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 diuided into their conditions, wherof
in this chapiter I will make particular rehearsall.
[Sidenote: Prince.]
The title of prince dooth peculiarlie belong with vs to the kings
eldest sonne, who is called prince of Wales, and is the heire apparant
to the crowne; as in France the kings eldest sonne hath the title of
Dolphine, and is named peculiarlie Monsieur. So that the prince is so
termed of the Latine word Princeps, sith he is (as I may call him) the
cheefe or principall next the king. The kings yoonger sonnes be but
gentlemen by birth (till they haue receiued creation or donation from
their father of higher estate, as to be either visconts, earles, or
dukes) and called after their names, as lord Henrie, or lord Edward,
with the addition of the word Grace, properlie assigned to the king
and prince, and now also by custome conueied to dukes, archbishops,
and (as some saie) to marquesses and their wiues.
[Sidenote: Duke.]
The title of duke commeth also of the Latine word Dux, à ducendo,
bicause of his valor and power ouer the armie: in times past a name of
office due to the emperour, consull, or chéefe gouernour of the whole
armie in the Romane warres: but now a name of honor, although perished
in England, whose ground will not long beare one duke at once; but if
there were manie as in time past, or as there be now earles, I doo not
thinke but that they would florish and prosper well inough.
[Sidenote: Marquesse.]
In old time he onelie was called marquesse, Qui habuit terram
limitaneam, a marching prouince vpon the enimies countries, and
thereby bound to kéepe and defend the frontiers. But that also is
changed in common vse, and reputed for a name of great honor next vnto
the duke, euen ouer counties, and sometimes small cities, as the
prince is pleased to bestow it.
[Sidenote: Earle.]
The name of earle likewise was among the Romans a name of office, who
had Comites sacri palatij, comites ærarij, comites stabuli, comites
patrimonij, largitionum, scholarum, commerciorum, and such like. But
at the first they were called Comites, which were ioined in commission
with the proconsull, legate, or iudges for counsell and aids sake in
each of those seuerall charges. As Cicero epistola ad Quintum fratrem
remembreth, where he saith; "Atque inter hos quos tibi comites, &
adiutores, negotiorum publicorum dedit ipsa respublica duntaxat
finibus his præstabis, quos ante præscripsi, &c." After this I read
also that euerie president in his charge was called Comes, but our
English Saxons vsed the word Hertoch and earle for Comes, and
indifferentlie as I gesse, sith the name of duke was not in vse before
the conquest. Coropius saith, that Comes and Graue is all one, to wit
[Sidenote: Viscont.]
the viscont, called either Procomes, or Vicecomes: and in time past
gouerned in the countie vnder the earle, but now without anie such
seruice or office, it is also become a name of dignitie next after the
earle, and in degrée before the baron. His reléefe also by the great
charter is one hundred pounds, as that of a baronie a hundred marks,
and of a knight fiue at the most for euerie fée.
[Sidenote: Baron.]
The baron, whose degrée answered to the dignitie of a senator in Rome,
is such a frée lord as hath a lordship or baronie, whereof he beareth
his name, & hath diuerse knights or fréeholders holding of him, who
with him did serue the king in his wars, and held their tenures in
Baronia, that is, for performance of such seruice. These Bracton (a
learned writer of the lawes of England in king Henrie the thirds time)
tearmeth Barones, quasi robur belli. The word Baro indéed is older
than that it may easilie be found from whence it came: for euen in the
oldest histories both of the Germans and Frenchmen, written since the
conquest, we read of barons, and those are at this daie called among
the Germans Liberi vel Ingenui, or Freihers in the Germane toong as
some men doo coniecture, or (as one saith) the citizens and burgesses
of good townes and cities were called Barones. Neuerthelesse by
diligent inquisition it is imagined, if not absolutelie found, that
the word Baro and Filius in the old Scithian or Germane language are
all one; so that the kings children are properlie called Barones, from
whome also it was first translated to their kindred, and then to the
nobilitie and officers of greatest honour indifferentlie. That Baro
and Filius signifieth one thing, it yet remaineth to be séene,
although with some corruption: for to this daie, euen the common sort
doo call their male children barnes here in England, especiallie in
the north countrie, where that word is yet accustomablie in vse. And
it is also growne into a prouerbe in the south, when anie man
susteineth a great hinderance, to saie, I am beggered and all my
barnes. In the Hebrue toong (as some affirme) it signifieth Filij
solis, and what are the nobilitie in euerie kingdome but Filij or
serui regum? But this is farre fetched, wherefore I conclude, that
from hensefoorth the originall of the word Baro shall not be anie more
to seeke: and the first time that euer I red thereof in anie English
historie, is in the reigne of Canutus, who called his nobilitie and
head officers to a councell holden at Cirnecester, by that name, 1030,
as I haue else-where remembred. Howbeit the word Baro dooth not
alwaies signifie or is attributed to a noble man by birth or creation,
for now and then it is a title giuen vnto one or other with his
office, as the chéefe or high tribune of the excheker is of custome
called lord chéefe baron, who is as it were the great or principall
receiuer of accounts next vnto the lord treasuror, as they are vnder
him are called Tribuni ærarij, & rationales. Hervnto I may ad so much
of the word lord, which is an addition going not seldome and in like
sort with sundrie offices, and to continue so long as he or they doo
execute the same, and no longer.
[Sidenote: Bishops.]
Vnto this place I also referre our bishops, who are accounted
honourable, called lords, and hold the same roome in the parlement
house with the barons, albeit for honour sake the right hand of the
prince is giuen vnto them, and whose countenances in time past were
much more glorious than at this present it is, bicause those lustie
prelats sought after earthlie estimation and authoritie with farre
more diligence than after the lost shéepe of Christ, of which they had
small regard, as men being otherwise occupied and void of leisure to
attend vpon the same. Howbeit in these daies their estate remaineth no
lesse reuerend than before, and the more vertuous they are that be of
this calling, the better are they estéemed with high and low. They
reteine also the ancient name (lord) still, although it be not a
little impugned by such as loue either to heare of change of all
things, or can abide no superiours. For notwithstanding it be true,
[Sidenote: 1. Sam ^b 15. 1. Reg. ^a 7.]
that in respect of function, the office of the eldership is equallie
distributed betwéene the bishop and the minister, yet for ciuill
gouernements sake, the first haue more authoritie giuen vnto them by
kings and princes, to the end that the rest maie thereby be with more
ease reteined within a limited compasse of vniformitie, than otherwise
they would be, if ech one were suffered to walke in his owne course.
