A continuation of The collection of the history of England beginning where Samuel Daniell Esquire ended, with the raigne of Edvvard the third, and ending where the honourable Vicount Saint Albones began, with the life of Henry the seventh, being a compleat history of the begining and end of the dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster. With the matches and issue of all the kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earles, and vicounts of this nation, deceased, during those times. By I.T.

A continuation of The collection of the history of England beginning where Samuel Daniell Esquire ended, with the raigne of Edvvard the third, and ending where the honourable Vicount Saint Albones began, with the life of Henry the seventh, being a compleat history of the begining and end of the dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster. With the matches and issue of all the kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earles, and vicounts of this nation, deceased, during those times. By I.T.

Table of contents

Title page

TO THE HONORABLE REVEREND, AND RIGHT Worshipfull, Sir IOHN BRAMSTON Knight, Lord chiefe Iustice of his Maiesties Bench, Sir WILLIAM IONES, Sir GEORGE CROOKE, Sir ROBERT BARCKLEY Knights, the Learned Iudges of that Court.

To the Courteous Reader.

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Liber tertius. RICHARD the Second.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE FOVRTH.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE FIFT.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE SIXT.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING EDVVARD THE FOVRTH.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING EDVVARD THE FIFT.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD.

[Page]A CONTINVATION OF THE HISTORY of ENGLAND.

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[Page] A CONTINVATION OF THE COLLECTION OF THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND, BEGINNING WHERE SAMVEL DANIELL Esquire ended, WITH THE RAIGNE OF EDVVARD the third, and ending where the honourable Vicount Saint ALBONES began, With the life of Henry the seventh, being a compleat History of the beginning and end of the dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster. With the Matches and issue of all the Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, and Vicounts of this Nation, deceased, during those times. By I. T.

Sequitur non passibus aequis Ascanius.

Virgil.

LONDON, Printed by M. D. for Ephraim Dawson, and are to bee sold in Fleet-street at the signe of the Rainebowe neere the inner Temple-gate. 1636.

TO THE HONORABLE REVEREND, AND RIGHT Worshipfull, Sir IOHN BRAMSTON Knight, Lord chiefe Iustice of his Maiesties Bench, Sir WILLIAM IONES, Sir GEORGE CROOKE, Sir ROBERT BARCKLEY Knights, the Learned Iudges of that Court.

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LIcence mee (I humbly beseech your Reverend fatherhoods) with the contrite penitent: Ingeniously to acknowledge my Errour, which is over-much presumption in undertaking, more in publishing, but most in thus presenting this my Collection: But withall to appeale from the barre of Rigor, to the borde of favour, and thereat to obtaine this extenuation of censure; That being it was begun with a good intent, prosecuted to a seeming good end, and is now in all befitting humblenesse presented to procure protection, that I may passe without publicke reprehension: And [Page] sithence words and writing are not reall according as they are spoke or writ but as they are appoved by others: Let your noble dispositions but make a favourable exposition of what is done: And then I am confident I shall untoucht passe the pikes of scorne and reproofe; In earnest expectation whereof, humble and hearty prayers to God, the giver of all good gifts for our long lives, in health and hearts ease here, and sempiternall happinesse hereafter, shall not want daily to bee powred out, by him that hourely rests,

Your Lordships reallest in all service and duty, IOHN TRVSSELL.

To the Courteous Reader.

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MY naturall propension to the reading of History, was the occasion that I left no Chronicle of this land, that purse, or prayer could purchase or procure, unperused: whereby I found that verified, that Prince Henry (now with God) complained of, which was, that of all Nations the English were most blame-worthy; That being inferiour to none for praise-worthy atchievements, yet were surpassed by all, and leaving the memory of those their praise worthy actions to posteritie. This I tooke to heart, but every way unable to remedy it, I rested silent, untill of late it came into my mind; That that part of the History of great Britaine, which was most intricate and troublesome, which was the beginning of that Story was happily begun, and as ingeniously followed (by that every way well) deserving Gentleman Samuel Daniel: And therby all those rubbes and blancks, which the deluge of time, had raised and left on the plat-forme, were made smooth or taken away, and that Vicount Saint Albones had so sufficiently perfected, that of all other the most doubtfull (if not dangerous peece) of Pater times to bee undertaken, the happy Conjunction of the so long severed Houses of Yorke and Lancaster, and that many others, reverend and judicious men, had by way of Annuals pursued the History unto the blessed Vniting of the two [Page] neighbour, but long before divided Kingdomes, of England and Scotland, so that now there wanted nothing to make the History compleat, for so much as was requisite untill that time, but only the passages from Richard the second, to the period of Richard the third, a great part whereof was-likewise accurately done, by Sir Iohn Heywood and Sir Thomas More, so that now with little labour, that gap might easily be filled up, and the History made; Whereupon I have adventured to adde my peece of ordinary valure, to those rich remnants of three pild Velvet, by enterviewing the times of Richard the second, Henry the fourth, Henry the fift, Henry the sixt; Edward the fourth, Edward the fift, and the Vsurper Richard the third, Wherein though I prove but a botcher, yet as the old saying is, better a course clout then a hole out. And to cleere my selfe though not à toto, yet à tanto, from that aspersion that happily might bee cast upon my endevours, that howsoever not ignorant of my owne manifold imperfections, yet like blind bayard, I should over-boldly venture, to tread in that Maze, which ought not to have beene undertaken, but by a more able body, and a more active braine, and thereby have forgetfully brought my selfe within the number of those over-forward Writers, which Doctor Heywood in his Epistle Dedicatorie to his first three Norman Kings affirmeth, hath sullied the beautie of the English History.

Give mee leave gentle Reader, (I beseech thee) as before I have yeelded the reason, that incited mee to the undertaking of this worke, so to give thee an account of my proceeding therein.

First, I have forborne to assume unto my selfe the libertie of an Historian, to obtrude upon thee any thing of my owne invention, quia malui aliena imprudenter dicere quàm propria impudenter ingerere: And for that History is or ought to bee a perfect register of things formerly done truely: ot at least warrantable by probabilitie, I have pro posse meo [Page] examined, though not all, (yet without touch of Arrogance, I may speake it) the most and best, that have written of those times, and culling out the truth as neere as I could gather it, like an Eccho, Voces quas accepi fidelissimè reddidi.

Secondly, I have pared off these superfluous exuberances, which like Wennes upon a beautifull face, disgrace the otherwise gracefull comlinesse of the countenance, I meane,

1. Matters of Ceremony, as Coronations, Christenings, Marriages, Funeralls, solemne Feasts, and such like.

2. Matters of Triumph, as Tiltings, Maskings, Barriers, Pageants, Gallefoists, and the like.

3. Matters of Noveltie, as great inundations, sudden rising and falling of prizes of Corne, strange Monsters, Iustice done on petty offenders, and such like executions, with which the Cacoethes of the Writers of those times have mingled matters of state.

And lastly, I have inserted the matches and issue, of all above the degree of a Baron, that have ended their dayes during those times, with the number of slaine, during the division of the two Roses, which how farre it may conduce to the better understanding of the History, I leave to thy capacitie, and my selfe to thy courtesie, and expecting a favourable censure rest thine;

IOHN TRVSSELL.

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[Page] April 24. 1635.

Perlegi hoc Opus Hystoricum duobus voluminibus comprehensum, cui titulus, A Continuation of the Collection of the History of England, &c. quod quidem in toto continet folia 418. aut circiter, in quibus nihil reperio sanae doctrinae, aut bonis moribus contrarium, quo minùs cum utilitate publica imprimi possit: Sub ea tamen conditione, ut si non intra triennium typis mandetur haec licentia sit omninò irrita.

Gulielmus Haywood Capell. dom. RR. P. Archiep. Cant.

Liber tertius.
RICHARD the Second.

RIchard the second borne at Burdeaux, sonne of Edward An. 1377. R. 1. the blacke Prince, and Ioane the daughter of Edmond Earle of Kent, and grandchild to Edward the third, being eleven yeares olde, was crowned King at Westminster the 21. day of Iune 1377. by Simon Sudbury Archbishop of Canterbury, at the time of whose Coronation the Duke of Lancaster, per nomen Iohannis Regis Castiliae & Legionis Dux Lancasteur put his clayme as Earle of Lecester, to have the place of Earle Marshall of England, as Duke of Lancaster, to carry the Sword at the Coronation called Curtana, as Earle of Lincolne, to be Carver that day: all which to be executed by himselfe, or his sufficient Deputie, which with the fees thereunto belonging were confirmed unto him, and hee accordingly did them and there in person execute the place of high Marshall at such years. As this King was then of, the minde of man is like unto the potters earth, apt to be wrought into any fashion, and then which way soever it hardeneth by custome, it seldome swerves from the same; The gouernance of the King at the first, was committed to certaine Bishops, Earles, Barons, and Iustices, but either by nicenesse and feare of discontenting the King, or negligence, to discharge their duty, or both, every one was more ready to please him, with delightfull conceits, then with profitable counsell to doe him good: for smoothe, and pleasing speeches, need small endevour, and alwayes finde favour, whereas to advise that, which is most meet, is a point of some paines, and many (if not most) times but a thanklesse office: Hereupon, two dangerous evills did ensue: Flattery brake in, and private respects (as eversince [Page] it hath done) did passe vnder publike pretences; At his Coronation he Created, Ann. 1378 R. 3. foure Earles, Thomas Woodstocke King Edward the thirds youngest sonne, Earle of Buckingham, and Northampton, Thomas Mowbray, younger brother of Iohn Lord Mowbray was created Earle of Nottingham, Gifford Angolisme a Gascoigne, Earle of Huntington, and Henry Piercie sonne of Henry Lord Piercy was Created Earle of Northumberland; In the beginning of this Kings raigne, the French on the one side, and the Scots on the other, did cruelly infest this Land, the one, making depredations, in the Isle of Wight harying the same, and attempting the Castle, from whence they were manfully repulsed; by a Captaine whose name I will forbeare, because in some Authors I finde him stiled by another appellation; The other forraged the Country round about, and burnt the Towne of Rocksborough; This course of each side, spoyling the English: they (both French and Scots combining,) continued by sea, untill Iohn Philpot Citizen, and Alderman of London (lamenting the misery of the times, occasioned by common neglect, of scouring the Coasts, and scouring the seas, whereby the Merchant durst not traffique abroad, for feare of Pyrats, which hovered in every corner, but especially of one Mercer a Scottish Rover, who had drawne together a great flect of French, Scottes, and Spaniards, and with them, did robbe, and spoyle all they met, and did great mischiefe) complayned hereof to the Kings Councell, and demonstrated to them: the daily wrongs sustained, by the sayd Mercer, imploring their ayd, but receiving from them no reliefe, he at his owne proper costs, victualed and manned forth a company of tall shippes: himselfe in person going with them to sea, and in short time, tooke the sayd Mercer, and recovered all the prises, formerly taken, with fifteene Spanish Bottoms well fraught with riches, besides many French, and Scottish ships; For which action hee encurred the hard censure of most of the Noble men, from whom hee seemed to have snatcht by this his fortunate attempt the native cognisance of true nobilitie; Amongst whom Hugh Earle of Stafford nettled with the generall commendations given to Philpot for this designe publikely at the Councell table, objected against him, the vnlawfulnesse of the act, without authoritie, being but a private man to attempt to levy armes. But Philpot with a kinde of vndaunted resolution, not only justified the act, as though not altogether lawfull yet very expedient being done for the honour of God, and the King, and the security of the republicke, but retorted the objection of improvidence and slothfull neglect, upon the Earle and the rest of the Councell, so that they were much to seeke for a reply, and hee returned with the generall applause of the Citizens, and most of the Courtiers.

The King of France presuming of the Kings minoritie, with some Spanish Anno. Dom. 1376. R. 2. ayde, landed in the Southwest part of England, and ransackt and burnt the townes of Plymmoth, Dartmoth, Portsmoth, Rye, and diverse other Coast townes, and marched further into the mayne, untill, by the Earle of Cambridge, the Kings vncle, and the Earles of Salisbury and Buckingham, and their forces, they were encountred and beat backe unto their shippes; About that time also by the King of France his instigation, Alexander Ramsey a brave Scot, with forty of his country-men in the night surprised the Castle of Barwicke, and intended to have falne upon the Towne; But the inhabitants suspecting some treason by the noyse, they have endevoured to prevent mischiefe, hewed downe the stayes of the draw-bridge on the towne side, so that when the Scots let fall the Bridge the chaynes breaking, the Bridge fell into the ditch, by meanes whereof the Scots were imprisoned by their owne conquest, yet as well as they were able, they fortified them in the Castle, [Page] which presently was besieged and assaulted, and (though valiantly defended, An. 1380. R. 2. was with some losse at length surprised, upon the taking whereof not one man but the Captaine Ramsey was spared.

In the third yeare of this Kings raigne it was concluded that to avoide Anno 1381. R. 3. unnecessary charge, the tutelage of the King, should bee committed but to one man; and by the whole consent of the Parliament dissembled, this office was deputed to Lord Thomas Beuchampe Earle of Warwicke, and a competent The Earle of Warwicke made sole Tutour to the King. pension was assigned him, out of the Kings Exchequer, for his paines and care thereabouts to be taken. But the King being plunged in the gulfe of pleasure, did immoderately bend himselfe, to advance and favour such persons, as were reprovable for life, and generally condemned for deboshment, and this was the cause of two great inconveniences, for many of the younglings of Nobilitie, observing the secret favours and distastes of the King: gave over themselves to a dissolute and dishonest course, which findeth some followers, when it hath no furtherancers, much more when it doth flourish and thrive by countenance and abetement: The King also by favouring these, was himselfe little favoured, and lesse loved by many; For it is as dangerous to a Prince, to have evill and despised adherents, as to be evill and despicable himselfe; The chiefe actors in this scene were Nevill Archbishop of Yorke, Robert Uear Earle of Oxford, Michael Delapoole, Robert Tressilian Lord chiefe Iustice, Nicholas Bramber Alderman of London, and others neither eminent by birth or desert, but observant and plyable to the Kings humour: These were highly in credit with the King, both in company and counsell alwayes next him; By these hee ordered his private actions, by these he managed his affaires of State, hee spared neither the dignity, nor death of any man, whose authority or life, interposed their pleasure or profit. Hee remoued Sir Richard Scroope from being Lord Chancelor of England (to Scroop Lord Chancellor removed. which place hee was appointed by the Parliament,) because hee refused to set the great Seale to the grant of certaine lands, which had beene abusively drawne from the King: alledging for his so doing the great debts of the King, the small demerits of the graunts, upon whom the King might consume much, but orderly give nothing; wishing the King might bee well advertised thatryot might deceive him under the termes of bounty, and that gifts well ordered procure not so much love, as indiscreetly imparted incite envie: This Chancellor used not to cauterize his conscience, with partiall maintaining of such as were mighty, but being alike to all, was the sooner disliked of all that were lewd: The destruction of the Duke of Lancaster was plotted upon the like dislike, by Iustice Tresilian, offences were suggested, appellors appointed, Peeres named, sudden arrest intended, and present arraignment, condemnation, and execution concluded; But the Duke upon notice of these contrivances, escaped to Pomfret Castle, and there made preparation for his defence against the King, from hence grew a head of division, which the common people at that time very busily sought. But the Kings Mother incessantly travailing betweene the King and the Duke, (notwithstanding her unweldinesse and age) drew them both to reconcilement; The King in regard of the dangerous and discontented times, the Duke in respect of his dutie and alleageance, the more easie to bee made inclinable and so partly by her entreatie and counsell, and partly by their inclination bending to the safest course, all apparance of displeasure on the one part, and, distrust on the other, was for that time removed. The Frenchmen againe, land in England and did much harme, at Dover, Winchelsey, Hastings, and at Graves end, and unincountred returned to France; For prevention of which [Page] outrages and revenge of those injuries offered, a Parliament is assembled at Ann. 1381 R. 3. Westminster, in which a Subsidie of foure pence for poll of each sexe throughout the kingdome, (above the age of fourteene yeares) is granted to the King; The levying whereof procured much heart-burning, and did much alyen the hearts of the subjects from the King; With that money preparation is made, and eight thousand men sent over into France, under the conduct of Thomas of Woodstocke the Kings Vncle, who passing over Soam, Oyse, and Marne, Rivers, spoyled and burnt all the Countrey, and ransomed the Inhabitants untill hee came to Brittany, where by the Duke Iohn Momford hee was joyfully received, and royally entertained.

About this time one Iohn Balle a factious clergy man, a scholler of Wickcliff, observing the common people much to murmure at the payment of the foresaid Subsidie, in all places where hee came used secretly to informe the inferiour sort of people, such as were poore and needy, That by discent from Adam, all men were of one condition, that the lawes of this kingdome were injurious, and much hindred us of participating Christian liberty, nay most unjust by making so great a difference of mens estate, preferring some to bee Peeres and Potentates, giving to some others large authority, and enlarging others possessions, and taking advantage of the humble and plyable condition, and carriage of others in servilitie and basenesse, hardly giving them allowance of sustenance, and that not that neither, but with sweat, and hard labour, where amongst Christians there should be an equall share of all things, and that in common, taking this for his theame; When Adam delv'd and Eve span, who was then a gentleman with such like trayterous perswasions hee did prepare the vulgar (apt to entertaine the proffers of rebellion) and fitte them for insurrection upon the slightest occasion; This doctrine once on foot runne from rusticke to villanie, and from shire to shire, that at length it infatuated them, and infected the Citie of London, the Commons whereof, I meane the poorer sort of mechanicks and handicrafts, desperately inclined to mutinie upon the reasons aforesaid incited and invited the multitude prepared as aforesaid to come thither, promising their best assistance and furtherance; Whereupon a rude rowte of rascalls, under the leading of Wat Tyler a Taylor who commanded in chiefe, with their grave minister, Iohn Wall: Iacke Straw, a Thresher, Iack Sheppard of the Councell of warre, under the tytle of the Kings men, and the servants of the Common-wealth of England, came to London, ransacking by the way, and demolishing from Essex side all the faire structures and great buildings, of the Nobility and Gentry; They summoned the King to give them a meeting; who accordingly accompanied, with the most of his best Councellours, tooke-his Bardge and went to Graves End; but seeing the rabble so ragged and rogue-like, a company of swadds compact of the off-skum of the people, it was held no discretion for the King to venture his person among them, and so returned to the Tower from whence hee came.

The next day these unruly rake-shames approched London, but finding the gates lockt, and the bridge drawne, and well guarded, they threatned the Ann. D. 1382 R. 4. slaughter of man, woman, and childe on Southwarke side, the sacking of their houses, and lastly the firing of the Borough and Churches there; For prevention whereof, and somewhat to keepe the staggering Commons from precipitate running with them in rebellion, the Gates were opened and the bridge let downe, and by permission they entred, where their furie, (with faire words and kinde usage) was for that night pacified, only the Commander Tyler sent for his quondam Master Richard Lyon, an antient grave Citizen, [Page] and in thankfull requitall of moderate and deserved punishment given him An. 1382. R. 4. in his apprentiship, hee caused his head to be strucke off and pitched upon a pole, and in triumph borne before him the next day when hee went to the Savoy (a house belonging to Iohn of Gaunt the Kings Vncle) which they rifled, burnt, and inhumanly murdred all the chiefe Officers they found there; They commit sacriledge in all Churches and religious houses, robbing the houses of the students in the Law, committing to the fire all their bookes and Records, proclayming death to any, that should bee found to know law, or literature; they spoyled all Forrainers inhabiting in or neere London, and their numbers increasing to threescore thousand. They came to Saint Katherines, from thence sending to the King to attend their pleasure at Mile End, no sooner was the King gone forth of the tower to the place appointed; when Tyler with some of his comrades, entred the Tower gates, ryfled the Kings lodging, barbarously entreating the Kings Mother both with bad language, and worse blowes, where they apprehended as hee was performing the ceremonies of the Church, the Reverend Simon Arch. B. of Canterbury (who formerly had convented their proloquutor Iohn Wall, for promulgating his dangerous if not damnable positions,) and strooke off his head, they broke up all the Prisons, and set at liberty all the malefactors there, and then came to meet the King at Mile end: The King demanded what it was that In [...] celebratione depr [...]ersum. was with such hostile manner required, with a confused noyes some cryed manumission, others maintainance, others to have their lands freed from service, every one what hee thought would most conduce to his owne particular end; The King promiseth to call a Parliament, and thereby (which now hee granted) promised to establish, what to that purpose should bee set downe in writing, and further gave a generall Pardon and safe conducts for their returne every man to his owne habitation, whereupon the most of the seeming best of these bad rebells, disbanded and went homeward, and the Londoners returned; But Tyler (whose ayme was the robbing of the Citie of London, and the extirpation of all any way noted for learning,) with twenty thousand of the dregges, and skum of his rakehells, came to Smithfield; To whom the King (guarded with a small strength,) attended on amongst others, by William Wallworth Maior, Iohn Philpot the darling of the Mariners, and Nicholas Brember Aldermen of London, and Sir Iohn Newton, and some few others, (men of resolute and brave spirits) presented himselfe, but was by that traytourly Tyler received in that base and scornefull manner, and with so many affronts to his followers, that Iohn Philpot told the King the abuses were insufferable, and so please him but to command his Lieutenant, meaning the Maior to arrest the Traytor, hee would lose his life, if it were not accordingly performed; Neverthelesse the King doubting the sequell, was unwilling to provoke a madd [...] dogge, and with faire speeches and pleasing countenance, hee began to expostulate with Tyler, and was willing to condescend to some dishonourable conditions, (being betwixt soveraigne and subject) to content him, but the more hee found the King pliable, the more arrogantly did hee insult, and the more unreasonable were his demands, and too too insolent his behaviour, amongst other this was one of his demands to have all law abolished, affirming with an execrable oath, before night all the Law of England should passe through this straight, clapping his hand to his mouth, in the meane time Philpot had sent into the Citie to Sir Robert Knowles Digito [...]abijs admoto, &c. who was left behind to keepe the multitude quiet, to make knowne the Kings danger and his owne, conjuring them by their duty to the King and love to him, to make all possible speed to their reskues, and afterward prompting [Page] the Maior what to doe, having by Sir Iohn Newtons helpe covertly drawne Ann. 1382 R. 5. close together as many of the Kings followers as were present, hee attended the sequell, Tyler persisting in his insupportable arrogance, demanded the Kings dagger of his Esquire that held it, which being by the Kings conivance delivered him: hee further presumed to command the Esquire to give him the Sword also: to whom the young sparcke bravely said, a Kings Sword would but ill become a knaves hand, wherewith Tyler rising up, offering to approach towards the Kings Page, the Maior of London that only awaighted the occasion of hazzarding his life in surprising so proud a traytor, snatcheth the Kings dagger out of the sheathe in Tylers hand, and then sheathes the same in Tylers body, whereupon Philpot with his sword saluted The Maior slayeth Wat Tyler. him on the cockscombe that he fell to the ground slaine: This sudden action at first dismayd the King, but being assured of present succour of the Cittizens, hee tooke courage, and being rounded by his Nobles, they gave defyance to the headlesse tombe, which wanted nor will, nor meanes to revenge their Captaines death, but each one expecting when another should begin, they stayed looking one upon another, untill newes was brought that the Londoners under the conduct of Sir Robert Knowles in battayle aray approached, and then they fling downe their weapons, and every one shifted for himselfe, and quit the field, at which the King wonderfully rejoyced, and in the same place made William Walworth, Iohn Philpot, Ralph Standish, Iohn Laund, Nicholas Twifield, and Nicholas Bramber Knights; whilst these tumults were thus in agitation, by the procurement of one Iohn Wall that pernitious Perditus & pernitiosus praesbyter. priest one Iohn Wraw (a whelpe of the same litter, a Chaplaine for the Divels good grace,) was sent into Norfolke and the adjacent countries, to incite upon the like motives the Commons to insurrection, and to joyne with Tyler, which tooke so suddenly, that in Hartfordshire about Saint Albons, and at Saint Edmonds-bury in Suffolke, upon Corpus Christi day, to the number of fifty thousand were assembled; and under the conduct of one Robert Westborne an Inne-keeper; They outragiously destroyed and demolished all the Noble and Gentlemens houses of note: And put to death all the professours of law they could finde.

They tooke Sir Iohn Cavendish Lord chiefe Iustice of the Kings bench strooke off his head and placed the same upon the Pillory in Saint Edmonds The Lord chiefe Iustice slaine by rebells. bury. They beheaded likewise Iohn of Cambridge the Pryor thereof, and Iohn de Laking [...]uith, one of the Pryors Commoignes, carrying them in triumph, and placed them on poles upon the said pillory.

They caused the Covent to surrender up all Obligations and writing obligatory in their custody, and all their Charters of priviledge which Canutus their founder had bestowed upon that house, which the more to endeere themselves to their favour, they delivered cancelled to the Townesmen. In like manner in Norfolke under the command of Iohn Litistar a Dyer of Norwich the like outrages are committed, from whose fury the Earle of Suffolke narrowly escaped, at Northwaltham in Norfolke they styled their Captaine King of the Commons, and enforced the Lords, Scales and Morley with divers worshipfull Knights to attend upon him at the table, which for that Sir Robert Saul refused to doe, they beate out his braynes.

Henry Spencer Bishop of Norwich to suppresse these insolents, by his example drew the Knights and Gentlemen residing thereabout to arme themselves, The Bishop of Norwich suppresseth the rebells in Norfolke. and to take the field, who afterwards rowted the Rebells, and tooke their Captaine (whose head hee caused presently to bee strooke off,) and their Chaplaine Wraw prisoners, from thence Wraw was sent to London to [Page] receive his tryall, where hee was afterwards according to his demerits hanged, drawne and quartered.

Like wise upon the Saterday following Corpus Christi day, the Towns-men of Cambridge by threats enforced one Iames Grancester to be their Leader, exacting Cambridge spoyled by the rebells. an oath from him and his brother Thomas to be loyall to their encorporation, and to joyne with them in execution of any their designes; And presently they fell upon Corpus Christi Colledge, which they miserably ransackt, tearing, burning, or spoyling, whatsoever writing, charters, and bookes they could come at, and did take away all the plate, vestments, treasure they could finde, enforcing the Seniors and students of that Colledge, by oath to renounce and disclayme all, and whatsoever Charters, grants, priviledges, and franchises had beene formerly bestowed upon that house, and to acknowledge from thence forth subjection to the Maior and Burgesses of Cambridge; From thence they went like a torrent to Saint Maries Church; where they broke up the chests, and from thence tooke out all the treasure and Church ornaments, fury being on foot left nothing undone that was barbarous, and passion having drownd reason, they cared not what mischiefe they did nor to whom, so as they might make their malice sufficiently perspicuous to the Clergie, from Cambridge they went to the Priory of Bernwell, a mile off which they like Sarazens defaced, felling downe the trees; spoyling the walkes, and setting fire to what remained there undefaced. Tired with doing, but not sorry for having done so many crimes they retyred to Cambridge, where in the Market place they consumed with fire, all rhe ordinances, constitutions and statutes of the Vniversitie, and all other the particular bookes, rowles, parchments, and leidgers they could come at, taking up the ashes, and flinging them in the ayre, cryed away with these Clerkes cunning; and then in the darke of the night every one shifted for one and stole away.

The King for punishment of these and other like offenders, sent the Lord Ann D. 1382 R. 5. chiefe Iustice Tressilian and Sir Roger Sales, and other Commissioners into all-those parts where insurrection had beene made.

From Coventry, Iohn Ball, who had seconded Wall and Wraw in inciting the multitude to insurrection, is sent to the King, against whose frowardnesse in practise towards authoritie, and forwardnesse in profession to sowe such seeds of sedition in his sermons, that thereby the people were both incited and incouraged to rebelliou, such sufficient information was given, that hee was executed for high Treason.

This generall flame of combustion being extinct, the King studyeth the advancement of his Favourites, so that within short time after Michel de la Poole, sonne and heire of Sir William de la Poole Knight and Banneret, (say some, but others one of that name, a Merchant in London) was made Lord Chancellor of England, and created Earle of Suffolke, and Robert Vear Earle of Oxford, the fourth of that name, and ninth Earle thereof, was created Marquesse of Dublin (being the first man within this Realme that was enobled with that title,) But they grew in hate as they did in honour, for many of antient nobility did stomacke their undeserved as they deemed it advancement, and with these the votes of the people generally went; But the Kings intemperate affection was peremptory and violent, not regarding envy untill he could not resist it.

The yeare following the new Marquesse was Created Duke of Ireland, The lower house of Parliament exhibited a Bill of grievances against the Anno. Dom. 1384. R. 6. Chancellor, desiring his answer thereto, and tryall thereupon, the particulars 1. Whereof were for that hee had abused the King in farming the profits [Page] and revenewes of the Crowne; 2. For profusely wasting the treasure in ryotous prodigalitie, and unnecessary expences; 3. For being dived deepe An. 1384. R. 6. into the Kings debt; 4: For being carelesse and corrupt in his Office; 5. For deceiving and discrediting the King in his accounts and disbursement (the particulars whereof were annext to the Bill) with divers objections of, both dishonesty of body, and dishonour in his private actions, and publike Office. This Earle from London sent a student to Oxford, returned, well clothed to the Court, and there suddenly growne great, could not moderate his change, but in his height of prosperitie, layed open the basenesse of his inclination and condition, which before were either cunningly covered, or craftily cloked, from being discovered; And serving a weake Ruler, in an eminent place, with an ill minde, hee made open sale of his Princes honour; But the King willing to connive at, or remit the offences, silently let the complaints slip, with a short audience and no examination, expressing himselfe thereby neither much grieved at the offences, nor well pleased with the complaint: A Subsidie is required, but answer was made, there was no need of it, since A subsidy demanded and denyed. the Kings wants might bee furnished and supplyed, with his owne debts due from the Chancellour if called in, neither was it if otherwise, to any purpose, to bee graunted so long as the moneys should bee issued by such persons as formerly had beene, and was likely to bee againe.

The complaints against the Chancellour are recontinued with that earnestnesse, that the King is perswaded, that it is neither for his Honour, or safetie, to justifie him, for to private men it is sufficient, if themselves abstaine from wrong, but Princes must provide that none doe wrong under them; For by conniving and abetting the faults of their Officers, they make them too often seeme their owne: and they will bee objected against them upon the first occasion; The importunitie of both houses, wrought the Kings consent to a Commission, to authorize divers noble men, to heare and determine all grievances and objections against the Chancellour; Thereupon a Subsidie is granted, but with proviso, that the money bee disposed of by the Commissioners agreed upon to the benefit of the Realme.

The King moved that the heires of Charles Bloyes, who laid clayme to the Dutchy of Britaine, should be delivered to the French upon the receipt of 30000. Markes by them to that purpose offered, the same to bee delivered to the Duke of Ireland, for the recovery of those possessions the King had given him in Ireland, which was assented unto, so as before the feast of Easter following the Duke should depart thither, and there remaine; at so high a Commissioners appointed to receive the Susibdie. rate they valued his riddance out of the Realme; The charge of the Subsidie was committed to Richard Earle of Arundle.

The Duke of Gloucester and the said Earle, were made Commissioners concerning the Earle of Suffolke, who by the Kings absence is left to himselfe, to answer the objected misdemeanours, whereof hee made the Kings blind favour his priviledge and protection, presuming never to see that either altered or over-ruled: Hee is convict of many crimes, deposed from his Office, his goods are confiscate to the King, and himselfe adjudged to execution, which was submitted to the Kings pleasure, and under sureties was permitted to goe at large.

Iohn Fourd B. of Durham, another minion of the Kings, is removed from being Lord Treasurer, hee was a man of little depth either in learning or The Lord Treasurer removed by Parliament. judgement, only one that had the art of seeming, making a formall shew of whatsoever he spake, or did, and rising from a poore estate to so high a pitch of honour: hee too excessively exercised his ryot and ambition, not able [Page] to qualifie the lusts and desires his former wants: had kindled. Ann. 1386 R. 6.

This businesse blowne over: the King returnes to London, and presently receives the Earle of Suffolke, the Duke of Ireland, and the Archbishop of Yorke ro greater grace and familiaritie then before; These Triumvirs incence the King agalnst the Nobles, that wore best deserving, partly upon disgraces desertfully done unto them; partly upon malitious emulation, to see others so generally beloved (except of the King) and themselves so contemptible; And that their private spleene might carry some shew of publike respect, they suggested to the King, hee was but halfe, yea not halfe a King; For (sayd they) if wee respect matters of State, you beare the sword, but they sway it, you have the show, but they the authority of a Prince, using your name as a colourable pretext to their proceedings, and your Person as a cipher to make their number the greater by the addition thereof, without which they could be nothing, neither are you any thing more by being so placed; Looke you to the duties of your Subjects, and you shall finde it is at their devotion, for you cannot command nor demand, but with such limitations and exceptions as they please to propose; And for your privat actions, your bounty (the most to bee observed good vertue in a Prince,) is restrayned, your expences measured, and your affections confined, to frowne, and favour, as they shall please to prescribe you? what Ward is so much under government of his Guardian? Wherein will they, or can they, more abridge you? Except they should take from you the place, as they have done the power of a Prince; And in this we thinke they may justly bee feared, having so great might, and meanes, to give wings to ambitious mindes; Power is never safe when it doth exceed: Ambition is like the Crocodile, growing as long as it liveth; or like the Ivie, which rising at the foot will overpeere the highest wall, it is already growne from at sparke, to a flame, and more then time it is such increase, were stayed; For such over-ruling Princes presage their overthrowing, and such cutting them short, hath turned to cutting them off, their mindes are suspitious, their power dangerous, and therefore the opportunitie must warily be prevented. The Kings youth and weakenesse, made him apprehensive, and framed his minde to a full but needlesse feare, hee was much moved with the removall of his Chancellor, and Treasurer out of their offices, and the Duke of Ireland out of the Realme, supposing it a restraint to his regall authoritie, not to have absolute power in all things, to give and forgive at his pleasure; when these privy incensers perceived, the Kings honour once sharpned, they so plyed him with plausible perswasions, that (though naturally hee was of no cruell disposition, yet they drew him to many violent, and indirect courses) partly upon negligence to search out the truth, partly upon delight to bee flattered, neither did they long deferre their stratagems; At first it was plotted, that the Duke of Gloucester and certaine others of that part, should bee invited to supper in London, and there made away, Sir Nicholas Brember, who had beene late Maior of the Citie, whose abundance of wealth supplied the want of honest qualities in him, was a busie agent in that butcherly businesse; But Richard Exon then Maior, discovered the plot, and thereof warned the Duke, to avoid the present perill, and afterwards to bee wary of the like.

Richard Earle of Arundle, and Thomas Earle of Nottingham, commanded at Sea the Kings fleet, and tooke an hundred sayle of the enemies shippes Anno. Dom. 1387. R. 9. well fraught with Wines, and well appointed for fight, they also relieved and fortified Brest, and demolished two Forts, the enemies had placed against it. The Earles in this service for their valour and curtesie, got great [Page] reputation; and their actions did by so much appeare, the more honorary, by how much, the infortunate insufficiency of other Generalls before, by whose An. 1387. R. 9. either rashnesse, or cowardise, or both, many souldiers had beene defeated, and every yeare had beene famous before for one losse or other. At their returne, (the King more inclinable to revenge displeasure, then reward desert, for it is troublesome to bee gratefull, but revenge is pleasant, and preferred before gaine) entertained them with strangenesse of speech, and by his countenance seemed, hee was ill pleased, for that they had deserved so well.

About this time the Duke of Ireland repudiated his wife, whose mother (Isabel) was daughter to Edward the third, and tooke in her place a Vintners daughter a Bohemian; The King little regarded this indignitie done unto his Cousin german, (though by her often petitioned for redresse.) And in this so great confusion of State, let it passe unreproved, as obscured with greater vices; But Gloucester her Vncle tooke it in disdaine, as an indignitie offered to the blood royall, and intended revenge, and so much did intimate to the Duke of Ireland, who plotted under hand, the destruction of Gloucester; the one openly and manlike persecuted his enmitie: but the other cowardly and covertly, and therefore the more dangerously; Gloucester was neerer and greater in blood, Ireland, in favour, this being uncle to the King: that bearing himselfe as the Kings fellow; The one pretended all hee did for the honour of the State, the other for humour of the King, much malice did passe, but in opposition of such equall powers, there is seldome small difference in harmes.

The terme assigned the Duke Uear for his departure into Ireland is past, and lest his stay might breed some stirre in England, hee still shewed himselfe busie, for preparing for his journey, and at last (though long first,) made a The King accompanieth the Duke of Ireland, towards Wales. show of setting forth; The King went in great state to accompany him to ship; and the Earle of Suffolke with Iustice Tresilian and the rest of that side either for favour followed, or for feare durst not stay behind; Together they went to Wales, and there the Dukes Irish journey was finished; There they debate in Councell, how the Lords might best bee suppressed, many plots were invented, all that were worst pleased well, without respect of danger or disgrace, but few stood without likelihood of event to their desires, and therfore none was fully concluded on; At length they leave Wales and come to Nottingham Castle, where the high Sheriffes of every County are summoned to appeare, and strictly interrogated, with strength if need should rerequire, they were able to backe the King with against the Lords, the King was generally answered; that the Commons did so favour the Lords, and were so well resolved of their dutifull love, and loyaltie to their Soveraigne, that they durst make promise of no power to bee raysed against them. Then they were commanded to elect no Knights, Citizens, or Burgesses for the Parliament, but only such as the King should approve, whereto they sayd it was an hard matter in times of suspect, to robbe the people of their antient priviledge, for choosing Knights and Burgesses for the Parliament, and after some few other matters which were either unseasonably moved, or unreasonably obtained, to small purpose, the Sheriffs were licenced to depart; Then were assembled Tressilian chiefe Iustice of the Kings bench, Belknapp chiefe Iustice of the Cōmon pleace, Holt, Stil [...]urpe, Burgh, Iustices of the Cōmonpleas men learned in Court-law, to please those in highest place, these were charged upon their alleageance, particularly to answer these propositions;

1. Whether the Statute, Ordinance, and Commission (meaning that [Page] granted against the Duke of Suffolke) set out the last Parliament, did derogate from the royall prerogative of the King.

2. How they were to bee punished, that did procure that Statute to bee inacted.

3. How they were to bee dealt with, that provoked the King to consent thereto.

4. What punishment did they deserve that compelled the King to yeeld consent.

5. What did they merit that resisted the King to exercise his regall authoritie, in remitting or releasing, any penalties or debts due to him.

6. When a Parliament is assembled, and the affaires of the State, and cause of convoking the Parliament declared, and Articles limited by the King; upon which only, the Lords and Commons should meddle; the Lords and Commons will proceed upon other, and not those by the King appointed, untill the King hath given answer to the other by them propounded, whether in this case the King ought to have the rule of the Parliament, and so to order the fact, that the Lords and Commons upon the Articles limited by the King; or that they should first have answer of the King to the Articles by them propounded before they proceed any further?

7. Whether may the King at his pleasure dissolve the Parliament, and command the Lords and Commons to depart?

8. Since the King may at his pleasure remove any Officers and Iustices, and punish them for their offences, whether may the Lords and Commons, without his leave, accuse his Officers and Iustices in Parliament yea or no?

9. What punishment have they deserved, who moved a Parliament, that the statute whereby King Edward Carnarvon was deposed should be brought forth, by view whereof the last Statute and Commission aforesaid were framed?

10. Whether the judgement given in the last Parliament against Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke were erroneous and revocable yea or no?

These propositions which were drawne by the direction of the chiefe Iustice Tresilian, to which the afornamed Iustices answer as followeth;

1. They did derogate from the Honour of the King, because extorted against his will.

2. 3. That they deserved to bee punished by death, except the King in mercy would remit.

4. 5. Worthy to bee punished as Traytours.

6. Whosoever resisteth the Kings rule in that point, was punishable as a Traytour.

7. That the King may at his pleasure dissolve the Parliament, and who so afterwards shall presume to proceed against the Kings manifest will, as in a Parliament is worthy the punishment of a Traytor.

8. That they cannot; whosoever doth the contrary deserveth a Traytors punishment.

9. Aswell the mover as the bringer of that Statute to the house, are worthy the same death.

10. And lastly, that the said judgement seemed erronious and revocable. In witnesse whereof they with Iohn Lockton the Kings Sergeant at Law subscribed, and so under their Seales at armes sent it.

When those hard sentences of death, and treason, were under generall and large termes, thus fastened upon the Lords, the King supposed his attempts against them, whether by violence, or colour of Law, sufficiently warranted, [Page] but his power both wayes, (as it was terrible against weake resisters, so against such mighty defendants, was of small force to effect that, which he so much affected; yet hee did not omit his best endevours, and first accounting the Lords, as condemned persons, hee made division of their lands and goods amongst those he favoured: Then hee waged souldiers to bee in readinesse for his assistance, and sent the Earle of Northumberland to arrest the Earle of Arundell, at his Castle in Rygate where hee then lay, but he either upon advertisement, or suspition of the Kings intent, bandied himselfe so strong, that when the Earle of Northumberland came thither to him, hee dissembled his intent, and left his errand untold: The Duke of Gloucester having secret intelligence of the Kings displeasure, and of his projects sent the Bishop A good office of the Bishop of London. of London to perswade the King to entertaine a more favourable opinion of him, solemnly swearing unto the Bishop, that hee never intended any thing against the King, either in person or state; The Bishop not unskilfull to joyne profitable perswasions with honesty; declared to the King, that the ground of his displeasure against the Lords, was either by false suggestions of their enemies, or misconstruction of some of their actions by himselfe: Then declared hee how desirous they were of his grace and favour, how faithfull and forward they promised to persist in all dutifull service, and further intimated how honourable this agreement would bee to the King, and how profitable to the kingdome, nay which was above both, how pleasing it would bee to God, and how displeasing to him, and dangerous it would be to both sides, if these troubles should increase. The King by this speech seemed inclinable to attonement; But Delapoole, a turbulent person, against quiet counsell: standing neere the King, quickly hardned his minde against all impression of friendship, by meanes whereof contention arose betwixt the Bishop, and the Earle, which violently broke out into heate of words; The Earle reproched the Lords with the ordinary objection against great men (popularitie, and ambition:) sparing no spight of speech, but using all rethoricke to aggravate matters against them; The Bishop replyed, the Earle was thus fiercely bent, not upon any necessity of his owne, or respect unto the King, but only to satisfie his bloody and ambitious humour, wherein he was so immoderate, that rather then the Lords should not be destroyed, he would overwhelme them with the ruines of the State; For tumults might bee indeed raysed by men of little courage, like himselfe, but must bee maintayned by hazard, and ended with the losse of the most violent, that neither his counsell against what was desired, in this cause was to bee followed, (being the principall firebrand of the disturbance) nor his complaints against any man, in any thing to bee regarded, being himselfe a condemned person, and one that held his life, and livelihood, of the Kings favourable mercy, wherewith the King was so exceedingly wroth, that hee commanded the Bishop out of his presence; The Duke of Gloucester hearing this, signifies the danger to the Earles of Arundel, Warwicke, and Darby, inciting them to armes, and thereupon they confederate themselves, for a common defence: For in so doubtfull and suspected peace, open warre (said they) was the better safety; The King having intelligence of their courses indevoured to prevent the Lords in joyning their forces; and to that end sent some power, either to set upon the Earle of Arundel in his lodging, or to intercept him in his passage to the Duke; But the Earle had marched all night, before their comming; and so unencountred came to the Duke, with whom hee found the Earles with a sufficient company, aswell to make an attempt, as to stand upon resistance: This much distracted the King; being now in choice either to relent or resist, [Page] much disdayning the one, and distrusting the other, his followers also were divided in counsell, some fretting at the disgrace, others fainting at the danger. The Archbishop of Yorke perswaded with the King, that occasion was now offered, to shew himselfe a King indeed; If hee would rayse a royall army; and by maine might, beat downe the boldnesse of their presumption; This was more readily advised, then done, saith another. The adversaries army is mightie, the Commanders are great men, both for courage, and skill, and greatly favoured by the Commons, whereby that which is accounted so ready pay, may prove a desperate debt; Therefore it were better, with some show of yeelding, to enter into conditions of quiet, then by standing upon too nice punctilioes of Honor: to hazard the doubtfull event of battaile, wherein the King cannot joyne, but by his weakning; nor loose without danger of his undoing. There was present old Sir Hugh Linne, a good souldier, but a shuttle braine, of whom the King in merriment demanded in this case what was as hee thought fittest to bee done: Sir Hugh swore, blood and wounds, let us charge home, and kill every mothers sonne, and so wee shall make quicke dispatch of the best friends you have in the kingdome, this giddy answer, more wayed with the King, then if it had beene spoken in grave and sober sort; And thus it often happeneth, that wise counsell is more sweetly followed, when it is tempered with folly, and earnest is the lesse offensive, if it bee delivered in jest; In the end the raysing of armes is layd aside, not as displeasing (being so agreeable to former proceeding) but as despayring to prevaile thereby; The Archbishop of Canterbury with the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellor, were sent unto the Lords, to understand the cause of their assembly: Answer was made, that it was for the safety of themselves, the honour of the King, and the overthrow of those, that sought destruction of both: but by the mediation of the Bishop it was concluded, that the Lords should come before the King at Westminster upon caution of his protection: and there have publike audience, concerning their grievances. The Bishop of Ely, giving private promise, faithfully to discover any danger hee could descry, who accordingly, gave notice, (or little before the Lords appointed to come,) of an awaite, that was purposed for their entrapping; at the place called the Mewes neere London, advised them, either to make stay, or to come provided, but rather to make stay then to come forward, lest further provocation, might make reconciliation more difficult: Whereupon, they came not at the time appointed; The King marvelling at their faylance, demanded of the Bishop of Ely the cause, who boldly answered, that the Lords found The Bishops sent to the Barons. want of true meaning; and that they neither did, nor durst, repose assurance in the Kings words, which they apparantly saw, was but a meanes to ensnare them. The King made the matter very strange unto him, protesting that hee was free from deceit both in consent and knowledge, and presently gave command to the Sheriffes of London, to goe to that place and to slay or take all such as they fonnd there in waite; whether this was but a countenance of his, or whether hee was not privie to the practice, it is not assuredly knowne, but the matter was not false, but the place mistaken; For Sir Thomas Tryvet, and Sir Nicholas Bramber, had assembled divers armed men at Westminster, to assault the Lords at their best advantage, but perceiving the discovery of their plot, they secretly dissolved their company, and sent them away.

Then the Lords, upon new faith, for their securitie, came to the King to Westminster, but brought a guard with them, so many, as in a place where they were entirely favoured; was able to defend them from any sudden defeate. The King upon their comming, entred into Westminster great Hall: apparelled [Page] in his royall robes, and when hee was placed in his seate; and composed himselfe to majestie and state. The Lord Chancellor, made a large Oration Ann. 1388 R. 10. to the Lords, in the Kings name, wherein hee declared, the heynousnesse of their offence, and the greatnesse of their perill, how easie a matter it had been The Lord Chancellors speech to the Lords. for the King, to have levyed a power, sufficient to have destroyed them, and yet for the generall spare of his subjects blood, and in particular favour, to the Duke and other Nobles hee made choice, to encounter, and overcome them, rather by friendship, then by force, and therefore was willing, not only to pardon their ryot, but also to heare their griefe, and in a quiet and peaceable way to redresse them. The Lords alledged the cause of their taking armes, to be, first, the necessitie of their owne defence; secondly, their true love both to King, and Realme, whose fame and fortune did daily decline, by meanes of certaine traytours, who lived only by the dishonour of the one, and decay of the other, like mothes in bookes and garments, that thrive by others losse. Those whom they particularly challenged to bee Traytours, were Robert Uear Duke of Ireland, Nevill Archbishop of Yorke, Delapoole Earle of Suffolke, Robert Tresilian, Lord chiefe Iustice, Sir Nicholas Bramber, with certain others more secret, but little better: And to justifie this their appeale, they threw downe their gloves, and offered themselves to the tryall of the Combat: The King replyed, that oftentimes the causes of action being good, yet if the meanes want moderation, and judgement, the ends prove pernitious; And therefore though these complaints should bee true, yet were these courses not tolerable, which did beare an open face of rebellion, and by the licentiousnesse of the multitude might soone have sorted to such a period, for it is more easie to raise the people then to rule them, whose fury being once stirred, will commonly, bee discharged some wayes. But (saith hee) since we have broken this broyle; wee will not by combating, give occasion of new, but at our Parliament which I will instantly convoke, both you and they shall bee present, and Iustice indifferently done to all. In the meane time I take you all into my protection, that neither of you shall endanger or endamage other, wishing the Lords to remember that as Princes must rule without limitation, so Christian subjects must use a meane in their liberty; Then he caused the Dukes and the Earles, which all this while kneeled, to arise and goe with him into his private chamber, where they talked together, and after with a most friendly farewell, hee licenced them to depart; They of the adverse part, were absent at this meeting, and if they had not, it might have beene feared, the Kings presence should have beene but a poore protection unto them. The Kings demeanour herein was divers wayes censured, some argued him fearefull: others moderate and mercifull, in preventing the effusion of his subjects blood. The Lords were well pleased with his good will and favour; which as by base and servile meanes, they would not seeke, being thus gotten, they did highly esteeme, yet they thought it the safest course, not to separate themselves, suspecting the mutabilitie of the King, and the malice of their enemies, of whom, neither knew they where they were, nor what they did intend, and being persons of great wealth, and greater power, but most bent to hurtfull practises, they were feared not without cause; For the Duke of Ireland, either by setting on, or sufferance of the King, was all this time, mustering of souldiers in Cheshire, or Wales, where hee gathered an army, both for number, and goodnesse of men sufficient, if another had beene Generall, to have carried a side; whereof the Lords advertised, they divided themselves, and beset the wayes, by which the Duke should passe to London, with an intent, to encounter him before hee did increase his power, [Page] and countenance his action, with the name of the King; The Earle of Darby met him, at a place called Babbelake neere Burford, where the Earles souldiers, full of hearty courage, disliking nothing more then delay, thinking losse of time, was a procrastinating of the victory: came on bravely. But the Duke being mutinous but not fit for action, apter to stirre strife, then stint it, upon sight of their approach would have fled; But Sir Thomas Mollineux, an approved souldier Constable of Chester, upon whose leading all that countrey men did depend, perswaded the Duke that this was but a part of the forces, led only by the Earle of Darby a man no way eminent; and if they could not beare through that resistance, it was in vaine to expect any atchievement of honour by armes; Whereupon the Duke made stay, but his faint spirits were moved by this speech, rather to desire victory, then hope it, his souldiers also, were dull, silent, and sad; and such as were rather ready to interpret, then execute the Captaines command; They wind battaile, but scarce ten ounces of blood was lost on both sides, before the Duke of Ireland set spurres to his horse, and forsooke the field: his souldiers thereupon, more out of indignation then feare, refused their rankes: yeelded to the Earle, the honour of the field; Sir Thomas Mullineux flying, was ouertaken and slaine by Sir Thomas Mortimer: the rest submitted themselves, to the discretion of the conquerours; making them the Lords of their lives and death: yeelding was no sooner offered, then excepted by the Earle, who commanded, that none should be reproched, or ill intreated, but the obstinate: which was obeyed, the souldiers willing to shew favour to their countrey-men, who were led into this action partly upon simplicitie, partly for company sake, The Gentlemen and those of the better sort, were retayned by the Earle, the rest unarmed were licenced at their pleasure to depart. The Duke in his flight, was enforced to take a river, and in the midst of the streame, forsooke his horse, and swam to the other side: and by the benefit of the night escaped, first into Scotland, then into Flaunders, and lastly into France, from whence hee never returned, his horse, with his helmet and gauntlets, with other abiliments of his were found, whereupon it was generally conceived, that hee was drowned, and as in great uncertainties it often hapneth, some affirmed they saw him dye, with the manner thereof, which other men, either glad to heare, or not too curious to search did easily beleeve: His Trunke also was taken with certaine letters of the Kings therein, the contents whereof were, for his present repaire to London, with all power, and speed hee could make, and the King would bee there ready, to dye in his defence, so unskilfull was the Kings government, that to pleasure a few, hee did not respect to give discontent to many. The Earle of Suffolke hereupon disguised, fled to Callice, from whence hee never returned, hee was a cruell spoiler, and a carelesse spender: in warre contemptible: in peace insupportable, an enemy to all counsell of others, and in his owne conceit wondrously wise, obstinately contentious, of a quicke wit, and ready speech, both which hee abused, to the cunning commending of himselfe, and crafty depraving of others, he was lesse loved, but more heard of the King, then the Duke, the more hurtfull man, and the more hatefull; The Duke being indeed guilty, of no great fault, but the Kings excessive favour, in their course of good, and bad fortune, both of them alike famous.

This Duke of Ireland was Robert de Vere the fourth of that name, and ninth Earle of Oxford, hee married Philip the Daughter of Ingeram de Guisnes by Isabel his wife, the Daughter of Edward the third, from whom he was divorsed, and tooke to his second wife Lantegroine a Bohemian, of an unknowne parentage, but died without issue.

[Page] This Michael de la Poole Earle of Suffolke married Isabel Daughter of Sir Iohn Wingfield, and had issue five sonnes, Thomas, William, Michael, Richard, and Iohn, and three daughters, Margaret married to William Lord Ferrers of Groby, Elizabeth and Anne.

The Archbishop of Yorke, Iustice Tresilian, and others of that faction, ran every man like Conyes to their covert, yea the King betooke himselfe to the tower of London, and there made provision for his winter abode: having all his courses now crossed; first, by rashnesse in taking of armes, and afterward by cowardlinesse in maintaining them; The Earles of Darby, signified this successe to his associates by Letters: but without vaunting, his speeches also were moderate, rather extenuating then extolling his fact, but by stopping his fame it increased; men esteeming his high thoughts, by his humble words, and his consent of greater attempts by contempt of this. The Lords met and marched together to London, whither with forty thousand men they came upon Saint Stephens day, and first they shewd themselves in battaile array, in the fields within view of the King, then encamped in the Suburbs. The Maior of London and his brethren, came forth and offered, the Lords free entertainment within the Citie, but not accepted. They give liberall allowance of victuall and necessaries to the souldiers; This discord seemed to draw to a dangerous distraction of the Common-wealth, the vanquished part being full of malice, and the Conquerours of presumption: the one wanting power, the other right to command and rule; The Archbishop of Canterbury and certaine others of the neutralitie, fearing the sequell, perswaded the King to come to a treaty with the Lords: but hee made shew but of a slight regard, he made of these dealings: let them (saith hee) stay untill their numerous power have wearied them, and eate out their provision: and then we will finde a time, to talke with them at my leasure; But the Lords suspecting the devise, stopt all passages, and beset the Thames: generally protesting not to depart, without conference with the King face to face. The King having neither strength to resist, nor roome to scape, consented to a treatie; And to that end desired the Lords to come to him into the Tower; but they refused that place of meeting, upon feare of false measure, untill the King permitted them, to search diligently, and come as strongly as they thought meet; then they came to the King well guarded, and after a few cold complements, and strange salutations, they layd before him his proceedings against them at Nottingham, his Letters which hee sent to the Duke of Ireland, contrary to his word: for the raysing of armes against them: his agreement with the French King for the yeelding up of Callice, and other strong houlds which hee had in possession in those parts, with divers other poynts of dishonourable dealing, and negligent government. What should the King then have done or said, all these objections were so evident and evill, that there was no place left either for deniall or defence; Therefore ingenuously first with silence and patience, afterwards with teares and dejected countenance hee confessed his errors. And certainely the stiffe stomacks of the Lords, more relented to those lukewarme drops, then they would have done to his greatest violence. A meeting was concluded the next day at Westminster, there to treate of these and other necessary affaires of the Realme; Then the Duke and the rest of the Lords departed, except the Earle of Darby, who stayed supper with the King; and all that time kept him in his proposed resolution: But when he was also gone, some of the abusers of the Kings eare, suggested that his going thither, was neither seemely nor safe, and would not only bring to his person present danger and contempt, but afterwards abasement, and abridgement to [Page] his authoritie; whereupon the Kings minde turned. But the Lords being now nettled, feeling the Kings hand weake to governe the raynes, became the more violent, and sent him word that if hee did vacillate with them, and not come according to agreement, that they would choose a new King, who should bee more respective to his Nobilitie; This peremptory message so terrified the King, that hee not only went thither, but permitted the Lords to take their pleasure, they caused him much against his liking to remove out of the Court, Nevil Archbishop of Yorke, Foord Bishop of Duresme, the Bishop of Chichester the Kings Confessor, the Lord Souch, the Lord Harmyworth, Lord Burnell, Lord Beamont, Sir Alberick Uear, Sir Baldwyne Bereford, Sir Richard Alderbury, Sir Iohn Worth, Sir Thomas Clifford, and Sir Iohn Lovell taking caution of them for their appearance, at the next Sessions of Parliament. And certaine Ladies likewise were expelled the Court, and went under sureties, the Ladyes, Mowen, Moling. Poynings, wife to Sir Iohn Worth, They put under arrest, Simon Burly, William Ellingham, Iohn Salisbury, Thomas Trivet, Iames Bernis, Nicholas Dagworth, and Nicholas Bramber Knights; Richard Clifford, Iohn Lincolne, and Richard Motford Clerkes; Iohn Beacham the Kings private Purse-bearer, Nicholas Lake Deane of the Chappell, and Iohn Blake Barrister, were all committed to diyers Prisons, to be forth-comming at the next Parliament.

The Parliament began at London, (though the King used many meanes to dash or deferre the same) to which the Lords came, attended with full Ann. D. 13 [...] R. 10. strength, pretending to represse any ryot that might arise, but in truth by terror thereof to draw all the mannage of affaires to themselves. The assembly continued from Candlemasse untill Whitsontide, with great feare of some, and hope of others, and expectation of all; There Tresilian by the Councell Proceeding in the Parliament against Favourites. of the Lords against the Kings minde, was condemned to bee drawne and hanged, which judgement was presently executed, the like passed against and upon Nicholas Bramber, Iohn Salisbury, Iames Barnes, Iohn Beauchamp, and Iohn Blake, Robert Belknap, Iohn Holt, Roger Fulthorpe, and William Burgh, which last foure were condemned to perpetuall exile, though they opposed not, but intermedled by constraint, to subscribe their opinions against the Lords. Sir Simon Burly Captaine of Dover Castle, was beheaded for conspiring to deliver the same to the Frenchmen, hee was infinitely proud, equall to the meanest in vertue, but in port and bravery not inferiour to any Duke; Divers others were put to death or exile, and some (as it hapneth when the reines of fury are let loose) without any great cause. The Earle of Darby The modesty of the Earle of Darby. promoued no mans punishment, but did labour the life and liberty of many, insomuch, that harsh language did passe betwixt the Duke of Gloucester and him for so doing; whereby hee purchased a favourable opinion, amongst those of the contrary part. There was then also an oath exacted from the King, an example without president, to stand to the government of the Lords; and An oath exacted from the King. an Oath of the Subjects to bee loyall to the King. The King in taking this oath of the Lords, discovered his inward conceit by his overt countenance, looking pleasantly on those he favoured, and frowningly on others; by which untimely discovery, he made them more heedfull, and himselfe more hatefull: which was the occasion that afterward the revenge was prevented which hee so desired, and the mischiefe was procured which hee so little feared. Lastly, a Subsidie was granted; and so the King comming as it were to capitulation, had allowance of the name of a King, and the Lords the authoritie and Majestie, so the contention for that time ceased. An. 1389. R. 11.

The yeare following the King began to take upon him more libertie and [Page] rule, and upon extreame disdaine, that both his power, and pleasure were thus restrained, hee bore a hard conceit against the partaking Lords, and having assembled them in the Councell chamber, he demaunded of the Lords, of what yeares they tooke him to bee, being answered that hee was somewhat above one and twentie, then (replied hee) I am of lawfull age, to make use of any birth-right, and to have the regiment in my owne hands; and therefore you doe me wrong to hold me still under tutelage, as though the condition of a King were harder then that of a subject; This the Lords were unwilling to grant, and more unable to deny, and therefore they either kept silence, or spake to little or no purpose; Well said the King, since I am no longer an infant, I here renounce your rule, and take upon mee, such free administration of the Iustice of th [...] [...]alme, as the Kings thereof, my Predecessors heretofore lawfully used; And then commanding the Bishop of Ely, then Lord Chancellour to resigne the great Seale, which received, the King put it up, and departed out of the Chamber, but returning delivered the same to William of Wickam Bi [...] of Winchester, thereby constituting him Lord Chancellor, other officers he likewise displaced, placing others in their room, partly to manifest his authoritie, partly to satisfie his displeasure, he suspended Glocester, Warwick, & others from his privy Councell, and tooke in their roomes such as humoured him more, but honoured him lesse; He 10. Octob. An. Regni sui 11. Created Iohn Beauchamp of Holt Baron of Kedermister by letters Patents, before which time all Barons were chosen by Writ, it was suggested to the King, that the Duke of Gloucester was raising a power against him, which the King in private questioned the Duke about, but upon examination it was found a tale, the Duke would not have pocketted up such dangerous reports, but that the King either delighting to be tickled with such false rumours, or upon some particular desire to picke a quarrell to the Duke upon his allegeance injoynes him not to expostulate the matter, or to question the reporters.

The Citizens of Geneva implore ayde against the Barbarians of Africke. The King sends a company of choyce souldiers under the conduct of Henry An. 1390. Earle of Darby, who with them passed into France, and there joyned with the French forces, when with might and mindes united, they sayled together into Africke, at their arrivall the Barbarians were ready on the shoare to impeach their landing; But the Earle commanded his Archers to beate the enemy An expedition into Barbary. from the shoare, while he landed his other forces. The French seconded the English; And so whilst both Companies contended, the one to bee accounted an helpe, and the other to seeme to need no helpe. The enemies were forced to flye and leave the shore to the Christians; In this conflict were slaine and taken seven Dukes of the Barbarians, and an infinite number of common people. The Christians marched directly to Tunis, which they layd siege to, and in short time tooke, the English first skaling the walls, and reared thereon the English colours, in this Citie were taken and slaine, above foure thousand Barbarians, the Kings brother also was slaine, but hee himselfe fled into the Castle, which was strongly scite'd, well fortified and furnished with men and amunition sufficient, for a competent number, for some good space. This they besieged by the space of sixe weekes in which space they lost many of their men by sicknesse; The Barbarians also were distressed for want of beverage, having too too many unprofitable mouthes to consume it; They sent to the Christians, to desire peace, offering them a great summe of money to depart their Countrey. This was accepted upon condition, that they might freely carry with them all their prey and prisoners, and that the Barbarians should from thenceforth surcease pillaging the coasts [Page] of Italy and France. This voyage had a prosperous and speedy end; The only Ann. 1392 R. 14. service which the English and French performed together without breach of amitie or jarre in good quarter keeping. About these times certaine discontentments grew, betwixt the King and the Londoners, which set the favour of the one, and the faith of the other at great distance; The one was denying of the King the loane of one thousand pound (though offered to bee lent by a Lombard which received but a harsh language for his forwardnesse) another came upon the neck of that thus; one of the Bishop of Salisburies servants, tooke a loafe of horse-bread out of a Bakers basket in the open street, and by the rude demaund of the one, and the rough denyall of the other, choller was kindled, and the Bakers head bled: the neighbours would have stayed the Bishops man, but hee fled into the Bishops house; The Constable came, and demaunded a peaceable delivery of the offendor; The Bishops men shut the gates and made resistance; then many threatned to fire their way, and began to use violence, but the Maior and Officers upon notice, presently repayred thither, and partly by perswasions, that it was not courage, but outrage that they shewed, and chiefly by their presence and authoritie, they repressed the multitude, and preserved the Kings peace for that time: hitherto the harme was but small, and all night have beene quieted without much adoe, had not the Bishop kindled the fuell of unkindnesse afresh, for the Londoners were not only secretly suspected, but openly noted to bee favourers and followers of Wickliffs but then new broched opinions, for which doing they were much maligned by the Clergie, especially by Iohn Bishop of Salisburie Lord Treasurer, who made a grievous complaint hereof to Thomas Archbishop of Yorke and the Lord Chancellor, affirming that if upon every light pretence, the Citizens might be suffered in this sort to insult upon the Bishops, without reproofe and punishment, they would bring into hazzard not only the dignitie and state, but the libertie also of the whole Church; Hereupon they went to the King, and so incensed his displeasure against the Citizens (being prepared thereto by former provocations.) that he was once resolved, to make spoyle of the Citie, and utterly raze it; But being perswaded to some more moderation in revenge, hee caused the Maior, Sheriffes, and Aldermen to bee convented, who were at first resolved to have justified their innocencie, and to that end had plighted faith each to defend other, but there was falshood in fellowship, and one peached the other, and were all committed to prison, and then all the liberties of the Citie were seized and taken into his owne hands, ordaining, that no Maior should from thenceforth bee elected, but it should bee at his pleasure to appoint a Warden; This Office was first conferred upon Sir Edward Darlington, who for his gentlenesse towards the Citizens, was shortly removed, and Sir Baldwyne Radington, a man of a more rugged disposition placed in his roome: The King likewise induced by the Archbishop of Yorke did remove the termes and Courts of Iustice from London to bee kept at Yorke, where they continued from Midsummer Anno 1393. untill Christmasse following, to the great hindrance of the Citizens of London. At last the King at the earnest entreatie of the Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester called the Londoners before him to Windsor, and there hee caused all their priviledges of the Citie, both old and new to bee brought forth, whereof he restored some, and restrained the rest that might The priviledges of London seized into the Kings hands are abridged and part restored. prove any way advantagious unto him; Neverthelesse the Londoners were not fully received to favour, neither recovered they at that time, the Title or dignitie of their Maior. But shortly after the King came to London where the Citizens entertained him with such showes of triumphs, and rich presents, [Page] As if it had beene the day of his Coronation; for they supposed with their curtesies and cost, to have removed his displeasure; yet were they not fully An. 1393. R. 15. restored to their liberties againe, untill they had payed ten thousand pound. Thus did they manifest in t [...]emselves a strange diversitie of disposition, the inferiors licentiously to commit offence, and the Superiours patiently to endure punishment; having rashnesse and rage tempered with obedience. so were they at last easily punished, that could not at first possiblie bee ruled. The King passed over to Callice; the King of France came downe to Arde, An intervenew between the Kings of Fra [...]ce and England. betweene the two Townes, a place was appointed and tents erected for the Kings meeting, where after interchange of complement and expences, a cessation of armes betweene them for thirtie yeares was concluded; And the King espowseth Isabel the French Kings Daughter, of the age of eight yeares. The Duke of Gloucester was so offended, both with the match and truce, that he lost all patience, exclayming that it was more meet to bee in armes then amitie with the French, who being inferiour to the English in courage, did ever outreach them in craft: and being too weake for warre, did oftentimes prevaile by peace. That the French Kings Daughter (being but a childe) was an unmeet match for King Richard, aswell for the disparitie of age, as for that the King had no issue by his first wife, and was not like to have any by this, except perhaps in his old age; But when the Duke saw his arguments would not availe ought, hee suborned the Londoners to make petition to the King, that seeing there was peace with France, hee would release them of the Subsidie, which was granted unto him in the last Parliament in respect of those warres to have beene maintained. This suite was by them importunately followed, and much perplexed the King, untill at length the Duke of Lancaster assured them, that the procuring of this peace, had spent and lost the King three hundred thousand pounds, wherewith they were pacified though not well pleased.

Guido Earle of Saint Paul, was sent by King Charles to visit and salute in his name, King Richard and his Queene Isabel; To this Earle, the King did An. 1396. Reg. 18. relate with what fervency Gloucester contended, to disturbe the peace, betwixt England and France, and that because this opinion was not therein followed, hee moveth the people to seditious attempts, bending himselfe wholly to maintaine discord in his owne countrey, rather then not at all, he further reported what stiffe strife the Duke in former times had stirred, which howsoever they were done, yet as they were delivered, sounded harsh and odious: The Earle of Saint Pauls advise to the King. Whereupon the Earle replied, that the Duke was too dangerous a subject, to bee permitted to live; That greatnesse was never safe, if once it grew excessive, and bold; That the King ought not to affect the poore commendation of Clemency with his owne perill, and that it touched him both in honour, to revenge the disgrace, which hee had by him formerly received: and in policie to prevent the dangers which hee had some cause to feare. This set such an edge on the Kings displeasure, that from thenceforth hee busied his braynes, about no one thing more, then how to bring the Duke to his end. Whereupon hee begun to pry more narrowly into his deportment, to watch his words, to observe his actions, and to interpret them to the worst, framing unto himselfe many vaine, and needlesse feares: often would he to the Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke, complaine of the Duke of Glocesters aversnesse in actions and crossenesse in speech, whose answer thereunto was, that their brother indeed was more vehement, then they could commend, yet his fiercenesse was joyned with faithfulnesse, and his crossenesse proceeded from care, lest the Common-wealth should decrease, either in honour or possessions, [Page] and therefore the King had neither cause to feare or dislike him. The King Ann. 1396 R. 18. seemeth to approve of their answers, and tobe satisfied, that Gloucester was what they reported him; And in the meane time Lancaster and Yorke withdrew themselves to their private houses; The Duke of Glocester also went to Plashey in Essex. Vpon this accidentall separation, the King entred into Councell with Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington, his brother by the Mothers side, and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham, how the Duke of Glocester might bee suppressed, the cruelty which was but wavering (nay wanting in the King,) was soone confirmed by evill advise, and being once thereby enclinable to blood, hee did not faile, either of lewd example of vile action to follow, or direction of cruell counsell what to doe; The plot is contrived, and according thereunto, the King and the Earle of Nottingham ryde together into Essex, as though they went on hunting: When they were in the Forrest, the Earle with a selected troope made stay in the Forrest, whilst the King with a small and unsuspected trayne came to Plashey, and there by the Duke of Gloucester was lovingly entertained and freely feasted, pretending action The Duke of Glocester betrayed. of present returne, the King desires the Duke to accompany him to London. The Duke supposing that only to bee intended indeed, which was in words and show pretended, went to horsebacke with the King, with a very small company, appointing the rest to follow him to London. They pleasantly rode together in familiar conference, untill they came neere the Earles ambuscadoe, and then the King suddenly put spurres to his horse, the Duke following easily, was suddenly intercepted and stayed, and with violence hurryed to the Thames side, and there blindfolded, unvoluntarily shipped, and conveyed to Callice. The next day the King did invite the Earle of Warwicke to dinner, and gave him gratious countenance, but in his returne he was arrested and sent to prison; and so a double breach of hospitalitie is committed: when feasted by the Duke of Gloucester the host is committed, and feasting the Earle of Warwicke the guest is imprisoned. In the like manner was the Earle of Arundel and his sonne entrapped, and imprisoned; In the Isle of Wight the Common-people having notice of the apprehension of these three Noble men (whom they only affected) were in a great confusion, and there then wanted but a head, to draw them to commotion, every man murmured, and daring no further, stood wayting for one to lead them the way, every one being ready to follow, that which any one was loath to begin; The Dukes of Lancaster and Yorke upon information of these strong proceedings, gathered a strong Army, and came there with to London, where they were readily received by the Citizens, contrary to the Kings expresse command. But this seemed to bee a guard to themselves, rather then a regard to other. The King lay within foure miles of London, with a great power of armed men drawne out of Cheshire and VVales; and to pacifie the people, caused to be proclaimed, That the foresaid Lords were not questioned upon any old displeasures, but for offences lately committed: and for which they should be orderly appealed by the course of Law, and receive open and legall tryall in the next parliament, presently to begin: The like message was sent to London to the Dukes, to whom the King made faith, for the safety of their persons, and indemnitie of their goods, and that nothing should be done, without their privitie and advise, all this was as rashly beleeved, as readily given out. Whereupon, the Dukes dissembled their feares, and dissolved their forces, in expectancy of what would ensue. The Parliament began at London, wherein Sir Iohn Bushy, Sir VVilliom Bagot, and Sir Henry Greene, were principall agents for the Kings purpose. These were the Kings chiefe Schoolemasters, both of cruelty and [Page] deceit, they were proud, ignorant, and ambitious, and presuming on the Kings favour, professed themselves enemies to the antient Nobilitie, to the end, that being but Mushrumpes lately start up, they might become famous, by maintaining contention with greater persons. At first by their importunate travaile, especially of Sir Iohn Bashy, who had procured himselfe to be made Speaker of that Parliament, all the Chartells of pardon formerly granted by the King, were in this Parliament annulled. The Prelates perceiving the intention of drawing divers of the Nobilitie, and others in question for their lives, did Constitute Sir Henry Piercy their Procurator, and depart the house, because they might not be present at judgement of blood. Then the Earles of Arundel and Warwicke were arraigned for those offences for which they were formerly pardoned, and thereupon were condemned to bee hanged, drawne, and quartered, but the King so moderated the severitie of this sentence, that the Earle of Arundel was only beheaded, and the Earle of Warwicke committed to perpetuall imprisonment in the Isle of Man; It was thought a point of policie and peace, not to bring the Earle, Duke of Glocester Glocester murthered, not executed. to publicke tryall, but secretly to put him to death, and so hee was strangled betweene two feather-beds, by the appointment of Nottingham Earle Marshall of Calice, which death howsoever hee might bee thought to him deserved, yet dying as hee did, not legally called or heard; hee may be truly sayd to dye guiltlesse; Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury was likewise there accused, for executing the Commission, against Michael de la Poole; for which causes his temporalities were seized, his lands and goods forfeited, and he himselfe adjudged to exile, and to depart the Realme within sixe weekes; The Lord Cobham was banished into the Islle of Gernsey, and Sir Reignold Cobham condemned to death, not for any attempt against the King; But because hee was appointed by the Lords to bee one of his governours, in the eleventh yeare of his raigne: Now the King falsly supposing himselfe free from danger, and that the humour against him was cleane purged away: conceived more secret content then hee could openly bewray, as more able to dissemble his joy, then conceale his feare, being so blinded and be witched with continuall custome of flatteries, that hee perceived not, That the state of a Prince is never stablished with cruelty, nor confirmed by craft: The common people were much dismayd, having now lost their only helpes, and hopes, as well for private affaires, as support of the publike state; The Plebeians were much incensed against the King: And to make their deaths seeme the more foule, The Earle of Arundel hath the reputation of a martyr, The Earle of Arundel supposed a martyr. and Pilgrimages are made, to the place of his interment; yea, it went for current likewise, that his head was miraculously joyned to the body; This being generally affirmed, but without any ground; The Corps therefore are taken up ten dayes after the buriall, and finding the fame to bee fabulous, the King caused the ground to bee paved, where the body was layd, publickly forbidding all further speeches thereof, afterward to bee used; But this restraint raysed fame the more, and they that if it had beene lawfull, would have beene silent, being now forbidden, could not forbeare to talke.

The King Createth five Dukes: Henry Earle of Darby was created Duke An. 1398. Reg. 21. of Hereford: Edward first Earle of Rutland, was created Duke of Ammerlo and Corke in Ireland: Thomas Holland the Earle of Kent, was created Duke of Southry: Sir Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington, was created 5. Dukes created. Duke of Exceter: Iohn Lord Moubrey Earle of Nottingham, was created Duke of Norfolke. This Title of honour long time after the Conquest, amongst the Normans (whose chiefest Rulers had no greater Tytle) was [Page] accounted too high for a subject to beare the forme of the R. P. being framed Ann. 1397 R. 21. by the Conquerour, far from equalitie of all, and yet the King exempted from alike eminency of any; The King likewise created Margaret daughter and heire of Thomas Brockerson, Countesse of Norfolke Dutchesse of Norfolke; Iohn Bewfort sonne of Iohn of Gaunt, Earle of Sommerset, was created Marquesse of Sommerset; Thomas Lord Spencer, was created Earle of Gloucester; Ralph Lord Nevill, was created Earle of Westmerland; William Lord Scroope, sonne of Richard Lord Scroope, Lord Chancellor was created Earle of Wiltes; Sir Thomas Piercy Vicechamberlaine, was created Earle of Worcester; Amongst whom was made a distribution of a great part of the Lands of the Duke of Glocester, and of the Earles of Arundell and Warwicke, supposing by this double bountie of Honour, and meanes to maintaine it, to have tyde them with a double obligation of dutie and affection, but [...]ired friends for the most part, are seldome either satisfied, or sure, but like the Ravens in Arabia, that full gorged, have a tunable sweet record, but empty, scrich horribly.

The Duke of Hereford, as it were to rayse his desires to his dignities, either Herefords complaint of the government to Norfolke. upon the disdaine, of the undeserved favours and advancement of some persons about the King, or disliking that his Soveraigne should bee so abused and abased by such, or else to make knowne his owne sufficiency, in matters of controlement, and direction, one day having familiar conference with the Duke of Norfolke complained that the King, too much undervalued the Princes of the blood royall, and much discouraged the rest of the Nobilitie from intermedling in publike affaires; That in steed of these, hee was wholly guided by a few new-found, and new-fangled Favourites, of dunghill-breed, of base qualities, having no sufficiency, either for Councell for peace, or courage for warre, who being of all men both the most unhonest, and most unable, which hatefulnesse of the one, and contempt of the other, were generally despised in all the Realme, whereby the Honour of the Kings person was much blemished: for ungrate and ungratious adherents to a King, are alwayes the path to hatred and contempt; secondly, the safety of his estate might bee endangered: for extraordinary favours to men of apparant weake or bad desert, doth breed insolency in them, and discontentment in others, two dangerous humours in a Common-wealth. Thirdly, the dignitie of the Realme was much impayred, whose valour and successe being guided by the ill successe of such unlucky leaders, stood never in the like doubts of danger and distresse, as now it did, so that matters of peace were tumultuous and uncertaine, and atchievements in warre were never brought to honourable conclusions; And that it was high time, that the King should looke unto them, for the Nobilitie grew out of heart, the Commons out of hope, and all the people were fallen into a discontented murmuring. And this hee affirmed, hee sayd, not for any grudge to any particular person, but for griefe for the publike grievance and good will to his Soveraigne, and therefore desired the Duke, who was one of the Kings Cabinet counsell, to discover unto him, these deformities and dangers, that by repayring the one, hee might happily repell the other. These words procured to the Duke of Hereford, both great offence, and great glory. At the delivery whereof the Duke of Norfolke made shew of good liking, well approving them, and made promise of sincere dealing therein. And had they afterward by him, beene as faithfully related, and by the King as friendly taken, as they were freely and friendly intended, many mischiefes had beene avoided, but both failed. For though the Duke of Norfolke had formerly sided with the Lords: yet afterwards, affecting [Page] rather to bee lifted amongst great, then good men, hee made sale of his honour, with his honestie, to nurse his pleasure, and hold grace with the King; wherein he was so seated, that the murthering of the Duke of Glocester, and the execution of the Earle of Arundel, was committed principally to his care and charge, and now the more to wind himselfe into the Princes favour, he exaggerated the late relation, and intermixed with some truth, many lies, making the truth seeme worse then it was; whereby the King not enduring the searching of his sores by any private observer, endevoured rather to punish the boldnesse, then examine the truth of these reports, his eares being so duld with continuation of flatteries, that he accounted all too sharp, that was but savourie, approving only that which was presently pleasant, though, afterwards it proved most poisonous. This observation from hence may arise, that no strange accident doth at any time happen, but it is some way, either foreshowne, or foretold. But because these warnings are oftentimes either not marked, or misconstrued, or contemned, the events are accounted inevitable, and the premonition vaine. The King being touched with one Duke, and tickled by another, was not at first resolved what to doe; At length hee convokes the Dukes before his Councell, demands of Norfolke if hee would publickly avouch what hee had secretly suggested; Norfolk thinking it at that time no point of wisdome, to shrinke from, or shuffle in his tale, repeated with a confident brow, all whatsoever he had formerly related; But the Duke of Hereford who could not be dasht out of countenance, when he was in a good cause: After a short pawse, as seeming rather amazed at the strangenesse of the matter, then abashed at the guilt, humbly thanked the King, that hee had not given over-hasty credit to matters of such tender touch, desiring him to continue yet awhile, the respight of his displeasure, and to reserve his judgement from prejudicating; Then he orderly repeates the truth of the passages in the primer conference, the occasion and the end thereof, and what was related more then what hee now repeated, he resolutely denyes, affirming it falsly surmised by his adversary, either upon malice to picke a quarrell, or sycophancy to picke a thanke, for which hee pronounced him a false, unworthy forger of scandalous, and seditiouslyes, thereby trecherously machinating to seduce the King, to destroy his Nobilitie, and to raise some disturbance in the Kingdome, which by (his Soveraignes permission) hee offered to justifie against him, by order of the field, Norfolkes stomacke not inured to undergoe scornes, could not disgest these termes of disgrace, but stiffly stood in defence of his relation; and for the maintaining thereof, accepted and craved the combat. The King made shew as though hee would have otherwayes quieted the contention; but when the Dukes persevered resolutely, to demand the tryall by Duell, and that thereupon they had flung downe their gages. The King gives way thereunto, assignes the place at Coventry, the time, the moneth of August following, against which time preparation was made accordingly. At the day prefixed, the parties appeared, well associated with friends and allyes; The Duke of Anmerle was appointed for that time, high Constable, the Duke of Surry high Marshall, who came to the lists honourably attended, in sutable liveryes, each of their servants carrying tipstaves, for cleering the field and ordering thereof. About the time of prime, the Duke of Hereford mounted upon a white Courser, his Caparison of blew and greene Velvet, embrodered thicke with Swannes and Antelops, armed at all points, with his sword drawne approcheth the lists; To whom the Constable and Marshall addressed themselves, making demand who hee was; Hee answered, I am Henry Duke of Hereford, and [Page] am come to doe my devoyre, against Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, as a traytor to God, the King, the Realme, and mee; And then taking his oath upon the Evangelists that his quarrell was right and just, hee desired libertie to enter, which graunted, he put up his Sword, pulld downe his Bever, signed himselfe on the forehead with the Crosse, taketh his Speare, and passing the Barriers, dismounted and sate downe in a chayre of greene Velvet, placed in a Travers of greene and blew Velvet, at one end of the lists, King Richard enters the field with great pompe, accompanied with the Earle of Saint Paul, who came purposely out of France to see the Combat. The King was attended with all his Nobles, and a guard of ten thousand men in armes, to prevent all sudden and sinister tumults; His Majestie being seated, a king at Armes makes proclamation in King Richards name, that no man, except such, as were appointed to marshall the field, should touch any part of the lists, upon paine of death, which ended, another Herold cryeth: Behold here Henry of Lancaster, Duke of Hereford Appellant, who is entred into the Lists royall, to doe his devoyre, against Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, upon paine to bee accounted false and recreant.

When the Duke of Norfolke mounted the Caparisons of his horse of crimson Velvet, embrodered with Lyons of silver, and Mulberry trees proper: taking his oath before the Constable and the Marshall, that this quarrell was just and true, entred the field, crying alowd, God ayde the right, and then lighted from his horse, placing himselfe in a chayre of crimson Velvet, opposite at the other end of the Lists. The Marshall viewed their Speares, and carryed the one himselfe to the Duke of Hereford, and sent the other by Sir Albericke Tressell to the Duke of Norfolke; This done, Proclamation was made, to addresse themselves to the encounter. The Dukes speedily mounted, and closed their Bevers, casting their Speares into their rests; when the Trumpets sounded, and the Duke of Hereford put his horse forward: But before Norfolke stirred: the King cast downe his Warder, and the Combatants had their Speares taken from them, and returned to their Chaires, where they remained by the space of two houres, whilst the King was in Councell; Atlast Sir Iohn Bonray, (after silence proclaymed) read their doome, which was, that in asmuch as the Dukes Appellant and defendant had honourably appeared in the royall Lists, and were not only ready, but forward to derayne the Combat; For that this was a businesse of great Consequence, for the avoyding the effusion of Christian blood, the King by the advice of his Councell, had decreed that Henry Duke of Hereford should within fifteene dayes, depart the Realme, and within the space of ten yeares, not to returne upon paine of death without the Kings speciall leave first obtained; Then upon a second Proclamation, the Secretary pronounced the decree of Banishment against the Duke of Norfolke, for that hee had used seditious words, whereof he could produce no proofe; and that the King should take the revenews of his land, untill he was satisfied of such sommes of money, as hee had received out of the Kings coffers, for the payment of the garrison of Calice; And he further sayd, That the King commanded upon paine of his high displeasure, that no man from thenceforth should presume to petition the King in behalfe of either of those Dukes to alter this Decree. The sentence thus read, the King called the exiles before him, and tooke of them a solemne oath, that they should never converse together, nor willingly come into each others company, lest common discontent should draw first reconcilement, and after desire of revenge. But this pollicie is ever weake to prevent such purposes, for oathes are often spurnd aside, when they lye like rubbe [...], to stoppe [Page] the way to honour, or revenge; Therefore the Princes of the Realme, have with more safetie for the most part, abolished the use of abjuration, and either by death, extinguish the power, or by pardon, alter the will of great offendors from entring into desperate, and dangerous attempts, which men in miserie and disgrace, with more vehemency begin, and with more obstinacy continue: When the Samnites had so enclosed the Roman Legions, that they had neither space to fight, nor meanes to flye, and without fight had enforced them to yeeld; they sent for advise to one Pontius, an antient Ruler of their State, what to doe with them: His answer was, that the Romans should bee permitted to depart without losse, or derision: But this not pleasing those that were either cruell or covetous, Pontius was the second time consulted with: whose answer then was, That the Romans should bee generally slaughtered, and not one spared; This contrarietie of advise, brought Pontius into suspition of dotage which he suspecting, came in person, and maintained both to be advantageous; The first by an unexpected favour▪ might provoke the Romans to a perpetuall friendship, the second would deferre the warres for many yeares: The third, Counsell (quoth he) there cannot be given, that may be fafely followed; yes, say the Samnites, to grant them their lives, but to take away their armes, and bootie. This is a way, replies old Pontius, which can neither win friends, nor weaken enemies, but may increase fury, but not diminish force; So that that course of punishment is out of course, which doth neither reclaime the minde of man, nor restraine the might from mischievous endevours. The Duke of Norfolke with great griefe and perturbation of minde, now [...]ving it to bee true, that greatnesse abused by whispering untruthes, draweth if discovered, certaintie of destruction, departed into Almaine: and from thence travailed to Venice, where shortly after hee ended his dayes; It is observed that this Duke was banished the same day of the yeare, wherein the Duke of Yorke by his contriving, was strangled at Calice.

The Duke of Hereford tooke his leave of the King at Eltham, where foure yeares of his exilement were strooke off. The Dukes deportment, was with that moderation, that in his countenance, he made shew, neither of sorrow or stupiditie, and at his departure, let not fall any, either intemperate, or unseemely sillable. The Commons much lamented his departure, not sparing to exclaime, that it was against the Law of armes, the custome of the Realme and all Iustice, that hee should bee exiled, who had honourably endevoured to maintaine his appeale, according to the law of the field. Their affection was the more excessive, by reason the ground of his speech, was against those that the people hated, and he was the only survivor of the popular faction. The Duke of Hereford sayleth to Callice, and from thence to Paris, where hee was honourably received by the King of France; and in short time found that favour with him, that hee was offered for wife, the only Daughter of Iohn Duke of Berry, Vncle to the French King. But the King of England, upon notice thereof, made such meanes, that the Mariage was stopt; Many things hapned this yeare, which were interpreted to presage, the revolt of the people, which hapned the yeare following; observation likewise was taken, that when King Richard brought his first wife with him out of Beanne, shee was no sooner on shore, but such a tempest arose, as the like thereof had not beene seene in many yeares before, wherein many shippes, and amongst them, the ship the Queene came in, was cast away. The like storme, and the like losse did betide, when the King brought his second wife out of France. Many prodigies are likewise storied to appeare about these times, both strange [Page] and fearefull, I dare not avouch them all to be true, neither will I detract all An. 1397. R. 22. truth, from such things so antiently reported; Many are perswaded that these things which are fatally allotted, though they are unavoidable, yet are they some times foreshowne; not so much that we may prevent them, as that we should prepare our selves against them.

About this time died Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, who was buried on the North side of the high Altar, of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul An. 1398. Reg. 22. in London, he was a man advised, and wary, liking better safe courses with reason, then happy by hazzard, neither unrespective, nor ambitiously carefull of his owne glory; Hee carried himselfe towards the King in termes honourable enough, for a moderate Prince, and yet not so plausible as an uncollected man might desire, whereby nothing hapned unto him extraordinary, either in prejudice or preferment. This Iohn of Gaunt (so named of the place where hee was borne) fourth sonne of Edward the third, did write in his stile, Iohn sonne to the King of England, Duke of Aquitaine, and Lancaster, Earle of Richmond, of Darby, Lincolne, Leicester, and high Constable of England; hee married three Wives, Blanch Daughter and coheire of Henry first Duke 1. of Lancaster, by whome hee had issue;

Henry, afterwards King of England.

Philip, married to Iohn King of Portugal.

Elizabeth married to Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter.

His second wife was Constance, daughter and one of the Coheires of Peter King of Castile, by whom he had issue Katherin [...] married to Henry son 2. of Iohn King of Spaine.

His third Wife, was Katherine daughter of Payne Rurt King of armes, and Widow of Sir Otes Swinford Knight, by whom hee had issue; 3.

Iohn Bewford Earle of Somerset, and Marquesse Somerset.

Henry Bewford, Bishop of Winchester.

Thomas Bewford, Earle of Dorset, and Duke of Exceter.

Ioane married to Ralph Nevill Earle of Chester, and afterwards to Robert Ferrers, Lord of Ousley; all these Children, though borne before espousall by a Bull from Rome were made legitimate, hee lyeth buryed in Pauls. After his death, the Dutchy of Lancaster did lineally descend to his eldest sonne, the Duke of Hereford. But (as the nature of man is prone, to hate those whom hee hath injured) the King seized all the lands, and goods of the deceased Duke, and endevoured to perpetuate the banishment of the young Duke: revoked the Letters patents granted and consented unto, whereby his Attornies had beene enabled to sue out his Ouster le maine, and Livery of those lands, which during his exile, might fall unto him, his homage being formerly concluded upon, to bee respited at a reasonable fine. But these violent proceedings, was rather a meanes to provoke, then prevent mischiefe.

Edmond Duke of Yorke, the Kings only Vncle that survived, who hitherto had enforced his patience to endure many things against his liking, now either in disdaine of this indignitie or distrust of his owne safety, and the Realmes disturbance; he with the Duke of Anmerle his sonne retired themselves to his house at Langley. At this time the whole frame of the State was much shaken, and matters of greatest consequence, hung but on slender threads; The King was plunged in pleasure and sloth, by whose example others also gave themselves over to ease and luxurie, whereby cowardice and effeminacie crept in: and shipwracke was made both of manhood and reputation. The chiefest affaires of state, had beene for a long time ordered, according to private respects; whereby the Common-wealth, lost both the [Page] fatte and the favour, and seemed not at seasons, and by degrees, but with a Ann. 1398 R. 22. maine course and at once, to bee ruinate and fall. The North parts were many times canvased, and by small, yet often Iosses, almost consumed by the Scots, who had taken many Castles and Townes, and defaced all the countrey, with slaughter and spoile; The South parts were divers times pillaged by the French, and in France many strong holds were lost for want of convenient succour, it was much about these times, that there was a secret pact renewed betweene the two Kings, for the delivery of Callice, and other pieces thereabout to the French. But the performance thereof was resisted, both by the Court and Councell. Ireland, which in the time of Edward the third, was kept in order and awe, and the people were taught Religion and civilitie, and well reclaimed, yeelding to the Kings coffers thirtie thousands per annum, was suffered now to bee loose and licentious, and thereby the people growne rude and untractable, so that now the King instead of receiving, was enforced to bee at the charge to expend, thirty thousand pounds yearely. Many succours were every day sent abroad, but so scatteringly, and at such unseasonable times, and often so ill accommodated, that they were occasions, rather of losse then helpe, whereupon the King endevoured some expeditions in person, with great preparation, and much charge, but his reputation being once cryed downe, whatsoever therein succeeded well, was attributed to his Commanders, but all misfortunes, only to him on the other side; if any exploit were well atchieved by any of the Nobilitie, it received misconstruction by the Court Parasit [...] [...]d by them (to whom Militarie vertue was altogether unpleasant) so exte [...]ed, depraved, or envied, that it seldome times received recompence or praise, yea sometime it drew on suspition and danger, it being whispered to the King, that to commaund well in the field, and to bee skilfull and valiant, was a vertue meerely to bee appropriated to a Prince, and that it was perilous, to have the name of a private subject famous for such experience in every mans mouth, whereby few sought to raise their fortunes, by vertue and valour, when the way was easier for to rise by humouring the Prince. Affaires of State in peace, were managed by those of weakest apprehension, by whose corrupt or ignorant counsell, the overthrow of the well-minded Nobilitie, was many times attempted, and at the last wrought. The profits and revenewes of the Crowne were let to farme, the King making himselfe Landlord of the Realme, challenging no greater priviledge by his Raigne, but a dissolute and uncontrouled life. Great summes of money, were by new found, and unwonted meanes, every day rather exacted, then voluntarily granted from the Subject: whereof no good did ensue, but the Kings private pleasures maintained, and his unworthy Favourites advanced; To these hee was beyond expectation, too liberall to continue, for which he was inforced to borrow, begge, and extort in many places, but purchased not so much love by the one, as hee procured thereby hatred from the other, over and above Tenths and Fifteenes, which were many times gathered double in one yeare, strange impositions were devised and put in practise, sometimes exacting twelve pence per poll, of every subject throughout the Realme, sometimes of every religious person, male and female, vj. s. viij. d. of every secular Priest as much. Vnder the favourable terme of benevolence, hee drew from the people great summes of money, hee borrowed so much upon privie S [...]ales, that no man of abilitie could escape his loane, but seldome and to few was repayment made. He sent certaine Commissioners, Bishops and Lords temporall, to all shires and corporations within the kingdome, to make knowne the Kings heavy displeasure against them, for having abetted [Page] the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwicke, which An. 1399. R. 23. without due acknowledgement of the offence, and submission to his mercy, could not be pacified; Whereupon the chiefe in every shire, and all Corporations, made their acknowledgement and submission, under their hands and seales, for the redemption whereof, and for procuring of the Kings favour, insupportable fines were payd, and all, so impoverished, that few or none were able to subsist, none to resist. Strange and unheard-of oathes were obtruded upon the Commons for performance of what was under their hands and seales promised by them, nay to adde affliction to affliction, blancke Charters were sealed, and delivered to the Kings use, wherein whatsoever hee pleased might bee inserted; These courses were quite contrary to the government of Henry the second, who though borne a stranger, and comming young to the Crowne, and in a scarce settled time maintained great warres, woon large Dominions, more then ever were hereditary, to any his Predecessors had many children, and alwayes maintained a Kingly port, yet never demanded Subsidie of his subjects, neverthelesse hee left nine hundred thousand pounds, besides jewels and Plate of inestimable value in his Treasurie, having in all his life-time held a good correspondency betwixt his care and respect towards his subjects, and of their obedience and loyaltie to him. But this King bearing a heavy hand over his people, they beare an hard heart towards him, and hee being shallow in judgement, not of sufficiency enough to cover his vices, but with, or by a cloke of seeming powerfull, at length drave then many to revolt, whose resolution was rather, to run the hazard of ruine by rebellion, then to continue safety with slavery, and did, but waiting occasion to begin, which was thus offered; The King received advertisement out of Ireland, that the wild Irish, had massacred all his garrison souldiers, and barbarously slaine, Roger Mortymer Earle of Marsh (who had beene declared heire to the Crowne) and that they proceeded with that cruelty, that wrath and rage being master of the field could incite, or cowardly conquerours practise; This losse being greater, was much increased, by the report of the ill-affected multitude. The King calleth his Councell, where it is much debated, whether were most convenient, for the King in person to goe, or to send his Generall, it was disputed, that wholly to subdue Ireland stood neither with possibilitie nor pollicy, for if it were quiet in possession, the governour might grow to that greatnesse, that hee might make himselfe absolute Monarch thereof, and therefore it was better to hold it certaine by feeble enemies, then uncertaine by over-potent friends. But how should those bogges and woods, which are more impregnable then the best fortified Townes in other Countries be compassed or conquered? And if the purpose were only to represse those Savage people, the warre was not so waighty, as should draw the King in person into the field; And therefore it was most convenient for him to stay in some place, from whence hee might sh [...]w his readinesse, then t [...] bee present indeed. But others were of opinion (and that not without good ground) that to subdue, and people Ireland, was a matter neither difficult or dangerous, but acceptable and honourable to God and the King; For this Realme of England, is truly storied, to have beene as unpassible for bogges and woods as Ireland. But the Conquerours kept not their souldiours idle in garrison, whereby the bodyes might bee made diseased: and so unfit for labour, or hard travaile. But they held as well them, as the Natives continually in action, either in exercising their armes, or in raysing fortifications, or making mightie high wayes, or else in drayning and piling of bogges; by which meanes the countrey was made habitable, and the [Page] wayes passible, and the people found it better to preferre subjection with plentie, before liberty with penurie. That the Romans kept many more large territories in quiet Obedience (so long as there was amitie, amongst themselves) without either feare or danger of popular Governours, either by severing them into divers small Provinces; or assigning to every province, divers Officers of inferiour rankes, as Lieutenants and Provosts, whereof one was able to retaine the other, or by making their offices but annuall; But chiefly by retayning their wives and children, as pledges of their dutifull obedience. That the danger was the more to be feared, lest a weake enemy, whilst hee is contemned, should gather strength, and to bee able to stand upon tearmes of withstanding; That it was a pittifull policie for assurance of peace, to make all waste like a Wildernesse, and in stead of men to have domination of nothing but trees and beastes. That by so doing, the King should lose the revenew of a fruitfull Countrie, and the benefit of wealthy subjects, which are the surest treasure of a Prince; That hereby also the Majestie of his estate would be impayred; For (as Solomon sayth) the honour of a Kingdome consisteth in the multitude of subjects. That the Countrie being unfurnished of people, was open to all Nations invasions, and a great meanes to invite forraine and unsent-for guests. Lastly, if none of these respects would move, the King was bound in conscience to reduce those wilde people, to the true knowledge and worship of God, who did then either prophanely contemne him, or superstitiously serve him. These reasons so prevailed with the King, that hee gathered a mighty Army, with intention to goe in person into Ireland; But all his provision was at the Subjects charge. And where in times of danger, a discreet Ruler when necessitie shall enforce his absence, will give least cause of distaste unto his people. This King in peace, having beene no provider for warre, was forced to offend, when hee should have beene most carefull to winne their favour. About the Feast of Pentecost hee set forward on his voyage mith many men, but few souldiers, hee carried with him all his Treasure, jewels, plate, and kingly roabes; with him also the Duke of Anmerle, and the Duke of Exceter, with diuers of the Nobles, and many Mitred Prelates, amongst whom was the Abbot of Westminster, a chiefe favourite. Hee also tooke with him, the sonnes of the Duke of Glocester and Hereford, whose favourers hee chiefely suspected; When hee came to Bristow (whether upon some matter, or meere malice, at first it is uncertaine) it was put into the Kings head, That Henry Piercy Earle of Northumberland, with some other, intended some disloyall attempt against him; And therefore did not tender their service unto him in this expedition. Hereupon he by his Pursevant commanded rhe Earle with all his power, that could conveniently be raysed, to come unto him in person to Bristoll; The Earle by letter returneth answer, desiring thereby his Majestie to take it into his more serious cogitation, that it was inconvenient for the Irish service, to draw men from such remote places, in regard the rebells were neither so many, nor so mightie, but that the King had strength sufficient at hand to suppresse them; That it was dangerous to disfurnish the North parts of their strength, thereby to offer opportunitie to the Scottish borderers (who were uncertaine friends in extremitie, and assured to bee enemies upon any such advantage) to make an inrode, therefore craved to be excused at that time for not attending.

