after the departure of the French armie beside the hill of Turneham,
the said duke returned to Calis, and there refreshed himselfe and his
people the space of thrée daies. And then he set forward againe, & with
him as marshals of the host, was the earle of Warwike, and the lord
Roger Beauchampe, with the lords and knights before remembred. They
tooke their iournie to S. Omers, and by Turwin, and then through the
countie of saint Paule, still burning the countrie as they went. They
rode not past thrée or foure leages in a daie, and kéeping on their
waie, they came by saint Riquier, and at the planches vnder Abuile
passed the riuer of Some, and then entered into the countrie of Vimew,
in purpose to go vnto Harflew, and there to burne the French kings
nauie. Thus passing forward thorough Vimew, and the countie of Ewe,
they entered into the archbishoprike of Roan, and marching foorth by
Déepe, came vnto Harflew: but the earle of saint Poule, and the lord
of Fiennes constable of France which had coasted the English armie in
all this iournie, with a great power of men, was gotten before them,
and entred into this towne, so that they knew how they should but lose
their paine, if they did assaile it, and so therefore after they had
lien before it thrée daies, on the fourth day they dislodged, & went
backe againe towards Calis, returning through the countrie of Ponthieu,
and before Abuile chanced to incounter a number of Frenchmen, which
gaue to the duke battell. In the which was taken sir Hugh de Chatellon,
master of the crosbowes of France, with other knights, esquiers, and
burgesses of that towne, and about sixtéene score of the French part
slaine.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: The third mortalitie.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
[Sidenote: _Polychron._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Warwicke departeth this life.]
[Sidenote: 1370.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
There be that write otherwise herof, shewing how the said sir Hugh
Chatellon was taken by an ambush laid by sir Nicholas Louaine, as
the same sir Hugh was come foorth of the towne, with not past ten or
twelue with him, to sée how the passage of Rowraie was kept by them
that had charge thereof. How soeuer it came to passe, taken he was, &
brought to the duke of Lancaster, that reioised greatlie of that good
hap: and so marching forward, he passed the riuer at Blanchetaque, and
drew towards the towne of Rew on the seaside, and so to Montreuill,
and finallie to Calis. Then were the strangers licenced to depart: and
bicause it was far in the winter, as about saint Martines tide, the
duke and the most part of his armie returned into England. In this
yeare chanced the third mortalitie, which was excéeding great both of
men and beasts, that the like had not béene heard of. And amongst other
people that perished of that pestilentiall sickenesse, that worthie
knight and noble capteine the earle of Warwike died at Calis in the
moneth of Ianuarie, after his returne from Harflew. ¶ The countrie of
Aquitaine was full of trouble in this meane time, either part séeking
to grieue other to the vttermost of their powers. ¶ Iohn Hastings earle
of Penbroke, hauing with him certeine bands of men of warre, recouered
diuerse towns and castels in those parts: but when he perceiued how
the enimies that were not far from the place where he was lodged,
shewed manifest tokens of feare, in marching one while vncerteinelie
forward, and an other while fetching great compasses about, he somewhat
vnwarilie setting vpon them in their campe, was discomfited and put
to flight, so that getting him into a place of the Templers, that was
closed about with a wall, he remained there in great danger to be taken
prisoner of his enemies that assailed him, if the lord Iohn Chandois
seneschall of Poictou had not come to the rescue, and pledged him
foorth.
[Sidenote: _Thom. Wals._]
[Sidenote: Sir Iohn Chandois slaine.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
But shortlie after, the said lord Chandois was slaine by the enemies
(whom first he had ouercome) whilest without good aduise he put off
his helmet, and so receiuing a stroke with a glaiue that entered into
his head, betwixt his nose and his forhead, he neuer after spake word,
not liuing past a day and a night after he was hurt. The death of
this right famous, wise, and valiant knight, was bewailed as well of
the Frenchmen as Englishmen. The French king himselfe, when he heard
that he was slaine, greatlie lamented the mishap, affirming that now
he being dead, there was not any left aliue able to agrée the kings
and realmes of England and France: so much was he feared, estéemed,
and beloued of all men. But alas what auailed all their mourning and
lamenting against the necessitie of death, sith we know that
Est commune mori, mors nulli parcit honori.
[Sidenote: Sir Thomas Percie. A dearth.]
[Sidenote: _Hen. Marle._]
After he was thus slaine, sir Thomas Percie was made seneschall of
Poictou. By reason of the great wet and raine that fell this yeare in
more abundance than had béene accustomed, much corne was lost, so that
the price thereof was sore inhanced, in so much that wheat was sold at
thrée shillings foure pence the bushell. But as concerning the death,
the west parts of the realme was sorest afflicted with this mortalitie,
and namelie at Oxford there died a great number of scholers.
[Sidenote: The duches of Lancaster.]
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: _Polychron._]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 44.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: _Polychron._]
Somewhat before this time, the ladie Blanch daughter to Henrie duke of
Lancaster, departed this life, and was buried on the north side of the
high altar in the cathedrall church of saint Paule within the citie
of London, where hir husband Iohn of Gant was after also interred.
She ordeined for hir husband and for hir selfe a solemne obit to be
kept yearelie in that church, where the maior being present with the
shiriffes, chamberlaine, and sword-bearer, should offer each of them
a pennie, and the maior to take vp a pound, the shiriffes either of
them a marke, the chamberleine ten shillings, and the sword-bearer six
shillings eight pence, and euerie other of the maiors officers two and
twentie pence, and the number of eight officers belonging vnto the
shiriffes (and by them to be appointed) eight pence a péece. ¶ This
yeare was granted to the king in parlement assembled at Westminster of
the spirituall mens liuings a tenth for the space of thrée yeares, and
a fiftéenth of the temporaltie during the same tearme.
[Sidenote: Sir Robert Knolles with an armie sent into France.]
[Sidenote: Truce with Scots.]
This yeare, after that the king had gotten togither a great summe of
monie, as well by borowing of the clergie as of the laitie, he leuied
an armie, & sent the same ouer to Calis about Midsummer, vnder the
gouernance of that worthie chéefteine sir Robert Knolles, accompanied
with the L. Fitz Walter, the lord Granson, sir Alaine Buxhull, sir Iohn
Bourchier, sir William Meuille, sir Geffrey Wourseley, and diuerse
other noblemen, knights, and worthie capteins. About the same time, the
king of England concluded an abstinence of warre with the Scots for the
tearme of nine yeares, yet so that the Scots might arme themselues,
and at their pleasure serue and take wages, either of the English or
French, by reason whereof, sir Robert Knolles had in his companie an
hundred speares of the realme of Scotland.
[Sidenote: _Iac. Meir._]
[Sidenote: The number of men of war in this armie.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
When this armie had lien and rested in Calis about the space of seauen
daies, sir Robert Knolles caused euerie man to depart the towne, and
to take the fields, marching the first daie néere to the castell of
Fiennes, and there lodged for that night. The whole number of this
armie was not aboue twelue thousand men. Froissard saith, they were
but fiftéene hundred speares, & foure thousand archers. Within the
castell of Fiennes was the constable of France, that was lord thereof,
with such a number of souldiers and men of warre, that the Englishmen
thought they should but lose their labour to assaile it. And so they
passed foorth by Turrouane, and toward Arras, riding not past foure
leages a daie, bicause of their cariages and footmen. They tooke their
lodging euer about noone, and laie néere vnto great villages.
[Sidenote: The suburbs of Arras burnt.]
[Sidenote: The towne of Roy burnt.]
[Sidenote: The French m[=e] withdraw into their fortresses & str[=o]g
townes.]
The French king had furnished all his townes and fortresses in Picardie
with strong garrisons of souldiers, to defend the same against all
chances that might happen either by siege or sudden assault. The
Englishmen therefore thought not good to linger about the winning of
anie of the strong townes, but passed by them, wasting or ransoming
the countries. At Arras they shewed themselues before the barriers,
and when none would issue to skirmish with them, they set fier on the
suburbs, & departed. From thence they tooke the waie by Baupalmes, and
so came into Vermendois, and burnt the towne of Roy. Then went they to
Han in Vermendois, into the which all the people of the countrie were
withdrawne, with such goods as they might carie with them. And in like
manner had those doone which inhabited about S. Quintine, Peronne, and
other strong townes, so that the Englishmen found little abroad, sauing
the barnes full of corne for it was after haruest.
[Sidenote: The Englishmen before Paris.]
Thus they rode faire and easilie, two or thrée leages a daie, and
sometime to recouer monie of their enimies, they would compound with
them within strong townes, to spare the countrie from burning and
destruction, for such a summe as they agréed vpon, by which meanes
sir Robert Knolles got in that voiage aboue the summe of an hundred
thousand frankes. For the which he was after accused to the king of
England, as one that had not dealt iustlie in so dooing. In this sort
passing the countrie, they came before Noion, and after they had rested
a while afore the towne, they went foorth wasting and burning the
countrie, and finallie passed the riuer of Marne, and so entered in
Champaigne, and passed the riuer of Aube, and also diuerse times they
passed to and fro ouer the riuer of Saine: at length drawing toward
Paris, and comming before that citie, they lodged there in the field a
day and two nights, and shewed themselues in order of battell before
the citie. This was on the twentie fourth daie of September.
The French king was at the same time within the citie, & might behold
out of his lodging of S. Paule, the fiers and smokes that were made
in Gastenois, through burning the townes and villages there by the
Englishmen, but yet he would suffer none of his people to go foorth
of the citie, although there was a great power of men of warre within
the citie, both of such as had coasted the English armie in all this
iournie, and also of other which were come thither by the kings
commandement, beside the burgesses, and inhabitants of the citie.
When sir Robert Knolles perceiued that he should haue no battell, he
departed and drew toward Aniou, where they wan by strength the townes
of Vaas and Ruellie. But now in the beginning of winter, there fell
such discord amongst the English capteins, through couetousnesse and
enuie, that finallie they diuided themselues in sunder, greatlie to the
displeasure of sir Robert Knolles their generall, who could not rule
them.
[Sidenote: _Thom. Wals._]
[Sidenote: Sir Simon Minsterworth.]
