The history of England giving a true and impartial account of the most considerable transactions in church and state, in peace and war, during the reigns of all the kings and queens, from the coming of Julius Cæsar into Britain : with an account of all plots, conspiracies, insurrections, and rebellions ... : likewise, a relation of the wonderful prodigies ... to the year 1696 ... : together with a particular description of the rarities in the several counties of England and Wales, with exact maps of each county / by John Seller ...

The Reign of HENRY the Sixth (com∣monly called Henry of Windsor.)

HENRY the Sixth, being at the Death of his Father not above three Months Old, a Parliament was soon after called, and he Crowned at Westminster, at five Months Old, the Queen holding him in her Lap whilst the Ceremony was performed, and likewise brought into the Parliament-House, where the Lords paid Homage to him as their Rightful Soveraign; a Speech on his behalf being made to them by the Queen, Exhorting them to be stedfast and Unanimous in se∣curing

his Right, and opposing his Enemies, &c. which they promised to be, and endeavour to the utmost.

Not long after this, King Charles the Sixth Dying, the French Nobles began to bethink themselves, that it stood little with their Honour to be subject to a Prince of another Nation, whilst they had a Son of their King amongst them; and forgeting their Oaths and Fealty, they began on a suddain to grow cold towards the English, and seemed desirous to shake off their Yoak; of which the Regent giving notice to his Brother in England, care was taken continually to send him over Men and Money, to compell them, if necessity required it, to their Obedience; but first he used all manner of fair Means, minding them if they persevered in their Loyalty, the happy conclusion would make them Rich and Fortunate, win to them the Love and Favour of their Young King, as he grew up and increased in Wisdom and Years, &c. However the Dauphin got himself Crowned by his Party, under the Title of Charles the Seventh; and with his small Army took the Field, sending the Lord Grandval to Besiege Pont-Melance on the River Seine, which he had the fortune to surprize before the English Garrison was aware of his coming, putting most he found therein to the Sword; but it was soon regained by the Earl of Salisbury, and the Lord Grandval swore Allegiance for his Ransom, to King Henry, but basely revolted as soon as he was Enlarged: Then the Earl took Senes; whereupon the Parisians sued to the New French King to assist them underhand, tho' at the same time they had for a colour sent some of their Citizens to King Henry, promising a continued Duty and Loyalty, for yet they found not matters ripe for an open Revolt: But whilst the Re∣gent was Magnificently Celebrating his Nuptials with the Lady Ann Sister to the Duke of Burgundy, they

secretly sent to Charles, Advertising him, That if he came speedily with any considerable Power, they would over-master the English Garrison, and deliver the City into his hands.

This greatly Rejoyced him; but whilst his Prepa∣rations were slow, the Conspiracy was made known to the Regent, who swiftly Marched his Army in at their Gates, seized on the chief Conspirators, and caused them to be Executed in sundry places of the City; placing a greater Garrison, which very much curbed them, bridling them more with the Castle of Pacy and Coursay, not far from thence, which he took, and strongly Fortified; and to prevent the Scots Aiding the French, James their King was sent home, who had been taken on the Seas, and a Prisoner at Large to the English many Years; yet the English Interest was some∣thing weakened by the Revolt of the Duke of Britainy, who fearing the Regent growing Powerful might bring him into subjection, joyned with the Dauphin, as did his Brother Arthur Earl of Yvrie, causing that Town in Normandy of which King Henry the Fifth had made him Captain, to Rebel; yet that and Vernoille, which had likewise Revolted, were soon Regained, and the French Armies that came to Relieve them, were Over∣thrown.

Soon after, the defeated Governour of Yvrie, whom the Dauphin had unworthily made Constable of France, Besieged St. James Town in Bayon, with 4000 Men, but the Besieged issuing out with hideous cries of St. George and the Earl Salisbury, who by his Martial deeds was grown Terrible to the French, that Army being seized with a fear that the Earl was entered with his Army on the other side, and about to break-in upon them, all in confusion threw away their Arms and fled; so a handful of Men pursuing, a great many of them

leaped into the River and were Drowned, others were slain, and all the Rich Plunder of the Camp fell to the English. But whilst we thus Triumphed in France, a Mischief had like to have marred all at home, by a dis∣cord that happened between the Duke of Gloucester and his Unkle the Bishop of Winchester: But the Regent leaving the Earl of Warwick his Lieutenant General in France, came timely over, and made them Friends in a Parliament he called; in honour of which Reconcilia∣tion, the Young King held a solemn Feast, and the Re∣gent Dubbed him a Knight; after which, the King made Richard, Son to the late Earl of Cambridge, Duke of York, and Restored John Moubray Earl Marshal, to his Fathers Dutchy of Norfolk; and the Bishop of Win∣chester going to Callis, met the Popes Bull which In∣vested him with the Dignity of a Cardinal, which high∣ly pleased him; and new Forces being Levied in Eng∣land, were sent to strengthen the Armies in France; so that a great number of Towns that had Revolted, were Regained, and many French Nobles put to their Ransoms, which raised Money to maintain the War.

