1. SAXƲLFƲS,

A pious and prudent man. He being an Earl, thought it no shame to assume a Religious presidency in this place; and arri­ving at a great height of fame, and reputation by his piety, and holy life, he quickly gathered a Covent of Monks, who flocked to him from several places; so that in a short time this nest pro­duced many birds by whom other Monasteries were also founded, and replenished, especially that of Thorney was founded by this Abbot Saxulf, which place was so called from the woody, or thornie nature thereof (whence others of like nature so called al­so, as that of Westminster) though it was otherwise known, and recorded in ancient Writings by the name of Ancarig. There did Saxulf build a place for Anchorites, and having been Abbot of Medeshamsted the space of thirteen years, he was translated to the Bishoprick of Durham, or, as some say, to the Archbisho­prick of the Midland English, or Mercians (Bishop Godwin recko­neth him amongst the Bishops of Coventry and Litchfield) whom there succeeded in the Monastery of Medeshamsted

2. CƲTHBALDƲS.

He being a Monk of this place, was, by reason of his holy and devout life, thought the fittest to succeed Saxulf: So observant he [Page 6] was in the practice of devotion, and withall, so prudent in Eccle­siastical affairs, that many other places were desirous of him for their Governour, which, because they could not obtain, they desired some of his appointing, whence Thorney, Bricclesworth, Bredune, Wermondsey, Repingas, Wochingas, and many other places were fur­nished with Abbots of his commending. It was in the time of this Cuthbaldus that King Wolfere died, and his Brother Ethelred succeeded, who also was very liberal to this Monastery, confirm­ing to it what his Brethren had granted, and likewise added more donations, and priviledges of his own gift. Amongst the rest, that the Abbot of Medeshamsted should be chiefest of all the Ab­bots on that side of the River Thames, and should have the first place in all Conventions, and Ecclesiastical Assemblies. And ac­cording to the present reputation of the Church, and City of Rome, (for Rome it self had but lately, some 73 years before this, at the request of Pope Boniface the fourth, to the Emperor Pho­cas, Sigebert Gembl. ad an. 607. Lanquet. Platina saith Boniface 3. obtained the Primacy over all the Churches of the world, which from the beginning was not so) if at any time the people of whole Britain, or any of the neighbouring Nations, should have a desire to visit the City of Rome, and either by the length of the journey, or by any other impediment should be hindered from such a purpose, it should then suffice, if they visited S. Peter in this Monastery. Here they might pay their vows, be absolved from their sins, and receive the Apostolical blessing; which, with other priviledges, was confirmed by Pope Agatho in a publick See the Ap­pendix. Council of an hundred and twenty five Bishops then assembled at Rome, in the Year 680. I find not how long this Cuthbaldus continued in this place, but there succeeded

3. EGBALDƲS,

Whose life and actions are wholly buried in oblivion, that I have nothing to say of him, what he was, how, or how long he governed this Monastery: onely that he was Abbot when Ethelbaldus, the then King of Mercia, granted his Charter for the founding of the Monastery of Croyland, making Kenulphus a Monk of Evesham the first Abbot thereof, which Charter was signed Anno 716. And this Abbot Egbaldus was one of the witnesses to it, as Ingul­phus writes.

4. PƲSA.
5. BENNA, or BEONNA.

He was a witness to the Charter of King Offa, granted to the Monastery of Croyland, Anno 793. Ingulphus.

6. SELREDƲS, or CELREDƲS.

He was a witness to the Charter which Kenulphus King of Mer­cia granted to Croyland, Anno 806. Ingulphus.

7. HEDDA.

He was a witness to the Charter of Witlafius King of Mercia, granted to Siwardus Abbot of Croyland, for that the said Siwardus concealed King Witlafius in a time of danger, in his Monastery. The Charter beareth date, Anno 833. As also to another Charter granted by King Bertulphus, Anno 851. To another of King Beorredus, Anno 860. as Ingulphus telleth us. He was also pre­sent at a general Council holden at London, Anno 833. At ano­ther Council at Kingsbury, Anno 851. as S. H. Spelman writeth.

The Writers of this Monastery of Peterburgh, are silent con­cerning There was, saith Vossius, one Elias Tri­kingham a Monk of this Church who wrote Annals from An. 626. to 770. where­in he lived, but what mention he makes of his own Mo­nastery, non conslat. See in Robert Sutton. the times, lives, and actions of these Abbots; their Records having been either none, or perished; therefore we shall be be­holding to Ingulphus the Abbot of Croyland for a memorable Hi­story concerning this Abbot Hedda.

In his time, the glory of the Monastery of Medeshamsted suffe­red a great Eclipse, through the invasion of the Danes, destroying all before them with fire, and sword. In which bloudy tempest, the Monastery of Croyland was first overwhelmed, the Danes kil­ling there all the Monks they met with, and Osketulus, the barba­rous King, slaying the Abbot Theodorus upon the Altar, with his own hand, and having plundered the Monastery, they set it on fire. Britanuus a Monk of this Abby, having escaped the slaughter, wrote lamen­tations upon the destructi­on of his Mo­nastery in Verse, An. 807. Pitfeus.

On the fourth day after, the Danes departed with a great boo­ty of goods and cattel towards Medeshamsted, where they found many of the Country people retired within the Monastery, who with the Monks stood upon their guard: The Danes making seve­ral assaults, Tulba brother of Earl Hulba, was by the defendants, mortally bruised on the head, with a stone cast from that Tower which he assaulted; whereat Hulba was so enraged, that having entred the Monastery, he slew all the Monks with his own hand, Our Peterburgh writers call them Hubba and Lubba. the rest of the people were slaughtered by the Soldiers. The aged Abbot Hedda escaped not the hands of Hulba, but was slain with his Monks. Then were the Altars broken down, Monuments demolished, a goodly Library set on fire, Charters, Evidences, and Writings (to a great number) all torne in pieces: The Church it self, with all the appendent buildings, was set on fire, which con­tinued for fifteen days together. The Danes (as I find in a Con­tinuator of Ingulphus) with the riches of the Monastery, and the cattle of the Country, departing on the fourth day, there were two Earls among them, both called by one name Sidroc, the one [Page 8] the elder, the other the younger, who marched in the reer of this devouring multitude, to guard them in their passage over streams and rivers; And when the multitude had passed over the River Nen, these two Sidrocs being to pass over with their booty, two Waines, laden with their choicest riches, were overthrown, and together with their horses sunk into a deep pit, a little beneath the Bridge (which haply was the Medeswell before mentioned.) Now to Ingulphus again who proceeds in his own story, That cer­tain Monks of Croyland, who had secured themselves by flight into the Fens, the Danes being gone, they returned to their Mo­nastery, cleansed it from ashes, and other pollutions as they could, and consulted to chuse another Abbot, which they did; Godricus a reverend and religious man being he upon whom the election passed; to whom there came Toretus Prior of Ancarig, with his sub-prior Tisa, desiring Godricus that he would take some bre­thren with him, and go over to Medeshamsted, to give Christi­an burial to the bodies of those Monks which were there exposed to beasts, and birds: Godricus embracing the motion, took some of his Monks with him, amongst the rest, one Turgarus of twelve years of age, who being by the younger Sidroc saved, was by him taken to Medeshamsted, and seeing the Danes busie in getting their carriages out of the River Nen, he stole away from them, and returned to his Monastery of Croyland. Abbot Godricus coming to Medeshamsted, with much toil and pains, gathered together the bodies of the slaughtered Monks, to the number of 84. and laid them all in one large grave, in the middle of the Church­yard by the East front of the Monastery, upon the Feast of S. Ce­cilia, (November 22.) setting up over the body of the Abbot re­sting in the midst of his sons, a pyramidal stone, three foot in heighth, three in length, and one in thickness, engraven with the So Ingulphus calls it. pictures of the Abbot, and his Monks about him; which stone, in memory of the destroyed Monastery, he named Medeshamsted; and every year after so long as he lived, he visited that place, pitching his Tent over the said stone, saying Mass two several days, for the souls of Abbot Hedda, and his Monks. The high way then into Holland, was through the same Church-yard, ha­ving that monumental stone on the right hand, and a cross of stone over against it, erected also by Abbot Godricus, on the left, that passers by, in memory of the ruined Monastery, might re­member to pray for the souls of those there buried; and abstain from sacrilegious rapines, and demolitions of that place, for his sake who was crucified. Thus far Ingulphus.

The Cross is long since demolished, and the place where it stood, not known, but the stone is still remaining, agreeable to Ingulphus his description; which, as it was at first, called by the name of the place, Medeshamsted; so it is now amongst some, known by the name of Peterburgh: and there being certain little [Page 9] holes in the sides of the stone, it was lately a merry custom for strangers, to put their fingers into one of those holes, that they might say, they had been at Peterburgh.

There was within these few years a door in the Church having the Picture of Abbot Hedda, and the King or Captain of the Danes, as it were expostulating the business, and underneath were these four Verses written in ancient Saxon Letters, as if they had been spoken by the Abbot:

The Monastery of Medeshamsted thus destroyed by the Danes, Ingulphus fol. 494. lay buried in its own ruines the space of ninety and six years, no Abbot, Monk, Government, or Religion there professed in all that time, that is to be found in story; only King Beorredus seized the Lands of the Monastery, giving them to his Souldiers, until Adel­woldus, or Athelwoldus Bishop of Winchester (a man very zealous in the building and restoring of Churches) laid his hand to the restauration of it; for as Writers say, he was warned of God in the night, that he should go to the midland English, and repair the Monastery of S. Peter; so that taking his journey into these parts, he came to Oundle, supposing that to be the place, but being warn­ed the second time that he should follow the course of the River; he came at length to Medeshamsted, which he found desolate and forsaken, but presently with such help as he could get, he fell to cleansing of it. But seeing what a great business this restauration was like to prove, he returned to Winchester to make preparation for so great a design. And first he made his address to God by fer­vent prayers, to encline the hearts of King Edgar, and his Queen and Nobles, that he might have them so propitious, as to con­tribute their assistances to this work. And being one time at his prayers, the Queen had secretly gotten behind the door, to listen what it was that Athelwold prayed, and suddenly she came forth upon him, telling him, that God and her self had heard his prayers, and from thenceforth she began to solicite the King for the repa­ration of this Monastery, to which the King assenting, applied himself thereunto, until he had finished the same; which was in the year 970.

The Monastery thus re-edified, King Edgar desirous to see it, went thither, with Dunstane then Archbishop of Canterbury, and Oswald Archbishop of York, attended also with most of the Nobili­ty and Clergy of England, who all approved, and applauded both the place, and work. But when King Edgar heard that some Charters, and Writings, which some Monks had secured from the [Page 10] fury of the Danes were found; he desired to see them, and ha­ving read the priviledges of this place, that he had a second Rome within his own Kingdom, he wept for joy: And in the presence of that Assembly, he confirmed their former priviledges and possessi­ons; the King, Nobles, and Clergy, offering large oblations, some of lands, some of gold, and silver. At this glorious assembly the name of the place was changed from Medeshamsted to Burgh, and by reason of the fair building, pleasant situation, large priviledges, rich pos­sessions, plenty of gold, and silver, which this Monastery was endowed withal, there was an addition to the name, as to be cal­led Gildenburgh, though in reference to the dedication, it hath ever since been known by the name of Peterburgh. Malmsbury would have the nomination of the place Burgh to be from Abbot De gestis Pont. lib. 4. Kenulphus, his enclosing the Monastery with a Wall, as shall be noted hereafter; but our Peterburgh Writers are not of his mind, but place it here. Writers say that in those days this Monastery was of so high account, that what person soever came thither to pray, whether King, Lord, Bishop, or Abbot, he put off his shoes at the gate of the Monastery, and entred barefoot: And the Covent there was very much had in esteem, that if any of them travelled into any of the neighbouring parts they were received with the greatest respect, and reverence that could be.

The Monastery thus restored, King Edgar was mindful of the government also, by Abbots, as it had anciently been, and there was appointed

8. ADƲLPHƲS.

He being Chancellor to King Edgar, changed his Court life for a Monastical in this place; the reason of which change, was this: He had one only Son, whom he and his Wife dearly loved, and they used to have him lie in bed betwixt them, but the Pa­rents having over night drunk more wine than was convenient, their Son betwixt them was smothered to death. Adulphus the father being sadly affected with this horrid mischance, was resol­ved to visit S. Peter at Rome, after the manner of a penitentiary for absolution, imparting his intent to Bishop Athelwoldus, who disswaded him from it, telling him it would be better if he would labour in the restauration of S. Peters Church in this place, and here visit him: Adulphus approving this advice, came with King Edgar to Burgh, where in the presence of the King, and the rest of that Convention, he offered all his wealth, put off his Courtly Robes, and put on the habit of a Monk, and ascended to the degree of Abbot in the year 972.

In those days the whole Nasee, or Country adjoyning, and which is now known by the name of Burgh-soke, was all a woody and solitary place, until this Abbot Adulphus cut down woods, [Page 11] built Mannors, and Granges, and let the Lands to farm for cer­tain Rents; so that the people increasing, and as yet no Churches built amongst them, they came to Peterburgh to receive the Sa­craments, and to pay their Church-duties, which continued for many years after. And although in the days of Turoldus Abbot, Churches and Chappels began to be built, (the said Turoldus di­stributing the Lands of the Monastery to those Knights who de­sired to serve God at home) yet still the Church of Peterburgh re­ceived the whole revenue until the time of Abbot Ernulfus, An­no 1112. when there were assigned to the respective Ministers of Churches and Chappels, certain revenues for their maintenance, as due to their service; saving to the Church of Burgh two parts of the predial Tythes of those Knights, and saving the burial of See in Ernul­phus. the said Knights, their wives and children in the Church of Burgh, and also a certain portion of the Knights estates, for the mainte­nance of their wives and children: Saving also to the Church of Burgh from the Churches so built, certain pensions, which being imposed upon them in their first endowments, or collations by this Church, many of them have continued unto, and been paid in these our days to the Bishop, or Dean, and Chapter, as they were assigned by King Henry the Eighth, as shall be declared hereafter. Adulphus was present at the dedication of the Church of Ramsey, in the year 974.

After that this Abbot Adulphus had happily governed this Mo­nastery about the space of twenty years (Henry of Pightly saith Codex Ramis. in manu H. Cromwell Armig. fol. 58. thirty one) he was translated to the Archbishoprick of York, there to succeed Oswaldus then deceased: Some say he was translated to the Bishop of Worcester. And in the place of Adulphus there came

9. KENƲLPHƲS,

Who was made Abbot in the year of our Lord, 992. and was highly honoured far and near for his wisdom and piety, many coming to him from several parts, Bishops, Abbots, Priests, and Monks, as to another Solomon to hear his wisdom. And by reason of his great fame for his learning, he is supposed to have been a Writer; and is therefore by Pitseus inserted into his Cata­logue of English Writers, though what he wrote is not extant, or evident by his, or any other testimony that I have met with. This Abbot Kenulphus enclosed the Monastery of Burgh with a Wall, a great part whereof is yet standing. Having continued B. Godwyn. Abbot here about thirteen years, he was translated to the Bisho­prick of Winchester, Anno 1006. for the procurement whereof he is charged with Simony. His successor in this Monastery was

10. ELSINƲS,

Or Elsius: Of whom I find no glorious Character recorded by Writers, save this (if it may be so accounted) that he was very inquisitive after Reliques, with which he was very industrious to inrich his Monastery. And because Swapham and Wittlesey, (the compleatest Historians of this place) have punctually set down a bedrole of his Reliques, the Reader I hope will not take it ill, if I give a relation of them. Amongst the Reliques of this place, that which was most famous, and bare the bell away from all the rest, was S. Oswalds arm, which continued uncorrupted for many years, and that in the time of Abbot Martin, it was shown to A­lexander Bishop of Lincoln, 487 years after its cutting off. And of it some of the Monks in those times wrote these Verses.

