UNDER the Title of ENGLAND we comprehend the better part of one of the best and greatest Islands of the whole Earth; which together with that of Scotland, is generally term'd both by Ancient and Modern Writers, Great Brittain, or Albion. It is bounded on the North with the Hyperborean Ocean; on the West with the Vergivian, or Western Ocean, which parts it from Ireland; on the South it is divided from France with the English Channel; and on the East it is separated from Germany, Belgium, and Danemark, with the Brittish, or as some call it, the German Ocean.
[Page 2] It is in length from Berwick in the North, to the Isle of Wight in the South, 375 Miles, whereof 73 make a Degree; and from Dover in the East to the Lands-end in the West, about 328; in compass 1300. In shape it is Triangular, it having Three Promontories shooting out into divers parts, viz. the Cape of St. Burien in Cornwall, the Foreland of Kent, and the Point of Catness in Scotland; it contains according to Mr. Morden's computation, near 30 Millions of Acres, being about the 1/1000 part of the Globe, and the 1/ [...]33 part of the Habitable World.
Its Air is Temperate, the Cold in Winter being neither so extream, nor the Heat in Summer so vexatiously scorching, as in some parts of the World, which have either a more Southern, or Northern Scituation.
The whole Country is exceeding Fruitful, 'tis Bless'd with all the Commodities of Heaven and Earth; it has Corn in abundance; it is rich in Pasture; it hath innumerable quantities of Cattel; plenty of Wild and Tame Fowl, and variety of all sorts of Fish.
The People are Bold and Warlike, very Tenacious of their Liberty, of a Generous and Noble Disposition; see what the Ingenious Mr. [...] says of them in his late Poem.
[Page 3] See, in the Ocean yon fair Western Isle,
Whose Three sharp Points th' insulting Waves divide!
See with what beauteous Rivers 'tis suppli'd!
How rich the happy Fields thro' where they glide!
Well knew the Old Phoenicians that blest place:
Enur'd to Pain, there lives an hardy Race;
Daring as Virtues self for Conquest made:
Peace but their Recreation, War their Trade.
Jealous of Liberty they Chains refuse;
Fair Death before Inglorious Life they chuse:
Force cannot bend, but Kindness may improve,
And mildly melt their generous warmth to Love.
Book the 3d. C. 1147.
As concerning its Name and its First Inhabitants, Historians have left us in so great an uncertainty, that we scarce know what to resolve on; but we need not wonder at so great an Obscurity, if we consider that the First Inhabitants of Countries had other Cares to employ their Thoughts, than to deliver their Beginnings to Posterity; and possibly had they been never so willing so to do, they could not have effected it, seeing their Life was so uncultivated and void of all Literature, that it was almost impossible for them to preserve the Memory of things, and to make over the same to succeeding Ages.
[Page 4] Besides their Druides and Bardi, who Rehearsed and Sung the Actions of their Heroes, not only like other Heathen Priests Monopolized that little Learning they had wholly to themselves, and were by this means the only Persons suppos'd to be able to give an account of what was past, thought it not lawful to Write any thing.
Nor indeed have we any better account of ancient times, even in those Civiliz'd parts of the World, wherein Learning chiefly flourished, when a profound Ignorance overspread the face of Greece its self, as well as other Nations; for if we would take the pains to enquire strictly into the matter, we shall there find as much darkness and obscurity as to their Original, as in these our European Parts.
What Fabulous Stories would the subtle Greeks impose upon us if we had the Faith to believe them? Who (as a Learned Father of our Church affirms) had not learn'd to speak plain truth till the World was about 3173 Years old; for so it was when the Olympiads began.
If we would enquire further into the Succession of the Latins, and would take the trouble to examine the two first Dynasties the first before Aeneas's coming into Italy and the second of the Aeneadae after; fo certainly it will be sufficient ground to question [Page 5] the account of times before, if in the third Dynasty, when the Succession seems so clear, and so certain an Epocha as the Building of Rome to deduce their accounts from, their Chronology be yet uncertain; for several of their best Historians make no scruple to confess, That no certain account can be given of Rome, which was 25 Years after the Olympiads, and but 752 Ante Christum, till the Regisugium, which was 268 Years Ante Christum 384.
A fair account then we are like to expect concerning the first rise of our own Nation, after so many revolutions of Ages, wherein Truth seems, as it were, more and more to have withdrawn her self from us; which to trace out, we must again return to the Romans, who are the best able to satisfy us in this case,
This is most certain, that the account of Times before the Romans, either in Italy, Germany, Old Gallia, or Brittain, is scarce sit to be discoursed of under any other Head, than that of Impostures; not that I think that these Nations had lain in a perpetual sleep till the Romans rous'd them with their Swords, and waken'd them, as I may say, into some kind of Civility; but that they had no certain uniform way of conveying the Transactions of their own, and former times, to the view of Posterity.
[Page 6] On which account we may very justly reject all those pretended Successions of Gomer and Brute, as Fabulous; as also that this Island was Inhabited by Giants; with a great many other, I know not what, pretty Stories, adapted to the Ignorance of those times.
However, all Historians agree in this, That it is highly probable that the first Inhabitants of this Island were Originally descended from the ancient Gauls, (that part of the World being long Inhabited before this) which is sufficiently apparent from the resemblance of their Government, Manners, Conditions, Buildings, Habits, and the Community of their Language, which is the surest proof a Nations Original.
As for its Name, the most probable Conjecture is, That it was termed Brittain from Brit, which in the ancient Brittish Language signifies Painted, and the word Tain, which denotes a Nation; agreeable to the Custom of the ancient Brittains, who used to discolour and paint their Bodies, that in their Wars they might seem more Terrible to their Enemies.
We are inform'd by Julius Caesar in his Commentaries, That it was Governed at first by several petty Rulers and Princes, of different Interests and Counsels: He Landed [Page 7] in Brittain, A. M. 3095. or thereabouts, but was repuls'd by C [...]ssibelan, a Bold and Warlike Prince, who was Chosen King, or rather Generalissimo, by the Unanimous Consent of the other Roytelets, to repel the common Enemy.
He afterwards made several Inroads into it, but without any great Success; he in the end being forc'd to leave it to the Government of its own Kings. Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula, seemed with good Advice to have neglected it; but in the Reign of the Emperor Claudius, Plautius the Praetor,A. C. 43. and after him Ostorius, subdued a great part of it.
Nero being Emperor, Suetonius his Lieutenant gained a memorable Victory over Bonduce, A. C. 57. the Wife of Prasutagus, King of the Iceni: After which time the Romans still gaining ground, the Island was at last totally Conquered in the Reign of the Emperor Domitian, A. C. 82. and by his Command first made a Province under Agricola, who much about that time subdu'd Scotland and Ireland.
The Romans after they had kept it in Subjection several Hundred Years, were upon the Northern Nations sacking Rome, 4 [...]. under the Command of Alaricus, [Page 8] King of the Goths and Vandals, recalled by the Emperor Honorius; at which time Brittain being left in a manner naked and destitute of help, the Picts and Scots presently invade it: The Brittains after they had repelled them for several Years, being at length much weakned, they Counsel their King Vortigern to call the Saxons to their Assistance; by whose Aid under the Commands of their Captains Hengist and Horsa, they overcame their Enemies in a pitch'd Battel near Stamford in Lincolnshire. They rewarded the Saxons for this Victory, first with the Isle of Thanet, and afterwards with the whole County of Kent; who growing daily more Powerful, dispossessed at length their Benefactors of their Native Habitations;A. C. 689. so that in the Reign of Cadwallader, the last of the Brittish Kings, they were compleat Masters of the whole Island, parcelling it out into seven Kingdoms, generally called the Saxons Heptarchy.
The Saxon Kings striving amongst themselves for Sovereignty, were at last, after they had Ruled separately 129 Years, reduced under subjection by Egbert King of the West-Saxons, A. C. 818. who caused this Land to be called England, by a Parliament held at Winchester.
[Page 9] From Egbert, England continued under the Government of its own Kings, till the Year 1017, which was 199 Years; about which time Edmund, surnamed Ironside, being Murther'd, (the Danes having for a long time infessed our Coasts, hoping to succeed as the Saxons before them had done) Canutus King of Denmark seiz'd into his hands the Regal Government.