Orleance being now the strongest place the French held, the Earl of Salisbury laid Siege to it; but after two Months lying before it, the Earl from a Watch-Tower taking a view of the Town where it was easiest to be Assaulted, was slain by a shot from a Culverin; being the first Noble Englishman ever known to be kill'd by a Great Shot; and with his Death, the Courage of the English much abated. However, the Earl of Suffolk succeeded him in the Command, who sending out Sir John Falstaff to procure Provisions for the Camp, the Lord Delabreth in his return intending to surprise him with a great Power, was beaten by his small Party, as being catched again with the Agincourt Trap, by Goaring their Horses on Irons Pointed,

whilst the English retired safe behind them, and with their Arrows made a miserable Slaughter of 2500 of his Men, taking 11000 Prisoners, and a great Boo••; whereupon the Besieged in Orleance offered to deliver up the City to the Duke of Burgundy, if he would take them into his immediate Protection, which he consen∣ted to do, if the Regent would Agree to it: But when he proposed it, the Regent told him, He could not, for since King Henry had been at such great Charge to reduce it to Extreamity, and at a point to Yield, it was altogether reasonable it should obey no other Soveraign but him. This much perplexed the Duke, and made him ever after lessen his Affections to the English, till he quite fell off, and to their great detriment joyned with the adverse party.

The Citizens of Orleance finding their Proposal fruit∣less, sent to the Dauphin for speedy Succour, resolving to hold out to the last Extreamity, and the Watches of the English Camp being careless, as expecting every day it would Surrender, in the depth of Night they thrust several Thousand Men in, with store of Provi∣sions; so that within a few days they boldly Sallied with their main Strength, won a strong Pass, and slew 600 English that Guarded it, but Assaulting a Bastile where the Lord Talbot lay, he fell on them with such fury, that leaving half their Number Dead, the rest fled fearful into the Town. But the next day the Earl of Suffolk, by reason of the new Supplies, seeing no pro∣bability of winning the Place, raised the Sirge, and put the greater part of his Army into Garrisons; but whilst himself lay at Jargeaux, the French won it, and took him Prisoner, and many Noble Prisoners were Slain, because the French hotly contended among them∣selves to whom they rightly belonged; and about 25000 French under the Earl of Vendosm and others,

meeting with the Lords Scales, Talbot, and Hungerford who Fought with them desperately; but not having above 5000 English, they were Overthrown, and the Lords taken Prisoners; yet the French magnifying their Victory, many small Towns and Castles Revolted to them, as Trois, Rhemes, Challons, and many others; which made the Regent resolve to give Charles Battel, sending to defie him as a Usurper and Traytor to his Lord and Master; and tho' he drew out his Army and made some semblance as if he accepted the Challenge, yet he shifted and fled from place to place, and could not be brought to a fair Field; and the Towns still Revolting, it was thought Expedient to send for King Henry over, thinking his Presence might keep the rest in Obedi∣ence; and accordingly coming to Paris, he was Crown∣ed there King of France, with much Royal Pomp and Solemnity: Yet this stopped not the current of the Revolt; whereupon no sooner was the King returned to England, but the Regent hastned into Normandy to secure his Interest there; for things run so strongly, he knew not whom he might trust.

Whilst these things were doing, Charles who had been likewise Crowned King of France, with many Flatteries and large Promises of Honour, Riches, and Promotion, laboured to withdraw the Duke of Bur∣gundy from King Henry's Interest; yet at this time, tho' he was not well affected to the English, by reason of the distaste he conceived at the Siege of Orleance, he refused his offers, and acquainted the Regent with the whole Intrigue; so that when Charles perceived this device was fruitless, he drew down his whole Army before Paris, but after many Assaults, he was beaten off, with a great slaughter of his Men, by the English in Garison there, and some few Citizens as were well affected to King Henry; for which the Regent at his

return gave them many Thanks and Rewards; at which they seemed greatly to rejoyce, promising much, but in the sequel performing little.