The King conceiving his command in this to bee contraried, yea contemned, would not stand to reason the matter though he had small reason (things being as they were) not to have done so, but in an unadvised heate, proclaims [Page] the Earle and all his Confederates Traytors, and commands all their lands and goods to be seised to his use. The Earle much stomacking this disgrace, makes good the information, & breakes out into open hostilitie, whilst the King proceeds in his voyage for Ireland, where upon his first arrivall, all things succeeded prosperously, the King obtaining many Victories, yet without battaile; For the Irish not being under one government, were divided into many factions, so that seldome three sects joyned their strength, and study to one point; so that whilst they fought one by one, they were all easily subdued or slaine.

In the meane time, some of the Nobilitie of England, with most of the common people, groning under the burden of their oppression, taking advantage of the Kings absence, conspired to cut off that authoritie, that would not bee confined, and to bestow it upon some other, who was likely to repayre, what Richard had ruined, resoluing if they fell short of their wish, they would sell that with glory in the field, which with certainty in peace they could not injoy. The only man upon whom they all pitcht, was Henry Duke of Hereford, not upon any motion or desire of his, But because hee was of the blood Royall, and next heire male by discent, to the succession of the Crowne, of whose valour and vertue, honourable proofe had beene made; The only surviving man of qualitie, that had stood up against the King for the behoofe of the Common-wealth, for which hee had suffered much, both in honour and state. This attempt pleased, as possible to prove, and of necessitie to bee followed; Letters are secretly dispatched to the Duke, whose speedy returne into England they importune: affirming that aswell for the publike good of the Realme, as for their owne particular safeties, they were forced to use force against their King: soliciting him to be pleased, but to make the head, and they would furnish the body with an able army, to expell the misgoverned King, from his unbefitting government, and to settle the Crowne upon his head, who was more apt, and able to manage the same; That they would not only helpe him, in bare wishes, and advise, but would joyne hearts and hands, to adventure their lives, so that the perill should bee common to all, the glory only his.

These Letters were cunningly compilde, and closely conveyed, by such as had more then common interest in the Dukes respect. Amongst whom was principall, Thomas Arundel, late-Archbishop of Canterbury, the sonne of Robert Earle of Arundel, and Warren, who had beene first Bishop of Ely, and then Archbishop of Yorke, and lastly of Canterbury, who being amongst others the Bishops in the higher house of Parliament, at what time the Duke of Glocester, the Earle of Warwicke, and the Earle of Arundel, the brother to the Archbishop were convented, at least questioned, because Clergie men, by the Canons are commanded, not to be present at any tryall, or judgement of life and death, hee with the rest, as they before had used, departed the house, upon this occasion being absent, hee with his brother were condemned of high treason, and after his brothers execution, the Archbishop was banished the Realme, his goods forfeited and seized, and his place conferd upon Roger Walden. The Archbishop with his Confederates by severall wayes, and in strange disguises came to Paris, and in the house of one Clomigey (where the Duke sojourned) met together, where having obtained privacie and silence, the Archbishop used these words, or the like in sense.

Wee are sent unto you (right high and most noble Prince) from the chiefe Lords and Peeres, and people of our kingdome, who grone under the burden Archbish. Arundels speech to Henry. of tyrannous oppression; Yet not to vindicate injuries against our Soveraigne, [Page] upon private wrongs or displeasures, nor upon desperate discontent, to set the State in combustion, to put the King in feare, the kingdome into a flame, nor to second the ambitious designes of any particular person: But to open unto you the deformities and decayes of our dissected estate, and to implore your ayde, for the stay of the precipitate ruine of the same. The remembrance of your honourable atchievements, and your deserved reputation, thereby gained in our country, doth nothing else, but make remembrance of our present basenesse bitter unto us. Our victorious Armies, have heretofore beene famous and renowned, not only in the Ilands adjoyning, but in all parts of Europe, yea in Asia and Africa against the Infidels and Barbarians, so that all Christian Princes, have beene willing to imbrace our friendship, or unwilling to provoke us to hostilitie. But now both Welch and Scots, whom wee have so often beaten, and brought upon their knees, doe not only scorne and deride us, but the weake and miserable Irish, have shaken off their shackles, and glutted and enriched themselves, with our blood and spoyles, with these wee are now enforced to fight, not for glory, but for leave but to live, in so much as we are pittied by our friends, flouted by our enemies, and hated of our selves, it is confest that King Richard, hath led and sent great powers into these Countreys, but after such a manner, that they have much wasted the kingdome with their maintainance, but have by armes neither relieved our friends, or revenged us on our enemies. And no marvaile, since all our discreet, and diligent Commanders (the sinewes and nerves of an Army) are either beheaded, banished, or buried in disgrace and obscuritie, and the managing of martiall affaires, is committed (without respect of abilities or desert) to the conduct and counsell of such as can best comply with the Kings variable disposition. Amongst whom antient Nobilitie is esteemed, but as a vaine bubble: vertue, and sufficiencie, are but a trappe to ensnare their possessours, it is a griefe to mee to speake it, but it helpeth not to hide that which every one seeth, our Ancestours lived in the highest pitch of perfect liberty, and wee of dejected servilitie, being used not like subjects but abjects, yea, flat slaves, not to one onely unrespective Prince, but to many his proud and presumptuous favourites, not alwayes the same, but every day fresh ones; And no sooner have we contented one, but new greedy stomacks are provided, whose extortion, and exactions, have devoured more by bribes, then the enemy with the sword, what unwonted, nay what unheard-of projects are now invented, and daily practised, without either measure or end, yea oftentimes without need, but if any bee, it proceedeth rather from riotous expence, then necessary charges: great summes of money are every minute pilled, and pulled from the honest minded subject, to bee unprofitably wasted upon prodigall spendthrifts; and if any man impugne these most insupportable taxations, or but speake in the defence of the libertie of a subject; Then either by surmised imputation of capitall crime, or by aggravation of small causes, by far-fetcht circumstances, and strayned constructions, or else by open crueltie and force, his life or libertie, or both, is called in question, it were too tedious, too odious, too frivolous, to produce particular examples; The lamentable losse of your noble Vncles, and other honourable friends, and your owne present estate, cannot easily bee forgotten, nay I presume, there is no man of ranke, or fashion within the Realme, who either in his owne person, or children, or in his deere friends, or neere allyes, but may easily finde, that no man hath certaintie, to enjoy the safeguard of his goods, or the use of his liberty, or suretie of his head, but rich men of the one, and good men in the other, are continually in hazard. This is our case, but what is the remedie, [Page] wee have patiently suffered, and sued humbly for ease, But our patience hath procured increase of punishment, and our complaints more stripes: By the one our livings, by the other our liues are daily devoured. Now therefore are wee unwillingly compelled, to endevour to shake from our shoulders, this too too uneasie yoke, and submit our lives, and estates to the command, of some more moderate and worthy person, not so much for the griefe of our miseries which are past, nor for the paine of our present distresses, as for feare of worse dangers, which are most likely to follow, the chiefe of the antient Nobilitie. The King hath cut off the Commons, hee hath pared to the quick, and still he harroweth the Countrey, as if now but newly conquered, whereby our nakednesse is bared to our Adversaries, and wee are made utterly unable, either to recover that which is lost, or to retaine that little that is left. To whom shall wee now complaine? from whence shall wee seeke succour? from whence expect ayde? you (royall Sir) are only hee, which in right should, in wisdome can, and in goodnesse (wee presume) will releeve us: to the King in blood you are the neerest, to us in love deerest, you ought theresore to undertake the rule of that that his weaknesse cannot well weild; Your yeares are well stayd, from the loose fagaries of youth, and have beene so spent, that your former actions, have made sufficient proofe of your full abilities, for government of greatest charge, nothing therein by you past, needeth excuse, and it is vaine to feare, what is to come; Your paines and perill formerly undergone for the good of your Country, putteth us all in good hope, that in this extremitie you will not forsake us: wee are in a leaky ship, ready to sinke, in an old house ready to fall, and therefore humbly call and crave for your helpe to succour and save us: now or never show your selfe to favour your Countrey-men, and free us, free your selfe, and the whole State from dangers, and decayes, by taking into your hands, the Scepter and sway thereof, and to reduce the now tyrannous government to a Princely freedome, in combining the Soveraigntie in one, with the libertie of all; Omit not this occasion, but make your vertue and valour appeare, by relieving most miserable wretches, from their unmercifull oppressours. This we are constrayned to offer, and intreate, this is both honourable for you to accept, and easie to performe, being a taske worthy your toyle; And so much the rather, since no Prince by any people, hath beene desired with greater affection, nor shall more dutifully bee obeyed then your royall selfe.

This speech the Duke heard with attention, and entertained with great moderation and modestie, his answer to that part that touched the King, was Earle Henries answer. respective and well tempered, rather lamenting his weaknesse, then blaming his malice, as touching himselfe, hee spake so soberly, that hee seemed rather worthy of a Kingdome then desirous thereof, hee affirmed his life, had been alwayes free from malicious, and ambitious attempts, that stayednesse of yeares, had now settled his minde from aspiring thoughts: That experience of former dangers, had bred in him a wary reguard, in such a waighty businesse, that to cast a King out of his State, was an enterprise, not hastily to bee attempted, nor easily effected; And though the matter were neither impossible, nor difficult, the rarenesse of the fact, as wanting president, would make the action seeme injurious to all indifferent mindes; And hee that shall attaine a kingdome, upon opinion of desert: doth charge himselfe with greater expectation; and how honourable soever hee shall compare himselfe, hee shall never want his deadly enviers; Besides this, in civill dissentions, the faith of the multitude is flitting, and danger is to be doubted from every particular person: That it is possible that all may fall away, but impossible to be [Page] safe from every one, how ever friendly in semblance. Therefore hee rather wisht to spend the remainder of his yeares, as hee did, obscurely, in a safe and certaine estate, then to thrust himselfe upon those pikes of perills, which being once entred into, are dangerous to follow, and deadly to forsake, whereas in private attempts a man may step, and stop when, and how, and as often as he pleaseth; But the ayme at a Kingdome, hath no middle course, betwixt the life of a Prince, or the death of a Traytor. The Archbishop replyed, saying, The state wherein you now stand, is neither so safe or certaine as you conceive: Indeed by rejecting our request, you may avoyd certaine dignity, and with that uncertaintie and contingent dangers: But shall procure most certaine destruction, both to your selfe and us; For this attempt cannot be kept secret long from the King; And the best Princes are tender in poynts of Soveraigntie, and beare a nimble eare to the touch of that string; and it prejudiceth more a subject, to be thought worthy of a Kingdome, then it will profit him to have refused the offer of it. What then will hee doe, that putteth the chiefest securitie of his Raigne, in the basenesse, and barenesse of his Subjects: who being perpetually possessed with jealosie, maketh every presumption a proofe; and every light surmise a strong suspition against them; And of certaintie, if the generall favour, and the love which the people beareth you, hath as now bereaved you of your libertie; This their generall desire, will not leave your life untouched, As for us, if wee faint in our intent, or faile in the enterprise, farewell all; wee shall but bee like lambes amongst Lyons: And no losse by conquest can bee more grievous unto us, then the Kings raigne over us: assuredly now wee have gone on too farre to goe backe: And the time is long since past, when you for ambition, and wee for envy, might seeme to attempt against the King; The possession of the Crown, must now bee the sole sanctuary, and refuge for us both. Examples of the like attempts, are neither rare, nor worne out of practise, nor so farre off to bee fetched; Wee might instance in Germany, the Emperour Adulphus. In Denmarke and Swedland; In the Netherlands, in this Kingdome, both before and since the Conquest, instance were to bee given of the like, that there is alwayes difficultie in things that tend to much excellency; But they that are afraid of every shadow, will hardly at first truly apprehend the substance. And as he was about to proceed, to justifie the lawfulnesse, the Duke interrupted him, and sayd, Where necessitie doth enforce, it is needlesse to use speech, either of easinesse or lawfulnesse; Necessitie will runne through brazen walls, and cannot bee bounded by lawes; I have had my full share in these calamities, and I wish you knew, with what griefe I have beheld you. What recompence have I received, for all my labour and expence in the Kings service, but the death of my deare Vncles, and neerest friends, my owne banishment, the base imprisonment of my children, and the losse of my goods and inheritance? And what hath beene returned unto you for your blood, so often spent in these unfortunate warres, but perpetuall payments of unnecessary exactions, daily massacres, and insupportable slavery, I have tired my patience in apprehension of my owne miseries and pitying yours: remedy them hitherto I could not (had I beene never so willing:) if now I can, I will not refuse, to sustaine that part, which your importunitie doth enforce upon mee; if wee prevaile, wee shall regaine our liberties: If wee misse, our estate can bee no worse then it is; And if wee must perish, either guilty or guiltlesse, it is more noble to hazard our selves, either to win our lives, or dye in defence of our liberties. And though our lives were safe, which in truth they are not, yet to desert the State, and sleepe still in this slavery, [Page] would argue either negligence, or stupiditie in us, or both. It remaineth now that wee use secrecie, and celeritie, taking hold of the opportunitie, the Kings absence presents unto us; For in enterprizes, which never are commended before atchieved, delayes are dangerous; And safer it is, to bee found in open action, then private Counsell: For they that deliberate only to rebell, have rebelled already; Hereupon the Confederates returne for England, to provide armes, and prepare necessaries against the Dukes arrivall, who presently acquaints the King of France, that hee intended to goe to visit his kinsman, Iohn Duke of Britaine, and obtained from him Letters of safe conduct, there hee waged some souldiers, with whom from Callice he made for England, giving forth at his comming aborde, that hee only endevoured to regaine, the Dutchy of Lancaster, and the rest of his lawfull inheritance, which King Richard wrongfully detained from him; with him came Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, and Thomas heire to Richard late Earle of Arundel; the residue of his retinue exceeded not twenty launces, so that it is The Duke of Hereford setteth forward. hard to judge, whether was the greater marvaile, either that hee durst attempt, or that hee did prevaile with so small a company; But his confidence was in the favour, and assistance of the people in the Realme; Hee for a time did beare up for England; but not in a straight course, but hulling about the shore, making show to land sometimes on one coast, sometimes on another, thereby to discover what forces were in readinesse, either to receive, or resist him.

In the meane time Edmond Duke of Yorke the Kings Vncle, and Vicegerent, having intelligence of the Duke of Herefords designe, Convoked Stafford Bishop of Chichester, Lord Chancelor, William Scroope Earle of Wiltshire, the Lord Treasurer, Sir Iohn Bushy, Sir Henry Greene, Sir William Bagot, Sir Iohn Russell, and others of the Kings privy Councell, and entred into Counsell, what was best to be done; Where it was concluded deceitfully by some, unskilfully by others, and by all pernitiously for King Richard to quit the Sea coasts, to leave London, and to make the randevow at Saint Albones, to gather forces to oppose the Duke, who was lately landed about the Feast of Saint Martine, without any resistance or rub, at Ravenspur in Holdernesse, whose side was by nothing more advantaged, then by The Duke of Hereford landeth in Holdernesse. that dissembling, and deceitfull deliberation of the Kings Councell upon his arrivall, Henry Piercy Earle of Northumberland, and Henry surnamed Hotspur his sonne, the Earle of Westmerland, the Lords, Nevill, Rosse, and Willoughby, and many other personages of honour came unto him, whose accession both increased reputation to their cause, and was a great countenance and strength, to the Dukes further purposes. But first they tooke an oath of him, The Duke of Heref. sworne not to doe, or suffer any violence to bee done to King Richard. that hee should neither procure, nor permit any bodily harme to bee done to King Richard, and thereupon they pawnd to the Duke of Hereford their honours, to joyne with him in all extremitie, to prosecute the Kings mischievous Councellors. The Common-people desperate upon new desires, head and headlong flocked to these Noblemen. The better sort for love to the Common-wealth, some upon lenitie, and itching desire of change, others to repayre their distressed and decayed estates, who all setting up their rests upon a generall disturbance were (in conceit) then most safe, when the common state was most unsure: So betweene the one and the other, the number in short time increased to thirty thousand able souldiers. The Duke finding successe to favour him, not only beyond expectation, but even above his wish, Hee followed the chanell whilst the current went strong; and cutting off unnecessary delayes, with all celeritie he hasted to London, that possessing [Page] himselfe thereof, being the chiefe place within the kingdome for strength and store, hee might best there make the seat of Warre, and be easiest accommodated with provision and amunition.

In this expedition, no opposition was seene, nor hostilitie showne, but in his passage the Gentlemen of best ranke and qualitie, joyned themselves unto him, som for affection, others for feare, but most in hope of reward after victorie, every one though upon causes dislike, yet with like ardent desire contending, lest any should seeme more forward then they. In every place also where hee made stay, rich gifts, and pleasant devises were presented unto him, with large supply of necessaries, farre above his necessitie. The common people with showtes and acclamations gave their applause, extolling the Duke as the only man of courage, saluting him King: with contumelious termes depraving Richard, as a simple and sluggish man, a dastard, a niddie, and altogether unworthy to beare rule without rule, rayling at the one, and without reason flattering the other. The Duke was no niggard of his complement, nor negligent of popular behaviour, knowing the common people are much delighted with affable gestures, accounting that for courtesie, which the severer sort reckon abasement. At London hee was richly and royally entertained, with Processions and Pageants, and many triumphant devises and showes, and the unable multitude (who otherwise could not,) by their words, wishes, and wills, did testifie their loving affection towards him.

At which time there appeared not any memory of faith or allegiance to King Richard, But (as in sedition it alwayes appeareth,) as the most swayd, all went. The Duke of Yorke was mustering at Saint Albones for the King; But as the people out of divers Countries were drawne thither, many of them protested that they would doe nothing, to the prejudice of the Duke of Lancaster, who they affirmed was unjustly expelled his Country, and unlawfully kept from his inheritance. Then the Earle of Wiltshire, Sir Iohn Bushy, Sir William Bagot, and Sir Henry Greene, forsooke the Duke of Yorke, and fled to Bristol, intending to passe the Seas i [...]o Ireland to the King.

These foure were they that were supposed to have taken of the King, his kingdome to farme, and therefore were so odious to the people, that their presence turned away many of the Subjects hearts. Nay, it is probable, that more for displeasure taken against them, then against the King; the revolt was enterprised. For they being the only men of credit, and authoritie with the King, under false cover of obedience, they wholly governed both the Realme and him, abusing his name, either against his will, or without his knowledge, insomuch that hee was cleerely innocent of many things, which passed under his Commandement; But the people could not indure, that two or three should rule all, not because they were not sufficient, but because they were in favour: and they distasted the King, in that hee permitted them whom hee might have bridled, or to runne without respect, at least for that hee was ignorant of that hee should have knowne, and by conniving at their faults, made them his owne, and opened thereby the gappe to his destruction. For it is as dangerous to a Prince, to have hurtfull & hatefull Officers in eminent places, as to bee hurtfull and hatefull to himselfe. The Duke of Yorke either amazed at the sudden change, or fearing his adventure, if hee should proceed to resistance; gave over the cause, and preferred present securitie, before dutie with danger, giving occasion thereby to bee suspected to favour the Duke of Lancasters proceeding, and thereupon all the other Councellors, either openly declared for the Duke, or secretly wished his welfare; [Page] And abandoning all private directions, and advise, adjoyned themselves to the common course, hoping thereby of greater safetie.

In the meane time Duke Henry being at London, entred into consultation with his Confederates what way was best to take, amongst whom it was then concluded, finally to uncrowne King Richard, and constitute Duke Henry The Duke of Herefard entreth into Councell at London. Warre proclaimed against King Richard. King in his stead; And to that end open warre was proclaimed against King Richard, and all his partakers, as enemies to the peace, and quiet of the kingdome; Pardon also was promised, to all those that would submit themselves, to follow the present course, otherwise no favour to bee expected; Not one of the Nobilitie durst oppose himselfe in these designes, some unwilling to play all their estate at one cast, kept themselves at libertie, to bee directed by successe of future event; others consented in termes of doubtfull construction, with intent to interpret them afterwards, as occasion should change; But the most part directly, and resolutely entred into the action, and made their fortunes sharers with Duke Henryes, in the danger, though not in the Honour, to whom Duke Henry used this speech.

I am, as you see, at your procurement returned, and by your meanes have Lancasters Oration. undertaken armes, to vindicate our common libertie, hitherto wee have prosperously proceeded; But in what termes we now stand, I am altogether unacquainted: As a private man I would bee loath to bee reckoned, being by you designed to bee a King, a Prince I cannot bee esteemed, whilst another possesseth the Crowne; your Title likewise is in suspence, whether to be termed Rebells or Subjects, untill you have made manifest, that your Allegeance, was bound rather to the state of the Realme, then the person of the Prince; Now you are they, that have both caused this doubtfulnesse, and must cleere the point, your part still remaineth to bee acted, your vertue and valour, must adde strength to this action; Wee have already ventured so farre, that all hope of pardon is drowned, so that if wee shrinke backe, and breake this enterprise, no mercy is to be expected, but butchery and gibbets, if wee delay the enterprise, wee shall lose the opportunitie, that now is offered, and give occasion of advantage to our adversaries. The peoples blood is up now on our sides, and nothing is wanting, but our care and your diligence; let us therefore now, not trifle more time in talking; but let us strike whilst the iron is hot, let us resolutely set forward, and possesse our selves speedily of all parts of the Realme, so shall wee be either able to keepe out our concurrent, or else to entertaine him little to his liking; Hereupon troopes of men are speedily sent into all quarters of the kingdome, to keepe King Richards partie from drawing to an head. The vulgar (as men broken with many burthens) readily entertained the first commers, and were not over-curious to side with the stronger; Duke Henry pursued the Treasurer, and his complices The Lord Treasurer pursued to Bristoll. The Treasurer with Sir Iohn Bushye surprised in Bristol Castle, and afterwards executed. to Bristoll, where hee found the Castle fortified against him, but in foure dayes hee forced it, and therein surprised the Lord Treasurer, Sir Iohn Bushy, and Sir Henry Greene, whom the common people eagerly pursued to execution, no defence could bee admitted, no excuse heard, no respite obtained, but still their rage continued, crying against them, that they were Traytours, blood-suckers, that had abused the King, and undone his Subjects to enrich themselves; And through their clamorous and importunate instance, the day following the Earle of Wiltshire with the rest were beheaded. This Earle of Wiltshire was William Lord Scroope, in the twenty one yeare of Richard the second, Created Earle of Wiltshire, and made Lord Treasurer, hee purchased the Isle of Man, and dyed without issue. Sir William Bagot, whilst the other went to Bristoll, posted to Chester, and pursuit being made [Page] after the most, hee alone escaped into Ireland. This execution partly because it pleased the people, and partly because it excluded all hope of the Kings pardon, caused them to cleave more firme unto the Duke, which greatly increased both his hope, and glory, as having offers of so large ayde, and so little need.

In the meane time the newes of the Dukes arrivall, and occurrences thereupon, part true, part false, and all enlarged by many circumstances (as fame increaseth by going) was related to the King, hee then being intangled with other broyles in Ireland, at the receipt whereof, hee caused the Sonnes of the Dukes of Glocester and Lancaster, to be imprisoned at the Castle at Trim, The Sons of the Duke of Glocester and Lancaster imprisoned in Trim Castle in Ireland. and for the speedier dispatch, to goe into England, left most of the provision behinde, hasting and shuffling together, as his present hast did enforce, being both unskilfull, and unfortunate himselfe, and voide of all good direction from others, and with more haste then good speed, he tooke shipping, and within the space of three nights, with the Dukes Aumerle, Exceter, and Surry, the Bishop of London, Lincolne, and Carlile, and some others hee arrived at Milford haven in Wales, in which countrey-men he reposed his King Richard arriveth at Milford Haven. chiefe trust for safetie; But when hee saw that contrary to expectation, that as well there as in all other places, the people flocked to the Duke and fled from him, and those that were with him were all wavering, and some revolted, all his devises were disturbed, and hee resolute what course to take, on the one side he was confident, his cause was right, his conscience being cleere from any great bad demerit, on the other side, hee saw the adversaries great strength, and the whole power of the Realme bent against him; And being Discouraged. more abashed by the one, then incouraged by the other, hee was perplexed in uncertaine termes, either where to stay, or whither to stirre, wanting both knowledge and resolution himselfe, in cases of such difficultie, and obnoxious, to unfaithfull counsell; Some advised him to march further into the land, before his owne forces fell from him, alledging that fortune seconds valour; That in all places hee should finde some, who of dutie, for favour, or hire, His Councellors disagree. would joyne with him, others perswaded him to returne into Ireland, and from thence to returne when sufficiently strengthened. But the King unacquainted with martiall affaires, rejected both counsells, and in taking a middle course (which alwayes in extremes of that kinde is the worst) hee resolved to stay in Wales, to attend to what head this humour would rise. The Duke upon advertisement of the Kings landing, with great power speeds to Chester, Lancaster marcheth towards the King. The Lord Steward dissolveth the Kings houshold. whereupon Thomas Piercy Earle of Worcester, steward of the Kings houshold, to vindicate the proclayming his brother the Earle of Northumberland traytor, openly in the Hall before all the Kings servants, broke his staffe of office, and departed to the Duke, willing the rest to shift for themselves in time, hereby hee lost his reputation on both sides, being by the one accounted a corrupter, by the other a betrayer of the King; The rest by his Example, more fearefull then faithfull, tooke every man his owne way, and scattered. And they that in the Kings prosperitie, would have contended to bee foremost, now together draw backe, and like Swallowes forsake that house in Winter, where all the Summer they did feed and foyle. Betweene faint souldiers, and false friends, the King is abandoned: Looke on hee might remedie it hee could not, as not of force to punish that, which he never forced to prevent, his present remedy is patience (a cold comfort) his only revenge, complaint (a weake weapon;) Betweene both, thus hee vents his passion. King Richard expostulateth with himself.

And doe (saith hee) all forsake mee? doth their faith and my good fortune [Page] both end together? Had I forsaken them in time, I had not beene forsaken of others, who once loved me better, but now are able to hurt me more. I confesse the blindnesse of my judgement, and so there is no friendship in flattery, nor trecherie in plaine truth, and wish I had but as much space to reforme this error, as I am like to have time to repent it; But ah▪ they would not suffer mee to be wise when I might, and now they have made mee wretched, they flye from mee, they were content to bee the causes, but will not bee companions of my calamities, such attendants are like Crowes to a dead carkasse, which flocke to it, not to defend it, but to devour it, and no sooner have they bar'd the bones, but they are gone.

Thus having lost both the feare and affection of his Subjects, distracted, without comfort, counsell, or courage, like an Exile in his owne kingdome, hee remaineth in Wales, not daring to goe to London, and no man desirous to come to him, shifteth still from place to place, fearing all things, but most misliking the present. The Duke pursueth him with all his power, but the King was too weake to doe any thing by force, and yet too great to bee undiscovered, neither had hee any assurance of those few hee had. At length hee came to the Castle of Conoway, and there utterly destitute of helpe, or hope, hee stood divided in minde, which way to bend his course; his followers were more ready to oppugne the opinion of others, then to give direction themselves, as seeing better what to shun, then what to follow: and as it alwayes chanceth in desperate causes, that course is commonly made choice of, whereof the opportunitie is already past. Some advised him that it was then time, rather to thinke of saving of life, then recovering his estate, give place (say they) to the current of this furie, let it haue its full source, and when it is at the highest, it will turne againe, and then you shall have the tyde as strong with you, as it is now against you; Therefore give a little space, for the bad to draw backe, for the good to put forward. Treason gets ground at the first, but good counsell gathers strength by cunctation. The mindes of the multitude are only constant in unconstancy, and persevere only in change, in dislike of things present, they desire new, wherewith they rest not long contented, but are many times glutted with the first sight; And how can they long endure the Raigne of him, who mounting the Throne only by their favour, and strength, shall hold the same in a manner at their courtesie? every unpleasant command shall bee deemed ingratitude, every suit (though never so unreasonable) if denyed, shall charge him shith unkindnesse: if Honour be not offered, they will bee much discontented, and upon every occasion of distast, thinke themselves as able to displace him, as they were to set him up; You may therefore (say they) for a time returne to Ireland, or goe to your Father-in-law into France, you may assure your selfe of his assistance to stand upon your side to recover your losses; Others who were enemies to any counsell, how good soever it was, whereof themselves were not authors perswaded the King, that his enemies would rather dye then desist, not so much for enmitie to him, as for caution to themselves; For it is a hard matter to forgive, but impossible to forget the indignities, and injuries they have offered. And to omit what some Princes have done, what all will promise to doe; They will soone find fresh and bleeding examples, what you are like to doe, Glocester, Arundell, Warwicke, made insurrection not to amove you from the Crowne, but to remove from you, certaine misleaders of your affections, an action more displeasing, then prejudiciall unto you. Atonement was made, Charters of free pardon were granted under the great Seale: But Consulteth with his followers. what followed, was the breach ever perfectly made up? did displeasure dye, [Page] or was it only dissembled: but the present wants of their lives, have fully revenged their deaths. For had they lived, their countenance and authoritie would easily have stinted these strifes; But the manner of their death, perswades an obstinate resistance in all your adversaries; As for the refuge to forraine Princes, you may peradventure receive of them faire entertainment, and allowance, yet growing burdensome, it may perchance fayle; But it is hard to draw a Prince into such a quarrell, and more hard by that meanes to prevaile: Or if you should, it is to bee feared, that the Victors will hold the benefit of the conquest to themselves, and not yeeld it over to you: Few countryes (that have required such ayde) but have beene by Forrainers subdued. This drew the Saxons into the land, who so assisted the Britons, that they could not be resisted from possessing their kingdome; yet helpe of strangers in cases of extremitie, is not altogether to bee contemned, but it is a remedy last to be trusted to, least to be tryed, but in no case altogether to be relied upon. What then if you procure a Treatie, to see in what termes the people stand against you? it may be upon faire quarter, they will submit, but if they will persist to uncrowne you, an honourable stipend may be procured you, what shall you lose thereby, you have no childe to bee disinherited, the chiefe motive to make men greedy to get, and carefull to retaine? And as for your selfe you shall bee but translated from a steepe and slippery hill, to a smoothe and pleasant playne, from dangerous travaile, to secure rest; And if there be no solace without safetie, no felicitie without firmenesse, you shall finde the private life, not only more pleasant, but more happy then your principall state. The tallest trees are weakest in the toppes; and envy alwayes aymeth at the highest; But you shall lose (you will say) the credit ahd countenance of a King, so shall you the cares and casualties; The Crowne and Scepter are things most waighty to wield; If a Prince bee good, hee is laden with labour; if evill, with infamy, howsoever with perills, and tossed with strong and sturdy tempests, so that to bee freed from these feares, is to bee esteemed a gayne, rather then a losse. Examples to prove this, are those of our owne Country, (without seeking of others) as may appeare by Kinigellus, Ina, Ceonulphe, Eadbertus, Etheldredus, Kenredus, Offa, Sebba, and Sigibertus, who of their owne accord, layd downe their Diadems, and betooke themselues to private and solitarie lives; Many Princes have held their estate with better fortune, but none with greater honour did leave it, others have either abandoned their Rule for ease, or to avoyd danger, or upon some pretended devotion, but you for loue to your Countrie, may seeme to forbeare to seeke your remedy, to maintaine warre, wherein much blood may be spilt, and the Realme deprived of many able Warriours, let others bee perswaded to forsake their Kingdomes, when they had no longer pleasure to hold them: But your prayse will bee for giving over, when it is to the greatest benefit of the people, and the more hope you have to prevaile, if you list to contend; The greater commendations will it bee to yeeld, as rather being voluntary then compulsive. The King commended the courage of the first, but this last counsell agreed best with his faint spirit, which was more inclinable to feare, then forward in hope, preferring abject and base safetie, before hazard with honour; Others thereupon earnestly assevered, That all conditions of yeelding, were both dishonourable and dangerous; That in extremities noble spirits will not suddenly give off, but labour couragiously to repell the danger, or wisely to decline it, alleaging that none should so little esteem honour, as without battaile or blowe stricken, to be crestfalne, and stoope to miserable mercy; Others passionately sayd, if the honour of your noble [Page] house nothing move you, yet let danger, and despaire arme you with boldnesse, neither the Duke nor his adherents dare bee so confident, to thinke themselves safe, so long as you shall remaine (though in private state) alive, you may assure your selfe, faire words will be given, and large offers made, but the performance rests in the curtesie of the Conquerour: and nothing ought to be thought unlawfull to him, that hath power. King Edward the second, one of your Progenitors, could not be endured by his owne Sonne: many have used violence to themselves, rather then to fall into the power of their Corrivalls, expect not then better fortune, then others have found, never bee perswaded that a Prince may live safely (if knowne) in a private estate, betwixt Caesar and nothing, the highest honour, and the deadliest downfall, there is no meane: omit not therefore all, or any meanes unassayd, to maintaine your partie by armes, you can but dye if vanquished, and dye you shall if you yeeld, but by the one you shall end your life with glory, by the other with perpetuall reproch; And though now you equally esteeme of both, yet when you shall bee pent in prison, daily in feare, expecting the deadly messenger, you will finde a difference in death, and the weaknesse of that counsell, you are now about to follow. But the Kings eares were stopped against all impression of valour, and being unable to governe himselfe in prosperitie, hee was lesse sufficient to wind himselfe out of this labyrinth of troubles; And being so beset, that hee could neither escape, nor stand out, hee desired conference with the Archbishop and Northumberland, the one hee had formerly banished, the other proclaymed Traytour. These came unto him, but perceiving by little conference, how much they were bent against him, hee demanded not what he saw no likelihood to obtaine, and agreed to relinquish his estate, to have a competency of meanes, and the lives of but eight such persons as he should nominate allowed unto him. This was readily, and faithfully promised by them, and afterward ratified by the Duke. The King desireth conference with the Duke, which likewise was promised, and so they departing, the King removed to Flynt Castle, about eight miles from Chester, whither the Duke came, at whose enterview, the countenance and words of both were observed; The King seemed abject, the Duke neither insulting nor relenting, but rather comforting and promising friendly. The King repeated many benefits and curtesies that he had formerly shewed; That hee had spared the Dukes owne life, and now his Sonnes, in recompence whereof, he with such submisnesse (as agreed rather with necessitie then honour) desired the Duke to shew pittie to him from whom hee had received favour, and to permit him to live, with the allowance of some fitting, but private estate of maintenance. The Duke to comfort him, gave him assurance to provide for his safetie; For which hee was contented to receive thankes as for a benefit; The King from that time was kept safe, and sure enough from hindering the Dukes projects; Neither could it so easily have beene discerned, what had beene best for him to doe, as that this which hee did, was the very worst; For the same night hee was brought to Chester, and from thence secretly conveyed to the Tower of London, there to remaine untill the Parliament, which was appointed should be shortly after holden at Westminster.

The King yeelded himselfe the twentieth day of August, being the fortie seventh day after the Dukes arrivall, so that considering his journeyes from Holdernesse in the North to London, from thence to Bristoll, and so into Wales, and backe againe to Chester▪ A man shall not more easily travaile over it, then hee conquered it, so propitious were his starres unto him, [Page] that hee either found, or made a ready passage through all hinderances and obstacles; And it seemed hee only needed to open his armes, and Fortune would flye into his bosome. All the Kings Treasure and jewells, with his horse and fardage came to the Dukes hands; And many that were of his company, were dispoyled by the souldiers of Northumberland and Wales. Some Writers barely upon conjectures affirme, that the King did not yeeld himselfe, but was surprised, passing from Flynt to Chester; But the authoritie of such as lived at that time, and either saw it, or had perfect intelligence of these affaires, such as for their place could not but know, and for their profession would not but deliver the very truth, so prevailed with Sir Iohn Heywood, the Penner of this History, that he followed their report. As the King was in his journey towards London, some had conspired to lye in ambush by the way, to have slaine him; But the Maior of London upon intelligence thereof, prevented the practise, and went in person, and with convenient power brought him to the Tower. Shortly after the Duke came to London in solemne estate, and sent forth summons in the Kings name, for a Parliament to bee holden the last day of September in the same yeare; In the meane A Parliament summoned by the Duke in the Kings name. time hee consulted with his deare friends, and neere kindred, for order to bee taken in his proceedings. The Duke of Yorke, who but a little before, had been Governor of the Realme for the King, was now the Dukes chiefe director, he thought it best that King Richard should both voluntarily resigne, and also solemnly bee deposed, by consent of all the States of the Realme. For resignation would bee imputed only to feare, deprivation to force, whereof the one is alwayes pitied, and the other envied. But if both concurre, and his desire be combined with his desert, being willing to forsake that, which hee is adjudged worthy to forgoe; Then it will appeare, that he is neither expelled his kingdome by meere constraint, nor leaveth it without just cause; this advise generally pleased. And for execution thereof, upon the Feast of Saint Michael (which was the day before the Parliament should begin) there assembled at the Tower, Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury; Richard Scroope, Archbishop of Yorke; Iohn Bishop of Hereford, Henry Duke of Lancaster, Henry Earle of Northumberland, Radulph Earle of Westmerland, Lord Hugh Burnell, Lord Thomas Berckley, Lord Rosse, Lord Willowbigh, Lord of Abergany, the Abbot of Westminster, the Pryor of Canterbury, William Thirmings, and Iohn Markham chiefe Iustices, Thomas Stokey and Burbacke Doctors of the Law, Thomas Herpingham Thomas Gray, Knights; William Ferly, and Dionise Lophane Notary publicks, and divers others neither noted nor remembred; When all were set in their places, King Richard was brought forth, apparelled in a royall Roabe, the Diadem on his head, and his Scepter in his hand, and was placed amongst them in a chaire of State; never was Prince so gorgeous with lesse glory and more griefe; To whom it was not thought disgrace sufficient▪ to lose both the honour and ornaments of a King; But hee must openly to his greater scorne, renownce the one, and surrender up the other. After hee had sate a while and pawsed, he used these words to the assembly;

I perswade my selfe, that some here present, and many more hereafter, King Richards speech. will account my case lamentable, ei [...]her that I have deserved this dejection; if it be just, or if it bee wrongfull, that I could not avoyd it; I confesse with shame and griefe, that many times I have appeared, both lesse provident, and lesse painfull for the benefit of the republicke, then I should or might, or would have beene hereafter, and have in many actions, more respected the satisfying my owne particular humour, then either in justice, to some private [Page] persons, or the common good of all, yet did I not at any time, either altogether omit dutie, or commit grievance, upon supine dulnesse, or set malice, but partly by abuse of corrupt Counsellors, chiefely by error of my youthfull rash conceit without true judgement. The remembrance of these oversights, are to no man so unpleasant, as to my selfe; and the rather, because I have no meanes left, either by injuries done, or to testifie to the world, my reformed affections, which experience and maturitie of yeares, had already begun to correct, and would, I assure my selfe, have growne to a more perfect frame, if but permitted to have continued; But whether all imputed to mee be true, either in substance or qualitie, according as they are suggested, or whether being true, they be so exorbitant, as to enforce these extremities, or whether any other Prince, especially in youthfull blood, and in the space of two and twenty yeares (the time of my unfortunate raigne) doth not sometimes, either for advantage or displeasure, in as deepe manner grieve some particular subject, I will notnow examine: it bootes not to use defence, nor much availeth to make complaint, there is left no place for the one, nor pitie for the other; And therefore I refer all to Gods pleasure, and your more collected considerations; I accuse no man, I blame not fortune, I complaine of nothing. There is no pleasure in such ayrie comforts; it may bee if I had had will to have stood upon termes, I could have procured great favours abroad, and (presume) some good friends at home, who would have beene ready, it may be, too forward on my behalfe, to set up a dangerous and doubtfull war: But I estimate not worldly dignitie at so high a rate, to hazard the spilling of so much Christian blood, and the spoyling of so flourishing a Country, as thereby might have beene occasioned in my quarrell. Therefore that the Common-wealth may rather rise by my fall, then I stand by the ruine thereof, I willingly submit to your desires, and am here come to dispossesse my selfe of all Regall and publike authoritie or title; And to make it free and lawfull for you to Elect, and Create for your King, Henry Duke of Lancaster, my Vncles son, whom I know to be as worthy to take that place, as I see you willing to conferre it upon him. Then hee read openly and distinctly, the forme of his cession, wherein hee did declare that he had discharged his Subjects from their obligations of Fealtie and homage, and all other tyes whatsoever; And of his owne will and free motion, did repudiate the title, dignitie, and authority of a King, and rendred up the possession of the Realme, with the use and title thereof, and all the rites thereunto appertaining; and thereunto subscribed, and made oath for the performance; And then with his owne hands delivered the Crowne, Scepter, Roabe, and ornaments to the Duke of Lancaster, saying, Cousin I wish you more happinesse herewith, then ever hapned to my selfe; Then did hee Constitute the Archbishop of Yorke, and the Bishop of Hereford his Procurators, to intimate and declare this his resignation to all the States of the Parliament. Lastly, hee gave all his Treasure to the summe of three hundred thousand pounds in coine, besides his jewels and Plate for satisfaction of injuries done, desiring the Duke and those present, severally by their names, not altogether to forget that hee had been their King, nor yet too much to thinke upon it; but to retaine a moderate remembrance of him, and in recompence of the ease hee had done them by this voluntary resignation, to permit him to live safely, in a private life: with the contemplation whereof he was so taken, that from thenceforth hee would preferre it before any worldly preferment. This was done with voice and countenance so consonant to his present passion, that not any present not unmindfull of humane instabilitie, which was not in some measure moved [Page] thereat, insomuch that some few teares secretly dropped from many eyes there present, in whose thoughts a confused, but obscure alteration already began to take rising; so prone is man-kinde to pitie misery, though by themselves procured, and to envie prosperitie, even in those themselves have raised. The Munday following the Parliament began at Westminster, and there the Archbishop of Yorke, and the Bishop of Hereford (the late Kings Attorneys for this purpose) openly declared to the States (there assembled) the Kings voluntary resignation; and demanded whether they would assent and agree thereunto. The Barons of the Realme, by particular assent, the Commons with generall voice, accepted and admitted the fame; Then it was thought requisite, that some defects and misdemeanours in point of government, should bee objected against the late King, for which hee might bee adjudged, as unworthy, as hee seemed unwilling to retaine the Soveraigntie, whereupon certaine Articles were ingrossed and publikely read, in which was contained how unprofitable he had beene to the Realme, how unjust and grievous to the Subjects, repugnant both to his oath and honour.

The principall of which Articles were: 1. That hee had wastfully spent the Treasure of the Kealme, and had to unworthy persons given the possessions of the Crowne, by reason whereof many great and grievous taxes were daily layd upon the Commons.

2. That whereas divers Lords, aswell spirituall as temporall, were by the high Court of Parliament, appointed to treate of matters concerning the State of the Kingdome, they being busied about the same Commission, hee with others of his accomplices, went about to appeach them of high Treason.

3. That by force and threats hee enforced the Iudges of the Realme at Shrowsbury, to condiscend to his way, for the destruction of the said Lords; That thereupon hee raised warre against Iohn Duke of Lancaster, Thomas Earle of Arundell, Richard Earle of Warwicke, and others, contrary to his promise in derogation of the honour of the King. That hee caused his fathers owne brother, the Duke of Glocester, without law to be attached and sent to Callice, and there without reason secretly murthered; That notwithstanding the Earle of Arundell at his arraignment, pleaded his Charter of pardon, hee could not bee heard, but was shamefully and suddenly put to death. That hee assembled certain Lancashire and Cheshire men, to make warre upon the foresaid Lords, and suffered them to robbe and spoyle, without reproofe or prohibition.

4. That though hee dissembled, and had made Proclamation; That the Lords were not attached for any crime of Treason, but for oppression done within the Realme, yet hee objected against them in the Parliament, treason and rebellion.

5. That notwithstanding his Pardon granted to them, hee enforced divers of the Lords partakers, to bee againe intollerably fined, to their utter undoing.

6. That contrary to his promise in Parliament, hee to his great dishonour kept away divers Rowles and Records, which by agreement should have beene showne to certaine Commissioners, appointed to treate of the affaires of the Common-wealth.

7. That hee commanded that no man upon paine of death, should entreat for the returne of Henry now Duke of Lancaster.

8. That whereas the Realme is immediately holden of God, he after he Lancasters easie conquest. had obtained in Parliament divers Acts for his owne particular ends, procured [Page] Bulls and heavy censures from Rome, to compell his Subjects, under heavy censures from Rome, to observe and performe them contrary to the Honour and antient priviledge of this kingdome.

9. That though the Duke of Lancaster had done his devoyre against the Duke of Norfolke in defence of his quarrell, yet hee banished him the land without showing just cause: contrarie to equitie and the law of Armes.

10. That having under the great Seale given leave to the said Duke of Hereford, to make Proxies and Attornies to prosecute and defend his causes, The said King after the Dukes departure, would not permit any to appeare for him.

11. That hee had put out divers high Sheriffes, having beene lawfully elected, putting into their roomes, some of his Favourites, subverting the course of the law, contrary to his oath and honour.

12. Hee borrowed great summes, and bound himselfe for repayment, but no peny thereof payed.

13. That hee layd taxations upon his Subjects at his pleasure, consuming the Treasure in idle expences, but not paying the poore subject for his owne viands.

14. That hee affirmed all the Law lay in his head and brest, by which phreneticall conceit, divers of the Nobilitie were destroyed, and the poore Commons fleeced.

15. That hee procured by his Solicitors in the Parliament, an Act to bee established, that no Act of Parliament should bee more prejudiciall to him, then it was to his Predecessors; through which proviso, hee did what he list, and not what the law did allow.

16. That for his ends, hee would keep Sheriffes of shires, longer then two or one yeare in the office.

17. That hee put out divers Knights and Burgesses legally elected, and put others of his owne choice in their roomes, to serve his owne turne.

18. That hee had spies and informers in every Countrey, to heare and observe, the words and demeanours of the people; And if any reproved his loose and licentious courses, they were convented, and grievously fined.

19. The spiritualitie objected against him, that at his going into Ireland, hee squeesed out many summes of money, besides jewels and Plate, without Law or Custome, contrary to his oath at his Coronation; That divers Lords and Iustices, being sworne to speake the truth in divers things concerning the honour and safetie of the Realme, and profit of the King; hee did so threaten them, that no man would, or durst deliver the truth.

20. That without the assent of the Peeres, hee carried the Iewels and Plate of this Kingdome into Ireland, to the great impoverishing of the Realme, many of them being there lost.

21. That hee caused all remembrances of the great exactions and extortions by him used, and safely deposited amongst the Parliamentary Records to bee privily imbeazeled and carried away.

22. That in all his Letters to the Pope, and other Princes, his stile was cunning and obscure, that neither they, nor his owne Subjects, were certaine of his true meaning.

23. That hee forgetfully affirmed, that all the lives of his Subjects were in his hands, to dispose at his pleasure.

24. That hee contrary to the great Charter of England, procured divers able men, to appeale aged people, upon matters determinable at Common law, in the Marshalls Court, because in that Court, there is no tryall but by [Page] battaile, whereby such Appealers, knowing their insufficiencie, submitted themselves to his mercie, whom he at his pleasure unreasonably fined.

25. That hee devised strange formes of oathes, contrary to law, and enforced divers his subjects to take and observe the same, and to that end, bound them by Recognizance, to the great hinderance of many poore men, and the dishonour of God.

26. That where the Chancelour, upon good grounds denyed a Prohibition, to a certaine person moving for the same, yet hee granted it to the same persons, under the privie Seale, with a grievous paine if not obeyed.

27. That hee banished the Archbishop of Canterbury, without just cause, or judgement, and kept him with armed men in the Parliament Chamber.

28. That hee granted all his goods to his successors conditionally, that he should maintaine all the Statutes made Anno 21. at Shrousbury, and the 22. yeare of his Raigne at Coventrie.

29. That upon the first convention of the Bishop of Canterbury, he cunningly perswaded the Archbishop to make no answer, for hee would bee his warrant, perswading him to decline the Parliament; And so without answer hee was condemned to be exiled, and his goods seized on; foure other Articles in behalfe of the Bishops were layed against him, by whose doings only, the King was utterly undone.

Then was demanded of the Nobilitie, and Commons of the Realme, what they judged of the substance and truth of these Articles: who all agreed, that the crimes were notorious; And that the King was worthy for the same, to bee deposed from his Princely dignitie; The Noble men partly corrupted by favour, part awed by feare, gave their voices. And the Commons who commonly are like a flocke of Cranes, as the first flye, all followers did the like. Commissioners are appointed by both houses, who pronounced sentence of Deposition against King Richard, in manner and forme as followeth.

In the name of God Amen. Wee Iohn Bishop of Asaph, Iohn Abbot of Glassenbury, Thomas Earle of Glocester, Thomas Lord Barkley, Sir Thomas Erpingham, and Sir Thomas Gray Knights, and William Thirning Iustice, Commissioners for the causes hereafter specified. By the Lords Spirituall and temporall, and the Commons of the Realme of England, representing all the States of our Kingdome, specially deputed sitting in place of judgement, considering the manifold perjuries and cruelties, and many other the crimes and offences, by Richard late King of this Realme committed, and done (contrarie to good government) in the Realmes and dominions aforesaid, during the time of his raigne; Also considering the Articles which were openly exhibited and read, before the said States, which were so publike, notorious, manifest, and famous, that they could, nor can by any shift, or cover, be concealed, or avoyded, considering also the Confession of the sayd King, acknowledging and reputing, and truly upon his certaine knowledge, judging himselfe to have beene, and to bee altogether insufficient, and unskilfull for the rule and government of the Realme and Dominions aforesaid, and not unworthy to bee Deposed, for the notorious demerits by the said Richard first acknowledged, and after by his will and mandate before the said States published, and to them opened and declared in the English tongue, upon these and other matters which were done, concerning the same businesse, before the said States and us, by the delegation, place, name and Authoritie to us in this part committed, in pursuance whereof Wee pronounce, decree, and declare [Page] the said Richard, to have beene, and bee unprofitable, unable, and altogether unsufficient, and unworthy for the rule and government of the said Realmes; and in regard and respect of the premisses, worthy to bee deposed from all kingly dignitie and honor (if any such dignitie and honor remaineth in him:) And for the like cautele, We do depose him by our sentence definitive in this Writing, inhibiting from henceforth, expresly all and singular, Lords Archbishops, Bishops, Prelats, Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, Barons, Knights, Vassales, and all other persons whatsoever, of the said Realmes heretofore, the subjects of the same, and every of them, that from henceforth, none obey, or intend to obey, the said Richard, as King or Lord of the Dominions aforesaid. And afterwards the same Commissioners by the conse [...]t and suffrage of both houses, were constituted Procurators joyntly, and severally, for all the States of the Realme, to resigne, and surrender unto King Richard for them, and all other homagers of the Realme, all the homages and fealties, which were both due, and done unto him, as King and Soveraigne; And also to declare unto him all the premisses concerning his Deposition. Now Henry A fain [...]d Title. Duke of Lancaster, that hee might bee reputed, or reported at the least, not to attaine the kingdome by intrusion and wrong, was counselled by his friends, to pretend some lawfull challenge, or claime thereunto; And being in power, it was no sooner advised what was to bee done, but it was presently devised how to doe it: So a Title was drawne from Edmond sonne to King Henry the third, whom they nicknamed Crookbacke, affirming that he was the eldest sonne of King Henry, and that hee for his deformitie was put from his right of succession, which was for that cause given to King Edward the first. To this Edmond the Duke was next of blood, by his mother Blanch sole Daugter, and heire to Henry Duke of Lancaster, and Sonne to the same Edmond. This cunning conveyance was perceived by most: but seeming not to perceive it, was a point of friendship in some, and of obedience in the rest: Therefore the Crowne of England, being supposed unpossessed, both by the resignation, and also by the deposition of King Richard; Duke Henry arose from off his seate, and standing in the most view of the assembly, making the signe of the Crosse on his forehead and brest, said as followeth;

In the name of God, Amen. I Henry of Lancaster, claime as my right, the Crowne, and Realme of England, with all the Dominions and appendices D. Lancaster layeth his claime to the Crowne. to the same, as being lineally descended, by the right of lyne, from the blood Royall, comming from that good Lord, King Henry the third, and through the right that God of his grace hath sent mee, by his assistance, and the helpe of my ready kindred, and noble friends, have adventured to recover the same, which was in point of destruction, for want of good government, and orderly distribution of justice therein, and therewith reseated himselfe.

Then was it demanded, in both Houses, upper and lower, whether they did consent, that the Duke should raigne over them, who all with one voice The Duke of Lancaster accepted for King. accepted of him for their King; Then the Archbishop of Canterbury tooke him by the hand, and placed him in the Throne of estate, the Archbishop of Yorke assisting him, and all the Parliament testifying their owne joy, and wishing his. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury, upon this place of Scripture, 1 Reg. 9. 17. See this is the man whom I spake to thee of, this same shall raigne over my people: did make a paraphrasticall exposition; which ended, the Duke was generally proclaimed King by the name of Henry the Fourth, King of England, and France, Lord of Ireland; The Common people voide of cares, not searching into sequels, but without difference of right or wrong, inclinable to follow the mightie, with showtes, and cl [...]mours gave [Page] their applause, not all upon judgement, or faithfull meaning; but only upon received custome, at first to flatter the Prince, whatsoever hee bee; But lest the humour thereof should allay by delay, it was forthwith Proclaimed, that upon the thirteenth of September next ensuing, the Coronation of the King should be celebrated at Westminster. These matters being thus dispatched, the proclaimed King rose from his Seate, and went to Whitehall, where hee feasted the Assembly royally: yet hee made no show of statelinesse, or pride, or change of deportment, in this so great change of fortune; Vpon Wednesday following the before-remembred Procurators, went to the deposed King to the Tower, and declared to him the admission of his resignation, and the manner of his Deposition, and in the name of the States of the Realme, The Commissioners acquaint King Richard with the resolution of the House. did surrender backe the Homage and Fealtie formerly due unto him, with this attestation, that no man from thenceforth would beare unto him faith and allegeance, as due to a King; The King answered that hee little regarded titular circumstances, but contented himselfe with hope, that his Cousin would bee a gratious Lord, and good friend unto him, and accordingly upon the day appointed, which was upon the day of the translation of King Edward the Confessour, the Duke of Hereford with all accustomed Ceremonies, was by the Archbishop of Canterbury sacred and annointed, and Crowned upon the very same day, that the yeare before, hee had beene banished the Realme; Hee was annointed with an oyle which a religious man had given to Henry the first Duke of Lancaster (grandfather to the King by the Edward the fourth crowned. Mothers side) when hee served in the warres of King Edward the third in France, together with this Prophesie, that those Kings which should bee annointed therewith at their Coronation, should bee the Champions of the Church: Duke Henry delivered this Oyle in a golden Violl to Prince Edward, eldest Sonne of King Edward the third, who locked up the same, in a barred Chest in the Tower, with a ticket of the prediction, with intent to bee therewith at his Coronation annoynted; But hee dying before his Father, it remained there, either not remembred, or not regarded, untill this present yeare, wherein the King being on his voyage into Ireland, and making diligent search, for the Iewells and Relickes of his Progenitors, found this Violl and Prophesie; And understanding the mistery thereof, was desirous to bee annoynted againe with that oyle; But the Archbishop of Canterbury perswaded him, that both the fact was unlawfull, and the president never seene, that a King should be annointed twice; Whereupon the King tooke the Violl with him into Ireland, and when he yeelded himselfe at Flint, The Archbishop of Canterbury demanded it of him, and receiving it reserved the same, untill the Coronation of Henry the fourth, who was the first King that ever was annoynted therewith. To discourse either of the authoritie, or certaintie of these Prophesies I presume not, but this is observed many of them faile, or are fulfilled in another sense, then as they are ordinarily conceived and taken. During the time of this Kings raigne, execution by fire was first put in practise within this Realme for Controversies in point of religion: in any other matter hee did make the Church as much Champane, as show himselfe Champion of the Church; But afterwards his successors were entituled Defenders of the Faith: And how in action the first receiver of that Title did verifie the same, I referre to the report of those times. Vpon mature consideration it was found, that the title derived from Edmond surnamed Crouchbacke to Henry, would upon examination appeare, but a jeere, for that the said Edmond was neither eldest Sonne to Henry the third, nor yet a deformed person, but a proper Gentleman, and a brave Commander [Page] in the field, and so respected of his Father, that hee gave him both the heritage and honours of Simon Mumford, Earle of Leicester, of Ferrare, Earle of Darby: and of Iohn Baron of Monmoth, who to their owne ruine had displayed seditious ensignes against the King, under which Leicester was slaine at the battaile of Euesham, and to engratiate him to Blaunch, the Queene of Navarre, hee first Created him Earle of Lancaster, and gave unto him the Countie, Castle and towne of Lancaster, with the Forrests of Wiresdale, Lonsdale, Newcastle beneath the Linne, the Mannor, Castle, and Forrests of Pickering, the Mannor of Scalby, the Towne of Glocester, of Huntingdon, &c. and made him high Steward of England, with many priviledges and other titles of Honour; Therefore King Henry upon the day of his Coronation, caused to bee Proclaimed, that hee claimed the Crowne of England, first by right of Conquest; Secondly, because King Richard had resigned his estate, and designed him for his Successor. Lastly, because he was of the blood royall, and next heire male to King Richard, Haeres malus indeed cryed Edmond Mortimer Earle of March, to some of his familiars, and so is a Pirat to a Merchant, when hee dispoyleth him of all that ever hee hath. This Edmond Earle of March, was Sonne to Roger not long before slaine in Ireland, and had beene publickly declared heire to the Crowne, in case King Richard should have died without issue, as descended by his Mother Philip, from Lionel Duke of Clarence, who was elder Brother to Iohn Duke of Lancaster, King Henryes Father, and therefore the said Edmond thought himselfe, (as in truth he was) neerer heire Male to succession of the Crowne; Then hee that by colour of right clayming it, carried it by dint of force. But the condition of the time was such, that hee supposed it was in vaine for him to stirre, where King Richard could not stand; whereupon he dissembled, either that hee saw his wrong, or that hee regarded it, and chose rather to suppresse his Title for a time, then by untimely opposing himselfe to have it oppressed, and depressed for ever: he withdrew himselfe therefore from London, to his Lordship of Wigmore in the West parts of this Realme, and there settled himselfe, to a quiet and retired life, hee counted it a point of wisdome to meddle with nothing, whereof any man was chargeable to render account: in revenewes he was not great, in apparell moderate, in company and traine not excessive (yet in all these honourable and according to his degree) so that they that esteemed men by the outward apparance only, could see in him no great show of witte, or courage to be feared, or of wealth or honour, in his estate to bee envied; And thus whilst that a greater enemie was feared, hee passed unregarded, making himselfe safe by contempt, where nothing was so dangerous as popular opinion, and raked up those coles in securitie for a time, which afterward set all the Realme on fire, King Richard being now deposed, was sent after his resignation to Leeds in Kent, but afterwards to Pomfret Castle, where wee leave him.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE FOVRTH.

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HENRY surnamed Bullingbrooke Duke of Hereford, Ann. 1399 R. 1. and Sonne of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster fourth Sonne of King Edward the third, beginning his Raigne the 29. of September 1399. presently after his Coronation Created his eldest Sonne, Lord Henry, being about thirteene yeares of age, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earle of Chester, and soone after Duke of Aquitaine, hee made also many new officers: his second Sonne Thomas, he made Lord high Steward of England, appointing the Earle of Worcester his Assistant, during the minoritie of the said Thomas: the Earle of Northumberland, Lord high Constable; the Earle of Westmerland Marshall of England. He was Crowned at Westminster the thirteenth of October following, being Munday, the day kept in cōmemoration of St. Edward the Confessor. The Dukes of Yorke, Surrey, Albemarle, with the Earle of Glocester bare the Canopie over him (which office the Barons of the Cinqueports doe at this day execute, Sir Thomas Dymock was Champion, and armed cap-a-pe, road about the Hall, challenging any that should gainsay the Kings right to the Crowne of England. The King likewise made Sir Iohn Shirley Lord Chancellor; Iohn Norbury Esquire, Lord Treasurer, Sir Richard Clifford Lord privie Seale. Vpon the fourth of October the Lord high Steward by his Fathers command sate in the Kings Hall at Westminster, and caused Proclamation to bee made, That any that could claime any Office at the solemnization of the Kings Coronation, should preferre their Petitions, whereupon divers claimed Offices and Fees; And those to whom the rights of such claymes appertained, were admitted accordingly. The Parliament was prorogued to the morrow after Saint Edwards day, upon their reassembly, it was enacted, that the inheritance of the Crowne and Realme of England, and of all the Dominions to the King of England appertaining, should bee united, and remaine in the person of King Henry, and in the heires of his [Page] body lawfully begotten: And that Prince Henry his eldest Sonne, should be his heire apparant, and Successor in the premisses, and if hee should die without issue, then they were entayled to his other Sonnes successively in order, and to the heires of their bodyes, so that nothing was left undone, that the wit of man could invent, and authoritie refulcitate, for the setting of the right to the Crowne in him and his heires. In this Parliament were deprived of their dignities, the Dukes of Surry, Aumerle▪ and Exceter; The Marquesse Dorset, and Earle of Glocester underwent the like sentence. The Inheritance of the kingdome settled, and some exemplary punishments of some the late Kings ill counsellers made; A motion was made in Parliament, what should bee done with the deposed King. Thomas Merckes the Bishop of Carlile, a man that used both libertie and constancie in a good cause; In his The Bishop of Carliles Oration. private judgement, having never allowed these proceedings, but dissembled his dislike, till fit time to declare it, being in a place to bee heard, and by the order of the House, not to be interrupted of any, rose up, and with a grave countenance and settled courage, sayd; This question (right Honorable) concerneth a matter of great consequence and waight, the determining whereof will assuredly procure, either quiet or turmoile, both to the publike State, and our particular consciences: Therefore before any resolution thereof bee given, I beseech you to take into your more serious consideration these two things: First, whether King Richard bee sufficiently deposed or not; secondly, whether King Henry bee by Iustice and good advisement seated in the succession; In the first point is to be examined, whether a King by lineall succession, being Crowned, annoynted, and lawfully invested, may upon imputation, either of negligence or tyrannie, bee deposed by his Subjects; secondly, what Richard had omitted in the one, or committed in the other, that might deserve that heavy judgement, I will not dispute what may bee done, in a popular or consular estate, in which though one beareth the Title, and honour of a Prince, yet he hath no Supreame power of a King; But in the one the Nobilitie, and chiefe men of state, in the other, the people have greatest prerogative, in neither the Prince, of the last sort was the Common-wealth of the Lacedemonians, who by that forme of government which Licurgus framed, oftentimes fined, sometimes fettered their Princes, sometimes put them to death, such were the petty Kings in France in Caesars time, who were oftentimes arraigned and executed (and as the Prince of the Leodienses, Ambiorix confessed, had no greater power over their subjects, then their subjects had over them, and of the second condition were the Roman Emperors at the first, being subject to the censure of the Senat; And such are now the Emperours of Germany, whom the other Princes by their Aristocraticall power, doe not only restraine, but sometimes remove, such are the Kings of Denmarke and Sweveland, who are many times by their Nobilitie dejected, either into prison or exile; Such are the Dukes of Venice, and some other free States of Italy; And the chiefest cause why Lewis Earle of Flaunders, was lately expelled, was for assuming unto himselfe, the Cognizance of life and death, which authoritie was never incident to his dignitie; In these and such like governments, the Prince hath not absolute Regalitie, but is himselfe subject to that power, which is more transcendent then his, whether it bee in the Nobilitie or multitude; But if the Soveraigne Majestie bee in the Prince, as it was in the first three Emperours, and in the kingdomes of Iudea and Israel, and is now in the kingdomes of England, France, Scotland, Spaine, Muscovia, Turkie, Tartary, Persia, Ethiopia, and almost all the kingdomes of Asia and Africa; although for his vices, hee bee unprofitable [Page] to the Subjects, yea hurtfull, yea untolerable; yet can they neither hazard his power, nor harme his Person, either by judiciall proceedings, or by force; for neither one nor all Magistrates have any authoritie over the Prince, from whom all Authoritie is derived, and whose only presence doth silence and suspend all inferiour jurisdiction and force. And for power, what subject can assist or counsell, or conceale, violence against his Prince, and not incur the high & heinous crime offensonry or treason, it is a common saying, thought is free, free indeed from punishment of secular Laws, except byword or deed, it break forth into action, yet the secret thoughts against the sacred Majestie of a Prince, without attempt, without endeavour, have bin adjudged to death; And somewho in auricular confession, have discovered their treacherous devises against the King in person, have for the same bin executed. All laws do exempt a madd man from punishment, because their actions are not governed by their will, and the will of man being set apart, all his deeds are indifferent, neither can the body offend without a corrupt or erronious minde, yet if a mad man but draw his weapon upon his King, it hath beene adjudged worthy death. And lest any man should surmise that Princes, for the maintenance of their owne safetie, and soveraigntie, are the only authors of these judgements; Let us examine with consideration, the patternes and precepts, to this purpose set forth in the Sacred text, Nabucadonezer King of Assyria wasted all Palestine with fire and sword, oppugned the holy Citie a great while, and at the last expugned it, slaughtered the King, burnt the Temple, carryed away the holy Vessells and Treasure, and permitted the souldiers with unmercifull crueltie to spoile and ransacke all the people with fire and sword, and whom from thence had escaped, and the pestilence had spared, hee led captive into Chaldea, and there erected his golden Image, commanding those that refused to worship it, to bee cast into the fiery Furnace, notwithstanding God calleth Nabucadnezer his servant, and promiseth him wages for his service; And the Prophets Ieremiah and Baruke did write unto the Iewes to pray for the life of him and of Balthazar his sonne, that their dayes upon earth might bee as the dayes of heaven, and Ezechiel with bitter termes upbraideth the disloyaltie of Zedechiah, for revolting from Nabuchadnezzar, after homage done unto him; did not Saul put all the Priests to death, because one of them did relieve holy and harmlesse David? did hee not prosecute his faithfull servant, and dutifull son-in-law, yet was not hee spared, nay protected by him? And was not David much grieved for but taking away the lap of his garment, and afterwards caused the messenger to bee slaine, that upon request, and for pitie did lend his hand (as himselfe reported) to hasten the voluntary death of that sacred King? As for the contrary examples of Iehu, They were done by expresse Oracle, and revelation from God, and are no more set downe for our imitation, then the robbing the Egyptians, or any other particular or priviledged commandement, but in the generall precept, which all men must ordinarily follow, not only our actions, but our speeches also, and our very thoughts are strictly charged, with dutie and obedience to Princes, whether they bee good or evill. The law of God ordaineth, That hee that doth presumptuously against the Ruler of the people shall die; And Deut. 17. 12. the Prophet David forbiddeth both by, precept and practise, to touch the Lords annointed, Thou shalt not (saith the Lord) rayle upon the Iudges, neither sbeake evill of the Ruler of the people; And the Apostles doe demand further, that even our thoughts and soules, bee obedient to higher powers: Rom. 13. 12. And lest any should imagine, that they ment of good Princes only; they speake generally of all. And further, to take away all doubt, they make expresse [Page] mention of the evill; For the power and authoritie of wicked Princes, is the ordinance of God. And therefore Christ told Pilat, That the power which hee had was given him from above; And the Prophet Esay called Cyrus being a prophane and heathen Prince, the Lords annointed: For God turneth the hearts even of wicked Princes to doe his will; And as Iehosaphat said to his Rulers, they execute not the judgement of man, but of the Lord: In regard whereof David calleth them gods, because they have the rule and authoritie even from God, which if they doe abuse, they are not to bee adjudged by their subjects, for no power within their Dominion is superiour to theirs; But God reserveth them to their sorest triall, horribly and suddenly (saith the Wise man) will the Lord appeare to them, and a hard judgement shall they have. The law of God commandeth, that the childe Sap. 6. should not bee put to death, for any contumelie done unto the Parents, but what if the father be a robber? if a murtherer? if for excesse of villanies, odious and execrable both to God and man? surely hee deserveth the greatest degree of punishment, and yet must not the sonne lift up his hand against him, for no offence can bee so great to bee punished by parricide; But our Country is (or ought to bee) more deere to us then our Parents; And the Prince is the father of the country, and therefore more sacred and deare to us then our Parents by nature, and must not bee violated, how imperious, how impious soever hee bee: doth hee command or demand our purses or persons? we must not shun from the one, nor shrinke from the other, for as Nehemiah saith, Kings have dominion over the cattell of their subjects at their pleasure; Doth hee injoyne those actions, which are contrary to the lawes of God, wee must neither wholly obey, nor violently resist, but with a constant courage, submit our selves to all manner of punishment, and show our subjection, by suffering and not performing; yea the Church hath declared it to bee an heresie, to hold that a Prince may be slaine, or deposed by his Subjects, for any default or disorder of life, or default in government. There will bee faults so long as there bee men, and as wee endure with patience, a barren yeare, if it happen, and unseasonable weather, so must wee tolerate the imperfections of Rulers, and quietly expect either reformation or alteration. But alas! what such cruelty, what such impietie, hath King Richard committed? examine the imputations objected, with the false circumstance of aggravation, and you shall finde but little of truth, or of great moment, it may be many oversights have escaped (as who lives without offending) yet none so grievous to bee termed tyrannie, as proceeding rather from unexperienced ignorance, or corrupt counsell, then from any naturall or wilfull malice; Oh! how should the world bee pestered with tyrants, if Subjects might be permitted to rebell upon pretence of tyrannie? how many good Princes should often bee suppressed by those by whom they ought to be supported? if they but levie a Subsidie, or any other taxation, it shall bee judged oppression, if they put any to death for traiterous attempts against their persons, it shall bee exclaimed at for crueltie; if they shall doe any thing against the good liking of their people, it shall bee proclaimed tiranny.

But let it bee that without desert in him, or authoritie in us, King Richard must bee deposed, yet what right hath the duke of Lancaster to the Crown? or what reason have wee, without right to give it him? If hee make Title as heire to King Richard, then must hee stay King Richards death; for no man can succeed as heire to the living; But its well knowne to all men, who are not wilfully blinde, or grosly ignorant: that, there are some yet alive, lineally descended from Lionel Duke of Clarence, whose issue by the judgement [Page] of the high Court of Parliament, in the eighth yeare of King Richards raigne, was declared heire apparant to the Crowne in case of Richard should die Ann. 1399 R. 2. without issue. The claime from Edmond Crouchbacke, I passe over the authors thereof, themselves being ashamed of so absurd an abuse; And therefore all the pretence now on foot, is by right of conquest, and the Kings resignation and grant, and the consent of the many: it is bad stuffe that will take no colour, what conquest can a subject make against a Soveraigne, where the warre is insurrection, and the victory high treason; King Richards resignation being in prison, is an act of exaction by force, and therefore of no force to bind him; And by the lawes of this realme, the King by himselfe cannot alienate, the antient jewells, and ornaments of the Crowne, much lesse give away his Crowne and Kingdome. And custome wee have none, for the vulgar to elect their King, but they are alwayes tyde to accept of him, whom the right of succession enables to the Crowne, much lesse can they make good that Title, which is by violence usurped; For nothing can bee said to bee freely done, when libertie is restrained by feare; As for the deposing of Edward the Second, it is no more to bee urged, then the poisoning of King Iohn, or the murdering of a lawfull Prince: wee must live according to lawes, not examples, yet the kingdome then was not taken from lawfull successors; But if wee looke backe to times past, wee shall finde that these Titles, were more strong in King Stephen, then they are now in the Duke of Lancaster, for King Henry the first being at libertie, neither restrained, nor constrained, the people assented to this designement, and thereupon without feare or force he was annointed, and crowned King. Yet Henry Fitzempresse, having a neerer right to the Crowne by his Mother (notwithstanding his Father was a stranger, and hee borne beyond the Seas) never ceased the prosecution of bloody warres, to the great effusion of blood, and spoyling the Countrey, untill his lawfull inheritance was assured him; It terrifieth mee but to thinke, how many flourishing kingdomes have beene by such contentions, either rent by intestine division, or subdued to forraine Princes, under pretence of assistance and aide. This Kingdome hath had too wofull experience of these severall mischieves, and yet neither examples of other Countries, or miseries of our owne, are sufficient to make us bee wary; Certainly I feare, it will betide us, as it did to Esops Frogges, who being desirous to have a King, had a beame given them, the first fall whereof affrighted them, but when they saw it lie still, they contemptuously insulted thereon, and desired a King of more active spirit; Then a Storcke was sent them, which stalking amongst them daily devoured them. King Richards mildnesse hath bred in us this scorne, interpreting it to bee cowardise and dulnesse of nature; I dare not say (yet give mee leave to suspect) with greater courage, wee may finde greater crueltie. And thus have I declared my opinion, with more words, you may perhaps conjecture then wisdome, yet fewer then the waight of the cause doth require, and I doe resolutely conclude, that wee have neither power, nor pollicie, either to Depose King Richard, or in his place to Elect Duke Henry; That King Richard remaineth still our Soveraigne Lord, and therefore it is not lawfull for us to give judgement against him. That the Duke whom you are pleased to stile King, hath more transgressed the King and Realme, then Richard hath done either against him or us; For hee being banished the Realme for tenne yeares by the King and Councell (amongst whom his owne Father was chiefe) and given oath not to returne without speciall licence; Hee hath not only broken his oath, but disturbed the peace of the Land, dispossessed the King of his Royall estate, and now demandeth [Page] judgement against his person, without offence proved, or defence heard; if this perjurie, and this injury move not, yet let both our private and publike dangers somewhat withdrawe us from these violent proceedings.

This speech was diversly taken, as mens affections were diversly hurried, betwixt hope, feare, and shame, but the most part did seeme to stand for Duke Henry; Whereupon the Bishop was attached by the Earle Marshall, The Bishop committed. and committed to the keeping of the Abbot of Westminster, but presently after to Prison in the Abby of Saint Albones; His Counsell and conjecture then contemned, was after approved of (when too late) both in the Kings time, during whose raigne, no yeare passed without slaughter and executions, but more in the time succeeding, when within the space of thirty sixe yeares twelve set battells upon this quarrell were fought within the Realme by natives only, and above fourescore Princes of the blood Royall, fell by each others sword.

It was concluded notwithstanding what the Bishop had spoken, that King Richard should bee kept in a large Prison, with all manner of Princely maintenance; And if any should attempt to rere warre for his deliverance, that hee should bee the first man should suffer for that attempt. The Acts of Parliament of the eleventh yeare of King Richard were revived, and those of the one and twentieth wholly repealed, and all in that Parliament attainted, were restored to their Titles and inheritances, without suing livery; And also to such goods whereof the King had not beene answered, except the rents and issues of their lands.

Hereupon Richard Earle of Warwicke is delivered out of prison, and the Earle of Arundels sonne restored to his inheritance, others also that stood banished, or were in prison, recovered their libertie and estate; it was enacted, that none that came with Henry against Richard, should bee impeached or troubled. To the Earle of Westmerland the King gave the Countie of Richmond, to the Earle of Northumberland the Isle of Man, to hold of him by the service of bearing the Sword, wherewith hee entred into this Kingdome before him. Divers others his followers hee advanced to places of highest note, some for desert, but most to win their favour, and perhaps projecting a plot for partakers, if times should change; For in many actions, men take more care to prevent revenge, then to lead an innocent life.

It is likewise ordered, that the plotters and procurers of the Duke of Glocesters murther should bee strictly enquired after, and severely punished. And judgement was given against the Appellants of the Earles of Warwick and Arundel, and that the Dukes of Aumerles, Sussex, and Exceter, the Marquesse Dorset, and the Earle of Glocester, who were there present, should lose their Titles of Honour, and forfeit their estate in all the lands, Nobles degraded of then Titles. they had which was formerly belonging to the Appellees, and that all their Letters patents concerning the same, should bee surrendred into the Chancery to bee cancelled; and for their owne inheritance to bee at the mercy of the King. That they should give no Liveries to retainers, nor keepe more then should bee necessary; That if any of them did adhere or assist the Deposed King Richard, against the Decree of his Deposition; That they should suffer as in high treason: And for that many of the common people did murmure: That many the Officers had grievously extorted, either by connivency or secret support of the Lords, those Officers were removed, and the corruption Officers removed. purged. Then were Proclamations made, that if any man had by strong hand beene oppressed, by any of the Lords, or by any under-officers to them beene wronged or abused, his complaint proved, the delinquent should give him [Page] plenary recompence. The execution of these Nobles was much questioned. The importunitie of the people, and the perswasions of many great ones drew that way, but pollicie was against it, especially the opinion of Clemency, which seemed needfull in a new, not well settled estate. In this Parliament the Lord Fitzwater appealed the Duke of Aumerle upon points of high Treason; the like did the Lord Morley to the Earle of Salisbury, and above twentie Appellants more gaged battell, but the King purposing to lay the foundation of his government by favour, and not by force, gave pardon and restitution alike to all, upon securitie for their allegiance, and moderately admonished, and as it were intreated the one part, that old griefes and grudges should not bee renewed, but altogether buried; The other part hee desired to bee afterwards more circumspect of their actions; and for the time past rather to forget, they ever were in fault, then to remember that they were pardoned; No punishment was inflicted on any, only the Earle of Sarum and the Lord Morley, who had beene in especiall grace with King Richard. These two were committed, but at the intercession of their friends, they were quickly released, the rest (but especially the Duke of Aumerle, and the Duke of Exceter, the Governour of Callice) hee received freely to favour, Aumerle was Cousin german to both Kings. Exceter halfe Brother to King Richard, and Brother-in-law to King Henry, as having espoused his Sister the Lady Elizabeth. The greatest crime they could enforce against them, was their being firme to King Richard, because they did not only stomacke his dejection, but stirre more then others, and assay to raise forces on his behalfe. The Dukes confessed the first accusation, affirming they were unfortunately faithfull to King Richard, but as they that are once false, prove seldome after firmely sound, so they that have approved themselves true to one Prince may bee the better trusted by another. The King did rather admit this as a defence, then remit it as a fault, affirming that such examples were not to bee misliked of Princes, and did afterwards by curtesie, and liberalitie endevour to make them firme and faithfull unto him.

This fact was diversly interpreted, according to mens severall dispositions, some admiring the Kings moderation, others disallowing his confidence; And though these meanes have to that purpose prevailed with some, yet the common course may move us to conjecture, that there is small assurance to bee had in reconciled enemies, whose affections for the most part are like to glasse, which being once crackt, will never bee otherwise then crazed and ever unsound. During this time of Parliament held at Westminster, the Archbishop had convoked a Synod which was held in Pauls Church, to whom the King sent the Earles of Northumberland and Westmerland, who declared to the Clergie, that they were not sent to them from the King to require any moneys from them, but to acquaint them with the Kings resolution, which was to confirme all their priviledges and immunities unto them, and to joyne with them as they should desire him in the punishment of all hereticks and opposites to their religion received, for which so doing, hee craved but their supplications to God for the safetie of him and his posteritie, and prosperitie of the kingdome, which was by all there present religiously promised. Now to palliate all prejudice and hard opinion, which other Princes might happily conceive of these his proceedings, Hee dispatched Embassadours to divers his bordering neighbours, intimating to them respectively, both by what Title, and whose favour hee had obtained the Kingdome; To Rome he sent the Bishop of Hereford, Sir Iohn Cheney Knight, and Iohn Cheney Esquire to France, the Bishop of Durham, and the Earle of Worcester into [Page] Spaine; the Bishop of Saint Asaphs, and Sir William Par into Almaine, the Ann. 1400 Reg. 2. Bishop of Bangor, and others; most of these Princes (as in a matter which little concerned them, either in point of honour or hatred, seemed to take no notice of what was done, or were easily perswaded, that all was done well. But Charles of France, was so disquieted with this dishonourable dealing, with his Son-in-law, that his passion, upon the first relation thereof, put him into his old fit of phrenzie, but recovered thereof, hee provided for to revenge the injury; Many of the Nobilitie of France were forward, to set a foot this enterprise, but especially the Earle of Saint Paul, who had married King Richards halfe Sister, so that defiance is sent, and on both sides preparation for warre is made; These novelties much animated the Aquitains (being under the English command) some were grieved at the infamous blemish of disloyaltie, which was cast upon the Nation; others feared their being made a prey to the tyrannie of the French, against whom they had cause to suspect that England being distracted by civill factions, either would not attend, or could not bee able to beare them out; But the Burdisians were principally perplexed with King Richards wrongs, because hee was borne and bred in their Citie. The Frenchmen generally were nothing displeased at this discontentment of the Aquitanes, supposing that opportunitie was now offered, to regaine the possession of the Dutchy of Guian, if either power or pollicie were seasonably applied. Hereupon Lewis Duke of Burbon came downe Burbon soliciteth the inhabitants of Guyan to revolt. to Angiers, who from thence solicited the chiefe Townes of Guyan by faire speeches, and large promises, to change their allegiance, but the Lieutenant there Sir Robert Knowles withall diligence & industry, laboured to suppresse the mutinous, to stay the doubtfull, to confirme the good, and to retaine all in due obedience and order. But hee prevailed very little, his armie being but weake, and the people stiffenecked; Neither did Burbon much prevaile, due consideration being had, how heavy the yoke of France was, above the subjection of the English, having beene well acquainted with the tributes, and taxes, wherewith the Frenchmen were usually taxed, who had in every Country assigned Lieutenants and Treasurers, the one to draw the blood, the other the substance of the slavish-made subjects, whose cruelty and covetousnesse, laid hold without exceptions of all, the one tormenting by force, the other by law. Thus like a ship that the tyde driveth one way, and the wind another, betwixt obedience and revolt, stood the Aquitanes, they were willing enough to displease the English, but most unwilling to indanger or undoe themselves by adhering to the French, upon advertisement whereof, the Earle of Worcester, with a Company of able and willing souldiers, is sent into Guyan, who not by unseasonable exprobrating their fault, but The Earle of Worcester sent to Guyan. by reason convincing it, partly by his wisdome and credit, and partly by his authoritie and power, so terrified the wavering multitude, that he won them to his opinion, and kept their allegeance; The graver sort with respect of dutie and faith, the rest with regard of feare and danger; Then hee tooke their oathes for obedience unto King Henry, and planted garrisons in places of import without molestation if they remained dutifull, and yet of force sufficient to keepe them under, if they should attempt to rebell, and then returned to England, there showing a faire example of moderation, in seeming rather to have found then made the Aquitanes dutifull Subjects. This stirre no sooner stinted, when another more desperately dangerous did arise; For divers who had dissembled, or did repent, the furtherance they had used to the advancement of King Henry, conspired to compasse his destruction, whether for favour to King Richard (as the nature of man is to behold sudden [Page] miseries with the eyes of pitie) or for envie to King Henry, as commonly wee can endure excessive fortune no where so little, as in those that have beene in equall degree with our selves, or whether upon distaste received in the late Parliament, or in disdaine, to see others goe before them in the Princes favour, it is uncertaine; many sought to revenge their unjust anger with revolting.

There was in those times an Abbot of Westminster that imployed his studies, not as others, to cloke their idlenesse, and sloth under pretext of Religion, making a seeming show of sanctitie, and a solide practice of gaine and promotion, but to enable himselfe for counsell and direction in publicke affaires, who for the generall opinion of his wisdome and integritie, was in good credit with King Richard, and had accompanied him in his last expedition into Ireland. This Abbot calling to minde a speech of King Henries, when hee was but Earle of Darby, that Princes had too little, and religious men too much, knowing the saying to be too true, for at that time the riches of the Clergie was growne so great, that they were beheld by the eyes of envy, and withall observing the generall passages in those times tended to the abridging of the regular power, wherein lest Avarice should appeare openfaced, pollicie was pretended, and the excesse thought dangerous, both to the King and Clergie, as likely to cause want in the one, and wantonnesse in the other, and that thereupon in Parliament divers bills were formerly put up in King Richards time, to represse the increase of Religious possessions, and that inquisition, and redresse might bee had against such of the Clergie, as under licence to purchase ten pounds did purchase fortie and more per annum, and against such Ecclesiasticall persons, as caused their villanies, to marry free women inheritable, whereby their lands might come to those religious persons possession; And that it was there likewise moved, that the King should seize into his hands, all temporall livings of Religious houses, as being rather a burden, then benefit to religion. And that upon these, and such like Petitions the Archbishops of Canterbury and Yorke, in behalfe of the Clergie of their Provinces, were often-times enforced to make their solemne protestations in Parliament; That if any thing were attempted, in restraint of the libertie of the Church, they would in no wise assent, but utterly disclaime the same, which protestations were respectively enrolled; So that now partly upon love to King Richard, and partly upon feare, lest King Henry would be as ready to invade, as he was to inveigh against the riches of the Church. This Abbot blew the first coles, and brought fewell to the fire of The Abbot of Westminsters proceedings. this Confederacie; Hee invited to his house, upon a solemne feast day in Michaelmasse terme, those that hee had sounded, to bee most sound to his purpose: The chiefe of which, were such as in the Parliament before had in some sortbeene touched in reputation, although by pardon and reconciliation, the harme did seeme to bee closed up: Their names were Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter, Thomas Holland his brothers sonne, Duke of Surry; Edward Duke of Aumerle; Iohn Mountacute Earle of Sarum; Hugh Spencer Earle of Glocester; Iohn Bishop of Carlile, Sir Thomas Blunt, and Magitalon, one of King Richards Chaplaines, who in feature and favour, so resembled King Richard, that hee was afterwards affirmed to bee him indeed.

After dinner they withdrew themselves into a private Chamber to Councell, where the Duke of Exceter (who was mainly bent to restore, or revenge The Duke of Exceters perswasions to rebell. the cause of his Deposed brother) declared to the rest, the alleageance they had sworne to King Richard, the honours and preferments whereunto [Page] they were by him advanced; That they were therefore bound, both in conscience by the one, and kindnesse by the other, to take his part against all men. That King Henry contrary to both, had dispoyled him of his royall dignitie, and unjustly possessed himselfe thereof, whilst they stood looking on, and shewed neither the obedience of subjects, nor love of friends; That King Henry by violent invading, fraudulently insinuating himselfe into the kingdome of his sole Soveraigne, was but a tyrant and an usurper, and such an one, as it was lawfull for any one, at any time, by any meanes, to throw downe, without respect whether hee bee good or evill; for it is lawfull for no man, under the pretence and show of goodnesse, to draw Soveraigntie to himselfe; That the examples of best governed Common-wealths, did not only permit this action, but highly honoured the actor with Statues and Garlands, and also rewarded them with titles of Nobilitie, and all the wealth of the suppressed Tyrant: and lesse hee could not esteeme King Henry, that this enterprise, would bee very profitable to the republicke, by extinguishing those warres, that the Scots menaced, the French prepared for, and the Welchmen had already begun upon this quarrell. That hee did not distrust, but it might bee accomplished by open hostilitie, but hee thought it more sure for him, and safe for the Common-wealth, to put first in practise some secret policie. And to that purpose it was proposed and approved, that a solemne justs should bee notified to bee kept at Oxford in Christmasse holy-dayes, betweene him and twentie more on his part, and the Earle of Salisbury and twenty more on his part, to which King Henry should bee invited; And wen hee was therein observed to bee most intentive, hee should suddenly be surprized by such, which without suspition, might at that time bee assembled, both for number and preparation sufficient for the exploit; And thereby King Richard presently restored to libertie and State.

This devise was at once uttered and approved, and so resolving on the enterprise, they tooke a solemne oath of faith and secrecie, to the houre of death The Conspirators plot. each to other; And an Indenture Sextipartite was likewise made betwixt the Lords, wherein they bound themselves respectively each to other, to doe the best of their devoyre, for the destruction of the one, and delivery of the other King: which was interchangeably subscribed, sealed, and delivered; They likewise concluded, what forces should bee gathered, where and by whom they should bee ordered and placed, and to whose trust the execution of this exploit should bee committed.

In pursuance hereof, the Duke of Exceter came to the King at Windsor, and desired that hee would vouchsafe to honour with his presence, the martiall exercise that was intended betwixt him and the Earle of Sarum at Oxford: and bee pleased to bee Iudge of their performance, if any controversie should arise. The King perswading himselfe, that that was really intended, which was so formally pretended, easily yeelded to his request; whereupon the Duke with the rest of the Confederates did disperse themselves, and according to direction made their preparations, and furnished themselves with all things necessary for the accomplishment of their plot; and at the time agreed upon, addressed themselves to Oxford, well accompanied with horse and foot, where they all meet except the Duke of Aumerle.

The King hearing of their departure, determined the day following to follow, according to promise and appointment: The Duke of Aumerles absence gave just cause of doubt to the rest of his complices, and to bee ascertained of the cause of his stay, they send a Post unto him, but before his arrivall the Duke was departed from his house towards Oxford, but by the way [Page] went to visit his Father, the Duke of Yorke: As they sate at dinner, his Father espied a labell of one of the sextipartite Indentures hanging out of his bosome, and demanded what it was, the Sonne humbly craved pardon, and said it was nothing that any way concerned him, the young Dukes change of countenance argued some guilt, which bred some suspition in Yorke, and thereupon swore and said, By saint George but I will see it, and then whether The Duke of Yorkes speech to his Son. upon precedent jealousie, or some present cause to doubt of some strange stratagem it is uncertaine, but hee tooke it away from him by force; The contents whereof when hee had perceived, with a fierce countenance and speech, hee said, I see Traitour that idlenesse hath made thee so mutinous, that thou playest with thy faith as children with sticks: Thou hast already once beene faithlesse to King Richard, and turnst thou false againe now to King Henrie? Thou knowest in open Parliament I became bound, body and goods for thy allegiance, and can neither thy owne duty, nor my desert, restraine thee from seeking both our destructions, in faith, but I will rather help forward thine; And calling to make ready his horse, hee prepared to post to the King; It was no time now for the Duke to consult with his friends, or to consider with himselfe, what was best to bee done, but takes horse and posts towards Windsor another way, and was gotten thither before his Father, and pretending some strange and sudden occasion, causeth the gates of the Castle to be lockt: and alleaging some cause so to doe, taketh the keyes thereof with him to the King: in whose presence when he came, hee prostrates upon the The Duke of Aumerle discovereth the Conspiracy. ground, beseecheth the King of mercy and forgivenesse; The King no sooner demanded the offence, when hee with disturbed countenance and speech, discovered to the King all the plot, and the names of the Conspirators.

The King neither seemed rashly to beleeve, nor negligently to distrust the Dukes relation, and with pollicie it stood not to entertaine the discovery, with harsh and violent termes. Therefore with gratious speeches hee comforted the Duke; And if this bee true said hee, wee pardon you, if feined, bee it at your perill. By this time the Duke of Yorke is arrived, and admitted into the Kings presence, to whom hee delivereth the Counterpane of the confederacy; which when the King had read, hee complained of the unconstant disposition of those men, whom neither cruelty could make firme to King Richard, nor clemency to him, but upon mislike of every present government, were desirous of any change. Whereupon hee deferred his journey, and determined to attend at Windsor, what course the Conspirators would take: knowing right well, that in civill tumults, an advised patience, and opportunitie well taken, are the only weapons of advantage: and that it is an especiall point of pollicie, to make use of an adversaries oversight, in the meane time hee directs his Letters to the Earle of Northumberland his high Constable, and the Earle of Cumberland his high Marshall, and to other his friends, of these sudden and unexpected accidents. All this time the Confederates hearing nothing of Aumerle, and seeing no preparation for the Kings comming, were resolved that their conspiracie was discovered, and calling to minde that once before they had beene pardoned, the guilt of this their rebellion excluded all hope of further mercy, whereupon they desperately resolved, to prosecute that by open armes, wherein their privie practises had fayled; first they apparelled Magdalen in princely attire, and gave forth that he was King Richard, who by favour or negligence of his Keepers was escaped out of Prison, and now implored the faith and aide of his loving subjects. Then they dispatched messengers to Charles King of France, desiring his assistance in behalfe of his Son-in-law. The common people commonly [Page] changeable, as prone to pitie, as afore they were too forward in crueltie, earnestly wished the inlargement of King Richard, and wishing it, were easily drawne to beleeve it, in which imaginary conceit, the presence of Magdalen did strongly confirme them; And so either upon ignorance of truth, or delight in trouble, they joyned themselves in great troopes to the Lords, desiring nothing more, then to bee a meanes by which Richard might bee restored. Then the Conspirators with great force, but with greater fame, as the manner is of matters unknowne, advanced forward in battaile array towards Windsor against King Henry, as against an enemy to the State, they being forty thousand strong, upon notice of their approach, the King secretly with a small traine, the next Sunday night after New-yeares-day, departed from Windsor Castle to the Tower of London, and the same night before day the The King leaveth Windsor. Conspirators came to the Castle, where missing their expected prey, they were divided in opinions, which way to take, some advised speedily to follow to London, and not to permit him liberty to unite his forces. That Winter could not properly bee called a lette, but in idle and peaceable times: that in civill dissentions nothing is so safe as speed, and advantage increaseth more by dispatching then deferring; that whilst some were in feare, some in doubt, and others suspitiously ignorant, the Citie (nay the whole Realme) might bee possessed, and that many armies whose fury at first rush, could not be resisted, by delayes did dissipate, and wast to nothing, others that would seeme to bee, but were not, out of a dastardly disposition, perswaded rather first to set King Richard at libertie, for if their counterfeiting should bee discovered, before they had really his person in possession, the people would fall from them, which would bee to their utter confusion, by their perswasion they gave over the pursuit, and retired to Colbrooke, and there delayed the time of action in deliberation, neither being couragiously quicke, nor considerately stayed, but subject to vacillation: and thereby began every day more then other to bee vilipended, decreasing both in opinion, power, and hope; The Maior of London is commanded by the King, to levie power in armes The Maior of London furnisheth King Henry with Archers. for his assistance, who presently furnished him with three thousand Archers, besides a sufficient guard left for and in the Citie. Thus assisted the King with twenty thousand able souldiers from London came to Hounslow Heath, there staying braved his enemies, and contemning their disorderly multitude, but the enemies either for feare of their Kings power, or distrust of their owne, or lingring untill their expected ayde was come out of France, refused to joyne; And it is questionable, whether they showed greater courage in setting up the danger, or cowardise in declyning it, when it was presented unto them, from thence they went to Sunning neere Reading, where Queen Isabel lay: to whom upon the plaine song aforesaid, fame had descanted, that King Richard Queen Isabels womanish course. was at Pomfret with an hundred thousand men well appointed, and that for feare of him, King Henry with his was fled to the Tower of London. All which was as lightly beleeved, as it was idly told; Whereupon shee defaced King Henries armes, and plucked away his Cognizance from those, that as his servants attended upon her, and having there with somewhat eased her swolne heart, shee with the Lords departed to Wallingford, and from thence to Abington, stirring up by the way the people, to take armes in ayde of King Richard; At length they came to Cicester, and there tooke up their lodgings. The Duke of Surry & the Earle of Salisbury in one Inne, the Duke of Exceter and the Earle of Glocester in another Inne, the Army encamped The Inhabitants of Ciceter assault the conspirators. in the fields. The Bayliffe of the Towne suspecting what was true, that these guests were no good subjects, besets the house where the Duke of Surry [Page] lay, who with his retinue growne desperately bold, made strong defence against the assaylants; The Duke of Exceter and his Company had not force enough to rescue their Companions; Whereupon a Priest of their consort, supposing thereby to divert the Townsmen from the assault, set divers houses on fire, but the fire more inflamed the townsmens furie, and made them insist more obstinately in the attempt, swearing not to rescue their losses, but revenge them, and quench the flames with the Traytors blood. The Earle of Exceter, and they that were with him, perceiving the force of the assaylants to increase, and that it was impossible for a few so to sustaine the fury of so many obstinately bent, they fled out of the backside towards the Campe, intending to bring the Army to the reskue; But the souldiers having heard the alarum, and seeing the fire within the Towne, supposing the King was entred with his forces, were strucke with a sudden and causlesse feare, and wanting Commanders of courage to confirme them, they disbanded and fled; and whilst every one sought to save one, they brought themselves all to confusion.

