The natural history of the principality of Wales in three parts ... together with the natural and artificial rarities and wonders in the several counties of that principality / by R.B.

Remarkable Observations upon the most Memorable Persons and Places in Wales. And an account of several consider∣able Transactions and Passages that have happened, for ma∣ny hundred years past. Toge∣ther with the Natural and Ar∣tificial Rarities and Wonders in the several Counties of that Principality. (Book 3)

PART III. (Book 3)

GReat Britain comprehends the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and is an Island in the Ocean divided by Antiquity into three Parts, the first and greatest called Loegria, is contained within the French Seas, the River Severne, Dee and Humber to the German Ocean, now called England. The second containeth all the Land Northward from Humber to

the Deucalidonian Seas, now called Scotland. The third lyes between the Irish Seas and the Rivers Se∣verne and Dee, and was called Cambria now Wales. Some Authors add a fourth division, called Cornu∣bia, now Cornwall, the Inhabitants of all four dif∣fering in Language humor and Customs among them∣selves.

My design at present is to give an account of Wales, having already treated of England in a Book called Admirable Curiosities, Rarities, and Wonders in every County thereof. And I intend to proceed in the same method in this Principa∣lity.

Wales is situated on the West and Northwest part of England, over against the Kingdom of Ireland, and appears like a Promontory o•• Foreland, being surrounded by the Sea almost on every side, except on the South-East part, where it is divided from England by the River Severn, and by a Ditch drawn from the Mouth of the River Dee to the mouth of the River Wye, being an hun∣dred Miles from East to West, and an hundred and twenty Miles from North to South. The fore∣named Ditch is called Claudh Offa because made by Offa King Mercia, of a great depth and breadth, thereby to confine the Welsh into narrower limits who enacted, That if any Welshman were found on the East side of this Ditch he should forfeit his right hand, but that Law is long since repealed, and the Loyal and Valiant Welsh have for several ages past enjoyed the same Liberties and Privileges with the other Subjects of the Crown of England.

It was divided into three parts, that is North-Wales, South-Wales and Powis-Land, by Roderick the Great in 877. as you have heard, which prov∣ed the confusion of Wales; their Princes being com∣monly at War with the English or among them∣selves to inlarge and defend their several Dominions

Of these three, North-Wales was the chief, being left to Amarawd the eldest Son of Roderick, the Princes whereof by way of eminency were stiled Princes of Wales, and sometimes Kings of Aberfrow their Chief Residence, and paid to the King of London, (as well as the Princes of South-Wales and Powis-Land) sixty three pounds yearly as a Tribute. Yet South-Wales, called by the Inhabitants Dehen∣barth, or the right side, as being nearer the Sun, was the largest, most fruitful and rich, but more subject to the Invasions and Depredations of the English and Flemings, and therefore North-Wales being secured by its Hills and Mountains was pre∣fer'd before it, and retaineth more of the purity of the Welsh Tongue. However this makes the soil lean and hungry, but that is supplied by the large quantity thereof, which occasioned this plea∣sant passage. An English Gentleman in discourse with a worshipful Knight of Wales, boasting that that he had in England so much ground worth 40 s. an Acre, the Welsh Gentleman replied, You have ten yards of Velvet, and I have two hundred yards of Frize, I will not exchange with you.

There are likewise in Wales very pleasant Mea∣dows Watered by fine Rivers, and as the sweetest Flesh is said to be near the Bones, so the most deli∣cious Valleys are interposed betwixt these Moun∣tains. The Natives are generally, healthy, strong, swift and witty, which is imputed to the clear and wholesome Air of the Mountains, the cleanly and moderate Diet of the People and the hardship to which they are inured from their Childhood. The Ancient Britains painted their naked Bodies with Pictures of living Creatures, Flowers, Sun, Moon and Stars, thereby as they imagined to appear ter∣rible to their Enemies, yet some more civil were clothed, and as a great Ornament, wore Chains of Iron about their Wasts and Neck, and Rings on

their middle Fingers. They wore the Hair of their Head long, which was naturally curled in many. All other parts they shaved, only wore long Whis∣kers on their upper Lip. They had ten or twelve Wives a piece, who lived in common among their Parents and Brethren; yet the Children were only accounted his who first married the Mother while she was a Maid: They were brought up in common among them. They were moderate in their Diet, as Milk, Roots, and Barks of Trees, and a little thing no bigger than a Bean, which for a great while took away both Hunger and Thirst; Neither would they eat Hens, Hares, Geese, nor Fish; yet would often Dine upon Venison and Fruits. Their usual Drink was made of Barly. They are report∣ed by Plutarch to have lived very long, many to an hundred and twenty years.

They were Idolatrous Heathens as to their Reli∣gion, using Man's Flesh in their Sacrifices, and adoring a multitude of Idols. Their Priests were called Druids, who managed their Sacrifices, and likewise acted as Temporal Judges in all Civil Mat∣ters; and it was highly criminal not abide by their Judgment. They were excused from the Wars, and all contributions. They had a Primate, who commanded over them in chief. Their Divinity was, That the Soul is immortal, and passeth from one Body to another: which Doctrine they taught not out of Books, but by word of Mouth. Their Build∣ings were low mean Cottages, like those of the Gauls, or Boors of France; yet they fortified seve∣ral thick Woods with Rampires and Ditches, which they called Towns. Brass and Iron Rings were the Coin they used, which were of a certain weight; but afterward they grew more civil by Traffick, and had both Gold and Silver Money. Their chief Trade was in Chains, Wreaths, Ivory Boxes, Bitts and Bridles, with some Toys of Amber

and Glass. Neither was their Shipping more con∣siderable, their cheif Vessels being made of light wood, covered over with Leather: Their usual way of Fighting was in Military Chariots; neither did they engage in great bodies, but had still fresh men to succeed those who retired, or were weary. Their weapons were Shields and short Spears, at the lower end whereof was fastned a round Bell of Brass; with which they terrified their Enemies. Many times they fought under the Conduct of Va∣liant Women, who were extraordinary couragious. They managed their Chariots so dexterously, that running downa steep Hill with all speed, they could stop them in the middle of their course.

The Principality of Wales produceth Mines, and among others, Royal Mines of Silver in Cardigan∣shire in the Mountains of Cosmelock, Tallabant, Gadarren, Bromfloid, Geginnon and Cummerrum. The Romans began to Mine here, as appears by their Coins found in the Trenches wherein they work'd about twenty four fathom deep, and found plenty of Lead. The Danes and Saxons wrought an hun∣dred farhom deep, and gained mhch Lead till the Waters drowned their Works. Sir Tho. Smith dis∣covered Silver in Cosmelock in the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's Reign. Which design was prose∣cuted after his Death by Sir Hugh Middleton, Coyn∣ing the Silver to his great charge at the Tower of London, as his Predecessor had done. Next Sir F. Godolphin of Cornwall and Tho. Bushel Esquire undertook it, having power from King Charles I. to Coyn it at Aberruski in that County. Sir Francis dying and Cosmelock being deserted, Mr. Bushel adventured on the other five Mountains, and at last these Mines yielded an hundred pound a week, and half so much more in Lead. The Silver was Coyned into Pence, Groats, Shillings and Half Crowns, and had the Ostrich Feathers, being the

Arms of the Princes of Wales, stampt on them for distinction. They had an ingenious invention to supply the Miners with fresh Air, which was done by two mens blowing Wind with a pair of Bellows on the outside of the entrance into a Pipe of Lead, which was daily lengthened as the Mine grew lon∣ger whereby the Candle in the Mine was daily kept burning, and the Diggers were constantly supplied with a sufficiency of Breath. But the Civil Wars in 1642. discomposed all the Work. Lead is found in many places in Wales, but the best in Carnarvan∣shire. There are plenty of Goats in Montgomery∣shire. As for Manufactures, the British generally valuing themselves more upon their Gentile Birth and Extraction, are better pleased in imploying their Valour than Labour, and therefore they had but few Commodities, as Cottons and Frieze, of which King Henry V. when Prince of Wales having a suit, and being checkt by a bold Courtier for wearing the same many weeks together,

I wish, said he, that the Cloth of my Country would last forever.

Then they have Cheese very tender and palatable, the Pedigree whereof was by one thus merrily derived.

Adam's nawn Cusson was by her Birth ap Curds, ap Milk, ap Cow, ap Grass, ap Earth. They have likewise Metheglin, first invented by Matthew Glin their own Countreyman, it is com∣pounded of Milk and Honey, and very wholesome. Pollio Romulus being an hundred years of age, told Julius Caesar, "That he had preserved the vigor of his Mind and Body by taking Metheglin inward∣ly, and using Oyl outwardly. It is like Mead but much stronger, Queen Elizabeth, who by the Tuders was of Welsh Descent, much loved this her Native Liquor.

The Buildings of Wales, are generally like those of the old Britains, neither large nor beautiful,

the Italian humour of Building not having affected (not to say infected) the British Nation. About the year 800 Hoell-Dha Prince of Wales built a Palace for his own Residence of white Hurdles or Wattles, and therefore called White-House, or White-Hall if you please. However there are brave buildings in Wales, though not Welsh build∣ings, which the English erected therein as Bridles to keep the People of that Countrey in obedience some Authors derive the name of Wales from Id∣wallo the Son of Cadwalladar, who with the small remainder of his British Subjects defended the dangerous places of this Country against his Ene∣mies, and first was called King of Wales. Neither was the Conquest of them to be attributed to their want of Valour, since King Henry II. in a Letter to Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople gives this Testi∣mony of them,

The Welsh Nation is so adven∣turous that they dare encounter naked with arm∣ed men, ready to spend their Blood for their Country, and pawn their Life for Praise.

Thus far of Wales in general, I shall now give an account of the most memorable Persons, Places, Accidents, Rarities and Wonders in every County thereof, particularly, in Alphabetical Order, (as I have formerly done in the Counties of England) the names whereof are Anglesey, Brecknock, Cardi∣gan, Carmarthen, Carnarvan, Denbigh, Flint, Gla∣morgan, Merioneth, Monmouth, Montgomery, Pembroke and Radnor, of all which I have made some few Remarks in the Tract aforementioned, but shall now be more large and copious, not omitting any thing that I can meet with remarkable. And first of

ANGLESEY called by the Britains Tir Mon or the Land of Mon, in Latin Mona, and by the Eng∣lish Anglesey or the English Island, being separate from the Continent, and surrounded on all sides by

the Irish Sea, save on the South, where it is join∣ed by a small and narrow streight of the River Me∣nai, and almost square, containing twenty Miles from Beumaris to Holy-Head East and West, and from Llanbaderick North to the Point of Menai South seventeen, in the whole Circuit about seventy Miles. The Air is generally healthy, and the Soil seemingly barren, but really fruitful, affording Corn and Cattel sufficient both for the Natives and their Neighbours, and therefore the Welsh Pro∣verb is, Mon Mam Cymbry, Anglesey is the Mother of Wales, because when other Countries fail, this plentifully feeds their Markets, and is said to af∣ford Cormenough to supply all Wales. This Coun∣ty produceth likewise the best Mill-stones to Grind it: Also Allum and Coperas, and in divers places in the low Fields and Champain Grounds, there are several Trees digged up, black within like Ebony, and are used by Carvers for inlaying Cupboards. yea Haslenuts are found under ground with found Kernels in them. It is hard to resolve how they came hither, some imagine the Romans cut them down as being Coverts for their Enemies. Others think they fell of themselves, and with their own weight were buried in those Marshy places, and that the clammy Bituminous substance which is found about them, keeps them from putrefaction.

The Antient Inhabitants of this Country were the Ordovices, and this very Island that antient and renowned seat of the British Druids, the Conquest whereof was first attempted by Paulinus Suetonius in the reign of the Tyrant Nero, who making pre∣paration to Invade the same, the Inhabitants that were strong and numerous, by the assistance of ma∣ny Fugitives, raised all the Forces they were able, and stood ready upon the Shoar to resist and hin∣der his Landing, their Women running about with their Hair about their Ears, and Fire-brands in

their hands, in mourning Garments like Furies of Hell, and their Druids or Priests with Hands and Eyes lifted up to Heaven, uttered many direful Curses, and Imprecations, and cried for Vengeauce against their Enemies. The strangeness of the sight so amazed the Roman Souldiers, that they seemed to offer themselves as a prey to the Swords of the Britains, had not their Captain suddenly rowzed them out of their surprize, by reminding them of their antient Valour which seemed now to be lost, only at the sight of a fearful Flock of weak Women, and a crew of rude, undisciplined, frantick men: This brisk reprimand awakened their courage, so that displaying their Eusigns and Marching toward them, the Britains were instantly defeated, slain, and put to flight, and the Romans became Masters both of the Field of Battel and the whole Island also, yet were they not wholly subdued till the Reign of Julius Agricola.

When the Roman Empire in Britain began to de∣cline several Irish, came secretly over and setled here, and certain sinall Hills and Mounts are yet to be seen, intrenched about, which are called the Irish-men's Cottages, and another place named of the Irish-men Hiercy Gwidil, because it is said they here put the Britains to flight under the conduct of Si∣vigus. Afterward the Normans ost infested this Isle, but in the year 1000 King Etheldred set out a Fleet which scoured the Seas round about it, and wasted the Countrey in a more hostile manner than either the Irish or Norwegians. Then Hugh Earl of Chester and Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury both Normans did grievously afflict Anglesey, at which very time Magnus the Norwegian arriving here, shot Hugh Earl of Shrewsbury through with an Arrow, and after he had plundred the Island departed. Next, the English continually vext the Inhabitants, mak∣ing several descents upon them even to the time

of King Edward I. when they were totally subject∣ed to that Crown.

The chief Town Beumaris formerly called Bono∣ver, built by this King Edward I. (together with a strong Castle) is governed by a Mayor, two Bai∣liffs, two Sergeants at Mace, and a Town Clerk. At Llanvais not far from hence, was formerly a Monastery of Friars Minors, richly endowed by the Kings of England, where a Daughter of King John, and the Son of a Danish King, with several other persons of Dignity were Buried that were slain in the Wars between the English and Welsh.

