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 SEVENTH. * 1.1

The CONTENTS.

I. King Edward causes all his Lords and Prelates to swear to uphold the Peace, and sends Ambassadors to the Pope for a confirmation of all. II. The manner of King John's Reception at Paris after his long Imprisonment. III. The unwillingness of the Frenchmen to admit of King Edward's Government. IV. King Edward being put in Possession of all the Lands, which were to fall to him by the Treaty, makes the Lord John Chandos his Lieutenant in those parts; the said Lords Praise and Character. V. The English Garrisons deliver'd up to the French King; many of the common Souldiers whereof joyning together turn Robbers: They begin to do much mischief about Champaigne and Burgundy. VI. King John sends against them the Lord James of Bourbon, whom they overthrow. VII. Their formidable Progress; the Pope fearing their Insolence procures them to be drawn off into Italy. VIII. A se∣cond Great Plague in England, the strange Prodigies forerunning it; Its excessive Fury; it sweeps away the Good Duke of Lancaster; the Lord John Moubray and Three other Lords; with six Bishops and the Archbishop of Armagh. IX. The Black-Prince Marries the Lady Joan, Countess of Kent. X. Prince Lionel made the Kings Lieutenant of Ireland; with his Behaviour in that Place. XI. King Edward re∣stores unto the Priors Aliens, what he took from them in the Eleventh Year of his Reign.

I. KING Edward, of England a 1.2 having kept his Christmass in great Splendor at Woodstock, near Oxford, went after the Holydays to his Parliament, which he had summon'd to meet him at Westminster on the b 1.3 24^th of January: Where he communicated unto the Three Estates all the Articles, and the whole Process of the Peace, which he had made with the King of France. Both Houses were entirely satisfied with the whole Affair; and on the last of January the Archbishop of Canterbury with great Solemnity celebrated the Mass of the Holy Tri∣nity, returning Thanks to Almighty God; in which Service there was this small, but comprehensive Scripture, c 1.4 Brethren, rejoyce, be Perfect, be of good Comfort, be of one Mind; live in Peace: And the God of Love and Peace shall be with you. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. After Mass, the King and his Sons standing up in pre∣sence of the French Hostages, Torches being lighted and Crosses held over the Eu∣charist and Missale, all those of the Peers, who had not sworn already to keep the Peace, took now their Oath, which also they read from Papers or Scrolls written, and signed with their own Hands; the Archbishop beginning thus, viz. We Simon, Archbishop of Canterbury, do swear upon the Holy Body of God and his Holy Gospel, firmly, as much as in Ʋs lies, to keep the Peace and Concord agreed on between the two Kings, and to do nothing contrary thereto. This being done, every Man, as he had taken the Oath, gave up his Paper to the Kings Notaries, to be laid up as a Wit∣ness to Posterity. After the same Method King John made his Lords and Estates of Parliament to swear to uphold the said Peace to their Power; and thereupon sent his Ambassadors to the Pope for his Apostolical Sanction and surer confirmation there∣of: As also King Edward did the like on his part, and among his Ambassadors We find the Lord Guy d 1.5 Brian to be One. And thus at last was this Peace as fully e∣stablished, and as strongly bound on Earth, as Humane Wisdom, or Authority, could Devise, or secure.

II. But we should say something more particularly of the French King and his Af∣fairs: We waited on him from Calais to Boulogne, and there left him; thô he did not stay long in that place; for in the e 1.6 beginning of November he went thence to Monstrevil, and thence Four Leagues farther to Hesdin, and so to the Good City of Amiens, where he tarried almost till Christmas. On St. Thomas his Day, being a Monday, he rode thence to Paris, where he was Honourably received of the Clergy

with solemn Processions, and the Universal Joy of all the People; who convey'd him with great Demonstrations of Loyal Affection to his Palace. Here He and his Son Philip, and the rest of the Cavalcade alighted; a most Royal and Magnificent Din∣ner being prepared for them. But it is not my business to declare with what Wel∣come the French King was received by all manner of People, at his return into his Realm. For he was indeed a Better Prince, than One would guess by his Ill-For∣tune, and had now been a Prisoner no less, than Four Years, One Month and six Days, viz. from the 19 of September 1356, on which day the Battle of Poictiers was fought, to the 25 of October 1360, when he was fully acquitted and went from Calais to Boulogne. Wherefore his presence was much desired of all his Subjects, and they welcom'd him, where e'r he came, with shouts and Viveleroys, and presents of Gold and Silver, and other Fair and Rich Gifts. And the Prelates and Barons of all his Realm came to Paris to Visit and Congratulate him, and they entertain'd him with Shews, and Feasts, and other Diversions to comfort his Mind, according to their Duty. And the King was hugely pleas'd with these things; it being a∣greeable to have a Right Taste of Recreation, after so much and so bitter Af∣fliction.

III. Soon after this King Edward sent over the Sea such Persons, as were Com∣mission'd by Him to take Possession in his Name of those Lands, Countries, Earl∣doms, Bayliwicks, Cities, Towns, Castles, and Forts, that were to be deliver'd un∣to him by Vertue of the Peace and Treaty. But this Matter was not over-hastily perform'd; for divers Lords in Languedoc would not at first obey the French Kings Orders to yield themselves to hold of the King of England; althô King John frankly quitted them of all the Faith, Homage, and other Tyes, wherewith they had been bound unto Him: It seem'd so hard to them to forget their Natural Lord and yield to obey Strangers. Of this Humor especially were the Lords of the far Marches, as the Earl of la Marche, the Earl of Perigort, the Earl of Cominges, the Vicount of Chasbeau Darry, the Vicount of Carmain, the Lord of Pincornet, and divers o∣thers; all who were extreamly surprized, that the French King should offer to ac∣quit them of the Resort and Homage, which they ow'd to him, and enjoyn them to pay it to the King of England. And some of them began to argue, and said, that the King ought not so to acquit them; for they affirmed, how there were in Gascogne Charters, and Privileges above 500 Years old, granted unto them by Charlemagne King of France; which signified, that their Resort and Allegiance should not be put to any other Court, but his only. And therefore at first they scrupled the Kings Commands; but King John, who was resolved to hold and perform the Articles of the Peace with all sincerity, sent his Dear Cousin the Lord James of Bourbon unto them all severally, who by good Words and found Reasons, shewing them both the necessity of Affairs, and that it was the Kings absolute Pleasure and Resolution, per∣swaded the most part of the said Lords, as the Earl of Armagnac, the Lord De la Bret, the Earl of Foix, and many others, thô much against their Wills, to become Liege-men to the King of England. The same Difficulty was found in the parts on the Sea-side, as in Poictou, Rochellois, and Sainctogne: Unto them this Composition of their King seem'd very grievous; when they saw, that thereby they were in a man∣ner cut off from their Natural Country, and that they must submit to the Govern∣ment of strangers: But especially the strong City of Rochelle, would not of a long while admit of the English Yoke, but excus'd themselves unto the King, and beg'd earnestly of him still to continue their Protector, and they wrote to him in the most endearing manner possible, desiring him in their Letters, and by their Representatives,

that for Gods sake, he would please never to acquit them of the Faith, that they ow'd unto him, nor put them out of his Demaine into the hands of Strangers; say∣ing, how they had rather be Taxed yearly even to the half of their substance, than to be subject to the English, which was a thing wholly insupportable to all true Frenchmen.

