The Duchie of Gelders .

THere is great contradiction of opinions betwixt both ancient and moderne writers touching the first beginning of the Geldrois , the which they can hardly reconcile , neither will I vnder-take the charge . Marlian saith , that in Iulius Caesars time , the contrie which is now called Gelders , was inhabited by the Menapiens . Others hold that it was the aboad of the Sicambrians , where-vnto I will yeeld , and that vnder that name the Cleuois were comprehended : through whose country , as well as through Gelders the riuer of Rhine doth runne : the which doth cast one of his branches betwixt the Duchies of Gelders and Cleues , being called Wahal , at the diuision of the Iland of Sgrauen-Weerdt , where that mighty fort was first built by Collonell Martin Schenck , and at this day in great esteeme . For which Iland there hath bin long debate betwixt the Dukes of Gelders and Cleues , the which is not yet decided , & was begun betwixt the Emperor Charles the fift , and William duke of Cleues , father to this last Duke . The Battauians or Hollanders did also hold a part of that which is now called Gelders . There is no doubt but in Caesars time , the Sicambrians did inhabit on eitherside of the Rhine , in the countries of Cleues and Geldres : as Wezel on the one side , with Burich , Cleef and others of the other side are of the Duchy of Cleues : And of Geldres , Nymegen lies of the one side and Arnham on the other , so as we may rightly say that the riuers of Rhine and Wahal do run through these two Prouinces : for the Sicambrians hauing often bin defeated by the Romains , Augustus ( who succeeded Caesar as Strabo , Suctonius & others do write ) to be the better assured of them , and to keepe them in awe , transported a good number of them with other people on this side the Rhine , and there planted them . I will not deny that the Menapians did not first inhabit all that country which lies along the riuer of Rhine , to whom the Sicambrians did afterwards succeed , who enioyed a great continent of ground , on the one side as far as the Vbiens , and on the other vnto the ocean sea . The which Marlian confirmes by these words . The Sicambrians planted wheras the two great riuers of Rhine and Meuse do meet and ioyne , extend themselues vnto the ocean sea ▪ And in another place he saith . The Sicambrians are people wholy Germains ▪ inhabiting beyond the riuer of Rhine nere vnto the Vbiens and Eburones , which are the people of Cologne & Liege . So as wee cannot say that those which at this day are called Geldrois had the name of Sicambrians onely , but that vnder that name were also comprehended , they of Cleues , Monts , Marck & Iulliers ▪ all neighbors to the Rhine , and on the other side a part of the riuer of Meuse which passing by the country of the Eburones and the moderne Geldrois , comes & ioynes with the riuer of Wahal ( which is a branche of the Rhine ) nere vnto Louestein , and then retayning the sole name of Meuse , washing the townes of Dordrecht , Rotterdam , Schiedam , Vlaerdingen and the Brill , it falls into the British sea , and so into the great Ocean . The which Sydonius Appolinaris , an excelent Poet in his time doth witnesse by these verses .

Sic Ripa duplicis tumore fracta , Detonsus Vahalim bibat Sycamber . So when the double swelling breakes the brinke ▪ Wahal shal be the shorne Sicambrians drinke .

But no man can directly say when or how these Menapians & Sicambrians were diuided in these Prouinces thus distinguished , by which distinction they haue lost their ancient name . This Prouince is at this day called Geldres , and the others Cleues , Iuilliers , Monts , Marck , Lieg , yea & Westphalia : the Etimology of which name of Geldres seems ridiculous vnto me , as it is set downe in the chronicle of Holland : I would rather hold with them which maintaine that the whole countrie hath taken his name of Gelduba , a towne in old time seated vpon the Rhine , wherof Tacitus makes honorable mention , but at this day there remaines no memory thereof : Munster holds it for most certaine , that the first Lords of this country ( who long after carried no higher title then of Aduocates , then of Earles , and in the end of Dukes ) were two brethren , issued from the French Wyncard and L●●old du Pont , who built a Castell called Pont-Gelder , which castle hath long retained that name of Pont , and is now ioyned to the towne of Geldre , which hath giuen the name to the whole Prouince , hauing at this day towards the North the countrie of Frisland , to the Norwest the Zuyderzee : vpon the South the riuer of Meuse ioynes vpon it , and diuides it from the Duchie of Brabant : to the South-east is the Duchie of Iuilllers . Towards the East is a part of the riuer of Rhine , and the duchie of Cleues , the which diuides it into two very vnequall parts : & to the West is Holland and the siegneurie of Vtrecht .

This Prouince is plaine and of a goodly scituation , hauing few mountaines , but maine heaths , & great store of woods , which are both pleasant and profitable : among the which is that of Echterwald . All their soile or ground for tillage is very fertile in corne : and the pasture fat for cattle , especially that which lies vpon the bankes of the riuer of Rhine , Wahal , Issel and Meuse . Lewis Guichardin and other writers of our time , confound the Earldome of Zutphen with the Duchie of Geldres , as we will shew in the particular description , and not confound it with that of Gelders .