These troublesome Wars having held a long time, the Princes of Europe mediated for Peace, which only came to a six Years Truce, and yet that was broke much sooner, upon the death of Ann, the Regents Dutchess, Sister to the Duke of Burgundy, and his Mar∣rying the Lady Jaquet, Daughter to the Earl of St. Paul. For as much as hereupon the Duke of Burgundy's Love to the English more and more declined, and the bond of Affinity that tied him more strictly to the Regent, be∣ing sundered by the Death of his Sister; and now the French taking all advantages, secretly conveyed 200 Men into the Castle of Roan in Normandy; but they were Assaulted by the Garrison with such timely Cou∣rage (for they had been Introduced by the Treachery of the Deputy-Governour, as Friends) that they were beaten into the Dungeon, from whence they were sentenced some to the Gallows, others to a different manner of Death, by Cruel Torments; and those that sped best, were put to great Ransoms.

Hereupon the Regent took the Field, and being Re∣inforced by 800 Men at Arms, brought over by the Lord Talbot, who had sometime before, by his Ransom being paid, been set at liberty; and often urged the French to a Battel, which they declined: In the mean while, the Boors in Normandy rose in a tumultuous Re∣bellion, but being Overthrown by the Earl of Arundel, about 1000 of them Slain, and several of their Ringlea∣ders Executed, this disturbance was quieted. But as the Earl went to recover St. Rue, which had Revolted, attempting to take in by the way Greborie Castle, he was shot in the Ancle with a Culverin Ball, and being taken Prisoner, soon after Dyed of his Wound. The

Duke of Bourbon, who had been taken Prisoner at the Battel of Agincourt, after fifteen Years Imprisonment, paid his Ransom; but the day he intended to Imbarke for France, Dyed at London. And now after many Jealousies between the Regent and Duke of Burgundy, their Friends laboured to Reconcile them, and they seemingly were again united in strict Amity: But go∣ing together into the Town of St. Omer's, th•• Regent expected the first Visit, as due to his Character and Dignity, but the Duke being Soveraign Lord of that Town, supposed he should be Checked by his Subjects for such a dishonourable condesention; thereupon they declined the Visits, and both left the Town in much Anger, and forthwith the Duke of Burgundy entered into a strict League with Charles, who had taken on him the stile of King of France. After this, St. Dennis, and other Towns were Surprised, or otherways Taken by the French, but many of them again Retaken; and those that were not looked on as Teneable, Dismantled: And now the Regent by reason of his unwearied Toil, falling into a desperate Languishment, Dyed; and was Buried in a stately Monument, erected for him in our Lady's Church in Roan; and Richard Duke of York ap∣pointed Regent in his stead, against the Mind of the Kings nearest Friends and best Counsellours, who were not Ignorant of his Aspiring and pretensions to the Crown: Soon after Paris Revolted, and another Re∣bellion was raised in Normandy, but soon suppressed by the Lords Talbot, Seales, and others, and the Duke of Burgundy laid Siege to Callis, but was compelled to raise it and fly by Night, upon notice the Protector was sending great Forces from England to Relieve it; and 20000 Men soon after Landed, Burning and Wast∣ing the Dukes Countries of Flanders, and Arthois. But now the French began to deal with the Scots, the better

to Favour their Designs, and James the First of Scotland forgetting the Benefits he had received from King Henry the Fifth, entered England with 30000 Men, and Besieged Roxborough Castle; which was valiantly De∣fended by Sir Ralph Grey: But upon the approach of the Earl of Northumberland, he raised his Siege, and fled.

About this time Queen Catharine, Mother to King Henry, Married Owen Tuther, a goodly Gentleman, de∣scended from Cadwallader the last of the British Kings; and by her had Issue two Sons, viz. Edmund and Jasper; Edmund was by King Henry created Earl of Richmond, and took to Wife the Lady Margaret sole Daughter to John Duke of Sommerset, and on her he got King Henry the Seventh; and Jasper was created Earl of Pembrook. And now the Kings Council so prevailed with him, that Richard Duke of York was discharged from his Regency in France, and the Earl of Warwick appointed in his stead; who beat the Duke of Burgundy from the Siege of Croy, when in his flight Sir Thomas Tyrrel falling in his Rear, took his Cannon, and the greater part of his Baggage, finding in Plate and Money 20000l. And the Earl of Mortayn, Son to Edmund Duke of Sommerset, Assaulting the Castle of St. Avyar in Mayn, took it by Storm, and put to the Sword 300 Scots, and Hanged all the Frenchmen he found therein, because having Sworn Allegiance to King Henry, they Revolted.