There was a knight among them named sir Iohn Minsterworth, that had
the leading of one wing of this armie, a good man of his hands (as we
call him) but peruerse of mind, and verie deceitfull, and to sir Robert
Knolles (to whome he was much beholden) most vnfaithfull. This knight,
perceiuing the wilfull minds of certeine yoong lords and knights there
in the armie, that repined at the gouernement of sir Robert Knolles,
as the Romans did sometime at the gouerance of Camillus (the chéefe of
whome were the lord Grantson, the lord Fitz Walter, and others) did his
best to pricke them forward, sounding them in the eare, that it was a
great reproch for them being of noble parentage, to serue vnder such an
old rascall as he was, ech of them being able to guide their enterprise
of themselues, without his counsell, by which flattering of them, and
disgracing of him, the said Minsterworth did much mischéefe, for
Lingua loquax, odiosa, procax, parit omne molestum.
[Sidenote: Bermondsey. Sir Robert Knolles borne in Cheshire.]
[Sidenote: Sir Robert Knolles counsell not followed.]
[Sidenote: Discord what commeth of it.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
Indéed this sir Robert Knolles was not descended of anie high linage,
but borne in the countie of Chester of meane ofspring, neuerthelesse
through his valiant prowesse, and good seruice in warre, growne to such
estimation, as he was reputed worthie of all honour due to a noble
and skilfull warriour, so that it was thought the king could not haue
made his choise of one more able or sufficient to supplie the roome of
a chéefteine, than of him: but yet, although this was most true, his
aduise could not be heard, nor the authoritie appointed him by the king
beare anie swaie. For where he counselled that they should now vpon the
approching of winter draw foorth of France into Britaine, and there
remaine for the winter season, they would not so agrée, nor obeie his
will. Wherevpon it came to passe, that sir Berthram de Cleaquin, at
that time newlie made constable of France, vnderstanding this diuision
to grow amongst the Englishmen, and that they were diuided into parts,
set vpon them so much to their disaduantage, that he distressed them,
and tooke or slue the more part of them: but sir Robert Knols with
the flower of the archers and men of warre went into Britaine, and
there saued himselfe, and those that followed him. ¶ Here you may sée,
how those that before through amitie and good agréement were of such
force as their enimies durst not once assaie to annoie them, now by
strife and dissention among themselues were slaine or taken by the same
enimies, and brought to confusion. To which purpose it is properlie and
trulie said,
Lis odium gignit, charos concordia stringit.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: The citie of Limoges besieged.]
In this meane time that sir Robert Knols made this voiage through
the realme of France, the prince of Wales laid siege to the citie of
Limoges, which was reuolted to the Frenchmen. There were with him at
the laieng of this siege, his brethren, the duke of Lancaster, and
the earle of Cambridge, sir Guichard Dangle, sir Lois de Harecourt,
the lord of Pons, the lord of Partenaie, the lord of Pinane, the lord
of Tannaibouton, sir Perciuall de Coulongne, sir Geffrie de Argenton,
Poictouins: and of Gascoignes, the lord of Mountterrant, the lord de
Chaumount, the lord de Longueren, sir Amerie de Tharse, the lords of
Pommiers, Mucident de l'Esparre, the Souldich de Lestrade, the lord of
Gerond, and manie other: of Englishmen there were, sir Thomas Percie,
the lord Ros, the lord William Beauchampe, sir Michaell de la Pole, sir
Stephan Goussenton, sir Richard Pontchardon, sir Baldwin Freuille, sir
Simon Burlie, sir Dangousse, sir Iohn Deuereux, sir William Menille
or (as some copies haue) Neuille, and manie other. There was also sir
Eustace Dambreticourt, and of the companions, sir Perducas Dalbreth,
who in the beginning of these warres being turned French, was by the
persuasion of sir Robert Knols procured to returne againe to the
princes seruice before the siege of Durmelle.
[Sidenote: Limoges taken by force.]
The prince being thus accompanied, with these worthie capteins and men
of armes, to the number of twelue hundred, beside a thousand archers
and other footmen, indeuored by all waies he could deuise to indamage
them within. In the end he caused the walles to be vndermined, and
quite reuersed into the ditch, & then giuing assault, entered by the
breach, and made an huge slaughter of them within, in somuch that of
men, women, and children (for none were spared in respect of age or
sex) there were slaine and beheaded that daie aboue thrée thousand.
The bishop with certeine knights and capteins were taken and had their
liues granted, though the bishop was in great danger to haue lost his
head, bicause he was a chéefe dooer in yéelding the citie before vnto
the Frenchmen.
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: The prince returned into England.]
[Sidenote: _Thom. Wals._]
Whilest the prince laie at siege before Limoges (a litle before he wan
it) thither came to him his brethren, the duke of Lancaster, and the
earle of Cambridge, the lord Ros, sir Michael de la Pole, sir Robert
Rous, sir Iohn Saintlo, and sir William Beauchampe, with a faire
number of men of war, spears, and archers. The prince then after he
had woone Limoges, and executed some crueltie there to the terrour of
other; his maladie which still continued vpon him, rather increased
than diminished, so that he was aduised by physicians to returne into
England, in hope that change of aire should restore him to health. For
the which consideration and other causes of businesse which he had to
doo with his father, touching certeine weightie affaires he tooke the
sea, and came ouer into England, leauing the gouernement of Aquitaine
vnto his brother the duke of Lancaster, as his lieutenant there: he
landed at Plimmouth in the beginning of Ianuarie.
[Sidenote: The king of Nauarre c[=o]meth ouer into England.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: The king of Nauars constancie suspected.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: 1371.]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 45.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
[Sidenote: A subsidie.]
[Sidenote: Spirituall men deposed.]
Moreouer in this 44 yeare of king Edward, the king of Nauarre came
ouer into England, and at Claringdon found the king, and there talked
with him of such matters as they had to conclude betwixt them two.
But for that the king of Nauarre could not assure the king of such
couenants as should haue passed betwixt them two, it was not thought
méet by the kings councell to worke too far vpon his bare word, that
had before time shewed apparant proofes of his inconstant dealing. And
suerlie this doubt arose not without cause, as his dooings shortlie
after declared: for although he séemed now at this present to be a
verie enimie to the French king, yet shortlie after he was reconciled
to him againe, and became his great fréend for the time it lasted. This
yeare in the moneth of Februarie was a parlement called, in the which
there was demanded of the spiritualtie a subsidie of fiftie thousand
pounds, and as much of the laitie. The temporall men soone agréed to
that paiment, but the cleargie excused themselues with faire words and
shifting answers: in somuch that the king tooke displesure with them,
and deposed certeine spirituall men from their offices of dignitie, as
the chancellor, the priuie seale, the treasuror, and such others, in
whose roomes he placed temporall men.
[Sidenote: Cardinals appointed to treat of peace.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
The bishop of Winchester, and the bishop of Beauuois being both
cardinals, were put in commission by pope Gregorie the eleuenth to
treat betwixt the kings of England and France for a peace. But albeit
they did their indeuour therein, and mooued both kings to the vttermost
of their powers, yet their motions tooke none effect, and therefore
was the warre pursued to the vttermost betwixt the parties, & namelie
in Aquitaine, where the fortresses were so intermedled one with an
other, some English, and some French, that one knew not how to beware
of another, nor to auoid the danger, so that the countrie of Poictou
and other the marches thereabout were in great tribulation. Sir Robert
Knols, sir Thomas Spenser, sir Iohn Triuet, and sir Hugh Hastings,
diuiding their powers insunder, went to recouer townes, some in one
quarter, and some in an other, and certeine they assaied, but preuailed
not: the inhabitants doubting to be punished for their vntruths, made
such stout resistance.
[Sidenote: The feare which the enimies had of sir Ro. Knols, Sir
Berthr[=a] de Cleaquin.]
After this, the duke of Lancaster appointed sir Robert Knols to repaire
againe to Calis, and by the waie (if occasion serued) to attempt the
recouerie of Ponthieu. Sir Robert taking his iournie through France by
Paris, came into the marches of Picardie: and bicause in comparison
to this man, all the English capteins were litle feared of the
Frenchmen, sir Berthram de Cleaquin, the constable of France, leauing
the fortresses in the marches of Aquitaine sufficientlie stuffed with
men of warre and munition, followed sir Robert Knols, still readie to
assaile the hindermost companies, or else to set on the sides of his
enimies. So that there chanced manie skirmishes betwixt them, & manie
men were slaine on both parts; but at length, when sir Robert Knols saw
no likelihood to atchiue his purposed intent in recouerie of the townes
of Ponthieu, as Abuile and other, he drew streight to Calis, and the
constable retired backe into France.
[Sidenote: 1372.]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 46.]
In this 46 yeare, sir Robert Ashton was sent into Ireland as lord
deputie there, and in the same yeare, the duke of Lancaster being as
then a widower, maried the ladie Constance eldest daughter to Peter
king of Spaine, which was slaine by his bastard brother Henrie (as
before ye haue heard.) ¶ Also the lord Emund earle of Cambridge
maried the ladie Isabell, sister to the same Constance. ¶ Their other
sister named Beatrice, affianced to Don Ferdinando, son to Peter king
of Portingale, was departed this life a little before this time at
Baionne, where they were all thrée left as hostages by their father,
when the prince went to bring him home into his countrie (as before yée
may read.) Froissard writeth, that the duke married the ladie Constance
in Gascoigne, and that shortlie after he returned into England with
his said wife and hir sister, leauing the capitall de Bueffz, and
other lords of Gascoigne and Poictou in charge with the rule of those
countries. By reason of that marriage, the duke of Lancaster, as
in right of his wife being the elder sister, caused himselfe to be
intituled king of Castile, and his said wife quéene of the same realme.
