Curialia Miscellanea - free ebook by Samuel Pegge

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Curialia Miscellanea

Samuel Pegge

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Curialia Miscellanea, OR ANECDOTES OF OLD TIMES; REGAL, NOBLE, GENTILITIAL, AND MISCELLANEOUS: INCLUDING AUTHENTIC ANECDOTES OF THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD, AND THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE COURT, AT AN EARLY PERIOD OF THE English History.

Curialia Miscellanea, OR ANECDOTES OF OLD TIMES; REGAL, NOBLE, GENTILITIAL, AND MISCELLANEOUS: INCLUDING AUTHENTIC ANECDOTES OF THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD, AND THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE COURT, AT AN EARLY PERIOD OF THE English History.

——— Author of the "CURIALIA," AND OF "ANECDOTES OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE." ——— PRINTED BY AND FOR J. NICHOLS, SON, AND BENTLEY, AT THE PRINTING-OFFICE OF THE NOTES OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 25, PARLIAMENT STREET, AND 10, KING STREET, WESTMINSTER; SOLD ALSO AT THEIR OLD OFFICE IN RED LION PASSAGE, FLEET STREET, LONDON. 1818....

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ADVERTISEMENT.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The publication of this Volume is strictly conformable to the testamentary intentions of the Author, who consigned the MSS. for that express purpose to the present Editor [1] . Mr. Pegge had, in his life-time, published Three Portions of " Curialia , or an Account of some Members of the Royal Houshold;" and had, with great industry and laborious research, collected materials for several other Portions, some of which were nearly completed for the press. Mr. Pegge was "led into the investigation,"

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Parentalia:

Parentalia:

OR, MEMOIRS OF THE REV. DR. PEGGE, COMPILED BY HIS SON. ———— The Rev. Samuel Pegge, LL. D. and F.S.A. was the Representative of one of four Branches of the Family of that name in Derbyshire, derived from a common Ancestor, all which existed together till within a few years. The eldest became extinct by the death of Mr. William Pegge, of Yeldersley, near Ashborne, 1768; and another by that of the Rev. Nathaniel Pegge, M.A. Vicar of Packington, in Leicestershire, 1782. The Doctor's immediate Prede

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1. Whittington Church.

1. Whittington Church.

The annexed View was taken in 1789, by the ingenious Mr. Jacob Schnebbelie; and the following concise account of it was communicated in 1793, by the then worthy and venerable Rector. " Whittington , of whose Church the annexed Plate contains a Drawing by the late Mr. Schnebbelie, is a small parish of about 14 or 15 hundred acres, distant from the church and old market-place of Chesterfield about two miles and a half. It lies in the road from Chesterfield to Sheffield and Rotherham, whose roads d

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2. Whittington Rectory.

2. Whittington Rectory.

This View was taken also, in 1789, by Mr. Schnebbelie; and the account of it drawn up in 1793 by Dr. Pegge, then resident in it, at the advanced age of 88. "The Parsonage-house at Whittington is a convenient substantial stone building, and very sufficient for this small benefice. It was, as I take it, erected by the Rev. Thomas Callice, one of my predecessors; and, when I had been inducted, I enlarged it, by pulling down the West end, making a cellar, a kitchen, a brew-house, and a pantry, with

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3. The Revolution House.

3. The Revolution House.

To complete the little series of Views at Whittington more immediately connected with Dr. Pegge, a third plate is here given, from another Drawing by Mr. Schnebbelie, of the small public-house at Whittington, which has been handed down to posterity for above a century under the honourable appellation of "The Revolution House." It obtained that name from the accidental meeting of two noble personages, Thomas Osborne Earl of Danby, and William Cavendish Earl of Devonshire, with a third person, Mr.

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EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS TO MR. GOUGH.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS TO MR. GOUGH.

Dear Sir , Whittington, Oct. 11, 1788. We are to have most grand doings at this place, 5th of November next, at the Revolution House , which I believe you saw when you was here. The Resolutions of the Committee were ordered to be inserted in the London prints [49] ; so I presume you may have seen them, and that I am desired to preach the Sermon. I remain your much obliged, &amp;c. S. Pegge . Whittington, Nov. 29, 1788. My dear Mr. Gough , Mr. Rooke slept at the Vicarage on the 4th, in order

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APPENDIX, No. II.

APPENDIX, No. II.

