Anglia rediviva being a full description of all the shires, cities, principal towns and rivers, in England : with some useful observations concerning what is most remarkable ... : to which is prefix'd a short account of the first origine of our nation, of its being conquer'd by the Romans, as also the occasion of the Saxons and Danes first entring England / collected from the best historians by Mr. Dunstar.

Cornwall, Danmonii.

IN Latin Cornubia; it lieth most Westward of all Brittain, and shooteth into the Sea with little Promontories in manner of an Horn; it hath on the North side the Se∣vern Sea; on the West, the Vergivian, or Western Ocean; on the South, the Brittish Channel; and on the East, Devonshire: Both which Counties were in ancient time Inhabited by the Danmonii, which Name is thought to have been given them from the Mines of Tin which abound in this Place.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Pensance, a very pretty Market-Town, near which is that famous Ambrose Stone, which being a great Rock, is advanced up∣on some other of a lesser size with so equal a Counterpoise, that a Child may stir it with a push of a Finger, yet a great num∣ber of Men are not able to remove it from its place.

2. Falmouth, an Haven as noble as Brun∣dusium its self in Italy; 'tis able to receive an Hundred Ships so apart from each other, that neither can see the others Masts; 'tis defended from the violence of the Wind by the many rising Banks with which it is

enclos'd; 'tis fortified on the East with the Castle of St. Maudit, and on the West with the Fort Pendinas.

3. Foy, a Town renown'd in former Ages for the many Sea Engagements which have been fought near it; 'tis pleasantly seat∣ed on the Banks of the River which bears its Name; near the Haven it hath several Bulwarks rais'd for its defence by Edward the IVth. A. D. 1460.

4. Padstow, the Situation of this Town is very commodious for Traffick with Ire∣land, to which Men may easily Sail from hence in 24 Hours.

5. Launston, a proper little Town, Si∣tuate upon the pitch of an Hill; remark∣able upon the account of the Common Goal of the Country, and the Assizes be∣ing kept there.

6. Bodman, a Town of great resort, Si∣tuate between two Hills, and lying out in length East and West; its Inhabitants Po∣pulous, Beautiful in its Buildings; famous in ancient times for the Bishops See being kept there, which in the Danish Wars was remov'd to St. Germans.

7. Leskerd, a Town seated on the top of a very high Hill, much frequented for its Market, and renown'd for an ancient Castle which stands there.

Devonshire.

IN Latin Davonia; it hath Cornwall on the West, on the South the Brittish Chan∣nel, on the East it is bounded with Dorset∣shire and Somersetshire, and on the North with the Severn Sea; it is a Country enrich'd with very good Mines, especially towards the West; it hath commodious Harbours on both sides of it; it is adorn'd with pleasant Meadows and great store of Woods; and is throughout replenished with fair Towns and beautiful Buildings.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Plimouth, a Port Town, seated near the Rivers Plime and Tamar, which meet∣ing near this place fall together into the Ocean; of so great a repute, that for the number of its Inhabitants it may be com∣pared with a City; such is the commodi∣ousness of the Haven, that it admitteth in∣to its bosome the greatest Ships without striking Sail; before the midst of its mouth lieth the Isle of St. Nicholas, Fortified both by Art and Nature; the Haven hath like∣wise Fortifications on each side, and is Chained over when there is an occasion; up∣on an Hill near adjoining it hath a fair Castle

for its defence; the Town is divided into Four Wards, over which a Mayor was or∣dain'd by King Henry the VIth. An. Dom. 1430.

2. Dartmouth, a Port Town seated on an Hill near the River Dartmore; it hath two Castles for its defence; and by reason of its commodious Haven is much frequented by Merchants, and furnished with very good Shipping. It hath oftentimes bravely defended it self against the French, but especially in the Reign of Henry the IVth. An. Dom. 1404.

