CHAP. I. The Design of the Work .

THE Rooms of the House being described by others , 't is my intention to describe the Furniture , viz. the Commodities , with the Persons of Quality , &c. of the several Shires of England . But it may be asked Cui bono ? To what good end ? I Answer . 1. To gain some Glory to God . 2. To preserve the Memories of the Dead . 3. To present Examples to the Living . 4. To entertain the Reader with Delight . 5. To procure some honest profit to my self .

The matter is either Real , viz. The Commodities and Observables of every County , or Personal , the Characters of those worthy Men , who were Natives thereof .

CHAP. II. The Real Topicks insisted on , in the Respective Counties .

1. THE Native Commodities ; Of which , if any be general to all England , it is entered in that County where there was the first , or else the most and best of that kind . 2 The Manufactures , Admirable for Rarity and Variety ; Of which , such as are not properly Natural , but Mixed , are promiscuously placed . 3 Medicinal Waters , Wonderful for Colour , Tast , Odour , Sound , Heat , Weight , Motion and Effects . The last is proper for my Pen. 4. The Wonders , or Rarities , which are Transient or Permanent . The Wonders of England are as considerable for kind as those of other Countries . 5. The Buildings ; of which the Churches are most admirable . 6. Local Proverbs , and there are Six essentials of a Proverb , that it be Short , Plain , Common , Figurative , Ancient and True . I have only insisted upon the most considerable Local Proverbs , that suggest to us some Historical Hint , and have declined all such as are Narrow , Frivolous , Scurrillou● and Scandalous . 7. Medicinal herbs , which if rare and very useful are placed next the Medicinal Waters , in the respective Counties .

CHAP. III. Of the first Quaternion of Persons .

Viz. 1. Princes since the Conquest . 2. Saints , who generally may be divided into those of Fiction , Faction , Superstition , or Real existence . 3. Martyrs . 4. Confessors .

FOr the First , I take notice of the Legitimate Issue ; as to Saints , I am sorry that the Lives of some of them , are so darkened with Needless , if not False Illustrations , to their Dishonour , and the Detriment of Church History , which has arisen from the Ignorance or Disingenuity of the Writers of their Lives , or for want of true matter , or for hope of gain , or lastly for this , that they saw it pleased the People . Whence it is true , what Melchior Canus says , Lib. 11. c. 6. I speak it to my grief that the Lives of the Philosophers are more gravely Written by Laertius , than Saints are by Christians . Our Catalogue contains only English Saints , wherefore Anselm is left out as being a French-Man , since whom the Pope has been very sparing to confer the Honour of Saintship ; because , the multitude of Saints , abates Veneration , and would overcharge the Calender , that already labours with the Sacred burden ; besides the charge of Canonization is great , and his Holiness unwilling to bestow it gratis ; and lastly , Protestants shrewdly suspect that some unworthy Persons have been served with the Dignity by that Servant of the Servants of God , therefore none are Canonized while their Memories are on the Must , immediately after their Deaths , before the same be fined in the Cask , with some competent time . As to the third , viz. Martyrs , who have lost their Lives for the Testimony of a fundamental Truth ; those our Land hath produced , are either Brittains , who suffered under Dioclesian , or Saxons Massacred by the Danes , or lastly English Martyred by the Papists , since the year 1400. I shall treat of the last , the two former being done already . For the last , viz. Confessors , they are such who have lost all but Life , for the truth , and escaped Martyrdom very narrowly ; who were as Wax , ready for the Signature of Death ; But , Threatned folks Live long , yea threatned Elijah by Gods Miraculous Providence , never died .

CHAP. IV. Of Popes , Cardinals and Prelates , before the Reformation .

THere have been four Popes Englishmen , and but six Germans , tho Germany be five times bigger then England , which boasts of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury , formerly accounted Pope of England . As for Cardinals , they were anciently no more then Curats , made by Bishops , as well as by the Pope . For , there were founded , anciently , in the Church of St. Pauls , two Cardinals chosen by Dean and Chapter , out of the twelve petty Cannons , whose Office was to look to those of the Quire , to give the Eucharist , to the Minister of that Church and his Servants , to hear Confessions , appoint Penance , and to commit the Dead to convenient Sepulture , and two of them lie buried in the Church of St. Faiths .