To Richard Gough , Esq. Whittington, March 17, 1796. Dear Sir , There are no persons in the world to whom so much regard is due, respecting my late Father's Collections in the literary line, as to yourself and Mr. Nichols. I daily see obligations, from Books which you have respectively conferred upon him, which call for every acknowledgement. I am as daily concerned in looking over papers of various kinds; and will preserve them all sacredly, and report upon them when I return to Town, which mus

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INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION.

I was led into the following investigation from a natural and kind of instinctive curiosity, and a desire of knowing what was the antient state of the Court to which I have the honour, by the favour of his Grace William the late Duke of Devonshire, to compose a part. It is obvious to suppose that so large a body must have undergone various revolutions, and have borne very different complexions according to times and circumstances: and having occasion to consult some MSS. in the Lord Chamberlain'

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WILLIAM I.

WILLIAM I.

After that great Revolution called The Conquest , it is to be supposed that a competent part, and that no inconsiderable one, was allotted for the support of the Dignity of the King's House. How large the establishment of the Household was, it would be very difficult to ascertain at this distance of time; but we know that the Conqueror's Revenues were very great, and that, besides the public branch of it for the defence of the Kingdom against invasions from abroad, there must have been an ample

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WILLIAM RUFUS.

WILLIAM RUFUS.

Notwithstanding the fair inheritance left by the Conqueror, equal to the Regal Dignity, and the exigences of the State, William Rufus, the successor, not only dissipated the great treasure of which he was possessed at the demise of his Father, but ran into so extravagant a profusion of expence, that he was at last obliged to apply to resources, unwarrantable in themselves, and derogatory to his Crown and Dignity. The late King's treasures were said to amount to 60,000 l. ; but, according to Henr

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HENRY I.

HENRY I.

After so bad an œconomist (to say no worse of William Rufus), we may hope to see a more prudent direction of the revenues of the State, and a less abandoned Retinue about the Royal Person. This is, however, no great compliment to Henry, who succeeded: for a moderate character will appear with some degree of lustre, after one so very much disfigured as that of Rufus. Henry had, without question, many good qualities. He was a wise and prudent Prince, and, as the Saxon Chronicle says, "magno honore

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STEPHEN.

STEPHEN.

Stephen, at his accession, found in his Uncle's Treasury upwards of 100,000 l. [110] besides plate and jewels, the fruits of Henry's rapacity and oppression. As Stephen came in upon a doubtful title, the people were willing to take this opportunity of securing themselves against future usurpations and exactions; and accordingly, after some debate about the succession, when Stephen was placed on the throne, they imposed a new oath upon their new King; which imported, that he should fill the vacan

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HENRY II. (Plantagenet.)

HENRY II. (Plantagenet.)

Henry at his Accession found himself so contracted in his Royal Revenues, by the imprudence of his immediate Predecessor, Stephen, that some spirited measures became necessary, to enable him to support his dignity equal to the Sovereign of a great Kingdom, and his own wishes. Henry soon saw that the resumption of several grants made by Stephen was absolutely necessary; and these having been conferred on great and powerful men, the measure must be conducted with firmness and delicacy. In a Treaty

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RICHARD I.

RICHARD I.

The following Reign is too full of the business of the Holy War, with which Richard was, above all men, most infatuated, to afford much matter for our purpose. Henry had, by the good government and direction of his revenues, left behind him great treasures; but these, or ten times as much, would not answer the purpose of his Successor, who ransacked every corner of his Kingdom for money to carry on this work of zeal, which had seized all Christendom, whereby Richard, on the Throne of a great and

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HENRY IV.

HENRY IV.

In the eleventh year of King Henry IV. a certain portion of the customs in the several ports, of subsidies in several ports, of the issues of the hamper [now the Hanaper], and of the profers [ sic ] of escheators and sheriffs, were, by the King's letters patent, set apart for the expences of his Household. This was done by the assent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, assembled in the King's Council [145] ....

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EDWARD IV.

EDWARD IV.

In the Reign also of King Edward IV. it was usual for the King to grant to his servants, or ministers, assignments for their salaries, or debts, upon divers officers who were concerned in receiving his revenue; viz. upon Sheriffs of Counties, Bailiffs, or Men [fortè Mayors] of Towns, Collectors of Customs, Subsidies, &amp;c. Upon these assignments the Assignees had Patent-Letters, Tallies of the Exchequer, or Writs of Liberate currant, made forth for their avail; and, in default of payment,

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EXTRACTS FROM THE LIBER NIGER.

