Chronicles (1 Of 6): The Description Of Britaine - free ebook by William Harrison

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Chronicles (1 Of 6): The Description Of Britaine

William Harrison

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HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND.

HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND.

IN SIX VOLUMES. VOL. I. ENGLAND. LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON; F. C. AND J. RIVINGTON; T. PAYNE; WILKIE AND ROBINSON; LONGMAN, HURST, REES, AND ORME; CADELL AND DAVIES; AND J. MAWMAN. 1807. AMS PRESS INC. NEW YORK AMS PRESS INC. NEW YORK, N.Y. 10003 1965 MANUFACTURED in the U.S.A. [ Original Title. ] THE FIRST AND SECOND VOLUMES of CHRONICLES, comprising 1 The description and historie of England , 2 The description and historie of Ireland , 3 The description and historie of Scotland : first

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ADVERTISEMENT.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The chronicles of holinshed having become exceedingly scarce, and, from their Rarity and Value, having always brought a high Price whenever they have appeared for Sale, the Publishers have thought they should perform an acceptable Service to the Public by reprinting them in a uniform, handsome, and modern Form. It cannot now be necessary to state the Importance and interesting Nature of this Work. The high Price for which it has always sold, is a sufficient Testimony of the Esteem in which it ha

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TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, AND HIS SINGULAR GOOD LORD AND MAISTER, S. WILLIAM BROOKE KNIGHT,

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, AND HIS SINGULAR GOOD LORD AND MAISTER, S. WILLIAM BROOKE KNIGHT,

lord warden of the cinque ports, and baron of cobham, all increase of the feare and knowledge of god, firme obedience toward his prince, infallible loue to the common wealth, and commendable renowme here in this world, and in the world to come life euerlasting. Hauing had iust occasion, Right Honorable, to remaine in London, during the time of Trinitie terme last passed, and being earnestlie required of diuers my freends, to set downe some breefe discourse of parcell of those things, which I had

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¶ THE NAMES OF THE AUTHORS FROM WHOME THIS HISTORIE OF ENGLAND IS COLLECTED.

¶ THE NAMES OF THE AUTHORS FROM WHOME THIS HISTORIE OF ENGLAND IS COLLECTED.

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. L. M. N. O. P. R. S. T. V. W. Besides these, diuers other bookes and treatises of historicall matter I haue seene and perused, the names of the authors being vtterlie vnknowne....

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REGVM ANGLIÆ SERIES & CATALOGUS.

REGVM ANGLIÆ SERIES & CATALOGUS.

Conquestor, Rufus, prior Henricus, Stephanúsque, Alter &amp; Henricus, Leonino corde Richardus, Rex &amp; Ioannes, Henricus tertius inde: Eduardus primus, Gnatúsque, Nepósque sequuntur: His infœlicem Richardum iunge secundum: Henricus quartus soboles Gandaui Ioannis, Præcedit Gnato quinto, sextóque Nepoti: Eduardus quartus, quintus, homicida Richardus, Septimi &amp; Henricus octauus clara propago: Eduardus sextus, regina Maria, Philippus: Elisabeth longos regnet victura per annos, Se

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OF THE DIUISION OF THE WHOLE EARTH. CHAPTER I.

OF THE DIUISION OF THE WHOLE EARTH. CHAPTER I.

Noah first diuided the earth among his sonnes. We read that the earth hath beene diuided into thrée parts, euen sithens the generall floud. And the common opinion is, that Noah limited and bestowed it vpon his three sons, Japhet, Cham, and Sem, preserued with him in the Arke, giuing vnto each of them such portions thereof as to him séemed good, and neuerthelesse reteining the souereigntie of the whole still vnto himselfe: albeit as yet it be left vncertaine how those seuerall parts were bounded,

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OF THE POSITION, CIRCUIT, FORME, AND QUANTITIE OF THE ILE OF BRITAINE. CAP. II.

OF THE POSITION, CIRCUIT, FORME, AND QUANTITIE OF THE ILE OF BRITAINE. CAP. II.

How Britaine lieth from the maine. Britannia or Britain, as we now terme it in our English toong, or Brutania as some pronounce it (by reason of the letter y in the first syllable of the word, as antiquitie did sometime deliuer it) is an Ile lieng in the Ocean sea, directlie ouer against that part of France which conteineth Picardie, Normandie, and thereto the greatest part of little Britaine, which later region was called in time past Armorica, of the situation thereof vpon the sea coast, vntil

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OF THE ANCIENT NAMES OR DENOMINATIONS OF THIS ILAND. CAP. III.

OF THE ANCIENT NAMES OR DENOMINATIONS OF THIS ILAND. CAP. III.

Dis, Samothes. In the diligent perusall of their treatises, who haue written of the state of this our Iland, I find that at the first it séemed to be a parcell of the Celtike kingdome, whereof Dis otherwise called Samothes, one of the sonnes of Japhet was the Saturne or originall beginner, and of him thencefoorth for a long while called Samothea. Afterward in processe of time, when desire of rule began to take hold in the minds of men, and ech prince endeuoured to enlarge his owne dominions: Alb

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WHAT SUNDRIE NATIONS HAUE DWELLED IN ALBION. CAP. IV.

WHAT SUNDRIE NATIONS HAUE DWELLED IN ALBION. CAP. IV.

