A summarie of Englyshe chronicles conteynyng the true accompt of yeres, wherein euery kyng of this realme of England began theyr reigne, howe long they reigned: and what notable thynges hath bene doone durynge theyr reygnes. Wyth also the names and yeares of all the baylyffes, custos, maiors, and sheriffes of the citie of London, sens the Conqueste, dyligentely collected by Iohn Stovv citisen of London, in the yere of our Lorde God 1565. Whervnto is added a table in the end, conteynyng all the principall matters of this booke. Perused and allowed accordyng to the Quenes maiesties iniunctions. — Summarie of Englyshe chronicles

Author: Stow, John, 1525?-1605.1565

A Summarie of Englyshe Chronicles, Conteynyng the true accompt of yeres, wherein euery Kyng of this Realme of England began theyr reigne, howe long they reigned: and what notable thynges hath bene doone durynge theyr Reygnes.

Wyth also the names and yeares of all the Baylyffes, Custos, maiors, and sheriffes of the Citie of London, sens the Conqueste, dyligentely Collected by IOHN STOVV citisen of London, in the yere of our Lorde God 1565.

Whervnto is added a Table in the end, conteynyng all the principall matters of this Booke.

Perused and allowed accordyng to the Quenes maiesties Iniunctions.

In aedibus Thomae Marshi.

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KL. Ianuary hath .xxxi dayes. The day is .viii. houres, the night .xvi.

¶Fayres
xviij	A	Circumcision of Christ	1
	b	Octa. of saynt Stephen	2
xj	c	Oct. of saynt Iohn	3
	d	Oct. Innocentes	4
xix	e	Deposit. of saynt Edward	5
viij	f	Epiphanla Dom. at Salisbury	6
	g	Grant. Withelmi.	7
xvj	A	Lucian priest,	8
v	b	Lewes confessor	9
	c	Paule the first Heremite	10
xiij	d	¶ Sol in [...]quary	11
ij	e	Rychard martyr	12
	f	s. Hillary martyr	13
x	g	Felicis	14
xviij	A	Archadius martyr	15
vij	b	S. Mauricius	16
	c	Saynt Anthony	17
xv	d	Prisce vyrgyn	18
iiij	e	Wolstan bysh.	19
	f	Fabian & Sebastian	20
xij	g	Agnes vyrgyn	21
	A	Uincent martyr	22
j	b	Emerense ¶ Terme begin.	23
	c	Timothe at Bristow at Chirchingford	24
ix	d	Cōuer. Pauli at Bristow at Chirchingford	25
	e	Policarpe at Bristow at Chirchingford	26
xvij	f	Iulian confessor	27
vj	g	Ualerij bysh.	28
	A	Theodore	29
xiiij	b	Basilij	30
iij	c	Saturnine & Uictor	31

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KL. February hath .xxviii. daies The day is .x. houres, & the night .xiiii.

¶ Fayres.
	b	Fast. Brygyd vyrgyn	1
xj	c	Parth. of Mary at Bath and Maydstone,	2
xix	f	Blase bysh.	3
viij	g	Gilbert confessor	4
	A	Agathe vyrgyn	5
xvj	b	Amandy byshop & confessor	6
v	c	Anguly byshop	7
	d	Paule bysh. ¶Son in Pisces.	8
xiiij	e	Apolen vyrgyn	9
ij	f	Scholastice vyrg.	10
	g	Desidery byshop	11
x	A	Dorothe vyrg. ¶ Terme endes.	12
	b	Woulfrani byshop	13
xviij	c	Ualentyn martyr at Feuershā	14
vij	d	Faustine Iouite	15
	e	Iulian vyrgyn	16
xv	f	Polycron byshop	17
iiij	g	Symon byshop	18
	A	Sabyn and Iulian martyr	19
xij	b	Myldred vyrgyn	20
j	c	Lxxix. martyrs	21
	d	Cathedra Petri	22
xix	e	Fast. Locus bysexti	23
	f	Mathie apostle. at Henly vpon Thames, and at Teukesbury.	24
xvij	g	Mathie apostle. at Henly vpon Thames, and at Teukesbury.	25
vj	A	Mathie apostle. at Henly vpon Thames, and at Teukesbury.	26
	b	Augustyn	27
xiiij	c	Oswalde byshop	28

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KL. Marche hath xxxi dayes. The daye is .xii. houres, & the night .xii.

¶Fayres.
tij	d	Dauid byshop	1
	e	Cedde confessor	2
xj	f	Maurice confessor	3
	g	Adrian	4
xix	A	Foce & Eusebij	5
viij	b	Uictor and Uictorin	6
	c	Perpetue & Felix	7
xvj	d	Deposit. of Felix	8
v	e	Quadraginta mar.	9
	f	Agathe vyrgyn	10
	g	Gorgonij martyr	11
xiij	A	Gregory byshop	12
ij	b	Theodore martyr	13
x	c	Longius mar. ¶ Sol in aries	14
	d	Cyriaci mar.	15
xviij	e	Hilary byshop	16
vij	f	Patrick & Gertrudis	17
	g	Edward kyng & confessor	18
xv	A	Ioseph the husband of Mary	19
iiij	b	Cutbert, at Durham	20
	c	Benedic ab.	21
xij	d	Aphrodosy byshop	22
j	e	Theodore martyr	23
	f	Fast.	24
ix	g	Anuntiae. of Mary, at Northampton, at Waldē, at great Chart, and at new	25
	A	Anuntiae. of Mary, at Northampton, at Waldē, at great Chart, and at new	26
xvij	b	Anuntiae. of Mary, at Northampton, at Waldē, at great Chart, and at new	27
vj	c	castel, Hūtingto al y^e lady days	28
	d	Uictor martyr,	29
xiiij	e	Quirini martyr	30
iij	f	Adelme byshop	31

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KL. Aprill hath .xxx. dayes. The day is .xiiii. houres & the night .x.

¶Fayres.
	g	Theodore vyrgyn	1
xj	A	Mary Egypciace	2
	b	Rychard byshop	3
xix	c	Ambrose	4
viij	d	Martian at Wallyngforth	5
xvj	e	Syxtus bysh.	6
v	f	Egesippus at Darby	7
	g	Perpetuus at Bickelsworth, at Byllingworth,	8
xiij	A	Perpetuus at Bickelsworth, at Byllingworth,	9
ij	b	Perpetuus at Bickelsworth, at Byllingworth,	10
	c	¶ Sol in Tauro, at Esam	11
x	d	Gutlary the mōday after	12
	e	Oswoldy archbyshop	13
xviij	f	Eufemie vyrgyn	14
vij	g	Olife	15
	A	Isidore	16
xv	b	Aniceti	17
iiij	c	Eleuthery byshop	18
	d	Alphe ¶ Terme begynneth	19
xij	e	Symon by. The .3. sunday after Easter fayre at Louth	20
j	f	Symon by. The .3. sunday after Easter fayre at Louth	21
	g	Symon by. The .3. sunday after Easter fayre at Louth	22
ix	A	George Marke at Charing, at Ipswiche, Amtyll and Hinningā, at Gilford,	23
	b	George Marke at Charing, at Ipswiche, Amtyll and Hinningā, at Gilford,	24
xvij	c	George Marke at Charing, at Ipswiche, Amtyll and Hinningā, at Gilford,	25
vj	d	euangelist, at Darby	26
	e	Anastasij	27
xiiij	f	Uitali martyr	28
iij	g	Petri Medolanensis	29
	A	Deposit, Erkenwalde	30

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KL. May hath .xxxi dayes. The day is .xvi. houres, the nighte .viii.

¶Fayres.
xj	b	Philip & Iacob. In. cru. at Rippō, at Stow the old, at Reading, Lecester, & Chēsford	1
	c	Philip & Iacob. In. cru. at Rippō, at Stow the old, at Reading, Lecester, & Chēsford	2
xix	d	Philip & Iacob. In. cru. at Rippō, at Stow the old, at Reading, Lecester, & Chēsford	3
viij	e	Floriant martyr	4
	f	Godard	5
xvj	g	Iohn port latin	6
v	A	Iohn of Beuerley	7
	b	Aapparitio Mich. at Beuerley	8
xiii	c	Gengulfi martyr	9
ij	d	Gordian and Epimachy	10
	e	Ascention daye. at Newcastell, at Yern, at Bermincham at s. Edes. at bysh. Standford	11
x	f	Ascention daye. at Newcastell, at Yern, at Bermincham at s. Edes. at bysh. Standford	12
	g	Boniface martyr at Newcastell, at Yern, at Bermincham at s. Edes. at bysh. Standford	13
xviij	A	Boniface martyr at Newcastell, at Yern, at Bermincham at s. Edes. at bysh. Standford	14
vij	b	Seruacij confessor	15
	c	Translat. off. Bernard	16
xv	d	Dioscorides martyr	17
iiij	e	Dunston byshop	18
	f	Bernardyne	19
xij	g	Helene Queene	20
j	A	Whytsunday at s. Tyues, at Canterbury, Royston and Stow the old, Kingston vpon Thames.	21
	b	Whytsunday at s. Tyues, at Canterbury, Royston and Stow the old, Kingston vpon Thames.	22
ix	c	Whytsunday at s. Tyues, at Canterbury, Royston and Stow the old, Kingston vpon Thames.	23
	d	Whytsunday at s. Tyues, at Canterbury, Royston and Stow the old, Kingston vpon Thames.	24
xvij	e	Adelme byshop	25
vj	f	Augustin of England	26
	g	Bede priest	27
xiiij	A	Trinite sunday. On the eue at Stokesly, at Kēdale. On the day, at s. Mary Auke. at Rowell,	28
iij	b	Trinite sunday. On the eue at Stokesly, at Kēdale. On the day, at s. Mary Auke. at Rowell,	29
	c	Trinite sunday. On the eue at Stokesly, at Kēdale. On the day, at s. Mary Auke. at Rowell,	30
xj	d	Trinite sunday. On the eue at Stokesly, at Kēdale. On the day, at s. Mary Auke. at Rowell,	31

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KL. Iune hath .xxx. dayes. The daye is .xviii. houres, the night .vi.

¶Fayres.
	e	Corpus Christi at Newbery, at Conentre, at s. Edes, at byshop Stāford.	1
xix	f	Corpus Christi at Newbery, at Conentre, at s. Edes, at byshop Stāford.	2
viij	g	Corpus Christi at Newbery, at Conentre, at s. Edes, at byshop Stāford.	3
xvi	A	Petroci confessor	4
v	b	Boniface byshop	5
	c	Melon byshop	6
xiij	d	Translat. Wolstane	7
ij	e	Wilhelmi confessor	8
	f	Trans. Edmond. at Maydstone	9
x	g	Iue confessor,	10
	A	Barnabe apost. at Okyngham,	11
xviij	b	Basill ¶ Sol in Cancer.	12
vij	c	Anthony	13
	d	Basill byshop & confessor	14
xv	e	Uite & modeste	15
iiij	f	Translat. Rycharde	16
	g	Botalphe	17
xij	A	Mardi & Marciliani	18
j	b	Geruasie	19
	c	Translat. Edward	20
ix	d	Walburge Uyrgyn	21
	e	Albane martyr	22
xvij	f	Fast. at Shrewsbury s. Albōs,	23
vj	g	Na. Iohn Baptist. at Cambrydge, at Glocester, Lincoln at wynsor, Cāterbury, Colchester, & wynbroke.	24
	A	Na. Iohn Baptist. at Cambrydge, at Glocester, Lincoln at wynsor, Cāterbury, Colchester, & wynbroke.	25
xiiij	b	Na. Iohn Baptist. at Cambrydge, at Glocester, Lincoln at wynsor, Cāterbury, Colchester, & wynbroke.	26
iij	c	Na. Iohn Baptist. at Cambrydge, at Glocester, Lincoln at wynsor, Cāterbury, Colchester, & wynbroke.	27
	d	Fast.	28
xj	e	Peter & Paule at wadhurst, Marlborow, Holsworth, at Northampton, and at Peterborowe.	29
	f	Peter & Paule at wadhurst, Marlborow, Holsworth, at Northampton, and at Peterborowe.	30

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KL. Iuly hath .xxxi. dayes. The day is .xvi. houres, & the nyght viii.

¶Fayres.
xix	g	Octa. Iohn Baptist.	1
viij	A	Uisitat, of our Lady	2
	b	Trans. of s. Thomas	3
xvj	c	Trans. of s. Martyn	4
v	d	Zoe Uyrgyn & martyr	5
	e	Octa. Peter and Paule	6
xiii	f	Tran. s. Tho. at Canterbury	7
ij	g	Deposit. of Grymhald	8
	A	Cyrilli bysh. at Partney, at	9
x	b	Nabor, at Felix.	10
	c	Trans. of saynt Benet	11
xviij	d	Nabor & Felix, at Lydde	12
vij	e	Priuate. ¶ Sol in Leo	13
	f	Reuel. ¶ Dogdayes begyn.	14
xv	g	Trans. of s. Swythyn	15
iiij	A	Trans. of s. Osmund	16
	b	Kenelme kyng, at wynscombe	17
xij	c	Arnolphe byshop	18
j	d	Rufine and Iustine	19
	e	Margarete, at Uxbridge.	20
ix	f	Praxede vyrgyn	21
	g	Mary Magda. Fast. at Marleborow, at Wynchester, at Colchester, Tedbery.	22
xvij	A	Mary Magda. Fast. at Marleborow, at Wynchester, at Colchester, Tedbery.	23
vj	b	Mary Magda. Fast. at Marleborow, at Wynchester, at Colchester, Tedbery.	24
	c	Iames apostle at Brystowe, at Ipswyche, Northamptō Darby, s. Iames besyde London, Readyng.	25
xiiij	d	Iames apostle at Brystowe, at Ipswyche, Northamptō Darby, s. Iames besyde London, Readyng.	26
iij	e	Iames apostle at Brystowe, at Ipswyche, Northamptō Darby, s. Iames besyde London, Readyng.	27
	f	Iames apostle at Brystowe, at Ipswyche, Northamptō Darby, s. Iames besyde London, Readyng.	28
xj	g	Samson byshop	29
xjx	A	Abdon and Sennes mar.	30
	b	Germany byshop	13

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KL. August hath .xxxi. dayes. The day is .xiiii. houres, the night .viii.

¶ Fayres.
viij	c	Peter Lammas at Exeter, at Feuer sham, at Donstable, at s. Edes, at Bedford, at Merham church, at Wisbyche, and at Yorke.	1
xvj	d	Peter Lammas at Exeter, at Feuer sham, at Donstable, at s. Edes, at Bedford, at Merham church, at Wisbyche, and at Yorke.	2
v	e	Peter Lammas at Exeter, at Feuer sham, at Donstable, at s. Edes, at Bedford, at Merham church, at Wisbyche, and at Yorke.	3
	f	Peter Lammas at Exeter, at Feuer sham, at Donstable, at s. Edes, at Bedford, at Merham church, at Wisbyche, and at Yorke.	4
xiij	g	Peter Lammas at Exeter, at Feuer sham, at Donstable, at s. Edes, at Bedford, at Merham church, at Wisbyche, and at Yorke.	5
ij	A	Transfiguration	6
	b	The feast of Iesu	8
x	c	Siriarke	7
	d	Romaine at Romney	9
xviij	e	S. Laurence day at Waltam, at Hō gerford, at Bedford, at Srrodes, Blackamore, s. Laurence by Bodman	10
vij	f	S. Laurence day at Waltam, at Hō gerford, at Bedford, at Srrodes, Blackamore, s. Laurence by Bodman	11
	g	S. Laurence day at Waltam, at Hō gerford, at Bedford, at Srrodes, Blackamore, s. Laurence by Bodman	12
xv	A	S. Laurence day at Waltam, at Hō gerford, at Bedford, at Srrodes, Blackamore, s. Laurence by Bodman	13
iiij	b	Eusebij priest	14
	c	Assumpt. Mary, at Wakefield	15
xij	d	Rochus ¶ Sol in Uirgo	16
j	e	Oct. of s. Laurence	17
	f	Agapethe martyr	18
ix	g	Magnus martyr	19
	A	Lewes confessor	20
xvij	b	Bernarde	21
vj	c	Oct. Assumptio Mary	22
	d	Timothe	23
xiiij	e	Barthol. Apostle at London, Teukesbury, Sudbery, Norwich, Northhāpton, Douer, and at Rye.	24
iij	f	Barthol. Apostle at London, Teukesbury, Sudbery, Norwich, Northhāpton, Douer, and at Rye.	25
	g	Barthol. Apostle at London, Teukesbury, Sudbery, Norwich, Northhāpton, Douer, and at Rye.	26
xj	A	Barthol. Apostle at London, Teukesbury, Sudbery, Norwich, Northhāpton, Douer, and at Rye.	27
xix	b	The .27. day at Ashforde,	28
	c	Decolat. of s. Iohn	29
viij	d	Felix	30
	e	Cuthburge virgyn,	31

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KL. Septēber hath .xxx. dayes. The day is .xii. houres, & the nyght .xii.

¶ Fayres.
xvj	f	Egidy abbot	1
v	g	Anthony martyr	2
	A	Gregory	3
xiij	b	Translat. of Cuthbert	4
ij	c	Bartyn abbot	5
	d	Eugenius	6
x	e	Gorgon	7
	f	Nati. of our Lady at Sturbryge, at Lōdon in Southwarke, at wakefild	8
xviij	g	Nati. of our Lady at Sturbryge, at Lōdon in Southwarke, at wakefild	9
vij	A	Nati. of our Lady at Sturbryge, at Lōdon in Southwarke, at wakefild	10
	b	Marcian confessor	11
xv	c	Maurily byshop	12
iiij	d	Amantij martyr, ¶ Sol in [...]	13
	e	Holy roode daye. at Waltā abbey at Wotton vnderhedge, Spaldyng, at Uxbridge, & Catesby.	14
xij	f	Holy roode daye. at Waltā abbey at Wotton vnderhedge, Spaldyng, at Uxbridge, & Catesby.	15
j	g	Holy roode daye. at Waltā abbey at Wotton vnderhedge, Spaldyng, at Uxbridge, & Catesby.	16
	A	Holy roode daye. at Waltā abbey at Wotton vnderhedge, Spaldyng, at Uxbridge, & Catesby.	17
ix	b	Uictor	18
	c	Ianuary martyr	19
xvij	d	Eustatius	20
vj	e	Mathew Apostle at Maulborowe, at Bedford. at Croydō at s. Edmundsbery.	21
f	Mathew Apostle at Maulborowe, at Bedford. at Croydō at s. Edmundsbery.	22
xiiij	g	Mathew Apostle at Maulborowe, at Bedford. at Croydō at s. Edmundsbery.	23
iij	A	Andochy martyr	24
	b	Firmynmartyr	25
xj	c	Cyprian and Iustine	26
xix	d	Cosmy & Damiany	27
	e	Exuperrij	28
viij	f	Michael archan [...] at Maulton, at s. Iues, Hadley, Milnal, Sittingborne.	26
	g	Michael archan [...] at Maulton, at s. Iues, Hadley, Milnal, Sittingborne.	30

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KL. October hath .xxxi. dayes. The day is .x. houres, & the nighte .xiiii.

¶ Fayres.
xv	A	Remigius	1
iiij	b	Leodegarii	2
xij	c	Candidi martyr	3
ij	d	Frauncis confessor at Michel,	4
	e	Fayth, at Maydstone.	5
x	f	Marci & Marciliani, at s. Sythes	6
	g	Pelagie	7
xviij	A	Dionisij ☞ Terme begyn.	8
vij	b	Nicasius, at Welles	9
	c	Wylfryde	10
xv	d	Trans. of s. Edwarde.	11
iiij	e	Calixt, bysh. at Grauesend.	12
	f	Wol [...]rane. ☞ Sol in Scor.	13
xij	g	Maurice martyr	14
j	A	Gaili confessor	15
	b	Maximini martyr	16
ix	c	Etheldrede vyrgyn	17
	d	Luke Euang. at Ely.	18
xvij	e	Quirini martyr	19
vj	f	Austrebert	20
	g	Xj. M. virgyns	21
xiiij	A	Mary Salome	22
iij	b	Romani archbysh.	23
	c	Chrispine	24
xj	d	Euerest	25
xix	e	Ursula	26
	f	Fast.	27
viij	g	Symon & Iude apo. at New market, at Neeford, at Ciceter.	28
	A	Symon & Iude apo. at New market, at Neeford, at Ciceter.	29
xvj	b	Symon & Iude apo. at New market, at Heeford, at Ciceter.	30
v	c	Quyntyn martyr,	31

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KL. Nouember hath .xxx. daies. The day is .viii. houres, the night .xvi.

Fast. ¶ Fayres.
	b	All sayntes day. at Wakefield	1
xiij	e	All soules day, at Blechyngly.	2
ij	f	Wenefrede vyrgyn	3
	g	Amancius	4
x	A	Lete	5
	b	Leonard. Newport ponde.	6
xviij	c	Wyllybrord byshop	7
vij	d	Quatuor coronato.	8
	e	Theodore martyr	9
xv	f	Martyn bysh. of R.	10
iiij	g	Martyn, at Marlborow, Douer,	11
	A	Paternie ☞ Sol in Sagit.	12
xij	b	Brice. at s. Edmundes bury,	13
j	c	Trans. of Erkenwald	14
	d	Macute	15
ix	e	Deposit. Edmond	16
	f	Hughe byshop	17
xvij	g	Octa. Martini.	18
vj	A	Elyzabeth	19
	b	Edmond kyng at Heth	20
xiiij	c	Present. of our Lady	21
iij	d	Cecilie virgyn.	22
	e	Clement bysh. at Sandwych.	23
xj	f	Grisogoni martyr	24
xix	g	Katheryne vyrgyn	25
	A	Peter byshop	26
viij	b	Uitalis & agricole	27
	c	Ruffi. ☞ Terme end [...]	28
xvj	d	Fast. at Maydenhead,	19
x	e	Andrewe apost.	30

[Page]

KL. December hath xxxi daies. The daye is .vi. houres, the nyght .xviii.

¶ Fayres.
xiij	f	Crisanti & Darie martyr	1
ij	g	Libiany	2
	A	Deposit, Osmond	3
x	b	Barbara virgyn	4
	c	Sabba ab. at Puckley	5
xviij	d	Nicholas bysh. at Spaldyng	6
vij	e	Oct. Andrew. at Sandhorst	7
	f	Concep. Mary.	8
xv	g	Cypriane abbot	9
iiij	A	Eulalie	10
	b	Antippa. ¶ Sol in Capri.	11
xij	c	Paule byshop	12
j	d	Lucy vyrgyn	13
	e	Nicasij	14
ix	f	Ualery	15
	g	O sapientia	16
xvij	A	Lazarus byshop	17
vj	b	Gracian byshop	18
	c	Uenesy vyrgyn	19
xiiij	d	Iulian martyr	20
iij	e	Thomas apostle	21
	f	30. martyrs	22
xj	g	Uictor Uyrgyn	23
xix	A	Candidi	24
	b	Christmas day	25
viij	c	Steuen martyr	26
	d	Iohn Euangelyst	27
xvj	e	Innocentes daye	28
v	f	Thomas Becket, at Cātorbury	29
	g	Translat. of s. Iames	30
xiij	A	Syluester bysh.	31

[Page]

A rule to knowe when the [...] begynneth and endeth.

¶ Eight dayes before any terme be, the Exchequer openeth for certayntie, except Trinitie terme, which is but .4. dayes before.

¶ Hillary terme begynneth the .xxiii. daye of Ianuary, if it be not Sunday: then the next daye after, and endeth the .xii. daye of February.

¶ Easter terme begynneth .xvii. dayes after Easter, and endeth foure dayes after the Ascension daye.

¶ Trinitie terme beginneth the nexte daye after Corpus Christi daye, and endeth y^e wednisday fortnyght after.

¶ Mighelmas terme, begynneth the .ix. daye of October, if it be not Sunday, and endeth the .xxviii. of Nouember.

¶ In Easter terme, on the Assentiō day. In Trinitie terme, on the Natiuitie of Saint Iohn Baptist In Michaelmas terme, on the feast of All Sainctes. In Hyllary terme, on the feast of the Purification of our Lady, y^e Quenes Iudges of Westminster, doe not vse to sit in iudgement, nor vpon any Sundayes.

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¶ A table for .xxx. yeres. to come.
The yeres of our Lorde God.	Letter Dominica [...]	Leape yeres.	Easter daye.	March or Apryll.
1564	a	b	2	A
1565	g		22	A
1566	f		14	A
1567	e		30	M
1568	c	d	18	A
1569	b		10	A
1570	a		16	M
1571	g		15	A
1572	e	f	6	A
1573	d		22	M
1574	c		11	A
1575	b		3	A
1576	g	a	22	A
1577	f		7	A
1578	e		20	M
1579	d		19	A
1580	b	c	3	A
1581	a		26	M
1582	g		5	A
1583	f	3 [...]	M
1584	d	e	29	A
1585	c		11	A
1586	b		3	A
1587	a		1 [...]	A
1588	f	g	7	A
1589	e		30	M
1590	d		19	A
1591	c		4	A
1592	a	b	2 [...]	M
1593	g		15	A

☞In this table aboue, what yere our Lorde God, you doe chose within wrytten, you shall strayght finde in the second rowe toward the left hand, the Dominicall letter seruing for y^e yere: the third rowe sheweth the leape yeres: the .iiij. rowe the number of the daye that Easter daye falleth on: and the fift rowe, the name of the moneth that Easter daye falleth on. Note that the letter A. standeth for Apryll, and the letter M. for Marche.

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TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, and my very good Lord, the Lorde Robert Dudley, Earle of Leicester, Baron of Dynghby, Knyght of the honourable order of the Garter, one of the Queenes most honorable priuie counsell, and Maister of her maiesties horsse.

BECAVSE, bothe by the vniuersall reporte of all men, I heare, and also by myne owne experience I perfectly know (right honourable and my very good lorde) how honorably and cherefully diuers workes presented to your lordship, haue ben accepted: I (though of al others most simple) was thereby encouraged, to offer to your honour this my simple worke, in token of my bounden duty. The exaumple also of that famous [Page] Monarche Artaxerxes, who so wel accepted the simple handfull of water, that the poore Persian Sinetas brought him from the riuer Cyrus, putteth me in good hope, that youre honour who geue place to no man in humanitie and curtesie wil not mislike this simple signifieng of my good wylle. For, like as the mite of that poore widowe that is mencioned in the Gospell, whiche she gaue in all her penurie, is accompted a greater gifte, then those huge sommes that great men layde out of their greate stoare: so ought this my simple pamphlet be adiudged to procede, though not from greater, yet from as great good will, as the best and learnedst writers beare to your honour. For, they, of their abundant stoare, haue laied oute somewhat: But I, of my [Page] meane knowledge, haue presented these few first frutes to your honor: knowing that your wisedome can in this small present right well see my good wyll. My gifte is a short briefe or summarie of the chiefest chances and accidentes, that haue happened in this Realme, frome the tyme of Brutus, to this our age. VVhiche I haue done by the conference of many authors, both old and new, those Imeane, that commonly are called Chroniclers, out of whom I haue gathered many notable thinges, moste worthy of remembrance, whiche no man heretofore hath noted. whiche worke also I was the bolder to dedicate to your honour, because I know your lordships good inclination to al sortes of good knowledges: and especially the great loue that you beare [Page] to the olde Recordes of dedes doone by famous and noble worthies whiche my boldnes, like as I truste your honour wil not only pardon, but also accept in good part: so I besech al the readers hereof, that folowyng your honourable exāple, they will iudge the best of this my trauaile, whiche I toke in hand, onely for the respect that I had to their profite. VVherby they shall both shew the goodnes of their owne natures, and also encourage me willingly to go forwarde in this my enterprise. VVhich doubting not, but that I shall the rather obtaine of them, because of your lordeships fauourable acceptance hereof, I wil now cesse any lōger to trouble your honor, beseching almightie god long to preserue you to the cōmoditie of this our natiue countreie.

Your L. most humble Iohn Stovve.

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To the Reader.

DIuers wryters of Hystories write dyuersly. Some penne their hystories plentifully at large. Some contrary wyse, briefly and shortly doo but (as it were) touche by the way, the remembraunce and accidents of those tymes, of which they write. Some do with a large compasse discouer as wel the affaires done in foreyn partes, as those that hapned in that countrey, of whiche especially they wryte. And some content to let alone other matters, put in memory only such thyngs, as they thē selues haue had experiēce of, in their own coūtreis. Amongs whom, good Reader, I craue to haue place, and desyre roome in the lower part of this table. For I vse thee in this my booke as some symple feaster, that beynge not able of his owne coste to feast his guestes sufficientely, is fayne to bee frended of his neyghboures, [Page] and to sette before them suche dishes as he hath gotten of others. For I acknowledge, that many of the hystories, that thou shalte reade here abridged, are taken, partely out of Robert Fabian, sometyme Alderman of London, Edwarde Halle gentylman of Greyes Inne, Iohn Hardynge, a great trauailer bothe in foreyne countreis, and also in all writynges of antiquitie [...], and other, who reaped great abundance of knowlege, and filled their bookes full therwith, to the great profite and pleasure of all posteritie, and to their own great fame and glory. So that of their great plenty, I might wel take somewhat to hyde my pouertie [...]. Howbe it, I haue not so doone it, as, if they should clayme theyr own, I shuld forthwith be left naked. For somwhat I haue noted, which I my selfe, partly by paynfull searche, and partly by diligent experiēce, haue found out. Wher fore, hoth the smalnesse of the volume, [Page] which cōprehēdeth gret matters in effect, & lso the noueltie of som matters vttred therin, ought to cause y^t it shold not be altogither vnwelcome to thee. For, though it be written homely, yet it is not (as I trust) writē vntruly. And in hystories the chiefe thyng that is to be desyred is truthe. Wherfore, if thou fynde that in it, I beseche thee, wynke at small faultes, or at the least, let the consyderation of my well meanynge, drowne them. So shalt thou both encourage me to farther diligence, and also vtter thyne owne frendlynesse, in that thou doest rather further, then condemne a weake wryter.

Of smoothe and flatterynge speache, remember to take hede:

For Trouthe in playn wordes may be tolde, of craft a lye hath nede.

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¶The names of Authours in this Booke alledged.

Arnoldes Chronicles.: Iohn Rastall.
Beda de gestis Anglorū: Iohn Maior.
Cornellus Tacitus.: Iohn Bale.
Domes day a booke.: Iohn Gower.
Edward Haulle.: Iohn Sleydane.
Gildas de uictoria Aure lii & Ambrosii.: Merlyn chronicler.
: Martyn Chronicler.
Gildas de gestis Arthuri.: Mathewe Paris.
: Norham chronicler.
Gildas the wise.: Polydorus Virgilius.
Guido de Columna.: Robert, a chronicler, that wrate in the tyme of Henry the thirde.
Geffrey of Monmouth.
Geraldus Cambrensis.
Hector Boyce.: Rodolphus niger.
Houeden.: Raynolffe of Chester.
Iohn Hardynges Chronicle dedicated to Henry the .6.: Robert Fabian.
: S. Columbe Cronicus Colmanni.
Iohn Leylande.: Thomas Lanquet.
Iohn Lydgate.: Thomas Couper.
Iohn Frosarde.: William Caxton.

[Page 1]

A briefe Description of Englande.

BEfore I entre to abridge the factes and gestes of the kynges and other persons within this Realme frome Brutus,Polydore Virgil. the fyrste Kyng of the same, I purpose briefely to make a description of this noble Realme gathered out of Polydore Uirgil, reported in his work of y^e Englishe hystorie, who saith: That all Britain, which by two names is called England and Scotland, is an Iland in the Ocean sea, sytuate ryghte ouer agaynst the Region of Gallia: one parte of which Isle Englishmen do inhabite, another parte Scottes, the third parte Walshemen, and the fourth part Cornish men. All they, eyther in language, conditions or lawes, doo differ amongs them selues. Englande (so called of Englishemen, whiche dyd winne the same) is the greatest part, which is deuided into .xxxix counties, which we call shyres. Wherof ten (that is to say, Kent, Suffer, Surrey, Southampton, Barkshire, Wyltshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire [Page] Deuonshire and Cornwall, do [...]n [...]eine the fyrst part of that Iland: which ya [...]s bounding toward the Southe, standeth betweene the Thames and the Sea. Frome thence, to the ryuer of Trent, whiche passeth thorough the myddes of Englād be .xvi. shyres: wherof the first vi. (standyng Estward (are Essex, Midd [...]eser, Hertfordshire, Suffolke, Northfolke, and Cambridgeshire, the other ten which stande more in the myddle of the countrey, are these: Bedford, Huntingdon, Buckingham, Oxford, Northhampton, Rutland, Leicestre, Notyngham, Warwike, and Lyncolne. After these, there be .vi. whiche border westeward vpon Wales, as Glocestre, Hereforde, Worcester, Salop, Stafford, and Chester. Aboute the myddle of the Region lie Darbyshyre, Yorkshyre, Lancashyre, & Cumbreland. On the left hande toward the west is Westmerlande. Agaynste the same, is the Byshopryke of Durham, and Northumberland, which boūdeth vpon the northe in the marches of Scotland. Those shyres be diuided in to .xvii. Bishop rickes, which by a greke word, be called Dioeceses. Of which Dioeceses, Canturburye and Rochester, bee [Page 2] in Kēt. Essex, Middlesex & part of Hertford, belongeth to the bishoprike of London. The bishop of Chicester hath Suffer. Wynchester, hathe Hampshire, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight.

Salesbury, hath Dorsetshire, Barkshyre, and Wylteshire.

Excetor, hath Deuonshire, & Cornwall. Bathe, and Welles, hath Somersetshyre. Worcester, hath Glocestershyre,Now at thys presente there is a byshop of Glocester. Worcestershyre, and part of Warwikeshire. Hereforde, hath parte of Shropshire, and Herefordshire.

Couentre, and Lichfelde, Staffordeshyre, and thother parte of Warwikshire. Chestre, hath Cheshire, Darbyshire, & a piece of a Lancashyre, nere the ryuer of Kepel. The Diocesse of Lincolne, Ther is now a byshoppe at Peterborow. which is the greatest, hath eight shyres, lieng betweene thei Thames and Humbre, as Lincolne, Northampton, Leycester, Rutlande, Huntingdon, Bedforde, Buckyngham, Oxford & the residue of Hertfordshire. The byshoprike of Ely, hath Cantabridgeshire, & the Isle of Ely Suffolke, and Norffolke, be in the circuite of Norwiche Diocesse. And thys is the Prouynce of the Archebyshop of Canterburye, [Page] whyche is the primate of all England, wyth Wales, whyche hathe iiii. diocesses, as hereafter shall be declared. The byshop of Yorke, hath Yorkeshyre, Notynghamshyre, and a piece of Lancastshyre. The byshop of Durham, hath the bishoprike so commonly called, and Northumberland. Carlisle, conteineth Cumberlande and Westmerland: And this is the other prouince of tharch byshop of Yorke, whiche is another prymate of England, & was of long tyme also primate of all Scotlande: but these Diocesses take theyr names of the cities where those seas be placed. The chiefe wherof, is London, where in the beginnyng was the Archebyshops sea: but afterwardes transposed to Canterbury, a Citie in Kent, placed in a soyle amiable and pleasant. London, standethe in Middlesex, on the northside of the Thamis. That moste excellent and goodly ryuer, beginneth a little aboue a village called Winchelcombe in Oxfordshyre, styll increasyng, and passeth fyrst by the vniuersitie of Oxēford, & so with a meruailous quiete course by London, and and then breaketh into the frenche Ocean by mayne tydes, whyche twyse in [Page 3] xxiiii. howers space doth ebbe and flowe more then .lx. myles, to the great cōmoditie of trauailers, by whiche all kyndes of marchandise bee easylye conueyde to London, the principall store and staple for all cōmodities within this Realme. Uppon the same ryuer is placed a stone bridge,London brydge. a woorke very rare and meruailous, whyche brydge hathe .xx. arches made of .iiii. squared stone, of height .lx. foote, and of breadth .xxx. foote, distant one from an other .xx. foote, compacte & ioyned together with vaultes and Sellars. Upon bothe sydes be houses buylded, that it seemeth rather a continuall streete then a brydge. The Ocean sea doothe bounde Englande, the fyrst part of Britain east and South, Wales, and Cornewall west. The ryuer of Twede deuideth England and Scotland north. The length of the Island begynneth at Portsmouth in the South part, and endeth at Twede in the north, conteinyng 320. myles. This Realme aboue other is moste fruitfull on this syde Humbre: for beyonde, it is fuller of mountaynes. And althoughe to the beholders of that countrey a far of, it may seme playn, yet it is full of many hylles, and those for [Page] the moste part voyde of trees: the valeys wherof be very delectable, inhabited for the most part by noble men, who accordyng to auncient and olde ordre, desyre not to dwell in Cities, but neere vnto valleys and ryuers in seueral vyllages: for aduoidyng of vehement wyndes, because that Ilande naturally is stormye. Humbre hath his beginnyng a little on this side York, & by & by runneth southward, & thē holdeth his course eastward & so into the mayn sea, greatly increaced by the ryuers of Dune & Trent. Trent beginneth a lyttle from Stafforde, runnyng through Darbyshyre, and Leycestershyre, passing by Lichfield and Notyngham on the ryght hand, and Dune on the lefte: so that bothe those ryuers dooe make an Ilande, whyche is called Aurolme, and then ioynyng together on this syde Kyngston vpon Hull, a goodly marchant towne, they falle into Humbre: by whych ryuer they may aryue out of France, Germanie, and Denmarke. England is fruitefull of beastes, and aboundeth with cattell: wherby thinhabitātes be rather for the most Grasiers, then ploughmē because they geue them selues more to fedyng, then to tyllage. [Page 4] So that almoste the thyrde parte of the countrey is imployed to cattell, dere red and fallow, gores (wherof there be store in the northe partes, & conyes, for euery where there is ioly maintenāce of those kyndes of beastes: because it is fulle of greate woddes, wherof there ryseth pastyme of huntyng greatly exercised, specially by the nobilitie and gentlemen.

Of Scotland, an other parte of Britayn, I purpose to say nothyng because I haue promised onely and briefly to remembre thaffaires of myne owne countrey, as beste trauailed and acquainted with the knowledge of the same.

Wales, the .iiii. part of Britayne lyeth vpon the lefte hand: whiche like a Promontarie or forelande, or an Isle (as it were) on euery syde it is compassed with the mayne sea: excepte it be on the easte parte with the Ryuer of Sabrine commonly called Seuerne, whiche deuideth Wales from England. Although some late writers affirme Hereforde to bee a bound betwene Wales and England, & say, that Wales begynneth at Chepstolle, where the Ryuer Ueye augmented wyth an other ryuer called Lugge, passyng by Hereforde dooth runne into [Page] the sea: which riuer riseth in the myddle of Wales out of that hill (but vncertain whether oute of that sprynge) that Sabrine dothe,Cornelius Tacitus. whiche Corn. Tacitus calleth Antona. For euen to that place there goth a great arme of the sea,This arme of the sea, as I Iudge, is nowe called Anste, where is a passage betwene the village of Anste and Chepstoll. which passyng through the land westward: on the right hande leaueth Cornewall, and on the left, Wales. Whiche Topography or description, although it be newe, yet I thoughte good to folowe. Therefore Wales is extended frome the towne of Chepstol, where it beginneth almost by a straight line a lytle aboue Shrowsbury, euē to Westchester northward. Into that part, so many of the Britains as remayned alyue after the slaughter and losse of their countrey, at the length beyng dryuen to theyr shyftes, dyd repaire as ancient writings report: where partly through refuge of the mountaines, & partly of the woddes and marshes, they remained in safetie: which part they enioy euen to this daye. That lande afterwardes the englyshe men dyd call Wales: and the Britaius the inhabitauntes of the same, Walshmen: for amonges the Germaynes, Walsman, signifieth a strāger, an alien, an outborn or strange [Page 5] man: that is, suche a one, as hath a contrarye language from theirs, for Wall, in their tongue is called a stranger born as an Italian or Frencheman: whyche differ in speeche from the Germane.

Man, signifieth Homo, which is a mā in english. Therfore englishmen, a people of Germany, after they had wōne Britain called the Britains, which escaped after y^e destructiō of their cuntrey, after their countrey maner. walshmen, because they had an other tong or spech, besides theirs, & the land which they inhabited, Wales, which name afterwardes both to the people and contrey dyd remayn. By this meanes the Britaynes with theyr kyngedome loste their name. But they whiche affirme that name to be deriued of their kyng or queene without doubte be deceiued. The countrey soyle towardes the sea coaste, and in other places in the valleys and playnes, is most fertile, which yeldeth bothe to man and beaste, great plentie of fruite and grasse: but in other places for the moste parte it is bareyne and lesse fruitfull, because it lacketh tyllage: for whiche cause husbandmen do lyue hardly, eating Oten cakes and drinkyng milke myxte with water, [Page] and sowre whay. There be many townes and strong castels, and .iiii. Bishoprikes, if the byshoprike of Hereforde be coūted in England, as y^e late writers declare. The fyrst byshoprike is Meneue, so called of Meneua, whiche at this day they call Sainct Dauids, a Citie very auncient, situated vpon the sea coast, and boūdeth westward toward Ireland. An other is Landaeffe, the thirde Bangor, and the fourthe All Saint Asaph. whiche, be vnder Tharchbyshoppe of Canterburye. The walshmen haue a language from thenglishmen, which as they say, that fetche their Petigree frome the Troianes, do the partly sounde of the Troian antiquitie, and partly of the Greeke. But how soever it is, the walshemen do not pronounce their speache so pleasantely and gentilly as thenglyshmen dooe, because they speake more in the throte: & contrary wise thenglishemen rightly folowynge the Latines, do expresse theyr voyce somewhat within the lyps, which to the hearers semeth pleasant & swete: And thus much of wales, the third part of Britaine.

Nowe foloweth the fourthe and laste parte of Britayne, named Cornewall. [Page 6] This part beginneth on that syde whiche standeth toward Spayn westward: Toward theast, it is of bredth .iiii. score and tenne myles, extendyng a lyttle beyonde saynt Germains, which is a very famous village situated on the right hand vpon the sea coast, where the greatest breadth of that countrey is but .xx. myles: for thys parcell of lande on the right hand is compassed with the coaste of the mayne sea: and on the left hande with that arme of the sea, whiche (as before is declared) parteth the lande, and runneth vp to Chepstoll: where the coū trey is in fourme of a Horne: For at the fyrst, it is narowe, and then growethe broader, a little beyonde the said towne of saint Germaine. Eastwarde it bordreth vpon England, West, south, and Northe, the mayne sea is rounde about it: It is a very barreyn soyle, yeldynge fruite more through trauaile of the tyllers and husband men, thē through the goodnes of the groūd. but there is great plentie of leade and tyn: in the myning and dyggyng wherof doth specially consist the liuynge & sustentation of thinhabitants. In this only parte of Britayn, [Page] euen to this daye continueth the nation of the Britaines, whiche in the begynnynge brought out of Gallia occupied & inhabited that Ilande, (yf credite maye be geuen to them, whyche reporte the firste inhabitantes of Britaine to come out of the Cities of Armerica.) The argumēt & profe wherof, is because y^e Cornishmen do speake y^e langage, which the Britains vse now in France, whom the Britons do cal Britonātes. This thing to be more true, an old ancient chronicle dothe declare, wherin I found written, not Cornubia, but Cornugallia, compounded of Cornu, a horne, the forme wherof that countrey hath, and of Gallia, out of which contrey thinhabitantes came fyrst, the maner of which name is not to be mislyked. Their tongue is farre dissonant from englishe, but is muche like to the Walshe tongue, because they haue many wordes cōmune to both tonges: yet thys difference there is betwene them, when a walsheman speaketh the Cornyshe man rather vnderstandeth many woordes spoken by the Walshman, then the hole tale he telleth. whereby it is manyfest, that those thre people dooe vnderstande one an other in like maner [Page 7] as the Southerne Scottes doo perceiue and vnderstand the Northern. But it is a thyng very rare and meruailous, that in one Iland there should be such varietie of speches. Cornewall or Cornugall is in the Diocesse of Excetour, whyche was ones woorthye to bee counted the fourth part of the Iland, as well for the contrarietie of language as for the fyrst inhabitantes thereof, as is beforesayde. Afterwardes, the Normans which constituted a kyngdom of all those thre partes reckned Cornewall to bee one of the counties or shires of the contrey. Thus muche of the particular descryption of Britayne, that the whole bodye of the realm (by the membres) may be the better knowen to some peraduenture that neuer heard the same before.

The forme of the Iland is triquetra. or thre cornered, hauyng three corners, or three sydes: Two wherof, that is to say: The corner toward theast, and thother toward the weast: (bothe extending northwardes) are the longest.

The third syde whiche is the south syde is farre shorter then thother: for the Iland is greater of length then of bredth. And as in the other two partes is conteyned [Page] the lengthe, euen so in the laste, the breadth. In whyche place, the breadthe begynneth: and so continuyng from the South parte to the north, it is but narowe. The fyrste and ryght corner of whyche Ilande eastwarde, is in Kente, at Douer and Sandwyche.

From whence to Caleys or Boloygne in France, is the dystance of .xxx. myles. From this Angle which is agaynst Fraunce to the thyrde Angle, whyche is in the Northe, in Scotlande, the mayne whereof, boundeth vpon Germany, but no land seene, and there the Iland is lyke vnto a wedge euen at the very angle of the land in Scotland. The length wherof is .vii. hundreth myles. Agayne, the lengthe from this Corner at Douer in Kent, to the vttermost part of Cornewall, beynge saynt Myghels mount (whych is the west part or weste angle) is supposed to bee .300. myles.

Frō this left Angle beyng the west part and thuttermoste parte of Cornewall, whiche hath a pros [...]ect towards Spain, in whyche part also standeth Irelande, sytuated betwene Britayne and Spayn to the northe angle in the further parte of Scotlande, in which part the Ilande [Page 8] doth end, the lēgth is .viii. hundred miles, in whiche parte there be very good hauens, and saufe harboroughes for shyppes, and apt passage into Ireland, beyng not past one day saylyng, but the shorter passage is from Wales, to Waterforde, a towne in Ireland vppon the sea coast, muche lyke to that passage betwene Douer and Calaice, or som what more: but y^e shortest passage of all, is out of Scotlande. From this last Angle to Hampton: (whiche is a towne vpon the sea coast, with a hauen so called toward the southe, and therefore called Southhampton) betwene the Angles of Kent and Cornewall, they doo measure by a strayght lyne the whole lengthe of the Ilande, and doo say, that it conteyneth 800. myles, as the breadth from Meneua, or Saint Dauids to Yarmouth, whiche is in the vttermost part of the Iland towardes the East doth conteyn .200. miles for the breadth of the Iland is in the southe part, which part is the front and begynnyng of the Land, and endeth narow, or as it were in a straighte. So the circuit or compasse of the Iland is .xviii. C. myles, which is .200. lesse than Caesar doothe recken or accompt.

[Page]Thus muche I haue thought good to take out of Polydore, touchynge the diuision of England, with the forme and situation of the same. Much other good matter that author doth alledge, whiche here for breuitie I doo omitte, referring those that desyre to know farther herof, to that boke: where he shall fynde the style and story bothe pleasant and profitable.

[Page 9]

The Race of the kinges of England, since Brute the fyrste of this Realme: and in the margent are placed the yeares before Christ his byrth, when euery kyng began their Reignes, tylye come to Cimbilinus, in whose tyme Christe the Sauioure of the world was born, and then foloweth the yeares from Christ his byrthe.

AFter the commune and best allowed opinion of the moste ancient and best approued Authours,1108 Brute the sonne of Siluius Posthumius, arryued in this Ilande, at a place now called To [...]nes in Deuonshire: the yeare of the worlde .2855. the yeare before Christes natiuitie .1108. wherin he fyrst began to Reigne, and named it Britayn, which before was called Albion: And therin he builded the noble Citie of London,London builded. and named it new Troy buildyng there a Temple to Appolyn, [Page] wherein he placed an Archeflamyn. He deuided the same Iland among his thre sonnes:He stablyshed the Troian lawes in thys kyngdome. vnto Locrine he gaue the midle part of Britayn, now called Englande, with the superioritie of al this Ile: Unto Camber he gaue Wales, and to Albanact Scotland: After whiche partition he deceassed, when he had reigned xxiiii. yeres, and was buried at London, then called new Troy, as is aforesayd.

1084Locryne, the eldest sonne of Brute reigned .xx. yeres: he chased the Hunnes whiche inuaded this Realme: and pursued them so sharply, that many of thē with their kyng were drowned in a ryuer, whyche departeth Englande and Scotland. And for so much as the kyng of Hunnes,Howe the ryuer of Humber toke that name. named Humbar, was there drowned, the ryuer is tyll this daye named Humbar, so saythe Hardyng, Fabian, and other. This king Locryn had to wyfe Gwendolyn [...] daughter of Corineus, duke of Cornewall, by whom he had a sonne named Madan, he also kept as paramor, the beautiful lady Estrilde, by whom he had a daughter named Sabryne. And after the death of Corineus duke of Cornewal, he put from him the [Page 10] sayd Guendolyn, and wedded Estrylde, but Gwendolyn repaired to Cornwall, where she gathered a great power, and fought with king Locryn, and siue him: he was buryed at Troynouant. She drowned the ladye Estrylde wyth her doughter Sabrine in a ryuer,Howe the ryuer of Seuerne tooke that name. that after the yong maydens name, is called Seuerne.

Gwendolyne the daughter of Corineus,1063 and wyfe to Locryne (for so much as Madan her sonne was to yong to gouerne the land) was by common assent of all the Britaynes,The Queene reigned durynge the mynoritie of her sonne. made ruler of the whole Isle of Britayn, whiche she well and discretely ruled, to the comforte of her subiectes .xv. yeares, and then lefte the same to her sonne Madan.

Madan,1053 the sonne of Locryne and Gwendolyne, was made ruler of Britayne, of hym is lyttle memorie made, by any wrtters, but that he vsed greate tyranny among his Brytons: And that beyng at his disport of huntyng, he was deuoured by wyld wolues,The king deuoured by wolues. when he had reigned .xl. yeres.Policronica. He left after hym .ii. sonnes (as is reported in Polycronica) named Mempricius, and Manlius.

[Page] 1009.Mempricius, the sonne of Madan, beyng Kyng, by treason slewe his brother Manlius, after whose death he lyued in more tranquillitie, wherthrough he fell in slouth,Iohn Hardyng. and so to lechery, takynge the wyues and doughters of his subiectes: and lastly, becam so euyl that he forsoke his wyfe and concubines, and fell to the synne of Sodomie with beastes, wherby he became odible to God and man. And goyng on huntyng, lost his company,The king destroyed of wolues. and was destroyed of wyld wolues: wherof the lande was then full, when he had reigned .xx. yeres.

989.Ebranke, the sonne of Mempricius, was made ruler of Britayn, he had as testifieth Policronica,Policronica. Gaufride,Gaufride. and other .xxi. wiues, of whom he receued .xx. sonnes,Iohn Hardinge. and .xxx. daughters: whiche he sent into Italye, there to be maryed to the blood of the Troyans. In Albanye (now called Scotland) he edified the castell of Alclude, which is Dumbritain,Dumbritaine Edenbrough, Bawburgh, and Yorke buylded. he made the castle of Maidens, now called Edenbrough: he made also the castel of Bamburgh: he buylded Yorke citie: wherin he made a temple to Diane, and set there an Archeflame: and there was [Page 11] buried when he had reigned .lx. yeares.

About the yeare of the world .3000. according to the prophecie of Helie half the yeares of the world, were fulfylled, whyche was the yeare before Christes byrthe .963.

Brute Greneshield,929. the sonne of Ebranke, ruled this lande .xii. yeares, and was buried at Yorke, leuyng after him a sonne named Leill.

Leill the sonne of Brute Greneshield beyng a iust man,917. and louer of peace in his tyme buylded Carleile,Carleile builded. and made there a temple, placyng therein a Flamyn, to rule the same, accordyng to the lawes of theyr gods at that tyme: and there was buryed, when he had ruled Britayn .xxv. yeares.

Lud Rudibras, the sonne of Leille,892. buylded Canterbury,Canterbury Wynchester and Shaftesbury builded. Winchester, and Shaftsburye, wherein he buylded .iii. temples, and placed in the same .iii. flames, lyke as byshoppes now be. he reigned .xxix. yeares, and left a sonne after him named Bladud.

Bladud,863. sonne of Lud Rudibras, who had longe studied at Athens, broughte [Page] wyth hym .iiii. Philosophers, to keepe schole in Britayn: for the which he builded Stamford,Stamforde buylded. and made it an vniuersitie (as saythe Merlyn:)Iohn Hardyng alledgyng Merlyn wherein he had great numbre of scholers, studyinge in all the .vii. liberall sciences: whiche vniuersitie dured to the commynge of S. Augustine. At whiche tyme the byshop of Rome interdited it, for heresies that fell among the Sarons and Britons together mixt. so saith Hardyng. He builded Bathe,Bathe, wyth the hotte bathes builded. and made there a temple to Apollo, and placed there a Flamyn: he made there the hote bathes, and practised his necromancye: He decked hymselfe in fethers,The king attemptynge to fly, brake his necke. and presumed to flye in the ayre, and fallynge on hys temple of Apollo, brake his necke, when he had reigned .xx. yeares.

844Leire, sonne of Bladud succeded hys father, he buylded Caire Leyr, now called Leicester,Leycester buylded and made there a Temple of Ianus: placyng a Flamyn there to gouerne the same. he had .iii. daughters, Gonorell, Ragan, and Cordelle: Whiche Cordelle for her wysedom and vertue towardes her father, succeded hym in the kyngedome. When he had [Page 12] reygned .xl. yeare, he deceassed, and was buried at Leycester.

Cordyla, [...]0 [...] the youngest daughter of Liere, succedynge her father, was sore vexed by her two nephues, Morgan of Albanie, and Conedagus of Camber and Cornewall, who at the lengthe tooke and caste her in pryson: where she beyng in dispayre of recoueryng her estate (as testifieth Galfride) slewe her selfe,Galfride. when she had reigned .v yeares, and was buryed at Leycester in Ianus temple by her father.

Morgan,800 the eldest sonne of Dame Gonorell claimed Britayn, and warred on his nephue Conedagus, that was kyng of Camber, (that nowe is Wales) and of Cornwall: but Conedagus met with Morgan in Wales, and there slue hym:Howe Glamorganshyre tooke that name. which place is called Glamorgan tyll this daye. And then Condenagus was kyng of all Britayne: he buylded a Temple of Mars at Perche, that now is S. Iohns towne in Scotlande,S. Iohns Towne in Scotlande buylded. & placed there a Flamyne: he buylded an other or Minerue in Wales, which now is named Bangor.Bangor in Wales buylded. The third he made of Mercurie in Cornewall, where he [Page] was borne: he reigned .xxxiii. yeares, and was buryed at London.

766Riuallo, sonne of Conedagus succeded his father, in whose tyme it rayned blood .iii. dayes:It rayned bloud .iii. dais after the whiche tempest ensued a great multitude of venemous flyes, which slewe muche people. And then a great mortalitie throughe out this land, whiche caused almoste desolation of the same. This Riuallo reigned ouer this whole Iland .xlvi. yeres, and than deceased, and was buried at Caire branke, that now is Yorke.

In the yeere .1554. after the vniuersall Floud, and after Comerus the fyrst king of Italy .1414. after y^e destruction of Troy .432. And after Brute arriued in England .356. Rome was buylded in Italy by Remus and Romulus.Rome was buylded.

[...]21Gurgustus, sonne of Riuallo succeded in the kyngdom of Brytayne, who reigned quietly: but was a cōmon dronkarde, wherof folowed all other vices. when he had reigned .xxxviii. yeres, he deceased, and was buried at Yorke:

684Scicilius, the brother of Gurgustus succeded in the Kyngdom: of whome is left but little memory: but that he reygned [Page 13] .li [...]. yeares, and was buryed at Bathe.

Iago or Lago cousyn of Gurgustus,636 reigned .xxv. yeares: for his euyll gouernement, he dyed of a litargie, and was buryed at Yorke.

The game of Chesse about this season was deuysed by wyse men,The game of [...] hosse deuised. to mytigate the myndes or hartes of tyrantes, the yere of the worlde .3339. the yere before Christ .614.

Kynimacus,612 succeded Iago in thys realme of Brittany, wherin he reigned liiii. yeares: and was buryed at Yorke.

Gorbodug succeded his father Kynimacus in this realme of Britain,559 as our Chronicles write: He reigned .lxiii. yeres, and was buried at London.

Forrex with his brother Porrex,496 ruled this lande of Britayn .v. yeares: but it was not long ere they fel at ciuile discorde for the soueraygne domynion,Porrex slewe his brother Forrex, and Porrex was afterwarde slayne by his mother. in whiche Forrex was slayne. And Porrex afterwardes by his mother was killed in his bed. Thus cruelly was the bloodde and house of Brute destroyed,Brutus lyne extinguished. when that this Realme by the space of 616. yeares had bene gouerned by that [Page] lynage.

After the death of the two brethren, Forrex and Porrex, thys Realme was deuided with ciuile warres, for lacke of one soueraigne gouernour, whiche continued by the space of .li. yeares, vntyll that noble Dunwallo reduced the same into one Monarchie.

MUlmutius Dunwallo, the sonne of Cloten,441 duke of Cornewall, reduced this realme into one Monarchie:The fyrste king of Englande that ware a crown of golde, who builded Black well Hall in London. beyng before by ciuile warres and discention, seuered and brought into dyuers dominions: he was the fyrste that ware a crowne of golde: he constituted good lawes: whiche long after wer called Mulmutius lawes: he gaue priuileges vnto Temples,The seconde lawes were Mulmutius lawes. and ploughes, and beganne to make the fower notable wayes in Britayne. In London, called then Troy Nouant, he buylded a great Temple: whiche some suppose to be S. Paules, some Blackwell Hall, whiche was called Templum pacis. Finally when he had brought this Ralme to wealthe and quietnes, reygnyng herein .xl. yeares: He dyed honourably, leauing after hym two valiant and noble sonnes Belinus [Page 14] and Brennus, as Fabian writeth He buylded the towne of Malmsbury,R. Fabian and of Uies.The towne o [...] Malmesbury buylded. He was buried at London in the temple of Peace before named.

BElinus, and Brennus,401 sonnes of Mulmutius deuyded thys whole Isle of Britayne, betwene them. Unto Belyne, the elder brother was appoynted England, Wales, and Corn wall. Unto the other the North part beyond Humber. But Brennus a young man, desyrous of glory and dominion, thinking hym selfe equall with his brother in marciall prowes, was not therewith content: Wherfore he raised war agaynste Belyne. But in conclusion by the meanes of their mother they were accorded, and Brennus brynge geuen wholly to the study of warres, lefte his countrey to the gouernance of his brother, and went into Fraunce amongest the Galles: where in the Prouince of Lions, for his excellēt qualities, he was greatly estemed of Siguinus kynge of the countrey, whose daughter he maried: And of the Galles was made Souerain captain whē they made their vsage [Page] to Rome. Belyne in the meane tyme both in ciuile iustyce and also religyon,Iohn. Hardynge. suche as at that tyme was vsed, greatly increased his Realme. He made three Archeflames,Three archeflames in Englande. whose seas were at London, Yorke, and Carlion.Foure notable wayes made in Englande. He fynyshed the fower great waies begon by his father: He subdued and made tributarye vnto hym, Denmarke. In London he made the hauen, whyche at thys daye, retaineth the name of hym, called Belynes gate:Belyns gate in London buylded. and as Iohn Leyland writeth (whose labour and industry in most diligent serchyng out the antiquities of this Realm,Iohn Leylande. is greatly to be cōmended) builded y^e tower of London.The tower of London fyrst buylded. He maried his daughter Cambria vnto a prince of Almayn called Antenor, of whō these people were called Cymbri, and Sycambri. Fynally, after he had reigned with his brother and alone .xxvi. yeres, he died: and after the pagan maner, with great pompe was burned: & his ashes in a vessell of brasse set on a high Pynacle ouer Belyns gate (as saith Robert Fabyan) he builded Carlion,Carlyon buylded. and also the temple of concorde,The old temple nexe to tē ple barre builded. whyche after the opinion of many, is nowe the paryshe churche [Page 15] of the Temple.

Gurgunstus,375 sonne of Belyne, succeded his father: He subdued Denmark compellyng them to continue their tribute: and in his returne home, mette with a fleet of Spaniards,The Spaniards fyrst inhabited Irelande. which were seekyng for habitations, because theyr contrey was so populous, and not able to susteyne them: to whome the Kynge granted the Isle of Ireland to inhabite and to holde the same of hym as their soueraigne Lord:Ector Boyce But the Scots write that the Spaniards arriued before this time in Ireland. This Gurgun [...]us reigned .xix. yeares, and was buried at Carlyon.

Guinthelinus, sonne of Gurgunstus was crowned kynge of Britayne.356 A prince sober and quiet, who had to wife a noble woman named Marcia, of excellent learnyng and knowledge. She deuised certain lawes,The thirde lawes were Marcian lawes. which long time among the Britains were greatly estemed, and named Marcian lawes. Fynally when this vertuous prince hadde reigned .xxvi. yeres, he dyed, and was buried at London.

Cecilius,330 the sonne of Guenthelyne and Marcia, reigned .vii. yeres: of hym [Page] there remaineth nothyng notable. But that (as the Scottes write) in the fyrst yeare of his reigne, a people of Almain called Pyctes,The Pictes fyrste inhabited the marches of Englande and Scotland. arriued here in Britayn and possessed those parties, which now be the marches of bothe realmes, Englande and Scotlande. Cecilius was buried at Carlyon.

323Kymarus succeded Cecilius, and reigned three yeares in Britayne: he was slayne as he was huntyng.

321Elanius, called also Danius, was kyng of Britayn .ix. yeres.

311Morindus, the bastard son of Danius began to reigne in Britain: he (as our Chronicles saye) fought with a kynge, who came out of Germanye, and arriued here, and slew hym with all his power. Moreouer (as they write) of the Irishe seas in his tyme,The king deuoured by a monster. came foorthe a wonderfull monster: whiche destroyed muche people. wherof the king hearyng would of his valiaunt courage, needes fyght with it: by whō he was cleane deuoured, whē he had reigned .viii. yeres.

303Gorbomānus, eldest sonne of Morindus, reigned .xi. yeres: A prince iust and religious. he renued the temples of his gods, and gouerned his people in peace [Page 16] and wealth. Oure englyshe Chronicle sayth,Cambridge & Grantham buylded. he buylded the townes of Cambridge. and of Grantham.

Archigallo,292 brother to Gorbomannus, was crowned kyng of Britayne. he was in conditions vnlike to his brother: for he deposed the noble men, and exalted the vnnoble. He extorted from men their goodes to enriche his treasurie: for which cause by the estates of the realme, he was depriued of his royall dignitie,The kyng depriued. when had reigned .v. yeares.

Elidurus,286 the thyrd sonne of Morindus, and brother to Archigallo, was elected kyng of Britayn: a vertuous and gentil prince, who gouerned his people iustly. As he was in hunting in a forest by chaunce he met with his brother Archigallo, whom moste louyngly he imbraced, and founde the meanes to reconcile hym to his lordes: and than resigned to hym his royal dignitie, when he had reigned .v. yeares.

Archigallo thus restored to his royal estate,281 ruled the people quietly and iustly .x. yeares, & lyeth buryed at Yorke.

Elidurus aforenamed,272 after the deth of his brother Archigallo, for his pitie and iustice, by the generall c [...]nsente of [Page] the Britayns was agayn chosen kyng. But he reigned not passyng two yeres, but that his yonger brethern Uigenius and Peredurus raysed warre agaynste hym, tooke hym prisoner, and cast hym into the Tower of London: where he remayned (as they write) duryng their Reigne.

270Uigenius & Peredurus, after the takyng of their brother reigned together vii. yeres.The town of Pikerynge buylded. Uigenius thā died, & Peredurus reygned after alone .ii. yeares. He buylded the towne of Pyckeryng after the opinion of diuers writers.

261Elidurus, the thirde tyme was made kyng of Britayne, who continued his latter reigne honorably and iustely: but beynge sore bruised with age and troubles he fynyshed his lyfe, when he had now lastly reigned .iiii. yeres, and was buried at Car [...]le.

258Gorbonian reygned in Britayne .x. yeares.

248Morgan was crowned kyng of Britayne who guyded the realme peacibly xiiii. yeares.

234Emerianus brother to Morgan succeded in the Realme of Britayne. And when he had tyrannously reigned .vii. [Page 17] yeares, he was deposed.The kyng deposed.

Iuall was chosen kyng of Britayne for his iustice and temperance which he gouerned peacyblye .xx. yeares.225

Rymo gouerned this realme of Britayne .xvi. yeares.207 In his tyme was great plentie and peace.

Geruncius reigned here in Britayne xx. yeares.191

Catillus reigned peacibly in Britayn x. yeres,173 he houng vp all oppressours of the poore people: to geue ensample vnto other.A good ensample.

Coilus succeded Catellus in the realme of Britayne,163 who quietly reigned xx. yeares.

Porex,143 a vertuous and gentle prince reigned in Britayne .v. yeares.

Chirinnus king of Britayn,138 through his dronkennesse (as our Chronyclers write) reigned but one yeare.

Fulgen his sonne reigned two yeres in Britayne.137

Eldred,135 reygned in Britayne one yeare.

Androgius,134 lykewyse reygned one yeare in Britayne.

Uarianus,133 the sonne of Androgius, [Page] succeded his father in this realm of Britayne. He wholly gaue hym selfe to the lustes of the fleshe, & reigned .iii. yeres.

136Eliud, kynge of Britayne reygned v. yeres: who was a great Astronomer.

124Dedantius kyng of Britayn reigned v. yeares.

120Detonus reigned in this land of Britayne .ii. yeares.

118Gurgineus reygned .iii. yeares in Britayne.

115Merianus was kyng of Britayne .ii. yeares.

113Bladunus gouerned Britain .ii. yeres

111Capenus, reigned kyng of Britayn iii. yeares.

108Ouinus ruled Britain .ii. yeares.

106Silius reigned in Britain .ii. yeares.

104Bledgabredus was .xx. yeres kynge of Britayne. He delited muche in musycke, and gaue hym selfe to the studye thereof.

94Archemalus was kyng of Britayne ii. yeares.

92Eldelus reigned kyng of Britayne iiii. yeares.

In this tyme dyuers prodigies were sene,Prodigious sygnes in the ayre. as globes of fyre, burstynge oute of the ayre with great noyse.

[Page 18]Rodianus,88 was kyng of Britayne .ii. yeares.

Redargius reygned kyng of Britayn iii. yeares.86

Samulius reigned in britayn ii. yeres83

Penisellus was made kyng of Britayne:81 who gouerned it .iii. yeres.

Pirrhus ruled Britayne .ii. yeares.78

Caporus,76 was kyng of Britayne .ii. yeares.

Dinellus,74 the sonne of Caporus, a iust & vertuous prince gouerned this realm of Britaine .iiii. yeares.

Helius the sonne of Dinellus,70 reigned not fully one yere king of Britayn. Of this prince the Isle of Ely toke this name:Now the Ile of Ely [...]tooke fyrste that name. for that he there buylded a goodly palace, wherin was his most delight to lyue: and also was there buried.

LUd,69 Kynge Lud buylded London from Lō don slone to Ludgate, and named it Ludston. the eldest son of Hely, succeded his father, and reigned .xi. yeares in Britayne. As soone as he was made Kyng, he reformed the state of his common weale: for he amended his lawes, and tooke awaye all vsages that were naughte: Moreouer, he repayred the Citie of London then called Troynouant, with fayre buildyngs and walles: and buylded on the west part therof [Page] of, a strong gate, whiche vnto this time retaineth the name of hym, and is called Ludgate. Fynally he dyed, leauyng after hym two sonnes Androgeus and Theomancius: who beynge not of age to gouerne, their vncle Cassiuelane obteyned the Crowne. Our Chroniclers write, that London tooke the name of this Lud, and was called Ludston. He was buryed nere to the same Ludgate, in a Temple whiche he there buylded.

58CAssiuelane, the sonne of Hely (as oure vulgare Hystoriographiers write) after the deathe of his brother Lud, was made gouernour of Britayne, whiche hee ruled .xix. yeares.

Iulius Cesar made his fyrst voyage into Englande.In the .viii. yere of his reigne, Iulius Cesar, who warred longe in France, made the fyrste vyage of any straunger into this Realme: and afterwarde subdued it. Whan C. Iulius Cesar, had warred seuen yeares in France & Germanie, commyng vnto that part where Calaice and Boloigne nowe stande, hee determined to make warr into Britain whiche vntyll that tyme remayned vnfrequented and vnknowen of the Romayns. His quarell was, because that in the warres of Fraunce, he perceyued [Page 19] the Frenchemen to haue muche succour and aide from thens. Wherfore hauing prepared .lxxx. shyppes, he sayled into Britayne: where at the first beyng weried with an harde and sharpe battayle, And after with sodeyne tempest, his nauye almoste destroyed: he retourned agayne into France, there to wynter his men.The seconde voyage of Iulius Cesar in to England. The next spring (whiche was the yeare before Christ .51.) His nauy being newe rygged and increased, he passed the seas agayne with a greater armye. But whiles he went towardes his enemies on lande, his shippes lying at anker, were agayn by tempest almost lost: for either they were dryuen on the sandes, wher they stacke fast: orels through beatyng one an other, with force of the tempeste, they were destroyed. So that xi. were lost, the other with muche laboure were saued. Upon lande also his horsemen at the fyrste encountre were vanquished, and Labienus the Tribune slayne. At the seconde conflict, not without great daunger of his men, he putte the Britayns to flyght, and pursued thē to y^e riuer of Thamis: on the further side wherof, Cassiucian, with a great multitude of people, was keping the banks, [Page] but they not hable to resist the violence and force of the Romaynes, hyd theim selues in woddes, and with sodayn eruptions oftentymes inuaded them: but in the meane tyme theyr strongest citie,London submitted to Iulius Cesar. Troynouant submitted it selfe to Cesar delyueryng vnto hym hostages: whyche exaumple also the other cities folowed:England first tributarye to the Romains Iohn Lidgate Iulius Cesar, a bakers son cōquering y^e worlde and beyng the first Emperour, was in the capitoll by the senate slayne with bodkins whereby Cassiuelan after many losses was constreigned to geue pledges, and to agree that Britayne shoulde become tributarie to the Romans. Then Cesar lyke a conquerour with a great numbre of prisoners sayled into France, and so to Rome, where shortely after he was slayne with bodkyns. Iohn Lydgate in his boke named the Serpent of diuision writethe, that Iulius Cesar buylded in this lande diuers cafteis and cities for a perpetuall memorie, to put his name in remembrance: that is to say,The castels of Douer Canterburye Rochester, & the tower of London builded. the castell of Douer, of Canterbury, Rochester, and the Tower of London, the castell and towne of Cesars bury: takyng his name after Cesar, the whiche is nowe called Salisbury.Salisbury, Chichester and Excester builded. He also edefied Cesars Chester that nowe is called Chichester, and the castel of Excester &c.

Thus ended th [...] warres whiche hee [Page 20] made in Britayn, wherby he rather opened onely a waye for his successours, to come to the same: then that he delyuered to them the dominion therof. Thys cōquest was made .2255. yeres after the uersall floud .1057. yeares. after the arriuall of Brute .702. yeares after the buyldyng of Rome, in the second yeare of the .181. Olympiade, the .1116. yeare beefore the conqueste made by Wylliam of Normandye, and .1615. years before this present yere of our Lord .1564.

Theomancius,42 the sonne of Lud, and nephue to Cassiuelan succeded in the realme of Britayne, and reigned quietly xxiii. yeres: and was buried at London.

Cymbalinus,19 the sonne of Theomantius reigned kyng of Britain .xxxv. yeres, and was buried at London.

The most blessed and pure virgin Mary, mother of our sauiour Iesu Christ, was born of the holy matrone Saincte Anne, the yeare of the world .3948. the yeare before Christ .15.

