King Richard the ſeconde.

Rich. the ſeconde.
An. reg. 1.
1377 RIchard, the ſecond of that name, and ſon to Prince Edward, called the blacke Prince, the ſonne of K. Edward y^e third, a child of the age of eleuen yeares, beganne to raigne ouer the realme of England, the .22. day of Iune, in the yere of the world .5344. of our Lord 1377. after the conqueſt .310. about the .32. yere of y^e Emperour Charles the fourth, and in the fouretenth yere of Charles the fifth K. of France, and about the ſeuenth yere of y^e raigne of Roberte the ſecond K. of Scotland:Fabian. he was named Richarde of Burdeaux, bycauſe hee was borne at Burdeaux in Gaſcoigne,Tho. VValſ. whileſt his father ruled there. The day before it was vnderſtod, that his grandfather K. Edward was departed this life, beeing the .21. of Iune (on which day neuertheleſſe he deceaſſed) the Citizens of London hauing certayne knowledge that he could not eſcape his ſickneſſe, ſente certayne Aldermen vnto Kingſton,The Londoners ſent to K. Richard, commēding themſelues to his fauour, before the [...]eath of king Edward. where the Prince with his mother the Princeſſe then lay, to declare vnto the ſaide Prince, their readye good willes, to accept him for their lawfull kyng and gouernour, immediately after it ſhould pleaſe God to call to his mercy his grandfather, beeyng now paſt hope of recouerye to healthe: wherefore they beſought him, to haue their Citie recommē ded vnto his good grace, and that it would pleaſe him to viſit y^e ſame w^t his preſence, ſith they were ready in all ſorts to honor & obey hym, & to ſpend both liues & goodes in his cauſe, if neede required.

Moreouer, they beſought him, that it myghte pleaſe his grace to make an ende of the diſcorde betwixt the Citizēs, and the Duke of Lancaſter, which through the malice of ſome, had bin rayſed,Iohn Philpot. to the commoditie of none, but to the diſcommoditie of diuers. When Iohn Philpot, one of y^e foreſaid Aldermen, that had the words in al their names, had ended his oration, he was aunſwered by the Prince and his counſell, that he would endeuours hymſelfe in all things, to ſatiſfie their requeſts, and ſo were they ſent home to bring a ioyfull anſwere of their meſſage to the Citie. The morrow after, there were ſent to London frō the K. y^e Lord Latimer, ſir Nicholas Bond, ſir Simon Burley, & ſir Richard Adderbury knightes, to bring thē ſorowful newes of the aſſured death of K. Edwarde, who as we haue ſaid, deceaſſed y^e day before, but comfortable newes again[...], [...] gret towardlineſſe & good meaning of y^e y[...] [...] who promiſed to loue them and their C[...], [...] come to the ſame citie, as they had deſi[...] him [...] doe. And further, that he had ſpoken to y^e Duke of Lācaſter in their behalfe, and y^t the Duke h[...] ſubmitted himſelfe to him in all things [...]ouc[...] y^e cauſe,The Duke [...] Lancaſter [...] the L[...] ſubmit [...] qu[...]els [...] kings [...] wherevpō the kings pleaſure was y^t they ſhuld likewiſe ſubmitte thēſelues, & he would doe his endeuour, that an agreemēt might be had to y^e honor of y^e Citizens, and profite of the Citie. The Citizens liked not of this forme of proceeding in the Dukes matter, bycauſe the K. was yong, and coulde not giue order therein, but by ſubſtitutes, yet at lēgth, with muche adoe, they were cōtented to ſubmit themſelues, as the Duke had done before, though not, til y^t the knights had vndertakē vpon their oth of fidelitie and knighthood, that their ſubmiſſiō ſhuld not redound to y^e tēporall or bodily harme of any of thē, cōſenting to the [...] will in this pointe. And ſo with this caution they toke their iourney towardes Shene, where they found y^e new K. with his mother, y^e duke of Lancaſter, & his breethren, vncles to y^e K. and [...] biſhops, about y^e body of the deceſſed K. When it was knowen that y^e Londoners were come, they were called before y^e K. by whom the matter [...] ſo handled, y^t the duke and they were made [...]. After this, when y^e K. ſhuld ride through the Citie towards the coronation, the ſaid Duke and y^e L. Percy riding on greate horſes before him, [...] by vertue of their offices appointed to make [...] before, vſed thēſelues ſo courteouſly, m[...]y, & pleaſantly, that where before they two wer greatly ſuſpected to y^e cōmon people, by reaſon of their great puiſſance in the Realm, & huge route of reteiners, they ordred the matter ſo, that neither this day, nor y^e morrow after, being y^e day of the kings coronatiō, they offended any maner of perſon [...] rather by gentle & ſweete demeanor, they [...] med y^e harts of many, to whom before they [...] greatly had in ſuſpition, & thought euill of [...] now ſith we are entred into y^e ma[...]r of this [...] coronatiō, we haue thought good dre[...]ly to [...] ſome perticular point thereof as in Tho. W[...]. we find it, though nothing ſo largely heer[...], [...] author himſelfe ſetteth it forth, bycauſe y^e [...] of this worke wil not ſo permit. The K. in [...]ng through y^e citie towards Weſtminſter on the [...] of Iuly bring Wedneſday,The [...]er [...] order of the kings co[...] tion. was accōpa[...] [...] ſuch a traine of y^e nobilitie & [...]hers, as in ſuch [...] was requiſite: ſir Simon Burley haue the [...]orde before him, and Sir Nicholas Bonde [...] the Kings horſe by the bridle on foote. The noiſe of trumpets & other inſtrumēts was maruellous, ſo that this ſeemed a day of ioy & mirth, a day y^t had bin long loked for, bycauſe it was hoped, y^t now y^e quiet orders & good lawes of the land, which thorough y^e ſlouthfulnes of y^e aged K. deceaſſed, & co [...]ouſneſſe of thoſe y^e ruled about him had bin lōg baniſhed, ſhould now be renued, & brought againe in vſe. The Citie was adorned in all ſortes moſt richly. The water conduites ran w^t wine, for the ſpace of three houres togither. In the vpper end of Cheape, was a certain Caſtell made with foure towers, out of y^e which Caſtel, on two ſides of it, there ran forth wine abundantly. In the towers wer placed four beautiful virgins, of ſtature & age like to y^e K. apparelled in white veſtures, in euery tower one, y^t which blew in y^e kings face, at his aproching nere to thē, leaues of gold, and as he approched alſo, they threwe on him and his horſe florens of golde counterfeit. When he was come before y^e Caſtell, they toke cuppes of gold, & filling thē with wine at y^e ſpoutes of the Caſtel, preſented the ſame to the K. & to his nobles. On the top of y^e Caſtel, betwixt the four towers, ſtoode a goldē Angel, holding a crowne in his hands, whych was ſo cōtriued, that whē the K. came, he bowed downe, & offered to him y^e Crowne. But to ſpeake of al y^e Pageants & ſhewes which y^e Citizens had cauſed to be made and ſet forth in honor of their newe K. it were ſuperfluous, euery one in theyr quarters ſtriuing to ſurmounte other, & ſo with great triumphing of Citizēs, & ioy of y^e lords and noble menne, hee was conueyed vnto his palace at Weſtminſter, where he reſted for y^e night. The morowe after, being Thurſday, & the 16. of Iuly, he was fetched to y^e Church with proceſſion of y^e biſhops and Monkes, & comming before the high [...]ter, where the pauemēt was couered with rich clothes of Tapiſtrie, he there kneeled downe, and made his pra[...]s, whileſt two biſhops ſong y^e Le [...], which being finiſhed, the K. was brought to his feare, y^e queare ſinging an Autheme, beginning Firmetur manus tua. That done, there was a ſermon preached by a B. touching the dutie of a K. how he ought to behaue himſelfe towards the people, & how y^e people ought to be obedient vnto him. The ſermon being ended, the K. receiued his othe before y^e Archb. and Nobles: which done, the Archb. hauing the L. Henry Percy L. Marſhall going before him, turneth him to euery quarter of y^e church, declaring to y^e people y^e kings othe, and demanding of thē, if they would ſubmit thēſelues to ſuch a prince & gouernour, & obey his commā demēts: & whē the people with a loude voice had anſwered, y^t they would obey him, y^e Archb. vſing certain prayers, bleſſed y^e K. which ended, y^e Arch. cōmeth vnto him, & tearing his garmēts from the higheſt part to y^e loweſt, ſtrippeth him to his ſhirt Then was brought by Erles, a certain couerture of cloth of gold, vnder y^t which, he remained, whileſt he was anointed. The Arch. as we haue ſaid, hauing ſtripped him, firſt anointed his hāds, after his head, breſt, ſhoulders, & the ioints of his armes with y^e ſacred oile, ſaying certain prayers, & in the meane time, did the quier ſing y^e antheme, beginning Vnxerūt regem Salamone &c. And y^e Arch. added another praice Deus dei filius &c. which ended, he with the other byſhops ſong the H[...]pne, Veni creator ſpiritus, the K. k[...]ng in a lōg veſture, y^e Archb. with his Suffraganes about him. Whē y^e Himne was ended, he was lift vp by the Archb. and clad firſt with y^e coa[...] of S. Edward, and after with his mantel[...] a ſtoale being caſt about his necke, y^e Archb. in y^e meane time, ſaying certain praiers apointed for y^e purpoſe. After this, the Archb. and biſhops deliuered to him y^e ſword, ſaying Accipe gladium &c. And when y^e prayer was ended, two Erles girded him to the ſword, whiche done, the Archb. gaue to him bracelletes ſaying, Accipe armill[...]. &c. After this, y^e Archb. putteth vpon him an vppermoſt veſture, called a Palle ſaying, Accipe Palium &c. In the meane time, whileſt y^e Archb. bleſſeth the Kings crowne, he to whoſe office it apper[...]d, did put [...] on his heeles. After the Crowne was bleſſed the Archbyſhop ſet it on his head, ſaying Co[...] [...]e deus. &c. then did the Archb. deliuer to hym a ring, with theſe wordes, A ccipe annulum. &c. Immediately herewith, came the Lord Furniual by vertue of his ofice, offering to him a red gloue, which the Archb. bleſſed, & putting it on his hand, gaue to him the ſcepter, with theſe words, Accipe ſceptrum. &c. then did the Archb. deliuer to him in his other hand a rodde, in the top wherof ſtoode a doue, with theſe words, A ccipe vi[...]gam virtucu. &c. after this, the Archb. bleſſed the K. ſaying, Benedicat de deus. &c. Theſe things done, the K. kiſſed the biſhops and Abbots, by whome he was led afterwards vnto his ſeate, the biſhops beginning to ſing (Te deum,) which ended, the Archbiſhop ſaid to him,

Sta et retine amodo locum. &c.

Whē theſe things wer finiſhed, they begā Maſſe, the biſhop of Worceter redde the Epiſtle, and the B. of Elie the Goſpel. At the offertorie, the King roſe from his ſeate, and was brought to offer. He therfore offered firſt his ſword, and after ſo much golde as he would, but not leſſe than a marke, by reaſon of the cuſtome, for more he might offer to God, and S. Peter, but leſſe he could not. After this, he offered bread and wine, with which, he & the Archb. did after cōmunicate. This done, the Erle, to whom it apperteined to beare the ſworde before the K. redeemed the ſword which the kyng had offered with money, & receyuing y^e ſame, bare it afore the K. When the Maſſe ſhould be ſong, the K. was brought againe to the Altare, & there kneeling down, and ſaying Confite[...] to the Archbiſhop, did communicate, & ſo was brought backe to his ſeate. The Wardens of the fiue portes by their office, as well in time of the proceſſion; as when he was annointed alſo at Maſſe time, and as he returned from the Churche to the palace to dinner, held ouer him a large canapie of blew veluet; faſtned vnto four ſtaues at the foure corners.

In the meane time, ſir Iohn Dimocke that claimed to be the kings champion, had bin at the kings armory and ſtable, where he had choſen according to his tenure, the beſt armour ſaue one, & the beſt Steed ſaue one. Albe[...]t, ſir Balwin Fre [...]ill claimed the ſame office, but could not obteine it, ſo that the ſaide ſir Iohn Dimmocke hauyng armed himſelf, and being mounted on horſeback, came to the Abbey gates, with two riding before him, the one carrying his ſpeare, and the other his ſhield, ſtaying there til Maſſe ſhould be ended but the Lord Henry Percy L. Marſhall, appoynted to make way before the K. with the Duke of Lā caſter, L. Stewarde, the L. Thomas of Woodſtocke, L. Conſtable, and the Lorde Marſhals brother, ſir Thomas Percy, beeing all mounted on great horſes, came to the knight, and told him, that he ought not come at that time, but whē the K. was at dinner, and therefore it ſhould be good for him to vnarme himſelfe for a while, and take his eaſe, till the appointed time were come. The knight did as the Lord Marſhall willed him [...] ſo after his departure, the K. hauing thoſe L[...] riding afore him, was borne on knightes ſhoulders vnto his palace, and ſo had to his chamber, where he reſted a while, beeing ſomewhat fay[...] with trauell, and toke a ſmall refectiō. After this,Fo[...] I[...] co[...]. cōming into the halle, he created four new Erles, before he ſate downe to meate, to witte, his vncle the L. Thomas de Wodſtocke, Earle of Buckingham, to whom he gaue a thouſand markes a yere out of his treaſure, til he prouided him of lāds to the like value, the Lorde Guiſchard de Engleſme, that had bin his tutor, was created E[...]le of Huntington, to whome hee gaue likewiſe a thouſand markes annuitie, till he were prouided of lands of the ſame valewe. The Lorde M[...] bray was created Earle of Nottingham, and the L. Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland. He made alſo nine knightes the ſame day. To ſhewe what royall ſeruice was at this feaſt, it paſſeth our vnderſtanding to diſcriue, but to conclude, y^e fare was exceeding ſumptuous, and the furniture princely in all things, that if the ſame ſhoulde bee rehearſed, the reader would perhappes doubt of y^e trueth thereof. In the middes of the Kinges p[...] lace was a marble piller reyſed hollowe vppon ſteppes on the toppe whereof was a greate gifte Egle placed, vnder whoſe feete in the Chapiter of the piller, diuers kindes of wine came guſhing forth at four ſeuerall places, all the day long, neither was any forbidden to receiue the ſame, were he neuer ſo poore or abiect. The morrow after the Coronation, there was a generall proceſſion of y^e Archb. Biſhop, and Abbots, then preſent, with y^e lords, and a great multitude of people, to pray [...] the K. and the peace of the kingdome; At the going forth of which proceſſion, the Biſhop of Rocheſter preached, exhorting them, that the [...] tions and diſcords which had long continued betwixt the people and their ſuperiours, [...]g[...] bee appeaſed and forgotten, prouing by many arguments, that the ſame highly diſpleaſe [...] hee admoniſhed the Lords, not to be ſo extreame and hard towards the people. On the other [...] hee exhorted the people in neceſſary cauſed for y^e [...]yde of the K. and Realme, cheerfully, & they without g[...]udging to put too their helping [...] according to their bounden duetice: he fi[...]he exhorted thoſe in generall that were appointed to be about the King, that they ſhould forſake vice, and [...]udy to liue in cleanneſſe of life and vertue. F[...] by their example, the K. were trayned to go[...]ſſe, all ſhould be well, but if he declined through their ſufferance from the right way, the people & kyngdome were like to fallen daunger to periſhe. After that the ſermon and proceſſion [...]ere ended, the Lords and Prelates went to their lodging[...]: but now bycauſe the Engliſhmen ſhould haue theyr ioyes mingled with ſome ſorrowes, it chaunced that the Frenchmen (whiche about the ſame time that the kings grandfather departed this life, wer wafting on the Seas) within a ſixe or ſeauen dayes after his deceſſe, Froiſſort.
[...]ye brent by [...]e Frenchmē brent the Towne of Rye, wherevpon immediately after the Coronation, the Earles of Cambridge & Buckingham, were ſent with a power vnto Douer, and the Earle of Saliſbury, vnto Southhamptō: but in the meane time, to wit, the .21. of Auguſt, the Frenchmē entring the Ile of Wight, brente diuers townes in the ſame, Tho. VValſ. The Frenchemen ſpoyle [...]he Iſle of Wyght. [...]ye Hughe Tyrrell. and although they were repulſed from the Caſtell, by the valiante manhood of ſir Hugh Tirrell Captaine thereof, who laid no ſmall nū ber of them on the ground, yet they conſtreyned y^e men of the Ile to giue them a thouſand markes of ſiluer to ſaue the reſidue of their houſes & goods, and ſo they departed from thence, ſayling ſtill alongſt the coſtes, and where they ſawe aduauntage ſet a lande, brenning ſundry townes neere to the ſhore, Froiſſart. Tho. VValſ.
[...]rtmouth. [...]mouth, & [...]ymmouth, [...]ence by the Frenche. as Porteſmouth, Dartmouth, and Plimmouth: they made countenance alſo to haue ſet vppon Southhampton, if ſir Iohn Arundell, brother to the Earle of Arundell had not bin ready there, with a number of men of armes & archers, by whom the towne was defended, and the enimies chaſed to their Shippes. From thence y^e Frenchmen departed, and ſayling towards Douer, [...]tings brēt. brent Haſtings, but Winchelſey they could not winne, being valiantly defended by the Abbot of Batell and others. After this, they landed one day not farre from the Abbey of Lewes, at a place called Rottington,An ouerthrow [...]iuen by the French to the [...]ngliſhmen. where the Prior of Lewes, and two Knightes, the one named Sir Thomas Cheynye, and the other Sir Iohn Falleſley, hauing aſſembled a number of y^e countrey people, encountred the frenchmen, but were ouerthrowen, ſo that there were ſlayne about an hundred Engliſhmenne, and the Prior with the two knightes, and an Eſquier called Iohn Brokas, were taken priſoners, but yet the Frenchmen loſt a greate number of their owne men at thys conflict, and ſo with theyr priſoners retired to their Shippes and galleys, and after returned into Fraunce. [...]lidore. But now touching the doings about the new King. You ſhal vnderſtand, that by reaſon of his yong yeres, as yet hee was not able to gouerne himſelfe,The duke of Lancaſter and [...] Earle of Cambridge appointed pro [...]rs. and therefore Iohn Duke of Lancaſter, and Edmond Earle of Cambridge, with other peeres of the Realme, were appointed to haue the adminiſtratiō. He was of good diſpoſition and towardneſſe, but his age being redy to encline which way ſoeuer a mā ſhuld bēd it, thoſe that were appointed to haue the gouernemente of his perſon, did what lay in them now at the firſt, to keepe him from all maner of lighte demeanor. But afterwards, when euery one began to ſtudy more for his owne priuate commoditie, than for the aduauncement of the common wealthe, they ſet open the gates to other, which being ready to corrupt his good nature, by little and little grewe familiar with him, and dimming the brightneſſe of true honor, with the counterfeite ſhine of the contrary, ſo maſkered his vnderſtanding, that in the ende, they brought him to tract the ſteppes of lewde demeanor, and ſo were cauſers, both of hys and their owne deſtruction. The Frenchmen not ignoraunte of ſuche miſchiefes as were like to growe in Englande, ſuffered no time to paſſe, but tooke occaſiōs of aduantage when they were offered.

Among other enterpriſes I finde,Froiſſart. that ſhortly after the deceſſe of King Edwarde, the Duke of Burgoigne wanne Arde, and two or three other fortreſſes in thoſe marches.

The Scottes this yeare alſo wanne the Caſtell of Barwike by ſtelthe one morning, Froiſſart.
Barwik caſtell won by the Scottes. but ſhortly vpon knowledge had, the Earles of Northumberland and Notingham, the Lordes Neuile, Lucy, Grayſtocke, and Stafford, with other Lords, Knightes, and Eſquiers, came with their powers in all haſt thither, and entring y^e towne, beſieged the Caſtell, and finally, aſſaulting them that kept it, wanne it of them by force,Barvvik caſtell recouered by the Engliſhmen. and ſlewe all thoſe Scottiſhmen whych they found within it, excepte Alexander Raniſcy theyr Capitayne.

When the Engliſhmen had thus recouered the Caſtell, they entred into Scotland, in hope to find the Scottes, and to fight with thē whome they knew to be aſſembled. The Engliſhe hoſt was three thouſande men of armes, and ſeauen thouſand archers, but they ſent forth Sir Thomas Muſgraue, with three hundred Speares, and three hundred archers, to Meuros, to trie if he might vnderſtand any thing of the Scottes in thoſe parties, with whome the Earle Douglas,An ouerthrow giuen by the Scots to the engliſhmen. hauing with him ſeauen hundred Speares, and two thouſand of other called yomē, with glaiues and other weapons, encountred by chance, and diſtreſſed him, and his company. Sir Thomas Muſgraue himſelfe, and ſixe ſcore other, were taken priſoners, beſides thoſe that were ſlayne, the reſidue eſcaped by flighte, making the beſt ſhifte they coulde for them ſelues. The L. Neuill, Sir Thomas Triuet, ſir Wil. Scrope, and dyuers other valiant Captaines of Englande, were ſente into Gaſcoigne this yeare, whiche firſt landed at Burdeaux, on the euen of the Natiuitie of oure Lady, where after they had reſted them a while,The ſiege of Mortaigne rayſed. they went and reyſed the ſiege, which the frenchmen hadde held before Mortaigne in Poictowe a long time before. Gouernour of thys ſiege at the firſte, was Yuan or Owen of Wales, but hee was murthered one morning as hee ſate alone viewing the Caſtell, and combing his head, by one of his owne Contreymen, which vnder coulour to ſerue hym, was become with him very familiar. This Owen or Yuan whether ye wil, (for all is one) was ſonne to a noble man of Wales, whome King Edward had put to death for ſome offence by him committed, where thys Yuan got him into Fraunce, being as then very yong, and was brought vp in the French Court, and proued an expert mā of warre, ſo that great lamentation was made for his deathe by the Frenchmen. But the Engliſhmenne, although they miſliked y^e maner of his death, yet they were not greatly ſorowfull for the chaunce, ſith they were ridde thereby of an extreame enimy.

After that the Engliſhmenne hadde reyſed the Frenchmen from the ſiege of Mortagne, they returned to Burdeaux, and after recouered ſundry Caſtels and fortreſſes in the marches of Burdeloys, and about Bayone. Alſo they ayded the K. of Nauarre, againſt the King of Caſtille, & made a roade into the confynes of Caſtille, but ſhortly after, a peace was concluded betwixte thoſe two Kings, ſo that the Lorde Charles of Nauarre ſhould marrie the daughter of the King of Caſtille, vpon certain conditions: and ſo the Engliſhmen had their wages truely paide them, and therevpon returned.

A Parliamēt. Tho. VValſ. About Michaelmas began a Parliamēt that was ſummoned at Weſtminſter, whiche continued til the feaſt of Saint Andrew. In this parliament the foreſayde Sir Peter de la Mere and other the Knightes that hadde bin ſo earneſt againſt Dame Alice Perers in the faſt Parliamēt holden by King Edward the third, ſo proſecuted the ſame cauſe now in this Parliament, that the ſayde Dame Ali[...] Perers was baniſhed the Realme, and all hir goodes moueable and vnmoueable, forfeyted to the King, bycauſe cōtrary to that ſhee had promiſed by oth in the ſaide laſt Parliament, ſhe hadde preſumed to come within the Courte, and to obteyne of the King what ſo euer was to hir liking.

There was two tenthes graunted by the Cleargie to the King in this Parliament, & two fifteenes of the temporaltie, to bee paide the ſame yeare,Two Citizens of London appointed to keepe the ſubſedie grā ted by Parliament. and two Citizens of London, William Walworth, and Iohn Philpot were appoynted to haue the keeping of that money, to the ende it might be employed to the Kings neceſſary vſes, for defence of the Realme.

Sir Hugh Caluerley a valiant Captayne.Sir Hugh Caluerley beeing deputie of Calais, comming one morning to Bulloigne, brent certaine Shippes which lay there in the hauen, to the number of ſixe and twentie, beſides two proper barkes, beeing veſſels of no ſmall accompte: And hauing ſpoiled and brēt the moſt part of the baſe Towne, he returned to Calais, with a great rich booty of goodes and Cattell.

Alſo, where the Caſtell of Marke in abſence of the Captain, ſir Robert de Salle, that was g[...] ouer into England, was loſt through negligince of them that were left in charge within it, the ſame ſir Hugh Caluerley made ſuch ſpeede in the matter,Ma[...]e [...] [...]erley, [...] ſame day [...] was l[...]. that he recouered it againe the ſame daye it was, loſt by force of aſſault, taking the F[...] men priſoners that were gotten into it, and [...] ging certaine picardes ſtipendary Souldiers [...] the ſaide Caſtell, vnder the ſaide. Sir Roberte de Salle, for that whileſt the Engliſhmen were g[...] foorth, to ſee the ſhooting of a match which they had made amongſt themſelues, a little off [...] the Caſtell, thoſe Picards being left within, that the gates againſte them, and rece[...] in the Frenchmen, with whome they had pre[...] treaſon, keeping the Engliſhmen forth, to whom the ſafekeeping of that Caſtell was dominion.

This yeare, was a Bulle ſente from the Pope vnto the Vniuerſitie of Oxforde,117[...] to apprehende Iohn Wicliffe,Iohn W[...] Parſon of Lutterworth in L[...] ceſterſhire, within the dioceſſe of Lincolne.

Alſo, there were other Bulles to the ſame effect, ſent to the Archbiſhop of Caunterbury, and to the Biſhop of London.

Likewiſe to the King were letters directed ſed the Pope, to require his fauour againſt the ſayde Wiclife, ſo greeuouſly was the Pope incenſed againſte him, and not withoute cauſe, for if hys concluſions in doctrine toke effect, he well perceyued his papiſticall authoritie woulde ſhortly decaye.

There went forth this yeare a greate nauie of Shippes to the Sea, vnder the guiding of the Earle of Buckingham, the Duke of Britayne, the Lord Latimer, the Lorde Fitz Water, Sir Robert Knolles, and other valyant Captaines,The [...]ie ſetteth f[...] and is bea[...] backe by [...] peſt. meaning to haue intercepted the Spaniſh fleet[...] that was gone to Sluſe in Flaunders, but thorough rage of tempeſt, and contrary windes, they were driuen home, although twice they attempted their fortune: But ſir Hugh Caluceley dep[...] tie of Calice, ſlept not his buſineſſe, doing ſtill what diſpleaſures he could to the Frenchmenne.

Shortly after Chriſtmas,Expl[...] done by Sir Hugh Ca[...] uerley. he ſpoyled y^e towne of Eſtaples the ſame daye the faire was kepte there, to the which, a great number of Mecch[...]s of Bulleigne were come to make their mark[...] but the ſellers had quicke vtterance for that, that might eaſily be carried away, the Engliſhmenne layde hands on, and cauſed the owners to re[...]e the reſidue, with great ſummes of money, which they vndertooke to pay, or elſe ſir Hugh threatned to haue brent all that was left, togither with the houſes.

Ye haue hearde, how at the firſt, the Duke of Lancaſter was one of the chiefe about the yong King in gouernement of his perſon and Realm, who prudently conſidering, that ſith there muſt needes be an alteration in the ſtate, and doubting leaſt if any thing chaunced otherwiſe than well,The Duke of Lancaſter mi [...]taking the [...]ders of the [...], getteth himſelf home to the Caſtell of Kelingworth. the fault and blame might bee chiefly imputed to hym, and thankes (howſoeuer things wente) he looked for none, he gaue therefore the ſlip, obteyning licence of the Kyng to departe, and ſo gote hym home vnto his Caſtell of Kelingworth, permitting other to haue the whole ſway: for before his departure from the Courte, there were with his conſent ordeyned ſuch as ſhould be attending on the Kings perſon, and haue the rule and ordering of matters perteyning to the ſtate, as William Courtney, then Biſhop of London (though ſhortly after remoued to the Archbyſhoppes Sea of Caunterbury) Edmond Mortimer Earle of Marche, and diuers other, of whome the people had conceiued a good opinion, but yet bycauſe the Byſhoppe of Saliſbury, and the Lorde La[...]ner were admitted amongſt the reſidue, the com[...]s murmured greatly agaynſt them.

The Earle of Northumberland reſigned hys office of Lorde Marſhall, in whoſe place ſucceeded Sir Iohn Arundell, brother to the Earle of Arundell.

The Duke of Lancaſter, although retired frō the Court, yet deſirous to haue the money in his handes that was graunted the laſt Parliamente, at length obteyned it, vpon promiſe to defend the Realme from inuaſion of all enimies, for one yeares ſpace: hee therefore prouided a greate na [...] to goe to the Sea, hyring nine Shippes of Bayone, to aſſiſt his enterpriſe herein, the whych in making ſayle hitherwardes, encountred with the Spaniſh fleete, and tooke fourteene veſſels laden with wines and other merchandiſe: but in the meane time, one Mercer, a Scottiſhmā, with certayne ſaile of Scottes, Frenchmen, and Spaniardes, came to Scarburgh, and there tooke certayne Shippes, and led them away to the Sea, as it were in reuenge of his fathers empriſonment, [...]ed Iohn Mercer, who before beeyng ca[...] by certayne Shippes of the Northparts, and deliuered to the Earle of Northumberland, was committed to priſon within the Caſtell of Sca[...]brough.

Iohn Philpot that worſhipfull Citizen of London,Iohn Philpot Alderman of London, ſetteth foorth a fleete at his owne charges, to recouer certaine Engliſh Shippes taken by the Scottes. lamenting the negligence of them that ſhould haue prouided againſt ſuch inconueniences, made foorthe a fleete at his owne charges, ſtrongly furniſhed with men of warre and munition neceſſary: the men of warre meeting with the ſame Mercer, accompanyed with hys owne ſhippes, and fifteene other Spanyards that were newly ioyned with hym, ſet vppon them, and ſo valiantly behaued themſelues, that they tooke the ſayd Mercer, with all them that were then in his company, ſo recouering agayne the Shippes that were taken from Scarbourgh, beſides great riches which were founde aboorde, as well in the fifteene Spaniſh Shippes, as the other that were of the olde retinue, belonging to the ſayd Mercer. Iohn Philpot was afterwardes blamed of the Lords, for preſuming thus farre, as to ſet foorthe a nauie of men of warre, withoute the aduice of the Kings counſell: but he made his aunſwere in ſuche wiſe vnto the Earle of Stafford, and other that layde the faulte to his charge, that hee was permitted to departe, without further trouble for that matter. Before all ſuche prouiſion as the Duke of Lancaſter prepared for his iourney to the Sea coulde be ready, the Earles of Saliſburie and Arundeil ſayled ouer into Normandye, where by ſuche compoſition as was taken betwixt the Kyng of Englande,Chierburg deliuered to the Engliſhman. and the King of Nauarre, who of new was become enimie to the French King, the Towne of Chierburg was deliuered vnto the ſayd Erles, who ſending knowledge therof backe into England, there were ſent ouer ſuch, as ſhould haue in charge the keepyng of that towne: and ſo the two Earles returned. We finde,Additions to Merimouth. that the Kyng of Nauarre hauing bin heere in Englande, with the King and his counſell, hadde agreed with the King for a certayne yeerely rent to demiſe vnto him the ſayd fortreſſe of Chierburg, whereby the Engliſhmen myghte haue free entrie into Normandye, when they would▪ as well to ayde the King of Nauarre in his neceſſitie, as to worke anye enterprice, that ſhould be thought expediente, to the aduauntage of the Kyng of England as occaſion ſerued, but the obteyning of the poſſeſſiō of Chierburg brought not ſo much ioy to the engliſh nation, as the unſhappe that happened at the going foorth of the ſaide Earles did cauſe lamentation and heauineſſe. For vpon the firſt entring into the Sea, it fortuned, that Sir Phillip, and ſir Peter Courtney,The Engliſhe nauie is ouermatched and ouercome by the Spaniſh fleete. diſcouered a certayne number of Shippes that were enimies, and vndiſcretely entring amongſt them, there ſuddaynely came vpon them the Spaniſh fleete, ſo that the Engliſhe Shippes that were in company with the ſayd Phillip, and ſir Peter, were not able to make their partie good, in ſo much, that finally, after that ſir Phillip had loſt diuers of his men that were there ſlayne, hee gote away by flight himſelfe, though greeuouſly wounded, but ſir Peter was taken priſoner, with a fewe other Knightes that were with him, and the moſt part of al the valiant Eſquiers of Sommerſetſhire and Deuonſhire, being there abroade with him, wer ſlain & drowned, which was eſteemed no ſmall loſſe, to y^e whole common wealth.

Thus were the Engliſhmen occupyed in thys firſte yeare of Kyng Richarde, with troubles of warre, and not onely againſt the Frenchmenne, but alſo againſte the Scottes, for euen in the beginning of the ſame yeare, the Scottes brente Rockeſbourgh,Rockesburgh brent by the Scottes. in reuenge whereof, the newe Earle of Northumberlande entred Scotlande with tenne thouſande men, and fore ſpoyled the landes of the Earle of Marche, for the ſpace of three dayes togither, bycauſe the ſayde Earle of Marche was the chiefe author of the brenning of Rockeſburgh, and ſo for that time, the Engliſhmen were well reuenged of thoſe enimies. But at an other time, when the Northren men woulde needes make a roade into Scotlande, entring by the Weſt bordures, they were encountred by the Scottes, and putte to flight, ſo that many of thē being ſlayne, the Scottes tooke the more courage to inuade the bordures, till at length, Edmonde Mortimer Earle of Marche came at the daye of truce, and tooke an abſtinence of warre betwixte both nations for the time, though the ſame continued not long.

Andue after Midſomer, An. reg. [...] The Duke of Lanca[...] [...] the Duke of [...] [...]er with a ſtrong power tooke the Sea, and [...] ding in Britaine, beſieged the Towne of [...] Mal[...] de Liſte, a fortreſſe of greate [...] There wēt ouer with him y^e Erles of Buckingham, Warwike, Stafforde, and dyue[...]s [...] the Engliſhe nobilitie, the whiche made [...]pproches, and fiercely aſſayles the Towne, [...] was ſo valiantly defended, that in the ende, the Duke with his army rayſed from the[...], and returned without atchieuing his purpoſe.

About the ſame time, there was a notable and haynous murther committed within S[...]e Peters Churche at Weſtminſter by dec[...] of variance betweene the Lorde La[...] and Sir Raufe Ferrers on the one partie,Hall and [...] ke[...]ley h[...]e C[...]on. and two Eſquiers, the one called Roberte Hall and the other Iohn Shakell on the other partie, aboute a priſoner whiche was taken at the baſtell of Nazers in Spayne, called the Erle of Deane, who as ſome write,Polidore. was taken by one ſir F[...]e de Hall at the ſayde battell, and bycauſe hee remayned in his handes at the deathe of the ſayde Sir Franke, hee bequeathed him vnto his ſonne the ſayde Roberte Hall Eſquier. But as othir write, the ſayde Earle was taken by the ſayde Roberte Hall hymſelfe,Tho. VV[...] and Iohn Shakell ioyntly, and iudged to bee theyr lawfull priſoner, by the ſentence of the Prince of Wales, and Sir Iohn Shandos, that was maſter to the ſaid Eſquiers: wherevpon afterwards, the ſaid Earle obteyned ſo muche fauour, that by leauing hys ſonne and heire in guage for his raunſome, he returned into Spayne, to prouide for money to diſcharge it, but he was ſo ſlow in that matter, after he was at libertie, that he departed this lift, before he made anye paymente, and ſo his lands fell to his ſonne, that remayned in guage for the money, with the two Eſquiers: wherevpon happened afterwardes, that the Duke of Lancaſter, deſirous to haue the yong Earle in his hands (in hope through hys meanes the better to accompliſhe his enterprice whiche hee meant to take in hande agaynſte the kyng of Caſt ille, for the right of that Kingdome) procured hys nephew Kyng Richard to require the ſayde Earle of Deane, at the hands of the ſayd Eſquiers, but they refuſed to deliuer him, keeping their priſoner foorthe of the way, ſo that none wiſt where hee was become: the Eſquiers therefore were committed to the Tower, out of the whiche they eſcaped vnto Weſtminſter, and there regiſtred themſelues for ſanctuarie men.

The Duke of Lancaſter was heerewith ſore offended, and their enimies the ſayde Lorde Latimer, and Sir Raufe Ferrers tooke counſell togither, with Sir Allene Boxhull and others, howe they myghte bee reuenged of thys deſpite: This ſir Alane Boxhull, was Conneſtable of the Tower, and therefore it greued him not alitle, that the Eſquiers had broken frō him, and kept themſelues thus at Weſtminſter, vnder protection of that priuiledged place. Heerevpon it was concluded, that Sir Raufe Ferrers, and the ſayd Alane Boxhull, taking with them certayne men in armour, to the number of a fiftie perſons, ſhoulde goe and fetch them by force from Weſtminſter, vnto the Tower agayne.

The morrow therefore after Saint Laurence day, being y^e eleuēth of Auguſt, theſe two knights accompanyed with certayne of the Kyngs ſeruauntes and other, to the number afore mentioned, came into the Church at Weſtminſter, whileſt the ſayde Eſquiers were there hearing of the high Maſſe, which was then in celebrating, and firſt laying hands vppon Iohn Shakell, vſed the matter ſo with him, that they drewe him foorthe of the Church, and ledde him ſtraight to the Tower, but when they came to Roberte Hall, and fell in reaſoning with him, hee woulde not ſuffer them to come within his reache, and perceyuing they meante to take him by force, he drew out a falcheō or ſhort ſword which he had girt to him, and therewith layde ſo freely about him, trauerſing twice round about the Monkes quier, that til they had beſet him on eache ſyde, they coulde doe him no hurt, but at length, when they hadde got him at that aduauntage,A cruell murther in Weſtminſter churche. one of them cloue hys head to the very braynes, and an other thruſt him through the body behinde, with a ſworde, and ſo they murthered him amongſt them. They ſlewe alſo one of the Monkes that woulde haue hadde them to haue ſaued the Eſquiers life. Much adoe was made aboute this matter, for the breakyng thus of the Sainctuarie, in ſo muche, that the Archbyſh. of Canterbury, and fiue other Biſhops his ſuffraganes openly pronounced all them that were preſente at this murder accurſed, and lykewiſe all ſuch as ayded or counſelled them to it chiefly, and namely ſir Alane Boxhull, and ſir Raufe Ferreis, Captaynes and leaders of them. The king, the Queene, and the Duke of Lancaſter were yet excepted by ſpeciall names. The Biſhop of London a long time after euery Sunday, Wedneſday, and Friday, pronounced thys excommunication in the Church of Saint Paul at London.

The Duke of Lancaſter (though excepted in the ſame,) yet in behalfe of his friends, was not a little offended with the Byſhops doings, in ſo muche, that in a Counſell holden at Windeſore (to the which the Byſhop of London was called, but would not come, nor yet ceaſſe the pronouncing of the curſe, notwithſtanding the Kyng had requeſted him by his letters) the Duke ſayd openly, that the Biſhops froward dealings were not to be borne with, but (ſaith he) if the King would commaund me, I ſhould gladly goe to London, and fetch that diſobediente Prelate, in deſpite of thoſe rybauldes (for ſo he termed them) the Londoners.

Theſe wordes procured the Duke muche euill will, as well of the Londoners, as of other: for it was commonly ſayde, that whatſoeuer had bin done at Weſtminſter concerning the murther there committed in the Churche, was done by his commaundement.

About the feaſt of Saint Luke,A Parliamente at Glouceſter. was a Parliamente holden at Glouceſter, for the diſpleaſure as was thought, which ſome of the Counſell had conceyued againſte the Londoners, or rather as ſome tooke it, for feare of them, leaſt if any thyng were done contrary to their myndes, they ſhould be about to hinder it, if the Parliament had bene kept neere to them, for many things (as ſome iudged) were meant to haue bin put foorthe and concluded in thys Parliamente, albeit fewe in effect came to paſſe of thoſe matters that were ſurmiſed, ſauing that it was enacted, that the Kyng ſhoulde haue a marke of the Merchauntes, for euery ſacke of theyr woolles, for thys preſente yeare, and for euery poundes worth of wares that was broughte in from beyonde the Seas, and heere ſolde, ſixe pence of the byers.

Alſo, certayne priuiledges were graunted in thys Parliamente, to Merchaunte ſtraungers, that they myghte buye and ſell in groſſe, or by retayle within thys Realme, as in the Printed booke of Statutes it appeareth.

Thys yeare came meſſengers from the newe elected Pope Vrbane, with letters,The Pope ſendeth to the King for ayd. to require the Kynges aſſiſtaunce and ayde agaynſte ſuche Cardinals as hee named Sciſmatickes, that hadde elected an other Pope, whome they named Clemente, whyche Cardinalles ſente lykewiſe theyr meſſengers with letters, to beſieche the Kyng to ayde them with hys fauourable aſſiſtaunce, but through perſwaſion of the Archbyſhoppe of Caunterbury, Vrbanes requeſt was graunted, and Clementes reiected.

About the ſame tyme, to witte,Barwike Caſtel wonne by the Scottes. on Thurſeday before the feaſt of Saint Andrewe the Apoſtle, the Scottes by ſtealth entred by nyght into the Caſtell of Barwike, and ſlewe Sir Robert Boynton, a ryghte valiant Knighte, that was Conneſtable thereof, permitting his wife, Children, and ſeruauntes, to departe, with condition, that within three weekes next enſuing, they ſhoulde eyther paye them three thouſande markes, or elſe yeelde theyr bodyes agayne to priſon.

The morrowe after, the ſame Scottes fetched a great bootie of Cattell out of the countreys next adidyning, but immediately after the Earle of Northumberland was aduertiſed hereof, he haſted thither with foure hundred armed men, and aſſaulting the Caſtell on eache ſide, after two houres defence,Alexander Ramſey was only ſaued, as Froyſ. hath. wanne it, ſlaying of the defendauntes about eight and fortie, referning onely one of the whole number aliue, that he might enforme the Engliſhmen thoroughly of y^e Scottiſh mens purpoſes.Barwike Caſtell recouered by the Earle o[...] Northumberland. At this enterprice, was the Earle of Northumberlāds eldeſt ſonne, ſpreading there firſt his banner, & doing ſo valiantly, that hee deſerued ſingular commendation, as likewiſe dyd Sir Alane de Heton, and Sir Thomas de Ilderron, with thoſe of the ſurname of the Herons, euery of theſe hauing their quarters aſſigned to aſſault: thus was the Caſtell recouered the ninth day after the Scottes had entred the ſame, ſo that they enioyed not long that victorious exployte. Bycauſe this enterprice was taken in hande againſte the couenaunte of the truce, the Earle of Northumberlande before he attempted to recouer the Caſtell, ſente to the Earle of Marche in Scotlande, to vnderſtand if he would anow that which his countreymen had done, touching the winning of that Caſtell, who ſente him knowledge agayne, that he neyther vnderſtoode of their enterpriſe, nor woulde bee partakers with them therein, but if it ſo pleaſed the Erle of Northumberland, he would come himſelfe, and help to recouer it to the King of Englāds vſe, out of thoſe Scottiſhmens hands, whiche withoute publyke authoritie,Sir Roberte Rous a valiāt Captayne. 1379 had made that exployte. This yere, ſir Roberte Rous, Captayne of Chierburgh, was called home, after hee hadde taken Sir Oliuer de Cliſſon, and atchieued manye other worthy aduentures againſt the kings enimies. In his place was ſent ſir Iohn Herleſton, to remayne vppon the garde of that Caſtel. Alſo, ſir Hugh Caluerley, deputy of Calais, that had ſo valiantly borne himſelfe againſt the Frenchmenne, was likewiſe diſcharged, and comming home, was made Admirall, being ioyned in commiſſion in that office, with ſir Thomas Percy. Sir William Mountague Earle of Saliſbury, was ſent ouer to Calais, to bee the Kinges Lieutenaunte there, who ſhortly after his comming thither, fetched a great bootie of cattell out of the enimies countrey adioyning, ſo that Calais was furniſhed with no ſmall number of the ſame. Sir Hugh Caluerley, and ſir Thomas Percy, going to Sea, tooke ſeauen Shippes laden with merchandiſe, and one Shippe of warre. The Archbiſhop of Caſſils in Irelande, returning from Rome, broughte with him large authoritie, of binding and looſing, grā ted to him by Pope Vrbane, in fauour of whome at his comming to London in a Sermon which he preached, he declared to the people, howe the Frenche King, holding with the Antipape Clemente, was denounced accurſed, and ſh[...] now was the time for Engliſhmen to make war in France, hauing ſuch occaſion, as greater c[...] not bee offered, ſpecially, ſith it was like that the excommunicated King ſhould haue no courage to make reſiſtance.

In a Parliamēt holden at Weſtminſter thys yeare after Eaſter, it was ordeyned,The Sa[...] ry a[...] Weſtminſter confirmed by Parliaments that the priuiledges and immunities of the Abbey of Weſtminſter ſhould remaine whole and inuiolate, but yet there was a prouiſo, againſt thoſe that tooke Sainctuarie, with purpoſe to defraude their creditours, that their landes and goodes ſhoulde bee aunſwerable to the diſcharging of their debtes.

In y^e ſame Parliament, was granted to the K. a ſubſedie, to be leuied of the great men of y^e land.A ſubſed[...] [...] be payd by the greate men, and the comm[...] [...]. To the ende the commons might be ſpared, the Dukes of Lancaſter and Britaine paide twentie markes, euery Earle ſixe markes, Biſhoppes and Abbots with miters aſmuch, and for euery Mōke three ſhillings foure pence: alſo, euery Iuſtice, Sherife, Knighte, Eſquier, Parſon, Vicar, and Chapleyne, were charged after a certayne rate, but not any of the commons that were of the laytie.

Ye haue hearde how ſir Iohn Harleſton was ſent to Chierburg, as Captayne of that fortreſſe, An. reg. [...]. A notable [...] ploy[...] done by ſir Iohn Harlaſton. who iſſuing abroade one day, with ſuch power as he might take foorth, leauing the fortreſſe furniſhed, came to a place, where within a Church and in a mille, the frenchmē had layde vp, as in ſtorehouſes, a great quantitie of vittailes, for prouiſion, which Church and Mille the Engliſhmenne aſſaulted ſo vigorouſly, that notwithſtandyng there were within a good number of the enimies, that did their beſt to defende themſelues, yet at length they were taken, and ſir Iohn Harleſton with his company, returned with the vittayles towarde Chierburg, but by the way they were encountred by one Sir William de Boundes, whome the Frenche King had appoynted to bee in Mont Burg, with a ſtrong power of men of warre, to countergariſon Chierburg: here c[...]d a ſore cōflict, and many an hardy man was beatē to the ground. And although at the firſt it ſeemed that the Engliſhmen were ouermatched in number, yet they ſtucke to it manfully. Theyr Captayne ſir Iohn Harleſton, fighting in the foremoſt preſſe, was felled, and lay on the g[...] at his enimies feete, in great hazard of death. The Engliſhmen neuertheleſſe continue the fyghte, till at length, ſir Geffrey Worſley, with a wing of armed footemen, with axes, came to the reſcue (for to that ende hee was left behinde, of purpoſe to come to their ayde, if neede required) with whoſe comming, the Frenchmen were ſo hardly handled, that to conclude, they were broken in ſunder, beaten downe, and wholly vanquiſhed: there were of them ſlayne aboue ſixe ſcore, and as many taken priſoners, among whiche number, was their chiefe Capitayne Sir William de Bourdes taken, and brought to Chierburg, with the reſidue, and there put in ſafekeeping. Thys exployt was archieued by the Engliſhmenne, on S. Martins day in winter, in this third yeare of King Richard his raigne: but leaſt any ioy ſhuld come to the Engliſh people in that ſeaſon, without ſome mixture of grief,Sir Iohn Clearke a valiant Captayne. one ſir Iohn Clearke, a righte valiaunt Knighte, and fellow in armes with ſir Hugh Caluerley, chaunced this yeare to lye in garriſon in a Caſtell in Britaine, where was an hauen, and diuers Engliſhe Shippes lying in the ſame, whereof the frenche galeys beeing aduertiſed, came thither, to ſet thoſe Shippes on fyre, appoynting one of their galleys firſte to attempt the feate, and if fortune ſo woulde, to trayne the Engliſhmen foorthe,A Policie. till they ſhoulde fall into the lappes of foure other galleys whyche they layde as it had bin in ambuſhe: and as the enimies wiſhed, ſo it came to paſſe, for the Engliſhmen perceyning their veſſels in daunger to be brent of the enimies, ranne euery man aboorde to ſaue the Shippes and goodes within them, and amongſt the reſt, Sir Iohn Clearke their Captayne, meaning to take ſuch part as his men did, got aboorde alſo, and ſtreight falling in purſute of the galley that withdrewe for the purpoſe aforeſayd, the Engliſhmen were ſhortly encloſed with the other galleys, before they were aware, not knowing what ſhift to make to auoyde the preſent daunger. Sir Iohn Clearke perceyuing howe the caſe ſtoode, layde about him like a Gyant, cauſing his company ſtill to drawe backe agayne, whileſt he reſiſting the enimies, did ſhewe ſuch proofe of his valiancie, that they were much aſtoniſhed therewith. To be ſhort, he ſo manfully behaued himſelfe, that the moſt parte of his company had time to recouer land, but when hee that had thus preſerued others ſhoulde leape forthe of the Shippe to ſaue him ſelfe, he was ſtriken in the thigh with an axe, that down he fell, and ſo came into the enimies hands, being not able to recouer that hurt, for his thigh was almoſt quite cut off from the body, ſo that hee dyed of that and other hurtes preſently, leauing a remembrance behinde him, of many worthy actes through his valiancie atchieued, to his high prayſe and great commendation. The Barke of Yorke was alſo loſt the ſame time, beeing a proper veſſell, and nowe taken ſuddaynely, ſanke with all that were aboorde in hir, both Engliſhmen, and the enimies alſo that were entred into hir, thinking to carrie hir away.

Aboute the ſame time, the Duke of Britayne returning into his countrey, vnder the conduit of Sir Thomas Percy, and Sir Hugh Caluerley, landed at a Hauen not farre from Saint Malo, the fourth daye of Auguſt, beeing receyued with vnſpeakeable ioy of the Britaynes, as wel lords as commons, ſo that the louing harts which they bare towards him, might well appeare, although the loue which he bare to the Kyng of England, had cauſed his ſubiects in fauoure of Fraunce, to keepe him many yeares forth of his Dukedome,The Duke of Britayne reſtored to his Dukedome. as a baniſhed Prince, but at length, they beeyng ouercome with irkeſomneſſe of his long abſence, with generall conſents, ſent for him home, ſo that there were but fewe of the Brittiſhe nobilitie that withdrew their dutifull obedience from him, and thoſe were only ſuche, as firmely linked in ſeruice with the French King, were loth to forgoe ſuche roomthes and dignities as vnder him they enioyed, namely, the Conſtable of Fraunce, ſir Berthram de Cleaquin, the Lord Cliſſon, the Lorde de Rohen, and the Lord Rochfort, and certayne others: The Lord de la Vall amōgſt other, came to him as we finde in Thomas Walſ. offering him his ſeruice as well as the reſidue. At his landing, he was likely to haue loſt all ſuch furniture, as well of vittailes, apparell, hangings, bedding, armour, and other things, which either he or hys trayne had broughte with them, for the Frenche galleys eſpying their time, immediately as hee and his company were ſet a land, before y^e Ships in which the ſayd furniture was fraughte, coulde enter the hauen, whiche was ſomewhat ſtraighte and narrow, came vppon them,Sir Hugh Caluerly. and had them at ſuch aduantage, that if ſir Hugh Caluerley with his Archers hadde not cauſed the maſter of hys Shippe euen againſt his will to returne agayne to the reſcue, the Galleys had taken and gone away with the other Shippes, but through the manfull proweſſe of ſir Hugh, the Galleys were repulſed, and the Shippes ſaued: for according to his wonted valiancy, hee would not returne, till hee ſawe all other in ſauetie, and then defendyng himſelfe ſo well as he might, withdrewe into the hauen, & landed ſafely with the reſidue. About the ſame time, was an haynous murther committed in London, of a Merchant Genewes,An heynous murther of a merchante ſtranger. whom certayne Engliſh Merchants vpon a ſpite and enuie which they bare towards him, cauſed to bee ſlayne one euening in the ſtreete, before his owne gates. The cauſe that moued the merchaunts ſo to procure his death was, for that hee vndertooke to furniſhe this lande, hauing the ſtaple allowed hym at Southhamptō, of all ſuch wares as came foorth of Leuant ſo plentifully as was to be had in any place in all theſe weſt partes of Chriſtendome. In the Sommer of this yeare,Great death in the North Countrey. a greeuous mortalitie afflicted the Northe partes of this land, ſo that the Countrey became almoſt deſolate, and to the increaſe of that miſerie, the Scottes thynkyng the tyme to ſerue theyr turne,Great ſpoyle by the Scottes in the death time. inuaded the bordures, and moſt cruelly, harried, robbed, and ſpoyled the ſame, not letting paſſe any parte, of moſt cruell murthering of the people that were left aliue, and not made away by that ſore contagious ſickneſſe. The number of Cattell was infinite which they droue out of the lande with them, not ſparing heardes of Swine which they tooke at this time, where they neuer medled with that kind of Cattell before that preſente.

Before the Scottes made this iourney into Englande, whileſt the mortalitie was moſt in force, they calling vnto certayne of the Engliſhe bordurers, aſked of thē how it came to paſſe, that ſo great a death raigned amōgſt thē. The Engliſhmen, as good, playne, and ſimple meanyng men, tolde them, that truely they knewe not the cauſe, for Gods iudgements were hid from them in ſuch behalfe: but one thing they knewe, that all calamitie, deathe, and aduerſitie that chaunced vnto them, came by the ſpeciall grace of God, to the ende, that beeing puniſhed for theyr ſynnes, they myghte learne to repent and amende theyr wicked liues. The Scottes hearing this, when they ſhoulde enter this lande, vnderſtandyng lewdely what the Engliſhmen hadde tolde them concerning the diſeaſe, and the grace of God, deuiſed a bleſſing forſooth to bee ſayd euery morning, of the moſt antient perſon in euery family, as thus, Benedicite (ſaide hee,) dominus ſayde the reſidue: then began hee agayne, ſaying, God and Saint Mango, Saint Romayne and Sainct Andrewe, ſhielde vs thys daye fra Goddes grace, and the foule deathe that Engliſhmenne dyen vpon.

Thus the ſenſeleſſe men miſconſtruing thys worde the grace of God, prayed for their owne deſtruction, whiche if not in this worlde, yet for theyr brutiſhe crueltie vſed at that preſente, agaynſte the miſerable creatures, which the hand of God had ſpared, in time of that grenous mortalitie, it is to be feared, leaſt in another worlde it came to them, as the very words of their prayers imported.

About the ſame time, Iohn Schakell Eſquier was ſet at libertie, y^e K. cōpounded with him for his priſoner, giuing fiue C. markes in ready money, & lands to the valew of a C. markes by yere. When he ſhould bring foorth his priſoner, and deliuer him to the Kyng, this is to bee noted, as a thing very ſtrange and wonderfull, for when hee ſhoulde appeare, it was knowen to bee the very grome that had ſerued him in all the time of hys trouble, and would neuer vtter himſelfe what hee was,A notable example of a faythfull priſoner. before that time, hauing ſerued hym as an hyred ſeruaunte all that while in priſon, and out of priſon, in daunger of life, when his other maiſter was murthered, where, if he would haue vttered himſelfe, hee might haue bin enterteyned [...] ſuche honorable ſtate, as for a priſoner of his digree hadde bin requiſite, ſo that the faithfull [...] and aſſured conſtancie in this noble Gentle[...], was highly commended, and no leſſe ma[...]ed at of all men.

About the feaſt of Sainte Nicholas, in thys third yeare of King Richards raigne, there went to Sea an army of men, that ſhoulde haue paſſed ouer into Britaigne, to the ayde of the Duke there, vnder the conduit of Sir Iohn Arundell, ſir Hughe Caluerley, Sir Thomas Percye, Sir William Elmham, ſir Thomas Morews, Sir Thomas Baneſter, and many other Knightes and Eſquiers, too long to rehearſe, a ſufficiente power vndoubtedly, to haue done a greate enterpriſe: but they were no ſooner on the Sea, but ſuddainely there aroſe ſuch an hideous tempeſt of winde and ſtormes,The engliſh [...]e ſc[...] red by a [...] ble tempeſt. that they looked preſently to be all caſt away, they were ſcattered heere and there, and driuen they wiſt not whether. The Shippe wherein Sir Iohn Arundell was aboord, chaunced to be caſt on the coaſt of Irelād, and there driuen to forſake his Shippe, that was ready to be broken in peeces, by rage of waues, beating it there againſt the rockes: he was drowned before hee coulde winne to lande, in an Ile. neere to the whiche they had thruſt in, the Shippe.

To the like ende came ſir Thomas Baneſter, ſir Nicholas Trumpington, and Sir Thomas Dale, impeaching each others, as they leapt forth of the Shippe: alſo an Eſquier one Mufarde, a moſt ſeemely perſonage and a bolde, and another Eſquier, named Denyoke, being almoſt out of daunger, were fetched away by the ſurges of the ſea, and ſo periſhed, with many other. Robert Ruſt a cunning ſea man, belonging to Blackney in Northfolke, and maſter of the Shippe wherein ſir Iohn Arundell was embarqued, was the firſt that got to lande, giuing enſample to others, how to ſhift for themſelues: but when hee ſaw his chiefe Captayne, the ſayd Sir Iohn Arundell g[...] foorth to the ſands, and as one thinking himſelfe paſt all daunger, to ſhake his wette garments about him, the ſayd Ruſt waying the daungerous ſtate wherein the ſayd Sir Iohn Arundell yet ſtoode, came downe, and raught to hym his hand, enforſing hymſelfe to plucke hym to the ſhore: but whileſt hee tooke care for an other mans ſafetie, and neglected his owne, hee loſt his life, and ſo they both periſhed togither, for through a mighty billowe of the raging Seas, they were both ouerthrowen, and with returning of the waues back, drawen into the deepe, ſo that they coulde neuer recouer footeholde agayne, but were drowned.

The ſayd Ruſt was much lamented, bycauſe he was not onely knowen to be a ſkilfull maſter, but alſo counſelled the ſayd Sir Iohn Arundell in no wiſe to goe to ſea, at what time he woulde needes ſet forward, forcing the ſaid Ruſt and the Marriners to hoiſt vp ſailes, and make waye. They that eſcaped to land in that Ile, founde nothing there to relieue their miſeries, but bare ground, ſo that diuers ſtarued through cold, wā ting fier and other ſuccour: the reſidue that were luſtie and wiſe withall, ranne vp and downe, and ſometime wraſtling, and otherwiſe chaſing thē ſelues, remayned there in greate miſerie, from the Thurſday, till Sunday at noone next enſuing. At what time, when the Sea was appeaſed and waxen calme, the Iriſhmen that dwelled ouer againſt this Ile on the maine, came and fetched them thence, and relieued them the beſt they coulde, being almoſt dead, through trauell, hunger and colde.

The ſaide Sir Iohn Arundell loſt not onely his life,The exceſſe and ſ[...]mptuous apparell, of ſir Iohn Arundell. but all his furniture and apparell for hys body, which was very ſumptuous, ſo that it was thought to ſurmount the apparell of any King. For he had two and fiftie new ſutes of apparell of cloth of golde, or Tiſſewe, as was reported, all the which, togither with his horſes and geldings, amounting to y^e valew of ten thouſand markes, was loſt in the Sea.There were drowned aboue a thouſand men in one place and other, as the additions to Me[...]mouth [...] teſtifie. And beſides this, there were loſt the ſame time, a fyue and twentie Shippes, with menne, Horſes, and other riches, whiche attended him in that voyage. Sir Thomas Percy yet, and ſir Hugh Caluerley, with Sir William Elmham, and certayne others, eſcaped, but cruelly tormented with vnmercifull tempeſt: and before Sir Thomas Percy could get to land after the Sea was quieted, hee was aſſaulted by a Spanyards againſt whom he ſo defēded hymſelf, y^t in the end he toke the Spaniſh veſſel, & brought hir, with all that he found aboorde in hir, vnto the nexte ſhore, and ſolde the ſame for an hundred poundes, and without long delay, tooke the Sea, and paſſed ouer to Breſt, of whiche fortreſſe hee was Captaine ioyntly with Sir Hugh Caluerley, and therefore doubting leaſt ſome incōuenience mighte thereto nowe in both their abſence chaunce, hee made the more haſt, not taking reſt till hee came thither, notwithſtanding his paſſed paynefull trauells.

Sir Hugh Caluerley was neuer in his lyfe in more daunger of deathe, than at that time: for all that were in his Shippe (as Froyſſarte writeth) were drowned, except hymſelfe, and ſeauen marriners.

We fynde, that there were drowned in one place and other, aboue a thouſand Engliſh men, in that vnlucky voyage.

Some writers impute this calamitie to lyghte on the ſaide Sir Iohn Arundell and his company, for the laſciuious and filthy rule, whiche they kept before their ſetting foorthe, in places where they laye till theyr prouiſion was ready, and not contented with that whiche they did before they tooke Shippe, in rauiſhing mens wiues,Outragious wickedneſſe iuſtly puniſhed. maydes and daughters, they caried them aboord, that they might haue the vſe of them whileſt they were on the Sea: and yet when the tempeſt roſe like cruell and vnmercifull perſons, they threw them into the Sea: eyther for that they woulde not bee troubled with their lamentable noyſe and crying, or for that they thought ſo long as they had ſuch women aboorde with them (whom they had abuſed ſo long) God would not ceaſſe the rage of the tempeſt.

But it ſhoulde appeare this tempeſt was generall, for where the Spaniſh and Frenche fleetes were abroade the ſame time, being aſſembled togither to annoy the coaſtes of this lande, theyr Shippes were likewiſe toſſed and turm[...]yled, ſo as no ſmal number of them were loſt, in ſomuch, that the domage which they ſuſteyned, was thought farre to paſſe that which happened to y^e engliſh nauie.

Thys yeare about Chriſtmas, Sir William de Montacute Earle of Saliſburie,1380 after he had remayned a twelue monethes ſpace at Calaice, the Kyngs Lieutenante there, was called home, and Sir Iohn Deueroux,Sir Iohn Deueroux made deputie of Calais. a ryghte valiaunte Knighte, and an olde man of warre, was ſente thither in his place.

Alſo, Sir Iohn Harleſton was called home from Chierburgh, and ſir William Windeſhore a noble Knight, was ſent thither, to be Captaine of that fortreſſe.

After the Epiphanie, was a Parliament called at London, whiche continued till the begynning of the Calendes of Marche.

Whereas the yeare before, there had bene certaine, Byſhoppes, Earles, Barons, and Iuſtices appointed, to haue y^e gouernemēt and ru[...]e about the Kyng, now at the requeſt of the Lordes and commons in this Parliament aſſembled, y^e Lord Thomas Beauchampe Erle of Warwike,The Earle of Warwike elected protector was choſen to remayne continually with the Kyng, as chief gouernour, both of his perſon, and to giue aunſwere to all ſtraungers that ſhould come hyther about any buſineſſe whatſoeuer, and further to haue the rule and order of all things, in lieu of thoſe that were choſen thereto before: it was perceyued that they had ſought to enrich thēſelues, & had done little, to the aduancemēt of the kings honor, or ſtate of the common wealth, but rather emptied the Kings cofers.

In this Parliamente alſo, the Lord Richarde Scrope gaue ouer the office of Chancellor, and Simon Sudbury Archbyſhop of Caunte[...] tooke it vpon him.The Archbiſhop of Ca[...] [...]ry [...] Chauncellour.

In this Parliament was graunted a te[...] the Cleargie, and a fiftenth by the laytie, with [...] dition that from henceforth, to witte, from y^e [...] lends of Marche, vnto the feaſt of Saint Michaell, which then ſhoulde be in the yeare .1381. there ſhoulde be no more Parliamentes, but thys condition was not performed, as after it appeared.

In the Octaues of Eaſter,The kings [...] ſiſter [...] the Erle of [...] Paule. the Lord Val[...] Earle of Saint Paule, married the Kings ha[...] ſiſter, the Lady Ioane de Courtney: the ſolem[...] zation of this mariage, was holden at Windſor, with great triumphing.

The Princeſſe that was mother to the bride, was greatly againſt the marriage, but the bryde hir ſelfe had ſuche a liking to the Earle, that the King was contented that they ſhould match togither, and ſet him free of his raunſome, whyche he ſhould haue paide, for that hee hadde bin taken priſoner in the marches of Caleis, and further, gaue with his ſiſter by way of endowmente, the Towneſhip and manor of Byfleete.

A combat betwixt ſir Iohn Anſleye and Thomas Katrington.The ſeuenth of Iune, a combate was foughte before the Kings palace at Weſtminſter, on the pauement there, betwixte one ſir Iohn Anneſley knight, and one Thomas Katrington Eſquier.

The occaſion of this ſtraunge and notable triall roſe hereof. The knight accuſed the Eſquier of treaſon, for that where the fortreſſe of Sainte Sauiour within the Iſle of Cōſtantine in Normandie, belonging ſometime to Sir Iohn Chā dos, had bin committed to the ſaid Katrington, as Captayne thereof, to keepe it againſte the enimies, he hadde for money ſolde and deliuered it ouer to the Frenchmen, where he was ſufficiently prouided, of men, munition and vittayles, to haue defended it againſt them: And ſith the inheritaunce of that fortreſſe and land[...]s [...] thereto, had apperteyned to the ſaide Anneſley in righte of his, wife, as neereſt couſin by [...]itie vnto Sir Iohn Chandos, if by the falſe co[...] ance of the ſaid Katrington, it had not hi[...] ma[...] away, and alienated into the enimies hands, hee offered therefore to trie the quarrell by [...] againſt the ſaide Katrington; wherevpon was the ſame Katrington apprehended, and [...] priſon, but ſhortly after ſet at libertie againe.

Whileſt the Duke of Lancaſter during the time that his father King Edward lay in hys laſt ſickneſſe, did in al things what liked [...] and ſo at the contemplation of the Lord Latimer as was thought, hee releaſſed Katrington for the time, ſo that Sir Iohn Anneſley could not come to the effect of his ſute in all the meane time, [...] nowe. Such as feared to be charged with the like offences, ſtayed the matter, till at length, by the opinion of true and auntiente Knightes, [...]t was defyned,Triall by [...] in [...] caſe la[...]. that for ſuch a foraine controuerſie that hadde not riſen within the limmit[...] [...] the Realme, but touched poſſeſſion of thynges on the further ſide the ſea, it was lawfull to haue it tryed by battayle, if the cauſe were firſte notified to the Conneſtable and Marſhall of the realme, and that the combate was accepted by the parties.

Herevpon was the day and place appoynted, and all things prouided readie, with lyſtes rayled and made ſo ſubſtantially, as if the ſame ſhoulde haue endured for euer. The concourſe of people that came to Lōdon to ſee this tried, was thought to exceede that of the kings coronation, ſo deſyrous men were to beholde a ſight ſo ſtraunge and vnaccuſtomed.

The King and his Nobles, and all the people beeing come togyther in the morning of the day appoynted, to the place where the lyſtes were ſet vp,The order of the Combate. the knight beeing armed and mounted on a fayre courſer ſeemely trapped, entereth firſt as appellant, ſtaying till his aduerſarie the defendant ſhould come. And ſhortly after was the Eſquier called to defende his cauſe, in this fourme: Thomas Katrington defendant, come and appeare to ſaue the action, for whiche ſir Iohn Anneſley▪ Knight and appellant hath publiquely & by wryting appelled thee: He being thus called thriſe[...]y an Herault at armes, at the thirde call hee commeth armed likewiſe, and ryding on a Courſer trapped with Trappes embrodered with his armes.

At his approching to the lyſtes he alyght from his horſe, leaſt according to the lawe of armes the Coneſtable ſhoulde haue chalenged the horſe if he had entered within the lyſtes, but his ſhifting nothing auayled him, for the horſe after hys maiſter was alyght beſide him, ranne vp and downe by the rayles,The Erle of Buckingham day meth the horſe. nowe thruſting his heade ouer, and nowe both heade and breaſt, to that the Earle of Buckingham, bycauſe he was highe Coneſtable of Englande, claymed the Horſe afterwardes, ſwearing that hee woulde haue ſo much of hym as had appeared ouer the ray[...]s, and ſo the horſe was adiudged vnto him.

But now to the matter of the combate (for this chalenge of the Horſe was made after) as ſoone as the Eſquier was come wythin the lyſts the Indenture was brought forth by the Marſhall and Coneſtable, which had [...]eene made and ſealed before them, with conſent of the partyes, in which were conteyned the Articles exhibited by the knight agaynſt the Eſquier, and there the ſame was read afore all the aſſemble.

The Eſquier whoſe conſcience was thought not to be cleare, but rather guiltie, went about to make exceptions, that his cauſe by ſome meanes might haue ſeemed the ſound[...]e. But the Duke of Lancaſter hearing him ſo ſtaye at the mat[...]er, [...]ware, that except according to the conditions of the combate, and the lawe of armes, hee woulde admit all things in the Indentures compryſed, that were not made without his owne conſent, he ſhoulde as guiltie of the treaſon forthwith be had forth to execution.

The Duke with thoſe wordes wanne greate commendation, and auoyded no ſmall ſuſpition that had beene conceyued of him, as partiall in the Eſquires cauſe. The Eſquier hearing this, ſayd, that he durſt fight with the knight, not onely in thoſe poyntes, but in all other in the worlde what ſoeuer the ſame might be: For he truſted more to his ſtrength of bodie, and fauour of his friendes, than in the cauſe whiche he had taken vpon hym to defende. Hee was in deede a mightie man of ſtature, where the knight among thoſe that were of a meane ſtature was one of the leaſt.

Friendes to the Eſquier in whom he had great affyance to be borne out through their aſſyſtance, were the Lordes Latimer, and Baſſet, wyth other.

Before they entred battaile, they tooke an othe, as well the knight as the Eſquier, that the cauſe in which they were to fight, was true, and that they delt with no witche craft, nor arte Magicke whereby they [...]ughe obteyne the victorie of their aduerſarie, for had about the any herb or ſtone or other kind of experiment with which Magicians vſe, to triumph ouer theyr enimies. This othe receyued of eyther of them, and there with ha[...]g made their prayers deuoutly, they begin the battayle, firſt with ſpeares, after with ſwordes, and laſtly with daggers.

They [...]ght long, [...] the knight had bereft the eſquier of all his weapons,The Eſquire is ouerthrowne. [...] length [...] Eſquier [...] ouerthrowne by the knight: but as the knight woulde haue fallen vppon the Eſquier, through [...] downe by his helmet, his ſighte was H[...]d, ſo that thinking to fall vpon the Eſquires, hee fell downe ſide[...]ing himſelfe, not comming more to the Eſquier, wh[...] [...]y[...]g what had happened, although he [...] come with long fighting, made to the knight, and threw himſelfe vpon him, ſo that many thought the knight ſhoulde haue beene ouercome: other doubted not but that the knight woulde recouer his feete againe, and get the victorie of his aduerſarie.

The king in the meane tyme cauſed it to bee proclaymed that they ſhoulde ſtay, and that the knight ſhoulde be rayſed vp from the ground, and ſo ment to take vp the matter betwixt them.

To be ſhort, ſuch were ſent as ſhould take vp the Eſquier, but comming to the knight, hee beſought them, that it might pleaſe the king to permit them to lie ſtill, for he thanked God hee was well, and miſtruſted not to obteyne the victorie, if the Eſquier might be layde vpon him, in maner as he was earſt.

Finally, when it woulde not bee ſo graunted, hee was contented to be rayſed vp, and was no ſooner ſet on his feete, but hee cheerefully went to the King, without any mans helpe, where the Eſquier coulde neyther ſtand nor go without the helpe of two men to holde him vp, and therefore was ſet in his Chaire to take his eaſe, to ſee if hee might recouer his ſtrength.

The knight at his comming before the king, beſought him and his nobles, to graunt him ſo much, that hee might bee eftſoones layde on the ground as before, and the Eſquier to be layd aloft vpō him, for the knight perceyued that the eſquire through exceſſiue heate, and the weight of his armor, did maruellouſly faint, ſo as his ſpirits were in maner taken from him. The king and the nobles perceyuing the knight ſo couragiouſly to demaund to trie the battel forth to the vtterance, offring great ſummes of money, that ſo it might be done, decreed that they ſhould be reſtored again to the ſame plight in which they lay whē they were raiſed vp: but in the meane time the eſquier fainting,The Eſquier fainteth. and falling down in a ſwoune, fel out of his chaire as one y^t was like to yeeld vp his laſt breth preſently among thē. Thoſe that ſtood about him caſt wine and water vpō him, ſeeking ſo to bring him againe, but all would not ſerue, till they had plucked off his armor, & his whole apparel, which thing proued the knight to be vanquiſher,The Knight is iud[...]ed▪ the vā quiſhed. and the eſquier to be vanquiſhed.

After a little time the eſquire began to come to himſelf, and lifting vp his eyes, began to holde vp his hed, & to caſt a gaſtly looke on euery one about him: which when it was reported to the knight, he commeth to him armed as he was (for he had put off no peece ſince the beginning of the fight) and ſpeaking to him, called him traitor, and falſe periured man, aſking of him if he durſt trie the battel with him againe: but the Eſquier hauing neither ſenſe nor ſpirite whereby to make anſwere, Proclamation was made that the battell was ended, and euery one might go to his lodging.

The eſquier immediately after he was brought to his lodging, and layde in bed, beganne to [...] raging woode, and ſo continuing ſtill out of hys wittes, about nine of the clocke the next day hee yeelded vp the ghoſt.

This combate was fought (as before ye haue heard) the vij. of Iune, to the great reioyſing of the cōmon people, and diſcoragement of traytours.