The Duchie of Gelders and the Countie of Zutphen , containe the townes of Arnhem , Zutphen , Nymegen , and Ruremond , which are the foure chiefe of the whole country , making the foure quarters of these two Prouinces , & are scituated ( as we will shew ) vpon foure diuerse riuers , and are subiect to foure seuerall Bishops . Then are the townes of Venlo vpon the Meuse : Geldres : Stralen : Wachkendonck and Erkelens in the champian country . Then there is Hatten vpon the Issell , Elbruch , and Harderwyck vpon the Zuyderzee , Wageningen vpon the Rhine , Tyel and Bomel vpon the Wahal . There are many townes which in ancient time were walled in , but through diuerse accidents and disasters they are now wholy or in part spoiled , & in the●e last warres some haue bin vtterly ruined : yet as touching that little which remaines they doe still enioy their ancient priuiledges of townes , as Keppel , Burch , Ghendt , Batenburch , Montfort & Eche with others , whereof we will make mention comming to their quarter , with the which there are aboue three hundred villages , hauing steeples & the rights of parishes . The Estates of this Duchie consists vpon three chiefe members of the Barons , whom they call Vry Heren ; of the Nobles whom they call Redderschap , and of the foure foresaid chiefe townes ▪ which Estates so farre as they are fallen from the Princes of Austria , hold their Colledge in the towne of Arnham , whereas in like manner the Chancerie and the Chamber of accoumpts remaines , as well for the Duchie as the county of Zutphen . Wherefore although it may displease Nymegen , as the last member added to the Duchy of Gelders , wee will begin with Arnham as the chiefe towne , and describe all the other townes in particular , according to their dignities .

Arnham .

THis towne was in old time called Arnacum , it is a good towne and somewhat spacious , seated vpon the right banke of the riuer of Rhine : halfe a league from the which is Fossa Drusiana , which is now called Issel Dort : whereas Drusus ( to keepe his soldiers from idlenesse ) caused them to begin to dig a channell , which drawing the water out of the Rhine , it fell into a little riuer called Issell neere vnto Dousbourg in the countie of Zutphen , the which hee did build , and called it by his owne name , that he might haue a shorter passage by water to go and make warre against the Frisons : which channell or little riuer did so increase in a short time , as at this day it is growne very great , & is called Issel , passing before the townes of Dousbourg , Bronchorst , Zutphen , Deuenter and Campen , where it falls into the Zuyder sea . This towne of Arnham is the chiefe of the Estate and siegneury of the Veluwe , which is one of the foure quarters of the Duchie of Gelders : vnder which towne are the townes of Hattem , Harderwyck , Elbruch & Wageningen , all walled ; with many villages ▪ burrowes and castels , with their iurisdictions and particular officers , subiect to the iustice of the Drossart or Lieutenant generall of that quarter , compassed in by the Zuyderzee , the Rhine , and the riuer of Issel , for which cause fish abounds there , and is very good cheape : besides there is great store of woods , vnder-woods and bushes , full of game for the pleasure of hunting . Neere vnto the said towne of Arnham , is an other member of the duchy , called Velwe Zoom , the which extends neer vnto Zutphin on the one side , and on the other it reacheth neere to Wageningen : in all which soile there are nothing but meades , and very pleasant and fertile pastures : which quarter hath a particular officer , which is the Iudge of Arnham , with foure assistants : and as for the Veluwe the Drossart hath ten assistants or councellors whereas hee keepe his courts of pleas . But touching the spiritualtie , the towne of Arnham with the whole iurisdiction , before the troubles was subiect to the Bishoprick of Vtrecht . In this towne the Dukes of Geldres did in former times make their residence , and there they were intombed in the great Church before the market place , from whence they go vnto the Port which leads vnto the riuer of Rhine . The Chancery & the councel of Gelders were established there by the Emperor Charles the fift in the yeare 1543. when as hee conquered it from William Duke of Cleues , who maintained himself to be true and lawfull heire to Charles of Egmont last Duke of Gelders , which councell did serue as well for the Duchy of Gelders as the County of Zutphen , ioyntly consisting of a Chancellor and ten councellors , that is , foure of the Nobility of the foure quarters aboue mentioned , and sixe Lawiers or others , the which administer Iustice with great authority , hauing an Attorney generall , a Register and other Officers , from whose sentence there is no appeale . In which towne the Chamber of accounts was also placed by Philip the second King of Spaine and Duke of Geldres , succeeding the Emperor Charles his Father in the yeare 1559. whereas all the Officers of Geldres and Zutphen , as well of Iustice , as of the treasure , must yeeld an account of their charges and offices . This towne within these thirty yeares is wonderfully changed , as well in fortifications and Boulwarks , as otherwise : it hath beene often threatned and attempted to be surprized by the Spanish faction , but it was fruit-lesse ; the which might seeme strange , considering the easie accesse they had , when as they held the townes of Deuenter and Zutphen ▪

Nymegen .