EXTRACTS FROM THE LIBER NIGER.

The Liber Niger Domûs Regis Angliæ [149] [ i. e. Edward IV.] contains Orders for his said Majesty's Household, anno 1478; and relates to the following Officers: A Chamberlain. Bannerets, or Bachelor Knights, to be Carvers and Cup-bearers (four). Knights of Household (twelve) to do the Office of Ewerers. A Secretary. Chaplains (four). Esquires for the Body (four). A Sewer for the King. Surveyor for the King, i. e. of the Dresser. Wardrobe. Gentlemen Ushers of Chamber (four). Yeomen of the Crown (

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Gentleman Usher.

Gentleman Usher.

Item, that the Marshall, ne Usher of the Chamber, send his rod by any mean person or persons, to pantry, buttery, or cellar, spicery, chaundry, or any other office; but go in his own person. But if he be occupied, so that he may not, then he send such one with his rod , as he will answer for on the morrow, and also that he will breve for, upon pain of six days wages. Item, that weekly there be warned and appointed by the Huishiers [Ushers] of the Chamber, [those] who shall attend and serve the K

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Great Chamberlain of England,

Great Chamberlain of England,

cometh to this Court at the six principal feasts of the year; takes such livery and service after the estate he is of; and for his winter and summer robes, for the feasts of Christmas and Whitsuntide, to be taken of the counting-house by even portions, ten pounds thirteen shillings and four pence; and for his fee of the King's Household, at the two terms of Easter and Michaelmas, by even portions, twenty marks in the counting-house....

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Knights of Household[152].

Knights of Household[152].

Twelve Bachelors, sufficient and most valiant men of that order, of every Country, and more in number if it please the King, whereof four to be continually abiding and attending upon the King's Person in Court, beside the Carvers abovesaid, for to serve the King of his bason, or such other service as they may do the King, in absence of the Carvers, sitting in the King's Chamber and Hall with persons of like service; every of them have eating in the hall one Yeoman, and taking for his chamber, at

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Esquires for the Body.

Esquires for the Body.

Four Noble, of condition, whereof always two be attendant on the King's person, to array him, and unarray him; watch day and night; and to dress him in his cloaths. And they be callers to the Chamberlaine, if any thing lack for his person or pleasance. Their business is in many secrets , some sitting in the King's chamber, some in the hall with persons of like service, which is called Knight's service . Taking, every of them, for his livery at night, half a chet loaf, one quart of wine, one gall

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Yeomen of the Crown[156].

Yeomen of the Crown[156].

Twenty-four most seemly persons, cleanly and strongest Archers, honest of conditions, and of behaviour, bold men chosen and tried out of every Lord's house in England for their cunning and virtue thereof. One to be Yeoman of the Robes, another to be Yeoman of the Wardrobe of Beds in Household. These two, in certainty, eat in the King's Chamber daily. Other two be Yeomen Ushers of Chamber, eating there also. Another to be Yeoman of the Stole, if it please the King. Another to be Yeoman of the Arm

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A Barber for the King's most high and dread Person.

A Barber for the King's most high and dread Person.

To be taking in this Court after that he standeth in degree, Gentleman, Yeoman, or Groom. It hath been much accustomed to one or two well-known Officers of the Ewry in Household, such as been for the month, Serjeant, or other. Also we find how this hath been used among ... by a well-betrusted Yeoman of Chamber, for lack of cunning of these other men. It is accustomed that a Knight of Chamber, or else Squire for the Body, or both, be present every time when the King will be shaven. This Barber sh

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Henxmen.

Henxmen.

Six infants, or more, as it shall please the King, all these eating in the Hall, and sitting at one board together; and to be served two or three to a mess, as the Sovereigns appoint; taking daily for their breakfasts, amongst them all, two loaves, a mess of great meat, a gallon of ale. Also, for their supper in fasting days, according to their age, and livery nightly for them all to their chamber, one loaf, one gallon of ale; and for winter livery, two candles wax, four candles p'is, three tals

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Master of Henxmen.

Master of Henxmen.

To shew the schools of urbanity and nurture of England; to learn them to ride cleanly and surely; to draw them also to justs; to learn them wear their harness; to have all courtesy in words, deeds, and degrees; diligently to keep them in rules of goings and sittings after they be of honour. Moreover to teach them sundry languages, and other learnings virtuous; to harping, to pipe, sing, and dance, with other honest and temperate behaving and patience; and to keep daily and weekly with these chil

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Squires of Household.

