie folowing, the prince came thither, and there held his Easter with king Peter, and tarried there aboue thrée weekes.* 6.146 In the meane time, they of Asturgus, Toledo, Lisbone, Cor∣doua, Galice, Siuill, and of all other places of the kingdome of Spaine, came in, and did homage vnto king Peter, promising him to be true to him euer after: for they saw that resistance would not auaile so long as the prince should be in the countrie. After this, the prince was in hand with king Peter, for the souldiers wages, by whose aid he was thus resto∣red into his former estate. King Peter went vnto Siuill, to make shift for monie accordinglie, promi∣sing to returne againe, within a few weekes, and to sée euerie man paid, according as he had couenan∣ted. For when he was driuen out of his realme, and came to Burdeaux to craue aid of the prince, he pro∣mised, that so soone as he should be restored to his kingdome, he would see the souldiers contented of their wages, and bound himselfe thereto, both by his oth and writing giuen vnder his seale. But when he obteined his purpose, he forgat all fréendlie dutie, and was so farre from performing his promise, that he cloaked his ill meaning with a feigned tale, and sent the prince a message spiced with hypocrisie and vnthankfulnesse, two foule faults in a priuat man, much more odious in a prince and great state, as the poet wiselie and truelie saith in this distichon:

Omne animi vitium tantò conspectius in se Crimen habet, quantò maior qui peccat habetur.

The prince tarried for the returne of king Peter, both weekes and moneths, but could not heare anie tidings of him. He therefore sent vnto him, to vnder∣stand the cause of the staie: his answer was, that he had prouided monie, and sent it by certeine of his men toward the prince, but the companions that ser∣ued vnder the prince, had met with it by the way, and taken it from them that had the conueiance of it: he therefore required the prince to rid the realme of those snaphances,* 6.147 and to leaue behind him some of his officers, to whome in name of him he would make paiment of such monie as was due. This an∣swer pleased not the prince, but there was no reme∣die, for other at that present he could not haue, for a∣nie likeliehood he saw: and therefore, taking order with king Peter how the paiment should be made,

he prepared to returne into Gascoigne. The order therefore taken betwixt them, was this. Within foure moneths next insuing, king Peter should paie the one halfe of the wages due to the soldiers for this iournie▪ vnto such as the prince should leaue behind him to receiue the same, and the other halfe within one yeare.

* 6.148The prince was compelled to breake his plate, and to make monie thereof to paie his soldiers, name∣lie,* 6.149 the companions, which he had called foorth of France, so that he left himselfe bare of all riches, to [line 10] kéepe touch with them, although king Dampeter failed in his promise each waie foorth. For where the prince should haue had in recompense towards his charges, the countie of Algezara, and other lands, by the said Dampeters assignement, so that he sent one of his knights to take seizine of the same lands, he was neuertheles disappointed, for he could not come by any peaceable possession of those lands, and so re∣turned greatlie impouerished, hauing spent in this iournie all that he could make. In the meane time [line 20] the bastard Henrie, hauing escaped out of the field by flight, got him into France, and there through fauor of the duke of Aniou, so purchased for himselfe, that he got togither a certeine number of Britains and o∣ther soldiers, & comming to the frontiers of the prin∣ces land in Gascoigne, got a towne in Bigore, cal∣led Bannieres, and made war vpon the princes sub∣iects.

* 6.150The prince obteining passage for himselfe and his men, of the kings of Aragon and Nauarre, retur∣ned [line 30] to Burdeaux, and then did the bastard Henrie forsake his garrison at Bannieres, and went into Arragon, and there got the king of Arragons assi∣stance: & finallie, in the yeare 1369, returning into Spaine, recouered the kingdome, and slue his bro∣ther king Peter, as in the historie of Spaine it may appeare, which for that it apperteineth not to this hi∣storie of England, I doo here passe ouer. This yeare, in the moneth of March, appeared a blasing starre, be∣twixt the north and west,* 6.151 whose beames stretched to∣wards [line 40] France as was then marked,* 6.152 threatning (as might be thought) that within a small time after it should againe be wrapped and set on fire with new troubles of warre, and euen then, that countrie was not in quiet, but harried in diuerse parts, by such sol∣diers as had béene with the prince in Spaine, & were now out of wages. The leaders of which people were for the more part Englishmen and Gascoignes,* 6.153 as sir Robert Briquet, sir Iohn Tresmelle, Robert Ce∣nie, sir Gaollard Uigier, the bourge of Bertueill, the [line 50] bourge Camois of Cominges, as Denise Sauage thinketh, the bourge of Lespare, Nandon or Naw∣don of Bargerant, Bernard de la Salle, Ortigo, Lamut, and manie other.

* 6.154In this 42 yeare of king Edwards reigne, his se∣cond son the lord Lionell duke of Clarence and earle of Ulster passed the sea, with a noble companie of lords, knights, and gentlemen, and went thorough France into Lombardie,* 6.155 there to marrie the ladie [line 60] Uiolant, daughter to the duke of Millane. He was honorablie receiued in all places where he came, and speciallie at Paris, by the dukes of Berrie and Bur∣gognie, the lord Coucie and other, the which brought him to the court, where he dined and supped with the king, and lodged within the palace. On the next day he was had to a place where the quéene lodged, and dined with hir, and after was conueied to the court a∣gaine, and supped that night with the king, and on the morrow following, he tooke his leaue of the king and quéene the which gaue to him great gifts, and like∣wise to the noble men of England that came ouer with him, to the value of twentie thousand florens and aboue: he was conueied from place to place, with certeine of the French nobilitie, till he came to the borders of the realme, and then entring into Sauoy,* 6.156 he came to Chamberie, where the earle of Sauoy was readie to receiue him, and there he remained foure daies, being highlie feasted amongst the ladies and damosels: and then he departed, and the earle of Sauoy brought him to Milla••e, to doo him the more honor, for his sister was mother to the bride, which the duke should marrie.

To speake of the honorable receiuing of him into the citie of Millane, and of the great feast, triumph,* 6.157 and banketting, and what an assemblie there was in Millane of high states, at the solemnizing of the ma∣riage betwixt him and the said ladie Uiolant,* 6.158 it were too long a processe to remember▪ The gifts that the fa∣ther of the bride, the lord Galeas gaue vnto such ho∣norable personages as were there present, amoun∣ted in value to an inestimable summe. ¶ The wri∣ters of the Millane histories affirme, that this mar∣riage was celebrated on the fiftéenth daie of Iune, in the yeare 1367, which being true, the same chanced in the 41 yeare of this kings reigne,* 6.159 and not in this 42 yeare, though other authors agree, that it was in the yeare 1368. But to returne to other dooings where we left.

Ye haue heard how the prince of Wales could get no monie of the king of Spaine,* 6.160 for the wages of his men of warre, which he had reteined to serue him in the reducing of the said king home into his coun∣trie: wherfore the prince hauing béene at great char∣ges in that iournie, was neither able to satisfie them, nor mainteine his owne estate, without some great aid of his subiects, and therefore he was counselled to raise a subsidie called a fuage, through all the coun∣trie of Aquitaine,* 6.161 to run onelie for the space of fiue yeares. To this paiment, euerie chimnie or fire must haue beene contributorie, paieng yearely one franke, the rich to haue borne out the poore. And to haue this paiment granted, all the states of the countrie were called togither at Niort. The Poictouins, and they of Xainctonge, Limosin, Rouergne, and of Rochell, a∣gréed to the princes request, with condition,* 6.162 that he should kéepe the course of his coine stable, for the terme of seuen yeares.

But diuerse of the other parts of Guien refused that ordinance, as the earles of Arminake, and Go∣minges, the vicount of Carmaigne, the lords Dal∣bret, de la Barde, Cande, Pincornet, and diuerse o∣ther great barons: but yet to depart quietlie from the assemblie, they required a time to take better ad∣uise, and so they repairing into their countries, deter∣mined neither to returne againe according to their promises,* 6.163 nor to suffer any fuage to run amongest them at all, and were so much offended with the moti∣on, that they sought occasion forthwith to reuolt from the English obeisance and submission, knowing that

Pastores tondere boni haud deglubere cultris Villosum assuescunt pecus.

And therefore diuerse lords of them went to the French king, and there exhibited into the chamber of the péeres of France, their complaints of the grie∣uous impositions & wrongs, which the prince went a∣bout to laie vpon them, affirming that their resort ought of speciall duty to be to the crowne of France, and to the king there, as to their lord Peramount. The French king, who would not seeme to breake the peace betwéene him and the king of England, dis∣sembled the matter, and told them that he would per∣use the tenor of the charters and letters of the peace, and so far foorth as he might by permission of the same, he would be glad to doo them good. The earles of Arminake, Perigourd, Gominges, and the lord Dal∣bret, with other that were come thither about this matter, were contented with this answer, and so

staied in France, till they might vnderstand further, both of the French kings mind, and of the princes dooings. ¶This yeere in October, was Simon Lang∣ham archbishop of Canturburie elected to the digni∣tie of a cardinall, and then William Witleslie, bi∣shop of Worcester, was remooued vnto the sée of Canturburie.

About the same time, the earle of saint Paule, one of the hostages in England,* 6.164 stale from hence, with∣out taking any leaue, or saieng farewell. At his com∣ming into France, he greatlie furthered the sute of [line 10] the lords of Gascoigne, & finallie so much was doone on their behalfe, that the French king was conten∣ted that the prince of Wales should be appealed, [year 1369] and summoned to appeare before the French king as iudge in that point,* 6.165 for reformation of the wrongs which he offered to them that had made their resort vnto him, as reason was they should. This appeale was written, and dulie examined.

[line 20]

The tenor of the said prince of Wales his appeale or summons of appearance be∣fore the French king, &c.

CHarles by the grace of God king of France, to our nephue the prince of Wales and Aquitaine, send greeting. So it is, that di∣uerse prelats, barons, knights, vniuersi∣ties, communalties, and colledges of the [line 30] marches and limits of the countrie of Gascoigne, and the dwellers and inhabi∣tants in the bounds of our realme, besides diuerse other of the duchie of Aquitaine, are resorted, and come to our court, to haue right of certeine greefes, and vnlawfull troubles, which you, by vnaduised counsell, and simple information, haue purposed to doo vnto them, whereof we greatlie mar∣uell. [line 40] Therfore, to withstand, and to redresse such things, we are so conioined to them, that we haue thought good, by our roiall power, to command you to repaire to our citie of Paris, in proper person, and there to shew and present your selfe before vs, in the chamber of our peeres, that you may be constreined to doo right to your people, concerning the greefes which they alledge [line 50] that you are about to oppresse them with, who claime to haue their resort into our court: and that you faile not thus to doo, in as speedie manner as yee can, immediat∣lie vpon the sight and hearing of these pre∣sent letters. In witnesse whereof, we haue to the same set our seale. Yeuen at Paris, the fiue and twentith day of Ianuarie.

* 7.1These letters were giuen to a knight and a clerke, [line 60] to beare and present to the prince, which according to that they had in charge, went to Burdeaux, and there getting licence to come before his presence, they read the letters, wherewith he was not a little chafed, and openlie told them for a plaine answer,* 7.2 that he meant to accomplish the French kings request, for his com∣ming to Paris, but that should be with his helmet on his head, and thréescore thousand armed men, to beare witnesse of his appearance. The messengers perceiuing the prince to be sore offended with their message, got them awaie, without taking their leaue: but before they were passed the limits of the English dominion, they were staied by commande∣ment of the prince, and committed to prison, within the citie of Agen.

About the same time,* 7.3 the duke of Berrie returned into France, hauing licence of king Edward for an whole yeare; but he bare himselfe so wiselie, that he returned not againe at all: for he excused himselfe, till time that the warre was open. In like manner, the more part of all the other hostages, by one meane or other were returned into France, and some indéed were deliuered vpon their ransomes, or other consi∣derations, so that the French king being deliuered of that obstacle, was the more readie to breake with the king of England, and therefore vpon knowledge had of the princes answer, to those that he sent with the appeale, by such of the messengers seruants as were returned, and declared how their maisters were delt with, he couertlie prepared for the warre. The lord Iohn Chandois,* 7.4 and other of the princes councell foresaw what would insue of leauieng the ••uage, and therefore counselled the prince, not to procéed any further in it. But he hauing onlie regard to the releefe of his souldiers and men of warre, would néeds go forward with it. ¶Indéed, if he might haue brought it to passe, as it was denied, that eue∣rie housholder should haue paid a franke for chimni∣age,* 7.5 the summe would haue growne to twelue hun∣dred thousand frankes by the yeare, which had beene a great releefe, and that made him the more earnest, bicause he might haue beene able so to haue paid his debts.

Now, when it was perceiued certeinlie that open rebellion would therof insue, and that king Edward was certified of the whole state of the matter, and how diuerse of the lords of Aquitaine were with∣drawne vnto the court of France, in manner as be∣fore yée haue heard, he deuised a letter, which he cau∣sed to be published through all the parts of Aquitaine the effect whereof was this;* 7.6 That where the people of that countrie found themselues greeued for such ex∣actions as were demanded of them, he meant there∣fore vpon examination of their iust complaints, to see their wrongs redressed. And further, he was con∣tented to pardon all such as were withdrawne to the French king, so that within a moneths space they would returne home; requiring them, that in no wise they should stirre anie seditious tumult, but to remember their oths of allegiance, and to continue in the same, according to their bounden duties; and as for him, he would be readie to sée them eased, that would shew by plaine proofe how they had beene o∣therwise gréeued than reason might beare. This was his meaning, and this was the aduise of all his coun∣cellours.

But this courteous letter little auailed, for dailie the Gascoignes reuolted from the prince, and turned to the French part. Moreouer,* 7.7 another occasion of grudge chanced to renew the malice betwixt the K. of England, and the French king. For whereas yée haue heard, that the earle of Flanders had affianced his daughter and heire to the lord Edmund of Lang∣lie, earle of Cambridge, a shift was made, name∣lie by the earles mother the countesse of Arthois, who was all French, that notwithstanding the same af∣fiance,* 7.8 she was married to Philip duke of Burgog∣nie, who was surnamed the Hardie, by this occasion, as I. Meir saith. It chanced, that whilest he was priso∣ner in England with his father, he was vpon a time appointed to wait at the table, where his father and the king of England sat togither at meat. And bi∣cause a noble man of England that was appointed likewise to attend at the same table,* 7.9 serued first the king of England before the king of France, this Philip vp with his fist, and tooke the English lord a blow on the eare, saieng; Wilt thou serue the king

of England first, where the French king sitteth at the same table? The Englishman out with his dagger, & would haue striken the said Philip, but the king of England streictlie charged him to the contrarie, and praising the déed of the yoong stripling, said vnto him, Vous estes Philip le hardie, Thou art (said he) the hardie Philip. And so from that daie he bare that name euer after. There be other that saie, how he tooke that sur∣name, bicause in the batell of Poictiers he abode still with his father till the end of the battell, without [line 10] shewing any token of feare, or faintnes of courage.

The earles of Arminacke and Perigord, with the other lords of Gascoigne,* 7.10 that had made their ap∣peale (as ye haue heard) to the chamber of the peeres of France, when they vnderstood that the prince had imprisoned the messengers, that brought to him the French kings letters, began to make warre on the princes lands. The first enterprise they made, was the discomfiting of the lord Thomas Wake s••ne∣shall of Rouergne,* 7.11 as he was riding from Agen vn∣to [line 20] the citie of Rodais, with threescore spears, and two hundred archers in his companie. Also the French king being now prouided for the war, and vnderstan∣ding the minds of the people within certeine towns vnder the dominion of the Englishmen,* 7.12 in his high court of parlement holden at Paris, procéeded in iudgement vpon the appellation before made by the earles of Arminacke, Perigord, and others, against prince Edward. And moreouer he sent ouer into England the earle of Salisbruch, and a knight called sir William Dorman, to signifie to the king of Eng∣land, [line 30] how he thought himselfe not honorablie vsed, & that the king of England did but slenderlie kéepe the couenants of the peace, considering that he did not find meanes to reforme such of his subiects Eng∣lishmen and Gascoignes, as dailie robbed and wa∣sted the countries & lands belonging to the crowne of France.

These ambassadors were staied for the space of two moneths, & still they complained of the wrongs [line 40] that the Englishmen had doone, contrarie to the co∣uenants of the peace, but the king made small ac∣count thereof, bicause he perceiued it was a forged matter that they alledged, and so in the end sent them awaie. At Douer being vpon their returne, there met them a Britaine that was comming with let∣ters of defiance to the king of England from the French king, and as he had in commandement, he declared to them the effect of his message, whervpon with all spéed they passed ouer to Bullongne, and [line 50] were glad they had so escaped. The Britaine came to the court,* 7.13 and deliuered the defiance to the king, ac∣cording to the instructions which he had receiued. When the king had heard the letters read, and percei∣ued by good view taken of the seale and signet, that the same were of authoritie, he licenced the messen∣ger to depart, and fell in councell with the peeres of his realme, what he should doo in so weigthie a mat∣ter. Wherevpon it was thought necessarie by them, that he should assemble his court of parlement, and [line 60] so he did. In the which (vpon declaration made how iniuriouslie the French king after manie wrongfull dealings had now broken the peace,* 7.14 and sent his de∣fiance vnto the king in so despitefull wise as might be) there was granted towards the maintenance of the warre thus begun,* 7.15 thrée fifteens of the temporal∣tie, and thrée dismes of the spiritualtie, to be paied in thrée yeares.

At the selfe same time that the defiance was made to the king here in England, the earle of S. Paule, and Guie de Chatillon master of the crosbowes in France, entered into the countie of Ponthieu, tooke Abuile,* 7.16 and an English knight called sir Nicholas Louaigne seneshall of that countrie vnder the king of England, as then being within it. They tooke al∣so saint Ualerie, Crotoie, Rue, Pont saint Renie,* 7.17 and to be short, reduced the whole countrie of Pon∣thieu vnder the French obeisance, which had remai∣ned in possession of the Englishmen for the space of a hundred and twelue yeares, euer since Edward the first had the same assigned to him in name of a dow∣rie, with his wife queene Elianor, sister to Alfonse K. of Castile. And yet were the people of that coun∣trie readie now to reuolt to the French dominion, notwithstanding their former long continued obei∣sance to the Englishmen: for otherwise could not the Frenchmen so easilie haue come to their purpose, but that the people were couenanted before to re∣ceiue them, and betraie those few Englishmen that were amongst them.

About the same time also, it fell so ill for the Eng∣lishmen, that the prince of Wales was troubled with a sore sickenesse,* 7.18 that had continued long with him, euer since his being in Spaine, by reason where∣of his enimies were the more bold to make attempts against him, and dailie went about to allure and in∣tise his subiects of the marches of Guien to reuolt from him, in somuch that the citie of Cahors,* 7.19 and di∣uerse other townes thereabout turned to the French part. Thus was the peace which had beene so suerlie made, and with so manie solemne oths confirmed, violated and broken, and the parties fallen togither by the eares againe in sundrie places, and namelie in Aquitaine, where sundrie armies were abroad in the fields, diuers sieges laid, manie townes taken, often incounters and skirmishes made, sometime to the losse of the one part, and sometime of the other, and the countries in the meane time harried and spoiled, that maruell it is to consider, and too long a processe it should be to rehearse the tenth part of such chances as dailie happened amongst them, so that it might well haue beene said of that sore & tumultuous time:

O quàm difficiles sunt sint pace dies.

