HENRIE THE THIRD,
the eldest sonne of king Iohn.
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 1.]
[Sidenote: 1216.]
Henrie, The third of that name, the eldest sonne of K. John, a child
of the age of nine yeres, began his reigne ouer the realme of England
the ninetéenth day of October, in the yeare of our Lord 1216, in the
seuenth yeare of the emperour Frederike the second, and in the 36 yeare
of the reigne of Philip the second king of France.
[Sidenote: William Marshall earle of Penbrooke.]
Immediatlie after the death of his father king John, William Marshall
earle of Penbroke, generall of his fathers armie, brought this yoong
prince with his brother and sisters vnto Glocester, and there called a
councell of all such lords as had taken part with king John. Anon after
it was once openlie knowne, that the sonnes and daughters of the late
deceassed prince were brought into a place of safetie, a great number
of the lords and chéefe barons of the realme hasted thither (I meane
not onelie such as had holden with king John, but also diuerse other,
which vpon certeine knowledge had of his death, were newlie reuolted
from Lewes) in purpose to aid yoong king Henrie, to whome of right the
crowne did apperteine.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
Thither also came Vallo or Guallo the popes legat (an earnest defender
of the kings cause) with Peter bishop of Winchester, & Jocelin bishop
of Bath: also Ranulph earle of Chester, William Ferrers earle of
Derbie, John Marshall, and Philip de Albenie, with diuerse other lords
and péeres of the relme, and a great number of abbats and priors, who
by and by fell to councell togither what waie should be best to take,
for the good order of things now in so doubtfull and perilous a time as
this. The péeres of the realme being thus assembled, William earle of
Penbroke, bringing the yoong king into their presence, and setting him
before them, spake these words following.
The earle of Penbroks short and swéet oration as it is borrowed out of
maister Fox.
Behold Right honourable and well beloued, although we haue persecuted
the father of this yoong prince for his euill demeanor, and worthilie,
yet this yoong child whome héere you sée before you, as he is in years
tender, so is he pure and innocent from those his fathers dooings.
Wherefore, in so much as euerie man is charged onelie with the burthen
of his owne works and transgressions, neither shall the child (as the
scripture teacheth vs) beare the iniquitie of his father: we ought
therefore of dutie and conscience to pardon this yoong and tender
prince, and take compassion of his age as yée sée. And now, for so
much as he is the kings naturall and eldest sonne, and must be our
souereigne king, and successour in this kingdome, come and let vs
appoint him our king & gouernour, let vs remoue from vs this Lewes the
French kings sonne, and suppresse his people, which are a confusion and
shame to our nation: and the yoke of their seruitude let vs cast from
off our shoulders.
* * * * *
When the barons had heard this earles words, after some silence and
conference had, they allowed of his saiengs, and immediatlie with one
consent, proclaimed the yoong gentleman king of England, whome the
bishops of Winchester and Bath did crowne and annoint with all due
solemnities at Glocester, vpon the day of the feast of the apostles
Simon & Jude, in presence of the legat. Being thus crowned he was
committed to the gouernance of his brother in law, the foresaid William
Marshall earle of Penbroke, who to win the good will of the people
towards the yoong king, sent foorth messengers with letters into all
parts of the realme, to signifie the newes of the kings coronation,
with an offer also of pardon to all such of the barons side as would
turne to his part: and likewise of great rewards to those which hauing
hitherto continued faithfull, would so remaine vntill this trouble
should be ouerpast. By this means it came to passe, that his fréends
greatlie reioised at these newes, and manie of those which till that
time had aided the Frenchmen, reuolted from them, and in hope of pardon
and reward turned to king Henrie.
[Sidenote: The pride of the Frenchmen procureth them hatred.]
It is reported by writers, that amongst other things, as there were
diuerse which withdrew the hearts of the Englishmen from Lewes, the
consideration of the confession, which the [1] viscount of Melune made
at the houre of his death, was the principall. The order whereof, in
the later end of the life of king John, yée haue heard. Truelie how
little good will inwardlie Lewes and his Frenchmen bare towards the
English nation, it appéered sundrie waies. And first of all, in that
they had them in a manner in no regard or estimation at all, but rather
sought by all means to spoile and kéepe them vnder, not suffering them
to beare anie rule, nor putting them in trust with the custodie of
such places as they had brought them in possession of. Secondlie, they
called them not to councell, so often as at the first they vsed to
doo, neither did they procéed by their directions in their businesse,
as before they were accustomed. Thirdlie, in all manner of their
conuersation, neither Lewes nor his Frenchmen vsed them so familiarlie,
as at their first comming: but (as their maner is) shewing more loftie
countenances toward them, they greatlie increased the indignation
of the English lords against them, who might euill abide to be so
ouer-ruled.
[1] Sée pag.
To conclude, where great promises were made at their entring into
the land, they were slowe inough in performing the same, so as the
expectation of the English barons was quite made void: for they
perceiued dailie that they were despised & scoffed at for their
disloialtie shewed to their owne naturall prince, hearing now and then
nips and tawnts openlie by the Frenchmen, that as they had shewed
themselues false and vntrustie to their owne lawfull king, so they
would not continue anie long time true vnto a stranger. Thus all these
things laid togither, gaue occasion to the English barons to remember
themselues, and to take iust occasion to reuolt vnto king Henrie, as
before we haue mentioned. But now to the purpose of the historie.