Guido de Mona, or of Anglesey was Bishop of St. David's, and Lord Treasurer of England to King Henry IV. though the Parliament moved that no Welshman should be a State Officer in England. He died 1407. Arthur Bulkley Bishop of Bangor, though bred Doctor of the Laws, either never read, or else he had forgot the Chapter against Sacrilege, for he spoiled the Bishoprick, and sold the five Bells of the Cathedral, being so over officious that he would go down to the Sea to see them shipt away. He was suddenly deprived of his sight, and died 1555. William Glyn D. D. bred in and Master of Queen's College was made Bishop of Bangor in the second year of Queen Mary, an excellent Schol∣lar being constant to his own and not cruel to the Professors of the Protestant Religion, there being no Persecution in his Diocess. He died the first year of Queen Elizabeth, whose Brother Jeffery Dr. of Laws, Built and Endowed a Free School at Bangor.

Madoc Son to Owen Gwineth Brother to David Prince of North-Wales was born probably at Aber∣frow in this County, then the principal Palace of their Royal Residence, who upon the Civil Dissen∣tions in his own Countrey in 1170 adventured to Sea, and leaving Ireland on the North came to a

Land unknown, where he saw many wonderful things, this by Dr. Howel, and Mr. Humfry Lloyd is judged to be the main Continent of America, being confirmed therein as well by the saying of Monte∣zuma Emperor of Mexico, who declared his Pro∣genitors were strangers as well as the rest of the Mexicans, as by the use of divers Welsh words among them, as Cape de Breton, Norwinberg, Pen∣guin, a name they give to a bird with a White Head. The story adds, that Madock left several of his People there, and coming home returned back with ten Sail full of Welshmen who continued there, and Peopled the Country. Which relation if true, re∣dounds much to the Glory of Madoc, who disco∣vered this vast Region near three hundred years before the renowned Columbus first Sailed thither. This Isle had antiently three hundred sixty three Villages therein, and is still well Peopled, having two Market Towns, seventy four Parish Churches, and is divided into six Hundreds. It gives the Title of Earl to James L. Annesly.

BRECKNOCK-SHIRE, so called say the Welsh, from Brechanius the Father of an Holy off∣spring, whose twenty four Daughters were Saints. It hath Radnorshire on the North, Caermarthen West, Glamorgan South, and Hereford and Monmouthshire East, in breadth twenty eight, and in length twenty Miles. It is full of Hills, and difficult in Travelling. The Mountains of Talgar and Ewias on the East seem to defend it from the excessive heat of the Sun, which makes an wholesome and temperate Air, from whence likewise rise many curious Springs that render the Valleys fruitful both in Corn and Grass, and thereby make amends for their own barrenness. The Silures were the an∣tient Inhabitants of this County, who valiantly op∣posed the Roman servitude, and were first subdued by Julius Frontinus, who found it more difficult to

encounter with the Hills, Streights and Mountains than with the People, whereof one Mountain in the South is of such an height and occult quality that faith Mr. Speed, I should blush to relate it, had I not the Aldermen and Bayliffs of the Town of Brecknock for my Vouchers, who assured me, that from this Hill called Mounch-denny they had oft-times cast down their Hats, Cloaks and Staves, which yet would never fall to the bottom, but were with the Air and Wind still returned back and blown up again, neither will any thing but a stone or hard Mettal fall from thence: and the Clouds are oft seen lower than the top of it. There is like∣wise Cadier Arthur, or Arthur's Chair, a Hill so called, on the South side of this Country, the top thereof somewhat resembling the form of a Chair, proportionate to the dimensions which the Welsh imagine that great and mighty Person to be of. Upon the top thereof riseth a Spring as deep as a Well, four square, having no streams issuing from it, and yet there are plenty of Trouts to be found therein. They also told him, that when the Meer Lynsavathan two Miles from Brecknock hath its fro∣zen Ice first broken, it yieldeth a dreadful Noise like Thunder. And it is reported that where this Meer now spreadeth its Waters, there formerly stood a fair City which was swallowed up by an Earthquake, and it seems probable, both because all the Highways of this County lead thither. And likewise the Learned Camden judgeth it might be the City Loventrium, which Ptolomy placeth in these parts, and Mr. Camden could not discover, and therefore likely to be Drowned in this Pool, which the River Levenny running hard by farther confirms, the Waters whereof run through this Meer without mixing with them, as appears by the colour, and breadth of the Stream which is the same through the whole length of the Pool. This Shire had

formerly two Towns called Hay and Bealt pleasant∣ly scituated, both which in the Rebellion of Owen Glendour were unwalled, depopulated and burnt, under whose ruins many Roman Coins are found, and therefore thought to be two of their Garrisons. Bealt was formerly possest by Aurelius Ambrosius and Vortigern, and afterward Leoline the last Prince of the Britains was therein betrayed and slain.

Brecknock still retains some beauty in its Build∣ing, it had formerly three Gates for entrance, and ten Towers for defence, with a very since Castle. The Town is seated on two Rivers, and is govern∣ed by two Bayliffs, fifteen Aldermen, two Cham∣berlains, two Constables, a Town Clerk, and two Sergeants.

This County boasts of Canock and Cadock Sons, and Keyne Daughter to King Brechanius aforemen∣tioned, who were all three Saints, (though he had twenty four Daughters and all Saints also, who all died young, so that Keyne only survived) who flourished about 492. of whom St. Cadock is said to be a Martyr, and his name highly venerated by the People of South-Wales. St. Cli••tank was King of Brecknock it happened that a Noble Virgin de∣clared, That she would never Marry any Man but him, who was a zealous Christian, whereupon a Pagan Souldier resolving to disappoint her, killed this King, who left behind him the reputation of a Saint. Giles de Bruse Bishop of Hereford was born in this County, and in the Barons Wars sided with the Nobility against King John, upon which he was banished, but after restored to the King's Favour. He was also Lord of Brecknock, which honour with his paternal Inheritance he left to his Brother Re∣ginald, who Married the Daughter of Leoline Prince of Wases. His Effigies on his Tomb in Hereford Church holdeth a Steeple in his hand, whence it

is judged that he built the Belfree of that Cathe∣dral. He died 1215.

Nesta Daughter to Griffin Prince of Wales, and Wife to Bernard of New-march a Noble Norman, and Lord by Conquest of this County, was debauched by a young Gentleman. Mahel her Son having got this Gallant into his hands, used him very severe∣ly, at which Nesta being inraged came into open Court, and on her Oath before King Henry II. pub∣lickly deposed that Mahel was none of the Lord New-marches Son, but begotten on her in Adultery. This if true declared her dishonesty, if false her per∣jury, but whether true or false her matchless impu∣dence. Hereby she disinherited Mahel, and setled a vast Estate on Sybyl her only Daughter, Married afterward to Milo Earl of Hereford.

The Welsh are reproached by the English with the By-word of Croggen, Croggen, the original whereof was in the Reign of King Henry II. the Welsh then obtaining a memorable advantage at Croggen-Castle under the Conduct of their Valiant Prince Owen, in defence of North-Wales and their Countreys Liberty, with extream danger to King Henry's own Person, his Standard Royal being Cowardly abandonded, and the King reported to be slain. The Standard Bearer Henry de Essex for this ignominious action was afterward challenged by Robert Monford his near Kinsman to a combate, and In single Battle within Lists at Reading was vanquish∣ed by him, whereupon Essex was shorn a Monk and put into a Monastery (according to the custom of those times) where he ended his days. The English afterward used this word Groggen as a Provocative to revenge, when they had the Welsh at an advan∣tage, and it is still without cause uttered in dis∣grace of the Welsh, though originally it was ex∣pressive of their honour.

The County of Brecknock was formerly fortified

with nine Castles. It is divided into six Hundreds, hath three Market Towns, Brecknock, Bealt and Hay, and fifty two Parish Churches. And gives the Title of Earl to James Lord Butler, who is also Duke of Ormond in Ireland.

CARDIGAN-SHIRE is parted on the North from Merioneth-shire by the River Dovi, from Breck∣nock-shire by the River Tory, on the South from Car∣marthen and Pembroke-shire by the River Tiry, from Montgomery-shire East by the Plinillimon Hills, and on the West is wholly washt by the Irish Sea. The antient Inhabitats were the Dinietae who likewise possest Carmarthen and Pembroke-shire, and in their struglings much depended on the Valour of their Warlike Prince Cataractus beforementioned, from whose name some will have this County called Car∣digan, but was after subdued and the Prince being taken and carried to Rome, after he had throughly viewed the magnificence of that City,

I cannot but wonder, said he, that you Romans having such stately buildings of your own should covet our poor Cottages.

After the Norman Invasion Wil∣liam Rufus assailed this Country, as well to gain so fair a Possession, as to secure those Seas from any Invasion against him, and therefore though it was the most remote from England, yet being nearer to the Sea, which afforded the English a more conve∣nient passage who were potent in Shipping, it was soonest reduced to the English Dominion. Henry I. bestowed the whole County entirely upon William de Clare••. The Air is open and sharp, for besides the great and high Mountain of Plinillimon it hath a continued range of lesser Hills. The Vallies are rich in Pasture and Corn, and well Watered with Pools and Springs. In the River Tivy Beavers were formerly found, a Creature living both by Land and Water, having the two fore feet like a Dog wherewith he runs on the Land, and the two hinder

like a Goose with which he Swims, his broad Tail ferving for a Rudder, but now none are found, the Salmon seeming to succeed, who coming out of the Sea into fresh Waters, and meeting with some downright Water-falls in this River, he bends him∣self backward, and putting his Tail in his Mouth gives a Spring up those alcents, which are called the Salmons leap, many of which are caught in this River.

Cardigan is the Shire Town, and was Fortified by Gilbert de Clare with a Wall and a strong Castle, the ruins of which remain to this day. Land Ba∣dern the Great was formerly an Episcopal Seat, till the Citizens cruelly flew their Bishop, after which both City and Bishoprick dwindled to nothing, from whence rose that Welsh Proverb, Ni difanco y Be∣riglaver, that is, Vilifie not thy Parish Priest. Llan∣devibrevi was also famous, being built by David Bishop of Mereria, where in a Synod holden by him; he resuted the Pelagian Heresie then sprung up in Britain, both by the Holy Scriptures, and by Miracle, for it is reported that while he was Preaching, the Earth suddenly rose up a great height under his Feet, that the People might the more conveniently hear his Doctrine. The Welsh use a word, Talaeth, Talaeth, that is, Fine, Fine, which was thus occasioned, when Roderick divided Wales betwixt his three Sons, he ordered that each of them should wear upon his Bonnet or Helmet a Coronet of Gold set with Jewels, called in British Talaeth, and they from thence were named Ytri∣trwysoc Talaelteioc, The three Crowned Princes. It is now applied to the uppermost part of the head attire in Children. Yea the English call the top of she Cap or Hat the Crown. They have a Proverb, Bu Arthur ond tra fu; that is, Arthur was not but whilst he was. It is honourable for old men if they can say, we have been brave Fellows. They have

another Proverb, Ne Thorres Arthur Nawd gwraig, that is, King Arthur did never violate the Refuge of a Woman. For that King was the mirrour of Knight∣hood. By the Womans Refuge we may understand her Tongue, and no Valiant man will revenge her words with his blews.

John Lewis Esquire, a Justice of Peace at Glasker∣rigg near Aberystwith in this County, in the year 1656. by several Letters to Mr. B. a late worthy Divine deceased, gives an account of several strange Apparitions in Caermarthen, Pembrokeshire and this County about that time, confirmed by divers Per∣sons of good Quality and Reputation, the substance whereof are as followeth. A Man and his Family being all in Bed, he being awake about midnight perceived a Light entring the little Room where he lay, and about a dozen in the shapes of Men, and two or three Women with small Children in their Arms following, they seemed to Dance, and the Chamber appeared much wider and lighter than for∣merly. They seemed to Eat Bread and Cheese all about a kind of a Tick upon the Ground, they of∣fered him some, and would smile upon him, he heard no voice, but calling once upon God to bless him, he heard a Whispering Voice in Welsh bid∣ding him hold his peace. They continued there about four hours, all which time he endeavoured to awake his Wife but could not. Afterward they went into another room and having danced a while departed, he then arose, and though the room was very small yet he could neither find the Door, nor the way to Bed again until crying out his Wife and Family awaked. He living within two Miles of Justice Lewis he sent for him, being a poor honest Husbandman, and of good report, and made him believe he would put him to his Oath about the truth of this Relation, who was very ready to take it.

This Gentleman adds a second account of the strange and usual appearance of Lights (called in Welsh) Canhwyllan Cyrth, Corps or Deadmens Candles, which are so ordinary in these Counties, that scarce any dye, either young or old, but this is seen be∣fore death, and often observed to part from the very bodies of the Persons all along the way to the place of Burial, and infallibly death will ensue. There is that evidence for these Candles, that few or none of any age but have seen them, and will depose it. A while since (saith this Gentleman) some of my Family saw two Candles, one less than the other passing the Church way under my house, my Wife was then big with Child, and it caused much apprehension both in us and her, but just a week after, her self came first to me, as something joyed that the danger might be over, with the news that an old Man and a Child of the Neighbour∣hood were carried that way to be Buried.

Mr. John Davis a Minister in this County con∣firms the same Relations with the addition of the following Circumstances and Instances. We call them saith he, Corps Candles, not that we see any thing besides the light, but yet it resembles a mate∣rial Candle-light as much as Eggs do Eggs, only they sometimes appear and instantly disappear: for if one comes near them, or on the way against them, unto him they vanish, but presently appear behind him and hold on their course. If it be a little Candle pale and blewish, then follows the Corps either of an Abortive or some Infant. If a big one, then the Corps of some one come to age. If two, three or more, great and little are seen together, then so many and such Corps will follow together. If two Candles come from divers places and be seen to meet, the Corps will do the like. If any of these Candles seem to turn out of the way or path that leads to the Church, the following

Corps will be found to turn in the same place, for the avoiding of some dirty lane, plash, &c. Now for the particulars. At Lanylar late at night, some of the people saw one of these Candles hovering up and down along the Rivers bank which they continued to view till they were weary, and at last left it so, and went to Bed. A few weeks after came a proper young Woman from Montgomeryshire, to see her Friends who dwelt on the other side of that River Istwyth, and thought to ford the River at that very place where the Light was seen, but being dissuaded by some standers by (who proba∣bly had seen the Light) not to venture on the Wa∣ter which was high by a sudden Flood, she walkt up and down the Rivers Bank as the Light had done, waiting for the falling of the Water, which at last she went into, but too soon for her, for she was therein drowned.