When Cesar Augustius the seconde Emperour by the wyll of God had stablished mooste sure peace thorough the world, our redemer IESV CHRIST,The byrth of Christ. very God and man, vppon whom peace [Page] wayted, was borne in the .xlii. yeare of the reign of Augustus: after the vniuersall Floud .2305. yeres. From the birth of Abraham .2012. yeres. After the departyng of the Israelites out of Egypt 1509. yeares, after the buyldynge of the temple by Salomon .1029. yeres. From the buildyng of Rome .752. yeares. after the captiuitie of Babylon .614. yeres. And in the laste yere of the .194. Olympiade. But here is to be noted, that the fyrst yere of our Lorde hath but vii. dayes, after some computation: for he was borne the .xxv day of December, & the fyrst of Ianuary folowynge, began the second yeare.

From this place folowing, the yeres synce Christes byrth, are placed in the margent, at the begynnyng of euery kynges Reigne.

17GUiderius, the fyrst sonne of Cimbalyne began his reigne ouer the Britains, in the .xvii yeare after the byrth of Christ our Sauiour.Thomas Lanquet. This man was valiant, hardy, welthye, and trusted muche in his strength. And for that he thought the Romayns had their tribute wrongfully, he of great courage denied to pay the same. For which cause Claudius the .v. Emperoure came into [Page 21] Britayne wyth a greatte power, to clayme agayne the payment therof: and lastly slew the sayd Guiderius, when he had reigned .xxviii. yeares.

ARuiragus,45 the yongest sonne of Cymbalyne, and brother of Guiderius, was ordeyned Kynge of Britayne: he reigned .xxvii. yeares.Southampton, howe it tooke that name. He slue Hamon neere to a hauen of the sea, and threw hym gobbet meale therein: Wherfor it is now called Southāpton. Claudius the Emperoure (after dyuers happes of battaile) tooke kyng Aruiragus to his grace. And for so much as he perceiued hym to be a valiant prince, in token of frendship (as the english Chronicles testifie) gaue to hym his daughter in mariage, named Genissa.Gloucester buylded, whiche before was named Carlyon. Thys Claudius (as saythe Fabyan) buylded Gloucester: and Aruiragus was there buryed.

Peter and Paule by the tyrannye of Nero,Peter and Paule crucified. wer crucified at Rome, after the byrthe of our Sauioure Iesus Christe, 68. yeares.

MArius,73 the sonne of Aruiragus, an excellente wyse man was ordeyned kyng of Britayn. He reigned .liii. yeares. In his tyme Lodrik [Page] kyng of the Pictes (whiche were a people of Scythia) accompanyed with the Scottes, inuaded Britayne, and spoyled the countrey with sworde and fyre, against whom Marius with his knightes, assembled in all haste, & gaue theim sharpe battaile. Wherein Lodrike captayn of the Pictes was slayne, wyth a great number of his souldiours: to them whiche he remayned, Marius gaue inhabitance in the further part of Scotland. And for as muche as the Britaines disdayned to geue theyr daughters to them in mariage, they acquainted them with the Iryshe men, & maryed theyr daughters, and grewe in proces of tyme to a great people.Chester town builded. This Marius (as saythe Fabyan) buylded the towne of Chester, and is buried at Carlyon.

126COilus, the sonne of Marius, was ordeined kyng of the Britaynes. He was brought vp euen from his yong age in Italy among the Romains and therfore fauoured theim greatly, & payd the tribute truly. Som write, that he builded the town of Colchester,Colchester buylded. he reigned .liii. yeres, & was buried at Yorke.

180LUcie, the sonne of Coilus was ordeined kyng of Britayne, who in all his [Page 22] actes and dedes folowed the steppes of his forfathers, in such wise that he was of all men loued and dread.England first receiued the christen faith. This Lucie in the .viii. yere of his reigne, that was about the yeare of our Lord .187. sente louyng letters to Eleutherius bishop of Rome, desyryng hym to sende some deuout & lerned men, by whose instruction both he & his people might be taught the sayth and religion of Christe: wherof Elutherius beyng very glad, sente into Britayne .ii. famous clerkes, Faganus, and Dunianus.Gildas in his boke De victoria Aurelii Ambrossi. By whose diligence (as Gildas wryteth) Lucie and his people of Britayne were instructed and baptised in the faith of Christ 1294. yeres, after the arriuall of Brute:In this tyme (as Gildas & Martin, a chronicler dooe write) xxviii. temples of Flamynes were made cathedrall churches, and bysshops placed in the same as Flamyns before had bene. Lōdon, York and Earlyon were archbyshops. The yeare of Christe .189. Lucius kynge of Britayne, when he had reigned xii. yeres deceased, and was buried at Glocester: after whose death, for so muche as of him remained no heire, the britaines betwene theim selues fell at greate discorde and warre, whyche continued to the greate disturbance of the realme about .xv. yeares. By meane of this forsaide discorde amonge the britons: Seuerus was moued to make haste into thys Countreye, as well to quyete the [Page] realme, as to kepe backe the Pictes and Scotts, which vexed them with warre. hee caused a wall of turues and greate stakes to be made of the lengthe of 112. myles,Adrians wall repaired by Senerus, which is yet called the scottyshe banke. or (after some) repaired the wall of Adrian: It began at Tyne, and reached to the Scottyshe sea. This Seuerus gouerned Britayne .v. yeares, and was buried at Yorke.

213BAssianus Caracalla succeded hys father in the empire, and reygned vi yeres. Of nature he was cruell and fierce, able to endure al paynes and labours, & especially in warfare, wherto he semed to be framed of nature.

218In Britayne was yet no kynge: but the Emperour was accompted as king, wherefore (as some write) Carassus, a britayn of lowe byrth (but valyant and hardy in marciall deedes) purchased of the Emperour, the kepyng of the coasts of Britayn. By meanes wherof he drue to hym many knightes of his countrey, and addressed deadly warre agaynst the the Romayns: hauyng the better hope, for that he heard of the death of Bassianus the emperour, who about this time was slayne by one of his owne seruantes.Polydore Virgile But Polydore affirmeth that this [Page 23] Carassus toke on hym the gouernance of Britayne in the tyme of Dioclesian: and sayth, that thys lande was in good quietnes the space of .76. yeares, with whom the latin histories seme to agree.

Alectus, a duke of Rome was sente to subdue Carassus, whiche unlefullye vsurped the crowne of Britayne: To whiche Alectus, fortune was so fauourable, that he vanquyshed Carassus: and lastely slew him, when he had reigned .viii. yeres.

Alectus,226 the Romayn gouerned the britaynes after he had subdued the land again to the Romains: and vsed among them much crueltie & tyranny. Wherefore they intendyng vtterly to expell the Romaynes, moued a noble man called Asclepiodatus,Alectus slayn by Asclepiodatus. to take on hym the kyngdom: who gathered a great power and made sharpe warre vppon the Romayns, and chased them from countrey to countrey, vntyll at lengthe Alectus kept hym at London for his moste suretie: whither Asclepiodatus pursued him and nere to that citie gaue hym bata [...]le: in whiche Alectus was slayne, when he had gouerned Britayn .vi. yeres.

Asclepiodatus,232 after Alectus was [Page] thus slayn, belayed the citie of London with a strong siege, wherin was Liuius Gallus the Romayn capitayne: and ere it were long, by knightly force and violence, entred the citie, and slue the forenamed Gallus nere vnto a broke there at that day runnyng,Walbroke in London, how it toke that name. into whiche broke he threw him, by reason wherof, it was called Gallus or Wallus brooke: and this day, the strete where sometime the broke ranne, is called Walbroke. After which victorie Asclepiodatus gouerned britayne .xxv. yeares.

262At this time happened a great discention in britayn betwene Asclepiodatus their kyng, and one Coill duke of Colchester: whereby was raised a greuous warre,Asclepiodatus slayne. in whyche Asclepiodatus was slayn. And Coill toke on hym the kingdome of britayne, and gouerned the realme the space of .xxvii. yeres.

289Constantius, a duke of Rome was sent into britayn to recouer the tribute: shortly after whose arriuall. Coill whiche then was kyng, died: Wherfore the britayns to haue more suertie of peace, wylled this Duke to take to wife Helena, the daughter of Coill, whiche was a wonderfull fayre mayden, and therwith [Page 24] well learned. Thys Constantius when he had recouered the tribute, returned with his wyfe Helena to Rome: as chiefe ruler of Britayne: who gouerned the same .xxi. yeares: he was buried at Yorke.

In this Constantius tyme,S. Albon of England martyred. was S. Albon prothomartir of England, martyred at Uerolan. Of hym Iohn Lidgate monke of Burye hathe compyled a goodlye storye in englyshe meter Heroicall.Iohn Lidgate

COnstantine, the soonne of Constantius,310 succeded as well in the kyngdome of Britayne, as in the gouernance of other realmes, that wer subiect afore to his father. This Constantine was a ryght noble and valiant prince and sonne of Helena, a woman of great sanctimony, and borne in Britayne. He was so myghtye in marciall prowesse, that hee was surnamed the greate Constantyne: And had the faith of Christe in suche reuerence, that alwaye mooste studyouselye he endeuoured to augmente the same. In wytnesse of hys beliefe, hee caused a booke of the Gospell to bee caryed before hym [Page] and made the byble to be copied out, and sente into all partes of the empire.Wherfore the kynges of Englande weare close crownes Of this man the kynges of Britayne had fyrst the priuileage to weare close crownes or diademes: he reigned .xviii yeres

Constantine in the .vi. yeare of his reigne came with a parte of his armye agaynst Maxentius,The fyrste christen Emperour. whyche vexed the Romanes with greuous eractions and tribute: when he was in his iourney, by a vision in the nyght, he sawe the sygne of the Crosse in the elemente shynynge like fyre, and an angell therby, sayinge in this wyse: Constantine, in this signe thou shalt ouercome. wherfore he beyng greatly comforted, shortly after vanquished the army of Maxentius: who fleing oute of the battayle, was drowned in Tyber.

Helena,S. Helene an englyshe woman. the mother of Constantyne, at Ierusalem found the crosse, on which Christ suffred his passion, and the .iii. nayles, wherewith his fete and handes were pearced.

OCtauius, duke of Iesses or wesse Saxons, whō Constantine made lieutenant in Britayne rebelled: and endeuoured to expell the Romayns out of the lande. Whereof when Constantine [Page 25] had knowlege, he sent against him a Duke named Traherne with legions of souldiours, after whose arriuall in Britain was fought a fiers battaile, neere to Wynchester: In whiche Traherne was putte to the worse, and constrained to flee towarde Scotlande: whō Octauius folowed. And in Westmerlande gaue to hym the seconde battaile: in whiche Octauius was chased, and Traherne obteyned the victorie, & pursued Octauius so fiersely, that hee was driuen to forsake the lande, and sailed into Norway.

Octauius repairyng his army,329 came agayne into Britayn: but in the meane tyme an Earle whyche fauoured hys partie, by treason murdered the fornamed Trahern. And then Octauius (called in the Englishe Chronicles Octauian) reigned in this lande at the leaste liiii. yeares. In whiche tyme (as sayth the Scottishe historie) he was troubled with often warres by the Romaines:Ector Boice. Polidore saieth, that this Realme was in good quiete all the tyme of Constantyne and his successours,Polydore Virgile vntyll the fift yere of Gratian, and maketh no mention of this Octauius whiche thyng I [Page] I speake not for anye reproche to Polydore (whom I know right well to haue folowed moste certayne and commendable Authours,) but onely to shewe to the reader, the dyuersitie of hystories, whiche is great.

283MAximus, sonne of Leonine, and cousyn germaine to Constantine the great, was made kyng of britayne. Thys man was mightye of hys handes: but for that he was cruell, and pursued somedeale the Christians, hee was called Maximus the tyraunt. Betwene hym, and one Conon Meridoke a Britayn, was a stryfe and debate, in whiche they both sped dyuersly: but at at length they wer made frends. Maximus reigned .viii. yeares.

Maximus cō quered lyttle Britayn.Maximus, kynge of Britayne made warre vpon the Galles, and sayled into Armerica, now called litle Britayn: and subduyng the countreye, gaue it to Conon Meridoke, to hold for euer of the kynges of great Britayn.

Maximus, was constrayned of the souldiours, to take on hym the imperiall crowne: & therfore beyng in France passed further into the lands of the empire, & subdued a great part of France, [Page 29] and all Germanie. Gratian the Emperour of hym was put to flight at Paris and slayne at Lyons.

Whyles Maximus was occupied in the warres in Italye, Melga kynge of Pictes, and Guanius captayne of the Hunnes, vexed the Britayns. Wherof when Maximus had vnderstandynge, he sente a captaine named Gratian to withstande their force.

Saint Ursula,S. Ursula of Englande. with the .11000. Uirgins, whiche were sent into little Britayne to be maried to the foresayde Conon and his knyghtes: wer slayn of the barbarous people beynge on the sea.

Forthwith the foresaid Gratian that was sent into Britayne of Maximus,391 to defende the land from Barbariens, toke on hym the kyngdom of Britayn, and exercised all tyranny and exaction vppon the people: for whiche cause hee was abhorred of all the Britaynes: and by theym was slayne, when he hadde reygned fower yeares. Then was the Realme a good space wythoute heade or gouernoure: In the whyche tyme they were nowe and then very muche vexed wyth the foresayde Barbarous [Page] people, and other foreyne enemies.

The Scotts and Picts inuade EnglādNere about the yeare of Christ .427. the Britaynes were inuaded agayne by the Pictes and Scots: which not withstandynge the foresayde wall that was made by the Romanes, spoyled the coū trey very sore, so that they were dryuen to seke for newe helpe of the Romanes: who sent to them a company of souldiors: which agayn chased the Picts, and made a wall of stone of the thicknes of viii. foot,A walle of stone betwene England and Scotlande. & in height .xii. foote. Which thing when they had done, comfortyng the britones, and admonishynge them hereafter to trust to their own māhod & strēgth, they returned agayn to Rome.

The Scottes and Pyctes yet once agayne entred the lande of Britayne, spoylynge the countreye, and chasyng the commons so cruelly, that they were altogether comfortelesse, and broughte to suche myserie, that eche robbed and spoyled other: and ouer this, the groūde was vntylled: whereof ensued greate scarcitie and hunger, and after hunger deathe.The Scottes and Picts inuaded this realme so sore, that the Romains refused to defende the same: but rather to lose theyr Trybute. In thys necessitie they sente for ayde to Aetius, the Romayne capitayne, beynge then occupied in warres in a parte of Fraunce: but they had no [Page 27] comfort at his hand. And therfore wer forced to send ambassade to Aldroenus, kynge of little Britayne, to desyre ayde and comforte: whiche they obteyned, in condition, that if they atchieued the victorie,Beda de gestis Anglorū. Constantine his brother shold be made king of britayn: for to that day they had no gouernour. Which thyng of the Ambassadours beyng graunted, the sayd Constantine gathered a companye of souldiors, and went forth with them. And when he had manfully vanquished theyr enemies, obteined the victorie: accordynge to the promise made, he was ordeyned their kynge, and guyded this land .x. yeres.

Here endeth fynally the dominion & tribute of the Romans ouer this lande, whiche had contynued by the space of 483. yeares, from the tyme that Brute began to rule this lande .1541. After the citie of Rome was builded .1585. yeres.

THen it folowed,433 that when Constantine brother of Aldroenus, had chased and ouercome the Pictes and Scots (as is beforesaid) he was crowned kynge of great Britayne and guyded the lande the space of .x. yeares [Page] in quietnes.

In the courte of Constantyne kynge of Britayn was a certayne Picte, in so greate fauoure and authoritie with the kyng,The kynge slayne in hys chamber by a Picte. that he myght at all tymes come to his presence: who watchynge hys tyme, by secrete meanes trayterouslye slewe the kyng in his chamber.

443Then Constantius hys eldest sonne, whyche for his lofte spirite, was made monke at saincte Swithens in Wynchester,A Monke made kyng of Englande. by the means of Uortiger, duke of Cornwal, was taken out of the cloister, and made king: vnder whose name the foresayd Uortiger ruled all the land and vsed great tyrannye.

Constantius, kyng of Britayn, was slayne of certayne Pictes or Scottes,The kynge traiterousely slayne by certaig Pictes. whom Uortiger had ordeined for a gard to the kynges bodye. Whereof when Uortiger had knowledge, he wept and made semblaunt of greate sorowe and heauynes: and caused the sayd Scottes or Pictes to be put to deathe, thoughe he in dede were the chief causer of their treason and murder. So this Constantius reigned but .v. yeares: And Aurelius and Uther, the kynges younger [Page 28] brethren, fled into little Britayn.

Uortiger was by force ordeined king of Britayne,448 and gouerned the realme .xvi. yeares, not without trouble. For the nobles of Britayne suspected, that Constantius was not murthered with out hys consent: And therfore alienated their myndes from hym.

In Britayne was so great plentie of corne and fruite,Great plentie of Corne and grayne. that the lyke had not ben seen many yeares before. Whiche plentie was cause of idlenes, gluttony, lechery, and other vices: so that through their incontinent and riottous lyuyng, ensued so great pestilence and mortalitie,A great pestilence. that the lyuynge scantely suffised to bury the dead.

The Pictes and Scotts also, hauing knowledge of the death of their knightes, whyche were slayne by Uortiger, for murderyng of the kynge:The Scots & Pictes spoyled this land. inuaded, and in most cruell wise spoyled the land of Britayne.

Uortiger beyng sore abashed, for so muche ashe knewe the myndes of hys people to be alienated from hym (after some mens opinion) sente for the Saxons, named Angli, whiche had no place to dwel in: & gaue to them inhabitāce in [Page] Kent.The fyrste Saxons entryng thys realme. By their helpe and manhoode in many batails, he vanquished and droue back the Pictes and other enemies: and therefore had them euer after in greate loue and fauour.

Hengist, one of the captaines of the Saxons founde meanes that Uortiger kynge of Britayne maryed his daughter Rowan,Kyng Uortiger deuorced from his laufull wyfe, and maryed Rowan, y^e daughter of Hengist the Saxon. a mayden of wonderfulle beautie and pleasauntnesse, but a myscreant and Pagane. For her sake, the kynge was deuorced frome his laufull wyfe: by whome he hadde .iii. sonnes. For whiche dede welnere all the Britones forsooke hym: and the Saxons daily encreased bothe in fauoure multitude and auctoritie: and from this tyme sought alwaye occasyon to extinguyshe vtterly the power of the britayns: and subdue the lande to them selfe.

The Saxons couenanted with the Britons, that they shold attend to their worldly busynes: and the Saxons (as their souldiors) would defend the lande from the incursions of all enemies: for which seruice the Britains should geue to them competent meate and wages. And vnder thys pretence caused more Saxons to bee sent for, entendyng at [Page 29] conueniente tyme, by force to haue the lande in their subiection.

Sainct Germain came into Britayn to reduce them from the heresye of Pelagius,Pelagius heresy in Englande. to the fayth of Christe.

The britayns consyderyng the daily repaire of the Saxons into this realm, shewed to their kyng, the ieopardy that might therof ensue, and aduertised him to auoyde the danger, and expell them out of the realme: but all was in vayn. For Uortiger, by reason of his wyfe, bore suche fauour towards the Saxons that he would in no wise heare the coū cell of hys subiectes.Uortiger depriued of hys kyngdome. Wherefore they with one wyll and mynde depriued him of his royall dignitie, and ordeyned to theyr Kynge, hys eldeste soonne Uortimerus.

VOrtimer (as before is sayde) beyng made king,464 The king poisoned by his stepmother. in all hast he pursued the Saxons: and by his marciall knyghthode, vanquyshed theim in iiii. greate battailes, besydes conflictes and skirmyshes. Untyll at lengthe he was poysoned by meane of Rowen his stepmother, after hee had reygned .vii. yeares.

Uortiger obteyned agayn the kyngdome [Page] of great Britayne,471 and reygned after this tyme .ix. yeares. But shortly after, Hengistus (whiche was chased of Uortimer into the Isle of Thanet, entred the land with a nūbre of Saxons: but when he hearde of the great assemble, that the britons made against him, be treated for peace: which in fyne was concluded.

Hardyng sayeth the Saxons slewe on the Playne of Salisburye iiii. C. and ix. barones and Erles, & toke the kyngeprisoner. The Saxons in Britayne, by priuy guyle and treason, got the kyng Uortiger into theyr handes, and kept hym as prisoner: and by that meanes constreyned the Kynge to graunte vnto theym thre countreys in the land of britayne: (that is to say) Kent, Susser, Suffolke, and Norffolke. Than Hengist beganne his dominion ouer Kent: and sendynge for mo saxons, to inhabite the other prouinces:Abbot Ambry buylded Ambresbury. shortly after made warre vpon the Britayns: and so chased them, that he kept his kyngdome of Kent in peace and warre .xxiiii. yeares.

Uortiger fled into Wales, and there buylded a castell. Of whiche buildyng and longe lette of the same, and of his prophete Merlyn, the common voyce of the people speaketh many thynges.

[Page 30]Aurelie surnamed Ambrose, and Uther, the brethern of Constantius king of brittayne: whiche was slayne by the treason of Uortiger, landed with a Nauye of shyppes at Totnes: and by the healpe of britaynes,Kyng Uortiger burned in his castell in Wales. whyche gathered to them in all haste, made warre vppon Uortiger, and burned him in his castell in Wales, where he kepte hym for hys moste sure defence.

Aurelius Ambrose,481 was ordeyned kynge of Britayne, whyche immediatlye hasted hym wyth an army towards Yorke, against Octa sonne of Hengist, who wyth hys saxons kepte the Citie, where he discomfited, and tooke prisoner the sayd Octa.

A Saxon named Hella, with his .iii. sonnes,The seconde kyngdome of the Saxons. and a company of Saxons landed in the southe parte of britayne slue the britons, & chased many of thē into desertes and wods, and subdued the countreys of Southery, Somerset, Deuonshyre and Cornewall, which after was called the kyngdome of South Saxons

A saxon named Porthe,How Porismouthe came to that name. landed, wyth his .ii. sonnes, at an hauen in southsex: After whome, the Hauen is named Portsmouthe.

[Page] The thyrde kyngdome of the SaxonsThe kyngdome of the East Saxons began in Britayn vnder a duke named Uffa: The kyngdome wherof conteyned Norffolke and Suffolke: the kyngs of that lordeshyp were called Uffines: great murder & veration of the britains was at the entryng of those Saxons.

218In the ende of Aurelie hys reygne, Pascentius, the yongest sonne of Uortiger: who for feare of Aurelius fled into Irelande, inuaded this lande with a great armie: at which season Aurelius was sicke at Wynchester. And therfore sent his brother Uther, to resyst the malice of Pascentius, & Guillamour king of Irelande. In the meane tyme Aurelius dyed (as some write) beyng poysoned: whan he had reigned .xix. yeares.

500VTher, surnamed Pendragon, was crouned kyng of Britayne, and reigned .xvi. yeres. He was enamored vpon the dukes wife of Cornwall: and to obteyne his vnlefull luste, made warre vppon her husbande Garelus, and slew hym in bataile: he was buryed at Stone hynge.

517 Gildas made a boke de gestis Arthuri.ARthur, the sonne of Uther Pendragon, a striplyng of .xv. yeres of age, beganne his reigne ouer [Page 31] Britayne, and gouerned the land .xxvi. yeares, hauynge continuall warre and mortall battayle with the Saxons. Of this Arthure be written many thynges in the Englishe chronicle, of small credence, and farre discordant from other writers: but yet all agree, that he was a noble and victorious prince in all his dedes [...] and they testifie, that he fought xii. notable battailes agaynst the Saxons, and was alway victour. But notwithstanding he might not clerely void them out of his land, but that they held theyr countreys whyche they were possessed of.

Iohn Frosarde affirmeth,Iohn Frosard Wyndsor castell buylded. that kyng Arthure buylded the castell of Wyndesour: and there founded the order of the rounde Table.

The fourthe kyngdome of the weste Saxons beganne in Britayne,The fowerth kyngdome of the Saxons. vnder a Saxon called Cerdicus. They landed first at an hauē in Norffolk called Yarmouth. With this Saxon Cerdicus, & his people, Arthure had muche trouble and warre. This lordshyp cōteyned the west part of Englande, as Wylshire, Somersetshire, Barkshire, Dorsetshire and other.

[Page]Arthure, when after many and dyuers battailes, he hadde sette his lande in some quietnes: he betooke the rule thereof to hys nephewe Mordred,Galfride. and with a chosen army (as saithe Galfride and other) sayled into Fraunce, where he dyd meruaylous thynges, and vanquyshed Lucius Hibertus, the Romain Capytayne, whyche thyng semeth not to agree with other histories.

Mordred the traytour vsurpeth the crowne.MOrdred, whiche had the gouernance of Britayn in the absence of Arthur, by treason was crouned kyng through the healpe of Cerdicus kyng of weste Saxons. Of whiche treason when relation came to Arthur beyng then in Fraunce: wyth all haste he made backe to Britayne: where he was mette of Mordred, whyche gaue to hym .iii. strong battails. In the whiche manye noble and valyaunt knyghtes perished. And lastely, in a battayle foughten besydes Glastenburye, Mordred was slayne,Mordred slayne, and Arthur woū ded to deathe. and Arthure wounded vnto the deathe. He was buried in the valley of Aualon, and afterwardes at Glastenbury.

[Page 32]COnstantine,543 kynsman to Arthur by assent of the brytons was ordeyned kynge of Britayne, and reygned three yeares. This man was by the two sonnes of Mordred greuouslye vexed. For they claymed the lande by the ryghte of theyr father: soo that betweene them was foughten sundrye battaylles: In the whyche lastely the twoo bretherne were vanquyshed and slayne.

Holy Gildas our countreyman flouryshed in this tyme,Gildas the wyse. he was called Gildas the wyse.

Aurelius Conanus, a britain, raised mortall warre against Constantine the kyng: and after sore fight, slue hym in the field, when he had reigned .iii. yeares, and was buried at Stonehyng.

AUrelius Conanus,546 was crowned kyng of Britayn: he was noble, hardy, and therwith very lyberall. but hee cherished suche as loued stryfe and discention wythin his Realme: and gaue lyght credence to theym, whyche accused other, wer it right or wrong. He imprisoned by stren̄gth his vncle, whiche was right heyre to the crown: and dyed when he had reigned .iii. yeares.

[Page] The .v. and vi. kyngdome of the SaxōsThe kyngdome of Northumberland began fyrst in Britayn vnder a Saxon, named Ida. This prouince was fyrste deuided into twoo kyngedomes: The one was called Deyra, which conteyned the lande from Humber to Tyne: The other Brenicia, whiche included the countrey from Tyne to the scottyshe sea. After this day the britayns decreased dayly in lordshyp and rule, and drewe them towardes Wales, so that the countrey about Chester, was the chiefe of theyr lordshyppe.

548Uortiporus, the son of Conanus, was ordeyned kyng of Britayne: of whom is lyttle memorye lefte, sauyng that Guido testifyeth,Guido. that hee was a vyctorious prince: and that hee in dyuers battailes discomfited the saxons: he reygned .iiii. yeares.

552MAlgo, a duke of Britayne, began hys reygn ouer the britayns, and gouerned them .xxxv. yeares, as wryters recorde. This Malgo was the comelyest and moste personable man of all the britaynes then lyuing, and therwith indued with knyghtely manhode: but hee delyted in the foule synne of sodomy: and therfore was greatly spoiled [Page 33] by his enemies the Saxons.The fyrste war betwene the Saxons in this realme

Ethelbert, kyng of the Saxones in Kent, gaue bataile to Ceaulmus kyng of the west Saxons: in whyche fyghte were slayne .ii. dukes of Ethelberts, & hymselfe with his people chased. Thys was the fyrst warre betwene the Saxons, after they had lande and dwelling within this realme.

Cutwalphus, the sonne of Cerdicus, kyng of west Saxons, fought valiantly agaynst the Britaynes, and berefte them of .iiii. great townes.

After the deathe of Cutwalphus before named, his brother Ceaulmus desyrous of honoure, made sharpe warre vpon the britayns, and wan from them the cities of Glocester, Worcester, and Bathe.

CAreticus began to rule the Britons.586

This man (as witnesseth al writers) loued ciuile warr, and was odible both to God and to his subiects, they moued the Saxons to warre vppon hym: who toke from hym a great part of his land.

The Saxons heryng of the discention betwene Careticus and his Britaines,Gurmundus builded Gurmundchester so sayth Hardyng, who alle [...]g [...]th Beda. beyng accōpanied with Gurmundus kyng of Ireland, made warr vpon [Page] Careticus, in suche wyse that hee was fayne to take the Towne of Sicester, where they assaulted him so sore that he wyth his menne fledde from thens into Wales: by whyche meanes he lefte a great part of his dominion: and shortly after ended his lyfe, when he had reigned .iii. yeares.

589THe Britaines which were chased by their enemies into Wales (as is before sayd) held theim in those parties, and assaulted the Saxons some while in one coast, and som while in an other vnder sundry dukes: and so continued the space of .xxiiii. yeares.

In Britayne Ethelfridus gouerned the Northsaxons, who made suche continuall warre vpon the Britaynes, and chased them so sore, that it is thoughte be slewe mo of them, then all the other Saxons kynges. By this crueltie, the faith of Christ was almoste vtterly extinguished among the Britayns which had continued since y^e tyme of Lucius about .400. yeres, & many of the britains were chased out of the Iland, the reste remayned in Wales: who there kept the christen fayth which they had receiued.

The britains being chased out of their [Page 34] countrey into Wales, the Saxons obteyned the whole domynion of this Iland:The Saxons had the whole possession of this realme. Sauing a part of Scotland which was subiecte to the Pictes and Scotts: & the britons kept thēselues in Wales.

In Anno domini .596. S. Gregorie sent Augustin Melitus Iustus, S. Augustin came into Englande. and Iohn, with other learned men to preache the christen faithe to the Angles: whiche were fyrst receyued of Ethelbert king of Kēt,S. Austins at Canturbery. whom they conuerted to the faith, with diuers of his people.S. Paules church iu Lō don, & S. Andrews in Rochester Saint Peters at Westminster, buylded. This Ethelberte (as some write) fyrste began to buylde S. Austyns in Canturbery. S. Paules church in London, & s. Andrews in Rochester. he also excited a citisen of Lōdon to buylde the abbey of Westmynster.

CAdwane Duke of Northewales,613 was made soueraigne of the britayns, who comyng out of Wales, gaue stronge battaile to Ethelfride kinge of Northumberland theyr moste deadly enemy: & in diuers encountres so discomfited the said Ethelfride, that he was forced to intreate for peace: After which concord made betwene those two princes, they cōtinued al their life tyme as two speciall and louyng frendes, he reigned .xxii. yeares.

[Page]Edwyne, the sonne of Ella, whiche was persecuted of Ethelfryde kynge of Northumberlande made sore warre vpon the said Ethelfride, and slewe hym in playne battayle, and then seysed into his possession the kyngdome of Northhumberland. This Edwine was the fyrst christian kyng of that countrey.

Mahomete fyrst begynnyng.Aboute this tyme began Mahomete among the Turkes.

The vii. kingdome.Also about this time began the kingdom of Mercia or middle England vnder the strong painim and Saxon called penda: which lordshyp conteyned Huntyngtonshyre, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and other, and was greattest of all other kyngedomes. At that tyme reygned in dyuers partes of this lande vii. kynges. Sibertus among the east Saxons, Redwallus kyng of East angles, nowe called Norffolke and Suffolke. Ethelbert kynge of Kent. Ethewolphus of Sussex: Ringilus & Quincellinus of Weste Saxons. Penda of Mercia Edwyne of Northumberland.

Paulinus buylded the great churche at Lincolne.Edwyn kyng of Northumberlande was baptised of holye Byshoppe Paulinus: and after hym, manye of hys people:Iron cuppes fastened by welles & fountayns for trauayling mē to drynke on. he for the refreshyng of wayfaryng [Page 35] men, ordeyned cuppes and dishes of yron to be fastened by such clere welles and fountayns as dyd runne by the wayes syde.

CAdwallyne the son of Cadwane began his reigne ouer the britaynes.635 He was valyant and mightie, and warred strongly vpon the Sarons, & made Penda kyng of Mercia tributarie to him: he reigned .xlviii. yeres, and was buried at London in sent Martyns church by L [...]dgate.

Kyngilpus kynge of weste Saxons was turned to the right belefe, by a holy man called Berinus.

Segebert, Kynge of Easte Angles or Norffolke, ordeyned good learnyng to bee taughte and erected Schooles in dyuers partes of hys dominion, as he sometyme hadde seene in Fraunce.The fyrste Schoole in Cambrydge buylded. By hym was the fyrste common schoole founded at Cambridge.

Kenwalcus kyng of west Saxons in Britayn was dryuen oute of his kyngdome by Penda, and kepte from thence by force, the space of .iii. yeares.

Penda kyng of Mercia warred vpon Oswalde the good and holye Kynge of Northumberland, and slue hym in battayle [Page] with many of his knightes.Policronica. f. Columbe, cronicis Colmanni.

Oswye, the brother of Oswald obteined the kyngdome of Northumberlande: who slue Oswyne his brothers sonne: and made Odilwaldus partaker of his kyngdome.

Kenwalcus kyng of Weste Saxons was restored to his kyngedome by the helpe of Anna, kyng of eastangles. He builded the byshops see of Winchester,The byshops see of Winchester buylded. and made Agelbert the fyrste byshop of that see. And after him was one named Wyne, of whome the Citie tooke the name of Wynchester.

Glasynge brought fyrst into EnglaudBenet the monke, and maister of the reuerēd Beda, was famous in Britain This Benet broughte fyrst the craft of glasyng into this lande.

Chertesey in Southerye was afterwarde destroyed by the Danes.Cissa begunne to buylde the abbey of Abington, and Erkenwalde byshop of London buylded the abbeys of Chertsey, and of Barkyng in Essex.

683CAdwallader was ordeyned kyng of britons, and ruled only .iii. yeres. He vanquished and slew Lethayre kyng of Kente, and Athelwolde kyng of South saxons, and then forsakyng his kyngly authoritie. he went to Rome,The kyng becam a monke. and there becamme a religious [Page 36] man, and was buried at sainct Peters churche at Rome. He was the last king of Britayne. And this lande after this tyme was called Anglia, The Ilande called vniuersally England and the inhabitantes therof Angles or Englyshmen, and the britaynes were called Walshemen: whiche name they tooke of a duke called: Wallus. This happened .1791. yeres, or as saith Fabian .1822. after that Brute fyrste arryued in thys lande: After the conquest of Cesar .735. yeres: From the entryng of the Saxons vnder their leaders Hengist and Horsus, in the tyme of Uortiger .236. or nere therabout.

Thus ended the reigne of the Britons: and nowe foloweth the reigne of the Saxons.

Althoughe the Saxons had deuyded this realme into seuen seuerall kyngdomes: yet I wyll nowe speake chiefely of the weste saxons in order, because that (in proces of tyme) they subdued the other kynges, and brought it agayne into one monarchie.

AMong the west saxons reigned a686 [Page] noble man called Iewe, of greate power and wysedome, and therewith valiant and hardy: in feates of armes very expert: he mainteyned such warre agaynste the Kentyshe Saxons, that hee constreigned them to seke and intreate meanes of peace, geuyng to hym for the same great gyftes.The colledge of Welles, & the abbey of Glastenbury newly builded The quene of West Saxōs was abbesse of Barkyng: the kynge her husbande became a religious man. This man buylded first the colledge of Welles, & the abbey of Glastenbury: he payd the Peter pens fyrst to Rome. When he had gouerned the west Saxons by the space of .xxxvii. yeres, by the earnest labour of his wife Etheldreda, which was an holy womā and abbesse of Backyng in Essex, gaue vp his royall power, and became a pore man, and wēt to Rome on pilgremage. he is of Beda called Hunne or Iewe.

724 S. Beda in this tyme wrote in Englande.AFter hym Ethelarde was kynge of west Saxons, in whose tyme the reuerend Beda was famous, and wrote his boke called Anglica historia, to Offrick kyng of Northumberlande. Ethelarde reigned v. yeares.

729 [...]Uthred was kynge of West saxons.

This man made warre vpon Ethelwald or Mercia, and lyed therin diuersly. In his tyme appered twoo blasynge sterres,Two comets or blasynge starres. castynge as it were burnynge [Page 37] brandes towardes the northe. He reygned .xvi. yeares. Ethelwald before named (as Hardyng writeth) buylded the abbey of Crowlande.Crowlande buylded.

The holy man Beda,Beda deceased whiche for hys lernyng and godly life, was renoumed in all y^e world, ended his last day about the yeare of Christ .734. he in his lyfe compiled .lxxviii. bookes.

SIgebert was made kynge of Weste Saxons:745 he was cruell and tyrānous towards his subiects: and changed anciente lawes and customes, after hys owne will and pleasure. And because a certayn noble man, somedeale sharpely aduertised hym to change his maners, he malitiously caused the same persone to be put cruelly to deathe: And for soo muche as he continued in his malice, & would not amende: he was depriued of all kyngely authoritie.The kyng depriued, and slayne by a swyneheard. and lastely, as a person desolate and forlorne, wandring alone in a wodd, was slayn of a swineherde, whose lorde and mayster, (when he had reigned as kyng) he had wrongfully put to death, when he had reigned iii. yeares.

KEnulphus, of the lynage & blood of Cerdicus fyrst king of West saxons,748 [Page] reigned in the kyngdome .xxxi. yeares. The vertue of this manne farre passed his fame. At the begynnyng he appeased certayne murmours and grudges, that were among the people, for the deposyng of his predecessour Sigebert.

Winchcombe abbey buildedKenulfe kyng of Mercia buylded the abbey of Wynchecombe.

Offa, a noble man reygned in Mercia, or myddle Englande; he had warre with theym of Northumberlande: and for a tyme subdued theim. He warred also agaynst Etheldred kyng of east angles: and vanquyshed and tooke prisoner, Egbert kyng of Kent.

The abbey of S. Albons buylded.Offa, kyng of Mercia builded the abbey of saynt Albons, he chased the britons or Welshemen into Wales, and made a famous dike betwene Wales and the vtter boundes of Mercia, whiche is nowe called Offa dike.

Kenulphus kyng of west saxons, as he haunted to a woman, whych he kept at Merton,The Kynge Kenulphus slayne. was slayne by treason of of one Clio, the kynsemanne of Sigeberte, late Kynge. He was buryed at Wynchester.

778BRithricus, of the bloud of Cerdidicus, was made kynge of weste [Page 38] saxons: and knyghtely ruled his lande, y^e space of .xvii. yeres: he maried one of the daughters of Offa, kyng of Mercia by whose power hee expelled Egberte, that was an vnder kyng in the lordship of west saxons. In his tyme (as saythe Fabyan) it rayned blood from heauen,It rayned blood. whiche fallyng on mens clothes, appered lyke crosses.

The Danes fyrst entred this land of Britayne,The Danes fyrst entred this lande. but by the strength and puissance of Brithricus, and other kynges of the saxons, they were driuen backe, and compelled to voyde the lande, Brithricus was poisoned by his wife Ethelburga.The kynge poysoned by his wyfe. For whiche deede the nobles ordeined, that from thenseforthe the kynges wyues shuld not be called Quenes, nor suffred to sytte with them in places of estate.

EGbert the saxon,795 whyche by Brithricus was chased oute of the Realme, hauynge knowledge of the deathe of Brithricus, returned onte of Fraunce, and in so knightely wise demeaned hym selfe, that he obteyned the gouernement of Weste Saxons, hee tamed the welshe men, vanquyshed Berthulphus kynge of myddle Englande, [Page] and subdued to his seignorie and obeysance, the Kentysh saxons, eastsaxons, and Northumbers, & reigned as kynge ouer the more part of Englād, the space of .xxxvii. yeares, and was buried at Wynchester.

The Danes seconde entryng thys lande. The Danes with a great host, entred this landd the second tyme, and spoyled the Isle of Shepey in Kente, agaynste whom Egbert the kyng addressed hym with his power: whom the Danes forst to flee the field. After which tyme, som of the Danes continually abode in one place or other of this lande.

832EEthelwolphus, the sonne of Egbert began his reigne ouer y^e more part of England.Ethelwolphus gaue first tithes in Englande, as Iohn Harding affirmeth. This man in his youth was wyllyng to haue bene a priest, & entred y^e order of subdeacon: howbest after he maried a wyfe, by whome he had .iiii. sonnes, whiche reigned after hym successiuely. He went to Rome, where he repaired the englysshe schoole,An hospitall for englyshemen buylded at Rome. whyche was fyrst foūded by Offa kyng of Mercia. This schoole was after tourned to an hospitall for englyshemen, whyche came to Rome. he fyrst founded the vniuersitie of Oxenford,Oxenforde buylded. which some wryters attribute to Offa, kyng of Mercia, [Page 39] that was in the tyme of Charles the great .ix. yeres before this tyme. He reigned .xxiii. yeares, and was buryed at Wynchester.

EThewlaldus,855 after the death of his father, began his reign in England, he maried a woman, whiche his father had kepte before as his concubine: and dyed when he hadde not reygned fully one yeare.

EEthelbert,856 The Danes third entryng this land. the brother of Ethelwold was made king ouer the more part of Englande. In the begynnynge of hys reigne, the Danes entred the west part of the realme, and spoiled the countrey afore them, tyll they came to Wynchester, and by strength toke it. But by the kynge and his dukes, they were forced to leaue Wynchester: and in retiryng towardes their shyps, they lost a great number of theyr men. He reigned .vii. yeares: and was buryed at Sherborne.

ETheldred,893 This kynge deuided y^e day and nighte in iii. partes. 8. howers to serue god .8. houres where suites of his people, and viii. houres to take his sleape & reste. the thyrde sonne of Ethelwolphus, toke on him the gouernāce of Westsaxones, and other Prouinces of Englande. He was a man framed of nature, as wel to peace as warr. Amōg his subiectes, he was mylde, gentill, louyng and pleasant: agaynst his aduersaries, [Page] seuere, fierce, valyant, and hardye. He lyued in continual warre with the Danes: whiche all the tyme of his reigne, vexed this land with most deadly warres (as Iohn Hardyng writeth) he deuided the day in three partes .viii. houres to serue god, viii. to heare suites of his people, and .viii. to take his sleps and reste.

The Danes landed in Northumberlande.A company of Danes landed in Northumberlande: and after manye skyrmyshes and battayles to theym geuen, by strength they possessed and held that countrey, the space of .ix. yeares, and got also the Citie of Yorke.

Kynge Edmunde slayne by the DanesA company of the Danes entred the countrey of Norffolke, where they slue the holy kyng Edmonde, which gouerned the prouince of Norffolke: because he wolde not forsake the faith of Christ. Of this kynge Edmunde, Iohn Lidgate,Iohn Lidgate monke of Bury hath compyled a goodly treatice in englishe meter heroicall.

Women to kepe their chastitie disfigured them selues by cuttinge of theyr noses and ouerlyppes.At Colyngham saint Ebbe abbesse cut of her nose and ouerlyppe, and persuaded all her [...]yuers to doo the lyke that they beyng odible to y^e Danes, mought [Page 40] better kepe theyr virginitie: in dispite the Danes burned the abbeye, and the Nunnes therin.

Also those Danes landed agayne in Southery, and went forwarde tyll they came to Readyng, and toke that towne and cattell: at whiche tyme, whyle Etheldred was busyed agaynste them, he hadde woord of the landyng of Offrike kyng of Denmarke with an other companye, to whome the Kynge gaue manye stronge battayles.The king Etheldred slayn by the Danes But in the ende he was put to the woorse, and receyued a wounde: whereof he dyed, when hee had reygned .ix. yeres.The prioryist Excetor builded. He buylded the priory of Chanons at Excetor, and was buryed at wynbourne.

ALured the fourthe son of Ethelwolphus beganne his reigne ouer the more parte of England,872 and reigned. xxviii. yeares. This man was of fayre stature and comely personage no lesse renoumed in marciall policie thenne in Ciuille gouernaunce of hys commune weale. Hee was wyse, dyscreete, and learned, and raudured good Letters excellentlye well.

[Page]In youth somewhat he was disposed to the vicy of the fleshe: and therefore besought god to chastise hym by some continuall sicknes: wherby he might serue God the better, and yet not to be made vnapte to worldly busynes. Wherfore by the ordinance of God, he was taken with the euil called Ficus, and was ther of sycke a longe space. The fyrste yeare of his reign in sundry places, he fought vi. tymes with the Danes: by meanes whereof his people were so weakened, that he was glad to make peace wyth his enemies.

The Danes brake the league made with Alured. Wherefore in as secrete maner as he myght, he assembled a chosen company, and set vpon them sodainly: and after the fyrst conflict, held them so shorte: that he constreigned theim to geue hostages for suretie of peace.

Alured was sore ouerset wyth newe companies of Danes: but at length, takynge to hym a valiant courage, he enterprised to espye the maner of his enemies, in this wyse:The kynge counterfeated the mynstrell he dyd on hym the habite of a mynstrell; and with his instrument of musyke, entred the tentes of the Danes: and in shewynge theyin [Page 41] pastyme and songe, hee espyed all their slouth and idelnes: and heard muche of their counsell. Then priuily returning to his armye, with a chosen companye fell vpon the Danes in the nyght, and slue of them a great numbre: and lastly concluded a peace, on condition that as many of them as woulde be christened, shoulde inhabite the prouinces of East Angles and Northumberlande: the other to depart into France.Shaftesbury & Ethlingsey buylded. As Guido writeth, he buylded the house of nūnes at Shaftsburye, and an other house of religion at Ethelyngsey.

By the counsell of Nottus,The fyrste grāmer scole in Oxenforde buylded. Allured ordeyned the fyrst Grammer schoole in Oxenforde, and franchised the towne with many great liberties. He buylded the newe mynster in Wynchester,Newe abbey in winchester and there lyeth buried.

EDwarde,901 This K. Edwarde is called Edwarde the senior. the Elder sonne of Alured, began his reign ouer the most parte of Englande, and gouerned this land well and nobly. xxiiii. yeares. In knowledge of good letters, he was not to be compared to his father: But in honour worshyppe and marciall prowes nothynge inferiour: and was also [Page] profitable to the cōmon weale, in buildinge and repayringe many castelles tounes and cyties whyche were raced and broken by the Danes. He in hys tyme builded Herford castel,Herford castell buylded, and adioyned to his lordship al this Iland, sauing onely Northumberlande, whiche was possessed of the Danes. He lyeth buried at Wynchester by hys father, in the new mynster. and as Fabyan writeth,The monastery of S. Peter at Gloceter buyldyd he buylded the monasterie of S. Peter in Gloucester.

In this tyme a noble womā named Elfleda, syster to kyng Edward, gouerned y^e prouince of middle Englād. This woman whan she had ones assayed the paynes that women suffer in trauaylyng with childe, euer after hated the imbracynges of her husbande: sayinge, That it was not seemely for any noble woman to vse suche fleshely lykynge: wherof shold ensue so great sorow and payne. She tamed the Welshmen, and in dyuers battayles chased the Danes. After whole death Edward helde that prouince in his owne hande.

[Page 42]ADelstane, after the death of Edward senior his father,925 The Kinge was crouned at Kyngston. begā his reign in Englād, he was a prince of worthy memorie, valiant & wise in al his actes: and brought this land to one Monarchye: for he expelled vtterly the Danes, subdued the Scots, and quieted the Welshmen. He reigned. xv. yeres, and lieth at Malmsbury.Iohn Lidgate Of him Iohn Lidgate monke of Bury hath translated a goodly story out of Latin into english meter, which was compiled in Latine by Girardus Cambrence.

EDmūd,940 y^e brother of Adelstan toke on hym y^e gouernāce of this realm: whose short reigne take from hym the renoume of most highe praises that should haue redoūded to hys posteritie: for he was a man disposed of nature to noblenes & iustice. he reigned .vi. yeres, and was buryed at Glastenburie.

ELdred succeded Edmunde his brother:946 The Kynge crowned at Kyngs town for his sonnes Edwyne and Edgar, wer thought to yōg to take on them so greate a charge. This Eldred hadde the earneste fauoure of the commons, because hee was a greate maynteyner of honestie, and also most [Page] abhorred naughty and vnruly persons: for his expertnes in feates of armes, he was muche commended. Whereby he quieted and kept in due obeysance, the Northumbers and Scottes, and exiled the Danes. He reigned .ix. yeares, and was buried in the cathedrall church of Wynchester.

955 He was crouned at Kyngstoune. A vicious kinge.EDwine succeded his vncle Eldred in the kingdome: of whome is left no honeste memorye, for one heynous acte by him committed in the begynning of his reigne. In the selfe daye of his Coronation, he sodeynelye withdrewe hym self from hys Lordes and in the syghte of certaine persons, rauished his owne kynswoman, the wife of a noble man of his Realme: and afterwarde slew her husband, that he might haue the vnlaufull vse of her beautie. whiche acte, and for banyshings Dunstane, he became odible to his subiects, and of the Northumbers, and people of myddle Englande, that rose agaynste hym, was depriued,The kyng depriued. when he had reigned .iiii. yeres. he was buried in the cathedrall churche of Wynchester.

[Page 43]EDgar, brother to Edwyne, began his reigne in Englande. He was a prince of worthy memorye,959 He was crouned at Bathsome saye at Kyngstoune. for hys manyfold vertues greately renoumed: so excellent in iustice, and sharpe in correction of vices, aswell in his maiestrates, as other subiectes: that neuer before his dayes was vsed the lesse felony by robbers, or extorcion or briberye by fals officers. He chastised also the great negligence, couetousnes, and vicious liuyng of the clergye he refourmed, and brought them to a better order: of stature he was but litle, but of mynde valyant and hardy, & very expert in marciall policye.This kynge builded and repaired. xi. abbeis, in England, as Wilton, Peterborowe, Thorney, Ramsey. &c. he prepared a great nauy of shyppes, which he disposed in .iii. partes of his realme, and had souldioures alway prest and ready agaynste the incursions of foreyn and strange enemies be reigned. xvi. yeares. He buylded Peters Bury, Thorney, Ramsey, and many other, & was buried at Glastenbury.

Ludwallus, prince of Wales, payd to hym yerely, in name of tribute .3000. wolues, by meane wherof within .iiii. yeares in England and Wales myght scantly be founde one wolfe.The wolues in Englande destroyed. This Edgare [Page] in his floryshing youthe was some deale geuen to the luste of the flesshe: whyche he afterwarde greuousely repented.

Good lawes made agaynst quaffyng and alehouses.In his tyme as well the Danes as all other people in Englande, vsed the vice of great drinking: The kyng therfore rode through the realme, and put downe many alehouses, and would suffer but one in a village or town, except it were a great borough: and ordeined certayne cuppes with pynnes and nailes. and made a lawe, that who soeuer dranke past that marke at one draught shoulde forfayt a certayne payn: wherof the accuser should haue the one half, and the ruler of the Towne the other halfe. It is written by Fabyan, and others, that Edgar bring at Chester, entred the ryuer of Dee,Eight pety kyngs rowed kynge Edgar vp and down the ryuer of Dee. and syttynge in the bote, he toke the rule of the helme and caused .viii. kynges to row hym vp & down the riuer vnto S. Iohns church and from thens to his palaice, in tokē y^t he was lord & king of so many prouinces

975 The Kynge crowned at Kyngston.EDward, the sonne of Edgar by his fyrst wyfe, began hys ceigne ouer this realme, contrary to the mynd [Page 44] and pleasure of Elfride his stepmother and other of her alliance. In all kyndes of honest vertue, this man might well bee compared to his father: and began hys Reygne wyth suche modestye and myldenesse, that hee was woorthylye fauoured of all menne: Excepte onely Elfryde, whyche euer bare a grudge agaynste hym: for so muche as she desyred to haue the gouernaunce of the Realme, for her owne soonne Egelrede.

Edwarde, whyle hee was huntyng in a forrest (by chaunce) loste hys companye, and rode alone to refreshe hym at the Castell of Corffe:The kyng murdered by his stepmother. where by the counsayle of hys stepmother Elphrede, he was traiterously murthered, as hee satte on his horse: When hee had reigned .iii. yeares. hee was buryed at Shaftesbury. After his death God shewed for hym dyuers myracles. Wherfore he is numbred among the sayntes and martirs. Before the death of thys Edward appeared a blasynge starre of meruailous greatnes.A blasynge sterre. It is of some authors writen that the forsaid Elphrede [Page] afterwarde take great penaunce, and that she buylded twoo Monasteryes of Nonnes, Almesbury and Warwell:Almsbery & Warwel builded. in whyche Warwell she after liued a solitarie lyfe tyll she dyed.

978EGelrede, or Etheldrede, the sonne of kyng Edgar and Alphrede, was ordeyned kynge of Englande,The kynge crowned at Kyngston. and crowned at Kingstoune. He was goodly of shape and visage: but wholly geuē to idlenes, and abhorred all princely exercises: a louer of ryotte, lecherie, and dronkennes, and vsed extreme cruelty towardes his subiectes: hauyng his eares open to all vniust complaintes. In feates of armes of all men moste ignorant: his crueltie made hym odious to his subiects: and his cowardise encoraged straunge ennemies to inuade his kyngdome. By meanes whereof, thys lande was sore afflicted with warre, famyne, and pestilence. In his tyme decayed the noble kyngdom of England,Englande became tributary to the Danes: and: became tributarie to the Danes: whereby the Danes, when they had spent the sayd tribute, fel streight again to robberye, and arryued in sundry places of Englande: as in the Isle of Thenet, [Page 45] In Cornewall and Sussex: and after many damages by them done, and ryche gyftes receaued of the Kynge, they retourned into theyr countreye for a tyme.The Danes besieged London. But shortly they agayn entred this lande in so many places, that the kynge Etheldrede was to seeke, to whiche coast he should fyrst go to withstande hys enemies. In conclusyon for aduoydyng of further daunger, he was compelled to appeare them with great summes of money: but when the money was spente, they fell to newe robbyng, and cessed not to spoyle the land: and lastly besieged Lōdon. And to augment the kyngs sorow, Elphricus that then was admirall of England, traiterously fledde to the Danes. And after beyng reconciled, fledde to them the seconde tyme?

While this cruel warre continued in England, by meane of a byshop named Elphegus, a peace was concluded: at whiche tyme (as Polidore wytnesseth) the kynge made his lande tributarie to the Danes:Great tribute sayd to the Danes the payment wherof, from the summe of ten thousand poundes, in few yeres, was raised to fifty thousand.

[Page]The bloudy flixe, the burnyng feuer wyth dyuers other maladies vexed the people throughout all Englande.

Etheldred kyng of England, toke to wyfe Emma, the syster of Rycharde Duke of Normandie: whyche for her beautie, was called the Flower of Normandie. Etheldrede beyng greatly inhanced in his mynd for this his mariage, sent forth into al partes of his realme secrete and strayght cōmissions, chargyng the rulers, that vppon a certayne day and hower assygned,The Danes sodeynly murdered & slayne the Danes (whiche proudely vsed great crueltie in the land) should be sodeinly slayn, and so was if doone. Which thyng was after cause of great misery: For Swain kyng of Denmark hearyng of the murder of the Danes, and beynge sore moued therwith, landed with a strong armye in dyuers partes of thys realme:A great number of Danes aryue in thys lande and so cruelly without mercy and pity, spoyled the countreye, and slue the people: that the englysh men wer brought to mooste extreeme and vnspeakable mysery. But yet after & certayne space a peace was intreated: For whyche the Englyshemen payde thirtye thousande [Page 46] poundes. Howbeit dyuers princes of the Danes styll continued wastynge the lande in dyuers places.

Swayn kyng of Denmarke repented of the former couenāts, made with the englyshmen: & thinkyng to attayne to the whole dominiō of this land: with a strong army entred fyrste Northumberland, than myddle England: and so wente foorthe tyll he came to London,London besiged by the Danes whyche he besieged, and destroyed the countrey of Kent. At this tyme Egelrede the kyng despairyng of all recouerie (not ones proferynge to resyste his ennemies, with his wyfe and children fledde to Richard duke of Normandy: & then possessed Swayn y^e hole kingdom of this realm: who spoiled the landes of s Edmunds. But after his death succeded Canutus his sonne: who inclosed y^e same with a depe dyche: and graūted to the inhabitantes therof, great fredom. And after builded a church ouer y^e place of his sepulture, and ordeined there an house of monkes, enduyng them with fayre possessiōs. And after it was vsed y^e kings of Englād, whē thei wer crouned sent for: an offering their crounes vnto [Page] S. Edmondes shryne,S: Edmondes Burye buylded and redemed the same with a good price. The englyshe men sente agayne for Etheldred out of Normandye, who by the healpe of the Normans, and present assistance of his commons, expelled Canutus. but shortly Canutus returned agayne into Englande, where he spared nothynge that myght be destroyed with sworde & fyre. In whiche tyme king Etheldred ended his lyfe, when he had reigned .xxxviii. yeares, and was buried in the Northe Isle of Paules churche in London, aboue the aultar. Fabian saythe, that in the seconde yeare of this kynges reigne a great part of the citie of London was wasted with fyre:A great fire in London but how it beganne, hys aucthor telleth not. But ye shal vnderstand, that this day, the citie of London had moste housyng and buyldynge from Ludgate towarde Westminster: and littell or none where the chiefe or hart of the citie is now, except in diuers places was housynge, but they stoode without order. So that many townes & cities, as Cāterbury, York, and dyuers other in Englande, passed London in buyldyng at those dayes, as I haue sene [Page 47] (sayth Fabyan) by an old boke, somtime in the Guyld halle of London, named Domes daye.A boke in the Guylde hall of London named domes daye But after the conquest it increased, and shortly after passed and excelled all the other. Aboute the .viii. yeare of this kyngs reign, dyed Ethelwald byshop of Wynchester, who was born in Wynchester, and ther buylded an abbey of Nunnes (as sayth Fabyan.

AFter y^e deth of Etheldred,1016 great variance fell betwene y^e englishe mē for the election of theyr kyng, for y^e citezens of London with certayn other named Edmund the son of Etheldred,Edmūd with the Iron syd [...] a yong man of lusty and valiant courage in martiall aduentures both hardy and wyse, and one that could very well endure all paynes: Wherefore hee was surnamed Ironsyde: but the more part fauored Canutus the Dane. By meanes wherof betwene those two princes were foughten many great battayles: in the which either party sped diuersly, to the great slaughter of thē that toke their partes. But lastly, it was agreed, that the two Captayns shold try theyr quarell betwene them selues onely. In [Page] which fight,1038 although Edmund semed to haue the vpper hand: yet be condiscē ded to deuyde the realm and make Canutus felow with him in the kingdom: whyche agreement was at laste concluded.

In this tyme there was an englishe Earle called Edricus, which by hys falshode had wrought muche hurte to hys naturall country, and lastelye was aucthor of the deth of the noble Edmund.Kynge Edmunde slayne with a speare thrust vp into his foundment as he sat on a priuy And therof himself brought fyrst knowledge to Canutus the Dane, sayinge in this wyse: Thus haue I doone Canutus for the loue of thee. To whom hee answered, sayinge: For my loue thou hast murdered thyne owne soueraigne Lord, whome I loued most entierly: I shall in rewarde therof, exalt thy head aboue all the lordes of Englande.I iuste reward geuen. And foorthwith commanded hym to be headed: and his head to be set vpon a spear on the hyghest gate of London.Iohn Hars dynge. These princes reygned together .ii. yeares.

Thys Edmund was buryed at Glastenburye.

[Page 48]VUhen Canutus was stablished in the kyngdom,1018 he had knowledge how Olanns king of Norway in his absence inuaded the coūtrey of Denmarke: wherfore in all hast he sped him thitherward: & by the māhod of the english souldiors, obteined of them a noble victory, & recouered Norway to his seignory. wherfore when he returned into England, he demeaned him toward all men as a sage gentle & moderat prince, and so continued .xx. yeares.

Canutus called a parliamēt at Oxē ford:A parliamēt at Oxforde. where it was decreed, that english men and Danes should hold the lawes of Edgare late kyng.

Canutus subdued the Scots, wherby he was king of .iiii. kingdoms, y^t is to say of England, Scotlād, Denmark & Norway. After that he wēt into Denmark, and so to Rome. And after returned again into England. Where he kept all his life tyme good iustice, and did many charitable dedes: And after his deathe was buried in s. Swithins at Winchester. Of this Canutus Polidore hath writen a notable history,Polidore Vergile. in y^e end of his vii. boke of the historie of England.

[Page] 1038HArold, the sonne of Canutus, by hys wyfe Elgina, for hys swyftnes surnamed Harefote began hys reygne ouer thys realme of England. In the begynning hee shewed some token of crueltie, in that he banyshed his stepmother Emma, and tooke from her suche iewelles and treasure, as she hadde. He reigned iii. yeares. Hee was buryed at Westmynster, and after at S. Clementes without Temple barre.

1041HArdikenitus, king of Denmarke after the deathe of Harolde, was ordeyned kyng of Englande. He for the iniurie done to his mother Emma,Reynolde of Chester Robert Fabian caused the corps of Harolde to be taken out of the sepulchre: and smyting of the head, caste it with the body into the ryuer of Thames: where by a fysher it was taken vp, and vnreuerently buried at S. Clementes (as afore is sayd.) He burdeined his subiectes with eractions and tribute: and in meat and dryncke was so prodygall that hys tables were spreade .iiii. tymes in the day, and the people serued with great excesse whan he had reigned .iii. yeares [Page 49] he dyed sodeinly at Lambeth, not without suspection of poysonynge, and was buried at Winchester.

Hardikenitus beyng deade, the Danes were beaten, slayn, and dryuen out of this lande, into theyr owne countrey xxviii. yeares after that Swayn began fyrst to reigne.

EDwarde,1043 the sonne of Egelrede or Etheldred, by the aduice of Goodwyne and Leofricus Erle of Chester, after the deathe of Hardikenitus, was sent for out of Normandie to take on him the goueruaunce of this realme of Englande, whiche hee guyded with much wisdome and iustice, from whom issued as out of a fountaiue, very godlinesse, mercie, pitie, and liberalitie towarde the pore, and gentylnes and iustice towards all men: and in all honest lyfe, gaue moste godly example to hys people. He discharged the englyshmen of the great tribute called y^e Dane gelt, whiche was often before time leuied to y^e impouerishyng of the people. He subdued the Wes [...]hemen, whiche rebelled and made warre vpon their borders.

The .xvi. yere of this kyng Edward [Page] died y^e good Erle Leofricus erle of Mercia & of Chester,Robert Fabian who was buried in the abbey of Couentrie, which he hym selfe had caused to be buylded. He purchased many great priuileges for the aforesaid towne of Couentrie.

William bastarde duke of Normandye.Willyam bastard duke of Normandie, about this tyme came with a goodly company into England: and was honorablye receyued: to whom the kynge made great cheere. And at his returne enriched hym with great gyftes & pleasures: and (as som write) made promise to hym, that if he died without issue, the same William shold succede hym in the kyngdome of England.

Harolde the sonne of the Erle Goodwin, went to Normādie: wher he made faithfull promise to duke William, that after the death of Edwarde, he woulde kepe the kyngdome to hys behalfe: on whiche condition, he brought with hym at his returne his brother Tosto.

Thomas Couper.The noble kynge Edwarde fynished hys laste daye whenne he hadde reygned foure and twenty yeares .vii. monethes and odde dayes. Hee purged the [Page 50] olde and corrupte lawes,The lawes of S. Edwarde the confessor. and pycked out of them a certayn, whych wer most profitable for the commons. And therfore were they called the common Lawes. For restitution whereof, happened dyuers commotions and insurrections in this lande. Hee was buryed at Westminster.

HArolde,1066 the eldeste soonne of Earle Goodwyne, beynge of greate power in Englande, and therewyth valyaunt and hardye, tooke on hym the gouernance of thys Lande, nothynge regardynge the promyse that he made to Wylliam duke of Normandye. Wherfore when William sente to hym Ambassades, admonysshynge hym of the couenauntes that were agreed betwene theim. Harolde, woulde in noo wyse surrendre to hym the kyngdome, whyche Wyllyam claymed, not only for the promyse that was made to hym: but also because hee was the nexte of Kynge Edwardes bloudde.

In thys meane tyme, Tosto whiche fledde oute of the Lande, beyng moued [Page] agaynst his brother the kynge of Norway, who entryng in the north partes of England, with a great puisance discomfited .ii. Erles that gaue hym battaile. But Harold in reskuyng his people, slewe the kyng, and his owne brother Tosto, and chased the Norwayes with disworshyp to their shyps.

Willliā duke of Normandy conquered this lande.When William Duke of Normandye perceyued, that he could not by any meanes brynge Harolde to fulfyll hys promyse, nor by treatie to yelde to hym the kyngdome: by force he entred the lande, to whome Harolde gaue stronge and sharpe battaile. In the end wherof, William by pollicy obteined the victorye, chased the englishemen, slewe Harolde, and obteined the gouernaunce of this lande, when Harolde had reigned but .ix. monethes. Hee was buryed at Waltham abbey,Waltham abbey. whyche hym self had buylded, and was the last that reigned of the bloude of the Saxones in thys Realme.

Thomas Couper.This happened .617. yeres after the fyrst arriuall of the Saxons or Angles, in whiche space they reygned dyuersly. Fyrst began the kyngdom of Kent, the [Page 51] yeare of our Lorde .475. vnder Hengistus. And after that .vi. other kyngdodomes at sundry tymes tooke theyr begynnyngs. Whych all at the last were broughte into one Monarchie, and subiect to the West Saxons by king Adelstane, the yeare of our Lord .ix. hundreth thirtie & eight. Whiche monarchie continued .129. yeares: durynge fiue and twenty of whych yeares, the Danes reigned in this land vnder Canutus and Harolde.

[Page]

A Summarie of King william Conquerour.

Anno regid .1.

1067WIllyam Duke of Normandye, surnamed Conquerour,Thomas Couper. Bastarde sonne of Roberte the syxte Duke of that Duchye, and nephew vnto kyng Edward the confessor, began his dominion ouer this Realme of England, the .xiiii. day of October, in the yeare of our Lorde 1067. and deceased in the yere .1087. the nynthe day of September, and reigned .xix. yeres .xi. monethes, lackyng fyue dayes. He vsed greate crueltie towarde the Englyshe menne, burdenynge theym wyth greuous exactions: By meane whereof he caused dyuers to flee the lande into other countreies. And lyke as hee obteyned the kyngedome by force and dent of sweard, so he chaunged the whole state of this common weale, and ordeyned newe lawes [Page 52] at his pleasure, profytable to hym selfe: but greuous and hurtfull to the people. Thys Wylliam was wyse and politike ryche and couetous, and loued well to be magnifyed. He was a fayre speaker and a great dissembler. A man of comely stature, but somdeale grosse bealyed: sterne of countenaunce, and strong in armes, and had great pleasure in huntynge, and makynge of sumptuous feastes.

Wyth thys Wyllyam Conqueroure,The names of Normanes and other that came with the conqueror. entred into thys Realme, dyuers noble menne and gentylmenne, whose successoures for the moste parte to this daye doo remayne in greate honoure and reputation. To whome he dysposed and gaue greatte possessions and reuenues. And because those houses maye not bee vnremembred, I haue thoughte good in thys place to recorde the names of theym, as Iohn Hardynge in hys Chronycles dedycated to kynge Henry the syrte, doothe particulerly recite theym. That is to saye:

Gospatryke, to whome he gaue all Cumbreland, and made hym erle therof.

[Page]Perey
Bohune
Malot
Bewchamp
Menylebyllers
Umframuile
Le Uause
Taylboys
Musgraue
Muschaump
Bailiol
Bruis
Bepount
Neuyle
Sent Clere
S. Poule
Melchynes
Menvile
Albemarle
Le Fortz
Courtenay
Albenay
Councy
Gournay
Gaunt
Beer
Latimer
Darcy
Ayncorte
Lescrope
Maundeuile
Ledespenser
Purpoynt
Momboucher
S. Elo
Seint Iohn
Uernon
Estontvile
Delauale
Euers
Bonuile
Belasyse
Uescy
Bouser
Clarell
Fitz Raufe
Fitz Roger
Fitz Waltar
Fitz William
Bulmers
Fawcomberde
Claruays
Fitz Waryne
Malory
Longchampe
Matrauersse
Fitz Robert
Mandit
S. Quintine
Fitz Thomas
Fitz Henry
Caunvyne
Iohn le vicount
Normanuile
Forniuale
Lassels
Scrutuile
Mantalent
Manley
Mortimer
Claruayle
Mountforde
La Poole
Lucy
Ualence
Lusours
Longuile
Ferrer
Engayne
Longspe
S. Uay
Lacy
Longchamp
Coluill
[Page 53]Toures
Lisle
Tracy
Chauncy
Bowlers
Mountagu
Sourdeuyle
Fulgers.
Belknap
Coniers
Someruile
Champneys
Longuillers
Maners
Fitz Urcy
Glaunuyle
Bewfort
Chauser
Mountpillers
Mortayn
Graunson
Moruille
Breton
Broyne
Gascoyne
Daynvyle
Chandose
Paruynke
Dabrygecourt
Deuerose
Keruyle
Cheuercourt
Fitz Hugh
Cornuyle
Morley
Fitz Rayner
Pudsay
Harecourt
Cheyny
Dela hay
Delamore
Gargraue
S. Omer
Moyne
Poynyng
S. Richar
Chartenay. &c.

Hitherto gathered out of Hardyng. The reste I haue collected oute of other good authors

Pyget
Bertrame
Tochet
Camoys
Hauteney
Warrayne
Chauent
Loueney
Bygotte
Mohant
Marmylon
Baylyffe
Marrays
Estraunge
Monbray
Audeley
Ueer
Souche
Couderay
Brabanson
Brabason
Butecort
Bysette
Bassette
Tressy
Caunuyle
Iaunville
Andgilham
Bascoruile
Chamberlaine
Logenton
Hastynges
[Page]Muriell
Bures
Malebraunche
Mortymer
Dyne
Lynnesey
Fenys
Boys
Muse
Peache
Daubeney
S. Amounde
Riuers
Meuille
Chamburnon
Uerdon
Rydell
Hanley
Mortmayn
Gower
Botiller
Fylberde
Sent leger
Paynell
Traynell
Peuerell
Daniell
Arundell
Riuell
Loueday
Denys
FitzNormāduk
Rous
Trusbutte
Corbyne
Mounteney. &c.

Anno. 2.

1068The town of Excetor, & the Northhumbers rebelled, whyche were both subdued and greuoufly punyshed.

This kyng Willyam buylded foure strong castells:Two castels buylded at Yorke, one other at Notyngham, and other at Lincolne. Twayne at Yorke, one at Notyngham, an other at Lyncolne, whych he furnished with garrysons of Normanes.

Anno. 3.

1069Canutus kyng of Denmark beyng encouraged thereto by certayne englyshe outlawes, inuaded the northe partes of England, & passed through to York: frō whens he was driuen backe by Williā, and forced to flee into his own coūtrey.

[Page 54]

Anno. 4.

The Scottes wyth their kyng Malcolyne,1070 inuaded Northumberland, and spoyled the countrey.

Anno. 6.

William kyng of England made suche warre vpon the Scotts,1072 that he forced Malcolyne to doo to hym bothe homage and fealtie, he also disherited Gospatrike, and exiled hym the lande,Iohn Hardynge. and gaue all Cumbrelande with the honour of Carlylle, to Raufe Meschynes, and made hym earle therof.

Kynge Wylliam by the counseyle of the Erle of Hertford caused the money and ryches of the abbays to be brought into his treasory he made also the news Forest in the countreye of Southampton,The new forest in Southhampton. for the atchiuyng which enterprise he was forst to cast downe dyuers townes and churches .xxx. myles of length, and replenysshed the same with wylde beastes, and made sharpe lawes for the maintenance and increase of the same.

Auno .10.

Roger erle of Hertforde & Ranulphe earle of Norffolke conspired agaynste kynge Wyllyam beyng in Normandye [Page] both whiche were by hym outlawed, and chased oute of the Realme. And Waldiffe that was duke of Northumberland and Earle of Huntyngdon and Northampton (who vttered the conspiracie) was beheaded at Wynchester,Iohn Hardynge. & buried at Crowlande in Lyncolnshire.Execution at Wynchester.