The Duke of Surry and his company manfully maintained the fight, with great bloodshed on all sides, from midnight untill three of the clocke the next after-noone, and then being inferiour in number and fortune, the Duke and the Earle of Salisbury were both wounded to death and taken, and that evening dying, their heads were strooke off and sent to the King to London. There were then taken prisoners, Sir Bennet Sherley, Sir Bernard Brockas, Sir Thomas Blount, and twenty eight Lords and men of note, who were afterwards upon King Henryes comming to Oxford sent thither unto him, and there executed. The Duke of Exceter with Sir Iohn Sherley fled into Essex, from whence many times they attempted to have escaped to France, but by contrary windes were driven backe againe▪ and then lurking in secret places, the Duke was taken and lead to Plashey, and there beheaded. There wanted not some in those times that made conjectures that now the Duke of Glocesters death, was brought to bee reckoned for, who by Exceters counsell and contrivance, in the same place had beene wrongfully apprehended. An example for those which square out their actions by the crooked line of their pleasure, or power to other mens disprofit or disparagement, but punishment of such impietie, though it bee prolonged, doth never faile, but commeth at length, and then surely, though perhaps slowly. This Duke of Exceter was a man of high Parentage, great power, and honourable Alliance, Created Earle of Huntington in the eleventh yeare of King Richard now deposed: in the one and twentieth hee was Created Duke of Exceter, and upon the resignation of the place, and release of the right thereto, by Aubery de Vere, Earle of Oxford, was made that yeare Lord Chamberlaine of England, and married Elizabeth the Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, and Blaunch his wife; by whom hee had issue, Richard that dyed young, Iohn afterwards Duke of Exceter & Earle of Huntington; Edward that dyed without issue, and a Daughter named Constance, first married to Thomas Mowbray, sonne and heire of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, and after to Iohn Lord Gray of Ruthyn, hee was popular, and openly praise-worthy, but his secret actions were hardly censured, hee was partaker of all his brothers vices, and of counsell to many of them, yet somewhat more circumspect and close, and not so much partaker of his prosperitie, as violently carried with the torrent of his misery.

Thomas Spencer Earle of Glocester fled toward Wales, but in the way was taken and beheaded at Bristoll, hee married Constance Daughter of Edmond of Langly Duke of Yorke, and had issue, Richard that dyed young, Elizabeth [Page] dyed young, and Isabell who was borne seven moneths after her Fathers An. 1401. R. 2. death, and was first married to Richard Beauchamp Earle of Worcester, by whom shee had issue Elizabeth; her second husband was Richard Beauchamp Earle of Warwicke (cosin german to her first husband, by whom she had issue Henry, afterwards Earle of Warwicke.

The counterfeit of King Richard flying into Scotland was apprehended, committed to the Tower, and from thence drawne, and hanged, and quartered, and one Ferby, and an other of K. Rich. Chaplaines with him: divers others of all sorts, Lords and Gentlemen, with a great number of common souldiers, were in other places put to death, insomuch, that the King though otherwise of a moderate and peaceable disposition, seemed in this too too vindicative of his owne injurie, or rather in maintaining the injury that hee had done.

The heads of the chiefe Conspirators were pitched upon poles, and set over London bridge, lamentable spectacles of heads and quarters of unfortunate dismembred wretches were visible, in many parts of this Realme, putrifying above ground, not all for desert, but many to satisfie either the malice, or want of King Henryes friends; Insomuch that some of those of deepest apprehension, openly gave forth, That in short time there would be just cause to wish King Richard againe, as being more tolerable, to indure the crueltie of one, then of many, and to live where nothing, then where any thing might bee permitted, was most safe.

The Abbot of Westminster in whose house, and head this Conspiracy tooke life and light, hearing of these disasters, going from his Monastery Grange neere Westminster, was taken with a dead Palsie, and suddenly dyed speechlesse. And although in this enterprise, accident gave policie the checke, and by a strange fortune which wisdome could not prevent, overturned the project, yet it is apparant, that this Abbot first moved the stone, that rowling along, was likely toturne King Henry out of his Chaire. The Bishop of Carlile was condemned for his treason, but the extremity of his passion, closed up his dayes, and prevented the violence and shame of publicke execution. King Richard as afore having abdicated his Regalitie, did but a short time injoy that sweet securitie, wherewith hee so flattered himselfe; For first his goods which hee had given in satisfaction of the wrongs by him done, were shared amongst his enemies, and hee removed first to the Tower of London, and then from thence to the Castle of Leeds in Kent, and from thence to Pomfret, where being kept in straight Prison, innocent and ignorant of this offence, was notwithstanding made a partner in the punishment; For King Henry observing how farre the Lords might have prevailed with their late stratagem, for if their stomacks had beene but answerable to their strength, and their bold beginning, had not ended in faintnesse and sloth, they might have driven him to an hard hazard, hee caused King Richard to bee put to death, thereby to make sure, that no man should cloke open rebellion, under the colour of following sides, nor countenance his Conspiracie; either with the person or name of King Richard. But whether hee did expresly command his death or no, it is a question, but out of question he showed some liking and desire to the action, & gave approvement thereto, when it was done.

The report went that King Richard was Princely served every day, with abundance of costly dishes, but was not suffered to touch, or taste one of them, and so perished with famine; I perswade my selfe this is meerely fabulous, for such barbarous and unnaturall cruelty against a King, and a kinsman, is not likely to proceed from King Henry a Christian; But it is more [Page] probable which a Writer about those times affirmeth, That King Henry sitting at his Table sad and pensive, after a deepe sigh, said, Have I never a faithfull friend, that will ridde me of him, whose life will breed destruction to mee, and disquiet to the Realme, and whose death will bee a meanes of safetie, and quiet to both? And how can I be freed from feare, so long as the cause of my danger doth continue? what securitie, what hope shall we have of peace, unlesse the roote of rebellion bee plucked up? A Knight called Sir Pierce of Exton hearing this, with eight of his followers posteth to Pomfret, and pretending warrant from the King, had entrance into the Castle, where hee commanded the Esquire who sued to King Richard to surcease his service, whereupon when King Richard being set at Table, saw that hee was not served as afore with assay, and demanded of the Esquire the reason of this his neglect of dutie therein; Hee was answered, that Sir Pierce had brought such order from King Henry, comming lately from the Court; Richard moved with this act, and answer said, The divell take thee, and Henry Duke of Lancaster; with that Sir Pierce with his Retinew before him, entred into the Chamber, and locked the dore after them; Whereupon King Richard spying their drift, and suspecting his owne danger, stepped couragiously to the first man and wresting the Halbert out of his hands, therewith slew foure of his mischievous assaylants, and with admirable resolution fought with the other untill comming by the Chayre wherein the King used to sit, in which the cowardly Knight himselfe was got for his owne safetie, he was by him strucken with a Pollax on the hinder part of the head, who being at the point of death, groned forth these words, Edward the second my great Grandfather, was in this manner Deposed, imprisoned, and murthered, whereby my Grandfather Edward the third obtained the Crowne, and now is this punishment fallen upon mee his next Successor. This is right for me to suffer, but not for you to doe, your King may for a time joy at my death, and injoy his desire, but let him qualifie his pleasure with expectation of the like justice, for God who measureth all our actions, by the malice of our mindes, will not suffer this violence to passe unrevenged; whether these words did proceed from a distempered desire, or from the judgement of his fore-sight, they were not altogether idle. Sir Pierce expecting great rewards for his ungratious service, was frustrate of both, and not only missed that countenance for which hee hoped, but lost that which before hee had: so odious are crying sinnes, even to him for whom they were committed; Hereupon at first hee grew discontented, and afterwards tormented in conscience, and in a rage would often exclaime, that to pleasure one ungratefull person, hee had made both himselfe and posteritie, infamous and odious to all the world; King Henry with disquiet held the kingdome during his life, and so did his Sonne King Henry the fift, in whose time by continuall warre with France. the malice of the humor was otherwise exercised and spent. But his second Successor, King Henry the sixt was dispossessed thereof, and together with his young Sonne Prince Henry imprisoned and put to death, either by command or connivence of Edward the fourth; and hee also escaped not free, for hee dyed not without many and manifest suspitions of poyson; And after his death his two sonnes were disinherited, imprisoned and butchered by the Vsurper, the Duke of Glocester, who was slaine at Bosworth field, and so in his person (having no issue) the Tragedy ended. These are excellent examples, both to comfort them that are oppressed, and of terror to violent oppressors; That God in his secret judgement, doth not alwayes so certainly provide for our safetie, as revenge our wrongs and oppressions; and that allour [Page] unjust actions have a day of payment, and many times, by way of retaliation, even in the same manner, and measure they were committed.

Thus as most of the chiefe Writers doe agree was King Richard by violence brought to his end, although all Historians agree not of the manner of the violence. Hee was a man of personage rather well proportioned then tall, of gracefull and comely presence, of good strength, and no abject spirit, but the one by ease, the other by flattery, were much abused and abased, hee deserved many friends, but found but few, because hee bought them by his bounty, not sought them by vertuous behaviour, hee was infortunate in all his actions, which may bee imputed to his slothfull carelesnesse, for hee that is not provident can seldome prosper, for his loosenesse will lose whatsoever fortune or other mens labours doe cast upon him; Hee lived three and thirty yeares, and raigned two and twenty; in his younger yeares he was too much ruled by greene heads, little regarding the counsell of the grave, and judicious Councellors, which turned to the disquiet of the Realme, and his owne destruction; Hee married two wives, the first was Anne the Daughter of Charles the fourth, and Sister of Winceslaus King of Bohemia; shee was crowned Queene the twenty two of Ianuary 1384. but dyed without issue; The second wife was Isabell, Daughter of Charles the sixt, King of France, an infant of seven yeares of age, who after his death was returned into France, but without Dower, because the mariage was never consummate for want of copulation; The Lord Henry Piercy had the conveying of her over in Anno 1401. His dead body was embalmed and seared, and covered with leade all save the face, and carried to London, where hee had a solemne obsequie kept in the Church of Saint Paul, the King being present, and the chiefe Companies of the Citie: From thence hee was conveyed to Langley Abby in Buckinghamshire, and there obscurely interred by the Bishop of Chester, the Abbots of Saint Albones and Waltham, without presence of the Nobilitie, or confluence of the Commons, and without the expence of a dinner, after the celebrating of the Funerall. But Henrie the fift caused his body to bee taken up and removed to Westminster, and there interred amongst the Ancestors, with Queene Anne his first wife, in expiation of his Fathers violent and unfaithfull dealing, it was not amisse in regard of the Common-wealth, that hee was dead, yet they who were actors in his death, had small reason to reckon it among their good deeds; These accidents attend such Princes as being absolute in power, will bee too resolute in will and dissolute in life.

Humphry the Sonne and heire of the Duke of Glocester, in his returne out of Ireland, where King Richard had left him prisoner, dyed of the plague at Chester, the newes whereof kild the Dutchesse his Mother: about this time dyed Thomas Mowbray, the exiled Duke of Norfolke, who had outlived his honour, hee married two wives, both named Elizabeth, the first the Daughter of the Lord Strange, who dyed without issue, the second Sister and coheire of Thomas Fitz [...]llayne, Earle of Arundel, by whom hee had issue Thomas and Iohn, Margaret and Isabell. In this yeare also deceased Iohn▪ Duke of Britaine, who had taken a Wife, Mary Daughter to King Edward the third, but by her hee had no issue. Also this yeare dyed Edmond Duke of Yorke, surnamed of Langley, the first sonne of Edward the third, his reputation hee kept unblemished, and honour untainted, hee was not carelesse of good fame, nor greedy of greatnesse, wary and circumspect in his behaviour, not desirous of other mens wealth, nor too parcimonious of his owne, hee did not by obstinate opposing himselfe against the torr [...] of the [Page] time, rashly hazard his fame or fall, but by moderation, attained safely that degree of praise, which others aspiring unto, by desperate courses wonne an ambitious death without further profit; Hee married two Wives, the first was Isabell, second Daughter and coheire of Peter King of Castile, by whom hee had issue Edward Duke of Albemarle, Richard Earle of Cambridge, and Constance first married to Thomas Spencer Earle of Glocester, and afterwards to Thomas Holland Earle of Kent; his second Wife was Ioane Daughter of Thomas Holland Earle of Kent, and Sister and coheire of Edmond Earle of Kent, but by her had no issue.

King Charles though Lucidus per intervalla, yet sensible of dishonour, moved with his Daughters disgrace, made preparation to invade England, and brought downe his Army into Piccardy, but upon the certaine relation of King Richards death, hee gave over the enterprise, and sent over Embassadours into England, to treate or rather intreate, that his Daughter with her Dowry might bee restored to him againe; King Henry gave them audience, and answer, that hee would speed Commissioners to Callice, to commune and conclude with them, both of this and other waighty affaires concerning both the Realmes, whither hee sent Edward Duke of Yorke, and Henry Earle of Northumberland. The French King sent the Duke of Burbon and certaine others to Bulloigne; These Commissioners often met, sometimes at one place, some-times at the other. The Frenchmen instantly required their Kings Daughter to bee restored, without the doing whereof they had no order to treat of any thing. The Englishmen made a proffer to have a match betwixt Prince Henry and the Lady, alleaging that there was no disparagement of birth, nor disparitie of yeares betwixt them, but thereto they would give no consent, neither would they agree to the proposition of a perpetuall amitie; But in the end it was concluded, that Queene Isabell should bee redelivered to her Father, but sauns Dowry, because the marriage betwixt her and King Richard was never consummate, by reason whereof she was not Dowable upon the Treatie of the marriage, the surcease from Armes was agreed upon in King Richards dayes, for thirtie yeares, which was now mutually confirmed for the terme of these yeares unexpected.

Shortly after King Henry sent the Lady Isabella under the conduct of Thomas Lord Piercy, Earle of Worcester in royall estate to Callice, being accompanied with a brave troope of honourable Personages of both sexes, shee carried with her all the Iewells and Plate which she brought into England, with a great surplusage of rich gifts bestowed upon her by the King; At Callice shee was received by Valerian Earle of Saint Paul, Lieutenant in Picardy, and by him conducted to her Father, who afterwards gave her in marriage to Charles, sonne to Lewis Duke of Orleans, and so was rest, or rather respite of warre in France procured.

But the fire and fury of the late sedition was hardly quenched: when the Welchmen upon advantage of the doubtfull, and unsettled estate of King Henry, brake forth into a defection, before the King could either lay the groundworke of his Authority, or the people frame themselves to a new obedience, and having beene taught, that common causes, must bee maintained by concord, they sought by assemblies to establish an association, and to set up their owne principalitie againe; They Created for their Prince Owen Glendor, a fellow of a turbulent spirit, and factious disposition, and apt to stirre up sedition and strife, and though hee was of no great estate by birth, he was stout in stomacke, of an aspiring spirit, and wit somewhat above the ordinary ranke of those untrained people, bold, crafty, agile, and as hee li [...]t to [Page] bend his minde, mischievous or industrious in equall degree, in desires immoderate, and rashly adventurous, more desirous to doe, then circumspect what to doe, in his younger yeares hee was a student at the Innes of Court at London, and being incensed by a verdict given against him for tithe of land, betwixt him and the Lord Gray of Ruthin, and by nature being a man not of the mildest disposition; by this provocation hee was made savage and rough, and determined either to repaire, or revenge his losse, by setting the whole State on fire. Also his expences had beene too excessive, for a great man to continue, which brought him to barenesse, too base for a meane man to endure, and therefore hee was necessitated, to doe, or dare something more then ordinary. And more danger hee thought there was in orderly dealing, then in hazarding rashly: and now opportunitie is presented, for troublesome times are most fit for such attempts. And some likelihood there was, whilst the King and his Nobles were at variance, that harme might bee easily wrought to them both, upon these causes his desires were founded, and upon these troubles his hopes; But that his ambitious humour might beare some pretext of honest meaning, hee pretended to his Countrymen, the recovery of their freedome, the desire whereof is so naturally pleasing; That birds will rather live hardly abroad in the cold fields, then bee daintily dieted in a warme cage, and that now occasion was fitly offered, or else never to bee expected to ridde them of their servilitie (falsly entituled peace, whilst the Kings power was wayning, and the other not yet fully waxen, either being growen weak by wasting other, neither was there any oddes which did prevaile, sith the warre touched both alike, insomuch that warre would ruine the one, and victory the other, and like the Vulture sitting on the tree, whilst the Beare and Lyon fought, they need not feare prey if either fell.

Thus hee exhorted them to take courage and armes: And for the introduction to kill all the English within their territories, for libertie, and Lords were incompatible; Then to resume their antient Lawes and Customes, whereby more then by armes, Common-wealthes are confirmed and continued, established and inlarged, so should they bee a Nation uncorrupt, without commixture of forraine manners, or blood, and so forgetting servitude, they might either live at libertie, or be lords over others, upon this many flocked unto him, the better sort for love of libertie, other in hope of bootie, insomuch that in short time, hee had under his command a competent army where with to take the field, and to make some proofe of his souldiers resolution, hee set upon his old adversary the Lord Gray, slew many of his men, and tooke him prisoner, yet promised him releasement, if hee would take his Daughter to wife. But the Lord at first did not so much refuse, as skorne the offer; saying, Hee was too old to bee a Ward, to have his marriage obtruded upon him; Well quoth Owen, though you bee not my Ward, yet you are in my ward, and your Ouster le maine shall cost you double the Marriage money, you shall procure elsewhere. The Lord Gray seeing no orher meanes of his deliverance, at length accepted the condition, and tooke the Damsell to wife, yet his death preceded his enlargement.

The Welchmen proceed, and breake into the borders of Hereford shire, doing much spoyle therein, against whom Edmond Mortimer Earle of March, (withdrawne for his quiet to Wigmore Castle) with the Gentlemen of the Countrey to him assembled, did drawe head, betweene whom was a cruell conflict, not in forme of a loose skyrmish, but making a maine stand, they endevoured by might and maine, to breake and beare down each other. The courage and resolution on both sides was equall, but the Welch [Page] exceeded in number and direction, for they were commanded by one knowne Leader, who with his presence every where assisted at need, inciting An. 1401. R. 3. his souldiers, some with shame and reproofe, others with praise and encouragement, all with hope and large promises; But the English had no certaine Generall, but many confused▪ Commanders; yea every man was a Commander to himselfe, pressing on, or drawing backe as courage, or feare did move; Insomuch that they had taken a great blow that day, by ill-governed boldnesse, had not Glendor upon their beginning to rowte, ceased to pursue the execution, showing himselfe more able to get a victory, then skilfull to use it; But his men being most wounded, all weary, the night approching, and being in his enemies country, may in good judgements quit him from that aspersion. The night befriended the English, with liberty to retire without running away, no man appearing to follow the chase. They lost about a thousand men, who sold their lives at such a rate, that when manhood had done the worst against them, some mannish or rather divellish women, whose rage and malice are implacable, and immortall, exercised a vaine, but barbarous revenge upon their dead bodyes, first by stripping them, then cutting off their privy parts, and noses, the one they stuffed into their mouthes, and pressed the other betweene their buttocks, yet would not suffer their carkasses thus mangled, to bee buried, untill they were ransomed by a summe of money, by which unheard-of cruell covetousnesse, the faction lost reputation and credit, with the moderate sort of their owne people, who had reason to suspect, that it was not libertie, but licentiousnesse, which was desired; And that subjection to such inhumane mindes, would be more insupportable then any bondage.

In this conflict the Earle of March was taken prisoner, and kept close in a darke dungeon, which was cold and dampish, where hee was overburdened with daily wants, and much misery, which were with the greater extremity, and in more abundance inflicted upon him, that thereby King Henry his kinsman should be the sooner perswaded to redeeme and ransome him, hee was earnestly solicited by many of the Nobilitie, but principally by his Kinsmen the Piercies, for to procure his enlargement, but the King could not heare of that eare, hee could have beene well contented that his Sisters had beene with him there, or that all three were in heaven; For then the only blemish of his Title had beene covered over: so that it appeared thereby, that he more desired his destruction, then to procure his deliverance.

Glendor by his prosperous successe, was growne now more hard to bee dealt withall: proceeding further to invade the Marshes on the West side of Severne, where hee burnt many Townes, and slew much people, and returned with prey, and praises of his adherents where ever hee came, now hee found that weake resistance, that hee seemed rather to exercise a spoyle then a warre: King Henry being then detained with his chiefest forces, in an other more dangerous service, which besides these former vexations and hazards this first yeare of his raigne had happened unto him: For the Scots knowing that changes of Princes raignes was a time most apt for depredations, attempts, taking advantage of the absence of all the chiefe English borderers, partly by occasion of the Parliament, and partly by reason of the Pestilence which was that yeare very hot in the North parts of the Kingdome; They made a roade into the Countie of Northumberland, and there did much harme, they surprised the Castle of Waroke (the Captaine whereof Sir Thomas Gray, was one of the Knights of the shire for that Parliament:) which they held awhile, and then plundred and dismantled it and departed, in requitall [Page] whereof the English invaded, burnt and spoyled certaine Ilands of Orckney, whereupon the Scots set forth a fleet, under the conduct of Sir Robert Logon, with direction to attempt as occasion should bee offered, he purposed to have begun upon our Fishermen, but by the way hee was encountred by certaine shippes of Linne, and the greatest part of his fleet was sunke or taken. Thus though peace continued still betweene both the Realmes, yet a kind of theevish hostilitie was daily practised, which after brake forth into open warre upon this occasion.

George of Dunbar Earle of the Marches of Scotland, had affianced Elizabeth his Daughter to David the Sonne and heire apparant of Robert King of Scots, and in consideration of marriage shortly to bee celebrated: hee had delivered into the Kings hands, a great summe of money for his Daughters portion; But Archibald Earle of Dowglasse, disdaining that Donbars blood should bee preferred before his, so wrought with the King, that Prince David refused the Earle of the Marches Daughter, and tooke to wife Mariel daughter to Dowglasse: Earle George not being used to bee confronted, or sit downe with disgrace, could hardly enforce his patience to endure this scorne. And first hee demanded restitution of his money, not so much for desire to have it, as to picke an occasion to breake his Allegeance. The King refused to make payment, or give promise, but deluded him with frivolous delayes, whereupon with his family hee fled to the Earle of Northumberland, intending by disloyaltie, to revenge the indignitie: and to repaire his losses by his enemies ruine, if possible the English with wide and open armes imbrace the opportunitie, with whose helpe and assistance the Earle made divers incursions into Scotland, where hee burnt many Townes, and slew much people, enriching himselfe with booty and spoyle; King Robert depriveth the Earle of his honour, seizeth all his lands and possessions, and writes to King Henry, that as hee would have the truce betwixt them longer to continue, either to deliver unto him, the Earle of March and his adherents, or else to banish them the Realme. King Henry perceiving that these warres arising, had almost put the peace out of joynt, was determined not to lose the benefit of the discontented subjects of his adversarie; whereupon he returned answer to the Herald of Scotland, that hee was neither weary of peace, nor fearefull of warre, and ready as occasion should change, either to hold the one, or hazard the other; But the word of a Prince (was or ought to bee) of great waight: And therefore sith he had granted unto the Earle of March his safe conduct, it were a great impeachment to his honour, without just cause to violate the same. Hereupon the King of Scots did presently proclaime open warre against the King of England, who thought it pollicie rather to begin the war in the enemies countrey, then to expect it in his own, because that land which is the seat of warre, doth commonly furnish both sides with necessary supplies, the friend by contribution, the enemy by spoyle, sending certaine troopes of horsemen before him, both to espie and to induce an uncertaine terror upon the enemy, hee entred into Scotland with a puissant army, and with fire and sword proceeded, sparing nor Castle, Towne, or Citie, but burned Churches and religious houses, so that in all places that hee passed, the spectacle was ugly and grisly, which hee left behinde him, being such as commonly accompany the Chariot of warre. They that fled before the army, filled all places with feare and terror, extolling above truth the English forces, to diminish thereby their shame in running from them. About the end of September hee besieged the Castle of Maydens in Edenbrough, where Prince David and Earle Douglasse were, the inconstancie [Page] of the one, and the ambition of the other, being the principall movers of all this losse of blood; During this siege, Robert Duke of Albany, the Governour (during the King of Scots inabilitie through sicknesse to manage the businesse) sent an Harold to King Henry, protesting upon his honour, that if hee would abide but five dayes at the most, hee would either remove the siege, or lose his life. The King bountifully rewarded the Harold, and promised in the word of a Prince, to abide there during the time by him prefixed; But six times sixe dayes were past, but neither Governour, nor other appeared, Winter came on, victuall in the Campe fayled, the Countrie was cold and comfortlesse, it rained every day in great abundance, which distemperature of weather, and want of befitting sustenance, caused the death of many a tall souldier: it may bee these discommodities arising, stayed the Governour from performing his promise, for policie was against it, to hazard his men to fight, when Winter and want, two forcible foes, had given the charge upon his enemy, sure it is, that they moved the King to remove his siege, and depart out of Scotland unfought with; Both the Wardens of the Marches, were all this time in Scotland with the King, upon which advantage, the Scots did breake into Northumberland, and did some spoyle in Banborough shire, the English quickly tooke the Alarum, but the Scots with as much speed retired; But when King Henry had discharged his Army, the Scots not so desirous of life, as revenge, made a speedy road into England, under the conduct of Sir Thomas Hahbarton of Dirleton, and Sir Patricke Heborne of Hales, but all the hurt they did, did rather waken then weaken the English, and they themselves were somewhat encouraged, but nothing enriched by what they had got; But Sir Patrick puft up with desire & hope, resolved upon a greater exployt; The people which are easily led by prosperitie, in great numbers resorted unto him, but he was loath to have more fellowes in the spoyles, then he thought should need in the danger, therefore with a competent Army of the men of Loughdeane, he invaded Northumberland, where he made great spoyle, and loded his souldiers with prisoners and prey. They thought of no perill that might bee in the retrayt: so they marched loosly and licentiously, neither keeping themselves to their colours, or rankes: But the Earle of Northumberlands Vicewarden, and other Borderers in good array, set upon them at a Towne called Nesbyt; The Scots valiantly received the charge, and the battell was sharpe, in the end the Scots rankes grew thin, as being rather confusedly shouffled together then orderly composed, which when the Vice warden felt with a company, which he purposely retained about him for sudden dispatches, hee charged them home and rowted them; Sir Patricke bereaved of counsell and comfort, ranne up and downe, from place to place, commanding many things, and presently forbidding them; And the lesse of force his directions were, the oftner did hee change them, at last (as it hapneth in lost and desperate cases) every man became a Commander, but none a putter in execution, so the rankes loosed and brake, and could not bee reunited: the Victor closely pursuing the advantage, Sir Patricke thinking of nothing lesse, then either flying or yeelding, but thrusting himselfe amongst the thickest of the enemies, honourably lost his life: many of his Linage, and the flower of Loughdeane were likewise slaine, there were taken Sir Iohn and William Cockborne, Sir William Basse, Iohn and Thomas Hablington Esquires, and a multitude of common souldiers; on the English part no great number were slaine, and none of ranke or qualitie.

About this time King Henry sent his eldest Daughter Blaunch, accompanied [Page] with the Earle of Somerset, the Bishop of Worcester, the Lord Clifford, and others into Almaine, who brought her to Colleyne, where with great triumph shee was married to William Duke of Bavier, Sonne and heire to Lewis the Emperour.

About the midst of August, the King with a great power went into Wales to pursue Owen Glendour, but lost his labour, for Glendour had conveyed himselfe into his lurking holes amongst the Mountaines; The King through the extremitie of foule weather, was enforced to retire, having spoyled and burnt a great part of the Country round about.

The Scots under the leading of Archibald Dowglasse, about the number of twenty thousand, with barbarous crueltie entred into Northumberland, making havocke by the way, but at a place called Homildon they were encountred by the English, under the leading of Henry Lord Piercy surnamed Hotspur, and George Earle of March on holy-rood day in harvest, who put them to flight and tooke prisoners, after the slaughter of ten thousand of them, five hundred: whereof Mordack Earle of Fife (the sonne of the Generall who in the fight lost one of his eyes) Thomas Earle Murry, Robert Earle of Angus, the Earles of Atholl and Mentits were chiefe, and amongst the slaine were, Sir Iohn Swinton, Sir Adam Gordon, Sir Iohn Leviston, Sir Alexander Ramsey of Dalehowsey, and twenty three other Knights. Piercy having put his prisoners in safe keeping, entred Tividale wasting all in the way, and there besieged the Castle of Cockclawes, of which Sir Iohn Greenlow was Captaine, who upon condition that if hee were not relieved within three moneths compounded to surrender the Castle. The first two moneths were past, and no reskue nor likelihood thereof appeared; But before the expiration of the third moneth, the souldiers were sent for to attend the King in his expedition, as before against Glendour, and so they raised the siege and departed with a plentifull bootie.

The French King to backe Glendour in his trayterous designes (not so much for love of him, as hatred to King Henry) sent twelve hundred men of qualitie, to bee Captaines and Commanders, to those rebellious disorderly troopes, but the windes were so contrary, and the violence of the storme such, that they lost twelve of their best ships with their fraught, and the rest with great difficultie returned to France. The English deriding the whilst the French Kings ill successe, whose enterprises though they threatned much, yet they alwayes vanished to nothing. The report whereof so exasperated his resolutions that forthwith hee sent into Wales twelve thousand men who safely landed, and joyned with the Welch; But upon notice of the English Armies approach, suspecting their owne strength, or their partakers fidelitie, amazed and heartlesse they ran to their shippes, and without any service done disgracefully turned home.

King Henryes Embassadours lately sent into Britaine for the Lady Iane de An. 1403. R. 3. Navar, Dutchesse of Britaine, the relict of Iohn de Mountford, surnamed the Conqueror, with whom the King by procurators had contracted matrimony, in the beginning of February returned with her in safetie; The King The King married. met her at Winchester, where the seventh of February the Mariage was solemnized. In the meane time Valerian Earle of St. Pauls, out of a malitious hatred to King Henry with seventeene hundred men of warre, from Har [...]ew landed in the Isle of Wight, where burning two Villages and some few Cottages, in token of triumph hee made some Knights; But hearing the people of the Island to have assembled, hee hasted to his shippes and retired. About that time Iohn Earle of Cleremont (the heire of Bourbon) wonne from the [Page] English, the Castles of Saint Peter and Saint Mary, and the new Castle; The Lord de la Bret wonne the Castle of Calafyn, of great consequence for An. 1403. R. 3. the honour of England to bee questioned.

The Piercies, Earles of Northumberland and Worcester, with Henry Hotspur, which in the initiation of King Henryes attempts had beene both advisers and coadjutors about this time began to turne retrograde to obedience, their reason was, for that the King not only refused at their request, to redeeme their kinsman Mortimer from Glendours slavery, though often by them and their friends to that purpose solicited; But likewise contrary to the law of the field, and Martiall custome, as they pretended, had challenged as of right pertaining to him, all such prisoners as by their martiall prowesse had beene taken of the Scots, either at Homeldon or Nesbyt, of which they formerly (whether of curtesie or duty by them it was disputable) only had delivered unto him, Morduk the Duke of Albanyes sonne; Neverthelesse they came to the King at Windsor, where (of purpose to prove him) they required that either by ransome, or otherwise hee would procure the liberty and inlargement of their cousin german Edmond Mortymer [...]avishly shackled and abused, as they affirmed, for being true to him; The King made answer; That the Earle of March was not taken prisoner in defence of his Title, nor in his service, but willingly suffered himselfe to bee taken, because he would not withstand the attempts of the Traytor Owen and his Complices, and therefore neither would relieve nor ransome him; Whereupon Henry Hotspur brake forth, and in passion said, The heire of the Realme is bereaved of his right, and the robber will not allow him part of his owne for his redemption, and therewith the Piercies departed the Kings presence, and presently procured Mortymers delivery, and to adde more waight to King Henrye's displeasure, they entred into a league offensive and defensive with Glendour; And by their Proxies in the house of the Archdeacon of Bangor, they agreed upon a tripartite Indenture, under their hands and seales, respectively to bee made, to divide the Kingdome into three parts, whereby all England, from Severne and Trent South and Eastward was assigned for the portion of the Earle of March: all Wales and the lands beyond Severne Westward, were assigned to bee the portion of Owen Glendour, and all the remainder of land from Trent Northward to bee allotted to Lord Piercy; This was devised or advised say some, by Glendour, (whom they would make a Southsayer) by occasion of a Prophesie, as though King Henrie was the Mowldwarpe, cursed of Gods owne mouth, and they three must bee the Lyon, the Dragon, and the Wolfe, which should divide the land among them. But the event proved those blinde fantasticall dreames of the Welch Southsayers to bee Deviationes non divinationes; In the meane time King Henry, not acquainted with these Conspiracies, caused a Proclamation to bee made, intimating thereby, that the Earle of March had voluntarily caused himselfe to bee taken prisoner. That the Rebells having him in their custody, and company, might pretend some colour, wherewith to varnish such conspiracies, as secretly they had complotted, and contrived against his Crowne and him; And therefore his discretion for his safetie advised him not to hearken to any motion for his being redeemed.

Hereupon the Piercies, assisted with a company of Scots, (whom they by setting their Scottish Prisoners at libertie had procured) drew to their partie the Earle of Stafford, and Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke, brother to the beheaded Earle of Salisbury, and many others, and with them purposed to joyne with the Captaine of the Welch; And to set the better glosse to [Page] their treasonable attempts, they framed by way of accusation, certaine Articles against the King, which they published, and to this effect sent them unto him in writing.

Articles against King Henry.

1. IN primis, That when hee returned from his Exilement, hee made faith, only to challenge and recover his Inheritance and his wives, and not to intermeddle with the King, nor with his Crowne, by reason of which oath, divers loyall and good Subjects to King Richard, resorted unto him, not having any treasonable intent; But after when hee saw his power so much increased, that hee might doe what hee pleased, hee wickedly brake his oath, and without any right or colour-like right, procured himselfe to bee made and Crowned King.

2. Item, That not only as an arch-Traytor hee had imprisoned his owne Liege Lord, and undoubted Master, King Richard, but had caused him to bee barbarously murthered, that so with the grearer securitie hee might enjoy his Masters Crowne and Kingdome.

3. Item, that eversince the death of King Richard, hee had unjustly kept the Kingdome, and the Crowne from his Kinsman Edmond Mortymer Earle of March, who was the Sonne and heire apparant of Philip the Daughter and heire of Lionel Duke of Clarence, elder brother to Iohn of Gaunt, Father of the new usurping King.

4. Item, That when neither present occasion, or need compelled him, hee had imposed divers Taxes and Subsidies upon the people, to their great griefe and impoverishing, whereof they willingly would but durst not complaine.

5. Item, That no justice could bee expected at his hand, because that contrary to the oath which hee had taken when hee was Crowned, hee had by Letters sent into sundry Shires, and thereby procured certaine Burgesses of the Parliament, and Knights of the Shire to bee chosen, whom hee knew would not faile to serve his turne, as occasion should bee offered.

6. And lastly, That where in honour, and for affinities sake, hee ought to have ransomed, or redeemed his said Cousin the Earle of March, from his lothesome imprisonment, (being by some of his Privie Councell thereto often solicited;) hee not only denyed the said request, but falsly and untruly published and declared, that the Earle himselfe, was of his owne accord become a voluntary Prisoner, to the end that Traitors and Rebells joyning with him, might have somewhat wherewith to colour such Treasons as they would conspire or plot against him.

For which causes, and many other as bad, they defied him, as an usurping Traytor, and as an utter enemy, they vowed his destruction, and the restoring of the said Earle to his right.

The King perceiving that nothing but strength of blowes could end this strife: and being perswaded that if hee could victoriously suppresse this rebellion, hee should bereave his enemies from future hope to prevaile in the like attempts, with a great and well-composed Army, hee marched towards the Lords, forecasting in his March, how to prevent the English from joyning with the Welch, which with a provident care hee prevented, and about Shrowsburie on Saturday Saint Marie Magdalens eve, hee encountred the Piercies, the Scots gave a brave onset on the King, but hee so welcommed them, that scarce one was left unhurt, but most of them slaine, yet the Conspirators stoutly maintained the fight, and pursued it with that courage and [Page] resolution, that they were confident of good successe, untill the King with the young Prince Henrie, and some young branches of honourable stockes in their company, (bravely resolving rather to die honourably then to live disgracefully) put to their strengths to joyne with Valor, and with a noble emulation to give faire example each to other; They so shooke the enemies vauntguard, that Hotspur and some other chiefe Commanders on his side, and many thousands more were slaine. The Earle of Worcester was taken Prisoner in the field, together with Sir Richard Vernon, Sir Theobald Trussell, and the Baron of Kindarton, and the rest fled. On the Kings part (besides the Earle of Stafford, who had but that morning revolted from the other side) were slaine Sir Hugh Sherley, Sir Iohn Clifton, Sir Iohn Cockayne, Sir Nicholas Gansell, Sir Walter Blunt, Sir Iohn Calverley, Sir Iohn Massey of Puddington, Sir Hugh Mortymer, and Sir Robert Gausell, all which had beene but that morning before Dubbed Knights, with Sir Thomas Wendesley, who afterwards died of the wounds there received. This Edmond Stafford was third Sonne of Earle Hugh, and after the death of Thomas and William, who dyed without issue, was Earle of Stafford and Lord of Tunbridge, hee married Anne, the Daughter of Thomas of Woodstocke Duke of Glocester, by whom hee had issue Humphry afterward Duke of Buckingham, and Philip that dyed young, and Anne first married to Edmond Mortymer Earle of March, but had no issue by him, and after was married to Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington, by whom shee had issue Henry Duke of Exceter: of common souldiers the King lost about sixteene hundred, but had made slaughter of above sixe thousand of the Conspirators (whereof thirty sixe fell by his owne sword) neverthelesse Dowglasse once unhorsed him, and in his presence slew Sir Walter Blunt, who with divers others that day were in all things habited alike to the King, for which so brave exploit, after Dowglasse by the unfortunate fall of his horse (having broken two of his ribbes) being taken Prisoner, was by the Kings speciall command carefully dressed and attended, and ransomelesse, with great commendation set at liberty, so farre can vertue prevaile with a grievous foe.

The day following the King with the whole Army with great show of zeale, gave God thankes for this victory, by his assistance so happily atchieved, and then caused the Earle of Worcester to be beheaded, & many of the Ringleaders of that rebellion, to bee drawne, hanged, and quartered, and their heads placed on London bridge. This Thomas Piercie Earle of Worcester. and Lord high Admirall of England, married Elizabeth, eldest Sister and coheire of David Earle of Athol, by whom hee had issue, Henrie Earle of Atholl; After this the King sent Henry Prince of Wales with the whole Army into that Countrey; But before his comming, Owen Glendor was abandoned by all his Company, and lurking in the Woods was there famished, many of his associates were taken, and there put to death, and the Prince joyfully returned to the King.

Whilst the Prince was in Wales, Henry Piercy the Earle of Northumberland, of his owne accord came, and submitted himselfe to the King, with many oathes and protestations of his innocency, as not being once acquainted with any intent of Treason and rebellion. And though the King conceived not the least thought that might excuse him, yet for that time hee gave him a seeming show of faire entertainment, and for that time with gentle language and kind countenance, as it was thought, for that hee had the possession of Barwicke Castle, and other places of strength in his power, permitted to goe free, and come at his pleasure.

[Page] The Britons under the leading of the Lord of Castiles spoyled and burnt the Towne of Rlimmoth, and returned unfought with, his speed was the more, and his fortune the better, but lest hee should boast too much of his conquest, the Westerne men under the command of William Wilford Esquire by order from the King, sent forth a Fleet, which arriving in Britaine, tooke fourty Shippes laden with Oyle, Sope, and Rochel Wines, and burnt about fourty more, and then landed at Pennarch, burning. Townes and Villages sixe leagues within the Countrey, together with the Town of Saint Mathew, and all the building there three leagues about the same and returned laden with spoyle and bootie, sufficient with advantage, to recompence the losses received at Plymmouth.

A Parliament was called at Coventry about the feast of all Saints; but at An 1 [...] 04. R. 4. Saint Andrewes tyde, for want of good accommodation; then the same was prorogued to London, untill the Feast of Epiphany.

The Frenchmen about that time attempted to have ransacked the Isle of Wight, and to that end set on land one thousand footmen, who having got together a great booty of cattell; the Ilanders enforced them to their Shippes, and to leave their prey behind them with many of their men, to helpe pay the damage done. An unaccustomed surcharging Subsidy of every Knights fee, whether the same were held by Mesnaltie or otherwise, twenty shillings to the King, every one that could dispend twenty shillings per annum ultra A byting Subsidie. reprises, and so upward of what holding soever, twelve pence the pound, and aboue twenty pounds in goods according to the rate, twelve pence in the pound, is in this Parliament granted▪ but with this caution and protestation, that it should not hereafter bee drawne for a President, and that no Records thereof should be kept in the Treasurie or Exchequer; but that presently upon the account made, all the Rowles thereof to be burnt.

This yeare there dyed that ever to bee reverenced with gratefull remembrance, William of Wickam Bishop of Winchester, who more affecting by workes of Piety and Charity, to doe good unto his Countrey, then to propagate Posteritie, left behinde him many monuments of his zeale to Religion, and love to the Church, howsoever his primitive name is uncertaine and disputable. For the discordancie of Writers of those times, have left too many scrupulous questions about his descent and originall surname; I have therefore as neere (as God hath enabled mee) endevoured to cleere the point, and what with some search I have found hereof, to set downe the truth; And though to some it may here appeare impertinent, yet I presume it will not altogether prove unprofitable.

In the yeare of our Lord God 1324. William the sonne of Iohn Long, was borne at Witkham in the Countie of Southampton; This Iohn was Parish Clerke of Wickham aforesaid, in which place hee taught Children to write, and amongst others his owne sonne, who profited so well, that hee attained to the writing of a very faire hand; a qualitie in those dayes much respected, and by the better sort greatly desired.

From Wickham this Iohn with his wife and family removed to Litchfield: & there as afore-time, he continued the course aforesaid; And thither amongst others, did one Nicholas Woodall then Constable of the Castle of Winchester send a Sonne of his to be instructed, who upon his returne making relation to his Father, of this William his skill of faire writing, was a meanes that this Constable of the Castle procured the said William of his Father, and kept him together with his owne child at Schoole in Winchester, where hee learned his Latine & French tongues, in both which he profited exceedingly.

[Page] From Winchester at Master VVoodhalls charge, hee is sent to Oxford, where hee applyed himselfe to the study of the Cannon lawes, but from them before any degree in Schoole taken, hee, by his Patron was sent for, who being made Surveyor generall of his Majesties workes (a place in those dayes of more then ordinary regard) hee is by him imployed as his Clerke, and in short time grew so expert therein, that hee farre surpassed all others, in orderly keeping the Account booke, and faire engrossing of the same: Insomuch, that King Edward the Third about that time, much addicted to rea [...]ing magnificent sttructures: comming in Progresse, and lodging at the Castle, heard a large commendation from the Bishop of VVinchester, Adam de Orleton of this VVilliam Longs sufficiency; who affirmed unto the King, that hee had divers times by his Masters leave, imployed the young man, and upon full proofe found him every way of sufficiencie to doe his Majestie any requirable service; Whereupon the King told the Bishop, That if without doing wrong to his Master hee might obtaine it, hee was desirous to have this VVilliam to serve him; The Bishop thereupon perswadeth and prevaileth with Master VVoddall, to preferre this his servant to the King; who more tendring his Clerkes preferment, then his owne ease, or service (a course not over frequent in this Age) accordingly tendreth him; whom the King gratiously entertaineth, and presently imployeth him in contriving and overlooking his Fortifications at Doven and Quinborough Castles, and afterwards made him Surveyor of his buildings at VVindsor Castle, and his Houses of Henley, and East-Hamstead, in all which his imployments, hee so dexteriously behaved himselfe, that hee not only got the generall good will of his contemporary officers and workmen, but also the favour of the King and his Councell, and all the Courtiers; of whom by discreet observation he had sufficiently learned to make use of the time to his best advantage; And having sufficiently seene proved by others experience that service is no certaine heritage; And that only to depend on the Kings favour, and the peoples praise, was a brittle and slippery course to run in, wisely therewithall observing, that spirituall promotions (the wind blowing as it did) was easily to bee obtained, presuming the King would not bee offended, if hee should enter into Orders; when thereby preferment was every day promised, no doubt inwardly feeling himselfe to bee sufficiently called, hee entred into holy Function; And according to the custome of the Clergie men of those times, bee was from thence forth written, and called by the name of William of Wickham, and by that time was instituted first Parson of Saint Martins in the field; Then made Minister of Saint Martins le grand; afterwards Archdeacon Archiepisc. Parker. fol. 257. of Lincolne, Provost of Wells, and Rector of Manyhent in Devonshire.

But within short time after notwithstanding his watchfull care in his deportment, to give no occasion of offence (as neere as possible to any) much lesse to the King, yet hee was falne into the jawes of Envie (a common plague to Court favourites) and by some or others be traduced to the King; For over-ambitiously affecting vaine-glory, as arrogating the renowne of the Kings choice-peece of building to bee the worke of VVickham only, and for an instance thereof, they produce a sculpture in a stone of the wall in VVinchester Tower in VVindsor Castle, set up at that time, when hee was imployed in that worke which imported▪ This made VVilliam of VVickham; And this upon the first relation gave just cause of indignation to the King, as derogating much from his honour, to have a subject to attribute the building of the wall to his Soveraignes house to bee done at his charge; For which so [Page] saying, the King sharply reprehendeth VVickham; To whom VVickham modestly replieth, that it was farre from his thought to ascribe by that inscription, the Honour of building that tower to himselfe, but his owne good hap for being preferred to that worke: for not by any indifferent construction, the words may seeme to import, that VVickham built that Tower; But his imployment thereabouts, was the cause of making and preferring of Wickham: for thereby hee had gained his Majesties gratious favour and countenance.

By this answer the King was pacified, and as it were to make VVickham amends, and deterre his calumniators from further persisting in such their envious courses, the Kings favour is daily increased towards him; and hee is enriched with many faire preferments; Insomuch that within few yeares by the assistance and plotting of Iohn Buckingham Bishop of Lincolne, and Sir Simon Burleigh Knight, two of his antient and most intimate acquaintance in Oxford, hee had gotten into his possession, besides the spirituall livings before remembred, twelve severall Prebendships, and by dispensation from Pope Vrban; and qualification by being the Kings Chaplaine, hee held at one time in his hands, so many Ecclesiasticall livings and promotions, as the valew of them did amount in the Kings bookes, to the summe of eight hundred seventy sixe pounds thirteene shillings and foure pence, in those In regist. Simonis, Larg. fol. 12. dayes a great summe; such was his behaviour, that hee held the Kings favour firme unto him, and the Nobilitie for the most part, did well approve his courses: besides these Spirituall promotions, the King had likewise honoured him with many temporall places of both profit and respect, as being his principall Secretarie, Keeper of the Privie Seale, Master of the Wards and Liveryes, Treasurour of the Kings Revenewes in France, and some other Offices of lesse eminencie. Now whilst his wealth and worship every day increased, in Anno 1356. VVilliam Edendon Bishop of VVinchester departed Fox. Martir. fo. 1100. this life, leaving the sea void, whereupon (the King desiring the same) the Monkes of Saint Swithins in VVinchester elected VVilliam of VVickham to that sea: But Vrban the then Pope, being sufficiently informed of the Elects little learning but great livelyhood, deferd by the space of a whole yeare the confirmation of the Election; in which time VVickhams good Angells interceding for him in the Court of Rome, hee is permitted to take the benefit of the spiritualties, and to have the temporalties in the meane time sequestred. The King hearing how much the insufficiencie of schollership Godwyn. fol. 184. was obtruded upon VVickham, began to expostulate with him to surcease further suit for the place, which required to bee supplied by a man of more sufficiencie in Clerkship then hee was, to whom VVickham replied, that so please his Majestie to continue his gratious favour towards him, so that hee might obtaine his desire therein, hee doubted not, but by Gods speciall assistance, so to behave himselfe, that hee would supply all defects of schollership in himselfe by providing for others meanes and maintenance, to make and keepe able persons for the service of the State, and the good of the kingdome; wherewith the King was so taken, that hee wrought so effectually; That in the yeare 1367. hee was consecrated Bishop of VVinchester, and was restored to all profits of that Bishopricke, during the vacancie.

Within short time after hee was made Lord Treasurer, and was imployed and trusted with all the affaires of the kingdome, and had the disposition of all the Kings Treasure, which was the occasion to advantage his enemies to strike the more easily at him; For the King by the new Bishops care being rid of many troubles, yet tooke a further benefit thereby: for whatsoever [Page] was done that displeased the Councell, or the Commons that was objected to the Bishop, whereby when the Kings wants were pressing, it was held the best pollicie at that time, to give the King a supply, by squeezing the full moistned spunge of the Bishops coffers. And to yeeld some colour for their so doing; The Bishop is charged to give account for eleven hundred ninetie sixe thousand pounds received, during the time of his being Treasurer, besides a hundred thousand Francks delivered him by Galeaze Duke of Millaine, which must bee suddenly performed, and the more to puzzle him at that very instant, divers untrue and feyned cavillations by way of complaint, are put up against him at the Councell boord; to the answering whereof hee is instantly convented, where whilst hee is intentive to save the bye, hee hazarded the losse of the maine, for whilst hee indevoureth to give satisfactory answers to the foresaid calumniations; Iudgement is through the earnest importunitie of the Duke of Lancaster, by William Skipwith Lord chiefe Iustice upon an information of deceipt suggested, awarded in the Kings bench against him, by meanes whereof, all his temporalties were seized upon, taken into the Kings hands, and given to the Prince of VVales.

And for a further addition to his affliction by Iohn of Gaunts meanes, hee is in the Kings name commanded upon paine of his Majesties high displeasure, not to come within twenty miles of the Court. The Bishop with a cleere conscience, and a constant resolution, awaits a fitter time to crave review of this sentence against him, and like a discreet Pilat playeth with the wave, which if hee should meet might indanger him, and by giving way thereto, escapeth the hazard; Accesse to the King hee knew not how to obtaine, to pacifie the Duke of Lancaster hee saw no possibilitie, and how to procure any course to bee taken for his benefit, hee was altogether ignorant; His trayne therefore hee dismisseth, expecting some few, of whose honest fidelitie, and otherwayes sufficiencie hee had made sufficient proofe, these he imployeth to write out and ballast his accounts, and such answers, as hee had made to the accusations and informations which as aforesaid were exhibited against him, which perfected, the Copyes thereof, hee privately disperseth amongst his brethren of the Clergie; and such other, as hee presumed would without prejudice to his cause, vouchsafe the reading of them; And therein amongst other things hee at large setteth forth the ground, or occasion of the Duke of Lancasters irreconciliable malice against him, which was thus, Queene Philip wife to Edward the third upon her death-bed▪ by way of Continuator histo. Ranulphi. Confession, delivered unto VVinchester, That Iohn of Gaunt was not the lawfull issue of King Edward, but a suppositious sonne; For when she was brought to bed at Gaunt of a maiden childe, knowing how much the King desired to have a male issue, shee consulted with one of her maides of honour, by whose industry the Daughter was exchanged with a Dutch woman for a boy, whereof shee had beene delivered about the same houre with the Queenes; Thus much shee confessed, and withall conjured the Bishop that if the said Iohn of Gaunt should at any time directly or indirectly attempt or affect the wearing of the Crowne, or that rightfully for want of issue it should devolve unto him; That the Bishop should dicover the same, and make it knowne to the King and the Councell: afterwards the Queene being dead, and Iohn of Gaunt during the weaknesse of the King, did take upon him so much, that hee gave just cause of suspition to the lookers on, of his ambitious affecting the Crowne. The Bishop first in silent and secret manner by way of ghostly counsell diswaded the Duke from nursing the least hope of Antiquitates Britt. fol. 257 ever attayning the Crowne, and witha [...] used his best perswasions to him to [Page] content himselfe privately to live without further intermeddling then needs must, with the affaires of the kingdome; And then hee would keepe unrevealed, what otherwise by [...]ye of dutie to his profession, he must and would discover, which would redound much to the Dukes disparagement: This so nettled the Duke, that passion confounded reason, and in the height thereof hee waded as farre as hee durst, for feare of undergoing the censure of the Church, for reviling one of the Fathers thereof; Neverthelesse hee did not so temper his words but that hee gave just occasion to the Bishop to provide for his safetie, and to looke to himselfe, hereof hee gave intimation to the rest of the Bishops.

And so it chanced, that within short time after a Parliament is convoked, wherein the Kings necessitie of present supply of money is much prest; But the Clergie unanimously affirme, that without their Brother the Bishop of VVinchesters presence, they neither can, nor will consult of any thing, and therefore crave that hee might bee permitted to come; The King being told that hee being a principall member of the house of Parliament, could not with conveniencie bee excluded; Whereupon hee is sent for.

The Bishop upon notice of the Kings pleasure repaireth to London, but in that obscure manner, and with that small retinue, that hee ministred occasion of commiseration to the beholders; which so incensed the Duke of Lancaster, that hee not only continued his indignation against the Bishop of VVinchester, but openly did oppose all the Bishops in generall, protecting and countenancing VVickliffe, a man of more zeale then discretion, in all his overbold and undutifull carriages towards them. In the meane time VVinchester having sufficiently learned, that the King now in his declining time, did so dote upon Alice Pierce, that in a manner hee was altogether governed by her, complies himselfe wholly to her, and so effectually aut prece aut pretio, or both, made his way with her, that mauger all what the Duke could say, or doe to the contrary, after two yeares being kept out of his livings by her meanes, the Bishop is restored fully to whatsoever had beene taken, or was detayned from him.

The Parliament dissolved, the Bishop commeth to VVinchester, where as well by the Citizens, as Pryor and Covent, hee is joyfully with kinde welcome, and generall procession received and entertained; Then and there also hee receiveth of the Executors of his Predecessors Bishop Edington satisfaction for the summe of one thousand one hundred sixtie two pounds tenne shillings, and for the valew of one thousand five hundred fiftie sixe rother beasts; three thousand eight hundred seventie sixe Weather-sheepe, foure thousand seven hundred and seventeene Ewes, three thousand five hundred twentie one Lambes, and one thousand one hundred twentie seven Swine, Vbi supra. formerly recovered against them for d [...]apidations, before the Officiall of VVilliam VVitesley Archbishop of Canterbury.

King Edward being dead, and Alice Pierce being banished the Court, Iohn of Gaunt confident now to worke his malitious designes against VVinchester, taking the advantage of his Nephew King Richards infancie, musters afresh his old forces, and with small addition of some new surmised cavillations reinformes, and againe accuseth the Bishop of VVinchester; But the Stowe▪ 562. Dukes malice was not more discernable, but the Bishops innocencie was every way as perspicuous; By meanes whereof hee escaped all the Gauntish machinations, and by the helpe of his truest friend (his open but full purse) hee obtained a generall Pardon under the great Seale of England, and together with that from thenceforth a quiet and unperturbed estate: during which [Page] time, hee made preparations to forward his preintended goodly buildings, providing himselfe of all needfull materials, and furnishing himselfe with some of them, and all his chiefe workmen, for stone-worke out of France; having made tryall of his Artificers skill in their owne Countrey, where at Roven hee built a stately conventuall Church, and furnished the same with all needfull and befitting ornaments and maintenance.

And now having in readinesse all requirable utensells, his first worke was the building of a Chappell at Tytchfeid, where his Father, Mother, and sister Perrot were buried, endowing the same with proportionable maintenance for a Priest to performe the Ceremonies in those dayes used, for the benefit of the soules departed.

Hee founded at Southwicke in the Countie of Southampton neere the Towne of Wickham, the place of his birth, as a supplement to the Priory of Southwicke a Chauntry with sufficient aliment, and all other necessaries for five Priests for ever.

Hee bestowed twentie thousand Markes in orderly repairing the houses belonging to the Bishopricke.

He discharged out of prison in all places of his Diocesse, all such poore prisoners as lay in execution for debt under twenty pounds, about which hee expended two thousand pounds.

Hee sufficiently amended all the high wayes from Winchester to London, on both sides the River.

Hee procured large immunities to the Sea of Winchester, and purchased lands thereto, to the valew of two hundred Markes per annum, with a Licence in Mortmaine for two hundred pounds per annum more.

In the eleventh yeare of the Raigne of Richard the Second, he receiueth from the Kings owne hands the great Seale of England, and is made Lord Chancellor, whereby it appeareth that King Richard was not altogether so voide of judgement in the choice of his Officers of eminencie, as the Writers of his time would seeme to make him.

At his returne from Court, hee called all his Officers to account, amongst whom hee remitted the summe of▪ foure thousand pounds, in which they were arere, and gave to every one of them respectively a generall release of all demands untill that time.

Hee likewise remitted unto the tenements of the Bishopricke, all such customary payments of knowledge money, as were by his Officers affirmed to bee due unto him, in the whole, amounting to the summe of five hundred and twentie pounds.

But now as if whatsoever was done before had beene but an essay of what hee intended to doe after, hee began to lay the foundation of that magnificent structure in Oxford, at that and till this time called new Colledge. And upon the fift day of March Anno Dom. [...]379. hee in person layd the first stone thereof. And afterward having finished and sufficiently furnished the same with all befitting accommodations, and endowed with proportionable meanes, for the liberall maintenance of a Warden; Threescore and tenne Students, twelve Chaplaines, three Clarkes, sixteene Choristers, one Organist, and all other Officers requirable, either in Church on Colledge.

Hee dedicated the same to the honour of God in the memory of the Virgin Mary. And upon the fourteenth day of Aprill, in the yeare of our Lord Isa. Worke fo. 90. God 1386. at three of the clocke in the morning, hee gave the possession thereof to them whom hee had made choice of to bee the Warden and Fellowes therein. Leland and Fox in his Martyrologie affirme, that in this [Page] place before it there stood Noetius Colledge, built by Alver at Noetius intreaty, and that for the affinitie of the name, it came to bee called New Colledge.

The next yeare following, that is to say, the 26. day of March 1387. hee likewise in person layed the first stone of the like foundation, neere the Bishop of Winchesters Pallace in the Soake by Winchester, called Woolvesey to Let in manner of a Nursery or Seminarie of Grammarians to be fitted and made ready for his Colledge in Oxford; And in the like space of sixe yeares finished the same, and Dedicated the same as that other in Oxford, and as afore at three of the clocke upon the 28. of March 1393. hee gave seizen thereof unto the, by him then chosen Warden, Fellowes, and Schollers, Iohn Morrice Clerke being the first Warden, Iohn Milton the first Schoolemaster.

His provident care likewise was such, that hee not only finished these two so renowned Colledges, and every way for the present furnished the same with all needfull and necessary accommodations for the maintenance of them in a most liberall proportion; But devised and appointed such, and so many directory rules and statutes, for the well ordering and good government of the same; That it ministred just occasion to a most reverend Archbishop to write, and give this true testimony of him and them.

Quae Collegia constructa & absoluta, tam praeclaris legibus statutis (que) fundavit, terris (que) ac possessionibus ita locupletavit, ut coeteris literarum Collegia postea statuentibus tanquam exemplar, at (que) speciem quod imitarentur proposuisse videatur; Ita quod à praecipuis Collegio [...]um Oxoniae, Cantabrigiae (que) Patronis posteà observatum est, ut in his quae fundaverunt Collegijs Wickham, jura & statuta paucissimis verbis mutatis verbatim describerent, Quae res prudentiam ejus singularem, his (que) quae in R. P. gessit muneribus dignum indicavit quod ad bonarum litterarum incrementum in quibus ne mediocriter eruditus existimabatur, tam accommod [...]ta & apposita statuta ex cogitaverit, &c.

Over and above the immense charges of those his two so stately and unparareld foundation of Colledges, the one for Prophets, the other for Prophets children, observing by his excellent knowledge in Architecture, that the small Marble pillars that stood in the body of Saint Swithins Church were of the weakest, to support the roofe thereof, hee began where Bishop Edington ended, which was at the West end of the Tower, where the bells hang, and from thence to the West end of the Church all along to inclose the Marble pillars with square hardstone▪ and raised the roofe higher, and beautified the same, adding to the North and South side thereof, two faire spatious Iles, covering all that part with Lead, and made a most beautifull Window at the West end, where in coloured glasse was deportrayted the line from I [...]sse to Ioseph the Husband of the Virgin Mary, and further ornately glazed both those Iles with the portratures of all the preceding. Bishops of VVinchester, and stories out of the old Testament in like glasse,

About the later end of his dayes, the then Pope having sent over his [...] to perswade the English to joyne with other Christian Princes, and undertake the Crusado. This Bishop (through age and sicknesse, unable and unfit to attempt a journey of that nature) would not neverthelesse be thought backward in the service, but made his purse supply the defect of his person, and to encourage others of more agile bodyes to the businesse, he delivered a [Page] great masse of money to be respectively distributed amongst such as would undertake the service, and wanted wherewith to furnish themselves accordingly for the journey.

And then some few yeares before his death, hee appointed in the lower end of the South Ile of the body of the Church of Saint Swithins beautified by him as aforesaid, a decent, and well-befitting Monument for himselfe, wherein afterward he was buried; At that time also, at the end of the North Ile, there he made a commodious place for keeping the Consistory Court.

At length knowing the uncertainty of the day, but the certaintie of his departure out of this life, hee made his last Will and Testament; Whereby it appeared, that notwithstanding all those infinite occasions of exhausting his In the Colledge Libraty. Treasure, hee thereby expressed to bequeath respective Legacies, to the full value of sixe thousand two hundred seventie two younds; for the orderly payment whereof hee had provided before-hand in ready cash in his Coffers, so much coine besides plate, jewells, bookes, vestments, atd all manner of utensells of houshold and an almost incredible stocke and store of corne and cattell.

Amongst other of his Legacies hee bequeathed Aliciae Perrot consanguineae suae centum libras. Quae an eadem fuerit, quam Aliciam Perres, quidem Historiographi nuncupant, cujus gratia regi reconciliatus fuerat, incertum est, saith the Author, Britanni [...]arum antiquit: fol. 258. But the contrary thereof appeareth in that it is manifest, that VVilliam Perrot, who had married Bishop Wickhams sister, had a daughter then living, whose name was Alicia Perrot.

Hee likewise left unto Thomas Perrot whom hee adopted to be his heire by the name of Thomas VVickham, one hundred pounds land per annum to him and his heires for ever; Together with all the furniture of house and houshold-stuffe, at the time of his decease, that should bee in that house wherein hee should happen to depart this mortall life, which was at South-VValtham, now called VValtham Epis [...]. in the Countie of Southampton.

This Thomas Perrot alias VVickham, was the youngest sonne of VVilliam Perrot, that married Agnes the daughter of Iohn Long and Sibill his wife: for by her hee had three sonnes, VVilliam Perrot who entred into Orders, and lived at Rome or Roven beyond the Seas, Iohn and this Thomas, who was afterward Knighted by the name of Sir Thomas VVickham, and married the heire of VVilliam Wilkes, unde, non constat, a [...] a Daughter called Alice, by some supposed to bee Abbatesse of Romsey; but untruly, for her name that was Abbates, was Felitia daughter of Ralph Long, whether brother or Vncle to Bishop VVickham, is not for ought I can learne determined.

Before I goe further, give mee leave pro posse, to remove an objection, that may primafacie seeme to crosse the credit, of what hath beene affirmed about his repayring Saint Swithins Church, when as it appeareth by the expresse words of his Will; that hee left the doing thereof to his Executours; But so please those, that shall seeme to move that question, to observe the time of the date of his Testament, and the date of the Codicill to the same annexed by which it is appointed by him, that whatsoever hee in his lifetime shall undertake that therewith his Executours shall not be chargeable though by the Will hee hath given them order to doe it, so that notwithstanding by his Will hee appointed his Executors to repaire the Church, and erect his Tombe, yet hee lived to doe both himselfe.

And now after all these so memorable actions, saith Bishop Godwine in his lives of Bishops, fol. 187. hee having runne the course of a long, happy, [Page] and most honourable life, hee ended the dayes of his Pilgrimage in peace, in Ann. 1404 Reg. 5. the yeare 1404. aged above 80. yeares, when hee had sate Bishop of Winchester 37. yeares.

I have heard it reported, that this pious Bishop did bestow upon the King, many rich jewells of inestimable price; And to every Officer of houshold attending upon the King, to every one of them one Iewell or other.

And that hee likewise distributed to every Parish Church within his Diocesse of Salisbury amounting in the whole to the number of sixe hundred fiftie and foure Churches, a decent Sattin Cope imbrodered, with a Challice and pix of silver; whereon was engraven, Ex dono VVilli. de VVickham, but upon what ground to build the truth of this relation, certainly I know not more then this, That in Salisbury I saw in the house of Thomas Grafton, one of the Aldermen thereof, an old Challice whereon was graven Ex dono Guil: de Wickham. And it appeares in Howes Prosequution of Stowes abstract to 561.

That Bishop VVickham gave many things to the King, to his Courtiers, to every Church in his Diocesse, to his owne servants, and to his Colledges: And therefore doubts not, but that hee that thus lived, now liveth with God, whom hee beseecheth to raise up many more such good Benefactors in this Kingdome, to whose good wish with all my heart, I say, So be it. Amen.

The French afresh cast anchor before the Isle of VVight, and sent Messengers on shore to demand the delivery of the Isle to their possession, but upon the stout answer of the Ilanders, and notice of their preparation and resolution to fight, the French wayde anchor and departed, presently upon this Monseur Lewis the proud Duke of Orleance, Brother to the French King, in a vai [...] glorious stile, sent a Challenge to King Henry, requiring him with The French Kings brothers challenge. an hundred men of name and Cotearmour armed at all points, with Speares, Axes, Swords, and Ponyard, to fight the Combat to yeelding, every Victor to have his Prisoner, and his ransome at pleasure, offering to come to Angulesm [...], if the King would come to Bourdeux to defend the Challenge; The King with great moderation, made him this discreet answer, That his former actions in martiall exploits (hee presumed) had sufficiently acquited him from any the least touch of cowardise; And withall, that Kings sacred, and annoynted as hee was, ought not to bee so carelesse of the people committed to their charge, for any cause to fight, except for furtherance or maintenance of true Religion, or for preservation of their rights, or defence of their Kingdomes from depradations, or to revenge injuryes obtruded, or other such like important causes, neither was hee by the law of Honour or Armes, bound to answer in Camp-fight, except upon good ground, with his equall in dignitie and office; But added withall, that hee would be at all times prepared to repulse, or represse any that unadvisedly or otherwise should attempt, to offer him or his, either violence or disgrace. To this the Duke replies, and the King rejoynes, but not without some unfitting taunts and jeeres, which so nettled the over-passionate Duke, that with all expedition hee falls upon Vergye a Towne in Guian, which for the space of three moneths notwithstanding many desperate assaults, was bravely defended by Sir Robert Antfield, and three hundred Englishmen, insomuch that the Duke after the losse of many men, despayring to carry it: without honour or spoyle returned into France, Presently upon that the Admirall of Britaine (who the yeare before had taken from the English certaine shippes laden with wine) accompanied The French attempt Dartmouth, and are repulsed. with the Lord du Castile, and some thirtie sayle of shippes attempted to land at Dartmouth, but were repelled, in which service the Lord [Page] Castell and two of his brethren, and foure hundred of his men were slaine, and two hundred taken prisoners, amongst whom the Lord Baquevile Marshall of Britaine was one.

Five hundred men of armes, five hundred Crosse-bowes, and one thousand Flemmings on foot, under the conduct of the Earle of Saint Paul, layd siege to the Castle of Marcke, three leagues from Callice. Sir Philip Hall the Captaine thereof, with fourescore Archers, and foure and twenty other souldiers, valiantly defended the same, and put the first assault, the next day the French entred the base court, where they tooke some kyne, horses, and other cattell; But they having notice that Sir Richard Aston Lieutenanr of the English pale, under the Earle of Somerset, with two hundred men of armes, three hundred footmen, and ten Waggons of amunition approached, kept close in their trenches, from whence (being beaten upon by the Bowmen on both sides) they were forced and fled. The Earle of Saint Paul escaped to Saint Omers, but left threescore (most men of qualitie) dead behind, and fourescore Prisoners, besides his Camp to be rifled by the souldiers, with the spoyle whereof they retreated to Callice; And within five dayes after their returne thither, they issued forth in hope to have surprised Arde, but by the valour of Sir Manfrid de Boyes the Captaine, they retired with the losse of forty of their fellowes, whose carkasses they burned in an old house, that the French should not certainly know their losse.

The Lord Thomas of Lancaster, the Kings third Sonne and the Earle of Kent, the two and twentieth day of May, with competent forces entred the The Kings third sonne with some forces land at Sluice. Haven of Sluice, burnt foure great Shippes ryding at anchor, and in expectation to have met the Duke of Burgoigne they landed, but without resistance, having spoyled the Country round about, they returned to the reliefe of Callice, which by the French was besieged, in the way they were encountred by three Carricks of Genoa, one of which, with winde, tide, and full sayle, bare so hard upon the Shippe wherein the Lord Lancaster was, Three Carricks of Genoa taken. that hadnot his Pilat beene the perfecter, hee had beene in danger to have beene overborne, for his vessell was much bruised, the fight was doubtfull, untill the Earle of Kent bare with them, and then they tooke the three Carricks richly laden, and brought them to the Chambet at Rye, where one of them by misfortune was fired, and to the gaine of neither side perished.

The coles of the Northerne rebellion was not so cleane extinguished, but that by removing of the ashes, under which they were hid, the sparcks thereof were afresh discovered. For envy which alwayes lyeth beneath, staring upward, had so infected their eyes, that they could not endure to looke upon King Henryes so great prosperitie, so that by the watring therof the sorenesse was discovered, amongst whom Henry Piercy Earle of Northumberland, Northumberland and others with him rebell. Richard Scroope Archbishop of Yorke, Thomas Mowbray Earle Marshall, the Lords Hastings, Fawconbridge, Bardolfe, and divers others conspired at a time appointed, to meet upon Yorkeswould downts, with all the forces they could raise, and that under the leading of old Northumberland, they should bid defyance to King Henry. The Earle Marshall invented, and the Archbishop contrived divers Articles of grievances, both generall and particular, wherewith they spared not to calumniate the King, these first they covertly showed amongst themselves, but afterwards sent Copies of them to their▪ friends further off with these protestations, that to vindicate such injuries, and to redresse such oppressions, they would if need were not spare the last drop of their best blood; Then these Articles are set up in the publicke streetes, and upon the gates and entrances into Churches and Monasteries. [Page] That thereby all men might be throughly informed, what they would endevour to reforme, and what they were thus resolved by force of armes to undertake, hope of reformation of some, and desire of innovation of others. drew on multitudes of all sides, to bee partakers of this enterprise, to whom the Archbishop clad in abiliments of warre presents himselfe, and first giving them his benediction and plenary indulgence to all such as should dye in the exploit, hee exhorted some, and encouraged others to undertake and proceed with him in this enterprise: The gravitie of his countenance, the perswasion of his integritie of life, and the opinion of his deepe learning, were motives The Archbi▪ Yorke perswades the people to rise against the King. sufficient to induce many to accompany him, and all men to reverence him. His fervor erected his zeale, but discretion did not direct his fervor, for hee too suddenly discovered their projects; so that the King about to make an expedition into Wales, upon notice of these passages, turned his march Northwards. Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmerland with Lord Iohn the Kings second sonne, having had intelligence of this insurrection, assembled what forces they conveniently could, and with the ayde of the Lords Henry Fitz-Hughes, Ralph Eevers, and Robert Vmphrevile; They made head against the Rebells, and comming into a plaine in the Forrests of Galtree, they sate downe right against the Archbishop and his retinue, who were twenty thousand strong, Westmerland perceiving the enemies forces to exceed theirs, endevoured to sowe the Foxes taile to the Lyons skin, and by a politicke devise to circumvent the Archbishop, to this end hee sent a messenger unto him, demanding the cause why hee a Churchman, and a grave Prelate, should drawe so great a confluence of people together, and in that manner in armes to fright the Kings subjects, and disquiet his peaceable government. The Archbishop returned answer, That hee neither had or would doe any thing, that should tend to the breach of the Kings peace, but that hee alwayes had, and ever would, pray for the continuance of the same without violation; And that the cause of his being armed, was for his owne defence, whom the King had without just cause threatned, by the instigations of such sycophants, as in too too great multitude swarmed daily about him, whereby his accesse unto him without such forces could not bee obtained, and herewith hee sends unto VVestmerland a scrowle of the Articles, desiring his patience to reade them, which upon the messengers returne; When VVestmerland had read, hee made show of approving the Archbishops pious purpose, promising with his assistance to prosecute the same, and desired some conference privately to be had▪ betweene them; In the meane time acquainting Lord Iohn the Kings Sonne with his intention. The credulous Archbishop though a great Clerke none of the wisest men, was so forward to beleeve what was proposed, that hee perswaded the Earle Marshall, though most unwilling to doe so, to goe with him to the place appointed to conferre, where with equall company they met; The Articles are read, and allowed of, and reformation resolved on all hands to bee endevoured; Whereupon VVestmerland seemed to commiserate the souldiers, being in armour all day, and weary, wisht the Archbishop to acquaint his partie, as hee would his, with the mutuall agreement, and so shaking hands, in most courtly friendship dranke unto him; Whereupon the souldiers were willed to disarme, and to repaire to their lodgings, which they willingly obeyed, but were no sooner gone when a troope of horse, which in colourable manner seeming to depart, wheeled about, but afterwards returned, and being now in sight, the Earle of VVestmerland arrested Westmerland circumvents the Archbish. of Yorke. both the Archbishop and Earle Marshall, and brought them both prisoners to Pomfret to the King; who was advanced so farre with his power, [Page] and from thence marched to Yorke, whither the Prisoners likewise were brought, and the next day both the Archbishop and the Earle Marshall who dyed a batcheler were beheaded. The Archbishop tooke his death with that patience and constancie, that the common people did not feare to affirme hee dyed a martyr. He is beheaded at Yorke.

From Yorke after the Citizens had beene put to their fines and ransomes, the King departed thence thirty seven thousand strong, every way well appointed and furnished, and marched towards the Earle of Northumberland; At Durham the Lords, Hastings and Fauconbridge with two other Knights (being convict of the Conspiracy) were executed; Northumberland hearing his plots discovered, with three hundred horse sped him to Barwicke, from whence after hee heard that the King followed him, and had taken the Castle of VVareworth, hee with the Lord Bardolfe fled into Scotland, where they were entertained by David Lord Fleming. The King gave summons to the Castle of Barwicke, which they refused to obey, hee planted a great peece which being discharged against one of the towers of the battlement, so shook the same, that presently they within yeelded without composition, Whereupon William Greystocke, Henry Baynton, and Iohn Blinkinsop Knights, and five others were put to present execution, and many other put into severall prisons; In his returne hee tooke in all such Castles and peeces of strength, as had beene belonging to the Earle of Northumberland, or any Northumberland his partakers proclaimed Traytours. other his partakers, who were all proclaimed Traytors.

Iames, Sonne and heire of Robert King of Scotland, attended on by the Earle of Orckney, and a mitred Prelate sayling towards France, whither the Prince being an Infant of nine yeares old, was sent by his Father for to bee instructed in safetie, was taken by certaine Mariners of Norfolke, and presented Anno 1408. The Prince of Scotland taken prisoner, and sent to the Tower. 1408. to the King at Windsor, the thirtieth of March 1408▪ from whence the Prince and Earle were sent for safe keeping, to the Tower of London, but the Bishop escaped: Roger de Walden, the tennis ball of Fortune, who had lived to turne the wheele of chance about its circle, dyed this yeare: who from a meane descent, and but a poore scholler in the now but new founded Colledge of Saint Maryes in Oxford, at length came to bee Chaplaine there, and stepping on by degrees, attained to the Deanry of Yorke, and finding the ginge of the Court, made such use thereof, that hee thereby got to bee Lord Treasurer of England; And after that Richard the second had banished Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury the Realme, who in Parliament before but minùs justè, was attaint of Treason, VValden was Consecrate and authorized Archbishop of Canterbury, and so for the space of two yeares continued, but after a deposall of King Richard, Arundell by King Henry was restored: and by Pope Boniface, Roger was pronounced an intruder, who now being Archbishop, but without a Bishopricke, as afflictions seldome come uncoupled; hee was called to account for the Treasurership, and though hee produced his quietus est, yet were all his temporalties seized, and hee imprisoned, yet from thence being delivered by the charitable condition of the now Archbishop, hee led a private life, but then was made Treasurer of Callice, and then with great hope of rerising, hee was promoted to bee Bishop of London,

The Duke of Orleans besieged the Townes of Burgh and Bloy in Gascoygne with a great power, but after eight weekes siege, and the losse of six thousand of his souldiers, hee raised his siege and departed.

The Lord Camoyes being arraigned before the Earle of Kent, for that day Lord high Steward (upon supposition without ground, which some forgetfull [Page] persons had accused) to have plotted the Kings surprisall by Pirats upon An. 1408. R. 9. the Thames, in a ship whereof he had the charge, was by his Peeres acquit, and restored to his goods, lands, offices, and the Kings fauour.

Northumberland and Bardolfe after they had beene in Wales, France, The Lord Camoys arraigned for treason, is acquit by his Peetes. 1408. and Flaunders, to raise a power against King Henry, returned backe to Scotland, where after they had continued a yeare, with a great power of Scots and strangers, they returned into England, recovered divers Castles formerly belonging to the Earle, to whom great multitudes of people resorted, wherewith they came into Yorkeshire making great spoyle: by the way making proclamation, That they were come for the comfort of the English, and the reliefe of the Common-wealth, therefore willed all that desired to retaine their libertie, to repaire unto them.

Sir Thomas Rokesby high Sheriffe of Yorke, having leavied the power of the Countie, with that only upon Bramham More, gave the Rebells battell wherein Northumberland was slaine, Bardolfe taken, but wounded to death, and the rest put to flight. This Henry Earle of Northumberland had two Wives, the first was Margaret daughter of Ralph Lord Nevill of Raby, by whom hee had issue Henry Hotspur slaine as afore; Sir Thomas Piercy, Sir Ralph Alane that dyed young; His second Wife was Maud, daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy, by whom hee had no issue.

This yeare a Parliament began, in which the Commons preferred a Petition 1410. A Petition by the Commons against the Bishops. Meanes to maintaine, Earles 150▪ Knights 1500 Esquires 6200. and an hundred Hospitalls of new to bee erected. to the King and the upper house, therein expressing their desire, that the King might have the temporall possessions which the Bishops and Clergie consumed in unnecessary courses, the value thereof they pretended would bee sufficient maintenance for one hundred and fiftie Earles, one thousand five hundred Knights, sixe thousand two hundred Esquires, and one hundred Hospitalls for maymed souldiers, besides them already erected; They craved likewise, that the Clerkes convict should not bee delivered to the Bishops prison, and that the Statute made in the second yeare of the King against Lollards might bee repealed, which [...]avoured of too much curiositie and too little charitie.

The King upon advised consideration justly distasting their distempered zeale, denied their Petitions, and in person commanded them, upon paine of his indignation, from thenceforth not to presume to trouble their braine about any such businesse; In this Parliament the King moved in every yeare wherein there was no Parliament kept, to have allowed him a tenth of the Clergie, and a fifteenth of the Laytie, the Bishops assented, but the Commons would not agree thereto.

Sir Robert Vmfrevill the Vice-Admirall of England, with tenne men of warre entred the Forts in Scotland, lying there fourteene dayes together, landing every day on one side or other, taking great preyes, and doing greater hurt, hee burnt the great Gallyot of Scotland, and many ships over against Lyeth, and carried away with him fourteene tall ships, laden with Corne and Sir Robert Vmphrevill tearmed Mend-market. other Staple commodities, which at his returne hee sent to the Markets round about, which brought downe the prises of all things, and purchased to him the name of Mend-market. Hee likewise made a road by land into Scotland, and burnt Iedworth, and most part of Tiuidale. An. 1411. R. 11.

The King Created his sonne Thomas, Duke of Clarence, his brother Thomas Beufort third sonne of Iohn of Gaunt, hee Created Earle of Dorset, The Prince of Wales removed from being President of the Councell. upon some distaste taken, not given against the young Prince, whose youthfull carriage was well-neere censured, by the graver sort to bee wilde and uncivill: the King removed him from the place of President of the Councell, [Page] and gave it to his third sonne Iohn; and giving too much eare to his severer Councellours against the said Prince, hee made (at least-wise) was said to make a misconstruction of all his actions, seasoning the same with jealousie, that hee ambitiously affected the Crowne, and that he would not stay the leisure of time to have it after the Kings death, but would use some stratagem, (though with the losse of his Fathers life) to take present possession thereof.

To feed this suspition, all the youthfull actions of the Prince are set on the tentours, and exemplified beyond the degree of wildnesse, his merriments are termed ryots, his company are stiled Swaggerers, his behaviour branded with dissolutenesse, and his words and gesture dangerous; Whereupon a vigilant eye is carried over him, and a note taken of all his followers and Fashions. The Prince all this while innocent, would not seeme (though hee had intelligence of thus much) to take notice of these passages but continued his sporting, merriments, with his old companions, amongst whom (as in all ages some such have beene) there were those that would dare, and doe many forgetfull prankes, the blame whereof still was laid on the Prince his shoulders, whose greatnesse was able to countenance their great follyes which hee many times (and not unwillingly) did undergoe. At length being informed that two things were necessary for a Christian to observe, Credit and Conscience, the one for his acquaintance sake, the other for his owne, and that hee would bee censured to bee cruell to himselfe, if that hee neglected the opinion of others, as relying only on the assurance of his owne Conscience, hee resolved to give this satisfaction to the world, that such as had given his Father intimation of any sinister intention on his part, were in an error undeniable, hee first by severall Letters of his owne, both inditing and writing, expostulated with such, as hee knew to bee guiltie of doing ill offices betwixt him and his Father, laying before them the unsufferable wrongs done unto him, that had devised to discredit him in those misreports; And lastly upon the nine and twentieth day of Iune, with a trayne of all his friends and servants, the number whereof was very great in a garment of blew Sattin wrought all with eyletholes of blacke silke, at every hole the needle hanging, by which it was sowed, and about his arme a thing in fashion of an hounds coller, stooded with S. S. of gold, and the tyrots of the same, From hence was the honorable ornament of the coller of S. S. worne by these in eminent places in remembrance of this Princes reconcilement to his Father devised. The Prince presents himselfe to the King. hee came to the Kings Court at Westminster, where being entred into the Hall, according as hee had formerly given direction, not one of his company advanced himselfe (though often by the Kings servants requested) above the fire place, hee himselfe attended by the Kings owne servants only, was brought into the presence; the King (though afflicted with sicknesse) caused himselfe in a Chaire to bee brought into his privy Chamber, where in presence of but three or foure of his Privie Councell, hee demanded of the Prince, the cause of his so unwonted habite and comming; to whom the Prince with a most humble and filiall reverence upon his knees, said, Dread Soveraigne and deare Father, thus prostrate upon my knees, as a loyall subject and dutifull sonne, with all befitting humiliation and requirable reverence, I render my selfe in all things lyable to your command: having of late received information, by the relation of some neerest about your Majestie, that my forgetfull cariage hath given unto your Grace cause of suspition, that my heart should not bee right, nor my affections towards your highnesse so placed, as duty and obedience on my part doe require and expect, and being assured, that if I knew any one within your kingdome of whom your highnesse should justly have cause to stand in feare that I hold my selfe bound by the law of God and nature, to punish that person, and quantum in me est, [Page] to remove the cause of doubt from your heart, now much more then is that requirable by the lawes of filiall respect, and naturall proximitie of blood and duty, That I your sonne and servant, in my owne particular am tide to prevent the least suspition of unthankfulnesse in mee, and danger thereby to you, should for the better securing your quiet, tender my life as a forfeit to your Highnesse, for giving cause of question of loyaltie to you, that that being taken away, and the ground of your jealousie being removed, you might with more securitie, enjoy the quiet of an undisturbed minde. To this end having this morning with a Christian preparation of humble Confession, and receiving the blessed Sacrament of the blood and passion of my Lord and Saviour Christ Iesus, fitted my selfe to bee made a sacrifice, to exterminate your jealousie, I have presumed to approach your seat of Majestie; And therefore I humbly beseech you to ease your heart, and hereby to take assurance of your future quiet, by giving a period to my griefe, and your feare; and to give this ponyard a passage thorow my heart (and therewithall reached his dagger, holding it by the point to his Father) for I desire not to live longer, then to bee justly thought to bee what I am, and shall ever bee, your faithfull and obedient vassall, which if you shall vouchsafe to doe, here in the presence of your Nobilitie, I doe cleerely forgive the fact in this world, and before God and his holy Angels at the day of Iudgement will acquite you thereof; These words had that penetrating propertie, and the King therewith was so moved, that casting the dagger away, he rose out of his Chaire, but for weaknesse not able to stand, fell upon his sonnes necke, and with many teares embracing him, confessed that his eares had beene too open to receive reports against him, and promising by the love of a Father, and the faith of a King from thenceforth, that misreport should not cause his disaffection, The King & Prince reconciled. hee assured him, that at the next Parliament, those whisperers against him should undergoe the censure of their Peeres, and stand at his mercy for the scandalls by them against him raised, to whom the Prince replyed, God forgive them, I doe; And so with generall content they departed.

And from that time forth, untill his departure out of this life, the King enjoyed a calme from all hostilitie, either at home or abroad; And to expresse his great thankfulnesse to God for this his greater goodnesse to him, hee tooke upon him the Crusado, and complaining of the inconsiderate courses of the The King having taken upon him the Crusado prepareth accordingly. Princes of Christendome, that were more intentive to waste, and weary one another with intestine and uncivill broyles, rather then to joyne hand in hand, to oppose themselves against the common enemy of their faith the Turke; whereto hee was perswaded that in conscience they were bound; To animate them therefore by his Example to doe the like, hee made great preparations, both of men, money, and amunition for that service, with intention the next Spring to set forward to recover Ierusalem. To this purpose he called a Councell in the White Fryers, where order was taken for the provision of all things ready for the voyage by Sea to the Holyland, and convoked a Parliament to begin on Candlemasse day following; And now all things being ready for the expedition against the Turkes; The enemy of mankind seized upon him with an Apoplexie, the fits whereof divers times, would show him dead to those about him, but ever upon his recovery againe of sense, hee would demaund for his Crowne, which hee appointed all the time of his sicknesse to bee placed upon a cushion in his sight; At length the extremitie of the disease increasing, hee lay as though all his vitall spirits had forsaken him, insomuch that those that were about him deemed him dead, and covered his face. The Prince having notice thereof, came and tooke away [Page] the Crowne, and departed, the Father reviving, demaunded for the Crown, and hearing that the Prince had taken it, hee sends for him, and angerly demandeth his reason of his so doing; to whom the Prince with a confident brow made answer; That in his, and all mens judgement there present hee was dead, and then I being next heire apparant to the same, tooke it as my indubitat right, not as yours but mine, well said the King and sighed, faire Son what right I had to it God knoweth; But saith the Prince, if you dye King, I doubt not to hold the garland, as you have done with my sword against all opposers; Then saith the King, I referre all to God, but charge thee on my blessing, and as thou wilt answer it before the Tribunall of God: That thou minister the Lawes indifferently; that thou ease the oppressed; that thou avoid Flatterers; that thou doe not deferre Iustice, nor bee sparing of mercy, but punish the oppressours of thy people, and suffer not officers to make their places the staulking horses to their will, so shalt thou obtaine favour of God, and love of thy Subjects, who whilst they have wealth, so long shalt thou have obedience, but being made poore by oppression, will be ever ready to stirre, and make insurrections; And so turning about, said, God blesse thee, The death of Henry the fourth. and have mercy on mee, and so hee gave up the ghost in a Chamber of the Abbot of Westminster, which the servants there called Ierusalem, the twentieth of March 1412. in the fortieth sixe yeare of his age, when hee had An. 1412. R. 12. raigned thirteene yeares, sixe moneths, lacking ten dayes; His body with all Funerall pomp, was conveyed to Canterbury, and there solemnly buried.

Hee had beene twice married, his first wife was Mary, Daughter and coheire of Humphry de Bohan, Earle of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton, and Constable of England, shee died anno 1394. and was buryed at Canterbury, hee had issue by her;

Henry his eldest Sonne, who succeeded him. 1.

Thomas Plantagenet his second sonne, who was Created Duke of Clarence, 2. in the eleventh yeare of his Fathers raigne, hee was slaine at Bongy bridge in France▪ by the Duke of Orleance, this Thomas tooke to Wife Margaret Daughter of Thomas Holland Earle of Kent, and Widow of Iohn Beuford, Earle of Pomfret, who dyed without issue.

Iohn Plantagenet his third Sonne, was made Duke of Bedford, the eleventh yeare of his Fathers raigne, and Earle of Richmond, and Lord of Kendall; 3. hee married to his first Wife Anne, Daughter of Iohn Duke of Burgondy, who dyed without issue, his second Wife was Ioquellyne Daughter of Peter Earle of Saint Paul, and by her had no issue, shee was after married to Richard Woodvile Earle Rivers, and had issue Elizabeth Wife to King Edward the fourth. This Iohn as Constable of England, determined the Controversie betwixt Reignold Lord Gray of Ruthen, and Sir Edward Hastings, for the bearing of the armes of Hastings, and at Vernoyle together with the same Towne, tooke the Duke of Alanson prisoner, and with the losse of two thousand one hundred private souldiers, slew of the advers part, five Earles, two Vicounts, one and twenty Barons, seven thousand French, and two thousand five hundred Scots, and dyed at Paris, and the fourteenth of September 1435. was buried at Roan under a sumptuous Monument, which when Lewis the eleventh King of France being advised by some of his Nobles to deface; Hee said, What honour will it bee to us, or you, to demolish the Monument, a [...]d pull out thereof the bones of him, whom in his life-time, neither my Father, nor your Progenitors were of abilitie to make budge one foote backward, wherefore let his body now rest in quiet, which if hee were alive, would have disquieted the proudest of us all, such [Page] respect to well-got honour, hee obtained in the mindes of his enemies. An. 1412. R. 13.

Humphry Plantagenet fourth Sonne, who was stiled, Humphry by the grace of God, Sonne, Brother, and Vncle to Kings, hee was Duke of Glocester, Hennalt, Holland, Zealand, and Earle of Penbrocke, Lord of Freezland, 4. great Chamberlaine of England, Protector of the Realme, and Defender of the Church of England; Hee had two Wives, the first was Iaquet, Daughter and heire of William Duke of Bavaria, who being before betrothed to Iohn Duke of Brabant, was divorced from this Humphry before issue.

His second Wife was Elianor, Daughter of Reignold Lord Cobham of Sterburghe in Surry, who for Sorcery and poysoning, was much defamed, hee was found murthered in hss bed at Bury in Suffolke, and was buried at Saint Albones in Hartfordshire.

Blaunch King Henryes eldest Daughter was married as afore at Collen to William Duke of Bavaria, after his death shee was married to the King of 2. Arragon, and afterwards to the Duke of Barre, but dyed without issue.

Philip, second Daughter of King Henry was married to Iohn King of Daughters. Denmarke, but dyed without issue.

King Henry was of a middle stature, well proportioned, and formally compact, of a quicke conceit, and active spirit, of great resolution and courage. In his later dayes with courtesie and affable cariage, hee purchased a great deale more love and respect amongst the Nobilitie, then hee had in all the beginning of his raigne, with his austeritie, and rigorous courses, and redeemed from the common people a great portion of good opinion, which he by his impositions and taxes had formerly lost among them; But if their payments had beene more, and his exactions greater, in my opinion they were not undeserved, that were so ready to alter the due course of succession, to joyne hands with him in the deposing of the rightfull and naturall Leige-Lord, whose only fault that could bee truly objected was this, that hee had beene too bountifull to his friend, too mercifull to his foes, but most unrespective of himselfe.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE FIFT.

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HENRY the Fift surnamed (of the place of his Ann. 1413 R. 1. birth, which was a Towne in Wales, upon the River of Wye Monmouth,) tooke upon him the Regality over England, the twentieth day of March, and the next day was proclaimed King; and the ninth day of Aprill hee was Crowned King at Westminster, by Thomas of Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury, with all usuall rites and Ceremonies. After the solemnitie past, the next day hee caused all his wonted Companions to come into his presence, to whom hee used these words; It is sufficient, that for many yeares together, I have fashioned my selfe to your unruly dispositions, King Henry taketh leave of his antient companions. and have (not without some reluctation, in the very action) followed you in your debosht and swaggering courses, I have to my sorrow and shame, I may say to thinke of it, irregularly wandered, in all rude and unseemely manner, in the vast wildernesse of ryot and unthriftinesse, whereby I was made almost an alian, to the hearts of my Father and Allyes, and in their opinions violently carried away by your meanes from grace, by keeping you company, therein I have so vilified my selfe, that in the eyes of men, my presence was vulgar and stale, and like the Cuckow in Iune, heard but not regarded. One of you being convented before the Lord chiefe Iustice for misusing a sober-minded Citizen, I went to the publike Sessions house, and stroke him on the face, and being by him deservedly committed to the Fleet, (for which act of justice I shall ever hold him worthy the place, and my favour, and wish all my Iudges to have the like undaunted courage, to punish offendors of what ranke soever) it occasioned my Father to put mee from my place in Councell, appointing it to bee supplyed by my younger Brother, how often have I by your animation committed thefts, even on my Fathers and my owne Receivers, and robd them of the mony provided for publicke appointments, to maintaine your midnight revellings, and noone beselings; But it is time now to give a period to these exorbitant, and unbefitting courses, and to salve the wounds my intemperance hath made in my [Page] reputation, and to turne over a new leafe, and not only to decline the company of such misleaders of yours, but desert their conditions, of all therefore I straightly charge and command you, and every one of you, that from henceforth untill you have settled your selves in a more orderly course of life, and redeeme your pawnd credits, with faire and regarded behaviour, hereafter upon paine of forfeiture of your heads, not to appeare in my presence, nor to come within the verge of my Court; For what is past I will grant you my pardon, and withall, because I know sometimes necessitie will cripple honesty, I will allow each of you a competency of maintenance, as a stocke to begin a course whereby to live orderly hereafter; But take heed of relapsing, for the least complaint of ill-behaviour of any of you hereafter, if proved, shall forfeit your pardons, and exclude my favour for ever: which resolution of mine I will never breake, and so without attending any reply hee departed. And afterwards, to show others the way, hee disposed himselfe to a new course of deportment, qualifying his cariage with such magnanimous and heroicall vertues, as might best become the Person of so great a Potentate, and knowing that howsoever wee ought to live by lawes, and not by examples, yet mans nature is presently carried away with imitation, hee preferred to places of iudicature, and publike administration of Iustice, such as were truly noble, wise, discreet, modest and temperate, well able to command others, and to rule themselves; out of which hee selected a choice number of the ablest braines, to bee of his Privie Councell. Hee industriously indevoured to reforme the pride, covetousnesse, sloth, and other abuses crept among the Clergie, enjoyning them to more regular life, and sincere serving of Almighty God, commanding the reformation of disorders tenovation of discipline, punishment of irregularitie and amendment of life; And with moderate severitie caused such administrations of the lawes that hee made, both spiritualtie and laitie, tractable to the performance of their severall duties; Then to establish safetie at home, that hee might not bee molested, either with the Welch or Scots, hee erected divers Fortifications, and Bulwarkes upon their Frontiers, and furnished them both with necessaries, and able Commanders, so that hee was still powerfully ready to suppresse all insurrections or rebellions, that might bee attempted from thence.

Immediately after Easter hee called a Parliament, but in the interim, most The forwardnesse of the Nobilitie to tender their homage of the Nobilitie before his Coronation, an usuall course never before done, did strive to outgoe each other in forward, tender, and doing their homage, all most willingly swearing to him Allegeance and doing fealtie; On Trinitie Sunday the Obsequies for his Father were solemnly performed, himselfe and most of the Nobilitie being at Canterbury at the offering present.

Shortly after he caused the body of King Richard the second to be brought from Langley to Westminster, and there buried with great solemnitie by his first wife Queene Anne.

About this time the opinion of Wickliffe notwithstanding the care taken to suppresse it by the wisdome of the Parliament, and the courses appointed in their Convocation-house by the Clergie, began to bee generally dispersed, insomuch that Sir Iohn Oldcastle in right of his Wife called in courtesie Lord Cobham. a man of a bold and resolute disposition, and a stout Souldier, was convented before the Archbishop of Canterbury, for broching and maintaining many novell positions, against the received tenet of the Church, the tenor The Lord Oldcastle convented. of whose accusation, was by Henry Chichley then Archbishop of Canterbury presented unto the King, who in commiseration of the Knight, [Page] required the Prelates, that if hee were a strayed sheepe, to reduce him to the fold, rather by gentle courses, then severitie. And himselfe afterwards sending for him did earnestly exhort him to reconcile himselfe to God and the Church, and to submit himselfe to the constitutions thereof, but Sir Iohn first by word of mouth then by writing, seemed to justifie his assertions, affirming that his Grace was supreame head, and his competent judge and no other; And that hee would come to his purgation with an hundred Knights and Esquires, or fight in defence of his just cause in open Lists.

But the King by his Councell being informed, That by the law, accusations touching questions of beliefe, ought to bee tryed by the spirituall jurisdiction, hee sent him to the Tower of London. And afterward upon the three and twentieth day of September, a Convocation was held in the Church of Saint Paul in London, and upon the five and twentieth day following, another in the Hall of the Black-fryers, in which places the Lord Cobham was fully heard, to vent a spittle of diseased opinions, and thereupon was by the Oldcastle escapeth out of the Tower. Archbishop convict of heresie, and denounced an hereticke, and remaunded backe to the Tower, from whence hee escaped and fled into Wales.

The King keeping his Court and Christmasse at Eluetham, was advertised, Ann. D. 1414 R. 1. that divers had conspired against him, his brethren and the Bishops, and that Sir Roger Acton Knight, Iohn Browne Esquire; and Iohn Beverley Clerke, were with a great company in armes on the backside of Saint Giles assembled for that purpose; Whereupon the King secretly posted to London, and drawing some Companies of souldiers together, hee layed an ambush neere the place, where the Conspirators about twelve of the clocke at night, were appointed to make their randevous, where accordingly many of them were taken, and some slaine. The Maior of London likewise according to directions, gave order to every Alderman in his severall Ward, to apprehend all suspitious persons, himselfe about ten of the clocke at night in person, tooke at Bishops gate at the signe of the axe there, one Iohn Burgate a Carpenter, and seven other whom hee sent to the King, before whom they confessed, that they were of the Confederacy with Sir Iohn Oldcastle, to have fought with the King in Saint Gyles field; The Captaine likewise of the commotion being taken confessed the treason, and appeached many of their complices. The gates of London were watcht and guarded, so that none had passage without the word; by which meanes all their partakers there, were kept from comming forth; divers being met upon the wayes comming from sundry parts of the Realme upon examination confessed, that they came to meet their Captaine the Lord Cobham; But hee could not bee heard of, though the King by Proclamation offered a thousand markes to him that could bring him: besides large Priviledges to the Towne wherein hee should bee attached: Amongst other there was one William Morley of Dunstable taken, who discovered what was the chiefest motive of that Commotion, which was pride and ambition [...]f preferment, for hee being but a Maltster, had two horses trapped with g [...]tharnesse led after him, and a payre of guilt spurres in his bosome, an ornament for none in those dayes, under the degree of a Knight to weare, for hee it seemes was promised and assured himselfe of Knighthood at the least. The ring-leaders were attaint of heresie by the Punishment of treason and heresie. Clergie, and of high Treason by the Laytie, whereupon they were condemned to bee hanged, and burnt gallowes and all, which judgement was accordingly executed upon Sir Roger Acton, and eight and twenty of the Rebells in Smithfield, most of the Prisons in and about London, were filled with these lob-lords, The cause of this nickname came.

