1598 Speculi Britan[n]iæ pars the description of Hartfordshire by Iohn Norden.

The Discription of Hartfordshire .

HARTFORDSHIRE taketh The denomination of the Shire . name of the Towne called HARTFORDE and the Towne of the passage ouer the Riuer .

The passage as ( M. Camden supposeth ) is HERVDFORDE , Vadum rubrum . Vadum ceruinum .

It may be also , both consonant to the sounde and to the nature and scituation of the place , vadum ceruinum . THE PASSAGE OF DEERE of that kinde whereof the chiefe males were ealled Hartes , in former ages : at this day Stagges . The disposition of this part of the countrie , to forrest and weldish groundes , fitte for the fostering of such kinde of wilde beastes , doth much more argue it to be HARTESFORDE , then HERVD , for THE RVDFORD . As I coniecture . Hartingfordberye .

Moreouer , not farre from the towne , is a place called HARTINGFORD , which signifieth vadumad ceruinum pratum , or ad ceruinum pascuum .

This Shire was part of that countrey where Ptolomey placed the Cattieuctani Cattieuctani : who possessed the greatest part of this Buckingham and Bedfordshires . Situs .

It hath on the East Essex , on the north Cambridshire and Bedfordshire , West and South Buckinghamshire and Middlesexe .

As touching vicecountile iurisdiction , before and long after the Sometime annexed vnto Essex , time of Edw. 3. it was annexed to Essex . And one Sheriffe supplied both Countics , as did also one Eschetor .

Concerning the Soyle : The Soyle . It is for the most part , chalkie , though the vpper cruste in the South and West parts , be for the most part of redde earth mixed with grauell , which yet by reason of the white marle vnder it , yeeldeth good wheat and oates : But of it owne nature most enclined to ●ood , and coupisses , affording also faire wayes . In the North part of the Shire , as in the hundreds of Hitche , and Oddesey , the soyle is very apt to yeeld corne , and dertie wayes , especially that part which is accompted parcell of a vayle called of the countrie men the vayle of Ring-tayle or Wring-tayle or The vayle of Ringtayle . rather Ringdale , which extendeth it selfe also into Cambridg-shire . And affordeth no small store of wheat and malte towards the prouision of London .

This Shire at this day is , and more hath beene heretofore , much repleat with parkes woodes and riuers . But for deepe feedinges or Parkes , woods & riuers . Sheepe pastures . Meadowes . large sheepe pastures , I could take notice of fewe , and they especially about KNEBWORTH the best sheepe gates within the Shire ,

Meadowes here and there , are dispersed vpon the riuers sides : But many of them colde and mossye , especially about RICKMANSWORTH . The LEA challengeth the commendation for the best meadowes , the North parte of the Shire is much vnfurnished .

To speake of the Soyle as in deede it is most generally , for my part I take it but a barraine countrie , in respecte of some other The soyle most generally barraine . Thorrowfares the cause of good markets . Shires , without the industrious toyle & charge of the thirstie husbandman .

It is much benefited by thorrow fares to and from London Northwardes , and that maketh the markets to bee the better furnished with such necessaries , as are requisite for Innes , for th' intertainement of trauaylers . And I take it ( though it be one of the least ) no one Shire in England for the quantitie commes neere it for thorow-fare places of competent receit .

The ayre for the most partis very salutarie , and in regard thereof , The ayre . many sweete and pleasant dwellinges , healthfull by nature and profitable by arte and industrie are planted there : And aboue other Shires there are many auncient Sites , houses in former ages famous , commonly called BERYES , which are in other Shires Berryes . called Halls , Courte-houses , and Mannorplaces . The most part of these BERRYES are Mannors or Lordshippes of themselues , the worde BERRYE sodem significat : a dwelling place or place of BERRY quid . aboad , inde Connie beryes , a refuge for Connyes .

But the worde Berye is often confounded with Burrough , Burye and Berge : euery of which haue their distinct significations : BVRROW Berye often confounded . Borrough , Burye , Berge , quid Beryes why decayed . The diuision of the Shire into hundreds . oppidem : BVRYE , sepulchrum : BERG , montem significat : And BERYE sometime is taken pro castro ▪ et exercitus castrametatione . And therefore in regard of the antiquitie of these Beryes , I thought it not superfluous , to obserue the most of name , and to insert them in the Mappe , though now they carrie not equall glorie in outward shewe , with som of inferiour condition : for the most part of them hauing lost their auncient Lords , or the Lords let them for so loftie rentes , as that they are sackt of their antique royalties , and bereft of their former beautie .

This Shire is deuided into 7. hundreds and ½ namely :

ODDESEY hundred , which taketh name of an auncient house called ODDESEY GRAVNGE which standeth Oddesey . neere old WATLINE-STREET , and abutteth parte on Bedfordshire , and part on Cambridgshire , and aboundeth especially with corne .

EDWINESTRE hundred bordereth vpon Essex .

BRAWGHING hundred taketh name of a parishe of that Edwinestree . Brawghing . Hartford . name , and boundeth vpon Edwinestree .

HARTFORD hundred is named of Hartford the prouincial towne of the Shire .

BROADWATER hundred , so tearmed of a little hamlet Broadwater of 2. or 3. houses neere Steuen edge .

COISHOO hundred , or CAEGSHOO , is named of Caishoo Cassij . an anncient Berye , called Caishoo-berye , de CASSIIS of a people mentioned by Caesar resident in this hundred as M. Camden affirmeth . See more of this vnder that name in the table of parishes .

DACORVM hundred , ( as I am out of doubt ) de Dacis of the Dacorum . Danes , who in this hundred , after many spoiles committed by them were ouerthrowne by Adelnulph , and Adelbalde his sonne about the yeere of Christ 8 29. And in memoriall of their ouerthrow , and stoppe of their further passage that way at that time , the place where the fight was is to this day called DANE ENDE Dacorum clades . And neere it in the highway towardes Steuen edge , are DACORVM clades . Hitch . many burials , great heapes of earth , vnder which are enterred , such as were slaine , at that conflict as may be supposed .

HITCH halfe hundred , so called of a wood called HITCH-WOOD , and not of Hitchin towne , which indeed is HITCHENDE , terminus de Hitch , and not Hitch-ing , as it is corruptly tearmed , and the hundred is HITCH-HAVLFE hundred not Hitchnie nor Hitching haulfe hundred .

This Shire is well furnished with market townes , the most of them plentifull of all thinges necessarie for the peoples reliefe : namelie .

SAINT ALBONS , which hath market on the Market townes . Saterday . BARNET on the Munday . BARKHAMSTED on the Munday . BALDOCK a little market on the Thursday . BVNTINGFORD on the Munday . BARKWAY on the Fryday . HEMSTED on the Thursday . HARTFORD on the Saterday . HODDESDON on the Thursday . HITCH-END on the 〈…〉 RYCKMANSWORTH on the Saterday . ROYSTON on the Wednesday . STORTFORD , a very good market on the Thursday SABRIDGWORTH on the Wednesday , TRINGE a little market on the Fryday . WAYRE on the Tuesday . WATFORDE on the In number 18. The Fayres for the most Fayres . part in this Shire . viz. 2 At RICKMANSWORTH on Ladie day in haruest : and on Rickmansworth , Watford the second of Iuly . 2 At WATFORD on Trinitie Munday , et per duas dies proximè sequentes , and on the decolation of Iohn Baptist. 2 At BARKHAMSTED on sainte Peters day , and sainte Barkhamsted Iames day . 1 At TRING S. Peters day . Tring 1 At HEMSTED at the day of Holie-crosse . 3 At saint ALBAN on Michaelmas day , on Th' annunciation of S. Albans . Mary , and vpon saint Albans day , which is 3. dayes after Midsommer , 1 At the PREE , called Sancta Maria de pratis , on It The Pree . is held sometime in the towne of S. Albans , or in Keyfeild neere Sop well . 3 At HITCH-END on the Wednesday in Easter weeke , on Hitch-end . Michaels day , and on S. Edw. day . 1 At BENNINGTON on S. Peters day . Bennington Hatfeild . Hartford . 1 At HATFEYLD on S. Georges day . 4 At HARTFORD on S. Iohn Baptist day , on Simon and Iudes day , on the fryday before Passion sunday , and our Lady day 4. September . 3 At BALDOCKE on S. Matthyas day , sainte Androwes day , Baldocke and on saint Matthewes day . 2 At SABRIDGWORTH on S. Georges day , and on saint Sabridgeworth . Stortforde Dionise day . 3 At STORTFORD on Michaels day , on Ascention day , and on corpus Christi day , 1 At WAYRE on the natiuitie of Marie . Wayre . Hoddesdon Royston . 1 At HODDESDON S. Peters day . 3 At ROYSTON on Ashwednesday , on the Wednesday in Whitsun weeke , and at Thomas Beckets day . At Chipping Bernet on At S. Giles on Bernet .