Squires of Household.

Forty, or more, if it please the King, by the advice of his High Council, to be chosen men of their profession, worship, and wisdom; also to be of sundry Shires, by whom it may be known the disposition of the Countries. And of these, to be continually in this Court Twenty Squires attendant upon the King's Person, in riding and going at all times, and to help serve his table from the Surveying-board, and from other places, as the Assewar will assign.—Also, by their common assent, to assign amongs

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Kings of Arms, Heralds, and Pursuivants.

Kings of Arms, Heralds, and Pursuivants.

Coming into this Royal Court to the worship of these five Feasts in the year, sitting at meats and suppers in the Hall, and to begin that one end of the table together, upon days of estate, by the Marshall's assignation, at one meal. And if the King keep estate, by the Marshall's assignation, in the Hall, then these walk before the Steward, Treasurer, and Comptroller, coming with the King's Surveyor [163] from the surveying-board at every course. And, after the last course, they cry the King's l

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Serjeants of Arms[164].

Serjeants of Arms[164].

Four chosen proved men, of haviour and condition, for the King and his Honourable Household; whereof two alway to be attending upon the King's Person and Chamber; and to avoid the press of people before where as the King shall come: in like wise at the conveyance of his meat at every course from the surveying board; also observing for [of] the King's commandments, and so after the Steward, Chamberlain, Treasurer, and Controller, for the King, or for his Household. They eat in the Hall, together

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Minstrels.

Minstrels.

Thirteen; whereof one is Verger, that directeth them all in festival days to their stations, to blowings and pipings to such offices as must be warned to prepare for the King and his Household, at meats and suppers, to be the more ready in all services; and all these sitting in the Hall together, whereof some use trumpets, some shalmuse [165] and small pipes, and some are strange-men coming to this Court at five feasts of the year; and then to take their wages of Household after four-pence halfp

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A Wayte.

A Wayte.

That nightly, from Michaelmas till Shere-Thursday [166] , pipeth the watch within this Court four times, and in summer nights three times, and he to make bon Gayte , and every chamber-door and office, as well for fire as for other pikers, or pellys [167] . He eateth in the Hall with the Minstrels, and taketh livery at night, half a paine, half a gallon of ale; and for summer nights, two candles p'is, half a bushel of coals; and for winter nights, half a loaf, half a gallon of ale, four candles p

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Clerk of the Crown in Chancery.

Clerk of the Crown in Chancery.

This Officer was anciently one of the Chancellor's Family [168] . Formerly accompanied the Masters in Chancery in carrying Bills to the Lower House [169] . Reads the Titles of Bills in the House of Lords [170] . Sir George Copping was Clerk of the Crown, anno 1 Jac. I. [171] The fee of the Clerk of the Crown, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, was 20 l. [172]...

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Richard II.

Richard II.

Was the first who bore his Escocheon supported; viz. by Two Angels . Cognizances. —A White Hart couchant, gorged with a Gold Chain and Coronet, under a Tree; derived from the Princess Joan his Mother. Also a Peascod Branch, with the Pods open, but the Peas out....

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Henry IV.

Henry IV.

Dexter, a Swan . Sinister, an Antelope . Cognizance. —A Fox's Tail dependant....

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Henry V.

Henry V.

Two Swans , when Prince of Wales, holding in their beaks an Ostrich-feather and a Scroll; when King, a Lion and an Antelope . N. B. He first bore three Fleurs de Lis, instead of the Semée; and wrote himself King of England and France , whereas those before him wrote France and England ....

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Henry VI.

Henry VI.

Two Antelopes, Argent, attired, accolled with Coronets, and chained Or. Cognizance. —Two Feathers in Saltire....

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Edward IV.

Edward IV.

A Lion for Marche; and a Bull for Clare. Two Lions , Argent. The Lion and the White Hart of Richard II. Cognizances. —The White Rose . The Fetter-Lock . The Sun after the Battle of Mortimer's Cross, when three Suns were seen, which immediately conjoined. The Rose is in the centre....

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Edward V.

Edward V.

The Lion and a Hinde , Argent. Cognizance. —The Rose and the Falcon in a Fetter-Lock....

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Richard III.

Richard III.

Two Boars . A White Boar. i. e. Sir William Catesby, Sir Richard Ratcliff, and Lord Lovel, creatures of King Richard. One Collingborne was executed for this poetry [173] . Cognizance. —The Rose....