The Danish Kings having Rul'd England 29 Years, Edward the Confessor, the Brother of Edmund Ironside, succeeded in the Kingdom, A. C. 1046. who out of the Saxon, Mercian, and Danish Laws, Compil'd one Universal Body of the Law, from whence our Common Law is thought to have its Original. He Reigned 20 Years, and died A. C. 1066. to whom succeeded Harold; who having Reigned near a Year, was slain in a pitch'd Battel near Hastings in Sussex, A. C. 1067. by William the Conqueror; from whom begins the most exact Computation of the Kings of England.
Thus much I thought necessary to give the Reader some insight into the first Ages of our Nation, which I have endeavoured to perform in as concise a manner as the Subject could possibly admit of. I shall now proceed in the Description of England, as it stands divided by King Alfred into Shires or Counties; which I have placed in that order [Page 10] as they are afterwards Treated of; beginning with the Learned Cambden; First, in the furthest Western Parts, and so from thence pass over the other Countries in order; imitating herein (as he judiciously Observes) Strabo, Ptolomy, and others the most ancient Geographers; who always begin their Descriptions in the Western Countries, as being first from the first Meridian.
The Shires of England are generally computed to be 39, to which if we add 13 more in Wales, reckoning the Isle of Anglesey to be one, the whole makes 52. 6 of which were first Ordained in the Reign of Edward the First, A. C. 1280. the rest were constituted in the Reign of Henry the VIIIth by a Parliamentary Authority, An. Dom. 1510.
Cornwall, Danmonii.
IN Latin Cornubia; it lieth most Westward of all Brittain, and shooteth into the Sea with little Promontories in manner of an Horn; it hath on the North side the Severn Sea; on the West, the Vergivian, or Western Ocean; on the South, the Brittish Channel; and on the East, Devonshire: Both which Counties were in ancient time Inhabited by the Danmonii, which Name is thought to have been given them from the Mines of Tin which abound in this Place.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Pensance, a very pretty Market-Town, near which is that famous Ambrose Stone, which being a great Rock, is advanced upon some other of a lesser size with so equal a Counterpoise, that a Child may stir it with a push of a Finger, yet a great number of Men are not able to remove it from its place.
2. Falmouth, an Haven as noble as Brundusium its self in Italy; 'tis able to receive an Hundred Ships so apart from each other, that neither can see the others Masts; 'tis defended from the violence of the Wind by the many rising Banks with which it is [Page 13] enclos'd; 'tis fortified on the East with the Castle of St. Maudit, and on the West with the Fort Pendinas.
3. Foy, a Town renown'd in former Ages for the many Sea Engagements which have been fought near it; 'tis pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River which bears its Name; near the Haven it hath several Bulwarks rais'd for its defence by Edward the IVth. A. D. 1460.
4. Padstow, the Situation of this Town is very commodious for Traffick with Ireland, to which Men may easily Sail from hence in 24 Hours.
5. Launston, a proper little Town, Situate upon the pitch of an Hill; remarkable upon the account of the Common Goal of the Country, and the Assizes being kept there.
6. Bodman, a Town of great resort, Situate between two Hills, and lying out in length East and West; its Inhabitants Populous, Beautiful in its Buildings; famous in ancient times for the Bishops See being kept there, which in the Danish Wars was remov'd to St. Germans.
7. Leskerd, a Town seated on the top of a very high Hill, much frequented for its Market, and renown'd for an ancient Castle which stands there.
Devonshire.
IN Latin Davonia; it hath Cornwall on the West, on the South the Brittish Channel, on the East it is bounded with Dorsetshire and Somersetshire, and on the North with the Severn Sea; it is a Country enrich'd with very good Mines, especially towards the West; it hath commodious Harbours on both sides of it; it is adorn'd with pleasant Meadows and great store of Woods; and is throughout replenished with fair Towns and beautiful Buildings.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Plimouth, a Port Town, seated near the Rivers Plime and Tamar, which meeting near this place fall together into the Ocean; of so great a repute, that for the number of its Inhabitants it may be compared with a City; such is the commodiousness of the Haven, that it admitteth into its bosome the greatest Ships without striking Sail; before the midst of its mouth lieth the Isle of St. Nicholas, Fortified both by Art and Nature; the Haven hath likewise Fortifications on each side, and is Chained over when there is an occasion; upon an Hill near adjoining it hath a fair Castle [Page 15] for its defence; the Town is divided into Four Wards, over which a Mayor was ordain'd by King Henry the VIth. An. Dom. 1430.
2. Dartmouth, a Port Town seated on an Hill near the River Dartmore; it hath two Castles for its defence; and by reason of its commodious Haven is much frequented by Merchants, and furnished with very good Shipping. It hath oftentimes bravely defended it self against the French, but especially in the Reign of Henry the IVth. An. Dom. 1404.
3. Torbay, a safe Road and Harbour for Ships; near it is a little Village called by its Name.
4. Exeter, Exonia, Isca; a City of great Traffick, much frequented by Merchants, situated on the East Bank of the River Ex, upon a little Hill, gently arising by an easy ascent to a pretty heighth, the Pendant whereof lyeth East and West; 'tis environ'd about with Ditches and very strong Walls, having many Turrets orderly interposed; 'tis in Circuit a Mile and an half, having Suburbs running out a great way on each side; it containeth 15 Parishes, hath a Castle called Rugemont, the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings, and afterwards of the Earl of Cornwall, which at this day is commendable for little else but its Antiquity [Page 16] and Situation; 'tis beautified with a stately Cathedral, founded in the Reign of Henry the 1st. An. Dom. 1110. it hath been thrice Besieg'd, but hath always bravely defended its self: First by Hugh Courtney Earl of Devonshire, in the Civil War between the Houses of York and Lancaster; then by Perkin Warbeck, that Young imaginary pretended Prince, who feign'd himself to be Richard Duke of York, Second Son to Edward the IVth. Thirdly, by seditious Rebels of Cornwal, An. Dom. 1549. at which time the Citizens endured so great a Famine, that for Twelve Days together they were forced to Eat Horses, and to make Bread of coarse Bran moulded in Cloaths, till they were at length reliev'd by my Lord Russel and Gray, who forced the Rebels to raise the Siege; upon which King Edward the VIth for a reward of their Loyalty, gave the Mannor of Evyland to this City; the Civil Government of which is in the Power of Twenty four Persons, out of whom there is from Year to Year a Mayor Elected; who with Four Bailiffs has the sole Command of the City.
5. Bediford, a Town of good resort, famous for a Stone Bridge with Arch'd Work, where it windeth its self into the River Taw.
[Page 17] 6. Axminster, a Town renown'd in ancient History for the Tombs of the Saxon Princes, slain in the Battel of Brunabrug.
Dorsetshire, Durotriges.
THE Latin Name Dorcestria; it is bounded on the North with Somersetshire and Wiltshire, on the West with Devonshire, and some part of Somersetshire; on the South it lieth open for 50 Miles to the Brittish Ocean; On the East it hath Hampshire. The Soil of this Country is very fruitful; the North part is overspread with Woods and Forests; and from thence adorn'd with an innumerable many pleasant Pastures and fruitful Vallies.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Burport, a little Town plac'd between two small Rivers, remarkable for its yielding the best Hemp, and for the skill of the Inhabitants in making Ropes and Cables for Ships, those of the Navy being formerly twisted there.
2. Weymouth, a little Town join'd to Kings-Melcomb by a Bridge, famous in regard of its Haven; it is grown of late [Page 18] much greater than it formerly was by Sea-Adventures.
3. Dorchester, Durnovaria, the Head Town of the whole Shire, yet it is neither great nor beautiful, being despoil'd by Sueno King of Danemark, about the Year of our Lord, 1013.
4. Shirburn, 'tis pleasantly seated on an hanging Hill, and is the most remarkable and best frequented Town in all this Country; it gaineth exceedingly by Clothing; Anno Dom. 704. an Episcopal Seat was Erected in this place by Aldeme the First Bishop there Consecrated; it was afterwards remov'd to Sarisburg, Shirburn being kept in reserve for a retiring place.
5. Winburn, a fair Town seated on a piece of an Hill between Two Rivers; 'tis large in Compass, replenished with Inhabitants, but few fair Buildings, except that its Church claims our observation, upon the account of the Sepulchre of Ethelred King of the West Saxons who lieth there Interr'd; however it retaineth even to this day divers tokens of the Majesty of the Romans.
Somersetshire, Belgae.
