Historical antiquities, in two books the first treating in general of Great-Brettain and Ireland : the second containing particular remarks concerning Cheshire / faithfully collected out of authentick histories, old deeds, records, and evidences, by Sir Peter Leycester, Baronet ; whereunto is annexed a transcript of Doomsday-book, so far as it concerneth Cheshire, taken out of the original record.

Propraetores ceu Legati Romanorum in Brettania.

1. AUlus Plautius, Lieutenant of Brettaine under the Consuls of Rome,* 1.1 was in the time of Claudius the Emperor sent with Forces into Brettaine; and soon after came Claudius himself into Brettaine, and took Maldon in Essex, the Palace of Cunobelin. Plautius overcame Caratacus, and after Togodunus, in Battel, two Sons of Cunobelin, after their Father's death: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 30. Brettaine being attempted by none before, since Julius Caesar: So that before the time of Claudius, Brettaine was not perfectly subdued. Vespatian the Father (before he was Empe∣rour) was sent by Claudius Legate of a Legion into Germany, and thence translated into Brettaine, where he had thirty Conflicts or Skirmishes with the Brettans, and subdued two strong Nations, and had above twenty Towns, and the Isle of Wight surrendred to him, partly by the Conduct of Aulus Plautius Consularis Legati, and part∣ly by the Conduct of Claudius himself: Suetonius with Schildius Comment, pag. 734.

2. Publius Ostorius Scapula, Propraetor, Lieutenant of Brettaine, [ 49] subdued the Commotions of the Iceni, Cangi, Brigantes, Silures, and Ordovices: Also he took Caractacus King of the Silures Prisoner, with his Wife and Children.

Some Cities were given to Cogidunus, by an ancient Custom of the Romans, that they might have even Kings Instruments of Servitude: Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 14. & Annalium, lib. 12. cap. 33.

3. A. Didius Gallus, Propraetor, on the death of Ostorius, [ 53] was made Lieutenant of Bret∣taine: Tacitus lib. 12. Annalium, cap. 39.

4. Verannius, Successor to Didius, died in Brettaine within a Year: [ 60] Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 14.

5. Paulinus Suetonius, Propraetor: He took the Isle of Anglesey in Wales: [ 61] Isaac son's Chro∣nology: Cornelius Tacitus lib. 14. Annalium, cap. 29. Prasutagus King of the Iceni dying, made Nero his Heir; but the Romans spoil'd the Iceni, and did beat Boadicia Widow of Prasutagus, and deflowred both her and her Daughter: Tacitus ibidem, cap. 31. biennio res Prosperas habuit. Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 14.

6. Petronius Turpilianus succeeded Suetonius: Tacitus lib. 14. Annal. cap. 39. [ 66] in the time of Nero the Emperor. The words of Tacitus are,—Detentúsque rebus gerundis Sue∣tonius tradere Exercitum Petronio Turpiliano, qui jam Consulatu abîerat, jubetur. Now Suetonius was Consul Anno Christi 66.

Et Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 16.—Petronius Turpilianus, Compositis Priori∣bus, nihil ultrà ausus, Trebellio Maximo Provinciam tradidit.

7. Trebellius Maximus, Lieutenant of Brettaine in the time of Nero: Tacitus ut suprà. [ 67]

8. Vectius Bolanus, Lieutenant in the time of Vitellius: Stow's Annals. [ 69]

9. Petilius Cerialis, sub Vespatiano Imperatore, [ 73] possessed a great part of the Province of the Brigantes in Brettaine, aut Victoriâ aut Bello: Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 17. al∣so Isaacson in his Chronology.

10. Julius Frontinus, [ 76] in the time of Vespatian subdued the valiant Nation of the Silures in Brettaine by force of Arms: Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 17. also Isaacson.