As few or no nations can iustlie boast themselues to haue continued sithence their countrie was first replenished, without any mixture, more or lesse, of forreine inhabitants; no more can this our Iland, whose manifold commodities haue oft allured sundrie princes and famous capteines of the world to conquer and subdue the same vnto their owne subiection. Manie sorts of people therfore haue come in hither and settled themselues here in this Ile, and first of all other, a parcell Samotheans. ] of

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WHETHER IT BE LIKELIE THAT ANY GIANTS WERE, AND WHETHER THEY INHABITED IN THIS ILE OR NOT. CAP. V.

WHETHER IT BE LIKELIE THAT ANY GIANTS WERE, AND WHETHER THEY INHABITED IN THIS ILE OR NOT. CAP. V.

Besides these aforesaid nations, which haue crept (as you haue heard) into our Iland, we read of sundrie giants that should inhabit here. Which report as it is not altogither incredible, sith the posterities of diuers princes were called by the name: so vnto some mens eares it seemeth so strange a rehersall, that for the same onelie cause they suspect the credit of our whole historie, &amp; reiect it as a fable, vnworthie to be read. They also condemne the like in all other histories, especi

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OF THE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THIS ILAND. CAP. VI.

OF THE LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THIS ILAND. CAP. VI.

British. What language came first with Samothes and afterward with Albion, and the giants of his companie, it is hard for me to determine, sith nothing of sound credit remaineth in writing, which may resolue vs in the truth Small difference betweene the British and Celtike languages. hereof. Yet of so much are we certeine, that the speach of the ancient Britons, and of the Celts, had great affinitie one with another, so that they were either all one, or at leastwise such as either nation with sm

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INTO HOW MANIE KINGDOMS THIS ILAND HATH BEENE DIUIDED. CAP. VII.

INTO HOW MANIE KINGDOMS THIS ILAND HATH BEENE DIUIDED. CAP. VII.

Britaine at the first one entire kingdome. It is not to be doubted, but that at the first, the whole Iland was ruled by one onelie prince, and so continued from time to time, vntill ciuill discord, grounded vpō ambitious desire to reigne, caused the same to be gouerned by diuerse. And this I meane so well of the time before the comming of Brute, as after the extinction of his whole race &amp; posteritie. Howbeit, as it is vncerteine into how manie regions it was seuered, after the first part

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OF THE ANCIENT RELIGION VSED IN ALBION. CAP. IX.

OF THE ANCIENT RELIGION VSED IN ALBION. CAP. IX.

It is not to be doubted, but at the first, and so long as the posteritie of Iaphet onelie reigned in this Iland, that the true knowledge and forme Samothes. of religion brought in by Samothes, and published with his lawes in the second of his arriuall, was exercised among the Britans. And although peraduenture in proces of time, either through curiositie, or negligence (the onelie corruptors of true pietie and godlinesse) it might a little decaie, yet when it was at the woorst, it farre excéeded

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OF SUCH ILANDS AS ARE TO BE SEENE VPON THE COASTS OF BRITAINE. CAP. 10.

OF SUCH ILANDS AS ARE TO BE SEENE VPON THE COASTS OF BRITAINE. CAP. 10.

There are néere vnto, or not verie farre from the coasts of Britaine many faire Ilands, wherof Ireland with hir neighbors (not here handled) séeme to be the cheefe. But of the rest, some are much larger or lesse than other, diuers in like sort enuironed continuallie with the salt sea (whereof I purpose onelie to intreat, although not a few of them be Ilands but at the floud) and other finallie be clipped partlie by the fresh and partlie by the salt water, or by the fresh alone, whereof I may spe

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THE DESCRIPTION OF THE THAMES, AND SUCH RIUERS AS FALL INTO THE SAME. CAP. XI.

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE THAMES, AND SUCH RIUERS AS FALL INTO THE SAME. CAP. XI.

Hauing (as you haue séene) attempted to set downe a full discourse of all the Ilands, that are situat vpon the coast of Britaine, and finding the successe not correspondent to mine intent, it hath caused me somewhat to restreine my purpose in this description also of our riuers. For whereas I intended at the first to haue written at large, of the number, situation, names, quantities, townes, villages, castels, mounteines, fresh waters, plashes or lakes, salt waters, and other commodities of the

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OF SUCH STREAMES AS FALL INTO THE SEA, BETWEENE THE THAMES AND THE MOUTH OF THE SAUERNE. CHAP. XII.

OF SUCH STREAMES AS FALL INTO THE SEA, BETWEENE THE THAMES AND THE MOUTH OF THE SAUERNE. CHAP. XII.

Stoure. After the Midwaie we haue the Stoure that riseth at Kingeswood, which is Nailburne water also (as I heare) neer to Cantwarbirie, but I wote not whereabouts: sée Marianus Scotus . fourtéene or fifteene miles from Canturburie. This riuer passeth by Ashford, Wie, Nackington, Canturburie, Fordish, Standish, and Sturemouth, where it receiueth another riuer growing of three branches. After our Stoure or Sture parteth it self in twaine, &amp; in such wise, that one arme therof goeth toward

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THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SAUERNE, & SUCH WATERS AS DISCHARGE THEMSELUES INTO THE SAME. CHAP. XIII.

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SAUERNE, & SUCH WATERS AS DISCHARGE THEMSELUES INTO THE SAME. CHAP. XIII.