COmitatus Somersettensis, is bounded on the North with the Severn Sea; on the West it confineth on Devonshire; on the South it bordereth, first upon Devonshire, and then upon Dorsetshire; on the East it hath Wiltshire; and North-East a part of Glocestershire: It is a large and wealthy Region; the Soil of which is very rich, yielding exceeding plenty of Corn and Pasture; 'tis very Populous, and sufficiently furnished with commodious Ports and Havens.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Taunton, a proper Town, pleasantly situated, 'tis reputed to be one of the Eyes of the Shire.
2. Bridgewater, a great and populous Market-Town, agreeably situated near the Banks of the Severn Sea, and is by some thought to have been so called from the Bridge and Water which is near it.
3. Bruiton, a Town memorable for little else than that the Noble Family of the Mohuns is here Entomb'd; unless we mention the late extraordinary Processions which the Women of the Town made on the Conclusion of the late Peace.
[Page 20] Near this place was Founded the Abbey of Glastenbury, fetching its original even from Joseph of Arimathea, who Enterr'd the Body of our Saviour: In the first Age of the Primitive Church, very Holy Men applied themselves diligently to the Service of God in this place, who were maintained by an Allowance from Kings, they Instructing Youth in Religion and in the Liberal Sciences; these Men embrac'd a Solitary Life, that they might the more quietly study the Scriptures; till at length Dunstan, a Man of a subtle Wit, when he had once by an Opinion of his Holiness and Learning, wound himself into an Acquaintance with Princes, he brought in the Benedictine Monks, he being made Abbot of the Convent, after that he had obtain'd from the hands of many good Princes a Royal Revenue. When they had flourished 600 Years, they were dispossessed by King Henry the VIIIth. the Monastry being raz'd even to the ground, nothing now but the Ruines appearing of it.
Arthur the Brittish Worthy is thought to have been Buried in this place.
4. St. Philips Norton, a large great Market-Town, so nam'd from a Church Consecrated to St. Philip.
5. Welles, a Town so nam'd from the Springs found in it; like as Susa in Persia, [Page 21] Croia in Dalmatia, and [...] in Macedonia; for multitude of Inhabitants, and for stately Buildings, it justly challengeth the Preheminence of this Province: It hath a noble Market-place, sustain'd with Columns, as also a stately Church and Colledge Endowed with many rich Livings and Revenues; the Church throughout is very beautiful, but especially the Frontespiece thereof at the West end is a Master-piece; the Cloysters adjoining to it are likewise very fair and spacious.
6. Bath, an ancient City, so called from the Baths in it; beautified throughout with very fair and noble Buildings for the receipt of Strangers; 'tis seated in a low plain, environ'd about with Hills of an equal height, out of which certain pleasant Streams of fresh River Water continually descend into the City, to the advantage and comfort of the Citizens; within the City Three Springs of Hot Water boil up of a Blewish or Sea Colour, sending up from them thin Vapours, and a kind of strong Scent, by reason that the Water is drill'd and strain'd through Veins of Brimstone, and a clammy kind of Earth called Bitumen; which Springs are very Medicinable, and of great Virtue to Cure Bodies overcharg'd with Corrupt Humours; for they open the Pores, resolve, attenuate, digest, [Page 22] consume, and draw forth Superfluities, and at the same time strongly heal and dry the whole Habit of the Body.
In the Reign of Henry the Ist. A. D. 1110. Johannes de Villula being Elected Bishop of this place, translated his See to Bath, since which time the Two Sees growing into one, the Bishop beareth the Title of both, and is called the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
7. Bristol, this City standeth partly in Somersetshire, and partly in Glocestershire; it is sufficiently defended both by Art and Nature, being situated on the meeting of the Frome and Avon, not far from the influx of the Severn into the Ocean; a City exceeding Populous and exceeding Cleanly, there being Sinks made under ground for the conveyance of all the filth and nastiness into the Rivers. It hath Twenty Churches, reckoning the Cathedral and that of Ratliff into the Number; the Cathedral was first Built by Robert Fitz-Harding, Son to one of the Kings of Danemark, An. Dom. 1248. and honoured with a Bishops See by King Henry the VIIIth. Anno Dom. 1542. The principal Building, next the Church, is an ancient Castle, of such great strength, that Maud the Emperess having taken King Stephen Prisoner, thought this the safest place to secure him in; 'tis furnished with all things necessary for Man's Life, that, next [Page 23] after London and York, of all the Cities of England it may justly challenge the chief place; 'tis so commodiously seated for Trade and Traffick, that the Haven admitteth Ships with full Sail into the very bosome of the City; which hath drawn People of many Countries thither; the Citizens are for the most part rich Merchants, who Traffick all over Europe, and make Voyages even to the remotest known parts of America.
Wiltshire, Belgae.
IN Latin Wintonia, is enclos'd with Somersetshire on the West, Barkshire and Hampshire on the East, on the North with Glocestershire, and on the South with Dorsetshire and a part of Hampshire. 'Tis a Midland Region, plentiful in all things, and for its variety, pleasant and delightful.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Malmsbury, a fair Town, famous for Clothing; not far from hence dwelt Aldeme, a very Learned Man; he was the first of the English Nation that wrote in Latin, and [Page 24] the first that taught Englishmen the measures of a Latin Verse.
Primus ego in patriam mecum (modo vita supersit)
Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas.
Geer. Lib. 3.
2. Chipenham, a large Town of great note for a Market kept there; 'tis pleasantly seated on the River Avon.
3. Edindon, a small Town, remarkable for Clothing; here King Alfred in a memorable Battel most fortunately Vanquished the Danes, reducing them to such Extremities, that they all Swore, in a set form of Oath made for that purpose, immediately to depart from England.
4. Trubridge, a fair Market-Town, of great repute for the great number of Clothiers which Inhabit it; it sheweth the remains of a Castle belonging to the Dutchy of Lancashire.
5. Werminster, a Town very remarkable for a great Corn Market, which is kept Weekly here, and exceedingly much frequented; it being almost incredible to relate what great numbers of people resort to it.
6. Wilton, formerly the head Town of the whole Shire; 'tis a place well watered, but is now fallen to decay through the [Page 25] Bishop of Salisbury's turning away the passage that lay through it into the West Country.
7. Salisbury, Sorbiodunum, or Sarum, a City well Inhabited, seated on the River Avon, which watereth every Street of it; 'tis plentiful in all things, but especially in Fish; 'tis adorned with a very stately Market-place, wherein standeth their Common-Hall, made of Timber, a very Beautiful Building: It is particularly famous for its Minster, which has Three hundred sixty five Windows, Twelve Gates, and as many great and small Pillars as there are Hours in a Year; nor is its Cloyster for largeness or Workmanship inferior to any in England.
8. Marlborough, a fair large Town, pleasantly situated, and well frequented; in this Town King Henry the IIId held a Parliament.
N. B. Toward the North, about 6 Miles from Salisbury, is to be seen an huge and monstrous piece of work, Insana Substructio; for in the circuit of a Ditch, there are erected in form of a Crown, in three ranks one within another, certain large, mighty, unwrought Stones, whereof some are Twenty eight foot high, and Seven broad, which are so artificially, or rather [Page 26] wonderfully plac'd one upon another, that the whole frame seemeth to hang; 'tis much wonder'd at, both from whence they were brought (the Country affording none such) as also by what means they were set up: Some have thought them to be no Natural Stones, but Artificially made of pure Sand, and of some unctious matter incorporated together. Pliny tells us, that the Sand of Putcoli covered over with Water, becometh forthwith a very Stone; which if true, our Conjecture is the more probable; it seeming to confirm what Historians tell us, That they were erected by the Britans in Memory of Ambrosius Aurelianus, who was Slain here by the Saxons as he was Fighting manfully for the Defence of his Country.
Hampshire.
IN Latin Hamptonia, is bounded on the West with Dorsetshire and Wiltshire; on the South with the Brittish Channel; on the East it hath Sussex and Surrey; and on the North Barkshire. 'Tis a small Province, fruitful in Corn, furnished with well grown Woods, abounding [Page 27] with Pasture, and for Sea Commodities rich and happy.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Ringwood, a Town in ancient times of great Fame, but now little better than other good frequented Market-Towns.
2. Christ-Church, a Town so named from a Church therein Dedicated to Christ; 'tis seated between two Rivers; it was Fortified in old time with a Castle, and Beautified with an ancient Church and Twelve Prebendaries, endowed with considerable▪ Rents and Revenues; which continued in great repute till the time of King Henry the VIIIth.