About the ſame time, or rather ſomewhat before, the Lorde Oliuer de Cliſſon with a number of ſhippes and gallies of Fraunce and Spayne, tooke the Sea, and comming on the coaſt of Englande, landed in dyuerſe places of the w[...]ſt Countrey, and alſo in the South parts, ſpoyling and burning ſundrie townes, taking ſuch ſhippes and veſſelles as they myght lay holde vpon,The French[...] ſpoyle [...] diuers [...] in the weſt countrey. and ſo continued to endomage the Engliſhe people that inhabited neare to the ſea ſide, all that Sommer following.

In the beginning of the fourth yeare of thys king,An. reg. [...]. Thomas of Woodſtocke Erle of Buckingham, vncle to the king, with an armie of .vij. or viij.M. men of armes, and archers, was ſent ouer to Calais, that he might inuade France, and paſſe through the ſame to come into Britaine vnto the ayde of the Duke there. Froiſſort. The Erle of Buckingham ſent[...] i[...] [...] tak[...] to and the Duke againſt the French king. You haue heard how the French king had ſeaſed into his handes the more part of the Duchie of Brytaine, bycauſe that the Duke hadde ioyned himſelfe in league with the king of Englande: but yet there were dyuerſe of the good townes, and alſo many of the Barons and Nobles of the Countrey whiche kept themſelues as neuters a long ſeaſon, but at length, longing to ſee the returne of theyr naturall Lord and duke, ſent vnto him into England, requiring him to repaire home, and to ſee to the quieting of the troubled ſtate of his Countrey.

The Duke beeing thus earneſtly deſyred to returne home, by the aduice of the king of England and his counſaile graunted to theyr requeſt, that had ſo inſtantly required him, both by letters and ſufficient Meſſengers: whervpon he tooke the Sea, and ſayling forth, arryued in Brytaine, hauing with him ſir Robert Knolles, and a certaine number of Engliſhmen, both armed men and archers (as before ye haue heard.)

The K. alſo promiſed to ſend him a new ſupply very ſhortly, whiche was not forgotten: but fortune was ſo contrarie, that ſir Iohn Arundell generall of thoſe that were ſent, and many of hys companie, were drowned by force of tempeſt, and the other driuen backe againe into England (as before ye haue heard.) In the meane time, though the Duke of Brytaine with ayde of his ſubiectes, did manfully defend his townes & coūtry againſt the Frenchmen, yet he was in doubt to be oppreſſed by the great puiſſaunce of the Frenchmen, of ayde came not the ſooner. Which being ſignif[...]d ouer into Englande, moued the king and hys counſaile to appoynt the Earle of Buckingham to take vpon him this voyage. He landed at Calais three dayes before the feaſt of Marie Magdalene.

There went ouer with him in that armie, the Earles of Scafford, and Deuonſhire, the Lorde Spencer Coneſtable of the hoſte, the Lorde Fitz Water Marſhall, the Lorde Baſſet, the Lorde Bourchier, the Lorde Farreis▪ the Lorde Morley, the Lorde Darcie, ſir William Windſore, ſir Hugh Caluerley, ſir Hugh Haſtings ſir Hugh de la Sente, Sir Thomas Percye, Sir Thomas Triuet, ſir Hugh Tirell, ſir William Feerington, ſir Iohn, & ſir Nicolas Daubriticourt, Thomas Cantois, Raufe Neuill, ſonne to the Lord Neuill, ſir Henrie baſterd Ferrers, ſir Hugh Broe, ſir Geffrey Wourſley, ſir William Clinton, ſir I[...]on Fitz Warren, and diuerſe other.

After they had reſted them at Calais two dayes, they remoued the thirde day oute of the towne, and came to Marqueignes, where they remayned three dayes, till all their companie, cariages, and prouiſions, were come to them oute of Calais: From thence they remoued and came before Arde,Knights made by the erle of Buckingham at his entry to [...] Fr[...]. where the Earle of Buckingham made knightes, theſe that follow: the Earle of Deuonſhire, the Lorde Morley, the ſonne of the Lord Fitz Water, ſir Roger Straunge, ſir Iohn Iyre, ſir Iohn Colle, ſir Iames Tyrell, ſir Thomas Ramſton, ſir Iohn Neuill, and ſir Thomas Ros, or Roſley, as ſome copies haue. Theſe perſons were made knightes bycauſe they went in the [...]owarde, which was ſent to win a ſtrong houſe called Follant, which the owner had fortified againſt them. But though he defended himſelfe manfully for a time, yet in the ende both hee and all his companie were taken priſoners.

After this, the Duke paſſed by Saint Omers, ſhewing himſelfe afore it like a mile off, with hys hoſt in order of battail, aloft vpon a Mountaine. Some of the Engliſh men rode to the barriers, requiring that ſome of them within would come forth, and break ſlaues with them, but they could not be anſwered.

Knights again [...] The ſame day that the Engliſh menne thus came before Saint Omers, the Earle of Buckingham made again newe knights, as ſir Rauf Neuill, ſir Bartilmew Bourchier, ſir Thomas Camois, ſir Foulke Corbet, ſir Thomas Danglure, ſir Rauf Petipas, ſir Lewes Saint Albine, and ſir Iohn Pauley, or rather Paulet.

Theſe Engliſhmen rode through the Countrey, demaunding iuſtes and deedes of armes, but they coulde not bee anſwered.T[...] iourney of the Engliſh army through France. In deede the townes of the frontiers were wel repleniſhed and ſtuffed with men of warre, and ſtill were the Engliſhmen coaſted, but they kept themſelues ſo cloſe togither, withoute breaking theyr order, that theyr enimies coulde finde them at none aduauntage.

They paſſed by Tyrwine, and by Betwyn, where they lodged one day. They made but eaſy iourneis, and ſeemed to requyre nothing but battaile. They paſſed by Arras, by Myramont, and ſo to Clerye on the water of Some, and taried there three dayes, and in other places aboute in that Countrey.

The fourth day they diſlodged, and drew towardes Cambray, and ſo to Saint Quintines, and after vp towardes Reimes.

They founde little riches, and ſmall ſtore of vitayles abrode in the Countrey, for the French king had abandoned al to his men of warre, who eyther waſted or conueyed all things of any value into the fortreſſes and walled townes.

The Engliſhe men therefore ſent to them of Reymes, requiring to haue ſome vyttaile ſent to the hoſt, for the which they would ſpare the coū trey from waſting: but they of Reymes woulde not conſent herevnto. Whervpō the Engliſhmen began to light them ſuch Candels, as their eyes within the Citie ached to behold the ſame a farre of. Moreouer the Engliſhmen approched ſo nere to the walles & ditches of the citie, y^t they brought away .xx. thouſand head of cattell, which the Citizens had gotten within the compaſſe of theyr ditches, and further ſent to thē within,The Citizens of Reimes ſaue their corne fieldes from deſtroying by ſending victailes to the Engliſh hoſt. that if they would not ſend bread and wine forth to vyttaile the hoſt, in that behalfe they would burne al their corne, for doubt wherof, the Citizens ſent forth to the hoſt ſix Charets, laden with as much breade and wine as they might carie.

Thus was their corne ſaued from deſtruction, and the Engliſh men by ſoft and eaſie iourneys drewe towardes the Citie of Trois, in the which was the Duke of Burgoine, with the Dukes of Burbon and Bar, the Earle of Ewe, the Lorde Coucie, ſir Iohn de Vienne high Admyrall of Fraunce, and a great nūber of other of the French nobilitie.

They had made a Baſtide without the town able to receyue a thouſand men of armes: b[...] vppon the Engliſh mens approche to aſſault it, they did forſake that ſtrength,Sir Thomas Triuet created a Baronet. and withdrewe to the towne. Sir Thomas Triuet was here made a Banaret. Alſo there were certaine new knights made, as Sir Peter Berton, ſir Iohn, and Sir Thomas Pauley, or Paulet,Knightes created. ſir Iohn Stinguley, ſir Thomas Dortingues, ſir Iohn Vaſſeco[...], ſir Thomas Brayſey. Sir Iohn Brauin, Sir Henrie Vernier, Sir Iohn Coleuile, Sir William Euerat, Sir Nicholas Stinguley,Verne or Vernon. and ſir Hugh Lunie.

The Engliſh hoſt perceiuing the Frenchmen to withdraw into the towne, drew togither, and ſtoode in order of battayle, for the ſpace of two houres, and then returned to their lodgings. The next day they remoued to Mailleroies le Vicount nere to Sens, and there they remained two dayes and after drew into Gaſtinois, & ſo into Bcauſe. They were coaſted all the way by a great power of men of warre, as many or more in number, as they were themſelues, but the French king being a politique prince, wiſely conſidered what loſſes the realme of Fraunce had ſuſteyned afore tyme, by giuing battaile to the Engliſhmen, & therefore was fully reſolued,The pollicie of the Frēch king that in no wiſe he would giue licence to his people to fight with the Earle of Buckingham, but thought better (as he had lerned by good experience) to keepe his townes cloſe agaynſt his enimies, and ſo in the ende to wearie them, than by giuing battaile to put things in hazard, whereas hee knewe they coulde not take from him his Countreys by this kinde of warre, though they ſore endomaged the ſame for a time.

There chaunced many ſmall ſkirmiſhed amongeſt thoſe that made forth to diſcouer the countrey, but no notable encounter at all. For the Engliſhmen in thoſe dayes were cattes, not to be catched without Myttens, as Iacob Meir is one place ſayth, and againe the French men were as ware howe they aduentured to come neere them. Onely they ſought how to encloſe them vp in the Countrey, and to famiſhe them that they might then fight wth them at ſome great aduantage, but ſtill the Engliſhe hoſt paſſed forwarde, holding on theyr voyage towardes Brytaine by Vandoſme, Pont Volayne, and ſo ouer the riuer of Sartre.

In this meane while the French king Charles the fifth was taken with a ſore ſickneſſe,The [...] Charles the French king whereof he departed this life the ſame day that the Engliſh army paſſed ouer the riuer of Sartre, whiche was on the .xxvj. of September, his brethren the dukes of Anion, Berry, Burbon, and Burgoine were at Paris with him at the houre of his death where as a little before they had bin abrode in the Countrey with their powers, to defend the cities and townes of importance againſt the Engliſhe men, and ment indeede if they could haue eſpyed their aduauntage, and gotten licence thereto of the king, to haue giuen their enimyes battaile. But nowe they were otherwiſe occupied. Howbeit they had left their men abrode in the countrey to coaſt the Engliſhmen as they had done before. All the French power was aſſembled in the Citie of Mans, vnder the leading of the duke of Bar, y^e Lord Coucie, and others.

Thom. VValſ.In this meane while that the Earle of Buckingham was paſſing through the Realme of Fraunce, the French and Spaniſhe gallies did much miſchief on the coaſt of England: but about the latter ende of Iune, by a fleete of Engliſhmen of the weſt countreyes, part of them were forced to retyre, and take herbrough in an hauen in Irelande called Kingſale,The French [...] Spaniſh ga[...] chaſed frō the coaſt of Engl[...] to Kingſale in Ireland and there vanquiſhed. where beeing aſſayled of the Engliſhe menne and Iriſh menne, they were vanquiſhed, ſo that to the number of foure hundred of them were ſlaine, and their chiefe Captaynes taken, as Gonſalue de Verſe, and hys brother Iohn Martyn de Motrigo, Turgo Lorde of Morants. Alſo the Lorde of Reyth, Peers Martyn of Vermewe, Iohn Modite of Vermew the Seneſhal of Wargarie, the Seneſhal of S. Andrew, Cornelius of S. Sebaſtians, Paſcale de Biſkey, Iohn Martinis, Sopogorge of S. Sebaſtiano, and diuerſe other.

There were taken foure of their Barges, with a Ballenger, and .xxj. Engliſh veſſels recouered, which they had robbed and taken away from the owners. There eſcaped yet foure of their notable captains frō the hāds of our mē, Martin Grantz, Iohn Perys Montago, Iohn Huſce de Gitario, and one Garcias of S. Sebaſtiano, ſo that the malice of thoſe robbers ceaſſed not. For they with the French Gallyes ſtill lying on the Seas, when they eſpyed any aduauntage woulde lande theyr people, and doe what myſchiefe they coulde in taking prayes,Diuers townes on the engliſh coaſtes deſtroyed and brent. and burning townes and villages, although nowe and then they came ſhort to their veſſels againe, loſing ſomtimes an hundred, ſomtymes .lxxx. that were ouertaken by the Engliſhe men that came forth againſt them: but among other inuaſions which they made this ſommer on the coaſtes, we finde that they burnt the towne of Winchelſey,The Abbot of battel in reſening Wynchelſey is put to [...]ghe. & put the Abbot of battall to flight with his people, comming to ſuccor that towne, and tooke one of his Monks that was there in armor with the Abbot.

Some write alſo, that they burnt Rie, Haſtings,, and Porteſmouth. Finally, their boldneſſe ſo farre encreaſed, that in Auguſt they entring with their gallies into y^e riuer of Thames, came vp to Graueſend, where they burnt the moſt part of the towne,Graueſende burnt. and on the other ſide of the ryuer, aſwell in Eſſex as Kent, they burnt & ſpoyled diuerſe places, and with their priſoners & booties returned withoute receyuing any hurt, bringyng with them into Fraunce, both riche ſpoyles and good priſoners.

But to returne to the Erle of Buckingham where we left. The Engliſh army drew ſtil towards Brytaine, but with ſo ſmall doubt of their aduerſaries, y^t they lay three or foure days ſometimes ſtill in one place. At their approching to the marches of Brytain,The Engliſhe [...] coueth into Britaine. they came to Vytry a town ſituate at the firſt entring into that Countrey, and from thence went to Chateau Briant, and there reſted, whither came to thē certaine knights ſent from the Duke of Brytayne, whiche ſignified to the Earle of Buckingham, what the Dukes meaning was. In deede by the death of the French king, the Dukes malice was greatly abated towarde the Frenchmen, ſo that hee had not much paſſed if the Engliſhmen had beene at home againe.

Moreouer his townes were not determined to receyue the Engliſhe men, as enimies to the crowne of Fraunce: ſo that he was in a perplexity how to order his buſineſſe. At lēgth to ſhew himſelfe a ſtedfaſt friend to the Engliſhmē, & one that was no chaungeling, he determined by their ſupport, to force all thoſe to allow the league whiche he had eſtabliſhed with the Engliſhmen, whiche had denyed to beare armour agaynſt the crowne of Fraunce.

And fyrſt bycauſe they of Nauntes were the ringleaders of that rebellious demeanour, he appoynted fyrſt to beſiege theyr Citie. [...]anets beſieged by the Engliſhmen. They hauing knowledge thereof, ſente into Fraunce for ayde.

The Dukes of Anion, Berry, Burgoigne, and Burbon, brethren to the late King, and vncle to his ſonne the yong king, hauing the gouernaunce of the Realme vnder him, ſent ſixe hundred Speares with all ſpeede to ſtrengthen them of Nauntes, whiche defended the Citie in ſuche wiſe from the puyſſaunce of the Engliſhe men which enuironed the ſame wyth a ſtrong ſiege, that in the ende bycauſe the Duke came not to them (according to his promiſe) the ſiege was rayſed, the morrowe after New yeares day,The ſiege at Naunts broken vp. two Monethes and foure dayes after the ſame was firſt layde.

The Duke of Brytayne woulde gladly haue come to the ſiege of Nauntes, in ſtrengthning of the Engliſh hoſt, but he could not perſwade hys Lordes to ayde hym in any ſuch enterpriſe. And therefore now that the Erle of Buckingham, had broken vp his ſiege, he cauſed him to be lodged in the Citie of Vannes, and his men abrode in the Countrey, ſome here, and ſome there, acquiting himſelfe as well towardes them as he might: but ſurely the hearts of the Britains were wōderfully changed, & in no wiſe would cōſent to haue any warre with the Frenchmen, if any reaſonable peace might be cōcluded. For many that hated y^e father, bare good will & heartie loue towardes the ſonne, whoſe yong yeares and great towardneſſe, allured the heartes of manye to wiſhe him well. Herevpon was mean made for a peace,A peace betwixt the French king the Duke of Britaine. which by the duke of Aniou his conſent, who bare the greateſt rule in Fraunce in that ſeaſon a final accord was made, betwixt the yong king and the Duke of Brytaine, ſo that the Duke ſhoulde come and do his homage vnto the French king,The Articles of the peace. and ſweare to be true and faythfull vnto him. Alſo that hee ſhould rid the Engliſhmen out of his Countrey, and helpe them with ſhippes and veſſels to tranſport them home into Englande.

The Earle of Buckingham when he vnderſtood of this peace, was not a little diſpleaſed in his minde, conſidering that the Duke of Brytaine had delt ſo vniuſtly with him, and hys nephew the king of Englande. But the duke ſtyll excuſed him by his ſubiects, as though if hee had not thus agreed, he ſhoulde haue bene in daunger to haue loſte his heritage of that Countrey. Finally, the Earle after he had ſhippes prouided for his paſſage, the .xj. of Aprill departed out of Vannes, and went to the hauen where hys Shippes lay, and ſo went abourde in lyke maner as other of his men did from other Hanens, and ſhortly after (when the wind ſerued) tooke the ſea,The Erle of Buckingham returned into Englande. and returned into Englande, ſore diſpleaſed with the duke of Britaine, for his great vntruth & diſſimulation (as he tooke it) notwithſtanding all excuſes to cloke the matter by him alledged.

Whileſt the Engliſhmen were thus occupied in warres agaynſt the Frenchmen (as before ye haue heard) the Scots could not reſt in quiet, but in reuenge for a ſhip, which the towneſmē of new Caſtell and Hull had taken on the ſea, knowing them to be pyrates, determined to doe what miſchiefe they coulde vnto the Engliſh borders: for the loſſe of that ſhip grieued them, bycauſe it was eſteemed to be very rich, the goods that [...] being valued to .vij. thouſand Marks. [...] the Scottes entring by the weſt borders, [...]e and ſpoyle the Countreys of Weſtmerland and Cumberlande, and comming into the forreſt of Inglewood, they take away with them [...] number of beaſtes and cattel, that they were wekened to .xl.M. heades of one and other:The Scots invade the Engliſh borders & ſpoyle whole countrye[...] carrying away great booties. beſides this, they cruelly ſlue all ſuch as they coulde lay handes vpon, and burnt vp all the townes, villages, and houſes as they paſſed: and not content herewith, they ſtale vpon the towne of Penreth, when the fayre was kept there, ſleaing, taking, & chaſing away the people, and after gathering togyther all the goodes and ryches there found, toke it away with them, whereof there was ſuch plentie, as might haue ſatiſfied the couetous deſire of a moſt greedie armie.

They returned by Carleil, but bearing that there were gotten into it a great number of men out of the Countreyes adioyning, they durſte not ſtaye to make anye attempt agaynſte that towne, but compaſſed theyr way to eſcape with theyr booties home into theyr Countrey, whiche they did, although they loſt ſome of theyr companie as they paſſed by an embuſhment of certaine archers of Weſtmerlande and Cumberland, that were layd for them, of purpoſe. When the Earle of Northumberland woulde haue gone forth to reuenge thoſe iniuries done to the Countrey by the Scots, he was written to from the king and his counſaile, to forbeare till the day of truce, at what time it might be known what was further to be done in the matter.

An army lyngring in the North partes greatly enpoueriſheth the country.About Michaelmas, the Duke of Lancaſter, the Erles of Warwike, and Stafforde, with other Lordes and men of honour, hauing with thē a great power of Souldiers and men of warre, went into the North parties, and cōming to the borders, they lay there till they had conſumed no ſmall ſummes of money, & endomaged the country as much as if the Scottiſh army had inuaded the ſame. The good they did, was that after long treatie with the Scottiſh Cōmiſſioners a [...]ruce was agreed vpon till Eaſter folowing, which being concluded, they returned home without any more adoe. For the ſpace of halfe a ſcore yeares togither nowe laſt paſt,Adit[...] Adam Me[...]. the Engliſhe men euerie yere had one or two ſuch treaties with the Scots about the incurſions and roades which they yerely made into the Engliſh borders, ſore endomaging the inhabitants of thoſe north partes of the realme, notwithſtanding any truce or abſtinence of warre that might be cōcluded. Whileſt the armie (as ye haue heard) lay idle in the north partes, there were certaine letters founde by a poore man about London, who deliuered them vnto y^e worthy Citizen Iohn Philpot,Treaſon in letters [...] by Sir Raufe Ferrers [...] taine French Lordes. who calling vnto him certain other worſhipfull Citizens, opened one of thē, in which was conteyned matter of high treaſon: and perceyuing by the ſeale that it belonged vnto ſir Raufe Ferrers knight, one of the kings priuie counſail, deliuered that letter with foure other letters cloſed with the ſame ſeale, firſt to the Lord Chancellor, and after to the king, the which being read, and the ſeale knowne to be the ſayd ſir Rauf Ferrers his ſeale, many greatly maruelled that ſo auncient a knight, & one in whom ſo great truſt was put, ſhould go about any ſuch treaſons. One of the letters was directed to ſir Bertram de Claikin, an other to the lord de la Riuer, & chamberlaine of France, an other to the Lord [...] and another to the patrone of the gallies, and to the captaine of the armie of Frenchmen & Spanyardes, which at the ſame time wafting alongſt the coaſtes, did much hurt in diuerſe places of the lande. Forthwith the ſayde Philpot and others were ſent in poſt frou[...] the king to the Duke of Lancaſter, that forſomuch as the ſayd ſir Raufe Ferrers was then in the north partes with hym, intreating with the Scottes, he ſhould arreſt him and put him in ſafe keeping, which commaundement the Duke did accompliſh, and committed him to be ſafely kept in the Caſtell, of D[...], but ſhortly after in the ne[...] Parliament he was ſet at libertie, foure Barons being bound for hys forth comming, till time that he might more euidently declare his innocence.

A parlament at Northamtō About the feaſt of S. Martyn, was a Parliament holden at Northampton to the more trouble of them that came to it bycauſe in that ſeaſon of the yere they were conſtrayned to come, where there was no ſtore of fewell to make them fiers: and beſide that, lodgings were very ſtraite for [...]o great a multitude. But the cauſe that moued the Counſaile to appoynte this Parliament there, was to the ende that they might the more ſurely proceede to the tryall of Iohn Kirkeby a Citizen of London,Iohn Kerkby executed for [...]ing a merchant ſtranger. that had murthered the Genewais (as before ye haue heard) which Kirkby was condemned at this Parliament, and drawne and hanged in ſight of the Lōdoners that were come thither, which execution if it ſhoulde haue bene done at London, the Lordes doubted leaſt ſome tumult might haue beene rayſed by the Citizens, who were reckened in thoſe dayes verie raſhe and preſumptuous in their doings.

[...]s [...]ty.But nowe to the effect of this Parliament. There was a new and ſtraunge ſubſidie or taſke graunted to be leuyed to the kings vſe, and towardes the charges of this armie that went ouer into Fraunce with the Earle of Buckingham, to witte of euerie prieſt ſecular or regular ſixe ſhillings .viij. pens and as much of euery Nunne, and of euery man & woman maried, or not maried,Twelue pens as [...]e haue. beeing .xvj. yeares of age (beggers certainly knowne onely excepted) foure pens for euery one. Great grudging and many a bitter curſe followed about the leuying of this money, and muche miſchief roſe thereof, as after it appeared.

1381In this fourth yere of king Richards raigne, immediately after Chriſtmaſſe. Thomas Brantingham Biſhop of Exeter and Lord Treaſorer, was diſcharged of hys office of Treaſorerſhippe, and Sir Robert Hales, Lord of S. Iohns was aduaunced in his place, a right noble and manly knight, but not beloued of the Commons.

[...]us op[...]iō About this time, did Iohn Wiclife chiefly ſet forth his opinion touching the Sacrament of the [...]ulta[...], denying the doctrine of tranſubſtantiation, and that it ought not in any wiſe to be worſhipped in ſuch ſort as the Church of Rome then did teach.

There were Aufl[...]don[...]s ſent into Germanie, ma[...], to [...]te with the Emperour for a maryage to be as, betwixt the king of Englande, and the Emperors ſiſter.

About the beginning of March they returned, bringing with them the Cardinall, intituled of Saint P[...]a[...]d[...], and the duke of Ta[...]ia, & other nobles that came frō the Emperor, to [...]eat with the king & his counſaile about the ſame mariage.

This Cardinal whithe[...] he paſſed the bounds of his commiſſion and authoritie to him graunted by the Pope (as ſou[...] write) or whether hee was furniſhed with ſuch [...],The Cardinall of S. Praxede. he was verye liberall in beſtowing of [...]drdde, to all ſuche as would come wit[...] [...] Indulgeners which the Pope had vſed only [...] for himſelfe to beſt[...] this man graunted the ſame liberally, both Bic[...]nals, and Triemals.Tryennals. He gaue alſo letters co[...]foſ[...]ionall, to all thoſe that would pay for them, admitting aſwell [...]ced men as other, to [...] Popes chaplaines.Al for money. He made notaries for money, and denied not Au[...]ers por[...]anu[...] to any that woulde pay for them. Hee receyued fortie poundes beſides other giftes of the Monkes of the Eiſteaux order, to graunt to them a generall lyce[...] to eate fleſh indifferently, as well abrode, as they had bene accuſtomed to doe at home within their Monaſteries.

To thoſe that were excommunicate he gaue abſolution: thoſe that had vowed to goe in Pylgrimage to Rome, to the holy lande, or to Saint Iames, he would not firſt releaſe them, till he had receyued ſo muche money, according to the true valuation, as they ſhould haue ſpent in their iorneyes: and to be briefe, nothing coulde be aſked, but for money he was readie to graunt it.

And when he was requeſted to ſhew by what power hee did all theſe things, wyth great indignation hee anſwered, that hee woulde let them vnderſtande at Rome, if they woulde needes knowe the authoritie which hee had. At length, his Males were ſo filled with ſyluer, that his ſeruants diſdeyned to make them any anſwere, except they brought golde, ſaying bring vs golde, for we are full of your ſiluer: but at his departure he tooke all away with him, both golde and ſiluer in ſuch abundance as was marueylous.

But now to returne to other matters concerning the ſtate of the realme. After the returne of the Erle of Buckingham, it was ordeined by aduice of coūſail, that the duke of Lancaſter ſhoulde eftſoones go as ambaſſador frō K. R[...] into Scotlād, to ſee if he might renue the truce (which ſhortly would haue bin expired) for three yeres longer.

Alſo whereas there was variaunce and open warre mainteyned, betwixt Iohn king of Caſtille, and Iohn king of Portingale, the Earle of Cambridge,An army ſent into Portingale to aide the k. there againſt the king of Caſtile. the Lord William de Beauchamp, the Lorde Botreux, and ſir Mathew Gourney, were ſent into Portingale with fiue .C. armed men, and fiue hundred archers to ayd the king of Portingale againſt y^e K. of Caſtille, which was ſonne to the baſterde Henrie: for the Duke of Lancaſter reioyced greatly that hee might haue ſuch a friende as the king of Portingale to ioyne with him in ayde agaynſt the king of Caſtille, meaning as ſoone as oportunity woulde ſerue, to goe ouer with an armie to chalenge his right, and purſue his clayme to the crowne of Caſtille and Leon, agaynſt the vſurper, in ryght of hys wyfe Queene Conſtance, eldeſt daughter to the late lawfull king Peter, whome Henrie the baſtarde (as before ye haue heard) did ſtill perſecute, till he had bereft from him both his life and kingdome. It was ment therefore that if the Duke of Lancaſter coulde compaſſe his purpoſe, for the whiche he went at that tyme into Scotlande, to the honour of the king and Realme, then ſhoulde be ſhortly after follow his brother of Cambridge with a greate power, to trie what chaunce God woulde ſende vnto him, agaynſt his aduerſarie the King of Caſtile. But in the meane tyme other incidents fell within the realme in the fourth yeare of king Richarde, ſore to the diſquieting of the ſame, and vtter diſappoynting for that tyme of the duke of Lancaſters intent.

The commons of the realme ſore repining, not onely for the pole grotes that were demaunded of them, by reaſon of the graunt made in Parliament (as ye haue heard) but alſo (as ſome write) for that they were ſore oppreſſed as they tooke the matter,The comm[...]s by reaſon of the great ſubſidie and other oppreſsiōs uſe in diuers parts of the realme. by theyr land Lordes, that demaunded of them theyr auncient cuſtomes and ſeruices, ſet on by ſome diueliſhe inſtinct and perſwaſion of theyr owne beaſtly intentions, as men not content with the ſtate wherevnto they were called, roſe in diuerſe parts of this realm, and aſſembled togither in companies, purpoſing to enforce the Prince to make them free, and to releaſe them of all ſeruitude,Villaines. whereby they ſtoode as bondmen to their Lordes and ſuperiors.

Where this rebellion of the Cōmons firſt began diuerſe haue written dyuerſly. One Author writeth, that as be learned by one that was not farre frō the place at that time,The beginning of the rebellion at Derford in Kent. the firſt beginning ſhoulde be at Dertford in Kent: For when thoſe pole ſhillings, or rather as other haue, pole grotes, were to bee collected, no ſmall murmuring curſing, and repyning among the common people, roſe aboute the ſame, and the more in deede, through the lewde demeanour of ſome vndiſcreete officers, that were aſſigned to the gathering thereof, [...] one of [...] bring appoynted to gather [...]pp[...] that [...] Der[...]ord aforeſayde, came to y^e [...]uſe [...] Tyle[...], that had both ſeruants in his [...] faire yong mayde to his daughter. The [...] therefore demaunding money for the ſayde [...] [...]ee, and for his wife, his ſeruantes, and daughter, the wife being at home, & hir huſband abrode it work[...] in the towne, made aunſwere that hyr daughter was not of age, and therefore ſhe [...] to pay for hir.

Now here is to be [...]ed, that this mony [...] in common ſpeech ſaid, to be due for all [...] were vndergrowne, [...] that yong perſons [...] well of the man as of the woman [...]ide, [...]ing to the age of .xiiij. or .xv. yeares, haue commonly heare growing forth aboute thoſe pr[...]e [...], which for honeſties ſake nature hath taught vs to couer & kepe ſecrete. The o[...]er therfore [...] [...] fled with the mothers excuſe, ſaid he would [...]e whither hir daughter were of lawfull age or [...], and therewith began to miſuſe the maye, & [...]th further than honeſtie would haue permitted. The mother ſtreight wayes made an [...]u[...]etie, ſo that hir huſbande being in the towne at worke, & [...] ring of this ado at his houſe, came running home with his latthing ſtaffe in his hand, and beg[...]nne to queſtion with the officer, aſking who made him ſo bolde to keepe ſuche a rule in his houſe▪ the officer beeing ſomewhat preſumptuous, and highe minded, woulde forthwith haue [...] vpon this Tyler, but the Tyler auoyding the officers blowe, taught him ſuch a rappe on the pa[...], that his braynes flew out, & ſo preſently he vſed.

Greate noyſe roſe aboute this matter in the ſtreetes, and the poore folks being glad, euery man arrayed himſelfe to ſupporte Iohn Tyler, and thus the commons drew togyther, and went to Maydſtone, and from thence to blacke Heathe, where their number ſo encreaſed, that they were reckened to be .xxx. thouſand. And the ſayd Iohn Tyler tooke vpon him to be their chiefe captaine, naming himſelfe Iacke Strawe.

Other write, y^t one Thomas Baker of Fobhinges was the firſt that procured y^e people thus to aſſemble togither: and that one of the kings ſeruants named Iohn Leg, with three of his fellowes, practiſed to feele yong Maydes whether they were vndergrowne (as ye haue heard the officer did at Dertford) which diſhoneſt and vnſeemely kinde of dealing did ſet the people ſtreight in ſuch a rage & vprore, that they cared not what they did to be reuenged of ſuch iniuries.

But Thomas Walſingham affyrmeth, that the firſt ſparkes of this rebellion kindled in Eſſex,The com[...] of Eſſex be[...] the oc[...] as Walſingham [...]. where the inhabitants of two townes only at the firſt that were the authors and firſt ſtirrers of all this miſchief, did ſend vnto euery litle town about that all maner of men, as well thoſe that were aged, as others that were in their luſtieſt time, and youthfull yeres, ſhoulde come to them with ſpeed, ſetting all excuſes apart, in their beſt array and furniture for warre, threatning to ſuche as came not, that their goodes ſhould be ſpoyled, their houſes burnt or caſt downe, and they to loſe theyr heades when they were taken. The terror of this threatning, cauſed the ignorant people to flock to them by heapes, leauing of al their buſineſſe, letting plough and cart ſtand, forſaking wife, children, & houſes, ſo that in a ſhort time there was a fiue .M. gotten togither of thoſe commons & huſbandmen,The armor of the Eſſex rebels of which number many were weaponed onely with ſtaues, ſome with ruſtie ſwordes and billes, & other with ſmokie bowes, more ruddie than old Iuerie, not hauing paſt two or three arrowes, & the ſame happely with one feather apeece. Among a thouſand of thoſe kinde of perſons, ye ſhould not haue ſeene one well armed: & yet by reaſon of their multitude, when they were once got togither, they thought the whole realme had not bin able to reſiſt thē: & to make their part the ſtronger, thoſe Eſſex mē ſent ouer into Kent, aduertiſing the people ther of their enterprice, and therfore willed them to make them ready to ioine with them for their obteyning of libertie and reforming of the euil cuſtoms of the realme. Whether the Kentiſhmen through perſwaſions of their neighbors of Eſſex, by occaſion of that which had chaunced at Dertford (as before ye haue heard) or as it may be, the ſame chancing at that ſelf time, they being moued as wel by the one as the other, vp they got (as ye haue heard) and gathering their power out of the next quarters adioyning, by the like pollicie which had bin practiſed by the Eſſex men, they ſtirre vp the moſte part of the country to ioyne with them, and forthwith ſtopping the way, that led to Canterburie, and arreſting all ſuch as paſſed by the ſame, they cauſed them to ſweare that they ſhould be true to king Richarde,The oth miniſtred by the rebels to all paſſengers. and to the commons, and neuer to receyue anye king that ſhuld be called Iohn. And this was for the enuie which they bare to the duke of Lancaſter Iohn of Gaunt, who in right of his wife Conſtance, that was daughter to king Peter of Caſtille, did name hymſelfe King of Caſtille.

Alſo they cauſed them to ſweare that they ſhould be readie to come to them whenſoeuer they ſent for them, and induce all their neighbours to take part with them. And further that they ſhould neuer yeeld to any taxe to be leuied in the realm, except a fiftenth only. Thus it came to paſſe, that after it was ſpredde abrode what flurre theſe Eſſex and Kentiſh men kept. The Commons alſo in the counties of Suſſex, Hertford, Cambridge,The commons of other ſhires hearing of the ſturre in Kent and Eſſex, riſe in like maner. Suffolke, and Norffolke, and other ſhires about buſtled vp and ranne togither on heanes, ſo that the number of thoſe vnruly people maruellouſly encreaſed, in ſuche wiſe as nowe they feare no reſiſtance,Lawiers iuſtices and Iurors brought to blockam feaſte by the rebels. and therefore began to ſhewe pronſe of thoſe things which they had before conceyued in their mindes, beheading all ſuch men of law, Iuſtices, and Iurors, as they might catche, and lay handes vppon, without all reſpect, pitie, or remorſe of conſcience, alledging that the lande coulde neuer enioy hir natiue and true libertie, till al thoſe ſortes of people wer diſpatched out of the way.

The next way [...] extinguiſh [...]ight.This talke liked well the eares of the cōmon vplādiſh people, & by the leſſe cōueying the more, they purpoſed to burne and deſtroy all Recordes, euidences, Courtrolles, & other minuments, that the remēbrance of auncient matters being remoued out of mind, their Landlords might not haue wherby to chalēge any right at their hāds. Their number ſtil encreaſed: for all ſuch as were in debt or danger of law, for their miſdemeaners and offences, came out of all coaſtes vnto them, ſo that when the Eſſex men, and other of the hither ſide the Thames, were paſſed ouer and ioyned wyth the Kentiſhmē,An huge number of the rebls and thoſe that were aſſembled on that ſide the riuer vpon Blackheath, they were eſteemed to be an hundred thouſande, Fabian.
Captaines of the Eſſex and Kentiſh rebels hauing dyuerſe captaines beſides the ſayde Iacke Strawe, as William Wraw, Wat Tyler, Iack Sheephearde, Thom Miller, and Hob Carter. Whyleſt they were lodged on Blackheath, the king ſent to them certaine knightes, to vnderſtande of them the cauſe of their gathering thus togither, to whom anſwere was made, that they were come togither to ſpeake with the king, about certaine cauſes and buſineſſe,The rebels ſend to the k. to come ſpeake with them. and therefore they had the Meſſengers returne, and declare to the king that there was no remedie but that hee muſte needes come and ſpeake with them.

When this tale was told to the king, there were ſome that thought it beſt that he ſhould go to them,Il counſayle. and know what their meaning was: but Simō de Sudburie the Archbiſhop of Cant. that was L. Chancellor, and alſo ſir Robert Hales Lord of S. Iohns, & as then L. Treaforer, ſpake earneſtly agaynſt that aduiſe, and woulde not by any meanes that the king ſhuld go to ſuch a ſort of barelegged ribalds, but rather they wiſhed that he ſhoulde take ſome order to abate the pride of ſuch vile raſcals. After that the commons vnderſtoode that the king would not come to them, by reaſon of the contrarie aduice giuen to him by thoſe two perſons, the L. Chancellor, and the L. Treaſorer they were maruelouſly moued againſt thē, and ſware that they woulde not reſt till they had got thē, & chopped off their heades, calling thē traitors to the king & realme. There be that write neuertheleſſe that the king to cut off the branches of ſuch miſchief now in the firſt budding therof, to ſatiſfie in part the deſire of thoſe rude people,Froiſſart. went downe the riuer in his Barge to Rethereth, and there neare the ſhore keeping himſelfe ſtil on the water, talked with a great number of them that came downe to the riuer ſide. But forſomuch as he would not come forth of his barge to them on land, which they ſeemed moſt to deſire, they were in a great rage, & ſo for that they coulde not haue him amongeſt them (as they wyſhed) in furious wiſe they runne to the Citie, and at the fyrſt approch,The rebels ſpoyle Southwarke, and ſet al priſoners at large. they ſpoyle the Bourough of Southwark, breake vppe the pryſons of the Marſhalſea, and the Kings Bench, ſet the priſoners at liberty, and admitte them into their companie.

This was on Corpus Chriſti day, as the ſame Authours write, that the King ſhould thus talke with them: but their firſte entring into Southwarke, was on Corpus Chriſti euen, as Thomas Walſingham hath, paſſing at theyr pleaſure to and fro ouer the bridge all that night: for although the Lorde Maior, and other of the beſt Citizens woulde gladly haue cloſed the ga[...] agaynſt them, yet they durſt not doe it,The co[...] of London [...] ers of the [...] belles. for [...]eare of the Commons of the Citie, that ſeemed to fauour the cauſe of the rebels, ſo apparauntly, that they threatned to kill both the Lorde Maior, and all other that woulde take vpon them to ſhut the gates againſt the cōmons. The Londoners lyked better of the commons,All rebels [...] but i[...] purpoſe diſtruction ha[...] of K. [...] for that they proteſted the cauſe of their aſſembling togither, was not but to ſeeke out the traytors of the realme, and when they had founde them forth, and puniſhed them according to that they had deſerued, they ment to be quiet. And to giue the more credite to their ſayings, they ſuffred none of their compa[...] to rob or ſpoile, but cauſed them to pay for th[...] they toke. On the morow being Corpus Chriſti day, on the which day it is reported, that the king ſhould talke with them at Rethereth (as before ye haue heard) after that they ſawe that they coulde not haue him to come and talke with thē on land as they wiſhed, and that now they had filled their heades full with the fume of ſuch Wines as they dranke in euerie mans Seller that was ſet ape[...] for them, enter who would: they fel in talke with the Londoners of many lewde deuiſes, as of the apprehending of traytors, and ſpecially concerning ſuch miſlyking as they had of the Duke of Lancaſter, whom they hated aboue all other perſons. And herevpon agreeing in one minde, after diuerſe other of their outragious doings, they run the ſame day to the ſayd dukes houſe of the Sauoy,The Sauoy[...] Duke of Lancaſter houſe brent by the Rebels. to the whiche in beautie and ſtatelineſſe of buylding, with all maner of princely furniture, there was not any other in the realme comparable, which in deſpite of the Duke, whō they called traytour, they ſet on fire, and by all wayes and meanes endeuoured vtterly to deſtroy it.

The ſhamefull ſpoyle which they there made was wōderful, & yet the zeale of iuſtice, truth, and vpright dealing whiche they woulde ſeeme to ſhewe, was as nice and ſtraunge on the other parte, ſpecially in ſuche kinde of miſgouerned people: for in that ſpoyling of the Dukes houſe, all the Iewels, Plate, and other riche and ſumptuous furniture which they there found in great plentie, they would not that any man ſhould fare the better by it of a mite, but threw al into y^e fire,Stra[...] dealing of the rebels. ſo to be cōſumed, & ſuch things as y^e fire could not altogither deſtroy, as plate & iewels, they brake & punned in pieces, throwing the ſame into the Thames. One of them hauing thruſt a fayre ſiluer peece into his boſome, meaning to conuey it away, was eſpied of his fellowes, who toke him, and caſt both him and the peece into the fire, ſaying they might not ſuffer any ſuch thing,The iuſtice of the rebels. ſ[...]he they profeſſed themſelues to bee zealous of truth and iuſtice, and not theeues nor robbers.

There were .xxxij. of them that being gotten into the Seller of the Sauoy, where the Dukes Wines lay, dranke ſo muche of ſuch ſweete wine as they founde there, that they were not able to come forth, but with ſtones and woodde that fell downe as the houſe burned, they were mured in, ſo that oute they coulde not gette. They lay there ſhowting and crying ſeuen dayes togyther, and were hearde of manye, but none came to helpe them, and ſo finally they periſhed.

Now after that theſe wicked people had thus deſtroyed the duke of Lancaſters houſe, and done what they coulde deuiſe to his reproch,The lawiers lodgings in the temple [...]nt by the rebels. they went to the Temple, and burnt the men of lawes lodgings, with their bookes, writings, and all that they might lay hande vpon. Alſo the houſe of S. Iohns by Smithfielde they ſet on fire, ſo that it burned for the ſpace of ſeuen dayes togither. On Friday a great number of them, eſteemed to .xx. thouſande, went to the Manour of Heyburie, that belonged alſo to the Lorde of Saint Iohns, and ſetting fire on it, ſought vtterly to deſtroy all the whole buildings about it.

They were nowe deuided into three partes, one vnder the leading of Iacke Strawe tooke in hande to ruinate that houſe, and an other number of them lay on Mile ende greene, and the thirde companie kept vpon the Tower hill, and woulde not ſuffer anye vittayles to be conueyed into the Tower, where the king at that tyme was lodged and was put in ſuche feare by thoſe rude people, that hee ſuffered them to enter into the Tower, where they ſoughte ſo narrowly for the Lorde Chauncellour,The L. Chan [...]elor and the L. Treaſurer [...]wne out of [...]ē Tower & [...] to death [...]y the rebels. that fynding him in the Chapell, they drewe him forth togyther with the Lorde Treaſorer, and on the Tower hill without reuerence of theyr eſtates and degrees, with greate noyſe and fell cryes, they ſtroke off theyr heades.

There were alſo beheaded the ſame tyme by thoſe rude people, one of the kings ſeruaunts that was a Sergeant at armes called Iohn Legge, who had vſed himſelfe ſomewhat extreemely in gathering vp of the pole money, as by one writer it appeareth.

[...]h. VValſ.Alſo to make vp the meſſe, they beheaded a Franciſcan Frier, whom thee had taken there the ſame time, for malice of the Duke of Lancaſter, bycauſe he was verie familiar with him.

Some write that this Frier was Confeſſor, and other ſay that he was Phiſition to the King, but whatſoeuer he was, the Commons chopped off his head, to beare the other companie, not ſparing for any reſpect that might be alledged in any of their behalfes.

The ſame day alſo they beheaded manye others, as well Engliſh men as Flemings, for no cauſe in the worlde, but onely to ſatiſfie the crueltie of the Commons, that then were in theyr kingdome, for it was a ſport to them, when they gat any one amongſt them, that was not ſworne to them, and ſeemed to myſlike of their doings,The raging rebels make a paſtime to kil mē. or if they bare but neuer ſo little hatred to him, ſtreyghtwayes to plucke off his Hoode, with ſuch a yelling noyſe as they tooke vp amongſt them, and immediatelye to come thronging into the ſtreetes, and ſtryke off hys heade. Neither had they any regarde to ſacred places, for breaking into the Churche of the Auguſtine Friers, they drew forth thirtene Flemings,No reſpect of place with the rebels. and beheaded them in the open ſtreetes, and out of the pariſhe Churches in the Citie, they tooke forth .xvij. and lykewyſe ſtroke of theyr heades, wythout reuerence eyther of the Churche, or feare of God. But they continuing in theyr miſchieuous purpoſe, ſhewed their malice ſpecially againſt ſtraungers, ſo that entring into euery ſtreete, lane, and place, where they might finde them, they brake vp their houſes, murthered them whiche they founde wythin, and ſpoyled theyr goodes, in moſt outragious maner.

Likewiſe they entred into Churches (as before yee haue heard) into Abbeyes, Monaſteries,The outragious dealings of the rebels. and other houſes, namely of men of law, whiche in ſemblable ſorte they ranſacked. They alſo brake vp the priſons of Newgate, and of both the Counters, deſtroyed the bookes, and ſet priſoners at libertie, and likewiſe the Sanctuarie men of Saint Martyne le grand. And ſo likewiſe dyd they at Weſtminſter, where they brake open the Eſchequer, and deſtroyed the ancient bookes and other Recordes there.

They that entred the Tower, vſed themſelues moſt preſumptuouſly, and no leſſe vnreuerently agaynſt the princeſſe of Wales, mother to the K. for thruſting into hir Chāber, they offred to kiſſe hir, and ſwaſht themſelues downe vpon hir bed, putting hir into ſuche feare, that ſhee fell into a ſowne, and being taken vp and recouered, was had to the water ſide, and put into a Barge, and cōueyed to the place called the Queenes Wardrobe, or the tower Ryall, where ſhe remayned all that day and night following, as a woman halfe deade, till the King came to recomfort hir.

It was ſtraunge to conſider, in what feare the Lordes, knightes, and gentlemen ſtoode of the cruell proceedings of thoſe rude baſe people. For where there were ſix hūdred armed men, and as many archers in the tower a[...] that preſent, there was not one that durſt gainſay theyr doings. Finally, when they hadde caſed theyr ſtomackes, wyth the ſpoyling, burning, and defacing of ſundrye places, they became more quiet, and the king by the aduice of ſuch as were thē about him,The K. offreth the rebels pardō. vpon good deliberation of counſaile, offred to thē pardon, and his peace, with condition that they ſhould ceaſe from burning and ruinating of houſes, from killing and murthering of men, and depart euerie man to his home without more adoe, and there to tarrie for the kings Charters confirmatorie of the ſame pardon,

The Eſſex men were content with this offer, as they that were deſirous to ſee their wiues and children, being waxen wearie of continuall trauaile and paynes which they were conſtrayned to take.Froiſſart. The king went forth vnto Mile ende, and there declared vnto the cōmons that they ſhoulde haue charters made to them of his graūt, to make them all free. And further that euery ſhire, towne, lordſhip and libertie ſhould haue banners of his armes deliuered vnto them, for a confirmation of his graunt. Herevpon they ſeemed well appeaſed, and the king rode to the Queenes Wardrobe, otherwiſe called the Tower ryall, to viſit his mother, and ſo did comfort hir ſo well as he coulde, and taried with hir there all night. The Eſſex men ſatiſfied with the kings promiſes, immediately departed homewarde. They appoynted yet certaine of their companie to remayne ſtill and tarie for the kings Charters. The Kentiſh men alſo remayned, and were as buſie in maner the next day being Saterday, in all kinde of miſchieuous dealings, as they had bene before, to wit in murthering of men, ouerthrowing and burning of houſes. The king therfore ſent vnto them ſuch as declared in what ſort their fellowes were gone home well ſatiſfied, and from thenceforth to liue in quiet, and the ſame forme of peace he was contented to graunt vnto them, if it lyked them to accept the ſame. Herevpon their chiefe captaine Wat Tyler, a verie craftie fellow, and indued with much witte, if he had well applied it, ſayde, that peace indeed he wiſhed, but ſo yet as the conditions might be indited to his purpoſe. He was determined to feede forth the king and his counſaile (bycauſe he was of greater force than they) with cauils and ſhiftes till the next day, that in the night following hee might the more eaſilye haue compaſſed his reſolution,The wicked purpoſe of the rebels. whiche was, hauing all the poorer ſort of the Citie on his ſide, to haue ſpoiled the Citie, and to ſet fire in foure corners of it, killing firſt the king and the Lordes that were aboute him: but hee that reſiſteth the prowd, and giueth his grace to the humble, would not permit the vngracious deuiſes of the naughtie lewde patrone to take place, but ſodainly diſappoynted his miſchieuous drift: for whereas diuerſe fourmes of Charters hadde beene drawne according to the effecte of the agreement with the Eſſex menne, and none of them might pleaſe this Lordelye fellowe, at length the king ſent to him one of his knightes called ſir Iohn Newton, to requeſte him to come to the king, that they might talke of the articles whiche he ſtoode vpon, to haue inſerted in the Ch[...], of the which one was to haue had a commiſſion [...] put to death all Lawyers, Eſcheaters,The rebel[...] [...] law ab[...] and o[...] which by any office had any thing to do with the lawe, for his meaning was that hauing made all thoſe away that vnderſtoode the lawes, all things ſhould then be ordered according to the will and diſpoſition of the common people. It was reported in deede, that he ſhoulde ſay with greate pride the day before theſe things chaunced, putting his handes to his lippes, that within foure dayes all the lawes of Englande ſhoulde come forth of his mouth.Arrogant a[...] pr[...]e w[...] of a vylla[...]. When therefore the ſayde de Iohn Newton called vpon him to come away to the king, he anſwered as it were with indignation: If thou (ſayth he) haſt ſo much haſte to returne to the king, thou mayſt depart, I wil c[...]e at my pleaſure. When the knight therefore [...] come from him, he followed indeed, but [...] ſlowly. And when hee was come neare to the place in Smithfields where the king then was, with certaine Lordes and knightes, and other companie about him, the ſayde Sir Iohn Newton was ſent to him againe, to vnderſtande what he ment. And bycauſe the knight came to him on horſeback, and did not alight from his horſe, Wat Tyler was offended, and ſayde in his f[...]rie that it became him rather a foote than horſebacke to approche into his preſence. The knight not able to abide ſuch preſumptuous demeaner in that pro[...] and arrogant perſon, ſhaped him this an[...]er: It is not amiſſe that I being on horſebacke, ſhoulde come to thee ſitting on horſebacke, with whiche wordes Wat Tyler taking indignation, dr[...]we out his dagger, menacing to ſtrike y^e knight, calling him therewith trayter: the knight diſ[...]yning to be miſuſed at the handes of ſuch a ry[...]a[...]d w[...] him that hee lyed falſely, and with that pl[...]d forth his dagger. Wat Tyler being among hys men, ſhewed that he woulde not beare that iniurie, and forthwith made towardes the knight to runne vpon him. The king perceyuing the knight in daunger, bad him alight from his horſe, [...] deliuer his dagger to Wat Tyler: but when that woulde not pacifie his prowde and high [...]de, but that hee woulde [...]des flie vpon [...],William [...] worth [...] of Lo[...] a [...] co[...] glo[...]. the Maior of London William Wa[...]h, and other knightes and Eſquieres that [...] the king, tolde him that it ſhoulde [...] ſhame [...] them all, if they permitted the knight in theyr preſence before the eyes of their Prince ſo to [...] murthered: wherefore they gaue counſaile to ſuccor him forthwith, & to apprehend y^e v[...]e naughty ribauld. The king though he was [...] yeares, yet taking courage to him, commaunded the Maior to arreſt him. The Maior being a mā of incomparable boldneſſe, forthwith ri[...]eſh to him and arreſted him, in reaching him ſuch a [...]low on the head, y^t he ſore aſtonied him therw^t: & ſtreight wayes other that were aboute the king,The death of War T[...]let [...]e of the [...]ls. as Iohn Standiſh an Eſquier, & diuerſe more of the kings ſeruants drew their ſwords, & thruſt him through in diuerſe parts of his bodie, ſo that he fell preſently from his horſe downe to the earth, & died there in the place.

When the commons behelde this, they cryed out, our captain is traiterouſly ſlain, let vs ſtande togither, and die with him: let vs ſhoote & reuenge his death manfully: and ſo bending their bowes, made them redy to ſhoot. The king ſhewing both hardineſſe & wiſedome at that inſtant, more than his age required, ſet his ſpurres to his horſe, & rode to them, ſaying, what is the matter my mē, what meane you?The K. perſwadeth the rebels. will you ſhoote at your king? be not troubled nor offended at the death of a traytor & rybauld, I will be your king, captaine and leader, follow me into the fieldes, and you ſhall haue all things that you can deſire. This did the king, to the ende he might appeaſe them, leaſt they ſhould haue ſet fire on the houſes there in Smithfield, & haue attempted ſome further miſchief, in reuenge of the diſpleaſure which they tooke for the death of their chiefe leader. They moued with theſe the kings words, followed him and the knights that were with him, into the open fields, not yet reſolued whether they ſhould ſet vpō the king and ſlea him, or elſe to be quiet, and to returne home with the kings charter.

In the meane time, the Lord Maior of London was returned into the Citie, with one man onely attending vpon him, and cryed to the Citizens,Vehement words of the Maior of London to the Citizens crying [...] [...]de againſt the rebels. Oh ye good and vertuous Citizens, come forth out of hand, & helpe your king readie to bee ſlaine, and helpe me your Maior ſtanding in the ſame perill, or if yee will not helpe mee for ſome faults committed by me againſt you, yet forſake not your king, but helpe and ſuccour him in thys preſent daunger. When the worſhipfull Citizens and other that in their loial hearts loued the king, had hearde theſe wordes, incontinently they put themſelues in ſtrong and ſure armor, to the number of a thouſand men,An army with [...] a captain. and gathering themſelues togither into the ſtreetes, taried but for ſome lord or knight that might conduct them to the King: and by chaunce there came vnto them ſir Robert Knolles, whom all of them requeſted y^t he would be their leader, leaſt comming out of array & order, they might the ſooner be brokē, who willingly led one part of them, and certaine other knights led other of them, clad in faire bright armor vnto the kings preſence: the king with y^e lords, knights & eſquiers, not a little reioyſed at the comming of thoſe armed men, and ſtreightwayes cōpaſſed the commons about, as they had bin a flock of ſheepe that ſhould haue bin cloſed within ſome folde, till it pleaſed the ſheepheard to appoynt forth, whiche ſhould be thruſt into paſture, & which taken to go to the ſhambels.

There was to be ſeene a maruellous chaunge of the right hand of the lord to beholde how they throwing downe ſtanes, billes, axes, ſwordes,The rebels quite diſcoraged threw downe their weapons at th[...] comming of the Londoner[...] in ayde of the King. bowes & arrowes, humbly began to ſue for pardon, which a little before gloried to haue the lyfe of the king, and his ſeruaunts wholy and altogither in their handes, power, and diſpoſition. The poore wretches ſought to hide themſelues in the corne that grew in the fields, in ditches, hedges, and dennes, and whereſoeuer they might get out of the way, ſo to ſafegard their liues. The knights that were with the king would gladly haue beene doing with them, and requeſted licence of him to ſtrike off the heades of ſome one or two hundred of them, that it might bee a witneſſe in time to come, that the force of the order of knighthoode, was able to do ſomewhat agaynſt the Carters & ploughmen: but the king woulde not ſuffer them, alledging that many of them were come thither by compulſion, and not of their owne accord, and therefore it might come to paſſe that thoſe ſhould die for it, that had nothing offended: but he commaūded that there ſhould be proclamation made in Lōdon, that the Citizens ſhould haue no dealings with them, nor ſuffer any of them to come within the Citie that night, but to cauſe them to lie without doores: but yet the charter which they had requeſted, faire written and ſealed, to auoyd a greater miſchiefe, he commaunded for a time to deliuer vnto them, knowing that Eſſex & Kent,The forme of the kings Charter of Manumiſsion. were not ſo pacified, but that if they were not the ſooner cōtented, and that partly after their minds, they would vp againe. The tenor of the charter which was got thus by force of the K. was this.

RIchardus dei gratia rex Angliae & Franciae,The like there was graunted to them of other Countries aſwel to theſe of Herfordſhire in the ſame forme the names of the counties changed. & dominus Hiberniae: omnibus balliuis & fidelibus ſuis, ad quos praeſentes litterae peruenerint, ſalutē.

Sciatis quod de gratia noſtra ſpeciali manumiſimus vniuerſos ligeos & ſingulos ſubditos noſtros et alios comitatus Hertfordiae, & ipſos et eorū quēlibet ab omni bondagio, exuimus & quietos facimus per praeſentes ac etiā perdonamus eiſde ligeis ac ſubditis noſtris omnimodas felonias, proditiones, trāſgreſsiones, & extortiones, per ipſos vel aliquem eorū qualitercū que , factas ſiue perpetratas, ac etiā vtlagariam & vtlagarias, ſi qua vel quae in ipſos vel aliquē ipſorum fuerint vel fuerint hijs occaſionibus promulgata vel promulgatae, & ſummā pacem noſtram eis & eorū cuilibit inde concedimus. In cuius rei teſtimonium, hac litteras noſtras fieri fecimus patentes.

Teſte meipſo apud London .xv. die Iunij. Anno regni nostro quarto.

The commons hauing obteyned this charter departed home, but ceaſſed not from their riotous demeanour in ſundrie partes of the realme,The towneſmē of S. Albōs not yet quieted & eſpecially at S. Albons, where after the towneſmen were returned home, they kept ſuch a coile againſt the Abbot and Monkes, to haue certaine auncient Charters deliuered them that concerned theyr lyberties, & to haue ſuch newe made & deliuered to them as might ſerue theyr purpoſe, that bycauſe ſuch olde Charters as they requeſted were not to be had, the Abbot and Monkes looked euery houre when their houſes ſhoulde be ſet on fire and burnt ouer their heades.

The Prior and certaine other as well Monks as lay men that were ſeruantes to the Abbot, fled for feare of the rage of thoſe miſgouerned people, knowing that they hated them deadly, and therefore loked for no courteſey at their handes. They had obteyned the kings letters vnto the Abbot, commaunding him to deliuer vnto them ſuche Charters as they had gyuen information to be remayning in his hands, ſo that vnder color therof, they called for thoſe wrytings in moſt importunate wiſe, threatning ſore if they were not brought to lyght, vtterly to deſtroy the houſe by ſetting it on fire.

But to ſpeake of all the vnrulye partes of thoſe vnruly people, it were to long a proceſſe: yet at length after they vnderſtoode howe theyr grande Captaine and cheife ringleader Watte Tyler was ſlaine, they began ſomewhat to aſſwage theyr preſumptuous attemptes, the rather for that there came a knight with the kings letter of protection in behalf of the Abbot and his houſe, and yet they were not ſo calmed, but that they continued in requyring to haue charters made to them by the Abbot of the like forme and effect to that which the king had made, cōcerning the infranchiſing them frō bondage, whereby they that obteyned ſuch charters tooke themſelues to be diſcharged of all ſeruices and accuſtomed labors, ſo that they ment not to do any further workes, nor yeeld ſuche cuſtomes as before time they vſually had bin accuſtomed to doe and yeelde vnto their Landlordes.

Neither did the towneſmen of S. Albones, and the tenants of other townes & villages theral out that belonged to the Abbey of S. Albones, thus outragiouſly miſdemeane themſelues, but euery where elſe the cōmons kept ſuch like ſtur, ſo that it was rightly called the hurling time,The hurling tyme. there were ſuch hurly burlyes kept in euery place, to y^e great daunger of ouerthrowing the whole ſtate of all good gouernmēt in this land: for euen the ſelfſame Saterday after corpus Chriſti day, in Suffolke there were got togither to the number of fiftie M. men, by the ſetting on of Iohn Wraw, a naughtie lewd prieſt, that had bene firſt among the Eſſex men at London,The outragious dealings of the ſuffolke rebels. and was ſent downe in all poſt haſt from Wat Tyler, to ſtirre the cōmons in thoſe partes to commit the like miſchiefe as he had ſeene begon about London. Theſe fellowes therefore after they were aſſembled togither, fell to y^t deſtroying of the manors & houſes of mē of law, & ſuch lawyers as they caught, they ſlue,Sir Iohn Cauendiſh l. chief iuſtice [...]ded. & beheaded ſir Iohn Cauendiſh lord chief Iuſtice of England, and ſet his head vpon the pillorie in the Market place, in S. Edmōdſburie. Alſo ſir Iohn of Cambridge the Prior of S. Edmondſbury,The prior of S. Edmond[...] [...] ry ſlayne. as he would haue fled from them, was taken not far from Mildenhale, and likewiſe beheadded, his bodie being left naked in the open field, and no man preſuming to burie it, during the ſpace of fiue dayes, for feare of the cruell commons. His heade was ſet vpon a pole, & caried before Iohn Wraw and other of thoſe wicked people, the which comming to Burie, and entring the towne in maner of a Proceſſion: when they came into the Market place where the Pillorie ſtood, as it were in a taken of the olde friendſhip betwixt the Lord chiefe Iuſtice, and the ſayd Prior, they made ſport with their heades, making them ſomtime as it were to kiſſe, otherwhiles to ſounde in either others eare. After they had taken their paſtime ynough herewith, they ſet both the heads againe aloft vpon the Pillorie.

After this, they beheaded an other Monke called Dan Iohn de Lakinghuyth, whoſe head was likewiſe ſet by the other two vpon the Pillorie.

Moreouer, they cauſed the Monkes to come forth and bring vnto them all ſuche obligations in which the towneſmen ſtoode bounde vnto the Monaſterie for their good abearing, likewiſe ſuch charters of liberties of the towne of Burie, which king Knute the founder of the ſayde Monaſterie, and his ſucceſſors had graunted vnto the ſame, which writings whē they had brought forth, and proteſted that they knew of no more, the cōmons would ſcarcely beleue them, & therefore called the towneſmen forth, & bad them ſee if y^t there were al ſuch writings as they thought ſtood with their aduātage to haue brought to light. The towneſmen feigned as though they had beene ſorie to ſee ſuch rule kept againſt the Monkes, where in deed they had ſet the commons in hande with al theſe things.

To conclude, the Commons tooke thys order with the Monkes, that if the towneſmen might not obteyne their auncient liberties, by the hauing of thoſe writings, they ſhoulde declare what the ſame liberties were, which they were wont to enioy, and the Abbot of Burie,This Edmond Brounfield commi[...] [...] priſō by the [...] for his pe[...] tuous in[...] into the [...] ba[...]ye of [...] Edmond Brounfield being then in priſon at Notingham whom they purpoſed to deliuer (ſo that he ſhould celebrat diuine ſeruice in his Monaſtery on Midſommer day next) within .xl. dayes after his comming home, ſhould confirme with his ſeale ſuch Charter as was to be deuiſed and made concerning the ſame liberties of the ſaide towneſmen, & the Couent ſhould likewiſe put thervnto their cō mon ſeale.

They conſtreyned the Monkes further to delyuer vnto the towneſmen, a Croſſe and a Chalice of fine golde, and other Iewels that belōged to the Abbey, being in value aboue y^e worth of a thouſand pounds in mony, the which was to remaine in the handes of the towneſmen, vpon this condition, that if Edmonde Brounfield being deliuered out of priſon enioyed the dignitie of Abbot there, and with all put his ſeale togither with the Couent ſeale within the tyme limitted, vnto a wryting that ſhould conteine the liberties of the towne, that then the ſame Croſſe, Chalice, and other Iewels ſhoulde bee reſtored vnto the Monaſterie, or elſe the ſame to remaine for euer to the Towneſmen as forfeyted: ſuche were the doings of thoſe Rebels in and about the towne of Burie, and the like diſorders and breach of peace followed by the Commotions of the Commons in Cambridgeſhire, and in the Ile of Elie, reſembling the others in ſlaughters of men, deſtroying of houſes, and all other ſortes of miſchiefe. In like maner in Norffolke there was aſſembled an huge number of thoſe vnruly Countrey people, whiche vnder the guiding of a dier of cloth,Iohn Lytteſter certaine of the Norfolk rebels. cōmonly called Iohn Litteſter, that had dwelt in Norwiche, attempted and did all ſuch vngracious ſeates, as they had heard that other did in other parts of the realme, yea and greater alſo, putting forth their handes vnto rapine & robbery. And whereas they were wholy conſpired togither, and bent to commit all kind of miſchiefe, yet eſteeming their own authoritie to bee ſmall, they purpoſed to haue brought William Vfford Erle of Suffolke into their felowſhip,The Early of Suffolke eſcapeth from the rebels. y^t if afterwards they might happily be impeached hereafter, for ſuch their naughty & moſt wicked doings, they might haue had ſome ſhadow or color, as if were throgh him, why they had delt in ſuch vnruly ſort. But the Erle aduertiſed of their intention ſodenly, roſe from ſupper, and got him away by vnknowne wayes, ſtil fleeing from the Commons, till at length hee got to Saint Albones, and ſo from thence to the king.

The commons miſſing of their purpoſe for the hauing of him,The Norffolk rebels compel the noblemen and gentlemen to be ſworne to them. layd hold vpon al ſuch knights and other gentlemen as came in their way, and and were found at home in their houſes, compelling them to be ſworne to them, and to ride with them through the Country, as the Lord Scales, William Lord Morley, ſir Iohn Brewes, ſir Stephen Hales,ſir Robert Sa[...] ſlayne by [...] of his own villeyn. and ſir Robert Salle, which ſir Robert continued not long aliue among them, for he could not diſſemble as the reſidue, but begā to reproue openly their naughty doings, for the which he had his braynes daſht out by a Coūtrey Clowne, one that was his bondman, and ſo hee ended his life, who if he might haue come to haue tryed his manhoode and ſtrength with them in plaine battaile, had bene able to haue put a thouſande of thoſe villaynes in feare, his valiancie and prowes was ſuch.

The reſidue taught by hys example that they muſt either diſſemble or die for it, were glad to curry fauor, prayſing or diſprayſing all things as they ſawe the Commons affected,The captaine of the Norfolke rebels forceth the noble men and gentlemen to ſerue him as the table. and ſo comming into credite with their chieftaine Iohn Litteſter, that named himſelf king of the cōmōs, they were preferred to ſerue him at the table in taking the aſſay of his meates and drinkes, and doing other ſeruice, with kneling humbly before him as hee ſate at meate, as ſir Stephen Hales who was appoynted his carner, & others had other offices aſſigned them. At length when thoſe Commons beganne to waxe wearie of taking paynes in euill doings, they tooke counſaile togither, and agreed to ſende two knights, to wit, the lord Morley, and ſir Iohn Brewes, & three of the Commons in whom they put great confidence, vnto the king, to obtaine theyr charter of manumiſſiō & enfranchiſing, & to haue the ſame charter more larger thā thoſe that were granted to other coūtreys: they deliuered great ſummes of money vnto thoſe whō they ſent, to beſtow the ſame for the obteining of pardon, and ſuch graunts as they ſued for, which money they had gotte by force of the Citizens of Norwich, to ſaue the Citie from fire and ſacking.

Theſe knights as they were on their iourney,A warlike Biſhop. at Ichingham not farre diſtant from Newmarket, not looking for any ſuch thing mette with ſir Henrie Spencer Biſhoppe of Norwich, a man more fitte for the field than the Church, and better ſkilled as may appere in armes than in diuinitie. This biſhop had aduertiſemēts at his Manor of Burley neare to Okam in the partyes about Stanford, of the ſturre which the Commōs in Norffolk kept, and thervpon reſolued ſtreightwayes to ſee what rule there was holden: He had in his companie at that time, not paſt an eight launces, and a ſmall number of Archers.

The Biſhop meeting thus with the knights, examined them ſtreight wayes if there were any of the traitours there with them.

The knights at the firſt were doubtfull to bewray theyr aſſociates: but at length enboldned by the Biſhops wordes, declared that two of the chiefe doers in the Rebellion were there preſent, and the thirde was gone to prouide for their dinner.

The Biſhop ſtreight wayes commaunded thoſe two to be made ſhorter by the head, and the thirde hee hymſelfe went to ſeeke, as one of his Sheepe that was loſt, not to bring hym home to the folde, but to the ſlaughter houſe, as he had well deſerued in the Biſhops opinion, ſith he had ſo miſchieuouſlye gone aſtraye and alienated himſelfe from his dutifull allegiance.

Theſe perſons being executed, and their heads pight on the endes of polles, & ſo ſet vp at Newmarket, the Biſhop with the knightes tooke their way with all ſpeede towards Northwalſham in Norffolk, [...]pncer biſhop [...]t Norwich [...]oeth as cap [...]ine againſt [...]he Rebels. where the Commons were purpoſed to ſtay for anſwere from the king: and as hee paſſed through the Countrey, his number encreaſed, for the knights and gentlemen of the Countrey, hearing how their biſhop had taken his ſpeare in hād, and was come into the fielde armed, they ioyne themſelues with him. When therefore the biſhop was come into the place where the cōmons were encāped,The fortefying [...]f the Rebels [...]ampe. he perceyued that they had fortified their campe verie ſtrongly with ditches, and ſuch other ſtuffe as they could make ſhift of, as doores, windowes, boords, and tables, and behinde them were all their cariages placed, ſo that it ſeemed they ment not to flee. Herewith the biſhop being chafed with the preſumptuous boldnes of ſuch a ſort of diſordered perſons, commaunded his trumpets to ſound to the battaile, and with the ſpeare in the arreſt,The Biſhop is [...]he firſt man that chargeth [...]he rebels in their campe. he chargeth them with ſuch violence, that he goeth ouer the ditch, and layeth ſo about hym, that through his manful doings, all his company found meanes to paſſe the ditch likewiſe, and ſo therewith followed a right ſore and terrible fight, both partes doing their beſt to vanquiſh the other: but finally the cōmons were ouercom, and driuen to ſeeke their ſafegarde by flight,The Norffolk rebels vanquiſhed. which was ſore hindered by their cariages that ſtood behind them, ouer the which they were forced to clime & leape ſo well as they might. Iohn Litteſter and other chiefe captaines were taken aliue. The Biſhop therefore cauſed the ſayd Litteſter to be arreigned of his treaſon, and condemned, and ſo hee was drawne, hanged, and headed according to the iudgement.

The Biſhop heard his confeſſion, and by vertue of his office aſſoyled him, and to ſhewe ſome parcell of ſorowing for the mans miſchaunce, hee went with him to the gallowes. But it ſeemed that pitie wrought not with the biſhop, to quench the zeale of iuſtice: for he cauſed not Litteſter only to be executed, but ſought for al other that were the chiefe doers in that rebellion, cauſing them to be put vnto death, and ſo by that meanes quieted the Countrey.

To recite what was done in euery part of the realme in time of thoſe helliſhe troubles, it is not poſſible: but this is to be conſidered, that the rage of the cōmons was vniuerſally ſuch, as it might ſeeme they had generally conſpired togither, to do what miſchiefe they could deuiſe, as among ſundrie other, what wickedneſſe was to compell teachers of children in grammer ſchooles to ſweare neuer to inſtruct any in their arte? Againe could they haue a more miſchieuous meaning, than to burne and deſtroy al olde & auncient monumēts, and to murther & diſpatch out of the way al ſuche as were able to cōmit to memorie, either any new or old records: for it was dangerous among thē to be knowne for one that was lerned, & more dā gerous, if any man were found with a penner & ynkhorne at his ſide: for ſuch ſeldom or neuer eſcaped from them with life.An. Reg. 5. But to returne to ſay ſomwhat more concerning the end of their rebellious enterpriſes, you muſt vnderſtand,The captain once ſlaine the ſouldier [...]. that after that Watte Tyler was ſlaine at London in the preſence of the king (as before ye haue heard) the hope and confidence of the rebels greatly dec[...]ied: and yet neuertheleſſe, the king and his counſaile being not wel aſſured, granted to the cōmons (as ye haue heard) charters of Manumiſſion, & enfrā chiſement from all bondage, & ſo ſent them away home to their coūtries: & forthwith herevpon hee aſſembled an army of the Lōdoners, & of al others in the countreys abrode that bare him good will, apointing none to come, but ſuch as were armed & had horſes, for he would haue no footemen with him. This it came to paſſe,An army of forty thouſand horſemen. that within three days he had about him .xl. thouſand horſemen, as was eſtemed, ſo that in Englande had not bene heard of the like army aſſembled togither at one tyme. And herewith was the king aduertiſed, that the Kentiſh men beganne eftſoones to ſtyrre,The Kēti[...] eftſoones [...] wherewith the king & the whole army were ſo grieuouſly offended, that they ment ſtreyght to haue ſette vpon that Country, and to haue wholy deſtroyed that rebellious generation, but through interceſſion made by the Lordes and Gentlemen of that Countrey, the King pacified his moode, and ſo reſolued to proceede agaynſt them by order of law and iuſtice, cauſing Iudges to ſit & to make inquiſition of the Malefactors, & eſpecially of ſuch as were authors of the miſchiefes. And about the ſame time did the Maior of London ſit in iudgement as well vppon the offenders that were Citizens, as of other that were of Kent, Eſſex, Southſex, Norffolk, Suffolk, and other coū ties, being found within the liberties of the citie, and ſuch as were founde culpable he cauſed them to loſe their heades, as Iack Straw, Iohn Kirkby, Alane Tredera, and Iohn Sterling,Iacke S[...] and his [...] tents ex[...] that gloryed of himſelf, for that he was the man that had ſlaine the Archbiſhop.