11. Julius Agricola, in the time of Titus Vespasian and Domitian: [ 78] He perfecteth the Conquest of North-Wales and Anglesey, Anno Christi 78. Isaacson's Chronology. Taci∣tus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 18. & deinceps. The Brettans making Head under Galga∣cus (King of the Caledonians in Brettaine, saith Cambden's Britannia, pag. 702.) were defeated by Agricola, and lost ten thousand Men, Anno Christi 86. Isaacson's Chrono∣logy: also Tacitus de Vitâ Agricolae, cap. 27. & deinceps; & cap. 37, & 38. and is re∣warded by Domitian, who gave him the Province of Syria. Tacitus ibidem, cap. 40.

{fleur-de-lys} Sub Anno Christi 88. Brettaine was reduced into a Province, at the Emperour Do∣mitian's sole dispose, and not at the Senators, as other Provinces were. Isaacson's Chronology.

12. Salustius Lucullus, sent Lieutenant into Brettaine, [ 91] and in Anno Christi 92. was put to

death by Domitian, because he made new kind of Lances, and called them Luculli∣ans: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 43. About this time flourished Arviragus in Brettaine; and also at Rome flourished Claudia Ruffina a British Woman, whom some think to be the same with her whom the Apostle mentioneth, 2 Tim. 4. ver. 21. Cambden's Bri∣tannia, pag. 43.

* 1.2{fleur-de-lys} What Lieutenants were under Nerva and Trajan, I find not.

[ 119] 13. Cneius Trebellius, sent into Brettaine under Adrian the Emperour, as Isaacson placeth it in his Chronology. His Soldiers mutiny, and the Brettans rebel.

[ 121] 14. Julius Severus, Lieutenant of Brettaine under Adrian; Cambden's Britannia, pag. 45. who being recalled to quell the rebellious Jews, Adrian went himself into Brettaine, and erected a Turf-wall, or Mud-wall, from the River Eden in Cumberland, to Tine in Northumberland, as a Limit of the Roman Confines, and reduced the Brettans to Obe∣dience, Anno Christi 124. as Cambden in his Britannia placeth it, pag. 45. and Isaacson in his Chronology.

15. Cl. Priscus Licinius, Propraetor Brettaniae sub Adriano: He was with Adrian in his Expedition against the Jews: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 46.

[ 139] 16. Lollius Urbicus, Propraetor sub Antonino Pio; and Sejus Saturnius was Archigubernus ex Classe Brettanicâ: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 46. Lollius restrained the barbarous Scots and Picts, by making another Mud-wall further upon them, called Murus Bret∣tanicus.

[ 162] 17. Calphurnius Agricola, sub Antonino Philosopho Imperatore: And Helvius Pertinax Warred then in Brettaine, sent hither from the Parthian War.

[ 181] 18. Ulpius Marcellus, Propraetor under Commodus the Emperor: But he being recalled, Helvius Pertinax was sent Propraetor, who appeased the tumultuous Soldiers in Bret∣taine, but was sore wounded: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 46, 47.

[ 188] 19. Helvius Pertinax sent into Brettaine by Commodus: His Soldiers mutiny. Isaacson's Chronology.

[ 192] 20. Clodius Albinus: He received Brettaine quieted, under Commodus; and for his brave Acts done in Brettaine, obtained the name of Caesar: But because he had more freely impeached the Government of the Emperors in an Oration, Severus was sent to succeed in Brettaine: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 47. and Isaacson's Chronology.

[ 192] 21. Junius Severus succeeded Clodius Albinus: But Commodus the Emperor being slain Anno Christi 193. Pertinax was made Emperor: And Pertinax, after he had reigned 87 days, was slain by the Soldiers: And then Didius Julianus was Emperor 66 days, slain also by the Soldiers: And then Pescennius Niger assumed the Goverment in Syria, Clodius Albinus in Brettaine, and Septimius Severus in Pannonia, all at a time: Cambden's Britannia, pag. 48. Helvici Chronologia, sub Anno 193.

[ 193] 22. Clodius Albinus, sent back again into Brettaine by Pertinax: But Pertinax being slain, Albinus assumes the Government of Brettaine.