Of late, (saith the same Author) my Sexton's Wife, an aged understanding Woman, saw from her Bed a little blewish Candle upon her Table's end, two or three days after comes in a Fellow in∣quiring for her Husband, and taking something from under his Cloak, claps it down directly upon the Table's end where she had seen the Candle, and what was it but a dead born Child. Another time the same Woman saw such another Candle upon the other end of that very Table, within few days after a weak Child, by my self newly Christen∣ed, was brought into the Sexton's House, where it presently died. And when the Sexton's Wife who was then abroad came home, she found the Wo∣man shrouding of the Child on that other end of the Table where she had seen the Candle. On a time my self and a Kinsman coming from our School in England, and being three or four hours benight∣ed e're we could reach home, we met with such a Candle, which coming from an house we well

knew held its course the highway to the Church, shortly after the eldest Son in that House deceased, and was brought the same way. My Self and Wife in an Evening saw such a Candle coming to the Church from her Midwife's house, and within a Month she her self did follow. Mrs. Catherine Wyat an eminent Woman in the Town of Tenby, being in an Evening in her Bed-Chamber saw two little Lights just upon her Belly which she endea∣voured to strike off but could not, within a while they vanished of themselves. Not long after she was delivered of two Still-born Children. A Neighbour's Wife of mine being great with Child, and coming in at her own door met two Candles, a little and a big one, and within a while after fal∣ling in labour she and her Child both died. Some years ago one Jane Wyat my Wive's Sister, being Nurse to Baronet Rudds three eldest Children, and his Lady being dead, his House-keeper going late into a Chamber where the Maid Servants lay, saw five of these Lights together: a while after that Chamber being newly plaistred, a great Grate of Coal Fire was kindled therein to hasten the drying of it. At night five of the Maid Servants went there to Bed as they were wont, and in the morn∣ing were all found dead and suffocated with the steem of the new tempered Lime and Coal. This was at Llangathen in Carmarthenshire.

About the same time, I my self, saith Mr. Da∣vis, coming home from Cardigan, where I had been enjoined to Preach the Sessions Sermon, about Evening (though it was as light as noon) and I had nine long miles to ride, there seemed twice or thrice from behind me, on my right side, and be∣tween my shoulders and hat to fly a little whitish thing about the bigness of a Walnut, which ap∣peared once in seventy or eighty paces. At first I took no notice of it, thinking it to be only the

glimpsing of the little Ruff which I then wore, but by degrees it grew redder, even like fire both for light and colour. At length I turned my Horse twice to see from whence it came, but could see nothing, yet as I went on it flashed again as before, till I came to a Village called Laureslid, and com∣ing to the Door where I designed to Lodge the fire did flash again upon or very near the threshold of the house, and there I think it staid. At that very Sessions one John William Lloyd a Gentleman who dwelt, and whose Son now dwells within a mile of Glasterigg fell fick, and coming home was able to ride no farther than this House where I left my Fire to entertain him, and there he lighted, lodged, and died within four days after. Some Candles have been seen come to my Church within these three weeks, and the Corps not long after. Thus far of Candles.

Another kind of Apparition we have, which we usually call Tanwee, or Tanwed, because it seems to be fiery. We judge it to be in the lower Region of the Air, streight and long, and shoots directly and level, but far more slowly than a falling star, as we call it, for it often passeth over three or four miles of ground, or more it may be, for no man sees the rise or beginning of it. When it falls to ground it sparkleth and lightens all about. The Free-holders or Landlords upon whose ground it falls, will certainly dye in a short time after, and we scarce bury any such here with us, be he but the Owner of an House or Garden, but some of the Neighbourhood have seen this fire fall upon some part of his House or Lands. Two of these I have seen my self, but the interposition of the grounds hindred that I could not observe where they fell, but where I guest they fell there died in one place an aged Gentleman, and in the other a Free∣holder.

To come nearer home (saith Mr. Davis) my Mo∣ther's first Husband walking about his grounds saw one of the Darts or Piles aloft, which fell down hard by him, shone far, and sparkled round about his body, he took it for a warning peice, made his Will, and having lived in good health, some four or five months after died. A little before the de∣cease of my own Father aged 96. a Son in Law of his who dwelt two Miles off, but upon higher ground, saw such another fall in a Close behind the Old Man's House, which gave such a light, that by it he did clearly see the house, the Hedges and the Oaks in the Wood adjoining. As to the causes of these strange Omens, whether they proceed from Good or Evil Angels or Spirits, it must be left to the disquisitions of the Learned, who it may be after all will be puzled to give a satisfactory account thereof.

In this County also, in the Silver and Leaden Mines, nothing is more ordinary than that some Subterranean Spirits called Knockers (where a good Vein is) are often heard and seen in the shape of men little Statured, about half a yard long. And living mens Ghosts are commonly seen in these parts, unawares to the Party. We hear that a Man's Daughter fetching Water at a Well, had a blow given her, and a Boy coming towards her she charged him with the blow, who denied he was so near, but bid her look upon her Father that stood not far off, and with that she could see her Father fling a Stone at her, which passed with a mighty violence by her Face, and the Stone was found with prints of Fingers in it, but no such thing as the Fa∣ther was there, neither was he at home the night before.

The County of Cardigan is divided into five Hun∣dreds, wherein are four Market Towns, Aberst∣wyth, Cardigan, Llanbeder, and Tre••aron: With sixty four Parish Churches, and gives the Title of Earl to Robert L. Brudenel.

CARMARTHEN-SHIRE so called from the chief Town therein, hath Brecknock and Gla∣morgan-shires on the East, Cardigan on the North, Pembroke on the West, and on the South the Se∣vern Sea. In length thirty five, breadth twenty, and circumference an hundred and two Miles. It is not so Hilly as others in Wales, and therefore af∣fords plenty of Corn, Cattel, Grass, Wood, Pit∣coal, Fowl and Fish, especially Salmon which is very great and plentiful. It was antiently possest by the Silures, and subdued to the Roman yoke by Julius Frontinus who long strugled to gain it, being reckoned the strongest part of South-Wales. At Kil∣manloid sometime since there was found an Earthen Pot filled with Roman Coins of course Silver, which stamped with the Image of several Emperors and Emperesses, makes it probable that some of their Legions were quartered in these Parts. Carmarthen the Principal Town is pleasantly seated near the River Tovy, which runs through the midst of the Shire, and falls South into the Sea, where was for∣merly a good Haven for Ships, but now so choaked up with sands that only small Vessels can come up to the Bridge, which is built of Free Stone, and over it on an hanging Rock a large Castle from whose Stone-Wall another mingled with Brick in∣compassed the whole Town, being in circuit 1400 paces. Upon the entrance of the Normans this Town was reduced to their obedience, and suffered much damage, but was after the Chancery or Ex∣chequer of the English Princes for all South-Wales. It is governed by a Mayor, two Sheriffs, sixteen Burgesses all in Scarlet, a Sword-bearer, a Town∣clark, and two Sergeants with Maces.

East from this Town on an high Hill are the ruins of Carreg-Castle, under which are many deep, spa∣cious Vaults and Caves, wherein it is thought the

poor Natives, unable to resist, secured themselves from the fury of the Wars. Giraldus reporteth that there is a Well or Fountain in this place which conformable to the Sea, Ebbs and Flows tw••••e in twenty four hours.

The People of this County do much glory in their Ambrosius Merlin, who they say was born in Carmarthen, the Son of a bad Angel or Incubus, the Britains great Apollo, whom Geffery ap Arthur compares with the Southsaying Seers, yea with the true Prophets themselves, yet it is thought he was a meer Seducer and Fantastical Wizard, and though Alanus hath by his Comments endeavoured to dis∣close the dark and hidden Prophecies wherewith his Book is filled, yet the reading thereof was by the Council of Trent, and afterward by Queen Eli∣zabeth deservedly prohibited as vain, and not worth minding. As to his birth Humfry Lloyd a Welsh Writer affirms, that his Mother before Mar∣riage was a Noble Virgin, and that his Father for his great knowledge in the Mathematicks and other abstruse Learning, was in those ignorant times re∣puted by the Common People to be a Conjurer, and his Son Merlin to be begotten by an Evil Spirit or Male Devil, who in the likeness of Men are said to have the Carnal use of Women. Many wonder∣ful things are attributed to Merlin, as that by his assistance Aurelius Ambrosius erected that stupen∣dous Monument near Salisbury called Stonehenge, those vast Stones being brought by Magick Art from Africk into Ireland, and from thence to this Plain through the Air. That Ʋter Pendragon the Brother and Successor of Ambrosius falling in love with the Duke of Cornwall's Wife, Merlin by his Necroman∣tick skill made Ʋter appear to her in the exact form and shape of her Husband Duke Gorlois, by which means he enjoyed this fair Lady, on whom he begot the renowned King Arthur. At the birth

of this Ʋter, it is reported, a Comet appeared somewhat like the Head of a Dragon, whereupon Merlin declared that it presignified the Birth of Ʋter then new born, and from thence he was called Ʋter Pendragon. Others to his honour relate that many of his Predictions were fulfilled, as that which runs thus,

Since Virgin gifts to Maids he gave, 'Mongst blessed Saints God will him save.

This is interpreted to be meant of King John, who built several Monasteries for Nuns in divers parts of the Kingdom. Another says, The sixth shall overthrow the Walls of Ireland, and reduce their Coun∣trys into a Kingdom. This was thought to be accom∣plished under King James VI. of Scotland, and I. of England, who dismantled their Fortresses and Ca∣stles, which were the Irish Walls, and Courts of Justice were set up through all the Land. Though the Welsh Proverb contradicts this foreknowledge which says, Namyn Dduw nid oes Dewin, that is, Be∣sides God there is no Diviner.

Robert Ferrar Bishop of St. David's was made a Martyr in this County. He was prefer'd by the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector in the Reign of King Edward VI. a man not unlearned but some∣what indiscreet, or rather uncomplying, so that he may be said, with St. Lawrence, to be broyled on both sides, being persecuted both by Protestants and Papists. Some conceived that his Patron's fall was his greatest guilt and incouraged his Enemies against him. In the Reign of Q. Mary he was sent for, and examined about his Faith by Gardiner Bi∣shop of Winchester, who told him that the Queen and Parliament had altered Religion, and therefore required him to imbrace the same. To which he answered, That he had taken an Oath never to con∣sent or agree that the Bishop of Rome should have any Jurisdiction in this Realm. At which the Bi∣shop

of Winchester called him Knave and Forward Fellow, and so returned him to Prison again. He was afterward examined before Henry Morgan pre∣tended Bishop of St. David's, who requiring him to subscribe to several Articles, he absolutely refu∣sed it or to recent any thing, whereupon the sen∣tence of degradation was read against him, and he was delivered to the Secular Power, by whom he was carried to Carmarthen to be burnt. A while be∣fore his Execution there came one to visit him who much lamented the painfulness of his death, to whom Bishop Ferrar answered, If you see me once stir or move in the pains of my burning, then never give any credit to the truth of the doctrine which I have for∣merly taught. And he was as good as his word, standing so patiently in the midst of the Flames that he never moved, holding up the stumps of his Arms, till one with a Halbert dasht him on the head, whereby he fell down and quietly resigned up his Spirit to God.

Sir Rice ap Thomas, little less than a Prince and called the Flower of the Britains, was born in this Shire. When the Earl of Richmond (afterward King Henry VII.) landed at Milford Haven with contemp∣tible Forces, this Sir Rice with a considerable ac∣cession of choice Souldiers joined and marched with him to Bosworth Field where he behaved him∣self with much Courage; and in reward of his good service was made Knight of the Garter. He rebuilt Emeline in this County and called it New-castle, be∣ing one of his Principal Seats, and one of the latest Castles in Wales. In the fourth of King Henry VIII he conducted 500 Horse to the Siege of Theroene in France.

Walter Devereux created Earl of Essex by Q. Eli∣zabeth, was born in the Town of Carmarthen. Being a Martial Man he Articled with the Q. to maintain such a number of Souldiers at his own cost in Ireland

and to have the fair Territory of Clandebuy in the Province of Ʋlster for the Conquering thereof. To maintain this Army he sold his fine Inheritance in Essex. Over he goes into Ireland with a noble Com∣pany of Kindred, Friends and Supernumerary Vo∣lunteers above the proportion of Souldiers agreed on. Sir William Fitz William's Lord Deputy of Ire∣land doubting he should be Eclipsed by this great Earl, solicites the Q. to maintain him in the full power of his Place. Hereupon it was ordered that the Earl should have his Commission from this Lord Deputy, which with much importunity and long attendance he hardly obtained, and that with no higher Title than Governour of Ʋlster. After ma∣ny attempts not very successfully made in Ʋlster, he was ordered to march to the South of Ireland, where he spent much time to little purpose. From Munster he was sent back to Ʋlster, where he was forbidden to make use of the Victory he had gotten, and soon after his Commission was Vacated, and he reduced to be Governour of 300 men. He received all these affronts with undaunted constancy. Pay days in Ireland came very quick, Money out of Eng∣land very slow, his noble Associates began to with∣draw, common men to mutiny, and himself was soon after recalled home. He was afterward sent back with the Title of Earl Marshal of Ireland, where he fell into a strange Flux, not without sus∣picion of Poyson, and died 1576. of his Age 36. His Estate much impaired, descended to his Son Ro∣bert, his body was brought over and buried in Car∣marthen. His Father and Grandfather died about the same age, to which his Son Robert never attain∣ed, being beheaded by Q. Elizabeth on the Tower Green, on Ashwednesday, Feb. 25. 1600.

Carmarthen-shire hath 28 Rivers and Rivulets, is divided into six Hundreds, hath six Market Towns, 87 Parish Churches, and had formerly nine Castles,

and gives the Title of Marquess to the Lord Osborn eldest Son to the D. of Leeds.

