England

Sources from old books

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

THE Southerne and greatest part of the Isle of Albion, is called in Latine Anglia: from Angria, a Countrie of Westphalia, commonly called Engern, as some would have it. Some suppose it was so called from angulus a corner,* 1.1 because it is a corner of the World. Others from Angloen a Towne of Pomerania. Goropius deriveth the word Angli, or Englishmen, from the word Angle, that is from a fishing-hooke, because, as he saith, they hooked all things to themselves, and were, as wee say in England, good Anglers: but this conjecture rather deserveth laughter than beleefe. Some suppose, it was so called from Anglia, a little Country of the Cimbrick Chersonesus, which was named Engelond, that is, the Land of English-men, by Egbert King of the West Saxons: or else as it were Engistland, that is, the Land of Engist, who was Captaine over the Saxons. But hee that shall note the Etymologie of the words, Engelbert, Engelhard, and the like German names, may easily see, that thereby is denoted the English-men. These are people of Germany that possessed Brittaine; and, as Camden sheweth, were one Nation, which now by a common name are called English Saxons. This part of the Isle of Albion is diversly called by the Inhabitants; for they divide it into two Countries. That part which looketh to the East, and the German Sea, the natives of England, being people of Saxonie, call in their Language o 1.2 England. And the Westerne part, which is divided from the other by the Rivers Sabrine or Severne, and Dee, Wales. The Northerne bounds of it toward Scotland, are the Rivers Tweede and Solway: on the South lies France, and the Brittish Ocean; on the West Ireland, and the Irish Ocean; on the East the German Ocean. It is 302 English miles long, and 300 broad, that is, from the Cape of Cornwall to the Promontorie of Kent. The Ayre here at any time of the yeare is temperate and milde, for the skie is thick, in which cloudes, showres, and windes are easily generated, by reason wereof it hath lesse cold and heate. It hath a fertile and fruitfull Soyle, and so furnished with all kinde of fruits, that Orpheus saith, it was the seate of Ceres. With whom agreeth Mamertinus, who speaking a Panegyrick Oration to Constantine, said, that in this Countrie was such great plenty, as that it was sufficiently furnished with the gifts both of Ceres and Bacchus. It hath fields not onely abounding with ranke and flourishing Corne, but it produceth all kinde of commodities. Heere groweth the Maple and the Beech-tree in abundance: and as for Laurels or Bay trees it surpasseth Thessalie it selfe. Here is such plenty of Rosemary, that in some places they make hedges with it. Here is Gold, Silver, Copresse, though but little store of it, yet here is great store of Iron. Heere is digged abundance of the best black Lead, and white Lead or Tinne, and so transported to other Nations. Heere are many Hils, on which flocks of sheep doe graze, which are esteemed, not onely for their flesh, which is very sweete and pleasant, but also for the finenesse of their wooll; and these flocks of sheepe doe prosper and increase through the wholsomnesse of the Ayre, and goodnesse of the Soyle, as also by reason of the scarcitie of trees on the Hils, and the freenesse of the whole Countrie from Wolves. This Countrie aboundeth with all kinde of Cattell & living Creatures, except Asses, Mules, Camels, Elephants, and a few other. There are no where better or fiercer Mastiffes, no where greater store of Crowes, or greater plenty of Kites, that prey upon young Chickens than here. The Romans did command the better part of Brittaine, almost five hundred yeares, namely from the time of p 1.3Caius Iulius Caesar to the time of q 1.4 Theodosius the younger: when the Legions and Garrisons of Rome, being called to defend France, they left the Isle of Brittaine, whereby it came to passe, that the Southerne parts thereof were invaded by the Picts and Scots, whose violence, when the Brittaines could no longer sustaine, they called the Saxones out of Germanie, men accustomed to warre, for their Ayde. These Saxons assisted them in the beginning, but afterward being allured with the temperature of the Ayre, or perswaded by the friendship and familiarity of the Picts, or stirred up by their owne treacherous mindes, they made a league with the Picts against the Brittaines, and having driven out their Hosts, they themselves possessed their places. England containeth many Cities,* 1.5 and faire Townes, among which the chiefe are London, Yorke, Canterbury, Bristoll, Glocester, Shrewsbury, Winchester, Bathe, Cambridge, Oxford, Norwich, Sandwich, with many other which wee will delineate in our particular Descriptions. The chiefe Rivers are Thames, Humber,* 1.6 Trent, Ouse, and Severne, of which in their places. The Ocean which washeth this Isle,* 1.7 doth abound with plenty of all kindes of Fish, among which is the Pike, which with the Inhabitants is in great esteem, so that some times they take him out of moorish Lakes, into fish-ponds, where after hee hath scoured himselfe, being fed with Eeles and little fishes, hee growes wonderfull fat. Moreover there are no where more delicate Oysters, or greater plenty of them than heere. The especiall Havens of England are these:* 1.8 first Davernas commonly called Dover, which is the farthest part of the Countie of Kent, it is fortified with a Castle seated on a Hill, and well furnished with all kinde of Armour: secondly