This also is more to be maruelled at, that verie manie call for an
alteration of their estate, crieng to haue the word lord abolished,
their ciuill authoritie taken from them, and the present condition of
the church in other things reformed; whereas to saie trulie, few of
them doo agrée vpon forme of discipline and gouernement of the church
succedent: wherein they resemble the Capuans, of whome Liuie dooth
speake in the slaughter of their senat. Neither is it possible to
frame a whole monarchie after the patterne of one towne or citie, or
to stirre vp such an exquisite face of the church as we imagine or
desire, sith our corruption is such that it will neuer yéeld to so
great perfection: for that which is not able to be performed in a
priuat house, will much lesse be brought to passe in a common-wealth
and kingdome, before such a prince be found as Xenophon describeth, or
such an orator as Tullie hath deuised. But whither am I digressed from
my discourse of bishops, whose estates doo daily decaie, & suffer some
diminution? Herein neuerthelesse their case is growne to be much
better than before, for whereas in times past the cleargie men were
feared bicause of their authoritie and seuere gouernment vnder the
prince, now are they beloued generallie for their painefull diligence
dailie shewed in their functions and callings, except peraduenture of
some hungrie wombes, that couet to plucke & snatch at the loose ends
of their best commodities; with whom it is (as the report goeth) a
common guise, when a man is to be preferred to an ecclesiasticall
liuing, what part thereof he will first forgo and part with to their
vse. Finallie, how it standeth with the rest of the clergie for their
places of estate, I neither can tell nor greatlie care to know.
Neuerthelesse with what degrées of honour and worship they haue béene
[Sidenote: De Asia, cap. 12.]
matched in times past Iohannes Bohemus in his De omnium gentium
moribus, and others doo expresse; and this also found beside their
reports, that in time past euerie bishop, abbat, and pelting prior
were placed before the earles and barons in most statutes, charters,
and records made by the prince, as maie also appeare in the great
charter, and sundrie yeares of Henrie the third, wherein no duke was
heard of. But as a number of their odious comparisons and ambitious
titles are now decaied and worthilie shroonke in the wetting, so
giuing ouer in these daies to mainteine such pompous vanitie, they doo
thinke it sufficient for them to preach the word, & hold their liuings
to their sées (so long as they shall be able) from the hands of such
as indeuour for their owne preferrement to fléece and diminish the
same. This furthermore will I adde generallie in commendation of the
cleargie of England, that they are for their knowlege reputed in
France, Portingale, Spaine, Germanie and Polonia, to be the most
learned diuines, although they like not anie thing at all of their
religion: and thereto they are in deed so skilfull in the two
principall toongs, that it is accounted a maime in anie one of them,
[Sidenote: No Gréeke, no grace.]
not to be exactlie seene in the Greeke and Hebrue, much more then to
be vtterlie ignorant or nothing conuersant in them. As for the Latine
toong it is not wanting in anie of the ministerie, especiallie in such
as haue beene made within this twelue or fourtéene yeares, whereas
before there was small choise, and manie cures were left vnserued,
bicause they had none at all. And to saie truth, our aduersaries were
[Sidenote: Bene con, bene can, bene le.]
the onelie causers hereof. For whilest they made no further accompt of
their priesthood, than to construe, sing, read their seruice and their
portesse, it came to passe that vpon examination had, few made in
quéene Maries daies, and the later end of king Henrie, were able to
doo anie more, and verie hardlie so much, so void were they of further
skill, and so vnapt to serue at all.
[Sidenote: Duke, marquesse, earle, viscont.]
Dukes, marquesses, earles, visconts, and barons, either be created of
the prince, or come to that honor by being the eldest sonnes or
highest in succession to their parents. For the eldest sonne of a duke
during his fathers life is an erle, the eldest sonne of an erle is a
baron, or sometimes a viscont, according as the creation is. The
creation I call the originall donation and condition of the honour
giuen by the prince for good seruice doone by the first ancestor, with
some aduancement, which with the title of that honour is alwaies giuen
to him and his heires males onelie. The rest of the sonnes of the
nobilitie by the rigor of the law be but esquiers: yet in common
spéech all dukes and marquesses sonnes, and earles eldest sonnes be
called lords, the which name commonlie dooth agrée to none of lower
degrée than barons, yet by law and vse these be not esteemed barons.
[Sidenote: Barons.]
The baronie or degrée of lords dooth answer to the degree of senators
of Rome (as I said) and the title of nobilitie (as we vse to call it
in England) to the Romane Patricij. Also in England no man is
commonlie created baron, except he maie dispend of yearelie reuenues a
thousand pounds, or so much as maie fullie mainteine & beare out his
countenance and port. But visconts, erles, marquesses, and dukes
excéed them according to the proportion of their degrée & honour. But
though by chance he or his sonne haue lesse, yet he kéepeth this
degree: but if the decaie be excessiue and not able to mainteine the
honour, as Senatores Romani were amoti à senatu: so sometimes they are
not admitted to the vpper house in the parlement although they keepe
the name of lord still, which can not be taken from them vpon anie
such occasion. The most of these names haue descended from the French
inuention, in whose histories we shall read of them eight hundred
yeares passed.
[Sidenote: Of the second degrée of gentlemen.]
This also is worthie the remembrance, that Otto the first emperour of
that name, indeuouring to restore the decaied estate of Italie vnto
some part of hir pristinate magnificence, did after the French example
giue Dignitates & prædia to such knights and souldiers as had serued
him in the warres, whom he also adorned with the names of dukes,
marquesses, earles, valuasors or capteins, and valuasines.
[Sidenote: Prædia.]
His Prædia in like maner were tributes, tolles, portage, bankage,
stackage, coinage, profits by saltpits, milles, water-courses (and
whatsoeuer emoluments grew by them) & such like. But at that present I
read not that the word Baro was brought into those parts. And as for
the valuasors, it was a denomination applied vnto all degrées of honor
vnder the first three (which are properlie named the kings capteins)
so that they are called Maiores, minores, & minimi valuasores. This
also is to be noted, that the word capteine hath two relations, either
as the possessor therof hath it from the prince, or from some duke,
marquesse, or earle, for each had capteins vnder them. If from the
[Sidenote: Valuasores.]
prince, then are they called Maiores valuasores, if from anie of his
thrée péeres, then were they Minores valuasores: but if anie of these
Valuasors doo substitute a deputie, those are called Minimi
valuasores, and their deputies also Valuasini, without regard vnto
which degrée the valuasor dooth apperteine: but the word Valuasor is
now growne out of vse, wherefore it sufficeth to haue said thus much
of that function.
[Sidenote: Knights.]
Knights be not borne, neither is anie man a knight by succession, no
not the king or prince: but they are made either before the battell,
to incourage them the more to aduenture & trie their manhood: or after
the battell ended, as an aduancement for their courage and prowesse
[Sidenote: Milites.]
alreadie shewed (& then are they called Milites;) or out of the warres
for some great seruice doone, or for the singular vertues which doo
appeare in them, and then are they named Equites aurati, as common
custome intendeth. They are made either by the king himselfe, or by
his commission and roiall authoritie giuen for the same purpose: or by
his lieutenant in the warres. This order seemeth to answer in part to
[Sidenote: Equites aurati.]
that which the Romans called Equitum Romanorum. For as Equites Romani
were chosen Ex censu, that is, according to their substance and
riches; so be knights in England most commonlie according to their
yearelie reuenues or aboundance of riches, wherewith to mainteine
their estates. Yet all that had Equestrem censum, were not chosen to
be knights, and no more be all made Knights in England that may spend
a knights lands, but they onelie whome the prince will honour.
