Picardie

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

PICARDIE AND CAMPANIA. (Book Picardie)

ALthough the name of Picardie is not very ancient, yet no certaine reason can be rendred for it: some conjecturing one thing, some another. Cenalis professes that hee knowes not whether the Picardians borrowed this name from the Bigardian Hereticks: however, it is manifest saith he, that they were of greater antiquitie than the Inhabitants of this Country. Some suppose that they were called Picardians, because they were the first that used those Lances, which are commonly called Pikes. On the West that I may make a plain description of the bounds thereof) is the Brittish Ocean, with some part of Normandie: on the North lie those Countries of ancient Belgia, which are now called Artesia, or Artois, and Hannonia, or Henegou• on the East lyeth Luxenburg o• Lorraine: and lastly, on the South Campania, and that Country which by a more speciall name is called France. It is a most fruitfull Countrie, and the Store-house or Granarie of Paris, and most parts of France. It hath but little wine, which proceedeth rather from the sloathfull idlenesse of the Inhabitants, than from any defect of the Soyle or Climate. Picardie is divided into three parts: the true Picardie, the Lower, and the Higher. I will onely speake here of the True Picardie, (called in French, La vraye Picardie). It doth containe in it the jurisdictions of Ambiana, Corbia, and Pequignya, the Counties of Veramandois, and Retelois, and the Dukedome of Tirascha. Ambiana (or Visdamie d' Amiens) was so named from the Citie Ambianum, commonly called Amiens. Heretofore, as the Learned doe thinke, it was named Samarobrina; and by Ptolemie, Samarobriga. Antoninus in some of his bookes calls it Samarba•iva, and in others Samarabriga. Briga in the ancient Spanish language, and Bria in the Thracian speech,doe signifie a Citie; yet some doe write that it was called Somonobriga from its bridge, (in Dutch called Brug) which standeth on the River Somona. Ambianum is situated at Somona, which divideth it into severall parts: (whence some suppose that the Emperour Gratian did name it Ambianum, quòd aquis ambiatur, because it is encompassed with water). It is thought to be one of the strongest Townes in all France, both for the naturall situation, and artificiall fortification thereof: it is entrenched with deepe broad ditches, and is the key of that part of the Kingdome. There is a faire Church in it. The Inhabitants are reputed to be very honest and faithfull. The Countie of Corduba is so called from Corduba, which is a Towne neare Somona, and is seated by a River which runneth there into it. Peguignya is so called from a Towne commonly called Peguigny: which received its name (if wee shall beleeve the common report) from one Pignon, a Souldier of Alexander the great. It is famous in Histories, because William Duke of Normandie, surnamed Long-sword, was slaine by an ambushment laid by Baldwin Earle of Cambray, who drew him thither under a colour of making a peace, as the Norman Annals doe testifie. The Countie of Veromandois (as Geographers that describe France doe note) containes under it the Counties of the Suessons, and Laudunenses, the Territorie of the Tartenians, and the Cities of Noviomagus, and Fane de S. Quintin. The Suessones are commonly called Suessons, or Soissonois, whose Citie is now called Soisson, having in it a strong Castle. Antoninus calls it Suessones by the name of the Inhabitants; and Ptolemie, Augusta Suessonum. The Countrie of the Laundunenses, now called Laonnois, hath its name from Laudunum, (mentioned in the life of Charles the great) which is now called Laon, being seated on a hill. The Country of the Tartenians is called in French Tartenois, the Metropolis whereof is Fera, commonly called La Fere. It is a Citie strongly fortified, and commodiously seated, neare the confluence and meeting of the Rivers, Oysa, and Serva, having also a strong Castle. The Citie Noviomagus, which Antoninus placeth betweene Soisson and Amiens, and maketh the seat of the eighteenth Roman Legion, is now called Noion: Ptolemy calls it Noviomagos Vadicassimum, and others Noviomus. It is a Citie which seemeth to be very ancient, and is a Bishops Seate, the Prelates whereof stile themselves Earles of Noion, and Peeres of France. Fane de S. Quintin, which was sometime the head Towne of the Country, and seate of the Earles of Vermandois was so called from Quintin, who suffered Martyrdome there: whereas before it was called Augusta Veromanduorum: so much concerning Veromandois. The Territorie of the Retclians (commonly called Retelois, is situate betweene Hannonia, Lotharingia, and Barrois: The Metropolis thereof is Retelium. The chiefe Citie of Tirascha, (called La Tirasche) is Guisa, having a stately Castle to defend it against the Luxenburgians.