Muntsbay of a great breadth in Cornewall, where there is a safe harbour for ships. There is also Volemouth, or Falemouth, Torbay, Southhampton, and many others. The King of England hath supreame power, and acknowledgeth no superiour but God: his Subjects are either the Laiety or the Clergie:* 1.9 the Laiety are either Nobles or Commons. The Nobles are either of the greater ranke, as Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, Vicounts, Barons, and Bannerets, who have these Titles by inheritance, or else are conferr'd upon them by the King for their vertues. The lesser Nobles are Baronets, Knights, Esquires, and those which commonly are called Gentlemen: the Gentlemen are those who are honoured by their birth, or those whose vertue or fortune doe lift them up, and distinguish them from the meaner sort of men. The Citizens or Burgesses are those, who in their severall Cities doe beare publick Offices, and have their places in the Parliaments of England. The Yeomen are those, whom the Law calleth legall men, and doe receive out of the Lands which they hold, at the least forty shillings yearely. The Tradesmen are those, who worke for wages or hire. All England is divided into nine and thirty r 1.10 Shires; and these Shires are divided into Hundreds and Tithings: In each of these Counties is one man placed, called the Kings Praefect or Lievtenant, whose office is to take care for the security of the Common-wealth in times of danger: and every yeare there is one chosen, whom they call the Sheriffe, that is, the Provost of the Shire, who may bee rightly called the Questor of the Countie or Province. For it is his office to collect publick money, to distraine for trespasses, and to bring the money into the Exchequer, to assist the Judges, & to execute their commands: to empannell the Jurie, who are to enquire concerning matters of fact, & bring in their verdict to the Judges (for the Judges in England are Judges of the Right, not of the Fact) to bring the condemned to execution, & to decide of thēselves small controversies. But in great matters those Judges do administer right, whom they call Itinerarie Judges, & Judges of Assise, who twice every year do visite most of these Shires, to determine and end matters of difference, and also to give judgement upon Prisoners. For asmuch as concernes Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction, England hath now two Provinces, and also two Archbishops: the Archb. of Canterbury Primate of all England, and the Archb. of Yorke: Under these are seven and twenty Bishops, two & twenty under Canterbury, and the other five under Yorke. The Tribunals or Courts of Justice in England are of three sorts, for some are Spirituall some Temporall, and one mixt, which they call the Parliament, consisting of the three Orders of England, and it representeth the body of the whole Kingdome. This Parliament the King cals and appoints according to his pleasure: Hee hath the chiefe authority in making, confirming, abrogating, and interpreting of Lawes, and in all things that belong to the good of the Common-wealth. The temporall Courts are two-fold, namely of Law, and of equity. The Courts of Law are the Kings Bench, the Starre-Chamber, the Common Pleas, the Exchequer, the Court of Wards and Liveries, the Court of the Admiraltie, and Assises; wee omit others which are obscure. The Kings Bench is so called, because the King is wont to sit in it, and it handleth Pleas of the Crowne. The Starre-Chamber, or rather the Court of the Kings Counsell is that, in which criminall matters are handled, as perjuries, impostures, deceits, and the like. The Common Pleas is so called, because common pleas are tried there betweene the Subjects, by the Law of England, which they call the Common Law. The Exchequer deriveth its name from a foure square Table, covered with a Chequer-Cloth, at which the Barons sit; in it all causes are heard, which belong to the Exchequer. The Court of Wards hath his name from Wards, whose causes it handleth. The Admirals Court handleth Sea-matters. Those which wee call the Assises, are held twice in a yeare in most Shires; in which two Judges of Assise appointed for it, with the Justices of peace doe enquire and determine of civill and criminall matters. The Courts of Equity are the Chancerie, the Court of Requests, and the Councell in the Marshes of Wales. The Chancerie draweth its name from the Chancellour, who sitteth there. This Court gives judgement according to equitie, and the extreame rigour of the Law is thereby tempered. The Court of Requests heareth the causes of the poore, and of the Kings Servants. The chiefe spirituall Courts are the Corporatition of the Clergie, the Courts which belong to the Archbishop himselfe, and the Chancellours Courts, kept in every Diocesse. There are two famous Universities in this Kingdome Oxford and Cambridge. England doth produce happy and good wits, and hath many learned men, skilfull in all Faculties and Sciences. The people are of a large stature, faire complexion'd, and for the most part, gray-eyed, and as their Language soundeth like the Italians, so they differ not from them in the habite and disposition of their body. Their foode consisteth, for the most part, of Flesh. They make Drinke of Barley, being a very savorie and pleasant drinke. It is transported often into forraine countries. They use a habite not much different from the French. And thus much shall suffice concerning England in generall, wee will declare the rest in the particular Tables following.

