John Stow's Annales of England

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1327

It was therefore decreed by the cruell woman the queene, through the subtill devise of her said schoolemaster, that Thomas of Gorney and John Maltravers, knightes, having received him from the keeping of the earle of Leicester, shoulde carry Edwarde the olde king about whither they woulde, so that none of his well willers should have accesse unto him or understand where hee made anie long abode. And to these two wicked traittors authoritie was given by the highest sort that into whatsoever part of the kingdome they bent themselves, that all governours and keepers of the castles shoulde suffer them to enjoie their offices and roomes during their pleasure, upon paine of forfeiture of goods, landes, and life, if anie shoulde denie them.

These tormentors of Edward exercised towards him manie cruelties, unto whome it was not permitted to ride, unlesse it were by night, neither to see anie man or to be seene of anie. When he rode, they forced him to be bareheaded; when he would sleepe, they would not suffer him; neither when hee was hungry would they give him such meates as he desired, but such as he loathed; everie word that he spake was contraried by them, who gave it out most slanderously that he was madde. And, shortly to speake, in all matters they were quite contrary to his will, that either by colde, watching, or unwholesome meates, for melancholy, by some Infirmitie he might languish and die. But this man being by nature strong to suffer paines and patient thorow Gods grace to abide all griefes, hee endured all the devises of his enemies, for, as touching poysons which they gave him often to drinke, by the benefite of nature he dispatched away.

                    These champions bring Edward towardes Barkeley, being guarded with a rabble of hel-houndes, along by the grange belonging to the castle of Bristowe, where that wicked man Gorney, making a crowne of hay, put it on his head, and the souldiours that were present scoffed and mocked him beyond all measure saying ... avaunt sir king: they feared to be met of anie that should knowe Edward, they bent their journey therefore towardes the lefte hand, riding along over the marish grounds lying by the river of Severne. Moreover, devising to disfigure him that hee might not bee knowne, they determine for to shave as well the haire of his head as also of his beard: wherefore, as in their journy they travailed by a little water which ranne in a ditch, they commanded him to light from his horse to be shaven, to whome, being set on a moale hill, a barber came unto him with a basen of cold water taken out of the ditch, to shave him withall, saying unto the king that that water should serve for that time. To whome Edward answered that, would they, noulde they, he would have warm water for his beard; and, to the end that he might keepe his promise, he began to weepe and to shed teares plentifully. At length they came to Barkley castle, where Edward was shut up close like an anchor. Isabell his wife, taking it grievously that her husbands life (which she deadly hated) was prolonged, made her complaint to her schoolemaister Adam de Orleton, faining that she had certaine dreames, the interpretation whereof shee misliked, which if they were true, she feared lest, that if her husband be at anie time restored to his olde dignitie, that hee would burne her for a traytor or condemne her to perpetuall bondage. In like sort the bishop, being guiltie in his owne conscience, stoode in like feare. The like feare also strooke the hearts of others for the same offence: wherefore it seemed good to many of great dignitie and bloud, as well spiritual! as temporal!, both men and women, that all such fear should bee taken away, desiring his death: whereupon there were letters colourably written to the keepers of Edward, greatly blaming them for looking so slenderly to the king, suffering him to have such libertie and nourishing him too delicately. Moreover, there is a privie motion made unto them, but yet in such sorte as it might seeme halfe done, that the death of Edward would not bee misliking unto them, whether it were natural! or violent. And in this point the great deceit of sophisters stoode in force, set downe by the byshop who wrote thus:
                
                    Eduardum occidere nolite timere bonunt est.
                
                    Kill Edward doe not feare is a good thing:
                
                    Or thus:
                
                    To seeke to shead king Edwards bloud 
                
                    Refuse to feare I count it good.
                
                    "Which sophisticall saying is to be resolved into two propositions, whereof the first consisting of three words, to wit, Eduardum occidere nolite, doe not kill Edward, and the second of other three, that is timere bonum est, feare is a good thing, do seeme to perswade subtilly from murthering of the king: but the receivers of these letters, not ignorant of the writing, changed the meaning thereof to this sense, Eduardum occidere nolite timere, to kill Edward doe not feare, and afterwards these wordes, bonum est, it is good; so that they being guiltie turned a good saying into evill. The bishop being thus determinately purposed touching the death of Edward, and warily providing for himselfe, if by any chance he should be accused thereof, craftely worketh that the authoritie which he gave by writing might seeme to be taken expressely contrary to his meaning, by reason of accenting and pointing of the same. To conclude, the murtherers of Edward hoping to have found both Isabel and the byshopp to be their trustie friendes, they found them earnest persecutors of their enterprise, quite denying whatsoever they had devised against Edward, yea, they were greatly busied in devising most cruell death for them, so that the murtherers, being quite dismayed, wist not what to doe, but shewing the letters of Isabel!, the byshoppe, and other conspiratours, being confirmed with their owne handes and seales; which the byshoppe refused not, but confessed to be his and others, but construed them to an other sense, accusing them to be false interpreters of his letters, and of his owne authoritie threatened them, untill he forced them to runne away. Thus much touching the letters. Now when king Edward was brought unto the castle aforesaide, hee was courteously received by Thomas Barkeley, then lord of the fee, but after the tormentors had received their letters of a government over the castle, the said Thomas is commanded to use no familiaritie with Edward: wherefore Thomas Barkeley with heavie cheere departeth thence to other his dwelling places; and Edwards persecution continuing to his death beganne to take effect. For after this he was shut up in a close chamber, where, with the stench of dead carkasses laide in a cellar under him, he was miserably tormented many daies together, in such sort that he was well nigh suffocated therewith. And that the paine was almost intollerable unto him, it appeareth by the complaint he made on a certaine day at the chamber window, certaine carpenters, then working on the right side therof *, hearing the same. But those tyrants perceiving that this terrible stench was not of a sufficient force to cause the death of this valiant man Edwarde, one night, being the 22 of September, they came rushing in upon him sodainelie, as he laie in his bed, with great and heavie featherbeds, beeing in weight as much as 15 strong men coulde beare, wherewith they oppressed and strangled him by smoothering. Into whom also they thrust a plummers sodring yron, being made red hot, up into his bowelles, through a eertaine instrument like to the end of a trumpet or glister pipe, put in at the fundament, burning thereby his inward parts, providing thereby least anie wound being founde in the kings bodie might cause his tormenters to answeare for committing open treason, and therefore suffer just punishment. In this sort was this stoute knight oppressed, crying out with a lowd voice, so that manie, as well within the castle as without, heard it, perceiving it to be the cry of one that suffred violent death, which caused manie of Barkley and also of the castle (as themselves affirmed) to take compassion thereof, and to praie for the soule of him that was then departing the world. And this was the end of Edwarde of Carnarvon, being betrayed as is aforesaid: but to colour the matter, that they might seeme guiltlesse in this case, Isabel and the bishop of Hereford laboured to cleare themselves by banishing and outlawing of Thomas Gorney and John Maltravers, laying as it were all the fault upon them. This Thomas Gorney, flying to Marsils and there lying hid privilie the space of three years, was at length espied and taken, and as he was brought towarde England, there to have received just and worthy punishment for his deserts, he was beheaded on the sea, fearing that, if he had becne brought into England, he would have accused divers other great personages. The other, to wit, John Maltravers, living in great contrition and repentance, spent a long time in Dutchland.

Click to read complete text ...

Certaine men of this land, to the intent to trie what friends they had in England, craftily devised that Edward the second king of England was alive in the castle of Corffe, but not to be scene in the day time, and therefore they used many nights to make shewes and masking with dancing upon the towres and walks of the castle, which being perceived by people of the countrey, it was thought there had been some great king unto whome they did these great solemnities. This rumour was spred over all England, to wit, that the old king was alive ; whence it came to passe that the earle of Kent sent thither a fryer preacher, to try the truth of the matter, who, (as it was thought) having corrupted the porter of the castle with rewards, is let in, where he lay all the day in the porters lodge very close ; and, when night was come, he was willed to put on the habit of a lay man, and then was brought into the hall, where he saw (as he thought) Edward, the father of the king, sitting royally at supper, with great majestie. This fryer, being thus perswaded, returned againe to the earle of Kent, and reported, as he thought, what he saw: whereupon the earle said and affirmed with an oath that he would endeavour by all the meanes he could to deliver his brother from prison.