PICARDIE. THE ECCLESIASTICALL STATE. (Book Picardie)

That part of Picardie which is subject to the King of France hath 7. Bishopricks under the Archbishoprick of Rhemes: the Bishops of Suesson, Silvanectum, Beavais, (which is in France) Noyon, Laon, Amiens, and the Bishoprick of Bouloygne. This Bishoprick was formerly at Ternaen, but being suppressed it was agreed that the Bishops Seate should be translated to Bouloygne, Anno 1559.

PICARDIE.

• PICARDIE (as I said before) some thinke to be so called, because the Inhabitants thereof were the first that used Lances, which is not probable. Some say Picardy was so called from the Towne Pequigny, or from a famous Souldier called Pignon, the first Founder of the Pequignians and Ambianians, who after the death of Alexander being made Captaine of the Warre, after he had conquerd many Nations, arrived with a Fleete of Ships at Neustria, now called Normandies; and harrasing those places hee gave them afterward his owne name. On the West lyeth the Brittish Ocean with some part of Normandy, on the North lye the Countries of ancient Belgia,Artesia, and Hannonia, on the East Luxenburg and Lotharingia, and on the South Campania, and that Country which is called by a more speciall name France. Picardie as I have said also before is devided into three parts. The true Picardy, the lower, and the higher. The true Picardy doth containe Vidamates, of Ambianum, Corbie, and Pequigny, the County of Veromandois, and the Dukedomes of Tirasche, and Retelois. Ambianum hath its name from a Towne so called, situate at the River Samona. This Towne hath a very faire Church, built with great Art, graced and adorned with Images farre exceeding all the curious pieces of Europe, and in it as they fabulously report S. Iohn Baptists head is kept whole. It hath a title of a Bayliwick, but yet the Civill government, as the ordering of the municipall Court, and the power to appoint watches which 〈◊〉 to be chosen out of the Citizens▪ belongeth to a Consul appointed for that purpose, The first Bishop thereof was F••minus the 〈◊〉, after whom 〈◊〉 Bishops succeeded orderly, the last of which was Iohn Cre•itus, of the Canaplensian Family. The Inhabitants are repured to b• very honest and faithfull, and therefore have many priviledges and immunities as being exempted from serving in Forraigne warres and from paying of Subsidies. Here the most learned Phisitians Silvius and Fe•nelius were borne and also the excellent Orator Silvius, who with gr•at commendations imitated many Bookes of C••e•o••. This City (as we have said before) 〈◊〉 built by Pig• a Souldier of Alexanders the great, if wee will beleeve many Writers. In the yeere 1597. the Spaniards treacherously invading it, made it their owne, but Henry the 4. King of France by siege and force of Armes compell'd them to render it up againe. The Vidama••e of Corbie is so called from Corbia, which is a Towne 〈…〉 the River •omona 〈…〉. The Vidamate of Pequigny is so call•d from Pequigny built as I have before expressed by one Pigne• a Souldier of •l•xander the great French Writers doe testifie that those of the English which surviv'd after a certaine victory obtaind against them were all slaine at this Towne, who could not pronounce the name thereof, for they pronou•ced it •equeny in stead of Pequigny. The Geographers that describe 〈◊〉 doe note that Veromandois doth containe under it the Territories of •issenois, La•nn•is, and •artencis: and the Cities N•yon, and S. Quintins. The City of Soiss•ns is subject to Themes the chiefe City of Calaa Belgica, and was honoured by Caesar with the title of a Royall City. It was in the power of the Romanes, but was taken from them by Cladoveus, after whose decease, his Sonnes restored it to that former honour which it enjoyed in Caesars time. The Inhabitants are a warlike people. In this City, in the raigne of Philip Augustus▪ there was a Consell held by the Clergie of England and France, for that the King of England having thrust the Bishops out of their Seates, had kept the Churches goods in his owne hands for 6. yeeres▪ and afterward had banisht the Bishops into Fran•e. In this Cou•sell he had excommu•ication and warres denounced against him as an enemy to the Church, upon which he was overcome