Sauerne. The Sauerne which Ptolomie calleth Sabriana, Tacitus Sabrina, diuideth England or that part of the Iland, which sometime was called Lhoegres from Cambria, so called of Camber, the second sonne of Brute, as our histories doo report. But now that region hight Wales, of the Germane word Walsh, whereby that nation dooth vse to call all strangers without respect of countrie. This riuer tooke the name of a certeine ladie, called Habren or Hafren, base daughter to Locrinus begotten vpon Estril

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OF SUCH WATERS AS FALL INTO THE SEA IN COMPASSE OF THE ILAND, BETWÉENE THE SAUERNE AND THE HUMBER. CHAP. XIV.

OF SUCH WATERS AS FALL INTO THE SEA IN COMPASSE OF THE ILAND, BETWÉENE THE SAUERNE AND THE HUMBER. CHAP. XIV.

The Sauerne being thus described, it resteth that I go forward with the names of those that lie vpon the coast of Southwales, making my entrie at the ferrie ouer betwéene Aust in Glocestershire, and a village on the further banke of Sauerne, not farre from Tarendacus chappell, in the Wie mouth. mouth of the riuer Wie, which ferrie is about three miles ouer (saith Guie aliàs Wie. Leland) or else my memorie dooth faile me. This riuer Guie or Wie beginneth (as I said before) on the side of the hill

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THE DESCRIPTION OF THE HUMBER OR ISIS, AND SUCH WATER-COURSES AS DOO INCREASE HIR CHANELL. CHAP. XV.

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE HUMBER OR ISIS, AND SUCH WATER-COURSES AS DOO INCREASE HIR CHANELL. CHAP. XV.

Humber. There is no riuer called Humber from the hed. Wherfore that which we now call Humber, Ptolomie Abie, Leland Aber, as he gesseth, hath the same denomination no higher than the confluence of Trent with the Ouze, as beside Leland sundrie ancient writers haue noted before vs both. Certes it is a noble arme of the sea, and although it be properlie to be called Ouze or Ocellus euen to the Nuke beneath Ancolme, yet are we contented to call it Humber of Humbrus or Vmar, a king of the Scithians,

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OF SUCH FALLES OF WATERS AS IOINE WITH THE SEA, BETWEENE HUMBER AND THE THAMES. CHAP. XVI.

OF SUCH FALLES OF WATERS AS IOINE WITH THE SEA, BETWEENE HUMBER AND THE THAMES. CHAP. XVI.

Hauing in this maner described the Ouze, and such riuers as fall into the same: now it resteth that I procéed in my voiage toward the Thames, according to my former order. Being therefore come againe into the maine sea, I find no water of anie countenance or course (to my remembrance) Ancolme. till I come vnto the Ancolme a goodlie water, which riseth east of Mercate Rasing, and from thence goeth by middle Rasing. Then receiuing a short rill from by south, it runneth on vnder two bridges, by the

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OF SUCH PORTS AND CREEKS AS OUR SEAFARING-MEN DOO NOTE FOR THEIR BENEFIT UPON THE COASTS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XVII.

OF SUCH PORTS AND CREEKS AS OUR SEAFARING-MEN DOO NOTE FOR THEIR BENEFIT UPON THE COASTS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XVII.

It maie be that I haue in these former chapters omitted sundrie hauens to be found vpon the shore of England, and some of them serued with backe waters, through want of sound and sufficient information from such as haue written vnto me of the same. In recompense whereof I haue thought good to adde this chapter of ports and creekes, whereby (so farre as to me is possible) I shall make satisfaction of mine ouersights. And albeit I cannot (being too too much abused by some that haue béereft me of m

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OF THE AIRE, SOILE, AND COMMODITIES OF THIS ILAND. CAP. XVIII.

OF THE AIRE, SOILE, AND COMMODITIES OF THIS ILAND. CAP. XVIII.

The aire of Britaine. The aire (for the most part) throughout the Iland is such, as by reason in maner of continuall clouds, is reputed to be grosse, and nothing so pleasant as that is of the maine. Howbeit, as they which affirme these things, haue onelie respect to the impediment or hinderance of the sunne beames, by the interposition of the clouds and oft ingrossed aire: so experience teacheth vs, that it is no lesse pure, wholesome, and commodious, than is that of other countries, and (as Cæs

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OF THE FOURE HIGH WAIES SOMETIME MADE IN BRITAINE BY THE PRINCES OF THIS ILAND. CAP. XIX.

OF THE FOURE HIGH WAIES SOMETIME MADE IN BRITAINE BY THE PRINCES OF THIS ILAND. CAP. XIX.

There are, which indeuoring to bring all things to their Saxon originall, doo affirme, that this diuision of waies, (whereof we now intreat) should apperteine vnto such princes of that nation as reigned here, since the Romanes gaue vs ouer: and herevpon they inferre, that Wattling street was builded by one Wattle from the east vnto the west. But how weake their coniectures are in this behalfe, the antiquitie of these streets it selfe shall easilie declare, whereof some parcelles, after a sort, a

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OF THE GENERALL CONSTITUTION OF THE BODIES OF THE BRITONS. CHAP. XX.

OF THE GENERALL CONSTITUTION OF THE BODIES OF THE BRITONS. CHAP. XX.

