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

ESSEX.

THE other part of the Trinobantes, call'd from the Eastern situation, and the Saxons who possest it, East-Seaxa, and East-Sex-scirea 1.1, by the Nor∣mans Exssesa, commonly Essex, is a Country of a great breadth, very fruitful, abounding in Saffron; very well stored with wood, and exceeding rich. On the one side the sea, on the other the rivers well stock'd with fish, do, as it were, crown the County, and plentifully serve it with their commodities. To the North the river Stour divides it from Suffolk, on the East the sea comes up, on the south the river Thames (now en∣creas'd to a considerable bigness) separates it from Kent; as on the West the little river Ley from Mid¦dlesex; and the Stort or lesser Stour (which runs into the Ley) from Hartfordshire. In describing this County, I shall use my former method, and first ob∣serve what is most worth our notice near the Ley and the Thames, and then proceed to those parts that lye inward, and those that border on the sea [a].

Near the Ley, in Saxon Lygean, spreads out a Chase of vast extent, full of game, the largest and fattest deer in the Kingdom; called heretofore, by way of eminence, the Forest of Essex [b], now Waltham-Fo∣rest,* 1.2 from the town Waltham, in Saxon Wealdham, i.e. a dwelling in the woods. This town is seated on the Ley, where the stream being divided, encloseth several little Islands; and is of no ancient original. For in the latter times of the Saxons, one Tovius, a man of great wealth and authority, and* 1.3 Standard-bearer to the King (as we read in the private records of the place,) by reason of the abundance of deer, made this place, and guarded it with 66 men. After his death, his son Athelstan soon squander'd away the estate: and Edward the Confessor bestow'd this village on Harold son to Earl Godwin;* 1.4 who built here a Mo∣nastery, where he himself was interr'd. For having possess'd himself of the crown, thro' his own ambi∣tion, and the inadvertency of other men; he rais'd this structure in honour of the Holy Cross1 1.5. Here he solemnly made his vows for success against the Normans; and being presently after slain by them in battel, his mother having obtain'd his body of the enemy by the most submissive intreaties, deposited it in the same place. It is now honour'd with the ti∣tle of a Baron in2 1.6 the Lord Edward Deny,* 1.7 call'd to Parliament by K. James. Above this a rising hill gives us a delightful prospect of Copthall,* 1.8 formerly the seat of the Fitz-Auchers, now of Sir Thomas He∣neage Kt, who hath brought it to this perfection. On this river, without doubt, was seated the old Durolitum of Antoninus; but 'tis beyond my abilities to determine the exact place: for (to speak once for all) the ancient places of this County are so strange∣ly obscure and puzling, that I, who in other parts have made some discoveries, must here freely own my self in the dark. But were I to guess in this matter, the place I should pitch upon is Leiton, which still retains the ancient appellation, Durolitum* 1.9 signi∣fying in British the water of Ley [c]. 'Tis at present a little scattering village some v. miles from London, for which number, thro' the negligence of transcri∣bers, xv. hath crept into the Itinerary. That there was here formerly a passage over the river, a place in the neighbourhood call'd Ouldford or the Old-ford, plainly argues. Here, when Maud wife to Hen. 1. had very narrowly escap'd drowning, she took care to have a bridge built somewhat lower on the river at Stratford. Where, being divided into 3 streams, it washeth the green meadows, and makes them look most delicately. Hereabouts we meet with the ruins of a little monastery built by William Montfichet a great Norman Lord, about the year 1140. After this the Ley uniting it's streams, runs with a gentle current into the Thames; whence this place is call'd Ley-mouth.

Near the Thames (grown now very considerable

[illustration] map of Essex

[illustration]

[illustration]

ESSEX By Rob^t. Morden.

by the large additions it hath lately receiv'd) the most remarkable places are these. Berking,* 1.10 call'd by Bede Berecing, appointed for the reception of holy Virgins by Erkenwald Bishop of London. Where the Thames receives a little rivulet call'd Roding,* 1.11 which gives name to several villages hereabouts; as, Heigh-Roding, Eithorp-Roding, Leaden-Roding, &c. Two of which places were given to the Church of Ely by Leofwin a Nobleman,* 1.12 to atone for the mur∣ther of his mother, which he had before barbarously committed.* 1.13 Next to this is Angre, where, upon a very high hill, are the marks of a Castle built by Richard Lucy Lord chief Justice of England under Hen. 2. A co-heiress of which family King John married to Richard de Rivers,* 1.14 who lived at Stanford-Rivers hard by3 1.15.

From the mouth of the Roding (thro' a low coun∣try, laid often in many places under ground,* 1.16 whose unwholsome vapours very much impair the health of the adjacent inhabitants) the Thames keeps on it's course to Tilbury. Near which, there are several spacious Caverns in a chalky cliff built very artifi∣cially with stone, to the height of 10 fathoms;* 1.17 being somewhat straight at the top. A person that had been down to view them, gave me a description of them much like this.

[illustration] depiction of pits

Of these I have nothing more to say, than what I have mention'd elsewhere.* 1.18 But this Tilbury, which Bede calls Tilaburg, consisting at present only of a few cottages by the river side, was formerly a Bishop's See, presided by Ceada, when about the year 630. he converted the East-Saxons to the Christian Faith. Afterwards, passing by places here and there lying low, but generally unhealthy, the river opens it self, and divides the Island Convennos* 1.19 (which is the Counos mention'd by Ptolemy) from the Continent. This place hath not yet quite lost it's name, but is still call'd Canvey.* 1.20 It runs along the Confines of Essex for 5 miles together, from Leegh to Hole-haven; some part of it belonging to the Church of Westminster. But the ground is so extreme low, that 'tis very often all drowned, except a few of the highest hillocks, which in such a case serve for a retreat to the sheep. Of these there are commonly fed four thousand in this Island, the meat of which is of a very excellent taste. I have observed young men with little stools under them milking them, as women in other places, and making cheese of Ewe's milk in the little dairy-houses or huts built for that purpose, which they call Wiches.

Over against this Island are seated, Beamfleet,* 1.21 for∣tified with a Castle, and large and deep ditches (saith Florilegus) by Hastingus or Hasteny the Dane; which were all forced by King Alfred. Then Hadleigh, formerly the castle of Hubert de Burgh, afterwards of Thomas de Woodstock, now a heap of ruins. And lastly, Leegh, a pr••tty little town well stock'd with lusty sea-men. Near this stands Pritlewell, in which one Swain de Essex heretofore built a Cell for Monks. Here too the land juts out into a nook call'd Black-tayl-point, and Shoberry-Nesse, from Shobery,* 1.22 a little village upon it, fo••merly the city Sceobirig. For we read in the old Saxon Annals,* 1.23

that the Danes being chased from Beamfleot▪ repaired to a city of the East-Saxons call'd in their language Sceobirig, and there secur'd them∣selves with fortifications.

Here, being forsaken of it's banks on both sides, the Thames is constrain'd to empty it self into the Ocean. Whence the place is call'd by Ptolemy Tamesae, and in some copies cor∣ruptly Jamesae aestuarium, by us the Thames-mouth.

Farther into the main land lies Rochford,* 1.24 giving name to this Hundred, now the Estate of the Lords Rich. It was formerly possess'd by a very ancient fami∣ly of the same name, whose estate fell at last to Butler Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire, and from him to4 1.25 Tho∣mas Bollen created by Hen. 8. first Visc. Rochford, and afterwards E. of Wiltshire; from whom the excellent Q Elizabeth, and the Barons Hunsdon, are descended5 1.26.

On the Thames-side toward the East, at farther distance from the shore, the places best worth our notice are those that follow in their order. And first Havering,* 1.27 an ancient retiring place of the Kings, called so from a ring given there by a stranger to Ed∣ward the Confessor, as a present from St. John. Horn-Church, called formerly Horn-Monastery: a pair of huge leaden horns are now fasten'd to the east-side of the Church. Rumford,* 1.28 famous for the Hog market, and a building adjoyning called Giddy-Hall, which be∣long'd to6 1.29 Thomas Coke sometime Lord Mayor of London;* 1.30 whose great riches expos'd him to extraor∣dinary dangers. For being in the worst of times, tho' innocent, accus'd of High treason; altho' thro' the integrity of Judge Markham he was acquitted, yet had he a severe fine imposed on him, to the value of very near his whole estate. Brentwood7 1.31,* 1.32 and Enger∣ston formerly Engheaston, noted only for their Inns and Markets.

Here I am at a stand, and in doubt whether I had best take this opportunity to ease my self of a conje∣cture which I have sometime since conceiv'd. Since the City Caesaromagus was certainly seated in these parts, and that, no doubt,* 1.33 a place of eminent note in the time of the Romans, as the very name imports, signifying as much as the City of Caesar, in the same

manner as Drusomagus the city of Drusus. (Which too seems probably to have been built in honour of August••us. For Suetonius informs us, that all the Princes who were the friends and allies of that Em∣perour, built cities in his honour; in the names of which, the word Caesar compos'd a part.) What then if I should fix Caesaromagus near this Brentwood? Could the reader forbear to smile at my fancy? In∣deed my opinion can receive very little strength from the distances in the Itinerary, since the numbers are there so strangely corrupted. Yet those from Co∣lonia and Canonium agree very well to this place. Nor can I draw an argument from the situation of it on a Roman way; since we can find no footsteps of any such in this County. Nor do we meet with the least shadow of the word Caesaromagus, unless a very small affinity in the name of the Hundred formerly called Ceasford, now Cheafford Hundred. And indeed, as the names of some ancient places are very little al∣ter'd, others quite changed; there are others so mangled, that only one syllable or two of the former denomination remains. Thus Caesar-augusta in Spain is now corrupted into Sarogosa; Caesaromagus in Gaul hath entirely lost it's old name, and assum'd that of Beauvois; and Caesarea in Normandy hath scarce one entire syllable left it in the present name Cherburg. But why do I insist on these trifles? If Caesaromagus be not in this neighbourhood, let others seek for it elsewhere. For my part, the discovery is far beyond my reach, tho' I have used all the assistance that my eyes and ears could afford me [d].

Hard by I saw South-Okindon,* 1.34 heretofore the seat of the Bruins,* 1.35 a family of very great repute in these parts. From which, by two co-heiresses that were several times married, Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, the Tirels, Berniers, Harlestons, Heveninghams and others, are descended. The male issue of this family are still remaining in Hamshire. And Thorndon,* 1.36 where Sir John Petre Kt.8 1.37, now Baron Petre* 1.38 of Writtle, hath built a fair seat. It was formerly the habitation of the noble family of the Fitz-Lewis's; the last of which, if we believe common report, upon the ca∣sual burning of the house at the solemnity of his wed∣ding, was miserably consum'd in the flames. Then Burghsted, by contraction Bursted, i.e. the place of a Burgh, a denomination given to many places by our ancestors. Here I once thought was the Caesaromagus. But whatever it were formerly, at present 'tis only a small village inhabited by husband-men; near Billiri∣cay, a pretty large market-town. Hard by is Ashdown,* 1.39 formerly Assandun, i.e. as Marian interprets it, The Mount of Asses; famous for a desperate battel in which Edmund Ironside at first put the Danes to the rout, but afterwards, thro' treachery, lost the day, toge∣ther with a great number of his Nobility. In memo∣ry of which, we read that Canutus the Dane built here a Church: when repenting of all the blood he had occasion'd to be spilt, he erected some kind of religi∣ous structure wherever he had engaged in fight.

Not far from hence lies Raleigh, a pretty little town: 'tis call'd in Domesday-book Raganeia, which makes mention of a Castle built here by one Sweno. Where too we read,* 1.40 There is one park, six Arpennies of vineyards, which if it takes well, yields twenty Modii of wine: which I here take notice of, both for the French word Arpennis, and for the wine made in this Island.* 1.41 This Sweno was a very eminent man for name and honour, the son of Robert Fitz-Wi∣maerc,* 1.42 and father of Robert de Essex, to whom was born9 1.43 Henry de Essex,b 1.44 Standard-bearer to the King by right of inheritance: who in a battel a∣gainst the Welsh threw away his courage and stand∣ard together; and being accus'd of High treason,c 1.45 overcome in single combat, and thrown into pri∣son, his vast estate made a considerable addition to King Henry the 2's Exchequer. His Barony remain'd a long time in the Crown, till10 1.46 Hubert de Burgh ob∣tain'd a grant of it from King John.

