The history of that most victorius monarch, Edward IIId, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, and first founder of the most noble Order of the Garter being a full and exact account of the life and death of the said king : together with that of his most renowned son, Edward, Prince of Wales and of Aquitain, sirnamed the Black-Prince : faithfully and carefully collected from the best and most antient authors, domestick and foreign, printed books, manuscripts and records / by Joshua Barnes ...

CHAPTER the ELEVENTH.

The CONTENTS.

I. A Parliament at Westminster, wherein the King advances several Great Men to Ho∣nour. II. The Lord John Beauchamp, Captain of Calais, being taken Prisoner is suc∣ceeded by Sr. Robert Herle: His Acts; a Truce. III. A Truce with Spain: The Lord Guy de Nesle taken Prisoner before the Truce with France. IV. Twenty four Chri∣stians Martyr'd by the Governour of Damascus, who is therefore put to Death by the Soldane of Babylon. V. King John renews the Order of the Star. VI. The Man∣ner how the Castle of Guisnes was taken by the English of Calais. VII. King John of France endeavours to recover it in vain. VIII. The Lord Charles of Blois set at Liberty upon his Parole. IX. The Lord Guy de Nesle slain in Battle by Sr. Walter Bentley. X. The Earl of Stafford created Lieutenant of Gascogne, wins a Victory o∣ver the French, the Death of Sr. Thomas Wale, Knight of the Garter. XI. King Edward provides for Defence of the Seas; William Earl of Hainalt, Marries the Eldest Daughter of Henry Duke of Lancaster. XII. The Duke of Lancaster gets Honour of the Duke of Brunswick. XIII. King Edward prepares to resist the French. XIV. Pope Clement dies, and the Earl of Kent: Two Malefactors be∣headed at London.

I. ON the a Seventh of February, being the Monday in the Ʋtas of the Purificati∣on of our Lady, at the Opening of this Year, King Edward held his High-Court of Parliament at Westminster: Over which at first Prince Lionel, the Kings Third Son, was commission'd to preside, because the King and his Eldest Son, Prince Edward, were then preparing to cross the Seas, thô af∣terwards that Voyage being defer'd, we shall find them both present at this Sessions.

Thô the Parliament began so early to sit, yet by reason of several Continuations from Day to Day, because many of the Lords were not yet come, it was not open'd till Tuesday the 15 of February: At which time Receivers being appointed to gather, and Tryers to consider of, the several Petitions from England, Wales, Gascogne, Scotland, Ireland, Bretagne, and other Foreign Isles and Places; the Reasons for the Calling of the Parliament were declared in Presence of the King and his Nobles:

As first, be∣cause the King having in the Twenty second Year of his Reign summon'd a Parlia∣ment, was both hindred to continue that Session, and also to b call them to another by reason of the late dreadfull Plague, untill this time. Also, that the Business of his Wars required their Concurrence, because the Peace was not punctually observed, and Domestick Matters were likewise to be taken into Consideration; for that La∣bourers refused to do their Service at reasonable and usual Rates; and lastly, because the Treasure of the Realm was exported.

For these Considerations was the Parlia∣ment convened, and hereupon to consult the King did especially command and require them; and Sr. William Shareshull Knight, the Kings Chief Justice repeated the Sub∣stance of all this to the Commons, willing them to weigh all things well, and provide for them effectually.

The whole Process and Matter following, as it is to be seen at large in the Record, was deliver'd by Dr. John Thoresby, Bishop of c Worcester then Lord Chancellour, to John Codington Clerk of the Parliament, at the Kings Command to be entred into the Rolls of the same Parliament.

In this d Parliament the old Controversie between the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, concerning Bearing their Crosiers, began to be renew'd with the usual Heat; but at last it was wholly referred to the King's Hearing: Who set down this final Rule to be observed for the future.

That the Archbishop of York might bear his Cross in the others Province, saving the Preeminence to Canterbury; but that in to∣ken of Subjection, every Archbishop of York at his Entrance into that Bishop••••ck, should offer an Image of Gold to the value of Fourty Pounds at the Shrine of Tho∣mas of Canterbury. The same Image to be sent by some Knight, or Doctor of the Law, within the space of two Months after his Inthronization.

In this Parliament Richard Fitz-Alan, the Great Earl of Arundel, by his Petition prayeth, that his Restitution granted in the e Fourth of Edward the Third, may be now better declared and confirmed: Which the King in Consideration of the Equity of his Request, and also of his many worthy Services done to the Crown, most ready granted. Whereupon the said Act made in the Fourth of Edward the Third Tit. 14, touching this Earl was read over, and afterwards this Clause thereto adjoyned;

That it is by the King and Parliament Agreed, that the said Restitution be Confirmed, and shall remain of such full Force and Effect; that John now Earl of Kent, and his Heirs shall neither Challenge nor Obtain against the said Richard Earl of Arundel in any Court of England, or in Wales, by Writ or otherwise, by any Petition in Parlia∣ment, any of the Possessions or Titles that the said John, or Edmund his Eldest Bro∣ther (long since deceased) ever had in or to the said Castle of Arundel, or of any Part or Parcel thereof. So as by this Restitution the said Earl Richard shall have the like Estate and Title, as he should have had by Descent of Inheritance, as well to all other Hereditaments, whereof Edmund Earl of Arundel, his Father died seised, ei∣ther in England or in Wales, as of the said Castle.

As for this Earl of Arundel here spoken of, his Cause as well as his Valour is suffici∣ently declared in the former Part of this our History; but for this Earl John we shall now once for all add somewhat of him, because the small Age to which he attained, rendred him unable to purchase any higher Character in this Work. He was Second Son to Edmund Plantaginet, Earl of Kent, the Kings Uncle, of whose Death f we spake in the Fourth Year: Yet he made no Proof of his Age till this very g Year, when upon his Homage, he had Livery of all his Lands, his Mother the Lady Margaret being then also dead. And at that time he granted unto King Edward the Third, and his Heirs Kings of England, the Castle and whole Lordship of Lydel (as well within the Precincts of England as Scotland) after the Decease of Blanche, Relict of Thomas Lord Wa••e, which Castle and Lordship came to him in Right of the Lady Margaret his Mother, Sister and Heir to the said Lord Wake of Lydel. But this hopefull young Prince, ha∣ving just married Elizabeth, Daughter to William Marquess of Juliers, departed this Life without Issue the Year next following, in the Prime of his Youth, leaving all his vast Possessions to his Sister and Heir the Lady Joan, commonly called the Fair Maid of Kent, first Espoused to William Montagu, second Earl of Salisbury of that Name,

at this time the Wife of Thomas Lord Holland, in her Right afterwards Earl of Kent. But to return to the Transactions of this Parliament.

King Edward during this Session, bestow'd several great Honours on Sundry of his Martial Nobility: As particularly his Valiant Cosen, Henry Plantagenet Earl of Lan∣caster, Leicester, Lincoln, Darby, Grosmont and Ferrers, him on the a Sixth of March he advanced to the Title and Dignity of Duke of Lancaster. Which being done by the General Consent of all the Prelates and Peers then sitting in Parliament, and Confirmed unto him for his Life; he was invested therewith by the Cincture of a Sword, with Power to have a Chancery in the County of Lancaster, and there to issue out Writs under his own Seal, as well touching Pleas of the Crown, as others relating to the Common Laws of this Realm: As also to enjoy all other Liberties and Regalities, belonging to a Coun∣ty-Palatine, in as ample Manner as the Earl of Chester was known to have within that County; the Tenths and Fifteenths, and all other Payments granted by the Clergy or Canons, and Pardons for Life and Members to the King, excepted. Thus the Black-Prince, who was Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, and Henry Plantagenet Duke of Lancaster, being the two first Dukes in England since the Conquest, by the Gran∣deur of their Names, as well as Birth and Dignity, did seem the Worthiest of all Men to be so. Duke Henry was yet i further about the same time constituted Admiral of the Kings whole Fleet from the River Thames Westward: And two Days after the King assigned him several Lieutenants, namely Reginald Ferrers, on the Rivers of Thames and Medway; Robert Ledred Serjeant at Arms within the Cinque-ports, Phi∣lip de Wetton, and Walter de Harewell Serjeant at Arms in the Port of Seaford, and in every Part and Place thence by the Sea-coast to Foye; Richard Lengles in the Port of Foye, and thence to Bristow, and there and in the Port of Chepstow and River of Se∣vern; and Ralph de Lullibrock in all Places and Ports from Chepstow to Chester, and there, and in all Parts and Maritime Places in Wales.