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Henry VII.

Henry VII.

Red Dragon (for Cadwallader), Dexter. A Greyhound , Argent, accolled Gules, Sinister, for Nevile. Cognizances. —The White Rose united to the Red . A Portcullis for Beaufort. A Hawthorn Bush with the Crown in it. Richard's Crown was found in a Hawthorn Bush after the Battle of Bosworth [174] ....

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Henry VIII.

Henry VIII.

The Red Dragon and Greyhound . Afterwards, the Lion Dexter; the Dragon Sinister. Cognizances. —A Red Rose. A Fleur de Lis. A Portcullis. An Archer (Green) drawing his Arrow to the Head; with "Cui adhæreo præest." taken at the interview between him and Francis I....

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Edward VI.

Edward VI.

The Lion and Red Dragon. Cognizance. —He bore the device of Prince of Wales, though never created....

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Queen Mary.

Queen Mary.

An Eagle and Lion.—These are the Supporters in the Coat of Philip and Mary, impaled, over the chimney in the Hall of Trinity College, Oxford, as of the year 1554, put up 1772, when Lord North, afterwards Earl of Guilford, became Chancellor [175] . Cognizance. —When Princess, the White and Red Rose for York and Lancaster, with a Pomegranate for Spain.—When Queen, Time winged, drawing Truth out of a Pit; with "Veritas Temporis Filia."...

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Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth.

A Lion and Red Dragon. Cognizance. —A Sieve, without a motto. The words Video; Taceo. Semper Eadem [176] ....

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James I.

James I.

The Lion (for England), and the Unicorn (for Scotland). Cognizances. —A Rose; a Fleur de Lis; a Harp (for Ireland); a Greyhound current....

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"His most Christian Majesty The King of France."

"His most Christian Majesty The King of France."

Stowe says that Charlemagne, being chosen Emperor, A.D. 800, on account of his great zeal for the good of Christendom, was the first King of France that attributed to himself (I rather think received from the Pope) the Style and Title of The Most Christian King of France ; and from him his Successors have continued it [177] ....

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His Sacred Majesty The King of Great Britain.

His Sacred Majesty The King of Great Britain.

First given to (or rather assumed by) King James I. [178] — Grace was the old Title.— Majesty succeeded to it at the latter end of the Reign of Henry VIII. [179]...

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His Catholic Majesty.

His Catholic Majesty.

( Spain. ) About the year 1493, Pope Alexander VI. gave to Ferdinand, King of Spain, the Title of Catholick King , in memory and acknowledgment of the many Victories he had obtained over the Moors [180] ....

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KINGS OF ENGLAND.

KINGS OF ENGLAND.

As the following subject, which has exercised the faith and incredulity of mankind for so many ages, comes before me in the light of a religious ceremonial, I shall not attempt to defend or depreciate the validity of this gift; though it may be necessary to observe some circumstances as they occur, which may point different ways. Well-attested instances of the effect of this power of healing may be produced; though other examples are too ludicrous and futile to attract serious attention. We may,

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FRENCH KINGS.

FRENCH KINGS.

Whether the French Kings possessed this Gift in a greater or less degree than our own, I cannot decide; but in point of antiquity, by the accounts of their Historians, they exceed us by many centuries. The advocates for the priority of the Kings of England in this wonderful Gift, tell you, that the French, seeing it with a jealous eye, invented a tale, and carried their claim up to Clovis, the first of that name in France, and their first Christian King, who acceded to the Throne A. D. 481; wher

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EDWARD THE CONFESSOR[190].

EDWARD THE CONFESSOR[190].

To begin in order of time, I shall give you the narrative in Mr. Stowe's words, from the Latin account by Alfred, Abbot of Rivaulx. Thus then it is: "A young woman, married, but without children, had a disease about her jawes, and under her cheeke, like unto kernels, which they termed akornes, and this disease so corrupted her face with stench, that shee coulde scarce without great shame speake to any man. This woman was admonished in her sleepe, to go to King Edwarde, and get him to washe her f

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WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

Had business enough upon his hands to employ his time, without thinking of such a matter as this; but however, that he might, in quieter times, enjoy this Kingly attribute (though only a Bastard Son of a Territorial Duke), Voltaire tells us, that some dependants endeavoured to persuade the world, that this Gift was bestowed upon him from Heaven [194] . Whether he ever exercised it does not appear. Nothing but a special bounty of Heaven could convey to him this privilege; and such interference wa

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EDWARD III.