[ 198] 23. Septimius Severus being now Emperor, and Albinus slain in Battel near Lyons in France, sends Heraclianus into Brettaine, sub Anno 198. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 48. and Isaacson's Chronology.

[ 199] 24. Virius Lupus, Propraetor, or Lieutenant of Brettaine, succeeded Heraclianus, Anno Christi 199: Isaacson's Chronology. He sends for Septimius Severus the Emperor, who came into Brettaine above sixty Years old, with his two Sons, Anno Christi 206. Isaacson's Chronology. The Brettans desire Peace, he refuseth to grant it: He cuts down Woods in Brettaine, which were a shelter to the Brettans: He assumed the Sir∣name of Brettanicus Maximus, and his Son Geta was stiled Brettanicus. He waged no War, yet lost 50000 Men by Treachery and Diseases. He made a Wall in the North of England, cross the Island, from Sea to Sea; and stamped Money, with these Words thereon,—Victoria Britannica. He died at York in Brettaine, 4 die Fe∣bruarii, Anno Christi 210. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 48, 49. and Helvicus in his Chro∣nology: not so much by the distemper of his Body, as of his Mind, for the disso∣lute Courses of his Son Bassian, whom he called Antonine; and dying, is said to expire in these words,—Turbatam Rempublicam ubíque accepi, Pacatam etiàm Britan∣nis relinquo.

25. Antoninus Bassianus, Son of Severus, and called Caracalla,* 1.3 is said to prosecute the reliques of the War in Brettaine a little while; but he quickly made a Peace.

Here the Writers have passed over the Affairs of Brettaine with long silence.

26. [ 240] Nonius Philippus was Lieutenant or Propraetor of Brettaine under Gordianus the Younger, as appeareth by an Ancient Stone, saith Cambden in his Britannia, pag. 50.

Under Gallien the Emperor, who began his Reign Anno Christi 260, there arose 30 Tyrants, who in several Places assumed the Rule to themselves; among whom, Marius usurped the Government in Brettaine, with Lollianus, Victorinus, Posthumus, and Tetricus. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 50.

Under Aurelian, Bonosus the Great Drinker, by Descent a Brettan, invaded the Empire with Proculus; but being overcome by Probus, was hanged. Cambden ibid.

27. Probus found new Troubles in Brettaine: [ 277] He brought hither Burgundians and Van∣dals, whom he had subdued, and granted them Places to live in. At this time Bret∣taine is called by Porphyrius,—Fertilis Provincia Tyrannorum. One Laelianus a Tyrant in Brettaine about this time stamped Money, which is found here, and no where else. Cambden ibidem.

28. Carinus, Son of Carus the Emperor, Governor of Brettaine, France, Spain, [ 283] and Il∣lyricum. Cambden.

29. Carausius, a Man meanly born, of the City of Menapia, usurped in Brettaine, [ 285] in the time of Diocletian and Maximinian: Stowe saith, he was Admiral of the British Seas.

30. Alectus, the Principal Officer under Carausius, slew Carausius, [ 292] and usurped the Rule of Brettaine. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 51. and Stowe, pag. 42. b. But Isaacson in his Chronology placeth this sub Anno 222. which cannot be under Diocletian.

31. Asclepiodotus, whom Cambden stiles Praefectus-Praetorio, [ 296] and Stowe calleth Lord Great Master of the Emperor's House, and Isaacson stileth Duke of Cornwal: He slew Alectus, as he fled from the Forces of Constantius now landed in Brettaine. In this Encounter were slain a great number of Alectus his Soldiers; and this Victory and Recovery of Brettaine was had after this Province had been enjoyed seven Years by Carausius, and three Years by Alectus. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 51.

St. Albon, the first Martyr of the Brettans, suffered Martyrdom in the Place where now the Town of St. Albons is builded, Anno Domini 293. Stow, pag. 43. b.