Execution of Edmund of Woodstock

[19 Mar 1330]. The same yeere, at the earnest request of some, the king held a parliament at Winchester, where, by procurement of the old queen and Roger Mortimer, the said earle of Kent [Edmund of Woodstock 1st Earl Kent (age 28)] and many other noble men and religious persons, to wit, the provincials of the white Carmelite fryers and of the blacke preaching friers, and frier Richard Wilton, weie accused of conspiracie, touching (as it was said) the deliverie of the kings father: which matter although it were but devised fantasie and a meere lye, yet the said earle, for certaine confessions which he made, and for certaine letters which were found about him, was there beheaded. The other, to wit, the provincials of the Predicants and Carmelites, were banished : but the bishop of London was set at libertie, Robert de Tauntone, priest, and some certaine Carmelite friers and Predicants were condemned to perpetuall prison. The death of the said earle was the lesse lamented, because his family and servants had above measure afflicted the commons, in taking up things (as they travailed) at the king's price, paying nothing or very little for it.

Edward III arrests Roger Mortimer

[19 Oct 1330] There was a parliament holden at Nottingham, where Roger Mortimer was in such glory and honour that it was without all comparison. No man durst name him any other than earle of March ; a greater route of men waited at his heeles than on the kings person ; he would suffer the king to rise to him and would walke with the king equally, step by step and cheeke by cheeke, never preferring the king, but would go formost himselfe with his officers ; he greatly rebuked the earle of Lancaster, cousin to the king, for that without his consent he appointed certain lodgings for noblemen in the town, demanding who made him so bold, to take up lodgings so nigh unto the queen : with which words the constable, being greatly feared, appointed lodging for the earle of Lancaster one myle out of the towne : and likewise were lodged the earle of Hereford, John de Bohune of Estsex, high constable of England, and others. By which meanes a contention rose among the noblemen and great murmuring among the common people, who said that Roger Mortimer, the queenes paragon and the kings master, sought all the means he could to destroy the kings blood and to usurpe the regall majestic : which report troubled much the kings friends, to wit, William Montacute and other, who, for the safegard of the king, sware themselves to be true to his person, and drew unto them Robert de Holland, who had of long time been chiefe keeper of the castle, unto whome all secret corners of the same were knowne. Then upon a certaine night, the king lying without the castle, both he and his friends were brought by torch-light through a secret way under ground, beginning far off from the said castle, till they came even to the queens chamber, which they by chaunce found open : they therfore, being armed with naked swords in their hands, went forwards, leaving the king also armed without the doore of the chamber, least that his mother should espie him : they which entred in slew Hugh Turpinton, knight, who resisted them, master John Nevell of Horneby giving him his deadly wound. From thence they went toward the queene mother, whome they found with the earle of March, readie to have gone to bedde ; and having taken the said earle, they ledde him out into the hall, after whom the queene followed, crying, Bel filz, bel filz, ayes pitie de gentil Mortimer, Good sonne, good sonne, take pitie upon gentle Mortimer: for she suspected that her sonne was there, though she saw him not. Then are the keyes of tHe castle sent for, and every place with all the furniture is yeelded up into the kings hands, but in such secret wise that none without the castle, except the kings friends, understood thereof. The next day in the morning very early they bring Roger Mortimer and other his friends taken with him, with an horrible shout and crying (the earle of Lancaster,"then blind, being one of them that made the shout for joy), towards London, where he was committed to the Tower, and afterwards condemned at Westminster, in presence of the whole parliament, on S. Andrewes eeven next following, and then drawne to the Elmes, and there hanged on the common gallowes ... He was condemned by his peeres, and yet never was brought to answer before them, for it was not then the custome, after the death of the earles of Lancaster, Winchester, Glocester, and Kent : wherefore this earle had that law himselfe, which he appointed for other.

Click to read complete text ...

The fourth of October fiftie gallies, well manned and furnished, came to Southhampton about nine of the clocke, and sacked the towne, the townsmen running away for feare. By the break of the next day they which fled, by helpe of the countrey thereabout, came against the pyrats and fought with them, in the which skirmish were slaine to the number of three hundred pyrates, togither with their captaine, a young souldiour, the king of Sicils sonne. To this young man the French king had given whatsoever he got in the kingdome of England. But he, being beaten downe by a certaine man of the countrey, cryed "Rancon"; notwithstanding, the husbandman laid him on with his clubbe, till he had slaine him, speaking these words : " Yea (quoth he), I know well enough thou art a Francon, and therefore .shalt thou dye," for he understood not his speech, neither had he any skill to take gentlemen prisoners and to keepe them for ransome. Wherefore the residue of those Gennowayes, after they had set the towne a fire and burnt it up quite, fled to their galleyes, and in their flying certaine of them were drowned. And after this the inhabitants of the town compassed it about with a strong and great wall

On the even of the Annunciation of our Lady, eleven gallies approching to the towne of Harwich, they cast fire therein : the force whereof by a contrary wind was staied, so that no great harm was done thereby. Furthermore, in the same yeere, about the feast of Pentecost, certaine pyrats of Normandie and Genoa (shipped in gallyes and pinnaces) made a shew on the sea about South-hampton, as they would have come aland, and threatened sore to spoile the town againe, but, perceiving the townsmen ready to resist them, they returned to the He of Wight, but entred not, being put backe by the inhabitants : whereupon they sailed about the coasts, seeking to land in places lesse defended, and after came to Hastings, where they brent fishers cottages, with their boats, and slew many men. Also, they made great shewes many times against the He of Thanet, Dover, and Fulkestone, but in those places they did little harme, except to poore fishermen : thence they sailed about to the havens of Cornwall and Devonshire, doing in all places much harme to the fishermen, and such ships as they found unmanned they fiered. At length they entred Plimmouth Haven, where they brent certaine great ships and a great part of the towne. These were met by Hugh Courtney, earle of Devonshire, a knight of fourescore yeeres old, being accompanied with many souldiours of his countrey, who, having lost at the first front a fewe of his men which were slaine by the quarels of the French, joyned to fight with them hand to hand, and, slaying many of the pyrates upon drie land, chased the residue which fledde to take their gallyes, and, being not able to come nigh them by wading, they were drowned in the sea to the number of five hundred.

Newes being brought to the king, lying in Brabant, that divers portes of England were spoyled with the pirates, hee declared to his friendes, to wit, the marques of Juliacense and a certaine cardinall, what great causes hee had to revenge himselfe upon them, and in the end was answered by the cardinall as followeth: 'The kingdome of Fraunce (saide he) is compassed about with a threede of silke, which cannot bee broken by all the strength of the kingdome of England ; wherefore, my lord king, you must stay for the comming of the Dutchmen and other your friends and confederates, the greater part whereof you now lacke.' The king taking great disdaine hereat, staying nothing at all, said that he would ride into the land of France with banner displaied, and that there he would looke for that mightie power of the French men, and that he would either win the same against any man that should withstand him, or else honestly die in the field.

In the vigil of S. Matthy king Edward began to ride, with banner displaied and twelve thousand men of armes, against the French king, burning towns and castles whersoever he came. In the first night, being very darke, Geffrey lord Scrope, one of the kings justices, led one of the cardinals, to wit, Bertrand de Mount Faventine, of the title of our Lady, up into an high tower, shewing him the whole land about toward Fraunce, for the compasse of fifteene leagues, to be in every place on fire, saying these words : " Sir, doth not this silken threed, wherewith Fraunce is compassed, seeme to you to be broken ? " The cardinal, answering nothing, fell down as dead for sorow and feare. In this sort king Edward made journeyes into Fraunce daily, continuing the space of five weekes, and caused his armie to travell in such sort that they destroyed the whole countrey of Cambray, Tourney, Vermoden, and Laudenew, excepting those cities which were sworne to him, with churches and castles. The inhabitants of the countrey fled, neither was there any man that durst resist his enterprises, although the French king had gathered great armies within the walled cities, himselfe lying in the strong towne of Saint Quintines, what time the Brabanters had determined to returne home againe and were entred into their journey, being forced thereunto partly by want of victuals and partly by the coldnesse of winter which grew on fast. The French king, understanding thereof, began to moove himselfe with his army toward the campe of the king of England, who, gladly looking for his comming, called backe againe the Brabanders, and, having received letters from the French king that he would joyne battell against him, he sent him word backe againe that he would stay for him three dayes. Wherefore oh the fourth day, the king looking for the French kings comming, which would come no neerer them then two miles off, breaking bridges and felling of trees, that the king of England might not follow him, hee fled to Paris ; whereupon king Edward returned by Hanonia into Brabant, where he continued almost the whole winter.