King Edward sent ouer into Gascoigne the earls of Cambridge and Penbroke,* 7.20 with a certeine num∣ber of men of armes and archers, the which arriuing in Britaine, passed through that countrie by licence of the Duke, and came to the prince as then lieng at Angolesme in Poictou, by whom they were sent to o∣uerrun the earle of Perigords lands, and so they did, and after laid siege to Burdille, hauing with them about thrée thousand men one and other.* 7.21 There came with them foorth of England foure hundred men of armes, foure hundred archers, and (as Frois∣sard saith) beside their capteins, these earles which he nameth, to wit, the lord of Tabestone (or rather Bradstone as I take it) sir Brian Stapleton, sir Thomas Balaster, and sir Iohn Triuet. Whilest the said earles went thus to make warre against the earle of Perigord,* 7.22 sir Hugh Caluerlie with two thousand men of warre was sent also to ouerrun the lands of the earle of Arminacke, and of the lord Dal∣bret;* 7.23 sir Iohn Chandois laie in the marches of Tho∣louse at Mountaubon, & afterwards besieged Ter∣rieres, and in the end wan it; and so likewise did the earles of Cambridge and Penbroke win Bur∣dille,* 7.24 by reason of a saillie that they within made foorth, and passed so far from their fortresse, that the Englishmen got betwixt them and home.

Sir Robert Knols came from such lands as he had in Britaine,* 7.25 to serue the prince now in these warres of Gascoigne, and was by him made chéefe gouernor of all his men of warre, who bare himselfe right wor∣thilie in that charge. The first iournie which he made at that time, was into Quercie, hauing with him be∣side his owne hands, certeine knights of the princes retinue, as sir Richard Ponchardon, sir Stephan Gousenton, sir Noell Loring, sir Hugh Hastings, sir

Iohn Triuet, sir Thomas Spenser, sir Thomas Balaster, sir Nicholas Bond, sir William le Moins seneschall of Aigenois, sir Baldwin de Freuille, and others. At their comming into Quercie, they be∣sieged a strong fortresse called Durmell, within the which were diuerse capteins of the companions, as Aimon d'Ortigo, the little Mechin, Iaques de Bray, Perot de Sauoie, and Arnaudon de Pons, the which so valiantlie defended the place, that although the lord Chandois, accompanied with sir Thomas Fel∣ton, [line 10] the capitall of Beuf, sir Iohn de Pommiers, sir Thomas Percie, sir Eustace Daubreticourt, and o∣thers came with their retinues from Montaubon, to reenforce that siege, yet could they not obteine their purpose, but raising from thence after fiue weekes siege (constreined thereto through want of vittels) they marched streight to a towne called Domme, which they besieged, hauing in their armie fifteene hundred men at armes,* 7.26 beside two thousand archers and brigands, so called in those daies, of an armor [line 20] which they ware named brigandines, vsed then by footmen, that bare also targets, or pauoises, and certeine darts or iauelines to throw at their eni∣mies.

The towne and castell of Domme were so strong of themselues, and so well prouided of men of warre that were appointed to the gard of the same, with the lord thereof called sir Robert de Domme, that after the English capteins perceiued they should but lose time to linger about the winning of that towne, they [line 30] raised their siege, and marching further into the countrie, wan Gauaches, Freins, Rochmador, and Uille Franche, vpon the marches of Toulouzain, greatlie to the displeasure of the duke of Aniou that lay at the same time in the citie of Toulouze, & could not remedie the matter. ¶But to recite euerie par∣ticular enterprise, as the same was atchiued by the English capteins and men of warre in that season, it should be more than the purpose of this volume might permit, and therefore I passe ouer diuerse [line 40] things, which I find registred by Froissard and other writers, onelie aduertising you, that as the English∣men thus made sore warres against their aduersa∣ries abroad in those quarters: so the Frenchmen on the other part had assembled great numbers of men of warre, not onelie to defend their frontiers, but al∣so by inuasions to win from the Englishmen towns and castels, and to wa••t such countries as would not turne to their side. Thus were all those countries in troubles of warre.* 7.27

The two kings also of England and France, sig∣nified [line 50] to their neighbours the causes of this warre, laieng the fault either to other, and excusing them∣selues as cleare and innocent therein. Edward duke of Gelderland, nephue to the king of England, as sonne to his sister, and the duke of Gulike cousine to the kings children by their mother that was daugh∣ter to the earle of Heinault, tooke great despite that the French king had broken the peace, as they were throughlie persuaded, and that he had defied king [line 60] Edward (as before yee haue heard.) Wherevpon they sent their defiance vnto the French king, threatning to be reuenged on him to the vttermost of their pow∣ers.* 7.28 Duke Albert of Bauier, was once minded also to haue aided king Edward in this warre: but af∣terwards such persuasions were vsed on the French kings part, that he chose to remaine as neuter be∣twixt them both, refusing to take anie part.

Among the soldiers also called companions, which serued the prince in this season, there were three cap∣teins, right hardie and verie expert men of warre, Ortigo, Bernard de Wiske, & Bernard de la Sale. These thrée remaining as then in Limosin, hearing that ••he duke of Burbons mother, which was also mother to the French queene, la••e within the castell of Belleperch in Burbonnois,* 7.29 with a small compa∣nie about hir, rode thither in one daie and a night, so that in the morning they approched the castell, scaled it, and tooke it, with the ladie within it. And though they were after besieged in the same castell by the duke of Burbon and other Frenchmen, yet they de∣fended it, till the earls of Cambridge and Penbroke, with fiftéene hundred speares, and three thousand of other men of warre, came and offered the French∣men battell, lodging afore them fifteene daies. And when they perceiued that the Frenchmen would not issue out of the bastide (in which they laie) to giue battell, the earles of Cambridge and Penbroke cau∣sed all them within the castell to come foorth, and to bring with them the duches of Burbon, whome they led awaie in sight of hir sonne, leauing the castell void and free for him to enioy.

The French king prouided a great number of ships to assemble togither at Harflew,* 7.30 and leuied a great power of men, minding to bestow them aboord in the same ships, that they might saile into England, and make warre against king Edward in his owne countrie. Cheefteine of this armie should haue beene his brother the duke of Burbon, but this iournie was broken, for the Frenchmen were eased of the paine to come to séeke the Englishmen at home in England, they comming ouer into France, and prof∣fering them battell euen at their owne doores. For the king of England hauing leuied a power of ar∣chers, and other men of warre, sent them ouer vnder the leading of his sonne the duke of Lancaster.* 7.31 There went with him in this iournie, the earles of Here∣ford and Salisburie, the lord Ros, the lord Basset, the lord Willoughbie, the lord de la Ware, the lord de la Pole, the lord Walter of Mannie, the lord Henrie Percie, the lord Thomas Grantson, sir Alane Bur∣hul, sir Richard Sturrie, & diuerse other. They went ouer about Midsummer. And after they had rested a little, the duke set forward and roded foorth into the countrie, spoiling and harrieng the same, and when he saw time, returned againe to Calis.

The French king being at Roan, heard of the ar∣riuall of this armie at Calis, and that his countrie of Picardie was in great danger: he changed his purpose therefore of sending an armie into Eng∣land, and with all spéed appointed that his power should with his brother the duke of Burgognie turne toward Calis, to resist the duke of Lancaster. Here∣vpon when the duke of Lancaster heard that the duke of Burgognie was thus comming toward him, he issued foorth of Calis, and comming into the vallie beneath the hill of Turneham, there tooke his field, and fortified the place with strong hedges and ram∣piers,* 7.32 the better to be able to resist his enimies if they would assaile him. The duke of Burgognie came still forward, till he approched verie néere to the duke of Lancasters campe, and pight downe his field a∣loft vpon the hill of Turneham, so that the fronts of both hosts were within lesse than a mile either of other.

There was come to the duke of Lancaster a knight of the marches of Almaine,* 7.33 called sir Robert de Na∣mur with an hundred speares: but yet the duke of Lancasters host was but one handfull of men, in re∣spect of the huge number of the French armie, wher∣in were (as Froissard writeth) foure thousand knights beside others. But yet for all his great puissance and number of men, he would not aduenture to assaile the Englishmen in their lodgings, as it was thought he would haue doone, but kept himselfe and his men vpon the hill, from the foure and twentith of August, vnto the twelfth of September, and then dislodged not much to his honour, howsoeuer writers doo ex∣cuse

it, declaring how his b••o••her had giuen him streight comman••ement, that in no wise he should fight with the Englishmen: and that when he had sent to his brother for commission either to fight, or to remooue, he was commanded to turne with all speed vnto Paris, and to breake vp his armie for that time. Some there be that write, how that after both these hostes had lien the one against the other a long space,* 7.34 to the reproofe of both chiefteins, it chanced that the lord Thomas Beauchampe earle of Warwike [line 10] came thitherward by sea,* 7.35 to be at the battell, which he heard would shortlie follow betweene the two ar∣mies: but yer he was come to land, the Frenchmen for feare durst no longer abide, but secretlie in the night departed and fled towards Hesdin, and so to Paris, for the which their flight, the duke of Bur∣gognie was after blamed of his brother the French king.

* 7.36In this meane while, that is to saie, on the euen of the Assumption of our ladie, died that noble prin∣cesse, [line 20] the ladie Philip quéene of England. It is said that when she perceiued that she must néeds depart out of this transitorie life, she desired to speake with the king hir husband, and when he was come to hir with a sorowfull hart to sée hir in that state, she tooke him by the hand,* 7.37 and after courteous words of indu∣ction, she required of him to grant hir thrée requests.

The first request was, that all such merchants, and other men, [line 1] with whom she had bargained in any con∣dition, might be answered of all such debts as she [line 30] owght them, whether they dwelled on this side the sea or beyond.

[line 2] The second request was, that all such ordinances and promises, as she had made to churches, as well within this realme, as in the parts of the further side the sea, might be performed.

[line 3] The third request was, that it might please him to choose out none other sepulchre when God should call him out of this world, but beside hir at Westmin∣ster. [line 40]

* 7.38This quéene, to traine the English youth vnto vertuous conuersation, & to giue occasion that they might be brought vp in learning and good instructi∣ons, founded a colledge at Oxford, furnishing it with goodlie buildings,* 7.39 and a church, that they might both serue God, and profit in their studies, wherevpon it is called the quéenes colledge euen to this daie.

But now to returne to the duke of Lancaster. Ye shall vnderstand that after the departure of the French armie beside the hill of Turneham, the said [line 50] duke returned to Calis, and there refreshed himselfe and his people the space of thrée daies. And then he set forward againe,* 7.40 & with him as marshals of the host, was the earle of Warwike, and the lord Roger Beauchampe, with the lords and knights before re∣membred. They tooke their iournie to S. Omers, and by Turwin, and then through the countie of saint Paule, still burning the countrie as they went. They rode not past thrée or foure leages in a daie, and kee∣ping on their waie,* 7.41 they came by saint Riquier, and [line 60] at the planches vnder Abuile passed the riuer of Some, and then entred into the countrie of Uimew, in purpose to go vnto Harflew, and there to burne the French kings nauie. Thus passing forward tho∣rough Uimew, and the countie of Ewe, they entered into the archbishoprike of Roan, and marching foorth by Déepe, came vnto Harflew: but the earle of saint Poule, and the lord of Fiennes constable of France which had coasted the English armie in all this iour∣nie, with a great power of men, was gotten before them, and entred into this towne, so that they knew how they should but lose their paine, if they did assaile it, and so therefore after they had lien before it thrée daies, on the fourth day they dislodged, & went backe againe towards Calis, returning through the coun∣trie of Ponthieu,* 7.42 and before Abuile chanced to in∣counter a number of Frenchmen, which gaue to the duke battell. In the which was taken sir Hugh de Chatellon, master of the crosbowes of France, with other knights, esquiers, and burgesses of that towne, and about sixtéene score of the French part slaine.

There be that write otherwise herof,* 7.43 shewing how the said sir Hugh Chatellon was taken by an am∣bush laid by sir Nicholas Louaine, as the same sir Hugh was come foorth of the towne, with not past ten or twelue with him, to see how the passage of Ro∣wraie was kept by them that had charge thereof. How soeuer it came to passe, taken he was, & brought to the duke of Lancaster, that reioised greatlie of that good hap: and so marching forward, he passed the riuer at Blanchetaque, and drew towards the towne of Rew on the sea side, and so to Montreuill, and fi∣nallie to Calis. Then were the strangers licenced to depart: and bicause it was far in the winter, as a∣bout saint Martines tide, the duke and the most part of his armie returned into England.* 7.44 In this yeare chanced the third mortalitie, which was excéeding great both of men and beasts, that the like had not béene heard of. And amongst other people that peri∣shed of that pestilentiall sickenesse, that worthie knight and noble capteine the earle of Warwike di∣ed at Calis in the moneth of Ianuarie, after his re∣turne from Hartlew. [year 1370] ¶ The countrie of Aquitaine was full of trouble in this meane time, either part séeking to grieue other to the vttermost of their powers. ¶ Iohn Hastings earle of Penbroke, ha∣uing with him certeine bands of men of warre,* 7.45 re∣couered diuerse towns and castels in those parts: but when he perceiued how the enimies that were not far from the place where he was lodged, shewed ma∣nifest tokens of feare, in marching one while vncer∣teinelie forward, and an other while fetching great compasses about, he somewhat vnwarilie setting vp∣on them in their campe, was discomfited and put to flight,* 7.46 so that getting him into a place of the Tem∣plers, that was closed about with a wall, he remai∣ned there in great danger to be taken prisoner of his enimies that assailed him, if the lord Iohn Chandois seneschall of Poictou had not come to the rescue, and pledged him foorth.

But shortlie after,* 7.47 the said lord Chandois was slaine by the enimies (whom first he had ouercome) whilest without good aduise he put off his helmet, and so receiuing a stroke with a glaiue that entered into his head, betwixt his nose and his forhead, he neuer after spake word, not liuing past a day and a night after he was hurt. The death of this right famous, wise, and valiant knight, was bewailed as well of the Frenchmen as Englishmen. The French king himselfe, when he heard that he was slaine, greatlie lamented the mishap, affirming that now he being dead, there was not any le••t aliue able to agree the kings and realmes of England and France: so much was he feared, esteemed, and beloued of all men. But alas what auailed all their mourning and lamen∣ting against the necessitie of death, sith we know that

Est commune mori, mors nulli parcit honori:

After he was thus slaine,* 7.48 sir Thomas Percie was made seneschall of Poictou. By reason of the great wet and raine that fell this yeare in more abun∣dance than had béene accustomed,* 7.49 much corne was lost, so that the price thereof was sore inhanced, in so much that wheat was sold at thrée shillings foure pence the bushell. But as concerning the death, the west parts of the realme was sorest afflicted with this mortalitie, and namelie at Oxford there died a great number of scholers.

Somewhat before this time, the ladie Blanch

daughter to Henrie duke of Lancaster,* 7.50 departed this life, and was buried on the north side of the high altar in the cathedrall church of saint Paule within the citie of London, where hir husband Iohn of Gant was after also interred. She ordeined for hir husband and for hir selfe a solemne obit to be kept yearelie in that church, where the maior being present with the shiriffes, chamberlaine, and sword-bearer, should of∣fer each of them a pennie, and the maior to take vp a pound, the shiriffes either of them a marke, the [line 10] chamberleine ten shillings, and the sword-bearer six shillings eight pence, and euerie other of the maiors officers two and twentie pence, and the number of eight officers belonging vnto the shiriffes (and by them to be appointed) eight pence a péece. ¶ This yeare was granted to the king in parlement assem∣bled at Westminster of the spirituall mens liuings a tenth for the space of thrée yeares,* 7.51 and a fiftéenth of the temporaltie during the same tearme.

This yeare, after that the king had gotten togither [line 20] a great summe of monie,* 7.52 as well by borowing of the clergie as of the laitie, he leuied an armie, & sent the same ouer to Calis about Midsummer, vnder the gouernance of that worthie chéefteine sir Robert Knolles, accompanied with the L. Fitz Walter, the lord Granson, sir Alaine Buxhull, sir Iohn Bourchi∣er, sir William Meuille, sir Geffrey Wourseley, and diuerse other noblemen, knights, and worthie cap∣teins.* 7.53 About the same time, the king of England con∣cluded an abstinence of warre with the Scots for [line 30] the tearme of nine yeares, yet so that the Scots might arme themselues, and at their pleasure serue and take wages, either of the English or French, by reason whereof, sir Robert Knolles had in his com∣panie an hundred speares of the realme of Scot∣land.

When this armie had lien and rested in Calis a∣bout the space of seauen daies, sir Robert Knolles caused euerie man to depart the towne, and to take the fields, marching the first daie néere to the castell [line 40] of Fiennes,* 7.54 and there lodged for that night. The whole number of this armie was not aboue twelue thousand men. Froissard saith, they were but fiftéene hundred speares, & foure thousand archers. Within the castell of Fiennes was the constable of France, that was lord thereof, with such a number of souldi∣ers and men of warre, that the Englishmen thought they should but lose their labour to assaile it. And so they passed foorth by Turrouane, and toward Arras, riding not past foure leages a daie, bicause of their [line 50] cariages and footmen. They tooke their lodging euer about noone, and laie néere vnto great villages.

The French king had furnished all his townes and fortresses in Picardie with strong garrisons of souldiers, to defend the same against all chances that might happen either by siege or sudden assault. The Englishmen therefore thought not good to linger a∣bout the winning of anie of the strong townes, but passed by them, wasting or ransoming the countries. At Arras they shewed themselues before the barri∣ers,* 7.55 [line 60] and when none would issue to skirmish with them, they set fier on the suburbs, & departed. From thence they tooke the waie by Baupalmes, and so came into Uermendois,* 7.56 and burnt the towne of Roy. Then went they to Han in Uermendois, in∣to the which all the people of the countrie were with∣drawne, with such goods as they might carie with them.* 7.57 And in like manner had those doone which in∣habited about S. Quintine, Peronne, and other strong townes, so that the Englishmen found little abroad, sauing the barnes full of corne for it was after haruest.

Thus they rode faire and easilie, two or thrée leages a daie, and sometime to recouer monie of their eni∣mies, they would compound with them within strong townes, to spare the countrie from burning and destruction, for such a summe as they agréed vp∣on, by which meanes sir Robert Knolles got in that voiage aboue the summe of an hundred thousand frankes. For the which he was after accused to the king of England, as one that had not dealt iustlie in so dooing. In this sort passing the countrie, they came before Noion, and after they had rested a while afore the towne, they went foorth wasting and burning the countrie, and finallie passed the riuer of Marne, and so entered into Champaigne, and passed the riuer of Aube, and also diuerse times they passed to and fro ouer the riuer of Saine:* 7.58 at length drawing toward Paris, and comming before that citie, they lodged there in the field a day and two nights, and shewed themselues in order of battell before the citie. This was on the twentie fourth daie of September.

The French king was at the same time within the citie, & might behold out of his lodging of S. Paule, the fiers and smokes that were made in Gastenois, through burning the townes and villages there by the Englishmen, but yet he would suffer none of his people to go foorth of the citie, although there was a great power of men of warre within the citie, both of such as had coasted the English armie in all this iournie, and also of other which were come thither by the kings commandement, beside the burgesses, and inhabitants of the citie. When sir Robert Knolles perceiued that he should haue no battell, he departed and drew toward Aniou, where they wan by strength the townes of Uaas and Ruellie. But now in the beginning of winter, there fell such discord amongst the English capteins, through couetousnesse and en∣uie, that finallie they diuided themselues in sunder, greatlie to the displeasure of sir Robert Knolles their generall, who could not rule them.

There was a knight among them named sir Iohn Minsterworth,* 7.59 that had the leading of one wing of this armie, a good man of his hands (as we call him) but peruerse of mind, and verie deceitfull, and to sir Robert Knolles (to whome he was much beholden) most vnfaithfull. This knight, perceiuing the wilfull minds of certeine yoong lords and knights there in the armie, that repined at the gouernement of sir Robert Knolles, as the Romans did sometime at the gouernance of Camillus (the chéefe of whome were the lord Grantson, the lord Fitz Walter, and o∣thers) did his best to pricke them forward, sounding them in the eare, that it was a great reproch for them being of noble parentage, to serue vnder such an old rascall as he was, ech of them being able to guide their enterprise of themselues, without his counsell, by which flattering of them, and disgracing of him, the said Minsterworth did much mischéefe, for

Lingua loquax, odiosa, procax, parit omne molestum.