IT is a free towne and a fee of the Empire , of ancient foundation : Of the which we read that Magus King of Gaule , the Sonne of Dis , had beene the first founder , who called it Maga , by his owne name : And that afterwards Batto King of the Catthes ( as we will shew more amply in the description of Holland ) comming into that quarter , pleasing himselfe in the scituation , and in the remarkable antiquity , caused it to be repaired , and did both amplefie and fortefie it with new walls , wherevpon it was called Nouiomagum the which in the country speech , answeres to Nyenmegen , vnlesse that in fauoring the little town of Megen seated vpon the riuer of Meuse , prefering it in antiquity , we will maintaine that Nymegen hath beene built since vpon the riuer of Wahal , by the same Magus , or his successor ▪ the which I leaue doubtfull . Hessel Sonne to Batto fauored this towne of Nymeghen , for that he was borne there , and did so inlarge it , as the lower part of the towne is called Hessel-marckt vnto this day . Among all the singularities and antiquities of this towne the castle is yet standing , vpon the toppe of a little hill , and ouer lookes the towne , the which some affirme was built and re-edefied by Iulius Caesar , to discouer the Country there-aboutes , and to commaund it ; Neither is there any place in all that quarter to be found , which yeelds so goodly a prospect of the country , riuers , townes and villages , as this Fort doth , the which vnto this day they call Des Wallicks Hoff , which is as much to say , as the Gaules Court , the which is a probable argument , that Magus or some other of the Gaules haue built it . They haue found in this towne & about it within few yeares , memories of the Romans antiquity , as medals and goodly stones of sumptuous buildings and sepulchers , with inscriptions and Epitaphes of some Captaines & famous men . There are also many ruines of the Romaines time along the riuer of Wahal , where as some thinke they planted their campe , and placed their garrisons : so as the passage which is neere vnto the towne , is at this day called in the country language Roomsche Vort , which signifieth a Romaine Fort. So as they haue found great stones in the wall of the chiefe Port , which they call Hessell-Port , whereas these words are grauen ; H●c pes Romani Imperii : Here is the foote of the Romaine Empire . And on the other side ; Hic finis regni Stauriae , Here is the end of the command of Staurius , whereof we will speake here-after in the description of Frisland . There was also found in St. Stephens church-yard a great stone , on the which these verses were grauen .

Anno milleno postquam salus est data saeclo , Centeno iuncto quinguageno , quoque quinto , Caesar in orbe situs , Fredericus pacis amicus Lapsum , confractum , vetus , in nihil ante redactum Arte , nitore pari reparauit opus Neomagi , Iulius in primo tamen extitit eius origo Impar pacifico reparateri Frederico . Twelue hundred years ( wanting but forty fiue ) After Saluation did appeare to men , Frederick ( then peacefull Emperor ) did reuiue The Pristine fame of ruin'd Nymegen , Iulius did build it long before ; as then , His first foundations stood ; but farre vnlike To the repaires of peacefull Frederick .

This was when as the Emperor Frederick caused the old ruines to be repaired . Vnder this towne are comprehended ( as making one quarter of the Dutchie of Gelders ) the townes of Bomel and Tyel which are walled in , and Ghendt which lyes open , but yet it enioyes the priuiledges of a towne . The iurisdictions are first that of the Bourgraue , that is to say , the Vicont of Nymegen , & of the officers of the said two townes , and of Bomelweerd : then that of the higher and lower Betuwe , and afterwards they that lye betwixt the riuers of Wahal and Meuse . In the yeare 1248. this towne came vnder the subiection of the Princes of Gelders by the meanes which follow . Otto Earle of Gelders did lend vnto William King of the Romanes , Earle of Holland , Zeeland , &c. the summe of 21000. markes of pure siluer , vpon condition , that if within a certaine time limited , hee did not pay the sayd summe , hee should inioy the sayd Towne with the iurisdiction as his owne proper inheritance . The which the Emperor Rodolphus did continue since , & did augment the conditions for the Earles aduantage . And withall the said money was not satisfied : whether it were through the negligence of the Princes of the Empire , or that they had not meanes to pay it ; wherby the Vicontie and Seigneury of Nymeghen hath remained incorporated vpon certain conditions to the Duchy of Gelders , retaining the iurisdiction , soueraignty and prerogatiue to coyne money , as an Imperiall Towne . In the yeare 1589. Collonell Martin Schencke of Nydeck , made an vnfortunate enterprize vppon the towne , who retyring vnto his boate beeing ouerladen , it sunke and he was drownd : Since the vnited Estates hauing built a mighty fort called Knotsenbourg on the other banke of the Riuer of Wahal , opposite vnto the Towne , the which did hinder their nauigation and much anoy them with their Canon , the townse-men did presse the Duke of Parma to free them from this Fort , and to beseege it : But Prince Maurice comming thether out of Frieseland , and hauing defeated some of the Dukes men , hee was forced to raize his seege , and to retyre with his Army into Brabant , he him-selfe going to the Spaw : The Prince seeing him retyred , made haste to beseege the sayd towne , which he soone forced to yeeld vnto the vnited Estates . In the yeare 1592. vnder whose obedience it hath euer since continued .

Ruermond .