This Custom of Cardinal-making was in many other Countries , but afterwards , was appropriated to Rome , where they are divided into Bishops , who are Assessors with the Popes Priests , who are Assistants , and Deacons , Qui serviunt Servo Servorum Dei , who are Attendants on his Holiness . The Bishops are seven , viz. Bishop of 1 Hostia , 2 Sabine , 3 Porto , 4 Alba , 5 Preneste , in which three last places , these Englishmen respectively have been Bishops , viz. R. Kilwardby , Nic. Breakspeare , Bernar. Anglicus , and Sim. Langham . 6 Rufine , 7 Tusculane . Cardinal Priests are accounted twenty eight , amongst whom Steph. Langhton was Card. of St. Chrysogon , An. 1212. Tho. Woolsey of St. Cecily , 1515. John Morton , of St. Anastasia , 1493. Will . Alan of St. Martin in the Mount , 1587. Ancherus , 1261 , and Chr. Bambridge , 1511 , of St. Praxis Boso , of St. Crosses Jerusalem , 1156. Rob. Curson , 1211 , and Rob. Summercote , 1234 , of St. Steph. in Mount Celius . Th. Bourchier , of St. Cyriacus in the Baths . Rob. Pullen , of St. Eusebius , 1144. Boso , of St. Puntiana , 1160. John Fisher , of St. Vitalis , 1535. Of Cardinal Deacons , there are sixteen , whereof Boso was the only Englishman , and Card. of St. Cosmus and Damian . Their habit is Scarlet .

Pope Paul II. made it Penal , for any beneath their Order , in Rome , to wear a Red hat . The Cardinal-Bishops took place of the Emperour before his Coronation , and of other Kings . The Popes were to be chosen by , and out of that Order . The Cardinal-Deacons were oftentimes elected to the Popedom before the Cardinal-Priests . There is at this day , a Brother of the late Duke of Norfolk enjoys the Title and Dignity of Cardinal . 'T is alledged by some that Englishmen being of a different Religion from his Holiness , and in a manner , exiles abroad , and not furnished with sufficient Estates , are therefore seldom honoured with that Dignity , which has been fatal to several Englishmen ; for Card. Mackelsfield was buried four Months before his Cap was brought him ; Card. Sertor died in Italy in the juncture of time , inter pileum Datum & Susceptum . Card. Fisher , when his Cap was come to Calis , had his head strucK off at Tower-Hill . Card. Somercot was Poysoned , in the Conclave , to prevent his Election to the Popedom . Card. Evosham was sent the same way , on the same occasion . Card. Bambridge was Poisoned at Rome , by one of his Servants , being an Italian .

As for Prelates , the Catalogue shall begin about the time of King H. 3. And continue to the 1. El.

CHAP. V. Since the Reformation .

SUch Prelates are the same with the last mentioned in Title , but not in Tenure ; in Dignity , tho not in Doctrine , holding their Places of the King , and professing the Protestant Religion , these Hundred and thirty years . Amongst these many are allowed , even by Malice it self , for their Living , Preaching and Writing , to have been the Champions of Truth , and Vnity , verifying the Observation of Forreigners , That the Clergy of Brittain is the Glory of the World . These Prelats we digest in five Companies , under their respective Arch-Bishops . 1 Arch-Bishop Cranmer's . 2 Arch-Bishop Parker's . 3 Arch-Bishop Whitgift's . 4. Arch-Bishop Abbot's 5. Arch-Bishop Juxton's , whose Chairs were shaken , in the late Troubles . I know the Man , to whom Mr. Charles Herle , ( President of the Assembly , ) said , somewhat insultingly , I tell you news , last Night I buried a Bishop ( dashing more at his Profession then Person ) in Westminster Abby , to whom the other replyed , Sure you buried him in hope of Resurrection .

CHAP. VI. Of States-men .