Indéed this sir Robert Knolles was not descended of anie high linage,* 7.60 but borne in the countie of Che∣ster of meane ofspring,* 7.61 neuerthelesse through his va∣liant prowesse, and good seruice in warre, growne to such estimation, as he was reputed worthie of all ho∣nour due to a noble and skilfull warriour, so that it was thought the king could not haue made his choise of one more able or sufficient to supplie the roome of a chéefteine, than of him: but yet, although this was most true, his aduise could not be heard, nor the au∣thoritie appointed him by the king beare anie swaie. For where he counselled that they should now vpon the approching of winter draw foorth of France into Britaine, and there remaine for the winter season,* 7.62 they would not so agrée, nor obeie his will. Wherevp∣on it came to passe, that sir Berthram de Cleaquin, at that time newlie made constable of France, vn∣derstanding this diuision to grow amongst the Eng∣lishmen,

and t••at they were diuided into parts, set vpon them so much to their disaduantage, that he di∣stressed them, and tooke or slue the more part of them: but sir Robert Knols with the flower of the archers and men of warre went into Britaine,* 7.63 and there sa∣ued himselfe, and those that followed him. ¶ Here you may sée, how those that before through amitie and good agreement were of such force as their eni∣mies durst not once assaie to annoie them, now by strife and dissention among themselues were slaine [line 10] or taken by the same enimies, and brought to confu∣sion. To which purpose it is properlie and trulie said,

L••s odium gignit, charos concordia stringit.

In this meane time that sir Robert Knols made this voiage through the realme of France,* 7.64 the prince of Wales laid siege to the citie of Limoges, which was reuolted to the Frenchmen. There were with him at the laieng of this siege, his brethren, the duke of Lancaster, and the earle of Cambridge, sir Gui∣chard Dangle, sir Lois de Harecourt, the lord of [line 20] Pons, the lord of Partenaie, the lord of Pinane, the lord of Tannaibouton, sir Perciuall de Coulongne, sir Geffrie de Argenton, Poictouins: and of Gas∣coignes, the lord of Mountferrant, the lord de Chau∣mount, the lord de Longueren, sir Amerie de Tharse, the lords of Pommiers, Mucident de l'Esparre, the Souldich de Lestrade, the lord of Gerond, and manie other: of Englishmen there were, sir Thomas Per∣cie, the lord Ros, the lord William Beauchampe, sir Michaell de la Pole, sir Stephan Goussenton, sir Ri∣chard [line 30] Pontchardon, sir Baldwin Freuille, sir Si∣mon Burlie, sir Dangousse, sir Iohn Deuereux, sir William Menille or (as some copies haue) Neuille, and manie other. There was also sir Eustace Dam∣breticourt, and of the companions, sir Perducas Dalbreth, who in the beginning of these warres be∣ing turned French, was by the persuasion of sir Ro∣bert Knols procured to returne againe to the prin∣ces seruice before the siege of Durmelle.

The prince being thus accompanied with these [line 40] worthie capteins and men of armes, to the number of twelue hundred, beside a thousand archers and o∣ther footmen, indeuored by all waies he could deuise to indamage them within. In the end he caused the walles to be vndermined,* 7.65 and quite reuersed into the ditch, & then giuing assault, entered by the breach, and made an huge slaughter of them within, in so∣much that of men, women, and children (for none were spared in respect of age or sex) there were slaine and beheaded that daie aboue thrée thousand. The bi∣shop [line 50] with certeine knights and capteins were taken and had their liues granted, though the bishop was in great danger to haue lost his head, bicause he was a cheefe dooer in yéelding the citie before vnto the Frenchmen.

Whilest the prince laie at siege before Limoges (a litle before he wan it) thither came to him his bre∣thren,* 7.66 the duke of Lancaster, and the earle of Cam∣bridge, the lord Ros, sir Michaell de la Pole, sir Ro∣bert Rous, sir Iohn Saint••o, and sir William Beau∣champe, [line 60] with a faire number of men of war, spears, and archers. The prince then after he had woone Li∣moges, and executed some crueltie there to the ter∣rour of other; his maladie which still continued vpon him, rather increased than diminished, so that he was aduised by physicians to returne into England, in hope that change of aire should restore him to health. For the which consideration and other causes of busi∣nesse which he had to doo with his father,* 7.67 touching cer∣teine weightie affaires he tooke the sea, and came o∣uer into England, leauing the gouernement of A∣quitaine vnto his brother the duke of Lancaster, as his lieutenant there: he landed at Plimmouth in the beginning of Ianuarie.

Moreouer in this 44 yeare of king Edward,* 7.68 the king of Nauarre came ouer into England, and at Claringdon found the king, and there talked with him of such matters as they had to conclude betwixt them two.* 7.69 But for that the king of Nauarre could not assure the king of such couenants as should haue passed betwixt them two, it was not thought meet by the kings councell to worke too far vpon his bare word, that had before time shewed apparant proofes of his inconstant dealing. And suerlie this doubt arose not without cause,* 7.70 as his dooings shortlie after de∣clared: for although he séemed now at this present to be a verie enimie to the French king, yet shortlie af∣ter he was reconciled to him againe, and became his great freend for the time it lasted. This yeare in the moneth of Februarie was a parlement called,* 7.71 in the which there was demanded of the spiritualtie a subsidie of fiftie thousand pounds,* 7.72 and as much of the laitie.* 7.73 The temporall men soone agréed to that pai∣ment, but the cleargie excused themselues with faire words and shifting answers: in somuch that the king tooke displesure with them, and deposed certeine spirituall men from their offices of dignitie, as the chancellor, the priuie seale, the treasuror,* 7.74 and such o∣thers, in whose roomes he placed temporall men.

The bishop of Winchester, and the bishop of Beau∣uois being both cardinals, were put in commission by pope Gregorie the eleuenth to treat betwixt the kings of England and France for a peace.* 7.75 But al∣beit they did their indeuour therein, and mooued both kings to the vttermost of their powers, yet their mo∣tions tooke none effect, and therefore was the warre pursued to the vttermost betwixt the parties, & name∣lie in Aquitaine, where the fortresses were so inter∣medled one with an other, some English, and some French, that one knew not how to beware of an o∣ther, nor to auoid the danger, so that the countrie of Poictou and other the marches thereabout were in great tribulation. Sir Robert Knols,* 7.76 sir Thomas Spenser, sir Iohn Triuet, and sir Hugh Hastings, diuiding their powers insunder, went to recouer townes, some in one quarter, and some in an other, and certeine they assaied, but preuailed not: the in∣habitants doubting to be punished for their vn∣truths, made such stout resistance.

After this, the duke of Lancaster appointed sir Ro∣bert Knols to repaire againe to Calis, and by the waie (if occasion serued) to attempt the recouerie of Ponthieu.* 7.77 Sir Robert taking his iournie through France by Paris, came into the marches of Picar∣die: and bicause in comparison to this man, all the English capteins were litle feared of the French∣men, sir Berthram de Cleaquin,* 7.78 the constable of France, leauing the fortresses in the marches of A∣quitaine sufficientlie stuffed with men of warre and munition, followed sir Robert Knols, still readie to assaile the hindermost companies, or else to set on the sides of his enimies. So that there chanced manie skirmishes betwixt them, & manie men were slaine on both parts; but at length, when sir Robert Knols saw no likelihood to atchiue his purposed intent in recouerie of the townes of Ponthieu, as Abuile and other, he drew streight to Calis, and the constable re∣tired backe into France.

In this 46 yeare,* 7.79 sir Robert Ashton was sent into Ireland as lord deputie there, and in the same yeare, the duke of Lancaster being as then a widower, ma∣ried the ladie Constance eldest daughter to Peter king of Spaine, which was slaine by his bastard bro∣ther Henrie (as before ye haue heard.) ¶Also the lord Emund earle of Cambridge maried the ladie Isa∣bell, sister to the same Constance. ¶Their other sister named Beatrice, affianced to Don Ferdinando, son to Peter king of Portingale, was departed this

life a little before this time at Baionne, where they were all three left as hostages by their father, when the prince went to bring him home into his countrie (as before yée may read.) Froissard writeth, that the duke married the ladie Constance in Gascoigne, and that shortlie after he returned into England with his said wife and hir sister, leauing the capitall de Bueffz, and other lords of Gascoigne and Poictou in charge with the rule of those countries. By reason of that marriage, the duke of Lancaster, as in right of his wife being the elder sister, caused himselfe to [line 10] be intituled king of Castile, and his said wife quéene of the same realme.

The earle of Hereford being sent to the sea, with certeine ships of warre, was incountered by the Fle∣mish fléet, before an hauen in Britaine called the Baie, where was fought a sore battell, and long con∣tinued for the space of thrée houres: howbeit finallie the victorie abode with the Englishmen, notwith∣standing that the Flemings were more in number, [line 20] and better prouided for the matter. There were ta∣ken of them fiue and twentie ships, with their Adme∣rall Iohn Peterson. They had beene at Rochell for wine, and now were come to the Baie for salt vpon their returne homeward, and hearing that the Eng∣lishmen would come that waie, staied for them, and first gaue the onset. For yée must remember, that by reason that the earle of Flanders had married his daughter to the duke of Burgognie, which he had first promised to the earle of Cambridge, there was [line 30] no perfect fréendship betwixt the realme of Eng∣land, and the countries of the said earle of Flan∣ders.

* 7.80Sir Guichard Dangle a knight of Poictou, that was come ouer with the duke of Lancaster, to pro∣cure the king to send some new aid into Aquitaine, was for his approoued valiancie and tried truth to the king of England, made knight of the garter. And moreouer at his instance the king rigged a nauie of ships, and appointed the earle of Penbroke as gene∣rall, [line 40] to saile with the same into Aquitaine, and there to remooue the siege which the Frenchmen had laid to Rochell.* 7.81 The earle according to his commission tooke the sea with a fléet of fortie ships prepared for him: but yer he could enter the hauen of Rochell, he was assailed by an huge fleet of Spaniards, and there vanquished, taken prisoner, & led into Spaine. The Spaniards had for capteins foure skilfull war∣riours,* 7.82 Ambrose Bouquenegre, Cabesse de Uake or Uakadent, Dom Ferand du Pion, and Rodigo de [line 50] la Rochell, who had vnder their gouernement fortie great carrauels, and thirteene trim barkes through∣lie furnished and appointed with good mariners and m••n of warre.

The earle of Penbroke had with him nothing the like number of ships, nor men: for (as Froissard wri∣teth) he had not past two and twentie knights with him, or (as other haue) not past twelue, being for the more part of his owne retinue or houshold: and yet those few Englishmen and Poictouins that were [line 60] there with him, bare themselues right valiantlie, and fought it out to the vttermost. There were slaine sir Simon Houssagre, sir Iohn de Mortague, and sir Iohn Tuchet; and there were taken prisoners, be∣sides the earle himselfe, sir Robert Buffort, sir Iohn Curson,* 7.83 sir Othes de Grandson, sir Guichard Dan∣gle, the lord of Pinane, sir Iohn de Griueres, sir Iaques de Surgieres, the lord of Tannaibouton, sir Iohn de Hardane, and others. This battell was fought on Midsummer euen, in this six and fortith yeare of king Edwards reigne. The earle had (as Froissard writeth) treasure with him, to haue waged thrée thousand men of warre, which neuer did anie man good, for (as he was informed) the ship wherein he was aboord, perished with diuerse other being burnt or sunke. ¶The English writers saie, that it was no maruell though this mishap chanced vnto him, bicause he had in parlement spoken against men of the church, in giuing counsell that they might be constreined to paie gréeuous subsidies, towards the maintenance of the kings warre, and that no lesse heauie paiments and subsidies should be impo∣sed vpon them, than vpon the secular sort. Wherein he seemed to bewraie a malicious mind against the clergie, who as in no age they haue wanted foes, so in his time they found few fréends, being a genera∣tion appointed and ordeined in their cradels to be contemned of the world, speciallie of great men, of whose fauour and goodwill it is truelie & rightlie said,

Gratia magnatum nescit habere statum.

By reason of this misfortune thus happened to the English fleet, the Frenchmen recouered manie townes and castels out of the Englishmens hands, in the countries of Poictou, Xaintonge, Limosin, and other the marches of Aquitaine.

About the same time the French king sent foure thousand men to the sea,* 7.84 vnder the guiding of one Yuans a banished Welsh gentleman, the which landing in the Ile of Gernesey, was incountered by the captein of that Ile called sir Edmund Rous,* 7.85 who had gathered eight hundred men of his owne souldi∣ers togither, with them of the Ile, and boldlie gaue battell to the Frenchmen: but in the end the Eng∣lishmen were discomfited, and foure hundred of them slaine, so that sir Edmund Rous fled into the castell of Cornet, & was there besieged by the said Yuans, till the French king sent to him to come backe from thence, and so he did, leauing the castell of Cornet, and sir Edmund Rous within it as he found him. The Frenchmen this yeare recouered the citie of Poictiers, Rochell also,* 7.86 and the most part of all Poictou, and finallie laid siege to Towars in Poic∣tou, wherein a great number of the lords of that countrie were inclosed, the which fell to a compositi∣on with the Frenchmen to haue an abstinence of warre for themselues, and their lands, till the feast of saint Michaell next insuing, which should be in the yeare 1362. And in the meane time they sent to the king of England their souereigne lord, to certifie him what conditions they had agréed vnto, that if they were not aided by him, or by one of his sonnes within the said tearme, then they to yéeld them and their lands to the obeisance of the French king.

Not long before this, the capitall of Bueffz was taken prisoner, and sir Thomas Percie, with diuerse other Englishmen and Gascoignes before Soubise by sir Yuans of Wales and other French capteins, so that the countries of Poictou and Xaintonge were in great danger to be quite lost,* 7.87 if spéedie succours came not in time. Wherevpon king Edward aduer∣tised of that agreement which they within Towars had made, raised an armie, rigged his ships,* 7.88 and in August tooke the sea, purposing to come before the day assigned, to the succours of that fortresse: but the wind continued for the space of nine wéekes so con∣trarie vnto his intent, that he was still driuen backe and could not get forward toward the coast of Ro∣chell, where he thought to haue landed, so that finallie when the daie of rescuing Towars came, he nor anie of his sonnes could appeare in those parts, and so to his great displeasure he returned home, and licenced all his people to depart to their houses. By this means was Towars deliuered to the Frenchmen, which ceassed not in such occasions of aduantage to take time, and follow the steps of prosperous for∣tune.* 7.89

About this season the duke of Britaine being sore displeased in his mind,* 7.90 that the Englishmen sustei∣ned

dailie losses in the parts of Aquitaine, would gladlie haue aided their side, if he might haue got the nobles of his countrie to haue ioined with him, but the lords Clisson and de la Uale, with the vicount of Roan, and other the lords and barons of Britaine, so much fauoured the French king, that he perceiued they would reuolt from him, if he attempted any thing against the Frenchmen. He therefore mea∣ning by one way or other to further the king of En∣gland his quarell, and fearing to be attached by his [line 10] owne subiects, and sent to Paris, dispatched mes∣sengers to K. Edward, requiring him to send some power of men of warre into Britaine, to defend him against the malice of such as were altogither French and enimies to England.

* 7.91King Edward foorthwith sent ouer the lord Ne∣uill, with foure hundred men of armes, and as manie archers, the which arriuing at saint Matthewes de fine Poterne, remained there all the winter. Wherevpon the Britaines being sore offended there∣with, [line 20] closed their townes and fortresses against their duke, and shewed much euill towards him. The con∣stable of France sir Berthram de Cleaquin,* 7.92 laieng siege to the towne and castell of Sireth in Poictou, discomfited a number of Englishmen that came to raise his siege, by meanes whereof he got not onelie Sireth, but also Niort, Lucignen, and all other the townes and fortresses which the Englishmen held till that day within Poictou,* 7.93 Xaintonge, and Rochel∣lois. Shortlie after this, the constable returned into [line 30] France, and was appointed by the king there to go with an armie of men of warre into Britaine, and there to take into his hands all such townes and for∣tresses as belonged to the duke of Britaine,* 7.94 bicause he had alied himselfe with the king of England, and receiued Englishmen into his countrie, to the preiudice of the realme of France.

* 7.95The duke being aduertised of the constables com∣ming, was counselled by sir Robert Knols (whom the king of England had sent to aid him) that he should [line 40] passe ouer into England, and there to be a suter in his owne cause for more aid to be sent into Britaine, to resist the Frenchmen that now sought to bring the whole countrie into their possession. The duke incli∣ning to this aduise,* 7.96 went ouer into England, and in the meane time the constable came and wan the most part of all the townes and fortresses of that duchie, except Brest, where sir Robert Knols was, and cer∣teine other.* 7.97 The earle of Salisburie with a great na∣uie of ships, well furnished with men of armes and [line 50] archers, laie vpon the coast of Britaine all that time, and greatlie comforted them within Brest, in somuch that he came on land, and offered battell to the con∣stable if he would haue come forward & receiued it.

* 7.98In the moneth of Iulie in this seuen and fourtith yeare of king Edwards reigne, the duke of Lanca∣ster was sent ouer vnto Calis with an armie of thir∣tie thousand men (as some write) but as Froissard saith, they were but thirteene thousand, as thrée thou∣sand men of armes, and ten thousand archers. This [line 60] voiage had béene in preparing for the space of thrée yeares before.* 7.99 The duke of Britaine was there with them, and of the English nobilitie, beside the duke of Lancaster that was their generall, there were the earles of Warwike, Stafford and Suffolke, the lord Edward Spenser that was constable of the host,* 7.100 the lords Willoughbie, de la Pole, Basset, and diuerse others. Of knights, sir Henrie Percie, sir Lewes Clifford, sir William Beauchampe, the Chanon Ro∣bertsart, Walter Hewet, sir Hugh Caluerlie, sir Stephan Cousington, sir Richard Ponchardon, and manie other.

When they had made readie their cariages and o∣ther things necessarie for such a iournie which they had taken in hand, that is to say, to passe through the realme of France vnto Burdeaux, they set forward, hauing their armie diuided into thrée battels. The earles of Warwike and Suffolke did lead the fore¦ward: the two dukes of Lancaster and Britaine, the middle ward or battell, and the rereward was go∣uerned by the lord Spenser constable of the host. They passed by S. Omers, by Turrouane, and coa∣sted the countrie of Arthois, and passed the water of Some at Corbie.* 7.101 They destroied the countries as they went, and marched not past thrée leages a day. They assailed none of the strong townes, nor fortres∣ses. For the French king had so stuffed them with notable numbers of men of warre, that they percei∣ued they should trauell in vaine about the winning of them. At Roy in Uermandois, they rested them seuen daies, and at their departure set fire on the towne, bicause they could not win the church which was kept against them. From thence they drew to∣wards Laon, and so marched forward, passing the ri∣uers of Ysare, Marne, Saine, and Yonne. The Frenchmen coasted them, but durst not approch to giue them battell.