The deuision of the Shire .

THe Iustices of the Shire for the more ease of themselues and The Shire deuided into 3. parts the common people , haue by consent deuided the whole Shire into 3. partes or deuisions , for the determination of matters of meanest moment .

1 The first deuision is of CAISHOO and DACORVM hundreds , and for this the Iustices of that limitte meete sometime at Welwine and sometime at Steuen-edge . 2 BROADWATER and HITCH haulfe hundred meete at S. Albans . 3 HARTFORD , BRAWGHING , ODDESY and EDWINESTREE meete at Hartford or Hoddesdon .

But for matters of greatest importance the Iustices meete all at Hartford , where is also the common gaole for the Shire , and in the Hartford the Prouinciall towne and most generall place of meeting . Castle the gaole deliuerie , except onely for the libertie of S. ALBANS which both for ecclesiasticall & eiuill gouernement , hath peculiar power within it selfe , whose Iurisdiction reacheth into these parishes , namely :

S. ALBANS . wherein are parishes . S. Michaels S. Steuons . S. Peters . WATFORD . RICMANSWORTH . NORTON neere Baldocke . NEWNHAM . S. Albans libertie . RIDGE . HEXTON . WALDEN abbottes . SARRET . LANGLEY abbottes . ELSTRE or Eglestre . BVSHIE . CVDYCOT . or Casticot , of some Caudecot . SHEPEHALE . SANDRIDGE . REDBVRNE . BARNET . S. ANDROWES in S. Albans . Goole and gaole deliuerie for the libertie . The Deanrie of S. Albans , Brawghing

These haue gaole and gaole deliuerie at S Albans , 4. times in the yeere , namely the thursday after the quarter Sessions , at Hartforde , which is alwayes on the Munday .

For Ecclesiasticall gouernement , these former belong to the Diocesse of LONDON , and is called the DEANERIE OF S. ALBANS , together also with the Deanerye of Brawghing .

The rest of the Shire belongeth to the sea of LINCOLNE and conteineth the Deanries of

BARKHAMSTED . Deanries belonging to the Sea of Lincoln . Riuers . Stort . HITCH-END . HARTFORD . BALDOCK .

To speake something of the Riuers that water this Countrie , the STORT may be first mentioned , because it lyeth farthest in the East , and is the Bound betweene this Shire and Essex : But that this Shire steppeth ouer the riuer , both at Stortford , and neere Sabridgworth , and fetcheth within her limits about Stortford , the Castle of Waymore Hockerell , the parsonage of Stortford , with other thinges in Essex side , and at Sabsworth or Sabridgeforde it depriueth Essex of a house called HYDE-HALL .

Some , as I take it in tearming this Stort the STOVR are not Stour . meerely mistaken , for though the Stowrē parteth Suffolke and Essex , and riseth at STOVR-MER , the Stort riseth in Essex also neere WENDON LOWGHES and signifieth Wendod water , and beginnes to deuide the two Shires betweene Stortford and Fernham about a mile aboue Stortford : And may in deede not amisse be called Stowret , THE LESSER OR LITTLE STOWR . Stowret . And the passage ouer the riuer neere Waymore Castle is called STOWRETFORD , briefely STORTFORD , whereof the Towne taketh name , and is called STORTFORD for Stowretsord . And vnder the name of the Stowret or Stort , it maintaineth Stowretford . that deuision , till it come beneath an auncient house called the REE , where it meeteth with the LEA or LAVE , who as the The Ree . more worthie bereaues the little Stort of her title and glorie , and vnder the name of the Lea , they both in one hasten to WALTHAM ABBEY , and there bidde HARTFORDSHIRE vale , continuing her most milde course as stickler betweene Essex and Middlesex , vntill she present her selfe to famous Thames .

The LEA is the most famous Riuer within this Shire : And Lea. bringeth as it were a testimoniall of her worh from the Saxons , who entitled her LIGEAN or LIGEAM Lea water . And it may Ligean . be supposed & probably gathered , that she yeelded in those pristine ages , some prayse-worthy fruites vnto that antique nation , as her free entertainement of boates and shippes , from the Thames euen to Hartford , for the more easie entercarriage of thinges betweene London & it , though now , & many yeers past , ( as discontent ) she Boates to Hartford . hath refused that publique seruice affording onely , of late , accesse for small boates or barges to WAYRE , a benefite necessary and no way no some .

This Riuer hath many braunches , but her head first seemeth to looke into the light , not farre from an auncient house , called of the spring there , LEA-MER , corruptly LAMER , which signifieth eamer . the head , spring or well of LEA. As the Stowre which passeth betweene Suffolke and Essex , beginneth at STOVR-MER , the Stour-mer . head or spring of Stoure .

The Lea coasteth as it were through the Center of the Shire , deuiding it neere into two equall partes , and in her passage , among Whitwell . Marran . Bene. Benefician . other , she receyueth the WHITWELL riuer , whose auncient name is MARRAN . Entring the Lea west off Hartford , and betweene that and Wayre , the BENE or auncient BENEFICIAN , a riuer that riseth not farre from BEINENTON or BENINGTON increaseth the Lea , not farre from a place alluding also to that name called BENGEHOO or rather BENEHOO Benge koo . the riuer of Bene by interpretation .

A third braunch , which first riseth about Barkeway , Austie , and Buntingford , maketh way by Brawghing , and neere Bengehoo entereth the Lea.

A fourth braunch , riseth about the Pelhames , making way by the Hadhames , and East off Wayre greeteth the Lea.

The RFDBVRNE riuer riseth not farre from Flamsted an Redburne . auncient Baronie , and thence passeth by Redburne , and in her way towardes the decayes of old Verlam , it greeteth the Lady of Pree S. MARIA DE PRATIS a Nunnerie and a kind neighbor Sancta Maria de pratis . to Albans Abbey . This fall of water , was called VERLAME , as Antiquaries obserue , and thereof VEROLANIVM , and VERLAMECESTER : whereby it may be gathered that the former Flamsted where this Verlame water first appeareth , should be rather VERLAMSTED then Flamsted : Flamsted being more Flamsted for Verlamsted . fortè . easie to be pronounced , and so drowning verlam with flam , as in many wordes f. is taken for the u. consonant , and that u. for f. especially among the common people , that pronounce vather sometime for father . This Verlam riuer or the Redbourne was the foode that relieued that famous great poole which was betweene Verlamcester and Holmehurst hill where Albans towne standeth : Of which poole so many coniectures hauebeene , that it should be part of the flowing Thames , whereof is spoken hereafter in S. Albans .

This Verlame or Redburne Riuer not much belowe Albans towne , offereth her selfe to the COLNE , a riuer that there imbraceth Colne . her , and drowning both the names of Verlame and Redbourne , vsurpeth the whole ritle and glorie to her selfe , and immediatly begetteth COLNEY and COLNEY-STREET , and passing on she Colney . Colney-street visiteth WATFORD or WATLINGFORD , the auncient ruynes of Morhouse , Rickmansworth , Vxbridge and another of her begotten called COLN-EBROOKE , and so without stay shee Colnebrooke . submitteth herselfe to the Thams , the mained euouring gulfe of all these petite streames .