This fellow (as it is written by ſome Authors) ſtreight wayes after he had done that wicked deed, fell out of his wittes, and cōming home into Eſſex where he dwelt, tied a naked ſword about his neck, that hung down before on his breſt and likewiſe a dagger naked, that hanged downe behind on his backe, & ſo went vp and downe the lanes and ſtreetes about home, crying out, & proteſting, that with thoſe weapōs he had diſpatched y^e Archb. & after he had remained a while at home, hee came to London againe, for that hee ſhoulde receyue as hee ſaide, the reward there, of the acte whiche he had committed: and ſo indeede, when he came thither, and boldly confeſſed that he was the man that had beheaded the Archbyſhoppe, he loſt his head in ſtead of a recompence: & diuers other both of Eſſex and Kent that had layd violēt hāds vpō the Archb. came to the like end at London, where they did the deede, being bewrayed by their owne cōfeſſions. Heere is to be remembred, that the K. after the Citie of London was delyuered from the daunger of the Rebels (as before ye haue heard) in reſpect of the greate manhoode, & aſſured loyaltie which had appeared in the Mayor, and other of the Aldermen, for ſome parte of recompence of their faithfull aſſiſtance in that dangerous ſeaſon,The Maior and [...] Al [...]nne Knighted. made the ſayd Mayor Williā Walworth Knighte, with fiue other Aldermen, his brethren, to witte, Nicholas Bramble, Iohn Philpot, Nicholas Twyford, Robert Laundre, and Robert Gayton, alſo Iohn Standiſhe, that as ye haue heard, holp to ſlay Wat Tyler.

The armes of [...] augmented, by addition of [...]e dagger.Moreouer, the K. granted, that there ſhoulde be a dagger added to the armes of the citie of Lō don, in the right quarter of the ſhield, for an augmentation of the ſame armes, and for a remembrance of this Maior, his valiāt acte, as doth appeare vnto this daye, for till that time, the Citie bare only the Croſſe, without the dagger.

Although the kings authoritie thus began to ſhew it ſelf,The commōs of Eſſex rebel [...]fre[...]he. to the terror of rebels, yet the cōmons of Eſſex eftſoones aſſembled themſelues togither, not farre from Hatfield Peuerell, and ſente to the Kyng to knowe of him if his pleaſure was, that they ſhoulde enioy their promiſed liberties: and further, that they might be as free, as their Lords, and not to come to any Court, except it were to the great Leete, twice in the yere. When the king hearde ſuche preſumptuous requeſts, he was in a great chafe, and diſpatched the meſſengers away, with a ſore threatning anſwer, ſaying, y^e bondmē they were, & bondmen they ſhould be, and that in more vile maner than before, to the terrible example of all other that ſhoulde attempt any the lyke diſorders: and forthwith, the Earle of Buckingham, and the Lorde Thomas Percy, brother to the Earle of Northumberlande, were ſente with an army, to repreſſe thoſe Rebels,The Rebels of Eſſex are ſeattered & ſlaine whome they founde fortifyed within woddes, hedges and ditches very ſtrongly: but with ſmall adoe they were put to flighte, and a fiue hundred of them ſlayne, the reſidue ſaued thēſelues as well as they might, by ſuccour of the woddes. There were an eyghte hundred horſes alſo taken, whiche thoſe Rebels had there with them, to drawe and carrie theyr baggage. Thoſe of the Rebels that eſcaped, were not yet ſo tamed by that ouerthrowe, but that aſſembling themſelues togither, they made towards Colcheſter: and comming thither, would haue perſwaded the Towneſmen to haue ioyned with them in a new Rebellion. But when they coulde not bring their purpoſe to paſſe, they marched towards Sudbury. The Lord Fitz Water, and Sir Iohn Harleſton, vnderſtanding whyche way they tooke, followed them, with a company of armed men, and ſuddaynely ſetting vpon them as they were making their proclamations, ſlewe of them ſo many as it liked them, and the other they ſaued, and ſuffered to departe, or elſe committed them to priſon.

After this, the King came to Hauering at the bowre, and from thence to Chelmfford, where he appoynted ſir Robert Triſilian to ſit in Iudgement of the offendors, and Rebelles of that coū trey, wherevppon, an inqueſt beeing choſen, a greate number were indicted, arraigned, and founde giltie, ſo that vppon ſome one gallowes, there were nyne or tenne hanged togither.Fabian.

The Rebels executed in euery lordſhip.In euerie countrie were like enquiries made, and the chiefe offendors apprehended and put to deathe in euery Lordſhip through the Realme, where any of them were detected by tenne, by twelue, twētie, thirtie, yea and in ſome places by fortie at once, ſo that the whole number grew to fifteene hundred and aboue.

Froiſſart.At the firſte, when the Kings Iuſtices began to ſitte in Eſſex, Kent, and at London, by reaſon of the multitude that were to bee executed, they onely chopped off their heads, but afterwardes when that kinde of death ſeemed too cloſe and ſecrete for ſo open offences, they proceeded according to the accuſtomed lawe of the Realme, by condemning them to be drawen and hanged, and according therevnto, they were executed.

The King calleth in hys letters of enfranchiſing graunted to the bondmen.In the meane time, the King by the aduice of his counſell, directed his letters reuocatory into euery Countie there, to bee proclaymed in euery Citie, borrow towne, and place, as well within the liberties as without, by the whiche letters hee reuoked, made voyde, and fruſtrate his former letters, of enfranchiſing the bond menne of hys Realme, and commaunded that ſuch as had the ſame letters, ſhoulde withoute delay bring them in, and reſtore them to him and his counſell to be cancelled, as they woulde aunſwere vppon theyr faith and allegiance whiche they ought to hym, and vppon payne of forfeiting all that they had. The date of whiche letters reuocatorie, was at Chelmefforde, the ſecond day of Iuly, in the fifth yere of his raigne.

The King remoueth to S. Albons.When the King had quieted the countrey of Eſſex, and puniſhed ſuche as were the chiefe ſturrers of that wicked commotion in thoſe parties, he went to Saint Albons to ſee iuſtice done vpon ſuche as hadde demeaned themſelues moſt preſumptuouſly againſte the Kinges peace in that towne, namely againſte the Abbot and hys houſe, and ſought to defende themſelues, vnder a couloure of friendſhip, that they truſted to fynde in ſome perſons about the King: but that truſt deceyued them, and procured the more diſpleaſure againſt them, for that they woulde not ſu[...] for fauoure at the Abbots handes in time, by ſubmitting themſelues vnto his will and pleaſure. To bee briefe, the King came thither with a greate number of armed men and archers, and cauſed his Iuſtice ſir Robert Triſilian to ſitte in iudgement vpon the malefactors, that were broughte thither from Hertford Iayle.Iohn Ball. Thither was brought alſo to the King from Couentrie, Iohn Ball Prieſt, whome the Citizens of Couentrie hadde taken, and now heere at Saint Albons they preſented him to the Kings preſence, wherevpon, he was arreigned and condemned, to bee drawen, hanged and headed for ſuche notable treaſons as hee was there conuicted of. He receyued iudgemente vpon the Saterday the firſte day that the ſayde Sir Robert Triſilian ſate in Iudgement, but he was not executed till the Monday following.

This man hadde bin a Preacher the ſpace of twentie yeres, and bycauſe his doctrine was not according to the religion then by the Biſhoppes mainteined, he was firſte prohibited to preache in any churche or chappell, and when he ceaſſed not for all that, but ſet forth his doctrine in the ſtreets and fieldes where he mighte haue audience, at length hee was committed to priſon,Iohn Ball his prophecie. out of the whiche he prophecied, that he ſhoulde be deliuered with the force of twentie thouſand men, and euen ſo it came to paſſe in time of the rebellion of the commons.

When all the priſons were broken vppe, and the priſoners ſette at libertie, hee beeing therefore ſo deliuered, followed them, and at Blacke heath when the greateſt multitude was there got togither as ſome write, he made a ſermō, taking this ſaying or commō prouerbe for his theme,Iohn Ball his ſermon to the Rebels. VVhen Adam de[...]fe, and Eue ſpanne, who was then a gentleman: and ſo continuing his ſermon, wente aboute to proue by the wordes of that prouerbe, that from the beginning, all men by nature were created alike, and that bōdage or ſeruitude came in by iniuſt oppreſſion of naughtie men: for if God would haue had any bondmen from the beginning, he would haue appointed who ſhould be bonde and who free. And therefore hee exhorted them to conſider, that nowe the time was come appointed to them by God, in whiche they might if they woulde, caſt off the yoke of bondage, and recouer libertie. Hee counſelled them therefore to remember themſelues, and to take good hearts vnto them, that after the maner of a good huſbandman that tilled hys grounde, and ridde out thereof ſuche euill weedes as choked and deſtroyed the good corne, they mighte deſtroye firſte the greate Lordes of the Realme, and after the Iudges and Lawyers, Queſtmongers and all other whome they vndertooke to be againſte the commons, for ſo mighte they procure peace and ſuretie to them ſelues in time to come, if diſpatching out of the way the greate men, there ſhoulde bee an equalitie in libertie, no difference in degrees of nobilitie, but a like dignitie and equall authoritie in all things brought in among them. When he had preached and ſet foorth ſuch kynde of doctrine, and other the like fonde and fooliſhe toyes vnto the people, they extolled hym to the Starres, affirming that hee ought to bee Archbiſhop and Lord Chancellor, where he that then enioyed thoſe roomthes, meaning Sir Simon de Sudburie that then was aliue, was a Traytor to the King and Realme, and worthy to loſe his head, whereſoeuer he mighte be apprehended. Many other things are reported by writers of this Iohn Ball, as the letter, which vnder a kinde of darke ryddelles he wrote to the Captayne of the Eſſex Rebels, the copie wherof was founde in one of theyr purſes that was executed at London, the tenor whereof was as followeth.

IOhn Scheepe Saint Marie Prieſt of Yorke, and nowe of Colcheſter, greeteth well Iohn nameleſſe, and Iohn the Miller, and Iohn Carter, and biddeth them that they beware of guyle in Bourrough, and ſtande togither in Goddes name, and biddeth Piers Plowman goe to hys worke, and chaſtiſe well Hob the robber, and take with you Iohn Trewman, and all his fellowes, and no moe. Iohn the Miller y ground ſmall, ſmall, ſmall, the Kyngs ſonne of heauen ſhall pay for all. Beware or yee bee woe, knowe your friend from youre foe, haue ynough, and ſay whoe, and do well and better, flee ſynne and ſeeke peace, and holde you therein, and ſo biddeth Iohn Trewman, and all his fellowes.

This letter he confeſſed himſelf to haue written, as Thomas Walſ. affirmeth, with many other things which he had done and committed, to the diſquieting of the Realme, for the whiche hee was drawen,Iohn Ball excuted at S. Albons. hanged, and beheaded at Saincte Albons, the fifteenth of Iuly, being Monday, in this fifth yeare of King Richards raigne.

The ſame day, the Kings Iuſtice, ſir Roberte Triſilian, ſate vpon the Rebels of Saint Albōs, and other of the Countrey of Hertforde, afore whome, by ſuche policie as he vſed, there were a great number endited, and diuers being arreigned, were found giltie, as William Grindecobbe, William Cadindon, Iohn Barbor, and certaine others, which were hanged and drawen, to the number of fifteene perſons in all, diuers chiefe men of the Towne were committed to priſon, as Richard Wallingforde, Iohn Garleeke, William Berewill, Thomas Putor, and others of the Countrey about. There were committed to priſon to the number of foureſcore perſons, the which neuertheleſſe, by the Kyngs pardon, were releaſſed, and diſmiſſed.

The hatred which the Towneſmen had conceyued againſte the Abbot and couent of Saincte Albons, was ſurely greate, and manye deuiſes they had to haue ſaued thoſe that were executed. And where as well the Towneſmen, as other of the Abbots and conuēts tenauntes, both of Hertfordſhire, and Buckinghamſhire, had gotten of the Abbot and Conuent letters of diſcharge, from doing any bound ſeruice, the King directed hys letters vnto certaine Commiſſioners, as to Iohn Ludowicke, Iohn Weſtwicombe, Iohn Kenting, Richarde Perers, Walter Saunforde, Richard Gifforde, Thomas Eydon,The Kyng calleth in by proclamation all ſuch letters of manumiſsion, as the Abbot of ſaint Albons had graunted to his bondmen. and to William Eccleſhal, commaunding them to cauſe proclamation to bee made in all ſuche townes and places as were thought neceſſarie, through the whole countreys of Buckingham and Hertford, that all and euery perſon and perſons that ought and hadde bin accuſtomed to doe or yeelde anye maner of ſeruices, cuſtomes, or dueties, whether they were bound men or free, vnto the ſayde Abbot and Couente of Saint Albons, ſhoulde doe and yeelde the ſame ſeruices, cuſtomes and dueties, in ſuche like forme and manner, as they had bin vſed to doe, before the time of the late troubles, and not to chalenge or clayme any libertie or priuiledge whiche they enioyed not before the ſame troubles, vpon their faith and allegiance in whiche they ſtoode bound to him, and vpō payne to forfaite all that they might forfait: and in caſe any were founde to doe contrary therevnto, the ſame commiſſioners hadde authoritie, and were commaunded to arreſt and empriſon them, till for their further puniſhment, order mighte be taken.

On Saint Margarets day, the Kyng beyng ready to take his iourney to Berkhamſteede in the greate Court of the Abbey of Saint Albons,The commōs of Hertfordſhire ſworne to the Kyng. had all the commons of the countie of Hertforde before him, that had ſummons there to appeare, all that were betwixt fifteene and threeſcore yeres of age, where they tooke an othe togither from thenceforth, to be faithfull ſubiects vnto him, and neuer to riſe or make any commotion, to the diſturbance of his peace, and rather to die, than to conſente vnto anye rebellious perſons, whome they ſhoulde to the vttermoſt of their powers doe their beſt, to apprehende and deliuer them to the Kings priſon, that they mighte he foorthe comming.

After they had receyued this othe, they were licenced to depart, and the King rode to Berkhamſteede, where hee remained for a time, and after went to Eſthamſteede to recreate himſelfe with hunting, where hee was enformed, that thoſe whiche were hanged at Saint Albons, were taken from the gallowes and remoued a good way from the ſame: with whiche preſamption he was ſo ſtirred, that he ſent forthwith his letters to the Baylifes of the Towne of Saint Albons, commaunding them vppon the ſighte of the ſame, to cauſe cheynes to be made, and to bring the ſayde bodyes backe vnto the gallowes, and to hang them in thoſe chaynes vpon the ſame gallowes, there to remayne, ſo long as one peece myghte ſticke to an other, according to the forme of the iudgement giuen. The teſte of this writ thus directed to the Baylifes of Saint Albons, was at Eſthamſteede the thirde of Auguſt, in the fifth yeare of this kings raigne. The Towneſmen of S. Albons durſt not diſobey the kings commandement, and ſo hanged vp againe in cheynes the dead bodies of their neighbours, greatly to theyr ſhame and reproch, when they could get none other for anye wages, to come neere the ſtincking carcaſſes, but that they were conſtreyned themſelues to take in hande ſo vile an office. And ſuch was the ende of the tumultes at Saint Albons, where as well as in other places, the vnruly cō mons had played their partes. To conclude and make an ende of theſe diueliſh troubles, to y^e ende it may appeare, in what daunger as well the K. as whole ſtate of the Realme ſtoode, by the miſcheuous attemptes of the vnruly people, I haue thoughte good to declare the confeſſion of Iacke Strawe one of their chiefe Captaynes (and next in reputation amongſt them vnto Watte Tyler) when he came to be executed in London.The confeſsiō of Iacke Straw at the time of his death. The ſame time (ſaid he) that we were aſſembled vpon Blackeheath, and hadde ſente to the king to come vnto vs, our purpoſe was to haue ſlayne al ſuche Knightes, Eſquiers, and Gentlemen as ſhould haue giuen their attendance thither vppon hym: and as for the King, we woulde haue kepte hym amongſt vs, to the ende that the people myghte more boldly haue repaired to vs, ſith they ſhoulde haue thought, that whatſoeuer we did, the ſame had bin done by his authoritie. Finally when we had got power ynough, that we needed not to feare any force that might be made forth againſt vs, we would haue ſlayne all ſuch noble men, as mighte either haue giuen counſell, or made anye reſiſtance againſte vs, ſpecially, the Knightes of the Rhodes, and laſtly, wee woulde haue kylled the Kyng and all menne of poſſeſſions, with Byſhoppes, Monkes, Chanons, and parſons of Churches, onely Friers Mendicants we would haue ſpared, that myghte haue ſuffiſed for the miniſtration of the Sacramentes, and when we hadde made a riddance of all thoſe, wee woulde haue deuiſed lawes, according to the whych, the ſubiectes of thys Realme ſhoulde haue liued, for we woulde haue created Kyngs, as Watte [...] ler in Kente, and other in other Countreys: [...] bycauſe thys oure purpoſe was diſappoynted by the Archbyſhoppe of Caunterbury, that wo[...]e not permitte the King to come vnto vs, we ſought by all meanes to diſpatch hym out of the way, as at length we did.

Moreouer, the ſame euening that Watte Tiler was kylled, wee were determined, hauyng the greateſt parte of the commons of the Citie bent to ioyne with vs, to haue ſette fyre in foure corners of the Citie, and ſo to haue deuided amongſt vs the ſpoyle of the chiefeſt ryches that myghte haue beene founde at oure pleaſure, and thys (ſayde hee) was oure purpoſe, as God maye help me now at my laſt ende.

Thus maye you ſee, after what ſorte they were conſpired, to the deſtruction of the Realme. And leaſt this one mans confeſſion might ſeeme inſufficiente, diuers other of them confeſſed the ſame, or muchwhat the lyke in effect, when they ſawe no remedie, but preſente deathe before their eyes.

To declare the occaſion why ſuche miſchiefes happened thus in the Realme, wee leaue to the iudgemente of thoſe that maye coniecture a troth thereof, by conferring the manners of that age and behauior of all ſtates then, ſith they that wrote in thoſe dayes, maye happely in that behalfe miſſe the trueth, in conſtruing things, according to theyr affections: but truely it is to bee thoughte, that the faultes, as well in one degree, as other, ſpecially the ſynnes of the whole nation, procured ſuche vengeaunce to riſe,The c[...]e of the late [...] multes. whereby they myghte bee warned of theyr euill doings, and ſeeke to reforme the ſame in tyme conuenient. But as it commeth ſtill to paſſe, when the daunger is once ouerſhotte, repentaunce lykewiſe is putte ouer, and is no more regarded, till an other ſcourge commeth eftſoones to putte menne in remembraunce of theyr duetie, ſo in lyke manner as ſeemeth, it chaunced in this Kynges dayes, as by that whiche followeth it may more playnely appeare.

In thys meane tyme that theſe troubles were at the hotteſt in Englande, the Duke of Lancaſter beeyng in Scotlande, ſo behaued hymſelfe (in the treatie whyche hee hadde in hande with the Scottes,) diſſembling the matter ſo, as if he had not vnderſtoode of any trouble in Englande at all,A truce [...] Scotlande. Tho. VVal[...] Froiſſart. that finallye before the Scottes hadde knowledge thereof, a truce was concluded to endure (for two yeares) or as other haue, for three yeares. When hee hadde made an ende there, and that all thyngs were agreed vppon and paſſed, for the confirmation of that accorde, hee returned to Berwike, but at his comming thither, the Captayne ſir Mathew Redmā would not ſuffer him to enter y^e towne,The captain of Berwyke will not ſuffer the duke of Lancaſter to enter into the town bycauſe of a commaundement giuen to him frō the Earle of Northumberlande, Lord Warden of the marches: wherefore the Duke was glad to returne into Scotlande agayne, obteyning licence of the Scottes to remayne amongſt them, till the Realme of England was reduced to better quiet. Herevpon, the Commons in England that fauored hym not, tooke occaſion to reporte the worſt of hym that myghte bee deuiſed, calling him nowe in tyme of their rebellious commotions, a traytor to the Realme, declaring that hee hadde ioyned hymſelfe to the Scottes, and meant to take part with them, againſt his owne natiue countrey.

The Kyng indeede hadde ſente commaundemente during the time of the rebellious troubles, vnto the Earle of Northumberlande, that hee ſhoulde haue good regard to the ſafekeeping of all the Townes and Caſtels vnder his rule, and not to ſuffer anye perſon to enter the ſame, hauing forgot to except the Duke of Lancaſter beeyng then in Scotlande: wherevppon the Duke tooke no ſmall diſpleaſure with the Earle of Northumberlande, as after hee well ſhewed at hys cōming home. But before hee returned foorth of Scotlande, he wrote to the Kyng, to vnderſtād his pleaſure, in what ſort he ſhould returne, humbling hymſelfe in ſuch wiſe, as hee made offer to come with one Knight, one Eſquier, & a grome, if it ſhould pleaſe the Kyng ſo to appoynt him, or if it ſo were that by his preſence it was thoughte the Realme was like to fall in anye trouble, hee was ready to departe into exile, neuer to returne into his Countrey agayne, if ſo bee that through his abſence the King and Realme mighte enioy peace and quietneſſe.

The Kyng hearing ſuch offers, wrote to him, that his pleaſure was to haue hym to returne home, with all hys whole trayne, and if the ſame were not thoughte ſufficiente to guarde him, hee ſhould take of euery Towne by the which he paſſed, a certayne nūber of men to attend hym vnto the next Towne for hys ſafegarde, and ſo it was done, the Kyng ſending him commiſſion to that effect, and thus cōming to the Courte, he was of the Kyng right honorably receyued.

Within a few dayes after his commyng, hee exhibited a greeuous complaynte agaynſt y^e Erle of Northumberland, for abuſing hym in dyuers ſortes,The Duke of Lancaſter that [...] the earle of Northum [...] ioyth [...]alty crimes in time of the late troubles, ſo as his honor was greatly thereby touched, for whych the Earle was ſente for, and commaunded to come vnto Barkhamſteede, where all the Lordes in manner of the land were aſſembled in Counſell.

Heere, after the Duke had la[...]de dyuers things ſo the Earles charge, for his diſobedience, vnfaithfulneſſe, and ingratitude, the Earle after the manner of his Countrey, not able to forbeare, brake out into reprochfull wordes againſte the Duke, although hee was commaunded by the Kyng to ceaſſe, where the Duke kept ſilence in humble manner, at the firſt word, when the king commaunded hym to holde his peace, ſo that by reaſon of the Earles diſobedience in that behalfe, he was arreſted. But yet the Erles of Warwike and Suffolke vndertaking for his appearance at the nexte Parliament, he was ſuffered to depart, and ſo the Counſell brake vp.

About the feaſt of all Sainctes,The duke of Lancaſter and the Earle of Northumberland come to the parliamēt with greate troupes of armed men. the Parliamente beganne, to the whiche the Duke of Lancaſter came, bringing with him an exceedyng number of armed men, and lykewiſe the Earle of Northumberlande, with no leſſe company came likewiſe to London, and was lodged within the Citie, hauing great friendſhip ſhewed towardes hym of the Citizens,The Londoners, frends to the Earle of Northumberlande. who promiſed to aſſiſt hym at all tymes, when neceſſitie required, ſo that hys parte ſeemed to bee ouerſtrong for the Duke, if they ſhoulde haue come to any triall of their forces at that time.

The Duke laye with his people in the ſuburbes,The Lords ſi[...] in armour in the parliamē [...] houſe. and euery day when they went to the Parliament houſe at Weſtminſter, both partes went thither in armour, to the great terror of thoſe that were wiſe and graue perſonages, fearing ſome miſchiefe to fall foorth of that vnaccuſtomed maner of theyr goyng armed to the Parliamente houſe, contrary to the auntient vſage of y^e realme. At length, to quiet the parties,The K. maketh an agreemēt betweene the duke of Lancaſter an[...] the Earle of Northumberland. and to auoyde ſuche inconuenientes as mighte haue growen of theyr diſſention, the Kyng tooke the matter into hys handes, and ſo they were made friendes, to the ende that ſome good myghte bee done in that Parliamente, for reformation of things touching the ſtate of the Realme, for whiche cauſe, it was eſpecially called: but nowe after it had continued a long tyme, and fewe things at all concluded, newes came, that the Lady Anne, ſiſter to the Emperoure Wenſlaus, and fyanced wife to the Kyng of England, was come to Caleis, wherevppon, the Parliamente was proroged till after Chriſtmas, that in the meane time, the marriage myght bee ſolemniſed, whyche was appoynted after the Epiphanie: and foorthwith, grea[...] preparation was made to receyue the Bryde, that ſhee myghte bee conueyed with all honor vnto the Kyngs preſence.

Suche as ſhoulde receyue hir at Douer,The Emperours ſiſter a[...] fy[...] [...]o kyng Richard, is receyued at Douer. A waterſhak[...] repayred thither, where at hir landing a maruellous, and righte ſtraunge wonder happened, for ſhee was no ſooner out of hir Shippe, and g[...] to lande in ſafetie with all hir company, [...]t that forthwith the water was ſo troubled and ſhaken, as the like thing had not to any mans remembraunce euer bin hearde of: ſo that the Shippe in which the appoynted Queene came ouer, was terribly rent into peeces, and the reſidue ſo beaten one againſte an other, that they were ſcattered heere and there, after a wonderfull manner. Before hir comming to the Citie of London, ſhee was met on Blackheath, by the Maior, and Citizens of London,1382 in moſt honorable wiſe, and ſo with greate triumph conueyd to Weſtminſter, where at the time appoynted, all the Nobilitie of the Realme being aſſembled,The Kings marriage with the Emperors ſiſter. ſhee was ioyned in marriage to the King, and Crownes Queene, by the Archbyſhop of Caunterbury, with all the glory and honor that might be deuiſed.

There were alſo holden for the more honor of the ſame marriage, ſolemne Iuſtes for certayne dayes togither, in which, as well the Engliſhmen as y^e new Queenes Countreymen, ſhewed proofe of their manhoode and valiancie, whereby prayſe and commendation of Knightly prowes was atchieued, not withoute domage of both the parties.

After that the ſolemnitie of the marriage was finiſhed, the Parliamente eftſoones beganne, in the whiche, many things were enacted, for the behoofe of the common wealthe. And amongſt other things it was ordeyned, that all maner manumiſſions, obligations, releaſſes, and other bondes made by compulſion, dures, and menace, in time of this laſt tumulte and ryot agaynſte the lawes of the lande, and good fayth, ſhould bee vtterly voyde and adnihillate. And further, that if the Kynges faythfull liege people did perceyue any gathering of the Commons in ſuſpect wiſe, to the number of ſixe or ſeauen, holding conuenticles togither, they ſhoulde not ſtay for y^e Kings writte in that behalfe, for theyr warrante, but forthwith it ſhoulde bee lawfull for them to apprehende ſuche people, aſſembling togither, and to lay them in priſon, till they mighte aunſwere their doings.

Theſe and many other things were eſtabliſhed in this Parliamente, of the whiche, the moſt part are ſet foorthe in the Printed Booke of Statutes, where yee maye reade the ſame more at large.

In tyme of thys Parliamente, the Earle of Suffolke, William Vfforde, beeyng choſen by the Knyghtes of the Shires, to pronounce in behalfe of the common wealthe, certayne matters concerning the ſame: The very day and houre in whyche hee ſhoulde haue ſerued that turne, as hee wente vp the ſtaires,The ſuddayne [...]eath of the Earle of Suffolke. towardes the vpper houſe, he ſuddaynely fell downe, and dyed in the handes of hys ſeruauntes, buſie about to take hym vp, whereas hee felte no griefe of ſickneſſe when hee came into Weſtminſter, beeyng then and before merrie and pleaſante ynough, to all mens ſights.

Of hys ſuddayne death, many were grea[...] abaſſhed, for that in hys lyfe tyme, hee [...] ſhewed hymſelfe courteous and amiable to all men.

The Parliamente ſhortly therevppon tooke ende, after that the Merchauntes had graunted to the Kyng for a ſubſedie certayne cuſtomes of theyr woolles, whiche they bought and ſolde, called a Maletot, to endure for four yeares.

The Lord Richard Scrope was made Lord Chancellor, and the Lorde Hugh Segraue Lord Treaſorer.

About the ſame time,The Earle of Marche, his good ſeruice, whil[...]ſt he [...] dep[...]ie of Irelande. the Lorde Edmonde Mortimer Earle of Marche, the Kings Lieutenaunt in Irelande departed this life, after hee had brought in manner all that lande to peace and quiete, by his noble and prudente gouernemente.

In this ſeaſon,Wiclif[...] doctrine. Wiclife ſet foorthe dyuers Articles and concluſions of hys doctrine, whiche the newe Archbyſhoppe of Caunterbury, William Courtney, lately remoued from the Sea of London, vnto the higher dignitie, dyd what hee coulde by all ſhiftes to ſuppreſſe, and to force ſuche as were the ſetters foorthe, and maynteyners thereof, to recante, and vtterly to renounce. What hee brought to paſſe, in the Booke of Actes and monumentes ſet foorthe by maiſter Foxe, ye may finde at large.

The Tweſday next after the feaſt of Sain[...]t Iohn Port latine, an other Parliament began, in whiche at the earneſt ſute and requeſt of the Knyghtes of the ſhires, Iohn Wrawe Prieſt,Iohn Wrawe▪ that was the chiefe doer among the commons in Suffolke, at Bury, and Mildenhale, was adiudged to be drawen, and hanged, although many beleeued, that hys lyfe ſhould haue bin redeemed for ſome great portion of money.

A lewde fellowe that tooke vppon hym to bee ſkilfull in Phiſicke and Aſtronomy, cauſed it to bee publiſhed thorough the Citie of London, that vppon the Aſcention euen, there would riſe ſuche a peſtilente Planet, that all thoſe whyche came abroade foorthe of theyr chambers, before they hadde ſayde fyue tymes the Lordes prayer, then cōmonly called the Pater noſter, & dyd not eate ſomewhat that morning, before theyr going foorthe, ſhoulde bee taken with ſickneſſe, and ſuddaynely dye therof. Many fooles beleeued him, and obſerued hys order, but the nexte daye, when hys preſumptuous lying coulde be no longer faced out, hee was ſet on Horſebacke, with his face towardes the tayle, whyche hee was compelled to holde in hys hande in ſtead of a bridell,A Col[...] [...] phet [...] aright. and ſo was ledde about the Citie, with two Iorden pottes about hys necke, and a whetſtone, in token that hee had well deſerued it, for the notable lye which he had made.

[...]ips of Rye [...]ce a god [...].Aboute the ſame time, certayne Engliſhe Shippes of Rye, and other places, wente to the Sea, and meeting with certayne Pirats, fought with them, and ouercame them, raking a ſeauen Shippes, with a three hundred men in thē. One of thoſe Shippes had bin taken from the Engliſhe men afore tyme, and was called the Fawcon, belongyng to the Lorde William Latimer. They were al richly ladē with wine, wax, and other good merchandiſe.

This yeare, the Maior of London, Iohn de Northhampton, otherwiſe called Iohn de Cō berton, [...]ohn de Nor [...]ampton Ma [...] of London, [...]raite puni [...] of adul [...]rie in hys [...]e. did puniſhe ſuche as were taken in Adultery, very extreamely: for fyrſte, hee putte them in the priſon, called the Tonne, that then ſtoode in Cornehill, and after cauſed the women to haue theyr heare cutte, as theeues in thoſe dayes were ſerued, that were appeachers of others, and ſo were they ledde about the ſtreetes, with trumpettes and pipes goyng before them. Neyther were the menne ſpared more than the women, beeyng putte to manye open ſhames and reproches.

But bycauſe the puniſhmente of ſuche offences, was thoughte rather to apperteyne vnto the ſpirituall iuriſdiction, than to the temporall, the Byſhoppe of London, and other of the Cleargie, tooke it in very euill parte, but the Maior beeyng a ſtoute man, woulde not forbeare, but vſed hys authoritie heerein, to the vttermoſt.

About the ſame tyme alſo, when the Archebyſhoppe of Caunterbury ſate in iudgemente vppon a proceſſe that was framed agaynſt one Iohn Aſton,The Londo [...]ers fauourers [...] Wicliffes [...]octrine. a maiſter of arte, that was an earneſt follower of Wicliffes doctrine, the Londoners brake open the dores, where the Archbyſhop with hys Diuines ſate, and cauſed them to gyue ouer, ſo that they durſt proceede no further in that matter.

The ſame yeare, were the Fiſhmongers of London ſore diſquieted by the foreſayde Maior,The Fiſhmongers ſore troubled by the Maior. who ſoughte to infringe theyr liberties, graunting licence to forreyners, to come and ſell all manner of fyſhe, as freely, and more freely, than anye of the companye of Fiſhmongers: for they mighte not buy it at the forreyners handes to ſell it agayne, by anye meanes, and ſo that companye, whyche before hadde beene accompted one of the chiefeſt in the Citie, was nowe ſo broughte downe, as it ſeeemed to bee one of the meaneſt, beeyng compelled to confeſſe, that theyr occupation was no craft, nor worthy ſo to bee accompted amongſt other the craftes of the Citie.

Thys yeare, the one and twentith of Maye beeyng Wedneſday, a greate earthquake chaunced about one of the clocke in the after noone,A great earthquake. Churches ouerthrown by the earthquake. it was ſo vehemente, and namely in Kent, that the Churches were ſhaken therewith in ſuche wiſe, that ſome of them were ouerthrowen to the grounde.

On the Saterday after, beeing the foure and twentith daye of May, earely in the morning, chaunced an other earthquake, or as ſome write, a waterſhake, beeyng ſo vehemente, that it made the Shippes in the hauens to beare one againſte an other, by reaſon whereof,A waterquake. they were ſore bruyſed by ſuche knocking togyther, to the great wonder of the people, who being amaſed at ſuche ſtraunge tokens, ſtoode a long time after in more awe of Gods wrath and diſpleaſure, than before, for theſe ſo vnketh and dreadfull wonders thus ſhewed amongſt them.

An. reg. 6. About this ſeaſon, the Lord Richard Scrope, Lord Chācellor, was depoſed from that roomth, and the King receiuing the greate ſeale at hys handes, kept it a certaine time, and ſealed therewith ſuche grauntes and writings as it pleaſed him at length,The biſhop of London made L. Chancellour in the Lorde Scrope his roome. it was deliuered to Robert Braibro[...] Biſhop of London, who was made Lorde Chancellor.

The cauſe why the Lord Scrope was remoued from that dignitie, was this, when the Kyng vpon certayne reſpects hadde graunted vnto certaine Gentlemen, the lands and poſſeſſions that belonged to the late Earle of Marche, and other that were deceaſſed, (which he during the time of their heires minorities, oughte to enioy by the lawes of the Realme) the ſayd Lord Chancellor refuſed to ſeale ſuche grauntes, alledging that the King being greatly in debt, which he was to diſchange, ſtoode in neede of ſuche profites hymſelfe, and therefore as hee ſayde, he tooke not them for faithfull ſeruauntes, nor dutifull ſubiectes to hys grace, that reſpecting their owne priuate commoditie more than his or the Realmes, did ſue for ſuch grauntes at his hands, aduiſing them to holde themſelues cōtented with ſuch other things a[...] it had pleaſed or mighte pleaſe the King to beſtowe vppon them, for ſurely hee would not conſent, that they ſhoulde enioy ſuche giftes as thoſe were.

They that were thus reiected, made theyr complaynte in ſuche ſort to the King, that he takyng diſpleaſure with the ſayd Lord Scrope, depoſed hym from hys office, to the greate offence, both of the Nobles, and commons, by whoſe conſente, hee was preferred vnto that dignitie.

A new rebellion intended in Norffolke, is bewrayed by one of the conſpiracie before it burſte out.About Michaelmas this yere, certayn naughtie diſpoſed perſons in Northfolke, not warned by the ſucceſſe of the late Rebellion, went aboute a newe commotion, intending to murther the Byſhoppe of Norwiche, and all the Nobles and Gentlemen of that Countrey: and to bring theyr wicked purpoſe the better to paſſe, they determined to haue aſſembled togither at Saint Faithes fayre, and to haue compelled all thoſe that ſhould haue bin preſente at the ſame faire, to haue taken parte with them, or elſe to haue loſt their liues: and this beeing done, they woulde haue taken Sainct Benettes Abbey at Holme, whyche they woulde haue kepte for a fortreſſe, to haue withdrawen into vpon any force that had bin againſt them. But ere they could bring their purpoſe to paſſe, one of the conſpiracie bewraying the matter, they were apprehended, and loſt their heads at Norwich, for theyr malitious deuiſes.

About the ſame time, a Parliament was called, to the whiche, certayne commiſſioners from the Countrey of Flaunders came, to treate of certayne agreementes betwixt the King and [...], and the eſtates of theyr Countrey:The [...]. but [...] thoſe that came ouer at this time, ſeemed not ſufficient to conclude ſuche treaties, as then was in hande, they were ſente backe to fetche other more ſufficiente, as from euery Towne in Flaunders ſome ſuche as myghte haue full authoritie to goe through, and confirme the agreementes, then in hande.

In this Parliamente, the Maior of London, with a great part of the commoners of the Citie, vpon ſuggeſtion by them made againſt the fiſhemongers,An act [...] the Fiſh[...] gers within the citie of London. for vſing greate deceyt in v[...]ng of their fiſhes, obteyned to haue it enacted, that from thenceforth, none of that company, nor [...]ye of the Vintners, Butchers, Groſſers, or other that ſolde any prouiſion of vittailes, ſhould be comitted Maior of the Citie, and ſo by this ſhifts they ſought to cut off all meanes from the Fi[...]mongers, to recouer againe their olde forfiter [...]gree. And bycauſe it was knowen well ynough of what authoritie ſir Iohn Philpot Knight was within the Citie, and that hee fauoured thoſe whome the Lord Maior, y^t ſaid Iohn de Northhampton fauoured not, hee was put off from the benche, and myght not ſitte with them that were of the ſecrete counſell in y^e Cities affayres, wheras neuertheleſſe he had trauelled more for the preſeruation of the Cities liberties, than all the reſidue.

Sir Henry Spencer Biſhop of Norwiche, receyued a little before this preſente, Builes from Pope Vrbane, to ſigne all ſuch with the Croſſe, that woulde take vpon them to goe ouer y^e Seas with hym to warre agaynſt thoſe that held with the Antipape Clemente, that tooke himſelfe for Pope, and to ſuche as woulde receyue the Croſſe in that quarrell, ſuche lyke beneficiall pardons were graunted by Pope Vrbane,Remiſion [...] of ſins gra[...] ted to as [...] as would ſig[...] againſt Clement the Antipape. as were accuſtomarily granted vnto ſuch as went to fighte againſt the Infidels, the Turkes, and Saraſins, to witte free remiſſion of ſinnes, and many other graces.

The Byſhop of Norwiche that had the diſpoſing of the benefites graunted by thoſe Bulles, to all ſuche as eyther woulde goe themſelues in perſon, or elſe giue any thing towardes the furtherance of that voyage, and mayntenance of thē that went in the ſame, ſhewed thoſe Bulles now in open Parliamente, and cauſed copies to bee written foorth, and ſente into euery quarter, that his authoritie and power Legantine, mighte be notifyed to all menne, for the better bringing to paſſe, of that hee hadde in charge: and truely it ſhoulde appeare, there wanted no diligence in the man to accompliſhe the Popes purpoſe: and on the other parte yee muſt note, that the priuiledges which he hadde from the Pope, were paſſing large, ſo that as the matter was handled, there were d[...]s Lords, Knights, eſquiers, and other men of warre in good numbers, that o[...]red them ſelues to go in that voyage, and to follow the ſtā d[...]rdes of the church with the Biſhop, & no ſ[...]all ſu[...]s of [...]ncy were lented and gathered amongeſt the people, for the [...]iſhyng [...] the of that armie,The Earle of Cambridge returneth out of Portingale. as afor[...] ye ſhall heare. In this meane tyme the erle of Cambridge returned home from Portingale; whether as ye haue hearde, he[...] was ſent the laſte yeare, and promiſe made, that: the duke of Lancaſter ſhould haue folowed him, but by reaſon of the late rebellion, and alſo for other conſiderations, as the warres in Flaunders: betwixt the Erle and them of Gaunt, it was not thought couentent that any men of warre ſhuld go foorth of the realme: and ſo the K. of Portingale not able of himſelfe to go through with his enterpriſe againſt y^e K. of Spain, after ſom ſmal exploits atcheued by y^e Engliſhmē, & other of the Erle of Cambridge his companie, as the wynning of certain fortreſſes belonging to the King of Caſtille, and that the two kings had layne in field, the one againſt the other by the ſpace of .xv. days without battayle, the matter was taken vp, and a peace concluded betwixt them, ſore againſt the mynde of the Erle of Cambridge, who did what in him lay, to haue brought them to a ſette field: but when there was no remedie, he bare it ſo paciently as hee mighte, and returned home with his people, ſore offended (thoughe he ſayde little) againſt the king of Portingale, for that he delt otherwiſe in this mater than was looked for.The Earle of Cambridge his ſonne aff[...]ed to the K. of Portingales daughter. He had fianced his ſonne whiche hee had by the daughter of Peter ſometime king K. of Caſtille, vnto the king of Portingales daughter nowe in the time of his being there but although he was earneſtly requeſted of the ſaid king, he would not leaue his ſon behind him, but brought him backe with him again into England (together with his mother) doubting the ſlipper faith of thoſe people.

1383.In the Lent ſeaſon of this ſixt yere of K. Richards raigne an other parliament was called at London, in the which there was hard holde about the bulles ſente to the biſhop of Norwiche from Pope Vrbane,Clementines. Vrbaniſtes. concerning his iourneye that he ſhould take in hand againſt the Clementines as we may call thē for y^t they held with Pope Clement, whom the Vrbaniſts, that is, ſuch as held with pope Vrbane, tooke for Sciſmatiks. Diuers ther were, that thought it not good that ſuch ſummes of mony ſhuld be leuied of the kings ſubiects and the ſame togither with an armie of mē to be committed vnto the guiding of a Prelate vnſkilfull in warrelike affaires: other there were that would needes haue hym to goe, that the enimies of the churche (as they tooke them) might be ſubdued. And although the more parte of the lordes of the vpper houſe, and likewiſe the Knightes and Burgeſſes of the lower houſe were earneſtly bent againſt this iorney, yet at length thoſe that were of the contrary minde, preuailed,A fifteenth aſſigned to the Bisshop of Norvvich tovvards the vvarres taken in hande againſt the Antipape. and ſo it was decreede, that it ſhould forwarde, and that the, ſaide biſhoppe of Norwiche ſhoulde haue the [...] the graunted to the king in the laſte parliament, to pay the wages of ſuche men of warre as ſhoulde goe [...]er with hym: for ſouldiors wythout m[...]ey paſſed not [...] of pardones, no not [...] thoſe dayes excepte at the very point of death, if they were not aſſ[...]ed howe to be aunſwered of their wages, [...] of ſome other cōſideration wherby they myghte gay[...]e. The tenthe that was graunted afore by the Biſhops at Oxforde, is nowe in this ſame Parliament appoynted to remayne to the king for the keepyng of the ſeas, whileſt the Biſhop [...] be forme of the realme in folowing thoſe warres. Thoſe things being thus appointed the biſhop ſendeth forth his letters ſ[...] med with his ſeale into euery prouince & coūtrey of this lād, giuing to al perſons, vicars, & curates through this realme power & authoritie to [...]re the confeſſions of their pariſhoners,The Croſſed Souldiours. & to graunte vnto thoſe that wold beſtow any parcel of theyr goods which God had lent[...] [...]dwards the aduauncing of the iorney to be made by the croſſed ſouldiors againſt Pope. Vrbans enimies, the obſolutions & remiſſion of al their ſinnes by y^e Popes authoritie, according to the forme of the Bul, before mencioned. The people vnderſtanding of ſo great & gracious a benefite, as they tooke it, thus offred to the engliſh natiō, at home in their own houſes, were deſirous to be partakers therof, and thoſe y^t were warlike men, prepared thēſelues to go forth in that iorney with al ſpeed poſſible: the reſidue that were not fit to be warryours, accordyng to that they were exhorted by theyr confeſſours, beſtowed liberally of theyr goods to the furtheraunce of thoſe that wente: and ſo, fewe there were within the whole kingdome, but that eyther they went, or gaue ſomewhat to the aduauncing foorth of the Biſhop of Norwiche his voyage. Which Biſhop choſe diuers to be aſſociate with him,The captaines that vvēt vvith the Bishop of againſt the An-Norvviche atipape. as Captains that were expert in warlike enterpriſes. The firſt & principal was ſir Hugh Caluerley an old mā of warre, & one that in all places had borne himſelf both valiantly & politikely: Next vnto him was ſir Williā Farington, who ſtoutely ſpake in the Biſhops cauſe, when the matter came in queſtion in the parliament houſe, touching his going ouer with thys Croyſey. Beſide theſe, ther wēt diuers noble mē and knightes of high renoune, as the lord Henry Beaumount, ſir Williā Elmham, and ſir Thomas Triuet, ſir Iohn Ferrers, ſir Hugh Spēcer,Froiſſart. the biſhops nephue by his brother ſir Mathewe Redman captain of Barwicke, Sir Nicholas Tarenſon or Traicton, ſir William Farington and manye other of the Engliſhe nation: and of Gaſcongne there wente le ſire de Chaſteauneuf, and his brother ſir Iohn de Chaſteauneuf, Raymund de Marſen, Guillonet de Paux, Gariot Vighier, Iohn de Cachitan, and diuers other: Sir Iohn Beauchamp was appointed Marſhal of the field, but bicauſe he was at that preſent in the marches of the realme towards Scotland, he was not readie to paſſe ouer when the Biſhoppe did. The Duke of Lancaſter liked not wel of the Biſhops iorney, for that hee ſawe howe hys voyage that he meant to make into Spayn was hereby for the tyme diſappoynted, and he coulde haue bin better contented, as appeareth by writers, to haue had the money imployed vpon the wartes agaynſt the king of Caſtille, that was a Clementine, than to haue it beſtowed vpon this voyage, which the Biſhop was to take in hande againſt the French king, and other in this neerer parties. Herevpon there were not many of the Nobilitie that offered to go with the Biſhop.

But to ſaye ſomewhat of other thyngs that were concluded in this laſt parliament, we fynd, that the Fiſhmongers,The ſtatute againſte Fishemongers repealed, they reſtored to their liberties. whiche through meanes of the late Lorde Maior Iohn of Northampton and his complices were put from theyr auncient cuſtomes and liberties, whiche they enioyed aforetyme within the Citie, were nowe reſtored to the ſame agayne, ſauing that they myght not keepe Courtes among themſelues, as in tymes paſt they vſed, but that after the maner of other craftes and companies, all tranſgreſſions, offences and breaches of lawes and cuſtoms by them committed, ſhould be heard, tryed, and reformed in the Mayres Courte.

All thys winter the matter touching the gathering of mony towards the Croyſey, was earneſtly applyed, ſo that there was leuied what of the diſme, and by the deuotion of the people for obteyning of the pardon, ſo muche as drewe to the ſumme of .xxv. thouſand frankes.

When the Biſhop therefore had ſet things in good forwardneſſe for his iourney, he drewe towardes the ſea ſide, and was ſo deſirous to paſſe ouer,The Byshoppe of Norvviche ſetteth forvvard vvith hys armye. & to inuade his aduerſaries, that althoughe the king ſent to him an expreſſe cōmaundement by letters to returne to the Court, that he might conferre with him before he toke the ſeas, yet he excuſing himſelfe, that the tyme would not then permit him to ſtaye longer, paſſed ouer to Caleys, where he landed the .xxiij. of Aprill in thys vj. yeare of King Richards reigne.Polidor. The armye appoynted to attende him in this iourney, roſe to the number of .ij.M. horſmen, and fifteene thouſand footmen, Froiſſart. v. C. ſpeares & xv.C. other. as ſome write, though other ſpeak of a farre leſſer number: but it ſhould ſeeme that they went not ouer all at one time, but by parts, as ſome before the Biſhop, ſome with him, [...] ſome after him. And when he and the[...] [...] before named, were come ouer to [...] tooke counſel togither into what place they [...] make their firſt i[...]aſion, and bicauſe [...] miſſion was to make warre onely againſt [...] that held with Pope Clement, the[...] [...] were of this mynde, tha[...] it ſhould be moſt expedient for them to enter into Fraunce, and to [...]ake warre againſt the Frenchemen, wh[...] men knewe to be chiefe maynteyners of the ſayd Clemente. But the Biſhop of Norwiche [...] of this opinion, that they coulde not doe [...] than to inuade the countreye of Flaunders, bycauſe that a little before, Earle Lewes hauyng intelligence that king Richard had made a confederacie with them of Gaunt, had in the [...] part, expulſed all Engliſhmen out of hi[...] [...] nions and countreyes, ſo that the [...] whiche hadde their goodes at Bruges, and [...] places in Flaunders, ſuſteyned great loſſes.

Though there were that replyed againſt the Biſhops purpoſe herein,The By[...] of Norvvi[...] in[...]deth Flaunders. as ſir Hugh Cal[...]rley and others, yet at length they yelded thereto, and ſo by his commaundement, they wente ſ[...]ght to Grauelyn, the .xxj. day of May, and immedi[...] wan it by aſſault.Ia. Me[...]. Whervpon Bruckburg was yelded vnto them, the lyues and goodes of them within ſaued. Then went they to Dunkirk,Dūkir[...] vv[...] and ſ[...]ed by the engliſhmē. and without any great reſiſtance entred the Towne and wanne there exceeding much by the ſpoyle, for it was full of riches, whiche the Engliſhmen pylfered at their pleaſure. The Earle of Flaunders lying at Liſle was aduertiſed how the engliſhmen were thus entred his countrey,The Earle of Flaunders [...] deth to the Byshoppe of Norvvic[...] to knovve the cauſe of his inuaſion of Flaū ders. wherevpon he ſent ambaſſadors vnto the Engliſh hoſt to vnderſtande why they made him warre that was a right Vrbaniſt. The biſhop of Norwich for aunſwere, declared to them that were ſente, that hee tooke the countrey to appertayne to the French king, as he that had of late conquered it, whom all the whole world knewe to be a Clementine, or at the leaſt he was aſſured, that the countrey therabouts was of the inheritāce of the lady of Bar, which likewiſe was a Clementin, & therfore except the people of that countrey wold come and ioyne with hym to goe againſt ſuch as were knowne to be enimies to Pope Vrban, he would ſurely ſeeke to deſtroy them. And where as the Earles ambaſſadoures required a ſafeconduct, to go into Englande by Caleys to vnderſtand the kings pleaſure in this matter, the biſhop would grant them none at all, wherefore they went back againe to the Erle their maiſter, with that aunſwere. The Engliſhemen after the taking and ſpoyling of Dunkirke retourned to Grauelyn and Bruckburg, whyche places they fortifyed, and then leauyng garnyſons in them, they went to Mar[...], and [...] for it was not cloſed. In the meane time, the co[...]ey men of Weſt Flaunders roſe in armour, [...] to Dunkirke, meaning to reſiſt the Engliſhmen wherof when the biſhoppes, was certified, with [...]l ſpeede he marched thither, and commyng to the place, where the Flemmings, to the number of more tha[...], thouſand, were aranged withoute the towre,An [...]lde of [...]ts ſente to the Fleminges by the Bishop of Norvviche [...] ſ[...]. he ſent an herauld vnto them to know the truthe of whether Pope they helde, but the rude people, not vnderſtāding what appertained to the law of armes, ranne vpon the heraulde at his approching to them, and ſlewe him befor[...] [...]e could beginne to tell his tale.

The engliſhmen herewith enflamed, determined either to reuenge the death of their heraulde or to dye for it, and therwith ordered their battailes ready to fight, and being not aboue .v. M. fighting men in all,T[...] VVal. the biſhoppe placed hymſelfe ammongeſt the horſemen, and ſ[...]t the footmen in a battaile marſhalled wedge wyſe, broade behind, and ſharpe before,The order of the Bishoppe of Norvviche [...] battaile againſte the Fle[...]ges, hauing wyth them a h[...]nner wherin the croſſe was beaten. The archers were raunged on eyther ſide: The ſtande[...]de of the church went before, the fielde gewles, and two keys ſiluer, ſignifying that they were ſouldiours of Pope Vrbane. Moreouer, the Biſhop had his penon there Siluer and azure quarterly, [...] fre[...]t gold on the azure, a bend gules on the ſiluer and bicauſe he was yongeſt of the Spēcers, he bare a border g[...]les for a difference. At the approching of the battayles togither, the trumpets blew vp and the archers beganne to ſhoot againſt the battayle of the Flemmings, the which valiantly defēded themſelues, and fought egrely a long time but at length they were ſo galled with arrowes, which the archers ſhot at them a flanke, that they were not able to endure, but were compelled to giue back. They were deuided into two battails, a vaward, & a rerewarde. When the vaward began to ſhrinke, the rerewarde alſo brake, order, and fled, but the Engliſhmen purſued them ſo faſt,The Flemings [...]icorized by the englishmen. that they could not eſcape, but were ouertaken and ſlaine in great numbers.

Some ſay, there dyed of them in the battayle & chaſe v. thouſand, ſome .vj. thouſand: and other write, [...]. Meir. that there were .ix. thouſand of them ſlain: and Tho. Walſ. affirmeth .xij.M. Many of thē fled into the Towne of Dunkirke for f[...]re coure,Froiſſart. but the Engliſhmen purſued them ſo egerly, that they entred the town with thē, & ſlew thē downe in the ſtreetes. The Flemmings in diuers places gathered themſelues togither againe as they fled, and ſhewed countenance of defence, but ſtil, they were driuen out of order, and brought to confuſion.Tho. VValſ. Prieſts & reli [...]o[...] men har [...] [...]. The Prieſtes and religious men th[...] were with the Biſhoppe fought moſt egrely, ſome one of them ſlaying .xvj. of the enimies.

The[...] [...]ed of Engliſhmen as this batt[...] about [...] The [...] had no [...] [...] men amongeſt them,Iames Meir. [...] the men for they [...] of the [...] gliſh [...] come to m[...] battayle with them, but keping, [...] cōmons [...] countrey in [...]de to try[...] what they againſt [...] Engliſhmen [...] able to doe without them

This battaile was fought vpon a M[...]e being the [...] of May. [...] was [...] a wonderfull [...] townes and [...] ſome yelded the[...] [...]. Engliſhmen [...] Berghe[...] and others Some [...] as the caſtel of Dri[...]ht[...] [...] of S. [...] nant.The Englishmē ſubdue diuers tovvns in Flā ders, & ſpoyle the countrey. The tovvne of Ipre beſieged. T. o[...] ſhorte, the Engliſhmenne, became maiſters of all [...] the ſea ſides euen from Grauelyn to [...] got [...] [...] ches by pillage and ſpoile [...] [...]ould doſt with for greater [...] did [...] that they [...] in maner all the cloſe to [...] with[...] [...] [...]yli[...] wickes of [...], of [...]ring Meſſ[...]nes [...] Furneys, with the townes of [...] berke, and dyuers other. [...] the woods of [...] bootie, of [...] as greate ſorte of priſoners of the [...] people, whiche were fledde into thoſe [...] for f[...]re of the enimies; but the Engliſhmen [...]ng the [...] good bloud [...] their booties and pray vnto Gra[...]lin and Bi[...] hu[...]e.

The eigthe daye of [...]uke they ca[...] before the townes I[...]re, and layde [...] therein,The maner of fortifying [...] tovvnes in old tyme. wherat they continued the ſpace of it weekes. Thyther came to their ayde .xx.M. Gaun[...]rs bilder the leadyng of Frauncis A[...]eman, Peter Wood, and Peter Wyn[...]er; [...] they with[...] Ipre, were ſtraightely, baſieged [...]t there were within it in garniſo[...] diuers valiaunt knyghtes and Capitains, which defended the towne right manfully: It was fen[...]d with a mighte [...] pire, and a thicke hedge, trimly pla[...] wound wyth [...] as the manner of fortifying townes was in auncient time amongſt them in that countrey was [...].

D[...]yng the tyme that the ſiege [...]ye before Ipre, the Engliſhmen [...] abroade in the coūtrey for when it was ones known what good ſucceſſe the firſt companie that went[...] ouer had found the[...] came dayly forth of England greate others to be partakers of the gain: & ſir Io. Philpot y^t fauored the biſhope iorney,Hope of gayne encourageth [...]. prouided theyr of veſſelles for theyr Paſſage, till the Biſhop [...] derſtandyng that the more parte of thoſe that came th[...]s ouer were vnarmed, and broughte nothyng wyth them from home, but onely ſwordes, bowes and arrowes, did write vnto the ſayde ſir Iohn Philpot that he ſhoulde ſuffer none to paſſe the ſeas, but ſuch as were men able and likely to do ſeruice, where a great number of thoſe that were come to hym, were fitte for nothing but to conſume victuals.

The multitude of Engliſhemen and Galitiners at this ſiege was great, ſo that diuers ſkirmiſhes chanced betwixt them, and ſuch as were appointed by the Earle to lie in garniſons about in the country againſt them: but ſtill the victorie aboade on the Engliſhe ſide. Alſo there was an Engliſh prieſt,Iac. Meir. one ſir Iohn Boring that wente to Gaunt, with .v.C. Engliſh Archers, by whoſe ayde, Arnold Hans, one of the captains of Gaūt ouercame his enimies in battail, which were laid in a caſtel nere to the hauen of Alloſte, and ſtopped that no victuals mighte ſafely come oute of Holland or Zeland to be conueyd vnto Gaunt.

The Erle of Flaunders was not wel contented in his mynd,An. reg. 7. that the Engliſhmen were thus entred into his countrey, and therfore he earneſtly laboured to the Duke of Burgogne (that had maryed his daughter, and ſhoulde be heire of all his dominions and ſeigniories after his deceaſſe) to find ſome remedie in the matter. The Duke whome the matter touched ſo neere,The french K. cōmeth dovvn vvith a [...]nightie armie to raiſe the ſiege at Ipre. did ſo much with his nephue the Frenche king, that eftſoones he rayſed his whole puiſſance, and came downe into Flanders, ſo that the Engliſhmē perceiuing themſelues not of power to encounter with this huge and mightie armie, were conſtrayned after a great aſſault, whiche they gaue the .viij. of Auguſt,The ſiege at Ipre brokē vp. to reyſe their ſiege from Ipre the Monday after, being. S. Laurence day, and to withdrawe into Bruckburg, Berghen, Dixmew, Newport, Caſſell, Dunkirke, Grauelyn, and other places which they had wonne. But at Newporte the towneſmen ſet vp the Erles banner, and aſſayling thoſe that were come into the towne, ſlewe diuers of them. The Engliſhmen being ſore offended therwith,Nevvport ſacked and brente by the Engli[...]h men and Ga[...] tyners. came running thither with certain Gauntiners, and made greate ſlaughter of them that had ſo murthered their fellowes. The town was ſacked, & al the goods aſwell Churche iewels, as other, wer ſent away, partly by ſea into England, & partly by waggons vnto Berge. After this, they ſette fire in more than .xxx. places of the towne, ſo that there remained nothing vnbrent. The Engliſhmen and Gantiners y^t were withdrawn into Berg, got togither al the waggons in the country about, placing the ſame vpon the ditches and rampiers, to fortifye the ſame againſt their enimies.Thom. VVal. Some write, that after the breaking vp of the ſiege at Ipres, the Biſhop of Norwich wold gladly haue perſwaded the lords and knightes that were there with him,A couragious and vvarlik bishoppe. to haue entred into Picardie, and there to haue offred the French K. bataille; before his whole [...] [...] bin aſſembled but ſir Tho. Triuet & ſir [...] Elmhā with other, wold in no wiſe [...] vnto, ſo that y^e biſhop taking with him [...] Caluerley, that did the life forſake him, [...] [...] ther farewell, and fliſt making a [...] and [...] cardie, he after withdrew into Grauelyn, [...] les the other went to Bruckburg: [...] Froſſart, and other writers, it appereth, that [...] was certainly at Berge, with other that [...] tired thither, in purpoſe to defende [...] the frenche king, who ſtill folowed them and [...] red dyuers places out of theyr hands by [...] Mont Caſſell, the caſtell of Drinth[...] [...] Alſo at his cōming to Berghen, y^• ſa[...]e ſir Hugh Caluerley, and other that were within [...] [...] uing that they were not able to defend it [...] ſuche a puiſſa[...]ce as the french K. had there with him, being greater than euer ſir Hugh [...] ley that auncient captaine would haue thought that Fraūce had bin able to haue ſet wyth, [...] ted, & left the town to be ſpoyled of the Bryto[...] and other french ſouldiors, which exe[...] there all kinds of cruelty. The more part of y^e engliſhmen went to Bruckburgh, but ſir Hugh C[...] ley went to Grauelin, & ſo to Caleis, [...] diſpleaſed in his minde, for that his [...] could not be regarded in all this voiage, which if it had bin followed, wold haue brought it to a better iſſue than now it was, as was ſuppoſed.

The Frenche Kyng followyng the [...] of good fortune, that guided his ſtern,The Frēche K[...] vvith his huge army [...] the Engliſh [...] out of F[...] marched forth to Bruckburghe, ſo that the vaward of his army came before that towne on the Holyrood day, in September, vnder the leading of y^e erle of Flaū ders, the duke of Britaine, the Lorde Oliuer de Cliſſon hygh Conſtable of Fraunce,Bruckburgh yelded to the French. and the L. Valeran erle of S. Paule, the whiche demeaned themſelues in ſuch ſorte that althought the engliſhemen within, valiantly defended the frenchemens aſſaulte, yet the iij. day after the frenchemens cōming thither, the engliſhmē by compoſition that they might depart with bag & bagage, yelded vp the towne, which on the .xix. of Septē ber being Satterday, as that yere came aboute, was abandoned to the frenche ſouldiors, to rifle and ſpoile at their pleaſure, in the whiche feate the Britons bare y^e bell away, dooing more miſchiefe vnto the poore inhabitants, than with to[...]g can be recited.The duke of Britain a [...] to the Engliſhmen. The duke of Britaine holpe greatly to make the compoſition, that the engliſhmen might departe in ſafetie: for the which doing he was in greate hatred and obloquy of the ſouldiers, the which affirmed that he was not onely a friende to the engliſhemen, but an enimy to hys countrey and a traytor to the commen wealthe.

The Engliſhmen cōming to Grauelyn, ſet it on fire, and departed ſtreight to Caleys, leauing the countrey of Flanders to the Frenchmen, and ſo returned into Englande, where they were not greatly commended for their ſeruice, but were put ſo farre in blame, that ſir Thomas Tri[...], and ſir William El[...] wer cōmitted [...] priſon, within the Tower of London, as men ſuſpected of euill dealing in the deliuerie of Bruckburg and Grauelin to the French mens handes: for immediatly after that they had lefte Grauelyn,Grauelyn for [...] by the Frenchemen [...] counter [...] to Ca [...] Tho. VValſ. the Frenchmen came thither, and fortifyed it for a countergariſon to Caleys. There be that write how the French king offred to giue the biſhop of Norwich .xv.M. marks to raſe the town of Grauelyn, & ſo to leaue it vnto him, the biſhop hauing libertie with all his people and goodes to depart in ſafetie. The biſhop required to haue libertie for certain days, to make herevnto a full & deliberate anſwere, which was graunted, and in the meane tyme he ſent into England to aduertiſe the king in what ſtate he ſtood, and how the Frenche king lay before him with a mightie armye: & therfore if he meant euer to trie battayle with the Frenchemen, nowe was the tyme.

The ſame ſommer, the King w^t the Queene wēt abrode in progreſſe, viſiting in their way the riche abbeys of the realme,The Kyng and Queene in pro [...]. as Bury, Thetforde, Norwich & others going about a great part of y^t realme: and when theſe newes came to him frō the biſhop of Norwich, he was at Dauentrie in Northamtonſhire, and beeing the ſame time at ſupper, he put the table from him, & riſing with al haſt, got him to horſeback, and rode in poſt that night, changing horſe diuers tymes, with ſuche ſpeed that he came to S. Albons about midnight & making no ſtay there longer than he had borowed the Abbots gelding, haſted forth til he came to Weſtminſter: ſo that it appered he wold neuer haue reſted til he had paſſed the ſea, & giuē battail to the Frenchmē. But after his cōming to Weſt minſter, aweried with that haſtic iorney, he got him to bed, & liked ſo wel of eaſe, that he thought good to ſend a lieutenant in his ſtead to paſſe the ſeas, to deliuer y^e biſh. frō danger of his enimies. Herevpon was the duke of Lacaſter ſent for, [...] heate [...]one cooled. that he might with ſuche power as was redy to paſſe the ſeas, goe ouer with the ſame, and giue battayle to the French king: but he protracted time till the reſpite graunted to the Biſhoppe to make anſwer, was expired, and ſo the Biſhop when he ſawe no ſuccour come forth of Englande, raſed the towne, as the couenant was: but money he would not or did not receiue, bicauſe he thought in ſo doing, he ſhould offend the counſaile. At his cōming backe into England, he found the duke of Lancaſter at the ſea ſyde with a great power of menne readye to haue come ouer,The bishop of [...] where [...] into [...]lande out [...]ders. althoughe ſome thought that he deferred tyme of purpoſe, for that he myſlyked of the Biſhops whole enterpriſt: and now [...] cauſe it hadde [...] [...]rayle[...] ▪ he blamed the Biſhop for his euill g[...]emen[...] the [...] but ſir Hughe Caluerley he reteyned with hym a tyrk[...] d[...]ng hi[...] all honour, by reaſon of the owe app[...] valiancie, that had bin [...] founde in [...]. And this was the end of the Biſhop of N[...]

The Scots in the [...] why be ſafe not [...]all, but made roades into England, toke [...] brent the caſtel of Wark. M[...]er,VVarke caſtell brent by the Scottes. whileſt the [...]g[...] laye before [...]s Nines, the Frenchmen [...] contain veſſels, and ſent them [...]o the ſea, namely ha[...] valengers, as wel to intercept ſuch as ſhould p[...]ſſe betwene Englande and Flanders, as alſo to ſtop ſuch as were apointe [...] g[...] ouer [...] [...]aoyn, that were ſouldiors alſo of the Croyſey, appointed thither vnder the [...]g of the Lorde Brit[...]ale de la Bre[...]te, and certain others. When they of Porteſmouth [...] [...]hat the[...] fiue ſhips were abroade, they [...] forth to the Sea, and meeting with their aduerſa[...], ſought [...]yth them a [...]e cruel battaile, and in the [...] ſlow [...]ll the enimies, [...] excepted, and toke all the[...] veſſels.Dyuers French shippes taken by the Englishmen. An other fleet of Engliſhmen took .[...]ij. frēch ſhips, which had aboord, [...] omits of good wines, that comforted the Engliſhmens greatly.

About the feaſt of al Saint[...] was a parliamēt holden at London,A parliament at London. in which was granted to the K. one moytie of a fifteenth by y^e laytie, & ſhortly after, a maytie of a tenth by the clergie.The temporalties of the bishoprike of Norvvich ſeyſed into the kings handes for the bishops diſobedience. Moreouer the K. toke into his hands the temporalties y^t belonged to the Biſhop of Norwich, bicauſe he obeyed not the kings cōmendemēt when he was ſent for at the time when he toke the ſeas to paſſe into Flanders. The knights alſo y^e had not ſhewed ſuch obedience to the biſhop as was requiſite in that iorney, were cōnulted to priſon, but ſhortly after they were ſet at libertie vpon ſureties, that vndertooke for them: it was alſo decreed in this parliament, that the Erle of Buckingā the kings vncle ſhoulde goe to the borders againſt Scotland with a thouſand launces, and ij.M. Archers, to repreſſe the preſumptuous attempts of the Scots, who aduertiſed therof, ſent embaſſadors to treat of peace, but they were diſpatched home againe, withoute obteyning that which they came to ſue for. At the motion & inſtance of the duke of Britain, immediatly vpon the returne of the Engliſh armie out of Flaunders, there was a meeting of certain commiſſioners in the marches of Caleys,A treatie of peace betvven Englande and Fraunce. at a place called Lelleghen, for the treatie of a peace to be concluded betwixte the two Realmes of Englande and Fraunce.

There appeared for king Richard, the duke of Lancaſter, and his brother y^e Erle of Buckingham, ſir Iohn Hollande brother to the Kyng, Sir Thomas Percye, and a Biſhop. For the Frenche king, thither came the Dukes of Be[...]y and B[...]gongne, the Biſhop of Laon, and the Chauncellor of Fraunce. There were alſo the duke of Britain, & the erle of Flanders. Alſo there came a biſhop with other cōmiſſioners from the king of Spayne: for the Frenchmen would nothing doe except the K. of Spayne might be alſo compriſed in the treatie and concluſion. They were .iij. wekes in cōmoning of an agreemente: but when nothing elſe coulde be brought to paſſe they concluded a truce to endure till the feaſte of S. Michaell,A truce taken [...] betvvene En [...]glande and [...] Fraunce. which ſhoulde be in the yeare .1384. The erle of Flāders was iudged moſt in blame, for y^t no peace could be accorded, bicauſe he wold not that the Gantiners ſhould be compriſed therin, but the Engliſhmen would not agree either to truce or peace, except regard might be had of the Gantiners, as their frends and alies. The kings of Spayn and Scotland were compriſed in this truce as confederates to the Frenchmen, whiche ſhuld haue ſignified the ſame into Scotlande, but did not, til great harme folowed through negligēce vſed in that matter, as after ye ſhal perceiue.

Tho. VValſ.The ſame yere in the nighte of the feaſt of the Purification of our Lady, great lightenings and thunders chaunced, which put many in no ſmall feare, ſo huge and hideous was that tempeſt.

Shortly after, there roſe no ſmall adde in the citie of London about the electiō of their Maior: for ſuch as fauored the late Maior Io.Great contention aboute the election of the Maior of London. de Northamton, otherwiſe called Iohn de Comberton, ſtood againſt ſir Nicholas Brambre knight that was choſen to ſucceede the ſayde Iohn de Northampton, inſomuch that a ſhoemaker that was one of the ſame Iohn de Northamptons partake[...]s, profuine through a number of wy[...] were ready to fauor ha[...],Sir Robert Knolles. to take vppon [...] May [...] but through the counſell of ſir [...] K[...]tſis knyght, he was ſodeinly vpp[...] [...] drawne, and be handed as [...]ell, an[...] [...] the kings peace. In the Lent ſeaſon, the [...] of Lancaſter with his brother the Erle de B[...] kingham wēt towards the borders,The duke of Lancaſter [...] [...]adeth Scot[...] vvith [...] hauing [...] him a mightie power of knights, eſquiers, & Archers, and after he had remained a certain tyme vpon the borders,Ed[...] [...] de[...]e. about Eaſter he entred Scotland, and cōming within three myles of [...] burghe, he ſtayed there a three dayes, [...] meane tyme the Scottes conueyed all thilt goodes out of the towne ouer the water of [...] ſo that when the armie came thither, they [...] nothing but bare walles, which grieued [...] [...] diours not a little. The Scots would not [...] forth to giue any battaile to the Engliſhmē, but got them into woods and mountains, or elſe paſſed ouer the riuer of Firth, ſuffering the Engliſhmen to fight with the vehemēt cold wether, that then ſore anoyed thoſe parts, in ſo much that [...]n Eaſter daye at nighte thorough ſnowe that fell, and ſuche extreme colde and boyſterous ſtormes as ſore afflicted the Armye, beeing encamped within the cōpaſſe of a mareis grounde for their more ſuertie: there died aboue .v. hundred horſſes,Great death of horſes and [...] in the Englishe [...]oſte, by reaſon of extreme colde. to let paſſe the loſſe of men that periſhed the ſame time, of whom we make no mētion. To cōclude after the duke & his brother the Erle had remained a tyme thus in Scotlande, and brent certain townes, they returned into Englande.

About the ſame tyme, to witte,A parliament at Salisburie. in the Quindene of Eaſter, a parliament of the nobles was holden at Saliſbury, during the which, an Iriſh fryer of the order of the Carmelites,An Irish fryer appeacheth the duke of Lancaſter of treaſon. being a bacheler in diuinitie, exhibited to the king a bill againſte the Duke of Lancaſter, charging hym wyth heynous treaſons: as that he ment vpon a ſodayne to deſtroye the Kyng, and to vſurpe the Crowne, ſhewyng the tyme, place and circumſtaunces of the whole contryued matter.

The king being yong both in yeares and diſcretion, when he had heard the Fryers information, called two of his Chaplaynes vnto hym, one ſir Nicholas Slake, and an other, and aſked their aduiſe what they thoughte good to be done in ſuch a weighty cauſe: And as they were buſye in talk about y^e ſame, the duke of Lācaſter came into the kings chamber after his wonted maner, not vnderſtanding any thing of the mater wherof they were in talk. The king with a ſtern coū tenance beheld the duke, not doing him the honor that he was accuſtomed. The Duke ſuſpecting that the king had ſomwhat in his head y^e touched his perſon, withdrew: In the mean time thoſe ij. that were thus in coūſel w^t the king, fearing haply the Dukes power, or els vpon good will they bare towards him, perſwaded the king that in any wiſe he ſhould call him to ſee and heare what was laid to his charge. The duke after he had red the bill of his accuſation, made ſuch anſwere, & ſo excuſed himſelf in declaring his innocencie, that the king gaue credite to his words, and receiued his excuſe: herewith the duke beſought the king, that the Frier might be kept in ſafegarde, till the time came that he might purge himſelfe of that he had charged him with, & that the Lorde Iohn Holland the Kings halfe brother might haue the cuſtodie of hym till the day appointed, that the Duke ſhould come to his full triall.

The night before whiche day, the ſayd Lord Holland, and ſir Henry Greene, knight, came to this Fryer, and putting a corde about his necke, tied the other end about his priuie members, and after hanging hym vp from the grounde,A [...]rable & [...]l [...]ure. layde a ſtone vpon his bely, with the weight wherof, and peyſe of his body withall, he was ſtrangled and tormented, ſo as his very back bone burſt in ſunder therewith, beſides the ſtrayning of his priuie members: and thus with three kind of tormentings, be ended his wretched lyfe.

The morow after, they cauſed his dead corps to be drawne about the town, to the end it might appeare, he had ſuffered worthily for his greate falſehoode and treaſon.

But now to the Parliament. At length when the K. had obteined of the laytie a graunt of an halfe .xv. the ſame parliament was diſſolued.