Ye haue heard how Lewes had spent long time in vaine about the
besieging of the castell of Douer, for although he plagued them within
verie sore, yet Hubert de Burgh and Gerald de Sotigam bare themselues
so manfullie, and therewith so politikelie, that their aduersaries
could not come to vnderstand their distresse & danger within the
castell, in so much that despairing to win it in anie short time, euen
before the death of king John was knowne (as some write) Lewes was
contented to grant a truce to them that kept this castell, till the
feast of Easter next insuing: but (as it appeareth by other) this truce
was not concluded till after the death of king John was signified to
Lewes, who greatlie reioising thereat, supposed now within a short
time, to bring the whole realme vnder his subiection: and therefore
raising his siege from Douer, in hope to compasse enterprises of
greater consequence, he came backe vnto the citie of London.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Hertford castell deliuered to Lewes.]
[Sidenote: The castell of Berkehamstéed surrendred.]
When they within the castell of Douer saw the siege remooued, they
came foorth, and burnt such houses and buildings as the Frenchmen had
raised before the same castell, and comming abroad into the countrie,
got togither such vittels and other necessarie prouision, as might
serue for the furnishing of their fortresse for a long season. After
that Lewes was returned vnto London, he remained not long there, but
with a great armie marched foorth vnto Hertford, where he besieged the
castell, which was in the kéeping of Walter de Godardule seruant in
household vnto Fouks de Brent, who defended the place from the feast of
S. Martine, vntill the feast of S. Nicholas, and then deliuered it by
composition, that he and his people might depart with all their goods,
horsse and armour. From thence Lewes went vnto Berkehamstéed, and
besieged the castell, which was valiantlie defended by a Duch capteine
named Waleron, who with his people behaued himselfe so manfullie, that
a great number of Frenchmen and other of them without, were left dead
in the ditches. At an issue also made vpon the side, towards the north
where the barons lay, they spoiled the carriage and trusse of the said
barons, and tooke therewithall the standard of William Mandeuile.
Finallie about the 20 day of December, they yet yéelded the place vnto
Lewes, bicause they were no longer able to kéepe it; their liues,
goods, horsse and armour saued.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: _Bernewell._]
[Sidenote: A truce.]
Lewes hauing furnished this castell with a sufficient garrison,
returned backe towards London, and comming to S. Albons, constreined
the abbat to giue vnto him foure score marks of siluer, for a fine, in
recognisance of dooing his homage till the feast of the purification of
our ladie next insuing. Which poore abbat was made to beléeue, that he
ought to take this dealing to be an act of great courtesie, the earle
of Winchester being an earnest meane for him that he might so easilie
escape. About the same time was a generall truce taken betwixt the king
and Lewes, and all their partakers, till the 20 day after Christmasse,
for the obteining of which truce (as some write) the castell of
Berkehamstéed was surrendered vnto the same Lewes, as before ye haue
heard.
[Sidenote: 1218.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
After Christmasse, and whilest the truce yet dured, Lewes and the
barons assembled at the councell which they held at Cambridge, &
the lords that tooke part with the king met likewise at Oxford, and
much talke there was, and great trauell imploied to haue concluded
some agréement by composition betwixt the parties, but it would not
be, nor yet anie longer truce (which was also sought for) could be
granted: wherevpon Lewes besieged the castell of Hidingham, the which
togither with the castels of Norwich, Colchester, and Oxford, were
surrendered vnto him, to haue a truce granted vntill a moneth after
Easter next insuing. And so by this meanes all the east part of the
realme came vnto the possession of Lewes. For the Ile of Elie was woon
by his people a litle before the last truce, whilest he himselfe lay
in siege at Berkehamstéed, except one fortresse belonging to the same
Ile, into the which the souldiers that serued there vnder the king
were withdrawen. But yet although Lewes might séeme thus partlie to
preuaile, in hauing these castels deliuered into his hands, yet being
aduertised that dailie there reuolted diuerse of the barons of England
vnto king Henrie, which before had taken part with him: he stood in
great doubt and feare of the rest, and therefore furnished all those
castels which he had woone with conuenient garrisons, and namelie the
castell of Hertford, and after went to London, there to vnderstand what
further trust he might put in the rest of the English lords and barons:
for as diuerse had alreadie forsaken him, as it is said, so the residue
were doubtfull what they were best to doo.
[Sidenote: The perplexitie in which the barons stood.]
For first they considered, that the renouncing of their promised faith
vnto Lewes, whome they had sworne to mainteine as king of England,
should be a great reproch vnto them: and againe they well saw that
to continue in their obedience towards him, should bring the realme
in great danger, sith it would be hard for any louing agréement to
continue betwéene the French & Englishmen, their natures being so
contrarie. Thirdlie, they stood somewhat in feare of the popes cursse,
pronounced by his legat, both against Lewes and all his partakers.
Albeit on the other side, to reuolt vnto king Henrie, though the loue
which they did beare to their countrie, and the great towardnesse which
they saw in him greatlie mooued them; yet sith by reason of his yoong
yeares, he was not able either to follow the wars himselfe, or to take
counsell what was to be doone in publike gouernement they iudged it a
verie dangerous case. For whereas in wars nothing can be more expedient
than to haue one head, by whose appointment all things may be gouerned:
so nothing can be more hurtfull than to haue manie rulers, by whose
authoritie things shall passe and be ordered.