Such as are bred in this Iland are men for the most part of a good complexion, tall of stature, strong in bodie, white of colour, and thereto of great boldnesse and courage in the warres. As for their generall comelinesse of person, the testimonie of Gregorie the great, at such time as he saw English capteins sold at Rome, shall easilie confirme what it is, which yet dooth differ in sundrie shires and soiles, as also their proportion of members, as we may perceiue betwéene Herefordshire and Esse

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HOW BRITAINE AT THE FIRST GREW TO BE DIUIDED INTO THREE PORTIONS. CAP. XXI.

HOW BRITAINE AT THE FIRST GREW TO BE DIUIDED INTO THREE PORTIONS. CAP. XXI.

After the comming of Brutus into this Iland (which was, as you haue read in the foresaid treatise, about the yeare of the world, 2850, or 1217 before the incarnation of Christ, although Goropius after his maner doo vtterlie denie our historie in this behalfe) he made a generall surueie of the whole Iland from side to side, by such means to view and search out not onelie the limits and bounds of his dominions, but also what commodities this new atchiued conquest might yéeld vnto his people. Furth

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AFTER WHAT MANER THE SOUEREIGNTIE OF THIS ILE DOOTH REMAINE TO THE PRINCES OF LHOEGRES OR KINGS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXII.

AFTER WHAT MANER THE SOUEREIGNTIE OF THIS ILE DOOTH REMAINE TO THE PRINCES OF LHOEGRES OR KINGS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXII.

The Scots alwaies desirous to shake off the English subiection, have often made cruell &amp; odious attempts so to doo, but in vaine. It is possible that some of the Scotish nation, reading the former chapter, will take offence with me for meaning that the principalitie of the north parts of this Ile hath alwais belonged to the kings of Lhoegres. For whose more ample satisfaction in this behalfe, I will here set downe a discourse thereof at large, written by diuerse, and now finallie brought

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OF THE WALL SOMETIME BUILDED FOR A PARTITION BETWEENE ENGLAND AND THE PICTS AND SCOTS. CHAP. XXIII.

OF THE WALL SOMETIME BUILDED FOR A PARTITION BETWEENE ENGLAND AND THE PICTS AND SCOTS. CHAP. XXIII.

Hauing hitherto discoursed vpon the title of the kings of England, vnto the Scotish kingdome: I haue now thought good to adde herevnto the description of two walles that were (in times past) limits vnto both the said regions, and therefore to be touched in this first booke, as generallie appertinent vnto the estate of the whole Iland; and no lesse famous than that which Anastasius Dicorus made afterward from the Euxine vnto the Thracian sea, conteining 420 furlongs in length, and twelue foot in

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OF THE MARUELS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXIV.

OF THE MARUELS OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXIV.

Such as haue written of the woonders of our countrie in old time, haue spoken (no doubt) of manie things, which deserue no credit at all: and therefore in séeking thankes of their posteritie by their trauell in this behalfe; they haue reaped the reward of iust reproch, and in stéed of fame purchased vnto themselues nought else but méere discredit in their better and more learned treatises. The like commonlie happeneth also to such, as in respect of lucre doo publish vnprofitable and pernicious v

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OF THE ANCIENT AND PRESENT ESTATE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. CHAP. I.

OF THE ANCIENT AND PRESENT ESTATE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. CHAP. I.

There are now two prouinces onelie in England, of which the first and greatest is subiect to the sée of Canturburie, comprehending a parte of Lhoegres, whole Cambria, &amp; also Ireland, which in time past were seuerall, &amp; brought into one by the archbishop of the said sée &amp; assistance of the pope; who in respect of méed, did yéeld vnto the ambitious desires of sundrie archbishops of Canturburie, as I haue elsewhere declared. The second prouince is vnder the sée of Yorke, and

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OF THE NUMBER OF BISHOPRIKES AND THEIR SEUERALL CIRCUITS. CHAP. II.

OF THE NUMBER OF BISHOPRIKES AND THEIR SEUERALL CIRCUITS. CHAP. II.

Hauing alreadie spoken generally of the state of our church, now will I touch the sées seuerallie, saieng so much of ech of them as shall be conuenient for the time, and not onelie out of the ancient, but also the later writers, and somewhat of mine owne experience, beginning first with the sée of Canturburie, as the most notable, whose archbishop is the primat of all this land for ecclesiasticall iurisdiction, and most accompted of commonlie, bicause he is néerer to the prince, and readie at eu

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OF VNIUERSITIES. CHAP. III.

OF VNIUERSITIES. CHAP. III.

Manie vniuersities somtime in England. There haue béene heretofore, and at sundrie times, diuerse famous vniuersities in this Iland, and those euen in my daies not altogither forgotten, as one at Bangor, erected by Lucius, and afterward conuerted into a monasterie, not by Congellus (as some write) but by Pelagius the monke. The second at Carlheon vpon Vske, neere to the place where the riuer dooth fall into the Seuerne, founded by king Arthur. The third at Theodford, wherein were 600 students, i

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OF THE PARTITION OF ENGLAND INTO SHIRES AND COUNTIES. CHAP. IV.

OF THE PARTITION OF ENGLAND INTO SHIRES AND COUNTIES. CHAP. IV.