Anno. 13.

1079AT this tyme Oswalde Byshop of Salisburye was famous in England. The kyng gaue the Erledome of Northumberlande to Waltar byshoppe of Durham, who was after slayne by the men of Northumberland.

Anno. 15.

1081RObert the eldest sonne of William by the counsell of Philippe kyng of France, inuaded his fathers Duchye of Normandye, wherwith Wyllyam beynge greately dyspleased, gaue hys sonne a stronge battayle: in whyche it fortuned Robert to mete vnwares in the field with his father,10 [...] and bare hym to the earthe. But perceyuynge by the voyce who it was, forth with he lept from his horse, and saued his father: By whiche dede he was reconciled, and peace betweene them was agreed.

[Page 55]

Anno. 16.

Whyle kyng William of Englande was in Normandy,1082 Srhewsbury and Wēloke bbeys buylded. the Northumbers rebelled.

About this .xvi. yere, earle Waryng erle of Shrewsbury, made two abbeis, wherof the one was in the suburbes of Shrewsbury, & the other at wenloke.

Anno. 19.

KYnge Wyllyam caused a newe manner of Tribute to be leuyed thoroughout this Realme,1085 The numbre of men of cattell, and howe many hydes of lande was noted in Englande. for euery hyde of land (that is twenty acres) vi. s. And not long after, commanded a valuation to be takē of all lands, fees, and possessions, and diligent serche also to be made, what numbre of men and cattell were within this land.A greuous reaction. And accordynge to the quantitie and number therof, gathered an other payment.

Anno. 20.

Englande was vered wyth manye plagues.1086 For greate morayne fell emonge cattelle,Great plages in England. brennynge feuers and hunger emong people, greate bareynnesse vpon the earth, and muche hurte was done in manye places, by the mysfortune of fyre: aud specially in Lōdor.

[Page] A parte of Poules churche was brentFor Fabyan and other aucthors affirmeth, that a part of Poules was brent at that same tyme: namely the .vii. daye of Iuly.Battaile abbey and Barmondsey abbey builded. Kyng William buylded two abbeys in Englande, one at Battell in Sussex: the other nere to London called Barmondsay. He buylded the third at Cane in Normandy. He ended his life y^e ix. day of Septembre, and was buried at Cane in Normandie. He had .v. children Robert, to whom he gaue Normandy, Richard, who dyed in his youth. William Ruffus, and Henry, which wer kinges after hym. And one doughter, named Adela, who he gaue in mariage to Stephen Erle of Blo [...]s, who gotte on her Stephen, that after was kynge of England (as sayth Hardyng.

VVilliam Rufus, or VVilliam the Red kyng. Anno regni .1.

1087WIllyam Ruffus, the seconde sonne of Willyam conqueror began his reygne ouer the realme of England, the ninthe day of Septembre in the yeare of oure Lorde .1087. and deceased in the yeare of our Lorde. 1100. the fyrst day of August: [Page 56] so that he reigned .xii. yeare .xi. monethes lackyng .viii. dayes. He was variable and inconstant of his demeanor, very couetous and therewithall cruell. For he burdened his people with vnresonable taxes. He pilled the ryche, and opprest the poore. And caused many to lose their landes for small causes. And what he thus got by pillyng of hys people, be prodigally and wastfully spente in great banketting and sumptuous apparell.It remaineth in recorde of good authoritie, that the best payre of hose then to be bought for the kyng, coste but .iii. s. as one Robert affirmeth: who wrate in the tyme of Henry the thyrde. And as one auctor writeth (who wrate in the tyme of Henry the thirde) he would neither eate drynke or weare any thyng, but that it coste vnmeasurably deere. And for an exaumple, hee wryteth (whiche is to be noted in these oure dayes) that in a morning his chamberlayne bryngyng hym a newe payre of hosen, he demanded what they cost: his chamberlayn answered .iii. s. Wher with the kynge beynge wrothe (as this author affirmeth) saide as foloweth.

Fye a dibles q the king: who sey so vile a dede Kyng to weare so vyle cloath? but it costened more.
Bye a payre for a marke: or thou shalt a cor­ry sore.
[Page]A worse payre ynongh, that other swithe hym brought,
And said they costned a mark: & vneth he them so bought.
Ye belamy (q ye king) these were wel thought, In this maner serue me: outher ne serue me nought.

OUt of this aucthor I haue taken the saying of K. William Ruffus because it importeth the simplicitie of apparel in those days vsed: If kinges in those dayes ware hose of .xiii. s .iiii. d. the price, then maye subiectes in these days imitate his chamberlayn to weare of inferior price of .iii. s. Whiche price he thought king W. Ruffus wold not haue disdained: but as his chamberlayne spared the kynges priuie purse in byeng hose in those days: So now some of meane lyuyng spare not theyr owne and others, to employe vpon one paire whiche wold bye princes hose for a hole yere, as this hystorie reporteth.

Robert Curthoise his elder brother came with an armie into Englande, against William, wherof when the said Willlā had knowledge, he entreated peace.

Anno. 2.

1088Dyuers Lordes of this realme conspired [Page 57] against William Ruffus, and assaulted dyuers townes within Englād. They stirred in like maner against him Robert Curthoyse duke of Normandy, the second tyme. But William vanquished the traytours, chased them oute of this realme, and made peace wyth hys brother Robert.A great earth quake. This second yere was a great earthquake, the .xi. daye of haruest, that ouerturned many houses and churches in Englande.

Anno. 3.

The Scottes spoyled Northumberland.1089 Wherfore William Ruffus prouided a nauie, and sayled thither: where after dyuers conflictes and skirmishes a peace was concluded.

Anno. 4.

A great tempest fell on sainct Lukes day in sundrye places of Englande,1090 Greate tēpest in Englande, The roofe of Bowchurche and syxe hundred houses in London blowē down. and speciallye in Wynchecombe: where a great parte of the steple was ouerthrowen with thundryng and lyghtnyng: & in London the wynde ouertourned .vi. hundreth houses, and the roofe of Bow church in Cheape, wherwith was slayn mo than .xx. persones.

Anno. 5.

[Page] 1091In this yere William Ruffus wente into Northumberland, & repayred suche holdes and castels,Newe castell vpon Tyne buylded. The roofe of Salisburye churche consumed with lyghtnyng. as the Scots by their warres had impaired: and builded other there besydes, as the Newe castell on Tyne, &c. This v. yere the roofe of Salisburye Churche was cleane consumed with lyghtnyng.

Anno. 6.

1092In Englande fell wonderfull abundance of raine: and after ensued so great frost that horses and cartes passed commonly ouer great ryuers,Great frost. when it thawed, the great cakes of yce brake down many great bridges.

The welshemen rebelled.The Welshemen rebelled, but they wer vanquished: & their duke or captain named Rees slayn in battaile. And after when their woddes wer cut down, they becam by litle & little to more quietnes.

The dukedome of Normandy morgaged to y^e kyng of England.Robert Curthois duke of Normandy layd his dukedome to pawne to his brother Wyllyam of Englande for tenne thousand poundes.

This .vi. yeare (as saith Guido) Hugh Lupus Earle of Chester sente to Normandye for Anceime,Chester abbey buylded. to buylde an abbey at Chester: whyche he after buylded, and then was made archebyshop of [Page 58] Canterburye: and after was exiled by William Ruffus.

Anno. 7.

Malcolyne kynge of Scottes for displeasure1093 taken with the vnkyndnesse of William Ruffus inuaded the marches of Englande:The kyng of Scots slayne in Englande. and in Northumberlande was slayne with his eldest soonne Edward, by Robert Monbray, which was erle of that prouince.

This yere was so great a pestilence,Greate pestilence. that many men laye vnburied.

Anno. 8.

Englande and Normandy were greued with exactions,1094 Great morein of men. and murreyn of mē so sharply, that tillage of the earth was layde asyde for .x. yeare, wherby ensued great hunger and scarsitie the yeres folowyng: And many strange & vncouthe syghtes were sene,Strange sightes sene in the ayre. as hostes of menne, syghtynge in the skie, fyery flames, and suche other.

Anno. 10.

The .x. yere was sene a blasyng sterre,1096 of great brightnes.

Anno. 11.

About this tyme Wyllyam Ruffus buylded Westmynster Hall,1097 who mysliking the same, for that it was to smal, was determined to make a bygger, and [Page] that it should serue for a chaumber.

Westminster hall buylded. Iohn RastallAlthogh Williā Ruffus builded Westminster Hall, yet was it sens that tyme fynished or repaired by Richard the seconde: who gaue the .iii. lyons with the flower de luce quarterly, and the white hart for his cognisāce, & he was the first that gaue the white hart.

Anno. 12.

1098 Great floudsThe .xii. yere the ryuer of Thames rose so hye that it drowned many townes in England.

A welle caste out bloud. & Great flames of fyre sene in the element.In England at a towne called Fynchauster in Barkeshire, a well cast out blood as before it had done water, and after by the space of .xv. days great flames of fyre were sene in the element.

Anno. 13.

1099Wylliam Ruffus being at his disport of huntynge by glaunsyng of an arrow that Walter Tyrell a frenche knyghte dyd shoote, was woūded to death in the newe forest in Hampshire, on a Lammas day: and buried at Wynchester.

Iohn Hardynge.Iohn Hardyng writeth, that William Rufus to enlarge the same forest, ouerturned .iiii. abbeyes .xvii. paryshe churches, and all the towne to thē belōgyng.

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King Henry the first, called Beauclerke.

Anno Reg .1.

HEnry,1100 the brother of Wylliam Ruffus, and the first of that name for his lernyng called Beauclerk began hys dominion ouer this realme of England, the fyrst day of August, in the yeare of our Lord .1100. and reigned xxxv. yeres .iiii. monethes. and one day.

This Henry was a noble prince, stronge aud myghty of body, of hyghe stature, blacke heared, and had greate eyes, a comely visage, and a plesant and amiable countenance. He greatly abhorred excesse of meates and drynkes. In thre thynges he was excellent, in witte eloquence, and good fortune in battayle And for these, there reigned in him thre notable vices, couetousnes, cruelty, and lust of the body: but yet he was not soo geuen to these vices, but that he farre exceded in vertue. At the beginnyng of his reigne, hee restored the state of the clergie, aswaged the greuous paymentes, reduced agayn saint Edwardes lawes, and amended them.

Anno. 2.

[Page] 1101Ranulphe byshop of Durham procured Robert Curthoise duke of Normandie (which was now returned from Ierusalem) to warre vppon his brother Henry for the crowne of England: who assembled a strong armie, and landed at Portismouth. But by mediation peace was made on this condition,A tribute payed to the duke of Normādy. that Henry should paye three thousande markes yerely to duke Robert.

Anno. 3.

1102In this thirde yere of kynge Henry (as sayth Fabian) the churche and hospitall of saint Bartholomew in Smithfield,The priory & the hospitall of S. Bartholomewe in Smithfielde was begun to be buylded. was begun to be founded by a minstrell of the kynges, named Rayer: And after finished by good and wel disposed citisens of the citie of London, and especially by Rychard Whittington. Thys place of Smythfield was at that daye a laystowe of all ordure to fylthe:Smith feld a laystowe. and the place where felons and other transgressours of the kynges lawes were put to execution.

Anno. 4.

1103Robert Duke of Normandye commynge into Englande by the entreatie of kynge Henry and his wyfe, released [Page 60] to hym the tribute of three thousande markes.

Anno. 5.

But it was not long ere that by meanes of yl reports,1104 great malice was kyndeled betwene the two brethren: And shortly thervpon deadly warre sprang, In the end wherof, Robert was taken, and kept in perpetual prison in Cardiff, by his brother, who immediatly seysed the duchye of Normandy, and held it in hys possession.

Syr Robert le Fitzhā builded Teukesbury,Teukesbury abbey builded and there was buried.

Anno. 6.

Robert Earle of Shrewsburye, and Wyllyam of Cornewalle,1105 Rebellion in Shropshire, & Cornwall rebelled agaynst kyng Henry, and were taken and condempned to perpetuall imprysonment.

Kyng Henry ordeined strayte lawes agaynst theues, and other, that vsed vnlaufull takyng of mens goodes, in whiche was conteyned the losse of lyfe, of eyes, of stones, and other membres of the parties transgressors, accordyng as qualitie of the fact required.

Anno. 7.

[Page] 1106In England appered a blasing sterre betwene the south and the west: and agaynst that in the east appered a greate beame (as it were) stretchyng towarde the sterre,A blasynge sterre. and shortly after were seene two moones, the one in the Easte, and thother in the weste.

Anno. 8.

1107A certayne byshop of Fluentyne about this tyme taught that Antichriste was come, beyng moued with the wonderfull straunge syghtes, whiche were sene in those dayes.

Anno. 9.

1108Henry the Emperor desyred to wife Maude, the eldeste doughter of kyng [...] Henry of England, beyng then but .v. yeares of age, nor able to be maried.

Anno. 10.

1109In the .10. yeare of his reygne, the kyng maried Robert his bastard sonne, to Mabel doughter and heire of Robert Fitzham, and made hym the fyrst earle of Gloucester, who after buylded the strong castell of Brystow.The strong castell of Brystow builded. And the priorie of saint Iames in the nor the syde of the same citie, where his body was buryed. And his sonne Erle William began [Page 61] the abbay of Euishame.Euisham abbey buylded.

Debate fel betwene the kyng of Englande, and Lewes of France, for the castell of Gysours, and homage whiche the sayd Lewes required to be done for the duchy of Normandie.

Anno. 13.

At Shrewsbury in Englande was a greate earthe quake,1112 A great earth quake. and the ryuer of Trent was so dryed, that the space of one daye men went ouer dry [...]hoed.

And this yere the kyng buylded the abbay of Hyde without the walles of winchester,Hyde abbey buylded. that of olde tyme was wythin the walles.

A blasyng sterre appered sonne after and thervpon folowed a harde winter,A blasyng sterre. deathe of men, scarsitie of victuals, and morayne of beastes.

Anno. 15.

Kyng Henry of Englande,1114 subdued the Welshmen, whiche oftentymes rebelled, and made them sweare to hym fealtie and allegeaunce, and to delyuer pledges for the more certayn confirmation and suretie therof.

He also gaue hys doughter in mariage to the Emperour with great dower [Page] and made William his sonne Duke of Normandye, whereof began the vsage & custom y^t the kings of England made their eldest sons dukes of Normandye.

Warre was renued betwene kynge Henry of England, & Lewes of France

Anno. 18.

1117Lewes inuaded Normandye wyth muche crueltie, & toke the Citie of Lingnes in Cause. Wherfore kyng Henry assemblyng a strong armye, met wyth Lewys in playne field, and fought with hym a cruell and deadly battayle: in the ende wherof, Lewes was ouercome, & cōstrayned to flee the field. Baldwyne erle of Flanders was there slayne, and Henry recouered the town of Lingnes

Anno. 20.

1119 The kynges chyldren drouned in the seaWylliam Duke of Normandie and Riicharde the sonnes of kyng Henry of Englande, and Mary his doughter. Richard earle of Chester, with his wyfe, the kynges nece, and other to the number of .160. persons, passyng from Normandie into Englande, by ouersyght of the shyp maister were drowned, sauing one butcher, which escaped the danger.

Anno. 24.

1123In this yeare the abbey of Readyng [Page 62] was begun to be buylded by kyng Henry the fyrst. he also buylded Cisseter,Readyng abbey, Cisseter. Windilsore, & Woodstocke buylded. Wyndilsore, and Woodstocke, wyth the parke.

Anno. 27.

The gray fryers came nowe fyrst into Englande,1126 The gray friers first came into Englāde and had theyr fyrst house at Canturbery, (as saythe Ro. Fabyan

Maude the daughter of Kyng Henry after the deathe of her husbande the Emperour came into Englande to her father.

Anno. 28.

The order of sainct Iohns Hospitalles Templars,1127 and other lyke beganne fyrste at thys tyme.

Anno. 32.

In this yere began Foūtains abbey.1131

Geffrey Plantagenet erle of Angew maried Maude y^e empresse,Fountaynes abbey builded doughter of king Henry: of which .ii. descēded Hēry & secōd which reigned after Stephen.

About this time was builded y^e priory of Nortō in the prouince of Chester,The priory of Norton and the abbeye of Combremore buylded by one Williā, the son of Nichole. Also the abbey of Cōbremore in y^e same prouince was buylded about the same tyme.

Robert Curthois dyed in prison, and was buried at Glocester.

Anno. 33.

Henry king of Englande because he hadde none issue mal [...],1132 ordeyned, that [Page] hys doughter Maude, whiche had bene Empresse shoulde succede hym in the kyngdome.

Anno. 36.

1135 Henry the first toke his death by a [...]all of his horse.Kyng Henry of Englande beyng in Normandy, with a fall of his horse toke his deathe, and was buried at Reading: when he had reigned .35. yeres .iiii. monthes, and one day.

King Stephen.

Anno regni. 1.

1135STephen Erle of Boloyne, the son of the erle of Bloys and Adela, Wylliam Conquerors doughter, aud nephewe to kynge Henry the fyrst tooke on hym the gouernaunce of this realme of England the seconde day of December, in the yeare of our lorde 1135. and left the same in the yeare of our lord .1154. the .xxv. daye of October, so that he reigned. xviii. yeres .x. monthes, and .xxiiii. days. This was a noble man and hardy, of passinge comely fauor and personage in all princely vertues: he excelled: as in martiall policie gentylnes, and liberalitie towarde all men: and in [Page 63] especially in the begynnynge. For although he had continuall warre, yet did he neuer burden his cōmons with exactiōs. Only he semed in this blame worthy, that contrary to his othe made to Maude, the doughter of Henry, he was thoughte vniustlye to take on hym the Croune. For which cause he was vexed with warres all the tyme of his reigne.

At this tyme was great trouble and slaughter in Englande: for so muche as diuers of the nobles mainteined Maude the empresse agaynst Stephen, whiche was in possession of the croune.

Kyng Stephen made warres against Dauid of Scotlande, because he refused to do him his homage, for Northumberlande, and Huntyngdon, whiche he helde by hys wyfe. In thys warre the (Scottyshe hystorie sayth) the Earle of Glouceter was takē.Hector Boice But at the length Stephen made peace, and agreed with Dauid kyng of Scottes, and receiued of hym homage, after that he had wonne from hym certaine townes and castels, and gaue to Henry the sonne of Dauid, the erledome of Huntyngdon.

Anno. 2.

[Page] 1136A vayne rumour was spread in Englande of the death of Kyng Stephen, which was cause of muche trouble and busynes in the realm. For diuers of the lordes got them to their holdes, whiche after might scantly with great laboure be quieted and pacified. After whiche tyme Stephen passed ouer into Normā dye against Geffrey erle of Angew the husband of Maude the empresse, which was right heyre to the crowne [...] and whē he had quieted that Prouince, he made Eustace his sonne Duke of Normandy, and ioyned frendshyp and league wyth Lewes kyng of France.

Anno. 4.

1138Dauid kyng of Scottes (repentyng him of the former agremēt made with kyng Stephen, and purposyng to recouer the crowne of Englande for Maude his nece, cousyn and daughter of kynge Henry) in moste cruelle wyse inuaded Northumberland, where by meane of Thruston bishop of Yorke, the Scottes had an ouerthrow and slayne in greate numbre, and Dauid was constrayned to geue his sonne Henry in hostage for suretie of peace.

[Page 64]In the meane season kyng Stephen was occupied in ciuil warre agayn Robert erle of Gloucester, & others, which fauoured the partes of Maude: whome the kyng subdued, & part of them were forted to forsake the realme.

Anno. 6.

Maude the empresse came into thys lande out of Normandie,1140 by ayde of Robert erle of Glocester, and Ranulph of Chester,Kynge Stephen taken prisoner. made strong warre vpon king Stephen. In the end whereof the kyngs partie had the worse, and hymselfe takē prisoner, and sent to Bristow, there to be kept in sure hold. But the Kentishe men and Londoners, fauourynge the kyng, warred vpon the rebelles, and in opē field toke Roberte rle of Gloceter [...] But shortly after, bothe the kyng & the duke were deliuered out of prison by exchange. And Stephen without delay assemblyng a strong armie, in suche wyse pursued his enmies, y^t hee forced Maude with other of her frendes to forsake the realme. This warre continued a longe time, to the great domage of the realm.

About this tyme was foūded the abbey of Stratford Langthorn within .4.Stratford abbey buylded. [Page] myles of London, by a knyght called sir William de mount Fichet.

Anno. 10.

1144About this time the Iewes crucified a chylde vpon Easter day at Norwiche in derision of Christe and his religion.

Anno. 11.

1144Geffrey Plantagenet, the husbande of Maude the Empresse (who had long continued the warres against king Stephen of Englande) wan from hym the duchy of Normandie: and streight thervpon dyed: and his sonne Henry succeded in the dukedome.

Anno. 12.

1145Stephen kynge of Englande after long warre and muche trouble, was agayne crowned kynge at Lincolne, but Robert earle of Glocester made newe warre vpon hym: in whiche he hadde the vpper hand of the kyng at Wilton, so that the kyng was like to haue fallen into Roberts danger: and escaped with muche paine.

Anno. 15.

1148 A great frost.Thys yeare the ryuer of Thamis was so stronglye frosen, that horse and cart passed ouer vpon the yee.

[Page 65]

Anno. 17.

Henry duke of Normādy in the quarell of his mother Maude with a greate puisance arriued in England,1150 and at the fyrst wonne the castell of Malmesbury, then the tower of London, and afterwarde the towne of Notyngham, with other holdes and castels. betwene hym and kyng Stephen were foughten many battayles, wherby thys realme was sore troubled.

Anno. 18.

But at the last peace was agreed betweene Maude the empresse,1151 hir sonne Henry, and kyng Stephen: vpon thys condition that Stephen duryng his life should holde the kyngdom of England: and Henry, in the meane tyme to bee proclaymed heyre apparant in the chief cities throughout the realme.

Kyng Stephen buylded the abbey of Coggeshall in Essex.The abbeyes of Coggeshall of Fourneys, and Feuersham buylded He founded an other at Furneis in Lancashyre, and the thyrde at Feuersham in Kente, where now his body resteth, and deceassed the xxv. day of October: in the yeare of oure Lord .1154. when he had reigned .xviii. yeres .x. moneths and .xxiiii. dayes.

[Page]

King Henry the seconde.

Anno regni .1.

1154HEnry the second of that name the sonne of Geffrey Plantagenet, and Maude the Empresse daughter of kyng Henry the fyrst, began his reigne ouer this realme of England, the .xxv. day of October in the yere of our Lorde .1154. and deceassed in the yere of our Lord .1189. the .vi. daye of Iuly, so that he reigned xxxiiii. yeres .ix. monthes and .xii. dayes. He was somwhat redde of face, short of body, and therwith fat. Of speache reasonable, well learned, noble in chiualrie and fortunate in battayle. Of couragious hearte, wyse in counsell, and one that loued well peace, liberall to strangers, but hard to his familiars, slowe of answers, vnstedfast of promise, geuen somdeale to pleasure, and an open breaker of wedlocke. By his greate manhode & policie, the crowne of England, was muche augmented wyth the annexyng of Scotland, Ireland, the Isles Orcades, Britayne, Poytow, Guyan, & other prouinces of France.

[Page 66]

Anno. 2.

Kyng Henry cast down diuers castels which were erected in the tyme of Stephen:1155 He wente into the northe partes, and got from the Scots Cumberlande and Northumberland, which they sayd were geuen to them by Maude his mother, and set an order in that countreye.

Anno. 3.

In England were sene .ii. sonnes in the fyrmament:1156 Two sonnes sene in the fyrmament. and in the Moone appered a redde crosse.

King Henry wēt with a strong armye into Wales,The castel of Rutland, and the abbeye of Basyngwerk buylded. and quieted that countrey, and after buylded the stronge castell of Rutland, and founded the abbey of Bassyngwerke.

Anno. 4.

About this tyme came into England certaine Germaynes,1157 Thomas Couper. to the numbre of xxx. which taught the abrogation of the Sacramentes of the altare, Baptisme, and Wedlocke.

Anno. 6.

Lewes Kynge of Fraunce gaue his daughter Margaret in mariage to Henry the sonne of Kynge.1159 Henry of Englande. By reason whereof, was pacifyed the Warre and grudge, betwene [Page] Englande and Fraunce, for the landes of Poytowe, and others.

Anno. 7.

1160This yeare (as sayth Fabyan) kyng Heury went into Scotlande, and made freshe warre vppon their kynge William: so that at last he toke him, and made hym yelde the castell of Carlyle, the castell of Bamburgh, with dyuers other, and receued of him fealtie aud homage.

Anno. 8.

1161 Great fyre at Canturbery.This yeare the citie of Canterbury was fyred by negligence, and a greate parte therof brent.

Anno. 10.

1163 Thomas Becket bisshop of Canturbery.Thomas Becket byshop of Canturbery fledde to Rome to complayn vpon the kyng to the byshop.

Anno. 14.

1167King Henry caused Henry his eldest sonne to be crouned king, as he thought to the great quietnes as well of himself as of his realme:K. Henries eldest sonne crowned, hys rather beynge alyue. but as it proued, to the vtter disturbance of them bothe.

Anno. 17.

1170Thomas Becket by the mediation of Alexander byshop of Rome, and Lewes the French kyng, was restored to [Page 67] his byshoprike: and not longe after by certayne gentylmen, he was slayne at Canturbery.

Anno. 18.

Kyng Henry sent ambassade to Alexā der bishop of Rome to purge him self of the death of Thomas Becket.1171 Among other thynges it was enioyned hym in his penance,Thomas Gouper. that it should be laufull to hys subiectes as often as them lysted to appeale to the sea of Rome, and that no man should be accompted as Kynge vntyll such tyme as he were confirmed by the Romayn byshop.

Anno. 19.

Thomas Becket was canonised by the byshop of Rome.1172

Anno. 21.

Henry the sonne of Kynge Henry of England,1174 The kynges sonne the seconde tyme crowned. was crouned the second tyme with his wyfe Margarete, the frenche kynges doughter.

Anno. 22.

Kyng Henry the sonne by the setting on of the Kyng of France,1175 Henry the sonne of king Henry rebel [...] agaynst his father. Alinour hys mother, and certayn other nobles, toke armes, and raised deadly warre against his naturall father. Dyuers strong batailes [Page] were foughten as well in England by the deputies and frends of both parties, as also in Normandy, Poytow, Guyen, & Britain: where they wer corporally present: but y^e victory fel alway to y^e father. There toke partie agaynste kyng Henry the father, Lewys kyng of France, William kynge of Scotlande, Henry, Geffrey, and Iohn his own sonnes: Robert Erle of Leicester, Hughe of Chester, and other. But in the ende the sonnes with their alyes were constrayned to yeld to theyr father, and desyre peace, which he gentilly graunted and forgaue theyr trespas.

Anno. 24.

1177In England fell greate wetherynge and tempest of thunder and lyghtening in the myddes of wynter: and in Sommer folowing fell hayle of suche greatnes that it flewe bothe man and beast.

Anno. 2.6

1179At this tyme were manye Iewes in Englande, whiche agaynste the feast of Easter did vse to sacrifice yong children in despite of christen religion.

Anno. 28.

1181Henry the eldest sonne of Henry of [Page 68] Englande ended his lyfe.The Kynges son deceased. Shortly after began the warre betwene kyng Henry and Philyp of France for homage that the Frenche kyng required to be done for the lands of Poytow, and other, and for the castell of Gysours.

Anno. 31.

Heraclius Patriarke of Hierusalem,1184 whiche had ben in dyuers partes of Europe came to kynge Henry, desyrynge hym of ayde agaynst the Turkes, but was denied thereof, as ye made reade in Fabian the .239. Chapter.

Anno. 32.

At Bury the Iewes crucified a child in despite of Christes passion.1185

Anno. 34.

Rycharde Earle of Poytowe made warre agaynst kyng Henry his father,1187 and taking part with the French kyng wan from hym dyuers cities, townes, and castels, and namely the citie of Cenomannta. For sorowe wherof shortly Kynge Henrye ended hys lyfe the .vi. daye of Iune, in the yeare of our Lorde 4189. & lyeth buried at Founteuerard.

[Page]

Kinge Richarde the firste, called Cueur de lyon. Anno regni .1.

1289RIcharde the fyrste of that name, for his valyantnesse surnamed Cueurdelyon, beyng the second son of Henry the seconde, was crowned Kyng of Englande.Thomas Couper. He began hys reigne the .vi. day of Iuly, in the yere of our Lord .1289. and he deceased, the yere of our Lord .1199. the .vi. day of Apryll: so that he reigned .ix. yeres and .ix. monethes. He was bygge of stature, and had a mery countenance, in the whiche appered as well a pleasant gentylnesse as a noble and princely maiestie: to hys souldiors he was fauorable, bountifull to hys frendes, and to strangers a greuous ennemy, and hard to be pleased.

Desyrous of warre, abhorryng idlenes, enclined somewhat to pryde, lecherye, and auarice: but moste of all he was to be blamed, because he semed vnnatural towardes his father, as ye haue partly hearde of hym, and his brethren, what warres they raysed agaynst him. In his [Page 69] time were many robbers and outlawes amongest y^e whiche (as Iohn Maiore in his fourth booke De gestis Scotorniū, Iohn Maiore writeth) Robert Hoode and lyttell John, renoumed theues, continued in woddes,Many outlawes in Englande. despoylynge and robbyng the goods of the ryche. They kylled none but suche as would inuade them, or by resistence for their owne defence. The sayde Robert intertayned an hundred tall men, and good archers, wyth suche spoyles and theftes as he gotte. Upon whome foure hundred, were they neuer so stronge, durste not geue thonset. The tales and gestes of this Robert be comonly knowen by songes and balades vsed within this realme: he suffred no woman to be oppressed, violated or otherwyse molested. Poore mens goodes hee spared, abundantely releuyng theym wyth that whiche by theft he gotte frome abbeys, and the houses of riche [...]arles. Whome the sayd Maior blameth for his rapyne and thefte: but of all theues hee affyrmeth him to be the prince, and the most gentle thefe.

In the fyrste yeare of thys Kynges reign,The fyrst bailiffes in London. the citisens of London obteined [Page] two officers to guide theyr Citie: which were called Bayliffes, whose names shall folowe here vnder.

Anno regni . [...]. Bayliffes.

Henry Cornhyll
1189
Rychard Reinery

In this yeare the Iewes were very brag here in thys realme, for that theyr number was so greate. But the cōmon people, especially about London,Many Iewes slayne in Englande. fell vpon them, and despoyled them without pitie or mercye, they so hated theym for theyr vsury, and other euyll conditions.

The kyng though he were not lyttle dyspleased wyth these offenders: yet coulde he doo no execution on them for the fact, the numbre was so great, wher by they all escaped without punishmēt.

Also thys yere the king set at liberty Elianor his mother,Quene Elianor released out of prison. whiche long before at the commandement of his father hi [...] husbande, had ben kept close prisoner.

But after her enlargement, the realme was muche gouerned by her.

Ranulph of Chester.As sayth Ranulph kynge Rycharde gaue ouer the Castels of Berwyke and Rokesburghe to the Scottyshe Kynge, for the sūme of .x. M. li. for the charges of his voyage. He also sold to the bishop [Page 70] of Durhā his own prouince, for a great piece of money, and created him erle of the same. Wherfore the king said after in game: I am a wondrous craftesman: I haue made a new erle of an old bishop

He gaue his brother Iohn many dignities, as the prouinces of Notingham, Deuonshyre, and Cornewall, and created hym Earle of Lancaster.

This yere the king was assoiled of y^e offence that he had cōmitted in rebelliō against his father in recompence,Guido. wherof (as sayth Guido) he voluntarily toke vpon him, and promised to warre vpon Christes enemies: But other authours affirme that his father hadde so wylled hym in his lyfe: whervpon preparation was made towarde the perfourmance of thys iourney.

Anno reg. 2. Bayliffes.

Iohn Herlyon
Roger Duke

In this yeare kyng Richard betooke the guidyng of this land to the bishop of Ely then beyng Chancellor of Englād,1290 & sayled into Normandie: & when he had appoynted good gouernoures ouer that countrey, he went to mete the frenche Kyng Philyp the seconde, and hauyng [Page] made sure league one with an other: went eyther of them the sayd yeare onward of their iorney toward Ierusalem

In this meane time the Iewes in diuers places of thys Realme as at Lincolne, Stamforde, and Lynne, were robbed and spoyled.The Iewes in Englande were robbd, & many of them slewe them selues. And at York to the numbre of four hundred and more, had their maister vaynes cut, and so bled to deathe.

Anno Reg. 3. baylyffes.

William Hauershall
1191
Iohn Bukmotte

Kyng Richard in his iourney towardes Ierusalem, subdued the Erle of Cypres,Kyng Rychard wēt to Ierusalem, & in his absence his brother rebelled in Englande. & then ioynynge his puisance with the French Kynges in Asia, conquered Acon, where ther grew betwene king Richard and Philip the frenche Kyng a greuous displeasure. For whiche cause Philip shortly departed thens. And cō myng into France inuaded the contrey of Normandy. And Iohn the brother of kyng Rychard tooke on hym the kyngdome of Englande in his brothers absence.

Kyng Richarde of England restored to the Christians the citie of Ioppa, and in many battels put the turke to great [Page 71] sorowe.

Anno Reg. 4. Bayliffes

Nycolas Duke
Peter Newlay

William byshop of Elye,1192 to whome kyng Richard had cōmitted the gouernance of England,Thomas Couper. dyd many cruell deedes, and oppressed the clergie, and also the laitie. He woulde commonly ryde with a thousand horses, and greued abbeyes by meane of his guestes and his lodgyng with them.

Kyng Richard erchaunged Cypres, wyth Guye of Lesyngham for the kingdom of Ierusalem. Wherfore the king of Englande a long tyme after was called kyng of Ierusalem.

Anno Reg. 5. Bailiffes.

Roger Duke
Richard Fitz Alyn

Kyng Richarde hauynge knowledge that Phillyp of Fraunce inuaded Normandie,1193 and that Iohn his brother had made hymselfe King of England, made peace wyth the Turkes for .iii. yeares, and with a small company returnynge homewarde by Thrace,Kyng Richarde taken prisoner. was taken prisoner by the duke of Ostriches menne, and brought to Henry the Emperour, and there kept in strayte prison, a yere [Page] and .v. monethes. Where it is sayd that he slewe a Lyon, and toke out his hart.

Anno Reg. 6. Bayliffes.

Williā Fitz Isabell
1194
Williā Fitz Arnolde

William Longshampe bishop of Ely cōtinuyng his crueltie in England was lastly by strength of the lordes banished the lande. Then he came to the kynge beyng prisoner, alledgyng for hym selfe the best that he could: but when he saw he myght not begyle the kyng with his sugred wordes: he returned into Frāce there to tary the kynges commyng.

This yere Iohn the kings brother by the settyng on of the Frence kyng, whē he herd of the imprisonment of his brother, made great warr within the lād, & toke by strength the castels of Windsor, of Notyngham, and others. And the Frenche kyng made stronge warre in Normandy.

Anno Reg. 7. Bailiffes.

Robert Beysani
1195
Ioke le Iosue

Hubert bishop of Salisbury was by kyng Richard sent into Englād to haue the guidynge therof, and also to treate with the lordes & cōmons for the kings deliuerance howe he myght be set at libertie. [Page 71] The sayde Hubert was by the monkes of Christes church in Cantorbury chosen archebyshoppe of Cantorburye.

Anno Reg. 8. Bailyffes.

Gerrad de Anteloche
1196
Robert Durant

This yere (as sayth Fabyan) kynge Richarde was deliuered oute of prison for the summe of one. C.M. poundes of sterlyng money:Great ransom payde for the kyng. for payment of which ransom all the woll of white monkes & chanons was sold, and rings and crosses of prelates, with vessels and chalices of all churches through the land, and .xvii. shrines were scraped and spoyled of the golde and syluer. &c.

Kyng Richard being thus deliuered, shortly after landed at Sandwiche, & so came to Lōdon: wher when he had arested him: with a certayn nūber of knightes, he rode to Notynghā, & wan the castell: & after that the castel of Tikhil by force [...] and so called a coūsell of his lordes at Winchester: where he reposed his brother Iohn then beyng in Fraunce, & crouned himselfe sone after again king of Englād in y^e city of Winchester,Kyng Rychard agayne crowned at Wynchester. & thē he called a parliament, where he called [Page] agayne into his handes all suche thyngs as he hadde eyther geuen or solde by patentes, or otherwise: by whiche meanes he gathered a summe of money, and sailed into Fraunce, where shortly a peace was concluded betwene the two Kings for one yeare. Then Iohn which hadde taken part with the Frenche Kinge against his brother, made meanes to Elianor his mother, by whose mediation he was reconciled, and became a trewe Knight to his brother.

A preacher called Willliam wyth y^e long bearde.In this time there was one William with the longe bearde, who moued the common people to seke libertie and fredome, & not to be subiect to the rich and mightie. By whiche meanes hee drewe to hym many greatte companies, and with all his power defended the poore mēs cause against the riche. The King being warned of this tumult, commanded him to cease from those attemptes. But the people stil folowed him as thei before had doone: and he made to them certaine orations openly, taking for his Theme this sentence, Haurietis aquas in gaudeo de fontibus Saluatoris, Whiche is to saie: Ye shall drawe in ioie, waters forth [Page 73] of the welles of your Sauiour. And to this he added: I am (sayd he) the sauiour of poore men: ye be poore, and haue assayed longe the harde handes of ryche menne. Now drawe ye therfore holsom water foorth of my welles, & that with ioye. For the tyme of your visitation is to men. This William was commanded to appere before the kynges counsel to answere for hym self in suche cases as should be layde against hym: where he appered, but with suche a multitude of people, that the lordes were afrayde of hym, and remitted hym with pleasaunt wordes for that tyme: appointyng some priuily when he was alone, and then to apprehende hym. By whom he was after taken in Bowe churche in Cheape, but not without sheddyng of blood: for for he was forced to forsake the church,Williā with the long beard forced by fyre to flye oute of Bowchurche in cheape. which they fyered about hym. And whē he was taken, he was arrained before y^e Iudges, and with .ix. of his adherentes had sentence of deth, and he wyth those ix. were hanged the morowe after. who of the simple people was after honored as a martyr: in so muche that they reserued relikes of hym, (as it is declared at [Page] large by Robert Fabyan.

Anno. Reg. 9. Bailiffes.

1197
Roger Blunt
Nycolas Ducket

This yere the warre was renued betwene kyng Richard of Englande, and Philip of France, in whyche eyther of them spedde dyuersly.

Anno Reg. 10 Bailiffes

Cōstantin Fitz Arnold
1198
Robert le Beau

Kyng Richard of Englande besieged the castell of Galiarde,Kyng Richarde wounded to deathe with a venemous arrow and was wounded with a quarrell that was shot from the wall, and therof dyed the .vi. day of Apryll, in the yeare of our Lorde .1199. when he had reigned .ix. yeares, and .ix. monethes. Hys bodye was buryed at Founteuerard, his bowels at Carlyle: his harte at Roan.

King Iohn.

1199Anno regni .1.

IOhn, brother to Richard aforenamed, began his reigne ouer this realm of England the .vi. day of Apryl, in the yere of our [Page 74] Lord .1199 and deceased in the yere .1216. the .xix. day of October. He reigned xvii. yeares .vi. monethes, and .xiii. days. Of person he was indifferent. But of melancoly and angry complexion. He contempned the byshop of Romes authoritie, whiche if he had doone constantly with iudgement to refrayne abuses, as he semed to doo for couetousnes, and of a froward mynde, vndoubtedly he had ben worthy commendation. By his cowardnes and slouthfull negligence, the crowne of Englande greatly decayed.

Anno Reg. 1. Bailiffes.

Arnold fitz Arnold
Richard Fitz bartilmewe
1199

Philip kyng of Fraunce (in the quarell of Arthur duke of Britayn, whom certayn of the Lordes had named king of Englande) made warre vpon kynge Iohn, inuaded Normandye, and tooke from hym dyuers castels and townes.

Kyng Iohn hearynge of thys warre in Normandye,The kynge toke .iii. s. of euery plough lande. assembled a counsayle, wherin was graunted to hym .iii. s. of euery plough lande thorough England besyde the subsydie of the spirituall landes: and when he had made redy for his dosage, he sailed into Normandy, wher [Page] he spent the tyme to his losse and dishonour. But aboute Mighelmas a truce was concluded betwene the two kings of Englande and of Fraunce.

Kyng Iohn dueorsed.This yeare was a deuorce betweene kyng Iohn & his wife, the Erle of Glocesters daughter, because of nerenesse of bloode: and after he was maryed to Isabel, the doughter of the Erle of Engolesym in France: by whom he had .ii. sonnes, Henry, and Richarde, and .iii. doughters, Isabell, Elianor, and Iane.

An. R. 2. bailifs.

1200
Roger Dorset
Iames bartilmew aldermā

Ranulph of [...]ester.In this secoud yere (as sayth Fabian) Raynulph Erle of Chester, by thexāple afore shewed by king Iohn, left his own wyse named Constance, whiche he before had maried, by counsell of Henrys the second, and wedded one Clemens. One Chronicle saythe he dyd so to haue issue: but he therwith displeased God so muche, that he wold suffer him to haue none issue, but dyed without.

This yeare (as is reported in Polychronicon) the kyng of Scottes dyd homage to kyng Iohn at Lincolne.

[Page 75]

An. Reg. 3. Bailiffs.

Waiser Fitz Ales
Symon de aldermābury
1201

This yeare in Yorkeshire were sene v. Moones,Fiue Mones sene in the firmament. one in the east, an other in the weste, the thirde in the northe, the fourthe in the southe, and the fyfthe in the myddes of the other: and went compassyng the other .vi. tymes, as it were the space of an howre, and vanyshed away soone after.

Philyp of France inuaded Normandie, and toke diuers castels and townes whiche he gaue to Arthur duke of Britayne. But shortely after the same Arthure with many other noble men wer taken prisoners by kyuge Iohn, and led prisoners into Englaude.

In thys yeare wer chosen .xxv. of the most substantiall and wysest men of the Citie of London,Robert Fabian xxv. Gouernours of the Citie chosen. to mainteine and kepe the Assises of the same Citie, of the whiche yerely the Bailiffs wer chosen: and after the Mayre and Sheriffes wer taken of the same numbre.

Anno Reg. 4. Bailiffes.

Normand Blundell
Iohn de Ely
1202

This yere fell excedyng lyghtnyng, thunders,Great tempest in Englande. and other stormes of wynde [Page] and rayn w^t hayle of y^e bignes of henne [...] egges, which perished fruit & corn, houses, and yong cattell. Also spirites were sene in the ayre, in likenes of fowles be ring fier in their billes, which set fire on diuers houses, as R. Fabian reporteth.

Philip of France continually made warre vppon the Duchye of Normandye, tyll at the last be subdued the same to his dominion, with the prouinces of Guyen, Poytiers, & Britayn, which before pertayned to the crown of Englād.

Kyng Iohn saylyng into Normandy warred on the borders of France, but of his victories is lyttle written.

Anno. 5. Bayliffes.

Walter Browne
1203
Williā Chāberlain

This yeare by meanes of euyl weather, in the yeare passed,Great dearth of wheate in Englande. wheate was solde for .xv. s. a quarter, whyche was thought an extreme price.

Kyng Iohn maried his bastard daughter to Lewlyn prynce of Wales, and gaue with her the castell and lordeshyp of Elyngsmore, beynge in the marches of Southwales.

In this yeare the byshoppe of Rome w [...]ate to king Iohn frēdly and gentilly [Page 76] requiring him to admit Stephen Langton into the bishoprike of Canterbury (who before was chosen by the monks) & the monkes by him expelled frō their owne abbay, to restore them agayne to the same: but the more his lordes aduised him so to do, the more was he bēt to the cōtrary. In so much that the bishop of Romes messengers returned without obteynynge of their request.

Anno Reg. 6. Bailyffes.

Thomas Haueril
Hamond Bronde
1204

The bishop of Rome denounced king Iohn with his whole realm accursed because he wold not admit Stephē Langton to the byshopricke of Canterbury.England interdicted. but he little regarded his thretnynges, and would not obey him.

At this tyme in Suffolke a fishe was takē like to a man, & was kept liuing .vi. moneths vpon the land with raw flesh and fishe,A monstrous fyshe taken. and after when they saw they coulde haue no speche thereof, they cast it agayn into the sea.

Anno Reg. 7. Bailyffes.

Iohn Walgraue
Richard de Winchestar
1205

King Philip of Frāce subdued y^e countrey of Normādy,Normandye loste. which sens y^e time of [Page] Charles the symple (that is to saye) the the space of .300. yeares) was not in the possession of the kynges of France.

Anno Re. 8. Bailiffes.

1205
Iohn Holylande
Edmonds Fitz Gerrard

About this tyme the Iryshemen and shortly after the Welshemen rebelled,Wales and Irelande rebelled. for that (as some aucthors affyrme) he leuied on them suche greuous taskes to warre agaynst France: so that the king was fayne to raise a great taxe throughout this realme of England to withstād theyr force. He requyred of the white monkes .6000. marke: but they refused the payement of so greate a summe, so that the Kynge toke great dyspleasure against them: by reson wherof after his returne out of Ireland, he vexed theym sore, and exacted of them more then before he had desyred: whereby he caused some abbottes to forsake their houses.

Anno Reg. 9. Bailyffes.

1207
Roger Wynchester
Edmond Hardell

Kyng Iohn sayled into Normandye: wher after certain skirmishes, he made peace with Philip of Frāce for .ii. yeres.

The .ii. bayliffes aboue named, were discharged: and in theyr place & roome [Page 77] ii. other chosen for the rest of that yere.

Also this yeare was graunted to the Citizens of London by the Kynges letters patentes,The fyrste Mayre of London. that they should yearely chose to them selues, a Mayre and .ii. shiriffes, on S. Mathewes or Mychelmas day, whose names were as foloweth.

Anno Reg. 10.

Hēry fitz Alwyne Maire
Peter Duke S.
1208
Thom. Nelc S.

Thys yere London bridge was begon to be builded of stone,Lōdon bridge bnylded of stone. where as before it had ben builded of Timber and repaired by a colledge of Priests, which then stode, where the priorie of S. Mary auderis nowe standeth. And for wante of other recordes, I wyll declare the opinion of master Fowle, who was the pryor of y^e abouesayd S. Mary auderis,S. Mary Ouerys in Southwark buylded. concernynge the originall bothe of that bridge, and also of Saint Mary auderis church. Fyrst that beyng no bridge but a ferrie to cary and recarye: wherby the Feryar gat great wealth: lastly the Feryman and his wyfe deccasyng, left the same to theyr daughter, a mayden named Mary Audery: who with the goodes left to her by her parentes, and also [Page] the profites which came by the said Fery, builded an house of sisters, whiche is the vppermost ende of S. Mary Auderis churche, aboue the quire, where she lieth buried, vnto the whiche house she gaue the ouersight & profyt of the same ferry: but afterward the same house of systers was cōuerted vnto a colledge of priestes: who builded the bridge of timber, and from tyme to tyme kepte the same in reparations: but consyderyng the great charges in repairyng y^e same, now lastly in the yere of our Lord .1209. by y^e great ayde of the citisens of Londō & other, they begon to build the same of stone: and then the abouesayde colledge of priestes was conuerted vnto a priory of chanōs, bearyng stil the name of the maiden, whiche kepte the ferry: and so called S. Mary Auderie.

Anno Reg. 11.

1209
Henry fitz Alwyne M.
Peterle Iosue S
Williā Bloūd S

The Englyshemen which were sent by kyng Iohn to ayde the erle of Flanders (as sayth Thomas Couper) chased the Frenchemen: and in the hauen of Sluce compassed and toke theyr whole [Page 78] nauy of ships, which was in nūber .1020. sayle.

Anno. Reg. 12.

Hēry fitz Alwine M
Adam Whetley S.
Stephen le grase S.
1210

This yere Pandolph a legate cam frō y^e bishop of Rome,A legate from Rome. monishing the king in sharp maner, y^t he shold restore maister Stephē Lāgton to his see of Cāterbury & the monks vnto their abbay. the king callīg to mynd y^e dangers, he was wrapped in, both in his own realme, & also in Normandy, made promise by othe, to be obediēt to y^e court of Rome,The kynge sworne to bee obedient to Rom [...] as at large apereth in Ro. Fabiās cronicle. At that tyme were granted the Peter pence.

Anno Reg. 13.

Henry fitz Alwyn M.
Iohn fitz Pet S
Iohn Garlond S
1211

This yere Stephē Lāgton archbishop of Canterbury w^t the other exiles lāded in Englād: y^e king receuing thē ioyously: & was there assoiled of the said bishop: & after y^t, the king making restitutiō to y^e bishop & other, according to y^e third article of his othe, the lād was released of y^e interdictiō:The land released of the interdiccion. the king being boūden that as well he as his heyres should euer after be feuderys to the see of Rome, payyng yerely tribute a thousand markes, [Page] and to holde the Title of the Crowns by the byshop of Rome.

Anno. 14.

1212
Hēry fitz Alwayne Mair
Rādolph Eilād S
Cōstātin Iosue S

This yere fell greate discentiion betwene the kyng and his lordes,Great discention betwene the kyng and his lordes. partely for that he wolde not mainteyne the lawes of Kyng Edwarde, partely for the displeasure he bare vnto them: for that they ayded hym not agaynst the byshop of Rome, and other causes not here spoken of. Herevpon the kyng fell at suche dissention with his lordes, that a greate numbre of people were raised on bothe parties: The Erle of Chester with the other lordes toke the Citie of London, and helde them there a certayne tyme. Caxton his chronicle, wyth other saye, that a great parte of this variance betwene kyng Iohn and his barons, was for because the Kyng would haue exiled the Earle of Chester, who oftentymes had aduised the King to leaue his cruelnes, & hys accustomed aduo [...]try, which he exercised with his brothers wife and others. But by meanes of the archebyshop of Canturbery, and other prelates [Page 79] a peace was taken for a whyle.

This yere (as saith Fabian) on the .xi. day of Iuly,Great fyre in Southwark and London. a great part of Southwark was brent: and in the moneth of August next folowyng, was much harme done in London by fyre.

The kynge and his lordes mett with great strengthe on either partie vppon Baramdowne:The Kynge made a charter to his barons on Baramdowne. where a charter or writyng was made and sealed by the kyng: so that the Barony was with it contented, and departed in peace euerye man into his countrey.

Anno. 15.

Roger fitz Alwyne M
Martin fitz alis S.
1213
Peter Bate S.

The peace whiche in the laste yeare was agreed betwene kynge Iohn & his barons was this yere by the kynge violated and broken. Wherfore the lordes assembled to them greate powers, and made sharpe and cruell warre vpon the kyng: in somuche that he was constrained to send into Normandie for ayde.The king forced to take y^e ayde of strangers to defend him agaynste his barons.

Then came into Englande, a Normane knyght, named Foukis de Brent, whiche broughte with hym a companye of Normans, Flemmyngs and Picardes, [Page] He and his company were so cruel, that they destroyed as well religious houses as other, and dyd muche harme to the lande puttyng the lordes to the worse, the kynge made Foukes & other of his company, wardens of castels and strōg holdes in England. The lordes seynge the kynge perseuer in his wrong, & that he wold in no wyse be induced to holde his owne grauntes, but to do all things after pleasure, and nothyng after lawe or iustice, cast in theyr minds how they myght bryng the realm in a better rule and by one consente wrote to Philyppe kyng of France, that he wold send som noble mā into England, and they wold yeld the lande vnto hym.

Piers of Pō fret & his son executed at Warham.This yeare kyng Iohn caused to bee drawen and hanged at Warham, one Piers of Pomfrette, and his sonne, for speaking of dyuers thinges against the king.

Anno Reg. 16.

1214
Roger fitz Alwayne M.
Salomō basing S
Hugh Basing S

Kynge Iohn besieged the castell of Rochester, and wan the sameKyng Iohn laying siege to the castell of Rochester, wan the same, & toke therin certain gentilmen that had conspired against hym, & sent them to dyuers prysons, [Page 90] placyng strangers in the same castell. The barons helde them together at London abydyng the commynge of Lewes son to the French kyng whiche lāded in England with a great army, & so cam to Rochester, & wan it with smal payne: he caused all the strangers therin to be hanged: and after came to London, where certain alliances and couenants were established and cōcluded betwene the lordes and him, and receiued of them homage, as is mēcioned in Polycronicon. Then he with the lordes departed from London,Reynold of Chester. and gat the castel of Rigate, of Gilford, and of Fernham, and from thens to Winchester, where the City was yelded, with all other holdes in those partes: and then he with the lordes came agayne to London. At whose commynge, the Tower of London was deliuered to them: they slewe all strangers that had ben placed by the kyng in any place.

Roger Fitz Alwine for that he was accused to the Lordes to be fauourable to the kynges partie was discharged of that office,The Mayre of London discharged, and an other serued the rest of the yeare. and one called Serle mercer was Mayre in hys place, the reste of [Page] the yere whiche was viii. wekes.

Kyng Iohn beyng thus ouerset with his lordes sent messangers to the bishop of Rome, shewing to hym the rebelliō of his lords, and how they laboured his destruction. Wherefore the byshop of Rome with all haste sente a Legate into Englande,A Legate frō Rome. called Swalo: The whiche after his commynge, commuanded Lewes to returne into France, and laboured to the vttermoste of his power, to appease the Kynge and his baronye: but all his labour was in vayne.

Anno reg. 17.

1215
Williā Hardel M.
Iohn Crauers S.
Andrew Newlād S.

This yere kyng Iohn (the warre betwene hym and his lordes continuyng) dyed of the Flixe (as is recorded in Policronicon) at the toune of Newarke,Reynold of Chester. he was bowelled in the abbey of Croghtō,The death of Kyng Iohn. and buried at Worceter in the quier of monkes. To tell the opynions of many auctours, concernyng his death, it wold in this place occupy to muche tyme. To be brefe,VVilliam Caxton. Caxton affirmeth he was prisoned by a monke of Swinsted abbey in Lincolnshire, for sayinge, If he myghte [Page 81] liue half a yere, he wold make a halfpeny lofe worth .xx. s. others ar of other opinions: some, y^t he dyed for sorow & heuynes of hert, as Polidorus:Polidorus Virgile. some of surfettyng in the night, as Radulphus niger: Radulphus niger. some of a bloudy flixe, as Houeden:Houeden Mathevv Paris. some of a burning ague: some of a cold sweat: some of eating apples, peares, or plummes, Mathewe Parisiensis writeth, that as he wente from Lyn to Lincolneshire, and there hearynge of the losse of hys cariage and treasures, vppon the washes, fell in great heauynes of mynde: and so therby into a feruent feuer, beyng at the abbay of Swynsted, whiche agew he encreased thorough surfetyng and naughty diet by eating of peches & drinking new cider. And when he was thus sick, was caried thēs to the castel of Laford, & from thens to the castel of Newark: and there departed this lyfe, & was buried (as afore is sayd) at Worcestor. It is written by Fabian, and diuers other, that he founded the abbey of Bewley in the new forest,The abbey of Bewley builded. in recompence of the parishe churches, whiche he there ouerturned, to enlarge the forest, and an abbey of blacke monkes in [Page] the citie of Winchester,The abbey of blacke monks in Winchester. he decessed in y^e yere of our Lord .1216. the .xix. of October, when he had reigned .17. yeares .6. monethes and .13. dayes.

Henry the thirde. Anno regni. 1.

1216HEnry the sonne of Iohn of the age of .ix. yeares (by the counsell of William duke of Glocester, & the erles of Pēbroke & Chester) was proclaimed kyng of England, who began his reigne the .19. day October, in the yeare of our Lord .1216. and decessed in the yere .1272. the .vi. day of Nouember. So he reigned .56. yeres. and .28. dayes. The noble men before mēcioned with their retinue kept sharp warre with Lewys the frenche kynges sonne, who by the couenants made before with the englishemen claymed the crown. But after certain skirmishes & battailes, Lewis began to desyre peace, whyche lastly was concluded,Kyng Henry crowned at Gloucester. and Henry was crowned at Gloucester.

Anno. 1.

[Page 82]Iacob aldermā M.
Benet Couētrie S.
1216
williā Blūtiuers S.

Iacob Alderman was maior one part of the yeare, and Salomon, Basing the other part of the same yere. But the .ii. sheriffes aboue named stode the whole yeare.

Swale the byshop of Romes legate accursed Lewys the frenche kyngs son: & after, all suche as toke part with hym agaynste Henry. He accursed Lewlyn prince of Wales, and interdicted hys lande.

At the last, Lewys toke a [...] M. markes (or as some authors affirme .xv. M. markes) of money, & departed this realme.

Anno. 2.

Serle merser M.
Tho. Bokerell She.
Rafe Holyland She.
1217

When the land was deliuered from straungers, inquisitions were made to knowe what persons assisted Lewys agaynst the kynge: of whiche the kynge pardoned many of the laye menne: but the spirituall men were put to suche fynes, that they were compelled to lay all that they hadde to pledge to please the Kynge: And also besydes that to [Page] sue to Rome to be assoiled:

Thys yeare Raynolffe Erle of Chester toke his iourney to the holy land.

Anno. 3.

1218
Serle Merser M.
Iohn Wayle S.
Iosenus Spicer S.

A parliamente was holden at London,ii. s. of euerye plough lande granted to the kyng. by vertue whereof was graunted to the kyng .ii. s. of euery plough lande through Englande.

The newe work of westminster abbey begon.This yere as is mēcioned in Policronicon, & Thomas Couper) kyng Henry began to buylde the newe worke of the churche of Westminster.

Anno. 4.

Serle merser M.
Rich. wimbeldeye S
Iohn Wayle S

1219Alexander kyng of Scottes maried the lady Iane syster of kyng Henry.

Spirites and fyry dragons.Thys yeare was great harme done in England by violēce of whirlwynds, and fiery dragons & spirites were sene flying in the ayre, as affirmeth Robert Fabyan.

All strangers banyshed thys land, but such as came wyth marchandyse.This yere was a proclamatiō made y^t all strangers shold auoide the realm, except such as came with merchādise, & to make sale of them vnder the kings saus [Page 83] conduct, whyche was doone to auoyde Foukes de Brent, and his complices, who kept the castel of Bedford against the Kyng.

This yere was kyng Henry secondly crowned at Westminster.Kyng Henry crowned the second tyme at Westminster The castels of Chartley, Beston, & the abbey of Delacresse builded.

This yeare Rainolph erle of Chester came out of the holy land into Englād, & began to build the castels of Charteley and of Beston, and after he builded the abbey of Delacresse.

Anno. 5.

Serle merser M.
Richard Renger S.
Iosence le Ios [...]e. S.

This yeare was a counsell holden at Oxenford of the byshops of England,1220 wherin one was condempned,One faynyng hym selfe to be Christ, was crucified. whyche taught that he was Iesus Christe, and to confirme the same, he shewed the tokens of woundes in hys handes body and feete: he was therfore crucifyed on a Crosse at Alburbury, tyll he died. This yere (as some write) the grey Friers came fyrste into England, and had their fyrst house at Canturbery.

Anno. 6.

Serle merser M.
Richard Renger S.
1221
Iosens Iosue S.

[Page]A conspiracie was made against king [...] Henry by one Cōstantine in the citie of London:Execution. for the which he was drawen hanged, and quartered, the morow after our Lady day Assumption. Which conspiracie so moued the kyng, that he was in mynde to haue cast downe the walles of the Citie.

Anno. 7.

1222
Serle merser M.
Richard Renger S.
Thomas Lābert S.

This yeare Iohn kyng of Ierusalem came into Englande, and required aide of kyng Henry to wynne agayne Ierusalem: but he returned again with small comfort.

Salisburye buylded.This yeare the kyng began the foundation of Salisbury mynster.

Anno. 8.

1223
Richard Renger M
William Ioyner S.
Thomas Lābert S.

The fyrste grant of wardes to y^e kingThis yere the Lordes and gentllmen of Englande first granted to king Henry and his heyres, the warde and mariage of theyr heyres, which was then by lerned mē, called the beginning of euils

Anno. 9.

[...]24
Richard Renger M.
Iohn Trauers S
Andrew Bukerel S

[Page 84]Richard the brother of kyng Henry ouercame the Frenchemen, recouered Poyters, and kept the Gascoyns in due obedience.

Anno. 10.

Richard Renger M.
Roger Duke S.
Martin fitzwilliā S.
1225

This yeare the pleas of the crowne were pleaded in the tower of London.

Lewis kyng of France wan certaine castels in the countrey of Poyters: and shortly after spoyled the citie of Aniow.

Anno. 11.

Richard Renger M.
Stephē Bokerel S.
Henry Cobham S.
1226

In this yere was graunted by kynge Henry to the Sheriffes of the Citie of London,Sheriffwike of London & Midlesex. the sheriffewike of London & Midlesex for the summe of .CCC. poūd by the yeare.

It was also granted to y^e city fre warrē that is to say,Free wareyn free liberty to hunte a certain circuite about the citie.

It was also granted that the citisens of London shold passe tole free through out all England:Toll free. and also granted by the kynge, that all weeres in the Thamis shoulde bee plucked vp, and destroyed for euer.

[Page]

Anno. 12.

1227
Roger Duke M.
Stephē Buckerel S.
Henry Cobham S.

The cities liberties ratified.The liberties of the Citie were this yeare confirmed, and to eche of the sheriffes was graunted to haue .ii. clerkes and two officers, without any more.

Anno. 13.

Roger Duke M.
walter winchester S.
Robert Fitz Iohn S.
1229

Thomas CouperKyng Henry sailed with an army in to Britayne agaynste Lewes kynge of France: where after spoilyng the coū trey, a peace was concluded betwene the .ii. yong princes.

Anno. 14.

1229
Roger Duke M.
Rich. Fitz Williā S.
Iohn Wodborne S.

This yere was ordeined by y^e Maior and rulers of the Citie of London, that no sheriffe of that citie shold continewe lenger in office then one yere,No sheriffe in Lōdon past one yeare because that they shoulde not by long continuance of office become couetous bribers

Anno. 15.

1230
Roger Duke M.
Michel of S. Cleue S
Walter Guffilde S

Great fyre in London.This yeare was much harme done [Page 85] in Lōndon by fyre, which began in the house of a wydowe named dame Iane Lambert.

Anno. 16.

Andrew Bokerel M
Hēry Edmōton S.
1231
Gerrard Bate S.

Uariance grew betwene kyng Henry and his lordes,Warre in England betwen the kynge and his lordes. bycause he put from his seruice Englyshemen, and trusted strangers as well in his counsayle as other offices nere about hym.

Anno. 17.

Andrew Bokerel M.
Symō Fitzmare S
Roger Blunt S
1232

In this yere y^e king began y^e foūdatiō of the hospitall of sainct Iohn, without the east gate of Oxenforde:Saint Iohns without Oxē ford begon. In whiche yere also fell wonderfull sore weather, with suche thunder and lightning, that the like had not ben sene.Great tempestes. And there folowed an earthquake to the great fear of the inhabitauntes of Huntyngdon, and nere therabout.

Anno. 18.

Andrew Bokerel M.
Rafe Ashewy S.
Iohn Norman S.
1233

This yeare the kyng put from hym the strangers, and restored the English [Page] men to theyr offices.

The Iewes dwellyng in Norwyche were accused for stealynge of a chylde whom they purposed to haue crucified.

Frederike the Emperor maried Isabel sister of y^e king of England.

Anno. 19.

1234
Andrew Bokerel M.
Gerrard Batte S.
Robert Ardell S.

Kyng Henry maried Elinor y^e daughter of the Erle of Prouance.

There appeared as it were hostes of men fyghtyng in the element.

The statute of Merton establysht.The statute of Merton was first enacted at the parliament of Merton.

Anno. 20.

1235
Andrew Bokerell M.
Henry Cobham S.
Iorden Couētry S.

Quene Elynor founded the hospitall of saint Katherins besydes the Tower of London for the reliefe of poore women.S Katherines by the tower builded.

Anno. 21.

1236
Andrew Bokerel M
Iohn Thesalan S.
Gerard cordinaner S.

Octobonea, a legate of the nynth Gregorie, came into England, and ordeined good ordinances for the Churche. But not all to the pleasure of the yong clergie of Englande. Wherefore as he one [Page 85] daye passed thorow Oxenford, the scholers sought occasyon against his seruantes, and fought with them, and slue one of the same, and put the legate in suche feare, that he for his safegard tooke the belfray of Osney, and there helde hym tyll the Kynges officers comming from Abyndon, deliuered hym, and conueyde hym to Wallyngford: where he accursed the mysdoers, and compelled the regents and maisters of the vniuersitie to go barefoote through Chepe to Paules at London, & there to aske him forgeuenes, and so were forgeuen.

Syr Symon Mountforde maryed the Kynges syster, named Elianor, counties of Penbroke.

Anno. 22.

Richard Renger M.
Iohn Withall S.
Iohn Goūdresse S.
1237

A clerk of Oxenford, or more verily a souldior) fainyng him self madde,Kyng Henry the thyrd like to haue been slayn by treason. enterprised to haue slayn King Henry in hys chamber at Wodstocke: but he was takē and put to death at Couentrie.

This yeare was borne Edwarde the kynges sonne called Longshankes.

Anno. 23.

Williā Ioyner M.
Reymōd Bingley S.
Rafe Ashewy S.
1238

[Page]This yere Symon Fitz Marie, who before had bene Sheriffe of the citie of London, procured the kynges letters to the maior and rulers of the Citie to electe hym agayne to that same office. Which the Maior and rulers of the citie refused to do, consyderyng it to be a derogation to the libertie of the same Citie.

This yeare on Candelmas daye the king created syr Symon de Mountford Erle of Leycester.

Anno. 24.

1239
Gerrard Batte Mair.
Iohn Gysors S.
Michel Tony S.

The kyng subdued the Welshemen which oftentymes rebelled.

Anno. 25.

1240
Reymond Byngey M.
Iohn Uoile S
Tho. Duresyne S

The fyrst Aldermen in Lō don.This yere were aldermen fyrst chosen in London, which then had the rule of the wards of the citie, but were euery yere changed, as y^e sheriffes ar now.

Anno. 26.

1241
Reymond Bongley M.
Iohn fitz Iohn S.
Rafe Ashewy. S.

Kyng Henry sayled into Normandie [Page 87] with a fayre company, purposing to recouer Poytiers, Guyan, and other coū treys. but after many bickeryngs, somwhat to the losse of Englyshmen, Henry treated a peace.

Anno. 27.

Rafe Ashewy M.
Hugh Blunt S.
Adam Basyng S.
1242

Thys yere the pleas of the crowne, wer pleaded in the Tower of London.

And in thys yeare Griffith whyche was sonne of Lewlyn,Griffith of Wales brake his necke in the tower of London. lately prince of Wales, entendyng to haue broken prison, fel ouer the inner ward of the Tower of London, and brake his necke.

Anno. 28

Michel Tony M.
Rafe Spicer S.
Nicolas Batte S.
1243

A Iewe dyggyng in the grounde to enlarge his vineyarde founde vnder a stone a boke,Thomas Couper. wherin was written in iii. languages, greke, hebrue, and latin, of .iii. worldes that shoulde be: of the whiche he appoynted Christ to the begynning of the third world, which was expressed in this maner: In the begynnyng of the third world Gods son shall be borne of a mayde. By the occasyon [Page] of this boke the Iewe was turned to the faith of Christ.

Anno. 29.

1244
Iohn Gysors M.
Robert Cornehil S.
Adam Bewley S.

A maior of London and a sheriff were both deposed from their romes, because they were both proued periured: and other were chosen in theyr places: as testifieth Geffrey of Monmouth.Geffrey of Monmouth.

Robert Grosthed bishop of Lincolne with other prelates, complayned to the King, of the wast of the goodes and patrimony of the church, which dayly was wasted by alliant byshops, and clerkes of this land, who shortly were auoided

Anno. 30.

1245
Iohn Gysors M.
Symonfitz mary S.
Laurēce Frowike S.

Thys yeare was much stryfe for the election of the emperour: some elected one, some elected an other: Amongest the rest, some chose the Kynges brother Richarde Kynge of Almayne, and erle of Cornewall: But at the last Radulphus Duke of Habspurge in Almayne was by one assent admitted thervnto.

[Page 88]Thys Richarde the Kynges brother buylded the abbey of Hayles.The abbey of Hayles buylded.

Anno. 31.

Piers Alleyn M.
Iohn Uoile S.
Nicolas Batte S.
1246

In thys yeare was a myghtye earthquake in Englande,An earthquake. that the lyke to it, was not sene many yeares before.

This yeare the Kyng seysed the fraunchise of the Citie of London for a iudgement that was geuen by the Maior and aldermen against a wydow named Margaret Uiell:The kyng seised the franchise of the citie of Londō. but shortly the Maior and sheriffes were agayne restored to theyr offices: and thys yeare was a new coyn,Coyne changed. and the olde called in.

Anno. 32.

Michel Tony M.
Nicolas ioy S.
Geffrey winton S.
1247

Thys yeare the wharfe of Quenebyue in London was taken to [...]erme by the Communaltye of London, to paye yearelye fyftye pounde for the same.

[Page]

Anno. 33.

1248
Roger fitz Roger M.
Rafe Hardel S
Iohn tosalan S

Robert Fabian.This yere dyed Robert Grossehed a famous clerke and byshop of Lyncoln, who compiled many famous Bookes, whyche remayne to this daye in the latin and the frenche tongue: the names wherof are partly declared by master Bale in his story of Englyshe writers.Iohn Bale.

Anno. 34.

1249
Iohn Norman M.
Humfrey Basse S
Williā fitz Rich. S

The great windThis yere was a great wynde vpon the day of Symon and Iude, whych did muche harme in many places of Englande.

1250Anno. 35.

Adam Basing M.
Laurēce frowike S.
Nicolas Batte S.

The frier Augustins began to build or inhabite in Wales, at Woodhous.

Kynge Henry maried his daughter Mary to Alexander kyng of Scottes, & receiued of him homage for the realme of Scotlande.

Anno. 36.

1252
Iohn Toleson M.
Williā Durhā S.
Tho. Wimborn S.

[Page 89]This yere was graūted by the king,1251 that where before this time the citizens of London,The Maire of Londō sworn in the schequer. did present their Maire before the kyng wher so euer he were, and so to be admitted, nowe he should come only before the Barōs of the exchequer, and they should admitte him, and geue him his othe.

Anno. 37.

Nicolas Batte M.
Iohn Northāton S.
1252
Richard Picard S.

This yere in the moneth of Ianuary tho sea rose in such height that it drowned many vilages and houses nere vnto it in diuers places of Englande.The sea arose and drowned many vylages in Englande.

This yere also Thames sprange so highe that it drowned many houses about the waters side, by meane wherof muche merchandise was perished and lost. And this yere was graunted of the kyng that no citizen of London shoulde paye scauage or toule for any beastes by them brought as they before tyme has vsed.

Anno. 38.

Ri. Ha [...] dell Dra. M.
Ro. Belingtoni S.
1253
Rafe Ashwey S.

This yere also the liberties of Londō were again seased by the meane of RychardThe liberties of London seased. [Page] Erle of Cornwayle, because the Mayre was charged that he loked not to the bakers for theyr syses of bread: so y^t the citie was forced to please the Earle with .600. markes, and so they were restored againe.

Alphonce kyng of Castell gaue Elinor his daughter in mariage to prynce Edward the sonne of kyng Henry, to whō his father gaue the pryncedome of Wales,The kynges eldest sonne Prince of Wales. and gouernance of Guyan & Irelād, wherof began that the kynges of England ordeined their eldest sonnes princes of Wales.

Anno. 39.

1254
Rich. Hardel draper M.
St. Distergate S
Hen. walmode S

The liberties of Londō seased by y^e king.The kyng agayn seased the liberties of the citie for certeyn money whiche the quene claymed for hir ryght of y^e citizēs, so that they gaue vnto his grace .400. marke, & then were restored to their lyberties agayne.