Farther to the North, the shores being something dinted in, give free entrance to the sea in two places; one of which Bays the inhabitants call Crouch, and the other Blackwater, formerly Pant. In Crouch there lye four pretty green Islands, but the water almost continually overflowing them, makes 'em for the most part fenny and moorish.

The most considerable are Wallot; and Foulness,* 1.47 that is, the Promontory of Birds, which hath a Church, that at low tide may be come at on horse back. Between these Bays, lies Dengy-hundred,* 1.48 formerly Dauncing; the grass here is excel∣lent good, and well stock'd with Cattel; but the air none of the healthiest. The only trade almost that's drove here, consists in Cheeses;* 1.49 and men milk the ewes, like women in other places. Where are made those Cheeses of an extraordinary bigness, which are used as well in foreign parts as in England, to satisfie the coarse stomachs of husbandmen and labourers. Dengy, the chief town, is thought to have receiv'd it's name from the Danes, which it gives to the whole Hundred. Nigh this stands Tillingham. given by Ethelbert, the first Christian King of the Saxons, to the Monastery of St. Paul in London. Up higher toward the Northern shore, stood once a flourishing city, called by our ancestors Ithancester. For thus Ralph Niger tells us out of Bede, Ceada the Bishop bap∣tized the East-Saxons near Maldon in the city of Ithan∣cester, which stood upon the bank of the riv••r Pant that runs near Maldon in the Province of Dengy; but that city hath since been quite swallow'd up in the river Pant. I can't exactly point out the place; but that the river Froshwell was heretofore called Pant, I am pretty confident, since one of it's springs still keeps the name of Pant's-Well, and since the Monks of Coggeshall speaking of it use the same appellation. Some think this Ithancester* 1.50 to have been seated in the utmost point of Dengy Hundred, where stands at pre∣sent St. Peter's on the Wall. For on this shore the Country-people are hardly put to't, with great banks and walls of mud, to keep the sea out of their fields. I am enclin'd to believe this Ithancester was the same as Othona,* 1.51 the Station of the Band of the Fortenses, with their Provost, in the declension of the Ro∣man Empire; placed here under the Count of the Saxon shore to secure the Coast against the Pirating Saxons. For Othona might very easily pass into Ithana; and the situation in a creek at the mouth of several rivers, was very convenient for such a design11 1.52. Here we may add, that the Confessor granted the Custody of this Hundred to Ralph* 1.53 Peperking by a short Charter; which I am willing to set down, that we, who now rake into all the niceties of the Law, may see the innocent freedom and plainness of that age. It stands thus in the Rolls of the Exche∣quer; but by often transcribing, some words are made smoother than they were in the Original.

Iche Edward Koning* 1.54 Have geven of my Forrest the keeping. Of the Hundred of Chelmer and Dancing, To Randolph Peperking and to his kindling: With heorte and hinde, doe and bocke, Hare and Foxe, Cat and Brocke, Wilde Fowell with his flocke, Partrich, Fesant hen, and Fesant cock: With greene and wilde stob and stock. To kepen and to yemen by all her might, Both by day and eke by night: And Hounds for to holde Good and swift and bolde: Fower Grehounds and six racches, For Hare and Fox, and wild Cattes. And therefore ich made him my booke: Witnesse the Bishop Wolston And booke ylered many on, And Sweyne of Essex our Brother And teken him many other, And our Stiward Howelin That by sought me for him.

* 1.55This was the honest, undesigning simplicity of that age; which thought a few lines and a few golden crosses sufficient assurances. For before the coming in of the Normans (as we read in Ingulphus) Indentures were made firm by golden crosses and such other marks; but the Normans used to strengthen their writings with the impression in wax of the particular seals of the parties concern'd, and of three or four witnesses. But be∣fore many Tenures were granted by the bare word, without writing or paper, only with the sword of the Lord, or his helmet; with a horn or a cup; and several others with a spur, a curry-comb, a bow, and sometimes with an ar∣row.

Into Blackwater-bay (which, as I said before, bounds the north part of this Hundred, and is famous for abundance of excellent Oysters, which we call Wall∣fleot-oysters) flow two rivers that wash the greatest part of the County, Chelmer and Froshwell. Chelmer flowing from those parts that lye farther in, and are thick cloath'd with woods, passeth through Thaxsted,* 1.56 a little Market-town, seated very pleasantly on a hill: and Tiltey,* 1.57 where Maurice Fitz-Gilbert founded a small Monastery; to Estannes by the tower, now Eston; which was the seat of the Lords of Lovain,* 1.58 descended from Godfrey brother to Henry the sixth Duke of Brabant; who being sent hither to take care of the Honour of Eya, were accounted Barons to the sixth generation. But in the time of Edw. 3. for want of issue male, the estate and honour passed by marriage to William Bourgchter, whose Posterity were for a short time Earls of Essex.

Then to Dunmow, anciently Dunmawg, and in the Rate-book of England Dunmaw, a town of a very delightful situation, on the top of a moderately steep hill; where one Juga founded a Monastery in the year 1111. But William Bainard (as we read in the private History of that Monastery) of whom Juga held the village of little Dunmow, was for felony de∣priv'd of his Barony, and King Henry 1. gave it to Ro∣bert son of Richard Fitz-Gislbert Earl of Clare, and to his heirs, with the honour of Bainard-castle in London; which Robert was then Sewer to King Henry. These are the Author's own words. Nor do I think it just for me to alter them, though they contain a manifest 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or anticipation of time, a crime to be met withal in the best historians. Inasmuch as that family was not yet honour'd with the dignity of Earls of Clare [e].

Now let us retire a little farther back from the ri∣ver on both sides. On the one, at a little distance, stands Plaisy, so call'd in French from pleasing. The former name was Estre. This was the seat of the Constables of England in the latter end of the Sax∣ons; and afterwards too, as the Ely-book informs us12 1.59. To the s••me place two very powerful Nobles (when they could not keep themselves between the two ex∣treams of base flattery and down-right obstinacy to their Prince) do owe their death; Thomas de Woodstock Duke of Glocester, and Earl of Essex13 1.60; and John Holland Earl of Huntingdon, brother by the Mother's side to King Richard 2. and once Duke of Exeter, though he was afterwards depriv'd of that honour. The former, for his rash contumacy was hurried from hence to Calais and strangled: the other was beheaded in this very place for rebeilion by command of Henry 4. So that he seems, as it were, to have satisfied Woodstock's ghost, of whose fall he was ac∣counted the main procurer. Hence the Chelmer, not far from Leez, runs by a little Monastery, built by the Gernons, at present the seat of the Lords Rich, who owe their honour to Richard Rich,* 1.61 a man of great prudence, and Chancellour of England under Edward the sixth.* 1.62 A little lower is seated Hatfield-Peverel, call'd so from the owner of it Ranulph Peve∣rel, who had to wife one of the most celebrated beauties of the age, daughter to Ingelric a noble Saxon.* 1.63 She founded here a College now ruin'd, and lyes in-tomb'd† 1.64 in the window of the Church, whereof a little still remains. By her he had William Peverel Governour of Dover-castle, and14 1.65 Pain Peverel L of Brun in Cam∣bridgeshire. The same woman bore to William the Con∣querour, whose Concubine she was, William Peverel L. of Nottingham. But to return to the Chelmer. Next it visits Chelmerford, vulgarly Chensford,* 1.66 which by the distance from Camalodunum, should be the old Canonium* 1.67 [f]. This is a pretty large town, seated almost in the middle of the County, between two rivers which here joyn their friendly streams; Chel∣mer from the east, and another from the south; of which, if (as some will have it) the name be Can, we may safely enough conclude this place to have been Canonium.

It was famous in the memory of our fathers for a little Monastery built by Malcolm King of Scotland. At present 'tis remarkable only for the Assizes which are here kept. This place began to recover some repute, when Maurice Bishop of London, (to whom it belong'd) in the time of Henry 1. built here a bridge, and brought the great road through this town. Before, it lay through Writtle,* 1.68 famous for the largeness of the parish, which King Henry the third gave to Robert Bruce Lord of Anandale in Scotland, (who had married one of the daughters and heirs of John15 1.69, the last Earl of Chester,) because he was un∣willing the County of Chester should be possessed only by a couple of women. But the posterity of Bruce forsaking their Allegiance, Edward the second granted this place to Humfrey Bohun Earl of Here∣ford and Essex. Of late, when King James, at his first coming to the Crown, advanced several deser∣ving persons to the honourable degree of Barons; among others he created John Petre, a very eminent Knight, Baron Petre of Writtle; whose father16 1.70 Wil∣liam Petre, a man of extraordinary prudence and learning, was not so famous for the great offices he had bore in the Kingdom (having been of the Privy Council to Henry the eighth, Edward the sixth, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, and often Em∣bassador to foreign States,) as for his liberal education, and encouragement to learning at Oxford, and for the relief of the poor atd 1.71 Engerston17 1.72, near this place.

Froshwell, call'd more truly Pant, and afterwards Blackwater, rising out of a little spring near Radwin∣ter (which belong'd to the Lords Cobham,) after it hath run a great way and met with nothing consi∣derable (excepte 1.73 Bocking, a very rich Parsonage; Cogshal, built by King Stephen for Cluniack Monks* 1.74; and Whittam built by Edward the elder, in the year 914. which is said to have been the Honour of Eu∣stace Earl of Bologn:) meets with the Chelmer, which coming down with its whole stream from a pretty high hill not far from Danbury, that was long the habitation of the noble family of the Darcies; passeth by Woodham-Walters,* 1.75 the ancient seat of the Lords Fitz-Walters, as eminent for the nobility as the antiquity of their family;* 1.76 being descended from Ro∣bert, younger son to Richard Fitz-Gislbert Earl. And in the last age grafted by marriage into the family of the Ratcliffs; who being advanced to the dignity of Earls of Sussex, have now a noble seat not far from hence, call'd New-hall.* 1.77 This belong'd formerly to the Butlers Earls of Ormond, then to19 1.78 Thomas Bollen E. of Wiltshire, of whom King Henry 8 procur'd it by exchange;* 1.79 and having been at a great deal of charge to enlarge it, gave it the new name of Beau-lieu; though this never obtain'd among the common people.

Now the Chelmer (with the confluence of the other waters, being divided by a river-Island, and losing its old name for that of Blackwater or Pant) salutes the old Colony of the Romans, Camalodunum,* 1.80 which has made this shore famous; call'd by Pto∣lemy Camudolanum, by Antoninus Camulodunum and Camoludunum: but that the true name is Camalodunum we have the authority of Pliny, Dio, and of an ancient marble, to evince. In the search of this City, how strangely have some persons lost them∣selves! though the very name points it out, and dis∣covers it plainly to them, be they never so blind. Many have sought for it in the west of England, as that notable man who thought he carry'd the Sun of Antiquities about with him; others in Scotland; others have, with Leland, affirm'd Colchester to be the place; when all this while the name is very little al∣ter'd, and instead of Camalodunum, 'tis call'd at pre∣sent Maldon,* 1.81 in Saxon Maledune and Mealdune, the greatest part of the word still remaining whole and entire. Nor are the plain reliques of the name the only argument for this assertion; but the distance too from the Mona of Pliny, and the very situation in an ancient Itinerary-table, are as plain proofs as any in the world. I scarce dare be so bold as con∣jecture that this place was so call'd from the God Camulus;* 1.82 yet is there some grounds for such a fancy from Mars's being worship'd under this name, and from an old stone at Rome in the house of the Colloti∣ans; and from altars that have been found with this inscription, CAMVLO DEO SANCTO ET FORTISSIMO. And upon an old Coin of Cunobeline, whose chief seat this was, as I have be∣fore observ'd; I have seen a figure with a helmet and a spear, which might probably be design'd for that of Mars, with the Letters CAMV. But be∣cause at present that piece is not in my hands, I shall present you here with some others of the same Cuno∣beline, which seem to relate to this Camalodunm.

