Florus Anglicus: or An exact history of England, from the raign of William the Conqueror to the death of the late King. / By Lambert Wood gent.

EDWARD the third, King of England and France.

Anno 1328.

HIs Father being deposed, Edward was sa∣luted King, sirnamed Windsor, not yet having passed his fifteenth year, and therefore he had Governours that should Rule the King∣dome in his Name. But the chief Power re∣main'd in the Queen and Mortimer, either the Nobility winking at it, or allowing it. The first care was to fall upon the Scotch, for Robert Bruise despising the young King, entred the Borders of England with his Army, where∣upon an Army is raised, joyning those of the

hanse Towns, which the Queen brought with her. But when divers people hardly could be held together in respect of the diversity of their Manners, there grew in a short time a great discord between both Nations; so nothing suc∣ceeding well, they came back again, and after∣wards the English consented to base Conditions of Peace, A Marriage being contracted be∣tween David Prince of Scotland, and Joan Si∣ster to Edward. Also Edward Married his Wife that was promised him, Philippa the Earl of Hannonia's Daughter, being yet in their Non∣age. Then the Souldiers of Hannonia, who caused the Discord, are sent home. And Ed∣mund Earl of Kent accused of Treason, be∣cause he had endeavoured to restore the King∣dom to his Brother Edward, was condemned, and lost his Head. But the great Revenues of the Queen, which she had drawn to her self by a Grant of Parliament were restrained to a thousand per annum, and she was imprisoned in a Castle, and Mortimer being convicted of Adultery with her, and being taken in the act, was presently hanged: In the mean while Phi∣lip the Fair King of France died, and the King∣dom was devolved to his Sonnes, Henry, Lewis, and Charls the Fair, who all reigned in their turns, but Charls dying without an Heir-male, lawfull Succession failed in him. Edward who

was of kinne by the Sister of Charles, who was the Daughter to Philip the Fair, supposing that the Kingdom fell by descent to him, found Phi∣lip Valesius, Brother to Philip the Fair to be his enemy, for women by the common rule of France are excluded by the Salique Law. Where∣fore Philip was prefer'd before Edward, and the King of England was forced to do him Ho∣mage for the Lands he possessed in France. But these things gave cause afterwards for a grievous Warre and a sharp Contention.

In the mean time Edward Baily Son to John, affecting the Kingdom of Scotland, descending from his Ancestors, Robert Bruse being now dead, made Warre upon the Scots, and by a successfull fight, (or else helped by the Forces of Edward) brought almost the whole Nation under him (whilst David a young King trifled the time away in France) and so doing Homage to the King of England, he held it as from him in Chief.

In the said time the Isle of Man is Conquer∣ed by William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, who therefore was honoured with the Title of King of Man.

Edward now come to age, by the Instigation of Robert Atrebas, who was fled out of France into England, intends a Warre with France, making a Confederacy with the Dukes and

Earls of Gelderland, Gulic, Cleave, and the Hanse Towns, and of Brabant. The French also foreseeing this Tempest, made friendship with the Bishop of Leige, John King of Bobe∣mia, the Earl of Lutzenburg, the Palatine Al∣bertus, Otho of the House of Austrich, and Amesius Earl of Genoa.

Wherefore Edward sail'd into Flanders, bearing the Title of the King of France, (those of Flanders being the cause of it) and then he entred the Borders of France. Philip also in∣vaded Aquitan, and though the Armies of both Kings were in sight one of the other, and ready to fall on, yet they both departed with∣out fighting. Edward in the mean while to see to his business at home, returned for England, leaving William Montacute, and the Earl of Suffolk to take care of the Warre, both of them behaved themselves valiantly, yet were taken and brought to Paris.

But Edward supposing it was in vain to stay at the report of this news, provided for his re∣turn for France, and finding a strong Navy of King Philips in the Haven of Sluse, he collecting a great Fleet set upon the French, and utterly destroyed their Navy, killing then 30000 French with those that were drowned and came to their ends other waies.