in Battell, and all his auxiliary Forces which he had out of Planders were overthrowne: the Suess•nes among the rest behaving themselves very valiantly against him. The Temple and Monastery of the blessed Virgin in the City Soiss•ms was built by Ebroynus the Tyrant who was Master of the Palace of •rauce. The Bishops of Soissons from Sixtus to Mathew Paris were 79.. The Country of Laonois so called from the City Laon which i• situated betweene the Rivers Ayne, and Oysa on a Hill, and •gisbertus saith that •l•doveus in the yeere 500. did honour this City with a Dukedome and a Bishoprick. Hee constituted Genebaldus to bee the first Bishop thereof, and after him unto Iohannes Bu••erius, there are reckoned 72. Bishops. It is also a Bayliwick, under which are these Cities, Soissons. Noviomagus, or Noyon, S. Quintins, Ribuaria, or Ribemont, C•u•y, Chau•y, Guise, Perona, Mondidier, and Roia. Next adjacent unto Laon is ••mpendium, called by the French, Compiegne, and by others Par•p••is, from Carolus Calvus, who in the yeere 896. did enlarge and fortifie it like Constantinople, erecting there also a Monastery to Saint Cornelius. The Church of Compiegne, and the Monastery of the Dominicans and Franciscans were built by S. Ludovicus King of France. The Metropolis of Tartenois is Fera, commonly called La Fere, being a City well fortified and commodiously seated, at the confluence and meeting of the Rivers Oysa, and Serva, and having a strong Castle. Concerning the Cities Noyon and S. Quintins there is enough spoken in the Description of a former Table. So much therefore concerning true Picardie. There are divers parts of the lower Picardie called (Le Basse.) As Sancterra, Pontium, Bolonesium, Gu•naeum, and Oyum. Sancterra, or Sancterre lyeth betweene Mons S. Desiderij, Perona, Roye, and Nesla. Mons S. Desiderij, or Mondidier is a strong Place or Hold. Perona is situated at the River Somona: here Herebert Earle of Veromandois kept Cha•les the Simple King of France Captive, where he died and left the Kingdome much troubled. Roye is a faire Towne, fortified with a Castle. Antoninus calleth it Caesaremagnus, as also the Itinerary Tables. •essa is a strong Fortresse as many other places are in this part of the Kingdome. In Sancterra have many famous men beene borne, and the ancient Lords thereof being Marquesses, formerly joyned in affinity and allyed to the Family of the Courtneys, which descended from the Kings of France. Pontium or in French Le Conté Ponthieu is so named, from the great company of Bridges and Marishes which discharge and empty themselves into the Sea, neere to S. Valeri. The chiefe Towne of the County is Abatisvilla, commonly called Abbeville neere the River Oyse, being a Bailiwick, and the Seate of a President, from whence Causes and Suites in Law are brought to Paris. The other Townes are Cr•toy, Rua, Treport, and S. Richeri, besides Cressiacum, or the little Towne of Cressi famous for the slaughter of 36000. Frenchmen, under the conduct of Philip of Valots, in the yeere 1346. This Country also doth containe two other under it, to wit, the Counties of M••streul, and S. Paul▪ some thinke the former was so called quasi M•rs Reguis, that is, the Royall Mountaine, but others imagine it to bee so named from a Monster which had his dwelling house here. Lower Picardie containeth the County of Bononia, commanly call'd Co••• de Boleigne, and the County of Guisne, of which we will speake in the Description of Bononia. The chiefe Rivers of Picardie are Somona, neere to which lye the Towne Ambianum, or Amiens and Abbe-Villa, Oyse▪ or Esia, Scaldis, Escault, or Sceldt, and those which are commonly call'd A••• and Scarpe. I come to their manners. The Picardians are of a good disposition, well set, courteous, Officious, valiant, and prone to anger, whence they are called hot heads: they are so soone assuredly given and addicted to wine, so that a man can hardly obtaine any thing of them, unlesse he will beare them company in drinking. Yet they agree so well among themselves, that if you offend one of them, all the rest will be your enemies. The Nobles are warlike, and doe most of all delight in military affaires. So much concerning Picardy.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