Whilst these things were doing, the Elder Son of Charles raised a strong Faction, and Rebelled against him, and by publick Edicts divulged the insufficiency of his Father to Rule that Kingdom. This Cloud threatened a coming Storm, and begat the Question in his Father and his Counsellours of State, Whether it was most proper to attempt the curing this Mallady by Civil War, & letting of Blood, or by Discretion and

Policy, without Blows: But the Latter was approved, and Proclamations made by the French King to Pro∣hibit all his Subjects on pain of Death, not to yield any Obedience to the Dauphins Commands, Pardoning such as by his perswasion had undertaken his Service; so that divers Letters and Messages passing between them, an Accommodation was made.

Whilest this Difference lasted, the English endea∣voured the regaining Paris; but that failing, John Lord Clifford surprised Panthois, by Attiring his Men in White, and passing the Ditches hard Frozen and co∣vered with Snow, scaling the Walls and killing the Watch. And now the noble Earl of Warwick Dying, the Duke of York a second time was made Regent of France; yet the French by Encroachments and Revolts of many Towns, encouraged (when their Courage failed) by one Joan of Arc, a Martial Maid, who pre∣tended she was sent by Heaven to assist her Bleeding Country, and indeed Leading the French Troops, she did many brave Exploits, till taken by the English, after she had received many Wounds, they tryed her and burnt her for a Witch, tho' great Ransoms were of∣fered for her by the French; and this they the rather did, not only for that she beat them off from the Siege of Orleance, and worsted them in many Skirmishes, but because the French conceived a superstitious confidence that whilst she Lived, their Proceedings would be suc∣cessful and prosperous: Yet both Potentates in the End, on the French recovering Ponthois, growing weary of so tedious a War, that had wasted their People and Treasure, a Conference was appointed at Callice, and here they often consulted about Peace; but in conlu∣sion adjourned the Negotiation, because King Henry's Demands were looked on as unreasonable in Three Points, viz.

1. In regard of the great Ransom demanded for the Duke of Orleance. 2. For that the peaceable and quiet possession of the Dutchies of Aquitaine and Normandy were required without any Homage or Soveraignty ack∣nowledged to the Crown of France. 3. For that the sur∣rendering and yielding up into King Henry's hands all such Cities, Towns, Forts, and Territories in France as the English had at any time enjoyed within the space of thirty Years past, was required.

However tho' the Parley was dissolved, yet the Duke of Orleance being brought to Calice, tho' King Henry the Fifth on his Death-Bed had commanded he should not be Ransomed, he was Ransomed by the Duke of Burgundy, and Honourably convey'd to the French Court. And now to make way for Calamities at Home, as well as Misfortunes Abroad, a Quarrel a∣rose between the Cardinal of Winchester and Duke of Gloucester; for the Duke being Protector of the Realm, making Complaints against the Cardinals Acting many things contrary to the Interest of the King and King∣dome, without any Warant, or making the King Ac∣quainted with it, The Cardinal in Revenge procured the Dutchess of Gloucester to be accused of Sorcery and Witchcraft, holding correspondence with Witches, to take away the King's Life; and tho' most believed there was nothing at all in it, yet the Cardinal being backed by the Clergy, procured her upon groundless suggestions, to do publick Penance twice in the City of London, and to be doomed to perpetual Imprisonment; and the better to colour the matter, some who were pretended to be her Associates, suffered the Flames.

After the refusal of some other Matches, as the Earl of Arminack's Daughter, &c. King Henry (by the means and procurement of the Earl of Suffolk, Bribed by the

French King) Married the Lady Margaret, whom he received by Suffolk his Ambassador at the Hands of the French King, and Reyner her Father, Duke of Anjou, Titular King of Sicily, Naples, and Jerusalem, tho' with her he had little or no Dowry; which made the Match be much disliked by the Nobles and Commons. Yet for this Service the Earl was created Duke of Suffolk, and stood high in the Queen's favour; and they soon found means to dismiss the good Duke of Glou∣cester from his Protectorship, after he had a long time faithfully Served the King and Kingdom. And soon after, the deposed Protector, by the contrivance of his Grand Enemies, was Accused (in a Parliament assem∣bled by the Queen in the King's Name at Bury) of High Treason, and committed to the Tower; where the next day he was found dead in his Bed, to the great Grief of almost all the Kingdom, as being a Pious, Valliant, and Virtuous Prince; it was generally con∣cluded he was Smothered, for no Wound was found about him: But God was not slow in requiring his Blood at the hands of those that were undoubtedly the contrivers of his fall; for upon the removal of this great and beloved Statesman, Richard Duke of York found an open way to thrust in, and set up his preten∣sions of Title to the Crown, making himself strong in Friends and Treasure, the better to carry on his de∣signs. So that being now Intent on his own Advance∣ment, he grew carless of his Command, which tur∣ned greatly to the advantage of the French; for the Truce no sooner expired, but they came strongly pre∣pared into the Field, and making three Armies, took in divers little Towns; and this success emboldened them, that holding secret correspondence with the In∣habitants of Roan in Normandy, they drew an Army before that City; whereupon the Citizens compelled