Then he laid siege to Tourney, which Town

was so well defended by the Duke of Burgundy, and the Earl of Armeniac, that his whole Army being dispersed, he lost about 4000 men; Ed∣ward was much enraged with this loss, and challenged Philip to fight a Duel with him, but the business came not so farre, because it was taken up.

Yet the befieging of Turney was no whit neglected, and Philip did what he could to free the City, but Robert King of Sicily interceding, and especially Joan Valois, Philips sister, there is a cessation made for two years.

In the interim the Scots that were enemies to Bayly's Government, calling their King David out of France, they make Warre upon Edward, and invading Northumberland with a strong Army, they miserably destroy all by fire and sword, sparing no sex nor condition. But at the sudden approach of William Montaente, they are afflicted with some loss, and being frighted at the coming of Edward, sounding a retreat, they returned for Scotland, but Ed∣ward following their Armies overtook them, and wearying them with some light skirmishes, he forced them to a cessation for two years.

John Earl Montfort, whilst he strives to make good his Title to Britany, is taken by King Philip; but his Wife seeking help from King Edward, easily procured it, (Mary the Kings

Daughter being espoused to the Earls Son) the care of that expedition was first committed to Gualter Mani a valiant Gentleman, and then to Robert Atrebas. In the mean time Baily being driven out of his Kingdom of Scotland, and by Edward made Governour of Barwick, tels Edward that the Scots had not kept their Covenants; whereupon Edward moves sud∣denly with an Army against the Scots, but there was nothing done but the cessation of Arms renewed.

In the interim, Robert Atrebas, with Gualter Mani, and some other Nobles, after a great tempest, and Sea-fight, arrived at a Town of Britain (which is commonly called Vannes) and going on Land, set on the City that was a Garrison in a Hostile manner, and suddenly became Masters of it; but by the desperate violence of some of the Nobility, the French wan it again, and wounded Robert, whereof he died shortly after in England. But Edward himself moving into Britany, laid a new siege to the Vannes; and John Duke of Normandy coming suddenly, they both make themselves ready for Battell, but by the intercession of Pope Clement the sixt, Truce was made for some few moneths, yet it lasted not, who was the cause of it is uncertain; they again prepare for their Arms, by which means Henry of

Lancaster subdued many Towns in Guyan, and in other Provinces, and then he removed to Burdeaux for his Winter Quarters.

Philip that he might not lose his Countrey by sloth, levying a great Army, regained Mi∣remontium a Franc Town, and Engolesm. But when Lancaster was too weak for the great Army of Philip, Edward came to his assistance with more Forces, bringing with him his Sonne Prince of Wales, that was yet in his Nonage (for he was scarce 15 years old) that he might be trained up in the Warres, who presently took many Towns, and then he marched toward Picardy and Pontium, and he either vanquish∣ed or destroyed all places in the way. Then he passed over Somes, a wonderfull example of his Valour, the enemy looking on, and he discomfited Gondemar more by fear than force.

In the mean time Philip stay'd with his Army at the Temple of S^t Germans, and being enra∣ged with so great a loss of his men, sets Edward a day to sight with him in Battell; he had pitched his Camp at Cressen, expecting with his Ensignes Philip his enemy: The Armies both meet, and the Trumpets sound to Battell, where∣in appeared the wonderfull courage of Edwards both Father and Sonne, that day the English got the Victory, and the French were routed

and ruined, the King hardly escaped himself, and there were found slain about 30000 men, the chief whereof were John King of Bohemia, Charles Alencon, and other chief Nobles 1500. Another loss fell after this Victory, upon the Archbishop of Roan, who lost about 7000 Souldiers.

Nor was this the end of their Victories, for it went successively in England against the Scots in the Kings absence, their King David with the greatest Noble men were taken prisoners, and 15000 Souldiers were slain in the fight, and the rest were dispersed.

Nor did the General Thomas Dagovort fight with less good fortune in Britanie, for the Coun∣tess of Montfort, the principal of the French Nobility being taken and killed.