Neere to Ribaumount, about 80 Englishmen of sir Hugh Caluerlies band were distressed by 120 Frenchmen: & likewise beside Soissons,* 7.102 120 Eng∣lish speares, or (as other writers haue) fiftie speares, and twentie archers were vanquished by a Burgo∣nian knight called sir Iohn de Uienne, that had with him thrée hundred French speares. Of more hurt by anie incounters I read not that the Englishmen su∣steined in this voiage.* 7.103 For the Frenchmen kept them aloofe, and meant not to fight with their eni∣mies, but onelie to kéepe them from vittels, and fet∣ching of forrage abroad, by reason whereof the Eng∣lishmen lost manie horsses, and were in déed driuen to great scarsitie of vittels. When they had passed the riuer of Loire,* 7.104 and were come into the countrie of Berrie, they vnderstood how the Frenchmen laid themselues in sundrie ambushes to distresse them, if they might espie the aduantage: but the duke of Lan∣caster placing his light horssemen, with part of the ar∣chers in the fore ward, and in the battell the whole force of his footmen with the men at armes, diuided into wings to couer that battell, wherein he himselfe was,* 7.105 the residue of the horssemen with the rest of the archers he appointed to the rereward, and so causing them to keepe close togither, marched foorth till he came into Poictou, & then in reuenge of the Poicto∣uins that had reuolted from the English obeisanc••, he began a new spoile, killing the people, wasting the countrie, and burning the houses and buildings euerie where as he passed,* 7.106 & so finallie about Christ∣masse came to Burdeaux.

Whilest the duke of Lancaster was thus passing through the realme of France, pope Gregorie the e∣leuenth sent the archbishop of Rauenna and the bi∣shop of Carpentras as legats from him, to treat for a peace betwixt the realms of England and France. They rode to & fro betwixt the French king and his brethren, and the duke of Lancaster: but the duke and the Englishmen kept on their waie, and so finallie kéeping forwards about Christmasse came to Burdeaux. The legats pursued their treatie, but the parties were so hard, that no reasonable offers would be taken. The two dukes of Lancaster and Britaine laie in Burdeaux all the residue of the win∣ter, and the Lent following. The same yeare that the duke of Lancaster made this iournie thorough France,* 7.107 the king of England sent certeine ambas∣sadors to the pope, requiring him not to meddle with the reseruations of benefices within his realme of England, but that those which were elected bishops might inioy their sees, and be confirmed of their me∣tropolitane

and archbishop, as of ancient time they had beene accustomed.

The pope would not at that present determine a∣nie thing herein, but commanded them that were sent, that they should certifie him againe of the kings pleasure and further meaning, in those articles and other touching him and his realme. Also this yeare it was decréed in parlement,* 7.108 that cathedrall churches might inioy the right of their elections, and that the king should not hinder them that were chosen, but [line 10] rather helpe them to their confirmations. ¶ In the same parlement was granted to the king a disme of the cleargie, and a fiftéenth of the laitie. ¶ Moreouer at the sute of the popes legats, a respit of war was granted betwixt the kings of England and France, but so that the Englishmen lost in Gascoine a great number of castels and townes, by reason of a com∣position made before, that if they were not rescued by the middest of August, they should then yeeld themselues French: and bicause the truce was a∣gréed [line 20] vpon to indure till the last of August, the Eng∣lishmen tooke no heed to the matter. It was further agréed vpon, that in the beginning of September, there should méet in the marches of Picardie, the duke of Lancaster, and other of the English part, as commissioners to intreat of peace;* 7.109 and the duke of Aniou and other on the French part, the popes legat to be there also as mediator. When this agréement was thus accorded, the duke of Lancaster, and the duke of Britaine, with the earls of Warwike, Suf∣folke [line 30] and Stafford, the lords Spenser, Willoughbie and others, tooke the sea at Burdeaux the eight of Iu∣lie, and returned into England.

This yeare the fifth of Iune, died William Wit∣telsey archbishop of Canturburie,* 7.110 after whose death the moonks chose to that see the cardinall of Win∣chester, with which election the king was nothing contented, so that after much monie spent by the moonks to obteine their purpose, at length they were disappointed,* 7.111 and doctor Simon Sudberie was ad∣mitted [line 40] to that dignitie, who before was bishop of London, being the seauen and fiftith archbishop that had ruled that see. He was chosen by the appointment of the king, and consent of the pope. For alredie was that decree worne out of vse, whereby the elections of bishops haue rested in the voices of them of the ca∣thedrall church: for not onelie this Simon archbi∣shop of Canturburie, but other also were ordeined bishops from thencefoorth, by the will and authoritie of the popes and kings of this realme, till at length it [line 50] came to passe, that onelie the kings instituted bi∣shops, and the bishops ordeined other gouernours vnder them of meaner degrees.

Thus the popes within a while lost all their autho∣ritie, which they had before time within this relme in the appointing of bishops, and other rulers of chur∣ches; and in like manner also they lost shortlie after their authoritie of leuieng tenths of spirituall pro∣motions, the which they in former times had vsed, to the great detriment of the realme; which lost nothing [line 60] by this new ordinance: for the English people were not compelled afterwards to depart with their mo∣nie vnto strangers, so largelie as before, to content the gréedinesse of that coruorant generation of Ro∣manists, whose insatiable desires would admit no stint, as infected with the dropsie of filthie auarice, for

Omnia des cupido, siua non perit inde cupido, Quò plus sunt potae plus sitiuntur aquae.

This restraining reformation concerned the bene∣fit of the whole land verie much:* 7.112 for K. Edward the third was the first that caused an act to be made, that none vnder a great penaltie should séeke to obteine anie spirituall promotions within this realme of the pope, or bring anie sutes to his court, except by waie of appeale: and that those that were the aiders of any such offendors against this act, should run in danger of the same paine, which act by those kings that suc∣ceeded was not onelie commanded to be kept, but al∣so confirmed with new penalties, and is called the statute of Premunire.* 7.113

About Candlemasse there met at Bruges as com∣missioners for the king of England,* 7.114 the duke of Lan∣caster, the earle of Salisburie, and the bishop of Lon∣don. For the French king, the dukes of Aniou,* 7.115 and Burgognie, the earle of Salebruce, and the bishop of Amiens with others. Finallie, when they could not agree vpon anie good conclusion for peace, they ac∣corded vpon a truce,* 7.116 to indure to the first of Maie next insuing in all the marches of Calis, and vp to the water of Some; but the other places were at li∣bertie to be still in warre: by report of other writers, the truce was agreed vpon to continue till the feast of All saints next insuing.* 7.117 * 7.118 About the same time that the foresaid commissioners were at Bruges intrea∣ting of peace, the duke of Britaine did so much with his father in law king Edward, that about the be∣ginning of Aprill he sent ouer with him into Bri∣taine the earles of Cambridge, March, Warwike,* 7.119 and Stafford, the lord Spenser, sir Thomas Holland, sir Nicholas Camois, sir Edward Twiford, sir Ri∣chard Ponchardon, sir Iohn Lesselles, sir Thomas Grandson, sir Hugh Hastings, and diuerse other worthie capteins with a power of thrée thousand ar∣chers, and two thousand men of armes, all verie well furnished to fight.

They landed at saint Matthews or Mahe de fine Poterne, where they tooke the castell by force, and the towne by surrender.* 7.120 From thence they went to Pole de Lion, and wan it likewise by force of assault, and then went to Brieu de Uaux, a towne stronglie fensed, and well manned. In hope yet to win it, the duke of Britaine and the English lords laid siege to it, but hearing that an English knight, one sir Iohn Deureux was besieged in a fortresse which he had newlie made, by the vicount of Roan, the L. Clisson,* 7.121 and other of the French part, they raised from Brieu de Uaux, and hasted forward to the succor of sir Iohn Deureux, ernestlie wishing to find their enimies in the field, that they might giue them battell: but the British lords hearing that the duke and the English∣men approched, made no longer abode▪ but got them with all speed vnto Campellie a towne of great strength not farre off, and therein closed themselues for their more safetie. The duke of Britaine hearing ••hat they were fled thither, followed them, and laid siege round about the towne,* 7.122 inforcing himselfe to obteine the place, and so had doone in deed by all like∣lihood verie shortlie, if at the same time, by reason of a truce taken for twelue moneths, he had not béene commanded by the duke of Lancaster, without de∣laie to ceasse his war, and breake vp his campe: as he did.

There were sundrie meetings of the commissioners for this treatie of peace, and still they tooke longer time for continuance of the truce. And bicause that Britaine and all the other countries of France (as should seeme) were included in this truce, it seemeth that this was some second truce, and not the first truce, which included onelie the marches of Calis, and those parts vp to the water of Some. But how∣soeuer it was, the duke of Britaine being in a great forwardnesse to haue recouered his duchie out of the Frenchmens hands, and to haue reduced his rebelli∣ous subiects vnder due obeisance againe, was now by this truce concluded out of time, greatlie disap∣pointed,* 7.123 and so brake vp his siege from before Cam∣pellie, and sent home the English armie. He went himselfe to Aulroie, where his wife was; and taking

order for the fortifieng and keeping of those places, which were in his possession, he came backe againe into England, and brought his wife with him.

A litle before the concluding of this truce, the En∣glishmen and others within the fortresse of saint Sa∣uiour le vicount, in the Ile or rather Close (as they call it) of Constantine, which had beene long besie∣ged, made a composition, that if they were not rescu∣ed by a certeine daie, then should they yéeld vp the place to the Frenchmen. Now bicause this truce [line 10] was agréed before the daie appointed for the rescue of that place, with condition that either part should in∣ioy and hold that which at that present they had in possession, during the terme of the truce; the English∣men thought that saint Sauiour le vicount should be saued by reason of that treatie: but the Frenchmen to the contrarie auouched, that the first couenant ought to passe the last ordinance. So that when the daie approched, the French king sent thither six thou∣sand speares, knights, and esquiers, beside other peo∣ple:* 7.124 [line 20] and bicause none appeared to giue them battell, they had the towne deliuered to them.

¶ In this 49 yeare of K. Edwards reigne, a great death chanced in this land,* 7.125 and in diuerse other coun∣tries, so that innumerable numbers of people died and perished of that contagious sickenesse. Amongst other the lord Edward Spenser died the same yeare,* 7.126 a man of great renowme and valiantnesse. Also the earle of Penbroke, hauing compounded for his ran∣some, as he was vpon his returne from Spaine, [line 30] comming homewards through France, he fell sicke, and being brought in an horsselitter to Arras, he di∣ed there, on the 16 daie of Aprill, leauing a sonne be∣hind him not past two yeares of age, begot of the countesse his wife called Anne, daughter vnto the lord Walter de Mannie. Polydor mistaking the matter, saith that Marie the countesse of Penbroke, who builded Penbroke hall in Cambridge, was wife to this Iohn Hastings earle of Penbroke, whereas in deed she was wife to his ancestor Aimer [line 40] de Ualence earle of Penbroke (as Iohn Stow in his summarie hath trulie noted.* 7.127) She was daughter to Guy earle of saint Pole, a worthie ladie and a vertu∣ous, tendering so much the wealthfull state of this land (a great part wherof consisteth in the good bring∣ing vp of youth, and training them to the knowledge of learning) that for maintenance of students she be∣gan the forsaid commendable foundation, about the yeare of Christ 1343, vpon a plot of ground that was hir owne, hauing purchased licence thereto of [line 50] the king, to whom she was of kin.

During that greeuous mortalitie and cruell pesti∣lence before remembred, the pope at the instant re∣quest of the English cardinals, granted vnto all those that died in England, being shriuen and repen∣tant of their sinnes, cleane remission of the same, by two buls inclosed vnder lead.* 7.128 The duke of Lanca∣ster about the feast of All saints met with the French commissioners againe at Bruges. There was with him the duke of Britaine, the earle of Salisburie, [line 60] and the bishop of London. For the French king there appeered the duke of Burgognie, the earle of Salebruch, and the bishop of Amiens. And at saint Omers laie the duke of Aniou, the archbishop of Ra∣uenna, and the bishop of Carpentras tooke great paine to go to and fro betwéene the parties:* 7.129 but they were so far at ods in their demands, and as it were of set purpose on the French behalfe, that no good could be doone betwixt them. The French king required to haue Calis raced, and to haue againe fourtéene hun∣dred thousand franks, which were paid for the ran∣some of king Iohn. The king of England demanded to haue all the lands restored to him in Gascoigne and Guien cléerelie exempt of all resorts. So when nothing could be concluded touching a finall peace, the truce was renewed to indure till the feast of S. Iohn Baptist next insuing, which should be in the yeare 1376.

In this fiftith yeare, king Edward assembled his high court of parlement at Westminster,* 7.130 in the which was demanded a subsidie of the commons for the defense of the kings dominions against his eni∣mies.* 7.131 Wherevnto answer was made by the common house, that they might no longer beare such charges, considering the manifold burthens by them sustei∣ned in time past. And further they said, it was well knowne the king was rich inough to withstand his enimies, if his monie and treasure were well imploi∣ed: but the land had béene of long time euill guided by euill officers, so that the same could not be stored with chaffer, merchandize, or other riches. The com∣mons also declared whom they tooke and iudged to be chéefe causer of this disorder,* 7.132 as the duke of Lanca∣ster, & the L. Latimer lord chamberleine to the king; also dame Alice Perers, whom the king had long time kept to his concubine; and also one named sir Richard Sturrie, by whose sinister meanes and euill counsell the king was misled, and the land euill go∣uerned. Wherefore the commons by the mouth of their speaker sir Peers de la Mere,* 7.133 required that those persons might be remooued from the king, and other more discreet set in their roomes about his per∣son, and so put in authoritie, that they might sée to his honour and weale of the realme, more than the other had doone before them.

This request of the commons by support of the prince was allowed, and granted, so that the said per∣sons and other of their affinitie were commanded to depart the court, and other (such as were thought méet by the prince, and the sage péeres of the realme) were placed in their stéeds. ¶ Shortlie after, the com∣mons granted to the king his whole request, so that he had of euerie person, man and woman, being a∣boue the age of fourtéene yeares, foure pence, poore people that liued of almesse onelie excepted. ¶ Like∣wise the cleargie granted, that of euerie beneficed man, the king should haue twelue pence, and of eue∣rie priest not beneficed foure pence (the foure orders of friers onelie excepted.) But yer this monie could be leuied, the king was constreined to borrow cer∣teine great summes in sundrie places, and therefore he sent to the citie of London for foure thousand pounds. And bicause Adam Staple the maior was not diligent in furthering that lone, he was by the kings commandement discharged on the 22 daie of March, and Richard Whitington mercer chosen in his place.

On the eight of Iune being Trinitie sundaie (the parlement yet continuing) that noble and famous prince Edward the kings sonne departed this life within the kings palace at Westminster.* 7.134 His bodie was conueied to Canturburie with great solemni∣tie, and there honorablie buried. He died in the 46 yeare of his age: a prince of such excellent demea∣nour, so valiant, wise and politike in his dooings,* 7.135 that the verie and perfect representation of knighthood ap∣peared most liuelie in his person, whilest he liued, so that the losse of him stroke a generall sorrow into the harts of all the English nation. For such was his towardnesse, or rather perfection in princelie go∣uernement, that if he had liued and atteined to the crowne, euerie man iudged that he would suer∣lie haue excéeded the glorious renowme of all his ancestors. This princes death is bréefelie touched by C. Okland, who (after mention made of the great victories atchiued by his father the king against his enimies, and concluding him to be verie hap∣pie and fortunate in the issue of his attempts) saith

—inclytus ille monarchae Vndi{que} ter foelix, nisi quòd ••rux Atropos occat Ante diem gnati fatalia stamina vitae.

The French king kept his obsequie in most reue∣rend wife,* 7.136 in the chapell of his palace at Paris. Af∣ter his death, the king called to him againe the fore∣said persons,* 7.137 that had beene from him remooued, and the said sir Peers de la Mere that was speaker in the parlement (as before yée haue hard) for his eloquence shewed in reproouing the misgouernment of the said persons (and namelie of the said dame Alice Peres) [line 10] was now committed to prison within the castell of Notingham.* 7.138 About the same time the truce was a∣gaine prolonged till the first daie of Aprill next fol∣lowing. ¶ King Edward, after the deceasse of his sonne prince Edward, created the lord Richard, sonne to the said prince, as heire to him, prince of Wales, and gaue to him the earledomes of Chester & Corne∣wall.* 7.139 ¶Moreouer, bicause the king waxed féeble and sicklie through langor (as some suppose) conceiued for the death of his sonne, he appointed the rule of the [line 20] relme to his sonne the duke of Lancaster, ordeining him as gouernour vnder him, and so he continued during his fathers life.

* 7.140A great riot happened betwixt the seruants of the earle of Warwike, and the tenants of the abbat of Euesham, so that manie of the said abbats seruants were slaine and hurt. The fish-ponds and warrens belonging to the abbie were broken and spoiled, so that greater hurt would haue followed thereof, if the [line 30] kings letters had not beene sent downe to the earle, commanding him to staie his men from such misde∣meanours. All the nobles of the realme were cau∣sed to sweare,* 7.141 that after the kings decease they shuld admit and mainteine Richard prince of Wales for their king and souereigne lord. And vpon Christ∣masse day, the king caused him to sit at his table aboue all his owne children, in high estate, as repre∣senting the personage of the heire apparant to the crowne. [line 40]

This yeare being the one and fiftith and last of king Edwards reigne,* 7.142 there were sent againe to Bruges as commissioners to treat of peace on the part of king Edward,* 7.143 Iohn lord Cobham, the bishop of He∣reford, and the maior of London. And for the French part thither came the earle of Salebruch, monsieur de Chatillon, and Phillibert Lespoit. And still the two legats were present as mediatours betwixt the par∣ties, moouing a mariage to be had, betwixt Richard prince of Wales, and the ladie Marie, daughter to [line 50] the French king. But they departed in sunder for this time without anie conclusion. But shortlie after in Lent following,* 7.144 there was a secret meeting ap∣pointed to be had at Montreuill by the sea, whither came from the king of England, sir Richard Dan∣gle a Poictouine, sir Richard Stan, & Geffrie Chau∣cer. For the French king there appeared the lord Coucie, and others. These commissioners treated a long season concerning the mariage, and when they had vnderstanding and felt each others meaning, [line 60] they departed and made report of the same to their maisters.* 7.145 The truce was againe prolonged till the first daie of Maie.

And in the meane time, the earle of Salisburie, the bishop of saint Dauie lord chancellour of Eng∣land, and the bishop of Hereford went ouer to Calis. In like case the lord of Coucie, and sir William Dorman chancellor of France came to Montreuill.* 7.146 But they durst not meet at anie indifferent place on the frontiers, for the doubt that either partie had of other, for anie thing the legats could saie or doo. Thus these commissioners abode in that state till the truce was expired. And when the warre was open, then sir Hugh Caluerlie was sent ouer to Calis, to remaine vpon safe kéeping of that towne, as deputie there. The earle of Salisburie, and the other commissio∣ners returned into England, and with them the duke of Britaine. On the twelfth day of Aprill this yeare, one sir Iohn Minsterworth knight,* 7.147 was drawne, hanged, headed, and quartered at Tiborne, being first condemned and adiudged to suffer that ex∣ecution before the maior of London, and other the kings iustices in the Guildhall, for treason by him committed, in defrauding souldiers of their wages: for where he had receiued great summes of monie to make paiment thereof to them, he reteined the same to his owne vse.

Moreouer (as in the fortie foure yeare of this king yée haue heard) he was the chéefe procurer and setter forward of the dissention that rose in the armie,* 7.148 which vnder the leading of sir Robert Knolles was sent in∣to France. And when in that iournie he had lost most of his men, and was escaped himselfe into Eng∣land, he laid all the blame on sir Robert Knolles, ac∣cusing him to the king of heinous treason; so as the king tooke no small displeasure against the said sir Robert, insomuch that he durst not returne into England, till he had pacified the kings wrath with monie, and that the knowne fidelitie of the man had warranted him against the malicious and vntrue suggestions of his enimies. Wherevpon the said Minsterworth perceiuing his craft to want the wi∣shed successe, he fled to the French king, and conspi∣ring with him to annoie the realme of England by bringing the Spanish nauie to inuade the same, at length he was taken in the towne of Pampilona in Nauarre, and brought backe into England, where he tasted the deserued fruit of his contriued treason (as before yée haue heard.)