King John by these their frequent and humble Remonstrances saw well their Faith and Loyalty to him, and was very compassionate of their case; but he was a Prince of that Honour; that he had rather lose half his Kingdom, than break his Word; and it was his ordinary saying: That if Faith and Truth were banished from the rest of Mankind; nevertheless they ought to be found in the Mouth of Kings. Besides he was called upon by King Edward's Deputies, for by this backwardness of the French Nation, when it seems things were not made ready against Midsummer, the First of the times appointed for compleating these Matters, King Edward f 1.7 on the 15 of November following, constituted, Sr. Thomas Vuedale Knight, and Thomas Dun∣cent,

Licentiate in the Laws, his Agents, whom he sent to Bruges, with Power to make request to the King of France for the effectual Accomplishment of all things concluded on at Calais; and to require, that He and his Son should make the Renunciations and Transports according to all the foresaid agreements, on the Recep∣tion whereof they were enabled to give Acquittance in the King, their Masters Name. These things quickned King John in his endeavours to reduce his People to acquiesce in his Determinations; wherefore he wrote to those of Rochelle,

Desiring them to shew their Loyalty, which they so much professed, in denying themselves for his sake; that otherwise the Peace would be broken upon their account, which would be a great Imputation to his Honour, and no less Prejudice to the whole Realm of France.

Hereupon when the Rochellers saw no other Remedy, and that whether they would or no, since their King would not admit of their excuses, they should be compelled to undergo this hatefull Yoke; then at last after much adoe, they yielded full fore a∣gainst their Wills, the Honest Men of the Town saying to one another,

Well, we shall then from henceforth obey the English; but our hearts are tyed for ever to the French Interest.

And here it may be a matter of our Wonder, how it came to pass, that King Edward should ever expect otherwise from Frenchmen born; but that they would bear a foreign Rider with a Mind always ready to fling him off, upon the first occasion, as after∣wards it proved indeed. Surely, in this case, I cannot tell what to say; since that Prince's Wisdom is by no means rashly to be call'd in Question; unless, that he thought it reasonable to expect as true Service from these Men, as he had his Ancestors had constantly found from the Inhabitants of Gascogne and Guienne; and besides, being himself a Just and Gracious Prince, he might have a confidence by his Good and easie Government to bind them unto him for ever; as surely he did several, and had done all, had all been alike capeable of being justly affected with Obligations: But in∣deed nothing is more changeable and irrational, than the Vulgar, and more forgetfull of Benefits.

IV. However thus the King of England, had now the Possession and Seisin of the whole Dutchy of Aquitain, even from the River Loire to the Pirenean Mountains; and on the other side toward Flanders, of all the Earldom of Ponthieu and Guisnes, and of all the Lands, which he ought to have on that side the Sea, that is to say, in the Realm of France, by Vertue of the said Treaty. And so this Year the Lord John Chandos passed over the Sea, as Regent and Lieutenant for the King of England, in whose Name he began to take Possession of all the said Lands, and received the Faiths and Homages of all the Earls, Vicounts, Barons, Knights, and Esquires, and had deliver'd unto him by the Lord James of Bourbon, all the Towns, Forts, and other Places, which were to be deliver'd by the Tenor of the Peace. And every where he set Captains, Constables, Bayliffs, and Officers, such as he thought good to ordain: But himself resided for the most part at Niort, a strong and great Town on the Borders of Poictou, standing on la Sevre Niortoise, g 1.8 about Nine Leagues from Rochelle: Where he kept a Court, like a Prince, having an allowance sufficient for that purpose. For King Edward, who understood Men, as well as any King in his Days, sent him thither upon the account of his Sweet and Winning Behaviour, which being accompanied with exquisite Prudence and unparallel'd Courage and Conduct; made him appear the fittest Person to enter first upon that Government. And be∣cause he knew Authority would grow cheap without external Pomp and Splendor, he allow'd him to keep an house like a Prince, and set the highest Marks of Honour up∣on him; empowring him h 1.9 even to grant Pardons for Treason, Murder, and Felony, the King promising to Ratifie under his Great Seal, whatsoever he should do in such cases. Nor was this Noble Gentleman unworthy of this Advancement: For, as Froisard says, he was a Good Knight, Courteous and Benign, Well-shap'd, Li∣beral, Heroick, Wise, and Faithfull in all Matters: And had worthily behav'd himself among all Lords, Knights, Ladies, and Damsels; so that there was no Knight in his Days more generally beloved and praised of all People.

V. Now the mean while, i 1.10 that the Deputies of the King of England were taking Possession of the foresaid Lands according: to the Tenor of the Treaty; there were certain other Deputies appointed by the said King, on the Marches and Limits of France and elsewhere, who being joyned with others commission'd from the French King for that purpose, were to deliver up unto him all that which being then in Possession of the King of England, ought to go now to the King of France. In order thereto these Deputies began to cause all manner of Men of War, to avoid and depart out of the

Holds and Garrisons which they held; for the Kings Command ran strictly, that all such who held of England, should on peril of their Lives and Goods, and of being re∣puted as Enemies and Traytors to the said King, immediately leave and deliver up such Forts as they occupied to the French King and his Deputies, they being his by Vertue of the Peace. Now those Captains, Knights and Esquires, who were natural Sub∣jects to the King of England, and who valued their Duty, readily obey'd the Kings Command, and rendred up or caused to be rendred the Places under them: But some refused to obey, pretending now to make War in the Name and Title not of King Edward, but of the King of Navarre, thô that King was now a Friend to the House of France. There were also many Strangers, great Captains and Robbers, who would not depart upon any account, as Almaines, Brabanders, Flemings, Hainalders and o∣thers, besides some wicked Renegadoes both of England and France, who being poor, thought it the best way to enrich themselves by making War still in France. And moreover many Hundreds of Common Souldiers, whom their Captains, having resign'd up their Fortresses according to King Edwards Command, had dismissed and disbanded, gather'd themselves now together again, as thinking it better to continue the Wars with others like themselves, than to return home to their poor Trades; and perhaps ma∣ny of them durst not go home again, they were guilty of such Villanies, or so mighti∣ly in Debt.