Click to read complete text ...

In this winter time king Edward grewe into great friendship with the Flemings, who prepared at all times to shewe their selves as good subjects unto him, swearing to doe homage and fealtie, upon condition that he would call himselfe king of Fraunce, and in token thereof would from thenceforth give armes with flouredeluces, for otherwise they durst not obey him, for feare of the pope's curse, which was to be laid upon them, if at any time they rebelled against the king of Fraunce. Wherefore, by the counsell of the Flemings and consent of his noblemen, he agreed thereunto, and tooke upon him both the name and armes of the king of Fraunce. He also tooke Flaunders under his government, the people whereof long after in all matters were to him obedient, as unto the king of Fraunce conquerour. Touching the title and armes aforesaid, the French king said to certaine Englishmen sent unto him : " Our cousin (quoth he) doth wrongfully beare quartered armes of England and Fraunce, which matter notwithstanding doth not much displease us, for that he is descended from the weaker side of our kinne, and therefore, as being a bachelor, we would be content to graunt him licence to beare part of our armes of Fraunce ; but, whereas in his scales and letters patents he nameth himselfe as well king of England as of Fraunce, and doth set the first quarter of his armes with leopards, before the quarter of lilies, it doth grieve us very much, making apparent to the beholders that the little iland of England is to be preferred before the great kingdome of Fraunce."To whom sir John of Shordich, knight, made answere that it was the custome of men in those dayes to set the title and armes of their progenitors before the armes and title of the right descending of their mother;" and thus of dutie and reason (said he) doth my lord the king of England preferre his armes.

Immediately after Easter the carles of Salisburie and Suffolke, being accompanied but with a fewe men, gave an assault unto the towne of Lile in Flaunders, which towne was confederate with the French king ; but they chasing the Frenchmen too farre within the gates, the percolices being let fall, they were beset with a multitude of men of armes, and being taken they were conveyed into France, fettered and shackeled with yron, although they had sworne to be true prisoners : they were drawne in a cart through the middest of every citie, towne, village, and hamlet, with great shoutes and cries, rayling on them : and at length being brought to the presence of the French king, he would have most shamefully slaine them, had he not been otherwise perswaded by the counsell of the king of Boemia.

King Edward kept his Whitsontide at Ipswich, for that he intended from thence to make his passage into Flaunders ; but, being certified that the French king had sent a great navie of Spanish shippes and also the whole fleete of France to stoppe his passage, he caused his shippes of the Cinque Ports and other to be assembled, so that he had in his fleete, great and small, two hundred and threescore ships. Wherefore, on the Thursday before the nativitie of Saint John Baptist, having a prosperous wind, he began to sayle ; and the next day, in the even of the sayd feast, they escried the French fleete lying in Swine haven. Wherefore the king caused all his fleete to come to anker. The next day, being the feast of Saint John Baptist, earely in the morning, the French fleete divided themselves into three parts and remooved themselves as it were a mile, approching towards the kings fleete. Which when the king perceived, about nine of the clocke, having the wind and sunne on his backe, set forward and met his enemies as he would have wished ; wherewithall the whole fleete gave a terrible shoute, and a showre of arrowes out of long wooden bowes so powred downe on the Frenchmen that thousands were slaine in that meeting. At length they closed and came to hand blowes with pikes, polaxes, and swordes, and some threw stones from the toppes of shippes, wherewith many were brained. The greatnesse and height of the Spanish shippes caused many Englishmen to strike many a stroke in vaine. But, to be shorte, the French shippes being overcome and all the men spent of the first part, the Englishmen entred and tooke them. The French shippes were chayned together in such sort that they could not be separated one from another, so that a fewe Englishmen kept that parte of the fleete: Wherefore they set upon the second warde and with great difficultie gave the charge, which being done, was sooner overcome then the first, for that the Frenchmen, leaving their shippes, many of them leapt over boorde. The Englishmen having thus overcome the first and second part of the fleete, and now having night drawing on, partly for want of light and partly for that they were wearie, they determined to take some rest till the nexte morning ; wherefore that night thirtie shippes of the third crewe fledde away, and a great shippe called the James of Diepe, thinking to have carried away a certaine ship of Sandwich belonging to the prior of Canterbury, was stayed : for the sailers so stowtly defended themselves by the helpe of the earle of Huntingdon that they saved themselves and their ship from the Frenchmen. The fight continued all the night, and in the morning, the Normans being overcame and taken, there were found in the ship above foure hundreth men slaine. Moreover, the king understanding that the ships were fled, he sent fourtie ships well appointed to followe them, over the which he made John Crabbe governor : but what good speede he had is not knowen. In the first companie of shippes that were taken they found these conquered shippes, the Denis, the George, the Christopher, and the Blacke Cocke, all which shippes were taken by Frenchmen at Sluce and carried into Normandie. The number of ships of warre that were taken was about two hundred and thirtie barges ; the number of enemies that were slaine and drowned were about five and twentie thousand, and of Englishmen about foure thousand, among whom were foure knights, sir Thomas Mortimer the kings cousin, sir Thomas Latimer his sonne, sir William Butler of Seortkorne, and sir Thomas Poynings.

Click to read complete text ...

Also at Candlemas he kept a great justing at Langley, for the honour of the noble men of Vasconia, which he trained up there in feates of warre. He made Robert de Boursier, knight, lord chancellour of England, and Robert Parnike, knight, treasurer, the one to succeede the other. Also he sent out justiciars that should sit in every shire, to enquire concerning the collectours of the tenths and fifteenths, and of woolles, and to oversee all officers. And because the citie of London would not suffer that any such officers should sit as justices within their citie, as inquisitours of such matters, contrary to their liberties, the king provided that those justices should hold their sessions in the Tower of London, to make inquisition of the domages of the Londoners : but, because the Londoners would not answere there, untill their liberties were fully confirmed, neither any such confirmation could be had either of the king or his chancellour touching writtes and charters in the Tower, there rose thereof such a great tumult that the justices, appointed there to sit, fained that they would hold no session till after Easter. Whereupon the king, being highly offended for the said tumult and desirous to knowe the names of them that had raysed it, could not understand but that they were certaine meane persons, who claimed their liberties : whereupon the king, being pacified of his troubled minde, forgave all the offences committed by the Londoners, the justices breaking up all their sitting touching the said place.

King Edward, in succour of John Mountfort, duke of Brytaine, and of his wife and children, who then remained in the kings custody, sent the carles of Northampton and of Oxford, Hugh Spencer and Richard Talbot, knights, and master William Killesby, clearke, every one of them having under them many men of armes and archers, into Brytaine ; who entred thereinto, in despight of all their enemies which resisted them, making many conflicts. They tooke as well walled townes as other, with divers fortresses and castles, both by assault and surrender, by which meanes they had the whole countrey under their subjection, conquering till they came to the towneof Morleis, where Charles de Bloys met them with a great army. Therefore, in the champaine ground nigh unto Morleys, the two armies made great and most stoute battell, wherein the woorthinesse of both sorts did full appeare : for they fought so stoutly that in the first conflict it chaunced as the like had not been seene : for the chief captaines, Charles de Bioys, to whom the French king had given the dukedome of that countrey, and William de Bohune, earle of Northampton, who for the defence of the right of John de Mountfort, naturall heire and duke of that land, the king of England had made a general! over the armie of the Englishmen, fought so long with hand strokes in the fielde that day, that no man but a liar could give more praise to the one then to the other. Three times that day they, being wearied on both sides, withdrew themselves to take breath, and then fell to it againe with speare and shield, and sword and target. But in the end the right worthie and stout Charles de Bloys, his men fleeing away, was also forced to flee himselfe ; whereupon, after many slaine on both sides, the victory fel to the Englishmen.