3. Southampton, a Town so named from its situation; 'tis situated in a very commodious place between two Rivers; for a great number of fair Built Houses much renown'd; for Inhabitants and concourse of Merchants Wealthy; fenced round with a double Ditch, strong Walls, and Turrets standing thick between; for the defence of the Haven, it hath a strong Castle of square Stone, cast up upon a Mount of great heighth; several of the Roman Emperors Coins are now and then digged up here, which sufficiently shew the Antiiquity of this place.
[Page 28] Memorable it is, for that Canutus the Puissant King of England and of Denmark▪ rebuked a Sycophant in this Town, who flattered him, That all things in the Realm were at his Command. He ordered his Chair to be set upon the Shore when the Sea began to flow, and then in the presence of many he said unto the Sea as it flowed, Thou are part of my Dominions, and the ground on which I sit is mine, neither was there ever any that durst Disobey my Commands, and escape Unpunished; wherefore I charge thee, that thou come not upon my Land, neither wet the Cloaths and Body of thy Lord; but the Sea flowing on still without any Reverence of his Person, wet his Feet; then he retiring back said, Let all the Inhabitants of the World know, That vain and frivolous is the Power of Kings, and that none is worthy of so sacred a Name, but He to whose Command the Heaven, Earth, and Sea, by bond of an everlasting Law are Subject and Obedient; after which he never put his Crown upon his head.
4. Alrefford, a fair Town, standing on the bank of the River Alre, it hath a very spacious Market-place, built by Lucy Bishop of Winchester, An. Dom. 1220.
5. Winchester, Wintonia, formerly the Seat-Royal of the Kings of the West-Saxons, a City adorn'd with several Magnificent Churches, as also with a Bishop's See; it [Page 29] hath been oftentimes defaced both by Fire and other Misfortunes, but it seems now perfectly to have recovered its self; Edward the IIId appointed in this place a Mart for Wool and Cloth, which was generally called the Staple; it is well Peopled, hath plenty of Water, and containeth about a Mile and an half in Circuit within the Walls; as concerning the round Table in the Hall of this City, vainly fancied by some to have been King Arthur's, any man that vieweth it well, may easily perceive that it is not so ancient. This City slourished in the time of the Romans, in which the Emperors of Rome seem to have had their Houses of Weaving and Embroidering, peculiar to their own Persons and Uses.
6. Portsmouth, a Port Town strongly Fortified both with a Wall and Block-Houses, a Garison being continually kept in Pay for the defence of it; 'tis situated on the very mouth of the Haven, and is always, but especially in time of War, well frequented, as being more favourable and better affected to Mars and Neptune than to Mercury.
7. Basingstoak, a Market-Town well frequented, situated on the descent of an Hill, on the North side of which standeth a very fair Chappel, Consecrated to the Holy [Page 30] Ghost, by William the first Lord Sands, who was Buried there.
Isle of Wight.
VEcta Insula; it belongeth to, and is opposite to Southampton; from East to West it stretcheth out near 20 Miles in length, and spreadeth in the midst, where it is broadest, 12 Miles, the place of greatest repute is
1. Newport, the chief Market-Town of the whole Isle; it hath several Castles and Block-houses for its defence.
Barkshire, Attrebates.
IN Latin Barcheria; on the North part 'tis sever'd from Oxfordshire, and afterwards from Buckinghamshire by the River Isis; on the South it beareth towards Hampshire, where the River Kenet cutteth through it, till it runs into the Thames; on the West 'tis bounded by Wiltshire; and on the East by Surrey: On the West part it hath plenty [Page 31] of Command Fruit; but on the East part, where it consineth with Surrey, the Soil is very barren and unfruitful.
1. Farendon, a Town seated on a rising ground, famous for a Market kept there, but in times past for a certain Fort which Robert Earl of Glocester Built, and defended against King Stephen, who having won it by many bloody Assaults, levelled it to the ground, so that now it is not to be seen.
2. Abington, a Populous Town, pleasantly seated on the plain of an Hill, since the Year 1416. in which King Henry the Vth Built a Bridge over the River, and turned the Kings high-way hither to make a shorter passage; it began to be so frequented, that it is now the chief Town of the whole Shire; it is famous for its great Trade in Malt.
3. Wallingford, in old time it was compass'd about with Walls, it had a very large Castle situate upon the River, which was thought to be invincible; it was oftentimes Besieged by King Stephen, but all in vain. This Town was so dispeopled by reason of a grievous Pestilence, which happened in the Year 1348, that whereas before it was well Inhabited and had Twelve Churches, it can shew now no more than One or Two.
[Page 32] 4. Newbury, a famous Town raised out of the Ruins of Spine, which was formerly a place of great repute; it is situated in a champion plain, being watered throughout with the River Kenet; 'tis well Inhabited, and is very remarkable for its Trade in Clothing.
5. Reading, a Town famous for fair Streets, well built Houses, as also for the Riches of the Townsmen, and for their Name in making Cloth; it hath lost the greatest Ornaments it had, viz. a beautiful Church, and a most ancient Castle, which was razed by King Henry the IId, because it was a Refuge for King Stephen's followers.
6. Maidenhead, a large spacious Town, fill'd with good Inns for the reception of Strangers; it is well frequented.
7. Windsor-Castle, 'tis situated on an Hill that riseth with a gentle Ascent, and enjoyeth a most delightful Prospect round about; on the front it overlooketh a spacious Vale; behind it arise Hills every where, neither rough nor high, so that 'tis dedicated, as one would say, to Hunting-Game; it was Built by King Henry the Ist, An. 1100. and enlarg'd by King Edward the IIId, who was Born here; 'tis in bigness equal to a pretty City, Fortified with Ditches and Bulwarks made of Stone; in this place [Page 33] King Edward the IIId Instituted the Noble Order of the Garter, to increase Virtue and Valour in the Hearts of his Nobility; or, as some report, in honour of the Countess of Salisbury, of which Lady the King had formerly been Enamour'd. The Garter was given to it in Testimony of that Love and affection wherewith the Knights of it were bound one to another, and all of them jointly to the King as Sovereign; there are of it Twenty six Knights, of which the King of England is always Chief; the Ensign is a Blew Garter Buckled on the Left Leg, on which these words are Embroider'd, Honi Soit, qui mal y Pense; about their Necks they wear a Blew Ribbond, at the end of which hangeth the Image of St. George; upon whose Day the Installations of the new Knights are commonly Celebrated.
THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd, viz. of the Danmonii, Durotriges, Belgae, Attrebatii; when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain, fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons; who under the Command of their King Egbert, United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy; which afterwards, [Page 34] through the Cowardise of their Kings, soon vanished. For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers, and though often Vanquished, yet being as often Victorious, they at last seiz'd on the Monarchy of England; which was sometime held by the Danes, sometimes by the Saxons, till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold, and established the Monarchy; which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Twenty eight Princes, down to our Gracious Sovereign King William.
Having now described all those Countries that lie between the Brittish Ocean on the one side, and the Severn Sea, and River Thames on the other; passing now over the River, let us return to the Head of Thames, and the Salt Waters of Severn, and there visit the Dobuni, who formerly [Page 44] Inhabited those Parts which we now term Glocestershire and Oxfordshire.
Glocestershire, Dobuni.
IN Latin Glocestria; on the West it bordereth on Monmouthshire and Herefordshire; on the North on Worcestershire; on the East upon Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and Barkshire; and on the South upon Wiltshire and Somersetshire. The Country throughout yieldeth plenty of Corn, and abundance of Fruit; the one through the natural Goodness of the ground, the other through the diligent Tillage and Labour of its Inhabitants.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Tewksbury, a large fair Town, having three Bridges to pass over; it standeth between the Rivers Severn and Avon, and another Brook which cometh from the East; it is famous for making of fine Woollen Cloth, and the best Mustard; but more famous in times past by reason of an ancient Monastery Founded by Dodo a Man of great Power in Mercia, An. Christ. 715.
[Page 45] Memorable it is for the fatal Battel Fought between the House of York and Lancaster, An. Christ. 1471. wherein Prince Edward, King Henry the VIth's Eldest Son, being taken Prisoner, he was brought before King Edward the IVth, who was so provoked by his resolute Answers, that he dash'd him on the Mouth with his Gauntlet, and then Richard the Crouchback with his Dagger stabb'd him to the Heart.