3. Torbay, a safe Road and Harbour for Ships; near it is a little Village called by its Name.

4. Exeter, Exonia, Isca; a City of great Traffick, much frequented by Merchants, situated on the East Bank of the River Ex, upon a little Hill, gently arising by an easy ascent to a pretty heighth, the Pendant whereof lyeth East and West; 'tis en∣viron'd about with Ditches and very strong Walls, having many Turrets orderly inter∣posed; 'tis in Circuit a Mile and an half, having Suburbs running out a great way on each side; it containeth 15 Parishes, hath a Castle called Rugemont, the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings, and afterwards of the Earl of Cornwall, which at this day is commendable for little else but its Anti∣quity

and Situation; 'tis beautified with a stately Cathedral, founded in the Reign of Henry the 1st. An. Dom. 1110. it hath been thrice Besieg'd, but hath always bravely de∣fended its self: First by Hugh Courtney Earl of Devonshire, in the Civil War between the Houses of York and Lancaster; then by Perkin Warbeck, that Young imaginary pre∣tended Prince, who feign'd himself to be Richard Duke of York, Second Son to Ed∣ward the IVth. Thirdly, by seditious Rebels of Cornwal, An. Dom. 1549. at which time the Citizens endured so great a Famine, that for Twelve Days together they were forced to Eat Horses, and to make Bread of coarse Bran moulded in Cloaths, till they were at length reliev'd by my Lord Russel and Gray, who forced the Rebels to raise the Siege; upon which King Edward the VIth for a reward of their Loyalty, gave the Mannor of Evyland to this City; the Civil Government of which is in the Power of Twenty four Persons, out of whom there is from Year to Year a Mayor Elected; who with Four Bailiffs has the sole Com∣mand of the City.

5. Bediford, a Town of good resort, fa∣mous for a Stone Bridge with Arch'd Work, where it windeth its self into the River Taw.

6. Axminster, a Town renown'd in an∣cient History for the Tombs of the Saxon Princes, slain in the Battel of Brunabrug.

Dorsetshire, Durotriges.

THE Latin Name Dorcestria; it is bounded on the North with Somerset∣shire and Wiltshire, on the West with Devon∣shire, and some part of Somersetshire; on the South it lieth open for 50 Miles to the Brit∣tish Ocean; On the East it hath Hampshire. The Soil of this Country is very fruitful; the North part is overspread with Woods and Forests; and from thence adorn'd with an innumerable many pleasant Pastures and fruitful Vallies.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Burport, a little Town plac'd between two small Rivers, remarkable for its yielding the best Hemp, and for the skill of the In∣habitants in making Ropes and Cables for Ships, those of the Navy being formerly twisted there.

2. Weymouth, a little Town join'd to Kings-Melcomb by a Bridge, famous in re∣gard of its Haven; it is grown of late

much greater than it formerly was by Sea-Adventures.

3. Dorchester, Durnovaria, the Head Town of the whole Shire, yet it is neither great nor beautiful, being despoil'd by Sueno King of Danemark, about the Year of our Lord, 1013.

4. Shirburn, 'tis pleasantly seated on an hanging Hill, and is the most remarkable and best frequented Town in all this Coun∣try; it gaineth exceedingly by Clothing; Anno Dom. 704. an Episcopal Seat was Erected in this place by Aldeme the First Bishop there Consecrated; it was afterwards remov'd to Sarisburg, Shirburn being kept in reserve for a retiring place.

5. Winburn, a fair Town seated on a piece of an Hill between Two Rivers; 'tis large in Compass, replenished with Inhabi∣tants, but few fair Buildings, except that its Church claims our observation, upon the account of the Sepulchre of Ethelred King of the West Saxons who lieth there Interr'd; however it retaineth even to this day divers tokens of the Majesty of the Romans.

Somersetshire, Belgae.