Mr. Stow k says, that at this time Prince Lionel of Antwerp, the Kings Son, was made Earl of Ʋlster in Ireland, and John of Gaunt, his Younger Brother, Earl of Rich∣mond, but the Former had not that Title till l Ten Years after, at what time he took to Wife the Heiress of Ʋlster; and the Latter had his Nine Years before, as appears by the m Records. So Knighton n tells us, that the Lord Robert Hufford was now made Earl of Suffolk, whereas he had been advanced to that Dignity no less than o four∣teen Years before.

But the Lord Ralph p Stafford was at this time advanced to the Title of Earl of Stafford, and for his better Support in that Dignity, the King granted him a 1000 Marks per annum in Fee, untill he should provide Lands of that Value to settle on Him and his Heirs. In this Parliament also the Lord John Maltravers senior, one who was thought to have had an hand in the Murder of King Edward the Second, having as we shew'd q six Years before, surrendred himself with great Contrition to the King, was now r by the Judgment of the Parliament acquitted, and by his Majesty thereupon fully pardoned, restored and admitted to take Place in that Honourable Convention.

In s Consideration of the great Dearth, of which yet the Land was not wholly freed, the King releaseth one Half of his Provision, appointed to be taken up by Purveyors. And Remedy was likewise taken against Labourers, who required Exces∣sive Wages, as we partly intimated before; as also against the Pope's Reservations, and those who being cast in the Kings Court, seek redress from the Court of Rome, to the Subversion of the Laws of the Realm. Then the Commons petition'd, That no Man may be put to answer, in what concerns his Freehold or whatever toucheth Life, Limb or Fine, by his Opposite before the Council, but by due Process of Law. To this the King, as to what concerned the Freehold, agreed, but for the rest rejected it in the usual Form saying, Le Royse advisera. That no Man whatsoever but Merchants only, for their great Necessity of Traffick, should export the Good Money of the Realm. The King answer'd as before, that he would be advised. That the Fines of Labourers may be paid to the chief Taxors of this Fifteen in Aid of the Poor. The King replyed, the Surplusage thereof should be employed according as Circumstances hereafter shall most require. That the Steward, and Marshal, and their Deputies do make no other Process than was used in the Time of King Edward the Second, and limited by the Statute there∣fore provided. The King willeth that the Statutes be kept, and all just Complainants heard. That no Purveyance be made for Hay or Oates for Horses. The Statute shall be observed. That the Payment of Merchants for Wafting over their Goods may cease. The King will be advised.

It seems, that it appear'd highly reasonable to that Wise Prince by this his Answer to this last Petition, that such Payment

ought to be exacted: It being but equitable, that those Tradesmen or Merchants, for whose benefit and security the King at his vast Expence, doth more especially maintain the Dominion of the Seas, should by a proportionable Custom on those Goods so exported, contribute towards the better enabling him to defend and secure them in that their Traffick: And this Payment was called Tonnage and Poundage.

Further the Commons petition, That the Subsidy of Wooll, viz. of every Sack may cease. But because that Subsidy had been granted unto the King for a longer time, that Petition fell. Then to the request, That Sheriffs, Escheators, and Coroners may have sufficient Allowance in their several Counties; it was answer'd, that the Statute made for that Purpose should be kept. That Remedy may be had against Sheriffs for Paying the Kings Duties. The Treasurer upon Complaint shall pay the same. That every Judgment in the Common Pleas may pass under the Seal of the Chief Justice, as in Cases of Oyer; so that the Charges of the Great Seal may cease. This Motion seems unreasonable. That no Pardon be granted to any Murtherer or Felon, but where the King may save his Oath. This the King freely granteth. That the Fines of Chancery Writs may be abated. The King willeth, that the Chancellour consider the Quality and Degree of every Person. That no Purveyor of Timber do take away Trees about any Mans House, and that henceforward Exception be made as to that Point in all their Com∣missions. This the King granteth. That no Writ de Excommunicato Capiendo come forth before a Scire Facias be directed, to cause the Party to answer: And that the Par∣ty may answer to the Cause after Letters of Excommunication. To these two Petitions this one Answer was given, that it could not be granted. That the Merchants may be paid their Loans in every Sack of Wooll. Walter de Chirton, the Kings Farmer of his Customs hath not yet brought in his Accounts.

It is Enacted, That the Statute of Westminster made against the Destruction of Sal∣mons be observed, and that all Mills set on Rivers be thrown down.

It is Enacted, that the Justices of Oyer and Terminer shall seise, and take the Fines of the Parties in their Presence, and by their own Accord: And that no Pardon shall be granted to such as bring in False Money.

That Remedy may be had against the Oppression of Ordinaries and their Officers. The Laws of the Land and of the Church shall be observed. It is complained, That the Custom for every 300 of Wooll-Fells was 46 s. and 8 d. whereas of old it was but 3 s. and 4 d. for every 100, that is 10 s. for every 300. The present Custom be∣ing of long time received and established, ought not to be withdrawn. That a Stan∣dard of all Sorts of Measures may be in every County. If there be not, there shall be. That no Statute be alter'd for any Private Cause. Let this Petition be better explain'd against the next Parliament.

Now it is to be observed, that the Printed Statutes touching those that are born be∣yond the Seas, and that touching the Measure and Content of Woollen Cloths, Chap∣ter 1. As also that of Merchandises to be sold by Strangers, Chap. 2. Together with that of Forestalling, Chap. 3. And that for pulling down Mills set upon Ri∣vers, Chap. 4. agree all with the Record: But only the Four latter in the Print are said to be made at the Ʋtas of St. Hilary an. 25. Ed. 3. Whereas it should be the Ʋtas of the Purification, as appears from the Record. So also the Act of Provisions made against the Pope's unjust Encroachments, agreeth with the Print, Chap. 1. & 2. As also that about Labourers, Chap. 8. In dorso hujus Rotuli is contained a Proclama∣tion against Wearing of Arms, and against Players and Games, in and about Westmin∣ster, during the Sessions of Parliament; and the Writ also of Proclamation for the True Making of Woollen Cloth is endorsed.

II. This t mean while the Truce with France not being fully ended, however each party took the Liberty, as they saw Advantage, to enterprize somewhat upon one a∣nother. Sr. John Beauchamp, Captain of Calais for King Edward, understanding, that the ways thereabout were much infested by the French, even as if it had been in time of open War, u went forth of the Garrison with 300 Men of Arms, and 200 Archers on Horseback, and took up booty about in the Country for 10 Leagues together: But in his Return he was encountred by the Lord of Beaulieu with a Brigade of 2000, which Lord notwithstanding he slew, and had doubtless routed all his Company; but that before he had compleated the Victory, another strong party came upon him; so that he himself, and 20 more Knights of England were taken Prisoners, almost all the rest of his Men being slain: But Sr. John and his Fellow-Prisoners were soon redeemed, and sent into England.