IT is a reasonable good towne , seated vpon the Riuer of Meuze , ioyning to the mouth of that of Ruoer , For Mondt in the duch tongue signifies mouth or entrance , and so of that word and of Ruer the name of this towne is compounded , as many others are found in the Netherlands of the like definitions , as Dendermond in Flanders , Isselmond in Holland and others : in Latin it is called Ruremunda , fiue leagues from Maistricht ▪ & three from Venloo : A towne well peopled , rich & well built , strong both by nature and by art of fortifications of rampars and bulwarkes . It is one of the foure chiefe Townes of Gelders , chiefe of one of the quarters , vnder whose Iurisdiction are comprehended the Townes of Venlo , Gelder , Stralen Wachtendonck and Er●kelans , al walled and strong , with three small Bouroughes , Montfort , Vucht and Nyeustadt , one a league distant from another , which are vnder the Iudges and Officers of the said townes , as also they of Kessel , Middeler and Creykenbeeck . Within sixty yeares this town was appointed to be the Bishops Sea for the whole Duchy of Gelders : And there are at this day more Priestes and Monkes in i● then in any other Towne in the Country . They haue had their share of troubles in these last warres , but not in so great a measure as many others .

A good league from Ruremond is the goodly Village of Kessell , with a strong Castle built vpon a Mountaine , belonging to a priuate Lord , from which Village there is a little Angle of the Country , called Landt-van-Kessell , which is of the demaines of the Duchie . This place of Kessell was sometimes a towne of great importance , the which Ptolomey calleth Castelleum , & makes it the Metropolitaine of the Menapians . This towne of Ruremond with the whole Iurisdiction , is at this day subiect to the Princes of Austria .

Venloo .

IT is vppon the right banke of the riuer of Meuse , three leagues from Ruremond and halfe a league from Stralen , it is a good and a strong Towne , the people are martiall and giuen to Armes , and hath in former times resisted an Imperiall Armie . And although it hath often had garrisons of Wallons , Germaines , Spaniards and Italiens , yet they haue alwaies found meanes to free them-selues by some deuice , and to sette the garrison at diuision one against an other , the Citizens fortefying one of the parties , and chasing away the other ; then finding them strong ynough for that which remained and which had fauoured them , they expelled them also ; as it hapned in the yeare 1578. to the Seignior of Esstournelles , and in the yeare , 1591. to Otto Bentinck their Gouernor : remaning notwithstanding alwaies faithfull to the Princes of Austria , to whom they knew wel how to excuse them-selues . In the yeare 1601. Prince Maurice made a gallant enterprize vpon the said Towne ; but beeing ill seconded , the Burgers hauing taken armes and recouered their Ports , it succeeded not ; so as he was forced to retyre , with the losse of two of his Captaines . In this Towne William Duke of Cleues , hauing lost all his Duchy and a good part of Iuilliers and Cleues , came in the yeare 1543. and submitted him-selfe to the mercy of the Emperor Charles the fift , where he was receiued into grace , renouncing the league which hee had with the French and marrying the daughter of Ferdinand King of the Romaines the Emperors brother , & absolutely renounced al his interest to the Duchy of Gelders , as we haue shewed more amply in another place .

Guelder .

THe Towne of Gelder is ( as we haue said ▪ ) that which hath giuen the name to the whole Ducthy , being within two smal leagues of Stralen it hath a Castle which was wont to be without the towne ▪ but now it is comprehended within the fortification . This was wont to be the Court of the Lords of Pont , Aduocats , and afterwards Earles of Gelders : it is deuided into two habitations , seperated by a water , vppon the which there is a bridge , which giues accesse from one to the other , seated in a country some-what Moorish , and not very accessible to plant the Canon . This towne in the beginning of the last troubles , was vnder the obedience of the vnited estates . But the Earle of Lecester Lieutenant to the Queen of England , Protectresse of the vnion , hauing placed Collonel patton a Scottishman for Gouernor there , hee sold it for thirtie thousand crownes in ready money to the duke of Parma , in the King of Spaines name , retaining to him-self the horses and moueables of Collonel Schenck , and the ransomes of some of the ritchest and best Cittizens . And so this towne returned vnder the power of the Princes of Austria , as it is yet at this day .

Stralen .

THis towne is but a league and a halfe from Wachtendonck , a small towne , but sufficiently fortified for the importance thereof , beeing too neere to Venlo , in the which the Princes of Austria intertaine an ordinary garrison vnder some Gouernor or Captaine whome they place there .

Wachtendonch .

IS also a small Towne with a Castle belonging to a priuate Lord : the which in the yeare 1588. holding the party of the vnited Estates , the duke of Parma after that hee had fayled at the seege of Berghen vp Zoom , sent Cont Charles of Mansfeldt to beseege it , where in the end hee forced them to yeeld . In the yeare 1600. Cont Lodowike of Nassau surprized it for the vnited Estates . After which the garrison of Gelders , Stralen and others thereabouts surprized it againe , but not able to take the Castle , they were forced to abandon it : So as in the yeare 1605. the Marquis Spinola went and beseeged it , who receiued it by composition for the Arch-Dukes of Austria .

Erchelens .

SOme will say that this towne hath taken his name of Hercules Allemanicus : It is situated vpon the fronters of the Duchy of Iuilliers foure leagues from Ruremond , it is a reasonable good towne , obedient with the like garrison vnto the Princes of Austria . But lette vs now come vnto the townes which are seated as wel vpon Zuyderzee , as vpon the riuers of Rhyne , Wahal , Meuze and Issell . First ,

Echt

IT is a league from the Meuze , and as far from Montfort , on the side of that goodly Wood which they call Echterwout .

Montfort .