In reding of ancient writers, as Cæsar, Tacitus, and others, we find mention of sundrie regions to haue béene sometime in this Iland, as the Nouantæ, Selgouæ, Dannonij, Gadeni, Oradeni, Epdij, Cerones, Carnonacæ, Careni, Cornabij, Caledonij, Decantæ, Logi, Mertæ, Vacomagi, Venicontes, Texali or Polij, Denani, Elgoui, Brigantes Parisi, Ordouici aliàs Ordoluci, Cornauij, Coritani, Catieuchlani, Simeni, Trinouantes, Demetæ, Cangi, Silures, Dobuni, Atterbatij, Cantij, Regni, Belgæ, Durotriges, Dumno

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OF DEGREES OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND. CHAP. V.

OF DEGREES OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND. CHAP. V.

We in England diuide our people commonlie into foure sorts, as gentlemen, citizens or burgesses, yeomen, which are artificers, or laborers. Of gentlemen the first and chéefe (next the king) be the prince, dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons: and these are called gentlemen of the greater sort, or (as our common vsage of spéech is) lords and noblemen: and next vnto them be knights, esquiers, and last of all they that are simplie called gentlemen; so that in effect our gentlemen are diu

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OF THE FOOD AND DIET OF THE ENGLISH. CHAP. VI.

OF THE FOOD AND DIET OF THE ENGLISH. CHAP. VI.

The situation of our region, lieng néere vnto the north, dooth cause the heate of our stomaches to be of somewhat greater force: therefore our bodies doo craue a little more ample nourishment, than the inhabitants of the hotter regions are accustomed withall, whose digestiue force is not altogither so vehement, bicause their internall heat is not so strong as ours, which is kept in by the coldnesse of the aire, that from time to time (speciallie in winter) dooth enuiron our bodies. It is no maru

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OF THEIR APPARELL AND ATTIRE. CHAP. VII.

OF THEIR APPARELL AND ATTIRE. CHAP. VII.

An Englishman, indeuoring sometime to write of our attire, made sundrie platformes for his purpose, supposing by some of them to find out one stedfast ground whereon to build the summe of his discourse. But in the end (like an oratour long without exercise) when he saw what a difficult péece of worke he had taken in hand, he gaue ouer his trauell, and onelie drue the picture of a naked man, vnto whome he gaue a paire of sheares in the one hand, and a peece of cloth in the other, to the end he sh

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OF THE HIGH COURT OF PARLEMENT, AND AUTHORITIE OF THE SAME. CHAP. VIII.

OF THE HIGH COURT OF PARLEMENT, AND AUTHORITIE OF THE SAME. CHAP. VIII.

Clerke of the parlement. Beside the lord chancellor there is another in the vpper house called the clerke of the parlement, whose office is to read the billes. For euerie thing that commeth in consultation in either house, is first put in writing in paper, which being read, he that listeth riseth vp and speaketh either with it or against it, and so one after another so long as they shall thinke good; that doone they go to another, and so to the third, &amp;c: the instrument still wholie or i

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OF THE LAWES OF ENGLAND SINCE HIR FIRST INHABITATION. CHAP. IX.

OF THE LAWES OF ENGLAND SINCE HIR FIRST INHABITATION. CHAP. IX.

Samothes. That Samothes or Dis gaue the first lawes to the Celtes (whose kingdome he erected about the fiftéenth of Nimbrote) the testimonie of Berosus is proofe sufficient. For he not onelie affirmeth him to publish the same in the fourth of Ninus, but also addeth thereto, how there liued none in his daies of more excellent wisdome, nor politike inuention than he, whereof he was named Samothes, as some other do affirme. What his lawes were, it is now altogither vnknowne, as most things of this

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OF PROUISION MADE FOR THE POORE. CHAP. X.

OF PROUISION MADE FOR THE POORE. CHAP. X.

There is no common-wealth at this daie in Europe, wherin there is not great store of poore people, and those necessarilie to be relieued by the welthier sort, which otherwise would starue and come to vtter Thrée sorts of poore. confusion. With vs the poore is commonlie diuided into thrée sorts, so that some are poore by impotencie, as the fatherlesse child, the aged, blind and lame, and the diseased person that is iudged to be incurable: the second are poore by casualtie, as the wounded souldier

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OF SUNDRIE KINDS OF PUNISHMENTS APPOINTED FOR MALEFACTORS. CHAP. XI.

OF SUNDRIE KINDS OF PUNISHMENTS APPOINTED FOR MALEFACTORS. CHAP. XI.

In cases of felonie, manslaghter, roberie, murther, rape, piracie, &amp; such capitall crimes as are not reputed for treason or hurt of the estate, our sentence pronounced vpon the offendor is to hang till he be dead. For of other punishments vsed in other countries we haue no knowledge or vse, and yet so few gréeuous crimes committed with vs as else where in the world. To vse torment also or question by paine and torture in these common cases with vs is greatlie abhorred, sith we are found

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OF THE MANER OF BUILDING AND FURNITURE OF OUR HOUSES. CHAP. XII.

OF THE MANER OF BUILDING AND FURNITURE OF OUR HOUSES. CHAP. XII.

The greatest part of our building in the cities and good townes of England consisteth onelie of timber, for as yet few of the houses of the communaltie (except here &amp; there in the West countrie townes) are made of stone, although they may (in my opinion) in diuerse other places be builded so good cheape of the one as of the other. In old time the houses of the Britons were slightlie set vp with a few posts &amp; many radels, with stable and all offices vnder one roofe, the like where

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OF CITIES AND TOWNES IN ENGLAND. CAP. XIII.