This riuer ere it commes to Riokemansworth deuoureth Caishoo riuer Caishoo . and another that falles out of Buckinghamshire .

Beacons or Beaukens within the Shire .

THe Steeple of S. Peters in S. Albans . Beacons .

Graueley Beacon . Tharfield Beacon . Amwell Beacon .

Hartford Towne hath long . 20. degrees and latitude 52. degrees . ⅙′ Longit. & lat. Parishes in number .

Within this Shire are 120. parishes and 15. Chappels of ease , yet in vse , some of them carrying the name of parishes . In the whole 135.

An alphabetical Table of the townes Parishes and Hamlets for the most part within the Shire .

AYOT . h. 18. called Ayot Lawrence , neere which place Adelnulph and Adelbaide his sonne gaue the Anno. 829. Danes an ouerthrow : the place to this day where they were slayne , is called DANE-END Dacorum clades . Dacorum clades .

AYOT h. 20. called Ayet Mountfitchet or little Ayot .

ALDBERIE d. 30. Villa vel aula antiqua .

ALDBERYE i. 18. eiusdem significationis .

AFFLEY e. 14.

ALDNHAM m. 18. Idem quod ALD-BERYE .

S. ALBANS . k. 18. Villa Albani . ALBANS TOWNE first founded by Offa K. of the Mercees , in perpetuall memorie of Albans towne founded . 790 ▪ or 793. Holmchurst . Dours-waldt Alban in the 33 yeere of his raigne . The Towne is said to be builded in the place where Alban was martyred , namely vpon a hill in a wood called HOLMEHVRST of Beda DOVRSWALDT : which is the wood neere the water , meaning the great Stagne , which was betweene Verlame and the place of Alban execution . Alban was a Cittizen of Verolame , and by bloud a Romane , and gaue entertainement to Amphibal at his comming to that citie . by whom he was from Paganisme conuerted to the Christian faith , Capgraue . for which he suffered as Capgraue affirmeth , whose further friuolous reportes of the miracles wrought by this holy Conuert , liuing and dead , I leaue as idle or needelesse ▪ onely it seemeth probable that such a man there was executed at that place , and for his eternall commemoration , this Albans Monasterie was founded , and consequently the towne , both consecrate to his owne name . And endowed with many large priuiledges and dayly augmented and successiuely confirmed , by the charters of many Kings of this Land The Kings auncient confirmation of charters . The Monasterie enlarged . The priuiledges of S. Albans . whereof I haue seene and read not a sewe ; signed onely signo crucis without further ceremonie of sealing .

This Monasterie hath bene enlarged by sundrie Abbots of this place , as especially by Eldred and Edmer about Eadgars time , and in Edward 3. time , who gaue the then Abbot Licentiam ad confirmardam et kernellandam Abathiam de calce et petra : in the 31. yeere of his raigne ouer England , and of his raigne ouer Fraunce the 18.

Such were the priuiledges of this place , that the King coulde make no secular officer ouer them , but by their owne consent .

They were acquitted of all Toll through England .

They made Iustices ad audiendum et terminandum , within themselues , and no other Iustice could call them for any matter out of their libertie .

They made also Bayliffes and Corroners .

No Bishoppe had any Iurisdiction to correct any person among them for any matter spirituall or temporall .

They had the execution and returne of all writs , and the goodes of all Outlawes : and that is yet continued to the Towne by the Present Priuiledges of the town graunt of Edward 6. And no man may bee impanelled out of the Towne .

They had gayle and gayle deliuerie within the towne : and the towne at this day hath the like , namely one gayle for the libertie , Gayle and gayle deliuerie . Th' incorporation . and another for the towne . For the gayle deliuerie , the Steward of the towne is alwayes in commission , but not by their Charter .

The towne is gouerned by a Maior and 10. Burgesses , a stewarde and a Chamberlaine .

There are in the towne 4. Wards and in euery Ward a Constable and 2. Churchwardens .

In the Abbey church of this place is a Font of brasse brought out of Scotland by Sir Richard Lée : as may appeare by a circumscription about the same font , as if the font did proclaime the same in it owne person in these wordes .

Cum letha oppidum apud Scotos non incelebre et Edenburgus primaria A Font brought out of Scotland . apud eos ciuitas , incendio conflagrarent , Richardus Leus eques aur atus me flammis ereptum ad Anglos perduxit . Huius ego beneficij memor non nisi Regum liberos lauare solitus , nunc meam operam etiam infimis Anglorum libenter condixi . Leus victor sic voluit . Anno Domini . M. D. XLIIII . & Henrici octaui . XXXVI .

In this Abbey church lyeth buried famous Sir Iohn Mandeuile Sir Iohn Maundeuile . liuely formed in a marble stone : whose trauayles in forraine regions and rare reportes , are at this time admired through the world .

There lie also many Nobles , who lost their liues in the conflictes Nobles buried . in and neere this towne , betweene the houses of Lancaster and Yorke .

In the North-west ende of the towne was sometime a stately castle , and called KINGSBERRIE , which is as much , as the Kingsberie castle . Kinges house or castle , for BERRYE castrum et castrametationem significat : the ruines thereof doe yet somewhat appeare , the place now supplied with a farme house . The Abbot of that place in the time of K. Stephen made suite vnto the K. to ouerthrowe and supplant the same castle , for that ( as he suggested ) Antiquis temporibus latebant quidam regales nequam homines , Abbatis minus infesti et damnosi . At whose instance the castle was forthwith ouerthrowne . A graat Meere betweene Verlame and S. Albans .

There was sometime a great Meere or stagne , betweene this towne and olde Verolamium ▪ and many haue constantly , but idlely affirmed , that the Thames hath had issue that way , and nauigable so farre , a thing meerely fabulous , though it be true , that an ancker was sometime founde there . It was indeede Stagnum maximum an ample and large fishpoole of the Kinges , and belonged to his castle of Kingsberie before spoken of : And the Kinge for his recreation , and delight lying there , did often passe by boate , to and fro within the same , according to the order of the noble men and gentlemen of Rome , who did vsually , make fayre fishpondes aboute their houses , to recreate themselues therein : and these with exceeding cost , as Marcus Varro wryteth especially of the wonderfull large and costly fishpondes of Hortentius , Hircius and Lucullus . And of these , and such other princely Romans , did these Verlame Citizens , take president for this great ponde , which comming afterwardes to the king of the land , he often tooke his repasle therein , accompanyed commonly with no smalle troupe of his nobles , and therefore the boates , were prouided of large hull , furnished with cable and ancer , that at the kings pleasure , the boate might be moared in any parte of the poole , whereby , how easie it is to loose an ancre in the meere reason may iudge , and this was the occasion of the losse , of the ancre doubtlesse that was found there , and not ordinarie recourse of shippes as some vainely suppose . And yet as Ouid sayth : & vetus inuenta est in montibus anchora summis . This fish-poole The ponde bought of the king & drained dry continued in this pryde , till the time of Alfric the seuenth Abbott of this Monastery , who bought the same of the king , and by industry and charge caused it to be drayned drie : And the more to argue it to be but a fishpoole there remayneth yet one witnesse , a streete in the towne lying towardes it called FISHPOOLESTREETE . Fishpoole streete .

If any boates in former times , came thither , they came from Staenes and vp the Colne riuer to Rickmansworth , to Watforde and so to S. Albans , but in no sence to the place where the ancre was founde , for that the fall of the water there was such as it coulde yeelde no accesse for shipping against the same . There is indeede a feilde belowe S. Albans called key feyld , and belowe Rickmansworth , a place vpon the riuer called Westhythe , which may in sort argue some such passage for boates , but for the first it may bee aswell pascuum , vaccinum a pastour for kye , or kyne , as a strande for fastening of boates or ships & more like . And Westhithe may be as wel taken for a house as for a harbour of ships . And yet these simple probabilities might worke that conceite in Gildas , who was the authour of this error .