These Men being thus gather'd together elected from among them new Captains, the main Qualities which recommended them to their Choice, besides Courage and Skill in Arms, being Cruelty, Lust, and Love of Rapine. At first they rode about in small Companies, and made their general Rendezvous in Champaigne, then in Burgundy, where they assembled in great Numbers, being called Les Tard-Venus, or the Late-Comers in respect of the other Companions, who had before pillaged and destroy'd the Flower of all the Country. These Robbers for their first Handsell went and took by Surprise the strong Fortress of Joinville, where they found great Riches; for all the Country thereabouts had entrusted the best of their Goods to the strength of that Place. The Spoils taken here were estimated to the Value of an hundred thousand Franks, a•••• given up wholly to the Conquerours, who kept the Castle for some time, overrunning and wasting from thence the Country of Champaigne, and the Bishopricks of Verdun in Burgundy, and Langres in Champaigne, and when they had sufficiently ravaged these Parts, then they sold the Castle of Joinville to those of the Country for 20000 Franks. This done, they enter'd into Burgundy, where they rested them∣selves, expecting a Reinforcement of Men like themselves; all which time they were not idle, but practised many Villanous Deeds: For they had among them several Knights and Esquires, Renegadoes even of those Parts, who directed where and how to get Plunder and do Mischief. They lay a long while about Besancon, Dijon and Beaulne, chief Cities of Burgundy, and robbed and commanded all the Country about; for there were none to encounter them. After this they took the Town of Givry in Bresse which they plunder'd, and so tarried thereabout, because that was a plentifull Country, and daily their Numbers encreased: For all the Common Souldiers, that came out of English Fortresses, and had leave of their Captains to go whither they pleased, drew thitherward continually; so that by Lent they were in all about 16000 strong.

Now when they saw themselves so considerable, they began to ordain among them Captains and Leaders, whom they promised to obey in all things: For even wicked Societies cannot hold together without Order: And the Chief of their Captains were these, Sr. Seguin de Batefoil a Knight of Gascogne, who had no less than 2000 Fighting Men: Taillebert of Talleboton, Guyot du Pyn, the little Mechin Battailler, the Wick∣ed Hanekin Francois, the Burgrave de Lesparre, Nandon de Bergerac, the Burgrave de Boure, the Burgrave of Bretuel, Nucharg, Aberdenny a Scot, Bourdonnel a German, Bernard de la Salle an Hainalder, Lortingo de la Salle his Kinsman, Robert Briquet, Edmund of Ortigo, Sr. Garses du Chastel, Gironet de la Baulx, Carnelle and Others: Who being thus gather'd together about Midlent, resolved to go to Avignon to give the Pope and Cardinals a Visit, more for the love of Prey than Devotion; for whatever Treasure the Church might then have in Heaven, they laid up some Treasures also on Earth, as well as Men of the World. Wherefore these Late-Comers went thitherward thrô the Land of Masconnois, intending for the Earldom of Foretz or Forestes that plentifull Country, and towards Lyon on the River Rhosne.

VI. When King John heard of all this, and how these Robbers daily encreased and ravaged his Realm, he was infinitely displeased, for his Council told him, that without

a speedy remedy these Evil Companions might encrease so strangely, as to be able to do more Mischief than ever was done by the Englishmen themselves in time of War: Wherefore they advised him to send against them a well form'd Army without any more delay. Then the King wrote his Special Letters to his Cousin, the Lord James of Bourbon, k 1.11 Earl of la Marche, who was at that time in the Town of Mompellier in Languedoc, having newly put the Lord John Chandos in Possession of divers Lands, Cities, Towns, Castles, Forts and other Places thereabout, belonging to the King of England by Vertue of the Peace, as we said before. The King in his Letters desired his Cousin of Bourbon to be his Chief General, to muster Souldiers to a sufficient Num∣ber, till he should find himself able to keep the Field, and then go forth and fight a∣gainst these Companions and root them out. The Lord of Bourbon immediately on re∣ceipt of these Letters, went Post to the City of Agen in Agennois, whence he issued out his Letters, and sent Messengers into all Parts, desiring and commanding in the Kings Name, all Knights and Esquires to come to him ready appointed for the War, which was done accordingly: For this Lord James of Bourbon was generally beloved over all France; so that every one obey'd him readily, and drew to the Place of General Rendezvous towards Lyon on the River Rhosne, from Auvergne and Limosin, from Pro∣vence and Savoy, and from the Dauphiné de Vienne; and moreover many Valiant Knights and Esquires were sent from Burgundy by the Young Duke who was not yet dead. With all these Forces the Lord James of Bourbon marched forth from Lyon, and the Parts of Masconnois and Beaujolois, and entred the Earldom of Forestes, where his Sister was Lady in Right of her Children; for the Earl of Forestes her Husband was then newly dead: Wherefore she govern'd the Country by the Hands of Sr. Re∣ginald of Forestes her Husbands Brother, who received the Lord James of Bourbon and his Company with great joy, and feasted him to his Power; as did also his two Nephews, who presented their Service to their Uncle the Earl of la Marche, to ride with him in Defence of their Country against the Companions, who were by this time about Charolle and Tornus, drawing thitherward. For when they understood how the Frenchmen were gathering together to suppress them, their Captains presently went to Council, to advise how to maintain themselves: At this time they found their Num∣ber to be no less than 16000 Fighting Men, wherefore they said among themselves,

Let us then go boldly against these Frenchmen, who are so desirous to find us out, and let us fight them at some Advantage if we can, or else without, for we are e∣nough: If Fortune favour us at this time we shall be rich for ever, as well by the Prisoners we shall take, as by the Booty of the Field; and also we shall gain such Reputation to our Arms, that none hereafter will dare to withstand us; and if we lose we have no more to care for.

Being thus agreed, they dislodged and went up the Mountains, designing to pass into the Land of Forestes and to come to the River of Loire; but in their way they found a Good Town called Charlieu in the Bailywick of Mascon, where they made a fierce Assault which lasted an whole Day; yet the Place was so well desended by the Gentlemen of the Country, that they could win nothing there. Then they marched forward, sending abroad several Detachments to scour the Country of Beaujolois, where having done considerable Dammage, they en∣tred the Bishoprick of Lyon. In their March they would be sure to take some small Hold or other every Day, where they lodged usually for the Night following, making sad Havock of all things whereever they came. One day particularly they took a Ca∣stle called Brignais, about three Leagues from Lyon, with the Lord thereof and his La∣dy in the Place; and there they lodged and refreshed themselves, and here they were certainly informed how the Lords of France were drawn into the Fields, and stood ready to receive them.

The Lord James l 1.12 of Bourbon was now again return'd to Lyon, when he understood that the Companions drew near him apace, having won the Castle of Brignais and ma∣ny other Holds, and brought the Country into great Desolation: At this News he was extreamly displeased, because he was Guardian to his Nephews, the Earl of Fo∣restes Sons, and had the Care of their Lands. Wherefore he drew into the Field and muster'd his Men, and found them to be an Army sufficient to cope with the Enemy; but first he sent out his Currours to view the Face of the Enemy, and to consider well their Number and their Order, and where he should surely find them. In the mean time these subtle Companions had taken a Mountain at Brignais near Lyon, where they so order'd themselves, that they could not be perfectly view'd, and so the best Armed Troops were conceal'd behind, and the Residue who were worse armed, and a far smal∣ler Number stood ready ranged along in Order of Battle on the Hill side. These Men

only were seen by the Lord of Bourbons Currours, whom they permitted leisurely to view them, thereby to feed them with an Errour that might prove their Bane. Being come back to the Earl of la Marche, these Men told him what they had discover'd, saying to him and the Lords about him;

Sirs, we have seen yonder Company your Enemies, and have viewed them well to our Power, and all things rightly consider'd according to the best of our Judgment, they exceed not five or six Thousand; nor are they very well arm'd neither.