OF CITIES AND TOWNES IN ENGLAND. CAP. XIII.

Six and twentie cities in England. As in old time we read that there were eight and twentie flamines and archflamines in the south part of this Ile, and so manie great cities vnder their iurisdiction: so in these our daies there is but one or two fewer, and each of them also vnder the ecclesiasticall regiment of some one bishop or archbishop, who in spirituall cases haue the charge and ouersight of the same. So manie cities therefore are there in England and Wales, as there be bishopriks &am

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OF CASTELS AND HOLDS. CHAP. XIV.

OF CASTELS AND HOLDS. CHAP. XIV.

It hath béene of long time a question in controuersie, and not yet determined, whether holds and castels néere cities or anie where in the hart of common-wealths, are more profitable or hurtfull for the benefit of the countrie? Neuertheles it séemeth by our owne experience that we here in England suppose them altogither vnnéedfull. This also is apparent by the testimonie of sundrie writers, that they haue béene the ruine of manie a noble citie. Of Old Salisburie I speake not, of Anwarpe I saie n

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OF PALACES BELONGING TO THE PRINCE. CHAP. XV.

OF PALACES BELONGING TO THE PRINCE. CHAP. XV.

It lieth not in me to set down exactlie the number &amp; names of the palaces belonging to the prince, nor to make anie description of hir graces court, sith my calling is and hath béene such, as that I haue scarselie presumed to peepe in at hir gates, much lesse then haue I aduentured to search out and know the estate of those houses, and what magnificent behauiour is to be séene within them. Yet thus much will I saie generallie of all the houses and honours perteining to hir maiestie, that

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OF ARMOUR AND MUNITION. CHAP. XVI.

OF ARMOUR AND MUNITION. CHAP. XVI.

How well or how stronglie our countrie hath béene furnished in times past with armor and artillerie, it lieth not in me as of my selfe to make rehersall. Yet that it lacked both in the late time of quéen Marie, not onlie the experience of mine elders, but also the talke of certeine Spaniards not yet forgotten, did leaue some manifest notice. Vpon the first I néed not stand, for few will denie it. For the second I haue heard, that when one of the greatest péeres of Spaine espied our nakednesse in

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OF THE NAUIE OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XVII.

OF THE NAUIE OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XVII.

There is nothing that hath brought me into more admiration of the power and force of antiquitie, than their diligence and care had of their nauies: wherein, whether I consider their spéedie building, or great number of ships which some one kingdome or region possessed at one instant; it giueth me still occasion, either to suspect the historie, or to thinke that in our times we come verie farre behind them. For what a thing is it to haue a ship growing on the stub, and sailing on the sea within t

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OF FAIRES AND MARKETS. CHAP. XVIII.

OF FAIRES AND MARKETS. CHAP. XVIII.

There are (as I take it) few great townes in England, that haue not their wéekelie markets, one or more granted from the prince, in which all maner of prouision for houshold is to be bought and sold, for ease and benefit of the countrie round about. Wherby as it cōmeth to passe that no buier shall make anie great iourneie in the purueiance of his necessities: so no occupier shall haue occasion to trauell far off with his commodities, except it be to séeke for the highest prices, which commonlie

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OF PARKES AND WARRENS. CHAP. XIX.

OF PARKES AND WARRENS. CHAP. XIX.

The decaie of the people is the destruction of a kingdome. Certes if it be not one curse of the Lord, to haue our countrie conuerted in such sort from the furniture of mankind, into the walks and shrowds of wild beasts, I know not what is anie. How manie families also these great and small games (for so most kéepers call them) haue eaten vp and are likelie hereafter to deuoure, some men may coniecture, but manie more lament, sith there is no hope of restraint to be looked for in this behalfe, be

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OF GARDENS AND ORCHARDS. CHAP. XX.

OF GARDENS AND ORCHARDS. CHAP. XX.

After such time as Calis was woone from the French, and that our countriemen had learned to trade into diuerse countries (wherby they grew rich) they began to wax idle also, and therevpon not onlie left off their former painfulnesse and frugalitie, but in like sort gaue themselues to liue in excesse and vanitie, whereby manie goodlie commodities failed, and in short time were not to be had amongst vs. Such strangers also as dwelled here with vs, perceiuing our sluggishnesse, and espieng that thi

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OF WOODS AND MARISHES. CHAP. XXII.

OF WOODS AND MARISHES. CHAP. XXII.

It should séeme by ancient records, Great abundance of wood sometime in England. and the testimonie of sundrie authors, that the whole countries of Lhoegres and Cambria, now England and Wales, haue sometimes béene verie well replenished with great woods &amp; groues, although at this time the said commoditie be not a little decaied in both, and in such wise that a man shall oft ride ten or twentie miles in ech of them, and find verie little or rather none at all, except it be néere vnto town

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OF BATHS AND HOT WELLES. CHAP. XXIII.

OF BATHS AND HOT WELLES. CHAP. XXIII.

