Camden's Britannia newly translated into English, with large additions and improvements ; publish'd by Edmund Gibson ...

SOMERSETSHIRE.

THE County of Somerset, commonly call'd Somersetshire, is a large and plen∣tiful country. On the north the Se∣vern-sea beats upon it, on the west it bounds upon Devonshire, on the south upon Dorsetshire, on the east upon Wiltshire, and part of Glocestershire. The soil is very rich, especially for grain and pasturage1 1.1; 'tis very populous, and tolerably well furnish'd with ha∣vens. Some think that this name was first given it, because the air is gentle, and as it were a summer-air in those parts; in which sense the Britains at this day call it Glad arhaf, translating the word out of our language. But the truth is, as in summer time it may really be term'd a summer-country, so no less may it in the winter-season be call'd a winter-country: so wet, moist, and marshy is it for the most part; which creates a great deal of trouble to travellers. However, I shall not scruple to believe that this name was certainly given it from Somerton, formerly the chief town of the County, since Asser, a very ancient Author, calls it every where, the County of Somertun [a]2 1.2.

Upon the Severn sea (where this County borders upon the Danmonii) the two first places we meet with are Porlock,* 1.3 in Saxon Portlocan, and Watchet, formerly Wecedpoort; two harbours, which in the year 886. suffer'd very much from the fury of the Danes [b].* 1.4 Between these two, lies Dunstor-castle, in a low ground, every way shut up with hills, ex∣cept on that side which faces the sea. It was built by the Moions or Mohuns,* 1.5 from which it came by bar∣gain to the Luterells. This family of the Mohuns was for a long time very famous and powerful; and flou∣rish'd from the time of William the Conqueror (un∣der whom the Castle was built) to the reign of Richard 2. Out of it were two Earls of this County, William, and Reginald who was depriv'd of that honour in the Barons war. From that time their po∣sterity were accounted Barons, the last whereof John left three daughters, Philippa wife of Edward Duke of York, Elizabeth marry'd to William de Monte-acuto or Montacute, second Earl of Salisbury of that name, and Mawd to the Lord Lestrange of Knokyn. The mother of these (as the story goes) obtain'd of her husband under this town so much ground for a* 1.6 Common to the inhabitants, as she could go about barefoot in one day.

Near this castle are two small villages, dedicated to two of their Country-Saints: Carenton is the name of the one, from Carentocus the Britain; the other S. Decombes, from Decumanus,* 1.7 who setting sail out of South-Wales landed here (as we find it in an ancient Agonal) in a horrid desert full of shrubs and bri∣ers, the woods thick and close stretched out a vast way both in length and breadth, strutting up with lofty moun∣tains, sever'd wonderfully by the hollow vallies. Here bidding farewell to the world, he was stab'd by an Assassin, and so got the reputation of a Saint among the common people3 1.8. Stoke-Curcy,* 1.9 a Barony so nam'd from the Lords of it, lies at a little distance from the sea, the seat of William de Curcy, Butler to K. Henry 1. Of which family was that John de Curcy* 1.10 who took Ulster in Ireland, a man design'd by nature to be great and honourable, endu'd with a height of soul, and a sort of majesty; whose signal courage must be understood from the Irish Antiqui∣ties. From thence to the Stertpoint the shore shoots out by little and little, where two of the largest ri∣vers in the whole county meeting together, empty themselves at one mouth, call'd by Ptolemy the aestuary of Uzella,* 1.11 from the river Ivell, which throws off that name before it comes here. It rises in Dorsetshire, and at it's first coming into Somer∣setshire, gives it's name to a well-frequented market∣town call'd Evell4 1.12, and receives a little river, upon which is Camalet,* 1.13 a 1.14 a steep mountain, of a very diffi∣cult ascent, in the top whereof are the plain foot∣steps of a decay'd Camp, and a triple rampire of earth cast up, including 20 acres5 1.15. The inhabitants

call it Arthur's palace; but that it was really a work of the Romans is plain from the Roman Coins daily digg'd up there [c]. What they might call it, I am altogether ignorant, unless it be that Caer Calemion we meet with in Ninnius's Catalogue, by a transpo∣sition of letters for Camelion5 1.16. Cadbury* 1.17 the adjoin∣ing little village, may by a conjecture probable enough be thought that Cathbregion, where Arthur (as Ninnius has it) routed the Saxons in a memora∣ble engagement. Another town of the same name, North-Cadbury, was given by K. Henry 3. tob 1.18 Nicho∣las de Moeles,* 1.19, who had marry'd Hawisia one of the heiresses of James de Novo mercatu, or New-mar∣ket. This man's posterity liv'd a long time in great splendour, till John, in Edward 3.'s time, dying, lest only issue 2 daughters, Muriela, and Isabel; this mar∣ry'd to William Botereaux [d], and the other to Tho∣mas Courtney6 1.20.

From hence the river Jvel runs to Ischalis,* 1.21 men∣tion'd by Antoninus, now Jvelcester,* 1.22 call'd (if I mistake nor) in Ninnius's Catalogue Pontavel-coit, for Pont Jvel Coit, i.e. a bridge over the Jvel in a wood; and by Florence of Worcester, Givelcester. It is now famous for nothing but the market, and its antiquity; for now and then they dig up Coins of the Roman Emperours, of gold, brass, and silver. That it was formerlybb 1.23 large, and encompass'd with a double wall, is evident from the ruines7 1.24: about the coming in of the Normans it was a populous place, having in it a hundred and seven Burgesses. And at that time it was a place of strength, and well fortify'd; for in the year of Christ 1088. when the Nobility of Eng∣land had form'd a wicked plot, designing to depose William Rufus, in order to advance Robert his Bro∣ther Duke of Normandy to the throne, Robert Mou∣bray a warlike man, after he had burnt Bathe, vigo∣rously assaulted this place, but all in vain. However, time has done what he could not compass, and has at last as it were storm'd it.

A little more inward8 1.25, the confluence of Jvel and Pedred form a river-Island call'd Muchelney,* 1.26 i.e. the large Island, wherein are something of the walls of an old Monastery, which Historians tell us was built by King Athelstan.* 1.27 Pedred, commonly Parret, rises in the very south-bound of the County, and with a winding channel runs by Crockherne, in Saxon Cruc••rne; and by Pedderton,* 1.28 to which it gave the name, formerly Pedridan, the palace of King Ina, now famous only for a market and Fair, procur'd of Henry 6. by Henry Daubeney: then the Parret runs into the Jvel, and robs it of it's name. Three miles hence towards the East,* 1.29 it salutes Montacute, so call'd by the Earl of Moriton, brother by the mother's side to William 1. († 1.30 who built a castle at the very top of the hill, and a Religious house at the bottom of it,) because it rises by degrees into a sharp point; where∣as before that it was nam'd* 1.31 Logoresburg and Bischo∣peston.* 1.32 But the castle has been quite destroy'd these many years, and the stones carry'd off to build the Religious house and other things. Afterwards on the very top of the hill was a Chappel made, and con∣secrated to S. Michael; the arch and roof curiously built of hard stone, and the ascent to it is round the mountain up stone-stairs, for near half a mile. Now the Monastery and Chappel are both demolish'd, and the greatest ornament it has is a delicate house, which the worthyc 1.33 Sir Edward Philips Knight, Ser∣jeant at Law, lately built at the foot of the moun∣tain.* 1.34 This place gave name to the honourable family of the Montacutes, descended from Drogo* 1.35 the Young. Of this family there were four Earls of Salisbury; the last left issue one only daughter, which had by Richard Nevil the famous Richard Earl of Warwick, that* 1.36 Whirlwind of England, and John Marquess of Montacute, both kill'd in the battle of Barnet, in the year 1472. But the title of Baron Montacute was conferr'd upon Henry Poole, (Son of Margaret, daughter of George Duke of Clarence, descended from a daughter of that Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick) by King Henry 8. who present∣ly after beheaded him. Queen Mary bestow'd the title and honour of Viscount Montacute upon Anthony Brown, whose grandmother was daughter of John Nevil Marquess of Montacuted 1.37; and his grandchild by a son now enjoys it9 1.38.

Next to this is Odcombe,* 1.39 which tho' but a very small town, must not yet be omitted, because it has had it's Baron,* 1.40 William de Briewer,* 1.41 (for so his fa∣ther was call'd, as being born* 1.42 in a heath;) who10 1.43 ha∣ving great interest at Court, being also an entire Fa∣vourite of Richard 1. was respected and caressed by all; and so got a very large estate11 1.44, with which by the marriage of his daughters (for his son dy'd with∣out issue) he made a great accession to the estates of the Brees, Wakes, Mohuns, La-ferts, and Pereys. Be∣low this at a little distance, is Stoke under Hamden, where the Gornays had their castle, and built a Col∣lege. This family surnam'd de Gornaico, and com∣monly Gornay, was very ancient and illustrious, de∣scended from the same stock with the Warrens Earls of Surrey, and the Mortimers. But in the last age it was extinct, and part of that estate came by the Hamptons to the Knightly family of the Newtons,* 1.45 who freely own themselves to be of Welsh extracti∣on; and not long ago to have been call'd Caradocks. Nor must we forget to mention, that Matthew Gor∣nay was bury'd here, a stout souldier in the time of Edward 3. and dy'd in the 96th year of his age, after he had been (dd 1.46 as the Inscription witnesseth) at the siege of D'algizer against the Saracens, at the battles of Benamazin, Sclusa, Cressia, Ingines, Poictiers; and Nazaran in Spain.

Next, the Parret waters Martock, a little market∣town, which formerly William of Bologne son to king Stephen, gave to Faramusius of Bologne,* 1.47 whose only daughter and heir Sibill, was marry'd to Ingelram de Fienes, and from them are descended the Fienes Barons of Dacre, and the Barons of Say and Zele.

From hence the Parret cuts it's way into the north through a muddy plain, by Langport, a market-town pretty well frequented: and by Aulre* 1.48 a little village of a few small hurts; which yet seems once to have been a town of better note. For when Alfred had so shatter'd the Danes, and by a siege forc'd them to surrender, that they took an Oath to depart out of his dominions with all expedition, ande 1.49 Godrus their King (as Asser tells us) promis'd to embrace Chri∣stianity; then Alfred in this place took him out of the sacred font of Regeneration with great pomp.

The Parret running from hence receives the river Thone, which rising at a great distance in the western part of the County, next Devonshire, passes through delicate fields12 1.50 to Wellington,* 1.51 which in the time of Edward the Elder was the ground of six Mansion-houses, at what time he gave this along with Lediard,* 1.52 which was of twelve Mansion-houses, to the Bishop of Shir∣bourn. It is now a little market-town, receiving it's greatest glory from an honourable Inhabitant (for persons eminent for virtue and their good services to their country deserve always to be mention'd)13 1.53 John Popham,* 1.54 memorable as for the antiquity of his noble descent, so for his strict justice and singular industry.

This man, now Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, administers Justice with so much evenness, and such a temper'd severity, that England has for this long time been mostly indebted to him for it's domestick peace and security.

Going from hence with a gentle and easie course, the Thone washes Thonton or Taunton,* 1.55 and gives it that name. It is a neat town, delicately seated, and in short, one of the eyes of this County. Here Ina King of the West-Saxons built a castle, which Desburgia his wife levell'd with the ground, after she had dri∣ven Eadbricth King of the East-Saxons out of it, who had got possession, and us'd it as a curb to a conquer'd nation. In the reign of Edward the Confessor, it gelded (so it is in Domesday-book) for 54 hides, had 63 Burgers, and was held by the Bishop of Winchester, whose Pleadings were here kept thrice a year. Those Cu∣stoms belong to Taunton; Burgheriste, robbers, breach of the peace, hannifare, pence of the hundred, andf 1.56 S. Peters pence, to hold thrice a year the Bishops pleadings without admonition, to go into the army with the Bishops men. The country all about is beautify'd with green mea∣dows, abounds in delightful orchards, which, with the thickness of the villages, does wonderfully charm the eyes of the Spectators. Amongst the villages, those of most note are, Orchard, which had it's Lords of the same name, from whom it descended, by in∣heritance, to the Portmans Knights [e]; next Hach-Beauchamp,* 1.57 and then Cory-Mallet, the latter part whereof is added because of the Lords. For it was the seat of the Mallets, of Norman extraction, from whom it came in a short time, by an heiress, to the Pointzies.* 1.58 Of which family, Hugh, in the time of Edward 3. was reckon'd among the Parliamentary-Barons; and some others of it are at this day Knights of great worth.* 1.59 But as to the Beauchamps, otherwise call'd de bello campo,* 1.60 they have flourish'd in great ho∣nour from the time of Hen. 2. especially since Cecil de Fortibus, descended from the Earls de Ferrariis, and from that famous Mareschal of England William Earl of Pembroke, was married into this family. But in the reign of Edw. 3. the estate was divided by sisters between Roger de S. Mauro or Seimore, and J. Meriet, both of them sprung from ancient and honorable An∣cestors. This was the cause why Hen. 8. after he had marry'd Jane Seimor, Edward the sixth's mother, made Edward Seimor her brother,* 1.61 Viscount Beau∣champ14 1.62; whom Edw. 6. afterwards advanc'd to the honour of Duke of Somerset.* 1.63

Next, where Thone mixes it self with the Parret, there is made a River-Island formerly call'd Aethe∣lingey,* 1.64 i.e. an Island of Nobles, now commonly Atheln••y, which is to us no less remarkable for King Alfred's absconding there, when the Dane made ha∣vock of all before him; than are those Minturnensian fenns to the Italians, for being a hiding place to Mari∣us. For to that King (as an ancient Poet writ of him,)

— Mixta dolori. Gaudia semper erant, spes semper mixta timori. Si modo victor erat, ad crastina Cella pavebat, Si modo victus erat, ad crastina cella parabat. Cui vestes sudore jugi, cui sica cruore Tincta jugi, quantum sit onus regnare probarunt.