COmitatus Somersettensis, is bounded on the North with the Severn Sea; on the West it confineth on Devonshire; on the South it bordereth, first upon Devonshire, and then upon Dorsetshire; on the East it hath Wilt∣shire; and North-East a part of Glocestershire: It is a large and wealthy Region; the Soil of which is very rich, yielding exceeding plenty of Corn and Pasture; 'tis very Po∣pulous, and sufficiently furnished with com∣modious Ports and Havens.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Taunton, a proper Town, pleasantly situated, 'tis reputed to be one of the Eyes of the Shire.

2. Bridgewater, a great and populous Market-Town, agreeably situated near the Banks of the Severn Sea, and is by some thought to have been so called from the Bridge and Water which is near it.

3. Bruiton, a Town memorable for lit∣tle else than that the Noble Family of the Mohuns is here Entomb'd; unless we men∣tion the late extraordinary Processions which the Women of the Town made on the Conclusion of the late Peace.

Near this place was Founded the Abbey of Glastenbury, fetching its original even from Joseph of Arimathea, who Enterr'd the Body of our Saviour: In the first Age of the Primitive Church, very Holy Men applied themselves diligently to the Service of God in this place, who were maintain∣ed by an Allowance from Kings, they In∣structing Youth in Religion and in the Li∣beral Sciences; these Men embrac'd a Soli∣tary Life, that they might the more quiet∣ly study the Scriptures; till at length Dun∣stan, a Man of a subtle Wit, when he had once by an Opinion of his Holiness and Learning, wound himself into an Ac∣quaintance with Princes, he brought in the Benedictine Monks, he being made Abbot of the Convent, after that he had obtain'd from the hands of many good Princes a Royal Revenue. When they had flourished 600 Years, they were dispossessed by King Henry the VIIIth. the Monastry being raz'd even to the ground, nothing now but the Ruines appearing of it.

Arthur the Brittish Worthy is thought to have been Buried in this place.

4. St. Philips Norton, a large great Market-Town, so nam'd from a Church Consecra∣ted to St. Philip.

5. Welles, a Town so nam'd from the Springs found in it; like as Susa in Persia,

Croia in Dalmatia, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Macedo∣nia; for multitude of Inhabitants, and for stately Buildings, it justly challengeth the Preheminence of this Province: It hath a noble Market-place, sustain'd with Co∣lumns, as also a stately Church and Col∣ledge Endowed with many rich Livings and Revenues; the Church throughout is very beautiful, but especially the Frontespiece thereof at the West end is a Master-piece; the Cloysters adjoining to it are likewise very fair and spacious.

6. Bath, an ancient City, so called from the Baths in it; beautified throughout with very fair and noble Buildings for the re∣ceipt of Strangers; 'tis seated in a low plain, environ'd about with Hills of an equal height, out of which certain pleasant Streams of fresh River Water continually descend into the City, to the advantage and comfort of the Citizens; within the City Three Springs of Hot Water boil up of a Blewish or Sea Colour, sending up from them thin Vapours, and a kind of strong Scent, by reason that the Water is drill'd and strain'd through Veins of Brimstone, and a clammy kind of Earth called Bitu∣men; which Springs are very Medicinable, and of great Virtue to Cure Bodies over∣charg'd with Corrupt Humours; for they open the Pores, resolve, attenuate, digest,

consume, and draw forth Superfluities, and at the same time strongly heal and dry the whole Habit of the Body.

In the Reign of Henry the Ist. A. D. 1110. Johannes de Villula being Elected Bishop of this place, translated his See to Bath, since which time the Two Sees growing into one, the Bishop beareth the Title of both, and is called the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