The story of this arm I suppose to be taken out of Beda his Hi­story of England, lib. 3. cap. 6. who relates that this Oswald King of Northumberland was very free and liberal in giving of alms to the poor; and one day whilst he sate at meat, one of his servants told him of a great number of poor people come to his gate for relief; whereupon King Oswald sent them meat from his own ta­ble, and there not being enough to serve them all, he caused one of his silver dishes to be cut in pieces, and to be distributed a­mongst the rest; which Aydanus a Bishop, (who came out of Scot­land to convert, and instruct those Northern parts of England) beholding, took the King by the right hand, saying, nunquam inveterascat haec manus, let this hand never wax old, or be cor­rupted: which came to pass. This arm was first deposited at Bam­burgh, a religious place in Yorkshire. Walter of Wettlesey writing the story thereof, tells that it was brought to the Monastary of Burgh by Winegotus of Bebeberch, but saith not when, therefore I cannot conjecture better than that it was by the procurement of this Abbot Elsinus. It is said that this arm wrought many cures upon several diseased folk; and that it was of such fame in the days of King Stephen, as that he himself came to Peterburgh pur­posely to see it; and offered his Ring to S. Oswald, and also re­mitted King Stephen at Peterburgh. to the Monastery the summ of forty marks wherein it was indebted unto him.

[Page 13] But that the Reader may know more fully the story of S. Os­wald and his arm, it is to be remembred, that Penda King of the Camden. Mercians being of a fierce nature, and withal ambitious, made war upon his neighbour Kings, and particularly upon Oswald King of Northumberland, who was a Christian, him Penda encoun­tred at Oswaldstreet, now Oswestre in Shropshire (though Wit­tlesey saith, this battle was fought at a place called Burne) and there overthrew him, and caused him to be torn in pieces; whom some in remembrance of Bishop Aydan's blessing might preserve his arm, which at length was here at Peterburgh treasured up. If the Reader be still at a stand when he shall read in Authors that King Oswald was buried at several places, I cannot help him.

And now that we are upon this subject of Reliques, we may (I hope without offence to the Reader) extend the Legend to the full. Besides S. Oswalds arm, there were some of his ribs, and some of the earth where he was slain. There were two pieces of our Saviours swadling cloaths. Of the Manger wherein he was laid, in two places. Two pieces of the Cross which would not be burnt. More of the Cross in four places. Of the Sepulchre of our Lord, in four places. Of the five loaves with which he fed the five thousand men. Of the garment of S. Mary, in two places. Of her vail, in two places. Of Aarons rod. Reliques of S. John the Baptist. Of old Symeon. Of the Sepulchre of Lazarus, in two places. Of the stone-patin of S. John the Evangelist. Reliques of S. Peter the Apostle. Of S. Paul. Of S. Andrew. Of S. Bartholomew. Of S. Philip and Jacob. A shoulder blade of one of the Innocents, whom Herod slew. Reliques of S. Stephen. S. Dionysius, Rusticus and Elutherius. Of the sackcloath, and shirt of S. Wenceslaus. Of the hand of S. Magnus, Martyr. Of S. Laurence. The jaw, and tooth, and arm of S. George, Martyr. Reliques of S. Hippolytus, and of S. Gervase. The jaw, and tooth of S. Christopher. Reliques of S. Cyriacus, of S. Potitus, of S. Quirinus. Two teeth of S. Edward, King, and Martyr. Reliques of S. Trudon, of S. Maxi­mus, of S. Salinus, of S. Theodorus, of S. Innocentius, of S. Mau­ritius, of S. Apollinaris, of S. Gorgon, of S. S. Cosmus, and Da­mianus, of S. S. Sergius, and Bachius. The finger of S. Leofri­dus Abbot. Reliques of S. Hugo, S. Wulgarus, S. Adelwold, S. Cuthbald, S. Vindemianus, S. Lotharius. Three sinews of the hand of S. Athelard Abbot of Corbey. Reliques of S. Acca Bishop: of S. Machutus, of S. Egwinus Abbot; of S. Kenulphus. The arm of S. Swithune, Bishop. A relique of S. Medard. The shoulder­blade of S. Ambrose. The tooth of S. Aydanus, of S. Grimbaldus, of S. Adelmus. Two pieces of S. Cecilia, of S. Lucia, of S. Chri­stina. Of the bones, and bloud, and garment of S. Eutopia. Of S. Mary the Egyptian. Of S. Mary Magdalen. Of the head, and arms of S. Rogelida. Of See the Ma­triculatory at the end. O. S. Anstroberta. Of S. Edbur­ga. Of S. Emerentiana. Of S. Juliana Virgin. Of the hairs [Page 14] of S. Athelwold Bishop. The tooth of S. Sexburga Virgin.

Reliques deposited under the great Altar. Of the wood, and Sepulchre of our Lord. Of the head of S. George. Of the arm of S. Sebastian. Of S. Pancratius. Of S. Procopius. S. Wilfridus. S. Botwinus. S. Albertus. S. Suffredus. S. Tadbertus. S. Wildegelus, Abbots.

Pag. 91. Reliques in the silver Tower. Of the Sepulchre of our Lord. Of the garment, and Sepulchre of S. Mary. Of S. Andrew, and S. Philip, and S. James. Of S. Dionysius, S. Rusticus, and Eleu­therius: Of S. Oswaldus, S. Laurentius, S. Vincentius, S. Potitus, S. S. Cosmus, and Damianus, S. Adelwoldus, S. Adelinus, S. Ceci­lia, S. Edburga. What became of these, or some of these reliques in after times, some small mention will be made hereafter: but whether any of them were extant in the Monastery at the dissolu­tion by King Henry the Eighth, I find nothing amongst Writers, no not of great S. Oswalds arm, though Nicolas Harpsfield a late Historical Romanist would make us believe, that the prayer of Ay­danus was still in force, as if that arm was somewhere extant.

But to return to Abbot Elsinus. He was three years in Norman­dy with Queen Emma, where he also collected many other reliques, and like a laborious Bee, stored his Abbey with them: It hapned at that time, that there was a great dearth in that Country of Normandy, insomuch, that many of the inhabitants forsook the Country and planted themselves in other places. The Abbey of S. Florentinus having spent their treasures in buying of food, and nothing left them but the shrine of their Saint, and Patrone; at length they sold him also, all but his head, which they still reser­ved to themselves: Elsinus having bought the body, sent it to Peterburgh, whither the Monks of that Abbey in Normandy did often repair, to do their devotions to their Saint.

But whilst Elsinus was careful abroad for profitable reliques, his Abbey at home sustained loss in more real endowments, for Hoveden in Yorkshire, with many other lands were wrested from the Monastery of Peterburgh. Yet Elsinus added something of his own, purchasing a fourth part of Wittleseymere, and giving it to his Monastery, which had a part thereof before purchased by Adelwoldus Bishop of Winchester in the time of King Edgar.

Wittlesey. In those days was the Monastery of Ramsey accused to the King, who threatned the dissolution thereof, but by the media­tion of this Elsinus, it was reprieved, upon condition that Elsinus should undertake the charge of it, which Elsinus afterwards, re­mitted to the Ramisians. About this time Leofricus, who was Se­cretary of Burgh, translated the bodies of S. Kyneburga, and Ky­neswitha from their Church of Castre, and the body of S. Tibba from Rihale, to Peterburgh. Others place this translation in the Harpsfield from Capgra. pag. 85. time of King Henry the first, and that they had a yearly memo­rial celebrated here. In the time of this Abbot Elsinus, Anno [Page 15] 1051. Elfricus Archbishop of York died at Southwell, and was bu­ried at Peterburgh, where he had been a Monk: of whom more hereafter.

Elsinus having been Abbot here the space of fifty years, died Anno 1055. and there succeeded.

11. ARWINƲS, or ERNWINƲS.

Ingulphus. He was made Abbot by Election which deservedly passed upon him, being a man of great holiness, and simplicity; but he li­king better a private, and solitary life, freely surrendred his go­vernment, after eight years continuance therein. In his time, Anno 1059. or as some say 1060. died Kinsius Archbishop of York, who formerly had been Chaplain to King Edward the Confessor, and was buried in the Church of Peterburgh, where he had been a Monk. Radulphus de Diceto calls him Kinsigius, and commends him highly for his austere way of living, his humility, and other vertues. Of whom again hereafter. About this time, S. Wulstan, formerly Monk of Peterburgh, was made Bishop of Worcester, Bishop Godwyn. Anno 1062.

12. LEOFRICƲS, or LEƲRICƲS

Vid. appendi­am Chartarum.Having by his birth relation to the Royal bloud, was first made a Monk of Burgh, and afterwards Abbot, upon the retirement of Arwinus. He being dear to King Edward, and Edgith his wife, held by extraordinary benevolence, five Abbeys in his hand at once, viz. Burton, Coventry, Croyland, Thorney, and Peterburgh. He redeemed of King Edward certain lands belonging to his Mo­nastery, as Fiskerton for twenty marks, Fleton for eight marks; and Burleigh for eight marks; which being demised by lease to Elfgarus the Queens Chaplain for the term of his life; he being dead, the Queen would have taken it from the Church of Peter­burgh, had it not been for Abbot Leofricus.

In the third year of this Abbot, Anno 1066. William Duke of Normandy entred England with an army, and subdued it to his Norman power. Of which I find these old Monkish Verses in some of our Writers.

[Page 16] Abbot Leofricus was then in the English army, where sickning, he returned to his Monastery of Peterburgh, and died the night after All-Saints day.

Deeping Bank. In the time of this Abbot Leofricus, one Egelricus a Monk of Burgh was made Archbishop of York, but the Canons there, en­vying that a Monk should be set over them (though but lately it had been so) refused to receive him, wherefore he was made Bishop of Durham, where he was received with general approbation. Whilst he was Bishop there he gathered great store of wealth, yet not to himself, but that he might be rich in good works, amongst which, there is one that continues his memory to this very day, the bank from Deeping to Spalding; for in those days the passage being very difficult by reason of Woods, and deep Marishes, he raised that Causey for the benefit of Travellers, which for many years after was called by his name Egelric Rode, though now it be known only by the name of Deeping Bank.

But some affirm that Egelricus found his wealth, for intend­ing to build a Church at Coneester (now Chester upon the street) in laying the foundation thereof he chanced to light upon a great mass of treasure, wherewith he finished that work and many others. Such a new found treasure might be an additional to what he had before, which surely was not small, else he would scarce have undertaken to build Churches. When Egelricus had held his Bishoprick of Durham long enough to weary himself with publick employments, he returned to his Monastery of Pe­terburgh, having resigned his Bishoprick to his brother Egelwinus. But it hapned that these two brethren were accused to King William the Conqueror, who laid up Egelricus in Chains at West­minster during his life, and when he was near his end, he refused to have his Fetters taken off, and desired that he might be buri­ed with them, and so was he buried in S. Nicolas Porch in Westminster: the other Brother Egelwinus was deposed from his Bi­shoprick by King William, and sent to Abendone, where he died.

The Writers of Peterburgh, Swapham, and Wittlesey say, That in the time of Abbot Leofricus his sickness, this Egelricus being at his accustomed Evening devotions, the Devil appeared to him, in the shape of a boy of terrible countenance, and told him, that ere long he should triumph over the chiefest of them (which perhaps was in the death of Leofricus Abbot) and that three several times he would revenge himself upon the Monks, and Monastery, tel­ling him also the manner. First, that he would cause all the Monks to be expelled, and the goods of the Monastery to be ta­ken away. Secondly, he would cause the Monastery to be set on fire. Thirdly, he would set the Monks so at strife, that they should cut one anothers throats. But Egelricus replying, The Lord rebuke thee, Satan; the Devil vanished, and left a horrible stink behind him.

13. BRANDO

Having been Coadjutor to Leofricus, was thought the fittest to succeed him; and being elected, he made his address to Edgar Atheling for his confirmation, supposing him to be lawful heir to the Crown of England, notwithstanding the late Conquest by K. William: but William hearing thereof, was much incensed against Abbot Brando, that he was forced to give him forty marks for his favour to confirm him in his Monastery, and the Lands to his Church. Whilst he was a Monk, he gave to the Mona­stery many Lands, as in Muscham, Schotter, Scalthorp, Yolthorp, Messingham, Malmeton, Cletham, Hibaldstow, Rachevildthorp, Holme, Riseby, Walcot, Normanby, Alethorp, there joyning with him, Askylus, Syricus, and Sivortus, who procured from King Edward a confirmation of these Lands to the Church.

Brando when he was Abbot, created his Nephew Herewardus le Wake Lord of Brunne, (now Bourn) Knight, which Herewar­dus was a valiant man, and stoutly opposed the Normans in those parts.

Brando enjoyed not long his Government, but in November, Anno 1069. which was the third of King William, he died.

14. TƲROLDƲS, or THOROLDƲS

A Norman, was placed by King William in the vacant Abby of Peterburgh: He being a stranger, neither loved his Monastery, nor his Convent him; He began to make a strange dispersion of the Lands belonging to his Church, conferring sixty and two Hides of Land upon certain stipendiary Knights, that they might defend him against Herewardus le Wake: This Herewardus was son of Leofricus Lord of Brunne, and having had a Military edu­cation beyond Seas, repaired home to employ his valour in defence of his native Country, against the Normans. It hapned at that time, that the Danes under Sweyn their King, son of Canutus, in­vaded this Land, amongst whom, Osbernus an Earl, and Bishop, entred into the Isle of Ely, with whom Herewardus joyned, and incited him to set upon the Monastery of Peterburgh, for that the King had given it to a Norman. Herewardus, and the Danes com­ing hither, the Monks and others with them defended themselves for a time, with much valour, in a hot dispute at Bolehith-gate, now commonly called Bulldyke-gate, being on the South of the Monastery, and yet standing: where, when Herewardus, and the Danes perceived their entrance doubtful, and that they could not cut their way with their Swords, and Weapons, they assayed to do it by fire upon the adjoyning buildings, and so entred through flame and smoke. Being entred, they seized upon all the good [Page 18] things they found, carrying them away to Ely, leaving much of the buildings (the Monastery only excepted) destroyed by fire, and taking Adelwoldus the Prior, with many of the more ancient Monks thither also. But Adelwoldus watching for an opportunity to get away, and return home, the Danes being jovial, and merry at a triumphal feast for this their booty, Adelwoldus got privately to himself some gold and silver with some Reliques, amongst which was S. Oswald's arm which he hid in his bedstraw, till he could make his escape. But an agreement being made between King William and Sweyn the Danish King, that the Danes should depart with all their spoil, most of the good things of this Monastery were carried away towards Denmark, and a great part of them lost in the Sea by tempest: those which arrived there were afterwards recovered by Iwarus the Secretary of the Monastery, who took a journey thither, for that purpose. And now had Adelwoldus the Prior, with the other Monks, a time of returning without stealth to his Monastery of Peterburgh, and taking the Abby of Ramsey in their way; the Ramisians entertained them kindly for awhile, but at their departure, they detained their Reliques, which afterwards upon the threats of Abbot Thorold, they yielded up; yet did not the Monks enjoy their newly recovered Treasures long, for they being careless and drunken, and their Abbot absent, a fire seized upon the Church, and other remaining buildings, from which they rescued some few Reliques, but little of other things. All this while Turoldus Abbot absented himself from his Monastery, and made his abode at Stamford, but Herewardus being withdrawn he returned to his Monastery, where he found all things in a desolate condition. He brought along with him 140 Normans well armed to secure him against Herewardus, and also built a Fort or Castle within his Monastery, which for many years retained the name of Mount Thorold: so that now the Monastery of Peter­burgh seemed rather a warlike than religious place. Yet for all that Turoldus could do for his own security, he was at length ta­ken by Herewardus, and constrained to ransome himself with the payment of thirty marks in silver. So profuse was this Turoldus of the goods of his Monastery, that at his entrance an estimate of the goods thereof amounting to fifteen hundred pounds, ere Tu­roldus had done, there remained scarce five hundred.