the Earls of Sommerset and Shrewsbury to Surrender the place; having leave to depart to Caen with all their Goods: Soon after Hareflew, and divers other places were lost.

A Rebellion about this time breaking out in Ireland, the Duke of Sommerset was made Regent or Lieutenant in Normandy, and the Duke of York sent over to quell the Irish Rebells, which he easily effected. But this dividing, weakening the English Strength, the Kings Army in Normandy was Overthrown, and Caen Lost, and soon after all Normandy; and now Divisions hap∣pened at Home; for the Duke of Suffolk the Queens Favourite, being Envied by the People, they were In∣stigated by the Duke of York, and his Faction, to make many grievous Complaints against him, upon the mis∣carriages in Government; whereupon he was (to please them) colourably committed to the Tower, yet had his Liberty at will; which so Incensed them, that making a Fellow their Captain, nicknamed Blewbeard, they fell into Rebellion; but were soon Quelled, and some of their Ringleaders Executed, the rest were Par∣doned. Hereupon the King and Queen thinking to reconcile all Differences, a Parliament was called; but contrary to their expectation, the Commons craved Justice on the Duke of Suffolk, and upon his Associates, viz. James Fines, Lord Say, and Treasurer of England, John Bishop of Salisbury, and some others; whereupon he was Banished for Five Years; but as he Sailed for France, being way laid, he was taken by an English Man of War, brought to Dover, and had his Head Choped off on the side of the Ship's Boat; supposed to be done by the Duke of York's contrivance; yet he was not Lamented by any but the King and Queen, because it was verily supposed he had a hand in the Duke of Glo∣cester's death. And now the Duke of York (though in

Ireland) did by his Agents here stir up a Rebellion among the Plebeans, whose Ringleader was Jack Cade, who falsly Named himself John Mortimer right Heir to the Crown; but the King's Forces dispersed them, many being Slain, and Cade being Proscribed, and a Thousand Marks set on his Head, it was soon after brought to the King.

The Duke of York being defeated in this, by the Advice of his Friends returned out of Ireland without the King's leave, and consulting with the Earls of War∣wick, Devonshire, Salisbury, and others, they resolved to complain in Parliament of the Queen's Misgovernment; who by reason of the Kings Weakness and Imbecility, did what she pleased, as also did her Favourits, the chief of which now was the Duke of Sommerset; but his complaints not taking such effect as he supposed, upon new Counsels he took other Measures, raising an Army under pretence of removing Evil Counsellours from the King, charging the Duke of Sommerset with oppressing the People, and the many Miscarriages in France during his Regency, occasioning the loss of Normandy and Aquitain, with many other things. The King upon this fearing the worst, raised likewise an Army; whereupon the Duke of York sent a submissive Message and Letter to him, That he intended nothing against his Royal Person, nor against the State, but only craved, That in Parliament the Duke of Sommerset might be Tryed, and caused to Answer to such Crimes as would be Objected against him; and the Duke of Sommerset upon this, being for shew sake, committed to the Tower, the Duke of York dissolved his Army, and came to the King; where contrary to his expectation, he met with the Duke of Sommerset, who Accused him of Treason, for that without the Kings Leave or Com∣mandment, he had raised an Army, with which he in∣tended

to have Murthered his Soveraign, and made himself Inheritor and Possessor of the Crown: Where∣upon the Duke was Arrested, but in a few days Re∣leased.

Whilst these things happened in England, the Lords of Guyan and Aquitain threw off their Subjection to France, and sent secret Messages to King Henry, That if he would furnish an Army to Protect them, they would re-deliver those Provinces into his Possession; upon which, the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent with 3000 Men, who received them into the Kings Protection: But soon after, being fought with by 20000 French, he was Overthrown and Slain, with almost all his follow∣ers; and thereupon these Provinces were utterly Lost. In the mean while the Queen was delivered of a Son, whom she caused to be Named Edward.