He was x succeeded by Sr. Robert y Herle, who being recruited with a Choice Band

lead by the Lord Walter Manny, rode forth for all that into the French Pale, and ha∣ving done much damage about in the vicinage, came off not only without loss, but with a vast booty of Oxen, Sheep, and Swine; so that a fat Ox at Calais would hard∣ly yield sixteen pence Sterling, there was at that time such exceeding plenty of Cattle. But about Easter z King Edward sent over Henry then newly-created Duke of Lan∣caster, who soon after marching forth of Calais, went along by the Sea-Coasts of Ar∣tois and Picardy, and burnt the suburbs of Boulogne to the very Walls: He made an Assault also upon the Town it self, but could not prevail, because the Scaling Ladders which he brought with him, were too short. However he fired all the Vessels in the Haven, and then proceeded along down to Estaples on the River Canche, which ha∣ving plunder'd, he took a Compass to return backward on the Right Hand, and did the like to Fauquenberge, and after that to Terouënne, only here many of his Men were hurt by the Townsmen, who fled into the Church, and thence made stout resistance, till that also was taken, and the Frenchmen for the most part put to the Sword. In the Havens of these Towns he sired above an Hundred Vessels of all sorts, and then went on burning all about up to Arques, and the Gates of St. Omers, and having suf∣ficiently made known the Terror of his Arms, he return'd Triumphantly with many Prisoners and much Booty to Calais. But soon after the occasions of the late Breach between the two Kings were fully concerted, and a further Truce was taken a with this condition, that either of the Kings might renounce it, when ever he pleased.

III. The same Yeart b the Spanish Ships had liberty to come to England, by Reason of a Peace established with that Kingdom, whereas the Year before there was an Im∣bargo set upon them, because of the late Breach: But now a Truce was taken between the two Crowns for twenty Years, before which time we shall find Don Pedro of Spain to stand greatly in need of Englands Friendship: Whereas the foremention'd Truce with France was prolonged but for one Year further, and yet did it hardly endure so long, as we shall shew by and by. However now both the Kings seem'd in good earnest to endea∣vour a final Peace, c and sent their Commissioners for that purpose to Avignon, to con∣clude and perfect the Agreement on these Conditions,

That King Edward should wholly lay aside his Title and Claim to the Crown of France, and King John should entirely yield up to him all the Dutchy of Guienne with the Dependencies, and whatever was at any time before taken therefrom by his Progenitors, and that King Edward and his Heirs, Kings of England, should freely hold and possess the same, without acknowledging, owing, or paying any Homage therefore to any French King, from that day unto the Worlds end.

But the Conclusion of this Matter was so long put off and delay'd by the Pope, and such demurrs, and other Artifices, usual in the Court of Rome, laid in the way; that the Duke of Lancaster with the rest of the English Commissioners, being wearied by those tedious tergiversations, returned back to their. Master, without bringing the said Agreement to any happy Conclusion. But d some say this Treaty was hindred by an occasion given by the English, who took the Castle of Guisnes by Treachery, of which we shall speak presently: However King Edward hereupon prepared for War, resolving to take the Field early next Year, as soon as the Truce should be expired.

But upon the first of April, before the last Truce was renewed for another Year, the Lord Guy e de Nesle, Marshal of France, went in Hostile Manner with a great number of Men of Arms, spoiling and ravaging about in Xaintogne, and near St. Jean D'Angely, but was at last met with by Sr. Walter Bentley, who together with Edmund Rous a Norfolk-Man, and Captain of the Castle of St. Jean D'Angely, making in all but 600 Men, encountred him Valiantly, and had such Success, that he slew and rout∣ed the whole Body of them, took Sr. Guy de Nesle himself, and Sr. Arnold D'En∣dreghan, together with the Lord William de Nesle, the Marshals Brother, and six o∣ther Knights of Quality, and of Esquires and Gentlemen 140 Prisoners. But yet f in the September following, the Frenchmen recover'd the Town and Castle of St. Jean D'Angely, after it had been in the Englishmens Possession 5 Years, without one stroke given or taken: For the Garrison being left low, and without Provision, was fain to yield up the Place on Equal Conditions, because they had not wherewithall to live on.

IV. While thus matters were held in suspence between England and France, and hot War g raged between Casimire King of Poland, and the Lithuanians, and Tar∣tars on one hand, and the Christian States of Venice and Genoa tore out one anothers Bowels on the other; and the King of Armenia's Territories were snatch'd away from him piece-meal by the Infidels; the h Heathen Governour of Damascus, with a de∣sign

to render the Christians under him odious, and so to fill his Coffers with their substance, perpetrated a most cruel and Nero-like Action this Year. For having him∣self caused the said City to be secretly fired in two several places, he presently hur∣ried away the Christians to the Rack, as the only Authors thereof. Some of these, being rendred impatient by the exquisiteness of the torments, confessed themselves guilty: Whereupon immediately he condemns them all to die, except such, as would embrace Mahometanisme. Most of them by large gifts appeas'd the Tyrants sury, o∣thers unhappily renounced the Christian Faith: But there remain'd two and twenty, who refusing to do either, were condemned to be Crucified. However, first the Ty∣rant commanded them to be brought before their Friends, Parents, and Children, that so he might shake their Constancy: But the Divine Grace did so powerfully assist them at that time, that the Father, who was to die, despis'd the Prayers and Tears of his own Son, who entreated him to live, and the Faithfull Son upbraided his A∣postate Father of wicked Inconstancy, to forsake the True Religion for fear of Cor∣poral punishment, and call'd him his worst Enemy, in that by tempting him with the transitory joys of this Life, he endeavour'd to deprive him of the Rewards of Eterni∣ty. Being therefore all hung upon the Cross for three days, they were beheld both by Christians and Saracens to die a notable Example of Religious Constancy. But the Tyrant had but a short Triumph for this his exploit: For soon after the Innocence of the Christians, as to the burning of the City, being made manifest, by the Soldan's Command he was put to Death after this Manner. A Great-broad Anvil of Iron be∣ing ready prepared as red-hot as possible, the Malefactor was brought near, stark-naked from his Privy-parts upwards; then two strong Men took and twisted a Towel below his Ribs, and above his Hips round his Belly, pulling and twisting, till by degrees they had rendred him thereabout little more than a span round: At which time the Exe∣cutioner cutting him off with a sword at one Blow just above the Towel, this Body was immediately set upon the glowing Anvil; So that the Blood and Life together was held in, till the Anvil growing colder, the Body fell off being seised by Death. With such signal severity can it please God. to Revenge the Blood of his Saints, even by the hands of the Blasphemers of his Name.

V. This Year i on the 8 day of September, or the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, King John of France, that in Magnificence he might not come behind King Ed∣ward of England, who had lately instituted the Order of the Garter, did also k insti∣tute, or rather renew, the almost obsolete Order of the Star at a most Royal Assem∣bly, which he held at his Palace of St. Onyn, near Paris. The Knights Compa∣nions at this time were but Eighteen, (others being to be added at the following Chapters) whose Names were these:

• 1 l JOHN de Valois King of France, the Sovereign.
• 2 Monsieur Philip Duke of Orleans, his only Brother.
• 3 Charles of France, Dauphin of Vienna. King John's Sons.
• 4 Lewis, Duke of Anjou. King John's Sons.
• 5 John Duke of Berry, King John's Sons.
• 6 Philip Duke of Touraine. King John's Sons.
• 7 Charles King of Navarre.
• 8 Peter, Duke of Bourbon. Brethren.
• 9 James of Bourbon, Count de la Marche. Brethren.
• 10 Charles de la Cerda of Spain, Earl of Angoulesme.
• 11 Arnold D'Endreghan. Marshals of France.
• 12 John de Clermont. Marshals of France.
• 13 Geoffry Count Charny, Great Chamberlain of France.
• 14 Charles, Earl of Tancarville.
• 15 Walter de Brenne, Duke of Athens, Master of the Horse.
• 16 John of Artois, Earl of Eu. Sons to Sr. Robert of Artois.
• 17 Charles of Artois, Count Longeville. Sons to Sr. Robert of Artois.
• 18 John Viscount de Melun.