The earle of Hereford being sent to the sea, with certeine ships
of warre, was incountered by the Flemish fléet, before an hauen in
Britaine called the Baie, where was fought a sore battell, and long
continued for the space of thrée houres: howbeit finallie the victorie
abode with the Englishmen, notwithstanding that the Flemings were more
in number, and better prouided for the matter. There were taken of them
fiue and twentie ships, with their Admerall Iohn Peterson. They had
béene at Rochell for wine, and now were come to the Baie for salt vpon
their returne homeward, and hearing that the Englishmen would come that
waie, staied for them, and first gaue the onset. For yée must remember,
that by reason that the earle of Flanders had married his daughter
to the duke of Burgognie, which he had first promised to the earle
of Cambridge, there was no perfect fréendship betwixt the realme of
England, and the countries of the said earle of Flanders.
[Sidenote: Sir Guichard Dangle made knight of the Garter.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Penbroke s[=e]t into Guien.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
Sir Guichard Dangle a knight of Poictou, that was come ouer with the
duke of Lancaster, to procure the king to send some new aid into
Aquitaine, was for his approoued valiancie and tried truth to the king
of England, made knight of the garter. And moreouer at his instance the
king rigged a nauie of ships, and appointed the earle of Penbroke as
generall, to saile with the same into Aquitaine, and there to remooue
the siege which the Frenchmen had laid to Rochell. The earle according
to his commission tooke the sea with a fléet of fortie ships prepared
for him: but yer he could enter the hauen of Rochell, he was assailed
by an huge fléet of Spaniards, and there vanquished, taken prisoner,
& led into Spaine. The Spaniards had for capteins foure skilfull
warriours, Ambrose Bouquenegre, Cabesse de Vake or Vakadent, Dom Ferand
du Pion, and Rodigo de la Rochell, who had vnder their gouernement
fortie great carrauels, and thirtéene trim barkes throughlie furnished
and appointed with good mariners and men of warre.
[Sidenote: These foure last remembered came forth of Rochell to aid the
earle.]
The earle of Penbroke had with him nothing the like number of ships,
nor men: for (as Froissard writeth) he had not past two and twentie
knights with him, or (as other haue) not past twelue, being for
the more part of his owne retinue or houshold: and yet those few
Englishmen and Poictouins that were there with him, bare themselues
right valiantlie, and fought it out to the vttermost. There were slaine
sir Simon Houssagre, sir Iohn de Mortague, and sir Iohn Tuchet; and
there were taken prisoners, besides the earle himselfe, sir Robert
Buffort, sir Iohn Curson, sir Othes de Grandson, sir Guichard Dangle,
the lord of Pinane, sir Iohn de Griueres, sir Iaques de Surgieres, the
lord of Tannaibouton, sir Iohn de Hardane, and others. This battell
was fought on Midsummer euen, in this six and fortith yeare of king
Edwards reigne. The earle had (as Froissard writeth) treasure with him,
to haue waged thrée thousand men of warre, which neuer did anie man
good, for (as he was informed) the ship wherein he was aboord, perished
with diuerse other being burnt or sunke. ¶ The English writers saie,
that it was no maruell though this mishap chanced vnto him, bicause he
had in parlement spoken against men of the church, in giuing counsell
that they might be constreined to paie gréeuous subsidies, towards the
maintenance of the kings warre, and that no lesse heauie paiments and
subsidies, should be imposed vpon them, than vpon the secular sort.
Wherein he séemed to bewraie a malicious mind against the clergie,
who as in no age they haue wanted foes, so in his time they found few
fréends, being a generation appointed and ordeined in their cradels to
be contemned of the world, speciallie of great men, of whose fauour and
goodwill it is truelie & rightlie said,
Gratia magnatum nescit habere statum.
By reason of this misfortune thus happened to the English fléet, the
Frenchmen recouered manie townes and castels out of the Englishmens
hands, in the countries of Poictou, Xaintonge, Limosin, and other the
marches of Aquitaine.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: Yuans a Welsh gentleman. Sir Edmund Rous.]
[Sidenote: The prosperous successe of the Frenchmen in Poictou.]
About the same time the French king sent foure thousand men to the
sea, vnder the guiding of one Yuans a banished Welsh gentleman, the
which landing in the Isle of Guernesey, was incountered by the captein
of that Ile called sir Edmund Rous, who had gathered eight hundred
men of his owne souldiers togither, with them of the Ile, and boldlie
gaue battell to the Frenchmen: but in the end the Englishmen were
discomfited, and foure hundred of them slaine, so that sir Edmund Rous
fled into the castell of Cornet, & was there besieged by the said
Yuans, till the French king sent to him to come backe from thence, and
so he did, leauing the castell of Cornet, and sir Edmund Rous within
it as he found him. The Frenchmen this yeare recouered the citie of
Poictiers, Rochell also, and the most part of all Poictou, and finallie
laid siege to Towars in Poictou, wherein a great number of the lords
of that countrie were inclosed, the which fell to a composition with
the Frenchmen to haue an abstinence of warre for themselues, and their
lands, till the feast of saint Michaell next insuing, which should
be in the yeare 1362. And in the meane time they sent to the king of
England their souereigne lord, to certifie him what conditions they
had agréed vnto, that if they were not aided by him, or by one of his
sonnes within the said tearme, then they to yéeld them and their lands
to the obeisance of the French king.
[Sidenote: Towars in danger to be lost.]
[Sidenote: _Th. Walsing._]
Not long before this, the capitall of Bueffz was taken prisoner, and
sir Thomas Percie, with diuerse other Englishmen and Gascoignes before
Soubise by sir Yuans of Wales and other French capteins, so that the
countries of Poictou and Xaintonge were in great danger to be quite
lost, if spéedie succours came not in time. Where vpon king Edward
aduertised of that agréement which they within Towars had made, raised
an armie, rigged his ships, and in August tooke the sea, purposing to
come before the daie assigned, to the succours of that fortresse: but
the wind continued for the space of nine wéekes so contrarie vnto his
intent, that he was still driuen backe and could not get forward toward
the coast of Rochell, where he thought to haue landed, so that finallie
when the daie of rescuing Towars came, he nor anie of his sonnes could
appeare in those parts, and so to his great displeasure he returned
home, and licenced all his people to depart to their houses. By this
means was Towars deliuered to the Frenchmen, which ceassed not in such
occasions of aduantage to take time, and follow the steps of prosperous
fortune.
[Sidenote: 1373.]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 47.]
[Sidenote: The duke of Britaine.]
About this season the duke of Britaine being sore displeased in his
mind, that the Englishmen susteined dailie losses in the parts of
Aquitaine, would gladlie haue aided their side, if he might haue got
the nobles of his countrie to haue ioined with him, but the lords
Clisson and de la Vale, with the vicount of Roan, and other the lords
and barons of Britaine, so much fauoured the French king, that he
perceiued they would reuolt from him, if he attempted any thing against
the Frenchmen. He therefore meaning by one way or other to further
the king of England his quarell, and fearing to be attached by his
owne subiects, and sent to Paris, dispatched messengers to K. Edward,
requiring him to send some power of men of warre into Britaine, to
defend him against the malice of such as were altogither French and
enemies to England.
[Sidenote: The lord Neuill sent into Britaine.]
[Sidenote: Englishmen discomfited by the constable of France.]
[Sidenote: Townes woone by him.]
[Sidenote: The constable of Fr[=a]ce sent into Britaine.]
King Edward forthwith sent ouer the lord Neuill, with foure hundred men
of armes, and as manie archers, the which arriuing at saint Matthewes
de fine Poterne, remained there all the winter. Wherevpon the Britaines
being sore offended therewith, closed their townes and fortresses
against their duke, and shewed much evil towards him. The constable
of France sir Berthram de Cleaquin, laieng siege to the towne and
castell of Sireth in Poictou, discomfited a number of Englishmen that
came to raise his siege, by meanes whereof he got not onelie Sireth,
but also Niort, Lucignen, and all other the townes and fortresses
which the Englishmen held till that day within Poictou, Xaintonge, and
Rochellois. Shortlie after this, the constable returned into France,
and was appointed by the king there to go with an armie of men of warre
into Britaine, and there to take into his hands all such townes and
fortresses as belonged to the duke of Britaine, bicause he had alied
himselfe with the king of England, and receiued Englishmen into his
countrie, to the preiudice of the realme of France.
[Sidenote: Sir Robert Knols.]
[Sidenote: The duke of Britaine c[=o]meth ouer into England.]
[Sidenote: The earle of Salisburie.]
The duke being aduertised of the constables comming, was counselled by
sir Robert Knols (whom the king of England had sent to aid him) that
he should passe ouer into England, and there to be a suter in his owne
cause for more aid to be sent into Britaine, to resist the Frenchmen
that now sought to bring the whole countrie into their possession.
The duke inclining to this aduise, went ouer into England, and in the
meane time the constable came and wan the most part of all the townes
and fortresses of that duchie, except Brest, where sir Robert Knols
was, and certeine other. The earle of Salisburie with a great nauie
of ships, well furnished with men of armes and archers, laie vpon the
coast of Britaine all that time, and greatlie comforted them within
Brest, in so much that he came on land, and offered battell to the
constable if he would haue come forward & receiued it.
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: The duke of Lancaster sent over into France with an armie.]
[Sidenote: _Ia. Meir._]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: Noble men that went with him in that iournie.]
In the moneth of Iulie in this seuen and fourtith yeare of King Edwards
reigne, the duke of Lancaster was sent ouer vnto Calis with an armie
of thirtie thousand men (as some write) but as Froissard saith, they
were but thirtéene thousand, as thrée thousand men of armes, and ten
thousand archers. This voiage had béene in preparing for the space of
thrée yeares before. The duke of Britaine was there with them, and
of English nobilitie, beside the duke of Lancaster that was their
generall, there were the earles of Warwike, Stafford and Suffolke,
the lord Edward Spenser that was constable of the host, the lords
Willoughbie, de la Pole, Basset, and diuerse others. Of knights, sir
Henrie Percie, sir Lewes Clifford, sir William Beauchampe, the Chanon
Robertsart, Walter Hewet, sir Hugh Caluerlie, sir Stephen Cousington,
sir Richard Ponchardon, and manie other.
[Sidenote: They passed through the countrie without assaulting any
townes.]