About this season, there rose in the vniuersitie of Oxenford a learned man Iohn Wiclife,* 7.149 borne in the north parts, who being a secular preest, and a stu∣dent in diuinitie, began to propone certeine conclu∣sions greatlie contrarie to the doctrine of the church in those daies established, speciallie he argued a∣gainst moonks, and other men of religion that inioi∣ed great riches, and large possessions. There were diuerse that gaue good eare to him, insomuch that sundrie learned men of that vniuersitie preached and set foorth the doctrine that he taught. ¶Amongst other articles which they held, these were the cheefe and principall.

• 1 That the sacrament of the altar,* 7.150 after con∣secration, was not the bodie of Christ, but a figure thereof.
• 2 That the church of Rome was no more head of the vniuersall church than any one other, nor more authoritie was giuen by Christ vnto Peter, than to anie other of the apostles, and that the pope had no more power in the keies of the church than anie other préest whatsoeuer.
• 3 That temporall lords might both lawfullie and meritoriouslie take the temporall goods and re∣uenues from the church, if it offended; and if anie temporall lord knew the church to offend, he was bound vnder paine of damnation to take from it the temporalties.
• 4 That the gospell is sufficient in this life to di∣rect by rule euerie christian man.
• 5 That all other rules of saints, vnder the ob∣seruing whereof diuers religious doo liue, ad no more perfection to the gospell, than washing ouer with lime dooth the wall.
• 6 That the pope, nor anie other prelat of the church, ought to haue anie prisons wherein to punish offendors.

These and manie other opinions did these men hold and mainteine, and diuerse lords and great men

of the land fauoured their cause. But when these con∣clusions were brought before the pope, he condem∣ned the number of 23 of those articles as vaine and hereticall, directing his buls to the archbishop of Canturburie, and to the bishop of London, that they should cause the said Wiclife to be apprehended, and examined vpon the said conclusions, which they did in presence of the duke of Lancaster, and the lord Per∣cie, and hearing his declaration, commanded him to silence, and in no wise to deale with those matters [line 10] from thencefoorth,* 7.151 so that for a time, both he and his fellowes kept silence: but after at the contemplati∣on of diuerse of the temporall lords, they preached and set foorth their doctrine againe.

The same day that Wiclife was conuented thus at London, before the bishops and other lords, tho∣rough a word spoken in reproch by the duke of Lan∣caster vnto the bishop of London, streightwaies the Londoners getting them to armour,* 7.152 meant to haue slaine the duke, & if the bishop had not staid them, they had suerlie set fire on the dukes house at the Sauoie: [line 20] and with much adoo might the bishop quiet them. A∣mong other reprochfull parts which in despite of the duke they committed, they caused his armes in the publike stréet to be reuersed as if he had béene a trai∣tor, or some notorious offendor. The duke and the lord Henrie Percie,* 7.153 whom the citizens sought in his owne house to haue slaine him, if he had béen found, hearing of this riotous stur and rebellious commo∣tion, forsooke their dinner and fled to Kenington, where the lord Richard, sonne to the prince, togither [line 30] with his mother then remained, exhibiting before their presence, a grieuous complaint of the opprobri∣ous iniuries doone vnto them, by the wilfull outrage of the Londoners. For this and other causes, the ci∣tizens were sore hated of the duke, in so much that he caused the maior & aldermen that then ruled to be dis∣charged of their roomes, and other put in their places.

The king being more grieuouslie vexed with sick∣nesse from daie to daie, either increasing by the [line 40] course therof, or renewed by some new surfet, finallie this yeare departed out of this transitorie life at his manour of Shéene,* 7.154 now called Richmond, the 21 daie of Iune, in the yeare of our Lord 1377, after he had liued 65 yeares, & reigned fiftie yeares, foure moneths, & 28 daies. His corpse was conueied from Sheene by his foure sonnes,* 7.155 namelie Lionell duke of Clarence, Iohn of Gant duke of Lancaster, Ed∣mund of Langlie duke of Yorke, and Thomas of Woodstoke earle of Cambridge, with other nobles of the realme, and solemnelie interred within West∣minster [line 50] church, with this epitaph in his memoriall:

Hîc decus Anglorum, flos regum praeteritorum, Forma futurorum, rex clemens, pax populorum, Tertius Edwardus, regni complens iubileum, Inuictus pardus, pollens bellis Machabeum.

He had issue by his wife quéene Philip 7 sonnes, Ed∣ward prince of Wales,* 7.156 William of Hatfield that di∣ed yoong, Lionell duke of Clarence, Iohn of Gant duke of Lancaster, Edmund of Langlie earle of [line 60] Cambridge & after created duke of Yorke, Thomas of Woodstoke erle of Buckingham after made duke of Glocester, and an other William which died like∣wise yoong. He had also thrée daughters, Marie that was maried to Iohn of Mountford duke of Bri∣taine, Isabell wedded to the lord Coucie earle of Bedford, and Margaret coupled in mariage with the earle of Penbroke.

* 7.157This king, besides other his gifts of nature, was aided greatlie by his seemelie personage. He had a prouident wit, sharpe to conceiue and vnderstand: he was courteous and gentle, dooing all things sage∣lie and with good consideration, a man of great tem∣perance and sobrietie. Those he chiefelie fauoured and aduanced to honour, and roomes of high dignitie, which excelled in honest conuersation, modestie, and innocencie of life, of bodie well made, of a conueni∣ent stature, as neither of the highest nor lowest sort: of face faire and manlike, eies bright and shining,* 7.158 and in age bald, but so as it was rather a séemelinesse to those his ancient yeares than any disfiguring fo his visage; in knowledge of martiall affaires verie skilfull, as the enterprises and worthie acts by him at∣chiued doo sufficientlie witnesse.

In what estimation he was had among strangers it may appeare, in that he was not onelie made vi∣car of the empire by the emperour Lewes of Ba∣••iere, but also after the decease of the same empe∣rour, diuerse of the electours, as Lewes marques of Brandenbourgh, Robert or Rupert count Palatine of the Rhene, and the yoong duke of Saxonie, with Henrie archbishop of Mentz, elected him to succéed in place of the said emperour Lewes. Neuerthe∣lesse, he giuing them hartie thanks for the honour which they did vnto him herein, refused to take the charge vpon him, alledging that he could not haue time to supplie the roome, by reason of the warres that he had in France, to recouer his right which he had to that realme.

This is noted by writers to be a token of great wisedome in this noble king, that would not go a∣bout to catch more than he might well gripe. Exam∣ples of bountious liberalitie, and great clemencie he shewed manie, and the same verie notable; so that in maner he alone amongst all other kings was found to be one, subiect to none, or at the least, to verie light and small faults. But yet he was not void of euill haps: for whereas, during the terme of fortie yeares space he reigned in high felicitie, and as one happie in all his dooings: so in the rest of his time that fol∣lowed, he felt a wonderfull change in fortune (whom writers compare to the moone for hir variablenesse,* 7.159 and often alterations, as neuer at a staie, saieng,

Vultus fortunae variatur imagine lunae, Crescit, decrescit, in eodem sistere nescit)

shewing hir selfe froward to him in most part of his proceedings: for such is the state of this world, sel∣dome dooth prosperitie continue, and guide the sterne of our worldlie dooings, as it well appeared by this noble prince. For in the first yeares of his reigne, af∣ter he once began to gouerne of himselfe, he recoue∣red that which had béene lost in Scotland, by great victories obteined against his aduersaries in that land, and passed further into the same, than euer his grandfather king Edward the first had doone before him, subduing the countrie on each hand, so that he placed gouernors, and bestowed offices, lands, and li∣uings in that realme at his pleasure.

¶ Amongst other (as I remember) there is yet re∣maining a charter vnder his great seale conteining a grant made vnto Iohn Eure and his heires for his good seruice doone in those parts,* 7.160 of a manour called Ketnes in the countie of Forfar (which lieth in the north of Scotland) with a market euerie mondaie, and a faire for thrée daies togither at Michaelmasse, as the euen, the daie, and the morrow after. Also he granted to the same Iohn Eure, free warren tho∣roughout the same lordship. This Iohn Eure was ancestor vnto the lord Eure that now liueth, who hath the same charter in his possession. ¶ As for this kings victories in France, the same were such as might séeme incredible, if the consent of all writers in that age confirmed not the same. But as these victories were glorious, so yet they prooued not so profitable in the end: for whereas he had sore burdened his subiects with taskes and subsidies, at length they waxed wearie, and began to withdraw their forward minds to helpe him with such summes

as had béene requisit for the maintenance of the warres, which the Frenchmen prolonged of purpose, and refused to trie their fortune any more in pight fields, wherby when he was constreined to be at con∣tinuall charges in such lingering warres, to defend that which he had erst gotten by force, and couenants of the peace; the sinewes of warre, to wit monie, be∣gan to faile him, and so the enimies recouered a great part of that which before time they had lost, both on the further side the seas, and likewise in [line 10] Scotland.

This must needs be a great greefe vnto a prince of such a stout and valiant stomach, namelie sith he had béene so long time before accustomed to find for∣tune still so fauourable vnto him in all his enterpri∣ses. But finallie the thing that most greeued him, was the losse of that most noble gentleman, his déere sonne prince Edward, in whom was found all parts that might be wished in a worthie gouernour. But this and other mishaps that chanced to him now in [line 20] his old yeares, might seeme to come to passe for a re∣uenge of his disobedience shewed to his father in v∣surping against him, although it might be said, that he did it by constreint, and through the aduise of o∣thers. But whether the remorse hereof, or of his other offenses mooued him; it may séeme (as some write) that the consideration of this worlds mutabilitie, which he tried to the full, caused him (as is thought) to haue in mind the life in the world to come, and there∣fore of a pure deuotion founded the church and col∣ledge [line 30] of saint Stephan at Westminster, and ano∣ther at Cambridge called The kings hall, giuing therevnto lands and reuenues, to the mainte∣nance of them that would giue themselues vnto learning.

Towards the maintenance of his warres, and furnishing foorth of such other charges and expenses as he tooke in hand to beare out, he had some helpe by the siluer mines in Deuonshire and Cornewall, in like manner as his grandfather king Edward [line 40] the first had.* 7.161 For one Matthew Crowthorne kéeper of his mines in those parts, yéelded diuerse accounts of the issues and profits of the same, betwéene the se∣cond and fifteenth yeare of his reigne, as well for the siluer as for the lead, after the siluer was fined from it. Also Iohn Moneron succeeding in the same office, accomptant of the profits of the same mines, from Michaelmasse in the nineteenth yeare of his reigne, vnto the second of Nouember in the three and twen∣tith yeare, yéelded vpon his accounts, both the siluer [line 50] and the lead there of remaining. Moreouer he let by indenture in the two and thirtith yeare of his reigne, vnto Iohn Ballancer, and Walter Goldbeater, his mines of gold, siluer, and copper, in the countie of Deuonshire, for terme of years. There is an account thereof remaining, and by the same (as it appeareth) was answered for the first yeare twentie markes. The second yeare the patentées died, and the king then disposed the same to others. In the eight and twentith yeare of his reigne, he committed by in∣denture [line 60] his said mines in Deuonshire, to one mai∣ster Iohn Hanner, and one Herman Rainesthorpe of Boheme, minors, yéelding to the king the tenth part of the oare, as well of the gold and siluer, as of the lead and copper that should be gotten foorth of the said mines.

In this kings daies, there liued manie excellent men, both in learning, in vertue, and in martiall prowesse, as partlie is touched in this discourse of his reigne; and first, the said noble and most valiant king, the prince of Wales his sonne surnamed the blacke prince, the duke of Lancaster Iohn of Gant sonne to the king, and his father in law duke Henrie, Edmund earle of Cambridge, and after duke of Yorke; the earles of Warwike, Huntington, Salis∣burie, Stafford, Northampton, Arundell and others; the lord Reginald Cobham, the lord Basset, the lord Thomas Holland, the lord Walter de Mannie and Henuier, the lord Edward Spenser, the lord Iohn Chandois, the lord Iames Audeley, Sir Iohn Cop∣land, sir Thomas Felton, sir Robert Knolles, who (as I haue said) being borne in Cheshire of meane parentage, through his manlie prowesse, and most skilfull experience in the warres, grew to be right ••a∣mous.

Moreouer, sir Hugh Caluerlie borne in the same shire, the capitall de Beufe a Gascoigne, sir Thomas Percie, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Baldwine Freuill, sir Iohn Harleston, sir Iames Pipe, sir Thomas Dagworth, & that valiant English knight sir Iohn Hawkewood, whose fame in the parts of Italie shall remaine for euer, where (as their histories make mention) he grew to such estimation for his valiant atchiued enterprises, that happie might that prince or common-wealth accompt themselues, that might haue his seruice, and so liuing there in such reputati∣on, somtimes he serued the pope, somtimes the lords of Millane, now this prince or common-wealth, now that, and other whiles none at all, but taking one towne or other, would kéepe the same, till some liking enterteinment were offered, and then would he sell such a towne, where he had thus remained, to them that would giue him for it according to his mind. Barnabe lord of Millane gaue vnto him one of his base daughters in marriage, with an honora∣ble portion for hir dower.

This man was borne in Essex (as some write) who at the first became a tailor in London, & afterwards going to the warres in France, serued in the roome of an archer, but at length he became a capteine and leader of men of war, highlie commended and liked of amongst the souldiers, in so much that, when by the peace concluded at Bretignie, in the yeare 1360, great numbers of soldiers were discharged out of wages, they got themselues togither in companies, and without commandement of any prince, by whose authoritie they might make warre, they fell to of themselues, and sore harried and spoiled diuerse countries in the realme of France, as partlie yée haue heard: amongst whome this sir Iohn Hawke∣wood was one of the principall capteins, & at length went into Italie, to serue the marques of Montfer∣rato, against the duke of Millane: although I re∣member that some write, how he came into that countrie with the duke of Clarence, but I thinke the former report be true: but it may well be, that he was readie to attend the said duke at his comming into Italie. And thus much concerning such famous capteins as serued this noble king Edward the third, although for bréefenesse I passe ouer diuerse o∣ther, no lesse famous and worthie for their high man∣hood and tried valiancie to be remembred, than these afore mentioned.

Of learned men, these we find by Iohn Bale re∣gistred in the Centuries; Iohn Baconthrop borne in Blackney in Northfolke, a frier Carmelite, and prouinciall of his order, so excellentlie learned, as well in diuinitie, as in both the ciuill and canon lawes, that he procéeded doctor in either facultie at Oxenford and Paris, and wrote diuerse treatises, to his high and singular commendation; William O••∣kam, Iohn Bloxham a Carmelite frier, Nicholas Triuet borne in Northfolke, sonne to sir Thomas Triuet knight, & one of the kings iusticiers, prooued excellentlie learned, and wrote diuerse treatises, and amongst other, two histories, and one booke of an∣nales, he was by profession a blacke frier, and de∣parted this life about the second yeare of this king

Edward the third, in the yeare of Christ 1328; Wil∣liam Alnewike borne in Northumberland, in the towne whereof he tooke name, a frier Minor; Iohn Tanet borne in the Ile of Tanet, an excellent musi∣cian, and a moonke in Canturburie; Hugh of saint Neot, a Carmelite frier in Hertfordshire, a notable diuine as those daies gaue; William Alton borne in Hampshire, a blacke frier and a diuine.

Furthermore, Richard Stradley borne in the mar∣ches of Wales, a moonke and a diuine, writing cer∣teine [line 10] treatises of the scripture; William Herbert a Welshman and a frier Minor, wrote also certeine goodlie treatises of diuinitie; Richard Coming∣ton a frier of the order of the Cordeliers, a preacher, and a writer of diuinitie; William Exeter a doc∣tor of diuinitie, and a prebendarie canon in Exe∣ter, whereas it is thought he was borne; Lucas Bosden a westerne man, and by profession a Car∣melite frier; Thomas Walleis a Dominike frier, a great diuine, as by such bookes as he wrote it may [line 20] appeare; Thomas Pontius a moonke of Canturbu∣rie, Iohn Ridewall a graie frier, Henrie Costesay or Cossey a frier Minor, Geffrie Aleuant borne in Yorkeshire, a frier Carmelite; Iohn Euersden, a moonke in Burie in Suffolke, an historiographer; Simon Burneston, a doctor of the Uniuersitie of Cambridge, and prouinciall of the friers Dominike or blacke friers, as they called them here in Eng∣land; Walter Burlie a doctor of diuinitie, who in his youth was brought vp, not onlie in Martine college [line 30] in Oxford, but also in the Uniuersities and schooles a∣broad beyond the seas, in France and Germanie, & afterwards for his wisedome, good demeanor & lear∣ning, he was reteined with the bishop of Ulmes in Suabenland, a region in high Germanie.

Amongst other treatises which he compiled, be∣ing manie, and namelie of naturall philosophie, he wrote a commentarie of the ethikes of Aristotle, and dedicated the same vnto the said bishop, a worke which hath beene highlie esteemed, not onelie in the [line 40] Uniuersities of Italie, Germanie and France, but also here in our Uniuersities of England. To con∣clude, such was the same of this doctor Burlie, that when the ladie Philip, daughter to the earle of Hei∣nault should come ouer into England to be married to king Edward, this doctor Burlie was reteined by hir, and appointed to be hir almoner, and so conti∣nued in great estimation, in so much that after Ed∣ward prince of Wales, eldest sonne to king Edward commonlie called the blacke prince, was borne, and [line 50] able to learne his booke, the said Burlie among o∣ther was commanded to be one of his instructors.

By reason hereof, sir Simon Burlie, of whom I haue made some mention heretofore in this kings life, and more intend to speake, as occasion serueth in the next king, being sonne to sir Iohn Burlie, néere kinsman to the said doctor Burlie, was admitted a∣mong other yoong gentlemen, to be schoolefelow with the said prince, by occasion whereof he grew in such credit and fauour with the said prince, that after∣wards [line 60] when his son Richard of Burdeaux, that suc∣céeded king Edward his father, was borne, the said prince for speciall trust and confidence which he had in the said sir Simon Burlie, committed the gouer∣nance & education of his son the said Richard vnto him, whereby he was euer after highlie in fauour with the said Richard, and no lesse aduanced by him, when he came to inioy the crowne of this realme.

But now to other learned men of that age. Iohn Barwike a frier Minor, and reader to his fellowes of that order in Oxford; William Notingham, Ro∣ger Glacton, borne in Huntingtonshire, an Augustin frier; Iohn Polestéed borne in Suffolke, a Carme∣lite frier in Ipswich or Gippeswich as they write it; Walter Kingham a frier also of the order of those Dominikes, which they called pied friers; Roger of Chester a moonke of that citie and an historiogra∣pher; Thomas de Hales a frier Minor, Robert Eli∣phat a graie frier, Geffrie Grandfield an Augustine or blacke frier, Hugh Wirlie a Carmelite frier of Norwich, William Eincourt a blacke frier of Bo∣ston, Hugh Ditton borne in Cambridgeshire a frier preacher, Adam Carthusianus a doctor of diuinitie, Iohn Luttrell an excellent philosopher and well seene in the mathematicals, Walter Cotton and Thomas Eckleston both graie friers, Iohn Folsham a Car∣melite frier in Norwich, Benet of Northfolke, Wil∣liam Southhampton so called of the towne where he was borne, a blacke frier.

Moreouer, Iohn Burgh a moonke wrote an hi∣storie, and certeine homilies; Adam Nidzard a ma∣ster of art, Edmund Albon, Robert Counton a graie frier, William Lissie a frier Minor, Iohn Repingale borne in Lincolneshire a Carmelite or white frier, as they called them; Christopher Mothusensis a blacke frier, Richard Aungeruile borne in Suffolke, who was bishop of Duresme, and lord chancellor of Eng∣land; Iohn Manduith, Walter Heminford a canon of Gisborne an historiographer, Iohn Olnie borne in Glocestershire, in an Ile so called, whereof he tooke his surname a Chartreux moonke; Thomas Staue∣shaw a frier Minor in Bristow, Robert of Leicester taking that surname of the towne where he was borne, a Franciscane or graie frier; Iohn of North∣hampton borne in that towne, and a Carmelite frier, an excellent mathematician.