King Edward prepared to make a voyage into Normandy, his navy being ready to transport him from Portesmouth and Dorchester, with the earles of Northampton, Arundell, Warwicke, Harecourt, Huntingdon, Oxenford, and Suffolke, the bishop of Durham, and master William Killesby, clearke, every one of these, leading a great army of souldiours well appointed, were embarqued, and waited for the winde from the first of June to the fift of July, and then, having a good winde, they beganne to make saile with the number of one thousand shippes of burthen and pinases, and on the thirteenth day of July they landed at Hogges in Normandy, where on the shoare of the sea king Edward made his eldest sonne knight and also prince of Wales, and immediately the prince made knights, Mortimere, Montacute, Rose, and other. That night the king lodged in the towne of Hogges, and the next day the towne was brent by the army. The night following, king Edward lodged in Mercels, where he stayed five dayes, during which time all the countrey, with the towne of Barbefleete, was by his men consumed with fire. From thence they departed to Veloigns, which they set on fire ; then they went to Senet comb de Mount, which is nigh the sea, and to Garantam ; thence to Serins and to Saint Lewes, passing along unto the towne of Tourney, wasting all with fire, and that night the king lodged at Carmalin ; then to Gerin, being a religious house belonging unto Cane, leaving nothing behind them unspoyled. Afterward they made an assault and entred the city of Cane, making their entrance by a bridge which was strongly defended. There was slaine an hundreth three and fourtie knights, among the which was taken the earles of Ewe and Camberlin de Tankervill, with divers other captaines, and of them of the citie were slaine above one thousand three hundred. At this citie the armie remained sixe dayes, and the spoile thereof they sold to those mariners which followed the coast as the king went. Then they went to the monasterie in the towne of Toward, a verie strong thing and well defended. Afterward they came unto Argons by night, burning still as they went, till they came to the citie of Liceus, where they found the cardinalles of Clarimount and of Naples, and one archbishop, who offered the king a treatie of peace ; and there the king continued three dayes, refusing to treate of peace. Then they went to Lastentnoland and to the towne of Briue, and lodged at New Burge, and after at Lelelefe upon Sayne, and being resisted by the inhabitants they slewe many of them. Then they passed nigh to the towne and castell of Fount Darch, being strong places and not assaultable. This night he lodged at Lury upon Segan, nigh unto the good towne of Lovars, which they did burne. After, they passed by the towne and castell of Gailon, which they tooke and brent, and lodged at Lingevie, which is nigh the good towne and castle of Vernon, which they touched not ; and there they first entred into Fraunce. And the same night they brent the castell of Roche Blanch, which standeth on the other side of Segan, and lodged at Fremble upon Segan. After that, they passed by the towne of Maunt, lodging that night at Oporne. On the next day they passed to Frigmas, and the next day to the good towne of Poecie, where being a bridge to passe over the river of Segan, the French had spoyled it, but the king caused it to be reedified. And the next day they came to Amias, where were three armies appointed to keepe the king from passing that way ; but he slew three hundred of them at the first charge, put the residue to flight, and spoyled their tentes, burning three hundreth and two cartes and wagons laden with crossebowes, quarrels, armour and victualles. The king staying there two dayes, they went to Gresile nigh unto Pountoys ; then to Autell. The next day they passed by the citie of Wenneys, which they touched not ; and so by Trosolours at the water of Some, where they lodged. The next day they wanne the towne of Poys, and brent the castell. From thence they went to Aregnus ; then to Acheu, where they lodged. The nexte day they came to Noell upon the sea side ; the French men of Dabvile and the countrey came to the foorde side to hinder their passage, with whom the king had a sore conflict, but the enemies were put to the worse and more then two thousand slaine, and the towne of Croytoy taken and brent, and above three hundred Germaines slaine. The next day they followed the king on the river of Some, and on the banks side (where the king with his hoste were lodged) came traveling Philip de Valoys, the French king, with the kings of Boheme and Malegre, leading an armie of men innumerable, divided into eight great battelles. King Edward sent to the French king, offering him free passage over the foorde, if he would come and choose a place apt to fight a field in ; but this Philip went to another place of passage. On the morrow king Edward removed to Cresifield, where the armie of the French king met him. The king therefore set his sonne the prince of Wales to governe the vaward ; the middle warde the earle of Northampton ; the third he tooke to guide himselfe. The armie of the Frenchmen were devided into nine troupes. The vaward was committed to the king of Boheme. The French king commaunded his banner called Oiliflame to be set up, after which time it was not lawfull under paine of death to take any man to save his life. [Side note : The French banner of oiliflame signified no mercy, more then fire in oile.] This banner, that it might differ from his standert, had in it lillies of gold very broad. On the other side king Edward commanded his banner to be erected of the dragon, which signified fiercenesse and cruelty to be turned against the lillies. These armies being thus appointed stoode in the fielde from one of the clocke untill the evening. About the sunne setting, after the armies had justed, they beganne by the sound of the trumpets to give signe of battaile, but they themselves felt the force of the English archers, and as for their quarrels, they fell short a great way. Moreover, their footemen, being placed among their owne horsemen, were by them (when they were gauled with the English shotte of arrowes) overrunne and troden upon, that a great outcry was made, as it were to the starres, and the whole forme of the array was broken, and they, fighting with the English armed men, are beaten downe with polaxes. In this so terrible a bickering the prince of Wales, being then but sixeteenth yeeres old, shewed his wonderfull towardnesse, laying on very hotely with speare and shielde. This battell dured three partes of the night, in the which time the Frenchmen gave five great assaults against our men, but at the length they being conquered ran away. On the morrow there came foure armies of fresh souldiours to the French side, and, making semblance as though their part had suffered no harme, they came against the Englishmen and gave them a fresh battell. On the other side, the Englishmen withstood them very stoutely, and, after a sharpe conflict, they forced their foes to flie, and in chasing of them, together with them that were slaine in the conflict, they slew three thousand men in the said two dayes. There were slaine in the battaile of Cressie the Kings of Boheme and of Maiorica the Archbishop of Zanrinus, the Bishop of Bayone, the Dukes of Loraine & Burbon, the Earles of Alanson, Harecourt, Awmarle, Savoy; Pois, Mountbilliard, Nivars and of Flanders; withthe grand Priour of the hospitall of Fraunce, and 4000 men of arms, beside common souldiors without number.

Click to read complete text ...

The French king in this meanetime sent a number of Genowayes and other hired souldiours unto David king of Scots, earnestly requesting him that he would invade England with all his force: wherefore about the 7 of October [1346] he with a mighty power entred England, passing along by Berwicke, which was strongly defended by the Englishmen, and so, ranging over the forest of Alnewike, they wonne a certaine mannour place called Luden, belonging to the lord Walter Wake¹, who yeelded himselfe on condition to be ransomed, where (Selby a knight being desirous by law of armes to save his life) he was taken, which when it was known to David, he commanded him to be slaine : but Selby intreated for him that he might be brought alive to the presence of David, who having obtained his request, he falleth downe before David, requesting his life for ransotne, but he was againe adjudged to die. The malice of the tyrant was such, that he commanded two of the children of the poore knight to be strangled in sight of their father, and afterwards himselfe, being almost madde for sorrow, was beheaded. From thence the Scots passed forward, wasting along the countrey, wherein were many farmers belonging to the monasterie of Durham, and comming within two miles of Durham they tooke certaine of the monks, which they kept prisoners for their ransome, making covenant with the residue for a certaine summe of money and corne to redeeme their mannours from spoyling. The Englishmen of the marches fleeing before the face of the enemie, William de la Zouch, archbishop of Yorke, vicegerent to the king in the marches, calling together the bishop of Carleile, the earle of Anguise, the lord Mowbray, the lord Henry Percy, the lord Ralph Nevel, Ralph Hastings, with all their ayde, together with the archers of Lancashire, went towards the armie of the Scots, and on the eeven of saint Luke met them at a place called Bewre Parke, neere Nevils Crosse. The Scottish nation, not accustomed to flee, withstoode them stoutely, and having head-pieces on their heads and targets on their armes, preasing sore upon the Englishmen, they abode the brunt of the archers : but the men of armes, which were in the forefronts, gave their enemies many deadly wounds. The marshal! of the Scottes, earle Patrike, who had the charge of the rereward, when he perceived his men to be beaten downe, he fled away with other that were privie to his cowardlines : he being fled, the residue of the Scottes, continuing faithfully with their king, stoode about him like a round tower, keeping him in the middle, who so continued till there was scarce fortie of them left alive, of the which not one of them could escape away. At length, David their king valiantly fighting and sore hurt, an esquire of Northumberland, named John Copland, tooke him, who with eight of his servants rode straite out of the field with the king, and so rode fifteen leagues from that place to a castle called Orgalus, the residue about him being taken or slaine ; the Englishmen pursued the chase after them which were fled, slaying and taking them as farre as Prudihow and Corbridge.