But his disposing of the Lands (as hath been said) to certain Knights, for their service in these Military times, was remarka­ble, and valid in after ages; where I could give a large declara­tion of the persons thus invested with the Church-Lands, and what Lands those were, but it shall suffice to say, that there were in all forty one men of note, who received those Lands from Turoldus to hold upon that condition: but they did not all receive in equal proportion, but some more, and some less; some to find and afford the service of six Knights, some of four, some of one, [Page 19] and some less, as their portions of Land were; yet in all, the number of Knights for which they were to be answerable, amoun­ted to sixty eight, and from whence there began a new addition to be annexed unto the name of the place, as to be called, The Honour of Peterburgh. But there happened another Act of Turoldus, which raised his discontents higher in himself, and brought him lower in the good affection of his Convent, for he received into his Monastery two Monks from beyond Sea, who secretly stole away, and carried many of the Church Goods with them. At length Turoldus, weary of his Government here, procured for himself the Bishoprick of Beavois in France, whither he transported many of the goods of the Monastery: but he was not so welcome to his new Bishoprick as to make any long continuance there, for on the fourth day he was expelled thence, and returning again into England, he gave the King a great summ of Money that he might be seated again in his Monastery of Peterburgh, whither he returned, and in all, con­tinued his Government there the space of 28 years, and died Anno 1100, or as some say 1098. being the 10, or 11 year of William the Second.

15. GODRIC ƲS.

The Monks now began to be provident for themselves; for con­sidering the inconveniences they suffered by Turoldus being impo­sed upon them, they gave the King three hundred Marks in Silver that they might have the power of Electing their own Abbot; which having procured from the King, they chose Godricus, who was Brother to Abbot Brando. Whether or no Godricus might incurr the guilt of Simony by what the Church had done, Bishop God­win calleth him Geffrey. page 34. I will not determine, yet was he, with Richard Abbot of Ely, and Adelwinus Abbot of Ramsey, deposed from their Govern­ments by a Councel held under Anselmus then Archbishop of Canterbury, for that (as Peterburgh Writers say) they had entred by Simony. Yet Matth. Paris renders another reason, that it In vita W. Rufi. was, because they had received investiture into their Abbeys, from the King, and not from Anselme. So Godricus held his Abbey of Peterburgh but one year, which was an unhappy year too; for in that year, Foreign Thieves from Almain, France and Flanders broke in through a window into the Church, and stole away a Cross of beaten Gold, with many Jewels, two Chalices and Patins, two golden Candlesticks, which Elfricus Archbishop of York had given to this Church. Although the Thieves were pursued and taken, yet the goods were not recovered, but came into the Kings hand, who held them so fast that the Abbey could not retrieve them.

[Page 20] Godricus being deposed, the Abbey was destitute of an Abbot about the space of four years, all which time it continued in the Kings hand, at length King Henry 1. in the year 1103. and the 3 or 4. of his Reign, sent an Abbot unto them. Until these days of King Henry all the Charters, and Grants of former Kings, and other Benefactors to the Church, were without Seals, and signed only with their Names, and Figures of a Cross, but now they began to affix Seals to their Deeds.

16. MATTHIAS

Was the man whom King Henry sent to the Abbey of Burgh, after that Godricus was deposed. One may almost smell the wind that blew Matthias hither; for he was Brother to Galfri­dus Ridel the Kings Chief Justice, to whom Matthias gave the Mannor of Pightesly, belonging then to his Church; What conveyance Abbot Matthias made to his brother Galfridus, I can­not determine, but Galfridus resolved to hold the Mannor of Pightesly, as his own, and not of the Monastery of Peterburgh, which caused a long suit betwixt them, until at length an agree-ment was made betwixt the Abbot (not this Matthias, but one of his Successors) and Galfridus, that he should hold the said Mannor for his life, paying to the Abbot the yearly rent of four Marks, and that after his decease, the Mannor should re­turn again to the Church of Peterburgh, which it did, not long after: for Galfridus was drowned at Sea, with William Son of King Henry. Not long after, Abbot John de Sais gave the King 60 Marks in Silver, to confirm again the Mannor of Pightesly to his Monastery. Matthias held his Monastery of Peterburgh but one year, for on the same day he entred thereon, on the same day twelve month he died at Gloucester about the year 1105. and the King again kept the Monastery in his hand three years, till the coming of

17. ERNƲLFƲS:

He was Prior of Canterbury, and there being then a Council holden at London wherein many were promoted to Ecclesiastical Dignities, Ernulfus was offered to the Monks of Peterburgh for their Abbot, and they willingly accepted of him, knowing him to be both a pious, and prudent man. Whilst he was Prior of Canterbury, the business concerning the marriage of Priests was hastily agitated, and Anselme the then Archbishop was strongly for the negative, writing Letters to this Ernulfus, which are to be seen in Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments. Whilst Ernul­fus was Abbot here, all things went happily with the Monastery, Ernulfus promoting the good thereof by the Kings favour, [Page 21] which he had in a plentiful measure. He built the new Dormi­tory, the Necessary, and finished the Chapter-house which was began before he made an agreement betwixt his Convent, and those Knights who held Lands of his Abby, that every Knight See in Adul­phus. should pay yearly to the Sacristary two parts of his Tythes, and at his death, the third part of his whole Estate, for his burial in the Church, all his Knightly endowments, as well Horses, as Armes, being to be brought with his body, and offer'd up to S. Peter: the Convent were to receive the Corps with procession, and to perform the office for the dead. In the time of this Ernul­fus Anno 1112. was the Church of Thirlby, near Bourn in Lin­colnshire, dedicated by Robert Bloet then Bishop of Lincoln; Thirlby Church dedicated. Swapham fol. 115. pag. 1. which Church, with the Mannor belonged then to this Monaste­ry of Peterburgh. Abbot Ernulfus was translated from this his government in his seventh year Anno 1114. For King Henry be­ing to pass over the Sea, and waiting for a wind at Bourn, he sent to Peterburgh for Ernulfus to come unto him to consult about weighty Affairs, he being the Kings Confessor; but being come, the King with Raulfus (so our Peterburgh writers call him, but Bishop God­win Rodolphus) the Archbishop of Canterbury importuned him to take upon him the Bishoprick of Rochester, which Ernulfus did, though much against his will, the Monks also taking it very heavily, wept for the loss of their Abbot. Ernulfus being Bishop of Rochester wrote a Book in answer to certain questions pro­pounded See the Cata­logue at the end. O. and B. by Lambertus Abbot of S. Bertine, as also another book of incestuous Marriages, although Pitseus makes no mention of him. Ernulfus being thus removed, the King gave his Monastery to Johannes de Sais, or

18. JOHN of Salisbury.

He being appointed Abbot, was honourably received of the Monks. He took a journey to Rome (but I find not to what end) and returned the year following. In his time the Mona­stery was burnt again, only the Chapter-house, Dormitory, Necessary, and the new Refectory escaped the flames, which took hold of the Village, and wholly consumed it. Wittlesey writes, that one in the Bakehouse being to kindle a fire, with much pains could not make it burn, which, John the Abbot, be­ing present, seeing, in a cholerick mood, cried, The Devil kin­dle it, and presently the fire flamed to the top of the house, ran through all the Abbots Offices, and thence to the Town: The life burning in one of the Towers for nine days together, a violent wind drove the Coals upon the Abbots house, and fired that also. Afterwards Abbot John began to build the Church anew Anno 1118. which he industriously prosecuted, but lived not to finish it, for he held his Abby but eleven years, and died of a Dropsie [Page 22] Anno 1125. being the 25, or 26 of King Henry I. A year be­fore this, was the Church of Castri dedicated, as may be seen by an Inscription yet continuing over the Chancel door, ‘XV KL MAII DEDICATIO HU­JUS ECCLESIAE MCXXIIII.’

Abbot John being dead, the King again kept the Monastery in his hand two years. And although (as hath been said) this John gave the King 60 Marks for the confirmation of the Man­nor of Pightesly, yet upon the death of John the Abbot of Pe­terburgh, the King, having all at his disposing, for 60 Marks more, sold Pightesly to Richard Basset, and for Abbot of this Monastery appointed

19. HENRICƲS de Angeli

Or Henry of Anjou, who was made Abbot Anno 1128. He being ambitious, sought after many preferments, but held them not long; for besides, he was unstable, and voluntarily deserted his present Governments, or else found opposition in new ones, that he was compelled to withdraw. Having an Abbey beyond Sea, he got a Commission to come over into England to gather up Peter pence, which gave him opportunity to espy out some preferment or other here: therefore coming to the King, and much complaining of the troubles in his own Countrey, whose Wars, by reason of his age, he could not endure, he besought the King to conferr upon him the Abby of Peterburgh, which was then vacant, which he (being allyed to the King) obtained, notwithstanding that both Archbishops and Bishops opposed it, telling the King it was not lawful for him to hold two Abbeys. But the King afterwards perceiving his fraud, and covetousness, commanded him to depart the Realm, when he had held the Abbey of Peterburgh 5 years, and so Anno 1133. he returned to his Abbey De Angeli. In the first year that this John came to be Abbot here (as Wittlesey writes) there were heard and seen in the night time throughout Lent, in the Woods betwixt Stam­ford and Peterburgh, Hunters, with their Horns, and Dogs, all of them of black, and ugly complexion, some riding upon black Horses, and some upon Goats, they had great staring eyes, and were seen sometimes twenty, and sometimes thirty in a com­pany.

20. MARTINƲS de Vecti,

So called of the Isle of Wight from whence he came: some call [Page 23] him Martin Cook. He was first Prior of S. Neots, and the King gave him the Monastery of Peterburgh, into which he was ho­nourably received by the Monks upon S. Peters day, Anno 1133. being the 33 of King Henry 1. He was very industrious in re­pairing, and perfecting the buildings of the Monastery, and espe­cially the Church, to the dedication whereof anew, there came thither Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, the Abbots of Thorney, Croyland, Ramsey, and others to whom Abbot Martin shewed the Holy Reliques, and S. Oswalds arm, Anno 1123. 23 years after its burning. The tokens of which conflagration are yet to be seen (or of some other) in the inside of the West Porch above. This Martin built a Gate of the Monastery, but which I cannot say. He likewise changed the situation of the Village to the Western side of the Monastery, for before, it was on the East; he ap­pointed the market place as now it is, and built many houses about it. He changed also the place of Wharfage for Boats coming to the Town, to that place which is now commonly used. He re­moved the Church of S. John Baptist, (which before stood in a Close still known by the name of S. John's Close) to the place where now the said Church standeth. And as he was a great builder, so was he also in some sort a demolisher, for he pulled down a Castle standing near the Church, which perhaps was Mount Thorold formerly mentioned. He planted the Vineyard, and ad­ded many buildings to his own dwellings. He entertained King Stephen who came hither, to see the Arm of S. Oswald, to whom he offered his Ring, and forgave the Church 40 Marks which it ought him, and confirmed many other Priviledges. Abbot Martin, in the time of his Government, took a journey to Rome, and along with him the Charter of King Ethelred, that the then Pope Eugenius the Third might grant his Confirmation: But in Wittlesey. the Consistory there arose a debate about the form of the Char­ter, which hitherto had gone currant for the space of almost 500 years: for one of the Cardinals present besought the Pope, that he would not give the honour of his name to another; whereupon a new Charter was granted to Abbot Martin in the name of Eugenius, and the name of King Ethelred, Founder, and Benefactor, was put out. Martin, having sitten in his Ab­battical See the Ap­pendix. Chair here about the term of 22 years, died Anno 1155. which was the second year of King Henry 2. And there succeed­ed

21. WILLIHELMƲS de Watervile,

Vid. Chartam in App. Who being Elected Abbot by the Monks, the Election easily obtained the Kings ratification, in regard this William was one of his Clerks, or Chaplains. The King also confirmed unto him and his Abbey the eight Hundreds of that part of the [Page 24] County, which had formerly been granted by the Kings Pre­decessors. This Abbot erected a Priory in Stamford, and the Church of S. Michael there. He setled a yearly maintenance upon the Church of S. John Baptist in Peterburgh, enacting that the Chaplain should yearly upon Michaelmas day bring his Church-Key to the Sacrist of the Monastery, as an acknow­ledgment of his dependance upon it. He was very industrious in perfecting the buildings of his Monastery, and adding new ones. He built the Cloister, and covered it with Lead. He or­dered, Cloister. and disposed the Quire of the Church, in that manner as it lately stood, and in some sort continues still. He founded Quire. the Chappel of Thomas Becket, which was finished by his Suc­cessor, and is now standing in the middle of the Arch of the Church-Porch, as you enter into the Church. He built a Chap­pel also in his own House, and other necessary Offices. At length he was accused by his Monks to the Archbishop, so that he was deposed without conviction, or his own confession (as our Wri­ters say) of any crime deserving that censure, when he had held his Abby twenty years, Anno 1175. being the 21 or 22 year of King Henry the Second. And although our Peter­burgh Writers are silent in the cause of his deposition, yet others have taken notice of it. Johannes Brompton Jornallensis relates it thus, that Richard Archbishop of Canterbury came to the Abby Pag. 1107, 1108. of Peterburgh, and deposed William of Watervile the Abbot there; for that he against the will of the Monks, entred with a band of armed men into the Church, and took from thence some Reliques, and the arm of S. Oswald, pro denariis ad Judaeos inva­dendos: the Monks standing in defence of their Reliques, many of them were grievously wounded. Roger Hoveden relates ano­ther reason as the most principal, which he addeth to that of Jor­nallensis, Pag. 313. that this Abbot William was fallen into the Kings dis­favour for his brothers sake, one Walter of Watervile (in the Parish of Achrich in the County of Northampton; where anci­ently was his Castle) whom Abbot William received with others of that party being then in Arms against the King, which shewed that Abbot William was not so Loyal to his Master the King as he should have been, but abetting with his brother, it might cause his own deposition.

22. BENEDICTƲS.

William being deposed, the King held the Abby in his hand two years, and then Benedict Prior of Canterbury was thought the fittest for it, and made Abbot Anno 1177. in the Twenty fourth of King Henry the Second. He was a very Learned man, and, as Pitseus (who gives him very high commendations) doth certifie, wrote two Books: Vitam S. Thomae Cantuariensis. De [Page 25] ejusdem post mortem miraculis, and certain others, saith he: yet because I find these Books mentioned in the Catalogue of this Ab­bots Library, it may be doubted whether he wrote them himself more than he did the rest. I shall therefore set down his Books, as also some of the succeeding Abbots, that the Reader may con­jecture what Scholars those Abbots might be, and see what Books were most in request amongst them. Abbot Benedicts Library was furnished with these Books. Quinque libri Moysis glossati in uno Volumine. Sexdecim Prophetae glossati in uno Volumine. Duo­decim Minores glossati in uno Volumine. Liber Regum glossatus. Pa­ralipomenon glossatus. Job, Parabolae Salomonis, & Ecclesiastes, Can­tica Canticorum, glossati, in uno Volumine. Liber Ecclesiasticus, & Li­ber Sapientiae glossati in uno Volumine. Tobias, Judith, Esther, & Esdras glossati, in uno Volumine. Liber Judicumglossatus. Scho­lastica Historia. Psalterium glossatum. Item non glossatum. Item Psalterium. Quatuor Evangelia glossata in uno Volumine. Item Matthaeus, & Marcus in uno Volumine. Johannes & Lucas in uno Vo­lumine. Epistolae Pauli glossatae. Apocalypsis, & Epistolae Canonicae glossatae in uno Volumine. Sententiae Petri Lombardi, Item Sententiae ejusdem. Sermones Bernardi Abbatis Clarevallensis. Decreta Gratiani. Item Decreta Gratiani. Summa Ruffini de Decretis. Summa Johan­nis Faguntini de Decretis. Decretales Epistolae. Item Decretales Epi­stolae. Item Decretales Epistolae cum Summa sic incipiente, Olim. Institu­tiones Justiniani cum Autenticis, & Infortiato. Digestum vetus. Tres partes cum Digesto novo. Summa Placentorum. Totum corpus juris in duobus Voluminibus. Arisimetica. Epistolae Senecae cum aliis Sene­cis in uno Volumine. Martialis, & Terentius in uno Volumine. Mo­rale dogma Philosophorum. Gesta Alexandri, & Liber Claudii, & Claudiani. Summae Petri Helyae de Grammatica cum multis aliis rebus in uno Volumine. Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi, & genealogia ejus, Interpretationes Hebraicorum nominum. Libellus de Incarnatione Verbi. Liber Bernardi Abbatis ad Eugenium Papam. Missale, Vita Sancti Thomae Martyris. Miracula ejusdem in quinque Voluminibus. Liber R. Plutonis qui dicitur Ʋnde malum. Meditationes Anselmi. Practica Bartholomaei cum pluribus aliis rebus in uno Volumine: Ars Physicae. Pantegm. & practica ipsius in uno Volumine. Almasor, & Dioscorides de virtutibus herbarum. Liber dinamidiorum & aliorum multorum in uno Volumine. Libellus de compoto. This was the stock of his Literature, as Wittlesey hath set it down, though ano­ther ancient Copy in some few things differeth from it.