2. Glocester, a fair beautiful City, both for number of Churches and for Buildings; 'tis situated upon the Severn, near the Isle Aldney, where was Fought the Combat between Edmond Ironside, King of the English-Saxons, and Canutus the Dane; in the South part there was a lofty Castle of square Ashler-stone, which is now wholly Ruined; this City gives the Title to the Third Son of Great Brittain: The chiefest Trade of the Citizens is in working on Iron; the City was Built by the Romans, and set, as it were, on the neck of the Silures to keep them in Subjection; there was also a Colony planted to People it, which they call'd Colonia Glevum. It hath a very stately Cathedral Dedicated to St. Peter, in which lie Interr'd King Edward the Second, and Robert Courthose the Eldest Son of King William the Conqueror, Two Unfortunate Princes. Near this place, An. 1643. was Fought a [Page 46] Battel between the Forces of King Charles the Ist, and his Rebellious Parliament, in which the famous Lord Falkland was unfortunately slain.
3. Barkley, a small Market-Town, of great repute for a strong Castle, but more famous for that King Edward the Second, who was Deposed from his Kingdom by the ill Practises of his Wife, was made away in this Castle by the subtilty of the Bishop of Hereford, who wrote unto his Keepers these words without Points, ‘Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est.’
4. Camden, a Market-Town, well Peopled, and of good resort; in this place the Saxon Kings Assembled in the Year 689, and Consulted in common about making War upon the Brittains.
5. Winchelcomb, a great Town well Inhabited, famous in old time for an Abbey Erected there by Kenulph King of Mercia.
Oxfordshire.
IN Latin Oxonium; on the West it hath Glocestershire; on the South it is divided from Barkshire by the River Isis, and Thames; on the East it bordereth upon Buckinghamshire; and Northward where it pointeth out in manner of a Cone or Pine-Apple; it hath Northamptonshire on one side, and Warwickshire on the other.
The Air of this Country is Mild and Temperate, the Land is Fertile and Delightful, the Hills abound with Woods, and the Valleys are fill'd with Corn and Pasture.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Evenlode, a small Town famous for King Henry the Second's Building a Labyrinth in it for the Beautiful Rosamund, the Lord Clifford's Daughter.
2. Banbury, a fair large Town, not far from which Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick, taking part with the House of Lancaster, gave the House of York a very great overthrow; 'tis a place of great Antiquity, some Roman Coins being oftentimes found near it.
[Page 48] 3. Oxford, a fair and beautiful City, both in respect of the Private Buildings, as well as in the stately Magnificence of the Publick; the situation is extreamly pleasant, for the Hills being beset with Woods do so environ the Plain, that as on the one side they exclude the South and West Wind, so on the other they let in the East, and North-East Wind, which frees the City from all Corruption; 'tis particularly famous for its University, which is the most Celebrated in all Europe, it having 16 Colledges and 8 Halls, all adorn'd with most stately Buildings, and enrich'd with great Endowments, noble Libraries, and most Learned Graduates of all Professions.
Buckinghamshire, Cattieuchlani.
IN Latin Buckinghamia; on the South it looketh on Barkshire; on the West Oxfordshire; on the North it hath Northamptonshire; and from the East, first Bedfordshire, then Hertfordshire, and afterwards Middlesex. The Air of this County is Temperate and Pleasant, the Soil is Rich, Fat, and Fruitful, the Valleys maintain an insinite Number of Sheep, whose soft and [Page 49] fine Fleeces are in great esteem throughout all Asia.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Marlow, a pretty Town of good credit and repute; it took its name from a certain Chalk, commonly called Marle, which being spread upon Corn-ground eaten out with long Tillage, doth so quicken the same again, that after one Years rest it never lieth fallow, but beareth Corn in great plenty.
2. Wickam, a large Town, equal both in Beauty and Buildings to the best in the Shire.
3. Ailesbury, a fair Market-Town, seated on a rising Hill, and compass'd about with many pleasant Meadows; it hath a great reputation for Grazing and Feeding of Cattel.
4. Buckingham, the Principal Town of this Shire, situated on a low Ground, and encompass'd by the River Ouse; 'twas never of any great repute, yet before the Conquest it was Fortified with a Castle and Rampiers against the Invasion of the Danes.
5. Stony-Stratford, a Town of ancient Note, being supposed to be the Romans Lactorodum; it is built of rough Stone upon the ancient Causey-way, which is called [Page 50] Watling-street; where remains Marks thereof even unto this day. At this place Edward the Elder stopp'd the passage of the Danes, whilst he strenthened Torcester against them; in this place Edward the First rear'd a beautiful Cross in Memory of Eleanor his Deceased Queen, as he did in every place where her Corps rested, from Herdby in Lincolnshire, till it was received and Buried at Westminster.
Bedfordshire.
IN Latin Bedfordia; on the East and South side it joineth to Cambridge and Hertfordshire; on the West to Buckinghamshire; on the North to Northampton and Huntingtonshire; 'tis divided into two parts by the River Ouse; the Soil is very bountiful, especially towards the North, that being Watered by the River.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Bedford, a Town more famous for its Antiquity than for its. Beauty, it having sustain'd great damages, both in the Wars between King Stephen and Maud the Emperess, [Page 51] as well as in the unhappy Dissentions between King John and his unruly Barons; the River Ouse divides it into two parts, but it is join'd together by a Stone Bridge.
2. Dunstable, a Town seated in a Chalky Ground, well Inhabited and full of Inns, it hath Tour Streets answering to the Four parts of the World, in every one of which is a Pond of standing Water for the use of the Inhabitants.
Hertfordshire.
HErtfordia, hath on the West Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire; on the South Middlesex; on the East Essex; and on the North Cambridgeshire. The Air is sweet and healthful, being seated in a Climate neither too Hot, nor too Cold; the Soil is pleasant and delightful, yielding abundance of Corn, Cattel, Wood, and Grass, being destitute of nothing which either affords Profit or Pleasure to Mankind, which are more augmented by the many Rivers which arise in it, and run through it.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Royston, a Town of late days very famous and much frequented for Malt, as also for a Corn-Market which is Weekly held there.
2. Hatfield, a fair large Town, in the upper part of which stands a pleasant Seat, belonging to the Earl of Salisbury.
3. Hertford, it was formerly the Principal Town of the whole Shire, but is now fallen to decay.
4. Ware, a pleasant Town, well Water'd and much frequented, famous in old time for a Tournament instituted there by the Earl of Pembroke, who was unfortunately kill'd by a fall from his Horse▪ They were first instituted, A. C. 934. and grew not out of use till the happy days of King James the First.
5. Bishop-Stortford, a large well frequented Town, fenc'd in old times by a Castle.
6. St. Albans, the Verulamium of the Romans, a very ancient Town and well Peopled; some old Coins are here oftentimes digged up, which are thought by some to be Stamp'd before the coming in of the Romans. Near this place Ostorius, the Emperor Claudius's Lieutenant, is thought to have subdued the Valiant Briton Caractacus. Famous [Page 53] it is likewise for Two Memorable Battels Fought between the House of York and Lancaster; first Richard Duke of York, Anno 1455. gave the Lancastrians a great overthrow, took King Henry the VIth Prisoner, and slew a great many Honourable Persons. Four Years after the Lancastrians, under the Conduct of Queen Margaret, won the Field, put the House of York to Flight, and restor'd the King to his former Liberty.
7. Barnet, a fair Market-Town, famous for a great Beast-Market kept there, but more renown'd it is for a memorable Battel Fought April the 14th An. 1471. between the Houses of York and Lancaster, wherein the Victory happily fell to King Edward the IVth, Richard Nevill the great Earl of Warwick, being there slain.
Middlesex, Trinobantes.
MIddlesexia, 'tis sever'd from Buckinghamshire on the West by the River [...]; on the North from Hertfordshire by a known crooked Limit; from Essex on the East by the River Lea; and from Surrey and Kent on the South by the Thames. 'Tis seated [Page 44] in a pleasant Vale, having some Hills around it of a good ascent, from whose tops the prospect of the whole is seen, like to Zoar in Egypt, or rather like a Paradise and Garden of God.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Uxbridge, a Town of late Years very full of Inns, and pleasantly situated.
2. Stanes, a fair beautiful Town, near which the Baronage of England assembled together in great Numbers to exact their Liberties of King John, A. C. 1215.
3. Hampton-Court, a Royal Palace of the Kings, of admirable Magnificence, Built by Cardinal Wolsey; it was enlarg'd and finish'd by King Henry the VIIIth; it containeth within it Five Inner Courts.
4. Fulham, a Town particularly famous for the Palace of the Bishop of London.
5. Chelsey, a Town of very fair Buildings, but chiefly remarkable on the account of the College Erected for the Maintenance of ancient Soldiers; it was finished in the Reign of the late King James.