In the ſommer folowing the borderers of Engāld & Scotlād,A reade into [...]. made rodes ech into others coū tries, to the great diſquieting of both the realms.

Amongs other roades that the Engliſhmenne made ſhortely after Eaſter (as Froiſſarte hath) the Earles of Northumberlande and Nottingham, reyſing an armye of two thouſande ſpeares, and ſix thouſande Archers, entred Scotlande by Rockeſburgh, brente the countreye euen to Edenburgh, and ſo returned without damage. In the meane time came meſſengers frō from the Frenche king to aduertiſe the Scottes of the concluſion of the truce.

But the Scots prouoked with this laſt inuaſion made by the Engliſhemen into theyr countrey, wold not heare of any truce, till they had in parte reuenged their diſpleaſure vpon the Engliſhemen:One miſchiefe aske the another. And ſo wyth certaine men of armes of Fraunce, that lately before were come thyther, not yet vnderſtandyng of any truce, they roaded into Northumberland, doing what miſchief they might: ſo that for the Sommer ſeaſon of this yeare, eyther part ſought to endomage other, as Walſingham hath: although Froiſſart write, y^t through the earneſt trauaile of the meſſengers that came to intimate the abſtinence of warre takē, the parties now that their ſtomacks were wel eaſed with the enterchange of endomaging either others confines, agreed to bee quiet, and ſo the truce was proclaimed in both realms, and accordingly obſerued.

About the beginning of Auguſt in the eighte yeare of this kings reigne, An. reg. 8. The Duke of Lancaſter ſente into Fraunce to treate of a peace. the duke of Lancaſter went ouer agayn into France, to treate of peace, but after he had remained there a long time, and ſpent no ſmal ſtore of treaſure, he returned with a truce, to endure only till the firſt day of Maye then next enſuyng.

Whilſt the duke o[...] Lancaſter was thus forth of the realme, Iohn [...]f Northampton,Iohn de Northampton late Maior of Londō cōdemned to perpetuall priſon and all his goodes confiſcate. that had borne ſuche rule in the Citie of London, whyleſt hee was Mayre, and alſo after, (as partely ye haue heard) was accuſed by a Chaplain (that he had in his houſe) of ſeditious ſturres, whiche he went about, ſo that being arraigned therof, he was in the ende condemned to perpetual priſon, and the ſame not to be within the ſpace of one hundred miles at the leaſt of the citie of London. All his goodes were confiſcated, and ſo hee was ſent to the Caſtell of Tyntagill, in Cornewall, and the Kyngs officers ſeyſed vppon his goodes and cattels.

Aboute the feaſt of Saint Martine, a parliament was called at London, in whiche money was demaunded of the clergie and temporaltie, towards the mayntenance of the kings warres.

During this parliamente alſo,A Combate. a combat was fought within liſts betwixt an engliſh Eſquier, named Io. Walſhe, & an Eſquier of Nauarre, that accuſed the ſaid Walche of treaſon, though not iuſtly, but moued through diſpleſure, conceiued of an iniury don to him by the ſame Walch whileſt he was vnder captain or vice deputie, as we may cal him of Chierburgh,The Appeltane being vanquished is adiudged, to be hanged. in abuſing the Nauarrois wife. Whervppon when the Nauarrois was vāquiſht, & confeſt y^e trouth, he was adiudged by the K. to be drawne to the place of execution, and hanged, notwithſtāding that the Quene & diuers other made erneſt ſute for him. Alſo before that this parliament was diſſolued, newes came foorth of the North partes, that the Scots had won the caſtel of Berwike:Barvvike caſtel vvonne by the Scottes. for which the Erle of Northumberland that was captaine thereof, was put in high blame, for that he hadde not committed the keeping thereof to more circumſpect perſons.

The Duke of Lancaſter that bare no good will to the ſaide Earle, was well apayde that he had ſo good mater to charge his aduerſarie withal, ſo that through his meanes the Erle of Northumberlande, was ſore accuſed, and had muche adoe to eſcape the daunger of beeyng reputed a traytour.

Wherevpon great occaſion of malice and diſpleaſure grew betwixt thoſe two noble perſonages as after it well appered. But howſoeuer the matter was handled, the Earle was licenced by the king to go into his coūtrey, & ſeke to recouer agayne poſſeſſion of the caſtell thus lately loſte. Wherevpon he reyſing an armie,Bervvike caſtel recouered by the Earle of Northumberlande. and beſiegyng the Scots that were within y^e caſtel, ſo conſtrayned them, that for the ſumme of .2000. markes they ſurrendred the fortreſſe into his hands, their liues and goodes ſaued: and ſo the Erle of Northumberlande recouered the Caſtell againe out of the Scottiſhmennes handes, beeing taughte to committe it to more warie kepers than the other before.

The king being incenſed againſt the duke of Lancaſter,1385 meant that he ſhuld haue bin arreſted and arraigned of certain points of treaſon before ſir Robert Tryſſyllyan chiefe Iuſtice (as Tho. Walſing ſayth) and peraduenture there might be ſome ſuche reporte, that ſuche was the Kings meaning: But yet how this may ſtand, conſidering he was to be tried by his peeres, in caſe that any the like matter had bin pretended, I ſee not.

The Duke of Lancaſter getteth him to hys caſtell of Pontfaet, and fortifyeth it.But how ſoeuer it was, he being warned therof by ſome of the counſell, got him to his caſtell of Pont[...]ret, which he fortified, and banded him ſelf ſo with his frendes, that it appeared he wold defend his cauſe with force of armes, rather than to come to his tryall by order of lawe afore ſuch a Iudge: and by reaſon hereof, it was greately doubted, leaſt ſome ciuile warre wold haue broken foorth.The Princeſſe of VVales maketh an attonement betvvene the kyng & the duke of Lancaſter. But through the earneſt labor of the kings mother that notwithſtanding hir indiſpoſition of bodie to trauaile, by reaſon of hir corpulencie) riding to and fro betwixt them, made an agreement betwixt the Kyng hir ſonne, and the Duke, to hir greate comforte and contentation of mynde, and no leſſe ſuretie of quietneſſe to the whole realme.

About the ſame tyme the Frenche kyng had a great fleete of Shippes in Flaunders, ſo that it was doubted leaſte he meant ſome inuaſyon into Englande. Wherevppon there was ſente to the ſea the Lorde of Saincte Iohnes, and [...] Thomas Percye wyth a ſtrong Nauyes[...] they didde no good, ſufferyng the Frenche [...] dyuers tymes to paſſe by them, and not [...] offered to ſette vpon them: But the Shippes [...] Porteſmouth and Dertemouth, beſtirred th[...] ſelues better: for entirng into the riuer of Say[...],The [...] P[...] [...] be[...] [...] they drowned foure of theyr enimyes ſhyppes, and tooke other foure, wyth a Barque of the Lorde Cliſſons, one of the fayreſt that was to be founde eyther in Fraunce or Englande.

In theſe veſſelles the Engliſhemenne h[...] a ryche praye of Wynes, and other Merch[...] dyſes.

The Kyng vppon ſome occaſion tooke great diſpleaſure agaynſt William Courteney Archbiſhoppe of Canterburye, ſtormyng againſt him ſo, as fewe durſte ſpeake any thyng in hys excuſe.

The Lord Chancellour Michael de la [...]le ſeemyng to fauour his cauſe, was lykely to haue runne in hygh diſpleaſure. Syr Thomas Triuet, and Syr Iohn Deuereux intreatyng for hym, were ſore rebuked at hys handes. Yet at length after that the Archebyſhoppe was wythdrawne & had kept hym cloſe for a tyme, he was thorough mediation of ſome freendes, recounciled to the kinges fauour.

About the ſame tyme the Frenche kyng [...] into Scotlande the Admyrall of Fraunce, Ia. M[...]r. Froiſſart. The Frenche king [...] the [...] with a thouſande men of armes, knyghtes, and Eſquiers, beſides Croſſebowes and other to ioyne with the Scots, and to make warres in Englād.

The Scottes encouraged wyth thys newe ayde, ſente to them out of Fraunce, leuyed a power, and ſo together wyth the Frenchemenne,The Sco[...] made the [...] tion of [...] enter into the Englyſhe confynes, and beginne to rob and ſpoyle, and further tooke certain Caſtels and houſes of defence.

The King of Englande aduertiſed hereof,An. reg. 9. aſſembled an huge power of menne of warre, and fyrſte ſente before hym the Duke of Lancaſter wyth parte of the Armye,The K. goeth vvith an anye agaynſt the Scottes. and afterward followed hymſelfe, wyth all conuenyent ſpeed [...] myght bee.

At hys commyng into the parties aboute Yorke, he was enformed that the Scottes and Frenchemen were withdrawne vppon the duke of Lancaſters approche towardes them, but the kyng thought to kepe on his iourney.

Whyleſt hee was lodged in thoſe parties a greate myſchaunce happened by reaſon of variaunce that fell betwixte certayne perſones of the retinewe of Sir Iohn Hollande brother vnto the Earle of Kente,Variaunce [...] tvvene ſ[...] Holland [...] uants [...] Richard Stafforde[...]. and halfe brother to the Kyng, and other of the retinue of the Lorde Rycharde Stafforde, ſonne to the Earle of Stafforde.

The cauſe of their falling out was aboute a knight of Boheme, called ſir Miles, that was come to ſee the Queene. This Knight kepte companie moſte an end with the L. Richarde Stafforde, and chauncing to be at words with twoo of Sir Iohn Hollandes ſeruantes, there came twoo Archers perteynyng to the Lorde Stafford, which blamed them, that were ſo aboute to myſuſe the ſtranger in words, as they tooke it: the ſtrife hereby grewe to that point in the ende,The Lord Richard Stafford [...]layne by Sir Iohn Holland. that one of the archers ſhotte at one of ſir Iohn Hollandes ſeruantes, and ſlewe him. This miſhap being reported to ſir Iohn Holland, ſette him in ſuche a furie (by reaſon of the loue which he had to his ſeruant) that immediatly he ruſhed foorth of his lodging, to reuenge his deathe, and throughe miſfortune meeting with the Lorde Stafforde ſlewe hym, & doubting in what ſorte his deede myghte be taken, fled ſtraight vnto Beuerley, & there tooke Sanctuarie. The Erle of Stafford tooke this miſaduenture right heuily, as reaſon was, yet bycauſe he would not trouble the hoſte nor diſappoint the iourney whiche they had in hand, vppon the kings promiſe that he would doe vpright iuſtice in the mater, as ſhould be thought meete and conuenient, he bare his griefe ſo patiently as he might, ſo that he wanne himſelfe muche praiſe for his wiſdome therin ſhewed. The King aduauncing forwards with his army, H[...]. Boetius. K. Richard en [...] [...] Scotland, and ſpoy [...] dyuers [...]s and [...]aces. came to y^t borders, & entring into Scotlād, paſſed thorough Mers and Louthian, waſting & ſpoiling all the towns, houſes and villages in his way. The abbeis of Melros, Dryburgh, & Newebottell were brente, and thoſe Monkes and other prople that were founde in the ſame were ſlaine.Edenborough [...] by king Richarde. At his comming to Edenburghe, he founde all the people fled out of the towne, but the houſes & buildings hee conſumed with fier togither with the Churche of ſaint Giles.

At the humble ſute of his vncle the Duke of Lācaſter, Holyrood houſe was preſerued from hurt, for that the ſame Duke in tyme of the rebellion of the commons here in England, was lodged in that houſe, and found muche gentleneſſe and frendſhippe in the Abbot & Conuent. Thus when the King had reuenged the diſpleſure afore receyued at the Scots & frenchmēs hands (& remained in Edenburgh a fiue dayes) he retourned without proffer of battell, or any notable encounter. The Admirall of Fraunce was earneſtly in hande with the Scottiſh lords to perſwade them to haue gyuen battell to the Engliſhe army,The Frenche admirall perſwadeth the Scottes to [...] vvith the English h[...]e. till he & diuers other Knights of Fraunce were brought to the top of a moū taine, from whence they might beholde all the Engliſhe army, as the ſame paſſed vnderneath them, by a paſſage that laye by the foote of that mountaine: for after that they had viewed the puiſſaunce of the Engliſhmen, and as neare as they could, numbred thē, they had no ſuch care mindes to fight with them as before, for they eſtemed them to be a ſixe .M. men of armes & a .lx.M. archers, & other men of warre, where the Scots and Frenchmen were not paſte a .M. ſpeares and .xxx.M. of all other ſortes, and the moſte parke of thoſe but euill armed.

Therefore they determined vpon an other point, which was, to inuade England in an other quarter, whileſt the engliſhmen brente vp their country, and ſo they ſet forwards toward the weſt borders,The Scotts invade England vvhilsſt King Richarde is a ſpoiling Scotlande. Cumberlande ſore ſpoiled by the Scottes. & paſſing ouer the mo[...]tains that deuide Northumberland from Scotland, they entred into Cumberlande, doing muche hurte in y^e landes that belonged to the Lorde Mowbray, to the Earles of Nottingham, and Stafford, to the baron of Grayſtock, and to the Muſgraues. Laſtly, they came to Careleill, and boldly aſſaulted the Citie:Carlell aſſaulted by the Scottes. but ſir Lewes Clifforde, and ſir Thomas Muſgraue Dauye Holgraue, and diuers other worthie capitaines being within it, ſo defended the walles & gates, that their enimies g[...] ſmall aduantage: and finally hearing that the engliſhe army was returning homewardes, the Scots and frenchemen drewe backe into Scotlande, doubting to be encloſed by the Engliſhmen, as they had bin in deed, if the Duke of Lancaſter and his brethrē, vncles to the king, might haue bin beleued,Good counſell neglected. who counſelled the king to purſue the enimies, and ſtop the paſſages through which they muſt needs paſſe in their comming backe. But the Earle of Oxforde being moſte in fauour and credit with the king, in thoſe dayes, as one that ruled all things at his pleaſure, did aduiſe him to the contrarie, by putting him in beliefe (as was ſaide) that his vncles went about to being him in daunger to be loſte and ſurpriſed of his enimies, wherevppon hee tooke the nexte way home, and ſo brake vp his iourney.

When the Scottes and Frenchemen were returned into Scotlande,Polidor. the Scottiſhe Kyng hauing conceyued a iuſt diſpleaſure towardes the frenche Admirall, for that by his meanes the realme of Scotland had ſuſteined ſuch damage in that ſeaſon,A noble reuenge. cauſed him and his frenchemen to bee diſpoiled of the moſt part of their goods, and ſente them ſo away out of hys countrey, that the Scottes might receiue ſome euen ſorte by thoſe warres.

This yeare was the battell of Alg[...]ta in Portingale,There vvere 600. Englishmē vvho vvith their bovves did greate ſeruice as b[...] [...] and [...]or is appeareth. where Iohn king of Portingal diſcomfyted a great hoſt of Spaniards & frēchmen by the helpe & policie of certain engliſhmē which he had there with him vnder the leading of two Eſquiers Norbery and Hartelle. The[...] were ſlaine diuers Erles and greate Lordes of Spaniardes, but for that our writers doe not note rightly the Spaniſh names, but write thē corruptly as ſtrangers vſe to doe, wee here omit them.The King of Portingale ſendeth ſixe Caleis to King Richardes [...]de, The king of Portingale (after this victorie obteined againſte his enimies) ſent ſixe Galleis vnto the king of England to aide him agaynſte his aduerſaries, the whiche were well receyued and highlye made of by the Londoners and other, ſo that the Portingales had no cauſe to repent of their comming hither.

The Frenche king this yeare beſieged and wanne the towne of Dam, after he had bin at greate charges aboute it. Whileſt his Nauie returned from Scluis, wher the ſame had laine at Ancre a long time, the ſhips by tempeſt were ſcatered and wederdriuen, ſo that in the feaſt day of the Exaltation of the croſſe, two of their galleis, a great ſhip a barge and .vij. balengers were caſte a ſhore aboute Callais, and the Caliſians tooke .v. C. frenchemen and Normans that eſcaped to land. An other day .lxxij. french ſhips (as they were comming from Scluis, to paſſe by Calleis,A good victory of them of Callais againſte the Frenche fleete were mette wyth by them of Callais, who behaued themſeues ſo manfully that they tooke .xviij. of thoſe frenche ſhips and a great Barke, in whiche three ſcore armed mē were ſlaine before it coulde be taken. Within three dayes after this the Caliſians mette .xlv. other frenche ſhips, and after .vj. houres fight obteyned the victorie, taking three of the moſte principall veſſels, wherof one being a Hulke of Eaſtlande was hired by the Normans, to gard the reſidue. The other .ij. that were taken were of ſuche molde, that they coulde not enter into the Hauen at Callais, and therefore were ſente to Sandwiche, the one of them beeing a newe ſhippe, the lord Cliſſon had bought at Scluis, paying for hir three thouſand frankes. On S. Denis day the ſouldiors of Callais and other Engliſh fortreſſes there abouts,The Caliſians & others make a roade into Fraunce and vvinne greate booties. made a ſecrete iourney into Fraunce, and got a bootie of foure M. ſheepe, and three hundreth heade of greate cattell whiche they droue towards theyr holdes, and as y^e lord de Rambures gouernor of Bollongne wold haue recouered y^e pray, he was vnhorſed with the rencounter of an engliſh ſpeare & being releued by his companie, and mounted againe, withdrewe himſelf, not attempting to trie any further maſtries, and ſo the engliſhmē ſafely paſſed forthe with their bootie of cattell, and aboue a hundreth good priſoners which they had taken at this roade. In this .ix yeare aboute the feaſt of ſaint Martin,Fabian. the king called his highe Courte of parliament at Weſtminſter,Creation of Dukes and Earles at the parliament, in the whiche amongſt other thinges there concluded, he created two Dukes, a Marques, and .v. Earles. Firſt Edmund Langley erle of of Cambridge the Kinges vncle, was [...] Duke of Yorke, Thomas of Woodſto[...] other vncle, Erle of Buckingham, was [...] Duke of Glouceſter, Robert Vere erle of Oxforde was made Marques of Deuelin: Henry of Bollingbrooke, ſonne and heire to Iohn de Gaunt duke of Lancaſter,Henry of [...] Earle of D[...] [...] King. was created Earle of Darbie: Edwarde Plantagenet ſonne and heire to the Duke of Yorke, was made erle of Rutlande: Michaell lorde de la Poole chauncellor of England was created erle of Suffolk and ſir Thomas Moubray erle of Notingham was made earle Marſhall.

Alſo by auctoritie of this parliament, Roger lorde Mortimer earle of March,The Lorde M[...] [...] of Marche [...] appeare in the [...] ſonne and heire of Edmund Mortimer Earle of Marche and of the Lady Phillippe eldeſt daughter and heire vnto Lionell Duke of Clarence, thirde ſonne to king Edwarde the third, was eſtabliſhed heire aparant to the crown of this realme and ſhortlye after ſo proclaimed. The whiche erle of Marche anone after the end of the ſame parliament, ſailed into Ireland to his lordſhip of Vlſter, wherof he was owner by right of his ſaide mother: but whileſt he remained there to pacifie the rebellions of the wild Iriſhe,The Earle of Marche [...] by the vv[...] Iriſhe. a great number of them togither aſſembled, came vpon him and ſlew him, togither with the moſte part of his companie.

This Roger erle of Marche had iſſue Edmunde and Roger, Anne, Ales and Eleanore,The [...] of the [...] of Marche. whiche Eleanor was made a Nunne. The .ij. ſonnes died without iſſue, and Anne the eldeſt of the daughters was married to Richarde erle of Cambridge, ſon vnto Edmunde of Langlie before remembred: The which Richard had iſſue by the ſaide Anne, a ſonne called Richard, that was after Duke of Yorke, and father to king Edwarde the fourth: alſo a daughter named Iſabell, afterwardes married to the lorde Bourcher. This Richard Erle of Cambridge was put to deathe by Henry the fifth, as after ye ſhall heare. Moreouer, in this yeare Henry of Bullingbrooke Earle of Darbie married a daughter & heir of Hūfrey Bohun, erle of Hereford, in whoſe right he was after made duke of Herford, & by hir he had iſſue Henry, that after hym was K. of this realme, the Ladie Blāche Duches of Bar, and the Ladie Phillip married to the king of Denmarke: alſo Thomas Duke of Clarence, Iohn Duke of Bedforde & Humfrey duke of Glouceſter. The Gauntiners ſtill mainteined warre againſte the Earle of Flaūders during his life, and after his deceaſſe againſt Phillip duke of Burgoin, by ſuch aide and comfort as they had from time to time of the king of Englande, till finally this yeare aboute the eighteenth day of December, a peace was concluded betwixt the ſaide duke, and the towne of Gaont: [...] and ſir Iohn Bourchier that had laine a long ſeaſon there, as Captain vnder Kyng of Englande, and P[...]ter de Boys one of the chiefe captaines of the Gauntiners before the concluding of this peace were ſafely conducted to Caleis by vertue of the duke of Bu[...] goigne his ſafe conduit, and ſo they came ouer into Englande, and the king gaue vnto Peter de Bois a pencion of an hundreth markes ſterlyng, yearely to be paide to him out of the ſtaples of the woolles in London.

The king of Ar [...] commeth [...] Englande [...] againſt [...]e Turkes.This yere K. Richarde holding his Chriſtmaſſe at Eltham, thither came to him Leo king of Armeny, whoſe countrey and realm beyng in daunger to be conquered of the Turkes, he was come into thoſe Weſte partes of Chriſtendome for aide and ſuccour at the handes of the chriſtian princes here. The king honourably receiued him, and after he had takē counſell touching his requeſt, he gaue to him great ſu[...] of money and other riche giftes, with a ſtipende as ſome write of a .M. poundes yerely to be paide to him during his life.Tho. VValſ. After he had remained here a twoo Moneths ſpace, he tooke leaue of the king and departed. The chiefeſt point of his errand was, to haue procured a peace betwixt the two kings of England and Fraunce, but deſtiny woulde not permit ſo good a purpoſe to take effect: for the hatred which either nation bare to other, woulde not ſuffer theyr loftye myndes to yeld in any one point further than ſemed good in their owne opinions.

T[...] VVal. Froiſſart. I[...]. Me[...].
1[...]86
The duke of Lancaſter goth [...] Spayne vvith an armie.In this nynthe yeare of Kyng Richarde, (though by other writers it ſhoulde ſeeme to bee rather in the yere folowing,) the Duke of Lancaſter with a greate power of men of warre wente into Spain, and ledde with hym thither his wife the Ladye Conſtance, and a daughter whiche he had by hir named Katherin, and two other daughters whiche hee hadde by hys former wife: He hadde bene aboute the preparing of an armye, and all furniture neceſſarie for thys iourneye a twoo or three yeares before, and therefore hauing nowe a ſeuen galleis and eighteene ſhippes, ſente to hym out of Portingale, (whiche arriued at Briſtowe) he cauſed all ſuch veſſelles as be hadde prouided to reſorte likewiſe thither, where making his generall aſſemble, when all his men of warre were come togyther he beſtowed them aboorde, wyth all their horſes and purueyaunces, and cauſing ſailes to bee hoiſted vp, ſet foreward on his long wiſhed iorney. This was in the Moneth of Maye, when the ſeas were calme, the ayre ſwete & the winds pleſant and agreeable to his purpoſe. He apointed for Admirall of his whole fleet ſir Thomas Percie, & ſir Iohn Holland that was after created erle of Huntington, and had maried one of his daughters, was ordeined Conſtable of the hoſte, and Sir Thomas Moreaux hauing married his baſtard daughter, was one of his Marſhalles.

There were that attended him in [...] iourney many other Lordes and Knights of honor, as the Lorde Lucie, the Lord Val[...]at, the lord Baſſet, the Lorde Willonghby, the Lorde Fitz Walter, the lord Poinings, the lord Bradſton, y^e L. of Pommiers a Gaſcoigne the L. Y[...]e Fitz Warien, Henry Lorde Beaumont. William Lorde Beauchampe, Sir Richard Burley that was another of the Marſhalles of the armye, Sir Hughe Spenſer, Sir Wyllyam Windeſor ſir Iohn Daubreticourte, ſir Hugh Haſtings, ſir Wyllyam Fartington, ſir Thomas Worceter, ſir Thomas Treſhā, ſir Mauburin de [...]i[...]iers, ſir Thomas Worceter, Syr Iohn Sowtrey, ſir Roberte Clinton, ſir Phillippe Tirell, ſir Lewes Rocheſter, Huguelin Caluerley, Dauid Holg[...]ue, Thomas Alerie, Hobequin Beauceſter, and diuers other: they were in all to the number of fifteene hundreth men of armes, whereof a thouſande at the leaſt were Knightes and Eſquiers, beſides a foure thouſande Archers, and other men of warre, ſo perfectly appointed and arrayed, as coulde bee thought meete and conuenient. Tho. VValſ. The duke of Lancaſter landeth at Breſte and vvinnethe tvvo Baſtides frō the frenchemenne. As they paſſed by Britaine, they landed at Breſte, the captaine whereof, at that time named Sir Iohn Roche, finding himſelfe greatly annoyed by the frenchmen that were lodged in two Baſtides erected before the Caſtell declared to the Duke in what ſtate he ſtoode. Wherevppon he cauſed the ſaide Baſtides to be aſſailed, which was done by the lorde Fitz Walter, & others, who bare thēſelues ſo manfully, that the Baſtides were won, broken downe, & a great praye with priſoners obteyned, although not without loſſe of diuers valiant perſonages. And thus were they within Breſt caſtell deliuered of their vnfrendly neighboures by the duke of Lancaſter and his people. An. reg. 10. The Duke of Lancaſter landeth at Groigne. Froiſſart. Le Groigne [...] Coron[...]. Who hauing done their feat tooke the ſeas, and ſailed forth till they came on the coaſtes of Gallice, where on S. Laurence euen, they arriued in the hauē of Groigne, otherwiſe called Corun, and there they vnſhipped al their prouiſions, determining to inuade the country on that ſide.

After the duke had remained the[...] a moneth, he went to Copoſtella, and there ſo iorned for a ſeaſon, during the which, his Conſtable Sir Iohn Hollande, wanne dyuers Townes and fortreſſes whiche the enimies kepte: Diuers yelded to the duke with better will, for that the dacheſſe hys wyfe was there wyth him, whome they knewe to bee ryghte inherytoure to the Realme.

At Mouſon a towne on the confines beetwixte Spaine and Portingale, the King of Portingal and the duke of Lācaſter met, where they communed and tooke counſell togyther for the more ſpeedy proceding in their enterpriſe againſt their aduerſaries of Caſtille.

Phillippe the Duke of Lancaſters daughter married to the Kyng of Portingale.Alſo ther was a mariage concluded betwixt the ſaide K. of Portingale, and the Lady Phillip daughter to the ſaide duke, whiche mariage ſhortly after was wholy conſummated, the ſaid Lady being firſt maried by procuration at Cō poſtella, and after ſente into Portingale righte honorably accompanied. The duke continued at Compoſtella all the Winter ſeaſon, till towards Marche, and then according to appointment taken betwixte him, and the king of Portingale, at theyr beeyng togither at Mouſon, for theyr iourney to bee made into Caſtille, the ſaide King aſſembled an armye of a thouſande menne of armes, and tenne thouſande other ſouldiours,The Kyng of Portingale and the Duke of Lancaſter ioyning theyr armies togither inuade Caſtell. wyth the whyche, entring the confines of Caſtille, hee firſte tooke the Towne of Feroule, and after ioyning with the Duke, who hadde in the meane whiles by his Marſhall takē the towns of Ruelles, Ville Lopes, Poūcevoide, Dighos, Baionne in la Maroll, Ribadā, Maures, Beſanſes, and Orens, wyth others in the countrey of Gallice, they marched foorthe wyth their whole powers bothe togyther, and paſſing ouer the Riuer of Dure, entred into the countrey de Campo.

Here the Engliſhe writers make mention of a batail, which y^e Conſtable of Caſtille ſhuld giue to the duke, and that the victorie remained on the Dukes ſide, and the Spaniardes chaſed out of the fielde.Variaunce amongeſt vv[...]icers. But Froiſſart who liued in thoſe dayes, and learned that whiche hee wrote of thoſe that were with the Duke in his iorney, maketh no remembraunce of any ſuche thing, but that contrarily the King of Caſtille folowing the aduiſe of ſuche Frenchemenne as were ſente into Spaine to aide hym, cauſed all the riches of the countrey to bee brought into the walled Townes and fortreſſes, whiche he ſtuffed wyth men of warre, to defende them from the Engliſhemenne and Portingales, and further to cutte off their victualles, and to keepe them from hauing ſorrage abroade in the countrey, vnleſſe ſuche as were ſente, were garded wyth the greater Troupes for theyr ſuretie and defence. And thus beſtowing the moſte parte of all ſuche menne of warre, bothe Frenchemenne and Spanyardes, as hee coulde make in places moſte conuenient for that purpoſe, he fully determened not to giue battaile till hys enimies hadde wearied themſelues in keeping of the fields, and that a newe power was come to his aide out of Fraunce, which hee dayly looked for, by whiche meanes it came to paſſe, [...] [...] the Engliſhemenne not vſed to ſuche [...] as they founde in thoſe parties in that [...] of the yeare (for it w[...] aboute) M[...] [...] fell daily into many perillous di[...], [...] no ſmall number died, and other [...] that they were not able to helpe th[...] [...] to conſider the my[...]rie in whiche they were, [...] woulde haue rued the hartes of th[...] [...]

Herevppon, was the duke [...] fall to a communication for a peace, which [...] the ende was accorded, thoughe [...] at th[...] inſtant: howbeit a truce was graunted, [...] ſuche wiſe as it might be at the Engliſhemen[...] [...] to retourne into theyr countrey, eyther by [...] or by lande, through Fraunce. Suche as paſſed through Spayne into Fraunce, hadde ſafe conducts ſealed and ſigned by the King of Spaine, but vnneth the halfe of thoſe that came out of Englande with the Duke, retourned thither agai[...]e, they died ſo faſt, aſwell after the breaking vp of their Campe, as before. Amongſt other, Froiſſart. The Lorde Fitz VV[...] there died before the breaking vp of the Campe, one of the greateſt Batous of all the companie, named the Lorde Fitz Walter, and afterwards within the Towne of Ville Arpent:I thinke that none of th[...]ſe three vv[...] Barons [...] lye the Lorde Poininges. there dyed (as Froiſſarte hath) three greate Barons of Englande, and menne of great poſſeſſions: ſir Rycharde Burley, a Knyghte of the Garter, who hadde bene as it were highe Marſhall of the armye: the Lorde Poyninges: and Syr Henry Percie couſin Germaine to the Earle of Northumberlande. In the Towne of Noye deceaſſed Sir Mauburin de Liniers, a Poictouin, and in the Towne of Ruelles dyed the Lord Talbot, and ſo here and there ſaithe Froiſarte, there dyed in all twelue greate Lordes,The Duke of Lancaſter [...] turneth [...] Portingale [...] Gaſcoigne. foure ſcore Knightes, twoo hundreth Eſquiers, and of the meaner ſorte of Souldioures aboue fiue hundreth. After that the Armie was broken vp, the Duke of Lancaſter and the Ducheſſe his wife went into Portingal, & there remained a ſeaſon, and then taking the ſea, ſailed to Bayonne in the Marches of Gaſcoigne, where hee reſted a long time after.

In this meane while, there was communication and offers made for a marriage to bee hadde beetwixte the Duke of Berry, vncle to the frenche Kyng, and the Ladye Katherine daughter to the Duke of Lancaſter, and of the Ducheſſe vys wife the Ladye Conſtance.

When the Kyng of Spaine vnderſtoode of that treatie, he beganne to doubt, leaſte if that marriage tooke place it might tourne to hys diſaduantage, and therefore to bee at quietnes wyth the Duke of Lancaſter, whoſe puiſſance hee doubted, and whoſe wiſedome hee perfectlye vnderſtoode, by pollitike meanes and earneſt ſu[...]te, at lengthe hee concluded a peace wyth hym on this wiſe,A[...]ge concluded betvven the Prince of Spay[...], and the [...] of Lancaſters daughter. that his eldeſt ſonne Henrye ſhoulde haue in marriage the Lady Katherin daughter to the Duke of Lancaſter, begotte on hys wife the Ducheſſe Conſtance, and be entituled prince of Auſturgus. In conſideration of whiche marriage to bee had, and all claymes to craſte, whiche the Duke in right of hys wife might chalendge or pretende, it was agreed that the ſaide Duke ſhoulde receyue yerely the ſumme of tenne thouſande markes, to be payde to him,R. Fabian. or to his aſſigns in the citie of Baionne in Gaſcoigne, during the terme of the liues of the ſaide Duke and Ducheſſe, and further to haue in hand the ſumme of two hundreth thouſande nobles.

This agreemente and marriage was not concluded, till aboute the thirteenth yeare of King Richardes raigne, ſo that in the meane while many incidentes chaunced in Englande and in other Regions, which in their time and places ſhall bee touched, as to purpoſe ſerueth.

Ia. Me[...].And firſte it is not to bee forgotten, that the Frenchemenne neuer ſhewed more vanitie than they did this yeare,Froiſſart. ſith the Linage of the Capetes beganne firſte to rule in Fraunce.

All the ſhippes that they could prouide from the confines of Spaine, vnto the mouth of the Rhine, all alongeſt the coaſte, they aſſembled at Sluiſe, and therabout, and made ſo great preparations for the warre, that the like hadde not bene hearde of, (meaning as they boaſted, and made their auauntes) to paſſe ouer into Englande, and to deuoure the whole countrey, in doyng ſacrifice to the ſoules of their elders with the bloude of the engliſhe people. But according to the prouerbe, The Mountaines trauell, wyth childe, and forth commeth a little mouſe.

A [...]ghty great [...] of french [...]hips at Scluys [...]ng to in [...] England.There were numbred in the Monethe of September aboute Sluiſe, Dam, and Blankberke .1287. ſhips, beſide thoſe whiche were rigged in Britain by the Conſtable, who had cauſed an encloſure of a field to be made of timber, like rayles or barriers, [...] [...]docere of [...] to com [...] the frēch [...] for the [...]. that when they were once a lande in Englande, they might therwith encloſe their field, and ſo lodge more at ſuertie, and when they remoued, it was ſo made wyth ioynts,The deſcripti [...] of the [...]ncl [...]. y^t they might take it vp in peeces & caſtly cōuey it with them. This cloſure or wall of woode, was .20. foote in heigth, and conteined in lengthe or in compaſſe when it was ſette vp lij.M. paces, and at the end of euery .xij. paces ſtood a Turret able to receiue .x. men, that was higher than the reſt of the wall by .x. foote at the leaſte.Tho. VValſ. There were appointed to haue paſſed ouer in thoſe ſhippes .xx.M. men of armes .xx.M. Croſbowes. & .xx.M. other men of warre To haue ſeene the great apparrel, furniture and prouiſiō, the ſhiping, traſſing, bearing, and carrying to and fro of things needeful for this iorney, a man might haue meruelled,Tho. VValſ. for ſurely the like hath ſeldome bin remembred. All that was done there on that ſide the ſea by the frenchmen, was notified into Englande, ſo that the frēchmē were not more occupied to prepare thēſelues to inuade Englande, than the engliſhemē were to make themſelues redy to defēd theyr countrey from all daunger of enimies,The prouiſion of the English men to reſiſte great povver oft Frēchmen. ſo that euery hauē towne, eſpecially alongſt the Weſt, South and Eaſtcoaſtes, were kepte and warded wyth notable numbers of armed men and archers.

There were redy wythin the realme at that ſeaſon, in one part & other an .100000. archers, & x.M. men of armes, beſide thoſe that were gon into Spaine with the duke of Lācaſter. All this preparation laſted for the more part of the ſommer, euen till the beginning of winter: and ſtill the french K. that was come downe into Flaū ders, ſtayed for the cōming of his vncle the duke of Berry: the whiche at length in the moneth of Nouember came to Sluiſe, hauing protracted time, of purpoſe, that he might by the excuſe of Winter, cauſe this iorney to be put off till another ſeaſon. Wherin he ſhewed more wit thā all y^e coūſelors which y^e french king had about him: for if he had not politikely ſhifted off the matter, the K. had landed here in England, to the great daunger of his perſone and loſſe of hys people. And yet if we ſhall beleue writers that liued in thoſe days, by reaſon of the bruit that was ſpred throughe the realme, of that huge preparation which the french king made to inuade this land, no ſmall feare entred into the hartes of many,The Londoners eſpecially afrayd of the French forces namely of the Londoners, who as if the enimies had bin alreadie landed, beſturred them, in making what prouiſiō they might for their defēce, thoughe it ſeemed by their manner of doings, they ſtoode in doubt leaſte the whole realme had not bin able to make ſufficient reſiſtance.

In deede diuers were the more afraide, for that they perceiued,Diſſention among the noble men. howe the barons and great lordes agreed not in many pointes among thē ſelues, and ſo being not of one minde, the wiſer ſorte doubted leaſt throughe their diſagreeing in that troubleſome time, ſome daunger mighte growe to the ſtate of the whole reealme.Froiſſart. Notwithſtanding no ſmal number of others, wiſhed nothing more than that the french king in going forward with his purpoſe, might haue come ouer, not doubting but that be ſhold haue foūd ſuch a welcom, as wold haue bē litle to his eaſe. About the feaſte of ſaint Michaell, a parliamēt was called and holden at London, Tho. VValſ. A parliament at London, and wythall greate numbers of menne of armes and Archers were appoynted to come and lye aboute London, that they might be ready to marche forthwith agaynſt the enimies whenſoeuer it chaunced them to lande. Thus all the townes and villages twenty miles in compaſſe round about Londō, were ful of men of armes and archers, lying as it had bin in campe, and wanting both victuals and money, they were driuen to ſpoile, and to take by violence what they might get. At lengthe after they had layne thus to ſmall purpoſe along ſeaſon, they were licenced to departe home, with commaundemēt to bee readie to retourne againe vppon the firſte ſummonaunce: Many of them were conſtreyned throughe neceſſitie, to ſell their horſes, and armour, and ſome to ſpoyling and robbing as they wente homewarde, not ſparing what they might laye their handes vppon. Althoughe the menne of warre were diſmiſſed home, the parliamēt yet continued, & the lordes ſtill remained at London, hearening ſtill for the french kings comming.Roberte Veer Marques of Dub[...]n created Duke of Irelād. The Lorde Roberte Veer Earle of Oxford, whom the king in the laſt parliament hadde made Marques of Dubeline,A bill exhibited by the lovver houſe in this parliament againſt the erle of Suffolke lord Chauncello[...]r. A vvicked purpoſe preuented. was nowe in this parliament created duke of Ireland: the other lordes ſore enuying ſo high preferremente in a man that ſo little deſerued, as they tooke it: for by reaſon of the kings immoderate affection whiche he bare not onely to this noble man, but alſo to the lorde Michaell de la Poole, whome he had lately created Erle of Suffolke, and after aduaunced him to the office of lorde Chauncellor, as before yee haue hearde, not onely the lords, but alſo the cōmons ſore grudged at ſuche their high preferrement, in ſo muche that in this preſent parliament, the knightes and burgeſſes of the lower houſe, exhibited a bill agaynſte the lorde Chauncellor, of diuers crimes whiche they laide to his chardge, and ſo vſed the matter, with the helpe of the Lordes, that in the ende in ſome reſpect they had their willes agaynſte hym, contrarie to the kings mind, as after may appeare. And where the King had demaunded a relief of money towards the mainteināce of his eſtate, & chardges of the warres, it was aunſwered, that he needed not any ta[...]lage of his ſubiectes, ſith he might furniſhe hymſelfe wyth ſuche a ſumme at the handes of the ſaid Earle, that was iuſtely indebted vnto hym therein, as they were able well to proue. But the kyng was nothyng herewith contented, conceyuyng no ſmall diſpleaſure, aſwell agaynſt them of the lower houſe, as againſte the Lordes in the vpper, for fauouring them in the lower, in matters that went ſo ſore againſte his minde. Herevppon as was ſaide, (whether trulye or otherwiſe, the Lorde knoweth) by a conſpiracye begon betwixte the kyng and ſuche as were moſte in fauour wyth hym, it was deuiſed,Richarde [...]xton iuſtly contended. that the Duke of Glouceſter (as principall) and ſuche other Lordes as fauoured the knights and burgeſſes in their ſuite [...] the Earle of Suffolke, [...] and were [...] [...] gainſte the Kyng in his demaunde of [...] ſhoulde hee willed to a ſupper in [...] to bee murthered. But the Duke [...] ſome meanes to vnderſtande of th[...]s [...] practiſe, hadde no deſire to take parte of [...] ſupper where ſuche ſharpe ſ[...]ce was [...] and with all gaue warning to the reſidue, [...] they likewiſe ſhould not come there, but to content thēſelues wyth their owne ſuppers at their lodginges. It was ſaid, that ſir Nicholas [...] ber, who had bin Maior the yeare before, [...] promiſed his aſſiſtaunce in the execution of the horrible facte: but throughe the commendable conſtancie of Richard Exton that was Maior this yeare, being moued by the king for his furtheraunce therein, and denying flatly to conſent to the deathe of ſuche innocent perſones, that heynous practiſe was omitted. Thys matter being broughte to lighte, the hatred and malice whiche men bare to ſuche counſellors of the king greatly increaſed and the Duke of Glouceſter and ſuche as withſtoode the King, daylye grewe more and more into the peoples fauour▪ At length yet throughe the earneſt ſuite of ſome of the greate lordes,A [...] [...] ted & appointed to be [...] according to the [...] the nobilitie. there was graunted to the king halfe a tenthe and halfe a fifteenthe, whiche ſhould not be ſpent at the pleaſure of the prince, but by the order and appoyntment of the ſayde lordes, and ſo at lengthe the Earle of Arundell was apointed to receyue it,Gr[...] and Henry of Leiceſter. to furniſh him with a Nauie to the ſeas. But beefore this payment might be graunted, there was muche a doe, and harde holde ye may be ſure: for where the ſaide Earle of Suffolke then lorde Chauncellour, at the firſt had demaunded of the commons in the kinges name foure fifteenes, for with leſſe (ſaid he,) the king could not mainteine his eſtate and the warres which he had in hande. The whole body of the parliament made aunſwer therein, that without the king were preſent (for hee was then at Eltham) they coulde make therein no aunſwere at all: and heerewith they tooke occaſion at lengthe to ſaye further, that excepte the ſaid Earle of Suffolke were remoued from the office of Chauncellorſhip, they would medle no further with any acte in this parliament, were it neuer of ſo ſmall importance.

The king being aduertiſed heereof,Diſcent[...] [...] tvveene the King and the parliament houſe. ſente againe to the commons, that they ſhoulde ſende vnto Eltham (where he lay) fortie of the wiſeſt and beſt lerned of the cōmon houſe, the whiche in the name of the whole houſe ſhoulde declare vnto him their mindes: and then the houſe was in no ſmall feare, by reaſon of a brute that was raiſed, howe the Kyng ſought meanes to entrappe and deſtroye them that followed not his purpoſe Herevppon aſwell the lordes of the vpper houſe as the commons of the lower, aſſembled togither, and agreed with one conſēt, that the duke of Glouceſter,The Duke of Glouceſter and the Biſhoppe of [...] to the [...] vvhole bodie of the parliament. and Thomas Arundell biſhop of Elie ſhould in the name of the whole parliament be ſente to the king vnto Eitham: which was done, and the king was well contented that they ſhould come. When they came before his preſence, with humble reuerence they declared their meſſage, which conſiſted in theſe points:Their requeſtes [...] the King. That the lords and commons aſſembled at that preſente in parliament, be ſought him of his lawful fauor, that they might liue in peace & tranquilitie vnder him. They further declared, that one olde ſtatute and laudable cuſtome was approued,And oftner if [...]eede require. whiche no man could deny, that the Kyng once in the yeare might lawfully ſommon his highe Courte of parliament, and call the Lordes and commons therevnto, as to the higheſt Courte of his realme, in which Courte all right and equitie ought to ſhine as the Sun being at the higheſt, whereof poore & riche may take refreſhing,The cauſes and [...]ions of a [...]ment. where alſo reformation ought to be had of al oppreſſions, wrongs, extortions and enormities within the realme, and there the king ought to take counſell with the wiſe men of his realme, for the maintenance of his eſtate, and conſeruation of the ſame. And if it mighte be knowen that any perſons within the realme or without, intended the contrarie, there muſte alſo be deuiſed howe ſuche euill weedes maye be deſtroyed. There muſte alſo be ſtudied and foreſeene, that if any chardge doe come vppon the King and realme, how it may be honorably borne and diſcharged. Further, they declared that til that preſēt his ſubiects, as was thought, had louingly demeaned themſelues towardes him, in aiding him with their ſubſtaunce to the beſte of their powers, and that their deſire was to vnderſtande howe thoſe goodes were ſpente. And further they ſaid, they had one thing to declare vnto hym, how that by an olde ordinance it was enacted, [...] of the [...] from the [...] for ſpace of al[...] [...]es. that if the king ſhoulde abſente himſelfe fortye dayes, not being ſicke, and refuſe to come to the Parliament, withoute regarde to the chardges of his people, and their greate paines, they then may lawfully returne home to their houſes: and therefore ſith he had bin abſent a long time, and yet refuſed to come among them, [...]he Kynges [...]vvere. it was greately to their diſcomfort. To this the Kyng as we find, made this aunſwere: Well, we doe perceiue that our people and commons, goe aboute to riſe againſt vs: wherfore wee thinke wee cannot doe better than to aſke aide of our couſin the french K. & rather ſubmit vs vnto hym, than to our owne ſubiects. The lordes aunſwered, that it ſhoulde not be good for him ſo to doe, but a way rather to bring him into extreme daunger, ſith it was plaine enough, that the frenche Kyng was hys auncient enimie and greateſt aduerſarie, who if he might once ſ[...]t foote in the realme of Englande, he would rather diſpoile, and diſpoſſeſſe the Kyng of hys kingdome, than to put hys helping hande to relieue hym: hee might (they ſaide) call to rememberaunce, howe hys noble progenito[...]re Kyng Edwarde the thirde, hys Grandfather and Prince Edward hys father, hadde trauailed in heate and colde wyth great anguiſhe and troubles inceſſantly, to make a conqueſt of Fraunce, that rightfully apperteyned vnto them, and nowe to hy[...] in whiche warres he might likewiſe remember how many Lordes, noble men, and good commons of bothe Realmes had loſte their liues and what chardges bothe the Realmes likewiſe bare in mainteining thoſe warres and nowe (the [...] pitie) greater burthens were laide vppon the neckes of the engliſhe ſubiect[...] for the ſupportation of his charges by reaſon wherof, they wer ſo lowe brought (ſaid they) that they haue not to pay their rents, & ſo by ſuch meanes was his power decaied, his lords brought behind hād,VVealthe of the people in the glorye of the Prince and ſuretie of his raigne. & al his people ſore enpoueriſhed & as that Kyng cannot be poore that hath riche people, ſo cannot he be rich that hath poore cōmons: & as he tooke hurte by ſuch inconueniences [...]haūcing through euill counſellours that were aboute hym, ſo the lords and noblemen ſuſteined no leſſe hurt eche one after his eſtate and calling. And if remedie were not in time prouided through his helping hand, the realme muſt needes fall in ruine, and the default ſhould be imputed to hym & to thoſe his euill counſellors. By theſe & the like perſuaſions, the K. was induced to come to the parliament, & according to his appointment, he came indeede.Change of officers by the parliament. Soone after his comming was Iohn Fortham byſhop of Durham diſchardged of his office of Lord Treaſorer, and in his place was appoynted one Iohn Gilberte, Byſhoppe of Hereforde, that was a Frier of the order of preachers, a man more eloquent than faithfull, as ſome reported of hym. Alſo the Earle of Suffolke was diſchardged of hys office of Lorde Chauncellour, and Thomas Arundell Byſhoppe of Elye placed in hys roomthe, by whole conſent of the Parliament. The ſame Earle of Suffolke was chardged wyth many and right great enormious crimes, fraudes, falſeties, and treaſons, whiche hee hadde practized, to the great preiudice of the Kyng and Realme,The Earle of Suffolke greuouſly ned by the Parliament houſe for ſundry his off[...]ces. and thervpon was cōmitted to warde in the Caſtell of Windſor. Notwythſtanding they adiudged him not to death, as ſome write, nor diſgraded him of y^e honor of knighthood, but condemned him to pay a fine of .xx.M. marks, and alſo to forfeit .j. M. poūds of yerely rentes which hee had purchaſed. But other write, that notwithſtanding the K. was ſore offended for the accuſations brought againſt the ſaid erle of Suffolke and others, whom he loued, and was lothe to heare any euill of, yet he was conſtreined at length after he had ſhifted off the matter by ſundry deuiſes, to appoint certaine perſones with full power and auctoritie to heare, and in iudgement to determine thoſe matters. The duke of Glouceſter therefore, and the Earle of Arūdell were apointed as iudges, (which whileſt the King as yet was abſent, who got hym forth of the way of purpoſe, bycauſe he woulde not be preſent at the condēnatiō of thoſe whome hee moſte entirely [...]oned and fauoured) wente earneſtly in hande with their buſines, and ſo at length (as Walſinghā hath) the earle of Suffolke was conuict, & found giltie of ſundry crimes, treſpaſſes, & naughtie partes: for which it was thought, that he deſeened to loſe his life & goods, but he was yet ſuffred (as y^e ſame Walſinghā ſai[...]th) to goe abroade vnder fuerty, certaine great men being bounde for him in great ſums of mony. But what order ſo euer was taken for the puniſhmēt of him, ſure it is, hee was diſplaced frō his office of chaūcellorſhip, as before ye haue heard: and further the lords, & other eſtates in this parliamēt, cōſidering y^t through couetouſneſſe of the newe depoſed officers, the kings treſure had bin imbeſelde, leudly waſted, & prodigally ſpent,XIII. lordes appointed by Parliament to haue the g[...] uernement of the realme vnder the king. nothing to his profit, there wer in this parliamēt .xiij. lords choſen, to haue ouerſight vnder the K. of y^e whole gouernment of the realme, as by their cōmiſſiō in the ſtatuts of the .x. yere of this king it dothe in y^e booke of ſtatutes at large apeare. Of theſe .xiij. ther wer iij. of the new officers named, as the biſhop of Elie L. chaūcellor, y^e biſhop of Herford L. treaſorer, & Nich. Abbot of Waltham L. keeper of the priuy ſeale, y^e other .x. were theſe, Wil. archbiſhop of Canterbury: Alexāder archebiſhop of Yorke: Edmūd Langly duke of Yorke: Tho. Duke of Glouceſter: Wil. biſhop of Wincheſter: Tho. biſhop of Exceſter: Rich. erle of Arūdel: Rich. L. Scrope, & Iohn L. Deberoux

Moreouer, at y^t kings inſtance and earneſt ſute it was graūted, y^e Rob. de Veer late Marques of Dublin, & nowe newly created Duke of Ireland, ſhuld haue & receiue to his own vſe xix.M. markes, that y^e frenchmen were to giue for y^e heires of the L. Charles de Blois, that remained here in England, which Charles in times paſt, chalenged as his rightfull inheritance, the duchie of Britain, againſt the erle of Mōtfort. This graūt was made to the duke of Irelād, with conditiō, that beeing furniſhed wyth this mony, he ſhuld paſſe ouer into Irelād, before y^e next Eaſter, there to recouer [...] as the K. had giuē to him: for aſwell [...] as y^e cōmons, wer ſo deſirous to h[...] [...] y^t they wiſhed y^e realm rather to ſ[...] [...] treaſure, [...] thā to haue his preſence and [...] to allure him to f[...]lly[...] The [...] v[...] y^e [...] Armony ſued for a ſafe conduit to & [...] ouer into this [...]de, to ſpeake with y^e [...] had bin about y^e mouing of ſome peace [...] y^e .ij. realmes of Englād & Fraūce[...] [...] meaning was ſuſpected to be to mag[...] [...] but to benefit himſelf by re[...]ing of [...] good gifts at the kings boūtiful hands [...] not graūted. In this meane time alſo [...] the frēch K. with ſuch a cōpanie of [...] & other lords, as had not bin hearde of ſtill [...] tinued in Flanders, ſtaying aſwel f[...] conuenient winde, as for y^e comming of the duke of Berry, it chaunced y^e certaine engliſh ſhippes they wafred the ſeas,Tvvo of the french king ships take vvith a g[...]t price in [...] met with .ij. of the french ſhips, y^t were ſailing towards S[...]uiſe, & fighting with thē, tooke thē, & brought them to theſe Sandwich. In theſe ſhips party of y^e cloſ[...] wall of wood (wherof ye haue heath) was ſold, the maſter carpenter y^t was the chiefe deuiſer to frame[...]t, being an engliſh mā borne, but baniſhed his caūtry afore y^t time, for ſome office. Alſo there was foūd aboorde the ſame ſhips, a maſter gunner, that ſometime had ſerued y^e engliſhmē at Callais, whē ſir Hughe Caluerley was [...] tenaunt there. Alſo diuers greate gunnes and engins to beate downe walles were foūd & taken in the ſame ſhips, with a greate quātity of powder y^t was more worthe thā all the reſt.G[...]es vvas inuented [...] more than [...] ye[...]es being this time, to vvit, An. [...] About the ſame time, or rather ſomwhat before, the engliſhmē alſo tooke certaine hulks and .vj. cariks of the Genewes, ladē with great riches, but bicauſe they were marchāts, they foūd ſuch fauor at the kings hāds through means of Michael de la Poole thē L. Chancellor (whom they had made their friend) y^t they had their veſſells,Reſtition of man chan[...] goodes taken[...] & all their goods reſtored, & ſtreighte wayes they paſſed with the ſame vnto Sluiſe where y^e enimies laye, to make ſale of their wares there. Wherevpon much murmuring roſe among the kings ſubiectes, taking it in euill parte y^t they ſhuld be ſuffred ſo to goe their wayes to releue the enimies of the realme, with ſuch goodes as were once brought into the engliſhmēs poſſeſſion, & ſpeciallie the L. Chaūcellor was very euill thought of, for ſhewing ſo much fauor vnto thoſe ſtrangers. The frēch K. ſtill remaining in Flaunders tarying for the comming of the duke of Berrie & alſo for a conueniēt winde, at length on the euen of All ſaintes,The french [...]e[...]te [...]ering forvvarde tovvardes Englande is [...] backe by com [...]ly vv[...] the wind came about very fauorably for the frenchemens purpoſe: wherevppon they weyed Ancres, and lanched from the hauē of Sluſe, but they were not paſt twentie miles forwarde on theyr way,The French [...]leete letting forward towards England, is driuen [...]ande by contrary windes. when the winde ſuddaynely turned contrary to their courſe againe, and brought them back with ſuch violence, that diuers of them, as they ſhould enter the Hauen, were broken and bruiſed, and ſo by this occaſion, and the Counſell of the Duke of Berry togither, the French King brake vp his iourney for that yeare, and returned into France.

Yee haue hearde what was done by the ſtates aſſembled in Parliamente againſte the Earle of Suffolke, whome the moſt parte of the Realme ſo greatly hated, but yet neuertheleſſe, the Kyng had ſuch an affection towardes him, that immediately after the Parliamente was diſſolued, hee vndid all that had bin enacted againſte him, receyuing him into more familiaritie than before, and cauſed him to cōtinue with the Duke of Irelande,The kings in [...]te af [...] [...], towardes the Duke of Ireland and the Earle of Suff[...]lke. and Alexander Neuill Archbyſhoppe of Yorke, which two lords, trauelled moſt earneſtly to moue the K. againſt the other Lords, and to diſadnull all that had bin done in the laſt Parliament.

There encreaſed therefore in the King an inward hatred, whyche hee conceyued agaynſt the Lordes, theſe men putting it into his eare, that hee was lyke no King, but rather reſembled a ſhadowe of a King, ſaying, it woulde come to paſſe, that hee ſhoulde bee able to doe nothing of hymſelfe, if the Lordes myght enioy the authoritie which they had taken vpon them.

The King gaue credite to theſe tales, and therefore had the Lordes in greate iealoſie, notwithſtanding they were thought to bee his moſt true and faithfull ſubiectes, and the other craftie, deceitfull, and vntruſtie, but ſuch an affection had the King to them, that no informations, nor accuſations, though neuer ſo manifeſtly proued, could bring them out of his fauoure, in ſo muche, as at the feaſt of Chriſtmas nexte following,1387 he cauſed the Earle of Suffolke to ſitte with hym of his own table, in robes accuſtomarily appointed for Kings to weare, and not for meaner eſtates, which was much noted, and no little encreaſed the enuie againſt him.

About the beginning of Marche, in this tenth yeare, Richarde Erle of Arundell, being appointed Lorde Admirall, and Thomas Mowbray Earle of Nottingham, the Earle of Deuonſhire, and the Biſhop of Norwiche as Froiſſart hathe,The Earle of [...]undell go [...] in the Sea. [...] C. [...]e of armes [...]nd a thou [...]and archers [...]roiſſart [...]eth. went to the Sea with a warlike power of men of armes and archers, ſo well trimmed and appointed as was poſſible, for the Lorde Admirall vnderſtanding that the Duke of Glouceſter, and many other noble men woulde ſee the muſters of his menne, vſed all diligence, and ſpared for no coſtes, to haue the moſt choyſeſt and pikeſt fellowes that mighte be gotten, not following the euill example of others in times paſt, whiche receyued tagge and ragge to fill vp their numbers,A greate abuſe in choyſe of Souldiers. whome they hired for ſmall wages, and reſerued the reſidue to their purſes, and when to the aduauncement of the Realmes commoditie they ſhoulde haue encountred the enimies, they ſhifted off all occaſions thereto, and onely prolonged time, withoute atchieuing anye enterprice auaylable, to the ende they mighte receyue the whole wages, and keepe themſelues from daunger, whiche they ſhoulde hardly haue auoyded, when they had not about them ſuche able men as were lyke to matche the enimies: but the Earle of Arundell contrarily gote the ableſt menne hee mighte, not ſparing his owne purſe, to the ende that by theyr ſeruice, hee mighte atchieue ſome worthy enterprice, to redounde vnto the commoditie of hys Countrey.

After the Duke of Glouceſter had behelde ſo faire and choſen a power of men of warre, they were ſtraight wayes appoynted to gette them a Shippebourd, and ſo beeing embarqued, y^e whole nauie paſſed foorth to the Thames mouth, where they ſtayed to watch for the fleete of Flaunders, that was ready to come from Rochelle with wines. At length, vpon a Sunday being the euen of the Annuntiation of oure Lady, the Flemiſhe fleete was diſcouered a good way off, by one that was mounted into one of the [...]oppes of a Shippe of the Engliſhe fleete. The Earle of Arundell greatly reioycing at thoſe newes, forthwith with his whole fleete, made to the Sea. When y^e Flemings approched neere to our Nauie, they made ſayle, as if they woulde ſette vpon the ſame,A good polici[...]. and our menne of purpoſe made countenaunce, as if they woulde haue retired, as miſtruſting themſelues to be able to match their aduerſaries, who coueting rather a ſafe paſſage than battayle,A great victorie of the Engliſh nauie againſt the Flemiſh fleete Ia. Meir. Tho. VValſ. paſſed by, but the Engliſhmen hauing once gote the winde fitte for their purpoſe, ſuddaynely ſet vppon the Flemiſh Shippes, and fought with them right fiereely: at length, after a ſore conflict whiche endured foure houres, the victorye fell to the Engliſhemen. There were taken foureſcore Shippes, with diuers Captaynes, and menne of armes, namely theyr chiefe Admirall, named Iohn Euyche, a perfect good Seaman, and one that had aforetime done much hurt to the Engliſh nation Diuers of their Shippes were, bougth and ſome eſcaped yet from the battell, but the Earle of Arundell pur[...]ed them ſo agrely for the ſpace of two dayes togither, that at length hee tooke them and broughte them [...] to his [...] uie, ſo that what in the battell and in the ch[...]ſ[...] there were to [...]n of great and ſmall, to the number of an hundred veſſels, all fraught, with win[...] ſo that the [...] was [...]unde [...] the ſame [...] nine thouſand [...] or rather as other haue,I[...]. [...] Tho. VValf. nyneteene thouſand, which togither with the veſſelles were ſtraight ſente vnto Orwell hauen, and to other hauens abroade in the Realme, beſide that whiche fell to the Kings ſhare, as due to hym by his prerogatiue.

The Citizens of Middlebourgh came to the Earle, and requeſted him that they mighte buy thoſe wines of him, and pay for the ſame after the rate of an hundred ſhillings the tunne, alledging how they were the kings friends, and ſtoode in neede of wines: but the Earle of Arundell, thinking it more reaſon, that thoſe whiche hadde borne the charges of his iourney, to witte the cō mons of the Realme of England ſhould haue the commoditie thereof than anye other, hee denyed their ſute,The liberalitie of the Erle of Arundell. but yet to ſhewe them ſome pleaſure as his friendes, hee gaue to them twentie tunnes to make merrie with: As for that whiche fell to the Earles ſhare, he vſed ſuche bountifulneſſe in beſtowing it among his friends, that he left not to himſelfe ſo much as one tunne, hee wanne therefore no ſmall prayſe, that forbearing his owne commoditie which hee might haue reaped in ſelling thoſe wines to ſtraungers, hee had more regard to the profit of the commons, whereby they might vnderſtand, that that which they had layd forthe towardes the ſetting forward of this iourney, was not altogither loſt nor caſt away. Part of the Flemiſh fleete eſcaping as before yee haue heard, was purſued vnto the hauen of Sluſe, and Blankerke.

Diuers roades made into Flaunders by the Engliſhmen, & greate ſpoyle done.All the Countrey of Flaunders, neere to the Sea coaſtes, was in great feare, for the Engliſhmen landed, and euery daye wente abroade into the Countrey, brenning diuers townes and villages, as Mude, Oſtburg, Houckam, Monacharedam, and others. And at length, after they had taken their pleaſure in the Countrey, for the ſpace of tenne dayes togither, they hoiſted vp ſailes, and returned with all their pray and booties, whiche beeing ſolde, and vttered abroade in the Realme,Wine ſolde for thirteene ſhillings four pence the tun. made wine ſo plentifull heere in Englande, that it was ſolde for thirteene ſhillings foure pence the tunne, and twentie ſhillings the beſt and choiſeſt.

The Earle of Arundel not ſatiſfyed with this happie archieued enterprice, but minding to doe more ſeruice to the benefite of hys Countreye, gathered his Shippes togither, and hyring newe Souldiers to ſupplye the roomthes of them that were hurte, maimed, or ſlayne, turned his ſayles towards the Caſtell of Breſt, whiche ſeemed to be a keye to the leſſe Britaine, and being (as yee haue heard) in the Engliſhmens poſſeſſion, the French menne were about to reyſe vp and build farre greater and ſtronger baſtillions,The Earle of Arundell ſayleth into Britayne, with a great power. than thoſe were that the Duke of Lancaſter had taken and deſtroyed as he ſailed forward on his iourney toward Spayne: one of theſe two new Baſtilles y^e Earle of Arundell wanne by force from them that kept it, and bycauſe it ſeemed neceſſary to be kepte for a defence to the Caſtell, if it were in the Engliſhmens hands, hee committed it to the cuſtodie of certaine Engliſhmen. The other beyng not yet finiſhed, but begunne in ſumptuous wiſe to be builded, he ſet on fyre and brent. This done, furniſhing the garriſon with ſufficient vittalles, and munition to ſerue them for one whole yere, hee returned home into Englande, with greate prayſe and commendations of the [...] his doings: but the Duke of Irelande, the Earle of Suffolke, ſir Simon de Burley, and Sir Richarde Sturrie, that ſtill continued aboute the Kyng, ſeemed rather to enuie the Earle of Arundels good name, than otherwiſe, [...] the follower of ve[...] tue [...] to commend hym and others to the King, that hadde beene foorthe in that iourney, in ſo muche, that when the Earle of Nottingham, otherwiſe called Earle Marſhall, that had beene euer the Kyngs pleyfellowe, and of equall age to hym, came nowe to the Courte, hoping to bee righte welcome, and to receyue great thankes at the kings handes, he hadde no good countenaunce ſhewed hym, neyther of the King, nor of the Duke of Irelande, who diſdeyning once to talke with hym, ſeemed to enuie the worthy prowes in other, whiche he knewe wanted in hymſelfe.

Shortly after, by the counſell of thoſe Lordes and Knightes that remayned aboute the Kyng,The Lorde Percy ſent to the Seas. the Lorde Henry Percy, ſonne to the Earle of Northumberlande, was ſente to the Seas, to beate backe the attemptes of the enimies, but hee was ſlenderly appoynted to atchieue anye greate enterpriſe: and this was done of ſome enuious purpoſe, bycauſe hee had got a name amōg the common people, to be a right hardie and valiant Gentleman, as well among Engliſhmen as Scottes. But he eyther ignorant, or not much waying of that whiche they craftely had imagined againſte him, boldly and valiantly executed the buſineſſe enioyned hym, and hauing remayned abroade, during the whole time of hys appoynted ſeruice, returned ſafely home.

Aboute the ſame time, a Frier Carmelite, named Walter Diſſe, that had bene confeſſor to the Duke of Lancaſter, obteyned in fauoure of the ſame Duke, at Pope Vrbanes hands, certayne faculties, to be diſtributed to ſuch as would pray and pay for them.

Among other of thoſe faculties, one was, in make al thoſe whome he thought good, the Popes Chaplaynes, according to forme of law, and the cuſtome vſed in the Court of Rome. Nowe bycauſe ſuch as obteyned this fauour, enioyed great liberties, many were glad to beſtowe largely, to be ſo preferred, the Frier being ready to admitte thoſe that offered moſt.

F[...]ier Pateſhul for taking his profeſsion, preacheth in o [...] agaynſt [...]own order.Among other, one Peeter Pateſhull, a Frier of the Auguſtines order, was made by hym the Popes Chaplayne, a man not vnlearned and one that fauoured Wiclifes doctrine, and therevpon forſaking his priuate profeſſion, gaue himſelfe to a publique trade of life whiche myghte ſeeme to him more holy, commaundable, and ſure. Herevpon, he tooke vpon him to preache againſte his owne order, namely, in a Sermon whiche hee made in S. Chriſtofers, Ch[...] in London, hee mueyed ſo earneſtly againſte the abuſes and heynous crimes which y^e Friers, ſometimes his breethren, vſed to put in practiſe, that it was an horror to heare.Wickleniſtes. There were preſente an hundred at the leaſt of Wiclifes opinion at his ſermon, and in the meane while, that hee ſo layde forth what he knewe againſte his late breethren, ſome perſons there were that ranne to the Auguſtine Friers, and declared the whole matter, wherevpon, a dozen of the hardieſt and luſtieſt fellowes among them came to the Churche where this Pati[...]hull was preaching, and hearing what was ſayde, they began to be ſore moued, in ſo muche, that one of them, more zealous for his Religion than the other, ſtepped foorthe, and agayne ſayd thoſe things which the preacher proponed, which thing, when the Wickleuiſts perceyued, they ſette vpon him that ſo diſquieted the congregation, and laying handes on hym, threwe hym downe, trode him vnder their feete, and lent him many a good buffet, and chaſing all the other Friers away, they were fully bente to haue killed them, and ſette their houſe a fyre, crying out with loude voyces, Let vs deſtroy theſe murtherers, let vs breune theſe Sodomites, and hand vp ſuch traytors of the King and Realme, and running thus with ſuch a furious noyſe and outrage, they purpoſed verily to haue ſette fyre on the Friers lodgings, but that through the humble prayer of Frier Thomas Aſhborne, and one that was his fellow, being reputed for two good men, and doctors of diuinitie, they were ſtayed. The comming alſo of one of the Sherifes of London, holpe muche to appeaſe them, ſo that by his perſwaſion, they returned home to their houſes, but No[...]tr Pateſhul, being mainteined among them, was counſelled, ſith hee was interrupted in hys ſermon, to ſet downe in writing all ſuch matters as he was about to intreat of, and what he [...]ew further, he therefore deuiſed a lybell,A Lybell by Frier Pateſhul againſt his breethren. in whych the accuſed diuers of his breethren, of mu[...]thering ſundry of their fellowes. And for more proofe to bee giuen to his ſayings, hee reade the names of them that were made away, and the names [...] of the murtherers, and ſhewes where [...] that were murthered were buryed & hee affirmed [...] that, that the ſayde Fyires his breethren of late, were S[...]ites and [...]tay[...]rs, both to the king and realme, and many other things hee declared, too hadde to ſpeake of, in that his writing or lybell which he faſtned vppon the Churche dor[...] of S. Paule in London, that the more confuſion might thereby redounde vnto his late breethren, the Friers aforeſaid. In the beginning of y^e ſame Lybell hee proteſted, that hee was got foorthe of the Diuels dungeon, and through the grace of God, eſcaped from amongſt wicked and filthy perſons, by reaſon whereof, and for that hee was an auoucher of the veritie, he ſaide, he was ſure to ſuffer great aduerſities at the Friers hands, if they might lay hold on him, but he thanked Pope Vrbane, for that through his graunte, he had obteyned ſuche libertie, that by helpe of his friends, hee might lawfully withdraw himſelfe from y^e hāds of his enimies. There were diuers men of good worſhip, that mainteyned this Pateſhull, and cauſed a tranſcript of this Lybell, to bee written forth, affirming all to bee true that was therein mentioned.

Amongſt other that thus fauoured this cauſe,The fauourers of Frier Pateſhull. were diuers Knightes, as Sir William Neuill, Sir Lewis Clifford, Sir Iohn Clanbowe, Sir Richard Sturry, and ſir Thomas Latimer, and the chiefeſt of all, was one ſir Iohn Montague, who cauſed all the Images to bee taken downe, and ſet aſide in corners, which Iohn Aubrey, and his ſucceſſor ſir Alane Buxhull, or any their anceſtors had ſet vp in their Chappell of Chenelcy.

Aboute the ſame time, the Duke of Irelande ſoughte to bee diuorſed from his lawfull wife, a trimme yong Lady, daughter to the Lady Iſabell, that was one of King Edwarde the thyrde his daughters, and tooke to wife one Lancegrone a Bohemer, one of the Queenes maydes, by reaſon whereof, greate occaſion of ſlaunder and reproch grewe, and diuers Lords, ſpecially y^e Duke of Glouceſter, that was vncle to the Ladye that was forſaken, tooke greate diſpleaſure heerewith. But ſith the King allowed of all the Duke of Irelandes doyngs, the Duke of Glouceſter diſſembled ſuch iniuries done to his neece for the time, till oportunitie mighte ſerue to reuenge the ſame.

The Duke of Irelande vnderſtoode all theſe things, and therefore was the more circumſpect for his owne ſafetie, and ſtudyed howe by ſome meanes he mighte diſpatche the Duke of Glouceſter out of the way, as the man whome he moſt feared, leaſt his life ſhoulde be his deſtruction, by one meanes or other.

Eaſter was nowe paſt, the tyme (as yee haue hearde appoynted) before the which the Duke of Irelande ſhould haue tranſported ouer into Irelande, and yet was hee not ſet forward, but leaſt ſomewhat myght be thought in the matter, and for feare of ſome ſturre to be rayſed by the Lords of the Realme, that wiſhed him gone, accordyng to the order preſcribed at the laſt Parliament,Diſſention betwixt the Kyng, and the nobles. the King as it were to bring hym to the water ſide, wente with him into Wales, where beeyng out of the way, they myghte deuiſe how to diſpatche the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earles of Arundell, Warwike, Darbye, and Nottingham, with others of that faction There were with the King, beſyde the Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Roberte Triſilian Lorde chiefe Iuſtice, and diuers other, whiche doubtfull of theyr owne ſafegardes, dyd what they coulde as writers reporte, to moue the King forwarde to the deſtruction of thoſe noble men.

After the Kyng had remayned in thoſe parties a good while, hee returned,An. reg. [...]. and broughte the Duke of Irelande backe with him agayne, ſo that it ſemed hys boyage into Ireland was now quite forgotten.

About the ſame tyme,Grafton. Robert Triſilian Lord chiefe Iuſtice of Englande came to Cou[...]e, and in[...]ited there two thouſand perſons. The King and the Queene came to Groby, and thither came by hys commaundement the Iuſtices of the Realme. There were alſo with hym the ſame tyme, Alexander Archbiſhop of Yorke, Roberte Vere Duke of Ireland, Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Robert Triſilian,C[...]tayne queſtion in law [...] ded of the iuſtices. and his fellowes, of whome it was demaunded, if by the lawes of the Realme, the King myghte reuoke the ordinances made in the laſt Parliament, to the whiche he had giuen his conſente in [...]an[...]er by conſtraint, and they made aunſwere that he might. Then were the Iuſtices commaunded to come vnto Nothingham, where the King appoynted to meete them, and thither hee came, according to his appoyntment,A Co[...]ll holden at Not[...]ingham. and helde a ſolemne Counſell in the Caſtell of Nottingham, the morrowe after Saint Bartholmewes day. In whiche Counſell, were the aforeſayde Archbyſhop of Yorke, the Duke of Irelande, the Earle of Suffolke, Roberte Triſilian Iuſtice, Roberte Bramble Iuſtice, and ſundry other, all which Iuſtices were commaunded to ſette theyr handes vnto the queſtions vnder written, that by meanes thereof, thoſe perſons that were about the Kyng, thought they might haue good occaſion, to putte the Duke of Glouceſter, and other Lords that were his complices vnto death, whiche in the laſt Parliament were ordeyned to haue the gouernaunce of the Realme, and all ſuche as were conſenting to the ſame. Diuers of the Iuſtices refuſed to ſubſcribe, but yet they were conſtreyned to doe as the reſt did, among the whych was Iohn Bel[...]nappe, who vtterly refuſed,Iuſtice Bel[...] nap o[...]opell[...] to ſubſcri[...] tyll the Duke of Ireland, and the Earle of Suffolke compelled hym thereto, for if hee had perſiſted in the refuſall, hee had not eſcaped their handes, and yet when he hadde ſet too hys ſeale, he burſt out into theſe wordes:Iuſtice Bel[...] nap[...] wordes. Nowe (ſayde hee) heere lacketh nothing but a rope, that I mighte receyue a rewarde worthy for my deſert, and I know, if I had not done this, I mighte not haue eſcaped your handes, ſo that for youre pleaſures and the Kings I haue done it, and deſerued therby death at the handes of the Lordes: whyche indeede ſhortly followed, for in the next Parliamente hee was condemned and executed. But nowe that thys myghte remayne in recorde, an Acte of Counſell was made thereof, in manner as followeth.