UNder this head I intend to Write of those who have been , by their Princes Favor preferred to the Offices and Dignities of Lord Chancellor , Lord Treasurer of England , Lord Admiral of England , Secretary of State , to whom some Lord Deputies of Ireland are added . The word Chancellour is derived by some , à Cancellendo , from Cancelling things amiss , and mitigating the rigour of the Common Law by the Rules of Equity . The Chancellour is the highest Officer of the Land , and his Jurisdiction is either ordinary in the exercise of which he is to proceed , according to the Laws and Customs of the Realm ; or Extraordinay , and as to this he proceeds Secundùm Aequum & Bonum , in the Court of Conscience , where three things are to be judged , Covin , Accident , and Breach of Confidence , Cook , Jurisd. of Courts . He also keeps the Great Seal . As for the Antiquity of the Office , King Ethelred appointed the Abbot of Elye , Quatenus Ecclesiam de Elye , extunc et semper , in Regis Curia Cancellarii ageret Dignitatem , which albeit it was void in Law to grant the Chancellourship in Succession , yet it proveth that then , there was a Court of Chancery . The Lord Keeper is in effect the same with the Lord Chancellour : save that some will have the Lord Chancellors Place , ad terminum Vitae , and the Lord Keepers , ad placitum Regis . Sure it is , that because Nicholas Heath , late Arch-Bishop of York , and Chancellour of England , was still alive , tho outed of his Office , Sir Nich. Bacon was made Lord Keeper , and in his time , the Power of the Keeper was made equal with the Authority of the Chancellour , by Act of Parliament . The Catalogue begins with Sir Tho. Moor , before whom Clergy-Men were Chancellours , and these are entered , under the Title of Eminent Prelats . As for the Lord Treasurer , His Office was ever beheld as a Place of great Charge and Profit . One well skill'd in the Perquisits thereof , said , The value of the place was worth some thousands of Pounds , to him , who ( after Death ) would go instantly to Heaven , twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory , and a Nemo scit , to him who would adventure to go to a worse place . The Catalogue begins at Will . Lord Paulet Marquess of Winchester , because , before him , Clergy-Men generally enjoyed the Dignity . As to Secretaries of State , there are two of them , Principal Secretary , and the Secretary of State , the first for Forraign , the other for Domestick business , as some would have it ; their Salaries were in the late Kings time , some two hundred Pounds a Piece , and five hundred Pounds apiece , for Intelligence and secret Service ; the Catalogue begins with Th. Cromwel , in the reign of H. 8. Lord Admiral follows , the Original of which word is Amir , in Arabick , a Prince and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the Greek , belonging to the Sea ; the Occasion of the composition of the two Languages seems to be the extent of the Sultans Dominions in the time of the Holy War from Sinus Arabicus , to the North Eastern part of the Midland-Sea , where a Barbarous kind of Greek was spoken , and we do not mend the matter in pronouncing Admiral for Amiral . There was a Triumvirate of Admirals , for the North , South , and West ; The Jurisdiction of the first reached from the Mouth of the Thames , to the outmost Orcades , and had Yarmouth for his prime residence . The second , from the Thames Mouth , to the Lands end , his station at Portsmouth . The third , from the Lands end , to the Hebrides , his station Milford Haven . Rich. Fitz Allen , Earl of Arundel was made the first Admiral of all England , John Vere Earl of Oxford was 1. H. 7 Admiral of England , and kept it during his Life , afterwards , according to the pleasure of the Prince , Men took their turns in that Office ; because of this uncertainty there are some Admirals inserted under the Title of States-Men , and Vice-Admirals , under the Topic of Seamen . As for Lord-Deputies of Ireland , they were constituted , upon the Conquest of that place , by H. 2. and have there continued the same Power under that and the other titles of Lord Liuetenants , and Lord Chief Justices , with this difference , that a Lord Lieutenant might have made a Deputy ; and as to the last , there was sometimes one , and at other times two Lord Chief Justices of all Ireland . The Word Lieutenant denotes the largeness of his Power , which represents the Kings . Ireland was divided in former times into many petty Kingdoms , yet , before H. 8. the Kings of England were content with the Title of Lords of Ireland . King Henry assumed that of King , for Quod efficit tale , est magis tale , and the Commission whereby King H. 2. made Will . Fitz Adelm his Lieutenant of Ireland , hath this Direction , To the Arch-Bishops , Bishops , Kings , &c.

CHAP. VII . Of Judges and Writers on the Common Law .

CApital Judges are 1. The Chief Justice , of the Kings Bench. 2 Of the Common-Pleas . 3. The Chief Baron of the Exchequer . The first is called the Lord Chief Justice of England , to whom the Chief Justice of the Com. Pleas is inferiour in Place , tho in Profit he be above him , so that some have , out of design , quitted that , to accept this ; Amongst whom was Sr. Ed. Montague , in the reign of H. 8 , who , in defence of his Choice , said , I am now an old Man , and love the Kitchin above the Hall . The Chief Baron is employed in the Exchequer , about the Kings Revenue . The Catalogue begins about the time of E. 1. As for Writers of the Common Law , I have placed them with the Judges .

CHAP. VIII . Of Souldiers and Seamen .

I Begin with the first at E. 3. As for Seamen , 't is agreed there are the best of that Profession in England . The four first Circum-Navigators of the World were , 1. Magellanus a Spaniard . 2. Sir Francis Drake , an English Man . 3. Sir Th. Candish an Engl. 4. Oliver Noort , an Hollander . This last had an Englishman , one Capt. Mellis Pilot. The Catalogue begins in the time of E. 3.

CHAP. IX . Of Writers on the Canon and Civil Law , Physick , Chymistry and Chyrurgery .

IN the days of Queen Eliz. some able Civilian was wont to be joyned in Commission with the Ambassador , then they were deservedly dignified , tho in the late times disgraced by those who aimed at no less then Universal Confusion . I have given a List of some eminent Civilians and Canonists ; as also of Physicians , and of the most noted Chymists and Chyrurgions that occurr .

CHAP. X. Writers .

OF whom Gildas leads the Army , and they are either such as wrote before or since the Reformation , the former being either Historians , Philologists , or Divines . The two last are hinted at by Dr. Collins , as comprised under the words of the * * Rom. 16.11 . Apostle , Salute Philologus and Olympas . As for History , both Ecclesiastical and Civil , it has been Written by many , tho farced by the Monks before the Reformation , with Fictions . To these we have added Poets , which Profession was not a little honoured by King James , who waved his Crown , in the two and twenty shilling Pieces , and wore the Laurel in his new twenty shilling pieces . Tho Poets being always poor , Bays were rather the Emblem of Wit then Wealth , since King James no sooner began to wear them , but he presently fell two shillings in the Pound in publick Valuation . Some are of Opinion that there is always one Laureal Poet in England . And there is at this time * * Mr. Dreyden . one of a profound knowledge and most solid Judgment , whose Memory , in spite of the teeth of Time , will always last to all succeeding ages .