EDWARD III.

Mr. Joshua Barnes, the most copious Historiographer of this Reign, does not positively say that King Edward exercised this Gift, presuming only that he had a double right to it, as Heir to both the Realms of England and of France; and, consequently, more eminently endowed than Philip of Valois, the then French King [195] . The French, no doubt, would deny it to him, as an usurping claimant of their Crown; though they could not refuse his right, as derived to him as a legal King of England....

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HENRY VI.

HENRY VI.

I have already conceived the Gift of healing by the Touch to have been, as it were, in abeyance during the Civil Wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster; and therefore have found no historical record of Cures performed by this Saint-like King, who had such ample religious claims. I have called him Saint-like, because he never was canonized, though it was attempted and refused by the Pope in the Reign of Henry VII. for reasons to be seen in Fuller's Church History of Britain [196] . Two rea

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HENRY VII.

HENRY VII.

It is evident, from various concurrent circumstances, that this King touched for the Evil, as the Religious Ceremonial used upon those occasions, such as Prayers, Benedictions, Suffrages, &amp;c. during his Reign, are to be found not only in MS. in the British Museum, but were afterwards printed by order of King James II. A. D. 1686; both in Latin. Another proof arises from charges made for pieces of money delivered for this purpose in that Reign; for, in the 18th year of Henry VII. we find

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EDWARD VI.

EDWARD VI.

The King now before us, though he kept a journal of all material occurrences, does not, however, once hint that he touched for the Evil, as probably his natural piety would have led him to have done, had it ever taken place; but, if there be any truth in the immediate prevalence of prayer on the ears of Heaven, an instance is recorded wherein the King obtained his request, in a more notable instance than any cure he might have performed by the operation of his Touch. Sir John Cheke, his Tutor fo

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QUEEN ELIZABETH.

QUEEN ELIZABETH.

That the Queen touched, is acknowledged; but it is as evident that she had no high opinion of the efficacy of such operation; for she once threw out an expression tending much to disparage the validity of it. Being on a Progress in Gloucestershire, her Majesty was so pestered with applications from diseased people, who pressed about her person in hopes of obtaining the Royal Touch, that she unguardedly, and in an ill-humour, exclaimed, "Alas, poor people, I cannot, I cannot cure you; it is God a

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JAMES I.

JAMES I.

It does not appear that the Kings of Scotland ever pretended to this Gift; but when their James VI. came to the Throne of England, the virtue appeared in him; and he exercised it, as is evident from a passage in Macbeth [206] , and still more strongly from Proclamations in this Reign, still extant [207] . Being lineally descended from Henry the Seventh's Daughter, Margaret, this King had the same title to the Gift as Henry himself, who, as has been seen, used it, though descended from a line of

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CHARLES I.

CHARLES I.

So pious a King, and so jealous of every prerogatory right, divine and human, could not fail to exercise this preternatural endowment [208] ; and accordingly we find him regulating the manner and time that persons shall be admitted to the Royal Touch, by divers Proclamations [209] . One is dated soon after his Accession, in 1621 [210] ; another in 1626; and a third in 1628 [211] . He cured by his words only [212] . One would naturally be surprized to read of such numbers who received the Royal T

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CHARLES II.

CHARLES II.

In January 1683, the following Proclamation was ordered to be published in every Parish in the Kingdom [215] . "At the Court at Whitehall, 9th of January 1683. Present, the King's Most Excellent Majesty; Lord Keeper, Lord Privy Seal, Duke of Ormond, Duke of Beaufort, Earl of Oxford, Earl of Huntingdon, Earl of Bridgewater, Earl of Peterborow, Earl of Chesterfield, Earl of Clarendon, Earl of Bathe, Earl of Craven, Earl of Nottingham, Earl of Rochester, Lord Bishop of London, Mr. Secretary Jenkins

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QUEEN ANNE.

QUEEN ANNE.

It appears by the Newspapers of the time, that on the 30th of March, 1714, two hundred persons were touched by Queen Anne [217] . Amongst these was Samuel Johnson , afterwards the justly celebrated Moral Writer. He was sent by the advice of Sir John Floyer, then a Physician at Lichfield; and many years afterwards, being asked if he could remember Queen Anne, said, "he had a confused, but somehow a sort of solemn recollection of a Lady in diamonds, and a long black hood." The Honourable Daines Ba

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GEORGE I.