Addition to Pa[...] Memorand. that the fiue and twentith daye of Auguſt, in the eleuenth yeare of the raigne of King Richard the ſecond, at the Caſtell of Nottingham aforeſayde, Roberte Triſilian, Lorde chiefe Iuſtice of Englande, Roberte Belknap Lord chiefe Iuſtice of the common pleas, Iohn Holte, Roger Fulthorp, and Williā Borough, Knightes and aſſociates of the ſayde Roberte Belknap, and Iohn Lockton, one of the Kyngs ſergeants at the lawe, beeing perſonally required in preſence of the Lordes and other witneſſes vnder written by our ſayd ſoueraigne Lorde the Kyng, in that faith and allegiance in whiche to him they were bounden, that they ſhoulde truely aunſwere to certayne queſtions vnderwritten, and vpon the ſame by their diſcretions, to ſay the lawe.

Firſte it was aſked of them, whether the newe ſtatute,Queſtion in laws demided [...] the Iuſtice. ordinaunce, and commiſſion made in the laſt Parliament holden at Weſtminſter, bee hurtfull to the kings prerogatiue. Wherevnto all of one minde aunſwered, that they were hurtfull, and ſpecially bycauſe they bee agaynſte the kings will.

Item, it was enquired of them, howe they oughte to bee puniſhed, that procured the ſayde Statute, ordinance and Comiſſion to be made. Wherevnto with one aſſent they anſwered, that they deſerued death, except the King of his grace would pardon them.

Item, it was enquired, how they ought to be puniſhed, whiche moued the King to conſente to the making of the ſaid ſtatute, ordinance, and cō miſſion. Wherevnto they aunſwered, that vnleſſe the King woulde giue them his pardon, they ought to loſe their liues.

Item, it was enquired of them what puniſhment they deſerued, that compelled the Kyng to the making of that ſtatute, ordinance, and commiſſion. Wherevnto they gaue aunſwere, that they ought to ſuffer as Traytors.

Item, it was demaunded of them howe they ought to bee puniſhed that interrupted the Kyng ſo, that hee myghte not exerciſe thoſe things that apperteyned to his regaltie and prerogatiue. Wherevnto aunſwere was made, that they ought to be puniſhed as Traytors.

Item, it was enquired of them, whether that after the affayres of the Realme, and the cauſe of the callyng togither the ſtates to the Parliamente, were once by the Kyngs commaundemente declared and opened, and other articles on the Kyngs behalfe limitted, vppon whyche the Lordes and commons of the Realme ought to intreate and proceede, if the Lordes neuertheleſſe woulde proceede vpon other articles, and not meddle with thoſe articles which the Kyng hadde limited, till time the King hadde aunſwered the Articles proponed by them, notwithſtanding the Kyng enioyned them to the contrarie: Whether in this caſe the Kyng myghte rule the Parliament, and cauſe them to proceede vppon the Articles by hym limited, before they proceede any further. To whyche queſtion, it was aunſwered, that the Kyng ſhoulde haue in thys parte the rule, for order of all ſuche articles to be proſecuted, vntill the ende of the Parliamente. And if any preſumed to goe contrary to this rule, he was to be puniſhed as a traytor.

Item, it was aſked, whether the King when ſo euer it pleaſed hym myghte not diſſolue the Parliamente, and commaunde the Lordes and commons to depart from thence or not. Wherevnto it was aunſwered that hee might.

Item, it was inquired, that for aſmuche as it was in the Kyng to remoue ſuche Iuſtices and officers as offende, and to puniſhe them for theyr offences: Whether the Lordes and commons myghte without the Kings wil, impeache the ſame officers and Iuſtices, vpō their offences in Parliament or not. To this aunſwere was made, that they myghte not, and hee that attempted contrarye, was to ſuffer as a Traytor.

Item, it was enquired, howe hee is to bee puniſhed, that moued in the Parliamente, that the ſtatute wherein Edwarde, the ſonne of Kyng Edwarde, greate grandfather to the Kyng that nowe is, was endited in Parliamente, myght be ſente for, by inſpection of whyche Statute, the ſayde newe ſtatute or ordinaunce and commiſſion were conceyued, and deuiſed in the Parliament.

To whiche queſtion, with one accorde, as in all the reſidue they aunſwered, that as well hee that ſo ſummoned, as the other, whyche by force of the ſame motion, broughte the ſayde Statute into the Parliamente houſe, be as publique offendors and Traytors to bee puniſhed.

Item, it was enquired of them, whether the Iudgemente giuen in the Parliament agaynſte Michael de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, were erronious and reuocable, or not:

To which queſtion likewiſe with one aſſente they ſayd, that if the ſame iudgement were nowe to bee giuen, the Iuſtices and Sergeaunte aforeſayde woulde not gyue the ſame, bycauſe it ſeemed to them, that the ſayde iudgemente is reuocable and erronious in euery part. In witneſſe whereof, the Iuſtices and Sergeaunte aforeſayde, to theſe preſentes, haue ſet there ſeales, theſe beeing witneſſes, Alexander Archbyſhop of Yorke, Roberte Archbyſhoppe of Dublin, Iohn Byſhop of Durham, Thomas Byſhop of Cheſter, Iohn Byſhoppe of Bangor, Robert Duke of Irelande, Mighell Earle of Suffolke, Iohn Rypon Clearke, and Iohn Blake.

Tho. VValſ.Now beſide theſe Iuſtices and Sergeaunte, there were called at that preſente vnto Notingham, all other Iuſtices of the Realme, and the Sherifes. Alſo, diuers of the Citie of London, which the King knewe would encline to his will the rather, for that ſome of them, hauing aforetime confeſſed treaſon againſt the King by them imagined, and obteyning pardon for the ſame, were ready at his commaundemente, to recompence ſuche fauoure, in the accompliſhmente of what ſoeuer they knewe myghte ſtand with hys pleaſure. Heerevppon, they beeing enpanelled to enquire of certayne treaſons that were ſuppoſed to be committed by the Lordes, which in the laſt Parliament hadde ſo cauſed things to paſſe, contrary to the Kyngs pleaſure,The Lordes [...]ed of diuers offences. endited the ſame Lordes of many crimes enformed againſt them.

The Londoners indeede are euill reported of in thoſe dayes, by ſome writers, for their vnſtableneſſe, one whyle holding on the Kinges part, and with ſuche as were chiefe in counſell about hym, and an other whyle on the Lordes ſyde that were of a contrary faction.

Why the Sherifes of all ſhires were ſent for to the Courte.But nowe as concerning the cauſe why the Sherifes were called hither, it was chiefly to vnderſtande what power of men they might aſſure the Kyng of, to ſerue hym agaynſte the Lordes and Barons, whome hee tooke to be his enimies: and further, that where he meane to call a Parliament very ſhortly, they ſhoulde ſo vſe the matter that no Knyght might be choſen, but ſuch as the Kyng and his Counſell ſhoulde name. But aunſwere was made heerevnto by the Sherifes, that the Lordes were ſo highly beloued of y^e commons, that it lay not in their powers to aſſemble any great forces againſte the Lords, and as for choſing the Knightes of the Shires, they ſayde, that the commons would vndoubtedly vſe theyr auntiente liberties, and priuiledges, in chooſing ſuche as they thoughte meeteſt.

But yet after that the indictments were found, according to the deſire of the kyng and hys counſellors, and that thoſe whiche hadde beene called aboute this matter, were licenced to depart home, the Kyng and the Duke of Irelande ſent meſſengers into euerye parte of the Realme,Souldiers [...]ined on all ſides by the K. agaynſte the Lordes. to [...] teyne men of warre to aſſiſte them in the [...] rell againſte the Lordes if neede were. [...] made aunſwere, that ſith they knew the[...] [...] to be f[...]ythfull and loyall to the King, ſuch [...] the bottome of theyr heartes, and were ready to ſtudy, to deuiſe, and to do all thyngs that [...]ght tende to his honor, and wealthe of the Realme, they myghte not by anye meanes beare armoure againſte them. But a great number of other that tooke it that they were reteyned for a good and neceſſary purpoſe, promiſed to be ready whenſoeuer it ſhoulde pleaſe the King to ſende for them.

The Lordes beeing in this meane while aduertiſed of theſe doyngs, were ſtriken with great he aumeſſe, for that not knowing themſelues (as they tooke it) giltie of anye offence, the Kyng ſhoulde thus ſeeke theyr deſtruction.

Heerewith, the Duke of Glouceſter, meaning to mitigate the Kinges diſpleaſure, reteyned a ſolemne othe before the Byſhop of London,The Duke of Glouceſter proteſting vpon his oth[...]. and diuers other Lords, proteſting by the ſame oth[...], that hee neuer imagined, nor wente aboute anye thing, to the Kings hinderance, but to his power, hadde alwayes done what hee myghte, to aduaunce the Kings honor, proſperous ſtate, and good liking, except onely that hee hadde gyuen no good countenaunce to the Duke of Irelande, whome the Kyng ſo muche loued: and ſurely for that the ſayd Duke had diſhonored his kinſ[...]dman, and the Kings alſo, hee was firmely determined to reuenge that iniurie vppon him, and heerewith, hee beſoughte the Byſhoppe of London to declare what hys wordes were vnto the King.

The Byſhoppe commyng to the King, made reporte of the Duke of Glouceſters proteſtation, cōfirmed with his othe, in ſuch wiſe, as the king beganne ſomewhat to bee perſwaded, that it was true. But when the Earle of Suffolke perceyued that, fearing leaſt the reconciliation of the King and the Duke his vncle ſhoulde turne to his vndoing, hee beganne to ſpeake againſt the Duke, tyll the Byſhoppe [...]ad hym holde hys peace, and tolde hym, that it nothing became hym to ſpeake at all, and when the Earle aſked why ſo,Stou[...]e wor[...] of the Biſhop of London. bycauſe (ſaid the Byſhoppe) thou waſt in the laſt Parliamente condemned for an euill perſon, and one not worthy to lyue, but onely it pleaſeth the King to ſhew thee fauour.

The Kyng beeyng offended with the Byſhoppes preſumptuous wordes, commaunded hym to departe and get hym home to his Churche, who forthwith departed, and declared to the Duke of Glouceſter what he had heard and ſene.

Heerevpon, the great miſliking that had bin afore time betwixte the Kyng and the Lordes, was nowe more vehemently increaſed, the Duke of Ireland, the Earle of Suffolke the Archbiſhop of Yorke, the Lord chiefe Iuſtice Robert Triſilian and others ſtill procuring, ſtirring, and confirming the Kyngs heauie diſpleaſure againſt the Lordes.

The Duke of Glouceſter conſidering to what concluſion theſe things tended, came ſecretely to a conference with the Earles of Arundell, Warwike,The Lordes con[...]e howe to preuent the perils pretended againſt them. and Derby, who were in lyke daunger, if they prouided not more ſpeedelie for their ſafetie, wherevppon, hee diſcouereth to them the perill wherein they all ſtoode in commune, ſo that whē they wayed what was the moſte expedient meane to ſauegarde theyr lyues, they gathered their powers togither, determining to talke with the Kyng, with their armour vpon their backes, for their more ſuretie, as well concerning his pretence, to bring them to their deathes, as for the fauour which he haue to thoſe whome they reputed to be traytors, both to him, and to the whole ſtate of the Realme, whereby the ſame coulde not auoyde ſpeedie remedie, if ruine were not the ſooner prouided.

The Kyng on the other parte tooke aduice, how he mighte apprehende theſe Lordes (whome he tooke to bee playne traytors) eche one a parte, before they mighte gather their ſtrengthes about them, and firſte, hee ſent the Earle of Northumberlande and others,The Earle of Northumberland ſent to apprehend the Earle of Arundell. vnto the Caſtell of Reigate to take the Earle of Arundell, who laye there at that preſent. But howſoeuer it fortuned the Erle of Northumberlande came backe, and fayled to accompliſhe that which hee had in commaundemente.

After this, a greate number were ſente by nyghte, to haue layde handes on hym, and to haue broughte hym to the Kyngs preſence, or in caſe hee reſiſted, to haue ſlayne hym, if by anye meanes they myghte: but hee beeyng warned by a meſſenger, that came to him from the Duke of Glouceſter, conueyed hymſelfe away, and with ſuche bandes as hee hadde gote togither, rode all that nyghte,The Earle of Ar[...]ll ioy [...] with the [...]er Lordes. ſo that in the morning hauing paſſed a thirtie myles, not without greate trauayle, and all ſpeede poſſible, hee was in the morning aduaunced vnto Haringey Parke, where hee founde the Duke of Glouceſter, and the Earle of Warwike, with a greate power of menne about them.

The ſame tyme, the Kyng was aboute to ſette forwardes towardes Caunterbury, there to performe ſome vowe of pilgrimage, whiche hee hadde vndertaken to make, vnto the ſhrine of Thomas Becket, but a brute was reyſed, and a ſlaunder (belyke) contriued, to bryng hym in further hatred of his ſubiectes, that hee meante to ſteale ouer into Fraunce, vnto the French King, hauyng promiſed to deliuer vp into hys handes the Towne of Calais, with the Caſtell of Guynes, and all the fortreſſes, whyche hys predeceſſors had poſſeſſed in thoſe parties, eyther by right from their aunceſtors, or by warlike conqueſt, but his iourney to Caunterbury was ſuddaynely ſtayed, vppon knowledge had of the gathering togither of the Lords in Haringey Parke, wherwith the Kyng beeyng ſore amaſed, called togyther ſuch as he truſted, to vnderſtande what their opinion was of the matter, and vnderſtandyng that the purpoſed intention of the Lordes, for whiche they were ſo aſſembled, was to this ende as they pretended, to bring hym vnto a better trade of life and more profitable order of gouernment, hee was ſtraighte ſtriken with no ſmall feare, demaunding of them their aduice,Counſell taken how to deale againſte the Lordes. what was beſt for hym to doe in ſuche troubleſome ſtate of things. Some were of this minde, that it ſhoulde bee beſt to ſeeke to appeaſe the Lordes with faire promiſes, aſſuring them, that they ſhould haue their deſires. Other thought it better, to aſſemble the Kings friendes, and ioyning them with the Londoners, to goe foorth and trie the hazard of battayle with the Lordes. Among them that were of thys mynde, the Archbyſhop of Yorke was the chiefeſt. But other that were thought to vnderſtande more of the worlde than he did, iudged it not wiſedome ſo to doe, conſidering that if the Kyng loſt the fielde, then ſhoulde great harme and diſhonor followe, and if the victory fell to his ſyde, yet could he gaine naughte, but loſe a great number of his ſubiectes. Thys was in Nouember, at what time the King vppon his returning from Caunterbury, meante to haue holden a Parliamente, but through thoſe ſturres, neyther hys iourney to Caunterbury, nor the Parliamente wente forwarde: hee cauſed yet order to be giuen, that no Citizen of London ſhoulde fell to the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earle of Arundell, or anye other of the Lordes, anye armour, bowes, arrowes, or other munition or matter, that myghte tende to the furniture of warre vpon a great payne.

But notwithſtanding the Lordes went forwarde with their buſineſſe,The Lordes ſend meſſengers to the King. and before they approched the Citie of London, they ſente to the Kyng the Archbyſhop of Caunterburie, the lord Iohn Louell, the Lorde Cobham, and the Lorde Iohn Deuerour, requiring to haue deliuered vnto them ſuche as were aboute hym, that were Traytors and ſeducers both of hym, and the Realme, that ſought nothing elſe, but to trouble both poore and riche, and to ſowe diſcorde and variance betwixte the Kyng and his Nobles.

And further, they declared that theyr commyng was, for the honor and wealthe, both of the King and Realme. But the, Kyng beeyng ruled altogither by the Duke of Irelād, the Erle of Suffolke, and two or three other, was fully perſwaded, that the Lordes intended to bryng him vnder their gouernement, and therefore hee was counſelled, to make the Frenche Kyng hys ſure friend, in all vrgent neceſſities, and to be aſſured of him, it was reported, that thoſe E[...]in [...]ors aduiſed him to render vp into the Frenche Kynges handes, the Towne of Caleis, [...] all that hee hadde elſe in poſſeſſion, on the further ſyde the Sea.

But howſoeuer this matter went, troth it is, that the Kyng ſente for the Maior of London, requiring to know of hym how many able men they thoughte the Citie coulde make,A raſhe anſwer of the Maior of London. the Maior aunſwered, that hee thought verily the Citizens might make in time of neede, fiftie thouſand mē, within an houres reſpit: well ſayd the King, then I beſiech you goe and prooue what will be done: but when the Maior began to attempt the matter,The Lōdoners refuſe to fight agaynſt the Lordes. he was anſwered generally, that they would neuer fight agaynſt the Kyngs friendes, and defendours of the Realme, as indeede they tooke the Lordes to be, but againſt the enimies of the king and Realme, they woulde alwayes be ready to fyghte, and ſhewe what reſiſtaunce they were able. This aunſwere the Maior reported to the Kyng.

The ſame time, there was about the Kyng the Lorde Raufe Baſſet, who ſayde thus to the King flatly and playnely, Sir, I haue bin, and euer will bee youre true liege man, and my body and goodes ſhall euer be at your graces commā dement,The Earle of Northumberlands and the L. Baſſets wordes to the K. in the behalfe of the lordes. in all iuſtice and trueth. But neuertheleſſe, heereof I aſſure you, that if my happe bee to come into the field, I will without fayle alwayes followe the true parte, and it is not I that will aduenture to haue my head broken, for the Duke of Irelandes pleaſure.

Likewiſe, the Earle of Northumberland, being at that time in the Court, ſpake theſe wordes to the K. Sir, there is no doubt, but theſe Lordes whiche nowe be in the field, alwayes haue beene youre true and faithfull ſubiects, and yet are, not intending to attempte anye thing againſt youre ſtate, wealth, and honor. Neuertheleſſe, they feele themſelues fore moleſted and diſquieted, by the wicked deuiſes of certaine perſons about you, that ſeeke to oppreſſe them: and verily without fayle, all your Realm is ſore greeued therewith, both great and ſmall, as well Lords as cōmons, and I ſee not the contrary, but they mind to aduenture their liues with the Lords that are thus in armes, ſpecially in this caſe, which they recon to be yours and your realmes: and ſir, now ye bee in the chiefe place of your Realme, and in y^e place of your coronation, order your ſelfe now therfore wiſely, and like a King, ſend to them ſo come before your preſence in ſome publique place, where they maye declare vnto you the intente [...] [...] poſe of theyr commyng, [...] accompanyed [...] greate a number of people into theſe p[...], [...] I beleeue it verily, they will ſhewe ſuche [...] that you will holde them excuſed. The Archbyſhoppe of Caunterbury, and the Lord [...] ceſſor Byſhoppe of Elie, and other of the [...] ſhoppes alſo there preſente, affirmed the [...] aduice to bee good, [...] and the Kyng [...] wiſely the caſe as it ſtoode, beganne to bee [...] ſed, and accorded to follow theyr aduice, [...] the Archebyſhop of Caunterbury, and the [...] ſhoppe of Elie, to aduertiſe them of his [...] whiche was, that hee willed them to c[...] [...] hym to Weſtminſter, on Sonday then [...] following, and ſo they repayring to the [...] made reporte to them of the Kyngs my[...] [...] purpoſe. But the Duke of Glouceſt[...], [...] and [...] ther Lordes, were ſo fully [...]ente in theyr [...] on, that they ſwore all whole togither, [...] woulde neuer giue ouer their enterpriſe, to [...] as they hadde a penny to ſpende, in [...] [...] naunce of theyr cauſe: and if it chanced [...] them to departe thys lyfe, the ouerlyuers [...] perſiſt therein, vntill the time that they [...] broughte theyr purpoſe to ſome good effect, [...] bycauſe they doubted leaſt the Kyng my[...] ſtirre the Citie of London againſt them, [...] they [...] termined fyrſte to aduertiſe the Maior [...] Citie, howe theyr commyng was onely [...] forme certayne greate enormities, whych [...] ſet downe in writing, and ſente it to the [...] and Citizens, beſeeching them of theſe [...] and counſell therein: thys done, they de[...] ned yet to keepe their daye on the Sonday [...] wing, to appeare before the Kyngs preſente [...] this was not got of them, till that the L[...] Chancellor,Tho. VV[...] with dyuers other noble m[...] good credite hadde vndertaken vppon theyr [...] for the Kings behalfe, that no fraude nor [...] cept, no perill nor euill pretence ſhoulde be [...] in practiſe agaynſte the Lordes, whereby they myghte come to loſſe eyther of lyfe, [...] goodes, or otherwiſe, through the kings meanes, but that if he ſhould goe about any ſuch things, the ſayd Lorde Chancellor, and other the mediators ſhoulde warne the Lordes aforehande thereof.

When therefore the Lordes were ready, according to couenaunte, to come vnto Weſtminſter, they were ſecretely aduertiſed,An a[...] at Mewes. that there was an ambuſh layd in a place called y^e Mewes, and ſo they ſtayed, and came not at the appointed houre. Wherevppon, when the King demaunded, howe it fortuned that the Lordes kept not promiſe, the Byſhoppe of Ely Lorde Chauncellor made hym this aunſwere, bycauſe ſaith hee, there is an ambuſhe of a thouſande armed men or more layd in ſuch a place, (and named it) contraite to couenant, and therefore they neyther come nor holde you for faythfull of your worde.

The king hearing this, was aſtonied, and a[...] [...]med with an othe, that hee knewe of no ſuche thing and withal he ſent to the Sherifes of London cōmaunding them to repaire to the Mewes, and vpon ſearch made, if they founde any force of men there aſſembled, to take and kill all ſuche as they coulde lay handes vppon. But ſir Thomas [...], and ſir Nicholas Bramble, knightes, that had in deed aſſembled ſuch a number of men, [...] they vnderſtoode what order the king had gain therein, they ſent theyr men backe vnto London.

The Lords after this, receyuing a ſafe conduct from the king, and perceyuing all to bee ſafe and cleare, came vnto Weſtminſter with a ſtrong power of men about them.The Lordes come before the kings preſence in Weſtminſter hal. The king when hee heard they were come, apparelled himſelfe in his kingly robes, and with his Scepter in hand commeth into the great hall at Weſtminſter.

The Lords as ſoone as they had ſight of him, made vnto him theyr humble obeyſaunce, and ſo went forth vntil they came to the nether ſteps, going vp to the kings ſeate of eſtate, where they made their ſeconde obeyſaunce, and then the king gaue them a countenaunce to come nearer vnto him, & they ſo did, kneeling down before him, and forthwith hee roſe from his place, and louingly welcomming them, tooke eche of thē by the hand, and that done ſate him downe againe. Herewith the Biſhop of Elie Lord Chauncellor, as mouth to the king, declared vnto theſe Lordes in effect as followeth.

The [...] Chā [...] ſpeaketh [...] the king to [...] lordes.My Lordes (ſayde he) our ſoueraigne Lorde the king, hearing that you were aſſembled in Haringey Parke, in other maner than was conuenient, would not forthwith runne vpon you wyth force to deſtroy you, as he might eaſily haue don, if he had not wiſhed your ſafetie, for no mā doubteth but if his pleaſure had bin to gather an army, he might haue had more people than you coulde haue got to haue taken part with you, agaynſte him, and ſo happily muche bloud myght haue bene ſpylt, which thing certainly our ſoueraigne Lord the king vtterly abhorreth, and therefore vſing pacience and mildeneſſe, he hath rather choſen to talke with you in peaceable wiſe, that hee may vnderſtād the cauſe why ye haue aſſembled ſo great a number of people togither.The anſwere [...] the lordes. [...] theire [...]es.
The Lordes for anſwere herevnto ſayd, that they aſſembled theyr forces togither, for the profit both of the king and realme, and eſpecially to take away from him ſuch traytors as remayned continually about him, to wit, Robert de Vere duke of Ireland, Alexander Neuil Archbiſhop of York, Michaell de la Pole Earle of Suffolke, Robert Triſſlian that falſe Iuſtice, and ſir Nicholas Brambre that diſloyall knight of London, for to they tearmed them. And to proue their accuſations true, they threwe downe their gloues, proteſting by their othes to proſecute it by battaile. Nay (ſayth the king) not ſo, but in the next Parliament which we do appoynt before hand [...]o begin the morow after the Purification of our Ladie, both they and you appearing, ſhall receyue according to lawe, all that, whiche reaſon ſhall appoynt.
And nowe to you my Lordes I ſpeake,The k. reproueth the lords doings. by what meane, or by what reaſon durſt you ſo preſumptuouſly take vpon you within this my land to riſe thus againſt me? Did you thinke to feare me with ſuch your preſumptuous boldneſſe? haue I not armed mere ſufficient to haue beaten you downe, compaſſed about like a ſort of Deere in a ioyle? if I would: Truly in this behalf I make no more account of you, than of the vyleſt ſkullions in my kitchen.

When he had ſayd theſe wordes, with much more, he lyft vp the Duke of Glouceſter, that all this while kneeled afore him, and commaunded the reſidue to riſe alſo.

After this, he led them curteouſly to his chamber, where they ſate and dranke togither. And finally it was concluded,The king taketh both parties into his protection. that they ſhould al meet togither againe at the next Parliament, and eche one to receyue according to iuſtice: and in the meane time the king toke aſwel the duke of Gloceſter, as the duke of Ireland into his protection, ſo that neither part in the meane time ſhould hurt the other, nor preſume to make any gathering of people vnto the time prefixed: and ſo this counſail brake vp, and the Lordes departed.

Theſe things yet were done in abſence of the forenamed perſons whom the Lordes accuſed,Grafton. for they durſt not appeare in preſence of the lords, for if they had bin eſpied they had ſmarted for it, as was thought, without any reſpect that would haue bene had of the kings preſence.

And nowe foraſmuch as it ſhoulde bee well knowne through all the Citie, that theſe Lordes had nothing offended him with their comming, the king cauſed a Proclamation to be made, the tenour whereof was as followeth.

A proclamatiō clearing the lordes of any treaſon. Richard by the grace of God. &c.

We wil that it bee knowne to all our liege people throughoute our realme of England, that whereas Thomas duke of Glouceſter, Richard Earle of Arundell, and Thomas Earle of Warwike, haue bene defamed of treaſon by certain of our coūſailors we as it apperteineth, diligently ſearching y^e ground & cauſe of this defamation, finde no ſuch thing in them, nor any ſuſpition thereof, wherefore we declare the ſame diffamatiō to be falſe, and vntrue, and do receyue the ſame duke and erles into our ſpeciall protection. And bycauſe theſe accuſers ſhall be notoriouſly knowne, their names are Alexander Archb. of Yorke, ſir Robert Veere duke of Irelande, Michael de la Pole Erle of Suffolk, Robert Triſilian L. chiefe Iuſtice, and ſir Nicholas Brambre of London knight, who in like caſe ſhal remaine till the next Parliament, & there ſhall ſtand to their anſwere: but in the mean time we likewiſe take them into our protection, ſtreytly charging and cōmaunding that no maner of perſon, charge any of the forenamed, either priuily or apertly in word or deed to hurt thē, or cauſe any hurt to be done to them, but all quarels and demaundes agaynſt them to be remitted, vnto the next Parliament prefixed.

And to haue all things in more perfect readineſſe and remembrance when the eſtates ſhoulde be aſſembled, certain of the Lords were appointed to ſit in the meane time to deuiſe how they might proceed orderly in redreſſe of ſuch matters, [...] to require ſome ſpeedie reformation, [...] did they think it good to depart in ſunder, for [...] to be entrapped through the malicious practiſe of their aduerſaries: which their doubt [...] Afterward to ſtand them in ſteed of great wiſedome for immediately after, their ſayd aduerſaries c[...]me to the king, and declared howe they were dayly [...] dāger of their liues, by reaſon of y^e malice which the Lords had conceyued againſt them onely [...] the kings ſake, & not for any matter of their [...]. And where the king had promiſed that the[...] [...] appeare at the next Parliament, whiche [...] hād, they told him plainly that they neither durſt nor would put their bodies in ſuch manifeſt da[...] ger. The king conſidering hereof, withdrew himſelfe from the companie of the Lordes that were aſſigned to ſit at London, to deliberate of matte[...]s that were to bee talked of & ordred in the Parliament: and ſo that counſaile was deferred, & layde aſide, and the kings counſailors that ſtood in danger of their liues through the malice of the Lords confederated with the duke of Glouceſter, got thē from the Court, & withdrew ſome into this place and ſome into that. Among other the erle of S[...]ffolke fied ouer vnto Calais in ſecrete wiſe,The erle [...] [...] folk [...] ouer to Ca[...] by the helpe of a knight called ſir William Hoo, who holpe to conuey him thither.

He had chaunged his apparell, and ſhauen [...]s hearde, and ſo diſguiſed, counterfeyted himſelfe to be a Poulter, and to ſell certaine foule whiche hee had gotten, by whiche meanes hee was not knowne, till at length comming to the gates of the Caſtell whereof hys brother ſir Edmonde de la Poole was Captaine, hee diſcouered to hym (ſcarcely knowing who he was, by reaſō he was ſo diſguiſed) the whole occaſion of his repayring thyther, requyring him to keepe his counſayle, and that hee mighte remayne with him in priuie maner for a tyme, tyll hee myght heare more howe things wente in Englande, from whence hee was thus fled to auoyde the bloudie handes of his enimies, that ſought his life.

His brother doubting what might be layde to his charge if he ſhoulde conceale this matter from the Lorde William Beauchampe Lord Deputie of the towne, ſtreyghtwayes aduertiſed hym thereof, who tooke order that the Earle ſhoulde foorthwith bee ſ[...]nt backe agayne into Englande to the King,Graft[...]. who receyued hym wyth ſmall thanks to them that brought him ouer, inſomuch (as ſome write) his brother being one, was committed to Pryſon for diſcloſing him. But yet bycauſe it ſhoulde not ſeeme that hee impryſoned hym for that cauſe, hee was ſhortlye after ſet at libertie, and returned againe to his charge at Calais.

The Erle was alſo permytted to go whither he woulde, although the king had vndertaken to preſent him and others at the [...]ext Parliament, to anſwere theyr offences, as the ſame might bee layde to theyr charge.

But here it may be doubted by the vncertentie of writtes, whether the Erle of Suffolke thus fled ouer to Calais, before the iourney at Ra[...] c[...]te bridge, or after: but whether it chaunced eyther after or before, it is certain that [...] the time that the Lordes had enforced the King to promiſe to exhibite him and others at the [...]xt Parliament to abide their trials, he durſt not openly remaine in the Court, but taking leaue of the king, departed from him. Wherevpon the King being oute of quiet for the abſence of him and other his beſt beloued counſaylers, whome hee ſo much eſteemed, and namely of the Duke of Irelande, and the ſayd Erle of Suffolke, he appoynted one Thomas Molineux Coneſtable of the Caſtell of Cheſter, a man of high valiauncie, and great power in the parties of Cheſſhire and Lancaſhire,A commiſsion to the Sherif of Ch[...]ſhire to ſ[...]onduct [...] Duke of [...]land to the kings preſēce. to rayſe an armie of men, with the aſſiſtance of the Sherife of Cheſſhire, to whome his commiſſion of authoritie in that behalfe, vnder the great ſcale was directed, to the ende that they might conuey the duke of Irelande in all ſafetie vnto the kings preſence.

The Sherife hauing receyued this commiſſion, togither with the ſayd Thomas Molineux, rayſed a power, and ſuch as refuſed to ſerue, in reſpect of ſuch good will as they bare to the Lordes, he committed to priſon, commaunding the Iaylers to keepe them ſtreyte in Irons wyth bread and water, till his returne.

Moreouer, the king ſent to ſir Raufe Vernon, and ſir Richarde Ra[...]cliffe, willing them to aſſiſt the other. And ſo thus they ſet forwarde with the number of fiue thouſande men.

The lord[...] ſeke to ſtop the paſſage of the Irelande.When the Lordes vnderſtoode that the duke of Irelande was marching towardes London with ſuch a power of menne, meaning to ioyne with the Londoners, and ſo to make as it had bin an inuin[...]ble armie, they beſturred themſelues, and fell in hand to arme theyr men, and to exhort one another, that nowe they ſhoulde not bee negligent in their owne defence, but to make haſt for the diſpatching of thoſe that craftily had gone about to conſpire their deathes. And ſo theſe lords, to wit, the duke of Glouceſter, the Erles of Wardi[...], Arundell, Warwike, and Notingham, aſſē bled their powers oute of all quarters, to encounter with the Duke of Irelande, and when they had got their companies togither, they forelayde al the wayes by which hee was thought to come.

But the Duke of Irelande hauing wyth him Molineux, Vernon, and Ratcliſe, roade forwarde in ſtately and glorious arraye, with an armie as yee haue hearde) of fiue thouſande men, ſuppoſing that none durſt come forth to wythſtande him. Neuertheleſſe when he came to Rat [...]o[...]e bridge, not paſſe foure miles from Cheping Norton which bridge the coulde haue paſſed, he had beene out of the daunger of an enimies) hee ſodainely eſpied where the armie of the Lordes lay not farre diſtant from him, readie in the midſt of a [...]alley to [...] his comming. Some of the Erle of Dar[...]es company had broken the bridge, and ſo ſtopped his paſſage. He therefore perceyuing his enimies intention, ſtayed, and [...] the kings banner to be ſpred, and began to [...] a good countenance of the matter, and to exhort his people to ſhew themſelues valiant, and herewith cauſe[...] the trumpets is to founde. But when it appeared that as ſome were readie to fight in his quarel, ſo there were other that quite forſooke him,The Duke of Ireland his ſoldiers reuolt from him. and ſayde [...]atly they woulde not fight agaynſt to many noble men, into vniuſt a cauſe, hee beeing thereof aduertiſed, began to waxe ſame hearted, and to prepare himſelf to eſcape by flight and declaring no leſſe openly vnto them, ſayde: before we come to ioyne, I w[...] ſeeke to withdraw my ſelfe out of the way, and ſaue my ſelf [...] I can, for me they onely ſeeke, agaynſte you they haue no quarell, ſo that I being ſhifted away, ye ſhall eaſily be preſerued.

Herewith one of the knightes ſayde to him, you haue brought vs forth of our Countrey, you haue procured vs to giue you out promiſe, you haue cauſed vs to take this iourney in hand: here therefore are wee readie to fight and winne the victorie with you, if our happe be ſuche, or if fortune will nor ſo fauour [...]s, we are readie to ſpend our liues with you. No ſayd he, ye ſhall not ſo doe,The Duke of Ireland flieth from his army and forthwith [...]king his Horſe with the ſpurres, he fled from them. Wherevpon many that were with him, curſing thys his demeanour, prepared to yeeld themſelues to the Lords. But Thomas Molment determined to fighte it out, ſithe the Lordes were not yet all come togyther to that place, but onely the Earle of Darbie and certaine other. Neuertheleſſe, after hee had fought a while, and perceyued it would not auail him to tarie lōger, as one diſpairing of the victorie, tooke him likewiſe to flight, as the Duke of Irelande had led him the way, and plunging into the riuer which was at hande, it chaunced that ſir Thomas Mortimer being preſent amongeſt other at the ſame place, willed him to come forth of the water vnto him, for if he woulde not, bee threatned to ſhoote him through with arrowes in the riuer where he ſtoode. If I come (ſayd Mothneux) will yee ſaue my life: I will make you no ſuche promiſe (ſaide ſir Thomas Mortimer) but notwithſtanding, eyther come vp, or thou ſhalt preſently die for it: well then (ſayde Mollineux) if there be no other remedie, ſuffer me to come vp, and let me trie with hande blowes, eyther wyth you or ſome other, and ſo die like a man; but as he came vp, the knight caught him by the helmet, plucked it off his heade, and ſtreightwayes drawing forth his dagger,Thomas Molyneux ſlayne. ſtroke him into the braynes, and ſo diſpatched him.

In the meane time, the duke of Ireland (as ye haue heard) ſeeking to eſcape by flight, came to the riuers ſide, but finding the bridge broken, he galloped till he found an other bridge, where he found a number of archers readie to ſtoppe his paſſage. When he ſaw that he was thus encloſed with his enimies on the one ſide, and the riuer of Thames on the other, he thought to put all in aduenture, and caſting away his gantlets, and ſworde, to be the more nymble, gaue his horſe the ſpurres, & lept into the riuer, but miſſing the fourd, and not able to lande with his horſe on the further ſide, he forſooke him, and ſwimming ouer ſo well as hee might, got to the banke, and ſo eſcaped. It was now night, and therfore his enimies hauing no knowledge of the countrey, folowed him not, but his horſe, helmet, cuiraſſes, gantlet, & ſword being founde, it was thought verily that hee had beene drowned. The next newes heard of him, was y^t he had paſſed the ſeas,The Duke of Ireland flyeth into Holland. and was got into Hollād, where he had no great friendly welcome, by reaſon that Albert duke of Bauiere, that was Lorde of that countrey, bare ſuch good will to his coſins of England, the Dukes of Lancaſter, Yorke, and Glouceſter, that bee commaunded this Duke of Ireland to depart forth of his country, as immediately therevpon he did, from thence reſorting to the Biſhoprike of V[...]ic[...], & after into other countreys, till finally be ended the courſe of his life, as after in place conuenient it ſhall appeare.

But now to returne to the armies where wee left them. After the Duke was fledde, and Thomas Molineux ſlaine (as before yee haue hearde) the armie of the Lordes ſet vpon the people that were come with the Duke of Irelande (as hathe beene ſayde) forth of Cheſſhyre, Lancaſhire, and Wales, and taking them as enimyes, ſpoyled them of their horſe, armour, bowes and arrowes. The knights and eſquiers had their armour and horſes againe to them reſtored, and were reteined with the Lordes to ſerue them: but the commons without either armor or weapon, were ſent home and had no other harme done vnto them. The Duke of Irelandes cariage being taken, letters were founde in his trunkes or males,Letters found in the Duke of Irelands trunkes. whiche the king had written to him exhorting him with all ſpeede to repayre vnto London, with what power he might make, and there he ſhould find him readie to liue and die with him. Such was the concluſion of this battaile, which happened neare vnto Burfoued,Burforde. faſt by Bablake, to the great reioyſing of many through the realm, for that the enimies thereof (as they tooke the matter) [...] ouerthrowne. But yet the eſcaping away of the duke of Ireland did ſomwhat [...]ttigate th[...], for what was become of him it was [...] After this the duke of Glouceſter, and the [...]ther Lordes went to Oxforde, beeing ſ[...]y that theyr fortune was not to haue takē the dukes of Irelād.

The ſame time, or rather before, the Archbiſhop of Yorke, and the Lorde chiefe Iuſtice, ſir Robert Triſilian, fearing the indignation of the lordes, withdrew out of the way, and durſt not [...] ſeene.Tho. VV[...] But now the Lordes who after the [...] ney at Radcote bridge, were come (as yee [...] heard) to Oxford. We find that the ſame tyme a bruyte was rayſed, whether of truth or not,A brake [...] ſed that king Richard [...] to yelde[...] [...] leys was the French kings h[...]ds. w[...] haue neither to affirme nor denie, how there w[...] a meſſenger taken being ſent from the French [...]. with letters, in which was conteyned a licence or ſafeconduct, for the king of England, the duke of Ireland and others, to come vnto Bolloughe[...] a certaine nūber limitted, where they ſhould [...] the French K. come down thither redie to receiue them, to y^e end that for a certaine ſumme of m[...] ney, which the Frenche king ſhoulde giue is the king of Englande, the Towne of Calays, [...] all the other fortreſſes in thoſe parts, which were in the Engliſh mens handes, ſhould be deliuered to the Frenchmen, & further y^t the K. of England ſhould do his homage to the French king for the lands which he held in Gaſcoigne, and ſo where acknowledged himſelfe his liegeman. The Lords as it was reported, hauing got theſe lettes, and taken counſaile togythers, howe to proceede in their buſineſſe, to bring the ſame to good end, remoue frō Oxford, & on Chriſtmas euē they come to S. Albons, & there ſtayed that day & the next.

On Saint Stephens day they tooke their way to London with an army of .xl. thouſande me[...] as ſome write, and comming into the fieldes,The lords co[...]e [...]o [...] with a g[...] army. beſide Clerkenwell, muſtred their men, being deuided into three ſeueral battails very wel appointed with Armour and weapon, that it was a beautifull ſight to behold them.

The king kept his Chriſtmaſſe,King Richard kepeth Chriſtmaſſe [...] the town of London. not at Weſtmynſter, but in the tower, not doubting but there to be defended what chaunce ſoeuer ſhoulde happen. The Lordes miſtruſting the Londoners, lodged them with their people in the Suburbes. They ſent yet two knightes, and two eſquiers,The lordes [...]d the [...] and citi[...] London [...] ſtand their m[...]ning. vnto the Maior and Aldermen of the Citie, to vnderſtande whether they were minded to take part with them, or with the duke of Irelande, and hys a[...]h[...]rents, traytors as they termed them, both to the king and realme.

The Londoners were now in no ſmall feare and perplexitie, not knowing wel what way was beſt for them to take, weying diuers perils, as [...] the Kinges diſpleaſure, if they opened theyr gates vnto [...] Lordes, and if they ſhutte them forth, they [...]d the indignation and wrath of the Commons that were come thither with the Lordes, [...]e [...]o[...]ers [...]gue per [...]e which [...] [...]ke. and were readie to breake downe theyr walles and gates, if they were neuer ſo lyttle prouoked.

Beſides this, they ſtoode moſte in doubt, leaſt if the wealthieſt Citizens ſhoulde not giue theyr conſent to receyue the Lordes into the Citie, the meaner ſort, and ſuch as wiſhed rather to ſee ſom burle than to continue in peace, woulde ſecke by force to ſet [...]pon the gates, and make way for the Lordes and their people to enter, that they might make [...]cke, and ſpoyle whatſoeuer might bee founde of value in the rich mens houſes.

Theſe doubtes with all the circumſtaunces being well weyed and conſidered, [...]e Lōdoners [...] to the [...] the Maior Nicholas Exton and certain of the chiefe men in the Citie, went forth to the Lordes and offred them to lodge in the Citie at their pleaſure, wyth all things neceſſarie as they ſhould deuiſe.

The Maior cauſed alſo wine, ale, breade, and cheeſe, to be diſtributed amongſt the armie, ſo as eche one had parte, which courteſie turned greatlye afterwardes to the commoditie of the Citie.

The Lordes vpon ſearche made, perceyuing that there was no guile mēt by laying of men in ambuſhes within the Citie to entrappe them, [...] lordes en [...] [...] Londō or otherwiſe, but that all was ſure ynough & cleare without any ſuch euill meaning, they entred the Citie and there abode quietly.

Then went the Archbiſhop of Canterbury and other, betwixt the King and the Lordes to make peace betwixt them. But the king at the firſt ſeemed little to eſteeme the matter, ſaying to the Archbiſhop,The kings [...] touch [...] the lords [...]ngs. well let them lie here with their great multitude of people hardely, till they haue ſpent all they haue, and then I truſt they will returne poore ynough and needie, and then I doubt not but I ſhall talke with them, and vſe the matter ſo as iuſtice may require.

The Lordes beeing enformed hereof, were maruellouſly mooued, and ſware that they would not depart till they had ſpoke with him face to face, and forthwith they ſent parte of their companies to watche the Thames, for feare the king ſhoulde eſcape theyr handes, and then laugh them to ſcorne.

When the king then perceyued himſelfe to be encloſed on eche ſide, he talked eftſoones with the Archbiſhop and his aſſociates that were Meſſengers betwixt him and the Lordes, willing them to declare to the Lordes that he would be contented to treate with them in reaſonable order, whervpon they required that he ſhould on the morow next enſuing come vnto Weſtminſter, where he ſhould vnderſtand their demaundes.

When the king heard that he refuſed to come vnto Weſtminſter, but willed that they ſhoulde come to him there in the Tower.The lords refuſe to come-into the tower but after ſearch made they comthither to the kings preſence The Lordes ſent him worde againe, that the Tower was a place to be ſuſpected, for that they might there be ſurpriſed by ſome guilefull practiſe deuiſed to intrappe them. The king herevnto made anſwere, that they might ſend ſome two hundred men, or ſo many as they ſhoulde thinke good, to make a through ſearch, whether they needed to feare any ſuch thing, and this accordingly was done, they hauing the keyes of the gates and of al the ſtrong chambers, turrets, and places within the tower, ſent vnto them, and ſo on the Fryday,Grafton. the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earles of Darbie, and Notingham, came to the king,Tho. VValſ. where he was ſet in a pauelion richely arrayed,The lords op[...] their greefes to the king. and after theyr humble ſalutations done, and ſome talke had betwixte them, they wente at the kings requeſt with him, into his chāber, where they recited vnto him the conſpiracie of their aduerſaries through whiche they had bene indited.

They alſo ſhewed forth the letters which hee had ſent to the Duke of Irelande, to leuie an armie vnto theyr deſtruction. Likewiſe the letters which the Frenche king had written to him conteyning a ſafeconducte for him to come into Fraunce, there to confyrme things to the diminiſhment of his honor, to the decay of his power, and loſſe of his fame.

During the time of this communication alſo, the Earle of Darbie deſired the king to beholde the people that were aſſembled in ſight before the Tower, for the preſeruation of him & his realme: which he did, and marueyling to ſee ſuch a goodly armie and ſtrength, as he declared to them no leſſe, the Duke of Glouceſter ſayde vnto him, ſir this is not the tenth part of your willing ſubiects that haue ryſen to deſtroy thoſe falſe traytours, that haue miſled you with their wicked & naughtie counſaile.

The king being brought to his wittes ende, aſwell with thoſe things whiche the Lordes had charged him with, as otherwiſe with the ſight of that great multitude of people, ſeemed greatly amazed. Wherevpon the Lordes, vnder condition that the next day hee ſhoulde come to Weſtminſter to heare more of theyr myndes, and to conclude further for the behoofe of the common wealth of the Realme,Grafton. beganne to take leaue of him, meaning ſo to depart: but the King deſired them to tarie all nyght with him & the Queene. The Duke thinking to make all ſure, made excuſe that he durſt not be abſent frō al thoſe folks, which they had brought with them, for feare that ſome diſorder might ariſe, eyther in the armie, or in the Citie: yet at the kings inſtance, the Earles of Notingham and Darbie taried there all night.

Tho. VValſ.The king before his going to bed, was quite turned cōcerning his determination and promiſe made to go the next day vnto Weſtmin. through ſuch whiſpering tales as was put into his [...]ares,The inconſtā cie of the king by ſome that were about him, telling him that it ſtood neither with his ſafetie, nor honor, ſo lightly to agree to depart frō the tower, vnto ſuch place as the Lordes had thus appoynted him, to ſerue more for their purpoſe thā for ſuretie of his perſon

When the Lords therefore vnderſtood that he would not keepe promiſe with them, they were greatly offended, inſomuch as they ſent him flat word, that if he woulde not come (according to promiſe) they would ſurely chooſe an other king, that would and ought to obey the faythful counſaile of his Lordes.

The king with this meſſage being touched to the quicke,The K. is compelled to condiſcend to the lords requeſts. to ſatiſfie their mindes, and to auoyde further perill, remoued the nexte morning vnto Weſtminſter, where the Lords comming before his preſence, after a little other talke, they declared vnto him, that aſwel in reſpect of his own honour, as the commoditie and wealth of his kingdome, it was behouefull that ſuch traytors, moſt wicked and ſlanderous perſons, as were nothing profitable, but hurtful to him, and his louing ſubiects, ſhould be remoued out of his court, and that other that both could, and would ſerue him more honorably and faythfully were placed in theyr rowmthes. The king although ſore agaynſt his minde, when he ſawe how the Lordes were bent, and that he wanted power to withſtande theyr pleaſures, condiſcended to doe what they woulde haue him. And ſo when he had graunted thereto, they iudged that Alexander Neuill Archbiſhop of Yorke, Iohn Fourdham Biſhop of Durham, Lord Treaſorer, Thomas Ruſhoke a Frier of the order of the Preachers, Biſhop of Chicheſter, and confeſſor to the king, were worthie to bee auoyded the Court. But the Archbiſhop [...] and the Bi. of Chicheſter would [...] [...] nings, but got them out of the way, [...] was not knowne whither.

The Lordes exp[...]ſed alſo out of [...] Lord Zouche of Haringworth,C[...] [...] the [...] the L. B[...] the Lord Beaumont, Albrey de Vter, B[...]in de Bereford, Richard A[...]burie, Iohn Worth, Thomas Clyfford, and Iohn Lo[...]ell [...]ightes. Theſe were diſmiſſed out of the Court, and remoued from the king but not diſcharged, for they were conſtreyned to put in ſureties [...]o app[...] the n[...]t Parliament.

There were alſo certaine Ladies [...] Court,C[...] [...] expulſed the Court. as thoſe that were thought to doe [...] harme about the K. to wit the Ladie P[...]ynings, wife to Iohn Worth of Mowen, and [...] Moulinge, with others, which alſo [...] to anſwere at the next Parliament, [...] things as might be obiected agaynſt [...]

Moreouer there were arreſted & [...] ſeuerall priſons, ſir Simon Burley,The [...] thoſe that [...] c[...]m[...]ed [...] priſon by the Lords. Wil. [...]mham, Iohn Beauchampe of Ho[...] ſteward of the kings houſe, ſir Iohn Saliſburie, ſir Th[...]. Tauet, ſir Iames Barneis, ſir Nichol. Dagworth, & ſir Nicolas Brambre knights. Alſo Richarde Clifford Iohn Lincolne, Ric. Mitford the kings chaplains, & Nic. Sclake deaue of the kings chapel, whoſe worde might doe much in the Court. There was alſo apprehēded Iohn Bla[...] apprentice of the law: al which perſons were kept to ſtrait ward till the next Parliamēt, in which they were appointed to ſtād vnto their trial & anſwers

Shortly after, to witte, the morrow after the Purification of our lady, the Parliament beg[...]n,The par[...] that wrought wonders. the which was named the Parliamēt y^t wrought wonders. The king would gladly haue proroged the time of this Parliamēt if by any meanes he might.Grafton.

Grafton. Tho. VVal.The Lordes came to the ſame Parliament, with a ſufficiēt armie for their owne ſafeties.

The firſt day of this Parliament, were areſted as they ſate in their places,Grafton. all the Iuſtices (except ſir William Skipworth) as ſir Roger Fulthrop, ſir Robert Belknap,The Iuſtices a [...]ed and ſent to the tower. ſir Iohn Carey, ſir Iohn Holt, ſir William Brooke, & Iohn Alocton the kings Sergeant at law, all the whiche were ſent to the Tower, and there kept in ſeuerall places: The cauſe why they were thus apprehēded, was for that where in the laſt Parliament, diuerſe Lordes were made gouerners of the realme, both by the aſſent of the ſame Parliament,Why the Iuſtices were apprehended. and alſo by the aduiſe & coūſail of all the Iuſtices then being, and Indentuces tripertite thereof made, of the which one part remayned with the king, an other with the Lordes ſo choſen to gouerne the realme, and the thirde part with the Iuſtices: and yet notwithſtanding, the ſayde Iuſtices at a Councell holden at Notingham (as ye haue heard before) didde goe contrarie to that agreement. Wherevpon it was nowe determyned, that they ſhoulde make anſwere to theyr doings.

Moreouer in the beginning of this Parliament,The Duke of [...] and his [...]ates attayned of treaſon by this parliament. were openly called Robert Veer Duke of Ireland, Alexander Neuill Archbiſhop of York, Michaell de la Poole Earle of Suffolke, ſir Robert Triſilian Lorde chiefe Iuſtice of Englande, to anſwere Thomas of Woodſtocke Duke of Glouceſter, Rycharde Earle of Arundell, Henrie Earle of Darbie, and Thomas Earle of Notingham vpon certaine articles of high treaſon, which theſe Lordes did charge them with, and foraſmuche as none of theſe appeared, it was ordeyned by the whole aſſent of the Parliament, that they ſhoulde be baniſhed for euer, and theyr landes and goodes moueable and vnmoueable to be forfeyt and ſeyſed into the kings handes, theyr landes entayled onely excepted.

Shortly after was the Lorde chiefe Iuſtice, Robert Treſilian founde founde in a Pothecaries houſe at Weſtminſter, lurking there,Treſilian chief iuſtice diſcried by his own mā is executed at Tiburn. to vnderſtande by ſpyes dayly what was done in the Parliament: he was diſcried by one of his owne men, and ſo taken and brought to the Duke of Glouceſter, who cauſed him forthwith the ſame day to be had to the Tower, and from thence drawne to Tyburne and there hanged.

The morrow after, ſir Nicholas Brambre that ſometime had beene Maior of London, was brought forth to iudgement and condemned, although he had many friendes that made ſuyte to ſaue his life.

This man had done many oppreſſions within the Citie of London (as was reported.)

In his Mayraltie, he cauſed great and monſtruous Stoks to be made to impriſon men therin, and alſo a common Axe, to ſtrike off the heades of them whiche ſhoulde reſiſt hys wyll and pleaſure, for hee was ſo highly in the kings fauour, that he might doe what he woulde. And the report went, that hee had cauſed eight thouſande or more to be indited, which before had taken part with the Lordes, intending to haue put thē all to death, if God had not ſhortned his days.

Many other euill fauoured reportes went abrode of him, as that hee ment to haue chaunged the name of London, and to haue named it little Troy, of which citie baptiſed with y^e new name, he purpoſed to bee intituled Duke. But theſe were forged rumors deuiſed and ſpred abrode in thoſe dayes, as many other were, partly by the vaine imagination of the people, and partly of purpoſe, to bring thoſe whome the king fauoured further out of the peoples lyking.

But now touching ſir Nicholas Brambre.Sir Nicholas Brambre executed with an Axe of his owne deuiſe. In the ende beeing thus called to aunſwere hys tranſgreſſions, hee was founde guiltie, and had iudgement, neither to bee hanged, nor drawne, but to bee beheaded with his owne are which before he had deuiſed.

Diuers that ſtode agenſt the lords executedAfter this ſir Iohn Saliſburie, and ſir Iames Berneis, both knights and luſtie yong men, were by iudgement of Parliament drawne & hanged. Thē followed Iohn Beauchampe of y^e Holt, L. Steward of the kings houſe, that had ſerued king Edward the third, and his ſonne Lionel Duke of Clarence: who likewiſe by decree of this Parliament was drawne and hanged.

Alſo Iohn Blake Eſquier, that in an vnfortunate houre ſtood againſt the Lords in the Councell at Notingham, was now drawne and hanged, and ſo was one Thomas Vſke.

Laſt of all (or as ſome holde, firſt of all) was ſir Simon Burley beheaded, although the Earle of Darbie did what he coulde to ſaue his life, by reaſon whereof, great diſſention roſe betwixt the fayde Earle, and the Duke of Glouceſter: for the Duke beeing a ſore,The Duke of Glouceſter a ſeuere man. and a right ſeuere manne, myght not by any meanes be remoued from hys opinion and purpoſe, if he once reſolued vpon any matter.

Some ſpite he bare (as was thought) towards the ſayde ſir Simon Burley, both as well for the faythfull friēdſhip,Sir Simon Burley. whiche was growne betwixte the Duke of Irelande, and the ſayde ſir Simon, as alſo for that he looked to haue had ſuch offices and rowmeths which ſir Sir Simon enioyed, by the kings gracious fauour and grauntes thereof to him made, as the Wardenſhippe of the cinque portes, and Coneſtableſhip of the Caſtel of Douer, and the office of high Chāberlain. But now bycauſe of all theſe which were condemned and executed at this Parliamēt, in our cōmon Chronicles there is leaſt written, and in Froiſſart, and diuerſe priuate Phamphlets I haue read moſt of this Sir Simon, I haue thought good to ſette downe ſome parte of his lyfe, ſo largely as thys Volume maye well beare, although a greate deale more briefe than where I founde it.

This ſir Simon, was the ſonne of ſir Iohn Burley, knight of the Garter, and brought vp in his youth vnder his kinneſman doctor Walter Burley, who (as in the latter ende of king Edwarde the thirde you haue heard) was one of the chiefe that had charge in the bringing vppe of the blacke Prince, eldeſt ſonne to the ſayde king Edwarde. By this occaſion he grewe into ſuche fauour with the Prince, that afterwardes the ſayde Prince committed vnto him the gouernaunce of his ſonne Richarde of Burdeaux, who as he was of a gentle and courteous nature, began then to conceyue ſo great loue and liking towards hym, that when he came to the crowne, and was king, he aduaunced him highly to great honours and promotions, inſomuch that at one time hee was made knight of the Garter, Coneſtable of the caſtell of Douer, Lord warden of the cinque por[...], Lorde Chamberlaine, and alſo one of the pr[...]ye counſaile to the king. Neyther was there anye thing done concerning the affayres apperteyning to the ſtate, without his counſaile, appoyntment, and direction, wherein he ſo much fauoured and leaned to the partie of the Duke of Irelande, that he was ſore enuied, and greatly hated of dyuerſe of the reſt of the nobilitie, eſpecially of the kings vncle the Duke of Glouceſter, who vpon malice that he bare to the man, not ſomuch for his owne demeanour, as for his allies, and peraduenture for deſire of his rowmeths, more than of his life, cauſed him to bee accuſed of diuerſe offences againſt the Crowne, Realme, and church, namely for that he had (as they ſurmiſed agaynſte hym) ſpoyled and waſted the Kings treaſure, & withholden the pay of the ſouldiers and men of warre. wherevpon he was areſted, called to account, and hauing no clearke allowed him to make vppe the ſame, was founde in arrerages .250000. frankes. And although for one part therof he demaunded allowance of money, whiche he had defreyd and and layde out in Almaine, and in Boheme, about the kings mariage, and for the reſidue deſired dais of payment, yet he could obteyne neyther.

Further, he was accuſed that the duke of Irelande, and he, had gathered great ſummes of money, conueyed the ſame to Douer, and frō thence ſent it in the night by ſea into Germanie.

Laſtly, the Archbiſhop forſooth, & the Montes of Canterburie, charged him that hee ſoughte the meanes to remoue the Shrine of the Archb. Thomas, otherwiſe called Thomas Becket, from Canterburie vnto Douer, vnder a colour of feare, leaſt the Frenchmen being aſſembled in Flaunders to inuade Englande, ſhould lande in Kent, and take Canterburie, and ſpoyle it where in deede (as they ſurmiſed agaynſt him) he ment to ſende it ouer the Seas vnto the King of Boheme.

Herevpon he was firſt cōmitted to the tower,Froiſſart. and before the King or his other friendes coulde procure his deliuerance, he was without lawe or Iuſtice before anye of the reſidue (as ſome holde) brought forth and beheaded on the Tower hill, by cōmaundement of the duke of Glouceſter, & other of his faction, quite contrarie to the kings will or knowledge, inſomuch that when hee vnderſtoode it, he ſpake many ſore wordes agaynſt the Duke, affirming that hee was a wicked man, and worthie to be kept ſhorter, ſithe vnder a colour of doing iuſtice, hee went aboute to deſtroy euery good and honeſt man.

The king was alſo offended with the Duke of Yorke, for his brothers preſumptuous doings, though the ſayde Duke of Yorke beeing [...]ly a man of a gentle nature, wiſhed that the ſtate of the common wealth might haue beene returned without loſſe of any mans lyfe, or other cruell dealing: but the Duke of Glouceſter, and diuerſe other of the nobilitie, the leſſe that they paſſed for the Kings threatning ſpeache, ſo muche more were they readie to puniſh all thoſe whome they tooke to bee theyr enimies.Th[...]. VValſ. In deede the ſayde Sir Symon Burley, was thought to beare himſelfe more loftie, by reaſon of the Kings fauour, than was requiſite, whiche procured hym enuye of them, that coulde not abyde others to bee in anye condition theyr equalles in authoritie.

It ſhoulde appeare by Froiſſart, that hee was firſte of all in the beginning of theſe ſturres betwixt the king and the Lords, committed to the Tower, and notwithſtanding all the ſhift that eyther the King, or the Duke of Irelande, or any other of his friendes coulde make for him, by the duke of Glouceſters commaundement bee was cruelly beheaded, ſo greatly to the offence of the king, and thoſe that were his truſtie counſailers, that therevpon the king cauſed the Duke of Irelande the ſooner to aſſemble an armie againſt the ſaid duke and his complices, thereby to reſtraine their preſumptuous proceedings, but whether he was thus at the firſt or laſt executed, to pleaſe the king the better, now at this Parliament amongſt others that were cōdemned in the ſame: his lands were giuen to the king, a great part whereof he afterwards diſpoſed to diuers men as be thought expedient: but yet in the Parliament holdē in the xxj. yere of this kings raigne, the act of atteynder of the ſayd ſir Simon was repealed, and at an other Parliament holden in the ſeconde yeare of king Henrie the fourth, all his landes which then remayned vngraunted and vnſold, were reſtored to ſir Iohn Burley knight, ſon & heyre of ſir Roger Burley, brother to the ſayd Simon, of whom lineally is diſcended Thomas Eyns Eſquier, now Secretarie to the Queenes Mai. counſaile in the north parts. And thus far touching ſir Simon Burley, of whom many reports went of his diſloyall dealings towardes the ſtate, as partly ye haue heard, but how truely the Lorde knoweth.

Among other ſlaunderous tales that were ſpredde abrode of him, one was that he conſented to the deliuering of Douer Caſtell by the kings appoyntment vnto the Frenchmen for money. But as this was a thing not like to be true, ſo no doubt, many things that the perſons aforeſayde which were executed had bin charged with, at the leaſt by common report among the people, were nothing true at al, although happely the ſubſtāce of thoſe things for which they died, might be true in ſome reſpect. Sir William Elmham that was charged alſo for the withdrawing the ſouldiers wages, diſcharged himſelfe thereof, and of all other thinges that mighte bee layde to hys charge.

As touching the Iuſtices,Graften. they were all condemned to death by the Parliament, but ſuche meanes was made for them vnto the Queene,The iuſtices condemned to perpetual exile that the obteined pardon for their liues. But they forfeyted theyr landes and goodes, and were appoynted to remayne in perpetuall exile, with a certaine portion of Money to them aſſigned for theyr dayly ſuſtentation: the names of whiche Iuſtices ſo condemned to exile were theſe, Robert Belknap, Iohn Holt, Iohn Cray, Roger Fulthorpe, William Burgh, and Iohn Lokton.

Finally, in this Parliament was an othe required and obteyned of the king, that hee ſhoulde ſtand vnto and abide ſuch rule and order as the Lordes ſhoulde take:The K. taketh an oth to performe the lords orders. and this othe was not requyred onely of the king, but alſo of all the Inhabitantes of the realme.

In theſe troubles was the realme of England in theſe dayes, and the king brought into that caſe, that hee [...]ed not, but was ruled by hys vncles, and other, to the[...] aſſociate.

In the latter ende of this eleuenth yeare was the Erle of Arundell ſent to the ſea with a greate nauie of ſhips and men of war.The erle of Arundel ſent to the ſea with a great Nauie [...] ayde of the Duke of Britaine. There went with him in this iorney, of noble men, the Erle of Notingham, and Deuonſhire, ſir Thomas Percy, the Lorde Clifford, the L. Camois, ſir William Elmhā, ſir Thomas Morieux, ſir Iohn Danbreticourt, ſir William Shelley, ſir Iohn Warwike, or Barwike, ſir Stephen de Libery, ſir Robert Sere, ſir Peter Montberie,Peraduenter Maluere it may be Mongomery. ſir Lewes Clanbow, ſir Thomas Coq or Cooke, ſir William Pauley or Paulet, and diuerſe others. They wer a thouſande men of armes, and three thouſande archers.

The purpoſe for which they were ſent, was to haue ayded the duke of Brytaine (if he woulde haue receyued them) being then eftſoones run into the French kings diſpleaſure; for the impriſoning of the Lord Cliſſon Coneſtable of Fraunce.

But after that (contrary to expectation,An. reg. 12. ) the duke of Brytain was come to an agreemēt with the French king, the Erle of Arundell drew with his nauie alongſt the coaſtes of Poictou, & Xaintonge, till at length hee arriued in the hauen that goeth vp to Rochell, and landed with his men at Marraunt foure leagues from Rochelle, and beganne to pilfre, ſpoyle, and fetche booties abrode in the Countrey.

The French menne within Rochelle, iſſued forth to ſkirmiſh with the Engliſh men, but they were eaſily put to flight, and followed euen to the barriers of the gates of Rochel. Perot le Bernois a captaine of Gaſcoine, that made warre for the king of England in Lymoſin, and lay in the fortreſſe of Galuſet, came forth the ſame time, and made a road into Berry with foure .C. ſpeares.

The Erle of Arundel returneth out of Fraunce.The Earle of Arundell after hee had layne at Marrant .xv. dayes, returned to his ſhippes, and finally came backe into Englande, and Perot le Bernois likewiſe returned to his fortreſſe.

About the ſame time was a truce taken betwixte the parties Engliſhe and Frenche on the marches, of Aquitaine to beginne the firſt day of Auguſt, and to endure till the firſt of May nexte enſuing.

An ouerthrow giuen to the Engliſhemen by to Scots at Otterborne.This yeare in Auguſt, the Scots inuaded the Countrey of Northumberlande, and at Otterburne ouerthrew a power of Engliſhmen, which the Earle of Northumberlande and his ſonnes had leuied againſt them. In this battaile the Erle Dowglas chiefe of that armie of Scottes was ſlaine, and the Lord Henrie Percy, & his brother ſir Raufe, ſonnes to the ſayd Erle of Northumberland, were taken priſoners, as in the Scottiſh Chronicles ye may read more at large.

Fabian.After the feaſt of the Natiuitie of our Ladie, a Parliament was holden at Cambridge, Caxton. A parliament at Cambridge in the which diuerſe new ſtatutes were ordeyned, as for the limiting of ſeruants wages: of puniſhment of vagarant perſons: for the inhibiting of certain perſons to weare weapon: for the debarring of vnlawfull games: for maintenaunce of ſhooting in the long bow: for remoouing of the Staple of woolles from Middleburgh vnto Calays: for labourers not to be receyued, but where they are inhabiting, except with licence vnder Seale of the hundred where they dwell.

There was alſo an act made, that none ſhould goe forth of the realme, to purchaſe any benefice with cure or without cure, except by licence obteyned of the king, and if they did contrarie herevnto, they were to be excluded out of the Kings protection.

There was graunted to the king in this Parliament, a tenth to be leuied of the Clergie, and a fiftenth of the laitie.

Moreouer, during the time of this Parliamēt,Sir Thomas Triuet ſlayne with th[...] fall of his horſe. as ſir Thomas Triuet was ryding towards Barnewel with the king, where the king lodged, by forcing his horſe too muche with the ſpurres, the horſe fell with him ſo rudely to the grounde, that his intrailes within him were ſo burſt and periſhed, that he dyed the next day after.

Many reioyced at this mans death, as well for that menne iudged him to be exceeding bawtie and prowde, as alſo for that he was ſuſpected not to haue dealt iuſtly with the Biſhop of Norwiche, in the iourney whiche the Biſhoppe made, into Flaunders: but ſpecially men hadde an euil opinion of him, for that hee ſtoode with the king agaynſte the Lordes, counſayling him in the yeare laſt paſte, to diſpatche them oute of the way.

Sir Iohn Hollande, the kings brother [...] mothers ſyde, that was lately returned to [...] Spaine, where hee hadde beene wyth the [...] of Lancaſter, was nowe made Earle of [...] tingdon.

Alſo in this .xij. yeare, were commiſſi[...] appoynted to meete at Balingham,1389 betwixt [...] lais and Bollongne, to treate a truce to bee had betwixt the realmes of England, Fraunce,Comi [...] ſent to [...] truce betwixt Englande, Fraunce, and Scotlande. and Scotlande. Walter Skitlow Biſhop of Durham, that had beene lately before remoued [...] Bathe vnto Durham, from whence Iohn Fordham had beene tranſlated vnto Elie, was ſent as head commiſſionce for the king of England, and with him were ioyned ſir Iohn Clanbow, and ſir Nicholas Dagworth, knightes, and Richarde Rowhale Clearke, a doctor of law.

By Froiſſart it appeareth that the Earle of Saliſburie was one,Froiſſart. & ſir William Beauchamp Lorde Deputie of Calais poynted likewiſe as an aſſiſtant with them.

The Biſhop of Bayen[...], the Lorde Vale[...] Earle of Saint Poule, ſir Guillam de Melin, ſir Nicholas Bracque, & ſir Iohn le Mercier, came thither for the French king. And for the king of Scottes there appeared, the Biſhop of Aberdyne, ſir Iames, and ſir Dauid Lindſey, and ſir Walter Sanckler, knights.

After long treatie, and muche adoe, at length a truce was concluded to begin at Midſommer next, and to endure for the ſpace of three yeares next enſuing.

Whileſt the Commiſſioners were occupied in the Marches betwixt Calais and Bollongne about this truce,The Scots in the time of treatie ſpoyle the [...]try of Northu[...] the Scottes entring into Northumberland, did much miſchiefe, leading away many priſoners, of men and women, beſide other great booties & prayes which they got abroade in the countrey. The Lord Thomas Mowbray erle of Notingham was ſent with fiue .C. ſpeares to reuēge thoſe attempts of the enimies: but for that his power was ſmall in compariſon to theirs, he preuayled litle or nothing againſt them ſir Iohn Clanbow, and ſir Richard Rouale Clerke tooke the French kings othe, and the Erle of S. Paule that had maried the Ladie Mawde Courtency with other noble men, came into Englande, and receiued the kings othe here for the confirming of this laſt mentioned truce.The Scots hauing prouided as a[...] my to [...] england ha[...] ly perſwaded to accept the truce. The Scots might not without muche adoe be perſwaded to accept this truce, being ready the ſame time with an army to enter into England, but yet through the diligēce of ſuche Frenchmen as went thither for that purpoſe, at length they agreed.

This yeare the King by counſayle of ſome that were aboute hym, called the Nobles and greate menne of the Realme togyther, and as they were ſet in the Counſaile Chamber ſtaying till hee came: at length he entring into the ſame Chamber,The kings queſtion to his lords & others in the counſel chamber. and taking his place to ſit among thē, demaunded of them, of what age he was nowe? Wherevnto anſwere was made that he was full twentie yeares olde: then (ſayde hee) I am of yeres ſufficient to gouerne mine owne houſe and family, and alſo myne Kingdome: for it ſeemeth agaynſt reaſon that the eſtate of the meaneſt perſon within my kingdome ſhoulde be better than myne. Euerie heyre that is once come to the age of .xx. yeares, is permitted, if his father be not lyuing, to order his buſineſſe himſelfe: then that thing whiche is permitted to euery other perſon of meane degree by lawe, why is the ſame denied vnto me?

When the Barons herewith aſtonied made anſwere, that there ſhoulde bee no right abridged from him, but that he might take vpon hym the gouernment as of reaſon was due: Well ſayde hee, ye knowe that I haue beene a long time ruled by tutors, ſo as it hath not beene lawfull to mee to doe any thing, were it of neuer ſo ſmall importance, without their conſents. Now therefore I will, that they meddle no further with matters perteyning to my gouernment, and after the maner of an heyre come to lawfull age, I wil call to my counſaile ſuch as pleaſeth mee,The K. taking vppon him the gouernement of al things diſplaceth di [...]ers officers and ſetteth others in their roomes. and I will deale in mine owne buſineſſe my ſelfe. And therefore I will firſt that the Chauncellor reſigne to me his ſeale. When the Archbiſhop of Yorke (who in the yeare laſt paſt had bin remoued from Ely vnto Yorke, and Alexander Neuill diſplaced,) had delyuered to him the ſeale, the King receyuing it of him, put it in his boſome, and ſodainly ryſing, departed forth of the Chamber, and after a little while returning, ſate downe againe,Wickham Biſhop of Wincheſter made [...]ouncelor. and delyuered the Seale to the Biſhop of Wyncheſter, William Wickham, and ſo made him Chancellor, although ſore agaynſt the ſame Biſhops will: he made alſo many other new officers, remouing the olde, and vſed in all things his owne diſcretion and authoritie.

The Duke of Glouceſter, the Earle of Warwicke, and other honourable and worthie men, were diſcharged and put from the Counſaile, and others placed in theyr rowmethes, ſuch as pleaſed the king to appoynt. The ſame time he made fiue new Iuſtices.

An. reg. 14. [...]erl[...]iſts [...]eaſe.In this ſeaſon, the followers of Wicklifes doctrine maruellouſly increaſed, ſpecially in the Dioceſſe of Sarum, where they had many that tooke vpon them as Miniſters, both to preach the worde, and to diſpence the Sacraments.

This they did in ſecrete: but they were diſcouered by one that had beene of theyr fellowſhip, who declared to the Biſhoppe of Saliſburie at his Manour of Sonning, all the whole circumſtaunces therof, as he knewe.

There were of them that preached in thoſe dayes earneſtly agaynſt pylgrimages, callyng ſuch Images as y^e people had in moſt veneratiō, as that at Walſingham, and the Roode of the North doore at Paules in London, rotten ſtocks, and worme eaten blocks, through which the vnſkilfull people being mocked and deceyued, were compelled moſt manifeſtly to commit idolatrie.

The Biſhops (ſayth Thomas Walſingham) hearing, beholding & knowing theſe things with much more to be true, did little or nothing to redreſſe the ſame, ſaue only the biſhop of Norwich who ſtirred coales, ſwearing and ſtoring, that if any of that ſect preſumed to preache any peruerſe doctrine within his dioceſſe, he would cauſe them either to hop headleſſe, or to frie a fagot for it: he was therefore not a little prayſed and extolled by the Monks and other religious men, as ſhould appeare for that his zeale.