[Page] In this time the Parliament continuing, the King (as his Father was before Ann. 1414 Reg. 1. was much importuned, by some somewhat infected with Oldcastles opinion, and therefore not well pleased with the greatnesse of the Clergie, to suppresse the religious houses of this kingdome, because as they affirmed, they were made the nurses of idlenesse, and cages of uncleane birds; To divert this storme into another quarter; it was advised that Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury, should set on foot the Kings title to France, which thus he sets forth.

Philip the fourth called Philip the faire, eldest brother of Charles Earle of Valoys, was the fourty sixt King of France, hee married Ioane Queene of Navarre, and by her had issue three sonnes.

Lewis surnamed Hutyn, or Mutyneere.

Philip the Long, and

Charles the Faire and only Daughter Christned.

Isabel which was married to your Majesties Predecessor Edward the second, who survived her three Brothers, who successively one after the other had enjoyed the Crowne of France; But after the death of Charles, upon a pretended fundamentall Law of that kingdome Philip of Valoys, sonne of Charles the younger Brother of Philip the Faire, endevouring to exclude all females from Soveraigne inheritance layed hold of the Imperiall Diadem, against whom in right of his Mother, Edward the third opposed and quartering the armes which was semi de luces, proclaimeth his Title to bee King of France and England, and in Hostile manner entred France with Banners displayed, where hee performed those honourable exployts, that whilst any Records last can never bee forgotten, there hee continued victorious during the time of Valoys, and left his Sonne the blacke Prince to prosecute his Claime, who to his eternall commendations, so that hee tooke not only Iohn the French King prisoner, but braved Charles the fift at his great Citie of Paris to his teeth and unanswered, the wise King thinking it no good pollicie to meet a roring Lyon in the field; And had not God on whose will depends all things, stopt this ever to bee renowned Prince in his course, by stopping of his breath, the question had long since beene decided, and England had totally brought France to subjection, but hee being dead and his Father but a short time surviving, left his grand-sonne an infant to finish what his Father and grand-father had so happily commenced and so gloriously had continued: But unlesse the Lord build the house, the workemen labour but in vaine, so the Lord displeased with the disorder of those times gave France a time to breathe, and gather strength; and opportunitie to Charles the sixt to change the armes of France, from the Semi de luces, to three Flower-de-luces, yet is the Title to France the same that it was before, and though your royall Father otherwise imployed, did not prosecute the claime, yet hee did not disclaime the right, but hath to you (for whom I rest assured God hath reserved victory) both left that, and the meanes to obtaine it. Then went hee on learnedly and pathetically, refelled that unjust surmise of the Salick-law, both by reason and example, and first whereas in terram Salicam mulieres ne succedant, was the text whereon they build their position, hee proved that that was made in Germany, in disdaine of the dishonest manners of the German women, and had no relation to France, for that Pharamond whom they affirme to bee maker of that Law, deceased above three hundred and fifty yeares, before the Frenchmen were placed beyond the river Sala, the one dying at 426. and the other being seated there Anno 805. And for example hee cited Pepyn, Hugh Capet, and others, who [Page] neither had right, nor colour-like right to the Crowne of France, but as heires generall, as their owne storyes manifest, hee fortified likewise his assertions An. 1414. R. 2. with Scripture out of the booke of Numbers, When a man dieth without a Sonne, let his inheritance descend unto the Daughter; to this hee added, that if the King would bee pleased to advance his Banner in France, to challenge his rightfull inheritance, the warre being just, the cause good, and his Motives for the King to lay claime to the Crowne of France. clayme undeniable, his Clergie would furnish him of their owne free gift, with such a masse of mony, as never subjects at one time presented King with the like; This motion tooke on all sides, and the offer of money wherewith to pay the souldiers so pleased the King, that nothing was now thought of but the conquest of France. Hee begins therefore to alter the bearing of his Semy-de-luces, and quarters what the then French King bare, and then sendeth the Duke of Exceter; the Archbishop of Dublyn, the Lord Gray, the Lord high Admirall, and the Bishop of Norwich, with five hundred horse, Embassadours to Charles the sixt, to require in peaceable manner, Embassadors sent into France. (for the avoyding the effusion of Christian blood) the surrender of the Crowne of France, with the members thereof, which if the King would yeeld unto, then King Henry would bee pleased to take to Wife Katherine the Daughter of Charles, and endow her with all the Dutchies belonging to the Crowne of France; But if Charles refused so to doe, that then Henry would with fire and sword, enforce it from him or lose his life; The strangenesse of this message amazed the King, and amazed his Councell; They craved time to answer: And the King of France promised to speed Embassadours with his answer unto the King of England. The Dolphyn like one that cuts another man meat and his owne fingers, having wit but wanting discretion: deriding as it were the King of Englands youth, as deeming him fitter for play, then to attempt matters of such consequence: sent him a tonne of Tennis balls; which King Henry distasting, promised with an oath, before many moneths were past, to tosse such iron Balls among them, that the best armes in France should bee unable to hold a Racket to returne them. And forthwith due provision being made, and all things prepared, hee drawes together his forces, and in his absence to secure the Scots and Welch, from attempting his prejudice, hee appointeth an Army to attend the Marches, and upon all alarums to bee ready, hee ordaines his Mother-in-law Ioane Daughter of Charles King of Arragon Governour in his absence, and whilst hee is dispatching, Richard Earle of Warwicke, the Bishops of Salisbury, Bath, Embassadors sent to the Councell at Constance. and Hereford, with the Abbot of Westminster to the generall Councell appointed at Constance; The Dolphyn sent as Embassadours (the King of France being weake and sickly) The Earle of Vandome with others, who having audience, the Archbishop of Burges made a long Oration in praise of peace, and disswaded warre, concluding with a tender of the Lady Katherine with a summe of money, and some Townes of no great wealth or importance; the King of England feasts them at his owne Table, and entertaines them royally, and tooke order with the Archbishop of Canterbury, to give them answer to this effect; That if the King of France would not give his Daughter, and with her the lands and Seignioryes demanded, that he would not disband: but with all extremities that follow warre prosecute his right, and never give over till hee had recovered his Patrimonie, the King avowing the Archbishops speeches, promising by the word of a Prince to performe the same, and to visit them sooner then they should have cause to bid him welcome, and so hee dismissed them. All things prepared and in readinesse for France; as the King (having shipt his men) was ready to goe on shipboord [Page] himselfe, a plot of treason is discovered, plotted by Richard Earle of Cambridge, Henry Lord Scroope of Masham, Lord Treasurer, & Sir Thomas Gray of Northumberland, and plotted and procured by the French agents; These hee caused to bee apprehended, and upon examination they confessed the treason, and the summe of money by them for that end received and were immediately executed. This Richard of Connesburgh, second Sonne of Edmond of Langley married Anne, Sister and heire of Edmond Mortymer Earle of March, and had issue, Richard Earle of Cambridge, Duke of Yorke, and Isabel married to Henry Lord Burcher Earle of Essex; Some gather, and I must confesse it is very probable, that the Earle of Cambridge was not so mercenary, as to commit Treason for money, but would have confessed the cause; had it not beene for feare to bring the Earle of March in question: That his Title was by him and others intended to have beene set on foot, and strongly backt by Sir Iohn Oldcastle and others, if not as afore prevented, but hereby were the sparkes discerned, that afterwards blazed so ragingly over the Lancastrian family. The windblowing a faire gale King The King armes in France. Henry weighs Anchor, and with his whole fleet puts to Sea, and on our Lady Eeve landeth at Caux, where the River of Sayne runneth into the Sea: without resistance being come on shore, hee caused Proclamation to be made, that none upon paine of death, should take any thing out of any Church or Chappell, or offer any violence to any that should bee found unarmed, and that no quarrell should bee renewed, whereby any affray may bee made; Then layes hee siege to Harflew, the Lords of Toutevile and Gaucourts Harstew besieged. being within the same; The French King advertised of the arrivall of the English, sent the Constable, the Seneschal, and Marshall of France, with others to the Castle of Candebecke: from thence as occasion should bee offered, to relieve Harflue; But the English ceased not daily to forrage, whilst the Duke of Glocester, to whom the ordering of the siege was committed, ceased not to plye the battery, and so kept them in the Towne waking with continuall assaults.

The Captaines of the Towne, perceiving that they were not able long to hold out, the walls being undermined, and the Earles of Huntington and Kent, possest of the brest: and thereon had pitcht their Colours, about midnight sent to crave parlie; Whereupon the Duke of Exceter, the Lord Fitzhugh, and Sir Thomas Erpingham were sent, with this instruction, that if they would not instantly surrender the Towne without condition, there should no time bee s [...]ent in communication, yet upon the Lords importunitie the King gave them [...]ve dayes respite, in which time, if no reskue came, they should surrender the Towne into the Kings hand, and for their lives and goods to stand to the Kings mercy; Hereupon the Lord Bacquevile was sent to the French King to acquaint him with the composition, but no reliefe comming, Harstew taken. they surrendred within three dayes, the souldiers were ransomed, and the Towne sacked; The Duke of Exceter was appointed Captaine thereof, who left there for his Lieutenant Sir Iohn Falstaffe with fifteene hundred men; The dead of Winter approaching, the King caused all those souldiers, that had not payed their ransomes, to sweare to render themselves prisoners at Callice, at the feast of Saint Martine following: Whereupon two Forts which stood on the North side of Harflue, which till then expecting aydé stood out rendred likewise; and then having repayred the Bulwarcke, and furnished it with all things necessary, hee marched to Porthouse, intending to passe the River there, before the Bridges were broken.

The Dolphin had taken order, to carry into places of safetie, all kinde of [Page] provision, which might bee usefull for the reliefe of the English; But King Henry kept on his way enforcing the Townes as hee went, to supply his wants, and comming to the river of Soame, hee found all the Bridges broken, and the fourds stakt, hee marched to Arams in that orderly manner, that the enemy durst not offer to impeach passage, untill hee came to the Bridge of Saint Maxenae, where thirtie thousand French appearing, hee pitcht his Campe, expecting to bee fought with, where the more to encourage his men, hee gave the order of Knighthood to Iohn Lord Ferrers of Groby, Reignold Graystocke, Percy Tempest, Christopher Morisbye, Thomas Pickering, William Hadvesten, Iohn Hoshalton, Henry Mortymer, and divers others; But not perceiving the French to have any great will to come on: hee marched by the Towne of Amiens, to another place of strength called Bowes, and there stayed two dayes, expecting battell: and from thence marched to Corby, where the Peasants in multitudes (relying upon their The Peasants assayled King Henry. numbers, and the ayde of the garrisons of Corby) gave the King a Camisadoe, and having forestald the passage in a straight, with certaine men of armes sent from the Dolphyn, they charged the right wing of the English which was led by Sir Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier, so hotly that they wonne away his Standard: But the same was againe recovered by Iohn Bromley of Bromley, who being a Commander in Staffords Regiment, not only made the retiring troopes to stand, but renewing the fight, with his owne sword, slew him that had the Lord Bourchiers Colours, and taking them up displayd the same, with sight whereof the English were so much encouraged, that they fell in with that vehemence upon the French, that they presently rowted and fled, the Lord recompenced the valiant exploit of his kinsman, and for the same gave to him an annuitie of fiftie pounds per annum, assigning Pro recuperatione sigilli sui. out of all his lands in Staffordshire, as by the enrolment of that deed is extant, the Seale is a Cheuron charged with a Mullet about the same engraven Signa Hugonis de Stafford militis.

The same night after the retreat sounded, the King found a shallow fourd betwixt Corby and Peron, never spied before, at which the night following he passed safe: making what march hee could without Alte towards Callice. Notwithstanding the extremities which attend his Army, marching through an enemies Country, where no forrage could be found, and small store of pillage, yet did the King so strictly observe the due performance of his first Proclamation, against Church-robbing, that hearing one complaynd of to the Marshall, for having stolne, or as the phrase of them is, [...]ade bootie, of a silver Pix out of the Church, hee not only caused the same to bec restored, but the souldier also to bee hanged, which due justice at that time done, kept the rest from offending in that kind, and provoked the people under hand to relieve his men with necessaries.

The French King hearing that King Henry had past the River Soame, assembled his Councell, whereof thirtie five appearing, to the point in question, thirtie of them advised, that the English should not depart without being fought with: but five (whereof the Dolphin was none) were of a contrary opinion, and though they assented not, yet by the major voyces enforced to consent: Montjoy the French King at Armes, was sent to defie the King of England, as an enemy to France, and to tell him hee should bee fought with: King Henryes answer was, hee was unwilling to provoke battaile, yet too confident in God to feare it, by whose good leave hee would proceed in his journey: and if the French, or any other would oppose him, if hee could not finde his way, hee would make it, or his Sword should faile [Page] him: and so suffered the Herald being well rewarded to depart. King Henry having notice, that hee must of force passe another River in his way, over which there was but one passable Bridge, hee commanded certaine troopes of horse to goe thither on the spurre, and some foot Companies to speed thither to second them, and to make good the same, untill the Army should come. When the horse came thither, they found the French very busie in breaking downe the bridge, but perceiving the approach of the English, they left their worke and fled; the passage being cleered, upon the two & twentieth of Octob. the King of England passed over with his Army.

The Duke of Yorke that lead the reareward, sent word to the King, that his skowtes had discovered the enemy to come on apace, whereupon hee made a stand, and gave direction to the Officers, what course to take, to acquaint their souldiers, that to flye would but cause a lingring death, for their flight would bee out of the pan into the fire, there being no place of refuge neere, and the way thither (if any were) was altogether unknowne: And so mounting on horsebacke, hee road from place to place, assuring them of his resolution to live and die with them, and so with his word and countenance hee so encouraged his men, that they were generally resolved to conquer and dye, and accordingly prepared themselves, reconciling themselves to God by confession, and receiving the Sacrament, and lastly embracing each other with constant protestations, to bee firme and faithfull one to the other: so upon Friday the five and twentieth of October, being derayned in order of battell, they attended the signall to begin.

The Constable of France divided his Companyes into three battailes; The order of the battell of the French. In the first were placed eight thousand men at armes, foure thousand Archers, and fifteene hundred Crossebowes, the wings consisting of two thousand two hundred men at armes, this battaile was led by himselfe, the Dukes of Orleance and Burbon, the Earles of Ewe, Richmond, and Vandosme, the Lord Dampier, the Admirall of France, the Marshall Bouciqualle & others.

2. The middle battaile wherein were more men at armes, was commanded, by the Dukes of Barre and Alanson, and by the Earles of Vawmont, Salings, Blamont Grantpee, and Rusey.

3. In the rereward were all the remainder of the French forces, and guided by the Earles of Marle, Dampmortyne, Fauconbridge, and the Lord Lonray, Captaine of Ards. The Frenchmen thus ordered, consisting of sixfold the number of the English, thought of nothing but the booty they should get: In the meane time, King Henry having made choice of a peece of ground, halfe fenced on his backe with the Village wherein they had encamped the night before, on both sides having strong hedges and ditches, began there to order his Battailes; But first hee appointed an ambush of two hundred bold Archers, which should upon a watch-word given, make a whole flight upon the flancke of the enemyes horse; The Vantgard consisting of Archers only, was conducted by the Duke of Yorke, who out of a brave and The Duke of Yorke leads the English Voward. heroick courage had made entreatie for that place; with him were the Lords Beamont, Willoughby, and Fanhop: The maine battaile was led by the King in person, which consisted of Bill-men and some Bowmen; With him were the Duke of Glocester his brother the Earle Marshall, Oxford and Suffolke.

The reareward was led by Thomas Duke of Exceter the Kings Vncle, consisting of all sorts of weapons, the Horsemen as wings guarded the Companies on both sides.

The King to prevent the fury of the French Cavalery by the direction of the Duke of Yorke, appointed divers Stakes, shod with iron at both ends, of [Page] six foot long, to bee pitched behind the Archers, and appointed the Pioners to attend, to remove them, as occasion and direction gave order; These things thus ordered, publike prayers were humbly made, and the onset was expected, which was presently performed by the French horsmen, who gave on with a furious bravado, but Sir Walter Orpington who was thereunto The beginning of the sight. appointed, giving the signall, the English gave a great showte, whereupon according to direction, the Bowmen behind the hedges sent forth such a showre of Arrowes, that the French horse thereby galled, were so unruly, that their riders could not force them to give against the ditch, to come at those that were beyond the ditch; Whereupon the Vantguard of the English, taking advantage of their disorder made forward, and powred another volly of arrowes among them, by meanes whereof the horse thorowly gald, either cast their riders, or through their unrulinesse so opened their ranckes, that the right Wing of the English horse gave in so manly, that the French horse disorderly retiring, broke the aray of their foot, who were miserably The disorder of the French. trod downe, and disrancked with their owne Company; by this the two hundred Bowmen having emptied their quivers, flung away their Bowes, and with their swords fell upon the enemy, and wresting from them their owne weapons, made a great slaughter among them: and putting the voward to flight, they adventured upon the middle battaile, which the French The English having rowted the van charge the battaile of the French. horsmen taking in scorne to be charged with so small a company, bravely gave on; Whereupon the English made show of retiring, but when they came where the Bowmen were Impaled with the armed stakes, they made a stand: and as the horsmen were thereby gored, they were ready to helpe them forward with a pat on the pate with a browne Bill to their last home, whereby their maine battaile was broken and disordered, when presently the King with his maine battell gave on with that resolution, that himselfe in person charged the Duke of Alanson, by whom hee was in his carere wel-nie unhorsed: but afterward hee having slaine two of the Dukes men that were neerer to him then the Duke, hee charged the Duke againe, and with his sword beat him from his horse, whom the Kings guard notwithstanding the King cryed out to the contrary slew out-right, and with his fall the maine battaile of the French first gave ground, then turned their backes, and lastly flung away their weapons and fled. The Kings rere being come up, they all fell upon the rereguard of the French, which confisted of the greater number, but the weakest men and the worst armd▪ but their courage with long standing was dropt to their knees, so that many of them humbled themselves The French submit. thereon, and submitted to mercy, the rest presuming that the English with three houres fight, for so long the battaile continued, could not be able to follow, manfully ran away. In the mean time certaine of the French horsemen, of those that ran first away, led on by Robinet Bondile, and the Captaine of Agincourt presuming to redeeme their credit, from running away from souldiers, by fighting with boyes, set upon the Pages and Laundresses, and sicke souldiers that were left in the Campe, who gave such a lamentable shreeke, that King Henry supposed either that the Constable had reallied his troopes, or that some fresh succours had beene come: howsoever he supposed he must have a second fight, he caused therfore all the arrowes that were sticking in the field to bee gathered, and the stakes to bee plucked up, and prepared ready to bee againe used, amongst whom was found the Duke of Yorke miserably hacked and slaine, the sight whereof, and the danger of a second charge, made King Henry give order, that the prisoners should bee all slaine, saving such as were principall men, and those were all bound backe to [Page] backe and so left, neither could the King be for this justly taxed of cruelty, An. 1415. R. 3. for this killing his enemies in cold blood, when the number of the prisoners exceeded his souldiers, and the uncertaintie of either their honestie, or the enemies hardiment, that were then expected to charge them, could give the King no assurance of safetie without their slaughter; Then the King againe embattelled his weary, but willing souldiers, upon whom the Earles of Marle and Fauconbridge, with six hundred brave men at armes, which had stood still all day, gave a brave charge, and had they had more number, they would have troubled K. Henry, but being so few, and the stakes having galled so many of their horses, they were quickly dispatched, but to their honour, it is recorded that they fought valiantly, and died honourably, all being slaine or taken, and slew more of the English then the whole Army had done. The King being satisfied by the skowtes that no enemy was to bee seene, caused the Army in their array, as they were to give God thankes for the victory, causing the Clergie present to sing the Psalme of David, in exitu Israel de Egypto, and made Proclamatïon, that every one at the verse non nobis domine sed nomini tuo da gloriam, to kneele upon their knees, and the horsmen to bow their bodies, and then singing te deum, and other holy hymnes, they marched to the enemies Campe, where they found plenty of all things, with which having well refreshed themselves, the King gave them liberty to make booty, and take the spoyle.

Next day came Mountjoy and foure Harralds more, to have leave to give the dead buriall, and to know the number of the slaine, which (after hee had feasted them at their Country-mens cost) he granted unto them: with whom the English Harrolds were appointed to search, who made returne, that there were slaine 10000. and odde, whereof 126. were of the Nobilitie bearing Banners, of Knights and Gentlemen of Coat-armour 7874. whereof 500. were Knighted the night before the battaile, and of the common souldiers about 1600. amongst the slaine of the Nobilitie, were Charles le Brets high Constable, Iaques of Chatilon Admiral of France, the great Master of France the Master of the Crosse-bowes, the Dukes of Alanson, Brabant, Bar, the Earles of Neuers, Marle, Vaudmount, Beamont, Grand per, Rousey Fauconbridge, Foys, and Lestreuck. There were taken prisoners, Charles Duke of Orleance, Iohn Duke of Burbon, the Lords Donvert, Fosseux, Humiers, Roy, Cawny, Hamcourt, Noell, Bonciqualt, and many others.

On the English part were slain, Edw: Duke of York, & the Earle of Suffolk, and not full 600. of all; who were all buried in Christian buriall; But Philip Edward Plantagenet Duke of Yorke maried Philip daughter and coheire of Iohn Mahun Lord of Dunster, but dyed without issue. Michael de la Pool [...] Earle of Suffolke died without issue also. Earle Choroloys was out of charity enforced at his own cost, to bury in a square plot of ground of his owne of 1500. yards, in three graves by poll accounted 5800. & odde souldiers, & yet sent many yet alive, though grievously wounded, to Vall mersens de dieu. King Henry having well refreshed himselfe and souldiers, and laden them all with spoyles of great valew, and rich prisoners, in faire order marched to Callice. From whence on the sixt of Nouemb. with his prisoners, which according to their oathes, rendred themselves from Harflue, as those taken at Agincourt, with the dead corpes of the Duke of York and the Earle of Suffolke, whereof one was buried afterward at Fordinghey, the other at new Elme: He set sayle and arrived at Dover the same day, after his landing he gave straight order, that no ballad or songs should be made or sung, more then of thanks-giving to the Lord for his happy victory and safe returne, and that nothing that might tend to ostentation, or boasting of the valiant, or cowardly act of any in that service, should be either said or sung; Neverthelesse, the shame of his ildaring thoughts did so vilely vex the Dalphin, that he died suddenly.

[Page] Thomas Duke of Exceter Captaine of Harflue, with three hundred English, made a road into Normandy, and returning laden with prey was encountred Ann. 1416 R. 4. by the Earle of Arminacke, with five thousand horse, who tooke their booty from them over-night, but in the morning, when they endevoured, from out the vantage of a thicke enclosed Orchard, wherein they had rested all night to march away. They were eftsoones charged by the French, whom with a desperate resolution they entertained, and in that manner behaved themselves. that they not only escaped safe to Harflue, but recovered a great part of the lost bootie, and made a great slaughter of their enemies, and returned without much losse.

Sigismond the Emperour, cousin German to King Henry, accompanied with the Archbishop of Remes Embassadour from the French King arrived at Callice, to whom were sent thirty great shippes to waft him over; At Dover the Duke of Glocester with a brave company of Gallants, upon his The Duke of Glocester entertaineth the Emperour at Dover. approaching to land, with their swords drawne, stept up to the knees in water, saying, If hee came as the Kings friend, or for his honour to move ought, hee should bee welcome; But if as Emperour hee claimed any jurisdiction, they were ready to resist him to the death; Whereupon the Emperour renounceth all Imperiall authority, and is received with all befitting honour, he was afterwards with Albert Duke of Holland, who was lately likewise arrived at Windsor: elected Companions of the noble order of the Garter, and sate in their Stalles at the solemnitie of the Feast; The Emperour after the departure of the Duke, stayed to mediate a peace betweene England and France: which the King (being advertized of the hard escape of his men in Normandy) would not listen unto; Neverthelesse the Emperour very politickly awaited his time, where to take his best hint to perswade an agreement, which might fortunately have beene found, had not newes come of the besieging of Harflue; so all was dasht.

The new Constable with a great power, suddenly clapt downe before the Towne, when the Viceadmirall of France brought up the whole Navy, with intent whilst the Constable should assaile it by land, to have entred the Harstew besieged by the French. Towne by the water side; But the Duke of Exceter defended the Towne valiantly, by whose valour and indefatigable diligence they were defeated of their expectation; King Henry in person was preparing to Sea with all speed, but being by the Emperour disswaded, he sent his Brother the Duke of Bedford, accompanied with the Earles of March, Oxford, Huntington, Warwicke, Arundel, Salisbury, Devonshire, and divers Lords and Barons, with two hundred sayles to the reskue of Harflue, they made sayle for Rye, and not without some crosses at Sea, upon the feast day of the Assumption of our Lady, came to the mouth of the river Seyne; Vpon notice of the approach of the English Navy. Narbon set forward, and got the mouth of the Haven; The Duke sent before his strongest Ships, two French Ships advancing too forward, were layd aboard and taken; The fight was continued and resolutely maintained, untill the English having sunke five hundred vessels one and other, and taken three great Carricks of Genoa, wonne the harbour, and notwithstanding some opposition made by the Gallies, which had the advantage with oares to runne out of the reach of the Artillery of the English, they relieved Harflue. Vpon notice hereof, the Duke of Arminacke Relieved by the Duke of Bedford. raysed his siege, and departed to Paris, leaving somewhat more then a little provision of amunition behind him; which they of Harflue tooke and stowed up for them.

The Duke of Bedford having finished what hee came about, returned to [Page] the King, who with the Emperour gave him great, but no more then deserved commendation; Whilst these broyles were honourably managed abroad, two too uxorious husbands, the Lord Strange and Sir Iohn Trussell of Warmingham in Cheshire, who had married the Daughter of Sir Iohn Strange; most dishonourably fought in maintaining their wives folly (forgetfully striving for place) at a Sermon in Saint Dunstons Church in the East, by occasion whereof, there was much partaking on both sides, whereby the Congregation was much disturbed, a great tumult raysed, some slaughter and more bloodshed done, the delinquents were committed to the Counter, the Church suspended, and upon examination the Lord Strange was found guiltie, Penanc [...] done. and by the Archbishop of Canterbury adjudged to penance, which was thus performed, all the Lords servants in their Shirts, from Saint Pauls Church where the sentence was given, followed the Parson of Saint Dunstons: after them the Lord bare-headed, with a waxe Taper in his hand, the Lady bare-footed, the Archdeacon Reignold Renwood following last, went to Saint Dunstons in the East, where at the rehallowing thereof, the Lady filled all the vessells with water, and according to the sentence, shee offered to the Altar an Ornament of the value of tenne pounds, and the Lord a Pixe of silver of five pounds, There was then belike in use no commutation of penance; Surely I am perswaded, that if they might have bought out their penance for money, they would have trebled their offerings; I could wish that such severitie of discipline might now bee practised against such delinquents, wee should then have devotion with more humilitie, and lesse striving for places in the Church.

The Emperour desisteth from further mediation of peace with France, and entreth in a League defensive, and offensive with King Henry, wherein only the Pope is excepted: which concluded upon the the nineteenth of October, Anno 1416. hee returned towards Germany, King Henry accompanied him to Callice, whither the Duke of Burgondy came, to confirme the League concluded onbefore by the Earle of Warwicke, and other the Kings Embassadours King Henry accompanieth the Emperour to Callice. and him concerning Flaunders, and Arthoyes only, from Midsommer 1416. untill Michaelmasse following, where it was prolonged further till Michaelmasse 1419. which gave occasion of suspition to France, that the Duke was no firme friend of theirs.

The Emperour takes his journey to Holland, the Duke returnes to Graveling, and King Henry to Dover, where he landed on Saint Lukes Eeve; upon his arrivall hee sent new Embassadours, viz. the Earle of Warwicke, the Bishops of Salisbury, Bath, and Hereford, the Abbot of Westminster, and the Pryor of Worcester, to the Councell of Constance; whither the Emperour in person likewise went, in this Councell it was decreed, that England should have the title of the English nation, and should-bee accounted one of the five principall Nations, which often before had beene moved, but never granted till then, and herein were all Wickliffes positions condemned. At this Councell the Antipope Iohn was prescribed, and all his goods and Treasure amounting to the summe of 750000. were seized.

The Parliament, by reason of the Emperours being in the Land prorogued: began againe the nineteenth of October, wherein towards the prosecution of warres in France, was voluntarily granted unto the King from the Clergie two whole tenthes, and from the Laitie a whole Fifteene; In this Parliament during the Kings absence; Iohn Duke of Bedford was made regent The Duke of Bedford made Regent. of the Realme, having out of the Kings coffers allowance of one thousand pounds per annum, and fourty pounds a year out of the fee farme of Exceter.

[Page] Whilst King Henry is preparing for invasion, the French-men had waged divers Carricks, and other great Ships of the Genoaes and Italians, which jpyning with the French fleet, lay at the mouth of the River of Seyne, under the command of Iaques Bastard of Burbon, to barre all succour from Harflew.

Iohn Earle of Huntington, Son to the Duke of Exceter beheaded at Ciceter, The Earle of Huntingtons fortune at Sea. is sent to Sea to skowre the Coasts, who encountring with the Bastard Burbon, after a long fight, took the said Bastard, & three of his great Carricks, with all the money for the halfe yeares pay for the fleet: and bowged three other Carricks, and dispersing the rest, cleered the mouth of Seyne, and returned to the King at Southamton; And upon the 23. of Iuly, the King with the Dukes of Clarence and Glocester, the Earles of Huntington, Warwicke, Devonshire, Salisbury, Suffolke and Somerset; The Lords Rosse, Willoughby, Fitzhugh, Clynton, Scroope, Matrevers, Bourcher, Ferrers of Groby, and Ferrers of Chartley, Fanhope, Gray of Codnor, Sir Gilbert Vmphrevile▪ Sir Gilbert Talbot, and a brave well-furnished Army, from Portsmouth tooke shipping, and upon the first of August landed in Normandy, neere to the Castle of Foncke. The Kings Army consisted of five and twentie thousand, five hundred and eight and twenty fighting men, besides a thousand Artificers and Pioners. The Nobilitie and Gentry having at their owne charges furnished him with eleven thousand, one hundred and eight and twenty men, whereof every fourth man was a Launceere; The King besieged the Castle of Tonque; which upon the ninth of August yeelded; at which time the Earle of Salisbury tooke the Castle of Albervilleirs, which the King gave him, to him and his heires, being the first land given by the King in France, the King at the winning of Tonque, made eight and twentie Knights and Captaines thereof, Sir Robert Circkley; From thence the Army marched to Cane, whether to prevent the Citizens from burning the Suburbs, the Duke of Clarence with a thousand men was sent, who found them firing thereof, but drove them away, quenched the fire, reskued the Abby Church of Saint Stephens from being throwne downe, and tooke in the Cell of Nans, which they had strongly fenced. The King sitting downe before the Towne, entrenched himselfe, and cast up a mount to prevent the Citizens from sallying; The King made many assaults, but finding the losse thereby, more then the gaines, hee only kept them busied with often alarums, whilst his Pioners laboured to undermine the walls, which being effected, upon the fourth of September, hee offered the besieged their lives, in case they would but submit, but they refusing, hee made show of giving a generall assault, whilst many of his men entred the Citie under the foundation. The Duke of Clarence with his Company, was the first that entred, and came upon the backs of those that defended the walls, whereby they were Cane taken. easily vanquished, and the whole Army entred without resistance; The King caused all the armes in the Towne to bee brought together to the Market place, where hee caused his men in battell array to stand all night, in the morning hee caused all the Magistrates and principall men of the Towne to come before him at their Senate house, where some of them for their stubborne refusall of grace proffered, were adjudged to death, and all the rest fined; The spoyle of the Towne hee distributed among the souldiers. The Captaine of the Castle made show of standing at defence, but having advertisement, that the King had sworne to show no mercy, if hee did not surrender, upon assurance to depart with life, bag and baggage, the habiliments of warre excepted; hee made composition, and accordingly gave twelve hostages, that [Page] if hee were not fully relieved before the twentieth of September, to render up the Castle, which not being done hee performed, and so the King had possession both of Cane and the Castle.

In the meane time of the Kings absence, the Scots in great numbers entred the English pale, but hearing the Duke of Exceter with the Lord Wardens were marching towards them with a great power, they retired without much hurt doing.

Charles the Dolphin being about seventeene yeares of age, being bare both of men and money, yet in the time of his Fathers weaknesse, studied how to put of this storme that hung over the Common-wealth, and by the counsell of the Constable, found a meanes to possesse himselfe of all his Mothers jewells, Plate, and money, which was great, which hee orderly expended in waging of souldiers, and making preparation for things necessary, for the defence of the kingdome. But what can an alone woman doe toward the good or safetie of the King or Common-wealth, shee knoweth no good but gold, nor reckoneth any thing worthy the preserving, but beauty and costly apparell, she therefore being bereaved of those ornaments of womans greatnesse, jewells, forgetting the perill wherein both her selfe and Nation stood most intemperately passionate, began to worke her womanish malice, placeth the Duke of Burgondy in the chiefest authority about the King, who having the sword in his owne hands, to revenge old injuries, resolveth first to tame the young Gallant, and then to repulse the common enemy; The Dolphin likewise stomacking the inconsiderate folly of the Duke, to preferre private quarrells before publicke preservation, minded first to represse his insolencie, and then to attend the repelling of the forraine foe; In the meane time King Henry pursueth his victorious successe, sendeth the Duke of Clarence Boyeux taken. further into the Country, who with great difficultie tooke in Bayuxe, whereof hee made the Lord Matrevers Captaine; The Duke of Glocester likewise tooke the Citie of Lyseux; The King remained still at Cane, repayring the Towne, and fortefying the Castle, putting out the Natives that were impotent, or young infants to the number of fifteene hundred, and in their places did settle English people; and finding a great masse of money and plate deposited by the Citizens in the Castle, hee caused the same upon proofe, to bee respectively delivered unto all such as came, to make claime unto the same, and would acknowledge him for their Soveraigne.

His mercifull and moderate cariage, wonne him the good report of his enemies, nay it incited most of the Captaines, and Governours neere adjoyning to tender their commands unto him, which hee accepted of as testimonialls The Kings good pollicie to allure the French. of their dutie; And upon comming into those parts so rendred unto him, hee restored to many of them upon oath of due fidelitie, their charges of command againe, making alwayes protestation, whosoever would become his subjects, & sweare allegiance unto him, they should enjoy their lands and liberties, in as large, if not in more free and ample manner then they enjoyed them before, an excellent pollicie to winne the Normans, whose rugged condition is, and was alwayes, easier to bee led with facile and gentle courses, then bee driven by compulsary and harsh meanes, for hereby they were contented to forsake the French, and turne to the English Crowne.

The King having orderly settled things in Cane, made Sir Gilbert Vmphrevile Captaine of the Towne, and Sir Iohn Popham Bailiffe, and Sir Gilbert Talbot Captaine of the Castle, and so the first of October departed to Courfy Castle, which within three dayes yeelded; The fourth of October hee came to Argenton, the Towne and Castle whereof made composition, that Courfey Castle yeelded. [Page] if they were not reskued by the day, then to surrender: those that would become subject to England to stay, the rest to depart with their moveables, An. 1418. R. 4. for want of succour at the prefixed time, both were yeelded, and Covenants on all parts performed; The Lord Gray of Codnor, was made Governour there: whilst the King marched to Sees, a populous place, which together Sees submits to K. Henry. with many adjoyning peeces, acknowledge King Henry for their Soveraigne, and were kindly received, and fairely entreated. The Towne of Alanson endured the brunt of eight dayes siege: but in the end tooke out a Copie from the former places for submission; The Duke of Glocester was made Captaine thereof, and Sir Ralph Lentell his Lieutenant, certaine overtures of peace were made by the Dolphin at Tonque Castle, but none concluded, only a truce was made for certaine time, betwixt King Henry and the Duke of Britaine, who came in person to require the same, and the like was granted to the Queene of Ierusalem, and her sonne Lewis; for Anjou and Mayne, the Duke of Britaine being their Proxie for the obtaining the same. From Alanson the Earle of Salisbury was sent to Falays, to view the strength thereof, and to keepe the inhabitants from comming forth: the King with his Army followed, and entrenched themselves to avoide excursions, and incursions; The King made his approaches to his best advantage: and though it was in the hard of Winter, made provision sufficient for his men, both against cold and hunger, whereupon the besieged concluded, if succour came not before the second of Ianuary next following, to yeeld the Towne; the succour not comming the Towne was yeelded, but the Castle held out into which the Governour, and most of the best able men were gotten, but Falays taken. being fiercely followed, and kept in continuall action by assaults and myning, they were driven to make composition of surrender, if not reskued before the sixt of February, the souldiers to depart with their lives only, and the Captaine to bee ransomed; The prefixed time come, the Castle was surrendred, and the Captaine detained prisoner untill the Castle was sufficiently repaired; his name was Oliver de Many; The King leaving for Captaine there, Sir Henry Fitzhugh returned to Cane to put in execution, a Proclamation formerly made, that if the inhabitants of Normandy that were fled returned not by a day to them prefixed, to grant their lands to his souldiers, thereupon hee gave to the Duke of Clarence during life the Vicounties of Ange, Orber, and Pontinz, Oe, Mere, with all the lands of those that were not returned according to Proclamation. All the whole Lent, the King lay at 1418. Bayeux with part of his Army, but the residue were volant upon exploits abroad. The Kings Navy still kept the seas, scowring the Coasts, daily taking the French Bottomes they met: but upon the sixteenth of Iuly such a storme took them, that had they not by Gods good favor falne in with Southampton, A great storme. the whole Navy had beene in great danger, yet in that Haven two Ballingers, and two great Carrickes, laden with Merchandize were drowned: and the Mast of one of the great shippes was with the storme blowne over the Towne wall: when the fury of the tempest was past, the Earles of March and Huntington wa [...]ted over to Normandy, and landing there, marched up the country to the King; The Earle of Warwicke and the Lord Talbot besieged 6. Reg. the strong Castle of Dampfront; The Duke of Clarence at that time tooke Courton and Burny, and in the first placed Captaine Aubyn, and Captaine William Houghton in the other, hee likewise appointed in Chombis, Captaine Iames Nevill: in Bechelovin for Captaine the Earle Marshall, in Harcourt Captaine Richard Woodvile, in Fantgernon, for Captaine Iohn Saint Albon, in Crevener Sir Iohn Kirby, to whom the same was after given [Page] for ever in Anvillyers Captaine Robert Hornby, in Bagles Sir Iohn Arthure Ann. 1416 Reg. 6. was made Captaine, and also of Fresny, Sir Robert Brent lately made Vicount was Captaine.

The Duke of Glocester with the Earle of March, and the Lord Codnor, Captaines made over severall places. march into the Isle of Constantine, wherein hee likewise placed Captaines, of such places as hee tooke in; as at Corentine the Lord Botreux, at Saint Lowe Captaine Reignold West, at Valoignes Captaine Thomas Burgh, at Pont done Captaine David Howell; at Hay de paps Sir Iohn Aston, at Saint Savior Sir Iohn Robsert lately made Vicount, at Pantarson Sir Robert Gargraus, at Hambery the Earle of Suffolke, to whom afterwards the King gave that and Brokevill, at Auranchos Sir Philip Hall; at Vire the Lord Matreius, who was likewise Captaine of Saint Iames de Bumeron. And so having taken in the whole Iland, except Chereburg hee returned to the King, but was sent backe to the siege thereof, which held out about the space of five moneths, though in the meane time all warlike stratagems, and meanes were used to take it, at last they made composition, that if not rescued within threescore and two dayes, to surrender and stand to the mercy of the King. In the meane time the Duke caused his Campe to bee strongly fenced with Rampiers and Bulwarkes, leaving nothing for the safeguard thereof, either unforeseene or unprepared; And whilst hee was providing thus, the Dolphin and the Duke of Burgoigne, by the mediation of the Pope, and his Cardinalls were fully reconciled, and began to consult about the relieving The Dolphin and Duke of Burgoigne reconciled. their besieged Friend; The King to prevent any danger that might betide his brother, had taken order with the Lieutenant in the West-country of England, to send over two thousand men out of those parts, whom when the besieged at Chierburgh perceiued at Sea to approach, they presumed of succour, but their hope failing, they surrendred both the Towne and Castle, whereof the Lord Gray of Codnor mas made the Kings Lieutenant for the time, but afterwards the King made Captaine thereof Iohn Bromley Esquire, and for his hardy valour, and commendable forwardnesse both at this siege and other places, hee gave him the order of Knighthood, gave him faire possessions in the Iland, and made him Constable of Bossevile de Rosse; This was the same partie, that at Corby by his valour recovered the Lord Staffords Colours from the French, and for the remembrance of that service had an honourable adjunct to his armes. The King intending to prosecute his intendments to the full, being of equall spirit to dare, and power to doe, had sent for his Vncle the Duke of Exceter, who with fifteene thousand men within few dayes of Trinity Sunday came to the King, by whom hee was commanded to besiege the Citie of Eureux, which hee tooke in, Eureux besieged. and appointed Captaine thereof Sir Gilbert Halsall. The Earle of Ryme then also tooke in the strong Castle of Milley le Vesko. The siege of Roan was the next thing attempted, which place was now fully fortified▪ and furnished for defence, both with men and amunition; Thither for the more safetie had all the neighbours conveyed all their riches, as being their sole place of refuge now; The King to have his passage cleere, layed siege to the Citie of Loveirs, which upon these conditions, that if they were not relieved Loveirs besieged and rendred. within seven dayes, then the souldiers to serve King Henry: the inhabitants to remaine there as subjects to England, only all such Gunners as had discharged any piece of Ordnance to bee hanged, no succour appearing at the day, the Covenants were performed accordingly. The King marched to Pont de Larch; where hee arrived the seven and twentieth of Iune; There was a stone-bridge which hindered the approach to Roane, being [Page] exceeding strongly guarded, King Henry devised therefore, floates of wicker, covered with beasts hides, by which the Duke of Clarence with his An. 1418. R. 6. quarter passed the River, and then layd siege to the Towne on that side; but to prevent the inconvenience that might come by the River dividing the Army, there were more such Floates made, and other devises with hogsheads New inventions for passage over waters. and Pipes fastened to firre powles and Barges, and such like conveyances with which hee past over his men at pleasure; in the meane time hee caused divers souldiers that could swim, to make show of passing the River, three mile of another way, to which place the French-men drew all their forces, but were deluded, whereupon presently the Fort at the bridge-foot was surrendred, and the souldiers taken to the Kings grace; From thence the Duke of Exceter with certaine horse was sent to view the places about Roane, and with him Windsor the Herrald, which sommoned the Citizens to surrender the Towne, and to submit themselves to the Kings mercy, but they proudly returned answer, they received none from England, nor none they would give the English, and instantly made a sally forth, but were beaten in with the losse of thirtie of their men. The Towne of Loviers the King gave to his brother Clarence, who made his Deputie there Sir Iohn Goddard, after the returne of the Duke of Exceter, the Roanions fired the Suburbes demolished all Churches, Chantryes, and Hostells, leaving nothing without the Citie, which upon the last of Iuly the King straightly besieged; The Kings quarter was the Charteux, the Duke of Clarence at Saint Gervays, the Duke of Exceter at Port Saint Dennis; Betweene the Duke of Exceter Roane besieged. and the Duke of Clarence, lay Earle Marshall, to whom were joyned the Earle of Ormond, the Lords Harington and Talbot, from the Duke of Exceter towards the King were encamped the Lords Rosse, Willoughby, Fitz-Hugh, and Sir William Porter with the Northerne Prickers, the Earle of Salisbury and Mortaignes quarter lay at the Abbay of Saint Katherine, Sir Iohn Gray was lodged against the Chappell of Mount Saint Michael, Sir Philip Leech Treasurer of the Army, kept the hill next the Abby, and the Baron Carew held the passage on the river of Seine, with whom was Squire Ienito Dortoyes; on the further side the river were quartered the Earles of Warraine and Huntington, the Lords Nevill and Ferrers, Sir Gilbert Vmphrevile with his Company lay before the Port de Ponte; A great chaine of iron set upon piles, and a new forced bridge for passage from one Campe to the other, was made over the River.

The Earle of Warwicke was sent to Cawdbecke, standing betwixt Roane and the Sea; The Earle of Warwicke sent Sir Iohn Bromley and George Vmphrevile with an hundred Archers, and two hundred Bill-men to a little Castle called the Strowe, and in the way were met by eight hundred French; Whereupon Sir Iohn Bromley casting his Bow-men in a limasson or loose ring, and his Bill-men in two squares, which in close order marched towards the enemy, who seeing the number to appeare so small, gave on in that disorderly manner, that their Captaine the Lord of Estrisles was slaine, before any of his company could come to the reskewes; The Bow-men opening their order, delivered such a shole of arrowes even in the middest of their enemies, that they stood amazed untill they were awakened with a second; The Bow-men as long as the arrowes lasted, kept the enemy aloofe, but at length they were enforced to make use of their slaine enemies weapons, with which they closing to the Bill-men, made it appeare that they could make use of more weapons then one, and after three houres fight the French fainted, and gave the English leave to take the spoyle of two hundred that were [Page] slaine, and the ransome of two hundred more taken prisoners; in this fight was slaine George Vmphrevile, and thirtie more, all the rest being hurt, more or lesse; amongst whom Sir Iohn Bromley was hurt in the face and body; They were not able to goe forth of the field, but continued there all night, and in the morning some fresh men being come to them, they marched to the Castle, and so plyed them with assaults, and minings, that at length The English Navy passeth the river. the besieged were glad to suffer the English Navie to passe by to Roane, whereof one hundred Sayle passed by, and likewise they gave hostages, that they would not inter-meddle to ayde or assist Roane any way, but to follow her fortune, to render if shee did; wherewith Sir Iohn Bromley went into the Castle, with two Esquires and a Surgeon, and the Company backe to the King: by this time the Duke of Glocester was come to the Campe, and quartered before the Port Saint Hillary, neerer the enemy by fourty roades.

The Earle of Kilmayne with sixteene hundred Irish, armed after their fashion, came from Harflew where they landed, to the King; who were by him assigned for quarter, the North side of the Armie, upon the way that commeth from the Forrest of Lyons. This charge the Earle joyfully accepted, The good service of the Irish. and as proud of the employment, did many brave exployts, to the more damage of the enemy, then all the troopes of Horse.

The Kings Cousin-german, the King of Portugall likewise sent a Navy of well appointed Shippes, to the mouth of the River of Seine, to stoppe all passage of succour to Roane. There were in Roane, two hundred and tenne thousand persons, at the beginning of the siege, which made them so confident, that they sware each to other, never to deliver up the Citie as long as they could hold Sword, or handle Pike. The King acquainted herewith, stopped all passages, both by land and water, casting deepe Trenches, and raysing Bulwarckes to hinder all sallyes or receipt of reliefe.

The French in the meane time made many attempts upon divers pieces in the Kings hands, as upon Kilbuife, Eureux, and Loviers, but were repulsed with great losse, but more disgrace. Before Roane no enterprise is left unpractised, no pollicie unattempted; how either partie might indamage other; But now the many mouthes within the Citie, had devoured a great part of their provision, and for the better saving of the rest, a great number of aged impotent creatures, were turned out of the Gates, whom the English would not suffer to passe the Trenches: betwixt which and the walls the miserable people starved and dyed, without helpe of friend or foe; Vpon Christmasse day, in honour of the birth of our Saviour, the King Henryes charitie. King relieved, and suffered to passe as many as were at first put out, but suffered others that were thrust out a second time to famish, except relieved by the Towne. The unwonted noyse of Bells ringing, gave the King occasion to expect an enemie at his backe: for prevention therefore of that danger, hee gave order to Sir Robert Bapthorpe Controller of the Army, to provide a deepe Trench well staked, and with bastils to round the Campe, and to make defences both behinde and before, to withstand all sudden approaches: The Famine began now to rage pittifully within the Citie, and the Dolphins promise to relieve them, now past hope of performance: a Parlie is desired and obtained, but fruitlesse at the first, the demaunds of the besieged being more then stood with the Kings honour, or pleasure to give consent unto, but upon the Commissioners returne into the Towne, the starved multitude began to upbraid the Commanders, and to tell them, that they must bee famished to death [Page] for their obstinacies, and with threatning speeches, they told them, Ann. 1418 R. 9. they would, if they would not, compound for their redemption upon any termes, enforced therefore to give way to their implacable furyes, the Commissioners concluded, that after the nineteenth day of that instant Ianuarie, the Citie and Castle of Roane should bee delivered to Roane comes to composition. the King of Englands hands, and that all should submit to the Kings mercie, and should pay to him three hundred thousand Skutes of gold, every two to bee of the valew of the English Noble. Every Souldiour to sweare never to beare armes against the King of England.

That the starved creatures expulsed should bee admitted entrance, and receive reliefe during the time prefixed, if not before that time reskonsed.

Vpon the day agreed upon, Sir Guy de Butler, and the Burgesses Surrendred. delivered up the keyes of the Citie and Castle, craving grace and favour. The Duke of Exceter was appointed to take possession of the fame, who accordingly entred with his souldiers.

The next day after being Friday, the twentieth of Ianuary, the KING triumphantly made his entry, with foure Dukes, tenne Earles, eight Bishops, sixteene Barons, &c. Hee was received with the Clergie, with two and fourty Crosses, and by them was conducted to our Lady Church, where after publicke Thankes-giving, hee tooke homage and fealtie of the Burgesses and inhabitants, making proclamation, that all that would come, and acknowledge him to bee their Liege-Lord, should enjoy the benefit of his protection, and retaine their possessions; whereupon many came in: and many Townes were surrendred. The Duke of Britaine fore-casting the danger of having too potent a neighbour (except a friend) plant neere him upon safe conduct obtained, came to Roane, where a League is agreed upon, that neither should make Warre upon other, except upon denuntiation thereof, sixe moneths before any attempt, this concluded the Duke returned.

Whilst the King lay at ROANE to perfect all things, the Duke of CLARENCE tooke VERNON and NAVNT, making Sir WILLIAM PORTER Captaine of the first, and the Earle of MARCH of the other. The Earle of SALISBVRY tooke in HVNFLEVV (which was afterward given to the Duke of CLARENCE) Munster de Villiers, Ewe, New-Castle, whereof Sir PHILIP LEECH was made Captaine.

An Overture agreed upon for an interview, betwixt the King of An Overture for an interview crossed by the Dolphins default. ENGLAND and the Dolphin of FRANCE, fayled through the Dolphins default, which displeased King HENRY, who had in expectation thereof, gone from Roane to Eureux, from whence hee sent the Earle of Warwicke, to take in la Roche Guyon, which hee accordingly (but not without some losse) did, and thereof made owner of the Kings free gift; Sir Guy de Bolyleere lately Captaine of Roane. In all places the Kings Commanders prevailed, and by constraint or consent all pieces of strength, that were sommoned, opened their gates unto the English, and it is worthy the observation, that when there is (as now there was) a mutuall intercourse of discreet direction, and diligent execution, warlike designes faild but prosper on the other side, where there is want of skill to Command: and want of will to obey, nothing can thrive, and these wants now hid, so clowded the affayres of France, that all lay at six & seven. The Duke of [Page] Burgoine solicites an interview betwixt the Kings of England and France: Embassadors on both sides are sent, King Henry is content to come to Maunt, so as the French King came to Ponthoys, which is consented to. King Henry kept his feast of Whitsontide at Mounts, where he made the stout Gascoyne, Captaine le Buife, Earle of Longevile, Sir Iohn Gray Earle of Tanckervile, and the Lord Bourcher Earle of Ewe, upon the last of May at the day appointed, King Henry accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence, Glocester, and Exceter, his Vncle Bewford, the great Clerke and rich Bishop of Winchester, with the Earles of March and Salisbury, with a thousand men at armes entred the place appointed. The French Queene, her Husband being taken with his phrenzie, which the Duke of Burgoine, and the Earle of Saint Paul, and a company of faire Ladyes, amongst whom as a baite to entangle the Kings youthfull affection, the Queenes beautifull Daughter; the Lady Katherine throughly instructed, and gorgeously attired presented her selfe, with whose sight though the King was ardently taken: yet with that moderation hee behaved himselfe, that though hee were resolved to make the enjoyment of her for wife, a chiefe Article to be granted, yet hee made no such apparant show thereof, but that the other things requirable to bee concluded at this treatie, should bee first agreed upon, but nothing was affected, for the Dolphin under-hand had made meanes to the Duke of Burgoine to hinder all agreement, which King Henry observing, at their departure told the Duke of Burgoine, That hee would have his demaunds and the Lady, or else drive the King out of his kingdome, and make the Duke seeke another Dukedome. The treatie becomming fruitlesse and dissolved, the Dolphin and the Duke upon the sixt of Iuly are reconciled, and the Articles An. 1419. R. 7. thereof signed and sealed; In the meane time a Conspiracy in Roane was timely discovered, and wisely prevented, and the Conspiratours upon examination, and proofe duly punished. By direction from the King, the Earle A Conspiracie in Roane discovered▪ Ponthoys surprised by the English. of Longevile did valiantly surprise the Towne of Poynthose, with fifteene hundred men, there being at that time within the Towne, a thousand Launceeres, and two thousand Arcubalisters; but had not the Earle of Huntington come in good time to second them; their valour opprest by multitude, could not have made good what they had atchieved: neither could they both have long subsisted, had not the Duke of Clarence come to their reskue, who to recompence the brave spirits of the first entrers, gave the spoyle of the Towne amongst them. From thence the Duke marched to Paris, and there stayed by the space of two dayes, but perceiving no show of sally to be made, he returned to Ponthoys: King Henry comming thither, after hee had sufficiently furnished the same with victuals and artillerie, hee with his maine Army marched further into the country, and in the way forced the Castle of Vanion Villeirs, but at the intercession of divers Ladyes, the garrison were permitted without armes or weapon to depart; Hereof was appointed Captaine Iohn de Burgh: upon approach of the Armie which was upon the last of August to the Castle of Gysors, the only peece that now stood forth in those parts; the Garrison there made a sally, and much hindred the English in their sitting downe, by reason of the inaccessible passage thorow the Marishes, which in a manner surrounded the same; yet at length when they perceived the Kings resolution, not to depart without conquest, and calling to minde, that no place had bin of strength sufficient to withstand his power, they agreed if not reskued by a day (which they were not) to deliver both town & Castle to the King: The souldiers of the garrison, and many of the Burgers tooke an oath of fidelitie to the King of England, [Page] and remained there still, the Earle of Worcester was made Captaine thereof. The well defenced Castle of Galiard, strong both by scituation & art, after six moneths siege was surrendred to the Duke of Exceter, and thereof the King made the Lord Rosse Captaine, all the Country of Velquesseine submitted, the King putting in men of valour and trust into the chiefe holds, as into Gourney Sir Gilbert Vmfrevile, the Earle of Worcester at Newtye; the Castle of Dumall (yeelded to the Earle of Warwicke) was given him by the King, so that now all Normandy (Mount Saint Michael only excepted) was reduced to the possession of the King of England, which had beene detained wrongfully untill then from him ever since the yeare 1207.

The Dolphin all this while, notwithstanding the agreement sealed, and settled as might bee thought, being perswaded that the Duke of Burgoyne was a barre to his ambitious desires, studied not so much to stop the overflowing current; of the King of Englands victories, as the effecting of his owne ends of revenge against the Duke, (a miserable thing, when one mans rising is grounded on the desired overthrow of another;) To that end therefore, covering his private malice, with the long roabe of publike service, hee made show of removall, of all rank our betwixt the Duke and him, and to that end appointed a meeting of all the Peeres at Mountstrew al fault you, where the Duke was barbarously murthered, whilst hee humbled himselfe in reverence, to the Dolphin on his knee: which act was by so much the lesse to bee pittied in the Duke; by how much hee in the like kind upon the like enterview, had caused Lewis the Duke of Orleance to bee murthered; But this recrimination of Burgoyne, for the murther of Orleance, can bee no excusation of the Dolphins perfidious treachery; Hereupon Philip Earle of Caraloys, the heire of Burgoyne, did forbeare for a time the company of his Wife, the Dolphins sister, but upon due consideration of her pliable and obsequious disposition, and the religious admonition of his Mother-in-law, and exhortation of his chiefest Councellours, hee gave her ever after all requirable respect and observance, and turned his justly incensed anger against the Dolphin, but without show of choler or distemperature, either in words or gestures, howsoever his kindred and allyes thretned revenge; But this distraction settled at home, and danger threatned abroad drew a double feare of destruction upon the quieter minded Nobilitie, who used the imployment of their uttermost endevours, to procure a reconciliation betwixt the Queene, and the Dolphin; and a pacification of the King of England, and by their mediation Embassadours are sent to Gysors where King Henry lay, who gave them audience, and honourable entertainment, and was pleased to condescend that Commissioners might have communication, but no cessation of warre; No sooner were they returned, but hee drew his forces to Maunt, The English army severed into three parts. where hee divided them into three parts, sending the Duke of Glocester with one part to Saint German in lay, which was delivered unto him. The Duke of Clarence with another was sent to Mountjoy, which after some show of great resistance, was given over unto him. The third under the conduct of the Duke of Exceter, went to Mewlancké▪ which was strongly defenced, and compassed in with the great river of Seine: but by the invention of woodden towers reared upon boates bridges and floates, the French-men were so terrified, that for want of succour at the time agreed upon, they surrendred the Towne and gave hostages, and oath to remaine true subjects to the King of England, and so were permitted to remaine there still; The many rivolets cut out, and running in the severall Forts and Castles as aforesaid, might have much drayned the great river of the Kings Army: had not daily [Page] supplies from all forraine parts (drawne by the generall report of his honourable usage of souldiers) of men and amunition, and money out of his Dominions, been broughtunto him; but such was his providence, and his officers obedience and care, that nothing wanted that was needfull or necessary. But now the new Duke of Burgoine (a wise and politick Prince,) having debated with himselfe what course to take, to revenge his Fathers murther, and being assured, that if he should oppose the Dolphin, and the Dolphin him, the King of France would lose by both, and King Henry would carry away all; he endevoured to propose an overture of Peace betweene the two Kings, which hee was the more likely to obtaine, by reason of his powerfulnesse amongst the Peeres, and the assurance of the Lady Katherines readinesse (who had more power over her Mothers affections then her owne) to joyne with him in any thing that might conduce, to her obtaining the effect of her wishes, which was aswell the love of King Henry as the peace and quiet of her Father and country, besides the advantage the Duke had of the Dolphin who was now observed to be more cunning and revengefull, then wise and valiant, and by the late murther made obnoxious to the disesteeme of his neerest friends; Embassadours are againe sent from the King of France, and the French Embassadours sent to King Henry. young Duke of Burgoyne, who were returned with gratious countenance, and some tokens of courtesie to the Duke, but withall a kind of intimation that there was small hope of obtaining any thing at his hands concerning truce, if not desired by the Lady Katherine, whose innocencie, as he said, knew not how to abuse his credulitie, as the others had done; whilst these things are in agitation, his armyes lay not idle; The Earle of Salisbury tooke in Fresney.

The Earles Marshall & Huntington with their powers entred into Mayn▪ and approaching Mentz, they were encountred by the power of the Dolphin, An. 1420. R. 8. whereof they slew five thousand, and tooke two hundred Prisoners; These tidings being brought to Roane, whither the King was come▪ to solemnize the Feast of Christs birth; thanks-givings to God were publikely made, and in the instant thereof arived other Embassadors from the King and Queen of France, who having audience, & the tenour of their embassage delivered, a Letter from the Lady Katherine to the King of England was secretly by the Bishop of Arras delivered, the Contents whereof being considered, the King openly said, That hee would wipe away the disrepute cast-upon his actions, as though hee should bee the cause of effusion of so much Christian blood, as every day was likely to bee made, if the warres should continue for his quarrell, and would turne the same upon the King of France and his Adherents, if either they made not Propositions, such as with safetie of his honour might bee granted, or did not condiscend to such Articles, as hee would reasonably tender them, hee therefore returned the Embassadours with good content, and sent the Earle of Warwicke and the Bishop of Rochester to the Duke of Burgoyne, betweene whom an King Henry sends to the Duke of Burgoyne. accord was made, in case the King of France, and his Peeres with the Commons, would approve thereof; They being to that purpose by the Duke of Burgoyne solicited, willingly gave their consent, and appointed the Duke of Burgoyne to send his Embassadours sufficiently authorized, to meete with King HENRYES Embassadours at Troyes in Campaygne, and to that end the King of England was earnestly entreated so to doe, who thereupon sent his Vncle the Duke of Exceter, the Earle of Salisburie with others, to the number of five hundred Horse to the Duke of Burgoyne, who from thence came together with them to [Page] Troyes, upon the eleventh of March, were in that manner received, as where affection, and loving desire are the entertainers, There it was quickly concluded, that the King of England should speed himselfe to Troyes, there to bee espoused to the faire Lady Katherine, and to have assurance of the Crowne of France, after the decease of the diseased Charles; Whereupon with a guard of fifteene thousand choice souldiers, accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence and Glocester, with the Earles of Warwicke, Salisbury, Huntington, Longevile, Tanckervile, and Ewe, the King of England came to Troyes upon the eighteenth day of May, where hee was met by the Duke of Burgoine and divers of the French Nobility, who attended King Henry giveth meeting at Troyes to the Queen. him to the Pallace, where the Queene with her Daughters, the Dutches of Burgoine and the Lady Katherine, gave him Princely entertainment, where after some little pause, whilst the intercourse of complement was passing betwixt the French and the English, the King addressed himselfe to the Dutchesse of Burgoine, demanding of her in befitting termes, if shee thought her Sister Katherines affection was free, and not in bondage to any, to whom the Dutchesse with a gracefull smile made answer, that shee durst pawne her soule, her Sister till that houre shee first saw his highnesse, was as free as any Virgin might bee, but how shee stood affected now, shee referred him to her owne answer, opportunitie giving way (as when mindes are willing it may bee easily apprehended) the Lady Katherine was by the King interrogated, how shee stood affected to marriage; shee answered, shee was to bee disposed of by the King, otherwise if shee might have the libertie of her owne will, shee would give him a more full answer, and so making offer to depart, King Henry with an amiable voice, said, Give but your consent, and I will by Gods leave make all the rest agree, or leave them landlesse or livelesse, and thereof rest assured, by this pledge of my faith, and so tendered unto her a Ring of great price, which she not without some blushing received, and making a Courtly conge unto him left him, and hee the company, being come to his lodging, hee gave order to his Commissioners to make speed in their consultations, and not to give the least way to any procrastinations; Whereupon that speed was used in their conferences, that upon the twentieth day of May, the Lady Katherine was affianced unto him in Saint Peters King Henry affianced to the Lady Katherine. Church, after this the two Kings with their Privie Councellours divers times met, and all points of accord, were reduced to a certaintie and concluded; to which agreement the Kings and all present made faith for the performance, and the Duke of Burgogny for his particular made oath as followeth;

I Philip Duke of Burgoignie, for my selfe and my heires, upon the holy Evangelists of God, sweare to Henry King of England, and Regent of The Duke of Burgoynes oath. France under King Charles, that wee shall humbly and faithfully obey King Henry in all things, which concerne the Crowne of France, and the Common-wealth thereof, and after the decease of our now Soveraigne Charles, shall remaine faithfull leigemen to the said King Henry and his Successours for ever, neither shall we admit or allow, of any other Lord, or supreme King of France, but Henry of England and his heires: neither shall wee counsell or consent to any thing, that may bee prejudiciall to the said King Henry or his Successours, or may bee damagefull to his life or limme, but shall with all speed give notice thereof, and endevour to prevent it; The morrow after Trinitie Sunday, being the third of Iune the Marriage with all bef [...]ting Ceremonies was solemnized, and the King of England named and proclaymed heire, and Regent of the Realme of France, of this accord, and [Page] the Articles subsequent, the French King sent Copies all over France, and King Henry the like to England, in these words.

Henry by the grace of God, King of England, heire and Regent of France, and Lord of Ireland, to bee perpetually remembred of all Christians The Articles of agreement certified. under our obeysance, doe notifie and declare, that whereas there hath bin divers Treaties, betwixt our royall Father King Charles, for peace and quiet to bee established betwixt the Realmes of France and England, which have proved fruitlesse, considering the many detriments thereby fallen, not only to those Realmes, but the disturbance of holy Church, we have now concluded with our said royall Father, for removing all distractions, and accorded that our said royall Father, and his ever to bee honoured Queene Isabell, shall be entituled the Father and Mother of us, and reverenced and respected in all things as such alliance shall require.

That the said King Charles, shall during life hold and enjoy, in peace and tranquillitie, his royall Dignitie, Crowne and Revenewes of all France; And that all Writs, Processe and Commissions, and such like proceedings shall passe under his Name and Seale as King; And that his Queene Isabell in case shee survive him, shall keepe her estate and Title, and all such rights and revenewes, as were formerly enjoyed by Blaunch Queen Dowager to Philip Grandfather to King Charles.

That Queene Katherine should with all convenient speed bee sufficiently endowed in England, with twenty thousand Markes per annum.

That during the life of Charles, King Henry should not assume the Title of King of France. and that the French King should write and entitle him; our thrice noble Sonne, Henry King of England, and heire of France.

That after the death of Charles, the Crowne of France would really and entirely remaine to King Henry and his heires for ever.

That in regard of the inabilitie of King Charles, by himselfe to rule, and manage the affaires of the kingdome, King Henry should bee Regent and governe the [...]ame, as to him should seeme expedient for the Kings honour, and the commoditie of the Realme and Common-wealth.

That the estate of Parliament in France should retaine, all accustomed priviledges, power, and authoritie.

That King Henry should to his power, faithfully assist both Peeres and people, to regaine all such things, as did of right belong unto them, and should protect all the preheminences, priviledges and possessions of the Crowne of France.

That King Henry should support the Subjects of France, against all forraine enemies, and labour the suppression of all intestine debates and civill warres, and endevour the increase of the prosperitie and peace of France, by impartially administring justice to all.

That King Henry in places of Iustice, and charge, should place persons, generally taken for wise, faithfull, and fit to administer and manage those things unto them committed.

That King Henry should speedily endevour to reduce the Dolphin, and the Earle of Arminacke, and all their confederates, to their due obedience to the Crowne of France.

That King Henry should cause all persons, of what degree, condition, or qualitie soever, to take a corporall oath for their true obedience to K. Charles during life, and after his death to King Henry and his heires, and to admit no other King or Regent, nor conspire any thing against his or their Persons or estates, but disclose all mischiefes plotted or intended, for his or their hurt or losse.

[Page] That all possessions King Henry should gaine from any Rebell to King Charles (except in Normandy) should bee to the use and benefit of the French King: But upon voluntary taking the before-mentioned oathes to be tendred and taken, then to retaine their possessions freely.

That after the death of King Charles, the Dutchie of Normandy, and what else had beene conquered by King Henry, should returne to the obeysance of the Crowne of France.

That King Henry should not overburden his Subjects of France with impositions, but in cases of urgent necessitie, and then the same to bee assessed and levied, according to the Custome and manner of France▪ and not otherwise.

That after the death of King Charles, the two Realmes of France and England, should Soveraignely be ruled but by one man, and not to admit two Kings, and that neither Crowne should bee subject to other, but each of them to retaine, and enjoy their particular customes, priviledges, liberties, immunities, lawes, and preheminencies.

That diligent observation be used, to retaine both Nations in fraternall concord, and mutuall friendship, as brethren and friends.

That neither King should conclude any peace, or make any truce with the Dolphin, except they and the Duke of Burgoyne, all three consented thereto.

That none shall bee placed about the French Kings person, but French-men such as hee by his Councell should make choice of, and should reside wheresoever in the kingdome at his pleasure.

And lastly, that both the Kings under their great Seales, and all their Peeres, Prelates, Cominalties, Gentry, and Corporations, under their usuall seales, shall ratifie and confirme the Articles of agreement, and shall all sweare to observe them, to their uttermost abilities and power.

These thus concluded, were proclaimed publikely, both in England and France, the Kings with their Nobilitie present, solemnly sworne to the observation of them.

This caused a solemne Procession, upon the fourteenth of Iune following in London, and a Sermon at Pauls Crosse being Friday, wherein the Preacher amongst other things, affirmed that for perpetuall manifestation of this so honourable an accord, that the old Seale was to bee broken, and a new great Seale to bee made, wherein the Kings Title as Regent of France, and heires apparant to the Crowne thereof, and three Flowre-de-luces, instead of sixe formerly borne in the Scutcheon of armes was to be engraved.

There was likewise a private League contracted betweene king Henry and the Duke of Burgoyne, to this effect; A League with the Duke of Burgoyne:

That the Duke to the uttermost of his best abilities, should endevour the continuation of the former agreements, That one of the Dukes Sisters should bee matched to one of the Kings Brothers, that after the death of Charles, hee should doe fealtie to the King of England; That King Henry should prosecute the murtherers of the Dukes Father, with all extremitie; And that if any of them, or the Dolphin should in any place be taken, that they should not bee delivered without condigne punishment, without the consent of the two Kings, and the three estates of both kingdomes.

That the Duke should have assurance of lands, for the annuall payment of the fee of twenty thousand pounds Paris, to him and his Wife, and the heires males betwixt them to be begotten; And that King Henry upon the receiving his homage, should confirme the same.

[Page] This thus finished, King Henry invites the King and Queene of France, with the Duke and Dutchesse of Burgoyne, with all the Nobles of France there, to a stately banquet, the Ceremonies whereof ended, hee made unto them so pithy and patheticall Oration, declaring therein the utilitie, of the union of the two kingdomes, his right to them, on the surer side, with protestation of as true love, and affection to France, as if a native thereof, and promises of tender regard, to bee alwayes by him extended towards them, with all filiall respect, and dutifull observance to his Father and Mother-in-law; and the true performance of all and every part of the Agreement; And so perswading them to mutuall love, and friendship amongst themselves, and truth and loyalty to their Soveraigne; And so with an expression of detestation of the late murther of the Duke of Burgoyne, and giving assurance of his desire to procure the revengement thereof he concluded. The next day following, Iames the young King of Scots arrived; And upon the fourth day of Iune, King Henry with the French King, the King of Scots, the Duke of Burgoyne, the Prince of Orange, one and twenty Earles, five and fou [...]y Barons, with many Knights and Gentlemen, with an Army consisting of French, English, Scottish, Irish, and Dutch, to the number of sixe hundred thousand marched towards the Dolphin, and upon the seventh day layd siege to the Towne of Seins, that sided with the Dolphin, which after foure daies siege yeelded, and thereof the Lord Benvile was made Captaine; From thence they removed, having the Duke of Bedford in their company, who had brought out of England large supplies of men and money to Monstreau en falte Yon, which was taken by Escalado; here the murthered Duke of Burgoyne being buried, and from thence his Sonne caused his boues to be taken up, and carried to Digeon in high Burgoyne, and there enterred by his Father Philip: The Castle held out; and during the siege thereof, King Henry Created an Officer of armes, to bee king of Herolds over the English The creation of Garter principall King of armes. men, and entituled him Garter, whom hee had formerly sent with offers of mercy to the Castle, but was by the Captaine thereof reproachfully upbrayded, for punishment of which his presumption, a gibbet was erected, and in view of Mounsieur Guitry the Castle Captaine, twelve of his friends were executed; Whereupon the Castilians treated for peace, but the King in eight dayes together would not vouchsafe a parle, so that after they had borne the brunt of six weekes siege, they were enforced, with saving of lives simply to yeeld. The Earle of Warwicke was appointed, to examine by poll all the prisoners, and others that yeelded, to find out any that had bin privy, or parties to the murther of the Duke of Burgoine; and was afterward made Governour both of Castle and Towne. From thence the King marched to Melun upon Seine, which was besieged the thirteenth of Iuly, the Captaine whereof was Barbason a Gascoyne, a skilfull souldier, and of approved valiancy; And as Hanniball in warre was not more ready to invent stratagems, then Quintus Fabius to prevent them; so King Henryes counsell could not bee more wily to winne, then Barbason was warie to defend.

The King by land and water stopped all passages, making use of his before-mentioned floates, to passe his souldiers over the River; yet Barbason sallied out, and fell upon the Earle of Warwickes quarter, where if hee had not beene the more valiantly resisted; The Duke of Burgoynes men had tasted of their fury. The Duke of Bavier another of King Charles Sonin-lawe, (but his Dutchesse was dead,) with seven hundred well-appointed Horse-men, came to the Campe, which were presently listed under the [Page] Kings pay. Barbason countermined some, and stopt other mines made by the English, and fought hand to hand in the Barryers with King Henry, yet notwithstanding all his circumspect care, and praise-worthy diligence; when hee found hee was to fight against the two bitter arrowes of Gods wrath, Famine and Pestilence, hee humbled himselfe to the King, who pardoned all that were not guilty of the forenamed murther, whereof Barbason being suspected, and others that were found faultie, were sent to Paris under the conduct of the Duke of Clarence, whom King Charles made Captaine of Delea that Citie, and was accordingly admitted into the possession of all the strength thereof; And presently thereupon both the Kings with their Queenes, the Duke of Burgoyne and his Dutchesse, with a royall traine came thither, where they were most magnificencly entertained; the French King was lodged in the house of Saint Paul, and the King of England, in the Castle of Louer; Here the three States of France, anew under their hands and seales, in most authenticke manner, ratified the former agreement, the instruments The ratification of the agreement layed up in the Treasury at Westminster. whereof were delivered to the King of England, who sent them to bee kept in his Treasurie at Westminster.

Now King Henry began to exercise his Regency, and as a badge of his authoritie, hee caused a new coyne which was called a Salute to bee made, whereon the armes of France and England were quarterly stamped; Hee there heard the Appeale of the Dowager of Burgoine against the Dolphin, whose Advocates in his behalfe made large offers for satisfaction, but they were adjourned to another day. Hee placed and displaced divers officers, and appointed the Duke of Exceter with five hundred men, to the guard of Paris. Sir Gilbert Vmfrevile was made Captaine of Melun, and the Earle of Huntington of Bloyes de Vinces, King Henry awarded out Processe against the Dolphin, to appeare at the Marble table at Paris, which hee not obeying, sentence was denounced against him, as guilty of the murther of the Duke of Burgoyne, and by the sentence of the Parliament the Dolphin was banished the Realme.

The King with his beloved Queene Katherine the sixt of Ianuary left Paris An. 1421. R. 9. and came to Roane, where hee received homage of all the Nobilitie, aswell such as were enobled by descent of the French, as such as were dignified by desert of the English; And making Thomas Duke of Clarence Lieutenant generall of France and Normandy; and his Deputie in Normandy the Earle of Salisbury: Having finished his Christmas, he with his Queene went to Amiens, and from thence to Callice, and thence landing at Dover, came to Canterbury, and afterward thorow London to Westminster, where Queene Katherine Crowned. the Queene upon Saint Mathewes day, the fourth of February, with all ceremonies, rites, and accustomed solemnities was Crowned. The King of Scots sitting at dinner in his Estate, but on the left hand of the Queene, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Kings Vncle the Bishop of Winchester being on the right hand, all were serued with covered messes of silver, but all the Feast was fish, in observation of the Lent season.

King Henry by his ghostly father being instructed, that the surest stone, that can bee layd for the foundation of future felicitie, must bee digged out of the quarry of Pietie, first visited many places for devotion, by way of Pilgrimage, King Henryes Pietie. and then tooke his Progresse thorow the Land, and knowing that great evills may grow out of the smallest causes, if neglected, hee by the way reformed all misdemeanours, whereof he received notice, hearing with a diligent eare, the complaints of his poore subjects, taking order for the administring of Iustice to high and poore, neither sparing the great for might, [Page] nor the meane for misery: And shewing that Examples are the best Lectures, and Vertue the best example, after hee had set his ministers a copy thereof: Hee gave meeting to the Queene at Leicester, where they kept their Easter.

In the meane time the Duke of Clarence making a road into Aniou, with the garrisons of Normandy, came to the City of Ampers, where hee knighted Sir William Rosse, Sir Henry Goddard, Sir Rowland Vider, Sir Thomas Bewford, his naturall Sonne; And retutning home laden with prey, was advertised, that the Duke of Alanson, intended to intercept his passage; hee therefore sent the skowt-Master Andrew Fogosa, to discover the face of the enemy, who being a trecherous Lombard, and having beene corrupted by the enemy, at his returne reporteth their number to bee but small, meanly armed, and worse ordered, so that if presently charged, there could bee no resistance. The Dukes credulitie, caused him to draw all his horses together, leaving the strength of the field, his Bowes and Bills behind, with them hee makes towards the enemy; the traitour leading to a straight, where by his appointment an ambush was layed, that the Duke could neither retreat nor The Duke of Clarence betrayed. flee, which perceiving, the Duke with a valiant courage, told the Earle of Tanckervile, that their chance was very hard, when no meanes was left, but to sell their lives at the dearest rate to their enemies, and so setting spurres to his horse, charged upon the enemy; but over-layed with multitude, and overwearied with fight: The Duke of Clarence, the Earle of Tanckervile, the Robert Vmphrevile here slaine, was both Earle of Argus and Kime. Lord Rosse, the Earle of Angus Kyme, Sir Iohn Lumley, and Sir Iohn Verend, with above two thousand English slaine: The Earles of Somerset, Suffolke, and Pearch, Sir Iohn Berckley, Sir Ralph Nevile, Sir William Bowes, and threescore Gentlemen were taken prisoners. The Bastard Clarence having an inckling of the Lombards treachery, brought on his Archers, whom the French perceiving to approach, fled with their Prisoners, leaving the dead undispoyled, by which meanes the Lord Fitzwater, and some others were found wounded, and almost stifled amongst the carkasses; The bodyes of the dead were by the foot-men buried, except the Duke of Clarence, who by Sir Iohn Beauford his base sonne, the Duke dying without other issue wac conveyed to England and buried at Canterbury besider his father. 1421. This happened upon Easter Eeve. The King was at Beverly when he had notice of his brothers death, and presently thereupon, hee dispatced away Edmond Earle of Mortaigne into Normandy, making him Lieutenant thereof. Then calls hee his high Court of Parliament to Westminster, wherein A Parliament at Westminster. hee enforced the necessity of speedy pursuance, of the Dolphin and his Adherents, and easinesse of revenging the losse of his brother and their friends and allyes, in case they would furnish him with money, men and amunition being in readinesse provided; Whereupon the Clergie cheerefully granted two tenths, and the temporalty readily one fifteene, and for that the Kings hast could not well stay the wonted course of collection thereof.

The Bishop of Winchester, layed forth to bee received againe of the Designes of the spiritualty, twenty thousand pounds; so willing was the rich Cardinall to have his brother Clarence death revenged. The King thus provided with money, sent his brother the Duke of Bedford, with the Army to Callice, consisting of foure thousand men at armes, and foure and twenty thousand Archers, himselfe about the middle of May followeth, and safely King Henry returnes to France. arriving at Callice; hee hasted to relieve Charters, whom the Dolphin with seven thousand men had besieged, and comming to Maunt, heard that the Dolphin was retired to Tours. The Duke of Burgoyne, who had received, and feasted the King, with his Father and Mother-in-law at Monstruell, and [Page] from thence came with the King to Maunt, went backe to Piccardy, to resist the insolencies of Sir Iaques de Harcourt,

The King of Scots with the Duke of Glocester, about the eight of Iuly, besieged Dreux, which upon the eight of August compounded; That if they Dreux besieged. were not reskued, before the twentieth of that moneth, to deliver up the Towne, the souldiers with their goods, to march whither they would, upon which day no reskue came, they had all leave to depart, except one Searle an Englishman, fled thither for Treason out of Roane, whom they presently executed, and the Towne was delivered to the King of Scots, whereof the Earle of Worcester was made Captaine, and Sir Henry Mortimer Bayliffe. The King pursued the Dolphin from place to place, but hee was too flit of foot, to bee easily overtaken; In the way King Henry surprized the Towne of Baugency, but tooke them all to mercy that craved it; the like he did at Rugemounte, from thence victuall failing, hee went to Orleans, and from thence to Vignei Sainct Yon, where hee stayed awhile to refresh his men, and from thence to Paris, and having there fitted himselfe with supplies, hee went and fate downe before Meuix in Brye, a Towne no lesse well victualed then manned, and no better furnished then fortified, neverthelesse after many assaults, the besieged forsooke the Walls, and drew into the Market place, where they began workes for their defence, from whence being likewise beaten, the King had possession of that, and all the Fortresses in the Isle of France, in Lonvaus, in Brye, and in Champayne.

The Duke of Bedford in the Kings absence, called a Parliament in England, 1422. A Parliament in the Kings absence called. The birth of Henry the sixt. in which was granted to the King, towards the maintenance of his warres, one Fifteene to bee payed in such moneyes, as at the time of the graunt were current. Vpon Saint Nicholas day, Queene Katherine was brought to bed of a Sonne at Windsor, who was by the Duke of Bedford, and Henry Bishop of Winchester, and the Countesse of Holland Christened by the name of Henry, whereof when the King had notice out of a propheticke disposition hee sayd; Good Lord, I Henry borne at Monmouth shall small time raigne, and much get; and Henry borne at Windsor, shall long Raigne and lose all, but Gods will be done.

Divers Frenchmen under the leading of Oliver de Many, who had given faith never to beare armes against the King of England entred Normandy, and did rob and spoyle the countrey; But being by the Earle of Suffolke encountred, hee was after a long and desperate fight taken, and all his Confederates rowted; the King notwithstanding his breach of faith, put him not to death, but sent him prisoner to England, where he dyed.

The Dolphin layed siege to Cosney, who made composition, that if they were not reskued by the King of England within tenne dayes to surrender. The Dolphin besieged Cosney. The King was so intentive to the reskue, that hee over-heat himselfe with travell, and comming to Senlis found himselfe so distempered, that hee was enforced to remaine there, and send his brother Duke of Bedford to prosecute the dissigne, who effected the same: the Dolphin upon his approach, raised the siege, and dishonourably retired into Berry, whereof in mockage hee was after called King of Berry, the Queenes untimely visit, who not long before having taken shipping at Southampton, with a gallant Company of freshmen raysed, and furnished at her owne charge, under the conduct of the Duke of Bedford, was come into France, and had met the King at Paris, where hee left her, but shee having notice of his sicknesse was come unto him, did much increase the Kings Fever, insomuch that by the perswasion of the Doctors, and direction of the Kings Councell against her owne will, and [Page] the Kings desire, whose ardent affection unto her could hardly brooke her An. 1422. R. 9. absence, shee left the King, who after her departure growing worse and worse, was removed to Bloys, where within few dayes hee yeelded up his King Henry dieth. conquests to the all-Conquerour, who sent him Crowned with never-dying victory to place of ever-living glory.

Somewhat before his departure out of this world, hee made the Duke of The Duke of Bedford made Generall of Normandy. The Duke of Glocester Protector. Bedford Lieutenant generall of Normandy, and Regent of the kingdome of France; And the Duke of Glocester Protector of England, and his sonnes person, exhorting all to bee true and friendly to the Duke of Burgoyne, to bee at unitie amongst themselves, to bee loyall to their young Prince, to bee seruiceable to his dearely beloved Queene, to hold and preserve, what he by his valour and Gods assistance had wonne, never to conclude contract of amitie with the Dolphin, or the Duke of Alanson, untill they had submitted themselves to the Kings grace, and so giving God thankes for all his former favours, and blessings bestowed upon him, hee dyed the last of August 1422. in the eight and thirtieth yeere of his age, when hee had raigned nine yeares five moneths, and foure and twenty dayes; his body was carried to Westminster, and there buried amongst his Ancestours, his character appeareth best when it is referred to his recollection of himselfe; for as hee was in youth the most untowardly, so in his riper yeares hee approved himselfe of great noblenesse and vertue, his stature was tall, his personage slender, but very strong & active, he was saith Walsingham, modestus vultu, actu magnanimus, of courage invincible, and fortunately victorious in all his battells, never receiving checke in any; of nature liberall, of disposition affable, of a generous spirit, of infatigable constancy; hee was wise and provident in Councell, in judgement upright and just, in his speech sober, in countenance majesticke, in comportment magnanimous, borne and bred for conquest, of life unreprovable, and in his death generally greatly lamented; in briefe, his deeds gave cause of admiration to contemporaries and imitation, and to others as having spirit to dare, and a power to doe bravely, hee was married to Katherine, Daughter of Charles the sixt King of france, whose company shee enjoyed but two yeares and three moneths, by whom hee had issue only Henry, that succeeded him in the Crowne, her affections after tyed her to Owen Theodor, a Gentleman of no extraordinary linage, but absolute for the lineaments of his body, by whom shee had issue three sonnes, Edmond, Iasper, and Owen: Edmond was after Earle of Richmond, and maried Margaret daughter and sole heire of Iohn Duke of Somerset, who had issue King Henry the seuenth.

Iasper was Earle of Penbrocke, and after Duke of Bedford, shee dyed in Southwarcke, and was buried at Westminster.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING HENRY THE SIXT.

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HENRY the sixt, borne at Windsor an infant of Ann. 1422 R. 1. nine moneths old, began his Raigne the last of August, Anno Dom. 1422. The government of the Realmes preappointed by the Father on his death-bed, and after confirmed by the Nobilitie, was committed to Humphrey Duke of Glocester. The guard of his person, to Thomas Duke of Exceter, and Henry Bewford Bishop of Winchester, and to Iohn Duke of Bedford, was appointed the Regency of France: This triple twyne untill the time unhappily untwisted, kept the wheeles in orderly motion, that guided the Clocke of good government in this Realme, so that there was in the beginning of their proceeding, no disproportion or disagreement betwixt them, but all things were continued advisedly and well. The Protectors knowing that it is trechery to wisdome in managing great affayres, not to bee directed by the clew of advise, made choice of grave and discreet Councellours, by whose approvement he made provision of all things necessary, aswell for quiet governing the English, as for retayning the conquered parts of France in obedience, and further conquest of such as yet were refractary; leauing nothing undone, that might conduce to the honour and happinesse, of the estate of the young King and the Realme.

The Regent of France was not backward on his part, but endevoured all that was possible, to second the Protectours care; But the death of Charles The Dolphin proclaimed King. the sixt, and the proclaiming the Dolphin King of France, by the name of Charles the seventh, gave the Regent just cause to suspect the tergiversation of the French. Whereupon hee encreaseth the Garrisons, and sufficiently furnisheth all places of import, with men and amunition, exhorting the Normans, to continue constant, according to their fealtie, made to the King of England; On the other side, the new King of France makes provision in Pont Melon surprized by the French. all places, to draw his forces together; And in the meane time, sends the [Page] Lord Granvile to Pont Melan, who surprised the same, putting all the An. 1422. R. 3. English souldiers to the sword, for revenge whereof, and the recovery of the Towne, the Regent sent the ever to be commended Commander, Thomas Montacute Earle of Salisbury, with convenient forces thither, who Reduced by the Earle of Salisbury. for the space of two moneths, so straightly beleagred the same, that the Lord Gravile surrendred the same, and sware (but fleshly) to bee true man to the King of England: Hereof was Sir Henry Mortimer made Captaine, and Sir Richard Vernon of the Castle; From thence hee marched to Seyne, which hee tooke by assault, and put all the souldiers (except the Captaine Sir William Maryn) to the sword, and thereof made Captaines, Sir Hugh Godding, and Sir Richard Aubemond, the first of the Towne, the other of the Castle.

The Regent, the Duke of Burgoyne, and Iohn Duke of Britaine meet at Amiens, and renewed the old league, and further inlarged it, to bee defensive The league renewed with Burgoine. and offensive respectively; And knowing that affinitie for the most part, is the truest entertainer of friendship, and an unquestionable obligation of amity: the Regent afterward marrieth Anne, the Sister of Burgoyne at Troys: In the meane time the Parisian conspired, to have let in the new King into Paris, but the day before the night, appointed for his admission, A conspiracy at Paris. the Duke with his power entred, apprehended the Conspiratours, and put them to publike execution, which done, hee furnished all the Forts, and places of strength with Englishmen, sent Sir Iohn Falstaffe, who tooke in Preventtd and punished. Pacy, and Coursay, two strong Castles, whilst hee with his forces tooke in Traynells, and Bray upon Seyne.

The Constable the while, with all the new Kings forces, layed siege to Cravant in Burgoyne. But the Regent and the Duke of Burgoyne, sent their forces under the conduct of the never-sufficiently to bee praysed Earle of Salisbury, who having with great difficultie, and small losse passed the river of Yone, seconded by the Burgonians, set upon the French, and after a long and doubtfull fight, put the French to flight, slaying about eighteene hundred Knights and Gentlemen of note, and three thousand common souldiers, Scottish and French, there were taken Prisoners, The Constable of France, who had lost an eye, the Earle of Ventadour, Sir Alexander Merdyn, Sir Lewis Ferignye, and two and twentie hundred Gentlemen, of the The French defeated. English part were slaine, Sir Iohn Gray, Sir William Hall, Sir Gilbert Halsall, one of the Marshalls of the field, Richard ap Maddocke, and one and twentie hundred souldiers, one with another.

From hence the Earle led his forces to Montaguillon, and sate downe before it, and after five moneths siege tooke it, whilst the Duke of Suffolke, tooke in the two strong Castles of Coucy, and le Roche.

The Protector in the meane time, ransomed and enlarged, the young King of Scots (who for many yeares had beene prisoner) taking Homage and Fealtie of him, from the Crowne of Scotland, the tenour whereof is thus recorded, I IAMES STEVVARD King of SCOTS, shall bee true and faithfull unto you Lord HENRY, by the grace of GOD, King of ENGLAND and FRANCE, the Noble and superiour Lord of SCOTLAND, and to you I make my fidelitie, for the said kingdome which I hold and claime of you; And I shall beare you my faith, and fidelitie of life and limme, and worldly honour, against all men, and faithfully I shall acknowledge, and shall doe you service due for the Kingdome of SCOTLAND afore-sayd, so GOD mee helpe and these holy Evangelists; And with consent of all the Nobilitie, gave [Page] him to wife the Lady Iane, Daughter to the deceased Duke of Somerset, Ann. 1422 R. 2. and Cousin german to the King, with a large Dowrie, besides many great and rich gifts bestowed by the Mother, Vncles, and other her kinred, but no courtesie or bounty, could keepe him from proving unfaithfull and unthankfull. The King of Scots marieth the Duke of Somersets Daughter. The Protectour with his accustomed provident circumspection to prevent dangers, that want of supplies might bring to the Army, sent over to the Regent tenne thousand well-furnished souldiers, with all things whereof hee might stand in need, with which fresh succours, hee wonne and valiantly conquered many Townes, Castles, and places of strength, whose power the French-men not able to withstand, began to fasten the foxes tayle to the lyons skin, and what they could not by courage compasse, they attempted by craftie subtiltie to accomplish, first they worke upon the inconstancy of the Duke of Britaine, and his Brother Arthure, by King Henry the fift Created Earle of Yewry, these two by gifts had promises, things that blind the eyes of the treasonally minded wife, they suborned, perfidiously to deliver over into their possession, the Castle of Crotoy and Yernye, and what the English had wonne by true manhood and valour, they stole away with craft and trechery, but little to their praise or profit, for the English before the garrisons were settled, fell upon Crotoy, and tooke the prey out of the Leopards Crotoy lost and recovered. jawes, and like unkind hosts made them pay too deere a price for their lodgings; Crotoy thus regained, the Regent straightly begirts Yenrye, and by secret myning, fierce assaults, and violent batteryes, so shooke the walls, that composition was made to yeeld it up, if not relieved by a certaine time; The Regent was throughly resolved to set up his rest, and to abide battell what forces soever should appeare, and thereof permitted the besieged to send notice to the French King; The Duke of Alanson thereupon with sixteene thousand French approached, but when he perceived the English were ready prepared to receive him according to the French fashion, at that time to bragge much and doe little, hee wheeled about to Vernoyle, whereas perjury is the concomitant of every other sinne, hee joyned it to his cowardise, swearing to the Townsmen, that hee had put the Regent to flight, and had beaten him out of the field, and reskued Yenrye; by this false report, hee got Vernoyle. Whilst the Regent had Yurye surrendred unto him, which being strengthened and furnished, hee followed the cowards to their conny-borrough at Vernoyle, who by the encouragement of some fresh companies of Scots come unto their succour, came to a battell in the field, where the English The English are victorious at Vernoyle. with the losse of two thousand one hundred common souldiers, and two of the Nobilitie, Lord Dudley and Lord Charleton, got the glory of the day, and slew of their enemies, five Earles, two Vicounts, and twenty Barons, and above seven thousand other of the French, besides two thousand seven hundred Scots lately arrived; The Duke himselfe with the Bastard of Alanson, the Lord of Hormyt, and divers other French, and Sir Iohn Turnbull, and two hundred Gentlemen, besides common souldiers were taken prisoners. This battell was strooke the twentie eight day of August, Vernoyle hereupon without battery or assault, upon promise of 1424. The reduction of Vernoyle. safetie of life only was delivered, and there of Sir PHILIP HALL made Captaine, and sufficient garrison left him: from thence the Armie marched to Roan, and from thence to Paris, both which places were at strife which should exceed other in freedome, of welcome and loving entertainment to the Regent.

This overthrow so weakened the new King, that hee was enforced to quit the country, and went to Poyteers, where hee established his high [Page] Court of Parliament, and laboureth his owne establishment. The valiant Earle An. 14. 24. R. 3. of Salisbury with ten thousand men, taketh in the strong Towne of Maunts, the towne of Saint Susan, le fort St. Bernard and others, from thence hee went into Angeou, where hee performed such heroicke acts, that his very name grew terrible in all France; for instance, The new high Constable perfidious Richmond, in hope to doe some what to advance the reputation of his new Office, with fourty thousand men, layeth siege to the good towne of Saint Iames in Bevion, the garrison whereof, consisted but of six hundred English, who being droven to some extremitie, bravely (I might say desperately) at one time sallied forth, crying Saint George, a Salisbury, the French The French frighted with the name of Salisbury. men fearing, that they had some token given, that Salisbury was come to the reskue, or that hee was behind in the Towne with more forces, were so suddenly affrighted, that the craven cowards, casting away their weapons, ranne all away, saving some few that yeelded themselves prisoners, leaving all their tents, fourteene peeces of Ordnance, fourty barrells of Powder, three hundred Pipes of wine, two hundred Pipes of Bisket and flower, two hundred pieces of Raisins and Figges, five hundred barrells of Herrings, much Armour, and some Treasure.

At this time Sir Iohn Montgomery, and Sir Iohn Falstaffe with two thousand men, entred into Ainon and Mayne, and tooke the Castles, of Beamont, Vicount, Teune, Sillye, Osce, Courceriers, Ronsey, Vasike, Couetenement, and very many others, so that it appeareth, at that time it was, but for the English to aske and have, so pittifully were the French Cowde with the Regents prosperitie.

The French were come to their old course of fraud, and had compounded with a Gascoyne Captaine there, for the delivery of Alanson to the enemy, notice being given hereof, the Lord Willoughby, and Sir Iohn Falstaffe, with two thousand men, were sent to spoyle she Market, who encountering with the chiefe Merchant Charles de villiers, who with two hundred horse, and three hundred foot, were come to the place appointed for their entry, tooke and slew them all, except some few horse, which saved themselves by flying away; The Lord Willoughby with his troopes, returned to the Earle of Salisbury, who victoriously proceeded, taking in and demolishing, above fourty Castles and strong piles, the newes thereof in England caused publike Processions, and generall thanks-giving to God, in London and other places. Neverthelesse, an unkind variance, and a jarre betwixt the Protector and the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellour arising, endangered the quiet of the Common-wealth, for the appeasing whereof, the Regent having substituted, A jarre betwixt the brothers in England drawes the Regent into Ergland. the Earle of Warwicke Lieutenant generall in his absence, came into England, where a Parliament being convoked, hee therein discreetly arbitrated, and compounded all differences betwixt the Protector and Winchester, and to the comfort of the Councell, and content of all, stinted the quarrell; In honour whereof the King of England kept a solemne feast, at which time the Regent dubbed the King Knight, who invested with that dignitie, many of his servants, and Created Richard, Sonne of Richard late Earle The young King knighted. of Cambridge, Duke of Yorke, and restored Iohn Mowbray to the Dutchy of Norfolke.

In the meane time the Earle of Warwicke conquered many strong pieces in Mayne, and made preparation to fight a set battell, whereunto hee was challenged by the French, but they said never the sooner for a hasty word, their hearts were in their heeles, and in stead of comming on to fight, they tooke their flight another way, a day before the prefixed time of battell.

[Page] All things peaceably settled in England, the regent with the Bishop of Winchester returned into France, where at the intercession of the Duke of Burgoyne, the Duke of Alanson was ransomed for two hundred thousand Crownes; The Bishop of Winchester returned to Callice, where hee was The Regent returnes to France. invested with the Hat, habit and dignitie of a Cardinall, I dare not thinke because hee was a Clergie man, that hee ambitiously affected, or otherwise contracted for that place; But the advantage of a Bull from the Pope, was a meanes for him, in short time to gather a great masse of money, so that many wondred at his wealth, but few approved his proceedings.