Allay'd with grief his cautious joys appear'd, And when he hop'd the most, the most he fear'd. Conqu'ring, h' expected still the rallying foe; O'ercome, he fitted for a second blow. Whose sweaty hands and garments stain'd in blood, Shew that a crown is but a noble load.

And truly, this Island falls out very well for a pri∣vate refuge; for the standing pools and inundations (which Asser call'd by a Latin-Saxon word Gronnas) make it inaccessible.* 1.65 It had formerly a bridge between two towers, which were built by King Alfred; also a very large set of alders, full of goats and deer; but the firm ground not above two acres broad. Upon this he built a monastery; the whole structure whereof (Malmesbury here speaks for me) is supported by four posts fasten'd in the ground, with four arch'd chancels drawn round it. The Parret does not go far alone,15 1.66 after it has got together it's waters, before it is joyn'd by another river from the East,16 1.67 which runs by Somerton,* 1.68 for∣merly the chief town of the County, giving name to the whole. It had a castle belonging to the West-Saxon Kings, which Ethelbald King of the Mercians possess'd himself of by storm; but now it has given way to age, so that nothing of it appears: and the town would scarce support it's character, were it not for a throng Beast-fair kept there from Palm Sunday to the middle of June; for those parts make grazing their chief employment.

After the Parret has receiv'd this river, it visits a large and populous town, commonly call'd Bridge-water,* 1.69 as 'tis thought from the bridge and the water; tho' the ancient Charters refute that conjecture, which always call it expresly Burgh-Walteri; and it is highly probable, that it took that name from Wal∣ter de Doway who was a soldier under William the Conqueror, and had many Lands bestow'd on him in this County. Nor is it otherwise call'd in that Charter, wherein Fulk Paynel Lord of Bampton gave the possession of this place to William de Briewer, to ingratiate himself with that person, who was a parti∣cular favourite of K. Rich. 3. The son of this William, of the same name with the father17 1.70, having license granted him by K. John to fortifie a castle, built one here, which now time has destroy'd; and began a bridge, which was finish'd at great expence by18 1.71 Tri∣vet a noble-man of Cornwall19 1.72. But when William de Briewer the younger dy'd without issue, by parti∣tion it fell to Margaret his sister, by whose daughter which she bore to William19 1.73 de la Fert, it came to the family of the Chaworths or de Cadurcis, and from them by inheritance to the Dukes of Lancaster20 1.74; but the greatest honour it ever had, was, being made a County by King Hen. 8. upon his creating Henry Daubeney, Earl of Bridgewater* 1.75 [ee]; whose sister and coheir Cecil was marry'd to John Bourchier, the first Earl of Bath of that family.

Below this, at a few miles distance, the Parret throws it self at a wide mouth into the Severn-Sea, call'd (as we observ'd before) the Aestuarie Uzella* 1.76 by Ptolemy; and by some at this day Evelmouth, but by the ancient English,g 1.77 Pedredan-muð: where, (as Marianus tells us) about the year 845. Ealstan Bishop of Shirburn routed the dispers'd army of the Danes. At the same Aestuarie21 1.78 we meet with ano∣ther river, which some call Brius, rising out of that spatious wood in the east part of this County, (call'd by the Britains Coitmaur, by the Saxons Selwood,* 1.79 i.e.h 1.80 as Asser interprets it, a great wood) not far from Pen, an inconsiderable village, where the God of war seems to have conspir'd the extirpation of the British name,i 1.81 and also the utter ruin of the Danes.

For Keniwalch, the West-Saxon, gave the Britains such an entire defeat in this place, that they were never after able to make head against them: and many ages after, in the same place, Edmund Ironside had a memorable victory over the Danes, whilst he pursu'd from place to place Knute the Dane, who had possess'd himself of the kingdom. This river first visits Bruiton, and gives it that name; a place famous for the tombs of the Moions, who there built a Mo∣nastery22 1.82: and running a long way thro' nothing but small villages with the encrease of a few rivulets, it waters some fruitful fields; till meeting with a softer soil, it in a manner stagnates, and makes an island call'd formerly Avalon in British, from the apples there, afterwards Inis-Witrin, i.e. a glassy Island, and in the same sense Glastn-ey, as in Latin Glasconia. A Poet of pretty good antiquity has these verses con∣cerning it,

Insula pomorum quae fortunata vocatur, Ex re nomen habet, quia per se singula profert. Non opus est illi sulcantibus arva colonis, Omnis abest cultus, nisi quem natura ministrat, Ultro foecundas segetes producit, & herbas, Nataque poma suis praetonso germine sylvis. The isle of Apples, truly fortunate, Where unforc'd goods and willing comforts meet. Not there the fields require the rustick's hand, But nature only cultivates the land. The fertile plains with corn and herbs are proud, And golden apples smile in ev'ry wood.

* 1.83In this23 1.84 stoodk 1.85 the monastery of Glastenbury, which is very ancient, deriving its original from Joseph of Arimathea, the same who bury'd Christ's body, and whom Philip the Apostle of the Gauls sent into Bri∣tain to preach the Gospel. For this is attested both by the most ancient Histories of this Monastery, andl 1.86 an Epistle of S. Patrick the Irish Apostle,* 1.87 who led a monastick life here for 30 years together. From hence this place was by our Ancestors call'd, The first ground of God, the first ground of the Saints in England, the rise and fountain of all Religion in England, the burying-place of the Saints, the mother of the Saints; and that it was built by the very Disciples of our Lord. Nor is there any reason why we should call this in question, since I have before shewn, that the Chri∣stian Religion, in the very infancy of the Church, was preach'd in this Island; and since Treculphus Lexo∣viensis has told us that this Philip brought barbarous na∣tions, bordering upon darkness, and living upon the sea∣coasts, to the light of knowledge, and haven of faith. But to return to the Monastery, and inform our selves out of Malmesbury's little treatise upon that subject. When that small ancient Church founded by Joseph was wasted away with age, Devi Bishop of S. David's built a new one in that place. And when time had worn that out too, twelve men coming from the north of Britain repair'd it; but at length King Ina (who founded a school at Rome for the education of the English youth, and to maintain that, as also to distribute alms at Rome, tax'd every single house in the kingdom one penny) pull'd this down,* 1.88 and builtm 1.89 that stately Church dedicated to Christ, S. Peter, and S. Paul. Just under the roof whereof, round it, he order'd these verses to be writ:

* 1.90Syderei montes, speciosa cacumina Sion, A Libano geminae flore comante, cedri; Coelorum portae lati duo lumina mundi, Ore tonat Paulus, fulgurat arce Petrus: Inter Apostolicas radianti luce coronas, Doctior hic monitis, celsior ille gradu, Corda per hunc hominum reserantur, & astra per illum: Quos docet iste stylo, suscipit ille polo. Pandit iter coeli hic dogmate, clavibus alter, Est via cui Paulus, janua fida Petrus. Hic Petra firma manens, ille Architectus habetur, Surgit in his templum quo placet ara Deo. Anglia plaude lubens, mittit tibi Roma salutem, Fulgor Apostolicus Glasconiam irradiat. A facie hostili duo propugnacula surgunt, Quod fidei turreis urbs caput orbis habet. Haec pius egregio Rex Ina refertus amore, Dona suo populo non moritura dedit. Totus in affectu divae pietatis inhaerens, Ecclesiaeque juges amplificavit opes. Melchisedech noster merito Rex, atque Sacerdos, Complevit verae religionis opus. Publica jura regens, & celsa palatia servans, Unica Pontificum gloria, norma fuit. Hinc abiens, illinc meritorum fulget honore, Hic quoque gestorum laude perennis erit. The two fair tops that lofty Sion grace, Cedars of Libanus that all surpass! The world's great lights, and the two gates of heav'n, Thunder from one, from one is light'ning giv'n. Among the blest Apostles they excel, Peter in honour, and in learning Paul. One ope's mens hearts, and one the starry sphere, One guides to heav'n, and one receives us there: One's doctrine shew's our journey, and one's keys; One is the way, and one the gate of bliss. The builder one, one the foundation laid; By both a temple for kind heav'n is made. England be glad, and pay just thanks to Rome, Eternal health to Glastenbury's come. Against our foes two fortresses are shown, That all the world the Faith's great tow'rs shall own. Blest Ina, faithful servant of his God, These lasting gifts upon his realm bestow'd.

Virtue and goodness all his thoughts possest, The Church's old revenues he encreast, Our great Melchisedech, our prince and priest.

His equal care of piety and state, To Crowns and Mitres an example set. In heav'n his works their blest reward receive, And here his worthy praise shall ever live.

In those early times, several very devout persons serv'd God here, and especially Irish, who were maintain'd at the King's charge, and instructed the youth in Religion and the liberal sciences. For they made choice of a solitary life, that they might prosecute their divine studies with more retiredness, and inure themselves to a severe course of life to qua∣lifie them for taking up the Cross. But at length, Dunstan, a man of excellent wit and judgment, af∣ter his reputation of sanctity and learning had given him access to the conversation of Princes, instead of these brought in Monks of a newer Order, namely, Benedictines, and was himself first made Abbot over that large body settl'd there: and these by the bounty of good and pious Princes, got so much wealth as even exceeded that of Kings. After they had for about 600 years together as it were reign'd in great abundance (for all their neighbours were at their beck,) they were driven out by Henry 8. and the Monastery, which by degrees had grown into a little city24 1.91, demolish'd, and laid level with the ground: how large and how stately it has been, may be ga∣ther'd from the ruines.

I shall be reckon'd among those in our age who are taken with every fable, should I speak any thing of the Wallnut-tree25 1.92 here, which never buds before the feast of S. Barnabas, and on that very feast day shoots out leaves26 1.93; or the† 1.94 Hawthorn-tree27 1.95, which buds on Christmas-day as if it were in May [f]; and yet (if any one may be trusted) these things are affirm'd by several credible persons. Before I leave this head, take in short what Giraldus Cambrensis, an eye-wit∣ness, has deliver'd at large concerning Arthur's Grave in this Church-yard.

When Henry 2. King of England had learn'd from the songs of the British Bards,* 1.96 that Arthur the most noble heroe of the Britains, whose courage had so often shatter'd the Saxons, was bury'd at Glassen∣bury

between two Pyramids, he order'd search to be made for the body; and they had scarce digged se∣ven foot deep, but they light upon a* 1.97 cross'd stone, or a stone in the back-part whereof was fasten'd a rude leaden Cross, something broad. This being pull'd out, appear'd to have an Inscription upon it; and under it almost nine foot deep, they found a Coffin made of hollow'd oak, wherein were repo∣sited the bones of the famous Arthur. As to the In∣scription, which being taken from the original, was formerly writ in the monastery of Glassenbury, I thought it proper to give a draught of it because of the Antiquity of it's letters. The letters have a sort of barbarous and Gothick appearance; and are a plain evidence of the barbarity of the age, which was so involv'd in a fatal sort of mist, that no one was found to celebrate the name of K. Arthur. A subject without all dispute worthy the parts and in∣vention of the most learned; who by praising so great a Prince, might have procur'd to themselves the reputation of wit. For that strong bulwark of the British government may justly reckon this amongst his greatest misfortunes that the age did not afford a* 1.98 Panegyrist equal to his Virtues. But now take a view of the Cross and Inscription.

[illustration] depiction of inscripted cross

Nor will it be improper to subjoyn what our Countryman Josephus Iscanus, no mean or ordinary poet, has said of Arthur in his Antiocheis28 1.99.

Hinc celebri fato foelici claruit ortu Flos Regum Arthurus, cujus cùm facta stupori, Non micuere minùs, totus quòd in aure voluptas, Et populo plaudente favus. Quemcunque priorum Inspice, Pelaeum commendat fama tyrannum, Pagina Caesareos loquitur Romana triumphos, Alcidem domitis attollit gloria monstris. Sed nec pinetum coryli, nec sydera solem Aequant: Annales Latios, Graiósque revolve, Prisca parem nescit, aequalem postera nullum Exhibitura dies. Reges supereminet omnes, Solus praeteritis melior, majórque futuris.

From this blest place immortal Arthur sprung, Whose wondrous deeds shall be for ever sung; Sweet musick to the ear, sweet honey to the tongue.

Look back, turn o're the great records of fame, Proud Alexander boasts a mighty name. The Roman Annals Caesar's actions load, And conquer'd monsters rais'd Alcides to a god. But neither shrubs above tall pines appear, Nor Phoebus ever fears a rival star; So would our Arthur in contest o'recome The mightiest heroes bred in Greece or Rome. The only Prince that hears this just applause, Greatest that e're shall be, and best that ever was.

But this Heroe (to observe it by the way out of Ninnius, if it be worth our notice) was call'd Mab-Uter, i.e. a horrible son, because from his childhood he was of a cruel temper; and Arthur, which signifies in British a horrible bear, or an iron hammer to break the† 1.100 grinders of Lyons.