There is some clashing betwixt Vossius and Possevine about the time of this Benedict, but it is not worth the trouble of reciting. It seems Benedict was a man of good note, that his preferment to this Abby should sound in foreign parts, Sigebertus Gemblacensis making mention thereof, Benedictus Prior Cantuariensis factus est Ad an. 1177. Abbas de Burc. The Abby was at his entrance, 1500 marks deep in debt, from which Benedict freed it. He laboured much in reco­vering [Page 26] of his Abby Lands, some by suits in Law, and some by force; for, as if he were Tam Marti quam Mercurio, as well for the Sword, as the Book; he went sometimes in person armed upon such adventures. His actions at home towards his Mona­stery, were great, and many: It seems the Nave, or body of the Church did not please him, therefore he built it after a better man­ner from the Lantern to the Porch as now it is, so that the painted Ceiling at the top, which is still remaining, was probably of his doing. He set up also the Pulpit in the body of the Church, which was but lately taken away. He finished the Chappel of Thomas Becket, which his Predecessor had begun. He built a large and goodly House of stone for several Offices which was standing in our age. He built the great gate leading to the Monastery, and over it the Chappel of S. Nicolas, both which are yet stand­ing. He was much in the Kings favour, that the King, King Richard, for his piety, gravity and wisdom, was wont to call him Father: And when King Richard, in his return from the Holy Land, was taken prisoner by Arch-Duke Leopold, who detained him, this Abbot Benedict (being, in the Kings absence, made Co­adjutor, and Councellor with William Bishop of Ely Chancellor of the Realm) Councelled that the Chalices of the Church should be sold to pay the Kings ransome, which was done, and the King returned home. Then did King Richard confirm to Abbot Be­nedict, and his Monastery the Marsh of Pekirk, now commonly called North-Fenne, about which there fell out some difference be­twixt Radulphus le Wake, and the Monastery; for Radulphus be­ing Lord of Deeping, claimed Common in the Marsh, as being but on the other side of the River, but Abbot Benedict impounded his Cattel, alledging that the Marsh belonged only to his Tenants of Pekirk, Glinton, Makeshye, and Northburgh, and desired Radul­phus to enquire into the truth thereof: So Radulphus came to Pe­terburgh with some others, where being fully informed of the Ab­bots right, he forbare to trespass any more; Benedict also reco­vered the Marsh of Eye, and the Hermitage of Singlesholt. King Richard also granted unto Benedict his confirmation of the eight Hundreds, as his predecessors had done: And withal his Charter for the holding of a Fair in Peterburgh, upon the Feast of S. Peter, S. Peters Fair. to continue for 8 days; although now it be contracted into one. He also granted a weekly Market every Thursday, and a Fair for three days at the Feast of S. Peter, to be holden at the Mannor of Scotter in Lincolnshire, then belonging to this Monastery. Vid. Chartam in App.

Pag. 252. John the Kings brother, who was Earl of Moriton, and after­wards King of England, was also kind to Abbot Benedict and his Monastery, giving them by his Charter yearly, three Staggs, and six Bucks, out of his Forest of Sheerwood, without contradicti­on. In his time there flourished one William of Peterburgh a Monk of Ramsey, a very Learned man, upon whom Pitseus be­stows [Page 27] a large Character, whither the Reader, that would see his works, may resort. Benedict having been Abbot the space of seventeen years, died Anno 1194. being the sixth Year of King Richard the first, and had for his Successor

23. ANDREAS.

He was first a Monk here, then Prior, and afterwards for his many vertues was chosen Abbot. The Villages of Alwalton, and Fletton, which then belonged to him, he gave to the Monks Kit­chin for the augmentation of their Commons. Having been Ab­bot about five years, he died the same year with King Richard, which was Anno 1199. He was buried in the South Isle of the Church at the back of the Quire, in the same Grave where two of his Predecessors had been buried before, as the Epitaph on the Wall over his Monument will testifie▪ which was lately in anci­ent Saxon Letters, but now in the ordinary, renewed.

24 ACHARIƲS,

Fol. 456. Whom Hoveden calls Zacharias, was Prior of S. Albanes, and elected thence to be Abbot here, Anno 1200. He by his care and providence much enriched his Church, and built many buildings in several Mannors belonging to it. He maintained suit with the Abbot of Croyland for the Marsh of Singlesholt, and recovered it, letting it again to the Abbot of Croyland for a yearly acknow­ledgement of four stone (Petras) of Wax. He added to the number of Monks that then were, two and twenty more. And when he had happily governed this Abby the space of ten years, he died Anno 1210. being the 11 year of King John. And there succeeded

25. ROBERTƲS de Lindesey,

Glass-win­dows.Who was Monk, and Sacristary of Burgh, and now Abbot, unto which he paved the way by his good deeds towards the Church: for whereas the windows were before only stuffed with straw to keep out the weather, he beautified above thirty of them with glasses; and his example brought the rest, by degrees, to the like perfection. He built also the Chancel at Oxney; being chosen Abbot, he was presented to the King at Winchester, and had his election confirmed: And at Northampton he received E­piscopal benediction from Hugo the second, then Bishop of Lincoln, [Page 28] in the year 1214. for after the death of Acharius, the King held the Abbey in his own hand three years. He settled the Hundred of Nassaburgh in peace, and quietness: for in those days the Fo­resters with their Cattel over-ran all, so that the inhabitants of the Towns therein were much endammaged by them, and their domineering in these parts by vertue of Forest Lands; therefore Abbot Robert made a composition with the King, giving him Vid. Chartam in App. 1320 Marks for the dis-foresting that part of the Country. He covered the Abbots Hall with Lead. He made in the South Cloister a Lavatory of Marble for the Monks to wash their hands in when they went to Meals, their Hall being near, on the other The Lavatory. side of the wall, the door leading into it being yet standing, though the Hall be long since demolished, only some small re­mains on the wall side, are yet to be seen; but the Lavatory con­tinued entire until the year 1651. and then, with the whole Cloister, it was also pulled down. Abbot Robert at his entrance into his place found but seventy two Monks, to which num­ber he added eight more, assigning the Mannor of Bellasise for their maintenance, having built a fair Mannor-house there, which Bellasise builded. partly is now standing. He built also the Hall at his Mannor of Collingham.

In the time of this Robert, the fourth Laterane Council was held under Innocent the fourth, Pope of that name, Anno 1215. Abbot Robert was cited, and went thither, and received injuncti­ons for his Convent concerning several times of fasting, and other duties, which at his coming home, he put into execution.

Fol. 287. In his time there arose great discords betwixt the Civil, and Ecclesiastical States, that the Land stood interdicted by the space of six years. Then followed bitter Wars betwixt King John, and his Barons, wherein, how the Monastery of Peterburgh beha­ved themselves, I find but little in any of our Writers: Only by what Matthew Paris relates, it may be conjectured they were none of the Kings friends, though their Patron. Ludovicus (saith he) besieging the Castle of Dover a long time in vain, at length the King passed over into Suffolk, and Norfolk, and miserably wasted those Countries: And coming to Peterburgh, and Croyland, he plundered the Churches there, his Officer Savaricus de Mallo Leone with his accomplices committing many outrages in the Country thereabout. At Croyland he fired all their stacks which the in­habitants had newly gathered in, and so returned to the Town of Lynn with great spoils: But afterwards the King taking his journey from Lynn Northward, all his Carriages, and Treasures were cast away, and perished, as he passed the River Wellestre. Yet afterwards the Abbot of Peterburgh was summoned to assist King Henry the third, in the siege of Rokingham Castle (which was then the Abbots) and the Abbot himself went in person in that expedition, till at length that Castle was reduced to the [Page 29] Kings obedience: but whether it was this Abbot Robert, or some Hon. de Pightesly. of his Successors, mine Author tells me not.

Pag. 288. In the time of this Abbot Robert about the year 1217 according to Pitseus there was one Hugo Candidus, or Hugh White, a Monk of this Monastery, of whom the said Author in his Book De Scriptoribus, makes mention, who wrote the whole History of his Monastery, whose works were extant in later times, for John Leland, who lived in the days of King Henry 8, collected many things out of him, but whether, or where the said Author be now extant, I know not. Pitseus tells us also of another Hugh In Appendice Pag. 865. a Monk of this Church, whom he calls an English Historian, but professeth his ignorance of what he wrote, or when he lived: Perhaps, both might be but one, and the same Hugh. But, per­haps, Wittlesey an antient Writer of this Church may make it clearer, by telling us that there was one Hugo Albus (so called from his white complexion, as being subject to bleed) a Monk here, who was famous in the time of Abbot Ernulfus and of John, Henry, Martin and William his Successors, who wrote the History of this Monastery, and so was before Pitseus his account.

Robert having been Abbot here the space of seven years, died October 25. 1222. being the seventh year of King Henry 3. He was not very rich in Books, his Library consisting only of these few. Numerale Magistri W. de Montibus cum aliis rebus. Tropi Magistri Petri cum diversis summis. Sententiae Petri Pretanensis. Psalteri­um Glossatum. Aurora. Psalterium non glossatum. Historiale.

26. ALEXANDER de Holdernesse

Who was first a Monk, then Prior, and lastly Abbot of this place after the death of Robert. A great builder he was, and built the Hall at his Mannor of Oundle, that also at Castre Eyebury and other places. Having been Abbot here only four years, he died on the day of his entrance, November 20. 1226. and of King Henry 3. the Eleventh. These were his Books. Psalterium. Concordantiae utrius (que) Test. Claustrum animae. Opus al­terum quod perfecit Rogerus de Helpston. Aurora. Poenitentiale. Tria Breviaria. Concilium Lateranense cum aliis rebus. Corroga­tiones Promethei. Missale. The first day of May before the death of this Alexander, there died at Peterburgh Richardus de Mansco, Mr. Philipot Catal. Canc. Angl. pag. 10. Bishop of Durham, and Chancellor of England.

27. MARTINƲS de Ramsey

Being a Monk of Peterburgh, was elected Abbot after the death of Alexander: And on S. Andrew's Eve the King ratified his Election, which was also confirmed by Hugo then Bishop of Lincoln in the Chappel of S. Katharine at Westminster. On the [Page 30] Feast of S. John the Evangelist following he received the said Bishops blessing at Tinghurst, and on the Eve of Epiphany follow­ing he was received at Peterburgh. In his first year he paid to the Kings Exchequer 5 Marks for the disforesting of Nassa­burgh, and 28 more to the Chancellor. In that year died one Brianus de la Marc the Kings Forester in the Marsh of Kesteven, and Holland, and the King passing by that way towards York, seized upon all the goods of the said Brian: But Abbot Mar­tin procured the Kings Writ to Hugo de Nevile then Justice of the Forest, to enquire, if the said Brian was not enfeoffed in certain Lands belonging to the Monastery of Peterburgh, which being examined at a Commission holden at Bernat, and found to be so, the Heir of the said Brian was awarded (as Ward) to the Abbot of Peterburgh: But Abbot Martin gave the said ward to Radulfus de Nevile, then Bishop of Chichester, and the Kings Chancellor. This Abbot Martin in the year 1228. re­ceived a grand priviledge from Gregory the Ninth, Pope of that name, wherein this particular, that, whensoever there should be a general interdiction of the Land, the Monks of Peterburgh, when they said their Service, might shut the Church doors, ring no bell, nor say their Service aloud but with a low voice to themselves, that the people might not participate thereof. But I have not found that ever this was put in practice. In the year 1231, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln visited this Monastery, and gave Articles to be observed, both by the Abbot, as also by the Con­vent.

Martin having been Abbot the space of six years, died; His Library was but thin. Missale. Item Missale ad Altare S. Katha­rinae. Capitula collecta Evangelica in 2 Voluminibus ad magnum Al­tare.

28. WALTERƲS de S. Edmundo.

Who was first Monk, then Sacristary, and at length, Abbot of this Church, being void by the death of Martin, Anno 1233. the 17 of King Henry 3. Here Robert Swapham ends his story of the succession of Abbots, whom hitherto we have been much guided by: but now we must follow Wittlesey, and a few other Records, which (like Absirtus his limbs being scattered about in the late dispersion) have come to our hands.

This Abbot Walter was a man generally good, pious, honest, Loyal, free, and liberal in the dispensation of the demesnes be­longing to his Church. In those days King Henry was straitly put to it for maintenance, and was constrained to live upon Ec­clesiastical benevolence, going from one Monastery to another to be entertained: And he found Abbot Walter very free to­wards K. Henry at Peterburgh. him, who at two several times gave him the best enter­tainment [Page 31] his Monastery could afford: At one of which times, the Queen, and Prince Edward, came with the King. This Abbot gave the King, the summ of 60 Marks towards the mar­riage of Margaret his Daughter with Alexander 3. King of Scot­land: He added 30 more Monks to the number, erected many buildings to those which were before. Having been Abbot the space of 13 years, he died Anno 1245, being the 30 of King Henry 3. What that dedication of this Church was which Matth. Paris mentions Anno 1238. I could never yet fully understand. Page 481. But we must not leave Abbot Walter thus, for the time of his Government is remarkable. Three times (saith Wittlesey) with great costs, and charges, he journeyed to Rome. The first was, to have redress concerning the Church of Castre against R. de Somercot, who was a Cardinal: this journey he took when he was but Sacristary. The second journey was being Ab­bot, not to, but towards Rome, when he was summoned to be at a Council there with the rest of the English Clergy (which Council was held there Anno 1234. under Pope Gregory 9. saith Franciscus Longus, though Gabriel Pratiolus will have Innocent 4. to be then Pope, and Gregory 9. to be some time af­ter) But Walter being on the way thither as far as Burgundy, and hearing that the Emperour Frederick had imprisoned Otto, the English Legate, with many others, he durst not proceed on his journey, but staid in the City of Anvers 6 months, and then re­turned home to the Monastery of Peterburgh. But his retreat was so ill taken, that presently the Pope sends a Mandate to him for the finding of five men, with Horses and Arms, which at length he took off at the charge of 174 Marks, by the dispensation of Martin the Popes Nuntio. The third journey to Rome was after the Council of Lions, for thither also was he summoned, and appeared there, but rather as an offender, than an Assessor; for he was called to answer his contempt, in giving the Church of Castre according to the Kings order, and against the Popes, yet did he regain the Popes favour by obliging himself to give to a Nephew of the Popes ten pounds a year. Our Writers of Peterburgh say no more, but Matthew Paris is more copious in Page 554. the story, or another like it. In the year (saith he) 1241. Pope Gregory desirous to promote some of his Favourites, sends his Letters into England to cast the burthen of that care upon some Churches. There was then sent to the Abbot, and Convent of Burgh, an Apostolick Mandate, fraught with intreaties, and threatnings, that they would conferr the Rent of any Church under their patronage, which should yearly be worth one hun­dred Marks, and if it were double the value, it would please him the more: and the Pope would again demise unto the Church the same Living for the yearly rent of one hundred Marks, and the surplusage should redound to the proper use of the Church. [Page 32] And that the Abbot and Convent might consent to this pro­vision (or rather pernicious compact, Simony and secret Fraud) demanded by the Pope, the Pope wrote Letters to certain Foreign Monks then well Beneficed in England, that they should ef­fectually admonish the Abbot and Convent therein, and to com­pel them, if need were. These Monks coming to Peterburgh, called the Monks together, and bespake them after this manner, Behold, Friends and Brethren, a great Pontifical kindness is offered to your hand, for the Pope requires that of you, which, with bended knees, and joyned hands, ye ought to request of him: And when they had explained the business, they pro­mised to accomplish the business on the Popes part, so that the business might be secretly carried without scandal. But the Monks of Peterburgh answered, that they could do nothing without the Kings permission, who was their Patron, and Found­er. The Popes Messengers insisted, that the business might be done privately, hoping also that other Churches would follow their example, and do the like. The Monks of Peterburgh would not be circumvented by their Speeches, but desired respite of the business until their Abbot came home (being then absent) that they might have his assent: In the mean time they sent to their Abbot, acquainting him with the whole business: The Abbot sends a messenger to the King, intima­ting the danger of such a donation. The King resenting the business, and how it would redound to the damage of that and other Churches whereof he was Patron, and Defender, and de­testing the secret snares, and covetousness of the Roman Court, strictly forbade such an horrid donation. Thus far Matthew Paris.