Sometime diuerse ancient gentlemen, burgesses, and lawiers, are called
vnto knighthood by the prince, and neuerthelesse refuse to take that
state vpon them, for which they are of custome punished by a fine,
that redoundeth vnto his cofers, and to saie truth, is oftentimes more
profitable vnto him than otherwise their seruice should be, if they
did yeeld vnto knighthood. And this also is a cause, wherefore there
be manie in England able to dispend a knights liuing, which neuer come
vnto that countenance, and by their owne consents. The number of the
knights in Rome was also vncerteine: and so is it of knights likewise
with vs, as at the pleasure of the prince. And whereas the Equites
Romani had Equum publicum of custome bestowed vpon them, the knights
of England haue not so, but beare their owne charges in that also, as
in other kind of furniture, as armorie méet for their defense and
seruice. This neuerthelesse is certeine, that who so may dispend 40
pounds by the yeare of frée land, either at the coronation of the
king, or mariage of his daughter, or time of his dubbing, may be
inforced vnto the taking of that degrée, or otherwise paie the
reuenues of his land for one yeare, which is onelie fortie pounds by
an old proportion, and so for a time be acquited of that title. We
name him knight in English that the French calleth Cheualier, and the
Latins Equitem, or Equestris ordinis virum. And when any man is made a
knight, he knéeling downe is striken of the king or his substitute
with his sword naked vpon the backe or shoulder, the prince, &c:
saieng, "Soyes cheualier au nom de Dieu." And when he riseth vp the
king saith "Aduances bon cheualier." This is the maner of dubbing
knights at this present, and the tearme (dubbing) is the old tearme
for that purpose and not creation, howbeit in our time the word
(making) is most in vse among the common sort.
[Sidenote: Knights of the bath.]
At the coronation of a king or queene, there be other knights made
with longer and more curious ceremonies, called knights of the bath.
But how soeuer one be dubbed or made knight, his wife is by and by
called madame or ladie, so well as the barons wife; he himselfe hauing
added to his name in common appellation this syllable Sir, which is
the title whereby we call our knights in England. His wife also of
courtesie so long as she liueth is called my ladie, although she
happen to marie with a gentleman or man of meane calling, albeit that
by the c[=o]omon law she hath no such prerogatiue. If hir first
husband also be of better birth than hir second, though this later
likewise be a knight, yet in that she pretendeth a priuilege to loose
no honor through courtesie yéelded to hir sex, she will be named after
the most honorable or worshipfull of both, which is not séene
elsewhere.
[Sidenote: Knights of the garter.]
The other order of knighthood in England, and the most honorable is
that of the garter, instituted by king Edward the third, who after he
had gained manie notable victories, taken king Iohn of France, and
king Iames of Scotland (and kept them both prisoners in the Tower of
London at one time) expelled king Henrie of Castile the bastard out of
his realme, and restored Don Petro vnto it (by the helpe of the prince
of Wales and duke of Aquitaine his eldest sonne called the Blacke
prince) he then inuented this societie of honour, and made a choise
out of his owne realme and dominions, and throughout all christendome
of the best, most excellent and renowmed persons in all vertues and
honour, and adorned them with that title to be knights of his order,
giuing them a garter garnished with gold and pretious stones, to weare
dailie on the left leg onlie: also a kirtle, gowne, cloke, chaperon,
collar, and other solemne and magnificent apparell, both of stuffe and
fashion exquisite & heroicall to weare at high feasts, & as to so high
and princelie an order apperteineth. Of this companie also he and his
successors kings and queenes of England, be the souereignes, and the
rest by certeine statutes and lawes amongst themselues be taken as
brethren and fellowes in that order, to the number of six and twentie,
as I find in a certeine treatise written of the same, an example
whereof I haue here inserted word for word, as it was deliuered vnto
me, beginning after this maner.
[Sidenote: Round table.]
I might at this present make a long tractation of the round table and
estate of the knights thereof, erected sometimes by Arthur the great
monarch, of this Iland; and therevnto intreat of the number of his
knights, and ceremonies belonging to the order, but I thinke in so
dooing that I should rather set downe the latter inuentions of other
men, than a true description of such ancient actions as were performed
in deed. I could furthermore with more facilitie describe the roialtie
of Charles the great & his twelue péeres, with their solemne rites and
vsages: but vnto this also I haue no great deuotion, considering the
truth hereof is now so stained with errours and fables inserted into
the same by the lewd religious sort, that except a man should professe
to lie with them for companie, there is little sound knowledge to be
gathered hereof worthie the remembrance. In like maner diuerse aswell
subiects as princes haue attempted to restore againe a round table in
[Sidenote: Roger Mortimer.]
this land (as for example Roger lord Mortimer at Killingworth) but
such were the excessiue charges apperteining therevnto (as they did
make allowance) and so great molestation dailie insued therevpon,
beside the bréeding of sundrie quarrels among the knights, and such as
resorted hitherto from forreine countries (as it was first vsed) that
in fine they gaue it ouer, and suffered their whole inuentions to
perish and decaie, till Edward the third deuised an other order not so
much pestered with multitude of knights as the round table, but much
more honorable for princelie port and countenance, as shall appeare
hereafter.
[Sidenote: The occasion of the deuise.]
The order of the garter therefore was deuised in the time of king
Edward the third, and (as some write) vpon this occasion. The quéenes
maiestie then liuing, being departed from his presence the next waie
toward hir lodging, he following soone after happened to find hir
garter, which slacked by chance and so fell from hir leg, vnespied in
the throng by such as attended vpon hir. His groomes & gentlemen also
passed by it, disdaining to stoope and take vp such a trifle: but he
knowing the owner, commanded one of them to staie and reach it vp to
him. Why and like your grace (saieth a gentleman) it is but some
womans garter that hath fallen from hir as she followed the quéenes
[Sidenote: Peradventure but a blue ribbon.]
maiestie. What soeuer it be (quoth the king) take it vp and giue it
me. So when he had receiued the garter, he said to such as stood about
him: You my maisters doo make small account of this blue garter here
(and therewith held it out) but if God lend me life for a few moneths,
I will make the proudest of you all to reuerence the like. And euen
vpon this slender occasion he gaue himselfe to the deuising of this
order. Certes I haue not read of anie thing, that hauing had so simple
a begining hath growne in the end to so great honour and estimation.
But to proceed. After he had studied awhile about the performance of
his deuise, and had set downe such orders as he himselfe inuented
concerning the same, he proclamed a roiall feast to be holden at
Windsore, whither all his nobilitie resorted with their ladies, where
he published his institution, and foorthwith inuested an appointed
number into the afore said fellowship, whose names insue, himselfe
being the souereigne and principall of that companie. Next vnto
himselfe also he placed
Edward Prince of Wales.
Henrie duke of Lancaster.
N. earle of Warw.
N. capt. de Bouche.
N. earle of Stafford.
N. earle of Sarum.
N. lord Mortimer.
Sir John Lisle.
Sir Bartholomew Burwash.
N. sonne of sir Iohn Beauchamp.
Sir N. de Mahun.