CARNARVAN-SHIRE hath Merioneth on the South, Anglesey divided by the River Menai on the North, Denbigh-shire on the East, and the Irish Sea on the West, from North to South 40, from East to West 20, and in compass 110 miles. The Air is sharp and piercing by reason of the high Mountains, which may be properly termed the Bri∣tish Alpes (for steepness and cragginess not much un∣like those that divide France from Italy) all tow ring into the Air, and some far higher than the rest called Snowdon Hills, or Snowy Mountains, being all the year round crusted over with Snow though liable to the Sun and Wind. This made them a secure re∣fuge to the Britains against their Enemies, no Ar∣my though never so potent, nor any Traveller ne∣ver so lightly clothed being able to find a passage among so many rough and hard Rocks, so many Pools, Vales and Sloughs, as are to be encountred with in the middle of this County. Yet it is suffi∣ciently fruitful, for the Mountains are so rank with Grass that it is become a Proverb among them, Craig Eriry, or Snowdon will yield sufficient Pasture for all the Cattel of Wales put together. And it is certain that there are Ponds and Standing Waters upon the tops of them, though generally covered with Snow, and if a man sets his foot any where upon the top of them, he shall perceive the Earth to move at a considerable distance from him. Penmen-maur, or the great stony head is an exceeding high and steep Rock or Hill in this County, which hanging over the Sea, when it is Flood affordeth a very narrow Way for Passengers, huge Stones hanging over head as if ready to fall upon them, and the Tempestuous Ocean lying under of a very great depth. But after the passing this, and Penmen-bidam, the less stony head, there is a great open Plain reaching as far as

Aber-Conway in which River are found a sort of shell fish, conceived as they say by the Heavenly Dew, which are thought to bring forth Pearl, formerly much valued.

The antient Inhabitants of this County were the Ordovices who had a City which the Emperor Anto∣vinus calls Segontium, the ruins whereof are still vi∣sible hard by a River called to this day Sevont, and near a little Church Consecrated to the Memory of St. Publicius. Some Authors name it Caer Custenith or the City of Constantine saying that in 1283. the bo∣dy of Constantius was found here, which K. Edw. I. caused to be sumptuously buried in the Church of the new City, that he raised out of the ruins of the old, and called Carnarvan, which now gives a name to the whole Shire. This Town hath a fine Prospect to∣ward the Sea, and was incompassed with the Walls of the Castle. The Government was formerly admini∣stred by the Covernour of the Castle, who was always Mayor by Patent, assisted by one Alderman, two Bay∣liffs, two Sergeants at Mace and a Town-Clerk. The Townsmen much glory that K. Edw. II. was born in a Tower of their Castle called Eagle Tower, and Sir∣named Carnarvan, being the first Prince of Wales of the English Race.

The Welsh report that the Corps of 20000 Saints are interred in a small Island called Berdsey lying within a Mile of the South Promontory of this Coun∣ty. It is I confess more easie to find Graves there for so many Saints, than Saints for so many Graves.

Bangor is a Bishops See of antient standing, but by whom founded is not yet known, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Memory of St. Daniel who was Bishop here about the year 516. It is now but a small Town, yet was formerly so large that the Welsh called it Banchor Vaur or great Bangor, which Hugh Earl of Chester fortified with a Castle, long since so throughly demolished that the very ruins

are now invisible upon the severest search. This Diocess containeth in it the whole County of Car∣narvan and Anglesey, and part of Denbigh, Merioneth, and Montgomery-shires, and in them 107 Parish Churches, and three Arch-Deaconries. The an∣tient Cathedral was defaced and set on fire by Owen Glendour and his Associates, who had a design to have destroyed all the Churches in Wales whose People submitted to the King of England, but was after∣ward repaired by one Henry Dean Bishop thereof in the Reign of King Henry VII. yet hath scarce reco∣vered the resemblance of its pristine dignity.

There was formerly a Town called by the Roman's Canonium near the River Conway, from whence it took its name, which is now utterly extinct, only there is a poor remembrance of it in the new name of a mean Village standing in the rubbish thereof called Caer-hean, that is, The antient City. Out of the ruins thereof King Edward I. built a new Town at the River's Mouth called Aber-Conwey, that is the Mouth of Conwey, it was formerly fortified by Hugh E. of Chester with strong Walls and a Castle, and seems rather a City than a Town were it but more populous. Newin a small Market Town is famous for a great Triumph made there by the Nobility of England in 1284. in memory of the renowned K. Arthur, after the subduing of Wales by K. Edward I. Over against Conwey where it runs into the Sea, sometimes stood an antient City named Diganway, which many years since was consumed and utterly destroyed by Lightning. It is reported there is a Fish in the Pool Linperis called Torcoch with a red Belly, no where else to be found. And that on the High Mountains there are two Mears or Ponds, in one of which are store of Fish that have only one Eye, and in the other a floating Island, which when trod on moveth a great way off, whereby the Welsh are said to have often escaped their Enemies.

John William's was born at Aber-Conwey, bred Fellow of St. John's College in Cambridge, was pre∣fer'd to be Dean of Worcester, Bishop of Lincoln, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and at last Archbishop of York. He died March 25. 1649. Richard Vaughan was born at Nuffrin, bred at St. John's College in Oxford, became successively Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and London, a very corpulent man but spiritually minded, an excellent Preacher and Pious Liver, a pleasant man in Discourse, especially at his Table, using frequently this expression, At Meals be glad, f•••• sin be sad. And indeed he was a very mortified man, and zealous in Religion. He died March 30. 1607. Henry Rowlands bred in Oxford was Conse∣crated Bishop of Bangor Nov. 12. 1598. he bought four new Bells for the Tower of St. Asaph, where∣of the biggest cost an 100 pound. He also gave to Jesus College in Oxford, a revenue for maintenance of two Fellows. He died 1615.

The County of Carnarvan hath five Market Towns, Aber-conwey, Bangor, Carnarvan, Newin and Pullhely, and 68 Parish Churches. It gives the Title of Earl to Charles Lord Dormer.

DENBIGH-SHIRE bath Carnarvan and Me∣rioneth-shire on the West, part of Flint-shire and the Sea on the North, Cheshire and Shropshire on the East, and Montgomery-shire on the South. It is ge∣nerally Mountainous, Cold and Barren: Yet not without some fruitful Valleys, by the industry of the Husbandmen, who may be said to fetch their Bread out of the Fire, by cutting up Turfs, which being burnt in great heaps, the ashes spread on these hungry grounds, cause them to bring forth a kind of Rye in very great plenty. The antient Inhabitants were the Ordovices, as the Romans nam∣ed them, who being armed with want and cold, were made bold against the force of their Enemies, and continued longest free both from the Roman

and English Dominion. This Shire is 31 Miles long, and 17 broad, and in circuit 114. The Mountains abound with Oxen, Sheep and Goats. The middle of it hath a Valley 17 miles long and five broad, ly∣ing open to the Sea, incompassed on all other sides by Hills, among which the hi••hest is Moilleally Hill, on the top whereof is a Fort ••••d Warlike Trench and a spring of clear Water. From these Mountains the River Cluyd riseth & runs into the Valley in the Parish of Llan-sanan in the side of a stony Hill, there are 24 seats cut out of the main Rock, some bigger than others, where youth come to tend their Cattel & make their sports, which to this day is called Ar∣thur's round Table. After the beheading of David brother to Luellin the last P. of Wales for High Trea∣son, K. Ed. I. bestowed the Town of Denbigh upon Hugh Lacy E. of Lincoln, who fortified it with a strong Wall, a fair Castle, and several high Towers, but had not fully finished the Work before his only Son was drowned in a Well therein, which caused the sor∣rowful Father to leave it off, and proceed no far∣ther. This Town is reckoned the most beautiful in all North-Wales, and this is remarkable that in 1575. a great Earthquake which much terrified the People and damaged the Cities of York, Worcester, Glocester, Bristol, Hereford and the parts adjacent, and caused the Bell in the Shire Hall of Denbigh to Toll twice with shaking of the Earth, yet no farther mischief happened. This Town is Governed by two Alder∣men, two Bayliffs, 25 Burgesses, a Recorder, a Town-Clerk, and two Sergeants at Mace.

Wrexham in this County is much admired for the Church, which is a fair and spacious structure, hav∣ing a stately Tower or Steeple without, and a fine Organ within it, being built according to the most exact Rules of Architecture. Holt Castle in this County was formerly in the possession of William Lord Stanley, whose ready Money and Plate therein,

besides Jewels and Rich Housholdstuff, amounted to four thousand Marks, got by the plunder of Bosworth Field where King Richard III. was slain, but this Lord upon discontent afterward conspiring against King Henry VII. was beheaded for High Treason, and it was all confiscated to the King's Exchequer.

Leoline ap Lleuellin was born in this Shire, and made Bishop of St. Asaph by King Edward I. At his death he left a great Estate, besides Plate, rich Vests, and Books to the Canons of that Church and his Chaplains, dying in 1313. Godfrey Goodman was born of wealthy Parents in this County, and afterward Bishop of Glocester, yet was no friend to the Refor∣mation constantly complaining of the first Refor∣mers, amongst whom he noted Bishop Ridley as a ve∣ry odd man. One present, My Lord, says he, Ridley was a very odd manindeed, for all the Popish Party in England could not match him, with his equal in Learn∣ing and Religion. He died a Roman Catholick and left most of his Estate to pious uses. His Uncle Ga∣briel Goodman was Dean of Westminster for 40 years, and the Bible was translated into Welsh at his cost. He founded a School and an Almshouse for 12 poor People at Ruthen with a competent Salary. He pur∣chased a fair house at Cheswick in Middlesex where∣with his own hands he planted a fair row of Elmes for a retiring place to the Masters and Scholars of Westminster School. He imployed Mr. Camden to make an actual Survey of all England at his expence. He died 1601. and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Sir Hugh Middleton was born at Denbigh and bred in London. This is that worthy Knight who fetcht into London the New River Water at his own cost more than 24 Miles, encountring all the way with an Army of oppositions, grapling with Hills, strug∣ling with Rocks, and fighting with Forests, till in defiance of difficulties he had brought his Project to perfection. Robert Earl of Leicester in the reign

of Q. Elizabeth, by his bounty advanced the build∣ing of a new Church in Denbigh.

Denbigh. In 1660. a very great Well in Chick-Town was dried up. Richard Clough born at Denbigh, was a Chorister at Chester, whence he removed to London, where he was Apprentice to, and after Part∣ner with Sir Tho. Gresham: Having lived some time at Antwerp, he travelled to Jerusalem, where he was made Knight of the Holy Sepulchre: Some af∣firm that he disbursed several thousands of pounds in building the Royal Exchange, and that it was agreed betwixt them, the Survivor should be Heir to the other; on which account, they say, Sir Tho. Gresham carried away the main of the Estate: He gave 100 pound a year to the Free-School in Den∣bigh, besides his Benefaction to the New Church there.

This County is divided into twelve Hundreds, had formerly 5 Castles, hath 3 Market-Towns, Denbigh, Ruthen and Wrexham, and 57 Parish-Churches: It gives the Title of Earl to L. Feilding.

FLINTSHIRE hath Cheshire on the East, the Sea on the North, Shropshire on the South, and Denbigh∣shire on the West: It is the least Country of Wales, not so mountainous as other parts, but lies pleasant∣ly along by the River Dee: The Air is healthful, and the Soil plentiful of Corn and Cattel; the Ri∣vers abound with Fish: There are not many Woods or Trees in this, as well as other parts of Wales, the frequent Rebellions of the Inhabitants having occa∣fioned the English to make great devastations of them to prevent their being the retreats of these unquiet people. Fruits are not very common, but of Milk, Butter, Cheese and Honey there is plenty: Of the last of which they make great quantities of a Drink like Muscadine, called Metheglin: There were formerly several strong Castles in this Shire, as Flint, Hawarden or Harden, Treer, Rudland, Mold, Yowley and Hope; the first was the most famous, be∣ing

founded by K. Henry 2. and finished by K. Edward the first. Afterward K. Richard 2. going over to Ire∣land to suppress the Rebels there, his Uncle Henry Duke of Lancaster returning from his Banishment into England at the same time, and being joyned by several of the Barons, who were much displeased at K. Richard's Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, raised an Army of 60000 Men against him. The King returned in hope to suppress this Insurrection, and coming to Flint-Castle, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the Earl of Northumberland were sent to him from the D. of Lancaster, to whom K. Richard made a Proposition, That if himself and eight more whom he would name, might have an honourable al∣lowance, with the assurance of enjoying peaceably a quiet life, he would resign his Crown: This the Earl of Northumberland assured him should be per∣formed, whereupon the King surrendred himself in∣to the Duke's hands. When K. Richard came first to this Castle, they let loose one of his Grey-hounds, as was usual when-ever the King got on Horse∣back, which Grey-hound used to leap upon the King's shoulder, and fawn very much upon him, but at this time he leaped upon the Duke of Lancaster; and fawned upon him as on his Master; the Duke asked the King what the Dog meant or intended;

It is an ill and unhappy Omen to me, said the King, but a fortunate one to you, for he acknow∣ledges you to be King, and that you shall Reign in my stead:

This he said with a presaging mind up∣on a slight occasion, which yet in short time came to pass; for K. Richard was deposed, and after murder∣ed at Pomfret Castle, and the D. of Lancaster advan∣vanced to the Throne by the name of Henry the 4th.

This County hath not any River of note within it, but near Rudland-Castle is a famous Spring, called Holy Well, or St. Winifreds Well, of which Antiquity gives this Account; That St. Winifred a virtuoun

Christian Virgin, having by her exceeding Beauty inflamed the mind of Carodocus, a lustful Prince of this Countrey, he attempted to allure her to his pleasure both by large promises, and rich gifts, but finding he could by no means prevail upon her Cha∣stity, at length he resolved to obtain his desires by force; and having surprized her in a place of advan∣tage, he ravished her weak body, notwithstanding the utmost resistance she could make, and afterward to prevent her complaints and exclamations, he kill'd her, and then cut off her head: And in that very place (saith my Author) there suddenly arose a pleasant Spring, which continueth to this day, run∣ning with so strong a Current, that the like is not to be found in Christendom: Over the head of the Spring there is built a Chapel of Free-stone, sup∣ported with curious wrought Pillars, on the Chancel and Glass-window whereof is painted the Picture of this Virgin, and the Story of her suffering and death. To this Well Romish Pilgrims resort to this day, and others Bathe therein, supposing that there is much Virtue in the Water. In the bottom of it are many Red Stones, which the superstitious People believe are spots of this Lady's blood, which all the Water in the Spring can never wash away; and that the green Moss which grows on the sides of the Well is her Hair, which though every Stranger al∣most carries away a part of, yet they say it never wasts; and the truth is, the Moss smells exceeding sweet, which confirms these weak Believers in their fond Opinion.