Take also if you please some other monuments [of this place] tho' not altogether so ancient, being out of William of Malmsbury. What is a mystery to all mankind, I would willingly set down, if the truth could only be hammer'd out; i.e. what those Pyramids mean,* 1.101 some foot distant from the old Church, and facing the Monks Church-yard. The higher, and that nearer the Church has five stories, and is 26 foot high. This tho' it is ready to fall down for age, has yet some monuments of antiquity plainly legible, but not so plainly intelligible. For in the uppermost stories, there is an image of an Episcopal figure. In the second, an image showing something of a King-like pomp, and these letters, HER. SEXI. and BLISWERH. In the third too are these names, WEM∣CHESTE. BANTOMP. WINEWEGN. In the fourth, HATE. WVLFREDE. and EANFLEDE. In the fifth, which is the lowermost, an image, and this writing, LOGWOR. WESLIELAS, and BREG∣DENE. SWELWES. HWINGENDES. BERNE. The other Pyramid is 18 foot high, and has four stories, in which are written HEDDE bishop, and BREGORRED, and BREORWALDE.

What these may signifie, I dare not rashly deter∣mine; but only make a probable conjecture, that the bones of those men whose names are writ on the out∣side, may be laid in hollow stones within. As for LOWOR, he is positively affirm'd to be the person from whom the place now call'd* 1.102 Montacute was for∣merly nam'd LOGWERESBEORH. And BEOR∣WALDE too was Abbot after HEMGISELUS.

To give a list of the West-Saxon Kings bury'd here, would be beside my business. Yet I cannot but mention Edgar the Peaceful,* 1.103 (if it were upon no other account but that he always endeavour'd after peace) and subjoyn his Epitaph penn'd very well for that age:

Auctor opum, vindex scelerum, largitor honorum, Sceptriger Edgarus regna superna petit. Hic alter Salomon, legum pater, orbita pacis, Quòd caruit bellis, claruit inde magis. Templa Deo, templis monachos, monachis dedit agros. Nequitiae lapsum, Justitiaeque locum. Novit enim regno verum perquirere falso, Immensum modico, perpetuúmque brevi.

He that good actions did with honours crown, Enrich'd the realm, the daring vice put down, Edgar to heaven, which he deserv'd, is gone.

Our Solomon in laws and lasting peace, Yet honour'd more than with a conqueror's praise, While bold oppression fell, and justice kept her place.

Churches to God, to Churches Monks he gave, To Monks possessions they should never leave. Thus for a short, a false, a bounded reign, He knew a vast, a true, an endless one to gai••.

From Glassenbury the three rivers meeting there make a sort of fenn, and afterwards discharging themselves at the same little mouth, run westward in one chanel by Gedney moore; or (as others will have it call'd) Godney-moore,* 1.104 affirming it to be as much as

God's Island, and that it was granted to Joseph of Ari∣mathea. Next by Weadmore a Village of Alfred's, which he gave by his last Will to his son Edward: and then through that fenny spacious tract, Brentmersh, which the Monks of Glassenbury have interpreted a country of fenn-frogs, as it's little town Brentknol, a small hill of frogs.

From hence to the East, Mendipp-hills* 1.105 run them∣selves out a great way both in length and breadth. Leland calls them Minerary-hills, and I think not amiss, since in old Records they are nam'd Mune∣duppe, abounding with lead-mines, and very good for the pasturage of cattle [g]; in these there is a cave of a vast length, wherein are discover'd some wells and rivulets.* 1.106 Ochiehole is the name of it; and the inhabitants thereabouts have broach'd as many wild fancies concerning it, as the Italians have of their Sibyll's cave in the Apennine Alps.* 1.107 But with∣out doubt it had the name from Ogo a British word signifying a cave; as the Island Euboea from a cave of the same nature was call'd by a name like this, OCHA [h]. Not far from it in the reign of Henry 8. in plowing they cast up an oblong plate of lead29 1.108, design'd for a trophee, with this Inscription:

TI. CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG. P. M. TRIB. P. VIIII. IMP. XVI. DE BRITAN.

This ninth Tribuneship of Claudius fell in with the year from the building of Rome 802. and with the Consulship of Antistius and M. Suillius, at which time a great disturbance happen'd under P. Ostorius Propraetor of Britain. From the circumstances of this time give me leave to infer some conjectures. That this same year Claudius had two signal victo∣ries over the Britains, is attested by an ancient Coin of that Emperour, the best evidence that can be. On one side of it is this Inscription, TI. CLAVD. CAESAR AVG. P.M. TR. P. VIIII. IMP. XVI. PP. On the reverse, DE BRITAN. with a trium∣phant arch, a figure of a horseman at full speed, and two trophies. Now who these Britains were, that were conquer'd, Tacitus informs us: for he says that Clau∣dius by the conduct of Ostorius subdu'd two of the Brittish People this year,* 1.109 namely, the Iceni and the Cangi.

But seeing the Iceni are as it were in another He∣misphere, what if we should say that this Trophy was erected in memory of a victory over the Cangi, a small people comprehended under our Belgae, and that those Cangi had their abode here? For not far from hence is the Irish sea,n 1.110 near which he places the Cangi; and there seem to be remains of the name Cangi still left in some places hereabouts, as in the hundreds of Cannington and Canings, in Wincaunton, which is sometimes call'd Cangton; and Kaingsham, as much as to say, the mansion of the Cangi. But let the reader judge of these matters; for my part (as I said) I do not go beyond conjecture, but only en∣deavour to trace out the Cangi,o 1.111 which I still hope to meet with in another place.

Amongst these hills is Chuton,* 1.112 the seat (if I mi∣stake not) of William Bonvil, whom Henry 6. by the name of William de Bonvill and Chuton summon'd to Parliament among the Barons,* 1.113 made Knight of the Garter, and enrich'd his son by marriage with Baron Harrington's only daughter, who was then but young. But when he for want of a due sense of gra∣titude, sided with the house of York in the Civil wars; as if a Fury had haunted him for revenge, he was an eye-witness of the untimely death of that his only son, and of Baron Harington his granchild by him, both slain in the battle of Wakefield. And pre∣sently after, to make his old age as miserable as could be, whilst he was in earnest expectation of better fortune, himself was taken in the second battle at S. Albans, and when his glass had well nigh run out, was beheaded, leaving behind him Cecil his grand∣child and heiress then very young, but afterward be∣ing marry'd to Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorset, brought him a large estate. Notwithstanding, this man's memory was as it were restor'd to him by Act of Parliament, declaring him innocent [i].* 1.114

Under Mendipp-hills to the north, is the little vil∣lage Congersbury, so call'd from one Congarus a person of singular sanctity (Capgrave tells us he was the son of an Emperour of Constantinople,) who here led the life of an hermit; and Harpetre,* 1.115 formerly a castle belonging to a family of the same name, which descended hereditarily to the Gornaies, and from them to the Ab-Adams, who (as I have read) restor'd it to the Gornaiesp 1.116 Southward, not far from the famous Cave, at the bottom of Mendipp-hills, is a little city upon a rocky soil, and formerly a Bishop's See. Leland tells us (upon what grounds I know not) that it was formerly call'd Theodorodunum; the name of it now is Welles,* 1.117 so call'd from the Wells which spring up in all parts of it; so Susa in Persia,* 1.118 Croia in Dalmatia, and Pegase in Macedonia had their names from wells or fountains: from hence also this Church is call'd The Church of Wells. It may justly challenge the pre-eminence in this County, both for populousness and stateliness of the buildings. It has a Church and a College built by King Ina to the honour of S. Andrew, which was presently endow'd with large revenues by several great men. Amongst the rest, King Kinewulph gave to it a great many neighbouring places in the year 766. For thus his Charter runs: I Kinewulph King of the West-Saxons, for the love of God, and (which shall not be here mention'd) some vexations of our Cornish enemies, by the consent of my Bishops and Noble-men, humbly make over by gift a certain parcel of ground to the Apostle and servant of God, and S. Andrew, i.e. of xi Mansions near the river call'd Welwe, towards the increase of the Monastery, situate near the great fountain call'd Wielea. Which I set down both upon the account of it's An∣tiquity, and because some are of opinion that the place took it's name from this river30 1.119. The Church indeed is exceeding beautiful, and nothing can be finer than it's frontispiece towards the West, which is one entire pile of statues curiously wrought out of stone, and of great antiquity31 1.120.

The Bishop's palace is very splendid, and towards the south looks like a Castle, as it is fortify'd with walls and a ditch; and the Prebendaries houses on 'tother side are exceeding neat. For there are 27 Prebends, with 19 petty-Canons, besides a Dean, a Precentor, a Chancellor, and 3 Arch-deacons, that belong to this Church. A Bishop's See was settl'd here in the time of Edward the Elder. For when the Pope had excommunicated this Edward, upon pretence that the discipline of the Church was quite neglected in this westerly part of his kingdom; he knowing him∣self notwithstanding to be a nursing father of the Church, erected three new Bishopricks, Kirton, [ 905] Cornwall, and this of Wells, where he made Eadulph first Bishop. Not many years after,* 1.121 Giso was set over this Diocese, whom Harold Earl of the West-Saxons and of Kent, gaping after the revenues of the Church, did so persecute, that this See was almost quite de∣stroy'd. But William the first, after he had con∣quer'd Harold, lent a helping hand to Giso then in exile, and to this distressed Church: at which time (as is evident from Domesday-book) the Bishop held the town it self, which gelded for 50 hides. Afterwards, in the reign of Henry 1. John de Villula a French∣man of Tours was elected Bishop, and translated the See to Bath, by which means these two grew into one, and the Bishop has his title from both; so that the same person is styl'd Bishop of Bath and Wells [k]: Which occasion'd a hot dispute between the Monks of Bath and the Canons of Wells about the election of the Bishops.* 1.122 In the mean timeq 1.123 Savanaricus Bi∣shop of Bath, being also Abbot of Glassenbury, tran∣slated this See thither, and was styl'd Bishop of Glas∣senbury, but that title dy'd with him: and the diffe∣rence between the Monks and the Canons was at last

compos'd by that Robert who divided the revenues of his Church into so many Prebends, [ 1193] and settl'd a Dean, a Sub-dean, &c. Bishop Jocelin also about the same time augmented the Church with new buildings; and in the memory of our grandfathers, Ralph de Shrowsbery (as some call him) built a very neat College for the Vicars and singing-men near the north part of the Church; and also enclos'd the Bi∣shop's palace with a wall [l]32 1.124. But in the way from the palace to the market, Th. Bekington, Bi∣shop, built a very beautiful gate, and 12 stately stone houses of the same height hard by in the market-place. In the middle whereof is a market-house sup∣ported by seven outer pillars and a curious arch, built by Bishop William Knighte and Dean Woollman for the use of the market-people [m]. All these are in the east part of the town. In the west is a Parish-Church dedicated to S. Cuthberht; and near it a Hospital built by Nicholas Bubwith Bishop, for 24 poor people.

Out of those Mineral-mountains arises the river Frome, which hastens eastward by these pits of coal, made use of by smiths as most proper to soften iron; and before it has run any great way, wheeling to∣wards the north, it is the boundary between this County and Gloucestershire;* 1.125 and washes Farley, a castle upon a hill belonging not many years since33 1.126 to the Hungerfords, where formerly Humphrey Bo∣hun built a monastery,* 1.127 at a little distance from Phi∣lips-Norton, a famous market-town, taking it's name from the Church dedicated to S. Philip.

* 1.128Lower down, is Selwood before mention'd, a wood that spreads it self out a long way both in length and breadth, and is well set with trees. From this (as Ethelwerd tells us) the Country was call'dr 1.129 Selwood∣shire; and a town near it is to this day nam'd Frome-Selwood, supported mostly by the woollen manufacture. Scarce two miles from hence to the west, is a small but pretty neat castle34 1.130, built by the De la Mares, and thence call'd Nonney de la Mare,* 1.131 which by inheritance descended from them to the Powletts. Not far from whence is Witham, where K. Hen. 3. built a Nunnery35 1.132.