In Nouember,The Duke of Lancaſter returneth into England forth of Gaſcoigne. the Duke of Lancaſter came forth of Gaſcoigne into England after he had remayned firſt in Spaine, and after in Gaſcoigne, three yeares togither. Of his ſucceſſe in Spaine is ſpoken before, and likewyſe of the agreement betwixte the King of Caſtille, and the ſayde Duke, whiche was not in all poyntes confyrmed, till a little before his returne nowe into Englande.

About the ſame time the King had called a counſaile of his Nobilitie at Reading,A counſel holden at Reding where the D. of Lanca. recō cileth the king and the lords. to the whiche the Duke of Lancaſter made the more haſte to come, bycauſe hee knewe that the King woulde ſhewe no good countenaunce to ſome of the noble men, and therefore he doubted leaſt malicious offences might ariſe betwixt them, whiche to appeaſe he ment the beſt he coulde, and his trauaile came to good effect: for he did ſo much, that as well the king as the Lordes departed from the Counſaile as friendes, the Lordes taking theyr leaues of him in louing maner, and he curteouſly bidding them farewell: and ſo eche of them reſorted to their homes well pleaſed and ſatiſfied for that preſent.

The king helde his Chriſtmaſſe this yeare at Woodſtocke, and the Duke of Lancaſter lay at his Caſtell of Hertford.

The ſame tyme the Lorde Iohn de Haſtings erle of Pembroke,1390
The Erle of Pembrok ſlain as he was learning to iuſt wounded to death. as he was practiſing to learne to iuſt, through miſhap was ſtriken about the priuie partes, by a knight called ſir Iohn S. Iohn, that ran againſt him, ſo as his inner parts being periſhed, death preſently followed.

The loſſe of this erle was greatly bemoned by men of al degrees, for he was liberal, gētle, humble, and curteous to eche one, aboue all the other yong Lordes in the land of his time.

Of this Earles aunceſtours thys is reported for a thing ſtraunge and marueylous, that from the dayes of Aymer de Valence Earle of Pembrooke, that was one amongeſt other that ſate in iudgement of Thomas Earle of Lancaſter, there was not any Earle of Pembrooke ſucceeding the ſame Aymer de Valence, vnto the dayes of this yong Earle by miſfortune thus ſlaine, that euer ſaw his father, nor yet anye of their fathers might reioyce in the ſight of anye of their ſonnes, being ſtill called hence, ere the time came for them ſo to doe.

This yeare, the ſame Thomas Erle of Lancaſter, for the opinion which had bene conceyued of him,The earle of Lancaſter canoniſed for a Saint. by reaſon of myracles and other reſpects, was canonized for a Saint.

The Monday next after the feaſt of Saint Hillarie,A bil againſt wearing of badges. a Parliament was begonne at Weſtminſter, in which there was a Byll exhibited by the commons, that the Lordes and great men of the realme, ſhoulde not giue to theyr men Badges to weare as their cognizances, by reaſon that through the abuſe thereof, many great oppreſſions, imbraſeries, vnlawfull maintenances, and wrongs were practiſed, to the hinderaunce of all good orders, lawes and iuſtice.

The Lordes woulde not conſent altogither to lay down their badges,No reteyners to wear badges but yee they agreed that none ſhoulde weare any ſuch cognizaunce except their ſeruaunts of houſholde, and ſuch as were in ordinarie wages by the yeare.

In the ſame Parliament, certaine perſons that had gone about ſome new rebellion in Kent being apprehended, were condemned, and ſo were drawne and hanged.

There was alſo an act made againſt ſuche as ſhould paſſe the Seas, to purchaſe prouiſions (as they tearmed them) in any Church or Churches. And if any from thenceforth attempted ſo to doe, he ſhould be reputed and taken as a rebell.

Ad act againſt mediators for wilful murderers.Alſo there was an act prouided againſt thoſe that committed any wilfull murder, that none ſhould preſume to ſue for their pardon. A duke or an Archb. that ſo ſued, ſhould forfeyt to the king an hundred poundes. Likewiſe an Erle or a Biſhop, an hundred markes. &c.

Moreouer, in this Parliament it was granted, that the King ſhould haue of euery ſacke of wooll fortie ſhillings, of the which ten ſhillings ſhould be applyed preſently to the kings vſes, and xxx. ſs. reſidue of the .xl. ſs. ſhoulde remaine in the hāds of the Treaſorers, towards y^e bearing forth of the charges of warres when any chaunced.

Alſo there was a ſubſidie graunted of ſixe pens in the pound, foure pens to the vſe laſt mentioned, and two pens to be imployed at the kings pleaſure.

In the ſame Parliament, Iohn duke of Lancaſter was created Duke of Aquitaine,The Duke of Lācaſter [...] Duke of [...] tayne. receyuing at the kings hand the rodde and cappe, as [...] ſtures of that dignitie. Alſo the duke of Yorke his ſonne and heire was created Erle of Rutland.

The fifth of March,Great [...] a ſore and terrible winde roſe, with the violence whereof, muche hurt was done, houſes ouerthrowne, cattell deſtroyed, and trees ouerturned.

After this enſued great mortalitie by peſtilence ſo that much youth died euery where,Great pla[...] in cities and townes, in paſſing great numbers.

Herewith followed a great dearth of corne,Great death. ſo that a buſhell of wheate in ſome places was ſolde at .xiij. pens, which then was thought to bee at a great price.

In this .xiij. yeare of king Richardes raigne,A iourney againſt the S[...] raſy[...]. the Chriſtians tooke in hande a iourney agaynſte the Sarazens of Barbarie, through ſute of the Geneways, ſo that there went a great number of Lordes, knights, and gentlemen of Fraunce, and Englande, the duke of Burbon being theyr generall. Out of Englande there went one Iohn de Beaufort baſtarde ſonne to the Duke of Lancaſter (as Froiſſart hath noted) alſo ſir Iohn Ruſſell, ſir Iohn Butler and others. They ſet forwarde in the latter ende of this .xiij. yeare, and came to Genoa, where they remayned not long, but that the gallyes and other veſſels of the Genewayes were readie to paſſe them ouer into Barbarie.

And ſo about Mydſommer in the beginning of the fourtenth yeare of thys Kings reigne,An. Reg. [...] the whole armie beeing embarked, ſayled forth to the coaſtes of Barbarie,The Engliſh arche is good ſeruice. where neare to the Citie of Afrike they landed, at which inſtant the Engliſh Archers as ſome write) ſtoode all the companie in good ſteade, with theyr long Bowes, heating backe the enimies from the ſhore, whiche came downe to reſyſt theyr landing.

After they had got to land, they enuyroned the Citie of Affrike (called by the Moorts Mahemedia) with a ſtrong ſiege: but at length conſtrained wyth the intemperancie of the ſealding ayre in that hote countrey, breeding in the armie ſundrie diſeaſes, they fell to a compoſition vpon certaine articles to be perfourmed in the behalfe of the Sarazens, and ſo .lxj. dayes after theyr fyrſt arriuall there, they tooke the Seas againe, and returned home, as in the hiſtories of Fraunce and Italy is likewiſe expreſſed.

Where by Polidore Virgile it may ſe[...]e, that the Lorde Henrie of Lancaſter Earle of Derbie, ſhoulde bee Captaine of the Engliſhe menne, that (as before ye haue hearde) went into Barbarie wyth the French men, & Genewayes, it ſhoulde otherwiſe appeare by other Wryters,Tho. VValſ. who affyrme that the ſayde Earle made a iourney in deede the ſame tyme agaynſte the myſcreantes, not into Barbarie,The earle of Derby his ex [...]es in hys [...]rney againſt the infidels of Prutzaland. but into Prutzenlande, where he ſhewed good proufe of his noble and valiant courage: for ioyning with the maiſters and knightes of the Teutſch order there, the armie of the Lithuanians that came agaynſt the ſayd order was vanquiſhed, and foure chiefe leaders of the Lithuanians were taken priſoners, three other being ſlain, with three hūdred of their chiefeſt and beſt approued ſouldiers.

Through the policie alſo and worthie manhood of the Erle of Darbie, there was a certaine Citie taken, where the ſaid Erle and his men firſt entring vpon the walles, did ſet vp his banner: other being ſlouthfull, or at the leaſt vnſkilful how to deale in ſuch exploytes.

There were taken & ſlaine foure .M. of the cō mon people, and amongſt them that were founde dead, the king of Poloignes brother was one.

The Caſtell of the ſame Citie was beſieged fiue weekes ſpace: but by reaſon of ſickneſſe & ſuch infirmities as chanced in the army, the maſters of Prutzen, & Liefland would not tarie any longer, but brake vp their ſiege and returned.

The Maſter of Leifland led with him into his countrey three thouſand priſoners.

In the meane time, whileſt the Chriſtians were thus occupied, as well agaynſt the infidels in Barbarie, as in the Eaſte partes towardes Lyttawe, a royall Iuſtes and Martiall turnament was proclaymed to bee holden wythin Smithfielde in London,A [...]al iuſtes [...]ellē in Smithfield at Londō. to beginne on Sunday next after the feaſt of Saint Michaell. And bycauſe this triumphaunt paſtime was publiſhed, not onely in Englande, but alſo in Scotlande, in Almaigne, in Flaunders, in Brabant, in Heynault, and in Fraunce, many ſtraungers came hyther forth of diuerſe Countreys, namely Valeran Earle of Saint Paule, that had maryed King Richardes ſiſter the Ladie Mawde de Courteney, and William the yong Erle of Oſternant,Some copies haue Oſternāt ſon to Albert de Baniere Erle of Hollande and Heynalt.

At the day appoynted, when all things were prepared, there iſſued forth of the Tower about three of the clocke in the after noone lx. Courſers apparelled for the Iuſtes, and vpon euerie one an Eſquier of honour, riding a ſoft pace.

Then came forth .xxiiij. Ladies of honour (lx. ſayth Froiſſart) mounted on Palfreys,The man n[...] of the iuſts in Smithfield. ryding on the one ſide richly apparelled, and euery Ladie led a knight with a chaine of golde. Thoſe knightes being on the kings part, had their armor and apparell garniſhed with white heartes and crownes of golde about theyr neckes,Siluer ſayth Froſart. and ſo they came ryding through the ſtreets of Lōdon vnto Smithfield, with a great number of Trumpets and other Inſtruments before them.

The King and the Queene, with many other great eſtates were readie placed in Chambers richly adorned to ſee the Iuſtes: and when the Ladies that led the knightes, were come to the place, they were taken downe from their Palfreys, and went vp into Chambers readie prepared for them. Their alighted the eſquiers of honor from their courſers, and the knights in good order mounted vpon them. And ſo when their helmets were ſet on their heades, and that they were readie in all poyntes, after Proclamations made by the Heraults, the iuſtes began, and many commendable courſes were runne, to the great pleaſure, comfort, and recreation of the King, the Queene, and all other the beholders.

The price that day on the anſwerers part was giuen to the Earle of Saint Paule, and on the Chalengers ſide, to the Earle of Huntington.

On the Monday, the King himſelfe, wyth Dukes, Erles, Lordes, and knights, came to the iuſtes, he being chiefe of the inner part.

That day the price was giuen to the Erle of Oſteruant for the beſt doer, of the vtter part: and of the inner part, to a knight of Englande called ſir Hugh Spencer. On the Tueſday, all maner of Eſquiers iuſted, and likewiſe on the Wedneſday al maner of knights and eſquiers that woulde, on which day was a ſore and rude iuſtes, enduring till night. And ſo many a noble courſe and other martiall feates were atchieued in thoſe four days, to the great contentation and pleaſure of many a yong batchler deſirous to win fame, & alſo highly to the kings honor,The King kept open houſhold in the Biſhop of London his palaice by Paules church. who by all that ſeaſon helde his Court in the Biſhops Palayce by Paules church, keeping open houſhold for all honeſt perſones that thither reſorted, eſpecially euery night after the iuſtes were ended, a right ſumptuous & princely ſupper was prepared for the ſtrangers & other, and after ſupper, the time was ſpent in dancing & reuelling, after the moſt courtlike maner.

The K. feſteth the ſtraungersThe Thurſday, the king made a ſupper to al the Lords, knights and gentlemen ſtrangers, and the Queene to all the ladies and gentlewomen.

On the Fryday the duke of Lancaſter feaſted at dinner al the ſayd Lords,The Duke of Lancaſter feaſteth the ſtrangers. knights, & gentlemē ſtrangers, in moſt ſumptuous & plentiful maner.

On the Saterday, the king and all the whole companie departed from Lōdon vnto Winſore, where newe feaſting beganne, and ſpecially the king did all the honour that might be deuiſed vnto the Erles of S. Paule and Oſteruant.

The Erle of Oſteruant, at the erneſt requeſt of the king, receyued of him the order of the Garter, for the whiche hee was euill thought of afterwardes by his friendes, namely the French king and others.

Finally, after that the king had thus feaſted the ſtrangers and other at Windſore, eche man tooke leaue of the king, the Queene, and the kings vncles, and other Lords and Ladies, and ſo departed the ſtrangers into their own coūtreys, & other home to their houſes, or whither they thoght beſt.

1391Ambaſſadours were ſent from the Frenche king, vnto the king of Englande, [...] Froiſſart. to [...] [...] uerture of peace to be had, and to endure [...] betwixt the two realmes of England & [...] ſith that by warre it was apparant ynough [...] neyther realme could greatly benefite it ſelfe, but rather ſore endomage eyther other, as before [...] it had come apparantly to paſſe. Therefore the matter beeing well conſidered, both partes armed well affected towardes ſome good confuſion by treatie to bee hadde of a full and perfect peace.

About the ſame time, by the king with the aduice of his counſaile, proclamation was made and publiſhed at London, that all beneficed and abyding in the Court of Rome,A p[...] that a[...] eng[...] beneficed [...] in Rome [...] returne into Englande. being Engliſhe men borne, ſhould returne home into Englande before the feaſt of Saint Nicholas, vnder p[...]e to forfeyte all theyr benefices, and ſuch as were not beneficed, vnder a paine likewiſe lymitted. The Engliſh men hearing ſuch a thunder clap a farre off, fearing the blowe, left the Popes Court, and returned to their natiue ſoyle.

The Pope troubled with ſuch a rūbling noiſe,The Pope ſendeth [...] Nuncio to king Richard. ſent in all haſt an Abbot as his nuncio vnto the king of Englande, aſwell to vnderſtand the cauſes of this proclamation, as of ſtatutes deuiſed & made lately in Parliament, agaynſt thoſe that prouided themſelues of benefices in the Court of Rome by the Popes Bulles, which ſeemed not a little preiudiciall to the Church of Rome: in conſideration whereof the ſayd nuncio, required that the ſame ſtatutes might be repealed & aboliſhed, ſo farre as they tended to the derogation of y^e church liberties: but if y^e ſame ſtatuts were not aboliſhed, the Pope might not (ſayd his nuncio) with a ſafe conſcience otherwiſe do than proceede againſt thē that made thoſe ſtatuts, in ſuch order as the Canons did appoint. Moreouer the ſaid nuncio declared to the king, certaine daungerous practiſes betwixt the Antipape and the French king as to make the duke of Touraine the Frēch kings brother king of Tuſkaine and Lombardie, and to eſtabliſh the Duke of Aniou in the kingdome of Sicille.

Moreouer, he gaue the king to vnderſtande,The Pope N[...] [...]io open[...] the king the French king p[...]y pract[...] that if the Frenche king might compaſſe by the Antipapes meane to bee choſen Emperour, hee woulde ſeeke to vſurpe vpon ech mans right, and therefore it ſtoode the king of England chiefly in hande to prouyde agaynſt ſuch practiſes in time. And as for the treatie of peace which the Frenche men ſeemed ſo much to fauour, it was to none other ende, but that vpon agreement once hadde, they might more conueniently compaſſe theyr purpoſe in the premiſſes.

Furthermore,Nuncio. the nuncio erneſtly beſought the king of ayd in the Popes behalf againſt the Frēch king, if (as he threatned to do) he ſhoulde inuade him in Italie with open force.

The king ſeemed to giue fauourable eare vnto the nuncio, and after aduice taken, appoynted to ſtay till after Michaelmaſſe, at what time a parliament was appoynted to be aſſembled, wherein ſuch things as he had proponed ſhoulde be weyed and cōſidered of, & ſome concluſion taken therein.

The Duke of Glouceſter his iourney into Prutzen land.About the ſame time, the Duke of Glouceſter went into Prutzen land, to the great griefe of the people, that made account by his departure, as if the ſunne had beene taken from the earth, doubting ſome miſhappe to followe to the common welth by his abſēce,The Duke of Glouceſter in great fauor with the commons. whoſe preſence they thought ſufficient to ſtay all detriments y^t might chaunce, for in hym the hope of the Commons onelye reſted.

In his returne home, he was ſore formented with rough weather & tēpeſtuous ſeas. At length yet he arriued in Northumberlande, and came to the Caſtell of Tinmouth, as to a Sanctuarie knowne to him of olde, where after hee had refreſhed him certaine dayes, he tooke his iourney homewardes to Plaſchy in Eſſex, bringyng no ſmall ioy for his ſafe returne to all the Kingdome.

An. reg. 15. The ninth of Iuly the Sunne ſeemed darkned, wyth certaine groſſe and euill fauoured cloudes comming betwixt it and the earth, ſo as it appeared ruddie, but gaue no light from noone, till the ſetting thereof. And afterwardes continually for the ſpace of ſixe Weekes, aboute the midſt of the day, clowds cuſtomarily roſe, & ſomtimes they continued both day and nighte, not vaniſhing away at all.

The ſame tyme, ſuche a mortalitie and death of peope increaſed in Norffolke, and in many other Countrees of England, that it ſeemed not vnlike the ſeaſon of the great peſtilence.

A great death in York & ſun dry other places.In the Citie of Yorke there died .xj. thouſande within a ſhort ſpace.

Henrie Percy Erle of Northumberland lieutenaunt of Calais, was called home from that charge, and created warden of the Marches agaynſt Scotland, & Robert Mowbray was ſent to Calays to be the kings lieutenant there.

A parliament at London.On Fryday next after all ſoules day, the Parliament began at London, in which the knightes would in no wiſe agree that the ſtatute made agaynſt ſpirituall men, for the prouiding themſelues of benefices in the Court of Rome, ſhould be repelled: but yet they agreed thus much, that it ſhould be tollerated, ſo as with the kings lycence ſuch ſpirituall men might purchaſe to themſelues ſuch benefices till the next Parliament.

Halfe a tenth, and halfe a fiftenth were granted to the King in thys Parliament, to the furniſhing of the treatie of peace whiche the Duke of Lancaſter was appoynted to proſecute. Alſo conditionally a whole tenth, and a whole fiftenth were graunted to him, if it chaunced that hee made anye iourney that yeare agaynſt the Scottes.

The price of corne that had continued at an high rate, almoſt for the ſpace of two yeres,The flix gottē by exceſsiue feeding on fruites. began to fall immediately after the harueſt got in, to the great reliefe of the poore, which before throughe immoderate eating of Nuttes, and Aples, fell into the diſeaſe called the Flixe, whereof manye dyed, and ſurely (as was thought) the death and dearth had beene greater, if the commendable diligence of the Lorde Maior of London had not beene,The L. Maior of London cō mended for his careful prouiſion of corne from beyonde the ſeas in the time of dearth in relieuing the Commons by ſuche prouiſion as hee made for corne to bee brought vnto London, from the partyes of beyonde the Seas, where otherwiſe neyther had the Countrey beene able in any thing to haue ſufficed the Citie, nor the Citie the Countrey.

On Chriſtmaſſe day, a Dolphin that came forth of the Sea vp the Thames vnto London bridge, was eſpyed of the Citizens as he played in the water, and being followed and purſued,A Dolphyn taken at London bridge, wyth much ado was taken. He was ten foote long, and a monſtrous growne fiſhe, ſo as the ſight of him was ſtraunge to many that behelde him. He was thought by his cōming ſo far into the landward, to foreſhew ſuch tempeſts as within a weeke after did follow.

Ye haue heard how the matter for a treatie of peace had beene firſt broched by the French king by ſending Ambaſſadours to the king of Englande, to moue the ſame.1392 Which motion beeyng throughly conſidered of the eſtates aſſembled in this laſt Parliament, it was decreed, that it ſhuld goe forwarde (as before ye haue heard) and ſo about Candlemaſſe, the Lorde Thomas Percy,Embaſſadors ſent to the French king to trea[...]e of peace ſir Lewes Clifford, and ſir Robert Briquet, with diuerſe other in their companie, were ſent ouer to the French king, and comming to Paris, founde him lodged in his houſe of Louvre, where they declared to him the good affection of the king theyr maiſter towardes peace: and the better to bryng it to paſſe, they ſhewed that king Richardes deſire was to haue ſome place and time appoynted for Commiſſioners to meete, with authoritie to treate and conclude vpon articles, as ſhoulde bee thought expedient.

The French king greatly honored theſe Ambaſſadors, in feaſting and banquetting them for the ſpace of ſixe dayes togither, and for anſwere, concluded with them, that he himſelfe, with hys vncles and other of his counſaile would bee at Amiens by the midſt of Marche neſt enſuing, there to abide the king of Englāds comming, and his vncles, if it ſhould pleaſe them thither to come.

The Engliſh Ambaſſadors ſaid there was no doubt, but that either the K. himſelf or his vncles ſhould be there at the day aſſigned, with full authoritie to conclude any agreement that ſhoulde ſeeme reaſonable,Sir Robert Briquet [...] Frenchman of king Richard his priuie chamber The Dukes of Lancaſter and Yorke, the erls of Darby and Huntington, the lord Thomas Percy the Biſhops of durham and London were ſente ouer as Froi[...]. hath. and ſo thoſe Ambaſſadors returned with great giftes preſented on the kings behalfe to eche of them, excepted ſir Robert Briquet, vnto whom it ſeemed the French king bare no great good will, for that being a French man borne, he had euer ſerued the Nauarrois or Engliſh men, and was nowe one of king Richardes priuie Chamber.

The king of Englande (as ſome write) was once minded to haue paſſed the ſeas himſelfe, to haue met the French king at Amiens, at the time appointed, but finally the Duke of Lancaſter, the B. of Durhā, and others, were ſent thither with a traine neare hand of a thouſande horſe.

A royal Ambaſſade.At their comming into Fraunce they were royally receyued: for the French king had made no leſſe preparation for the Duke of Lancaſters comming, than if he had bene Emperour.

The Duke of Lanca. a Prince of great renoume.The Duke of Lancaſter verily was eſteemed to be a right mightie Prince, and one of the wyſeſt and ſage[...] Princes in all Chriſtendome in thoſe dayes, ſo that it ſeemed the French king reioyced greatly, that he might come to haue conference with him.

There were with the French king here at Amiens, his brother y^e duke of Thouraigne, his vncles, the dukes of Berry, Burbon, & Burgoigne, and a great number of Erles, Lordes, and other nobles of the realme of France. Before the Engliſh mens cōming for auoyding of ſtrife and debaſe that mighte ariſe betwixt the Engliſhe and French, a Proclamation was ſet forth cōteining certain articles, for the demeanor which y^e French men ſhould obſerue towards the Engliſh men.

Whileſt they there remayned all the Engliſh mens charges were borne by the French king, from theyr ſetting forth from Calais, till they came backe thither againe. As touching theyr treatie, many things were proponed, diuerſe demaundes made, and ſome offers, though to ſmal purpoſe, for they toke not effect, inſomuch as they departed without concluding any thing, further than that the truce whiche was to ende at Mydſommer next,The truce prolonged for a yeare. was prolonged to continue one yere more, that in the meane time, the Lords and eſtates of the realme of Englande might aſſemble,Tho. VValſ. and with good aduice deliberate, whether it were more expedient to agree vnto a determinate peace, or to purſue the doubtfull chaunces of warre. And ſuch was the ende of that royall ambaſſage, to the furniſhing forth whereof, the king demaunded an ayde aſwell of the Abbottes and Priors, as of the cities and good townes through the whole realme.

Anon after the returne of the duke of Lancaſter, and other the Ambaſſadors that had bene at Amiens, a Councell of the Lordes and chiefe [...] ſtates of the realme was called at Stamford,A counſel at Stamford. the which as if it had bin to a Parliamēt, there come forth of euery good town certain perſons [...] ted to deliberate and take aduice in ſo weighte [...] matter, as eyther to conclude vpon peace, or elſe vpon warre. But in the ende they brought little or nothing to paſſe, ſauing that they agreed to haue the truce to endure for a twelue month [...] ger: both the kings ſware to obſerue the ſ[...]me, afore ſuche as were appoynted to ſee theyr othes receyued,

About the ſame time came the Duke of G[...] derland into this realme,The Duke of Gelderland commeth [...] Englande. being the kings co[...] right valiant and hardie gentlemā ▪ he was honorably receyued & welcomed of the king, and of his vncles, the dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter.

This duke of Guelderland counſailed the king not to conclude peace,The Duke of Gelderland [...] ſwadeth the king from peace with the French and Scottes. eyther with the Frenchmē or Scots, except vpon ſuch conditions as might be knowne to be both profitable and honourable to him and his realme, promiſing that if hee had occaſion to make war againſt either of thoſe two nations, he woulde be readie to ſerue hym wyth a cōuenient power of men at armes of his country.

After he had bin here a time, and highly truſted, and banquetted, aſwell by the king as other great eſtates of the realme, he returned home not without diuerſe riche giftes.

The King about this ſeaſon ſent to the Londoners,The Lo[...]don[...] refuſe to l[...]nd the K[...] thouſand pound[...]. requeſting to borrow of them the ſumme of one thouſande poundes, which they vncourteouſly refuſed to lende: and moreouer they fell vpon an Italian or Lumbarde (as they tea[...]ed him) whom they beate, and neare hande fiue: bycauſe hee offered to lende the King that money. Whereof when the king was aduertiſed, hee was ſore moued agaynſt them, and calling togither the moſt part of the Peeres and noble men of hys Realme, declared vnto them the frowarde dealings of the Londoners, complayning ſore of ſuch their preſumption.

The Lordes and great menne, ſeeming not greatly to fauor the Londoners, gaue counſayle that the inſolent pride of thoſe preſumtuous perſons might with ſpeed be repreſſed.

The Citizens of London in thoſe dayes (as ſhould appeare) vſing their authoritie to the vttermoſt, had deuiſed & ſet forth diuerſe orders & conſtitutiōs to abridge the libertie of Foreyners that came to the Citie to vtter their cōmodities: religious men that wrote the doings of that age, ſeemed alſo to find fault with them, for that they fauored Wiclifes opinions, and therfore charge thē with infidelitie, & mainteyning I know not how of lollards and heretiks: but howſoeuer the matter went they fell at this preſent into the kings heauie diſpleaſure.

Some there be that write, how the King pi [...]ed the firſt, quarrell againſt the Maior & Sherifes, for a ryot committed by the vnruly Citizens, againſte the ſeruauntes of the Biſhoppe of Saliſbury:A greate fire [...](led about [...]ttle ſparke. for that where one of the ſame Byſhops ſeruauntes had taken a horſe lofe from a a bakers mā, as he paſſed by in Fleete ſtreete with his baſket to ſerue his maſters cuſtomers, and would not deliuer it againe, but brake the bakers mans head, when hee was earneſt to haue recouered the lofe, the inhabitants of the ſtreetes roſe, and would haue had the Biſhops man to priſon, for breaking the kings peace: but he was reſcued by his fellowes, & eſcaped into Saliſburie houſe, that ſtoode there within the alley, and as then belonged to his maiſter the Byſhop of Saliſburie, beeing at that time high Treaſorer of Englande.

A ryot by the Londoners vpon the Byſhop of Salisburies men.The people beeing ſet in a rage for the reſcue ſo made, gathered togither in great multitude about the Biſhops palace gate, and woulde haue fetched out the offendor by force.

To conclude, ſuch a hurling was in the ſtrete, that the Maior, with the Sherifes, and dyuers Aldermen came thither with all ſpeede, to take order in the matter, and ſee the peace kepte, but after the comming thither of the Maior, the commons of the Citie reſorted to the place in farre greater numbers than before, and the more they were, the worſe they were to rule, and would not bee perſwaded to quiet themſelues, excepte the Biſhops ſeruaunte, whoſe name was Walter Romane,Walter Romane. might bee had out of the houſe, & committed to priſon: but at length, after manye aſſaultes, liftes, and other indeuours made to haue broken vp the gates of the houſe, the Maior and Aldermen, with other the diſcrete commoners▪ appealed the people ſo, as they brought them to quiet, and ſent euery man to his houſe.

The Byſhop was then at Windeſor, where the Courte lay, and being enformed of this matter, by a greeuous reporte, and happely in worſe manner than the thing had happened indede, toke ſuche indignation therewith, that taking with him Thomas Arundell,The biſhop of Salisbury maketh agree [...] c[...]pla[...]nt [...] the Londoners to the K. Archbiſhoppe of Yorke, then Lord Chancellor of England, he wente to the King, and made an heynous complaynte againſte the Citizens, for their miſdemeanor, ſo that his diſpleaſure was y^e more kindled againſt the Citizens, in ſo muche, that whether in reſpect of this laſt remembred complainte, or rather for their vncourteous deniall to lende him the thouſande poundes,The Maior & [...] of London ſent for to Windſore to the king, and [...] impri [...]ned. and miſuſing the Lombarde that offered to lend the ſame. I cannot ſay, but ſure it is, that the Maior and Sherife, and a great ſorte more of the Citizens, were ſent for to come to the Courte, where diuers miſdemeanors were obiected and layde to their charge, and notwithſtanding, what excuſe they pretented, the Maior and Sherifes, with diuers [...] of the moſt ſubſtanciall Citizens, were [...]. The Maior was committed to the C[...] [...] and the other, vnto other Coaſt [...] to be ſafely kept, till the King, thy the [...] ſhoulde determi[...] further [...] wha[...] [...] bee [...] with th[...] ▪

The liberties of the Citie were [...] into the Kings [...],The liberties of London ſeyſed. [...] of the Ma[...] vtterly [...]ſſ[...] the King vppo[...] [...] w[...]dth to gouerne the Citie [...] [...] ling[...]age Knight,A Gardian appointed to gouerne the citie of London. that ſhoulde both time the Citie, and ſee that euery [...] had [...] [...]mmitted, as the [...]aſe required.

This [...] Edwarde Darlingrugge beganne to gouerne, An. reg. 16. Sir Edw. Darlingrugge L. warden of London. the Citie of [...] the name of Lorde Warden, the one and [...]entith of Iune, on whiche day, the King entred into the ſixte[...]th yeare of his raigne: by [...] thoughte, that the ſaide Sir Edwarde Darlingrugge was ouer fauourable to the Citizens, hee continued in his office but till the firſt of Iuly, and being then diſcharged, one Sir Baldwine Radington,Darlingrugge remoued, and ſir Baldwyne Radyngton made Lorde warden of London. a right [...]cumſpect and biſcret Knight, was [...] in that roomth, that knewe how both to con[...]fe the Kings, minde, and to comforte the Citizens, and put them in hope of the kings fauour in a[...]e to be obteyned, to the reliefe of their ſorowe and heauineſſe.

At length, the King, through ſute and inſtant labour made by certaine noble men, ſpecially the Duke of Glouceſter, began ſomewhat to relent, and pacifie himſelfe, as touching his rigorous diſpleaſure againſt y^e Londoners, calling to mind y^e great honor he had diuers ways receyued at their hāds, with y^e great giftes which they had likewiſe beſtowed vpon him, wherevpon, he purpoſeth to deale the more mildly with them, and ſo ſendeth for diuers of the chiefe Citizens to come vnto Windeſor, where hee then kepte hys Court, there to ſhewe forth the priuiledges, liberties, and lawes of their Citie, as well the newe as olde, that with the aduice of his counſell, hee might determine which ſhould remayne in force, and which ſhould be aboliſhed. Herevpon, when the ſayde priuiledges, lawes,The liberties of London in part confirmed in parte con [...]emned. and liberties were layd forth, to the view of ſuche perſons as hadde to conſider of them, ſome were ratified, ſome permitted by tolleration, and ſome vtterly condemned and abrogated. Neyther might they recouer at that preſente, either the perſon or dignitie of their Maior, nor obteine the kings entier fauour, till they had ſatiſfyed the King of the domages and iniuries by them done, either to him or hys people. And where he had bin at great charges, in preparing forces to chaſtice them, as he was determined, if they had not ſubmitted themſelues vnto him, they were ſure that their purſes muſt aunſwere all that he hadde laid foorth about that matter, they therefore with humble ſubmiſſion, in recompence and ſatiſfaction of their treſpaſſes, offered to giue him tenne thouſand poundes, but they were for this time ſent home, and appoynted to returne againe at a certaine daye, not vnderſtanding what they muſt pay, till the Kyng, with the aduice of his Counſell, had taken further order for them. At length, through ſuch dayly ſute as was made for the quieting of the kings whole diſpleaſure towardes the Londoners, hee was contented to pardon all offences paſt, but firſt, the Citizēs were tolde, that the King meant to come from his manor at Sheue, to the Citie of London, and then vndoubtedly, vppon knowledge hadde of their good meanings, heereafter to beare themſelues like louing ſubiects, they ſhould obteyne his fauoure.

e[...]ſa.The Citizens aduertiſed heereof, did not onely prepare themſelues to meete him, and to preſente him with giftes in moſt liberall manner, but alſo to adorne, decke, and trimme their Citie with ſumptuous pageants, riche hangings, and other gorgeous furniture, in all poyntes like as is vſed at any Coronation.

At the day appoynted, there met him beſide other, foure hundred of the Citizens on horſebacke, cladde in one liuerie, preſenting themſelues in that order,He was mette with proceſsion of the biſh. and clergie at S. Georges Churche in Southwarke. vppon the heath on this ſide Shene, and in moſt humble wiſe, crauing pardon for their offences paſt, beſought him to take his way to his palaice of Weſtminſter, through the Citie of London.

This ſute made by the Recorder, in name of all the Citizens, hee graciouſly graunted, and ſo helde on his iourney, till hee came to London bridge,Gifts preſēted the K. by the Londoners to pacifie his diſpleaſure conceyued againſt them. where vnto him was preſented a paſſing faire ſteede, white, ſaddled, brideled, and trapped in riche cloth of golde, parted with redde & white.

And likewiſe to the Queene was gyuen a milke white palfrey, ſaddled, brideled, and trapped in the ſame ſort, as the other was. Theſe preſents were thankfully accepted, and ſo both the Kyng and the Queene paſſing forward, entred the Citie,K. Richarde royally receyued into London. prepared and hanged with rich clothes (as before ye haue heard) the Citizens ſtanding on each ſide the ſtreetes in their liueries, crying Kyng Richard, King Richard.

At the Stādert in Cheape, was a right ſumptuous ſtage ordeyned, on whiche were ſet dyuers perſonages, and an Angell, that ſet a rich crowne of golde, garniſhed with ſtone and pearle vppon the Kings head, as hee paſſed by, and likewiſe an other on the Queenes head.

This done, the King rode to Poules, & there offered, and ſo tooke his horſe againe, and rode to Weſtminſter, where the Maior and his companie taking their leaue, returned to London.

On the morrow, the Maior and his breethren went againe to Weſtminſter,More gi[...]es by the Londo[...] to the king. and there pre[...]ented the King with two baſens gilte, and in [...] two thouſand nobles of golde, beſ[...]eching [...] be good and gracious Lord to the Citie: he receyued their preſent in courteous manner, and gifte them many comfortable words. Tho. VVa[...] The liberties of London [...] tified by King to Richard. The thirde daye after, they receyued a newe confirmation of all their olde liberties (at the leaſt ſuche as might he an aide to the Citie, and no detriment to Forreyners) wherefore, by counſell of their friends, they ordeined a table for an auiter of ſiluer and gi[...], engrauen with imagerie, and enameled in moſt curious wiſe, conteyning the ſtory of Saint Edwarde, it was valued to be worth a M. markes. This was preſented to the King, the whiche hee ſhortly after offered to the ſhrine of Saint Edward within the Abbey. The Londoners beleeued, that by theſe gifts they had bin quite ridde of all danger, but yet they were cōpelled to giue the K. after this, tenne thouſand pounds, which was collected of the commons in the citie, not without great offence and grudging in their mindes.

The ſame time, the Duke of Glouceſter, hauing receyued money to leauie an army whiche hee ſhoulde haue conueyed ouer into Ireland,The duke of Glouceſter made Duke of Irelande. of which countrey, a good while before that preſent, the king had made him Duke, was nowe readye ſet forward, when ſuddainely, through y^e malice of ſome priuie detractours about the King,His iourney into Irelande vnluckely ſtayed. hee was contermaunded, and ſo hys iourney was ſtayed, to the great hinderance and preiudice, of both the Countreys of Englande and Irelande: for euen vppon the fame that was bruted of hys comming into Irelande, in manner all the Iriſh Lords determined to ſubmit themſelues vnto him, ſo greatly was his name both loued, reuerēced, and feared, euen among thoſe wilde and ſauage people.

This yere Robert Veere,Veere, a[...]te Duke of Ireland, [...]ieth a Louayne. late Earle of Oxford, & Duke of Ireland, departed this life at L[...] uaigne in Brabant, in great anguiſhe of mind, & miſerable neceſſitie: which yong gētleman doubtleſſe, was apt to al cōmendable exerciſes & partes fitte for a noble mā, if in his youth he had bin wel trained and brought vp in neceſſarie diſcipline.

This yeare after Chriſtmas,1393
Tho. VVa[...] A Parliament at Wincheſter a Parliamente was called at Wincheſter, in which only a grant was made by the Cleargie, of halfe a tenth, for the expēces of the Duke of Lancaſter and Glouceſter, that wer appointed to goe ouer into Frāce to treate of peace, betwixte the two kingdomes.

The Courtes of the kings bench and Chauncerie,The Chauncerie and Kings bench [...]e[...]e at Yorke, and from thence remoued to London. whiche hadde bene remoued from Weſtminſter to Yorke, either in diſfauour only of the Londoners, or in fauoure of the Citizens of Yorke, for that the Archbiſhoppe of that Citie, being Lorde Chancellor, wiſhed to aduaunce (ſo farre as in him lay) the commoditie and wealthe therof, were neuertheleſſe about this ſeaſon brought backe againe to Weſtminſter, after they had remayned a ſmall time at Yorke, to the diſpleaſure of many.

This yere, the Lord Aubrey de Veere, Vncle to the late Duke of Ireland, was made Earle of Oxford.

The two and twentith of Februarie, Iohn Eures,Eures. Conneſtable of Douer Caſtel, and Lord Steward of the Kings houſe, departed this life, in whoſe roomth, the Lord Thomas Percy, that before was Vicechamberlayne, was created Lord Steward, and the Lord Thomas Beaumont, was made Conneſtable of Douer, & Lord Warden of the cinque Portes: and the Lorde William Scrope was made Vicechamberlaine, who aboute the ſame time, bought of the Lorde William Montagewe the Ile of Man,The Ile of Man. with the regalitie thereof, for it is a Kingdome as Thomas Walſ. affirmeth.

The Dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter [...]cisco Frāce to [...]ents of a [...]e[...]e.The Dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter, went ouer vnto Calais, and down to Bulloigne came y^e Dukes of Berry and Burgoigne. Theſe noble men were ſufficiently furniſhed with auctoritie, to conclude a perfect peace, both by Sea and land, betweene the two Realmes of Fraunce and England, and all their Alies.

The place appoynted for thē to treate in, was at Balingham, where tentes and pauilions were pight vp, for the eaſe of both parties.

They mette there twice or thrice a weeke, in a fayre tent prepared for the purpoſe, about nyne of the clocke in the forenoone. This was aboute the beginning of May.

When they entred firſt into communication, and had ſeene eache others authoritie, one of the firſt demaundes that the Frenchmen made,The Frenche [...]ſsioners would haue Caleys raſed [...] the ground. was to haue Calais raſed in ſuch wiſe, as there ſhould neuer bee anye habitation there after that tyme. The Dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter aunſwered heerevnto, howe they had no authoritie to conclude ſo farre, but that England ſhoulde hold Calais ſtill, as in demeyne, and true inheritāce, and therefore, if they purpoſed to enter anye further in the treatie of peace, they ſhould ceaſſe from that demaund, and ſpeake no more thereof.

When the Dukes of Berrie and Burgoigne heard their two Couſins of Englande aunſwere ſo roundly, they ſpake no more of that matter.

The demands [...] the Engliſh commiſsioners.Then the Dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter demaunded to haue reſtitution of all ſuche lands as hadde bin deliuered, either to King Richard, or to King Edward the thirde, or to anye their deputies or commiſſioners, and alſo to haue fully payde the ſumme of Florens that was lefte vnpaid, at the time when the warre renued, betwixt England and Fraunce: and this the Engliſh Lawyers proued to ſtande with equitie and reaſon, but neuertheleſſe, the Lords and Chauncellor of Fraunce, argued to the contrary, and ſo agree they could not, in ſo much, as the Frenche men required, that if the Engliſhmen meant to haue any concluſion of peace, they ſhould drawe to ſome neerer paynts.Order taken, that the demaundes on eyther ſide ſhould be ſette downe in writing, the better to be conſidered of.

At length, the four Dukes tooke order, that all their demaundes on eyther ſide ſhoulde bee ſette downe in writing, and deliuered to eyther partie interchangeably, that they might be regarded at length, and ſuche as ſhoulde bee founde vnreaſonable, to be raſed or reformed.

After they had communed togithers dyuers times, and remayned there a fifteene dayes, they appointed to aduertiſe the two Kings of theyr whole doyngs, and after nine dayes ſpace to meete againe.

The Frenche Dukes rode to Abbeuile, where the Frenche King then laye: and the Engliſhe Dukes returning to Calais, wrote to the King of England, of all the whole matter. The Duke of Glouceſter was harder to deale with in eache behalfe, concerning the concluſion of peace, than was the Duke of Lancaſter, for he rather deſired to haue had warre than any peace, excepte ſuch a one as ſhoulde bee greatly to the aduantage and honor of the Realme of Englande: and therefore the commons of Englande vnderſtanding hys diſpoſition, agreed that hee ſhould be ſent, rather than any other. For where in times paſt y^e Engliſhmenne hadde greatly gayned by the warres of Fraunce, as well the commons,The Engliſhe Gentlemen maynteyned by the French warres. as the Knightes and Eſquiers, who had by the ſame, mainteyned their eſtate, they could not giue their willing conſents, to haue any peace at all with the Frenchmen, in hope by reaſon of the warres, to profyte themſelues, as in times paſt they had done. The Frenche King and the nobles of Fraunce were greately enclined to peace, and ſo likewiſe was the King of England, & the Duke of Lancaſter. But the Frenchmen were ſo ſubtile,The ſubtiltie of the Frenchmen and vſed ſo many darke and coloured words, that the Engliſhmen had much adoe to vnderſtād them, whiche offended much the Duke of Glouceſter. But neuertheleſſe, at the daye prefixed, theſe foure Dukes met againe at Balingham, and with the French Lords came the King of Armony; newly retorned into France foorth of Grecia, for into his owne countey [...]e durſt not come,The commiſſioners meete agayne. the Turkes hauing conquered it, except the ſtrong Towne of Coniche,The King of Armony. which the Genewayes held. The K. of Armonye woulde gladly that peace mighte haue bin eſtabliſhed bitwixt Fraunce and Englande, in hope to procure the ſooner ſome ayde of the Kings, to recouer his kingdome. But to cō clude, after that the Dukes, and other with them aſſociate as aſſiſtants, had diligently peruſed and examined the articles of their treatie, they would not paſſe nor ſeale to anye,Obſcure and doutfull words to be opened. till all darke and obſcure words were cleerely declared, opened, and made perfect, ſo that no generall peace mighte be concluded.A truce for .4. yeres betwene Englande and Fraunce. Notwithſtanding yet as Froyſſarte hath, a truce for four yeares, vppon certayne articles was agreed to be kept, as well by ſea as by lande. It was thought, that when they were at poynt to haue growen to agreement concerning many articles, if the French King had not newly fallen into his former diſeaſe of frenſie, there had better effect followed of this treatie, but by occaſion of his ſickneſſe, eache man departed, before that anye principall articles coulde be fully ordered and made perfect. The ſame time, Sir Thomas Percy the yonger, was made Lorde Warden of Burdeaux and Aquitaine.

An. reg. 17. Great tempeſtes.In September, muche hurte was done, thorough exceeding greate thunder, lightning, and tempeſtes, whiche chaunced in many partes of Englande, but ſpeciallye in Cambridge ſhire, where manye houſes were brente, with no ſmall quantitie of corne. Greate inundations and flouds of water followed ſhortly after in October,Muche hurte done by great flouds in Suffolke. whiche did muche hurt at Bury, and New-market in Suffolke, where it ouerthrew walles of houſes, and putte men and women in greate daunger of drowning.

A great plage in Eſſex.In Eſſex alſo in September, greate mortalitie fell by peſtilence amongſt the people, whereof many died.

The Towne of Chierburg was reſtored againe to the King of Nauarre, who had engaged it to the King of England, for two thouſand markes.

1394A Parliamente was holden at Weſtminſter, whiche began in the Octaues of Saint Hillarie.

The King purpoſing to goe ouer into Ireland, required a ſubſedie, the Cleargie graunted to him a whole tēth, toward the furniſhing forth of that iourney, if he wente himſelfe, if he wente not, yet they agreed to giue to him the mo[...] of a tenth.

In time of this Parliamente, there appeares great euill will to remayne, betwixt the Duke of Lancaſter, and the Earle of Arundell, for the Duke impoſed to the Earle, that about the exaltation of the Croſſe,Varl[...] [...] duke of Lancaſter and the Erle of [...] [...]ell. hee lay wyth a company of armed men in the caſtell of Holte by Cheſter, the ſame time that the country there roſe againſt the Duke, with their Capitaine Nicholas Clifton, and his complices, whome he ment, as the Duke alledged, to haue aided againſt him: but the Erle this flatly denyed, and with probable reaſons ſo excuſed himſelfe, as the quarrell at length was taken vp, and the parties for the time well quieted.

This yeare on Whitſonday beeing the ſeauenth of Iune, Queene Anne departed this life,The death of Queene Anne. to the great griefe of hir huſband King Richard, who loued hir entierly. She deceaſſed at She[...]e, and was buried at Weſtminſter, vpon y^e South ſide of Saint Edwards Shrine.

The King tooke ſuche a conceyte with the houſe of Shene, where ſhe departed this life,The K. deficeth the houſe of Shene bycauſe the queene dyed there. that hee cauſed the buildings to bee throwen downe and defaced, whereas the former Kings of this lande, beeing weery of the Citie, vſed cuſtomarilye thither to reſorte, as to a place of pleaſure, and ſeruing highly to theyr recu[...] tion.

Thus the King, the Duke of Lancaſter, and his ſonne the Earle of Derby, were widdowers, all in one ſeaſon: for the Lady Conſtance Duches of Lancaſter, daughter to Peter Kyng of Spaine, deceaſſed the laſt yeare, whileſt hir huſbande the Duke of Lancaſter was at the treatie in Fraunce: and the ſame tyme alſo deceaſſed the Counteſſe of Derby, wife to the Lorde Henry Earle of Derby.

Moreouer in this yeare .1394. Iſabell Ducheſſe of Yorke departed this life, that was halfe ſiſter to the Ducheſſe of Lancaſter, beeing borne of one mother. She was buried at La[...]gley.

This yeare in Auguſt, An. reg. [...] A proclamation that [...] re[...] [...] their [...] was a proclamation ſette foorthe, that all Iriſhmenne ſhoulde auoyde this lande, and returne home into their owne Countrey, before the feaſt of the Natiuitie of our Lady, on payne of life.

The occaſion of whiche proclamation was, for that ſuch multitudes of Iriſhmen were come ouer into this region, in hope of gaine, that the Countreys in Ireland, ſubiect to England,The Engliſh [...] almoſt [...] were in manner lefte voyde of people, ſo that the enimies ſpoyled and waſted thoſe Countreys at theyr pleaſure, finding fewe or none to withſtande them. And where King Edwarde the third had placed in Ireland his benche and Iudges, with his Eſchecker, for the good adminiſtration of Iuſtice, and politike gouernemente to bee vſed there, hee receiued from thence yeerely in reuenewes and profites, comming to his owne cofers,The yerely [...] of Ireland in K. Edward the [...] his days. the ſumme of thirtie thouſande poundes: the King nowe layde forthe no leſſe a ſumme to repulſe the enimies, whiche by abſence of thoſe that were come ouer hither, could not otherwiſe be reſiſted, ſith the power of the Rebels was ſo increaſed, and the force of the Countreys ſubiect, thorough lacke of the former inhabitantes ſo deminiſhed.

About the feaſt of the Natiuitie of oure Lady, the King ſet forward to paſſe into Irelande, hauing made ſuch preparation for that iourney, as the like for Ireland had not bin heard of, at anye time before.

There wēt ouer with him the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earles of Marche, Nottingham, and Rutland, the Lord Thomas Percy Lord Stewarde, and diuers other of the Engliſhe Nobilitie.

The Duke of Lancaſter, that in the thirtenth yeare of King Richards raigne had bin created by authority of Parliament, Duke of Aquitaine, was about this preſente time ſent thither, with a fiue hundred men of armes,The Duke of Lancaſter ſay [...] into A [...]yne with [...] [...]ay. and a thouſande archers, to take poſſeſſion of that Duchie, according to the Kings graunt, by his letters patents thereof, had, made and confirmed with his ſeale, in preſence of the moſt part of all the Nobles and great Lords of England, to hold all that Countrey to the ſaide Duke and his heires for euer, in as large manner and forme, as his father Kyng Edwarde the third, or any other Kings of Englande, or Dukes of Aquitaine before time hadde holden, and as King Richard at that ſeaſon had and held the ſame, the homage alwayes yet reſerued to the Kings of Englande for euer. But all this notwithſtanding, at his comming thither, ſo farre were the Gaſcoignes,The Gaſcoines flatly refuſe to accept the Duke of Lancaſter for their ſoueraigne. and other people of thoſe marches from receiuing him with ioy and triumph, that they plainely tolde him, they would not at turne to him, nor be vnder his iuriſdiction at any hande, although he had brought ouer with him commiſſioners ſufficiently authoriſed, both to diſcharge them of their former allegiaunce to the King, and to inueſt him in poſſeſſion of that Duchie, in manner and forme as before is ſayde.

But now to returne to King Richard, ye ſhal vnderſtand, that when all his prouiſion and royall army was ready, about Michaelmas,King Richard paſſeth ouer into Irelande with a mighty armye. he tooke the Sea, and landed at Waterford the ſecond of October, and ſo remayned in Irelande all that Winter: his people were lodged abroade in the Countrey, and lay ſo warely as they myght, for although the Iriſhmen durſt not attempte anye exployte openly againſt the Engliſhmen, after the kings arriuall with ſo puiſſante an army, yet they woulde ſteale ſometimes vpon them, where they eſpyed any aduantage, and diſquiet them in their lodgings: but when the Engliſhmen ſtill preuailed, diuers of the greateſt Princes amongſt them came in, and ſubmitted themſelues.

Amongſt other, foure Kings are mentioned, Froiſſart. Foure Iriſh Kings ſubmit themſelues to K. Richarde. as the greate Oncle King of Methe, Bryne of Thomounde King of Thowounde, Arthur Mack[...] King of Lineyſter, and Cōbur K. of Cheueno and Darpe: thoſe Kings were courteouſly entertayned, and muche made of, by Kyng Richard,1[...]95 who kepte his Chriſtmas this yeare at Dublin. [...]amente [...] in [...]de. And after that feaſt was ended, he helde a Parliament there, to the which, all his ſubiectes of Ireland, to whome it apperteyned, [...] well thoſe that had contiunce vnder the Engliſh gouernement afortime, as thoſe that were lately yeelded.

Alſo the ſame time, after the Octaues of the Epiphanie, the Duke of Yorke, Lord Warden of England, now in the Kings abſence, cauſed a Parliament to be called at Weſtminſter,A Parliament at Weſtminſter, King Richard being in Ireland. to the whiche was ſente forthe of Ireland the Duke of Glouceſter, that he might declare to the cōmons the Kings neceſſitie, to haue ſome graunte of money to ſupply his want, hauing ſpent no ſmal quantitie of treaſure in that iourney made into Irelande. The Dukes words were ſo wel heard and beleeued, that a whole Tenth was graunted by the Cleargie, and a fiftenth by the Laitie, but not without proteſtation, that thoſe paimēts were graunted of a meere free will, for the loue they bare to the King, and to haue his buſineſſe goe forwards.

The ſame time, thoſe that followed Wicklifes opinions,The Wickleuiſts wrote againſt the Cleargie. ſet vp publiquely on the Churche dore of Paules in London, and the Church dores of Weſtminſter, certayne writings, conteyning accuſations of the Cleargie, and concluſiōs ſuch as had not commonly bin heard againſt Eccleſiaſticall perſons, and the vſe of the Sacraments, as the Churche then maynteyned: they were encouraged thus to doe, as it was ſayde, by ſome noble men and Knightes of great worſhip, as ſir Richard Sturrie, Sir Lewes Clifford, ſir Thomas Latimer, Sir Iohn Montagew, and others, who comforted and pricked forwarde thoſe kinde of men, then called Heretikes, and Lollardes, to the confounding of Monkes, Friers, and other Religious perſons, by all wayes they myghte. Heerevpon, the Archbiſhop of Yorke, the Biſhop of London, and certaine other as meſſengers frō the whole ſtate of the Cleargie, paſſed ouer into Irelande,The Cleargie complaine to the king of the Wickleuiſts, and their fauorers. where to the King they made a greeuous complaint, as well againſte thoſe that had framed and ſet forth ſuche writings, as agaynſte them that mainteyned them in their doings, and therefore beſoughte him with ſpeede to returne home into England, there to take ſuch order, for the reſtreining of thoſe miſordered perſons, as to the reliefe of the Church might be thought expedient, beeing then in great daunger of ſuſteyning irrecouerable loſſe and domage, if good reformation were not the ſooner had. King Richard hearing theſe things, vppon good deliberation had in the matter, determined to returne home, but firſt vpon the day of the annuntiation of our Lady, he made the four aboue remembred Kings,King Richard Knighteth the four Iriſhe Kings, and others. to wit, O Nele, Brine of Thomond, Arthur Mackmur, and Conhu[...], Knightes, in the Cathedrall Churche of Dublin, and likewiſe one Sir Thomas Orphen,Froiſſart. Sir Ioatas Pado, and his couſin ſir Iohn Pado.

This done, and nowe after that they were ſet in quiet in that Countrey (the Rebels not beyng ſo hardy as to ſtirre, whileſt ſuche a mighty army was there ready at hande to aſſayle them,K. Richard [...] turneth [...] Ireland.) the K. about Eaſter, came backe into Englande, without any more adoe▪ ſo that the gain was thought nothing to coūteruayle the charges, whiche were very greate: for the King had ouer with hym in that iourney, foure thouſand men of armes, and thirtie thouſande archers, as Froiſſart ſaith hee was enformed) by an Engliſh Eſquier, that had bin in that iourney. The King at his comming ouer, did not forget what complaint the Archbyſhop of Yorke, and the Biſhop of London hadde exhibited to him, againſte thoſe that were called Lollards, and Heretikes,K. Richard[...]s dealinges againſte the fauours of the Wicleuiſts. wherevpon immediately, hee called afore him certaine of the noble men, that were thoughte and knowen to fauour ſuche kinde of men, threatning terribly, if from thenceforth they ſhoulde in anye wiſe comforte, and releeue them. Hee cauſed Sir Richard Sturry to receyue an oth, that he ſhould not maynteyne frō that day forward anye ſuch erronious opinions, menacing him, and as it were, couenaunting with him by an interchangeable othe, that if euer he might vnderſtand, that he did violate and breake that oth, he ſhould die for it a moſt ſhamefull death.

This yeare, the Danes that lay rouing on the Seas, did much hurt to the Engliſh Merchants, taking and robbing many Engliſh Shippes, & when the hauen townes alongſt the Coaſtes of Northfolke, made forth a number of Shippes,The Danes robbe the Engliſh march[...] on the ſeas. & ventured to fighte with thoſe Pirats, they were vanquiſhed by the Danes, ſo that manye were ſlayne, and manye taken priſoners, whiche were conſtreined to pay great ranſomes. The enimies alſo found in ranſacking the Engliſhe Shippes,Great priſes wonne by th[...] Da[...]l[...]h[...]pe[...] [...] of the engliſh men. twentie M. poundes, which the Engliſhe Merchants had aboorde with thē to buy wares with, in place whither they were bound to goe.

The ſame yere, Wil. Courtney Archb. of Canterbury, hauing more regard to his own priuate cōmodity, thā to the diſcōmodity of others, purchaſed a Bull of the Pope, whereby hee was authoriſed, to leauie through his whole prouince four pence of the pound of all Eccleſiaſtical promotions, as well in places exempt, as not exēpt, no true nor lawfull cauſe being ſhewed or pretended, why he ought ſo to doe: and to ſee y^e execution of this Bull put in practiſe, the Archbyſhop of York, & the Biſhop of London, were named & appoynted: many that feared y^t cenſures of ſuche high executioners, choſe rather to paye the money forthwith, than to goe to the lawe, and be compelled happely, maugre their good willes. Some there were, that appealed to the Sea of Rome, meaning to defende their cauſe, and to procure, that ſo vnlawfull an exaction myghte be reuoked. Specially, the prebendaries of Lincolne ſtoode moſt ſtiffely againſte thoſe Byſhops, but the death of the Archbyſhop that chanced ſhortly after, made an ende of thoſe ſo paſſing great troubles.

This yeare, Iohn Waltham, Byſhoppe of Saliſburie,Waltham biſhop of Salisbury buried at Weſtminſter amongſt the kings. and Lorde Treaſorer of Englande, departed this life, and by King Richarde hys appoyntmente, hadde the honor to haue his bodye enterred at Weſtminſter among the Kings.

After his deceaſſe, Roger Walden, that before was Secretarie to the Kyng, and Treaſorer of Calais, was now made Lord Treaſorer.

An. reg. 19. Ye haue hearde, that in the yeare .1392. Robert Veer Duke of Ireland departed this life in Loname in Brabant. King Richarde therefore thys yeare in Nouember, cauſed his corps being embaulmed, to be conueyed into Englande, and ſo to the Priorie of Colney in Eſſex,The Duke of Irelandes corps [...]eyed frō I[...]yn into Englande, and [...] royally [...]red. appoynting him to bee layde in a Coffine of Cypres, and to be adorned with princely garmentes, hauyng a chayne of golde about his necke, and riche ryngs on his fingers. And to ſhew what loue and aſſertion hee bare vnto him in his life time, the Kyng cauſed the Coffine to bee opened, that hee mighte beholde his face bared, and touche him with hys hands: he honored his funerall exequies, with hys preſence, accompanyed with the Counteſſe of Oxforde, mother to the ſayde Duke, the Archbyſhop of Canterburie, and many other Byſhops, Abbots, and Priors, but of noble men there were very few, for they had not yet diſgeſted the enuie and hatred whiche they hadde conceyued againſt hym.

Froiſart.In this meane whyle, the Duke of Lancaſter was in Gaſcoigne, treating with the Lordes of the Countrey, and the inhabitantes of the good Townes, whiche vtterly refuſed to receyue hym otherwiſe than as a Lieutenaunte or ſubſtitute to the Kyng of England, and in the ende addreſſed meſſengers into Englande, to ſignifie to the Kyng, that they hadde bin accuſtomed to be gouerned by Kings,The Gaſcoyns [...]de vnto K. Rich ſignify [...] vnto hym, [...] ought [...] to be de [...]ed from [...] [...]wne. and meant not now to become ſubiectes to any other, contrary to all reaſon, ſith the King could not (ſauing his othe) alyene them from the Crowne.

The Duke of Lancaſter vſed all wayes hee mighte deuiſe, howe to winne theyr good willes, and hadde ſente alſo certayne of his truſtie counſellors ouer hither into Englande, as Sir William Perreer, Sir Peter Clifton, & two clearkes learned in the lawe, the one called maſter Iohn Hucch, and the other maſter Iohn Richardes a Chanon of Leyceſter, to pleade and ſolicite hys cauſe: but to bee briefe, ſuche reaſons were ſhewed, and ſuche matter vnfolded by the Gaſcoignes, why they ought not bee ſeparated from the Crowne of England, that finally (notwithſtanding the Duke of Glouceſter, and certayne other were againſte them) it was decreed, that the Countrey and Duchie of Aquitayne ſhoulde remayne ſtill in demayne of the Crowne of Englande,The graunt of the duchie of Aquitayne to the duke of Lancaſter reuoked. leaſt that by thys tranſportyng thereof, it myghte fortune in tyme, that the heritage thereof ſhoulde fall into the handes of ſome ſtraunger and enimie to the Engliſhe nation, ſo that then the homage and ſoueraignetie mighte perhappes be loſt for euer.

Indeede, the Duke of Glouceſter, beeyng a Prince of an hygh minde, and loth to haue the Duke of Lancaſter at home, being ſo hyghly in the Kyngs fauoure, coulde haue beene well pleaſed, that hee ſhoulde haue enioyed hys gifte, for that hee thoughte thereby to haue borne all the rule about the Kyng, for the Duke of Yorke was a man, rather coueting to lyue in pleaſure, than to deale with muche buſineſſe, and the weightie affayres of the Realme.

Aboute the ſame tyme, or ſomewhat before, the Kyng ſente an Ambaſſade to the Frenche Kyng, the Archebyſhoppe of Dublin, the Earle of Rutlande, the Earle Marſhall,Ambaſſadours ſente into France to treat a mariage betvvene K. Richarde and the French kings daughter. the Lorde Beaumonde, the Lorde Spencer, the Lorde Clifforde, named Lewes, and twentie knightes with fortie Eſquiers.

The cauſe of theyr going ouer, was to intreate of a marriage to be had betwixt hym, and the Lady Iſabell, daughter to the French king, ſhee beeyng as then not paſt an eighte yeares of age, whiche before hadde beene promiſed vnto the Duke of Britaignes ſonne: but in conſideration of the greate benefite that was lykely to enſue by thys communication and alliance with Englande, there was a meane founde, to vndoe that knotte, though not preſently.

Theſe Engliſhe Lordes, at their comming to Paris, were ioyfully receyued, and ſo courteouſly entertayned, banqueted, feaſted, and cheriſhed, and that in moſt honorable ſorte, as nothyng coulde bee more: all their charges and expenſes were borne by the Frenche Kyng, and when they ſhoulde departe, they receyued for aunſwere of theyr meſſage, very comfortable wordes, and ſo with hope to haue their matter ſpedde, they returned.

But nowe when the Duke of Lancaſter had, by laying foorthe an ineſtimable maſſe of treaſure purchaſed in a manner the good willes of them of Aquitayne,Tho. VValſ. and compaſſed hys whole deſire, hee was ſuddaynely countermaunded home by the King, and ſo to ſatiſfie the kings pleaſure, hee returned into Englande, and commyng to the Kyng at Langley, where hee helde hys Chriſtmas, was receyued with more honor than loue, as was thoughte, wherevpon,1396 hee roade in all haſt that might be, to Lincolne, where Katherine Swinforde as then laye, whome ſhortly after the Epiphanie, hee tooke to wife. This woman was borne in Haynaulte, daughter to a Knighte of that Countrey, called ſir Paou de Ruer: ſhee was broughte vp in hir youth,The Duke of Lancaſter marieth a Ladye [...]a meane eſtate, whome he had kept as his concubine. in the Duke of Lancaſters houſes, and attended on his firſt wife the Ducheſſe Blanche of Lancaſter, and in the dayes of his ſeconde wyfe the ducheſſe Conſtance, he kept the foreſaid Katherin to his Concubine, who afterwardes was married to a Knight of England, named Swinford, that was nowe deceaſſed. Before ſhee was married, the Duke had by hir three children, two ſonnes and a daughter, one of the ſonnes highte Thomas de Beaufort, and the other Henry, who was brought vp at Aken in Almaine, prooued a good Lawyer, and was after Byſhoppe of Wincheſter. For the loue that the Duke had to theſe his children, he married their mother y^e ſayd Katherine Swinfort, being now a widow, wherof men maruelled muche, conſidering hir meane eſtate was farre vnmeete to matche with hys highneſſe, and nothing comparable in honor to his other two former wiues. And indeede, the great Ladies of Englād, as the Duches of Glouceſter, the Counteſſes of Derby, Arundell, and others, diſcended of the bloud royall, greately diſdeyned, that ſhe ſhould be matched with y^e Duke of Lancaſter, and by that meanes be accompted ſeconde perſon in the Realme, and preferred in roomth afore them, and therefore they ſayde, that they woulde not come in anye place where ſhee ſhould be preſent for it ſhould be a ſhame to them that a woman of ſo baſe birthe, and Concubine to the Duke in his other wiues dayes, ſhoulde goe and haue place before them.

The Duke of Glouceſter alſo, being a man of an high minde and ſtoute ſtomacke, miſliked with his brothers matching ſo meanely, but the Duke of Yorke bare it well ynough, and verily, the Lady hir ſelfe was a woman of ſuche bringing vp, and honorable demeanor, that enuie coulde not in the ende, but giue place to well deſeruing.

Wicleuiſtes encreaſe.About this ſeaſon, the doctrine of Iohn Wickliffe ſtill mightely ſpred abroade heere in Englande, and the ſciſme alſo ſtill continued in the Churche, betwixt the two factions of Cardinals Frenche and Romanes, for one of their Popes coulde no ſooner be dead, but that they ordeyned an other in his place.

In this eighteenth yeare alſo, was a wonderfull tempeſt of winde in the monethes of Iuly and Auguſt, and alſo moſt ſpecially in September, by violence whereof, in ſundry places of this Realme, greate and wonderfull hurte was done, both in Churches and houſes.

The Ambaſſadors that hadde bin lately in Fraunce, about the treatie of the marriage, (as before you haue heard, [...] An. reg. [...] A tr[...] [...] yeres b[...] England, and Fraunce. Tho. VV[...] wente thither [...] ſo after that the two Kings by ſending [...] fro were light vppon certaine poyntes [...] [...] nauntes of agreemente, the Earle Ma[...] letters of procuration, married the Lady [...] in name of King Richarde, ſo that from th[...] forth ſhe was called Queene of England.

Amongſt other couenauntes and Articles of this marriage, there was a truce accorded, to [...] dure betwixt the two Realmes of England and Fraunce, for tearme of thirtie yeares.

The Pope wrote to king Richard, beſieching him to aſſiſt the Prelates againſte the L[...]s (as they tearme them) whome hee pronounce[...] be traytors, both to the Church and Kingdome, and therefore hee beſoughte him to take order, for the puniſhmente of them, whome the Prelates ſhould denounce to be Heretikes.

The ſame time,The Popes [...] to [...] the W[...] hee ſente a Bull reuocat[...] concerning religious men, that had either at hys hands, or at the handes of his Legates or N[...] cios purchaſed to be his Chaplaines, & accompting themſelues thereby exempt from their order, ſo that nowe they were by this reuocatorie Bull, appointed to returne to their order, and to obſerue all rules thereto belonging. This liked the F[...] ers well, namely the Minors, that ſought by all meanes they mighte deuiſe, how to bring theyr breethren home againe, which by ſuche exemptions in being the Popes Chaplayne, were ſegregate and deuided frō the reſidue of their brethren.K. Rich g[...] ouer to C[...]

The King in this twētith yere of his raigne, went ouer to Calice with his vncles the Dukes of Yorke, and Glouceſter, and a greate manie of other Lordes and Ladies of honor, and thyther came to him the Duke of Burgoigne, and ſo they communed of the peace. There was no enimie to the concluſion thereof, but the Duke of Glouceſter, who ſhewed well by his words, that he wiſhed rather war than peace, in ſo muche as the King ſtoode in doubt of him, leaſt hee woulde procure ſome rebellion againſte him by his ſubiects, whome he knewe not to fauor greatly thys new aliaunce with Fraunce.

The King after the Duke of Burgoigne had talked with him throughly of all things, and was departed from him, returned into Englande (leauing y^e Ladyes ſtill at Calais) to open the couenauntes of the marriage and peace vnto his ſubiects, and after hee hadde finiſhed with that buſineſſe, and vnderſtoode theyr myndes, hee went againe to Calais, and with him hys two Vncles, of Lancaſter and Glouceſter, and dyuers Prelates and Lordes of the Realme, and ſhortly after came the Frenche Kyng to the baſtide of Arde, accompanyed with the Dukes of Burgoigne, Berrie, Britaigne and Burbonne.

The [...] of the [...]vievv [...] King [...] and [...] Kyng.There were ſet vp for the king of Englande aright faire and riche pauillion a little beyonde Guyſnes within the Engliſh pale, and an other the lyke pauillion was pight vp for the Frenche king on this ſyde Arde, within the Frenche dominion,Fabian. ſo that betweene the ſayde Pauillions was the diſtaunce of .lxx. paces, and in the midwaye betwixte them bothe, was ordeyned the thyrde Pauillion, at the whyche bothe Kings comming from eyther of theyr Tentes ſundrye tymes ſhoulde meete and haue communication togyther: The diſtance betwixte the two tentes was beſet on eyther ſide in tyme of the enterview with knights armed with theyr ſwordes in their hands,Froiſſart. that is to ſay, on the one ſide ſtood .iiij.C. French knights in armure with ſwords in their hands, & on the other ſide foure hundred Engliſh knightes armed with ſwordes in theyr handes, making as it were a lane betwixte them through the whiche the two kings came and mette,Fabian. wyth ſuche noble men as were appoynted to attende them. And a certaine diſtance from the two firſt pauillions, were appointed to ſtande ſuche companies of men as either of them by appointment had couenanted to bring with them.

The othe of the tvvo kings.The two kyngs before their meeting, receyued a ſolemne othe for aſſurance of their faithfull and true meaning to obſerue the ſacred lawes of amitie one towarde an other in that their enterviewe, ſo as no damage, violence, moleſtation, arreſt, diſturbance, or other inconuenience ſhould be practiſed by them, or their frendes and ſubiectes: and that if any diſorder roſe thorough any myſhappe, arrogancie, or ſtrife moued by anye perſon, the ſame ſhoulde be reformed, promiſing in the wordes of Princes to aſſiſt one an other in ſuppreſſing the malice of ſuche as ſhould preſume to doe or attempt any thyng that myghte founde to the breache of freendly amitie, during the tyme of that aſſemble eight dayes before, and ſeuen dayes after.

The .xxvj. of October the King of Englande remoued from Caleys towarde the Caſtell of Guyſnes, and with him the duke of Berry, who was ſeate to take his othe.

The morrow after, being the euen of Symon and Iude, the Kings mette, and the Lordes of Fraunce, to witte, the duke of Berry, Burgundie, Orleans, and Bourbon, the Earle of Sauoy, the Vicounte of Meaux and others, conueyed the Kyng of Englande, and from hym were ſente to conduct the Frenche kyng dyuers of the Engliſhe Lordes, as the two Dukes of Lancaſter and Glouceſter, foure Earles, to wit, of Derbye, Rutlande, Notingham, and Northumberlande. After the two kinges were come together into the tent for that purpoſe prepared, it was fyrſt accorded betwixt them, that in the ſame place where they thus mette,The Chappell of our Lady of peace. ſhoulde be buylded of both their coſts a chapell for a perpetuall memorie, which ſhould be called the chapell of our Ladie of peace.

On the Saterday being the feaſt daye of the Apoſtles Simon and Iude, the kings talked togither of certayn articles touching the treaſie of peace, and hauing concluded vpon the ſame, they receyued eyther of them an othe vpon the holye Euangeliſtes, to obſerue and keepe all the couenantes accorded vppon. On the Mondaye the French king came to the king of Englande his pauillion,The french K. giueth his daughter to king Richarde in marriage. and the ſame tyme was brought thyther the young Queene Iſabell daughter to the Frenche King, who there deliuered hir vnto K. Richarde, whiche taking hir by the hande kiſſed hir, and gaue to hir Father great thanks for that ſo honourable and gracious a gifte, openly proteſting that vpon the conditions concluded betwixt them, he did receyue hir, that by ſuche affinitie both realmes might continue in quietnes, and come to a good ende and perfecte concluſion of a perpetuall peace. The Queene was committed vnto the ducheſſes of Lancaſter, & Glouceſter, to the Counteſſes of Huntington & Stafforde, to the Marchioneſſe of Dublyn, daughter to the Lord Couey, to the Ladies of Namure, Poignings, and others, whyche wyth a noble trayne of men and horſſes, conueyed hir to Caleys: for there were .xij. chareis ful of ladies and gentlewomen. This done, the kings came togither into the king of Englāds pauilion to diner.

The French K. ſat on the right ſide of the hal,The order of the frenche Kings ſeruice at table. & was royally ſerued after the maner of his coū trey, that is to wit of al maner of meates apointed to be ſerued at the firſt courſe in one mightie large diſh or platter, & likewiſe after the ſame ſort at the ſecond courſe. But the K. of Englād was ſerued after the engliſh maner. Whē the cables wer taken vp, & that they had made an end of diner, the kings kiſſed eche other, and tooke theyr horſes. The K. of England brought the French K. on his way, & at length they toke leaue either of other, in ſhakyng handes, and embracing on horſebacke. The French king rode to Arde, and the king of England returned to Caleys.

We haue omitted (as things ſuperfluous to ſpeake of) all the honorable demeanor & curteous entertainment vſed & ſhewed betwixt theſe princes & noble men on both parts, their ſundry feaſtings & bākettings, what rich apparel, place, and other furniture of cupbords & tables, the princely gifts & rich iewels which were preſented frō one to an other, ſtriuing as it might ſeem, who ſhuld ſhew himſelf moſt bounteous & liberal: beſide the giftes which the King of Englande gaue vnto the French king, and to the nobles of his realme (whyche amounted aboue the ſumme of tenne thouſande markes) the king of England ſpent at this tyme (as the fame went) aboue .iij.C. thouſande markes.The expences of K. Richard at this enterv[...]evve.

After the kyngs returne to Caleys on Wedneſday next enſuyng,The marriage ſolempniſed at Callais, being Allhallon day, in ſolemne wiſe he maryed the ſayd Ladye Iſabell in the Church of S. Nicholas, the Archebiſhop of Canterburie doing the office of the miniſter.