When they had made readie their cariages and other things necessarie
for such a iournie which they had taken in hand, that is to say, to
passe through the realme of France vnto Burdeaux, they set forward,
hauing their armie diuided into thrée battels. The earles of Warwike
and Suffolke did lead the fore ward: the two dukes of Lancaster and
Britaine, the middle ward or battell, and the rereward was gouerned by
the lord Spenser constable of the host. They passed by S. Omers, by
Turrouane, and coasted the countrie of Arthois, and passed the water of
Some at Corbie. They destroied the countries as they went, and marched
not past thrée leages a day. They assailed none of the strong townes,
nor fortresses. For the French king had so stuffed them with notable
numbers of men of warre, that they perceiued they should trauell in
vaine about the winning of them. At Roy in Vermandois, they rested them
seuen daies, and at their departure set fire on the towne, bicause they
could not win the church which was kept against them. From thence they
drew towards Laon, and so marched forward, passing the riuers of Ysare,
Marne, Saine, and Yonne. The Frenchmen coasted them, but durst not
approch to giue them battell.
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: The Frenchmen meant not to fight with the Englishmen.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: The order of the duke of Lancasters armie in marching.]
[Sidenote: He c[=o]meth into Burdeaux.]
Néere to Ribaumount, about 80 Englishmen of sir Hugh Caluerlies band
were distressed by 120 Frenchmen: & likewise beside Soissons, 120
English speares, or (as other writers haue) fiftie speares, and twentie
archers were vanquished by a Burgonian knight called sir Iohn de Vienne
that had with him thrée hundred French speares. Of more hurt by anie
incounters I read not that the Englishmen susteined in this voiage.
For the Frenchmen kept them aloofe, and meant not to fight with their
enemies, but onelie to kéepe them from vittels, and fetching of forrage
abroad, by reason whereof the Englishmen lost manie horsses, and were
in déed driuen to great scarsitie of vittels. When they had passed
the riuer of Loire, and were come into the countrie of Berrie, they
vnderstood how the Frenchmen laid themselues in sundrie ambushes to
distresse them, if they might espie the aduantage: but the duke of
Lancaster placing his light horssemen, with part of the archers in
the fore ward, and in the battell the whole force of his footmen with
the men at armes, diuided into wings to couer that battell, wherein
he himselfe was, the residue of the horssemen with the rest of the
archers he appointed to the rereward, and so causing them to kéepe
close togither, marched foorth till he came into Poictou, & then in
reuenge of the Poictouins that had reuolted from the English obeisance,
he began a new spoile, killing the people, wasting the countrie, and
burning the houses and buildings euerie where as he passed, & so
finallie about Christmasse came to Burdeaux.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: The archb. of Rauenna sent from the pope.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
[Sidenote: Messengers sent to the pope about reseruations of benefices.]
Whilest the duke of Lancaster was thus passing through the realme of
France, pope Gregorie the eleuenth sent the archbishop of Rauenna and
the bishop of Carpentras as legats from him, to treat for a peace
betwixt the realms of England and France. They rode to & fro betwixt
the French king and his brethren, and the duke of Lancaster: but the
duke and the Englishmen kept on their waie, and so finallie kéeping
forwards about Christmasse came to Burdeaux. The legats pursued their
treatie, but the parties were so hard, that no reasonable offers would
be taken. The two dukes of Lancaster and Britaine laie in Burdeaux all
the residue of the winter, and the Lent following. The same yeare that
the duke of Lancaster made this iournie thorough France, the king of
England sent certeine ambassadors to the pope, requiring him not to
meddle with the reseruations of benefices within his realme of England,
but that those which were elected bishops might enioy their sées, and
be confirmed of their metropolitaine and archbishop, as of ancient time
they had béene accustomed.
[Sidenote: Cathedrall churches.]
[Sidenote: C[=o]missioners appointed to méet and commune of peace.]
The pope would not at that present determine anie thing herein, but
commanded them that were sent, that they should certifie him againe
of the kings pleasure and further meaning, in those articles and
other touching him and his realme. Also this yeare it was decréed in
parlement, that cathedrall churches might inioy the right of their
elections, and that the king should not hinder them that were chosen,
but rather helpe them to their confirmations. ¶ In the same parlement
was granted to the king a disme of the cleargie, and a fiftéenth of the
laitie. ¶ Moreouer at the sute of the popes legats, a respit of war
was granted betwixt the kings of England and France, but so that the
Englishmen lost in Gascoine a great number of castels and townes, by
reason of a composition made before, that if they were not rescued by
the middest of August, they should then yéeld themselues French: and
bicause the truce was agréed vpon to indure till the last of August,
the Englishmen tooke no héed to the matter. It was further agréed vpon,
that in the beginning of September, there should méet in the marches
of Picardie, the duke of Lancaster, and other of the English part, as
commissioners to intreat of peace; and the duke of Aniou and other on
the French part, the popes legat to be there also as mediator. When
this agréement was thus accorded, the duke of Lancaster, and the duke
of Britaine, with the earls of Warwike, Suffolke and Stafford, the
lords Spenser, Willoughbie and others, tooke the sea at Burdeaux the
eight of Iulie, and returned into England.
[Sidenote: Death of the archb. of Can.]
[Sidenote: Simon Sudberie elected archbishop.]
This yeare the fifth of Iune, died William Wittelsey archbishop of
Canturburie, after whose death the moonks chose to that sée the
cardinall of Winchester, with which election the king was nothing
contented, so that after much monie spent by the moonks to obteine
their purpose, at length they were disappointed, and doctor Simon
Sudberie was admitted to that dignitie, who before was bishop of
London, being the seauen and fiftith archbishop that had ruled that
sée. He was chosen by the appointment of the king, and consent of
the pope. For alredie was that decrée worne out of vse, whereby
the elections of bishops haue rested in the voices of them of the
cathedrall church: for not onelie this Simon archbishop of Canturburie,
but other also were ordeined bishops from thencefoorth, by the will
and authoritie of the popes and kings of this realme, till at length
it came to passe, that onelie the kings instituted bishops, and the
bishops ordeined other gouernours vnder them of meaner degrées.
Thus the popes within a while lost all their authoritie, which they had
before time within this realme in the appointing of bishops, and other
rulers of churches; and in like manner also they lost shortlie after
their authoritie of leuieng tenths of spirituall promotions, the which
they in former times had vsed, to the great detriment of the realme,
which lost nothing by this new ordinance: for the English people were
not compelled afterwards to depart with their monie vnto strangers,
so largelie as before, to content the gréedinesse of that coruorant
generation of Romanists, whose insatiable desires would admit no stint,
as infected with the dropsie of filthie auarice, for
Omnia des cupido, sua non perit inde cupido,
Quò plus sunt potæ plus sitiuntur aquæ.
[Sidenote: The begining of the statute of Premunire.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
This restraining reformation concerned the benefit of the whole land
verie much: for K. Edward the third was the first that caused an act
to be made, that none vnder a great penaltie should séeke to obteine
anie spirituall promotions within this realme of the pope, or bring
anie sutes to his court, except by waie of appeale: and that those that
were the aiders of any such offendors against this act, should run in
danger of the same paine, which act by those kings that succéeded was
not onelie commanded to be kept, but also confirmed with new penalties,
and is called the statute of Premunire.
[Sidenote: 1375.]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 49.]
[Sidenote: The commissioners méet at Bruges.]
[Sidenote: A truce taken betwixt England & Fr[=a]ce.]
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: _Tho. Wals._]
[Sidenote: An armie sent ouer into Britaine with the duke.]
About Candlemasse there met at Bruges as commissioners for the king
of England, the duke of Lancaster, the earle of Salisburie, and
the bishop of London. For the French king, the dukes of Aniou, and
Burgognie, the earle of Salebruce, and the bishop of Amiens with
others. Finallie, when they could not agrée vpon anie good conclusion
for peace, they accorded vpon a truce, to indure to the first of Maie
next insuing in all the marches of Calis, and vp to the water of
Some; but the other places were at libertie to be still in warre: by
report of other writers, the truce was agréed vpon to continue till
the feast of All saints next insuing. About the same time that the
foresaid commissioners were at Bruges intreating of peace, the duke of
Britaine did so much with his father in law king Edward, that about
the beginning of Aprill he sent ouer with him into Britaine the earles
of Cambridge, March, Warwike, and Stafford, the lord Spenser, sir
Thomas Holland, sir Nicholas Camois, sir Edward Twiford, sir Richard
Ponchardon, sir Iohn Lesselles, sir Thomas Grandson, sir Hugh Hastings,
and diuerse other worthie capteins with a power of thrée thousand
archers, and two thousand men of armes, all verie well furnished to
fight.
[Sidenote: Townes woon.]
[Sidenote: Sir Iohn Deureux.]
[Sidenote: This truce was c[=o]cluded to indure from midsummer in this
1375, vnto midsummer in ye yeare next insuing.]
[Sidenote: _Tho. Wals._]
They landed at saint Matthews or Mahe de fine Poterne, where they tooke
the castell by force, and the towne by surrender. From thence they went
to Pole de Lion, and wan it likewise by force of assault, and then went
to Brieu de Vaux, a towne stronglie fensed, and well manned. In hope
yet to win it, the duke of Britaine and the English lords laid siege
to it, but hearing that an English knight, one sir Iohn Deureux was
besieged in a fortresse which he had newlie made, by the vicount of
Roan, the L. Clisson, and other of the French part, they raised from
Brieu de Vaux, and hasted forward to the succor of sir Iohn Deureux,
ernestlie wishing to find their enimies in the field, that they might
giue them battell: but the British lords hearing that the duke and the
Englishmen approched, made no longer abode, but got them with all spéed
vnto Campellie a towne of great strength not farre off, and therein
closed themselues for their more safetie. The duke of Britaine hearing
that they were fled thither, followed them, and laid siege round about
the towne, inforcing himselfe to obteine the place, and so had doone in
déed by all likelihood verie shortlie, if at the same time, by reason
of a truce taken for twelue moneths, he had not béene commanded by the
duke of Lancaster, without delaie to ceasse his war, and breake vp his
campe: as he did.
[Sidenote: The duke of Britaine disappointed by the truce.]