[Sidenote: S. Albons destroied.]
Wherefore these considerations staied and kept one part of the English
lords still in obedience to Lewes, namelie, for that diuerse of
the confederats thought that it stood not with their honours so to
forsake him, till they might haue some more honorable colour to reuolt
from their promises, or that the matter should be taken vp by some
indifferent agréement to be concluded out of hand betwixt them. Hervpon
they resorted in like maner vnto London, and there with Lewes tooke
councell what was to be doone with their businesse touching the whole
state of their cause. ¶ Here ye shall note, that before the concluding
of this last truce, Fouks de Brent the capteine of the castell of
Bedford gat togither a number of souldiers out of the garrisons of the
castels of Oxford, Northampton, Bedford, and Windsor, and coming with
them, to S. Albons the 22 of Februarie, he spoiled the towne & abbie,
in like maner as he had doone all the townes and villages by the way as
he passed through the countrie, from Bedford vnto S. Albons.
The messengers which Lewes had remaining in the court of Rome,
signified vnto him about the same time, that except he departed out
of England, the sentence of excommunication, which Gualo or Walo the
legat had pronounced against him, should be confirmed by the pope on
Maundie thursdaie next insuing. Wherevpon Lewes was the more inclined
to yéeld to the truce before mentioned, that he might in the meane time
go ouer into France to his father, who had most earnestlie written and
sent in commandement to him, that in any wise he should returne home to
talke with him, and so about midlent after the truce was concluded, he
prepared himselfe, and sailed ouer into France, and as Polydor saith
(but with what authoritie I know not) the king of Scots went also with
him.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Noble men reuolting fr[=o] Lewes.]
After his departure ouer, William earle of Salisburie, William earle
of Arundell, William earle Warren, and diuerse other reuolted to king
Henrie. Moreouer, William Marshall earle of Penbroke so trauelled with
his son William Marshall the yoonger, that he likewise came to take
part with the yoong king: whereby the side of Lewes and his Frenchmen
was sore weakened, and their harts no lesse appalled for the sequele
of their affaires. Lewes returned yet into England before the truce
was expired. The lords that held on the kings part in the absence of
Lewes, were not forgetfull to vse opportunitie of time: for beside that
they had procured no small number of those that before time held with
Lewes to reuolt from him to the kings side, they at one selfe time
besieged diuerse castels, and recouered them out of their aduersaries
hands, as Marleborough, Farneham, Winchester, Cicester, and certeine
other, which they ouerthrew and raced, bicause they should not be taken
and kept againe by the enimie. For ye must vnderstand, that the going
ouer of Lewes now at that time, when it stood him most vpon to haue
béene present here in that troublesome season (which he ought to haue
regarded with singular circumspection, and warilie to haue watched, for
Virtus est, vbi occasio admonet, dispicere)
brought no small hinderance to the whole state of all his businesse,
in so much that he was neuer so highlie regarded afterwards among the
Englishmen as before.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Chester.]
[Sidenote: The castell of Mountsorell besieged.]
[Sidenote: Henrie Braibroke.]
[Sidenote: Saer de Quincie erle of Winchester.]
About the same time Ranulfe earle of Chester, William earle of
Albermarle, William earle Ferrers, Robert de Veipount, Brian de Lisle,
William de Cantlow, Philip de Marc, Robert de Gaugi, Fouks de Brent,
& others assembled their powers, and comming to Mountsorell beside
Loughborough in Leicestershire, besieged the castell there, the
capteine whereof was one Henrie de Braib. Henrie defended the place
right manfully, and doubting to be in distres by long siege, sent with
all spéed to the earle of Winchester, Saer de Quincie as then being at
London with the Frenchmen, requiring him to send some succour to remoue
the siege. Herevpon the earle of Winchester, to whom that castell
belonged, required Lewes that some conuenient power might be sent,
whereby the siege might be remooued. Wherefore vpon councell taken with
deliberate aduise, it was ordeined that an armie should be sent thither
with all spéed, not onlie to raise the siege, but also to subdue that
countrie vnto the obedience of Lewes. Herwith there went out of London
600 knights, and with them aboue twentie thousand men in armour,
gréedie (as it séemed) to haue the spoile of other mens goods.
[Sidenote: The earle of Chester raiseth his siege.]
Their chiefe capteins were these: Saer de Quincie earle of Winchester,
Robert Fitzwater, and others, and they did set forward vpon the last
of Aprill, which was the mondaie before the Ascension daie, passing
through S. Albons, where they lodged the first night, and so to
Dunstable, and by the waie such souldiers as were vsed to spoile and
pillage, plaied their parts, not sparing to rob and ransacke as well
religious houses as other. From Dunstable kéeping on their iournie
northwards, at length they came to Mountsorell, but the earle of
Chester and the other lords, aduertised of their approch, were retired
before to Notingham, determining there to abide, till they might
vnderstand what waie the enimies would take.
[Sidenote: _Bernewell._]
[Sidenote: The poore estate of the French soldiers.]
In the meane time the earle of Winchester and the other barons, finding
their enimies departed and the siege raised, determined foorthwith to
go vnto Lincolne, where Gilbert de Gaunt and other had kept siege a
long time before the castell, but yet in vaine. For there was a noble
ladie within that castell named Nichola, who demeaned hir selfe so
valiantlie in resisting all assaults and enterprises, which the enimies
that besieged hir could attempt by anie meanes against hir, that
they rather lost than wan honour and estimation at hir hands dailie.