As almightie GOD hath in most plentifull maner bestowed infinit, and those verie notable benefits vpon this Ile of Britaine, whereby it is not a little inriched: so in hot and naturall baths (whereof we haue diuerse in sundrie places) it manifestlie appéereth that he hath not forgotten England. There are sundrie baths therefore to be found in this realme, of which the first is called saint Vincents, the second Halliewell; both being places (in my opinion) more obscure than the other two, and yet

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OF ANTIQUITIES FOUND. CHAP. XXIV.

OF ANTIQUITIES FOUND. CHAP. XXIV.

Hauing taken some occasion to speake here and there in this treatise of antiquities, it shall not be amis to deale yet more in this chapter, with some of them apart, &amp; by themselues, whereby the secure authoritie of the Romans ouer this Iland maie in some cases more manifestlie appeare. For such was their possession of this Iland on this side of the Tine, that they held not one or two, or a few places onelie vnder their subiection, but all the whole countrie from east to west, from the T

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OF THE COINES OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXV.

OF THE COINES OF ENGLAND. CHAP. XXV.

The Saxon coine before the conquest is in maner vtterlie vnknowne to me: howbeit if my coniecture be anie thing, I suppose that one shilling of siluer in those daies did counterpeise our common ounce, though afterward it came to passe that it arose to twentie pence, and so continued vntill the time of king Henrie the eight, who first brought it to thrée shillings and foure pence, &amp; afterward our siluer coine vnto Copper monie. brasse &amp; copper monies, by reason of those inestimabl

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OF CATTELL KEPT FOR PROFIT. CHAP. I.

OF CATTELL KEPT FOR PROFIT. CHAP. I.

There is no kind of tame cattell vsually to be séene in these parts of the world, wherof we haue not some, and that great store in England; as horsses, oxen, shéepe, goats, swine, and far surmounting the like in other countries, as may be prooued with ease. For where are oxen commonlie more large of bone, horsses more decent and pleasant in pase, kine more commodious for the pale, shéepe more profitable for wooll, swine more wholesome of flesh, and goates more gainefull to their kéepers, than he

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OF WILD AND TAME FOULES. CHAP. II.

OF WILD AND TAME FOULES. CHAP. II.

Order requireth that I speake somewhat of the foules also of England, which I may easilie diuide into the wild &amp; tame: but alas such is my small skill in foules, that to say the truth, I can neither recite their numbers, nor well distinguish one kind of them from another. Yet this I haue by generall knowledge, that there is no nation vnder the sunne, which hath alreadie in the time of the yere more plentie of wild foule than we, for so manie kinds as our Iland dooth bring foorth, and muc

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OF FISH VSUALLIE TAKEN VPON OUR COASTS. CHAP. III.

OF FISH VSUALLIE TAKEN VPON OUR COASTS. CHAP. III.

I haue in my description of waters, as occasion hath serued, intreated of the names of some of the seuerall fishes which are commonlie to bée found in our riuers. Neuerthelesse as euerie water hath a sundrie mixture, and therefore is not stored with euerie kind: so there is almost no house, euen of the meanest bowres, which haue not one or mo ponds or holes made for reseruation of water vnstored with some of them, as with tench, carpe, breame, roch, dace, eeles, or such like as will liue and bré

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OF SAUAGE BEASTS AND VERMINES. CHAP. IV.

OF SAUAGE BEASTS AND VERMINES. CHAP. IV.

It is none of the least blessings wherewith God hath indued this Iland, that it is void of noisome beasts, as lions, beares, tigers, pardes, wolfes, &amp; such like, by means whereof our countrimen may trauell in safetie, &amp; our herds and flocks remaine for the most part abroad in the field without anie herdman or kéeper. This is cheefelie spoken of the south and southwest parts of the Iland. For wheras we that dwell on this side of the Twed, may safelie boast of our securitie in this

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OF HAWKES AND RAUENOUS FOULES. CHAP. V.

OF HAWKES AND RAUENOUS FOULES. CHAP. V.

I can not make (as yet) anie iust report how manie sorts of hawkes are bred within this realme. Howbeit which of those that are vsuallie had among vs are disclosed with in this land, I thinke it more easie and lesse difficult to set downe. First of all therefore that we haue the egle, common experience dooth euidentlie confirme, and diuerse of our rockes whereon they bréed, if speach did serue, could well declare the same. But the most excellent aierie of all is not much from Chester, at a caste

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OF VENEMOUS BEASTS. CHAP. VI.

OF VENEMOUS BEASTS. CHAP. VI.

If I should go about to make anie long discourse of venemous beasts or wormes bred in England, I should attempt more than occasion it selfe would readilie offer, sith we haue verie few worms, but no beasts at all, that are thought by their naturall qualities to be either venemous or hurtfull. First of all therefore we haue the adder (in our old Saxon toong called an atter) which some men doo not rashlie take to be the viper. Certes if it be so, then is it not the viper author of the death * Gale

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OF OUR ENGLISH DOGS AND THEIR QUALITIES. CHAP. VII.

OF OUR ENGLISH DOGS AND THEIR QUALITIES. CHAP. VII.

There is no countrie that maie (as I take it) compare with ours, in number, excellencie, and diuersite of dogs. And therefore if Polycrates of Samia were now aliue, he would not send to Epyro for such merchandize: but to his further cost prouide them out of Britaine, as an ornament to his countrie, and péece of husbandrie for his common wealth, which he furnished of set purpose with Molossian and Lacaonian dogs, as he did the same also with shéepe out of Attica and Miletum, gotes from Scyro and

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OF OUR SAFFRON, AND THE DRESSING THEREOF. CHAP. VIII.