7. Bristol, this City standeth partly in Somersetshire, and partly in Glocestershire; it is sufficiently defended both by Art and Na∣ture, being situated on the meeting of the Frome and Avon, not far from the influx of the Severn into the Ocean; a City exceed∣ing Populous and exceeding Cleanly, there being Sinks made under ground for the conveyance of all the filth and nastiness in∣to the Rivers. It hath Twenty Churches, reckoning the Cathedral and that of Ratliff into the Number; the Cathedral was first Built by Robert Fitz-Harding, Son to one of the Kings of Danemark, An. Dom. 1248. and honoured with a Bishops See by King Henry the VIIIth. Anno Dom. 1542. The principal Building, next the Church, is an ancient Castle, of such great strength, that Maud the Emperess having taken King Ste∣phen Prisoner, thought this the safest place to secure him in; 'tis furnished with all things necessary for Man's Life, that, next

after London and York, of all the Cities of England it may justly challenge the chief place; 'tis so commodiously seated for Trade and Traffick, that the Haven admit∣teth Ships with full Sail into the very bo∣some of the City; which hath drawn Peo∣ple of many Countries thither; the Citizens are for the most part rich Merchants, who Traffick all over Europe, and make Voyages even to the remotest known parts of Ame∣rica.

Wiltshire, Belgae.

IN Latin Wintonia, is enclos'd with So∣mersetshire on the West, Barkshire and Hampshire on the East, on the North with Glocestershire, and on the South with Dorset∣shire and a part of Hampshire. 'Tis a Mid∣land Region, plentiful in all things, and for its variety, pleasant and delightful.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Malmsbury, a fair Town, famous for Clothing; not far from hence dwelt Aldeme, a very Learned Man; he was the first of the English Nation that wrote in Latin, and

the first that taught Englishmen the measures of a Latin Verse.

Primus ego in patriam mecum (modo vita supersit) Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas. Geer. Lib. 3.

2. Chipenham, a large Town of great note for a Market kept there; 'tis pleasantly seated on the River Avon.

3. Edindon, a small Town, remarkable for Clothing; here King Alfred in a me∣morable Battel most fortunately Vanquished the Danes, reducing them to such Extremi∣ties, that they all Swore, in a set form of Oath made for that purpose, immediately to depart from England.

4. Trubridge, a fair Market-Town, of great repute for the great number of Clo∣thiers which Inhabit it; it sheweth the re∣mains of a Castle belonging to the Dutchy of Lancashire.

5. Werminster, a Town very remarkable for a great Corn Market, which is kept Weekly here, and exceedingly much frequented; it being almost incredible to relate what great numbers of people resort to it.

6. Wilton, formerly the head Town of the whole Shire; 'tis a place well watered, but is now fallen to decay through the

Bishop of Salisbury's turning away the pas∣sage that lay through it into the West Country.

7. Salisbury, Sorbiodunum, or Sarum, a City well Inhabited, seated on the River Avon, which watereth every Street of it; 'tis plentiful in all things, but especially in Fish; 'tis adorned with a very stately Market-place, wherein standeth their Com∣mon-Hall, made of Timber, a very Beau∣tiful Building: It is particularly famous for its Minster, which has Three hundred sixty five Windows, Twelve Gates, and as ma∣ny great and small Pillars as there are Hours in a Year; nor is its Cloyster for largeness or Workmanship inferior to any in England.

8. Marlborough, a fair large Town, plea∣santly situated, and well frequented; in this Town King Henry the IIId held a Par∣liament.

N. B. Toward the North, about 6 Miles from Salisbury, is to be seen an huge and monstrous piece of work, Insana Substructio; for in the circuit of a Ditch, there are erected in form of a Crown, in three ranks one within another, certain large, mighty, unwrought Stones, whereof some are Twenty eight foot high, and Seven broad, which are so artificially, or rather

wonderfully plac'd one upon another, that the whole frame seemeth to hang; 'tis much wonder'd at, both from whence they were brought (the Country affording none such) as also by what means they were set up: Some have thought them to be no Natural Stones, but Artificially made of pure Sand, and of some unctious matter incorporated together. Pliny tells us, that the Sand of Putcoli covered over with Wa∣ter, becometh forthwith a very Stone; which if true, our Conjecture is the more probable; it seeming to confirm what Hi∣storians tell us, That they were erected by the Britans in Memory of Ambrosius Aurelia∣nus, who was Slain here by the Saxons as he was Fighting manfully for the Defence of his Country.