GEORGE I.

Although this Monarch, who succeeded to the Crown in 1714, had the good sense not to pretend to this miraculous Gift, it was assumed by the Descendants of the race of Stuarts. And it is well recollected, that Mr. Carte's (in other respects very excellent) "History of England" fell into almost immediate disrepute, on his making, in one of his notes, a bold assertion, the substance of which shall be here given: "Whatever is to be said in favour of its being appropriated to the eldest Descendant of

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Stemmata Magnatum.

Stemmata Magnatum.

ORIGIN OF THE TITLES OF SOME OF THE ENGLISH NOBILITY . ———— "It is an ancient received saying, that there is no Poverty but is descended of Nobility; nor no Nobility but is descended of Beggary." History of the Gwedir Family, p. 94. Westmoreland , Earl.—From the County. Burghersh [221] , Baron ( Fane ).—Bartholomew, Baron of Burghersh, was the Tenth Knight of the Order of the Garter, at the Institution 1350; who left a Daughter and Heir, who married Edward Le Despenser; which official Title was

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English Armorial Bearings.

English Armorial Bearings.

Edward IV. is by Shakespeare made to say that he would bear Three fair shining Suns on his Target, from the time he is said to have seen Three Suns at one time. (Hen. VI. Part III. Act ii. Sc. i.) [262] Monteagle. —Stanley, Baron of Monteagle, so entitled for his valour at Flodden Field, because his Ancestors bore an Eagle for their Crest. Vide Hon. Anglic, p. 109. Carey.— In the Reign of Henry V. was held, at Smithfield, a Just between Robert Carey of the West , Son of Sir John Carey, Knight, a

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ORIGIN AND DERIVATION OF A FEW Remarkable Surnames.

ORIGIN AND DERIVATION OF A FEW Remarkable Surnames.

Lewkenor. —Sir Lewis, Master of the Ceremonies; from one of the Hundreds of Lincolnshire, called anciently Levechenora [267] . Kempe. —The same as Champion . The Danish word [268] . Misenor. —From Mesonero , an Inn-keeper; Spanish. Muncaster. —The old name of Newcastle upon Tyne; quasi Monk-Caster . The present name was perhaps taken on its being rebuilt. Mease. —From Meze , a messuage [269] . Hugesson. —Cardinal Hugezun came over as the Pope's Legate, temp. Henry II. [270] Dempster. —The Judges

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Symbola Scotica;

Symbola Scotica;

OR, An Attempt to Elucidate some of the more Obscure Armorial Bearings, principally the Mottoes used by many of the Scottish Families. In a Letter to the Earl of Leicester , President of the Society of Antiquaries, "Arma Viramque." There seems to be something peculiarly significant and quaint in the greatest part of the Mottoes and Devices used by the Scottish Nobility, and perhaps in those of many Families of inferior Rank; though these last do not so easily come under our observation. My inten

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Mottoes.

Mottoes.

The Motto of Dalziel , Earl of Carnwarth , now an attainted Title, is, "I Dare;" the reason of which is given by Crawfurd, in his Peerage of Scotland. The ancient armorial bearing of this Family was, A Man hanging on a Gallows, though it is now only a Naked Man with his Arms expanded. Some one of the Family having, perhaps, dropped the Gallows and the Rope, as deeming it an ignominious Bearing. But to proceed to the Motto. The Historian says, that a Favourite of Kenneth II. having been hanged by

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Hackney Coach.

Hackney Coach.

There having always been an imitative luxury in mankind, whereby the inferior orders might approximate the superior; so those that could not maintain a Coach de die in diem contrived a means of having the use of one de horâ in horam . Hence arose our occasional Vehicles called Hackney Coaches. The French word Haquenée [350] implies a common horse for all purposes of riding, whether for private use or for hire; generally an ambler, as distinguished from the horses of superior orders, such as the

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The Hammer Cloth.

The Hammer Cloth.

To shew how trifling, though necessary conveniences, arise to great and expensive luxuries, let us remark the original insignificant appendage of what we call the Hammer Cloth. It was requisite that the Coachman should have a few implements in case of accidents, or a sudden and little repair was wanting to the Coach; for which purpose he carried a hammer with a few pins, nails, &amp;c. with him, and placed them under his seat, made hollow to hold them, and which from thence was called the Co

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GLOVES.

GLOVES.