32. Constantius Chlorus Emperor. [ 304] When Diocletian and Maximinian gave up their Government, they designed Constantius the Title of Augustus, that is, Emperor; who had Italy, Africk, Spain, France, and Brettaine; for before he Governed by the name of Caesar, that is, King: But Africk and Italy yielded themselves to Galerius.

About this time the Emperors assum'd Caesars to rule under them. Cambd. Brit. p. 51.

Constantius (a Good Emperor) died at York in Brettaine, in an Expedition against the Calidonians, and other Picts, Anno Domini 305. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 52.

33. Constantine the Great, Son and Successor to Constantius, restored Peace and Quiet to the Christians. He prosecuted his Father's War against the Calidonians, [ 306] and other Picts in Brettaine, and subdued them, and the lesser Islands. Cambden.

34. Pacatianus was made Vicarius Britanniae under Constantine, Anno 13 Constantini Magni. Cambden in his Britannia, pag. 53. [ 319] For now the Chief Governors of Brettaine were no more called Legats or Propraetors, which, according to our English manner, we term Lord Lieutenants; but in stead of that Title, they were now termed Vicarii Brettaniae, that is, Lord Deputies.

{fleur-de-lys} For the Form of Government was now changed: There were four Persons con∣stituted by Constantine, called Praefecti-Praetorio. One Praefectus-Praetorio for the East, another of Illyricum, a third of Italy, and a fourth Galliarum: And two Magi∣stri Militum, or Masters of the Soldiers, one of the Foot, another of the Horse of the West, which the Romans called Praesentales.

As to the Civil Government of Brettaine, it was under the Praefectus-Praetorio Galliarum; and under him Vicarius Brettaniae, or Deputy, honoured with the Title of Spectabilis, or Famous; to whom belonged two Provinciarum Consulares, and three Praesides, who heard the Civil and Criminal Causes.

As to the Military Affairs, the Master of the Foot of the West Ruled; under whose disposal there was a Comes Brettaniarum, a Comes Littoris Saxonici per Bretta∣niam, and a Dux Brettaniarum, all stiled Spectabiles. Comes Brettaniarum was he that Commanded the inward Parts of the Island, and he had seven Companies of Foot, and nine Colours of Horse. Comes Littoris Saxonici, was he that defended the Sea-coasts against the Saxons, by Ammianus stiled Comes Tractûs Maritimi, and he had seven Companies of Foot, and two Colours of Horse, and the second Le∣gion, and unam Cohortem. Dux Brettaniarum, was he that defended the Out-Borders against the Picts and Scots: He Commanded 38 Garrisons, in which were placed 14000 Foot, and 900 Horse; so as in that Age (if Pancirol account right) Brettaine maintained 19200 Foot, and 1700 Horse, encamped Soldiers. Besides Comes Sa∣crarum Largitionum, who had the Care of the Gifts and Liberality of the Emperor, he had under him in Brettaine a Receiver of the Revenues of Brettaine, a Treasurer of the Emperor in Brettaine, and an Overseer of the Work-houses in Brettaine, wherein were woven the Clothes of the Prince and Soldiers; and also Comes Rerum Privatarum, that is, one who had the care of the Privy Purse; and he had also his Receiver in Brettaine: To say nothing of the Overseer of the Fencing-Schools through Brettaine, whereof an ancient Inscription maketh mention; and other infe∣riour Offices. Cambd. Brit. pag. 53, 54.

Constantine the Great died Anno Domini 336. He made his two Sons, Constantine and Crispus, and Licinius (Son of Licinius) Caesars, Anno Domini 314. Isaacson in his Chronology.* 1.4

[ 337] 35. Constantine the younger (Son of Constantine the Great) succeeded Emperor of the West.

[ 339] 36. Constans, having killed his Brother Constantine, occupied Brettaine, and the other Provinces: And after this Victory of his Soldiers against Constantine, he and his Brother Constantius come into Brettaine.