Whilst thus in France, the English prosperously aided by the Almightie power, in a good quarrell every where prevailed, Humphry Duke of Glocester, who inveigled (by the enticing behaviour of an unconstant woman) had married more for lust, (which alwayes hunts after new pleasures) then for love, which is contented with due delights, Iaqueline of Bavier Countesse of Henolt, Holland, and Zeland, who had formerly beene coupled in Matrimony to Iohn Duke of Brabant yet living, (with whom shee had lived as man and wife tenne moneths) with his said Lady, crost the Seas to Bergen Hennalt, and tooke in her right the homage of the Countrey, which not a little disquieted her former Husband, and much displeased his brother the Duke of Burgoyne, insomuch that the Duke of Burgoyne relying of his familiaritie with the English, and their respect to Honour, wrote a kind Letter Burgoyne by letter disswades Glocester from his new wife. unto the Duke, wherein hee intimated; how hee was abused by his said Lady, and how great a disrepute, hee would cast upon his actions, if upon notice of her husbands the Duke of Brabants claime, both to her and her possessions, hee did not freely relinquish both unto him, withall, admonishing him with the danger, of holding another mans wife, and usurping her first husbands rights and titles.

But the Duke of Burgoyne perceiving that hee sowed but in the sands, whilst hee wrote in that kind sends him a Challenge, on part of the Duke of Britaine to fight with him body to body, according to the law of armes, but Glocesters hot affection being by this time somewhat slacked, and remembring himselfe, how much his honour by these courses was blemished, he did neither accept, nor deny the Challenge, but only craved time to returne into England, to dispose of his estate, and then hee would give him requirable satisfaction; In the meane time, the incendiary of these turmoyles is betrayed by the Montists to the Duke of Burgoyne, who conveyed her to Gaunt, from whence shee escaped into Holland, where shee made a defensive warre against her Husband, and the Duke of Burgoine, who both layed hard unto her Territories.

But Pope Martin having pronounced the contract of Matrimonie with Glocester utterly unlawfull, made the Dukes the more earnest in the prosecution against the Lady; In the meane time the Duke of Glocester though he declined his affection, not willing the world should thinke hee deserted her altogether, sent the Lord Fitzwalter to her ayde, with a power of English-men, who joyning with the Dutchesse forces about Brewers haven neere Zerix, was encountred by the Duke of Brabant, who gave them a great overthrow, (the fowlenesse of the cause, and the unjustnesse of the quarrell, having blunted the wonted resolution of the English) the newes of that overthrow, and of the Popes sentence, comming together to the Duke of Glocesters eares, to comfort himselfe against the one, and to free himselfe from the other, hee gave his old wife a discharge, and forsaking Iaqueline, takes for a second, Elianor daughter of Lord Cobham of Sterborough his old Mistris.

[Page] The Constable of France with fourty thousand men, besieged the Towne of St. Iames de Benuron, and having planted his battery, made a breach as they deemed assaultable, which whilst the French were straining courtesie, who should first enter, Sir Nicholas Burdet, with all his forces (leaving the Towns-men to receive the assaylants) sallyes forth, both they within and those without, crying aloud, a Salisbury, a Suffolke, the names whereof The name of Salisbury a bugbeare to the French. stroke such a terrour amongst the besiegers, that they either disorderly ranne away, or stood like men amazed, till their throates were cut, of which sixe hundred were slaine, two hundred drowned in the ditches; fifty taken prisoners, and eighteene Standards were taken with one Banner; The Constable was glad to quit the place with great losse, and retired to Fongeeres.

The Earle of Warwicke and the Lord Scales, with seven thousand men besieged Ponterson many weekes together, in which time all provision grew 1426. very scantie, insomuch, that the Lord Scales for the reliefe of their so pressing necessities, with three thousand men forraged a great way into the enemies countrey, and in his returne with plentie of provision, was encountred with six thousand French, but hee slew many hundreds of them, and tooke a thousand and odde prisoners, and so came in safetie to the Campe. The enemy had raysed a great power, to raise the siege, but by the way they fell upon the Castle of Ramfort) which the garrison of Susan had a little before surprised) and there they stayed untill Ponterson was yeelded, and wel funnished, Ponterson taken by the English. and fortified by the Earle of Warwicke, who was returned to the Regent.

A Conspiracie of the Clergie, and Magistrates in Mounts so prevailed, that the Marshalls by France with five hundred men, about midnight came to the Towne walls, where the guard of English, by those that seemed their friends, and of one company, were suddenly massacred, and setting open the gates, gave way to the enemy to enter, upon the alarum given, the Earle of Suffolke with the surviving English, (according to directions formerly given, in case any treachery should be plotted) withdrew to the Castle, wherein they were sharply assayled by the French, who perceiving no good to bee done upon them by assault, knowing how ill they were provided for necessaries for a siege, carelesly neglected them, falling to ransacking houses, and making good cheere, whereof the Lord Talbot having intelligence by Captaine Goffe, whom the Lord Talbot (who from Alanson was by night marches with some forces come within two miles of Mounts) had sent to discover the state of the French, hee secretly gave notice to the Earle of Suffolke, who at the houre appointed, sallied forth of the Castle, at what time the Lord Talbot was ready with his troopes, and on both sides crying, Saint Mounts retaken. George a Talbot, they fell upon the carelesse French, who lost foure hundred of their best men, the residue were all taken, the Towne regained: and the Conspirators, thirty Citizens, twenty Priests, and fifteene Fryers, found out, condemned, and executed.

Now the triple cord began to be untwisted, and one of the great supporters of the young Kings weaknesse, the right noble Thomas Beuford (sonne of 1427. Iohn of Gaunt, and Katherine Swyneford) Duke of Exceter, Protector of the King, makes King Henry his heire, and at East-Greenwich in Kent, takes leave of this mortall life; This Thomas Duke of Exceter married Margaret the Daughter of Sir Thomas Nevill of Hornby Castle, but had no issue by her. To supply his roome, as Tutor to the King, was the Earle of Warwicke appointed, whose place in France was supplied by the Earle of Salisbury the terrour of the French, who with five thousand men came to [Page] Orleans, and for an entrance to his imployment, with one thousand old souldiers, joyned with the new, he besieged the Citie; The Bastard Orleance An. 1427. R. 6. had by the space of five miles round, spoyled whatsoever might helpe or advantage the English, hee himselfe undertaking the defence of the great Fort, built upon the East-bridge, from whence making a French bravado, in show more then a man at first, hee retired weaker indeed then a woman, with losse of many his souldiers, to the Towne leaving the English in possession of the Fort. From an high Tower in this Bulwarcke, out of a window therein, the besiegers observed the passages of the Townesmen, about two moneths after the siege began, the noble Duke of Salisbury thinking to informe himselfe of the state of the Towne, unhappily looking out of this Window with Sir Thomas Gargrave, a great shot from the Towne, striking the barres of the Window, the splinters whereof were driven into his head and face, of which wound within eight dayes after hee dyed; Hee married Elianor Daughter of Thomas Holland Earle of Kent, by whom hee had issue only Anne, married to Richard Nevill, one of the younger sonnes of Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmerland, hee had a base sonne named Iohn. This Earles death was a second weakening of the young Kings expected triumphs, for two limmes of his budding tree of carefull protection, and thriving direction are lopt off by death, and a third began to bee putrified; The Earle of Suffolke succeedeth in the charge of the siege, who finding necessaries wanting, sendeth Sir Iohn Falstaffe for supplies, the Regent furnisheth him speedily, and in his returne the Lord de la Brets nine thousand strong, endevours to intercept him, but being discovered, Sir Iohn resolved to abide the charge, placeth his carriages behind, the horse next, and the foot before, lyning his Bowes with Bill-men, pitching stakes behind the Archers, who having loosed their first volley retired behind the stakes, on which the French forgetting their former defeats that way, ranne and gored their horses, and were forced to light against their wills, with a knocke on the crowne with a brown Bill, layed on with a strong arme, by which their Voward being disordered, the battell made a stand, which Sir Iohn perceiving, cryeth out, Saint George they flye, which was no sooner spoken then it proved true, for there with they fled, and in the fight and chace, the French lost two thousand five hundred men, with the Lords de la Brets, and William Steward, and eleven hundred were taken prisoners, with whom and a rich booty, they came to the Campe before Orleace, Hereof the besieged having notice, hopelesse of helpe from the French King, they offered to submit themselves to the protection The pollicy of the French of the Duke of Burgoyne, who was contented to accept them, upon the Regents consent.

This motion pleased many of the Councell of warre, but the Generall, and the rest more considerate, did mislike it; Whereupon the Generall returned this answer, That since the King his Master had bestowed so long time, and exhausted so much Treasure, and spent so much victuals, besides the uncomparable losse of the Earle of Salisbury slaine there, hee could not but thinke it would much redound to his owne dishonour, and the disparagement of the renowne of the kingdome of England; If now the besieged, were driven to that extremity, that they were not able to subsist of themselves, that any other then those that had beaten the bush, should have the birds. Then made the besieged meanes to the Duke of Alanson, who used such diligence, that taking advantage of too much slacknesse of watch in the Campe, being secured as they thought from danger of sally from within, or approach of enemy from without, hee furnished the Towne both with [Page] fresh provision and forces, under the coverture of a dark & most tempestuous night, which put such fresh spirit into the citizens, that they made a brave salout; and by fine force carried the Bulwarcke upon the bridge, and another Fort, and slew sixe hundred English, and adventured upon the Bastile, in which the Lord Talbot commanded, who not being used to be coopt up, valiantly issued out, and bravely repulsed them backe, with great slaughter and The death of Salisbury, the downfall of the English good fortune. Both wind & Sun against the English. confusion into the Towne; But the next day, the Earle of Suffolke left the siege, and dispersed his Army to their severall places of garrison, and in his returne the Lord Talbot surprized the Towne and Castle of Lavall; But now the wheele of fortune began to turne, and disasters and disgraces fell hudling one upon the necke of another on the English part.

And first the Duke of Alanson having raised a great power, tooke by assault the towne of Iargeux, and therein the Earle of Suffolke, and one of his brothers, and slew Sir Alexander Pole, another of their brothers, and many other Prisoners in cold blood, because of the contention among the French, to whom the Prisoners did belong; Then the Lords, Talbot, Scales, and Hungerford, with five thousand men, going to fortifie the towne of Meum were encountred by the said Duke and Arthure of Britaine, and three and twenty thousand men, who fiercely assayled them. The English Lords for a time endured the shocke, and enterchanged some blowes; but opprest with multitude, the three Lords are taken prisoners all sore wounded, twelve hundred of their company slaine, the residue hardly escaping to Meum: where they used their best forces, to fortifie themselves against future assaults. These disasters were seconded by the perfidious surrender of many Townes and strong holds to the French King; who now encouraged by these good successes, marched into Champaigne, where by Composition hee tooke the chiefe Citie thereof Troyes, Chaltons rebelleth, and enforceth The French every where revolt. their Captaine to yeeld it up; by whose example the Citizens of Reme do the like, wherein the French King is a new Proclaimed, & there with accustomed Ceremonies annointed and crowned, and is thereby furthered with the voluntary submission of many Townes, Castles, strong holds: who from every part sent their subjective messages unto him.

The Duke of Bedford with tenne thousand English besides Normans, marched out of Paris, sending Letters of defiance to the French King, affirming therein, that hee contrary to the accord, betwixt King Henry the fifth and King Charles, Father to him that was but an usurper, by the instigation of a feminine divell, had taken upon him the Title and dignitie of King of France, and by deceitfull and unjust meanes, had surreptitiously stolne (not The Regent defies the French King. conquered) and kept divers Cities and places of import, belonging to the Crowne of England; for legall proofe whereof, by stroke of battaile hee was come into that part, and thereby would justifie his Chartel [...] true, and cause just, leaving allowance to his enemy to make choice of the place, and in the same hee should bee sure of battaile.

The new King howsoever perplexed, set a good countenance on the matter, and told the Harrold. that hee would sooner seeke his Master, then his Master should need to seeke him, and without further answer dismissed him. The Regent thereupon maketh towards him, and making choice of an indifferent place encampeth in sight of the French; And though the King made show of readinesse to fight, yet hee turned faces to the left hand and marched away, The Regent followed him, but could not overtake him, till hee came neere Senlys, where the King was encamped. The armies on both sides The Armies on both sides in array. were embattailed, and kept in array, as long as it was light, and so againe the [Page] next day the Dukes light horsmen, and the Normans made many attempts, An. 1428. R. 7. and provoked some skirmishes, as it were to give the French a taste of their resolution, but the King not willing further to provoke such forward Cavaleeres, in the dead of the night wheeled about and fled to Bray: The Duke forecasting that this was but a plot to draw him further from Paris, of whose fidelitie, hee had no great assurance, followed no further, but with great griefe to the souldiers returned thither; Whilst hee lay there hee received intelligence, That his brother the Cardinall, was with some forces at Dover (in prosecution of some pact formerly made betwixt Pope Martyn and him) ready to transport them into Boheme, to arbitrate a point of Religion by the sword, hee thereupon writes to him, and to his brother of Glocester, thereby intimating to them the wants hee had of present supply, with such forcible reasons perswading, that hee prevailed, and the Cardinall with his forces (raysed to another place and purpose) came to the Regent to Paris: The Regent now the stronger by these new forces, having intelligence, that the King of France, was marched into Champaigne, followeth him, and finding him encamped upon the Mount Pihal, betweene Senlis and Champaygne▪ hee pitched in sight of them, and hourely provoked him to come downe by the Norman horse, who braved him to his trenches, beating backe such as came forth to skirmish, without need of seconds, when thus in sight of each other they had laine for a time, the Regent expecting to bee charged, they having double the advantage of the number, the French follow their last copy, and silently retired to Crispis. The Regent perceiving their irresolution to fight, licenced the Cardinall to goe his pretended journey with his forces, whilst hee and his marched backe to Paris, of whose constancy, hee was, and not without cause, ever warily jealous, yet gave them no cause of discovery thereof.

Vpon Saint Leonards day the sixt of November 1429. King Henry being not full eight yeares old, was with great solemnitie sacred-annointed, and 1429. Henry the sixt Crowned. Crowned King at Westminster, at whose Coronation were made thirtie sixe Knights of the Bathe, about which time the French King, by the instigation of that shee impostour Le pusill. who had bewitched the credulity of those times, and was for the more part esteemed as a prophetesse, and shee againe to give some colour to settle this opinion, did dare, and doe many things beyond the reach, modesty, & strength of a Woman, riding manlike astride, and in armour, making show of manhood, and giving forth in speeches, not without some ostentation, that shee was a messenger sent from God, to reconquer out of the hands of the English, whatsoever they had now in possession there; By the subtile working of this Medean Virago, The French King was received into Champaigne, and Senlis and Bravoys were zaunz blowe or battery rendred unto him, whilst the Lord Longevile tooke by surprise the Castle of Aumarle, and slew all the English there.

The Castle of Galiard, was rendred upon composition, where in an iron grated chamber, they found the Lord Barbason, who having sworne to bee true prisoner, could not bee induced, to come out of that place, untill Captaine The constancy of the Lord Barbason. Kingston, to whom hee had given that oath, was upon safe conduct recalled, to acquite him, which was accordingly done. A rare example of constancy in him, considering how little conscience the rest of his Nation at that time made of an oath; yet it may not bee forgotten, that of those that were sworne at Harflew, either to send their ransomes agreed upon, or to render their bodyes prisoners at a day prefixed at Callice, of seventy three, not one Gentleman fayled, but either sent his ransome, or yeelded their bodyes to the Kings mercy.

[Page] The French Kings Councell were resolved, that the only way to weaken Ann. 1429 Reg. 8. the english, was to disunite the bond of friendship hitherto kept firme, betwixt the Regent and the Duke of Burgoine, to this end are many messengers sent unto him from the French King, whereby hee first laboureth to cleere himselfe of the murther of his Father, next hee maketh large offers of preferments, and assurances of free pardon of all offences past, and his royall promise of love and friendship during life; hereof the Duke certifieth the Regent, but withall giveth him a touch of his unkind denyall of Orleance subjection unto him. The Regent giveth him many thankes for his kind notice, and exhorteth him to continue firme, as hee had given promise, and hee should have no just cause given him, to repent him of being in league with England; Neverthelesse hee tooke order to prevent haddywist, and so to provide, that if the worst should follow the worst, hee might bee assured of the maine, (which hee reckoned Normandy) hee the lesse reguarded the by, though hee willingly would neglect no part of the whole; He therefore appointed the Bishop of Terowen, Chancellour of the Realme of FRANCE under King HENRY, with a competent number of men to guard Paris, whilst hee departed into Normandy, and at Roane called a Parliament, in which hee inculcated the great benefits that redounded to that nation, by the friendship of the English, what large freedomes they had, how infinite rich they might grow, by holding good correspondency with that Nation, whereby their Wives and linnen cloth, might fairely bee exported to England, and Wooll and lead, and other staple commodities from thence freely bee imported to them, setting out at large all the commoditie by their loyalty they might have, and the discommodity they should reape by the other, hee concluded with the rightfull claime to the Seigniory of Normandy, to his Nephew and King by lawfull inheritance, from Rollo the hardy, first Duke thereof, hee now therefore requested, that they would confirme their constancy to the Crowne of England, with manifestation of their true affection to him, and so they should bee assured of protection, and defence against all opposers.

In the meane time King Charles that slipt no advantage, that close working might bring to passe, having underhand sounded the affection of the Parisians, and finding them wavering, presuming by the Regents absence, if he did but appeare before the walls, to carry the City, hee drew all his forces thither, and used all possible meanes by escalado, battery, burning the gates, Charles attempts Paris. and what else (sudden invention guided, by furious desire to carry it) could effect, but all to no purpose, for such was the vigilant care, and hardy resolution of the Commanders and souldiers in defending the same, that the King, whom a little fighting for his part, would fill his stomacke, sounded the retrait, and with some losse, but more dishonour, leaving his slaine and maimed But disappointed retreats. souldiers behind him, all save the Pusil impostor, who being hurt in the leg, and almost stifled with mire in the ditch, was by Guisio Thierborne a servant to the Duke of Alanson, drawne up and conveyed after the King to Berry, who in the way received the submission of the Inhabitants of Laigny.

The Regent returning to Paris, so effectually with words and gesture, expressed his true acknowledgement of thankfulnesse, for their good service generally, and every ones faith in the particular, that the Parisians publikely professed Friends to King Henry, Friends to Paris, enemies to England, enemies to the Parisians. The Regent desirous to cope with King Charles.

Philip Duke of Burgoine commeth to Paris, where it is concluded in Councell, that hee shall remaine for the safeguard of the Citie, whilst the [Page] Regent (infinitely desirous to affront King Charles in the field) makes head An. 1430. R. 9. against the usurper, but no certaine newes could be brought where he was in prison: the Regent in his March regained Saint Dennis, with divers other Fortlets adjoyning. The Bastard of Clarence layd siege to the Castle of Sorsy, which after sixe moneths siege was yeelded unto him.

Sir Thomas Kiryel, with foure hundred English-men issued out of Gourney in Normandy, and wasted the Country, to the suburbes of Clerimont all along; The Earle of Britaine with his forces meet them neere Beavoys, The Earle of Britaine defeated. who not liking to charge them with his horse, observing some disadvantage in the place, or fearing their stakes, caused his men to dismount, and to charge them on foot, but their entertainment was such, that the English made shift with their owne horses to follow them flying, taking two hundred prisoners, and slaying six hundred, and so victoriously returned.

The Duke of Suffolke having payed his ransome and set at libertie besieged the place, whereof the Lord Rambures was chiefe, which after foure and twenty assaults hee caused to be rendred simply unto him.

Sir Stephen le Hire with Captaine Franquet, with three hundred men, 1430. marching toward Champayne, which was beleagred by the Duke of Burgoyne, the Earles of Arundell and Suffolke, were encountred by Pusil Ioane, and foure hundred with her, who fiercely charged them, but being by the close order of the English, debard from breaking in, shee like a Masty curre, not daring come too neere, stood baying untill shee had drawne out the garrisons of Laigny and other Forts, which all fell upon the English, and made a great slaughter amongst them, and tooke the Captaine prisoner, who being presented unto her (for shee was reverenced as a Commander in chiefe) because hee would not humble himselfe unto her upon the knee, like her selfe against law of armes, and rule of reason, shee caused his head to bee cut off, and all his souldiers taken prisoners cruelly to bee slaine; From thence shee sped her to Campayne, into which with her company shee entred, the same as yet not being besieged round: Vpon Ascention day at night this Amazonian Virago sallyed out upon the Lord Bawdoe de Noyels quarter, where shee did but little hurt, and was repulsed, though her plot was to have fired his lodgings, two nights after by the same place: the Bridge towards Montdrider with five hundred men at armes, shee sallyed out againe, but being discovered by Sir Iohn of Lutzenborough, her company was defeated The Pusil Ioane taken. Proceeded against. and shee taken, and presented to the Duke of Burgoyne, who sent her to the Regent, who sent her to the Bishop of the Diocesse; who after judiciall proceeding against her as a Sorceresse, and deceiver of the King and his subjects, by her seeming show of sanctitie, and her inhumane cruelty, against the King of England and his subjects, was after her many delayes of promise of discoverie, of secret practises, and lastly of her fained pregnancie burned at Roane.

The siege still continued before Campaigne, whither the Regent sent the Earle of Huntington, and Sir Iohn Robsert, who brought fresh supplies of Burned. all things. But Philip the Duke of Brabant being dead, and the Duke of Burgoyne going thither to take possession of the Dutchie as undoubted heire. Sir Iohn of Luxborough was left in his stead to prosecute the siege, who contrary to the wills of the English, and against the opinion of the major part of the Councell raised the same and departed, whereby hee left the besieged meanes how to have therewith famine relieved, but the Pestilence raged very hot in the Towne; The game at Chesse amongst the souldiers playd, gave checke sometime to the French, and sometime to the English▪ the one in one [Page] place prevailing the other, doing in another place the like, and so it continued wavering in doubtfull ballance a long time.

The young King of England was by his Councell advised, for it was by them resolved, that his presence would be a good motive, to retain his friends, in their former fidelity, and reduce the backsliders to their sworne allegiance to goe with armed power in person into France; To this end upon St. Georges eve he took shipping at Dover, and landed on Sunday being St. Georges day at Callice, with a wel-appointed Army, & from thence by easie marches, went King Henry in person goeth into France. to Roan, and from thence to Paris, where he was by his Vncle the Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinall of Eusebius. with all wel-beseeming Ceremonies and observances, Crowned King of France, receiving the oathes of homage and Fealty of all the Nobilitie of France present, and all the Citizens and inhabitants of that Citie, and of the places adjacent.

It was very observable amongst strangers, and not without some admiration, that so small an Iland as England, under the governance of so tender an infant, should so long, and upon so good termes, contend with so large, potent, and populous a kingdome as France; But such at that time was the vertue, & martiall valour of the English Nation; That they knew no meane betwixt death, and victory, alwayes preferring an honorable death, before a lingring servitude. This moved Eugenius the Pope, and all the Christian Princes, so often King Henry returnes for England after a Truce concluded. to make Overtures of reconcilement, betwixt these two kingdomes, but could effect nothing, but an imperfect truce for six years, which agreed upon King Henry returnes for England, and landeth at Dover the 11. of February.

The six yeares truce, was scarce openly proclaimed, when an unexpected accident, gave occasion of breach thereof, and which was worse, of the amitie betwixt the Regent & the Duke of Burgoyne; For his Sister the Lady Anne being dead without issue, he too suddenly married the young Lady Iaqueline The Regent having buried the sister of Burgoyne, marrieth a second wife. Daughter to Peter Earle of St. Paul at Terwy [...], from whence, before the solemnitie of the Feast were fully finished, he posted to Callice, to punish the insolency of some of the garrison there, who pretending want of pay had restrained the Merchants from venting their Woolls, foure of the faulty souldiers he executed, 110. he banished the Towne, and many more hee punished by imprisonment, from whence with his new Bride on Midsommer eve, hee departed for London: where he stayed untill the end of August following; In which time the truce began to be forgotten, for the French awaiting all An. 1432. R. 11. occasions of advantage, by secret plots and devises, had cunningly possessed themselves of divers Castles, & places of strength, justifying their actions, and affirming, that what was politickly obtained without blows, was no infringement of the Truce; And afterwards they perfidiously conveyed 200. men at armes into the Castle of Roan, presuming to have surprized it, but being discouered, they were all taken, and either executed as traytours, or ransomed.

The Regent knowing these coles would quickly kindle: speeds him to his charge, and preparation on both sides is made for war, wherein he found the Duke of Burgoine, lesse forward then he had used to be, whereby the Regent found his affection did slacke, but would not seeme to take notice thereof. The Lord Talbot having payed his ransome, commeth to the Regent, & bringeth with him 700. tryed souldiers; They take the field on both sides in warlike manner, making shews of encounter, but twice together (being provoked by the Regent to fight) the French slunke away in the darke, as not daring to abide the hazard of a battell.

The Peasants of Normandy pretending to shake off the English yoke The Peasants in Normandy rebell. (which never had beene made insupportable,) rudely armed themselves, and [Page] in outragious manner drew towards Cane, but having neither power to command, nor honesty to obey, they were by the Earle of Arundel and the Lord Willoughby encountred, and easily overthrowne, with the slaughter of 1000. of them; the rest were all taken, whereof the chiefe Leaders were executed as traytors, and the baser sort, upon submission and acknowledgement of their errours, permitted to depart to their severall homes: But the Earle and the Lord Willoughby being now in the field, and having intelligence that le Hire had besieged the Castle of Gorbury, drew thither with intent to have succoured it, but finding themselves too weak, they made account to have retired to Beavoys, but being descried, they were pursued by le Hire, who having advantage, charged, the Earle perceiving no safetie, but not to hope of help, resolved to win or dye, fought valiantly, but the Earle is dangerously wounded by the shot of a Culvering, which caused the Lord Willoughby to retyre and convey the wounded Earle to Beavoys, where within three dayes hee dyed, say the Historians, but the Harrolds say, he dyed and was buried at Lewis in Sussex, he married Mawd, the Daughter of Sir Robert Lovell, and had issue Humphry that succeeded him, and Avitie married to Iames Butler Earle of Ormon and Wiltshire; After the death of Arundel, the Lord Willoughby dispierced his forces to their former garrisons, but stayed himselfe there.

The Duke of Burbon taken at the battell of Agincourt, after eighteene The Duke of Burbon receiveth liberty of body out of prison and losse of life all in one day. yeares imprisonment, paying 18000 pounds for his ransome, the same day hee was enlarged dyed at London▪ Charles his Son who had married the Sister of the Duke of Burgoyn, succeeded his Father. Betwixt the two brother-in-lawes an unnaturall jarre was raysed, but by the mediation of Mary Dutchesse of Berry, they are reconciled, by whose labour and industry, with the helpe of the Duke of Burbon, a reconciliation is likewise wrought betweene the French King and Burgoyne.

The jealousie between the Regent and the Duke of Burgoyne, now was publickly discerned; Whereby those that cald to mind the great charge, that Henry the Fift gave on his death-bed, carefully to retaine that Dukes amity, laboured an enterview betwixt them, to remove all scruples on either part, which was obtained, and Saint Omers, was the place agreed upon, where At St. Omers the Dukes of Bedford and Burgoyne meet, and depart without conference. both Dukes being arrived, they both standing too punctually on points of Honour, who should give prioritie of visitation, the Duke of Bedford, as the Sonne, Brother, and Vncle of a King, and Regent of France, pretended it dishonourable for him to begin; and the other challenging the same, as of right belonging to him, to have the first place, the same being within his own Dominions. The wisest in some points are foolish, they both departed more discontented then before: the haughtinesse of the spirit of the one, and the great stomacke of the other, being unable to give way to their unruly passions; And hereupon the Duke of Burgoyne made choice, rather to enter league with him, that had murthered his Father, then to keepe his oath with the King of England, or the bond of love, so often plighted with the Regent his friend, and Brother-in-law. And upon the receipt of a blancke Charter under the French Kings Seale, to insert what Conditions of peace hee would, hee proved renegado, and falsified his faith to England, lost his reputation to the world, and sold himselfe slave to perpetuall ignomy.

The Towne of Saint Dennis by the perfidiousnesse of Mathew Gougley was betrayed, to the Bastard of Orleance, but the Lord Talbot presently beguirt the same with a siege, to raise which the bastard Orleance, drew great forces together, but before their approach the Towne was given up, and beatento [Page] the ground. The inhabitants of Pontoys neverthelesse rebell, and thrust out the English garrison, whose examples did set the Parisians mindes on worke, to tread the same steps, but the Regents vigilancie over them hindred their intentions.

But now began the bright light of Englands glory to be ecclipsed, & those 1435. glorious beames of victory, which they formerly had obtained every day more and more to decline; The triple twine being cleane untwisted, for the thrice renowned, wise and circumspect, Iohn, Regent of France, Duke of Bedford, Aniou and Alanson, Earle of Mayne, Harecourt, Dreux, Richmond and Carlile, and Vicount Beamond; the Atlas whose shoulders kept the realme of France from sliding from their allegiance sworne to King Henries, Father and Sonne, upon the fourteenth of September 1435. at Paris exchanged The death of the Regent. all his glory here, for the fruition of a more sempiternall felicitie in another place: he was buried at Roan in our Ladies Church; Whereat the Nobilitie of Normandy much repined, as seeming desirous, to have had some place of their owne territories, to have been honoured; by giving sepulture to so nobly deserving a Patriot unto them. Yet such was their levitie, that within few yeares after, in the Raigne of Lewis the Sonne of Charles, they instantly desired, to have the Monument erected over him, to bee demolished, alleaging it was dishonourable, to have so arch an enemy to France, interred in the Metropolitan Citie of that Province. But Lewis answered, God forbid I should give way to so dishonourable an act, as to molest the quiet of his dead bones, that living would (if offended) have molested all here, and it savours of too much basenesse to insult upon a dead Lyon. Hee had two wives, the first was Anne, Sister of the Duke of Burgoyne, the second Iaqueline, daughter of Peter Earle of Saint Paul, but had issue by neither: No sooner was his death divulged, but infinite alterations followed, aswell in England as France Edmond Duke of Somerset (as much affecting Soveraigne command) underhand laboured, to succeed in the Regency: but the Duke of Yorke was appointed, (the Vncle being preferred, before the cousin to the King:) which made the young duke to endevour, what he could to crosse the new Regent, Emulation betwixt the Vncle and Nephew thwart the businesse in France. in all the designes abroad, and to under-value at home, whatsoever was never so well atchieved else-where, still plotting against him; For ambition is a passion, that will never suffer a man to sleep, without dreaming of revenge, or to wake without inventing stratagems to compasse desired ends. Paris making sayle whilst the gale blowes, turneth Traitour, and not only rebelleth, but inhumanly abuseth the English within their power, and after it had remained 17. yeares in the possession of the English, yeelds to the Constable, who by composition gave the English leave to depart: other Towns tread in the same steps, whose course the Normans would have followed, but that the Lord Talbot with some other his associats, did with great discretion, & warlike behaviour, slaughter some 5000. of the rebellious crew, and therby kept the rest in awe. Private envy all this time hindred publick good, and the emulation betwixt the Dukes of Yorke and Somerset, too long delayed the presence, and supplyes of the new Regent, that in the interim the French grew Citie merchants, buying and selling Cities, Towns and Forts, to whom would give most: but the English were no good chapmen, & would not sell honor to buy treason; But now the Regent with 8000. new souldiers arrived at Harflew, & from thence marcheth to Roan, where he won the title & not undeservedly, of equall holding the skale of justice, keeping the ballance so even and upright, that the partiall observations of those whom Somerset had placed as spies over his actions could not give intelligence of just cause to calumniate.

[Page] The revolted Duke of Burgoyne, pretending title to the Towne of Callice, assoone as the spring approacheth with an Army of forty thousand men, Ann. 1435 R. 12. most of them Artificers and tradesmen, whom he easily engaged to the wars, by his authority, and show of advantage to them, to have a Towne so convenient Callice besieged by the Duke of Burgoyne. for any Trafficke to be at their disposall, passeth over the water at Graveline, and there assaults the poore Bastile of Oye, mand but with fifty men, twelve of them having sold their lives very deere, killing ten for one, being slaine the residue submitted, whom together with the Fortresse the Duke gave to the Gantoys, which place they beat downe, and hanged nine and twenty of the souldiers, and would have done the like to the rest, had not the Duke stayed their cruelty.

The Piccards besieged the Castle of Saint Marke, Sir Iohn Gedding being Captaine thereof, who having endured two hot assaults, and seeing no possibilitie to hold it, yeelded upon composition to have their lives and lims saved, which Castle was demolished likewise; From thence they beguirt Callice with a siege, and upon a first approach perswaded themselves, to carry it by assault, wherof they made three strong ones, but they found by their repulses, that they reckoned without their host, and were well pleased to keepe after within their trenches, not daring so much, as to attempt to hinder the shipping, that every day with provision entred the harbor. The Duke of Burgoin sent the Lord Croye to besiege the Castle of Guiesne, where hee got little honour, and did lesse harme; many attempts were made, to stop the chanell of the Haven, and to build a Bastile, to stop the passage of boats, but they were prevented in the execution and made fruitlesse. In the meane time Penbrocke the Harrold, brought a defiance to the Duke of Burgoyne, giving him to understand from the Duke of Glocester the Protectour, that he would God sending him wind & weather, either there or in any other place the Duke would appoint, in his own Dominions give him battell, if hee would but abide it, to whom the Duke of Burgoyne answered, I shall be sure to stay for him here, untill I have my will of this Towne, wherewith the Harrold departed, the Duke of Burgoyne calleth a Councell, and whilst they are debating what is best to be done, the Callisians make a sally, of horse and foot, the foot falling upon the Bastile (lately erected, to hinder the passage of the river for Boats) whilst the horse give the alarm to the Campe, the Bastile is carried by force, with the slaughter of eight score of the Burgonians, and many prisoners with all the Artillery, & provision carried to Callice, from wence issued then fresh forces, to favour the retreat of the horse, who with the losse of twenty horse, and 120 men returned, which stroke such an amazement amongst the Burgonian Bores, they were incapable of any understanding what to doe, and thereupon a faire gale of wind blowing, the hearts of the bread and butter fed Flemings were so amated, that they presently rumored, the approach of the Duke of Yorke; and after the rumour was once up, the fame increased the number, and the certainty of the sight of eight hundred sayle was affirmed, so that those that seemed not to be daunted with the newes, were suspected to bee traytours to the Duke of Burgoyne, the Dutch upbraid the Piccards, the French the Gantoys, nay the most resolute of the Councell told the Duke of Burgoyne, that the stay might give opportunitie to the enemie to beleaguer his Leguer, and to set downe betwixt him and FRANCE, and then they should bee coopt up, and bee charged both before and behind, which so did take the Duke of Burgoyne, that presently in a fury, raging like the The Duke of Burgoyne retreats from Callice. Persian, that threatned the Tempest and whipt the Sea, he sent to the Lord of Croy, and both of them that night quit their quarters, and in that hast departed, [Page] that they left a great part of their best Ordnance, and all their provision, for An. 1437. R. 13. the reliefe and helpe of the besieged. It seemed they had some reason to run, for the next day (being the seven and twentieth day of Iuly) the Duke of Glocaster landed at Callice, with five and twenty thousand good fighting men, and finding the enemy recoyled, forrageth all the Countries adjacent, and for the space of sixe weekes, harrowed all the parts of Flanders, Artoys, and Hennalt, and so returning by Saint Omers, Arde and Guyens, comforting his friends, and terrifying his enemies, with great and rich booty, they arrived at Callice; But the want of bread, whereof they could not be furnished all the way, did bring divers diseases amongst the Army, whereof more dyed then were slaine, upon any Camisado by the enemy, for encounter they had none all the way.

The Duke of Yorke returneth into England to the rescue of Rocksboro Castle, defended by Sir Sir Ralph Gray, and besieged by the King of Scots with thirty thousand men, who having advertisement of the Earle of Northumber lands approach, the Dukes safe returne, fled with no lesse losse then dishonour, and enough of both.

A truce is desired betwixt England and Burgoyne and obtained, the meeting is appointed at Gravelin, wherefore the King came, the Bishop of Winchester, Iohn Duke of Norfolke, with Humphry Earle of Stafford, and others; For the Duke appeared his Dutchesse, the Bishop of Arras, and the Lord of Croys, where truce for a very small time is concluded on, and for lesse kept.

This yeare was memorable for the death of three great Princesses, Katherine 1437. The death of three great Ladyes. Queene of England, and Sister to the King of France; The old Dowager of Henry the fourth King of England, Daughter of the King of Navar, and Mother to the Princes of Britaine: And the old Countesse of Armanacke Daughter to the Duke of Berry, and Mother to the Duke of Savoy, which all dyed within eight and fourty houres, the one of the other: The fury of fighting growing cold, Traffick for townes was againe set on foot, and Harflew sold; For the recovery whereof, the Duke of Somerset with the Lord Talbot, and a brave company of souldiers, beset it both by land and water: there being within to defend it, Sir Iohn Estontvile and his brother, with six hundred men and upward: the Earles of Ewe, with the Bastards of Orleance and Burbon, with foure thousand men, came to the reskue, but so well were the English entrencht, that the French could neither succor their friends, nor annoy their enemies, and so as they came they returned: Whereupon the towne was surrendred upon composition. About this time the Dutchesse of Bedford followed Queen Katherines example, making election for an Husband of a gallant young Gentleman, but of small meanes, yet fortunate only, enough by being affected, one Sir Richard Woodvile whom she took to Husband, to the great discontent of her French friends, but especially her Vncle the Bishop of Terwine: but she cared not who was vext, so her selfe was pleased, and God not offended, who blest her, and made her Mother of many children, and amongst the rest of the Lady Elizabeth, afterwards married to King Edward the fourth. Iames King of Scots which before had bin fifteen The King of Scots murthered. yeares prisoner in England, and from thence released with a Wife, a great dower, and many honourable presents, yet proved ingratefull, was murthered by certaine his traiterous subjects in his bed-chamber by night, who being found out, were cruelly tortured.

The Duke of Burgoine having attempted the unworthy traffick, of bartering for Callice with mony: but not able to compasse it, being infinitely desirous to bee Master of it, when neither force, nor fraud could prevaile, [Page] attempts it by a strange pollicy, but of like successe to the former, for hee was Ann. 1439 R. 14. perswaded by a rediculous practise, so to cut a ditch, that hee might at his pleasure, drowne both the Towne and Countrey, about this hee imployed much labour and more cost, but this fantasticall fancy of a flood vanished away like his Flemmish army at the siege there of like a vapour.

The Lord Talbot besieged Tanckervile, and hath it after foure moneths, lying before it, simply rendred unto him; In leiw whereof the French King in his owne person layes siege to Monstrew fault Yonne. Whilst the Duke of Yorke was providing for the reskue of this Towne, hee was discharged of his office, by which meanes Sir Thomas Gerrard, had the more colour to sell, not lose the Towne, which the King of France making his owne contract with him, bought of him for rewards and preferment, both promised, but how performed I know not, only having sold his honour with his charge, hee lived disgraced and discarded in much discontent an exile in France where hee died.

This yeare is a Parliament holden at Westminster, in which were made many good and profitable acts, aswell for the preservation of peace at home, A Parliament at Westminster. as for provision to maintaine the warres abroad.

Arthur Constable of France, and Iohn Duke of Alanson besieged the Towne of Auranches, whither the Lord Talbot came and offered them battell, which they refusing, hee marched in despight of them, none daring to make resistance, into the Towne: from whence next morning he sallyed out, and having made a greatslaughter amongst them, tooke divers prisoners, and retreated at pleasure, the French being well contented so to bee rid of him.

The French the next morning were called from the siege pretended for Pautou de Santrelis for the Hire had sent Letters unto them, that they had the promise of divers Bourgers of Roan, when their watch-night came, to Roan attempted, but with losse to the French. let them in, they wisht therefore the Constable to meet them at Rize, a place within foure leagues of Roane, here of the Lord Talbot having notice, covertly marcht to Roan, and from thence, though wearied with a bad journey, marcheth before day to Rize, where he surprizeth the French, taketh the Lord Fontaines, Sir Allaine Geron, and many other, the Hire by the helpe of his horse, though not unwounded, by him that pursued him, escaped, and so Talbot returneth to Roan with a faire bootie, and full instructions to discover the Traitours, who convicted had the reward of their treason.

The sixtday of November the Earle of Warwicke, who seven times having An. 1437. R. 16. beene abourd, and still beat backe by tempestuous and contrary winds, landed at Hoinflew, with a thousand fresh souldiers, came to Roan, whither the Duke of Yorke was come downe, and from thence returned for England.

The Duke of Burgoine taking advantage, as hee thought of a still water, with tenne thousand men, besiegeth the Towne of Crotoy, to relieve whom the new Regent sent the Lord Talbot, with five thousand men, whereof the Duke having notice, upon their approach, retyreth with his power, (except foure hundred with whom hee had manned a Bastileo by him there erected) to Abvile, but the Bastilio is soone gained, and all the souldiers either taken or slaine.

The valiant Talbot sent the Duke word, that if hee would save his Countrie of Piccardy from vastation, that hee should come into the field, where hee attended him, and would give him, if he dared to come, battell. But the Duke of Burgoine was not in the fighting humour, neither loved to bee too neere so cholericke an enemy that would strike, if hee might come at him, and therefore from Abvile secretly conveyes himselfe to Amiens. Twenty [Page] dayes together did the Lord Talbot with fire and sword passe thorow Piccardy Ann. 1437 Reg. 15. and Arthoys, destroying all that stood in his way, and so returneth unencountred; Sir Thomas Kiryel seized upon the Dukes Carriages and Ordnance, and having left in Crotoy, victual enough for six hundred men for a The Lord Talbot harroweth Piccardy. whole yeare, hee brought the rest to the Earle of Warwicke, who thankfully received them.

Henry Earle of Mortaine, sonne to Edmond Duke of Somerset arrived 1438. with three hundred Archers, and three hundred Speares, and past thorow Normandy to Mayne, and tooke in his March by assault, the Cattle of Saint Anian, wherein were three hundred Scots and French-men; the Scots hee slew all, and hanged the French-men, for that they had sworne fealty to England, and broke it; hee tooke likewise the Castle of Algarche, and by meanes of an Ambush taketh the Lord of Camerois; comming to the reskue thereof; on the other side, the Townes of Neux in Bry and Susan, were sold and delivered to the French, by the trecherous Burgers.

All manner of graine in England, in respect of the scarcity thereof, was at Famine in England, Pestilence in Paris. exceeding high prices, and had not the care and industry of the then Maior Stephen Browne, beene such that hee had caused provision of corne, especially Rye, to bee bought, and brought from farre Countries thither, the famine would have raged as much in London, as the fearefull Pestilence did in Paris, where those that dyed in the streets lay unburied, untill the ravenous Wolves made their mawes the sepulture of their flesh, but God in his mercy ceased the plague in Paris, and replenished London with graine in abundance, to the great reliefe of remoter parts of the kingdome, which before that time were driven to make their sustenance of Fearne rootes and Ivy berryes.

In Iune the Earle of Huntington with two thousand Archers, and foure 1439. thousand Speares, was sent into Gascoyne, whither the Earle of Danoyes was lately come, throughly instructed and provided, to buy the best pennyworths of Townes [...]nd Castles hee could compasse, but the Earle of Huntington upon his comming thither, changed all the Captaines and Officers, and put others in their roomes, whereby hee warily prevented the Bastards chafferours. This strumpet Bribery, and whore covetousnesse, began to spread their wings so farre, that in Normandy the English Captaines, had small confidence in the Natives, and not too much in some of their owne Nation; Whereupon Sir Richard Woodvile, Sir William Chamberlaine, Sir William Peto, with a thousand men were sent thither, to stoppe the current of French crownes, from corrupting the yet faithfull souldiers with them. They according to their directions, narrowly sifted all, and where they found fault, or cause of suspition, they punished or removed, and having settled all things in good order returned.

A gap began this yeare to bee opened, whereby the English might have entred to have made a reduction of those pieces the French had bought or conquered, but the wisdome of the Councell of France, stopped it by reconciling the King and his sonne the Dolphin, betweene whom by the sinister perswasions of base Sycophants on both sides, there were discurtesies taken before given, and discontent without any ground; the sonne deeming his Fathers grave deportment, too too much austerity, and the Father the Dolphins youthfull countenance, to a kind of contempt beyond filiall dutie, neither having just cause of jealousie, yet both suspitious of each others countenance; But the knot of seditious faction, tyde betweene the Dukes of Burgoyne, Alanson, and the Dolphin is dissolved, and the King and his Sonne in show reconciled; Some small peeces were in this time regayned, but Paris [Page] for which provision was making for the reduction thereof was left off, upon the notice of the reconcilement. An. 1439. R. 18.

In a great bend of Frost, with a deepe snow, the English under the conduct of Iohn Lord Clifford, having covered their armour with white shirts, and their heads with white Alman skulls, come to Ponthoys by night, and undiscovered Ponthoys taken by the English. past the ditches, skaled the walls, slew the guards, and tooke the Towne, with many good prisoners, and a great spoile: presently upon the regaining of which Towne the Earle of Warwicke died in the Castle of Roan, and was from thence conveyed to England, and buried in his Colledge at Warwicke, hee was the sixteenth Earle of Warwicke, and Lord Lisle in the right of his Wife; hee married two wives▪ the first Elizabeth, Daughter and heire of Thomas Lord Barckley; and Margery his Wife, Daughter and heire of Warren Lord Lisley, and Tyes, by whom hee had issue three Daughters, Margaret the eldest married to Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury, who had issue Iohn Talbot, Vicount Lisley; Elianor married with Thomas Lord Rosse of Hamlocke, and after to Edward Bewford Duke of Somerset.

Elizabeth maried to George Nevill Lord Latimer.

Earle Richard Beauchampes second Wife, was Isabell Daughter of Thomas Spencer Earle of Glocester; by whom hee had issue, Henry Duke of Warwicke; and Anne married to Richard Nevill Earle of Salisbury, who in her right was after Earle of Warwicke.

To reduce Ponthoys, the French King in person layeth siege thereunto, and useth all possible meanes hee can to enforce it, but the defendants but flowt him for his paines, and many times send his assaulting souldiers haulting home, with fleaes in their eares,

Richard Duke of Yorke being the second time made Regent, being arrived with the Earle of Oxford, and the Earle of Ewe, levies a power to raise the siege; and arriving there, giveth notice to the King, that the next morning hee would bid him battell; But the King not liking the breath of Talbot, leaves his Ordnance, and best provision in the Bastile of Saint Martins, and Ponthoys succoured. in the midst of the night stole to Poysy. The English possesse his tents, furnish the Towne with the provision therein left, and thereof make Sir Gervoys Clifton Captaine, with a thousand souldiers for the defence thereof, and then marched to Poysy, where he braved the French King, and thought with taunts and revilings, to have put valour in him, but hee was too patient The French King braved by the Regent, but is patient. to bee provoked to fight, wherefore hee left him there and returned to Roan.

A motion of parlie is moved, the place appointed Callice, by the mediation and solicitation of the Dutchesse of Burgoyne, shee being a Portugall by birth, very solicitous of the safetie of her husband, and the quiet of France, a woman of no ordinary capacitie, but of an extraordinary understanding; by her meanes the King of France sendeth the Archbishop of Reimes and Treaty for a peace. Narbon, and the Earle of Dunoys. For the King of England, the Cardinall of Yorke and the Duke of Exceter, with whom came Charles Duke of Orleance, who having beene long kept Prisoner, was in good hope of enlargement, but the successe of the meeting not answering the expectation, nothing was done for his enlargement, for in such treatises such as have the possession of strong holds, doe commonly use policie, and delayings the stronger giving lawes to the weaker, so that the English would not bate an ace of what they had gotten to keepe: and would have for the ransome of the Duke their first asking, which was more then his meanes could any way compasse: and the French King not very forward to give him any assurance, [Page] so that the disconsolate Duke patiently returnes: but his misery so moved the Ann. 1441 Reg. 20. heart of the Dutchesse of Burgoyne, that shee prevailed so farre with her husband, that hee passeth his credit for the payment of three hundred thousand Crownes for his ransome at Callice, at a day prefixt, at which time and place the Duke of Orleance in person, and the Duke of Burgoynes money The Duke of Orleance released. meet, where the one being received, the other after five and twenty yeares imprisonment is released, and by his sonne that had slaine his Father, and sought the ruine of his house, but now a firme league of friendship is sworn, and confirmed betwixt them, by the marriage of the Duke of Burgoines Neece, Mary of Cleurs to the Duke of Orleance, which justifies the Proverbe, The best meanes to vanquish an enemie, is to doe him all the good you can.

The Regent divided his Forces into three parts, hee sent the Lord Willoughby into Amyens, the Lord Talbot to Deep, and himselfe with the Duke of Somerset went into the Dutchie of Anion. The Lord Willoughby made such speed, that hee tooke many prisoners, before they could get to any place of defence, but presently the garrisons drawne together, and make opposition, but they are defeated, and six hundred men of armes slaine, such as escaped fell into the hands of the Earle of Saint Paul, who was comming to the aide of the Lord Willoughby: The Regent returneth with a great prey to Normandy, whither Willoughby likewise commeth; But the Duke of Somerset re-entreth the Marches of Britaine, and tooke la Gearch by assault, from thence hee marches to Ponsay; The Marshall Loach intended to have surprized the Duke of Somerset in his Tents, but the Duke to prevent that hazard, meets him halfe way, and chargeth so suddenly and soundly, that the Marshall is rowted, and threescore and two of his men are taken Prisoners, then hee marched and tooke the Towne of Beamond, and having manned all fitting places upon the Frontiers laden with rich spoyle he returneth.

The Lord Willoughby had entrenched himselfe round Deipe, and built a Bastile upon Mount Pawlet, which did much annoy the besieged; But wanting amunition and supplies of men, hee left his naturall Sonne to prosecute the siege, himselfe posting to Roan. The Dolphin with sixteene thousand men commeth to raise the siege, and three dayes together, plye the Bastile with assaults, but could not carry it, untill shot and powder fayling, they were overpressed with multitude, and young Talbot is taken prisoner, with Sir Iohn Peyto, and Sir Iohn Repley, all which were shortly redeemed by exchange; The rest of the souldiers seeing the Bastile wonne, stood in armes all day, but the enemy not over-willing to doe too much, and they as willing to give way, not being able to cope in the darke of night they retired to Roan.

The Earle of Saint Paul forsakes the English, and is reconciled to The Earle of Saint Paul forsaketh the English. France.

The English besieged Tartus, for the raysing whereof the French King marcheth downe threescore thousand strong, and relieveth the Towne, and from thence marcheth to Saueryne, which hee taketh in, and therein Sir Iohn Rampston prisoner; Then tooke hee in Arques, the Captaine with all the souldiers by composition withdrawe to Burdeux; The English cut off all convoyes of victuals from comming to the King, for want whereof, the King is driven to returne, after whose departure the English reduce, all that the King of France had taken, and take his Lieutenant prisoner, slaying or hanging all his souldiers.

The Lord Talbot this while taketh in Conquet, and driveth the Bastard of [Page] Orleance from the siege of Galiordon: The French in the Castle of Cornill An. 1442. R. 20. detained many English prisoners, Sir Francis the Aragonist apparelleth halfe a dozen lusty fellowes like Pesants, carrying baskets with corne and victuals, and sends them to the Castle, hee with his company lye in ambush in The Castle of Cornhill surprized by a stratagem. a valley neere the Castle, the six unsuspected are admitted, and comming to the Captaines chamber, seize upon him, and give the signall to the ambush, who came readily on, entred the Castle, put the souldiers to the sword, and set the prisoners at liberty, burnt downe the Castle, and with the Captaine, and the booty of the Castle returned to Roan.

Whilst thus the ball of warre was by the English honourably tost from one end to the other, in the tennis court of France. The divell and his ministers Vnnaturall dissention betwixt brothers. sowe the seeds of unnaturall sedition betweene the two brothers in England, the one seeking by a legall course the reformation, the other the ruine of a brother: The Protector articles against the Cardinall, for too ambitiously affecting preheminence, to the derogation of the Kings prerogative, and contempt of his lawes, these Articles are delivered to the King, and by the King to bee maturely examined by them to his Councell, who being most of the Clergie, and not daring to give occasion of offence to the Cardinall, leave them unmedled withall: whilst the Lady Elianor Cobham the Dukes Wife, by the Cardinalls plot is accused of treason, by sorcery and Witchcraft to have intended the overthrow of the King, and advancement of her husband to the Crowne, for this howsoever shee was acquitted of the treason, shee is adjudged open Penance, and perpetuall imprisonment in the Isle of Man, Thomas Southwell, Iohn Hun Priests, Roger Bullingbrooke a supposed Necromancer, and Margery Iourden stiled the Witch of Eley, are arraigned for devising of a picture of Waxe to be made in proportion of the King, which by their Sorcery, they should make to consume, and so accordingly should the Kings body: for this they are condemned, the Witch was burnt in Smithfield, Bullingbrooke was hanged, constantly affirming upon his death, that there never was any such thing devised or thought of by them: neither at any time was more desired of from him by the Dutchesse, or any other from her, but if hee could by his Art, find out how long the King should live: Iohn Hun had his pardon, and Southwell died the night before hee should have beene executed.

The Duke of Glocester silently sees what speech could not amend, & undergoes all these affronts with patience, attending equall distribution of Iustice, as it had past on his forgetfull Wife, so it might passe on his unnaturall brother the Archbishop: But the Cardinall by his orall sanctitie, and mentall impurity, had so bewitched the King, and those of the Church of his Councell, that the good Duke hoped in vaine.

The Duke of Yorke hath a Sonne borne at Roane in Normandy, and Christened there by the name of Edward. The Countesse of Camings being An. 1442. R. 21. dead, the King of France, and the Earle of Arminacke, are Competitors for the inheritance; The Earle takes' possession, but doubting, and not without cause; That the King of France would not be pleased to take a Rowland for an Oliver; makes offer to the King of England, of his Daughter in marriage, and besides a large portion in money with her, to deliver over full possession of all such Townes and Castles, as were by him, or his Ancestors detained in Aquitaine, and had beene formerly by the Progenitors of the King of England conquered, or by the King of France to any of them given. And further, to furnish the King with money sufficient to recover all, or whatsoever was with-held from him there, by any person whatsoever. [Page] The Embassadors for this businesse were by the King of England graciously Ann. 1442 Reg. 21. heard, and honourably returned after whom were sent, Sir Edward Hall, Sir Robert Rose and others to conclude all things and by proxcie the young Lady is affiranced to King Henry.

The King of France, to peruent the groweth of so rancke a mischiefe, King Henry betrothed to the Earle of Arminacks Daughter. sendeth the Dolphine, with a puissaunt army, who tooke the Earle, with his youngest sonne, and both his daughters, and gained the Countries of Arminack, Louergne, Rouergue, Moulessenoys, with the Cities of Seuerac and Cadeack, chasing the bastard of Arminack out of the Country, by meanes whereof the marriage was then deferd and afterward disanuld.

The Christian Princes, casting their contemplatiue lookes upon the misery of France, for the present groning under the three arrowes of Gods vengeance, An. R. 22. Fire, Sword, Famine, and the danger of England to be embroyled hereafter in the like, wherof there were already discerned, to many sumeptomes, like themselues, did by their severall Embassadors, labour a peace, betweene these two powerfull Kings, and prevaile so farre, That at a dyet at Tours in Touraine, there appeared for the King of England William de-la-poole Earle of Suffolke, Doctor Adam Milyes, Keeper of the privy seale, Sir Robert Rose and others: for the King of France, Charles Duke of Orleance, Lewes Earle of Vendosme, Perce de Bresse, stuard of Poyton, and Bartram Beavar Lord president of Presignry, there came Embassadors likewise from the Emperor, the Kings of Spaine, Denmarke and Hungary, to be mediators, The assemblies was great, and the expences greater every day then other each, one striving to exceed the other in entertainment for the honor of their Masters, many meetings were had, many motions made, but as one waue brings on another one quere encreased many doubs, no full conclusion is made onely a truce for eighteene moneths is agreed vpon. In the meane time the Earle of Suffolk stretching a point of his Commission, beyond his direction withoutthe knowledge of his fellow Commissioners, A truce agreed upon. plotted a marriage with thekins woman of the French King, & the King of England, in which businesse the Earle of Suffolke, was so intentive and made such large, & vnnecessary proffers, that he did not escape the aspertion The Earle of Suffolk transends his Commission. of being bribed by the King of France to that businesse an enteruiew betwixt the two Kings of England and France is agreed upon, without warant of King Heneryes part, to be betweene Charters and Roane, The Commissioners returne, where nothing is forgotten by Suffolke, that might illustrate, the beauty and lovelinesse of the proposed Bride, or the great vtilitie that might redound, to both Kingdomes by the consummation of this marriage, the King was easily induced, to give credence to the relations, but diuerse of the Kings Councels especially the Duke of Gloucestor opposed, and give reasons against the proceeding, first that her discent was not royall, not her dignities, but barely titular, and all her fathers titles, but disputable, alleaging that Duke Rayner, Father of Margarite the much commended Lady, was but by himselfe stiled, King of Scisill, Naples, and Ierusalem, without any penny profit or foot of possession of any those places.

Next, that his Pouerty was such, that he could not subsist without continuall reliefe from his friends, wherof his sonne in law, must be euer a furtherer then the Duke obtruded the dishonor, that would redound to the King if he should forsake, the Duke of Arminacks daughter, to whom he had in that ceremonious manner beene publirkly affiranced, and the dangerous consequence, of breach of faith, and neglect of the friendship of so potent a neighbour, and lastly the vnsufferable losse, by the surendring and releasing his [Page] Title to the Dutchy of Anions, so unadvisedly proffered, by the capitulation An. 1444. R. 22. 23. of the Duke of Suffolke, but all this while hee but laboured against prejudice, for though it could not bee denyed, but that his reasons were undeniable, and better then could bee given to the contrary, yet they must not have place of beliefe, because Suffolkes affirmation and negotiation; must not bee undervalued.

Iohn Holland Earle of Huntington; is Created Duke of Exceter: Humphry Earle of Stafford, Duke of Buchkingham: Henry Earle of Warwicke, Duke of Warwicke, and the Earle of Suffolke, Marquesse of Suffolke, The new Marquesse honourably accompanied, fetcheth the Lady Margaret from FRANCE, and shortly afterward she is Married at Southwicke in Hampshire, King Henry marrieth Duke Rayners Daughter. and Crowned Queene of England at Westminster, on the thirtieth day of May; How advantagious this match was for the Crowne of England, may bee gathered, when shee brought not a penny portion, the charge of comming 1444. being defrayd by the Marquesse, who had towards the discharge thereof, the full Fifteene granted to the King in the late Parliament, and in exchange of her Person, the Dutchie of Anion, the City of Mauns, with the whole Countie Mayne, and so the best Props of the Dutchy of Normandy, are surrendred into the hands of the French, but affection is blind, and what shall-be shall-bee, youth rides in post to be married, but in the end, findes the Inne of repentance to bee lodged in.

The Duke of Arminiack in requitall of the King of Englands kind usage of his Daughter, is a meanes to expell the English out of the whole Dutchy of Aquitan.

And it is to bee feared, that God was displeased with the match, for after the consummation thereof, there was a quotidian consumption of the Kings Friends, both in his owne Land, and Forraine parts, intestine warres are kindled at home, and rebellion is rise in all parts abroad, and which is most grievous of all, after the slaughter of many thousands of his Christian subjects, the confusion of his Vncles, and their Posteritie almost, the Deposition of himselfe; the inhumane butchery of his Son, the Queene must be sent home againe, in as much misery and contempt, as shee was now received, with pompe and acclamations.

During the time of the truce, as well to bee partakers of the jollitie of the Court at this time, as to visit their familiars and friends; the Regent and chiefe Commanders resort to England, and there put the King and Councell The Regent comes for England. in mind, to provide a cloake ready, though Sunne shone bright, lest it should raine. Whereupon a Parliament is assembled, wherein is especiall provision made for the furnishing of all the Frontier townes, but principally the places of Normandy. To which end levies of men and money are made, and An. 1416. R. 24. all things usefully-necessary are prepared; But a sparcke of fire is fallen amongst the flaxe, which though little, and unseene at first, grew to an unquenchable flame, for the Duke of Yorke being at first chosen Regent for five yeares, and at the expiration thereof returning, was received nec merito with great love and commendation. After the death of the Earle of Warwicke, who succeeded him in the Regency, hee againe as a man well-deserving the place, is sent over with the like Authority, and instructions for other five yeares; but Somerset which envied the Duke of Yorkes first advancement, and still was full of peccant humours against his continuance of that place so undermined Yorke, that by the meanes of the new Marquesse, whose favour from the King and Queene now, was beyond mediocrity, and into whose more inward familiaritie Somerset was now engratiated, he not only [Page] supplanted him from the place, but procured it for himselfe; to the no little hart-burning of the Duke of Yorke and his friends, but hee had wit in his anger, and rested silent.

The towne of Mauns according to the agreement, is not given up; The King of France prepares to besiege it, but upon the motion of the Marquesse, order is given for the present surrender thereof; now no man in grace with the King but hee, none can have any favour from the Queene, but by him, the extent of his power over-reacheth all the Councell, hee gets of the King the Wardship of the body, and lands of the Countesse of Warwicke, and of the Lady Margaret, sole Daughter and heire of Iohn Duke of Somerset, afterward Mother to King Henry the seventh.

The Kings facile nature, and flexible condition, was the occasion that many enormities encreased, and many things made worse, that might have beene better, if observed, and stopt in the beginning. The Duke of Glocester for his moderation, and provident care in all things stiled good, and for his paines in delivery of his mind honest, is an eyesore to an ambitious minion, and an imperious woman; shee will no longer admit any curbe to her vast desires of empery; shee is as well able to advise the King as all his Councell, to what purpose then needeth a Protector; The Duke of Glocester must therefore bee removed and excluded, not only from command, but Councell: and to adde to affliction Glocesiers destruction plotted. shee permitted, if not procured, divers sinisterly affected, to informe against him; whereof the new Marquesse and the Duke of Buckingham were not the most backward; and the Cardinall Bishop of Winchester, and Archbishop of Yorke would not bee much behind, one objection was made against him, that he had caused divers persons to be executed, contrary to the judgement of the Court denounced, and against the law of the land, in these cases provided, his too much zeale of execution of justice, (if zeale in that point may be justly termed a crime) made him subject to be censured to have perpetrated a criminall offence; But to avoid tumultuary partakings, (for he was generally well esteemed, howsoever by purblind observers, deemed worthy taxe) it was concluded by those that maligned his sincere and just proceedings, that hee should without any publicke denuntiation of his offence, bee privately convicted and condemned, to which end, a Parliament by the procurement of his enemies, unwitting to the King, is called at Bury, to which the Duke of Glocester resorting, is on the second day of the Session by the Lord Beamond then high Constable (abetted by the Duke of Buckingham) arrested, and put to Ward, all his followers without exception sequestred from him, whereof thirty two are committed to severall prisons, the next day after his commitment, hee is found in his bed murthered, yet shewed the same day, being the foure and twentieth day of February, publickly making show, as though hee had dyed of an impostume, but all indifferent persons that saw his corps, could not but deeme, he dyed of an unnaturall cause, his corpes were the same day conveyed to Saint Albones, and there buried, five of his meniriall servants, Sir ROGER CHAMBERLAIN Knight, MIDDLETON, HERBERT, ARTZIS Esquire, and IOHN NEEDHAM Gentlemen, were condemned to bee drawne, hanged and quartered; But the Marquesse of SVFFOLKE, to make a show to the world of his having no finger in the businesse, brought their pardon, and delivered it at their proposed place of execution, some criticall observers [Page] have affirmed, the stile of Gloucester as ominous, and make instance of, Hugh Spencer, Thomas of Woodstock, and this Duke Humphry, but it may be well collected, that this Dukes death, gave a prodigious presage of the ensewing Calamitie of the Common-wealth, sometimes in quenching of smoke, men burne their fingers in the fire, so the Queene casting to preserue her husbands honor, and her owne regalitie, in making away this honest Duke, affected that which discretion should have most labored to prevent, which was the decay of the house of Lancaster, which was vnlikely to have chanced if this Duke had lived. For his primogeniture would haue kept backe the Duke of Yorkes claime to the Crowne this Richards father being but the fift sonne of Edward the third. Humphry Plantagenet was the fourth sonne of Edward the third Duke of Gloucester Earle of Hennault, Holland, Zeland, and Pembroke Lord of Frisia, great Chamberlaine of England he married two wives, Iaquet from whom he was divorced, and Elianor, daughter of Reginald Lord Cobham, by whom before marrage he had a daughter called Antigona, married to Henry Gray Lord of Tanckervile, but no issue legitimate.

The new Marquesse of Suffolk, by the great fauour of the King, But more desire of the Queene, is created Duke of Suffolk, which brought him 1448. within the compasse of Contempt, of the Kings surviving Vncle, The Duke of Yorke, who now beginning to sucke the venome of his kinswoman the Lady Cobhams sorcery, and awakened with his brothers losse her disgrace and his owne disrepute; having by consanguinitie, and affinity, a faire meanes to draw a partie, observing that they onely sat at the stearne that were vnable, yea, vnworthy to use the oare of the common-wealth, and that all affares of state were meerly managed, by the Queene and her fauourite the Duke of Suffolk: the King being as a Cipher but at their pleasure, to make a number, did amongst his familiars privily whisper, his title, and right to the Crowne, and afarre off as in a landskip to make a show of desire to see the flourishing encrease of the white Rose; And so politikly carried his intent, that all things were provided to further his proiect, ere his purpose was published, during this plotting Henry Bewford, the rich Cardinall Bishop of Winchester, takes his leave of this world and leaves more riches behind him, then either good deeds or glorious The Cardinal of Winchester dies. name, he was more noble in blood, then notable in learning, of high looke, and haughty stomacke, constant in nothing more then malice, and mischiefe and that chiefly employed against good Duke Humphry, his desires were insatiable for mony, still coveting more, but misimploying nothing in expence, for he only horded to make others rich and himselfe poore, what his ends were except he was perswaded; never to dye, no living man did know, and had he desired, to have measured his greatnesse, by his goodnesse, he had never been administrator to his owne good name, for that dyed long before him, without which we leave him, to be seconded in the Bishopricke of Winchester, by a more deserving Prelate which was William Wanfleet so stiled of the place he was borne in, but his name was Pattern, of the worshipfull family whereof he was descended.

The fifth of August following, dieth Iohn Holland Duke of Exceter Earle of Huntington, and Iuory, in Normandy Lord of Sparr, Leivetenant William Wanfleet consecrated Bishop of Winchester. generall of the Dutchy of Aquitaine, Admirall of England, and Constable of the Tower of London he married two wives Anne daughter of Edmond Earle of Stafford, by whom he had issue, Henry that [Page] succeede in the Dukedome, his second wife was Anne, daughter to Iohn Mountacute Earle of Salisbury, by her he had issue a daughter Anne An. 1430. R. 26. married to the heire of Westermerland Iohn Nevill, by whom she had no issue. Then she was married to Thomas Nevill; brother of Ralph the father of her first husband, by whom she had issue Ralph, the third house of Westmerland; and her third husband was Iames Earle Dowglasse, by whom she had no issue. Before the time of truce was expired the divell cast a bone by meanes of an overforward Curre, that set all on snarling, For Sir Francis Suryens and Araganois, thought worthy to be admitted into the honourable societie of the Garter, taking advantage of the securitie the French Garrisons did sleepe in, sodainely upon our Lady The truce broken by the English day eve in Lent at night, surprised a Frontier Towne belonging to the Duke of Brittaine called Fougeirs, ransaking it killing the inhabitants and caried away all the spoyle, the Duke advertiseth the French King, lying at R [...]unes, thereof, who by his Embassadors complaine, both to the King of England, and the regent Somerset, the fault is all layd upon the Aroganoys, who did it without warrant or wit: the King, or Councell, nether advising, or approving what was done, neverthelesse for restitution, or satisfaction, a meeting is appointed at Lanveirs, where the Commissioners treat of the businesse, But whilst they talke of this, newes are brought to the regent. That the French by a stratagem of a Carter, that with a load of hay, comming over the draw-bridge, caused the axeltree to breake, and whilst the porter was ready to helpe the Ardes surprised. Carter, the Porters braines were beaten out and the Towne of Ardes surprised, and the Lord Fauconbridge Captaine thereof taken prisoner, restitution is demanded by the English, they are answered with their owne language, what was done, was neither by the privitie, or porcurement, of the French King or any of his Councell; so they hold fast, on both sides their ill gotten bargaines, and from thence forward the truce, on both side is broken, all things grow worse and worse. The French King assembleth a mightie army and dividing it into three parts; imployeth every one, in a severall quarter, who according to direction get possession of Louviers, Gerbury, and Vernuele all which by composition attended twenty dayes to be reskued, but none came. This warre is begun before the terme of truce expired, the English gave the first occasion and are payed with their owne coyne, whilst the new Regent which like the sonnes of Zebede presumed of more abilities then he had, knowes not where to begin, nor what to say, or doe, makes ready to recken the Townes lost, but newes is brought of a conspiracie against him in the same Towne, he goes about to suppresse that, whilst the enemie is at another towne ready to carry it, without speedy succor, whereupon he giues Command to such troopes to march as he thinks fit, but they in steed of putting his Command in execution expostulate the reason of such directions, then calls he to Councell, but there is more time spent in chiding, and finding fault, then in debating for the amending of what is out of square, whereby his proceedings as it were make a parenthesis to a discourse betweene the good government of the Duke of Yorke, and the bad event of the murthered Duke of Gloucester. Thus perplexed, the regent in a desperate case, complaines of want of Councellors, talkes much to no purpose, does many things to as little proofe, or profit, & so having tir'd himselfe to no end, retires himselfe to his Chamber, and there with more deliberation then discretion debates with himselfe what is best to be done.

[Page] The Cocks now begin to ctow upon their dunghill, which but a while before were cowed by the English, if staying, or Cravend by themselves An. 1449. R. 27. if they fell a running; Constance, Guisard, Gahard, Pontean sa meare S. Loe, Festampo, Newcastle, Tongue, Moleor, Argenton Lisseux and some other peices in Normandy, are reduced to the Crowne of France, Maulisson in Guyen upon notice of their defections, arme against their Garrison, and set open the gates to the Earle of Foys, who enters and taketh it. This is seconded by the Citizens of Roan, who vexed the regent, and the Earle of Shrousbury, more within, then the French army abroad and enforced them, to make composition, to have liberty with bag and baggage to march to Cane, and to procure by a certaine day, divers adiacent strong peices, to be surrendred unto the French, and untill the same were delivered, the Earle of Shrousbury and the Lord Butler the heire to the Earle of Ormond to remaine pledges, who were sent to be safely kept in the Castle of Eureux.

Succors are sent for into England, but an unexpected occasion diverted the passage of them, for the necessitie of present meanes, to suppresse an insurrection made by rebells in Ireland, for the effecting whereof, the Duke of Yorke is with an army sent thither, where he so behaved himselfe, that he not only suppressed, the insurrection, but purchased the good The Duke of Yorke sent into Ireland. will and affection of the Irish nation firme to him and his for ever after.

The Frenchmen now throughly flesht, assault Harflew, but are by Sir Robert Curson for along time valiantly repelled, but in the end fearing to be forced, he makes composition, to depart with body and goods Fougers, and Sir Iames de Benron are likewise received by the Duke of Britaine.

A fresh supply of fifteene hundred men, under the conduct of Sir. Thomas Kiryell, are sent over, who did as much as with so small an handfull, could be expected, taking in some Townes, but marching with the rest of the army towards Bauguenx, at a place called Formigney, he was encountred by the Earle of Cleremont, and seven thousand, French and Scots; at first the French were driven to recoyle, and lost two peeces of their ordnance, but the Constable of France, with foure hundred men at armes, and eight hundred archers, came to the reskew, and being fresh so beat upon the tyred English, that they with the losse of three thousand seven hundred threescore and thirteene, besides divers prisoners gave proofe, that it was not altogether unpossible, but that the English might be The English overthrowne. overcome, which hitherto in France for many yeares they never had been Sir Thomas Vere and Captaine Goughe escaped to Roven.

The French King with an army royall, besiegeth Cane which is bravely defended, till the Dutches importuneth her husband, to take pitie of her, and his children, & to give over the Towne, her entreaties & his childrens teares, so far prevaile that he moves the surrender to Sir David Hall, whowas there in right of his Master the Duke of Yorke owner of Cane, who knowing that there was no great Correspondency, betwixt the Duke of Somerset and his An overbold but true language. Colonel, boldly told the Duke, that he had the charge of that Citie delivered to his Care, that he would give a good account of the keeping of it, or leave his life, as a testimony of his good will to have done it, the Duke of Somerset vrged his authoritie, which so incensed the old Captaine, that he sayd, that he could never better have expressed his insufficiency then ambitiously having affected, so iminent a place, now durst not abide the hazard to stay in it, this so moved the Regent, that he complaineth hereof to the rest of the Captaines, [Page] to whom hee maketh show of more danger then there was, and so farre prevailed An. 1450. R. 27. with them, that they for the most part agree to make composition, for their departure with bagge and baggage, which being granted, Sir David with some few of his retinue departed into Ireland, where to his Colonell hee related all the passages betwixt him and the Duke, which set a roote of rankor in the heart of the Duke of Yorke against Somerset, that the seeds were never after dead, till drowned in blood.

The French triumphed in Normandy, having cleerely gotten it, after an hundred yeares possession, out of the English mens hands, and finally wonne all France to the obedience of Charles their King: the reasons of this totall reduction of these Provinces, are diversly delivered.

Some affirme, that the English had grasped more with their hand, then they could well hold, joyning more Townes then they could man, and having more lands then they could manure, so that their store bred their povertie: Others say, that the Captaines kept not halfe the number in their Companies, that they received pay for: Others affirme, that Somerset was blinded with French-crowne dust, that hee could not discerne danger, till the souldiers tasted destruction; But it is most agreeable to truth, that the triple-headed Gerion in England, presumption in government, by some unmeet to rule, the inveterate malice, and insufferable pride of the last created Nobilitie, and the universall distaste of the Commons, too much oppressed with exactions, and burdens, was the originall and finall cause of the ill successe our Armies had in France. Yet by the way consider, but the deportment of the English Nation, the concurrence of martiall men their counsell, discipline, designes, from the beginning of Edward the first untill this time, and you will acknowledge, that they were men of worth and prowes, and caried the palme of victory before them wheresoever they went. But Suffolke must beare a share, and a great one, of the blame for this businesse, for hee is not only exclaimed against, as the cause of the surrender of Anion and Mayne. The chiefe procurer Suffolke traduced. of the Duke of Glocesters death; The occasion of the losse of Normandy, but they accuse him further, to have wilfully wasted the Kings Treasure, for being a meanes to remove sufficient men, from the Councell borde, and admitting of Favourites, that were only to serve his turne, his ambition ayming at the advancement of his faction, though with the destruction of the King, and the subversion of the Common-wealth; The Queene taketh notice of these aspersions, and too well knowing, how farre they were guiltie, that were thus toucht, doubting the Dukes destruction, and her owne downefall, if this current were not stopt, so wrought, that the Parliament The Parliament adjourned from Black-fryers to Lecester, and then to Westminster. assembled at the Black-Fryers, is adjourned to Leicester, and from thence to Westminster.

In the meane time all meanes possiblie are used, to stop the mouthes of those that were incensed against the Duke, but it prevailed not. For the Lower house exhibited their Bill of grievance against the Duke of Suffolke, to this purpose;

1. That hee traiterously had incited divers the Kings enemies, as namely the Bastard of Orleance, the Lord Presigny and others, to levie warre against the King, to the intent that thereby the King might bee destroyed, and that Iohn the Duke of Suffolkes Son, who had taken to Wife Margaret Daughter and sole heire of Iohn Duke of Somerset, whose Title to the Crowne, the Duke of Suffolke had often declared, in case King Henry should die without issue, might be King.

2. That by his sinister practises, Charles Duke of Orleance, notwithstanding [Page] the many cautions upon great reasons, by King Henry the fift to the contrary given, obtained his liberty.

3. That through his trecherie by the abetment of the Duke of Orleance, the French King hath gotten possession of all the Dutchy of Normandy, and taken prisoners, the valiant Earle of Shrewsbury, the Lord Fauconbridge, and many other brave Commanders; But to all these, hee affirmed himselfe not guilty, neither in thought or deed.

Then was further allegations made against him, to this purpose.

1. That being with others sent Embassadours into France, hee transcended his Commission, and without privitie of his fellow Commissioners, presumed to promise the surrender of Anion, and the deliuery of the Countie of Maunts, and the Citie of Mants to Duke Rayner, which accordingly was performed, to the great dishonour of the King, and detriment of the Crowne.

2. That hee had traiterously acquainted the Councell of the French King with all the affaires of State, and passages of secrecie, by whose trayterous information, the enemy was througly instructed, in all the designes of the King and Councell.

3. That hee had received rewards from the French King, whereby all succours sent to the Kings Friends in France, were disappointed and frustrate.

4. That by his wicked practises, the good Duke of Glocester, was deprived both of Protectorship and life.

5. That by his labouring, such only were made of the Kings privy Councell, that more respected the Dukes particular profits, then the good of the King or Realme.

6. And lastly, that hee had underhand fraudulently enriched himselfe with the Kings Treasure and revenewes, and had possessed himselfe, by abusing the Queenes favour, of all Offices of charge and credit about the King. All these hee faintly denyed, but could not acquit himselfe of them. But to bleare the eyes of the people, and to keepe them hoodwinckt during the time of Parliament. The Duke is committed to the Tower, but the Parliament is no sooner dissolved, but hee is set at liberty, which so much incensed the vulgar Suffolke committed to the Tower. people, that they could not be restrained within the limits of obedience, but in many places, after they had vented their swolne spleenes in garrulent exclaiming, against the corruption of times, and the wrongs the Common-wealth sustained, by the misgovernment of the Queene and her Favourite. They fell to an insurrection, and under the leading of a desperate Commander; stiling himselfe Blewbeard, they began to commit some outrages, but by the diligence of the Gentlemen of the Country, the Captaine was apprehended, and the rebellion ceased.

The Parliament is againe assembled, and great care taken of the Election, of moderate-minded men, for Citizens and Burgesses, presuming thereby to A Parliament summoned. stop any further proceedings against Suffolke; But his appearance gave such a generall distaste in the House, that though hee came in the company of the King and Queen, they would not forbeare, but begin the assembly with Petitioning the King for exemplary punishment, to be inflicted upon such, that had plotted or consented to the dishonourable release, and resignation of Anion and Mayne, whereof by name they did instance the Duke of Suffolke, Iohn Bishop of Salisbury, Sir Iames Fynes, Lord Say, and others. This Petition was seconded by the Lords of the upper House; whereupon to give some satisfaction to the Houses, the Lord Say Lord Treasurer, is sequestred from [Page] his place. The Dukes Offices are all discarded, and himselfe formally banished for five yeares, but with an intent, after the multitude (which are quickly forgetfull of what is not ever in sight) had put out of mind, the hatred conceived against him, to have revoked him; But God did otherwise dispose of him; For when hee was shipped in Suffolke, with intent to have wasted over into France, hee was met by an English man of Warre, taken and carried to Dover Sands, had there his head chopt off, on the side of the long boat, which together with the body were left there on the sands, as a pledge of some satisfaction for the death of Humphry. This William de la Poole married Alice Daughter and heire of Sir Tomas Chaucer, who had issue by her Iohn, who succeeded him and William.

Whilst these things are in agitation, the Duke of Yorke though in Ireland, began to spread his nets in England, to catch such as either through disgraces were discontented, or otherwise envious, at the unworthy preferment of illdeserving persons, or such as were any way ill-affected with the present government, ever suggesting by the way his Title to the Crowne, as descended from Philip Daughter and heire of George Duke of Clarence, elder brother of Iohn of Gaunt, great Grandfather of Henry the sixt. Then is it privatly whispered.

1. That the King was simplie of a weake capacitie.

2. The Queene incorrigibly ambitious.

3. The Privie Councell if wise, yet not honest enough for their places.

4. That through their inabilities, all France was lost; And that God would not blesse the usurped possession of King Henry the sixt.

Amongst others that were caught with these reportative engines; The Kentishmen swallowed downe the hooke, and are taken therewith, which being observed by an Instrument of the Duke of Yorkes called Mortimer: he Mortymer incites the many to insurrection. taketh his time, and telleth the many, that if they will bee ruled by him, hee will put them into a course, to worke a generall reformation, both in Court and Country; and free them for ever, from those great and insupportable burthens of taxations so often (upon every slight occasion) obtruded upon them.

The people are so taken with these promises of reformation, and freedome of impositions, that they draw to a head, and make Mortymer, otherwise Iacke Cade their Leader, who stiling himselfe Captaine Mend-all, marcheth with no great number, but those well-ordered to Black-heath, where betweene Eltham and Greenwich, hee lay by the space of a moneth exercising his men, and sending for whom hee pleased, and for what he pleased, in that majestick manner, as if hee were Lord Paramount of all Kent, nay of London also: To him resort fresh Companies of all sorts, and from all parts. Then he presents unto the Parliament then assembled at Westminster, the complaints of the Commons, and a justification of the cause of their assembly, to be for the glory of God, the honor of the King; and the good of his faithfull subjects. And first whereas it was generally voiced; That the Countie of Kent should be depopulated, and made a wild Forrest, for the death of the Duke of Suffolke, they justifie their innocency of the fact, and therefore crave the aversion of any such sentence, or decree, Then they make remonstrance.

1. That the Queenes Fauorites, share among them the revenewes of the The grievances of the Commons tendred to the Parliament. Crowne, whereby the King is enforced, (for the supportation of his present estate) to taxe and burthen the Commons, with many great and vnusuall payments, to their utter undoing, and the generall impoverishment of the Kingdome.

[Page] 2. That the Lords of the blood royall, are sequestred from the Kings presence, and the places of Councell are supplyed, by persons of poore condition, who to enrich themselves, make sale of justice.

3. That the Commons, have their commodities daily taken from them, for the purveyance of the Kings houshold, for which they are not payed, nor any assurance for payment thereof given, but Court promises.

4. That upon the apprehension of any man for treason, or felony, before conviction, the Kings meniall servants, beg the goods and lands of the impeached; Whereupon, indirect and unlawfull proceedings are used, by subornation of witnesses, embracery of Iurors. And great mens Letters to the Iudges, whereby Iustice is perverted, and the innocent after attainted, and if not executed, yet perpetually imprisoned to their undoing, and the enriching of such Court Barratours.

5. That the Commons can have no legall proceedings in their law suites, so that the rightfull owners of inheritance, dare not (if opposed by any Courtier or their Favourites) maintaine their titles, or attempt the recovery of their interest, or maintenance of their possession how just soever.

6. That the treachery of making sale of the Kings possessions in France, have brought to beggery many thousand English, who now for want of imployment, are ready to starve or steale, whilst these Towne-robbers are suffered to enjoy the benefit of their traiterous compositions, and are opulent and mighty.

7. That the Kings Collectors, and other accomptants are much troubled in passing their accompts, by new extorted fees, and by being enforced to procure a late invented Writ of quorum nomina, for allowance of the Barons of the Cinque-ports, and there suing out their quietus, at their owne charge, without allowance from the King.

8. That the Sheriffes and under-Sheriffes, let to farme their Bayliwicks, whereby those that buy deere (being to make a saving bargaine) are compelled to sell deere, whereby they so fleece, and sharke upon the poore Commons, that they are hardly able to subsist.

9. That such Bailiffs under colour of the greenwax out of the Exchequer, doe levy greater summes, then are by the record justifiable, yet maintained.

10. That the Officers of Dover Castle, did usually upon feyned actions, doe arrest through the shire, forcing poore people to give their demaunds, rather then they would bee at that expence to goe to the Court, and there dance attendance at pleasure, by meanes whereof they are often driven to spend more then the thing demanded to the great vexation of the Commons.

11. That they cannot have the freedome of election of Knights of the shires, Citizens and Burgesses for the Parliament, but by letters from the Favorites of the Court, to their friends and retainers, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses are chosen, and commonly such, as to please the Courtiers, displease the Commons,

12. That the Collectours offices, are bought and sold at the pleasure of the Iustices of the peace, taking bribes of some, that are of a soft disposition to be spared; and taking bribes on the other side of turbulent spirited men, to have leave to execute the place,

13. That they are too much troubled, with too often comming to attend the generall Sessions, being enforced in many places to make five dayes journey, to the place where they are kept, hereof they made complaint, and crave redresse, and that speedily.

The Captaine likewise for his owne particular, after protestation made to [Page] live and die in the quarrell of the King, and in justification of his being Soveraigne and undoubted Lord: and of affirmation of his desire, of the Kings welfare, and prosperitie of the Realme, maketh Petition, that the King would be himself, & not live of the almes of his poore Cōmons, whilst his proud Courtiers, ryot out the revenewes of the Crown, to that end hee craveth that the Captaine Mend-all his private petition. King wil resume into his own hands, all the demeasne lands, rights and profits of the Crowne, now sold or leased, or farmed, or otherwise disposed of.

2. That his Majestie would be pleased, to call backe, and into favour to receive the truly noble Prince, the Duke of York now exiled from his presence, and with him the right honourable, the Dukes of Exceter, Buckingham, and Norfolke, and the antient Noblemen of the Realme, by the undue practises of Suffolke, and his complices commanded from his presence; And that all their antagonists and ill-willers, might bee banished the Court, or bard their place in Councell, and displaced of their Offices.

3. That condigne punishment might be impartially inflicted upon all the plotters & contrivers of the Duke of Glocesters death, their associates & abettors; and of all such as were the causes of the death of the Dukes of Exceter and Warwicke, with the irrecuperable losse of the Kings possessions in France.

4. That there mightbe a generall amotion of corrupt officers, an abolition of the green Wax, and other instruments of extortion out of the Exchequer, a qualification of the rigor of proceeding in the Kings bench, an inhibition of unequall purveyance of provision for the Kings houshold, a cessation of proceedings against the offenders of the Statute of Laborers, and a present execution of the Promooters, Slegge, Cromer, Isell, and East, whom he pretended by wrongfull informations to have abused the King, and wronged his subjects. These bills of intimation and petition, are sent from the lower House to the upper, from whence the examination of the circumstances, are committed to the Lords of the Kings privy Councell, who having throughly perused them, and maturely examined the particulars, explode them as frivolous, and conclude the promovers and authors there of, proud and presumptuous rebells; Whereupon the King is solicited by his privy Councell, to punish the unlawfull attempt of these rebellious pretenders, rather by force then entreaty; This advise is seconded by the Queen, whom she perceived now they principally aimed at, though not as yet in overt termes discovered; The King drawes his forces to Greenwitch, from whence he appointed divers namelesse Lords to assaile the rebells, but they were told by their followers, that they would not fight against their friends: as only laboured the reformation of abuses, and the punishment of such traytors about the King, as the Lord Say, the Kings Chamberlain was, whose name was rife in every mans mouth, as well on one side as other to be reproched, whereupon the L. Chamberlaine is presently cōmitted to the tower, & (until other forces come) the King & Queen retire to London, from whence within two daies being nowful 15000. strong, the King in person marcheth towards Captaine Amend all: who politickly withdraweth his forces to Senock wood; upon notice where of the King retireth to London. But the Queen thirsting after their ruine that plotted hers, sends the two Staffords, Sir Humphry & William, with many gallants to follow the rebels, these proud of imployment, make more hast then good speed, for they found Iacke Cade in good order, ready to receive them, who in the first encounter, slew The two Staffords defeated and slaine. Sir Humphry, & afterwards his brother, & put all the rest to [...]ight; The Kings forces being at Blackheath, could not by threats or entreats bee enforced or perswaded, to goe to the reskues; But hearing of the discomfiture of the Staffords, and the forward Courtiers, they began to whistle treason, [Page] wishing the Queene and her favourites in Staffords roome, or that the Duke of Yorke were in England to ayd his Cousin, Mortimer (never ownd to be of the house of March untill now) But all expressing their backwardnesse to make resistance, many of them steale to the Kentishmen and others from Sussex and Surrey encrease his number, whom he ordereth restraineth from forraging, or taking any thing by force, or without payment, yet how or from whence he had provision of food, for this numerous company or mony to provide it, had not some Londoners underhand given him assistance, might have beene wondered, But hee returneth againe to Black-heath, and encampeth, where the Kings army lay the night before, who were now falne downe to Green-witch. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Buckingham, are sent to expostulate with the rebells and their Captaine, about their demmand (a miserable time the while when two such peeres must be imployed in such a manner to so meane a person and a rebell) But now beeing together, Iack Cade with a sober composed countenance, and great moderation, expressed himselfe in very good termes, but without show of reluctation or cessation from armes, except the King in person would heare the grievances of the subject and passe his Princely word, for reformation of their wrongs, thus setled (if not peremptory resolution) made knowne to the King, who was in doubt of his owne forces, as being unsure of his owne Souldiers faith, marcheth presently to Killingworth Castle in Warwickshire, where he fortifieth, and victualleth as suspecting to be besieged, having left nor power nor Commander of note behind, but onely the Lord Scales who with some forces were left to gard the Tower. The Kentish Captaine, taking advantage of the Kings departure, commeth to Southwarke, where he orderly quartereth his men, earnestly exhorting his Souldiers, to be Examples, of that in themselves, that they made pretence, to find wanting in others, and to be regular, and modest and to Commit no outrage, either in or about their lodging, he himselfe kept the watch, and kept all things faire and square. The next morning they marched to London-bridge, where they made shift with their swords to cut the ropes of the draw bridge, no force being used for resistance, and so in good order they march by London stone, vpon which the Captaine strooke his sword, saying, Loe Mortymer is now Lord of London: The Maior of London. Sir Thomas Chalton, standing upon the threshold of his doore, with a bold countenance, as though he had power enough (if he would) to represse him, told the Captaine that if he should attempt any thing against the quiet of the City, that he should feele hands enough about their eares to stop them, before they went too farre, whereunto Iacke Cade not permitting him to proceed with a setled brow, sayd. Let the world take notice of our honest intention, by our actions, wee pretend not publicke reformation, and intend private ends of inriching our selues, by vndoing others, let us have your favourable opinions, if you will not give us further assistance, and in the meane time to give you assurance our tongues and hearts are relatives, observe our demeanours, and so giving the word, his Souldiers faced about, and returned to their last quarter, not doing by the way, the lest thing that might be tearmed wrong to the Citizens. This orderly carriage of himselfe with the care of the Commanders to keepe the men in obedience, to the statutes and provisions of their Generall, wonne them a good opinion amongst the most of the lower ranke of Citizens, he therefore assuming to himselfe, the [Page] place of chiefe, sendeth out his Letters of safe conduct, to such whom hee pleased to make use of, amongst whom he wrote this to Thomas Cocke Draper of London.

By this one writing ensealed, wee grant and will permit truly, That Thomas The forme of Iacke Cades Warrant. Cocke of London Draper, shall come in suretie, and in safeguard to our presence, without any hurt to his person, and to avoid from us againe at his pleasure, with all other persons asigned at his denomination, with him comming in, subscribed thus His Majesties loyall subject, Iohn Mortimer, Captaine amend all.

Vpon Cocks admission he had private conference with three other with him: and the Captaine at his departure gave him these instructions in writing.

You shall charge all Lombards, and Merchant strangers, Genowayes, Venetians, Florentines and others, This day to draw themselves together; And to ordaine for us the Captaine, twelve harnesse compleat of the best fashion, foure and twenty Brigandines, twelve battell Axes, twelve glaves, six horses with saddle and bridle compleatly furnished, and a thousand markes in ready money; And if this our demand bee not performed and done, wee shall have the heads of as many as wee can get of them.

Next morning being the third of Iuly, having received the Lombards contribution, hee returned in battell array to London, and from thence sent to the Lord Scales for the bringing of his prisoner the Lord Say to the Guild-hall, whither hee had called the Maior with his brethren, and before whom hee caused the Lord Say to bee arraigned, who craved the benefit of the Law, to bee tried by his Peeres, was forth with taken from his Keepers, and brought to the Standard in Cheap, and there had his head chopt off, which being pitched upon a Pike, was carried before him to Mile-end, whither hee went to have conference with the Mutiners of Essex, which were encamped there, by the way casually meeting with Sir Iames Cromer, the high Sheriffe of Kent, who had lately married the Lord Sayes Daughter, hee caused his head to bee strucke off, and carried with his Father-in-Lawes before him in derision; From thence hee returned into Southwarcke, and orderly kept his watches, tying the Companies to their martiall duties.

In the morning they came againe to London, where after publick execution made of some of his followers that had done things contrary to his Proclamation, for hee made the transgression of his Edicts criminall, without the least partialitie, or sparing any, upon some displeasure formerly taken, against Alderman Malpas, hee sent and seized upon all his Wares and goods, and sent it to his quarter in Southwarcke, and fined Alderman Horne at five hundred Markes, and began in a more insolent manner then hitherto hee had used to beare himselfe, which caused the graver Citizens, to take advise amongst themselves, for some speedy course to be taken, for the repressing of these insolencies, and the assurance of their lives and substance, from the fury of such Rebells. They send therefore by night to the Lord Scales, who promiseth them his best assistance, and to that end sendeth to them Mathew Gough an old souldier, and an able Captaine, with some forces and furnitures out of the Tower; who presently are drawne downe to London Bridge, and at the foot thereof, stand to debarre the Kentish rebells from passage that way; whereupon the alarum is given, and Cade endevoured to force his passage, so that a cruell fight began, which did continue many houres, sometimes joyning, sometime losing ground, at length the Rebells prevailed so farre, that they drove the Londoners from the draw-bridge; then they began to set fire [Page] on the houses, when the aged and impotent, betweene the mercilesse elements of fire and water, (whilst the more able were slaine by the sword most miserablie perished, Captaine Bough Alderman, Sutton and Robert Haysand, valiantly fighting were slaine, now had the Londoners lost the Bridge, and were driven to S. Magnus corner, but a fresh supplie being come, they recouered the Bridge, and droue the Kentish beyond the stoope in Southwarke, at which time both being weary agreed of a truce, untill the next day, neither partie to goe into the others quarters, after the retreate Cade found that he had lost, many of his most able men, he was therefore driven for supplie, to set at liberty all the prisoners in Southwarke, aswell fellones as debtors, to fill up his number, but now his Souldiers, entring into consideration, of their danger, and the desparate services their Captaine had brought them to, and though which the latest advising privately amongst themselves of some Course, to retyre and returne to their houses and families, being weary of the life of a Souldier, they hung downe their heads only wayted but opportunity to give their Captaine the bag, which being wisely apprehended, by the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury collecting by their Countenances their change of opinion, he together with the Bishop of Winchester, came from the Towen by water to Southwarke, where they shewed the kings Generall pardon, under the great seale of England, which being publickly published, the people were not more weary of rebelling then glad of the pardon, and without bidding the Captaine farewell, they that night withdrew themselves, to their severall habitation, Iack Cade having sent his pillage by water, with some few followers, bent his joureney to Quinborough Castle, where contrary to expectation, being debarred entrance he disguised himselfe and privily fled, but Proclamation being made, that he that should bring him alive, or dead, should have for his reward a thousand Markes, he was afterward by one Alexander Eden Gentleman, attached, but making resistance in a Garden at Hothfield in Sussex he was slaine, his body was brought to London, and there beheaded and quartered, the one placed on London Bridge, the other sent The captaine of the rebells slaine. into diuers places in Kent, to be set up: upon this newes the King sends his Commissioners into Kent, to enquire of the abettors of the Kentish rebells, whither himselfe followeth in person, and notwithstanding five hundred were found guiltie, eight only were executed. The slippes of this rebellion, did spring about this time, in many places of this kingdome, but chiefly, in Sussex Surry and Wilshire, but were soone appeased without much hurt done, only the Wilshire men upon the nine and twenteth day of Iune, drew William Askots Bishop of Salisbury, from the high altar celebrating The Bishop of Salisbury murthered. Masse in Edington Church, in his albe with his stole about his necke, to the top of the hill, and their inhumanly murdered him. Their rage having blinded their reason, banisht humanitie, and drowned all pitty, they stripped him naked, every one of his tenants striving to have a peece of his bloody shirt, not as others to have the relikes of the Martyr, to celebrate his memory, but as glorying in their owne villany, they having the day before robbed his carriage and taken the sum of ten thousand marks. The French King taking hold of these disorders in England, winneth out of their hands, all whatsoever was in their possession in France, no succour, though often, and earnestly by writing, and Messengers required, being sent unto them, so that England at this time suffred a totall eclipse of glory in France, They every day loosing more or lesse, untill they had nothing left in France to loose, but the Towne of Callice, and the Castles of Hames [Page] and Gnynes, so that King Henry the Fifts propheticke declaration, that what An. 1452. R. 29. Henry of Monmouth got in France, Henry of Windsor should lose, was now verified.

The Duke of Somerset having so well discharged his place of Regency, that hee had lost but few men, but consumed much Treasure, and kept never a Towne, commeth into England, and at a Parliament, which began at Westminster A Parliament. the sixt of November, was put under arrest, upon notice whereof the commons of London despoiled his house at Black-fryers, and ransacked the same, making havocke of all things, untill Proclamation was made, on pain of death, that no man should meddle with any the Dukes houses or stuffe, and one for disobeying the Proclamation, was beheaded at the Standard in Cheape. The Duke of Yorke under pretence of comming to this Parliament, came out of Ireland, and at London had private conference, with Iohn Duke of Norfolke, Richard Earle of Salisbury, the Earle of Devon, and other his assured Friends; where it was resolved to keepe the chiefe purpose, (the pretence to the Crowne) secret, and only make shew of his The Duke of Yorkes policy to cloake his intention. endevours to bee bent, to remove those from the Councell of the King, that had so dishonoured the Realme, and wasted the revenewes of the Crowne, in losing so many good Townes in France, and doing nothing worthy their place, or credit they held about the King: whereof the Duke of Somerset must bee the chiefe man to bee instanced, and the rather, for that hee was in great contempt of the Commons, and was the only hee, that opposed the Duke of Yorke in all things; The Duke having layed the foundation, of this his so long intended enterprise, sent divers Letters unto the King, wherein hee intimated, the many unworthy proceedings plotted against him by his enemies, whereby they had well-nie, if hot altogether, withdrawne his Majesties affection from him, and though hee were, and was ready, to lay downe his life at the Kings command, as a testimony of his ever to continue loyalty, yet by their secret, and dishonourable practises, they had besmeared his honour with suspition of his integrity, which was a griefe unutterable, and an injury unsupportable; That his patience abused might turne to furie, neverthelesse his only request was, to know his accuser, and either to have libertie to defie him, and make good his challenge by the law of Armes, or bee permitted to take that course for the reparation of his Honour, as was appertaining to his condition and birth.