The .22. day of Nouēber, were brought to Westminster .102. Iewes Lyncoln, which were accused of the crucifying of a chylde at Lyncoln, they were sent to the tower of Londō:Execution of the Iewes. of these .8. were hanged, and the other remayned long in pryson.

[Page 90]

Anno. 40.

Rich. Hardel Draper M.
Mat. Bokerell S.
1255
Iohn Mynour S.

This yere a peace was made betwene the citizens of London and the abbot of Waltham, who had bene long in controuersie for toll, that he demaunded of the citizens that came to Walthā faire: but at the last the citizens were set free and bonde to no toll.

Anno. 41.

Rich. Hardel Draper M.
Rich. Ewyll S.
1256
williā Ashwy S.

Great variance was betwene y^e kyng and the Londoners, in so much that the Mayor and dyuers Aldermen & sherifes,The Maior of London diuers Aldermē and the Sherifes depriued were depriued of their offices, and the gouernance of the citie cōmitted to certeyne persons of the kyngs appoynting: all the controuersie and hādlyng of this matter is at large entreted of by Fabiā.

This yere the kyng for so much as he had oftentymes promysed the restitutiō of certaine ancient lawes, but neuer performed the same, the lordes murmuring against him, to appeace their malyce, he helde a parliament at Oxenford,The mad parliament holdē at Oxēford. which was after called the madde parliament because manye thynges weare there [Page] enacted, which proued after to the confusion of the Realme, & death of many noble mē. In confirmatiō of these actes were chosen .xii. piers called douze piers which had authoritie to correct the brekers of their ordinaunces.Twelue piers chosen in Englande.

These piers altered and chaunged many thinges according to their owne pleasure, greatly to the discontenting of thy kynges mynde, and disquietinge of the whole Realme, as in Fabian and other histories doth at large appeare.

Anno. 42.

1257
Rich. Hardel Draper M.
Th. fitz Rich. S.
Ro. Catheliō, S.

Bakers punished on the tumbrell.This yere Hughe Bygot Iustice, and Roger Turkeley, kept their courtes in the Guyldhall of London, and punished the Bakers vpon the tombrell, where in tymes passed they were punished on the pyllory, and they did many other thinges against the lawes of the citye, but the citie had so be punished of late, y^t they durst say nothing therto.

Richard the kynges brother retourned out of Almayne into Englande.

Anno. 43.

1258.
Iohn Gisors Peperar M.
Iohn Adriā S.
Ro. Cornhil S.

[Page 91]Kyng Henry fearing some rebellion of his nobles,Thomas coper. went into Fraunce, and there concluded a peace on this condition, that Normādy, Angeow, and Cenomanna, shoulde euer after be in the possession of the Frenchemen, and the kyng of Englande to haue Guien: and that Lewis shoulde geue kyng Henry for his expēces in warr .150000. crowns & for yerely tribute, a .100000. crownes. After whiche peare finished, the kynge retourned into England.

A Iewe of Lewkesbury fell into a priuie upō the saturday, and would not for reuerēce of his Saboth day be plucked out,A Iew drowned in a prime whereof the Earle of Glocester, hearing that the Iewe did so great reuerence to his Saboth daye, thought he would doe as muche to his holy daye, whiche is sonday, and so kept him there tyll monday, at whiche season he was founde dead.

Anno. 44.

Williā Fitz Richard M.
Adā Brown S.marg1259
Ri. Couētre S.

A folke mote at Paules crosse.In this yere the kyng commaunded a general assembly or meting at Paules crosse where the kyng in proper person commaunded the Mayre that the nexte [Page] daye after he should cause to bee sworne before his Aldermen euery stripplynge of .xii. yeres of age and vpwarde,An othe to the kyng. to be true vnto the king and his heyres kings of Englande: and that the gates of the citie should be kept with harnissed mē.

Anno. 45.

1260
Wil. Fitz Richard M.
Io. Northāton S.
Rich. Pickard S.

Kyng Hēry published at Paules crosse the byshops of Rome absolution for him and all his, that were sworne to mainteyne the articles made in the parliament at Oxforde: for whiche cause the barons of England begon to vtter their malice, which they had long before conceived agaynst the kyng, and caused an insurrection that continued thre yeres.Gylbart de Clare Earle of Gloucester Richard earle of Glocester decased, and Gilbart de Clare, was earle after him.

Anno. 46.

1261
Th. Fitz Thomas M.
Phi. Walbroke S.
Richard Tailer S.

A great frost.This yere was so great a frost y^e men rode on hors back ouer the thames:The barons of Englande rose gainst the kyng. The barons of Englād armed them against their kyng, & all this yere houered about London & other places without any notabe act of rebellion, saying y^t they robbed & spoyled aliens & certeyn other persons [Page 92] whō they knew to be against their purpose: specially they slewe y^e Iewes in all places.

Anno. 47.

Tho. Fitz Thomas M.
Ro. Moūtpyler S.
1262
Osbern Buckessel S.

500. Iewes were slayne by the citizēs of Londō,Fyue hūdred Iewes slaine at London. because one Iewe wold haue forsed a christian man to haue paid more then ii.d. for y^e vsury of xx.s. for a weke.

Hugh le Spencer with the citizeus of London, spoiled & burnt the manours of Richard the kings brother, which hither to had ben a great stay of the warre betwene the kyng and the nobles.

Nere to Lewys in Susser, kyng Hēry and his barons fought a cruel battel,A battaill at Lewys. in which the kyng hym self with Richarde his brother, sir Ed. his son, & other noble men to the nūber of .25. were taken: & of the cōmōs wer slayn aboue .20000.

Anno. 48.

Tho. Fit; Thomas M.
Tho. Lamford S.
1263
Edward blune S.

Debate & variāce sel betwene Symon Moūtfort Erle of Lecester, & Gilbert de Clare Erle of Glocester, chief capitains of y^e barons: which torned to their great euil. For prince Ed. being now set at libertie, allied him w^t the erle of Glocester & gathering to hī a great power, warred [Page] so freshly vpon Symon of Leicester,The battayle of Euisham in Worcestershyre. that at the ende he and Hughe spencer with many others of the nobles, were slayn in the battayle at Euishā in Worcester shyre.

A parliament at winchesterThe same yere was holden a parliament at Wynchester, where all the statutes made before at Oxforde, were disanulled & abrogate. And all wrytinges made for the confirmation of the same, cancelled and broken.

London lyke to haue bene vtterly spoyled.This yere the citie of London was in great daunger to haue bene destroied by the kyng for great ire and displeasure that he had conceiued against it, because of the fornamed cōmocion: of the which the citizens hauing perfit intelligence, assembled them selues and tooke aduice diuers tymes what was best to be done. At the last it was agreed wholy to submitte them selues bothe lyues & goodes into the kynges bandes And for confirmation therof to make an instrument of their submission, and to seale the same with the cōmon seale of the citie They agreed upon .viii. persones to carye the same and goyng to wyndsore where the king lay, they met at Colbroke a knight called syr Roger Leyborn, who turned [Page 93] them backe agayne, and after they had discoursed the whole matter with hym, he wylled them to delyuer to hym theyr submission vnder seale, and he woulde moue the kyng in it, whiche thyng they dyd. And after syxe dayes thys knyght retourned to the city, and sayd the kyng had receyued the wrytinges, and would fyrst that they should take awaye all the chaynes that were in the streates of the city, and shoulde pull vp all the postes out of the grounde that the same were fired in, and should bryng them all, both postes and chaynes to the towre of London, and that the Mayre with .xl. citizēs should the next daye folowyng attende vpon the king at Wynsore, to confirme the graunt of theyr wrytinge, and they should goe and come safe. And in wytnes therof he delyuered to thē the kyngs letter & seale for the terme of .4. dayes. The nexte daye the citizens beynge at Wynfore, attended at the gate vntyll the kyng came from huntyng, at which tyme the kyng would not once looke on them. And after the kyng was entred, they would haue folowed: but they wer forbydden. But shortly after they were called into the castell, where they were [Page] locked in a tower al nyght with homely interteynment & worse lodgyng,The kynge gaue y^e maior of London & foure aldermē with all theyr lands & goods to his sonne prince Edwarde. & the next day the kyng gaue fyue of the best of thē vnto prince Edward, which was the Mayor & foure aldermē, and the rest were cōmitted to seueral places to prisē.

Anno. 49.

1264
Tho. Fitz Thomas M.
Peter Armiger S.
Greg. Rockesle S.

The kynge gaue dyuers citizens of Lō don with all their landes & goodes, to his houshold seruauntes.This yere the king came to westminster, & shortly after he gaue vnto diuers of his houshold seruantes, vpō .60. housholdes and houses within the citie, so y^t the owners were compelled to agree & redeme their houses and houshold with al their goodes or els to auoyde, and suffer suche persons to enter as the sayde houses were geuē vnto: & not only that, but also all such landes and tenements, goodes & cattalles as the sayde citizens had in any other places of Englād [...] and then he made one Cuftos or Gardeyn of the citie, Syr Othon Constable of the towre, which syr Othon chose to be bayliefes vnder hym, and to be accomptable to hym to the vse of the kyng, Iohn Adrian, and Walter Heruye, cytizens of the same citie. And after thys, the kyng tooke pledges of the best mens sonnes [Page 94] of the cytye, that hys peace shoulde bee suerly kept in the same, the which were put in the towre of London, and there kept at the coste of theyr parentes. And shortly after, by great labour and sute made, all the foresayde persons whyche should be in the kepyng of the bayliefe of the castell of Wyndsore, eyght onely excepte, and all the other londoners .31. in number, were delyuered and came to London. Daily sute was made vnto the kyng, to haue his grace and knowe hys pleasure what fyne he woulde haue of the cytie for theyr transgressions by thē done, for y^e which the kyng asked .xl. M. poundes, and stucke at .lx. M. markes, but the cytizēs alledged for thē selues y^e vnhabilitie of y^e citye, as that (many & not of the worst) of theyr cytyzens were fled, the reste at home were spoyled and robbed of theyr goodes. For whych consyderations and many other (whyche were tedious to wryte) the cytyzens besought the kynges moste gracious fauour and pytie, to take of them as they might beare. This matter thus hāging, the kyng departed from Westmynster toward Northāpton, & before hys departing, he ordeined syr Iohn Hind knyght [Page] And maister Iohn Waldean Clerke to be gardens of the citie and tower, the whiche were named in the kynges wrytynges, Seneshals or Stewards of the citie. Upon the daye followyng that the kyng was rydeyn, these two forenamed stewardes sent for .24. of the most notable men of the citie, and warned them to appeare the daye followynge before the kynges councell at Westmynster, where at their apparens was shewed vnto them, that the kynges mynd was that they should haue rule of the citie in his absence vnder the aforesayde senescal [...]es: and that to see good rule kepte within the citie, they should be sworne there before the Councell. Whiche beyng done, they departed agayn to the citie. Such continuall labour was made to the kyng, that lastly it was agreed for .xx. M markes, to be payde by the cytie for all transgressions and offences by them done: certeyne persons excepted. Whiche the kyng had geuen his sonne, beyng as afore is sayde in the tower of Wynsore. For the payment of whiche somme at days by agreement sealed, syr Roger Leyborne, and mayster Robert warren clerk [...], were assigned to take the [Page 95] sureties for the same. After which suerties receyued and sent to the kynge at Northampton, the kyng sent vnto the citizens a charter vnder his broade seale which ye may reade in Robert Fabian. Then for the leuyeng of this fyne, were cared as well seruauntes, couenaunte men, as housholders. And many refused the liberties of the citie for to be quite of the charge: of whiche nomber many neuer retourned agayne to the citie.

Kyng Henry besieged the castell of Kenelworth,Kenelworth castel besieged whiche Henry Hastynges defended against hym the space of halfe a yere, and then gaue it vp into his handes.

Anno. 50.

Williā Fitz Richard M.
T. de la fourd S
1265
Gre. Rokesly S

The olde franchises and lyberties of London with a newe graunte for the shyre of Middelser, were confirmed by a parliament at Northamton.A parliament at Northamton. Where al so many noble men that had taken part with the Barons, were dishery [...]ed of their landes, and therfore fled to Ely, & strengthened it in suche wyse that they helde it long after.

Anno. 51.

[Page]
1266
Allen Zowch Ma.
Iohn Adrian S.
Lucas Bitēcote S.

The gentilmen of Englande whiche fled to Ely, robbed & did much harme to the countreys next adioynyng, namely Norfolk,Norwiche spoyled. Suffolke, & Cambridge shyre, thei toke the city of Norwich & spoyled it and raunsomed the ryche men therof at theyr pleasure. A legate of the byshop of Romes labored to the kyng, that y^e sayd dysherited gētilmē myght purchase their landes of him, by fine & raunsome. To whose request the kyng lastly agreed, y^t y^e said gētilmē shold haue their lāds agaī by fine of .v. yeres valure of their lands.

The statute for weyghtes and measuresAbout the .li. yere, was made the statutes of weightes & measure, that is to say, that .32. graynes of whete drye and round, & takē in the myddes of the eare, shuld waye a sterling peny,Iohn Ras [...]al. & .xx. of those pence should make an ounce, & .xii. oūces should make a pound troy, and .8. poūd troy shuld wey a gallon of wine, and .8. gallons of wyne, shuld make a bushel of London, whiche is the .8. part of a quarter. Also that three harly cornes drie and rounde, should make an inche, and .xii. ynches to a foote, and three foote to a yarde, and fyue yardes and a halfe to a [Page 96] perche or pole. and .xl. pole in lēgth, & .iii. in bredth to make an acre of land, & thes standards of wayght & mesurs, were cō firmed in y^e .xv. yere of Edward y^e third. And also in the tyme of Henry the sixt, and Edward the fourth, and lastly confirmed in the .xi. yere of Henry the seuenth. Howe be it in the tyme of kynge Henry the syxt, it was ordeined that the same ounce should be deuided into .xxx. partes, called .xxx. pence:The alteration of the coyns, from iiii. pence to xii. pence. and in kynge Edwarde the fourthe his tyme into .xl. partes, called .xl. pence. And in kynge Henry the eyght his dayes, into .44. partes, called .3.s. S. [...]. but the weyght of the ounce troye, and the measure of the foote was ordeined euer to be at one stynt.

Anno. 52.

Allein Souch M.
Thomas Basyng S.
1267
Robert Cornhyll S.

Gylbert de Clare Earle of Glocester, for vnknowen displeasure, allieng hym selfe with the exiled gentilmen & other nobles of Englande, rose against the kyng,The kyng besieged Londō and held the citie of London, buildyng therin bulwarkes, and caste dytches and trenches in dyuers places of the cytie and Southwarke, and fortified it wonderously.

[Page]The kyng lying at the abbay of Stratforde, also assaulted the same citie, more then a moneth: as it is to bee red in Fabian, but by diligent labour vpon his partie, and by the Legate and the kyng of Romaynes on the other partie.

Foure persons for roberies putte in sackes & caste in y^e ThamesAgrement was made betwene the king and hym: In this meane tyme many robberies were done, wherefore foure that bare the cognisance of the Earle of Darby, were put in sackes and caste in the Thames.

Anno. 53.

1268
Aleyn South M.
Williā de Durhā S.
Walter Haruy S.

A great ryot in London.Uariance fel betwene the felowships of goldsmythes and [...]aylers of London, whiche caused great rufflying in the citie, and many men to be slayne.Execution. For whiche ryot .xiii of the chiefe capitaines were arreigned, cast and hanged. Aleyn South was discharged of his Mayraltie by the kyng, and Stephen Edworthe made constable of the towre, and custos of the citie.

The disherited gentylmen were this yere reconciled to the kynges fauour. And the fiue citizens which had remayned prysoners in the towre of Wyndsour, [Page 99] the whych the Kyng had geuen to his son Edwarde,The Maior of London, & iiii. Aldermē released out of Wynsor castell. when they had made theyr ende with greate summes of money were deliuered.

Anno. 54.

Thomas fitz Thomas M
williā Hadstock M
1269
Anketil de Aluern M

The ryuer of Thamis was so harde frosen from the feast of S. Andrewe to Candelmas,A great frost. that men and beasts passed ouer on foote from Lambeth to Westmynster. The marchandises was caried from Sandwiche, and other hauens vnto London by lande.

The citie of Lōdon with the reuenues therof was geuen to prince Edward.The Citie of London geuē to prince Edwarde.

Anno. 55.

Iohn Adriā vintener M.
walter Potter S
1270
Iohn Taylour S

Prince Edward sailynge into A [...]ia agaynst the infidels, by his policy & manly actes so demeaned hymself, that often times he put the Turks to great shame & disworshyp. For despite wherof they suborned a false Sarasyn, by whose treason he was wounded with a venemous dart, and therof was longe sicke after. This yere the liberties of London wer [Page] newely confirmed. And this yeare the steple of Bowe churche in Cheape fell downe,The steple of Bowchurche blown down. and slue many people both men and women.

Anno. 56.

1271
Io. Adrian vintener M.
Greg. Rokesle S.
Henry walleis S.

This yeare deceased Richard king of Almayn and Erle of Cornwale, brother to the kyng, and was buryed at Hayles an abbey of white monkes, by hym before tyme buylded.

A great ryote in NorwicheIn June began a great riot in the citie of Norwich, wherethrough, the monasterie of the Trinitie, was burned. And for that fact the king rode down, & made enquiry for the chief doers therof:Execution. wherof .xxx. yong men were condemned, drawen, hanged and brent.

This yere were diuers prodigies and strange tokens sene in diuers places of Englande.

Anno. 57.

1272
Sir walter Haruy M
Richard Pari [...] S.
Iohn Bedill S.

In the beginning of this yeare kynge Henry sickned: and he called before him sir Gilbert Clare erle of Glocester, and caused hym to be newly sworne to kepe [Page 98] the peace of the lande, to the behofe of Edward his sonne, & then dyed the .xvi. day of Nouēber, in the yere of our lorde 1272. when he had reigned .lvi. yeres, & xviii. dais. He was buried at Westminster vpon the southe syde of saincte Edward. He buylded a greate part of the same Churche.

King Edwarde the firste, surnamed Longshanke. Anno regni .1.

EDwarde the fyrst,1272 after the conqueste, surnamed Longshanke, began hys reigne ouer this realme of England the .16. day of Nouember, in the yere .1272. and deceased the .vii. day of Iuly, in the yeare .1307. so he reigned [...]4. yeres .vii. moneths, and .xx. dayes. Of stature he was tall and mighty of body, but nothyng grosse [...] his eies were somewhat blacke, & in tyme of anger semed fyerye. Of suche a noble and valyaunt heart, that his courage neuer faynted, [Page] in moste harde and dangerous enterprises: Of witt excellent, of great towardnes, and apt to euery thing, that he him selfe applied.

Anno. 1.

1272
Sir walter Haruy knight M.
Io. Horne S
walter porter S

In the end of this yere the kynge returned into Englād. Ther was yet busines about chusynge of the Maior: for dyuers would haue made such a Maior as they had lyked. But for that tyme they were disappoynted: whiche in the yeare folowyng vpon the same daye toke further effect.

Anno. 2.

1273
Henry walleis M.
Nicolas wichester S.
Henry Couentrie S.

On the day of Symon and Iude whē Philyp Tailor which before was chosen to be Maior,Greate stryfe for chusyng y^e Maior of Lō don. and should as that day haue taken his charge in the Guylde hall of London, diuers citisens put hym besyde the maires seate, & set therin sir walter Haruy: y^e rumor wherof, came tofore y^e kyng, who put them both out, and chose Henry Frowike Custes of the citie, who continued tyll Candelmas.

[Page 99]At which tyme Walter Haruy was set in auctoritie as Maior, and continued the full of that yeare.

The kyng of Scottes dyd homage to kyng Edwards for the Kyngedome of Scotlande.

The kyng ordeined certayn new lawes for the welth of the realme, emong the which was one, that bakers making breade lackyng weight assigned after y^e price of corne, should fyrst be punyshed by losse of their breade, and the seconde by enprisonment, and thirdly by the correction of the pillorye. Myllers for stealyng of corne to be chastised by the tumberyll. And this to be put in execution, he gaue auctoritie to all Mayres, Bailiffes, and other officers through Englād, and specially to the Maior of London.

Anno. 3.

Gregory Rockesle M.
Lucas Batencourt S.
1274
Henry Frowycke S.

Kyng Edward buylded the castell of Flynt,The castell of Flynte buylded. and strengthened the castell of Rutland, & other agaynst the welshmen.

Anno. 4.

Gregory Rockesly Maire
Iohn Borne S.
1275
Rafe Blunt S.

[Page] Alienynge in Mortmayne.The statute of mortmayn was enacted by kyng Edward.

Execution.Michell Tony was hanged, drawen, and quartered for treason.

Anno. 5.

1276
Gregory Rockesle M
Robert de Bracy S
Rafe Fenour S

King Edward gaue vnto Dauid brother to Lewlyn prince of Wales, the lordshyp of Froddesham. This Dauid attended in the kynges courte, and dyd vnto hym pleasant seruice, to the intent to espie the kynges secrete counsel: and if any thyng were done or spoken to the hurt of his brother, that he might geue to hym warnyng.

Anno. 6.

1277
Gregory Rockesley M.
Iohn Adrian S.
walter Lāgley S.

The terme kept at Shrewesbury.Mychelmas terme was thys yeare kepte at Shrewsbury.

Anno. 7.

1278
Gregory Rockesle M.
Robert Basing S
Williā Merser S

Great executiō of IewesReformation was made for clypping of the kynges coyne, for whiche offence 297. Iewes were put to execution.

In this yeare began the foundation of the churche of the frier preachers or [Page 90] black friers by Ludgate, and also castell Baynarde.

The towne of Boston was greately empayred with fyre.

Anno. 8.

Gregory Rockesley M.
Thomas boxe S.
1279
Rafe More S.

This yeare was fyrst coined halfpens and farthings of siluer,Halfpens and farthings first coyned. where before, other coynes of other mettal ran among the people to theyr great losse & noyāce.

Anno. 9.

Gregory Rockesle M
Williā Faringdō S
1280
Nicolas wichester S

Dauid the brother of Lewlyn prince of Wales,Rebellion in Wales. vnkyndly & traiterously moued his brother against king Edwarde.

Anno. 10.

Henry Waleis M.
williā mazerer S.
1281
Nicolas wichest. S.

King Edward sent a cōpany of souldiors into wales, vnder guiding of y^e erles of Northūberland & Surrey: Of which cōpany many were slain, and syr Roger Clifford taken prisoner. The welshemē subdued certain castels and holdes, & of some townes threw downe the walles.

Anno. 12.

[Page]
1282
Henry Waleis M.
Rafe Blunt S.
Haukyn Betuel S.

Execution.Lewlyn prince of Wales was slayn by syr Roger Mortymer: and his heade set vpon the tower of London.

Thomas Couper. Marton colledge buylded at Oxenford.William Marton Chancellor of England about this tyme buylded Marton colledge in the vniuersitie of Oxenford.

Anno. 12.

1283
Henry Waleis M
Iorden goodchepe S
Martin Boxe S

Execution.Dauid the brother of Lewlyn prince of Wales was taken and beheaded: and dyuers holdes and castels of the Welsh men, geuen to englishe lordes.

A parliament at Shrowesbury.Prince Edwarde of Caruaruan was born in Wales, at the castell of Carnaruan, & a parliamēt was held at Shrewsburye.

Laurence Ducket, hanged in Bowe churche.Laurence Ducket a citisen of London, was found dead, and hanged within saint Mary Bowe churche of Chepe for the whyche were condemned .viii. men, whiche were drawen and hanged: and one woman brent.

The great cū dite in Chepe begon to bee buylded.This yeare the great conōuyte standyng agayn sainct Thomas of Acres in Chepe was fyrst begon to be made.

[Page 101]This yeare began a greate stryfe betwene the Kyng and the Erle of Glocester: whiche after grew to the greate disturbance of diuers townes of Englād, and specially of the Citie of London, as after some deale shall appeare.

Anno. 13.

Gregory Rockeslei M
Stephē Cornhil S
1284
Robert Rokesley S

This yere the liberties of the Citie of London was agayn seysed into the kynges handes,The liberties of London seised into the kyngs hande. and Stephen Sandwiche admytted for Custos, and the Maior discharged (as some write) for takyng brybes of the Bakers.

The newe worke of the churche of Westminster vnto the end of the quire begon in the third yere of Henry the .iii. and continued in buildyng .66. yeres before it was fynished.The newe work of westminster churche.

Anno. 14.

Rafe Sādwiche M
Walter Blunt S.
1285
Iohn Wade S.

This yere were enacted by the King,Parliamente at Glocester. the statutes called Additamenta Gloucestria.

Anno. 15.

Sir Iohn Bryton M.
Thomas crosse S.
1286
williā Hautein S.

[Page]Kyng Edward sailed to Burdeaur, and from thence rode into Frāce, wher he was honorably receiued of Philyp lebeau kyng of France.

A hote sōmer and greatte cheape of corn & other graynThis yeare the sommer was so excedyng hot, y^t many mē dyed through the extremitie therof: And yet wheat was so plenteous, that it was sold at London for .iii. s .iiii. d. a quarter.

Anno. 16.

1287
Rafe sandwich M.
willyā Herford S.
Thomas staines S.

Great hayle fell in England, and after ensued so continuall raine, that the yere folowyng wheate was solde for .xvi. d. a bushel: and so encresed yerely the reigne of this kynge and his sonne, tyll it was lastly sold for .xl. s. a quarter.

Anno. 17.

1288
Rafe sandwich M.
Williā Betain S
Iohn of Cāturb. S

Execution for rebellion.Rice ap Meriduck, a welshman, rebelling against Payne Tiptoft, wardeyne of the countreye, was by the Earle of Cornewall in the Kynges absence, taken, drawen, hanged, and quartered at Yorke.

Anno. 18.

[Page 102]Rafe sādwich M.
Fulk of .s. Edmōd S
1239
Salomō Lāgford S

This yeare kyng Edward returned into Englande, and was honorably receyued of the citesens of London.

Anno. 19.

Rafe sandwich M.
Tho. Romaine S.
1290
Williā de Lyre S.

This yere the staple of woll was ordeyned to be kept at Sandwiche.The woll staple kepte at Sandwyche.

And this yere the Iewes were banished the land:Iewes banyshed. for the which cause the cō mons gaue to the kyng a fyftene.

Anno. 20.

Rafe sandwich M.
Rafe Blunt S.
1291
Hamond Boxe S.

This yere died quene Elian or the kinges wife, & was buried at Westminster in the chapell of sainte Edwarde, at the fete of Henry the third. This yere also dyed Elianoure wyfe vnto Henry the third,Quene Elianor deceased. & mother to this Edwarde, whose heart was buried at the gray fryers in London, and her body at Ambresbury, in the house of Nunnes.

Anno. 21.

Rafe sandwiche M.
Henry Balle S.
1292
Elys Russell S.

[Page]The Kyng helde hys parliament at London, to the whych with diuers lordes of his Prouince, came the kynge of Scottes.

This yeare .iii. men had theyr ryght handes smitten of in Westchepe for rescuynge a prisoner,Execution. arested by an officer of the Citie of London.

Anno. 22.

1293
Rafe sādwich M.
Robert Rockesley S.
Martin Aubrey S.

The .xviii. day of May fell a wondrous snow, and therwith an excedyng wynd: By violence whereof great harme was done in sundry places of England,Great tempeste. as ouerthrowyng houses and trees. &c.

Anno. 23.

1294
Sir Iohn Bryton M
Henry Boxe S.
Rich. Glocester S.

Madocke with the Welshmen rebelled agaynst the kyng, wherfore he in all hast made against them, & ouercam thē.

Thys yeare the frenchemen arriued at Douer, and spoyled the towne, and brent a parte of it,Douer spoyled by French men. in whiche skirmishe was slayne one Thomas of Douer.

Anno. 24.

1295
sir Iohn Bryton M
Iohn Dunstable S.
Adā Harlingbery S.

[Page 103]Iohn Baylell was by kyng Edward admitted to be kyng of Scottes, and he for the same dyd his homage, and sware vnto hym fealtie.

This yere was takē Madock or Meridoke captayn of the rebells in Wales:Rebellion in Wales. he was drawen and hanged at London.

Anno. 25.

Sir Iohn Britton M.
Thomas Sulff S.
1296
Adā de Fullam S.

Iohn Bailell kyng of Scottes contrary to his allegiance, by the settynge on of the frenchmen,Kyng Edward wonne Barwyke. rebelled agayn king Edward. Wherfore kyng Edward hasted hym thither. He wan from him the castels of Barwicke and Dunbarre. He slewe of the Scottes (as saith Fabyan) xxv. M. and tooke prisoner sir Willyam Douglas, and other noble men. He conquered also Edenbrough, wher he foūd the regall ensignes of Scotland: that is to witte, the croune, the scepter & cloth of estate.

In this tyme the englyshmen susteined many stormes in Gascoyn & Guyen.

Anno. 26.

sir Iohn Britton M.
Iohn de stortford S
1297
williā de stortford S

[Page]Kyng Henry sayled into Flanders to reskue Guy theyr Erle, which was greuously ouerset by the Frenche kyng, so that he had won muche of his landes. But shortly after kyng Edwards commyug, a peace was concluded for .ii. yeares: and thens he went to Burdeaux.

The Scotts by the enticement of the frenchmen, and settinge on of one William Wallace rebelled, and put the englishmen to muche trouble and losse of many men: emong which was sir Hugh Tresyngham.

The Tunne in Cornhyll is nowe the Cundyte.This yere certain persons of the city of Lōdon brake vp the tonne in the ward of Cornhyll, and toke out certain prisoners, that thither were cōmitted by sir Iohn Britton: for the which .ix. of them were greuously punished by long imprisonment, and great sines. The tunne aboue named is now y^e cūdit in Cornhill.

The liberties of London granted againThe kyng comming againe into England, and so to Winchester, the citesēs of Lōdō made such labor vnto his grace that they obteined grant of their liberties that had in some part be kept from them by the terme of .xii. yeres or more.

Anno. 27.

[Page 104]Henry Walleis M.
Richard Reshā S.
1298
Thomas Sel [...] S.

This yere the kyng made cruell war vpon the Scots, and had of them a great victorie, and then they yelded them selues agayn to his grace and mercy.

This yeare also the kynge called in certaine coynes of money called pollardes, Crocardes, and rosaries.

Anno. 28.

Elis Russell M.
Iohn Armencer S.
1299
Henry Fringrith S.

Kyng Edward heryng of the vntruthe and rebellion of the Scottes, made his third voyage against them, wherin he subdued a great part of the land, and toke the castel of Estriuelyn with other, and made the lords sweare to hym fealtie and homage.

Anno. 29.

Elis Russel M
Luke Haueryng S.
1300
Rich. Champeis S.

Thys yeare the Kynge gaue vnto Edwarde hys sonne, the Princedome of Wales, and ioyned there vnto the Dukedome of Cornewall, and the crie dome of Chester.

[Page]

Anno. 30.

1301
Iohn Blunt M.
Robert Caller S.
Peter Bosham S.

A parliamēt at CāturberyThis yeare the Kyng helde a greate parliament at Canturbery.

Anno. 31.

1302
Iohn Blunt Maior
Hugh Pourte S.
Simon Parys S.

This yere Kyng Edward made great warres in Scotland, where he had many great victories.

Anno. 32.

1303
Iohn Blūt M
Williā Cōbmartein S.
Iohn de Burford S.

Iohn Hardyng.This yeare the Kyng caused great inquirie to be made of the behauior of his Iustices through out his realme, which was called Broyly Baston.

Anno. 33.

1304
Iohn Blunt M.
Roger Parys S.
Iohn Lincolne S.

Execution at London.Wylliam Wales whiche had don so many displeasures to Kyng Edwarde in Scotland, was taken, drawen, hanged, and quartred at London on S. Bartylmewes eue, and his head sette on London brydge.

The nobles of Scotlande in a parliament [Page 105] at Westmynster volūtaryly were sworne to be true to the kynge of Englande, and to kepe the lande of Scotlande to his vse against all persons.

Anno. 34.

Iohn Blunt M.
Raynold Doderil S.
1305
Wylliā Causon S.

Robert le Bruse, (cōtrary to his othe to kyng Edwarde before made) assembled the lordes of Scotland, and caused hym selfe to be crowned. When kynge Edwarde heard of this treason, he went with haste into Scotlande, where he chased syr Robert le Bruse, and all the power of Scotlande, and tooke many of the noble men prysoners.

Anno. 35.

Iohn Blūt M.
Symon Belet S.
1306
Godfrey de la cōduit S.

The warres continuyng in Scotlād the noble kyng Edwarde ended his lyfe the seuēth day of Iuly, in the yere .1307.Kynge Edward the first deceased. When he had reigned .34. yeres . [...]. monethes and .21. dayes. He lyeth buryed at Westmynster in the chappel of saynt Edward vpon the south syde in a playne tōbe of marble at the head of his father.

[Page]

King Edward the second. Anno Regni .1.

1307EDwarde the second sonne of of the first Edward, & prince of wales borne at Carnaruan, began his reigne ouer the realme of England, the vii. day of Iuly in the yeare of our lord, 1307. who was deposed the .25. day of Ianuary: and in the yeare .1326. so that he reigned .19. yeres. He was fayre of body, but vnsted fast of maners, and disposed to lightnes: he refused the company of his lordes, and men of honour: and hanted the company of villeins and vile persous. He gaue hym self to ouermuch drinkyng, and lightly wold disclose thinges of great councell: and beside that he was geuen to these vices of nature: He was made muche worse by the counsail and familiaritie of certain euill disposed persons. As Piers of Gaueston, Hugh Spencer, & others, whose wanton coū saile he folowyng, gane himself wholly to the appetite and pleasure of the body, not regardyng to gouerne his commune weale, by sadnes, discretion; and iustice. Which thing caused first great varīace betwene him and his lords: so that shortly he became to his lordes odible: aud in [Page 106] the end was deposed from his kingdom.

Anno. 1.

Sir Iohn Blunt M.
Nicolas Pigot S.
1307
Michel Drury S.

King Edward toke to wife Isabel y^e doughter of Philip y^e fayre, king of France

He gaue Piers of Gaueston, the erledom of Cornwall, & the lordshyp of wallingford, & was ruled al by his counsell.

Anno. 2.

Nicolas faringdō M.
Williā Basyng S.
1308
Iohn Butler S.

The kyng callyng to mynd the displesure don vnto him & his familiar, Piers Gaueston, by the bishop of Chester, commanded hym to the Tower of London, where he was streightely kepte many dayes after. But the lordes perceauyng the kyng geuen all to wantonnesse, and that he was much prouoked thervnto by the meanes of Piers of Gaueston, caused the kyng to banishe him the realme, and so hee wente ouer into Irelande, where the kyng notwithstandyng comforted hym wyth many rych gyftes, and made him chief ruler of that countrey.

Anno. 3.

Thomas Romain M.
Iames of s. Ed. S.
1309
Roger Palmer S.

[Page]The kynge and hys lordes were at great stryfe for the banyshmēt of Piers of Gauestone, in so muche that the king would not be pleased vntill he were agayn restored.

The Rhodes won by christian men frō the Turkes.This yere was the Ile of Rhodes recouered from the Turke, by the knightes of the order of saynt Iohn Baptist.

The crouched friers came first into Englande.This yere the crouched friers came fyrst into England.

Anno. 4.

1310
Rychard Rofham M.
Symon Croppe S.
Pet. Blacknay S.

Piers of Gaueston more and more encreased: in so muche that he had the custody of all the kynges iewelles and tresure, of the whyche (as sayeth Fabian and other) he tooke a table and a payre of tressels of golde,A table with tressels & all of golde, conueighed out of Englande. and conueyghed thē with other iewelles out of the lande. He also brought the kyng to manyfolde vyces: as adultery and suche other. Wherfore the lordes agayne banyshed hym out of England into Flaunders, to the kynges great displeasure.

Anno. 5.

1311
Iohn Gysours M.
Symō Merwod S.
Rich. Wylford S.

Piers of Gauestone, was agayne by [Page 107] the kyng called out of Flaūders. wherfore the lordes beyng confederate, besieged hym in the castell of Scarborough,Execution in Gauerside. where they tooke him, and brought him to Gauersyde besyde Warwycke, and smote of his head, to the great discontē tyng of the kynges mynde. This yere the kyngs fyrst sonne, named Edward, was borne at Wynsore.

Anno. 6.

Iohn Poūtney M.
Iohn Lambyn S.
1312
Adam Lutekyn S.

This yere was many good lawes made in the parliamēt Londō, wher, vnto the kynge and his lordes were sworne.

Anno. 7.

Nycolas Faringdon M.
Adam Burdē S.
1313
Hugh Baytō S.

The Englysh men encountred with Robert le Bruse and his Scottes, at Estriualen, where was fought a strong battayl [...].The battayle of Estriuelyn In the ende whereof, the Englyshmen wer discomfited and so egrely pursued by the Scottes, that many of the noblemen were slayne: as Gylbert de Clare,Guido de columna. Erle of Glocester, syr Robert Clyford, syr Edmond of Manle, with other lordes and barons, to the nomber [Page] of .xlii. knightes, and .lxvii. barons, besyde .xxii. men of name, which were taken prisoners, and .x. M. cōmon souldiours slayne. After thys tyme Robert le Bruze reigned as kyng of Scotland.

Anno. 8.

1314
Iohn Gysors M.
Stephē of abingdō S
Hamōd Chikwell S

Iohn Hardyng.A villain called Iohn Poydras, a tanners sonne of Excester, in diuers places of England, named himself the sonne of Edward the first, and said that by a falsnourse he was stolne out of his cradel,A barkers son made clayme to the crowne of Englande in an opē parliament holdē at Oxenford. & Edward that was now kyng put in his place, whiche was but a carters sonne: but shortly after, he was conuict of hys vntruthe, and confessed, that he dyd it by the motion of a familiar sprite, which he had in his house in likenes of a catt, whom he had serued .iii. yere, and he for his seruice was drawen and hanged at Northampton.Execution.

Anno. 9.

1315
Stephē abingdō M
Hamōdgoodchepe S
Williā Readyng S

The castell of Barwike was yelded vp to the Scottes by the treason of Peter Spaldyng.

Two cardinals beyng sent frō Rome to conclude a peace betwene the kyng of [Page 108] England and the scottes: as they wente through Yorkshire, were robbed by two knights called Gilbert Midleton,Iohn Hardyng. & walter Selby, with .600. mē, which .ii. knigtes had don many robberies in those partes, or they were taken, but they wer afterward condemned, drawē & hanged at London. And the kynge recōpenced the Cardinals double so muche as they lost.

Shortly after sir Gosselyn Deinuile & his brother Robert, with two hūdred in habite of Friers, going about as exiled persons or outlawes,Iohn Hardyng. did many great & notable roberies & despites, they robbed & spoiled y^e bishop of Durhams palaces, leauyng nothing in them but bare walles, and suche lyke robberyes, for the which they were after hanged at York.

Anno. 10.

Iohn wēgraue M.
Williā Caston S.
1316
Rafe Palmer S.

The scottes entred y^e borders of Northūberland & most cruelly robbed & spoiled the countrey, sparing neither man, woman, nor chyld.

To this mischiefe was ioyned so excedyng derth & scarsity,A greate famyne. y^e wheat was sold for .iiii. mark y^e quarter: y^e cōmon people did eate hors flesh, & other vile beastes, & [Page] many dyed for hunger.

Anno. 11.

1317
Iohn Wēgraue M.
Ihon Prior S.
williā Furnex S.

The whyte battaille.Kyng Edward assembled a new host, and went into Northumberland, wher he layde siege to Barwike. But in the meane tyme the Scots by an other way inuaded y^e borders of Englād, & wasted the countrey euen to Yorke, and slew a greate noumber, specially of religious people: wherfore it was called the white battaile. King Edward was constrained to breake vp his siege, and return again into England.

Sir Hugh the Spencers, the father, and the sonne, were of great power in England: and by the fauour of the king practised suche crueltie, and bare theim selfe so hautie, that no lord in this land, durst contrary them in any thynge that they thought good: whereby they were greatly hated of the nobles.

Anno. 12.

1318
Iohn Wēgraue M
Iohn Poūtney S.
Iohn Dallyng S.

The Lordes and nobles of Englande detestynge the outragious pryde of the Spencers, in suche wyse conspyred against [Page 109] them, that they caused the kynge halfe agaynst his mynd, to banysh them the Realme.

Anno. 13.

Hamond Chikwel M
Simon Abingdō S.
1319
Iohn Preston S.

This yere king Edward contrary to the mynd of his lords reuoked the Spē cers from banishement, and set them in lyke authoritie as they before had ben, to the great disturbance of the realme [...] and not long after pursued the barons, and chased them from place to place: as fyrst at Liedes castell in Kent: after in the marches of Wales, where he toke the Mortymers, and sent theym to the Tower of London.

Anno. 14.

Hamond Chikwel M
Reinold at cūdyt S
1320
william Prodhā S

This yere king Edward ouercam the barons of this realme in many batailes and toke many of them,Great execution. whome he put to death in dyuers partes of this realm, to the number of .xxii. noble men.

Master Iohn Baldocke, a man of euil fame was made Chancellor of Englād, who extremly pilled the cōmons of this realme: for the whiche he was well rewarded [Page] after, as ye maye reade in the xix. yeare.

Anno. 15.

1321
Hamond Chikwel M.
Rich. Cōstantin S
Rich. Hakeney S

This yere the sonne appered to mens sight as red as bloud,The sonne appered as red as blood. and so continued the space of .vi. howers. The last day of October the Irishment by the ayde they had out of England, droue the scots out of theyr land. At whiche time many noble men of Scotland were slain. Amōg whiche was Edward le Bruze the kinges brother.

Anno. 16.

1322
Hamond Chikwell M.
Iohn Granthā S
Rich. of Ely S

Kyng Edward with a great army entred Scotland: but with sickenes and other misfortunes that chanced amonge the souldiors, he within short space was forced to returne into England: wherof syr Iames Douglas, and the Scots hauyng knowledge, pursued hym in suche wise, that they slew many english men, and had welnere taken the kynge at an abbey called Beighlād, from the whiche he was forced to flee, and leaue his tresure behynd hym.

[Page 110]

Anno. 17.

Symon Francis M.
Adā Ealisbury S.
1323
Iohn of Oxēford S.

Charles of France warred vpon the landes of Kyng Edward in Gascoyne & Guyen, and tooke there many townes and castels. Wherfore kyng Edwarde sent his wyfe Isabell to entreate wyth her brother Charles for peace, or (as Froisard sayth) the Quene her selfe fleyng the tyranny and mischief of y^e Spē cers, fled with her yong sonne Edward into France, and was gentilly receiued of hir brother, whiche made greate promise to ayde hir against the tyranny and iniury of the Spencers.

Anno. 18.

Hamond Chikwel M.
Benet of Fulhā S
1324
Iohn Causton S

Quene Isabell by the ayde and help of syr Iohn of Heynald with a small company of Henoways returned into Englande: to whome the Nobles and the commons gathering in greate numbre pursued the kynge, the Spencers, and other ennemies so egerly, that shortely after they tooke them, and kepte the kynge in pryson at Kenylworthe.

[Page] Kynge Edwarde, hys Chancellor, y^e Spencers, & other taken prisoners.And after at Barkeley they toke master Robert Baldok, the Chācellor both the Spencers, the father, and the sonne, the erle of Arundel, with diueres other, and brought them to the towne of Hereford.

Anno. 19.

1325
Richard Betain M
Gilbert Mordō S.
Iohn Cotton S.

The morowe after Symon and Iude, syr Hugh Spēcer the father was put to death at Bristowe,Great execution. and after buried at Winchester: and on saint Hughes day folowyng, was syr Hugh his sonne drawen hanged and quartered at Herford, and his head sent to London, and sette emong other vpon the bridge. After Robert Baldock the Chancellor was sent to London to Newgate, where he dyed myserably. The earle of Arundell was put to death at Herford: and kynge Edward was by parliament deposed from his kingdom,Kyng Edward deposed when he had reigned .xix. yere .6. monethes and .18. days, and not longe after was murthered by syr Roger Mortimer, and was buried at Glocester.

[Page 111]

Edwarde the thirde. Anno Regni .1.

EDwarde the thyrde,1326 after the deposing of hys father was crowned king of Englād. He begon his reign ouer this realme the .xxv. daye of Ianuarie: in the yeare of our lord .1326. and deceased the 21. day of Iune in the yeare .1377. so he reigned .50. yere, and .5. monethes lackyng .3. dais. This man beside all other gyftes of nature, was endued with passynge comely beautie and fauoure: Of wytte prouident, circumspecte and gentyll of nature: doyng nothyng without great wysedom and consideration. Hee was a man of excellent modestie & temperance, and aduanced suche persons to high dignities, as dyd most passe other in integritie & innocency of lyfe: in feares of armes he was very expert, as the noble enterprises by hym atchieued, doo well declare: Of his liberalitie and clemēcy, he shewed many great examples. Briefly, in all princely vertues he was so excellent, that few noble men before [Page] his tyme were to bee compared to hym. At the beginnyng of hys reigne he was chiefly ordered by syr Roger Mortymer and hys mother Isabell.

The liberties of London cō fyrmed.In this fyrst yeare of his reigne he confirmed the liberties of the citie of London, and ordeined, that the maior of the city of London should sytte in all places of iudgement within the liberties of the same for chiefe Iustice, the Kynges person only excepted, and that euery alderman that had ben Maior shold be iustice of peace in all London and Middlesex: and euery Alderman that had not bene maior should be iustice of peace within his own ward. Diuers other priuileges he graunted to the citie, whiche ye may reade in Fabian.

The kynge went towarde Scotlande hauyng vnderstanding that the scottes were entred into England, as farre as Stanhop parke. He beset them rounde about, hopynge to haue broughte them vnder hys subiection. But when hee thought to be most sure of them by treason of some of his hoft, the scottes escaped cleane, and returned back into scotland.Kynge Edward the second murdred. About the .xxi. day of September Edward the second was murdered in y^e [Page 112] castell of Barkley by sir Roger Mortymer, & was buried at Glocester.

Anno. 1.

Richard Bretain M.
Rich. Roting S.
1326
Roger Chācellor S.

The kyng maried the lady Philip the erles doughter of Henawde in the cytie of Yorke.

The kynge helde his parliament at Northampton,Parliamente at Northampton. where through the counsaile of syr Roger Mortimer, and the old Queene his mother, hee made with the scotts and vnprofitable and dishonorable peace: For why he restored to them all theyr writyngs, charters, and patents, wherby the kynges of Scotlande hadde bounde them selues to be tributarye to the crowne of England, with other like vnprofytable conditions.

Anno. 2.

Hamonde Chikwell S.
Henry Darcy S.
1327
Iohn Hawden S.

Dauid the yong prince of Scotlād maried Iane, the syster of kyng Edwarde, whom the scots in dirision, called Iane makepeace. The scotts made many rymes against thenglishmē (as saith Guido) for the fond disquised apparell by thē at that time worne, amongst the whiche this was one.

[Page]

Scottyshe tauntes.

Long beardes hartlesse,

Paynted hoodes witlesse,

Gay cotes gracelesse,

Makes England thryftlesse.

Anno. 3.

1328
Iohn Ganthā M
Symon Frācis S.
Hēry Cōbmartē S.

Edward erle of Kent, vncle to kynge Edward of England, beyng falsely accused of treason,Execution. was by syr Roger Mortymer put to death at winchester.

Prince Edward was borne at Wodstocke. Who in proces of tyme grew to a noble and famous man: and was in his days counted the Flowre of chiualrie through out the world. The .xvii. of October, sir Roger Mortimer was taken in Notyngham castell, and sente to the Tower of London.

Anno. 4.

1329
Symond Swalond S
Richard Lazar S
Richard Gisours S

Syr Roger Mortimer was accused for diuers points of treason, as that he murdered king Edward the second: and that through hym the scots escaped at Stanhope parke, for receiuynge summes of money of the Scottes: for which accusations he was shortly after drawē and hanged at London.Execution.

[Page 113]Edward Baylell, the sonne of Iohn Baylell late kyng of Scottes, by licence purchased of kyng Edward, entred into Scotlande, clayminge the crowne by the right of hys father, where he vanquished the Scottes, and was crowned kyng at Stone.

Anno. 5.

Symond Swaylon M.
Robert Ely S.
1330
Tho. whorwod S.

The kyng with a great armye went into Scotland, and at Halidon hyll gaue the Scottes battayle, wherin he obteined a triumphant victorie, and slewe of them .viii. Erles .900. knightes & of barons, and esquires 400. and .32000. common souldiors: he wonne Edenborow, Barwicke,Barwicke wonne. and many other castels, and gaue the gouernaunce of Scotlande to Edward Baylell, betwene whome and the Scots was foughten many battels.

Anno. 6.

Iohn Poūtney M.
Iohn Mocking S
1331
Andrew Aubery S

The king of France sent .x. shyps toward Scotland, which were so wether driuen into Flanders, that they were little worth after that tyme.

[Page]

Anno. 7.

1332
Iohn Preston M.
Nicolas Pike S.
Iohn Husbande S.

King Edward went agayn into Scotland, and laid siege to the castell of Kylbridge: He wan it by strength, and sette the countrey in quietnes, and cam back to the castell of Tyne, where shortly after Edward Baylell kynge of Scottes, came and dyd hym homage, and sware vnto hym fealtie and fidelitie, and returned agayne into Scotlande.

Anno. 8.

1333
Iohn Poūtney M.
Iohn Hamond S.
Williā Hansard S.

Embassadors were sent from Philyp de Ualoys kynge of France, for to conclude vpon certain articles of variance betwene theyr lord and the kyng of England, but it toke none effect.

Anno. 9.

1334
Reignold at cundyt M.
Iohn Kyngston S.
Walter Turke S.

This yere kyng Edward sent ambassadors into Frāce, to conclude a peace, whiche likewyse toke none effect.

Anno. 10.

1335
Reignold at conduit M.
walter mordon S.
Richard Upton S.

[Page 114]This yere kyng Edward made claim to the crowne of France, and therfore proclaimed open warre betwene Englande and France.

Anno. 11.

Iohn Poūtney M
wil. brickelsworth S
1336
Iohn Northehall S

In this yere (as saith Fabian) the king consyderyng the charge he hadde with warres in Scotlande, and also that he intended to haue agaynst the Frenchemen, for the obtainyng of his right, gathered togither treasure by dyuers and sundry wayes, wherof the maner is not expressed: but such great plentie cam to his handes, that money was very scant throughout the whole realme: by reason of which scarsnes, vitaile and other merchandise were exceding good chepe: for at London a quarter of wheate was sold for .ii. s. & fat oxe for vi. s .viii. d. A fat shepe for .vi. d. and .viii. d. syx pigeons for one peny,Great cheape of vitaye. a fatt goose for .ii. d. a pyg for a peny: & so all other victuals, after y^e rate.

This yeare appered a blasyng sterre.

Anno. 12.

Henry Darcy M.
Walter Neale S.
1337
Nicolas Graue S.

[Page]Kyng Edward for the expedition of his warres agaynst the frenche Kynge sent embassadours into the parties beyonde the sea, to allie with hym the erle of Heynault, and other lordes, whiche obeyed not the french king: of whom by the meanes of Iaques Dartnell, he had great comfort bothe of the Flemmings & diuers lordes & princes of those parts.

This yere the kyng granted, that the officers of the Maior and Sheriffes of London should beare maces of syluer.

Anno. 13.

1338
Henry Darcy M.
Williā of Pomfret S
Hugh Marbre S

King Edward for more establishmēt of amitie betwene hym and the Hollanders, Selanders, and Brabanders, sailed to Andwarpe, where he concluded the matter with his aliances, and by the consent of the emperor Lewys was proclaimed vicar generall of the empire.

Southamptō robbed by Frenchmen.In this meane time certayn French men had entred the hauē of Southampton, and robbed the towne, and brent a great part therof, and vpon the sea they toke .ii. great ships, called the Edward, and the Christopher.

[Page 115]

Anno. 14.

Andrew Aubery M.
Williā Thorney S.
1339
Roger Frosham S.

Kyng Henry helde a parlyament at Westminster:A great subsedye. and there towarde his great charges, he demaunded the fyfthe part of euery mans goodes. The customes of the wolles to be payd .ii. yeares before hand: and the ninth sheaff of euery mans corne. Which was granted vnto hym. But before it were all payd, the loue of the people dyd turne into hatred and theyr prayer into cursyng, &c.

The kyng changed hys coyne,Coyne changed & made the noble, and halfe noble: The noble at vi. s .viii. d. which is nowe .x. s.

King Edward ouer and beside a great army of Englishe souldiours, hauynge with him welnere the power of the hole Empire,The armes of Englande and Fraunce entermedled. entred the borders of France and made claime to the whole realme of Fraunce, as his rightfull inheritaunce. and for more auctoritie named hym self kyng of France, and entermedled the armes of Fraunce, as it remayneth to this day.

Anno. 15.

Andrew Aubery M.
Adam Lucas S.
1340
Bertholo. marys S.

[Page] Iohn of Gaunt borne at Gaunt.The quene of England wife to kyng Edward beyng at Gaunt, was deliuered of a sonne, whiche afterwarde was called Iohn of Gaunt, which was fyrst earle of Richemont, and after Duke of Gloucester.

A battayle on the sea.This yere K. Edwarde sailynge into Flanders nye to y^e town of Sluce mett with the Frenche kynges nauy, where was foughten a cruell battaile. wherof the kynge of Englande had the victorie and the French flete that was in number .400. sayle, was welnere destroyed, and the souldiors taken, slayn and drowned, so that of .33000. fower escaped aliue

Shortly after this victorye, kyng Edward besieged Turney, and the towne of saint Omers, during the time of whiche siege, dyuers out rydynges and enterprises were aduentured by the Heynawes, Almains, and other his frendes, to the great hurt of both parties. At the ende of .xi. wekes after the siege, a peace was concluded for .xii. monethes, and the kyng returned to Londou.

Anno. 16.

1341
Iohn Oxenford M.
Rich. barking S.
Iohn Rokesley S.

[Page 116]This yeare came into England .ii. cardinals to treat a peace betwene the kinges of England & of France, who cōcluded it for .3. yeres, but it lasted not so lōg.

This yere the quene was deliuered of a mā child at Lāgley: which was named Edmunde of Langley, & was kyng Edwards third sonne.

Anno. 17.

Symon Francis M.
Iohn Luskyn S
1342
Rich. Kyslingbery S

This yere dyed Iohn duke of Britain by reason of whose death, warre & strife grew, and partes taking by the French kyng and kyng Edward.

Anno. 18.

Iohn Hamond M.
Iohn steward S.
1343
Iohn Ayseshā S.

This yere the king called a parliamēt at westmynster: In tyme wherof, Edwarde hys eldeste soonne was created prince of Wales.

This yere y^e king made a coyne of fine gold,A new coyne. and named it the florentine, that is to say, the peny of the valu of .vi. s .viii. d. the halfpeny of the valu of .iii s .iiii. d. and the farthing of the value of xx. d. whiche coyne was ordeyned for hys warres in Fraunce, for the golde therof was not [Page] so fyne as was the noble before named.

Anno. 19.

1344
Iohn Hamōd M.
Geff. wichinghā S.
Thomas Legget S.

This yere the king held a solemn feast at his castell of Windsor:The order of knyghtes of the garter. where he deuised the order of the Garter, and stablished it as it is at this day.

Then king Edward sailed into Sluce, & so into little britain with a strong army. But for that he was disappointed of the Flemmyngs, by reason of the death of his trusty frende Iaques Dartnell, he turned again into England, leauing behynd hym the Erle of Salisbury wyth a stronge company, to ayde Iohn Erle of of Mountford against Charles de bloys Which Iohn by the aide of Englishmen wan diuers towns & holdes in Britain.

This yeare the kyng sent the Erle of Derby with a strong army into Guyen for to ayde the erle of Northampton.

Anno. 20.

1345
Richard Lacer M.
Edmōd Hēpnall S.
Iohn Gloucester S.

Thys yere kyng Edward made great preparation for the warres of France: and Philyp de Ualoys kyng of France [Page 117] made as greate preparation to defende his land against king Edward.

Anno. 21.

Geffrey wichinghā M.
Iohn Croydon S.
1346
williā Clopton S.

This yeare kyng Edward sailed into Normandy with .1100. sayle greate and small, and with him his sonne prince Edward, they ouer rode, spoiled & destroied the countrey before them vnto Parys: and gathered wonderfull riches of pray which he sent into England. Shortly after, he encoūtred the french kynge nye the foreste of Cresse, when he had not in his host the eight man in comparison of the Frenche army, and obteyned of them a triumphant vyctorie. Where was slayn the kyng of Bohem with .x. other great princes .80. banners .1200. knyghtes, and .3000. common souldiors. After this victory kyng Edward went toward Caleys, and besieged it. In the meane while Dauid of Scotland by procurement of the Frenche kynge, made warre vpon the borders of Englande: but the byshop of Yorke with other lordes gathered a greate company, aswell spirituall as temporall, and nere vnto [Page] Durham dyd hyd the kynge of Scottes battayle, where was fought a cruell and fierce bataille. But in the ende the victorie fell vnto the quenes syde. and ther was taken the kynge of Scottes,The kyng of Scotts taken wyth many of his greatest lordes, & there was slain one & other aboue .15000. souldiors.

Anno. 22.

1347
Thomas Legget M.
Adā Bramson S
Rich. basingstoke S

This yeare, after king Edwarde had lien afore Caleis a yeare & more,Caleis yelded to Edwarde the third. it was yelded vp to hym, as ye maye reade at large in Iohn Frosard his chronicles.

Anno. 23.

1348
Iohn Lufkin M.
Hēry Picard S.
Simōwoseley S.

A great plageIn the end of this yere about August the pestilence begon in diuers places of England, and specially at London, and so cōtinued tyll that tyme twelue month

Anno. 24.

1349
Williā Turke Maior
Adam Bury S.
Rafe Lynne S.

This yeare was Calice lyke to haue ben betrayed, but the kyng in tyme preuented it.

The Kynge caused to be coyned grotes [Page 118] and half grotes,Alteration of coyn to a smaller value. the whyche lacked of the weyght of his former coyne .ii. s .vi. d. of a pound troy. And about the end of August ceased the death in London, whiche was soo vehement and sharpe,A great pestilence. that ouer the bodies buried in churches and church yardes, monasteries, and other accustomed buryeng places, was buryed in the Charter howse yarde of London (as saith Fabyan .l. M. persons. And also many persons of good credite yet liuyng in the citie of London affirm that they haue redde the like, writen on a plate of laton fastened on a crosse of stone in the same Charter house church yarde: and also to haue sene recorded in one olde Booke of the sayde Charter house, that at that tyme the said mortalitie was so great, that there remained not the tenthe person alyue throughout the realme.

Anno. 25.

Richard Killingbury M.
Iohn Notte S.
1350
wil. wocester S.

This yere king Edward had a goodly victory vpon the sea, against Charles the constable of France where he toke xxii. of their shyppes.

Anno. 26.

[Page]
1351
Andrew Aubery M.
Iohn wroth S.
Gibbō staindrop S.

This yeare the castell of Guynes was yelden vnto the englishmen, dwellyng in Calice, by treason of a Frenche man.

Also this yere y^e englishmen beyng in Britayn, had a goodly victory ouer the Frenchemen, where they tooke many noble men prisoners.

Anno. 27.

1352
Adam Francis Maior
Iohn Peache S
Iohn stodeney S

This Sommer was so long dry, that it was called after, the dry sommer:The dry sommer. for from March tyll the latter end of Iuly, fell lytle rayne or none: by which reason corne that yere folowyng was scant.

Anno. 28.

1353
Adam Francis Maior
Iohn Welde S.
Iohn Lytle S.

The Duke of Brunswyke made an appeale against Henry duke of Lancaster: for whyche was waged battell in the frenche kynges courte, and beynge bothe ready within the lystes to fyght, the french kyng stayed the matter, and toke the quarell into his handes, so that either of them departed the field without any stroke striken.

[Page 119]

Anno 29.

Thomas Legget M.
williā Totinghā S.
1354
Richard Smert S.

For so muche as the townes in Flanders brake their promyse before tyme made by Iaques Dartnell,The woll staples kepte at Westminster, Chichester, Lyncoln, Bristow and Canturbery. and now fauoured the french partie, king Edward remoued the market and staple of woll out of Flanders into Englande: as to Westminster, Chichester, Lyncolne, Bristowe, and Canterbury.

Prince Edward the sonne of kynge Edward passed into Gascoyn, where he made sore warre, and destroyed castels and townes before hym, and tooke the towne of Remorentine wyth other.

Also this yeare was the house of the Friers Angustines in London finished:The frier Augustins churche in Lōdon buylded. whiche was reedifyed by syr Humfrey Bobune earle of Hertforde and Essex, whose bodye lyeth buried in the quier of the said house before the high aultar.

Anno. 30.

Symond Francis M.
Thomas Forster S
1355
Thomas Brādon S

Edwarde prince of Wales, nye to the citie of Poitiers ioyned battel with king Iohn of Frāce: of whō the prince by his [Page] marcial policy wan a noble victory, notw^tstandyng that he had in his army but 800. souldiors: & on the french part were 6000. fighting mē. In this conflict King Iohn was taken with his yong son Philyp, and many of his nobles, & brought [...] into Englande.

Anno. 31.

1356
Henry Picard M.
Rich. Nofinghā S.
Thomas Dosel S.

Great and royal iustes were holden in Smythfield before the kyng of Englād (the frēch king being prisoner) the kyng of Scottes,A great Iustes in Smithfielde. and diuers other nobles.

Anno. 33.

1357
Iohn Stody M.
Stephen Candish S.
Barthol. Frostling S.

This yere Dauid le Bruze king of scottes was set at libertie, when he had put king Edward suretie of .10000. mark for his ransom.

Anno. 23.

1358
Iohn Lufain M.
Iohn Barnes S.
Iohn Burys S.

The englyshemen in Britaine tooke the towne of Ancore, and dyuers other, and put them to great ransome.

Anno. 34.

1359
Symon Duffild M.
Simon Bedinghā S.
Iohn Chichester S.

[Page 120]Kyng Edward with his son the prince passed the sea to Calice, and from thense rode through France by Picard, Artois Roan, Champayn, and so foorth to Britaine, euer destroying the countrey before him, hys garrisons also made warre in Beauvoisin, in Picardye, in Brye, in Campayn, and spoiled well nere all the counntrey. Moreouer the kynge of Nauarre vexed sore the marches of Normandy. Thus was the realm of France miserably beset at this tyme on all sydes.

At the last a finall peace was concluded betwene the kynges of Englande & of Frāce, on this cōdition, that king Edward should haue to his possession, the countreis of Gascoyn and Guyen, Poytiers, Lymosyn, Baleuile, Exantes, Calice, Guynes, and diuers other lordships castels, towns, & all the landes to thē belōging, without knowlege of any soueraigntie or subiection for y^e same: and the king of France shold pay for his ransom 300000. crownes: & so King Iohn returned into France.

Anno. 35.

Iohn Wroth M.
Iohn Denys S.
1360
Walter Burney S.

[Page]King Edward returned from Caleys into Englande, and brought with hym many noble men of Frāce for hostages.

This yere men and beasts perished in England in diuers places with thunder & lightning: and fiends wer sene in mās likenes, aud spake vnto men as they trauailed by the way.

Anno. 36.

1361
Iohn Peche M.
Williā Holbeche S.
Iames Tame S.

The seconde pestilenceThis yeare was great death and pestilence in Englande, which was called the second mortalitie: in which died Hē ry duke of Lancaster: & then was Iohn of Gaunt the kings third son, which had maried the dukes daughter, made duke of Lancaster.

Also there were sene this yere in the ayre castels, and hostes of men fighting (as sayth Fabian.)

Anno. 37.

1362
Stephen Cādishe M.
Io. of S. Albons S.
Iames Andrew S.

This yere was a great wynd in England,A greate wynde. wherwith many steples and towres were ouerthrowen.

King Iohn of Fraunce came into England, and shortly after died at y^e Sauoy in London. Also this yeare was a great [Page 121] frost in Englande, whiche lasted from the myddest of September to the moneth of Aprill.

Anno. 38.

Iohn Notte M
Rychard Croydon S.
1363
Iohn Hiltofte S.

Prynce Edwarde sayled into Burdeaux, and receyued the possession of Guyā that kyng Edwarde had newly gyuen vnto hym.

Anno. 39.

Adam of Bury M.
Symon Mordant S
1364
Iohn of Motford S

This yere the kyng began the foundation of saynt Stephens chappell at Westmynster,S. Stephēs chapel at westmynster begonne. whiche was finished by Rycharde the second, & sonne of prince Edward.

Anno. 40.

Iohn Lufkyn M.
Io. Bukylsworth S
1365
Iohn Oreland S

This yere the kyng cōmaunded that Peter pence should no more be gathered nor payde to Rome.

This yere Prynce Edwarde had hys fyrst sonne, whose name was Edward, but he dyed at seuen yeres of age.

Prynce Edward entred Spayne with a great puysaunce, where he ouercame [Page] the Spanyardes and Frenche men, and expelled Henry the bastarde, and set Peter in his former estate, as kig of Spain. But not long after the prynces retorne home agayne, Henry repaired his army and warred vpon his brother so fiersly, that in the ende he vtterly vanquyshed hym and put him to death: and thē without resistance possessed the kyngdome of Spayne.

Anno. 41.

1366
Iohn Louekyn M.
Iohn Warde S
Williā Dickmā S

This yere was borne the second son of Prynce Edward, named Rychard.

Anno. 42.

1367
Iames Andrew M.
Rich. Torgold S.
Williā Dickmā S.

This yere appeared Stella cometa, A Comet or blasing starre that is a blasing starre. And this yere the erles of Armenak, of brett, & of Perygort, with other nobles of y^e duchie of Guyan, appealed the Prynce of Wales in the Frenche kynges court, that he had broken the peace, and wronged them, as in exacting of them ouer great sommes of money, &c. But the Frenche king deferred it for certayne causes to long here to reherse.

[Page 122]

Anno. 43.

Symon Mordon M.
Adā wymbinghā S.
1368
Robert Gyrdler S.

This yere the kyng of Fraunce proceaded in iudgement vpon the appellation before made by y^e erle of Armenak, the lorde of Bret, and erle of Perygort, agaynst Prynce Edward. Wherupon, discorde & variance began to take place betwene y^e two kynges: and those lords, which before were sworne to kyng Edward, dyd nowe yelde dyuers townes of the coūtrey of Poytiers vnto the Frēch kyng.

The Duke of Lācaster aryued at Caleis, and entred Fraunce with a company of souldiours, wher not farre from Arde, the Duke of Burgoyne lodged, within a mile of his army, with a great power, the space of .xviii. dayes, and neuer profered battell. But lastly went away by nyght, and then the Duke passed further into Fraunce.

Anno. 44.

Iohn Chichester M.
Iohn Pyell S.
1369
Hugh hoiditch S.

This yere dyed Quene Phylip wyfe to Edward the thyrd,The quenes Colledge in Oxford buylded she buylded y^e colledge in Oxēford, called quenes colledge

[Page] The thyrd pestilence.In this yere was the thyrd mortalitie or pestylence, wherof dyed much people.

Anno. 45.

1370
Iohn Bernes M.
Wil. Walworth S
Robert Gayton S

Iohn Barnes Mayor of Londō, gaue a chest with three lockes,A cheste in Guyldehaule hauyng three lockes, and neuer a peny therin. and a. 1000. markee, to be lent to yonge men vpon sufficient gage, so that it passed not one 100. markes: and for the occupying therof, if he were learned to saye at his pleasure Deprofundis for the soule of Iohn Barnes: if he were not learned, to saye Pater noster. But howe so euer the money was lent, at this daie the chest standeth in the chamber of London, without eyther money or pledges for the same.

This yere the countrey of Lymosyn with other, became obeysaunt to the Frenche kyng, and fell from the kynge of Englande: by reason that Prynce Edward had lately assessed vpon the inhabytantes of the countrey, a great and greuous taske: by meanes whereof, he lost the loue of the people.

Anno 46.

1371
Iohn Barnes M.
Robert Hatfild S.
Adam Staple S.

The Erle of Penbroke, as he passed [Page 123] the sea to reskewe the castell of Rochel, was encoūtred with a fleete of Spanyardes, whiche kyng Henry of Castell had sent to ayde the Frenche kyng. Of these Spanyardes after cruellfyght, the Erle was taken, and syr Guystarde de Angle and other, to the number of .160. persons, and the more part of his men slayne and drowned.

Anno. 47.

Iohn Pyel Maior
Iohn Phylpot S.
Nycolas Brēber S.
1372

Iohn Duke of Lancaster, entred by Calays into Fraunce, & passed throughout the Realme, by Uermendoys and Campayne, nyghe to turdeaux in Aquitane without battayle: not withstāding the great hurt and domage they dyd to the townes & countreys as they passed.

Anno. 48.

Adam of Bury M.
Iohn Aubery S.
1373
Iohn Fisshye S.

Dyuers entreatyes of peace were made betwene the kyng of Englande & Fraunce, by meane of the byshoppe of Rome, but none was concluded.

Anno 49.

William Walworth M.
Rychard Lyōs S
1374
W. wodhous S

[Page]The entreatie of peace continued, but not concluded but for foure monethes at the moste: in which tyme, of entreatie the Frenche kyng wan many holdes, & townes of the Englyshemen, as well in Guyan as in Brytayne, and in other places.

Anno. 50.

1375
Iohn Warde M.
Iohn hadley S.
Wil. Newport S.

Many wonderfull sycknesses fell among the people, as well in Italy as in England, whereof there vsed an exceadyng great number.

Anno. 51.

Adam staple M.
Iohn Northampton S
Robert Launde S

Prince Edward departed out of this lyfe, who was in his tyme the flower of chyualry. He was buried at Caunterbury, and then kyng Edwarde created Richard sonne of prince Edward prince of Wales: and because the kyng waxed feble and sickly, he betoketh: rule of the lande to syr Iohn of Gaunt duke of Lancaster, who so continued duryng his fathers lyfe.

Edward the third deceasedThis yere kyng Edward the thyrde ended his lyfe at Rychemonde, the .xxi. [Page 144] daye of Iune, in the yere of our Lorde, 1377. When he had reigned .50. yeres fyue monethes lackynge foure dayes, and was buried at Westmynster: he left behynde hym foure sonnes, Lewes duke of Clarence, Iohn of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, Edmond of Langley duke of Yorke, and Thomas of Wodstocke erle of Cambrydge.

Richarde the second. Anno regni .1.

RIchard the second,1377 sonne of Prince Edward of Wales, was ordeyned kyng of Englande, beyng as yet but eleuen yeres of age. He began his reigne the .xi. daye of Iune, in the yere of our lorde .1377. and left the same the .xxix. daie of September, in the yere .1399. so he reigned .xxii. yeres .iii. monethes and eight daies. In bountie and liberalitie he farre passed all hys progenitours: but he was ouer muche geuen to reste & quietnes, and loued litle dedes of armes, and martial prowesse, & [Page] for that he was yong, he was moste ruled by yong counsayle, and regarded nothyng the aduertysementes of the sage and wyse men of his Realme, for the chiefe about hym were of no wysdome nor estimacion: whiche thyng tourned this land to great trouble, and him selfe in fine to extreame myserie. Of hym Iohn Gower wryteth (as Hardyng affyrmeth) these verses in latyne folowyng.

Iohn Gowre in his booke entituled vox clamantes, whiche trea­teth of the in­fortunate time of Richarde the second.
Principio Regis oritur transgressio legis,
Quo fortuna cadit & humus retrograda uadit
Quomodo surrexit populus, quem nō bene rexit,
Tēpus ad huc plangit, super hoc quod Chronica tangit
Stultorū uile cepit consiliū iuuenile
Et sectam senium decreuit esse reiectam,
Tunc accusare quosdam presumpsit auare,
Vnde catallorum gazas spoliauit corum.

Whiche may be englyshed thus.