IT is a Castle of importance , the which was in ancient time a smal towne : it lies a league from Ruermond .

Harderwick .

IT is a an indifferent good towne lying vppon the Zuyderzee : yet the hauen is bad , so as the shippes are forced to lye in the Road : Notwithstanding Charles Duke of Gelders , sending fiue shippes well manned with soldiers out of that towne , thought to surprize the Towne of Horne in West-Freezeland , whereof he fayled . In the yeare 1503. this towne was by chance sette on fire , the which was so violent , as in lesse then three houres it was all consumed to ashes , except fiue or sixe houses , with the losse of all their goods , and the death of many persons which were surprized by the fire , or smothered vnder the ruynes of the houses and walles the which was a fearefull and pittyfull sight . Since it hath beene in a short time new built , and made more beautifull and stronger then before . There are some rich and ciuil people in it : The Magistrate intertaines a good Schoole there : It hath not much tasted of the miseries of these last warres : sometime it hath maintained a small garrison of horse and foote , without any great charge vnto them .

Elburgh .

IT lyes vppon the Zuyderzee like vnto Harderwick , from the which it is distant two good leagues , and as much from the Towne of Campen in Oueryssell It is a little town of smal trafficke , but yet good cheap to liue in , and hath during these warres followed the same party that Harderwick . did

Hattem .

WAs in ancient time a good towne , though none of the greatest , seated vppon the left banke of the riuer of Yssell . There is a goodly strong Castle , which hath tasted of the miseries of these last warres , for the Drossart or Lieutenant of the Country thinking to deliuer it into the Spaniards handes , being discouered , they thought to make it good in this Castle , wheras the Estates beseeged them , and the Castle was so battered and torne with the canon ( wherof the marks are yet to bee seene ) as they were forced and carryed prisoners to Arnham whereas they lost their heads .

Wagheninghen .

IS a small ancient strong towne , and is the very same which Cornelius Tacitus called Vada , as to speake the truth it ma● properly be so called , being in a manner compassed in of all sides with moores and bogs , which makes it in-accessible on those parts , it lies not far from the riuer of Rhyne , beeing of an equall distance from the townes of Arnham and Nymeghen , and foure leagues from Culenbourg .

Tyel .

THis Towne is the chiefe place of the Iurisdiction or Bayliwick which they call Tyelerweerd , the which was wont to be a Peninsula : But since these last warres Derick-vick Seignior of Soulen Bailiffe of the town and iurisdiction , hath caused a chanell to be cutte through the Countrie to sayle from the riuer of Meuze into the Wahal vppon the right banke wherof the said towne is built ● by which meanes the said Tyelweerd is now made an Iland , for that there is no entrance into it but by water , or through the towne : It is strong by nature and by art , through the dilligence of the said Amptman or Bailyffe , who since the last troubles hath made sharp wars against the Spaniards , by the meanes of that garrison : In the yeare 1528. holding the party of Charles Duke of Gelders their Prince , the Burguignons beseeged it in the Emperors name , but it was so well defended , as they were forced to raise their seege , to the great honour of the Inhabitants , and the few soldiers that were within it .

Bommel .

IT is a faire strong place , the cheefe towne of all the Territory of Bommell-weerd , which the Rhyne and Meuze doe compasse in , making it an Iland , the which they say was called by Caesar , Insula Batauorum ( if it extend no farther ) the which wee may say is now the higher and lower Betuwe , on the other banke of the riuer of Ryne , as farre as Tyel , and beyond to Haerwerden , where at this present is the mighty fort of Saint Andrew ( whereof wee will presently make mention ) whereas the Wahal and the Meuze kissing as the passe , ioyne together at Louestein at the end of the said Bomels-weerd in one body , the which soone after from Gorrichom takes the name of Meruve , vntill that hauing past Dordrecht , it resumes his name of Meuze , and beneath Bryell runnes into the Brittish Seas .

In this Iland there are many fayre Villages and Castles , among others Rossem , whereas Martin van Rossem Seign ior of Puydroyen was borne ; a famous Captaine in his time , hauing beene Marshall of the field to the Duke Charles of Gelders and William of Cleues , who in the yeare of our Lord , 1534. did terrifie the Towne of Antwerp , and thinking to doe the like to them of Lovuain was forced to retyre .

In the yeare of our Lord 1598. Arch-Duke Albert of Austria beeing gone into Spaine to fetch his spouse , the Infanta Isabella , daughter to King Philip the second , and sister to King Philip the third now raigning ; left ( during his absence ) Cardinal Andrew of Austria to gouerne the Netherlands , which were giuen in marriage to the sayd Isabella , and Don Francisco de Mendoza Admirall of Arragon , for generall of his armie : the which hee sent vnto the frontiers of Germanie to make warre against the vnited Estates that way , where hauing done what hee listed , and taken from the Estates by seege the townes of Rhynberch and Deutecom , and then the Fort of Creuecaeur , hee past to the said Iland of Bommell , with an intent to beseege the towne , the which by reason of their workes at the fortification lay halfe open . The which Prince Maurice vnderstanding , he posted thether with all speed , and assured it with his presence and forces , causing a trench to bee cast without the towne , from one side of the riuer vnto the other , whereas hee lodged the greatest part of his Army , where-vppon the Admirall seeing there was no way to force them , hee retired farther into the Iland busiyng him-selfe about the building of Saint Andrewes Fort , so as the towne of Bommel was freed .