Look you there now (said the Lord of Bourbon, speaking to Sr. Arnold of Cervoles the Arch-Priest)

Sir, you told me before this, that they were to the Number of 16000 Fighting Men, and now you all hear to the Contrary. Sir, said the Arch-Priest, I never believed them to be under that Number I'll assure you: But if they be, God be thanked, it is so much the better for us: Therefore now consider what you will do.

In the Name of God said the Lord of Bourbon, we will go and be the Aggressors; and with that he order'd his Battails, and set them in good Array, for now he might see his Enemies before him. Then he made certain New Knights, as the Lord Peter his Eldest Son, whose Banner was raised that Day, also his Nephew the young Earl of Forestes, the Lord of Tournon, the Lord of Malinier, and the Lord Groslee of Dauphiné, besides whom there were present at this time the Earl of Ʋzes, Sr. Reginald of Forestes, the Lord Lewis of Beaujeu, and Sr. Robert of Beaujeu his Brother, Sr. Lewis of Challon sur Saone, Sr. Hugh de Vienne, and divers other Good Knights and Esquires, to the Number m 1.13 of 2000 Men of Arms, all desirous to advance their Honours, and to overthrow these Companions, that thus ravaged the Country without any pretence or reason. The Arch-Priest and divers of the most expert Knights, that were present said plainly, how it would be best to wait till their Enemies had left that Mountain, and so they should have more Ad∣vantage over them: But this Counsel being overrul'd, Sr. Arnold Cervoles the Arch-Priest had order to begin with his Battail, for he was a good Commander, and had with him 1600 Chosen Men. Now the Companions on the Mountain saw well all the French Order, but the French could discover nothing of them, but only those who being evil arm'd, were set there to amuse and deceive them. And yet even those Men were very advantagiously posted; for the Ascent of the Hill was difficult, and they had among them a 1000 Cart-load of great Stones, which did them that Day extraordi∣nary good Service. The Frenchmen who are naturally soon wrought into Security and a confidence of Success, were very eager to set upon their Enemies: But for all that they could do, they could not ascend the Mountain directly to come to them, it was so steep, wherefore of necessity they were obliged to coast about, till they came al∣most unto them. But then this worst-arm'd Battail of the Companions, who had by them a vast provision of sharp and heavy Stones, began to cast them down on them that approached, with such Violence, that they beat down, slew, hurt and maimed a great Number: Insomuch that they neither could nor durst approach any nearer. Wherefore presently the first Battail of Frenchmen was so sore beaten, bruised, disor∣der'd and trampled on, that all the Day after they were able to do but little Good. To their succour therefore came now the Lord James of Bourbon, his Son and his Ne∣phews with their Banners, bringing up the other two Battails, who all went forward with great Courage only to be flung away, as we shall shortly see; so that 'tis a great pitty they had not taken the Arch-Priests Advice, and order'd their Affairs more discreetly. Now as the Lord James and the other Lords, with their Banners and Penons before them approached valiantly, coasting the Mountain, the worst-armed Battail of the Com∣panions entertain'd them with their old Trade of flinging Stones so fiercely, that the boldest of them was glad to stand at a Bay. And while the French were thus attemp∣ting to get forward, and their Enemies to keep them off, the great, fresh and well-ar∣med Battail of the Companions, consisting of 10000 chosen Men, which had not yet been seen, found a way and came about the Mountain well ranged, and having cut their Spears to six Foot length, came on with a great Shout, and fell in among the Frenchmen, of whom at the first Meeting they overthrew Hundreds to the Earth. Truly for such a Surprise the French did their Devoir and fought valiantly; but the Companions had the Advantage by the suddenness of their Attack, and were in a man∣ner equal to them in Number; but above all they fought with such Ardour and Cou∣rage, that it was wonderfull: And still the Stones came thundring on the Frenchmens Helmets and Shields, riveing of Bucklers, and striking down, bruising and maiming of Men: So that the Victory presently enclined to the Worse Side, and a Righteous Cause miscarried for want of Discretion. The Arch-Priest did all that a good Captain and a Valiant Gentleman was capable of doing, but at last he was there taken Prisoner, ha∣ving

first received many grievous Wounds; and with him several Knights and Esquires of the first Battail. The Lord James of Bourbon Earl of la Marche, and his Son Sr. Peter, were both very much wounded; the young Earl of Forestes, his Uncle Sr. Re∣ginald, the Earl of Ʋzes, Sr. Robert of Beaujeu, Sr. Lewis of Challon, and above an 100 Knights more were taken. Those that fled from the Battle escaped to Lyon, whither also, thô not without much labour and difficulty, the Lord James of Bourbon, and his Eldest Son Sr. Peter, were brought on Shields by their trusty Servants. For their Hurts all the City was very sorry, and the Ladies and Gentlewomen of the Town went themselves to visit them, and to dress their Wounds; but within three Days the Lord James of Bour••on died, and Sr. Peter his Son followed him a little after, to the gene∣ral Regret of all Mankind especially of the King of France: Yet neither he nor any else, had any other Remedy but Patience, and a Resolution to revenge their Death. This Battle was thus fought at Brignais near Lyon, on the * 1.14 26 of March being a Good-Friday, in the Year of our Lord MCCCLXI.

VII. At this Disaster all the Country was struck with horrour, and it was generally feared, that the Companions would be rendred invincible by these Successes, and would also grow more numerous thereupon, unless it should please God to put a speedy stop to their mad Career. But as for them, they grew more insolent and wicked than ever, being now strong and formidable, and rich also with the Booty of the Field, and the Ransoms they were to have for Prisoners. And immediately after this Victory, having surmounted all Opposition, they overspread the whole Land of Forestes, and rob'd and ravag'd, and did what they pleased wherever they came: For now they were so strong, that hardly here and there a few of the most Desensible Fortresses were able to resist them. Wherefore within a while after, that the Desolation which they carried along with them, had render'd the Country unable to bear them any longer, they divided into two Parts; the Lesser by far consisting but of 3000 Fighting Men, followed Sr. Seguin Batefoile, who went and kept Garrison at Ance on the Soane about 4 Leagues from Lyon, which Place he fortified exceedingly; and here he flesh'd himself, till he was gorged like any Horsleech. For he commanded all the Marches thereabouts, that Coun∣try being as then one of the most plentifull in the whole World; that is to say, all the Land on each side the River of Soane, as Masconnois, the Archbishoprick of Lyon, Beau∣jolois, as far as to la Marche, Bourbonnois and Nivernois: All which Parts he overtan and rob'd, and ransom'd People at his pleasure. Being glutted here he sent forth some Troops which wan by Scalado the good City of Brioude in Auvergne, where after∣wards he tarried above a Year, having so well fortified it, that he now feared neither Siege nor Surprise: And from hence he overran the Lands about Clermont, Monferrand, Riom, La Cheze Dieu, Nonnotte, Issoire and all the Country of Avergne, the Earl thereof being then an Hostage in England; at all which Places he did much Mischief and got huge Spoils. And having thus at last utterly harassed the Country, he then went away by Composition into Gascogne whence he came, and ever after lived more re∣gularly.