WEE have finished that which wee intended to speake concerning England in generall: Our Method doth require that wee should goe through the parts thereof in particular. The Romans diversly divided the hither part of Brittaine, being reduced into a Province. But the Saxons in¦stead of the Pentarchie of the Romans, made an Heptarchie of it, in which are Kent, Sussex, Eastanglia, Westsex, Northumberland, Essex, and Mercia. At this day it is divided into Counties, which the English by a proper word call Shires. And first, in the yeare of Christ 1016, in the Reigne of Ethelred there were onely two and thirty. Afterward under William the Conquerour there were 36. And lastly, these being augmented by three more, came to be 39 Counties. To which are added 13 Shires in Wales; six whereof were in the time of Edward the first, the other Henry the eigth ordained by Parliamentarie Authoritie. These Counties or parts of England, with some Islands, our Mercator doth lively expresse in six Tables. Of all which Tables, wee will make a briefe Description or Delineation, in that order as our Author propoundeth them. In the first place Northumberland offereth it self,* 1.1 commonly called Northumberlant,* 1.2 lying, in a manner, in the forme of a triangle, but not equilaterall. The Southerne side thereof Derwent flowing into Tine, and Tine it selfe doe enclose where it looketh toward the Bishoprick of Durham. The East side is beaten with the German Sea. But the Westerne side is drawn out in length from the North to the South, first by a continued ridge of Mountaines, and afterward by the River Tweede; and being opposite to Scotland,* 1.3 it is the bound of that Countrie. The Soyle it selfe, for the most part, is barren and unfit for tillage. Toward the Sea and the Tine, if tillage be used, the Husband-man receiveth sufficient increase, but in other places it is more unfruitfull, and rugged. In many places great store of Sea-cole (as the English call them) are digg'd forth. There is in Northumberland the Citie of New Castle,* 1.4 famous for the Haven, which the River Tine maketh, having so deepe a chanell, that it receiveth ships of great burthen, and desends them both from tempests and sands. The last Towne in England, and the strongest in all Brittaine is Berwick, which some doe derive from a certaine Captaine, called Berengarius, Leland from Aber, which in the Brittish Language signifies the mouth of a River, as if it were, Aberwick, a Towne at the mouth of a River. But whence soever it hath its name, it stands farre in the Sea, so that it is compassed round about therewith, and the River Tweede. The Rivers here are the Southerne and Northerne Tines (which are so called,* 1.5 because they are bound in with straight and narrow bankes, for so much Tine doth signifie in the Brittish speech, as some doe affirme:) the Southerne riseth out of Cumberland, neere Alstenmore, where there is an an¦cient Myne of Brasse; & having runne a good while toward the North, it turneth toward the East, and runneth straight forward with the Picts Wall. The Northerne Tine arising out of the bordering Mountaines, doth joyne it selfe with the River Reade, which being powred out at the Mountaine Redsquier, watereth Readsdale, that is, the Vale of Reade, which nourisheth the best Fowle. Both the Tines doe flow beneath Collerford, and growing bigger and bigger, doe hasten their journey to the Ocean in one channell. Tweede for a great way parteth England from Scotland, and is called the Easterne bound. This River breaking forth of the Mountaines of Scotland, runneth a great while in a winding course: but where it comes neere unto the Towne Carram, growing strong in waters, it beginneth to distinguish the Limits of the two Kingdomes, and at last having received the River Till, it disburthens it selfe into the German Sea. There are also other Rivers, as Coquet, Alaunus, or Alne, Blithe, Wanspethel, which I omit, and so passe to the second part: and that is,* 1.6 Cumbria, commonly called Cumberland: this lieth before Westmoreland on the West side; It is the farthest Shire in this part of England,* 1.7 insomuch, that it toucheth Scotland it selfe on the North side, being beaten on the South and North with the Irish Ocean, but on the East side above Westmoreland it joyneth to Northumberland. It takes its name from the Inhabitants,* 1.8 who were the true and native Brittains, calling themselves in their Language Kumbri, & Kambri. Although the Countrey seemeth, in regard of the Northerne situation, to bee cold and verie mountainous, yet it delights the beholder with much variety. For behinde the Cliffes and cluster of Mountaines, betweene which the Lakes doe lye, there are grassie Hils full of Flocks, under which againe there lye plaine and fruitfull Valleys.