There were sundrie méetings of the commissioners for this treatie of
peace, and still they tooke longer time for continuance of the truce.
And bicause that Britaine and all the other countries of France (as
should séeme) were included in this truce, it séemeth that this was
some second truce, and not the first truce, which included onelie
the marches of Calis, and those parts vp to the water of Some. But
howsoeuer it was, the duke of Britaine being in a great forwardnesse
to haue recouered his duchie out of the Frenchmens hands, and to haue
reduced his rebellious subjects vnder due obeisance againe, was now by
this truce concluded out of time, greatlie disappointed, and so breake
vp his siege from before Campellie, and sent home the English armie. He
went himselfe to Aulroie, where his wife was; and taking order for the
fortifieng and kéeping of those places, which were in his possession,
he came backe againe into England, and brought his wife with him.
[Sidenote: S. Sauiour le vicount yéelded.]
A litle before the concluding of this truce, the Englishmen and
others within the fortresse of saint Sauiour le vicount, in the Ile
or rather Close (as they called it) of Constantine, which had béene
long besieged, made a composition, that if they were not rescued by a
certeine daie, then should they yéeld vp the place to the Frenchmen.
Now bicause this truce was agréed before the daie appointed for the
rescue of that place, with condition that either part should inioy
and hold that which at that present they had in possession, during
the terme of the truce; the Englishmen thought that saint Sauiour le
vicount should be saued by reason of that treatie: but the Frenchmen
to the contrarie auouched, that the first couenant ought to passe the
last ordinance. So that when the daie approched, the French king sent
thither six thousand speares, knights, and esquiers, beside other
people: and bicause none appeared to giue them battell, they had the
towne deliuered to them.
[Sidenote: _Thom. Wals._]
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: The lord Spenser departeth this life.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: The earle of Penbroke deceasseth.]
[Sidenote: _Iohn Stow._]
¶ In this 49 yeare of K. Edwards reigne, a great death chanced in this
land, and in diuerse other countries, so that innumerable numbers of
people died and perished of that contagious sickenesse. Amongst other
the lord Edward Spenser died the same yeare, a man of great renowme
and valiantnesse. Also the earle of Penbroke, hauing compounded for
his ransome, as he was vpon his returne from Spaine, comming homewards
through France, he fell sicke, and being brought in an horsselitter
to Arras, he died there, on the 16 daie of Aprill, leauing a sonne
behind him not past two yeares of age, begot of the countesse his wife
called Anne, daughter vnto the lord Walter de Mannie. Polydor mistaking
the matter, saith that Marie the countesse of Penbroke, who builded
Penbroke hall in Cambridge, was wife to this Iohn Hastings earle of
Penbroke, whereas in déed she was wife to his ancestor Aimer de Valence
earle of Penbroke (as Iohn Stow in his summarie hath trulie noted.)
She was daughter to Guy earle of saint Pole, a worthie ladie and a
vertuous, tendering so much the wealthfull state of this land (a great
part wherof consisteth in the good bringing vp of youth, and training
them to the knowledge of learning) that for maintenance of students she
began the forsaid commendable foundation, about the yeare of Christ
1343, vpon a plot of ground that was hir owne, hauing purchased licence
thereto of the king, to whom she was of kin.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: Commissioners eftsoones met to common of peace.]
[Sidenote: The dem[=a]ds on both parts.]
During that gréeuous mortalitie and cruell pestilence before
remembered, the pope at the instant request of the English cardinals,
granted vnto all those that died in England, being shriuen and
repentant of their sinnes, cleane remission of the same, by two buls
inclosed vnder lead. The duke of Lancaster about the feast of All
saints met with the French commissioners againe at Bruges. There was
with him the duke of Britaine, the earle of Salisburie, and the bishop
of London. For the French king there appéered the duke of Burgognie,
the earle of Salebruch, and the bishop of Amiens. And at saint Omers
laie the duke of Aniou, the archbishop of Rauenna, and the bishop of
Carpentras tooke great paine to go to and fro betwéene the parties: but
they were sofar at ods in their demands, and as it were of set purpose
on the French behalfe, that no good could be doone betwixt them. The
French king required to haue Calis raced, and to haue againe fourtéene
hundred thousand franks, which were paid for the ransome of king Iohn.
The king of England demanded to haue all the lands restored to him in
Gascoigne and Guien cléerelie exempt of all resorts. So when nothing
could be concluded touching a final peace, the truce was renewed to
indure till the feast of S. Iohn Baptist next insuing, which should be
in the yeare 1376.
[Sidenote: 1376]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 50.]
[Sidenote: A parlement.]
[Sidenote: The lord Latimer. Dame Alice Perers. Sir Richard Sturrie.
The request of the commons.]
In this fiftith yeare, king Edward assembled his high court of
parlement at Westminster, in the which was demanded a subsidie of the
commons for the defense of the kings dominions against his enimies.
Wherevnto answer was made by the common house, that they might no
longer beare such charges, considering the manifold burthens by them
sustained in time past. And further they said, it was well knowne
the king was rich inough to withstand his enimies, if his monie and
treasure were well imploied: but the land had béene of long time euill
guided by euill officers, so that the same could not be stored with
chaffer, merchandize, or other riches. The commons also declared whom
they tooke and judged to be chéefe causer of this disorder, as the
duke of Lancaster, & the L. Latimer lord chamberleine to the king;
also dame Alice Perers, whom the king long time kept to his concubine;
and also one named sir Richard Sturrie, by whose sinister meanes and
euill counsell the king was misled, and the land euill gouerned.
Wherefore the commons by the mouth of their speaker sir Péers de la
Mere, required that those persons might be remooued from the king, and
other more discréet set in their roomes about his person, and so put in
authoritie, that they might sée to his honour and weale of the realme,
more than the other had doone before them.
This request of the commons by support of the prince was allowed, and
granted, so that the said persons and other of their affinitie were
commanded to depart the court, and other (such as were thought méet by
the prince, and the sage péeres of the realme) were placed in their
stéeds. ¶ Shortlie after, the commons granted to the king his whole
request, so that he had of euerie person, man and woman, being aboue
the age of fourtéene yeares, foure pence, poore people that liued of
almesse onelie excepted. ¶ Likewise the cleargie granted, that of
euerie beneficed man, the king should haue twelue pence, and of euerie
priest not beneficed foure pence (the foure orders of friers onelie
excepted.) But yer this monie could be leuied, the king was constreined
to borrow certeine great summes in sundrie places, and therefore he
sent to the citie of London for foure thousand pounds. And bicause Adam
Staple the maior was not diligent in furthering that lone, he was by
the kings commandement discharged on the 22 daie of March, and Richard
Whitington mercer chosen in his place.
[Sidenote: The blacke prince departeth this life.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: He is buried at Canterburie.]
On the eight of Iune being Trinitie sundaie (the parlement yet
continuing) that noble and famous prince Edward the kings sonne
departed this life within the kings palace at Westminster. His bodie
was conueied to Canturburie with great solemnitie, and there honorablie
buried. He died in the 46 yeare of his age: a prince of such excellent
demeanour, so valiant, wise and politike in his dooings, that the verie
and perfect representation of knighthood appeared most liuelie in his
person, whilest he liued, so that the losse of him stroke a generall
sorrow into the harts of all the English nation. For such was his
towardnesse, or rather perfection in princelie gouernement, that if he
had liued and atteined to the crowne, euerie man iudged that he would
suerlie haue excéeded the glorious renowme of all his ancestors. This
princes death is bréefelie touched by C. Okland, who (after mention
made of the great victories atchiued by his father the king against his
enimies, and concluding him to be verie happie and fortunate in the
issue of his attempts) saith
---- inclytus ille monarcha
Vn['d]iq; ter ['f]oelix, nisi quòd trux Atropos occat
Ante diem gnati fatalia stamina vitæ.
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: Sir Péers de la Mere.]
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: The truce prolonged.]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
[Sidenote: _Polydor._]
The French king kept his obsequie in most reuerend wise, in the chapell
of his palace at Paris. After his death, the king called to him againe
the foresaid persons, that had béene from him remooued, and the said
sir Péers de la Mere that was speaker in the parlement (as before yée
haue hard) for his eloquence shewed in reprouing the misgouernment of
the said persons (and namelie of the said dame Alice Peres) was now
committed to prison within the castell of Notingham. About the same
time the truce was againe prolonged till the first daie of Aprill
next following. ¶ King Edward, after the deceasse of his sonne prince
Edward, created the lord Richard, sonne to the said prince, as heire
to him, prince of Wales, and gaue to him the earledomes of Chester
& Cornewall. ¶ Moreouer, bicause the king waxed féeble and sicklie
through langor (as some suppose) conceiued for the death of his sonne,
he appointed the rule of the relme to his sonne the duke of Lancaster,
ordeining him as gouernour vnder him, and so he continued during his
fathers life.
[Sidenote: A riot.]
[Sidenote: _Caxton._]
[Sidenote: The nobles sworne to the prince of Wales.]
A great riot happened betwixt the seruants of the earle of Warwike, and
the tenants of the abbat of Euesham, so that manie of the said abbats
seruants were slaine and hurt. The fish-ponds and warrens belonging
to the abbie were broken and spoiled, so that greater hurt would haue
followed thereof, if the kings letters had not béene sent downe to the
earle, commanding him to staie his men from such misdemeanours. All
the nobles of the realme were caused to sweare, that after the kings
decease they shuld admit and mainteine Richard prince of Wales for
their king and souereigne lord. And vpon Christmasse day, the king
caused him to sit at his table aboue all his owne children, in high
estate, as representing the personage of the heire apparant to the
crowne.
[Sidenote: 1377.]
[Sidenote: An. Reg. 51.]
[Sidenote: _Froissard._]
[Sidenote: Comissioners s[=e]t to Bruges.]
[Sidenote: C[=o]missioners sent to Montreuill.]
[Sidenote: Truce eftsoones prolonged.]