* 1.83

[illustration] coins

He govern'd the Eastern part of the Island in the reign of Tiberius, and is suppos'd to have had 3 sons, Admimus, Togodumnus, and Catacratus. Admimus being expell'd the kingdom by his father, and receiv'd by C. Caligula, accompanied him into Batavia on that ridi∣culous expedition to put a terrour upon Britain. As for Togodumnus, Aulus Plautius overcame and kill'd him in a fair battel; and the same person having put Catacratus to the rout,* 1.84 as I have mention'd in another place, carried him to Rome to grace his Ovation, or lesser sort of Triumph. This is that Plautius, who by the advice of one Caius Bericus a British exile (pre∣tences for war continually offering themselves) first after Julius Caesar made an attempt on Britain under the Emperour Claudius;* 1.85 whom Claudius him∣self soon follow'd with the whole force of the Em∣pire,† 1.86 and abundance of Elephants, the bones of which being casually found, have given rise to se∣veral groundless stories. Passing the Thames, he put the Britains to flight that stood to receive him on the other side, and easily possess'd himself of this Cama∣lodunum. For which atchievements his son being ho∣nour'd with the title of Britannicus, and himself often saluted Emperour, six months after his setting out he return'd to Rome. But I have spoke of these mat∣ters more fully in another place, and am not willing to trouble the Reader with a repetition of them here.

Camalodunum being thus reduced under the sub∣jection of the Romans, Claudius placed here a stout band of Veterans for a Colony, and coined money in memory of this action, with the following In∣scription:

* 1.87COL. CAMALODVN.

From which it appears that this happen'd in the twelfth year of that Emperour, which falls in with the year of Christ 52. In an old Inscription (which you have here set down) 'tis call'd COLONIA VICTRICENSIS, from the Veterans of the fourteenth Legion, which had the name of Gemina Martia Victrix, whom Tacitus calls the Conquerours of Britain.

CN. MVNATIVS M.F. PAL. AVRELIVS BASSVS PROC. AVG. PRAEF. FABR. PRAEF. COH. III. SAGITTARIORVM, PRAEF. COH. ITERVM II. ASTVRVM, CENSITOR CIVIVM ROMA∣NORVM COLONIAE VICTRI∣CENSIS QVAE EST IN BRI∣TANNIA CAMALODVNI, &c.

Now a Colony (if the knowledge of this be ma∣terial) is a body of men brought into a fortify'd place,* 1.88 and invested with the right of possession. These for the most part were Veterans; both that provision might be made for them, and that they might defend the place against rebels, and inure the friends and allies of the Romans to the laws and customs of the Empire. These Colonies were in great honour and esteem, being, as it were,* 1.89 ima∣ges and representations of the city of Rome. They had their Magistrates too, superiour and inferiour; of which since others have given us an account al∣ready, 'twould be unnecessary for me to spend my time in describing them. In this Roman Colony (the first in Britain) was a temple erected to the ho∣nour of Claudius; Tacitus calls it,* 1.90 The altar of eternal dominion. Seneca too takes notice of it in his scof∣fing Satyr on the death and deification of that Em∣perour. 'Tis no great matter (saith he) that Claudius hath a temple in Britain, which the barbarous people now worship and adore as a deity. For there were Priests chosen to his honour, namely the Sodales Augustales, who under pretence of religion, juggl'd the poor Britains out of their fortunes and estates. But after ten years space the course of things changed, and this Colony was utterly ruined. For when the Ve∣terans, that were brought into this country after it had been subdued, exercis'd too cruel a tyranny over their poor subjects; the sparks of the war, which had lay conceal'd for so long a time, broke out into a more violent flame than ever. The Britains under

the conduct of Bunduica or Boodicia, plunder'd and burnt this Colony that was secur'd with no fortifica∣tions; and in two days space storm'd the temple where the Soldiers had got together to defend them∣selves, routed the ninth Legion that was coming to their assistance;* 1.91 and in a word, kill'd 70000 Ro∣mans and Allies. This dreadful slaughter was fore∣told by several prodigies.* 1.92 The image of Victory in this city turn'd it self round, and fell to the earth. In the Court were heard strange cries, and the Thea∣ters sounded with howling and groans: houses were seen under the water of Thames, and the neighbour∣ing bay overflow'd with blood. This day we since call Blackwater, (though I know not for what rea∣son) as Ptolemy calls it Idumanus,* 1.93 which seems in some manner to denote the same, Ydu in British sig∣nifying black. Yet the Romans rais'd it again out of its ashes: for Antoninus makes mention of it a long time after this. During the Saxon government we scarce find it nam'd; only Marian informs us that Edward son to King Alfred restor'd Malduna, which had been ruin'd by the Danish fury; [ 914] and fortified it with a castle. William the Conquerour (as we read in Domesday) had in it 180 houses, held by the Burgesses, and 18 Mansions laid waste. At present, for largeness and store of inhabitants, it is justly reckon'd among the chief towns of this County, and is call'd by the Lawyers the Borough of Maldon. It is a pretty convenient sta∣tion, and for its bigness populous enough; being one long street, reaching for a mile together19 1.94 [g].

Six miles from Camalodunum, Antoninus fixeth the place which he calls Ad Ansam.* 1.95 I should guess this to have been some mark relating to the bounds of that Colony,* 1.96 made in the shape of a han∣dle. For I have read in Siculus Flaccus; The fields that lay near the Colonies were determin'd by several sorts of bounds: in the limits there were placed for marks some∣times one thing, and sometimes another. In some a little statue of Mercury; in others a wine vessel; in others a Spatula; in others a Rhombus, or figure in shape like a Lozenge; and in some, according to Vitalis and Arcadius, a flagon or a jar. And why might not Ansa be such a mark? especially since Antoninus hath Ad Ansam, and not Ansae, as his usual custom is. What a reli∣gious care they took in setting up their land-marks, I shall by a short digression describe out of the same Author.f 1.97 For in ordering and disposing these bounds, first they brought the stones and set them on the firm ground, nigh the place where they design'd to dig holes to fix them in. Then they adorn'd them with ointments, coverings, and garlands. Having kill'd and sacrific'd a spotless victim on the hole where they were to set them, they dropt down the blood on burning torches that were plac'd in the earth, and scatter'd fruit upon them. They added to these, wine, honey-combs, and whatever else was customary in such sacrifices; and when the fire had consum'd all the provisi∣on, they plac'd stones that were for the boundary on the burning coals, and so fasten'd it with all imaginable care, treading in small fragments of stones round about it, to make it the more firm. Wherever this station Ad An∣sam was, I continue in my former opinion about the name of it; That it was either a boundary in that shape, or some Inn on the road with this sign: and this from the near distance between it and Cogshall. Nor were all they any other than Inns or Boundaries, which the Romans after the same form of speech, call'd Ad Columnam, Ad Fines, Ad tres Tabernas, Ad Rotam, Ad septem Fratres, Ad Aquilam minorem, Ad Herculem, &c. But a longer enquiry into these matters would be time and pains meerly thrown away to no purpose20 1.98 [h].

After, this the banks give entrance to the salt-water in a large and most pleasant bay, abounding exceed∣ingly with the best sort of Oysters* 1.99 which we call Wallfleot-oysters. And lest the shore of our kingdom should be depriv'd of its deserv'd credit, I fancy these to have been them which Pliny tells us serv'd the Ro∣man Kitchins. For Mutian reckons our British Oy∣sters in the third place after those of Cizicum, in these words; The Cizican are larger than the Lucrine, and sweeter than the British. But neither at that time, nor afterwards when Sergius Orata brought the Lucrine Oysters into request,* 1.100 did the British shore (for so he words it) serve Rome with Oysters. So that he seems to give the preheminence to the British ones.

These two are the same, I believe, that Ausonius calls mira, or wonderful, in that verse of his to Paulinus:

Mira Caledonius nonnunquam detegit aestus.

The British tide does sometimes wonders show.

But to speak of these, and of the stews or pits on this shore which they are preserv'd in, would be a more proper subject for such persons, as by reason of their exquisite palate, are able to decide the nicest criti∣cisms in a kitchin.

Into this bay, among other rivers, runs the Coln [i], which rising from the joint forces of several springs in the northern part of the County, washeth Hedning∣ham, or Hengham, commonly Heningham, formerly a neat castle, and the old seat of the Earls of Ox∣ford21 1.101. Opposite to which, on the other side of the water, lies Sibble-Heningham, the birth-place (as I have been told) of the famous22 1.102 John Hawkwood, call'd corruptly by the Italians Aucuth. By whom he was so highly admir'd for his courage and conduct in war, that the Senate of Florence, in token of his ex∣traordinary deserts, honour'd him with a statue on horseback, and a noble tomb, as a testimony of his valour and fidelity. The Italians talk largely of his Noble exploits, and Paulus Jovius celebrates them in his Elogies. I shall only set down these four ver∣ses o f ••eroldus.

Hawkwood Anglorum decus, & decus addite genti Italicae, Italico praesidiúmque solo. Ut tumuli quondam Florentia, sic simulachri••, Virtutem Jovius donat honore tuam. Hawkwood whom England boasts her stoutest son, And glad Italians their preserver own, A stately tomb as grateful Florence gave, So learned Jovius does thy picture save23 1.103.

Hence the Coln keeps on its course through Haw∣sted, which was the seat of the family of the Bourg∣chiers; of whom Robert Bourgchier was Chancellor of England in the time of Edward 3. and from him an honourable series of Earls and Lords are descend∣ed. From hence passing through Earls-Coln (so call'd by reason of its being the burying place of the Earls of Oxford; where Aubry de Vere24 1.104 founded a small Convent, and took himself a religious habit) it goes on to Colonia, which Antoninus mentions, and makes a different place from Colonia Camaloduni. Whether this Colonia* 1.105 be deriv'd from the same word signifying a Colony, or from the river Coln, let Apollo deter∣mine [k]. For my part, I am more inclin'd to the latter opinion, since I have seen several little towns, that adding the name of Coln to that of their respe∣ctive Lords, are call'd Earls-Coln, Wakes-Coln, Coln-Engain, Whites-Coln. This city the Britains call'd Caer Colin, the Saxons Coleceaster, and we Colche∣ster.* 1.106 'Tis a beautiful, populous, and pleasant place,

extended on the brow of an hill from West to East, surrounded with walls, and adorn'd with 15 Parish-Churches; [ 1105] besides that large Church which Eudo, Sewer to Henry 1. built in honour of St. John. This is now turn'd into a private house. In the middle of the city stands a castle ready to fall with age: Hi∣storians report it to have been built by Edward son to Aelfred, when he repair'd Colchester, which had suffer'd very much in the wars25 1.107. But that this city flourish'd even more than ever in the time of the Romans, abundance of their coins found every day fully evince [l]. Though I have met with none an∣cienter than Gallienus, the greatest part of them be∣ing those of the Tetrici, Victorini, Posthumus, C. Carau∣sius,* 1.108 Constantine, and the succeeding Emperours. The inhabitants glory that Fl. Julia Helena, mother to Con∣stantine the Great, was born in this city, daughter to King Coelus. And in memory of the Cross which she found, they bear for their arms, a Cross enragled between four Crowns. Of her and of this city thus sings Alexander Necham, though with no very lucky vein:

Effulsit sydus vitae, Colcestria lumen Septem Climatibus lux radiosa dedit. Sydus erat Constantinus, decus imperiale, Serviit huic flexo poplite Roma potens.

A star of life in Colchester appear'd, Whose glorious beams of light seven climats shar'd. Illustrious Constantine the world's great Lord, Whom prostrate Rome with awful fear ador'd.