These Knights Brethren bore for their Cognisance a Bright Star on the Crest of their Helmets, and about their Necks pendant, the same being embroider'd on their Man∣tles before. Althô their first Institution happen'd in the Month of October, yet the time of holding their Chapters, was m the Day of the Three Kings of Colen, from the first Original; and therefore the Star which directed those Kings, was chosen for

the Emblem of the Order. However this Institution was not founded under the Aspect of any good Star: For Charles V. Son to this King John, when he saw the Order brought into Contempt by the Multitude of Companions, left it wholly to the Cap∣tain of the Ordinary Watch at Paris, and to the Archers of his Guard. But I refer the Curious to Favine, where they may find a more full and exact Account of these Matters.

VI. At the Solemnity of the Institution of this Order of Knighthood, among others, was present Sr. Matthew Bouginghem, whom King John had made Captain of the strong Castle of Guisnes, near Calais: And he now in his absence had committed it to the Care of Sr. William Beauconroy. But however the English of Calais, who neglected no opportunity, n made themselves Masters of this important place, during the foresaid Solemnity, having by Money corrupted the Faith of Sr. William Beauconroy, the Vice-Captain, who, as the French Authors relate, being shortly after taken at Amiens, was torn in pieces with Wild-Horses. Upon this surprize of the Castle of Guisnes in time of Truce, King John expostulated by his Ambassadors with King Edward, that it was an apparent breach on his side, but he, who knew the Importance of the Place, is said to have answer'd pleasantly,

That buying and selling was Lawfull in time of Truce, and that King Philip his Father, who attempted to purchase Calais in that Manner, thô he was taken tardy, had taught his Captains that way of Merchandise.

But there is another manner of the taking of this Place reported, which because of its intreague, as well as probability, I shall add hereunto, thô it be something prolix in the Relation.

Guisnes is about o five Miles from Calais, almost equally between Hames and Fi∣ennes, the Town thereof being of no great strength, for it was only encompassed with a large and deep Trench, without any Walls or Bullwarks: But the Castle was well fortified with strong and massy Bastions, having also an High and Mighty Tower of the old sort of Fortification, but of great strength, called in English the Keep. This p Fortress was a grievous check and Eyesore to the English of Calais, because being set as a stop to those who went into the higher Country to France-ward, it mightily s••cured those parts from the foragers of Calais. At this time the French were very bu∣sie, either in repairing it, or adding new Fortifications unto it, whereat the Calisians were presently alarum'd, and busied their thoughts with Designs, how to hinder this Work, which was so directly intended to their perpetual hindrance. Now there was a Prisoner in Guisnes, an English Archer, named John Lancaster, who being taken some while before, and not having wherewithall to pay his Ransom, was now let loose, on condition to work for such a time with the Frenchmen in the Garrison. This fel∣low chanced to fall into familiarity with a wanton young Laundress, a Strumpet, of whom he learn'd, that beyond the Principal Ditch there ran a Wall of two foot broad, extending from the Rampires to the brim of the Ditch, under water; so that being cover'd it was not easily discernable: But yet neither was it so deep drown'd; but that a Man walking thereon might pass securely, being only up to the Knees, and that being made for the use of Fishers, it was discontinued in the midst for the space of two foot only. Now the Archer being directed by the Wench, took special notice of this Place, and afterwards found an opportunity to take the heighth of the Castle-Wall by a Line. Which things being thus prepared, he adventur'd one Morning early to slide down from the Wall, and passing forthwith over the Water by that hidden ledge of Brick, absconding in the Marish-grounds till the Evening, at Night he went into the English Pale, and drew near Calais. Here he waited till clear day (for it was not Lawfull for any to enter otherwise) and then went into the Town, where falling in Com∣munication with some of his old Acquaintance, and others, who were willing to ven∣ture hard in hopes of Prey, and to purchase to their Country a place of that Moment, he instructed them all, how to pass the Ditch, and scale, and win the Castle with ease. Whereupon Thirty stout fellows conspired together, and having made Ladders accord∣ing to the Length appointed them by the Archer, and put on black Armour, for fear of reflecting any Light, they all went forward together by the Guiding of the said John Lancaster, and passing the Ditch safely, and climing the Walls successfully, they sur∣prized the Watchmen, cut their throats, and tumbled them down over the Wall: Then going softly into the Great Hall, they slew many of the chief Officers, whom they found unarmed, playing at Chess and Hazard. After this they brake into the several Chambers and Turrets, upon the Knights and Ladies, that lay there asleep, whom they only seised, and bound, and so presently became Masters of all that was within. Here∣upon having lock'd up all their Prisoners bound and unarmed in a strong Room, they went and released the English Prisoners, that had been taken the Year before, and

made them Keepers over those, who kept them before. Thus at last the whole Castle was reduced into their power, those in the Town knowing nothing of what had hap∣pen'd all this while. In the Morning the English commanded the Workmen, who came to work without the Castle, to leave off their Work; who thereupon perceiving the Castle to be won, fled away, carrying the News with them wherever they went. These new. Lords however were so Civil, as immediately to give the Ladies within the Castle leave to depart whither they pleased on Horseback, together with their Apparel, Writings, and Muniments, where they ought to hold their Fees.

That same Day there came from Calais to their Assistance, as many as they sent for, by whose Aid they were now able to keep the Castle against Competent Forces. A∣bout Three of the Clock the same Day there came thither two Knights from the Lord Walter de Brenne Duke of Athens and (in Right q of his Wife Jane, Daughter to Ralph late Earl of Eu and Guisnes) Earl of Guisnes, who demanding a Truce, desired to know of those within the Castle, who they were, to whom they belonged; and by whose Authority they kept the Castle so taken in the time of Truce? To these De∣mands they within answer'd, That being thus intruded they would not declare to any Man their Design, till they had tried a longer Possession. The Earl of Guisnes being thus sham'd off, sent on St. Maurice's Day, being the 22^d of September, Messengers into England, complaining how in prejudice of the Truce the said Castle was unjustly taken, and therefore by right of mutual Faith and Honour ought to be restored unto the true Owner. King Edward answer'd,

That what was done was neither with his Knowledge nor Consent: Wherefore he would send his Command, that none of his Subjects presume any longer to detain the Castle of Guisnes, but immediately on sight of his Letters to restore it entirely to the Lord thereof.

The Messengers be∣ing return'd with this Answer to the Earl of Guisnes, he presently went to the Castle, demanding of those within, as at other times, in whose Name, and by whose Authori∣ty they held that Place. They still affirming, that they held it in the Name and Be∣half of John Lancaster; the Earl required to know, if the said John were the King of Englands Liegeman, and would obey him or no. Then John answer'd himself,

That as for his part he knew not what Messengers had been in England, nor what Mischief might be brew'd for him; wherefore while he was secure, he resolved to keep himself so, maugre all their subtle Devices.