This yeare being the one and fiftith and last of king Edwards reigne,
there were sent againe to Bruges as commissioners to treat of peace
on the part of king Edward, Iohn lord Cobham, the bishop of Hereford,
and the maior of London. And for the French part thither came the
earle of Salebruch, monsieur de Chatillon, and Phillibert Lespoit. And
still the two legats were present as mediatours betwixt the parties,
moouing a mariage to be had, betwixt Richard prince of Wales, and
the ladie Marie, daughter to the French king. But they departed in
sunder for this time without anie conclusion. But shortlie after in
Lent following, there was a secret méeting; appointed to be had at
Montreuill by the sea, whither came from the king of England, sir
Richard Dangle a Poictouine, sir Richard Stan, & Geffrie Chaucer. For
the French king there appeared the lord Coucie, and others. These
commissioners treated a long season concerning the mariage, and when
they had vnderstanding and felt each others meaning, they departed
and made report of the same to their maisters. The truce was againe
prolonged till the first daie of Maie.
[Sidenote: Sir Hugh Caluerlie lieutenant of Calis.]
[Sidenote: _Tho. Walsi._]
[Sidenote: _Fabian._]
[Sidenote: Sir Iohn Minsterworth beheaded.]
And in the meane time, the earle of Salisburie, the bishop of saint
Dauie lord chancellour of England, and the bishop of Hereford went
ouer to Calis. In like case the lord of Coucie, and sir William Dorman
chancellor of France came to Montreuill. But they durst not méet at
anie indifferent place on the frontiers, for the doubt that either
partie had of other, for anie thing the legats could saie or doo. Thus
these commissioners abode in that state till the truce was expired.
And when the warre was open, then sir Hugh Caluerlie was sent ouer
to Calis, to remaine vpon safe kéeping of that towne, as deputie
there. The earle of Salisburie, and the other commissioners returned
into England, and with them the duke of Britaine. On the twelfth day
of Aprill this yeare, one sir Iohn Minsterworth knight, was drawne,
hanged, headed, and quartered at Tiborne, being first condemned and
adiudged to suffer that execution before the maior of London, and other
the kings iustices in the Guildhall, for treason by him committed, in
defrauding souldiers of their wages: for where he had receiued great
summes of monie to make paiment thereof to them, he reteined the same
to his owne vse.
[Sidenote: _Thom. Wals._]
Moreouer (as in the fortie foure yeare of this king yée haue heard) he
was the chéefe procurer and setter forward of the dissention that rose
in the armie, which vnder the leading of sir Robert Knolles was sent
into France. And when in that iournie he had lost most of his men, and
was escaped himselfe into England, he laid all the blame on sir Robert
Knolles, accusing him to the king of heinous treason; so as the king
tooke no small displeasure against the said sir Robert, insomuch that
he durst not returne into England, till he had pacified the kings wrath
with monie, and that the knowne fidelitie of the man had warranted him
against the malicious and vntrue suggestions of his enimies. Wherevpon
the said Minsterworth perceiuing his craft to want the wished successe,
he fled to the French king, and conspiring with him to annoie the
realme of England by bringing the Spanish nauie to inuade the same, at
length he was taken in the towne of Pampilona in Nauarre, and brought
backe into England, where he tasted the deserued fruit of his contriued
treason (as before yée haue heard.)
[Sidenote: _Thom. Walsi._]
[Sidenote: Iohn Wiclife.]
About this season, there rose in the vniuersitie of Oxenford a learned
man Iohn Wiclife, borne in the north parts, who being a secular préest,
and a student in diuinitie, began to propone certeine conclusions
greatlie contrarie to the doctrine of the church in those daies
established, speciallie he argued against moonks, and other men of
religion that inioied great riches, and large possessions. There were
diuerse that gaue good eare to him, insomuch that sundrie learned
men of that vniuersitie preached and set foorth the doctrine that he
taught. ¶ Amongst other articles which they held, these were the chéefe
and principall.
[Sidenote: The chéefest articles preached by Wiclife.]
1 That the sacrament of the altar, after consecration, was not the
bodie of Christ, but a figure thereof.
2 That the church of Rome was no more head of the vniuersall church
than any one other, nor more authoritie was giuen by Christ vnto Peter,
than to anie other of the apostles, and that the pope had no more power
in the keies of the church than anie other préest whatsoeuer.
3 That temporall lords might both lawfullie and meritoriouslie take the
temporall goods and reuenues from the church, if it offended; and if
anie temporall lord knew the church to offend, he was bound vnder paine
of damnation to take from it the temporalties.
4 That the gospell is sufficient in this life to direct by rule euerie
christian man.
5 That all other rules of saints, vnder the obseruing whereof diuers
religious doo liue, ad no more perfection to the gospell, than washing
ouer with lime dooth the wall.
6 That the pope, nor anie other prelat of the church, ought to haue
anie prisons wherein to punish offendors.
[Sidenote: Wiclife & his felowes mainteined by certeine lords.]
These and manie other opinions did these men hold and mainteine, and
diuerse lords and great men of the land fauoured their cause. But when
these conclusions were brought before the pope, he condemned the number
of 23 of those articles as vaine and hereticall, directing his buls to
the archbishop of Canturburie, and to the bishop of London, that they
should cause the said Wiclife to be apprehended, and examined vpon the
said conclusions, which they did in presence of the duke of Lancaster,
and the lord Percie, and hearing his declaration, commanded him to
silence, and in no wise to deale with those matters from thencefoorth,
so that for a time, both he and his fellowes kept silence: but after at
the contemplation of diuerse of the temporall lords, they preached and
set foorth their doctrine againe.
[Sidenote: The duke of Lancaster in danger by the Londoners.]
[Sidenote: The lord Percie.]
The same day that Wiclife was conuented thus at London, before the
bishops and other lords, thorough a word spoken in reproch by the duke
of Lancaster vnto the bishop of London, streightwaies the Londoners
getting them to armour, meant to haue slaine the duke, & if the bishop
had not staid them, they had suerlie set fire on the dukes house at
the Sauoie: and with much adoo might the bishop quiet them. Among
other reprochfull parts which in despite of the duke they committed,
they caused his armes in the publike stréet to be reuersed as if he
had béene a traitor, or some notorious offender. The duke and the lord
Henrie Percie, whom the citizens sought in his owne house to haue
slaine him, if he had béen found, hearing of this riotous stur and
rebellious commotion, forsooke their dinner and fled to Kenington,
where the lord Richard, sonne to the prince, togither with his mother
then remained, exhibiting before their presence, a grieuous complaint
of the opprobrious iniuries doone vnto them, by the wilfull outrage of
the Londoners. For this and other causes, the citizens were sore hated
of the duke, in so much that he caused the maior & aldermen that then
ruled to be discharged of their roomes, and other put in their places.
[Sidenote: _Tho. Walsi._]
[Sidenote: The deceasse of K. Edward the third.]
[Sidenote: _Fabian_, pag. 262, 263.]
The king being more grieuouslie vexed with sickness from daie to daie,
either increasing by the course therof, or renewed by some new surfet,
finallie this yeare departed out of this transitorie life at his manour
of Shéene, now called Richmond, the 21 daie of Iune, in the yeare of
our Lord 1377, after he had liued 65 yeares, & reigned fiftie yeares,
foure moneths, & 28 daies. His corpse was conueied from Shéene by his
foure sonnes, namelie Lionell duke of Clarence, Iohn of Gant duke of
Lancaster, Edmund of Langlie duke of Yorke, and Thomas of Woodstoke
earle of Cambridge, with other nobles of the realme, and solemnelie
interred within Westminster church, with this epitaph in his memoriall:
Hîc decus Anglorum, flos regum præteritorum,
Forma futurorum, rex clemens, pax populorum,
Tertius Edwardus, regni complens inbileum,
Inuictus pardus, pollens bellis Machabeum.
[Sidenote: His issue.]
He had issue by his wife quéene Philip 7 sonnes, Edward prince of
Wales, William of Hatfield that died yoong, Lionell duke of Clarence,
Iohn of Gant duke of Lancaster, Edmund of Langlie earle of Cambridge
& after created duke of Yorke, Thomas of Woodstoke erle of Buckingham
after made duke of Glocester, and an other William which died likewise
yoong. He had also thrée daughters, Marie that was maried to Iohn of
Mountford duke of Britaine, Isabell wedded to the lord Coucie earle of
Bedford, and Margaret coupled in mariage with the earle of Penbroke.
[Sidenote: His praise.]
[Sidenote: His proportion of bodie.]
This king, besides other his gifts of nature, was aided greatlie by
his séemelie personage. He had a prouident wit, sharpe to conceiue and
vnderstand: he was courteous and gentle, dooing all things sagelie
and with good consideration, a man of great temperance and sobrietie.
Those he chiefelie fauoured and aduanced to honour, and roomes of
high dignitie, which excelled in honest conuersation, modestie, and
innocencie of life, of bodie well made, of a conuenient stature, as
neither of the highest nor lowest sort: of face faire and manlike,
eies bright and shining, and in age bald, but so as it was rather
a séemelinesse to those his ancient yeares than any disfiguring to
his visage; in knowledge of martiall affaires verie skilfull, as the
enterprises and worthie acts by him atchiued doo sufficientlie witnesse.
In what estimation he was had among strangers it may appeare, in that
he was not onelie made vicar of the empire by the emperour Lewes of
Bauiere, but also after the decease of the same emperour, diuerse of
the electours, as Lewes marques of Brandenbourgh, Robert or Rupert
count Palatine of the Rhene, and the yoong duke of Saxonie, with Henrie
archbishop of Mentz, elected him to succéed in place of the said
emperour Lewes. Neuerthelesse, he giuing them hartie thanks for the
honour which they did vnto him herein, refused to take the charge vpon
him, alledging that he could not haue time to supplie the roome, by
reason of the warres that he had in France, to recouer his right which
he had to that realme.
[Sidenote: Prosperitie vnstable.]
This is noted by writers to be a token of great wisedome in this noble
king, that would not go about to catch more than he might well gripe.