The mean while the greater Part of this Company amounting to 13000 Men and upwards, after the Battle of Brignais, took their way towards Avignon, saying, they would now visit the Pope and his Cardinals, and have some of their Money, or else live upon their Lands: And so in their March they tarried here and there, to gather up the Ransom of such Prisoners as they had taken, and to see if the Peace between France and England would hold or not. In their way they took Towns and Fortresses as they pleased, none daring to hold out against them; their Renown being so great, and the Experience as well as Courage of the People of those Parts being so little: For they had not been used to the War. Now the Captains of these Robbers had intelligence, how that in the City of Pont St. Esprit about seven Leagues from Avignon, all the Treasures and Riches of the Country were gathered together, in Confidence of the Places Strength. Wherefore they held a close Consult among themselves, how to win this Fortress; for besides the Spoil thereof, they should then be Masters of the River Rhosne, and consequently of the City of Avignon. At last according as they had de∣vised, Guyot du Pyn and the Little Mechin rode with their Troops, being 3000 Select Men and Horses, no less than fifteen Leagues in one Night, so that the next Mor∣ning by Break of Day they came suddenly to Pont St. Esprit, which they present∣ly took by Surprise, and so became Masters of all that was therein; the more the Pitty: For there they slew many an Innocent Person, and violated many Honest Damsels, and wan innumerable Riches, and Provision enough to keep them all an whole Year.

When the other Companions, English, Gascognors, French, and Germans, who yet held Garrisons in France, and would not deliver them up at the Command of any Man living; for they said,

they must live, and War was the only trade they could live by:

I say, when these Men heard of the Success of those other Companions, then they yielded up what they held on Composition, and marched all toward Pont St. Esprit, in hopes to partake with them in their Success. And here altogether they held their Chief Garrison, being at liberty, now to ride into France, and now into the Empire, as they pleas'd, without Danger. From hence almost every day they sent out strong Detachments even to the Gates of Avignon, whereat the Pope and Cardinals were in a great Consternation: For they heard, how their Chief Captains were the greatest Enemies to Religion, and Despisers both of God and Man. So that Pope n 1.15 Innocent. VI, and the College of Cardinals, seeing their Danger, sent a serious Embassy to the Emperour of Germany, and the Lords of Almaine, and moreover they ordained a solemn Croisade, or an Holy Expedition against these more than Heathen Christians; since they did their endeavour to destroy all Christendom, as other Bands, like them, had attempted before; without the least just Pretence or Title of Reason. For indeed they robbed, and took whatever they could lay hands on, Holy or Profane, violating and ravishing Nunns, and other young Maids and Wo∣men, without the least remorse, and slaying Men, Women, and Children without Mercy; thô they had never given them the least shadow of offence: And those, who were most notorious in the Practise of these Villanies, were in greatest esteem with them. Upon which account the Pope and his Cardinals preached openly this Croi∣sade, and absolved ab omni poenâ & oulpâ all those, who would undertake this cause of Religion, and would adventure their Bodies to destroy this accursed People. The Lord Peter of Monstier, Cardinal of Arras, by some called Cardinal of Ostia, was appointed chief Captain of this Croisade, who immediately leaving Avignon, went to Carpentras, where he began to retain all manner of Men of War, especially such as de∣sired to save their Souls in purchasing by the hazard of their Bodies the foresaid Par∣dons and Indulgences: But of other Wages there was not a Penny to be had. Whereupon this formidable Expedition vanish'd into Air, all Men leaving the under∣taking, when they heard the Conditions; and some of them went into Lombardy, o∣thers into their own Countries; and not a few to those very Companions against whom they were designed. So that daily their Numbers encreased, and they extreamly ha∣rassed the Pope, the Cardinals, and the Merchants about Avignon, doing much mis∣chief untill Midsummer, in the Year one Thousand Three Hundred Sixty and One: And then the Pope and his Cardinals happily remembred them of a Noble and Va∣liant Knight, called John Marquess of Monferrat in Italy; who held War and had done a long while against the Lords of Milain. Him the Pope invited to Avignon, and treated with him to take all these Men into his Pay, and to lead them away thence into Lombardy to his Wars there. The Marquess lik'd the motion well, and began to fall in Treaty with the Chief Captain of the Companions, who was at this time an English Man, named Sr. John Hawkwood, and at last agreed with the Mar∣quess on consideration of 60000 Florens of Gold to be divided among his Officers, and such and such Wages to be constantly paid, to go along with him into Lombar∣dy: So that first there might be obtain'd from the Pope, a Full Absolution ab omni∣poenâ & culpâ; all which being agreed and perform'd, and the Florens paid down by the Pope, they deliver'd up Pont St. Esprit, and left the Marches of Avignon, and went forth with the Marquess into Italy, to the great joy of the French King and all his Realm; althô many of them soon after returned into Burgundy; and Sr. Seguin of Batefoile would not forsake his Garrison at Ance. But however France was in a far better Condition, being thus happily purged of those noxious Humors, which began to corrode and prey upon her Vitals.

The mean while these Companions were led by the Marquess into Piedmont; where by their help he prevailed o 1.16 mightily against the two Lords of Milain, Galeas, and Barnabo, and conquer'd Alba Pompeia, Pavia, Novarre, and other Towns, Castles, Lands, and Fortresses belonging unto them, and had several Rencounters and Skir∣mishes with them to his Honour and Advantage: So that within a Year he ob∣tain'd the better hand of the Brothers of Milan, and had of them in a manner what he demanded: Thô afterwards the said Lords by their good Policy surmounted these Matters, and brought off the better part of these Companions to their own side; where∣upon their Dominion was enlarged, and they ruled in great Prosperity, as we shall shew more fully in another place.

VIII. Nor was England much more happy all this while; thô now in full Peace, thô now free from all Foreign or Domestick Enemies; thô now she had no such Thieves or Robbers to disturb her Quiet. For there p 1.17 fell in England a New Ca∣lamity this Year, a Plague something like the former, and which in respect thereof was called the Second Plague, nothing near so Dismal and Universally Fatal, as the Former; but much more Destructive of the Nobility and Prelacy, where ever it went.