Note 1. It will be noticed that, owing to the corrupt state of the Latin text, Stow has fallen into great confusion regarding the death of Selby, substituting an imaginary 'lord Walter Wake' for the unfortunate man.

Click to read complete text ...

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1413

After Christmasse hee called the Nobles of England to a parliament at London, which began the morrow after Candlemase day, but be lived not to the ende thereof, for he died shortly after in a chamber belonging fo the abbot of Westminster, called Jerusalem, whereby the prophesie was fulfilled, as he said, that be should die there. In the time of whose languishing the King gave to the Prince his sonne divers notable doctrines and insignesments, that not onely of bim, but of every Prince are to be holden and followed: among the which eruditions one ts this: The King lieng gréevously diceased, called before him the Prince his sonne, and said on to him: My sonne, I feare me sore, after my departure from this life, some discord shall grow and arise betweene thee and thy brother Thomas Duke of Clarence, whereby the Realme may be brought to destruction and miserie, for I know you both to be of great stomacke and courage. Wherefore I feare, that he through his high minde will make some enterprise against thée, intending to usurpe upon thee, which I know thy stomacke may not abide easily, And for dread thereof as oft as it is in my remembrance, I sore repent mée, that ever I charged mp selfe with the crowne of this Realme. To these words of the King, the prince answered thus: Right redoubted lord and father, to the pleasure of God your grace shall long continue with us, and rule us both; but tf God have so provided that ever I shall succeed you tn this Realme, I shall honour and love my brethren above all men, as long as they be to me true, faithfull and obedient, as to their soveraigne Lord: but if any of them fortune fo conspire or rebel against ine, I assure you, shall assoone execute justice upon one of them, as I shall upon the worrst and most simplest person within this your Realme.

Death of King Henry IV Accession of Henry V

20 Mar 1413. The King his father drawing to his ende, after due thankes given, and supplications made to God, gave his benedicton to the Prince his sonne, and so yelded to God his spirit, the xx of March, which was then midlent Sunday. Anno 1412 [1413] after the account of the Church of England, the yéere of his age 46, when he had raigned 13 years, five moneths lacking 10 Dayes. His body was conveyed by water to Feversham, and from thence by land to Canterburp, and there buried by the Lady Mary his first wife, in the monastery of Christs Church, under a pillar in the North Ile. This King Henry, with Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury had béen great benefactor to this Church, in building a good part of the body thereof anewe. he had issues by Mary daughter to Humfrey Bohune Earle of Hereford and Nortbampton, Henry that succéeded him, Thomas Duke of Clarence, John duke of Bedtord, Humfrey Duke of Glocester, Blanch Dutchess of Bauere, and Philip Queene of Denmarke; for by Joan his second wife be had no issue.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1477

11th May 1477 Execution of George Duke of Clarence's Servants

11 May 1477. This yeere T. Burdet (age 52) an esquire of Arrow in Warwickshire son to sir Nichoas Burdet (who was great butler of Normandy in Henrie the sixths days) was beheaded (as was said) for a word spoken, in this sort. K. Edw. in his progresse hunted in T. Burdet's parke at Arrow, and slew many of his deere, amongst the which one was a white bucke, thereof T. Burdet made great account, & therefore when be understood thereof, he wished the bucks head in his belly that moved [?] the King to kill it. Which tale being told to the king, Burdes was apprehended and accused of treason, for wishing the bucks head horns & all in the kings belly. This was the report, and true it is (though some have said the contrarie) that there was a parke at Arrow; for king Edward the third, in the seventh year of his reign, gave licence to Rob. Burdet to inclose his wood of Arrow into his parke (as appeareth by patten in record;) And the Record also showeth that the said Thomas Burdet was accused of poisoning, sorcery and enchantment, for the which he was attained, by Parliament condemned, drawn from the Tower of London to Tiborne, and there beheaded, and then buried in the Grey Friars church at London. This Thomas Burdet (by licence obtained of Edward the fourth in the twelth year of his reign) alientated his lands from his eldest son, and true heir, to others at his pleasure, whereof he after sore repented him: And being drawn from the Tower toward his end (as is afore showed) espying his said eldest son in West Cheape, over against the hospital of Thomas Becket, he procured himself to be stayed, and there asked his son forgiveness, confessiong, himself grievously to have offended God, in wronging him of his inheritance, which he took to be the cause that God had so justly plagued him, by the Princes pleasure, to come to such an end.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1485

Battle of Bosworth

27 Aug 1485. In the mean season the king removed towards London, and then be had approched the city, on the 27 of August, the Mayour, Magistrates, and companies, all clothed in violet, met him at Shoreditch, and with great pomp conveyed him through the city to S. Paul's church, where be offered his three standards, one of S. George, the second a red Dagon, the third a dun Cow, after his prayers said and Te Deum sung, he departed to the hishops palace where he sojourned a season.

The sweating began the 21st of September, continued till the ende of October: of the which sickness a wonderful number died, and in London beside other, died Thomas Hall Mayor, in whose place was chosen William Stocker, who likewise deceased about seven daies later: in which space departed other foure Alderman, Thomas Ilam, Richard Rawson, Thomas Norland, and John Stocker, and then was chosen Mayor John Warder, who continued till the feast of Simon and Jude [28 October].

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1507

1507. Also the sweating sickness, which (as we have heard) in the first yeere of this kings raigne first afflicted the people of the realme, now assailed them again, howbeit, by the remedy found at the beginning of it, nothing the like number died thereof, now this second time, as did the first.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1514

1514. This year was a death of the pestilente in England, especially about London, so that in one house, to wit, the Minories without Aldgate, there died nuns professed to the number of twenty-seven, besides other that were Lay people, and servants in that house.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1517

18 May 1517. The 18 of May, Margaret Queene of Scots departed trom London towards Scotland, richly appointed and prepared of all things necessary for her estate through the kings great liberality. She entered into Scotland the 13 of June and wwas received at Berwick by Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus her husband. In the moneth of June there were with the king divers Ambassadors from foreign parts. In honour of whom, and for their solace, he prepared costly jousts, be himself and twelve other, taking upon them to joust with the Duke of Suffolke (age 33), and twelve of his partakers. There were broken between the parties on both sides five hundred and eight spears.

1517 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

About the feast of Lammas [01 Aug 1517] began the sweating sicknes, of the which many men died suddenly in the beginning thereof, and this plague continued till Michaelmas [29 September], many died thereof in the court, as the Lord Clinton, the Lord Grey of Wilton (age 20), and many other knights and gentlemen, by reason of which contagious sickness, Michaelmas terme was adjorned. After this, to wit, in the winter was a greate death of pestilence, almost over all Englande in every town more or less, wherefore the King kept himself with small company about him, willing to have no resort to the court for fear of infection.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1522

1522This year was a great death in London and other places of the Realm; many men of hnour and great worship died, and amongst other Doctor Fitzjames hishop of London, in whose place was elected Doctor Tunstal (age 48). Also great dearth in London and other places, for wheat was sold for twenty shillings the quarter.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1523

20 Feb 1523. The 20 of February, the ladie Alice Hungerford (age 38) a knights wife, for murdering her husband, was led from the tower of London to Holborn, and there put in a cart with one of her servants and so carried to Tyburn [Map], and both hanged. He was buried in the Greyfriers church at London.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1528

1528 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

17 Jun 1528. The 17 day of June, the terme was adjourned to Michael because of the sweating sicknesse that then reigned tn the city of London, and there was no such watch at Midsummer, as before time bad bene accustomed. Of this sickness died many suddenly in the kings court, namely Sir William Compton (age 46), Sir Francis Poyntz (deceased), and other, who died with little warning. The King for a space removed almost every day till be came to Tittenhanger [Map], a place of the abbot of Saint Albans, anv there be with the queene, and a small company about them, remained till the sickness was past.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1532

Anne Boleyn's Investiture as Marchioness of Pembroke

01 Sep 1532. The firste of September the Lady Anne Bolleine (age 31) was made Marchionesse of Pembrooke at Windsore, and then was gyuen hir by the King, one thousande pounde by yeare, [out of the hishopricke of Durham].