The Thurſday after, the dukes of Orleance and Bourbon came to Caleys to ſee the Kyng and the Queene: And on the Fridaye they tooke their leaue and departed, and rode to S. Omers to the Frenche kyng. And the ſame daye in the morning the King and the Queene tooke theyr ſhippe, and hadde faire paſſage: for within three houres they arriued at Douer, from whence they ſped them towardes London, wherof the Citizens being warned, made out certaine horſemen well appoynted in one liuerie of colour, with a deuiſe embroudered on their ſleeues, that euery companie mighte bee knowne from other, the whiche with the Mayre and his brethren,The Maior of London, and the citizens meete the king and the Quene on Blackheath. clothed in ſkarlet, met the king and Queen on black Heath, and there doing their dueties with humble reuerence attended vpon their maieſties tyll they came to Newington: where the King cō maunded the Mayre with his companie to returne, for that hee was appoynted to lodge that nyght at Kenington.

Shortly after, to witte the .xiij. of Nouember, the young Queene was conueyed from thence with greate pompe vnto the Tower, at whiche tyme there was ſuche preaſſe on London bridge,Certaine thruſt to deathe in the preaſſe on Londō bridge. Iohn Stow. that by reaſon thereof, certayn perſones were thruſte to death: among the whiche the Prior of Tiptree, a place in Eſſex was one, and a worſhipfull matrone in Cornehill an other.The Queenes coronation. The Morrowe after ſhe was conueyed to Weſtminſter with the honour that aright be deuiſed,1397 and finally there crowned Queene vppon the Sunday being then the .vij. of Ianuarie.

The Duke of Lancaſter his baſtardes made legittimate by Parliament.The .xxij. of Ianuarie was a parliament begon at Weſtminſter in whiche the duke of Lancaſter cauſed to bee legittimated the iſſue whiche he had begotte of Katherin Swinfort, before ſhe was his wife: & the ſame time Thomas Beauforte ſonne to the ſayde Duke, by the ſayde Katherin, was created Earle of Sommerſet.

There was an ordinaunce made in the ſame Parliament, that Iuſtices ſhoulde not haue any to ſit wyth them as aſſiſtaunts. Moreouer, there was a tenth graunted by the clergie to be paide to the kings vſe at two ſeuerall termes in that preſent yeare.

The Iuſtices reuoked out of [...]le.This yere the king contrarie to his othe reuoked the Iuſtices foorth of Irelande, whome by conſtraynt as before ye haue hearde, he was inforced to baniſh, therby to ſatiſfie the noble men that woulde haue it ſo.

In this .xx. yeare of his reigne king [...] receyuing the ſummes of money (for [...] the ſtrong towne of Breſt was engaged to [...] by euill counſayle as many thought, [...] y[...] vp to the [...] of [...] [...] vnto the Duke of Britayne, by reaſon wherof, no ſmall ſparke of diſpleaſure aroſe betwixt the king and the duke of Glouceſter, whiche [...] vp ſuche a [...]ame as it was eaſy to [...], fy[...] matter inough to frede vpon in both their br[...]s that finally it coulde no longer be kepte d[...], nor by any meanes quenched.

In the moneth of Februarye, the King holding a ſumptuous feaſt at Weſtminſter, many of the Souldiors that were newely come [...] Breſt preaſſed into the hall,P[...] [...] betvvene the K. and the duke of Glouceſter▪ and kept a [...] together, whome as the duke of Glouceſter beheld, and vnderſtoode what they were to [...] ber howe that towne was giuen vp contrary to his mynde and pleaſure, it grieued him not a little: and therefore as the Kyng was entred into hys chaumber, and fewe aboute him, he could not forbeare, but brake foorth,The ta[...]e betvvixt the king and the Duke of Glouceſter and ſayde to the king: Syr ſaw you not thoſe felowes that [...] in ſuche number this daye in the Hall, at ſuche a Table? The King aunſwered that hee [...]ewe them, and aſked the Duke what they were▪

To whome the Duke made thys aunſwere: Syr, theſe bee the Souldiors come from Breſt, and as nowe haue nothyng to take t[...], nor yet knowe howe to ſhifte for their lyuyngs, and [...]he woorſe, for that as I am enfourmed, they h[...] bin euill payde. Then ſayde the Kyng, that is agaynſte my wyll: for I woulde that they ſhoulde haue their due wages: And if any haue cauſe to complayne, lette them ſhewe the matter to the Treaſourer, and they ſhall bee reaſonably anſwered: and here with he commaunded that they ſhoulde be appoynted to foure certaine villages aboute London,Out of a french pamphlet. there to remayne and to haue meate, drink, and lodging vpon his charges tyll they were payde.

Thus as they fell into reaſoning of this matter, the duke ſayde to the kyng: Sy[...] your grace ought to put your body in payne to win a ſtrong holde or towne by feate of warre, [...] you tooke vppon you to ſelle or delyuer anye Towne or ſtrong holde gotten with greate aduenture by the manhoode and policie of your nob[...]e progenitours.

To this the kyng with changed countenance aunſwered and ſayde: Vncle, howe ſaye you that? and the Duke boldely without [...] fed the ſame agayne, not chaungyng one worde in any better ſorte. Whervppon the Kyng being more chafed, replyed thus: Thynke you that I am a Merchaunce, or a verye [...]e, to fell my lande? by Saincte Iohn Baptiſt [...] ▪ But trouth it is, that oure couſin the Duke of Britayne hath ſatiſfyed vs of all ſuche ſummes of money as our progenitours lente vnto hym, and in his auncetour[...], vpon guage of the ſayd towne of Breſt, for the whiche reaſon and conſcience will no leſſe but that the towne ſhoulde therevpon be to him reſtored.

Vppon this multiplying of wordes in ſuche preſumptuous maner by the Duke againſt the Kyng, there kindeled ſuche diſpleaſure betwixt them, that it neuer ceaſſed to increaſe in flames, till the duke was brought to his ende.

The Erle of S. P[...]le his coū [...] to king Richarde.The Earle of Saint Paule at his laſte comming into England to receyue king Richardes othe for obſeruing the truce, had conference with the king of diuers matters. The king by way of complaynt, ſhewed vnto him how ſtiffe the duke of Glouceſter was in hindering all ſuch matters as he would haue forwarde, not onely ſeking to haue the peace broken betwixt the realms of England and France, but alſo procuring trouble at home by ſtirring the people to rebellion.

The Earle of Sainte Paule hearing of this ſtoute demeanour of the Duke, tolde the King that it ſhould be beſt to prouide in tyme againſt ſuche miſchiefes as might enſue therof, and that it was not to be ſuffred, that a ſubiecte ſhould behaue himſelfe in ſuche ſorte towarde his prince.

The kyng marking his wordes, thought that he gaue him good and faithfull counſel,Polidor. and thervpon determined to ſuppreſſe both the duke and other of his complices, and tooke more diligente regarde to the ſayings and doings of the Duke thā before he had done: and as it cōmeth to paſſe that thoſe whiche ſuſpect any euil, doe euer deme the worſt, ſo he tooke euery thing in euill part, in ſo muche that he complayned of the Duke▪ vnto his brethren the dukes of Lancaſter and Yorke, in that he ſhould ſtand agaynſt him in al things and ſeeke his deſtruction, the death of his counſellours, and deſtruction of his realme.

The Dukes of Lancaſter, and Yorke, excuſe the Duke of Glouceſter to the Kyng.The two Dukes of Lancaſter and Yorke to deliuer the kings mynde of ſuſpition, made anſwere, that they were not ignorant, howe theyr brother of Glouceſter, as a man ſomtymes raſh in woordes, woulde ſpeak oftentimes more than he coulde or would bring to effecte, and the ſame proceeded of a faithfull hearte, which he bare towardes the king, for that it greeued him to vnderſtande, that the confines of the Engliſhe dominions ſhoulde in anye wyſe bee diminiſhed: therfore his grace ought not to regard his wordes, ſith he ſhould take no hurt thereby.

Theſe perſuaſions quieted the king for a time til he was enformed of the practiſe which y^e duke of Glouceſter had contriued (as the fame wente amongſt diuers perſons) to impriſon the Kyng, for then the duke of Lancaſter and Yorke, fyrſte reprouing the duke of Glouceſter for his too liberal talking, and perceyuing that he ſet nothyng by their words, werein doubt leaſt if they ſhould remayne in the count ſtill he would vpon a preſumptuous mynde, in truſte to bee borne out by thē, attempt ſome outragious enterpriſe. Wherefore they thought beſt to depart for a tyme into theyr countrays, that by their abſence hee might the ſooner learne to ſtay himſelf for doubt of further diſpleaſure. But it come to paſſe that their departure from the Court was the caſting away of the duke of Glouceſter. For after that they were gone, there ceaſſed not ſuche as bare hym euill will, to procure the King to diſpatche him out of the waye.

The Duke in deede ſore ſtomacked the matter, that his counſell might not be followed in al things, and ſpecially for that be ſawe (as he toke it) that the King was [...]de by ſome perſons that were about him, otherwiſe th[...]n ſtoode with his honour: for reformation whereof, he conferred with the Abbot of S. Albons, and the Prior of Weſtminſter.A conſpiracy betvvene the duke of Glouceſter, and the Abbot of Saint Albons. The Abbot was both his couſin and godfather: and hauing one day both the Duke and Prior at his houſe in Saint Albons: after dinner, he fell in talke with the Duke and Priour, and amongſt other communication required of the Priour to tell a trouthe, whether he had any viſion y^e night before or not. The Prior ſeemed loth to make a direct anſwer, but at lēgth being earneſtly requeſted,Out of an olde frenche pamph[...] belonging to Iohn Stovv. as well by the abbot as duke, he declared that hee had a viſion in deede, which was, that the realme of England ſhould be deſtroyed through the miſgouernment of K. Richard. By the virgine Mary, ſayd the Abbot, I had the verie, ſame viſion. The Duke here vpon diſcloſed vnto them all the ſecrets of his mynde, and by their deuiſes preſently cōtriued an aſſemble of diuers great lordes of the realme at Arundell caſtell that day fortnighte, at what tyme he himſelfe appointed to be there, with the Earles of Darbie, Arundell, Marſhall, and Warwike: Alſo the Archebiſhoppe of Canterburye the Abbotte of Sainte Albons, the Priour of Weſtminſter, with diuers other.

Theſe eſtates beeing come to Arundell Caſtell at the daye appoynted,An. reg. 2[...] aboute the verie beginning of the .xxj. yere of king Richards reigne. They ſware eche to other to bee aſſiſtant in all ſuche matters as they ſhoulde determyne, and therewith receyued the Sacrament at the hands of the Archebiſhoppe of Canterbury, who celebrated Maſſe before them the morrowe after. Whiche doone, they with drewe into a chaumber, and fell in counſell togyther, where in the ende they light vpon this poynte, to take Kyng Rycharde, the Dukes of Lancaſter,The purpoſe of the conſpirators. and Yorke, and commytte them to pryſon, and all the other Lordes of the kings Counſell, they determined ſhuld be drawen and hanged. Such was their purpoſe whiche they ment to haue accompliſhed in Auguſt following.

But the Erle Marſhall that was Lord deputie of Caleys,The erle Marshall diſcloſeth the conſpiracy. and had maryed the Erle of Arundels daughter, diſcouered all theyr counſell to the Kyng, and the verie daye in whiche they ſhoulde beginne their enterpriſe. The king bad the Earle Marſhall take heede what hee hadde ſayde, for if it proued not true, hee ſhoulde repente it: But the Earle conſtantely herevnto aunſwered, that if the matter mighte bee proued otherwiſe, he was contented to bee drawen and quartered.

The king herevpon wente to London, where he dyned at the houſe of his brother the Earle of Huntington in the ſtreete behynde All hallowes churche vpon the banke of the riuer of Thames, whiche was a ryght fayre and ſtately houſe.

After dinner, he gaue his counſell to vnderſtande all the matter, by whoſe aduiſe it was agreed, that the King ſhould aſſemble forthwith what power he might cōueniently make of men of armes and archers, and ſtreighte wayes take horſſe, accompanied with his brother the Erle of Huntington, and the Erle Marſhall. Herevpon at .vj. of the clock in the afternoone, the iuſt houre when they vſed to go to ſupper, the king mounted on horſebacke, and roade his waye, whereof the Londoners had great meruaile.

After that the K. began to approche the dukes houſe at Plaſchy in Eſſex, where he then lay, he cōmaunded his brother the Erle of Huntington to ride afore,The Earle of Rutlande hathe Grafton. to know if the duke were at home, and if he were, then to tel him that the king was comming at hande to ſpeake with him. The erle with .x. perſons in his companie amending his pace, (for the king had made no greate haſte all the night before, as ſhould appeare by his iorney) came to the houſe, and entring into the court, aſked if the duke were at home, and vnderſtanding by a Gentlewoman that made him anſwer, that both the duke and the Ducheſſe were yet in bed, he be ſought hir to go to the Duke, and to ſhewe him, that the K. was cōming at hand to ſpeake with him, & forthwith came the king with a cō petent number of menne of armes, and a greate companie of Archers, riding into the baſe court, his trumpets ſounding before him.

The duke herewith came downe into the baſe court, where the king was, hauyng none other apparell vpon him, but his ſhirt, and a cloke or a mantel caſt aboute his ſhoulders, & with humble reuerence, ſayd, y^t his grace was welcome, aſking of the lords how it chanced they came ſo early, & ſent him no word of their cōming?

The Kyng heerewith courteouſly requeſted him to goe and make him readye, [...] his houſe to be ſadled, for that hee [...] ryde with him a little waye; and co[...] him of buſyneſſe. The Duke [...] into his chamber to put vpon hym his [...] and the Kyng alyghtyng from hys [...] in talke with the ducheſſe and hir la[...]s.

The Earle of Huntington and diuers [...] [...] lowed the duke into the hall, and there [...] him til he had put on his raument. And [...] whyle they came foorth againe all togither [...] the baſe court, wher the king was, de[...] [...] the ducheſſe in pleaſant talke, whome [...] nowe to returne to hir lodgyng againe, for [...] might ſtay no longer, and ſo tooke his horſe againe, and the Duke likewiſe: And ſhortely after that the king and all his companie were go[...] foorth of the gate of the baſe court, be co[...] the Erle Marſhal to apprehend the Duke,The Duke of G[...] [...] which incontinently was [...]oon according to the Kings appoyntment.

Here we finde ſome variance in writers [...] as by an old French pamphlet (which I haue [...]) it ſhould appere, the King commanded firſt, [...] this Duke ſhould be conueyed vnto the Tower, where he ment to common with him, and [...] any other place: but neuertheleſſe the king ſhortly after appointed, that he ſhould be ſent to Caleys, as in the ſame Pamphlet is alſo contended: others write, that immediatly vppon his apprehenſion, the Earle Marſhall conueyed him vnto the Thames, and there beeing ſet aboorde in a ſhippe prepared of purpoſe, hee was broughte to Calleys, where hee was at lengthe diſpatched out of lyfe, eyther ſtrangled or ſmoothered with pillowes, (as ſome doe write.Out of an [...]le [...]reach [...] ) For the Kyng ſhynkyng it not good, that the Duke of Glouceſter ſhould ſtand to his anſwer openly, bicauſe the people bare him ſo good much will, ſent one of his Iuſtices called Williā Rikil, an Iriſheman borne, ouer vnto Caleis, there to inquire of the the duke of Glouceſter, whether he had committed any ſuch treaſons, as were alledged againſt him, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwike, as after ſhall be ſpecified. Iuſtice Rik[...]l hearing what he confeſſed vpon his examination, wrote the ſame as he was cōmaunded to doe, and therwith ſpeedily returned to the king, and as it hath bin reported, he enformed the king (whether truly or not, I haue not to ſay) that the duke fran[...] ly confeſſed euery thing, wherwith he was charged. Wherevpon the King ſent vnto Thomas Mowbray Erle Marſhall and of Notingham, to make the Duke ſecretly away.

The Earle prolonged tyme for the executing of the kings cōmandement, though the K. wold haue had it done with all expedition, whereby the King conceiued no ſmall diſpleaſure, and [...]rare that it ſhould coſt the Earle his life if he quickly obeyed not his commaundement. The Earle thus as it ſeemed in [...], called [...] the Duke at midnight, as if he ſhould haue taken ſhippe to paſſe ouer into England, and there in the lodging called the Pri[...] on Iune, he ra[...] ſed his ſeruantes to caſt f[...]ther [...]des vpon hym▪ and ſo to ſmoother him for death, or otherwyſe t[...] ſtrangle him with towels (as ſome write.)

This was the ende of that noble man, [...]e of nature, haſtye, wyfull, and giuen more to warre than to peace: and in this greatly to bee diſcōmended, that he was euer repining againſt the king in all things, whatſoeuer he wiſhed to haue forward. He was thus made away not ſo ſoon as the brute ran of his death: but as it ſhuld appeare by ſome authors, he remained alyue till the parliament that next enſued, and then about the ſame time that the Erle of Arundell ſuffred, he was diſpatched, as before ye haue heard. His bodie was afterwardes with all funerall pompe conueyd into England, and buryed at his owne manour of Plaſhy within the church there. In a ſepulchre whiche he in his life tyme had cauſed to he made, and there erected.

The ſame euening that the K. departed from London towardes Plaſhye, to apprehende the Duke of Glouceſter,The Earle of [...]all appreed. the Erle of Rutlande, and the Erle of Kent, were ſent with a greate, number of men of armes & archers to arreſt the Erle of Arundell, whiche was done eaſily inough, by reaſon that the ſayde Earle was trayned wyth fayre wordes at the kings handes, till hee was within his daunger, where otherwyſe he mighte haue bin hable to haue ſaued hymſelfe, and deliuered his frendes. The Earle of Warwike was taken, and cōmitted to the Tower the ſame day that the King hadde willed hym to dinner, and ſhewed him verie good countenaunce.

There were alſo apprehended and committed to the Tower the ſame tyme, the Lorde Iohn Cobham, and ſir Iohn Cheyny knightes.

The Earle of Arundell was ſente to the Iſle of Wight there to remayne as priſoner, till the next parliament, in the whiche he determined ſo to prouide, that they ſhoulde bee all condemned, and put to death. And for doubt of ſome commotion that might aryſe amōgſt the commons, he cauſed it by open proclamation to be ſignified that theſe noble men were not apprehended, for any offence committed long agone, but for newe treſpaſſes agaynſt the kyng, as in the next Parliamēt, it ſhuld be manifeſtly declared & proued.

Shortly after, he procured them to be indited at Notingham, ſuborning ſuche as ſhould appeale them in parliament,The [...]es of [...]e appe[...]nts. to wit, Edward erle of Rutlande, Thomas Mowbray Erle Marſhal, Thomas Holland erle of Kent, Iohn Holland Erle of [...]ngton [...] Bo[...] Erle of [...]ſet, Iohn [...] Earle of Saliſbury, Thomas Lorde Spe[...], and the Lorde William S[...]rop[...] Lorde C[...]berlaine.

In the meane tyme, the King [...]earing what mighte he attempted againſt [...] by thoſe t[...] fauoured theſe noblemen th[...] [...] ſent for[...] power of Cheſhire [...], that mighte day and nighte keepe watch [...] warde about his perſon.A garde of Cheshire men about the king. They were aboute .ij. thouſand archers, payde weekely, as by the Annales of Britayne [...] appeareth. The King had [...]ttle truſt in any of the nobilitie, except in h[...] brother the eld[...] of Huntington, and the Earle[...] of Rutland[...] ſon to the duke of Yorke, and in the Earle of Saluſburye: in theſe onely he repoſe[...] a confidence, and not in any other, except a certain knightes and gentlemen of his priuie chamber.

In the meane tyme whyles thinges were thus in broy[...]e before the beginning of the parliament, diuers other beſyde them whom we haue ſpo[...] of, were apprehended and put in ſundry priſons.

The Parliament was ſummoned to begin at Weſtminſter the xvij. of September,The lordes appoynted to come in vvarlike manner to the parliament. and writtes therevpon directed to euery of the Lordes to appeare, and to bring with them a ſufficient nū ber of armed men and archers in their beſt aray: for it was not knowen how the Dukes of Lancaſter and Yorke, would take the death of their brother, nor howe other peares of the Realme would take the apprehenſion and impriſonment of their kynſemen, the Earles of Arundell and Warwicke, and of the other priſoners. Surely the two Dukes when they heard that their brother was ſo ſodainly made away,Polidor. they will not what to ſaye to the matter, and beganne bothe to be ſorowfull for his death, and doubtefull of their owne ſtates: for ſith they ſawe howe the Kyng (abuſed by the counſell of euill men) abſteyned not from ſuche an heynous acte, they thought he would afterwardes attempte greater my ſorders from tyme to tyme. Therefore they aſſembled in all haſte, greate numbers of theyr ſeruauntes, frendes, and tenauntes,The Dukes of Lancaſter, and Yorke aſſemble their povvers to reſiſte the Kings dealings. and commyng to London, were receyued into the Citie: For the Londoners were ryghte ſorye for the death of the Duke of Glouceſter, who hadde euer ſought their fauour, in ſomuche, that now they woulde haue bin contented to haue ioyned with the Dukes in ſeeking reuenge of ſo noble a mannes death, procured and broughte to paſſe without lawe or reaſon, as the common bruite then walked, although peraduenture he was not as yet made awaye.

Heere the Dukes and other fell in counſell, & manie thinges were proponed, ſome wold that they ſhould by force reuenge the duke of Glouceſters death: other thought it mere y^t the Erles Marſhall and Huntington, and certaine others, as chiefe authours of all the miſchiefe ſhoulde be purſued and puniſhed for their demerites, hauing trayned vp the king in vice and euill cuſtomes, euen from his youth. But the dukes (after their diſpleaſure was ſomewhat aſſuaged) determined to couer the ſtinges of their griefs for a tyme, and if the king would amende his maners, to forget alſo the iniuries paſt. In the meane time the K. lay at Eltham,Caxton. Fabian. Polidor. and had got about him a greate power (namely of thoſe archers, which he hadde ſent for out of Cheſhyre, in whome he put a ſingular truſt more than in any other.)

There went meſſengers betwixt him and the Dukes, whiche beeing men of honour did theyr endeuor to appeaſe both parties.

The Kyng diſcharged himſelfe of blame for the duke of Glouceſters death, conſidering that he had gone about to breake the truce, whiche he had taken with France, and alſo ſtirred the people of the realme to rebellion, and further hadde ſoughte the deſtruction and loſſe of his lyfe, that was his ſoueraigne Lorde and lawfull kyng. Contrarily, the Dukes affirmed, that their brother was wrongfully put to death,The Kyng and the Dukes recōciled. hauing done nothing worthy of death. At length, by the interceſſion and meanes of thoſe noble menne that went to and fro betwixt them, they were accorded, and the kyng promyſed from thenceforth to doe nothyng but by the aſſent of the dukes: but he kept ſmall promiſe in this behalf, as after wel appeared.

Caxton.When the tyme came, that the Parliamente ſhould be holden at Weſtminſter, according to the t[...]nour of the ſummonance, the Lordes repaired thither, furniſhed with great retinues both of armed men and archers, as the Erle of Darbie, the Erle Marſhall, the Erle of Rutland, the Lorde Spenſer, the Erle of Northumberlande, with his ſonne the Lorde Henry Percie, and the Lord Thomas Pri[...]ie the ſayde Erles brother, alſo the Lord Scrope T[...]aſourer of Englande, and dyuers other. All the whiche Earles and Lordes brought with them a great and ſtrong power, euery of them in their beſt aray, as it wer to ſtrengthen the king againſt his enimies.

The dukes of Lancaſter and Yorke were likewyſe there, giuing their attendance on the king, with lyke furniture of men of armes & archers.

There was not half lodging ſufficient within the Citie and ſuburbes of London, for ſuche companies of men,The greate Parliament. as the Lordes brought wyth them to this Parliamēt, called the great Parliament: inſomuche that they were conſtrayned to lye in villages abrode .x. or .xij. myles on ech ſide the Citie.The Kinges gre[...]a[...]ces opened in this Parliament.

In the beginning of this Parliament, the K. greatly complayned of the myſdemeanour of the peeres and lordes of his realme, as [...] [...] ges done againſt his will and pleaſ[...], [...] was yong, as for the [...]ruite dealyng, [...] had ſhewed towards the Queene, who was [...] houres at one time on her knees before [...] Arundell, for one of hi[...] eſquires, named Io[...] [...] who neuertheleſſe had his head ſmile [...] his ſ[...]oulders, & al the anſwere that ſhe could g[...], was this Madame, pray for your ſelfe, and y[...] huſbande, for that is beſte and lette this [...]ite alone. Thoſe that ſet foorth the kings gre[...] ▪ as prolocutors in this Parliamente were theſe: Thom. VV[...] Iohn B[...]e, VV[...]am [...] got, T[...] Gree[...]e. Iohn Buſhy, Williā Bagot, & Tho[...] [...].

The king had cauſed a large houſe of [...] to be made within the Palaice at Weſtminſtre,A nevve [...]e made vvith the Pallace of VVeſtminſtres for the [...] ment of the Lordes [...]. whiche was called an Hall, couered aboue heade with tyles, and was open at the endes, that all men myght ſee thorough it. This houſe was of ſo great a compaſſe, that vn[...]th it mighte [...] within the roomth of the palaice. In this [...] was made an high throne for the Kyng, and a large place for all eſtates beſides to [...] in.

There were places alſo made for the appellante[...] to ſtande on the one ſyde, and the defendants on the other, and a lyke roomth was [...] behynde for the knights and burgeſſes of the Parliament.Additions to Policr[...]. There was a place deuiſed for the ſpeaker, named Sir Iohn Buſhy, a knight of Lincolneſhire,Sir Ioh. Buſhy ſpeaker. accompted to be an exceeding euill man, ambicious and couetous beyond meaſure▪

Immediatly after, eche man being placed in his roomth, the cauſe of aſſembling that parliamente was ſhewed, as that the kyng had called it, for reformation of diuers tranſgreſſions and oppreſſions committed againſt the peace of hys lande by the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earles of Arundell, Warwicke, and others. Then ſir Io. Buſhy ſtepte foorth, and made requeſt on the behalfe of the communaltie, that it myghte pleaſ[...] the kings highneſſe for their heinous acts attempted againſt his lawes and royal maieſtie, to appoint them puniſhment according to their deſeruings, and ſpecially to the Archb. of Canterbury,The archebishop of Canterburie ſitting in parliament is accuſed of treaſon by the ſpeaker. (who then ſat nexte the K.) whom he accuſed of high treſon, for that he had euil coūſelled his maieſty, inducing him to graūt his letters of pardon to his brother the Erle of Arundel, being a ranke traytor. When the Archbiſhop began to anſwer in his own defence, the K. willed him to ſit downe again, and to hold his peace, for al ſhuld be well. Herewith ſir Io. Buſhy beſought the Kyng, that the Archebiſhoppe ſhoulde not bee admitted to make his anſwer, which if he did by reaſon of his great wit & good vtterāce, he feared leaſt he ſhuld lead men away to beleue him: ſo y^e Archb. might be heard no further. Sir Iohn Buſhy in all his talke when hee proponed any matter vnto the King, did not attribute to him titles of honour, due and accuſtomed, but inuented vnvſed to[...]n[...]s and ſuch ſtrange names, as were rather agreable to the diuine maieſtie of God,Impudent flat [...]e. than to any [...] ly potentate. The Prince being deſirous [...]ough of all honour, and more ambitious that was [...] quiſite, ſeemed to like wel of his ſpeech, and gaue good care to his talke.

Thus when the Archbiſh. was conſtrained to kepe ſilence, ſir Iohn Buſhy procured in his purpoſe, requiring on the behalf of the cōmons, that the Charters of pardons graunted vnto the traitors, to witte, the Duke of Glouceſter, and the Earles of Arundel and Warwike, ſhould be reuoked by conſent of all the eſtates nowe in parliament aſſembled. The King alſo for his parte proteſted, that thoſe pardons were not voluntarily graūted by him, but rather extorted by compulſion, and therfore he beſought them that euery man wold ſhew foorth their opinions what they thought thereof. There were two other perſons of greate credite with the King, beſides ſir Iohn Buſhy,Tho. VValſ. that were, as before yon haue heard, very earneſt to haue thoſe Charters of pardon reuoked and made voyde, to witte, ſir William Bagot, and ſir Thomas Greene.

But bicauſe this matter ſemed to require good deliberation, it was firſt put to the Biſhops, who with ſmall adoe, gaue ſentence, that the ſayde Charters were reuocable, and might wel inough be called in: yet the Archbiſhop of Canterburye in his anſwere herevnto ſayde, that the K. from whome thoſe pardons came, was ſo hygh an eſtate, that he durſt not ſay, that any ſuche charters by him granted, might be reuoked: notwithſtanding, his brethren the biſhops thought otherwyſe: not conſidering (ſayth Thomas Walſ.) that ſuch reuoking of the kings Charters of pardon ſhoulde ſound highly to the kings diſhonor▪ forſomuche as mercie and pardoning tranſgreſſions is accompted to bee the confirmation and eſtabliſhing of the kings ſeate and royall eſtate.

The temporal lords perceiuing what the Biſhops had done, did likewiſe giue their conſents, to reuoke the ſame pardons: but the iudges with thoſe that were toward the law, were not of this opinion, but finally the Biſhops pretendyng a ſcrupuloſitie, as if they might not with ſafe conſciences bee preſente where iudgement of bloud ſhoulde paſſe, they appoynted a laye man to be their prolocutor to ſerue that turn. To conclude, at length all maner of Charters of pardon were made voyde,The charters of pardon gran[...] ted to the leads [...]de voide by P[...]ent. for that the ſame ſeemed to impeach the ſuretie of the Kings perſon. When ſir Iohn Buſhy and his aſſociats, had obteined that reuocation, it was further by them declared, that the Erle of Arundel had yet a other ſpeciall charter of pardon for his owne perſon, which he had obteined after the firſt. And therfore ſir Io. Buſhy earneſtly requiſted in in[...]re of the Communaltie that the ſame might likewyſe be reuoked.

The queſtion then was aſked of the biſhops, who declared themſelues to be of the lyke opinion, touching that Charter, as they were of the other. At that ſelfe tyme t[...]e Archbiſhop of Canterbury abſented himſelfe from the Parliament,Tho. VValſ. in hope that the king woulde be his friende, and ſtande his verie good Lorde, for that he had promiſed nothing ſhould be done againſt [...] the parliament whileſt he was abſent but neuertheleſſe,The archbishop of Canterbury condempned to perpetuall banishment .vi. dayes hath Grafton. at the importunate ſuite of the ſayd ſir Iohn Buſhy and others, the Archbiſhop was condemned vnto perpetuall exile, and apoynted to auoyd the realme within ſix weekes. And therwith the king ſente ſecretly to the Pope for order that the Archebiſhoppe might be remoued from his ſea to ſome other, whiche ſuite was obteyned, and Roger Walden Lorde Treaſoner was ordeyned Archbiſhop in his place, as after ſhal appeare.The Earle of Arundell areigreigned. On the fraſt day of Saint Matthewe, Rich. Fitz A[...] leyn, Earle of Arundel, was broughte foorthe to ſwere before the king and whole Parliamente to ſuche Articles as he was to be charged with.

And as he ſtoode at the barre,The Duke of Lancaſter highe Stevvarde of England at this arreinement. the Lorde Neuill was commaunded by the Duke of Lancaſter which ſate that day as high ſteward of Englande, to take the hoode from his necke, and the gyrdle from his waſte. Then the Duke of Lancaſter declared vnto him, that for his manyfolde rebellions and treaſons againſt the kings maieſtie he hadde bin arreſted, and hytherto kepte in warde, and nowe at the petition of the Lordes and commons, he was called to aunſwere ſuche crimes as were there to be obiected agaynſt him, and ſo to purge himſelfe, or elſe to ſuffer for his offences, ſuche puniſhement as lawe appointed.

Fyrſt, he charged him, for that he had trayterouſly ridde in armour againſt the king in companye of the duke of Glouceſter, and of the Erle of Warwike, to the breache of peace, and diſquieting of the realme.

His anſwere herevnto was,The Earle of Arundell his aunſvveres to the pointes of his indirement. that he didde not this vpon any euill meaning towardes the kings perſone, but rather for the benefite of the King, and realme, if it were interpreted aright, and taken as it ought to be.

It was further demaunded of hym, why hee procured letters of pardon from the kyng, if he knewe hymſelfe giltleſſe? He aunſwered, that he did not purchaſe them for any feare he hadde of faultes by him committed, but to ſtaye the malicious ſpeache of them that neyther loued the K. nor hym. He was agayne aſked, whether he would denye that he made any ſuch roade with the perſones before named, and that in companye of them he entred not armed vnto the kings preſence againſt the kings will and pleaſure▪ To this he anſwered, that he coulde not deny it, but that he ſo did.

Then the ſpeaker ſir Iohn Buſhy with open mouth beſought that iudgemēt might be had againſt ſuch a traitour, and your faithful cōmons (ſaid he to the K.) aſke and require that ſo it may be don. The Erle turning his head aſide, quietly ſaid to him,

not the kings faithfull cōmōs require this, but thou, and what thou art I knowe.

Then the eight appellants ſtanding on the other ſide, caſt their gloues to him, and in proſecuting their appeale (which already had bin red) offred to fyght with him man to man to iuſtifye the ſame. Then ſayde the Earle, if I were at libertie, and that it myght ſo ſtande with the pleaſure of my Soueraigne, I woulde not refuſe to proue you all lyers in this behalfe.

Then ſpake the duke of Lancaſter, ſaying to him, What haue you further to ſay, to the pointes before layde againſt you? He anſwered, that of the Kings grace he hadde his letters generall pardon, which he required to haue allowed.

Then the duke told him, that the pardon was reuoked by the Prelates and noble men in the parliamente, and therefore willed hym to make ſome other anſwere. The Erle tolde him agayn that he had an other pardon vnder y^e kings great ſeale graunted him long after of the kings owne motion, whiche alſo hee required to be allowed. The Duke tolde hym, that the ſame was lykewyſe reuoked.

The Earle of Arundell condemned.After this, when the Earle had nothing more to ſaye for himſelfe, the duke pronounced iudgement againſt him, as in caſes of treaſon is vſed.

But after he had made an ende, and pauſed a little, he ſayd: The king oure ſoueraigne Lorde of his mercie and grace, bicauſe thou art of hys bloud, and one of the peeres of the realme, hath remitted all the other paines, ſauing the laſt, that is to wit, the beheadyng, and ſo thou ſhalt onely loſe thy head, and forthwith he was had away, and ledde through London vnto the tower hill.

There went with him to ſee the execution don vj. great lords, of whom there were three Erles, Notingham (that had maried his daughter) Kēt (that was his daughters ſon,) and Huntington, being mounted on greate horſſes, with a greate companie of armed men, & the fierce bands of the Cheſhire mē, furniſhed w^t axes, ſwerdes, bowes & arrowes, marching before & behynde him, who only in this parliament, had licence to bear weapon, as ſome haue written. When he ſhould depart the palaice, he deſired that his handes might be lewſed to diſpoſe ſuche money as he had in his purſe betwixte that place and Charingcroſſe. This was permitted, and ſo he gaue ſuche money as he had, in almes with his owne handes, but his armes were ſtill bound behynde hym.

When he came to the Tower hill, ſhe [...] men that were about him, moued him right [...] neſtly to acknowledge his treaſon agaynſte the king. But he[...]re no wiſe wold ſo doe, but may[...] teyned, that he was neuer traytour to worde in deede: and heerewith perceyuing the Earles of Notingham and Kent, that ſtood by with other noble men buſy to further the execution (being as ye haue heard) of kin and alyed to him, he ſp[...]ke to them, and ſayd: Truly it woulde haue beſeemed you rather to haue bin abſente than heere at this buſineſſe. But the tyme will come [...] it be long, when as many that meruayle at your miſfortune as do nowe at myne.

After this, forgiuing the executione[...], he beſoughte hym not to tormente hym long, but to ſtrike off his heade at one blowe, and feeling the edge of the ſworde, whether it was ſharpe ynough or not, he ſayde, It is verie will, do that that thou haſte to doe quickely, and ſo [...]lyng downe, the executioner with one ſtroke,The execution of the Earle of Arundell. ſtrake off his head: his bodie was buried togither with his head in the Churche of the Auguſtine Friers in Breadſtreete within the Citie of London.

The death of this erle was much lamented among the people, conſidering his ſodeyn fall and miſerable ende, where as not long before among all the noble men of this land (within the whiche was ſuch a nūber, as no countrey in the worlde had greater ſtore at that preſent) there was none more eſtemed: ſo noble and valiant he was, that all men ſpake honour of him. After his death, as the fame went, the K. was ſore vexed in his ſlept with horrible dreames, imaginyng that he ſawe this Earle appeare vnto him, threatening him, and putting him in horrible fear, with which viſions being ſore troubled in his ſleepe, hee curſſed the daye that euer he knewe the Earle. And he was the more vnquiet, bicauſe he heard it reported, that the common people tooke the Earle for a martyr, in ſo muche that ſome came to viſite the place of his ſepulture, for the opinion they had conceiued of his holines: and where it was bruted abroade as for a miracle, that his head ſhold be growen to his bodie againe, the .x. day after his buriall, the king ſent aboute .x. of the clocke in the night, certaine of the nobilitie to ſee hys body taken vp, that he might be certified of the truth. Whiche done, and perceiuing it was a fable, he commanded the Friers to take down his armes that were ſette vp aboute the place of his buriall, & to couer the graue, ſo as it ſhould not be perceyued where he was buryed.

But nowe to returne to the parliament. After the death of this earle,The Earle of VVarvvicke areigned of [...] the lorde Thomas Beauchamp earle of Warwicke, was brought forth to abide his triall by Parliament, & when his accuſers charged him of like points of treaſon, ſuche as before were impoſed to the Earle of Arundell: he anſwered that he neuer ment euill to the kings perſon, nor thought that thoſe roades and aſſembles that were made in companie of the Duke of Glouceſter, the Earle of Arundel, and others, might be accompted treaſon. But when the Iudges had ſhewed hym, that they could not be otherwiſe taken than for treaſon, he humblie beſought the king of mercy and grace. The king then aſked of hym, whether he had ridde with the Duke of Glouceſter, and the earle of Arundell, as had bin alledged? he anſwered that he could not deny it, and wiſhed that he had neuer ſeen them. Then ſaid the king, doe ye not knowe that you are guiltie of treaſon? hee anſwered againe, I acknowledge it, and with ſobbing teares beſought all them that were preſent, to make interceſſion to the kings maieſtie for him. Then the king and the duke of Lancaſter commu[...]ed, and after the K. had a while with ſilence conſidered of the matter, he ſaide to the erle, by S. Iohn Baptiſte, Thomas of Warwik, this confeſſion that thou haſt made, is vnto me more agreable than al the duke of Glouceſters, & the earle of Warwikes landes. Herewith the Erle making ſtill interceſſion for pardon, the Lordes humbly beſought the K. to graunt it. Finally the king pardoned him of life, but he baniſhed him into the Iſle of Man, which then was the L. Scropes, promiſing y^e both hee & his wife & children ſhuld haue good enterteinment: whiche promiſe notwithſtanding, was but ſlenderly kept, for bothe the earle and the Counteſſe liued in great penurie, (as ſome write) and yet the lorde Scrope, that was L. Chāberlaine, had allowed for the erles diet .iiij. M. nobles yerely paid out of the kings coffers. On the Monday nexte after the arreignement of the erle of Warwick, to witte, the .xxiiij. of September, was the Lorde Iohn Cobham, and Syr Iohn Cheyney arreigned, and founde guiltie of like treaſons for whiche the other had bin condempned afore: but at the earneſt inſtance & ſuite of the nobles, they were pardoned of life, and baniſhed, or as Fabian hath, condempned to perpetuall priſon. The king deſirous to ſee the force of the Londoners, cauſed them during the time of this parliament to muſter before hym on Blacke Heath, where a man might haue ſeene a great number of able perſonages. And now after that the parliamēt had continued almoſte till Chriſtemaſſe,The parliament adiourned to Shrevvſbury. it was adiourned vntill the Quinden of ſaint Hillarie, then to begin agayne at Shreweſbury.

The Kyng then came downe to Lichefield,The K. keepeth his Chriſtmaſſe at Lichefielde. 1398 and there helde a Royall Chriſtmaſſe, whiche being ended, he took his iorny towards Shreuſbury, where the parliament was appointed to begin in the quinden of S. Hillarie, as before ye haue hearde. In which parliament there holdē vpon prorogation for the loue that the K. dare to the gentlemen & cōmons of the ſhire of Cheſter, he cauſed it to be ordeined,Cheſhire made a Principalitie. that from thence forth it ſhuld be called and knowe by the name of the Principalitie of Cheſter: and herewith he entitiled himſelf prince of Cheſter.King Richarde Prince of Cheſter. He helde alſo ſo a total feaſt, keping open houſhold for al honeſt cōmers, during the which feaſt, he created v. dukes & a ducheſſe, a Marques, and .iiij. ertes.Creation of dukes and Earles. The Erle of Derbie was created duke of Hereford: the erle of Notingham y^t was alſo erle of Marſhall, the duke of Norfolk: the erle of Rutlande, Duke of Aubemarle: the Earle of Kent Duke of Surrey: and the Earle of Huntington Duke of Exceſter: The Lady Margaret Marſhall Counteſſe of Norfolke, was created Ducheſſe of Norfolke: The Earle of Sommerſet Marques Dorſet: the Lorde Spencer Earle of Glouceſter: the Lorde Neuill ſurnamed Dauraby Earle of Weſtmerlande: The Lorde William Serope Lorde Chamberlaine Earle of Wilteſhire: and the Lorde Thomas Percie Lorde Stewarde of the Kynges houſe Earle of Worceter.

And for the better mayntenaunce of the eſtate of theſe noble men, whom he had thus aduaunced to higher degrees of honour, hee gaue vnto them a greate parte of thoſe landes, that belonged to the Duke of Glouceſter, the earles of Warwicke, and Arundell.

And nowe hee was in good hope, that hee had rooted vp all plantes of treaſon, and therefore cared leſſe who might be his friende or foe, than before he hadde done, eſteeming hymſelfe hygher in degree, than any Prynce lyuing, and ſo preſumed further than euer his grandefather did,King Richarde peareth Sainct Edvva[...]de hys armes. and tooke vpon hym to beare the armes of Sainct Edwarde, ioyning them vnto his owne armes.

To conclude, whatſoeuer hee then did, none durſte ſpeake a worde contrarie thereto. And yet ſuche as were chiefe of his coūſell, were eſtemed of the commons to bee the worſt creatures that might be, as the Dukes of Aumarie, Norfolk and Exceſter, the Erle of Wilteſhire: ſir Iohn Buſhie: ſir William Bagot: and Sir Thomas Grene: which three laſt remembred, were Knightes of the Bathe, againſte whome the commons vndoubtedly bare greate and priuy hatred.

The Lorde Reignolde Cobham condemned.But now to proceede. In this Parliament holden at Shrewſburye, the Lorde Reignolde Cobham, beeing a verye aged manne, ſimple and vpright in all his dealings, was condemned, for none other cauſe, but for that in the xj. yeare of the Kings raigne, hee was apointed with other, to be attendaunt about the king as one of his gouernors. The actes and ordinaunces alſo deuiſed and eſtabliſhed in the parliament holden in that .xj. yeare were likwiſe repealed. Moreouer, in this Parliament at Shreweſbury, it was decreed, that the Lorde Iohn Cobham ſhoulde be ſente into the Iſle of Gerneſey, there to remaine in exile, hauyng a ſmall portion aſſigned hym to liue vpon. The king ſo wroughte, that hee obteyned the whole power of bothe houſes, to be graunted vnto certaine perſones, as to Iohn duke of Lancaſter: Edmunde duke of Yorke: Edmunde Duke of Aumerle:The auctoritie of bothe houſes in parliament graūted to certaine perſons. Tho. duke of Surrey: Iohn duke of Exceſter: Iohn Marques Dorſet: Rog. erle of Marche: Io. erle of Saliſbury, & Henry erle of Northumberland: Tho. erle of Glouceſter: & Wil. erle of Wiltſhire: Iohn Huſſey, Henry Cheimeſwick, Robert Tey, and Io. Goulofer knights,Tho. VValſ. or to .vij. or .viij. of them. Theſe were appointed to heare & determine certaine petitions and maters, yet depending and not ended: but by vertue of this graunt, they proceeded to conclude vpon other thinges, whiche generally touched the knowledge of the whole parliamēt, in derogation of the ſtates thereof, to the diſaduantage of the kyng, & perillous example in time to come. When the king had ſpente much money in time of this parliamēt, he demanded a diſme & a halfe of the clergie, and a .xv. of the temporaltie. Finally, a generall pardon was graunted for all offences to all the kinges ſubiects ( [...]0. only excepted) whoſe names he wold not by any meanes expreſſe, but reſerued them to his owne knowledge, that when any of the nobilitie offended him, he might at his pleaſure name him to be one of the number excepted, and ſo keepe them ſtill within his daunger. To the ende that the ordinaunces, iudgementes, and actes made, pronounced and eſtabliſhed in this Parliamente, mighte be and abide in perpetuall ſtrengthe and force, the Kyng purchaſed the Popes [...] which were conteined greuous cenſures [...] ſes,The king [...] again[...] [...] pronounced agaynſt al ſuche as did [...] means go about to break & violate the ſtatute[...] the ſame parliamente ordeined. Theſe [...] were openly publiſhed and red at Paules [...] in London, & in other the moſt publike places of the realme. Many other things were [...] in this parliamēt, to the diſpleaſure of no [...] number of people, namely,Rightfull [...] for that diuers rightfull heires were diſinherited of their lands and liuings, by auctoritie of the ſame parliament with which wrongfull doings the people w[...] muche offended, ſo that the K. and thoſe that were about him, & chiefe in counſe[...], come [...] greate infamy and ſlaunder: In deede the king after he had diſpatched the duke of Glouceſt[...] and the other noble men, was not a little [...] for that he knewe them ſtill ready to diſappo[...] him in all his purpoſes, & therefore being [...] as it were careleſſe, did not behaue hymſelfe ([...] ſome haue written) in ſuch diſcreete order,Polidor. at many wiſhed: but rather (as in time of proſperitie it often happeneth) he forgot hymſelfe,Kyng Richarde his euill gouernement. and beganne to rule by will more than by reaſon, threatning deathe to eche one that obeyed [...] his inordinate deſires: by meanes wherof, the lords of the realme began to feare their owne eſtates, being in danger of his furious outrage whome they tooke for a manne deſtitute of ſobrietie and wiſedome, and therefore coulde not like of him, that ſo abuſed his auctoritie. Herevpon there were ſundry of the nobles, that lamented theſe miſchiefes, and ſpecially ſhewed their griefes vnto ſuch, by whoſe naughty coū ſell they vnderſtoode the king to be miſſed, and this they did, to the ende that they being aboute him, might either turne their copies, and giue him better coūſell, or elſe he hauing knowledge what euill reporte went of him, might amende his maners. But all was in vaine, for ſo it fell forthe, that in this parliamēt holdē at Shrewſbury, Henry Duke of Hereford,The Duke of Hereforde appealeth the duke of Norfolk of oftetimes accuſed Tho. Mowbray duke of Norfolke, of certaine wordes which he ſhuld vtter in talke had betwixt them, as they roade togyther lately before, betwixte London and Brainforde, ſounding highely to the kings diſhonor.Thom. VVa[...] And for further proofe thereof, he preſented a ſupplication to the K. wherin he appealed the duke of Norfolke in field of battaile, for a traitour, falſe and diſloiall to the K. and enimy vnto the realme. This ſupplication was redde beefore bothe the Dukes in preſence of the Kyng: whiche done, the Duke of Norfolke tooke vppon hym to aunſwere it, declaring that whatſoeuer the Duke of Hereforde hadde ſayde agaynſte hym other than well, hee lyed falſely like an vntrue Knighte, as he was: And whē the king aſked of the duke of Hereforde what he ſaide to it, he taking hys hoode off his heade, ſaid [...] ſoue[...] Lorde, euen as the ſupplication whiche I tooke you importeth, right ſo I ſay to [...]ruthe, that Thomas Moubray duke of Norfolke, is a traito[...] falſe and diſloyall to your to[...] Maieſtie, was crowne, and to all the ſ[...]s of your realme.

Then the Duke of Norfolke beeyng aſked what he ſaid to this, he anſwered,

Right d[...] Lord, with your fauour that I make aunſwere vnto your couſin here, I ſay (your reuerence ſaued,) that Henry of Lancaſter duke of Hereforde, like a falſe and diſloyall traitour as he is, dothe lye in that he hath or ſhall ſay of mee otherwiſe than well.

No more

ſaide the Kyng,

wee haue hearde enough:

and herewyth commaunded the Duke of Surrey for that tourne Marſhall of Englande, to arreſt in his name the twoo Dukes:The Duke of [...]ry Marshal and the Duke of Aumarle c[...]able of Englande. the Duke of Lancaſter father to the Duke of Hereforde, the Duke of Yorke, the Duke of Aumarle Conſtable of Englande, and the duke of Surrey Marſhal of the realm, vndertook as pledges body for body for the duke of Herford: but the duke of Norfolke was not ſuffred to put in pledges, and ſo vnder arreſt was led vnto Windſor caſtel, and there garded wyth keepers, that were appointed to ſee hym ſafely kept. Nowe after the diſſoluing of the Parliament at Shrewſbury, there was a day appointed about a ſixe weekes after, for the K. to come vnto Winſor to hear and to take ſome order betwixte the twoo dukes, which had thus appealed eche other.The order of the proceeding in this appeale. There was a greate ſkaffold erected within the caſtell of Windſore for the king to ſit with the Lordes and Prelates of his realme: and ſo at the day apointed, he with the ſaide lords & prelats being come thither and ſet in their places, the duke of Herford appellāt, and the duke of Norfolke defendant, were ſent for to come and apeare before the K. ſitting ther in his ſeate of Iuſtice. And then began to ſpeak ſir Io. Buſhy for the K. declaring to the lords how they ſhuld vnderſtand that where the duke of Hereford had preſented a ſupplication to the K. that was there ſet to miniſter iuſtice vnto al men that wold demaund the ſame, as apperteined to his roiall Maieſty, he therfore wold now heare what the parties could ſay one againſt an other, & withall the K. commaunded the dukes of Aumarle & Surrey, the one beyng conſtable, & the other marſhall to go vnto the two dukes, appellant and defendant, requiring them on his behalf, to grow to ſome agreement: and for hys parte, hee woulde be readye to pardon all that hadde bene ſayde or done amiſſe betwixte them, touching any barme or diſhonour to him or hys realme: but they aunſwered bothe aſſuredly that it was not poſſible to haue any peace or agreement made betwixt them. When hee hearde what they hadde aunſwered, hee commaunded that they ſhoulde bee broughte forthwith before his preſente, to heate what they woulde ſaye.

Herewith an Herauld in the Kings name with loude voice commaunded the Dukes to come before the King, either of them to ſhewe his reaſon, or elſe to make peace togither without more delay.

When they were come before the King and Lordes, the King ſpake himſelfe to them, willing them to agree, and make peace togither: for it is (ſaide he) the beſt way ye can take.

The Duke of Norfolke with due reuerence herevnto aunſwered, that it coulde not bee ſo brought to paſſe, his honour ſaued.

Then the King aſked of the Duke of Hereforde, what it was that hee demaunded of the Duke of Norfolke, and what is the matter that ye cannot make peace togyther, and beecome friendes?

Then ſtoode forth a Knight that aſking and obteining licence to ſpeake for the duke of Herford, ſaid, Right dere and ſoueraigne Lorde,The obiections againſt the Duke of Norfolkes. here is Henry of Lancaſter Duke of Hereforde and Erle of Darbie, who ſaith, and I for hym likewiſe ſay, that Thomas Moubray Duke of Norfolke is a falſe and diſloyall traytour to you, & your royall Maieſtie, and to your whole realme: and likewiſe the duke of Hereford ſaith and I for him, that Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke hath receyued .viij.M. nobles to paye the ſouldiores that keepe your Towne of Callais, whiche he hath not done as he oughte: and furthermore the ſaide Duke of Norfolke hath bin the occaſion of all the treaſon that hath bin contriued in your Realme for the ſpare of theſe .xviij. yeres, and by his falſe ſuggeſtions and malicious counſell, hath cauſed to dye and to be murthered your right dere vncle, the duke of Glouceſter, ſonne to king Edwarde.

Moreouer, the Duke of Hereforde ſaith and I for hym, that he will proue this with his bodye, againſt the body of the ſaid duke of Norfolke within liſtes.

The king herewith waxed angry, and aſked the Duke of Hereford, if theſe were his words, who aunſwered, Right deare Lord, they are my wordes, and hereof I require right, and the battell againſt hym.

There was a Knight alſo that aſked licence to ſpeake for the Duke of Norfolke, and obteining it, began to aunſwere thus: Right deare ſoueraigne Lorde, here is Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke, who aunſwereth and ſaith, and I for him, that all that Henry of Lancaſter hath ſayde and declared (ſauing the reuerence due to the king and his counſell) is a lye, and the ſaide Henrye of Lancaſter hath falſely and wickedly lyed as a falſe and diſloyall Knyght, and bothe hath bene, and is a traitour againſte you, your Crowne, royall Maieſtye, and Realme.

This will I proue and defende as becommeth a loyall Knyghte to doe, wyth my body againſte his: Right deare Lord, I beſeeche you therefore, and your counſell, that it maye pleaſe you in your royal diſcretion, to conſider and marke, what Henry of Lancaſter Duke of Hereforde ſuche a one as he is, hath ſaide.

The King then demaunded of the duke of Norfolk, if theſe were his words, and whether he had any more to ſay. The Duke of Norfolk then anſwered for himſelf. Right deare ſir, true it is,The duke of [...]folke his [...]svvere for hymſelfe. that I haue receyued ſo muche golde to pay your people of the town of Callaice, which I haue done, & I do auouche that your towne of Callais is aſwell kept at your commaundemente as euer it was at any time before, and that there neuer hathe bene by any of Callais any complaint made vnto you of me. Ryghte deare and my ſoueraigne Lorde for the voiage that I made into Fraunce, aboute your mariage I neuer receyued eyther golde or ſiluer of you, nor yet for the voyage that the Duke of Aumarle, and I made into Almaigne, where wee ſpente great treaſure: mary true it is, that once I laid an ambuſhe to haue ſlaine the duke of Lancaſter, that there ſitteth: but neuertheleſſe hee hathe pardoned mee thereof, and there was good peace made betwixt vs, for the whiche I yelde hym harty thankes.

This is that whiche I haue to aunſwere, and am ready to defende my ſelfe againſt mine aduerſarie, I beeſeeche you therefore of righte and to haue the bataile againſt him, in vpright iudgement.

After this, when the King had communed with his counſell a little, hee commaunded the two Dukes to ſtande forth, that their anſwers might bee hearde. The kyng then cauſed them once againe to bee aſked if they woulde agree, and make peace togither, and they bothe flatly aunſwered that they woulde not: and wythall the duke of Herford caſte downe his gage, and the duke of Norfolk tooke it vp. The king perceyuing this demeanor betwixte them, ſware by S. Iohn Baptiſt, that he wold neuer ſeeke to make peace betwixt them againe. And therwith ſir Io. Buſhy in name of the K. and his counſell, declared, that the king and his counſell had commaunded,The com[...]te apointed to bee done at Couentrye. and ordeined, that they ſhold haue a day of battell, appoynted them, at Couentrie. Here writers diſagree about the day that was appointed for ſome ſay [...] on a Monday in Auguſt:The Frenche People [...]. other ky[...] [...] [...] ber[...] day[...], being the .xvij. at Se[...] [...] [...] ther on the .xj. of September:Fabian. But [...] that the K. aſſigned them not [...]ly the [...] alſo apoynted them liſts and place for[...] [...] [...] bate, and thervppon greate preparation w[...] made, an to ſuche a matter apperteined. At the time appointed the King came to Couen[...],An. reg. 22. where the two Dukes were re[...] according to the order preſcribed▪ therin comming [...] in greate ar[...]aye, accompanied with the Lorde and gentlemen of their kinges. The king had cauſed a ſumptuous ſcaffolde or theatre, and royall liſtes there to bee erected and prepared: The Sundaye heefore they ſhoulde fight, after diner the duke of Hereforde came to the Kyng (being lodged like a quarter of a mile without the towne in a tower that belōged to ſir Wil. Bagot) to take his leaue of him. The morrow after, being the day apointed for the combat about the ſpring of the day came y^e duke of Norfolke to the Court to take leaue likewiſe of the King.

The Duke of Hereforde armed hym in his tent, that was ſet vp nere to the liſts, & the duke of Norfolke putte on his armour, betwixte the gate and the barrier of the towne, in a beautifull houſe, hauing a faire perelois of wood towardes the gate, that none might ſee what was done within the houſe.

The duke of Aumerle that daye being highe Conſtable of Englande,The order of the combate. and the duke of Surrey Marſhall, placed themſelues betwixt them, well armed and apointed, and when they ſawe their time, they firſt entred into the liſtes wyth a greate company of men apparelled in [...]ilke ſend all, embroudered with ſiluer, both richely, and curiouſly, euery man hauing a tipped ſtaffe to keepe the fielde in order.

Aboute the houre of Prime came to the barriers of the liſts, the duke of Hereford, mounted on a white courſer, barded wyth greene and blewe veluet embroydered ſumptuouſlye wyth Swans and Antelops of gooldſmithes worke, armed at all points. The Conſtable and Marſhall came to the barriers, demaunding of hym what hee was, hee aunſwered I am Henry of Lancaſter duke of Hereforde, whiche am come hither to do my denoir againſt Thomas Mounbray duke of Norfolke, as a traitor vntrue to god, the K. his realme, and me. Then incontinently hee ſware vpon the holy Euangeliſtes, that his quarrell was true and iuſte, and vpon that point he required to enter the liſts.

Then hee put vp his ſworde, which before he helde naked in his hand, and putting down his viſer, made a croſſe on his horſe, & with ſpeare in hande, entred into the liſtes, and diſcended from his horſe, & ſet hym downe in a chaire of greene veluet, at the one end of the liſts, & there repoſed hymſelfe, abiding the comming of his aduerſary. Soon after him, entred into the field with greate triumph, King Richarde accompanied with all the peares of the realme, and in his company was the earle of ſainct Paule, whiche was come out of Fraunce in poſt to ſee this chalenge performed. The King had there aboue tenne thouſande men in armour, leaſt ſome [...]ray or tumult might riſe amōgſt his nobles, by quarrelling or partaking. Whē the K. was ſet in his ſeate, which was richely hanged and adorned: a king at armes made open proclamation, prohibiting all men in the name of the King, & of the high conſtable, and Marſhal, to enterpriſe or attempte, to approche or touche any parte of the liſtes, vpon paine of death, excepte ſuche as were appointed to order or marſhall the fielde.

The proclamation ended, an other Herault cried, beholde here Henry of Lancaſter Duke of Hereforde appellant, whiche is entred into the liſtes royall to do his deuoir againſte Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolke defendant, vpon paine to be founde falſe and recreant.

The duke of Norfolke houered on horſeback at the entrie of the liſts, his horſe being barded with crimoſen veluet, embroudered richly with Lions of ſiluer and Mulbery trees, & when he had made his othe before the conſtable, & Marſhall that his quarrell was iuſt and true, he entred the fielde manfully, ſaying aloude: God aide hym that hath the righte, and then hee departed from his horſe, and ſate hym downe in his chaire which was crimſen veluet, courtined aboute wyth white and redde damaſke. The Lord Marſhal viewed their ſpeares, to ſee that they were of equall lengthe, and deliuered the one ſpeare hymſelfe to the Duke of Hereforde, and ſent the other vnto the Duke of Norfolke by a Knighte. Then the Herrault proclaimed that the trauerſes, and chaires of the champions ſhoulde bee remoued, commaunding them on the kinges behalfe, to mount on horſebacke and addreſſe themſelues to the battaile and cō bate. The duke of Herford was quickly horſed, and cloſed his bauier, and caſte his ſpeare into the reſte, and when the trumpet founded ſette forwarde couragiouſly towards hys enimy ſixe or .vij. paces. The duke of Norfolke was not fully ſet forward, when the K. caſte downe hys warder,The combate [...]ed by the Kyng. and the Heraultes cried, ho, ho. Then the K. cauſed their ſpears to be taken frō them and cōmaunded them to repaire againe to their chaires, where they remayned .ij. long houres; while the K. & his coūſell deliberatly conſulted what order was beſte to be had in ſo weight ye a cauſe. Finally after they had deuiſed, & fully determined what ſhuld be done therin, the Herraultes cried ſilence, and Syr Iohn Buſhy the kings ſecretary red the ſentence and determination of the K. and his counſell, in a long roll,The King his dome betvvixt the .ii. Dukes. the effect wherof was, that Henry duke of Herford ſhould within .xv. dayes depart out of the realme, and not to returne before the terme of & yeres were expired, except by the Kyng hee ſhould bee repealed again, and this vpon paine of deathe: And that Thomas Moubray duke of Norfolke, bycauſe hee had lowen ſedition in the realme by his words, ſhould likewiſe auoid the Realme, and neuer to retourne againe into Englande, nor approche the borders or confines therof, vpon paine of death, and that the K. would ſtay the profits of his landes, till he had leuied therof ſuche ſummes of mony as the duke had taken vp of the kings treaſurer for the wages of the garriſon of Calleis, whych were ſtill vnpaide. When theſe iudgements were once red, the K. called before him both the parties, & made them to ſweare that the one ſhuld neuer come in place, where the other was, willingly, nor keepe any companye to gither in any forrein region, whiche othe they bothe receiued humbly, and ſo wente their waies. The Duke of Norfolke departed ſorowfully out of the realme into Almaine, and at the laſte came to Venice, where he for thought and melancoly deceaſed: for he was in hope as writers recorde, that he ſhould haue bene borne out in the matter by the K. which when it fell out otherwiſe, it greeued hym not a little. The Duke of Hereford tooke his leane of the K. at Eltham, which there releaſed .iiij. yeres of hys baniſhement: So he tooke hys iorney ouer into Callais, and from thence went into Fraunce, wher hee remained. A wonder it was to ſee what number of people ran after him in euery town and ſtrete, where he came, before he took the ſea, lamenting & bewailing his departure, as who ſhuld ſay, that whē he departed, the only ſhield,The Duke of Hereforde beloued of the people. defence and comforte of the common wealthe was vaded and gone. At his comming into Fraunce K. Charles hearyng the cauſe of hys baniſhement (whiche he eſteemed to bee verye light) receiued hym gently,The Duke of Hereford is honorably enterteined vvith the french king. and him honorably interteined, in ſo much that he had by fauor obteyned in mariage the only daughter of y^e duke of Berry, vncle to the frenche K. if King Richard had not bin a let in that matter, who being thereof certified, ſent the earle of Saliſbury with all ſpeede into France,Froiſſart. both to ſurmiſe by vntrue ſuggeſtion, hainous offences againſt him, and alſo to require the frenche King that in no wiſe hee woulde ſuffer his couſin to bee matched in mariage with him that was ſo manifeſt an offendor. On Neweyeares day this yeare,1399 the riuer that paſſeth betwixte Suelleſton or Snelſton, and Harewood, twoo villages not farre from Bedforde, ſodeinly ceaſſed hir courſe, ſo as the chanell remained drie by the ſpace of three miles, that any man might enter into, and paſſe the ſame drie foote at his pleſure. This deuiſion whiche the water made in that place, the one part ſeeming as it were not to come nere to the other, was iudged, to ſignifie the reuolting of the ſubiectes of this land, from their naturall Prince: althoughe it may be, that the water of that riuer ſanke into the ground, and by ſome ſecrete paſſage, or chanell tooke courſe till it came to the place where it might riſe again, as in other places is likewiſe ſeene. Ye haue heard before, howe the Archebiſhop of Canterbury Thomas Arundel, was baniſhed the Realme,Fabian. & Roger Walden was made Archbiſhop of that ſee, who was a greate fauourer of the citie of London, the which was eftſoones about this ſeaſon falne into the kings diſpleaſure: but by the diligente labour of this Archebiſhop, and of Roberte Braybrooke then biſhop of London, vpon the humble ſupplication of the citizens, the kings wrathe was pacified.Blanke charters. But yet to content the kings mind, many blanke charters were deuiſed, and brought into the citie, which many of the ſubſtanciall & welthie citizens, were fayne to ſeale, to their greate chardge, as in the ende appeared. And the like charters were ſent abroad into al ſhires within the realme, wherby greate grudge and murmuring aroſe among the people: for when they were ſo ſealed, the kings officers wrote in the ſame what liked them, as well for charging the parties with payment of money, as otherwiſe.The deathe of [...]e duke of Lancaſter. In this meane time, the duke of Lancaſter departed out of this life at the biſhop of Elies place in Holborne, and lieth buryed in the cathedrall churche of S. Paule in London, on the North ſide of the highe Aulter, by the Lady Blaunche his firſte wife.

The death of this duke gaue occaſion of encreaſing more hatred in the people of this realm towarde the king, for he ſeaſed into his handes all the goods that belonged to hym, and alſo receyued all the rents and reuenues of his landes whiche ought to haue diſcended vnto the duke of Hereforde by lawfull inheritaunce, in reuoking his letters patents, which he had graunted to him before,Thom VVal. by vertue wherof, he might make his attorneis generall to ſue liuery for hym, of any maner of inheritaunces or poſſeſſions that myghte from thenceforthe fall vnto hym, and that hys homage myghte bee reſpited, wyth making reaſonable fine.: wherby it was euident, that the king ment his vtter vn[...] [...]

Thys hards dealing was muche my[...] of all the nobilitie, and cried out againſt, of the meaner ſorte: But namely the Duke of Yorke was therewyth ſore amoued, who before this time, had borne things with ſo pacient a [...] as he could, though the ſame touched him [...] neare, as the death of his brother the Duke of Glouceſter, the baniſhment of hys neph[...] the ſaid duke of Hereford, and other mo iniuries [...] greate number, which for the ſlippery youth of the king, hee paſſed ouer for the tyme, and did forget aſwell as he might.

But now perceiuing that neither law, [...] nor equitie could take place, where the kinges wilful wil was bent vpon any wrongfull purpoſe, he conſidered that the glorie of the [...] wealthe of his countrey muſt needes decay, by reaſon o the king his lacke of witte, and want of ſuche (as would without flattery) admoniſh hym of hys duty: and therefore hee thought it the parte of a wiſe man to get hym in time to a reſting place, and to leaue the followyng of ſuche an vnaduiſed capitaine, as wyth a leaders ſworde would cut his owne throate.

Herevpon he wyth the duke of Aumarle his ſonne, went to his houſe at Langley,The duke of York miſtaketh the court, and goeth [...] reioicing that nothing had miſhappened in the common wealthe throughe his deuiſe or conſent.The realme let to ferme by the Kyng. The common brute [...]anne, that the kyng had ſette to ferme the realme of England, vnto ſir Wylliam Scrope Earle of Wiltſhire, and then treaſourer of Englande, to ſir Iohn Buſhy, Syr Iohn Bagot, and ſir Henry Greene Knights.

Aboute the ſame time, the Earle of Arundels ſonne, named Thomas, whiche was kept in the duke of Exeters houſe, eſcaped out of the realme, by meanes of one Willyam Scot meecer, and went to his vncle Thomas Arundell, late Archbiſhop of Canterbury, as then ſoiorning at Coleyn.

King Richarde beeing deſtitute of treaſure to furniſhe ſuche a Princely porte as he mainteined,Tho. VValſ. borrowed greate ſummes of money of many of the greate Lordes and Peeres of hys realme, both ſpiritual and temporall, and likewiſe of other meane perſones, promyſing them in good earneſt, by deliuering to them his letters patentes for aſſuraunce, that hee woulde repay the money ſo borrowed at a day appointed: which notwithſtanding he neuer payd. Moreoreouer,Nevve [...] action[...]. this yere he cauſed .xvij. ſhires of the realme by way of putting thē to their fines to pay no ſmal ſūmes of money, for redeeming their offēces, that they had aided y^e duke of Glouceſter, the erles of Arudel, & Warwik whē the[...] roſe in armor againſt him. The nobles, gentlemē, and commons of thoſe ſhires were enforced alſo to receiue a newe othe to aſſure the king of their fidelitie in time to come,The [...] of [...] vvas [...] pl[...]ce [...] vvere to [...] the King vvithall, but the ſame diſple [...] many that vvas that con [...]d to pay againſt their vv[...]es. and withall certaine prelates and other honorable perſo[...]ges, were ſent into the ſame ſhites, to perſuade men to this payment, and to ſee thinges ordered at the pleaſure of the Prince: and ſurely the [...]nes whiche the nobles, and other the meaner eſtates of thoſe ſhires were conſtrayned to pay, were not ſmall, but exceeding greate, to the offence of many. Moreouer, the kings letters p[...]co[...]tes were ſent into euery ſhire within this land, by vertue whereof,The people cō [...] their othe [...] alegea[...]nce by vvriting [...]ed. an othe was demaunded of all the kings liege people for a further aſſuraunce of their due obedience, and they were conſterined to ratifie the ſame in writing vnder their handes and ſeales.

Moreouer they were compelled to put their hands and ſeales, to certaine blankes, whereof yee haue hearde beefore, in the whiche, when it pleaſed hym hee might write, what hee thought good. There was alſo a newe othe deuiſed for the ſheriffs of euery county through the realme to receiue: finally many of the kings liege people were throughe ſpite, [...] malice, [...] caſed, apprehended, and put in priſon,Indirect dealings. and after, broughts before the conſtable [...] Marſhall of Englande, in the Courte of Chi[...]a[...]y[...], and myght not otherwiſe bee deliuered except th[...] coulde iuſtifie themſelues by [...] and fighting in liſ[...] againſt their acuſers hād to hand, although the accuſters for the moſte parte; were luſtie, yong and baliant, where the parties accuſed were perchaunce olde, impotent, mained and ſirkly. Wherevppon not onely the greate diſtruction of the realme in generall, but alſo of euery ſingular perſon in particular, was to bee feared and looked for.

In this meane time the King being aduertiſed that the wilde Iriſhe dayly waſted,Polidore. and deſtroyed the tow[...]s and [...]ges within the engliſh Pal[...] had ſlaine many of the ſouldiours whiche lay there in gariſon for defence of that county, determined to make eftſoones a volage thither, and prepared al things neceſſary for his paſſage nowe againſt the ſpring.

A little before his ſettyng f[...]the, he cauſed a iuſtes to be holden at Windſor of .xl. knights and .xl. Eſquiers,A Earles [...] VVin[...]ſor. againſte all commers, and they to bee apparelled in greene, wyth a white Fawcon, and the Queene to bee there well accompanied with Ladies and damoſels. When theſe iuſtes were finiſhed,The K. faileth [...] Irelande againe vvith a greate [...].
Fabian and Caxton.
The Duke of Yorke [...]e[...]re [...] generall of England, the king being [...] Irelande. Hen. Marl. the king departed towarde Briſtow, from thence to paſſe into Irelande, leauing the Queene with hir traine ſtill at Windſor: He appointed for hys lie[...]tenaunt generall in hys abſence hys vncle the Duke of Yorke: and ſo in the moneth of Aprill, as diuers authors write, he ſet forward from Windſor, and finally tooke ſhipping at Milford, and from thence with .ij.C. ſhips, and a puiſſant power of men of armes and archers he ſailed into Ireland. The Friday nexte after his arriuall there were ſlaine .ij.C. Iriſhemenne at Fourde in Ken[...]s within the countie of Kildare, by that valiant gentelmen Ienico Da[...]ois, and ſuche engliſhmen as he had ther with him: and on the more owe nexte enſuing the citizens of Dublia inuaded the countrey of Obrin, and ſlewe .33. Iriſhemen. The king alſo after her had remained about .vj. days at Waterford,Out of a french pamphlet that belongeth to maſter Iohn Dee. marched from thence towards Kelkenny, and comming thither, ſtayed thereaboute .xiiij. days, looking for the duke of Aumarle that was appointed to haue met him, but he failed & came not, wherevppon the king on Midſo[...]er euen ſet forward again, marching ſtreight towards the country of Mackmur the principall rebell in that ſeaſon within Irelande,Macmur. who keping himſelfe among woodes wyth .iij.M. right hardy men ſeemed to paſſe little for any power that myght bee brought againſt hym. The king yet approching to the ſkirtes of the woodes, commaunded hys ſouldiors to fier the houſes and villages, which was executed wyth great forwardneſſe of the men of warre. And here for ſome valiant acte that hee dyd, or ſome other fauourable reſpect, which the king bare to the lord Henry ſon to the Duke of Herford, he made him Knight. This Henry was after king of England, ſucceeding his father and called by the name of Henry the fift: there were a .ix. or .x. others made knights alſo the ſame time.

Pioners ſet a vvorke to cutte dovvne vvoodes.Moreouer, there were two thouſande .v.C. Pioners ſet a work to cut down the wooddes, and to make paſſages throughe, and ſo then the engliſhmen entred, and by force got throughe: for the Iriſhmen ſore feared the engliſh bowes, but yet now and then they eſpying their aduantage, aſſailed oftentimes the engliſhmen wyth their darts, and ſlew diuers that went abroade to fetch in forrage.

The Vncle of Macmur with a wythie or withe about hys necke, came in and ſubmitted hymſelfe, and lykewiſe many other naked and bare legged, ſo that the Kyng ſeemyng to pitye theyr myſerable ſtate, pardoned them, and afterward he alſo ſent vnto Macmur, promyſing that if he woulde come in and require pardon as his vncle had done, he would receyue him to mercy: but Macmur vnderſtanding that for want of victuals, the king muſt needes retire within a ſhorte time, he refuſed the kinges offer. The King wyth his army remaining in thoſe partes .xj. dayes, was in the ende conſtrained to come backe, when all their victualls were ſpent: for more than they brought wyth them they could not get. They loſt many horſes in thys iourney for wante of prouiſion and forrage.