* 1.9 There is in this Countrie an ancient wel-seated Citie, called Carlile, being defended on the North with the deepe Channell of Ituna, or Eeden; on the East with Peterill, on the West with Cauda; and besides these fortifications of Nature, it is strengthened with strong Wals of square stone, with a Castle, and a Cittadell. There are other Townes, as Keswick, Wirkinton, Bulnesse, called anciently Blatum-Bulgium, Penrith or Perith: that I may passe over Villages and Castles: This Shire hath 58 Parish-Churches. It hath also Lakes abounding with all kinde of flying Fowles:* 1.10 and many Rivers, among which is the little River Irton,* 1.11 in which while the gaping shell-fish receive the dew, they become presently, as it were, great with childe, and bring forth pearles, which the Inhabitants when the water setleth doe seeke for. There are also the Derwent, Cokar, Olen or Elen, Eden and others, all abounding with Fish. Besides, this Ocean which beateth on the shore, doth bring forth great shoales of excellent fish, and doth seeme to reproach the Inhabitants with negligence, because they use fishing so lazily. Heere are many Mountaines close together, being full of mettall, among which there are the Mountaines called Derwentfels, in which neere to Newland are found rich veines of Brasse not without Gold and Silver. Heere also is found that minerall-earth,* 1.12 or hard and shining stone, called by the English Black-lead, which the Painters use to draw their lines and proportions withall. That famous Wall, which was the limit or bound of the Roman Empire,* 1.13 being 122 miles in length, doth divide and cut through the higher part of this Country, it was built by Severus, who (as Orosius saith) tooke care that this part of the Island should be seperated by a trench from the other wilde and untamed people. Beda writeth, that it was eight foote broad and twelve foote high, standing in a right line from East to West, some ruines and pieces whereof standing for a good way together, but without Battlements, may be seene at this day, as Camden witnesseth.* 1.14 The Bishoprick ofy 1.15 Durham, or Duresme bordereth upon Yorkeshire Northward, and lyeth in a triangular or three cornered forme, the top whereof is made by the meeting of the Northerne bound, and the Fountaines of Teisis. On the Southerne part, almost where the River retreateth back againe, the Cathedrall Church is seene, being beautified with an high Steeple and many Pinnacles: on the top of a great Hill the Castle is seated, in the middle of two Bridges, made of stone, by which the two streames of the River Vedra, the one on the East side, the other on the West side are joyned together. On the North side from the Castle lyes the Market place, and S. Nicholas Church. Here are also these Market Townes Standrove or Stanthorpe, Derlington, Hartlepole or Heorteu, Binchester or Binovium, and Chester upon the streete, which the Saxons called Concester, with many Villages and Castles. In this Shire and Northumberland there are an hundred and eighteene Parishes, besides many Chappels.* 1.16 Heere are many Rivers, of which the chiefe is Tees, called in Latine Tesis and Teisa; Polidorus cals it Athesis, & Camden thinkes it was called by Ptolemie Tuesis, though this name be not found in him, by reason of the carelesnesse of the Transcribers of his Booke. This River breaking out of the Quarri-pit of Stanemore, and having gathered into it selfe many torrents, running by the Marble Rocks neere Egleston, and afterward washing many places, at last by a great inlet, it casts it selfe into the Ocean, whence the basis of the Triangle beginneth. There is also the Rivers Vedra or Weare, Gaunlesse, Derwent, &c.