Therefore Robert Fitzwater and the other leaders of this armie, to the
end they might get that castell out of hir and other their enimies
hands, tooke their iournie forward, and passing through the vale of
Beauuere, all things there that came to sight fell into the hands of
the gréedie souldiers. For the French footmen, which were as it had
béene the scum & reffuse of their countrie, leaft nothing vntouched
that they might lay hands vpon, not sparing church or churchyard, nor
hallowed place more than common or prophane. For they were so poore and
ragged, that they had scarse anie tatters to couer their priuie parts
withall. Finallie comming vnto Lincolne, they assaulted the castell
with all maner of engins, and assaied by all waies possible whereby
they hoped to aduance their purpose.
[Sidenote: Summons to raise an armie for the king.]
Thus whiles the barons with the Frenchmen were much busied about the
siege of Lincolne castell, W. Marshall earle of Penbroke, by the aduise
of the legat Gualo or Walo, and of Peter bishop of Winchester, and
other of the councell with king Henrie, caused summons to be giuen to
all capteins and chateleins on the kings part, to be at Newarke vpon
mondaie in Whitsunwéeke, with such power as they might make, from
thence to march to Lincolne, there to raise the siege, and deliuer
the countrie from imminent oppression. Wherevpon there assembled at
the daie and place prefixed, a great puissance of people desirous to
fight for the defense of their countrie against the Frenchmen and
other aduersaries, rebels to the pope, and excommunicated persons, so
that when the muster was taken, there was numbered 400 knights, 250
crossebowes, besides demilances and horssemen in great numbers, which
for néed might haue supplied and serued in stéed of men of armes, being
verie well furnished for the purpose, and armed at all points.
[Sidenote: The capteins of the kings armie.]
The chiefe capteins of this companie were these: William Marshall earle
of Penbroke, and his son William Marshall the yonger, Peter bish. of
Winchester, a man right skilfull in feats of warre, Ranulph earle of
Chester, William earle of Salisburie, William earle of Ferrers, William
earle of Albemarle, besides barons, as William de Albenie latelie
released out of captiuitie, Iohn Marshall, William de Cantlow, and
William his sonne, Fouks de Brent, Thomas Basset, Robert de Veipount,
Brian de Lisle, Geffrey de Lucie, Philip de Albenie, with manie other
chateleins and constables of sundrie castels.
[Sidenote: The legat accurseth Lewes & his complices.]
The legat being there present also on the fridaie in the Whitsunwéeke
aforesaid, reuested in a white albe, accompanied with the clergie,
accursed in solemne wise Lewes the French kings sonne, with all his
fautours and complices, & especiallie those which held siege before
the castell of Lincolne, with all the citie: and the more to incourage
all those that should passe foorth in this armie, to raise the siege,
he granted to them frée remission of all their sins, whereof they were
trulie confessed, and by authoritie which he had from almightie GOD,
and the apostolike sée, he promised to them the guerdon of euerlasting
saluation. Herewith when the armie had receiued absolution, and the
legats blessing, euerie man marched foorth in his order and place
appointed, and comming to Stow, an eight miles from Lincolne, they
lodged there all night.
In the morning they passed foorth towards Lincolne, vnder the conduct
of the said earle of Penbroke as generall of the whole armie, who being
come thither, compassed about the citie with his armie. And to cause
the enimie the sooner to leaue the siege of the castell, he assaulted
the gates of the citie, inforcing his power to beare downe and breake
them open. The Frenchmen perceiuing all the danger to be about the
gates, withdrew a little from the assailing of the castell, and
resorting to the walles of the citie, did their best with shooting and
casting of stones and other things, to driue their aduersaries from the
gates.
[Sidenote: Fouks de Brent.]
[Sidenote: The Frenchmen put to flight at Lincolne.]
Thus whiles they were occupied on both parts, Fouks de Brent entered
into the castell by a posterne gate on the backeside, and a great
number of souldiers with him, and rushing into the citie out of the
castell, he began a fierce battell with the citizens within the citie:
which when the Frenchmen perceiued, by the noise and crie raised at
their backs, they ran to the place where the skirmish was, dooing their
best to beat backe the aforesaid Foukes de Brent with his companie.
But in the meane time the Englishmen, vnder the leading of Sauerie de
Mauleon, a Poictouin (of whom you haue heard in the life of king Iohn)
brake open the gates and entred the citie. Then the fight was sore
increased and mainteined for a time with great furie: so that it was
hard to iudge who should haue the better. But at length the Frenchmen
and those English lords that were with them, being sore laid at on ech
side, began to retire towards the gates, and finallie to turne their
backs and so fled awaie but being beset round about with the kings
horssemen, they were streightwaies either slaine or taken for the most
part of them.
[Sidenote: The earle of Perch slaine.]
[Sidenote: Noble m[=e] taken prisoners.]
[Sidenote: Gilbert de Gaunt by the gift of Lewes.]