At that the Earl offer'd unto the said John Lancaster 40000 Crowns, or other Possessions in Exchange, and an Indem∣nity from the King of France for ever. To which he received this Answer,

That before the Taking of that Castle they were all good Subjects of England, but now by this their Offence against the Truce, and other their Demerits, no better than ba∣nished Men, and excluded from the Peace of their Lord King Edward: Wherefore the Place, which now they held, they would willingly sell or exchange, but to none sooner, than to their Natural Lord the King of England, to whom they would rather sell that Castle, thereby to obtain a Pardon: But if he should refuse to buy it, then they would sell it to the French King or to Him, that would offer most for it.

The Earl being thus mocked went away, and the King of England soon after bought it in∣deed, giving unto John Lancaster and his Fellow-Adventurers a Competent Summ, which they demanded, and also their Pardon for Refusing to obey his Letters so wise∣ly to his Advantage. For it was a place always much desired by King Edward, as the best Neighbour to Calais, if in his hands, and the worst if not.

VII. Hereupon King John charging him with Breaking the Truce, he replied as we intimated before,

That there was no one Article in the Truce, which prohibiteth Trafficking together, or the Entercourse of Buying and Selling.

These are the two Accounts of the Taking of this strong Fortress, either of which the Reader may prefer at his Discretion; thô indeed the French Writers do mostly agree, that it was sold by a Frenchman, the Captain thereof, who afterwards received the Reward of his Treason.

However when King John and his Council saw, r that by no means they could pre∣vail to have it restored, they advised to build another like unto it, for a Bridle to that, and a Defence of the Country thereabouts, and accordingly they sent the Lord Geoffry Charny, somewhile since redeemed out of England, with Authority to build and fortifie, as presently we shall declare.

Now as you travel from Guisnes to Calais, there was then to be seen on your Left hand, almost within Shot of the Town of Guisnes, a Monastery called la Bastie, of good strong Building, but decayed with Age, wherein was a Church, certain Nuns residing there at that time; upon which Account the English had hitherto spared it in Devotion. This

place might easily be made Defensible, for it had very high Walls like a Castle, and a large and strong Steeple for a Tower; and lying in a Marish Ground, might with small Labour be environ'd with a Ditch of great Depth and Breadth. Wherefore about s Whitsuntide Sr. Geoffry Charny aforesaid came with 20000 Men, and began to lay Siege to Guisnes, at the same time turning the Nuns away, and making a Castle of the Church, and fencing the Walls with a Ditch and Rampire. For at that time of the Year, the Waters being very low, his Men were at liberty to work more freely in the Marish. Now the English in Guisnes being thus besieged, were not able to go abroad, but in their Boats, because the Ditches were full of Water, and the Marish unpassable, and all the usual Avenues stopt up by the French: Neither were the Calisians as yet able to Victual them for the same Reasons; and especially because of the Siege, and the strong Army at la Bastie. Yet often the Besieged would appear before the Town with their Arrows and Warlike Engines, playing upon the Besiegers; but they did no great Execution, the Aim being uncertain at that distance, and the Reach for the most part too short. However one Day by secret Appointment, the Calisians being joyn'd with those of Oye, Marque and Hames on the one hand, and those of the Garrison of Guisnes on the other, set all together at one time upon their Enemies unawares with much Bravery, and took some, slew many and chased more; so that the Siege being wholly raised, they all together set upon la Bastie, burnt it up, dismantled it of its Walls, and levell'd all to the Ground. And thus was Guisnes secured to the English; thô the French made huge Clamours thereupon, how the Truce was first broken by the English.

VIII. This same Whitsuntide King Edward kept in great Splendor at Westminster, being accompanied with the Chief of his Nobility, and those of France and Scotland, that were Prisoners: During which t Solemnity the Lord Edmund, younger Brother to Richard Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel, was Knighted by the King, together with 300 more young Gentlemen. At which time u also the Lord Charles of Blois, who had been Prisoner in England above four Years, by means of Queen Philippa, whose Kins∣man he was, obtained leave to go into France to procure his Ransom, his two Sons Sr. John and Sr. Guy remaining still behind, as Hostages for the Payment; he being by Oath obliged not to bear Arms against England, till he had paid the Money. Thô one x says, that having obtain'd Leave upon Security given, to divert himself in the Island of Jarsey, when by walking about frequently, he had sufficiently observed the Weakness of the Country, he came some Months afterwards suddenly upon them with 300 Men of Arms, and put all he found to the Sword, like a perfidious and Disloyal Knight, and so took possession of the Place himself.

IX. The Lord Guy de Nesle Marshal of France, being now at Liberty again, to re∣pair the Loss he suffer'd in April, raises a considerable Army in Bretagne, where about the Middle of August (viz. on the 15 Day) 1352, y he was again valiantly encoun∣tred by Sr. Walter Bentley, Sr. Robert Knolles, and other English Captains near Mau∣ron between Rennes and Ploermel: Where after a long and doubtfull Fight, the Eng∣lish being but 300 Men of Arms, and 600 Archers, the Frenchmen, thô above Four times their Number, were utterly discomfited, slain and taken. For there fell Guy of Nesle himself; who was Lord of Oysemont and Marshal of France, together with the Lord of St. Quintin, the Lord of Briquebec, the Lord of Courtenay, the Chastellain of Beauvais, the Lord of Rugemont, the Lord of Montauban, the Lord de l'Aunay, the Lord of Mont de Bayeux, the Lord de L'Aigle, the Lord de Villebon, the Lord de la Marche, the Lord de le Chastelet, Thirteen Lords in all, besides an 140 Knights, and of Batchelours 500, whose Coat Armours were brought away: But the Common-Souldiers were not numbred. There were also taken Prisoners the Lord of Brusebeque, Son of the Lord Bertram, Sr. Tristram de Morlaix, the Lord of Malestroit, the Viscount of Cominges, Sr. Geoffry de Gray, Sr. William de la Val, Sr. Charles Darcheville, Sr. John de Brou, and other Lords and Knights Batchelours, to the number of 130. This Army of the French and Bretons, under the Conduct of the said Marshal, had been so order'd by him, that having a steep Mountain behind at their Backs, they might be enfor∣ced to stand to it resolutely by despairing to fly. One z says, that no less than 45 Knights of the Star were slain in this Battle; but the Number of those Knights, who were cre∣ated the last Year being but 18, 'tis hardly credible, that already the Order should be so mightily overstockt; wherefore we pass this by as an Errour. However there were many Valiant and Noble Leaders on the French Part, and their Array was so dreadfull, that it dismayed the Hearts of several Englishmen, so that they began to flee: But the Coura∣gious Sr. Walter Bentley, Lieutenant of Bretagne at that time for the King of England,

would not flinch a Foot, but oppos'd good Conduct and indefatigable Resolution to the fury of his Enemies, till after a bloody Fight (wherein hardly one of the English escaped unhurt, and Sr. Walter himself was grievously, thô not mortally wounded) by the Grace of God he obtain'd a famous Victory. After which in a Court Martial he condemned thirty Archers to be hang'd, because they forsook him and fled in the Heat of Battle, to the hazard of all his Company. This was a considerable Blow to France, and a Loss not in many Years to be repaired; althô in the room of Guy de Nesle there succeeded the Lord of Beaujeu, a most Worthy Captain, in the Office of Marshal of France.