In this towne was borne that learned man Elbert Leoninus , Doctor of the Lawes ▪ who dyed in the yeare 1601. being Chancellor of Gelders and deputy for the general Estates of the vnited Prouinces , being aboue 80. years old : he was sontimes Tutor to the Prince of Orange which now liueth .

S. Andrew .

THis Fort was so named by Andrew of Austria Cardinal of Constance , being Gouernor of the Netherlands ( as wee haue said ) in the absence of the Arch-duke Albert. It is the mightiest fort that hath bin made in al the Netherlands , for the building whereof the Admirall of Arragon disfurnished the whole Iland of trees : It is comprehended in fiue Bulwarks , after the forme of the Cittadel of Antwerp , wherof three are vppon the bankes of Meuze and Wahal , and the two others towards Haerwerden , either of them hauing a caualier or plat-forme to defend it , with broad and deepe ditches , without the which is a counterscarpe , the which hath also a ditch round about it ▪ and small forts to warrant it , especially wheras these two riuers imbrace one an other , towards Tyler-weerd , whereas the Fort of Nassau is set opposite to that of Saint Andrew , in a corner , which is also made an Island by art , beeing called Voorne , and is held by the Estates : which two Forts did daily salute one an other with their Ordinance . The Admirall hauing fynished this Fort thinking thereby to keepe the riuers of Wahal and Meuse and the whole Island in subiection , left a garrison of 1500. men in it , with store of artillerie and munition , and then retired with his army to refresh it in Brabant . But Prince Maurice did not dissolue his armie , but kept it togither all the winter , as well in the towne of Bommel , as in the trenches and ships which he had lying by : The spring time beeing come , hauing recouered the Fort of Creuecaeur , he went to beseege that of Saint Andrew , the which through want of victualls , was yeelded vnto him , with all the artillery and munition , the souldiers being about 1100. and some 400. out of Creuecaeur remained in the Princes seruice , who afterwards at the battaile of Nieuport shewed themselues both valiant and faithfull . And so this Fort of Saint Andrew hath vnto this day remained vnder the obedience of the vnited Estates .

Culembourg .

ALthough this towne be a fee of Gueldres , yet there is a question made whether it bee of that territory . It is scituaed vpon the left banke of the riuer of Lecke , a league from Buren , & two leagues from Vianen , on the same side of the riuer . It hath a goodly castle , whereas the Lord doth ordinarily reside , and a large iurisdiction , wherevpon King Philippe the second erected it to an Earldome , whereof Florent of Palant was the first Earle , besides many other great possessions which hee enioyed , whereof his sonne is now Lord and Earle .

Battenbourg .

ALthough this towne ( at this present ruined ) and the castle , bee within the limmits of the Duchy of Geldres , seated vpon the banke of the riuer of Meuse , whereby the Barron of that place makes a great reuenew of the toule and custome which is paied by all the ships that passe that way : yet the said signeury is merely held of the Empire , as William of Bronchurst did take it vppe of Maximilliam the Emperour : His Sonne succeeded him , and dying without heires , Maximillian of Bronckhurst his cousin Germaine did inherit , and is now Lord of it . This place is of very great antiquity . The Chronicles of Holland affirme , that it was the first Castle which Prince Battus ( of whome Batauia or Holland tooke his name ) did build vppon the Meuze in the Countie of Sicambrians , which now is Gelders .

Buren .

THis Towne is neither a fee , nor of the territory of Gelders , but a little country of it selfe , which holdes of the Empire , carrying the title of an Earle with great Iurisdiction , a large territory and many Villages , and yet shut vp in the lymits of the Duchy of Gelders .

This place is seated neere vnto the riuer of Lingen , vppon a little Brooke which in old time was called the ditch for muscles , a league from Tyl ; it is not very bigge , but hath a very strong Castle ioyning vnto it , where there is an ordinary garrison for the vnited Estates . That valiant and famous Prince Maximilian of Egmont was Earle of this place , who for his great seruices done vnto the Emperor Charles the fift , ( whereof diuers histories make mention ) left his memory immortail to posterity : Dying at Brussels in the yeare one thousand four hundred & nine , to whom succeeded his only daughter the sole heire by her mother of the house of Lannoy : Who was the first wife of William of Nassau Prince of Orange , by whom she left a son and a daughter , that is Philip William of Nassau now Prince of Orange , Earle of Buren , Seignior of Lannoy &c. And the Lady Mary of Nassau widdow to Cont Philip of Hohenlo .

This may suffice for the description of the Townes and cheefe Forts comprehended in the Estate of the Dutchy of Gelders .

The people of this Prouince are valiant and warlike , from whence they were wont to draw a good part of them at Armes and Archers of the bandes of Ordinance of the Low-countries .