St. Beno the Instructor of St. Winifred in the Chri∣stian Faith, is of special account is this Countrey, who it seems was a Surgeon to a Miracle; for after Winifred was beheaded by the lustful Carodocus, he set her head on again, she living 15 years after.

In the South part of this County divided from the rest, is a place formerly called Bovium, now Banchor,

or Bangor; first a City, and afterward a famous Mo∣nastery antiently very renowned for the pious Monks that resided there, they being called by some Authors, The College of Divine Philosophers, and Bangor the Mother, or first of all the Monasteries in the World, the Foundation thereof being ascribed to King Luctus; it was situated in the fruitful Val∣ley now called, The English Mailor, upon the Bank of the River Dee, being incompassed with a great Wall containing a Mile and a half of ground, two of whose Gates, Port Hogen to the North, and Port Clais South, are yet discernable; the River Dee, which hath since changed its course, now running through the midst betwixt both Gates, which stand 500 paces asunder: This Monastery, in memory of the 7 Churches of Asia, was divided into 7 Classes or Wards, every one consisting of about 300 Souls, and all maintaining themselves by the labour of their hands: They are said to have received their Christianity from the Eastern Church, dissenting in their Rites and Doctrines from that in the West, neither would they acknowledg that the Bishop of Rome had any authority over them in matters of Re∣ligion or the service of God. They continued 438 years before Austin the Monk came to pervert them by introducing Roman Ceremonies, Superstition and Servitude. Many of these Monks assembled at Caer Legion now West-Chester to pray for the good success of their Friends the Britains against the Heathen Saxons, and continuing three days in Fasting and Prayer. Ethilfrid the Saxon King seeing them so fer∣vent in their Devotions, askt what kind of People they were, and being told that they prayed against him and his Army, Then, said he, though they carry no weapons, yet they fight against us, and with their Prayers and Preaching prosecute us, and presently fell upon Brockmall a man at arms that was their Guard, who to save his own life left their's to the Sword,

and the Souldiers assaulting the unarmed Monks mur∣thered 2000 of them, and likewise defeated the Ar∣my of the Britains, only 50 escaping. But God left not their deaths long unrevenged, for this cruel King was soon after kill'd in the Field by the Chri∣stian King Edwyn, who succeeded him in the King∣dom of Northumberland. Many of these Monks were buried in their own Monastery, whose bodies (saith Leyland the Historian) have been found in the memo∣ry of man among the rotten Weeds wherein they were slain. This famous place hath been long since utterly ruinated so that scarce the remains of a Ci∣ty or Monastery are now to be discerned.

Another Monastery called Llan Elwy formerly stood in the Vale below Varis, a little City built by the Romans between this and Denbigh-shire upon the Banks of Elwy and Cluyd. The English named it Asaph of the Founder a Person of honourable birth, who was educated by Kentigern Bishop of Glasco. This Bishop in the year 560. flying from the Perse∣cution in Scotland to this place, erected it into a Bi∣shop's See and built a Monastery near it, wherein he placed 663 Monks, whereof 300 that were more un∣learned than the rest, were imploy'd in Husbandry and other business about the Convent, the rest de∣voted themselves to Prayer and Divine Meditation. Among the rest who attended Divine Service, Asaph was conspicuous for Piety and Learning, insomuch that Kentigern being recalled to his own Country, re∣signed both his Convent and Cathedral to him. Here he demeaned himself with so much sanctity that Llan Elwy was after his death called from him St. Asaph. He was an assiduous Preacher, having oft this say∣ing, That such as are against the Preaching of God's Word, envy man's Salvation. He is thought to have died about 569. After which his See was vacant a∣bove 500 years until Jeffery of Monmouth was placed therein. It is still a Bishoprick, and contains in

it no one whole County, but part of Denbigh, Flint, Montgomery, Merioneth, and some Towns in Shrop∣shire, wherein are 121 Parishes. It was not at first very rich, but made much poorer in the Reign of King Edward VI. for whereas the Bishop had before five Episcopal Houses he hath now but one, the rest with the Lands belonging to them being aliena∣ted from the Church for ever.

Another Monastery of great account was at Ba∣sing-wark in this County near the famous Ditch made by Offa K. of the Mercians, which begun in this place, running through North-Wales nigh the mouth of the River Dee, and from thence along the Moun∣tains in the South, and ended near Bristow at the fall of the Wye. The Tract whereof is yet to be seen, and called to this Day Clawd Offa, or Offa's Ditch. Congellus or Comgallus is challenged by the Welsh for their Countryman as being first Abbot of Banchor, though Archbishop Ʋsher makes him the first Abbot of Bangor in the North of Ireland. He was of a pious life, wrote Learned Epistles and Died in 600. Eli∣zabeth the seventh Daughter of King Edward I. and Queen Eleanor was born at Ruthland Castle where antiently a Parliament was kept. This Princess at 14 years of age was Married to John Earl of Holland, Zealand, &c. and after his death to Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, High Constable of Eng∣land, by whom he had a numerous Issue she died, 1316. and was buried in the Abbey Church of Saf∣fron Walden in Essex.

Owen Glendour Esquire was born in his antient Pa∣trimony of Glendour Wye in this County, was bred in London a Student of the Common Law till he be∣came a Courtier and Servant to King Richard II. af∣ter whose death being on the wrong side of prefer∣ment he retired into Wales, where there arose a difference between him and the Lord Grey of Ruthen about a Common, upon which many spur'd on his

posting ambition, by telling him he was the true Heir of all North-Wales, and he was likewise incou∣raged therein by those who pretended to interpret some Prophe••s of the famous Merlin in his favour, persuading him the time was come wherein he should recover the Welsh Principality. All these allure∣ments meeting with an aspiring mind, and the Eng∣lish being at variance among themselves, He in 1402. and the third year of K. Henry IV. endeavoured to draw the Welshmen to a general defection: assuring them they had now a fair opportunity to shake off the English Yoke, and to resume their own antient Laws and Customs. To whose persuasions the Welsh∣men hearkning, they constituted him their Prince and Captain General. Having got some Forces to∣gether, he falls first upon his old Adversary Reynold Lord Grey, and takes him Prisoner, yet with pro∣mise of releasment, if this Lord would Marry his Daughter; which offer though the Lord Grey at first not only refused but scorned, yet was at last obli∣ged to accept thereof, though his treacherous Fa∣ther in Law delayed his inlargement till he died.

The Welsh much animated with this first success break furiously into the Borders of Herefordshire, plundring and destroying all before them, being op∣posed only by the Lord Edmund Mortimer who had formerly withdrawn himself to the Castle of Wigmore. He having assembled what Forces he was able, gave them Battel, and was taken Prisoner, and then fet∣tered & cast into a deep and filthy Dungeon. It was thought that if Glendour had as well known how to use his Victory as to get it, he might at this time have much endangered the English Dominion over the Welsh: But having killed 1000 English he thought he had done enough for that time, and so giving over the pursuit retired. The inhumanity of the Welsh Women was here memorable, who stript the dead Carcasses of the English, and then cut off their Privy

Parts and Noses, whereof the one they thrust into their Mouths, the other they pressed between their Buttocks.

King Henry was compell'd to suffer these affronts at this time from the Welsh, being ingaged in a dan∣gerous War with Scotland, that K. having Invaded England with a great Army, but with very ill success, his Forces being first defeated by the Earl of Nor∣thumberland: And afterward by Henry Piercy his Kinsman called Hot-spur, and George Earl of March who at a place called Hamilton kill'd 10000 Scots, and took 500 Prisoners.

In the mean time Glendour had solicited the French King for aid, who sent him 1200 men of qua∣lity, but the Winds were so contrary that they lost 12 of their Ships, and the rest returned home. The English deriding this ill success of the French, so ex∣asperated the French K. that presently after he sent 12000 more, who landed safely and joined with the Welsh, but when they heard of the approach of the English Army, whether mistrusting their own strength, or suspecting the Welshmens faithfulness, they ran to their Ships & disgracefully went home.

Although King Henry IV. was advanced to the Crown by the Parliament of England who Deposed King Richard II. for his misgovernment, yet many of those who were instrumental therein, grew in a short time discontented upon one account or another, as is usual in such cases, insomuch that several Conspiracies were made against him. Among others the Peircies Earls of Northumberland and Wor∣cester with Henry Hot-spur began about this time to fall off from him, one reason whereof was, because the King at their request, as well as of several other Noblemen, refused to redeem their Kinsman Morti∣mer from Glendour's slavery, for Henry was deaf of that Ear, and could rather have wished both him and his two Sisters in Heaven, for then he should be

free from concealed Competitors. And another cause was, his denying them the benefit of such Pri∣soners as they had taken of the Scots, whereupon they went of themselves, and procured Mortimer's Delivery, and then entred into a League Offensive and Defensive with Glendour, and by their Proxies in the House of the Arch-Deacon of Bangor, they agreed upon a Tripartite Indenture under their Hands and Seals, to divide the Kingdom into three parts, whereby all England from Severn and Trent South and Eastward was to be given to Edmund Mortimer Earl of March. All Wales and the Land beyond the Severn West were assigned to Owen Glendour and all the remaining Land from Trent to the North to be the Partition of the Lord Piercy. Wherein Glendour persuaded them they should accomplish an old Welsh Prophecy against the Mole or Mouldwarp of England. That K. Henry was this Mouldwarp cursed of God's own Mouth, and they were the Lion, the Dragon, and the Wolf which should divide the Land among them.

At this time King Henry, utterly unacquainted with this Conspiracy, published a Proclamation in∣timating that the Earl of March had voluntarily caused himself to be taken Prisoner, to the end that the Welsh Rebels having him in their custody might have some pretence for their Insurrection, and therefore he had little reason to be concerned for his Redemption. Upon this the Piercy's assisted with some Scots, and drawing to their Party the E. of Stafford, Rich. Scroop Archbishop of York, and many others, they drew up certain Articles against King Henry, and sent them to him in writing, name∣ly,

That he had falsified his Oath given at his land∣ing, That he came but only to recover his Inhe∣ritance, and would not meddle with the King or the Crown, That most Traiterously he had taken arms against his Soveraign Lord, imprisoned him,

and then most barbarously caused him to be mur∣thered. That ever since the death of K. Richard II. he had unjustly kept the Crown from his Kinsman Edmund Mortimer Earl of March to whom of right it belonged. That upon no occasion he had im∣posed divers large Taxes upon the People. That by his Letters he procured Burgesses and Knights of Parliament to be chosen. For which Causes and many others they defied him, and vowed his de∣struction, and the restoring the Earl of March to his Right.

K. Henry could not but know that much of this was true, yet since it did not hinder him from seek∣ing to get the Crown when he had it not, it could less hinder him from seeking to keep it now he had it, and if he were able being a private man to get it from a King, he was likely to be more able now to keep it from a private man. And for any objections that Conscience could make, he had enough to an∣swer them all. For if his Title were good against K. Richard II. by his Resignation, it was good against Mortimer by his swearing Allegiance, Upon these grounds he satisfied himself, and raised an Army against these Lords, whom he prevented from join∣ing with the Welsh, and near Shrewsbury ingaged them, where though Henry Hot-spur shewed suffi∣cient Courage, yet he was slain, and the K. obtain∣ed the Victory, taking several Prisoners of note, and among others the Earl of Worcester whom he caused to be Beheaded, and many of the rest to be Hanged and Quartered, and their Heads to be set upon Lon∣don Bridg. There fell 6000 of the Rebels that day, whereof K. Henry kill'd 36 with his own hands. And the young P. (afterward Henry V.) though wounded in the Face with an Arrow, yet was not wounded in his Courage but continued fighting till the end of the Battel. After this the K. sent his Son Henry P. of Wales with his whole Army into that Country,

but before his coming Owen Glendour was forsaken by all his Company, and lurking about the Woods was there famished to death for want of sustenance. Such was the miserable end of this aspiring ambi∣tious Britain. After this Rebellion was supprest, K. Henry enacted several rigorous Laws for preventing the like in time to come, as 1. That no Welshman should purchase Lands or be chosen into office in any City, Town or Burrough, or wear arms within any City. 2. That if a Welshman should sue an Englishman the cause should be tryed by an English Jury. 3. That all English Burgesses who married Welshwomen should forfeit their Liberties. 4. No meeting nor Council to be permitted to the Welsh but in the presence of the Officers of the L. of the Mannor. 5. No Victuals to be carried into Wales without License of K. or Council. 6. No VVelshman should possess any Castle, or Fortified House. 7. No VVelshman to be ca∣pable of any Office of State, or in any Court of Judicature. 8. No Englishman marrying a Welshwoman should enjoy any office in Wales.

Thomas ap VVilliam ap Thomas ap Richard ap Howel ap Vaughan Esquire was born of an antient Family at Moston in this County. This Gentleman being called at a Pannel of a Jury by all these names was advised by the Judge in the reign of K. Henry VII. to contract them, whereupon he nominated himself Moston. A lead∣ing case to the Gentry in VVales, who leaving their Pedigrees at home, carry one Sirname only abroad with them.

Flint though the Shire Town is no Market Town, no nor St. Asaph though a City and Bishop's See till made so very lately. But it is near VVest-Chester the Market General of these parts, and besides every Village hath a Market in it self, as affording all ne∣cessary commodities. This County was part of the County Pala∣tine of Chester, paying 2000 Marks (called a Mize) at the change of every Earl of Chester till the year 1568 for then upon occasion of one Thomas Radford committed to Prison by the Chamberlain of Chester, this County disjoined it self from that Earldom, and uni∣ted to the Principality of VVales. It is divided into five Hundreds, had seven Castles, hath only one Market Town Calerwis, and 28 Parish Churches. Near Kelkin a small Village in this County is a little Well whose Water riseth and falleth according to the mo∣tion of the Sea Tydes.