S. Hugh Courtneie.
S. Thomas Holland.
Sir Iohn Graie.
Sir Rich. Fitzsimon.
Sir Miles Stapleton.
Sir Thomas Wale.
Sir Hugh Wrotesley.
Sir Neale Lording.
Sir Iohn Chandos.
S. Iames Dawdleie.
Sir Otho Holland.
Sir Henrie Eme.
Sir Sanchet Dambricourt.
Sir Walter Pannell aliàs Paganell.
[Sidenote: Election.]
What order of election, and what estatutes were prescribed vnto the
elected at this first institution, as yet I can not exactlie
vnderstand; neither can I learne what euerie prince afterward added
therevnto before the six and thirtith yeare of king Henrie the eight,
and third of king Edward the sixt: wherefore of necessitie I must
resort vnto the estate of the said order as it is at this present,
which I will set downe so brieflie as I may. When anie man therefore
is to be elected (vpon a roome found void for his admission) into this
fellowship, the king directeth his letters vnto him, notwithstanding
that he before hand be nominated to the same, to this effect. Right
trustie and welbeloued we gréete you well, asserteining you, that in
consideration aswell of your approoued truth and fidelitie, as also of
your couragious and valiant acts of knighthood, with other your
probable merits knowne by experience in sundrie parties and behalfes:
we with the companions of the noble order of the Garter, assembled at
the election holden this daie within our manour of N. haue elected and
chosen you amongst other to be one of the companions of the said
Order, as your deserts doo condignelie require. Wherefore we will that
with conuenient diligence vpon the sight herof, you repaire vnto our
presence, there to receiue such things as to the said order
apperteineth. Dated vnder our signet at our maner of N. &c. These
letters are the exemplification of certeine, which (as it should
séeme) were written An. 3. Edwardi sexti at Gréenewich Aprilis 24,
vnto the earle of Huntingdon, & the lord George Cobham your lordships
honorable father, at such time as they were called vnto the aforesaid
companie. I find also these names subscribed vnto the same.
Edward duke of Summerset vncle to the king.
The marq. of Northhampton.
Earle of Arundell L. Chamberleine.
Earle of Shrewesburie.
L. Russell lord priuie seale.
L. S. Iohn lord great master.
Sir Iohn Gage.
S. Anthonie Wingfield.
Sir William Paget.
[Sidenote: Admission.]
Being elected, preparation is made for his installing at Windsore (the
place appointed alwaies for this purpose) whereat it is required that
his banner be set vp, of two yardes and a quarter in length, and thrée
quarters in bredth, besides the fringe. Secondlie his sword of
whatsoeuer length him séemeth good. Thirdlie his helme, which from the
charnell vpwards ought to be of thrée inches at the least. Fourthlie
the crest, with mantels to the helme belonging, of such conuenient
stuffe and bignesse, as it shall please him to appoint.
Item a plate of armes at the backe of his stall, and crest with
mantels and beasts supportant, to be grauen in the mettall.
Item lodging scutcheons of his armes, inuironed with a garter, and
painted in paper or cloth of buckram, which when he trauelleth by the
waie are to be fixed in the common Ins where he dooth lodge, as a
testimonie of his presence and staies from time to time as he did
trauell.
Item two mantels, one to remaine in the college at Windsore, the other
to vse at his pleasure, with the scutcheon of the armes of S. George
in the garter with laces, tasselets, and knops of blue silke and gold
belonging to the same.
Item a surcote or gowne of red or crimosine veluet, with a whood of
the same, lined with white sarcenet or damaske.
Item a collar of the garter of thirtie ounces of gold Troie weight.
Item a tablet of S. George, richlie garnished with precious stones or
otherwise.
Item a garter for his (left) leg, hauing the buckle and pendant
garnished with gold.
Item a booke of the statutes of the said order.
Item a scutcheon of the armes of S. George in the garter to set vpon
the mantell. And this furniture is to be prouided against his
installation.
[Sidenote: Installation.]
When anie knight is to be installed, he hath with his former letters,
a garter sent vnto him, and when he commeth to be installed, he is
brought into the chapter house, where incontinentlie his commission is
read before the souereigne, or his deputie, and the assemblie present:
from hence he is lead by two knights of the said order, accompanied
with the other of the nobilitie, and officers toward the chappell,
hauing his mantell borne before him, either by a knight of the order,
or else the king at armes, to whome it secondarilie apperteineth to
[Sidenote: Mantell.]
beare it. This mantell shall be deliuered vnto him for his habit,
after his oth taken before his stall, and not before: which doone, he
shall returne vnto the chapter house, where the souereigne, or his
deputie, shall deliuer him his collar, and so he shall haue the full
[Sidenote: Stall.]
possession of his habit. As for his stall, it is not giuen according
vnto the calling and countenance of the receiuer, but as the place is
that happeneth to be void, so that each one called vnto this
knighthood (the souereigne, and emperours, and kings, and princes
alwaies excepted) shall haue the same seat, which became void by the
death of his predecessor, howsoeuer it fall out: wherby a knight onlie
oftentimes dooth sit before a duke, without anie murmuring or grudging
at his roome, except it please the souereigne, once in his life onelie
to make a generall alteration of those seats, and to set each one
according to his degrée.
Now as touching the apparell of these knights, it remaineth such as
king Edward, the first deuiser of this order left it, that is to saie,
euerie yeare one of the colours, that is to say, scarlet, sanguine in
grain, blue and white. In like sort the kings grace hath at his
pleasure the content of cloth for his gowne and whood, lined with
white satine or damaske, and multitude of garters with letters of
gold.
The prince hath fiue yardes of cloth for his gowne and whood, and
[Sidenote: A timber conteineth fortie skins, peltes, or felles.]
garters with letters of gold at his pleasure, beside fiue timber of
the finest mineuer.
A duke hath fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, 120
garters with title of gold.
A marques hath fiue yards of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer,
110 garters of silke.
An earle fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, and 100
garters of silke.
A viscount fiue yardes of woollen cloth, fiue timber of mineuer, 90
garters of silke.
A baron fiue yardes of woollen cloth, three timber of mineuer gresse,
80 garters of silke.
A banneret fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber of mineuer, 70
garters of silke.
A knight fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber of mineuer, 60
garters of silke.
The bishop of Winchester chapleine of the garter, hath eight and
twentie timber of mineuer pure, ninetéene timber gresse, thrée timber
and a halfe of the best, and foure & twentie yards of woollen cloth.
The chancellor of the order fiue yards of woollen cloth, thrée timber
of mineuer pure.
The register of the order fiue yardes of woollen cloth, three timber
of mineuer pure.
And this order to be holden generallie among the knights of this
companie, which are six and twentie in number, and whose patrone in
time of superstition was supposed to be S. George, of whome they were
also called S. Georges knights as I haue heard reported. Would to God
they might be called knights of honor, or by some other name, for the
title of saint George argueth a wrong patrone.
[Sidenote: Installation.]