Musick is nothing else but Wild Sounds civilized into Time and Tune ; so extensive that it stoopeth to Beasts and mounteth as high as Angels , for Horses will do more for a Whistle then for a whip . And We know no more what Angels do above , Save only that they Sing and that they Love ,

Musick was taught , with other Learning by the Bards , and long after 't was no small honour to the profession , that King Hen. 8. could sing his part and used to compose services for his own Chappel , which you may imagine were in b acre , since he was naturally well vers'd in that Key . Since the Reformation were some Romish Writers , who were banished , with whom I knock off .

CHAP. XI . Of Publick Benefactors .

BUilders of Churches lead the Van. The Proverb is , Pater Noster built Churches , and Our Father plucks them down ; to confute this , some have endeavoured to pluck down both Churches and Our Father . And as this is Sacrilegious and Irreligious , so it is no less unjust to Violate the Monuments of those who were the Founders and Benefactors , which was very much practised in the late times , when the bones of Henry Keble , Ld. Major of London 1511 , who rebuilded Aldermary Church , were , sixty years after , inhumanely cast out of the Vault wherein they were Buried . Free Schools and Colledges come in the next place , from which I pass to Bridges which keep our Island a Continent to it self . There is a Memorable passage in History of Q. Maud , for being to pass the River Ley about Stratford , she was almost drowned in the riding over it , but this proved the bad cause of a good effect , for hereupon she built the beautiful Bridge there for the benefit of Travellers . I will , in the next place visit Almshouses , which ought not to be abolished , tho some corruptions should continue in their foundations . Let the Charitably minded do what , when , where , how , to whom and how much God and their own Goodness shall direct them . Schoolmen reduce corporal Charity to seven Heads , Visito , Poto , Cibo , Redimo , Tego , Colligo , Condo . That is , Visit men in Misery , give Drink to the thirsty , Meat to the hungry , Rescue the Captive , cover the Naked , dress the Wounded , bury the Dead . Which works are placed like the seven Planets , whilst to Redeem Captives , stands like the Sun in the midst of all the rest . I could wish , that there were in London a Corporation of able and honest Merchants impowred to receive and imploy the charity of well affected People for a General Goal-delivery of all English Captives in Tunis , Tripoli , Algier , Sally , &c. For why should the Romanists be more charitable then we ? When their Religion was publickly currant in England , the Order of the Holy Trinity was instituted for The Redemption of Captives . I have distinguished the Benefactors since , from them , before the Reformation .

CHAP. XII . Memorable Persons .

THE former Heads were like Private Houses , but this Topick is like a publick Inn , admitting all Comers and Goers , having any extraordinary ( not vicious ) Remark upon them . Such therefore , who are over , under , or beside the Standard of Common Persons , for strength , stature , fruitfulness , vivacity , &c. are lodged under this Head ; under which I also repose such Mechanicks , who have reached a clear note above others in their Vocation , and Eminent improvers of Arts , being Founders of that Accession , which they add thereunto .

CHAP. XIII . Of Lord Mayors of London .

AFter the Death of the King , the Lord Majors Office and Authority continues a whole year , whereas most other Offices determine with the Kings Death . Younger Sons are raised to this Dignity by their own Vertue , which affords an Illustrious Example , and gives the greatest Encouragement to all well-disposed Youth . Some Shires are destitute of this Honourable Office , tho 't is probable they may come to arrive at the Priviledge of Majorality ; for Sir Richard Chiverton , Skinner , descended of a right Ancient and Worshipful Family , having been lately the first in Cornwal , has opened the door there , for others to follow after him . Some , in London , have refused the Office , and Fined , and thereby have Charitably increased the Stock of the City .

CHAP. XIV . Why a Catalogue of the English Gentry in the Reign of H. 6. is inserted in this Book .

IN the days of H. 6 , under pretence of routing out Felons , Outlaws , &c. Opposition was made to the House of York ; which was the Occasion that a List of Gentry was made . As to the Method of the Catalogue , among the Commissioners , the Bishop of the Diocess is first put , after whom follow Earls , Barons , Knights of the Shire . Note here , that in the time of H. 6 , de such a place , was left off , and the addition of Knight or Squire was assumed , tho not generally in all places .

CHAP. XV. Of Sheriffs .

SHeriff is a Reeve or Overseer of a Shire , in Latin Vicecomes , or Deputy of an Earl or Count , who anciently presiding over a County , gave names both to the Place , and deputed Jurisdiction . In the year 888. K. Alfred first divided England into Shires . The Clerk of the Peace for each County in Mich. Term , presents to the Lord Chief Justice , six or more names of able Persons for the Office of Sheriff , of whom three are presented to the King , who pricks one to stand Sheriff , for the County . His Power is to suppress Riots , secure Prisoners , distrain for Debts , execute Writs , return Knights and Burgesses for Parliament , empannel Juries , attend the Judge , see the Execution of Malefactors , &c. By 4. H. 4 , 5. Sheriffs are to abide within their Counties . 'T is observed by some , that anciently the Office of Sheriff was Honos sine onere , in middle times Honos cum onere , and in our days Onus sine Honore , a burden without honour .