Nor was this Visitation unaccompanied with Prodigies; for on the q 1.18 Fifth of May, being a Wednesday, the Eve of the Ascension, at 14 Minutes after Ten in the Morn∣ing, there happen'd a very remarkable Eclipse of the Sun; which is mention'd also in the Turkish Annals; and there followed such a strange Drought, that there ensued great scarcity of Corn, Fruit, and Hay. That same Month it rained Blood in Bur∣gundy, and on the 27 of the said Month at Boulogne in France, there appeared in the Air a Bloody Cross, from Morning until Six in the Evening, at which time being seen of many it began to move, and seem'd presently to fall into the middle of the Sea. After which there came forth of Woods into Towns many Foxes in the Dusk of the Evening, which devoured Men alive in those parts. And in the Summer of this Year both in England and France, in Deserts and plain Countries, there appeared suddenly at several times two Castles in the Air; the One full South-East, and the Other South-West, whence there issued two Hosts of Armed Men, the One whereof, viz. That which came from the South-East, bare Argent, and the other Sable, which engaging together, the White would beat the Black; but afterwards the Black recollecting their Forces would fall upon the others, and extort the Victory back again: And then each Party would return to the Castles from whence they came, and so all things disap∣peared. Those, who are particular in these unusual Matters, add, that after Michael∣mas the Rose-beds brought forth Roses of a perfect Growth, Colour, and Smell; and that Crows, and other Birds brought forth their young at the same time. And in England on the 17 of January, namely on the day of St. Anthony the Ab∣bot, there arose out of the South such an horrible and dreadfull Tempest of Wind with an Earthquake, as the like was never known before; for it blew down after an incredible manner, strong and mighty Buildings, Towers, Steeples, Chimneys, Houses, Woods, Orchards, and all kind of Trees, bearing many a great way off with the very Roots, and doing Wonderfull Harm to Churches, Bells, Walls, Mills, and Houses, especially in the City of London: And this Storm continued by fits more or less for the space of five, some say six, others eight days. And in the same Year many Men, Beasts, Trees, and Buildings, were destroy'd with Thunder and Lightning from Heaven; and the r 1.19 Devil appeared Bodily in humane shape to many People, as they travelled in divers places in the Country, and spake unto them to their great Affrightment.

Let no supercilious Critick be too rash in condemning me for inserting such Mat∣te••s here; as if thereby We Magisterially imposed upon the Belief of any Man. For we expect no more Credit from such an One, than his Reason and Judgement may allow; nor do we put any stress on these things: But however think it our Duty to relate even doubtfull narrations, when they are so generally attested, as We find these to be. Especially because there is no Age, but has produced something as strange and incre∣dible; nor no Historian, that pretends to be so discreet, as not to take notice of such preternatural Accidents.

However at this time there happen'd a Second Plague, which we shall spare to de∣scribe more fully any other way, than from its Effects; because in the First Plague, which was of the same kind, we were so large and so particular. It took away, as we said before, Persons of the Highest Rank and Quality; yet neither did it spare the meaner sort; but especially it rag'd among Young Men and Children, being less s 1.20 fa∣tal to Women; as if choosing to be Cruel, as well to the Better Sex, as to the bet∣ter part of that Sex. Whereupon, 'tis said, t 1.21 that afterwards the Widows of those, who died, took unto them husbands at random, of strange Countries, or Vile Condition, for∣getting their Estate and Families.

On u 1.22 St. John's day and the day following, there died little less than 1200 at London; at Paris above 30000 in the whole Year; and besides the many. Thousands of Common People that died at Avignon, there fell no less than x 1.23 Nine Cardinals, and Seventy other Prelates. But here in England I shall not stand to enumerate, how ma∣ny of the Vulgar perished; our Loss will easily appear from the Quality and Worth of those Few, whom I shall now name.

And first of all there died a Man Worthy to live for ever, even the Great, High∣born, Valiant, and Liberal Prince, Henry Plantagenet, who was taken away y 1.24 by the Plague, on the 24 of March, being the Eve of the Annunciation of the Blessed Vir∣gin, or as some say, z 1.25 on the Tuesday after the said Feast, which that Year fell on the 30^th of March. England had less wanted him, now that the War was ended; if he had not been as Eminent for Counsel in Peace, as he was remarkable for Milita∣ry performances. He was only Son to Henry de Torto-Collo, who was younger Bro∣ther, and next Heir to Thomas Earl of Lancaster, who was Eldest Son to Edmund, Sirnamed Crouchback, Second Son to King Henry III of England, and Brother to King Edward the First, Grandfather to King Edward the Third. This Illustrious Person in his life time did nothing degenerate from the Blood Royal of England, of which he so largely partook; as may be seen in those many foregoing Passages of this History, which speak of his Warlike Actions. His many Heroick Vertues obtain'd him the Glorious Sirname of Good, he being generally called the Good Duke of Lancaster. Wherefore his Death was universally Lamented, especially by the Poor, by the Cler∣gy, and by Scholars, to whom he was a Constant Friend and Patron. Nor was King Edward a 1.26 less concerned for the loss of so Renowned a Kinsman and Captain; as were also all the Barons of England, Lords, Knights, and Esquires: For he was in his Days an Ornament to the Nobility, a Patron to the Church, a Prop to Learning, a Glory to the Souldiery, and a shield unto his Prince. He was b 1.27 buried on the South-side of the High-Altar in the Collegiate Church of Leicester, which c 1.28 himself had founded and set over it one Dean, Twelve Canons, Prebendaries, as many Vicars, and others, all sufficiently provided with Revenues: Besides he consummated the Hospital there, which his Father had begun, wherein were maintain'd an 100 Infirm and Poor people, d 1.29 50 Men, and 50 Women; together with 10 lusty and able Women, to serve the said Infirm Ones, with Meat and Drink, and other bodily Necessaries, day and night. Both which Hospital and College of Canons he sufficiently endowed for ever; and indeed they were the Greatest Ornament of that City, until the heavy Hand of King Henry VIII among other the like Foundations, laid their Ruines at his own Feet: At which time the College Lands d 1.30 were valued at 595 pounds 7 shillings and 6 pence per annum.

He left behind him two Daughters, his Heirs, the Lady Mathilda the Eldest, then 22 Years of Age, at that time Married to William of Bavaria, Son to Lewis the Em∣perour, and Duke of Zealand, Holland, Hainalt, and Friseland; the other Daughter, named Blanch, then 19 Years of Age, and the Wife of John of Gaunt, Earl of Richmond, but upon the Death of her Eldest Sister (which happen'd shortly after) without Issue, in her Right, Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Darby, Lincoln, and Lei∣cester, Steward of England, and also Lord of Brigerac, Beaufort, and Nogent: Who had by her Henry, Sirnamed of Bolingbroke, who afterwards traiterously deposing King Richard the Second, became King of England by the Name of Henry IV.