In and about this towne , haue beene sundry battelles conflictes S. Albans spoyled . and spoyles , as in the time of Henrie 3. one Falcatius de Brent a notorious robber , with a companie of wicked persons came too this towne by night , spoyled the same and murthered many : and would haue set the Abbey on fire , But the Abbot feed him with 100 pound to depart .

This was a dangerous time when theeues and murtheres must be hyred for rewarde and not constrayned by iustice , to desist from violence and bloud .

In the same yeare it was ransackt againe by the souldiees , that went vnder the conduct of Earle Patric , Sayre and others to remoue The 2 spoile of S. Albans . the seidge of Mount Sorrell .

Moreouer , about the yeare 1455. Henrie 6. of the famelie of Lancaster with many of his nobles , at this towne mett with Richard Duke of Yorke , and his adnerentes , where the king was taken , and A batte'l at S. Albans . a great slaughter made vpon his men , euen of best accoumpt . But afterwardes within 4. yeares neere the same , at a place called by the inhabitants BERNET FEYLD but I take it rather Brentes feild , of the former Falcatius de Brent , such as stood affected to the famely of Lancaster , vnder the conduct of Margaret the Queene , mightily preuayled against the complices of the house of Yorke , to the infranchesing of the Captaiue king , and ouerthrowe of many of The 2. battel neere S. Albans . the aduerse parte .

In the middle of this towne is a crosse , verie stately erected about the yeare of Christ 1290. by Edward 1. as in many other places , in memoriall of the death and dolefull carriage of his Queene , from . Herdbie nere Lincolne where shee dyed , towardes Westminster where she was buryed .

At this place was executed that Libellor and stirrer of the commons named Iohn Ball in the time of Richard the 2. Iohn Ball executed .

The terme is sometime kept in the Abbey chutch where all places are orderly prouided for the same .

AMWELL . h. 28. which signifieth fontem amnensem a well by the riuers side .

ANSTIE . b. 30. At this place are the ruynes and deepe trenches of a stronge castle , scituate aloft on a steepe hi●l , and was called HANST-HYE castle depraecipitio . I take it of the stepenesle of it . Hanst-hye castle .

ASPENDEN . d. 24. so called eyther detremules of the Aspe trees , or for that it hath beene cauerna viperina a place of venemous wormes .

ASTON . f. 22.

ASHWELL . b. 20. fons inter fraxinos . M. Camdtn taketh it to be , that which Antoninus termth in his ltenerari MAGIOVINIVM Magiouiniū . And he prooueth it by the signification of the worde Magionirdum , chaunging only n. for u. which then signifieth a nurserie for Ashes , and so much doth the nature of the place fitly import ▪

ASHRIDGE . i. 10. Iugum fraxinium , at this place was an hermitage built by Edward Beanforde Earle of Cornewall , wherein ( so it 1291. was esteemed ) Edward 1. kept a royall Christmas . Wherein also our moste worthie and euer famous Queene Elizabeth lodged as in her owne , ( being then a more stately house ) at the iime of Wyatts 2. Elizabeth attempt in Queene Maryes dayes . And from this place she was in all post sent for to the courte , by such seuere Commissionars , that though she were then sicke , she was forced to take her iourney with them . The worthy history whereof to our perpetuall ioy , for that the high Iehouah seeing her innocencie preserued her to the regall throane , is at large set downe in our Chronicles .

This place is lately beautified by the Lord Cheyney .

BARHAMSTED . k. 8. or rather BERGHAMSTEDT villa sita inter montes BERG in the Saxon tonge is a hil , HAM a towne , and STEDT or STADT a place or seat , and the Berg quid hom quid stedt quid scituation of this place agreeth to the former interpretation .

Nere vnto this towne was a stronge castle , the ruynous walles and some buildinges thereof yet remaine . It was builded ( as M. Camden affirmeth ) by the Normans .

The Conqueror , in deede stayd there , as histories report , as he passed through the country , And thither resorted vnto him many Lordes and nobles of the Realme , At which time , it is like , he gaue Barkhamsted castle . order for the erecting of the castle , if it were not a castle when he made stay there , the beauty and strength of the castle , is now aduaunced on a loftie hill , stataly and pleasant not farre from the olde site , not holding the former forme of a castle , but is become with addition and charge a beautifull house , by Sir Edward Carry knight M. of her maiesties lewell house .

Lewes of Frauncè beseiged this castle against Henrie 3. the first yeare of his raigne , in the time of which seige certayne knightes and souldiers salied out of the castle , and depriued the aduersary of The castle beseiged . sundry pillage , and safely returned . But afterward at the kinges commaundement it was yelded vp to Lewes .

Richard king of Almane dyed in this castle who was also Earle of Cornewall , and brother to Henry 3. And Cicelie mother to Edward the fourth . And wife too the Duke of Yorke , too whome the Rich. king of Almain died castle belonged , ended her dayes in this place in the time of Henry 7. after she had seene the deserued fall of vsurping Richard ▪ who was also borne in this castle , some say at Fotheringay .

There is in the towne of Barkhamsted a fayre free Schoole built of bricke , by doctor Incent sometime deane of Paules , the stipend Ric. 3. borne A free schoole . of the Master is 20. pound per annum , of the vsher 10. pound confirmed by acte of parliament .

It is a market towne , and standeth most vpon making of malt , it hath two fayres in the yeare .

BARKHAMSTED . i. 26. or Berghamsted vt supra .

BARKEWAY . b. 28. I haue seene it in an auncient recorde BERGWANT which is as much as viain montem the way to the Berg-want . hill , it is a market towne . In Nouember last much defaced with sire .

BARLEY , a. 28 ▪ or BERGLEG ager montosus .

BARFEYLD b. 24. I haue read it in the Saxon Berȝfeldt , and signifieth the same that Bergleg doth .

BALDOCK d. 20. a market towne standing betweene the hils , little furnished with any matter of moment , onely it yeeldeth maltmakers not a few , the prayse of the place is the chalkie soyle fitte for corne .

BAYFORD i. 26.

BERNET n. 26. or BERGNET monticulus , called high Bernet of the scituation on a hill , and chipping Bernet of the market famous for cattle , there bought and sold euery munday .

BERNET n. 18 ▪ called East Bergnet .

BERNET feyld k. 16. a place vulgarly so called , but corruptly as I take it , it should be rather Brentes feyld , of that Fulcatius de Brent Brentes-feyld . spoken of before in S. Albans , who with a troupe of wicked men , about this place robbed and murthered many .

In this feyld , was the matter handled by deadly blowes , betweene Queene Margaret leading the fauourers of the house of Lancaster , Queene Margarets victorie . and the complices of the house of Yorke , & where she redeemed the king that was taken before at the battell of S. Albans , And gaue the kinges and her enemies a sound requitall .

BENINGTON e. 24. or BENIGNTON villa Benigna , eyther of the bountie of the inhabitantes , or the pleasent and profirable scituation of the place . As Blithe in the North partes de iucunditate of myrth and good fellowship .

But it may bee BENETON of a riuer called BENE , or Bene. Benefician . BENEFICIAN which riseth neere it , which carryeth greate probabilitie .

BENGEHOO h. 26. or rather BENEHOO which is rightly enterpreted the riuer of Bene , BENEHOO for Benegoe in the Germaine tongue , HOO with vs being pronounced for GOW Gow & Hoo. idem . which is in the French EAV , with vs water .

BEDMONT l. 16. a hamlet called Bedmont ponde de Stagno of the poole neere it

BELLBARR l. 24.

BIGRAVE c. 20. a parishe wherein is onely the Berye , of Mannor house and none other .

BOVRNE-END k. 10.

BOVINGDON m. 10.

BROAD-WATER f. 20. a little hamlet whereof Broad-water hundred taketh name , so called not of the continuall water for the place is commonly drie : But at great flouds the fall of the land water maketh it a great Sea .

BRAGBERG-END f. 22.

BRADFEYLD a hamlet sometime a chappell of ease nowe ecayed .

BRANFEYLD k. 24. It was giuen by one Hardewine de Sealeris and Odell his wife to th' aduancement of Albans Monastery .