The Duke of York having strengthened his Faction, made grievous Complaints to the Lords in Parliament against the Duke of Sommerset, so that in the Queen's Chamber he was Arrested for High Treason, and con∣veyed to the Tower. But the Parliament being sud∣dainly Adjourned, and the King by many protestations faithfully promising, that at some other time he should Answer those Accusations, he was set at Liberty, and made Captain of the Castle and Town of Callice, which made the Duke of York Leavy another Army, and fought with the King at St. Albans, and so prevailed, that the Duke of Sommerset, the Earls of Northumber∣land and Stafford, the Lord Clifford, and about 8000 others, were Slain; the King was also hurt in the Neck with an Arrow, and taken Prisoner; but used with much dissembled Civility, and brought to London; where at the Duke of York's entreaty he called a Par∣liament, and the Earl of Salisbury was made Chancellour, The Earl of Warwick Captain of Callice; The Duke of

York was likewise appointed Protector of the Kings Person, and of the Realm; but the Queen being per∣swaded he Aimed at the Crown, they were soon dis∣placed.

Whilst these Differences continued, many disorders happened; The Houses of Merchant-Strangers were Rifled and Robbed in London, and the French greatly Annoy'd our Merchants on the Seas, which compelled the Queen (who was Wise, Politick, and of a Mascu∣line Spirit) to use a Stratagem, which was to get the King to retire into the North for his Pleasure, and sent Letters to the Three Lords immediatly to come and Confer with him, who delay'd not to do it; but having secret notice their destruction was intended, they timely Fled, and prevented their Ruin. Yet the King advised by his grave Counsellours, laboured for an Accommodation of matters, appointing for this purpose a General Meeting of all his Lords at London, who came strongly Guarded with Friends and Servants, where the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and other great Clergymen, used such Perswasions and Arguments, That the King, Queen, and all the Lords, were pleased in friendly and in kind sort to consent that all Jars and Discontents should be laid aside; and by Instruments in Writing a Reconciliation was outwardly Confirmed, but not with any hearty goodwill on either side; yet it greatly Rejoyced the People, who thought it Real. After this, the King rod through the City with the Crown on his Head, the Duke of York conducted the Queen, and the Lords of either Faction rod two and two together.

Not long after this, one of the Kings Servants was Wounded in the Court by a Gentleman belonging to the Earl of Warwick, who escaping, the rest of the Kings Servants fell upon the Earl as he came from the Council-Table,

but he Escaped by Water, and was searched after in London in order to be sent to the Tower; yet he was not there but fled into Yorkshire, complaining to his Father the Earl of Salisbury, of the Injury that had been done to him; who Advised him immediatly to repare to his Government of Callice and then the Earl of Salisbury raised an Army, and Marched towards London, of which the Queen had no sooner notice, but she sent the Lord Audley to oppose him; so that the Battel being joyned, after a sharp Fight the Lord Audley and 2200 of his Men was Slain, the rest flying, and leaving Salisbury Master of the Field; upon this success, the Duke of York conceiving he should gain what he aimed at, raised an Army on the Marches of Wales, and Joyning with Salisbury near Ludlow, the King's Army came in sight of them; but the Lords fearing they were Betrayed by one Andrew Trollop and John Blunt, two famous Captains, trained up in the French Wars, who had been brought over by the Earl of Warwick, because after they had shewed them advantageously how to At∣tack the Kings Army, they had on scruple of Consci∣ence deserted and gone over to him; raised their Camp in the Night, and secretly Retiring, disbanded their Army, and shifted for themselves; yet several of their Captains being Taken, were Executed, but the common Soldiers Pardoned, and the flying Lords Pro∣claimed Arch Traytors to the King and Kingdom; their Goods, Offices, and Lands Sequestered to the Kings Use, &c. And the King made Henry, Son to the Duke of Sommerset, Slain in the Battel of St. Albans, Captain of Callice; and now the King on good Advice Assembled a Parliament, in which the Lords of the Yorkist's Faction were Attainted of High Treason; and to prevent the Returning of such as were Fled be∣yond the Seas, the Ports were Fortified, and strictly