PICARDY,

• Higher; as
  • True Picardy,
    • Amiens.
    • St. Quintin.
  • Vermandois,
• Lower; as
  • Ponthieu,
    • Abbeville,
    • Calais.
  • Boulenois,
  • Vexin, — Roven, or Roa•.

PICARDY, as it is divided in the

• Lower; where are
  • Bousenois,
    • Calnis,
    • Ardres,
    • Boulognois.
  • Ponthieu,
    • Monstrevil,
    • Rue,
    • Abbeville,
    • St. Vallery.
• Mean,
  • True Picardy,
    • Amient,
    • Doulens,
    • Corbie.
  • Santerre,
    • Perone,
    • Mondidier,
    • Roye.
• Higher,
  • Vermandois,
    • St. Quintin,
    • Castelet,
    • Hem.
  • Tierrasche,
    • Guise,
    • Fere,
    • Capelle,
    • Vervins,
    • Marle.

PICARDY is divided into the Higher and Lower, in both of which are divers good Towns; in the Lower are 1. Calais, called by Coesar, Portus Iccius, held by the English near 200 years, and was then esteemed the Key of the Kingdom; it is esteemed one of the best Ports in Picardy, seated opposite to Dover in England, from which it is distant about eight Leagues, once a place of great Trade, as being the Staple of English Wools; now only of note for its being the receipt of Passengers from this Kingdom to England, to and fro. 2. Bulloigne, a strong Frontier Town, towards the Sea. 3. Abbeville, also a strong Frontier Town. In the higher Picardy are, 1. Amiens, a Frontier City towards Flanaers, well fortified, and famous for the sudden loss, and as sudden and brave regaining it by Henry the Fourth. 2. St. Quintin, a strong Frontier Town.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

Picardy into nine Countries.

• Diocess of Seez
• Diocess Euvreux
• Amienois
• Ponthieu
• Vimeux
• Boulonnois
• Santerre
• Vermandois
• Tiarache
• Pays re-conquis

CHAP. III. PICARDY, Picardia.

PICARDY, was part of the ancient Gallia Belgica, and Inhabited by Suessiones, &c. But the Original of its present Name although Modern, is difficult to find out; there is little reason to believe that it was deriv'd from Certain Picards of Bohemia, who were declared Hereticks; nor from a Greek word, the signification whereof is conformable to the hasty and pettish Humour of the Inhabitants.

This Province is the most Northern of all France, and is extended along the Banks of the British Chanel from Calis in a narrow tract of Land to the River Brele, which separates it from Normandy; from thence being much wider, it goes directly West for near 110 miles, where it is bounded by the Northern part of Champaign. Its whole length may be reckon'd 140 miles, for from Calais to Abbeville is about 54 miles, and from thence to the borders of Champaign is about 90 miles, but then the breadth is not answerable, for in the broadest part it is not above 35 miles, and in the Bolonneis not above 15 miles broad. On the South it is bounded by the Isle of France, and on the North by Artois and Haynault.

Picardy is esteem'd one of the most considerable Provinces of the Kingdom, and is remarkable on account of the most ancient Nobility of the Realm, who derive their Original from thence, besides a great number of valiant Soldiers and experienc'd Commanders; the People are very Generous, Courteous, Civil and Courageous, yet somewhat too much enclined to Anger and Voluptuousness. The Soil is extreamly fertil in Corn and divers sorts of Fruits, which hath given occasion to a saying among the French, that Picardy is the Granary and Magazine of Paris; but this Country affords very little Wine. Its principal River is the Oise, which receives into its Chanel the Streams of the Serre, the Somme, the Authie and the Canche. The two former of these flow toward the East, and the three others towards the West, until they discharge themselves into the British Channel, near the Territories of Calan. It is observed, that the Waters of the Somme never freez nor diminish, as do those of the other neighbouring Rivers.

For the administration of Justice, here are many Bailiages, Presidials, and other Courts of Judicature that depend on the Jurisdiction of the Parliament of Paris. The Towns are Govern'd by Mayors and Sheriffs; besides the General Governor, there are 18 particular ones. The Bishopricks in Picardy are Four, which are subject to the Metropolitan See of Rheims. This Province was never alienated from the Demesns of the Crown, and is usually divided into three Parts, viz. The Ʋpper-Picardy, the Middle, and the Lower, according to the following Table.

Picardy is divided into 3 Parts.

• The Ʋpper on the Oise in 3.
  • The Dutchy of Tierache.
  • ...Laonnois Soissonnois
    • These two last are annexed to the Isle of France.
• The Middle on the Somme, in 3.
  • ...Vermandois.
  • The Country of Santerre, or Sangters.
  • ...Amienois.
• The Lower on the Sea-coasts, in 3.
  • ...Ponthieu.
  • ...Boulonnois.
  • The recover'd Countries.

The Dutchy of TIERACHE, Tieracseia, is the most Eastern part of Picardy, and lies between Hainault, Champagne, Verma•dois and Laonnois, and includes within its Precincts, these remarkable Towns, viz.

• Guise, Capital,
• ...La Fere,
• ...Vervins,
• ...Marle,
• ...La Capelle.
• ...Ribermont,
• ...Moncornet,
• ...Aubenton.

Guise, Guisia, and Guisium Castrum, is situated on the River Oise, towards the Confines of Hainault, it is well Fortified with a Castle and other strong Ramparts, and was strong enough to oppose the Spaniards, who besieged it in the year 1650. It is distant 80 miles from Paris, 20 from Laon to the North, 48 from Amiens to the East, and 25 from Cambray to the South-east. This Town at first bore the Title of an Earldom only, enjoyed by the younger House of Lorrain; till A. 1528. Claude the younger Son of Rene, Duke of Lorrain, was created Duke of Guise, by Francis I. whose Grandson, Henry D. of Guise, made him self Head of the Holy League, which under the pretence of Religion and extirpation of Heresie, as they call'd Protestancy, fomented Sedition, and at length took up Arms and maintained a Rebellion against Henry III. and Henry IV. making France a Scene of War and bloodshed for many years; till at last Henry IV. by his Victorious Arms, brought them to submissions, and restored the Peace of his Country.