BROWGHING d. 28. or BRAWGHING , A libertie hauing other members , And thereof Brawghing hundred taketh name .

BEOX-BORNE i. 30 , or BROOKES-BORNE de aqua .

BVSHIE o. 18. aptly so called de Dumis of the Bushes , and woodes there , heretofore abounding .

BVRWELL f. 24. or BVRGHWELL

BVNTINGFORD a. 26. a large hamlet and a good thorow-fare : also a market towne , standing as it is sayd in foure seuerall parishes , namely in Layston , Widiall , Throcking , and Aspenden . And hath two fayres in the yeare .

BVCKLAND b. 26. fortè de fagis .

CALK-COTE b. 18. rightly so called de creta vel calce , and signifieth cretaceam casam , a house standing in a chalkie soyle . cretacea casa .

CAISHOO n. 16. or CAEGSHO , M. Camden deriueth the name de Cassijs of a people mentioned by Caesar who had their aboad in this part as is supposed .

Caishoo should import a water , called CAIS or Caegs the name , Cassij . it may bee , of the riuer that passeth through this hundred , called CAISHOO or Caegeshoo hundred , called of Hollenshed GADES and giues name to the Gadesdens , where the riuer riseth : And so by corruption of pronunciation they call it Caishoo for Gadeshoo , Gades Gades . Cais . Gaegs . riuer or else is GADES mistaken for CAIS or CAEGS and so for Caisden or Caegsden pronounced Gadesden , for doubtlesse the riuer giueth name to Caishoo or Caegshoo , or Gadeshoo-berye .

Offa king of Mercia gaue vnto the monasterie of S. Albans , a place by the name of Caegshoo , whether it were the whole hundred Caegshoo-bery or some place else now decayed , I can not affrime . But I take it most like to be the whole hundred for that the most of it belongeth to the libertie of S. Albans .

CHIPPERS FEYLD m. 12.

COLNEY l. 20.

COLNEY-STREET l. 18 , these take name of Colney streame , which giueth name also to Colnebrooke , a towne standing both in Buckinghamshire and Middlesex .

CODERYD a. 24. or Caude-rydge iugum frigidum .

CHESFEYLD e. 20. forte CHOISFEYLD Ager delectus , for the rich scituation in so fertile a corne soyle .

CHESTON l. 30. cur non Chestin ? castanetum of chessenut trees . chestin .

CORNERHALL a hamlet so called for the suddaine turning in it from Hemsted way to Barkhamsted .

CLOTHALL d. 20.

de Carbonarijs . COLGREENE h. 24. COLLIERS-END f. 26.

COLSEHILL greene o. 8 , a hamlet of Hartfordshire , yet within Buckinghamshire foure miles from the neerest parte of Harifordshire ▪

CVMBERLOW greene d. 22. Casa frigida .

CVDICOTE g. 20. or CAVDE-COTE casa frigida .

DANE-END i. 26. terminus velclades Dacornm .

DANE-END h. 16. of these see more in the definition of the hundred DACORVM .

DIGSWELL h. 22.

DATCH-WORTH g. 22.

EAST-WIKE g. 32. vicus orientalis .

ELSTREE n. 20. in OFFAES grant EAGLESTRE

Nemus aquilinum : a place wherit may be thought Eagles bredd Nemus aquilinium . in time past , for though it be nowe hilly and heathy-it hath beene replenished with stately trees , fit for such fowle to breede and harbour in . It is parcell of the libertie of S. Albans .

EPPALETS e. 16 , or HIPPOLETTS , vulgarly PALLETS , this place was dedicate to a supposed Saint of that name , Eppalets was a good horseleach . that in his life time was a good tamer of colts , and as good a horse-leach : And for these qualities so deuoutly honored after his death , as all passengers by that way on horsebacke , thought themselues bound to bring their steedes into the church , euen , vp to the high aulter , where this holy horseman was shryned , and where a Priest continually attended , to bestowe such fragmentes of Eppolettes myracles , vpon their vntamed coltes and olde wanton , and forworne Iades , as hee had in store , And did auaile so much the more or lesse , as the passengers were bountifull or hard-handed , but he that was coy of his coyne had but a colde and counterfeite cure .

ESENDEN i. 24. or EAVSENDEN .

FLAMSTED i. 14 , It may be VERLAM-STED , a place Verlamsted . vpon the riuer Verlame for there it riseth , which of the auncients was called Verlame water , of vs Redburne streame which runnes betweene the Ruines of Verlamcester and S. Albans , Verlamsted is more tedious in pronunciation then is Flamsted , and therefore Flamsted held in vse , and soundeth locum Flamenus . And was somtime a baronie so called .

FLAVNDEN n. 10.

FINCHES-END e. 22.

GADES-DEN i. 10. or CAIS-DEN called GADES-DEN magna . It taketh name of the Riuer Gades or Cais see more of this before in Caishoo .

GADES-DEN i. 10. called Gades-den parua .

GELDS-DEN g. 32.

GRAVELEY e. 18. or GRAVESLEY terra praepositi , the Graueley cum Chesfeyld . Reeues land : Chesfeyld is annexed vnto it , and in al charges is called Graueley cum Chesfeyld .

GRAVES-END d. 32. limes prepositi the Reeues end or the bound of the precincte of the Reeues office , this officer at this day in many partes Westward is yet in force , especially in anncient demeisne Land .

HARDING h. 16. in record HARPEDEN or HARPENDEN .

HATFEYLD k. 22. or HAVTFEYLD Campus alius called Bushoppes Hautfeyld for that it did sometime belong to the Bushoppe of Elye .

It is now her Maiesties , and will bee for euer famous , for that it Queene Elizabeth . first offered forth our most worthy Elizabeth to the Regal diademe , and to receiue the triumphant cepter of this Realme , happie in her Royal Maiestie . And therefore let Hautfeyld be euer famous .

HARTFORD h. 26. after M. Camden HERVDFORD for the THE RVDFORD .

But vnder correction ( reuerenoing his iudgement ) Irather take it vadum ceruinum . HARTSFORD a passage for Deere , more Vadum ceruinum . like then Oxeford should be de vado Boum , where in deed it is Ous-ford A passage or forde ouer the Riuer Ouse , which giueth name to Owsney . More is sayd of Hartford before in the definition of the Shire .

There is in this towne a Castle neuer of great strength , buylt as The castle is thought by Edward 1. and much increased by the houses of Clare and Lancaster , and is at this day accompted parcell of the Duchie of Lancaster .

Rogerus de Clare was created Earle of this place in the time of Roger de Clare . Henrie 2.

The Castle and Towne standeth vpon the Lea , which is sayde to Passage for Shippes . haue yeelded passage for shipping euen to the walles of the Castle , which I dare , neither to affirme or denie , hauing seene no record to prooue the one or impossibilities for the other , more is sayde of the Lea and of the passage for ships , before in handling the Riuers .

This Towne hath beene of greater state , estimation and beautie then now it is , And had foure parish churches ; namly S. Michaells , & S. Maryes decayed , onlie All Saintes and S. Androwes stand .

It hath beene most rob-d of her glory , by Wayres aduancement The cause of Hartfords decay . The corporation . which since the turning of the high way through it hath flourished more and more , and this dayly withered .

It hath a corporation , a Bayliffe , elcuen Burgesses , and a Sergeant , the gayle for the Shire is in this towne , and the gayle deliuerie in the castle , and vpon occasion , namely when the sickenes visiteth London , the terme for the most part is kept here in the castle , to the The terme . great reliefe of the poore towne .

It hath market Saterday , and 4. fayres in the yeare .

HARTINGFORD-BERY h. 24 whereof see in the definition of the Shire .

HAVT-WICK c. 24. de alto situ .

HADHAM f. c2 called Hadham magna where the Bishop of London hath an auncient house .

HADHAM c. 32. called Hadham parua .

HADHAM c. 30. called Hadham on ash a hamlet , standing on a brooke of that name .

HEMSTED k. 12. or Hempsted locus cannabinus forte of hempe . Etheldred graunted it to the monasterie of S. Albans by the name of HENAMSTED .