6. LONDON, the Seat of our Brittish Empire, and the Chiefest for Traffick in the World; Seated in an excellent Air upon the River Thames; its Buildings are Fair and Stately, the Streets Spacious; it has scarcely [Page 55] any Rival in Europe; famous it is for its Magnificent Cathedral, thought to be in former times the Temple of Diana, but it is now Consecrated to St. Paul.
London-Stone is thought to have been fix'd for a Mile-Mark, such as was in the Market-place of Rome, from which was taken the dimension of all Journeys every way; 'tis thought to be plac'd in the midst of the City.
LONDON was formerly Wall'd about by Constantine the Great, at the request of his Mother Helena; but at this time its chief Strength consists, not so much in its Wall, as in the great Number of its Inhabitant.
7. Westminster is a City of its self, and has its peculiar Magistrates and Privileges; it was formerly more than a Mile distant from London, but it is now join'd close to it; famous it is for the Abbey, the Hall of Justice, and the King's Royal Palace.
In the place where the Abbey now stand: there was formerly a Temple Consecrated to Apollo, out of the Ruins of which this present Abbey was Built by King Edward the Third; a Work that cost Fifty Years Labour in Building: Which Church the Abbots afterwards very much enlarg'd towards the West end, and King Henry the Seventh adjoin'd thereto at the East end a Chappel of admirable Elegancy, wherein [Page 56] is to be seen his own most stately Monument of solid and massy Copper.
Essex.
ESSEXIA, on the North the River Stour divideth it from Suffolk; on the East it has the Ocean; on the South the Thames separateth it from Kent; on the West the Lea divideth it from Middlesex; and the Stour from Hertfordshire. The Air is temperate and pleasant, but towards the Waters somewhat Aguish; the Soil is rich and fruitful, being in some parts so very fertile, that after Three Years Glebe of Saffron, the Land for Eighteen more will yield plenty of Barley, without either Dunging or Manuring the Earth.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Leyton, a fair beautiful Market-Town.
2. Chelmsford, a fair large Town, thought to be the old Canonium of the Romans; 'tis situated in the midst of the Shire between two Rivers, which join themselves together near this place; the Assizes of the County are kept here.
[Page 57] 3. Maldon, an ancient Town, called formerly Camolodunum, famous for Bonduca, or Boadicias Victory over the Romons, 70000 being slain in this place; its Antiquity is apparent from the Coins, Helmets, and Bones, which were dug up in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, to which we may apapply these Verses of Virgil, Geor. Lib. 1. 493.
Scilicet & tempus veniet, cum sinibus illis
Agricola incurvo terram molitus aratro,
Exesa inveniet Scabrâ rubigine pila;
Aut gravibus rassris galeas pulsabit manes,
Grandiaque essossis mirabitus ossa Sepulchris.
4. Colchester, a proper fair Town, pleasantly seated; it is Wall'd about, and Beautified with 15 Churches; the ancient Coins daily dug out here, do shew that it flourished in the time of the Romans. The Trade of the Inhabitants consists chiefly in making of Cloth and Bays, with other sort of Stuff.
5. Harwich, a Port-Town, not very great, but well Peopled, Fortified both by Art and Nature; 'tis Memorable for a Battle at Sea fought between the English and Danes, An. Christ. 884.
6. Saffron-Walden, a fair Market-Town, famous for the great Quantity of Saffron which grows there; which Commodity [Page 58] was at first brought into England in the Reign of Edward the IIId.
Suffolk, Iceni.
SUffolcia, hath on the West Cambridge; on the South the Stour divideth it from Essex; on the East it hath the German Sea; and on the North Norfolk. The Air of this place is thought by some Physicians to be the very best in the whole Island; the Soil is fruitful, and replenished with all things.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Bury, a very fair beautiful Town, remarkable for an Abbey Built by Canutus, to Expiate the Sacrilegious Impiety of his Father Suenus against this Church; it appears still beautiful even in its very Ruins. Near this place was fought a great Battel between Robert Bossu, Earl of Leicester, and King Henry the IId, the Victory falling to the King's Party, A. C. 1173.
2. Sudbury, formerly the chief Town of this Shire; 'tis Populous and Wealthy, the Inhabitants making great advantages by Clothing.
[Page 59] 3. Ipswich, the principal Town of this Shire, well Peopled, beautiful in its Buildings, has 14 Churches, and a very commodious Haven; 'tis fenc'd with a Rampier; it was Sack'd by the Danes, An. 991. and again in the Year 1000; yet it perfectly recovered its former Beauty; and was the finest Town in England, had a very noble Harbour, which was most convenient for the Northern and Eastern parts of the World; in this state it continued, till through the severe Injunctions of Bishop Laud, in the Reign of King Charles the First, concerning matters in Religion, several Thousands of Families were frighted out of Norfolk and Suffolk into New-England.
Norfolk.
NOrfolcia, it is bounded on the East and North by the German Ocean; on the West the Ouse divideth it from Cambridge; on the South it confineth upon Suffolk. The Air is sharp and piercing, especially in the Champion and near the Sea; upon which account the Spring and Harvest is not so soon here as in other Countries; 'tis a Champion Country large and spacious, [Page 60] abounding with Rivers, pleasant Springs, good Corn and Pasture.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Thetford, a large Market-Town, but thinly Inhabited; in times past it was very Populous, and besides other tokens of Antiquity, it hath still to be seen a great Mount, fenc'd with a double Rampier, and Fortified in ancient times with Walls; it was formerly the Seat of the Kings of the East-Angles, and known to the Romans by the Name of Sitomagus.
2. Norwich, a famous City, pleasantly situated on the River Yare, which runs thence to Yarmouth, lying out in length from South to North a Mile and an half, and in breadth about half so much, it drawing in it self by little and little at the South end in manner of a Cone; in that Circuit it comprehendeth about Thirty Parishes, well Walled about with many Turrets, and Twelve Gates; but it hath in it much waste ground, the City suffering great loss both in Wealth and Buildings by Ket's Rebellion in the time of King Edward the Sixth; it hath recovered its first blow by the Dutch Manufactures, but of the last it still languisheth; though at this present it glories in the Beauties of a fair Cathedral, the [Page 61] Three Palaces, of the Bishops, the Dukes of Norfolk, and the Earls of Surrey, and the ruins of an ancient Castle of the Saxons Building.
3. Yarmouth, a Port-Town, having a very convenient Haven; 'tis beautifully Built, and strongly fenc'd both by Art and Nature; 'tis almost encompassed with Water; on the West side with a River that hath a Draw-bridge over it; on the other parts with the Ocean, unless Northward, where it is firm Land; it is defended by a strong Wall, which together with the River, make a square Form of Four sides somewhat long; upon the Wall towards the East, a great Mount is cast up, on which are planted several pieces of Ordinance.
4. Lynn, a large Town, encompass'd with a deep Trench and Walls; for the most part 'tis divided by Two small Rivers, which have Fifteen Bridges over them; 'tis of no great Antiquity, yet by reason of its Havens, Buildings, and Merchants, 'tis the Second Principal Town of this Shire.
Cambridgeshire.
CAntabrigia, on the East it lieth on Norfolk and Suffolk; on the South on Essex and Hertfordshire; on the West on Bedford and Huntingtonshire; 'tis divided into two parts by the River Ouse or Cam. This Province is not so large as some others, nor the Air so temperate and pleasant, it being infected by the Fens; the North part is for the most part Fenny, and surcharg'd with Waters; but the South is Champion, yielding Corn in abundance.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Cambridge, a Town particularly famous for its University; which, as it is reported, was first begun and Founded by Cantaber a Spaniard, 375 Years ante Christum; as also that Sigebert, or Sebert, King of the East-Angles, restor'd it again, An. Dom. 630. Being drstroyed afterwards by the Danes, it was for a long time of no account, until it reviv'd under the Normans Government; at this day it hath Sixteen stately Colleges and Halls, which for Buildings, Beauty, Endowments, and Number of Students, are so replenished, that Oxford excepted, the like is hardly to be found in Europe.
[Page 63] 2. Ely, a City not so great as ancient, situate in the Isle so nam'd, occasioned by the divided Streams of Ner and Ouse, with the overflowings of other Rivers, turning a great part of this Tract into Fenns and Marshes; remarkable for little else but its Cathedral, which was erected An. Dom. 1110. in the 10th Year of King Henry the First.
Huntingtonshire.