Fere, Fara, is situated also on the Oise, near the borders of the Isle of France, at the distance of 20 miles from Guise to the South, and 15 from Laon to the West. It is a strong place seated in a marshy Ground, and defended by a strong Castle, which stands between the two Suburbs of St. Firmin and the Virgin Mary, and deep Trenches full of Water, which renders the place almost Inaccessible; by which means it hath been able to resist divers Sieges. However the Spaniards made themselves Masters of it during the Civil Wars of France in the end of the XVI Century. But Henry IV. regain'd it in the month of May, 1597.

Vervins, Vervineum, stands on the banks of the Rivulet Serre, in the midst between Capelle to the North, and Marle to the South, at the distance of 8 miles from both these Towns; as many from the Frontiers of Champagne to the West, and 15 miles from Gause to the East. This Town is more especially famous for a Treaty of Peace concluded therein between Henry IV. King of France, and Philip II. King of Spain, on the 2d day of May, 1598.

La Capelle, is a Fortress near the Confines of Haynault, and is distant about three miles from the Oise, 15 miles from Landrechies to the South-east, and 15 from Guise to the North-east. It was built in the last Age, on purpose to restrain the Incursions of the Flemings, and hath been often taken and re-taken by the contending Parties.

The Countries of Laonnois and Soiss•nnois, being taken from Picardy, and made part of the Isle of France, an account shall be given of them in the Description of that Province.

The Country of VERMANDOIS, Ager Veromanduensis, lies between that of Tierach to the East, Santerre to the West, Cambresis to the North, and the Isle of France to the South, containing these chief Towns, viz.

• St. Quentin, Cap.
• ...Ham,
• ...La Castelet,
• ...Beaurevoir,
• ...Bohaim.

St. QƲINTIN, Quintinopolis, aut Fanum Quintini, is seated on the rising Ground, near the Source of the Somme, having the River on one side, and a steep Valley on the other, 15 miles from Guise to the West, 15 from Peronne to the East, 15 from La Fere to the North, and 20 from Cambray to the South. It sprang up out of the Ruins of Augusta Veromanduorum, or Vermand, a small Village near it, and is now a considerable City, being very Populous, and hath divers sorts of Manufactures, especially Linnen Cloth, made in it. The Collegiate Church of St. Quentin, is a noble pile of Building; there are also other fair and well-built Churches, and a great number of Monasteries. This Town being besieged by the Spaniards, in 1557, the Constable Montmorancy came to its Relief, and fought a fatal Battle with the Spaniards, wherein the Constable was taken Prisoner, together with the Dukes of Montpensier and Longueville, the Marshal de St. Andre, 10 Knights of the Order, and 300 Gentlemen; besides 600 Gentlemen and 3000 private Soldiers killed. Upon which the City was taken, but restored two years after at the Peace concluded at Chacean-Cambresis, a Town near the Frontiers of Haynault.

Ham, Hamum, is situated in a Plain, having the River on one side of it, and a Marsh on the other, and stands almost in the midst between Peronne to the North, and Noyon to the South, 12 miles from St. Quentin to the West. Here is a Citadel which was built by order of Lewes of Luxemburg, or Constable de St. Paul, A. D. 1470. This Town was taken by the Spaniards in 1595, after the Battle of St. Quentin; but the French took it again by Storm, and put the whole Garison to the Sword.

SANTERRE, or Sangers, Ager Saneteriensis, aut Sanguitersa, is extended between Amienois on the West, and Vermandois on the East. The most considerable Towns of this Country are these, Viz.

• Peronne, Cap.
• ...Mont-Didier,
• ...Roie,
• ...Moreuil,
• ...Neste,
• ...Breteuil,
• ...Chaunel,
• ...St. Just.

PERONNE, Perona, seated on the River Somme, is a very strong Hold, and one of the Keys of the Kingdom of France: The Spaniards have often endeavour'd to surprize it, but the Marshes that encompass it, and the Ramparts that defend it rendring it exceeding strong, they have always been repulsed. It is distant 24 miles from Amiens to the East, 20 from Cambray to the South; as many from Arras to the South, and 75 from Paris to the North: Charles IV. King of France, Sur-named the Simple, died therein on the 7th day of October, A. C. 926.