Soon after his Death the Lady f 1.31 Mathilda, his Eldest Daughter, came into England to claim her Purparty of the Inheritance; where she died presently; being, g 1.32 as was thought, poison'd, that the Inheritance might not be divided among Foreigners; but go entirely, as thereupon it did, to her Younger Sister, who was Married in England.

Besides this Great Prince, there h 1.33 died this Year of the same Plague the Lord John Moubray, a most Valiant and Noble Knight of England, who was styled Lord of the Isle of Haxiholme, and of the Honours of Gower and Brembre. He died at York on the 4^th of October, leaving behind him John his Son and Heir, a Valiant Young Gentle∣man, then of full Age; whom he had by his Wife, the Lady Joan of Lancaster, Sister to the Duke of Lancaster aforesaid. But this Young Lord John Moubray brought more i 1.34 Honour and Possessions to his House and Name by taking unto him for Wife, the Lady Elisabeth, Daughter and Heir to John Lord Seagrave, by Margaret his Wife, Daughter and sole Heir to Thomas of Brotherton ( k 1.35 Second Son to King Edward the First) Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of England. From which Marriage l 1.36 are Descended all the Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Nottingham, of the Sirname of Moubray and Howard, the Earls of Suffolk and Barkshire; and particularly the Thrice Noble Henry Lord Mordant, the present Earl of Peterborough, m 1.37 Son of John Earl of Peterborough, by his Lady Elisabeth, sole Daughter and Heir of William Howard, Lord Effingham, Eldest Son to Charles Earl of Nottingham. Nor ought We to forget the Death of the Valiant Lord n 1.38 Edward Montague, Brother to William the first Earl of Salisbury of that Name, which happen'd in this Year; he leaving behind him only one Daughter,

at that time XII Years of Age, then Wife to the Lord William Hufford, Eldest Son to the Earl of Suffolk.

Besides this o 1.39 there died the Lord Reginald Cobham, a Baron of great Renown in those days, leaving behind him a Son of his own Name and Character: Also William p 1.40 Lord Fitz-Warine, of the House of the Lord Fulk Fitz-Warine, and Sr. Nicolas q 1.41 St. Maure, aliàs Seymor, a considerable Baron of the Realm. Besides whom there were now taken away six Bishops, r 1.42 as Michael Northborough, aliàs Northbrook, Bi∣shop of London, who was succeeded by Simon Sudbury; Reginald Brian Bishop of Worcester, whose Chair was supply'd by John Barnet; Thomas Lylde Bishop of Ely, a good Benefactor to Peter-House College in Cambridge, whose loss was repaired by the Succession of Simon Langham; also Robert Stratford Bishop of Chichester, into whose place came William Lenne, aliàs Lenlimere; and John Synwell Bishop of Lin∣coln, whose Successor was John Buckingham, Lord Privy Seal; but these two latter died in the beginning of the next Year. There died also at this time that Famous Scholar, Richard Fitz-Ralph Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of Ireland, and Chan∣cellour of the University of Oxford; of whom we s 1.43 have spoken more largely else∣where: Only it is here to be added, that this Archbishop t 1.44 had such a Reputation for Holiness and Integrity of Life; that he is said to have been conspicuous for Miracles even after his Death; so that Pope Boniface IX gave order for an Inquisition to be made thereafter, designing thereupon to Canonize him; as 'tis generally believ'd, he deserved.

IX. But yet among these frequent Funerals, there was a Glorious Torch of Hymen lighted up at Court this Year: For the most Heroick Prince of Wales, who was all along unconquerable in War, laid aside now his Lions skin, and began to be soften'd with the warm Fires of Love. The Object of his Affections was that Incomparable Paragon of Beauty the Lady Joan, commonly called the Fair Countess of Kent, at this time a Widow: And yet neither in Age much unequal to this Great Prince, nor in Vertue, or Nobility, thô a subject, unworthy of him. She was now in the 33^d Year of her Age, and the Prince in the One and Thirtieth of his: He being Great Grandchild to King Edward the First, and she Grandchild to the said King by a second Venture: He, the Glory of his Sex for Military performances and other Princely Ver∣tues; and She the Flower of hers, for a Discreet and Honourable Mind, sweetned with all the Delicacies of a most surprizing Beauty. However, 'tis u 1.45 said, the Prince only intended at first to endeavour to encline her to the Love of a certain Knight, a servant of his, whom he design'd to advance thereby; but that after sundry De∣nials, with which he would not be put off, she told him plainly,

how when she was under Ward, she had been disposed of by others; but that now being at Years of Dis∣cretion, and Mistress of her own Actions, she would not cast her self beneath her Rank; but remembred, that she was of the Blood Royal of England, and therefore resolved never to Marry again; but to a Prince for Quality and Vertue, like Him∣self.

The Black-Prince was a Passionate Admirer of every Gallant Spirit; how then could he do otherwise, but take satisfaction from so obliging a Declaration; when he well knew, that all she said, was true, and beheld her still Mistress of such Graces and agreeable Qualities, as might worthily recommend her to the Love of the Greatest Prince on Earth? He presently therefore returns her Compliment with an Affectionate Kiss, and from that instant resolved to become her servant. Soon after which, having easily obtain'd the Consent of the King, his Father, and an especial Dispensation from the Pope (not only because he was so near of Kin unto her, but had x 1.46 also stood Godfather for her Eldest Son Thomas) he was solemnly Married unto her, to the great satisfaction of the King and the whole Court.

X. Much about this time also his Brother, Prince Lionel, one of the Loveliest shape in the World, being about Twenty three Years of Age, is y 1.47 said to have taken to Wife the Lady Elizabeth, sole Daughter and Heiress of William de Burgo, alias Burgh, aliàs Burke, once Earl of Ʋlster in Ireland, in whose Right and Title he be∣came Earl of Ʋlster. But here we must excuse, or at least explain Sr. William Dug∣dale: Whose Words run thus, z 1.48 that in the 35 of this King, to wit, this very Year, being made Lieutenant of Ireland, he took to Wife Elizabeth, &c. Which Words naturally seem to imply, that he was not Married till this Year unto the foresaid Lady. And yet this account is evidently too late by almost seven Years; for it appears, that his Daughter Philippa, which he had by this Lady, a 1.49 was born no less than six Years before, An ^o. 1355, or the 29^th of Edward the Third; and that seven Years hence, namely An ^o. 1368, b 1.50 she was 13 Years of Age; and that 3 Years after, viz. c 1.51 An ^o. 1571 She

brought forth her First-born Daughter Elizabeth, unto her Husband Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March. Otherwise She must have been a Mother at Nine Years of Age, which is impossible.