I Come unto the third Table, wherein Westmorland first offers it selfe, being bounded on the West, and North with Cumberland,* 1.2 and on the East with Yorke-shire and Durham. It is so called, because for the most part it is unfit for tillage: for such places as cannot be till'd, the English call Moores, so that Westmoreland signifies in English nothing but a Morish, and, for the most part, untillable Country towards the West. The Southerne part being narrowly inclosed betweene the River Lone and Winander Mere, is fruitfull enough in the Valleyes, (although it hath many ruffe and bare cliffes) and is called the Baronie of d 1.3 Kendale or Kandale. Afterward, above the spring heads of Lone, the Country groweth larger, and the Mountaines runne out with many crooked windings: In some places there are deepe Vales betweene them, which by reason of the steepnes of the Hills on both sides seeme like Caves. The chiefe Towne here is Aballaba,* 1.4 now called Apelby. The antiquity and situation whereof is onely worth regard: for it is so farre from elegant and neate building or structure, that if the antiquity thereof did not give it the prioritie to be the chiefe Towne of the Country, and the Assises held in the Castle, it would not differ much from a Village. There is also a Towne of great resort called Kendale, famous for Cloath-making: and in this Shire there are sixe and twenty Parishes. The Rivers are Lone,* 1.5 Ituna or Eden, and Eimot. Lancastria is commonly called Lancashire,* 1.6 and the County Palatine of Lancaster, because it is a County adorned with the title of a Palatine. It lyeth Westward, under the Mountaines which doe runne through the middle of England, and is so enclosed betweene Yorke shire on the East, and the Irish Sea on the West, that on the Southerne side where it looketh toward Cheshire (from which it is divided by the River Mersey) it is broader, and so by degrees as it goeth Northward, there where it boundeth on Westmoreland it groweth straighter and narrower; and there it is broken off with a Bay of the Sea, yet so, as a great part of it is beyond the Bay, and joyneth to Cumberland. Where it hath a levell of field ground, it hath sufficient store of Barley and Wheate,* 1.7 but at the foote of the Mountaines it beareth most Oates: The Soyle is tolerable, unlesse it be in some moorish and unwholesome places, which yet doe requite these inconveniences with greater commodities. For the upper grasse being pared off, they afford Turfes for fuell, in digging of which trees are often found, which have laid a long time buried in the earth: & digging a little lower, they furnish thēselves with Marle, or Marmure to dung their fields. In this Country the Oxen excell all other, both for the largenesse of their hornes, and fairenesse of their bodies.* 1.8 I passe now to the Cities, among which wee meete first with the ancient Towne of Manchester, which Antoninus calleth Mancunium, & Mannucia, this doth exceed the neighbour Towns for beautie, populousnes, the trade of Cloathing, and for the Market-place, Church, and Colledge. There is also Ormeskirke, a Towne of traffique, famous by being the burying place of the Stanleyes Earles of Derby. There is also Lancaster the chiefe Towne of the Country, which the Inhabitants doe more truly call Loncaster, & the Scots Loncastle, because it took that name from the River Lone, vulgarly called Lune. Camden supposeth this Citie to be that which the Romans did call Alona insteed of Arlone, which signifies in the Brittish language, at or upon Lone. In this Shire are but 36. Parishes,* 1.9 but those very populous. Here are many Lakes and Moores, among which is the Moore Merton, and the greatest Lake of all England called Winander Mere, which hath abundance of one sort of Fish peculiar unto it self & Huls,* 1.10 which the Inhabitants call Charre. The Rivers are Mersey, Idwell, Duglesse, Ribell, Wyre, Lack, and Lone, which flowing out of the Mountaines of Westmoreland, toward the South with narrow bankes, and an unequall channell enricheth the Inhabitants in the Summer season with Salmon-fish.* 1.11 Here are many Mountaines, and those very high, among which is that which is called Ingleborrow Hill, which (as Camden saith) we have admired rising by degrees with a great ridge toward the West, and the farthest part of it being hightned with another Hill, as it were set upon it. The next is Penigent, so called perhaps from the white and snowie head, which is raised to a great height. Lastly Pendle Hill, which is raised with a high toppe, in manner of a race marke, famous for the dammage which it doth to the neighbour grounds under it by sending downe great streames of water, and by the certaine foreshewing of raine, as often as the toppe of it is hidden with clouds. Cestria followes commonly called Cheshire,* 1.12 and the Countie Palatine of Chester, because the Earles of it have the rights and priviledges of a Palatine. It is bounded on the South with Shropshire,* 1.13 on the East with Staffordshire, & Derbyshire, on the North with Lancashire, and on the West with Denbighshire, and Flint-shire; neare Chester it runneth farre out into the Sea with a Chersonesus, which being included betweene two Bayes, doth admit the Ocean to breake in on either side, and