MONT-DIDIER, Mons Desiderii, aut Mondidorium, is a large Town, built on an Hill, in the midst between Amiens and Compeigne, at the distance of 20 miles from both; 24 miles from Peronne to the South-east, and 20 from Noyon to the West. It stands upon a small River which falls into the Aurenge, that falls into the Somme at Amiens. It is a strong Town, and has often resisted the Spaniards.

Nesle, Nigella, is water'd with the Brook Ignon, which falls into the Somme. It stands 15 miles from Montdidier to the North-east, 7 miles from Ham to the West, and almost in the midst between Noyon to the South, and Peronne to the North. It is a small Town that bears the Title of one of the most ancient Marquisates of the Kingdom. Charles the Warlike, D. of Burgundy, took this Place by Storm, A. D. 1472. when it suffered all sorts of Outrages, by reason that the Inhabitants had killed a Herald at Arms, who had been sent to Summon it, and two of his men, during a Truce which had been granted to them; insomuch that the Altars were not able to protect the miserable People that fled for Refuge into the Churches; and they that escaped the fury of the Soldiers, were either Hang'd, or had their Hands cut off.

Chaunes, Celviacum, situated in the midway between Amiens and St. Quintin, and 7 from Peronne to the South-west, is a small Town, nevertheless dignified with the Title of a Dutchy, &c.

AMIENOIS, Ager Ambianensis, lies between Artois to the North, Sangters to the East, Beauvaisis to the South, and the Country of Caux to the West. The Towns of chiefest note are these, viz.

• Amiens, Bish. Cap.
• ...Corvie,
• ...Dourlans,
• ...Pequigne,
• ...Conti.

AMIENS, Ambienum alias Amviani, and Samarobrina, the Metropolis of Picardy, and the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Arch-bishop of Rheims, is situated on the River Somme, forming a Triangle with Paris and Roan, being distant 66 miles from Paris, and 55 from Roan, as also 30 from Arras to the South, toward Paris; 24 from Peronne to the West, and 22 from Abbeville to the South-east. It is a place of very great Antiquity, the Inhabitants whereof heretofore fought most resolutely against Julius Caesar, and even took up Arms against those of Rheims, only because they had too easily yielded to the Conqueror. Afterward Caesar erected a Magazine for his Army, and caused a general Assembly of the Gaulish People to be conven'd therein. The Emperor Antoninus Pius enlarg'd it, as also did his Son Marcus Aurelius. The Emperors Constantin, Constans, Julian, Valentinian, Valens Gratian and Theodosius, chose Amiens for their Royal Seat in Gaul. However, it suffer'd much damage by the Incursions of the Alans, Vandals and Normans, A. C. 925. and was almost intirely burnt, but soon after rebuilt. The City affords a very pleasant prospect, by reason of the largeness of the Streets, the beauty of the Houses, and the extent of the publick places, of which there are two, where seven fair Streets meet; the Ramparts have two rows of Trees planted on them, which form a deligtful Walk. The River Somme enters into the City in three different Channels through as many Bridges, and after having water'd several parts of the City, they are united at the other end of the Town, near S. Michael's bridge. The Cathedral Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is one of the fairest and best adorn'd in France: The Pillars, Quire, Chappels, Tombs and Paintings are admirable, and more especially the Gate flanked with two high Towers, on which are placed 10000 Statues; several Relicks are shewn here. King Philip VI. of Valois first caused the City of Amiens to be fortified, but the Bulwarks were not sufficiently brought to perfection, until the time of Lewis XI, who much improved them; and Henry IV. built a strong Citadel after he had retaken it from the Spaniards, who had seized it by a Stratagem in Anno 1597. Queen Isabel of Bavaria establish'd a Parliament therein. At present it has a Bailiwick, Presidial and Generality, and the Bishop, Vidame and Bailly, are after the King, the three chief Lords.

Corbie, Corbia, is likewise seated on the River Somme, which there intermixeth its Waters with those of the Otnere, 7 miles above Amiens to the East, and 20 from Peronne to the West. It is a strong place, but was however surpriz'd by the Spaniards in 1636. and was recovered by the French within a little while after. This Town grew up out of an Abbey which S. Bethilde Queen of France, the Wife of Clovis II. founded, together with her Son Clotaire III. A. C. 660. It is called Old Corbie, to distinguish it from Corbie or Corwey, a small Town of Westphalia in Germany.

Doulens, Dulendium, is a very strong Town divided into the Upper and Lower, and Water'd by the River Authie on the frontiers of Artois, being distant 20 miles from Arras to the West, and 18 from Amiens to the North. It heretofore appertain'd to the Counts or Earls of Ponthieu, but was annexed to the Crown, A. D. 1559.