X. As for the Affairs of Gascogne, King Edward at this time a constituted the Lord Ralph Earl of Stafford his Lieutenant, and Captain General in those parts, with spe∣cial Commission to Treat with any persons of what Nation soever, upon terms of yield∣ing aid to the King, and receiving mutual assistance from him. In which service of the Lieutenancy of Aquitain, he was now retained by Indenture, bearing Date 3^tio Martii 1352 to continue with an 100 Men of Arms, and an 100 Archers on Horseback, all of his own proper Retinue, till Michaelmas next ensuing. And from that time for∣wards to have an additional Number of 100 Men at Arms, and 200 Archers on Horseback, provided at the Kings Charge, during his stay in those parts: The King likewise indenting further with him, to send by way of supply (under the Conduct of the Duke of Lancaster, or one of the Earls, either of Northampton, Arundel, War∣wick, or Huntington) 300 Men of Arms more, and 700 Archers. At which time the said Earl of Stafford constituted Sr. James Pipe, then Seneschal of Aquitain, Gover∣nour of Blaye, scituate in the Enemies Quarters on the other side the Garonne. But the mean while in respect of this his necessitated Absence from England, he obtained of the King a special Precept to the Judges of the Kings Bench, that they should not in any of their Sessions, within the County of Essex, intermeddle with his Liberties. And while he was preparing for this Expedition, he had an Assignation of the Town of Hackney, in the County of Middlesex, for the quartering of his Men and Horses: Sixty Men with Lances being among others, impressed for that service out of his Lord∣ships of Newport and Netherwent, in the Marches of Wales. And being in the be∣ginning of May, almost b ready to take his journey into Gascogne, a Writ bearing Date 14 of May, was issued to Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, Admiral towards the West, to arrest all Ships of 50 Tuns and upwards, for this Earl's passage thither, and to bring them to Sandwich by the c Quindene of Trinity, or the 17 of June fol∣lowing. Being arrived safe in Gascogne, he presently after encountred a Great Body of Frenchmen, who came forth of their strong hold to meet him, of whom he had an entire Victory, slaying the greater part of them, and taking Prisoner that most valiant Gentleman d Sr. — Gaudee (who afterwards being naturalized made his seat in Suffolk) and seven Knights of the Star; if this latter is not a mistake of kin to the former.

About this time there e died in the parts of Gascogne, on the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Sr. Thomas Wale, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter, being a Person of great Worth and Vertue: So that of all the Stalls of the first Founders, his first became void; into which succeeded Reginald Lord Cobham of Sterborough. Sr. Thomas Wale bare for his Arms Argent a Cross Sable, and Sr. Reginald Cobham, Gules, Three Mullets Sable on a Cheveron Or.

XI. King f Edward, understanding at this time, that the Brittish Seas were infested with Pirates, order'd seven Men of War to be fitted out, with certain Pinnaces to attend them: Of which Fleet Sr. Thomas Cook, and Sr. Richard Tottlesham were Admirals, who scoured the Seas about the Coasts of Picardy and Normandy, and at last return'd with safe∣ty and Honour.

This Year g William of Bavaria, Son to Lewis, the late Emperour of Germany, and in his Mothers Right Earl of Hainalt, Holland, and Zealand, came into England, and Married by the Kings leave the Lady Mathilda, Eldest Daughter to Henry Duke of Lancaster, and Relict of Ralph, Eldest Son of Ralph Earl of Stafford, who dying three Years before, left her a Fair young Widow. This William was Duke of Bavaria, and Count Palatine of the Rhine, and lately upon his Mother, the Lady Margaret, her Death, Earl of Hainalt, &c. But about six Years after (upon what occasion is not known) h he fell distracted, and slew a Knight with a blow of his Fist: Whereupon he was shut up under a good Guard in hopes of Recovery, his Brother Albert managing the Government in his stead, till about 19 Years after he died in that sad Condition, leaving no Issue by his Wife, who continued in a manner a Widow, during that long time of his Distraction.

XII. This mean while Henry the Great Duke of Lancaster, Father to the said Lady Mathilda, when he saw the Truce taken between the two Realms the last Year, being desirous to bestow what time was his own to the Honour of God, and the propagation of Religion, l obtained the Kings Licence to take a journey into Prussia, there to fight against the Infidels. In which Licence the King granted, that in case he should depart this Life before his Return, his Executors should retain all his Castles, Lands, and Man∣nors in their Hands, till his Debts were discharged. Together with this Noble Prince went at the same time k William Lord Ros of Hamlake, and several other Persons of Quality, but the said Lord Ros died this Year before his Return, in the 26 Year of his Age without Issue, leaving Thomas his Brother, Heir to his Great Inheritance, then but 14 Years of Age. The Duke of Lancaster passing thus towards the Holy Land with a gallant attendance of Valiant Knights and Gentlemen, was l suddenly in High-Ger∣many, together with several of his Company, arrested, and obliged to lay down 300 Scutes of Gold for his Liberty: Which affront we shall shortly find how ill he re∣sented. But however for the present he proceeded on his journey, being honourably attended and convey'd from Country to Country, by the special Command of those Christian Princes, thrô whose Dominions he passed. But before he came into Prus∣sia, he heard, that a Truce for several Years had been already taken by the Chri∣stians and Pagans; whereat being much displeased he returned back again the same way.

In his return, m being then at Cologne, a certain German Knight informed him, how the Duke of Brunswick was He, who had caused him to be so arrested, intending in favour of the King of France, to have him secured, and sent back unto the said King. Wherefore now he declared openly in the Cathedral of Cologne, in presence of the Mar∣quess of Juliers, and many other Nobles,

how basely Otho Duke of Brunswick had caused him to be arrested with design to hinder his Pious Pilgrimage, thô he had ne∣ver given him any the least occasion of Offence, as he knew, having no acquaintance with him, or knowledge of his Person. And he affirmed, that it did not become a Gentleman of Quality to deal so rudely with a Knight Stranger, who had never of∣fended him; and that in case he had a mind to meddle, he should find him ready to perform the part of a Souldier at any time.

Now when the Duke of Lancaster was safely return'd into England (as he did before Ascension-day this Year) these his Words were related in Order to the said Duke of Brunswick, who thereupon presently sent a Challenge to the Duke of Lancaster in this form.

Otho, by the Grace of God Duke of Brunswick, Lord of Thuringen, and Son to the Great Duke of Brunswick, unto the Excellent Prince and Noble Duke of Lan∣caster. Know You, that the Words, which You spake personally with your own proper Mouth, in the Chief Church of Cologne, by Name St. Peters, on the Friday next after Easter last past, before the Noble Prince, the Marquess of Juliers, and ma∣ny other Worshipfull Knights and Esquires, in the presence of the Citizens of the said City, unadvisedly, rashly, and shamefully, were false, and by no means true. Which things We will maintain by our own Body against your Body, as a true and Loyal Lord is bound and obliged to demonstrate against a rash, and false, and wicked Man. And this We will perform between the Castle of Guisnes, and St. Omers, or where else the King of France, our Lord, shall assign a place: For thither shall be brought a safe Conduct from the said King; lest We should prolong the Matter.