These were the last among the Belgick Gaules that submitted them-selues to the yoake of the Romane Empire , & the first when this Monarchy began to decline , that freed them-selues from their subiection . Afterwards they were made subiect to the French : yet imbracing the occasion when it it was offered , they did shake of this yoak , and began to be gouerned by priuat Lords of the country it selfe : the which hapned in the time of the Emperour Chalres the bald King of France : Which Lords were simply called Tutors or Aduocats of the country : The which according o their vertues and merits were chosen & created by the people , the first of which was Wrinchard ( as we haue shewed before ) to whome succeeded his sonne Gerlach in the yeare 910. so as there were seauen Lords or Feofes successiuely issued from this familie , the last whereof was also called Winchard , who left but one daughter called Aleyd or Alix , maryed to Otto Earle of Nassau : who was the first which carryed the title of the Earle of Gelders giuen him by the Emperor Henry the third , in the yeare 1079.

But the sayd Aleyd beeing dead hee marryed with the daughter of Gerlach Earle of Zutphen , who was slaine in a battaile giuen betwixt Conrard Bishop of Vtrecht and Thiery the sixt Earle of Holland . Where-vppon ( as wee haue sayd ) the Earldome of Zutphen was also vnited vnto the Duchy of Gelders . Otto left these Earles after him , Gerrard , Henry , Gerrard & Otto the second , surnamed the stump-foot . It was he which did purchase the Seigneury of Nymeghen , as wee haue sayd before , which hee did wall in with diuers others , which were but Burroughs , as Ruremond , Arnhem , Harderwicke , Bommel and Wageninghen all in the Prouince of Gelders , and aboue it Goch in the country of Cleues : to the which he gaue goodly priuiledges , as to great Citties .

To this Otto succeeded his sonne Renald , and to him a sonne of his owne name , who obtained in the yeare 1329. the dignity and title of Duke of the Emperour Lewis of Bauaria in an imperiall Dyet held at Francfort : As in like manner the Countie of Iuilliers was by him erected into a Dutchy . After this Reginold the second ; Geldres was gouerned by Arnold & Edward his two sons , but not without great contentions . Both of them dying , Arnold left two daughters of diuers beddes , Ioane and Isabell , who continued the diuision which had beene betwixt their Father and Vncle : but Isabell dying without children , Ioane remained sole and peaceable Dutchesse , to whom succeeded William her sonne , who was the fourth duke of Geldres , but dying without heires , Reynold his brother the fourth Duke of Iuilliers succeeded him , and was the fift Duke of Geldres , who dying without issue male , the succession went to his only daughter , married to Arnold of Egmond , issued from a daughter of the first Duke of Geldres , by which meanes the sayd Arnold came vnto the principality , whose Sonne called Adolphe , ( who is numbred for the seauenth Duke ) repyning that his Father liued so long , by the perswasion of his own Mother , caused him to bee seazed on in a night , and to bee put in prison in the castle of Buren , where hee detained him many yeares . Pope Paul the second and the Emperour Frederick the third , not able to suffer so great an impiety , gaue authority to Charles the Warlicke , Duke of Bourgongne to free this miserable Father by force of armes out of the hands and tyranie of his sonne : The which Adolph vnderstanding , and seeing that the Pope and Emperor did imbrace the cause , and that he was not able to resist Duke Charles his forces , he drew his father out of prison , and hauing obtayned a pasport from the Duke , he came vnto him with his father to Dourlans in Picardy : before whome the father casting his gloue , defied the sonne : But the Duke who loued this Adolph , labored to perswade the father to resigne the Duchy vnto his Sonne , and that being now very old , he should retire to Graue , and content him-selfe with that peece and three thousand florins rent , wherevpon Adolph like an vnnaturall and barbarous sonne hearing this proposition made by Duke Charles of Bourgongne , answered , that he had rather cast his father head-long into a wel , and him selfe after , then accept of that composition .

That it was reason , seeing his father had gouerned , forty foure yeares , that he should also come in his rancke to the Principality , and enioy it as his father had don . Adding that he was well content his father should haue 3000 florins yerely for his entertainment , but he must depart out of the country and siegneury of Gelders , and neuer enter more into it : Duke Charles hearing these speeches and noting the cruelty of a sonne towards his father , seemed so much incensed thereat , as Adolph fearing his fury , fled in a disguised habit , thinking to saue him-selfe in Gelders ; but beeing knowne , neere vnto Namur hee was taken and put in prison at Villevord , & from thence carried to Courtray , where hee remayned till after the death of Duke Charles . In the mean time the father to be reuenged of his son , sought to dis-inherit him ; resigning his Duthcy of Gelders & County of Zutphen vnto Duke Charles vppon certaine conditions . By which resignation the Princes of the house of Austria haue so much pretended vnto the sayd Dutchy , as in the end after the death of the last Duke Charles of Egmont , they haue inioyed it , although by right it should descend to William Duke of Cleues , whome the Emperor forced to yeeld it vnto him . And to return to Adolph he was freed from his prison at Courtray by the Ganthois , who made him their Generall against the French king Lewis the 11. where this vngrateful son was slaine before Tournay , receiuing the fruits of his desert , hauing bin so cruel to his father . Duke Arnould dying afterwards at Graue , he instituted ( vpon caution ) the said duke of Bourgongne to be his heyre , dis-inheriting his son Adolph of the succession , as contumax , ingrat & rebellious : But the Geldrois refusing to accept of Duke Arnolds disposition & testament , the duke of Bourgongne went with a mighty army and by force took possession of the country , receiuing their othes of fealty & homage , whervnto he forced the townes & the Nobility of Gelders , And the better to assure this new Estate he purchased from Gerard Duke of Iuilliers and his children , all the interest they had or might hereafter pretend vnto the Duchie of Gelders . This done hee sent Charles and Philip the sons of Adolph whome he had by a Princesse of the house of Bourbon , to be bred vp in Flanders ; and by that meanes the Duke of Bourgongne remained in quiet possession of the Estate of Gelders , and dying left the succession to his onely daughter and heyre , who was married to the Emperor Maximillian , but the Geldrois refusing to obey him , he raised a mighty Army , and came to Boisleduc , where-with the Estates of Gelders being terrified , they acknowledged him for their Prince in the right of his wife , and did sweare obedience vnto him . And so Maximillian gotte the quiet possession without any effusion of blood , the which he inioyed vntil that Charles the sonne of Adolph ( who had bene taken prisoner with the Earle of Nassau in an incounter neere vnto Bethune by the French , and afterwards by reason of his Allyance by the mothers side , set at liberty ) with the helpe of the French King and his Kinsmen and friendes , returned into Gelders with a small Army , where without any resistance or difficulty , hee was receiued by the people , as their lawful Prince , and numbred for the eight Duke of Gelders .