into these Bayes all the Rivers of this Country doe runne. The Country is barren of Corne, and especially Wheate,* 1.14 but abounding with cattle, and fish. Here is a faire Citie which Ptolemie calleth Deunana, Antoninus calleth it Deva, from the River Dee,* 1.15 on which it standeth, the English call it Chester, and Westchester. This Citie standeth foure square, having walls two miles in compasse; toward the Northwest is seated a Castle built neare the River by the Earles of Cheshire, where the Courts for the Palatinate are held twice every yeare. The houses are very faire, and there are as it were cloysters to goe in on both sides of the chiefe streetes. There are also the Townes of Finborrow, and Condate, now the Congleton: and this Shire hath about 68. Parishes. The Rivers which water this Citie,* 1.16 are Deuca, in English Dee; having great store of Salmons, and riseth out of two Fountaines in Wales: Whence it is denominated in the Brittish tongue, Dyffyr Dwy, i. the Water of Dwy, which word Dwy signifies two: Besides, there are the Rivers Wever, Mersey, and Dane.* 1.17 Caernarvanshire called, before Wales was divided into Shires, Snodon Forrest, in Latine Histories, Snaudonia and Arvonia, hath the Sea on the North and West side; Merioneth-shire boundeth the South side, and Denbigh-shire the East side, the River Conovius gliding betweene. Toward the Sea the Soyle is fertile enough, and full of little Townes:* 1.18 among which is the Towne of Bangor, the Seat of a Bishop, which hath 90. Parishes under it, and is situated neare the jawes of the narrow Sea. There is also the River Conovius, commonly called Conway, which bounds this Country on the East, and bringeth forth shell-fishes, which filling themselves with the dew of Heaven, doe bring forth Pearles. The Inland Parts of this Country are Mountainous, rugged, and cliffie.* 1.19 Camden saith that you may worthily call these Mountaines the Brittish Alpes. Denbigh-shire is more inward from the Sea,* 1.20 and runneth out toward the East, even to the River Deva. On the North side, the Sea for a while doth encompasse it, and afterward Flint-shire: on the West Merioneth and Montgomery-shire, on the East Cheshire and Shropshire, are the bounds of it. The Westerne part is barren, the middle part, where it lyeth in a Vale, is the most fruitfull, a little beyond the Vale Eastward Nature is more sparing in her benefits, but neare Deva much more liberall. In this Country is the Vale of Cluide, very happie in pleasantnesse, fertilitie of Soyle, and wholesomnesse of Aire,* 1.21 of which Ruthun or Ruthin, is the greatest Market Towne. After this is the Territorie, called in Welch Mailor Gimraig, in English Bromfield, very fruitfull and full of Lead. The chiefe Towne in this Country is Denbigia, commonly called Denbigh, and anciently by the Brittaines, Clad Frynyn. Beyond Denbigh-shire more Northward is Flint-shire:* 1.22 It is beaten with the Irish Sea, and the Bay of Deva, on the North; on the East it is bounded with Cheshire, and in other parts with Denbigh-shire. This shire is not Mountanous, but somewhat rising with swelling Hills, which are gently level'd into pleasant fields, especially those toward the Sea, which every first yeare in some places doe beare Barley, in other places Wheate, which being reaped; doth yeeld a twenty fold encrease: and afterward they beare Oates foure or five yeares together. There is a Towne here which the English call S. Asaph, and the Brittaines Llanelwy, (because it stands upon the River Elwy,) where there is a Bishops Seat, under which are many Parishes: and Ruthlan, a Towne beautified with an excellent Castle. Here is also the River Alen, neare which in a hill at a place called Kilken is a Fountaine, which in emulation of the Sea at set times doth ebbe and slow. Merioneth-shire, in Latine called Mervinia,* 1.23 and in the Brittish language Sir Verioneth, doth reach from the Towne Montgomery, even to the Irish Ocean, with which it is so beaten on the West,* 1.24 that some part thereof is supposed to have beene washt away with the violence of the waves. Toward the South it is bounded with the River Dee, toward the North it joyneth to Caernarvan and Denbigh-shire. By reason of the frequencie of the Mountaines, it is the ruggedst and hardest Country of all the Shires in Wales.* 1.25 Townes of any note here are very scarce, yet here is the Towne of Harlech well fortified with a Castle, being the chiefe in the whole Country. And here are two famous Bayes, Traith-Maur, and Traith-Bochum: that is, the greater and the lesser Bay. It hath very high Mountaines,* 1.26 narrow and sharpe pointed like Towers, and so many of them joyned together by equalitie of distance, that (as Giraldus reporteth) sheepheards either conferring or brawling one with another on the toppes thereof, if they both intended to fight, yet could they hardly meet together, though they should endeavour so to doe by going from morning till evening. Great flocks of sheepe doe wander on these Mountaines, which feed not in danger of Wolves. Montgomery-shire is circumscribed on the South with Cardigan-shire and Radnor-shire,* 1.27 on the East with Shropshire, on the North with Denbigh-shire, and on the West with Merioneth-shire: and although it be raised