Dated, &c. This Challenge being brought into England to the Duke, unsealed, n lest he might expose himself to scorn by giving too much Credit to such unauthentick Letters, he presently sent back unto Otho two Knights, to learn the truth of the Matter, and to demand thereupon his Letters Patents, sealed with his Seal of Arms. Upon the return of these Knights, with his Letters sealed, he obtained leave of the King, his Master, and wrote back, that by such a day he would not fail to meet him, and by the Grace of God to maintain his Words in his own proper Person, as Truth and Honour requi∣red. Accordingly having with much adoe obtained a safe Conduct from France, he furnished himself after his Quality, and went strait over to Calais with 50 Knights in his Company, and a gallant Retinue. At Guisnes the Lord John Clermont, Marshal of France, met him with a Noble Attendance of Men of Arms, in the o Quindene be∣fore Christmas, and gave him an Honourable Reception, conducting him with much respect, as far as Hesdin. Where the Lord James of Bourbon, Count de la Marche, met him also with another Honourable Train of Gentlemen, and conducted him to Pa∣ris, with extream Civility. At his approach to Paris, he was thirdly, met by a very considerable Body of Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of France, who came by King Johns special Command to do him Honour. There was then the greatest Number of Stran∣gers,

that e'r was known at Paris, to behold this Combat of two such Mighty Princes, all who in their several Capacities, gave due Honour to the Duke of Lancaster; and King John himself immediately upon his Arrival sent for him to his Palace, where he gave him a Princely Reception. But above all, his Kinsman p Charles the young King of Navarre, shew'd him a very high Regard, and Menaged his Affairs with great diligence and applica∣tion. Before the day of Battle there was much agitation to reconcile these two great Enemies; but all overtures were ineffectual; the English Duke maintaining the Truth and Reason of his Words, and the Almain utterly denying the whole Accusation. Where∣fore on the day appointed, the Lists were ranged out in a Field, called q le Pré aux Clercs, the two Combatants were brought into the place, and the King of France with his Prime Nobility, and an Infinite Number of People were present as spectators. All things be∣ing ready, the two Knights, having (as the Custom of Duellists in those Days was) ta∣ken their several Oaths on the r Corporall, that their cause was just, and that they had no Charms about them, and so began to address themselves to the Combat. The Duke of Brunswick bore in his shield s Gules, Two Lions Passant, Guardant Or; and the Duke of Lancaster, Gules Three Lions Passant, Guardant Or (being the Arms of England) with a Three-pointed Labell of France.

Now 'tis said, that till now You could hardly find a more fierce or comely Man at Arms, than the Duke of Brunswick, nor one that promised better: But presently, as soon as he had taken his Oath, his countenance changed and grew pale, as Death; whereby most People thought his quarrel was not so good, as he pretended. He took his Horse with a sad and ill-boading Countenance, and as many spectators avouched, had none of his former briskness and vigour remaining, insomuch that he bare himself very awkwardly in handling his Arms, and twice or thrice let fall his shield in receiving it. But the Noble Duke of Lancaster sat ready Mounted with his Spear upright, and his shield on his Arm, in a decent and couragious manner, with a sedate and resolute Coun∣tenance, expecting to cope with his Adversary, like a Knight, who had Truth and Honour on his side; so that all Men applauded his steady and gallant Behaviour. Wherefore the Duke of Brunswick by advice of his Friends, submitted his quarrel to the judgement of the King of France, and proffer'd to withdraw his Challenge. But the Duke of Lancaster absolutely refused to forsake the Combat, saying,

How that before he had entred the Lists, perhaps he might have been perswaded to an agreement, but now that he was already Mounted and prepared before the King and his Nobles, and such an extraordinary Confluence of People, to defend the Justice of his Cause, it would be an high Reflection both on himself, and the English Nation, if now he should depart the Lists without performing, what Truth and Equity did require: Where∣fore he said, he would not leave the Field for any Treaty or Composition whatsoever without Battle; so as to derive the least umbrage of a suspicion upon his Honour, Blood, and Quality; whereby either Himself, the King his Master, or his Country might suffer the least flaw in their Reputation: Otherwise he would receive what E∣vent or Fortune the Grace of God would allot him.

Upon this the Duke of Brunswick, as a Man Conquered, utterly renounced the Quarrel, and refus'd the Combat, without any reservation of his Honour, wholly submitting himself to the award and disposal of the King of France, to the great Glory of the Duke of Lancaster. The Duke of Brunswick was generally more acceptable to the King and Court of France, as who was much their Friend; but however the Duke of Lancaster was not without his Interests among so many Honourable Persons, who respected him, thô an Enemy, for his many Heroick Vertues and High Birth. Among these his Counsellours and Abetters, who stuck close to him at this time, were the foremention'd Charles King of Navarre his Kinsman, and Giles his Fathers Brother, the Earl of Ponthieu, the Earl of Flanders, the Earl of Tancarville, the Earl of Saltzbourg, the Lord John Clermont Marshal of France, the Lord James of Bourbon, the Lord Lewis of Navarre, the Lord Lewis Earl of Harcourt, the Lord John de Chastillon, and the Lord Walter his Son, with many more. These Persons so wrought with the Duke of Lancaster, that upon Duke Otho's absolute renunciation of the Quar∣rel, he was content to go last out of the Field: After which the King at a great Feast, by the help of his Nobles, partakers on both sides, reconciled these two Dukes, and took up the Quarrel between them for ever. The next day he led the Duke of Lancaster a∣bout his Palace, shewing him many notable and Rich Jewels, of all which he offer'd him the choice: But he for his part desired only one Thorn out of the Crown of our Saviour, which he brought away, and afterwards gave, as a Relick to his Collegiate Church of our Lady, founded by himself, near the Castle of Leicester. The third Day after, he took leave of the French King and Court, and return'd home into England unto the King,

who was then at St. Albans, where he kept his Christmas at that time, and received him with great Grace and Favour.

XIII. This pious Heroe, who at last by his Religious and Noble Carriage obtained to be called the t Good Duke of Lancaster; out of his devout Respect to the Canons of his Collegiate Church at Leicester, permitted u them this Year to enclose their Woods, and stored them with Deer out of his own Parks; and likewise interceded personally with the Pope, for Appropriating the Churches of Humberston and Hungerton to the said Abbey. About which time x he received special Command from the King, to keep a strict Guard upon the Sea-coasts of Lancashire, and to arm all those 40 Lanciers, which were then raised in his Territories of Monmouth, Grosmont, Whitcastle, Kede∣••y, Karwathelan and Iskennin for the publick Service. For there came into y England a prevailing Rumour, that the French King had provided an Army and Navy to invade the Land; wherefore now, besides the Maritime Parts of Lancashire aforemention'd, the King committed all the Sea-Coasts of Dorset, Somersetshire, Wilishire and Hant∣shire unto this powerfull Duke to secure, and to resist the Enemy. At the same time among others, Thomas z Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, was one of the Commissioners assign'd by the King for the Arraying all sorts of Men able for the War, as well Knights and Esquires, as Others within the Counties of Warwick, Leicester and Worcester. As also a Thomas Lord Musgrave, and Thomas Lord Lucy, were Commissioners for the like purpose in the County of Westmorland, Sr. John b Kirketon of Kirketon in Hol∣land in Lincolnshire, and Sr. John c Willoughby of Eresby, two noble Barons of the Realm, being constituted Commissioners of Array in the said County; as others were in other places for the Defence of the Realm against the French, then threatning an Invasion: Though this Threat, like a great many more of theirs came to no∣thing.

The Earl of Warwick d aforesaid recover'd about this time the Dominion of Gower∣land in Wales, from John Lord Moubray, whose Title thereto accrued by the Lady A∣liva his Mother, Daughter and Heiress to William Lord Braose: Which Lordship King John in the Fourth Year of his Reign had wrongfully given to William de Braose, whilst Henry Son of Waleran Newburgh Earl of Warwick (Ancestor to this Thomas Beauchamp now Earl) was in his Minority: But till now it could not be recover'd for the Right Owner, thô e Roger (Predecessor to the said Waleran, who lived in the Days of King Stephen, was reputed to have been the Conquerour of Gowerland: On which Account his Posterity had enjoyed it, untill the said Fourth Year of King John.

XIV. This Year f Pope Clement VI, after he had sat in the Pontifical Chair ten Years and seven Months, wanting a Day, departed this Life in his Palace at Avignon on the 6^th of December, being as was thought poisoned. In whose stead upon the 18 of the said Month was chosen Stephen Albert, a Limousin by Birth, Priest-Cardinal Ti∣tulo SS. Joannis & Pauli, and then Bishop of Ostia; he took upon him the Name of Innocent, being the VI of that Name, and was Crowned with the Papal Mitre on the 30 Day of the same Month, the day after which he wrote his Letters Encyclical bearing Date 11 Kal. Januarii An^o Pontif. I. But of his partiality towards his own Nati∣on of France our Historians do not unjustly complain.