OF OUR SAFFRON, AND THE DRESSING THEREOF. CHAP. VIII.

As the saffron of England, which Platina reckneth among spices, is the most excellent of all other: for it giueth place neither to that of Cilicia, whereof Solinus speaketh, neither to anie that commeth from Cilicia, where it groweth vpon the mount Taurus, Tmolus, Italie, Ætolia, Sicilia or Licia, in swéetnesse, tincture, and continuance; so of that which is to be had amongst vs, the same that grows about Saffron Walden, somtime called Waldenburg, in the edge of Essex, first of all planted there

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OF QUARRIES OF STONE FOR BUILDING. CHAP. IX.

OF QUARRIES OF STONE FOR BUILDING. CHAP. IX.

Quarries with vs are pits or mines, out of which we dig our stone to build withall, &amp; of these as we haue great plentie in England, so are they of diuerse sorts, and those verie profitable for sundrie necessarie vses. In times past the vse of stone was in maner dedicated to the building of churches, religious houses, princely palaces, bishops manours, and holds onlie: but now that scrupulous obseruation is altogither infringed, and building with stone so commonlie taken vp, that amongst

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ON SUNDRIE MINERALS. CHAP. X.

ON SUNDRIE MINERALS. CHAP. X.

With how great benefits this Iland of ours hath béene indued from the beginning, I hope there is no godlie man but will readilie confesse, and yéeld vnto the Lord God his due honour for the same. For we are blessed euerie waie, &amp; there is no temporall commoditie necessarie to be had or craued by anie nation at Gods hand, that he hath not in most aboundant maner bestowed vpon vs Englishmen, if we could sée to vse it, &amp; be thankefull for the same. But alas (as I said in the chapter

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OF METTALS TO BE HAD IN OUR LAND. CHAP. XI.

OF METTALS TO BE HAD IN OUR LAND. CHAP. XI.

All mettals receiue their beginning of quicksiluer and sulphur, which are as mother and father to them. And such is the purpose of nature in their generations: that she tendeth alwaies to the procreation of gold, neuerthelesse she sildome reacheth vnto that hir end, bicause of the vnequall mixture and proportion of these two in the substance ingendered, whereby impediment and corruption is induced, which as it is more or lesse, dooth shew it selfe in the mettall that is producted. First of all t

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OF PRETIOUS STONES. CHAP. XII.

OF PRETIOUS STONES. CHAP. XII.

The old writers remember few other stones of estimation to be found in Geat. this Iland than that which we call geat, and they in Latine Gagaies : wherevnto furthermore they ascribe sundrie properties, as vsuallie Laon. Chalchondile. practised here in times past, whereof none of our writers doo make anie mention at all. Howbeit whatsoeuer it hath pleased a number of strangers (vpon false surmise) to write of the vsages of this our countrie, about the triall of the virginitie of our maidens by dr

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OF SALT MADE IN ENGLAND. CHAP. XIII.

OF SALT MADE IN ENGLAND. CHAP. XIII.

There are in England certein welles where salt is made, whereof Leland hath written abundantlie in his cōmentaries of Britaine, and whose words onlie I will set downe in English as he wrote them, bicause he seemeth to haue had diligent consideration of the same, without adding anie thing of mine owne to him, except it be where necessitie dooth inforce me for the méere aid of the reader, in the vnderstanding of his mind. Directing therefore his iournie from Worcester in his peregrination and labo

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OF OUR ACCOMPT OF TIME & HIR PARTS. CHAP. XIV.

OF OUR ACCOMPT OF TIME & HIR PARTS. CHAP. XIV.

As Libra is As or Assis to the Romans for their weight, and the foot in standard measure: so in our accompt of the parts of time, we take the daie consisting of foure and twentie houres, to be the greatest of the least, and least of the greatest, whereby we keepe our reckoning: for of the houre (to saie the truth) the most ancient Romans, Greeks, nor Hebrues had anie vse; sith they reckoned by watches: and whereof also Censorinus cap. 19. sheweth a reason wherefore they were neglected. For my pa

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OF OUR PRINCIPALL FAIRES AND MARKETS. CHAP. XV.

OF OUR PRINCIPALL FAIRES AND MARKETS. CHAP. XV.

I haue heretofore said sufficientlie of our faires, in the chapter of fairs and markets; and now to performe my promise there made, I set downe here so manie of our faires as I haue found out by mine owne obseruation, and helpe of others in this behalfe. Certes it is impossible for me to come by all, sith there is almost no towne in England, but hath one or more such marts holden yearelie in the same, although some of them (I must needs confesse) be scarse comparable to Lowse faire, and little e

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OF OUR INNES AND THOROWFAIRES. CHAP. XVI.

OF OUR INNES AND THOROWFAIRES. CHAP. XVI.

Those townes that we call thorowfaires haue great and sumptuous innes builded in them, for the receiuing of such trauellers and strangers as passe to and fro. The manner of harbouring wherein, is not like to that of some other countries, in which the host or goodman of the house dooth chalenge a lordlie authoritie ouer his ghests, but cleane otherwise, sith euerie man may vse his inne as his owne house in England, and haue for his monie how great or little varietie of vittels, and what other ser

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