Hampshire.

IN Latin Hamptonia, is bounded on the West with Dorsetshire and Wiltshire; on the South with the Brittish Channel; on the East it hath Sussex and Surrey; and on the North Barkshire. 'Tis a small Province, fruitful in Corn, furnished with well grown Woods, abounding

with Pasture, and for Sea Commodities rich and happy.

The Principal Towns are these.

1. Ringwood, a Town in ancient times of great Fame, but now little better than other good frequented Market-Towns.

2. Christ-Church, a Town so named from a Church therein Dedicated to Christ; 'tis seated between two Rivers; it was Fortified in old time with a Castle, and Beautified with an ancient Church and Twelve Pre∣bendaries, endowed with considerable▪ Rents and Revenues; which continued in great repute till the time of King Henry the VIIIth.

3. Southampton, a Town so named from its situation; 'tis situated in a very commo∣dious place between two Rivers; for a great number of fair Built Houses much renown'd; for Inhabitants and concourse of Merchants Wealthy; fenced round with a double Ditch, strong Walls, and Turrets standing thick between; for the defence of the Haven, it hath a strong Castle of square Stone, cast up upon a Mount of great heighth; several of the Roman Emperors Coins are now and then digged up here, which sufficiently shew the Antiiquity of this place.

Memorable it is, for that Canutus the Puissant King of England and of Denmark▪ rebuked a Sycophant in this Town, who flattered him, That all things in the Realm were at his Command. He ordered his Chair to be set upon the Shore when the Sea began to flow, and then in the presence of many he said unto the Sea as it flowed, Thou are part of my Dominions, and the ground on which I sit is mine, neither was there ever any that durst Disobey my Commands, and escape Unpunished; wherefore I charge thee, that thou come not upon my Land, neither wet the Cloaths and Body of thy Lord; but the Sea flowing on still without any Reverence of his Person, wet his Feet; then he retiring back said, Let all the Inhabitants of the World know, That vain and frivolous is the Power of Kings, and that none is worthy of so sacred a Name, but He to whose Command the Heaven, Earth, and Sea, by bond of an everlasting Law are Subject and Obedient; after which he ne∣ver put his Crown upon his head.

4. Alrefford, a fair Town, standing on the bank of the River Alre, it hath a very spacious Market-place, built by Lucy Bishop of Winchester, An. Dom. 1220.

5. Winchester, Wintonia, formerly the Seat-Royal of the Kings of the West-Saxons, a City adorn'd with several Magnificent Churches, as also with a Bishop's See; it

hath been oftentimes defaced both by Fire and other Misfortunes, but it seems now perfectly to have recovered its self; Edward the IIId appointed in this place a Mart for Wool and Cloth, which was generally called the Staple; it is well Peopled, hath plenty of Water, and containeth about a Mile and an half in Circuit within the Walls; as concerning the round Table in the Hall of this City, vainly fancied by some to have been King Arthur's, any man that vieweth it well, may easily perceive that it is not so ancient. This City slou∣rished in the time of the Romans, in which the Emperors of Rome seem to have had their Houses of Weaving and Embroider∣ing, peculiar to their own Persons and Uses.

6. Portsmouth, a Port Town strongly Fortified both with a Wall and Block-Houses, a Garison being continually kept in Pay for the defence of it; 'tis situated on the very mouth of the Haven, and is always, but especially in time of War, well frequented, as being more favourable and better affected to Mars and Neptune than to Mercury.

7. Basingstoak, a Market-Town well fre∣quented, situated on the descent of an Hill, on the North side of which standeth a very fair Chappel, Consecrated to the Holy

Ghost, by William the first Lord Sands, who was Buried there.

Isle of Wight.

VEcta Insula; it belongeth to, and is op∣posite to Southampton; from East to West it stretcheth out near 20 Miles in length, and spreadeth in the midst, where it is broadest, 12 Miles, the place of great∣est repute is

1. Newport, the chief Market-Town of the whole Isle; it hath several Castles and Block-houses for its defence.

Barkshire, Attrebates.