CHAP. XVI . Of the Coats of Arms of Sheriffs .

ARms seem to have been Jure Divino , to the Jews , and their use is great both in War and Peace ; without them an Army neither has Method , nor strikes terror , and in peace Arms distinguish one Man from another . Arms assumed according to one's fancy are but personal , but Arms assigned by Princes are Hereditary . The plainer the Coat is , the more Ancient and Honourable ; two Colours are necessary and most highly honourable , tho both may be blazoned with one word , as Varrey , ( formerly born by the Beauchamps of Hatch in Wiltshire , and still quartered by the Duke of Somerset ) three are very honourable , four Commendable ▪ five Excuseable , more disgraceful . One said of a Coat , that it was so well Victualled that it might endure a Siege , such was the Plenty and Variety of Fowl , Flesh and Fish therein . Or and Azure are the richest , Argent and Sable the fairest Coats . The Lion and Eagle are the most Honourable , the Cross the most Religious bearing ; a Bend the best Ordinarie , being a Belt athwart , as a Fess is the same about the middle . Herbs Vert ( being natural ) are better then Or. There are Reasons rendred for some bearings . Thus whereas the Earls of Oxford anciently gave their Coat plain , quarterly Gules and Or , they took afterwards in the first a Mallet or Star Argent , because the Chief of the House had a Falling-Star , ( as is said ) alighting on his Shield as he was fighting in the Holy-land . Now for the Arms of Sheriffs , we have added them , ever since the first of King Richard 2. I will conclude this Discourse with a Memorable Record .

Claus . 5 H. 5. Membr. 15 in the Tower . The King to the Sheriff Health ▪ &c. because there are divers Men , as we are informed , which before these times in the Voyages made by us have assumed to themselves Arms and Coat-Armours , where neither they , nor their Ancestors in times past used such Arms , &c. and Propound with themselves to use and exercise the same in this present Voyage , which God willing we intend to make . And altho the Omnipotent disposeth his favours in things Natural , as he pleaseth , equally to the Rich and Poor ; yet We willing , that every one of our Liege Subjects should be Esteemed and Treated in due manner , according to the Exigency of his State and Condition : We Command thee , that in every place within thy Bailiwick , where by our Writ we have lately shewn , you cause to be Proclaimed , that no Man , of what State , Degree or Condition soever he be , shall take upon him such Arms or Coats of Arms , save he alone , who doth possess , or ought to possess the same , by the right of his Ancestors , or by Donation and grant of some , who had sufficient power to assign him the same ; and that he that useth such Arms or Coats of Arms , shall , on the day of his Muster , manifestly shew to such Persons assigned , or to be assigned by us , for that purpose , by vertue of whose gift he enjoyeth the same , those only excepted who carried Arms with us at the Battle of Agincourt ; under the penalties not to be admitted to go with us , in our aforesaid Voyages , under his Command , by whom he is for the present retained , and of the loss of his wages , as also of the rasing out and breaking off the said Arms called Coat-Armours , at the time of his Muster aforesaid , if they shall be shewn upon him or found about him . And this you shall in no case omit . Witness the King , at the City of New Sarum , June the S●cond .

CHAP. XVII . Of the Alterations and Variations of Surnames .

SUrnames of Families , have been altered , and new Names assumed , chiefly for Concealment in time of Civil Wars , or Advancement , when any were adopted into an Estate ; besides , the same Surname is found diversly written , because Time teacheth new Orthography , and Writers have not been very Critical in spelling them . Lastly , ancient Families have been removed into several Counties , where several Writings follow the several Pronunciations . So the Names of Villiers and Roper are variously Written , as Villars , Rooper , &c.

CHAP. XVIII . Of Modern Battels .

SUch have been since the beginning of the Civil Wars in England . I have endeavoured to present these Battels , according to plain Historical truth , without any partial Reflections , and in describing of them , I use the Word Parliament according to the abusive acceptation .

CHAP. XIX . Of the number of Counties in England , and why the Worthies are digested County-wise .

OF English Shires or Counties , there are nine and thirty , at this day , which by the thirteen in Wales , are made up fifty two ; among which Barkshire , from the Conquest , till the year 1607 had no Count or Earl thereof , tho in the times of the Saxons , it had an Officiary Count.

The Worthies in this Work are digested County-wise , because , First , the Method being new , may be acceptable for its Novelty . Secondly , it is as informative to our Judgments to order them by Counties as Centuries . Here you may behold how each County is innated with a particular Genius , inclining the Natives thereof to be dextrous , some in one profession ▪ some in another ; and how the same County was not always equally fruitful in the production of worthy Persons , but , as trees are observed to have their bearing and barren years , so Shires have their rise and fall , in affording Famous Persons .