GLAMORGAN SHIRE (so called as is thought from P. Mor∣gan the Possessor thereof, or from Morgan Abby founded by VVill. E. of Glocester upon the Sea-shore on the South of this County) is bounded on the East by Monmouth-shire, on the North by Breck∣neck, on the West, by Carmarthen-shire, on the South, by the Se∣vern Sea, in length 40. in breadth 20. and in circumference 112

Miles. The North part of this Shire is Mountainous, the South Plain and very fruitful, being called the Garden of VVales, abound∣ing with Cattel, pleasant Springs, and Fruits. Tare is the chief River, upon the Eastern Shoar of which, Cardiffe the fairest Town of all South-wales is situated, which Fitz Hannon fortified with a Wall and Castle in the reign of VVilliam Rufus, when he and his Norman Knights had conquered Rhese or Rice Prince of these Parts, and deprived Jestine of his legal Inheritance. After which he made it his own Court of Justice, ordaining his Followers, to whom he disposed of the Lands, to hold them in Vassalage of him. The Castle was strong in which K. Henry I. Sirnamed Beuclark kept his Elder Brother Robert called Courthose twenty six years Prisoner, they being both Sons of K. VVilliam the Conqueror.

The City and Bishoprick of Landaff is seated in this County, be∣ing one of the most antient Bishops Sees either in England or Wales, and claimeth a direct succession from the Archbishops of Caerleon upon Ʋsk. The first Bishop we read of was St. Dubritius, con∣fearated by Lupus and Germanus when they came hither out of France for extirpating the Pelagian Heresie. The Cathedral is de∣dicated to St. Telian successor to Dubritius, founded upon the Ri∣ver Tassi or Tare, and thence called Landaff, Llan in VVelsh being a Church. This Church was formerly well endowed, so that it might have been reckoned one of the richest in Christendom, but now enjoys not the Tenth of the former revenue, the ruin thereof coming in the time of Bishop Dunstan alias Kitchin. This Diocess contains most part of Glamorgan and Monmouth-shire, wherein are 177 Parish Churches.

Giraldus Cambrensis reports that in the Island of Barrey in this County there is a chink in a Rock, to which if you lay your Ear, you will hear a noise like that of Smiths at work, one while blow∣ing the Bellows, then striking with the Hammer on the Anvile, sometimes the noise of a Grindstone grinding Tools, afterward the hissing of Iron quenched, and the puffing sound of Flames un∣der a Furnace. Clemens Alexandrinus writes of a place in Britain, which is thought to be this, That on the top of an Hill there is a gaping Chink, into which when the VVind is gathered and moved to and fro in the hollows thereof there is heard above a musical sound like that of Cymbals.

Likewise near Newton on the Bank of the River Ogmore near the Severn, there is a VVell the water whereof is so low at the flowing of the Sea that you can hardly get a dishful, but at the Ebb and Fall of the Tyde it riseth amain, which may be occasion∣ed by the wind or air, which not finding a passage out stops up the passages of the springs, but when the water is gone and the air has room to vent it self the water boils up abundantly. On the the same shoat of Severne on the top of an Hill called Minyd Mor∣gan is erected a Monument inscribed with strange Character and

the People thereabout have a tradition, that if any man read the same he shall dye soon after, meaning, I suppose, that it is im∣possible to be read.

At Lauellin in Gouersland in this Shire, happened many very strange Passages in 1656. as they were sent in several Letters to Mr. R.B. an eminent Divine lately deceased, the substance where∣of I shall briefly relate. In this place dwelt one Bowen a Lieute∣nant Colonel in the late Wars, who by his Valour obtained a good repute, but the War being over, his case and preferment led him to a careless sensual life, and at length he grew so vain and notional that he was Cashiered from his Command, and being then at liberty to sin without restraint, he became an absolute Atheist, denying Heaven and Hell, God and Devil, acknowledging only a Power like that which the antient Heathens called Fate, account∣ing Temporal Pleasures all his expected Heaven, so that at last he became hateful, and hating all civil society, though before he had been famous for Profession of Religion. He said he would give ten thousand pound to know the Tru••h about God, and denied the Being of the Spirit of God. In Decemb. 1655. he went over to Ireland, and some time after his Wife a very religious VVo∣man living in his House in Glamorganshire was very much troubled one night with a great noise much like the sound of a VVhirl∣wind, and a violent beating of the doors and walls, as if the whole House had been falling down. She being in her Chamber with most of her Family, after praying to God, accounting it sinful in∣credulity to yield to fear, and being naturally of a couragious temper, went to bed, when suddenly one in the likeness of her Husband, and in his very posture, presented himself, and asked her whether he should come to bed, she sitting up and praying to God told him, that he was not her Husband and he should not. He urged more earnestly, What! not the Husband of thy bosom? What! not the Husband of thy bosom? She replied, Christ was her Husband, at which it vanisht, without having any power to hurt her. Upon this she with some other good People spent the rest of the night in Prayer being very often interrupted by this Ap∣parition.

The next night Mr. Miles a Pious Minister and four other good Christians came to watch and pray with her, in which holy ex∣ercise they continued all night without any disturbance. But the night following Mrs. Bowen with several other Devout Women being in the House, the noise of the Whirlwind began again with more violence than before, and the Apparition walked in the Chamber, attended with an unsufferable stench like that of a pu∣trified Carcase, filling the Room with a thick smoak smelling like Brimstone, darkning the light of the Fire and Candle but not quite extinguishing it. Sometimes going down the Stairs, and coming up again with a dreadful noise. Disturbing them in their

Prayers, one while with the sound of words which they could not understand, then striking them, so that the next Morning their Faces were black with Smoak and their Bodies swoln with bruises.

Another Night was very remarkable, and had not the Almigh∣ty defended the Gentlewoman and her two Maids they had pro∣bably been destroyed. As Mrs. Bowen was going to bed, by the impression thereon she supposed that some body had lain in it, and opening the bed he smelt the smell of a Carcase somewhile dead, however she went to bed, and presently perceived upon the Tester which was of cloth something rolling from side to side, and being forced out of her bed, she had not time to dress her self, such lamentable cries and noises so much amazing her. Yet having scarce any cloths on, she with her two Maids got upon their Knees at the bed-side to beg God's help and assistance, but were ex∣treamly assaulted. Oftentimes the Gentlewoman would, by some∣thing which felt like a Dog under her Knees, be lifted up a foot or more from the Ground. Some were heard to talk on the other side of the bed, which the Maid hearkening to, she had a blow upon the back. Divers assaults would be made by fits. It would come with a cold breath of wind, there were horrible screeching howlings and cries heard, and both within and without the House horrid suffocating smells of Brimstone and Gun-powder. This continued from nine at night till about three next morning, Mrs. Bowen and her Maids all smelt of this filthy Sulphur. At other times Fires have been seen upon the House and in the Fields, Mr. Bowen's Voice hath been heard, luring his Hawks, a Game he delighted in, as also the Bills of Hawks. His tread, his posture, sighing, humming were heard frequently in the Parlour. In the day time often the shadow of one walking would appear upon the Wall. I could wish (saith my Author) that they who questi∣on the existency of Spirits had been but one night at Lauellin to receive satisfaction to their objections.

These disturbances continued so violent that Mrs. Bowen and her Family left the house, lest they should tempt God by their over∣bold staying in such danger. She sent the Atheist her Husband the sad news of this Apparition, who in May following coming to England expressed more love and respect to his VVife than for∣merly, yet telling her that he could not believe her relation of what she had seen, as having not a power to believe any thing but what he himself saw. But he had not the Courage to go to his House and make Tryal of the certainty thereof. However he continued as Atheistical as ever, all his Religion being compriz∣ed in the acknowledging of a Power which, he saith, we may call God, and waiting for some miraculous appearance to verifie to him all the rest which we own as our Religion. Sure if ever a Blasphemer was unworthy to live (saith my Author) this is the

man. He afterward returned again to Ireland, and shut up him∣self in a small Castle without any company but one Boy, who re∣ported that he rose in the night, and talked as if some body were discoursing with him. Others relate that he was continually haunted with Ghosts and Apparitions, but what his end was my Author does not mention. However, the former surprizing Acci∣dents have sufficient confirmation from Mr. Jones and Mr. Bedwell, two worthy Ministers in that Country, from Mrs. B••wen her self, a Woman much praised for her true Piety and Courage. From Colonel Wroth Rogers then Governour of Hereford, from Mr. Sa∣muel Foley, Colonel John Bridges, and many other Persons of ho∣nesty and reputation.

Sir Edward Carne descended from a good Family flourishing at Wenny in this County. He was bred in Oxford Dr. of the Civil Law, and Knighted by Charles V. Emperor of Germany. He was dispatcht to Rome by K. Henry VIII. to remonstrate to the Pope, That if he cited his Master to appear at Rome, as he had intelli∣gence was intended, that his Highness was not bound by Law to appear, This he effectually performed, pleading that the Empe∣ror was so powerful at Rome that he could expect no Justice there in the matter of the Divorce, Q. Katherine being of the House of Austria: Declaring that if the Pope persisted in this arbitrary way, the King must appeal from thence to some able men in some indifferent Universities, and if this were refused, he protested against all Proceedings in that Court as null and void. A beha∣viour that discovered this Gentleman to have as much courage as ability. Queen Mary highly prized him, and no whit the less for his Cordial appearing for K. Henry in the matter of her Mo∣thers divorce, imputing it to the discharge of his Imployment in him who was otherwise a through paced Romanist, and whom she afterward sent Ambassador to the Pope.

After her death he still resided at Rome, and by command of Q. Elizabeth had audience of Paul IV. to acquaint him that his Mistriss was advanced to the Crown of England. To whom the Pope returned answer,

That England was a Fee of the Church of Rome, and that she could not succeed as being Illegitimate.

This Pope would allow no Prince to be his Equal, but that all should be subject under his Foot. Besides he commanded Sir Ed∣ward to lay down his Character of Ambassador, and under pain of the greater Excommunication, and Confiscation of his Goods not to go out of the City of Rome, but take upon him the Go∣vernment of the English Hospital there. So that Queen Eliza∣beth cannot justly be taxed by the Papists for a Schistmatick, be∣ing thrust from the Church of Rome by the Pope himself, so un∣reasonably treating her Ambassador before she had made any al∣teration in Religion. Though some think the crafty old Knight was well contented with his restraint, wherein he died, 1561.

The County of Glamorgan is the furthest bounds of South-Wales, and lying exposed to Foreign Invasions was antiently fortified with 25 strong Castles, which Time and Storms have so intirely ruined that the very names of them are almost obliterated. It had likewise three Monasteries besides Landass, called Neath, Margan and Cardiss, which fell in the general Whirlwind upon Abbys in the Reign of King Henry VIII. This Shire is divided in∣to ten Hundreds, wherein are six Market Towns, and 118 Pa∣rish Churches. It gives the Title of Earl to Henry Somerset Duke of Beufort.

MERIONETH-SHIRE hath Denhigh and Carnarvan∣shires on the North, Montgomery on the East, Cardig an shire on the South, and the Irish Sea on the West, whose raging Waves, it is thought, have swallowed up great quantities of Land in former Ages. The form of the County is like a Welsh Harp, though it yields but dull musick to the Inhabitants, being the roughest and most barren Shire of all Wales as Giraldus the Welsh Histo∣rian acknowledges, the Air giving little pleasure, unless to those that admire the furious and blusting Winds that roar from the adjacent Hills and Mountains, which are so high, and yet so near together that it is reported men may discourse from the tops there∣of one to another and yet hardly meet in a day's time, so that if the Shepherds should fall out in the morning and challenge one another to fight, before they can come together, the day will be spent, and the Heat of their fury abated after they have slept till Morning. These Mountains did formerly abound with Wolves which much annoyed the People, to prevent which King Edgar Sirnamed the Peaceable imposed a yearly Tribute of 300 Wolves heads upon Ludwall Prince of Wales, where by in three years time they were utterly destroyed, and now the Hills are covered with Flocks of Sheep which are the only Riches of this County, for by reason of the unevenness and rockiness of the Soil the Plow cannot go, nor the Corn thrive here, though some have causlesly imputed the sacarcity of Grain to the sloth of the People.

The Inhabitants were formerly the Ordovices already mention∣ed, who by the advantage of these Mountains long defended their Liberties against the Romans, and were never wholly sub∣dued till the time of King Edward I. There are only three Mar∣ket Towns in this Shire, Bala, near which is a Pool called Pimble Mear, or Lin Tegid in Welsh, covering near an hundred and Sixty Acres of ground, of which it is reported that the Land Floods though never so great do never cause it to rise or swell, whilst a blast of Wind will quickly make it mount above its bounds and banks. Into the South part of it runs the River Dee with a swift stream, and glides through the same without any mixture of its Waters as the People imagine, because the Salmon usually taken

in Dee is never found in that Pool, and on the contrary th•• Fish called Guiniad bred in that Mear is never seen in the River Dee.

Delgethe is another Market Town in this Shire, of which I know not whether it be worth relating what is known for a Truth. 1. That the Walls thereof are three Miles high, that is, the Mountains which surround it. 2. That men come into it over the Water, but go out of it under the Water: Because they go in over a fair Bridge, but the Water falling from a Rock is cou∣veyed in a wooden Trough under which Travellers make shift to pass. 3. The Steeple thereof doth grow therein, since the Bells if they have more than one, hang in a Yew-Tree. 4. There are more Ale-houses than Houses, for Tenements are divided into two or three Tipling Houses, and Barns without Chimneys are used to that purpose.

Harlech is the last Market Town, standing on the Sea-shore, cold and barren enough but only of Fowl and Fish, having few houses and meanly built. Here is a little decayed Chapel and out of use, wherein Sir Richard Thimbleby an English Knight lyes buried, who for the delight he took in Fishing and Fowling re∣moved his dwelling from a far better Soil. Here likewise was erected a strong and beautiful Castle upon an Hill, with a double Bulwark walled about, commanding the Sea, to impede the en∣trance of all Invaders. Near this are two great Inlets into the Sea which People pass over at low VVater, and upon the Shoar, as upon all the Sea coasts in this Country abundance of Herrings are caught, and are therefore much frequented at the season of the year by People of several Nations.

St. Thelian, educated by Dubritius Bishop of Landaff afore∣mentioned, was born in this Shire. He was much envied for his Holy Life by one of the Pictish Princes who harassed this Country. This Captain sent two lewd Strumpets to him, supposing that by their Tempting Tricks this Devout man might have been inticed to folly. These VVomen counterfeited madness that they might take the more liberty to themselves of filthy discourse, but re∣turned Distracted indeed, not having sense nor understanding enough to relate the cause of their sad misfortune, which had such effect on this Commander, that he received the Chri∣stian Faith (saith my Author) and was Baptized, retain∣ing ever after a great veneration for this our Saint, who as∣terward accompanied St. David Bishop of Menerin to Jerusalem and returning into his own Countrey by his fervent Prayers freed Scotland from the Plague wherewith it was then much infested He died about 563.