IN Latin Huntingtonia; is bounded on the South by Bedfordshire; on the West and North by Northamptonshire; and on the East by Cambridgeshire. The Soil is fruitful, yielding Corn in great abundance; towards the East, where it is Fenny, it is very rich and plentiful for the Feeding of Cattel; in all the other parts 'tis extreamly pleasant, on the account of the Woods and Groves with which it aboundeth.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. St. Neets, a Market Town, so named of one Neutus a Learned and Holy Man, who Travelled all his Life-time in Propagating Christianity; his Body was translated [Page 64] from Neotstock in Cornwall to this place.
2. Huntington, the principal Town of all this Country; 'tis seated on the River Ouse, somewhat high, stretching its self out in length Northward; it is adorn'd with Four Churches; and by the River near unto the Bridge the Mount and Plot of an ancient Castle is yet to be seen.
3. Godmanchester, a very great ancient Country Town, situate in an open ground, of a light Mould, and bending to the Sun; 'tis reported in former times, that the Inhabitants received King James the First in his Progress this way, with a Hundred and eighty Plows, brought forth in a Rustical kind of Triumph.
4. St. Ives, a fair Town, so named from Ivo a Persian Bishop, who about the Year 600 Travelled through England, Preach'd diligently the Word of God, especially to this Town, wherein he Died.
5. Kimbolton, a fair beautiful Castle, formerly the seat of the Mandevils, but now in Possession of the Staffords.
Northamptonshire, Coritani.
IN Latin, Northamptonia; 'tis situated in the very midst of England; on the East 'tis bounded by Bedford and Huntingtonshire; on the South by Buckingham and Oxfordshire; on the West it hath Warwickshire; and on the North Rutland and Lincolnshire. The Air is temperate and healthful, the Soil rich and fruitful, and so plenteously Peopled, that from some ascents you may see 30 Churches at the same time.
The Prinicipal Towns are these.
1. Northampton, a fair beautiful Town Built for the most part of Stone; 'tis Wall'd about, except on the West, where it is defended with a River; from the Walls you have a goodly prospect every way to a wide and spacious plain Country; it was Fortified heretofore with a very strong Castle, and seated in so excellent an Air, that once the Students of Cambridge purposed to remove the University to this place; famous it is for a Battel fought between the House of York and Lancaster, in which the House of York prevailing, King Henry the VIth was taken Prisoner and conveyed to London.
[Page 66] 2. Peterborough, a City seated in the very Angle of this Shire; famous in old time for a Monastery, which is since converted into a Cathedral, the Building of which is truly Magnificent, the Forefront carrieth a majesty with it, and the Cloysters are exceeding large; in the Glass Windows is represented the History of Wolpher the Founder, who being most averse from Christianity, Murther'd Wolphald and Rufin his own Sons, because they had Devoted themselves to Christ. In the Cathedral lieth Buried Catherine the Repudiated Queen of King Henry the VIIIth. Mary Queen of Scots was also at first Buried here, but was afterwards removed to Westminster by the Command of King James the Ist.
3. Rockingham Castle, it was Built by William the Conqueror, Fortified with a Rampier and Bulwarks, and a double range of Battlements; 'tis situate on the side of an Hill within a Forest.
Leicestershire.
IN Latin Leicestria, is bounded on the East by Lincolnshire and Rutlandshire; on the North by Nottinghamshire and Darbyshire; it hath Warwickshire on the West; and on the South Northamptonshire. The Air is gentle, mild, and temperate, giving Appetite both to Rest and Labour; the Commodities of the Soil are Corn, Cattel, and Coals, of which the Inhabitants have great plenty.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Bosworth, an ancient Market-Town, memorable for the Victory which Henry Earl of Richmond, who was afterwards Henry the VIIth, obtained over the Usurper Richard the IIId the Tyrant, and most of his Commanders being there slain.
2. Leicester, a fair Town, beautiful in its Buildings, and of great Antiquity; 'twas fenc'd with a very strong Wall, which was raz'd in the Reign of Henry the IId, it has in it a stately Church and Hospital, Built by Henry the First, Duke of Lancaster.
[Page 68] 3. Loughborough, a fair beautiful Town, which for its Buildings and pleasant Woods, challengeth the second place in all this Shire.
4. Dunnington, a fair ancient Castle Built by the Earls of Leicester, it belongs now to the King.
Rutlandshire.
IN Latin Rutlandia, 'tis environ'd with Leicestershire, unless it be on the South, where it lieth on the River Welland, and on the East where it toucheth on Lincolnshire; the Air is both healthful and delightful, subject neither to extremity of Heat or Cold; the Soil is so rich, that for Corn and Tillage this small County giveth place to none.
The Principal Town is▪
Okcham, a Town remarkable only for the Ruins of an old decayed Castle Built in the Normans time, formerly the Seat of the Ferrers, but afterwards it was given by Henry the VIIIth to Thomas [Page 69] Cromwell, whom he advanced to the highest Dignities.
Lincolnshire.
IN Latin Lincolnia, is bounded on the West by Rutlandshire and Nottinghamshire; on the North it reacheth to Humber an arm of the Sea; on the East it hath the German Ocean; and on the South it is divided from Northamptonshire by the River Well [...]nd. The Air upon the East and South part is thick and foggy, by reason of the Fenns, but in other places very moderate and pleasing; the Soil upon the West and North is very Fertile, but towards the East and South, Fenny, Brakish, and Barren; yet for Fowl and Fish it exceeds any other in the Realm.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Crowland, a Town of good Note; it stands amidst most deep Fenns and muddy Waters; it is so shut up, and divided round about from all entrance, that there is no access unto it, unless it be on the North-East side, and that by narrow Cawseys; 'tis seated altogether like Venice; it hath three [Page 70] Streets divided from each other by Watercourses between, planted thick with Willows, and raised upon Posts pitch'd and driven down into the standing Waters, having over them a Triangular Bridge of admirable Workmanship; about the Town the ground is so rotten and moorish, that a Man may thrust a Pole directly down Thirty Foot deep; however the Town is well Inhabited, the Inhabitants making great advantages by taking Fish, and catching of Water-Fowl, which is so great in the Month of August, that they will spread a Net, and at once draw Three thousand Wild Ducks together.
2. Spalding, a Town situate upon the same River, being enclosed round with Riverets and Drains; yet is infinitely a fairer Town than a Man could possibly expect to find among such Slabs and Water-plashes.
3. Boston, a famous Town, standing on both sides the River Witham; 'tis well frequented upon the account of its commodious Haven; the Market-place is fair and large, the Church great and beautiful, the Steeple of it rising up to a mighty heighth, doth, as it were, salute all Travellers, and give direction to the Sailors; a Staple [Page 71] of Wool is settled here, which enriches it very much.
4. Stanford, a Town well Peopled, of good resort, Endowed with several immunities; it was formerly Wall'd about, but is at this day beautified with Seven Churches, and a very fair Hospital.
5. Grantham, a Town well frequented, adorn'd with a very fair Church, and a Free School Built by Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester.
6. Lincoln, a place in former days of great Strength and Note, being one of the best Peopled Cities in all the Saxon Heptarchy, and of great Merchandise and Trassick both by Sea and Land; it had formerly Fifty Churches, but is now much decay'd, it having suffered much damage in the Wars of King Stephen, and of Henry the IIId with his Barons, as also both by Fire and Earthquakes; the chief Fame it now hath is for its Minster, one of the stateliest Piles in England, and perhaps in Christendom, high seated on an Hill, and from thence discern'd over all the Country. The City is seated on the side of an Hill, where the River Witham bendeth his course Eastward; famous it is in respect that Vortimer [Page 72] the Warlike Briton, who often discomfited the Saxon Armies, ended his days, and was here, contrary to his Commandment, Buried.
7. Wainfleet, a Town deservedly remarkable, in that it Bred William Wainfleet Bishop of Winchester, the Founder of Maudlin College in Oxford.
Nottinghamshire.
IN Latin Nottingamia, hath on the East Lincolnshire; on the North Yorkshire; on the West Derbyshire; and on the South side Leicestershire. The Air is pleasant and healthful, the Soil rich and clayey, and for Corn and Grass so fruitful, that it claims the second place before any other in the Realm.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Stoke, a little Village, famous for the Victory obtain'd by King Henry the VIIth against Sir John de la Pool Earl of Lincoln, who being by King Richard the IIId declared Heir apparent to the Crown, Rebelliously [Page 73] opposed himself against his Sovereign, and in this place sighting Manfully, both he and most of his Followers lost their lives.