Page 657. How this refusal of the Popes demand by the Abbot of Peter­burgh was resented at Rome, may appear by the same Author in another place, where he writes thus. But the Abbot of Peter­burgh, a man without exception, who had more especially re­sisted the Pope's Mandate, being arrived at the Roman Court, was accused by Martin the Popes Agent then resident in England, for that he would not conferr a Church upon a man fitting for the place, to the use of the Popes kinsman: So that the Abbot appearing in the Popes Court, the Pope rebuked him in very op­probrious terms, and commanded that he should be expelled the Court, which was done so shamefully, and irreverently, that the poor Abbot taking it to heart, fell into an incurable dis­ease, and the same year died, to the great detriment of his Church, which he had prudently governed. And in another place the same Author recites it again, telling us the name of the Abbot. The same year on the eleventh of the Calends of Page 690. January, after many vexations, and tribulations, which he suf­fered by the Court of Rome, and an infirmity which himself had contracted, to the great loss of his Church, died Walter Ab­bot of Burgh.

[Page 33] This story makes good the Etymology that some of the Romanists themselves give of Rome; Roma, quasi Rodens Manus. Johan. Bono­niensis in De­cretab. Bonif. 8. Fol. 32. Col. 4. One like it is given by another, Radix Omnium Malorum Avaritia. Waldens. cit. per Alexandrum Theologum in Destr. vit. part. 6. cap. 33.

This by the way. Walters Library was copious in comparison of his Predecessors, consisting of these Books. Decretale. Auro­ra. Claustrum animae. Biblia. Hexaëmeron S. Cantuariae versificé. Rabanas de naturis rerum, & interpretationes Hebraicorum nomi­num in uno volumine. Versus M. W. de Montibus. Psalterium gloss. Summa Magistri J. de Cantia de poenitentia. Templum Do­mini cum arte confessionum. Regula S. Benedicti. Psalterium cum hympnario. Item duo Psalteria. Duo Missalia. Duo Gradualia. Liber Evangeliorum. Liber orationum ad magnum altare.

29. WILLIELMƲS de Hotot.

William of Hotot, or Hotoft (why so called I know not, for Wittlesey saith he was born at Carlton, near Cottingham in the County of Northampton) being a Monk of this place was chosen Abbot, the sixth of February, Anno 1246. the 31. of King Henry Fair at Oxeney. 3. He procured from the King a Charter for a Fair to be kept at Oxeney to begin on the Eve of the Nativity of Mary, and to continue for the space of eight days. He made many orders in favour of his Monks, as that he would not let any of his Ab­by Lands, or do any thing of himself as Abbot, without their con­sent. When he had held his Abby about the space of three years, he voluntarily gave it up, on S. Nicolas day, Anno 1249. And there was assigned unto him the Mannor of Collingham, where he abode for a time, until he was called thence by John his Suc­cessor, who appointed him his abode at Oxeney, allowing him the portion of four Monks: Then William died, and was brought to the Church of Peterburgh, and buried before the Altar of S. Benedict. Thus writes Wittlesey, not naming the occasion of his reoess, which Matthew Paris supplies. In the year (saith he) 1249. there arose great dissension betwixt William Abbot of Page 769. Peterburgh and his Convent concerning dilapidations, for that the Abbot had enriched his Kindred (whereof he had great multitudes swarming about him) to the great detriment of his Church; but William being reproved, would not reform this errour: whereupon the Monks appealed to the Bishop of Lincoln, and complained of the Abbots extravagancies, who being convicted thereof, and foresee­ing the danger of his being deposed, of his own accord resigned his place into the Bishops hand, and there was assigned unto [Page 34] him a Mannor for his livelyhood. So that having been Abbot only three years, he surceased. Perhaps he had not time enough to gather more Books than these into his Library. Antis­siodorensis abbreviatus. Tractatus super Canonem Missae. Templum Domini cum aliis rebus. Libellus de diversis rebus. Missale ad altare Michaelis. As to the first book he wrote certain Collations, which is in the Catalogue at the End, T. XI. but I find no mention of him any where else, as a Writer. See the Cata­logue T. XI.

30. JOHANNES de Caleto,

Page 895. So called from the place of his birth in Normandy. He was of noble extraction, and being made a Monk at the age of sevenyears, was brought into England, and placed in the Church of S. Swithune in Winchester for his education, where growing in piety and wisdom as he did in years, he was made Prior of Winchester, and, upon the recess of Abbot Will. elected Abbot of Peterburgh, Anno 1249. which was the 33 of K. Henry 3. He was allied to Q. Elianor wife of K. Henry, and such a ray of favour shined upon him through that relation, that he was made one of the Kings Chief Justices, and rode in the Circuit to execute Justice in the Kingdom. At which, though Matthew Paris seems to be much aggrieved, as that which was not allowed by the rule of S. Benedict (the first mention that I find of this Order in this Monastery, whereof more hereafter in Richard Ashton) and besides was prejudicial to his Church by reason of his absence: yet Wittlesey saith, that the Church suffered no damage thereby, for he no ways neglected that, but appointed Robert Sutton his Deputy, by whom all things were as well managed as if Abbot John had himself been present: And moreover Abbot John did often visit the Church himself to see how things were ordered, how the Lands and Rents were bestowed, how the Monks were governed, and how the poor were relieved, to whom he gave Alms with his own hand, as oft as he came thither. He was careful in adding to the buildings of the Monastery, and built that goodly building called the Infir­mary (commonly the Farmary) lately pulled down, and at the The Farmary. West end of the Chappel of S. Laurence: This he appointed for sick and impotent Folk, providing for them out of the Church demesns. He was also liberal to his Convent, giving for every day to the Monk that should sit President in the Refectory, a gallon of Wine, and half a gallon to the rest of the Society, and to the Monk that celebrated high Mass a gallon of Wine: for which he assigned ten pounds yearly to be paid from his own Cham­ber out of the Lands of his Mannor of Polebrook. He gave also a great Bell to the Church, whereon was written, ‘Jon de Caux Abbas Oswaldo consecrat hoc vas.’

[Page 35] In his time, Anno 1250. the Pope, then Innocent the fourth, Vid. Privileg. in App. granted leave to the Monks, that, in consideration of the coldness of Winter in these parts, the Monks should perform their service in the Church, with their Hoods on their heads.

Abbot John having held the government of this Church the space of thirteen years, died at London, Anno 1262. the 46 of King Henry the third, and was brought to his Church at Peter­burgh, and buried in the Isle on the South side of the Quire. The King after his death challenged his Palfrey, and his Cup, but upon what grounds I know not, unless it was because John had been his Officer: the Cup he had, after some urgent demands, but the Palfrey he had not.

Some write that this Abbot John was also made Lord Treasu­rer Mr. Filpot. by the Barons in the 44. year of King Henry the third, and according to this account he held that Office to his death, which was two years after. His Secular employments might take off his mind from Books, and plead for the poorness of his Library. Flores Evangeliorum. Tractatus de Theologia. Concilium Latera­nense. Templum Domini. Testamentum 12 Patriarcharum: This was his stock of Books as I find in an ancient Manuscript.

31. ROBERTƲS de Sutton,

So called from the place of his birth, being a little Village in the Parish of Castre. He was a Monk of Peterburgh, Deputy to his Predecessor, and upon his death, chosen Abbot, in April 1262. He received benediction from Richard Bishop of Lincoln, and gave him his Cope, which some demanded as a fee: the Arch­deacon of Northampton demanding also his Palfrey, as his vale, Abbot Robert made him go without it. The Earl Marshal recei­ved five Marks for his Palfrey, when he took the Oath of Alle­giance to the King. But it was not long ere Abbot Robert falsified his Oath, for in the Wars of those times the Town of Northampton being fortified against the King, Robert Ab­bot of Peterburgh took part with them in defence of that Town. The King coming thither to assault the Town, espied amongst his enemies Ensigns on the wall, the Ensign of the Abby of Peterburgh, whereat he was so angry that he vowed to destroy the nest of such ill birds. But the Town of Northampton being re­duced, Abbot Robert by mediation of friends to the King, saved both himself and Church, but was forced to pay for his delinquen­cy, To the King 300 Marks, to the Queen 20 pounds, to Prince Edward 60 pounds, to the Lord Souch 6l. 13s. 4d. After this hap­ned the Battel of Lewes, wherein King Henry, with Prince Ed­ward, was taken Prisoner; then did the other side fleece the Abbot of Peterburgh for his contribution to the King; the General, and several Barons, and Commanders forcing the Abbot to compo­sition, [Page 36] by several sums of mony. Afterwards at the Battle of Eve­sham, Prince Edward overthrew the Earl of Leicester with his whole Army, and the King having recovered himself, called a Parlia­ment at Winchester, wherein he required large benevolence from the Church: Particularly, the Abbot of Peterburgh, because he had held with the Barons, was again constrained to purchase his peace at these rates: The King had of him, 333l. 6s. 8d. The Queen 33l. 6s. 8d. The Prince, Prince Edward 200l. He paid also to the Earl of Gloucester 133l. 6s. 8d. Earl Warren had of Ab­bot Robert for his Mannors of Castre, Tinwell, and Thirlby 100l. Warin Lord of Bassingburn 42l. The Commander of Fotheringay Castle 100l. 6s. 8d. Lord Thomas Typtot for the Mannors of Fis­kerton and Scotter 65l. 13s. 4d. The Lord of Fanecourt for the Mannor of Collingham 12l. Lord Robert Picot for several Man­nors 14l. 6s. 8d. Thomas of Bulton 6l. 13s. 4d. All which summs of mony he carried to Winchester and there paid them. These, and other payments which he made at other times, exhausted from him, amounted to the summ of 4323l. 18s. 5d. Having paid thus dear for his disloyalty, he became more obedient to his right Master, and when King Henry sent to him for aid against the Castle of Kenilworth, Abbot Robert did what the King requi­red for that siege.

Vid. Chartam in App. In these times Prince Edward having occasion for mony, he bor­rowed a great summ of certain Merchants; for which the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Convent became Sureties: And the Prince granted unto them his Mannor of Graham, until he should repay that mony unto them. Edward was no sooner King, but in the first year of his Reign, he came to Peterburgh, where he was en­tertained by this Abbot Robert. And from hence he dated a Charter which he granted to the Church of Ely, as the close Ms. Eliens. in manu Geo. Gla­pthorn Armig. pag. 135. thereof testifieth, Teste meipso apud Burgum Sancti Petri 13 die A­prilis, Anno regni nostri primo. This was in the year of our Lord 1273.

And perhaps this is that entertainment which Wittlesey makes mention of, the Queen being then with the King, and Abbot Ro­bert expended in the entertainment, the summ of six hundred pounds.

In the 11 Year of his Government he was called to the Council of Lions, Gregory 10 being then Pope, which Council being en­ded, in his return homewards, he sickned, and died, and was buri­ed in a Monastery near Bononia, the Abbot of Croyland celebra­ting his Funeral rites. His heart was brought in a Cup to his Mo­nastery of Peterburgh, and there buried before the Altar of S. Os­wald Anno 1274. being the second year of King Edward the first.

In his Library were these Books, Psalterium glossatum. Summa Raimundi cum apparatu. Summa fratris R. de Fissacre super Senten­tias in 4 voluminibus. Summa Qui bene praesunt, Templum domini [Page 37] cum tractatu de professione in 1 volumine. Summa M. J. de Cantia cum aliis rebus. Secunda pars Hugucionis super Decreta. Summa Gaufridi. Liber naturalium Aristot. Raimundus abbreviatus cum me­ditationibus Bernardi. Manuale. Liber de miseria humanae conditionis. Psalterium B. Virginis. Vita S. Thomae, & S. Oswaldi versific^s. Psal­terium parvum. In his time Anno 1270. lived Elias Trickingham a Monk of Peterburgh, who wrote certain Annals from the year of our Lord 626 to 1270. Pitseus.

32. RICHARDƲS de London,

Steeple. Born there in the Parish of S. Pancratius; He, having run through many Offices in this Monastery, at length arrived at the Abbot's, when he was aged sixty years: And so being of much experience he governed his Monastery carefully, and hap­pily. He contended in Law with Gilbert Earl of Clare for the Mannor of Biggins near Oundle, wherein he had good success through the wisdom and diligence of William Woodford one of his Monks, who being a man of great judgment, and good elo­cution, when he came to plead at Northampton before the Judge of Assize, when his time was to speak, he craved his Abbots bles­sing, and spake so to the purpose, that the Earl went, as Wittle­seys phrase is, Sine die, without the day: and although the Earl brought the business to the Kings hearing, yet there William Woodford worsted him also. When this Richard was Sacrist he erected the great Steeple wherein the Bells hang, (but which I cannot say, there being two such Steeples) and gave two Bells which were called Les Londres.

Ladies Chappel. In the time of Abbot Richard there was one William Parys Pri­or, who built that goodly Chappel commonly called the Ladies Chappel, which in the late times of violence was levelled with the ground. William Parys himself laid the first stone, and under it, many sentences of Scripture written, but whether in Brass or Lead, Wittlesey tells not. And he not only laid the foundation, but perfected the whole work, and adorned it with windows, and paintings on the walls, and settled five pound per annum up­on it, for service therein: Afterwards dying, he was buried in the North part of the Church, near unto the said Chappel, and the Inscription upon his Grave-stone is yet to be seen. Hic jacet Wil­lielmus Parys quondam Prior Burgi, cujus animae misereatur Deus, Amen. Pater noster. Ave Maria.

The Books in Abbot Richards Library I find thus recorded. Quatuor Evangelia Glos. Psalterium. Regula Sancti Augustini cum speculo caritatis edita à Beato Bernardo. Nova Logica in 2. Vol. Priscianus de constructione cum aliis rebus. Boëtius de Consolatione, & libellus diversarum rerum in uno Vol. Parabola Salomonis, & Ec­clesiastes. Processionarium cum hympnario. Psalterium cum Gradale in choro.