And now Frome, encreas'd by some little rivers out of this wood, joyns it self to the noble river Avon, which with an oblique course presently runs to that ancient City,* 1.133 from the baths call'd by Ptolemy 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i.e. Hot waters; and by Antoninus, Waters of the Sun;* 1.134 by the Britains, Yr ennaint Twy∣min, as also Caer Badon; and by the Saxons, Baþan∣cester, hat Baþan, and (for the concourse of sick people)s 1.135 Ackmanchester, as much as a City of Valetu∣dinarians.* 1.136 Stephanus calls it Badiza, we at this day Bathe, and in Latin Bathonia. It lies low in a plain not very large, and is as it were fortify'd on every side with hills of an equal height, which send down [many] springs, to the great advantage of the citizens.* 1.137 In the city it self arise threet 1.138 hot springs, of a blewish and sea-colour, which exhale a thin sort of mist, and something of* 1.139 an ill savour proceed∣ing from corrupt water mix'd with earth and brim∣stone; (for the water it self has a sulphur and bitu∣minous matter incorporated with it.) They are an effectual remedy to such bodies as by reason of ill humours are dull and heavy; for by virtue of their heat they cause sweating, and by that means the ca∣reer of the humour is curb'd. But it is not at all hours they are wholsom; for from eight in the morning till three in the afternoon, they are extream hot and boyl up violently, by which they are mud∣ded, and throw up a filthy sort of stuff from the bottom: so that at these times they are shut up; nor does any one go into them, till by their sluces they have eas'd themselves of that stuff, and are purg'd [n]. Of these three, that which is call'd The Cross-bath, because of a Cross formerly erected in the middle of it, is very easie, and moderately warm. Upon the side of it are 12 stone-seats [o], and it is enclos'd with a wall. The second, scarce 200 foot distant, is much hotter, whereupon tis call'd Whot∣bath, or Hot-bath. Near these two is a Hospital built by Reginald Bishop of Bathe, to relieve the necessi∣ties of sick people; and in the mid••le are two streets towards the west-part of the City. The third, which is largest, is in the very heart of the City, and is call'd, the King's or Royal bath; it is near the Cathedral Church, and enclos'd also with a wall. It is accommodated with 32 seats arch'd over, where∣in the men and women sit apart; and both of them when they go into the water put on linnen drawers36 1.140. Where now the Cathedral Church stands, is former∣ly reported to have been a Temple dedicated to Mi∣nerva.* 1.141 'Tis without all doubt that Solinus Polyhistor means these baths, when he says, In Britain there are hot springs, richly accommodated with all convenien∣cies for the service of mankind; their tutelar Deity is Minerva, in whose Temple those perpetual fires never turn to embers, but when they go out, are converted into round pieces of hard stone. Notwithstanding which, Athe∣naeus affirms, that all hot baths naturally springing out of the earthu 1.142, are sacred to Hercules; and indeed amongst other old monuments almost quite defac'd by age, there is here upon the walls something of an ancient image of Hercules holding a Serpent in his hand. But rather than any difference should arise upon this, we are willing to grant that baths were dedicated both to Hercules and Minerva. For the Greeks have told us that Minerva was the first who furnish'd Hercules with a bath after he had gone through his labours. I am content, if thus much may be allow'd me upon Solinus's authority, that since Minerva was the tutelar Goddess of those springs, this must be the same city which the Britains call'd Caer Palladdur,* 1.143 that is in latin Urbs Palladiae aquae, or, the city of Pallas's water. For the thing, name, and meaning do exactly agree. The finding of these springs is by our own traditions referr'd to a British King call'd Bleydenw 1.144 Cloyth, i.e. Bleyden the southsayer; with what show of truth, I leave to others. However,* 1.145 Pliny assures us that this Art-Ma∣gick was in such wonderful esteem among the Bri∣tains, that they seem even to have given it to the Persians; but as to these baths, I dare not attribute their original to that art. Some of our own nation too supinely affirm that Julius Caesar was the inven∣tor. But I cannot but think that it was late before the Romans came to know them, since Solinus is the first that makes any mention of them. The Saxons indeed about the 44th year after their landing in Britain, by a breach of Articles renewing the war, laid siege to this city [p], but being surpriz'd by the warlike Arthur, they betook themselves to Badon-hill,* 1.146 where (tho' in a desperate condition,) they fought it out, and were slain in great numbers. This seems to be the same hill with that we now call Ban∣nesdown, hanging over a little village near the city, nam'd Bathstone, and showing at this day it's bul∣warks, and a rampire. I know there are some who seek for it in Yorkshire; but let Gildas himself re∣store it to this place. For in an old Manuscript-Copy of him in the Cambridge-Library, where he treats of the victory of Aurelius Ambrosius, he says; To the year of Badon-hill siege, which is not far from the mouth of Severn. But if this will not convince them, let them understand farther, that the adjoyn∣ing vale lying along the river Avon for a great way together, is call'd in British Nant-Badon, i.e. the vale of Badon; and where to seek Badon-hill but near Ba∣don-valley, I cannot tell. For a long time after this, the Saxons frighted from making any more attempts upon this City, left it quiet to the Britains. But in the year of Christ 577. afterx 1.147 Cewalin King of the West-Saxons

had defeated the Britains at Deorham37 1.148, this city being both besieg'd and storm'd, first surrender'd it self to the Saxons; and in a few years as it were recovering it self, took the new name of Akmance∣ster [q], and grew very splendid. For Osbrich in the year 676. built a Nunnery, and presently after, when it came into the hands of the Mercians, King Offa built another Church; but both were destroy'd in the Danish Wars [r]. Out of the ruins of these there grew up another Church dedicated to S. Peter, to which Eadgar sirnam'd the Peaceful, because he was there inaugurated King, granted several immu∣nities; the memory whereof the inhabitants still keep up by anniversary sports. In the times of Edw. the Confessor (as we read in Domesday-book) it gelded for 20 Hides, when the Shire gelded. There were 64 Burgesses of the King's, and 30 of others. But this flourishing condition was not lasting; for presently after the Norman Conquest, Robert Mowbray nephew to the Bishop of Constance, who rais'd a hot rebel∣lion against William Rufus, plunder'd and burn'd it. But it got up again in a short time, by the assistance of John de Villula of Tours in France, who being Bi∣shop of Wells, did (as Malmesbury informs us)y 1.149 for five hundred marks purchase the city of Henry 1. whither he transla••ed his See, (z 1.150 tho' still retaining the name of Bishop of Wells) and built him here a new Cathedral. But this, not long ago, being ready to drop down, Oliver King, Bishop of Bath, laid the foun∣dation of another near it, exceeding large and stately; which he well-nigh finish'd. And if he had quite fi∣nish'd it, without all doubt it had exceeded most Cathedrals in England. But the untimely death of that great Bishop, with the publick disturbances38 1.151, and the avarice of some persons, who (as tis said) converted the money gather'd thro' England for that end, to other uses, envy'd it this glory [s]. How∣ever, from that time forward, Bath has been a flou∣rishing place both for the woollen manufacture, and the great resort of strangers39 1.152; and is now encom¦pass d with walls, wherein they have fix'd some an∣cient images and Roman Inscriptions to evidence the Antiquity of the place: but age has so wore them out, that they are scarce legible. And lest any thing should be wanting to the Dignity of Bath,* 1.153 it has ho∣nour'd some of the Nobility with the title of Earl. For we read that Philebert de Chandew, born in Bre∣tagne in France, had that title conferr'd upon him by King Henry 7. Afterwards King Henry 8. in the 28th year of his reign, created John Bourchier Lord Fitz-Warin,* 1.154 Earl of Bath40 1.155; who dying in the 31 year of the same King, was succeeded by John his son, who dy'd in the third year of Queen Elizabeth. He, before the death of his father, had John Lord Fitz Warin, from whom is descended William the present Earl of Bath, who every day improves the nobility of his birth with the ornaments of learn∣ing [ss]. Geographers make the Longitude of this City to be 20 degrees, and 56 minutes; the Lati∣tude, 51 degrees and 21 minutes. For a conclusion, take, if you please, those Verses such as they are, concerning Bathe; made by Necham, who flourish'd 400 years ago.

Bathoniae thermas vix praefero Virgilianas, Confecto prosunt balnea nostra seni. Prosunt attritis, collisis, invalidisque, Et quorum morbis frigida causa subest. Praevenit humanum stabilis natura laborem; Servit naturae legibus artis opus. Igne suo succensa quibus data balnea fervent, Aenea subter aquas vasa latere putant. Errorem figmenta solent inducere passim. Sed quid? sulphureum novimus esse locum. Scarce ours to Virgil's Baths the preference give, Here old decrepit wretches find relief. To bruises, sores, and ev'ry cold disease, Apply'd, they never fail of quick success. Thus human ills kind nature does remove; Thus nature's kindness human arts improve. They're apt to fancy brazen stoves below, To which their constant heat the waters owe. Thus idle tales deluded minds possess; But what? we know that 'tis a sulph'ry place.

Take also (if you think them worth your read∣ing) two ancient Inscriptions lately digg'd up upon the high-way below the city in Waldcot-field; and remov'd by Robert Chambers a great admirer of Anti∣quities, into his gardens; where I transcrib'd them.

C. MVRRIVS. C. F. ARNIENSIS.
FORO. IVLI. MODESTVS. MIL.
LEG. II.* 1.156 AD. P. F. IVLI. SECVND.
AN. XXV. STIPEND.
† 1.157H. S. E.

DIS. MANIBVS.
M. VALERIVS. M.
POL. EATINVS. * C. EQ.
MILES. LEG. AVG. AN.
XXX. STIPEN. X.
H. S. E.

I saw likewise these Antiquities fasten'd on the in∣ner side of the wall, between the north and west gates: Hercules holding up his left hand, with his Club in the right. In a broken piece of stone is this writing in large and beautiful letters.

* 1.158DEC. COLONIAE.† 1.159 GLEV.
VIXIT. AN. LXXXVI.

Next, leaves folded in, Hercules bending two snakes; and in a sepulchral table between two little images, one whereof holds an Amalthaean horn, there is written in a worse character and scarce legible,

D. M.
SVCC. PETRONIAE VIXIT
ANN. IIII.* 1.160 M. IIII.
† 1.161D. XV. EPO.
MVLVS ET VICTISIRANA
‖ 1.162FIL. KAR. FEC.

A little below, in a broken piece of stone, and large letters, is

VRN. IOP.

Between the west and south gates, Ophiucus en∣folded by a serpent, two men's heads with curl'd locks, within the copings of the walls; a hare run∣ning, and underneath in a great stone this in letters a cross.

VLIA. ILIA.

A naked man as 'twere laying hands upon a sol∣dier; also between the battlements of the walls, leaves, two lying kissing and embracing each other; a footman brandishing his sword, and holding forth his shield; another footman with a spear; and these letters a-cross on a stone.

III VSA
IS. VXSC.

And Medusa's head with her snaky hairs [t].

Upon the same river Avon (which is the bound here between this County and Glocestershire,) on the western bank of it, is Cainsham,* 1.163 so nam'd from Keina a devout British Virgin; whom many of the last age, through an over-credulous temper, believ'd to have chang'd serpents into stones,* 1.164 because they find sometimes in quarries some such little miracles of sporting Nature. And I have seen a stone brought from thence, winded round like a serpent, the head whereof, tho' but imperfect, jutted out in the cir∣cumference,

and the end of the tail was in the cen∣ter [u]. But most of them want the head. In the neighbouring fields, and other places hereabouts, the herb Percepier* 1.165 grows naturally all the year round. It is peculiar to England, and one tastes in it a sort of tartness and bitterness: 'tis never higher than a span, and grows in bushy flowers without a stalk. It pro∣vokes urine strongly and quickly; and there is a wa∣ter distill'd out of it, of great use, as P. Poena in his Miscellanies upon Plants has observ'd [w].

Scarce five miles from hence, the river Avon parts Bristol in the middle,* 1.166 call d by the Britains Caer Oder Nant Badon, i.e. the City Odera in Badon valley. In the Catalogue of the Ancient Cities it is nam'd Caer Brito, and in Saxon it is Brightstoƿ, i.e. a fa∣mous place. Buta 1.167 those who have affirm'd it to be the Venta Belgarum, have impos'd both upon them∣selves and the world. The City is plac'd partly in Somersetshire and partly in Glocestershire, so that it does not belong to either, having distinct Magistrates of it's own, and being a county incorporate by it self. It stands upon a pretty high g••ound, between the Avon and the little river Frome; what with walls and the rivers, guarded very well: for it was formerly enclos'd with a double wall. It casts such a beautiful show, both of publick and private buildings, that it answers it's name; and there are what they call Goutes (in Latin Cloacae) built in the subterraneous caverns of the earth, to carry off and wash away the filth [x]; so that nothing is wanting either for neatness or health. But by this means it comes, that Carts are not us'd here. It is also so well furnish'd with the necessities of life, and so populous, that next to Lon∣don and York, it may justly claim a preeminence over all the cities in Britain. For the trade of ma∣ny nations is drawn thither by the advantage of com∣merce, and of the harbour, which brings vessels un∣der sail into the heart of the city. And the Avon swells so much by the coming in of the tide, when the Moon descends from the Meridian, and passes the place opposite; that ships upon the shallows are born up 11 or 12 fathoms. The citizens themselves drive a rich trade throughout Europe, and make voyages to the remotest parts of America. At what time, and by whom it was built, is hard to say: but it seems to be of a late date, since in all the Danish plunders, it is not so much as mention'd in our Histories. For my part, I am of opinion it rose in the decline of the Saxon government, since it is not taken notice of before the year of our Lord 1063. wherein Harald (as Florence of Worcester has it) set sail from Brytstow to Wales, with a design to in∣vade it. In the beginning of the Norman times, Berton an adjoyning farm, and this Bristow, paid to the King (as 'tis in Domesday book) 110 marks of sil∣ver; and the Burgesses return'd, that Bishop G. had 33 marks,* 1.168 and 1 mark of gold [y]. Afterwards Robert Bishop of Constance, plotting against William Rufus, chose this for a seat of war, and fortify'd the little city with that inner wall (I suppose,) part of which remains to this day [z]. But a few years after, the Suburbs began to enlarge on every side; for on the south, Radcliff, where were some little houses belong∣ing to the suburbs, is joyn'd to the rest of the city by a stone-bridge, which is so set with houses, that you would not think it a bridge, but a street. This part is included within the walls, and the inhabitants have the privileges of citizens. There are hospitals built in all parts for the poor, and neat Churches for the glory of God. Amongst the rest, the most beautiful is S. Mary's of Radcliffe without the walls, into which is a stately ascent by a great many stairs. So large is it, the workmanship so exquisite, and the roof so ar∣tificially vaulted with stone, and the tower so high, that in my opinion it goes much beyond all the Parish Churches in England I have yet seen. In it the founder William Canninges has two honorary mo∣numents; the one is his image in the habit of a Magi∣strate, for he was five times Mayor of this City; the other an image of the same person in Clergy-man's habit, for in his latter days he took Orders, and was Dean of the College which himself founded at West∣bury. Hard by it is also another Church call'd Tem∣ple, the tower whereof, as often as the bell rings, moves to and again, so as to be quite parted from the rest of the building; and there is such a chink from top to bottom, that the gaping is three fingers broad when the bell rings, growing first narrower, then a∣gain broader. Nor must we omit taking notice of S. Stephen's Church, the stately tower whereof, was in the memory of our grandfathers built by one Shipward41 1.169, a citizen and merchant, with great charge and curi∣ous workmanship. On the east also and north parts it was enlarg'd with very many buildings, and those too included within the walls, being defended by the river Frome; which, after it has pass'd by these walls, runs calmly into the Avon, making a quiet station for ships, and a creek convenient to load and unload wares, which they call the Kay. Under this,* 1.170 between the confluence of Avon and Frome, is a champain ground, which is set round with trees, and affords a pleasant walk to the citizens. Upon the south-east, where the rivers do not encompass it, Robert, natural son to King Henry 1. (commonly call'd Robert Rufus Consul of Glocester, because he was Earl of Gloce∣ster) built a large and strong Castle for the defence of his city [a]; and out of a pious inclination, set aside every tenth stone for the building of a Chappel, near the Priory of S. James, which he also erected just un∣der the City. He took to wife Mabil daughter and sole heir of Robert Fitz-Hamon, who held this city in fealty of William the Norman. This castle yet scarce finish'd, was besieg'd by King Stephen, but he was forc'd to draw off without doing any thing; and the same person, not many years after, being pri∣soner there, was a fair instance how uncertain the events of war are. Beyond the river Frome, over which at Frome-gate is a bridge, one goes obliquely up a high hill of a steep and difficult ascent, from whence there is a pleasant prospect of the City, and haven below it. This upon the top runs into a large and green plain, shaded all along the middle with a dou∣ble rank of trees; amongst which is a pulpit of stone, and a Chappel, wherein they say that Jordan, Companion to St. Austin the English Apostle, was bury'd; but 'tis now a free-school. This place, not to mention the private houses, is beautify'd on all sides with publick and stately buildings. On one side with a Collegiate Church call'd Gaunts, from its founder Sir Henry Gaunt Knight, who quitting the affairs of this world, here dedicated himself to God; now by the munificence of T. Carre a wealthy citizen, it is converted into a Hospital for Orphans. On the other side over against it, are two Churches dedica∣ted to St. Austin; the one but small and a Parish-Church; the other larger, and the Bishop's Cathedral, adorn'd by King Henry 8. with six Prebendaries. Now the greatest part of it is pull'd down, and the College gate, which indeed is curiously built, has this Inscription,