Furthermore at his installation he is solemnelie sworne, the maner
whereof I haue thought good also to annex, in this maner. You being
chosen to be one of the honorable companie of the order of the Garter,
shall promise and sweare vpon the holie euangelies by you bodilie
touched, to be faithfull and true to the kings maiestie, and to
obserue and kéepe all the points of the statutes of the said order,
and euerie article in them conteined, the same being agréeable and not
repugnant to the kings highnesse other godlie procéedings, so far as
to you belongeth & apperteineth, as God you helpe, &c. And thus much
haue I thought good to note touching the premisses.
[Sidenote: Estatutes.]
As touching the estatutes belonging to this order they are manie, and
therefore not to be touched here. Howbeit if anie doubt doo arise
aboue the interpretation of them, the king who is the perpetuall
souereigne of that order hath to determine and resolue the same.
Neither are anie chosen therevnto vnder the degree of a knight, and
that is not a gentelman of bloud and of sound estimation.
[Sidenote: Gentleman of bloud.]
And for the better vnderstanding what is meant by a gentleman of
bloud, he is defined to descend of thrée descents of noblenesse, that
is to saie, of name and of armes both by father and mother.
[Sidenote: Degrées of reproch.]
There are also foure degrées of reproch, which may inhibit from the
entrance into this order: of which the first is heresie lawfullie
prooued, the second high treason, the third is flight from the
battell, the fourth riot and prodigall excesse of expenses, whereby he
is not likelie to hold out, and mainteine the port of knight of this
order, according to the dignitie thereof. Moreouer touching the
[Sidenote: Apparell.]
wearing of their aforesaid apparell, it is their custome to weare the
same, when they enter into the chappell of S. George or be in the
chapter house of their order, or finallie doo go about anie thing
apperteining to that companie. In like sort they weare also their
mantels vpon the euen of S. George, and go with the souereigne, or his
deputie in the same in maner of procession from the kings great
chamber vnto the chappell, or vnto the college, and likewise backe
againe vnto the aforsaid place, not putting it from them, vntill
supper be ended, and the auoid doone. The next daie they resort vnto
the chappell also in the like order, & from thence vnto diner, wearing
afterward their said apparell vnto euening praier, and likewise all
the supper time, vntill the auoid be finished. In the solemnitie
likewise of these feasts, the thirtéene chanons there, and six and
twentie poore knights haue mantels of the order, whereof those for the
chanons are of Murreie with a roundell of the armes of S. George, the
other of red, with a scutcheon onelie of the said armes.
[Sidenote: Sicke or absent.]
If anie knight of this order be absent from this solemnitie vpon the
euen and daie of S. George, and be inforced not to be present either
through bodilie sicknesse, or his absence out of the land: he dooth in
the church, chappell, or chamber where he is remaining, prouide an
honorable stall for the kings maiestie in the right hand of the place
with a cloth of estat, and cushions, and scutchion of the garter, and
therein the armes of the order. Also his owne stall of which side
soeuer it be distant from the kings or the emperours in his owne
place, appointed so nigh as he can, after the maner and situation of
his stall at Windsore, there to remaine, the first euening praier on
the euen of S. George, or thrée of the clocke, and likewise the next
daie during the time of the diuine seruice, vntill the morning praier,
and the rest of the seruice be ended: and to weare in the meane time
his mantell onelie, with the George and the lace, without either
whood, collar or surcote. Or if he be so sicke that he doo kéepe his
bed, he dooth vse to haue that habit laid vpon him during the times of
diuine seruice aforesaid.
[Sidenote: Offering.]
At the seruice time also vpon the morrow after S. George, two of the
chiefe knights (sauing the deputie of the souereigne if he himselfe be
absent) shall offer the kings banner of armes, then other two the
sword with the hilts forwards, which being doone the first two shall
returne againe, and offer the helme and crest, hauing at each time two
heralds of armes going before, according to the statutes. The lord
deputie or lieutenant vnto the kings grace, for the time being, alone
and assisted with one of the chiefe lords, dooth deliuer at his
offering a péece of gold, and hauing all the king of armes and heralds
going before him, he so procéedeth to the offering. When he hath thus
offered for the prince, he returneth with like solemnitie vnto his
stall, and next of all goeth againe with one herald to offer for
himselfe, whose oblation being made, euerie knight according to their
stals, with an herald before him procéedeth to the offering.
[Sidenote: Buriall.]
What solemnitie is vsed at the buriall of anie knight of the Garter,
it is but in vaine to declare: wherefore I will shew generallie what
is doone at the disgrading of one of these knights, if through anie
grieuous offense he be separated from this companie. Whereas otherwise
the signe of the order is neuer taken from him vntill death doo end &
finish vp his daies. Therfore when anie such thing is doone,
promulgation is made therof after this maner insuing.
[Sidenote: Disgrading.]
Be it knowne vnto all men that N.N. knight of the most noble order of
the Garter, is found giltie of the abhominable and destestable crime
of high treason, for he hath most traitorouslie conspired against our
most high and mightie prince souereigne of the said order, contrarie
to all right, his dutie, and the faithfull oth, which he hath sworne
and taken. For which causes therefore he hath deserued to be deposed
from this noble order, and fellowship of this Garter. For it may not
be suffered that such a traitor and disloiall member remaine among the
faithfull knights of renowmed stomach & bountifull prowes, or that his
armes should be mingled with those of noble chiualrie. Wherefore our
most excellent prince and supreme of this most honorable order, by the
aduise and counsell of his collegues, willeth and commandeth that his
armes which he before time hath deserued shall be from hencefoorth be
taken awaie and throwne downe: and he himselfe cleane cut off from the
societie of this renowmed order, and neuer from this daie reputed anie
more for a member of the same, that all other by his example may
hereafter beware how they commit the like trespasse, or fall into such
notorious infamie and rebuke. This notice being giuen, there resorteth
vnto the partie to be disgraded certeine officers with diuerse of his
late fellowes appointed, which take from him his George, and other
inuestiture, after a solemne maner.
And hitherto of this most honorable order, hoping that no man will be
offended with me, in vttering thus much. For sith the noble order of
the Toison Dor or golden fléese, with the ceremonies apperteining vnto
the creation and inuestiture of the six and thirtie knights thereof:
and likewise that of saint Michaell and his one and thirtie knights,
are discoursed vpon at large by the historiographers of their owne
countries, without reprehension or checke, especiallie by Vincentius
Lupan. lib. 1. de Mag. Franc. cap. de equitibus ordinis, where he
calleth them Cheualliers sans reproche, and thereto addeth that their
chaine is commonlie of two hundred crownes at the least, and honour
thereof so great, that it is not lawfull for them to sell, giue or
laie the same to morgage (would to God they might once brooke their
name, Sans reproche, but their generall deling in our time with all
men, will not suffer some of the best of their owne countries to haue
that opinion of them) I trust I haue not giuen anie cause of
displeasure, briefelie to set foorth those things that apperteine vnto
our renowmed order of the Garter, in whose compasse is written
[Sidenote: * Some think that this was the answer of the quéene,
when the king asked what men would think of her,
in loosing the garter after such a maner.]
commonlie, [*]"Honi soit qui mal y pense," which is so much to saie,
as, "Euill come to him that euill thinketh:" a verie sharpe
imprecation, and yet such as is not contrarie to the word, which
promiseth like measure to the meter, as he dooth mete to others.