Adde to the foresaid learned men, Robert Wor∣sop borne in Yorkeshire, and a blacke frier in Tic∣kill; William Bruniard a blacke frier, Richard Chi∣chester, a moonke of Westminster wrote an excellent chronicle, beginning the same at the comming in of the Saxons, about the yeare of our Lord 449, and continued it till the yeare 1348; Richard Rolle aliàs Hampole an excellent diuine wrote many treatises; Iohn Guent a Welshman, a Franciscane frier, and prouinciall of the order; Rodulph Radiptorius a frier Minor, Robert Holcoth a blacke frier, borne in Nor∣thampton, excellentlie learned, and wrote manie works, both of diuinitie and other arguments; Wil∣liam Miluerlie a logician or rather a sophister, Iohn Teukesburie, Thomas Bradwardin borne in Hart∣field, a towne within the diocesse of Chichester, arch∣bishop of Canturburie succeeding Iohn Offord, he wrote against the Pelagians; Richard Wether∣set, William Breton a graie frier, a Welshman borne, as Bale supposeth; Iohn of saint Faith, borne in Northfolke, a Carmelite frier of Brumham.

Furthermore, Iohn Goodwicke borne also in Northfolke, an Augustine frier of Lin; William Rothwell a blacke frier, Geffrie Waterton moonke of Burie, Richard Fitz Rafe, whom some take to be an Irishman, but a student in Oxford, and scholer to Iohn Baconthrope profited highlie, & wrote manie treatises, he was first archdeacon of Lichfield, and after chancellor of the Uniuersitie of Oxford, and at length archbishop of Ardmachan in Ireland; Ri∣chard Kilington a doctor of diuinitie, William Gri∣sant a notable physician, surnamed of the countrie where he was borne Anglicus, he led the later end of his life at Marseilles in Prouance, & had a son that was abbat of the regular canons of that citie, who at length was aduanced to gouerne the sée of Rome, & named Urbane the fift;* 7.162 Iohn Paschall borne in Suffolke, a Carmelite frier in Gippeswich, and by K. Edward the third preferred to the bishoprike of Landaffe; Adam Woodham a frier Minor, Simon Henton a blacke frier, William de Pagula; of Iohn Wicliffe ye haue heard before.

Moreouer, Geffrie 〈…〉〈…〉 blacke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Leices••e••, William Bintham, Roger Cou••••wey a Welshman borne in Counwey a grey ••rier, Richard Billingham, William Doroch a lawier, Iohn Kil∣lingworth an excellent philosopher, astronomer, and physician▪ William of Couentrie a ••rier Carme••ite, professed and borne in the same citie; Ran••lfe Hig∣den a moonke of Chester and borne in th••se parts, an historiographer; Iohn Eastwood aliàs 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an excellent philosopher, Thomas Ratclife borne in Lei∣cester, [line 10] and an Augustine frier in Leicester towne; Bartholomew Glanuille descended of noble paren∣tage, as of the linage of those Glanuilles that were sometimes earles of Suffolke, as Bale faith; Robert Computista a moonke of Burie, Iohn Wilton a moonke of Westminster, Simon Wichingham a frier Carmelite of Norwich, Iohn Deir a northerne man borne a notable diuine.

Furthermore, Simon I••••ep, founder of Cantur∣burie colledge in Oxenford, wrote diuerse treatises, [line 20] he was archbishop of Canturburie, as before yee haue heard; George Chadley, Iohn of Tinmouth vi∣car of that towne in the bishoprike of Durham, Pe∣ter Babion, Walter Wiborne or Wimborne, Ni∣cholas de Lin borne in the towne of that name in Northfolke, a Carmelite frier by profession, but as excellent an astronomer as was in those daies: Iohn Ridington borne in Lincolneshire a frier mi∣nor in Stafford, Adam a moonke of the Cisteaux or∣der, Roger Wihelpedale a mathematician, Simon [line 30] de Feuersham parson of Birton in Kent, Matthew Westmonasterienses, who wrote the booke called Flores historiarum; Iohn Elin a Carmelite borne in Northfolke, liued in these daies, but departed this life in king Richard the seconds daies; Thomas de Sturey an Augustine frier, Sertorious Gualensis a Welshman borne.

〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉

To conclude, Iohn Mandeuille knight, that great traueller, liued in those daies, and departed this life at Liege, the seuenteenth of Nouember, in the yeare 1372. Thomas of Douer a moonke of the abbeie there, Henrie Knighton wrote an historie ••ntituled De gestis Anglorum, Iohn Stokes borne in Suffolke an Augustine frier, Iohn Hornebie a frier Carme∣lite of Boston, Henrie B••••••rike or (as other rather will) of Burie an Augustine frier, Simon Alcocke a diuine, Utred Balton borne in the marches of Wales a moonke of Durham, William Iordan an Augustine frier, Iohn Hilton a frier minor, Willi∣am de Lincolne a Carmelite, borne and professed in that citie, whereof he tooke his surname, Adam Sax∣lingham a frier of the same order, but borne in Northfolke; Simon Mepham a prebend of Chiche∣ster, and a great diuine; Iohn Bamton a Carme∣lite, and student in Cambridge; Iohn Wichingham a gray frier: and diuerse other, which for that we are not certeine in what age they liue••, we here passe ouer.

Thus farre Edward the third, sonne to Edward the second and queene Isabell.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gouernours appointed.
• * 1.2

  The franchi∣ses of the citie of London confirmed.
• * 1.3

  Records of Burie.
• * 1.4

  The second riot.
• * 1.5

  The third riot.
• * 1.6

  The manoor of Holdernesse barne.
• * 1.7

  The manour of Westlie burnt.
• * 1.8

  The manoor of Fornham burnt.
• * 1.9

  The common people often deceiued by lewd infor∣mations.
• * 1.10

  Rob. Foxton pardoned.
• * 1.11

  A priuilege.
• * 1.12

  Portman mote.
• * 1.13

  The abbats officers bla∣med.
• * 1.14

  A condem∣nation.
• * 1.15

  An agréemēt.
• * 2.1

  This might come to passe before the a∣gréement wa•• made in the fift yeare of the kings reigne as a∣boue is men∣tioned, and so therevpon he might be re∣stored.
• * 2.2

  Rich. South. Rob. Ma∣ners captein of Norham castell.
• * 2.3

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inuade Eng∣land.
• * 2.4

  The lord Beaumo•••• of Hein••u••••.
• * 2.5

  Caxton.
• * 2.6

  A fraie be∣twixt y^e Eng∣lish archers and the Hen∣uiers. Caxton.
• * 2.7

  Froissart.
• * 2.8

  Caxton. Froissart.
• * 2.9

  Stanop parke. Caxton.
• * 2.10

  A ••ime in de∣rision of the Englishmen.
• * 2.11

  ••roissart. The lord Dowglas.
• * 2.12

  The lord Beaumōt re∣turned home. Polydor.
• * 2.13

  Fabian.
• * 2.14

  Anno Reg. 2. A parlement at North∣ampton.
• * 2.15

  A dishonora∣ble peace.
• * 2.16

  Ragman.
• * 2.17

  Fabian. Caxton. The blacke crosse.
• * 2.18

  A marriage concluded.
• * 2.19

  Ione Make∣peace.
• * 2.20

  Ri. Southwell.
• * 2.21

  Tho. Walsin. Adam Meri∣muth. Polydor. Creations of earles.
• * 2.22

  The earle of March ruleth all things at his pleasure.
• * 2.23

  Caxton.
• * 2.24

  The e••rle of Lancaster.
• * 2.25

  Robert Hol∣land slaine.
• * 2.26

  The archbi∣shop of Can∣turburie was the chiefe pro∣curor of the agreement & reconciliation of the earle (as Meri∣muth saith.)
• * 2.27

  Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.28

  1••29 Anno Reg. 3.
• * 2.29

  Tho. Wals••. Ri. Southwell. Additions to Meri.
• * 2.30

  Thom. Dun∣hed a frier.
• * 2.31

  Thom. Wals.
• * 2.32

  Anno Reg 4.
• * 2.33

  The earle of Kent behea∣ded.
• * 2.34

  Naughtie seruants bring their master into disfauour.
• * 2.35

  The Blacke prince borne.
• * 2.36

  Croxden. An eclipse.
• * 2.37

  A late haruest
• * 2.38

  A mightie wind.
• * 2.39

  Additions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 N. Triuet.
• * 2.40

  Maister Fox.
• * 2.41

  ••la••di.
• * 2.42

  The earle of March at∣tainted.
• * 2.43

  Adam Me∣••emuth. The earle of March exe∣cuted.
• * 2.44

  Sir Simon Bereford ex∣ecuted.
• * 2.45

  Some bookes haue 3 thou∣sand pounds.
• * 2.46

  Ad. Merem.
• * 2.47

  1331 Anno. Reg. 5.
• * 2.48

  Edward Ba∣lioll commeth into England
• * 2.49

  Caxton.
• * 2.50

  Iohn Bar∣nabie.
• * 2.51

  The lord Beaumont.
• * 2.52

  1332 Anno Reg. 6.
• * 2.53

  Croxden. The earle of Gelderland.
• * 2.54

  Edward Ba∣lioll crowned k. of Scotlād.
• * 2.55

  The cause that mooued K. Edward to aid Edward Balioll.
• * 2.56

  Rich. South. Edward Ba∣lioll chased out of Scot∣land.
• * 2.57

  Anno Reg. 7.
• * 2.58

  Berwike besieged.
• * 2.59

  The victorie of English∣men at Ha∣lidon hill.
• * 2.60

  Berwike de∣liuered.
• * 2.61

  The lord Ri∣chard Talbot
• * 2.62

  The lord iu∣stice of Ire∣land cōmeth into Scot∣land.
• * 2.63

  Adam Me••∣muth.
• * 2.64

  1334 Anno Reg. ••
• * 2.65

  Adam Me••∣muth. A parlement at Yorke.
• * 2.66

  Edward B••••lioll dooth ••••∣mage vnto the king of Eng¦land for Sc••••¦land.
• * 2.67

  Inundation of the sea.
• * 2.68

  Ambassad•••••• from the French 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.69

  Rich. South. A parlement at London.
• * 2.70

  The king en∣treth into Scotland with an armie
• * 2.71

  Hen. Marle.
• * 2.72

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 dearth and ••eth of cattell.
• * 2.73

  Anno Reg. 9.
• * 2.74

  Ambassadors ••ent into France.
• * 2.75

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. Southwell. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 parlement.
• * 2.76

  The Welsh∣men.
• * 2.77

  Dundée burnt.
• * 2.78

  The earle of Namure.
• * 2.79

  Fourdon.
• * 2.80

  The earle of Murrey takē. Rich. Southw.
• * 2.81

  Fourdon.
• * 2.82

  Scots submit them to the king of Eng∣land.
• * 2.83

  The castell of Kildrummie.
• * 2.84

  The earle of Atholl slaine.
• * 2.85

  Anno Reg. 10.
• * 2.86

  A truce gran∣ted to the Scots.
• * 2.87

  The stoutnes of Scots hin∣dered the con∣clusion of the peace.
• * 2.88

  An armie sent into Scot∣land.

  S. Iohns towne for∣tified.
• * 2.89

  Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.90

  The K. goeth into Scot∣land.
• * 2.91

  Aberden burnt.

  Tho. Walsin. Sir Thomas Rosselin slain.
• * 2.92

  The earle of Cornewall.
• * 2.93

  The lord Douglas.
• * 2.94

  Striueling castell built or rather repa∣red.
• * 2.95

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the earle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Corne••••••l
• * 2.96

  The dec•••••••• of Hugh de Fresnes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lincol••••.
• * 2.97

  Walter G••••∣burgh. Thom. Wa••.
• * 2.98

  The lord Stafford.
• * 2.99

  A statute or∣deined by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scots in ••••∣uour of 〈…〉〈…〉 of England.
• * 2.100

  Polydor.
• * 2.101

  Townes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edwards 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scotland▪
• * 2.102

  Th. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Croxden.
• * 2.103

  13••••
• * 2.104

  The king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dieth toge∣ther 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mainte•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 warres.
• * 2.105

  Great ••••eap∣nesse of w••rs end scarsitie of monie.
• * 2.106

  1338 Anno Reg. 11.
• * 2.107

  Thom. Wals. Ran. Higd. Polydor. Fabian.
• * 2.108

  Creations of noble men.
• * 2.109

  Additions to Hen. Marle. Croxden.
• * 2.110

  An act of ar∣raie, against sumptuous apparell.
• * 2.111

  An act for re∣strain•• of trās∣porting ouer wools. Adam Meri∣••••uth.
• * 2.112

  Rich. South. The castell of Bothuile taken.
• * 2.113

  Sir Eustace Maxwell.
• * 2.114

  The earle of Warwike inuadeth Scotland.
• * 2.115

  The castell of Edenburgh besieged.
• * 2.116

  The siege is raised.
• * 2.117

  The K. prac∣tiseth with y^e Flemings.
• * 2.118

  The bishop of Tournie.
• * 2.119

  Ia. M••ir.
• * 2.120

  The Ile of Cadsant.
• * 2.121

  An armie sent by sea into Flanders.
• * 2.122

  Foure thou∣sand saith Ia. Meir.
• * 2.123

  Froissard.
• * 2.124

  Two cardi∣nals come in∣to England.
• * 2.125

  Additions to Meri.
• * 2.126

  Ri. Southwell▪ The castell of Dunbar be∣sieged. Anno Reg. 12.
• * 2.127

  A parlement.
• * 2.128

  Croxden. A subsidie.
• * 2.129

  The cardi∣nals returne.
• * 2.130

  Iames or Iacob Arte∣ueld, a hom∣maker of Gant.
• * 2.131

  His authori∣tie among the commons.
• * 2.132

  A league be∣twixt Eng∣land & Flan∣ders. Iac. Meir.
• * 2.133

  Siger de Curtrey.
• * 2.134

  The Fullers of Gant.
• * 2.135

  The earle of Flanders fléeth into France.
• * 2.136

  He returneth home.
• * 2.137

  Dixmue.
• * 2.138

  He eftsoones fléeth.
• * 2.139

  Flanders wholie at the deuotion of K. Edward.
• * 2.140

  K. Edward saileth to Antwerpe.
• * 2.141

  Froissard, The marques of Gulike•• land.
• * 2.142

  The earle of Gelderland created ••uke••.
• * 2.143

  K. Edwards confederates.
• * 2.144

  Lionell that was after duke of Cla∣rence borne.
• * 2.145

  Additions to Adam Meri∣muth.

  A parlement at Northamp∣ton.

  A subsidie vp∣on wooll.

  The cleargie granteth a tenth.
• * 2.146

  Great raine.
• * 2.147

  1339 Anno Reg. 13.
• * 2.148

  The French∣men inuade y^e coasts of this land.

  Plimmouth burnt.
• * 2.149

  The earle of Deuonshire.
• * 2.150

  Rich. South.
• * 2.151

  William Dowglas.
• * 2.152

  Hect. Boetius▪
• * 2.153

  A floud.
• * 2.154

  Cōmissioners sent to treat of peace.
• * 2.155

  They cannot agrée.
• * 2.156

  Cambrie be∣sieged.
• * 2.157

  Ia. Meir.
• * 2.158

  The king ra••••seth his siege and entreth into France▪ Flamin∣guerie.
• * 2.159

  Fabian. Thom. Walsi.
• * 2.160

  Southamptō burnt.
• * 2.161

  Two English ships taken.
• * 2.162

  The French kings armie.
• * 2.163

  Iacob. Meir.
• * 2.164

  Townes burnt by the Englishmen in France.
• * 2.165

  The towne of Guise burnt.
• * 2.166

  The earle of Heinault.
• * 2.167

  The armies approch néere togither.
• * 2.168

  Froissard.
• * 2.169

  Robert king of Sicill dis∣••uadeth the French king to fight with the king of England.
• * 2.170

  The armies retire without battell.
• * 2.171

  A councell at Brusse••••.
• * 2.172

  The motiō 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to haue the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Englan•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take vpon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the title to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 crowne of France.
• * 2.173

  The kings answer to the Flemings.
• * 2.174

  These to•••••• had béene in∣gaged to the king of Frā•••• for monie.
• * 2.175

  The quart••∣ring of the armes of England & France.
• * 2.176

  In Angl. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sub Ed••ard•• 3.
• * 2.177

  Polydor.
• * 2.178

  The issue of Philip le Beau.
• * 2.179

  Lewes H••∣tine.
• * 2.180

  Philip le Long.
• * 2.181

  Charles le Beau.
• * 2.182

  King Ed∣ward signifi∣eth his right to the crowne of France.
• * 2.183

  Ia. Mair. King Ed∣ward tooke vpon him the rule & armes of the K. of France.