About the year 790, Charlemagne granted an unlimited right of hunting to the Abbot and Monks of Sithin, for making their Gloves and Girdles of the Skins of the Deer they killed, and Covers for their Books. [Mabillon de Re Diplom. p. 611. Grose.] Anciently richly adorned and decorated with precious Stones,—as in the Rolls of Parliament, anno 53 Hen. III. A. D. 1267. "Et de 2 Paribus Chirothecarum cum lapidibus." [Warton's History of Poetry, vol. I. p. 182, note. Grose.] Edward Vere, Earl of Oxfor

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ERMINE

ERMINE

What we call Ermine is an erroneous conception, for we give the name to White Fur tufted with Black, whereas it is the Black only that is properly Ermine, of which numberless instances may be produced, and this is one. Powderings on her Bonnet. —This may require an explanation to those who are unacquainted with the language of that age. What we call Ermine, is a compound, which will bear a little analysis, for it is formed of the Fur of one animal, and the tip of the Tail of another. The White G

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MOURNING.

MOURNING.

The French Queens, before the Reign of Charles VIII. wore White upon the death of the King; and were called " Reines Blanches ." It was changed to Black on the death of Charles VIII. 1498. [See P. Dan. Hist. iv. 590.] In a Wardrobe account for half a year, to Lady-day 1684 (a MS. purchased by Mr. Brander at the sale of the Library of Geo. Scot, Esq. of Woolston-Hall, 1781), are the following entries for the King's Mourning. "A Grey Coat lined with Murrey and White flowered Silk, with Gold Loops,

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BEARD, &c. CHARLES I.[377]—WILLIAM I.

BEARD, &c. CHARLES I.[377]—WILLIAM I.

Mrs. Thomas's Great Grand-Father was Mr. Richard Shute , a Turkey Merchant, one of the Members for the City of London, and much favoured by King Charles I. who gave him the Name of Sattin -Shute, by way of distinction from another Branch of the same Name and Family, and from his usually wearing a Sattin Doublet cut upon White Taffata. "Without doubt," says Mrs. Thomas (for she was her own Biographer), "he was very nice in the mode of that Age, his Valet being some hours every morning in starchin

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Westminstr.

Westminstr.

Lord Coke, in his 3d Inst. (cap. 51.) speaking of the City of Westminster, says, "It hath its name of 'the Monastery,' which Minster signifieth, and it is called West minster, in respect of East minster, not far from the Tower of London. This Westminster, Sebert, the first King of the East Saxons that was christened, founded." It is added in a note in the margin, Segbert began his Reign A. D. 603. Lord Coke, however excellent a Lawyer, I fear was but a bad Antiquary; for the reverse rather seems

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MEMORANDA RELATIVE TO THE Society of the Temple, LONDON;

MEMORANDA RELATIVE TO THE Society of the Temple, LONDON;

Written in or about the Year 1760. The Societies of the Temple have no Charter; but the Fee was granted by a Patent to the Professors and Students of the Law, to them and their Successors for ever. The King is Visitor of the Temples; and orders have been sent down from him so lately as Charles the Second's time, for the Regulation of them, which were brought in great form by the Lord Chancellor and twelve Judges, and signed by them. The Discipline of these Societies was formerly, till within the

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Simnel.

Simnel.

" Simnel.—Siminellus from the Latin Simila , which signifies the Finest Part of the Flour. Panis similageneus, Simnel Bread. It is mentioned in 'Assisa Panis;' and is still in use, especially in Lent. Bread made into a Simnel shall weigh two shillings less than Wastell Bread." Stat. 51 Henry III. The Statute, intituled Assisa Panis et Cervisiæ, made Anno 51 Hen. III. Stat. I.; and Anno Dom. 1266. Cotton MS. Claudius, D. 2. ... Panis verò de siminello ponderabit minus de Wastello de duobus solidi

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Origin of Thirteen Pence Halfpenny, AS HANGMAN'S WAGES;

Origin of Thirteen Pence Halfpenny, AS HANGMAN'S WAGES;

In a Letter to Edward King , Esq. President of the Society of Antiquaries . The vulgar notion, though it will not appear to be a vulgar error, is, that Thirteen Pence Halfpenny is the fee of the Executioner in the common line of business at Tyburn [380] , and therefore is called Hangman's Wages. The sum is singular, and certainly there is a reason for its having obtained so odious an appellation, though it may not be very obvious. We find that anciently this Office was, in some parts of the King

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