Amongst other that were there slaine, the earle of Perch a Frenchman
was one, who being gotten into a churchyard manfullie defended himselfe
till his horsse was killed vnder him, and lastlie himselfe was also
beaten downe and slaine. There were taken of Englishmen, Saer de
Quincie earle of Winchester, and Humfrey de Bohun earle of Hereford,
Gilbert de Gaunt earle of Lincolne by the gift of Lewes, Richard de
Montfichet, William de Mowbraie, William de Beauchampe, William de
Manduit, Oliuer de Harecourt, Roger de Cressie, William de Coleuill,
William de Roos, William de Ropeley, Ralfe Chanduit, and diuerse other:
so that of knights there were taken to the number of foure hundred,
beside such multitude of demilances, and other horssemen and footmen,
as could not well be numbered. Moreouer, all the prouision, trusse, and
baggage loden in carts, clothsackes, and males belonging to the barons
and Frenchmen was taken, and the citie was spoiled, rifled and sacked.
[Sidenote: Lewes his faire.]
[Sidenote: The K. commandeth ye castell of Mountsorell to be raced.]
This enterprise and discomfiture at Lincolne, which was in derision
called Lewes his faire, chanced the 14 kalends of Iune, being saturdaie
in the Whitsunwéeke. Manie honest matrons of the towne were drowned, as
they were got into boates to auoid the danger of their persons, wanting
skill how to guide the same boates. The earle of Penbroke the same daie
before he receiued any repast, rode backe in post to the king, whom
he had left at Stow, and there declared the ioifull newes of his good
spéed, in vanquishing of the enimies. On the next morrow, newes came to
the king, that they which had kept the castell of Mountsorell were fled
out of the same, and had left it void. Wherevpon immediatlie he sent in
commandement vnto the shiriffe of Notinghamshire, that going thither in
his owne person, he should ruinat the said castell, & make it plaine
with the ground.
[Sidenote: Milites.]
The Frenchmen which escaped with life from the slaughter of Lincolne,
as the Marshall of France, the chateleine of Arras, with others, made
towards London with all possible spéed, in hope to escape so well as
they might: but manie of them, and namelie the footmen were slaine by
the countrie people where they passed, and that in great numbers: for
the husbandmen fell vpon them with clubs and swords, not sparing those
whom they got at aduantage. Two hundred knights or men of armes (as we
may call them) getting to London, presented vnto Lewes the sorowfull
report of their misaduenture, and were of him not moaned, but blamed
and sore rebuked, for that they had fled, and shamefullie left the
residue of their companies to be distressed, taken, and slaine by
the aduersaries, where if they had manfullie stood to it, they might
happilie haue saued their fellowes, and obteined victorie.
[Sidenote: _Chr. Dunstab._]
¶ The chronicle of Dunstable sheweth indéed that Simon de Peschie
and Henrie Braibroc, perceiuing that Fouks de Brent was entered into
the citie, and that they were now assailed both afront, and on the
backes, they withdrew, and getting togither 80 French knights or men
of armes (if we shall so call them) departed out of the citie, and
fléeing through the countrie by Lin and saint Edmundsburie, at length
got through to London. Howsoeuer they were welcomed of Lewes, certeine
it is, that the lords that tooke part with king Henrie, were put in
no small hope by the atchiuing of this so great a victorie, to bring
within a short time all the realme to the obedience of king Henrie:
and herevpon marching foorth into the countrie, put the people in such
feare, that they submitted themselues vnto the gouernment of king
Henrie in all places wheresoeuer they came.
[Sidenote: Lewes sendeth to his father for aid.]
[Sidenote: An armie prepared in Fr[=a]ce to come to the succour of
Lewes.]
On the other part, Lewes who all this season remained at London, being
sore dismaied for the losse of his people, began to feare euerie
daie more and more, least by some practise he should be betraied and
deliuered into his enimies hands. Therefore he went about to make
himselfe as strong as was possible, & fortifieng the citie, sent
messengers into France, to require his father to send him more aid. His
father sorie to heare of his sons distress, and loth that he should
take the foile, caused his daughter the wife of Lewes, to prepare
a power of men, that the same might passe with all spéed ouer into
England to the aid of hir husband. For the French king himselfe would
not séeme to aid his sonne, bicause he was excommunicated: but his
daughter in law, hauing licence and commission thereto, gat togither
thrée hundred knights, or men of armes, whome with a great number of
other souldiers and armed men, she sent downe to Caleis, where Eustace
the moonke had prouided a nauie of ships to conueie them ouer into
England. But how they sped you shall heare anon.
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: The diligence of the earle of Penbroke.]
In the meane time the earle of Penbroke approched towards London,
purposing to assaile the citie now in this opportunitie of time,
letting passe no occasion that might further his procéedings, night and
day studieng how to recouer the realme wholie out of the Frenchmens
hands, and to set the same at libertie: so that what was to be deuised,
he did deuise, and what was to be doone, that he did, not forslowing
anie occasion or opportunitie that might be offered. The English
barons also calling to mind the benefit which they had receiued at the
Frenchmens hands in time of their most néed, sought now by all means
possible, some waie how to procure a peace betwixt king Henrie and
the said Lewes, thinking by that means to benefit themselues, and to
gratifie him in lieu of his former courtesie bountifullie shewed in
a case of extremitie, which bicause it was obteined in a wished time
was the more acceptable, whereas being lingered it had béene the lesse
welcome, as one saith,
[Sidenote: _Auson. in epig._]
Gratia quæ tarda est ingrata est, gratia námq;
Quùm fieri properat, gratia grata magis.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Hubert de Burgh assaileth the French fléet.]