[Page 38] Richard having been Abbot here the space of twenty two years and an half, died Anno 1295. being the twenty third of King Edward the first, and was buried in the South side of the Church near the Quire, the Abbot of Croyland performing the Funeral service; which being ended, the company consisting of many Nobles and Abbots, went to the Abbots house where they dined: And dinner being ended, there came one in the Kings name, and seized on the whole Abby, taking homage of the Te­nants, as had formerly been accustomed. Afterwards two of the Monks went to the King to procure Licence for the election of an Abbot, and the person elected was

33. WILLIHELMƲS de Woodford,

Who for two years before had been Coadjutor with Abbot Ri­chard in the time of his infirmity. Writers commend him for a man of excellent parts, and diligence in his government. Being but Sacristary he purchased the Mannor of Southorp which, when Southorp Man­nor. he came to be Abbot, he assigned to the Monks: He settled a dai­ly proportion of bread upon some inferiour Officers; added much to the buildings of his Monastery, and was careful that dependant Eleemosynaries might receive their dues: particularly he inquired into the Hospital of S. Leonard, now commonly called by the name of The Spittle, the original of which I must let alone till I can be informed, and content my self with the allowance which The Spittle. it received from the Abbot, viz. Per annum quadraginta ulnas panni de panno Eleemosynae sicut Prebendarii: Item ad festum Sancti Martini 1 petram uncti, & 1 petram sepi: Item 3. bacon. viz. 1 ad festum Natalis Domini, & 1 ad capiend. quadrag. & 1 ad pasch. de carnibus supersanatis. Item totum ex .... porcorum fr. sanatorum. Item 4 tuniatas servis, viz. 1 tuniatam ad natal. Domini; & aliam ad capiend. quadrag. & tertiam ad pasch. & quartam ad festum A­postolorum Petri & Pauli de Celario Abbatis. Item quolibet mense 1 esk. sol. cujus summa per annum est, 1 quar. 5 esk. Item servens dictorum infirmorum comedit cum familia Abbatis quater per annum, viz. ad natal. Domini & ad Pasch. & ad festum S. Petri, & ad fe­stum omnium Sanctorum. The Monks having the Mannors of Alwalton and Fletton assigned them (as hath been said) they cu­stomarily paid out of them unto the Abbot 16s. 6d. yearly, which Abbot William remitted unto them. He died in the fourth year of his government, and lieth buried in the South Isle of the Church near the Quire.

In his Library were these Books. Instituta apparitata. Decreta apparitata. Apparatus Decret alium cum casibus. Summa de vitiis. Sum­ma de virtutibus. Summa Reynfridi. Psalterium cum exequiis majo­rum. Statuta Westmonasterii. Statuta Capituli General. Constitutiones extravagantes. Regula Sanctor. Basil. & Bened. Cartae Regum cum [Page 39] libertatibus. Liber de arte praedicandi. Processionarium. Missale in duobus Voluminibus. Duo Gradalia. Breviarium.

34. GODEFRIDƲS de Croyland

Was a Monk, and the Celerarius of this Monastery, and upon the death of William elected Abbot, Anno 1299. which was the 27 of K. Edw. 1. It seems this Godfrey was much in King Ed­wards favour, for at his entrance into his Abbatical government, the King sent him a fair silver Cup, gilt: And when the Treasurer Walter de Langton demanded of Godfrey a thousand Marks for his Confirmation, the King remitted it, and would not suffer any more than his Exchequer fees to be taken. In the first year it hapned that certain persons were fled for sanctuary into the Chap­pel of Thomas Becket, whither they were pursued, and, against the priviledge of the place, haled out from thence, and some bloud was shed, so that the Chappel for some time stood suspended, and no service therein to be performed: The Bishop of Lincoln passing that censure upon it, until the persons so taken away should again be restored to the liberty of the place. At length the Bishop sends his absolution, appointing that the Abbot, and some others with him should with the sprinkling of holy water, and singing of the Penitential Psalms purge the said Chappel, and so it should return to its former use.

The same year being 1300. A marriage being intended betwixt the heirs of Ʋfford, and Southorp, King Edward supposing him­self to be concerned therein, appointed Inquisition to be made; whether the disposal of that marriage belonged to him or the Ab­bot of Peterburgh, his Letters bearing date February 23. and the twenty ninth of his Reign: And it being upon the Inquisition certified, that those heirs, and their progenitors held their Lands of the Abby of Peterburgh, the right of disposal of those heirs did therefore belong to the Abbot, which the King understanding, desisted.

I find this Abbot Godfrey famous for worthy actions, that there was scarce his like, either before him, or after. In his third year, saith Wittlesey (who recounts the actions of every year, but I shall name only the principal) he entertained King Edward with his Queen, and their several retinues. Not long af­ter came Prince Edward with his favourite Peter Gaveston to Pe­terburgh, where Abbot Godfrey entertained them very nobly: the Abbot presented the Prince with a rich Robe, and the Prince asked the Messenger if the Abbot had sent one to his friend Peter; the Messenger answering, No, the Prince then would not accept his: the Messenger returning to the Abbot, certified him of the Princes refusal, and the reason: whereupon another rich Robe was sent to Peter, whose mediation the Messenger solicited for the [Page 40] Prince's acceptance of his Robe also: whereupon Peter sends to the Prince and bids the Messenger say, Volo, I will that thou re­ceive the Abbots gift; which was done accordingly, and the Ab­bot had thanks returned to him.

In his fourth year, the 32 of King Edward, Galfridus de la A Market and Fair at North­burgh. Mare then Lord of Northburgh, had procured from King Edward a Charter to hold a Market and Fair at Northburgh, but Abbot Godfrey considering how prejudicial the same would be to his Town of Peterburgh, compounded with Galfridus, who quitted his Charter to the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Successors for ever.

In his fifth year the Church of Wermington was made an Ap­propriation. Wermington Church.

Gate-house. Godfrey was also a great builder, adding much to his Monaste­ry, but we cannot say which, for they are long since demolished, only the great Gate-house over which was the Chamber called The Knights Chamber, is yet standing, the Chamber only being late­ly translated into another fashion; about it were the Pictures of Knights upon the walls who held Lands of the Abby, and the very Rafters were adorned with Coats of Arms. Godfrey also pur­chased the Mannor of Lullington, or Luddington for 113l. 6s. 8d. of Luddington Mannor. Gregory then Lord thereof, allowing him, above this summ, a Cor­rody in his Monastery, that is, maintenance during his life, for himself, two servants, and their horses. He setled a yearly sti­pend of five pound upon the Chaplain of Northolme: And upon a certain number of Monks then residing at Oxney, he setled a weekly portion of Victuals, thirteen stone of Cheefe, which they were to receive out of the Mannor of Eye, and every week from May 3. to September 13. three pounds and an half of Butter. He procured a Fair to be held at Northolme yearly on S. Matthews day, and a Weekly Market every Thursday. He built the dwel­ling A Fair and Market at Northolme. Vid. Chart. in App. Mill-dam. House at Burghberry, and made the Dam commonly called Mill-Dam with a Water-Mill at the end thereof, which hath been in use in our memory. He built also, of his own free will, the Bridge now standing over the River, and leading into the City, of The Bridge. which more in the next.

King Edward preparing for War with Scotland, sent to Abbot Godfrey for contribution towards it, and the Abbot sent him an hundred Marks. The King sent the second time to the Abbot for his Knights service in horse and arms, and the Abbot sent the King sixty Marks more. The King sent the third time, and the Abbot sent him 220l. The King sent the fourth time for a supply of Carriages, and the Abbot satisfied that with 30l. The King sent the fifth time to borrow four hundred Marks, which the Abbot al­so satisfied with the free gift of an hundred pounds.

About that time the King seized upon all the Lands of Walter de Langton his Treasurer, and amongst the rest upon Thorp Wa­tervile belonging to the Abbey of Peterburgh, which, by advice, [Page 41] and assistance of John of Milton the Abbots Seneschal or Steward, was recovered by the Abbots paying to the Kings Exchequer for the same 50l. But John of Milton having taken the said Mannor of the Abbot, and shortly after dying, the King gave that Mannor to Earl Warren, so that the Abbot was brought to a new composi­tion of 120 Marks.

The King at that time imposed 40s. upon every Knights-fee throughout the Realm, towards the marriage of Elianor his eldest daughter, and then Abbot Godfrey sent the King 127l. Howbeit Wittlesey. Registrum Adae fol. 76. I find in another Register, that the King sent his Breves to the Sheriffs of Northampton, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, War­wick, Huntingdon, and Bedford, that they should not levy any such moneys upon the Lands of the Abbot of Peterburgh: where­by it may seem that this 127l. was rather the Abbots free gift, than a tribute of duty; the Abbot standing upon his exemption from such demands, by the Charters of the Kings predecessors from the first foundation of his Abby.

Abbot Godfrey entertained the King the second time, when, for duties to the King, and free gifts to his followers, the Abbot expen­ded the summ of 1543l. 13s. 4d. He entertained also two Cardinals which were travelling towards Scotland to mediate for a peace betwixt King Edward and the Scots: And the Abbot presented one of them called Gaucelmus with a Psalter curiously written with golden Letters: And those Cardinals in their return coming hi­ther again, the Abbot presented Gaucelmus with an embroidered Cope, of the value of 100 Marks: And the other Cardinal Lu­cius de Aysk, with a silver Cup gilt, and fifty Ells of Scarlet. So that the moneys expended by Abbot Godfrey, for Vestments, and ornaments of the Church, for Lands purchased to his Abby, and for gifts to several persons, amounted to the summ of 3646l. 4s. 3d.

Abbot Godfrey made him a Pastoral Staff of Silver, gilt over, and in the head of it was the image of the Trinity; which is the first and last staff that I find amongst any of the Abbots. When he had governed his Abby the space of twenty two years, he died, and lieth buried at the upper end of the Quire betwixt William Genge, and John Deping: The Brass of his Monument was di­vorced from his Marble, in the year 1643. being his pourtraicture, and a small inscription in the Verge.

Whilst he lived his Library consisted of these Books, Duae Bib­liae, una Gallice scripta. Avicenna. Instituta apparitata. Sextus liber Decretalium cum apparatu. Legenda Sanctorum. Summum bonum. Regula Sanctorum Benedicti & Basilii, cum aliis rebus. Processiona­rium. Breviarum in duobus voluminibus. Manuale cum exequiis mor­tuorum.

Godfrey being dead, there came an extent from the King against the Lands of the Abby, and Barony of the Abbot, when a Jury [Page 42] upon Oath returned them at this rate. The Abbot of Peterburgh received for Rent yearly at

Yet was not this the whole Demesnes of the Abbot in those times, for there were many other Mannors, and many Rents, and Lands, in, and about Peterburgh, and in several Counties, but these are all which Wittlesey hath recorded, and I have no leisure to examine why there were no more returned. Godfrey being dead, Anno 1321. 12. Cal. September being the 15 year of King Edw. 2. the person thought fittest to succeed him, was

35. ADAM de Boothbie

Born there and was made a Monk in Peterburgh, where he al­so had the Office of Subcelerarius: Being chosen Abbot he re­paired to the King then in the Isle of Tanet, for his confirmation, which he obtained: And having also Episcopal confirmation, he repaired the second time, to the King for his Temporalities, which were likewise confirmed unto him, paying the Fees, and other de­mands at that time due.

[Page 43] His acts in the several years of his government are more pun­ctually related by Wittlesey, than I intend to transcribe. In his first year, Thomas Earl of Lancaster making War against the King, to wit King Edw. 2. Adam aided the King with the summ of 133l. 6s. 8d. and towards the Kings expedition into Scotland with 200l. more. In his fourth year the Mannor of Torpel, and Ʋpton came to the possession of Edmund surnamed Woodstock, half bro­ther to King Edward the second now reigning, and there arising great troubles betwixt the Earls Officers, and the Abbots Tenants, all was quieted by the Abbots becoming a Tenant to those Lands, paying the yearly rent of 106l. 13s. 4d. In his seventh year which was the first of King Edward the third, there arose a great contention betwixt him and John Bohun Earl of Hereford and Es­sex, about the Son of Galfridus de la Marc, which Galfridus Lord of Northburgh died Anno 1327. holding three Knights-fees of the Abby of Peterburgh; and was buried at Peterburgh in S. Maries Chappel amongst his Predecessors. And the said Galfridus held also of the said Earl of Essex Lands in the County of Essex by Knights-service. He had three Wives, and his last Wife, by name Margaret, he put away, when she was great with Child, at Peter­burgh, where the Child being born, and baptized, was called by the name of his Father, Galfridus: this young Galfridus had two Sisters by his Fathers side, who charged him with being illegiti­mate, saying that Margaret his Mother was not their Fathers Wife, but his Concubine, so that he had no hereditary right to his Fa­thers Lands. Abbot Adam as guardian to the Child defended the Cause three years in the Consistory at Lincoln; and in the Ar­ches, constraining the Sisters to desist. But afterwards, Queen Philipp (Wife to King Edward the third, Daughter of William Earl of Henault, whom Roger of Northburgh Bishop of Chester; (so called by Wittlesey, though I cannot find any such man elsewhere) the Kings Proxie, had, beyond Sea, espoused for the King) com­ing to Peterburgh on New-years-day, and the said Earl of Essex at­tending on her towards York (where King Edward then was, ex­pecting her coming for the solemnization of Marriage, which was performed the 24 day of the said Month of January 1327) the said Earl demanded young Galfridus of the Abbot, and by threat­nings, and violence gat possession of him: Whereupon the Ab­bot pursued the Earl at the Law, the Earl on the other side ac­cused the Abbot and his Covent of certain outrages upon his Mannor of Plaisic in Essex; but this matter was composed by the Abbots giving the Earl 100l. and yet the Earl was still possessed of Galfridus; keeping him at Kimbauton in the County of Hunting­don: Registrum Adae in manu D. H. The King sent his Breve to the Sheriff to seize upon him, and to bring him to York, there to appear before the Judge, and to be awarded to his right Guardian. But at length the Earl Wittlesey. without more ado (being conscious of his ill act) freely restored [Page 44] the Child to the Abbot, and moreover languishing upon his Bed of sickness, and drawing towards his end, he commanded his Executors to restore the 100l. to the Monastery of Peterburgh: And the Abbot married young Galfridus to the Daughter of Gal­fridus Scroope, then one of the Kings Chief Justices.

Regist. Adae. About this time the Sheriff of Northampton required assi­stance and contribution from the Abbot of Peterburgh, and his Tenants towards the Wall of Northampton Park, which was quieted by the Kings writing to the Sheriff from York, his Letters bearing date February 12. the second of his Reign: wherein he certified the Sheriff, that by ancient Charters of Kings his Pre­decessors, the Abbot, and Convent of Peterburgh with all their Lands and Dominions should be free from all works of Castles, Parks, Bridges, and Inclosures.

Regist. Adae. The same day there was Inquisition made concerning the Bridge leading into Peterburgh, which being gone to decay, the question was, Who should repair it? for this there was a Jury em­pannelled, six of Northampton-shire, and six of Huntingdon-shire, who upon examination returned an Ignoramus after this manner: that there was none of right bound to repair, or sustain the Bridge, seeing none had done it in former time: for there was no Bridge there until Godfrey Abbot of Burgh, of his own good will, in the fourth year of King Edward Father to King Edward that now is, erected the said Bridge, and himself kept it in repair so long as he lived: But the King and Queen coming to Peterburgh, the pre­sent Abbot Adam repaired the said Bridge for their passage, al­though he was not bound thereunto: to this the Jurors set their several Seals. At this entertainment of the King, Queen, and John of Eltham the Kings Brother, besides diet of meat and drink, the King and Q. at Peterburgh. Abbot in gifts, Jewels (Jocalibus) and presents, expended in rea­dy mony the summ of 487l. 6s. 5d. And for his Confirmation, 50l. 13s. 4d. more. At other times also Abbot Adam was very free of his Purse, giving the King towards an expendition into Scotland 100l. and to the Queen 20l. Attending upon the King at Oundle, and Stanford he expended 34l. 7s. 4d. with many other summs when the King or Queen came near his Monastery to Wal­misford, Bourn, or Croyland: And the second time giving enter­tainment King and Q. at Peterburgh. to the King and Queen at his Monastery of Peterburgh, besides other things, he expended 327l. 15s. And after this, Prince Edward, the Kings eldest Son, with his two Sisters, and their Ser­vants came and staied at Peterburgh eight weeks, which cost not the Abbot nothing.