with many Mountaines, yet it is happie in the fruitfulnesse of the Valleyes, Fields, and Pastures, and in times past famous for breeding of an excellent sort of Horses, which (as Giraldus saith) were as it were Pictures of Natures workemanship, and were commended both for their excellent shape, and incomparable speed. The chiefe Towne in this Country is Mongomery, situate upon an easie ascent of a Hill, and built by one Baldwine President of the Marshes of Wales,* 1.28 in the time of William the Conquerour, whence the Brittaines call it Trefaldwin at this day: & secondly Lanuethlin, a market Towne. Salopia, commonly called Shropshire, as it is a Countie, no lesse pleasant & fruitfull then the rest, so it is much bigger. It is enclosed on the East with Stafford-shire, on the West with Montgomery-shire, on the South with Yorke-shire, and on the North with Cheshire. It is a Country fortified with many Castles and Townes, as bordering upon the Welch, who a long time rebelled against the English, and therefore the Saxons called it the Marches. It is divided into two parts by the River Severne: The chiefe Townes thereof are Shrewsbury (anciently called Sloppesbury, and by the Brittaines Pengwerne) Ludlow, (called by the Brittish Dinan) Bridgmorse, or Bridgnorth, Vriconium, or Viriconium, called by Nennius Caer Vrvach, but commonly by the English Wreckceter or Wroxceter, Draiton, and Bewdley. The cheife Rivers that water this shire, are Sabrine or Severne, Temdus, called by the Welch Tefidianc, Colunwy or Clun, Corve, and Terne: and there are in it 170 Parish Churches for Gods sacred and divine service.* 1.29 The Isle of Man Caesar calleth Mona, Ptolemie Monaeda, as it were Moneitha i. the farther Mona to difference it from another Mona, Plinie calls it Monabia,* 1.30 Orosius and Beda Menavia, Gilda calls it Eubonia, the Brittaines Menaw, the Inhabitants Maning, and the English the Isle of Man. It lyeth in the middle betweene the Northerne parts of Ireland and Brittaine, and is from the North toward the South about thirty Italian miles long,* 1.31 but the bredth thereof where it is broadest is scarce 15. miles, and where it is narrowest it is but 8. This Island bringeth forth Flaxe and Hempe in great abundance, it hath very faire meddowes and plowed fields, it is fruitfull in bringing forth Barley and Wheat, but especially Oates, whence the Inhabitants doe for the most part live upon Oaten Bread. Here are great store of cattle, and great flocks of sheep, but both sheepe and cattle are of a lesser stature then those that are in England. The Inhabitants here wanting wood, use a pitchie kinde of Turfe for fireing; which, while they digge up, they doe sometimes finde trees hid in the earth, and these they convert to the same use. It is evident that the Brittaines did possesse this Island as they did Brittaine, but when the Northerne People like a furious storme fell upon the Southerne parts, it came into the hands of the Scots.* 1.32 The chiefe Towne of this Island is thought to be Russin, situated on the Southerne side thereof, which from the Castle and Garrison kept therein, is commonly called Castletowne: but the most populous is Duglasse, because it hath an excellent Haven, and easie to come into, by reason of which the Frenchmen and other Forrainers come with Salt and other commodities to traffique with the Islanders for hides, raw wooll, barrell'd beefe, &c. On the West side of the Island stands Balacuri, where the Bishop liveth, who is subject to the Archbishop of Yorke; and the Pyle, being a forte placed on a small Island, in which there are many Garrison Souldiers. Over against the Southerne Promontorie of the Isle, there lyeth a small Island called the Calfe of Man, which is full of those Sea-foule which they call Puffins, & of those Geese that are generated of putrified wood, which the English call Barnacles, and the Scots doe call Clakes and Soland Geese. Toward the middle Mannia swells into Mountaines,* 1.33 the highest whereof is Sceafell, from whence on a cleare day both Scotland, England, and Ireland, may be discerned.* 1.34 The Judges, being called Deemsters, which the Inhabitants of this Isle have amongst them, doe decide all controversies without writings or other charges. For any complaint being made, the Magistrate taketh a stone, and having marked it, delivers it to the plaintiffe, by which he summons his adversary, and witnesses: And if the matter in controversie be doubtfull, and of great consequence; it is referred to twelve men whom they call the Keyes of the Island. Here also Coroners supply the office of Undersheriffes. The Ecclesiasticall Judge, when he cites a man to make appearance at a definite time, if hee obey not the summons within eight dayes,* 1.35 hee is cast into prison; but neither Plaintiffe nor Defendant pay a penny either to him or his officers. The Inhabitants doe hate both lying and stealing, they are wondrous Religious, and all conformable to the English Church. They hate the Civill and Ecclesiasticall disorder of their neighbours, and whereas the Iland is divided into the Southerne and Northerne part: the former speaketh like the Scots, the latter like the Irish. Now remaines the Isle of Anglesey, of which we will entreat in the fourth Table of England.