This very Month there departed out of this World the Hopefull Young Prince, John Plantagenet Earl of Kent, Son to Edmund of Woodstock, King Edwards Uncle, who had lately taken to Wise the young Lady Elizabeth, Daughter to the Marquess of Juliers, but died now without Issue as we have said. So that his Sister Joan, commonly called the Fair Maid of Kent, being at that time g 24 Years old, and the Wife of the Lord Thomas Holland, was found his next Heir; and in her Right the said Sr. Tho∣mas became Earl of Kent.

It is remembred, h that two Fishmongers were this Year beheaded at the Standard in Cheap-Side London, thô their Offence is not recorded: Wherefore I only mention it to shew, how more mild and humane, thô withall seldome, the Executions were under this Prince's Government, in comparison of those Butcherly Dismembrings used during the Reign of King Philip of Valois, his Adversary.

Notes

• AN. DOM. 1351. An. Regni Angliae XXV. Franciae XII.
• a

  M.S. Record. Parl. p. 71. &c. Sr. Rob. Cott••n's Abridgment, p. 73. &c.
• b

  From hence it appears, that the Printed Statutes pre∣tended to be made anno 23 Fd. 3. are falsly dated.
• c

  Ita emendo Winchester in M. S. & Sr. Bob. C••tt••n, ea I h••lpets Ca∣tal. Chaccell.
• d

  Godw. Catal. B••sin C••nter. §. 54. p. 14.
• e

  Vid. Lib. 1. c. 3. §. 6. p. 52. & 53.
• f

  〈…〉〈…〉. 3. §. 3. 〈…〉〈…〉. ad p. 42.
• g

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 94. b.
• a

  Ashmoles Gar∣ter p. 682. Dudg. Bar. 1 Vol. p. 786. Stow p 251. & M.S. Vet. Angan Bib. C.C.C. Cantabr. c. 224.
• Ashmole ibid.
• i

  8 Martii Ret. Franc. 25. Ed. 3. m. 15. & Ash∣mole p. 682.
• k

  Stow Chron. p. 251.
• l

  Dagd. 2 Vol. p. 167, &c.
• m

  Cart. 16 Ed. 3. n. 2.
• n

  Knighton p. 26••2.
• o

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 47.
• p

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 160. ex Cart. 25 Ed. 3 m. 25. Mart•••• 5.
• q

  L. 1. c. 24. §. 4.
• r

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 102.
• s

  M.S. Rot. Par. p. 72. §. 11. & Sr. Rob. Cotton's Abridgment p. 74. §. 11. &c. ad hunc annam.
• t

  Mezeray ad 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• u

  Knight •• p. 26••2.
• x

  Stow p. 251.
• y

  V••d 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p. 683. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ret. Franc. 32 Fd. 3. p. 8.
• z

  Knighton p. 2602. n. 48. & Sten p. 251. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 40. Pascha ••••∣tigit 17 April. hee anno. Lit. Dom. B.
• a

  Knighton p. 2603. n. 4.
• b

  Stow p. 251.
• c

  Fabian p. 228 & Od••. Ra••∣nald ad hanc ann. §. 37.
• d

  Oder. Rainald. ••d hunc ann. Mezeray, &c.
• e

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. c. 153. Me••••••y 〈…〉〈…〉 p. 251 〈…〉〈…〉 23. April. & F••x Acts & Men. p. 507.
• f

  Frois. c. 153.
• g

  Vid. Oder. Ramald. ad hunc ann. §. 22. &c.
• h

  Id. ibid. §. 25.
• i

  Fav••ne's The∣atre L'Hon∣ne r l. 3. c. 2. p. 346.
• k

  Mezeray ad h•••••• ann••n.
• l

  Favine's The∣atre L'Hon∣near l. 3. c. 2. p. 346.
• m

  6 Jan. i.e. E∣piphany.
• n

  Freis. c. 153. Mezeray ad hunc anmon, Fabian p. 229.
• o

  Captain George Ferrers Hist. of Queen Mary apud Graste•• p. 1357. &c.
• p

  Stow p. 252. Matth. Villani l. 3. c. 23. & Frois. c. 153.
• q

  L. 2. c. 10. §. 7. p. 454.
• r

  Stow p. 253.
• s

  Penteco to hec anno 27 Maii contigit, Pascha 8 April. Lit. Dom. AG.
• t

  Catal. Nobil. by Tho. Mills p. 649.
• u

  Knighton p. 2607. n. 27. & Mezeray p. 39. Tom. 3. par. 2.
• x

  Knighton p. 2607.
• y

  Frois. c. 153. Gaguin p. 143. Walsingh. hist. p. 161. Fabian p. 229. Stow p. 253.
• z

  Stow ibid.
• a

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 1••0. ex Re∣cord.
• b

  Ashmele p. 690. ex Ret. Frane. 26. Ed 3. m. 11. Maii 14. Lit. Dom. A.G.
• c

  P••scha 8. A∣pril. F••st. Trin. 3 Junii.
• d

  Stow p. 253.
• e

  Ashmole. p. 700. & Stow ibid. & S^r Thc. de la Mere.
• f

  Stow p. 253:
• g

  Knighton p. 2603. n. 20.
• h

  Tune's store∣house p. 721.
• l

  Dudg. 1 Vol p. 786. ex Pat. 25. Ed. 3. m. 6.
• k

  Monast. Angl. 1 Vol. p. 728. b. n. 20. & Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 550.
• l

  Knighton p. 2603. n. 10.
• m

  Knighton p. 2603. n. 30. &c. Dudg. 1 Vol. p. 786. b. &c. Frois. c. 153. Stow p. 253. Fa∣bian p. 230. Grafton p. 292. Walsingh. Hist. p. 162. n. 14.
• n

  Stow ibid.
• o

  11 Decemb.
• p

  This Duke Henry was Son to Henry de Tor∣to-Collo, who was second Son to Edmund (se∣cond Brother to K. Edw. I) and of Blanche the Relict of Henry de Cham∣pagne King of Navarre; from whom also this Charles King of Navarre was descended. Tho. Mills Catal. Nobility p. 319.
• q

  Fabian ad hunc an. p. 230. Grafton p. 292. Mezeray p. 51.
• r

  Corporall, Gallice Corpo∣rall, Latin. Cor∣perale, idem qued Dominicale, i.e. pulvinar Sacro∣sanctum; Syn∣den, vel linteum, q••o corpus Do∣minicum tegitur.
• s

  True Use of Armory Bibl. Cottonianâ p. 58 vid. Tho. Mills Catal. Nobili∣ty p. 342. He came of Maud, Eldest Daugh∣ter of K. Henry II of Engl. and Henry Leo D. of Sa••eny, whose V Son, William of Winchester was Progenitor to the Dukes of Brunswick. Hence this Dukes Arms so like England.
• t

  Tho. Mills Catal. Hener. p. 324.
• u

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 787. & Knighton p. 2606.
• x

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 787.
• y

  Ashm••le p. 682. &c.
• z

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 232.
• a

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 153.
• b

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 168.
• c

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 83.
• d

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 232.
• e

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 69.
• f

  Odor. Rainal. ad ann. 1352. §. 24, 25. &c. Knighton p. 2605. n. 30. & Walsing. Hist. p. 161. & Frois. c. 153, &c.
• g

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p 94. & Sand∣ford p. 215. ex Inquisitione c••pta 13 Febr. 27 Ed. 3.
• h

  Stew's Survey of London p. 279.