CHAP. XX. Of the Clergy .

IT was fashionable for the Clergy , ( especially Regular ) to have their Surnames , from the places of their Nativity ; As Richard Bishop of London , quitted Angervill , tho his Father Sir Richard Angervill was a Knight of Worth and Worship , to be called of Bury , where he was born , and William Bishop of Winchester waved Pattin , to wear Waynfleet , tho he was eldest Son to Richard Pattin , an Esquire of great Ancientry .

Sometimes the place of one's birth is rendred uncertain , when several places have the same name . One instance of many , William of Wickham was the famous Founder of New Colledge in Oxford : But how can his Cradle be certainly fixed in any place , when it is equally rock't betwixt twenty Villages of the same Denomination ? In inquiries of this Nature and Difficulty , 't is best to have recourse to the Circumstances in the History of such a controverted Person . Where two or more places claim the birth of the same Person , my usual expedient is to insert the Character at large , of the controverted Person in that County , which produceth the best Evidence for him , yet so , that I also enter his name with a reference in the other respective places , which with probability pretend unto him . But many multiply differences in the places of Mens birth by mistake . The Papists can tell you a Tale how the Men of two Towns in Germany fell out and fought together , whilst one of them was for Martin , the other for Luther , being but the several Names of the same Person . If one Author affirms Bishop Jewel born at Buden , another at Berinerber , let none make strife betwixt these two Writers , the former naming the House and Village , the later the Parish wherein he was born .

As for the Sons of Ministers , tho some uncharitably think them generally unfortunate , by the sequel of this Treatise it will plainly appear that they have by Gods Blessing , proved as eminent as any who have raised themselves by their own endeavours . For Statesmen , George Carew , Privy Councellor of England , Scotland , and Ireland , and as able a Man , as the Age he lived in , produced , was Earl of Totnes , the same place whereof his Father was Arch-Deacon . Sir Edwin Sandys , Son to Arch-Bshiop Sandys , was a Man of such Merit , that England could not afford an Office which he could not manage . For Lawyers , Sir Th. Richardson , lately , and the never sufficiently to be commended Sir Orlando Bridgeman , now Lord Chief Justice , with many others . For Seamen , Sir Francis Drake , that great Scourge and Terrour to the Spanish Pride . But the Sons of Ministers have never been more Successfull , then when bred in the Professions of their Fathers . Thus of the Prelatical Clergy we have Francis Godwin a Bishop , the Son of a Bishop , and Dr. John King , Son to the Reverend Bishop of London . And of others , we have three Generations of the Wards , in Suffolk . As many of the Shutes , in York-shire , no less painfull then Pious and able in their Professions . Let me add , that there were at one time three Fellows of Kings Colledge , Sons of eminent Divines , and afterwards Doctors of Divinity , viz. Sam. Collins , Th. Goad , and Will . Sclater . And I believe there were not severally in their Generations , Men more Signal , in their different Eminencies .

CHAP. XXI . General Rules for the Author , and Readers ease .

I Have ranked all Persons under their respective Titles , according to their Seniority of the Ages they lived in . I have endeavored to Time Eminent Persons by one of these Notations , First , that of their Morning or Nativity , the second , that of their Noon or Flourishing , the last , that of their Night or Death .

By AMP. ( i. e. Ampliandum . ) prefixed to the Names of some Persons , I understood a further Enquiry to be made about the places of their Birth . AMP. also is used in the Arms of Sheriffs , where there are different Coats of very Ancient Families , and largely diffused , as Nevil , Ferrers , Basset , &c.

S. N. ( i. e. Second Nativity ) is likewise to denote the place of Advancement of some Eminent Persons , where the place of their Birth is not known .

REM . ( i. e. Remove ) for the like Reason , when I place any Person of Worth in a County , where he was not Born , but was a Sojourner only . Where the same Persons may be ranked under divers Topics , I bring them under that , which is the most Eminent .

CHAP. XXII . Of Precedency .

I Place 1. Princes , Good manners obliging all other Persons to follow them , as Religion obliges me to follow Gods Example , by a Loyal Recognition of that Original Precedency , which he has granted to his Vice-gerents . 2. Saints , 3. 4. Martyrs and Confessors . 5. Eminent Prelats , 6. Statesmen . 7. Capital Judges . In the next four , I have not used so strict a Method , reckoning Soldiers , Seamen , Civilians , Physicians , sometimes one first , sometimes another . 'T is a Politick and Peaceable Custom of the Skinners and Merchant-Taylors of London , to take place alternately , to prevent suits and quarrels , betwixt their Companies , about precedency . 12 learned Writers . 13 Benefactors to the Publick . Lastly Memorable Persons .

CHAP. XXIII . Of borrow'd Authorities in this Work .