Examples of bountious liberalitie, and great clemencie he shewed manie,
and the same verie notable; so that in maner he alone amongst all
other kings was found to be one, subiect to none, or at the least, to
verie light and small faults. But yet he was not void of euill haps:
for whereas, during the terme of fortie yeares space he reigned in
high felicitie, and as one happie in all his dooings: so in the rest
of his time that followed, he felt a wonderfull change in fortune
(whom writers compare to the moone for hir variablenesse, and often
alterations, as neuer at a staie, saieng,
Vultus fortunæ variatur imagine lunæ,
Crescit, decrescit, in eodem sisterè nescit)
shewing hirselfe froward to him in most part of his procéedings: for
such is the state of this world, seldome dooth prosperitie continue,
and guide the sterne of our worldlie dooings, as it well appeared by
this noble prince. For in the first yeares of his reigne, after he once
began to gouerne of himselfe, he recouered that which had béene lost in
Scotland, by great victories obteined against his aduersaries in that
land, and passed further into the same, than euer his grandfather king
Edward the first had doone before him, subduing the countrie on each
hand, so that he placed gouernors, and bestowed offices, lands, and
liuings in that realme at his pleasure.
[Sidenote: _Iohn Stow_ vpon conference referreth this to the last yeare
of king Edward the first.]
¶ Amongst other (as I remember) there is yet remaining a charter
vnder his great seale conteining a grant made vnto Iohn Eure and
his heires for his good seruice doone in those parts, of a manour
called Ketnes in the countie of Forfar (which lieth in the north of
Scotland) with a market euerie mondaie, and a faire for thrée daies
togither at Michaelmasse, as the euen, the daie, and the morrow after.
Also he granted to the same Iohn Eure, frée warren thoroughout the
same lordship. This Iohn Eure was ancestor vnto the lord Eure that
now liueth, who hath the same charter in his possession. ¶ As for
this kings victories in France, the same were such as might séeme
incredible, if the consent of all writers in that age confirmed not the
same. But as these victories were glorious, so yet they prooued not so
profitable in the end: for whereas he had sore burdened his subiects
with taskes and subsidies, at length they waxed wearie, and began to
withdraw their forward minds to helpe him with such summes as had
béene requisit for the maintenance of the warres, which the Frenchmen
prolonged of purpose, and refused to trie their fortune any more in
pight fields, wherby when he was constreined to be at continuall
charges in such lingering warres, to defend that which he had erst
gotten by force, and couenants of the peace; the sinewes of warre, to
wit monie, began to faile him, and so the enimies recouered a great
part of that which before time they had lost, both on the further side
the seas, and likewise in Scotland.
This must néeds be a great gréefe vnto a prince of such a stout
and valiant stomach, namelie sith he had béene so long time before
accustomed to find fortune still so fauourable vnto him in all his
enterprises. But finallie the thing that most gréeued him, was the
losse of that most noble gentleman, his déere sonne prince Edward, in
whom was found all parts that might be wished in a worthie gouernour.
But this and other mishaps that chanced to him now in his old yeares,
might séeme to come to passe for a reuenge of his disobedience shewed
to his father in vsurping against him, although it might be said, that
he did it by constraint, and through the aduise of others. But whether
remorse hereof, or of his other offenses mooued him, it may séeme (as
some write) that the the consideration of this worlds mutabilitie,
which he tried to the full, caused him (as is thought) to haue in mind
the life in the world to come, and therefore of a pure deuotion founded
the church and colledge of saint Stephan at Westminster, and another at
Cambridge called The Kings hall, giuing therevnto lands and reuenues,
to the maintenance of them that would giue themselues vnto learning.
[Sidenote: Mines of gold & siluer.]
Towards the maintenance of his warres, and furnishing foorth of
such other charges and expenses as he tooke in hand to beare out,
he had some helpe by the siluer mines in Deuonshire and Cornewall,
in like manner as his grandfather king Edward the first had. For
one Matthew Crowthorne kéeper of his mines in those parts, yéelded
diuerse accounts of the issues and profits of the same, betwéene the
second and fiftéenth yeare of his reigne, as well for the siluer as
for the lead, after the siluer was fined from it. Also Iohn Moneron
succéeding in the same office, accomptant of the profits of the same
mines, from Michaelmasse in the ninetéenth yeare of his reigne, vnto
the second of Nouember in the thrée and twentith yeare, yéelded vpon
his accounts, both the siluer and the lead thereof remaining. Moreouer
he let by indenture in the two and thirtith yeare of his reigne, vnto
Iohn Ballancer, and Walter Goldbeater, his mines of gold, siluer, and
copper, in the countie of Deuonshire, for terme of years. There is
an account thereof remaining, and by the same (as it appeareth) was
answered for the first yeare twentie markes. The second yeare the
patentées died, and the king then disposed the same to others. In the
eight and twentith yeare of his reigne, he committed by indenture his
said mines in Deuonshire, to one maister Iohn Hanner, and one Herman
Rainesthorpe of Boheme, minors, yéelding to the king the tenth part of
the oare, as well of the gold and siluer, as of the lead and copper
that should be gotten foorth of the said mines.
In this kings daies, there liued manie excellent men, both in learning,
in vertue, and in martiall prowesse, as partlie is touched in this
discourse of his reigne; and first, the said noble and most valiant
king, the prince of Wales his sonne surnamed the blacke prince, the
duke of Lancaster Iohn of Gant sonne to the king, and his father in
law duke Henrie, Edmund earle of Cambridge, and after duke of Yorke;
the earles of Warwike, Huntington, Salisburie, Stafford, Northampton,
Arundell and others; the lord Reginald Cobham, the lord Basset, the
lord Thomas Holland, the lord Walter de Mannie and Henuier, the lord
Edward Spenser, the lord Iohn Chandois, the lord Iames Audeley, sir
Iohn Copland, sir Thomas Felton, sir Robert Knolles, who (as I haue
said) being born in Cheshire of meane parentage, through his manlie
prowesse, and most skilfull experience in the warres, grew to be right
famous.
Moreouer, sir Hugh Caluerlie borne in the same shire, the capitall de
Beufe a Gascoigne, sir Thomas Percie, sir Hugh Hastings, sir Baldwine
Freuill, sir Iohn Harleston, sir Iames Pipe, sir Thomas Dagworth, &
that valiant English knight sir Iohn Hawkewood, whose fame in the
parts of Italie shall remaine for euer, where (as their histories
make mention) he grew to such estimation for his valiant atchiued
enterprises, that happie might that prince or common-wealth accompt
themselues, that might haue his seruice, and so liuing there in such
reputation, sometimes he serued the pope, somtimes the lords of
Millane, now this prince or common-wealth, now that, and other whiles
none at all, but taking one towne or other, would kéepe the same, till
some liking enterteinment were offered, and then would he sell such a
towne, where he had thus remained, to them that would giue him for it
according to his mind. Barnabe lord of Millane gaue vnto him one of his
base daughters in marriage, with an honorable portion for hir dower.
This man was borne in Essex (as some write) who at the first became a
tailor in London, & afterwards going to the warres in France, serued in
the roome of an archer, but at length he became a capteine and leader
of men of war, highlie commended and liked of amongst the souldiers,
in so much that, when by the peace concluded at Bretignie, in the
yeare 1360, great numbers of soldiers were discharged out of wages,
they got themselues togither in companies, and without commandement of
any prince, by whose authoritie they might make warre, they fell to
of themselues, and sore harried and spoiled diuerse countries in the
realme of France, as partlie yée haue heard: amongst whome this sir
Iohn Hawkewood was one of the principall capteins, & at length went
into Italie, to serue the marques of Montferrato, against the duke of
Millane; although I remember that some write, how he came into that
countrie with the duke of Clarance, but I thinke the former report be
true: but it may well be, that he was readie to attend the said duke at
his comming into Italie. And thus much concerning such famous capteins
as serued this noble king Edward the third, although for bréefeness I
passe ouer diuerse other, no lesse famous and worthie for their high
manhood and tried valiancie to be remembred, than these afore mentioned.
Of learned men, these we find by Iohn Bale registered in the Centuries;
Iohn Baconthrop borne in Blackney in Northfolke, a frier Carmelite,
and prouinciall of his order, so excellentlie learned, as well in
diuinitie, as in both the ciuill and canon lawes, that he procéeded
doctor in either facultie at Oxenford and Paris, and wrote diuerse
treatises, to his high and singular commendation; William Ockam, Iohn
Bloxham a Carmelite frier, Nicholas Triuet borne in Northfolke, sonne
to sir Thomas Triuet knight, & one of the kings iusticiers, prooued
excellentlie learned, and wrote diuerse treatises, and amongst other,
two histories, and one booke of annales, he was by profession a
blacke frier, and departed this life about the second yeare of this
king Edward the third, in the yeare of Christ 1328; William Alnewike
borne in Northumberland, in the towne whereof he tooke name, a frier
Minor; Iohn Tanet borne in the Ile of Tanet, an excellent musician,
and a moonke in Canturburie; Hugh of saint Neot, a Carmelite frier in
Hertfordshire, a notable diuine as those daies gaue; William Alton
borne in Hampshire, a blacke frier and a diuine.
Furthermore, Richard Stradley borne in the marches of Wales, a moonke
and a diuine, writing certeine treatises of the scripture; William
Herbert a Welshman and a frier Minor, wrote also certeine goodlie
treatises of diuinitie; Richard Comington a frier of the order of the
Cordeliers, a preacher, and a writer of diuinitie; William Exeter a
doctor of diuinitie, and a prebendarie canon in Exeter, whereas it is
thought he was borne; Lucas Bosden a westerne man, and by profession a
Carmelite frier; Thomas Walleis a Dominike frier, a great diuine, as
by such bookes as he wrote it may appeare; Thomas Pontius a moonke of
Canturburie, Iohn Ridewall a graie frier, Henrie Costesay or Cossey a
frier Minor, Geffrie Aleuant borne in Yorkeshire, a frier Carmelite;
Iohn Euersden, a moonke in Burie in Suffolke, an historiographer; Simon
Burneston, a doctor of the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, and prouinciall
of the friers Dominike or blacke friers, as they called them here
in England; Walter Burlie a doctor of diuinitie, who in his youth
was brought vp, not onlie in Martine college in Oxford, but also in
the Vniuersities and schooles abroad beyond the seas, in France and
Germanie, & afterwards for his wisedome, good demeanor, & learning, he
was reteined with the bishop of Vlmes in Suabenland, a region in high
Germanie.