Conty, Contiacum, is a small Burgh on the Rivulet of Celle, about 10 miles from Amiens to the South: It is dignified with the Title of a Principality, which hath given name to a branch of the illustrious House of Bourbon. It was at fitst subject to the Dominion of its own Lords, afterward transferr'd to the family of Mailli, and at length devolved on that of the Prince of Bourbon.

The County and Earldom of PONTHIEƲ, Comitatus Pontivenois, was in time past an Inheritance of the younger Sons of France, and is extended along the banks of the River Somme, which renders the Ground every where marshy. The principal Towns are these, viz.

• Abbeville, Cap.
• ...S. Riquier.
• ...Pont de Remi.
• ...Le Croitoi.
• ...R•e.
• ...Montreuil.
• ...Cressy.

ABBEVILLE, Abbatis Villa, or Abbevilla, is seated on the River Somme at the distance of 83 miles from Paris to the North. near 40 from Bull•n, 25 from Amiens, and 15 from the Coasts of the British Sea to the East. It is supposed to have been founded by S. Riquier or some of the Abbots his Successors, and that Hugh Duke of France built the Castle. However, it is at present the capital City of the County of Ponthieu, and one of the strongest and most important places of the Kingdom; it hath always enjoyed certain peculiar Priviledges Here is a presidial Court, a Canonship, 12 Parishes, and many Religious Houses, among which that of S. Ʋlfran is most considerable. This City hath produced many great Men, and in this Age it hath given the World those Learned Geographers, Nicholas Sanson, William Sanson his Son, Peter Duval and Philippus Brietius a Jesuit, who died A. D. 1669.

S. Riquier, Centula, nunc S. Richarius took its name from a certain Saint who was a Native of this place; it is near the River Card•n, and is distant 5 miles from Abbeville to the East, toward Doulens.

Monstreuil, Monstrolium aut Monasteriolum, stands on an Hill, the foot whereof is washed by the River Canche about 6 miles from Estapies, 8 from the Coasts of the British Sea, (from whence Boats of good Burthen come up to the Town,) 24 from Abbeville to the North, and 16 from Bolen to the South. Its name is deriv'd from two ancient-Abbeys of the Benedictin Order, viz. one called S. Saviour, for Monks, and the other S. Austreberte, for Nuns. The Town is distinguish'd into the Lower, built along the banks of the River, and the Upper, which is separated from the former by a Wall. It is the seat of a Bailly, and was united to the Crown with the County of Pont•ieu; and is defended by strong Works and a good Cittadel.

Cressy, Cressiacum, is a small Town or Burgh on the River Authie on the Frontiers of Artois, and the Bailliage of Abbeville, from whence it is distant 12 miles to the South, and as many from Hesden to the North. It was heretofore only a Village, and is more especially famous on the account of the memorable Battle fought between the English and French in the time of Philip of Valois on the 26th day of August. 1346. when the former, under the conduct of their valiant King Edward III. and his heroick Son called the black Prince, defea•ed their Enemies with a very great slaughter, and obtain'd a most signal Victory; for above 80 Standards were taken, 30000 of the French Infantry, and 1200 Horse were slain in the Field, where also John King of Bohemia, Charles Count of Alenson the French Kings Brother, and Lewis Count of Flanders lost their lives, together with 12 other illustrious Counts and Earls, and even the whole flower of the Nobless of France. There is also another Town of Cr•ssy in the same Province of Picardy on the River Somme in the County of Tierache, 8 miles from Laon to the North and as many from Fere to the East, besides a third in Champaigne, within three leagues of Meaux, called Crecy or Cressy in Brie, &c.

BOƲLONNOIS. Comitatus Bolonniensis, is extended between Artois, the County of Ponthieu, the recovered Country, and the strait of Calis, including these principal Towns, &c. viz.

• Bolon, Cap. Bish.
• ...Mont-H•lin.
• ...Estaples.
• ...Ambleteuse.

BOƲLOGNE or BOLEN, Bolonia, is situated on the Sea shore at the distance of 20 miles from the Town of Calis to the South, 10 leagues from the nearest Coasts of England, 15 miles from Monstrevil, and 36 from Abbeville to the North. It is divided into the upper and lower Town, the former being well fortified with a strong Citadel, and adorned with divers publick Places and Fountains, as also a Palace wherein Justice is usually administred; a Cathedral Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a Parochial Church of S. Joseph, an Abbey of S. Vilemar, and some other Monasteries. The lower Town is not inhabited by so many Persons of Quality as the other, but is larger and more considerable for its Traffick, and extends along the Port of the mouth at the River Liane. The Harbour is not very commodious; in it formerly stood a Watch-Tower, called La Tour de Ordre, and by the English, The Old Man, said to be built by Julius Caesar, and repair'd by the Emperour Charles the Great; but being neglected, is now fallen down. The Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Rheims, was established here by Pope Paul IV. after the destruction of Therouane. This City, together with the adjacent Territories, was formerly subject to the dominion of its own Counts of great Reputation, from whom were descended Godfrey of Bouillon, and his Brother Baldwin, Kings of Jerusalem, but it was united to the Crown of France by King Philip II. the August, A. D. 1209. Bolen was taken by Henry VIII. King of England, in 1544. and afterward restor'd to the French King, Henry II. according to a Treaty of Peace concluded between those two Princes in the beginning of the year 1550.