Henry VIII and Francis I meet at Calais

11 Oct 1532. The eleuenth of October King Henrie landed at Calleis, with the Duke of Richemonde (age 13) hys bastarde sonne, the Duke of Norffolke (age 59) Lord Treasurer of England, the Duke of Suffolke (age 48), the Marquesse of Excester (age 36), the Erles of Darby (age 23), Arundale (age 56), Oxforde, Surrey and Rutlande (age 40), the Vicount Lisle (age 68) King Edwarde the fourth his bastarde sonne, the Lord Matrauers, the Lord Sands Lorde Chamberlaine of the Kings house, the Lorde William Hawarde, the Lorde Bray, the Lorde Montague, the Lorde Cobham, the Lorde Mordant, the Lorde Dawbney, the Lorde Grey, the Lord Clinton, the Lorde Vaux, the Lorde Mountegle, the Lorde Rocheford (age 29), wyth diuers other Lordes: the hishoppes of Winchester, London, Lincolne, and Bathe: sir William Fitz William treasourer of the kings house, sir William Pawlet Comptroller, sir William Kingstone Capitaine of the Guarde, sir Iohn Page, sir Iames Boleine, sir Anthony Browne, sir Edwarde Neuell, sir Thomas Cheyney▪ sir Iohn Russell, sir Richard Page, sir Ralph Eldercare, sir Edward Baynton, sir Edwarde Santener, sir Griffyth Deene, sir Iohn Dudley, sir Iohn Femer, sir Henry Long, sir Anthony Hungerforde, sir Iohn Brudges, sir Arthur Hoptō, sir Anthony Wingfielde, sir William Paston, sir Edmonde Bedingfielde, sir Thomas Strange, sir William Hawte, sir Edwarde Wotton, sir William Askewe, sir Iohn Marleant, sir William Barington, sir William Essex, sir Giles Strangweis, sir Edwarde Chamberlaine, sir Giles Caple, sir Iohn Sent-Iohn, sir Walter Hungerforde, sir William Gascoine, sir Lionel Norrice, sir Edwarde Boloine, sir Thomas Lisle, sir Iohn Ashton, sir Thomas Palmer, sir William Boloine, sir William Finche, sir William Pellam, sir Thomas Rotherham, sir Iohn Norton, sir Richarde Sandes, sir Iohn Neuell, and thyrtie Esquiers, with manye Gentlemenne, and all theyr traines.

The towne of Calleis had at thys season twenty-four hundred beddes, and stabling for two thousande horses, besides the villages about.

21 Oct 1532. The twenty-first of October, King Henrie rode towarde Boloigne, and was by the waye at Sandingfielde mette by the Frenche King, and many Nobles of France, who rode al to Boloigne, and were there lodged.

25 Oct 1532. On the twenty-fifth of October King Henrie returned againe to Calleis, accompanied with the Frenche King, the King of Nauarre, the Cardinall of Loraine, and many other Dukes, Byshoppes and great estates of Fraunce, Gasoine, Brytaine, and Normandie: And the xxviij. of October, Kyng Henrie made the King of Nauarre Knight of the Garter: and the nexte daye the Frenche King with the King of Nauarre, and all the greate Lordes of Fraunce, rode againe to Boloigne, and King Henrie of Englande rode wyth them to Sandingfielde, where he made to the Frenche King a costlye banquet, and there the three Kings departed like louing brethren in great amitie: & the xiiij. of Nouember King Henrie landed at Douer.Richard Reynold: Nicholas Pinchon, the 28. of September.Sherifes.Iohn Martin Butcher.Sir Stephen Pecocke Haberdasher, the 28. of October.Maior.Kyng Henrie kepte hys Christmasse at Greenewiche, and after Christmasse sir Thomas Audeley Lord Kéeper of the great Seale, was made Lord Chauncelor of England, and then beganne a Parliament, in the whiche it was enacted, that no person shoulde appeale for anye cause oute of thys Realme, to the Court of Rome: and also, that Quéene Katherine shoulde from thenceforth be no more called Quéene, but Princesse Dowager of Prince Arthur.The twelfth of Aprill being Easter euen, the Ladye1533 Anno reg. 25Anne Bolleine, who hadde béene priuily marryed to Kyng Henrie, wente to hir Closet openly as Quéene, and was proclaymed Quéene of Englande.The sixe and twentith of Aprill, Arthure Plantagenet sonne illegitime of Kyng Edwarde the fourth, was created Viscount Lisle at Bridewell.The twelfth of May Pauier, towne Clearke of London, hung himselfe.The Kings highnesse addressed his letters to the Maior and Communaltie of London, signifying vnto them, that his pleasure was to solempnize the Coronation of his most deare and welbeloued wife Quéene Anne at Westminster on Whitsonday next ensuing, willing them to make preparation as well to fetche hir Grace from Greenewiche to the Tower by water, as to sée the Citie garnished wyth Pageants in places accustomed, for the honor of hir Grace, when shée shoulde be conueyed from the Tower to Westminster. Wherevppon a common Counsell was called, and commaundement gyuen to the Haberdashers, of whiche Craft the Maior was, that they shoulde prepare a Barge for the Bachelers, wyth a Wafter, and a Foyste, garnished wyth Banners, lyke as they vse when the Maior is presented at Westminster, on the morrowe after the feast of Saint Simon & Iude. Also all other Craftes were commaunded to prepare Barges, and to garnishe them, not onely with their Banners accustomed, but also to decke them with Targets by the sides of the Barges, and to sette vppe all suche séemely Banners and Bannerets, as they hadde in their

Click to read complete text ...

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1536

Death of Catherine of Aragon

08 Jan 1536. The eight of Januarie dyed Ladie Katherine Dowager at Kymbalton, ad was buryed at Peterborowe.

Anne Boleyn's Miscarriage

29 Jan 1536. The twentie nine of Januarie, Queene Anne (age 35) was delivered of a man Childe before her time, which was borne deade.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England Edward VI 1547

Death of Henry VIII Accession of Edward VI

28 Jan 1547. Edward (age 9) the first borne at Hampton court [Map] (by the decease of k. Henry (age 55) his father) began his raigne the 28 of January, and was proclaimed k. of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and of the churches of England and also of Ireland the supreme head immedlatly in earth under God, & on the last day of January, in the yere of Christ after the Church of England 1546 but after the accompt of them that begin the yere at Christmas 1547 being then of the age of nine yéeres. And the same day in the afternoone the saide young king came to the tower of London [Map] from Hertford, and rode into the City at Aldgate, and so along the wall by the crossed Friars [Map] to the Tower hill, & entred at the red bulwarke [Map], where be was received by sir John Gage (age 67) constable of the tower, and the lieutenant on horseback, the Earle of Hertford (age 47) riding before the king, and sir Anthony Browne (age 47) riding after him: and on the bridge next the warde gate, the archbishop of Canterbury (age 57), the lorde Chancellor (age 41), with other great lords of the Councell received him, and so brought him to his chamber of pretence, there they were sworne to his majesty.

The first of February, the earle of Hertford (age 47) was nominate, elected and chosen, by all the executors to be potector and chiefe governor of the kings person, untill became to his lawfall age of 18 yeeres, and so was be prclaimed.

The first daie of February the earle of Hertford (age 47) lord protector in the tower of London [Map], endued King Edward (age 9) with the order of knighthod: and then immediatly the king standing up, under the cloth of estate, Henry Hoblethorne lord Major of London was called, who kneeling downe, the king toke the sword of the lord protector and made him knight, which was the first that ever he made. Then the lords called the judges and communed with them, and then every one of them came before the king, who put forth his hand,and every of them kissed it: then master William Porteman one of the judges of the kings bench was called forth, whom the king made knight, and then the king moving his cap departed to his privie chamber againe.

Funeral of King Henry VIII

The 14 of February the corpes of k Henrie the eight (deceased), was with great solemnitie and honor conveyed unto Syon [Map], and the next day [15 Feb 1547] to Windsor, and there buried in the colledge [Map].

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1550

22 Jan 1550. The 22 of January John earle of Bedford (age 65), William L. Paget (age 44), Sir Wil. Peter Knight, one of the kings Secretaries, and Sir John Mason (age 47) knight, chiefe clearke of the Counfell, were sent into France Ambassadours to the French king.