The truth is, she was a woman of a most holy life, and of an unweary'd constancy in propagating the Christian Faith: whence in old inscriptions she is often stiled, PIISSIMA, and VENERA-BILIS AUGUSTA. Between this city, where the Coln emptieth it self into the sea, lyes the the little town of St. Osith; the old name was* 1.109 Chic,* 1.110 the present it receiv'd from the holy Virgin St. Osith,* 1.111 who devoting her self entirely to God's service, and being stabbed here by the Danish pyrates, was by our ancestors esteem'd a Saint. In memory of her, Ri∣chard Bishop of London about the year 1120. built a Religious house, and fill'd it with Canons Regular. This is now the chief seat of the right honourable the Lords Darcy,* 1.112 stiled Lords of Chich, who were ad∣vanc'd to the dignity of Barons by Edward the sixth26 1.113 [m].

From hence is stretch'd out a vast shore as far as Nesse-point,* 1.114 in Saxon Eadulphesness. What was once found hereabouts, let Ralph de Coggeshal tell you, who wrote about 350 years ago. In the time of King Richard, on the sea-shore, in a village call'd Edulfinesse, were found two teeth of a Giant,* 1.115 of such a prodigious bigness, that two hundred of such teeth, as men ordinarily have now, might be cut out of one of them. These I saw at Cogshal, and handled with great admiration. Ano∣ther, I know not what Gigantick relique, was found near this place in the beginning of Q. Elizabeth, by the noble R. Candish. I can't deny but there have been men of such extraordinary bulk and strength, as to be accounted prodigies; whom God (as St. Austin tells us) therefore produc'd in the world, to show that comeliness of body and greatness of sta¦ture, were therefore not to be esteem'd among the good things, because they were common to the im∣pious, with the virtuous and religious. Yet we may justly suspect, what Suetonius hath observ'd, that the vast joints and members of great beasts, dugg up in other countries, and in this kingdom too, have been commonly term'd and reputed the bones of Gi∣ants* 1.116 [n].

From this point the shore runs back a little to the Stour's mouth, famous for a sea-fight between the Saxons and Danes in the year 884. Here is now seated Harewich,* 1.117 a very safe harbour, as the name imports; for the Saxon Hare-ƿic signifies as much as an haven or bay where an army may lye27 1.118 [o]. This is that Stour which parteth Essex and Suffolk, and on this side runs by no memorable place, only some fat pastures. But not far from the spring of this river stands Bumsted, which the family of the Helions held by Barony28 1.119. And in those parts of this county which are opposite to Cambridgeshire, lyes Barklow,* 1.120 famous for four great Barrows, such as our ancestors us'd to raise to the memory of those Soldiers that were kill'd in battel, and their bodies lost. But when two others in the same place were dugg up and search'd, we are told that they found three stone Cof∣fins, and abundance of pieces of bones in them. The Country-people have a tradition that they were rais'd after a battel with the Danes. And the† 1.121 Wall-wort or Dwarf-elder that grows hereabouts in great plenty, and bears red berries, they call by no other name but Dane's-blood,* 1.122 denoting the multitude of Danes that were there slain.

Lower among the fields, that look pleasantly with Saffron, is seatedg 1.123 Walden,* 1.124 a market-town, call'd thence Saffron-Walden29 1.125. It was famous formerly for the castle of the Magnavils, which now scarce appears at all; and for an adjacent little Monastery30 1.126,* 1.127 in which the Mag∣navils, founders of it, lye interr'd. Jeffrey de Magnaville was the first that gave life, as it were, to this place. For Maud the Empress gave him Newport a pretty neighbouring town, in these words, which are trans∣crib'd from the Original Charter. For as much as he us'd to pay at the day of my father Henry's death: and to remove the market of Newport to his castle of Walden, with all the customs which before belong'd to the said mar∣ket in Toll, passage, and other customs. And that the way of Newport, which lyes near the shore, be turn'd to Walden according to custom, upon the ground forfeited to me; and that the market at Walden be kept on Sundays and Thursdays, and that there be a fair held in Walden, to begin on Whitsun-eve, and last all the following week. (From this market the place was long call'd Chepping-Walden.) We read also in the Register of this Ab∣bey, He appointed Walden as the head of his Honour and the whole County, for a seat for himself and his heirs. The place, where he built the Monastery, had great plenty of water, which ran here continually from springs that never dried up. The Sun visits it very early in the morning, and forsakes it very soon in the evening, being kept off by the hills on each side. This place is now call Audley-end, from31 1.128 Thomas Audley Chancellor of England,* 1.129 who chang••d the Monastery into a dwelling-house for himself. He was created Baron Audley of Walden by Hen. 8. and left one daughter and heir Margaret, second wife to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, who had issue by her, Thomas, William, Elizabeth and Margaret. Thomas, famous for his experience in sea-affairs, was summon'd to Parliament by Q. Elizabeth, An. 1587▪ by the name of Lord Howard by Walden. And lately King James hath created him Earl of Suffolk, and made him his Chamberlain32 1.130. Near whose house at Che∣sterford, there was seated a much ancienter little ci∣ty near Icaldune, in the very utmost limits of the County; which now from the old Burrough, the Country-people call Burrow-bank.* 1.131 There are only the marks of a ruin'd place to be seen, and the plain track of the walls. Yet I shall by no means affirm it to beh 1.132 the Villa Faustini which Antoninus mentions in these parts: and tho'

Ingrati haud laeti spatia detinet campi Sed rure vero, barbaróque laetátur: Of no vast tracts of barren land 'tis proud, But like true Country, innocently rude:

Yet I shan't so much as dream this to have been the

place described in these and the other verses of the ingenious* 1.133 Epigrammatist. The fields, as I have said before, look very pleasant with sown Saffron33 1.134.* 1.135 For in the month of July every third year, when the roots have been taken up, and after twenty days put under the turf again, about the end of September, they shoot forth a bluish flower, out of the midst whereof hang down three yellow chives of Saffron, which are gather'd best in the morning before sun∣rise, and being taken out of the flower, are dried by a gentle fire. And so wonderful is the increase, that from every acre of ground, they gather 80 or 100 pound of wet Saffron, which when it's dry will be about 20 pound. And what's more to be admir'd, that ground which hath bore Saffron three years to∣gether, will bear Barley very plentifully 18 years with∣out dunging, and afterwards will be fit enough for Saffron.

* 1.136More to the South lies Clavering, which Hen. 2. gave, with the title of a Baron, to34 1.137 Robert Fitz-Roger, from whom the family of the Euers are de∣scended. His posterity having, after the old way, for a long time taken for their sirname the Christian-name of their father (as, John Fitz-Robert, Robert Fitz-John, &c.) at length, upon the command of Edw. 1. took the name of Clavering from this place. But of these when we come to Northumberland.* 1.138 Here too Stansted-Montfitchet presents it self to our view, which I can't pass by in silence, since it was former∣ly the seat or Barony of the family of the Mont∣fitchets,* 1.139 who bore for Arms Three Cheverons Or, in a shield gules, and were reckon'd among the most ho∣nourable of our Nobility. But the male-line conti∣nued no farther than to five Descents, when the in∣heritance fell to three sisters; Margaret, wife to Hugh de Bolebec, Aveline to William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle,* 1.140 and Philippa wife to Hugh Playz. The posterity of the last continued till within the me∣mory of our Grandfathers, and ended in a daughter married to Sir John Howard Kt. from whose daugh∣ter, by35 1.141 George Vere, the Lords Latimer and Wing∣field are descended. A little lower stands Hasling∣bury,* 1.142 the seat of the Lords Morley, of whom more in Norfolk. Adjoyning to this, is an old military Vallum, thence call'd Wallbery; and more to the East Barrington-Hall, the seat of the noble family of the Barringtons,* 1.143 who in the time of King Stephen were greatly enrich'd with the estate of the Lords Mont∣fitchet, that then fell to them: and in the memory of our fathers, a match with the daughter and heir of36 1.144 Henry Pole Lord Montacute, son and heir to Margaret Countess of Salisbury, render'd them more illustrious by an alliance with the royal blood37 1.145.

After the Norman Conquest, Maud the Empress, Lady of the English, as she used to stile her self, crea∣ted Geoffrey de Magneville,* 1.146 or Mandevil, son of Wil∣liam by Margaret, heiress to Eudo‖ 1.147 Sewer, first Earl of Essex, that she might draw to her party a man of that great power and experience in war. He, in the civil disturbances under King Stephen38 1.148, lost his troublesome life in the field. 'Twas he too (as anci∣ent writers inform us) who for his many villanous practices incurr'd the sentence of Excommunication;* 1.149 under which, at the little town of Burwell, he receiv'd a mortal wound in the head. As he was just expiring, some Tem∣plars came in, who put on him the habit of their Order marked with a red cross; and when he was dead, carried him away with them into their own precincts, the old Temple at London, where putting him into a pipe of lead, they hanged him upon a tree39 1.150. To him succeeded his 2 sons40 1.151 Geoffrey and William, both taken off without issue. Afterwards K. John, in consideration of a good sum of money,* 1.152 promoted Geoffrey Fitz-Pierz L. Ch. Justice, a very prudent and grave man, to this dignity. He had took to wife Beatrice eldest daughter to Wil∣liam de Say, descended from the sister of Geoffrey de Magnavil first Earl of Essex. A great mony'd man (saith an old Author) and very rich, who with a round sum of money, and many entreaties, made his application to the Bishop of Ely the King's Justice, and laid claim to this Earldom (in right of his wife, daughter of William brother to Geoffry de Say, eldest son) by an hereditary title. Who admitted him into full seizin thereof, and demanded the promis'd sum, which he receiv'd within a little time, to put into the King's Exchequer. He being thus admitted, and confirm'd by the King's Letters Patents, held and possess'd this honour, and receiv'd the Homage of those that held of him by Knight's service41 1.153. Geoffrey and William, the two sons of this Geoffrey Fitz-Piers, taking the sir∣name of Magnavil or Mandevil, enjoy'd this honour. The former of these42 1.154 died young,* 1.155 being unfortu∣nately kill'd at a publick Tilting. The other took part with Prince Lewis of France against King John, and died without issue. So that the honour now fell to43 1.156 Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford and Consta∣ble of England. For thus writes the Chronologer of Walton-Abbey: In the year 1228. the 6th of the Ides of January, William de Mandevil Earl of Essex died, &c. In the same year Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, the Constable of England, espoused Maud, daughter to Geoffrey Earl of Essex, and so succeeded in that honour. But from the Archives it is evident, that Henry de Bohun, fa∣ther to this Humfrey, married the said heiress. And such a mistake might easily creep in; for in the Writers of that age the Christian-names are only marked with great Letters; as,* 1.157 H. for Henry or Hum∣frey, G. for Gilbert or Geoffrey, &c. Of this family the male heirs succeeded in the dignity of Earls of Hereford and Essex for several years: whom I have already reckon'd up among the Earls of Hereford, because they wrote themselves Earls of Hereford and Essex. Eleanor eldest daughter to the last of the Bohuns given in marriage (with the honour) to Thomas de Woodstock Duke of Glocester, had by him one daughter Anne, first married to Edmund Earl of Stafford, from whom sprang the Dukes of Buckingham; and then to44 1.158 William Bourgchier, to whom K. Henry 5. gave the County of Ewe in Nor∣mandy. This last had by her a son of his own name, advanced to the dignity of Earl of Essex by Edw. 4.45 1.159. He was succeeded by another Henry his son's son, who died in his old age by a fall from his horse, lea∣ving issue only one daughter Anne; who being laid aside, King Henry 8. (that he might make new addi∣tions to his honours and preferments) created Thomas Cromwell, who had been his main assistant in baffling the Pope's authority, at the same time Earl of Essex, High Chamberlain of England, and Knight of the Garter. Before this, for his extraordinary prudence he had made him Master of the Rolls, Secretary of State, Baron Cromwell of Okeham, Vicar General to the King in spiritual concerns, and Lord Keeper; and all this in five years time. But after five months enjoyment of his Earldom, he (like most great fa∣vourites in the State) concluded his scene of life with a most tragical end, losing his head for treason. The same King promoted to the Earldom of Essex46 1.160 William Par, to whom he had given in marriage Anne the only daughter and heir of Henry Bourgchier. But he too at last dying without issue, Walter Devreux Vis∣count Hereford, whose great grandmother was Cicely Bourgchier sister to Henry Bourgchier (of whom we spoke but now,) receiv'd the honour of Earl of Essex by the favour of Queen Elizabeth; and left it to his son Robert, who being for his excellent natural endowments highly in favour with that admirable Princess, sail'd with such a smooth and prosperous gale into honours and preferments, as to make it the common hope and expectation of the Kingdom that he would equal if not exceed the greatest characters

of his Ancestors. But at last being carried away with vain ambition and popularity, and endeavouring to get the start of his own hopes, he hurried himself into a sad destruction. As several persons, who con∣demn slow methods, though secure, choose sudden ones to their utter ruin. But his young son Robert was restor'd to full possession of his father's honour by authority of Parliament, through the special fa∣vour of our present most Serene Soveraign King James.