  The Fle∣mings swere fealtie to the King of Eng∣land.
• * 2.184

  Additions to Nic. Triuet.
• * 2.185

  Iohn of Gaunt borne.
• * 2.186

  Anno Reg. 14.
• * 2.187

  A parlement.
• * 2.188

  Hen. Marl. Polydor.
• * 2.189

  A subsidie.
• * 2.190

  The citie of London len∣deth the king monie.
• * 2.191

  The fronti∣ers of France full of men of warre.
• * 2.192

  The towne of Asper burnt.
• * 2.193

  The erle of Heinault defi∣eth the Frēch king.
• * 2.194

  Townes burnt in Thierasse.
• * 2.195

  Flanders in∣terdicted.
• * 2.196

  Ad. Merim.
• * 2.197

  Adam Me∣rimuth. Iac. Meir.
• * 2.198

  The earles of Salisburie & Suffolke ta∣ken.
• * 2.199

  The countrie of Heinault inuaded.
• * 2.200

  Gaguin.
• * 2.201

  A great nauie prepared by the French king.
• * 2.202

  The king of England ta∣keth the sea.
• * 2.203

  Polydor. Ia. Meir.
• * 2.204

  The king of England set∣teth vpon his enimies.
• * 2.205

  Additions to Triuet.
• * 2.206

  The victo•••••• of the English••men at the battell of Sluise.
• * 2.207

  Additions to Triuet & Merimuth.
• * 2.208

  The Iames of Déepe.
• * 2.209

  Barbenoir. Gaguin. Auesburie. Tho. Walsi. Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.210

  Froissard. Ia. Meir. R. Southw. The number slaine. Rich. South.
• * 2.211

  Rich. South. The king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Froissard.
• * 2.212

  The riuer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lestault, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.213

  The Fle∣mings.
• * 2.214

  Sir Richard Limosin.
• * 2.215

  The armies breake vp.
• * 2.216

  The assemblie of the princes at Uilleford.
• * 2.217

  The couenāts betwixt the k. of England & his cōfederats
• * 2.218

  Froissard. Tournie fur∣nished with a strong power of men.
• * 2.219

  Tournie be∣sieged.
• * 2.220

  The great number of peo¦ple at the siege of Tournie. Ia. Meir.
• * 2.221

  The earle of Richmond.
• * 2.222

  The French∣men set vpon y^e Flemings.
• * 2.223

  The variable fortune of fights.
• * 2.224

  Additions to Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.225

  Sil. Ital. lib. 6.
• * 2.226

  Sir Thomas Uthred.
• * 2.227

  The earle of Richmond in danger to be slaine.
• * 2.228

  The great ar∣mie raised by the French king.
• * 2.229

  The ladie Iane de Ua∣lois treateth for a peace.
• * 2.230

  A truce ac∣corded.
• * 2.231

  The Fle∣mings relea∣sed of debts, and of the in∣terdiction.
• * 2.232

  Polydor.
• * 2.233

  Restitution of townes to the king of England. Gaguin.
• * 2.234

  The siege rai∣sed from Tournie.
• * 2.235

  The earle of Flanders feasteth the K. of England. Ia. Meir.
• * 2.236

  The king go∣eth into Zea¦land.
• * 2.237

  Continuation of Triuet.
• * 2.238

  Auesburie.
• * 2.239

  Iudges and other officers committed to the tower.
• * 2.240

  New officers made in place of other that were dischar∣ged.
• * 2.241

  The K. offen∣ded with the the archb. of Canturburie.
• * 2.242

  1341 The archbish. writeth to the king.
• * 2.243

  Anno Reg. 15. A letter sent to the deane of Paules.
• * 2.244

  The archbi∣shop refuseth to come to the court.
• * 2.245

  A parlement.
• * 2.246

  Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.247

  The emperor woone frō the king of Eng∣lands fréend∣ship.
• * 2.248

  The emperor offereth to be a meane to cō∣clude a peace.
• * 2.249

  The kings answer▪
• * 2.250

  The deceasse of the lord Geffrey de Scrope, & of the bishop of Lincolne. The quéene brought to bed.
• * 2.251

  The commis∣sioners that met at Arras.
• * 2.252

  This truce was prolon∣ged about the least of the de∣collation of S. Iohn, to indure till Midsummer next follow∣ing, as the ad∣dition to Ad. Merimuth hath.
• * 2.253

  The occas••o•• of the war•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Britaine.
• * 2.254

  Mor. lib. ca•• 4 Ode 4.
• * 2.255

  Ia. Meir.
• * 2.256

  Froissard▪
• * 2.257

  The english succour ••riued in good time.
• * 2.258

  Archers.
• * 2.259

  Charles de Blois. Lewes de Spaine.
• * 2.260

  Britaine Britonant.
• * 2.261

  Edmund of Langley that was after duke of yorke is borne. Fabian. A iusts and tornie at Dunstable.
• * 2.262

  Hanibout besieged.
• * 2.263

  1342 Anno Reg. 16.
• * 2.264

  The countes of Richmond commeth ouer into Englād. An armie sent into Britaine
• * 2.265

  Additions to Adam Meri∣muth, and Nic. Triue••.
• * 2.266

  The earle of Northamp∣ton and De∣uonshire.
• * 2.267

  Genowaies reteined in the French kings wages.
• * 2.268

  The English¦men and Ge∣nowaies méet and fight on the Seas.
• * 2.269

  Uannes wo••
• * 2.270

  Additions to Nic. Triuet.
• * 2.271

  The king passeth ouer into Britaine.
• * 2.272

  Uann••s be∣s••••ged.
• * 2.273

  A••ditions to Triuet.
• * 2.274

  An armie of Frenchmen discomfited by a few En∣glishmen.
• * 2.275

  Naunts be∣sieged.
• * 2.276

  The duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Norman•••••• commeth downe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Britaine.
• * 2.277

  Additions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Triuet. Commissio∣ners for the king of Eng∣land.
• * 2.278

  Commissio∣ners for the French king
• * 2.279

  A truce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thrée year••••.
• * 2.280

  The cond••∣tions of the truce.
• * 2.281

  Anno Reg. 17.
• * 2.282

  The king of England re∣turneth by sea forth of Bri∣taine.
• * 2.283

  Shipwracke.
• * 2.284

  A parlement. The kings eldest sonne created prince of Wales.
• * 2.285

  Ambassadors appointed to go to the ••ope.
• * 2.286

  Sir Iohn Shordich sent to the Pope.
• * 2.287

  The Popes words to sir Iohn Shor∣dich.
• * 2.288

  Of benefices inhibited by the king.
• * 2.289

  Iusts in Smithfield.
• * 2.290

  1344 Anno Reg. 18.
• * 2.291

  Th. Walsing. A chamber built within the castell of Windsore, called the round table.
• * 2.292

  I. Stow out of Henrie de Leicester. The Ile of Man.
• * 2.293

  Iusts & tor∣nies holden at Windsore.
• * 2.294

  The order of the garter founded.
• * 2.295

  Looke in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 description: Britaine.
• * 2.296

  In Angl. prae•••• sub Edwardo 3.
• * 2.297

  The occasion that moued K. Edward to institute the order of the garter.
• * 2.298

  The countr•••• of Salisburie.
• * 2.299

  Additions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Adam Me••i∣muth, and Triuet.
• * 2.300

  Coine changed.
• * 2.301

  1345 Anno Reg. 19.
• * 2.302

  Auesburie. Ad. Merimuth Polychron.
• * 2.303

  Fiue hundred men of armes, and two thou∣sand archers saith Froissard.
• * 2.304

  Bergerat woone.
• * 2.305

  Froissard.
• * 2.306

  Additions to Nic. Triuet.
• * 2.307

  The duke of Britaine de∣parted this life.
• * 2.308

  The lord Beaumont of Heinault for∣saketh the K. of England his seruice.
• * 2.309

  The king go∣eth ouer into Flanders.
• * 2.310

  Ia. Mair.
• * 2.311

  Froissard.
• * 2.312

  A councell ••elden in the king of Eng∣lands ship.
• * 2.313

  Ia. Meir. Welshmen appointed to Iaques Ar∣teueld for a gard against Gerard De∣nise.
• * 2.314

  Iacob Arte∣uelds house beset.
• * 2.315

  Froissard. Ia. Meir.
• * 2.316

  Iacob van Arteueld slaine.
• * 2.317

  M. Pal. in scor.
• * 2.318

  Ambassadors from the good townes in Flanders vnto king Edward.
• * 2.319

  Froissard.
• * 2.320

  Auberoch besieged.
• * 2.321

  The Fren•••• armie distre••∣sed, and the earle of Li••••e taken.
• * 2.322

  Towns 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the earle o•• Derbie.
• * 2.323

  Angolesme.
• * 2.324

  Blaues.
• * 2.325

  Froissard saith they were an hundred thou∣sand. Gio. Vil∣lani writeth that they were a six thousand horsmen and fiftie thousand footemen, of Frenchmen, Gascoignes & Lombardes.
• * 2.326

  Annales de Burgoigne.
• * 2.327

  1346 Anno Reg. 20.
• * 2.328

  Angolisme recouered by the French∣men.
• * 2.329

  Damassen. Thonins.
• * 2.330

  Aiguillon besieged.
• * 2.331

  Gio. Villani.
• * 2.332

  The archde∣con of Unfort.
• * 2.333

  Frenchmen discomfited▪
• * 2.334

  Additions to Adam Meri∣muth.
• * 2.335

  Purueiers punished.
• * 2.336

  Iustices.
• * 2.337

  A parlement.
• * 2.338

  Cardinals.
• * 2.339

  Froissard. The king pas∣eth ouer into Normandie.
• * 2.340

  Iohn Villani saith there were 2500 horsemen, and 30000 footmen and archers, that passed o∣uer with the K. but when he commeth to speake of th•• battell, he sée∣meth to in∣crease the number.
• * 2.341

  The ordering of the kings armie.
• * 2.342

  Harflew
• * 2.343

  Chierburge.
• * 2.344

  Mountburge
• * 2.345

  Carentine.
• * 2.346

  Saint Lo.
• * 2.347

  There were slaine in all without and within the towne 5000 men, as Gio. Villani wri∣teth.
• * 2.348

  Peter Legh.
• * 2.349

  Caen taken.
• * 2.350

  40000 clot••••s as Gio. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writeth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 got by the Englishmen in one place and other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this iourn••••▪
• * 2.351

  Louiers.
• * 2.352

  Gisors.
• * 2.353

  Uernon.
• * 2.354

  Gio. Villani▪
• * 2.355

  S. Germans in Laie. S. Clowd.
• * 2.356

  Beauuois.
• * 2.357

  Burners executed.
• * 2.358

  Piquency.
• * 2.359

  The Fren•••• kings arm••••.
• * 2.360

  Sir God∣mare du Foy.
• * 2.361

  Gobin Agace
• * 2.362

  The English men wan the passage ouer the water of Some.
• * 2.363

  Caxton. The number slaine. F••o••sard.
• * 2.364

  Crotay burnt
• * 2.365

  Mar. Pal. in sag.
• * 2.366

  Giouō Villani saith, that when they should ioine in battell, the Englishmen were 30000. archers Eng∣lish & Welsh, beside other footmen with axes & iaue∣lins, and not fullie 4000 horssemen.
• * 2.367

  Froissard. The kings d••meanor be∣fore y^e battell.
• * 2.368

  The disorder among the Frenchmen.
• * 2.369

  Charles Gri¦mald•• & An∣thonie or O∣thone Doris were capt••ins of these Geno∣wa••es, which were not past six thousand, as Gio. Villani saith.

  Polydor. Froissard. The earle of Ilanson.
• * 2.370

  Raine and thunder with an eclipse.
• * 2.371

  T••e Geno∣wa••••s.
• * 2.372

  The battell is begun.
• * 2.373

  The king of Boheme.
• * 2.374

  The earle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alanson.
• * 2.375

  The princ•••• battell p••••∣sed.
• * 2.376

  The earle of Northamp•••••• sendeth to the king.
• * 2.377

  The king•• answer.
• * 2.378

  The Fre•••••• king depar∣teth out of the field.
• * 2.379

  Great slaug••∣ter of French••men.

  Caxton. Iac. Meir. Polydor. Froissard.
• * 2.380

  Noble men slaine.
• * 2.381

  The king of England co••••meth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 2.382

  Georg. Buch. pa∣raph. in psal.
• * 2.383

  Frenchmen slaine the day after the bat∣••••ll.
• * 2.384

  The archb. of Rouen and the lord grand prior of France slaine
• * 2.385

  Calis besie∣ged.
• * 3.1

  In the Acts and monu∣ments.
• * 3.2

  Iac. Me••••.
• * 3.3

  Terrou••n.
• * 3.4

  Terrouan woon by 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.5

  Froissard.
• * 3.6

  Sir Iohn de Uienne cap∣teine of Calis.
• * 3.7

  The king of Englands pitie towards the poore.
• * 3.8

  The duke of Normandie sent for.
• * 3.9

  The earle of Derbie assem∣bleth an armie
• * 3.10

  Towns won by the earle of Derbie.
• * 3.11

  The citie of Poictiers woon by force.
• * 3.12

  Saint Iohn Dangelie.
• * 3.13

  The king of Scots inua∣deth Eng∣land. Polydor.
• * 3.14

  The English lords assemble a power to fight with the Scots. Froissard.
• * 3.15

  Tho. Wals. Froissard. The quéenes diligence.
• * 3.16

  The Scots fight with ••xes.
• * 3.17

  The English men obteine the victorie.
• * 3.18

  The king of Scots taken.
• * 3.19

  Hect. Boetius. Ri. Southwell. Fabian. Froissard.
• * 3.20

  Neuils crosse.
• * 3.21

  In Angl. praelijs sub Edward•• 3.
• * 3.22

  Sée in Scot∣land.
• * 3.23

  Hector Boet. Countries of Scotlād sub∣dued by the Englishmen. Froissard.
• * 3.24

  Iohn Cop∣land refuseth to deliuer the K. of Scots.
• * 3.25

  Iohn Cop¦land rew••••∣ded.
• * 3.26

  Ia. Meir. The Fle∣mings.
• * 3.27

  Froissard.
• * 3.28

  1347 Anno Re•• ••••
• * 3.29

  The earle of Flanders 〈◊〉〈◊〉 streined to promise ma∣riage to the king of Eng∣lands daugh••ter.
• * 3.30

  The lord Charles de Blois tak•• prisoner.
• * 3.31

  Sir Thoma•• Dagworth. Froissard.
• * 3.32

  Sir 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hartilie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 English knight w••s also there with him.
• * 3.33

  Fabian.
• * 3.34

  The French king assem∣bleth an armie Froissard.
• * 3.35

  The Flem∣ings besiege Aire.
• * 3.36

  Ia. Meir.
• * 3.37

  The French K. cōmeth to∣wards Calis.
• * 3.38

  The earle of Derbie.
• * 3.39

  The request of the French lords to the king of Eng∣land.
• * 3.40

  His answer.
• * 3.41

  Cardinals sēt to intreat of peace.
• * 3.42

  They depart.
• * 3.43

  The French K. returneth into France.
• * 3.44

  The conditi∣ons of the surrender of Calis.
• * 3.45

  Six bur∣gesses of Ca∣lis presented to the king.
• * 3.46

  The queene obteined their pardon.
• * 3.47

  Calis yéelded to the king of England.
• * 3.48

  Calis made a colonie of Englishmen.
• * 3.49

  The quéene brought to bed in the ca∣stell of Calis. Polydor.
• * 3.50

  Caxton. Ia. Meir. A truce.
• * 3.51

  Women hard to agrée.
• * 3.52

  Sir Amerie de Pauie.
• * 3.53

  134••
• * 3.54

  Thom. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.55

  Anno Reg ••. Great 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.56

  1349 Anno Reg. 13.
• * 3.57

  A great mor∣talitie.
• * 3.58

  Dearth.
• * 3.59

  A practise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betraie 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.60

  Diuersitted writers.
• * 3.61

  Fabian.
• * 3.62

  Froissard.
• * 3.63

  The king ••••cretlie pa••••••ouer to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 3.64

  The lord Geffrie de Charnie.
• * 3.65

  Sir Edward de Rentie.
• * 3.66

  The king cri∣eth Mannie to the rescue.
• * 3.67

  The earles of Stafford and Suffolke, the lords Monta∣cute, Berkley and la Ware.
• * 3.68

  The French∣men alight on foot.
• * 3.69

  Sir Eustace de Ribaumōt a right vali∣••nt knight.
• * 3.70

  He is taken prisoner by the king of England.

  The lord Gef¦frie de Char∣nie is taken.
• * 3.71

  Sir Eustace de Ribau∣mont.
• * 3.72

  Anno Reg. 24. The death ceasseth. Auesdurie.
• * 3.73

  Commissio∣ners méet to talke of peace.
• * 3.74

  Men borne with ••ewer téeth than in times past. Caxton. Tho. Walsin. Polychron.
• * 3.75

  A combat.
• * 3.76

  Auesburie. Thom. Wals.
• * 3.77

  A Spanish fléet.

  Spaniards vanquisht by the K. of En∣gland by sea.
• * 3.78

  Thom. Wals.
• * 3.79

  Auesburie.
• * 3.80

  Froissard. Sir Thomas Dagworth slaine.
• * 3.81

  Ambassadors sent to the pope.
• * 3.82

  Anno Reg 25. 1351
• * 3.83

  Froissard.
• * 3.84

  The castell of Guines woone.
• * 3.85

  Polydor.
• * 3.86

  Grotes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hal••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fi••st 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• * 3.87

  1••5•• Anno. Reg▪
• * 3.88

  Mouron.
• * 3.89

  135•• Anno. Reg. ••••
• * 3.90

  Tho. Walsi▪ In the pri••∣ted books of statutes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sho••ld ap∣peare, that this parle∣ment was rather h••l∣den in the •••• yeare of the kings reig••••▪
• * 3.91

  Statutes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 making of clothes.
• * 3.92

  Weares and milles.
• * 3.93

  Creations 〈◊〉〈◊〉 noble men.
• * 3.94

  The lord Charles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Blois.
• * 3.95

  Debate be∣twixt the dukes of Brunswike & Lancaster.
• * 3.96

  Auesburie. Tho. Walsi. affirmeth that this remoo∣uing of the staple of wols was the 28 yeare of K. Edwards reigne.
• * 3.97

  Fabian.
• * 3.98

  Sir Walter Bentl••e com∣mitted to the tower.
• * 3.99

  A great drought.
• * 3.100

  A dearth.
• * 3.101

  Caxton. Corn brought out of Zeland.
• * 3.102

  1354 Anno Reg. 28.
• * 3.103

  Thom. Wals. Auesburie.
• * 3.104

  A truce be∣twixt Eng∣land and France.
• * 3.105

  Ambassado•••• to the pope.
• * 3.106

  1355 Anno Reg. 29.
• * 3.107

  Debate be∣twixt the scho¦lers & townes∣men of Oxen∣ford.
• * 3.108

  Thom. Wals. Auesburie. The quarrell appeased be∣twixt the scholers and townesme no•• Oxenford.
• * 3.109

  Auesburie. A nauie pre∣pared.
• * 3.110

  The duke of Lancaster.
• * 3.111

  Record. Tur.
• * 3.112

  The end and award made of the quarrell betwixt the Uniuersitie and townes∣men of Ox∣ford.
• * 3.113

  Tho. Wals••. The prince 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wales goeth ouer into Gasco••gne▪
• * 3.114

  The citie of London.
• * 3.115

  The king in∣••a••eth Frāce. The lord Bousicant.
• * 3.116

  Froissard. The king for want of vit∣tels returneth
• * 3.117

  Auesburie.
• * 3.118

  The consta∣ble of France demandeth battell.
• * 3.119

  The answer made to him.
• * 3.120

  Berwike ta∣ken by Scots
• * 3.121

  A parlement.
• * 3.122

  The procée∣dings of the prince of Wales in A∣quitaine.
• * 3.123

  Carcasson.
• * 3.124

  Narbonne.
• * 3.125

  Two bishops sent from the pope to the prince of Wales.
• * 4.1

  He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sea.
• * 5.1

  Buscicau••••••
• * 5.2

  The capitall de Beuf.
• * 5.3

  Hector Boe••.
• * 5.4

  Anno Reg. 30.
• * 5.5

  The resigna∣tion of the realme of Scotland made by the Balioll.
• * 5.6

  K. Edward sore afflicted the Scots.
• * 5.7

  The duke of Lācaster sent to aid the king of Nauarre.
• * 5.8

  Paulus A••∣milius.
• * 5.9

  Froissard.
• * 5.10

  The castell of Orbec res∣cued.
• * 5.11

  The citie of Eureux yéel∣ded to the Frenchmen.
• * 5.12

  Uernueil.
• * 5.13

  The French K. commeth to giue the duke of Lancaster battell.
• * 5.14

  Froissard. The prince of Wales inua∣deth y^e French dominions.
• * 5.15

  The citie of Burges.
• * 5.16

  Issoldune as∣saulted.
• * 5.17

  Uierzon woone.
• * 5.18

  The passages stopped.
• * 5.19

  The prince returneth.
• * 5.20

  Remorentine.
• * 5.21

  A skirmish.
• * 5.22

  The French∣men fled.
• * 5.23

  The prince lodgeth in the towne of Re∣morentine.
• * 5.24

  The castell of Remorentine assaulted.
• * 5.25

  It is set on fier.
• * 5.26

  They with•••• submitted themselues.
• * 5.27

  The French king foloweth the prince of Wales.
• * 5.28

  Froissard. Seuen thou∣sand chosen men saith Tho. Walsi.
• * 5.29

  Chauuignie.
• * 5.30

  The lord Ra∣oull de Cou∣cie taken.
• * 5.31

  Frenchmen distressed.
• * 5.32

  The ordering of the French battell.
• * 5.33

  The cardinal of Piergort.
• * 5.34

  The prince of Wales con∣tented to come to a treatie.
• * 5.35

  The offer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the prince of Wales.
• * 5.36

  The French kings pre∣sumptuous demand.
• * 5.37

  The English men fortifie their campe.
• * 5.38

  The cardinal trauelled in vaine.
• * 5.39

  Tho. Wal••. A prophesie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a prelate.
• * 5.40