REX HENRICVS II. ET DOMINVS RO∣BERTVS FILIVS HARDINGI FILII RE∣GIS DACIAE, HVIVS MONASTERII PRI∣MI FVNDATORES EXTITERVNT.

That is,

King Henry 2. and Lord Robert, the son of Harding, son to the King of Denmark, were the first foun∣ders of this Monastery.

This Robert,42 1.171 Harding's son, of the blood-ro••al of Denmark, was an Alderman of Bristol, and was so great with King Henry43 1.172, that by his favour Mau∣rice his son marry'd the daughter of the Lord de Bark∣ley: from whence his posterity,* 1.173 who flourish'd in great state, are to this day call'd Barons of Barkley;* 1.174 some whereof are bury'd in this Church [aa].

From hence where the Avon runs, are high rocks on both sides the river, as if Nature had industriously

design'd them. One of these, which hangs over the river on the east-side, is call'd S. Vincent's, and is so stock'd with Diamonds,* 1.175 that one may get whole bushels of them. But the great plenty lessens their true value among us: for besides that, by their transparency they even vie with those from the Indies, they do not yield to them in any respect save hardness: but their being smooth'd and fil'd by nature into six or four corners, does, in my mind, render them more admirable [bb]. The other rock on the western bank is likewise full of Diamonds, which by a wonderful artifice of nature are contain'd in hollow reddish flints (for the ground here is red,) as if they were big with young. The Avon, after it has pass'd by these rocks, is at last with a full chan∣nel unloaded into the Severn-Aestuary [cc].

It remains now, that I reckon up the Earls and Dukes of this County of Somerset.* 1.176 The first Earl of Somerset is said to have been William de Mohun or Moion, the same probably thatb 1.177 Maud the Empress in her Charter whereby she created William de Mandevil Earl of Essex, makes use of as a witness under the name of Comes W. de Moion, i.e. Earl W. de Moion. From this time there occurs no distinct mention of the Earls of Somerset, unless it be in this Rescript of King Hen. 3.* 1.178 to Peter de Mawley, which I will set down, in order to incite others to spend their judgments up∣on it. Know ye that we have receiv'd the homage of our belov'd Uncle William Earl of Sarum, for all the lands which he holds of us, especially for the County of Somerset, which we have given to him with all the Appurtenances for homage and service, reserving still to our selves the Royalties: and therefore we command you that you grant him a full seisin of the said County with all it's Appurtenances, and for the future not to intermeddle with any thing belonging to the said County, &c. And we charge all our Earls, Barons, Knights, and Free∣tenents of the County of Somerset, that they pay Fe∣alty and Homage to the said Earl, with reserve on∣ly of fidelity to the King; and that for the future they be obedient and answerable to him as their Lord. Whether one may from hence conclude that he was Earl of Somerset, as also of Devonshire (for he writ too in the same words to Robert Courtney concern∣ing this William,) I leave to the judgment of others. Under this Henry 3. (as we read in a Book in French belonging to the family of the Mohuns Knights) 'tis said that Pope Innocent on a solemn festival made Reginald Mohun Earl of Este, i.e. (as our Author in∣terprets it) of Somerset, delivering him a golden Rose, and granting an annual pension to be paid yearly at the altar of S. Paul's in London. So that this man seems not so much to have been properly Earl, as Apostolical Earl;* 1.179 for so such were term'd in that age, who were created by the Pope, (as those created by the Emperour, Imperial Earls) having a power of licensing Notaries and Scribes, making Ba∣stards legitimate, &c. under some certain conditi∣ons. A considerable time after, John de Beaufort, natural son to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster by Catharine Swinford,* 1.180 (being with his brothers and sister made legitimate by K. Richard 2. by the assent of Parliament,) was advanc'd to the honour of Earl of Somerset, and afterwards created Marquess of Dorset; but was presently depriv'd of that ho∣nour by Henry 4. and had only the title of Somerset left him. He had three sons, Henry Earl of Somer∣set, who dy'd young; John, created by K. Henry 5. first Duke of Somerset, who had an only daughter Margaret, mother to K. Henry 7. and Edmund, who succeeded his brother in the Dukedom, and was for some time Regent of France. But being recall'd, he was accus'd of having lost Normandy, upon which account he suffer'd many indignities from the peo∣ple; and in that lamentable war between the two houses of Lancaster and York, was slain in the first battle of S. Albans. Henry his son succeeded him, who being a time-server, and one while siding with the house of York, another with the house of Lan∣caster, was by the York-party taken prisoner in the battle of Hexam, and had his levity punish d with the loss of his head. And his brother Edmund who succeeded him in this honour, the last Duke of So∣merset of this family, after the defeat of the Lanca∣strian party at Tewksbury, was dragg'd, being all over blood, out of the Church wherein he had taken Sanctuary, and beheaded. The legitimate heirs male of this family being thus extinct, first Henry 7. honour'd Edmund his young son with this title, who soon after dy'd: and next, Henry 8. his natural son Henry Fitz-Roy; who dying without issue, Edward 6. invested44 1.181 Ed∣ward de Sancto Mauro, commonly call'd Seimor, with the same; who being full of Honours, and (as it were) loaded with Titles (for he was Duke of So∣merset, Earl of Hertford, Viscount Beauchamp, Baron of S. Maur, Uncle to the King, Governour to the King, Pro∣tector of his Kingdoms, Dominions, and Subjects, Lieute∣nant of his forces by sea and land, Treasurer and Earl Marshall of England, Governour of the Islands of Guernsey and Jarsey, &c.) was, as if he had been fortunes foot-ball45 1.182, on a sudden thrown down, for but a slight crime, and that too contriv'd by the treachery of his enemies; and depriv'd of his honours and life together.

There are reckon'd in this County 385 Parishes.

ADDITIONS to SOMERSETSHIRE.

[A] THE general account our Author has given of the Belgae, tho' it may in some measure be true, namely, that they liv'd in part of Hamshire and the south part of Wiltshire; yet by assigning all Wiltshire and this County of Somerset, to that people, he may seem to have extended their bounds too far. And the learned world would do well to consider whether North-Wiltshire and all Somersetshire, might not be as fairly bestow'd upon the Cangi, a people mention'd by* 1.183 Tacitus. 'Tis an opinion fa∣vour'd by Mr. Tanner, who has made great search as into Antiquities in general, so particularly into the affairs of those parts. And truly not without pro∣bable grounds: for besides what Camden himself has urg'd to strengthen the conjecture, as the Triumphal Arch found here, erected to the honour of Claudius Caesar, in whose time these Cangi were subdu'd; and the resemblance of the name in Cannington and Cannings Hundreds, and the towns of Wine-caunton and Cainsham: if we consider two or three reasons more, it will appear a little strange why Mr. Cam∣den should recant, and upon second thoughts place the Cangi in Cheshire.

For, 1. The whole course of Ostorius's march may seem to convince us that the Cangi liv'd in this part of the Island; especially if the Iceni may upon the authority and reasons of a late* 1.184 Author, be brought to those parts where the Ikenild-street pass'd. After he had quell'd the Iceni, he immediately march'd against the Cangi; but before he had finish'd his Conquests over them, the commotions of the Brigantes re∣quir'd his presence in their Country; retraxêre ducem, saith the Historian: now if the Cangi had inhabited Cheshire, they had almost laid in his way to the Bri∣gantes, who therefore could not be said retrahere du∣cem. But after they were subdu'd, he comes back, and settles a Colony at Camulodunum, which (if the resemblance of the name, the nature of the place, and all the signs of a Roman station be of any force) we may place at† 1.185 Camalet in this County. Besides,

it must needs be in those parts, because the Romans march'd from thence to subdue the Silures, from whom they march'd against the Ordovices. And can we imagine that any prudent General (as Osto∣rius no doubt was) would harrass his Souldiers with such a needless march as from Cheshire or Staffordshire into South-Wales, and so leave enemies behind him in North-Wales; into which they would first have bended their course, if Camulodunum had been so near it, as* 1.186 some endeavour to prove. 2. Lipsius's conjecture of reading instead of the Cenimagni of Caesar, Iceni, Cangi, confirms this opinion; for if that be allow'd, then from Caesar's own words those Iceni and Cangi must be plac'd in the south parts of Britain, near the Bibroci (in Barkshire,) and the Segontiaci (in Hamshire;) so that the share of the Cangi will in all probability fall in North-Wiltshire and Somersetshire. 3. The memory of those people preserv'd in several names of places besides those mention'd by Camden. Such are, Caningan-maersces in the Saxon Chronicle; which are undoubtedly the marshes in Somersetshire. In Wiltshire there is the Hundred of Canings, and in it a town of the same name call'd in old Writings Caningas; as in another Hundred is Alcannings (as much possibly as old, or old Cannings.) And that ancient town of Caln (espe∣cially if spell'd as we find it in Domesday, Cauna, or as at this day, Caun) seems to retain something of the name. 4. Why may not the Severn-sea be that which Tacitus says looks towards Ireland, near which the Cangi liv'd; and Avon in those parts, the Antona of Tacitus, on the banks whereof Ostorius, before the rebellion broke out, had made several garrisons? And thus much of the ancient Inhabitants.

[a] This County of Somerset was by our Saxon Fore-fathers call'd Sumursaetescyre, and the inhabi∣tants of it, Sumursaetas, Sumorsaete, and Sumaer∣saetas. The letter (o) in the first Syllable was brought in by later Writers; as it has likewise into the principal town Somerton, which by the Saxons was call'd Sumurton, and by some of the more ear∣ly Historians Sumerton.

* 1.187[b] Upon the coast of the Severn-sea lye Por∣lock and Watchet, two ports famous in the times of the Saxons; which our Author tells us, An. 886. suffer'd much from the Danes.* 1.188 Watchet in the year 997. was again harrass'd by them, and amongst the rest of the neighbours in those westerly parts, suffer'd whatever fire and sword could inflict. Porlock was the place where Harold landed from Ireland, (An. 1052.) who being oppos'd by the inhabitants and neighbouring people, slew great numbers of them, and carry'd off a large booty.

More eastward from hence, at some distance from the sea,* 1.189 is Cannington, at or about which place, in the year 1010, the Danes so much practis'd their old trade of burning and plunder. The present name agrees well enough with the old* 1.190 Canin∣gan, and the situation of it, with the marches of that army. Nor does the maersces (the marshes) which is added to it, less confirm the opinion, if Mr. Camden's character of the whole County be true, that it is (especially in the winter) extreme wet and fenny. I had once thought this the Marshes in Kent, and that Caningan was an errour of the Li∣brarians for Centingan; but upon examining the course of their journey, the mistake appear'd.

[c] Leaving the sea-coast, our next direction is the river Ivel; near which is Camalet, mention'd by Mr. Camden as a place of great Antiquity.* 1.191 The hill is a mile in compass at the top, four trenches cir∣cling it, and between each of them an earthen wall. In the very top of the hill is an Area of 20 acres or more, where in several places, as Leland observes, might be seen the foundations of walls. And there was much dusky blew stone, which the people of the adjoyning villages had in his time carry'd away. Beside the coyns, Stow tells us of a silver horse-shoe there digg'd up in the memory of that age; and Le∣land describes it in a kind of extasie; Good Lord (says he) what deep ditches, what high walls, what precipices are here! In short, I look upon it as a very great wonder both of Art and Nature.

[d] Not far from hence is North-Cadbury,* 1.192 which our Author tells us came into the family of the Bo∣tereauxs by the marriage of Isabella daughter of John de Moels. It continu'd in the said family till the death of William the late Lord Botereaux, who dying 2 Ed. 4. without issue-male, this Lordship with a very great inheritance descended to Margaret his daughter and sole heir, marry'd to Robert Lord Hungerford, from whom it descended to Mary Lady Hungerford their great Grand-daughter, who was marry'd to Edward Lord Hastings and Hungerford, father to George the first of that sirname Earl of Huntingdon; in which family it continu'd to the reign of James 1. that Sir Francis Hastings, younger son to Francis Earl of Huntingdon being possess'd of the same, and having no children, did alienate it.