There are reckoned in this County 415 Parish-Churches.

ADDITIONS to ESSEX.

[a] THE County of Essex is so bounded with waters, that by the help of the Ocean on one side, and Rivers on others, it makes a Peninsula. As to Viscountile Ju∣risdiction, it seems formerly to have been annext to Hertfordshire; for in the 8th of Edward 3. John de Cogshall was Sheriff of them both: about which time also one Escheator discharg'd the office in both.

[b] Our Author begins with Waltham-forrest,* 1.161 which might very well be call d (as he observes) the Forrest of Essex, reaching formerly through this County as far as the Sea;* 1.162 as appeareth by Edward the Con∣fessor's gift to one Randolph Peperkin. It still is so large as to thrust it self out into a great many Hun∣dreds.

[c] Near the Thames is Leyton,* 1.163 where Mr. Cam∣den is enclin'd to settle the Durolitum* 1.164 of Antoninus; though he professes himself altogether at a loss for the places mention'd hereabouts by the Ancients. And 'tis no wonder that he should; for he sought for them in a wrong road, viz. in that from London to Rumford, Burntwood, &c. which is inded a shorter cut through Essex into Suffolk and Norfolk, but not at all us'd till some time after the Conquest; and even then not much frequented, by reason it was exceed∣ing woody, and pester'd with robbers. Notwith∣standing, as to this Durolitum, he seems to be altoge∣ther in the right. For not to mention that one Ward of Leyton-parish is still call'd Leyton-stone, which answers the old Roman way of expressing miles by stones, and may be some confirmation of Mr. Cam∣den's conjecture, that for v. lapidem, is falsly read in the Itinerary xv. lapidem: to omit that, the Roman Antiquities found here, argue it to have been a Ro∣man station. For of late years (as I was inform'd by a curious Gentleman of those parts) there was a large urne resembling a great cream-pot, taken up in the Church-yard of this village, with some ashes and coals sticking to the sides of it. It is now in the custody of the present Vicar. And between this town and Stratford-Langton, near Ruckols or Ruckholt-hall,* 1.165 the seat of Sir William Hicks Knight and Baronet, on the south-side of a lane call'd Blind-lane, (which was the ancient High-way that led out of Essex through Old∣ford to London,) abundance of these Urns of seve∣ral sizes, figures, and moulds, have been and are still taken up by the Gravel-diggers there, within two or three foot of the surface of the Earth. In some of these pots are ashes, and in some divers small pieces and slivers of bones, which have not been quite con∣sum'd in the Funeral fires. And within this piece of land, are not only found the remains of burnt bodies; but coffins and bones have been found, as well as pots; and among the rest, a chin-bone of a very great bigness, much exceeding that of an ordinary man. In the same place was digg'd up a small bra∣zen figure, resembling a man.

[d] From Durolitum the Itinerary leads us to Caesa∣romagus,* 1.166 which according to Mr. Camden was at Burghsted, and† 1.167 in the opinion of Talbot, at Chens∣ford or Chernsford. But why they should wheel about from Leyton to seek for Caesaromagus in those parts, seems a little strange. Had they gone from thence right over Epping-Forrest, about the distance from London in the Itinerary, viz. 28 miles, they would have met with a town, the first sight whereof might promise something great and august. I mean Dun∣mow,* 1.168 writ in Domesday Dunmaw, and as Mr. Ousley has observ'd (to whose information the world is in a great measure indebted for setting right the ancient names of places in this County) in old Deeds, now in the possession of some of the neighbouts thereabouts, Dunmage. Mr. Newcourt also takes notice that it is sometimes so writ in the Registry of the London-Diocese. And Mr. Camden himself says it was for∣merly call'd Dunmawg; which would have hinted to him this Caesaromagus, but that his search was di∣rected quite another way. Now this Dunmow ap∣pears even from the name to be a place of great An∣tiquity, being deriv'd from two old Gaulish, or Brit∣tish words; Dunum, a dry grav••lly hill, and magus a town. As for the change of Mawe, mauge, or Mage into mow, it is exceeding natural, whether we consi∣der the sound of (a) chang'd commonly in after times into (o), as ham, home; fald, fold, &c. or the melting of (g) into (w), than which nothing is more common and obvious to any one who com∣pares the more ancient and modern words. So that no difference now remains, but substituting dun for Caesaro; and nothing was more common with the Saxons, than to take part of the Roman name, and out of it to frame another by addition of burh, che∣ster, dun, &c. Besides, the agreeableness of distance between this and the next station, adds strength to the conjecture, that Dunmow is the relict of Caesaro∣magus, distant in the Itinerary from Colonia (Col∣chester) 24 miles; which may agree well enough with the common computation of 20. since (as ap∣pears by Domesday-book) our reckoning is accord∣ing to the Saxon or German Leugs, consisting of 1500 paces, and the Italick make only 1000. Add to this, that from Dunmow to Colchester is a direct road, wherein are still, in some places, to be seen the remains of an old Roman way; which by the Coun∣try-people that live upon it, is to this day (particu∣larly at Raine) call'd The Street: the very word (strata,) us'd by our Country-man Bede to signifie a Roman-road. And in an old Perambulation of the Forrest in the time of King John, it is said to bound on the north super stratam ducentem à Dunmow versus Colcestriam, upon the street leading from Dunmow towards Colchester; meaning this road.

Going to the sea-coast, we meet with Blackwater-bay, famous for the Wallfleot-Oysters,* 1.169 which are in great request among men of the best account.‖ 1.170 They are so call'd from the shore of that name where they lye; along which the inhabitants have been forc'd to build a wall of earth to defend themselves against the breakings in of the sea. It was five miles in length; and upon that shore only where this reaches, are these oysters to be met with.

[e] Into this creek or bay runs Chelmer, upon which stands Dunmow, prov'd already to be the Caesaroma∣gus of Antonine.* 1.171 In the Priory here, was institu∣ted by Robert Fitz-Walter (a powerful Baron in the time of Henry 3.) a custom, that whoever did not repent of his marriage, or quarrel'd with his wife within a year and a day, should go to Dunmow and have a gamon of bacon. But then the party must swear to the truth of it, kneeling upon two hard-pointed stones set in the Priory Church-yard for that purpose, before the Prior and Convent, and the whole Town.

[f] Not far from hence is Hatfield-Broad-oak, in which Church lyeth cross-legg'd the first Earl of Oxford. And at some distance lyes Chelmsford, in the opinion of our Author, the old Canonium of Antoni∣nus. But perhaps that station may be better settl'd

at Writtle,* 1.172 not far from it; as by reason of the di∣stances from Caesaromagus and Camalodunum, so also upon another account. 'Tis an observation made by Antiquaries, that the Saxon Kings and Nobles seated themselves upon the forsaken Camps and Stations of the Romans. And this town (so far as there is any light from Records to direct us) has always been in the possession of Kings or Noble-men.† 1.173 It was King Harold's before the Conquest, and King Wil∣liam's after; and so continu'd in the Crown,‖ 1.174 till King John pass'd part of it to Nevill for life. After∣wards it was granted* 1.175 by Henry 3. to Philip de Athe∣ney, and to William Earl of Salisbury. Besides, ano∣ther share (as Mr. Camden observes) pass'd to Brus. As for Chelmsford, that indeed was a villa belonging to the Bishop of London, when the Conqueror's Survey was made, and so continu'd till Bishop Bonner alienated it to Henry 8. But it was of no great note till Bishop Maurice built the bridge there about the time of Henry 1. and his Successor, William Bishop of London, procur'd from King John, Anno regni 1. a Market there, and An. 2. a Fair. When it grew thus famous, the road (which is most considerable as to our business) began to be through this town, tho' till then it had all along laid through Writtle, which we suppose to be the old Canonium.

Upon the river Froshwel or Pant, which also run∣neth into this bay, is Finchingfield,* 1.176 held of Edw. 3. by John Compes, by the service of turning the Spit at his Coronation.

[g] Going along with this river towards the Sea, we find Maldon,* 1.177 without all doubt the ancient Cama∣lodunum, tho' (as our Author observes) several men have sought it in other places. It has been so largely treated upon by Authors, that little more can be said. Only, as to the original of the name, concerning which most of them seem to be at a loss, a* 1.178 late Writer has advanc'd a new one in favour of his own hypothesis; that it comes from Camol, which in the Phoenician signifies a Prince and Governour; and the old dun a hill: so that this may be call'd the King's-hill; as Mons Capitolinus at Rome, signifies Jupiter's-hill. Its being Cunob••lin's Regia (as our Author calls it) or Palace, seems to give some strength to the conjecture; but then how it will suit with the old Altar-Inscription, which mentions Camulus Deus, and the coins which confirm it, I very much doubt: and these must be lookt upon as the best autho∣rity.

In a garden at Maldon, was found a piece of gold, almost as large as a Guinea. It has on one side Nero, and on the reverse Agrippina; and is very ex∣actly done.

[h] At six miles distance from Camalodunum, the Itinerary mentions Ad Ansam,* 1.179 which our Author thought to have been a Terminus to that famous Co∣lony.‖ 1.180 A later writer imagines Ad Ansam might be written instead of Ad Arcam: which if true, favours the conjecture of Mr. Camden; because Ar∣ca was a monument also, such as they set up in the borders of fields, and observ'd for limits. Hence we read in an old Glossary, Arcae, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i.e. the utmost extent of possessions. As for the position of it, he imagines from the distances, it could not be far from Coggeshal* 1.181; and what has since hap'ned in those parts, confirms his opinion. By the road-side was discover'd an Hypogaeum or Grot, with arched work; wherein was a lamp in a glass vial, cover'd with a Roman tile▪ whose diameter was 14 inches. There were also some urns and crocks, wherein were ashes and bones. Amongst the rest, was one of a polite and most fine substance, resembling rather Co∣••al than red Earth, and had this Inscription upon the cover, Coccillim, perhaps for Coccilli. M. that is, Coccilli Manibus. If this Coccillus was some Gover∣nour, who under Antoninus Pius had the command of these places (as† 1.182 Weaver imagines,) 'tis possible that the present name Coggeshall may have still some remains of that.

Notwithstanding which, there is this objection lyes against our Author's conjecture. From Dunmow (the old Caesaromagus) to Colonia or Colchester, there is a di∣rect Port-way runs through Coggeshal. Now if that had been the old Ad Ansam, 'tis unaccountable how the Itinerary (which often takes a wide circuit to hook in a town) should in the 5th Iter pass by this that lays in its road. What then if we should pitch upon Wittham? The direct road from Combretonium (or Bretton in Suffolk) the next station before Ad Ansam (Iter 9.) lyes through it: and it stands at an exact distance from Camalodunum (Maldon) which immediately follows Ad Ansam in the Itinerary, viz. six miles. Besides, it does not want good evidences of its Antiquity; for between the Church and the Street are still visible the remains of a large old Camp; though much of the fortifications are digg'd down to make way for the plow, and a road lyes through the midst of it. What Matthew Westminster has ob∣serv'd of a Castle built there by Edward the Elder about the year 912. or 914. and how in the mean time he kept his Court at Maldon; is a farther testi∣mony of its Antiquity, since (as we observ'd before) the Saxon Nobility made choice of the forsaken Camps of the Romans.