When this kyng fyrst began to reigne,
the lawes neglected were,
Wherfore good fortune him forsooke
and thearth did quake for feare,
The people also whom he pol [...]d,
against hym dyd rebell,
The tyme doth yet bewayle the woes,
that Chronicles doe of sell,
[Page 125]The foolysh councell of the lewde
and yonge, be did receyue:
And graue aduice of aged heads,
he did reiects and leaue,
And then for gready thirst of coyne,
some subiectes he accusde,
To gayne theyr goodes into his hands,
thus he the Realme abusde.

Anno Regni .1.

Nycolas Brymber M.
Andrew pickmā S
1377
Nyco. Twyford S

By the entisement of the Frenche men, the Scottes began to rebell,Froysart, Barwick taken by .xl. persons. and a squyre of theirs, called Alexander Ramsey, with .xl. persous, in a nyght toke the castel of Barwyke: whiche was rescued & recouered by therle of Northūberlād.

Anno. 2.

Iohn Philpot M.
Iohn Boseham S.
1378
Tho. Cornwalis S.

This Iohn Philpot Mayor of Londō aboue named, gaue to the citie of Londō certayne tenementes, for the whiche the Chamberlayn of Londō, payeth yerely foreuer, to .xiii. poore people of the same citie, euery of them. vii. pence the weke, which is payde to them at the .iiii. quarter feastes of the yere, & as any of those xiii. persons dye, the Maior appoynteth [Page] one, and the Recorder of London an other in their romthes.

This yere the warre was agayne renued betwene the king of Fraunce and Nauarre, who shortly after allied with kyng Rychard of Englande.

The lorde Neuile was sent with a cō pany of souldiours, to raise the siege before Fortayne in Poytow, and to ayde the kyng of Nauarre, against the Spanyardes of Castill.

Anno. 3.

1379
Iohn Hadley M.
Iohn Heylisdom S.
William Barret S.

The Frenche men with galleis and other shyppes,Grauesende spoyled by Frenchmen. entered into the Thames and burnt dyuers townes, & at the laste came to Grauesende, where they spoyled the towne, and set it on fyre, and retourned into Fraunce with muche ryches. This yere as Iohn Hardyng writeth, alledging Iohn Gower,Iohn Hardyng alledging Govver was suche a pestilence in Englande that most people died. A parliament at westmynster, where was graunted, that all men and women, beyng of the age of .xiiii. yeres or vpward, should pay to the king .iiii.d. by reason whereof great grudge and murmure grewe among the commons: [Page 126] and this was graunted towardes the warres in Fraunce.

Anno. 4.

William Walworth M.
Wal. Ducket S.
1380
Wil. [...]mg [...]thod S.

This yere the makynge of gunnes was first found,Gonnes firste inuented. in this maner: a certain Almayne (whose name is not knowen) chaunced to haue in a morter, pouder of brymstone that he had beaten for a medicine, and couered it with a stone, and as he stroke fyre, it fortuned a sparke to fall in the pouder, by and by there rose a great flame out of the mortar, and lyfte vp the stone wherwith it was couered, a great heyght: and after he had perceyued that, he made a pype of Iron, and tempered the pouder and finished thys deadly engyn, and taught it to the Uenecians, when they warred agaynst the Genuates, whiche was in the yere of our lorde .1380. For this inuention he receyued this benefite, that his name was neuer knowen, leste he might for this abhominable deuise, haue bene cursed and euil spoken of whylest the world standeth: so sayeth Polldore.

By the meane of the payment aboue named, this yere the cōmōs of this lād, [Page] specially of Kent and Essex, sodenly rebelled and assembled together vpō black Hethe, to the numbre .60000. and aboue whiche had to their captaynes, Watte Tyler, Iack Strawe, Iack Sheparde, Tom Myller, Hobbe Carter, and suche other: whiche were animated to this rebellion, by one Iohn Wall or ball, a very sedicious preacher. As ye may reade at large in Iohn Froysard, the first boke the .381. chapiter. They caused muche trouble and busines in the Realme, and chiefly about the citie of London, where they practised much vyllanie, in destroyinge manye goodlye places of the nobles, as the Sauoye,The Sauoye burnt, & S. Iohnes in Smithfielde spoyled. saynt Iohns in Smythfielde and other. They let forthe all prysoners and set them at lybertie: they spoyled all the bookes of lawe in the Innes of courte, the Recordes of the Counters and other prysons. They set the kyng forth of the towre of London, compellyng hym to graunt al bondmen fredom, and that he shoulde neuer demaunde trybute or taxe of his commōs: and also required Iack Strawe, and Wat Tyler to be made Dukes of Essex and Kent, and gouernours of the kyngs person from thenceforth, both in peace [Page 127] and warre, whiche thynges he graunted: for he durst in no poynt denye them: But Wylliā Walworth Maior or Lō don beyng in Smithfielde, nere vnto y^e kynges person, and seynge hym stande hoodlesse afore Iack strawe,Iack Straw slayne. rebuked the saide Straw of his great leudnesse, and with a dagger slewe hym, and brought the kyng into the citie:Why the city of Londō geueth the dagger in armes. Whereupon the rude company was dispersed, and fledde as shepe, some one waye and some an other: so sayeth Hardyng. In memory of this dede the citie geueth the dagger in their shylde of armes.

Anno. 5.

Iohn Northāpton M.
Iohn Rote S.
1381
Iohn Hynde S.

This yere was a terrible earthquake throughout all England,An earth quake. whiche threw down many castelles, steples, houses, & trees. Whiche Iohn Hardyng sayth he sawe the .xx. daye of Maye.

Anno. 6.

Iohn Northāpton M.
Adā Bawme S.
1382
Iohn Selfe S.

This yere was a combat foughten at the kynges pallais of Westminster,A combate. betwene one Garton Appellant, and syr Iohn Ansley knight defendāt, y^e knight [Page] was Uictor, and Gartō was from that place drawen to Tyborn, and there hā ged for his false accusation.

Anno. 7.

1383
Iohn Northāpton M.
Sy. Winthcōbe S
Iohn More S

Execution at S. Albons.This yere was one Wall, or Ball, taken at Couentre, by Robert Treuillian, and iudged to be hanged at saynt Albons, for that he was the anymator of the Rebelles spoken of in the fourth yere of this kynges reigne, of whom ye may reade at large in Iohn Frosard.

Anno. 8.

1384
Nycolas Brember M.
Nycolas Exton S.
Iohn Frenche S.

The kyng went towarde, Scotlande with a great army, but when he drewe nere y^e borders, such meanes was songht that a peace was concluded.

Anno. 9.

1385
Nycolas Brember M.
Iohn Organ S.
Io. Churchmā S.

Kyng Rychard maried the daughter of Uinceslaus, Emperour of Almayne.

Anno. 10.

1386
Nycolas Exton M.
W. Stondon S.
Williā More S.

[Page 128]The Erle of Arundell went into the Duchse of Guyan, for to strengthen suche souldiers as the kyng at that tyme had in those parties, or to stoure the sea of Rouers. The erle kepyng his course, encountred with a mightie fleete of Flemynges laden with Rochell wyne, and set vpon them, tooke them, and brought them to dyuers portes of Englande: wherby wyne was then so plenteous, that it was sold for .xiii.s.iiii.d. & .xx.s. a tonne of the very choyse.

Anno. 11.

Nycolas Exton M.
Williā Uenour S.
1387
Hughe Fostalse S.

This yere Thomas of wodstoke duke of Glocester,Robert Fabian the erles of Arūdel, Warwyke, of Darby, and of Notyngham, consyderyng howe this lande was mysgouerned, by a fewe persons about the king, entending reformatiō of the same, assembled at Radecocke brydge, where they tooke their counsell, and raysyng a strong power, came to London, where they caused the kyng to cal a parliamēt, whereof hearynge Alexander Neuyll Archbyshop of Yorke, Syr Lionel Uere Marques of Deuelen, & syr Mychael de la Poole Chaūcellour & erle of Suffolk, [Page] fearyng punyshment, fled the lande and died in straunge countreys. The kynge by counsayle of the aboue named lordes duryng the parliament, caused to be taken syr Robart Triuilian, chiefe Iustice of Englande, syr Nycholas Brembre, late Maior of Londō, syr Iohn Salysbury knyght of houshold, syr Iohn Beauchampe, Stewarde of the kyngs house, syr Symon Burley, syr Iames Bernes and syr Robert Belknappe knyghtes, and a sergeaunt of armes, named Iohn Uske, the whiche by authoritie of the sayde parliament, were conuict of treason, and put to death at the towre hyll, & at Tyborne. And Iohn Holt, Iohn Locton, Rychard Gray, Wylliam Burgth, and Robert Fuithorpe iustice, with the other foresayde lordes, which before had voyded the land, were banished and exiled for euer.

Anno. 12.

1388
Sir Nych. Twyford M.
Tho. Austen S.
Adam Gathill S.

A iustes in Smithfielde.This yere the kyng kepte a great iustes in Smythfielde, whiche continued xxiiii. days. This yere on the fifth day of August, was the battayle of Ottyrborn,The battayll at Ottyrborn where syr Henry Percy slewe the erle [Page 129] Douglas of Scotland, and after was taken prisoner.

Anno. 13.

Williā Uenour M.
Iohn Walcot S.
1389
Iohn Loueney S.

An esquier of Nauarre accused an englyshe esquire called Iohn Welshe of treason:A combat. for the triall whereof, a daye of fyght was betwene them taken, to bee fought in the kyngs palais at westminster: where they fought a strong fyght, but Iohn Welshe was victor, and constrayned the other to yelde. Where he was dispoyled of his armour,Execution. and drawē to Tyborn, and hanged for his vntruth.

Anno. 14.

Adam Bawme M.
Iohn Francis S.
1390
Tho. Uiuent S.

The duke of Lancaster vncle to king Richard sayled with a company of souldiours into Spayn, to claym the realme of Cast [...]le: for so muche as he had taken to wife the eldest daughter of kyng Peter, that was expelled his kyngdom by Henry his bastard brother: be conquered the countreye of Galice, and made league with the kyng of Portugall: but by great mortalitie, whiche fell among [Page] his people, he was fayne to dismysse his armye, and shortly after loste all that euer he had wonne.

Anno. 15.

1391
Iohn Hind Draper M.
Io. Chadworth S
Henry Uamer S

A bakers man bearynge a basket of horsebread in Fletestrete,A fraye in Fletestrete. one of the bishop of Salisburies mē toke out a lofe, y^t baker requyryng his lofe, the byshops man brake the bakers head: whervpon folowed suche parties takyng, that the Maior and Sheriffes and all the quyete people of the citie, coulde not order the vnrulynes of the multitude there gathered togyther, but that they woulde haue hym deliuered to them, who brake the bakers heade, or els to breake open the gates of the sayde byshops palaice, who was the kynges high treasorer: for the whyche the kynge seased the liberties of the Cytie, and discharged the Maior and Sheriffes of the rule of the Citie, and committed the gouernement therof to a knight of the court called sir Edward Dalingerige. The citisens making great sute and labour to obtein the kynges fauoure, coulde not thys yere [Page 130] obteyne it.

Anno. 16.

William Stonden Grocer M.
Gilbert Māfield S
1392
Tho. Newingtō S

Thys yere by the great sute & labour of doctor Grauesend then byshop of Lō don,The liberties of London restored. the liberties were shortly restored in reward of whiche paynes, he desyred the Maior wyth the citisens of London in their liueries to resort yerely on their ix. pryncipall dayes to the Churche of Poules vnto the graue of the same byshop, after his decease, who lyeth in the myddle of the west end of the sayd churche, and there to say De profundis. &c. As ye may reade in Robert Fabyan.

Anno. 17.

Iohn Hadley Grocer M.
Drew Barētin S.
1393
Rich. whittington S.

A truce prolonged betwene France and Englande for .iiii. yeares.

Thys years dyed Quene Anne wyfe to kynge Rychard.

Anno. 18.

Io. Frēche Mercer M
Wil. Bramtō S.
1394
Tho. Knolles S.

[Page] Iohn WiklefAboute thys tyme was Wikliffe famous in England.

King Richard made a voiage into Ireland, which was more chargeable then honorable. And this yeare was greate tempest of wynde in England.

Anno. 19.

1395
Wil. More Uintener M
Roger Elys S
wil. Sheringhā S

A truce for .xxx. yeares was made betwene England and France: and kyng Richard toke to wife Isabell the daughter of Charles the Frenche kyng.

Anno. 20.

1396
Adā bame goldsmith M
Tho. Wilford S.
williā Parker S.

The duke of Gloucester king Richardes vncle wyth the Earle of Arundell, and other, was put to cruel death:Execution. for so muche as they rebuked the kyng in certayne matters ouer lyberally.

Anno. 21.

1397
Richard Whittingtō Mercer M.
williā Askhā S.
Io. wodcock S.

Thys yeare deceased Iohn of Gaunt duke of Lancaster: He was buryed in [Page 131] Poules Churche, on the Northe syde of the quyer.

The Duke of Hereforde and also the Duke of Norffolke were bothe banyshed the lande.The duke of Hereford banished thys lande.

Anno. 22.

Drew Barētin Goldsmith M.
Iohn wade S
1398
Io. warner S

Kynge Rycharde lette the realme of Englande to ferme to syr Wyllyam Scrope Earle of Wyltshyre,Englande let to feruie. and to .iii. knyghtes, Busshy, Bagot and Grene. And then in Apryll he wente wyth an armye into Irelande, leauynge for hys Lieuetenaunte in Englande, syr Edmund of Langley hys vncle, and Duke of Yorke.

Kynge Rycharde beyng occupyed in Irelande, Henry Bolynbrooke, Duke of Hereforde, and of Lancaster: whyche was banyshed into France, beynge sente for of the Londoners, came into Englande wyth a smalle power, and landed in Holdernesse in Yorkeshyre, to whome the Communes gathered in greate number, whereof Kynge Rycharde hearynge, aboute September he returned, and landynge at Mylforde [Page] hauen, he went to the Castell of Flynt in Wales, where he rested hym, entendynge to gather more strengthe: In the whych tyme, Henry Duke of Lancaster came vnto Brystowe, where he tooke syr Willyam Scrope, Ealre of Wylteshyre and Treasourer of Englande, syr Iohn Bushy, and syr Henry Greene. Syr Iohn Bagot was there taken, but he escaped and fledde, the other .iii. were iudged and put to execution.Kynge Rycharde taken prysoner by Henry Duke of Hereforde and of Lancaster. Kynge Rycharde beyng in the castell of Flynte (hys noble menne forsakynge hym) was taken: and by Henry duke of Lancaster, sente to the tower of London: where shortly after he yelded vp and resigned to the saide Henry, all hys power and Kyngely tytle to the Crowne of Englande and Fraunce, knowledgynge that he worthyly was deposed for his demerites and mysgouernyng of the Common weale.

[Page 132]

King Henry the fourthe. Anno Regni .1.

HEnry the fourthe was ordeyned Kyng of Englande more by force,1399 as it appeared, then by laufull succession or election: Whyche thynge tourned hym to muche vnquyetnesse, and caused often rebellyon in thys Realme: of courage he was noble and valyaunt, and after the Ciuile warres were appeased, shewed hym selfe very gentill and louyng to hys subiectes. He began hys reygne ouer this Realme, the .xxix. of September, in the yeare of oure Lorde .1399. and lefte the same the .xx. day of March, in the yeare .1412. So hee reygned thirtene yeares, sixe monethes, lackyng nyne dayes.

Henry, the soonne of Kynge Henry was chosen Prince of Wales, and duke of Cornewall, Earle of Chester, and heire Apparaunt to the Crowne: hee deposed three Dukes,Ioh. Harding folowing M. Norham, doctor in Theologie. that is to saie, of Albumarle, Ercester, and Surrey, and the marques of Dorset.

[Page]

Anno. 1.

1399
Tho. Knolles Grocer M.
wil. waldern S
williā Hyde S

The lorde Morley appealed the Erle of Salisburye of treason,A guage of battayle. and caste hys hoode for a guage to trye wyth hym batayle: the whych saying he replied, and caste frome hym hys gloues for guage, to proue hys sayinges vntrewe, which were sealed, and delyuered to the lorde Marshall.

Syr Iohn Hollande Duke of Ercester brother to Kynge Rycharde, the Duke of Aumarke, the duke of Surrey with the Erles of Salisbury and Gloucester, and other that fauoured Richard of Burdeur, conspyred againste Kyng Henry,A conspiracie agaynst kyng Henry the fourthe. and appoynted pryuily to murder hym at a feaste, whyche shoulde be holden at Wyndsore:Exec [...]tion. but their treason was disclosed, and they all put to death, with as many knightes and esquiers, as were of that alyance and confederacie.

Kynge Rychard murdered.Kyng Richarde was put to deathe in Pomfret castell, by a knyghte called syr Piers of Exton, and after brought to the tower of London, and so through the citie of London to Poules barefaced, and [Page 133] there stode .iii. dayes for all beholders: and frome thense to Langley, and there buried in a house of Friers: but he was since remoued by Henry the .v. and lieth at Westmynster. Upon the deathe of thys Kynge Rycharde,Iohn Govver in hys booke named Vox clamantis Iohn Gower dothe wryte these verses in Latine, as foloweth.

O speculum mundi, quod debet in auro refundi,
Ex quo prouisum sapiens acuit sibi uisum.
Cum male uiuentes, Deus odit in orbe regentes
Est qui peccator, non esse potest dominator.
Richardo teste, finis probat hoc manifeste,
Sic diffinita fuit regia sors stabilita,
Regis ut est uita, Chronica stabat ita.

Which may be englished thus.

O myrrour for the worlde mete,
Whyche shouldste in golde be bette,
By whyche all wyse men, by forsyght.
Theyr prudent wytts may whette:
Lo God dothe hate suche rulers as
Here viciously doo lyue:
And none ought rule, that by theyr lyfe
Doo yll example gyne.
As thys kyng Richard wytnesseth well,
His ende thys playne dothe showe,
For God allotted hym suche ends,
And sent hym so great woo.
As suche a lyfe descrude: as by
The chronicles thou mayst knowe:

[Page]

Anno. 2.

1400
Iohn Frauncis Goldsmyth M.
Iohn wakell S.
williā Ebot S.

Whyle the Kynge was in Wales, certayne persons enuyinge that he had so shortely obteyned and possessed the Realme, blased abroade amongest the vulgare people, that kynge Rycharde was yet lyuyng, and desyred ayde of the common people to reposesse hys realme and royall dignitie. And to the furtherance of theyr inuention, they sette vppon poastes, and caste aboute the stretes raylynge rymes, malicious metres and taunting verses against Kyng Henry and kys procedynges. He beyng netled wyth those vncurteous prickes and thornes, searched out the au [...]tours:Execution. and amongest other were founde culpable of thys cryme, syr Roger Claryngdon knyght, wyth two of hys seruauntes, the Pryour of Launde, and .viii. Friers Mynoures or graye Fryers, who were drawen, hanged and quartered at Tyborne in the moneth of February.

Owen Glendour of Wales rebelled,Rebellyon in Wales. and kyng Henry wente thyther with a [Page 134] strong armye, but coulde not wynne to them, they fled so to theyr mountayns.

This yeare was greate scarsitie of wheate and other grayn,Great dearth of corne. so that wheat was sold at London for .xvi.s. a quarter.

Anno. 3.

Iohn Chadworth M.
will. Uenour S
1401
I. Freminghā S

Thys yeare the Cundite standing vpon Cornehill in London was begon to be made (where as before tyme it was a pryson for priestes called the Tonne in Cornehyll.The cundite in Cornhyll buylded.

A great batayle at Srewesbury,A batayle at Shrewesbury. began by syr Thomas Percy, Erle of worcester, and other agaynste the Kynge, where syr Thomas Percye was taken and beheaded,Execution. & syr Henry Percy slayn, wyth many other noble men.

Anno. 4.

Iohn Walcot Draper M.
Richard Marlow S.
1402
Robert Chicheley S.

The Emperor Robert came into Englande, only to see the countrey and cō modities therof, where he was receiued with great triumph.

The Lorde of Castile in Brytayne [Page] landed within a myle of Plymmouthe,Plymmouth spoyled by frenchmen. with a greate compauye, hee lodged all nyghte in Plymmouth, and on the morowe robbed and spoyled the town, and returned agayne to theyr shyppes.

Anno. 5.

1403
Williā Alkham M.
Tho. Fauconer S.
Tho. Poole S.

The Britaynes and Frenchemen, whyche the yere before had spoyled and robbed the towne of Plymmouth, were discomfited and slayn of the englishmen, in a battayle on the sea, nere the towne of Dartmouth.

This yeare one willyam Serle was taken in the marches of Scotlande,Execution. and brought to London, and there hanged, drawen, and quartred for the murdring of the duke of Gloucester at Calice.

Anno. 6.

1404
Iohn Hynd Draper M.
Wil. Lowsche S
Stephē spilmā S

Syr Rycharde Scrope then archebishop of Yorke, and the Lord Mowbraye then marshall of England, wyth other, gathered greate strength to haue put downe the kyng (as the fame went) but they were taken, and presented to the [Page 135] Kyng at Yorke,Execution. where they were bothe beheaded.

Anno. 7.

Io. wodcock Mercer M.
Henry Bartō S
1405
wil. Croumer S

This yeare was the bridge and Chapell of Rochester finished by syr Robert Knolles,Rochester bridge builded who also new reedified the body of the church of white friers standing in Fletestrete, and there was buryed: That Church was fyrst founded by the ancestors of the Lorde Gray Cotner.

Anno. 8.

Richard Whittingtō Mercer M
Nic. wotton S.
1406
Geffrey broke S.

Thys yeare syr Henry Earle of Northumberland,Execution. and the lord of Bardolfe commyng out of Scotland, with a strōg company to the displeasure of the Kyng as they intended, were met and foughten wyth, and dyscomfyted, and theyr heades were stryken of, and sents to London.

This Richard Whityugton Maior of London aboue named,Whityngton colledge buylded. builded the house in London, named Whittingtons colledge. He buylded a great parte of the [Page] Hospytall of Saynete Bartholomewes in west Smithfielde: he buylded the library at the Gray friers in Lōdon, now called Christes hospitall: he also buylded a great part of the east end of the guyld hall in London, besyde sundry other notable workes done by hym.

Anno. 9.

1407
Wil. scondē Grocer M.
Hēry Pōfret S
Henry Halton S

This yere was a great froste whiche began in December,A great frost. and lasted fyftene weekes.

Edmond Holland Erle of Kent was by the kynge made admirall of the sea, who scouryng and skimmyng the sea, at the last landed in Britayn, and besieged the Castell of Briake and wan it: but he was there wounded with an arrow, wherof he dyed soone after.

Anno. 10.

1408
Drew Barētin Goldsmyth M.
Tho. duke S
wil. Nortō S

This yere in Smithfield was helde a great Iustes betwene the Henowayes and Englyshemen,A great iustes [...] Smithfield in the whiche were many feates of armes done.

Anno. 11.

[Page 136]Richard Marlowe Ironmonger M.
Iohn Lawe S
1409
wil. Chichley S

Iohn Badley taylour was brente in Smithfielde for the Sacrament of the Aulter.Execution in Smythfield.

This yeare the market house called the Stockes in London was begon to be buylded.The markett house called the Stockes buylded.

Anno. 12.

Tho. Knolles Grocer M.
Io. Penne S.
1410
Tho. Pike S.

This yeare a squier of Wales named Rice ap Dee,Execution. which had longe tyme rebelled agaynst the Kyng, was broughte to London, and there drawen, hanged, and quartered.

This yeare was the Guyld Halle of London begon to be newe buylt:The Guylde haill in London newe buylded. and of an olde and lyttell cotage, made into a fayre & goodly house as it now apereth.

Anno. 13.

Robert Chicheley Grocer M.
Iohn Rainewel S
1411
Williā Cotton S

This yeare the .xii. daye of October, the Thames flowed thrise in one day.

And this yere the kyng caused a new coyne of nobles to be made which were [Page] of lesse value then the old by .iiii.d. in a noble.

Anno. 14.

1412
Williā waldren Mercer M
Rafe Leuēhind S.
williā Seuenoke S.

This yeare after the great and fortunate chaunces happened to Kyng Henry, beyng deliuered of all ciuile diuision and discētion, he mynded to make a voiage agaynst the infidels, and especially for the recouery of Ierusalem: and for that cause prepared a greate army, and gathered muche treasure, entendyng to set forward in the same sprynge. When he had thus prepared all thynges necessary for his voyage: he was taken wyth an Apoplerie, of the whiche he languyshed tyll his appoynted hower. Duryng which sycknes (as auctors write) he caused his Crowne to be set on the pyllowe at hys beds head, and sodeynly his pang so sore troubled hym, that he laye as all hys vital spirites had ben departed: such as had cure of hys body, thynkyng hym to be deade, couered his face with a lynnen cloathe. The prince hys sonne beyng therof aduertysed, entered into the Chamber, and toke away with hym the [Page 137] crowne and departed: the father beyng sodaynly reuyued out of his traunce, quickely perceyued y^e lacke of his crown, and hauyng knowledge that the prynce had possessed it, caused hym to repayre to his presence, requirynge of hym for what cause he had so misused hym selfe. The Prynce aunswered, syr to my iudgement you semed dead, wherfore I as your next heyre, tooke it as myne, and not as yours: wel sonne sayd the kyng, what ryght I had to it and howe I enioyed it, God knoweth. well quod the Prynce, if you dye kynge, I wyll haue the garlande, and trust to kepe it with the sworde as ye haue done: well sayde the kyng, I commyt all to God, and remember you to doo well, and with that turned hym selfe, and shortly after departed, in a chamber of the Abbottes of Westmynster, called Hierusalem, the xx. daye of Marche, in the yere of our lorde .1412. When he had reigned .13. yeres, syxe monethes and nyne dayes, and was buried at Cauntorbury.

[Page]

King Henry the fifth. Anno Regni .1.

1412HEnry y^e fifte, began his reigne the .xx. daye of Marche, in the yere of our lorde .1412. and deceased the last day of August in the yere .1422. so he reigned .ix. yeres fyue monethes and tenne dayes. He was a Prynce of great noblenes & prowes, of stature and personage talle and sclender, of nature gentle and lyberall, in dedes of armes expert and cunnyng, wherby he conquered manfully his enemies, and broughte Fraunce to his subiection: before the death of his father he applied and gaue hym selfe to all vice and insolencie of lyfe, and drewe vnto hym riotous and wildely disposed persones: but whan he was admitted to the rule of the land, sodaynly he became a newe man, and turned all that rage of wyldnes into sober and wyse behauior, and vice into vertue: and that he myght not be agayne corrupted, he charged all his olde companions, that vpon payne of their lyues, none of them should come within tenne myles of the place that he [Page 138] was lodged in.Ioh. Lidgate, He caused Iohn Lidgate monke of Bery, to translate certayne verses of the psaltar into english myter, whiche he vsed in his deuyne seruice.

This yere about haruest tyme,Syr Iohn Oldecastell. was syr Iohn Olde castell knight, appeached for an hereticke, and committed to pryson, but he brake out of the tower, and went to Walis, where he lyued .iiii. yeres after.

Anno. 1.

Wil. Crowmer Draper. M.
Ioh. Suttō S.
1413
Iohn Mycol S.

Certayne adherentes of the forenamed syr Iohn Oldecastel,EdvVarde Haule. intending the destruction of this lande and subuersiō of the same,Rebellion. assembled them in Thickettes fielde, nere vnto saynt Gyles in great number, whereof the kyng beyng informed, toke the fyeld afore them, and foke of them so many, that all the prysons, in and about London, were filled. The chiefe of them whiche were .xxix. were condempned by the Clergie of heresie, and attaynted of hyghe treason, as mouers of warre agaynst their kyng, by the temporall lawe in the Guyldhall,Execution. & adiudged for treason, to be drawen & hā ged, and for heresy to be cōsumed w^t fire, [Page] whiche was executed accordingly in Ianuary folowyng. The chiefe of these rebelles was syr Robert Acton knyght, Iohn Browne Esquser, and Iohn Beuerley priest, as testyfieth Edward Hal.

Anno. 2.

1414
Thomas Fauconer Mercer. M.
Iohn Michell S.
Tho. Allyn S.

This yere the kyng made great prouision to sayle into Fraunce with an army, & whyle he was shipping of his people, syr Rychard erle of Cambrydge, syr Rychard Scrope treasorer of England, and syr Thomas Graye knyght, were arrested for treason, and so strayghtly examyned, that it was cōfessed that they were purposed to haue slayne the kyng, by the corrupting of the Frenche men:Execution. wherfore they were all three adiudged to die, and were headed at Hampton. Then kyng Henry tooke shypping with a great power,Ioh. Harding folowing M. Norham, doctor in Theologie. and sayled into Normā die, & toke the town of Harflewe, where he was compassed about with a great hoste of french mē, to y^e nūber of .40000. He hauyng but .13000. footemen, and 2000. speares. He slewe of his enemies, 10000. and toke prisoners, nye as many. [Page 139] This was called the battayle of Agyncourt,The battayle of Agincourt. of the whiche ye may reade more at large, in Fabian and Hall.

Anno. 3.

Nycholas Walton Draper M.
Wil. Cābridge S
1415
Allein Euerard S

This yere the Emperour Sigismōd came into Englād, to entreate a meanes of peace betwene the kynges of England and Fraūce: but al was in vayne, for in the ende no peace could be concluded, and kyng Henry went agayne into Fraunce.

Anno. 4.

Henry Barton Skinner M.
Ro. Wodyngtō S
1416
Iohn Couentree S

This yere in Fraunce kynge Henry obteyned many victories, and gotte all the townes and holdes in Normandy, sauyng Roban, whiche he strongly besieged.

This yere on Easter day, was a great fraye in saynt Dunstones churche in the East:Robert Fabian. the begynners thereof was the lorde Straunge,A fraye in S. Dunstones churche. and syr Iohn Trussell knyght, through the quarel of their two wyues, through the whiche fraye many [Page] people were sore wounded and hurt,A fraie in S. Dunstones churche. and one Thomas Petwarden Fyshmōger, slayne out of hande, wherefore both the frayers were brought to the Counter in the Pultrye, and the lord Straunge for begynning the sayd fraye, was the next sunday accursed at Paules crosse.

Anno. 5.

1417
Richard Marlowe Iremōger M.
Henry Reade S.
Iohn Gedney S.

This yere syr Iohn Oldecastell was sent vnto London by the lorde Powes out of Wales, the whiche syr Iohn for heresie and treason was conuicte, and for the same was draweu to saint Gyles fielde,Execution. where he was hanged on a newe payre of Gallowes with chaynes, and after consumed with fier.

The parson of Wrothā with his concubineAbout this tyme the parson of Wrotham in Norfolke, whiche had haunted newe market heath, and there robbed and spoiled many of the kyngs subiects, was with his concubyne brought vp to Newgate where he lastely died.

Anno. 6.

1418
Wil. Seuenoke Grocer M.
Rau [...] Barton S.
Iohn Parnesse S.

Kyng Henry conquered Rone, subdued [Page 140] all Normandie, and was proclaymed Regent of Fraunce for terme of the lyfe of Charles beyng then kynge. And after his decease y^e crown of Fraūce with all ryghtes belōgyng to the same: to hym and his heyres. For confirmation wherof, he toke to wyfe Catheryne the daughter of Charles.

Anno. 7.

Richard Whittingtō Mercer M.
R. Whittinghā S
1419
Iohn Butler S

This yere kyng Henry retorned into England and so to London and at west mynster Catheryn his wyfe was crowned the .xxiiii. daye of February.

Anno. 8.

Wyl. Cā bridge Gro. M.
Iohn Butler S.
1420
Iohn Welles S.

The Duke of Clarence kyng Henries brother, was ouer set by the Dolphyn of Fraūce, and slayne, to the kynges great displeasure.

Kyng Henry went again into Fraūce and made warre vpon the Dolphyn.

Anno. 9.

Ro. Chichely gro. M.
Richard Gosselyn S.
Williā Weston. S.
1421

The begining of this yere, O. Catherin was deliuered at windsor of a yōg prīe [...], [Page] whose name was Henry: and the tenth daye of August was the newe weather cocke set on Paules steple.

And this yere the Queene retorned into Fraunce to kynge Henry, where was a ioyful metyng, but after folowed sorowe: for shortly after the kyng being at Bofes in Uincent, he wered syck and died, the last daye of August, in the yere of our lorde .1422.. when he had reigned nyne yeres fyue monethes & ten dayes, he buylded the Shene and Sion,Shene and Syon buylded. and lyeth buried at westmynster.

King Henry the sixt. Anno Regni .1.

1422HEnry the sixt being an infant of .viii. monethes of age, began his reigne ouer this realme of England the last day of August, in the yere of our lord .1422. he was deposed the fourth day of March in the yere .1460. So he reigned .xxxviii. yeres syxe monethes and foure dayes, continuyng the tyme of his youthe, he was committed to the gouernaunce of Duke Humfrey of Glocester his vncle: [Page 141] whan he came to mans state, he was of wytte and nature, symple, gentyll, and meke, and loued better peace thē warre, quietnes of mynde then busines of the world: honestie then profite, rest & case, then trouble and care: all trouble, veration, vnquietnes, & iniuries, that euer happened to hym (whiche were many & great) he suffered so paciently that he reputed them to be worthely sent to hym of God for his offences.Tho. Coper. He fauoured good letters excellently well: in token wherof be erected two famous Colledges,The kynges colledge at Cābrydge, & the Colledge at Eaton buylded. the one at Cambrydge, called the kynges colledge, the other at Eaton: by meanes wherof good learnyng greatly increased.

In the begynnyng of this his reigne, dyed kyng Charles of Fraunce, by reason wherof,Ioh. Harding after maister Norham. the kyngdome of Fraunce should come vnto kyng Henry, and the nobles of Fraunce (except a fewe that helde with the Dolphin) delyuered the possession therof vnto the Duke of Bedford Regent of Fraunce, to the vse of kyng Henry.

Anno. 1.

William Walderne M.
Will. Estfield S.
1422
K. Tattarsale S.

[Page]A subsidie was graunted for three yeres, fyue nobles of euery sack of woll that should passe out of the lande.

Execution.A priest was burned for heresie, called William Tayler.

Newgate buylded.This yere the West gate of London, now called newe gate, was newly builded by the executors of Richard Whittington late Mayor of London.

Anno. 2.

1423
William Crowmar Draper. M.
Nicho. Iames S.
Th. Wadford S.

This yere the Duke of Bedford wan from the Dolphyn of Fraunce, manye strong holdes and townes, and nere to a towne called Uernell, be discomfited the Dolphyns whole power, for in that fight were slayne .iii. erles and many other noble mē, & .5000. cōmō soldiours.

Execution.Syr Roger Mortimer, for treasō was condemned by acte of parliament, and hanged and quartered.

The kynge of Scottes maried at saynt Mary Adries in Southwarke.This yere Iames kyng of Scottes, was deliuered, who had remayned prysoner in England .xviii. yeres, and he maried in saynt Mary Adries in Southwarke, the lady Iane daughter to the erle of Somerset, cosyn to kyng Henry.

[Page 142]

Anno. 3.

Iohn Michel M.
Symon Seman S
1424
Iohn Bywater S

This yere the kynge of Portingale came into England, and was honourably receyued.

This yere by the parliament holden at Westminster,The first custome payde by the marchauntes. was graunted to the kyng for thre yeres, to helpe hym in his warres, a subsedy of xii. d. in the pounde of all marchaundyzes brought in, or caried out of the Realme,Robert Fabian. and .iii. s of euery tonne of wyne, the whiche was then called tonnage and pondage, but synce it hath been renewed at sondrye parliamentes, and nowe is called custome. Furthermore, it was enacted that all marchaunt straungers should be lodged within an englysh host, within .xv. days of their coming to their porte sale, and to make no sale of any marchandyse or thei were so lodged: & then within .xl. days folowyng, to make sale of all that they brought, and if any remayned vnsolde at the sayde .xl. dayes ende, that then all suche marchandyse so vnsolde, to be forfeyte to the kyng.

Anno. 4.

Iohn Couē tre Mercer M.
Wil. Milrede S
1425
Iohn Brokle S

[Page] A parliament at Leicester, where the duke of Bedforde endued kyng Henry the sixt with the order of knyghthode, & then the king dubbed nere 40. knightesGrudge and variaunce betwene the Duke of Gloucester protectour of England, and his halfe brother the byshop of Wynchester, whiche was appeased by the regent of Fraunce, and debated by a parliament at Leicester, as ye maye reade at large in Edwarde Haull.

Anno. 5.

1426
Iohn Raynewell Fishmōger M.
Iohn Arnolde S.
Io. Nightham S.

This Iohn Raynewell Maior of Lō don before named, gaue certayne landes or tenemētes to the citie of London, for the whiche the same citie is bounde to paye for euer, all suche fyftenes as shall be graunted to the kyng (so that it passe not three fyftenes in one yere) for three wardes of the same, that is to say, Dougate warde, Bellynsgate warde, and Algate warde.

This yere the englysh men besiegyng Orliaunce, the noble & valiaunt knight syr Thomas Mountague, was slayne by a great misfortune, whose death was the beginnyng of al mischiefe to the Englysh men: for after this mishappe they lost by litle and litle, all their possessions in Fraunce.

[Page 143]

Anno. 6.

Iohn Gidney Draper M.
Hē. Frowick S.
1427.
Rob. Otley. S.

This yere a womā dwelling in white Chappell paryshe without Algate of London, was in the nyght murdered by a Bryttaine or Frencheman, whom she had cheryshed and brought vp of almes. Who conueying suche iewelles & stuffe as he myght carie,A murder quit with murder. was taken in Essex, and brought vp to London: but a sone as he came in the parishe where he had committed the murder, the wyues cast vpon hym so muche fylthe and ordure of the strete, that not withstanding the resistaunce made by the Cōstables, they slewe hym out of hande.

Anno. 7.

Henry Barton Skinner M.
Th. Dushous S
1428
Iohn Abbot S

This yere the Duke of Norfolk was lyke to haue been drowned, passinge through London bridge, his barge beyng set vpon the pyles whelmed ouer, so that he and very fewe escaped, beyng drawen vp with ropes, the rest were all drowned.

Anno. 8.

[Page]
1429
William Estefield Mercer. M.
Williā Russe S.
Ranfe Holland S.

This yere was kyng Henry crowned at Westmynster, of whom Iohn Lydgate mūke of Bury, made many goodly verses in prayse and commendation of hym and his coronatiō,Iohn Lidgate as ye may reade them in Robert Fabian, bothe of this coronation, and also of his coronation at Paris in Fraunce.

Anno. 9.

1430
Nicholas Wotton M.
walter Chertsey S
Robert Large S

A commotion at Abyngton.This yere at Abyngton, began an insurrection of certayne lyght persones, that entended to haue wrought muche mischiefe, but they were quieted by the lorde protector, and the chiefe authour beyng baily of the towne, named Wylliam Maundeuyll, a weaner, otherwyse namyng hym selfe Iack sharpe of wygmores land in Wales, with other were put to death.

Execution at Tyborne.This yere was one Richard Russel, a woll man, drawen, hanged, & quartered at Tiborne for treason.

Anno. 10.

1431
Ioh. Welles Grocer M.
Iohn Adyrlee S.
Step. Brown S.

[Page 144]This Iohn Wels of his goodes,The Stādard in cheape buylded. caused the conduit named the Standarde in cheape, to be buylded in Anno .1442.

This yere kyng Henry was crowned at Paris by y^e Cardinal of Winchester.The kynge of Englād crowned at Paris in Fraunce.

And this yere the kyng retorned into England, and so to London, where he was receiued with great ioy & triūphe.

Anno. 11.

Io. Parneis Fyshmōger M.
Iohn Olney S.
I. Paddesley S.
1432

This yere was sene in the southwest, a sterre called a Comete or blasing ster.A comete.

Anno 12.

Ioh. Brokley Draper M.
Tho. Chalton S.
Iohn Kyng S.
1433

The Erle of Huntyngton, was sent with a cōpany of soldiours into Fraūce, where he atchieued many great feates of armes.

Anno. 13.

Roger Otley Grocer. S.
Th. Barnwel S
Simond Eyre S
1434

This yere was a great frost,A great frost. that such marchandise as came to the Thames mouth, was caried to London by lande. This frost endured from the xxv. day of Nouember vnto the .x. day of February. whiche was .x. wekes.

[Page]And this yere deceased Iohn Duke of Bedford regent of Fraūce, after whose decease, all thynges went backwarde with the Englyshemen in Fraunce.

Anno. 14.

1435
H. Frowick Mercer M.
T. Catworth S.
Ro. Clopton S.

Charles of Fraunce, recouered the citie of Paris, and wanne by force the towne of Harflewe, and of saynt Denis expelling & murdering the Englyshmen in great number.

Calleis besieged.The Duke of Burgoyne besyegyng Calieis, was fayne to flye & leue muche of his ordinaunce behynde hym, at the commyng of Humfrey Duke of Gloucester, who pursued hym eleuen dayes, and destroyed the countrey as he went, vnto saynt Omers.

Anno. 15.

1436
Iohn Mychel M.
Tho. Morsted S.
Williā Gregorie S.

This yere on the thyrd day of Ianuary, dyed Queene Catheryne mother to kyng Henry the syxt, and wyfe to Henry the fifth, and lieth buried at Westmynster.

This yere on the fourtene day of Ianuary, the gate on London brydge with [Page 145] the tower vpon it next to Southwarke fell downe,A part of Lō don brydge fel downe. and .ii. of the furdest arches of the sayd bridge: but as God would no man therwith peryshed.

This yeare it was enacted by a parliament,Euery stranger payde to y^e Kyng .xvi. d. the weeke. that euery alient housholder in this realme shoulde paye wekely to the Kynge .xvi. d.

This yeare all the lyons in the tower of London dyed, whiche had ben there a long tyme.

Anno. 16.

William Eastfield Mercer M.
Wil. Chapman S.
William Hallis S.
1437

The kyng caused a greate obyte to be kept in Poules churche, for Sigismund the Emperour, who was knyght of the Garter.

Anno. 17.

Stephen Browne Grocer Mai.
Hugh Dyker S.
Nicolas Yod S.
1438

This yere on new yeres day,Thre hūdred men slayne. a stacke of wodde fell downe at Baynardes Castell, and slewe .300. men, and hurt many other.

There was so great a dearthe in Englande,Great dearth [Page] that the poore people made them breade of fetches, peason, & ferne rootes.

Xviii. persons murdered.This yeare by the falle of a strayre at Bedford .xviii. persons were slayn.

Robert Fabian.In this yeare the Cundyte in Fletestrets was begon by sir Wylliam Eastfield late Maior of London:The Condyt in Fletestrete buylded. and fynished of hys owne coste, without any one peny charge to the Citie.

This yeare dyed Roberte Chicheley grocer,An obyte for mayster Roberte Chicheley. and twise Maior of Lōdon, who wylled in his testament, that vpon hys Mynd day, a good competēt dyner shold be ordeyned for .2400. poore men, housholders of the Citie, if they myght bee founde, and .xx. li. in money distributed amongst theym, whyche was to euerye man .ii. d.

Anno. 18.

1439
Robert Large Mercer M.
Robert Marshall S.
Philyp Malyas S.

Execution at Tower hyll.A prieste was burned at the Tower hyll on the .xvii. day of Iune, whiche of the common people was counted an holy man, for that he said, the poster n shold synke (as afterwardes it dyd) and suche lyke thynges: they made theyr prayer to [Page 146] hym, and arrered a greate heape of stones, and pyght there a Crosse by night, vntyll a commandement was geuen by the kyng to the contrary.

The postern of East Smythfielde agaynste the tower of London sanke by nyght the .xviii. of Iuly.The posterne sanke.

Anno. 19.

Iohn Paddisley goldsmith M
Iohn Sutton S.
wil. Wetynhale S.
1440

Elianor Cobham, wyfe to Humfrey Duke of Gloucester, and other persons namely maister Roger Bolynbroke,Robert Fabian. a cunnynge negromancer, and Margerye Iourdemayn, cōmonly called the witche of Eie were accused,Edvvard Hal Thomas couper. that by sorcery and enchantmentes, they practised the kynges death: as by an image of ware, whiche through their diuelysh incantations should lytle and litle wast and consume, and so lyke wyse the Kyng to weare out of his life. Wherefore beyng examined & conuicte, Elianor Cobham was iudged to doo penaunce, as to beare a taper .iii. dayes, thorough the chiefest streetes of the Citie of London, and so to be exiled to the Ile of Man, vnder the kepyng of [Page] syr Thomas Stanley knyghte, Roger Bolyngbroke was drawen hanged and quartered at Tyborne,Execution. and Margerye Iourdemayn the witche, was burnt in Smythfielde.

Anno. 20.

1441
Ro. Clopton Draper M.
Wil. Combis S
Richard Riche S

This yeare the Towne of Depe was besieged by the Lorde Talbot, and rescued by the Frenchemen.

A great fraye in FletestreteThys yere was a fray in Fletestrete betwene the Innes of Courte, and the inhabitantes of the same strete: which fray began in the nyght, and continued tyll the next day, where were many mē slayne and hurt on bothe parties.

Anno. 21.

1442
Iohn Thirley Irōmōger M.
Tho. bewmoūt S
Rich. Nordon S

Paules steple a fyre.The steple of Paules churche in London was set on fyre with lightnyng, and lastly quenched by great diligence of many men: but chiefly through the labour of a priest of Bowe in cheape.

Anno. 22.

[Page 147]Thomas Carworth Grocer M
Nicolas wilford S
Iohn Norman S
1443

An act was made by the common coū sayle of London, that vpon the sondaye should no maner of thyng within the francheses of the Citie be bought or sold

Anno. 23.

Henry Frowicke Mercer M.
Stephē Foster S
Hugh Wyche S
1444

Kyng Henry by the aduice of the erle of Suffolke toke to wyfe Margaret, the kynges daughter of Sicile, and refused the daughter of the Erle of Arminake, with whome he had made his fyrst contract: which thyng was cause of muche miserie and trouble in England: as fyrst the losyng of Normandy: the diuision of the lordes within the realme, the rebellion of the Commonaltie agaynste the Prince: and fynally the Kynge deposed, and the Quene with the prince fayne to flee the realme.

Henry Chicheley byshop of Canturbury dyed,Alsoulne colledge & Bernarde colledge buylded in Oxenford. who in hys lyfe time builded two houses for studentes in the vniuersitie of Oxenforde, called Alsolne colledge, [Page] and Bernarde colledge.

Anno. 24.

1445
Symond Eyre Draper M.
Iohn Derby S
Godfrey Fildyng S

Leaden Halle buylded.Thys Symon Eyre afore named, builded the Leaden hall in London, and also a beautifull chapell in the east ende of the same: Ouer the gate whereof was written, as foloweth: Dextera Domini exaltauit me, That is to saye: The Lordes ryght hande hath exalted me. Wherby be doyng so notable a worke for the common weale, also lefte a notable example to other Citezens commyng after hym, whom God likewise exalteth with such temporall blessynges, that they be not vnthankefull to God, and theyr cōmon weale, wherin they haue receued them.

This yere was a peace concluded with France for one yeare.

Anno. 25.

1446
Iohn Onely Mercer M.
Robert Horne S.
Godfrey Boloyne S.

Hūfrey duke of Gloucester arested at Burye.Humfrey Duke of Gloucester, and protectour of Englande was at the parliament of Bury, arrested, and .vi. days [Page 148] after he was found dead in his bedde: of his deathe are dyuerse opinyons, whych I ouerpasse. Hee was huryed at Saint Albones.

William Wamflete a man of greate deuotion,Mary Magdalen colledge buylded in Oxenford. wysedome, and Iustice, was made byshop of Winchester and Chancelloure of Englande: thys man to the fortheraunce of letters, and studious yong men, erected the famous colledge of Marye Magdalene in Oxenford.

Anno. 26.

Iohn Gidney Draper M.
Williā Abraham S.
Thomas Scotte S.
1447

This yeare was taken the towne of Fogers from the Englyshemen, which was the cause that all Normandye was loste after warde.

Anno. 27.

Stephen Browne Grocer M.
Williā Catlow S.
Williā Marrow S.
1448

This yeare Roan was yelded to the Frenche Kyng.Roane yelded to the Frēche

Anno. 28.

Thomas Chalton M.
William Hulyn S.
Tho. Canynges S.
1449

[Page]The Marques of Suffolke was banished the land for .v. yeares, to appeace the rumor of the commons of England, for the death of the duke of Gloucester: who saylyng toward France,A Murder. was mett on the sea by a shyp of warre, and there presently beheaded, by the capitayn called Nicholas of the tower, and the dead corps cast vp at Douer vpon the sandes the fyrst day of May.

A commotion in Kent by Iacke Cade on Blacke heath.The commons of Kent in great number assembled on Black Heath, hauyng to their captain Iack Cade, naming him self Mortimer. Against whom the kyng sent a great armye, but by the sayd capitain and rebelles they were discomfited, and syr Humfrey Stafford & Williā hys brother wyth many other slayne: After this victorie the Capitaine and rebelles cam to London and cut the ropes of the drawe brydge, and entred the citye, and stroke his sworde on London stone, saying: Nowe is Mortymer lord of this citie. Upon the third day of Iuly, he caused the lorde Saye to be brought to the Guylde Hall of London there to be arraigned. Whyche before the Kynges Iustices, desyred to be tried by his peres [Page 149] but the capitayn perceyuing hys delay, by force tooke hym frome the officers, and at the standarde in Cheape smote of hys head. Hee also beheaded syr Iames Cromer at the mylls ende: And pytchynge these two heades on two polles entred the Cytie: and in despite caused them (beynge borne before hym) in euery streete to kysse togyther. After thys murder, succeded open robberye wythin the Cytie: But the Maior and other sage Maiestrates, perceiuynge theymselues, nother to bee sure of goodes nor lyfe, determyned to expulse this vngracious companye, and sente to the Lorde Scales, keeper of the tower, who promysed hys ayde, wyth shootyng of ordinaunce: and Mathewe Gough was appoynted to assyst the Mayre: so the capitaines of the Citie tooke vpon them in the nyght to keepe the brydge, prohybytyng the Kentyshe men to passe. The rebelles hearyng the bridge to be kept, ranne with great force to open that passage: where betwene bothe partes was a fierce encounter. The rebelles draue the Citelyns frome the stoulpes at the Brydge foote, to the drawe bridge, and [Page] sette fyre in dyuers houses: In conclusyon, the rebelles gat the drawe bridge, and drowned and slewe manye. This conflict endured tyll .ix. of the clocke in the mornyng, in doubtfull chaunce: so that bothe partes agreed to desiste from fyght tyll the next day, vpon condition, that neither Londoners should passe into Southwarke, nor the Kentishmen in to London. Then the archbishop of Canturbury being Chancellor, with the byshop of Winchester, passed into Southwarke, where they shewed a generall pardon for all offenders, vnder the kynges greate seale, whyche they caused to be proclaymed, wherevppon the whole multitude retyred home: but through a proclamation beyng made, that who so coulde apprehend the sayd Iacke Cade, shoulde haue a M. markes, one Alexander Iden founde hym in a gardein, who in hys defence slewe the said Iack Cade and brought his body to London, where his head was set on London brydge.

The bishop of Salisbury was murdred by y^e cōmons of the west countrey.

Anno. 29.

1450
Nicolas Wiford grocer M
Io. Middleton S
Williā Dere S

[Page 150]The whole duchy of Normandy was yelded to the frenche kynge, by meanes of the Quene, and the duke of Somerset: whiche caused so muche trouble in England, that mortall warre ensued.

Anno. 30.

Williā Gregorie skinner M
Mathew Philip S.
Christop. wartō S.
1451

A commotion began thys yere by the duke of Yorke,The duke of York begane a commotion. and other noble menne, which was appeased for a tyme, and the malice dissembled.

Anno. 31.

Godfrey M.
Feldyng M.
Richard Lee S.
Richard Alley S.
1452

Thys yeare the Quene was delyuered of a Prynce, who was called Edwarde.

Anno. 32.

Iohn M.
Norman M.
Draper M.
Iohn Waldern S.
Thomas Coke S.
1453

Before this Maiors yeare, the Maior, sheriffes, and commons were wonte to ryde to Westmynster, when the Maior should take hys charge: but this Maior was rowed thyther by water: For the whiche, the water men made of hym a [Page] songe, begynnyng, Row the boate Norman &c.

The fyre of enuye that a good space had couertely smouldered betwene the Duke of Yorke, and the Duke of Somerset, with other of the Quenes counsayle, at thys tyme brake out in hot and fierce flames of warres. In so muche, that betwene the Kynge, who defended these persones, and the Duke of Yorke, wyth hys alies,A battayle at saint Albons. at Sainct Albons a cruell battayle was foughte: In the ende wherof, the victory fell to the Duke of Yorke. And on the kynges partye was slayne the Duke of Somerset, the Erle of Northumberlande, the Lorde Clyfforde, wyth many other honorable men knyghtes and Squyers. After whyche tyme, the Duke wyth great reuerence broughte the Kynge frome Sainct Albons to London. Where by a Parlyamente, hee was made Protectour of the realme, the Crie of Salisbury Chauncellour, and the Erle of Warwyke captayne of Calice.

Anno. 33.

1454
Stephen Maf.
Foster Maf.
Iohn Field S.
williā Tailor S.

[Page 151]This yeare in London was a greate fray at saint Martyns le grand,A great fraye in London by saintuary mē by sainctuary men, who issued foorth and hurte diuers citisens: but it was appeased by the Maior and other. There was suche greuous complaints made therof to the Kyng by the deane of Sainct Martins, that the liberties of the citie were in perill to be seysed.

Anno. 34.

William M.
Marrow M.
Grocer M.
Iohn Yong S.
1455
Tho. Dulgraue S.

By meanes of the Quene and other lordes,A ryot in Lō don agaynst y^e Lombardes. the duke of Yorke was discharged of his protectorshyp: whyche thyng was cause of newe grudge and malice.

A great ryot committed in London agaynst the Lombardes and Italians, because a mercers seruant was caste in pryson for strikyng an Italian.

Anno. 35.

Thomas M.
Caninges M.
Grocer M.
Iohn Steward S.
Rafe Uerney S.
1456

At Erith within .xii. miles of London were taken .iiii. wonderful fishes:Great fyshes taken. wherof one was called Mors Marina, the second [Page] a swoorde fyshe, the other twoo were whales.

A fleete of Frenchemenne landed at Sandwych,Sandwitche spoyled. and spoyled the towne with great cruelty.

Anno. 36.

Godfrey M.
1457
Boleyne M.
Mercer M.
Williā Edward S.
Tho. Rayner S.

A fained agremēt was made betwene the Kyng, the Quene, and the Duke of Yorke with his retinue:A great procession. for ioye wherof, a generall procession was celebrated in sainct Paules at London. At whyche solempne feast, the King in habite royal and his diademe on hys heade, kept hys state in procession: before whome wente hand in hande, the Duke of Somerset, the Erle of Salisbury: the Duke of Excester, and the Erle of Warwike: and so one of the one faction, an other of the other sect. And behynde the kynge, the Duke of Yorke ledde the Quene, with greate familiaritie to all mens syghtes. But wo worth dissimulation: for theyr bodies were ioyned by hande in hande, whose heartes were farre in sunder, as appered shortly after.

[Page 152]

Anno. 37.

Tho. Scot M
Draper M
Rafe Iosselyn S.
Rich. Medthā S.
1458

The noble scyenco of printynge was founde in Germany at Magunce by one Iohn Cuthenbergus,The Science of pryntynge a knight: he found moreouer the Inke by his deuyce, that printers vsed .xvi. yeare after printyng was founde, which was the yeare of our Lord .1458. one Conradus an Almayn brought it into Rome: & Nicolas Iohnson a frenche man dyd greatly polyshe & garnishe it. And now it is dispersed thorough the whole worlde, as saythe Poliedore Virgile. William Caxton mercer of London fyrst brought it into Englande: aboute the yeare of our Lord .1471. and practised the same in the abbey of sainte Peter at Westmynster.

The Duke of Yorke, the Erles of Salisburye and Warwicke, with a greate hoste met the Kyng and other lordes of England vpon Bloreheath nere to Lō don:Bloreheathe fyeide. where because Andrew Trollop a captayn of Calice, the nyght before the battaile should haue ben, fledde with a companye of the beste souldiours to the Kynges parte. The Duke of Yorke, [Page] the Earles of Marche, Salisbury, and Warwyke, mystrustyng them selues to bee to weake, departed wyth a preuye companye, and fledde: The Duke into Irelande, the .iii. Erles into Gernesey: and after to Calais, without any notable battayle.

Symōd Eyre deceased.This yeare deceased the famous citesen of London Symond Eyre: Who (as before is saide) builded the Leaden hall in London: and in the chapel of the sayd hall was written in Latine, as foloweth in Englisshe: The honourable and famous marchant Symond Eire founder of this worke, once Maior of this Citie, Citezen and draper of the same, departed oute of this life, the .xviii. daie of September, the yeare of the Incarnation of Christe .1459. and the .38. yeare of the reigne of King Henry the .vi.

Anno. 38.

1459
William M.
Hulyn M.
Fishmonger M.
Io. Plūmar S.
Io. Stocker S.

The .iii. Erles cōming frō Calice with a pussaunt armie, the .ix. daie of Iulie mette Kinge Henrie at Northampton, [Page 153] and gaue hym strong battayle.A battayle at Northamptō In the ende wherof the victorie fell to y^e erles, and the kynges host was dispersed, chased, and many slayne: amonge whiche was the Duke of Buckingham, the erle of Shrewesburie, the lorde Egremount, with other, and the kyng taken in the fielde.

The Duke of Yorke retornyng into Englande,The Duke of Yorke made clayme to the crowne. made suche clayme to the crowne, that by consent of a parliament he was proclaymed heyre apparaunte, and all his progeny after hym.

Margarete the Quene, in this meane tyme in all haste possible, had gathered a company of Northern men: and neare to a towne in the North, called Wakefielde, in a cruell fyght discomfited and slew the Duke of Yorke,A battayle as Wakefielde. with his sonne the erle of Rutlande, the erle of Salysbury, was taken prysoner with dyuerse other noble men.

Anno. 39.

Rich. Lee M.
Grocer. M.
Rich. Flemyng S
1460
Iohn Lambard S

The Quene with hir retyne we neare saynt Albons,The seconde battaile at S. Albons. discomfited the earle of Warwick and the Duke of Norfolke, & delyuered kyng Henry hys husband.

[Page]Edward erle of March, & eldest sonne to the Duke of Yorke: came vp to London with a myghty power of Marchmē, accompanyed with the earle of Warwycke, and by agreement of a councell, was proclaymed kynge of Englande, and called Edwarde the fourth: shortly after, he pursued kyng Henry towarde Yorke, where he gaue a sore battayle to the kyng and his company.A battayle at Sherborn on Palmesondaye. This fyght was so cruell and fyers, that in the field and chase were slayne .xxx. thousand of the commons besyds men of name: of the whiche were the erles of Northumberlande, and Westmerlande, the lorde Clyfford, Androwe Trollep, and other, to the number of eleuen.Kyng Henry the syxt fayne to flye the lād And kynge Henry lost all, and was fayne to flee the lande, when he had reigned eight and thyrty yeres .vi. monethes, and foure dayes. And Quene Margaret with the yong prynce fled to her father the Duke of Angeowe.

[Page 154]

King Edwarde the fourth. Anno Regni .1.

EDwarde the fourth,1460 began his dominion ouer this Realme of Englād, the fourth daye of Marche, in the yere of our lorde .1460. and lefte the same the .ix. daye of April, in the yere 1483. so he reigned .xxii. yeres one moneth and fyue dayes. He was a man of noble courage, and great wyt: but in his tyme was muche trouble and vnquietnes in the realme.

Anno. 1.

Hughe Wiche M.
Iohn Looke. S.
1461
George Irelande. S.

This yere the Staplers of Calless demanded of kyng Edward .18. thousand poūds, which they had lēt him to mainteyne his warres against kyng Henry, but their sute was smally regarded, and lastly denyed.

Anno. 2.

Thomas Coke M.
Wil. Hampton S
1462
Barth Iames S

Margarete the Quene, and wyfe to Henry the sixt, landed in Englād about the beginning of Nouember, but hauyng small succour and euyll fortune: [Page] was fayne to take the seas agayne, and by tempest of weather, was dryuen into Scotland.

Anno. 3.

1463
Mathewe Philippe Goldsmyth M.
Robert Basset S
Th. Muschāpe S

The lorde Mountague, hauynge the rule of the North,A battayle at Exham. discomfited kyng Hē ry, commyng out of Scotlande with a great power, to recouer the crowne: this is called the battayle of Exhā, in which were taken the Duke of Somerset, the lorde Hungerford, the lord Roas, which were after put to death w^t many other.

Kyng Edward secretly maried.Kyng Edward was secretly maried to Elizabeth Gray, late wife of syr Iohn Graye: at whiche mariage was none present, but the king, his spouse, the Duches of Bedford, the priest, twoo gentle women, and a yonge man to helpe the priest to masse. For which mariage rose great variance betwene the kynge and the erle of Warwick, his chief fryende and mainteyner.

Kyng Henry takē prysonerThis yere was kyng Henry taken in a woodde in the North countrey, by one named Cantlowe, and arested by the erle of Warwicke, and presented to the [Page 155] kyng Edwarde, and sent to the tower, where he remayned longe after in the Dungyon.

Anno. 4.

Raufe Iosselyn Draper M.
Iohn Tate S.
1464
Iohn Stone S.

This yere the kyng ordeyned a newe coigne,A new coign as the ryall, the angell, the halfe aungell, and the farthyng: ryals were x. s. the angel .vi. s. viii. d. And the grots were made of lesse value then they were by .viii. d. in an oūce. The siluer that before was at .ii. s. viii. d. the ounce, was nowe inhaunced to .iii. s. iiii. d. the oūce, and fyne golde that before was .xxx. s. the ounce, was now inhaunced to .xl. s. the ounce.

And this yere was Queene Elizabeth crowned at westmynster on Whytsondaye, or the .xxvi. daye of Maye.

Anno. 5.

Raufe Uerney Mercer. M.
Sir Hē. weuer S
Wil. Cōstātin S
1465

This yere the .xi. daye of February, the Queene was delyuered of a daughter, who was named Elizabeth.

Anno. 6.

S. Io. Yong Grocer. M.
Iohn Brown S
1466
Henry Brice S

[Page]Iohn Darbie Alderman, for that he refused to paye for the cariage awaye of a dead dogge lying at his gate, and for vnmete language, whiche he gaue vnto the Maior, was by a court of Aldermen assessed with the fyne of fyue pounde, whiche he payed euery peny.

Anno. 7.

1467
Thomas Owlegraue M.
Hūf. Heyford S
Th. stalbroke S

Syr Thomas Cooke, alderman of London, was accused of treason, and arraygned of the same, and founde not gyltye: but yet by reason of the Lorde Treasorer, who was not his friende, he was deteyned in prison, and coulde not be delyuered vntyll he had fyned with the kyng for .8000. poundes which he payed.

A greate iustes was in Smythfyelde betwene the lorde Scales, and the bastard of Burgoyne.

Anno. 8.

1468
Wil. Tayler Grocer. M.
Symō Smith S.
Wil. Hariot S.

This William Tapler Maior of Lō don afore named, gaue to the citie of Lō don certaine tenementes, for the whiche the citie is bounde to paye for euer, at [Page 156] euery fiftene to be graūted to the kyng, for all such people as shal dwel in Cordwayner strete warde, that shall be sessed at .xii. d. the piece, or vnder. Which charitable worke ought not to be forgottē, but remayne in remēbraunce to the exā ple of them who are able to do the lyke.

The grudge whiche the erle of Warwyke had conceyued against kyng Edward for the forsayde mariage, declared it selfe openly, so that he adioyned hym with the Duke of Clarence the kynges brother, and by their meanes styrred so the Northren men, that they dyuers tymes rebelled and turned the kynge and the realme to much trouble.A battayle at Banbery. But shortly the kyng so demeaned hym selfe, that the rebelles were suppressed. Wherfore the erle of Warwych, perceyuynge hys part to be weakened, fled with the duke of Clarence, and other into Fraunce.

Anno. 9.

Rich. Lee Grocer. M.
Rich. Gardiner S.
1469
Robert Drope S.

The Duke of Clarence, the earles of Warwycke, Penbroke, and Oxenford, [Page] landed at Darthmouth, to whome by meanes of proclamations, that were publyshed in the name of kyng Henry, the commons gathered in so great companies,K. Edwards fled into Flā ders. that Edward fearyng his part, fled into Flaūders to the Duke of Burgoyne. Then was Henry the syxt set at lybertie, and agayne proclaymed kynge by meanes of the erle of Warwyck and other, and Edward proclaymed vsurper of the crowne: but that contynued not longe.

Execution.The erle of Worcester was beheaded at the tower hyll, and his body with the head was buried in the blacke fryers churche.

Anno. 10.

1470
Io. Stockton Mercer M.
Iohn Crosby S.
Iohn Warde. S.

Queene Elizabeth wyfe to Edwarde the fourth, beynge in the sanctuary of westmynster, was deliuered of a prince, who afterward was Edward the fifth.

Kyng Edward beyng retorned out of Flaunders, arryued in the North parte of England, with a very small company of soldiours: but by meanes that he vsed and through his brother y^e Duke of Clarence, who turned now to hys parte, he [Page 157] came so puisaunt to London that he entred the citie, and tooke kyng Henry in the Byshops palaice, and than went agaynst the erle of Warwick,Barnet finde on Easterday. whom he vanquyshed and slewe with his brother Marques Mountag [...]e, on Glademoreheath nere Barnet, ten myles from Lō don. Shortly after, at Tewkesbury,A battayle at Teukesbury. he ouerthrew Queene Margaret, the wife of Henry. In whiche battayle was takē the sayde Margaret with Edwarde the Prynce her sonne, the Duke of Somerset, and dyuers other. Kyng Edwarde againe receyued his royaltie, and was taken for kyng, and vncourteously slewe prynce Edwarde sonne of Henry the .6. after he had taken hym prysoner:Crueltie. as by smyting hym on the face with his gaūtlet: after which stroke, his seruaūtes sodaynly fell vpon hym, and slewe hym out of hande: so sayth Halle, Fabian, and Raistall.

A commocion styred by the bastarde Fawcombrydge,The suburbes without Algate and Byshopsgate burnte. and the commons of Kent, and Essex, who robbed and spoyled the suburbes of the cytie of London, and fyred Byshops gate and Algate.

Henry the syxt was murdered in the towre of London,Murder. and buried at Chertsey, [Page] and after remoued to Wyndsor: he founded the Colledge and schole at Eaton, nyghe to Wyndsor.

Anno. 11.

1471
Williā Edward Gro. M.
Iohn Alleyn S.
Ioh. Chelley S.

The erle of Oxenforde was sent prysoner to Guynes, where he remayned prysoner, so longe as Edwarde the fourthe reygned, whiche was twelue yeres in all, whiche tyme the lady hys wyfe, myght neuer come to hym, nor had any thyng to lyue vpon, but what people of theyr charities woulde geue hyr, or what she got by hyr nedle.

Anno. 12.

1472
William Hampton Fyshmō. M.
Iohn Browne S
Th. Bledlowe. S

This Mayor was a good iusticer, he punyshed in hys yere many Bawdes and Strompettes, and caused them to ryde with raye hoodes, and made a payre of Stockes to bee sette in euerye warde of the cytie.

Anno. 13.

1473
Iohn Tat Mercer M.
William Stocker S
Robert Bellisdon S

[Page 158]In this yere the erle of Excester was founde dead in the sea, betwene Douer and Calleys.

One Iohn Gose, was burned at the tower hyll for heresy.Execution [...] towre hyll.

Anno. 14.

Ro. Drope Draper. M.
Edmūd Shaw S.
Thomas Hyll S.
1474

This Robert Drope Maior of Londō,The conduite in Cornehyll enlarged. afore named, buylded the east ende of y^e conduite in Cornehyll.

Kynge Edwarde required of his subiectes a beneuolence, whiche they gaue him, and so he sailed into Fraunce with a great armie, to aide the Duke of Burgoyne: but by sute of the Frenche kyng, a peace was concluded for seuen yeres.

Anno. 15.

Robert Basset Salter. M.
Hugh prince S.
Ro. colwich S.
1475

This Maior dyd sharp correction vpō Bakers, for makyng of lyght bread, in so muche that he set dyuers of them on the pyllory, whose names I pas [...]e ouer. And a woman named Agnes Deyntie, was also there punyshed for sellynge of false mynged butter.

Anno. 16.

Rauf Iosseleyn Dra. M.
Rich. Rawfō S.
1476
Wil. Horne.

[Page] A part of Lō don wall new buylded.This yere by the dyligence of this Maior, the newe wall of London, from Creplegate to Byshopsgate, was made as it nowe is, the Maior with his company of the Drapers, made all that part betwyxt Alballowes church in the same wall and Byshops gate, of their owne proper costes: and the other companies made y^e other deale, whiche was a great worke to be done in one yere, cōsidering the purueyaunce of the stuffe.

Anno. 17.

1477
Humfrey Heyford Goldsmith M.
Henry Colet S.
Iohn Stocker S.

This yere the Duke of Clarence seconde brother to the kyng,Murder. beyng prysoner in the towre, was secretly put to death, and drowned in a barell of maluesey, within the sayd towre.

Anno. 18.

1478
Richard Gardyner Mercer M.
Rob. Herding S.
Robert Byfeld S.

A great pestilence.This yere was a great dearth, and also a great death at London, and in dy [...]ers other partes of this Realme.

Anno. 19.

[Page 159]Bartholo. Iames Draper M.
Thomas Ilam S.
Iohn Warde S.
1479

This Thomas Ilam sheryffe afore named, newely buylded the great conduyte in Cheape of his owne proprecostes.

This yere at the towre hyll wereExecution. .4. felons hanged and burned for robbyng of a churche.

Anno. 20.

Iohn Brown M.
William Daniel S.
William Bacon S.
1480

This yere the kynge requyred great sommes of money to be lent hym of the citizens of London, who after diuerse assemblies graunted to lende him .5000. marke, whiche was repaied agayne in the next yere folowyng.

Anno. 21.

William Hariate Draper M.
Robert ae S
Wil. Wykyng S
1481
Rich. Chawry. S

This yere the Scottes began to stirre, against whom kyng Edwarde sent the Duke of Gloucester, and diuers other, whiche retourned agayne without any notable battayle.

Anno. 22.

[Page]
1482
Edmond Shawe goldsmith M.
Wil. Whyte S.
Iohn Mathew S.

This Edmund Shaw builded Criple gate in London.

Kyng Edward makyng great prouision for warre into Fraunce, ended hys lyfe the .ix. of Apryll, in the yeare of our Lorde .1483. when he had reigned .22. yeares .i. moneth and v. dayes. He was buryed at Wyndsor, leauyng after him two sonnes, Edwarde the prince, & Rycharde Duke of Yorke, with .v. daughters, as Elizabeth that after was quene Cicelie, Anne, Katherine, and Bridget.

King Edward the fifthe. Anno. 1.

1483EDward the fyft of the age of .xi. yeres began hys reigne ouer this Realme of England the .ix. of Apryll, in the yeare of our Lord .1483. and was murdred by Richarde Duke of Gloucester the same yere, the .22. day of Iune. so he reigned .2. monethes and .xi. days. Thys Edwarde was neuer crowned, [Page 162] but cruelly murdred by Richarde Duke of Gloucester his vnnatural vncle: who after vsurped the Crowne, and was called Richarde the third.

King Richard the thirde. Anno Regni .1.

RIchard the thyrd brother to Edwarde the fourthe,1483 thorough many cruel dedes lastly obteyned the Crowne of England: Fyrst to compas his wycked and dyuelyshe purpose: hee put to death those noble men, which he thought wold not consent to hys mynde in all thynges: the other he corupted with ryche gyftes: then by hys vntruth and falshode,Quene Elisabeth toke saintuary at west mynster. he wrested from the quene Elizabeth (beynge than in sanctuarie:) Rychard her yonger sonne, and brother to the Prynce: Thyrdly he caused to be publyshed at Poules Crosse, by one doctour Shawe that Edward the fourthe, hys elder brother was not ryghtely begotten of hys mother, but by aduoutrye: and therefore that neyther he, nor hys chyldren had ryght to the Crowne: [Page] or as some wryte, he caused to be publyshed, that the prynce & his brother were not ryghtfully begotten of Queene Elizabeth: and therfore the ryghte of the crowne to be his, whiche in fyne he toke vpon hym, and to make a perfect worke of his crueltie, shortly therupon shamefully murdered the two yonge chyldren in the towre of London,Murder. and vsurped the crowne two yeres and two monethes.