Guarded; yet they returned, took Sandwich, and in a short time raised an Army of 25000 Men; with which they Marched towards London; to secure which, the Lord Scales was sent by the King; but the Lord Mayor refused him admittance, saying, He was able to defend the City, and would do it, seeing the King had committed it to his charge; so that after many Countermarches, the Army the King had raised, and that of the Lords, met near Northampton, where the King was Over∣thrown and taken Prisoner, 2000 of his Men were Slain, and of Note Humphery Duke of Buckingham, John Earl of Shrewsbury, Thomas Lord Egremont, and John Viscount Beamont; whereupon the Queen, with the Young Prince and Duke of Sommerset, fled into Scot∣land, and were kindly received; the King was con∣veyed to the Tower, and the Lord Seales attempting to pass the River in disguise, was discovered by the Wherryman, who cut off his Head and left his Body on the Sands; and Thomas Thorp, the Second Baron of the Exchequer, shaving his Crown, and putting him∣self in the Habit of a Monk, was taken flying to the Queen, and being brought to the Earl of Warwick he committed him to the Tower, where he remained a long time after.

The Duke of York informed of this Victory, hasted from Ireland, and procured a Parliament to be Assem∣bled in the Kings Name at London, where placing himself in the Throne, he declared his Right to the Crown, viz.

That he was Son and Heir of Ann, Daughter to Roger Mortimer Earl of March, who was Son and Heir to Philippa, sole Daughter and Heiress to Lionel Duke of Clarence, Elder Brother to John Duke of Lancaster, Great Grandfather to the present Henry the Sixth; and then proceeded to lay before them the Mischiefs

and Losses that had befallen the Kingdom by mispla∣cing the Succession, by reason God was Angry with them for so doing; and to prevent many more he de∣sired it might be restored in the Direct Line.

When the Lords and Commons had deliberated upon this weighty Affair, the contrary Party (more out of fear than conscience, goodwill, or affection) agreed with the Duke's Faction; and it was Enacted, That King Henry during his Natural Life should retain the Name and Honour of a King; and that the Duke of York should be Proclaimed Heir apparent to the Crown, and be Protector of the Kings Person and of the Realm, and should have the present possession of the Crown delivered to him, if at any time King Henry, his Friends, Allies, or Favorites, on his behalf attempted to infringe this Act, which was Agreed to and Confirmed by their Oaths.

The Duke of York by this means being got near to what he aimed at, required the Queen, the Dukes of Sommerset and Exeter, the Earl of Devonshire, the Lords Clifford, Ross, and others, immediatly to repair from the North, whither they were fled, and confer with the King; but instead of so doing, being much dis∣pleased with the Proceedings of the Parliament, they Levied an Army and with it advanced towards London: The Duke of York had soon notice of it, and Marched with all speed to oppose them, leaving the King in the custody of the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Warwick; and the two Armies met near Wakefield: Where the Duke being too weak, was perswaded to stay for the arrival of Edward Earl of March, his Son, who was ad∣vancing from the borders of Wales with an Army to Joyn him; but being carried headlong by his forward Destiny, which designed him not to be a King, though he wanted but one step to the Throne, he forthwith gave the onset; but within an Hours space, almost three

Thousand of his Companions were Slain, together with himself, and his Youngest Son the Earl of Rutland, not exceeding 12 Years, who kneeling on his Knees desired Mercy, but was cruelly Stabbed to the Heart by the Lord Clifford; who horribly Swore, By that Act he would be Revenged for his Fathers Death: So that up∣on this the rest of the Army Fled: The Duke of York's Head being cut off by those that found him dead in the Field, was presented to the Queen, who caused a Pa∣per Crown to be set on it in derision, and placed it on the Walls of the City of York, Beheading the Earl of Salisbury, and others of his Favorites, who were taken Prisoners, and placing their Heads with his to bear him company.

The Queen supposing now her fears were over by the slaughter of her Capital Enemies, Advanced to∣wards London, overthrowing the Earl of Warwick, and such Forces as he had gathered to oppose her, by which means King Henry was set at Liberty, and Joyfully received by her: But then News came that the Earl of March, who hearing of his Fathers death, had taken on him the Title of Duke of York, had Overthrown the Earls of Pembrook, Ormond, and Wiltshire, Beheaded Owen Tuther, the King's Father-in-Law, who had Married his Mother the Queen Dowager, and divers others, whose Heads he placed in the Room of his Fathers, and other Heads of his Friends, which the Queen had caused to be set on the Walls of York.

This suddain Turn of Fortune made the Queen draw out her Army and hasten towards him, having raised an Army of 60000 Men, and near a Town called Towton, the New Duke of York and Earl of War∣wick met her with near 50000; so that a cruel and bloody Battel ensued, wherein on both sides about 36000 were slain, among whom were the Earls of

Northumberland, Westmorland, the Lords Dacres, Wells, Clifford, &c. The Dukes of Sommerset and Exeter saved themselves by flight, but the Earl of Devonshire with sundry others of Note were made Prisoners.