[ 350] 37. Magnentius, qui & Taporus dicitur, General to Constans, being born apud Laetos in Gallia, and his Father a Brettaine, was Comes Joviorum & Herculeorum. He circum∣vented Constans as he went on Hunting, and slew him in a Town called St. Hel∣lens, and so usurped his Empire; and after three Years sharp War with Constantius Emperor of the East, he killed himself upon a defeat of his Army.

About this time was Gratianus, sirnamed Funarius, Commander of the Military Forces in Brettaine. He was Father of Valentinian the Emperor. Cambden's Britan∣nia, pag. 54.

[ 354] 38. Constantius Emperor of the East, and Brother to Constantine the younger, and Con∣stans, after the death of Magnentius was now sole Emperor both of the East and West; unto whom Brettaine submitted. Constantius forthwith sends Paulus, sirnamed Catena, a Spaniard, into Brettaine, to fetch certain Soldiers to the Emperor for daring to con∣spire against Magnentius; but Paulus falling upon the Estates of many, and Imprisoning and Fettering of them, and other cruel usage, Martinus then Deputy of Brettaine (wishing him not to be so cruel) was by Paulus threatned to be brought also unto the Emperor: whereupon Martinus drawing his Sword, smote at Paulus; but because he could not kill him, presently he slew himself: And this Paulus was afterwards burned alive in the time of Julian. Ammianus Marcellinus, lib. 14.

The Scots and Picts now making Excursions into Brettaine, Julian (whom Con∣stantius had declared Caesar, and Collegue in the Empire, Anno 355.) sent Lupicinus, a great Solder, into Brettaine, for composing of things there.

[ 361] 39. Julian the Apostate made Emperor: He banished Palladius into Brettaine, and sent Alipius (who had been as Governor in Brettaine) to repair Jerusalem.

This slothful Emperor was afraid to help the poor Bretans, whiles yet he trans∣ported hence yearly great store of Corn to relieve the German Armies. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 55

[ 363] 40. Jovinian was Emperor seven Months.

[ 364] 41. Valentinian became Emperor, and he made Gratianus his Son Caesar, 24 Augusti,

Anno 367. Helvicus. In this Emperors Reign, the Picts, Saxons, Scots, and Attacotti, did with continual Spoils afflict the Brettans. Fraomarius King of the Almains was sent hither with an Army of Almains, to restrain their Invasions.

Nectaridius, Comes, or Chief Commander of the Sea-coast, was slain; and Bel∣chobandes, a Captain, was circumvented by the Snares of the Enemy: Thereupon Valentinian sent Severus, then Domesticorum Comes, or Steward of the Emperors Hous∣hold, to correct their Insolency; who being recalled, Jovinus was sent thither; and lastly, Theodosius came hither with a brave Army.

At this time the Picts were divided into two Nations, Deucalidones & Vecturiones.* 1.5

—Theodosius landed at Richborow near Sandwich, and marching to the old London, [ 367] (which the Romans called Augusta) set upon those Robbers by the way, and recove∣red the Spoil, and so entred London Triumphantly; and the Year after went into the North, and recovered the Province, repaired the Places of Defence, and restored this Island; then returned to Rome, and for his famous Actings was honoured with the honour of an Equestris Statua. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 55, & 57. He nameth Brettaine, Valentia. Isaacson's Chronology.

42. Gratianus, Son of Valentinian, is made Emperor; and he declared Theodosius, [ 375] Son of Theodosius aforesaid, to be Emperor: which Maximus a Spaniard, sprung from the Stock of Constantine the Great, took so ill, that he (being now Governor of the British Army) takes upon him to be Emperor, and victoriously conquered the Picts and Scots, and then went into Germany, with the Prime Youth and Strength of all Brettaine almost, and so got all the German Forces on his side.