This Duke Charles of Egmont was in his time a valiant and warlike Prince : making war against all his neighbors , especially against Albert duke of Saxony feudatary of Freezland & of Groning : Gouernor of a part of the Netherlands for the Emperour Maximillian , and the Arch-Duke Philip his sonne , who marryed the Lady Ioane of Castile , and was afterwards Queen of Spaine , after the death of the King Don Ferdinand of Arragon and of Queene Issabelle of Castile , her father and mother : whereby the Realmes of Spaine came vnto the house of Austria , and haue continued vnto this day .

The said Duke had also great warre against the Lieutenant of the Emperor Charles the fift , sonne and successor to the said Arch-Duke Philip : so as in the end there was a peace made betwixt them at Gorcum in the yeare 1528. and afterwards in the yeare 1536. there was an other generall peace made in the Towne of Graue : The conditions whereof were in substance that Duke Charles of Egmont should hold the Dutchy of Gelders and the County of Zutphen in fee of the Emperor or Duke of Brabant , and Earle of Holland , for him and his lawful heirs : But if hee dyed without issue , his Estates and Seigneuries should accrue vnto the Emperor and his heirs . This duke died without children in the yeare 1538. And so according to the said Accord and transaction , and the rights which his great grandfather the Duke of Burgongne had gotten , these countries should descend vnto the said Emperor : But Iohn Duke of Iuilliers pretending an interest by reason of their ancient rights , ( renounced and sold as we haue sayd by his Ancestors ) was not receiued by the Estates , so that after the death of Duke Charles of Egmont the Cleuois had laboured to draw some by loue and others by force vnder the subiection of the King , and to make them his vassals , where-vppon they tooke armes against him . And worshipping the sunne rising more then the sunne seting , neglecting the old Duke , they did chose and receiue his sonne William , who was made sure to the daughter of the Duke of Albret and heire to the Crowne of Nauarre : which election was confirmed and better established in the yeare of our Lord 1539. by the death of the said Duke Iohn : at which time neither the Emperors title nor authority could preuaile any thing to make him to be acknowledged Lord of this Prouince . But this was not all , for the Emperor being in Spaine , his countries were sodainly inuaded by the French King and this Duke William : Where-vppon the Emperour beeing returned from his last vnfortunate voyage of Affricke , hee went into the Netherlands with a mighty army , and sodainly subdued in a a manner all the townes of the Dutchy of Cleues and Iuilliers , and among others those of Duren & Sittant . Where-with Duke William being amazed , and fearing this mighty enemy , by the perswasion of the Princes of Germany , his Allies , he went and humbled him-selfe vnto the Emperor in the towne of Venlo , to whom he was reconciled , yeelding absolutely vnto him the said Dutchy of Gelders and Earldome of Zutphen , renouncing also the league which hee had with the French King and his pretended marriage with Ioane of Albret Princesse of Nauarre , and marrying with the daughter of Ferdinand King of Romanes , the Emperors Brother . In consideration wherof all his other Countries which the Emperors men had taken from him were restored againe . To which Accord the Estates of Gelders did willingly consent , vpon certain e conditions conteyned in their pattent . And so Gelders and Zutphen returned againe to the house of Austria vnder the Emperor Charles the fift in the yeare 1543. and in the yeare 1549. there was receiued for Prince and homage done vnto Philip of Austria Prince of Spaine , the only son vnto the Emperour , as future and lawfull Lord of the said Duchy & Earldome : who gaue the gouernmēnt thereof vnto Charles of Brunen Earle of Meghen . Vntill that in these last wars the said Prouinces hauing entred into the general vnion of the Netherlands ▪ by the pacification of Gandt they haue ( notwithstanding the dis-vnion of them of Arthois , Henau●t and others ) continued alwaies constant in the said vnion , and so remaine at this present , hauing tasted the bitter fruites of the said wars , as the historie of the Netherlands makes mention .