Mont-Hulin, Mons-Hulini, is a Fortress standing on a Hill near the River Liane; it has a Cittadel which was built against the Spaniards, and is distant 9 Miles from Bolen to the East.

Estaples, Stapulae, a large Burgh. is fenced with an old Castle, and stands near the Sea a little above the mouth of the River Canche, 6 miles from Monstreuil, and 14 from Bolen to the South.

Ambleteuse, Ambletosa, is a Village having a small Port on the coasts of the British Channel heretofore called Amstat; it is distant only 7 miles from Bolen to the North, and about 12 from Calis to the South.

The RECOVER'D COUNTRIES, Recuperata Ditio, is a small Tract not above 15 miles over, and lies to the North of Bolen, and contain these Towns, viz.

• Calis Cap.
• ...Guisnes.
• Ardres, Principality.

CALAIS or CALIS, Caletum, is seated in a marshy Plain on the Coasts of the British narrow Sea, called from thence the strait of Calis, at the distance of 9 miles from Gravelin, and the confines of Flanders to the West, 18 from Bolen to the North, and about 8 leagues from Dover, and the nearest shore of England to the South-west. It is reported, That Baldwin IV. sirnamed the Bearded Count of Flanders, first built the Port, and that Philip Count of Bolen caus'd the Town to be encompass'd with Walls, which before was only a simple Burgh. However, it is at present a considerable Mart and a place of strength, its Fortifications consisting of 9 royal Bastions, besides those of the Citadel, and many other Out-works, all lined with Stone; being also encompass'd with a very large and deep Ditch, into which falls the River Hames, as well as a great number of other Brooks, after having pass'd through the adjacent Fenns. There is only one passage to the Town over a Causey, commonly called the bridge of Nieullay, and none can enter without the permission of the Garison of Richeban into the Port, which is divided into two parts; one whereof is named Cap de Grey, the other is larger and shut up within two Moles built of Stone. The Town is extended in form of a Triangle, with a Castle: The most remarkable things in it are two stately Towers; the Altar of the Grand Church is all of wrought Marble, and its Dome extreamly magnificent. In the Marches are to be seen floating Islands and Sluces, by which the Country may be overflow'd within a little space of time. Edward III. King of England, took the Town of Calis from the French, A.D. 1347. but they at length recovered it under the conduct of the Duke of Guise in 1558. after the English had possess'd it above 210 years. Afterward Albert Arch-duke of Austria and Vice-roy of the Low-Countries made himself Master of it in 1596. and it was restored two years after to the French King Henry IV. by the Articles of the Peace of Vervins.

Guines, Guisnae, is a small Town, yet the chief of a County of the same name, formerly subject to its own Earls, who are celebrated in History: It is seated in a marshy Ground, and is distant 6 miles from the Sea, as many from Calis to the South, and somewhat less from Ardres.

Ardres, Ardra and Arda, is a well fortified Town, and bears the Title of a Principality, altho' of a very small extent; it stands on the frontiers of Artois, about 8 miles from Calis to the South, somewhat more from Gravelin, and 14 from S. Omer to the North-west. A famous Interview was celebrated near this place, between Henry VIII. King of England, and Francis I. King of France, in the Month of June, A. D. 1520. for the ratifying of a Treaty of Peace. The Attendants of these two Princes were most richly cloath'd, and their Court appeared so splendid, that it was termed the Camp of Cloth of Gold. Cardinal Albert of Austria took Ardres in 1596. but was oblig'd to resign it to the French within a little while after

The Governor-General of Picardy is at present the Prince d'Elbaeuf, who is also Governor of Artois, and under him are three Lieutenant-Generals. There are also particular Governors in these Towns, viz. Amiens, Abbeville, Boulogn and the Boulonnois, the Town and Castle of Calais, with the Fort Nieullay and the recover'd Country, Dourlans, S. Valery upon the Somme, Guise, S. Quinton, the Bailiage of Vermandois, la Ferre, Peronne and Roye, Montdidier; the Town and Cittadel of Ham, and the Town and Cittadel of Montreuil.