[Sidenote: Bannerets.]
There is yet an other order of knights in England called knights
Bannerets, who are made in the field with the ceremonie of cutting
awaie the point of his penant of armes, and making it as it were a
banner, so that being before but a bacheler knight, he is now of an
higher degree, and allowed to displaie his armes in a banner, as
barrons doo. Howbeit these knights are neuer made but in the warres,
the kings standard being vnfolded.
[Sidenote: Esquire.]
Esquire (which we call commonlie squire) is a French word, and so much
in Latine as Scutiger vel armiger, and such are all those which beare
armes, or armoires, testimonies of their race from whence they be
descended. They were at the first costerels or bearers of the armes of
barons, or knights, & thereby being instructed in martiall knowledge,
had that name for a dignitie giuen to distinguish them from common
souldiers called Gregarij milites when they were togither in the
field.
[Sidenote: Gentlemen.]
Gentlemen be those whome their race and bloud, or at the least their
vertues doo make noble and knowne. The Latines call them Nobiles &
generosos, as the French do Nobles or Gentlehommes. The etymologie of
the name expoundeth the efficacie of the word: for as Gens in Latine
betokeneth the race and surname: so the Romans had Cornelios, Sergios,
Appios, Curios, Papyrios, Scipiones, Fabios, Æmilios, Iulios, Brutos,
&c: of which, who were Agnati, and therefore kept the name, were also
called Gentiles, gentlemen of that or that house and race.
Moreouer as the king dooth dubbe knights, and createth the barons and
higher degrees, so gentlemen whose ancestors are not knowen to come in
with William duke of Normandie (for of the Saxon races yet remaining
we now make none accompt, much lesse of the British issue) doo take
their beginning in England, after this maner in our times. Who soeuer
[Sidenote: Lawiers students in vniuersities.]
[Sidenote: Physicians.]
[Sidenote: Capteins.]
studieth the lawes of the realme, who so abideth in the vniuersitie
giuing his mind to his booke, or professeth physicke and the liberall
sciences, or beside his seruice in the roome of a capteine in the
warres, or good counsell giuen at home, whereby his common-wealth is
benefited, can liue without manuell labour, and thereto is able and
will beare the port, charge, and countenance of a gentleman, he shall
for monie haue a cote and armes bestowed vpon him by heralds (who in
the charter of the same doo of custome pretend antiquitie and seruice,
and manie gaie things) and therevnto being made so good cheape be
called master, which is the title that men giue to esquiers and
gentlemen, and reputed for a gentleman euer after. Which is so much
the lesse to be disalowed of, for that the prince dooth loose nothing
by it, the gentleman being so much subiect to taxes and publike
paiments as is the yeoman or husbandman, which he likewise dooth beare
the gladlier for the sauing of his reputation. Being called also to
the warres (for with the gouernment of the common-wealth he medleth
litle) what soeuer it cost him, he will both arraie & arme himselfe
accordinglie, and shew the more manly courage, and all the tokens of
the person which he representeth. No man hath hurt by it but himselfe,
who peraduenture will go in wider buskens than his legs will beare, or
as our prouerbe saith, now and then beare a bigger saile than his boat
is able to susteine.
Certes the making of new gentlemen bred great strife sometimes amongst
the Romans, I meane when those which were Noui homines, were more
allowed of for their vertues newlie séene and shewed, than the old
smell of ancient race, latelie defaced by the cowardise & euill life
[Sidenote: * Sic.--qu. de_p_endants?]
of their nephues & defendants[*] could make the other to be. But as
enuie hath no affinitie with iustice and equitie, so it forceth not
what language the malicious doo giue out, against such as are exalted
for their wisdomes. This neuerthelesse is generallie to be reprehended
in all estates of gentilitie, and which in short time will turne to
the great ruine of our countrie, and that is the vsuall sending of
noblemens & meane gentlemens sonnes into Italie, from whence they
bring home nothing but meere atheisme, infidelitie, vicious
conuersation, & ambitious and proud behauiour, wherby it commeth to
passe that they returne far worsse men than they went out. A gentleman
at this present is newlie come out of Italie, who went thither an
earnest protestant, but comming home he could saie after this maner:
Faith & truth is to be kept, where no losse or hinderance of a further
purpose is susteined by holding of the same; and forgiuenesse onelie
to be shewed when full reuenge is made. Another no lesse forward than
he, at his returne from thence could ad thus much; He is a foole that
maketh accompt of any religion, but more foole that will loose anie
part of his wealth, or will come in trouble for constant leaning to
anie: but if he yéeld to loose his life for his possession, he is
stark mad, and worthie to be taken for most foole of all the rest.
This gaie bootie gate these gentlemen by going into Italie, and hereby
a man may see what fruit is afterward to be looked for where such
blossoms doo appéere. I care not (saith a third) what you talke to me
of God, so as I may haue the prince & the lawes of the realme on my
side. Such men as this last, are easilie knowen; for they haue learned
in Italie, to go vp and downe also in England, with pages at their
héeles finelie apparelled, whose face and countenance shall be such as
sheweth the master not to be blind in his choise. But least I should
offend too much, I passe ouer to saie anie more of these Italionates
and their demeanor, which alas is too open and manifest to the world,
and yet not called into question.
[Sidenote: Citizens and burgesses.]
Citizens and burgesses haue next place to gentlemen, who be those that
are free within the cities, and are of some likelie substance to beare
office in the same. But these citizens or burgesses are to serue the
commonwealth in their cities and boroughs, or in corporat townes where
they dwell. And in the common assemblie of the realme wherein our
lawes are made, for in the counties they beare but little swaie (which
assemblie is called the high court of parlement) the ancient cities
appoint foure, and the boroughs two burgesses to haue voices in it,
and giue their consent or dissent vnto such things as passe or staie
there in the name of the citie or borow, for which they are appointed.
[Sidenote: Merchants.]