To this the King maketh answer, that hee would take his complaint of wrongs into consideration, and endevour to give him faire satisfaction; but withall somewhat blames him, for the death of the Bishop of Chester, by his meanes suspected to bee slaughtered, and of dangerous speeches, uttered by his servants tending to rebellion; concluding that notwithstanding any thing said, or done to the contrary: he did take and esteeme him as a faithfull subject, and a loving kinsman.

The Duke of Yorke not herewith satisfied, intending at once both to promulgate his protestation, and display his colours, departeth into Wales, Yorke raiseth forces in Wales. and there levieth men, making his colour for the good of the Common-wealth, (and the removing the bad Councellers, that sought the ruine of his subjects) from the Kings Councell.

Newes hereof being brought, the King with the Duke of Somerset, (now enlarged) with an Army marched towards Wales, whereof the Duke of Yorke having notice by his Scoutes, which way the King came, by a contrarie way marched towards LONDON, but having from [Page] thence received advertisements, that hee would bee prohibited entrance, hee past the River Thames at Kingstone bridge, and marched into Kent, expecting there to find many friends, at least partakers, and encamped upon Burnt heath. The King in his pursuit came to Blackheath, and there pitcht The King sends to the Duke of Yorke. his Tents; From whence the King sent the Bishops of Winchester and Ely, the Lord Rivers and Richard Andrews, the keeper of the Privie Seale, to know the cause of this Commotion, and to make offer of reconcilement, if the Dukes Demaunds were consonant to reason; The Duke made answer, that there was nothing intended, that might bee prejudiciall to the Kings person, his Crowne or Dignitie, nor to the hinderance of any good man, but to remove Yorks answer. certaine blood-suckers, evill disposed persons, oppressours of the poore, and infamous impostors from about the King; but especially Edmond Duke of Somerset, whom if the King would bee but pleased, to commit to Ward, untill by a legall tryall in Parliament hee might receive judgement, of such treasonable crimes, as should then and there bee proved against him, that then he would not only dismisse his Army, but come unto his presence as a true and loyall subject, in dutie was bound so to doe, and to tender him all befitting service; Hereupon the Duke of Somerset is committed to prison, the Duke of Yorke dismisseth his Army, and commeth in person to the King, where finding the Duke of Somerset in the Presence, hee chargeth him with Yorke dismisseth his army. Treason; The Duke of Somerset denieth the accusation, and recriminates the Duke of Yorke, to have conspired the death of the King, and the usurpation of the Crowne. The King removeth to London, and the Duke of Yorke as a prisoner rode before the King, but the Duke of Somerset at liberty, which ministred much occasion of heart-burning amongst the friends of Yorke.

The King calleth a Councell at Westminster, where the Dukes are earnest in accusing each other, Somerset instantly craved of the Councell, that the Duke of Yorke might by compulsion, or otherwise bee made to confesse his Conspiracy, and to doome him to condigne punishment, and his children taken as enemies to their country, as the only meanes to represse the so much to bee feared civill dissention; This hee with great show of vehemency urged, but not (how true soever to the point of beliefe) for the most of the Councell suggested his innocencie, first by his voluntary submission, when he had power sufficient, either to have kept the field, or to have assured his retraite, then by his request made not for himselfe, but for the ease of the poore Commons, next his carefull and honourable endevours, both in France and Ireland, where if he had had any such traiterous intent, he had the pan by the stale; and might have kept it; But while the Councell are debating this, at the very instant, the Earle of Kendall, and the Lord Lespar crave present admission to the Borde, and audience as Embassadours from Burdeux, for businesse of great import, and speedy dispatch, they being admitted, declare to the Kings Councell, how readily and really the inhabitants of Burdeux, are to submit their obedience to the Crowne of England, if they might but bee assured, to bee defended by it, they therefore offer upon the appearance of an Armie in Gascoygne (if come before the plot bee discovered) to yeeld all up unto them. To second this, commeth a constant urged report, that Edward Earle of March, Sonne and heire to the Duke of Yorke, with a great power of March-men, made a speedy march towards London, These newes troubled the Queene, those the Councell, it is therefore resolved on, That the Duke of YORKE (lest private dissention should hinder publicke designes of such consequence as the reduction of GASCOIGNE) should in the presence of the [Page] KING and his Nobilitie, and all the Congregation at the high Altar at Pauls, take his oath of submission, and allegiance to the King of England, which he accordingly did, and so had liberty to depart to his Castle of Wigmore. Yorke takes the oath of allegiance.

After his departure, the Earle of Shrewsbury with about three thousand men, was sent to Gascoyne, who arriving in the Ile of Madre, passed forth with his power, and tooke Fronsacke and other pieces; But having received in the nightinstructions from Burdeux, hee makes all speed thither, and was entred therein, before the French had notice of his comming, so that many of them Burdeux is reduced. were slaine by the Lord Espar in their beds: shortly after the destruction of Burdeux, there arrived at Blay the Earle of Shrowsburies Sonne Sir Iohn Talbot, with the Bastard of Somerset, with divers others, with two and twenty hundred men furnished and victualed, by whose meanes Burdeux is well mand with English, and provided for at full, whilst the Earle was not idle, but went from place to place, to receive the offred submission of all places whither hee came, and having taken Chattillon, he strongly and sufficiently fortifieth, and furnisheth the same. The French King rayseth an Army, and forthwith besiegeth by his Commanders Chattillon; to the reskue wherof the Earle maketh all possible speed with eight hundred Horse, appointing the Earle of Kendall, and the Lord Lespar to follow with the foot; In his way hee surprised a Tower the French had taken, and put all within it to the sword, and meeting five hundred French-men, that had beene forraging, hee slew a great number of them, and chased the rest to the Campe, upon whose approach, the French understanding which way the enemy came, they left the siege, and retired to a place which they had formerly trenched and fortified, whither the Earle followeth them, and resolutely chargeth them so home, that he got the entry of the Campe, where being shot thorow the thigh with a Harquebush, and his horse slaine under him, his sonne desirous to Shrowsbury with his fourth sonne and his naturall brother slain at Chattillon. relieve his Father, lost his owne life, and therein was accompanied with his Bastard brother, Henry Talbot, and Sir Edward Hall, and thirty other Gentlemen of name, the Lord Molynes with threescore others were taken prisoners, the rest fled to Burdeux, but in the way a thousand of them were slaine.

Thus on the last day of Iuly at Chattillon, the thrice honourable Earle of Shrowsbury, the first of that name, gave the last testimony of his true service 1453. to his King, after hee had employed the same to his never-dying Honour in the parts beyond the Seas, by the space of foure and twenty yeares, hee had married two wives; The first was Matild, daughter and sole heire of Thomas Nevill Lord Furnivall; by whom he had issue Iohn that succeeded him in the Earledome, Sir Christopher Talbot, and Sir Humphry Talbot Knights.

His second wife was Margaret, elder Daughter and Coheire of Richard Beuchamp Earle of Warwicke, by whom hee had issue Iohn Talbot, in right of his Wife Vicount Lisle, slaine with his Father, Sir Humphry Talbot slaine at Mount Sinay; Elizabeth married to Iohn Mowbray Earle of Norfolke, and Elianor Wife to Thomas Boteleer, Lord of Sudley Castle. And a naturall sonne slaine, as afore with his Father, his body was buried in a tombe at Roan in Normandy, with this inscriptioa; Here lyeth the right noble Knight Iohn Talbot, Earle of Shrowsbury, Weshford, Waterford, and Valence, Lord Talbot of Goodritch and Orchenfield, Lord Srange of Blackmere, L. Verdon of Acton, L. Cromwell of Wingfield, L. Lovetoft of Worsop, L. Furnivall of Sheffield, L. Fauconbridge knight of the noble orders of St. George, St. Michael, and the golden Fleece, great Marshall to K. Henry the sixt of his Realme of France.

[Page] The Earle of Kendall, the Lords Mountferrat, Rosayne and Dangladas, entred Ann. 1453 R. 30. into the Castle of Chattillon, which they made good against the French, by the space of ten dayes, and then without hope of succour, delivered it upon composition, to have liberty to depart to Burdeux; Now the tyde turned againe, the Gascoynes levitie, being as ready to open the gates to the French, as they were but little before to the English, by meanes whereof, in short time the French recovered againe all Gascoyne except Burdeux, which the French King in person layeth siege unto, and at length hath it surrendered, upon condition that both garrisons and inhabitants with all their substance, might safely depart for England or Callice, and that the Lords Lespar and Durant, with thirty others, whose names were expressed upon paine of death, should never after be found in the territories of France: the neglect of which oath, within few yeares after, caused Lespar to leave his head behind him there, whilst the rest in safetie came to England, this losse of Aquitane was palliated by the happy delivery of the Queene of a Sonne who was The Queene delivered of a Sonne. Christened.

The King and the Dukes beginning to bandy one against the other, gave a beginning to that faction, whose end was not procured without the deplorable losse of so many thousand Englishmen; and now as a praeludium to that tragedy, upon Saint Bartholmewes day an antient custome being, that the Maior of London and the Sheriffs should be present, in giving prizes to the best Wrastlers, at the wrastling place neere More-fields; The Prior of Saint Iohns being there to see the sport, a servant of his not brooking the disgrace, to bee foyled before his Master, against the custome of the place, would have wrastled againe, and with foule language provoked the Victor, but one bad word begat another, and from foule words they fell to fouler blowes; The Maior observing the mover, to be the Pryors servant, not only commanded the Kings peace in generall to be observed, but perceiving by the Priors countenance, that he did abet his servants insolency, he commanded Richard Ally one of the Sheriffs, to lay hold upon the Priors servant, who did so, and delivered him to one of his officers, from whom by the Priors servants, and others their partakers, the prisoner was in danger to be reskued, so as the Sheriffe craved assistance of the Maior, who with his brethren, and officers, and servants, valiantly assisted the Sheriffe, in the execution of his office, whilst the Prior hasted to Saint Iohns, from whence, and Clerkenwell, he under the guide of one Callice, a desperate swaggerer, sent a number of Bowmen to resist the Maior, upon whose approach, great bloodshed and some slaughter was committed, the Maiors cap was shot thorow with an arrow, hee neverthelesse couragiously did his devoire, in encouraging the Citizens, and apprehending some of the mutiners, whom he sent to Newgate, and put the rest to flight, which being done, he commeth to his Pavilion, & would have had the sports goe on, but the Wrastlers were out of breath or hurt, so that none came, neverthelesse Sir Iohn Norman the Maior told his Brethren, that he would stay a while to make triall of the Citizens respect towards him, for if they came to his reskue, though it needed not, yet they would expresse their love, or their neglect if otherwise: he had no sooner said so, when the Citizens, with Banners displayed, came in great numbers to him, and fetcht him home in great Norman the first Lord Maior that went by water to Westminster to take his oath. triumph; This was that Maior which first began to goe by water to Westm. to take his oath in that manner, as is at this day used, wheras before that time, they used to go by land; This Maior againe was troubled by the Sanctuary men of S. Martins, which not without some bloodshed, & a great deale of industry on his part, was with the publick punishmēt of some of the ringleaders appeased;

[Page] But upon the neck of that began the quarrel in Holborne betwixt the Gentlemen of the Innes of Chauncery and some Citizens, in appeasing of which the Queenes Attourney and three more were slaine. But these were but The Queenes Attourney with others slaine in a fray. Peccadelloes to the deformities made in civill societies, by civill dissentions the yeare following; For now began the sparke that fell into the bundell of flaxe at Somersets going Regent into France to flame out; For first, Yorke by all meanes laboureth to stirre up the hatred of the Commons against Somerset inculcating in their eares, (who are apt enough upon losses in warres to accuse the Leaders, of some crime of neglect or other) what dishonour England sustained by Somersets dishonourable giving over, by composition the strong townes of Normandy, to these hee addeth favour with the King and Queene, which hee imployeth, saith hee to his owne gaine, and the Commons griefe, and so having anticipated with his speeches their apprehensions, hee addresseth himselfe to those of the Nobilitie, that could not well brooke, the too much commanding power of Somerset, over the King and Queenes affections, for what hee told the Queene was beleeved, and what she told the King must bee true, amongst others the Duke of Yorke fasteneth upon the two Nevills, both Richards the Father and the sonne, the one Earle of Salisbury, the other Earle of Warwicke. The Earle of Salisbury, was second sonne of Ralph Nevill Earle of Westmerland, whose Daughter the Duke of Yorke had married; And this Richard was married to Alice Daughter and only heire of Thomas Mountacute Earle of Salisbury, slaine in France, with these hee deales so effectually, that an undissoluble knot of friendship, is knit betwixt them, by whose assistance the King lying dangerously sicke at Claringdon, the Duke of Somerset is arrested in the Queenes great Chamber of treason, and sent to keepe his Christmasse in the Tower, and a Session of Parliament at Westminster now convoked, Somerset is appeached of treason, and many heynous crimes objected, but the King though weake, is brought to London to dissolve the Parliament; After which the Duke of Somerset is againe set at libertie, which more incenseth the Duke of Yorkes choler, and inciteth others more to be cholericke, and the rather, for that Somerset in-stead of receiving of punishment, for the losse of Normandy, is entrusted with the sole remainder of our interest in France, and preferred to be Captaine thereof, to lose that too, (say his enemies) of the whole Common-wealth, they assemble a great power, and therewith march towards London; The King being assured, it was no good policie, to suffer the Duke to approach London, wherein he had by his long practises, got no small party, resolves to stop him on the way, and accompanied with the Duke of Somerset, and attended by the Duke of Buckingham and his Sonne, both named Humphry: Henry Earle of Northumberland, Iames Earle of Wiltes, Iasper Earle of Penbrooke, and two thousand fighting men march forward, both Armies meet at Saint Albones; The Duke and the Lords encampe without the Towne in a place called Keyfield, the King pitched his Standard in a place called Goseslow; the Lord Clifford kept the end of the The Duke of Yorke writeth to the King. towne, which hee barrcadoed; The Duke in the morning sent a Letter unto the King, stuft with many protestations of fidelitie and sinceritie, offering to give testimony thereof in any thing, so please his Majestie to give due punishment to those that have abused his favour, and dishonoured the Realme, and that so be witched him (especially the Duke of Somerset) that nothing his loyall subject can either say or doe, can make him give credence to their true relations against Somerset, the delivery of him into their hands, to stand or fall by the judgement of his Peeres, is all they desire, & that they will have, or die in the pursuit.

[Page] The King for answer commands them to disband, and submit to his mercy, Ann. 1454 R. 33. and not expect any in his Army, to be delivered to their wills, for he will rather lose his life then any should bee wronged, for their loves that were with him; Here with the Duke acquaints his friends, who afore resolved, and now prepared fell every one to his quarter; the Earle of Warwicke with his First battell at St. Albones. March-men fell upon the Lord Cliffords quarter, driving downe all afore them, for that wanting roome to use their weapons, the Kings partie was much disadvantaged; the Duke of Somerset hasting to the reskues was slaine, and with him the Earle of Northumberland, Humphry Earle of Stafford, The Duke of Somerset slaine. the Lord Clifford, and about five thousand; The Kings army being encreased after his comming forth, to eight thousand, but now they are all dispersed and slaine, and the King unguarded, left in a poore thatched house, whither to bee freed from the arrowes flying, hee had withdrawne himselfe. The Duke of Yorke having notice where the King was, comes with Warwicke and Salisbury, who all three present themselves upon their knees before him, making humble petition unto him for pardon for what was past, for now since that the common enemy was slaine, they had what they aimed at, to whom the King throughly affrighted, said, Let there be no more killing then, and I will doe what you will have me. The Duke therefore in the Kings 1455. name, commands a surcease from further hostilitie, and so comforting the King, in what hee could, with good words, hee went to take order for the quartering his men. This first battell of Saint Albones, was fought upon the three and twentieth day of May, in the three and thirtieth yeare of King Henryes raigne. The bodyes of the Noble men, the Duke of Somerset, the Earle of Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford, were buried in the Chappell there; Had it not beene Somersets unhappinesse to stand in the eye of Yorke, or to live in that age, when all actions were accounted of, according to the event. This Somerset might have beene ranked amongst the best Commanders of those times, but his ambition at first crost Yorke in all his designes, so Yorkes malice at the last did him a courtesie before the calamities of this kingdome, were swolne to their full extent; Hee married Elianor, one of the Daughters and heire of Richard Beachamp Earle of Warwicke, and had issue by her foure Sons and five Daughters, Henry who succeeded him in the Dukedome; Edmond who succeeded his brother therein, Iohn and Thomas: Elianor his eldest Daughter was first married, to Iames Earle of Wiltshire, and after to Sir Robert Spencer.

2. Ioane was married to the Lord Hoth of Ireland, and after to Sir Richard Fry Knight.

3. Anne was married to Sir William Paston Knight.

Margaret was first married to Humphry Earle of Stafford, and after to Sir Richard Dorrel Knight, and Elizabeth was married to Sir Henry Lewis, all which to the last breath continued firme and faithfull to the Lancastrian Familie.

Henry Lord Piercy, Earle of Northumberland now slaine, married Elianor Daughter of Ralph Nevill, first Earle of Westmerland: and had issue Henry, that did succeed him in the Earledome, Thomas Lord Egrimond, William Bishop of Carlile.

Anne married to Thomas Lord Hungerford.

Katherine was Wife to Edmond Gray, Earle of Kent, and

Elizabeth married to Thomas Lord Clifford.

Humphry Earle of Stafford, married Margaret, Sister and coheire of Edmond Bewford, Duke of Somerset, who had issue Henry Stafford, who [Page] succeeded his Grandfather in the Dukedome of Buckingham. Ann. 1455 Reg. 33.

The Duke of Yorke with all befitting complements, conveyeth the King to London, where they keepe the Feast of Pentecost together, and in the mean time a Parliament is summoned at Westminster, to begin the ninth day of Iuly: The Duke of Yorke conveyeth the K. to London. whither the King commeth, and there it is enacted, that the late Duke of Glocester should bee declared publickly a loyall subject, both to the King and Realme, and that none should misreport, or dispute the actions of the Duke of Yorke or any in his company; For that they had like good subjects enterprised nothing, but what was for the Kings safety. In this Parliament the Duke of Yorke is made Protector of the Kings royall Person, and of the Yorke made Protector of the King. Realme; the Earle of Salisbury Lord Chancelour, and the Earle of Warwicke Captaine of Callice; The former two have the administration of all civill government of the Common-weale at home, and upon the third is conferred, the disposing of all Militarie affaires abroad. Their demeanours in their severall places, were judged unblameable, for with that respective moderation, and orderly proceedings, they managed their affaires; That they shewed no injustice, used no bribery, exercised no oppression, but practised indifferencie to poore and rich, to their great commendation.

But all this while the high spirited Queene cannot but distaste their proceedings, shee puts the Duke of Buckingham in mind (as though his revenge were slow and sleepie) that t [...]se traitours had slaine that noble Gentleman, and hopefull sonne of his at Saint Albones, shee tells the now Duke of Somerset, that there his deere Father fell, and both retort to the Queene, the unsufferable indignity done to her, in making her Husband a Whitsontide lord, only a King in name, whilst the Duke of Yorke and his complices must manage all; what needs spurres to willing mindes, or provocations to rage thorowly incensed; all are apt enough to revenge, But the curst Cow hath short hornes, envy must invent, and malice execute the course of revenge, a womans wit througly stung with disgrace, and vily stird with despight, cannot long bee undelivered, of some plot to doe mischiefe. All the enemies of the Yorke faction (for now the divell began to deale his almes, and to make a faction,) are assembled by the Queene at Greenwitch, where it is amongst them debated, what course is fittest to bee used, for restitution of the King, to his pristine liberty and government, at length it is concluded, that the Protector should bee commanded to leave off his place of Protectorship, and the Earle of Salisbury his Chancelours place, the one in respect the King was of yeares, and discretion sufficient, without a Tutor or Guardian, to rule and raigne, and therefore a Protectors place needlesse, and the Earle of Salisbury to surrender his title of being Lord Chancelour, for that the great Seale was never delivered unto him, and that that which was now used was made since the Kings restraint of liberty, and so not sufficient; The Kings easie yeelding condition is quickly wrought upon, to countenance their proceedings against the Duke and Earle, and thereupon in his name, they are both discharged from their offices, and summoned to appeare at the Councell table at Greenwitch, whither if they had beene so forgetfull as to have gone, they had been entrapped, but they better advised returned answer, That none had power either to displace them, or command their appearance in any place, but in Parliament: and so they continued about London, placing their friends and fautours, in all places of government, and displacing others whom they either not affected, or had cause to suspect, and with a triumvirate authoritie, they tooke Iohn Holland Earle of Exceter out of the Sanctuary, and sent him prisoner to Pomfret Castle; These proceedings gave occasion to the [Page] licentious Commons, to take hold of any occasion for a commotion; And thereupon an Italian Merchant being by a Mercers apprentice, reprehended for wearing a dagger, contrary to the lawes of their owne countrey, gave disdainfull speeches, which moved the English man to take his dagger from him, and to breake it over his coxcombe, hereof the Merchant complaineth to the Maior, the Mercer is convented and committed, the Maior in his returne, is met by divers, terming themselves Prentices, that would not bee perswaded to depart, untill the Mercer was sent for out of Newgate, who now being at libertie, drawes divers (willing enough of themselves to goe) to spoile the strangers about London, and ransacke their houses, wherewith like furious mad bedlam men they rifled, and robbed the outlandish Merchants in all places The Merchant strangers rifled. of the Citie, doing them much mischiefe, and committing many outrages. The Maior to suppresse these enormous courses, assembleth a company of honest and substantiall Citizens, who with good discretion, but not without some blood-shed appeased their rage, and quieted the many, whilst the ringleader (which more for revenge of his commitment to Newgate) then any desire to enrich himselfe with their spoile, got himselfe to Westminster, and there taketh Sanctuary; The Councell being advertised of this misdemeanour, sent the Duke of Buckingham, by the Qeenes direction, with Commission to enquire, and punish these offences; But when the Maior and the Commissioners were set, tidings came, that t [...] Commons were up in armes, to stop all proceedings against any of those offenders, the Commissioners thereupon, well knowing how distastfull their Commission would bee to the multitude, when thereby the Maiors power should be abridged, and the government of the Citie questioned, departed and left the businesse to bee proceeded in by the Maior and his Brethren, who with great care and much industry so managed things, that many of the offenders were punished, some by death, others by fines and imprisonment, and all things quieted and well ordered.

The French in this time of uncivill dissentions, manned out two Fleetes, whereof one under the conduct of William Lord Pomyers, the other of Sir Peter Bressy, went Eastward and Westward, the Lord fell upon Fulnay, and burning certaine houses soone retyred, the Knight spoyled Sandwich, the An invasion attempted by the French. Sandwich plundered. The Scots make an inroad. people for feare of the plague (which mightily raged there) being fled from thence, but with no great booty or harme done, returned.

The Scots, under colour and countenance of their Kings presence, came into Northumberland, burning and spoyling the Borders, but hearing of the Duke of Yorkes approach retired; Thomas Piercy Lord Egremond, one of the younger sonnes of the Earle of Northumberland had a great conflict with the Earle of Salisburies Sonnes, in which many were slaine; But the Lord was taken, and brought before the Councell, by whom hee was committed to Newgate, and deeply fined, but hee escaped with many other prisoners, to the great trouble of the Sheriffs of London. Whilst the Duke of The Sheriffs of London in trouble for the escape of the Lord Egrimond. Yorke was absent for repelling the rebellious Scots in the North, the King went to Greenwitch to the Queene, who perswaded him for his health and recreation, as she alleaged, (but her drift was, for that shee found by experience, that the Duke of Yorke was more favoured, and his favourites respected about London, then either shee or the King, so that it was in vaine to attempt any thing against him there; yet something must be done against him, or else she should be undone) to take his Progresse Northward into Warwickshire, which he did, by the way hawking & hunting, the Queen making shew of minding nothing but pastimes, had caused private Letters, under the Kings [Page] privie signet, in most loving termes, to be sent unto the three Lords, whereby Ann. 1455 Reg. 33. they-were earnestly solicited, by an houre appointed to be at Coventry, which they reverently intended. But by the way they have true information, of the mischiefe plotted against them and so warily by flight, but not without some danger escaped, for they causing their stewards, with their retinue to goe forward, on the way to the Court, whilst the Duke of Yorke, but with The Duke of Yorke with the Earles of Salisbury and Warwick betake themselves to their severall strengths a groome, and a Page sped him to Wigmore Castle. The Earle of Salisbury to his Castle of Middilham, in the North; And the Earle of Warwicke, to the Sea-side, and so to Callice, but before they departed they agreed upon an alphabet, by which they might have entercourse of letters which though intercepted yet their intentions might be kept vndiscovered.

The King unwitting of this intended mischiefe, against the Duke of Yorke, and his friends returneth to London, whither he calleth a Councell, And therein of his owne accord desireth, some course to be invented for the banishing of Rancour, and malice out of the hearts of his nobilitie, and to the end he might have the glory of the reconcilment, though themselues the good, he promised on his salvation, a thing unusuall with him so to assevere so to entertaine the Duke of Yorke and his friends, that all discontents and injuries should be outwardly respectively forgotten, and inwardly religiously forgiven, and perpetuall love, and amitie on all parties established, to this end Messengers are dispatched to the Duke of Yorke, and all other of what ranke soever worthy notice to be taken of, which since the battaile of Saint Albones, had expressed themselues to be displeased, on either part, Commanding them for vrgent affaires, of the realme, and upon royall promise of safe conduct, to repaire to his Court at London, at a time appointed. The Duke of Yorke having intimated to his confederates, his resolution and given them admonition to provide for prevention of the wrong, observantly came, and with foure hundred men well appointed, lodged at his house called Baynards Castle. The Earle of Salisbury with fivehundred men likewise lodged at his house, called the herbor, the Dukes of Exceter (lately released) and Somerset, with eight hundred men were lodged without Temple-barre. The Earle of Northumberland, the Lord Egrimond, and the Lord Clifford with fifteene hundred men were lodged in Holborne the Earle of Warwicke with sixe hundred in red Iackets with ragged staves embrodered behind and before, were lodged at the Gray-Friers in London, upon the seventeenth of March the King, and Queene came to London, and were lodged at the Bishops pallace. The Maior like a provident Magistrate, Commanded every Alderman, in his Aldermanry to keepe a standing watch in armes both by day and night, himfelfe having five thousand well appointed men in readinesse upon any occasion, rode with a competent number all day long round the City for preservation of the Kings peace on all sides. The Lords, lodging within the Citie held their Councell at Black-friers, the others at the Chapter house at Westminster. Betweene both, the reverent Archbishop of Canterbury the sonne of Henry Bourchyer Earle of Essex a man every way Compleat without exception, with some such prelates of whose modest condition and learning he had made experience, did diligently intercede, and so effectually laboured that both sides by his mediation, were well contented, to come to Communication: the good successe whereof was good, for that after much conference (the wisedome of the indifferent, being such that all repetitions of wrongs on either side done should be forborne) it was finally concluded that all wrongs, iniuries and misdemenors, on every side, should be forgotten, and [Page] forgiven, that each side should be friends to the other, and both be obedient to the Commandes of the King. And by their further consent, the Duke of Yorke, the Earle of Salisbury, and the Earle of Warwicke, should assure forty five poundes, per annoum to the Abby of Saint Albones, for obites and The General agreement amongst the Nobilitie by the mediation of the King. ceremonions suffrages of the Church (at that time usuall,) for the benefit of the soules of all such as were slaine and buried at Saint Albones. And that those their slaine, should be reputed and taken in an equall degree of loyall subiects, with those that survived of the adverse part.

That the Duke of Yorke, should give to Elianor Dowager of Somerset, and Henry Duke of Somerset, her sonne, an assignement of five thousand marks due to him from the King at his being in Ireland, to be distributed amongst her Children.

That the Earle of Warwick should likewise assigne a thonsand Markes due to him from the King, to be distributed amongst the children of the late Duke of Somerset, That whereas Thomas Percy Lord Egremond & Richard Percy sonnes of the Countesse of Northumberland, were at a Sessions, in Yorkeshire fined at divers great summes of mony to the Earle of Salisbury his wife and children. And that the said Lord Egremond, was for the payment thereof, committed to the prison, from whence he escaped, for whose escape Verney and Steward Sheriffs of London were sued. That the sayd Earle should acquite all those fines, to the sayd Lord Egremond and his brother and release all actions to the said late Sheriffs,

That the said Lord Egremond should enter into recognizance of ten thousand pounds in the Chancery to keepe the peace against the Earle of Salisbury his Lady children, servants and tenants.

That Generall releases on all parts should be made, of all Appeales, and personall actions whatsoever.

That the two Lords chiefe Iustices should heare, and determine any debates and controversies that might casually arise, for any thing formerly done amongst the tenants, or servants of either partie, without further proceedings.

That the recognizances to be entred into of all hands, for the performance of this award, should stand of force, without pardoning or parcelling the summes.

This award, order, and agreement was ratified under the great seale of England, the foure and twentieth day of March, in the sixe and thirtith yeere of the Raigne of King Henry the sixt.

Vpon the publication whereof at the Feast of the Anuntiation of our Lady An. 1449 Saint Mary the Virgin a solemn procession was made in the Cathedrall of Powles. At which the King was present, in royall habit wearing his Crowne imperiall, before him hand in hand went the Duke of Somerset and the Earle of Salisbury, the Duke of Exceter and the Earle of Warwicke, and so one of one and another of the other part till they were all Marshalled, behind the King came the Queene the Duke of Yorke leading her by the hand: who in going made shew of favorable countenance towards him, service ended, they returne as afore to the Court, in all outward apparance truly reconciled. But the apparance of the blazing Starre, the strange apparitions Strange apparitions in the elements. The more strange sight of a seeming monstrous Cock, to come out of the Sea and in the presence of a multitude of people. at Portland to make a hideous Crowing, three times, each time turning about clapping, his wings and beckning towards the North, the South, and the West with many prodigious births, did but presage, the admirable occurrences [Page] of things this yeare following; In which as if with a generall deluge of civil An. 1459. R. 34. dissention the whole Christian world should be overthrowne, beside the rent in the Church by the schisme of any Popes. No Country being free, rebellions factions, subjects against their King, the brother against the brother, the sonne against the Father, the wife against the husbands sonne. For example desire of rule (saith the Spanish Historian) being an affection of a greater magnanimous nature, did so farre possesse Prince Charles, sonne of Henry the fourth, King Sonne against father of Castile, that he opposed his father, against whom his mother in Law tooke armes, in defence of King Henry her husband, from which pernicious quarrell, which proved successes to the same did spring the two factions of Beamont and Gramont, which for many yeeres together infested Navare and Leon, and was the cause of effusion of much Christian blood.

The Gauntoys rebell against the Duke of Burgoyne who being succored by 1459. Subjects against Soveraigns. Father against Sonne. the Hollanders rowtes their forces and makes a great slaughter amongst them and Charles the seventh sends the Earle of Dampmurtyn, in a miserable imployment (sayth the French Historian) against the Dolphine who was in armes against his father, whom they enforce to flye to the Duke of Burgoyne, who about that time to make his bastard Bishop of Vtrich had committed much slaughter amongst the Brabanters, and raised his sonne a stayer of slaughtered carcasses to mount into the Bishops Chaire.

More Popes then one bred disorder, to the great scandall in religion and preiudice of Christians. The Emperor not being able to cure the infirmitie of the mind by force, hath recourse to the authoritie of the Church, he intimateth to all the Kings, and Potentates of Christendome, his desire to have a generall Councell at Constance, to which all consent, and the Emperors of Constantinople and Trapisond with the Churches of Greece send their Embassadors. In this Councell Iohn 23. is convented, condemned, deposed and imprisoned, Gregory the 12. and Benedict the 13. are deprived, and Otho Colom by the name of Martin the 15. is chosen Pope by the Councell, somewhat before this time in England Iohn Wickliff, and Iohn Husse in Bohemia, had so perswaded, that divers were ready to disclaime the Popes authoritie, teaching them not only to leave the abuse of manners, but the doctrine it selfe, affirming that it was lawfull for subjects to reforme religion when Princes refuse to doe it, but their dangerous opinions were condemned for heresies, the Councell ended, but the schisme continued, and during these confusions in the Westerne Church, the Christians in the Easterne parts are utterly ruinated, the Emperor smothered to death in a presse of people, and Constantinople made the seat of the Mahometan Emperor.

An affray unfortunately falleth out, betwixt a servant of the Earle of Warwicke, and a Courtier who in the encounter is dangerously wounded, The Earles man flyeth. The Kings servants, seeing their fellow hurt, and A fray. the offender escaped, watch the Earles comming from the Councell table, and assaile him, many are hurt, the Earle getteth a wherry and so escapeth to London. The Queene incontinently commands him to be commited to the Tower, but he seeing where it began to raine in at, posts to Yorkeshire, where he acquaints the Duke of Yorke, and his father of all the occurences, with the palpable discovery of the Queenes cankred disposition, advising them to stand upon their guard, and to provide to keepe out the approching storme. And so speeds to Callice. And being then Lord Admirall, to prevent revocation of that office, he speeds himselfe to sea with all the Kings ships, that were in readinesse: and skowreth the Seas, meetes with [Page] five great Carricks, three of Genoa, and two of Spaine, and after two dayes An. 1458. R. 34. fight, takes three of them: with which he returned to Callice: where he discharged their fraight: and found it worth ten thousand pounds in staple Commodities, besides the ships and prisoners. In the meane time as it was Three great Carricks taken worth 10000. before agreed upon; The Earle of Salisburie with about five thousand men, marcheth through Lancashire to passe that way to the King, and to acquaint him with the affront offred to his sonne: and the inveterate malice discovered in the Queene against him. The Queene with the Dukes of Somerset and Buckingham, gave order unto the Lord Audley to apprehend Salisbury, sending to him (as to that end she had provided many badges of a white Swan for a publick expression of being firme to her and her sonne) one badge thereof for himselfe, and divers other to bestow on such well deservers, as should by him be approved of; whereupon he levieth, of Cheshire and Shropshire, ten thousand men, with which about a mile from Drayton, in a plaine called Bloreheath, he attended the Earle, there being a small brooke but of some depth between them.

Earlie in the morning; the Earle made a seeming retreat, which the Lord Audley observing, he presently causeth his troopes to passe the river, but before they could be reduced againe in order, the Earle with his whole 2. Battailes fought. strength falls upon them, and with the slaughter of the Lord Audley, and most of them that had past the river, he discomfited the residue: there were slaine about foure and twenty hundred of them. Sir Iohn, and Sir Thomas Nevil Knights the Earles sonnes, are sore wounded who with Sir Thomas The Lord Audley slaine Harrington travayling into the North Country were apprehended and sent as prisoners towards Chester. But upon a message sent from the March-men, their keepers quickly released them.

The Duke of Yorke now begins to resent these proceedings, and resolveth no longer to be looker on, but like a free gamester, to venter a Cast for all, he levies men, makes preparation to take the field, sends to Salisbury to doe the like; who sends to Warwicke, and all resolue to set up their rest, amongst others of approved valiancy, that Warwicke had brought from Callice with him, were two principall noted men for direction, and policy: Andrew Trollop, and Iohn Blunt. The armie in the marches of Wales neere Shropshire are strongly encamped. The King with the Dukes of Somerset, and Exceter the chiefe of the Lancastrian family, draw their forces to Worcester, from whence Richard Beuchampe Bishop of Salisbury is sent, to offer the Yorkists a full and generall pardon if they would give over this enterprise, and become loyall subjects: this message was answered that there was no trust in the Kings pardons as long as the hen crowed, therefore they durst not submit unto them: but if any course might be given them, of assurance of their safety, they would expresse their loyaltie and render themselves at his service. The King thereupon advanceth neerer, and approching the Lords army: he causeth Proclamation to be made that whosoever would, abandon the Duke of Yorke should be received to mercy, and have pardon, whereupon the night following Andrew Trollop with all the Callicians submit to the King, and by him are all the counsels of the Duke of Yorke discovered, which so much discouraged the Duke of Yorke that he with his young sonne the Earle of Rutland, fled first into Wales, then into Ireland, the Earles of March, Salisbury, and Warwicke, got into Devonshire, The Duke of Yorke flyeth. where by the meanes of Iohn Dinham they were shipt from Exmouth to Gernsey and so to Callice, where they were well entertained. The King pardons all the common Souldiers, makes some exemplary punishment [Page] of few Captains, sendeth the Dutches of York & her two younger children An. 1428. R. 38. to the Dutches of Buckingham her sister, to be safely kept, & then having spoyled the town and Castle of Ludlow he dismist his Army. A Parliament is convoked at Coventry, in which amongst other things, the Duke of Yorke and A Parliament. all his confederates are convict of treason, & all their lands & goods seized on to the Kings use. Henry Duke of Somerset, the inheritour with his fortunes of his Fathers favour with the Queen, by her means is made Captain of Callice, whither comming to take possession of his new charge, he was forced to retire out of the harbour: the Ordnance from Ricebank playing so hot upon him; The Queen herewith much incensed in heat of passion, giveth order to furnish and make ready, all the Kings ships lying at Sandwich, to give assistance to Somerset; but the before-mentioned Iohn Dinham with his Westerne Mariners, who all well affected the Earle of March, bourded those ships in the harborand tooke the Lord Rivers, who was designed Admirall for that service, and carried both him, and the ships to Callice, from whence the Earle sayled to Ireland to the Duke of Yorke, where having conferred, and concluded what course to take, he returned to Callice, the new Admirall the Duke of Exceter not daring to stop his course in his returne; Sir Simon Momford was appointed to guard the Cinque-ports, having divers ships under his command, to bar the Earle of Warwicks entrance, but the Earle by his espialls having perfect intelligence of all passages, fell suddenly upon Sir Simon, before his ships were full ready: tooke him prisoner, ransackt the Towne of Sandwich, and carried his Prisoner and the ships to Callice; by the way he understood, how much the Kentish-men desired his speedy returne, and to come on shore in their Country, where they were ready to give him all assistance; Whereupon the second time the Earle came to Sandwich, to whom presently resorted the Lord Cobham, and divers Gentlemen, insomuch that now they were 25000 The Earle of Warwicke with 25000. men taketh the field. strong, with which the Earle of VVarwicke marched towards London, against whom the Lord Scales was appointed to oppose: and with some convenient troopes to assure London, but the Lord Maior utterly refused, to admit him entrance; saying, he was able enough without his counsell or helpe, to keepe what the King had committed to his charge: Whereupon the Lord Scales resorted to the Tower, from whence afterward he did the Londoners many discourtesies. VVarwicke well pleased with the Londoners promise not to impeach his passage, & having notice that his Father was upon march to meet him, passeth over his men, and without impeachment, joyned with his Father and his friends neere Exceter. The King with the Dukes of Somerset & Buckingham, with a great Army marcheth towards them, & neere unto the town of Northampton, both armies meet; The Earle of March with the advise of 3. Battell at Northampton. the Earle of VVarwick prepares for the fight. The Queen, (the King more intentive of devotion then fighting) did the like; The fight began and continued on uncertaine termes above two houres; In the meane time were slain on both sides above 10000 men; But upon the fal of Humphry Duke of Buckingham, by the good policy of the Earle of VVarwicke and the Lord Gray of Ruthens joyning with them, who led the Vantgard of the Kings part withdraw to the Lords side, the Earles party prevailed, and Iohn Talbot Earle of Shrowsbury, Thomas Lord Egremond, Iohn Vicount Beamont, and some others of Marke were slain. The Queen with the Duke of Somerset & some few others, taking with them the young Prince, fled to the Bishoprick of Durham. The King was taken, and as a prisoner conveyed to London; At their comming thither, the Tower of London is yeelded unto the Earle of Warwicke by his souldiers, Warwicke possest of the Tower. the Lord Scales in disguised apparell endevoured to escape, is taken [Page] by the Watermen, and by them without due course of Law, or orderly proceeding An. 1459. R. 39. beheaded, and his corps carelesly left upon the sands. Tho: Thorpe one of the Barons of the Exchequer (upon whose advise the Lancastrians much relyed) in the habit of a Monke his or owne shorne, purposely to fly to the Queen, is taken and committed prisoner to the Tower; The Duke of York at this time being neither idle nor asleepe, being advertised of this good successe leaveth Ireland, and posts to London, where by the advise and consent of the York faction, he thought fit to discover the head of that ambitious serpent that The Duke of Yorke puts in claime. hitherto had bin covered in the grasse of reformation, and so that in the Kings name he summoneth a Parliament, which being assembled in the presence of the Lords in the upper House, he placeth himselfe in the Imperiall seate, and with great courage and a confident brow, hee layeth open his rightfull claime and Title to the Crowne of England, as being the Sonne and heire of Anne, Daughter and heire of Roger Mortimer Earle of March: Son and heire of Philip, the sole Daughter and heire of Lionell Duke of Clarence, the third Son of Edward the third, and elder Brother of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Father of the usurper Henry the fourth, grand Father to Henry the fift, who was Father to him that untruly stileth himselfe King Henry the sixt; He further related, that God had not blessed this unlawfull usurpation, for by meanes thereof the Common-wealth had suffered so many and so grievous calamities, that had not God been the more mercifull, the same had bin overwhelmed by the multitude and grievousnesse thereof; that though Henry the fift had made many conquests in France and Normandy, yet as of ill-gotten possessions, his heire could not take any benefit by them. And how much heaven is at this time offended with his government, wee may well feare if wee but call to mind the cruell butchering of so many honourable great Lords, in defence of his title abroad, the slaughter of so many thousand of his loyall subjects in maintenance of his quarrell, the inutterable exhaust of the treasure unnecessarily consumed in France, Normandy, and else-where; The civil broiles at home, the losse of all formerly got in France and those parts, the losse occasioned by the excursion and depredations of the Scots and French. And lastly, the oppressions, extortions, and violence daily unsufferably practised by the tiranny of an insolently ambitious woman, upon the meaner sort of people; And then concluded, that he craved no favour from them, except that justice did warrant his claime, nor would expect or desire the possession of the Crowne, except his descent were undisputable, and his Title without just exception, and for his owne particular he presumed that since vertue might be as bold to challenge its due: as vice is apt to borrow of insinuation: he might without offence put in his claime, and demand allowance thereof. This being a businesse of import, required deliberation, and mature consideration; but in conclusion, the Duke having before hand by his agents prepared the Lords Spirituall, and few of the Nobilitie present, that were not on his part, the Burgesses were easily perswaded, and that was generally resolved, and enacted accordingly; That King Henry during his life should retaine the name and honour of a King; That the Duke of Yorke should be proclaimed Heire apparant to the The Duke of Yorke to be proclaimed heire to the Crowne, and Protector. Crowne, and the Protector of the Kings person, his Land, Dominions, and Country; That at any time, any King Henryes Friends, Allies, or Favourites in his behalfe, should attempt the disanulling of this act, that then the Duke should have present possession of the Crowne.

No sooner was the Parliament dissolved, when the Duke dispatcheth Letters into Scotland, requiring in the Kings name, the Queene, the Dukes of Somerset and Exceter, and all other of the Nobilitie that remained in that [Page] kingdome, with all speed to repaire to his Presence to London. But they were otherwise resolved; And having gotten together of English and Scots, to the number of eighteene thousand men they marched into England; The Duke of Yorke with his younger Sonne, the Earle of Rutland with the Earle of Salisbury, leaving the King in the custodie of the Duke of Norfolk and the Earle of Warwicke, marched towards the Queene, and approaching neere her Army at Wakefield, the Dukes Scow [...]s being returned certified him, that the enemy farre exceeded their power in number and all warlike preparation; Whereupon the Earle of Salisbury advised the Duke to retire, and attend the comming of the Earle of March, who was gone into Wales to raise the Marchmen; But it being appointed, that here his ambitious desires should come to a period. The pride of his former victory, and overweening of his souldiers valours, made him deafe to all counsell of forbearing the field, and hastened on by his destiny, from Sandall Castle hee marched to Wakefield 4. Battell at Wakefield. greene, where the Lord Clifford on the one side, and the Earle of Wilts on the other, were placed in ambuscado; The Duke of Yorke supposing, that the Duke of Somerset, who had the battell, had no more forces but what were with him valianly, and in good order marcheth towards him, but being entred within their danger, the Ambushes on both sides broke out upon him, and slew him and three thousand of his side, the rest with number and confusion overborne fled, the Earle of Salisbury is taken prisoner, and harmelesse Rutland that came thither but to see fashions, is made a sacrifice for his Fathers transgression, and kneeling upon his knees (instructed by his infant Young Rutland butchered. feares) with teares begging life; is unmercifully stabbed to the heart by the Lord Clifford, in part of revenge, as he sware of his Fathers death; The Queene unwilling to bee behind hand in crueltie, as unlike a mercifull woman, as he an honourable gentleman in cold blood, without due forme of tryall causeth the Earle of Salisbury, and as many as were taken prisoners to bee The Earle of Salisbury beheaded. beheaded at Pomfret Castle, and to have their heads, as it were, in scorne to be placed on poles about the walls of the Citie of Yorke, an incitement as it were to make all interessed in the shame, to adde spurres to the speedy course of vindicative desires, and to draw on revenge to the uttermost.

This Richard Nevill Earle of Salisbury was third Sonne of Ralph Nevill, first Earle of Westmerland, by Ioane his second wife, Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; hee married Elianor; Daughter and heire of Tho: Montague Earle of Salisbury, & had issue foure Sons, & six daughters.

1. Richard the eldest was restored, and succeeded in the Earledome.

2. Iohn the second, was Created Marquesse Mountague.

3. Thomas married the Widow of the Lord Willoughby.

4. George was Archbishop of Yorke, and Lord Chancellor.

1. Ioane the eldest Daughter, was married to William Fisz-Allen Earle of Arundell.

2. Cecily was married to Henry Beuchamp Duke of Warwicke.

3. Alice was married to Henry Lord Fitz-Hugh.

4. Elianor to Thomas Stanley Earle of Darby.

5. Katherine to William Bonvile, Lord Harrington, and

6. Margaret to Iohn Vere Earle of Oxford.

Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke tooke to wife Cecily, Daughter of Ralph Nevill, first Earle of Westmerland, and had issue eight Sonnes and foure Daughters.

1. His eldest Sonne Henry dyed young.

2. Edward afterwards King of England.

[Page] 3. Edmond Earle of Rutland slaine with his Father.

Ann. 1458 R. 34.

4. Iohn
dyed young.

5. William

6. Thomas

7. George after Duke of Clarence.

8. Richard surnamed Croutchbacke, after King of England.

1. Anne his eldest Daughter was married to Henry Holland Duke of Exceter.

2. Elizabeth married to Iohn de la Poole, Earle of Suffolke.

3. Margaret married to Charles Duke of Burgundie.

4. And Vrsula.

The Earle of March having tidings of his Fathers death, encreaseth his Army, and borne up with two wings desire of revenge, and expectation to 1461. raigne, hee tooke his leaue at Shrowsbury of the Inhabitants, intimating to them at his departure, the murther of his Father and Brother, the destruction intended of himselfe and Familie, and downfall of all that wisht well to his part (if not heedfully prevented) hee craved therefore their utmost assistance, and their neighbours, which they accordingly performed, and then with some good strength, presently tooke the field, and having advertisement that Iasper Earle of Penbrooke, with the Earles of Ormond and Wiltshire, with a great power of Welch and Irish did follow after him, hee suddenly marcheth backe againe, and in a plaine neere Mortimers Crosse, on Candlemasse day in the morning hee gave them battaile, and with the slaughter Fift battell at Mortimers crosse. of three thousand and eight hundred, put the Earles to flight; Owen Teuther, who had married Queene Katherine, Mother to Henry the sixt, and divers Welch Gentlemen were taken, and at Hereford beheaded.

The Queene encouraged by the death of the Duke of Yorke, with a power of Northerne people, with an intent to undoe what was done in the last Parliament, marcheth towards London, but when her souldiers were once South of Trent, as if that River had beene the utmost limits of their good behaviour, they did most licentiously forrage the Country, harrowing, burning, and spoyling the same, as if they had beene in the most barbarous land of heathens; Approaching Saint Albones they were advertised, that the Duke of Norfolke and the Earle of VVarwicke were ready to give them battaile; The Queenes Voward hasteth to passe thorow Saint Albones, but were saluted Sixt battel & second at Saint Albones. from the Market place with such a showre of arrowes, that they were for safeguard glad to retire, and sought to passe by another way, which (but not without some blowes) they did: and encountred with their enemies in the field, who perceiving the maine battaile to stand and not to move, by the trechery of Lonelace, who with the Kentish men led the Van. the Southerne men turned afide and fled, and by the Northerne prickers were slaughtered untill night saved their backes; When night was come, the residue despairing of each others well-meaning, shifted away; The Nobles about the King perceiving how the game went, withdrew themselves. The Lord Bonvile, comming in a complementall manner to the King, saying, It grieved him to The Lord Bonvile and Thomas Kiryell beheaded by the Queene, contrary to the Kings promise. leave his Majestie, but necessitie for safeguard of his life enforced it, was importuned, and Sir Thomas Kiryell like wise by the King to stay, hee passing his royall word, that their stay should not endanger their bodyes; upon which promise they stayed, but to their cost, for such was the inplacable fury of the Queen, that hearing Baron Thorpe was by the Commons beheaded at Highgate, she the day after the battell, being Ashwednesday, caused both their heads to bee smitten off at Saint Albones, whose death reckoned with the [Page] rest maketh up of the slaughtered the number of three and twentie hundred.

The King was advised to send one Thomas Hoe, that had beene a Barrester to the Victors, to thanke them for their paines, and to tell them that hee would gladly come to them, if with convenience it might be done. The Earle of Northumberland appointed divers Lords, to attend him to the Lord Cliffords Tent, where the Queene and young Prince met to their great joy, it 30. Knights made. Prince Edward dubbed Knight. was now observed, that victory alwayes fled from where the King was present. At the Queenes request, he honored with the order of Knighthood, thirty that the day before fought against the part where hee was, the Prince likewise was by him dubbed Knight; Then they went to the Abby, where they were entertained with Anthems, and withall, an humble Petition to be taken into the Kings protection, thereby to bee freed from the tiranny of the loose souldiers, which was promised, and Proclamation accordingly made, but to small purpose, for the Northerne men said, it was made in their bargaine, to haveall the spoyle in every place, after they had passed the River of Trent, and so they robbed and spoyled all they could come at, which gave The Families of Yorke and Lancaster distinguished by the red Rose and white. just cause of dislike to the indifferent-minded, which only wisht the quiet, and peace of the Country, not respecting which Rose, the red or white prevailed, for now began that distinction by those Badges, for the factions of Yorke and Lancaster to bee worne.

The Londoners hearing of this disorder, were warned to looke to themselves, and they were resolved, since there was no more assurance in the Kings promise, to keepe the Northerne men out of their gates; The gentlenesse and tendernesse of a King, not accompanied with courage and severitie, is both hurtfull to himselfe and his estate.

In the Kings name the Londoners are sent to, to send over to the Campe, certaine Cart-loades of Lenton provision; The Maior accordingly provides, and makes all things ready, but the Commons (rose about Cripplegate, and by strong hand, say, or doe what the Maior or his officers can; they kept the Carts from going forth of the Citie; The Maior sends the Recorder to the Kings Councell, and knowing the predominancy of the Queenes passion, if never so little troubled, they entreat the Dutchesse of Bedford and the Lady Scales, with all the Fathers of the Church resiant about London, to intercede for him, and excuse his not using force, considering how apt the multitude was to take fire upon the least flash, and how dangerous it might bee in these doubtfull times, to raise their fury, that would not easily bee allayed, it was well advised, to send women to entreat women, for they so prevailed, That some of the Lords of the Councell, with a guard of foure hundred good souldiers, were appointed to goe for London, to enquire and certifie the truth of these things; But before they set forth, divers Northerne men, that long looked to have the ransacking of London, came unto the gates, and would have entred, had not the Citizens valiantly repelled them, and with the slaughter of some three or foure, they were sent to carry word to the Campe, that the Earle of March, with a great Army was marching towards them, neither was it a fiction; For at Chipping-Norton by Cotsall, the Earle of Warwicke having drawne together, as many of his scattered troopes, as hee could find, met with the earle of March, and his victorious troopes, which being joyned, they hasted towards London, and were joyfully received, upon the eight and twentieth day of Februarie, and upon Sunday the second of March, the Earle of Warwicke mustered all this Army in Saint Iohns fields, and having cast them in a ring, the Leader read unto them the agreement of the last Parliament, [Page] and then demanded whether they would have King Henry to raigne still, who all cryed, No, no; then they were askt whether they would have the Earle of March, eldest Sonne of the Duke of Yorke by that parliament proclaimed King to raigne over them, and with a great clamour they cryed yea; Then went there certaine Captaines, and others of the Common Councell of the Citie, to the Earle of March to Baynard Castle, whom they acquainted with what was passed, whereof hee expressed himselfe, in some termes as unworthy of the place, and unable to execute it: yet hee thanked God for the gift, and them for their good wills. And by the advise of the Archbishop of The Archbishop of Canterbury animated the Duke of Yorke to take upon him the Crowne. Canterbury, and theanimation of the Bishops of London & Exceter, and the Earle of Warwicke, he resolved to take it upon him; And the next morning, he went in Procession at Pauls, and offered there: and after Te deum sung, he was with great royalty conveyed to Westm. and there in the great Hall seated in the Kings seat, with the Scepter of Saint Edward in his hand; And then the people, whereofthere was a great Concourse, were alowd demanded if they would acknowledge him to bee their King, to which with great willingnesse they cryed, Yea, yea; Then taking homage of divers Noble men then present, hee was with Procession, and great State conveyed to the Abby there, and placed in the Quier as King, whilst Te deum was singing, that done, hee offered at Saint Edwards shryne, and then returned by water to Pauls, and was lodged in the Bishops Pallace: Vpon the fourth of March hee was generally proclaimed King, by the name of Edward the fourth.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING EDVVARD THE FOVRTH.

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EDWARD Earle of March, borne at Roan in Ann. 1460 Reg. 1. Normandy, Sonne and Heire of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Yorke, by Cecily Nevill, Daughter of Ralph Earle of Westmerland, and Ioane Daughter of Iohn of Gaunt, by Lady Katherins Swinford, upon the fourth day of March, rode in State to the Church of Saint Paul in London, and there made his Oblation; And after Te Deum sung, hee was with great solemnitie attended to Westminster, and there being placed in the great Hall, with the Scepter Royall in his hand, before a confluence of people there assembled (well knowing with what baite to angle, to catch the many:) Hee The Dukes title to the Crowne double. makes a solemne declaration of his right to the Crowne of England, challenging it to belong unto him by a double Title.

The first, as Sonne and heire to Richard Duke of Yorke, the rightfull Heire of the same.

The second, as elected by Authority of Parliament, upon King Henryes forfeit hereof. Neverthelesse, he was resolved to wave both Title and right, by either, except the people would willingly approve of his proceeding therein, and lovingly allow of his Claime: Whereupon it was againe publickly demanded of the assembly, if they would unanimously admit, and acknowledge the said Earle, to bee their King and Soveraigne Lord, whereupon all with one voice cryed, Yea, yea, King Edward, King Edward: Thereupon hee went from thence to Westminster Abby, and entred the same with solemne Procession, and there as King offered, and afterward by the name of Edward the Fourth was proclaimed King, throughout the Citie of London.

In the meane time, King Henry in the North was raising what powers hee could to stopthis Torrent; But the Earle of March (great in the favour of that great beast of many heads) the multitude, presuming of their ready willingnesse to assist him, makes preparation to encounter King Henry; To Edward resort men of all ages and condition, the one making tender of their [Page] persons, the other of their patrimonies, to be spent at his devotion, and for An. 1460. R. 2. the support of his cause, by which meanes, he suddainly was furnished, with a puissant and well accommodated army. And being perswaded that no other meanes would serue for direction of his claime but the sword, he resolued to set up his rest, and by battaile to give a certaine determination to the question.

Vpon the twelfth of March, his forces marched from London, and by Edward leaveth London. easie journeys came to Pomfret Castle, where he rested, and from thence the Lord Eitz-walter, with some companies was sent by him to guard the passage, at Ferry-brigg, to stop the enemies approch that way. King Henry likewise advanceth forward, and sends his power under the conduct of the Duke of Somerset, the Earle of Northumberland and the Lord Clifford. Whilst himselfe, Queene and sonne stay at Yorke,

The Lord Clifford very early, on Palme Saterday in the morning, with a troope of Northerne Prickers, falls upon those that had the guard of the Lord Fitzwalter slaine at Ferry-brig. passage at Ferry-brig, and defeated them, with the slaughter of the Lord Fitzwalter and the bastard of Salisbury:

The Earle of Warwicke hearing of this defeate, postes to the Earle of March his Campe, and in his presence killing his horse, said; Sir I pray God have mercy on their soules which in the beginning of your enterprise, have for your love lost there lives. The enemie hath won the passage at Ferrybrigg, There is no hope now but in God: yet let him flye, that will flye: when (kissing the Crosse of his sword,) he sayd by this good signe I will stand by him that will stand by me, fall backe, fall edge.

The Earle of March no whit amated but somewhat moved with Warwicks resolution, presently made Proclamation, that all such of his company, 1461. as were unwilling to stay; or afraid to fight, should at their pleasure depart. But to those that would abide, he promised good reward; Adding withall that if any that stayed, should after turne his backe, or flee: That he that should kill such a Changeling should have double pay.

Then gave he order to the Lord Fauconbridge and Sir Walter Blunt to lead on the Vowarde, who in their March about Dindingdale encountred with the Lord Clifford (who formerly in cold blood had slaugtered the young Earle of Rutland) him with Iohn Lord Nevill, sonne and heire of the Earle The Lord Clifford slaine. of Westmerland they slew with most of their companies; putting the rest to flight.

The next day likewise (the Duke of Norfolke being dangerously sicke to whom that place was assigned) Fauconbridge and Blunt continue the leading of the vantguard. And on Palme-Sunday by breake of day they came to Saxton, from whence they made a full survay of King Henryes army, and certified the Earle of March that the enemie was threescore thousand strong: whereupon a second, Proclamation was made through the Campe, That no quarter should be kept, nor prisoner taken (a Course more savoring, of policie then Religion) yet by so much the more excusable, by how much his number was so far short of his adversarie.

The armies being both in sight, The Lord Fauconbridge gave direction to the bowmen upon a signall by him to be given, to shoot every man a flight arrow, (for that purpose provided) and then to fall backe three strides and stand, which they accordingly did. The Notherne men hereupon plied their bowes, untill their sheaves were empty. But all their arrowes fell short of the marke, and turned to their owne disadvantage; For their arrowes being spent, hasting to ioyne to come to hand-blowes; Their owne [Page] arrowes did themselves much hurt, that had done the adversary no harme Ann. 1461 Reg. 2. at all; The works of those sticking galling their shinnes, and the splinters of those broken piercing their feete, whilst the Southerne men shot at their bodyes as if they had beene shooting at butts, policy prevailing beyond strength, Ten houres in doubtfull termes of victory; The battaile continued, when the Earle of Northumberland being slaine, with the Lords Beamond The Earle of Northumberland with 36776. English slaine at Caxton field. Gray & Dacres. The Earles of Exceter, and Somerset fled, left the conquest to the Earle of March, but the bloodiest that ever England felt, for on that day fell there thirty six thousand seven hundred threescore and sixteene persons, besides those that dyed of the hurts then received, all of one nation, no prisoners being taken but the Earle of Devon. This Henry Earle of Northumberland now slaine, was the third Earle of the familie of Peircyes: he married Elianor Daughter and heire of Richard Lord Poyning, by whom he had issue;

Henry that succeeded him in the Earldome, and three daughters, Elizabeth married to Henry Lord Scroope.

2 Elianor married to West Lord Laware.

3 Margaret married to Sir William Gascoyne.

The victor hasts to Yorke, where he is readily admitted entrance, when presently he causeth, The heads of his father, and his friends, to be taken downe, and buried with their bodyes, setting in their places the heads of the Earle of Devon and three others there then executed.

This Earle of Devon was Thomas the xvi. Earle and Lord of Ockhampton, he married Margaret daughter of Iohn Beawford Earle of Somerset, by whom he had issue three sonnes and two daughters, Thomas who was taken with his father, and presently by reason of the Proclamation, slaine. Henry the second sonne, who was after beheaded at Salisbury, and Iohn who was after slaine at Tewkesbury. The father and the three sonnes with the losse of their best bloods witnessing their true affection to the house of Lancaster.

Iohan his eldest daughter, was married to Sir Roger Clifford Knight and Elizabeth was married to Sir Hugh Courtney Knight.

The Earle of Somerset being the messenger of the late overthrow, perswades and prevailes with King Henry his Queene and sonne, from Yorke to flye to Barwicke, where leaving the Earle of Somerset, they slye further for succour to the King of Scots, who comforteth them with promise of reliefe, but maketh a sure bargaine, and receiveth in liewe of a pension to be assigned to King Henry during his aboad there from him, upon Saint Markes day the Towne and Castle of Barwick; to such poore shifts was this potent King driven, to pawne his best fortresse for bare food.

Queene Margaret, and her sonne are sent to France to labour there, whilst those that stayed with the King (himselfe being onely intentive to devotion) fayled not to solicite friends, and make preparation for a second encounter.

The Queene upon her arrivall obtayned of Lewis the eleventh her Cousin, that those of the house of Yorkes favorites, were prohibted trafficke, or stay in the French Kings dominions. But all such as loved the Lancastrian line were permitted freely.

In triumphant manner the Earle of March commeth to London, where he is by the Maior and Citizens gloriously entertained, being by them upon the xxvi. day of Iune from Lambeth attended to the Tower of London, who upon his first entrance therein, invested foure and twentie [Page] with order of Knighthood; and upon the next day he did the like to foure more.

Vpon the xxviii. day of Iune, he rode through London from the Tower to Westminster, where he was Crowned in the Abby there. Edward the 4. Crowned.

A Parliament is summoned which began at VVestminster, upon the fourth of November, in which all acts, of Henry the sixt formerly made An. 1461. R. 24. (which might see me any way preiudiciall to Edw. title or profit, were repealed. And therein Iohn Earle of Oxford, a learned, valiant & wise man, he who An. 1462 R. 2.. in a former Parliament, disputed the question concerning the precedency betweene the temporall and spirituall Barones, (a bold attempt in those dayes and by force of whose arguments iudgment was given for the Lords temporall) with his sonne Aubry de Vere, Sir Thomas Tiddenham Kinght, William Terrill, and VValter Mongomery Esquires were without answer convict of Treason and beheaded.

This Iohn Earle of Oxford married Elizabeth the daughter and heire of Sir Iohn Howard, and had issue five sonnes and three daughters.

1 Aubry de Vere beheaded with his father.

2 Iohn de Vere that succeeded in the Earledome.

3 George Vere Knight that died living his father.

4 Richard Vere and

5 Thomas Vere Knights

1 Mary a profest Nunne at Barking in Essex

2 Ioan married to Sir VVilliam Norris and

3 Elizabeth married to VVilliam Bourcheir sonne and heire of Henry Bourcheir Earle of Essex.

King Edward, to encourage others to obtaine like favour by well deserving at his hands, after that he had created his two younger brethren, George An. 1642. R. 2. and Richard the one Duke of Clarence the other Duke of Glocester, he maketh Iohn Lord Nevill first Vicount, then Marquesse Mountacute.

Henry Bourcheir (whose brother was Archbishop of Canterbury) Earle of Essex, and VVilliam Lord Fauconbridg Earle of Kent, enobling many others with dignities and honorable titles.

To hansell their new Honors, Essex, and Kent, with the Lord Audley, and divers other of the nobility, with ten thousand souldiers are sent to Conquet and Ree taken and pillaged by the Earles of Essex and Kent. skowre the narrow Seas, these land in Britaine, and by force enter the Towne of Conquet, and the Isle of Ree, which having pillaged and the Coasts cleered they returne.

Henry Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralph Peircy, with some others, come in and submit themselues to King Edwards mercy, who gratiously receiveth and entertaineth them, protesting his propension of free pardoning them and as many others as would follow their example of submission.

The distressed Queene with five hundred French (a small stake to play an aftergame of Reputation with) came to the Coasts of Scotland, and from thence, sailes to Timmothe, where shee went on shore, but speedily resorted againe to shipbord, and by tempest was beaten to Barwicke. Erom whence with the encrease of some few Scots, leaving the Prince at Barwicke, she with the king her husband, marched into the Bishopricke of Durham, having by the way in Northumberlaine somewhat more encreased their army. To them resorteth the so late reconciled and now newly revolted Duke of Somerset, Sir Ralph Peircy, and divers of King Henryes welwishers, who altogether made shew, of a competent army. But their disorderly burning and spoyling wheresoever they went, whatsoever they could come at, lost [Page] the goodwill of many, and purchased the ill will of more, King Edward to be prepared to meet the enemie, at every turne, makes preparation both by Sea and Land, he sends Vicount Mountacute into Northumberland, with Commission to raise forces, whom King Edward in person followeth with his whole power, leasurely but hasts some Companies after the Vicount, to prevent any attempt of the Bishopricke men, in case they should prove trecherous, with these the Vicount marcheth towards King Henry, and by the way encountreth the Lord Hungerford, at Hegley-More, but he with the Lord Rosse upon the first charge ran away, leaving Sir Ralph Peircy alone Sir Ralph Piercy slaine. with his owne regiment, who there with them died valiantly fighting.

Mountacute having intelligence that King Henry was encamped in Levels plaine, neer the River of Dowell in Hexamshire, marcheth thither by night and set upon him in his Campe. The Northerne men with a desperate resolution receive the charge. But were in the end with great slaughter overthrowne, Henry Bewford Duke of Somerset, the Lords Rose, Mollins, Hungerford, Wentworth, Hussey, and Sir Iohn Finderne Knight with many The Earle of Somerset taken prisoner. others are taken prisoners, King Henry escaped but very hardly.

The Duke of Somerset was presently beheaded at Exham, he was never married, but had a naturall sonne, named Charles Somerset, who was afterward created Earle of VVorcester.

The other prisoners were sent to New-Castle, and there beheaded. Thus was the White Rose in every place dyed red with the blood of the Nobilitie, and the red Rose turnd pale with the horror to view the calamities occasioned by this dissention.

King Edward came to Durham, and from thence, sent the Earle of VVarwicke and others into Northumberland, to reduce such Castles and forts as yet held out for King Henry, which effected, King Edward marched to Yorke, King Henry shifting from place to place, is at length discovered and An. 1464 R. 3. in the manner of a notorious offender, with his legges tyde under the horse belly, without other company, then Doctor Manning Deane of Windsor (taken with him) is by the Earle of Warwicke, brought to the Tower of King Henry brought prisoner to the Tower. London, a suddaine and strange alteration of estate, when he that was, the most potent Monark, for Dominions that ever England had, was not now the Master of a Molehill, nor owner of his owne liberty: so various are the changes and chances of this transitory life.

His distressed and disconsolate Queene, with her sonne, are driven once againe to fly for shelter into France.

K. Edward to raise some with ruine of others, distributeth the Lands and Possessions of those, that held with King Henry, amongst his owne favorites, and followers, having the better to palliate his proceeding therein, first made Proclamation, that whosoever of the contrary faction, would come in, and submit, should be received to grace, and restored to their patrimonies.

King Edward, having as it were a breathing from martiall imployments, knowing that he was to deale with a people, more easily to be drawne, then driven, addicted his courses altogether, to endeer himselfe to their good affections: and the better to settle in their minds a good opinion of his after-government: he applied himselfe to accomplish those things whereof report had given out his predecessors have beene neglective in. And first he began, to set the beame even that was to carrie the scale of Iustice, in equall point of right, and to that end in Michaelmas terme in the second yeare of his raigne, three dayes together, hee sat publickly with his Iudges in Westminster-Hall, on the Kings-bench: to acquaint himselfe [Page] with the orders of that Court: and the proceedings therein, and to observe what deserved reformation in that Court, either at bench or at barre. He likewise ordered the Officers of his Exchequor, to take more moderate fees, and to be more intentive, of their duties, for the benefit of the subject, then their owne unjust gaine. And not under colour of preserving the Kings revenewes: to enrich themselues, and undor the subjects, thereby wronging both King and people: Then he complies himselfe, to the multitude and publickly with such extraordinary shewes, of unusuall congies, and complements from a Soveraigne, entertaines them; That he thereby tyes their pliable tongues, to set forth his uncessant commendation drawing out their loves to the largest extent. He daily frequentes the Councell Table: which he furnished for the most part with such as were, most gracious amongst the Citizens, and were most facile; either to give dispatch, or Court holy water to petitioners. These he imployes, about references, and businesses of private consequence, whilst misteries of state were intimated only to such whom he selected, to be of his more private, Cabinet Councell; with whom now he adviseth, how to encrease his forraine correspondence, and advance his estate, with some linck of faire alliance with such that might stand him instead, and be a comfort, or countenance in his proceedings, as occasion should fall out. For which purpose the fittest meanes is concluded to be, some match to be made with France, By which all meanes of succour might be withdrawne from his femall persecutor, Queene Margaret, and assistance drawne to persecute her husband, and such as should oppose his Soveraignty. For the better effecting whereof the Earle of Warwick is made choice of, and imployed by the King into France, to treate of a match betwixt King Edward: and the The Earle of Warwick sent into France. Lady Bona daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy, and sister to the Lady Carlote Queene of France. Vpon the first proposition, this motion was readily embraced, and was willingly assented unto on all parts. And Mounseir Dampmortyn with some others, are incontinently sent into England, for the full accomplishment thereof: but before his arrivall, the game is changed, and a new triumph turned. For upon the first of May, the King had taken to wife, the Lady Gray the widdow of Sir Iohn Gray of Groby slaine at the last battaile of Saint Albons a Lancastrian, she was daughter of Richard VVoodvile, Baron of VVymington, and Iaquet daughter of Peter of Luxenborough Earle of Saint Paul, the widdow of Iohn Duke of Bedford, sometimes Regent of France, a sharer with her daughter, of troubles to ensue upon their marriage: for as the marriage of the mother, gave the first cause of distast to the Duke of Burgoyne, whose severing after from the English, was partly if not principally, the overthrow of our Conquest in France, so this match of the daughter, first alienated the heart of Warwicke from the King, and gave the occasion of the effusion of so much Christian blood, and the downfall of the great Beare and all his ragged staves.

This marriage, at the Command of Love the Lord of Kings was begun in heat of desire, and finished in hast, without advise of any but his owne, untamable affections: it much distasted the French King, displeased King Edwards mother, and disquieted the Councell and state; And as it commonly falls out when men ride post for such matches in the end of their journey, they take sorrow for their Inne, and make Repentance their host, for speedy repentance followes precipitated hast in such affaires But in the Kings marriage, and VVarwickes distast thereof, appeared [Page] different effects, of unbrideled passions. The fervor of the kings desires are lessened, but the fire of the E [...]rage every way & every day encreased, & flamed with greater fury, until it consumed both him and his: yet for a while he covered the coales, & concealed the cause of his indignation, howsoever now & then in private to his familiars he would complaine how much he was disgraced, to be made an instrument to set a young Lady a Gog for a husband, & then to have her disappointed: upon his returne he carried a faire countenance on the busines, publickly An. 1466 R. 6. approving the kings choice, & cōmending the new Queens beauty, & natural endowments, applauding whatsoever she said or did. But privately he only awaited how to displease her, & displace her husband, wherin he was the more resolutely intentive, by how much he presumed the K. of France, and the D. of Savoy, who were interessed in the disgrace, & the Q. & her sister Bona which shared in thedishonorable affront, would be alwaies as occasion should be offred, ready to second him with power & prayers, in any thing, that to that end he should attempt. To have the more liberty to plot his designes the E. procures leave to leave the court & retires himself to his Castle of Warwic. K. E. in the mean time, having just cause to suspect the French, & his discretion prōpting him to be watchfully valorous, to retain his but yet borrowed title. Wisdom admonishing him in day of Sunshine to provide a cloak to prevent being wet in case astorme should fal, thought it good policy, to strengthen himself by some befitting cōfederation abroad, & to that end entreth into a league, with Iohn K. of Arragon & H. K. of Castile, to whō he sent for a present a score of Cotsall ewes and five rams which though they were but few in number, yet hath the loss that hath therby redounded to Englād bin too too great, yea more then he could then wel imagin & greater then the reader can prima facie apprehēd, but great evills may grow out of small causes. To secure himself at home he took truce with the K. of Scots for 15. yeres. And as he had former ly married his two sisters, Anne the eldest to H. Holland E. of Exceter, & Eliz. to Iohn de la Poole D. of Suffolk: so now he matched Margaret the third sister to Charles D. of Burgoin. This last match added oyle, & flax, to quench the flame, of Warw. fury: insomuch that now he gave it vent. And having, with much adoe drawn to his part his two brothers, the Archbish. of York & the Marquesse Moū tacute, he now began to cast a windlace todraw in the kings two brothers. The D. of Gloce. he found so reserved that he durst not close with him, but finding the D. of Clarence, more opē, he addresseth himself to him. And taking occasiō in private conference to cōplain to him, of the kings uncourteous usage of him, he said, noble Sir, if I might be my own judge my more then ordinary respect, & diligence to do the K. your brother acceptable service, deserveth more thē cōmon curtesie, but all whatsoever I have done & do (howsoever it hath bin more then could any way come to my single share) for his advantage is ever unrespectively drēched in the whirlpit of duty, for which I must be contented. To whom presently the D. makes answer, did or do you, expect as to a friend courtesie from him, that neglects the respect of blood to a loving brother? it is all little enough for him to provide, for to pleasure his deere Loves brave kindred, & all too little he bestows on thē: whilst he that in the same belly with him, must attend to be served withtheir leavings, or have nothing: hath he not made a match betweene his wives brother Of Thomas Lord Scales of Nucells. Antony & the sole daughter of the L. Scales? & hath he not married Thomas her son, with the daughter & heire of the L. Bonvile? and like wise his minion the L. Hastings with the sole daughter & heir of the L. Hungerford. But no such match can be thought of for me his brother. Nay are not his brothers, & best friends, that have opposed our selves to all dangers to abet his advancement undervalued, & unregarded? have we not iustoccasion to be perswaded he loves vs not? how then should you expect better dealings from him? The E. finding the game comming [Page] wanted not words to whet, nor reasons to incite to a settled distast of his brothers unrespective carriage towards him, & prevailed after much Communication betwixt thē so far, that what he so much desired he effected for) he counted the natural Current of brotherly affection, which afore ran in the veines of Clarence to an vnnatural streame of rancor, & disobedience, against a Soveraigne. And now the better to knit, a firme knot of association betwixt thē: a match is to be concluded upon, & the D. is to take to wife Isabel the E. of Warw. daughter, & with her to have assured unto him, halfe the lands the E. held in right of his wife, the Lady Anne daughter of Rich. Bewchamp, E. of Warw. deceased. For the Consummation wherof, Clarence accompanies of Warw. to Callice, where the Countesse & her daughter then resided: by the way the E. unmasked himself & discovereth to the Duke what hitherto he had concealed of his proiect for the restoring of K. H. & hisplot how to accomplish it. To which Clarence gave both approbation, and promise to ayde, & assist him, to the accomplishment thereof to the uttermost. This thus concluded. The E. dispatcheth messengers, to his brother the Archbish. & Marquesse, to prepare all things ready to set on foot the intended revolt from K. E. & to take hold but cautiously upon any ground to procure or prosecute some rebellious cō motion or other in the North, whilst he & his new son in law would provide, to go through stitch with the work. To a willing mind occasion wil quickly be found, & the brothers entertaining the Earles advice tooke hold upon this accident. The Yorkshire husband men, annually by antient custome used to give to the poore people of S. Leonards in the Citie of York for their alimony certaine quantities of corne & graine. A report is secretly raised but upon what ground unknown, that this wel-intended charitable contribution, went not the right way, But that the givers were abused, & the poore people defrauded, the benefit of the gift going to certaine officers of the house, that made a divident therof amongst themselues, allowing little or none at all thereof to the poore people. This rumor once on foot spread it self far & neer in the Country. The husband men willing enough to take any advantage to with-hold their charity (which in that age began to wax cold but in this is quite frozen) when the Proctors according to the accustomed maner came to make collection of the charitable devotion of the people, they were sent empty away, but not without (in some places) either foule language or someblowes, & sometimes both, which orcasioned retortion & partakers, are found on both parties sides. The religious & better sort of people helping to defend the collectors, whom with great fury the ploughmen followed. This sparke thus appearing is fed with combusable stuffe; but underhand by the Archbish. so that it tooke flame, & rose to a great height. Neverthelesse the Marquesse Mountacute more out of policy then piety seeming not to approve of what was done, speeds with some forces to York. whither the unruly multitude to the number of 15000. drew giving forth speeches by the way, That they would utterly demolish the hospitall & fire the City. The Marquesse with his power taking advantage of the darknes of the night and the ignorance, or negligence of the watch sallies out upon them, takes their Captaine & strikes of his head, putting the rest with some little losse to flight, whom he followeth no further (as not intending their further hurt) but retreated to Yorke, which he carefully made show, to man and fortifie. The more to endeere his service, he sends the newes therof post to the K. who being certified of the proceedings, was well pleased with what was done, howsoever he had smal reason to think himself assured of the integrity of the doer, but as yet the actions of the Marquesse like the countenance of Ianus, carried two faces, which his cunning yet covered. In the mean while, the rebells have reallied, their dispersed troopes, and encreased their numbers. Instead of Robert Huldron their Captaine by the Marquesse beheaded, they had new conductors, Hen. son of the [Page] Lord Fitz-Hugh and Hen. Nevil son & heire of the Lord Latimer. The one being Nephew, the other cosin german to Marquesse Mountacute. These having received full instructions, from the Archbishop of Yorke, ioyntly take upon them the command, being assisted by S. Iohn Conyers a kinght of great courage and good direction. By his councel, in regard they wanted engines where with to force the walls of Yorke, which they had (but disorderly beleagred, The rebels left the siege. And directedtheir march towards London giving out by the way according as they were instructed by their leders, & their An. 1466 R. 9. private directions, That K. E. was but a tirannous vsurper. And that they like good subjects only endevored the restauration of their lawful soveraigne K. H. adding withall that if any mischiefe were done to the body of K. H. before his being restored to liberty. That they would not leave a live any of the house of Yorke: K. Ed. hereupon gives order to Wil. L. Harbert the new created E. of Pem. to stop this Northerne storme & to leavy power to withstād their further approaching: he both in obedience to K. E. cōmand, & willing to revenge some former (ashe conceived) affronts unto himby the sticklers in this cōmotion. Fitz hugh & Nevil, accōpanied with his brother Rich. & about 7000. Welsh men to whō the L. Stafford of Southwick with some 800. bowmen ioyned, embraced the occasion, & willingly undertooke the charge: Sir Rich. Harb. with 2000 horsmen neere Northam. charged the rere of the Northern men, in which was Sir Iohn Conyers, who cōmanding faces about, so entertained them, That the Welsh men with some losse made more hast backe then good speed forward; hereupon the Northern men having to that end received letters of direction, shape their course towards Warwick, whither the E. with his son in law Clarence were come, & had levyed forces to ioyne with them. The K. rather sullen for anger, then amated with feare, upon the tydings of his brothers unnaturall backsliding, related unto him by his other brother Rich. stood a while silent, but having made recollection of his spirits, he sayd, brother, yet I The Lord Stafford forsakes Pembrooke. am beholding to you, that have made a full expression both of your love, and duty, in acquainting me with the danger, & staying loyally on any side. But time permits not discourse, we must prepare our selues to withstand their fury, and to that end take order to second Pemb. And accordingly he makes preparation. But before his succors could come, the Nothern men did reach Warwick upon S. Iames even, some distast having bin given by the E. of Pemb. to the Lord Stafford, either for dispossessing him of his usuall Inne at Banbury, or withholding Sir Hen Nevil slaine. from him some light commodity in that Inne, which he formerly had made use of. Stafford with his Archers departed, Sir Hen. Nevill having intelligence therof, the next morning gave a camisad with some horse to the [...] Pembrooks Camp, and charged so home that (his seconds, unable to releive him) he was enclosed with the multitude and miserably slaine: which so incensed the Northern men, that they all gave on, and so feircely assayled their opposites, that though for a time the Welsh stood close and kept order, yet when a suddain rumor was spread, That the E. of Warwick was come with his power, to charge them in the rere, they rowted & fled. True it was that Iohn Clopton a retainer of the E. of Warwicks having drawn together about 500 men weakly armed & worse disciplind, he brought them to the top of an hil [...] sight of both armies, displaying theron the Beare & ragged staffe, the E. of War colors, and making shew to descend, was the occasion those the Welsh turned their backe: in the flight 5000. were slaine besides that were taken prisoners, wherof the E. of Pemb. & Sir Rich. Harbert his brother, who for their valour and sound direction that day shewed (had successe followed their attempts) deserve to be enrowled amongst the best commanders, with ten other not by [Page] the law of the field, but by the unbounded will of the victors were beheaded at Banbury. This VVilliam E. of Pemb. married Anne, daughter of VValter L. Ann. 1469 R. 9. Ferrers of Chartley, by whom he had issue three sons, VVilliam that succeeded him in the Earledome, Sir VValter Harbert Knight, and Sir George Harbert Knight, and six daughters Cicely Baronesse of Greystock. Mawd married to Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland.

Katherine married to George Earle of Kent. Anne married to the Lord Powes. Isabel married to Sir Thomas Cooksey knight, and Margaret married to Vicount Lisley first. and then to Sir Henry Bodringham kinght.

The newes of these proceedings set wide open the gates of the rebellion, & gave courage to the Northamptonshire men, who prepared before to that purpose tooke this opportunity to make a commotion, & under the conduct of one Robert Hiliard by them stiled Robert of Risdate came to Grafton, and there tooke the Queenes father Earle Rivers, and his Son Sir Iohn VVoodvile and at Northampton without trial or judgement, courses out of use amongst unruly) rebells caused them to be beheaded. Richard Woddevile Baron of Wymington, married Iaquiet daughter of the Earle S. Pauls the widdow of Iohn Duke of Bedford for which not having the kings license, he was fined to K. Henry the sixt in one thousand pounds, he was installed knight of the Garter, 30. Octob. Anno. H. 6. 28. And 4. of K. Ed. 4. he was created Earle Rivers &, made high Constable of England, he had issue by the said Iaquet 7. sons and 6. daughters 1 Anthony that succeeded his father. 2. Lewis dyed young. 3 Iames dyed young. 4 Iohn with his father taken at Edgcote, and with him beheaded at Northampton as afore. 5 Lionell Bishop of Salisbury that begat upon his Concubine Stephen Gardner afterwards Bishop of VVinton. 6 Edward who died without issue. 7. Richard that succeeded his brother Anthony in the Earldome but dying without issue left it to his sisters all living.

1 Elizabeth at first married to Sir Iohn Gray of Groby and afterward to Edward the fourth.

2 Margaret married to Thomas Fitzallan Earle of Arundel.

3 Anne married to William Burcher sonne of Henry Earle of Essex, first, and after to George Gray Earle of Kent & then to Sir Edw. Wingfield, knight.

4 Iaquet was married to Iohn Lord Strange of Knocking.

5 Mary was married to William Harbert Earle of Huntington, and

6 Katherine first married to Henry Stafford, second Duke of Buckingham, and then to Iasper of Hatfield Duke of Bedford. The Lord Stafford having long lurked without discouery about Devonshire is apprehended, & for his base departure from the Earle of Pembrook, beheaded at Bridgwater.

The Northerne men haue opportunitie to joyne with the Earle of Warwicke. The whole body of the common-wealth thus fearefully groning under the fearefull expectation of unchristian cruelty, The effects whereof, divers of the nobility, & Clergy endevored by all means possible to prevent, & to that end on both sides mediated for some pacification. But whilst it is in agitation both parts having drawne their forces together a generall preparation is made for an unauoydable banquet for death, whilst King Edward the lesse circumspect, by reason of some overtures of submission, Cautelously tendred, gave advantage to the Earle of Warwick who had secret intelligence of the order King Edward taken prisoner. in the Kings camp, in the dead of the night to fall upon it, where with some small slaughter having slaine the sentinells they tooke the king prisoner in his bedwho was presently conveied to Midleham Castle in Yorkeshire to be kept, safely by the Archbishop of Yorke.

The Earle of Warwicke, relying vpon his brothers care of his charge, considering [Page] that he was the Key of their worke. And being perswaded, that the brunt of the warres was past, dismist most of his army, but as one that reckoned without his host, must make a new account, so to that exigent he was driven. For whilst he made search and diligent enquiry, after King Henry whose place of imprisonment was not knowne, King Edward escaped: but whether by over-great promises seduced, or through guilt of Conscience King Edward escapes. induced thereunto, it is questionable. But howsoever, The Archbishop permitted him, to have so much liberty, by way of recreation on hunting, that by the contrivement and assistance of Sir William Stanly and Sir Thomas Burgh, he was both rescued from his keepers and in safty conducted to Yorke: such is the instabilitie of occurrences in this world, That therein is certaintie of nothing but incertaintie, the secrets of Gods providence being inscrutable. King Edward that in the morning was a prisoner at the Earle of VVarwicks devotion, is now at liberty to provide, how to question his mitred keeper, and his late triumphant committer, for their undutifull presumption.

From Yorke he posteth to Lancaster, where his Chamberlaine the Lord Hastings had raised some forces, with those he marcheth to London, the love of whose Citizens he mainly relied upon, and thereof found himselfe not deceived, for they with willing readinesse receive him.

The Earle of VVarwick having information of what was past, makes a vertue of necessitie, and dispatches letters and Messengers to all his friends and confederates to draw to an head, which they accordingly did. But by the earnest solicitation and industry of those good patriots which before had laboured to have the sword of civill dissention sheathed. Now an interview (Vpon interchange of oathes for safety and faire returne on both sides) is had betwixt the king, the Duke of Clarence and the Earle of VVarwicke in VVestminster-Hall. But the Earle like one endevoring to infect the ayre takes poyson into his mouth and spits it into the wind, makes repetition of former courtesies done to Edward, and for requitall thereof, indignities returned, which with such peremptory phrase he urged that they savoured so much of exprobration, that the King unable to endure such harsh, & ill-becomming language from a subject, in a scornefull fury, departed the Hall, and went to Canterbury. And the Duke and Earle to Lincolne, whither they had preappointed their powers to repayre, under the conduct of Sir Robert VVells sonne and heire of the Lord VVells, a valiant Gentleman and of approved sufficiency.

The King with intent to take off Sir Robert from VVarwicks part, sends for Richard Lord VVells, who with his brother in Law, Sir Thomas Dymock An. 1470 R. 10. comming to attend the kings pleasure, received information from some of their friends in Court, that the King was much incensed against them: whereupon The Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dymock beheaded. they take Sanctuary at VVestminster. From whence upon the kings promise of generall pardon, they came to his presence, who gave command to the Lord VVells, effectually by letter to solicite his son Sir Robert VVells, to leave the Earle of VVarwick, & come to the kings service, which was accordingly done, but because it procured not desired effect, the king not without blemish to his Honor, in his rage caused both their heads to be strooke off. The report wherof, so enraged the young knight that no perswasion could prevaile with him to abide the Earle of VVarwicks cōming, which was every day expected but passion having blinded his judgement, led on by fury & the inevitablenes of his fate, he with his forces charged the kings army. And whilest he laboured to go beyond man in doing, (his valour not checkt by discretion) he proves lesse then a sucking child, and for sinking under an oppressing multitude, he [Page] was taken prisoner, which so discouraged his men that they fled, and the Ann. 1470 R. 10. lighter to runne away, they cast of their coates. And thereby gave a name unto the place from whence they fled, which ever since hath beene called Loose Coate field, in this place were slaine of the Earles part ten thousand, and odde, of the Kings side thirteen hundred but no man of marke. Loose Coatefield.

Sir Robert Wells, with all the prisoners then taken were there presently executed, Sir Robert beheaded, the other hanged, which were threescore & seven.

The report of this disaster, turnes Clarence, and his father in Law to Exceter, from whence having dismist their army, they fled to Dartmouth, from thence they shipped to Callis, having their Ladyes and divers Gentlewomen in their Company, intending there to goe on shore, but their expectation was frustrated, for whilst he was about to land, he was saluted with a great shot from the platforme, which assured them there was no going on shoare there, without apparant danger, whereupon the Earle by messenger entreated Mounseir Vocleer, the Earles Deputie leiftenant there. But to give way to the Ladyes to land (the Dutchesse of Clarence being then in travaile) which Vocleer uncourteously refused, and like the hedghog kept his Captaine out of his owne lodging; not doing or permitting to be done any the least office of humanitie, but denying the sicke and tender Ladies all courtesie and comfort, wherefore the Earle was enforced to put againe to Sea. Whilst King Edward, for this so discourteous usage of the Earle sent the ungratefull Gascoyne a patent of the Captaines place of Callice under the great Seale of England. And the Duke of Burgoyne gave him an annuitie of one hundred pounds per annum during life.

Notwithstanding Warwick being at Sea, received intelligence from Vocleer (whom it seemes did love the Earle in the second place but himselfe in the first) That the Duke of Burgoine plotted his destruction, whereupon the Earle kept the Seas: and tooke all the Burgonians he cold meet, making Warwick entertained by the French King. prize of their ladings, wherewith he landed in France, and from Deepe by the French Kings solemn invitation, he went to the Castle of Amboyes, where the King then kept his Court. And there the Ladies wants are supplied, and honorable welcome, and liberall entertainment given to the Earle and all his company.

The newes of the Earle of Warwickes being at the French Kings Court drew thither Queene Margaret and her sonne Edward with Iasper late Visited by Queene Margaret. Earle of Pembrock, for this Iasper having beene attainted of treason, William Lord Harbert, was created Earle of Pembrook, but being slaine William his sonne succeeded in the Earledome.

This Iasper and others with him (who were lately broke out of prison in England and fled thither, joyne) in confederation with the Earle of Warwick Ioyne inconfederacy against King Edward. and a solemn oath passeth betwixt the Duke of Clarence, the Earles of Warwicke, Oxford and Iasper of Pembrook, never to deserte one the other during life, nor desist to the uttermost of their best abilities, to procure the releasment of King Henry, and his restoration to the Crowne of England, and to give the better Countenance to this confederation, Prince Edward is married to the Earle of Warwicks daughter. But therein the Earle of Warwick sitting in his ownlight overshot himselfe, and by overdoing in Prince Edward married to his daughter. policy to strengthen his part, both himselfe and partakers are undon. The water intended to drive the Mill being drawne to drowne the same: for the Duke of Clarence, after he had taken into his owne more serious consideration, the purposed end of this match, he easily perceived, that, that being [Page] seconded with the intended prosecution of the warres against King Edward, would (if succesfull) prove the utter overthrow of his Brothers, and the finall extirpation of the house of Yorke; From hence arose, and not without just ground, the Dukes distrust of his owne fortunes; For the prevention of which mischiefe, hee inwardly became lesse forward to the businesse, and began to cast about how to come fairely off from his Father-in-law: propinquitie of blood, proving a stronger incentive to affection, then contracted affinitie, though never so much combined with solemne promises, and overt protestations. From henceforth underhand he gives perfect intelligence to King Edward of all proceedings against him, and withall assures him, that he was resolved upon his comming into England, to play the part of a loving Brother, and as hee did now in heart, decline the confederation, so he would then cleane desert their cause: herewith when King Edward acquainted his Brother the Duke of Yorke, hee said hee alwayes thought as much, for hee that at one time had turned Traitour to his Soveraigne, would at another prove trecherous to his friend; but wee may (saith he) presume better hereafter of our Brother.

The French King having furnished the new Confederates with men, money, and amunition, and with necessary shipping; They all went aborde, and falling downe to the mouth of the river of Seyne; they descried the Burgonians with a strong fleet prepared to interrupt their sayling forth; Whereupon the Lords strike sayle and call to Councell; But during their time of such consultation, a strong Southwest wind comes from land, with a terrible tempest of raine, by fury whereof the Burgonian Fleet was driven to Sea and severed, many of them being driven on ground in Scotland; The storme The Burgonian Fleet dispersed. being ceased, having set the Queene and Prince with his Wife on shore, Warwicke with his Complices hoise sayle, and with a merry gale, arrive safely at Dartmouth, from whence hee gave notice to his partakers of his arrivall. King Edward presuming of the strength of the Burgonian Fleet, and their watchfulnesse, had omitted preparation, either to impeach his Adversaries landing, or to affront them being landed, by meanes whereof the Lords land at ease, and having a cleere passage, march forward in good array, making Proclamation in every place where they come in King Henryes name, to command all his loving subjects, to bee ready both with purse and person, to give him assistance against the Duke of Yorke, who like a tyrant and an usurper, withheld from him his Crowne and Patrimony, by this meanes in few dayes his Army greatly encreased, wherewith in good order, and by easie marches, keeping his men alwayes in action, by exercising them, and fitting them to their weapons, hee made towards London: upon notice of whose approach, on the Sunday next after Michaelmasse day, one Doctor Goddard, Doctor Goddards Sermon at Pauls crosse a Chaplaine of the Earle of Warwicke, appointed to preach at Pauls Crosse, did so set forth the pious intention of the Earle his Master, that endevoured the restoring of a wronged King to his liberty and Dominion, and to free the kingdome from an Vsurper, that his pithy perswasions prevailed so farre with his Auditory, that none reproved him for his boldnesse, but so approved of his Sermon, that divers put their ghostly Fathers advice in practice, insomuch, that the Marquesse Mountacute, who had as was pretended on King Edwards behalfe, levied sixe thousand men about London, found them all enclinable to goe with him to the Earle of Warwicke, and accordingly went and joyned with him: so suddenly and easily will the vulgar bee seduced!

This newes and the generall acclamations, that went through all places of [Page] King Henry and a Warwicke, caused King Edward to distrust his owne souldiers, and fearing the tyde would turne, his heart failing him, in the dead of the night, only with eight hundred, of whose constancy hee was assured, most of them the Lords, Rivers, Hastings, and Sayes retinue: hee posted from besides Nottingham toward Lincolnshire, but having notice that Warwicke to impeach his retreate, had sent his light horsemen before, and followed himselfe with the body of the Army, with great hazard, and losse of his carriages which were sunke in the sands, he past the Washes and came to Lynne, from whence with the Duke of Glocester, the Lord Scales, and about seven hundred men, without any change of rayment, or other necessaries, King Edward enforced to forsake the land. or other victuals, but what they brought on horsebacke with them, or what they had left their horses for in the Towne, they set sayle, bending their course for Holland; The Lord Chamberlaine stayed behind, aswell to make what provision hee could, for the better accommodation of the King to carry with him, as to take order with such of their followers as were to stay behind, whom hee entreated to temporize things standing as they did, (till the wind came about againe, which hee affirmed would bee very shortly) but upon the first faire gale that blew with King Edward to open their sayles on his behalfe, whilst hee was upon this negotiation, fortune that makes a tennis ball of the greatest, thus playd her part with King Edward; No sooner was hee past ken of shore, but certaine Easterlings, enemies both to England and France, were descried to have them in chase, so that the Mariners were driven, to clap on all their canvasse, to beare up for the next shore of Holland: King Edward in danger of Pirates. The Easterlings plyed after them so close, that the English durst not take land, but where their landing might bee favoured by some Fort or Towne, so that they were forced to fall lower then the first Coast, and came to anchor before a Towne in the Netherlands called Alquemare, as neere it as with conveniencie they might: the ebbe being falne too low to enter the Haven: The Easterlings whose ships were of greater burden, came as neere them as they durst, for feare of running on ground, intending at the next flood to lay them aborde; But in the interim the Lord Hastings being landed in Holland, making enquiry after King Edward, but receiving no tydings of his being come on shore, presently dispatcheth Curryers to all the Maritine Townes thereabouts, to give notice that Edward King of England was upon the Coasts, to visit his Brother-in-law and Sister, the Duke and Dutchesse of Burgoyne: The Lord Gronteer Governour of Alquemare being hereof informed, suspecting what was true, that the King of England was aborde those shippes, that the Easterlings had chased in; Hee presently mand out a Boate unto them with these messages, that the King of England was in league with that Country, and his subjects and shipping should ride safe in that harbour, without impeachment of any man, and therefore commanded them in the Dukes name, not to disturbe the English in their landing, as they would run the hazard of the Cannon from the Towne, by which meanes the King was permitted quietly to come on shore, and was honourably entertained by the Governour, who conducted him to the Hage, where they stayed the comming of the Duke.

King Edward having now almost in a miraculous manner past the pikes in his owne Kingdome, and the perills both of Seas and Pirates, presuming that Gods providence had protected him for some good purpose; Hee by the advise of his Sister (who in all things exprest her selfe, a dutifull Wife to her Husband, but a deere friend to her Brother) did intimate unto the Duke, that hee had now under God none to relie upon in this l [...]s extremity but himselfe, [Page] and therefore hee earnestly doth sollcite him for present succours, which hee obtaineth, but whilst forces are raising, to secure King Edwards returne out of Holland, his Queene Elizabeth forsaketh the Tower, and secretly taketh Sanctuary at Westminster upon report of Warwicks approach, who made the King Edward craveth succour of the Duke of Burgoyne. Queene Elizabeth taketh Sanctuary at Westminster. more hasty march for London, for that hee was informed, That some seditious persons about Kent, such that only awaited opportunitie to fish in troubled waters, more out of greedy desire to gaine bootie then get glory, had plotted the pillaging of London; from which they were hardly restrained, notwithstanding the carefull, resolute, and industrious courses of the Maior and his Compeeres.

These Scatter-goods played reaks about Limehouse, & places adjoyning, untill the Earle of Warwick suppressed them, and made exemplary punishment Rebells of Kent suppressed by Warwicke. to bee inflicted upon many of them, to the great content of the more soberminded people; And much commendation from the Citizens for his care of the Cities safety.