[e] Ivel continuing it's course towards the sea, joyns with the river Parret, which a little more northward is encreas d by the Thone. Near the head of this, stands Orchard,* 1.193 formerly the inheritance of the Portmans. But now that family being extinct in the late Sir William Portman, he has left it to his Cousin-german by the mother's side Mr. Henry Sey∣mour, who now enjoys it, and has his residence there.

[ee] Upon the Parret stands Bridgwater,* 1.194 the Earl whereof Henry Daubeny dying without issue-male, this title lay dead till the 15 of Jac. 1. when it was conferr'd upon John Egerton, Baron of Ellesmere, Vis∣count Brackley, and son to the Lord Chancellor Eger∣ton. He was succeeded by his son John, and this John by a son of the same name.

[f] From hence let us go along with Mr. Cam∣den north-west to Glassenbury,* 1.195 where amongst other curiosities he mentions the budding of a Hawthorn-tree on Christmas-day. The tree has been cut down these many years; yet there are some still growing in the County from branches of that; as particu∣larly, one in the garden of William Stroud Esq pos∣sessor of the ground where the other stood; ano∣ther in the garden of the White-hart Inn, in Glas∣senbury.

[g] Farther northward are Mendippe-hills,* 1.196 famous for the lead-mines; free for any English-man to work in, except he has forfeited his right by stealing any of the oar or tools of the others. And their law or custom in that case is very remarkable. The Groviers (for so the Miners are call'd, as the pits they sink are call'd Groves) living at some distance leave their tools, and the oar they have got some∣times open upon the hill, or at best shut up in a slight hutt. Whoever amongst them steals any thing, and is found guilty, is thus punish'd: He's shut up in a hutt, and then dry fearn, furzes, and such other combustible matter is put round it, and fire set to it. When 'tis on fire, the Criminal who has his hands and feet at liberty, may with them (if he can) break down his hutt, and making himself a passage out of it, get free and be gone; but must ne∣ver come to work, or have to do any more on the hill. This they call Burning of the hill. There is lead also dug on Broadwell-down,* 1.197 and other parts thereabouts, lying between Wrinton and Backwell. About the west-end of Mendippe-hills is found plenty of Lapis Calaminaris, lying near the surface of the earth. This calcin'd and mix'd with copper, makes brass. Here are also some veins of Magnesia or Man∣gonesse, and of Yellow Oker.

[h] In those hills is Ochie-hole, otherwise call'd Wockey-hole;* 1.198 which latter is certainly the right, com∣ing from ƿoc, which does not imply any hollowness, as† 1.199 Selden would have it, for that is express'd by hole; but signifies crooked, or (as he also observes) creeky; not but that ƿoc might come from the Bri∣tish Ogo; so that Camden's conjecture may be perti∣nent enough. The inhabitants have broach'd strange and extravagant fables concerning this cave: pas∣sing by those as impertinent, the place is in it self so remarkable, as very well to deserve our notice. From a very narrow entrance it opens into a large vault, the roof whereof (either for it's height or the thickness of the air) they who go in cannot dis∣cover by the light of candles they carry with

them. After having clamber'd over several rough and unequal passages amongst the moist rocks, you come at last to a stream of very clear cold water. In seve∣ral places of this Cave, one may see that the drop∣pings of water encrease the rock, and turn into stone in some places hanging down like icicles.

[i] Amongst those hills is Chuton,* 1.200 famous for the seat of William Bonvill, who lies interr'd with his La∣dy in the Chancel at Chuton. It is now the Mannour as well as title of the present Lord Waldgrave, whose father, by K. James 2. was created Baron Waldgrave of Chuton.

Towards the north is Chue Magna or Bishops-Chue,* 1.201 where is dug up a red bolus, call'd by the country-people Reding, from thence distributed all over Eng∣land for the marking of sheep, and such other uses: it is also often us'd by Apothecaries instead of Bolus Armenus.

A mile east from Chue-Magna, on the south-side of the river Chue, lies Stanton-Drew,* 1.202 * 1.203 where is to be seen a monument of stones like those of Stone-henge in Wiltshire: but these being not altogether so big as the Stone-henge ones, nor standing in so clear a plain, the hedges and trees mix'd amongst them have made them less taken notice of.

Two miles south of Stanton Drew, at Stowey,* 1.204 on the side of the hill above the Church, rises a large spring that is never dry. The water coming from thence as it runs down through Stowey, covers the things it meets in it's way with a stony crust. This effect it has not in the very source, nor within 20 yards where it rises: the place where it works most, is about forty or fifty yards from the rising, at a fall higher than a man's head. There it sheaths every thing with stony cases, and makes the sides of the bank hard rock; and from thence all along it's stream, it covers sticks, &c. with a crust. See a larger description of it in a letter from Mr. Lock, inserted in Boyle's Hist. of the Air, pag. 140.

[k] Returning southward over Mendippe hills, we meet with Wells,* 1.205 where our Author tells us was a Bishop's seat, till John de Villula in the time of King Hen. 1. removing it to Bath, the Bishops were call'd Bishops of Bathe and Wells. But it is observable, that almost 200 years after John, the Bishops were only call'd Bishops of Bathe, and sometimes of Glaston, but not of Wells. So that our Author affirming after∣wards when he comes to Bathe, that this John did re∣tinere Wellensis Episcopi nomen, i.e. still keep the title of Bishop of Wells, must needs be in a vulgar error. For Bishop Godwin, in his English Tract of the Bi∣shops, expresly says, that he renounc'd that title of Wells when he came to Bathe. And Dr. Guidott, in his accurate history of Bathe (which is now ready for the press) proves the same by subscription and nomination to that time.

The Bishop's palace, our Author informs us, was encompass'd with a wall by Raulph of Shrowsbery. But this was certainly done by Ralph Erghum (the fourth Bishop after Shrowsbery) who finish'd this work and his life together, 10. Apr. A. D. 1400. whereas Shrowsbery dy'd 14 Aug. An. 1336. The truth of this (as Dr. Guidott informs us) is evident from a Record made by a Monk of Bath who liv'd at the same time, and not long after in a Menology to the 10. of April writ as follows: Obiit Dominus Radulphus Episcopus Bathon. & Well. isto die Sabbati; qui vallavit muris & fossis palatium Episcopi apud Wells, & jacet ibi∣dem, Anno Dom. MCCCC. litera Dominicali C. i.e. On that Sabbath dy'd Ralph Bishop of Bath and Wells, who made a wall and a trench about the Bishop's Pa∣lace at Wells, where he lies bury'd, A. D. MCCCC. the Dominical Letter C. This Book was writ by the Monk, An. 1428.

[m] As to the Market-place which Mr. Camden takes notice of, it is commonly call'd The Cross; and beside that, there has been built a fair market-house of late years between the said Cross, and the gate which leads to the palace.

West of Wells, just under Mendippe-hills, lies Cheddar,* 1.206 famous for the excellent and prodigious great Cheeses made there, some of which require more than one man's strength to set them on the table. Above this place is a gap as it were cut into the hill, which af∣fords a narrow passage for travellers between, and has stupendous high rocks on both sides; famous in this Country under the name of Cheddar Cliffs.* 1.207 At the foot of these rocks rise a great and clear spring, which within a quarter of a mile of the source drives 12 mills.

[n] From Wells let us pass to Bath,* 1.208 famous for it's Waters; in describing of which, our Author, for want of due information, seems to have fell into an error. He tells us, that from eight in the morning till three in the afternoon, they are so filthy, that no body goes in. And* 1.209 Selden is drawn into the mi∣stake, delivering Mr. Camden's sense in other words. How it might be in their times, I dare not positive∣ly determine; but 'tis certainly known as well to the Inhabitants as others who go there, that the bath may be enter d without danger at any time; and in the hot weather when the scum arises, the guides of the bath must take some time to cleanse the water, (which they generally do at their coming in;) and many bathers are in the morning in bath till dinner-time, without any prejudice from the scum.

[o] The distances of the baths, and number of seats, are different from that account our Author has left us. At the Cross-bath there are 16 arches of stone for seats. Betwixt Cross bath and Hot-bath are not 200 feet (as Mr. Camden,) nor full 60, but upon an exact measure 58 and a half. In the King's-bath there are but 28 seats arcuati operis, as he calls them, i.e. arched: there are indeed other stone-benches set there on purpose to sit upon.

[p] As for the time of it's being besieg'd by the Saxons, it could not be about 44 years after their co∣ming over. That siege was laid An. 520. which is 69 years from their landing, according to Bede's ac∣count; or if we take Mr. Camden's state of the case to be right, and fix their entrance in 428. it will amount to 92 years, which is yet farther off.

[q] when this place took the name of Akmance∣ster, cannot be precisely determin'd; but probably long after it's surrender to Ceawlin. Dr. Guidot (who has taken great pains in searching into the Antiqui∣ties of this place) is of opinion it could not be till the time of K. Alfred, An. 880. but is rather inclin'd to believe it 50 years after, near the year 930. in the time of Athelstan.

[r] For the founder of the Monastery there in 676. there is no such person as Osbrick about that time. His name seems to have been Osrick or Osricus, not he of that name who was King of Northumberland, but Wicciorum Regulus, a petty King of the Wiccians. And as for the new Church arising out of the ruines of this and Offa's Church, after the Danish War; the learned Doctor, upon a most accurate search into the records of the place, finds, that the Church where∣in Edgar was crown'd, was the very building rais'd by Offa, which stood some years after. And after Offa's time there was no new Church built till the year 1010. when Elphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, founded one.

[s] Our Author observes, that Oliver King built here a stately Church. 'Tis probable, that in me∣mory of him these two verses were engraven, which are to be seen still on the west end of this Church.

The trees goeing to cheese a King, Said be to us thou Oliver King.

As for the Inscriptions, tho' they are pretty accu∣rate, yet I think we may venture to say, they are not altogether free from mistakes; and that upon the authority of a person, who has not only actually view'd them, but spent also a considerable time upon a History of the place.

In the first, which begins C. MVRRIVS, and the third line, between the P. F. and IVLI. there ought to be a pretty large breach of about 4 or 5 Letters, which I think one cannot better supply, than by reading it MANIPULI; not only because 'tis most agreeable both to the sense, and the space of that de∣fect which appears in the stone; but also because the initial I of Mr. Camden's IVLI has so much of a turning joyn'd to the upper part, as plainly shews it

to have been design'd for a P. The F before it will rather bear the interpretation of Fidelis than Felicis (as our Author has it,) the former seeming more agreeable to the character of a Soldier, especially one who had no eminent Post, and so could not be any way remarkable for his conduct. In the 4th line the N in AN. is doubl'd. The last letter E is not now in the stone, being swallow'd up probably in a fissure crossing it.

In the second, which begins DIS. MANIBUS. and the third line, what our Author makes POL. from the sense of the Inscription, is undoubtedly FIL. In the stone, the F is close joyn'd to the I. which makes it at first look something like a P. The EA∣TINUS is LATINUS, and the cause of the mistake appears to have been two little strokes in the upper part of the L, which in the stone has this shape

[illustration]

The first syllable of the fourth line is contracted in this manner

[illustration] engraving of L

. and the AUG. thus

[illustration]

. In the 4th line instead of XXX we are to read XXXV. the V being plainly link'd with a branch of the last X. and instead of X is to be put XX.

In the third, which begins DEC. COLONIAE. the last part of this word appears thus in the stone

[illustration]

the space being occasion'd by a hole which has straitn'd the O. In the second line, the IT in VIXIT is express'd thus

[illustration]

. and between the LXXX and VI is something much like a Q, but of a size less than the other Letters. The Inscription when entire did probably consist of 4 lines at least.

In the fourth, the NI in PETRONIAE is thus contracted

[illustration]

. In the third line ANN. III. not IIII. and in the fourth D. IX. instead of D. XV. the V being joyn'd to what Mr. Camden calls EPO. instead of V

[illustration]

O. i.e. VETRO or VETERO. So that VETROMVLVS or VETEROMVLVS was pro∣bably the Father's name. The ET is express'd as in VETRO, and the TI as IT in VIXIT in the second Inscription, only without the stroke through the mid∣dle: but that word is VICTISARINA. not (as our Author has it) VICTISIRANA.

[ss] William, the last Earl of this place, which our Author mentions,* 1.210 dying 12 Jul. 1623. left this ho∣nour to Edward his only son then living, who having no issue-male that surviv'd him, the title, upon his death, came to Sir Henry Bourchier, as son to Sir George Bourchier (who was third son to John, the second of that name, Earl of Bathe.) This Henry dying with∣out issue, An. 1654. the title lay vacant till K. Ch. 2.'s restoration when, among other honors, it was conferr'd upon John Grenevil, for his eminent Services to that King, and his being particularly instrumental in bringing about that happy change.

The soil for some miles about Bathe, especially to the westward, as at Coston, and thereabouts, is so very sto∣ny, that when 'tis newly plough'd, one would rather take the ridges for so many pitch'd Causeys to walk on, than for a plough'd land to sow corn in; so little of earth is to be seen among those bare stones the plough∣share turns up. Yet here they have as good wheat as any in England; tho', perhaps, not altogether so much on an acre as in deeper land. The Country-men attribute these large crops mostly to the stones; and if those were carry'd off, the earth left upon the hard rock would be so little, that it would not cover their corn; and so light, that the wind would blow it away.