Amongst other treatises which he compiled, being manie, and namelie
of naturall philosophie, he wrote a commentarie of the ethikes of
Aristotle, and dedicated the same vnto the said bishop, a worke which
hath béene highlie estéemed, not onelie in the Vniuersities of Italie,
Germanie and France, but also here in our Vniuersities of England. To
conclude, such was the fame of this doctor Burlie, that when the ladie
Philip, daughter to the earle of Heinault should come ouer into England
to be married to king Edward, this doctor Burlie was reteined by hir,
and appointed to be hir almoner, and so continued in great estimation,
in so much that after Edward prince of Wales, eldest sonne to king
Edward commonlie called the blacke prince, was borne, and able to
learne his booke, the said Burlie among other was commanded to be one
of his instructors.
By reason hereof, sir Simon Burlie, of whom I haue made some mention
heretofore in this kings life, and more intend to speake, as occasion
serueth in the next king, being sonne to sir Iohn Burlie, néere kinsman
to the said doctor Burlie, was admitted among other yoong gentlemen,
to be schoolefelow with the said prince, by occasion whereof he grew
in such credit and fauour with the said prince, that afterwards when
his son Richard of Burdeaux, that succéeded king Edward his father, was
borne, the said prince for special trust and confidence which he had
in the said sir Simon Burlie, committed the gouernance & education of
his son the said Richard vnto him, whereby he was euer after highlie
in fauour with the said Richard, and no lesse aduanced by him, when he
came to inioy the crowne of this realme.
But now to other learned men of that age. Iohn Barwike a frier Minor,
and reader to his fellowes of that order in Oxford; William Notingham,
Roger Glacton, borne in Huntingtonshire, an Augustin frier; Iohn
Polestéed borne in Suffolke, a Carmelite frier in Ipswich or Gippeswich
as they write it; Walter Kingham a frier also of the order of those
Dominikes, which they called pied friers; Roger of Chester a moonke
of that citie and an historiographer: Thomas de Hales a frier Minor,
Robert Eliphat a graie frier, Geffrie Grandfield an Augustine or Blacke
frier, Hugh Wirlie a Carmelite frier of Norwich, William Eincourt a
blacke frier of Boston, Hugh Ditton borne in Cambridgeshire a frier
preacher, Adam Carthusianus a doctor of diuinitie, Iohn Luttrell an
excellent philosopher and well séene in the mathematicals, Walter
Cotton and Thomas Eckleston both graie friers, Iohn Folsham a Carmelite
frier in Norwich, Benet of Northfolke, William Southhampton so called
of the towne where he was borne, a blacke frier.
Moreouer, Iohn Burgh a moonke wrote an historie, and certeine
homilies; Adam Nidzard a master of art, Edmund Albon, Robert Counton
a graie frier, William Lissie a frier Minor, Iohn Repingale borne
in Lincolneshire a Carmelite or white frier, as they called them;
Christopher Mothusensis a blacke frier, Richard Aungeruile borne in
Suffolke, who was bishop of Duresme, and lord chancellor of England;
Iohn Manduith, Walter Heminford a canon of Gisborne an historiographer,
Iohn Olnie borne in Glocestershire, in an Ile so called, whereof he
tooke his surname a Chartreux moonke; Thomas Staueshaw a frier Minor in
Bristow, Robert of Leicester taking that surname of the towne where he
was borne, a Franciscane or graie frier; Iohn of Northhampton borne in
that towne, and a Carmelite frier, an excellent mathematician.
Adde to the foresaid learned men, Robert Worsop borne in Yorkeshire,
and a blacke frier in Tickill; William Bruniard a blacke frier, Richard
Chichester, a moonke of Westminster wrote an excellent chronicle,
beginning the same at the comming in of the Saxons about the yeare
of our Lord 449, and continued it till the yeare 1348; Richard Rolle
aliàs Hampole an excellent diuine wrote manie treatises; Iohn Guent a
Welshman, a Franciscane frier, and prouinciall of the order; Rodulph
Radiptorius a frier Minor, Robert Holcoth a blacke frier, borne in
Northampton, excellentlie learned, and wrote manie works, both of
diuinitie and other arguments; William Miluerlie a logician or rather
a sophister, Iohn Teukesburie, Thomas Bradwardin borne in Hartfield,
a towne within the diocesse of Chichester, archbishop of Canturburie
succéeding Iohn Offord, he wrote against the Pelagians; Richard
Wetherset, William Breton a graie frier, a Welshman borne, as Bale
supposeth; Iohn of saint Faith, borne in Northfolke, a Carmelite frier
of Brumham.
[Sidenote: Pope Vrban the fift.]
Furthermore, Iohh Goodwicke borne also in Northfolke, an Augustine
frier of Lin; William Rothwell a blacke frier, Geffrie Waterton moonke
of Burie, Richard Fitz Rafe, whome some take to be an Irishman, but a
student in Oxford, and scholer to Iohn Baconthrope profited highlie,
& wrote manie treatises, he was first archdeacon of Lichfield, and
after chancellor of the Vniuersitie of Oxford, and at length archbishop
of Ardmachan in Ireland; Richard Kilington a doctor of diuinitie,
William Grisant a notable physician, surnamed of the countrie where
he was borne Anglicus, he led the later end of his life at Marseilles
in Prouance, & had a son that was abbat of the regular canons of that
citie, who at length was aduanced to gouerne the sée of Rome, & named
Vrbane the fift; Iohn Paschall borne in Suffolke, a Carmelite frier
in Gippeswich, and by K. Edward the third preferred to the bishoprike
of Landaffe; Adam Woodham a frier Minor, Simon Henton a blacke frier,
William de Pagula; of Iohn Wicliffe ye haue heard before.
Moreouer, Geffrie Hardebie a blacke frier of Leicester, William Binham,
Roger Counwey a Welshman borne in Counwey a grey frier, Richard
Billingham, William Doroch a lawier, Iohn Killingworth an excellent
philosopher, astronomer, and physician; Willam of Couentrie a frier
Carmelite, professed and borne in the same citie; Ranulfe Higden a
moonke of Chester and borne in those parts, an historiographer; Iohn
Eastwood aliàs Aschenton an excellent philosopher, Thomas Ratclife
borne in Leicester, and an Augustine frier in Leicester towne;
Bartholomew Glanuille descended of noble parentage, as of the linage
of those Glanuilles that were sometimes earles of Suffolke, as Bale
saith; Robert Computista a moonke of Burie, Iohn Wilton a moonke of
Westminster, Simon Wichingham a frier Carmelite of Norwich, Iohn Deir a
northerne man borne a notable diuine.
Furthermore, Simon Islep, founder of Canturburie colledge of Oxenford,
wrote diuerse treatises, he was archbishop of Canturburie, as before
yée haue heard; George Chadley, Iohn of Tinmouth vicar of that towne
in the bishoprike of Durham, Peter Babion, Walter Wiborne or Wimborne,
Nicholas de Lin borne in the towne of that name in Northfolke, a
Carmelite frier by profession, but as excellent an astronomer as was
in those daies: Iohn Ridington borne in Lincolneshire a frier minor
in Stafford, Adam a moonke of the Cisteaux order, Roger Wihelpedale a
mathematician, Simon de Feuersham parson of Birton in Kent, Matthew
Westmonasterienses, who wrote the booke called Flores historiarum;
Iohn Elin a Carmelite borne in Northfolke, liued in these daies, but
departed this life in king Richard the seconds daies; Thomas de Sturey
an Augustine frier, Sertorious Gualensis a Welshman borne.
Moreouer, Simon de Tunstéed a gray frier, borne in Northfolke,
prouinciall of the gray friers in England; Thomas Stubs borne in
Yorkeshire a blacke frier, Robert Langland a secular préest borne
in Salopshire in Mortimers Cliberie, Lewes Kaerleon a Welshman an
excellent astronomer and mathematician, Iohn Garanson, Nicholas Durham
a Carmelite frier of Newcastell, William Fléet an heremite wrote
sundrie treatises, exhorting his countrimen of England to repentance,
to auoid the vengeance else likelie to come; Iohn Stafford a frier
minor, borne in Stafford, whereof he tooke name; Thomas Rugstéed a
blacke frier, Rafe Stride an excellent logician, William de sancta
Fide, or of saint Faith, so called of the towne in Northfolke, where he
was borne, a Carmelite frier.
To conclude, Iohn Mandeuille knight, that great traueller, liued in
those daies, and departed this life at Liege, the seuentéenth of
Nouember, in the yeare 1372. Thomas of Douer a moonke of the abbeie
there, Henrie Knighton wrote an historie intituled De gestis Anglorum,
Iohn Stokes borne in Suffolke an Augustine frier, Iohn Hornebie a frier
Carmelite of Boston, Henrie Bederike or (as other rather will) of Burie
an Augustine frier, Simon Alcocke a diuine, Vtred Balton borne in the
marches of Wales a moonke of Durham, William Iordan an Augustine frier,
Iohn Hilton a frier minor, William de Lincolne a Carmelite, borne and
professed in that citie, whereof he tooke his surname; Adam Saxlingham
a frier of the same order, but borne in Northfolke; Simon Mepham a
prebend of Chichester, and a great diuine; Iohn Bamton a Carmelite, and
student in Cambridge; Iohn Wichingham a gray frier: and diuerse other,
which for that we are not certeine in what age they liued, we here
passe ouer.
Thus farre Edward the third, sonne to Edward the second
and quéene Isabell.
Transcriber's Notes:
Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors were
corrected.
Punctuation normalized.
Anachronistic and non-standard spellings retained as printed.
The author's usage of accents was inconsistent. Specifically
accented "ée" is far more prevalent than "ee" even for the same
word. Changed all instances of "ee" to "ée"
Italics markup is enclosed in _underscores_.
Proofreading Symbols for Diacritical Marks
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