Execution of these pillages done, VVarwicke commeth to the Tower, which two dayes before the Maior by a bloodlesse stratagem had entred, and King Henry set at libertie. did now make good on the the behalfe of King Henry, who was by him removed out of his hold of durance, into his owne lodging, and there served according to his state, which the Earle of VVarwicke (as the more sensible of the two) did more congratulate then the King himselfe.

King Henry upon the sixt day of October, accompanied with the Archbishop of Yorke, the Prior of Saint Iohns, the Bishop of London, the Duke of Clarence, the Earle of Warwicke and other Nobles, with great solemnitie was conducted through London to the Bishops Pallace; where hee rested untill the thirteenth of that moneth, on which day hee went in solemne procession about Pauls Church, (wearing his imperiall Crowne) the Earle of Warwicke bearing up his traine, and the Earle of Oxford the Sword before him, in whom it appeared, that mortality was but the stage of mutabilitie.

The next day, as the usuall adjunct of like proceedings, in all usuall places about London, King Edward was proclaimed an Vsurper, and all his partakers and abettors, Traitors to God and the King, whereof Iohn Lord Tiptoft Earle of VVorcester, as a partaker with King Edward was made the first example, and on that day beheaded at Tower-hill; Hee had to wife Elizabeth, sister and heire of Sir VValter Hopton Knight, by whom hee had issue Edward, who after did succeed him in the Earledome.

The high Court of Parliament (as a cloake to cover all bracks of eruption in the State) is assembled at Westminster, wherein King Edward and all his A Parliament. knowne friends and followers are attainted of high Treason, and all their lands and goods seized on to King Henryes use; And like a Well with two buckets, whereof one came up full to be empticd, the other goes downe empty to bee fill'd, one Parliament set up an Edward, and puts downe Henry, and the next acknowledgeth Henry and explodeth Edward. George Plantaget Duke of Clarence is by the authoritie of this Parliament adjudged to bee heire to Richard Duke of Yorke his father, and that Dutchy was likewise The Crowne entayled upon Clarence. settled upon him, (notwithstanding the primogeniture of Edward) and his heires; The Crowne of England was likewise entayled for want of heires males of the body of King Henry upon Duke George and his heires for ever, so proclive was the Parliament to give consent to whatsoever by the Earle of Warwicke on the behalfe of King Henry (in which Well hee alwayes interwove some threds that might seeme for the strengthening of his Sonne-in-lawes good respect towards him) was proposed: By which meanes Clarence [Page] was kept within the Verge hitherto of the Earle of Warwickes devotion.

Iasper Earle of Penbrooke, and Iohn Earle of Oxford, are fully restored to Honour and lands.

Clarence and Warwicke, are made Governours of the King and kingdome, and all things both in Parliament, Court and Councell consented unto, and concluded on, as they would propose and appoint.

The Queene is sent for into France, but shee as if appointed, not to tast any of the cup of her Husbands fairer fortunes, is kept backe by contrary windes, so that during the Winter season, against the Kings will and her owne desires, shee is kept on the other side the Sea.

Elizabeth Queene to King Edward is in the meane time in the Sanctuary The Queene delivered of a Sonne. at Westminster delivered of a Sonne christened by the name of Edward.

Warwicke, that nothing might seeme to bee left undone, that might conduce to the good of the Common-wealth, and advantagious to their proceeding, sent divers Companies over to Callice, from thence to infest the Duke of Burgoines Dominions; And it is not unworthy the observation the peoples levitie, that whom as yesterday they had proclaimed Traitour, and despightfully traduced; That the bruite of his returne into England, was no sooner spread, but the Earle of Warwickes Cognizance the Beare and the ragged Staffe was worne in every mans cap, yea Monsieur Vocleere was contented to surrender his new Patent, and accepted of his former deputation now confirmed, and weare the Earles Livery, which he was pleased to vouchsafe him, notwithstanding his former uncivill and unrespective demeanour, both towards him and the Ladyes in his company.

The Duke of Burgoyne being sensible of this storme which was likely to fall upon him, both from the French King and the Calliceans, if not warily prevented, wisely so wrought with the Duke of Clarence, That the truce formerly concluded betwixt him and King Edward, should in all things bee ratified and confirmed, the Kings name only altered to Henry; But with this cautionary restriction, that no ayde should bee given to his Brother-in-law King Edward: And hereof assurance by oath is given. Neverthelesse within short time after, whither by the Duke or Dutchesses meanes, it is doubtfull, but by one of theirs Edward was furnished with eighteene tall ships, and two thousand Dutchmen, and with fifteene thousand Florens of gold; Thus furnished, hee tooke land at a place called Ravenspur in Yorkshire, in which An. 1471. R. 11. place hee found but cold entertainment; Neverthelesse as one that had no other hope left, but that little stay hee had taken hold of: hee made a wary march to Yorke, where likewise hee found no great expression of welcome, so that he was enforced most unlike himselfe, to make use of the Divels sophistry, and by most execrable oathes to winne beliefe the sooner amongst the Inhabitants of Yorke, hee seriously vowed, according as hee had prepublished in his passage thither; That hee only challenged the benefit of his birth-right, which was the Inheritance of the Dutchy of Yorke, unlawfully with strong hand with-held against him, utterly disclaiming any intention hee had to lay any claime to the Crowne of England, which hee seemed ingeniously to acknowledge to bee King Henryes indubitable right. The Citizens credulitie was such, that they upon these protestations, and upon taking the Sacrament King Edward is admitted into Yorke. to use the Citizens fairely, and to bee true liegeman to King Henry permitted him entrance, which before they utterly denyed him; But hee was no sooner entred, but that hee gave them a sufficient taste of his intendment, which was not to want any thing, whereof in that place hee might bee by any [Page] meanes furnished; And having well refreshed his men, and furnished himselfe An. 1471. R. 11. with what men, money, and victuals the Citie could affourd him, having left a sufficient garrison to keepe the Citie to his owne use; Hee marched towards London, waging by the way all the souldiers, that either threats, promises, or money could winne or procure.

The Marquesse Mountacute, whose actions and carriage were alwayes reserved and obscure from the vulgar, yea so disputable and doubtfull amongst his owne Brothers and Allyes; That none but himselfe could expatiate them; Hee now when hee had power sufficient to doe it, did not impeach King Edwards passage about Pomfret, but suffered him to passe by him not fought with, for which hee was much condemned by his Brother and deservedly, for had Edward beene then but a little shaken, hee had dyed at roote; Being come to Nottingham, divers of the Nobilitie came to him, making tender of their service, but with this proviso, that hee would resolutely take upon him, the stile and Title of King, and accordingly take his State, which hee without much contradiction was contented (his former oath to the contrary, being no scruple to his conscience) to consent unto; And as a river running farre from its first rising, is still augmented by the accesse of other brookes and waters falling into it, so King Enwards Army encreased by marching onward to a great number.

The Earle of Warwicke upon notice of these proceedings, leaving King Henry at London, hasted towards his Towne of Warwicke, from whence he sent to the Duke of Clarence to advertise him of these occurrences, desiring his speedy accesse thither, where hee would abide his comming; But the Duke lingring out the time, and made not that speed that was expected, and the businesse in hand required, which gave cause of suspition of his tergiversation; Warwicke entrencheth at Coventry. whereupon Warwicke with his forces withdrew toward Coventry, where hee strongly entrencheth, and fortifies himselfe, whither King Edward followeth him, and often provoked him to issue forth; But hee wisely not being very confident of his souldiers fidelitie or courage (as yet untried) refused, keeping himselfe close within his Trenches; Whereupon King Edward marcheth to VVarwicke, perswading himselfe, that that course (if any thing could) would draw the Earle to fight; But when that prevailed not, hee bent his course towards the Duke of Clarence, who with his forces made show to give him battell; But when both their Armies were in sight, the Duke of Glocester so wrought betweene them, that they were both overtly reconciled, as they privately were before, and their forces were conjoyned; The three brothers, now by faire promises, and liberall offers assayed to win the Earle of VVarwicke to embrace faire offers of favour and reconcilement, but hee readier to bee broken then bent, in stead of embracing these proffered courtesies, upbraided the Duke of Clarence with perjurie, and degenerate cowardlinesse, returning them answer; That hee would rather die like himselfe, then live and have to doe with such usurping disloyall and ill-conditioned base Turne-coates.

The King taking notice of his head-strong resolution with his two Brothers, and all their forces Vnited marcheth towards London, where after King Edward entreth London some little show of resistance, the Weathercocke Citizens moving like the eares of standing corne altogether which way soever the wind blew, received him with great applause, and lowd acclamations of welcome, delivering up unto him the miserable King Henry like a ball to bee bandied with the racket of his pleasure, into what hazard he pleased.

The Earle of Warwicke with all his forces warily followed them at the [Page] heeles, but could never find opportunitie as hee expected, either upon advantage An. 1471. R. 10. to cut off their rere, or hinder their approach to London; And having certaine intelligence, that King Edward was entred London, and King Henry reimprisoned, hee encamped at Saint Albones, aswell to refresh his souldiers, as to take counsell what course to take, and how to dispose of their journey.

King Edward being advertised of the Earle of VVarwicks approach, thinking it not fit to have him to advance too neere London, drew out his forces, and with them marcheth to meet his Adversary.

The resolution was equall on both parts, to set up their rests upon the hazard of that encounter upon Easter eve the King with his power lodged in Barnet towne, the Earle of VVarwicke encamped upon the hill betweene Saint Albones and Barnet, the Campes each in sight of other.

Early on Easter day in the morning (an unfit day chosen for so unpleasing a service to God,) The souldiers on both sides are put in array; The Earle of Warwicke appointed the command of the right wing which consisted of horse, to his Brother the Marquesse Mountacute and the Earle of Oxford; The least wing likewise consisting of horse, was led by the Duke of Exceter; and the battell consisting of Bills and Bowes, was conducted by the Duke of Somerset.

The Voward on the Kings part was commanded by the Duke of Glocester; The battell in which was King Henry, was led by King Edward himselfe, and the Lord Hastings brought on the rere.

There wanted on neither side befitting encouragement, to incite the souldiers to show themselves valiant, and each one to doe his endevour to conquer, the exhortations ended the fight began, and with great valour and resolution on both sides, maintained by the space of six houres, without any disadvantage on either part appearing, untill King Edward gave order to certaine fresh troopes of Rutters for that purpose reserved, to charge the now wearied battell of the enemy, which the Earle of Warwicke observing, alighted from his horse, with a desperate courage, hee entred amongst his Adversaries, Warwicke slaine. whom his brother the Marquesse Mountacute, in hope to reskue followed, and so were both enclosed and slaine; And with their fall, fell the victory to King Edwards part, who being assured thereof (leaving his Brothers to Marshall the field, and to take order for the quartering the souldiers) he with King Henry in his company went on the spurre to London, and there at Evening-song in Saint Pauls Church offered his Banner, and the Earle of Warwicks Standard.

On King Edwards part was slaine no man of extraordinary note, but the Lord Cromwell, Sonne and heire of the Earle of Essex, and the Lord Barnes, Sonne and heire of the Lord Say.

On the other part were slaine, the Earle of Warwicke, the Marquesse Mountacute, and three and twenty Knights; on both sides fell foure thousand six hundred and odde.

The bodyes of the Earle of Warwicke and his brother were stripped starke naked, and put in one coffin, and the next day brought to London, where in the body of Saint Pauls Church, they lay by the space of two dayes bare visaged.

This Earle of Warwick commonly stiled the Great Earle of Warwick, whose usuall phrase was, That hee had rather bee able to set up, or pull downe a King, then bee a King; was Richard Nevill, Sonne and heire of Richard nevill Earle of Salisbury, who married the Daughter of Richard Beauchampe, [Page] the sixt Earle of Warwicke, in whose right hee was Earle of An. 1472 R. 11. Warwicke, and in his owne Earle of Salisbury, and Lord Mounthermer, hee was great Chamberlaine, and Lord high Admirall of ENGLAND, Lord Warden of the North-Marches towards SCOTLAND, and of the Cinque-ports, Captaine of Callice, and high Steward of the Dutchy of Lancaster, hee had issue two Daughters, ISABELL married to GEORGE PLANTAGGNET Duke of Clarence, and ANNE first married to EDVVARD, titulary Prince of Wales, and after to Richard the Vsurper.

Iohn Nevill Brother to the said Earle, was first Created Lord Mountague, Marquesse Mountacute. after that Earle of Northumberland, upon the attainder and banishment of Henry Piercy Earle thereof; But upon his returne into England, and restoring in blood, Nevill surrendred his graunt of the Earledome of Northumberland, and was Created Marquesse Mountacute, hee married Isabell Daughter and heire of Sir Edmond Inglesthorpe Knight, and had issue.

George Nevill Created Duke of Bedford, but aftere degraded by Act of Parliamhnt, and five Daughters, who after their Brothers decease (which dyed without issue) were Coheires of his estate.

Anne married to Sir William Stonhurst Knight.

Elizabeth married to Thomas Lord Scroope of Risdale.

Margaret married to Sir John Mortimer Knight.

Lucy married to Sir Thomas Fitz-Williams Knight.

Isabell married to Sir William Huddleston Knight, and all these Daughters had issue.

After these Brothers had beene made a spectacle of mortalitie, and the subject of their spectators spight, scorne, or pitie, three dayes in that manner they were permitted to be carried to the Monastery of Bissam, and there in one grave buried amongst their Ancestors.

Queene Margaret when it was too late, with some French forces, landed at Waymouth, where having unwelcome tidings of this disastes, znd that the Duke of Excester supposed slaine, was strangely recovered, and had taken Sanctuary at Westminster, shee with her Sonne conveyed her selse to Bewly in Hampshire, where shee tooke Sanctuary, having sent her souldiers into Wales to Jasper Earle of Penbrooke, who with the Duke of Somerset, Thomas Courtney Earle of Devon. Iohn Lord Wenlocke, and some others repaired thither unto her. Amongst these it is resolved once more to bring their forces together into the field, and hazard one stroke more. From Bewley the Queene and the Earle of Somerset speed towards Bristoll, intending with what powers they could raise in Glocestershire, to march to VVales to joyne with Penbrooke, who was gone thither to make preparation accordingly.

The King made acquainted with these overtures, resolves if possible to crosse the conjunction, and followes Queene Margaret with a great power so close, that neere Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, hee overtakes her forces, who resolutely turne, and make head against the Kings power, where Somerset on the Queenes part leading on the Van, did performe the part of a good Commander, and a stout souldier, maintaining the fight for a long time resolutely and bravely; But when hee found his souldiers (thorugh wearinesse) begin to faint, and the Kings battaile came on, and that the Lord WENLOCKE which had the conduct of the battaile on the Queenes part moved not, [Page] So nerset rode unto him, and upbraiding him with Cowardise, with his Pollax beare out his braines; But before hee could bring in his men to the reskues, their Voward was rowted: and Iohn Earle of Devon (who had no issue) with three thousand and odde of the Queenes part were slaine.

Queene MARGARET, Iohn Beauford, the Duke of Somersets Queene Margaret taken prisoner. Brother, the Prior of Saint Iohns, Sir Jervis Clifton, and divers others were taken Prisoners, which all except Queene MARGARET were beheaded the next day; At which time Sir Richard Crofts presented to King EDVVARD, Prince EDVVARD, whom hee had taken Prisoner: King EDVVARD did at first receive him with a kind of countenance expressing more signes of reioycing to see a friend, then triumph of taking an enemy, and began to move familiar questions unto him, but not receiving such submissive satisfactory answers as hee required, and it may bee some of riper yeares upon the like occasion would have done, hee disdainfully thrust him from him, when presently the Dukes of Yorke and Clarence, Thomas Marquesse Dorset, and the Lord Hastings (the Kings backe being but turned) with their Poniards barbarously stabd into the breast, Prince Edw. slaughtered. and inhumanly murdered, against the law of God, Nature and Nations, which occasioned the revenge of his bloud afterwards in generall upon them all, and in particular upon every one of them.

The King having made conquest now in twenty dayes, of what great Warwicke had done before in eleven; with Queene MARGARET his prisoner, triumphantly marcheth towards London, from whence (as being assured, as long as there remained any of the partakers of King Henry at liberty, and in life, his death should bee alwayes plotting) hee sent Roger Vaughan, a potent Gentleman, and much reckoned of in his owne Countrey, to entrap Jasper Earle of Penbrooke, who had escaped with the Earle of Somerset from the last encounter; But Penbrooke having premonition of the plot, prevented the mischiefe, by giving Vaughan meanes to taste the same sauce, and strooke off his head; King EDVVARD lingreth about Coventry, expecting newes from Vaughan, but at once received notice both of Vaughans defeate, and newes that Thomas Bastard Fauconbridge employed by King HENRY at the appointment of great Warwicke to skowre the narrow Seas, had irritated new sedition; And true it was, that this Fauconbridge having at Sea encountred with many that had escaped from Tewkesbury battell, and were making for France, and by them being informed of the murther of Prince EDVVARD, and the incarcerating of Queene MARGARET, hee made all fish that came to net, and robbed and spoyled all that hee could come at, of amunition and able men, aswell Natives as Aliens, and had perswaded many of the old garrison souldiers of Callice, to the number of three hundred, under the conduct of Sir George Brooke to joyne with him, and had now drawne from all parts, all such as had escaped the former encounters, or were willing to purchase boote and pillage, and now did intend, to worke some stratagem against King EDVVARD and the kingdome; And with a well accomplisht Army of seventeene thousand men came to London, and in hostile manner commanded admission into the Citie, and the releasement of King HENRY out of prison; But was resisted and denyed by the Maior and Citizens on the one side, and the Lievtenant of the Tower on the other.

King Edward upon the first newes, knowing how dangerous delayes [Page] are, in matters of this nature, presently dispatched Marquesse Dorset with some competent troopes of Horse to secure London, whilst himselfe upon the sixteenth day of May▪ followes with his owne power, laying all the wayes to intercept any intelligence that might bee sent or received betwixt the Bastard and Penbrooke.

Fauconbridge thus denyed entrance, brings up his shipping to Saint Katherines, and leaving in them but men sufficient to receive the boot brought, takes out the most desperate and dangerous, and with them marcheth to Kingstone bridge, promising his souldiers by the way to give them the plundering of Westminster for their dinners, and of the Suburbes of London for their suppers, but London it selfe should bee their breakfast in the next morning; But finding King stone bridge broken downe, and all the places of passage guarded, ascertained of the Kings approach, and doubting to bee enclosed, hee altered his resolution, and with all his forces, withdrew into Saint Georges field, from whence hee prepared to assault the Citie of London; For the effecting whereof, hee landed all his ship Ordnance, and planted them all alongst the bankes side, and therewith battered downe many houses, and much annoyed the Citie, but having some religion in his rage, he gave order to the Cannoneeres to spare Churches and houses of religion; From Saint Katherines by Boat, hee past over three thousand men, giving them directions to divide themselves, and with one moitie, to assault Algate, and with the other Bishopsgate, whilst he with the residue laboured to gaine entrance by London bridge; The houses round about which he fired, all these places at once were desperatly attempted, threescore houses being fired upon the Bridge, they followed the fire, and recovered the draw-bridge, and then hee brought on his desperate Sea-men that inured to the water, would adventure farre in the fire, but by the directions of the Earle of Essex, who with divers Gentlemen were come in ayde of the Citizens, and were there quartered with their men, they had so barricadoed up the Bridge-foot, and planted great Ordnance to scowre the entrance that way, that the forward Bastard seeing no possibilitie of further approach without apparant destruction, having wit in his anger made a faire retreate. The Marquesse Dorset in the meane time from the waters side had droven the Cannoneeres from their Ordnance; But Captaine Spicing at Algate wonne the Bulwarke, and drove the Citizens from the Gate, entring pel mell with them, untill the Portcullis was let fall, when those had adventured too farre payed the price of their folly; Alderman Basset and the Recorder Vrswicke, who with a volant Regiment awaited to succour (where need should require) came to the reskew, and causing the Portcullis to be drawne up, made a brave sally forth, and drove the Rebells backe beyond Saint Buttolphs Church; which Earle Rivers Lieutenant observed well, (having all the day awaited with his men for advantage to give assistance) issued out of the Posterne with five hundred well-appointed Bow-men, who saluted the Rebells at their backes with such a showre of Arrowes, that they all amazed fled to their shippes, but were pursued, and seven hundred of them were cut off in their flight; Those that assayled Bishopsgate, hearing of their fellowes ill successe shrunke disorderly away, having first fired the Citie in many places, the stay to quench the rage of the fire, gave the assaylants the quieter meanes of retreate.

The fire upon the Bridge somewhat slaked, Alderman Iosselyne with a Companie of Citizens drawne from Leaden-hall, where the Corps de [...]guard was kept, valiantly (the great Ordnance being first from the [Page] Bridge-foot discharged) fell upon the Bastards troopes, and so plyed them with his shotte, that they turned backe and fledde, whom the Alderman followed to [...]tcliffe, slaughtering all he overtooke in their flight, and kept them from going on borde, their shippes. Fauconbridge commanded his shippes to fall downe to the Downes, whilst hee with much labour drew together his scattered troopes, and entrenched himselfe at Blacke-heath, comforting his company of the assurance of accession of the Welch, whom hee affirmed to bee upon march, to come to their assistance, with whose ayde hee promised them to worke wonders; But having expected their comming three dayes, victualls growing scarce, and hearing of the Kings approach, hee dismist his souldiers, taking as many with him as would adventure to Sea, hee left the rest to trie their fortunes on shore. King Edward upon the one and twentieth of May, with a great power came to London, where hee was Triumphantly received, which hee as thankfully required, giving the Order of Knighthood to the Maior, Recorder, and two Aldermen, Basset and Josceline, giving them respective commendations, both for their loyaltie and valours, promising upon the Word of a King, to requite the meanest of his good Citizens loves with ample satisfaction, as soone as the Common-wealth had recovered her quiet, which hee was confident now would be shortly; The clowdes that had so long covered it, being almost cleane dispersed; In the meane time the Duke of Gloucester tooke an occasion to visit King Henry in the Tower, where observing his unmoved behaviour, either out of pittie of his unbounded injury, or envy at his so settled patience; That though hee had lost his Crowne, his only Sonne, and all his assured friends, and was hopelesse ever after to see his Wife, the least of which was a losse unvaluable, and now had nothing left him but a little breath, yet hee seemed as though hee had lost nothing; or out of piety (which may bee doubted) to send him thither where hee might repaire all his losses with a much overplus of happinesse, Glocester with his Ponyard made a passage for the soule to goe King Henry murdered. out of the prison of the body, and the body to bee layed to sleepe amongst his fore-fathers, and as it were to give the world a taste of that blood-thirsty inclination, and Canniball condition, whereof his ensuing Tragicall murthers should give a more ample Testimonie, and to guild his Dagger with Royall blood, having there with first stabd the Sonne (a hopefull young Prince) now hee kill'd the Father, performing to him a mercifull act of an unmercifull actor.

The three and twentieth day of May, being Ascension day, the Corpes were conveyed by direction from the Councell with some little show of solemnitie of Funerall rites to Pauls Church, where hee lay all that day with his face vncovered. But that in sight of all the people, there or at the Blacke-Fryers, whither the body was that night conveyed, or in any other place, it bled in that quantitie, or in that manner, which the report of many gave out it did; I will not affirme, only say that true it is, the day following hee was from Black-Fryers conveyed in a Boate to Chertseu Abbey, without Priest or Clerke, Torch or Taper, saying or singing, and there buried: But afterwards at the appointment of King EDVVARD was removed to Windsor, an [...] there interred, and a faire Monument made over him.

Thus was hee freed from this thraldome, after hee had groned under [Page] the burden of a Crowne, thirty eight yeares sixe moneths and odde dayes, hee married as afore, Margaret Daughter of Rayner, Duke of Anion, by Proxie in Lorayne at the Citie of Tours in Saint Martins Church, in the presence of the French King and Queene; The King was Vncle to the Brides Father, and the Queene Aunt to her Mother: King Henry by her had issue, only Edward butchered as afore: This Margaret remained Prisoner in London, untill shee was ransomed by Duke Rayner her Father, and then departed into France, where shee lived and dyed King Henryes true Widow, that had beene his trustfull Wife. This King Henry in his lifetime had beene so truly a participant of both prosperitie and adversitie, That few can goe beyond him in both, if any his Predecessours could paralell him in either, being nine moneths old hee began his raigne over England, being wisely, warily, and watchfully, guided, guarded, reguarded by his three, wise, valiant, and respective Vncles, the Dukes of Gloucester, Exceter, and Bedford, as long as their triple twisted, triumvirate authority subsisted; In the eighth yeare of his Raigne hee was Crowned at Westminster; And in the eleventh yeare of his Raigne, hee was Crowned King of France, in our Lady Church at Paris; Thirtie yeares hee enjoyed all the benefits of peace within England, without any manifest interruption; And what content a bucksome and debonaire Queene could enrich him with; But in the three and thirtieth yeare of his Raigne hee was enforced to fight, after a great defeat given him at Saint Albones; And in the eight and thirtieth yeare of his Raigne, his Armie was defeated at Northampton by great Warwicke, and there by him taken Prisoner: The yeare following hee is by Queen Margaret his Wife set at libertie, but in the same yeare after the overthrow given him at Mortimers Crosse, both hee and his Queene were compelled to flye out of the Realme the one to Scotland, the other into France. Hee is afterwards taken Prisoner at Selby in Lancashire, and brought Prisoner to the Tower, from whence hee shortly delivered, and restored by him that first tooke him Prisoner, and last left him there (great Warwicke) for his sake. Edward the fourth is compelled to fly for ayde into Holland, and is Proclaimed Traytour, whilst Henry againe is Vested in royaltie; But the yeare following hee is againe taken Prisoner in the Bishops Pallace at London, and sent Prisoner to the Tower, for whose releasement whilst Warwicke strives, both himselfe and Brother lose their lives at the field fought at Barnet, and young Prince Edward upon the same occasion is murdered after the overthrowe given to his Mother at Tewksbury, besides many of the royall blood, and his Noble friends massacred and butchered in other places, yet hee in both estates so demeaned himselfe, that hee modestly carried the one, and moderately underwent the other, Passion at no time drowning his judgement, nor will at any time domineering over his Reason; yea, such was his deportment, that the inconstancie of his state could not alter the constancy of his minde; Insomuch that one of his Successours King Henry the Seventh, laboured for that only vertue, to have Canonized to be a Saint, and had obtained to have had it done, had not the charges thereof so farre exceeded mediocrity, for the (fees or expences to make a King a Saint are much more then the expences to Canonize a Clergie man) caused him to leave it undone, so that for want of one to disburse the money King HENRY lost a Feast day, and his name a place in the Almanacke, it is most evident his integritie of life was such, that his [Page] Confessour a grave and reverend Doctor confidently avouched, That in tenne yeares together, in all which time hee monethly at least received his Confession, hee never could gather, that hee had in thought, word, or deed, committed that, that in his thought might deserve the injunction of penance.

His continencie was such, that before his marriage, hee would permit no Woman, to have any thing to doe in his Chamber, nor ever would touch woman, but by way of orderly salutation, and that so seldome, that it was taken for a great grace to them so by him saluted.

At a Christmasse time a Maske of Women being presented unto him, whereof some of them showed there (at this day too commonly used) naked breasts, hee left the presence, crying, Fie, fie, Ladyes, in sooth you are to blame, to bare those parts to the eye of man, that nature appointed modestie to conceale.

Hee was so farre from Vindicative disposition of injuries, or affronts offered to his Person, that hee would give thankes to God, that did so permit men to punish his transgressions in this life, that so hee might escape the punishment for them hereafter.

Hee was so watchfull over his words, that he was never heard to sweare oath, his greatest and most earnest asseveration, being for the most part, forsooth, forsooth, or Verely, verely.

Hee was so farre from Covetousnesse, that when the Executours of his Vncle (stiled the rich Bishop of Winchester) made offer unto him of two thousand pounds of free gift, hee refused it, wishing them to take care of orderly performance of their dutie, in duly accomplishing the Testatours Will, and not to consume the estate left them for better uses in bribery, or unnecessary donations.

Hee was so religiously affected, that hee duly observed his Canonicall obedience to the strictest injunction of the Church, and at times of fast (thereby commanded) hee not only observed the abstinence prescribed, but used other uninjoyned meanes of mortification, by wearing Faire shirts next his skinne, and tying himselfe to that austerity of life, and strictnesse of discipline, that the strictest and most religious penitentiary could doe no more.

Hee was so inclinable to pittie, that when hee spied the quarter of a Traitour set over one of the gates of London upon a pole, hee caused the same instantly to bee taken downe and buried, saying, I will not have such crueltie executed against a Christian after death for my sake, it is enough if not too much that hee received the punishment of death for his offence.

His patience was such, that to one that strooke him when hee was taken prisoner, hee only said, forsooth you doe wrong your selfe more then mee to strike the Lords annointed.

To another that (when hee was in Prison) had drawne blood of him with a weapon, when after hee was at libertie, and the partie that had given him the wound was brought before him, hee freely pardoned him, saying, Alas poore soule, hee strooke mee more to winne favour with others then any ill-will hee bare mee; of that happy memory, that hee never forgot any thing but injury. Lastly, his courage in a good cause, appeared in this, that being a little before his death in a peremptorie manner demaunded by the Duke of Gloucester, why hee had held the Crowne so long unjustly from the rightfull heire, boldly thus answered, [Page] My father was Crowned King of England, and quietly without contradiction enioyed the same, as my Grandfather his Father had hald the same before him, and I but a child was Proclaimed undubitate heire thereto, and was accordingly sacred and Crowned King without interruption, first of England and afterwards of France, all men to me as to my ancestors swearing and doing fealty and homage, and so I have held England wel-ny Thirty nine yeares; And therefore I may say with the holy King and Prophet David, My lat is fallen in a faire ground, yea, I have a goodly heritage, my helpe is in the Lord, which will save the upright in heart.

His pious intention for provision for competent maintenance for Prophets and Prophets children, appeareth by his testamentary appointment for the building, and endowing Kings Colledge in Cambridge, and Eaton Colledge by Windsor: And other like Donations appointed by his last Will.

King Edward presently after the interment of King Henry, drawes his forces toward Sandwitch in Kent, where some of the followers of Fauconbridge, to the number of eight or nine hundred, had in the Castle thereof strongly fortified themselves; Who upon notice of the Kings approach in Person, sent Sir George Brookes unto him with this message, that if hee would vouchsafe them (which they humbly desired) his gratious Pardon, so as they might bee assured to have their lives, limmes, and liberty saved, they would surrender into his hands the Castle, with their shipping and all things therein, and submit themselves in all obedience to his command, and sweare which hitherto they never had done, from thenceforth for ever to continue his faithfull, loyall, and obedient subjects; But if this mercy were denyed them, they were resolute to fight it out to the last man, fire the shipping, and sell their lives at the deerest rate, neither were they so destitute of promised assistance, that they had any just cause to despaire of their relievement, if they should abide the hazard, (being sufficiently victualed to hold out for six moneths) of being besieged.

The Councell having throughly debated of the proposition, by the Kings appointment, and by the instigation of the Duke of Glocester, they advised the King to attonement with them, and hee accordingly granted their request, and marching to Canterbury, there sealed, and from thence sent by the Duke of Glocester (who now began to affect popularity, and endeere himselfe to souldiers,) their generall Pardon, who bringing it unto them, forgot not to acquaint them, with what difficultie hee had obtained the same at the Kings hands.

Vpon the receipt thereof, both Castle and ships to the number of thirteene, are delivered up to the Duke for the Kings use; But how this composition was observed, may bee imagined; when Fauconbridge (who was comprised in the same Pardon) was afterwards taken and executed at Southampton; And Spicing and Quintine the Captaines that assayled Algate and Bishopsgate at London, and were Commanders, and in Sandwitch Castle at the surrender thereof, were presently beheaded at Canterbury, and their heads sent to bee placed on poles on those gates at London, they had severally assaulted; And by a Commission of oyre and terminer, divers both in Essex and Kent, were arraigned and condemned for this rebellion, but more for that put to fine & ransome then death, to the great impoverishing of the Yeomen of Kent, and undoing the Gentlemen of Essex.

The King upon Whitson eve returneth to London, where (advised thereto by his Councell) hee sent great Warwickes Brother the Archbishop of Yorke, to bee kept prisoner in the Castle of Guisnes, and the Earle of Oxford, [Page] who had submitted himselfe upon pardon of life only) to the Castle of Ann. 1472 R. 12. Hams, and layed all the Ports for the stopping of the Earle of Penbrookes going out of England, which hee neverthelesse afterwards did with the young Earle of Richmond.

King Edward much displeased, with the escape of the Earle of Penbrooke, but more of that of Richmond, (by how-much the one could but abet, the other might lay claime) sent his Letters over to the Duke of Britaine, whither those two Earles had found meanes to convey themselves, and were in Britanny by him kindly entertained, intimating therein his earnest desire, either to have them sent over to him, or at least watchfully kept from attempting any thing (which he had iust causte to suspect they would) to his prejudice, by their being at liberty, with many promises of thankfull respect, for this courtesie if granted, and for an earnest thereof sent him a token, worthy the receiving, which so prevailed with the Duke, that the two Earles were debard each others company, and all their English attendants taken from them and Britons appointed in their places, which somewhat satisfied the King of England, but gave no content to the English Gentlemen in France.

A Parliament is called at Westminster wherein all acts formerly made by him, are confirmed. And those that King Henry after his redemption of the An. 1473. R. 13. Crowne had abrogated, were revived, And an ordinance made for the confiscation of all their lands and goods: that had taken part against him, and were fled, with a restauration, of all such as for his part had beene attainted, both to blood, and patrimony.

Towards his charges: in this Parliament, a competent summe of mony is voluntarilie given, and in respect thereof a generall pardon is granted.

The Duke of Burgoyne, not willing that his courtesies formerly done to his brother in law should be thought upon, and willing to ingulph him in the warres of France. That he in the meane time might have the better opportunitie to worke some malicious stratagem against the French king; sends over Embassadors, with ample instructions, to solicit the King of England, to set on foot his title to the Crowne of France, making great offers with protestations, to ayd and assist him therein; both with purse and person.

The Embassadors have audience, and after much debating the poynt amongst the privy Councell, it was thus amongst them concluded.

1 That the Crowne of France, was not ambitiously affected. But the title thereof legally Challenged as the unquestionable right of the now King of England.

2 That the French warres (if orderly pursued) alwayes enriched English Souldiers.

3 That France being made the seat of the war it would keepe them from making invasion on England, and hinder them from supporting any against the King of England.

4 That the French King had in an unsufferable fashion given an affront to the King of England, in ayding and abetting Queene Margaret, and her trayterous complices against him, and prohibiting any his true subiects to reside within his territories. And in continually sending combustible stuffe to feed the fire of rebellion, which had so disquieted the common-wealth of England.

5 That the King of France, infested the Duke of Burgonies Countries with warres, who was a friend and Collegue with the King of England, and one that was in league with him both offensive and defensive.

Therefore this proposition from the Duke of Burgoin to vndertake the [Page] warres against France, was to be approved of, as being both lawfull and behoofefull for the honour of the King and the good of the Kingdome.

But the meanes how to pursue the warre being once undertaken was an other cause considerable. For treasure (the sinewes of warre) was wanting, and to procure a supply by Parliamentary courses would take up too much time. They were therefore driven to find out and set on foote a proiect till then unheard of, which was to draw by way of benevolence from the subject, a seeming voluntary, (howsoever often very unwillingly payed) contribution, Thereby to supply the want of mony for the pursuance of these warres.

To this end divers Commissioners are assigned, with letters to the knights and Gentlemen, and severall instructions are sent into every County, who did therein so effectually Comply themselues to doe the King service, that by their perwasions most men of abilitie did enlarge their contributions to this so faire an enterprise, and readily departed with their mony. And a Kings kys to a sparing and therefore, a rich widdow, amongst many others drawne in by Court holy water to make oblation, brought in twenty pounds more then was demanded, for that being but twenty she gave forty. A Kings kys to a rich widdow procured 40. where but 20. was expected.

It is almost a matter of admiration in these dayes, how in those dayes, The King could out of this little Island, be furnished with able men for his warres, old men women, and children, with sufficient meate to put in their mouthes; the Cleargy, and Schollers with competent maintenance, and the markets with necessary provision, considering the infinite number of those in the late Civill broyles slaughtered, the paucitie of Ploughmen and husbandmen, the want of farmers, and the indigency of Cattell wherewith to stocke their farmes, infinite quantities of ground lying unmanurde or tilled, and the pastures and downes without sheepe or Cattell. The generall spoyle and wastment, which the Souldiers wheresoever they came (and that was almost every where) in this kingdome made, and the generall ceasing and neglect of commerce or trafficke, the shipping not daring to stir abroad, the danger being so great to be robbed and spoyled either by hombred pirates or forraine foes; yet such was Gods great mercies that every one of these respectively were supplied, and did subsist without any notable defect, or extraordinary want.

Henry Holland Duke of Exceter, and Earle of Huntington dishinherited An. 1474. R. 14. by act of Parliament, with Henry Duke of Somerset, and Thomas Earle of Devonshire, in the fourth yeere of King Edward the fourth was this The Duke of Exceter found dead. yeare found dead, stript naked betwixt Dover, and Callice, but how hee came by his death no inquiry could bring to light, he married Anne daughter of Richard Duke of Yorke and sister to Edward the fourth, but had no issue by her: she was after married to Sir Thomas Saytleoger and had issue by him a daughter to George Mannors Lord Rosse of H [...]mlack.

Provision for this French expedition of all things necessary being throughly made, aad order taken for the quiet government of the kingdome in his absence, and the stop of incursiones, if any should by the Scots be made, King Edward with an army of fifteene hundred men at armes, and all of the nobility and Gentry gallantly mounted, and wel attended with fifteene thousand archers on horsebacke, eight thousand common souldiers (whereof five thousand were sent to Brittaine) and three thousand pioners to attend the ordnance and garde the Carriage, came downe to Dover, whither the Duke of Burgoine had sent five hundred skutes or flat bottombd boates to transport the horse to Callice: yet notwithstanding that helpe it was above [Page] two and twenty dayes before the Kings forces were all past over to Callice. Before the Kings departure from Dover, because hee would Ann. 1474 R. 4. witnesse to the world his faire and legall proceeding hee sent an Harold named Gorter a Norman by birth, with a letter of defiance in faire and King Edward writes to the French King. fitting termes, requiring the French King to yeeld unto him the Crowne of France his unquestionable inheritance; by the French King unjustly detained from him; which if he should dare to deny, that then he was to expect from England, but what the extremity of the sword and the Calamities of warre could bring upon him and his Country. This letter the French king read, and withdrawing himselfe caused the Harold to be brought to his presence, to whom in private he gave this answer. That the Duke of Burgoyn and the Constable (by whose trayterous instigation and not of his owne inclination) he knew the King of England, intended to visite France, would but delude him, for they were dissemblers and impostors. And therefore said it would conduce more to the honor and content of the King of England, to continue in league with mee, though an old adversary, then to hazard the fortune of the warres, upon the promised assistance, of new-come deceivers, such as those two will prove. And so Commend me to the King thy Master, and say what I have told thee: and so with an 300. crowns in gold and 30. yards of red velvet. honourable reward dismissed the Harold who returned to the King of England to Callice. And there returned the French Kings answer.

This advise though from an enemie if followed, had saved the King of England a great deale of mony: For the Duke of Burgoyne, notwithstanding his promise in the word of a Prince not to faile, was not at the time, and place appointed, ready with his forces, which should have beene by pact and promise two thousand Lanceers and foure thousand stradiots or light horse. Whereupon the Lord Scales is by the King of England sent to the Duke to put him in minde of his promise, and to hasten his comming with his promised forces. But the journey was to little purpose, onely it occasioned the Duke with a small Troope of horse to come unto the King of England, formally to excuse himselfe, for beeing so backward: in that he having with his forces beene embroyled in the siege of Nants, could not depart thence without infinite The duke of Burgoyn excuseth his breach of promise. disgrace, if neither Composition or submission were enforced, which now notwithstanding, because hee would not too much trespasse upon his brother in lawes patience to have longer expected hiscomming, he was by the obstinacy of the besieged enforced to do. But promised to supply all defects both with his presence and power and that speedily.

The Constable likewise by letters perswades the King of England to proceed in the action, and not to doubt from the Duke and himselfe, but The Constable repromiseth ayd. to be sufficiently accommodated every way, and seconded.

King Edward thus encouraged marcheth on. But in his way found no performance of promises either on the Dukes, or Constables part. For the first did not at their comming to Peroone accommodate the souldiers with victuall or lodging, in that manner as was requisite and expected. And the other in steed of surrendring up of S. Quintayns according to the agreement, made a sally out upon such as were sent from the King of England to receive the same, playing upon them with their great ordnance. Whereupon King Edward comparing the last dayes words with this dayes actions, began to suspect the truth of the Kings description of the Duke & Constables condition, and from thence forward stood upon his own gard, and gaveno further credence to any of their protestations, which the Duke of Burgoyne [Page] resenting; pretending earnest occasions for the hasting forward of his forces, An. 1474 R. 14. and promising speedy returne with them taketh his leave and departeth, wherewith the English are displeased, and King Edward not a little disquieted. Burgoyne departeth promising speedy returne.

The French King having intelligence of the Dukes departure, forcasting the worst, suspecteth that the Duke was (with an intent to returne) gone to bring on his power, well knowing that if they should unite their forces, his Crowne was in great hazard to be pluckt from him. Neverthelesse hee thought that winter being so neere they could not well keepe the field, howsoever being his crafts Master, and politicke enough to worke his own ends which hee seldome fayled in, he resolved with himselfe to assay what might be done to mediate a peace with the English in Burgoins absence, And yet The policy of the French King. so to retreate, that if it tooke not effect he might disclaime the knowledge of the overture, he therefore privately dispatcheth a messenger in show, of an Herhought indeed hee was a fellow neither of Office or estimation, and not knowne to any of the Kings houshould, but to Villeers the Master of the horse who onely was acquainted with the plot and partie This Counterfeit pursevant at armes, with a Coate made of a Trumpets banner rowle, ad dressed himselfe to the King of England, and upon admission to his presence, insinuates the French Kings desire, which was to have Commissioners on both parts consigned to conferre of the means, to reconcile the differences betwixt the two Kings: at least-wise to conclude the cessation from warres for some time: and so well this messenger: delivered his arrand; That it was credited and his request granted, and with a reward and a letter of safe conduct, for such as should be imployd from the French King in this businesse is returned and an Herhaught likewise King Edward sends an Herald of armes to Lewis. from King Edward is sent to King Lewis, for the like letter of safe conduct to bee sent for those, that from the English Campe, should be imployed in this negotiation, which is accordingly granted, and at a village neere Amiens the Commissioners meete. For King Edward appeare the Lord Howard, Sir Anthony S. Leoger. Chalenger, and Doctor Morton, after made Lord Chancellor of England.

For King Lewis, came the Admirall of France, the Lord S. Peirs and Heberg Bishop of Eureux.

After long conference the Articles of peace were concluded on to this effect.

1 The French King was to pay presently to the King of England threescore and fifteene thousand Crownes. And from thence forth annually pay fifty thousand Crownes during the life of King Edward.

2 That within one yeere the French King should send for the Princesse Elizabeth the king of Englands daughter, & ioyne her in marriage to the Dolphine. And for their maintenance for nine yeeres, the French King agreed to allowe them fifty thousand crownes per annum: and that time expired, they should peaceably be invested in the possession of the Dutchy of Gayen, for the better supportation of their estate.

3 That the Lord Howard, and Sir Iohn Cheney Master of the horse should remayne in hostage there, untill the army had altogether quitted France, and were returned into England, and a generall peace for nineyeers wherin Burgoine and Brittaine are included if they will accept thereof. The way made the easier for the compassing this so profitable a conclusion, by Lewis his offring to every Saint a Candle, for he distributeth sixteene thousand crownes amongst King Edwards Councellors, and favorites, two thoutwo [Page] thousand Crownes to Hastings the Kings Chamberlaine, and to the Lord Howard, Sir Iohn Cheney, Sir Arthur Chauenger or Sellinger, and Mountgomery theresidue, besides great store of Plate and jewels distributed amongst inferior officers of the Court.

The motives that induced King Edward, the sooner to condesend to this accord were.

1 The vacillation and instabiltie, of the Duke of Burgoyne, and the Constable, they never performing any the agreements really concluded on.

2 The extremitie of winter approching, the present want of fodder, and the not having any strong place or fort to shelter the souldier in.

The impossiblitie of raising any more great forces for reliefe, if necessitie should require to be seconded the late Civill warres having almost eaten out the most and best souldiers in England.

4 The emptinesse of the Treasury, and alwayes of supply being taken off.

The Duke of Glocester onely, whose braines were busie at worke, about great designes, the easie compassing whereof, hee deemed unpossible in case the warres with France were not pursued, opposed this accord, neverthelesse it proceeded, and notice therof is presently sent to the Duke of Burgoyne, who thereupon onely with fifteene hundred horse posts to the English Campe, At Burgoyne retornes displeased. his first arrivall he discovers his inward passion by his outward countenance. But he came to late too prevent what was done. King Edward perswades him to enter into the peace according to the reservation. But Charles reprocheth K. Edward for entring into such a truce, saying that K. Edwards predecessors had with their armies performed many brave & notable exploites upon the French & purchased thereby fame and reputation, and that he had brought his souldiers, but to show them the Country, & returne as they came, adding therwithall, That to make it appeare to the world, that he was able without the helpe of the English, to subsist of himself he disclaimed any benefit by that truce, or any other reconciliation with the French: untill three months after the English had remained in their owne Country. But when King Edward not well pleased with this French bravado, retorted unto him the base and forgetfull neglect both on the Constables part, and his, of not being their words Masters. The Duke in a great snuffe returnes to Luxenburg from whence he came.

For the better confirmation of what was agreed upon, and setling of amitie betwixt the two Kings an interview is desired, but before the same is effectuated, the French King sends unto the English armye, an hundred Tun of Gasooyne wine to be drunke out, amongst the private soulders and therewith free licence at pleasure for Commanders and Gentlemen of ranke and qualitie to recreate themselues in Amiens, where they were freely and fairely entertained by the Burgers at the kings expresse commandement. The commanders in chiefe at their returne, were well rewarded with jewels and plate, for their faire deportment, and the orderly carriage of The French Kingliberally rewardeth the good carriage of the English. their Souldiers during the aboad there: and not without good cause for hadnot their behaviour bin the better, the number of those that were there had bin sufficient to have done much mischiefe, or made themselves Masters of the town. A place of interview of these two Kings is agreed on, & against the time appointed all things are orderly prepared & readily fitted at the charge of the The manner of the internew of the 2 Kings. French king by the English Carpenters, foure of the bed Chamber on both sides are appoynted to search the contrary end of the roome to prevent traps or instruments of trechery lest any, thing might bee pottedor practised to the preujudice of their Masters. They returne certifyingl mnia bene the Kings advanace [Page] themselves, K. Edward being come in sight of the place, maketh a stand as being told, the omission of any circumstance, in point of honour might reflect upon not wisely forecasting all passages of state, and knowing to attend the first offer of the ceremony, would much take of frō the dignity of his state which although King Lewis perhaps did apprehend, yet hee would not stand to straining of curtesie, and fearing to loose the faire opportunity, to give two blowes with one stone (free himselfe from their presence whose breath was to hot for his company, & weaken therby the arme of an overweening neighbour,) he gave the K. of England the advantage to come at his pleasure, whilst first to the bar appointed for conference. And there did attend King Edwards leasure, he had in his company Iohn Duke of Bourbon, with his brother the Cardinal, and was attended with 800. men at armes. King Edward comes with his brother the Duke of Clarence, (Glocester wanting moderation with patience to admit a Court complement in the sight of an army, with a French man) excused his not comming the Earle of Northumberland, the Lords Chamberlaine and Chancellor, and at his backe his whole army in battaile aray. The kings lovingly embrace each other & court cringes, & complements of courtesie reciprocally passe, which finished, they with their nobles then present all take their oathes upon the holy Evangelists, in all things pro posse to observe the articles of accord concluded on as afore. Then all were cō manded to withdraw, themselves whilst the two kings fall into private conference, concerning the Dukes of Burgoyne and Britany. Lewis leaves not a string untoucht that might make muficke for his profit. And having felt the K. of Englands pulse not to beate over strongly on behalfe of his brother in law, & that on his part he desired but respit until he might receive answer of a message he would send, to the D. & that if he refused to accept of the benefit of the accord, he would leave him to the French K. pleasure, he leaves further speech of him & earnestly importnes that Britayn might be left out of their articles, which K. E. utterly denies, affirming that he had found the D. an open hearted & opehanded friend to his in his extremity, & therfore would not now leave him unregarded. Lewis observing Ed. countenance in delivery of those words thought it no policie to strain that string any higher but with all curtesie takes his leave, giving many kind words & some tokens of favour to some noblemen & all the officers: & so departeth yet after he was gone: not throughly disgesting the K. of Englands defence of the D. of Britaine; he makes a second motion unto him to the former purpose by letter: from whom he received King Edward could not be drawne from ayding the Duke of Brittayne. this resolute answer, that if the French K. desired the friendship of England he should not molest the D. of Britayne, for he was resolved in person to come at any time for his defence, if the Duke of Britaine were disturbed wherupon K. Lewis rested satisfied though not contented, whilst K. Edw. forslowed no time to acquaint the Duke of Britayne with all the passages, some think that had not the desire of compassing the E. of Richmond and Pembrook now in the D. of Britaines countries bin a better motive, then any respect unto the D. the French K. might have had better successe in his requests: K. E. to give K. Lewis a tast of his respect towards him (notwithstanding his deniall of the proposition, for the Duke of Brittaine) sends a messenger unto him, to acquaint him with trechery of the Constable against him, and to carry the more credit of the truth of what was intimated, hee sent two letters written with the Constables owne hand, which were sufficient testimonies to accuse and convince the Constable of those crymes wherewith afterwards King Edward charged him.

The mony to be payd by the Articles, is borowed of the Parisians, (so [Page] willing they were to see the Englishmens backs) & accordingly payed over & the hostages are delivered, wherupon the army retiers to Callice, & frō thence are trāsported into England, & performance of the agreement to the content of both parts, made, the hostages are with great prōises & rewards redelivered

Some forbeare not to say that K. E. lost more honour in this voyage then hee had purchased in nine victories before gotten: but they were such as measure kings actions by the crooked level of their own erroneous fancies. But those of better understanding affirme, that it had bin a great error in judgement for the K. to be longer absent frō his so late conquered kingdom, but great wisdome & policie in him to take hold upon such an occasion to come off so fairely with a match for his daughter which had it taken effect, had sufficiently recompenced his charge & trouble. But private men must not dispute the actions of Princes. And further to examine the reason of what in this kind at this time was done, might give occasion of discourse but not instruction King Edward being returned into England not unmindful that a great storme might follow, though but a smal cloud as yet appeared, dispatched Embassador to the A. 1475. R. 15. Duke of Brittain, to perswade with him to have the young Earle of Richmond sent over unto him: for that he desired to match him in mariage with the Lady King Edward attempteth by a colourable pretence to procure Richmands person to be delivered to him Delivered to the Embassadors. Cecily his younger daughter, this faire overture of marriage, or rather the feeling mediation of Angels (wherof some store were sent but more promised) so prevailed with the D. That upon the receipt of the sum sent, the E. of Richmond is delivered to the Embassadors, who thence conducted him to S. Malos where whilst they staied for a wind, by the cunning advise and plotting of the D. treasurer, (who as it may be by the sequel gathered, not wel pleased not to have bin treated withal, according to that court custome with a feeling respect a more then ordinary proportion, or common gratuity being inseparably incident to his treasurers place, more scorne to be so neglected, then love to Richmond) The young L. escapes into Sanctuary, From whence nor promises nor prayers could procure him. Neverthelesse upon Peter Londoys his promise he should be safely kept there. The Embassadors without their marchandize or Escapeth into Sanctuary. mony departed to the no little discontent of the K. who greived much that the lambe had escaped his woolvish intention; But being taught the rule what he could not avoyd, he made shew to receive willingly, he for that time said little.

At Christmas following he created his eldest son Ed. Prince of Wales, D. of Cornwale, and E. of Chester; his second son Duke of York, giving the order of knighthood, to the son & heire of the E. of Lincolne & many others. He created foure and twenty knights of the Bath, upon the creation of the Prince of Wales, whereof Bryan chiefe Justice, and Littleton a Iudge of the common Pleas were two. Thus whilst K. Edw. in England lived in peace & quiet the turbulent D. of Burgoyne never constant, but alwayes in contention, reaped the triple fruit therof, this yeare at three several times. The first at Ganson, where, he lost some honour but more wealth. The second at Morat where he lost more honour and many men. The last at Nancy, where he not only lost, men, mony, & reputation but life also by the Switzers whom he had driven to a desparate resolution & then not in hope to escape, but to sell their lives, (when submissiō would not be accepted at the deerest rate) they fought & prevailed. Now begins Rich. D. of York to set on foote his untill then close contrived divelish An. 1477. R. 17. devises, to compasse the attainment of the crown of England, & for the first seene of the ensewing tragedy to facilitate his passage, he secretly begins to with, draw the Kings affection from his brother George Duke of Clarence, and to that purpose susurreth unto him, that some of Clarence followers were sorcerers and Nigromancers, and that they had given forth speeches, that one [Page] one whose Christen name began with the letter G. should dishinherit his children, and carry the crowne of England, and to put some varnish upon this suggestion, one of the Duke of Clarence his servants which came with him out of Ireland from Dublin, where the Duke was borne, is in his Masters absence he being then in the country, by the procurement under hand of Glocester, endighted, arraigned, condemned and executed at Tiborne for conjuration and all within the space of two dayes, hereof the Duke of Clarence being thereto irritated by his brother Glocester, grieuously complaines to King Edward, who insteed of giving redresse (suspecting now the truth of the Duke of Glocesters buzz) tooke an occasion likewise by Glocesters advise (howsoever he made a glozing shew to Clarence of being jealous of his honour and disliking of the kings disrespect as he termd it, of his brothers abuse,) frame a colour to commit Clarence to the Tower, where his loving Brother Richard (not (as it was feared) without the Kings privitie) tooke that order that hee should not (for so hee faithfully promised him upon his first commitment) lye long in prison before hee would procure his Clarence drowned. release. That he was drowned in a but of Malmesey, and then layd in his bed to perswade the people that he dyed of discontent.

This George Duke of Clarence was Earle of Warwicke and Salisbury, Lord of Richmond, and great Chamberlaine of England, he married Isabell daughter and coheire of Richard Nevill the great Earle of Warwicke, by whom hee had issue Edward afterwards Earle of Warwicke who dyed without issue, and Margaret married to Sir Richard Pole knight who had issue, Henry Lord Mountayne and Reginald Pole Cardinall. The Pestilence about this time raged with that fury in most parts of this kingdome, that the sword in fifteene yeeres before devoured not so many as that did in foure moneths.

The King upon some present occasion sent to the Citizens of London, a privie seale for the loane of five thousand markes for a yeere which were An. 1480. R. 22. presently provided, and at the time prefixed as orderly repayed, which with the royall entertainment he gave them (upon invitation at Windsor, and the store of venson sent by him, with them, to make merry with their wives at home, won the harts & affectiōs of the Londoners both male & female; That from thence forth no pleasure was denied that they could procure him. The Scots make an inrod into Northumberland, against whom the Duke of Gloce. was sent with some power but they were retreated before his comming.

Iames King of Scotland shortly afterward sent Embassadors to treat of a marriage between his eldest son Iames Duke of Rothsay, & Cecily the kings second daughter. This overture for a match was by King Edward & his councell embraced, and divers great sums of mony, as part of her portion were delivered to the Scots, but with this proviso, that if the marriage did not take effect, that the provost and Marchants of Edenborough, should be bound to repay the same. This Iames K. of Scotland was too much wedded to his own opinion, & couldnot endure any mans advise, (how good soever it were,) that he fancied not, he would seldom aske counsel, but never follow any by reason wherof, such of his counsell, as more respected the honour of the kingdom, & the publike good, then what should be pleasing to his private conceits or peculiar fancy, did divers times reape exilement, and ill will, for truth speaking and well meaning, so that the way to win his favour could not be found out or followed but by flattery, whereby few or none but thrasonicall parasites, and camelion timepleasers would follow the court, or continue their places therin: hence came it that many ignoble affronts were offred to the King of England, & more disrespects done to his own nobility. Insomuch that his brother, [Page] the Duke of Albany, was enforced to [...]and on the Country, and to fly for refuge into England; where he was by King Edward respectively entertained. From him was the King of England truely informed of the weake disposition of King Iames, wherewith King Edward was so much incensed, that hee made speedy preparation of a competent army, which being sufficiently accō modated withall necessaries for the field, under the conduct of Richard Duke of Glocester, accompanied with the Duke of Albany, they marched towards Scotland. The Duke in the way tooke in Barwick, and besieged the Castle, which was resolutely defended by the Earle Bothwell. The Duke perceiving no good to be done against the Castle but by famishing them; having sufficiently taken course to secure the towne from sallies, leaving the Lord Stanley behind to continue the siege, he with the residue of the army marched toward Edenbrough where within the Castle of Maydens the King of Scotland had immurde himselfe.

The nobility of Scotland, observing the miserable spoyle that the English army did; & the impossibility to prevent it by opposition, endevored by humble submission, to procure a peace, at least a cessation from wars, which with much importunitie they obtained, at the hands of the general under these conditions.

1 That ful satisfaction should be presently given to the English, for all damages and wrongs done by the late incursions.

2 That the D. of Albany (whose friendship the general laboured to be made firme unto him) should be fully restored to grace, place, & whatsoever had bin taken or withheld from him, by the king his brother, and an abolition of all former discontents betwixt them.

3 That the Castle of Barwick should immediately be surrendred into the generalls hands, & from thence no reduction either of that, or the town attēpted.

4 That all such sums of mony, as had bin upon the proposition of the mariage as aforesayd delivered, should be repayed, or that befitting security should be given by the Provost & Citizens of Edenborough for the orderly repayment therof, at the Tower of London, (at some reasonable time, before the day prefixed) in case K. Edw. should signifie unto them that there should not be any further prosecution of the said proposition of marriage. Al which except the first article were accordingly performed. A Generall pardon and loving letters from the king are sent unto the Duke of Albany, with an authentick instrument under the common seale of the Provost and Citizens of Edenborough for the performance of that part that belonged to them, to the D. of Gloc. who upon the receipt therof, & the surrender of the Castle of Barwick with all ordnance and amunition therin, (of which and of the towne, the Lord Stanley with a competent number of Souldiers to gard the same, being made Captaine.) The generall with the rest of the army joyfully returned for England: leaving nothing undon by the way to endeer himselfe to the good opinion of the Captaines & the applause of the common Souldiers. The faire proceedings in the Scotish expeditiō did not bring so much content to the K. of England, but the dishonorable & forgetful breach of oath of the French K. did much more molest and trouble him. For he had received certaine intelligence from his Embassador leidger that the French K. not onely denied the paiment of the annual tribute of 5000. crowns agreed upon & sworne to, upon the ratification of the late conluded peace, betwixt the kings & kingdoms of England & France. But had also married the Dolphyn of France to the Lady Margaret daughter of Maximilian the son of the Emperor. And therby notoriously infringed both the Article concluded for a match betweene him and the Lady Elizabeth K. Edwards daughter, & therby brokē his faith for the performāce [Page] thereof so solemnly plighted, which much incensed the King of England, & so much the more, by how much the care to provide a fitting match for his daughter, when he deemed it to be past, was now to begin to be taken: hee resolves therefore to vindicate this unsufferable disgrace offred his daughter by punishment of the French kings periury, & herewith acquaints his Councell who unanimously conclude open wars to be proclaimed and provision to be prepared, to prosecute the same to the uttermost: in this businesse the Duke of Glocester was not slacke: but daily (though he knew it needlesse) did inculcate to the King his brother how much it did import his honour, to draw his sword and not to sheath it, untill Lewis for expiation of his jniury, had submitted his Crowne to the rightfull owner, and given the King of England possession thereof. And did make proffer both of purse and person, to give him assistance therin to the uttermost: preparation for the invasion of France, is making in every place, to which the King is very proclive. But whilst he is intentive in the businesse, hee is suddainly attached by the hand of death, and without Glouc. hand, though not without his wish upon the ninth of Aprill 1483. at Westminster departed this mortall life, and was buried at Windsor.

He was, sayth Sir Thomas More, of goodly personage and Princely aspect, An. 1483. R. 23. couragions in heart, politicke in counsel, not much amated in adversitie and rather joyfull then proud in prosperity. In war fierce and resolute, in the field active and valiant, never ventrous beyond reason nor forward beyond discretion, in peace for the most part just and mercifull, of comely countenance, of body strong and straight, but in his latter dayes, with ease, and overliberall diet, somewhat enclining to corpulency, but far from uncomelinesse. In his youthfull yeares he was a little too too much fleshly given, from which without the more grace of God, youth in health is hardly restrained; This fault could not greatly grieve the subject, for neither could one mans pleasure displease all (if it be done without rape or violence) neither is it permanent, for he that is most salacious in youth if he will not leave it, in older yeares it will leave him.

He kept his subjects not in a constrained feare, but in a willing obedience, labouring by all meanes to keepe them at peace amongst themselves, reconciling all differences amongst the nobility whereof he had notice, with which he concluded the last scene of this lives act,

Hee had issue by Elizabeth his wife.

Edward his eldest sonne borne the 4. of November 1471. in the Sanctuary at Westminster.

Richard borne at Shrewsbury murdred with his brother in the Tower.

George borne at Shrewsbury who died young.

Elizabeth borne at Westminster 11. of Febr. 1466. shee was promised in marriage to Charles the Dolphyn of France, but deceived, courted by her unnaturall vncle the usurper but deluded, but afterwards happily married to Henry the vij.

Cicely treated to be espoused to the Prince of Scotland, but used like her sister, she was afterward first married to Iohn Vicount Wells whom she supervived, and tooke for a second husband one Ryme of Lincolnshire, but dyed without issue.

Anne married to Sir Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, but dyed without issue living.

Bridget lived a professed Nun at Darford,

Mary who was cōtracted to the K. of Denmark, but died before consumation

Margaret who dyed in her infancy,

Katherin who was married to William Courtney Earle of Devon, who [Page] had issue by him Henry afterwards Marquesse of Exceter.

Besides these legitimate, he had two naturall children.

Arthur Plantagenet begotten of the body of Elizabeth, Lucy married to Elizabeth sister and heire of Iohn Vicount Lisley by whom he had issue three daughters which all had issue.

1 Bridget married to Sir William Cardan Knight.

2 Francis, first married to Iohn Basset, then to Thomas Monck of Devon.

3 Elizabeth married to Sir Iohn Iephson knight.

Elizabeth begotten of the body, of Beatrix the Lady Anguish, was married to Sir Thomas Lumley, and by him had issue Richard Lord Lulmey and George Lumley.

The King the night before his death, having before observed some discourteous passages to have gone betwixt the kindred of his Queene and some of the nobles, but principally between the Queene and the Lord Chamberlaine, (for women that have beene widdowes Commonly maligne them most whom their husbands esteeme much of) not out of malice but nature) caused them all to come to his bed side, to whom he sayd holding the Queene by the hand.

My Lords deere kinsmen and allies, in what plight I lye, you may discerne but I feele, wherfore the lesse while I looke to live with you, the more deeply I am moved, to be carefull in what case I shall leave you. For I am confident such as I leave you, my children shall find you. And if as (God forbid) they should find you at variance, They may unhappely fall at jar themselves, before they have capability of discreation to set attonement betweene you.

You see the tendernesse of their yeares, The onely securitie therefore of their well being must consist in your concord. For it sufficeth not, if all of you respectively affect them, if any of you stomacke the other, if they were men your integritie happily might be sufficient. But childhood must be refulcitated by wise mens authoritie, And slippery youth underpropped with elder Counsel, neither of which they can have except you give it, neither can you give it unlesse you accord together.

For when each laboureth to pluck downe what another setteth up, and for hatred to each others person, impugneth each others Counsel, it must be long before any good conclusion goe forward; And whilst each laboureth for superioritie Flattery shall have more place, then plaine and faithfull advice, from whence of necessitie must ensew the untoward education of the young Prince, whose mind in tender youth, infected with loosenesse of disposition, will (naturally thereto enclined) slip into ryot and mischiefe, and so be the meanes of his owne and this Kingdomes ruine, except God send the greater blessing, and through his grace make him apply his heart to wisdome, which if (as God grant he may) he shall attaine unto, then they that by sinister perswasion, and evill advice flattered him at first most, and pleased him best, shall afterward fall furthest out of his fauor, for politicke plots and vitious courses ever at length shall reape the sowre, when good and wholsome Counsell though at first not embraced, shall prove sweete and wholesome.

I remember it to my griefe, that there hath beene discord among you, a great time, not alwayes for great causes, but poore mistakings, sometimes a thing right well intended towards us, our misinterpretation turneth to ill; or a small displeasure done us, is either by our own ill affection or evill tongue exasperated; Yet this I wot well, you never had so good occasion of emulation as you have of unfayned affection.

That wee be all men, all natives of one nation, nay, all Christians, and [Page] adopted brethren in Christ, I leave for Preachers to tell you; And yet I am uncertaine, whether any Preachers words, ought to have more power to move you than his; That is your Soveraigne Lord, and is by and by togoe to that place, that they all preach of.

But this I shall instantly desire you to print in your memory, that the one part of you are my owne flesh and blood, the other of my Allyance, and each of you with other, of consanguinity or affinitie; And this spirituall conjunction by affinitie (if the Sacraments of Christs Church, hold that estimation with us, which they ought, and I wish with all my soule they did, should no lesse move to mutuall charitie, then the bare respect of fleshly consanguinity. Jesus forbid that you should live and love together the worse, for the selfe-same cause for which you ought to love the better, and yet that of late (the more the pitie) hath too often falne out amongst us; And seldome is there found more deadly fewd, then amongst them, which by right and reason ought most affectionately to live together; But such a bewitching serpent is Ambition, and appetite of vaine-glory and Soveraigntie, that amongst states where shee once entereth, shee slideth onward so swiftly, and maketh forward so fast and so farre, that shee seldome stops, nor leaves wrigling and wrangling, untill by dissention and division, shee have infected all that are neere her. And first those that bee poysoned by her, are carried away with a vehement desire to bee next the best, then to walke hand in hand with the best, and lastly to transcend the best, not brooking any equall, or allowing any superiour.

Through this immoderate affecting of titular worship, and borrowed respect of popularitie, and thereby of debate and separation, what detriment, what trouble, what sorrow within these few yeares, hath growne in this Realme? I pray God aswell forget, as wee have too much cause to our griefe to remember: which events if I could then aswell have foreseene, as I have with my more paine then pleasure now proved; By Gods blest Lady, I would never have wonne the courtesies of mens knees, with the losse of so many their friends heads, but since what is past cannot bee recalled, we ought to bee the more circumspect, that by that occasion wee have suffered such infinite mischiefes before, that wee eftsoones fall not into the like againe.

Intestine broyles are now passed, and the Lord bee praised the republike is at quiet; And this kingdome in outward appearance in a faire likelyhood to prosper in wealth and peace, under my children your Cousins, if God send them life, and you reciprocall love, of which two things, the lesse losse would be they, by whom though God did his pleasure, yet should the kingdome alwayes find Kings, and peradventure as good Kings.

But if you amongst your selves, in an Infants raigne fall at variance: many a good Christian shall perish, and happily hee and you too before this land shall againe find the sweetnesse of peace. Therefore in these last words that your dying King shall ever deliver unto you, I earnestly exhort you, and instantly adjure you, and every one of you, for the love that I have ever borne you, for the love of your owne soules, and for the love that our blessed Saviour beares unto us all: That from this time forward (all discontents drowned, unkindnesses buried, and grudges forgotten,) each of you embrace one anothers friendship, and unfeignedly love each the other, which I am confidently perswaded you will, if you regard any earthly thing that is good, if you respect God, your King, your Native countrey, the quiet of the Kingdome, kindred or affinitie, nay, your owne safetie and soules health.

And so unable to use any longer speech, hee sunke downe into his bed, [Page] turning his eyes towards them, and by his countenance exprest, how desirous hee was, to have that which hee had imparted unto them imprinted in their memory; and that hee would have added more, if able, to perswade their mutuall atonement, and reciprocabilitie of reall abolition of all former disagreement, and unfeyned entertainment of future loving affection.

The hearers (as the sequell proved) more at that time to give him content, then performe what hee with so great and good affection, had so Christianly requested) embrace each other, and who so forward to make faire expression of his good intention as the Duke of Glocester, and to that end hee with low obeysance first importunes the Queene to blot out of her remembrance, any discurtesie or neglect hee had offered unto her, protesting upon his faith to God, and honour to his house, to bee for ever her observant, and affectionate servant: and then turning about to those that were present, hee said, My Lords, I desire to be entertained in your good affections, and I here freely forgive whatsoever unkindnesse, discourtesie, or abuse I have received from any of you, and desire the like from you to mee; and so courteously shaking them all by the hands, made show of reconcilement, when all was counterfeit.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING EDVVARD THE FIFT.

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THE young Prince was at Ludlowe when his Father An. 1483. died, being not long before sent thither, with his Presence, to curbe the exorbitant licentiousnesse of some of the unruly Welch, who taking advantage of the great distance, that was betwixt their Countrey and the Courts of Iustice, which were then settled at Westminster, would divers times in assurance of impunitie attempt many disorderly pranckes.

For his better proceeding in mannaging of his place, the King had appointed Anthony Earle Rivers the Queenes Brother, and so by the Mothers side Vncle to the Prince, to bee his Director and chiefe Councellor, with whom likewise were many of the Queenes Kinred and Allies, in chiefe esteeme and office, whereat the Duke of Glocester tooke exception; And well knowing, that if these were not by some meanes or other removed, and their present power abated, it was in vaine for him to set on foot, his new hatched stratagemicall project, to disinherit the new King, and to take hold of the Crowne in his owne right, hee did therefore cast about, to procure their amotion, the one from his place, the other from their Offices and attendance. And to that purpose (presuming on their inclination that way,) hee consulted first with the Duke of Buckingham; and afterwards with the Lord Hastings, making use of their distaste, against the power of the Queenes Brother, the Kings halfe Brother, and his owne inveterate malice against them all. To these in private conference hee first insinuates the Queenes lowe descent, and her kinreds unworthy promotions, and afterwards openly assures them, that if these Vpstarts and mushrump nobles, were but permitted to bee about the Kings Person in his youth, they would afterwards by that meanes so purchase his favour, that they would become so powerfull, when hee should attaine to maturitie of yeares, that all the Honours, Possessions, and lines of the ancient Nobilitie of this Realme would bee in danger, to bee subject to their wills; And for prevention [Page] thereof, hee did perswade them to joyne with him for their amotion, assuring them, that that effected, they might ratably proportion to themselves, and share all the dignities and places, and what benefit there might accrew thereby, amongst themselves and their friends.

These insinuations of Glocester, joyned to their owne ambitious and malevolent dispositions, so powerfully wrought upon their yeelding natures, that they not only condescended to this proposition, for the amovall of the Queenes kinred, but to whatsoever the Duke of Glocester should afterwards promove unto them.

But it is to bee observed, that over and above the great wheele, which moved in their fancies, of envy to the eminencie of the Queenes kinred; there were two other lesser rounds, which not a little furthered this rotunditie for association. The one Buckinghams covetous desire to encrease his revenewes, by the addition of the Earledome of Hertford for his part, the other in the late Chamberlaine, to have so good meanes, whereby to stave off such whom in King Edwards dayes hee had justly offended, in transcending his authoritie in doing many actions, whereof hee was reous of too too many, presuming now by this way to bee supported, and though to the offence of many hee had made his office the stauking-horse of his will, yet none should dare say blacke to his eye.

Whilst these things are projecting, the Queene appointeth Earle Rivers her Brother, and her Sonne Richard Lord Gray, and the rest of her Allyes and friends, to provide with a strong power of able souldiers, to guard the young King from Ludlowe to London.

The Duke of Gloucester being herewith acquainted, might well thinke, that if this plot were not effected before that time, his pollicie hardly afterwards would in that point prevaile; Hee therefore cunningly writes to the Queene, whom ever since her husbands death, hee had with a great show of respect, by visitation and intercourse of message brought to a fooles beliefe, to take seeming for being, and shadowes for realityes; And by his Letters intimates to her, that it was rumored abroad, that her Brother and Sonne, against her will, and without the knowledge of the late Kings kinred, was providing with a mighty power of armed souldiers, to conduct his Majestie in hostile manner from Wales to London, which if it should bee so done, would breed a great jelousie in the mindes of the common people, who are apt enough to make an ill construction of the best action whereof they are ignorant; That there were ill members whom the King had cause to suspect, and therefore enforcedly came thus armed.

And where as now there was no appearance or likelihood, but of true love and affection, betwixt his kinred and her Allyes, if any armed troopes should bee now raised, and no cause knowne to what end, the so late unfeyned reconcilement, so happily by his late Brother procured, would bee in question to bee dissolved, yea any the least mistake, mislike, or distaste, that might bee taken, arise, or given, amongst the meanest of the common souldiers, might minister occasion to disquiet the peace of the kingdome, and set him and her Brother, and partakers on both sides together by the eares, and the mischiefe that thereby should ensue, (as it is to be feared a great deale would) was like enough to fall on that part, to which shee wisht least hurt, and all the blame would redound to her and her kinred, which now shee might easily, so please her, prevent, if shee would but addresse her Letters to her Brother and Son, to assure them from his mouth, and upon his honour, that himselfe and all the late Kings kinred, were constantly resolved, inviolably to observe the amicable [Page] attonement, made by his Soveraigne and her Husband upon his deathbed, betweene her Allyes and friends, and the Kings kinred.

The too credulous Lady, gave plenary consent to what the Duke of Glocester requested, and to that end dispatched messengers to her Brother and Sonne, who somewhat unwillingly, but upon her request, were perswaded to forbeare levying any more men, and cashired those they had provided, and attended only with their owne meniall servants, they set forwards towards the Queene; with the young King. And with more hast then good speed, came to North-Hampton, and from thence the King went to Stony-Stratford, where the two Dukes with a great traine well provided, and mounted, arrived; And pretending the Towne to bee too little for the entertainment of their Companies, they went to Northampton, and alighted at the same Inne, where the Earle Rivers had taken up his lodging that night, resolving to overtake the King the next morning.

Vpon this their accidental meeting, much Court complement, & enterchange of faire language, & show of courtesie passed, and not the least colour for distaste or dislike, taken or given on either side, neither by themselves or followers: But no sooner was supper ended, but the Dukes pretending wearinesse through hard riding, retire to their lodgings, and the Earle goeth to his.

But the Dukes with their private friends, when the Earle went to bed, went to Councell what course to take, with the least suspition and the most safetie, to make away the Earle and his kinred.

In this consultation they continue the most part of the night; And towards morning, they tooke the keyes of the Inne gates, and disperst their followers to keepe the passages, with instruction not to permit horse-man or foot-man to passe the way towards Stony-Stratford, pretending that none should goe before, because the two Dukes might expresse their dutifull respect to the King the better, by being first ready to give their attendance at his going to horse.

The Earle having notice by the Host of these proceedings, imagining his destruction was plotted, yet being debard of any meanes, either to make resistance, or escape, hee set a good countenance upon the matter, and came boldly to the Duke of Glocester his Chamber, where hee found Buckingham and the rest, with whom hee expostulates the reason of this course taken, to imprison him and his in their Inne against their wills; But they in stead of shaping him an answer, made their will the law, and without more speaking, commanded the Earle to bee layd hands on, objecting those crimes to him whereof themselves only were faulty; And having taken order for his safe imprisonment, they speedily tooke horse and came to Stony-Stratford, at such time as the King was taking horse, whom in all faire and reverent manner they saluted; But a staffe was quickly found that a dogge may be smitten, & an offence is taken before given, a quarrell is pickt against the Lord Richard Gray the Kings halfe brother in his own presence; The Duke of Buckingham making relation to the King, That he and the Marquesse his Brother, with Earle Rivers the Queens Brother, had endevoured, and almost effected, to drawe unto themselves, the sole managing of the affaires of the kingdome, and to sowe dissension betwixt the Blood-royall of your Fathers side, and those scarce loyall on the Queenesside, who greedily seeke after the others ruine, and the better to effect it; The Lord Marquesse without any warrant, but of his owne head, out of the Tower of London (your principall Magazine) hath taken, both the Treasure and Armour to a great quantitie; But what his purpose was to doe therewith, though they were ignorant, yet there [Page] was just cause to suspect it was to no good end; And therefore it was thought expedient by the advise of the Nobilitie, to attach him at Northampton to have him forth-comming, to make answer for these, and other his overbold actions done against common honesty.

The King for want of experience, unable to sound the depth of these plots, mildly said to him, What my Brother Marquesse hath done I cannot say, but for my Vncle and Brother here I dare answer, they are innocent of any unlawfull practises, either against mee or you.

Oh, quoth the Duke of Buckingham, that hath beene their cunning to abuse your Majesties gentlenesse, with keeping their trechery from your knowledge: And thereupon instantly in the Kings presence, they arrested the Lord Richard, Sir Thomas Vaughan, Sir Richard Hall, and coveyed them to Northampton, and from the Kings Person, to his no little amazement and disquiet, they removed all or the most part of his ancient officers and servants, placing in their roomes, their owne creatures, whom they had power to command.

The Duke of Glocester taking upon him the custody of the King, tooke order for the conveying of the Prisoners to severall Prisons in the North parts, and then set forwards with the King towards London, giving out by the way, that the Marquesse and the Queenes kinred, had plotted the destruction of the King, and all the blood-royall, and all the ancient Nobilitie of the Realme, and to alter the government of the Common-wealth; And that they were only imprisoned to be brought to their triall according to the Law.

And the better to settle these suggestions in the apprehension of the vulgar; They brought along with them divers Carts laden with Armour (of their owne providing) with driefats and great Chests, wherein they reported to bee treasure for the payment of souldiers, with which they so possest the common people, that all was believed for Gospell that was thus rumoured; But of all other the neatest devise, was to have five of the Duke of Glocesters instruments which were manacled and pinioned like Traitours, and these in every place where the King lodged by the way were dispersed, with some keepers to bee lodged in the chiefe Officers houses, and to bee regarded as men of great birth, howsoever they were now prisoners, and they must seeme to bee penitent for their offences, and confesse their owne guilt, but laying the blame on the Queenes Brother, who had drawne them into this vile plot of Treason, but these did so artificially expresse themselves, that they could at their pleasures invite their hosts to call them Traitours, and cry out, that the earth was not fit to beare such trecherous rebells: and that the Dukes were to blame, not to stay the King in that place, untill execution were done against such horrible malefactours, and their trayterous companions. This plot continued acting till the King came to London, and the disguise was taken from these impostors, and they were put to act another part.

The Queene with her second Sonne, and five Daughters being at London, receiving by Post intelligence of these dolefull accidents, and fearing there were worse to follow, presently taketh Sanctuary at Westminster, with which place good Lady, shee had formerly beene acquainted.

The young King much grieved at the newes, and more at the occasion, with teares and sighes expressed his discontent; But the Dukes as seeming ignorant of any of these things, comply themselves unto his service, and with all externall show of reverence and respect, and with many glozing protestations of their fidelitie, and care of his safetie and content, sought to comfort him, but it would not be.

[Page] The Duke of Glocester by the contrivement, and procurement of the Duke of Buckingham, by the Decree of the Councell table is appointed; and established Protector of the King and kingdome, which place added such fuell to the ambitious fire of his heart, that it burnt all love, naturall respect or duty, either to Countrey, kinred, or King; And now nothing sets his imagination on worke, but to compasse the meanes how to bring his trayterous designes to effect; which was to make away the King and his Brother, which hee is resolved wickedly yet wittily to attempt.

To contrive the getting into his custody the Duke of Yorke is the next Scene to bee acted, for the more easie accomplishment whereof, hee takes advantage of the Kings melancholy, and acquainteth both him and his Councell; That the company of his Brother would much conduce to his being thereby made merry, saying withall, that the Queene Mother was more wedded to her peevish will then was convenient, either for the Honour of the kingdome, or the Kings content; And therefore wishtsome course might bee taken, either by perswasion, or otherwise to procure her, to send the Duke of Yorke; to beare the King his brother company.

The counsell to whom Glocester seemed to speake nothing but Oracles, (so well had hee moulded them) presently apprehend a necessity of a Companion to bee found for the King, and none so fit as his owne Brother; And to that end the Archbishop of Canterbury, (one upon whose advise the Queene-Mother did much rely) is imployed with instructions, to procure her to consent to part with her younger Sonne, to accompany the elder, which hee accordingly did, yeelding these reasons, the sooner to drawe her to yeeld, (as hee said) to reason.

First, for that it was scandalous to the whole Realme, that a Child of so noble Parentage by birth, so tender of yeares, so neere the King, and so innocent, should bee enforced to be a Prisoner.

Secondly, That none could be permitted to enjoy the benefit of Sanctuary priviledge, but such whose consciences did accuse them of some offence, for which they feared to bee punished by the law; But the Dukes infancy, and innocency was such, that he needed no such protection.

Thirdly, that none ought to bee priviledged as a Sanctuary person, but whom discretion had enabled to require it; and for that reason hee was not capable of it.

And lastly, any person might bee taken out of that place, if so it bee for his owne preferment and benefit, and not to his punishment or prejudice, and therefore if the Queene should refuse to deliver him, hee must bee taken from her Volens nolens, and the rather, lest that through a froward jelousie, shee should convey him beyond the Seas, as pretending hee should be more safe in any place, then in the King his Brothers company.

To these the Queene makes answer, that none was more fit to have the tutelage of the child then the Mother, and the rather, in respect of his weake and tender disposition.

That each of those Brothers was the others safety, so long as they are kept asunder, that the life of the one was maintained in the body of the other; and if that one of them did well, the other was in no perill; And that it was dangerous to keepe them both in one place. And as shee was proceeding further, the Archbishop said hee was loth to put the power of his primacy in execution, but her obstinacy would to his griefe enforce him thereto; Whereupon the Queene perceiving that it was concluded, that reason must not dispute against the Councells resoltrion, shee with such expression of passion, [Page] as tender-hearted Mothers use to part with a beloved child, when their Propheticke thoughts suggest unto them, they take their last leave of the Babe, shee taketh the Duke by the hand, and delivereth him unto the Archbishop, saying, at his hands shee would require that sweet boy, and unable to speake more, shee opened the sludgates of her eyes, and bedewing her cheekes with teares turned her backe.

The Archbishop having effected his arrand, hasteth to the Lords, who in the Starre-chamber with the Protector stay expecting their comming; to whom making relation with what unwillingnesse the Mother was perswaded, to yeeld consent to part with her child, hee presented the innocent Babe unto them, of whom the Protector had no sooner taken a glimpse, when with all ceremonious reverence hee ariseth, and embraceth him in this armes, vowing with affectionate protestations, that nothing (next the welfare of his Soveraigne, which hee esteemed above all earthly things) brought him more content then his Nephew of Yorke wisht for Presence: and then Judas-like kissing his cheeke, hee takes leave of the borde, and presently conducteth him to the King his Brother, who with joyfull heart and great affection entertained him, which was by so much the more to be esteemed, by how much it was unfayned.

The Protector now having the game hee hunted in his owne toyles, under pretext of provident care that they might securely repose themselves untill the distempers of the Common-wealth, (wherof himselfe only [...] actor and author) might bee quieted; he causeth them within few dayes, in great pompe and state, to bee conveyed thorow London to the Tower, there at pleasure to remaine untill the time of the Coronation, towards which there was great show of preparation made.

The Protectors machinations could not well worke by themselves, they must have assistance, hee wanted Achitophel; The Duke of Buckingham whose authoritie and power did beare a great sway amongst the Courtiers, must cunningly be drawne to his bent; To which purpose hee proposed to him, that whereas he had beene formerly an earnest Petitioner to King Edward the fourth his brother-in-law, for the Earldome of Hertford, whereunto it did appeare the Duke to have a good Title, yet hee could never attaine it, yet now if hee would bee constant, and joyne hand in hand with him, hee would put him in a way, whereby to bee assured to obtaine it; And so upon faithfull promise, to procure Buckingham to bee estated in that Earledome, and of a match to bee concluded betwixt their issue, and an equall partition of the treasure of the Crowne betwixt them two (for performance whereof the Protectors oathes are not wanting) Buckingham is not only drawne to condescend; but is most forward to contrive, and plot stratagems, and the best courses to compasse the worst of ill effects, which was by depriving their innocent Nephews (for Glocester was Vncle by the Fathers side, and Buckingham by the marriage of their Fathers Sister) of their right and livelyhood, and some others of their lives, to make the Protector a more facile passage to lay hold on the Crowne.

The Protector having purchased so true a partner of his ambitious designes, well knowing it was no good pollicy to play the villaine by halfedeale, is resolved to suffer never a rubbe to lye in the way, that might hinder the true running of his bowle; And having a farre off sounded the Lord Hastings, and finding him so constant to the King his old Masters Sonnes, that nothing could withdraw him from doing them true service, hee himselfe must bee removed out of the way, the effecting whereof was none of the [Page] least straines of pollicie, for hee must not yet bee meddled with, untill by his nayle, the nayles of his Antagonists the Queenes Brother, and Sonnes by Sir John Gray, her former husband bee driven out: the compassing whereof was meerely Hastings his share. But no sooner was the engine up by his device that should make them headlesse, but by Buckinghams device, Hastings himselfe is brought to his blocke.

All the Lords of the Privie Councell are in the Protectors name generally convoked to the Tower, where at the Councell table, fitting preparations for the speedy Coronation of the young King are proposed, and other like businesse wherewith to amuse the Lords, and entertaine time, untill the Protector came in, who excusing himselfe for having overslept himselfe that morning, taking his Chaire, very affably saluted them, merrily jesting with some, and more then ordinarily pleasant with them all; But on a sudden he framed an excuse for his present absence, leaving them in the meane-time somewhat to conferre upon untill his returne, which hee promised should be very speedily, hee so went out of the Chamber.

Within the space of an houre hee returned, but the wind was turned, his affable countenance and familiar language, are changed into distracted lookes, and much show of inward perturbation, which with sighing and other passionate gestures hee expressed to the uttermost.

After long silence (the better to prepare them to the more attention,) hee confusedly interrogates: what they deserved, that had nefariously practised his destruction, being of the blood royall, Vncle to the King, and Protector of his person?

This unexpected interrogation in that strange manner urged, strooke such an amazement amongst the Lords, that they all stood gazing one on another, as if the Protectors speeches had had the vertue of Medusaes head. At length the Lord Hastings, by Buckinghams instigation, and presuming of his (as he thought) more then ordinary intimacie with the Protector, and the innocencie of his owne conscience, boldly answered, That they deserved to undergoe the punishment of Traitours, whatsoever they were, which the rest by their silence approved: with that the Protector riseth up from his seate, with a sterne looke upon Hastings, replied; why, it is the old sorceresse my brothers Widow, and her partner that common strumpet Jane Shore, that have by incantation conspired to bereave mee of my life; And had I not by Gods great mercy happily come to the discovery of their practises, and found out the plot, they had effected their villanie before suspected: Yet have I not altogether escaped free from their malice, for behold (and then hee bared his left arme to the elbow and showed it) how mischievously they have caused this deere lim of mine to wither & grow uslesse, and thus should all my body have bin served, if they might have had their will, and a little longer space.

Those to whom the Queenes religious courses, and Christian condition were not unknowne, and were not altogether ignorant, to what hard shifts the Protector was driven, that could provide no other colour for his accusation, but the showing of his late discoloured arme, the defect whereof all knew that knew him, had bin as it was ever since his birth, and the coupling of his Queene sister, and his Brothers Concubine, in one and the same plot of conspiracie against him, betweene whom there was such an antipathy of disposition, was the occasion that the Lords at his first speech, so now sate gazing one upon the other, untill the Lord Hastings (though not well pleased, that he was not aswell made privie to this intended stratagem, as with that day es conclusion, to have the Queenes Brother, Sonne and Allyes to bee executed [Page] at Pomfret,) willing, out of malignitie to her to helpe forward the accusation against the Queene, but with some pretext to extenuate the aspersion cast upon his Paramore Mistris Shoare (whom ever since the death of the King, he had entertained for his bedfellow, and had but that morning parted from her) with a sober looke submisly said, If the Queene have conspired, (which word was no sooner out of the Chamberlaines mouth, when the Protector in great show of choler, clapping his fist upon the borde frowning, looking upon him said, tellest thou mee of if and and? I tell thee they, and none but they have done it, and thou thy selfe art not only acquainted with, but partaker of the villany, and that I will make good upon thy body.

And there with upon a watch-word given, those prepared before for that purpose, in the outer chamber cryed, Treason, treason, wherewith a great number of men in arms came rushing in, as it were the guard to the Protector, one of which with a Pollax strooke a maine blow at the Lord Strange, and wounded him on the head, and had slaine him outright, had bee not to avoid the stroke slipt backward, and falne downe upon the ground; Forthwith the Protector arrested the Lord Hastings of high Treason, and wisht him to make hast to bee Confessed, for hee sware by Saint Paul (his usuall oath,) That hee would not touch bread or drinke, untill hee had his head from his shoulders. Hastings calling to mind his last nights dreames, his solicitations that morning by his sweet Mistris, from either trusting the Bore, or that day to bee at the Councell borde, the speeches that had past betwixt the Lord Stanley and him in riding together, and the ominous predictions of ill speed, by the often stumbling of his horse, and such old peoples observations, hee was easily perswaded to give credit to what the Protector had sworne, yet being about to say somewhat, hee was presently hurried away, and lest hee should have beene too long at shrift, or therein might discover what hee knew, which though it were not much, yet it was more then the Protector would have willingly knowne, lest the world might bee acquainted with his villany, he was upon the next Timber-log they were at, (though layd there for a better use) beheaded on the greene neere the Chappell of the Tower; So absolute was the Protectors progresse in policy, that incited Hastings on to plot the death of Earle Rivers, the Lord Gray, and the rest of the Queenes kinred at Pomfret on the same day, whereon Buckingham by the like traine, had plotted to make him headlesse; And that there might seeme some ground for what was done, The Lords grace of Canterbury, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Stanley, and divers others were presently clapt Prisoners, in sundry holds of the Tower; And for a further colourable glosse of this so plaine a text. Divers Citizens of London, prepared before, to give credit to whatsoever rumour should bee set abroach, are sent for with all speed to come with what forces and power they could drawe together, to the Tower to the Protector, who is pretended (and so it was generally bruited abroad assoone as ever the Lords were entred within the Tower gates) to bee in great jeopardie, occasioned by a plot of treason contrived against him, by the late Lord Chamberlaine, and others his complices; And to countenance the rumour somewhat the more, at the approach of such friends whom the Protector had sent for, and who to purchase his custome; or procure his countenance, would goe beyond the losse of a limme) hee together with the Duke of Buckingham covered in rustie and unfashionable armour present themselves to their view, pretending the hast and the appropinquitie of the perill would not permit them to stay for provision of better And then with a counterfeit show of great perturbation, the Protector told [Page] them, How the Lord Hastings by the contrivance and instigation of his late Brothers Wife, and Concubine Iane Shore, had well-nie entrapped my good cousin (pointing to Buckingham) and my selfe, for suddenly they resolved to have destroyed vs, as wee sate at Councell table this morning, and notwithstanding the happy discovery thereof, yet the uncertainty of the number or qualitie of the confederates enforced us to prevent the mischiefe, and preserve the King (who what the Traitours intended against him was uncertaine) in safetie, to runne an unusuall, but no unlawfull course, against the said Lord Hastings, considering the necessitie of the time, and their so eminent danger. And without orderly Triall, which as now was needlesse, in regard hee was taken in the manner, and presumed to have beene reskued if execution had beene deferred, instantly to have him beheaded. Then the Protector heartily thanked the Londoners great love and paines, whereby they did expresse their readinesse, to bring him succour so opportunely, desiring them to acquaint their neighbours with what had passed, and so dismissed them, but with them sent an Harrold at armes with a Proclamation, which for the length, and faire writing in a set hand in Parchment, to all of judgement did appeare, to bee prepared long before the intimated offences against the Lord Hastings, therein so fully expressed, were either knowne or suspected. This Proclamation in the Kings name was publikely made, the Maior and the Sheriffs present in all places usuall, wherewith howsoever the vulgar seemed satisfied, which seldome understand the truth of State matters, and are carried away more with opinion then judgement, yet those of more understanding did not forbeare publikely to say, that the Proclamation was dictated by divination, and ingrossed by sorcery.

Presently upon this, Jane Shores lodgings are searched narrowly, and ransacked throughly, and to the valew of three thousand Markes, in Iewells, Plate, Money, and houshold-stuffe, and all that ever shee had, seized to the Kings use, and put under safe custodie: shee her selfe is committed to straight Prison; The crime laid to her charge was witchcraft pretended to bee wrought against the Protectors person▪ which when neither by subordination, suggestion, testimonie, colour or inference could bee made good against her: yet that somewhat might bee done that might bee a meanes to make her obnoxious to the tongues of the multitude; The staine of incontinence is laid to her charge, and for that only, by the Bishop of Londons Officiall, shee is adjudged to open penance, which shee underwent with that deportment and well-becomming countenance, that it strooke malice blind, and drew pitie from all the beholders, so that they that hated her course of former life, and were well pleased to see vice [...]o corrected, tooke commiseration of her punishment, when they had considered, that it was procured by the Protector, more upon old malice then new matter, rather to worke his private revenge then her reformation; But this thus done was left to bee the subject of the peoples discourse, as but the bye▪ The maine was of more consequence, which must carefully bee expedited During these transactions, all the Nobilitie that were at libertie, were suspicious one of another, and few or none could imagine any [...] grounds for suspect, being altogether ignorant of what the Protector aymed at. In the meane time hee with glozing termes sprinkled Court holy-water amongst all, and secret promises of preferment to those, whose power, and will to withstand him, hee doubted, when hee should discover his yet clowded project, by this meanes hee kept them altogether [Page] at the Court, not giving way to any one to depart into the Countrey

Now hee begins to fit the ladder which ere long he will rere up, and in the [...] so worketh with Sir Edmond Shawe Maior of London, and his brother John Shaw and Fryer Pincket Provinciall of the Augustine Fryers neere Algate, both Doctors of Divinitie, and greater then good, Church-men of greater learning then honesty, and yet of more repute then learning, being such that more regarded by the ignorant to bee accounted learned, then by the learned to bee judged ignorant; These three were thus severally to bee imployed, Edmond Shaw must make some meanes to draw a partie amongst the Aldermen, and most substantiall Citizens to give credit, at least countenance, to whatby these two Doctors, should bee delivered in the Pulpit, and underhand by one and one, to set forth the incapabilitie, of the Children of King Edward to sway the Scepter, upon the grounds following;

The Preachers in their severall places, the one at Pauli Crosse, the other at Saint Maryes spittle; to exhort the hearts of the people to refuse the last Kings Sonne, and accept of the now Protector to bee their King: For the better advancement thereinto, the Protector was not ashamed to appoint at least to give way, that bastardy should bee alledged either in King Edward or his children or both; Thereby to disable King Edward by right to inherit the Crowne, as heire to the Duke of Yorke his purative Father, and so by like inference the Prince to him.

To obtrude Bastardy to King Edward, must draw his Mothers fame in question, shee being Mother to them both, and yet living. But rather then he would bee destitute of pretext to fit his purpose, hee was not discontented to proclaime his Mother a strumpet, and his owne Father a Cor [...]te. But that point was by Buckingham thought, and so advised to bee but sparingly urged. And as it were but by the bye, but to give a touch that neither King Edward nor the Duke of Clarence, were the lawfully begot children of Richard Duke of Yorke; But mainly to insist and againe and againe to presse, That the Lady Elizabeth Lucy was precontracted to King Edward, and was by the law of God and man his lawfull wife, and from those premisses to draw this conclusion. That the Prince and all the children King Edward had by his Queene, the late Lady Gray were all naturall children and illegitimate.

A divellish plot, the prosecution whereof was most unfit for a Divine to have his finger in, much more to thrust in his whole arme, yet Doctor Shaw by the instigation of the Divell, and his owne ambitious designes; not only forbare to disswade the Protector from further prosecution of this so foule and unheard of a p [...]ojuction to make the Pulpit worse then a Pasquill, and the sole [...] to convey abroad the polluted streame of falshood and lies: But with Judas was well pleased with the imployment, and s [...]ce the one against nature, would traduce his owne Mothers honesty, the other against the tenet of Religion would deliuer apocrypha doctrine, for Canonicall Scripture, by his Auditory, and for the sooner effecting thereof like a downe-right instrument for the Divell, upon the first Sunday in [...], Anno Dom. [...] at Pauls Crosse, he being appointed to preach there, made choice of his text, out of the fourth chapter of the booke of Wisdome.

[...]st [...]d pl [...]nts shall ta [...] do [...] [...].

In handling w [...]eof, [...] much against children begotten in ad [...]y, which [...] affirmed all such to be [...] [...] [...] begotten after mariage [...] party was [...] [...] [...] and [...] mainly to app [...] [Page] by argument and example, the truth of his doctrine. And with as much illustration, as Arts could use or nature helpe forward; extold the many heroicke vertues of Richard late Duke of Yorke: the sole legitimat sonne of whom and lively patterne of whose disposition he pronounced the Duke of Glocester now protector to be the true & lively Image, yet though the protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham and an extraordinary traine, came to the Sermon place, whilst his Commendations were by the preacher set out beyond the allowance oftruth, whereof hee had made ample declaration before, and now againe after the two Dukes were seated did inculcate the same passage of the protectors praysworthy graces, and many merits, yet neither the declaration or repetition could prevaile so far as to win beliefe in the auditory, of what was urged, or delivered: which though it no way discouraged the protector, yet it so dejected the doctor, that the Sermon ended he as ashamed of his lesson disconsolately departed, and never after that, was publickly seene. But left the second part to be acted, by Fryer Pincket upon Easter monday following: and the Duke of Buckingham in the meane time to take their cures and to proceed in the pageant. And accordingly with in two dayes after, Buckingham having procured the Maior Sir Edmond Shaw to assemble the Record, er Aldermen, Shriffes and many of the substantialest Citizens in every ward at the Guild-Hall in London, as it were to giue approbation of what the Doctor at Paules Crosse had the Sunday before (so unlike himselfe forgetfully suggested) to the same purpose, and upon the said theame, made a rethoricall (though not religious) exhortation, concluding with this portion of Scripture, Woe to that Realme that hath a child to their King. But the people, contrarie to his expectation, and the Maior prepared (as was promised) voyces, all were silent, whereupon the Duke, enquired in private of the Maire the reason of this their dull silence. And was answered, that the assembly, did not well heare nor understand what he had sayd wherupon the Duke strayning his voyce began againe, and both with gesture of body, & formally composed countenance, repeated to the same purpose other words whereby he gained the Commendations, That no man could deliver so much bad matter, in so good words and quaint phrases.