Anno Regni .1.

1483
Robert Bylisdō Habardasher. M.
Tho. Norlād S.
W. Martyn S.

Grudge began betwene kynge Rychard the thyrde, and his nere friende the Duke of Buckyngham: in so much that for displeasure therof, the Duke cō spired with dyuers other noble men agaynst hym, and intended to bryng into the lande Henry erle of Rychmonde, as ryghtful heyre to the crowne. This Hē ry had fled into Brytayne, fearyng the crueltie of Edward y^e fourth: for whiche conspiracie, the saide Duke of Buckingham with dyuers other, was shortly after taken and put to death.

Henry erle of Rychemounte, aided with the Britaynes, entended to arriue [Page 163] in Wales: but hys nauie was so scattered with a contrary wynd, that he was fayne to retyre backe agayne into Brytayne for that tyme. Dyuers noble men detestyng the tyranny of kyng Richard, fled into Britayne. and there adioyned them with the Erle of Richemount.

Anno. 2.

Thomas Hyll Grocer M.
Richard Chester S
Tho. Britayne S
1484
Rafe Astrie S

This Thomas Hill buylded the Cundyte in Gracious strete.

The noble prince Henry erle of Richmount, with a small company of Frenchemen, landed at Mylford hauen, nygh Pembroke, whose commynge when it was hearde of in Wales, dyuers noble men with their retinue, forsakyng Rychard, gathered to hym in greate number: so that his strengthe in short space greatly increased. At a village nere to Leicester, called [...]osworthe, he mette with his enemies; where betwene them was foughten a sharpe battaile:A battayle at Bosworth. In conclusion, kyng Rycharde with dyuers other, was slayne, and Henry obteyned a noble victory: After whyche conquest, [Page] he was immediatly crowned kynge of England in the field:K. Richarde slayne in the fielde. and the dead corps of kyng Richard was broughte to Leycester and there buried at the Gray friers churche.

King Henry the seuenth. Anno Regni .1.

1485HEnrie the seuenth began hys reigne ouer this realme of England the .22. day of August in the yeare of our Lorde .1485. and deceased in the yeare .1509. the .xxii. day of Apryll: So he reigned .xxiii. yeares, and .viii. monethes: he was a prince of meruailous wysedome and polycie, and of great iustice, temperaunce, and grauitie. He so behaued hym in the time of his Reigne, that not withstandynge manye and greate occasions of trouble vnquietnes and warre. Hee kepte his Realme in ryghte good rule and order. Wherfore he was greately estemed & reuerenced of foreyne princes.

Anno. 1.

1485
Hugh Brice M.
Goldsmyth M.
Iohn Tate S
Io. Swanne S

[Page 164]This yeare maister Thomas Ilam Alderman of London and marchant of the Staple at Calaice newe made the great Cundite in Cheape,The greate Cundyte in Chepe newe buylded. of hys owne goodes.

The Kynge ordeyned a numbre of chosen Archers,The first yeomen of the garde. and other stronge and hardy persons, to geue daily attendance on his person, whom he named yeomen of his garde.

This yeare was the sweatyng sycknes,A sweatynge sycknes. of the whyche a wonderfull multitude dyed: and in London besydes other there dyed .ii. Maiors, within .viii. dayes, and .vi. aldermen.

This yeare the beautyfull Crosse in Cheape was newe buylded and made.Arnolds chronicle of London. The Crosse in Cheape buylded. Towarde the buyldyng wherof, Thomas Fysher mercer, gaue .vi. C. marks.

Anno. 2.

Sir Henry Colet mercer M.
Iohn Perciuall S.
1486
Hugh Clopto [...] S.

This yere the king maried Elisabeth eldest daughter of Edward the fourth:Kyng Henry the .vii. maried lady Elisabeth, daughter to K. Edward the .iiii. by whyche meanes the twoo famylyes of Yorke and Lancaster, the whyche [Page] had long caused diuision, was knytt together in one.

About this tyme Francis Louell, and Humfrey Stafford rebelled in y^e north: with them was Martin Swart. Which commotion was quieted by the policy of the Duke of Bedford,A battayle at Stoke the 16 daye of Iune but not without bloud shedde: For there was slayne the Erle of Lyncoln, the lord Louell, Martyn Swart, & other, aboue .iiii. thousand.

And this yeare was borne prince Arthure, in the moneth of September.

Anno. 3.

1487
Williā Horne Salter M.
Iohn Fenkyll S.
williā Remingtō S.

This yere was quene Elizabeth crowned at Westmynster vppon saynt Katherines daye.

Anno. 4.

1488
Robert Tate Mercer M.
williā Isake S
Rafe Tinley S

This yere was a taske of the .x. peny of all mens goodes and landes:A great taxe, the Earle of Northumberlande slayn. through which the commons of the northe slew the Earle of Northumberlande, wherfore Chamberlayne their capitayn with other was hanged at Yorke.

[Page 165]

Anno. 5.

Williā white Draper M.
williā Capel S
1489
Iohn Broke S

This yeare one Roger Shauelocke slewe hym self:Desperation. For whole goodes was muche busynes betwene the kyngs amner and the sheryffe.

Anuo .6.

Iohn Mathewe mercer M.
Hēry Coot S.
Ro. Reuell S.
1490
Hugh Hēberton S.

Syr Robert Chamberlain beheaded.Execution.

This yere the Kyng required a beneuolence, which was to hym granted toward his iourney into France.

Thys yeare Creplegate of London was new buylded at the costes and charges of syr Edmūd Shaw goldsmith late Maior of the same citie.Creplegate of London builded.

In Iuly was Henry the kyngs second sonne, borne at Grenewiche.

This yeare the beautifull Cundyte in Gracious strete,Arnoldes cronicles of London. was begon to be buylded: The stone worke wherof was fynished in the yeare .1494.The Cōdite in Gracious strete. But the fyrst water ran out therof, on the .xix. day of March, in the yere .1503. the .xix. yere of Henry the .vii. and not before. Whyche Cundyte was buylded at the costes and [Page] charges of sir Thomas Hyll grocer: as it doth appeare by certaine verses, writen on the same Cundyte, as hereafter followeth.

Thomas Hill knight, late Maior of this citie,
with his wife dame Elisabeth, of their charity
For the loue of God, & weale of the cōmonaltie
Of their costs onely, thys thyng dyd edyfie,
Out of the ground with all thyngs necessary.

Anno. 7.

1491
Hugh Clopton mercer M.
Tho. Wood S.
Wil. Brown S.

This yere kyng Henry toke hys voyage into France with a greate army to aide the Britōs against the french king

Anno. 8.

1492
Wil. Martin skinner M.
Wil. Purchas S
wil. Welbecke S

This yere was a peace concluded betwene the kings of England & France, and kyng Henry returned agayne into England.A fray in Lō don agaynste the Styliard men. And this yere was a fraye or ryote made vppon the Easterlynges or Stilliard men, by Mercers seruauntes, and other: For the whyche dyuers of them were sore punished, and the chiefe aucthors were kept long in prison.

[Page 166]

Anno. 9.

Rafe [...]stry fish monger M.
Robert Fabiā S
1493
Iohn wynger S

This yeare wheat was solde for .vi.d. the bushell,Good cheape wheate and baye salte. and baye salte at .iii.d. ob. the bushell.

Anno. 10.

Rich. Chawry salter M.
Nicol. Alwin S.
1494
Iohn warner S.

This yeare was white hearyng sold at .xl.d. a barell beyng good.Herrynges at iii.s.iiii.d. y^e barreli.

Dyuers gentylmen in England were appeached of treason, and for fauoryng the conspiracie of Parkyn Warbeck: of whiche some were pardoned, and some put to death.

Perkyn Warbecke, whyche by the counsayle of Margarete of Burgoyne,Perkyn warbecke. namyng hymselfe Rycharde of Yorke: Kynge Edwardes seconde sonne, arryued in Kente: where hee was dryuen backe by the Uplandyshe menne, and other of the inhabitauntes of the countreye, wyth the losse of dyuers of hys men:Great execution of .160. persons. and shortely after were hanged an hundred and three score persones of the forenamed Rebelles, in dyuerse and sundrye coastes of Englande.

[Page]The .v. captains were Mountford, Corbet, Whitebelt, Quintin, and Genyne.

Anno. 11.

1495
Syr Hē ry Colet mercer M.
Tho. Kneisworth S
Henry Somer S

The Scots brake into the north partes of England by the setting on of Perkyn Werbecke, and dyd muche harme to the borderers.

Anno. 12.

1496
Iohn Tate mercer M.
Iohn Shaw S
Rich. Haddon S

This Iohn Tate builded saint Anthonies in London: a goodly foundation, as shall hereafter be declared.

Where kynge Henry made preparation for warre into Scotland,Black heath ficide. by means of a payment that was graunted to the Kyng by act of parliament, a new commotion was made by the Commons of Cornewall: whyche vnder the leadyng of the lorde Audeley, wyth Mighell Ioseph the Black smyth, and dyuers other came to Blacke heath, where the kyng met with them, and discomfited the rebells,Execution. and toke theyr Captaines, which were shortly after, drawen, hanged, and [Page 167] quartered: The lorde Audeley was beheaded at the tower hyll, the .xxviii. day of Iune.

Kyng Henry sent an army into Scotlande under the guydyng of the Erle of Surrey, and the lorde Neuell, whyche made sharpe warre vpon the Scots.

A mariage concluded betwene prince Arthur, and lady Katherine the kyngs daughter of Spayn.

Perkyn Werbecke landed agayne in Cornewall,Perkin Warbeck besiegeth Excetor. and assaulted the towne of Excetour and other places: but finally he toke the saintuarie of Beaudly, and was after pardoned his life.

Anno. 13.

Williā purchase mercer M.
Bartholo. Rede S.
1497
Tho. windought S.

A peace proclaimed betwene the kinges of Englande and Scotlande for the terme of both theyr lyues.

Perkyn Warbecke endeuoured to steale away secretly out of the land: but he was taken agayne by his kepers, and by the kynges commaundement cast in the Tower of London: where after he was shewed at westminster, & in Chepe [Page] on scaffoldes, and stocked, to the great wonderment of many people.

This yeare one Godfrey a carpenter, toke downe the Wethercock of Paules and set it vp agayne.EdVvarde Haule.

English marchantes receiued with procession.This yeare the Englishe marchants (beyng long absent out of Flaunders) commynge into Flaunders with marchandise, wer receyued into And warpe with generall procession: so glad was the towne of theyr returnyng, whiche was by theyr absence sore hyndred and impoueryshed.

Anno. 14.

1498
Sir Iohn Perciuall mar. tailer M.
Tho. bradbury S
Stephē Ienins S

Execution at saint Thomas watrynges.At saincte Thomas Watryng a strypling was put to execution, whych called hymselfe Edwarde Earle of Warwycke, and sonne of George Duke of Clarence: whiche George synce the begynnyng of Kyng Henries reygne was kept secretly in the tower of London.S. Antonies church in Lō don buylded. Thys yere master Iohn Tate aldermā of Lōdon began to edifie S. Anthonies [Page 168] churche iu London with a notable free schole to the same adioynynge, and also one almes house for poore people.

The .xvi. day of Iuly, beyng sonday, and the next sondaye folowyng .xii. persones bare faggots at Paules crosse.

Anno. 15.

Nicholas Alwyn mercer M.
Iames wilforde S.
1499
Richard Bronde S.

This yeare the .xvi. daye of Nouember was arraygned at Westmynster,Perkin werbecke & other hāged, drawē and quartered at London. Perkyn Warbeck and .iii. other, which Perkyn, and one Iohn a Water, were executed at Tyborne, the .xxiii. daye of the same moneth of Nouember.Execution at London.

And soone after, on the .xxviii. daye of Nouember was the Erle of Warwike put to deathe at the Tower hylle, and one Blewet and Atwood at Tyborne.

This yere was a great death in London:A great pestilence. Whereof (after Fabyan) dyed .xx. thousande, but after Halle hys Chronicle .xxx. thousand.

In Maye the Kynge and Quene sailed to Calaice:The kynge & quene sayled to Calyce. and at saynct Peters, they mette wyth the Duke of Burgoyne,

[Page]

Anno. 16.

1500
William Remington Fishmōger M.
Iohn Dawes S.
williā Stede S.

Arnolds chronicles. Richmonde Baynards castell & Grenewich buildedThis yere the Kyng buylded new his manour at Shene, & changed the name therof, and named it Richemont: and he buylded newe his place called Baynardes castell in London, and repayred his place at Grenewiche, with muche other buyldynge.

Syr Edmund de la Poole, Duke of Suffolke, departed secretly: by meane of whom, was lyke to haue ben a newe insurrection.

Kyng Henry trouthplighted his daughter Margaret to Iames the Kyng of Scottes: and the .4. day of October landed at Plymmouth, Katherin daughter of the kyng of Spayne:s. Anthonies churche fynyshed. and thys yeare was fynished by master Tate the churche of sainct Anthonies.

Anno. 17.

1501
sir Iohn Shawe goldsmith M.
Sir Lau. Ailmer S
Henry Hede S

This syr Iohn Shawe mayre of London before named, caused the kitchens [Page 169] and other houses of office to be bnylded at the Guylde hall of London, and sens that tyme the Mayors feastes hath ben there kept: where as before that tyme they were kept eyther at the Grocers or the marchant Taylers Halle.

On saint Erkenwalds day, prince Arthur,Prince Arthur maried. beyng but .xv. yeare olde, was maried unto Katherin, daughter to Ferdinando Kynge of Spayne, the .xiiii. of Nouember,Arnolde. whiche Arthur shortly after departed this mortal life at Ludlow and was buried at Worcester.

The dyche from Thames to Holborn bridge was new caste.

Anno. 18.

Bartho. Rede Goldsmith M.
Hēry Keble S
1502
Nico. Nines S

In this yere began the newe worke of the Kynges chapell at Westmynster,The death of Quene Elisabeth. and Elizabeth Quene of England dyed at the Tower of London in chyldebed, and was buried at westminster. Shortly after was dame Margarete the Kynges daughter,The kynge of Scottes maried. maryed to the Kynge of Scottes.

This yeare the felowshyp of Taylers in London purchased a graunte of the [Page] Kynge to bee called Merchaunts Tayloures.

Anno. 19.

1503
sir williā Capell Draper M.
Christo. Hawes S.
Robert wattes S.
Tho. Granger S.

The .xxi. daye of Nouember, was a dreadfull fyre vppon the north ende of London bridge.Fyre on London brydge. And vpon the .vii. daye of Ianuary were certayne houses consumed wyth fyre agaynst sainte Botulphes church in Thames strete: and the xxvii. day of Marche was an house burned against saint Martins le grand, and the same day was hurt done wyth fyre in the parishe of saint Peter the poore.

This yeare was holden a parliament where was ordeyned a new coyne of siluer:A new coyne as grotes, halfe grotes, and shyllinges with halfe faces: and in the same parliament was graunted to the Kyng the loane of .36000. li.

Anno. 20.

1504
Iohn Winger Grocer M.
Roger Achilley S
Williā Browne S

This yeare the lyberties of the Cytie of London were agayne confirmed.

Anno. 21.

[Page 170]Thomas Kneisworth Fishmōger M.
Rich. Shore S.
Rog. Groue S.
150 [...]

This Thomas Kneysworthe Maior of London,The cundite at Byshops gate buylded. of his owne goodes, buylded the Cundyte at Byshoppes gate. Moreouer, he gaue to the companye of the Fishmongers, certayn tenements, for the whyche they be bounde to fynde iiii. scholers that studye arte: two to be at Oxenforde, the other two at Cambridge: euery of them to haue .iiii. li. the yere for their exhibition. They be boūd also to geue to .xiii. aged poore people of their company, to euery of them euerye weke .viii.d. & to euery of them at Bartylmeutide a winter garmēt of frise, or such like for euer. And also to geue to y^e prysons of Newgate & Ludgate, euery yere .xi.s. whose notable workes by him done, are wel worthy of remembrance, and to be folowed of others.

Edmonde dela Poole was conueyed through the citie vnto the tower of London, and there left as prisoner.

This yere Philip king of Castile and hys wyfe,The kynge of Castyle lāded in Englande. were weather dryuen into Englande, as they were passynge [Page] towarde Spayn [...], who were honorably receiued by the Erle of Arundell at the kynges appoyntment with .iii. C. horses all by torchelyght.

Anno. 22.

1506
Sir Rich. Haddon mercer M.
wil. Copinger S
Tho. Iohnson S
wil. fitz william S

Prisoners delyuered.Thys yere the kyng of his goodnesse deliuered out all prisoners in London, whiche lay for .xl. s. aud vnder.

Anno. 23.

1507
William Browne mercer M.
Williā Butler S.
Iohn Kyrkeby S.

In the ende of Aprill dyed william Browne maior, and for hym was chosen Laurence Ailemer draper, who serued out that yere.

This yeare syr William Capell was put in suite by the Kynge for certayne thynges by hym done in the tyme of his Maioraltie.

Anno. 24.

1503
Stephen Genings M.
M. tailer M.
Tho. Ermeu S.
Rich. Smith S.

This yere was finyshed the goodlye [Page 171] hospitall of the Sauoy,The hospitall of the Sauoy buylded. nere vnto Charing crosse, whiche was a notable foundation for the pore done by king Henry. the seuenth.

This yere dyed this moste noble and famous prince kyng Henry the seuenth which was in the yere .1509. the .xxii. day of April,The new chapell at Westminster buylded by kynge Hēry the .vii. when he had reigned .23. yeres, and eight moneths, and was buryed at Westminster in the new chapel, which he had caused to be builded: and lefte behynd him Henry prince of Wales, whiche after him succeded, lady Margaret quene of Scottes, and lady Mary promised to Charles kyng of Castile.

King Henry the eight Anno Regni .1.

THe renoumed prince Hē ry the eight,1509 beyng .xviii. yeres of age, succeded his father in the gouernance of this realme, and began his reigne the .xxii. day of Aprill, in the yere of our Lord .1509. and deceased in the yere .1546. the .xxviii. day of Ianuary: so he reygned .37. yeares .ix. [Page] monethes and .vi. days. Of personage he was tall and myghtie, in wytte and memorie excellent: of suche maiestie tempered with humanitie and gentlenesse, as was comely in so great a prince.

Margaret mother to Henry the .viii. buylded .ii. colledges in Cambridge: and Willyam byshop of Lyncolne buylded Brasenos in Oxenford.

Kyng Henry maried ladye Katherin his fyrst wyfe.Kyng Henry maried the lady Katherin late wyfe to prince Arthure.

Richard byshop of Wynchester buylded Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxenforde.

Anno. 1.

1509
Thomas Bradbury mercer M
George Monoxe S
Iohn Doket S

Thys yeare syr Rycharde Empson knyght, and Edmund Dudley Esquier, who had ben great counsaylours, to the late kyng Henry the seuenth, were beheaded at the tower hyll the .xvii. daye of August: Whose attachement (whervpon folowed y^e execution) was thought to be procured by the malyce of theym, who wyth theyr auctoritie, in the late Kynges dayes were offended, orels to [Page 172] shyft the noyse of the straight execution of penall statutes in the late Kynges dayes, by punyshment of those persons, so saythe Halle. Thys Edmonde Dudley compyled one notable boke, and named it the tree of common wealth: The oryginall copie whereof, I haue seene, though rudely written, worthy (for the excellencie thereof) to be written wyth letters of golde. A copy wherof, I haue geuen to the ryght honorable lorde, the Earle of Leicester.

Sir Wylliā Fitz wylliās was disfranchysed because he would not be sheriffe.

This yeare master doctor Colet deane of Poules erected a free schole in Paules churche yarde in London,Paules scole buylded. and committed the ouersyght therof to the maisters and wardeynes of the company of Mearcers: because hym selfe was borne in London, and sonne of Henry Colet, whoe was a Mearcer, and Maior of London.

Anno. 2.

Henry Keibell mercer M.
Iohn Milborn S
Iohn Reste S
1510

Henry, the fyrst son of king Hēry the right, was borne on new yeres day: for [Page] ioy [...] wherof, a great iustes was kepte at Westminster: & on saint Mathewes day folowyng the chylde dyed.

Anno. 3.

1511
Roger Achiley Draper M.
Nico. Shelton S
Tho. Mirfyn S

King Henry sent the lord Darcy with a goodly company of men into Spayne to ayde the kynge hys father in lawe against the Moores: but ere he arriued, a peace was concluded betwene theym: wherefore shortely after he retourned home agayne.

The same tyme syr Edwarde Poynyngs (accompanied with the lord Clinton, and dyuers other, was sente into Gelderland, with .xv. C. archers, to aide the prince of Castile, at the requeste of Margaret Duches of Sauoye, and Regent of Flanders.

Syr Edmond Haward and the lorde Thomas Haward toke Andrew Barton, and .150. Scots, with .ii. great ships.

The kyng of Scottes requyred hys shyps that were lately taken to bee restored, accordyng to the league: but answer was made by kyng Hēry, that the matter perteined nothing to the league [Page 173] because that Andrew Barton was a pirate, and robber on the seas.

The .xv. day of Ianuary was holden a parliament, in the which two fiftenes and two tenthes of the clergie wer grā ted to ayde the king in his warres, that he entended agaynst the French kyng.

Anno. 4.

William Copinger fishmōger M.
Rob. Holdernes S
Rich. Haddon S
1512
Rob. Fērother S

This yeare was finyshed the beautifull steple with the lanterne of Bowechurche in cheape.

The lorde Marques Dorset (with diuers other lordes and knyghtes) was sent into Spain with an army of .13000. men, who (a good part of the sommer) dyd much harme in Guyon by spoilyng the countreis. But in wynter returned by meanes of a flixe, which fell among his men.

Sir Edward Haward admirall of Englande, with a great nauie scowred the seas, and then went toward Britayne.

Kyng Henry sent forth a nauy of .xxv. shyppes: among the which the Regent a shyppe royall was chiefe.

[Page]Sir Edward Haward lorde admirall of Englande through his to muche hardinesse was slayn in Britayn, after whō his brother syr Thomas Hawarde was made admirall by the Kyng.

The nauies of Englande and France metynge at Britayne Baye,A battayle on the sea. foughte a cruell battaile, in the whiche the regent of England and a Caricke of Fraunce, beyng crappled together, were burned and their captaynes with theyr men all drowned, the englishe capitayn was sir Thomas Kneuet, who had wyth hym 700. men, in the frenche carricke was sir Piers Morgan with .900. men.

Anno 5.

1513
Williā Brown mercer M.
Iohn Dawes S.
Iohn Bridges S.
Roger Basforde S.

Kyng Henry beyng confederate with the Emperour and the kyng of Spayn, passed with a great power into France, where hauyng in wages vnder his banner the Emperor Maximilian, & all the nobilitie of Brabant, Flaunders & Holland: he discomfited the whole power of France,Turney and Turwyn. & conquered Turwyn and the great citie of Turney. In thys time the [Page 174] kynge of Scots, not withstandyng that he was sworn on the sacrament to kepe peace, inuaded this land with a myghty Armie: but by the good diligence of the Quene, and the policie and manhode of the Erle of Surrey the kynges lieutenant, he was hym selfe slayne, with .xi. of his erles, and the Scottes discomfyted, but not wythout great losse of Englyshemen.

Before this tyme the townes about London,Edvvarde Haule. as Islington, Horton, & suche other had so enclosed the common fields with hedges and dyches, that neyther the yong men of the citie myght shoote, nor the ancient persons walke for their pleasure, except either theyr bowes and arrowes wer broken or taken away, or the substanciall persons arested or endited, saying: That no Londoner shoulde go out of the citie, but in the hygh ways. This saying sore greued the Lōdoners, and sodainly this yeare a great number of the Citie, assembled in a mornyng, & a turner in a fooles cote cam crying thorough the citie, shouels & spades: & so many people folowed, y^t it was wonder and within a short space al the hedges about [Page] the townes were cast down, and the d [...] ches filled, and euery thing made plain. The kynges counsaile hearyng of thys assemblie, came to the graye friers, and sent for the Maior and counsaile of the citie to knowe the cause, which declared to them the noysance done to y^e citisens, and their commodities and liberties taken from them, though they wold not, yet the cōminaltie whiche were anoyed would plucke vp and remedy the same. When the kynges counsayle had heard the answer, they dissimuled the matter, and cōmanded the Maior to see that no other thynge were attempted, and to cal home the citisens, which when they had done their enterprise, came home before the kyngs coūsell, and the Maior departed without any more harme doyng: and soo after the fieldes were neuer hedged.

Sir Iohn Wallop burned diuers tounes and villages in Normandie.

Anno. 6.

1514
George Monore Draper M.
Iames Yarforde S.
Iohn Mundye S.

A peace concluded betwene England [Page 175] and France, & Lewes the french kynge coupled in mariage with lady Mary the kynges syster: on newe yeres day folowyng, he ended his life: wherfore king Henry sent agayne for his syster by the duke of Suffolke and other.

This yere Richard Hunne a marchāt taylour of London was foūd hanged in Lollers tower.

Anno. 7.

sir williā Butler grocer M.
Henry worley S.
Richard Gray S.
1515
Williā Baily S.

Lady Mary kyng Henries daughter was borne at Grenewich in February.Lady Marye borne at Grenewyche.

Lady Mary the kynges syster before maried to the Frenche kyng, returned into Englande: and shortely after was maried to the duke of Suffolke.

Margaret Quene of Scottes, kynge Henries eldest syster, fled into Englād, and laye at Harbottell, where she was delyuered of a chyld, called Margaret. In Maie she came to London, where she taried a whole yeare before she departed into Scotlande.

Anno. 8.

Iohn Rest Grocer M.
Tho. Seimer S.
Rich. Thurstō S.
1516

[Page] A great frost.This yere, was suche a frost, that all men wyth cartes myght passe betwene Westminster and Lambeth.

All May day.On May euen this maiors yeare, the begynnyng of the .ix. yere of kyng Henry was an insurrection of yong persons, agaynst aliens: of the whyche dyuers were put to execution, with theyr capitayne Iohn Lincolne, a broker, and the resydue came to Westminster with halters about their neckes, and were pardoned. This was called Euyl May day, whereof ye may reade in Edward Hall.

And in May the Quene of Scottes returned to her countrey agayne.

Anno. 9.

1517
Sir Thomas Erme [...] Goldsmith M
Th. Balorie S.
Rich. Symō S.

Many dyed in Englande of the sweatynge sicknes,The sweatyng sycknes. and in especially aboute London: wherfore the terme was one day kept at Oxenford, and adiourned agayne to westminster.

The admirall of Fraunce came into Englande as ambassadour with a great company of gentylmen.

The citie of Turney was delyuered [Page 176] agayne into the Frenche kyngs hande:The Citie of Turney yelded frenche. for the whiche he should pay vi. C. thousande crownes: and for the castell that the kynge buylded .iiii.C. thousand and 23000. poundes turnoys.

A peace was concluded betwene the kinges of England France and Castile for terme of their lyues.

Anno. 10.

Thomas Myrfyn Skinner M.
Iohn Alleyn S.
1518
Iames Spencer S.

This yeare the Erle of Surrey was sente into Irelande as deputie, and the Earle of Kyldare was of his office dyscharged.

Anno. 11.

sir Iames Yarforde Mercer M.
Iohn wilkinson S.
Nicol. partrige S.
1519

This yeare was greate preparation made for the kyngs goyng into France to mete the frenche kyng at Arde.

As Kynge Henry was at Canterburye wyth the Queene, in a readynesse to haue passed the sea, he hearde [Page] of the Emperoures commynge, wyth whom he met at Douer, and accompanied hym to Canterburie: where after the Emperor had saluted the quene his aunt: he toke shypping into Flanders: the last day of May kyng Henry passed ouer to Calais, and met with Francis the Frenche Kynge, at the campe betwene Arde and Guysnes: where was great triumphes and many goodly sightes, in so sumptuous maner, as the like had not ben sene. Immediatly after he met with the Emperour, with whome he went to Grauelyn, and the emperor retourned wyth hym to Calais, where he had great chere: after whyche tyme they departed, and kyng Henry returned into this realme.

Anno. 12.

1520
syr Iohn Bruge Draper M.
Iohn Skeuingtō S
Iohn Remble S

In this Maiors yeare the .xvii. day of May, whyche was in the .13. yere of the Kynge,The duke of Buckynghā beheaded. was the duke of Buckyngham beheaded at London for treason: as ye may rede at large in Edward Hall his chronicles, the .12. and .13. yeare of Henry [Page 177] the .viii. hys body with the head was buried at the frier Augustins at Lōdon.

Kyng Henry wrate a boke against Luther, and therfore the byshop of Rome named hym defender of the faithe. To whiche booke Luther aunswered very sharply, nothyng sparing the auctoritie or maiestie of the kyng.

The frenche Kynge attached all Englyshe mens goodes at Burdeaux, and deteyned the kynges tribute, and the Frenche Quenes dower.

All frenchemen were attached in the citie of London, and cast in prison.

The .v. day of Iuly the cardinall rode through Lōdon to Douer to mete with the Emperor, beyng accompanied with ii. Erles .xxxvi. knyghtes, an .C. gentilmen .viii. byshops .x. abbots .xxx. chaplaines all in veluet and satyn, and .700. yeomen.

This yeare was a greate pestilence and deathe in London,Edvvarde Halle. and other places.

Anno. 13.

Sir Iohn Milborne Draper M.
Iohn Britain S.
152 [...]
Tho. Pargeter S.

[Page]This syr Iohn Mylborne (to his great commendation and the ensaumple of other the worshypfull of this citie, buylded certaine almost houses, wherein be placed .xiii. aged poore people, who haue theyr dwellynges rente free, and also .ii. shillinges .vi. d. the piece payde to them the fyrst day of euery moneth, for euer.

Kyng Henry fyrste nawed defender of the sayth.The seconde daye of February, the Cardinall declared, howe the byshop of Rome had sent kyng Henrye the fif [...]e of defender of the christen faith, and to his successours for euer.

The Emperours coming to London.Thys Charles the fyfthe Emperor of Rome came into England, and was honourably receiued into London, by the Maior, the Aldermen, and commons of the Citie, the syrt of Iune, the kyng hym self accompanying him: from thens he went to Wyndsour, and sate in the stall of the garter. At this tyme was talke betwene the Emperour and kyng Henry, for the mariage of Lady Mary the kyngs daughter, being about the age of .vii. yeres, after great feastes iustes and honourable entertaynment, hee departed to Hampton, and sayled [Page 178] from thense into Spayn. Duryng this tyme, the Earle of Surrey Lorde Admyrall brente Morles in Britayne, and than retuurned into the Realme. Not longe after (hauyng an armye appoynted to hym by the Kynge) hee passed ouer to Calaice, and entred Pycardye, and brent dyuers townes and castelles. He besieged Hesdyng, but because winter drewe nere, he raysed his siege, and returned home.

The Duke of Albanye began to enter this lande wyth a greate armye: but hearyng that the Erle of Shrewesbury was commynge, hee tooke a truce for vi. monethes.

Anno. 14.

Sir Iohn Mondye goldsmith M.
Iohn Rudston S
Jo. Champneis S
152 [...]

The lorde Rosse and lorde Dacres of the Northe, burned the Towne of Kelsey in Scotlande, wyth fower score Uyllages, and also dydde ouerthrowe eyghtene towers of stone, with all their bulwarkes.

[Page]The Emperor Charles Kyng Henry of England. Ferdinando, duke of Austrige, the byshop of Rome, the citie of Venice, and dyuers other in Italy were confederate against the frenche men.

The Rhodes taken by the turkes.The Turkes besieged Rhodes, and on Christmas daye tooke it, to the greate shame and rebuke of Christen men.

The lorde Marques Dorset wardeyn of the East marches, brent dyuers villages, holdes, and other places in Scotlande.

The kyng of Denmarke came into Englande.The .xv. daye of Iune the Kynge of Denmarke, and hys Quene aryued at Douer, and the .xxii. day of Iune, they came to London, and laye at the byshop of Bathes place.

Kyng Henry by letters complained vnto the princes of Germanie of Luther, who had writen to sharply against him, and desyred theym that he myghte not translate the newe Testament into the vulgar tongue.

Sharpe warre and often skyrmishes betweene the borderers of Englande Scotlande and France.

The Erle of Surrey burned .37. villages in Scotlād, & despoiled y^e coūtrey frō [Page 179] the east marches to the west, and ouerthrewe dyuers holdes and castels.

Anno. 15.

Syr Tho. Baldrie Mercer. M.
Michel English S
Nich. Ienyngs S
1523

In Decēber, at the cytie of Couentry one Philip Scholemaister to the kyngs henxmē Christopher Pykeryng clarke of the Larder, and Anthony Maynuile gentlemen, entended to haue taken the kynges treasure of his subsidie, as the Colectors of the same came towarde London, & therwith to haue araysed mē and taken the Castell of Kylyngworth, and then to haue made battayle against the kyng: for the whiche they were drawen, hanged, and quartered at tyborne. The .xi. daye of February, the reste that were taken were executed at Couētree.

The Duke of Suffolke, with many other lordes and knyghtes, was sent in to Fraunce by kyng Henry, with an armie of .10000. men: who passynge the water of Some without battayle, tooke dyuers townes and castelles, and destroyed the countrey before him. In December he returned agayne into Englande.

[Page]The erle of Surrey brent Iedworth in Scotlande, and toke dyuers holdes.

The Duke of Albanye, besieged the castell of Warke, and had in a redynes a great army to inuade Englande, but when he heard the erle of Surrey was commyng, he fled back into Scotland.

The souldiours of Guynes tooke a great bootie at a fayre in the towne of Morguyson, and syr Robert Iernyngham, and certayne dimilaunces of Calys, toke dyuers Frenche prysoners.

Anno. 16.

1524
Sir Wil. Bailie Draper. M.
Raufe Dodmer S
Wylliā Roche S

The fyrst weke of Lent, the Lorde of Camphier and other, came from the Emperour to kyng Henry. The byshop of Dunkell and other Ambassadours, came out of Scotland, and a legate from the byshop of Rome, to entreate a peace betwene England and Fraunce.

Syr Raufe a Fanwycke, Leonarde Musgraue, and bastard Hearon, were slayne in Scotlande, by to muche hardines in pursuing their enemies: at which tyme .300. Scottes were takē prysoners by the englyshemen.

[Page 180]Clement byshop of Rome, sent vnto kyng Henry in token of great loue,The golden rose sent from Rome. the golden rose, that he vseth euery yere to consecrate before Easter.

Great triumphe in England for y^e taking of y^e French kyng by y^e Emperour.

The Cardinall obteyned lycence of the byshop of Rome,The Cardinall first suppressed abbeis to suppresse certain abbayes, to the intent to erecte two colledges, one at Oxenforde, an other at Ipswyche, and to indue thē with lādes: whiche colledges he began so sumptuously, that it was not lyke they woulde come to good ende.

Kyng Henry was lyke to haue been drowned by leapyng ouer a diche in followyng his hauke.Kyng Henry in ieopardie to haue bene drowned.

This yere was the castell or towre, set vp at Grenewyche.

This yere the coyne was enhaunsed in England.The coyne enhaunced.

Luther by the counsell of Christerne king of Dēmarck, & certain other, wrate very hūble letters vnto kynge Henry of Englād, acknowleging a faulte in him self, that he had writtē before so sharply vnto hym: but when the kyng in his answere blamed Luther muche, and noted hym of lyghtnes and inconstancie, [Page] Luther repented his doyng, and wrate that he was deceiued when he thoughte to fynd Iohn Baptist in princes courtes and amonge them that were arayed in purple.

A murmuring was in al partes of the realme for payment of money, and in Suffolke .4000. men rose agaynst the Duke and other commissioners, which were appeased by the Duke of Norfolke and other.

A truce betwene England & Fraunce for a certaine space, and Ambassadours were sent into Denmarke for restoring of their kyng (whiche was then in Englande) but the Danes would graunt nothyng, they dyd hate hym so extremely for his crueltie.

Anno. 17.

1525
Syr Iohn Allen Mer. M.
Iohn Calton. S.
Christ. Askew S.

The .xi. day of February being shrofe sonday, fyue men of the Styliarde, dyd penaunce, three of them bare fagottes at Paules, and two of them bare tapers of waxe. And an Austen fryer, called doctor Barnes of Cambrydge, bare a fagot at Paules the same daye, and there was present at that tyme the lorde Cardinal [Page 181] with a .xi. bishops, y^e bishop of Rochester made the sermon against Martin Luther and his doctrine.

The same yere the .vi. daye of Septē ber,The goulde enhaunced. was a proclamation for goulde, the Frenche crowne was valued at .iiii. s. vi.d the Angel at .vii.s. vi.d. the Ryall at .xi.s.iii.d. and so euery pece after that value.

Anno. 18.

sir Tho. Seymer Mercer M.
Ste. Pecock S
1526
Nich. Lābert S

The thyrd daye of Iuly, whiche was in the .xix. yere of kyng Henry, the lorde Cardynall of England with great pōpe rode thorowe Cheape, and so towarde Fraūce, where he cōcluded a league betweene kyng Henry and the Frenche kyng, whiche both sent their defiaunce to the Emperour, and a stronge armie into Italy, to delyuer the byshop, & driue the Emperours power out of that countrey. The great maister of Fraunce, came to London with great triumphe, for the cōclusion of y^e [...]ornamed league.

The .xv. daye of Iuly, was one Harman drawen from newgate to tyborne,Execution at Tyborne. and there hanged for coyninge of false golde.

[Page]Also in Iuly and Auguste, was the sleweis made in Fynsebury fielde, to cō uey the ill waters ouer the towne dyche by pipes of lead into y^e riuer of Thames.

Great scarcitie of bread.In the same yere was suche scarcitie of bread at London, and all Englande, that many people died for defaulte therof. And the bread cartes that came from Stratforde to London, were met by the waye at Myles ende by the cytyzens of London, that the lorde Mayor and Sheryfes of London, were fayne to goe and rescue the sayde bread cartes, and see them brought to the markettes appoynted for the same.

Anno. 19.

1527
Syr Iames Spencer Uyntener. M.
Iohn Hardy S.
Wyl. Hollis S.

General peace proclaymed.The first daye of Nouember, the lord Cardynall with the Ambassadours of Fraunce, were at Paules, & there was proclaymed a generall peace betwene kyng Henry of England and Fraunces the French kyng, duryng their lyues, & a twelne monethes and a daye after.

The .viii. day of December, thre scholers of Cambridge, & one Forster a gentilmā of y^e court, bare fagots at Paules.

The fyfth day of Ianuary, the Cardinall [Page 182] with many byshops, abbottes, and priors, went a procession at Paules,Generall procession. and sang Le deum, for the escapyng of y^e Pope from the Emperour.

The .xiii. daye of Ianuary, was a great fyer at Andrewe Moris keye in Thames strete,Fyre in Thames strete. and at an other keye by it, where was muche harme done.

This yere a frenche Crayer of .xxx. tonne, beyng māned with .xxxviii. frēch men,A shyp chased to the tower wharfe. and a flemish crayer of .xxviii. tōne and .xxiiii. flemynges, metyng at Margate, the one chased the other along the ryuer of Thames to the towre wharffe of London: where syr Edmond Walsyngham, lieftenant of the Towre, stayed them bothe, and tooke bothe the captaynes and their men.

The vii. daye of Aprill, the lord maister of the Rhodes, came to London and laye at saynt Iohnes in Smythfielde.

The .17. day of Iune, y^e terme was adiourned to Mighelmas after,A sweatynge sicknes. because of the sweting sicknes that thē reigned in London, & other places of this Realme.

This yere because of y^e sweting sicknes ther was no such watch in Lōdō at Midsomer, as beforetime had hē acustomed.

The vii. day of October, came to lōdō [Page] a legate from Rome,A legate came from Rome. called Cardinall Campegius, who afterward with Cardinall Wolsey, sate at the Black fryers in London, where before them was brought in question the kinges mariage with Queene Katheryne, as to be vnlawfull, but they longe tyme protracted the conclusion of the matter, whiche delaye kyng Henry tooke very displeasauntly: in so muche that shortly after, the Cardinall Wolsey was deposed frō the Chauncelorshyp of Englande, &c. as ye may reade in Edward Haule.

Anno. 20.

1528
S. Iohn Rudstone Draper. M.
Ra. warrē S.
Iohn Lōg S.

The .xxix. daye of Nouember, the parysh priest of Hony lane, and a yong mā that some tyme was vsher of saynt Anthonies schole, bare fagottes at Paules, and two other, one a ducheman, the other an Englysheman, bare tapers of ware.

The .viii. daye of May, a pouchmaker bare a fagot at Paules. The .vi daye of September, one Iohn Scot woodmonger did penaunce in Chepe, and other places of y^e citie, goyng in his shert bare legged & bare footed, and proclamation [Page 183] made at the standard, at Leden hal, & at Erace church vpō his demeanor against the Maior Aldermen, and the shirifes.

The .xviii. daye of October, was the Cardynall discharged of his Chauncelorshyp,The Cardinall discharged of the chauncelorshyp. & the kyng seased al his goodes and his palaice at Westmynster, called Yorke place into his hādes, and the 25. daye of the same moneth, the Cardinall went from Yorke place to Ashere with xxx. persons and no more, and there to abyde tyll he knewe further the kynges pleasure.

The .xxvi. daye of October,S. Thomas More made chauncelour. was syr Thomas More made Chauncelour of England, and sworne & kepte his rome all one daye.

Wyllyam Tyndale translated the newe testament into englysh,The newe testament printed in english. and printed the same beyonde the seas.

A peace was agreed vpon, betwene kyng Henry of Englande, the Emperour, the Frenche kynge, the kynge of Boheme, and Hungary. The thyrd day of October, the kyng came to his place of Brydewell,A parliament at the Blackfriars. and there he and his nobles put on their robes of parliament, & so came to the black friars, and there sat in their robes, & began the parliament.

[Page]

Anno. 21.

1529
Syr Raufe Dodmer Mercer M.
Mich. Dormer S
Wal. Chāpion S

Cōmaundement was geuē by kyng Henry to the byshops, that Tyndales translation of the newe testament shuld be called in, and that they should see an other set forth to the profit of the people.

Fyre in the Uyntrie.The xiii. day of Ianuary, was a great fyre in the Uintry, and much hurt done.

Execution at the towre hylThe .24. day of Ianuary were .iii. mē one a Gascoyne, and twoo Irishe men, drawen from newgate to the towre hil, and there hanged and quartered, for coū terfeityng the kynges coyne.

Execution in Finsbury fielde.The .xvi. daie of May, was a gybet set vp in Fynsbury field, and a mā hanged in chaines for murderyng doctor Myles Uicar of saint Brydes.

Execution.The .v. daye of Iuly, was one hanged in chaynes in Fynsbury field, for murdering mistres Kneuets mayde at saint Antolins parishe.

To sende to the court of Rome forbydden.Kyng Henry, vpon occasion of delay y^t the byshop of Rome made in his controuersie of diuorcemēt, & through displeasure of such reports as he heard made of hym, by the Cardinalles to the court of [Page 184] Rome, and thirdly pricked forwarde by some councellors, to folowe the example of the Germaynes: lastly caused proclamation to be made in Septēber, forbyddynge all his subiectes to purchase any maner of thing from the court of Rome

Anno. 22.

sir Th. Pargitour Salter M.
wil. Daūcie S
1530
I. Choping S

The .v. day of April, was a cooke named Rychard Rose,One boiled in Smythfield. boyled in a cauldron of brasse in Smythfield, for poysoning y^e byshop of Rochesters seruaūtes & other.

The Cardinall being before cast & cō uict in a premunire:The Cardynall deceased. in Nouember was arrested by the erle of Northūberland at Cawood, and died at the abbey of Leicester, the .28 day of Nouēber, & was there buried, as he shuld haue ben brought to the tower of London.

The whole clergie of Englād,The Clergie condemned in the premunire beyng iudged by the kinges learned counsel, to be in the premunire, for maintaining y^e power legatiue of y^e Cardinal, were called by proces into the kynges benche to answere: wherefore in their conuocatiō, they concluded a submissiō,The kynge first named supreme head. wherin they called the king supreme head of y^e church of England, and were cōtented to geue [Page] the kynge .100000. poundes to pardon them their offences, touching the premunire by acte of parliament.

The kynges palace builded at S. IamesThis yere the kyng purchased (at his pleasure) y^e whole house of saint Iames and al the medowes about y^e same. And there made a fayre māsion and a parke, and buylded many costly and commodious houses for great pleasure.

The .xix. daye of August, the byshop of Norwich burned a batcheler of lawe called Thomas Bilney.

The .xxii daye of October, one Paitmer a marchaunt and a glasier, bare fagottes at Paules crosse.

Anno. 23.

1531
S. Nich. Lambert Grocer. M.
Ri. Greshā S
Ed. Altam. S

Execution in Smythfield.The .xxvii. daie of Nouember, was a monke of Bury burned in Smithfielde.

Execution at Tybornd.The .iiii. daye of December, was one Ryce Grifyn a gentylman of Wales, beheaded at the tower hyl, and his man hanged drawen and quartered at Tyborne for treason.

The .xxvii. daye of Ianuary, a Duche man bare a fagot at Paules crosse.

Execution in Smithfield.The last day of April, was one Baynam burned in Smithfield.

[Page 185]The .xxv. daye of May,Great fishes taken. was taken betwene London and Grenewiche, twoo great fyshes called Herlpoles, bothe a male and a female.

This yere,The Clergie sworne to the kyng. the othe that the clergie was wonte to make to the byshoppe of Rome, was made doyde by statute, and a newe othe confirmed, wherein thei cō fessed the kyng to be supreme head.

Syr Thomas More,S. Thomas More discharged of the chā celorshyp. after sute made was discharged of the Chauncelorshyp the .xvi. daye of Maye. And the fourth of Iune, the kynge dubbed Thomas Audeley knyght, and made hym keeper of the great seale. And not long after, lord Chauncelour of England.

Thomas Cromwell maister of the kynges Iewell house,S. Thomas Cromwell. began to bee in great fauour with kyng Henry, & was nowe of his counsell.

The .xv daye of Iune,Execution at the tower hyl were fyue men drawen from newgate to the tower hil, and there hanged and quartered for coynyng of syluer, and clyppyng of golde.

The fyfth daye of Iuly, was a priest dwellyng at saint Androwes besyde the wardrop,Execution at the towre hyl drawen from newgate to the tower hyll, and there hanged and quartered for clippyng of golde.

[Page] The priory of Crichurche put downe.Also in Iuly, the kyng put downe the priorie of Chrichurche in London, and all the Chanons of the same place: the kynge sent to other places of the same Religion.

The towre of London repayred.This yere in August and September, the kyng repayred the towre of Lō don, and made there muche buyldyng.

The fyrst of September, was my lady Anne Bulleyne, made Marques of Penbroke at Wyndsore.

The .vii. daye of October, the kynge went to Caleys and to Bulloyne, and came ouer agayne the .xiii. daye of Nouember followyng.

Anno. 24.

1532
Syr Steuē Pecocke Haberda. M.
Rich. Rainold S.
Iohn Martyn S.
Nich. Pynchō S.

The .xv. daye of December,Great fyre at Holborne. was a great fyre at the byshop of Lyncolnes place in Holborne, whyche dyd muche hurte.

Haule the famous chronicler, common Sergeant of London.The .xvii. daye of Marche, was Edward Haule gentylmā of Graies Inne, chosen to be common sargeant of the citie of London. Whiche Edward Haule made the notable boke of Chronicles.

The .x. day of Aprill, was a dole geuē [Page 186] at saint Marie Audries in Southwark:Foure mē .ii. women and a boie smouldered. at the whiche was so muche preace of poore people, that there was smouldred iiii. men .ii. women, & a boie starck dead.

This yere on saint Erkenwaldes daie kyng Henry had maried the lady Anne Bulloyne at Caleyce,Kyng Henry maried the lady Anne Boleyne. and the .xii. daye of Aprill beynge Easter eue, next followyng, she was proclaymed Queene of Englande.

The .12. day of May, one Pauiar being the town clerke of Londō,Desperation. hōg him self.

This yere on Whitsonday, beyng the last day of May,Quene Anne crowned. was y^e lady Anne Bulleyn solemnely & honorably crowned at Westminster.

The .xvii. day of Iuly, were two marchantes slaine on the water of Thames toward Westminster,A murder. by one Wolfe & his wyfe, who suffered for the same, as ye shall here after.

The .7. day of Septēber, was the lady Elizabeth daughter to king Hēry,Lady Elizabeth borne. borne at Grenewich, & there christened at the fryers church the .x. daye of September. The .5. day of October, was a great fire at Baynardes castell,A fire at Bernardes castell & did great hurt.

The .24. day of October, being sonday ther was a scaffold set vp at Pauls cros [Page] and theron stode a nonne,Anne Bartō. named Anne Barton of Courtopstrete besyde Canterbury, and twoo Monkes of Canterbury, and two obseruaunt fryers, and the parson of Aldermary in London called maister Gold: an other priest-confessour to the sayde nonne, and twoo laye men: and there preached at that time the byshop of Bangor, called the abbot of Hyde, where he shewed their offences, and so from thence they were sent to the tower of London.

Anno. 25.

1533
sir Christoper Askew Draper. M.
Wil. Formā S.
Tho. Kitson. S.

This yere Pope Clement cursed king Henry and the realme of Englande.

This curse was hanged on a churchdore at Dunkirke in Flaunders, and taken downe by one William Locke, a Mercer of London.

A great fishe taken.The .xxviii. daye of Ianuary, was a great fyshe taken at Blackwall, called a whale, and was brought vp to westmynster to the kyng to see, & so brought downe to broken wharffe, and there cut out.

Commissioners were sent all ouer [Page 187] England, to take the othe of all persons to the acte of succession,An othe to the kyng. for the refusall of whiche othe, doctour Fysher byshop of Rochester, & syr Thomas More late lorde Chancellor of England were sent to the tower of London.

The fyrst day of April wer Wolf and his wyfe hanged on two gybets,Wolfe & his wyfe hanged at Lambeth. at the turnyng tree in Lambeth marshe, for murdryng of the two marchant strangers afore named.

The .xx. day of Aprill were .ii. monkes of Canturbery .ii. obseruant friers,Execution at Tyborne. the persone of Aldermary in London, and the Nonne called the holye Mayde of Courtopstrete in Kent: all these were drawen from the tower of London vnto Tyborne, and there hanged and beheaded, and their heades set on London bridge, and other gates of the Cytie of London, and their bodies buried.

The .xx. daye of Aprill all the craftes and companies in London were sworne to the Kyng,Othe to the kyng. and to the Quene Anne, and their heyres.

The .xxvi. yere of the kyngs reigne, the .xv. day of May was a great fyre at Salters hall in Breadstrete, and much [Page] harme doone.

The .v. day of Iune were all seruants and prentices of the age of .20. yeres, or aboue, sworne to the Kyng, and Quene Anne his wife, and to the issue of them.

Lord Dacres of the northe.The .ix. day of Iuly was the lord Dacres of the north, arrained at Westminster of hygh treason, where he so wittyly and directely confuted hys accusers, that to theyr great shame he was found by his peres, not gyltie.

Edvvarde Halle. Iohn Frythe brēt in smithfielde.The .xxii. day of Iuly, was one Iohn Frith a yong man of excellent wyt and learnyng, burned in Smythfield for his opinions concerning the sacrament, and with hym a yong man called Andrewe Hewet a taylours seruant.

The .xi. day of August was all the places of the obseruant Friers,Fryer houses suppressed as Grenewyche, Canterburye, Rychmounte, Newarke, and newe castell put downe, and Austen Friers sette in their places, and the same obseruauntes were put in places of gray fryers.

The .xiii. daye of Auguste was a greate fyre at Temple barre,A fyre at temple barre. and muche hurte doone, and certayne persones burned.

[Page 188]The .xvi. daye of Auguste was burned the kyngs stable at Charyng crosse otherwyse called the mewes,The kynges stable brent. wherein was burned many great horses, & greate store of haye.

The .xxi. day of September doctour Taylour,Master Thomas Cromwell master of the Rolles. maister of the Rolles was discharged, and for hym maister Thomas Cromwell was appointed and sworne, the .ix. day of October, who afterward bare great rule.

Anno. 26.

Sir Iohn Champneis skinner M
Nicol. Lewson S.
Wil. Denham S.
1534

In Nouember was held a parliament wherin the byshop of Rome with all his authoritie was cleane banyshed this realme,The byshops of Romes authoritie abrogated. and commandement geuen, that he shoulde no more bee called Pope, but byshop of Rome, & that the kyng should be reputed and taken as supreme heads of the Churche of England, hauyng ful aucthoritie to reforme all errors, hereses and abuses in the same.The fyrst frutes gyuen to the kyng. Also the first fruites and tenthes of all spirituall dignities and promotions, were granted to kyng Henry by acte of parlyament.

[Page]The .xxix. day of Aprill, the pryor of the Charter house of London, the prior of Beual, the prior of Exham, and a brother of the same called master Reignoldes, and a prieste called mayster Iohn Haile, vicar of Thistilworth wer al condemned of treason, and iudged at westminster to be drawen,Execution at Tyborne. hanged and quartered at Tyborne, who were there executed the fourth daye of May, and theyr heades and quarters set on the gates of the citie of London, and at the Charter house of London was set one quarter.

The .viii. day of May the kyng commanded all about his court to poll their heades,Polled heads & to geue them ensāple, he caused his owne head to be polled likewise.

The .xxv. day of May was a great examination of heretikes,Examination of Hollāders. borne in Hollād, there was examined .xix. men, and .vi. women of the same countrey borne.

The seconde day of Iune Edwarde Halle the famous Chronicler was chosen an vnder sheriffe of London by the Maior and common counsell,Master Halle vnder sheriffe of London. who was before the common sergeant of London as is aforesayd.

The .iiii. day of Iune a man and hys [Page 189] wyfe borne in Holland were burned in Smithfield for the arrians heresie.Execution in Smythfield.

The .xviii. day of Iune wer .iii. monks of the Charterhouse,Execution at Tyborne. named Ermewe, Midlemor, & Nudygate, drawen to Tyborne, and there hanged and quartered.

The .xxii. day of Iune was doctor Fysher byshop of Rochester,The byshop of Rochester beheaded. beheaded at tower hyll, his head was set on London bridge, and hys bodye buryed wythin Barkyng churche.

The .vi. day of Iuly syr Thomas More was beheaded at the tower hyll for deniall of the kinges supremacie.Sir Thomas Moore beheaded.

The erle of Kyldar dyed in the tower of London: and his son Thomas Fitzgarret, rebellyng in Ireland, slewe the byshop of Deuelyng, and toke the kinges ordynāce. Wherefore kyng Henry sent thyther sir William Skeuington, wyth a company of souldiours.

In October the kyng sent doctor Lee to visite the abbeys,A visitation of the abbeys priories and nonneries in England, & to put out all religious persons that would go, and all that were vnder the age of .xxiiii. yeres, and all such monkes, chanons, & fryers that were so put out, the abbot or prior shold [Page] geue euery one in stede of their habite, a priestes gowne, and .xl. s. of money. And the nonnes to haue such apparell, as secular women weare, and to goe where they would, he toke out of monasteries and abbeyes their reliques and chiefest iewelles.

Anno. 27.

1535
sir Iohn Alleyne mercer M.
Hūfr. Monmothe S
Iohn Cottes S

A generall procession.The .xi. day of Nouember was a great procession at London by the kynges cō mandement, wherin the waites of the Citie goyng formost, folowed the chyldren of the grammer schole of the mercers chapell with theyr master, the scholers of Sainct Antonies with theyr master and vsher, the scholers of Poules schole, with their master & vsher, & then al the minstrels of London in theyr best apparell, and the mayster of the sayde mynstrelles, with his coller next went the crouched fryers, the Austen fryers, the whyte friers, the graye fryers, the blacke friers, all in copes, wyth theyr crosses and Candelsticks: The chanons of saint Mary Auderies, of sainct Bartholomewes, of Esyng Spittle, of sainct [Page 190] Spyttle, wyth the pryours of the same houses, wyth theyr Crosses, candelstyckes, and vergerers before theym, then the clerkes of London in copes, the priestes of London in theyr copes. And then the Monkes of newe abbeye, of Berdmondsay abbay, and of Westminster, al syngynge the Letanie with Faburden, theyr Crosses, candelstyckes, and Uergerers before theim. After them came Poules quier wyth theyr residensaries, The byshoppe of London, and the abbottes mytered in theyr Pontificalibus. After theym came the Bachelers of the companye of the lorde Mayor in theyr beste apparell: After them, the Lorde Maior in a gowne of blacke veluet, wyth a hoode of the same, and the Aldermenne in theyr gownes of scarlette: after theym the craftes of London in theyr degrees: The numbre of copes that were worne in this Procession, was .vii. C. and .xiiii.

The laste daye of December, the Lorde Maior of London gaue commandement to all paryshes in the same,The names of all Chauntries taken. to brynge in before hym the names of all the Chauntries in theyr paryshes, and [Page] who had the gyfte of the same.

Lady Katherine deceased.The .viii. daye of Ianuarie dyed lady Katherine do wager at Kymbalton, and was buryed at Peterborowe. Quene Anne ware yelow for the mournyng.

The smalle houses of religion geuen to the kyng.In February were geuen to the king by a parliament with the consent of the abbottes all religious houses that were of .300. marke, and vnder.

On May day beyng the .xxviii. yeare of kyng Henry, he beyng at a Iustes at Grenewiche, to the admiration of all men, sodeynly departed to Westmynster, hauynge onely with hym .vi. persons. The next day lady Anne Bullein Quene was had to the tower:Edvvarde Halle. and there for thynges layd to her charge, shortely after beheaded the .xix. day of May.Execution. And on the ascension day folowyng, the kyng ware white for mournyng.

The same tyme were apprehended the lorde Rocheforde brother to the said Quene,Execution. Henry Noris, Marke Smeton william Brierton, and Francis weston all of the kynges priuie chamber, whiche also aboute matters touchynge the Quene were put to death the .xxii. daye of Maye.

[Page 191]The weke before whitsontyde beyng the .20. day of Maye, the kynge maried Lady Iane daughter to syr Iohn Seymor knyghte,The king maried ladye Iane. whiche at Whytsontide was openly shewed as Quene.

The .viii. day of Iune the Kyng held his hyghe courte of parliament. In the whyche parliament tyme the byshops & clergie of this realm held a solempne conuocation at Paules churche in London: where after muche disputynge and debatyng of many matters, they publyshed a boke of religion, entitled, Articles deuised by the kynges hyghnes. In this boke is specially mencioned but .iii. sacramentes,A commotion in Lincolneshyre. with the whiche the Lincolneshice men were offended, and fearyng the vtter subuertion of theyr olde religion, which they had lyued in so many yeares, raised a greate commotion, and gathered together wel nere .20000. men: agaynst whom the kyng dyd sende a stronge power, wherof when the rebelles had knowledge they desyred pardon, brake vp theyr armie, and departed euery man to his home: but theyr capitains were apprehended & executed.

This yere the .xix. day of Iune beynge [Page] saint Peters day, the kyng held a great iustyng and triumph at Westmynster,A triumph at westminster. where were ordeyned .ii. lyghters made lyke shyps to fyght vpon the water, the one of them burst in the myddest, and a seruant of maister Kneuets in his harneys, leapyng betwene bothe shyppes, was drowned. And in the other shyppe a gunne burste her chamber, and mayned .ii. of the mariners.

The men of Lincolnshyre beyng pacified and quieted, as ye haue heard: immediately wythin syxe dayes after, beganne a newe Insurrection in Yorkeshyre,A cōmotiō in Yorkeshyre. for the same causes: But the rude people were more incensed thoroughe tales whyche were spreadde by certayne personnes, as that all theyr syluer Chalices, Crosses, [...]ewelles, and other ornamentes should be taken out of theyr churches. That no man should bee maryed, or eate any deyntie meate in hys house, but he should pay a tribute for the same to the kynge. These people were gathered togyther, to the noumber of forty thousand, hauyng for their badges, the .v. woundes, with the figure of the Sacrament, and Iesus written [Page 192] in the myddest, and called theyr rebellion, a holye pylgremage, in token that they intended to fyghte for the maintenance of christen religion.

Anno. 28.

Sir Rafe Warren Mercer M.
Rich. Paget S.
1536
Will. Bowyer S.

The .xii. day of Nouember, sir Thomas Neweman bare a faggot at Poules Crosse for that he sange Masse withgood ale.

The .xiii. day of November, one mayster Roberte Pagyngton,Master Pagyngton slain a Mercer of London, was slayne with a gunne, as he was goyng to Masse at saynet Thomas of Akers, nowe called the Mercers chapel, but the murderer was neuer openly knowen.

Agaynste the rebelles of Yorkshyre aboue named, the Kyng sent the duke of Norffolke, the Duke of Suffolke, the Marques of Excester, and other wyth a great army, by whom after the day and place was appoynted to fyght, sodeynly the nyght before the battayle shuld haue ben, the water that was betwene them, [Page] rose in suche wise, that the two armies coulde not come together, by occasyon whereof, the capitaines of bothe parties had communication of peace: and promise was made to the rebelles, that such thyngs as they were greued with, shold be redressed by the kynges authoritie, wherwith they beyng contented (by the prouidence of God, departed withoute bloudshedyng. Aske that was chiefe of this rebellion, in Decēber came to London, and was not onely pardoned, but also receiued and rewarded with other gyftes of the kyng, but he dyd not long enioye his prosperitie.

Execution at Wyndsor.Aboute the same tyme a priest & aboucher were hanged at wyndsor, for speaking in the behalf of the Yorkshyre mē.

A great frost.This yere in Decembre the Thames at London was all ouer frosen: Wherfore the kyng with his beautifull spouse Quene Iane rode thorough London to Grenewyche.

Execution at Tyborne.The thirde daye of Februarye was Thomas Fitzgarret late Earle of Kyldare, and fyue of his vncles, drawen, hanged, and quartered at Tyborne for Treason.

[Page 193]Also in this moneth of February Nicolas Musgraue,A newe commotion in Yorkeshyre. Thomas Gilby, and other, stered a newe rebellion, and besieged the Citie of Carlile, frome whense they were driuen, and many of them taken and put to deathe.

In the same moneth of February, syr Francis Bygot, sir Robert Constable, and other, began an other conspyracie, and for the same wer attainted, and executed in the moneth of Iune.

The .xxix. day of March beyng Mandy thursday,Execution at tyborne. were .xii. men of Lincolne drawen from Newgate to Tyborn: and there hanged and quartered .v. wer priestes, and .vii. were laye men: one was doctor Makerel, a white chanō, an other was y^e vicar of Louth in Lincolneshyre.

The .15. day of May, in the .29. yeare of Henry the .viii. the lorde Darcy and the lorde Hussey were had from the tower of London, vnto Westminster, & there condemned of treason.

In Iune the Lorde Darcye,Execution for treason. the lorde Hussy, sir Robert Cōstable, sir Thomas Percye, sir Francis Bigot, sir Stephen Hamelton, sir Iohn Bulmer & his wife, Williā Lomley, Nicholas Tēpest, & the [Page] abbots of Ierney and Riuers, & Robert Aske were all put to death: sir Roberte Constable was hāged on Beuerley gates, Aske was hanged in chaynes on a tower at Yorke: Syr Iohn Bulmers wife burned in Smithfield, the lord Darcie beheaded at Tower hylle, the lorde Hussey at Lincolne, and the other suffered death at Tyborne.

Cromwell knyght of the garter.This yere at the feast of saint George the lorde Cromwell was made knyght of the Garter.

The byrth of prince Edwarde.In October on sainct Edwardes eue, was borne at Hampton courte, the noble Prince Edwarde, and shortely after, Quene Iane lefte her lyfe, the .14. day of October.

Anno. 29.

1537
Sir Rich. Gresham Mercer M.
Iohn Gresham S.
Tho. Lewen S.

The .viii. day of Nouember the corps of the Quene was caried to Windsore, and buried with great solempnitie.

The Kyngs maiestie kept his Christmas at Grenewyche in his mournynge apparell, and so was all the court tyl the morowe after Candelmas day.

[Page 194]The .xviii. daye of Ianuary a salter of London was set on the pyllory for packyng and sellyng of rotten herryng, and vsing of false weyghtes.

The .xviii. day of February a seruant of my ladye Pargetours was drawen,Execution at tyborne. hanged, and quartered for clyppynge of golde.

The .xxv. day of February syr Allyn a priest and a gentylman were drawen to Tyborn,Execution at tyborne. and there hanged and quartered for treason.

The .xxi. day of Marche Henry Harffam customer of Plymmouth was drawen frome Newgate to Tyborne,Execution at Tyborne. and there hanged and quartered for treason. And one Thomas Ewell lykewyse was hanged and quartered.

The .xxii. day of May in the .30. yeare of Henry the .viii. frier Forest was hanged and brent in Smithfield for deniyng the Kinges supremacie:Execution in Smythfield. wyth hym was brente the Image of Daruell Gathern of Wales.

The .xxvii. daye of Maye was a greate fyre at saynt Margaret Pattens called Roode Lane,A fyre in Rode lane. where were many houses burned: and .ix. persons were [Page] there burned to death in that fyre.

In Iuly was Edmonde Conyngslie attaynted of treason for counterfaityng of the kynges sygne manuell. And in August was Edward Clyfforde for the same cause attaynted,Execution at tyborne. and bothe put to execution as traitours at Tyborne.

The hangmā hanged.The first daye of September beynge the sonday after Bartilmew fayre was one Cratwell hangman of London, and two persons more hanged at the wrestlyng place on the backeside of Clerkenwell besyde London, for robbynge of a bouthe in Bartylmewe fayre: at which execution was aboue .20000. people, as it was iudged.

Edvvarde Halle. The images in churches taken downeIn September by the speciall motion of the lord Cromwel, all y^e notable images, vnto the whyche were made anye speciall pilgremages and offerings wer vtterly taken awaye, as the Images of Walsyngham, Ipswyche, Worcester, the Lady of wilsedon, with many other and lykewise all shrines.

The abbeyes suppressed.In October and Nouember the abbeis wer suppressed, & al friers, monkes chanons, nonnes, and other sectes of religion, were roted out of this realme.

[Page 195]

Anno. 30.

Sir Wil. Forman Haberda. M.
Wil. Wilkinsō S
1538
Nicho. Gybson S

This Nicholas Gibson sheryfe and Grocer of London afore named, buylde a free schole at Ratclyffe, nere vnto London, appoyntyng to the same schole for the instructiō of .lx. poore mens chyldren in lernyng and vertuous educatiō, a schole maister and an vsher, with a stipende of tenne pounde by the yere to the maister, and .vi. pound .xiii.s .iiii.d. to y^e Usher. He also buylded certayn almesse houses, adioynyng to the sayd schole, for xiiii. poore and aged persons, suche as through impotencie and age are not able to susteyne the trauell and toyle of the worlde: who quarterly doe receyue vi.s .viii.d. a pece for euer. And the sayd worshypfull and deuout gentleman, duryng his lyfe, dysdayned not in his own person, many tymes to vysite them. Addyng to their lyuyng in the tyme of his abode and house kepyng there, reliefe of his owne borde: wherby appeared the great zeale he bare to the reliefe of the poore, and not only by wordes (after the maner of many in these dayes,) but in [Page] workes, he manifested the fruytes of charitie, accordyng to suche example as many of his predecessors had lefte to the posteritie. And lyke as of his owne free lyberalytie he hath begonne this commendable monument, I meane the maintenāce of this poore house of christ: so I praye that some of his successors, or other of abilitie wil adde to y^e same some further reliefe and increase of lyuynge, wherby (in these dere dayes wherein thinges be at great pryces) not only learning, the honor of all cōmon wealthes, but also those nedy & impotent persons, may be better furnyshed of necessaries.

The friers in London suppressed.The .xvi. day of Nouember, was the Black fryers in London suppressed, and the next day the whyte fryers, the next daye the Graye fryers, and the Monkes of the Charterhouse, and so all the other immediatly after.

Lābert burnt in smythfield.The .xxii. daye of Nouember, was one Iohn Nycholson, otherwyse Lambert a priest, burnt in Smythfielde.

Also in Nouember, were Henry Marques of Excester, and erle of Deuōshire, and syr Henry Pole knyghte, the lorde Mountague, and syr Edward Neuell, brother to the lorde of Burganysent to [Page 196] the towre. The two lordes were arraigned the last day of December at Westminster, before the lord Audley of Walden, lord Chaunceller, & highe stewarde of Englād, & there found gilty: the third day after, was arraigned sir Edwarde Neuell, syr Geffray Pole, & two priestes called Croftes and Collyns, & one Holland a marriner, and all attainted, & the ix. daye of Decēber, were the sayde two lordes and syr Edward Neuel beheaded at the tower hyll:Execution at the towre hyl the two priesies & Holland were drawen to tyborne and there hanged and quartered, and syr Ieffray Pole was pardoned.

The .22. day of Decēber, a priest, Hēry Daunce a Brycklayer, & an Organ maker, bare fagottes at Paules crosse.

On Ashwensday,Execution in Paules churcheyarde. were Iohn Iohnes, Iohn potter, & William Manering; hā ged in the princes lyueries (because thei were the princes seruantes) on the south side of Paules churchyard, for killing of Roger Cholmeley Esquier in the same place of malyce pretended.

The thyrd daye of Marche, was syr Nicholas Carewe of Bedingtō in Surrey,Execution at lowre hyll. knyght of the gartar, and maister of the kynges horse, beheaded at towre hil.

[Page]The thirde daye of Marche, the kyng created at Westmynster, syr Willyam Pawlet knyght, treasorer of his housholde Lorde saynt Iohn: and syr Iohn Russell comptroller of his housholde, lorde Russell.

The same tyme, the kynge caused all the hauens to be fortyfied, and rode to Douer, and sent cōmissioners through out all the Realme, to haue his people muster: and at the same season on Easter daye, was there .ix. vnknowen ships liyng in the downes, wherfore all Kent arose, and mustered in harness the same daye.

The .xxviii. daye of Apryll, beyng in the .xxxi. yere of Henry the eight, began a parliament at Westmynster: in the whiche Margaret Coūtesse of Salisbury Gertrude wyfe to the Marques of Excester,Execution. Reinold Pole, syr Adrian Foskewe, and Thomas Dingley knyght of saynt Ihons, and dyuers other, were attaynted of treason: Folkewe and Dingley were beheaded the .x. day of Iuly.

The great mustar at Lō don.This yere, the .viii. daye of May, the citezins of London mustered at the Myles ende, all in bryght harneys, with coates of whyte sylke, and cloth and [Page 197] chaines of golde, in thre great battayls, the number was .xv. thousande, besyde wyffelers and other wayters: who in goodly order passed through London to Westmynster, and so through the sanctuary, and round about the parke of S. Iames: and so up through the fielde, and came home through Holborne.

The .viii. daye of Iuly,Execution at S. Thomas Wateryng. the Uicar of Wandsworth, with his chaplayne, and his seruaunt, and fryer Wayre, were all foure drawen from the Marshalsey, vnto saint Thomas a Wateryngs, and there hanged and quartered for treason.

In August, the great Onele & Odonele of Irelande, inuaded the Englyshe pale, and burned almost .xx. myles within the same: wherfore the Lorde Graye beyng deputie there, assembled a strong power and draue hym back.

The .xvi. daye of September, Duke Frederick of Bauarie, the Palsgraue of Rhine, the Marshal of duke Iohn, Frederick electour of Saxony, with other, came to London, by whom the mariage was concluded betwene kyng Henry & the lady Anne, sister to Wyllyam the Duke of Cleue.

Anno. 31.