HENXWORTH b. 20.

HYDE o. 12. called West-hide or hithe .

HIGH-STREET l. 14.

HITCHING c. 16 or HITCHINE more rightly HITCH-END , because it lyeth at the end of a famous wood called HITCH Hitch wood of which also the hundred of Hitch , called HITCH HAVLFE HVNDRED taketh name , and not of the towne which is quasi terminus the vtter edge or end of that woode , though time haue extinguished that parte of the woode , which laie towardes the towne .

It cannot be Hitch-ing which soundeth de pratis , vnlesse it bee in that sence , as Lucus is a thicke wood de lucendo of yelding light being altogether darke . So Hitchinge of meadow ground because it hath no meadowe , and yet standeth in a valley betweene the hils .

The towne is the Queenes , and a very bountifull corne Market .

It is gouerned by a Bayliffe , and foure Constables , whereof two are called for the towne , and two for the forraine .

In the towne is made great store of Malt.

About the towne is a kinde of chalke , which they call Hurlocke a Hurlock . stonie Marle , more fit to make lime then to soyle the grounde , yet beeing mixed with a more fragile and gentle Marle , which also aboundeth there , they find it very helpfull to their corne feilds .

HITCH-WOOD f. 16 ,

HILL-END h. 16.

HIGH-BRIDGE o. 16 a bridge neere Moar house ouer Colney streame .

HOW-END g. 18. or HOO-END the head of the Riuer .

HIGH-CROSSE f. 26 ▪

HORMEADE c. 28. or HORMEHEAD magna as the head of the riuer or brooke so called .

HORMEAD c. 28. or HORME-HEAD parua .

HODDESDON i. 30. a market towne and a thorow fare from the north partes to London .

HOCKERELL c. 36. a little hamlet belonging to Stortforde on Essex side but in Hartfordshire .

HVNSDON i. 32. This place giueth vnto the R. Ho. Syr George Carey knight , nowe Lord Chamberlaine to her Ma. the title of BARON of HVNSDOD . It is an auncient house , and lately begunne Baron of Hunsdon . to be inlarged with a stately gallery , fayre lodginges and offices , by the right honourable . Hen. late Baron of the same place , and in his life time , also Lord Chambersaine to her Maiestie .

HICKLINGFORD d. 16. of some HITCH-INGFORD of some ICKLINGFORD .

ICKLINGFORD vide Hicklingforde .

KENSWORTH h. 12.

KELSHVLL b. 24 ▪ in record KELSWALDE .

KNEBWORTH g. 20.

KEMPTON g. 16. or KIMETON .

KINESBVRNE k. 14 or KINESBOVRN of the riuer so Kime riuer . called whose head is neere it .

LAYSTON c. 26.

LANGLEY m. 12. called KINGES-LANGLEY .

At this place Richard 2. and Queene Anne his wife , with manie Richard 2. buried Edmond of Langley . of their nobles kept a Royall Christmas . And when the king decea sed he was buryed in the church there , But afterwardes hee was remoued to Westminster by Henrie 5. At this house Edmond Duke of Yorke was borne , and thereof called Edmond of Langley , where also he was buried and many other of that famelie .

LANGLEY m. 14. called ABBOTESLANGLEY .

LANGLEY f. 18.

LADWELL d. 16.

LEVESDEN m. 16.

LETCHEWORTH d. 18.

LONGE MEERSTON i. 4. So called for that it is terminus extremus huius Hartfordiensis agri .

LVLLEY f. 12. or rather Low ley , de solo depresso , of the lowgroūd

MAGIOVINIVM see Ashwell .

MARKAT h. 13. corruptly so called for MER-GATE which is Scatebra an issue or outgate of water called in Sussex and Surrey a Bourne that breaketh out of the earth , at sometimes , A Bourne . foregoing ( as hath beene obserued ) some dismall accident as yelding teares for the euils to come , And of all men held malum omen and this is termed WOMERE , a water presaging sorrowe to Womere . Malum omen . come ▪ as in the time of Edw. 4 when it brake forth 19. February & ran till the 14. of Iune following , But for these kind of waters some willyeeld natural reasons of the cause , but for my part I will not deny but some diuine mistery may be hidden therein .

MICHAELS k. 16. called S. Michaels neere S. Albans .

MYMS l. 22. called North Myms .

MEERSTON vide Longe Meerston .

MVNDON e. 26. called MVNDON furniuall and great MVNDON .

MVNDON e. 26. called Mundon frewell and litle Mundon .

MVNKES-WOOD f. 22.

NAST-HIDE k. 20.

NORTH-CHVRCH k. 8.

NORTON c. 10.

NEWN-HAM c. 20. villa noua .

NORTH-HALL l. 26. corruptly for North-haw nemus boreale . The famous and rightly honourable Henrie Earle of Warwick deceased , there raised a stately house from the ground , and contriued it in verie beautifull order , gracing it with delightfull gardens and walkes with sundrie other pleasant and necessary deuises , now held and possessed by that moste vertuous his Lady , the Countisse of Warwick .

NEW-GATE-STREET k. 26. derianoua .

ODDESEY See the definition of Oddesey hundred .

PERITON d. 14. or PIRTON .

PREE k. 16. or the Prey called Sancta Mario de pratis , of the meadowes , and was a house of Nunnes a sweete neighbor to the Munckes of S. Albans .

PVNCHIN-END k. 10.

POTTERS crowche l 16.

PVCKERIDGE e. 28. a thorowe fare , called of Lealande PVLCHER CHVRCH . Pulcher church .

PELHAM c , 32. called Stoken Pelham .

PELHAM b. 30. called Pelhamarsa , burnt Pelham , some fragmentes doe yet appeare of the foundations of sundry buildinges , which were consumd by that fire , wherofit taketh the adiuncte arsa .

In the walles of this church lyeth a moste auncient monument , A monument a stone wherein is figured a man , and about him an Eagle , a Lyon , and a Bull hauing all winges , and a fourth of the shape of an Angel , as if they should represent the foure Euangelistes : vnder the feete of the man is a crosse Flourie , and vnder the crosse a Serpent , he is thought to be sometime the Lord of an auncient decayed place , wel moated not farre from this place called SHONKES .

PELHAM c. 30. called PELHAM furnix .

All these Pelhams seeme to take name de scatebris , of the pells and Pelham vndedicta . water springes , which abound about and within them .

PVTNHAM i. 4. It signifieth a towne of welles and water springes .

REDBVRNE i. 14. aquarubra .

Before the Conquest by the Normans , it did belonge to the Abbey of S. Albans , and at that generall spoyle and confusion of thinges it was taken away , and Lanfranck being afterwards Archbishoppe of Canterbury wrought the restauration of it againe , about the beginning of Rufus raigne . 1089.

This Church was defaced and spoyled , with many other there aboutes in the time of Henrie 3.

At this place were founde the reliques of Amphiball , who is saide The reliques of Amphiball . to be the instructour and conuertour of Alban from Paganisme , of whose reliques such was the regard , that the Abbottes of the monastetie of Alban had , that they should be deuoutly preserued , that a 1366. decree was made , by Thomas then Abbott , that a pryor and three munckes should be appointed to this holie function , whose allowance in those dayes amounted yearely to 20. pound or vpwardes , as much as three hundred pound in this age . Such was the price and Seca deuotio . estimation of the lothsome reliques of dead mens bones .

RADWELL c , 18.

RICKMANSWORTH o , 14. or Rich mans worth I haue redd it Rickmersford And as I take it the truest title , for that in former ages the d was pronounced th as at h for ad quoth for quoth and forth for forde , and so for Richmansforde is pronounced Richmansforth , not Rickmansworth .

It standeth in a lowe grounde watered on all sides , yet not highly to be commended for great fertiletie , for the lowest and best meadowes are but a blacke moarish earth colde and mossie , for the most parte , And the higher groundes especially on the north side of the towne stonie and barraine , king Ethelred graunted it to the monasterie K. Ethelred of S. Albans by charter .