43. Maximus usurpeth the Provinces of the West, and creates Victor his Son Caesar. [ 383] He kept his Court at Triers, and possessed Spain, Africk, France, and Brettaine. He killeth Gratian treacherously at Lyons, Anno 383. For having sent Andragathius in a close Litter or Caroch, giving out that therein was Gratian's Wife brought out of Brettaine, Gratian came to it, out of love to his Wife, and opening the Litter, out leaped Andragathius with his Men, and forthwith slew Gratian. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 57.

But Maximus by his own Soldiers was taken and brought to Theodosius, then Em∣peror of the Eastern Provinces, who put him to death after he had worn the Pur∣ple Robes five Years, Anno scilicèt 388. And Andragathius (whose Condition was now desperate) cast himself out of the Ship into the Sea: And Victor, the Son of Maximus, was overcome in France by Valentinian, and there taken, and slain.

But those Brettans whom Maximus carried out of Brettaine, forcibly invaded Ar∣morica in France, (as some Writers deliver) and there planted themselves. Cambd. pag. 58.

44. Theodosius, upon the Victory over Maximus, restoreth to Valentinian II. [ 388] Son of Va∣lentinian the Emperor, what Maximus took from him: And Theodosius, and Honorius his Son, enter Rome in Triumph.

45. Valentinian II. is strangled at Vienna by Arbogastes a great Courtier; [ 392] who not da∣ring to Usurp himself, sets up Eugenius, a base Fellow, who of a School-master be∣came an Officer to the Emperor.

46. Theodosius, Emperor of the East, defeateth Eugenius; [ 394] and Theodosius dies of a Dropsie at Millaine, Anno 395. and Arcadius his eldest Son succeeds Emperor of the East, and his Son Honorius succeeds Emperor of the West.

47. Honorius, Son of Theodosius, a Child of ten Years of age, [ 395] succeeds Emperor of the West; whose Tuition is commended to the care of Flavius Stilico, who defended Brettaine (now called England) from the Invasions of the Picts, Scots, and Saxons. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 58. and Claudian the Poet, lib. 2. de Laudibus Stiliconis: etiàm in Panegyri de quarto Consulatu Honorii; [Anno 398.]

The Roman Power now declining, and the Brettans finding a necessity of some General or Commander to defend them from their Barbarous Neighbours, fall to chusing of Emperors or Kings.

48. Marcus is elected Emperor, or Chief Ruler of Brettaine, about 405. [ 405] who was af∣terwards killed.

* 1.649. Gratianus Municeps was elected Emperor, or Chief Governor of Brettaine; whom after four Months they reject, and take away his Life, Anno 407. Bede de Hist. Ang. cap. 11. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 59.

[ 407] 50. Constantine, a mean ordinary Soldier, after the death of Gratian, is chosen Empe∣ror or Chief Governor of Brettaine by the Army, for his Names sake; hoping he would Rule happily, as Constantine the Great had done. Isaacson's Chronology; and Cambden, pag. 59. Bede de Hist. Ang. cap. 11.

Honorius associates Constantine the Usurper in the Empire, Anno 409. Isaacson.

Gerontius, Constantine's General, creates Maximus (one of his Servants) Emperor at Arragon, and killeth Constans, Son of Constantine, at Vienna, where he intercepted him, and Besieged Constantine himself at Arelate.

Constantius, one sent by Honorius, defeats Gerontius; who cowardly running away, the Soldiers beset his House, and reduced him to such a strait, that first he killeth his faithful Friend Alanus, and then Nunnichia his Wife, who desired to die with her Husband; and last of all he killeth himself.

But Constantine, after four Months Siege, and the fourth Year of his Empire, lay∣ing aside his Imperial Robes, was made Priest; and Arelate yielded up, he was brought into Italy by Constantius, unto Honorius, who caused Constantine to be Be∣headed, with his two Sons, Julian whom he stiled Nobilissimum, that is, Most Noble Julian, and Sebastian the other Son, Anno 410.

And from this time Brettaine returned to the Government of Honorius. Cambden, pag. 59.

[ 410] 51. Victorinus sent Governor into Brettaine by Honorius, did repress the Excursions of the Picts and Scots with great Wisdom and Valour.