In this place also are our merchants to be installed, as amongst the
citizens (although they often change estate with gentlemen, as
gentlemen doo with them, by a mutuall conuersion of the one into the
other) whose number is so increased in these our daies, that their
onelie maintenance is the cause of the exceeding prices of forreine
wares, which otherwise when euerie nation was permitted to bring in
hir owne commodities, were farre better cheape and more plentifullie
to be had. Of the want of our commodities here at home, by their great
transportation of them into other countries, I speake not, sith the
matter will easilie bewraie it selfe. Certes among the Lacedemonians
it was found out, that great numbers of merchants were nothing to the
furtherance of the state of the commonwealth: wherefore it is to be
wished that the huge heape of them were somewhat restreined, as also
of our lawiers, so should the rest liue more easilie vpon their owne,
and few honest chapmen be brought to decaie, by breaking of the
bankerupt. I doo not denie but that the nauie of the land is in part
mainteined by their traffike, and so are the high prices of wares kept
vp now they haue gotten the onelie sale of things, vpon pretense of
better furtherance of the common-wealth into their owne hands: whereas
in times past when the strange bottoms were suffered to come in, we
had sugar for foure pence the pound, that now at the writing of this
treatise is well worth halfe a crowne, raisons or corints for a penie
that now are holden at six pence, and sometime at eight pence and ten
pence the pound: nutmegs at two pence halfe penie the ounce: ginger at
a penie an ounce, prunes at halfe penie farding: great raisons three
pound for a penie, cinamon at foure pence the ounce, cloues at two
pence, and pepper at twelue, and sixteene pence the pound. Whereby we
may sée the sequele of things not alwaies but verie seldome to be such
as is pretended in the beginning. The wares that they carrie out of
the realme, are for the most part brode clothes and carsies of all
colours, likewise cottons, fréeses, rugs, tin, wooll, our best béere,
baies, bustian, mockadoes tufted and plaine, rash, lead, fells, &c:
which being shipped at sundrie ports of our coasts, are borne from
thence into all quarters of the world, and there either exchanged for
other wares or readie monie: to the great gaine and commoditie of our
merchants. And whereas in times past their cheefe trade was into
Spaine, Portingall, France, Flanders, Danske, Norwaie, Scotland, and
Iseland onelie: now in these daies, as men not contented with these
iournies, they haue sought out the east and west Indies, and made now
and then suspicious voiages not onelie vnto the Canaries, and new
Spaine, but likewise into Cathaia, Moscouia, Tartaria, and the regions
thereabout, from whence (as they saie) they bring home great
commodities. But alas I sée not by all their trauell that the prices
of things are anie whit abated. Certes this enormitie (for so I doo
accompt of it) was sufficientlie prouided for, An. 9 Edward 3. by a
noble estatute made in that behalfe, but vpon what occasion the
generall execution thereof is staied or not called on, in good sooth I
cannot tell. This onelie I know, that euerie function and seuerall
vocation striueth with other, which of them should haue all the water
of commoditie run into hir owne cesterne.
[Sidenote: Yeomen.]
Yeomen are those, which by our law are called Legales homines, free
men borne English, and may dispend of their owne free land in yearelie
reuenue, to the summe of fortie shillings sterling, or six pounds as
monie goeth in our times. Some are of the opinion by Cap. 2. Rich. 2.
an. 20. that they are the same which the French men call varlets, but
as that phrase is vsed in my time it is farre vnlikelie to be so. The
truth is that the word is deriued from the Saxon terme Zeoman or
Geoman, which signifieth (as I haue read) a settled or staid man, such
I meane as being maried and of some yeares, betaketh himselfe to staie
in the place of his abode for the better maintenance of himselfe and
his familie, whereof the single sort haue no regard, but are likelie
to be still fleeting now hither now thither, which argueth want of
stabilitie in determination and resolution of iudgement, for the
execution of things of anie importance. This sort of people haue a
certeine preheminence, and more estimation than labourers & the common
sort of artificers, & these commonlie liue wealthilie, kéepe good
houses, and trauell to get riches. They are also for the most part
farmers to gentlemen (in old time called Pagani, & opponuntur
militibus, and therfore Persius calleth himselfe Semipaganus) or at
the leastwise artificers, & with grasing, frequenting of markets, and
kéeping of seruants (not idle seruants as the gentlemen doo, but such
as get both their owne and part of their masters liuing) do come to
great welth, in somuch that manie of them are able and doo buie the
lands of vnthriftie gentlemen, and often setting their sonnes to the
schooles, to the vniuersities, and to the Ins of the court; or
otherwise leauing them sufficient lands wherevpon they may liue
without labour, doo make them by those meanes to become gentlemen:
these were they that in times past made all France afraid. And albeit
they be not called master as gentlemen are, or sir as to knights
apperteineth, but onelie Iohn and Thomas, &c: yet haue they beene
[Sidenote: Englishmen on foot and Frenchmen on horssebacke best.]
found to haue doone verie good seruice: and the kings of England in
foughten battels, were woont to remaine among them (who were their
footmen) as the French kings did amongst their horssemen: the prince
thereby shewing where his chiefe strength did consist.
[Sidenote: _Capite censi or Proletarij._]
The fourth and last sort of people in England are daie labourers,
poore husbandmen, and some retailers (which haue no frée land) copie
holders, and all artificers, as tailers, shomakers, carpenters,
[Sidenote: No slaues nor bondmen in England.]
brickmakers, masons, &c. As for slaues and bondmen we haue none, naie
such is the priuilege of our countrie by the especiall grace of God,
and bountie of our princes, that if anie come hither from other
realms, so soone as they set foot on land they become so frée of
condition as their masters, whereby all note of seruile bondage is
vtterlie remooued from them, wherein we resemble (not the Germans who
had slaues also, though such as in respect of the slaues of other
countries might well be reputed frée, but) the old Indians and the
Taprobanes, who supposed it a great iniurie to nature to make or
suffer them to be bond, whome she in hir woonted course dooth product
and bring foorth frée. This fourth and last sort of people therefore
haue neither voice nor authoritie in the common wealth, but are to be
ruled, and not to rule other: yet they are not altogither neglected,
for in cities and corporat townes, for default of yeomen they are
faine to make up their inquests of such maner of people. And in
villages they are commonlie made churchwardens, sidemen, aleconners,
now and then constables, and manie times inioie the name of
hedboroughes. Vnto this sort also may our great swarmes of idle
seruing men be referred, of whome there runneth a prouerbe; Yoong
seruing men old beggers, bicause seruice is none heritage. These men
are profitable to none, for if their condition be well perused, they
are enimies to their masters, to their freends, and to themselues: for
by them oftentimes their masters are incouraged vnto vnlawfull
exactions of their tenants, their fréends brought vnto pouertie by
their rents inhanced, and they themselues brought to confusion by
their owne prodigalitie and errors, as men that hauing not wherewith
of their owne to mainteine their excesses, doo search in high waies,
budgets, cofers, males, and stables, which way to supplie their wants.
How diuerse of them also coueting to beare an high saile doo insinuate
themselues with yoong gentlemen and noble men newlie come to their
lands, the case is too much apparant, whereby the good natures of the
parties are not onelie a little impaired, but also their liuelihoods
and reuenues so wasted and consumed, that if at all yet not in manie
yeares they shall be able to recouer themselues. It were verie good
therefore that the superfluous heapes of them were in part diminished.
And sith necessitie inforceth to haue some, yet let wisdome moderate
their numbers, so shall their masters be rid of vnnecessarie charge,
and the common wealth of manie théeues. No nation cherisheth such
store of them as we doo here in England, in hope of which maintenance
manie giue themselues to idlenesse, that otherwise would be brought to
labour, and liue in order like subiects. Of their whoredomes I will
not speake anie thing at all, more than of their swearing, yet is it
found that some of them doo make the first a cheefe piller of their
building, consuming not onelie the goods but also the health & welfare
of manie honest gentlemen, citizens, wealthie yeomen, &c: by such
vnlawfull dealings. But how farre haue I waded in this point, or how
farre may I saile in such a large sea? I will therefore now staie to
speake anie more of those kind of men. In returning therefore to my
matter, this furthermore among other things I haue to saie of our
husbandmen and artificers, that they were neuer so excellent in their
trades as at this present. But as the workemanship of the later sort
was neuer more fine and curious to the eie, so was it neuer lesse
strong and substantiall for continuance and benefit of the buiers.