Wittlesey. In the time of this Abbot there was an Indictment at Northam­pton against a stoppage of the Water at Ʋpwell, so that the River of Nen could not have its course towards Lynn, whereby the Coun­ties of Northampton, Lincoln, Bedford, Huntingdon, and Cam­bridge, were much endamaged: The Abbot of Peterburgh labou­red [Page 45] hard to get the drain scowred, and at length procured a De­cree from Galfridus Scroop the Kings Chief Justice for clearing the passage, the Abbots of Ramsey, Thorney, and Croyland joyn­ing with him, this cost the Abbot of Peterburgh 63l. 11s. 1d.

In Abbot Adams time there happened a fray in the Chappel at Registr. Adae, fol. 41. Oxney, and blood being shed therein, the Chappel was polluted, and stood suspended from its priviledge of Divine Service: The Bishop of Lincoln being then otherwise employed, could not attend to reconcile it, but gave his consent that any other Bishop might: whereupon Abbot Adam wrote to the Bishop of Carlile, intreating him, that, as he returned from the Parliament towards his Mannor of Horncastle, he would come, and reconcile the said Chappel. And as Abbot Adam had been free towards the King, so was the King to him, confirming his Possessions, and Priviledges, particularly by Charter, the tenth of his huntings Tenth of huntings. throughout Northamptonshire, that whosoever hunted any game throughout this County, for the Kings use, or by his authority, was responsible to the Abbot of Peterburgh for the tenth thereof, which were granted, and confirmed long before by his Predeces­sors, King Richard 1. and W. Rufus. And King Henry 3. and King Edward 1. did both of them command by their express Warrant to the Forester that the Abbot of Peterburgh should have five Bucks in acknowledgment thereof.

What this Abbot was for Learning, and Ability in his Function, let the Reader conjecture by his Library, which Wittlesey sets down. Decretales. Sermones Johannis de Abbevile. Mediapars Missal. Breviarium. Manuale. Liber Chartarum. Actus Apostolorum & Epi­stolae Canonicae & Apocalypsis. Gerardus super Psalterium. Summa summarum. Diurnale. Dicta Senecae cum 36 tractatibus content is in eodem volumine. These were his Books, set down by Wittlesey, which agrees with another ancient Catalogue that I have by me.

Adam in the beginning of his eighteenth year, died, being the year of our Lord, 1338. and the 12 of King Edward 3. On the fourth day of December following he was honourably interred, the Abbot of Ramsey performing his funeral service, and making a Sermon. He was buried betwixt the Quire, and the great Altar, a fair Marble Stone being laid over him, with some Brass upon it, which was taken away in the late demolition of Monu­ments. The Epitaph written about it was this:

[Page 46] Presently after his death was the Seal of the Monastery bro­ken, and care was taken for the Kings consent to a new election: But before we name the Successor, we shall present the Reader with a bill of Adams funeral expences, which I shall give in La­tine, as I find it in Wittlesey, If the Reader be but a good Deip­nosophist he may construe the meaning of some words better than I can.

Abbot Adam being interred, and the turmoil of his funeral past, the thoughts of the Monks returned to continue the succession in

36. HENRICƲS de Morcot,

A wise, and discreet man: Being elected Abbot, he was ac­cording to the custome (though this be the first mention that I find thereof) carried on shoulders with a Te Deum, to the great Altar, and from thence to the Pulpit, where the Prior published his Election. Then Henry took his journey towards London, but the King being then at Antwerp, Henry's Election was confirmed by [Page 47] those whom he left in Authority, with whom Abbot Henry compounded for his Mannors, and Lands, for the summ of 200l. the Queens mony excepted, and the reservation to the King of the Knights-fees, and the advowsons of the livings of the Monastery, during the vacany. And so Henry returned to­wards Peterburgh: and although he might have returned to some of his own Mannors, yet with the Abbot of Thorneys leave, he stayed at Stanground the space of three weeks. In the mean time Simon of Islepe Vicar general to the Bishop of Lincoln (the Bishop being then out of the Kingdom) published in the Church of Peterburgh, that, if any persons could object any thing against Henry, or the form of his Election, they should appear such a day in the Church of S. James in Thrapstone, and signify the same, where, because none appeared, the said Simon ratified the Election, and granted his Letter to any Bishop to confer his benediction upon this new Elect, at any place within, or without the Diocess of Lincoln, which was performed by the Bishop of Ely, the Lord Chancellor, in his Chappel, at his house in Holbourn. Then did the Chancellor direct his Letters to the Convent, and Tenants of the Church of Peterburgh for their obe­dience to this their Abbot, and also to William Trussell the Kings Eschaetor beyond Trent, not to meddle with any Lands belonging to the Church of Peterburgh. Abbot Henry being returned, staid a while at his Mannor of Eye, and shortly after came to Peterburgh, and was installed, the seventh of the Ides of Feb. Anno 1338. which was the twelfth year of K. Edward 3.

Here Walter of Wittlesey leaves me, who hitherto hath been a good guide to our story, wherein further our progress must be as­sisted by such other Records, and Rolls, as we light of. When Abbot Henry had governed this Church about 15. years, he died, Anno 1353, which was the 27 of King Edward 3. His Library con­sisted of these Books, viz. Parva Biblia. Decreta. Decretale. Apparatus sexti Libri Decretalium. Liber qui vocatur Innocentius. Hostiensis in summa. Breviarium. Antiphonarium cum Psalterio. Pro­cessionarium. Item Decretale. Catholicon.

He had a sharp, and long contest with Sir Nicolas de Ry, and the Abbot of Swinestead, for Lands recovered from the Sea to his Mannor of Gosberchirch in Linconshire, the story whereof Mr. Dugdale hath set down at large, from a Peterburgh Manuscript, Hist. of Imb. and Draining, page 235.

Henry being dead, was buried betwixt the Quire, and the great Altar, near unto his Predecessor Adam. His grave being in the year 1648. Jan. 11. opened to receive the body of John Towers late Lord Bishop of this place, there was found a Seal of Lead (the instrument wholly consumed) having on the one side these Letters thus inscribed SPA SPE over their several Effigies, on the reverse Clemens P P vi. 'Tis probable that the instrument was [Page 48] some indulgence gotten at the Jubilee, which was but three years before.

I must not here pass by a mistake of Pitseus, who, in his book of English Writers, pag. 448. makes mention of one Johannes Petroburgensis, who, as he saith, was first a Monk, and after­wards Abbot of Peterburgh, and lived about the year 1340. that he was a very learned man, and wrote Annales Anglorum, which he might do; But for his being Abbot here at this time, sure I am, there was none such. And Possevine in his Apparatus making mention of one Johannes Burgensis, who wrote such a Book, saith, that he lived Anno 1200. but is not able to distinguish be­twixt this and an other John mentioned in the life of Henry of O­verton, although Pitseus makes them two distinct Johns. Vossius contradicts Possevine concerning the time of this supposed John, but neither doth he agree with our account. Henry being dead there succeeded

37. ROBERTƲS Ramsey.

And all that we can say of him is, that he succeeded Henry, and was Abbot here the space of 8 years: and that these books were the materials of his study. Prima pars, & 2 Hostiensis in Decre­ta in 2. Vol. Hostiensis in Summa. Speculum judiciale. Decretale. De­rivationes Hugutionis. Prima pars & 2 Hostiensis in Decreta. His next Successor was

38. HENRICƲS de Overton

Heu. de Pightesly. Who was made Abbot Anno 1361. or as some say a year after, being the 36 of King Edward 3. No memorable act of his is ex­tant upon any Record that I have seen; Only that he instituted a yearly solemnity for the Soul of William Courtney Archbishop of Canterbury, of Mary Courtney his Mother, and of Hugh Courtney her Husband Earl of Devon, and for the Souls of the Brethren, and Sisters of the said Archbishop: And likewise for the Souls of the Abbots of Peterburgh his Predecessors, and Suc­cessors. For which annual solemnity, he appointed, by his Charter, bearing date 1390 the summ of 15l. out of the Mannor of Thulby, and some other Lands. But why Abbot Henry should have the house of Courtney in so high esteem, I find not.

In his time great Commotions were raised against the Church in several places, which as Richardus Knighton, Canon of Lei­cester, relates, in the year 1381. reached to the Church of Pe­terburgh, where the Countreymen, and Tenants arose against the Abby, with intention to have destroyed it; but by the hand of God, they were prevented. What the cause of these commotions was, or the manner of their pacification, as yet I do not find.

[Page 49] About this time flourished a very learned man, one Johannes de Burgo, who wrote certain Books, Of the Sacraments, and a Book known to this day by the name of Pupilla oculi. He was Pastor of the Church of Collingham in the County of Nottingham, then belonging to the Monastey of Peterburgh: Afterwards he was chosen Chancellor of the University of Cambridg, which at length he relinquished, and returned to Collingham where he died Anno 1386. as Pitseus, and others write. Page 542.

Henry was Abbot here 29 years compleat, and died in his thir­tieth year Anno 1391. which might be the 14, or 15 of King Richard 2.

His Library was but small, only these Books. Decretale. Jo­hannes de Deo. Breviarium novum. Catholicon. Breviarum in two Vol. Innocentius. Liber de vita, & moribus Tartarorum.

Henry being dead there succeeded

39. NICOLAƲS,

Whom H. of Pightesly sirnames Elmstow. Being made Ab­bot 1391. he continued so the space of five years. I have lit­tle to say of him, only I find in the accompt of his Celerarius for his second year of his being Abbot, wherein the daily expences of his Table are recorded, that his provision for that year, (all enter­tainments of strangers being also considered) amounted to no more then 79l. 0s. 11d.

His Library had in it these Books. Digestum vetus. Digestum novum. Codex Justiniani. Liber azonis. Raymundus. Liber Poenitenti­ale. Parvum volumen. Digestum infortiatum. Instituta. Quaterna de lege. Ʋnus lib. de fisica. Alius Liber de lege. Psalterium pulchrum. Psalterium Latine & Gallice scriptum. Now although the pri­vate Libraries of these Abbots were thus small, yet was there a publick Library for the whole Monastery stored with above 1700 Books, or Tractates, as by an antient Matriculary of that Library may appear in an Appendix to this our story.

Nicolas dying in his 5. year 1396. the 19. or 20. of 2 King Rich. 2. there came in his place

40. WILLIHELMƲS GENGE,

Who was the first mitred Abbot of Peterburgh, and continu­ed in his Government here the space of 12 years, both which, his Epitath will demonstrate. He was buried betwixt the Quire, and high Altar: the brass of his Monument participa­ting of the same fate with the rest in the late devasting, or devesting of Monuments Anno 1643. His Epitaph must now live in paper, and it was this.

41. JOHANNES DEEPING

Was made Abbot in the year 1408. being the 10 of King Henry 4. When he had been Abbot the space of 30 years, he resigned his place, accepting of a Corrodie for his life, which was but one year more. He lieth buried at the upper end of the Quire at the left hand of his predecessors Godfrey of Croyland, and Wil­liam Genge. The brass of his Monument fared as other Monu­ments did in the year 1643. the Inscription was this. Orate pro anima Johannis Deeping quondam Abbatis hujus Monasterii, qui obiit 5 die Decembris 1439.

42. RICHARDƲS ASHTON

Was, upon the resignation of John, made Abbot 1438. the 17 year of King Henry 6. and continued therein about 33 years. Throughout the whole succession of the former Abbots, I find but small, or no discovery what order the Monks of Peterburgh were of, or under what rule they lived (saving the forementio­ned in Johannes de Caleto) but in the time of this Richard enough is delivered by Roger Bird his Register, telling us that they were Benedictine Monks or Monks of the black Order, and lived under that rule: but when this rule was first received here, I cannot posi­tively say, though probably it was from the beginning. In the time of this Richard strict inquisition began to be made into Discipline, how the Monks of this Order observed the rules of their Founder, for which purpose, the Bishop of Lincoln sometimes visited the Abby of Peterburgh, and sometimes the Abbots of this Order visited one anothers Monasteries according to articles agreed upon in their General Chapter, which was commonly held at Nor­thampton. As the Abbot of Eyneshame in Oxfordshire sent his summons to the Abbot of Peterburgh, Johannes permissione divi­na Abbas Mon. de Eyneshame, Ordinis Sancti Benedicti Lincoln. Dioc. ad visitanda omnia, & singula Monasteria nigrorum monachorum dicti Lincoln. Dioces. In Capitulo generali ejusdem Ordinis apud Northampton, &c. And so the Abbots of Peterburgh, Bardney, [Page 51] Thorney, Ramsey, Trinity Monastery in Norwich, the Priory of S. Ethelreda in Ely, did mutually visit each other, as occasion served.

Many Corrodies were granted by this Abbot Richard, but the Abby for diet got their Lands, or other Benevolences: Two were remarkable: the first of John Delaber Bishop of S. Davids, Bird Fol. 45. who was much affected towards this Monastery, and for bestow­ing upon them his Mitre, Cross, Dalmaticks, Sandals, Sabba­tines, Gloves, and Mass Book, he received a Corrody, which he might take at his own choice, either at Peterburgh, or at the Abbots Mannor of Eyebury, with a yearly pension of 32l. to be received during his life out of the Abbots Mannor of Kettering, in consideration of a great summ of Money which the Abby had borrowed of him, and he forgave it.

The other Corrody was to Alice Garton, Widow, which I thought fit to mention, in regard the pavement of the Church Bird Fol. 63. doth still retain the memory of her, and her family, which lieth buried in the Body of the Church, over against the Cloi­ster door.

On the first stone are engraven these verses.

On the second, these.

On the third, these.

Brigge Fair. Vid. Chartam in App.In the 2 year of this Abbot Richard 1439. King Henry 6 by his Charter bearing date July 14 and the 17 of his Reign, granted to the Abbot, and Convent of Peterburgh the keeping of a Fair for three days, viz. on S. Matthew's day, the day before, and the day after, and that they should hold the said Fair as well in Hun­tingdonshire, as Northamptonshire: which Fair is now commonly known by the name of Brigge Fair. And in regard that a Fair was formerly granted to be kept the same day at Northolm in the time of Abbot Godfrey, as hath been said, 'tis probable that the Fair [Page 52] there, either by reason of discontinuance, or some other inconve­nience, was setled here at Peterburgh.

Bird Fol. 14.This Abbot Richard was summoned to sit in Parliament at Westminster, and being unable to undertake such a journey, he de­legated William Tresham, and John Kirkby Clerk of the Parlia­ment, to sit in his place, and to act for him, and in his name, as if himself were present, as appeareth by his Letter to the King, dated Febr. 12. 1444.

He was summoned again to a Parliament at Coventry, where he took the Oath of Allegiance to King Henry in manner and form as followeth.

43. WILLIHELMƲS RAMSEY,

Being a Monk of this Monastery, out of that good repute which the whole Convent had of him, was chosen to succeed Ri­chard Ashton. He contributed with John Maldon towards the bra­zen Standard, with a displayed Eagle on the top, which is still ex­tant in this Church, and serveth for the Bible to lie upon for the Reading of the Lessons. On one of the knops is this Distich.