IN Latin Barcheria; on the North part 'tis sever'd from Oxfordshire, and after∣wards from Buckinghamshire by the River Isis; on the South it beareth towards Hamp∣shire, where the River Kenet cutteth through it, till it runs into the Thames; on the West 'tis bounded by Wiltshire; and on the East by Surrey: On the West part it hath plenty

of Command Fruit; but on the East part, where it consineth with Surrey, the Soil is very barren and unfruitful.

1. Farendon, a Town seated on a rising ground, famous for a Market kept there, but in times past for a certain Fort which Robert Earl of Glocester Built, and defended against King Stephen, who having won it by many bloody Assaults, levelled it to the ground, so that now it is not to be seen.

2. Abington, a Populous Town, pleasant∣ly seated on the plain of an Hill, since the Year 1416. in which King Henry the Vth Built a Bridge over the River, and turned the Kings high-way hither to make a short∣er passage; it began to be so frequented, that it is now the chief Town of the whole Shire; it is famous for its great Trade in Malt.

3. Wallingford, in old time it was com∣pass'd about with Walls, it had a very large Castle situate upon the River, which was thought to be invincible; it was oftentimes Besieged by King Stephen, but all in vain. This Town was so dispeopled by reason of a grievous Pestilence, which happened in the Year 1348, that whereas before it was well Inhabited and had Twelve Churches, it can shew now no more than One or Two.

4. Newbury, a famous Town raised out of the Ruins of Spine, which was former∣ly a place of great repute; it is situated in a champion plain, being watered through∣out with the River Kenet; 'tis well Inhabi∣ted, and is very remarkable for its Trade in Clothing.

5. Reading, a Town famous for fair Streets, well built Houses, as also for the Riches of the Townsmen, and for their Name in making Cloth; it hath lost the greatest Ornaments it had, viz. a beautiful Church, and a most ancient Castle, which was razed by King Henry the IId, because it was a Refuge for King Stephen's fol∣lowers.

6. Maidenhead, a large spacious Town, fill'd with good Inns for the reception of Strangers; it is well frequented.

7. Windsor-Castle, 'tis situated on an Hill that riseth with a gentle Ascent, and en∣joyeth a most delightful Prospect round about; on the front it overlooketh a spaci∣ous Vale; behind it arise Hills every where, neither rough nor high, so that 'tis dedica∣ted, as one would say, to Hunting-Game; it was Built by King Henry the Ist, An. 1100. and enlarg'd by King Edward the IIId, who was Born here; 'tis in bigness equal to a pretty City, Fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks made of Stone; in this place

King Edward the IIId Instituted the Noble Order of the Garter, to increase Virtue and Valour in the Hearts of his Nobility; or, as some report, in honour of the Countess of Salisbury, of which Lady the King had formerly been Enamour'd. The Garter was given to it in Testimony of that Love and affection wherewith the Knights of it were bound one to another, and all of them jointly to the King as Sovereign; there are of it Twenty six Knights, of which the King of England is always Chief; the Ensign is a Blew Garter Buckled on the Left Leg, on which these words are Em∣broider'd, Honi Soit, qui mal y Pense; about their Necks they wear a Blew Ribbond, at the end of which hangeth the Image of St. George; upon whose Day the Installa∣tions of the new Knights are commonly Celebrated.

THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd, viz. of the Danmonii, Du∣rotriges, Belgae, Attrebatii; when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain, fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons; who under the Command of their King Egbert, United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy; which after∣wards,

through the Cowardise of their Kings, soon vanished. For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers, and though often Vanquished, yet being as often Victorious, they at last seiz'd on the Mo∣narchy of England; which was sometime held by the Danes, sometimes by the Sax∣ons, till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold, and established the Monarchy; which hath ever since continued in a Suc∣cession of Twenty eight Princes, down to our Gracious Sovereign King William.