Neither is there anie thing that hurteth the common sort of our
artificers more than hast, and a barbarous or slauish desire to turne
the penie, and by ridding their worke to make spéedie vtterance of
their wares: which inforceth them to bungle vp and dispatch manie
things they care not how so they be out of their hands, whereby the
buier is often sore defrauded, and findeth to his cost, that hast
maketh wast, according to the prouerbe.
Oh how manie trades and handicrafts are now in England, whereof the
common wealth hath no néed? How manie néedfull commodities haue we
which are perfected with great cost, &c: and yet may with farre more
ease and lesse cost be prouided from other countries if we could vse
the meanes. I will not speake of iron, glasse, and such like, which
spoile much wood, and yet are brought from other countries better
chéepe than we can make them here at home, I could exemplifie also in
manie other. But to leaue these things and procéed with our purpose,
and herein (as occasion serueth) generallie by waie of conclusion to
speake of the common-wealth of England, I find that it is gouerned and
mainteined by three sorts of persons.
1 The prince, monarch, and head gouernour, which is called the king,
or (if the crowne fall to the woman) the quéene: in whose name and by
whose authoritie all things are administred.
2 The gentlemen, which be diuided into two sorts, as the baronie or
estate of lords (which conteineth barons and all aboue that degree)
and also those that be no lords, as knights, esquiers, & simple
gentlemen, as I haue noted alreadie. Out of these also are the great
deputies and high presidents chosen, of which one serueth in Ireland,
as another did sometime in Calis, and the capteine now at Berwike; as
one lord president dooth gouerne in Wales, and the other the north
parts of this Iland, which later with certeine councellors and iudges
were erected by king Henrie the eight. But forsomuch as I haue touched
their conditions elsewhere, it shall be inough to haue remembred them
at this time.
3 The third and last sort is named the yeomanrie, of whom & their
sequele, the labourers and artificers, I haue said somewhat euen now.
Whereto I ad that they be not called masters and gentlemen, but
goodmen, as goodman Smith, goodman Coot, goodman Cornell, goodman
Mascall, goodman Cockswet, &c: & in matters of law these and the like
are called thus, Giles lewd-yeoman, Edward Mountford yeoman, Iames
Cocke yeoman, Herrie Butcher yeoman, &c: by which addition they are
exempt from the vulgar and common sorts. Cato calleth them Aratores &
optimos ciues rei publicæ, of whom also you may read more in the booke
of common wealth which sir Thomas Smith sometime penned of this land.
Of gentlemen also some are by the prince chosen, and called to great
offices in the common wealth, of which said offices diuerse concerne
the whole realme; some be more priuat and peculiar to the kings house.
And they haue their places and degrées, prescribed by an act of
parlement made An. 31 Henr. octaui, after this maner insuing.
These foure the lord Chancellor, the lord Treasuror (who is Supremus
ærarij Anglici quæstor _or_ Tribunus ærarius maximus) the lord
President of the councell, and the lord Priuie seale, being persons of
the degrée of a baron or aboue, are in the same act appointed to sit
in the parlement and in all assemblies or councell aboue all dukes,
not being of the bloud roiall, Videlicet the kings brother, vncle, or
nephue.
And these six, the lord great Chamberleine of England: the lord high
Constable of England: the lord Marshall of England: the lord Admirall
of England: the lord great master or Steward of the kings house: and
the lord Chamberleine: by that act are to be placed in all assemblies
of councell, after the lord priuie seale, according to their degrées
and estats: so that if he be a baron, then he is to sit aboue all
barons: or an earle, aboue all earles.
And so likewise the kings secretarie, being a baron of the parlement,
hath place aboue all barons, and if he be a man of higher degrée, he
shall sit and be placed according therevnto.
_The rehearsall of the temporall nobilitie of England, according to
the anciencie of their creations, or first calling to their degrees,
as they are to be found at this present._
[Sidenote: No duke in England.]
[Sidenote: Earles.]
The Marquise of Winchester.
The earle of Arundell.
The earle of Oxford.
The earle of Northumberland.
The earle of Shrewesburie.
The earle of Kent.
The earle of Derbie.
The earle of Worcester.
The earle of Rutland.
The earle of Cumberland.
The earle of Sussex.
The earle of Huntingdon.
The earle of Bath.
The earle of Warwike.
The earle of Southampton.
The earle of Bedford.
The earle of Penbrooke.
The earle of Hertford.
The earle of Leicester.
The earle of Essex.
The earle of Lincolne.
[Sidenote: Visconts.]
The viscont Montague.
The viscont Bindon.
[Sidenote: Barons.]
The lord of Abergeuennie.
The lord Awdeleie.
The lord Zouch.
The lord Barkeleie.
The lord Morleie.
The lord Dacres of the south.
The lord Cobham.
The lord Stafford.
The lord Greie of Wilton.
The lord Scroope.
The lord Dudleie.
The lord Latimer.
The lord Stourton.
The lord Lumleie.
The lord Mountioie.
The lord Ogle.
The lord Darcie of the north.
The lord Mountegle.
The lord Sands.
The lord Vaulx.
The lord Windsore.
The lord Wentworth.
The lord Borough.
The lord Mordaunt.
The lord Cromwell.
The lord Euers.
The lord Wharton.
The lord Rich.
The lord Willowbie.
The lord Sheffeld.
The lord Paget.
The lord Darcie of Chichester.
The lord Howard of Effingham.
The lord North.
The lord Chaundos.
The lord of Hunsdon.
The lord saint Iohn of Bletso.
The lord of Buckhirst.
The lord Delaware.
The lord Burghleie.
The lord Compton.
The lord Cheineie.
The lord Norreis.
_Bishops in their anciencie, as they sat in parlement, in the fift of
the Queenes maiesties reigne that now is._
[Sidenote: Cleargie.]
The archbishop of Canturburie.
The archbishop of Yorke.
London.
Durham.
Winchester.
The rest had their places in senioritie of consecration.
Chichester.
Landaffe.
Hereford.
Elie.
Worcester.
Bangor.
Lincolne.
Salisburie.
S. Dauids.
Rochester.
Bath and Welles.
Couentrie and Lichfield.
Excester.
Norwich.
Peterborough.
Carleill.
Chester.
S. Assaph.
Glocester.
And this for their placing in the parlement house. Howbeit, when the
archbishop of Canturburie siteth in his prouinciall assemblie, he hath
on his right hand the archbishop of Yorke, and next vnto him the
bishop of Winchester, on the left hand the bishop of London: but if it
fall out that the archbishop of Canturburie be not there by the
vacation of his sée, then the archbishop of Yorke is to take his
place, who admitteth the bishop of London to his right hand, and the
prelat of Winchester to his left, the rest sitting alwaies as afore,
that is to saie, as they are elders by consecration, which I thought
good also to note out of an ancient president.