Edward being more high by so many and great Victories, neglecting Amiens and the Town of Abbas, he laid siege to Calais, that was of great moment, and most convenient for the English affairs, whilst Lancaster over∣ran all Guyan, vanquished those of Xanton and Poictiers, and being loaded with the spoil, he returned to Burdeaux. In the mean while Phi∣lip going about to relieve those of Calais, drew near with his Forces, and when he had in vain provoked Edward to Battell, having done no∣thing, he returns toward Paris: So they of

Calais being out of hopes of relief, began to treat for Conditions, and it was agreed upon on both sides, that six of the principall Citi∣zens, should come with nothing on but their shirts, with Halters about their necks, and sub∣mit themselves to King Edward, all the rest to have free pardon. These, though they did most humbly upon their knees crave for pardon, yet were condemned to be hanged, but at the Queens request they were set at liberty, and sent away with money to defray their charges as they went.

The King and Queen enter the City in Tri∣umph, they command the old inhabitants to leave the City, and kept the place stocked with English families.

The French strive to regain by craft what they had lost by Valour, for Godfry Charnus the Governour of S^t Odomar, had corrupted with money Almeric Papiensis, which Edward had made Captain of Calais, to deliver up the City, but the matter being disclosed, Almeric is called for into England, who coming, and confessing his fault, at last he obtained pardon, but upon that condition that he should deceive the French of their expectation, and deliver them up to the hands of the English. At the time appointed came Charnus, and brought the Gold with him he had promised, but he was

circumvented by Edwards Forces; yet he stout∣ly defended himself, and made work enough for Edward and his Sonne both, that were pre∣sent untill all were slain that he brought with him, and he (with a Cavalier of Ribomantium, who had twice dismounted Edward, but at last was vanquished by him) was taken prisoner.

But the business succeeded more happily, for the English got the Castle of Gnyan by bribing the Governour, and so plaid the French the same trick.

Philip the French King now died, leaving his Sonne John Heir of the Kingdom, also Humbert Prince of Dauphine died, who left the same successour, and from that time the first born of the French King is called the Dolphine.

But when the Treaties of Peace began, suc∣ceeded not, Edward Prince of Wales is sent a∣gain into France, who over-running Aquitan, Septimania, Tolonse, Narbon, Bourges; heavy with the spoil came back to Bourdeaux. Edward no less on the other part vexed France with new Forces, also he set Lancaster to assist the King of Navarre, who also Conquered many Castles and Cities, wherefore the French man raising what force he could, first laies hold on Nor∣mandy, and recovered many Towns there, and had won all the Province, unlesse he had

been diverted by the insolency of Edward Prince of Wales, who came against him, but when Edward was too weak for the French Ar∣my, he soon retreated to Bourdeaux. The French followed him, and forced him to fight, not willing to forbear the hopes he had of the Victory, although Legates came from the Pope, and submissively desired peace. But the Prince of Wales scorning the base conditions sent him by the French (namely, That he should yield himself and his Army to the mercy of the French) made himself ready to fight, and ma∣king choice of some places that were Vineyards, and over-grown with briars, that he might a∣void the violence of the Horse, there he planted his Bow-men, who easily troubled the Horse∣men that came improvidently to offend them, and so began the Battell, and following their success, they dispersed and routed all the French Army presently; King John himself, with his younger Sonne Philip, and an innumerable Nobility of France were taken prisoners; seven thousand were slain, amongst whom were ma∣ny chief Noble men. The rest with three Sons of the King escaped by flight. The King of France though he were captivated, was used with all respect by Prince Edward, and when he had wintred with him at Bourdeaux, at the be∣ginning of the spring he is brought into Eng∣land,