[Page]
1539
Syr William Hollis Mercer. M.
Tho. Feyrie S.
Th. Hūtlow S.

This Thomas Huntlow shryue, before named, gaue to the company of the Habardashers certain tenementes, for y^t which they be bound to geue to .x. poore almes people of y^e same cōpany euery one of thē .viii. d. euery fryday, for euer. And also at euery quarter diner to be kept by the masters of y^e same cōpany, to be genē to euery one of those .x. poore people before named, a peny lose of bread, a potle of ale, a pece of bief, worth .4. d. in a platter with porage, and .4. d. in money.

Execution at Redyng.The .14. day of Nouēber, Hughe Feryngdon, abbot of Reding, & .ii. priestes: the one called Rug, & the other named Onion, were attainted of high treason, for deniyng y^e kyng to be supreme head of the church, were drawen, hanged, & quartered at Redyng. The same days was Richard Whiting abbot of Glastē bury, lykewyse attainted, hanged and quartered on towre hyll besyde his Monastery,Execution at the towre hil. for the same cause.

Execution.The first day of Decēber, was Iohn Beche, abbot of Colchester, put to execution for the lyke offence.

[Page 198]In Decēber,The pencioners first began. were appointed to waite on the kynges highnes person .50. gentlemē, called Pencioners or speres, lyke as they were in the first yere of y^e kyng.

The third daye of Ianuary, was the lady Anne of Cleue,Kyng Henry maried the lady Anne of Cleue. receiued at Blacke heath, and brought to Grenewych with great tryumphe: and the syxt daye of the same moneth, she was maried to kynge Henry.

The .18. daye of Apryl,Thomas Crō well erle of Essex. was Thomas lorde Cromwell, created erle of Essex, & made great chamberlayne of England, whiche euer the erles of Oxenforde had before that tyme.

In A parliament whiche began the xviii. daye of Apryll,The order of the Rhodes put downe in Englande. the relygion of S. Iohnes in Englande, whiche of moste men was named the knyghtes of the Rhodes, was dissolued, wherof hearing syr Wyllyam Weston knyght,EdVvarde Haule. prior of S. Ihones, for thought dyed on the Assention day, beyng the fifth day of May.

In Maye, the .xxxii. yere of his reigne was sent to the towre, doctor Wilson & doctor Samson bishop of Chichester, for releuīg certain prisoners, which denied the kings supremacy: and for y^e same offēce, was one Richard Farmer Gro. of [Page] London, a ryche and a welthy man, and of good estimacion,EdVvarde Haule. commytted to the Marshalsey, and after in Westmynster hall was arraigned and attainted in the premunire, and lost all his goodes.

Thomas Crō well sent to y^e tower, and be headed at towre hyil.The .ix. daye of Iuly, Thomas lorde Cromwell, late made Erle of Essex, being in the counsayle chamber, was sodaynly apprehended, and committed to the tower of London. The .xix. daye of the same moneth, he was attainted by parliament, and neuer came to his answere: whiche lawe, he was the autour of, he was there attainted of heresie and hyghe treason. And the .xxviii. daye of Iuly, beheaded at the tower hyll, with the lorde Hungerforde.

Quene Anne deuorced and called lady Anne of cleueKyng Henry by authoritie of parliament & conuocatiō, was dyuorsed from his pretensed mariage made with the lady Anne of Cleue: and it was enacted that she shoulde bee taken no more as Queene, but called, the ladye Anne of Cleue.

Executiō both in smithfielde and at Tyborne.The .xxx. daye of Iuly, Robert Barnes, Thomas Gerrard, Wylliam Ierome priestes, were burned in Smythfield. The same daye, Thomas Abell, Edward Powell, and Rychard Fetherstone, [Page 199] were drawen hanged and quartered, for denying the kynge to bee supreme head of the churche of England.

The fourth daye of August,Execution at Tyborne. were drawen from the towre to tyborne, syx persons, & one led betwene two sergeātes, and there hanged and quartered: one was the Priour of Dancaster, an other a Monke of the Charterhouse of Londō, maister Gyles Horne, a mōke of Westmynster, one Philpot, & one Carewe, and a fryer, all were put to death for treason.

This yere the ditches about London were newe caste.

The .viii. daye of August, was the lady Katheryne Haward shewed opēly as Queene,Kyng Henry maryed lady Katheryne Hawarde. at Hampton court: which dignitie she enioyed not long.

The latter end of this yere was great death of hote burnyng agues & flyxes, & such a drought,A great drouth that welles and smal ryuers were dryed vp, and many cattayle dyed for lack of water: the salte water flowed aboue London bridge.

Anno. 32.

Syr Wyl. Roche Draper M.
Wyl. Laxton S.
1540
Mart. Bowes S.

[Page] Execution.The .xxii. daye of December, was Egerton and Harman, put to death for counterfaytyng the kynges great seale.

In other commotion in Yorkeshyre.In Aprill, the .33. yere of Henry the eight, certaine priestes and lay men, began a newe rebellion in Yorkeshyre, which were shortly takē and put to execution in diuers places: of which Leigh Tatorsale and Thornton, were put to death at London the .28. daye of Maye:Execution. and syr Iohn Neuel knyght, was executed at Yorke. The same daye the countesse of Salisbury, was beheaded in the tower of London,Edvvarde Halle. she was the last of the right lyne and name of Plantagenet.

Execution at Grenewiche.The .ix. day of Iune, were Damport and Chapman, two of the kinges garde hanged at Grenewich, for robberies, in example of all other.

Execution at the towre hil.The .xxviii. daye of Iune, the lorde Leonard Graie, whiche before was deputie generall of Irelande, was beheaded at the towre hyll, for certayn treason whiche he had committed.

Execution at S. Thomas of wateringsThe .28. day of Iune, were hāged at S. Thomas a waterynges, Mantell, Royden and Froudes, gentylmē, for a spoile and murder that they had done in one of the kynges parkes vpon May morning, [Page 200] the lorde Dacres of the South, beyng in company with them: and on the morow whiche was saynt Peters day, the lorde Dacres was led from the towre a foote betwene the two sherifes, through the citie to tyborne,Execution at tyborne. and there put to death for the same offence.

This sommer the kyng toke his progresse to Yorke.The kynges progresse into Yorke.

The fyrste daye of Iuly, was a Welsheman drawen,Execution. hanged, and quartered, for prophecying the kings maiesties death.

Anno. 33.

Syr Michel Dormer Mercer M.
sir Roulād Hil S
1541
Hēry Suckley S

The lady Katheryne Haward, whom the kynge had maried, for her vnchaste lyuing committed with thomas Culpeper & Frauncis Dereham, was by parliament attainted. Culpeper and Dereham, were put to death at tyborne,Execution at tyborne. the x. day of December. The xiii. day of February, were beheaded within y^e towre,Execution at towre hyll. the lady Hawarde (otherwyse called Q. Katherine,Iohn Sleidan and the lady Rocheforde. And shortly after, kyng Henry maried the lady Katherine Parre,Kyng Henry maried his sixt wyfe. that had bene wyfe to the lord Latimer, & syster of the Marques of Northampton.

[Page] Kyng Henry first named kyng of Irelande.At this parliamēt the kyng was proclaymed kyng of Irelande, which name his, predecessours neuer had, but were called lorde of Irelande.

In the begynning of Marche, dyed sir Arthur Plantagenet, Uicecounte Lis [...]e, bastarde to kyng Edward the fourth, in the towre of London vnattainted.

I mayde boyled in Smithfielde.The .x. daye of Marche, a mayde was boyled in Smythfielde, for poysonynge many persons.

In May, the .xxxiiii. yere of his reigne kyng Henry toke a loane of money of al suche as were aboue the value of .50. pounde and vpwarde.

The fourth daye of Iuly, the Scottes began to inuade the borders, spoylyng & burnyng, as it had bene in open warre: for whiche cause a garryson was sent thether, then the Scottes pretended a peace, and yet neuertheles in the meane space spoyled the borders. In reuengement wherof, syr Robert Bowes made a rode into Scotlād, wher he with other were taken without puttyng to raunsome. Then the kynge sent the Duke of Norfolke with an armie royall, but at Yorke the armie was stayed. And after long consultation, the Scottes woulde [Page 201] not agree to any reasonable conditions, wherfore the Duke went forward, burnyng and wastyng all the marches, and there taried without any battayle proffered by the kyng of Scottes, vntyll the myddest of Nouember followyng.

Anno. 34.

Io. Coates Sal. M.
Hē. Hoblethorn S.
1542
Hen. Hancotes S.

After the departure of our armie frō Scotland, the kynge of Scottes made a rode into Englād, and did much harme: but at the last, syr Thomas Wharton, and syr Wyliyam Musgraue, with a few of the borderers, met with the Scottes on saynt Katheryns eue, the .xxiiii. of Nouember, wher (by the great power of God) they beyng in number .15000. were ouerthrowen, in whiche conflicte was taken the lord Maxwel, the erles of Glencarne and Sassilles, with all the capitaines of the armye. And on saynt Thomas euen the Apostell, they were brought to the towre of London, where they laye that nyght: the next daye followyng, they were by the kinges charge apparelled all in sylke, and rode through the citie to Westmynster, where they were sworne to be true prysoners, and [Page] then were they delyuered to the custody of dyuerse noble men, whiche honorably entertayned them.

Execution for slayinge an Haraulde.In this season, an Harold of Englād rydyng on the borders syde to do a message, was met by certayn rebels, which cruelly agaynst all lawe of armes, slew him in his cote armor, but they for this dede, were sent to the kyng the yere followyng, who executed thē for y^e offence.

At neweyeres tyde, the Scottes that were takē by Carlyle, were by the kyng sent home agayne with great giftes vpō condition to agree to certayne artycles, for the welth of both Realmes.

The thirde daye of Iune, in the .35. yere of Hēry the eight, the Abrine a lord in Ireland, with dyuers of the wylde Irysh submitted them to kyng Henry.

And in Iuly, the sayde Abrine was created Erle of Clawricarde.

The going to Laundersey.This yere in Iuly, kyng Henry sent ouer .6000. men to Landersey, whether also came the Emperour in proper person with a great army, and shortly after came down the Frenche king in proper person with a great army, and offred to geue battayle to the Emperour, by reason wherof the siege was raysed.

[Page 202]The .28. daye of Iuly,Execution at Wyndsore. were burnt at Wyndsore thre persons, Anthony person, Robert Testwood, & Hēry Filmer.

This yere was a great death in London of the pestilence:A great pestilence. & therfore Mighelmas terme was adiourned to saint Albons, and there was kept to the ende.

Anno. 35.

Syr Wil. Bowyer Draper. M.
Iohn Toules S
154 [...]
Rich. Dobbes S

Syr Wyllyam Bowyer deceased the xiii. day of Aprill, about Easter, and syr Raufe Warren, serued out the resydue of that yere.

The begynning of this Maiors yere, that is to saye, at Alhallontyde, a roade was made into Scotland by the garryson there, who burned .60. villages, and toke great praies both of men & beastes.

In Nouember, the Englyshmen that were sent to Laundersey, came home agayne.

A lytle before Christmas, the Uiceroye of Sicill, came from the Emperour to kyng Henry in Ambassade, of whom he was honorably entertained, & shortly retorned agayne.

This yere beyng leape yere, chaunsed [Page] foure Eclipses,Foure Eclipsis in one yere one of the Sonne the .xxiiii. daye of Ianuary, and three of the moone: a straunge thyng, and suche as had not happened since the tyme of Charles the great.

In the beginning of lent, lorde Edward Seymer erle of Hertforde, was made lieftenāt of the north partes, and sent thether with an armie, for y^e defēce of that countrey.

Execution at Tyborne.The beginning of Marche, Germine Gardyner, Larke parson of Chelsey besyde London, and Syngleton, were executed at Tyborne, for denying the kyng to be supreme head of the churche: and shortly one Ashbee was lykewyse executed for the same.

The .xxii. daye of Marche, the lorde Admirall with a great nauy, departed from the port of Londō towardes Scotlande.

Houses blowen vp with gonpouder.The fourth daye of Apryll, a gonne poulder house called the black swanne, standyng vpon east smythfielde, was blowen vp with other houses nighe adioynyng: and therein were burned fyue men, a boye, and a woman.

Upon Maie euen, in the .36. yere of Henry the eyght, died the lord Thomas [Page 203] Audeley hygh Chancellor of England: After whome succeded lorde Thomas Writhesley.

Upon May daye the nauye sente by the Lord admirall, which vntyll thys tyme had no good wynde, tooke their voyage into Scotlande from Tynmouth: wyth whom was the lorde Edwarde Seymor Erle of Hertford, the kynges lieutenāt and generall captain of the army, whiche the fourthe daye of May arriued at Lyth,Lyth and Edenborough taken. the hauen of Edenborough, and toke the towne of Lyth, and spoyled it: after which they made toward Edenboroughe, where at a certayne brydge the Scottes had layde theyr ordynance: but by the pollicie and manhode of our captaines and souldiors, the Scottes ordynance was won, and discharged against them selues, and thereby were put to flyght: after thys, the towne of Edenborough sente vnto the armye, pretendynge to delyuer the towne vppon certayne condytions, to the behofe of oure Kynge: But when the armye entred, they were inuaded by them: for whiche cause the Towne was destroyed, and cleane wasted.

[Page]Kyng Henry and the Emperoure agreed ioyntely to inuade the realme of France wyth two great powers.

About this tyme kyng Henry made great prouisiō for a voiage into France.

The coynes inhanced.A proclamation made, enhaunsynge the value of gold to the rate of .xlviii.s. and syluer to .iiii. shyllynges the ounce. It is to be noted, that at thys tyme the kynge caused to be coyned the base moneys,The base money coyned. whych was called down the fyfth yeare of Edwarde the .vi. and called in the seconde yere of Quene Elizabeth.

After the whytson holye dayes, the Duke of Norffolke, and the Lord pryuie seale, with a great army tooke their voyage into Fraunce, and besieged Mutterell, where they laye vntyll the Kynge hadde wonne Boloygne: Not longe after, the Duke of Suffolke with many other noble men passed the seas, and encamped before Boloigne on the East syde.

Kyng Henry went to Boloigne.The xiiii. daye of Iuly kyng Henry hym selfe wyth a goodly companye passed from Douer to Calaice, and the .26. day encamped on the north syde of Boloygne: after whose comyng the towne [Page 204] was so sore battered wyth gonneshott, and certayne of theyr Towers beynge vndermyned soo shaken wyth force of gunne powder, that after a monethes siege the captayne sente woorde to the kyng, that he would yelde the towne to his behofe, vpon condition that all whiche were within myght departe wyth bagge and baggage:Boloigne wonne. whiche conditions Kyng Henry mercyfully graunted, and the Bulleynors departed one and other to the numbre of .4454.

The .xxv. day of Septembre the kyng entred into hyghe Boloigne, wyth the nobilitie of hys realme, and the trompettes blowyng, that it reioyced all the whole hoast to heare.

The fyrst daye of October kyng Henry departed frome Boloigne towarde Douer: and at his goyng, he dubbed .iiii. knyghtes at the water syde.

Ambassadours were sent both frome the Emperour and the french Kyng for peace to Kyng Henry: but for so muche as he would not geue vp Boloigne, nothyng was concluded.

The .ix. day of October in the night the frēch mē cam vnwares vpōth english mē [Page] in base Boloigne, and slewe of theym a great number. Howe beit they were shortly chased from thense, and the base towne holden after in good quiete.

Anno. 36.

1544
Williā Laxton grocer Mai.
Iohn Wilford S.
Andrew Iudde S.

This yere was taken by the Kynges shyps of the weste countrey, and of the Englysh coast, the numbre of .300. frenche shyppes, and more.

The .xxvi. day of Ianuary, there camped on the weste syde of Boloigne, beyonde the hauen, an army of Frenchemen, to the number of .xviii. thousand, and laye there ten days, and the .vi. day of February, they wer all put to flight, by the Erle of Hertforde, and the lorde admirall then beynge Lorde deputie of Boloigne.

The .vii. day of Iune in the .37. yere of kyng Henry the .viii. a great army of Frenchmen came nere to the hauen of Bulleyne, and skirmished with the Englyshmen: and thys armye beganne to buylde a fort, whych before they departed, they dyd accomplishe.

[Page 205]The French kyng prepared .ii. great armies agaynst the Englishmen, one by sea, an other by lande, that vpon the sea was aboue .200. shyppes besyde galeys: This nauye made shewe dyuers tymes to haue landed in the Isle of wyght, at Portesmouth, and other where: but euer they perceyued suche prouysyon made by kynge Henry, that nothynge was done woorthy memorye, but that theyr sort by Boloine was in the meane tyme fynyshed.

Worde was brought that the french menne entended to lande in the Isle of Wyght. Wherfore the kyng wente to Portesmouthe.The kynge wēt to Portsmouth, where was drowned y^e Mary Rose At whyche tyme of the kynges abode there, a goodly shyppe of Englande called the Mary Rose, wyth syr George Carewe the capitayne, and many other gentylmen, were drowned in the myddest of the hauen, by greate negligence and folye.

Certayne frenche men landed in the Isle of Wyght,Frenchemen landed at the Ile of Wyght but they were dryuen away with losse of theyr captaine, and many souldiours.

In August the lorde Edwarde Seymor erle of Hertforde was sente by the [Page] Kyng into Scotland, with an armye of xii. thousande men, where he destroyed dyuers towns, and the middle marches and greatly endomaged the Scottes.

This yeare in Auguste dyed Charles duke of Suffolke, a very noble gentylman, and full of actiuitie.

This yeare the .xii. day of September the Churche of saynt Gyles without Creplegate was brent.Saint Gyles church brent.

Anno. 37.

1545
sir Martin Bowes goldsmith M.
George barnes S
Rafe Alleyn S

The .xxiiii. day of Nouember a parliament begon at Westminster, where was graunted to the Kyng a Subsydie of .ii.s .viii.d. of the pounde of mouable gooddes, and .iiii. shyllynges the pounde in landes to be payde in twoo yeare, and all Colleges, Chauntryes,Chantries giuen to Kynge Henry. and hospitalles were committed to the kynges order durynge hys lyfe, to alter and transpose, whyche hee promysed to doo to the glory of God, and the common profyte of the realme.

Aboute thys tyme the Lorde admirall landed in Normandye, and brente [Page 206] the suburbes of Traiport, & dyuers villages along the sea coast, and destroyed and toke almost all the shyppes in the hauen, which was a riche and a goodly pray, & so returned w^tout any damage.

Mounsyre de Bees inuaded the Englyshe pale besyde Grauelyn.

Kyng Henry sent the lorde Edward Seymour Earle of Hertforde, and the Lorde Lysle hyghe Admirall wyth a companie of .vii. thousand men to preuent the Frenchmē, which intended to build an other fort at S. Iohns Rode, at whyche tyme they entred into the hauen two daies before the Frenchemen had appointed to be there, and so defeated them of their purpose.

Often skirmishes were betwene the Englishe garrisons in Bulleyne, & the Frenche forte, greately to the losse of both partes, and at one time especially were slayn sixtene Englishe gentlemen and .80. other, and sewe or none of the Frenchemen.

The stewes & other like borthell houses wer by the kings cōmandement put down in all partes of the realme.The stewes put downe.

The .24. day of December the kinges [Page] maiestie came into the parliamēt house, to geue his royall assent to such actes as there had passed: where was made vnto hym by the speaker, an eloquent oration, whiche the kyng hym selfe dyd very eloquently and wittyly answere.

In February shoulde a woman haue ben burned in Smithfield, for clyppyng of gold, but the Kynges pardon came, she being at the stake redy to be burned.

In Aprille were dyuers assemblyes made to entreate a peace betwene Englande and Fraunce, but as yet tooke none effecte.

This .38. yeare of Henry the .viii. the citisens of London, leuyed in the Citie two fiftenes for the conueyance of more water to the Citye: and then was the Cunduites at Algate,The cundyte at Algate and Lothberye buylded. and at Lothbery begunne to be buylded. And the cunduites at Byshoppes gate, was taken downe, and sette lower as it nowe standeth.

A general prosession in Loudon.This yeare the .xiii. day of Iune, beynge Whytsonday, a continuall peace was proclaymed in the Cytie of London betwene the kyng of England and the Frenche Kynge, wyth a solempne [Page 207] Procession, at the tyme of proclamation, gyuynge laude and prayse to God: and at nyghte thoroughout the Citie, great bonfyers were made.

The .xxvii. day of Iune doctor Crome recanted at Paules Crosse.

The .xvi. daye of Iuly were burned in Smithfielde these fower persones, Anne Askewe gentylwomanne,Execution in Smythfield. Iohn Lasselles gentylmanne. Nicholas Otterden Prieste, and Iohn Handlande Taylour: And Doctour Shaxton somtyme byshoppe of Salisbury, preached at the same fyre, and recanted hys opynyon, perswading them to do the like but they would not.

The .xxi. daye of Auguste,The aduryra [...]t of France landed at the tower wharfe. came into Englande to doo hys duetie from the Frenche Kynge, Mounsyre Deneball hygh Admyrall of France, wyth great Tryumphe, and also broughte wyth hym the Sacre of Diepe, and xii. galeys wel besene in dyuers poyntes, and landed at London at the tower wharfe, where he was honourablye receyued wyth many nobles and pieres of thys Royalme, wyth greatte shootynge of gunnes, and so broughte to the Bysshop [Page] of Londons palaice, and laid there twoo nightes. On Mondaie the xxiii. daye of August, he rode to Hampton Courte, where the Kinge laie: and before he came there, Prince Edward receaued him with a companie of fiue hundred coates of veluet: and the princes lyuerie were with sleues of cloathe of golde, and halfe the coate embroudered with golde. And there were to the number of eighte hundred horses royally apparailed, whiche broughte him to the manour of Hampton court to the prudent Prince hys father, and quene Katherin.

Anno. 38.

1546.
Hēry Noble-thorne merchant tailer M.
Rich. Iarbis S.
Th. Curtise S.

Execution at tower hyll.In Ianuarie Thomas Duke of Norfolke was sent to the tower of London; and condempned to perpetuall prison. And shortly after his sonne the Earle of Surrey was condemned, and beheaded the .xix. daie of Ianuarie.

These thinges beinge doone aboute the ende of Ianuarie, Kinge Henry departed [Page 208] out of this life: appointings his first heire to be his yong son prince Edwarde, and the seconde ladie Mary his daughter by his firste wife Quene Katherine, and the thyrd, Ladie Elisabeth by his seconde wife Quene Anne Boloigne.

Edwarde the sixte. Anno Regni .1.

THe gracious prynce Edwarde the sixte,1546 began his reigne the xxviii. daie of Ianuarie, in the yere .1546. when he was but .ix. yeres old. He deceased in the yeare .1553. the .vi. daie of Iuly, so he reigned .vi. yeares .v. moneths and viii. daies, by his fathers will were appointed .xvi. gouernours and ouerseers of this yonge prince, the chiefe wherof, was his vncle Earle of Hertforde, who by the cōsent of the residue, shortly after [Page] was made Duke of Sommersette, and proclaymed Protectoure of the Kynge and realme.

The .xix. day of February, he roade solempnely with hys vncle, syr Edward Seymour Lorde Gouernour and protectour, Duke of Somersette, wyth the nobilitie of the realme, from the tower to Westmynster, thorough the Cytie, whiche was richely hunged with couer-lettes and Carpettes of Tapistrie and arras, Cheape beynge rychely hanged with cloth of gold and syluer, euery cundite runnyng with wine: with pageantes, being richely apparailed to receiue him at euerye place, with Orations of his praise: And on the Southesyde of Paules Churcheyard,S. Paules churche lay at anker. an Argosie came frome the Battilment of Poules churche, vppon a Cable, beinge made faste to an anker, at the Deanes gate, lieng vppon his breast, aidinge him selfe neither with hande nor foote, and after ascended to the middeste of the same Cable, and tombled and played many pretie toyes, whereat the Kinge with the nobles of the Realme lawghed righte hartilye.

[Page 209]The fiue and twentye daye of Februarye, he was crowned Kynge at Westmynster wyth greate solempnitie.

In the Monethe of Marche syr Andrewe Dudley Uyce admyrall, wyth the Paunce and the Harte, beynge but syngle manned, hadde a great conflicte wyth three Scottysshe shyppes, beynge double manned, and obteyned the victorie, and toke many prysoners, and broughte the shyppes into Orwelle Hauen, where they dydde remayne.

The Lorde Protectoure wyth the reste of the Counsayle,Images commanded to bee taken downe. sent Commissioners into all partes of the Realme, wyllynge them to take all Images out of theyr Churches for the aduoydynge of Idolatrie, wyth them were sent dyuers preachers, to perswade the people from theyr beades, and suche lyke.

At the same tyme, Procession was commaunded to be no more vsed:Processiō forbydden to be vsed And shortly after was a Parlyament, wherin besyde other thynges, Chauntryes were geuen into the Kynges handes,The chātries geuen to the kyng to bee vsed at hys pleasure. And also [Page] an order taken for the vse of the Lordes supper, that it should be in bothe kynds of bread and wyne.

This yeare in Auguste, the Duke Somersette and the Earle of Warwike wyth a noble armye were sente into Scotlande: and nere to Edenborough at a place called Muskelboroughe,Muskleborough field. the Englyshmen and Scottes mett, where betwene theym was foughten a cruell battayle: The victorye (by the onely prouydence of God) fell to the Englysh men, and the Scottes were slayne (as writeth maister Patten in his booke) aboue .xiiii. thousande,Paten. and taken prysoners of lordes, knyghtes, and gentylmen .xv.C.

Anno. 1.

1547
Syr Iohn Gresham mercer M.
Thomas white S.
Robert Chersey S.

This seconde yere of kyng Edwarde the .vi. the watche whyche in London had bene vsed at Mydsomer,Anno .2. and of long tyme before had ben layde downe, was nowe agayn vsed, bothe on the euen of sainct Iohn at Mydsommer, and on the [Page 210] euen of saincte Peter next folowyng, in as beautyfull maner, and in as good order, as it hadde bene accustomed before tyme.

The laste day of Iuly, Stephen Gardyner byshop of Winchester, was for a sermon made before kyng Edward, and the Counsell, wyth the nobilitie sent to the tower of London, where he remained all this kynges reigne.

Thys yeare in London was greate mortalitie by the pestilence.A great pestilence. Wherfore a commauundemente was geuen to all Curates, and other, hauyng to doo therwyth, that no corps shoulde bee buried before .vi. of the clocke in the morning, nor after .vi. of the clocke at nyght, and that there shoulde at the buryeng of enery corps bee ronge one belle at the leaste, the space of three quarters of an hower.

Anno. 2.

sir Henry Amcottes fishmōger M.
Williā Locke S.
1548
Iohn Oliffe S.

Sir Thomas Seimour hygh Admirall of Englande, brother to the Lorde [Page] Protectour, and the Kynges vncle, had maryed Quene Katherine late wyfe to Kynge Henry, she conceyuynge a stomacke agaynste the Lorde Protectors wyfe. And there vppon also in the behalfe of theyr wyues, dyspleasure and grudge beganne betweene the twoo brothers, whyche at the lengthe brake out to the trouble of the whole realme, and the confusion of theym bothe: For the twenty day of Marche, in the third yeare of Edwarde the syrt,Anno .3. was the lord admyrall beheaded at Tower hyl.Execution at tower hyll And it was then sayde of many, the fall of the one brother, woulde bee the ruine of the other, as afterwarde it happened.

This yeare about Whitsontide, and so foorthe vntyll September, the commons in most part of this realme,Cōmotion in Cornewall & Deuonshyre mads sundry insurrections and commotions. Amongest whome, dyuers of the commons of Cornewall and Deuonshyre, rose agaynst the nobles and gentilmen: and in sundrye Campes besyeged the towne of Excester, whyche was valyantly defended.

Also they of Norffolke and Suffolke [Page 211] encamped them selves in a wood,Commocion at Norwiche called saynt Nycholas woode, nere vnto Norwiche, declaryng them selues to be grieued with parkes, pastures, and inclosures made by the gentilmē: who required the same to be disparked & set among the commons. They of Deuonshyre dyd not only require that, but also their olde relygion, and the arte of syre articles to be restored. Into Deuonshyre against Humfrey Arundell and his rebelles, was sent the lorde Russell, lorde preuye seale, with a nūber of souldiours. The lorde Graie was also sent with a number of straungers, which were horsemē, where in dyuers conflictes they slewe many people, and spoiled that countrey.

Into Norfolk against captaine Kite a Tanner, and his company, syr Iohn Dudley erle of Warwycke, went with an armie: where both he hym selfe and a great number of gentlemen that were with hym, metynge with the rebelles, were in suche daunger, as they had thought all to haue dyed in the place: but God that confoundeth the purpose of rebelles, brought it so to passe, that as well there as in all other places, they were partely by power constrayned, [Page] partly by promis of their pardō perswaded to submitte them selues to their prynce, and delyuered their chiefe capitaynes to punyshment, but yet after the losse of many thousādes of Englishmē.

The kyng of Fraunce perceyuinge suche sedicion and trouble in England, as is before mencioned: and takyng greuously the losse of Bulleyne, dyd not omitte the occasion, but in y^e meane time, assaulted certayne holdes about y^e town, builded of the Englyshemen for the defence of the same, and namely tooke the forte called newe hauen, and thereby muche indamaged the Englyshe garryson that laye at Bulleyne. The losse of this was layde to the lorde Protectour, because he hauynge the chief gouernement of the Realme, dyd not see those partes better furnyshed: in conclusion the Erle of Warwycke as chiefe, with the consent of other nobles of the Realme, by open proclamatiō accused him of misgouernement, as well in this as in dyuers other matters.The Duke of Somerset sent to the tower of Lōdō Wherefore when he fled with the yonge kynge to Wyndsour castell, they caused hym to be set from thēce, and brought as a traytour to the tower of London, the .xiiii. [Page 212] daye of October.

Anno. 3.

Syr Rouland Hill Mercer M.
Iohn Yorke S.
1549
Rych. Turke S.

This syr Rouland hyll, to the great prayse of his vocation, and to the synguler comfort of the weale publyque of his countrey, erected many notable monumentes and good dedes, whiche here are not to be vnremembred, so many at the least as be come to my knowledge, to the intent that lyke as suche (without doubte) be immortalized in the euerlastyng worlde, they may not also be forgotten in this transitory passage, where they be vsed and practysed, as well to the reliefe of the poore, as to the great commoditie of trauelers, and maintenaunce of learnyng, whiche amonges other be these. At his costes and charges he caused to be made a causye, commonly called ouerlane pauement, in the highe waye from Stone to Nantwiche, in length .iiii. myles, for horse and man safely to passe with also diuers lanes on bothe sydes the same causye: he caused lykewyse a causye to bee made from Dunchurche to Bransen in Warwickshyre, [Page] more then two myles of lengthe, and gaue .xx. pounde in money towarde makynge of a brydge, called Roytten brydge, three myles from Couentree. He made the hyghe waye to Kylborne, nere vnto London: he made foure brydges, two of them of stone, conteynynge xviii. arches in them bothe: the one of them ouer the ryuer of Seuerne, called Acham bridge, the other Terne bridge, for that the water of Terne renneth vnder it, y^e other two of timbar at Stoke, & built new a good part of Stoke church. Moreouer he buylded one notable free schole in Drayton in Shropshyre, of cō tinuānce for euer, with maister & Ushar, and sufficient stypendes for them bothe, besydes conuenient lodgynges for the the same: and one yerely rent to mayntayne and repayre the same schole house and other the roumes for euer. For the maintenaunce whereof he hath assured landes to the parysh of Drayton, of .22. pounde by the yere: he also purchased a free fayre to the sayd towne, with a free marked wekely, and a free market for cattell euery .xiiii. dayes. He gaue to the Hospital of Christes churche in Londō, in his lyfe tyme fyue hundred pounde in [Page 213] ready money, and one hundred pounds at his decease, to the poore of the same cytie of London, besyde the fyndynge of certayne scholers at the vniuersities of Oxenforde and Cambrydge, and studentes in the Innes of courte. &c.

Upon a sondaye beyng the .xix. daye of Ianuary,A murder cō mitted by Charles Gauaro. were murdered in London betwene Newgate and Smythfielde, two capitaines that had serued the king in his warres at Bulleyne, and other where: the one was called Gambo, the other Filicirga, both Spaniardes: this murder was cōmitted by Charles Gauaro a Flēmyng, who came in poste frō Barwyke to London to doo that acte. And beyng hanged for the same with his three men in Smythfielde,Execution in Smithfielde. sayde at his death, he would neuer repēte it: they were al foure hanged on the fryday next after, whiche was the .xxv. daye of Ianuary.

The .xxvii. daye of Ianuary,Execution at Tyborne. Humfrey Arundell capitaine of the rebelles in Deuonshyre, was hanged, drawen, and quartered at tyborne, with dyuers other, as Wynslade, Holmes, & Bery, &c. About the same tyme, Robert Kyte capitaine of them that rose in Norfolke [Page] together with his brother Wyllyam, was condemned and sent to Norwiche, where the sayde Robert was hanged in chaynes vpon the toppe of Norwyche castell. The two capitaynes, Arundell and Kite, were brought to Londō about one tyme: and so was the prophecie fulfilled, that they and their company had great affiance and trust in: that is, that they should mete at London, which they interpreted to prosperitie as cōquerours and not to punishement as traytours.

Anno. reg. 4About the beginninge of February, in the fourth yere of Edward the syxte, the Ambassadours of Englande and Fraunce, consulted of a peace to be had betwene both Realmes, whiche after was concluded.

The Duke of Somerset delyuered.The .vi. day of February, the Duke of Somerset king Edwards vncle, was deliuered out of y^e towre, & y^e same night be supped with the erle of Warwick at the sherifes house called maister Yorke.

The .x. day of February, One Bel a Suffolke man, was drawen from the towre to tyborne,Execution at tyborne. and there hanged and quartered for mouyng a newe rebellion in Suffolke and Esser.

On mondaye, being the last daye of [Page 214] Marche, a generall peace was proclaymed betwene the kynges of Englande and Fraunce, & in the same peace were included the Emperour & the Scottes.

The .25. daye of Aprill,Bulleine yelded to the frē che kyng. the towne of Bulleyn was yelded vp vnto the Frēch king, and his capitaines toke the possession, which was so great comfort to the Frenchemē, that at their entryng of the towne, many of them kneled down and kissed the stones of the streates.

The ii. day of May,Ioane Butcher burnt in Smythfield. one Ioane Knel, otherwyse called Ioane Butcher, or Ione of Kēt, was burned in Smithfield for heresy, that Christ toke no fleshe of the virgin Mary, but passed through her body as through a conduicte.

Not long after, certain leude persons attempted a new rebellion in some part of Kent, but they were sone repressed, & certayne of the chief, as Rychard Lyon, Goddard Gorran, and Rychard Irelād,Execution. were apprehended and put to death for the same, the .xiiii. daye of May.

Anno. 4.

sir Andrewe Iud Skin. M.
August. Hinde S
1550
Iohn Lyon S

This syr Andrewe Iudde (afore named) erected one notable schole at Tunbrydge [Page] in Kent, wherein be brought vp and noryshed in good learnynge, great store of youth, as well bred in that shyre as brought from other countries adioynyng. A noble act, and correspondent to those that haue bene done by lyke worshipfull men and other in olde tyme, within the same citie of London.

This yere vpon a thursdaye, beynge the .xvii. daye of December, the Thames beneth the brydge dyd ebbe & flowe three tymes within .ix. houres: and the same daye & tyme, the byshop of Wynchester (who had lyen in the towre from the morowe after saynt Peters day, the first yere of Edward y^e sixt, was brought vnto Lambyth by water, before the byshop of Canterbury, & other the kynges cōmissioners, where were obiected vnto hym certayn articles on the kynges behalfe, and day assigned him to answer.

Tho. Coper.The .xxiiii. daye of Ianuary, was a parliament holdē at Westmynster, and was contynued vntyll the .xv. of Aprill. At this time besides diuers other thīgs, it was enacted that priestes chyldren should be legytimate.

Anno reg. v.This yere on saynt Valentins daye, beyng the fifth yere of Edward the sixt, [Page 215] at Feuersham in Kent,A murder at Feuersham. one Arden a gentleman, was kylled by the consente of his owne wyfe. For this act, iust punyshement was afterwarde taken vpon those that were the doers and consenters to the same. The wyfe her self was burned at Canterbury the .xiiii. daye of Marche, the same daye two other were hanged in chaynes at Feuersham, and a woman brent: Mosby and his syster,Execution. were hanged in Smithfielde at Londō. And Black wyll the Ruffyan that was hiered to do the acte, after his first scape,Execution at Flyshyng. was apprehended and burnt on a scaffolde at Flyshyng in Sealande.

The .xiiii. daye of February, beynge saturday, D. Stephen Gardiner byshop of Wynchester, was depriued of his byshoprike, and so committed to the towre agayne. Into his place was translated doctor poynet, who before was byshop of Rochester.

The .24. daye of Apryll, beyng Frydaie,An Aryan burnt in Smythfield. a duche mā was burned in Smithfielde for heresy, who helde the detestable opinion of the Arrians.

The .viii. daye of Maye, a proclamation was made, that from and after the last daye of August then next ensuyng, [Page] our shyllyng of the value of .xii. d. shuld be currant but for .ix. d. and a groate for three pence: by reason of whiche proclamatiō ensued great dearth of al thinges, for the people couetyng to reyse the losse of theyr mony, vpon suche kynde of wares or victual as they occupyed, did dayly enhaunce the pryce, moste myserablye appressyng the poore.

An earthquake.The .25. daye Maye, beyng Monday, betwene the howers of eleuen and one of the clock at after noone, was an erthquake of halfe a quarter of an howre long at Blechynglye, at Godstone, at Croydon, at Albery, & at dyuers other places in Southery & Myddlesexe.

The .ix. day of Iuly, being thursday, the forsayd proclamatiō, which was appointed to take effect the last day of August next commyng (by reason of the infaciable couetousnes of the people, oppressyng the poore) was shortened vnto this present daye, and tooke effecte immediatly vpon the publyshynge of the same, whiche was done betwene .ix. & tenne of the clocke before noone,The first fall of the money. so that immediatly, a shilling went for .ix. pēce, and a grote for .iii. d. and no word spokē of y^e small money, as pēce & half grotes, [Page 216] by reason wherof, there was no small mony to be gottē to geue y^e poore people.

The sweating sicknes begā in Londō the .viii. day of Iuly,A sweatyng sycknes. & the .x day of Iuly it was most vehement: whiche was so terrible, that people being in best health were sodaynly taken, and dead in .xxiiii. houres, or .xii. or lesse, for lack of skyll in guydyng them in their sweate. And it is to be noted, that this mortalitie fell chiefly or rather only on men, and those also of the best age, as betwene .xxx. and xi. yeres of age: also it folowed Englysh men, as well within the Realme as in straunge countreis: wherefore this nacion was muche afearde of it, and for the tyme began to repente, and remember God, from whom the plague might well seme to be sent among vs. But as the disease in time relēted, so our deuociō also in short space decaied: the first weke died in Lōdō .800 persōs & thē it ceased.

The .xvii. day of August, beyng mō day, was proclamacion made,The secōd fall of the money. that the shilling, which of late was called down to .ix. d. shoulde be currant for .vi. d. the groat ii. d. y^e half grote .i. d. a peny, a eb.

The .xi. daye of October, beyng sunday, the Lorde Marques Dorset, was [Page] created Duke of Suffolke, the lorde erle of Warwycke, was created Duke of Northumberlande, and the erle of Wilshere, was created Marques of Wynchester, and syr William Herbert, the maister of the horse, was created erle of Penbroke, & dyuers mē made knightes.

The Duke of Somerset cō mitted agayn to the towre.The .xvi. daye of October, beyng fryday, the duke of Somerset was brought agayne to the towre of London, and in the next mornyng the duchesse his wife, was brought thither also: and there wēt also with the Duke the lorde Graye of Wylton, syr Rafe Uane, and syr Thomas Palmer, and dyuers other gentlemen of his famyliers.

Anno. 5.

1551
Rychard Dobbes Skynner M.
Iohn Lambert S
Iohn Cowper S

The .xxx. daye of October beyng frydaye, was proclaymed a newe coyne of money,A new coyne both syluer & golde: soueraynes of syne golde at .xxx. s. Angels of fyne golde at .x. s. and dyuers other pieces of golde of lesser value: a piece of syluer of v. s. and a piece of two .s. vi. d. the sterlyng shylling .xii. d. & sondry other smaller pieces of money.

[Page 215]The .vi. daye of Nouember, beynge fryday, the old Quene of Scottes,The quene of Scottes road through London. roade through Londō & Cheape, with a great company of Englyshmen wayting on her, after she had layne foure dayes in the byshops place beside Paules church.

The firste daye of December,The Duke of Somerset araigned. beynge tuesday, the Duke of Somerset was arraygned at Westmynster haull, & was there acquited of treason, but condemned of felony, by vertue of an act of parliament, made against conuenticles and vnlawfull assemblies.

The .vii. daye of December, beynge monday, was a generall muster of the horsemen,A muster of horsemen. whiche were in the wages of the nobles of the Realme: and for the whiche the kynges maiestie allowed yerely for euery man .20. pound, the which muster was made vpon the caussey ouer against the kynges palayce at saynt Iames. the number of horse was extemed to be a thousande.

The .xxii. daye of Ianuary, beyng friday, Edward Duke of Somerset,Execution at towre hyll. kyng Edwards vncle before mencioned, was beheaded at the towre hil: the people beyng there to beholde the execution, were sodenly in a great feare, fewe or none [Page] knowing the cause, but this I sawe: the Duke beyng on the scaffolde by .viii. of the clock in the mornyng, enclosed with the garde, the warders of the towre, and other, the people of a certaine hamlet, whiche were warned to be there by .vii. of the clock, to geue their attendance on the Lieftenant: nowe came through the posterne, and perceiuing the prysoner to be alredy on the scaffolde, the formoste began to runne with their bils on their shoulders, & cried to their felowes to folowe fast after: which sodennes of these men so weaponed, thus running caused the people being next, & which best sawe thē, to thinke that some power had come to haue deliuered the Duke from execution, which caused them to crye, awaye, awaye, wherupon the people ran, one end way, not knowynge whether, and they which tarried to know some cause of this hurly burly, had thought some pardon had be brought, some sayde it thundered, some sayd the ground shoke, but the occasion was as I haue sayde.

Anno. reg .6.This syxt yere of Edwarde the syxt, on the .xx. daye of February, the marchauntes of the Stylyarde at London, were put from theyr pryuyledge of occupiyng, [Page 218] whiche they of long tyme before had vsed.

The .xxvi. daye of February,Execution at the towre hyl beynge Fryday, Syr Raufe a Uane, and six Miles Partryge, were hanged vpon the gallowes at towre hyll: and syr Mychell Stanhope, with syr Thomas Arrūdell, were beheaded vpon the scaffold, which foure wer condēned as accessary in that whiche the Duke was condemned for.

This yere the sea brake in at Sandwiche, in so much that it dyd ouerflowe all the Marshes there aboute, it ouerflowed the marshes besyde Wolwich & beyonde saynt Katherynes.

The last day of April, through negligence of the gonne pouder makers,A house blowen vp with gonpouder. a certain house with thre last of pouder, was blowen vp & burnt, the sayd gonpouder makers, beyng .xv. in number, were all slayne at the towre hyll, a litle from the Minoris beside London, on the back side of newe abbey.

The .iii. daye of August, was borne a marueilous straūge monster,A monster. at a place called Myddeltō .xi. myles frō Oxēford, a womā broght forth a child, which had ii perfect bodies frō y^e nauell vpward, & were so ioyned together at the nauell, [Page] that when they were layde in lengthe, the one head and body was eastwarde, and the other west, the legges for bothe the bodies grew out at y^e myddes where the bodies ioyned: and had but one issue for the excremēt of both the bodies, they lyued .xviii. dayes, and when they were opened, it appeared they were women children.

The .viii. daye of August,Great fyshes taken. there were taken about Nuynborough three great fyshes called Dolphins, or by some called Kygges: and the weke folowyng, at Blackwall, were syxe more taken and brought to London, and there solde: the least of thē was greater then any horse.

The same moneth the commons of the citie of London, chose thre sherifes, eyther after other, and euery one of thē refused the office, and fyned for it as it was thought, twoo hundred pounde a piece, and then the commons chose one Iohn Mainarde, who toke it vpon him, whiche about .ix. or .x. yeres before, had geuen out wares and Iewelles, as it was thought, to y^e sūme of .2000. marks to be payde hym when he were sherife of London.

The same moneth of August, began [Page 219] the great prouision for the poore in London, towardes the whyche euery man was contributorie, and gaue certayne money in hande, and promysed to geue a certain wekely.The gray friers in Lōdon conuerted to an hospitall. The first house which was begon was at the Graye friers in Newgate market, which went forward with all spede.

The .vii. daye of October were two great fyshes taken at Grauesend,Great fyshes taken. which were called whirlepooles, they were afterwarde drawen vp aboue the bridge.

The .xiiii. day of October the bishop of Durhā called Cuthbert Tunstall was broughte before the Commissioners, at the place of sir Arthur Darcy knight vpon tower hyll, where he was depriued from his sayd byshoprike.

Anno. 6.

George Barnes haberdasher M.
will. Garret S
Io. Mainarde S
1552

This sir George Barnes gaue y^e wind myll which standeth toward the east in Finsbery field to the company of the haberdashers of London, to that entente that the profites risyng therof, should be distributed to the poore almose people [Page] of the same companie. And also he gaue to the parson and churche wardeyns of saint Bartholomew the little, certayne tenements, for the which they be bound to distribute to the poore people of the same paryshe .xviii. d. in breade euery sonday for euer.

The fyrst children taken in to Christes hospitall at London.The .xxi. day of Nouēber, beyng mondaye, the children were taken into the Hospitall at the gray friers called Christes Hospitall to the number of fower hundred.

In the sommer past the other yeare, king Edward wēt in progresse into the west countrey, where he had so muche exercise of haukynge and huntynge, as was thought by some at that tyme to be daungerous vnto his health. Towarde wynter he returned to London, & from thense to Grenewitche, where all the Christmas season was passed with muche pleasauntnes and myrthe, vntill at lengthe in Ianuarie he felle sycke of a cough,Anno. 7. whyche ended in a consumption of the lyghtes.

The sunday before Candelmas which was the .xxix. daye of Ianuarie, in the vii. yere of Edward the .vi. came a commission [Page 220] to the Churche wardens of all paryshes in London, that all their lynnen, as albes, chesebels, and surplices, whiche were not occupied (reseruynge necessarie linnen for the churche, should bee geuen vnto the Hospitall aboue named.

The .xx. day of May by the encouragemēt of one Sebastian Gabota .iii. great shyppes well furnished were set foorthe for the aduenture of the vnknowen voiage to Moscouia,A voyage to Moscouie. and other easte partes by the northe seas. And about the same tyme .ii. other shyps were sent foorth to seke aduentures southwardes.

In May whiles kyng Edwarde laye daungerously sycke, Lorde Gylford the duke of Northumberlandes fourth son, maryed lady Iane the Duke of Suffolkes daughter, whose mother being then aliue was doughter to Mary king Henries sister, whiche fyrste was maried to the frenche kynge, and after to Charles duke of Suffolke.

In this tyme many were punyshed in Englande for talkynge rasshely, that the Kyng shoulde be deade, and dyuers also for sayenge that he was poysoned: [Page] for that rumour was spred throughoute the Realme.

The .22. day of Iune, a great thunder began about a .xi. of the clock,A great thunder. and dured almoste the space of two houres, and about .xii. of the clocke was a wonderfull terrible clap, at which clappe the lyttell doore of saint Denyse church in London was driuen open, and the locke thereof with a great parte of the lynyng of the same doore was torne awaye.

Kynge Edwarde deceased.Kyng Edward beyng about the age of .xvi. yeres, as is sayd before was long sick of a consumption of the lightes, and the .vi. day of Iuly ended his life. he was in this hys youthe, a prince of suche towardnes in vertue, learnynge, and all goodly gyftes, as Europe seldom tymes or neuer hath sene the like: and therfore no meruaile, considering the state of the realme, if all true englyshe hartes dye muche lament soo vntymely death in so tender youthe, and so toward a prince.

The .x. daye of Iuly beyng monday, the deathe of Kyng Edwarde was publyshed:Ladye Iane proclaymed Quene. The same daye in the after noone aboute fower of the clocke, the Lady Iane doughter of the lady Frances, [Page 221] the Duchesse of Suffolke, whyche Lady Iane was maryed vnto the Lord Gyiford Dudley the fourthe sonne vnto the Duke of Northumberland was conueyed by water to the tower of London and betwene .vii. and .viii. of the clocke in the euening, proclamation was made throughout the citie, whereby was declared by sondry circumstāces, that king Edwarde beyng deceased, by his wylle had assigned the sayde lady Iane to bee quene, and therevppon so proclaymed Quene of England. Thys matter was very greuouslye taken of the commom people, and a greate numbre of gentilmen, for the loue they bare to Lady Mary, and the ryghte of her title. At thys tyme the state of this realme might wel seme moste myserable, wherin the nobilitie and counsell on the one parte, and the gentlemen and commons of the other, appered to be fully bent to mayntayne two contrary titles. For when it was heard that the lady Mary was fled to Framingham castell in Suffolk, the people of the countrey almoste wholly resorted vnto her, and in Oxenforde syr Iohn Williams, in Buckinghamshire, [Page] syr Edmunde Peckham, and in dyuers other places many men of worshyp, offryng them selues as guides to the common people, gathered greate powers, and with all spede made towarde Suffolke, where ladye Mary was. In thys meane tyme the .xiii. day of Iuly, by appointment of the counsell the Duke of Northumberland, the Erle of Huntingdon, the lorde Grey of Wilton and dyuers other, with a great numbre of men of armes, went to fetche her by force, and was on their way as farre as Bury but not long after, the counsell, partly moued with the right of her cause, partly consideryng that the moste of the realme was wholly bent on her syde, changed theyr myndes, and assembled them selues at Baynardes castell, and there commoned with the erle of Pembroke, and immediatly came into Cheapeside, with the kyng of heraldes, where they proclaimed the lady Mary doughter to kyng Henry the .viii. and quene Katherine,Lady Marye proclaymed quene of Englande. quene of Englande, France, and Irelande defendor of the faithe. &c. the xix. day of Iuly: kepyng as prisoners in the tower lady Iane lately proclaimed, [Page 222] and Lorde Gylford her husband. When this was heard in the dukes campe, many of his souldiours forsoke hym, and be returnynge to Cambridge, proclaimed the Ladye Marye Quene, and on the twenty day at nyght, beyng apprehended of the garde, he with other, was brought to the Tower of London, the fyue and twentye daye of Iuly. Thus was the matter ended wythout bloudshedde, whyche menne seared woulde haue brought the deathe of many thousandes.

Queene Mary.

Anno Regni. 1.

MArye, the eldest daughter of king Henry the .viii. began her reigne ouer thys realme of England the vi. day of Iuly,1553 in the yeare of our Lord .1553. & deceased in the yere of our Lorde .1558. the .17. day of Nouember, so she reigned .v. yeares .v. moneths & .xi. days: she was proclaimed Quene at London, the .xix. day of Iuly, [Page] and the .xx. day at the castel of Framingham:Quene Mary hauynge to the numbre of 30000. men, y^e erle of Sussex being lieutenaunt of the armye, when she dissolued her campe at Framingham victuals was of suche plentithe, that a barell of biere was folde for vi. d with the caske and iiii. greate loaues of bread for a peny. and afterwarde beynge accompanied with a goodly bande of noble men, gentylmen, and commoners gathered out of all partes of the realme, came to London, and entred the tower the .iii. day of August. In her fathers tyme and brothers tyme, dyuers noble men, byshops, and other were caste into the tower: somme for treason layde to their charge, as the Duke of Norffolke, and the Lord Courtney, sonne to the Marques of Excester: some for mainteinyng the Popes supremacie, as D. Lonstall, byshop of Durham, and other: whiche continued there prisoners at the Quenes commyng to the tower, to all these and many other, she graunted pardon, and restored them to theyr former dignities. Lykewise dyd she vnto doctour Gardener bishop of Winchester, whom she dyd not only sette at libertie, but also made hym hygh chauncellour of Englande. For the greate fauour that she shewed to the lord Courtney, whom she made Erle of Deuonshyre, many men were in opinion, that she purposed to haue maryed hym, but in the end it proued [Page 223] otherwyse.

As all sortes of men almoste dyd reioyce, that Quene Mary had recouered the crowne: so many notwithstandyng muche feared alteration of religion by her. For manyfest signification therof, was geuen dayly, as well by the Quene her selfe, who oftentymes hadde masse and Latine seruice before her in the tower: as also by diuers sermons made of them that at that tyme were appointed to preache about London.

The .xi. day of August certaine gentilmen myndyng to passe through London bridge in a wherrie,A wherrye ouerturned. were there ouerturned by violence of the water, and seuen of them drowned.

The .xiii. day of August, master Bourn canon of Paules, preachynge at Paules crosse sayd as foloweth: This same day v. yeares the reuerende father in God, Edmunde bishop of London our diocesan, preachynge in thys place, and thys same gospell whyche I nowe preache, for the same was cast in prison, and hath there remained tyll this tyme, that the quenes most excellent maiestie hath deliuered and set hym at libertie: whyche [Page] saying of the precher so offended the audience, that they breakyng silence, said, the byshop had preached abhomination: other some cried (meanyng of the preacher) pull hym out, pulle hym out: and some beynge next the pulpyt, began to clymbe towarde the preacher to haue pulled hym out, wherwith the preacher stepped backe, and one mayster Bradforde, a preacher of Kynge Edwardes tyme, stepped forthe into the preachers place, most myldely and gently persuadyng the audience to quietnes and obedience, whose presence lyked the people well:A dagger throwen at Paules crosse but neuertheles Bourne standing by Bradford one threw a dagger at him whiche hytte one of the syde poastes of the pulpet, and rebounded backe agayn a great way: whervpon maister Bradforde was fayne to breake of his speche, & forced hym self with the helpe of Iohn Rogers, an other preacher, to conueye Maister Bourne oute of the audience, whiche with great labour they brought into Poules schole.

Doctour Boner that was depriued in king Edwards time, was now again (as ye haue heard) restored to his bishoprike [Page 224] and dyuers other byshops for Religion were displaced: as Cranmer of Canterbury: The archbishop of Yorke Poynet of winchester, Barlow of Bath, Farrar of S. Dauis: Harley of Herford: Houper of Gloucester: Couerdale of Excester: Scory of Chichester. &c. And al other benefieed men, that either were maried or wold not forsake their opiniōs, wer put out of their liuinges, & other knowen to be of the contrary parte were set in the same, especially if any were aliue, that in the time of kyng Henry or Edwarde were put out of the same bishoprikes or benefices: as bishop day of Chichester: Heth of worc. Turberuile of Excest. &c. The .22. day of August y^t duke of Northū berlād was beheded & with him wer put to deth sir Iohn Gates,Execution at Tower hyll. and sir Thomas Palmer called Buskin palmer knights.

Peter martyr, who in king Edwards tyme was reader of diuinitie in Oxford obteined licence and safe conduite of the quene, and departed oute of Englande to Argentine whens he came.

In this time y^e people shewed thēselues so redy to receiue their old religion, y^t in many places of the realme, vnderstandyng [Page] the quenes plesure, before any law was made for the same, they erected agayne theyr aultars, and vsed the Masse and latin seruice, in suche sorte as was wont to be in kyng Henries tyme.

The greate Hary brente.The .xxvi. day of Auguste in the euenyng, the notablest shyppe in the world was burnt at wolwich, called the great Hary, by the negligence of maryners, she was of burthen a M. tunne.

The last day of September the quenes hyghnes rode thorough the citie to Westminster in moste goodly maner,A man stoode on the wether cock of Paules. the pageantes in all places accustomed beyng moste gorgiously trimmed: And as her grace passed by Poules, a certain dutche man stode vpon the wethercock with an enseigne in his hande, flouryshyng with the same, and vnder hym vpon the crosse, a scaffold garnished with enseignes banners and streamers, and vnder that vpon the holle an other scaffolde with enseignes & streamers, very strange to y^e beholders. And the morow which was the fyrst day of October her grace was crowned at westminster by doctor Gardiner bishop of Winchester.

The .v. day of October began the parliament [Page 225] at Westminster, and masse of the holy ghoste was songe.

The .xxv. day of October the barge of Grauesend by greate misfortune of a ratche running vpon her,Grauesende barge ouerturned. was ouerthrowen and .xiiii. persones drowned, and xvi. saued by swymmyng.

The .xxiii. the .xxv. the .xxvii. dayes of October were certayne disputations in the longe chapell at the northe doore of Paules concerning Transubstantiation but nothyng throughly determined.

Anno. 1.

Tho. white marchant tailour M.
Tho. Offley S.
Wil. Hewet S.
1553

The same syr Thomas White, a worthy patron and protector of poore scholers and learnynge, renewed or rather erected a college in Oxford,S. Iohns colledge in Oxenford erected that was in great ruine and decaye, nowe called S. Iohns college, and before Bernard college, indowyng the same with landes & reuenues, to the greate prefermente of learnyng and comfort of poore mennes children. Renuing by that ensample, the worthy monuments and dedes done by the lyke godly disposed of ancient tyme [Page] in bothe the vniuersities, whiche maye wel be called, y^e two Eies of the realme, whose sight begyn to grow dymme, thorough the coldnes of charitie and want of deuotion late crept into the hartes of men. God graunt they may be restored to the clerenes of their wonted syghte, that learnyng may flouryshe, throughe abundaunce of schollers, with maintenaunce for the same. And that the able and riche may liberally imitate therample of this vertuous gentleman, who both there and in many other places, as by erection of Schooles at Bristoll and Readynge, hathe planted the rootes of learnyng: the fruites wherof no doubte in tyme to come shall flouryshe, to the great cōmoditie and singular ornament of the realme.

Trinitie coledge erected.The lyke College also now called trinitie colledge, the ryght worshypfull sir Thomas Pope knyght deceased to his great praise and singular commēdation erected, whiche some tyme was called Durham colledge, also ruinous and in great decaye he reedified: appoyntynge for the maintenance of the fellowes and scholers like possession. By whiche fact [Page 226] he declared, that like as God had indued him with greate rychesse and reuenues by policie and the princis seruice acquired and gotten, euen so he therby ment to dedicate some portion thereof to the honor of lerning, and gifts of the mynd, that his naturall countrey might attein that honoure, whiche is or ought to belonge to euery christen realme. For he remembryng what benefites learnyng dothe conduce and brynge to a well gouerned common wealthe, thought not to beslack in distributyng his portion, to thaugmentation of the same.

Cardinall Poole, who fledde oute of Englande in the tyme of Kyng Henry, and was in great estimatiō in the court of Rome, was sent for by Quene Mary to returne into hys countrey.

About this tyme the parliament dyd conclude, that the Seruice of the churche should from and after the .xx. day of December next ensuyng, be used in all places, in suche maner and fourme as it was vsed in the laste yere of kyng Henry the .viii.

The .xiii. day of Nouēber D. Cranmer [Page] Archbishop of Canturburye, lady Iane that was before proclaimed Quene, and the lorde Gylford her husbande were openly arreigned & condemned for treson.

This yere the .xxv. of Nouember beyng saincte Katherins daye, after euensong began the quier of Poules to go about the steple, synging anthemes with cresset lyghtes, after the old custome at vi. of the clocke at nyght.

The laste daye of Nouember beynge saynt Andrewes day, began the procession in latine, the byshop, curates, persons, and the whole quiere of Poules, with the Maior and aldermen, and the prebendes in their grey amyses, &c.

The .v. day of December the parliament was dissolued, in the whyche parliament all statutes that were made either of Premunire in tyme of king Hē ry the .viii. or concernynge religion and administration of the sacramentes vnder kyng Edwarde the syxt, were repealed, and communication was had of the quenes mariage with kyng Philyp the Emperours sonne.

The beginnyng of Ianuarie the emperor sent a noble man called Ecmondane [Page 227] and certayne other ambassadours into England to make a perfecte conclusion of the mariage betwene Kyng Philyp and Quene Mary.

The .xx. day of Ianuary the lord Chancellor with other of the counsaile, declared openly vnto the Quenes maiesties houshold, that there was a mariage concluded, betwene her grace and the kyng of Spayne, whiche shoulde be a greate strength, honour, and enrichyng to the realme of England.

The purpose of this mariage was so greuously taken of dyuers noble men, and a great numbre of gentylmen and commoners, that for this, and religion, they in suche sort conspired agaynst the quene, that if the matter had not brokē out before the tyme appointed, menne thought it would haue brought muche more trouble and danger. For syr Thomas Wyat in Kente, beyng one of the chief,A commotion in Kent. fearynge that the matter was by certaine persones bewrayed, sodenly about the .xx. day of Ianuary gathered a certayne company, and muche incensed the people of those partes agaynste the quene, saying: That she and the counsel [Page] intended not onely by alteration of religion to bryng in the pope, but also by mariage of a stranger to brynge the realme into miserable seruitude and bondage. When report of this was brought to London, the Queene, with so muche spede as might be, sent the duke of Norfolke with a company of souldiours into Kent against Wiat, where the duke meting with Wyat, not farre from Rochester bridge, was forsaken of his souldiours, and returned to London.

The duke of Suffolks, agayn proclaymed his doughter quene.In this meane tyme Henry duke of Suffolk father to lady Iane lately proclaimed Quene fleynge into Leycestershyre, and Warwikeshire with a small company in dyuers places as he went agayne proclaimed his daughter: but the people did not greatly inclyne vnto him Wherfore when the erle of Huntyngton, that was sent to pursue hym, came to Couentrie, and was receiued into the citie: the duke, hauyng no great power or strength of menne about hym, was brought therby into a streight, and hydyng hymselfe in a parke of hys owne by Couentrie, was bewrayed by one of his seruauntes, and so taken, and by the [Page 228] erle of Huntington brought prysoner to London:The Duke of Suffolke taken. whyle thys stirre and trouble was, the Emperours ambassadours for feare of daunger departed out of the realme, and the same daye beyng the fyrst of Februarie, the Quene came frome Westminster to the Guyld hall in London:The Queene came to the Guylde hall in London. and there after vehement woordes agaynste Wyate, declared that she ment not otherwyse to marry, then the Councell should thynke both honourable and commodious to the realm. And if they thought good, that she could continue vnmaried, as she had done y^e greatest part of her age: and therfore wylled theym truely to assist her in repressynge suche as contrarye to theyr dueties rebelled.

When she had done, vnderstandynge that many in London dyd fauour Wyats part, she appoynted lorde William Haward lieutenant of the citie, and the Earle of Pembroke general of the field whiche bothe prepared all thynges necessarye for theyr purposes, with greate prouision of men and artillerie.

Whyle thys prouysion was makynge, [Page] Wyate came nere vnto the citie, and was entred into Southewarke, the third day of Februarie, and the morow after Candlemas daye. wherefore the drawe bridge was broken downe, ordinance bent to that parte, generall pardon proclaimed to all them that woulde geue ouer and forsake the rebels, and a greate rewarde appoynted to hym that toke Wyate prisoner. After Wyat had layne .ii. dayes in Southwarke, he turned hys iorney to Kyngston on Shroue: tuisday in the mornyng, beyng the sixte of Februarie. where he passed ouer the Thames, and purposed to haue come to London in the night: but by means that the cariage of his chiefe ordinance brake he was so letted that he could not come before it was farre daye. At that tyme the erle of Pembroke, and diuers other were in saint Iames field with a great power, and theyr ordinance so bent that Wiate was faine to leaue the common way, and with a smalle company came vnder saint Iames wall frome the danger of the ordinaunce: and so wente by Charing crosse vnto Ludgate without resistence, and there thought to haue be [Page 229] let in. But perceiuyng that he was defeated of his purpose, he returned, and aboute temple barre was resysted, and yeldyng hymselfe was taken prisoner.Wyat taken.

Proclamation was made in London, that no man vnder pain of death should kepe in his house any of Wiats faction. Wherfore they were all brought forth, and shortly after, about the number of fifty were hanged on .xx. paire of gallouses made for that purpose in dyuers places in and about the citie.

The .xii. day of February lady Iane the duke of Suffolkes daughter and her husband lord Gylford, whiche hytherto had ben kept in the tower,Execution. were nowe be headed, for feare least any other shold make lyke trouble for her title, as her father had attempted to doo.

The .17. of February was proclamatiō made that all strangers should voyd the realme within .xxiiii. days next ensuing,Execution at the tower of London. vpon payne of confiscation of their goods (all free denisens, marchantes, embassadoures and theyr seruants except.)

The .xvii. daye of Februarie Henry Duke of Suffolke was condempned of reason, & the fourth day after beheaded [Page] at the tower hyll,Execution at tower hyll. and hys bodye buried in the tower.

The .23. of February, about .240. prisoners of Wiats faction went with halters about theyr neckes toward Westminster, who had theyr pardon in chepe.

The .xv. day of Marche the Earle of Deuonshire, whom the Quene at her fyrst entring deliuered out of the tower and ladye Elisabeth also the Quenes syster were both in suspicion to haue consented to Wyats conspyracie: and for the same were apprehended and committed to the Tower.

The .x. of Aprill Cranmer archbishop of Canturbury, Ridley of London, and Hugh Latymer ones byshop of worcester, were conueyed as prisoners from the tower of London to Wyndsor, and after frome thence to the vniuersitie of Oxforde, there to dispute with the diuines and learned men of the contrary opinion.

Execution at tower hyll.The .xi. daye of Aprill syr Thomas Wiat chiefe capitayn and ryngleader of the rebels was beheaded at tower hyll, and after quartered, his quarters were sette vp in dyuers places, and his heade [Page 230] on the gallowes at Hay hyll, where it was soone after stolne awaye, and his fyngers and toes cut of from his quarters and conueyed.

The .27. of Aprill the lorde Thomas Gray,Execution at Tyborne. brother to the late duke of Suffolke, was beheaded.

William Thomas a gentylman, and certaine other persons were apprehended for conspiring Quene Maries death the same William Thomas for that offence the .xviii. day of May was drawen hanged and quartered at Tyborne.

The .xix. day of May the lady Elizabeth was brought out of the Tower by water, and so conueyde to Richemount, from thense to Wyndsore, and so by my lorde Williams to Rycote in Oxfordeshyre, and from thens to Woodstocke, where she remayned.

The .xxiiii. day of Maye, beynge the feast of Corpus Christi, a ioyner that dwelte in Colman streete, called Iohn Strete wold haue takē the Sacrament out of the priests hands in Smithfield, in the tyme of procession, but he was resisted, taken and put in Newgate, and then he fayned hym selfe madde.

[Page]The fowerth day of Iune was taken down all the gallowes that were about London. The same day began the crosse of Cheape to be newe gylded.

Anno. reg. 2. A spirite in a wall at London. The .xxii. daye of Iune was a proclamation made concernyng shootynge in handgunnes and bearyng of weapons.

The .xv. daye of Iuly in the seconds yeare of Quene Mary, Elisabeth a yong wenche of the age of .xvi. or .xviii. yeres, did open penance at Paules crosse, standyng vpon a skaffold al the sermon time where she confessed openly, that she beyng inticed by lewde councell, had vpon the .xiiii. day of Marche last passed counterfait certayn speches in an house, nere vnto Aldersgate in London, aboute the which, the people of the whole citie wer wonderfully molested. Some saying it was an angel, some the holy ghost, speakynge in a walls: On this maner she behaued her selfe, she laye and whystled in a strange whistell made for the nones, then were .iii. or .iiii. companions confederate with her, which toke vpon them to interprete what the spirit said, expressyng certain sedicious & opprobrious words against the quenes highnes.

[Page 231]The .xix. day of Iuly kyng Philyp the emperours sonne,Kyng Philip came to Winchester. passyng out of Spain came into England, & arriued at South hampton. the .iiii. daye after he came to Winchester in the euenynge, and there goyng to the churche, was honourably receiued of the bishop, and a great number of nobles, for that purpose appointed: the next day he met with the quens with whom after he had long and familiar talke. The second day beyng sainct Iames day, the mariage was in honorable maner solemnised betwene him and quene Mary. At this time the emperors embassadour being present, openly pronounced y^t in consideration of that mariage, the emperour had granted & geuen vnto his sonne, the kingdom of Naples. Shortly after, kyng Philip and quene Mary, departed from Winchester, and with a goodly companie were broughte to London, & there with great prouision were receyued of the Citizens the .xviii. day of August. At that time a man came as it wer flying vpon a rope from Paules steple to the deanes walle.

In October the emperor sent ambassadours into Englande to yeld vnto his [Page] sonne kynge Philip the Dukedome of Millayne.

Anno. M .2. P .1.

1554
Iohn Lyon grocer M.
Dauid Wodroffe S.
William Chester S.

Cardinall Poole cam into Englande.The .xxiii. of Nouember Cardinall Poole came oute of Brabant into Englande, and was receyued with muche honour in all places as he passed. At the same tyme he was by parlyamente restored to his old estate and dignitie that he was put frome by kynge Henry the quenes father: and shortely after came into the parlyamente house where the kyng, quene, and other states were all present. Then he declaryng the cause of his legacie, fyrst exhorted thē to returne to the cōmunion of the church, & restore to the moste holy father and pope, hys due aucthoritie: secondly he aduertised them to geue thankes to God that had sent them so blessed a kynge and quene: fynally he signified, for so much as they had with great gentylnes restored him to his honour and dignitie, that he most earnestly desyred to se them restored to the heauenlye courte and vnitie of the [Page 232] churche. The next day the whole court of parliament drue out y^e forme of a supplication, the summe whereof was, that they greately repented theym of that schisme that they had lyued in: And therfore desired the quene and the Cardinal that by their meanes they myght be restored to the bosome of the holy churche and obedience of the sea of Rome. The next day, the Kyng, queene, and Cardinall beyng present, the lorde Chancellour declared what the parliamente had determyned concernyng the Cardinals request, and offred vnto the kynge, and Quene the supplication before mencioned, whiche beyng read: the Cardinall in a large oration, declared howe acceptable repentaunce was in the syghte of God. &c.

Immediatly he, makynge prayer vnto God, by authoritie to hym committed, absolued them, and restored them to the churche of Rome. When all this was done, they wente all vnto the chapell: and there syngynge Te Deum, with greate solempnytie declared the ioye and gladnesse, that for thys reconciliation [Page] was pretended.

The .ii. day of December beyng sonday, the kynges maiestie, the Lord cardinall, and diuers other of the nobilitie, repaired to saint Paules church in London, and so vnto a wyndow of the same, directly against the crosse, wher the byshop of winchester being lord Chācellor of Englande made a sermon, declaryng howe this realme was agayne restored and vnited vnto the churche of Rome.

The .27. of Decēber the prince of Piamont duke of Sauoy, with other lordes wer receiued at Grauesend by the lord priuie seale, & other, & so conueyde along the ryuer of Thames thorowe London bridge to Westmin. to y^e kings palaice.

In the beginnyng of Ianuary the parliament was dissolued: Wherin among other thynges it was enacted, that the statutes before tyme made for the punishement of heretikes, and the confirmation of the popes power should be reuiued, and in so good force as euer they had ben before kynge Henries reigne: and that such acts as were made against the supremacie of the Pope shoulde bee cleane abrogated and abolished.

[Page 233]The .ix. day of Ianuarie the prince of Orenge beyng receyued at Grauesende,The prince of Orenge came to London. was conueyed along the ryuer of Thamis through London bridge, and landed at the duke of Suffolkes place.

The .iiii. of February being monday, Iohn Rogers vicar of S. Sepulchres, was burned in Smithfield.Execution in Smithfielde. The .vii. of February, the lorde Strange being maried at the court, the same day at nyght was a goodly pastime of Iuga cana by cresset lyght, there were .lxx. cresset lightes.

The .xviii. of February the byshop of Ely, with the lord Mountacute & dyuers other, well apparelled rode forthe of the citie of London towards Rome ambassadours from the king, quene & councel.

The .xvi. daye of Marche a weaner,Execution in Smithfielde. which dwelled in Shorditche, was burned in Smithfield.