Mr. Camden takes special notice of the beauty and comelines•• of the Inhabitants of this Shire. During the differences betwix•• the Houses of York and Lancaster, David ap Jenkig, ap Enion

stout Gentleman on the Lancastrian side, resolutely defended the Castle of Harlech against King Edward IV. until Sir William Herbert, afterward Earl of Pembroke, so furiously stormed it that he was obliged to surrender. This County is divided into six Hundreds wherein are 37 Parish Churches.

MONMOƲTH-SHIRE hath Hereford-shire on the North, Glamorgan on the VVest, Glocester-shire on the East, and the So∣vern Sea on the South. It is 24 Miles in length, 19 in bredth, and 77 in compass. The Air is temperate, clear and healthful, the Soil hilly, woody, and fruitful of Cattel, Corn and all other accommodations of Life. It was antiently inhabited by the Si∣lures whose chief City is called by the Emperor Antoninus Venta Silurum, by the Welsh Caerwent, and now Caerleon, and was by Tathai the British Saint made an Academy and a place of Divine VVorship, where the second Roman Legion called Augusta re∣sided, (as appears by their Coins, Altars, Tables and Inscriptions sound there daily in digging up old Foundations.) Giraldus saith, That King Arthur kept his Court in this City, whither the Ro∣man Ambassadors resorted to him, and that there was a School or Academy, of 200 Philosophers skilful in Astronomy and other Sciences erected therein. St. Aaron a wealthy Citizen of Caer∣leon was Martyred under Dioclesian the Roman Tyrant in 3031 Note that the three first British Martyrs, namely Alban, Amphi∣balus and Aaron, have, the first a Latin, the second a Greek, and the third an Hebrew name. St. Julius of Caerleon, suffered with Aaron aforesaid. St. Amphilalus the Instructor of St. Alban in the Christian Faith, was also a Citizen of Caerleon. This Town though now but small, was once a great City reaching a Mile in length, and comprehending St. Julian's a house of late Sir Wil∣liam Herbert's, now a Mile distant from the Town. But as all humane Glory hath its period, so this City formerly renowned for beauty, circuit and magnificence is now deplorably decayed.

Monmouth is a Market Town in this County, and had antient∣ly a very strong Castle with many lofty Towers, as the ruins do still demonstrate. The Town is pleasantly situated between the Rivers Monnow and Wye, and hath an handsome Church with three Isles. And at the East end of the Town is another decay∣ed one called the Monks Church. Monmouth is in good repair, and well frequented, governed by a Mayor, two Bayliffs, 19 Common-Council men, a Town-Clerk, and two Sergeants. Se∣veral Monasteries were erected and suppressed in this County, the most memorable being at Caerleon, Chepstow, God-cliff, Monmouth and Llantony, which last stood so solitary among the high Hill that the Sun did shine upon it not above two or three hours in a day. As for Manufactures the best Caps were formerly made at Monmouth, where the Cappers Chapel doth still remain. In Q. Blizabeth's Reign an Act of Parliament was made, enacting that

all Persons should wear Monmouth Caps, but about twenty five years after it was repealed.

Geffery of Monmouth the Welsh Historian was born in this Coun∣ty, and in the Monks Church aforenamed is said to have written his History of Britain, having translated, compiled and collect∣ed the various British Authors into one Volume. He had many things from the British Bards or Poets, which though impro∣hable may not be untrue. His Book was prohibited by the Pope whilst the lying Legend of Romish Saints is permitted to be read without controll. If Geffery be guilty of mistakes they are such as make not for the Pope's advantage, and therefore it seems a great mistake in those who avouch that the Pope made him a Cardinal. He flourished 1160 under King Henry II.

Walter Cantilupe Son to William Lord Cantilupe, whose chief Residence was at Abergavenie in this County, was made Bishop of Worcester by King Henry III. He would not yield to the Pope's Legate, who complained of many Clergymen, keeping their Liv∣ings against the Canons, intending to make room for the Pope's Favourites, or force such irregular Incumbents to a composition. He was of a keen temper, whose two edged Spirit did cut on both sides against the King and Pope. Against the former he fided with the Barons to whom he promised Heaven for the re∣ward of their Rebellion against their Prince, though it cost him an Excommunication from the Pope, who was the more forward in denouncing that fatal sentence against him, because the Bishop had told Rusland his Legate, That he would prefer him to be hanged on the Gallows rather than ever consent to such expila∣tion of the Church as aforesaid. He died in 1267. Thomas of Monmouth wrote an History of St. VVilliam, the Child that was Crucified by the Jews at Norwich in hatred of our Saviour. He flourished 1160 in the Reign of King Henry II.

Richard de Clare, alias Strongbow, born probably at Stringule Castle was Earl of Stringule and Pembroke. It happened that Ma•• Murrugh in 1167. being expelled his Territories for several Tyrannies by the Lords of Meath and Connaught repaired to King Henry II. and invited him into Ireland. That politick King sent over this Rich. Strongbow with 1200 men, who soon possest him∣self of the Ports of Leinster and Munster, with large Lands there∣unto belonging, insomuch that the King growing jealous of his greatness recalled him home, commanding him to surrender his Acquisitions into his hands, which done, he received them back by a Grant from the King, who only reserved the City of Dub∣lin for himself. He was commonly called Domitor Hibernia, The Tamer of Ireland. Yet some of the Great Lords there, did still retain the Power and Title of King. Witness the Preface to the Commission, whereby King Henry II. made William Fitz. Adelme his Lieutenant of Ireland, which was directed, To al

Archbishops, Bishops, Kings, &c. Health. This Earl died at Dub∣lin, 1177.

Henry Plantaginet Duke of Lancaster was born in Monmouth Castle the chief Seat of his Barony. He is commonly Sirnamed The Wryneck, and by others more rightfully, The good Duke of Lancaster. He founded Corpus Christi College in Cambridg, and was buried at Leicester 1361. Henry V. the victorious Conque∣ror of France was likewise born in this Castle, of whom I have already given an account. Sir Roger VVilliams born of an an∣tient Family at Penress, was first a Souldier of Fortune in the Ne∣therlands ander the Duke of Alv••••, and afterward served Queen Elizabeth. He was a man extreamly forward to fight. VVhen a Spanish Captain challenged Sir John Norris to fight a single com∣bate, which he could not accept, as being below him who was a General, this Sir Roger undertook the ••on. And after they had fought for some time, in the view of both Armies, with∣out any hurt, they pledged each other a deep draught of VVine and so friendly departed. Another time at midnight he assault∣ed the Camp of the Prince of Parma nigh Venloe, slew some of the Enemies Souldiers, and pierced to the very Tent of the Gene∣ral. Byron Marshal of France once saying, That he did not like the March of the English Drum because it was so slow; Sir Reger hearing him, sharply replied, As slow as it is, yet it hath gone through all France. He bravely defended the Town and Fort of Sluce in Flanders, whilst there was any hope of relief, but as length being forced to surrender it, he returned to the Court, whom some of Queen Elizabeth's Ladies of Honour reproached and pointed at, crying, That's the Valiant man that delivered up Sluce. Ay Ladies, said he, and if you had been so hard put to it as I was you would have delivered up your Sluces too.

William Herbert Earl of Pembroke with Sir Richard his Brother were both vassant men, and as fast friends to King Edward IV. as professed Foes to Richard Nevil the Great Earl of Warwick. Leading the Army of the Welsh in the Battel of Banbury, these two Brothers with their Pole-axes twice made way through the Battel of the Northern men which sided with King Henry VI. without any mortal wound. There passeth a Tradition in the Noble Family of the Herbert's of Cherbury, that this Sir Richard their Ancestor slew that day 140 men with his own hands, in passing and repassing through the Army. Guns not being then in fashion the Poll axe was the next mortal Weapon especially in such a dead doing hard as this Knight had. He is likewise re∣ported to be of a Giant's Stature, the Peg or Pin being yet to be seen in Montgomery Castle, whereon he used to hang his Hat at Dinner, which no man of an ordinary height can reach with his hand at this day. It is recorded that by the courage of these two Brothers the Battel of Banbury had certainly been won, had not

John Clapham Esquire, and Servant to the Earl of Warwick 〈◊〉〈◊〉 played his Lord's Colours, and from an high Hill cryed out, a Warwick, a Warwick, whereat the Welshmen were so terrified, supposing VVarwick with the whole Army to be there that they turned their backs and fled, knowing how unable they were to withstand VVarwick's Forces, since upon a quarrel the Night before between the Earl of Pembroke and the Lord Stafford the last had withdrawn his Party from them, so that the General and his Brother were left alone in the Field, who valiantly fighting were incompassed and taken, with the Neath of 5000 of their Men. The Earl with his Brother Sir Ri∣chard Herbert were brought to Banbury where (with ten other Gentlemen) they lost their Heads, the Earl was buried at Tinterne, and Sir Richard at Abergavenny in this County.

VVilliam Jones born at Monmouth was forced to fly his Country for not being able to pay ten Groats. Coming to London he be∣came first a Porter and then a Factor, and going over to Ham∣burg had such a vent for VVelsh Cottons that he gained a very considerable Estate in a short time. He founded a fair School in Monmouth allowing 50 pound yearly to the Master, and 100 pound Salary to a Lecturer, besides a stately Alms house for 20 poor People, each of them having two Rooms and a Garden, and half a Crown a week. All which he left to the oversight of the Company of Haberdashers in London, who discharge their trust therein to this day.

VVilliam Evan's of this Shire was two yards and an half in height being Porter to King Charles I. He was somewhat lame, knocking his knees together, and going out squalling with his seet, yet he made a shift to Dance in an Antimask at Court, where he drew little Jeffery the Dwarf out of his Pocket. The Moor or Marish near Chepstow suffered great loss in 1606. by the River Severn overflowing its banks, drowning many Cattel, some People, and overthrowing divers Houses.

Monmouthshire may be called an English VVelsh County. For whereas formerly all VVelsh Counties sent but one Knight to Parliament this has the privilege of two, and is not subject to the VVelsh Jurisdiction but to the governance of the Itenerant Judges who ride Oxford Circuit. It was subdued by King Henry II. who passed the Nant Pen-carne a small Brook, and of no dan∣ger, yet held fatal by the VVelsh, who were over credulous of a Prophecy of Merlin's that predicted,

That when a stout King with a freckled face should pass over a Ford called Ryd-pencarn in a River called Nant pen-carn the VVelsh should be conquered,

and therefore when King Henry who was freckle faced passed over it, the Welshmen remembring this Prophecy submitted them∣selves, and became an easie Conquest to the English, and it may be the King being sensible of their credulity, thinking their

Hearts might fail them, chose to go over this Ford to facilitate his Conquests. Monmouth was made a Shire in the reign of King Henry VIII. It hath six Market Towns, 127 Parish Churches, is divided into six Hundreds, and had formerly 14 Castle. It gives the Title of Earl to Charles Lord Mordant.

MONTGOMERY-SHIRE hath Denbigh-shire on the North, Radnor and Cardigan on the South, Merioneth on the West, and Shrop-shire on the East. In this County are many high Hills, and divers Vales, Springs and Rivers, of which the Soverne is the Chief, being the second River in the Kingdom, whose head ri∣sing from the vast high Mountain Plymlimon, and being joined with other smaller streams runs through the East part of this Shire. It is said to have taken its name from Abren the beauti∣ful natural Daughter of King Loerinus, begotten out of VVedlock upon Estrildis the Daughter of Humber the Seythian King, who invaded this Land, both of them being drowned by Gwendolena the surviving VVidow of Locrinus, the Daughter in this River, and the Father in the other bearing his name. Of this Jeffery of Monmouth writes,

Fair Abren headlong thrown into this stream, As a Memorial left to them her name, From whence at length the name of Severn came.

The antient Inhabitants were the Ordovices, who also peopled the Counties of Merioneth, Carnarvan, Denhigh and Flint, whose Hearts and Hills kept them free a long time, both from the Ro∣man and English Yoke, opposing themselves against the first till the reign of Domitian, and the other till their total Conquest by King Edward I. They are a generous and affable People, comely and fair of body, courteous to strangers, and very Loyal to the English Crown.

Montgomery is the chief Town, and is one of the new Shires taken out of the Marches of Wales, and made a County of King Henry VIII. so called from Roger de Montgomery a Noble N••r∣man, Earl of Shrewsbury, who gaining much Land hereabout from the Welsh, first built it to secure his Conquests, as likewise a very fine Castle standing not far from the banks of the River Severn upon the rising of a Rock, from whence it hath a very pleasant prospect into a curious Plain that lyeth beneath it.

There is a Proveb in this County, Y Tair Chiwiorydd, in Eng∣lish The three Sisters, whereby was meant the three Rivers of Wye, Severn, and Rhiddial, arising all three in this County. The Tradition is, That these three Sisters were to run a Race which should be first Married to the Ocean. Severn and Wye having a great Journey to go, chose their way through soft Mea∣dows, and kept on a Travellers pace, whilst Rhiddial, presum∣ing on her short journey, staid before she went out, and then to recover her lost time runs furiously in a distracted manner

with her mad stream over all opposition. It is applicaple to Chi∣dren of the same Parents, but of different dispositions and courses of life, so that their Cradles were not so near, but their Coffins are as far asunder. There is another Proverb, Pywys Paradwys, Cymri, that is, Powis is the Paradice of Wales. This Proverb re∣ferreth to Teliesten the Author thereof, that Powis contain∣ed all that pleasant Land lying betwixt Wye and Severn. A third Proverb is, Gwan di Brwlin Hafren, Plafren fydd hifel cynt, that is, Fix thy Pale in Severn, (with intent to fence out his Wa∣ter) Severn will be as before, that is run its course, applied to those who undertake projects above their power to perform.

Hawis Gadarn a Lady of remark, sole Daughter and Heir to Owen ap Griffith Prince of Powis-land, was justly Sirnamed Ga∣darn, that is, The Hardy. Her four Uncles, Leoline, Griffith, Vaughan and David detained her inheritance from her. Give, said they, A Girl a little Gold and Marry her, God and Nature made Land for men to manage. Hereupon Hawis complained to King Edward II. who commiseraring her condition consigned his Servant John Charlton born at Apple in Shrepshire, a vigorous Knight to Marry her, creating him in her right Baron of Powis. Being assisted with the King's Forces, he took three of her Uncles Prisoners, and brought the fourth to composition. And finally recovered all his Wives Estate, procuring also the Lands of her Uncles in default of their Issue Male to be setled on her.