  The exte••••tion of the prince.
• * 5.41

  Noble men with the prince of Wales.
• * 5.42

  The capitall de Beuf.
• * 5.43

  The number of the prince his armie.
• * 5.44

  The number of the French.
• * 5.45

  The battell is begun.
• * 5.46

  The force of the English archers.
• * 5.47

  The lord Iames Au∣deley.
• * 5.48

  Tho. Walsi. The earles of Warwike and S••ffolke.
• * 5.49

  The mar∣shals battell put to y^• worst
• * 5.50

  The French∣men séeke to saue them∣selus by flight Polydor.
• * 5.51

  Froissard. The valian∣cie of the French king.
• * 5.52

  The French king taken.
• * 5.53

  Ia. Meit. Sir Denise Morbecke. Froissard.
• * 5.54

  Noblemen slaine.
• * 5.55

  Ia. Meir.
• * 5.56

  Polydor. The chase.
• * 5.57

  Froissard. Annales de France.
• * 5.58

  Archembald Douglas tak•• Iacob. Meir.
• * 5.59

  Prisoners taken.
• * 5.60

  The battell of Po••ctiers when it was.
• * 5.61

  The prince suppeth the prisoners.
• * 6.1

  The French king than•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the prince.
• * 6.2

  The prince returneth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Burdeaux. Froissard.
• * 6.3

  The lord ••••••delie rewar∣ded.
• * 6.4

  Bonfier••.
• * 6.5

  135•• Anno Reg.. ••••.
• * 6.6

  Additions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Adam Me••••∣muth.
• * 6.7

  The pri••ce bringeth the French king ouer into England.
• * 6.8

  A iust holden in Smithfeld
• * 6.9

  The French k. sorowfull.
• * 6.10

  Psalm. 137. Thom. Wals. Froissard.
• * 6.11

  Cardinals sent into England.
• * 6.12

  A truce for two yeare••.
• * 6.13

  The French king remoued to Windsor.
• * 6.14

  Rennes be∣sieged.
• * 6.15

  Tho. Walsi.
• * 6.16

  Fourdon. The king of Scots ran∣somed.
• * 6.17

  Polydor.
• * 6.18

  Froissard.
• * 6.19

  1358 Anno Reg. 3••.
• * 6.20

  Annales de France.
• * 6.21

  The citie of Auxerre takē by sir Robert Knolles.
• * 6.22

  Daubignie sir le Metre. Chastelon. New castell vpon Loire.
• * 6.23

  Talke of a peace, and ar∣ticles thereof drawne. Caxton.
• * 6.24

  Thom. Wals.
• * 6.25

  The bishop of Elie.
• * 6.26

  Excommuni∣cation.
• * 6.27

  Such as de∣liuered the popes letters hanged.
• * 6.28

  Discord be∣twixt priests and friers.
• * 6.29

  Th. Walsing. Iohn of Gant married.
• * 6.30

  1359 Anno Reg. 33.
• * 6.31

  Windsore ca∣stell repared. Additions to Triuet.
• * 6.32

  A solemne iusts at London.
• * 6.33

  Caxton. The K. with his foure sons are of the chalengers part.
• * 6.34

  The French K. remoued. He departed frō Hertford the 29 of Iulie. Polydor.
• * 6.35

  The king prepareth to make a iour∣nie into France. Froissard. The duke of Lancaster.
• * 6.36

  Braie as∣saulted.
• * 6.37

  The kings arriuall at Calis.
• * 6.38

  Froissard.
• * 6.39

  Polydor.
• * 6.40

  Froissard.
• * 6.41

  Reimes be∣sieged.
• * 6.42

  1••6••
• * 6.43

  Anno Reg. 34. Tonnere woone.
• * 6.44

  Guillon.
• * 6.45

  Flauignie.
• * 6.46

  The number of carriages.
• * 6.47

  Caxton. Additions to Ad. Merimu••h.
• * 6.48

  Winchelsie burnt by the French.
• * 6.49

  A Compositiō made to spare the co••ntrie of Burgognie.
• * 6.50

  Franks hath Paradine, in Les Annales de Burgogni••. Froissard.

  The king of England draweth to∣wards Paris
• * 6.51

  A treatie.
• * 6.52

  The English men before Paris.
• * 6.53

  Polydor. The sub∣urbs o•• Par∣ris burnt.
• * 6.54

  Froissard. The bishop of Beauuois▪
• * 6.55

  A new treatie
• * 6.56

  The duke of Lancaster per¦suadeth the king to agrée.
• * 6.57

  An hideous storme & tem∣pest of wether
• * 6.58

  A peace con∣cl••ded.
• * 6.59

  The articles.
• * 6.60

  Fabian. Froissard.
• * 6.61

  Homages and seruices.
• * 6.62

  The date of the charter of the peace.
• * 6.63

  The French kings ran∣some.
• * 6.64

  Hostages.
• * 6.65

  The French not to aid the Scots.
• * 6.66

  Britaine.
• * 6.67

  The king of England re∣turneth home The earle of Warwike.
• * 6.68

  Tho. Walsi••. The French king goeth o∣uer to Calis.
• * 6.69

  The kings receiue a so∣lemne oth to sée the p••ace performed.
• * 6.70

  The duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Normandie.
• * 6.71

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Fre•••••• hostages.
• * 6.72

  The French king set at libertie.
• * 6.73

  In Angl. prel. sub Edwardo. 3.
• * 6.74

  Strange woonders.
• * 6.75

  A great death.
• * 6.76

  H••n. M••rl. The primat of Ardmach departed this li••e.
• * 6.77

  1••61
• * 6.78

  Additions to Triuet and Ad••m. Meri∣mu••h.

  A strāge sight in the a••re.
• * 6.79

  Froissard.
• * 6.80

  Anno. Reg. 3••. A parlement.
• * 6.81

  Caxton.
• * 6.82

  Tho. Walsi. Adam Me∣rimuth.
• * 6.83

  Caxton.
• * 6.84

  A mightie wind.
• * 6.85

  Anno Reg. 36.
• * 6.86

  Creations of the kings sonnes to de∣grées of hono•• Hen. Marle.
• * 6.87

  The prince of wales passeth ouer into Guien.

  Thom. Wals. Additions to Ad. Merim. A iusts in Smithfield. The Staple of wools remo∣ued ••o Calis. A parlement.
• * 6.88

  A pardon.
• * 6.89

  A statute a∣ga••nst pur∣ueiers.
• * 6.90

  A subsidie.
• * 6.91

  Lawiers to plead their ca••es in En∣glish.

  Caxton. Schoolema∣sters to teach scholers to construe their lessons in English.
• * 6.92

  1363 Anno Reg. 37.
• * 6.93

  Thom. Wals.
• * 6.94

  Additions to Adam Meri∣muth.

  A statute of a∣raie against costlie appa∣rell.
• * 6.95

  Thrée kings came into En¦gland about businesse with K. Edward.
• * 6.96

  Anno. Reg. 38.
• * 6.97

  The death of the French king.
• * 6.98

  Fabian.
• * 6.99

  The battell of Aulroy.
• * 6.100

  Froissard.
• * 6.101

  Thrée thou••sand and six hundred fig••••ting men, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Walsing. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 6.102

  The wor•••••• actiuitie of the English ar∣chers.
• * 6.103

  Sir Hugh Caluerlie.
• * 6.104

  The earle of Auxerre takē prisoner.
• * 6.105

  Sir Berthrā de Cleaquin.
• * 6.106

  Ambassadors sent to y^e earle of Montford.
• * 6.107

  The variance for Britaine compounded.
• * 6.108

  Fabian.
• * 6.109

  Anno Reg. 39. Fabian.
• * 6.110

  Tho. Wals.
• * 6.111

  The lord Coucie mari∣eth the king of Englands daughter. Polychron.
• * 6.112

  Froissard. Ia. Mair. A treatie of mariage for the earle of Cambridge.
• * 6.113

  The earle of Flanders.
• * 6.114

  The lord La∣timer.
• * 6.115

  The king of Castile chased out of his realme. Froissard.
• * 6.116

  Peter pence.
• * 6.117

  Ine king of Westsaxons.
• * 6.118

  A rainie haruest. Caxton.
• * 6.119

  Death.
• * 6.120

  K. Richard the second borne.
• * 6.121

  Froissard.
• * 6.122

  1367 Anno Reg. 41.
• * 6.123

  The prince setteth for∣ward to∣wards Spaine.
• * 6.124

  He entreth in∣to Naua••re.
• * 6.125

  The king of Nauarre ta∣ken by the Frenchmen.
• * 6.126

  Sir Martin de Care.
• * 6.127

  Saint Ma∣chaule.
• * 6.128

  The king of Spaine sen∣deth to the prince.
• * 6.129

  Uictoria. Uiana.
• * 6.130

  Polydor.
• * 6.131

  Sir William Felton 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Froissard.
• * 6.132

  The number of the princes armie.
• * 6.133

  The chief∣teins of the same armie.
• * 6.134

  The order 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Spani∣ards.
• * 6.135

  The number of y^• Spanish armie.
• * 6.136

  The duke of Lancaster.
• * 6.137

  The capitall of Beuf.
• * 6.138

  The archers.
• * 6.139

  King Peter.
• * 6.140

  The Spani∣ards put to ••••ght.
• * 6.141

  The number slaine at this battell at Na∣uarret.
• * 6.142

  Fabian.
• * 6.143

  Caxton.
• * 6.144

  Froissard.
• * 6.145

  Caxton.
• * 6.146

  Froissard.
• * 6.147

  King Peters dissimulation▪
• * 6.148

  Tho. Walsi.
• * 6.149

  The prince put to his shifts for de∣••ault of paie.
• * 6.150

  The prince returneth into Gascoigne.
• * 6.151

  1368 Anno Reg. 42.
• * 6.152

  A blasing starre. Polychron. Polydor.
• * 6.153

  Froissard.
• * 6.154

  The duke of Clarence go∣eth into Ita∣lie.
• * 6.155

  The ladie Uiolant.
• * 6.156

  His inter∣teinement •• Sauoy.
• * 6.157

  His receiuing into Millan••▪
• * 6.158

  Corio in the historie of Millane.
• * 6.159

  Ia. Meir. Froissard. Caxton.
• * 6.160

  Froissard.
• * 6.161

  The prince 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wales con∣streined to b••••••den his sub∣iects with •• sore subsidie.
• * 6.162

  Coine not to be inhanced nor abased.
• * 6.163

  The dem•••••• of this fuage the cause of y^• Gascoignes reuolting to the French king.
• * 6.164

  The earle of Saint Paule
• * 6.165

  The prince of Wales appea∣led to appeare.
• * 7.1

  Anno Reg. 43.
• * 7.2

  The princes answer to the messenger.
• * 7.3

  The duke of Berrie.
• * 7.4

  The lord Chandois.
• * 7.5

  Chimniage.
• * 7.6

  A letter pub∣lished by the prince to ap∣pease the Gas∣coignes.
• * 7.7

  Ia. Meir.
• * 7.8

  Philip duke of Burgognie marieth y^e erle of Flanders daughter.
• * 7.9

  The cause of his surname le Hardie.
• * 7.10

  The earles of Arminacke & Perigord. Froissard.
• * 7.11

  The L. Wake discomfited.
• * 7.12

  Fabian. The French king procée∣deth against the prince in iudgement of the appeale. Froissard.
• * 7.13

  The French king sent to defie the king of England.
• * 7.14

  Polydor. A parlement assembled.
• * 7.15

  Thrée fiftéens and thrée tenths gran∣ted. Fabian. Froissard.
• * 7.16

  Sir Nicho∣las Louaigne taken.
• * 7.17

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Pont•••••••• taken by t••e French 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 7.18

  The prince 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wales dis••••∣sed with sick∣nesse.
• * 7.19

  The citie of Cahors ••••∣uolteth.
• * 7.20

  Succors 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into Gas∣coigne.
• * 7.21

  Burdille ••••∣sieged.
• * 7.22

  Sir Hugh Caluerlie.
• * 7.23

  Sir Iohn Chandois.
• * 7.24

  Burdille woon••.
• * 7.25

  Sir Robert Knols.
• * 7.26

  B•• Gerard.
• * 7.27

  Aquitaine full of warre.
• * 7.28

  The duke of Bauier.
• * 7.29

  The duke of Burbons mo∣ther taken.
• * 7.30

  The French king prepa∣reth a nauie.
• * 7.31

  The duke of Lancaster sēt into France with an armie
• * 7.32

  The duke of Lancaster fortifieth his campe.

  The duke of Burgognie. Fabian. Froissard.
• * 7.33

  Sir Robert de Namur.
• * 7.34

  Caxton.
• * 7.35

  The earle of Warwike.
• * 7.36

  Froissard. The queene of England de∣parteth this life.
• * 7.37

  Hir thrée pe∣titions to the king.
• * 7.38

  The praise of queene Phi∣lip.
• * 7.39

  The quéenes colledge.
• * 7.40

  The duke of Lācaster ma∣keth a iournie into France.
• * 7.41

  S. Riquier.
• * 7.42

  Fabian. The master 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the crosbowes of France taken.
• * 7.43

  Froissard.
• * 7.44

  The third mortalitie. Caxton. Polychron. The earle of Warwike de∣parteth this life.
• * 7.45

  Polydor.
• * 7.46

  Froissard.
• * 7.47

  Thom. W••••••. Sir Iohn Chandois slaine. Froissard.
• * 7.48

  Sir Tho∣mas Percie▪
• * 7.49

  A dearth. Hen. Marle.
• * 7.50

  The duches of Lancaster. Fabian.
• * 7.51

  Polychron. Anno Reg. 44. Froissard. Polychron.
• * 7.52

  Sir Robert Knolles with an armie sent into France.
• * 7.53

  Truce with Scots.
• * 7.54

  Iac. Meir. The number of men of war in this armie. Froissard.
• * 7.55

  The suburbs of Arras burnt.
• * 7.56

  The towne of Roy burnt.
• * 7.57

  The French mē withdraw into their for∣••esses & strōg townes.
• * 7.58

  The English∣men before Paris.
• * 7.59

  Thom. Wals. Sir Simon Minster∣worth.
• * 7.60

  Bermondsey.
• * 7.61

  Sir Robert Knolles borne in Cheshire.
• * 7.62

  Sir Robert Knolles coun∣sell not fol∣lowed.
• * 7.63

  Discord what commeth of it. C••xton.
• * 7.64

  Froissard. The citie of Limoges besieged.
• * 7.65

  Limoges ta∣ken by ••orce.
• * 7.66

  Polydor. Froissard.
• * 7.67

  The prince returned into England. Thom. Wals.
• * 7.68

  The king of Nauarr•• c••∣meth ouer •• to England.
• * 7.69

  Polydor.
• * 7.70

  The king of Nauare c••••∣stancie sus∣pected. Froissard.
• * 7.71

  1371 Anno Reg. ••
• * 7.72

  Caxton.
• * 7.73

  A subsidie.
• * 7.74

  Spirituall men deposed.
• * 7.75

  Cardinals appointed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 treat of peace.
• * 7.76

  Polydor.
• * 7.77

  The feare which the ••••••∣mies had of sir Ro. Knols
• * 7.78

  Sir Berth•••• de Cleaquin.
• * 7.79

  1372 Anno Reg. ••••
• * 7.80

  Sir Guichard D••ngle made knight of the Garter. Polydor. Caxton.
• * 7.81

  The earle of Penbroke set into Ga••en.
• * 7.82

  Froissard.
• * 7.83

  These foure last remem∣bred came for••h of Ro∣chell to aid the earle.
• * 7.84

  Froissard. Yuans a Welsh gen∣tleman.
• * 7.85

  Sir Edmund Rous.
• * 7.86

  The prospe∣rous successe of the French men in Poic∣tou.
• * 7.87

  Towars in danger to be lost.
• * 7.88

  Th. Walsing.
• * 7.89

  1373 Anno Reg. 47.
• * 7.90

  The duke of Britaine.
• * 7.91

  The lord Ne∣uill sent into Britaine.
• * 7.92

  Englishmen discomfited by the con∣stable of France.
• * 7.93

  Townes woone by him.
• * 7.94

  The constable of Frāce sent into Britaine
• * 7.95

  Sir Robert Knols.
• * 7.96

  The duke of Britaine cō∣meth ouer in∣to England.
• * 7.97

  The earle of Salisburie.
• * 7.98

  Polydor. The duke of Lancaster sent ouer into France with an armie.
• * 7.99

  Ia. Meir. Froissard.
• * 7.100

  Noble men that went with him in that iournie.
• * 7.101

  They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through the coun••rie w••••••¦out assauling any townes.
• * 7.102

  Fabian.
• * 7.103

  The French∣men meant not to fight with the Englishmen▪
• * 7.104

  Polydor.
• * 7.105

  The order of the duke of Lancasters armie in marching.
• * 7.106

  He cōmeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Burdeaux▪ Froissard. The archb. of Rauenna 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the p••p••▪
• * 7.107

  Caxton. Messengers sent to the pope about r••∣seruations o•• benefices.
• * 7.108

  Cathedrall churches.
• * 7.109

  Cōmissioners appointed to meet and com∣mune of peace
• * 7.110

  Death of the archb. of Can.
• * 7.111

  Simon Sud∣berie elected archbishop.
• * 7.112

  The begining of th•• statute of Premunire
• * 7.113

  Caxton.
• * 7.114

  1275 Anno Reg. 49.
• * 7.115

  The commis∣sioners méet at Bruges.
• * 7.116

  A truce taken betwixt Eng∣land & Frāce.
• * 7.117

  Fabian.
• * 7.118

  Froissard.
• * 7.119

  Tho. Wals. An armie sent ouer into Bri¦taine with the duke.
• * 7.120

  Towns woon
• * 7.121

  Sir Iohn Deureux.
• * 7.122

  This truce was cōcluded to indure from midsummer in this 1375, vnto midsum∣mer in y^e yeare next insuing. Tho. Walsi.
• * 7.123

  The duke of Britaine dis∣appointed by the truce.
• * 7.124

  S. Sauiour le vicount yeelded.
• * 7.125

  Thom. Wals. Fabian.
• * 7.126

  The lord Spenser de∣parteth this life.

  Polydor. The earle of Penbroke deceasseth.
• * 7.127

  Iohn Stow.
• * 7.128

  Froissard. Commissio∣ners eftsoones met to com∣mon of peace.
• * 7.129

  The demāds on both parts.
• * 7.130

  13•••• Anno 〈◊〉〈◊〉. ••.
• * 7.131

  A parleme••••▪
• * 7.132

  The lord La¦timer.

  Dame Alice Perers. Sir Richa•••• Sturrie.
• * 7.133

  The request of the com∣mons.
• * 7.134

  The blac•••• prince depa••∣teth this 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 7.135

  Polydor. He is buried at Cantur∣burie.
• * 7.136

  Froissard.
• * 7.137

  Sir Péers de la Mere. Fabian.
• * 7.138

  The truce prolonged. Polydor.
• * 7.139

  Polydor.
• * 7.140

  A riot. Caxton.
• * 7.141

  The nobles sworne to the prince of Wales.
• * 7.142

  1377 Anno Reg. 51.
• * 7.143

  Froissard. Comissioners sēt to Bruges
• * 7.144

  Cōmissioners sent to Mon∣treuill.
• * 7.145

  The truce eftsoones prolonged.
• * 7.146

  Sir Hugh Caluerlie lieutenant of Calis.
• * 7.147

  Tho. Walsi. Fabian. Sir Iohn Minster∣worth be∣headed.
• * 7.148

  Thom. Wals.
• * 7.149

  Thom. Walsi. Iohn Wiclife.
• * 7.150

  The chéefest articles prea∣ched by Wic∣life.
• * 7.151

  Wiclife & his felowes main∣teined by cer∣teine lords.
• * 7.152

  The duke of Lancaster in danger by the Londoners.
• * 7.153

  The lord Percie.
• * 7.154

  Tho. Walsi. The deceasse of K. Edward the third.
• * 7.155

  Fabian, pag. 262, 263.
• * 7.156

  His issue.
• * 7.157

  His praise.
• * 7.158

  His pro••••••∣tion of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 7.159

  Prosperitie vnstable.
• * 7.160

  Iohn S••ow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 con••e•••••• referreth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the last yeare of king Edward the first.
• * 7.161

  Mines of gold & siluer.
• * 7.162

  Pope 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fift.