It is a market towne but of no great repayre .

The towne is gouerned by two constables and two headborowes .

ROYSTON a , 24. Roisiae oppidum , Royes town , this Royes about the time of king Stephen , was Countisse of Norff. and erected a crosse of stone in the high way , where Royston now standeth . And the place was called CRVX ROISIAE , Roys crosse , and vnder that name Crux Roisiae . t continued vntill Eustachius de Marke built a cloyster there . And from that time it began to be more and more peopled , and to be furnished with houses and Innes . And Rich. I. made it a market towne Made a market . now famous for corne , standing in a very plentifull soyle : And is a verie fitte receptacle for traueilers that from the North partes haue recourse to London .

The towne was almost consumed with fire in the time of Henry the fourth .

In the time of Henrie 6. such was the plentie of corne , that in this Wheare tweluepéce the quarter place the best wheare was sould for twelue pence the quarter , three halfe pence the bushell .

The price was not then so lowe as it is now aloft , for it is at this present in the same place at eight shillinges the bushell .

RIDGE m , 22. de iugo of the hill or Ridge wheron it standeth

REED b , 26. de loco arundinoso .

RVSHDEN c , 24. vallis Scirpina a lowe rushie ground .

SARRET n , 14. It was granted by Ethelred , to S. Albans by the name of SYRET .

SANDON c , 24. mons arenosus . It belongeth to Paules .

SANDRIGE k , 18. It diffreth not in signification from Sandon .

SAWCOMBE f , 26.

SABS-WORTH f , 34. or SABRIDGE-FORDE a market Towne , standing neere the Stort .

SLEPES HIDE k , 20. a little hamlet .

SHENLEY m , 20.

SHEEPES HALE f , 22. Ager ouibus salutaris .

SPELBROOKE e , 34.

STEPHENS l , 16. called S. Stephens neere S. Albans .

STEVEN-EDGE e , 20. or STEPHEN-EDGE , de accliuitate of the steepe standing of it on the edge of a hill , of some Steuen-haut or Stepen-haut .

The principal parte of this towne is from the church . ½ . mile , and is a pretie thorrow fare .

There hath beene in time past a market .

It is a libertie and belongeth to the Bishoppe of London , hauing A libertie pillory and gallowes within it selfe , but howe farre the power for execution extendeth , mihi latet .

STAPLEFORD g , 24. or STABLEFORD .

STANDON e. 28. or STENEDON mons saxosus there is a free Schole for the towne , the stipend yet in suspence , the Fishmongers A freeschole of London contribute twentie pound vt ferunt .

STANSTED h , 32. or STENSTEDT locus glariatus of the grauely soyle , called Abbotes Stansted .

STANSTED h , 32. in time past called Le Veyle , nowe Olde Lee veyle Stansted and corruptly Stansted Theele .

STORTFORD e , 34. so called of the passage or forde ouer the Riuer Stort .

There is neere this towne , on the east side of the riuer a little ruynous Waymore castle . castle , called the Castle of Waymour standing in an Iland , vpon a little firme artificiall mount verie steepe and though of small circuit , yet in former dayes stronge , within it is a dungion deepe and darke , called the Conuictes pryson , arguing some great priuiledges in Conuictes prison . Giuen by William the Conqueror time past to belong thereunto .

William the Conqueror gaue both the towne and the Castle to the Bishoppe of London , and to this day it belongeth to that Sea , and thereof is called Bishoppes Stortforde .

The towne standeth on the side of a hill , declyning towardes the riuer , And some fruitefull groundes are about the same .

It hath market on the Thursday and three faires in the yeare .

SVLLONIACA n , 22. the ruynes of an olde cittie or famous place , mentioned by ANTONINVS in his Itenerary , which he placeth twelue miles a Longidinio from London , and nine miles a verolamio a citie sometime neere S. Albans : And where others haue heretofore placed this Sulloniacae at Chipping Barnet , regarding onely the foresayde distances M. Camden by dilligent obseruation hath founde that it should stand vpon Brokeley hilles West of Bernet , wherby I being occasioned made inquisition thereof in my trauaile , and was informed of the place where these snpposed ruynes appeare , namely some fragmentes of the scituation of some decayed buildings , where sundry peeces of Romish coyne haue beene taken vp , as was informed me . This place indeede neere agreeth with the former distances of Antoninus , and standeth east of a regall auncient highway called Watlingstreet or via consularis .

THOMAS Chappell c , 14. called S. Thomas chappell .

TEWING h , 22. or TWEY-ING de binis pratis .

TRINGE k. 6. a little market towne on the Fryday .

THROCKING c , 24.

THVNDREDGE f , 28.

THORLEY f , 34. or THORNLEY terra spinosa .

TOTTER-EDGE f , 28. parcell of the hundred of Broadwater yet eight miles from the neerest parte of that hundred . Londoners haue much beautified this place with their neat buildings .

TWO-WATERS i , 13. a little hamlet so called de binis aquarum fluctibus , of the two riuers that meete there .

VEROLAMIVM k , 18. the ruynes of a most auncient citie called of the Britons Cair Maricipit , Cair Municip , Cair Watteline of Ptolomey Verolanium , of the Saxons ƿerlamcester 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a Citie vpon the riuer Werlame or Verlame .

This auncient decayed Citie seemeth at this day to publishe her pristine state and strength , on the west side of S Albans , by the reliques of her defensiue walles , And at this day although Seges sit vbi erat Werlamcester , yet the sundry Roman coyns tumbled out of their Romane coyne . obscure denns , by the painefull plough , doe , as it were , proclaime vnto vs , so many hundred yeares after her fall , that it is no fable that is written of her antiquitie .

The brasse monies whereof I haue much but seeme farre more , Import the antique names , and pictures , not only of sundry Emperors , but of some of their Empresses also : which in those ages swayd the Romane monarchie , which argueth it to bee quondam , CAIR MVNICIP or Municipium , a citie , enfranchized and endowed , Municipium quid . not only , with the ayde of the Romans by mony , but with their Romishe priuiledges also , the inhabitantes , for the most part being of the auncient britishe line : who deseruing well at the handes of the Romans ▪ were made Municipes as it were free denizens of Rome , hauing their Lawes orders and officers , free among them , permitted to liue vnder their ayde and protection , vntill through the fury The subuersion of Verlame . of the Saxons and Danes it was sackt and subuerted , and of a hautie citie made an heape of stones , which as a Caos layd afterwards long smothered in the ashes of her owne rubble and ruynes , without regard , what it was or had beene . At length one Eldred Abbot of the Eldred searched the ruynes of Verlame . new Monasterie of S. Albans , coueting to aduance the state of his monasticall sea , began to embowell this ruynate heape , to search what curious conceites , hee might finde to beautifie S. Albans sell. And founde in short time great varietie , of stone worke of sundrie kindes , and pillers of mettall as of Brasse , and Latton , towch and Allablaster . All which laide in heapes Eldred beheld to his no small ioy , but imploide them not according to his purpose intended , for death preuented him : But as curious a searcher as hee succeeded him one Eadmere , who had both a will and workemen , to sound further Eadmere continued the search . An argument of Verlams paganisme . into the bottome of this vnknowne gulfe , not ceassing till hee saw the very entrayles of this confused Caos , in whose most hiddenvautes , he found sundry Idolls , and aulters not a fewe , superstitiously adorned for the honour of these vnknown gods of the Pagans , some of these Idols were of pure golde , some of other metall , and withall he founde great store of housholde stuffe , and other thinges witnessing the glory both of the citie and the cittizens of the same . Besides sundry pottes of gould , brasse earth , glasse and other mettall , Pottes with ashes of the dead . some frawght with the ashes of the dead , some with the coyne of the auncient Britons and Romane Emperours . And in a stone were found certayne Brytish bookes , whereof one imported the historie of Albans martyrdome .

In the ruynous walles of this Citie groweth licoras . Licoras .

There are within the walles at this day the ruynes of an olde church called S. Germans . S. Germans .