George Herbert born at Montgomery-Castle, was bred Fellow of Trinity-College in Cambridge, and Orator of the University, where he made a Speech of the return of Prince Charles out of Spain. Waving Wotldly Preferment he served at God's Altar. Of so Pious a Life, that as he was a Copy of Primitive Christia∣nity, so he might be a Pattern of Sanctity to Posterity. He ne∣ver mentioned the name of Jesus but with this addition My Ma∣ster. Next God the Word, he loved the Word of God, being heard often to protest, That he would not part with one leaf there∣of for the whole World. By his good example he gained much to the Church. He was Preacher at Bemmerton nigh Salisbury, where he built a fair House for his Successor, and Prebendary at Leighton in the Diocess of Lincoln, where he built a fair Church with the assistance of some Friends free Offerings. When a tfriend of his went about to comfort him with the remembrance hereof as a good work, he returned, It is a good work if sprinkled with the Blood of Christ.

Edward Herbert his Brother was Knighted by King James I. who sent him over Ambassador to France King Charles I. created him Baron of Castle-Island in Ireland, and after Baron of Cherbury in this County. He was a most excellent Artist and a rare Linguist, Studied both in Books and Men. He wrote a Treatise of the Truth in French, extant with great honour in the

Vatican Library at Rome. He Married the Daughter of Sir Wil∣liam Herbert of St. Julian's in Monmouthshire, with whom he had a large Inheritance both in England and Ireland. He died in 1648. and was buried in St. Giles's in the Fields London. A fair Monument of his own Invention was begun and almost si∣nisht in the Church of Montgomery.

In the Year 1661. Dec. 20. about Sunsetting the Inhabitants of Weston in Montgomeryshire, discovered a great number of Horsemen about 400 paces from them, marching two a breast in Military order upon the Common, and were half an hour before the Reer came up, seeming to be about 500 in all; the specta∣tors were amazed, thinking them to be an Army of Roundheads going to release the Prisoners at Montgomery, (there being at that time several Ministers and Gentlemen in Prison) and therefere several of them went to the top of the next Hill, where they had another full view of them, and could distinguish their Horses to be of several Colours, as white, grey, black, &c. and that they marched in three Companies, and betwixt every Division they had two Horse colours flying; but as they drew toward them they still marched from them, so that they could not come near∣er than 100 Yards; they asked a man (who was thatching a House all that day, which they judged the Horsemen went by) whether he saw all those Souldiers which marched by, who said that he saw none, neither was there any Tract of the Horses to be seen that night, nor the next morning, so that they conclud∣ed it to be a wonderful Apparition, and deposed the Truth of these particulars before the Lord Herbert, and several other Justices of the Peace of this County; at the same time a Wo∣men coming from Bishops Castle over the same Common, fell off her Horse, being much terrified with the sight of a blazing Star, which she and six men with her saw, sometimes white and some∣times red, with a Tail like an Arrow, which seemed to hang just over their heads from Bishops Mount to this Common, being three Miles, and the People of the house where the VVoman fell, when they came out, saw the Star also.

This County is very plentiful of Cattle, especially Horses, which for their shape and swiftness are much valued. It is di∣vided into seven Hundreds, wherein are six Market Towns, and forty seven Parish Churches, and gives the Title of Earl to Tho∣mas Lord Herbert, who is likewise Earl of Pombroke. Cherbury the Title of Baron to Henry Lord Herbert.

PEMBROKE-SHIRE is bounded by Carnarthen on the East, and Cardigan shire on the North-East. On all sides else it is surrounded by the Sea. In length 26. in breadth 20. and in circumference 93 Miles. It was antiently Peopled by the Dime∣tree, as well as Cardigan and Carmarthen-shires, part of this County was after inhabited by the Flemmings sent thither by

King Henry I. who lost their Country by the breaking in of the Sea, whereby a great part of Flanders was drowned, and whose Posterity continue there to this day, and speak so good English that their Division is called, Little England beyond Wales. The Commodities of this shire are Corn, Cattel, Sea-fish and Fowl, and in the days of Giraldus Cambrensis, they had Wines for sale, the Havens being so commodious for Traffick, particularly Tenby and Milford, the last of which is so large a Port that six∣teen Creeks, five Bays, and thirteen Roads, distinguisht by par∣ticular names are all contained within it.

Pembroke is the Shire Town, which appears more antient than it is, it was formerly Walled and had three Gates, with a large Castle, and a Causey leading over to the decayed Priory of Mon∣ton. The Town consists principally of one long street, on a long narrow Point of a Rock, and hath within the Walls thereof, two Churches. St. David's is a Barren old City, having neither Trees to defend it, nor is it pleasant with Fields or Meadows, but lyes exposed to Winds and Storms. It is now the seat of a Bishop, but was once an Archbishoprick in the British Church. At the first planting of the Gospel in the reign of King Lucius there were three Archbishops Seats appointed, London, York, and Caerleon. The last in the Reign of Arthur King of the Britains was translated from thence to St David's as being farther off from the Saxon's fury. Twenty seven of them retained the Title of Archbishops; the last whereof was Samson who remov∣ed the Archi-episcopal Dignity to D••le in Bretaign a Province in France. Yet his Suceessors though they lost the name, retain∣ed the power of the Archbishop, the Welsh Bishops being con∣secrated by him till the Reign of King Henry I. when Bernard the 47th Bishop of this See was forced to submit himself to the Church of Canterbury. The Cathedral here hath been often ruin∣ed by the Danes, Norwegians and other Pirates, as standing near the Sea in an extream Corner of this County, that which we now see was built by Bishop Peter, and by him dedicated to St. David. In the middle of whose Quire Edmund Earl of Rich∣mond Father to King Henry VII. lies buried, whose Monument secured the Church from being defaced in the Reign of King Henry VIII. The roof of this Church is higher than any in Eng∣land.

Calphurnius a British Priest (who Married Concha Sister to St Martin, and had St. Patrick the Apostle of Ireland to their Son, was born at St. David's. Likewise Justinian a Noble Britain, with his own Inheritance built a Monastery in the Island of of Ramsey in this County, where many Monks dwelt happily un∣der his Jurisdiction, until three of them Murdered him out of envy and emulation for his Plous Life. His Body was brought to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or St. David's, and there interred, and his Tomb after∣ward

much famed for many supposed Miracles. Giraldus Cam∣brensis whose Sirname was Barry (some write Fitz Girald) the Welsh Historian, was born at Tenby in this County, being Son to William Barry an Englishman by his Wife Angareth, daughter of Nesta, Daughter of Rhese, or Rice Prince of South-Wales. He was Nephew to David the second Bishop of St David's, by whom he was made Arch-Deacon of Brecknock. He was wont to complain,

That the English did not love him because his Mo∣ther was a Welshwoman, and the Welsh hated him because his Father was an Englishman.

Though by his excellent Writings he deserved of England well, of Wales better, and of Ireland best of all, making an exact description of all three, and acting in the last as Secrety to King John, with great industry and ex∣pence. Having Travelled to Jerusalem he writ a Book of the Wonders of the Holy Land. He had no great success at Court, and therefore attained to no considerable Dignity, till at length he was offered a very mean Bishoprick in Ireland, and his highest Preferment was to this of St. David's, of which he gives the true reason,

That he was looked upon with a Jealous Eye, because being a Welshman by the Mother, the furer side, he was thought to have a natural antipathy against the English, since it was be∣lieved no good Subject could come out of Walee.

Being now Bishop of St. David's he went to Rome, and there was very im∣portunate for an exemption of that Diocess from the Authority of Canterbury, whereby he highly offended Hubert the Archbishop thereof. Whereupon being rather overborn with bribes than overcome in his Cause, he returned without effecting it, and dying was buried in his own Cathedral about 1215.

When King Henry II. was at St. David's in this County, and from thence in a clear day discovered the Coast of Ireland, in an huffing bravado he said, I with my Ships am able to make a Bridge thither if it be no farther. Which Speach of his being re∣lated to Murchard King of Lemster in Ireland, he asked whether he did not say, He would do it with the help of God: and be∣ing told no, he chearfully answered, Then I fear him the less, since he trusted more to himself than to the help of God. The same King Henry coming back from Ireland arrived at St. David's where being told that there is an old Prophecy of Merlin's, That the Conqueror of Ireland returning that way should dye upon a stone called Lechlaver near the Church-yard. He thereupon be∣fore a multitude of People passed over it unhurt, and reproving the Welshmen said,

Now who will hereafter credit that Lyar Merlin.

The County of Pembroke hath been fortified with sixteen Castles, besides two Block-houses or Forts Commanding the Mouth of Milford Haven, and hath five Market Towns, is divi∣ded into seven Hundreds, wherein are forty five Parish 〈◊〉〈◊〉

It gives the Title of Earl to Thomas Lord Herbert, who is also Earl of Montgomery.

RADNOR-SHIRE hath Monmouth on the North, Here∣ford and Shropshire on the East, Brecknock on the South, and Car∣diganshire on the West. In length twenty four, in breadth twen∣ty two, and in circuit ninety miles. The Air is sharp and cold, as generally it is through all Wales, whereby the Snow lies long unmelted under those vast Mountains, Hills and Rocks that over∣shadow the Valleys, yet the East and South parts are somewhat fruitful, indifferently stored with Woods, and watered with Ri∣vers and Mears. The riches of the North and West consist chiefly in the Cattel which they produce. The antient Inhabitants were the Silures, who by their own courage and the assistance of their inaccessible Mountains preserved their freedom very long against all the attempts of the Romans. These Rocks are so dreadful (saith Mr. Speed) that I feared to look down from them into those deep and dark Vallies through which I passed, which seemed to be the entrance into the Kingdom of Darkness. Among these dismal Vales Historians say that unhappy Prince Vertigern, (who invited in the Saxons to the ruin of his Country) was with his incestuous Wife consumed with Fire from Heaven in his Castle called Guartiger Maur. Though others write it was near Besh∣kelleth in North Wales. Fatal was this place also to Leoline the last Prince of the British Race, who being betrayed by the men of Buelth, fled into these vast Mountains of Radnor, where by Adam Franston he was slain, and his Head Crowned with Ivy set upon the Tower of London.

Radnor is the Chief Town in this County, from whence it re∣ceives its name, called antiently Magi, where the Pacensian Le∣gion of the Romans lay, and thought to be Magnes mentioned by me Emperor Marcus Antoninus. It had formerly a VVall, with a large and strong Castle. Prestayn is the best Town in this Shire for handsome Buildings, and good Trading. Knighton is also a Market Town, under which is to be seen the Tract of Offa's Ditch along the Edge of the Mountain. The fourth place re∣markable is, Raihader Gewy, from which word Raihader the English, It is thought, named the County Radnor. It is also cal∣led Meliueth, from the yellowish Mountains thereof, which stretch from Offa's Dyke to the River Wye, which River cutteth over∣thwart the West corner of this Shire, where meeting with some Rocks that impede its passage, for want of ground to glide on it hath a violent downfall, with a continual noise, and is called The Fall of Wye. At this Town the Market day was formerly kept on a Sunday; but is since altered. This Shire is divided into six Hundreds, wherein are three Forests, four Market Towns, and fifty two Parish Churches, and formerly six Castles. It gives the Title of Earl to Charies Lord Roberts.

There are several other Proverbs in Wales besides those already mentioned, as 1. Her Wash Blood is up: and 'tis no wonder that a very antient Gentleman being deprived of his Country, should digest his losses with great difficulty. 2. As long as a Welsh Pe∣digree, and as high too, seeing commonly a Welsh Gentleman can clime up to a Princely Extraction. 3. Give your Horse a Welsh Bait. That is stop on the top of the Mountains, where the poor Palfrey is forced to make shift with Cameleons Commons, the clear Air. 4. Calen y Sais wrah Gimro. That is, the Heart of an Englishman toward a Welshman; This was invented while England and Wales were at deadly feud, and applied to such as are possessed with prejudice, and only carry an outward com∣pliance without cordial affection. 5. Ni Che••w Cymbro oni Golle, That is, The Welshman keeps nothing until he hath lost it. When the Brittish recovered their loft Castles from the English, they doub∣led their Diligence and Valour, keeping them more tenaciously than before. 6. A fo Pen, bid Bout, That is, He that will be a Head let him be a Bridge. This is of a ficticious Original, for Benigridan a Welsh General is said to have carried his Army (one by one, we must imagine) upon his Back over a River in Ireland, where there was neither Bridge nor Ferry, and therefore deser∣vedly was made their Prince. 7. There was an antient Play in Wales wherein the stronger put the weaker into a Sack, from whence came the Proverb, He is able to put him up in a bag. The Princes of Wales are very ancient and numerous, yet they never had any Coin of their own, as Mr. Camden observes. In the reign of King William the Conqueror, upon the Sea shore in Wales was found the body of Gawen, Sisters Son to Arthur the Great K. of Britain reported to be fourteen foot in Length. In 1662. July 2. were seen above an hondred Porpusses together near Newport, which seemed very strange and prodigious to the Inhabitants. Walter Brute was born in Wales, A Siuner, Layman, Husband∣man and a Christian: They are his own words in a certain Pro∣testation which he made. He was bred in Oxford, and being accused to the Bishop of Hereford, he by a solemn subscription sub∣mitted himself, principally to the Evangely (or Gospel) of Jesus Christ, to the determination of the General Councils of Holy Kirk, to Austin, Ambrose, Jerem and Gregory: And lastly to his Bishop, as a Subject ought to his Bishop. It seems this Walter was the first that was vext about the Doctrines of Wickliff.

To conclude, the Principallity of Wales was modelled into Shires in the reigh of King Henry VIII. In the thirteen Counties whereof aforementioned are reckoned one Chase, thirteen Fo∣rests, thirty three Parks, two hundred thirty Rivers, an hundred Bridges, four Cities, fifty five Market Townt, forty one Castles of old erection, four Bishopricks, and a thousand and sixteen Pa∣rish Churches, and elects thirty Parliamont Men.

FINIS.