2. Nottingham, a fair Town seated on the Trent, but very high upon an Hill which overlooks it; for Buildings, fair Streets, and a spacious Market-place, not giving way to many Cities; but of most fame for a Royal and magnificent Castle, which for Strength, Stateliness, and Prospect, may justly challenge the Precedency of most in England; it is mounted upon an huge steep work on the West side of the City; it was Built by William the Conqueror to bridle the English▪ David the IId. King of Scots, and Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, were detain'd a long time Prisoners in this Castle. Memorable it is, for that King Charles the Ist, first set up his Standard in this place, occasion'd on the unhappy Differences between him and his Parliament, August 22. 1642.
3. Southwell, it is adorn'd with a very beautiful Church Consecrated to the Virgin Mary; 'tis a Town not very fair to outward view, but strong, ancient, and of great fame; the Archbishop of York has a stately Palace in this place.
Derbyshire.
IN Latin Darbia, hath on the East Nottinghamshire; on the South Leicestershire; on the West Steffordshire; and on the North-side Yorkshire; it resembles the Form of a Triangle, but not with equal sides. The Air is good and healthful, and the Soil rich and fertile, especially in the South and East Parts.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Derby, a fair Town, well traded and resorted, situated on the River Darwent; which on the East side of it affords to the Eye a pleasant and delightful Prospect, running down and carrying a full and chearful Stream under a beautiful Stone-Bridge; upon which formerly a fair Chappel was Erected, which is now gone to decay; it is adorn'd with Five Churches, the greatest of which named Alhallows, and Dedicated to the Memory of All Saints, is peculiarly remarkable for its lofty Spire, and the Tomb of the Countess of Shrewsbury.
2. Peak, so called from its Hills and Mountains; from this place we have our Lead and Milstones, and the Apothecaries their Antimony.
[Page 75] 3. Buxton, a Town memorable for Nine Water-springs which arise out of a Rock within the compass of Eight Yards, Eight of them are Warm, but the Ninth is very Cold; these run under a very fair square Building of Free-stone, and about Sixty Paces off receive another Hot Spring from a Well, inclos'd with Four flat Stones, called St. Anns; near unto which another very Cold Spring bubbles up: The Inhabitants report that great Cures have been effected by these Waters, and daily experience sheweth that they are good for the Stomach and Sinews, and very pleasant to Bathe the Body in. The Town is lately adorn'd with very beautiful Buildings.
We have now Surveyed the Regions of the Cornavii, who with the Coritani, Dobuni, and Cateuchlani, made the Kingdom of the Mercians; all the other Kingdoms of the Saxons Heptarchy confined upon it; it was much larger than any of the rest, but fell at last into the Dominion of the West-Saxons, [Page 86] An. 826. after that the Danes had wasted it many Years.
Herefordshire, Silures.
BEfore I treat of the other parts of England, give me leave to turn aside and to visit Wales, called in Latin Cambria, or Wallia, where the ancient Brittains had their abode; nor will it be improper, it lying adjacent to the Cornavii, that it should be spoken of in its due place, especially since the Inhabitants are now Incorporated with us into our Commonwealth.
Wales comprised in times past before the Conquest the whole Country beyond the Severr, which in the time of the Romans was Inhabited by the Silures, Dimaetae, and Ordovices; for these held not only the Twelve Shires of Wales, but those Two also beyond the Severn, viz. Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, which are now reckoned among the Counties of England; according to Ptolomy the Silures inhabited the South part, called by one Name Dehubarth, but now, Herefordshire, Radnorshire, Brecknockshire, Monmouthshire, and Glamorganshire. [Page 87] The Inhabitants are generally impatient of Servitude, very Valiant, and given to War.
Herefordia, is bounded on the East with Worcestershire and Glocestershire; on the South with Monmouthshire; on the West with Radnor and Brecknockshires; and on the North with Shropshire. This Counties Climate is healthful and temperate, and the Soil so fertile for Corn and Cattel, that no place in England yieldeth more.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Hereford, the principal City of this Shire, seated on the Banks of the River Wye, in the middle of most flourishing Meadows, and no less plentiful Corn-Fields; it was raised out of the ruins of the ancient Ariconium; 'tis encompass'd almost round with Rivers; it was Walled about in the Reign of Henry the First, who Founded in this place a most beautiful Cathedral Church.
2. Lemster, a Town famous for exceeding fine Wool.
Radnorshire.
IN Latin Radnora, hath on the North Montgomeryshire; on the East Herefordshire; on the South Brecknockshire; on the West, where [...] groweth very narrow, Cardiganshire. The Air of this Province is very sharp and Cold, and the Soil lean and barren; its riches consists chiefly in the brood of Cattel.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Radnor, the principal Town of this Shire, fair Built, after the manner of the Country, with thatch'd Houses; in times past it was fenc'd with a Wall and Castle, which are now grown to decay.
2. Prestan, a Market-Town, so fair and beautiful, that it in a manner putteth down Radnor; it is of late Years wonderfully frequented.
3. Knighton, a Town scarce inferior to Prestian; near this place is King Offa's admirable Ditch, reaching from Dee Mouth, [Page 89] up to Wy Mouth, by this Town, for the space of Fourscore and ten Miles, made by him to separate the Brittons from his Englishmen.
Brecknockshire.
IN Latin Brechinia, is bounded on the East with Herefordshire; on the South with Monmouth and Glamorganshires; on the West with Caermardhenshire; and on the North with Radnorshire. The Air is very Temperate, the whole County is full of Hills, and uneven for Travelling; but the Soil is very fertile, yielding in the Vallies both plenty of Corn and Pasture.
The Principal Town is
1. Brecknock, the Shire-Town, seated in the very heart of the Country; its Walls are strong and of good repair, it hath Three Gates for entrance, with Ten Towers for its defence; on the West side it hath a stately Castle; that it was Inhabited in the Romans time, is evident from the Coins of the Roman Emperors oftentimes digged up here.
Monmouthshire.
IN Latin Monumethia, is bounded on the North by the River Munow, that separateth it from Herefordshire; on the East the River Wye divideth it from Glocestershire; on the West the River Remney severeth it from Glamorganshire; on the South 'tis bounded by the Severn Sea. The Air is healthful and clear; the Soil is Hilly, Woody, Rich, and in all places very Fruitful.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Monmouth, the chief Town of this Province; 'tis encompassed almost round with the Rivers Munow and Wye; on the North side, where it is not defended with Rivers, it was formerly Fortified with a Wall and Ditch.
2. Chepstow, a Town situate on the side of an Hill, rising from the very River, Fortified round about with a Wall of a large Circuit; it hath a very fair Castle situate over the River Wye; the Town generally speaking is of good resort.
[Page 91] 3. Abergevenny, a Town well frequented, Fortified with Walls and a Castle; which of all the Castles in Wales (as Giraldus says) has been most defam'd on the account of Treason.
4. Newport, a Town lately Built, not unknown upon the account of its Castle, and the Commodiousness of its Harbour.
Glamorganshire.
IN Latin Glamorgania; on the South it has the Severn Sea; on the East Monmouthshire; on the North Brecknockshire; and on the West Caermardhenshire: The Air is temperate, and giveth more content to the Mind, than the Soil doth fruit or ease to Travellers.
The Principal Towns are these.
1. Cardiffe, a proper fair Town, having a commodious Haven, Fortified by a strong Wall and Castle by Fitz-Haimon; memorable it is for that Robert Curthouse, William the Conqueror's Eldest Son, being quite put by his hopes of the Crown of England, and depriv'd of both his Eyes by his Brother King Henry the First, lived until he was an Old Man in this Castle.
2. Cowbridge, a fair Market-Town well frequented.
3. Landaffe, a small City, and of as small reputation, situate somewhat low, but adorn'd [Page 93] with a Bishops's See, and a Cathedral Consecrated to St. Gelean Bishop of the place.
THese Regions which I have hitherto Describ'd, viz. of the Danmonii, Durotriges, Belgae, Attrebatii; when the Saxons Rul'd in Brittain, fell to the Kingdom of the West-Saxons; who under the Command of their King Egbert, United the English Heptarchy into a Monarchy; which afterwards, [Page 34] through the Cowardise of their Kings, soon vanished. For after this the Danes brake in upon the Northumbers, and though often Vanquished, yet being as often Victorious, they at last seiz'd on the Monarchy of England; which was sometime held by the Danes, sometimes by the Saxons, till William Duke of Normandy took it from Harold, and established the Monarchy; which hath ever since continued in a Succession of Twenty eight Princes, down to our Gracious Sovereign King William.