If these arguments be convincing that Ad Ansam was at Wittham, and that the ruinous Camp there, is the remains of it; then 'tis probable that the stately Manour-place here in Fauburn, a mile distant from it, was formerly the Villa or Country-house of some noble Roman. And what renders the conjecture more plausible, is a silver Coin of Domitian, discover'd under the very foundation of an old wall (built part∣ly of Roman brick) by the servants of Edward Bul∣lock Esq Lord of the Manour; who having had a liberal education in Trinity-College in Cambridge, and marry'd first the daughter of Sir Mark Guien, and se∣condly the daughter of Sir Josiah Child, is a real or∣nament to this place.

[i] Not far from the river Coln, near the head of it is Wetherfield,* 1.183 which I find in an old Deed of Hugh Nevills, to be written Weresfield. This Hugh was with King Richard the first in his wars in the Holy Land, where he slew a Lyon by an arrow-shot, and by running him through with his sword; which gave occasion to that old verse,

Viribus Hugonis vires periêre Leonis. The Lion's strength couragious Hugh excels.

To the above-mention'd Deed (which is short and plain, according to the undesigning simplicity of those times,) is affixt his Seal, wherein is exprest the man∣ner of this Atchievement, and about which is written, Sigillum Hugonis Nevil. It is now in the possession of Mr. John Nevil of Redgwell in this County; who is a branch of that family, descended from the Nevils of Raby-castle in the Bishoprick of Durham.

[k] Upon the river Coln, nearer to the sea, lyes Colchester,* 1.184 the ancient Colonia,* 1.185 from whence both the river and the town seem to have borrow'd their names. For we know, it was usual for the Saxons to make new names, by adding their ceaster or burh, &c. to a part of the Roman; though it is not to be doubted but the Earls Colne, Wakes Colne, &c. mention'd by our Author, and probably of much later being, were so call'd immediately from the river, as that from the Colony. Why might not this be a Colony of the Londoners, (as London-derry of late years in Ireland,) especially since Tacitus has particularly observ'd, that London was a fa∣mous Mart town, and very populous? If this be allow'd, there is no doubt but that Adelphius de Ci∣vitate Colonia Londinensium (one of the British Bi∣shops at the first Council of Arles) had his Seat here; though it be deny'd by some Learned men, for no other reason but an imaginary supposition of a mistake committed by some ignorant Transcriber.

[l] Beside the Roman Coyns (the remains of Antiquity mention'd by our Author,)† 1.186 there are also old Roman bricks aequilaterally square, like paving-bricks, but thinner; and some huge thick ones. 'Tis likewise observable, that the Towers and Churches are built of Roman bricks and ruins. And at the Queens-head inn, in the market-place, the stable, as also the room above it, is of Roman building.

[m] At some distance from the river is Lair-Marney,* 1.187‖ 1.188 so call'd from the Lord Marney to whom

it belong'd, and who, with some others of that name, lye interr'd in very fair tombs in the Church there.

Upon the sea-coast lies Mersey-Island,* 1.189 containing eight parishes. It is a place of great strength, and may almost be kept against all the world; for which reason the Parliament clapt in a thousand men to guard it from being seiz'd by the Dutch, about the beginning of the Dutch-war.

[n] Beyond which, to the east, is Great Clackton,* 1.190* 1.191 where was sometime a stately house of the Bishops of London, and a park; but the house is now fallen, and the Park dispark'd.

[o] To the north-east, upon the sea coast, is Harwich,* 1.192† 1.193 the walls of which town are for the most part built, and the streets generally pitcht with a petrify'd sort of clay falling f••om the Cliffs there∣abouts. For from the side of the Cliff between the beacon and the town, issues a spring of excellent clear water; and thereabouts is a sort of bluish clay, which tumbling down upon the shore, notwithstand∣ing it is wash'd by the sea at high-water, is in a short time turn'd into stone. Some that are new fallen are as soft as the clay in the Cliff; others that have lain longer, crusted over and hard: but if open'd or broke, the clay is still soft in the middle. Others that have lain longest, are petrify'd to the very heart.

This water doth petrifie wood as well as clay: a large piece sent from hence is reserved in the Repo∣sitory of the Royal Society.

After what has been said in Kent (under the title of Arsenals for the Royal Navy) it will not be wonder'd at, that our learned Author enlarg∣eth no farther in his observations upon this place, than what relates to the security of the Road; without ought mention'd of the importance, which (through the growth of the Marine Action of England since his time) it has been of to the Crown for 40 years past, and now is; from its present Conveniences for the ready cleaning and refitting of Ships of War resorting thither on that behalf, and its capacity for New-Erections to the degree of second and third Rates. Divers whereof have been since then built, and others said to be at this day in hand there, to the great ac∣commodation of the State, and total extinction of the use our Ancestors did (to the beginning of this Century) generally make of Colne-water (in the neighbourhood of this place) for the harbouring of the Royal Navy.

Over-against it at Langerfort,* 1.194 (contracted from Land-guard-fort, which tho' it may seem to be in Suffolk, is notwithstanding by the Officers of his Majesty's Ordnance in the Tower of London, writ in Essex, according to former Precedents) are the reliques of an ancient fortification, which shew great labour and antiquity. The line of it runs southerly from a little without the town gate to the Beacon-hill∣field, about the midst of which is a round artificial hill, cast up probably either for placing their Stan∣dard upon, or else for a Tumulus over some one of their Commanders deceas'd; for that we find com∣mon in a great many parts of England. Another work runs a-cross from the first easterly; but they are both broke off by the encroachings of the Sea.

* 1.195South of Harwich, are Thorp, Kirkby, and Walton,‖ 1.196 included within the ancient Liberty call'd the Liber¦ty of the Soke. In these no man may be arrested by any kind of Process, but of the Bailiff of the Liberty, and not by him, but with the consent of the Lord first obtain'd. The Sheriff hath no power within this Liberty, in any cause whatsoever; but the Bailiff executeth all matters as if he had Viscountile Autho∣rity.

Continuation of the EARLS.

Robert, the last Earl mention'd by our Author, be∣ing restor'd in blood and honour, 1 Jac. 1. was twice marry'd, and by his second wife had only issue Robert, who dy'd young. So that d••parting this life Sept. 14. 1646. without issue, that honour became vacant, till shortly after the Restoration, K. Charles 2. crea∣ted Arthur Capel (Baron of Hadham and Viscount Maldon) Earl of Essex, whose son Algernon now enjoys that honour.

More rare Plants growing wild in Essex.

Allium sylvestre bicorne flore ex herbaceo albi∣cante, cum triplici in singulis petalis stria atro-pur∣purea. An Allium sive Moly montanum tertium Clus.? montanum bicorne, flore exalbido C. B.? Wild Garlick with an herbaceous striate flower. In a corn∣field in Black Notley called West-field, adjoyning to Leez-lane, plentifully. This plant is now almost lost in this field.

H. Alopecuros maxima Anglica paludosa Park. The greatest English Marsh Fox-tail-grass. Said by Lobel to grow in the moist ditches near the river Thames.

Argemone capitulo longiore glabro Mor. D. Plot in Hist. nat. Oxon. Smooth-headed bastard Poppy. This was found by Mr. Dale at Bocking.

K. Atriplex maritima laciniata C. B. Jagged Sea-Orrache On the sandy shores in Mersey-Island near Col∣chester plentifully; also on the sandy shores at little Holland in Tendring Hundred, and elsewhere.

Atrip••ex angustifolia maritima dentata Hist. nost. p. 193. An Atrip. angustifolia laciniata minor J. B? maritima angustifolia C. B. prod.? At Maldon by the river, and on the banks of the marshes plentifully.

Auricula leporis minima J. B. An Bupleurum minimum Col. Park.? angustissimo folio C. B.? The least Hares-ear. At Maldon in the marshes by the river's side plentifully.

Clematis Daphnoides major C. B. major flore coe∣ruleo albo J. B. Daphnoid. sive Pervinca major Ger. Daph. latifolia sive Vinca pervinca major Park. The greater Periwinkle. Found near Colchester hy Dr. Richard∣son. This plant I have found out of gardens; but being native of hot Countries, and frequent about Montpellier, I suspect it may owe its original to some plants weeded up and thrown out thence.

Clematis Daphnoides minor J. B. C. B. Vinca pervinca Officinarum minor Ger. vulgaris Park. Peri∣winkle. I have observed it in some fields by the road-side leading from Witham to Kelvedon in the hedges and among bushes: also in a hedge by the foot-way from Falburn-hall to Witham, and elsewhere.

Cochlearia folio sinuato C. B. vulgaris Park. Bri∣tannica Ger. English or common Sea-scurvy-grass. It grows so plentifully in the marshes about Maldon, that the common people gather it, and send it about to the markets above ten miles distant, where it is sold by measure.

Crocus J. B. Ger. sativus C. B. verus sativus Au∣tumnalis Park. Saffron. It's planted and cultivated in the fields about Walden, thence denominated Saffron-Walden, plentifully. Of the culture whereof I shall say no∣thing, referring the Reader to what is above-written by Camden; and to the full description thereof in the Philo∣soph. Transact.

Conserva palustris Anglica, seu Filum marinum Anglicum. Marsh-Thread. In the marsh ditches about Maldon and elsewhere.

Cynoglossa folio virenti J. B. Cynoglossum minus folio virente Ger. semper virens C. B. Park. An Cy∣noglossa media altera virente folio, rubro flore, mon∣tana frigidarum regionum Col.? The lesser green-leav'd Hounds-tongue. Between Witham and Kelveden, but more plentifully about Braxted by the way sides.

Cyperus gramineus J. B. gramineus miliaceus Ger. Pseudo-cyperus miliaceus Park. Gramen cyperoides miliaceum C. B. Millet Cyperus-grass. By Bocking ri∣ver, at the corn-mill below the town.

Cyperus rotundus litoreus inodorus Lob. J. B. ro∣tundus inodorus Anglicus C. B. rotundus inodorus Ger. rotundus litoreus inodorus Anglicus. Park. Round rooted bastard Cyperus. Observed by Mr. Dale about Maldon plentifully.

Erica maritima Anglica supina Park. English Cow Sea-heath. On sandy banks by the way-side going from Heybridge to Goldhanger; also on the like banks in the marshes about Thurrington in this County: and elsewhere on the sea-coasts.

Gramen Avenaceum montanum, spica simplici, aristis recurvis. Mountain Oat-grass with a single spike and reflected awns. Found by Mr. Dale upon Bartlow-hills on the edge of Cambridgeshire. This I take to be the same with the Gramen Avenaceum glabrum panicula

purpuro-argentea splendente of Mr. Doody: more stri∣gose, and with a single spike, by reason of the dryness and barrenness of the place. See Middlesex.

Gramen caninum maritimum spicâ foliacea C. B. caninum maritimum alterum Ger. can. marit. alte∣rum longiùs radicatum Park. Long-rooted Sea-dogs-grass with a foliaceous ear. Found by Mr. Dale on the shore in Mersey Island near Colchester.

Gramen cristatum quadratum, seu quatuor in spica cristarum ordinibus. Square-eared crested grass. Found by Mr. Dale at Notley, among corn.

Herba Paris. Herb Paris or True-love. In Chaulkney-wood 7 miles from Colchester, and in Saffron-Walden Ger. I have observ'd it in a little wood call'd Lampit-grove belonging to Black-Notley-hall. It is no very rare plant in woods, and sometimes also in hedges, all England over.

Hieracium castorei odore Monspeliensium. Hieraci∣um Cichorei vel potiùs Stoeles folio hirsutum Cat. Cant. Rough Hawkweed smelling like Castor. I found it Anno 1690. plentifully growing in a field near my dwel∣ling, belonging to the hall, called Stanfield, which had lain a-while since it was plowed.