Upon this great Overthrow (for it fell on the Kings-side, who was always Unfortunate in the Field) he with the Queen and Prince fled into Scotland, where they were favourably received, and in lieu of their kind Entertainment delivered Berwick to the Scots, which they much desired, and attempted often times to gain, tho' beaten off with great loss; so that the Duke of York being every where Received as King, may be said here to put an end to Henry's Reign (tho' he Lived much longer) when he had Reigned 38 Years, 6 Months, and 3 Days, and was after Stabbed in the Tower by Richard Duke of Glocester, King Edward the Fourths Brother, Anno 1471 in the 49th Year of his Age as will appear more largely in the Reign of that King: His Body was first Buried in the Abby of Chertsey in Surry, then by King Henry the Seventh at Winchester, after removed none can tell where, as not being found in History.

In this Kings Reign from the beginning of April to Allhallontide, fell such abundance of Rain that the Corn and Hay Harvest were utterly spoiled, which occasion∣ed a dearth among Men and Cattle.

Anno 1435 the Thames was so Frozen, that no home∣ward-bound Ships could enter it, and Games and Pa∣stimes were Exercised on the Ice.

Anno 1438 all the Lions in the Tower of London dyed; and in the 23d Year of the King, on Candlemas Eve, terrible Thunders and Lightnings happened, by which the Church of Baldock in Hartfordshire, and that of Walden in Essex were greatly shattered, and St. Paul's Steeple in London set on Fire.

[illustration] map of Warwickshire

WARWICK SHIRE

Anno Dom. 1459, the Useful and Noble Science of Printing was found out by a Soldier, at Magunce in Germany, and brought into England about 12 Years after, by William Caxton a Mercer.

Remarks on Warwickshire, &c.

WArwickshire is an Inland County, very pleasantly situate, well Wooded, and incumbered but with few Hills: It is Bounded with Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire: It abounds with Cattle, Corn, Wooll, Cheese, Butter, pleasant Pastures, Fish and Fowl. It contains 5 Hundreds, in which are 158 Parishes, 14 Market Towns, 4 Castles, 10 Rivers, 10 Bridges, 13 Parks, and 2 Forrests: It sends Members to Parliament 6, viz. Coventry City 2, Warwick 2, and 2 Knights of the Shire.

Warwick, the Shire Town, is of very Antient foundation; held to be Builded by Gurguntus a British King, 375 Years before the Birth of our Saviour; the Castle yet retain∣ing very many marks of great Antiquity, and Memorable for the Residence of the Renowned Guy Earl of Warwick, where is kept a Vessel called his Pot, and usually filled with good Liquor to be Drunk by all comers, on memorable Days. It is commodiously situate on the River Avon.

Coventry joyntly with Litchfield make a Bishoprick; on one of its Gates, called Gifford-Gate, is the Bone of a Monstrous Beast fastned, said to be that of the huge Boar Guy slew, who with his Snout turned up a deep place now called Swanes Mear.

At Wolney, Anno 1469, King Edward the Fourth was taken Prisoner by the great Earl of Warwick, and his Forces scattered. At Backlow Hill, Pierce Gaviston was taken and Beheaded. The other Places of Note are Henly, Southam, Sutton, Atherstone, Kyneton, Rougby, Aul∣chester,

Bitford. The River Tame abounds with Fish and finely branches the Northern part of the County, as Avon does most of the rest, over which leading to Warwick is a sightly and strong Bridge. At Lemington a Salt Spring arises a great distance from the Sea. At Newenham or Menhem Reges is a Petrifying Well. Snale Stones, Star Stones, and Cockel Stones, are found near Shugbury.

The Noblemens Seats are Milcot-House, belonging to the Earl of Dorset; Compton-Place, to the Earl of Nor∣thampton; Newnham Padox, to the Earl of Denby; Wormleighton, to the Earl of Sunderland; Comb, to the Earl of Craven; Ragley and Luddington, to the Earl of Conway; Hewel Grange, to the Earl of Plymouth; Ettington, to the Lord Ferrers; Warwick Castle, Knowel, and Beuchamps Court, to the Lord Brook; Fletchamstead and Stonely, to the Lord Leigh; Woten∣waven and Aln-Lodg, to the Lord Carrington; besides many pleasant Seats of the Gentry, sightful to Travellers.