[t] Between Bathe and Bristol, a little river runs into the Avon,* 1.211 upon which is Stanton-drew, whereof the latter part might seem to point out some relation to the old Druids, but that Drew is the name of an ancient family in the western parts; and the monu∣ment there, call'd the Wedding, would strengthen such a conjecture. The occasion of the name Wed∣ding, is a tradition which passes among the common people, That a Bride going to be married, she and the rest of the company were chang'd into these stones. They are in a circular form, 5 or 6 foot high; and the whole monument is bigger than Stonehenge, the Dia∣meter here being 90 paces; tho' no appearance of a ditch.

Returning to the river Avon, we come to Cainsham (rather Keynesham* 1.212) call'd so from the Virgin Keina, of whose family the Keynes of this County (some whereof are still living) affirm themselves des••ended. But whereas Mr. Camden affirms he saw a stone like a serpent brought from hence with a head, it is a mistake; for all our Naturalists now agree, that such stones are form'd in Nautili shells, and that there are no heads belonging to them. Indeed, ma∣ny of them have rough and broken pieces of stone issuing from them beyond the moulded wreath at the broad end; which may have led some to ima∣gine that those pieces were imperfect heads; but re∣ally they are not so. Such kind of snake-stones of all sizes from above a foot, to an inch or two diameter, are found frequently in their quarries.

[w] Between this place and Bristol, upon the Avon, is Bristleton,* 1.213 abounding in the same sort of cole that are brought from New-castle. From Bri∣stleton in several places of the adjacent Country as far as Stratton and Mendippe-hills, as also Northward in Glocestershire, are found veins of this cole, which afford a strong and cheap firing to all those parts. These veins of Cole are cover'd with a shell of a black hard stony substance, call'd wark, which will split like blue slat, but is much more brittle, and not by much so hard. Upon dividing this Wark there is often sound upon one of the separated surfaces the perfect shape of a fern leaf, as if it had by a skilful hand been en∣graven; which as an exact mould or case, receives the protuberant figure of the like leaf standing out on the other.

[x] Next, the Avon runs to Bristol,* 1.214 eminent for it's Goutes or subterraneous vaults; by reason of which, they draw all things on sledges, for fear the shaking of cart-wheels should loosen these arches.

[y] About the Conqueror's time they paid thirty three marks, and one mark of gold to Bishop G. Who this Bishop was, is not express'd in Domesday, nor any more than the bare initial either of his name or See. If we durst say that G. were instead of an S. (for those two letters are not unlike) Sherborn or Salisbury (un∣der whose jurisdiction it seems to have formerly been) would solve the difficulty; but if that will not do, I find none of the Bishop's names about that time begin∣ning with G. If we preserve the reading, Glevum or Glocester offers it self fairest; which tho' annex'd at times to Lichfield and Worcester, seems notwithstand∣ing to have had the title of a Bishop's See.

[z] As for the place's being fortified by Robert Bishop of Constance, it is a mistake for Geofry, as appears from Bishop Godwyn in his Catalogue of Bi∣shops, under the title Exon. And Osborn in his Chro∣nicon Juridiciale, at the year 1072. tells us, that Geo∣frey Bishop of Constance was the Chief Justiciary of England in that notable cause between Lanfranck Archbishop of Canterbury, and Odo Bishop of Bayeux. 'Tis possible the name of Mowbrey Earl of Northum∣berland, who was nephew to the Bishop, and his name Robert, might lead our Author into an error.

[aa] The castle which our Author tells us was built here by Robert Rufus Consul of Glocester, is now quite demolish'd and built into a street.

[aaa] The honour of this place has been encreas'd by giving the title of Earl to John Lord Digby of Shir∣burn, created 20 Jac. 1. to whom succeeded in the same honour George his son, and John his grandson.

[bb] Mr. Camden makes the Diamonds of S. Vin∣cent's rock admirable for th••ir six corners; but if we may trust our Naturalists, they assure us that 'tis not worthy of admiration, since very often Crystals, and Berills, and even sometimes your common Sparrs, in many parts of England as well as elsewhere, are of that figure.

[cc] And thus Avon passes into the Severn-sea; tho' before we leave it, it may not be improper to ob∣serve, that it furnishes Bristol (at the vernal equinox or then abouts) with a dish perhaps not to be met with elsewhere, which they call Elvers.* 1.215 Some time in the spring, the river about Cainsham is yearly cover'd

over and colour'd black with millions of little eels scarce so big as a goose quill, tho' some would have them a particular species. These with small nets they skim up in great numbers, and by a particular way of ordering them, make them skower off their skins. Being thus stripp'd, and looking very white, they make them up into little Cakes, which they fry, and so eat.

Continuation of the DUKES.

By the attainder of Edward Duke of Somerset, that title lay vacant for a long time; only Sir Robert Carr, Knight of the Bath, was by the favour of King James 1. created Earl of Somerset; who falling under disgrace upon the account of Sir Thomas Over∣bury's death, and having only a daughter, that ho∣nour was at an end. Upon the restoration of King Charles 2. William Seymour, Marquess of Hertford, was for his eminent services restor'd to the title of Duke of Somerset, and was succeeded by William, grandchild by Henry his third son, William and Robert the two elder brothers dying unmarry'd. William dy'd unmarry'd, and had for his successor John Lord Seymour his Un∣cle, who dy'd without issue. Whereupon, this title was devolv'd upon Sir Francis Seymour, the third son to Edward Lord Beauchamp, son and heir to Edward Earl of Hertford: whose posterity now enjoys it.

More rare Plants growing wild in Somersetshire.

Aria Theophrasti Ger. Alni effigie lanato folio ma∣jor C. B. Sorbus Alpina J. B. Sorbus sylvestris, Aria Theophrasti dicta Park. White-Beam-tree. On the rocks over against St. Vincent's rock near Bristol, and in many other places on hilly and rocky grounds among other shrubs and trees.

Asplenium sive Ceterach J. B. Ger. Park. Asple∣nium sive scolopendra, Ceterach Officinarum C. B. Ceterach, Spleenwort, Miltwast. On the stone walls about Bristol, plentifully.

Carduus tomentosus Anglicus Lob. Ad. Park. English woody-headed Thistle. Observ'd by Lobel in many barren fields of this County, particularly near one Mr. Saintloo's house. This plant is without doubt the same with Car∣duus tomentosus, Corona fratrum dictus of Parkinson. Carduus capite tomentoso of J. B. eriocephalus Ger. emac. capite rotundo tomentoso C.B. And so C. Bauhine and Parkinson deceived by Lobel, who in his Icons gives two figures of the same Thistle, make two species of one. This is found in several other Counties of England, but not very frequent.

Cistus humilis Alpinus durior, Polii nostratis folio candicante Plukenet. Phytograph. Tab. 22. Dwarf Cistus or Sunflower with Poley-mountain leaves. Found by Dr. Plukenet on Brent downs in this County, near the Severn-sea.

Colchicum commune C. B. Anglicum purpureum Park. Ger. Colchicum J. B Meadow Saffron. In some meadows about Bath. It is also found in many meadows in Glocester and Worcester shires, and elsewhere in the West of England.

Equisetum sive Hippuris lacustris foliis mansu are∣nosis. On a bog by Smochall a wood nigh Bath. Phyt. Brit. See the Synonyma in the Kentish Catalogue.

Ferrum equinum Germanicum siliquis in summitate C. B. Ger. emac. equinum comosum Park. Ornitho∣podio affinis, vel potiùs Soleae aut Ferro equino her∣ba J. B. Tufted Horseshee-vetch. On the hills about Bath, and between Bath and Marleborough. Phyt. Brit.

Hedera terrestris faxatilis Lobelii Park. p. 677. Sa••∣atilis Ger. emac. saxat. magno flo••e C. B. Asarina aut Hederula faxatilis Lob. item Asa••ina sterilis Savenae & Narbonensis agri ejusdem. Stone Alehoof. In some places of Somersetshire, as Parkinson saith, he found it quoted among Lobel's papers which came to his hands. I do not much rely upon Lobel's memory as to the places of plants, and fear there will be no such herb found in this Country; yet for the authority of so great a Botanist, I would not omit it.

Lunaria minor Ger. Park. botrytis J. B. racemosa minor vel vulgaris C. B. Moonwort. About the Bath, especially at a place call'd Carey, two miles from Bruiton, in the next close to the Church-yard. Ger. p. 406. Scarce a County in England but this plant may somewhere or other be found in it; yet because it is not common, and the knowledge of it desired by many, I thought fit to mention a particular place for it, but upon Gerard's authority, not my own knowledge.

Ornithogalum angustifolium majus, floribus ex al∣bo virescentibus C. B. Asphodelus bulbosus Ger. bul∣bosus Galeni, seu Ornithog. majus flore subvirescente Park. Asphodelus bulbosus Dodonaei, seu Ornithoga∣lum spicatum flore virente J. B. Spiked Star of Beth∣lehem with a greenish flower. Observed by Thomas Willi∣sel on a hill three miles on this side Bristol in the way to Bath. It may be the same place mention'd with that in Phyt. Brit. viz. in the way between Bath and Bradford, not far from little Ashley.

Polygonum maritimum longiùs radicatum nostras, Serpylli folio circinato crasso nitente, fortè Polygo∣num lentifolium C. B. 282. & Prod. 131. Polygonum minus Monspeliense Park. 446. Found by Dr. Plukenet on the Severn shore near Weston super mare.

Polygonatum Hellebori albi folio, caule purpu∣rascente D. Bobert. Solomon's seal with white Hellebore-leaves and a purplish stalk. In the woods on the north-side of Mendip-hills.

Rapunculus Corniculatus montanus Ger. flore glo∣boso purpureo J. B. folio oblongo, spica orbiculari C. B. Alopecuroides orbiculatus Park. Horned Rampi∣ons. Between Selbury hill and Beacon hill in the way to Bath. Phyt. Brit. Upon the credit of which book I do not at all rely: only because the place makes it probable, I have put it down.

Scorodoprassum primum Clusii Ger. ••mac. Allium Sphaericeo capite, folio latiore, sive Scorodoprassum alterum C. B. Great round-headed Garlick of the Holms island. Found growing plentifully there by Mr. Newton.

Vermicularis frutex minor Ger. fruticosa altera Park. Sedum minus fruticosum C. B. An Calispecies seu vermicularis marina arborescens J. B. Shrub stone-crop or Glass-wort. Found on the Holms islands in the Severn sea by Lobel plentifully.

Vicia sylvatica multiflora maxima P. B. perennis multiflora spicata major Moris. hist. Great-tufted wood-vetch. In a wood nigh Bath. Phyt. Brit. This is also found in many places in the North and West parts of Eng∣land.

Virga aurea maxima radice repente D. Bebert. au∣rea serrata latifolia C. B. aurea serratis soliis Park. aurea Arnoldi Villa-novani Ger. emac. aurea sive soli∣dago Saracenica latifolia serrata J. B. Broad-leaved indented Golden-rod. Found plentifully by the side of a small river between Wells and Glastenbury, by Mr. Bobert.

[illustration] map of Wiltshire

WILT SHIRE By Rob^t. Morden.

Notes

• 1 1.1

  And yet not without stony hills.
• 2 1.2

  In the very first limit of the shire westward, where Ex riseth in a solitary and hilly moor, first appeareth Dulverton, a silly market, according to the soil; and near unto it was a small Religious house of Black Chanons at Barelinch, who in later times ac∣knowledged the Fettiplaces their founders.
• * 1.3

  ••ck. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.4

  ••••or.
• * 1.5

  ••••amily ••e Mo∣•••••••• or ••••••••ns.
• * 1.6

  Compa∣scuus ager.
• * 1.7

  S. Decuma∣nus.
• 3 1.8

  And between those Clivers was an old Abby of White Monks, founded by William de Romara, Cosin to the Earl of Lincoln.
• * 1.9

  Family of the Curcies.
• * 1.10

  John de Curcy.
• * 1.11

  The aestu∣ary of U∣zella.
• 4 1.12

  Which rose by the decay of Ilchester.
• * 1.13

  Camalet.
• a 1.14

  See Stow's Annals, p. 60. Drayton's Polyolb. p. 54.
• 5 1.15

  And there appear about the hill five or six ditches, so steep, that a man shall sooner slide down, than go down.
• 5 1.16

  Hereby are two towns, West-Camelet and East-Camelet, or Queens Camelet, happily for that it had been in dowry to some Queen.
• * 1.17

  Cadbury.
• b 1.18

  A funeral Inscription upon the Northern Wall of St. Margaret's Westminster mentions one John Mulys of Halmston in Devoushire, familiâ oriun∣dum sui nominis quae insignita erat olim titulo de North-Cadbury.
• * 1.19

  Moeles.
• 6 1.20

  Here to digress aside from the river Ivel, Wine-caunton, no mean market, is neighbour to this North Cadbury, and near thereunto is Pen, &c. Here Holland has inserted the same account that Camden afterwards gives of Pen.
• * 1.21

  Ischalis.
• * 1.22

  Jvelchester.
• bb 1.23

  This town (as Leland says) is one of the most ancient in all that quar∣ter, has had 4 Parish-Churches, whereof two had the ruines standing in his time, the third was quite demol••sh'd, and one us'd. Itinerar. Vol. 2.
• 7 1.24

  And two towers upon the bridge.
• 8 1.25

  By Langpout a proper market-town.
• * 1.26

  Michelney.
• * 1.27

  Pedred riv.
• * 1.28

  Pedderton.
• * 1.29

  Montacute in Domes∣day Monta∣gud.
• † 1.30

  If Leland be Mr. Camden's authority for this, he freely declares he had it only by hear-say.
• * 1.31