I Tell you my Tale and Tale-Master , First to vindicate the Writer , secondly the better to inform the Reader . The Authors I use may be reduced to three Heads . 1. Printed Books . 2. Records in publick Offices . 3. Manuscripts , in the possession of private Gentlemen . 4. Instructions received from the nearest Relations to those persons whose Lives we have presented . The printed Books are cited in the Margin . As for Records , Mr. William Riley Master of those in the Tower had great care in securing , dexterity in finding , diligence in perusing them , and courtesie in Communicating such Copies of them as my occasions required . For the Records of the Exchequer , I was assisted by Mr. High-more of the Pipe-Office , Mr. John Wit , and Mr. Francis Boyton , & the learned Knight Sir Winkfield Bodenham . Besides , I repaired to the Originals in the Exchequer , for better information . I have added Church Registers , tho no Records in Law , yet of great force in History ; but the Civil Wars have occasioned great loss of these . Lastly the Instructions of the nearest Relations . I have met with many who could not , never with any who would not further me with Information . 'T is observable , that Men an hundred years since and upwards , have their Nativities fixed with more assurance then those born some eighty years since .

To conclude , my Pains , Brains and Books are no more mine then theirs to command who Courteously have conduced to my instruction .

CHAP. XXIV . Of a Two-fold English Gentry , viz. by Nation and Profession .

I Begin with the Ancient Britains who Inhabited the South , and were succeeded by the Saxons in the West . As for the more Ancient Romans , their Descendants are not by any Character discernable from the British . The Off-spring of the Saxons are the main bulk and body , not of the Gentry but of the English Nation . These , tho pitifully dispersed by the Conqueror , yet by God's Goodness , King Henry I. his favour , their own patience and diligence , put together the Planks of their Ship-wrackt Estates and afterwards recovered a Competent condition . The Danes were rather Inroders here then Inhabitants , of whose Extraction there are therefore few in our Age , among whom the Denizes ( often Sheriffs in Devon and Glocestershire ) appear the principal . As for Fitz-Harding , the younger Son of the King of Denmark , and direct Ancestor of the truly Honourable George Lord Berkley , he came long since , when he accompanied the Conquerour . They seem to err who are of Opinion , that those Names which end in son , as Johnson , Thomson , &c. are of Danish Origination , since the Danes had no such Names in use among them as John or Thomas , &c. The Normans , after the Conquest became the only visible Gentry of this Nation , and still continue more then a moiety thereof . There are some Surnames of the good Families in England now extant , which tho French , are not to be recovered in the Lists of such as came over with the Conqueror , and therefore we suppose them to have remained of those Gentlemen which from Hanault attended Queen Isabel , Wife to King Edward II. Of this sort was Deureux , Mollineux , Darcy , Coniers , Longchamp , Henage , Savage , Danvers , &c. Of the British or Welsh , after their Expulsion hence by the Saxons , some signal persons have returned again , and by the Kings Grant , Matches , Purchases , &c. have fixed themselves in fair Possessions in England , especially since the beginning of the Reign of their Countrey-man King Henry 7 th . rewarding the Valour of many Contributing to his Victory at the Battle of Bosworth . Of the Welsh now re-estated in England and often Sheriffs therein , some retain their old Surnames , as the Griffins in Northamptonshire , the Griffiths and Vaughans in Yorkshire ; some have assumed New ones , as the Caradocks , now known by the Name of Newtons in Somersetshire .

Many Scotch , long before the Union of the Two Kingdoms under King James , seated themselves in this Land , resorting hither for Succour from their Civil Wars . Distress at Sea hath driven others in , as the Stewards , High-Sheriffs in Cambridgeshire . As other Accidents have occasioned the coming in of the Scrimpshires , an hundred years since High Sheriffs in Staffordshire , more lately the Napers in Bedfordshire , and before both the Scots-Hall in Kent .

As for the Irish of any Eminency , their Religion and Inclination have drawn them to other Countries rather then England .

Of the Italian Nation , very few have founded Families in England , yet have we a Sprinkling of Italian Protestants , Castilian , a Valiant Gentleman of Barkshire , the Bassanoes , Excellent Painters and Musicians in Essex , which came into England under King Henry 8 ; and since , in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth , Sir Horatio Palavicine ( Receiver of the Popes Revenues ) Landed in Cambridgeshire . And the Caesars , ( al. Dalmarii ) still flourishing in Hartfordshire in Worshipful Estates .

The High dutch of the Hans Towns , anciently much conversed in our Land , known by the Name of Easterlings , invited hither by the large Priviledges our Kings conferred upon them , so that the Steel-Yard was the Gold-yard unto them ; But these Merchants moved round in their own Sphere , matching among themselves , without mingling with our Nation . Only we may presume that the Easterlings , commonly called the Stradlings , formerly Sheriffs in Wiltshire , and still famous in Glamorganshire , with the Nestphalings , lately Sheriffs of Oxfordshire , were originally of German Extraction .

The Low Countrey-men frighted by Duke of Alva's long-Nose and longer Sword , flocked hither , under King Edward the VI. fixing themselves in London , Norwich , Canterbury and Sandwich . But these confined themselves to their own Church-discipline , and advanced not forward by Eminent Matches into our Nation . Yet I behold the worthy Family of de la Fountain in Leicestershire , as of Belgian original , and have read how the Ancestors of Sir Simond D'us in Suffolk , came hither under King Henry VIII . from the Dunasti or D'us in Gelderland .