Juncus acutus maritimus Anglicus Park. English Sea-hard-rush. In the marshy grounds about Maldon abun∣dantly.

Lepidium latifolium C. B. Lepid Pauli J. B. Pipe∣ritis seu Lepidium vulgare Park. Rhaphanus sylve∣stris Officinarum, Lepidium Aeginetae Lobelio Ger. Dittander, Pepperwort. On the caussey leading to the Hith∣bridge at Colchester; and at Heybridge near Maldon by the water-side plentifully: as also at the Lime-kiln near Ful∣bridge.

S. Lathyri majoris species flore rubente & albido minor dumetorum, sive Germanicus J. B. The other great wild Lathyrus or everlasting Pease. Found by Mr. Dale near Castle Campes, in the hedges by the way that leads thence to Bartlow.

Lathyrus siliquâ hirsuta J. B. An Lath. angustifo∣lius siliquâ hirsutâ C. B. Rough-codded Chickeling. In the fields about Hockley and Ralegh, and elsewhere in Rochford Hundred.

Lychnis sylvestris annua segetum flore dilutè ru∣bente vel albo minimo. Sylv. alba spicâ reflexâ Bot. Monsp. arvensis minor Anglica Park. Little annual Corn Campion with a small blush flower. In the corn∣fields near Colchester observed by Mr. Dale.

Mentha angustifolia spicata glabra, folio rugosiore, odore graviore. Spear-mint with a more rugged leaf and strong scent. Found by Mr. Dale beside Bocking river, below the Fulling-mill, in two or three places.

Mentastri aquatici genus hirsutum, spica latiore J. B. Mentha palustris folio oblongo C. B. Menta∣strum minus Ger. emac. hirsutum Park. Water-mint, with a grosser spike. This also was first found and shewn to me by Mr. Dale near the same river a little above the Fulling-mill: since, I observed it my self in a ditch near the Corn-mill, below the Fulling-mill plentifully.

Mentastrum folio rugoso rotundiore spontaneum, flore spicato, odore gravi J. B. Mentha sylvestris ro∣tundiore folio C. B. Menthastrum Ger. descr Horse-mint, or Round-leav'd wild mint. In a moist place of a little meadow adjoyning to Fauburn-hall, the seat of my honoured friend Edward Bullock Esquire. Found also by Mr. Dale in a meadow behind the Alms-houses at Great Yeldham plentifully.

Mentastrum spicatum folio longiore candicante J. B. Mentha sylvestris folio longiore C. B. Long-leaved Horse-mint. Found by the same person in the same meadow with the precedent.

Orchis odorata moschata sive Monorchis C. B. pu∣silla odorata Park. parva autumnalis lutea J. B. The yellow sweet or musk Orchis. In black Notley on the greens of a field belonging to the hall called Wair-field.

Orchis sive Testiculus sphegodes hirsuto flore C. B. fucum referens, colore rubiginoso J. B. Sphegodes altera Park. Testiculus vulpinus major sphegodes Ger. Humble-bee Satyrion with green wings. Solo sicco & glareoso; with the following.

Orchis anthropophora oreades Col. anthropophora oreades foemina Park. flore nudi hominis effigiem re∣praesentans C. B. Man-Orchis with a ferrugineous and sometimes a green flower. Found by Mr. Dale in an old gravel-pit at Balington near Sudbury, and in the borders of some cornfields at Belchamp-S. Paul towards Ovington in this County.

S. Peucedanum vulgare. Common Hoggs-Fennel. In a wood belonging to Walton at the Nase in Tendring-hundred.

Plantago aquatica minor stellata Ger. emac. aquati∣ca minor muricata, Park. Damasonium stellatum Dalechampii J. B. Plantago aquatica stellata C. B. Star-headed Water-Plantain. In a pond at Rumford towns-end towards London; and a little on this side Il∣ford.

Potamogiton pusillum maritimum gramineo folio. Sea Pondweed with grassy leaves. In the marsh-ditches about Maldon.

Potamogiton pusillum maritimum alterum, semi∣nibus singulis longis pediculis insidentibus. Another grass-leav'd Sea-pondweed. In the marsh-ditches beside the way leading from Maldon to Goldhanger.

Thlaspi Dioscoridis Ger. Drabae folio Park. cum siliquis latis J. B. Treacle-mustard, Penny-cresse. I have found in plenty growing in the fields near Worming∣ford; as also near S. Osyth in Tendring-hundred; and in other places.

Thlaspi minus Ger. Nasturtium sylvestre Osyri∣dis folio C. B. Park Nasturtium sylv. J. Bauhini, Thlaspi angustifolium Fuchsii J. B. Narrow-leav'd wild Cress. In maritimis: as at Heybridge near Maldon copiously.

Tithymalus platyphyllos Fuchsii, J. B. arvensis latifolius Germanicus C. B. peregrinus Clus. hist. Broad-leav'd Spurge. Among corn, but more rarely. It grows spontaneously in mine own Orchard here at Black-Notly, coming up yearly of its own sowing; for it is an annual plant.

Tilia folio minore J. B. foemina folio minore C. B. foemina minor Park. The small smooth-leav'd Lime or Linden-tree, call'd in some Countries Bast, be∣cause they make ropes of the bark of it. Hereabouts it is call'd Pry. It is frequent in the hedges, all this part of the Country over.

Trifolium stellatum glabrum Ger. emac. Trifol. Dipsaci capitulis, nonnullis, Teasel-headed Trefoil. I have observ'd it by the water-side at Lighe; and at little Holland in Tendring-hundred plentifully.

Trifolium pumilum supinum flosculis longis albis P. B. parvum album Monspessulanum cum paucis floribus J. B. album tricoccum subteraneum reticu∣latum Morison. subterraneum, seu folliculos sub ter∣ram condens Magnol. Bot. Monsp. Dwarf-Trefoil with long white flowers, hiding its seed under ground. In the road between Burntwood and Brookstreet plenti∣fully.

Trifolium siliquis Ornithopodii nostras. Small Birdsfoot-Trefoil. On Sandy-banks by the Sea side at Tolesbury plentifully.

Turritis Ger. vulgatior J. B. Park. Brassica syl∣vestris foliis integris & hispidis C. B. Tower-mustard. On the banks by the high-way-side as you go up the hill from Lexden towards Colchester, and in the fields on each side the way.

It is to be noted, that these annual plants may some years, by some accident or other, spring up of the seed, and afterwards appear again.

To these I might add the four sorts of Male-Fern de∣scribed by Mr. Goodyer in Dr Johnsons emaculated Gerard, which are all common about Black-Notley and Brain-tree, viz.

1. Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis dentatis. Great branched Male-Fern with indented leaves.

2. Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis densis mi∣nutim dentatis. The most common Male-Fern.

3. Filix mas non ramosa, pinnulis angustis, raris, profundè dentatis. Male-Fern with thin-set deeply-indented leaves. There is a good figure of a leaf of this in Dr. Plukenet's Phytograph. part 3. Tab. 180.

4. Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis latis auriculatis spinosis. Prickly Male-Fern with auriculate leaves.

If you look upon these plants in their several growths and ages, you may (as Mr. Goodyer saith well) make ma∣ny more sorts of them: which I am afraid hath been the occasion of describing more sorts than indeed there are in na∣ture.

Eryngium marinum Ger. Park. J. B. Dod. Ad. Lob. cui & Acanos Plinii. Maritimum & Gesn. hort. C. B. Sea-Holly or Eringo. This, being a plant common enough on sandy shores, I should not have menti¦oned, but that Colchester is noted for the first inventing or practising the candying or conditing of its roots; the man∣ner whereof may be seen in Gerard's Herbal.

Hieracium latifolium Pannonicum primum Clus. Synonyma vide in Catal. Cantab. Broad-leav'd Hunga∣rian Hawkweed. On Bartlow hills not far from Linton in Cambridgeshire.

Gnaphalium parvum ramosissimum, foliis angu∣stissimis polyspermon. Hist. nost. Small-branch'd nar∣row leav'd Cudweed, full of seed. Found by Mr. Dale among corn in sandy grounds, about Castle-Heveningham plentifully.

Per••oliata vulgaris Ger. Park. vulgatissima seu ar∣vensis C. B. simpliciter dicta, vulgaris annua J. B. Common Thorow wax. Among the Corn at Notley and elsewhere.

Tormentilla reptans alata D. Plot. Hist. nat. Oxon. Pentaphyllum minus viride, flore aureo tetrapetalo, radiculas è geniculis in terram demittens Moris. hist. Creeping Tormentill with deeply-indented leaves. In some pastures at Braintree.

Salix folio Amygdalino utrinque aurito, corticem sponte exuens. Almond-leav'd Willow, that casts its bark. In an Osier-holt near my dwelling at Black Not∣ley.

Sonchus arborescens alter Ger. emac. laevis palustris altissimus Clus. The greatest Marsh-tree Sowthistle. On the banks of the river Thames near Blackwall.

Viola Martia hirsuta major inodora Morison. Viola Trachelii folio D. Merret. Great rough Violet without scent.

Ribes nigrum vulgò dictum folio olente J. B. Black Currans or Squinancy-berries. By Braintree river side near the bridge called the Hoppet-bridge.

Notes

• a 1.1

  And along with Middlesex, and part of Hertfordshire East-seaxna ric.
• * 1.2

  Waltham-Forest.
• * 1.3

  Stallerus, i.e. Vexil∣lifer.
• * 1.4

  Waltham Abbey.
• 1 1.5

  Found far westward, and brought hither, as they write, by miracles.
• 2 1.6

  Sir Edward.
• * 1.7

  Baron D••
• * 1.8

  Copth••ll.
• * 1.9

  Durolit••••
• * 1.10

  Berking.
• * 1.11

  Roding riv.
• * 1.12

  Book of Ely.
• * 1.13

  Chipping-Angre.
• * 1.14

  Liber Inq. De Ripartis
• 3 1.15

  So it passeth by Lambourn manour, which is held by service of the Wardstaffe, viz. to carry a load of straw in a cart with six horses, two ropes, two men in harness to watch the said Wardstaffe, when it is brought to the Town of Aibridge, &c. and then by Wansted Park, where the late Earl of Leicester built much for his pleasure.
• * 1.16

  Marshes.
• * 1.17

  Holes cut out.
• * 1.18

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Kent, p. ••. T••••b••ry.
• * 1.19

  Convennos I••l.
• * 1.20

  Canvey.
• * 1.21

  B••amfleet.
• * 1.22

  ••••o••ery.
• * 1.23

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉.
• * 1.24

  Rochford.
• 4 1.25

  Sir Thomas.
• 5 1.26

  Here I have heard much speech of a Lawless-Court (as they called it) holden in a strange manner about Michaelmas in the first peep of the day, upon the first cock-crowing in a silent sort; yet with shrew'd sines eftsoons redoubled if not answered; which servile attendance, they say, was imposed upon certain Tenants thereabout for conspiring there at such unseasonable time, to raise a commotion. But I leave this, knowing neither the original nor the certain form thereof. Only I heard certain obscure barbarous Rhimes of it; Curia de Domino Rege tenetur sine Lege. Ante ortum solis, luceat nisi polus, &c. not worth remembring.
• * 1.27

  Havering.
• * 1.28

  Rumford.
• 6 1.29

  Sir Thomas.
• * 1.30

  See the An∣nals 1467.
• 7 1.31

  Called by th•• Normans Bois arse in the same sense; and by that name King Stephen granted a Market and a Fair there, to the Abbot of St. Osith: and many ••••ars after, Isabel Countess of Bedford, Daughter to King Edward 3. built a Chapel to the memory of S. Thomas of Canterbury, for the ease of the in∣habitants.
• * 1.32