[Sidenote: The French fléet is vanquished.]
Hervpon they caused dailie new articles of agréement to be presented
in writing vnto the said Lewes, as from king Henrie. But while these
things were a dooing, the earle of Penbroke and other the lords that
tooke part with king Henrie, hauing aduertisement, that a new supplie
of men was readie to come and aid Lewes, they appointed Philip de
Albenie and Iohn Marshall to associat with them the power of the cinque
ports, and to watch for the comming of the aduersaries, that they might
kéepe them from landing, who on saint Bartholomews day set forth fr[=o]
Caleis, in purpose to arriue in the Thames, and so to come vp the riuer
to London. Howbeit Hubert de Burgh capiteine of the castell of Douer,
togither with the said Philip de Albenie and Iohn Marshall, with other
such power as they could get togither of the cinque ports, hauing not
yet aboue the number of 40 ships great & small, vpon the discouering
of the French fléet, which consisted of 80 great ships, besides other
lesser vessels well appointed and trimmed, made foorth to the sea. And
first coasting aloofe from them, till they had got the wind on their
backs, came finallie with their maine force to assaile the Frenchmen,
and with helpe of their crossebowes and archers at the first ioining,
made great slaughter of their enimies, and so grapling togither, in the
end the Englishmen bare themselues so manfullie, that they vanquished
the whole French fléet, and obteined a famous victorie.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Eustace the moonke taken and beheaded.]
[Sidenote: Richard base sonne to king Iohn.]
[Sidenote: Eustace the moonke what he was.]
Eustace the moonke was found amongst the capteins, who although he
offered great summes of gold for his ransome, so that he might haue
had his life saued, and also to serue king Henrie, yet the English
capiteins would none of that: but Richard the bastard sonne of king
Iohn, tooke him, and cut off his head, and sent it vnto king Henrie his
brother, as a witnesse of this their atchieued victorie. This Eustace
was a Fleming borne, and somtime a moonke, but renouncing his cowle
to receiue such heritage as fell to him by the death of his brethren,
deceassing without issue, he became a notable pirat, and had doone
in his dais much mischéefe to the Englishmen, and therefore was now
rewarded according to his demerits. For
[Sidenote: _Hor. lib. 3. car. od. 2._]
Rarò antecedentem scelestum
Deseruit pede poena claudo.
[Sidenote: A rich spoile.]
[Sidenote: An accord betwixt K. Henrie & Lewes.]
[Sidenote: The English chronicle saith a thousand pounds.]
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris_.]
The spoile and prey of the French ships was verie rich, so that the
Englishmen being loden with riches and honour, vpon their safe returne
home were receiued with great ioy and gladnesse. But Lewes, after he
vnderstood of this mischance happening to his people that came to
his aid, began not a litle to despaire of all other succour to come
vnto him at any time héerafter: wherfore he inclined the sooner vnto
peace, so that at length he tooke such offers of agréement as were put
vnto him, and receiued furthermore a sum of monie for the release of
such hostages as he had in his hands, togither with the title of the
kingdome of England, and the possession of all such castels and holds
as he held within the realme. ¶ The French chronicle (to the which the
chronicle of Dunstable and Matthew Paris doo also agrée) affirmeth
that he receiued fiftéene thousand marks. Moreouer, the popes legat
absolued Lewes and all those that had taken his part in the offense
of disobedience shewed in attempting the warre against the popes
commandement.
Then Lewes with all his complices that had bin excommunicated sware
vpon the holie euangelist, that they should stand to the iudgement
of holie church, and from thencefoorth be faithfull vnto the pope
and to the church of Rome. Moreouer, that he with his people should
incontinentlie depart out of the realme, and neuer vpon euill intent
returne againe. And that so farre as in him laie, he should procure his
father king Philip, to make restitution vnto king Henrie of all the
right which he had in the parts beyond the sea: and that when he should
be king of France, he should resigne the same in most quiet manner.
On the other part, king Henrie tooke his oth togither with the legat,
and the earle of Penbroke gouernour of the realme, that he should
restore vnto the barons of his realme, and to other his subiects, all
their rights and heritages, with all the liberties before demanded,
for the which the discord was mooued betwixt the late king Iohn and
his barons. Moreouer, all prisoners on both parts were released and
set at libertie, without paieng anie ransome: yea and those which had
couenanted to paie, and vpon the same were set at libertie before the
conclusion of this peace, were now discharged of all summes of monie
which then remained vnpaid.
This peace was concluded on the eleuenth day of September, not farre
from Stanes, hard by the riuer of Thames, where Lewes himselfe, the
legat Guallo, and diuerse of the spiritualtie with the earle of
Penbroke lord gouernor of the realme, and others, did méet and talke
about this accord. Now when all things were ordered and finished
agréeable to the articles and couenants of the peace, so farre as
the time present required, the lords of the realme (when Lewes
should depart homeward) attended him to Douer in honorable wise, as
apperteined, and there tooke leaue of him, and so he departed out of
the realme about the feast of saint Michaell.
[Sidenote: The prelats are fined.]
[Sidenote: Anno Reg. 2.]
[Sidenote: What cheuance the legat made.]