But whether out of tendernesse of Conscience, or straining courtesie who should first begin, or which is likely the heavenly providence had so decreed it, not the least show amongst the assemblie of giving allowance of what was spoken, by word of mouth or other gesture was discovered; wherupon the Maior sayd to Buckingham, That hee was partly perswaded, that the Commons not used to receive, any such charge, or proposition, but from the mouth of their Recorder, attended when hee would speake, wherefore Iohn Fitz. William the then Recorder was presently Commanded to desire the votes of the commons to the matter thus twise by the Duke of Buckingham proposed. But he being as well furnished with gifts of the mind as of the body a man both learned and honest, with a grave and sober countenance▪ made a reiteration of the Dukes duplicate oration adding no more but this▪ Thus his grace sayd, and God give your grace to consider of it carefully. But the assembly collecting by the Recorders countenance, and manner of delivery, That he did not well relish the exposition himselfe, still continued silent. Then the Duke againe whispered in the Maiors eares that they stood obstinatly mute, and addressing himselfe againe to the assembly▪ hee sayd, Good friends we are come into you to make a motion, not upon any necessity that you must give your either assent or consent, to the point in question. For what we have proposed, will yee nill yee, might and [Page] may bee done, but the onely inducement thereof, was our respectfull love and loving respect towards you: for as much as we would have nothing done of this nature, But that we would first acquaint you with it. And sithence you are to share with us in the blessing of such a businesse, which though you see not or regard not, as it seemes, yet is it most conducible to your peace and the generall quiet.

We therefore once againe require but your answer yea or no, whether you be resolved, as all the Nobles now at Court are, to accept of the noble Protector Duke Richard the onely legitimate Son, of that ever to be honourably remembred by you and us, Richard Duke of Yorke for your Soveraigne or not.

Whereupon those that stood next unto the bar made an indistinct murmuring, whilst at their backe the skum or dreggs of the City drawne thither by the Dukes followers with themselves, cast up their Caps and with an obstreperous vociferation cryed a Richard a Richard. And whilst the more sober minded and sufficient Citizens that were before turned backe their heads to observe the condition and quality, of those that made the acclamation, themselves nor consenting nor speaking to the poynt in question. The Duke of Buckingham sayd, it was a well becomming expression of their affection, to have all with one consent to embrace the undubitate heire the Royall Protector Duke Richard for their Soveraigne Lord and King. And that hee would throughly acquaint him, with their willing for wardnesse to approve him. And then entreating the Maior and his brethren, to be ready the next morning at Baynards Castle where the Duke Protector then resided, to joyne with him to petition the elected Richard to accept of this their so freely proffered subjection, hee orderly tooke his leave and departed: and so for that time the company was dissolved.

In the morning at the place appointed, The Maior with all such whose presence hee could perswade or procure, in their Citizens formall habit and the Duke of Buckingham with all, his favorites and friends, and all the Court Butterflies of that age reassemble.

Buckingham, together with information of what was past sendeth notice before unto the Protector (sufficiently instructed cleanly to dissemble his notice of any the prepassages) That the Maior of London with all the most of the nobilitie of England, were ready (so please his grace) to vouchsafe them the hearing, to present a supplication unto him concerning a businesse of great consequence, to whom the Protector returns answer. That howsoever hee durst not give way to the least suspition, of what his Cosin of Buckingham should promove, yet he heartily desired him, to be pleased by that Gentleman he sent to returne some [...]lightintimation of their intended request▪ before his comming unto them should be expected. For that the times were dangerous, and the unexpected approach of such a confluence of noble and worthy persons, might give occasion of some doubt to his friends, though not to himselfe of the motive of such an assembly, wherewith Buckingham though privatly otherwise perswaded, publickly made a plausible demonstration of the Protectors integritie from affecting any such title, and thereupon returned this reply.

That the message they were to deliver must be to himselfe in person. And therefore in the name of all the rest, he humbly be sought his grace, to vouchsafe them the liberty of admission into his presence. For otherwise they must returne, much discontented to have lost their labours, and the opportunitie to have imparted unto him a businesse of that importance, wherein himselfe [Page] partly and the republicke in generall had an interest.

At length as if not well assured of their welmeaning towards him, the Protector appeares unto them, in an upper gallery, making semblance, as though he would prevent danger by standing in his fort. To whom Buckingham, in behalfe of the Maior and the nobility, and others there assembled, makes his humble request; in most respective and reverent manner, that his grace should pardon, what he should declare unto him, and not to be offended with what they with all hearty and unfeined affection desired should by his Highnesse be approved of and embraced.

Many false fires, are flasht out, before the Duke of Buckingham would be brought to discover, to the Protector in plaine termes their cause of comming but though long first, at last he sayd.

The languishing estate of the Common-wealth did require speedy helpe, which cold no way be procured, except he to whom the government therof did only rightfully appertaine, would undertake at the respective solicitation, and humble entreaty, both of the nobility, and Gentry, there present to accept of the sole managing as King of the affaires of the kingdome, & accept of their voluntary tender of their due alleageance, where at the Protector starting backe, as if he had seene or heard something most displeasing unto him, passionatly sayd, I little thought, good cosin, that you of all men would have made to me a motion to embrace that which of all things in the world I have thought most agreeable to honesty to decline, far be it from my imagination, to affect, or accept that which without apparent wrong to my deere deceased brothers sweet children, and my owne upright conscience, I cannot well approve of: and then being about to proceed further in his premediated trackt of dissimulation. The Duke of Buckingham in a seeming abrupt passion kneeling upon his knee sayd, your grace was pleased to give a free pardon of what I should in the name of all this so worthy an assembly relate unto you, in assurance whereof I have adventured to expresse the hearty respect we beare unto you, as is demonstrated by this (I now feare overforward) tender of dutifull obedience unto you, but herewith I must adde further that it is unanimously resolved on, That the children of your late brother E. the fourth, as being generally knowne & proved to be illegitimate, shall never be admitted the possession of the Crowne of England. And therfore if neither respect of your owne well deserving advancement, or regard of the good of the common-wealth will move you to accord to this our no unreasonable request (wee having gone now so farre with safety wee cannot retract) wee are resolute, to confer the dignity upon some other of the line of Lancaster that shall be more sensible of his own glory, and our good, be not therefore so much your own enemy, and our adversary, but at our so humble entreaty accept of this so presently proffered prefermēt. But if (as we shall be most unhappy and disconsolate to heare it) your grace will refuse us, we must then seeke, and hope not to faile to find, one that shall and not unworthily, (with halfe these entreaties) undertake to undergoe the danger or hazard, which you may be pleased sinilterly to suppose is in the acceptance. These words in the apprehension of the auditory from Buckingham were so emphaticall and patheticall, that they wrought so feelingly upon his passions, That the Protector could not but be contented to expatiate his desire, yet with some change of countenance, and not without seeming reluctation, he did say Since it is manifestly demonstrated unto men, that the whole realme is so resolved, That they will by no meanes admit my (to me in my particular conceite most deerely respected Nephewes, my intirely beloved, new deceased [Page] brothers children, and your late Kings sonnes, being now infants,) to reigne over you, whom no earthly creature without your good approbation can well governe. And since the right of inheritance of the Crowne, justly appertaineth to me, as to the truly legitimate, and indubitate heire of Richard Plantagenee, Duke of York my illustrious father. To which title, your free and faire election is conjoynd, (which we chie [...]ly embrace as effectuall and operative) we are contented. to condescend, to your importunities, and to accept of the royall government of this kingdome. And will to the uttermost of our poore abilities, endeuor the good and orderly managing thereof. And therewith all descended from the upper Gallery where all the while before he had stayed, and came downe and formally saluted them all, where-with the gyddy headed multitude, made the streets ecchoe, with their loude acclamation of long live King Richard our dread Soveraigne Lord. And so the Duke of Buckingham tooke his solemn leave, and every man departed to make a descant at home of the playne song abroad, as every ones severall fancies did minister occasion.

All this time the two innocent infants are entertained, with sports and pastimes, but unacquainted with any thing that had passed as afore to their prejudice.

THE LIFE AND RAIGNE OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD.

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THe next day the late Protector, with a great traine An. 1483. R. 1. rode to Westminster Hall, and seating himselfe in the Kings bench, where the Iudges of that Court in the terme time usually sit, he sayd that it was the principall duty of a good King carefully to looke to the due administration of the municipall lawes of the kingdom, in which part he would not be defective. And then proceeding with a well compact oration in Commendations of peace, and discovery of the discommodities of dissention. He caused a generall Proclamation to be made, for abolition, and pardon of all injury, wronges, and enmity past. And to give it the better colour, He caused one Fogge (which had formerly given him occasion of just exception, for abusing him with a tale of truth) to be sent for out of sanctuary at Westminster, whither to prevent the Protectors anger he was fled, and set presently at liberty, and caused him in publicke to kisse his hand.

In his returne from Westminster, his affable complement in the streets was so free and frequent, That by the discreeter sort it seemed to savour more like fawning servility then courtly courtesie, rather base then welbehaved.

After his returne home, by the faire helpe of a fowle but close covered plot, he had wonne an unconstant woman and procured the consent (I dare not thinke good will or affection) of the Lady Anne, the youngest daughter of great Warwicke the relict of Prince Edward to be his wife, howsoever she could not be ignorant, that her sutor had bin the instrument if not the author, of the tragicall murthers of both her husband and father. But the reason of most womens actions, are as indiscoverable, as Reason in most of them is undiscernable.

To prevent had I wist and to secure his coronation, five thousand men are sent for out of the Northern parts. The guilt of a biting conscience, like an atturny generall ever informing against the soule, alwayes suggesting unto him [Page] feares, and causes of suspition, where no need was. These souldiers ill clad and worse armed being come, and all things prepared for the Coronation (at least wise those put in use or action that were intended for the investiture of Edward the fifth in the regalitie) the but late Protector now King Richard upon the fourth day of Iuly, together with his new bride came from Baynards Castle to the Tower by water, where he created, Thomas Lord Howard Duke of Norfolke, his sonne Sir Thomas Howard Earle of Surry, William Lord Barckley Earle of Nottingham.

Francis Lord Lovell Vicount Lovell, and Chamberlaine to the King and the Lord Stanley (who had beene committed prisoner to the Tower, in regard that his son was reported to have levied forces in Lancashire) was not onely that day released out of prison but made Lord Steward of the kings houshold.

The Archbishop of York was likewise then delivered, but the Bishop of Eley was committed to the custody of the Duke of Buckingham, who tooke order to have him sent to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales. The same night were made seventeene Knights of the Bath.

Edmond the Duke of Suffolks sonne.

George Gray the Earle of Kents sonne.

William sonne to the Lord Zouche.

Henry Aburgaveney.

Christopher Willougby.

Henry Babington.

Thomas Arundle.

Thomas Boloigne.

Gervois of Clifton.

William Say.

Edmond Beding field.

William Enderby.

Thomas Lewkener.

Thomas of Vrmon,

Iohn Browne and

William Berckley.

Vpon the fift day of Iuly, the King in great state rode thorough the City of London, from the Tower to Westminster, and on the morrow following, the K. & the Queene came from the Pallace to the great hall, & from thence barefooted upon cloth of raye they went to S. Peters Abby at Westminster, every one of the nobles & officers of state attending according to their several ranckes & places. The Cardinall sang Masse, & after Pax the king & Queene descended from before S. Edwards shrine, to the high altar before which they were both howseled, having but one host divided betwixt them. Then returned they both and offred at the shryne, where the king left the Crowne of S. E. and tooke his own Crown. And then in order as they came they returned. All ceremonies of solemnitie finished, the King gave licence to all the nobility and others that were thereof desirous to depart to their severall habitations, (except the Lord Stanley) respectively giving unto them strict commandement at their departure from him, To be carefull to maintaine the truth of Religion, to preserve the peace and quiet of the kingdome, and to prevent extortion and wrong that otherwise through their negligence might happen unto his subjects, setting them forth a lesson himselfe never meant to learne at least wise practise. For like Sylla he commanded others under great penalties to be vertuous and modest, when he himselfe walked the cleane contrary way. The [Page] Northern men well rewarded, are returned home and the king left at leasure, to discover his masked hipocrisie, and at liberty to invent, and put in practise An. 1484. R. 1. stratagems of death and murther. And as afterwards he ended his time with the best which was his: so began he his raigne with the worst which was the death of his two innocent Nephewes.

The King and the Queene take their progresse into Glocester, to visit in his new honour the place of which he bare the name of his old. By the way he plotteth the manner of the destruction of the two innocent lambes left behind in the slaughter-house. For the execution whereof he sent one of his execrable instruments, named Iohn Greene with a letter and instructions to Sir Robert Brackenbury, Leiftenant of the Tower, a creature of no small credit with him, presently upon the sight thereof, to take order for the dispatching out of the way those two (as he termed them) bastard brats: But the Lieftenant in this (howsoever vehemently suspected as guiltie of other like imployments) being honest, both detested the businesse, and denyed to performe the Command, with which answer Greene returned to Warwicke where the King then was, to whom he related the Lieftenants answer, wherewith the king was doubly perplexed, with the discovery of his intention, and the refusall by him, on whose readinesse hee much presumed before. And much discontented he withdrew to his Chamber, where after some vent to his passion, he made enquiry of some of the pages, if any could thinke of a man, that to gaine his Soveraignes favour, would hazard the losse of a finger or somewhat more, whereupon one of the Pages presently gave information of a Knight, who to give wing to his ambitious desires, which were ever desirous of the Kings imployment, would not be scrupulously conscienced, nor would stand much upon the hazard of his limmes to doc his Majestie service, adding withall that he was now in bed in the next chamber, upon this man the K. presently pitcheht; And hastely rifing from the close stoole, (for this Communication was at the time of evacuation, a faire closet and a fit season for such counsell) he went forth into the pallace Chamber, where hee found two brothers Sir Thomas and Sir Iames Tirrell in bed together, men of different conditions, but equall comlinesse of feature and countenance, wherein few in those times did exceed them. Sir Iames before by the Page fully described to be the undertaker, is singled out and privately conferd withall by the king. And to him hee briefly importeth his minde, and the meanes to purchase his perpetuall respect and favour. The Knight as greedy of the imployment, as the King to have it effected, out went the Kings expectation in forwardnesse, undertakes the performance of whatsoever shalbe appointed, whereupon the next morning hee is dispatched with letters mandatorie, to Sir Robort Brackenbury, for present surrender up of his command the keyes of the Tower for a time to the bearer, Sir Iames Tirrell which was accordingly done.

Sir Iames before hand had furnished himselfe with actors for such a filthy tragedy, whose names were Miles Forrest, and Iohn Dighton, a couple of Rake-shames that had beene thoroughly flesht in all villany, And had so often offended the law by shedding of blood, that the custom thereof had taken away the sence of the sinne; so that to cut the throate of a Prince or a Pig was without difference to them. These the second night after his having of the keyes of the Tower, Sir Iames imployes to smother the two poore innocents in their bed, which they did, by wrapping hard their pillowes about their heads, and stopping their breath with their bed clothes, which [Page] done, they tooke and buried them under the stayres amongst a heape of stones. From whence they were after removed, in more obscuritie but to a place of Christian buriall, by Sir Robert Brackenburyes Chaplaine, whose suddaine death which hapned some few dayes after hindered the discovery of the place. And thereby gave cause of doubt to some, and colour to others, by the credulous folly of a few but the inveterate malice of more, afterwards to justifie Perkyn Warbecks and others imposturie.

The tragedy being come to the Catastrophe away poasts Sir Iames, (having first taken order for the shipping of his agents for the Lowe Countries) to the King. From whom at first he received gracious countenance, good words, and great promises. But was never afterwards preferred or imployed by the King (as perceiving in his lookes some reluctancy for what he had so lately done) But scornd and detested by all that knew the imployment, abandoned by his owne brother, and despicable in his owne thoughts. And such is usually the reward of those that pawne their soules to purchase uncertaine preferment, for as good Phisitians affect not poyson, though skilfully sometimes they make use of it, no more doe any the traytor that take advantage of the Treason.

The King doth now perceive, that he is able enough to subsist of himselfe, and without Buckinghams ayde or advise, powerfull enough to plot and actuate any requirable project. And therefore having now freed himselfe from any competitors for the Garland by the murther of his two Nephewes: he began by little and little to weane himselfe from Buckingham, and withdrawes his former privacy of conference with him. And first delayes and then denyes to performe the pact and agreement so solemnly before concluded betwixt them, yet publickly washes his face in every company with all showes of Court holy water, which the Duke wisely observing, (one formerly sufficiently acquainted with his disposition) Thinking it farre better to be enjoyer but of a small loafe, then to have no bread, playes with the King at his owne weapon. At Glocester taketh occasion with outward show of all formall respect and former integrity to take his leave of the King and so departed the Court. But they had no sooner severed themselves, but each began to observe the others behaviour, and by meanes of interlopers they were known to misconster and misinterpret each others words, and actions, so that the knot of familiaritie formerly united in treachery, was now easily dissolved by Ielou [...]ie; which was the sooner brought about by this occasion. After the Dukes arrivall at his Castle of Brecknock he sent for his prisoner Morton Bishop of Ely whom he familiarly entertained, and from time to time continued such his kind and respective entertaiment towards him, which the wise Bishop observing, and withall noting the Dukes haughty heart, and ambitious haughtines, he thought it good discretion from thence to take his hint, to make his wisedome the meanes, of his own deliverance, though with the Dukes distruction. For the Bishop besides his profound learning, having often and by alternate proofe of prosperity, and adversity, gotten experience (the mother and mistris of wisdome,) and thereby could discerne the passages of polliticke and cunning contrivements, perceiving the Duke so overforward to Cope with his conversation, that he would omit no place or time convenient, but he would expresse himselfe in a most affectionate manner to be most desirous to injoy it, the Bishop at times of conference, would so order his Communication that he seemed rather to follow, then lead the Duke into [Page] any discourse, which either concerned the commendation of Henry the sixt or Edward the fourth. And would therein so temper his speech, that hee would not deliver further, or more, then what hee was assured the Duke could not well contradict. But ever modestly without either arrogating or derogating to the Honor of the one or other. But if at any time any passage in their talke intervened that might any way reflect upon the now King, hee would make suddaine stoppes, saying he had beene fomerly too forgetfull that way, and had waded to farre in relation of occurrences in the world, more then did become his Coate, but now hee was resolved to leave those courses, and wholly to apply himselfe to his bookes, and beades, and meditate on the next world. Neverthelesse the Duke after many protestations of secrecy, importuned the Bishop but to expresse his opinion of the condition of King Richard and the validity of his tirle to the Crowne of England, telling him withall that hee was resolved to entreat (and presumed he should obtaine it) his faithfull and secret counsell in a busines that neerely concerned him as one upon whose Religious honesty, and every way sufficiency, hee would altogether rely. Adding further that to that end, he had procured leave from the then Protector to have the Bishop committed to his courtesie, whereby hee might with the more conveniency, and safetie, conferre with him thereabouts. And the Bishop might be assured of more safety and respect, then in another place. The Bishop gave him many thankes for this his undeserved favour, desiring the continuance of them But withall told him that Princes were like fire, howsoever at a distance they gave warmth, yet kist they would burne the lippes; And therefore saith hee, I love not to talke of them as being a thing not altogether out of danger. For though the words in themselves deserve no reprehension, yet are they ever subject to other mens misconstruction, or misinterpretation, and seldome if at any time passe according to the intention and meaning of the speaker, but as they are taken. But this added more oyle to the flame of the Dukes desire, to be resolved of the Bishops verdict of the before past proceedings and his judgement of occurrences to follow. And the more cautious the Bishop was in his relations, the more eager and earnest was the Duke to be thoroughly informed of both, and at length hee prevayled with his importunitie so farre, that one evening after supper sitting privately together, the Duke having engaged his honour, as swearing by his George, and his soule, by calling his maker to witnesse, that whatsoever at that time the Bishop should deliver unto him, should for ever be buried in silence and never goe further.

The Bishop stood off no longer but demonstrated at large, that the late Protectors proceedings, were discommendable, his Ambition unsufferable, his bloody designes intolerable, his usurped government tyrannicall, and the Honour and quiet of the Kingdome in apparant ieopardie: And then with great earne [...]nes both of speech and gesture he further said, Royall Sir I adjure you by the faith you owe to God, by the honorable respect you beare to your progeny, by your oath made to Saint George the patron of that honorable order of the Garter whereof you are a deserving companion, by the true affection you carry to your native Countrey, and your due love to vertue and integritie, bee not averse but bravely second that faire and honest course that I shall propose unto your grace. For thereby tyrannous [Page] usurpation may be suppressed, Iustice advanced, and future peace everlastingly established, which God of his infinite bountie will vouchsafe to An. 1484. R. 2. accomplish, if you will with what convenient speed you may, procure or provide a fit and undisparagable match for the eldest daughter of King Edward our late King. And if with possibilitie it may be obtained, let him be such a person, as may revnite the long since severed bearings of the red Rose and the White, then will all intestine broyles be pacified: and every one shall freely enjoy the happy benefit of the now so much desired, blessed Concord.

This speech was not so soone ended, but the Duke elevating his eyes to heaven put of his Cappe; And sayd: To thee oh heavenly father sole giver of every good and perfect gift, from the altar of my humblest heart I render all possible praise and thankes, for that thou [...]ast given ability through thy gracious spirit, to this thy servant, to invent a fiaer meanes, whereby thy glory may be propagated, innocency preserved, and inhumanity punished, the good & quiet of thy people procured, and every true patriot have just cause to rejoyce in thee. And then putting on his Cap againe he sayd to the Bishop; At what time my brother in law, for I presume it is not unknowne to you that King Edward and I did marry two sisters, left this life, I began to revolue with my selfe, how little respect or favour after such my marriage I had received at his hands notwithstanding any so neere affinity besides propension of love to doe him all acceptable service, and his little humanitie showen to me, made me as little reckon of him, and lesse of his children. Then the old Proverbe comming into mymind, That that Realme often rueth where children raigne and women beare sway, I could not but be perswaded, That much mischiefe and perturbation would betide the whole Kingdome, if either the young King were suffred to sway the Scepter, or the Queene mother to have the government, and the rather, for that her brothers and children by a former husband, although not extract of very ancient Nobilitie, assumed more unto themselves in managing of the state affaires, then either the deceased Kings brethren or any other Peere of the Realme; whereupon to prevent a further mischiefe, I thought it very requisite, both for the advancement of the publike good, and my owne particular interest, to insinuate and partake with the Duke of Glocester; whom I then reputed as free from simulation or dissimulation and as tractable without doing injury, and iust without showing cruelty, as now to my shame I may speake it, and to my griefe I have proved him, to be a perjured dissembler and a pittilesse tyrant. And thereupon I sided with Glocester: and by my sole labour and industry (without the least suspicion, I protest of what after hapned) he was at the first Councell held after the death of King Edward procured (as partly you my Lord Bishop know) to be made Protector both of King and Kingdome, whereunto he had no sooner attained, but by like policy he got into his custody, his two innocent Nephewes the King and the Duke of Yorke. Then he begins to solicite me and sometimes by entreaties he endevoreth to perswade, and then againe with minatory words to enforce me, and the Lords present (by constraint as it were) to permit him to take upon him the execution of the Regall state and government of this Kingdome, untill the young King were ripe and able to undergoe the burden thereof, and beare the loade upon his own shoulders at least wise untill he should attaine, to the age of foure and twentie yeeres, which project [Page] of his, in regard the example was without president, And that would be as strange if not more, to have an ambitious mind, to disinantell himselfe of a place of that eminent power of Command one obtained: as for him at that instant to effect it, I seemed not well to relish it, and the rather for that I found by the countenance of all there present, he was as then unprovided of seconds at the table, to backe his proposition. He thereupon not altogether unprovided of his baytes to fish with, to give some colourable pretext of reason for what he had moved, he produced many seeming authenticke instruments and resolutions, upon depositions of credible witnesses, subscribed by the Civilians and Canonists the most famous in these times for judgement and learning, by whom it was resolved and so adjudged that the children of Edward the fourth were to be reputed illegitimate and no way capable of the inheritance of the Crowne; which overture then (unfeinedly I speake it) I thought as reall, and true, as now I know the deponents names were counterfeited, and the whole businesse forged.

These depositions and resolutions thus by him produced were read, and thoroughly by us at the Councell table debated, and long discussed upon, untill the Protector himselfe stood up and sayd, My Lords as on the one part I and your Lordships are most willing that King Edwards children should receive no injury, so on the other side, I beseech you doe not you bethe occasion that I suffer apparant wrong. For this point being thus cleered that my brothers sonnes are not inheritable, behold me the unquestionable, and undoubted heire of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Yorke my deceased but deere father, who was by authoritie of the Parliament adjudged: and so proclaimed lawfull heire of the Crowne of England, whereupon we silly seduced men, thinking all had beene Gospell that had beene delivered, gave consent, that in regard the Duke of Clarence his son, by reason of the former attainder of the father, besides the obtruded illegitimation of him too, was likewise disabled too carry the inheritance: to accept of the bramble for our King, and Soveraigne Lord: the which I was rather induced to doe, by how much he had often with solemne protestations, both publike and private, given me his faithfull promise, that the two young infants should no way be abused, but that they should have sufficient assurance for maintenance, such as I and the rest of the nobility should well like and approve of, which how well he hath perfomed judge you, when he was no sooner by my procurement, from a private person made Protector and from a subject sole Soveraigne, but he cast the ladder by, by which he had climed to this preferment, changing his manners with his honours. And not onely denied me to enjoy the liberty of my undoubted right, as touching the Earldome of Hertford unjustly detained from me by his predecessor King Edward. (And which at our first conference about these proceedings this Richard with many execrable oaths and promises had assured me (but kept touch in nothing with me of what was formerly concluded betwixt us. But in liewe thereof I was entertained with flowtes and uncurteous language, giving out as though I had never furthered but rather hindred his most waighty designes: yet this foule Ingratitude and his undeserved unkindnesse, I patiently for a seasonunder-went. But when I had received certaine notice of the unnaturall murther of his two naturall Nephewes, I was so transported with scorne and indignation, that I had very much to doe to temper my passion, from publicke revenge of their death and my owne disgrace, in his owne Court untill weighing the doubtfulnesse of the [Page] event, I deemed it the safest way, with patience to waite a fitter opportunity, and in the meane time, to take out a coppy of his dissimulation, and that I might with the more safty worke upon his owne scene, I framed my cariage and countenance, at all times towards him, in that manner as though I knew no pipe to dance after, but his, never crossing him in any point, nor seeming to dislike or distast (though much against my nature) any thing he moved or did. And by this meanes I obtained libertie to retire my selfe to this place. But in my journey homewards by the way I had many strong conflicts in my mind, which way to begin to worke that I might make this usurper to acknowledge his error, and to pull of the lyons skin from his hoglike backe.

First I thought with my selfe that there was a faire path beaten for me (he being now by the murther of his tender Nephewes growne despicable to God & all good men) to lay hold of the Garland, in regard there was not one whom I could then call to remembrance, either of power or pretence, sufficient to debar me from enioying it, being no way unprovided of meanes, men or mony for imployment, And in this Conceit I continued a while, untill that afterwards that came into my mind, that to come in by way of conquest would prove both hard and hazardfull; In regard that most of the Nobilitie and Gentlemen, would oppose me therein, if for no other end or reason, but onely for the preservation of their tenures and titles, which in a conquerors hands are liable to his disposall. And then, and there, that embrions conceit of Conquering continued so formles.

Then my fancy suggested to me that the Lord Edmond Duke of Somerset my grandfather was within degrees lineally descended from Iohn of Gaunt for Edmond Beuford Earle Moryton was sonne of Iohn surnamed Beauford of Beauford in France which came to the house of Lancaster, by Blaunch of Arthoyes wife to Edmond first Earle of Lancaster sonne of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster. That my mother being his eldest daughter I was next heire to Henry the 6. And hereupon I set up my rest, thereon to lay a foundation whereupon to erect my building: But as God would have it, whilst my braines were busie, and as I rode debating with my selfe: how to the best advantage I might set my engines going, betwixt Worcester and Bridgnorth, I accidentally encountred Margaret Countesse of Richmond the true and only heire of my Grandfathers elder brother Iohn Duke of Somerset, who married Margaret daughter and heire of Sir Iohn Beauchamp of Bletsoe kinght, By whom he had issue, one onely daughter Margaret who married Edmond of Haddam sonne of Owen Tewder by Queene Katherine and halfe brother by the mother to King Henry the 6. But she was as absolutely forgotten by me as if I had never seene or knowne her. Now she and her sonne Henry Earle of Richmond, being both cutworke, and percullis, betwixt me and that port, which I must of necessitie passe, if I should at any time attempt to enter into the Court royall of Maiestie, my presupposed title was in my imagination now scarce worth a tittle. And herewithall calling to mind that those inseparable dangers, insupportable cares, and unavoydable troubles, that necessarily awaite upon a Crowne are so imminent & numerous: That no one if he but man can with safety escape, wel undergoe or with patience endure the least of many of them, except by lineall descent the law doe cast it upon him, or he be by Gods especiall providence as David was preordaind or before appoynted thereunto. And further taking it into consideration, That if I once assumed unto my selfe the swaying of the Scepter, howsoever I might perchance be of abilitie [Page] sufficient to lay hold of it, yet on the one part, I should bee sure to find many foes, but few faithfull friends, (who in this age are all for the most part gone on Pilgrimage and their returne is uncertaine.) And on the other side King Edwards Daughters and their Allyes, whose patience so infinitely abused, might incite some furious partakers, or my cousin Richmond with his friends and followers, or some discontented Lords (for it would bee an impossible thing to give plenary content to all) would bee ever snatching or snarling at mee, upon every the least occasion, and upon any advantage, so that in all likelyhood my life and livelihood, should bee ever hanging, but by a very slender thread, so that I should never bee secure, but ever in danger of death or deposition: wherefore from thenceforth I concluded with my selfe, to banish out of my thoughts, all ayrie-built Castles, to looke after the government of the kingdome, either in my owne right, or to my owne use, and concluded watchfully to attend, if at any time it should please God to make mee his instrument, to relieve the wronged, and to scourge the oppressour; And now I am verily perswaded, that it is the good pleasure of the Almightie, to make this the meanes by which both may bee to his glory effected, for the Earle of Richmond to take to Wife Elizabeth the eldest Daughter of Humphry Duke of Buckirgham slain at St. Albones 1455. King Edward the fourth (to bring which orderly to effect,) neither my person, power, or purse shall bee wanting; In respect that by this match, The two houses of Yorke and Lancaster at this time so miserably dis-joynted, may bee brought to unitie and conjunction. And whereas my Grandfather Humphry slain at Northampton, 38. H. 6. 1460. and Father did both lose their lives in abetting the side of Lancaster; I will now hazard mine to conjoyne them both hand in hand.

These words the Duke uttered with that vehement earnestnesse, that the good Bishop, and not without reason was thorowly perswaded, that it was asmuch the love of Richmond, as the hatred to Richard, that made him make this forward and friendly offer; And from thenceforth afterward hee so condited his discourses with such powerfull and significant words, and prevalent reasons, that hee kept him firme and constant to his first proposition, insomuch that at length by this Bishops advise and procurement of Reignold Bray (a Gentleman attending upon the Countesse of Richmond) this whole plot is discovered to the Dutchesse, and very well approved of by her; And presently from her, Doctor Lewis her Phisitian is imployed to Queene Elizabeth; who still remained in Sanctuary at Westminster, to sound how shee stood inclinable; Who upon the first proposition, before shee would expresse any thing unto the Doctor, shee prostrated her selfe upon her knees, and humbly invoked the blessed Trinitie, to bee propitious to this so much desired Vnitie: And then raising her selfe up shee did professe her selfe, (next unto God) to be much bound to him, or her, that first invented the meanes, whereby to restore my poore children to their right, and redeeme my selfe from that thraldome, and feare wherein now I am; And with great thankes returned to the Doctor, wishing him to assure the contriver thereof whosoever; That if Earle Richmond would take his corporall oath, to espouse either her Daughter Elizabeth or Cicely, in case it should please. God Elizabeth should dye before that time, assoone as hee had obtained the enjoyment of the Crowne; That shee would not only give hers, and get her Daughters consent to the match: But procure all the Friends and Allyes of her deceased husband King Edward, and her owne to take his part, and in all things to give him their best assistance.

The Mothers thus having expressed their intentions to keepe the game on foot, Doctor Lewis preferred to the Queene, a religious and learned Priest, [Page] called Christopher Vrswicke, who up on oath taken for secrecy was, as occasion should bee offered, to bee imployed in these businesses, so that now Bray and Vrswicke doe travaile only about home, whilst the Physitian who might doe it with more safetie, and lesse suspition, negotiated in more remote places, first to sound, then to incite, as many of the Nobilitie and Gentrie, as they should discover to bee willing to give their assistance, but alwayes with this caution to offer to treate with none, without making oath first for truth and secrecie.

In few dayes Bray had drawne into confederacy, Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Iohn Cheney, Richard Guilford, and Thomas Rame, with some others.

Vrswicke likewise for his share, had prevailed with Hugh Conoway, Thomas Culpepper, Thomas Rooper, with some others; And in the meane time Doctor Lewis was not idle, but had wonne Edward Courtney, and his brother Peter Bishop of Exceter: amongst whom it was carefully agreed upon, that convenient messengers should bee speedily dispatched for Britannie to Earle Richmond, to acquaint him with the whole proceedings; For this purpose by the contrivement of Vrswicke, Hugh Conoway is imployed from Plimmouth with great summes of money.

Thomas Rame, by the advice of Bray, is with like instructions sent out of Kent by Callice, both which within the space of little more then an houre, though divers wayes, the one most part by Sea, the other most part by land, came to the presence of the Earle, who graciously received them, and gladly embraced both the concord and condition.

The Earle acquaints the Duke of Britanny, both with the plot and the confederation: earnestly imploring his advise and ayde, which the Duke as readily promised, as really performed; Howsoever Hutton Embassadour from King Richard, had endevoured to preoccupate the Scene, and in his Masters name, had both by private Letters, and many proffers of much money, and more courtesies laboured the Duke for the Earles restraint; But to little or no purpose.

The Earle thus encouraged, returnes Connoway and Rames by the same way they came, to give notice of his speedy repaire, with ample instructions, for the manner of preparation against his approach to be made; Whereupon the Confederates in all places provide such as had Castles or Piles of strength furnish them with men and amunition; And others use their best meanes, that money and men may bee got in readinesse, against the Earles arrivall.

Bishop Morton who had gained opportunitie against the Duke of Buckinghams will, to convey himselfe into the Lowe-Countryes, is not slacke by Letters and private messages, to conjure all such as hee knew, either to hate or envy King Richard, or to have loved King Edward, to lay to their helping hands with all their might in this conjuration.

Now whether amongst so many (through some false brothers treachery, or out of his watchfull jelousie over Buckingham it is uncertaine.) But King Richard hath intelligence of the designe, and politickly dissembleth it, but secretly giveth order as it were but to take a muster, to draw his forces together, amongst whom hee suddenly comes, and having appointed his carriages to follow him, hee marcheth away without acquainting any of the Commanders with any particular place whither hee lead these forces; In the meane time first by proffer of friendship, by faire termes, the King did solicite the Dukes presence at London, where the King kept his standing house; But receiving from him, but delatory put offs; The King then sent a peremptory message, by the tye of his alleageance to come away; which was [Page] returned with this resolute answer, That hee would not (if hee could avoid it) have any conversation with an ungratefull per jured inhumane butcher of his owne flesh and blood, so that now preparation to offend and defend by the sword is made on both parts.

The King holds on his march, whereupon all the conjurators in every quarter are in overt commotion, Thomas Marquesse Dorset (preserved from slaughter by the only favour of Sir Thomas Lovell against the Kings will) forsaketh Sanctuarie, and in York-shire laboureth to raise forces.

The two Courtneys in Devon and Cornwall take the same course, and they are seconded in Kent by Guilford and Rame, so that civill combustion is in every quarter of the Realme: King Richard notwithstanding severs not his forces, but keepes on his march towards Buckingham, who having notice thereof, both readily, and willingly setteth forward, bending his course thorow the Forrest of Deane, intending at Glocester to have passed Severne, and so to have joyned forces with the two Courtneys, and the Westerne Confederates, but by the long continuance of wet weather, the waters thereabouts were risen so high, that Severne was broken out, and had overflowne all the Countries: so that it was a thing impossible for the Dukes forces to bee transported, which the Welch-men (drawne thither more for feare then love) tooke advantage of, saying it was a prodigious token, of their ill successe in the enterprise, and secretly by night slipt away from him, whose example the residue followed, so that the Duke upon this disbanding, was left to shift by himselfe, whereupon hee dismist all his followers, and without or Page or Foot-man, repayred to the house of one Humphry Bannister, who dwelt neere Shrowsbury, presuming there he might safely lodge in obscurity, untill better fortune should smile, the rather for that the many extraordinary favours, formerly done to the said Bannister and his father before him, might justly challenge willing entertainment during his secret stay there, if not more.

The newes of this disaster, added wings to the other conjurators to disperse their powers and flye, some to Sanctuary, others to unknowne places, all of them making the best shift they could to escape: but they sped best which conveyed themselves into Britanny; Amongst whom the Marquesse Dorset, John Lord Wells, the Bishop of Exceter, and his brother Sir John Bourchier, Sir Edward Woodvile, brother to Queene Elizabeth, Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir Giles Daubeney, Sir Thomas Arundell, Sir John Cheney and his two brethren, Sir William Barckley, Sir William Brandon and his Brother Thomas, Sir Richard Egmond, Hollowell and Poynings Captaines were chiefe.

King Richard having intelligence that the enemy was fled, sent order presently, to lay all the Ports, with strict charge, that none should goe on borde, or come on shore, without especiall warrant.

Hee likewise made publick Proclamation, that if any one could bring tydings of the Duke of Buckingham (who was now proclaimed Traitour, and all his lands and goods seized into the Kings hands) so that the Duke might bee apprehended, if the person were a bondman hee should bee manumitted, if a freeman, hee should have a generall pardon, and a thousand pound currant English coyne.

Whilst these things are thus in agitation, King Richard hath information from Hutton his Leiger Embassadour in Britaine, That the Duke thereof not only refused to keepe the Earle of Richmond in restraint of libertie; Bu, was seeming forward, to give him his assistance, to prosecute his intendmentt [Page] which was to worke some exploit in England: Wherefore the King tooke especiall order, for the present rigging, and preparing his Navy, to stop, if possible, the Earles landing in any Port of England.

In the interim, whether feare to offend the law, or greedy Covetousnesse to gaine the thousand pounds, it is yet disputable, but Bannister like an ungratefull servant perfidiously discovered his Master the Duke of Buckingham to Iohn Mitton then high Sheriffe of Shropshire, who thereupon apprehended him, in a little Grove neere Bannisters dwelling house, and conveyed him to Shrowsbury where King Richard lay, from whence upon All-Soules day, hee was conveyed to Salisbury, and then and there without arraignment or legall proceedings, in the Market-place beheaded.

Whether Bannister received his proclaimed reward is uncertaine: but that Gods judgements appeared afterwards against him, and his is very remarkable, for hee was afterwards hanged for man-slaughter, his eldest daughter is debauncht by one of his Carters, and his sonne and heire in a desperate lunacy became his owne butcher, and was so found by the Coruors inquest.

This Henry Duke of Buckingham was Earle of Stafford, Hereford, Northampton, Lord of Brecknocke, Kimbolton, and Tunbridge, and high Constable of England.

Hee married Katherine Daughter of Richard Woodvile, Earle Rivers, by whom he had issue three Sons and two Daughters.

1. Edward, who by Henry the seventh was restored to blood, and succeeded in his Fathers honours.

2. Henry the said King, Created Earle of Wilts.

3. And Humphry that dyed young.

1. Elizabeth, married to Robert Radcliffe Lord Fitz-Waters.

2. Anna married first to Sir Walter Harbert, and afterwards George Lord Hastings Earle of Huntington.

Vpon the twelfth day of October, the Earle of Richmond with fourtie ships and five thousand waged Britons tooke the Seas; But that evening by the rage of an impetuous tempest, the whole Navy was dispersed; The ship wherein the Earle was, with one only little Barke, after they had endured the rage of the tempest, eight and fourty houres, was driven upon the coast of Cornwall, where hee giveth expresse commandement, that none should dare to take land untill the fleet were drawne together.

But after hee had huld up and downe the shore, by the space of a day and a night, and never a Vessell appearing, observing an hourely encrease of armed souldiers upon the Coasts by Poole, being assured they were none of his partakers, because no tokens before agreed upon, at his approach to bee used, were presented: The wind blowing a fresh gale, the Earle hoisteth sayle, and returning toward France, arrived in Normandy; From whence he dispatcheth messengers to the French King Charles the eight, by whom hee readily received a safe conduct, together with a liberall quantitie of French Crowns, to beare his charges on the way, whereupon the Earle sent his shipping about, whilst hee by easie journies came by land into Brittaine, where hee received the newes of the Duke of Buckinghams death, and the dispersing of the Confederates forces, which somewhat troubled him at first; But afterwards hee was much comforted, at the sight of the Marquesse Dorset, and those brave Commanders that were come with him; And presently they enter into consultation, what course was to bee taken in their beginning, and progresse of the intended action, amongst whom it was then generally concluded;

[Page] That King Richard as a Tyrant and a Traitour should be proscribed.

That Richmond should take upon him the Regall Dignitie, then by Richard usurped.

That Richmond should publickly make a solemne protestation, to take to Wife the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter of Edward the fourth.

That all the Nobles, Gentlemen, and others of the English Nation there present, should doe homage, and sweare allegiance to the Earle of Richmond, as to their Soveraigne Lord; And each to other enterchangeably give assurance upon the seale of their salvation, alone and together with others to prosecute Richard, and protect Richmond, to the expence of the last drop of blood in their bodyes, and the profusion of all their substances.

This thus concluded on, upon Christmasse day before the high Altar, in the great Church of Reimes, the Earle of Richmond gave oath to marry the Lady Elizabeth, immediatly after hee was quietly seated in the government of England; And thereupon all the Lords and Knights there present, (the Bishop of Exceter showing them the way,) did doe him homage; And in the same place, each to other religiously did vow, taking the Sacrament thereupon, never to surcease prosecuting warre against Richard the Vsurper, untill his deposition or destruction.

Relation hereof being made to the Duke of Britain, he voluntarily made offer, to furnish the Earle, with all things necessary for the enterprise, & all things are accordingly providing in those parts, whilst King Richard makes a diligent enquiry after all those, that might bee suspected, to bee favourers or furtherers of Richmonds association, many of them are apprehended, amongst whom, Sir George Browne, and Sir Roger Clifford with foure Gentlemen more, are executed at London.

Sir Thomas Sentleger, who had married Anne, the Duke of Ezceters Widow, the Kings owne sister, and Thomas Rame Esquire, were executed at Exceter. And at an Assises held at Torrington, for the Countie of Devon, Thomas Marquesse Dorset, and all such as were with the Earle of Richmond, were indicted of high Treason, and at the Parliament which presently followed, all those so indicted, were attainted, and all their lands and good seized upon.

Thomas Lord Stanley is enforced to purge himselfe by oath, and to sweare that hee then was altogether innocent, of any trecherous practise against the An. 1484 King, and unacquainted with any his Wives courses, touching the succouring her Sonne: yet neverthelesse hee is commanded to keepe her close, and not to suffer any to have libertie, to write to or confer with her.

A truce is concluded betwixt England and Scotland, to continue for three yeares; And for the better settling of amitie, and concord betwixt the two kingdomes, a Marriage is treated of, betwixt the Duke of Rothsay, the King of Scots eldest Sonne, and the Lady Anne de la Poole, King Richards Sisters Daughter, formerly married to John de la Poole, Duke of Suffolke.

John Earle of Lincolne, the said Annes Brother, King Richards Nephew, is likewise (the Daughters of Edward the fourth being excluded) proclaimed heire of the Crowne of England.

Suspition seldome but slumbers, never sleepes; And a guiltie conscience, is ever-more broad waking; The jelousie of Richmonds Title, and the horrour of King Richards conscience, for the murther of his two innocent Nephewes, so justly affright him, that his sleepes are evermore interrupted with fearefull dreames, insomuch that hee did often leape out [Page] of his bed, in the darke, and catching his sword (which alwayes naked stucke by his side) hee would goe distractedly about the Chamber, every where seeking to find out the cause of his owne occasioned disquiet; And in the day time hee alwayes would hold his hand upon his Ponyard, as though hee would not bee behind-hand, to requite the stroke of a sword with a stabbe: his braines were still working, and his cogitations, hammering out strange stratagems for Massacres.

There must be no stone left unremoved, whereupon Richmon might have footing: Embassadours are sent to the Duke of Britaine with instructions upon any termes to procure, or purchase his Person, to bee delivered unto them; But the Duke by extremitie of sicknesse was falne into that weaknesse, that the Embassadours could have no audience; Whereupon they addressed themselves to Peter Landoyes, chiefe Treasurer to the Duke, and his great Favourite; They having found out the length of his foot, by the experience of other mens successe, that negotiated with him; They so annointed him with oyle of Angels, and large promises, of the King of Englands ready willingnesse to make more ample satisfaction, for any courtesie therein by him to be done. That he resolutely undertaketh that the Kings pleasure shall bee in that point procured, what injoyned this Treasurer, that at Saint Mallowes not long before, had countermined King Richards Enginers, and preserved the Earle from the danger of the plotte; That now hee should undertake, to ingulph him in that quagmire, from whence so lately hee had freed him, cannot easily bee conjectured, except that the eminencie of his place (farre transcending his descent or desert,) had brought him into the generall hatred of those, whom either hee by his inward power with the Duke, had any wayes injured, (a course too common amongst those of like condition and qualitie) or otherwise, had not given that fulnesse of content, that was expected; And thrust him into the contempt of his betters by birth, that scorned to have such a bubble to take place before them, or into the envie of all such that would, but could not obtaine like favour and preferment, or into the hatred of the Commons, who seldome or never thinke, or speake well of Officers in like place, that purchase their Masters favours by filling his coffers, and emptying their purses; And that hee could not devise a better meanes, how to arme himselfe strongly against the machinations and excursions, of such incertaine enemies, but by the friendship and protection, of so potent a Monarch, as the King of England was, the validitie of whose gold, and the power of whose arme, might purchase or procure his freedome or sasetie, if at any time thereafter impeached.

Whilst the Treasurer is plotting and placing his engines, to make delivery of the merchandise, as afore bought and sold. God who alwayes provideth for the deliverance out of danger, for those that trust in him, had so appointed, that Christopher Vrswicke is sent out of Flaunders, from Morton Bishop of Ely, (who by Gods especiall care and providence, was ever mindfull, and carefully watchfull of the Earle of Richmonds prosperous proceeding) to forewarne the Earle of the neere and certaine perill hee was in, and to acquaint him, both with the plot, and the meanes to prevent it. The Earle quickly resenteth it, and presently dispatcheth Vrswicke to the French King, to crave the continuance of his gracious favour, and againe to grant him safe passage thorow his Dominions. Vrswicke was no sooner gone on his way, but the Earle (making no more, then needs must, acquainted with his intention,) having procured a guide by unfrequented wayes, to [Page] conduct him into France, gave private directions to the Earle of Penbrooke, to make an overture, to drawe his forces towards the Duke of Britaine (who by this time had beene somewhat recovered of his maladie, and was retired to take the ayre, neere the borders of France,) That hee (as though so by him desired) might make view of them. But assoone as ever they came neere any the confines of France, hee should with all convenient speed, make entrance thereinto, and attend further directions. The Earle of Pembrooke punctually followed his directions, and safely arrived in the Dutchy of Anjou, where they made their randevow; Richmond with only five in his company, himselfe disguised like an ordinary Serving-man, through Woods and by-wayes, came to Angeirs, whither some of his retinue were gotten before, and attended his comming; From thence hee writeth to the Duke of Britaine, excusing his so sudden, and unmannerly departure, occasioned through his certaine danger, (if not thus avoided) by the plot aforesaid.

Some few dayes after his departure, the Treasurer with a selected company of souldiers, under the conduct of John Vitry (Landoys his onely creature and counsellour, who gave forth by the way, that these men were waged for the ayde of the Earle of Richmond: and to that purpose had Vitry formerly written to the Earle) came to Vans, where hearing of the Earles sudden departure, hee sent out his Vauntcorriers into every quarter to apprehend and stay him: but they lost their labours.

Sir Edward Woodvile and Captaine Poynings with their Companies, being left behind in Vans, had beene in great hazard, to have beene distressed, but their discreet behaviour, both then and before, had gotten a good opinion amongst the Townsmen, that they quietly permitted their stay amongst them, untill they had informed the Duke by the meanes of the Chancellour, who was their friend, and Landoys antagonist of their estate, who much displeased, with the harsh usage of the Earle by Landoys; out of a noble and commendable disposition, furnished them not only with money to discharge their debts in the Towne, but also with carriages, and all necessaries for their orderly accommodation in their march to the Earle of Richmond: whither with a safe conduct hee sent them, where they safely arrived.

The Earle returnes thankes to the Duke, and with an authenticall Instrument, whereby the Earle and all the Gentlemen present, had subscribed to the repayment of the money lent, and satisfaction of all things else, by those Companyes received, sends him a more ample and perfect remonstrance of the Treasurers trechery, which afterwards gave just occasion to the Duke of Britaines kinred, (who were by Decree of the King, and all the Peeres of France, in regard of the Dukes infirmitie, to manage the affaires of the Dutchy,) to question Landoys for that, and other overbold actions of his, to his after-overthrow; For hee and his Favourite John Vitry, (upon the just complaint of the Chancellour, and the unappeasable fury of the inraged multitude) had their processe legally made against them, and were accordingly hanged.

The Earle of Richmond admitted to the presence of the French King, acquaints him with his intention, and laying claime to the Crowne of England, and his meanes of prosecution thereof, and requesteth his amitie and assistance; Both which King Charles faithfully promised, and as effectually performed to his great honour.

In the interim, Richmond and his retinue, are honourably entertained, and bountifully feasted in the French Court, and many proffers of matches to the young English Bachelers there made, but none succeeded.

[Page] Whilst the Earle is thus attending in the French Court, John Vere Earle of Oxford, who had long beene Prisoner in the Castle of Hams, had so prevalently perswaded with James Blunt, Captaine of the Fortresse, and Sir John Fortescue, Porter of the Towne of Callice, that they not only gave him leave to take his owne liberty, but accompanied him to the Earle of Richmond, of whom they are joyfully welcommed, and to him Captaine Blunt gives assurance, that the Fortresse did remaine only at his devotion.

To the Earle at this time there resorted divers young Gentlemen, that were students in the Vniversity of Paris, proffering him their service, amongst whom was Richard Fox, at that time very famous for good Clerkship and faire carriage, to whom the Earle then gave entertainment, and then advised with him in all his affaires, but afterwards upon proofe of his good abilities, he made him one of his most privy Councell.

King Richard being informed, that his Chapmen could not compasse his so much desired merchandize in Britaine, and that Richmond was safe, and fairely entertained in the French Kings Court, hee resolved not to leave any thing undone, how vile and nefarious soever, that might further him to defeate his Adversary; And being perswaded that hee could by any meanes anticipate the Earle from matching with his Neece Elizabeth; And being so flesht in villany, that custome in him had taken away all sence of sinning, This downright instrument of the Divell, resolveth to ridde his hands of Anne his Queene, and as it were to win the prize from all precedent Tyrants, in being guiltlesse of no impietie, hee attempteth the marriage of his Neece, his Queene being yet living; But shee good Lady shall bee quickly made sure enough, from hindring his despicable designe, in joyning incest to murther; And thus resolved, cloking his wolvish condition, under the vaile of innocent well-meaning, this Monster of men, backt by the divell and his dissembling lookes, endevoureth to perswade the Queene of England, his Brothers Widow, that hee most entirely affected her pleasure, and her childrens preferment, and to obtaine her good opinion, would not only pardon the Earle Dorset, but promote him, and all their kinred to Honour, and prime offices of the Kingdome.

So farre hee prevailed with this meere pittifull Queene, that shee had quite forgotten the murther of her innocent infants; the butchering of her owne Brother, Sonne, and kinsfolkes, the calumny of her royall husband, the aspersion of adultery obtruded to her selfe, the imputation of bastardy layd to her Daughters; And her firme faith plighted to the contrary to the Dutchesse of Richmond, & the assurance thereby of her elder daughters preferment, upon K. Richards glosing speeches, was contented first to commit her daughters, to the custody of him that was author, and actor of all these calumniations and cruelties; and afterwards by Letters mandatory, to solicite her Sonne the Marquesse of Dorset, to desert the Earle of Richmond and to encline to King Richard, who shee assured him, had not only granted him, his free and generall pardon, but had provided honourably to preferre him upon his returne.

This done, King Richard with great solemnitie, and formall show of extraordinarie affections (the surest ginnes to catch women and rattlebraines) entertaineth the abused Mother, and seduced Daughters; And presently takes order to make one Saint the more in heaven by sending his Wife thither before her time, but how or by what meanes it is not made manifest.

Shee is with all solemnity, which the shortnesse of time to prepare would permit, interred at Saint Peters Church in Westminster, where some few forced teares for a show, are wrung from his eyes at the Funerall, whilst [Page] his thoughts are plotting, how to compasse incestuous copulation, with his owne Brothers Daughter, whom hee immoderately visiteth, and entertaines An. 1484 R. 1. with all varieties of pompous pleasures, as it were by such musicke, to prepare her affection the sooner to admit of his love-suite; But her harmelesse innocencie, not diving into his villanous purposes, takes all things from him as honourable courtesies.

Now only feare to lose that little good Opinion which the Common-people had cast away upon him, induced thereunto by his late formall show of repentance, and protestation of his heartie detestation of his former bloody course of life did with-hold this monster of man-kind, as yet to discover his beastly desire, which was to purchase his pleasure by rape, if not otherwise procurable; But for that it behoved him to labour to prevent the growing storme, threatned from beyond the Seas, and to hinder the further growth of his enemies forces at home, against his will hee prorogues the execution of his desires, and leaves love-matters untill another season.

The Lord Stanley is commanded, to levie all his forces for the Kings aide, as he will justifie his integritie to him; Neverthelesse cannot be permitted to go downe into his Countrey, untill hee had left George Lord Strange, his first begotten sonne, as a sure pledge of his love and loyaltie be hind him.

The surrender of the Castle of Hammes to the Earle of Richmond by Captaine Blount, is come to the eares of King Richard, who presently giveth order to the garrison of Callice, and the Forts adjoyning, to reduce the same, which they accordingly attempted; But the Captaine at his departure (having left his wife therein) had sufficiently furnished it, to withstand any assault, untill reliefe might with conveniency be sent unto it.

The Earle of Richmond having notice of the siege sendeth the Earle of Oxford with some forces to remove it, or relieve the besieged.

Thomas Brandon, a servant of the Earle of Oxford, with thirty resolute souldiers, find the meanes to enter into the Castle, carrying with them such amunition, as was then most wanting, whilst the Earle of Oxford with his other forces are marching thither, upon notice whereof, the Callicians offered the besieged, that if they would surrender the Castle, all that were within it, should have faire and noble quarter, with free liberty to depart, with bagge and baggage, which was accordingly readily embraced, being the only end of the Earle of Oxfords journey; which was to redeeme his friends, in especiall the Genlewomen in the Castle out of danger; And then leaving the Castle cleane bare, without either men, amunition, or ordnance, they retreated in safetie to the Earle of Richmond.

The shippes which King Richard had appointed to guard the Seas, to debarre the Earles passage, (hee having beene informed though untruly that Richmond was haplesse, and hopelesse of helpe from the French King) are called home, and all the souldiers discharged, only order given for the diligent watching the Beacons.

Thomas Marquesse Dorset, to give the better colour to the report of Richmonds backwardnesse to doe any thing suddenly: and not induced thereto by his Mothers solicitation, maketh a show to forsake Richmond, and conveyeth himselfe toward Flaunders, but by the way is overtaken by Humphry Cheney, who was appointed to follow him, and was not only perswaded to returne, but to remaine hostage with Sir John Bourcheir for securitie of performing the Articles concluded on, betwixt the Earle of Richmond, and divers his friends in France, and for the repayment of sundry sums of money by Richmond for this expedition borrowed.

[Page] But report being come into Britaine, that the Vsurper laboured the speedy making up of a match betwixt him, and the Lady Elizabeth, and An. 1484. Reg. 2. had likewise prepared, and proposed an husband for her Sister Cicely. There was too little time left, to bee employed for longer consultation what more to doe, or further expectation of aide how to doe; For experience did manifest it, that the longer they stayed, every day the lesse ready they were, for either victuall or other provision, grew sowre or stinking, and every houre would grow worse and worse; And that all the passages and Ports, were so stopped and guarded, that it was a thing almost impossible, to send or receive any further intelligence out of England, which was the more demonstrated by the certaine relation of Morgan Kidwelly, a student of the Common law of England, who with great hazard had brought information to the Earle; That Rice ap Thomas, and John Savage, two approved Commanders, and most powerfull in their owne Country, were ready with all the forces they could make, to abet his course upon his first landing, though with hazard of their lives; And that his trusty Friend Reignold Bray was ready provided of money and all other necessaries, to furnish Richmonds necessities, and only awaited his approach; And for the reasons aforesaid, advised him to steere his course for Wales, and further from them adjured him, to make all possible festination, assuring him that nothing could procure better speed, then present expedition; Whereupon Richmond with not much above two thousand stipendaries, and but convenient Bottoms to transfreate them, about the middle of August following put to Sea, and on the seventh day after their departure from Harflew, they arrived at Milford haven, where without trouble or impeachment, he landed his forces; and from thence peaceably marched to Hereford, where by the Inhabitants there he was joyfully received.

A common report is raised, that Rice ap Thomas, and John Savage stood out for King Richard, which gave some occasion of mistrust to Richmond; But the trouble was lessened, when he was resolved by Captaine Arnold Butler, that the Earle of Penbrooke with all his retinue were upon the way to joyne with the Earle of Richmond.

Richard Griffith likewise with a band of of brave Welch-men, and John Morgan with the like number encreased Earle Henryes forces, who with them fairely and easily marched towards Shrowsbury.

The Earles skowts bring in word, that Sir Robert Harbert and Rice ap Thomas, were ready with a great power to stop his passage; Whereupon hee dispatched messengers with Letters to his Mother and Friends, to certifie them of all occurrences, since his safe arrivall, and to acquaint them with his intention, to passe Severne at Shrowsbury, and from thence to march directly for London; and then prepares himselfe for the encounter; And in his march is saluted by Rice ap Thomas, who with a valiant crew of souldiers offers their service, so as Earle Henry will pledge his faith to performe his promise formerly intimated by Letter, which was, that after hee had obtained the Crowne, Richmond should make and appoint Rice sole governour of Wales, which was assented unto, and accordingly afterwards performed.

Sir Gilbert Talbot that evening, with all the Earle of Shrowsburyes tenants, the Earle himselfe being the Kings Ward, with about two thousand well appointed men came and joyned with Richmond.

The Lord Stanly in the way with 5000. men, had taken his lodging at the towne of Leicester; But hearing of Earle Henryes march that way he quit the [Page] Towne, and went to Adderton, where hee quartered his men.

King Richard all this time lay at Nottingham, slighting any intelligence that was given him of the Earle of Richmonds proceedings, and as it were contemning their weaknesse, would often aske of their Courtiers, what they thought a poore company of fugitive raskalls were able to doe to impeach his pleasure.

Although at first hee did neglect to stop their proceedings, yet when hee understood that those forces, which hee had appointed to impeach their passage, had only suffered them uninterupted to passe, but were now joyned unto Earle Henry; King Richard began when it was somewhat with the latest, to looke about him, posted directions to the Duke of Norfolke, the Earles of Northumberland and Surry, with Sir Thomas Brackenbury the Lieutenant of the Tower of London, and some others his well-willers, with all speed, and forces possible, to repaire unto him to Lutterworth; King Richard is informed by his vaunt-curriors, that Richmond was encamped at Liechfield, and from thence would remove to Leicester, wherefore hee upon the arrivall of his power, marched towards his enemies.

The Earle of Richmond likewise with his forces make towards Tamworth, and by rhe way is encountred by Sir Walter Hungerford, and some others, who had that night withdrawne themselves from King Richards part; And they gaue Richmond true information, both with the number, and order of King Richards army.

The Earle of Richmond hereupon by night, and secretly repayreth to his Father-in-law, the Lord Stanley, with whom and his Brother, having consulted of those things, that might conduce most to his better proceedings, hee returneth (but not without some hazard,) to his company which he found much encreased and encouraged, by the accession of Sir John Savage, Sir Bryan Stanford, and Sir Simon Digby, with their severall Companies of valiant and expert souldiers.

King Richard tooke the advantage of a large plaine a commodious place, neere Bosworth, adjoyning to a hill called Anne Beame, where hee encamped; And observing by his Adversaries manner of approach, that they were prepared to give him battaile, hee the next morning drew his forces with what convenient speed hee could out of the Campe, and put them in order.

The forward that was led by the Duke of Norfolke, which consisted of one thousand two hundred Bow-men, flancked with two hundred Curasseires, under the conduct of the Earle of Surrey. The battaile King Richard led in person, which consisted of a thousand Bill-men, empaled with two thousand Pike.

The rereguard was led by Sir Thomas Brackenbury, consisting of two thousand mingled weapons, with two wings of horse-men, containing fifteene hundred, all of them cast into square manuples, still expecting the Lord Stanleys presence, who with two thousand most of them horse-men, were not set out of their quarter, when the forlorne hope of the Earle of Richmond had begun to skirmish, the foot-men under the leading of Sir William Stanley being upon their March, were enforced as hee pretended, to avoid a myrie bogge that lay betwixt them and the King, and to avoyd the danger of being charged, before they should have opportunitie to joyne with hime to fetch a compasse about, by that meanes, casting a mist before the Kings eyes, that hee might not palpably perceive their intention, to give assistance to the Earle of Richmond; [Page] For if that should have beene discovered, it might have cost the life of little George Stanley.

The Earle of Richmond very early in the morning had sent unto his Father-in-law, desiring his present repaire; And the rather for that hee wanted, his more able direction to deraigne his battaile: But hee was answered from him, that no ayde or direction must bee expected from him, more then that hee advised him, with all possible speed to give the onset, and aftet the battaile should bee joyned, hee and his Brother would second the battell; Earle Henry somewhat staggering at the first at the answer, made a vertue of a necessitie, and tooke counsell of his owne Commanders; And by their advise, because the weaknesse of their body, should not bee presently discerned, (for their numbers did but little exceed the halfe of the Kings,) Their Voward was made very open and thin, of which John Earle of Oxford had the leading; The Earle of Richmond in person led the battell, Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the right wing, and Sir John Savage the leaft, whose souldiers being all alike clad, in white coates of cloth or frize, and hoods of the same, by the reflection of the Sonne upon them, made them appeare in the view of their Adversaries double their number. The rereguard was governed by the Earle of Pembrooke, which consisted most of horse, and some Pike, and blacke Bills.

King Richard having drawne his chiefe Leaders about him; And placing himselfe in that manner, as that hee might bee the better heard, saith;

My faithfull friends, and fellow souldiers, you by whose true policie, I at first obtained, and by whose as true prowesse, I have hitherto defended my Crowne, mauger all the rebellious machinations, and tumultuarie seditions of my so many Adversaries, you by whose Prudence, and provident circumspection nothing that might further the prosperitie of this kingdome, hath beene omitted: nothing might impeach or impaire the honour of it, hath beene committed; so that without adulation I may say it; By your only advise, I am what I am; And if now by your aide and assistance, I doe not this day subsist, I shall not bee so fortunate to enjoy, as I have beene happy to obtaine; But I am confident of your loves and loyalties, and thereupon set up my rest.

What should move this but halfe codled souldier; This linsie-woolsie Welchman with a crew of poore rakeshame runnagates to attempt thus to robbe mee of my Crowne, and you of your liberties and lives; I know not, except the divell owe his ambitious pride a shame, and hath brought him this day to your hands to receive your condigne chastisement for it. The beggerly Britons, and faint-hearted French-men, what further aime have they, then to make prey on your Patrimonies, to abuse your wives and daughters, and to enrich themselves by your losses, and to extirpate your posterities.

For prevention of all which, let us this day but show our selves the inheritors of our Ancestors valours: and but fight like men, and you shall quickly make them run like cravens, or die like dogs.

For my part, take the word of your Prince, I am thorowly resolved, either this day to be a Conquerour, or else to lose my life in quest of victory; And so Saint George let us charge with courage.

But these words were not powerfull enough, to worke any great effect in the hearts of the souldiers, by reason they were delivered [Page] not with that alacritie of spirit he was wont in astrained composure of his countenance, as being dejected by the remembrance of his horrid dreames which the gnawing of his conscience had suggested in his sleepe that night, which made it appeare that he had no great hope to prevaile, whatsoever he said, or shewed.

The Earle of Richmond unwilling to be behind hand, in orderly direction, made unto his men this exhortation.

If ever God gave victory to his servants fighting in a just quarrell, or gave ayde to those, that endevoured the welfare, of the Common-wealth, or gave Richmonds ex hertation. a blessing to such as laboured the suppression of a tyrannous usurper, the vindication of innocent blood-shedding, or the just punishment of fratricide, and most execrable treason.

We neede not then, (deere Countrymen and my kind companions in armes) make any doubt, but that he will be pleased this day to give us a glorious victory, and give us just occasion to triumph in the Conquest over this usurping bloud-sucker.

It is not (I presume) unknowne to any one of you that our cause is just, for he against whom we oppose (that wrongfully stileth himselfe King,) unjustly detaineth from me the Scepter of this Kingdome, which injustice was initiated with blood, by the unnaturall murther of his brother, nephewes, and neerest allyes, continued by machivilian plots; and sinister practises, to betray the nobility and gentry to the losse of their lives, the confiscation of their goods, seizure of their lands, disinheriting of their children and finall extirpation of their families, as having no care of his conscience, neither reverencing God nor respecting man. Am not I and you, (nay all the truehearted nobilitie of this kingdome) woefull witnesses of this his so insupportable tyranny, doe we not every day and houre, more and more sustaine the wounds, contusions and dislocations that this Richard by his bloody raigne & tyrannous usurpation hath made in the body of this Common-wealth, and shall we part of her members, as if not sensible of her disgraces, or injuries, sit still, and silently suffer the ravenous bore of the Forrest, to roote up the sweete Vine of peace of this Kingdome and prey upon our rightfull inheritance? And as it were willingly lay downe our necks to carry the servile yoke of his imperious cruelty, and insolent usurpation, the Lord forbid.

What are his associate confederates, but of like feather, such as his bare donation without right, or title wrongfully usurpe, as he doth the Crowne from me, so they your patrimony and unquestionable right from you and yours without right or colour-like right.

Let us therefore plucke up our spirits, and setting all feare and diffidence a part, let us like faithfull fellowes and loving friends in Gods name joyne hand and heart; to quell this monster of men and either make in this dayes action the date of our life honourable, or the beginning of our victorie triumphant. And God who is the onely giver of victory will, I faithfully beleeve, looke upon the justnesse of the cause, and give successe accordingly unto us.

It is not multitude, but vnited hearts for a just quarrell that procures Conquest, and the God of glory can show his power, through our weakenesse, the lesse our numbers, the more our renowne, if we be victors, and if we dye (as we all owe God a death) in this so well an intended action, neither rust of time which devoureth all things else, nor any thing whatsoever, can debar us from a perpetuitie of life here on earth after death, and a Crowne of everlasting glory in heaven.

[Page] This ingratefull wretch hath deffiddnce in all men, and who then can have confidence in him? Let us therefore like true Heroes against a tyrant, honest hearted men against a traytor, and true patriots against an usurper, like free borne undanted spirits against the monster of the earth, both in birth and behavior, being from his infancy branded for a stigmaticke, expresse our selves noble, honest, true hearted and valiant: goe forward then, advance our colours, incite your courages, and in the name of God cry Saint George for England, and God I doubt not will give us his blessing, and make the day ours. In assurance whereof thus I plight you the faith of a friend. I will rather be found dead by fighting resoltely, then alive by flying ignominiously.

These words were with gesture of body and alacritie of spirit, so confidently delivered, that it drew from the hearers teares of joy: and put such resolution into their hearts, that they presently exprest the same, in their present falling to handle their armes, and by the way, to move, encourage, animate one an other, to buye, and vye for the victory bravely, or to rate and sell their lives highly deerly. And therewith advance, and giving a great shout to shew their willingnesse, upon the first sight of the enemy let flye a volly of shafts so close and home that King Richards voward hasted though against their wills to joyne to be out of the danger of a second shower.

The Earle of Oxford was as ready for the encounter and fearing to be disadvantaged by the thinnesse of his front, he gave the word that no man should straggle but follow his leader, and Commanded the fronters not to advance further nor otherwise then he gave direction, by which discipline they were presently falne into a close body: And so stood firme in which time Sir William Stanley had time to draw up his men likewise, to encrease the length of the van; which gave them occasion on the other side, that were not well affected to the service, to slacke their pace and spare their bow-strings: which the Earle of Oxford well observing, being encouraged by the approvement of the course, by the Lord Stanley who was now come to the for-ward, and publickly profest himselfe to wish well to his sonne in lawes proceedings, gave on with a brave charge, and followed it so home, that the adverse part not able, (or at lest not willing) to endure the shock (for the cause of quarrell in a Souldier encreaseth the courage, or abateth the edge of resolution) gave grownd which moved King Richard to bring on the maine battaile. And with a desperat resolution, entred so farre into the enemies battaile, that with his own hands hee slew Sir William Brandon, Richmonds chiefe standard bearer, and unhorst Sir Iohn Cheney a strong and stout man at armes. And at length encountring, with the Earle of Richmond enterchanged some buffets. But Henry ayded by the divine helpe, and favoured with the uprightnesse of his cause, with stood Richards forceable assault. But whilst the armies on both sides stood striving in a doubtfull hazard who should win the price, Sir William Stanley with three thousand fresh men crying S. George, a Richmond, joyned with his brothers Souldiers, & brake into King Richards battayle, who thereupon fled incontinently leaving their King behind to make a bloody catastrophe of his slaughterly raigne, who throughly enraged furiously fighting without discretion or ability to prevaile, he fell under the sword of his enemies.

The rumor of his death, and the rowting of the battaile gave occasion to the reregard Commanded by Henry Earle of Northumberland who rather wished, then expected what did befall, to submit without striking stroke, whereby the victory fell to the Earle Richmonds part, who upon certainty thereof instantly in most religious divotion, gave order for publicke thanks giving [Page] to God for their happy preservation, and he himselfe that gave the precept made himselfe the patterne therein: alighting from his horse, and kneeling upon his knees first privatly to himselfe, and then publickly with the rest gave glory to his maker.

There were not above one thousand slaine on both sides, the cheife of whom was Iohn, Duke of Norfolke, who was often warned, and much laboured that day to forbeare the field; in regard there was found written upon his tent-dore.

Iack of Norfolke be not to boold;

For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold.

But what God had before appointed, could not be prevented.

This Iohn Howard, was the sonne of Sir Robert Howard knight, and Margaret eldest daughter and coheire of Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk; in whose right he was created Duke of Norfolk the five and twentieth day of Iune, in the yeare of our Lord, 1483.

He married two wives, the first was Katherine daughter of William Lord Mullyns by whom he had issue, one sonne and foure daughters.

Thomas that succeeded him, and was created Earle of Surry, in the first yeare of King Richard the third, and was restored to grace, and made Lord Treasurer in the sixteenth yeare of Henry the seventh; and

1 Anne married to Sir Edmond Gorge knight.

2 Isabell married to Robert Mortymer of Essex knight.

3 Iane married to Thomas Tymperley Esquire, and

Margaret married to Iohn Windham of Cowtherck in Norfolk knight.

This Dukes second wife was Margaret daughter of Sir Iohn Chadworth knight, by whom he had issue Katherine married to Iohn Bourcheir Lord Berners, and no more.

Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Richard Ratcliff, and Sir Robert Brackenbury knights, with William Catesby an utterbarrister, with some others, were taken flying. And shortly after executed at Leicester.

Francis Vicount Lovell and the two Staffords escaped and tooke Sanctuary in S. Iohns at Glocester.

Henry Earle of Northumberland submitting himselfe; was not onely pardoned, but received into favour, whilst Thomas Howard Earle of Surry eldest sonne of Iohn Duke of Norfolk that then, and there, rendred himselfe as the other did, to the conquerors mercy, was committed close prisoner in Leicester and from thence sent to the Tower of London.

There were not on the Earle of Richmonds part above one hundred slaine the principall whereof was William Brandon.

This battaile was fought at Rodner, neere Bosworth the two and twentieth day of, August in the yeare of our Lord God 1486.

After publicke thanks giving was, as before prescribed, orderly and religiously performed: Earle Henry gave order to search amongst the slaine, for such as were but wounded, commanding those carefully to be drest, and the other to be with decency on both sides buried.

The body of King Richard being amongst the slaughtered carkases found; the whole armie gave a generall shoute, and with loud acclamations of long live King Henry, made the field ecchoe againe.

The Lord Stanly having in his custody King Richard the usurpers Crowne which amongst the spoyles his souldiers had found and brought to him, placed the same on Earle Henryes head, wherewith the souldiers reiterated their joyfull acclamations; making the fields resound with long live King Henry of [Page] that name the seventh, as if by their onely suffrages, he had bin elected and confirmed King of England.

Here with the tent-keepers of the usurper came and submitted themselves to the Lord Stanly, and brought with them young George Strange, whom the usurper upon the Lord Stanlyes refusall, presently to draw downe his forces to joyne with him, had sworne (before he went to dinner) by the life of S. Paul, to have had beheaded. But was perswaded by his councell, to forbeare the execution, untill the battaile should be determined, now being brought to the presence of his father. The young Gentleman, (being thereto by his keepers instructed before) craved the help of his mediation to the king for their pardon, which was willingly undertaken, and as easily procured.

From thence the camp presently removed, and King Henry marched to the Towne of Leicester, where for the more refreshing of his men, and the better accommodation of himselfe for his journey towards the City of London, he remained two dayes.

In the meane time the body of the usurper starke naked, all mangled and besmeared with blood, and dust, without so much, as the lest ragge to cover his privities, was trussed behind Blanch Senigleer his owne Pursevant of armes like butchers ware, his heads and his armes hanging on the one side of the horse, his legs on the other, and so was brought to Leicester, where for a spectacle of hate and scorne, by the space of two dayes he lay bare and uninterred, At last by the Charitie of the Gray Fryers there, without solemne funerall pompe, scarce with ordinary solemnitie, he was inhumed in their Monastery there: he reigned two yeares, two moneths and one day.

This Richard married, Anne second daughter of Richard Nevill commonly stiled great Earle of Warwicke, by whom he had issue, Edward whom at twelue moneths old he created Prince of Wales, but happily dyed before his father.

This Richard was borne at Fodringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, the third sonne of Richard Duke of Yorke, younger brother of George Duke of Clarence, by him murdred in the Tower,

After the death of his brother King Edward the fourth, he procured himselfe to be made Protector and guardian of his two Nephewes, of whom he made himselfe the execrable murtherer.

For a fuller expression of his Character, he was borne a monster in nature, with all his teeth, with haire on his head, and nayles on his fingers and toes, with a viperous strength enforcing as it were his passage through his mothers wombe whom afterwards he shamed not, to accuse of adultery, but as one that then wrought journy-worke with the Divell, his manners and qualities seconded the feature and lineaments of his body and members, which were much deformed, being hooke shouldred, splay footed and goggle eyd, his countenance sower, the composure of his face little and round, his complexion swarfie, his left arme, from his birth drye and and withered.

Nature supplied these deformities of the body, with a strong brayne, a quicke apprehension, a good memory and a most fluent tongue, which he seldome exercised but to the abuse of credulitie. And with the sweetnesse of his delivery, hee could so prevaile with such whom he ment to worke upon: that he would ofentimes, as it were infatuate them, and enforce their beliefe of his oathes and protestations, which were by Saint Paul, and wishing God to damne him, if hee did not performe his word (which at the time of the speaking was no part of his thought) sometimes against the hearers knowledge, and conscience, hee was neither [Page] morally honest nor religiously good. He usd to make authority the stawking horse to his will, and his will the sole commander of his conscience, the largenesse whereof could without any scruple, swallow murther of brother, Nephewes, wife, and neerest friends, nay attempt rape and incest with his owne brothers daughter, yet did with artificiall dissimulation so cover his dishonest and abhominable intentions, that not many could discover them.

Who or whatsoever opposed his aspiring pride or profitable pleasure, was by his plotting cunningly and covertly taken away, or removed. Hee was so throughly perfect in the Hypocriticall art of simulation, and dissimulation, that hee would use most complement, and shew greatest signes of love and courtesie, to him in the morning, whose throat he had taken order to be cut that evening.

He held it for a maxime in policy, that halfe doing in any thing, was worse then no doing; And therefore whatsoever he once attempted, hee went through with it, howsoever it seemed to others unnaturall, and unchristian.

He used the instruments of his bloudy plottes, as men doe their Candles, burne the first out to a snuffe, and then having lighted another, tread that under foote, yet howsoever his birth were proaigious and life monstrous, yet his death was not dishonorable. For though his cause were bad, he fought bravely and dyed fighting, leaving behind an ample testimony of his great valour and little grace; with the end of his raigne by the sword, which he had used for the moving of civill dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster, which had beene so long drawne and so often bathed in the blood of Christians, was happily sheathed; And the passage to concord prepared, whilst this poore Island that had beene imbroyled with warre and her companions, had leasure to call to minde, the many murthers, stratagemes, slaughters, overthrowes, and calamities, which through their unnaturall division of the two Roses, she had sustained, and thereby she found that from the time, that Richard Duke of Yorke who was slaine in the battaile at Wakefield seeking to anticipate the time allotted unto him by authoritie of the Parliament (whereby the Crowne was entayled to him and his issue,) to gaine the possession thereof and from whence all those, praerecited miseries did proceed, untill the death of the usurper there were slaine, fourescore Princes of the blood royall and twice as many natives of England, as were lost in the two conquests of France. The dissension that fell, was betwixt the house of Yorke descended from Lionel borne at Antwerpe, Duke of Clarence, second sonne of Edward the third, and the house of Lancaster issued from Iohn of Gaunt, the third surviving, but otherwise fourth sonne of the same King: the first giving for his cognizance the white Rose, the other the Red.

Lionell Duke of Clarence married to his first wife Elizabeth daughter & heire of William Burgh, Earle of Vlster, and to his second wife Violenta of Galens Viscount of Mislaine, by his first wife he had issue Philip sole & only childe, which Philip was married to Edmond Mortimer Earle of March, and Vlster, who had issue by her.

1 Roger March the fourth Earle of March.

2 Sir Edmond Mortymer that married the daughter of Owen Glendore.

3 Sir Iohn Mortymer beheaded 3. H. 6.

1 Elizabeth married to the Lord Percy stiled Hotspur.

Philip, first married to Iohn Hastings Earle of Pembrook and afterward to Richard Earle of Arundel, and lastly to Iohn, Lord Saint-Iohn [Page] dyed without issue.

Roger, the fourth Earle of March, 1387. nominated by King Richard the second, successor to the Kingdome of England who married Elianor, daughter of Thomas Holland, Earle of Kent, by whom he had issue two sonnes, and two daughters.

1 Edmond his eldest sonne, who succeeded him in the Earldome.

2 Roger died leaving his father.

1 Anne who was married to Richard Earle of Cambridge sonne of Edmond of Langley Duke of Yorke.

2 Elianor married to Edward Courtney Earle of Devonshire.

Richard of Conisborough married Anne sister and heire of Edmond Mortymer: and had issue Richard Duke of Yorke.

This Richard was the first mover of the faction against the the house of Lancaster, the bearer of the red rose.

He married Ciceley, the daughter of Ralph Nevill first Earle of Westmerland, and had issue.

1 Henry that dyed before his Father.

2 Edward, of that name the fourth King of England.

3 Edmond Earle of Rutland, slaine at Wakefield by the Lord Clifford.

4 Iohn.
that all dyed young.

5 William and

6 Thomas

7 George Duke of Clarence, murdered as afore.

1 Anne the eldest daughter was first married to Henry Holland Duke of Exceter, and after to Sir Thomas Sayntleoger.

2 Elizabeth married to Iohn de la poole Duke of Suffolke.

3 Margaret married to Charles Duke of Burgundy.

4 Vrsula never married, and thus was the title of Yorke derived.

Iohn of Gaunt (so named of the place where he was borne, (fourth sonne of King Edward the third, married three wives the first

1 Blaunch daughter and coheire of Henry first Duke of Lancaster, by whom he had issue,

1 Henry Plantagenet, borne at Bullingbrooke,

1 Philip married to Iohn King of Portingall, and

2 Elizabeth married to Iohn Duke of Exceter,

2 The second wife was Constance daughter and one of the Coheires of Peter king of Castile by whom he had issue Katherine, afterward married to Henry sonne of Iohn the King of Spaine.

3 His third wife was Katherine, daughter of Payne Ruet aliàs Guyen, King of armes, and the relict of Sir Otes Swinford knight, by whom hee had issue but before marriage.

1 Iohn surnamed Beauford Earle of Somerset.

2 Henry Bishop of Winchester.

3 Thomas Branford Earle of Dorset.

1 Iohan Branford, first married to Ralph Nevill, first Earle of Westmerland, and then to Robert Ferrers Lord of Ousley.

This marriage betwixt Iohn of Gaunt and Katheryne Swinford was approved of, and the issue borne before the espousalls made legitimate by act of Parliament, and confirmed by a Bull from Rome.

This is the Catalogue of the pedegree of the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke, betwixt whom the competition for the Crowne of England, was [Page] the occasion of expence of so much blood.

Although the Crowne of England, upon the decease or deposition of Richard the second without issue, was jure haereditario to descend to Edmond Mortimer the younger, the Sonne of Philip Daughter and heire of Lionel Duke of Clarence, the third Sonne of Edward the third, yet his cosin Henry of Bullingbrooke, Duke of Hertford, and Sonne and heire of John of Gaunt the younger Brother of Lionell of Clarence, taking advantage of the peoples forwardnesse, and his kinsmans being generally distasted was Created and Crowned King.

From the yeare of our Lord 1399. untill the fourth of March 1460. In three Descents the slips of the red Rose in the line of Lancaster did beare sway, but not without some interruptions and hazard; For though Edmond Plantagenet Duke of Aumerle, Sonne and heire of Edmond of Langley, set not the White Rose claime on foot, yet as maligning the prosperitie of Henry the fourth, hee was a maine stickler in the conspiracie against him intended, to have beene executed at Oxford.

But the eruption of Yorke never was manifest untill Richard Plantagenet, Sonne of Richard of Bonysborough, Anno 1455. drew his Sword to make good his claime to the Crowne of England. And from his time I shall endevour to drawe a Compendiary of the times and places of the severall battells betweene these two houses strooke, and the slaughter on both sides made.

The three and twentieth day of May, at Saint Albones in Hertfordshire, Battaile 1. Anno 1455. Richard Duke of Yorke gave battell to King Henry the sixt, on whose side was slaine;

Edmond Duke of Somerset.

Dukes 1. Earles 3.

Henry Earle of Northumberland.

Humphry Earle of Stafford.

Thomas Lord Clifford, say some others, John with divers Knights and

Lords 1. Knights 11. Esquires 18.

Esquires to the number of 37. with five thousand common souldiers, and Henry himselfe was taken Prisoner: on the Dukes part only sixe hundred in the totall 5641.

5641.

A Battell was fought at Bloarheath in Shropshire, the thirteenth day of Battaile 2. Anno 1459. September, betweene the Lord Audly Lieutenant to Henry the sixt, and the Earle of Salisbury, in which Audly was slaine, and his Army overthrowne, at this battell was slaine in all, two thousand foure hundred men, with Sir Lord 1. Knights 7. Thomas Dutton, beside six other Cheshire Knights, and two Esquires thereof in all 2411. 2411.

Sir Osbert Mountfort with twelve Gentlemen of his company was taken at Sandwich and carried to Ricebanke and there beheaded, by the Lord Fauconbridge. Knight 1.

The Earle of Wiltes at Newbery, causeth twenty Yorkists to bee hanged and quartered.

The tenth of Iune in the thirty eight yeare of the King at Northampton, Battaile 3. Anno 1459. Duke 1. Earle 1. Lord 1. Viscount 1. Knight 1. was a battell fought, wherein was slaine Humphry Duke of Buckingham.

John Talbot Earle of Shrowsbury.

Thomas Lord Egremond.

John Viscount Beamond, and Sir William Lucy with tenne thousand and thirty men slaine.

The Lord Skales is slaine upon the Thames, seeking to escape by the Earle Lord 1. of Warwicks men.

The thirtieth of December at Wakefield was a battell strooke, wherein Battaile 4. Anno 1469. [Page] the Queene prevailed with the slaughter of two thousand eight hundred persons, not numbring Richard Duke of Yorke.

Edmond Earle of Rutland a child, and the Earle of Shrowsbury taken prisoner, but afterwards beheaded. Sir John Mortimer and Sir Hugh Mortimer, Duke 1. Earles 2. Knights 8. the Dukes base Vncles.

Sir Davy Hall.

Sir Hugh Hastings.

Sir Thomas Nevill.

Sir William Parry.

Sir Thomas Parry.

Sir Richard Limbricke Knights, then likewise slaine on Candlemasse day, vpon the plaine neere Mortimers crosse in Hereford-shire, a field was Battaile 5. Anno 1491. fought betwixt the new Duke of Yorke, and the Earles of Penbrooke and Wiltes; wherein the Duke prevailed with the slaughter of 3800. men, but no man of qualitie, but Sir Owen Tyther, that had married Queene Katherine. Knight 1.

Vpon Shrovetuesday the seventeenth of February at Saint Albones, the second Battaile was fought, betweene Queene Margaret and the Duke of Battaile 6. Lord 1. Knights 3. Norfolke and others, wherein were slaine two thousand three hundred men besides the Lord Bonvile.

Sir Thomas Keryell,

Sir John Gray, and Baron Thorpe.

The most cruell and deadly Battaile of all others, during the rage of this unnaturall division, was fought at Towton, or betweene Towton and Saxton, Battaile 7. Anno 1491. within foure miles of Yorke, the nineteenth day of March being Palme Sunday, wherein were slaine of English-men, Thirty five thousand ninetie and one, and of strangers, one thousand seven hundred fourty five, besides two hundred and thirty slaine the day before at Ferry Brigge, with the Lord Fitzwater, and the base brother of the Earle of Warwicke. The most remarkable men that fell in this bloody fight were, Henry Piercy Earle of Northumberland.

The Earle of Shrowsbury.

The Earle of Devon.

John Lord Clifford.

The Lord Beamond.

The Lord Nevill.

The Lord Willoughby.

The Lord Wells.

The Lord Rosse.

The Lord Gray.

The Lord Dacres.

The Lord Fitz-Hugh.

The two base Sonnes of Henry Holland Duke of Exceter.

Sir Thomas Mollineux.

Sir Otes Beckingham.

Sir Aubrey Trussell.

Sir Richard Piercy.

Sir William Heyton.

Sir Jervoys Clifton.

Sir Foulke Hamys.

Sir Thomas Crackenthorpe.

Sir James Crackenthorpe.

[Page] Sir William Throllop.

Sir Andrew Throllop.

Sir Walter Harle.

Sir John Ormond.

Sir William Mollyns.

Sir Thomas Pigot.

Sir William Norborough, and

William Burton Knights.

The Earle of Devonshire there taken Prisoner, with three other Knights Earles 4. Lords 9. Knights 22. 37046. were beheaded at Yorke, and so may be reckoned amongst the slaine, so that the account of the whole number, besides those that died after of hurts then received, thirty seven thousand fourty and six.

At Hegley More, the Lord Mountacute charged and put to flight two Battaile 7. Anno 1463. Knight 1. 107. Anno 1464. thousand Lancastrians, who were on foot to march to Henry the sixt, at which time Sir Ralph Piercy with one hundred and seven were slaine, the residue flying, gave alarum to the Kings Army, and upon the 15. of May in a plaine called Livels, neere the water of Dowill in Hexam shire, the battaile was fought against Henry the sixt by the Lord Mountague, Generall for Edward the fourth, wherein were taken Prisoners Henry Duke of Somerset. Duke 1.

The Lord Rosse.

Lords 3.

The Lord Mollins, and

The Lord Hungerford.

Sir Thomas Wentworth.

Sir Thomas Hussey.

Knights 20.

Sir John Finderne, and sixteene Knights more executed at Hexam and Yorke.

Sir William Talboys titulary Earle of Kime or Angus, and not Kent as Master Martin relateth, Sir Ralph Nevill.

Sir Ralph Gray, and

Sir Richard Tunstall, were taken afterwards, but beheaded. The number slaine is uncertainly set downe, the most of our common Writers not naming

2024.

any, only faabian saith, about two thousand, so that I make that my skale to reckon by.

Battaile 8. Anno 1469.

At a place called Danes more, neere the Towne of Edgcot, within foure miles of Banbury, was a great Battaile fought upon Saint Iames his day, the five and twentieth of Iuly, wherein were slaine five thousand men. 5009.

William Harbert Earle of Penbrooke.

Sir Richard Herbert and eight Knights more, are taken and beheaded at Banbury.

The Earle Rivers and Sir John his Sonne are beheaded at Northamton,

Earles 3.

The Earle of Worcester, John Tiptoft at London.

The Lord Willoughby at Doncaster.

Lords 3.

The Lord Stafford at Bridgewater.

The Lord Wells, and

Sir Robert Dymocke, were beheaded in the march, but uncertaine

Knights 11.

where.

Battaile 9. Anno 1470. Knights [...]. 10000.

Neere Stamfort in Lincolnshire was a Batraile fought the first of October, wherein were slaine ten thousand men, but no men of note, but Sir Robert Wells, and Sir Thomas de land; those that were put to flight for their more ease to escape cast away their coates, whereupon it was called Losecoate field.

Vpon the fourteenth day of Aprill, being Easter day, upon a Plaine talled Battaile 10. Anno 1471. [Page] Gladmore Heath, betweene Barnet and Saint Albones. The Earles of Warwicke, Oxford, and the Marquesse Mountacute Commanders in chiefe, on behalfe of Henry the sixt, against Edward the fourth; there was a terrible battell fought, wherein were slaine ten thousand three hundred men, Earle 1. Marquesse 1. Lords 3. Knights 2. 10000. amongst whom were the Earle of Warwicke, the Marquesse Mountacute, the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Say, the Lord Mountjoy, Sir Henry Bourchier, Sir William Terrill.

Vpon the fourth of May being Saterday, Prince Edward with his Mother Battaile 11. Anno praedict. Queene Margaret to redeeme Henry the sixt, gave battaile to King Edward, wherein Queene Margaret was taken Prisoner, and Prince Edward was slaine in cold blood. There were slaine at this incounter; A Prince. Dukes 2. A Marquesse. A Lord Prior An Earle. A Baron. Knights 20.

John Somerset, Marquesse Dorset.

Thomas Courtney Earle of Devon.

Thomas Lord Wenlake.

Sir Jo [...] Delves.

Sir Edward Hampden.

Sir Robert Whittingham.

Sir John Lewkner, and three thousand others.

Edmond Duke of Somerset.

John Lonstrother, Lord Prior of Saint Johns.

Sir Thomas Tresham.

Sir Jervoys Clifton.

Sir Richard Vaux.

Sir William Harvye.

Sir Thomas Fielding.

Sir Robert Lewknor.

Sir Thomas Lirmoth.

Sir William Vrman.

Sir John Seymor.

Sir Thomas Roose.

Sir Thomas Fitzhony.

Sir Robet Flamden, were taken and executed in Tewkesbury the one day, and

Sir Humphry Audley.

Sir William Crymby.

Sir William Cary.

Sir William Newbourgh were likewise with

Henry Tresham.

VValter Courtney.

Iohn Flory.

Lewis Miles.

Robert Iackson.

Jame's Gower.

Iames Delves, heire of Sir Iohn Delves beheaded there the next day;

This was the last battell that was fought in the dayes of King Edward the fourth, but not all the bloodshed about this quarrell; For at London by the treason of Bastard Fauconbridge, there were seven hundred and eighty of his Esquires 37. 1092. Battaile 12. Anno 1485. King 100. Duke 1. Lord 1. Knights 3. partakers and three hundred and twelve Citizens Londoners slaine.

Vpon Redmore Downe neere Bosworth in Leicestershire on the twentie two of August, was the twelfth set Battaile in this unkind quarrell fought, wherein King Richard the Vsurper was slaine, and with him on his part John Duke of Norfolke Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Richard Radcliffe, and [Page] Sir Robert Brackenbury with foure thousand and eight; And on Richmonds side, Sir William Brandon and 180. with him. After this Battell there was a conjunction of the so long severed Rose branches; Neverthelesse the enemy to Englands quiet, would not suffer the gate of concord to stand quite open, but raised up Impostors, and counterfeits to interrupt the same; But since the cause of the dissention by the Vnion of the Red and White in Henry▪ the seventh, and the Lady Elizabeth, their so happy enter-marriage was taken away, what occasion of expence of blood did after fall out within the Realme, ought (under favour bee it delivered) rather to bee imputed to the effect of treasonable machinations, then to any just occasion of the Roses Title.

And therefore I purposely omit to intermix the number of those that were slaine, since Bosworth field amongst those that are to bee reckoned up in the generall slaughter in the twelve Battells, and the occasions of expence of blood intervening by skirmishes and accidentall meanes, and content my selfe with the only recapitulation of the severall numbers, of Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, Barons, Vicounts, Bishops, Mitred Prelates, Knights, Knights eldest Sonnes. Esquires, Of coatarmour and Ancestry. Gentlemen, and private souldiers; That during the rage of these civill warres which followed, that breach of the due course of succession, attempted by the intrusion of Henry the fourth, fell under the alternate fortunes of the Victors sword; untill that ever to bee blessed reuniting the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke, whereby righteousnesse and Peace did kisse each other, and Mercy and Truth (which I pray God ever to continue) established the Crowne of England in an hopefull and happy descending Line; And as Henry the seventh conjoyned the Roses, so hath King James of ever-blessed memory united the predivided kingdomes of England and Scotland, espousing their Vnion to our Soveraine Lord King Charles, to Gods glory, the Churches good, and his Subjects great comfort.

HENRY the Roses: IAMES the Kingdomes knit:

And CHARLES of both partakes the benefit.

Oh! thou of Iesse flower, of Iudah Lyon.

In his dominion plant the peace of Syon.

And never let hearts quiet follow those,

That shall the holding of this Knot oppose.

But let thy best of blessings wait on them,

That zealously shall guard his Diadem.

The totall of private souldiers that perished in the time of these civill warres, and suffered the punishment of immature death, for taking part on the one side or the other, is

Fourscore foure thousand, nine hundred, and ninetie eight persons, besides

Kings two.

Prince one.

Dukes tenne.

Marquesses two.

Earles one and twentie.

Lords twentie seven.

Vicounts two.

Lord Pryor one.

Iudge one.

[Page] Knights one hundred thirty nine.

Esquires foure hundred forty one.

The number of the Gentrie, is every way so uncertainly reported, that if I should endevour to set downe a generall of what is particularly related, I should but give occasion of further question, then I am willing should bee moved, for a thing of so little moment, and therefore willingly omit it; And the rather, for that they are for the most part included, in the number of the private souldiers as aforesaid, set downe to bee slaine, to which but adde the number of six hundred thirty and eight: the totall of all the persons of eminencie not therein accounted, and then there appeareth in all to have beene slaine, Fourescore five thousand six hundred twenty and eight Christians, and most of them of this Nation, not to bee repeated without griefe, nor remembred without deprecation, that the like may never happen more. Pax una triumphis innumeris potior.

FINIS.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

A continuation of The collection of the history of England beginning where Samuel Daniell Esquire ended, with the raigne of Edvvard the third, and ending where the honourable Vicount Saint Albones began, with the life of Henry the seventh, being a compleat history of the begining and end of the dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster. With the matches and issue of all the kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earles, and vicounts of this nation, deceased, during those times. By I.T.

Trussel, John, fl. 1620-1642.

Edition statement

1636

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A13983

ID [STC]

STC 24297

ID [STC]

ESTC S107345

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99843047

ID [PROQUEST]

99843047

ID [VID]

7754

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This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

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Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A13983)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 7754)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 362:06)

Source

— A continuation of The collection of the history of England beginning where Samuel Daniell Esquire ended, with the raigne of Edvvard the third, and ending where the honourable Vicount Saint Albones began, with the life of Henry the seventh, being a compleat history of the begining and end of the dissention betwixt the two houses of Yorke and Lancaster. With the matches and issue of all the kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earles, and vicounts of this nation, deceased, during those times. By I.T., Trussel, John, fl. 1620-1642., Daniel, Samuel, 1562-1619. Collection of the historie of England..

Extent

[8], 242, 245-260, [2] p.

Printed by M. D[awson] for Ephraim Dawson, and are to bee sold in Fleet-street at the signe of the Rainebowe neere the inner Temple-gate,. London :: 1636.. (A continuation of: Daniel, Samuel. The collection of the historie of England.) (Printer's name from STC.) (The last leaf is blank.) (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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