Honorius the Emperor dieth of a Dropsie, Anno 423. and Valentinian the Third was Emperor of the West.

But after that Rome was taken by Alaricus King of the Gothes, and Victorinus cal∣led back out of Brettaine by Honorius, presently the Brettans take up Arms, and pro∣vide for their own safety; and also the Brettans of Armorica in France, and other Provinces, set up Governors of their own, rejecting the Roman Governors: And this was in the time of Constantine, by whose sloth the Picts and Scots over-ran this Island: But a little after, the Brettans pray that Honorius would send them Aid to defend their Cities; but sending no Forces, he admonished them by Letters, that they should have a care to defend themselves. The Brettans, upon these Letters, take up Arms; and finding themselves unable to resist their Barbarous Enemies, they earnestly beseech Honorius to send a Legion hither for their safety, and obtain∣ed it; which upon their coming hither, overthrew a great multitude of their Ene∣mies, and drove the rest out of the Borders of their Province, and built a Mud-wall between Edenborough-Frith and Cluid, which was of little use: For after that Le∣gion was called back to defend France, the Picts and Scots easily broke over the Bounds, and most miserably spoiled the Brettans on every side. Again Messengers are sent, with rent and torn Garments, and their Heads covered with Sand thereon, lamentably craving Aid from the Romans: Whereupon Forces were assigned by the Command of Valentinian the Third, under Gallio of Ravenna, who valiantly beat back the Picts and Scots, and did a little revive their wasted Province. Miserable now and deplorable was the Face of Things: The Roman Empire, as it were, ex∣piring; and the Church (by reason of the great Turmoil of Wars) much pestered with Heretiques. Pelagius now taught in our Brettaine, That we might attain to Per∣fect Righteousness by our own Works: And one Timothy also impiously disputed among our Brettans, against the Divine and Humane Nature of Christ. Cambden's Britannia, pag. 59, 60.

[ 476] Now ended the Rule of the Romans in Brettaine, being the four hundred se∣venty and sixth Year from Caesar's entrance into Brettaine; so accounts Cambden: But I take it to be from the first entrance of Caesar, to the time of Valentinian III. 479 Years at least: when in the time of Valentinian, the Roman Forces under the

Command of Gallio were called back to defend France, and Brettaine left naked without Arms, and deprived of their Prime Military Men, and their Treasure exhausted, without any Defence against the Cruelty of the Picts and Scots.

Besides those Brettans (saith Cambden) carried away by Maximus, and the last Constantine; by Ancient Inscriptions, and the Book of the Provinces called Notitia Provinciarum, it appears, that these underwritten did serve the Romans in their Wars, dispersed through the Provinces, which also were from time to time supplied out of Brettaine: Viz.

• ...Ala Britannica Milliaria.
• Ala IV Britonum in Egypto.
• ...Cohors Prima Aelia Britonum.
• Cohors III Britonum.
• Cohors VII Britonum.
• Cohors XXVI Britonum in Armeniâ.
• ...Britanniciani sub Magistro Peditum.
• ...Invicti Juniores Britanniciani. Inter Auxilia Palatina.
• ...Exculcatores Jun. Britan. Inter Auxilia Palatina.
• ...Britones cùm Magistro Equitum Galliarum.

Thus have I briefly run through the Romans in Brettaine, with the Times when they ruled there, as near as I can; but sometimes I cannot trace them so exactly as I could wish, because the Ancient Authors are defective, especially not exact in shewing the Times punctually, and oft times a great space omitted in their Histories, is skipped over.

Of the State of the Brettans, after the Roman Yoke ceased, I shall speak when I come to Wales.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An. Chr. nati. 43.
• * 1.2

  An Chr. nati.
• * 1.3

  An. Chr. nati. 211.
• * 1.4

  An. Chr. nati.
• * 1.5

  An. Chr. nati.
• * 1.6

  An. Chr. nati. 407.