  Brentwood.
• * 1.33

  Caesaroma∣gus, call'd in the Itine∣rary-table Bar••magus.
• * 1.34

  South Okindon.
• * 1.35

  Bruin.
• * 1.36

  Thorndon.
• 8 1.37

  Created by our Sovereign King James, &c.
• * 1.38

  Baron Petre.
• * 1.39

  Ashdown.
• * 1.40

  Arpenn••s. Wine.
• * 1.41

  Ralph de Diceto.
• * 1.42

  Family of Essex.
• 9 1.43

  Sir Robert de Essex.
• b 1.44

  See in Flintshire under the title Coleshul.
• c 1.45

  By Robert de Montfort.
• 10 1.46

  Sir Hubert de Burg••.
• * 1.47

  Foulness.
• * 1.48

  Dengy-Hundred.
• * 1.49

  Essex-cheese.
• * 1.50

  Ithance••ter.
• * 1.51

  Othona.
• 11 1.52

  Yet there remaineth a huge ruin of a thick wall, whereby many Roman Coins have b••en found.
• * 1.53

  The N••r∣mans cal•• him Pe••••∣rell.
• * 1.54

  Among the Records of Hilary-term. E. ••. 1••. in the Custody of the Trea∣surer and Chamber∣lain of the Exchequer.
• * 1.55

  Seals first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a∣m••••g the ••••g••th.
• * 1.56

  Thax••ted.
• * 1.57

  Tiltey.
• * 1.58

  L••••ds of L••••••in.
• 12 1.59

  At this town, the first William Mandevill Earl of Essex began a castle; and two &c.
• 13 1.60

  Who founded here a College.
• * 1.61

  B••••ons ••••ch.
• * 1.62

  Hatf••••ld-Peverel. al. Peperking.
• * 1.63

  The Book of St. Mar∣tins in Lon∣don.
• † 1.64

  In fene∣strâ.
• 14 1.65

  Sir Payne.
• * 1.66

  Chensford.
• * 1.67

  Canonium.
• * 1.68

  Writle, for∣merly Estre.
• 15 1.69

  Sirnamed Scot.
• 16 1.70

  Sir William.
• d 1.71

  This Place, in the Bull of Pope Paul 4. (whereby he granted the aforesaid William Petre the sale of several Monasteries belonging to Religious-houses dissolv'd by King Henry 8.) is call'd Ging-Abbatiss••e, aliàs Ging ad Petram, vel Ingerstone. And in the neighbourhood are several Villages whereof Ging or inge make part of the name, as, Ging-grave, Menas-inge, Marget-inge, and Frier-inge.
• 17 1.72

  Where he lyeth buried.
• e 1.73

  Dr. Fuller is mistaken, when he says it is in the gift of the Lords of the Manour of Dorewards-hall; for it ever was in the Patronage of the Archbishop of Canterbury, (as the learned Mr. Ousley inform'd me from Records,) and the whole Town belong'd to the Priory of Christ's-Church, at Canterbury, till the dissolution. The rela¦tion it has to this See, has made it been always fill'd with men eminent for learning; and the present Incumbent Nathaniel Sterry B. D. is inferiour to none of his Predecessors.
• * 1.74

  And the habitation of ancient Knights thence sirnamed de Cogeshall, from whose Heir-general, married into the old family of Tirrell, there branched forth a fair propagation of the Tirrels in this shire and elsewhere. Then goeth on this water by Easterford; some call it East-Sturford.
• * 1.75

  Woodham-Walters.
• * 1.76

  Barons Fitz-Walters.
• * 1.77

  New-hall.
• 19 1.78

  Sir Thomas.
• * 1.79

  Leland in Cygnea-Cantio.
• * 1.80

  C••malodu∣••••m.
• * 1.81

  Maldon.
• * 1.82

  The G••d Camu••us.
• * 1.83

  See in the British Coins.
• * 1.84

  See the Ro∣mans in britain.
• * 1.85

  Claudius in Britain.
• † 1.86

  Dio C••ss. l. 60. See afterwards under the title Nesse.
• * 1.87

  Colonia Ca∣malodu∣num.
• * 1.88

  Servius.
• * 1.89

  Tacitus ••f this C••
• * 1.90

  The A•• and Temp e to Claud••••s.
• * 1.91

  ••••••avs ••0000.
• * 1.92

  Prodigies.
• * 1.93

  ••••••manus.
• 19 1.94

  Upon the ridge of an hill answerable to the termination of Dunum, which signified an hilly and high situation, wherein I saw nothing memorable, unless I should mention two silly Churches, a desolate place of White-Friers, and a small pile of Bricks built not long since by R. Darcy, which name hath been respective hereabout. Hence passing down over the brackish water divided into two streamlets, by High-bridge—
• * 1.95

  Ad Ansam.
• * 1.96

  Bounds of the Colo∣••••es.
• f 1.97

  See Northamptonshire, under the title Termini Veterum.
• 20 1.98

  Yet I will here impart what I incidentally happen'd upon in a private Note which I was inquisitive hereabout for Ad Ansam. In a place call'd Westfield, three quarters of a mile distant from Cogeshall, and belonging to the Abbey there, was found by touching of a plough a great brazen Pot. The Ploughmen supposing it to have been hid treasure, sent for the Abbot of Cogeshall to see the taking up of it; and he going thither met with Sir Clement Harleston, and desired him also to accompany him thither. The mouth of the pot was closed with a white substance like paste or clay, as hard as burn'd brick; when that by force was remov'd, there was found within it another ••ot, but that was of earth; that being opened, there was found in it a lesser Pot of earth of the quantity of a gallon, cover'd with a matter like velvet, and fasten'd at the mouth with a silk lace. In it they found some whole bones, and many pie∣ces of small bones wrapped up in fine silk of fresh colour, which the Abbot took for the Reliques of some Saints, and laid up in his vestuary.
• * 1.99

  Oysters.
• * 1.100

  Lib. 9. c. 54.
• 21 1.101

  Who procured a Market thereunto.
• 22 1.102

  Sir [John Hawkwood.]
• 23 1.103

  This renown'd Knight thus celebrated abroad, was forgotten at home, save that some of his kind soldierly followers founded a Chantery at Castle-Heningham for him, and for two of his military Companions, John Oliver, and Thomas New••nton, Esquires.
• 24 1.104

  In the time of King Henry 1.
• * 1.105

  Colonia.
• * 1.106

  Colchester.
• 25 1.107

  And long after Maud the Empress gave it to Alberic Vere to assure him to her party.
• * 1.108

  Helena, mo∣ther to Con∣stantine the Great.
• * 1.109

  Cice by the Saxon Annals.
• * 1.110

  Chic.
• * 1.111

  S. Osithe.
• * 1.112

  Barons Dar∣cy of Chich.
• 26 1.113

  When he created Sir Thomas Darcy his Councellor, Vice-Chamberlain, and Captain of the Guard, Lord Darcy of Chich.
• * 1.114

  Nesse.
• * 1.115

  Giants.
• * 1.116

  Bones of Giants.
• * 1.117

  Harewi••••.
• 27 1.118

  The town is not great, but well peopled, fortified by art and nature, and made more fencible by Queen Elizabeth. The salt-water so creeketh about it, that it almost insulateth it, but thereby maketh the springs so brackish that there is a defect of fresh water, whcih they fetch-some good way off.
• 28 1.119

  From whom the Wentworths of Gosfield are descended.
• * 1.120

  Barkl w. Old Ba••∣rows.
• † 1.121

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉.
• * 1.122

  Danes-blood.
• g 1.123

  Call'd formerly Walden-burg, and afterwards Cheping-Walden.
• * 1.124

  Wald••••.
• 29 1.125

  Incorporated by King Edward 6. with a Treasurer, two Chamberlains, and the Commonalty.
• 30 1.126

  Founded in a place very commodious in the year 1136.
• * 1.127

  Commonly call'd Ma••∣d••ville••.
• 31 1.128

  Sir Thomas.
• * 1.129

  Baron ••••d∣ley of Wal∣den.
• 32 1.130

  Who in this place hath begun a magnificent Building.
• * 1.131

  Burrow-bank.
• h 1.132

  This in another place be fancies may be St. Edmundsbury. See Suffolk under that title.
• * 1.133

  Martial.
• 33 1.134

  A commodity brought into England in the time of King Edward 3.
• * 1.135

  Saffron.
• * 1.136

  B••rons of C••avering.
• 34 1.137

  Sir [Robert Fitz-Roger].
• * 1.138

  See in Nor∣thumber∣land.
• * 1.139

  Barons Montfitchet. Arms of the Montfitch∣••••.
• * 1.140

  The Playzes
• 35 1.141

  Sir [George Vere].
• * 1.142

  H••s••ing∣bury.
• * 1.143

  Barrington.
• 36 1.144

  Sir [Henry Pole].
• 37 1.145

  Neither is Hatfield Regis, commonly called of a broad spread Oak Hatfield Brad-Oak, to be omitted; where Robert Vere Earl of Oxford built a Priory, and there lyeth entombed cross-legg'd with a French Inscription, wherein he is noted to be first of that name Robert, and third Earl of Oxford.
• * 1.146

  ••••rls of Essex.
• ‖ 1.147

  Dapiferi.
• 38 1.148

  Despoiled of his estate.
• * 1.149

  ••egister of W••lden.
• 39 1.150

  For in a reverent awe of the Church they durst not bury him, because he died excommunicated.
• 40 1.151

  Geoffrey his son, who was restored by Hen. 2. to his father's Honours and Estate for him and his heirs; William, who by his wife was also Earl of Albemarle.
• * 1.152

  〈◊〉〈◊〉-Pierz, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 F••••z-••••••re.
• 41 1.153

  And so was girt with the sword of the Earldom of Essex by King John at the solemnity of his Coronation. This Geoffrey Fiz-Petre was advanced to the high Estate of Justicer of England by King Richard 1. when he removed Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury from that office by the Pope's perempto∣ry command; for that Bishops ought not to intermeddle in secular affairs. This place the said Geoffrey Fitz-Petre executed with great commendation, preserving by his wisdom the Realm from that confusion, which it after fell into by King John's unadvised carriage.
• 42 1.154

  By his wife, was Earl of Glocester also, and &c.
• * 1.155

  Register of Walden-Abbey.
• 43 1.156

  Their sisters son.
• * 1.157

  See the Earls of Hereford.
• 44 1.158

  Sir William.
• 45 1.159

  In regard he had married his Aunt, and was descended from Thomas of Woodstock.
• 46 1.160

  Sir William.
• * 1.161

  Waltham-forrest.
• * 1.162

  Norden's Essex, MS.
• * 1.163

  Leyton.
• * 1.164

  Durolitum.
• * 1.165

  Ruckholt-hall.
• * 1.166

  Caesaroma∣gus.
• † 1.167

  Burton's Itinerary, p. 197.
• * 1.168

  Dunmow.
• * 1.169

  Wallf••••••t-oysters.
• ‖ 1.170

  N••rde•••• Essex MS.
• * 1.171

  Plo•• Staff••••d∣shire. p••
• * 1.172

  W••••ttle. Canonium.
• † 1.173

  Domes∣d••••.
• ‖ 1.174

  ••aus. 6. J••••m. 9.
• * 1.175

  Rot. •• Hen. ••. m. 2. C. 2 H. 3. m. 4.
• * 1.176

  F••••••hing∣f••••••d.
• * 1.177

  Maldon.
• * 1.178

  ••••mmes 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.179

  Ad A••sam
• ‖ 1.180

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉.
• * 1.181

  I••id.
• † 1.182

  Funeral. M••••••••men.
• * 1.183

  Wether∣field.
• * 1.184

  Colchester.
• * 1.185

  Colonia.
• † 1.186

  Aubr. MS.
• * 1.187

  Lair-Mar∣ney.
• ‖ 1.188

  Norden MS. Essex.
• * 1.189

  Mersey Island.
• * 1.190

  Great Clackton.
• * 1.191

  Norden.
• * 1.192

  Harwich.
• † 1.193

  Sylas Tay∣lo••'s Hist. of Harwich, MS.
• * 1.194

  Langerfort.
• * 1.195

  Thorp, Kirkby, Walton.
• ‖ 1.196

  Norden's Essex MS.