  In the Copy of Leland, which I had, it is Logaresburch, and 'tis probable Mr. Camden had it from him.
• * 1.32

  Annals of Glassenbu∣ry.
• c 1.33

  His grandson Sir Edward Philips is still living.
• * 1.34

  Lords of Montacute.
• * 1.35

  Juvene.
• * 1.36

  turb••••••••
• d 1.37

  It still continues in the same family; and the honour is at present enjoy'd by Francis Viscount Mountague.
• 9 1.38

  And here I must not forget Preston, sometime the seat of John Sturton, younger son to the first Lord Struton, one of whose heirs was marry'd to Sidenham of Brimston thereby.
• * 1.39

  Odcom••••
• * 1.40

  Barons
• * 1.41

  B••iew••r.
• * 1.42

  In e••••••
• 10 1.43

  Who being taken up in the New-Forest by K. Henry the s••cond, in a hunting journey, prov'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great man.
• 11 1.44

  Marry'd Beatrix of Vannes, Widow to Reginald Earl of Cornwall.
• * 1.45

  Newto••••
• dd 1.46

  The Inscription was in French, and is set down at large by Leland; where 'tis express'd that he dy'd, Sept. 26. An. 1406.
• * 1.47

  Far••mo•••• of B••lo•• Fie••es.
• * 1.48

  Aulre.
• e 1.49

  I think most of our Historians call it Godrun; the Saxon Annals con∣stantly mention it under that name.
• 12 1.50

  Near Wivelscomb assign'd anciently to the Bishop of Bath.
• * 1.51

  Wellin••
• * 1.52

  Ledia••••
• 13 1.53

  Sir John Popham.
• * 1.54

  J. Poph••
• * 1.55

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• f 1.56

  Denarii S. Petri circreti, in the Text. The learned Selden is of opinion, the last word ought to be read Circseti, but has left us no reason for his conjecture. It would indeed bear the interpretation of the Founder of the Church, a character agreeable enough to the person of St. Peter. But the true reading here is certainly Circsceati, from Sceat, i.e. revenues, or riches; implying the Peter-pence to be the Revenues of the Church.
• * 1.57

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.58

  ••ies.
• * 1.59

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.60

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.61

  ••nt
• 14 1.62

  And Earl of Hertford, whom King Edward 6. afterwards honour'd first with the name of Lord and Baron Seimor to be annex'd to his other titles, lest (as the King saith in the Patent) the name of his mother's family should be overshadow'd with any other stile; and yet afterward crea∣ted him Duke of Sometset.
• * 1.63

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.64

  ••ey.
• * 1.65

  Gronnes.
• 15 1.66

  Parret having receiv'd the same river, runneth alone swelling with certain sandy shelves sometime in his channel, by the Hundred of N. Pederton anciently acknowledging the Bluets to have been Lords thereof, who are thought to have brought that name from Bluet in Little Britain.
• 16 1.67

  Which openeth it self near Castle-Cary, which William Lovel Lord thereof held against K. Stephen in the behalf of Mawd the Empress right Inheritrix of the Crown of England; whose issue-male failing in the time of K. Edw. 3. by heir female it came to Nicholas de S. Maure, a Baron (of a distinct family from that which was a few lines before-mention'd;) and shortly after, about the time of Hen. 5. by an heir female, again to the Lord Zouches of Harringworth; as a moiety of the lands of Lord Zouch of Ashby de la Zouch came before by coheirs to the house of this S. Maures. But when the Lord Zouch was attainted by K. Henry 7. for assisting K. Richard 3. this Castle was given by the King to Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke, as his lands at Bridgewater to the Lord Daubeney; and then he was restor'd in blood. From Castle Cary this water pas∣seth by Lites-Cary, to be remembred in respect of the late owner Thomas Lyte, a Gentleman studious of all good knowledge; and so to Somerton. —
• * 1.68

  Somerton.
• * 1.69

  Bridge-water.
• 17 1.70

  Better'd this haven.
• 18 1.71

  Strivet in Holland.
• 19 1.72

  Who founded also the Hospital of St. John here, and Durkeswell-Abbey.
• 19 1.73

  De la Fort.
• 20 1.74

  As some lands hereabout, by another sister came to Brees, and so by Cantalupe to Lord Zouch.
• * 1.75

  Earl of Bridge-water.
• * 1.76

  Uzella.
• g 1.77

  Pedridan-muth in the Saxon Annals.
• 21 1.78

  Where we saw Honispell, an ancient manour of the Cogans, men of great fame in the conquest of Ireland.
• * 1.79

  Selwood.
• h 1.80

  See Florence of Worcester, p. 317.
• i 1.81

  The Danes, notwithstanding, were too hard for Etheired, who encounter'd them here, An. 1001. In the adjoyning parish of More there are still the remains of these engagements, namely, four Camps; one whereof particularly, having a double ditch, appears to have been a Danish work.
• 22 1.82

  Of the Fitz-James.
• * 1.83

  William of Malmes••••∣ry's Anti∣quities of Glassen∣bury.
• 23 1.84

  Under a great hill rising in great height with a tower thereon, which they call the Tor.
• k 1.85

  Concerning the Antiquities of the Church of Glassenbury, see Usher's Antiquitates, p. 53. fol.
• l 1.86

  That the Treatise of the Antiquities of Avalonia is falsly ascrib'd to S. Patrick, Dr. Ryves in his discourse relating to that Saint, has evidently prov'd; and shewn farther, that Patrick was not the Apostle of the Irish.
• * 1.87

  See the title Romans in britaine.
• * 1.88

  An. 698.
• m 1.89

  It was afterwards the See of Savaricus B••shop of B••the. See Hoveden, p. 450.
• * 1.90

  These ver∣ses, with a very little alteration, are in the 4th book of Venantius Fortunatus his Poems; partly in praise of the Church at Paris, and partly of that of Nantes.
• 24 1.91

  Environ'd with a large-wall a mile about, and replenish'd with stately buildings.
• 25 1.92

  In the holy Church-yard.
• 26 1.93

  But that is now gone, and a young tree in the place.
• † 1.94

  Corr••
• 27 1.95

  In Wirral-park hard by.
• * 1.96

  The we like Art••
• * 1.97

  Cippus.
• * 1.98

  Praeco∣••••m.
• 28 1.99

  Wherein he describ'd the wars of the Christians for recovery of the Holy land, and was there present with King Richard 1. speaking of Britain.
• † 1.100

  Molae.
• * 1.101

  Pyramids at G assen∣bury.
• * 1.102

  Mons acu∣tus.
• * 1.103

  Edgar the Peaceful.
• * 1.104

  Godney-moore.
• * 1.105

  Mendippe-hills.
• * 1.106

  Ochy hole.
• * 1.107

  Strabo.
• 29 1.108

  Which lay long at Lambith in the Duke of Norfolk's house.
• * 1.109

  Cangi, a people of Britain.
• n 1.110

  Tacitus's Annals, l. 12. c. 2.
• o 1.111

  Upon second thoughts he settles them in Cheshire; see that County, towards the end. Camden's Letters, p. 24. Stillingfleet's Orig. Brit••n. p. 32. Plot's History of Staffordshire, Cap. 10. Sect. 2.
• * 1.112

  Chuton.
• * 1.113

  Baron Bonvil.
• * 1.114

  1 Edw. ••
• * 1.115

  Harpetre.
• p 1.116

  It now belongs to Sir John Newton, who is related to the Gornaies.
• * 1.117

  Welles.
• * 1.118

  Stephanus in his Boo•• De Urb•• and Barle∣tius.
• 30 1.119

  Verily near the Church there is a spring call'd S. Andrew's well, the fairest, deepest, and most plentiful that I have seen, by and by making a swift brook.
• 31 1.120

  And the Cloysters adjoyning very fair and spacious.
• * 1.121

  History 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bath.
• * 1.122

  See i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dec•• aga•••••••• ma•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wh•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 S•••••••• ca••••.
• q 1.123

  His right name is Savaricus.
• 32 1.124

  But this rich Church was despoil'd of many fair possessions in the time of Edward the 6th, when England felt all miscries which happen under a Child-King.
• * 1.125

  ••••••ley.
• 33 1.126

  To the Lord Hungerford.
• * 1.127

  ••••••l ps-••o••ton.
• * 1.128

  ••wood.
• r 1.129

  Sealwudscire Episcopatus Shireburnensis. Ethelwerd, l. 2. c. 11.
• 34 1.130

  Consisting of four round turrets.
• * 1.131

  ••••nney de Mare.
• 35 1.132

  Which afterwards was the first house, and as it were another to the Carthusians, or Charter-house-Monks in England; as Hinton not far off, near Farley-castle, was the second.
• * 1.133

  ••e.
• * 1.134

  ••ae solis.
• s 1.135

  The ancient Annals call it Ace-mannes-ceaster; and Florence of Worcester,A••amanni civitas.
• * 1.136

  ••••••bi∣••
• * 1.137

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 baths.
• t 1.138

  The heat of these is thought by some to be owing to the Sun, which seems to be an unaccountable opinion; as that of others referring it to the agitation of the wind. The learned Selden in his notes upon Drayton, affirms it to be owing to the passage through metal∣lick, bituminous, and sulphureous veins, or rather a real subterranean fire. See pag. 52.
• * 1.139

  ••aphitis.
• 36 1.140

  And have their guides.
• * 1.141

  Temple of Minerva.
• u 1.142

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Diogeniano, Cent. 5.
• * 1.143

  Caer-Palla∣dur.
• w 1.144

  The word in British, is doyth or doeth.
• * 1.145

  Britains ve∣ry skilful in Art-Magick
• * 1.146

  Badon-hill.
• x 1.147

  His right name is Ceawlin, and so our best Historians call him.
• 37 1.148

  In Glocestershire.
• y 1.149

  Malmesbury has it quingentis libris, i.e. 500 pounds.
• z 1.150

  He was only stil'd B••shop of Bath, subscribing himself commonly Joannes Lathon, as Doctor Gaidot in his MS. history of the place has prov'd by several instances.
• 38 1.151

  And the suppression of Religious houses ensuing.
• 39 1.152

  For health twice a year.
• * 1.153

  Earls of Bath.
• * 1.154

  I••quis. 31 Hen. 8.
• 40 1.155

  Who dyed shortly after, leaving by his wife the sister of H. Dauben••y Earl of Bridgewater, John, second Earl of this family, who by the daughter of George Lord Roos had John Lord Fitz-Warin, who deceased before his father, having by Frances the daughter of Sir Thomas Kitson of Hengrave, W••lliam, now third Earl of Bathe.
• * 1.156

  Adj••••••••∣cis, prae, ••∣licis.
• † 1.157

  Hic s•••• est.
• * 1.158

  Dec••••i∣oni.
• † 1.159

  Glevi, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Glocester.
• * 1.160

  Me••••
• † 1.161

  Dies
• ‖ 1.162

  Filix ••¦rissime ••¦cerunt.
• * 1.163

  Cain••••
• * 1.164

  Serpe•••• stones
• * 1.165

  ••ercepier.
• * 1.166

  ••••tow.
• a 1.167

  Amongst the rest, Leland, in his Comment. upon the Cygnea cantio, pag. 152.
• * 1.168

  ••••am of ••••••ster.
• 41 1.169

  Aliàs B••rstaple.
• * 1.170

  The marsh.
• 42 1.171

  Call'd by the Normans Fitz Harding.
• 43 1.172

  The second.
• * 1.173

  Barons of Barkley.
• * 1.174

  Register of the Mona∣stery.
• * 1.175

  British Diamonds.
• * 1.176

  Earls and Dukes of Somerset.
• b 1.177

  Vid. Hist. Matth. Paris. Minor.
• * 1.178

  Patents an. 1 Hen. 3.
• * 1.179

  An Aposto∣lical E••••••.
• * 1.180

  See the Earls of Dorset.
• 44 1.181

  Sir Edward, &c.
• 45 1.182

  (Which never suffereth sudden over-greatness to last long.)
• * 1.183

  Annal. lib. 12.
• * 1.184

  Plot's Hist. of Stafford∣shire, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sect. 3.
• † 1.185

  See ••¦den's d••¦scripti•• it.
• * 1.186

  Plot's Hist. of Stafford∣••••ire.
• * 1.187

  ••••••lock. ••atchet.
• * 1.188

  Chron. ••.
• * 1.189

  ••••ing∣••
• * 1.190

  ••••ron. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mx.
• * 1.191

  ••eland's ••rar. 2. ••en's ••es up∣•• ••olyolb.
• * 1.192

  North-Cadbury.
• * 1.193

  Orchard.
• * 1.194

  Earls of B••idgewa∣ter.
• * 1.195

  Glassen∣bury.
• * 1.196

  Mendippe-hills.
• * 1.197

  Broad-well.
• * 1.198

  Wockie-hole.
• † 1.199

  Notes up∣on Poly∣olb. p. 53.
• * 1.200

  Chuton.
• * 1.201

  Chue Mag∣na or Bi∣shops Chue.
• * 1.202

  Stanton-drew.
• * 1.203

  Aubr. MS.
• * 1.204

  Stowey.
• * 1.205

  Wells,
• * 1.206

  Cheddar.
• * 1.207

  Cheddar Cliffs.
• * 1.208

  Bathe.
• * 1.209

  Anno•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Po••yol••. pag. 53.
• * 1.210

  ••••inuati∣•••• of it's 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.211

  ••••n∣••. ••r. MS.
• * 1.212

  Keynesham
• * 1.213

  Bristleton.
• * 1.214

  Bristol.
• * 1.215

  Elvers.