As for the Spaniards , tho their King Philip matched with our Queen Mary , yet few of any Eminence now extant ( if I well remember ) derive their Pedigrees from them ; by reason of their short Reign and the ensuing Change of Religions . Probable it is we might have had more Natives of that Kingdom to have setled and flourished in our Nation , had he obtained a Marriage with Queen Elizabeth , as he desired .

Of the Portuguese , few have fixed their Habitations here , yet is the want of the Number of these abundantly supplyed with the Transcendent Quality and most Noble Vertues of our gracious Queen , who as Cynthia , dispenses her Royal Influence to the lesser Stars , and Strikes with Love and Veneration the Hearts of all . The May's ( who have been Sheriffs in Sussex , ) are of the Portugal Race .

Come we now to the second Division of our Gentry , according to the Professions whereby they have been advanced . And , Note , such Professions found most of them Gentlemen , being the ( younger ) Sons of Wealthy Fathers , able to give them liberal Education . Their Blood lighted them , and their Profession set them up in a higher Candlestick , making a Conspicuous Accession of Wealth and Dignity . Thus all behold Isis encreased in Name and Water , after it's Conjunction with Thame at Dorcester , whilst few take notice of the first Fountain thereof many Miles more Westward in Gloucestershire . The Study of the Common-Law hath advanced very Ancient Families in England . It seems they purchased good Titles , made sure Settlements , and entail'd Thrift with their Lands , on their Posterity . Sir Edward Coke hath prevented my Pains , and given in a List of such Principal Families . 'T is admirable , that there is not a great and Numerous House in England , wherein there is not one , Anciently or at this day Living , thriving and flourishing , by the Study of the Law . Especially if to them be added those who have raised themselves in Courts of Judicature .

The City hath produced more then the Law in Number , and some as broad in Wealth , but not so high in Honour nor long lasting in time , who like Landfloods , soon come , and soon gone , have been dryed up before this Generation . Yet many of these have continued in a certain Channel , and carried a constant Stream .

The Church before the Reformation , advanced many Families . For tho Bishops might not marry , they preferred their Brothers Sons to great Estates , as the Kemps in Kent , Peckhams in Sussex , Wickhams in Hampshire , Meltons in Yorkshire .

Since the Reformation , some have raised their Families to a Knightly and Worshipful Estate , as Hutton , Bilson , Dove , Neil , &c. For Sheriffs , Sandys in Worcester & Cambridgeshire , Westphaling in Herefordshire , Elmar in Suffolk , Rud in Carmarthenshire .

Of the inferiour Clergy , Robert Johnson attain'd such an Estate , that his Grandson was Pricked Sheriff of a County , but declined the place as being a Deacon .

The Civil Law hath preferred few . The most Eminent in that Faculty before the Reformation being Persons in Orders abstained from Marriage ; since the Reformation , there are Worshipful Families raised thereby . The professors of Civil Law were equally Contemned with Gods Ministers , during the Civil Wars , the Promoters whereof having a constant Pique at all Civility and Order . But by the Return of our Brittish Sun , those Clouds of Barbarity are dispelled , and Regularity of Motion and good Order is introduced into the vast Sphere of his Dominion , and the joyful Seasons of Peace and Plenty are by his kindly Influences restored .

Physick hath promoted more , and that since the Reign of King Henry 8. Before whose time , there was one a Doctor of Physick , Father to Reginald , first and last Lord Bray . This Faculty hath much flourished the three last fifty years , Sir William Buts , Doctor Wendy , and Doctor Hatcher have raised Worshipful Families thereby .

Some have rais'd themselves by Sea-service and Letters of Mart. Amongst those , most remarkable the Baronets Family of Drakes in Devonshire , sometimes Sheriffs there .

Some have raised themselves by their Attendance at Court , here younger Brothers have found their Birth-right .

Many have advanced themselves by their Valour in Forraign Wars , especially in France , as the Knolls , a Noble Family , and the Caveleys often Sheriffs in Cheshire .

Clothing as it affords Coats to most People , so it has given Arms and Gentility to many Families in this Land . As on the Springs of High-Sheriffs in Suffolk .

The Countrey with her two full Breasts of Grasing and Tillage , hath raised many Families .

Some have had two Strings to their Bow . As the Chichlies in Cambridgeshire , are Descendants from a Lord Major ; allied also Collaterally to an Arch-bishop of Canterbury .

We may observe how happy a Liberal Vocation has proved to Younger Brethren ; with which agree the School-Boys Exposition of these Verses .

Dat Galenus opes , dat Justinianus Honores , Cum Genus & Species cogitur ire pedes . The Study of Physick giveth Wealth , The Study of Law giveth Honour . When High-birth and Beauty , having no other Calling is compelled to go on Foot .