and is entertained richly by King Ed∣ward; who being content with one Captive King, he released David King of Scotland, at the request of Queen Joan, sister to Edward, when he had lived in England eleven years, first paying his Ransom that he had promised. But by the intercession of some Cardinals, there was a Treaty of Peace between both Kings. And John being now weary of his stay in Eng∣land, easily yielded to those conditions which Edward propounded. But his eldest Sonne the Dolphin Prince, and the Counsel of France, were not content with them, saying they were heavy and unjust. Whereupon Edward impa∣tient of delays, attempts to make good by Arms, that he could not obtain in Peace. He leaving the charge of the Kingdom to his youn∣ger Sonne Thomas, with 1100 Ships, and the Flowr of the Nobility of England, sails to Calais, where he divided his Army into three parts: The first Body he trusted with the Prince of Wales, the second to Lancaster, the third he kept for himself. Then over-running Picardy, he wan many Towns, till he sat down with his Army before the Wals of Paris, wait∣ing in vain for the coming of the Dolphin, wherefore he retreated toward Lions. But in the way he was overtaken with so great a tempest, in the year 1360, that being mightily

frighted, he made a vow to make peace with the French, and not long after it was confirm∣ed at Lyons: In which conditions the French King was also included with his Sonne, and is released from his Captivity, and great part of France, with a vast summe of Money is grant∣ed to Edward, but the French King the next year, (the cause why is not certain) came for England, and after he had languished long, he died there.

Edward about this time instituted the Order of Knights of the Garter, with great so∣lemnity.

The fame of the Prince of Wales was now spread through the world, wherefore if any were oppressed with injury, or wronged by their enemies, they fled to him for to be their Protector, and to revenge their wrongs: A∣mongst the rest, Peter King of Castile was re∣stored again to his Kingdom, who returned him very small thanks for his labour, for Peter refused to pay the Souldiers their wages they deserved. The Prince got nothing by it, but grief of minde and body, (if you set aside the fame and glory he acquired of his great vertue.) The Souldiers in the interim, being enraged for lack of their Pay, that they might not want necessary provision, over-run all the Territo∣ries round about, and commit rapine in all

places where they came; whereupon the inha∣bitants complain to the King of France, there∣fore the French King sets the Prince a day to give an account of this insolence: He denied to come unless he came armed with 60000 Souldiers; so this controversie brake forth in∣to open Warre, and they on both sides take by force many Towns, and abundance of men are slain, the English for the most part having the best of it, conquering the Towns of Bur∣deaux and Belloperch, where they took the Mo∣ther of the Duke of Borbon, and the Queen of France.

About this time Philippa Queen of England died, yet her death put no stop to the English proceedings in France.

For the Earl of Pembroke falling upon the people of Aniou, wan many Towns, and when he endeavoured to take and spoil the French Navy, by the industry of the Earl of Sant-Paul, he was frustrated, and so he returned for Callis, plundering all in the way. In the mean time the men of Angiers and Bourges wasted the borders of the Prince of Wales, which when he endeavoured to oppose, receiving news of Lemoges taken, making hast thither, he wan it again, killing all every where, but observing the Valour of three Centurions, who by their Gallantry checked his Conquering sword, for

their sakes he spared the City, and the Lives of all the inhabitants that were left. David King of Scots died in the mean time, leaving no heir, besides his Cousin Robert Stuart, who succeeded him, and was Crowned at Scone. Robert Canolns was now sent into France with a great Army, behaved himself more boldly than fortunately, for he was circumvented by Bertrand Gesquinus, and lost the greatest part of his men.

Edward Prince of Wales, the most famous for his Valour and Chivalry, died at Burdeaux about this time, and Gualter Mani a valiant Captain, died at London. Also the Earl of Pembroke who had married his Daughter, be∣ing now Governour of Guyan, when he was going to his charge of Government, was taken by the Spaniards and carried into Spain. All those possessions which the Prince of Wales had won followed, and were recovered again by Charles the fifth, King of France, so that the chance of Warre now began manifestly to alter. Edward indeed went thither with mighty forces, but by a contrary Tempest he lost his labour, and Lancaster was carefull of his business but did nothing prevail.

Edward when he had lost, (together with his hopes he conceived of his Sonne Edward,) all the fruits almost of his travell in France, fell

into so great grief of minde and body, that he died about ten moneths after the Prince of Wales, when he had reigned fifty years. He was the most valiant of all the Kings, a comely person, excellent for the gifts of his body and minde, living as one may say after his death, having had a Wife and a Sonne that were in∣comparable.