The xiiii. day of Aprill in Anno .1555. beyng Ester day, a certain desperate person named Williā Flower, with a wod knyfe, wounded a priest, as he was ministrynge the sacrament to the people in S. Margarets churche at Westminster: for the whiche offence,Execution in Westminster the said William Flower was burned at westmynster in saint Margarets church yarde the .xxiiii. [Page] day of Apryll.

In Maye the Lorde Cardynall Poole the lorde Chauncelloure of Englande, the Earle of Arundell, hygh steward of Englande, and the lorde Paget, wente ouer sea to Calyce, and nere vnto Mark treated with the emperors and Frenche kynges Commyssioners, for a peace to be had betwene the sayde princes, Cardinall Poole beyng president there, who returned agayne into Englande, about the myddest of Iune, without any agrement makyng.

On the tenthe daye of May, a ladde called Wyllyam Fetherstone, aboute the age of eyghtene yeares, whoe named hym selfe to be kyng Edwarde the vi. was taken about Eltham in Kente, and conueyed to Hampton court, & there brought before the counsell, who examined hym why he named hymselfe to bee kyng Edward, he requirynge to be pardoned, sayd he wist not what he did, but as he was counsailed, apperyng manyfestly to be a desperate foole, and so was cōmitted to the marshalsey.

The .xxviii. day of May the aforesayd ladde was had out of the Marshalsey in a carte, and so caryed throughe London [Page 234] to Westminster, wyth a paper on hys head: wherin was written, that he named hym selfe kyng Edwarde. And after that he had bene thus caryed round aboute Westmynster hall before all the Iudges and others, he was then whipped about the sayde Hall, and after set at lybertie.

The later ende of Iune, was a certain muttering traiterously attempted about Wadehurst in Suffex, but it was spedily perceyued and wyttyly repressed.

About the fyrste of Iuly Iohn Bradforde was burned in Smithfield.Execution in Smythfielde. This Bradforde was a man of very sober and honest lyfe, and therefore the byshoppes woulde haue ben very glad to haue had hym recant and abiure his opinion.

The .xii. day of August the .3. yeare of quene Mary was a terrible fyght on the sea,Anno .3. betwene the Duchemen and frenchmen nere vnto Romney marshe, where as .xi. shyps were brent and sonke, that is .vi. frenche shyppes, and fyue greate hulkes, and certayne hulkes taken by the Frenche men.

In the beginning of Septēber the king [Page] went ouer sea to Calice,The .iiii. of September kynge Philip ariued at Calaice. and so forthe to Brusselles in Brabant to visite the emperour his father.

The begynning of October fell suche rayne, that for the space of vi. days men mought row with boates in saint Georges field, the water came into westminster hall, and there stoode halfe a yarde depe. Also into the palaice of westmynster, and into Lambeth Churche, that men mought row about the church with a whirrie.

The .xvi. day of October doctor Ridley, and doctour Latymer were burned at Oxenforde.

Anno. M .3. P .2.

1555
wil. Garret haberdasher M
Thomas Lee S.
Iohn Machā S.

In October and Nouember a parliamēt was holden, in the which the quene beyng persuaded (of the clergie) that she could not prosper so long as she kepte in her handes the reuenues of the churche, yelded vp vnto the spirituall menne, the fyrste fruites and tenthes of all byshoprikes benefices, and ecclesiasticall liuinges, which in king Hēries time were by parliament annexed to the crowne: before the ende of this parliamente, dyed [Page 235] Stephen Gardener Chancellour of England on the .ix. day of Nouember, and was buried at Wynchester, and in hys place was appointed doctor Heath archbyshop of Yorke.

Philpot was burned the .xviii. daye of Nouembre.Execution.

Kyng Philyp, beginnyng to gouerne the low countreys, committed vnto him by his father about the .xviii. day of Ianuarie entred into Andwerpe, and was receiued with great solemnitie.

The .iiii. day of Marche appered a blasyng sterre,A blasyng sterre. and continued the space of xii. dayes.

William Fetherston who before had named hym selfe to be kyng Edward (as you haue herd in the yere last past) now said, he had of late sene and spoken with kynge Edwarde: for the whiche he was drawen to tyborne, and there hanged & quartered the .xiii. day of Marche.

The .xxi. day of Marche D. Cranmer archbyshop of Canterbery was burned at Oxford: and the same daye the lorde Cardinall Poole song his fyrst masse at Grenewich in the friers church: on sonday next folowynge, he was consecrated [Page] archebyshop of of Caunterbury, at the same friers churche with great solemnitie: and on the .xxv. daye of Marche, beyng the feast of the annunciation of our Ladye in the yeare .1556. he was stalled at Bowechurche in Cheape.

On Palmsonday euē being y^e .28. of Marche, part of the prison house of Newgate at Lōdon was burnt by casualtie of fire.

This yeare a certain conspiracie was made by certaine meane persons in England: whose purpose was to haue robbed the quenes Escheker, to this entent that they myghte bee able to mainteyne warre agaynste the quene. This matter was vttered by one of the conspiracye: whereby Udall, Throgmorton, Peckham, Daniel, and Stanton were apprehended for the same, and dyuers other fled into France.

The .xxviii. day of Apryll, Throgmorton, and Richard Udall wer drawen to Tyborne, and there hanged and quartered. The .xix. of Maye Stanton was likewyse executed at Tyborne.

The .viii. daye of Iune one Rossy, Dedyke, and Bedle, were also drawen to Tyborn, and hanged & quartered.

[Page 236]The .xxvii. daye of Iune were .xiii. persones brent at Stratforde the bowe, for matters of religion.

The .viii. day of Iuly Henry Peckham and Iohn Daniel were hanged and headed at the tower hyll, and theyr bodyes buried at Barkyng churche.

Anno. M .4. P .3.

sir Tho. Offley marchāt taylour M.
Wil. Harper S.
Iohn white S.
1556

About this tyme began the hofe burnyng feuers and other strange diseases, wherof died many olde persons,Seuen aldermen deceased in London. so that in London there dyed frome the laste of Nouēber; vnto the last of Decēber .vii. Aldermen, whose names were Henry Herdson, sir Richard Dobbes late maior sir Williā Larton late maior, syr Henry Nublethorn late maior, sir Iohn Chapneis blynde late maior, sir Iohn Oliffe late sheriff, & sir Iohn Greshā late maior

The .16. of December a smyth beyng a stranger borne was arraigned at Newgate for makynge counterfeated keyes, wherwith to haue opened Newgate in the nyght, and so to haue slayne the keper, and lette foorth the prysoners, at [Page] whyche tyme of his arraignement, hauyng a knyfe about hym, he thrust hym in, who gaue witnesse agaynst hym, so that he dyed therof: for the whiche acte after that .xii. men had gyuen theyr verdict against him, and iudgement passed, he was immediatly takē from the barre and in the strete before the Iustice hall, his hand beyng striken of, his body was hanged on a new gybbet set vp for that purpose: the same tyme, the keeper of newgate was indicted for that the sayde prisoner had weapon about hym.

The .iiii. of Ianuarie a shippe passyng before Grenewiche (the court beynge there) shotte of her ordinaunce, and one piece beynge charged with a pellette of stone, was shot into the court: but thankes be vnto God it dyd no hurt: but passed through the walles.

An ambassadour frome Moscouie.The .xxvii. day of Februarye an ambassador came to London from the emperour of Cattay, Moscouie, and Russe lande: who was honorably met and receyued at Tot [...]ham by the merchantes venturers of London, rydyng in veluet coates and chayues of gold, and by them conducted to the barres at Smithfield, [Page 237] and there receiued by the lorde maior of London, with the aldermen and sheriffes: and so by the lorde Maior, aldermen and merchant venturers, conueyed thorough the Citie, vnto maister Dimokes place in Fanchurch strete, wher he lodged vntill the .12. of May next folowyng in the yere .1557. at the which tyme he toke hys iourney to Grauesend, & there toke shyppyng with the prymrose, and iii. other shyppes to sayle to Moscouie.

The lorde Sturton with muche iniu [...]ye and crueltie murthered two men:A murderer. and for the same was araigned and condemned at Westminster: the .ii. daye of Marche: he was conueyed through London to Salisburye,Execution at Salisbury. and there hanged with .iiii. of his seruantes, the .vi. daye of Marche.

King Philip, who had ben a good season in Flaunders to take the possession and gouernement of the low countreis, [...] Marche returned into Englande, and the .xxii. day he passed through London, beynge accompanied with the Quene, and the nobles of the realme, but because greate trouble was towarde betwene hym and the kyng of France: he [Page] taried not long here, but about the third of Iuly next folowyng, passyng the seas agayne into Flanders made great prouision for warre agaynste the Frenche kyng. The quene thynking her husbandes quarell to be hers also,Englyshmen sent to saynte Quintins. proclaymed open war agaynst France: and not long after sent ouer an army of one thousand horsemen .iiii. thousand footemen, ii. M. pioners, to ayde kynge Philip, whereof the erle of Pembroke was generall.

The .24. day of Aprill in the yere .1557. Thomas Stafford & other englishmē to the numbre of .xxxii. persones commyng out of France toke the castell of Scarborough,Scarbrough castell taken by .xxxii. persons. whiche they enioyed .ii. dayes, and then were taken and broughte to London: wher on the .xxviii. day of May the sayd Thomas Stafford was beheaded at the Tower hyll:Executio [...] at tower hyll. and vpon the morowe were three of hys companye drawen to Tyhorne, and there hanged and quartered.

The tenthe daye of Auguste in the fyfthe yeare of Quene Marye were taken of Fraunce the chiefest Capitayns that the Frenche kyng hadde, as foloweth. [Page 238] The duke of Mo [...]tmorency Constable of France, and his sonne called, Monsieur de Meru, the duke of Monpencier, the duke of Longueuille, the Mareshal of S. Andrew, the Ringraue Coronal of the Almains, Roche du Main, the Conte of Roche foucaul [...], The Vicont of Touraine, the Baron of Curton, the Prince of Man [...]us, besyde many gentylmen and Capitains.

Thys yeare on the .xv. daye of Iuly dyed the ladye Anne of Cleue at Chelsey,The ladye Anne of Cleue deceased and was buryed at Westmynster, the .viii. day of August.

The .xviii. daye of Auguste was taken the town of saint Quintine by king Philyppe, wyth the healpe of Englishe menne, at the siege whereof, the Lorde Henry Dudley, youngest sonne to the Duke of Northumberland, was slayne wyth a gunne.

This yeare before Harueste,Both deart [...] and plentie or corne in one yeare. wheate was solde for .iiii. marke the quarter, Malt at foure and fortye shyllynges the quarter: Beanes at forty shyllyngs the quarter. Rye at forty shillyngs the quarter, and pease at .xlvi. shillinges .viii. d. But after harueste, wheate was solde [Page] for .v. s. the quarter: malt at .vi. s .viii. d [...]ye at .iii. s .iiii. d. and in the countreye, wheate was solde for .iiii. s. the quarter, malt for .iiii. s. viii. d. and in some place a bushell of rye for a pound of candels, whiche was .iiii. d.

Anno M .5. P .4.

1557
Thomas Curteys fishmōger S.
Rich. Malarie S.
Iames Altam S.

Calaice lost.The fyrst of Ianuary the frenchmen came to Calaice with a great army, and layd siege thervnto: and within .iiii. or v. dayes were maisters therof: and shortly after wan all the pieces on that syde the sea: To many it semed strange, how that towne, whiche so many yeares had bene fortified with all munitions that could be deuised, shold nowe in so shorte space be taken of our ennemies. It is to be noted, that the counsell of England raysed great power to haue gone to the defence of that towne: but such tempest rose, as the like in many yeares had not ben sene, wherby no shyppe could broke the sea, and suche of the shyppes, as aduentured, were wonderfully shaken, and forced by the saide tēpest to returne [Page 239] agayne with great daunger.

The French king also inuaded Flanders, and spoyled and brent Dunkirke, before kynge Philyp could come to the rescue: but before the frenche men returned out of Flanders, the Fleminges and the englyshe shyppes metyng with them vppon the sandes betwene Dunkirke and Grauelyne slewe of theym a great numbre.

Agaynst sommer greate preparation was made both on kyng Philyp and the Frenche kyngs parties, and they reteined styll myghty armies, of purpose to inuade eche other: but nothyng beynge doone, towarde wynter they brake vp their campes.

Thys Wynter the quarterne aques contynued in lyke maner, or more behementely then they hadde doone the laste yeare.

At this tyme also dyed so many priests that a great numbre of paryshes in dyuers places of this realme were vnserued, and no curates could be gotten for moneye.

This yeare in Iune were .vii. burned at one stake in Smythfield,Execution. and in Iuly [Page] were syxe bnrned at Brainforde at one stake, and dyuers other in other places.

Anno M. 6. P. 5.

1558
Sir Thomas Lee mercer M.
Tho. Hawes S.
Rich. Chāpion S.

Kyng Philippe beynge absent oute of this realme, Quene Mary beyng dangerously sycke, ended her lyfe, the .xvii. day of Nouember, when [...]he hadde reigned .vi. yeares .iiii. monethes, and .xi. dayes. The same daye dyed Cardynall Poole, and a lyttell before two of her phifitions, and dyuers byshops and noble menne, whome the Quene had estemed greatly.

Quene Elisabeth.

Anno regni .1.

1558AFter the decease of Queene Mary, our gracious and soueraigne lady Elisabeth, to the greate comfort of Englande, was with ful consent proclaymed quene the .xvii. daye of Nouember, in the yere [Page 240] 1558. Not longe after she came frome Hatfielde in Hartefordshyre, where she then abode, vnto the Charterhouse in London: and wente frome thens to the tower, there she remayned vntyll the xiiii. day of Ianuary folowyng: at which time (the Lōdoners hauyng made sumptuous prouision) she passed through the citie to her palaice at westminster, shewyng very comfortable and gentil countenance vnto the people: the next day folowing, her grace was crowned in saint Peters church at Westminster by doctor Oglethorpe byshop of Carlile.

The reporte of this was very ioyfull to suche as in Quene Maries tyme for religions sake fled into Germany, and other countreys, whervpon they nowe shortly returned home agayne.

The twentye daye of Ianuary nexte folowynge, beganne a parlyamente at Westmynster:A parliament at Westmynster. And in thys Parlyament, the Fyrste fruites and Tenthes were restored to the Crowne, and alsoo the Supreme gouernemente ouer the state Ecclesiastycall, the whyche Quene Marye hadde taken awaye, [Page] and geuen to the Pope: lykewyse the boke of common praier and administration of the sacramentes in oure vulgare tongue was restored.

In this parliament time, shortly after Easter the quenes maiestie appointed a conference or disputation to bee had at Westminster churche, concernynnge matters of religion, but the matter cam to none effect.

The .vii. of Aprill was a ioyfull peace proclaimed betwixt our souerayne lady Elisabeth quene of England, and prince Henry the frenche kynge. And the lyke peace betwene her maiestie, & the kyng and quene Dolphiners of Scotland.

The .viii. daye of Maye the Quenes highnes rode to the parliamente, and gaue her royall assent to all suche actes as there were made, with high thankes to all the estates for theyr great trauell and diligence therein.

The .xxiiii. day of Iune being the feast of saynct Iohn Baptiste, the seruice in the mother tonge was fully establyshed throughout this realme, and the Masse with other latine seruice was cleane abolyshed from that day forwarde.

[Page 241]In August about Bartholomew tide the Church wardens of churches in Lō don with their persones and ministers, brought foorth the Roodes and other images of their Churches, and brente them before theyr churche doores, throwyng in their coapes and vestimentes, alter clothes, baners, crosses, bokes, and all other suche thynges as had bene accompted ornamentes of churches, and some burned roode loftes also.

Anno regni .1.

sir wil. Hewet clothworker M.
Tho. Lodge S.
1559
Roger Martin S.

The second yere of Quene Elisabeth many men of warre were conueyde out of France into Scotland,Anno. reg. 1. It is to be noted, that the Maior of Lō don beginneth his yeare the 28. day of October, whiche is in the fyrst yeare of the quenes maiesties reigne. And the quenes seconde yeare begynneth on the 17 day of Nouēber next folowyng. and there placed in townes and fortresses: wherby it was to bee suspected, that they woulde sodeinly inuade this realme, wherevpon the Queenes maiestie sent the Duke of Norfolke towardes Scotland, as generall with an armye, who remayned at Berwyke, and the lorde Gray of Wilton beyng lieutenant, entred Scotland with a sufficiente power to ioyne with the Scottes and Frenche men. And in [Page] the ende her grace sent sir William C [...] cill knight, her maiesties principall Secretarie together with maister doctour Wotton to treate with the french men, who by theyr wysedomes so well ordered theim selues, that they enforced the frenchemen to depart, to the great quietnes and safetie both of Englande and Scotlande: and there vpon her maiestie reuoked her army after the fortes there were rased, withont any seysure or holdyng of any pece within the grounde of Scotlande.

The .v. day of Iuly through shotyng of a gonne whiche brake in the house of one Adrian Arten a ducheman,Houses blowen in croked lane. in croked lane, and settyng fyre on a fyrkyn & a barrell of gunpouder .iiii. houses were cleane blowen down, and dyuers other sore scattered, there were slayn .ix. persons men and women, and diuers other sore hurt and bruised.

This yere on Michelmas euen before noone,The base moneys called in it was published by proclamatiō that the teston of the beste sorte beynge marked with the porteuleys shold then forthwith be taken for .iiii. d. ob. and the seconde sorte beynge marked wyth the [Page 242] greyhound for .ii. d. q. the third and worst sort not being marked with one of those markes afore named, not to be taken for any value, the thre peny piece whyche was coyned for .iiii. d. shold be but .i. d. ob. the .ii. d. pece, for .i. d. &c.New coynes And shortly after, her grace restored vnto all her subiectes fyne and pure sterlynge money, bothe of golde and syluer for their corrupt and base coyn, callyng in the same to her maiesties myntes, accordynge to the rates before mencioned.

This yeare also the Quenes maiestie by the aduice of her honourable councell made great preparation of armour, munition and powder to bee in a readynes to defende her maiesties Realme from the ennemye, if nede shoulde happen.

Anno. 2.

Sir Wil. Chester Draper M.
Thomas Roe S.
1560
Christo. Draper S.

This maiors yere began in the .xi. moneth of the secōd yere of the quenes maiesties reigne, that is to say the .28. daye of October, and the .17. day of Nouēber [Page] nexte folowynge, begynneth the thirde yeare of her maiesties reigne.

Anno. reg. 3.This third yere the .xxi. day of March A notable grāmar schoole was founded by the mayster, wardens, and assistentes of the ryght worshypfull companye of the marchant taylours of the citie of London in the paryshe of S. Laurence Pounteney of London, the ryght worshypfull Emanuell Lucar, Robert Rose Wyllyam Merike, Iohn Sparke, and Robert Duckyngton then beynge maister and wardens of the same company.

The .x. day of April was one William Geffrey whypped from the Marshalsey in Southwarke, to Bethleem, without byshops gate of London, for that he professed one Iohn More, to be Christ oure Sauior: he was very sore whipped, and on his head, & about the cart were set papers, wherin was writtē as foloweth: Wylliam Geffrey, a most blasphemous heretike, denying Christ our Sauior in heauen. The sayd Geffrey beyng stayde at Bethleem gate, the Marshalles officers caused Iohn Moore to be broughte foorth: and then where as the sayd Geffrey hadde tyll this tyme for all his sore [Page 241] whippyng still professed Iohn Moore to bee Christe, nowe he forsoke hym, and confessed Christ to be in heauen. Then the sayd Iohn More, beyng examyned & answerynge them very ouerthwartely was commaunded to strippe hym selfe,One saynyng him selfe to be Christ was whipte. whyche he semed to do very wyllyngly, who was after tyed to the cart, & whipt an arrowes shote from Bedlem, where at the laste he confessed Christ to be in heauen, and himself to be a synful man. Then was More sent again into Bedlem, and william Geffrey to the Marshalsey, where they had layne prisoners nygh a yeare and a half before that time the one for professynge hymselfe to bee Christe, the other an apostle or disciple of the same Christe.

The .iiii. day of Iune beyng wednesday betwene .iiii. and .v. of the clocke in the after noone,Poules steple a fyre. the steple of Paules in London, beyng fyered by lyghtnynge, brast foorth as it dyd seme to the beholders .ii. or .iii. yardes beneth the crosse, and so brent rounde aboute in the same place, that the toppe with the crosse fell of, and lighted on the south syde of Paules church, and so the spyre brent downward [Page] like a cresset or a bekon to y^e stone work, and the belles (which was from the toppe .ii. hundred foote) and so brent downwarde so terribly and vehemently, that within lesse space then .iiii. howers, the same steple, and all the roofes of the same churche were consumed to ashes: whiche was a lamentable syght, and pitifull remembrance to the beholders therof.

Anno. 3.

1361
sir Wil. Harper mar. tat. M.
Hūf. Baskeruile S.
Alexāder Auenō S.

In the beginning of this Maiors yere and the later end of the third yere of the Quenes maiesties reigne, the. xv. day of Nouember, the Quenes maiestie published a proclamation, wherin her grace restored to the realme diuers small pieces of syluer money, [...] new coine. as the piece of .vi. d. iiii. d .iii. d .ii. d. and .i. d. three halfepenie, & thre farthyngs. And also forbad all maner of forayn coynes to be currant with in the same realme: as well golde as syluer, excepte two sortes of crownes of golde, wherof the one was the freuche. crowne, & the other a flemishe crowne.

[Page 242]Thys fourth yeare in England were many monstrous byrthes,Anno reg. 4. as in March a mare brought foorth a foale with one body being in good proportion,Manye monstrous births this yeare in Englande. and two heades, hauyng as it were a long tayle growing out right like a horn betwene the same two heades. Also a sowe farrowed a pygge with .iiii. legges lyke vnto the armes of a man childe wyth handes and fyngers, moute and eares dysfygured. &c.

About April a sow farrowed a pigge which had .ii. bodies .viii. feete, and but one head, many calues and lambes wer monstrous, and one calfe had a colier of skinne growyng about the necke, lyke to a double ruffe, whiche to the beholders semed strange and wonderfull.

The .xxiiii. day of May a monstrous chyld was borne at Chichester in Suffer,A monstrous chylde. whyche maye not so playnly be declared wyth the penne, as in picture. The head armes and legges lyke vnto an Anatomie, the breast and bealy verye monstrous bygge, frome the nauille, as it were a longe strynge hangyng: about the neck a great coller of [Page] fleshe and skyn growyng lyke the ruffe of a shyrt or neckerchief, commyng vp aboue the eares pleytyng or foldyng. &c.

This yeare the Queenes maiestie in September addressed a band of her subiectes to the towne of Newhauen in Normandye:The goyng to Newhauen. who were embarked at Portesmouthe, because that hauen is most apt for transportatiō to that place. Upon whose arriuall the townes men and inhabitauntes ioyefully surrendred them selues and their towne into the possession of the Queenes Maiestie. whych was kept by Englyshmen from September .1562. to the .29. day of Iuly then next folowynge, whiche was in the yere .1563. the gouernour of whiche bande was the ryghte honourable, the Earle of Warwyke, who with the capitaynes seruyng there (whiche were of great experience) and souldiors trayned by them to knowledge of seruice, together with part of the old approued garrison of Barwike, did at that time both manfully defend the piece, and valiantly encountred by sundry skirmishes & cō flicts with the coūtie Ringraue and his band, the moste part wherof were happyly [Page 243] atchieued to the great ouerthrow of the aduersaries part, and singular cō mendations of ours.

Anno. 4.

sir Tho. Lodge grocer M.
William Alleyn S.
1562
Rich. Chāberlain S.

This Maiors yeare began the .xxviii. day of October in the yeare .1562. whiche was in the latter part of the fourthe yeare of our soueraigne lady Elizabeth. And the fyfthe yeare of her maiesties reigne began the .17. day of Nouembre next folowyng.

Now this fifth yere when the frenche men with huge armies assembled oute of all partes of Fraunce to recouer the place of passage:Anno reg. 5. the stoppyng wherof, by oure power, was the double wo of theyr common wealth, there bredde thorough the heate of tyme and putrifaction of the ayre, a miserable and infortunate plague among oure men, whiche meruailously encreased wyth the death of dyuers of the best capitains and souldiours, wherewithall there folowed a cruell and quick siege, wherat was present the yang kyng hymselfe, the quene his mother, the Constable, and the best [Page] tried number of warlike souldiors with in the whole countrey, besides an other sort of yong & olde that cared not for life or land, so theyr owne aduenture might wyn agayne the cause of theyr distresse: with this generall ayde, the marishes were made passable and firme ground, which by men of great experience was thought impossible. And with common help the Canons wer placed, the castell & walles were battered, & sundry breaches made beyonde expectation. Howbe it they were rewarded by oure gonners, and made to taste the bitter frute of theyr desperate approche, to theyr great terrour and annoyance. The erle of Warwyke with the remnant of our captaines and souldiours in couragious order, standynge at the seuerall breaches readye to defende theyr assaultes: whych perceyued by the ennemy, they caused theyr trumpettes to sounde the blaste of emparle, that composition of eyther part myght be made to auoyde the imminent slaughter and effusion of bloud.Newe hauen delyuered to the frenche. This offer seemed not vnmete, bothe partes concluded, the town was [Page 244] delyuered the .xxix. daye of Iuly.

When the towne in thys sorte was surrendred to the frenchemen and the greatest parte of our garrison shypped many sycke persons were lefte behynde impotent and vnhable to helpe theym selues. The myserie wherof Edwarde Randolffe esquire, high marshall of the towne, who was appointed to tary and see the vttermoste of oure composition accomplished perceyuyng, moued with naturall pitie of his countrey men, relinquyshed without comfort, caused the sayd sycke persons to be caryed aboord, not sparyng his owne shoulders at that time ful feble and full of the plage, him selfe and his men styll bearyng and helping the poore creatures on shypboord. A rare fact worthy of worldly reward, and no doubte in remembraunce wyth God hym self, the true recorder of mercyfull desertes.

Thys yeare as ye haue hearde, the plague of pestilence being in the towne of Newhauen, and many souldioures afected with the same, returnyng into Englande, the infection therof spredde [Page] in dyuers partes of this realme,Greate pestilence at Lon but especially the citie of London was so infected therwith, that in the same whole yere; that is to say,An hundred & eight parishes in London. from the fyrst of Ianuarie .1562. vntyll the last of December .1563. there dyed in the Cytie and liberties therof (conteining .108. parishes) of all diseases .xx. M .iii. C .lxxii. so that there dyed of the plague (beyng part of the nombre before named) xvii. M .iiii. C. and .iiii. persones.A seuen parishe churches called the out paryshes. And in the out parishes adioyning to the same Citie, being xi. paryshes dyed of all diseases in the whole yere aforesaid .iii. M .ii. C .lxxx. & viii. persons, & of them of the plague beyng a part of the sayd numbre laste before named .ii. M .vii. C .xxxii. so that the hole totall summe of all those that dyed of all diseases in the whole yeare, aswel within the citie of London, and liberties of the same as in the out parishes nyghe adioynynge vnto the same Citie was .xxiii. M .vi. C .lx. and of theym of the plague, beynge parte of the totall summe before named) dyed in all .xx. M .i. C .xxxvi.

This yeare for so much as the plague of the pestilence was so hote in the citie [Page 245] of London there was no terme kept at Michelmas: to be short, y^e poore citisens of Lōdon were this yere plaged with a treble plague, as with y^e pestilence, scarsitie of money, and dearth of victuals:A treble or a three folde plague. the myserie wherof; were to long here to write: no doubt the poore remember it. God bee mercyfull vnto vs, and defend vs from the lyke, if it be his wyll.

Anno. 5.

sir Iohn White grocer M.
Edward Bankes S
1563
Roulād Haiward S

This Maior begynnyng his yeare the xxviii. day of October kept no Maiors feast at the Guyld hall,No maiors feast kepte at the Guild hal as it had ben accustomed before tyme: Also he toke his othe at the vttermost gate of the tower of London.

The .vi. yere of the quenes maiesties reigne,Anno reg. 6. begynnyng the .17. of Nouember (thankes bee geuen to God) was a peaceable yeare, and the plague of pestilence well ceassed in London, yet neuerthelesse for feare thereof, Hillarie tearme was kept at Hertforde castell, besyde Ware.

This yeare .1564. the .23. day of Apryll [Page] was a ioyefull peace proclaymed wyth the sounde of trompets betwene Englande and Fraunce.Peace proclaimed betwene England and France.

And nowe the plague beynge (thankes be to God) cleane cessed in London, bothe Easter and Mydsomer tearmes were kept at Westminster.

This yeare through the earnest sute of the armorers,The watche on S. Peters euen at London. there was on the Uigile of Sainct Peter a certayne kynde of watche in the Citie of London, whiche dyd onely stand in the hyghest stretes of Cheape, Cornhyll, and so forthe towardes Algate, whyche was to the commons of the same citie (for the most parte) as chargeable as whenne in tymes paste, it was moste commendably done, where as this beyng to very smal purpose, was of as smalle a number of people well lyked.

The seconde daye of October in the after noone was a solempne Obsequie kepte at Saincte Paules Churche in London, for Ferdinando the Emperour, late beynge departed out of this mortall lyfe, and lykewyse the morowe nexte after, in the forenoone where was a goodly hearce erected in the vppermoste [Page 246] quyre of the same Churche, garnyshed wyth scutchins and baners of his armes very costely and sumptuous. The whole doyng therof wyth the sermon, are at large sette foorthe in a Boke of that matter in print.

Anno. 6.

Rich. Malary mercer M.
Edward Iackman S
Lyonell Ducket S
1564

The .xx. daye of Nouember,Anno reg. 7. beyng monday in the mornyng about .vi. of y^e clocke through negligence of a mayden with a candell,Houses shatered with gonpouder. the snuffe fallynge in an hundred pound weight of gunpouder, thre houses in Bucklers bury, wer sore shaken, and the backer partes of the same houses, were blowen and shattered in pieces: the mayden was so burnt, that she dyed therof within .ii. dayes after. It is to be noted, that if this pouder had layne in a sellar or lower parte of the house, as it laye in a garrette, it hadde done muche more harme: Wherfore I aduyse menne to loke warely to suche ware.

[Page] The Thames ouerfrosen.The .21. day of December beyng S. Thomas day began a frost, whiche continued till the .iii. day of Ianuary: on new yeres euen, people went ouer the Thames on the yce, & alonge the Thames from London bridge to Westminster, and agaynward, great number of people playde at the foote ball as boldly and (thankes to God as safely as on the drye lande: on New yeres day, beynge monday, on tuisday and wednesday, dyuers gentylmen, & others, set vp pricks on the Thames, and shot at the same, and great numbers of people standyng at eyther pricke, beholdynge the same. And the people bothe men and women went on the Thames in greater numbers then in any strete in London: The costardmongers stode in dyuers places and playde at the dyce for apples on the yce: on the wednesday at nyght it began to thaw: but men went ouer and along the Thames on thursday all day: but on fryday beyng the .v. day of Ianuarye at night, was no Ice on the Thames to be sene, but that all men mought row ouer and alonge the same, it was so sodeynly consumed: whiche sodeyn thaw caused [Page 247] suche great flouds and hye waters, that it bare downe many bridges and houses and drowned many people.

The .26. day of Ianuary being friday at night tyme were .ii. tides in the space of .ii. houres at London,Eighte tydes in .ii. nyghtes and a daye. on the morow beynge saterday was lykewise .ii. in the mornyng, and .ii. at nyght: on sonday beyng the .28. day of Ianuarie were lykewyse .ii. tydes in the mornynge, and at nyght but one, as orderly it had ben accustomed.

This yere in the citie of Chester was a wonderfull cure wroughte by the power of god in his minister master Lane vpon a maiden named Anne Milner,The work of god vppon a maid in Chester. of the age of .xviii. yeares, who had bene possest with an horrible kind of torment and sycknes, about the space of .18. or .19. wekes: All whiche time of her sicknes her tormentes beyng terrible, and her sustinance very smal, or almost nothyng now sodeinly the .16. day of February, she was restored to her perfect healthe, (thanks be giuen to god) as ye may rede more at large in a letter imprinted of the same, subscribed by the handes of diuers worshypfull knyghtes and gentilmen [Page] of that citie.

An escape out of the tower.The .xxix. day of April the archbishop of Almacarne (a byshoprike in Ireland) made an escape out of the toure of London, who had layn there prisoner about iii. quarters of a yere: There was great searche made for hym, but he coulde not be founde within the realme.

The .xx. day of Iune the Lady Lineur was sent prisoner to the toure of Lōdon

This yere on S. Peters euen at night was the lyke standyng watche in London as was the same night .xii. moneths or very lyttle better.

Great tempest.The .xvi. day of Iuly about .ix. of the clock at night, began a terrible tempest of lightning and thunder, with shoures of hayle, which lightnyng and thunder continued vntyll .iii. of the clocke on the next mornyng. In the whiche tempest much harme was doone in and aboute Chelmsford in Essex, as by destroying [...] of .v. C. acres of corne, the heatynge down of all the glasse wyndowes on the east side of the said towne, & of the west and south sydes of the churche, the beatyng of the tyles of theyr houses, throwyng downe dyuers barnes and chimneys [Page] with the battilments of their churche. &c. The hayle stones beynge measured, were found to be vi. inches aboute: as ye may reade more at large in a boke of the same matter imprinted. At the same tyme was muche harme doone in many other places of this realme, as at Ledes, at Crābroke, at Douer ink ēt &c

This yere Christopher prince & margraue of Baudon, with Cicelie his wife sister to y^e kyng of Swethlād, after a lōg & daungerous iourney, wherin they had trauayled almost .xi. monethes, saylyng from Stokholme in Swethland, to Finland then crossing the seas ouer to Lyfflād, from whens they cam by land al the voyage about by Pole land, Fryseland, Russye, Mahelbrig, thoroughs Saxon lande, so to Antwarpe in Brabant, then to Calaice: at the laste in Septēber they landed at Douer, and the .xi. day of the same, they cam to London, and wer lodged at the earle of Bedfords place, nere vnto Iuie bridge, wher within .iiii. days after, that is to say, the .xv. day of September, she trauailed in childbedde, and was delyuered of a man chylde: whyche child the laste of September, was baptised [Page] in the Queenes maiesties chapell of the White Halle of Westmynster, the Quenes maiesty in her own person beyng godmother, the archbyshop of Canburye, and the duke of Norffolke godfathers, the Quene gaue the name Edwardus Fortunatus, for that God had so graciousely assisted his mother, in so long and dangerous a iourney, and brought her so fate to land in that place, which she most desyred, and that in so short tyme before her deliueraunce.

Rech. Champion draper M
Iohn Riuers S.
Iam. Hawes S.

Thus (good reader) I haue broughts as thou seest, this small abridgement or Summarie of our englyshe Chronicle, to these our present dayes: meanyng as tyme shall increase, so to encrease the same, yf I be not discouraged of thee in these my symple beginnyngs. Wherfore I beseche thee to iudge fauourably, and to correct frendly, so as thy correction maye rather be an Instruction then a condemnyng of me.

[Page]

The ages of the world, after the accompt of the Bible, the Hebrues, and after the most ueritable writers, are in numbre .7. as foloweth.

THe fyrst age of the world toke his beginnyng 1 at the creation of Adam, and was finished at the floude of Noe, whiche continued: 1656.
The second age toke his beginning at such time 2 as Noe came out of the ark, and cōtinued til the natiuitie of Abraham, which was yeres: 292.
The third age continued from the birth of Abraham,3 til the departyng of Israel out of Egypt whiche was yeres: 503.
The fourth age continued from the departing of Israel out of Egypt, till the buyldynge of the 4 temple, whiche was yeres: 481.
The .5. age cōtinued frō the building of the tēple til the captiuity of Babilō, which was yeres 5: 414.
The sixte age cōtinued from the captiuitie of Babylon tyl the birthe of our Lorde and sauiour 6 Iesus Christ, which was yeares: 614.
The .7. age of the world toke his beginnyng at the birth of our sauior Iesus Christ, and hath continued 7 till this present yere of our Lord, and shall last til the worldes ende.: 1565.
The age of the world at the birthe of Christe was .3962. The age of the worlde this present yere of our Lord.: 1565. is .5527.

FINIS.

[Page]

Here is shewed howe a man may iourney from any notable towne in Englande, to the Citie of London: or from London to any notable towne in the same realme.

¶Here foloweth the way from Walsingham to London.

FRom Walsingham to Pyknam.: xii. myles.
From Pyknam to Brandonfery.: x. myles.
From Brandonfery to newmarket.: x. myle.
From newe market to Babrain.: x. myle
From Babram to Bark way.: xx. myle.
From Barkeway to Puchryche.: vii. myle.
From Puchryche to Ware,: v. myle.
From ware to Waltham,: viij. myle.
From Waltham to London,: xij. myle.

¶Here foloweth the way from Barwyke to Yorke, and so to London.

FRom Barwyke to Belforth,: xij. myles
From Belforth to Anwyke,: xij. myle.
From Anwyke to Morpit,: xij. myle.
From Morpit to Newcastell,: xij. myle.
From Newcastell to Durham.: xij. myle.
From Durham to Daryngton,: xiiij. myle
From Darington to Northalerton.: xiiij. myle
[Page]From Northalerton to Topclyfe,: vij myle
From Topclyfe to Yorke.: xvj myle
From Yorke to Tadcaster,: viij. myle
From Tadcaster to Wentbrydge,: x myle
From Wenthrydge to Dancaster,: viij myle
From Dancaster to Tutford,: xviij myle
From Tutford to Newarke,: x myle
From Newarke to Grantham,: x myle
From Grantham to Stanford,: xvj myle
From Stanforde to Stylton,: xij myle
From Stylton to Huniyngton,: ix myle
From Huniyngton to Boyston,: xv myle
From Royston to Ware,: xij myle
From Ware to Waltham,: viij myle
From Waltham to London,: xij myle

¶Here foloweth the waye from Carnaruan to Chester, and so to London.

FRom Carnaruan to Conway,: xxiiij myle
From Conway to Dynbygh,: xij myle
From Dynbygh to Flynt,: xij myle
From Flynt to Chester,: x myle
From Chester to Wyche,: xiiij myle
From Wyche to Stone,: xv myle
From Stone to Lychfelde,: xvj myle
From Lychfield to Colfill,: xij myle
From Colfyll to Couentre,: viij myle

And so from Couentre to London, as hereafter foloweth.

¶Here foloweth the waye from Cokermouth to Lancaster and so to London.

[Page]FRom Cokermouth to Kyswyke,: vj myle
From Kyswyke to Grocener,: viij myle
From Grocener to Kendale,: xiiij myle
From Kendale to Burton,: vij myle
From Burton to Lancaster,: viij myle
From Lancaster to Preston,: xx myle
From Preston to Wygam,: xiiij myle
From Wygam to Waryngton,: xij myle
From Waryngton to Newe castel,: xx myle
From Newe castell to Lychfield,: xx myle
From Lychfield to Couentre,: xx myle
From Couentre to Danetre,: xiiij myle
From Danetre to Tocester,: x myle
From Tocester to Stony Stratforde,: vj myle
From Stony Stratford to Brychyl,: vij myle
From Brychyl to Dunstable,: vij myle
From Dunstable to S. Albons,: x myle
From S. Albons to Barnet,: x myle
From Barnet to London.: x myle

¶Here fololoweth the waye from Yermouth to Colchester and so to London.

FRom Yermouth vnto Becclis,: viij myle
From Becclis to Blybour,: vj myle
From Blybour to Snapbrydge,: viij myle
Frō Snapbrydge to Wodbridge,: viij myle
From Wodbrydge to Ipswyche,: v myle
From Ipswyche to Colchester,: xij myle
From Colchester to Eastford,: viij myle
From Eastford to Chelinesford: x myle
From Chelinesford to Brentwod,: x myle
From Brentwood to London.: xij myle

¶Here foloweth the way from Douer to London.

FRom Douer to Canterbury,: xij myle
Frō Cāterbury to Sittingborn,: xij myle
Frō Sittyngborn to Rochester,: viij myle
From Rochester to Grauesende,: v myle
From Grauesende to Datford,: vj myle
From Datford to London,: xij myle

¶Here foloweth the waye from S. Burten in Cornwall to London.

FRom S. Burten to the mount,: xx myle
From the mount to Thury,: xij myle
From S. Thury to Bodnam,: xx myle
From Bondain to Launston,: xx myle
From Launston to Ocomton,: xv myle
From Ocomton to Crokehornewell,: x myle
From Crokehornewell to Exceter,: x myle
From Exceter to Honiton,: xij myle
From Honiton to Charde,: x myle
From Charde to Crokehorne,: vij myle
From Crokehorne to Shyrborne,: x myle
From Shyrborne to Shaftisbury,: x myle
From Shaftisbury to Salysbury,: xviij myle
From Salysbury to Andeuor,: xv myle
From Andeuor to Basyngstock,: xviij myle
from Basingstocke to Harford,: viij myle
from Harford to Bagshot,: viij myle
from Bagshot to Stanes,: viij myle
from Stanes to London,: xv myle

¶Here foloweth the waye from Brystowe to London.

[Page]FRom Brystowe to Maxfelde,: x myle
from Maxfelde to Chypnam,: x myle
from Chypnam to Marleborow,: xv myle
from Marleborow to Hūgerford,: viij myle
from Hungerford to Newbery,: vij myle
from Newbery to Redyng,: xv myle
from Redyng to Maydenhead,: x myle
from Maydenhead to Colbroke,: vij myle
from Colbroke to London,: xv myle

¶Here fololoweth the waye from S. Dauids to London.

FRom S. Dauids to Axforde,: xx myle
from axford to Carmarden,: x myle
from Carmarden to Newton,: x myle
from Newton to Lanbury,: x myle
from Lanbury to Brecknocke,: xvj myle
from Brecknocke to Hay,: x myle
from Hay to Harford,: xiiij myle
from Harforde to Roso,: ix myle
from Roso to glocester,: xij myle
from glocester to Cicester,: xv myle
from Cicester to Faryngton: xvj myle
from faryngton to Habyngton,: vij myle
from Habyngton to Dorcester,: vij myle
from Dorcester to Henley,: xij myle
from Henly to Maydenhead,: vij myle
from Maydenhead to Colbroke,: vij myle
from Colbroke to London,: xv myle

Hereafter foloweth the names of all the kynges and chiefest gouernours of this realme of Englande, in what leafe ye shall fynde theym.

BRute the fyrste kyng of this realme,: folio. 9.
Locrine: fo. eo.
Guēdoline quene: .10.
Madan: eodem
Mempricius: fo. codē
Ebranke: fo. codē
Brute Grinshiled: 11.
Leill.: fo. eodem.
Lududribas: fo. eodem
Bladud: fol. ibidem
Leire.: fol. ibidem
Cordyla quene: fo. 12.
Morgan: fo. ibidem
Conedagus: fo. ibi.
Riuallo: fo. ibidē.
Gurgustus: ibidē
Scicilius: ibidem
Iago or Lago: fo. 13.
Kynymacus: fo. ibid.
Gorbodug: fo. ibidē
Forrex & Portex: ibi.
Mulmutius Dunwalls: fol. ibidē
Belinus and Brennus.: fol. 14.
Gurgostus: fol. 15.
Guinthelinus: fo. ibi.
Cecilius: ibi.
Kymarus: ibidem.
Elanius: ibidem
Morindus: ibidem
Gorbumannus: ibid.
Archigalio: folio. 16,
Elidurus: fol. ibi.
Uigenius & Peredurus: fo. ibidem
Gorbonian: fo. ibid.
Morgan: fo. ibid.
Emerianus: ibidē
Iuall: folio .17.
Rymo: ibidem
Geruntius: ibidē
Catilius: ibi.
Coilus: fo. ibidem
Porex: fo. ibi.
Chirunnus: fo. ibidē
Fulgen: ibidem
Eldred: ibidem
Androgius: ibidem
Uarianus: ibidem
Eliud: ibidē
Dedantius: fo. ibidem
Detonus: ibidem
Gurgincus: ibidem
[Page]Merianus: ibidem
Bladunus: ibidem
Duinus: ibid.
Silius: ibid.
Bledgabredus: ibid.
Archemalus: ibid.
Eldeius: fol. eodem
Rodianus: fol. 18
Redargius: eodem
Samulius: eod.
Peniselus: eod.
Pirthus: eod.
Caporus: eod.
Dinellus: eod.
Helius: eod.
Lud: eod.
Cassiuelane: eod.

☞Under Iulius Cesar.

THeomancius: 20
Cymbalinus: eod.
Gwiderius: eod.
Aruitagu [...]: 21
Marius: eod.
Coilus: eod.
Lucie: eod.
Basianus: 21
Carassus: 23
Alectus: eod.
Asclepiodatus: eod.
Coill: eod.
Constantius: eod.
Constantine: 24.
Octauius: 24, 25
Maximus: 25
Constantine: 27
Constantius: 27
Uortyger: 28
Uortymers: 29
Aurelius Ambrose: 30
Uther Pendragō: eod.
Arthure: eod.
Constantine: 32
Aurelius Conanus: 32
Uortiporus: eod.
Malgo: 32
Caretieus: 33
Cadwane: 34
Ladwaiyne: 35
Ladwaladar: eod.
Iew: 36
Ethelard: eod.
Cutherede: eod.
Sygeberte: 37
Kenulphus: eod.
Brithericus: eod.
Egbarte: 38
Ethelwolphus: 38
Ethelwaldus: 39
Ethelbert: eod.
Etheldrede: eod.
Alured: 40
Edward y^e seniour: 41
Adelstane: 42
Edmond: eod.
Eldrede: eod.
Edwyne: eod.
Edgare: 43
Edwarde.: eod.
[Page]Egelred: fol. 44.
Edmond Ironside: 47
Canucus: fo. 48.
Harold.: fol. 48.
Hardikenitus: fo. 48.
Edward: fo. 49.
Harolde: fol. 50.
VUilliam bastarde Duke of Normandie: fol. 51.
Williā Rufus: fo. 55.
Henry Beauclerk: 59.
Steuen: fol. 62.
Henry .ii.: fo. 65.
Richard fyrst: fo. 68.
Iohn: fol. 7 [...].
Henry third: fol. 81.
Edward .i.: fo. 99.
Edward .ii.: fo. 105.
Edward .iii.: fo. 111.
Richard .ii.: fo. 124.
Henry .iiii.: fol. 132.
Henry .v.: fol. 137.
Henry .vi.: fo. 140.
Edward .iiii.: fo. 154.
Edward .v.: fo. 161.
Richard .iii.: fol. 162.
Henry .vii.: fol 163.
Henry .viii.: fol. 171.
Edward .vi.: fol. 208.
Mary quene.: fo. 222.
Elizabeth quene.: 239.

The Table of all the principall matters conteyned in this booke.

AUxolme an plād: fo. 3.
Albion.: foli. 9.
Archflamyn.: fo. 9.
Adrians wall: fo. 22.
Albon martyred: fo. 24.
Ambreshuey buylded: fo. 29.
Abyngton buylded: fo. 35.
Abbey at Saint Albons buylded: fol. 37.
Ambery buylded: fo. 44.
A barkers sonne claymed the crowne.: fo. 107.
Armes of England & France ioyned: fol. 115.
Iusten friers church in London buylded: fo. 119.
Alsoules college builded: 147.
Anne barton, called holy maid of Kent: fo. 186.187.
Abbeys visited: fol. 189.
Abbeys suppressed: fol. 194.
Andrew Iudde his charitable dedes: fol. 214.
A mylners sonne fayned hym to be Kynge Edwarde the sixte.: fo. 233. fo. 235.
Ages of the world.: fo. 248.

[Page]

BIsshoprickes in Englande: folio. 1.
Britayne: fol. 9.
Bambrough builded: 10
Bathe buylded: fo. 11.
Bladud in flyenge brake hys necke: fol. 11.
Bangor in wales builded: 12.
Blonde reigned: fo. 12. fo. 38.
Blackwell hall builded: fo. 13.
Belyns gate buylded: fo. 14.
Britones chased into Wales: fol. 33.
Bishops see of Wynchester buylded: fol. 35.
Berkyng in Essex builded: 35
Brithricus poysoned by hys wyfe.: fol. 38.
Blasyng sterres.: fol. 36.44. 58.60.61.121.144.235.
Battayle abbey buylded.: 55.
Barmōdsey abbey builded: 55
Brystow Castell builded: 60
Bassynge werke abbey buylded: fol. 66.
Bewley abbey builded: fo. 81
Beston castell builded: fo. 83.
Battayle at Lewes: fo. 92.
Battayle at Euisham: fo. 92.
Bowe steeple in Cheape blowen downe: fol. 97.
Blacke Fryers by Ludgat: buylded: fol. 100.
Barwyke won.: fo. 103.113.
Battayl at Estreuelyn.: 107.
Battail on the sea.: fo. 115.173
Barwicke taken by .xl. persons.: fo. 12 [...]6
Battayle at Otterborn.: 128.
Battail at Shrewsbury: 134
Battaile at Agencourt: fo. 139
Barnard colledge in Oxforde buylded: fol. 147.
Byshop of Salisburye murdered: fo. 149.
Battayle at S. Albons: 150
Battail at Bloreheth: fo. 152
Battail at Northamptō.: 153
Battail at wakefield.: fol. 153
Battaile the second at saynct Albons: fol. ibidē.
Battaile at Shirborn.: ibidē.
Battaile at Exam: fo. 154
Bataile at Banbery: fo. 156.
Barnet field: fo. 157
Battayl at Teukesbury: 157
Battayle at Bosworth.: 163.
Battayle at Stoke: 164
Blacke heath fielde: fo. 166.
Baynardes castel builded: 168
Brasenose in Oxforde buylded: folio. 171.
Bowe steple in cheape buylded: fol. 173.
Byshop of Romes aucthoritie abrogated: fol. 188.
Boloygne wonne: fol. 204.

COunties of Englande: fo. 1.
Cornewall described: fo. 5
[Page]Compasse of England: 7.8.
Carleile buylded: 11.
Canterbury buylded: ibidem
Carlion buylded: 14.
Cambridge buylded: 16.
Cesars fyrst voiage into thys lande: fo. 18.
Cesars second voyage.: fo. 19.
Cesar a bakers sonne: ibidem
Cesar slain with book insibi.
Castell at Canterbury buylded.: ibidem.
Castel at Rochest. built.: ibi.
Chichester buylded: ibidem.
Christ hys byrth: fo. 20.
Chester buylded: fol. 21.
Colchester buylded: ibidem.
Close crownes wherfore kynges of Englād wear thē: 24.
Constātin slain by a Pict: 27
Cōstātius slayn by picts.: ibi.
Constantius a monke made kyng.: ibidem
Chertsey buylded: fol. 35.
College of welles builded: 36
Crowland abbey buylded: 37
Chastytye of womenne defended: 39
Couentrye abbey builded: 49
Castels at Yorke builded: 53
Castell at Notyngham buylded: ibidem.
Castel at Lincoln builded: ibi.
Chester abbey buylded: 57
Cicester buylded: 62.
Cōbremore abbey builded: 6 [...]
Coggeshall abbey buylded: 65
Castell of Rutlād builded: 66
Canturbery a fyre: ibid.
Charter made to y^e barōs: 79
Charteley castell buylded: 83
Coyn altered.: fo. 88.96.115. 116. 118. 136. 155. 169. 180.203.216.241
Castell of Flynt buylded: 99.
Castel Barnard builded: 100
Cheape corne: 101.
Crouched fryers: 106.
Cardinals robbed: 107.
Cheape of victuall: 114.
Caleys wonne: 117.
Chest in Guyld hall of London: fo. 112.
Combat: fo. 127. 129.
Cheape wynes: fo. 128.
Conspiracie: fo. 132
Cundyie in Cornehyll buylded: 134.
College of Eatō buylded: 141
Custome fyrst payd: 142
Cōmotion at Abyngton: 143
Calaice besieged: 144
Cundite in Fletestrete buylded: 145.
Commotion in Kent: 148.
Crueltie of Edwarde the fowerth: 157.
Commotion by the bastarde Fauconbridge: 157.
Cundyte in Cornhyll enlarged.: 158
[Page]Cūdyt in Chepe called y^e gret Cundite new buylded: 164.
Cross in chepe new bylded.: ibi
Ceyple gate buylded: 165
Conduyte in graciouse streate buylded: ibidem
Cheape wheate & salt: 166
Cundit at byshops gate builded.: fol. 170.
Charles the .v. emperor came into England: 177
Conspiracie at Couētry: 179
Cardinal fyrst suppressed abbeys: fol. 180.
Cardinal discharged of chancellorshyp: 283
Cardinall deceased: 184.
Clergy cōdened in premu.: ibi
Clergy sworn to K. H.: 8. 185
Cōmotiō in Lincolnshire: 191
Cōmotion in Yorkshire.: 191. 193.199.
Chantries geuen to the kyng: 205. 209.
Cundytes at Algate & Lothbury buylded: 206.
Cōmotion in Cornewall and Deuonshyre: 210
Commotion at Norwich: 211
Charles Gauaro commytied murder: 213
Cōmotion in Kent by Thomas Wyat: 227
Coūterfait spech ī a wal: 240
Cardinall Poole came into Englande: 231
Cōspirators mynded to haue robbed the eschequer: 235
Calaice loste: 238

DEscriptiō of Englād: 1.
Dune a ryuer: 3.
Dunbrytayne buylded: 10
Douer Castell buylded: 10
Danes first entred this lād: 38
Danes second entring.: ibid.
Danes thyrd entryng: 39
Danes besieged Lōdō: 45 46
Danes sodenly murdred: 45.
Danes dryuen oute of thys lande: 49
Derth of wheat ī Englād: 75
Death of Kyng Iohn: 80
Delacresse abbey buylded: 83
Douer spoyled: 102.
Drye sommer: 118
Dukes of Herford & of Norfolke banyshed: 131
Dearth of corne: 134
Duke of Norffolke lyke to haue ben drowned: 143
Duke of Suff. murdred: 148
Duke of York began a commotion: 150
D. of york claimed y^e Cr.: 153
D. of Clarence murdred: 158
Dyches sylde and hedges cast downe about London: 174
Duke of Buckyngham beheaded: 176
Dagger throwen at Paules crosse: 223
[Page]Dearthe and plentie of corne in one yeare: fo. 238.

ENgland described: fol. 1.
Edenburgh builded.: 10
Ely howe it tooke that name: fol. 18
Englande fyrst tributarye to Cesar: fo. 19
Excester buylded: fo. ibidem
England fyrst baptised: 22
England fyrst so named: 36
Etheldred slayne by the Danes: 40
Ethelyngsey buylded: 41
Eight kynges rowed Edgar vp and downe the ryuer of Dee: 43
Englande trybutarye to the Danes: 44
Edmōd Irōside murdred: 47
Earthquake in England: 57 61 88 127 215.
Euisham abbey buylded: 61
Englande interdicled: 76
Enterdiction released: 78
Edwarde the seconde murdered: 111
Englande lette to ferme: 131
Elianor Cobham: 146
Edwarde the fourth fled the lande: 156
Elisabeth wife to Ed. the .4. tooke saintuarye at Westmynster: 156
Earle of Northumberland slayne: 164
Excester besieged: 167
Englyshe marchantes receyued with procession: 167
Euyll May day: 175
Execution in Paules church yarde: 196
Embassador of Moscouy: 236
Eight tydes at London in .ii. nyghtes and one day: 247

FIrste Kynge that ware crowne of golde: 13
Forme of the ylande: 7
First christē emperor: 24
Fortiger sent for y^e Saxōs: 28
First saxōs entred this lād: 28
Fortiger diuorsed: ibidem.
Fortiger maryed Rowane, daughter of Hengist: ibi.
Fortiger was depriued: 29
Fortiger burned: 30
Fourth kyngdom of the Saxons: 31
Fifthe kyngdome of the Saxons: 32
Fyrst warre betwene the saxons: 33
First schole in Cambridge: 35
Firste Tythes geuen in England: 38
First grammer schole in Oxforde: 41
Fountains abbey buylded: 62
[Page]Fourntis abbey builded: 65
Feuersham abbey buylded: 65
First bayliffs in London: 69
Fyue moones sene in the fyrmament: 75
Fyrst mayre of London: 77
Frewarren granted to London: 84
Fre toll grāted to Lōdon: 84
Fyrst aldermā of Lōdon: 86
Folkmote at Pauls crosse: 91
Famyn: 108. 145
Fray in Fletestrete: 129. 145
Fray in S. Dunstons churche in London: 139
Fall of a stayre slew .18. persones: 145
Fray in London by saintuarye men: 151
Fyrst yeomen of the gard: 164
Fraye in London agaynst the Stylyard: 165
Fyrste marchaunt tailours of London: 169
Fyre on London brydge: ibi.
Fryer houses suppressed: folio 187 folio 195
First frutes geuen to K. Henry the .viii.: 188
Fyre in Roode lane: 194
Fyrst pencioners: 198
Fall of money: 215 216 241

GLamorganshyre, howe it toke that name: 12
Game of Chesse deuysed: 13
Grantham buylded: 16
Glocester buylded: 21
Gurmondchester buylded: 33
Great church at Lyncoln builded: 34
Glasynge fyrste brought into England: 35
Glastenbury new buylded: 36
Great fyre at London: fo. 46. fol. 84. 79.
Greate flouodes in Englande: fol. 58.89.
Graye fryers came into Englande: 62
Great wynd: 88. 120
Great cundyte in cheape first buylded: 100
Great hayle: 101
Grauesende spoyled: 125
Gunnes fyrst inuented: 126
Guyld halle in London buylded: 136
Grenewyche buylded: 168
Golden Rose sent to K. Henry the .8.: 180
Golde enhanced: 181
Generall procession: 189 206
George Barnes hys charitable dedes: 19
Great Hary a shyp brent: 224
Gon shot into Grenwich: 236
Gramer schole builded by the marchant taylers: 242
Great frost.: fo. 91 57 64 97 120 [Page] 135. 144. 175. 192. 246.

HUmber a ryuer: fol. 3.
Humber howe it tooke that name: 9.
Hot bathes buylded: 11.
Holy Gyldas: 32
Hospital at Rome for english men: 38
Herford Castell buylded: 41
Haroldes bodie cafte in Thames: 48
Hospitall of S. Bartholomew buylded: 59
Hyde abbey buylded: 61
Hayles abbey buylded: 88
Halfe pens & farrhinges coy [...]ued: 100
Hotte sommer: 101
Henry Duke of Hertford landed in Holdernes: 131
Henry the syxte crowned at Paris: 44
Humfrey duke of Gloucester arested at Bury: 147.
Henry the .vi. fled. y^e land: 153
Henry the .6. murdred: 157
Herring .3. s .4. d. y^e barel: 166
Houses of office buylded to y^e Guyld hal of Lon.: 168 169
Henry the .7. buylded y^e newe chapell at Westminster: 171
Hospital of the Sauoy buylded: [...]bidem
H [...]ngman hanged: 194
Houses blown vp with gunpouder.: 202. 218. 241. 246.

Irlande situate: 7
Iland deuyded: 9
Irō cups fastned by wels: 35
Iewes crucified children: 64 67. 68.
Iewes slayn in Engl.: 69. 9 [...]
Iewes robbed & spoiled: 70
Iewes executed: 89. 99.
Iewes banyshed: 102
Iustes in Smythfielde: 119. 128. 135. 155.
Iohn Philpot his charitable dedes: 125
Iohn [...]ycklefe: 130
Iohn Oldcastell: 158.
Images taken down in churches.: 194.209.
Ioane Butcher: 214
Images brent: 241
Iohn Raynewell his charitable dedes: 14 [...]
Iohn Moore faynynge hymselfe to bee Christe, was whypt: 242
Kīg deuoured by a mōster: 15
King depriued.: 16. 17. 41.
Kyng Edmond slayne: 39.
Kynge counterfeated to bee a mynstrell: 40
Kyng Edwarde murdred by his stepmother: 44
Kynges hose cost .iij. [...].: 56
[Page]Kynges childrē drowned: 63
K. S [...]uen takē prysoner: 64
Kyng Richarde taken prysoner: 70
Kyng Rycharde wounded to death: 73
Kyng Iohn deuorsed: 74
Kyng Iohn sworne to the see of Rome: 78
Keni [...]worth castel beseged: 95
King Henry the .iij. besiegeth London: 96
Kyng Ed. the .ii. prysoner in Kenilworth castel: 110
Kyng Rychard the second taken prisoner: 131
Kyng Edward deposed: 110
Knyghtes of the gartar: 116
K. Ri. the .ij. murdered: 132
Kynges Colledge at Cambrydge buylded: 141
K. of Scottes maryed at S. Mary Audryes: 141
Kyng Henry the .vj. taken prysoner: 154
Kyng Rychard the .iij. slayn in the fielde: 163
K. of Scottes maryed Margaret, daughter to Henry the .vij.: 169
Kyng of Castel lāded in Enlande: 170
Kyng of Scottes slayne at Scottes fielde: 174
Kyng H. the .viij. first defendour of the fayth: 177
Kyng & quene of Denmarke came into England: 178
King H. the .viij. first named supreme head: 184.
Kynges palayce at S. Iames buylded: 184.
Kynges stable called the mewe [...], brent: 188
Kyng Henry the .viij. first named kyng of Ireland: 200
K. Henry. the. viij. went ta Boleyne: 203
Kyng Phylyp of Spayn aryued at Southampton: 231
K [...]yes counterfeyte to haue spoyled Newgate: 236

LOndon described: 2
London brydge described: 3
Lugge a Ryuer: 4
Lengthe of this Iland: 7
London buylded: 9
Leicester buylded: 11
London inlarged: 18
Ludgate buylded: eod.
Londō named Ludstone: eod.
London, Yorke, and Carliō, archebyshops: 22
Lytle Brytayne cōquered: 25
Lawes against quaffyng: 43
Litle Iohn an outlawe: 69
London brydge buylded: 77
London lyke to haue bene spoyled: 92
[Page]London gyuen to prince Edwarde: 97
Laurence Ducket hanged in Bowechurche: 100
Liberties of Lōdō seysed: 129
Lyberties of London restored: 130
Leaden hall in London buylded: 147
Lorde Saye beheaded at the crosse in cheape: 148
Lorde Aud [...]ley beheaded: 107
Ladye Anne of Cleue receyued: 198
Lyth & Edenborow takē: 203

Mulmutius lawes: 13
Malmesbury buylded: 14
Marcian lawes: 15
Mordred slayne: 31
Mahomets fyrst begining: 34
Money of abbeys broughte to the kyngs treasory.: 54
Monstrous fyshe: fo. 76. 151. 185 185 186 218 219.
Madde parlyament: 90
Mayre of London prisoner at Wyndsore: 93
Mayre of London and foure aldermē geuē to y^e prince: 93
Men put in sackes throwen in Thames: 96
Martyn colledge in Oxforde buylded: 100
Market house called the stockes buylded: 136
Murder in Whitchapel: 143
Mary Magdalein colledge in Oxforde buylded: 148
Margaret quene of Scottes K. Henry the .8. syster fled into England: 175
Muster at London called the great muster: 195
Mary Rose drowned: 205
Muskleborough field: 209
Murder at Feuersham: 215
Murder by y^e lord Sturtō: 237
Monstrous byrthes: 242
Mayd of Chester: 247

Newe Troy: fo. 9.
Notable wayes made: fo. 14.
Newe abbey in Wynchester buylded: 41
Newe forest made: 54
New Castel vpon Cyne builded: fo. 57.
Noble men that cam in wyth William conquerour: 52
Normandye loste: 67
Newe woorke of Westmynster: 82. 101
Norwiche spoyled: 95
Newgate buylded: 141
Newe Testament printed in Englyshe: 183
Nicholas gybson his charytable dedes: 195
Newgate on fyre: 235
[Page]Newe hauen: 242. 243.

Oppressers of the pore hanged: 17.
Oxforde buylded: 38.
Outlawes in England: 6 [...]
One crucifyed.: 83
Othe to the Kynge: 91
Order of the Rhodes putte downe: 198
One hundred and .lx. persones hanged: 166

Porrex slewe hys brother Forrce: 13
Porrex slayne by hys mother: ibidem.
Picts fyrst inhabyte Scotlande.: 15
Pickeryng buylded: 16
Prodigious sygnes: fol. 17. 97. 66. 109.
Peter and Paule crucifyed: 21
Plenty of corne: 28
Pelagius heresye in Englande: fo. 29.
Porismouthe howe it toke that name: 30
Peter pence fyrst payd: 30
Priorye at Excester buylded: 40
Peters bury buylded: 43
Parlyamente at Oxenforde: 48.
People of Englande numbred: 55
Plagues in england: 5 [...]
Powles churche a fyre: 55. 146. 141.
Pestilence in England: 28. 58. 117. 118. 120. 122. 125. 158. 168. 177. 202. 210. 241.
Priorye of sainct Bartholomewes buylded: 59
Priorie of saint Iames at Bristowe buylded: 60
Priorye of Norton buylded: 62
Pierce of Poumfret: 79
Parliamente at Wynchester: 92
Parliament at Northampton: 95. 112.
Parlyament at Shrewesbury: 100
Parlyament at Gloucester.: fol. 101.
Parliament at Canforbury: 104
Parlyament at Oxenforde.: fol. 107.
Peter pence forbydden to be payde: 128
Plymmouth spoyled: 134
Person of [...]rotham: 13 [...]
Parlyament at Leycester.: fol. 142.
Part of London brydge fal [...] [Page] downe.: 145
Posterne by the tower sank by nyght: 146
Procession: 151
Printing fyrst inuented: 152
Part of London wall new buylded: 158
Perkyn Watbecke.: 166. 167. 168.
Prince Arthure maryed.: fol. 169.
Prisoners delyuered: 170
Paules schole buylded: 172
Parlyament at Black fryers: 183
Priorie of Christechurche in London put down: 185
Polled heades: 188
Paules Churche laye at an anker: 208
Procession forbydden: 209
Prince of Orenge came into England: 233
Parysh churches in London: 244

Quenes colledge in Oxenforde buylded: 122
Quenes Colledge in Cambridge buylded: 171

Rome buylded: 12
Romayns refuse to defend England: 27
Ramsey buylded: 43
Rofe of Bow churche blowen downe: 57
Rofe of Salisbury churche consumed: 57
Rufus slayne wyth an arrowe: 58
Readyng abbey buylded: 61
Robert Hoode an outlaw [...]: fol. 69.
Raunsome payde for kynge Rychard: 71
Rochester castel beseged: 79
Robert Grossehead: 81
Ryotte in London: 96. 151
Ryot in Norwyche: 97.
Rhodes wonne frome the Turkes: 106
Rebellyon in Kent: 116
Rochester brydge buylded.: fol. 135.
Robert Acton: 138
Robert Chesley hys charitable dedes: 145
Rychmont buylded: 168
Rhodes taken by the Turkess.: 178
Roulande Hylle his charitable dedes: 218

Shyres in Englande: fo. 1.
Seuerne a ryuer: 4
Seuerne, howe it toke that name: 20
Shaffesbury buylded: 11
Stamford buylded: ibide.
[Page]Saynt Iohns towne in Scotland buylded: 12
Spanyardes firste inhabyt Irelande: 15
Salysbury buylded: 19
Southampton howe it toke that name: 21
Saynt Helene an Englyshe woman: 24
S. Ursula of: England: 26
Scottes and Pyets inuade England: eod.
Scottes and Pyets spoyle this lande: 28
Saxons stewe .iiij. C. ix. barons and earles: 29
Seconde kyngdome of the Saxons: 30
Saxons had the whole possession of this realme: 34
Saint Augustine came into Englande: eod.
S. Augustine at Canterbury buylded: eod.
Saynt Paules at London buylded: eod.
S. Andrewes at Rochester buylded: eod.
S. Peters at Westminster buylded: eod.
Seuenth kyngdome of the Saxons: eod.
Saynt Beda an Englyshe man: 36
Segebart depryued & slayne by a swyne heart: 37
Shaftsbury buylded: 41
Saynt Peters at Glocester buylded: eod.
S. Edmōds bury built: 46
S. Edwardes lawes: 50
Shrewesbury abbey buylded: 55
Syr hundred houses blowen downe: 57
Straunge syghtes in the ayre: 58
Smythfielde a leystaw: 59
Stratford abbey builded: 64
Saynt Mary Auberys in Southwarke buylded: 77
Strangers banyshed: 82
Salysbury mynster buylded: 83
Saint Iohns without Oxford buylded: 85
S. Catherins nye London buylded: 85
Symond Mountford earle of Leicester: 92
Southampton robbed: 114
S. Steuēs chapel at Westmynster buylded: 221
Sauoy brent by rebels: 126
Saynt Iohns by smythfield brent: eod.
Shyne and Syon buylded, folio: 140
Straungers to be lodged in an englyshe hoste: 124
[Page]Standard in cheape buylded: 144
Symon eyre his charitable bedes: 147.152
Sandwyche spoyled: 151
Suburbes without Algate and byshope gate brēt: 157
Sweatyng sycknes: 164. 175. 182.
Saint Anthonies in Londō buylded: 167
Scarsitie of bread: 181
Shyppe chassed to the tours wharfe: 182
Small houses of Religion gyuen to kyng Henry the eyght: 190
S. Gyles church at Crepis gate brent: 205
Stewes put downe: 206
S. Iohns colledge in Oxford buylded: 225
Saynt Quintins: 237. 238
Scarborowe castel takē: 237

THamys described: 2
Twede a ryuer: 3
Trent a ryuer: 3
Troyan lawes: 9
Towre of London fyrste buylded: 14. 19.
Temple nygh to tēple barre buylded: 14
Third kingdom of Saxons fol.: 30
Thorney buylded: 41
Tribute to the Danes discharged: 44
Tempest in England: 57.67.75.82.247.85.110
Tewkesbury abbey buylded: 61
Twenty gouernours of London: 75
Twelue yeeres in Englande: 91
Terme kepte at Shrewesbury: 99
Tunne in Cornhyll: 101
Treasure conueyed out of England: 101
Theues in apparayle of friers: 101
Three hundred men slayn by misfortune: 141
Two Maiors and syxe Aldermen of London dy [...] within .viij. dayes: 164
Thomas Kneysworth hys charitable dedes: 171
Turney and Turwyne wonne: 171
Towre of Grenewyche buylded: 180
Thomas More Chaunceler: 181
Thomas Cromwell,: 185. 188. 193. 198.
Towre of London repayred: 185
[Page]Thomas [...]unflow his charitable dedes: 167
Thomas Whyte his charitable dedes: fo. 225
Trinite college erected: 225
Three folde plague of London: 245

Ueye a ryuer: 4.
Uniuersitie at Stamforde: fo. 11.
Uies buylded: 14.
Uortymer poysoned by his stepmother.: 29
Uillages and towns drouned: 89
Uisytation of the abbeyes: fol. 189.
Uoyage to Moscouie: 220

Wales described: 4.
Welshemen: fo. 4.
Wolues deuoured kynges: fol. 10.
Wynchester buylded: 11
Walbrooke howe it tooke that name: 23
Wall of stone betwene England and scotland: 26
Wyndsore castel fyrst buylded: 31.
Wynchecombe abbey buylded: 37
Wolues destroyed in Englaude: 43.
Warwell buylded: 44
Walthā abbey buylded.: 50
Wenloke abbey buylded: 55
Westmynster Halle buylded: 58
Wyndsore buylded: 62
Wodstocke buylded: ibid.
Wyllyam wyth the longe bearde: 72.73.
Wynchester abbeye buylded: 81
Wardes graunted to the kyng: 83.
Weyghts and measures: 95
Woll staple kepte at sandewyche: 102
Whyte battayle: 108
Woll staple kept at Westmynster: 119
Wolstaple kept at Chychester: ibide
Wolstaple kept at Lincolm Brystowe; and Canterbury: ibidem
Wylliam Walworth slewe Iacke strawe: 127
Whityngton colledge buylded: 135
William Taylour his charitable dedes: 155
Wyat taken: 229

Yorke buylded: 10

FINIS.

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Imprinted at London in Fletestreete, nygh vnto S. Dunstones churche, by Thomas Marshe. Anno Salutis. 1565.

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