King Henrie by this meanes being put in full possession of the
relme, according to the prescript of that article conteined in those
conditions of the peace latelie specified, pardoned all those that had
aided his aduersarie Lewes during the wars, except certeine of the
spiritualtie, which were put to such fines, that they were compelled
to laie all that they had to pledge, to leuie such summes of monie, as
they might with the same obteine the kings fauour again: and beside
that, to sue to Rome for their entier absolution at the popes owne
hands. Amongst other, Hugh bishop of Lincolne returning into England,
was compelled to paie a thousand marks to the popes vse for recouerie
of his bishoprike, & an hundred marks also to the legat of good and
lawfull monie. Such cheuance made the legat amongst them of the church,
as well persons secular as regular, that he got togither twelue
thousand marks towards his charges, whereby it appeared, that he lost
no time in England. But to procéed.
[Sidenote: Fouks de Brent.]
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
The realme now being quiet and in all outward felicitie, a number of
vnrulie persons, such as delighting in idlenesse, knew not how to liue
in time of peace, assembled themselues togither and (appointing Fouks
de Brent, who was a man of great stomach and more rashnesse, to be
their capteine and ringleder) began to make warre against the king,
and to spoile the townes and countries about them, so that their euill
dooings might haue caused no small perill to haue insued by some great
ciuill sedition, if the earle of Penbroke had not in time preuented
their attempts. For he assembling the kings power, hasted towards the
rebels, and what by his owne authoritie, and by the reuerend regard of
some bishops in his companie; more than by vsing any force of armes, he
staid the matter for that time, so that no further mischéefe followed
of this mutinie.
[Sidenote: The castell of Newarke restored to the bishop of Lincolne.]
Besides the foresaid Fouks de Brent, there were other of the Nobilitie
also which practised the like disorder, as William earle of Albemarle,
Robert de Veipount, Brian de Lisle, Hugh de Balioll, Philip de Marc,
and Robert de Gaugi, the which Robert withheld the castell of Newarke
that belonged to the bishop of Lincolne, and would not deliuer it, till
the king with William Marshall erle of Penbroke had laine at siege
before it an eight daies, in the end of which terme by mediation of
fréends the matter was taken vp, and the bishop recouered his castell,
paieng to the said Robert de Gaugi an hundred pounds sterling for the
victuals which he left within the same castell.
[Sidenote: _Matt. Paris._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Chester goeth into the holie land.]
[Sidenote: Sonne to K. Iohn belike.]
Soone after this, Ranulph earle of Chester was sent into the holie land
by king Henrie, with a goodlie companie of souldiers and men of warre,
to aid the christians there against the infidels, which at the same
time had besieged the citie of Damieta in Aegypt, in which enterprise
the valiancie of the same earle after his comming thither, was to his
great praise most apparant. There went with him in that iournie Saer
de Quincie earle of Winchester, William de Albenie earle of Arundell,
besides diuerse barons, as the lord Robert Fitz Walter, Iohn constable
of Chester, William de Harecourt, and Oliuer Fitzroie sonne to the king
of England, and diuerse other.
[Sidenote: Anno Reg. 3. 1219.]
[Sidenote: The deceasse of the earle of Penbroke.]
[Sidenote: He is buried in the temple church.]
[Sidenote: Pandulph made bishop of Norwich.]
The next yeare, which was after the birth of our lord 1219, William
Marshall the foresaid earle of Penbroke died, gouernour both of the
realme and also of the kings person, a man of such worthinesse both in
stoutnesse of stomach and martiall knowlege, as England had few then
liuing that might be compared with him. He was buried in the new temple
church at London vpon the Ascension day. The same yeare also Wallo or
Guallo the legat returned to Rome, and Pandulph, who (as before is
expressed) did the message so stoutlie from pope Innocent to king Iohn,
was also made bishop of Norwich.
[Sidenote: The bishop of Winchester gouernour to the king.]
[Sidenote: Quéene Isabell married to the earle of Marsh.]
Moreouer, the gouernement of king Henrie after the death of William
Marshall the elder, earle of Penbroke, was committed vnto Peter bishop
of Winchester: for the yoong king was almost destitute of any of his
kindred that were worthie to haue the rule of him: forasmuch as his
mother quéene Isabell was latelie maried to Hugh Brune the earle of
Marsh in France, vnto whome she was promised before king Iohn tooke hir
to wife, as in the life of the same king Iohn is mentioned.
[Sidenote: A parlement and a subsidie.]
[Sidenote: _R. Fabian._]
The bishop of Winchester being now in the possession of the kings
person, doubting least he had taken a greater charge vpon him than he
might well answer, caused diuerse sage and honourable personages to be
admitted of the kings councell, to assist him in the administration of
the common-wealth and good gouernance of the realme. Which being doone,
a parlement was holden at London, wherein a subsidie was granted to the
king of two shillings to be gathered and leuied of euerie ploughland
within his dominions, towards the relieuing of the great charges which
he had susteined by the warres against the foresaid Lewes.
[Sidenote: The new church of Westm. begun.]
[Sidenote: Anno Reg. 4.]
[Sidenote: _Matth. West._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Chester returneth home.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: 1220.]
[Sidenote: The K. crowned the second time.]
About the same time also he began the building of the new worke of
the church at Westminster. In which meane time the citie of Damieta
afore mentioned, was woone by the christian princes, and Ranulph
earle of Chester returned home, leauing the earle of Arundell with a
great number of souldiors behind him there in aid of the christians
against the Saracens, which dailie attempted the recouerie of the same.