Prayer Book Rebellion

27 Jan 1550. the 27 of January, Humfrey Arundell (age 37) esquire, Thomas Holmes, Winslowe and Bery, captaines of the rebels in Devonshire, were hanged and quartered at Tyboure [Map].

02 Feb 1550. On Candlemas day, William L. Saint-John earle of Wiltshire (age 67), L. great master, and president of the Counsell, was made Lord Treasurer: John Dudley earle of Warwike (age 46), lord great chamberlaine, was made lorde great master; William Parre Marques of Northhampton (age 38), was made Lorde great Chamberlaine: Lord Wentworth (age 49) was made L. chamberlaine of houshold: Sir Anthony Wingfield (age 63) captaine of the guard, was made comptroller of the kings house; and Thomas Darcy (age 43) knight, was made viz chamberlaine, and captaine of the Guard: and the earle of Arundel late lord Chamberlaine, with the Earle of Southampton (age 44), were put of the counsell, and commanded to heepe their houses in London.

The submission of the D. of Somerset (age 50) prisoner in the tower, made the 2, of Febuary.

06 Feb 1550. The 6. of February the D. of Somerset (age 50) twas delivered out of the tower, and that night be supped at Sir Io. Yorks one of the sherifs of London

10 Feb 1550. The 10 of February one Bel a Suffolke man, was hanged and quartered at Tyborne [Map], for moving a new rebellion in Suffolk and Essex.

30 Jul 1550. The 30. of Julie, Thomas Lord Wriothesley Earle of South-hampton Knight of the garter, and one of the executoꝛs to king Henry the 8. deceased Lincoln place in Holborne, and was buried in S.Andrewes church [Map] there.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1551

1551 Sweating Sickness Outbreak

The 15 of April, the infections sweating sicknesse began at Shrewsbury, Shropshire [Map], -- which ended not in the North part of England untill the ende of September. "In this space what number died, it cannot be well accompted, but certaine it is that in London in fewe daies 960. gave up the ghost: if began in London the 9. of July, and the 12. of July it was most vehement, which was so terrible, that people being in best health, were sodainly taken, and dead in foure and twenty houres, and twelve, or lesse, for lacke of skill in guiding them in their sweat. And it is to be noted, that this mortalitie fell chiefely or rather on men, and those also of the best age, as betweene thirty and forty yeares, fewe women, nor children, nor olde men died thereof. Sleeping in the beginning was present death, for if they were suffered to sleepe but half a quarter of an houre, they never spake after, nor had any knowledge, but when they wakened fell into panges of death. This was a terrible time in London, for many one lost sodainly his friends, by the sweat, and their money by the proclamation. Seven honest householders did sup together, and before eight of the clocke in the next morning, four them were dead: they that were taken with full stomacks escaped hardly. This sickenesse followed English men as well within the realme, as in strange countries: wherefore this nation was much afeard of it, and for the time began to repent and remember God but as the disease relented, the devotion deceased. The first weeke died in London 800 persons.

Arrest of the Duke of Somerset and his Supporters

The 16, of October [1551], Edward Seimer Duke of Somerset (age 51), the Lord Gray of Wilton (age 42), Sir Ralph Vane, Sir Thomas Palmer, Sir Myles Partridge, Sir Michael Stanhope (age 44), Sir Thomas Arundell (age 49) knightes, and divers other Gentlemen, were brought to the Tower of London [Map]. The next morrowe, the Dutchesse of Somerset (age 54) was also brought to the Tower [Map].

The liberties of the Stilpard [Map] were ceased into the kings hands for divers causes forfeited, contrarie to the enter-course.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1552

Trial and Execution of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset and his Supporters

22 Jan 1552. The 22 of January Edward duke of Somerset (age 52) was beheaded on the tower hill [Map]. The same morning early the consables of every warde in London (according to a precept directed from the counsell to the Mayor) streightly charged every householde of the same citie not to depart any of them out of their houses before ten of the clocke of that Day, meaning thereby to restraine the great number of people, that otherwise were like to have bene at the said execution: notwithstanding by seven aclock the tower hill [Map] was covered with a great multitude, repairing from all parts of the citie, as well as out of the suburbs, and before 8 of the clocke the duke was brought to the scaffold inclosed with the kings gard, the sherifs officers, the warders of the Tower, & other with halbards: the Duke being ready to have been executed, suddenly the people were driven into a great feare, few or none knowing the cause: wherfore I thinke it good to write what I saw concerning that matter.

Thee people of a certaine hamlet, which were warned to be there by 7. of the clocke to give their attendance on the liuetenant, now came through the posterne, & perceiving the D. to be alreadie on the scaffold, the foremost began to run, crying to their followes to fellow fall after, which suddennes of there men being weaponed with bils and halbards thus running, caused the people which first saw them, to thinke some power had come to have rescued the duke from execution, and therefore to crie away, away, whereupon the people ran some one way some another, many fell into the tower ditch, and they which tarried thought some pardon had been brought, some saide it thundered, some that a great rumbling was in the earth under them, some that the ground moved, but there was no such matter, more than the trampling of their feete, which made some noise.

26 Feb 1552. The 26 of February, Sir Ralph a Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged on the tower hill [Map], Sir Michael Stanhope (age 45) with Sir Thomas Arundel (age 50) were beheaded there: all which foure persons tooke on their death that theyp never offended against the kings maiestie, nor against any of his counfell.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1592

19 Jul 1592. The 19 of July, the court of assize for Surrey was holden and kept in S. Georges field, a tent being erected for that purpose, many prisoners were there arraigned, condemned and had judgement, nineteen were burnt in the hand, but none erecated. This assize was ended the same day, which was thought would have been three days work, for the Justices (all duties being paide) made haste away for fear of being infected witch the pestilence by repaire of people thither.

This yeare also, no Bartholomew fair was kept at London, for the avoiding of concourse of people, whereby the infection of the rest, or plague might have increased, which was then very hot in that city, so that on the three and twentieth of October, deceased Sir William Roe then lord mayor. The first November, William Elken alderman. The fifth of December, Sir Rowland Ann Howard alderman, and the ninth of January, Sir Wolstone Dixie alderman. The whole number deceasing this year the city, liberties, and suburbs ajoining, as well of the plague as of other diseases, from the nine and tiventith of December in the year 1592 untill the twentieth of December 1593, was as followeth: within the walls of all diseases 8598, where of the plague was 5390. Without the walles, and in the liberties 9295 of the plague 5385 so that within the Citte and liberties of all diseases died 17893 whereof the plague was 10675.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1593

18 Feb 1593. The 18.of February one named Harington a seminary preist, was drawn from Newgate to Tyborne [Map] and there hanged, cut done al(ue, ſtrugled with fhe hangman, bat twas boweſled andquarter

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1594

14 Apr 1594. The 14 of April, a woman was burned in Smithfield for murdering of her husband.

16 Apr 1594. The 16 of April, Ferdinando, Earl of Derby (age 35) deceased at Latham, whose strange sickness and death, gathered by those who were present with him at the time thereof, was such as follows: his diseases apparant, were vomiting of sower or rusty matter with blood, the yellow jaundice: melting of his fat, swelling and hardness of his spleen, a vehement hichcock¹, and four days. before be died, stopping of his water.

The causes of all his diseases were thought be the physcians; to be partly a surfeit, and partly most violent distempering himself with vehement exercise, taken four days together in the Garter week.

Note 1. In falconry, "hitchcocking" refers to the process of binding or securing the wings of a bird of prey, such as a hawk or falcon, to prevent it from flying away while being transported or handled. It's a technique used to restrain the bird safely without causing harm.

Late Medieval Books, John Stow's Annales of England 1601

Essex Rebellion

Sunday the eight of February [1601], about ten of the clock before none, Robbert Devereux Earle of Essex, assisted by sundry noble men and gentlemen, in warlike maner, departed from his house by the Strand, and entered the Citie of London, at the Temple-Barre, crying for the Quéene, for the Quéene, till they came into Fenchurch Stréete, and there entered the house of Maister Thomas Smith, one of the Shrives of London, who finding himselfe not maister of his owne house, by meanes of the strength the Earle brought with bim,and being ignorant of his intent and purposes, convayed himselfe out at a backe-gate to the Maior, whereupon the Earle: with his troupe returned into Fenchurch Stréete to an Armorours house where they required Armour which was denyed them, & then went info Grasse-stréete, where perceinig himselfe with his assisters to be proclaimed traytors as also the Citizens to be raised in armes against him, be with his followers wandering up and downe the Citie, towards evening, would have passed at Ludgate, which was closed and defended against them, so was he forced to returne to Quéene-hith, and from thence by water, to his house by the Strand, which house he fortified, but understanding that great Ordinance was brought to have beat it downe, be yéelded, and was convayed to the Tower about midnight.