But to proceed, Prince Lionel her Father, d 1.52 was this Year made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to which Charge he repaired immediately: And upon his Coming thither pub∣lished an Inhibition to all Irish-born, not to dare once to approach his Court, nor to take up Arms, or to follow the Wars, thô in his Service, upon any account. After which he vanquished Obrian the Rebel; and yet once on a sudden, thô all things were quieted, he lost an Hundred of his Men, no Man could tell how, while they lay in their Quarters. Which secret Mischief was judg'd to have been occasioned by that unplea∣sant Decree aforesaid: Whereupon Prince Lionel taking better Advice, began to re∣ceive the Natives of Ireland into the same degree of Favour, as other Lieutenants had formerly held them in, shewing a Princely Candour and tender Concern for their Wel∣fare, by which means he wan the Hearts of that stubborn People, and ever after pro∣sper'd in his Affairs relating to that Country. He advanced to the Honour of Knight∣hood several of their most forward Gentlemen, among whom were these, Preston (which Family was since better known by the Name of Gormanston) Holywood, Tal∣bot, Cusac, Delahide, aliàs Hide, Patrick, Robert and John de Fraxinis, all Persons of great Fame in the Wars. And during his Stay in those Parts he removed the Ex∣chequer to Catherlagh, and bestow'd on Defence of that Town 500 l. Sterling.

XI. Now that the Wars between England and France were ended, King Edward was pleased to restore unto the Priors Aliens their Houses, Lands and Tenements (which e 1.53 23 Years before he had confiscated to his own Use, letting them out to Farm) as by his Letters Patents may appear, f 1.54 the Tenor whereof followeth, viz.

EDWARD, by the Grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland and of A∣quitaine,

to all who shall see or hear these Presents, Greeting.

Whereas the Priory of Montacute in the County of Somerset, by reason of the Wars between Us and France, with all the Lands, Tenements, Fees, Advousons, together with the Goods and Cha••els belonging to the same, hath been of late taken into our Hands, and by Us farmed and rented forth as appeareth by divers Patents: Now therefore since Peace is betwixt Us and the Noble Prince, our most Dear Brother King of France, We for the Honour of God and Holy Church, restore unto the said Prior, the Priory with all the Lands, Tenements, Fees, Advousons, and whatsoever else belonging to the same, the same to hold in as free manner as they held it before. And withall We forgive and Release all Arrearages of Rents, which might be due unto Us by reason of any former Grants. In Witness whereof We have made these our Letters Patents:

Dated at Westminster the Sixth of February, in the Thirty Fifth Year of our Reign.

The like Letters of Restitution were granted to all the rest of the Houses of Aliens thrô England: All which Priories Aliens were many Years after g 2.1 utterly suppressed and dissolved by another Martial King, Henry the Fifth, and their Lands given by him and his Son Henry VI, to Colleges of Learned Men in Cambridge and Oxford, and to other Monasteries.

Notes

• * 1.1

  AN. DOM. 1361. An. Regni Angliae XXXV.
• a 1.2

  Walsing. hist. p. 170. n. 40. & M. S. vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 231.
• b 1.3

  Stow p. 264.
• c 1.4

  2 Cor. c. 13. v. 11, &c.
• d 1.5

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 151.
• e 1.6

  Frois. c. 214.
• f 1.7

  Ashmole p. 663. ex Rot. Franc. 35. Ed. 3. n. 3.
• g 1.8

  Ita Ferrar. in Never••gus, i. e. Nicrt.
• h 1.9

  As••••••le p. 7••2.
• i 1.10

  Frois. c. 214. fol. 109. b.
• k 1.11

  Mezeray.
• l 1.12

  Frois. c. 215. fol. 110.
• m 1.13

  Frois. c. 215. f. 111. b.
• * 1.14

  C. Lit. Dom. Pasch. 28 Mart.
• n 1.15

  Frois. ibid. Odor. Rainald. ad hunc an. §. 5. Rebdorf. Annal. &c.
• o 1.16

  Paulus Jovius in Galeacio se∣cundo, & Matt. Villani l. 10. c. 43. &c.
• p 1.17

  Odor. Rainal. ad hunc an. §. 3. John Harding, &c.
• q 1.18

  Labbe Chron. Technica ad hunc ann. & M. S. vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantabr. c. 231. Wal∣singh. hist. p. 171. habet 6^to Maii C. Lit. Dom. Pasc. 28. Martii. Vid. e∣tiam Odor. Rai∣nal. ad hunc an. § 5. Walsing. ibid. M.S. id. ibid. Fabian Lanqet, Stow, Knighton p. 2626. Pol. Virg. l. 19. p. 385. John Harding c. 184. &c. de omnibus hisce Prodigiis.
• r 1.19

  M. S. vet. Angl. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 230. ad finem.
• s 1.20

  Walsing. hist. p. 171. n. 36.
• t 1.21

  M.S. vet. Ang. in Bibl. C.C.C. Cantab. c. 231.
• u 1.22

  Matt. Villani l. 10. c. 45. p. 54.
• x 1.23

  Matt. Villani ibid. Mezeray p. 63. & Od. ric. Rainal. ad hunc annun. §. 4.
• y 1.24

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 789.
• z 1.25

  Dugd. Warw. p. 165. ex Esc. 35. Ed. 3. p. 1. n. 122.
• a 1.26

  Frois. c. 216.
• b 1.27

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 789.
• c 1.28

  Knighton p. 2625. Speed's Maps in Leice∣ster.
• d 1.29

  Stow p. 265.
• d 1.30

  Stow p. 265.
• f 1.31

  Knighton p. 2625.
• g 1.32

  Id. p. 2626. n. 31.
• h 1.33

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 127.
• i 1.34

  Dudg. ibid. p. 128.
• k 1.35

  Fifth Son, but Second survi∣ving.
• l 1.36

  Sandford's Geneal. Hist. p. 110.
• m 1.37

  Dugd. Bar. 2 Vol. p. 279. & p. 312.
• n 1.38

  Dugd. 1 Vol. p. 653. & Mills Catal. Honer. p. 531.
• o 1.39

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 68.
• p 1.40

  Id. 1 Vol. p. 447.
• q 1.41

  Id. 2 Vol. p. 89.
• r 1.42

  Walsing. hist. p. 171. Gedw. Catal. Bps & Stow p. 265.
• s 1.43

  Huius hist. l. 3. c. 3. §. 15. p. 552.
• t 1.44

  Vid. Od••r. Rainal. ad ann. 1358. § 6. & Wad. in Annal. Minor. Tem. 4. ad cund. ann.
• u 1.45

  Joh. Harding c. 185. f. 186.
• x 1.46

  Ashmole p. 676.
• y 1.47

  Dugd. 2 Vol. p. 167.
• z 1.48

  Id. ibid.
• a 1.49

  Sandford's General. Hist. p. 221.
• b 1.50

  Id. ibid. p. 222. & Dugd. Use Bar. 2 Vol. p. 168.
• c 1.51

  Monast. Angl. 2 Vol. p. 228. a.
• d 1.52

  D••gd. 2 Vol. p. 167. & Ho∣linsh. Chron. Irel. p. 72.
• e 1.53

  Vid. hujus Hist. l. 1. c. 10. §. 5. p. 113.
• f 1.54

  Weevers Fa∣ner. Monuments p. 339.
• g 2.1

  Weevers Fun. Monum. p. 339.