Fol. 70. The Election of this William is so punctually set down by Ro­ger Bird (who calleth himself the Abbots Chaplain) that because it will make for the understanding of the Officers of the Mo­nastery in those times, I shall give it in the Authors own words. In quo quidem termino videlicet xxvii die Julii supra scripta hora Capitulari, celebrata primitus, & solempniter prout decuit ad magnum altare in Ecclesia Conventuali Monasterii nostri antedicti Missa de Sancto Spiritu, pulsataque campana more solito & consueto convene­runt & de facto capitulariter pariter & communiter ob hoc & ad hoc congregati fuerunt in dicta domo nostra capitulari omnes qui voluerunt potuerunt & debuerunt hujusmodi electioni futuri Abbatis nostri com­mode interesse videlicet: Ego dompnus Johannes Maldon Prior & praesidens praedictus, Johannes York magnus Senn. in firmaria, Williel­mus Walmesford Senn. in firmaria, Willielmus Burgh, Robertus Ly­dington, Robertus Notyngham Sub-Prior, Johannes Pycheley gardi­anus de Oxney, Richardus Oxford Subeleemosinarius, Johannes Burgh Praecentor, Willielmus Spalding Infirmarius, Henricus Lynne suffici­enter [Page 54] licentiatus ad peregrinandum comperuit per Willielmum Burgh confratrem suum nomine procuratoris, qui quidem Willielmus Burgh onus procuratorii hujusmodi in se ad omnem juris effe­ctum acceptavit & admisit, cujus tenor inferius describitur, Johan­nes Nall Celerarius, Johannes Hill tertius Prior claustralis, Johannes Baston Camerarius, Nicolaus Overton Magister operis & Pitenciarius Johannes Glynton Sacrista, Willielmus Bury quartus Prior claustralis, Willielmus Ramsey Receptor & Senescallus, Robert Burghscolaris, Johannes Croyland senior Refectarius, Johannes Rypon magnus E­leemosinarius, Thomas Burgh hostilarius, Johannes Morys, Johannes Gent scolaris, Edmundus Lynne, Georgius Burgh Subsacrista, Johan­nes Tylly, Thomas London custos crucis, Gilbertus Holbech, Johannes Lincoln, Thomas Pynchebek, Willielmus Newark, Johannes Croyland scolaris Richardus Multon Capellanus Prioris Willielmus Holbech Gal­fridus Lynne & Willielmus Shelford Monachi dicti Monasterii ordi­nem & regulam sancti Benedicti in eodem expresse professi & in sa­cris ordinibus constituti conventum dicti Monasterii sic facientes ac jus & voces in hujusmodi electione solum habentes prout in & de facto tunc convenimus & capitulariter tunc congregati fuimus cum non essent aliqui absentes neque fuit esset neque sit plures monachi ne­que fratres aut alii vel alius jus aut vocem in hujusmodi electione ha­bentes vel habens propositoque verbo Dei per confratrem nostrum Wil­lielmum Burgh sequentem hoc thema, Ʋnde quaeram consolatorem tibi Et deinde invocata statim spiritus sancti gratia per solempnem de­cantationem ympni. Veni Creator spritus cum versiculo Emitte spi­ritum tuum & oratione Deus qui corda, &c. Factis etiam vice nomi­ne & mandato nostris per Willielm. Rest. Mandatarium nostrum suffici­enter in ea parte constitutum publicis Proclamationibus in valvis & hostio domus capitularis nostri quod omnes praetendentes, &c.

By this Chapter, and after this manner was William Ramsey chosen to succeed Richard Ashton, and was installed Abbot Au­gust 1. 1471. being the eleventh year of K. Edw. the fourth. And although the precedent vacancy was but short, yet the Treasurer of the Exchequer demanded 40l. for composition for his Tempo­ralties, but the Kings Letter to the Treasurer took off that demand: And the Archdeacon claiming his Palfrey for his Installation Fee, the Popes Letter took off that also.

Abbot William in his ninth year, Anno 1480. having committed an oversight in releasing a Felon, who having stollen a piece of Bird fol. 117. & Rotulo pri­vato. Cloth at Ketering, and some other things, was for that Felony committed to the Goal at Peterburgh, where the Felon secretly bribed Abbot William with forty shillings, and he quietly dismis­sed him: for which dismission Abbot William himself was indi­cted at the Sessions before John Catesby, and Guido Walston, Justi­ces of the Peace, and being found guilty, was forced to put in se­curity of six sufficient men, for his good Behaviour.

[Page 55] In his tenth year 1481. The Church of Oundle was made an Oundle Church appropriated. Appropriation. And Anno 1486. The Church of Bringhurst in the County of Leicester.

This William found opposition from some of his Tenants, they Bringhurst ap­propriated. of the Mannor of Bellasise making insurrection, to the number of one hundred, from thence and the adjacent parts, throwing in Hedges, and Ditches, returning with Bagpipe, and great jollity for what they had done. The Abbot complained hereof, but what was the issue, the Informer tells not.

William having been Abbot here about twenty five years, died, and lieth interred at the upper end of the body of the Church, un­der a fair Marble, which of late was plentifully adorned with Brass, but disrobed thereof with the rest. About the Stone went a verge of Brass, containing this Epitaph.

44. ROBERTƲS KIRTON,

Formerly a Monk of this Monastery, had his Commendatory Letters from William Ramsey to Thomas Bishop of Lincoln, to be Bird fol. 78. made Priest, those Letters bearing date March 3. 1473. This Robert succeeded William Ramsey, and was made Abbot An­no 1496.

In his fourth year, viz. 1499. the Church of North-Collingham North-Collin­gham appro­priated. Registrum Lincoln. was made an Appropriation. In his nineteenth year, which was Anno 1515. on July 8. William then Bishop of Lincoln, Visited this Monastery, In which Visitation many things out of order were complained of and rectified; amongst which, these are the most remarkable. That one John Walpool a Monk, was Sediti­ous amongst his Brethren: that he had stollen out of S. Oswalds shrine certain Jewels, and what he could elsewhere lay his hands on, and given them to Women in the Town. That one Reginald Bray (what he was I know not, but he is called Dominus) should have a due proportion of Diet, for number of Dishes. That the Monks haunted a Tavern near the Monastery, and gave them­selves [Page 56] to singing and dancing in the Dormitory till 10 or 11 a Clock at Night to the trouble of the rest. That at the Celebration of the Funeral of the late William Abbot of the Monastery, there was withholden from every Priest 6s. 8d. and from every Monk 3s. 4d. which was used to be given at such times. This Robert Kirton had great contention with his Tenants in Peter­burgh about Pasturage, in the Fenn called Burgh, a little Fenn ad­joyning to the Monastery; which, as the Inhabitants alledged, the Abbot had overcharged with 1500 Sheep in two flocks: com­plaining also to the King, then Hen. 8. that he had suffered thirty Tenements in the street called Boongate-street to fall to utter de­cay, and then emparked the same ground, and made it a place The Park. for his own Deer. But notwithstanding these contests, Abbot Ro­bert forgat not to enlarge, and beautifie the buildings of his Mo­nastery; for he built that goodly building at the East end of the Church, now commonly known by the name of The New Building New build­ings. wherein he placed three Altars, opposite to three pair of Stairs descending from the back of the great Altar: The places of those Altars are yet discernable, though their use be not known. He built a Chamber in his dwelling House, calling it Heaven-gate-Chamber, which is extant, and retaineth its name to this day. Heaven-gate Chamber. He made in his great Hall that goodly Bow window overlooking the Cloyster, the memory whereof is fresh to this present age. He set up in the Church the Crucifixerium or Rood-loft, now standing at the entrance into the Quire, though placed some­thing lower than it was at its first erection. He set up the Gate leading to the Deanry which is yet standing, and retaineth the memory of the Builder, in his Hieroglyphick of a Crosier, with the letter R, and a Church or Kirk placed upon a Tun; which must be construed with the allusion thus, Abbot Robert Kirk-Tun, and so Kirton. He beautified the Chappel of S. Mary, or The Ladies Chappel with pictures, and gilded work, much of which was lately extant. He maintained a long suit in Law a­gainst Margaret Countess of Richmond and Darby, about Knights-service for Lands in Torpell, Thorpe, Watervile, and Achirch, wherein at last he prevailed. I know not whether I have done well or ill, in declaring the acts of this Robert; but this must be according to the capacity of the Reader, for I find Abbot Robert thus pleading for himself. Legitur in historia scholastica, quod An­tipater Idumaeus M. Herodis pater in quodam praelio in servitio Im­peratoris multis vulneribus confossus est, qui tandem accusatus, & re­jectis vestibus, dixit. Ego nolo me, Domine Imperator, excusare apud te, sed ista vulnera quae suscepi pro te, loquantur pro me, si ego diligo te: Sic ista parva praedicta loquantur pro me, si aliqua feci dig­na Deo laude. Si interrogaretur, utrum haec manifestari, vel celari debent, nec carnalibus, & incredulis sunt revelanda, nec devotis, pru­dentibus, & vere fidelibus sunt abscondenda.

[Page 57] And when he had been Abbot about thirty two years, he was buried in the said Chappel. His Monument was in the year 1651. levelled with the ground, above which it was erected some four foot, and placed upon an hollow Arch where his body lay, and at the head thereof was a fair Stone lying even with the pavement, which covered a pair of stairs going down into the Sepulchre. There let him rest (if I may say he rested) till we pass to his Suc­cessor the last of all the Abbots.

45. JOHN CHAMBERS

Was born in Peterburgh, but what he was, or upon what score made Abbot, Records are wanting to inform us: His advance­ment to the Abbatical Chair was Anno 1528. which might be the 19 or 20. of King Henry 8. In his first year, Cardinal Wolsey came to Peterburgh, where he kept his Easter, upon Palm-Sunday he carried his Palm, going with the Monks in procession, and the Thursday following he kept his Maundy, washing, and kissing the feet of fifty nine poor people, and having dried them, he gave to every one of them 12d. and three Ells of Canvass for a shirt, he gave also to each of them a pair of shoes, and a portion of red herrings. On Easter-day he went in procession in his Cardinals Vestments, and sang the High-Mass himself after a solemn man­ner, which he concluded with his benediction and remission, upon all the hearers.

In the seventh year of this John, Katherine the first wife of King Hen. 8. and Mother of Queen Mary, died at Kimbolton Ca­stle in the County of Huntingdon, Jan. 8. 1535. and was buried in this Church, betwixt two pillars on the Northside of the Quire, near to the great Altar, her Hearse being covered with a black Velvet Pall, crossed with white Cloth of silver, which how it came to degenerate into one of meaner value is unknown to us, yet this changeling was also taken away Anno 1643. with her Spanish Scutcheons affixed thereunto.

Some write, that for her sake the Church of Peterburgh fared Lord Herbert in King Hen. 2 Kings 23. 18. the better at the dissolution of Abbys, and was turned into a Cathedral, as if King Hen. (like King Josiah, who favoured the grave of the Prophet) should favour his Wifes grave in this place. Be it so, or no, the goodly structure of the place, convenient si­tuation for a new erection, with accommodations thereunto, might make a fair plea for a reprieve from the stroke of that Ax which cut others down.

I have not as yet seen any Record showing how John Chambers demeaned himself towards King Henry, or complied with him in that great dissolution of Abbys, that the King should continue him in his place, and not put him to death, as he did some, or depose him, as he did others: But probable it is, that Abbot John lo­ved [Page 58] to sleep in a whole skin, and desired to die in his nest where­in he had lived so long, and perhaps might use such means, as might preserve (if not his means to his Church, yet) his Church to posterity.

And now, that we are come to those times, wherein that great alteration in the Church, and alienation of her Revenues, hap­ned; for our more orderly proceeding in the declaration thereof, we shall first present the Reader with an Inventory of the Church-Utensils, and of the Abbots domestick goods, and then take him abroad to view the Mannors, and Lands, that he may understand what was taken from, and what continued to, the Church of Pe­terburgh.

[Page 66] Two years after this Inventory, viz. 1541. and of King Hen­ry 33. the King changed the person from an Abbot to a Bishop, the Church from a Monastery to a Cathedral, and the Town of Peterburgh from a Village to a City.

Here I must acknowledge my self at a stand, as not able to give a perfect account of all Mannors, Lands, and Tenements belong­ing to the Monastery of Peterburgh at the time of the dissolu­tion; for it had Lands, or Tenements in Catworth, Thorp Wa­tervile, Achirch, Tichmersh, Winwick, Hemington, Kynethorp, Armiston, Grendone, Thurning, Pappelee, Beningfield, Addington, Slipton, Twywell, Woodford, Churchfield, Stoke, Pilketon, Crane­ford, Burlee, Thornhaw, Sibberton, Walmisford, Etton, Lol­hame, Southorp, Walcot, Ʋfford, Helpiston, Woodcroft, Ʋpton, Cathwait, Torpel, Baddington, Aston, Nunton, Deeping, Ber­nack, Marham, Hargrave, Allington, Glapthorne, Cotterstock, Angotby, Osgotby, Swinstead, Witham, Careby, Gretton, Thrap­ston, Denford, Ringsstead, many Lands in Holland, &c. Which, how, or when they were alienated from this Monastery, whe­ther by the King, or by the Monastery it self before, I cannot say; But of such Lands as the Abby was at this time in full tenure and possession of, King Henry made a tripartite kind of division, assuming a third to himself, confirming another third up­on the Bishop, and the rest upon the Dean, and Chapter. Those which King Henry took to himself, being surrendred unto him, were then let out unto Tenants at a yearly rate, these, and thus.

King Henry having taken these Lands from the Church of Pe­terburgh, made provision for the Bishoprick, to which he subject­ed the Counties of Northampton and Rutland for his Diocess, and appointed the Abbots dwelling for the Bishops Palace, and for his maintenance confirmed these Lands, viz. Burghbury, Eye, Single­sholt, Northam, Witherington, Walton, Paston, Gunthorp, Southorp, Thirlby, The Hundred of Nassaburgh. A Pasture in Park-lane of 8 Acres. 40 Acres. Sheepcotes, S. Johns Yard, The Vineyard, and Toothill, Snorshills, Edgerly 50 Acres. In Padholm 18 Acres, Eastwood 180 Acres, Westwood Burghbury 246 Acres, The Spittle. More at Eye and the Tything Barn there, Pensions from Helpiston, Et­ton, Wittering; Houses and Shops in the Parish of S. Gregory, London, and in the Parish of S. Bridget. The Advowsons of Ca­stre, Bernack, Paston, Polebrook, Scotter, South Collingham, The Vicaridge of S. John Baptist in Peterburgh, The Deanery of the Colledge at Irtlingburgh, and the Chantry there, The Chappel of S. John, upon or adjoyning to the Bridge in Stamford. For all which the Bishop was to make to the King Annual acknowledge­ment by the payment of 33l. 10s. 8d.

In this Dotation of the Bishoprick, bearing date September 4. and of King Henry 33. which was of our Lord 1541. John Chambers Hen. Isaacson in his Chronolo­gy. pag. 375. B. Goodwin in J. Chambers. the present Abbot was nominated for the Bishop (whom some will have to be Doctor of Physick, and Dean of S. Stephen's in Westminster) and continued in his new transformed go­vernment about the space of 15 years to the year 1556. the 4, or 5. of Queen Mary: Although an Inscription in Brass about the Verge of his Marble Monument beareth date otherwise, for it was thus, Credo quod redemptor meus vivit, & in novissimo die de terra surre­cturus sum, & in carne mea videbo Deum, salvatorem meum: repo­sita est haec spes mea in sinu meo. Moritur die ........... Anno Do­mini Millesimo, Quingentesimo, Tricesimo. Which could not be, for then he must die about his second year of government, long be­fore the dissolution of his Abby, when he was nominated Bishop, for Goodwin saith, he was consecrated Bishop October 23. 1541. But it is probable that there was a mistake, which if it hapned in his time, a wonder he did not reform it; the Monument indeed might be extant in his time, for he might be careful in providing the house of his mortality before he came to inhabite therein. At [Page 68] the foot of his figure upon the same Stone was laid a plate of Brass, wherein these Verses were engraven.

He had also another more stately Monument at the head of this, made of white Chalk-stone, with his Statue exquisitely carved, lying on the top (perhaps being Abbot, and Bishop he might have a Monument for each) but these Monuments (habent sua fa­ta sepulchra) were demolished Anno 1643.

There were lately some doors in the Church curiously carved with the device of this John, thus, An Eagle, a Crosier and Mitre, a Bur-dock with Burs thereon, and a Ro-buck, with the Letters R. O. on his side, the summ whereof was John, Abbot or Bishop of Bur-row.

At the same time that King Henry thus established the Bishop and his Revenues, he established also the Dean, and Chapiter with theirs, of which hereafter: Return we now to our Series of Succession.

John Chambers being dead, the Succession continued in