The xvii [7th] of February [1601] Captaine Thomas Lee (deceased), was drawne fo Tiborne, and there hanged, bowelled and quartered, being before condemned, for consspiracie against the Quéene, about deliverance of the Earle of Essex out of the Tower, he tooke his death constantly, confessing he had divers wayes deserved it, but to be innocent of that he was condemned for, &c.

The 18 of February [1601], lohn Pybushe, a Seminary priest, after seaven yeares imprisonment in the Kings bench, was hanged, boweled, and quartered at Saint Thomas Waterings [Map], for comming into England, contrary to the Statute of Anno 27 of the Quéene.

Essex Rebellion

The 19 of February [1601], Robert Devereux Earle of Essex (age 35), was arraigned Westminster, and found guilty of high treason, as more at large appearreth in Bookes thereof extant, published by authoritie, wherefore I will forbeare to set downe in this place any further of that matter of his arraignement,

The 25 of Feruary [1601], then being Ashwednesday, about eyght of the clocke in the morning, was the sentence of death executed upon Robert Devereux earle of Essex (age 35), within the Tower of London, where a Scaffold being set up in the Court, and a ſorme néere unto the place, where on sat the Earles of Cumberland, and Hartford, the Lord Vice-count Bindon, the Lorde Thomas Howard, the Lorde Darcye, and the Lorde Compton. The Lieutenant, with some sixtéene Partizans of the Guard was sent for the Prisoner, who came in a Gowne of wrought Vevlet, a blacke Sattin sute, a Felt-Hatte blacke, a little Ruffe about his neck, accompanied from his Chamber with thee Divines, Doctor Montford, Doctor Barlow, and Maister Ashton his Chaplaine: them be bad requested not to part from him, but oberne him, and recall him if either his eye, countenanc, or speeche, should bewray any thing which might not beséeme him for that time: All the way be desired the spectators to pray for him, and so arriving on the Scaftold, he vailed his hat, and with obeysance unto the Lords, to this effect he spake, viz.

My Lords, and you my Christian brethren, who are to be witnesses of this my just punishment, I confesse to the glorye of GOD, that I am a most wretched sinner, and that my sinnes are more in number then the hayres of my head, I confesse that I have bestowed my youth in wantonnesse, lust, and uncleannesse, that I have béene puffed uppe with pride, vanitie, and love of this worlds pleasures, And that not withstanding diverse good motions inspired into me from the spirite of God; The good which I would, I have not done, and the evill which I would not that haue I done. For all which I humbly beséech my Saviour Christ to be a mediator to the eternall Majestie for my pardon: especially for this my last sinne, this great, this bloudie, this crying, this infectious sinne, whereby so many have for love to me béene drawne to offend God, to offend their Soveraigne, to offend the world: I beseech God to fotgive it us, and to forgive it me most wretched of all: I belch her Majestie, and the siate, and Ministers thereof, to forgive it us, and I beséech God to send her Majestie a prosperous raigne and a long, if it be his will: O Lorde graunt her a wise and understanding heart; O Lorde blesse her and the Nobles, and the Ministers of the Church and State.

And I beseech you and the worlde to holde a charitable opinion of me, for my intention toward her Majestie, whose death I protest I never meant, nor violence towards her person: I never was, I thanke God Athist, not beléeuing the worte and Scriptures: neither Papist trusting in mine owne merites, but hope for satvation from God onely, by the mercy and merites of my Saviour Christ Jesus. This faith was I brought up in, and héerein I am now ready to dye; beséeching you all, to joyne your soules with me in prayer, that my soule may be lifted up by faith above all earthly things in my prayer, for now I will give up myelfe to my private prayer: yet for that I beséeche you to joyne with me, I will speake that you may heare me. And héere as he turned himselfe a-side to put off his Gowne, Doctor Montford requested him to remember to pray to God to forgive all his enemies, if he had any. To whom he answered, I thanke you for it: and so turning himlelfe againe to the Lordes and the rest, he sayde: I desire all the worlde to forgive me, even as I doe freely and from my heart forgive all the world. Then putting off his Gowne and Ruffe, and presenting himselfe before the blocke, kneeling Downe, he was by Doctor Barlow encouraged against the feare of death. To whom be answered; That having beene diverſe times in places of daunger, where death was neyther so present, nor yet so certaine, be had felt the weakenesse of the flesh, and therefore now in this great conflict desired God to assist and strengthen him: and so with eyes fixed on heaven, after some passionate pawses, and breathings, be began his prayer in effect following.

O God, Creator of all things, and judge of all men; thou hast let me know by warrant out of thy word; that Sathan ts then most busie when our end is néerest, and that Sathan being resisted will flée. I humbly beeséech thée to asssist me in this my last combat: and séeing thou acceptest even of our desires as of our actes: accept I béesech thée, of my desires to resist him, as of true resistance, and perfect, by thy grace, what thon séest in my flesh to be frayle and weake, give me patience to beare as becommeth me, this just punishment inflicted uppon mee by so honourable a tryall: Graunt mée the inwarde comforte of thy spirite: let thy spirite seale unto my soule an assurance of thy manifolde mercyes: lift my soule above all earthly cogitations: and when my life and body shall part, send thy blessed Angels which may receive my soule, and convey it to thy joyes in heaven.

Then concluding his prayer for all Estates of the Realme, he shut up all with the Lords prayer, reiterating this petition: Lord Jefus forgive us our trespasses, Lord Jesus receive my soule. Then desiring to be informed what was fit for him to doe for disposing himselfe fitly for the blocke, the Executioner on his knees presented himselfe, asking him forgivenesse: to whom the Earle said, I forgive thée, thon art welcome unto me, thou art the minister of Justice. At which time Doctor Montford requested him to rehearse the Creed, to which be did, repeating every article after the Divines. So opening and putting off his doublet he was in a Scarelet Wastecoate, and then ready to lye downe, he said he would onely stretch forth his armes, and spread them abroade, for then he was ready: so bowing towards the blocke, the Doctors requested him to saye the two first verses of the 51 Psalme, which he did: and then inclining his body he said; In humilitie and obedience to thy commaundement in obedience to thy ordinance, to thy good pleasure, O God, I prostrate my selfe to my deserved punishment, God be merciful to thy prostrate servaut; so lying flatte along on the bordes, and lying downe his head, and sitting it upon the blocke, stretched out his armes, with these wordes, which be was requested to say. Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit. His Head was severed from his body by the Axe at thrée stroakes, but the first deadly and absolutely depriving all sence, and motion. The hangman was beaten, as he returned thence, so that the Shiriffes of London were called to assist and rescue him from such as would haue murthered bim.

The xxvii [27th] of Febuary [1601], Marke Bakworth, and Thomas Filcoks Semiinary Priests, were drawne to Tiborne, and there hanged and quartered; for comming into the Realme contrary to the statute. Also the same day, and in the same place, was hanged a Gentlewoman, called Mistrisse Anne Line, a widow for reléeving a Priest contrary to the same statute.

Essex Rebellion

[28 Feb 1601] The last of February, a young man named Woodhouse was hanged in Smithfield, for speaking and Libelling against the Quéenes Proclamation, and apprehending of the Earle of Essex.

The 5 of Marche [1601], the earle of Marre, the Lord of Knyntors, Embassadors, and others in commission out of Scotland, came to London and were lodged by the Exchange in the house of Anthony Radcliffe late Alderman.

Essex Rebellion

The 13 of March [1601], sir Gilley Merike Knight, and Henry Cuffe (age 38) Gentleman, were drawne to Tiborne, the one from the Tower, the other from Newgate, and there hanged, boweled, and quartered, as being actors with the late earle of Essex.

The 18 of March [1601], sir Charles Dawvers (age 33), and sir Christopher Blunt (age 36) knights, were upon a new Scaffold set up for that purpose, on the Tower hill, beheaded.