Moreouer, in the yeare insuing, which was of our lord 1220, and vpon
the seauentéenth day of Maie being Whitsunday, the king was eftsoones
solemnelie crowned at Westminster, to the end it might be said, that
now after the extinguishment of all seditious factions, he was crowned
by the generall consent of all the estates and subiects of his realme.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
[Sidenote: A proclamation to auoid strangers.]
[Sidenote: The castles of Chartley & Béeston built.]
[Sidenote: _Ran. Higd._]
The same yeare also was the bodie of Thomas archbishop of Canturburie
translated and Hugh bishop of Lincolne canonized for a saint. In like
manner in the vigile of Peter and Paule, the king finding the castels
of Rokingham and Sauueie at that present vnpurueied of victuals, tooke
the same into his hands against the will of William of Albemarle which
before held the same. ¶ This yeare also was a proclamation made in
London, and throughout all the realme, that all strangers should auoid
the land before the feast of saint Michaell then next following except
those that came with merchandize. Furthermore Ranulph earle of Chester,
after he was come from the holie land, began to build the castels of
Chartleie and Béeston, and afterward he also builded the abbeie of Dieu
Lencresse, commonlie called Delacresse of the white order. Toward his
charges susteined about the building of which castels and abbeie, he
tooke toll throughout all his lordships of all such persons as passed
by the same with any cattell, chaffre or merchandize.
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 5. 1221.]
[Sidenote: Salisburie.]
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Albemarle.]
[Sidenote: The castell of Biham.]
This yeare deceassed Henrie de Boun earle of Hereford, and Saer de
Quincie earle of Winchester in their iournie which they made into the
holie land. Also the same yeare the préests or canons that inhabited
within the kings castell of old Salisburie, remooued with the bishops
sée vnto new Salisburie, which by the king was made a citie. The bishop
Richard procured this remoouing, through the kings helpe, who was verie
willing therevnto, as it séemed by his charters largelie granted in
that behalfe. After this, king Henrie held his Christmasse at Oxenford,
at what time William de Fortz earle of Albemarle meaning to trouble the
kings peace, and to set things in a new broile, departed from the court
in the night season, without leaue or licence, and hasted with all
spéed vnto the castell of Biham, where he assembled a sort of youthfull
persons, giuen to lewd demeanor, and wearie of quietnesse (as to whome
theft and robberies were verie pleasant) by whose helpe he spoiled
diuers townes and villages about him, as Tenham and Deping, with others.
There were of counsell with him also (as was thought) Fouks de Brent,
Philip de Marc, Peter de Mauleon, Engellard de Athie, and manie other,
who priuilie sent men to his aid, and furthered him in his tumultuous
affaires, that they might participat with him the swéetnesse of the
spoile, which is the marke whereat euerie one shooteth that is
----iners & inops, qui viuere luxuriosè
Vult quamuis nequeat, non respondente crumena,
Proinde animam vendit pretio, seséque periclis
Objicit, vt raptis alienis victor ouánsque
Ad proprios referat prædam & spolia ampla penates.
[Sidenote: The castell of Fodringhey.]
[Sidenote: The castell of Biham yéelded.]
In the meane time the countrie people withdrew to the churches, and
gat their goods into the churchyards. Moreouer, the péeres of the
realme assembled themselues in councell at Westminster where the king
was present, whither the earle of Albermarle was summoned to come, who
faining as though he had meant to haue gone thitherward directlie,
turned suddenlie his waie to the castell of Fodringhey, and tooke it
vpon the sudden, furnishing it also with a garrison of souldiers, to
be kept hereafter to his owne vse. That castell was in the kéeping of
the earle of Chester, who at that instant had but few souldiers there
in garrison, wherby it was the sooner surprised. When these newes
were brought to the king, he raised a power and came with all spéed
to the castell of Biham, vpon the wednesdaie next after the feast of
Candelmasse, and then compassing the same about with a strong siege, he
constreined them within by force of such engins as they vsed in those
daies, that finallie on the eight daie of Februarie they came foorth,
and submitted themselues and all that they had vnto the kings pleasure.
Who caused them to be safelie kept, till he might take further
aduisement what should be doone with them.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Old seruice remembred.]
[Sidenote: The Welshm[=e] begin to stur.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
In the meane while also came the earle of Albemarle, who by the helpe
& means of the archbishop of Yorke, and the legat Pandulph, purchased
peace at the kings hands, the rather indéed bicause he had faithfullie
serued both the king and his father king Iohn in their wars, before
that time. All those men of armes & souldiers also, which had submitted
themselues and remained as prisoners were pardoned. Which ouer-great
clemencie caused other vnrulie persons to attempt the like offense of
rebellion shortlie after. At the very selfe same time the Welshmen
began to sturre, and vnder their prince and leader Leolin they entered
vpon the English marshes, and with great crueltie spoiled and robbed
the same, wherevpon it was determined by the councell, that the king
(as he was comming toward the castell of Biham) should diuide his
armie, and so he did, sending one part thereof against the Welshmen:
whervpon Leolin, after he vnderstood that the kings power came toward
him, as one not able to resist the same, cast off his armour, and
submitted himselfe to his mercie.
[Sidenote: _Matth. Paris._]
[Sidenote: Reginald de Breuse.]
[Sidenote: Mountgomerie castle built.]
[Sidenote: Escuage paid.]