Macmur ſēdeth to the king, offering a parley.As the Kyng was wythdrawen towardes Dubline, marching throughe the countrey, in deſpite of his enimies, that houered ſtill aboute his army, Macmur ſent to the Kyng, offering to talke of an agreement if it ſhould pleaſe him to ſende any noble manne to meete hym at a place appointed.

The Erle of Glouceſter.The king herevpon commaunded the Erle of Glouceſter to take wyth hym twoo hundreth launces, and a thouſande archers, and to go to trie if he might by perſuaſion cauſe him to come in and ſubmit himſelfe. The earle went, and cōming to talk with hym, found him ſo obſtinate, that their parley ſtraightways brake off: ſo taking leaue eche of other, they departed and the Earle retourned to the Kyng to aduertiſe hym what hee hadde done and perceyued, by the communication whiche hee had had with M[...] mur.

The King was ſore offended with the obſtinateneſſe of the rebell, that would not agree otherwiſe: but ſo as he myght remaine ſtill at libertie, without daunger to ſuffer any m[...] of puniſhment for his paſſed offences. Wherevppon the king after his comming to Dub[...], An. reg. [...] He c[...] to Dublin the [...] of [...] Henry M[...] ſa[...] and that the army hadde reſted there, and in the countrey nere to the citie, for the ſpace of [...] daies, hee deuided his people into three partes, and ſent them abroade into the country to purſue the enimies, and withall made proclamation, that whoſoeuer could bring Macmur vnto his preſence, ſhould haue for his recompence a greate rewarde: for he determined not to departe the countrey till he had hym eyther deade or aliue. But he knew full little then what incidents to hinder his purpoſed intention [...] after followe.

The ſame daye that he ſent abroade his [...] my thus into .iij. ſeuerall partes,The Duke of [...] the Duke of Aumarle wyth an .C. ſaile arriued, of whoſe comming the king was ryght ioyfull, and although he had vſed no ſmall negligence [...] he came no ſooner according to order before appointed, yet the king (as he was of a gen[...] [...] ture) courteouſly accepted his excuſe: wh[...] he was in fault or not, I haue not to ſay▪ but veryly he was greatly ſuſpected, that he [...]e not well in tarying ſo long after his time aſſigned.

But nowe whileſt the king reſteth at Dublin, hys people ſo demeaned themſelues, that the moſt parte of the rebells, what by manhood and pollicie were ſubdued, and brought vnder ſubiection, and (as is to be thought) if no trouble vſe had riſen in Englande to haue called hym backe, he ment to haue rid vp the woodes, and made ſome notable conqueſt at that time vpon the rebelles, that yet helde out. But whileſt he was thus occupied in deuiſing howe to reduce them into ſubiection, and takyng orders for the good ſtaye and quyet gouernement of the countrey, diuers of the nobilitie aſwel Prelats as other, and likewiſe many of the magiſtrats and rulers of the cities. Townes, and Communaltie, here in Englande, perceyuing dayly how the realme drewe to vtter ruine, not like to be recouered to the former ſtate of wealche, whileſt king Richarde liued and reigned (as they tooke it) deuiſed with great deliberation,The Duke of Lan[...] [...] and conſiderate aduiſe to ſende and ſignifye by letters vnto Duke Henry, whome they nowe called (as he was in deede) Duke of Lancaſter and Hereforde, requiring hym with all conuenient ſpeede to conueye hymſelfe into England, promiſing hym all theyr aide, power and aſſiſtaunce, if he expulſing King Richard, as a man not meete for the office he bare, would take vpō him the ſcepter, rule and diademe of his natiue land and region: he therfore being thus called vppon, by meſſengers and letters from hys friends, and chiefly, through the earneſt perſwaſion of Thomas Arundell, late Archbiſhoppe of Canterburie, (who as before ye haue heard) had bin remoued frō his ſea, and baniſhed the realme by king Richardes meanes, got hym downe into Britaine, togither with the ſaid Archbiſhop, where he was ioyfully receiued of the Duke, and Ducheſſe,The duke of Brita[...] a g[...] friends [...] duke of Lancaſter. and found ſuch friēdſhip at the Dukes handes, that there were certaine ſhippes rigged, and made readie for him, at a place in baſe Britaigne, called le Porte Blanc, as we finde in the Chronicles of Britaigne: and when all his prouiſion was made ready,The Duke of Lancaſter, and his adherences [...] Englande. he tooke the ſea, togither with the ſaid Archbiſhop of Canterburie, and hys nephew Thomas Arundell, ſonne and heyre to the late Earle of Arundell, beheaded at the Tower hill.

[...] to [...]o[...].There were alſo with hym, Reginalde Lord Cobham, Sir Thomas Erpingham, and Sir Thomas Ramſton knightes, Iohn Norbury, Roberte Waterton, and Frauncis Coint eſquiers: few elſe were there: for (as ſome write) he had not paſt a .xv. launces, as they tearmed them in thoſe dayes,Tho. VValſ. that is to wit, men of armes, furniſhed and appointed as the vſe then was: yet other write,Ch[...]s. that the duke of Britaigne deliuered vnto hym three thouſand men of warre, to attende hym, and that he had .viij. ſhips well furniſhed for the warre, wher Froiſſart yet ſpeaketh but of three.Froiſſart.

Moreouer, where Froiſſarte and alſo the Chronicles of Britaine auouche, that he ſhould lande at Plimmouth,Th. VValſ. by our Engliſh writers it ſeemeth otherwiſe: for it appeareth by their aſſured reporte, that he approching to the ſhore, did not ſtraight take lande, but laye aloofe, houering, and ſhewed himſelfe nowe in this place, and nowe in that, to ſee what countenaunce was made by the people, whether they meante enuiouſlie to reſiſte him, or friendely to receyue him.

When the lorde gouernour Edmond duke of Yorke was aduertiſed, that the duke of Lancaſter kepte ſtill the ſea, and was ready to arriue, (but where hee meant firſt to ſette foote a lande, there was not any that vnderſtoode the certaintie) hee ſente for the Lorde Chauncellour, [...]ſell takē by the duke of Yorke Lorde [...] of Englande how to deale agaynſte the duke of Lancaſter. Edmonde Stafforde Biſhoppe of Exeter, and for the Lorde Treaſurer, Wyllyam Scrope Earle of Wiltſhire, and other of the Kynges priuy counſell, as Iohn Buſhye, Wyllyam Bagot, Henrye Greene, and Iohn Ruſſell Knightes: of theſe he required to knowe what they thought good to bee done in this matter, concerning the Duke of Lancaſter, beeyng on the Seas.

Theyr aduiſe was, to depart from London, vnto Sainct Albons, and there to gather an armye to reſiſt the Duke in his landing, but to howe ſmall purpoſe theyr counſell ſerued, the concluſion thereof plainely declared, for the moſte parte that were called,The commō deny to reſiſte the Duke of Lancaſter. when they came thither boldely proteſted, that they woulde not fight againſte the Duke of Lancaſter, whome they knewe to bee euill dealte with.

The Lorde Treaſorer, Buſhye, Bagot, and Greene, perceyuyng that the commons woulde cleane vnto, and take parte wyth the Duke, ſlipped away, leauing the Lorde gouernour of the Realme, and the Lorde Chauncellour to make what ſhift they coulde for themſelues: Bagot got hym to Cheſter, and ſo eſcaped into Irelande, the other fledde to the Caſtell of Briſtowe, in hope there to bee in ſafetye.

The Duke of Lancaſter, after that hee hadde coaſted alongſt the ſhore a certain time,The Duke of Lancaſter landeth in Yorkſhire. and had gotte ſome intelligence howe the peoples minds were affected towardes hym, landed aboute the beginning of Iuly in Yorkſhire, at a place ſomtime called Rauenſpurre, betwixte Hulle and Bridlington, and wyth hym not paſte .lx. perſons, as ſome write:Additions to Polichron. But hee was [...] ioyfullye receiued of the Lordes, Knightes, and Gentlemen of thoſe partyes, that hee founde meanes (by theyr helpe) forthwyth to aſſemble a greate number of people, that were willing to take his parte. Fyrſt that came to hym, were the Lords of Lincolneſhire, and other Countreys adioyning, as the Lordes Willoughby, Ros, Darcy, and Beaumont.

At his commyng vnto Doncaſter, the Erle of Northumberlande, and his ſonne Sir Henrie Percy, wardens of the Marches agaynſte Scotland, with the Earle of Weſt[...] lande, came vnto hym,The Duke of Lācaſters othe to the Lords that ayded hym. where hee ſware vnto thoſe Lordes, that hee woulde demaund no more, but the landes that were to hym diſcended by inheritance from hys father, and in right of his wife.

Moreouer, hee vndertooke to cauſe the payment of taxes and [...]allages to bee ſayde downe, and to bring the King to good gouernemente, and to remoue from hym the Cheſhire menne, which were enuyed of many, for that the Kyng eſteemed of them more than of any other, happely, bycauſe they were more faythfull to hym than other, readye in all reſpectes to obey hys commaundements and pleaſure.

From Doncaſter hauing now gote a mightie armie about hym, hee marched forth with all ſpeede through the Countreys, comming by Eueſham, vnto Berkeley: within the ſpace of three dayes, all the Kyngs Caſtels in thoſe parties were ſurrendred vnto hym.

The Duke of Yorke, whome King Richard had left as gouernour of the Realme in hys abſence, hearing that his nephewe the Duke of Lancaſter was thus arriued, and had gathered an armye,The harts of the commons wholly addicted to the Duke of Lancaſter. hee alſo aſſembled a puiſſant power of men of armes and archers (as before yee haue hearde) but all was in vayne, for there was not a man that willingly woulde thruſt out one arrow againſt the Duke of Lancaſter, or his partakers, or in any wiſe offende him or his friends.

The Duke of Yorke therefore paſſing forthe towardes Wales to meete the Kyng, at hys commyng forth of Irelande, was receyued into the Caſtell of Barkeley, and there remayned, til the comming thither of the Duke of Lancaſter, (whome when he perceyued that hee was not able to reſiſt) on the Sonday, after the feaſt of Saint Iames, whiche as that yeare came about, fell vpon the Friday, he came forth into the Church that ſtoode without the Caſtel, and there communed with the Duke of Lancaſter: with the Duke of Yorke were the Byſhops of Norwiche, the Lord Barkeley, the Lord Seymour, and other: with the Duke of Lancaſter were theſe, Thomas Arundell, Archbyſhop of Canterburie, that had bin baniſhed, the Abbot of Leiceſter, the Erles of Nrothumberlād and Weſtme[...]and, Thomas Arundel, ſon to Richard, late Erle of Arūdel y^e Baron of Greiſtock, the Lords Willoughby and Ros, with diuers other, lords, Knightes, and other people, which daily came to him frō euery part of the Realm: thoſe that came not were ſpoyled of all they had, ſo as they were neuer able to recouer themſelues againe, for their goodes being then taken away, were neuer reſtored & thus what for loue, & what for fear of loſſe, they came flocking vnto him from euery part.

At y^e ſame preſent ther wer areſted, & comitted to ſafe cuſtodie, the B. of Norwiche, Sir Wil. Elmam, & Sir Walter Burley, Knights, La[...] rente Drew, and Iohn Golofer Eſquiers.The Duke of Lancaſter [...] cheth [...] Briſtowe.

The morow after, y^e foreſayd Dukes w^t their power, wente towardes Briſtow, where at their comming, they ſhewed thēſelues before y^e towne and Caſtell, beeing an huge multitude of people.

There were encloſed within the Caſtell, the lord Wil. Scrope Erle of Wilſhire, and Treaſorer of Englande, ſir Henry Greene, and Sir Iohn Buſſhy knightes, who prepared to make reſiſtance, but when it would not preuayle, they were takē, and brought forth [...]ound as priſoners into the Campe, before the Duke of Lancaſter,Scrope L[...] [...]eaſo[...] Buſhy and Greene executed. On y^e morow next enſuing, they wer arreigned before the Conneſtable and Marſhal, and found giltie of treaſon, for miſgouerning the king and Realm, and forthwith, had their heads ſ[...]t o[...], Sir Iohn Ruſſell was alſo taken there, who faining himſelfe to be out of his wittes,A poli[...]ke madneſſe. eſcaped their hands for a time. In this meane time, king Richard aduertiſed, how the Duke of Lancaſter was landed in Englād; & that the Lords, Gētlemen & Cōmons, aſſembled thēſelues to take hys part he forthwith cauſed y^e L. Henry, ſon to the ſayde Duke of Lancaſter, and the L. Humfrey, ſon to the Duke of Glouceſter, to be ſhut vp faſt in the Caſtell of Trymme, and with all ſpeede, made haſt to returne into Englād, in hope with an army to encounter y^e Duke, before he ſhoulde haue time to aſſemble his friends togither. But heere ye ſhal note, that it fortuned the ſame time, in whiche the Duke of Hereforde or Lancaſter,Out of [...] Dees French booke. whether ye liſt to call him, arriued thus in England, the ſeas were ſo troubled by tempeſts, and the windes blewe ſo contrary for any paſſage, to come ouer forthe of Englande to the Kyng, remayning ſtill in Irelande, that for the ſpace of ſyxe weekes, hee receyued no aduertiſementes from thence: at length yet, when the Seas became calme, and the winde ouer [...] ned any thyng fauourable, there came ouer a Shippe, whereby the Kyng vnderſtoode the manner of the Dukes arriuall, and all his proceedings to that daye, in whiche the Shippe [...]eparted from the coaſt of Englande, wherevpon, hee meant forthwith to haue returned ouer into England, to make reſiſtance againſt the Duke, but through perſwaſion of the Duke of Aumarle as was thought, he ſtayed, till hee myghte haue all his Shippes, and other prouiſion, fully ready for his paſſage. And in the meane time, he ſent the Earle of Saliſburie ouer into England, to gather a power togither, by help of the Kings friends in Wales, and Cheſhire, with al ſpeede poſſible, that they myght bee ready to aſſiſt hym agaynſte the Duke, vpon his firſt arriuall, for hee meante hymſelfe to followe the Earle, within ſixe dayes after. The Earle paſſing ouer into Wales, landed at Conwey, and ſente foorthe letters to the Kings friends, both in Wales and Cheſhire, to leauie their people, and to come with all ſpeede to aſſiſt the King, whoſe requeſt, with greate deſire, and very willyng myndes they dyd, hoping to haue found the king hymſelfe at Conwey, in ſo muche, that within foure dayes ſpace, there were to the number of fortie thouſande men aſſembled, ready to march with the King againſte his enimies, if hee hadde bin there hymſelfe in perſon, but when they miſſed the Kyng, there was a brute ſpredde among them, that the Kyng was ſurely dead, whyche wrought ſuche an impreſſion, and euill diſpoſition in the myndes of the Welchmenne and others, that for any perſwaſion which the Earle of Saliſburie mighte vſe, they woulde not goe foorth with hym, till they ſawe the Kyng: onely they were contented to ſtaye foureteene dayes, to ſee if he ſhould come or not, but when hee came not within that tearme, they would no longer abyde, but ſcaled and departed away, whereas if the King had come before theyr breakyng vp, no doubt, but they would haue put the Duke of of Hereforde in aduenture of a fielde: ſo that the Kyngs lingering of tyme before his commyng ouer, gaue oportunitie to the Duke, to bryng things to paſſe as hee coulde haue wiſhed, and tooke from the Kyng all occaſion, to recouer afterwardes anye ſorces, ſufficiente to reſiſt hym. At length yet, an eighteene dayes after that the Kyng had ſente from hym the Earle of Saliſburie, he tooke the Sea, togither with the Dukes of Aumarle, Exeter, Surrey, and dyuers others of the nobilitie, with the Byſhops of London, Lincolne, [...] Richard [...]th out [...], and [...]deth in [...] and Careleill. They landed neere to the Caſtell of Barclowlie in Wales, about the feaſt of Saint Iames the Apoſtle, and ſtayed awhyle in the ſame Caſtell, being aduertiſed of the greate forces which the Duke of Lancaſter had gote togither againſte him, wherewith hee was maruellouſly amaſed,Tho. VValſ. knowing certaynely that thoſe whiche were thus in armes with the Duke of Lancaſter agaynſte hym, woulde rather die than gyue place, as well for the hatred as feare whiche they had conceyued of him. Neuertheleſſe, hee departing from Barclowly, haſted with all ſpeede towards Comwey, where hee vnderſtoode the Earle of Saliſburie to bee ſtill remayning:Additions to Polichron. hee therefore taking with him ſuche Cheſhire menne as hee hadde with him at that preſente (in whome all hys truſt was repoſed) hee doubted not to reuenge hymſelfe of his aduerſaries, and ſo at the firſt he paſſed wi[...]h a good courage, but whē he vnderſtood as he went thus forward, that all the Caſtels, euen from the bordures of Scotland vnto Briſtowe were deliuered vnto the Duke of Lancaſter, and that lykewiſe the Nobles and commons, as well of the South partes, as the North, were fully bente to take parte with the ſame Duke againſte hym, and further, hearing howe hys truſtie counſellors hadde loſt theyr heads at Briſtowe, he became ſo greately diſcomforted,King Richard in vtter deſpaire. that ſorowfully lamenting his miſerable ſtate, he vtterly deſpaired of his owne ſafetie, and calling his army togither, whiche was not ſmall, licenced euery mā to departe to his home.

The Souldiers being well bente to fighte in his defence, beſoughte him to be of good cheere, promiſing with an othe to ſtand with hym againſte the Duke, and all his partakers vnto death, but this coulde not encourage him at all, ſo that in the nyght nexte enſuing,King Richard ſtealeth away from his army, and taketh the Caſtell of Flint. he ſtale from his armye, and with the Dukes of Exeter and Surrey, the Byſhop of Careleil, and Sir Stephen Scrope, and about halfe a ſcore of others, hee gote him to the Caſtell of Comwey, where hee founde the Earle of Saliſburie, determining there to holde himſelfe, till he might ſee y^e worlde at ſome better ſtay, for what counſell to take to remedie the miſchiefe thus preſſing vppon hym hee wiſt not. On the one parte hee knewe hys title iuſt, true, and infallible, and his conſcience cleane, pure, and without ſpotte of enuie or malice: he had alſo no ſmall affiance in the Welchmen, and Cheſhire men.

On the other ſide, hee ſawe the puiſſaunce of hys aduerſaries, the ſuddayne departing of them whome he moſt truſted, and all thyngs turned vpſide downe: he euidently ſawe, and manifeſtly perceyued, that hee was forſaken of them▪ by whome in time hee myghte haue bin ayded and relieued, where now it was too late, and too farre ouerpaſſed.

Thys ſurelye is a very notable example,A ſpecial note worthy to bee well wayed. and not vnworthye of all Princes to bee well wayed, and diligently marked, that this Henry Duke of Lancaſter ſhoulde be thus called to the kingdome, and haue the helpe and aſſiſtance (almoſt) of all the whole realme, which perchaunce neuer thereof thought or yet dreamed, and that king Richard ſhould thus be left deſolate, voide, and in deſpaire of all hope and comfort, in whom if there were anye offence, it ought rather to bee imputed to the frayletie of wanton youth, than to the malice of his hart: but ſuch is y^e deceiuable iudgement of man, whiche not regarding thyngs preſent with due cōſideration, thinketh euer that things to come, ſhall haue good ſucceſſe, and a pleaſante delectable ende. Sir Thomas Percye Earle of Worceter,The Earle of Worceſter leaueth the K. and fleeth to the Duke. Lord Steward of the kyngs houſe, either being ſo commaunded by the King, or elſe vpon diſpleaſure (as ſome write) for that the King had proclaymed his brother the Earle of Northumberlande Traytor, brake his whyte ſtaffe, which is the repreſenting ſigne and token of his office, and without delay wente to Duke Henry.

When the Kyngs ſeruauntes of houſholde ſawe this (for it was done before them all) they diſperſed themſelues, ſome into one Countrey, and ſome into an other. When the Duke of Lā caſter vnderſtoode that King Richarde was returned foorth of Ireland, he left y^e Duke of Yorke ſtill at Briſtowe, and came backe with his power vnto Berkley, the ſeconde daye hee came to Glouceſter, and ſo to Roos, after to Hereforde, where came to him the Byſhop of Hereford, and Sir Edmond Mortimer Knighte.

On the Sonday following, he went to Limſter, and there the Lord Charleton came to him. From thence he went to Ludlowe, and the next day to Shreweſburie,Where fortune fauoreth, thyther the peoples fauor fleeth. where hee reſted one daye, and thither came to him Sir Roberte Legh, and Sir Iohn Legh, and manie other beeing ſente from Cheſter, to treate with the Duke of Lancaſter, for the Citie and Countie of Cheſter, that were now ready to ſubmit themſelues vnto hym in all things.

There came hither vnto him alſo the Lorde Scales, and the Lorde Berdolfe, foorth of Ireland, hauing bin ſpoyled of all they hadde aboute them in Wales, as they came through y^e Countrey. From Shreweſburie, be kept on his iourney towards Cheſter, and lodging one night by the way, in a Towne there in the bordures of Wales,The duke of Lancaſters cō ming to Cheſter. he came the ſeconde night vnto Cheſter, and ſtayed there certaine dayes togither, making a iolly muſter of his armye there in ſighte of the Citie. The Cleargie mette, and receyued hym with proceſſion: he ſent forthwith for hys ſonne and heire, and likewiſe for the Duke of Glouceſters ſonne and heire, that were as yet remaining in Ireland, commaunding them with all ſpeede to returne home into England: but the Duke of Glouceſters ſonne, through miſchance periſhed, as he was on the Seas to come ouer, for[...] loſſe, his mother tooke ſuch griefe, that ſhortly after through immoderate ſorrowe, ſhee likewiſe paſſed out of this tranſitorie life.

In this meane time, King Richard beyng in the Caſtell of Conwey ſore diſcomfited, and fearing leaſt he could not remaine there long in ſafetie, vppon knowledge had by his truſtie friendes Iohn Pallet, and Richarde Seimoure, of the dealings and approche of his aduerſaries, ſent the Duke of Exeter, to talke with the Duke of Lā caſter, who in this meane while, had cauſed one of King Richards faithfull and truſtie friendes, Sir Peers a Legh,Pe[...]l[...]ye[...] [...] commonly called Perkin a Lee, loſe his head, and commaunded the ſame to be ſet vp, vppon one of the higheſt turrets aboute all the Citie, and ſo that true and faithfull Gētleman, for his ſtedfaſt faith, and aſſured loyaltie to his louing ſoueraigne, thus loſt his life.

There came to him about the ſame tyme, or ſomewhat before, the Dukes of Aumarle and Surrey, the Lord Louell, and ſir Iohn Stanley, beſieching him to receiue him into his fauour.

By ſome writers it ſhould ſeeme,Out of M[...] Dees b[...]ke that not only the Duke of Exeter, but alſo y^e Duke of Surrey were ſent vnto Duke Henry from King Richard, and that Duke Henry ſtayed them bothe, and would not ſuffer them to returne to the king againe, keeping the Duke of Exeter ſtill aboute him, and committing the Duke of Surrey to priſon, within the Caſtell of Cheſter.

The King heerewith went to Beumaris, and after to Kaerna[...]on: but finding no prouiſion, either of vittailes or other things in thoſe Caſtels, no not ſo muche as a bed to lie in, hee came backe agayne to Conwey, and in the meane time, was the Caſtell of Holte, deliuered to the Duke of Hereford, by thoſe that had it in keping,Holt Caſtell deliuered to the Duke. wherein was great ſtore of Iewels, to the valew of two hundred thouſand markes, beſide an hundred thouſand markes in ready coyne.

After this, the Duke with aduice of counſell, ſente the Earle of Northumberlande vnto the King, accompanyed with foure hundred launces,S[...] write, [...] the Arc[...] [...] of Cant. and the Erle of Weſtmerland we[...] alſo with the Earle of Northu[...]er [...] to C[...]ey. and a thouſand archers, who commyng to y^e Caſtell of Flint, had it deliuered vnto him.

And from thence, hee hafted forthe towardes Conwey, but before he approched neere y^e place, hee left his power behind him, hid cloſely in two ambuſhes, behinde a craggie mountayne, beſyde the high way that leadeth from Flint to Conwey.

This done, taking not paſt foure or fiue with him, he paſſed foorth, till he came before y^e towne, and then ſending an Herrault to the Kyng, requeſted a ſafe conduct from the King, that hee might come and talke with him, which the kyng graunted,The Earle of Northumber [...] meſſage to the King. and ſo the Earle of Northumberlande paſſing the water, entred the Caſtell, and comming to the Kyng, declared to hym, that if it mighte pleaſe his grace to vndertake, that there ſhould be a Parliament aſſembled, in the whyche iuſtice might bee had, againſt ſuche as were enimies to the common wealthe, and had procured the deſtruction of the Duke of Glouceſter, and other noble men, and heerewith pardon the Duke of Hereford of all things wherein hee had offended him, the Duke woulde bee readye to come to him on his knees, to craue of him forgiuenes, and as an humble ſubiect, to obey hym in all dutifull ſeruices.

The king leaueth Conwaye caſtell, and be [...]th himſelf to his enimiesThe King taking aduice vppon theſe offers, and other made by the Earle of Northumberland on the behalfe of the Duke of Hereford: vppon the Earles othe, for aſſurance that the ſame ſhoulde bee performed in eache condition, agreed to goe with the Earle to meete the Duke, and heerevpon, taking their horſes, they rode forthe, but the Earle rode before, as it were, to prepare dynner for the King at Rutland, but commyng to the place where he had left his people, he ſtayed there with them.

The King keeping on his way, had not ridden paſt foure myles, when he came to the place where the ambuſhes were lodged, and being entred within daunger of them, before hee was aware, ſhewed himſelfe to bee ſore abaſſhed, but now there was no remedie: for the Earle beeyng there with his men, woulde not ſuffer him to returne, as he gladly would haue done if he might, but being encloſed with the Sea on the one ſide, and the rockes on the other, hauing his aduerſaries ſo neere at hande before hym, hee coulde not ſhift away by any meanes, for if he ſhoulde haue fledde backe, they mighte eaſily haue ouertaken hym, ere he could haue got out of theyr daunger, and thus of force hee was then conſtreyned to goe with the Earle, who broughte him to Rutlande, where they dyned, and from thence they rode vnto Flint to bed.

The King hadde very fewe about him of hys friendes, except only the Earle of Saliſburie, the Byſhop of Careleill, the Lord Stephē Scroupe, Sir N. [...] Fereby, a ſonne alſo of the Counteſſe of Saliſburie, and Ienico D[...]is,A conſtaunt ſeruaunt. a Gaſcoigne, that ſtill ware the cogniſance or deuiſe of his maſter King Richarde, that is to witte, a white hart, and would not putte it from him, neither for perſwaſions, nor threates, by reaſon whereof, when the Duke of Hereforde vnderſtood it, hee cauſed hym to bee committed to priſon, within the Caſtell of Cheſter.

Thys man was the laſt, as ſayth myne Author, whiche ware that deuiſe, and ſhewed well thereby his conſtant heart towardes hys maiſter, for the whiche it was thoughte hee ſhoulde haue loſt his life, but yet hee was pardoned, and at length reconciled to the Dukes fauour, after hee was King.

But now to oure purpoſe, King Richarde being thus come vnto the Caſtell of Flint, on the Monday, the eyghtenth of Auguſt, and y^e Duke of Hereforde beeyng ſtill aduertiſed from houre to houre by poſtes, how the Earle of Northumberlande ſpedde, the morrowe following beeyng Tuiſday, and the nintenth of Auguſt, he came thither, and muſtred hys armye before the kings preſence, whyche vndoubtedly made a paſſing fayre ſhewe, beyng very well ordered by the Lorde Henry Percye, that was appoynted generall, or rather as wee maye call hym, maiſter of the Campe, vnder the Duke, of the whole armye.

There were come already to the Caſtell, before the approching of the mayne armie, the Archebyſhoppe of Caunterburye, the Duke of Aumarle, the Earle of Worcetor, and dyuers other. The Archebyſhoppe entred fyrſte, and then followed the other, commyng into the firſte warde.

The King that was walking aloft on the brayes of the walles, to beholde the commyng of the Duke a farre off, myghte ſee, that the Archebyſhoppe and the other were came, and as hee tooke it to talke with him: wherevpon, hee forthwith came down vnto them, and beholding that they did theyr due reuerence to hym on theyr knees, hee tooke them vp, and drawing y^e Archebyſhop aſide from the reſidue, talked with hym a good while, and as it was reported, the Archebyſhoppe willed him to bee of good comforte, for hee ſhould bee aſſured, not to haue any hurte, as touching his perſon, but hee propheſied not as a Prelate, but as a Pilate, as by the ſequeale it well appeared.

Some write, as before in a marginall note I haue quoted, that the Archbyſhop of Caunterbury went with the Earle of Northumberlande vnto Conwey, and there talked with him: & further, that euen then, the King offered in conſideration of his inſufficiencie to gouerne, freely to reſigne the Crowne, and his Kingly title to the ſame, vnto the Duke of Hereforde: but for as much as thoſe that were continually attendante about the Kyng, during the whole tyme of hys abode at Conwey, and tyll hys commyng to Flynt, doe playnly affirme, that the Archbyſhop came not to hym, till this Tuiſday before hys remouing from Flint vnto Cheſter, it maye bee thought (the circumſtances wel conſidered) that he rather made that promiſe heere at Flint, than at Conwey, although by the tenor of an inſtrument, conteyning the declaration of the Archbyſhop of Yorke, and other commiſſioners ſent frō the eſtates aſſembled in the nexte Parliamente, vnto the ſaide Kyng, it is recorded to be at Conwey, as after ye may read. But ther may be ſome defaulte in the copie, as taking the one place for the other. But wherſoeuer this offer was made, after that the Archbyſhoppe hadde now heere at Flynt communed with the King, hee departed, and taking his horſe agayne, rode backe to meete the Duke, who began at that preſente to approche the Caſtell, and compaſſed it rounde about, euen downe to the Sea, with his people araunged in good and ſeemely order, at the foote of the mountaynes, and then the Earle of Northumberlande paſſing foorth of the Caſtell to the Duke, talked with him a whyle in ſighte of the King, being againe got vp to the walles, to take better viewe of the armie, beeyng nowe aduaunced within two bowe ſhootes of the Caſtell, to the ſmall reioycing yee maye bee ſure of the ſorowfull King.

The Earle of Northumberlande, returnyng to the Caſtell, appoynted the King to bee ſette to dynner, (for hee was faſting till then) and after he had dined, the Duke came downe to the Caſtell himſelfe, and entred the ſame all armed, hys baſſenet onely excepted, and beeing within the firſte gate, hee ſtayed there, tyll the Kyng came foorthe of the inner parte of the Caſtell vnto hym.

The Kyng accompanyed with the Biſhop of Careleill, the Earle of Saliſburie, and Sir Stephen Scrope Knight, who bare the ſword before hym, and a fewe other, came foorthe into the vtter warde, and ſate downe in a place prepared for hym: forthwith as the Duke gote ſighte of the Kyng, hee ſhewed a reuerente duetie as became him,The Dukes behauiour to the king at their meeting. in bowing his knee, and cōming foreward, did ſo likewiſe the ſeconde and thirde time, till the King tooke him by the hande, and lift him vppe, ſaying, deere Couſin, ye are welcome: the Duke humbly thanking him ſayde, My ſou[...] Lorde and Kyng, the cauſe of my comming at this preſente, is (your honour ſaued,The dukes [...].) to haue agayne reſtitution of my perſon, my landes and heritage, through your fauourable licence.

The King heerevnto aunſwered, deare Couſin, I am ready to accompliſh your will, [...]o that yee maye enioy all that is yours, without exception. And thus commyng togither, they came foorthe of the Caſtell, and the King there called for wine, and after they had dronke, they mounted on horſebacke, and rode that nyght to Flint,The king and the duke iourneys together towards London. and the nexte daye vnto Cheſter, the thirde vnto Nantwich, the fourth to Newcaſtell: heere with glad countenaunce, the Lorde Thomas Beauchamp Earle of Warwike, mette them, that had beene confyned into the Iſle of Man, as before ye haue hearde, but now was reuoked home by the Duke of Lancaſter. From Newcaſtel they [...]e to Stafford, and the ſixth daye vnto Lichefielde, and there reſted Sonday all day.

After this, they rode forthe, and lodged at theſe places enſuing, Couentrie, Dauntree, Northhampton, Dunſtable, Sainte Albons, and ſo came to London: neyther was the King permitted all this while to chaunge his apparrell, but rode ſtill through all theſe Townes ſimply clothed in one ſute of raymente, and yet hee was in his tyme exceeding ſumptuous in apparrell, in ſo muche, as hee had one coate, whiche he cauſed to be made for him of golde and ſtone,K. Richarde ſ[...] [...] apparell. valued at 30000. markes.

The King was nowe broughte vnto Weſtminſter the next way, and the Duke was receyued with all the ioy and pompe that myghte bee of the Londoners, and was lodged in the Byſhops Palace, by Poules Churche.

It was a wonder to ſee what great concourſe of people,The dukes receyuing into London. what number of Horſes came to hym on the way as he thus paſſed the Countreys, tyll his comming to London, where vpō his approch to the Citie, the Maior rode foorthe to receyue hym, and a great number of other Citizens. Alſo the Cleargie mette him with proceſſion, & ſuche ioy appeared in the countenaunces of the people, vttering the ſame alſo with words, as the lyke had not lightly bin ſeene: for in euery towne and village where he paſſed, children reioyced, womē clapped their handes, and men cryed out for ioy. But to ſpeake of the greate numbers of people that flocked togither in the fieldes and ſtreetes of London at his comming, I heere omitte, neyther wil I ſpeake of the preſents, welcommings, landes, and gratifications made to him, by the Citizens and communaltie.

But now to the purpoſe. The next day after his comming to London, the King from Weſtminſter, was had to the Tower,The king cō mited to the Tower. and there committed to ſafe cuſtodie. Many euill diſpoſed perſons, aſſembling themſelues togither in greate numbers, intended to haue met with him, and to haue taken him from ſuche as had the conueying of him, that they might haue ſlayne him: but the Maior and Aldermen gathered to them the worſhipfull Commoners, and graue Citizens, by whoſe policie, and not without much adoe, y^e other were reuoked from their euill purpoſe: albeit, before they might be pacified, they comming to Weſtminſter, tooke maiſter Iohn Sclake Deane of the Kings Chappell, and from thence brought him to Newgate, and there layde hym faſt in irons.

A Parliament in the kinges [...]e.After this, was a Parliamente called by the Duke of Lancaſter, vſing the name of King Richard in the writtes directed foorth to the Lordes, and other ſtates for theyr ſommonaunce.

This Parliamente began the thirtenth day of September, in the which, many haynous pointes of miſgouernaunce, and iniurious dealings in the adminiſtration of his kingly office, were layd to the charge of this noble Prince king Richard, the whiche (to the ende the commons myghte bee perſwaded, that he was an vnprofitable Prince to the common wealthe, and worthy to be depoſed) were engroſſed vp in .33. ſolemne Articles, heynous to the eares of all men, and to ſome almoſt incredible, the very effect of whiche Articles heere enſue, according to the copie whyche I haue ſeene, and is abridged by maſter Hall as followeth.

The Articles obiected to king Richard.Firſte, that Kyng Richarde waſtfully ſpente the treaſure of the Realme, and had giuen y^e poſſeſſions of the Crowne to menne vnworthy, by reaſon wherof, new charges more and more were laide in the neckes of the poore communalty. And where diuers Lords, as well Spiritual as Temporall, were appoynted by the high Courte of Parliament, to commune and treate of dyuers matters concerning the common wealthe of the Realme, which being buſie about the ſame commiſſion, he with other of his affinitie went about to empeach, and by force and menacing, compelled the iuſtices of y^e Realme at Shreweſburie to condiſcend to his opinion, for the deſtruction of y^e ſaid Lords, in ſo much, y^t he began to raiſe warre againſt Iohn Duke of Lancaſter, Richard Erle of Arundell, Thomas Erle of Warwike, & other Lordes, contrary to his honor and promiſe.
Item, that hee cauſed his Vncle the Duke of Glouceſter to be arreſted without lawe, and ſente him to Calais, and there withoute iudgemente murthered him, and although the Earle of Arū dell vpon his arreignement pleaded his Chartor of pardon, he could not be heard, but was in moſt vile & ſhamefull maner ſuddainely put to deathe.
Item, hee aſſembled certaine Lancaſhire and Cheſſhire men, to the intente to make warre on the ſame Lordes, and ſuffered them to robbe and pill, without correction or reprieue.
Item, although the King flateringly, and with greate diſſimulation, made proclamation thorough out the Realme, that the Lords before named, were not attached of anye crime of treaſon, but only for extortions & oppreſſiōs done in this realme, yet he layde to them in the Parliament rebellion, and manifeſt treaſon.
Item, he hathe compelled diuers of the ſayde Lordes, ſeruauntes, and friends, by menace and extreame paynes, to make greate fines, to their vtter vndoing and notwithſtanding hys pardon, yet he made them fyne of newe.
Item, where diuers were appoynted to commune of the ſtate of the Realme, and the common wealthe thereof, the ſame King cauſed all the rolles and recordes to bee kept from them, cō trarie to promiſe made in the Parliamente, to his open diſhonor.
Item, he vncharitably commaunded, that no man, vpon paine of loſſe of life and goodes, ſhould once intreate him for the returne of Henry nowe Duke of Lancaſter.
Item, where this Realme is holden of God, and not of the Pope or other Prince, the ſayde King Richard, after hee hadde obteyned dyuers Actes of Parliament, for his owne peculiar profit and pleaſure, then hee obteyned Bulles and extreame cenſures from Rome, to compell all men ſtraightly to keepe the ſame, contrary to the honour and auntiente priuiledges of thys Realme.
Item, although the Duke of Lancaſter hadde done his deuoyre againſte Thomas Duke of Northfolke in proofe of his quarrell, yet the ſayde King, without reaſon or ground, baniſhed hym the Realme for tenne yeares, contrarye to all equitie.
Item, before the Dukes departure, hee vnder hys broade ſcale [...]nced him to ma[...]e atturneys, to proſecute and defende his cauſes: the fayde King after his departure, woulde ſuffer none attourney to appeare for him, but did wyth his at his pleaſure.
Item the ſame king put oute diuers Sheriffes lawfully elected, and put in their [...]oomthes diuers other of his owne, ſubuerting the lawe, contrary to his othe and honor.
Item, he borowed great ſummes of money, & bound him vnder his letters patents, for the repaymente of the ſame, & yet not one peny payde.
Item, hee taxed men at the will of hym and his vnhappie counſayle, and the ſame treaſure ſpent in folly, not paying poore men for their vittayle and viande.
Item, hee ſayde, that the lawes of the Realme were in his head, and ſometimes in hys breſt, by reaſon of whych fantaſticall opinion, he deſtroyed noble menne, and empoueriſhed the poore commons.
Item, the Parliamente ſetting and enacting diuers notable ſtatutes, for the profit and aduauncemente of the common wealthe, hee by hys priuie friendes and ſolicitors cauſed to be enactect, that no Acte then enacted, ſhoulde bee more preiudiciall to him, than it was to anye of hys predeceſſors: through whyche prouiſo, hee dyd often as hee liſted, and not as the Lawe did meane.
Item, for to ſerue his purpoſe, hee woulde ſuffer the Sherifes of the Shire, to remayne aboue one yeare or two.
Item, at the ſummonance of y^e Parliament, when Knightes and burgeſſes ſhould be elected, that the election hadde beene full proceeded, hee putte out dyuers perſons elected, and putte other in theyr places, to ſerue hys will and appetite.
Item, hee hadde priuie eſpials in euery Shire, to heare who hadde of hym anye communication, and if hee communed of hys laſeiuios lyuing, or outrageous doyngs, hee ſtraightewayes was apprehended, and put to a greeuous fyne.
Item, the Spiritualtie alledged againſt hym, that he at hys goyng into Irelande, exacted many notable ſummes of money, beſide plate and iewels, without lawe or cuſtome, contrary to his othe taken at his coronation.
Item, where dyuers Lordes and Iuſtices were ſworne to ſaye the troth of dyuers thyngs to them committed in charge, both for the honor of the Realme, and profite of the Kyng, the ſayde King ſo menaced them with ſore threatnings, that no man woulde or durſt ſaye the righte.
Item, that without the aſſente of the nobilitie, he carried the iewelles, plate, and Treaſure ouer into Ireland, to the great empoueriſhmente of the Realme: and all the good recordes for the common wealthe, and againſte hys extorcions, hee cauſed priuily to be embeſyled, and conueyed away.
Item, in all leagues and letters to be concluded or ſent to the See of Rome, or other regions, his writing was ſo ſubtill and darke, that no other Prince once beleeued him, nor yet his owne ſubiectes.
Item, hee moſt tyrannouſly and vnprincely ſayde, that the lyues and goodes of all his ſubiectes were in his handes, and at hys diſpoſition.
Item, that contrarye to the greate Char[...] of Englande, hee cauſed diuers iuſtie menne to appeale dyuers olde menne, vpon matters determinable, at the common lawe in the Court Ma[...] all, bycauſe that there is no tryall, but onely by battayle: wherevppon, the ſayde aged perſons, fearyng the ſequele of the matter, ſubmitted thē ſelues to his mercie, whome hee fyned and raunſomed vnreaſonably at his pleaſure.
Item, he craftely deuiſed certaine priuie othes, contrary to the lawe, and cauſed diuers of hys ſubiectes firſte to be ſworne to obſerue the ſame, and after bounde them in bondes, for keeping of the ſame, to the greate vndoing of manye honeſt men.
Item, where the Chancellor, according to the lawe, would in no wiſe graunt a prohibition to a certayne perſon, the King graunted it vnto the ſame, vnder his priuie ſeale, with greate threatenings, if it ſhoulde be diſobeyed.
Item, hee baniſhed the Biſhoppe of Caunterburie without cauſe or Iudgement, and kepte hym in the Parliamente chamber with men of armes.
Item, the Byſhoppes goodes hee graunted to hys ſucceſſor, vppon condition, that he ſhoulde mayneteyne all his Statutes made at Shreweſburie, Anno .21. and the Statutes made Anno 22. at Couentrie.
Item, vppon the accuſation of the ſayde Byſhoppe, the Kyng craftely perſwaded hym, to make no aunſwere, for hee woulde bee his warrante, and aduiſed hym not to come to the Parliamente, and ſo withoute aunſwere hee was condemned and exiled, and hys goodes ſeaſed.

Theſe bee all the Articles of any effecte, whych were layde agaynſte hym, ſauing foure other, whyche touched onely the Archebyſhoppes matter, whoſe working wroughte Kyng Richarde at length from hys crowne.

Then for as muche as theſe Articles, and other haynous and deteſtable accuſations were layde agaynſte hym in open Parliament, it was thought by the moſt parte, that hee was worthy to bee depoſed of all Kingly honor, and princely gouernemente: and to bring the matter without ſlaunder the better to paſſe, dyuers of the Kyngs ſeruauntes, whyche by licence had arceſſe to hys perſon, comforted hym (beyng with ſorrowe almoſt conſumed, and in manner halfe dead) in the beſt wiſe they coulde, exhorting hym to regarde his health, and ſaue his life.

And fyrſt they aduiſed hym willingly to ſuffer hymſelfe to bee depoſed,The King is perſ[...] [...]a reſigne the Crowne to the Duke. and to reſigne hys righte of hys owne accorde, ſo that the Duke of Lancaſter myghte withoute murther or battaile obteyne the Scepter and Diademe, after which they well perceyued hee gaped: by meane whereof they thought hee might be in perfect aſſurance of his life long to continue. Whether thys their perſwaſion proceeded by the ſuborning of the Duke of Lancaſter and his fauourers, or of a ſincere affection which they bare to the K. as ſuppoſing it moſt ſureſt in ſuch an extremity, it is vncertain, but yet the effect followed not, howſoeuer their meaning was: notwithſtāding the K. being now in the hands of his enimies, & vtterly diſpayring of all comforte, was eaſily perſwaded to renounce his Crowne and princely preheminence, ſo that in hope of life only, he agreed to all things that were of him demaunded.Fabian. And ſo (as it ſhould ſeeme by the Copie of an Inſtrument hereafter following) he renounced and voluntarily was depoſed from his royal Crowne, and kingly dignitie, the Monday being the .xxix. day of September, and feaſt of Saint Michaell the Archangell, in the yeare of our Lorde .1399. and in the .xxiij. yeare of his raigne. The Copie of which Inſtrument here enſueth.

A copy of the inſtrument making the de[...]ation of the [...]iſsi [...]e [...] the eſtates in Parliament vnto K. Richard.THis preſent Indenture made the .xxix. day of September, and feaſt of Saint Michaell, in the yeare of our Lorde .1399. and the .xxiij. yeare of king Richarde the ſeconde. Witneſſeth that where by the authoritie of the Lordes ſpirituall and temporall of this preſent Parliament, and Commons of the ſame, the right honourable and diſcrete perſons herevnder named, were by the ſayde authoritie aſſigned to go to the Tower of London, there to heare and teſtifie ſuch queſtions and anſweres as then and there ſhoulde be by the ſayde honourable and diſcrete perſones hearde: Know al men to whom theſe preſent letters ſhall come, that we, ſir Richard Scrope Archbiſhop of Yorke, Iohn Biſhop of Hereforde, Henrie Earle of Northumberlande, Raufe Earle of Weſtmerlande, Thomas Lorde Berkeley, William Abbot of Weſtminſter, Iohn Prior of Canterburie, William Thyrning & Hugh Burnell knights, Iohn Markham Iuſtice, Thomas Stow and Iohn Buchage doctors of the Law ciuill, Thomas Erpingham and Thomas Grey knightes, Thomas Fereby and Denis Lopeham notaries publike, the day and yere aboueſayd, betwene the houres of eight and nine of the clock before [...] were preſent in the chiefe Chamber of the Kings lodging, within the ſayde place of the Tower, where was rehearſed vnto the king by the mouth of the foreſayde Earle of Northumberlande, that before time at Conway in Northwales,This promiſe he made at [...] rather thē at Cōuey as by t[...] which goeth before it may be partly coniectured the [...]g being there at his pleaſure and libertie, promiſed vnto the Archbiſhop of Canterburie then Thomas Arundell, and vnto the ſayde Earle of Northumberlande, that he for inſufficiencie which doe knewe himſelfe to bee of, to occupie to greate a charge, as to gouerne the Realme of Englande, he would gladly leaue off and renounce his [...]ight & title, as well of that as of his [...]le to the crowne of Fraunce, and his maieſtie royall, vnto Henrie Duke of Hereforde, and that to doe in ſuch conuenient wife, as by the learned men of this lande it ſhoulde moſt ſufficiently be deuiſed and ordeyned. To the whiche rehearſall, the king in ouer ſayde preſences anſwered beningly and ſaid, that ſuch promiſe he made, and ſo to doe the ſame, he was at that houre in ful purpoſe to performe and fulfill, ſauing that he deſired firſt to haue perſonal ſpeache with the ſayde Duke, and with the archbiſhop of Canterburie his couſins. And further, he deſired to haue a bill drawne of the ſayd reſignation, that he might bee perfite in the rehearſall thereof.

After which [...]il drawne, & a copie therof to him by me the ſaye Erle deliuered, we the ſayd Lords and other departed and vpon the ſame after noone the king loking for the cōming of the duke of Lā caſter, at the laſt the ſayd duke, with the Archb. of Cant. and the perſones afore recited, entred the foreſayde Chamber, bringing wyth them the Lords Roos, Burgeyny, and Willough[...], with diuerſe other. Where after due obeyſance done do thē vnto the king, hee familiarly and with a glad countenance (as to them and vs appeared talked with the ſayde Archbiſhop and Duke a good ſeaſon, and that communicatiō finiſhed, the king with glad countenance in preſence of vs and the other aboue rehearſed, ſayde openly that he was readie to renounce and reſigne all his kingly Maieſtie in maner and forme as hee before had promiſed. And although he had and might ſufficiently haue declared his renouncement by the reading of an other meane perſon, yet for the more fiftene of the matter, and for that the ſayd reſignation ſhoulde haue his full force and ſtrength, himſelfe therfore read the ſcroll of reſignation, in maiſter and forme as followeth.

IN the name of God Amen.The tenor of the inſtrumēt wherby king Richard reſigneth the crowne to the D. of Lancaſter

I Richard by the grace of God, king of Englande and of Fraunce. [...] Lorde of Irelande, [...] a[...] ſoyle all Archbiſhops, Biſhoppes, and other Prelates, ſecular, or religious, of what dignitie, degree, ſtate, o[...] condition ſo euer they [...] of, and alſo al Dukes, Marqueſ[...] Erles, [...] Lordes, and all my liege men, both ſpirituall, and ſecular, of what maner or degree they [...] from their othe de fealtie and homage, and all other deedes alſo priuiledges made vnto me, and from all manner bondes of allegiance, regalme and lordſhippe, [...] which they were or be bounden to mee, or any otherwiſe conſtrayned, and them then heyres and ſucceſſors for euermore, from the ſame bandes, and othes, I releaſe, deliuer and acq[...]e, and ſet them for free, diſſolued, and acqui[...]ite, and to [...]re harmeleſſe, for as much as longeth to my perſon by any maner way or tytle of right that to mee might follow, of the foreſayde things or any of them. And alſo I reſigne all my kingly dignitie, Maieſtie and crowne, with all the Lordſhippes, power, and priuiledges to the foreſayde kingly dignitie and Crowne belonging, and all other Lordſhippes and poſſeſſions to me in any maner of wiſe perteyning, what name or condition they be of, except the landes and poſſeſſions for mee and mine obite purchaſed and bought. And I renounce all right, and all maner of title of poſſeſſion, which I euer had or haue in the ſame lordſhippes and poſſeſſions, or any of them, with any maner of rightes belonging or apperteyning vnto anye parte of them. And alſo the rule and gouernaunce of the ſame kingdome and Lordſhippes, with all miniſtrations of the ſame, and all things and euerye eche of them, that to the whole Empyre and iuriſdictions of the ſame, belongeth of right or in any wiſe may belong. And alſo I renounce the name, worſhip, & regaltie and kingly highneſſe, clearly, freely, ſingularly and wholy, in the moſt beſt maner and fourme that I may, and wyth deede and worde I leaue off and reſigne them, and goe from them for euermore, ſauing alwayes to my ſucceſſours kings of Englande, all the rightes, priuiledges and appurtenaunces to the ſayde kingdome and Lordſhips aboueſayde belonging and apperteyning. For well I wote and knowledge, and deeme my ſelfe to bee, and haue beene vnſufficient and vnable, and alſo vnprofitable, and for my open deſertes, not vnworthie to bee put downe. And I ſweare vpon the holy Euangelyſts here preſently with my handes touched, that I ſhall neuer repugne to this reſignation, demiſſion or yeelding vp, nor neuer impugne them in any manner by worde or by deede by my ſelfe nor by none other: nor I ſhall not ſuffer it to bee impugned, in as much as in mee is priuily, or apert. But I ſhall haue holde and keepe this renouncing, dimiſſion, and leauing vp for fyrme and ſtable for euermore in all and euery part thereof, ſo God mee helpe and all Saintes, and by this holy Euangeliſt, by me bodily touched and kiſſed. And for more recorde of the ſame, here openly I ſubſcribe and ſigne this preſent reſignation with mine owne hande.

And forthwith in our preſences and other, be ſubſcribed the ſame, and after deliuered it vnto the Archbiſhop of Caunterburie, ſaying that if it were in his power, or at his aſſignment, hee woulde that the Duke of Lancaſter there preſent ſhould be his ſucceſſour, and King after him.

And in token hereof, hee tooke a Ring of gold from his finger being his Signet, and put it vpon the ſayde Dukes finger, deſiring and requyring the Archebiſhoppe of Yorke, and the Byſhoppe of Hereforde, to ſhewe and make reporte vnto the Lordes of the Parliament of his voluntarie reſignation, and alſo of his intent and g[...] minde that hee bare towardes his couſin the Duke of Lancaſter, to haue him hys Succeſſour and theyr King after him. And thys done, euery man tooke theyr leaue and returned to theyr owne.

Vpon the Morrowe after beeing Tueſday, and the laſt day of September, all the Lords ſpirituall and temporall, with the Commons of the ſayde Parliament, aſſembled at Weſtmynſter, where in the preſence of them, the Archbiſhoppe of Yorke, and the Biſhoppe of Hereforde, according to the Kings requeſt, ſhewed vnto them the voluntarie renouncing of the king, with the fauor alſo whiche he bare to his couſin of Lancaſter for to haue him his ſucceſſor.

And moreouer ſhewed vnto them the ſcedule or byll of renouncement, ſigned with king Rychardes owne hand, which they cauſed to be read firſt in Latine, as it was written, and after in Engliſhe.

This done, the queſtion was firſt aſked of the Lordes, if they would admit and allow that renouncement:K. Richarde reſ[...] confirmed by the parliament The which when it was of them graunted and confirmed, the like queſtion was aſked of the commons, and of them in like maner confirmed.

After this, it was then declared, that notwithſtanding the foreſayde renouncing, ſo by the Lords and Commons admitted and confirmēd, it were neceſſarie in auoyding of all ſuſpitions and ſurmiſes of euill diſpoſed perſons, to haue in wryting and regiſtred the manifolde crymes and defaults before done by K. Ri. to y^e ende that they might firſt bee openly declared to the people, and after to remaine of recorde amongſt other of the kings recordes for euer: which was done accordingly: for the articles which before ye haue heard were drawne and engroſſed vp, and there ſhewed ready to be read, but for other cauſes more needful as thē to be preferred, the reading of thoſe articles at that ſeaſon was deferred.

Then foraſmuch as the Lordes of the Parliament had well conſidered the voluntarie reſignation of king Richarde, and that it was behouefull and as they thought neceſſary for the weale of the realme, to proceede vnto the ſentence of his depoſing, there were appoynted by the authoritie of al the eſtates there in Parliamēt aſſembled, the Biſhop of Saint Aſaph, the Abbot of Glaſtenburie, the Erle of Glouceſter, the Lorde Berkley. William Thirning iuſtice, and Tho. Expingham & Th. Gray knights, y^t they ſhuld giue & pronoūce the opē ſentence of the depoſing of king Richarde Wherevpon the ſayde. Commiſſioners taking counſaile togither, by good and deliberate aduiſe therein had, with one aſſent agreed, that the B. of S. Aſaph ſhoulde publiſh the ſentence for them and in their names as followeth.

IN the name of God Amen. We Iohn B. of S. Aſaph,The publica [...]io[...] of King Richards depoſing. Iohn Abbot of Glaſtenburie, Thomas erle of Glouceſter, Thomas L. Barkley, Wil. Thirninge Iuſtice, Thomas Erpingham and Thomas Gray knights, choſē & deputed ſpeciall cōmiſſaries by the thre eſtates of thys preſent Parliament, repreſenting the whole body of the realme, for all ſuch matters by the ſayde eſtates to vs committed: we vnderſtanding & conſidering the manifold crymes, hurts, and harmes done by Richarde king of England, and miſgouernance of the ſame by a long time, to the great decay of the ſayd land, and vtter ruine of the ſame ſhortly to haue bin, had not the ſpeciall grace of our God therevnto put the ſooner remedie: and alſo furthermore aduerting, that the ſayd king Richard by acknowledging his own inſufficiencie, hath of his owne mere volunte and free will, renounced and giuen ouer the rule and gouernance of this lande, with all rights and honors vnto the ſame belonging, and vtterly for his merites hath iudged himſelfe not vnworthily to be depoſed of all kingly Maieſtie and eſtate roial. We the premiſſes well conſidering by good and diligent deliberation, by the power, name, and authoritie to vs (as aboue is ſaid) committed, pronounce, diſcern, and declare the ſame king Richard, before this to haue bin, and to be vnprofitable, vnable, vnſufficient, & vnworthy to the rule and gouernaunce of the foreſayde realmes and Lordſhips, and of all rights and other the appurtenances to the ſame belonging. And for the ſame cauſes we depriue him of al kingly dignitie and worſhip, and of any kingly worſhip in himſelf. And we depoſe him by our ſentence definitiue, forbidding expreſly to all Archbiſhops, Biſhops, & all other prelates, dukes, Marqueſſes, Erles, Barons and Knights, and al other men of the foreſayde kingdome and Lordſhips, ſubiects, and lieges whatſoeuer they be, that none of them from this day forward, to the foreſayd Richard as K. & lord of the foreſaid realmes and lordſhips be neither obedient nor attendant.

After which ſentence thus openly declared, the ſaid eſtates admitted forthwith the forenamed cōmiſſioners for their procurators, to reſigne and yeeld vp vnto king Richard, al their homage and fealty, which in times paſt they had made & ought vnto him, and alſo for to declare vnto him (if need were) all thinges before done that concerned the purpoſe and cauſe of his depoſing: the which reſignation was reſpited till the morow folowing.

Immediatly as the ſentence was in this wiſe paſſed, & that by reaſon therof the realm ſtood void without head or gouernor for the time, the Duke of Lancaſter riſing from the place where he before ſate, and ſtanding where all thoſe in the houſe might behold him, in reuerent maner made a ſign of the croſſe on his forehed, & likewiſe on his breſt, & after ſilence by an officer cōmaūded, ſaid vnto y^e people there being preſent, theſe words following.

IN the name of the father, and of the ſon,The Duke of Lancaſter claymeth the Crowne. and of the holy ghoſt. I Henrie of Lancaſter clayme the realme of England and the crowne, with all the appurtenances, as I that am diſcended by right line of the bloud cōming frō that good Lord king Henrie the thirde, and through the right that God of his grace hath ſent to me, with the helpe of my kyn, and of my friends, to recouer the ſame which was in poynt to be vndone for default of good gouernance and due iuſtice.

After whiche words thus by him vttered, he returned and ſate him down in the place where before he had ſitten.

Then the Lords hauing heard and wel perceiued this claime thus made by this noble man, ech of them aſked of other what they thought therin. At length after a little pauſing or ſtay made, the Archb. of Cāterburie hauing notice of the minds of the Lordes,The demaund of the Archbi. of Canterbury to the commons. ſtood vp and aſked the commons if they woulde aſſent to the Lordes, which in theyr mindes thought the clayme of the Duke made, to bee rightfull and neceſſarie for the wealth of the realme and them all: wherevnto the Commons with one voyce cried, yea, yea, yea. After which anſwere, the ſayd Archbiſhop going to the duke, and kneeling downe before him on his knee, addreſſed to him his purpoſe in fewe wordes. The which when he had ended, he roſe,Tho. VValſ. and taking the duke by the right hād, led him vnto the kings ſeat,The Duke of Herford placed in the regal throne. the Archbiſhop of Yorke aſſyſting him, and with great reuerence ſet him therein, after that the duke had firſt vpon his knees made his prayer in deuout maner vnto almightie God. When he thus was placed in his throne to the great reioyſing of the people,The Archbi. preacheth. y^e Archb. of Cant. began a brief collatiō taking for his theme theſe wordes, written in the firſt booke of kings the ninth Chapter. Vir dominabitur in populo, handling the ſame & the whole tenour of his tale to the prayſe of the King, whoſe ſettled iudgement, grounded wiſedome, perfite reaſon, and rype diſcretion was ſuch, (ſayd he) as declared him to bee no childe, neyther in yeares, nor in lighte conditions, but a manne able and meete for the gouernment of a Realme, ſo that there was no ſmall cauſe of comforte miniſtred to them through the fauourable goodneſſe of almightie God, which had prouided them of ſuche a gouernour, as lyke a diſcreete Iudge ſhall deeme in cauſes by ſkylfull doomes, and rule hys Subiectes in vpryghte equitie, ſettyng aparte all wylfull pleaſures, and chyldiſhe inconſtancie.

After the Archbiſhop had ended, wiſhing that it might ſo come to paſſe, the people anſwered Amen.

The wordes of the elected kingThe king then ſtanding on his feet, ſaid vnto the Lordes and Cōmons there preſent: I thanke you my Lordes both ſpirituall and temporal, and all the ſtates of this lande, and doe you to witte, that it is not my will that any man thinke, that I by the way of conqueſt, would diſinherite any man of his heritage, franches, or other ryghtes, that him ought to haue of right, nor for to putte him out of that which he now enioyeth, and hath had before time by cuſtome of good law of thys realme, except ſuch priuate perſons as haue beene againſt the good purpoſe, and the common profit of the realme.

When hee had thus ended, then all the Sherifes and other officers were put in their authorities againe, to exerciſe the ſame as before, whiche they could not doe whileſt the kings royal throne was voyde.

Tho. VValſ.Moreouer a Proclamation was made, that the ſtates ſhoulde aſſemble againe in Parliament on Monday then next enſuing, beeing the feaſt day of S. Fayth, whiche is the ſixt of October, and that the Monday then next following, being the .xiij. of the ſame Moneth, and the feaſt day of Saint Edward the king,The coronatiō proclaymed. and Confeſſor, the coronation ſhould be ſolemniſed, and that al ſuch as had to clayme any ſeruice to be done by them at the ſame by any tenure, they ſhoulde come to the white Hall in the kings Palace, afore the ſteward Marſhall and Coneſtable of Englande, on Saterday next before the ſame day of y^e Parliamēt,The parliamēt and preſenting their petitions that were due and rightfull, they ſhould obteyne that to them apperteyned. Excuſe was alſo made on the kings behalfe, for calling a Parliament vpon ſo ſhort a warning ſo as the knights and Burgeſſes were not chaunged, but onely appoynted to aſſemble againe, as if the other Parliament had rather bin continued than diſ[...]owed. The cauſe was [...] ged to bee for eaſing of the charges that [...] haue ryſen if eche man had bene ſent hom[...] new knightes and burgeſſes called. Theſe [...] done, the king roſe from his place, and [...] cheerefull and right courteous countenaunce regarding the people, went to whyte Hall, w[...] the ſame day he helde a great feaſt.

In the after Noone were Proclamations made in the accuſtomed places of the E[...] in the name of king Henrie the fourth.King Henry the fourth proclaymed.

On the morrow following being Wedneſday, and firſt of October, the Procurators [...] named, repayred to the Tower of London; and there ſignified to king Richarde of the admiſſion of King Henrie. And the aforeſayde Iuſtice William Thyrning in name of the other, and for all the ſtates of the lande,King Richard dep[...]ed. renounced vnto the ſayde Richarde late king, all homage and [...] vnto him before time due, in maner and forme as apperteyned.

And thus was King Richarde depriued of all kingly honour and princely dignitie, by reaſon he was ſo giuen to followe euill counſaile, and vſed ſuche inconuenient wayes and meanes, through inſolēt miſgouernāce, & youthful outrage, though otherwiſe a righte noble and woorthie Prince: He raigned .xxij. yeares, three moneths, and .viij. dayes.

He deliuered to king Henrie now that he was thus depoſed, all the goodes that he had,Hall. to the ſumme of three hundred thouſande poundes in coyne, beſides Plate and Iewels, as a pledge and ſatiſfaction of the iniuries by him committed and done, in hope to bee in more ſuretie of life for the deliuerie thereof: but whatſoeuer was promiſed, he was deceyued therein. For ſhortly after his reſignation, hee was conueyed to the Caſtell of Leedes in Kent, and from thence to Pumfret, where he departed out of this miſerable life (as after you ſhal heare.) He was ſeemely of ſhape and fauour, and of nature good ynough,His perſ[...] if the wickedneſſe and naughtie demeanor of ſuch as were about him had not altered it. His chaunce verily was greatly infortunate, whiche fell into ſuche calamitie, that hee tooke it for the beſte waye hee coulde deuiſe to renounce hys Kingdome, for the whiche mortall menne are accuſtomed to hazarde all they haue to atteyne therevnto: but ſuch myſfortune, or the lyke oftentymes falleth vnto thoſe Princes, whiche when they are aloft, caſt no doubt for perilles that maye followe. He was prodigall, ambitious, and muche giuen to the pleaſure of the bodie.Harding. Hee kept the greateſt port, and mainteyned the moſt plentifull houſe that euer any king in Englande did eyther before his time or ſince.The noble houſe kep[...] of K. Richa[...]

There reſorted dayly to his court aboue .x.M. perſons that had meate and drinke there allowed them. In his kitchen there were three hundred ſeruitors, and euerie other office was furniſhed after the like rate: Of Ladies, Chamberers, & Laū derers, there were aboue three hūdred at the leaſt. And in gorgeous and coſtly apparell they exceeded all meaſure,Exceſſe in app[...]l. not one of them that kept within the boundes of his degree. Yeomen & Groomes were clothed in ſilkes, with clothe of graine and ſkarlet, ouer ſumptuous ye may be ſure for theyr eſtates. And this vanitie was not onely vſed in the Court in thoſe dayes, but alſo other people abrode in the townes and Countreys, had theyr garments cutte farre otherwiſe than had beene accuſtomed afore his dayes, with embroderyes, riche furres, and goldſmithes worke, and euerie day there was deuiſing of newe faſhions, to the greate hynderaunce and decay of the common wealth.

Moreouer ſuch were preferred to Biſhoprikes, and other Eccleſiaſtical lyuings,Ignorant pro [...] as neither could teache nor preache, nor knewe any thing of the ſcripture of God, but onely to call for theyr tithes and dueties, ſo that they were moſte vnworthie the name of Biſhops, being lewd and moſt vaine perſons diſguiſed in Biſhops apparell.

Moreouer there reigned abundantly the filthie ſinne of lecherie and fornication, with abhominable adulterie, ſpecially in the king, but moſte chiefly in the prelacie, whereby the whole realme by ſuch their euill enſample, was ſo infected, that the wrath of God was dayly prouoked to vengeance, for the ſinnes of the Prince and hys people.

Thus haue ye heard what wryters do report touching the ſtate of the time and doings of this king. But if I may boldly ſay what I think: he was a Prince the moſt vnthankfully vſed of hys ſubiects, of any one of whom ye ſhal lightly read. For although through the frailtie of youth he demeaned himſelfe more diſſolutely than ſeemed conuenient for his royall eſtate, and made choyſe of ſuch Counſaylers as were not fauoured of the people, wherby he was the leſſe fauoured himſelf: yet in no kings days were the commons in greater wealth, if they could haue perceyued their happie ſtate: neither in any other time were the Nobles and Gentlemen more cheriſhed, nor Churchmen leſſe wronged: but ſuch was their ingratitude towardes their bountifull and louing ſoueraigne, that thoſe whome he had chiefly aduaunced, were readieſt to controll him, for that they might not rule all things at their will, and remoue from him ſuch as they miſlyked, and place in theyr rowmthes whome they thought good, and that rather by ſtrong hande, than by gentle and courteous meanes, which ſtirred ſuch malice betwixt him and them, till at length it could not be aſſwaged without perill of deſtruction to them both.

The Duke of Glouceſter chiefe inſtrument of this miſchiefe, to what ende hee came yee haue heard: and although his nephewe the Duke of Hereforde, tooke vpon him to reuenge his death, yet wāted he moderation and loyaltie in hys doings, for the which both he himſelf and his l[...]neal race were ſcourged afterwardes, as a due puniſhment with rebellious ſubiects, ſo as deſerued vengeance ſeemed not to ſtay long for his ambitious crueltie, that could not be contented to driue king Richard to reſigne his Crowne and regall dignitie ouer vnto him, except hee alſo ſhoulde take from him his guiltleſſe life.

But to let this paſſe to the conſideration of the learned: according to our order, I will ſhewe what wryters of our Engliſh nation liued in his dayes, as wee finde them in Iohn Bales Centuries.

Firſt Henrie Bederic, otherwiſe ſurnamed of Burie, after the name of the towne where hee is thought to haue bin borne, an Auguſtine Frier: Simon Alcocke: Vthred Bolton a Monke of Durham, but borne in the borders of Wales, beyond Seuerne: William Iordan a black Frier: Iohn Hilton a Frier Minor: Iohn Clipton'a Carmelite Frier in Notingham: Henrie Daniel a black Frier & a good Phiſition: Raufe Marhā: Iohn Marcheley a gray Frier, or cordelier as ſome call them: Thomas Broome a Carmelite Frier of London: Iohn Bridlington borne in Yorkeſhire: William Thorne an Auguſtine Frier of Canterburie, an Hiſtoriographer: Adam Merimouth a Canon of Saint Paules Church in London, that wrote two treatiſes of hyſtoricall matters, the o[...]e intituled Chronicon. 40 annorum, & the other, Chronicon. 60. an. Simon Bredon borne in Winchcombe, a doctor of Phiſicke, and a ſkilfull Aſtronomer: Iohn Thompſon, borne in Norffolk in a village of that name, and a Carmelite frier in Blackney: Thomas Winterton borne in Lincolnſhyre, and an Auguſtine Frier in Stamford: William Packington Secretarie ſometime to the blacke Prince, an excellēt hiſtoriographer: Geffray Hinghā a ciuilian: Iohn Botleſham borne in Cambridgeſhire a black Frier: William Badby a Carmelite frier, Biſhop of Worceſter, and confeſſor to the Duke of Lancaſter: William Folleuille a Frier minor borne in Lincolnſhire: Iohn Bourgh parſon of Collinghā in Notinghāſhire a doct. of diuinity, and Chancellor of the vniuerſitie of Cambridge: William Sclade a Monke of Buckefaſt Abbay in Deuonſhire: Iohn Thoreſbie Archbiſhop of Yorke, and Lord Chauncellor of England, was admitted by Pope Vrbane the fifth into the Colledge of Cardinals, but he died before K. Richard came to the Crowne aboute the .xlviij. yeare of king Edwarde the thirde, in the yeare of our lord 1374. Thomas Aſhborne an Auguſtine Frier: Iohn Aſtone an earneſt follower of Wicklifes doctrine, and therefore condemned to perpetuall priſon: Caſterton a Monke of Norwiche, and an excellent diuine: Nicholas Radclife a monke of S. Albones: Iohn Aſhwarby a diuine, and a fauorer of Wicklifs doctrine: Richard Maydſton ſo called of the towne in Kent where hee was borne, a Carmelite Frier of Aylefford: Iohn Wardby an Auguſtine Frier, and a great diuine: Robert Waldby excellently learned as well in diuinitie as other artes,Adunerfis Epiſcopus. for the which he was firſt aduaunced to a Biſhoprike in Gaſcoigne, and after he was admitted Archbiſhoppe of Dubline: William Berton a doctor of diuinitie, and Chā cellor of the Vniuerſitie of Oxford, an aduerſarie to Wicklif: Philip Repingtō Abbot of Leyceſter a notable diuine & defēder of Wicklife: Thomas Lombe a Carmelite Frier of Lynne: Nicholas Hereford a ſecular prieſt, a doctor of diuinitie, and ſcholer to Wicklife: Walter Britte alſo another of Wicklifs ſcholers, wrote both of diuinitie and other arguments: Henry Herkley Chauncellour of the vniuerſitie of Oxford, an enimie to Wicklife, and a great Sophiſter: Robert Iuorie a Carmelite Frier of London, and the .xx. prouinciall of his order here in Englande: Lankine a Londoner, an Auguſtine Frier, profeſſed in the ſame Citie a doctor of diuinitie, an aduerſarie to Wicklife: Wil. Gillingham a Monke of Saint Sauiours in Canterburie: Iohn Chilmarke a fellow of Marton Colledge in Oxford, a great Philoſopher and Mathemetician: Iohn Sharpe a Philoſopher, and a diuine, wrote many treatiſes, a great aduerſarie to Wicklife: Richard Lauingham borne in Suffolke, and a Frier of Gipſwich, an excellent Logitian, but a ſore enimie to thē that fauored Wicklifes doctrine: Peter Pateſhull, of whom ye haue heard before: it is ſayde that hee was in the ende conſtrayned for doubt of perſecution to flie into Boheme: William Woodforde a Franciſcane Frier, a choſen champion agaynſt Wicklife beeing nowe dead, procured thereto by the Archbiſhop of Canterburie Thomas Arundell: Iohn Bromyard a Dominicke Frier, both a notable lawyer and a diuine, a ſore enimie alſo to the Wickliniſtes: Marcill Ingelne an excellent Philoſopher, and a diuine, one of the firſt teachers of the Vniuerſitie of Heydelberg, which Robert duke of Baniere and Counte Palatine of the Rhine had inſtituted about that ſeaſon: Richarde Northall ſonne to a Maior of London, (as is ſayd) of that name, he became a Carmelite Frier in the ſame Citie: Thomas Edwardſon Prior of the Frier Auguſtines at Clare in Suffolke: Iohn Sommer a Franciſcan Frier at Bridgewater, an enimie to the Wickliuiſtes: Richard Withe a learned Prieſt, and an earneſt follower of Wicklif: Iohn Swafham a Carmelite Frier of Linne, a ſtudent in Cambridge, and became biſhop of Bangor, a great aduerſarie to the Wickliuiſts: William Egumonde a Frier Ermite of the ſect of the Auguſtines in Stamford: Iohn Tyſſington a Franciſcane Frier, a mainteyner of the Popes doctrine: William Rymſton or Rimington, a Monke of Salley, an enimie alſo to the Wickliniſtes: Adam Eſton well ſeene in the tongues, was made a Cardinall by Pope Gregorie the xi. but by Pope Vrban the ſixt he was committed to priſon in Genoa, but at the contemplation of king Richarde he was taken out of priſon, but not fully delyuered till the dayes of Boniface the ix. who reſtored him to his former dignitie: Iohn Beaufu a Carmelite of Northamton, proceeded doctor of Diuinitie in Oxforde, and was made Prior of his houſe: Roger Twiford alias Goodluck, an Auguſtine Frier: Iohn Treniſe a Corniſh man borne, and a ſecular Prieſt & Vicar of Berkley, he tranſlated the Byble, Bart. de Propri[...]tatibus, Polichron of Ranulfe Higeden, and diuerſe other treatiſes: Raufe Spalding a Carmelite Frier of Stāford: Iohn Moone an Engliſhman borne, but a ſtudent in Paris, who compyled in the Frenche tongue the Romant of the Roſe, tranſlated into Engliſh by Geffrey Chaucer: William Shirborn: Richard Wichingham borne in Norffolke, and diuerſe other.

Richard II

King Richard the ſeconde.