The cause why it was called of the Brytons CAIR WATTELINE was an auncient high way , begun by Dunwallow and finished by Guitheline , called as some thinke GVITHELINSSTREET corruptly WATTELINE-STREET which cam Watteline streete . by this citie from Douer leading Northwards .

About 70. yeares paste this high way , was founde at this place ( though mentioned in historie many years before ) 18. foote broad and 10. foote deepe , now almost leuell with the feyldes as is also the Citie .

Tantum aeui longinqua valet mutare vetustas . Virgil. Plato .

And as Plato sayth .

Aeuum cuncta rapit furtiuaque tempora mutant . Naturam sortem nominaque & faciem .

Alban was a citizen of this cittie , and being hoste vnto Amphiball Albana citizen of Verlame . became conuerted , from paganisme to the knowledge of Christ , and for the same was condemned and suffered , as is set downe before in S. Albans .

WALDT-DEN f. 16. called kinges Walden , vallis siluestris the woody deane .

WALDT-DEN f. 18. called Walden S. Paul .

WATFORDE o. 16. cur non WATELINEFORDE for that the Watteline-streete crosseth the Colne nere this place , and Wat telineforde . so coasteth to old Verlame as is sayd before .

This towne hath market on the tuesday well repleat with country necessaryes , and hath two fayres in the yeere .

There is an almes house erected by the Ladie Bryget Countisse of Bedford .

WALK-HORNE c. 22. or Wake-hurne .

WALLINGTON c. 22. de aquarum scatebris .

WATTON f. 24. called Watton at stone .

WARE h. 26. or WAYRE de Cataractis of the wayres and water stoppes nere it , rather then de Mercimonijs as some will haue wayre drowned . it of wares or marchandize , It was drowned in anno 1408. by the great inundation of waters that from the vpland passe by the town , and since , and before , there was great prouision made by wayres and slcuces , for the better preseruation of the town , and the grounds belonging vnto the same .

It began to bee moste famous in king Iohns time , in the furious when it began to be famous . broyles of the Barons , for being then but a hamlet of small moment the high way towardes the North partes , was laid through it by the meanes of the Lord de Wake , and by little and little by that meanes , increased and much obscured , auncient Hartford .

Edward the first gaue first order and direction for the founding of Frst founded . it about anno 914.

WAADESNELL g. 28.

WALTHAM crosse m. 30 , or WALDT-HAM de cruce of the crosse which Edward 1. erected in memoriall of his Queenes death , and conveyance of her corpes from the place where she dyed to westminster .

WALSWORTH d. 16.

WATTELINE-STREET See Verolamium ▪

WAYMORE Castle See Stortford .

WESTWIKE k. 14. vicus occidentalis in regard of Eastwike before mentioned .

WELBERIE k. 14. called also welles , of the springe called Owghton head .

WESTON d. 20.

WESTMILL d. 26.

WHEATHAMSTED i. 18. locus frumentarius inde Ioannes de loco frumentario , famous in the time of Henry 6.

WILSTERNE k. 4.

WIGGINGTON k. 6.

WHITEWELL i. 8. fons albus a hamlet that giueth name to the riuer that ryseth there , and passeth by Welwine Digswell , &c. and so to the Lea.

WHORWELL a decayed hamlet in Kelshull parish , furnished in time past with many howses .

WYMLEY l. 18. or WIMONELEY magna , where are the ruines and ditches of a castle which did sometime belong to the fitz-Taeces .

WYMLEY e. 18. or wimonly parua .

WILLION d. 18.

WYDYALL c. 28. of some Wythiall of some Wiggell .

WIDFORD g. 30. or-WYDEFORD so rightly termed de vado spatioso .

Wood-greene l. 30.

WORMELEY k. 30.

YARDELEY d. 24. belonging to Paules .

An Aphabetical Table of the Houses , and Anncient Beryes of name for the most part in Hartfordshire , according to the vulgar names . A. ANsaberie . f. 18. Alsewike . d. 28. Abbottes-berye . a. 28. B. BEeche-woode . h 12. Bournehall . n. 16. Beamondes k. 18. Bibswell . h 18. Broket-hall . i ▪ 20. Bersted , m. 10. Bedwell parke k. 24. Beachames . c. 26. or Beauchampe . Bigging . b 28. Bartrames . f. 28. Bace . k. 30. called le Base . Briggens h. 32. Bleakswayre g. 30. Beaches . b. 32. C. CHandoys . l. 12. Casio-berie . n. 16. vide definitionem Centuria CAISHOW . Corney-berye . d. 26. Coken-hatche . a. 28. Cassalberie . f. 28. D. DArnells . d , 20. F. FRyers . e. 28. G. GRoue . n. 14. Gorehamberie . k. 16. Gowr-ham , or Guer-hambery . A house raysed from the foundation by the right worthie Syr Nicholas Bacon knight deceased , sometime Lord keeper of the great seale of England to our most mighty Queene Elizabeth , who for his excellent vertues and rare wisedome liueth yet , in honorable memory amongst the most honorable . Gubhyns l , 24. Saint Gyles . l. 28. H. HIde . k. 14. High - ouer . d. 16. Harpesfeyld-hall . k. 20. Hatfeyld-wood-hall . i. 22. Holmeley . e. 22. An auncient decayed place , sometime famous as appeareth by the ruynes . Hide-hall . c. 24. Holwell . i. 24. Haley . h. 28. Hetesham-hall . c. 32. or Hetcham hall . K. Kinges-wood-berie , d. 22. An auncient place , sometime dowble moated . L. THe Lea. m. 16. Laomere . h. 18. or Leamere . A house very auncient standing not farre from the heade of famous Lea riuer , it is corruptly called Lammer . Ludwike hall . i. 24. M. MIchelfeyldhall . o. 12. Mayden crofte . c. 16. Mereden . h. 24. Minsing-berye . a. 26. Mutforde . c. 28. Mattockes . g. 30. N. NEw-barne . l. 18. New fells . 3. 28. New-hall . g. 28. New-place . g. 32. O. ODdesey-graunge . b. 22. Thereof doth Oddesey hundred take name . Owles . d. 28 , P. PVtteridge . f. 14. Penley . k. 6. Pansanger . h. 24. Popes . k. 24. Potterells . l. 24. Punsbourne . k. 26. Pissoberie . f. 36. Patmere hall . d. 32. Q. QVickswood . d. 22. Quenberye . d. 28. R. ROse hall . m. 12. Romerwike . e. 14. Itlyeth within Bedfordshire , but is of Hartfordshire . Ricknesse . g. 26. Reuells . g. 26. Redgewells . c. 28. The Rye . i. 32. or le Ree . S. SHandoyse vide Chandois . Sincklees . o. 18. Sopwell . l. 18. Salsberie . m. 20. The Seale . h. 26. Lee seele Satrydge . f. 28. Shingle hall . f. 34. T. THibauldes . l. 30. or Theobalde , A most stately house erected from the firste foundation by the right honourable Syr William Cicill knight , Lord Theasoror of England . To speake of the state and beuty thereof at large as it deserueth , for curious buildinges , delightfull walkes , and pleasant conceites within and without , and other thinges very glorious and ellegant to be seene , would challenge a great portion of this little treatise , and therfore , least I should come shorte of that due commendation that it deserueth , I leaue it as indeed it is , a princely seate . Temple . g. 26. Temple . e. 16. Tittenhanger . l. 20. Tannys . d. 24 Tunwall . g. 26. Tidnhamberie . f. 34. V. VPhall . c. 28. W. WElde . m. 20. or Weldt Woodhall . f. 24. Waterforde hall . h. 26. Widborow-hill . k. 28. White-barnes . e. 30.

Many other houses and beries , there are within this Shire , but for that they haue no known proper names , but termed of the parishes wherein they are , as Langley bery , North hawe , and such like . I haue omitted the mencioning of them in this catalogue , being easelie found by the table of parishes , with reference to the places wherein they may be found in the mappe , though without further name added vnto them , then the name of the parish wherein they stand , which doth sufficiently distinguish them .