CORNWALL,* 1.1 which is also called Cornubia and in the Brittish language Kernaw, is enclosed on the South with the Brittish Ocean, on the North with the Irish,* 1.2 on the West with Penwith, called by Ptolemie Bolerium, and the French Ocean, and on the East it is parted from Devonshire with the River Tamar. It is a Countrie having a fruitfull soile,* 1.3 and abounding with mettall-Mines. It hath also store of fruits, which yet will not grow without the industrie of the husbandman. This Countrie is full of Towns, & especially the Sea Coasts, as namely Heuston,* 1.4 called by the natives Hellas, a towne famous for the priviledge of sealing of Tinne, as also Peryn a faire market Towne, together with Arwenak, Truro, which the Cornish call Truscu, Granpound, Fowy by the, Brittaines called Foath, Lestuthiell, called by Ptolemie Vzella, Leskerd, Bodman, S. Iies, S. Colombs, Padstow, anciently called Loderick and Laffenac, Stow, Stratton, Tamerton, or Tamerworth, Lanstuphadon, vulgarly called Leuston and anciently Dunevet, and Saltash anciently called Esse. And there are in this Countrie 161 Parishes. The Rivers are Vale, Fawey, Loo, Liver, Haile, Alan, or Camel, and Tamar.* 1.5 One of the famousest Havens in the Countrie is Volemouth or Falemouth, which Ptolemie calls the Bay of Cenio, being equall to Brundusium in Italie, as being capable of as many ships, and as safe an harbour. Devonia, commonly called Denshire, and by the natives Deunan,* 1.6 followeth. The bounds hereof are on the West the River Tamar, on the South the Ocean, on the East Dorcet-shire, and Somerset-shire,* 1.7 and on the North the Bay of Severne. This Countrie as it is stretched out broader on both sides than Cornewall, so it is encompassed with more commodious Havens, and is no lesse rich in Mines of Tinne, besides it is diapred with more pleasant meadowes, and cloathed with more frequent woods yet the soile in some places is very barren. The chiefe Citie here the English at this day do call Excester, The Latines Exonia, Ptolemie calls it Isca, Antoninus Isa of the Damnonians, and the Brittaines call it Caeruth and Pencaer, that is, the chiefe citie. There are also many other Townes as Plimmouth, anciently called Sutton, which of late daies from a little fisher-towne is become a faire Towne,* 1.8 and for populousnesse it may compare with some Cities. Here was borne S^r Francis Drake Knight, who for matters of Navigation was the most excellent of late times.* 1.9 Here are also the Townes of Lidston or Lidford, Plimpton, Modbery or Champernouns, Dartmoth, Exminster and many other. This Countie containeth 394. Parishes. The Rivers here are Lid, Teave, Plim, Dert, Totnes, Teigne, Isca, Creden, Columb, Otterey, Ax, Towridge,* 1.10 * 1.11 Taw, O•k, and North Ewe. Somerset-shire followes, the bounds whereof on the East are Wiltshire, on the South Dorcetshire, on the West Devonshire, on the North the Bay of Severne, and Glocester-shire. This is a verie rich soile, being in every place exceedingly fertile in fruits and Pasturage & in some places affording many Diamonds, which do exceed those of India for beautie though they are not so hard. The chiefe Citie of this shire is Bristoll,* 1.12 (called anciently by the Brittaines Caer Brito, and by the Saxons Britstow) a pleasant place, which is beautified with many faire houses, a double River and wall, a faire Haven, much traffique, and the populousnesse of Citizens. It hath also the towne of Theodorudunum now called Welles, from the many wells or springs that there breake forth; and Bathonia, stiled anciently by the Brittaines Caer Badon, by Stephanus Badiza, but commonly called Bathe. And in this countrie are 385. Parishes. The Rivers are Ivell, Erome, Pedred, Thon, Avon, Somer,* 1.13 Brui and Welwe. In the next place Dorcetshire, which is bounded on the East with Hampshire, on the VVest with Devonshire, on the South with the Brittish Ocean, and on the North with VViltshire and Somersetshire.* 1.14 It is of a fertile soile, and the North part full of many woods and forrests, from whence even to the Sea coast it descendeth with many grassie hills, on which feed innumerable flocks of sheepe. Durnovaria, which Ptolemie according to divers copies calls Durnium and Duneum, & now is called Dorchester, is the chiefe towne of this Shire, yet it is neither very great nor faire, her walls being ruined long since by the fury of the Danes. There are also other towns, as Birt-port, or Burt-port. Lime, Weymouth,* 1.15 Poole, Warham, so called because it stands by the River Varia, Shirburne, Sturminster, & Winburne, called by Antoninus Vindogladia from the Brittish word Windugledy because it stands betweene two Rivers. Here are in this Shire 248. Parishes. The Rivers are Lim, Trent, now called Piddle,* 1.16 Carr, Ivell, Wey, Sturn, Alen, Varia, so called by the Latines, but Fraw or Frome in the Saxon tongue. Wiltonia so called by the Latines from Wilton once its chiefe Towne,* 1.17 but commonly called VVilshire, is an inland Countrie, having Oxfordshire, and South-hamptonshire to bound it on the East,* 1.18 on the West Somersetshire, on the North Glocestershire, and on the South Dorcetshire,* 1.19 and South-hamptonshire. The Countrie is every where full of pasturage and fruits. The Townes are first VVilton, anciently called Ellandunum,* 1.20 which was heretofore the head Towne of the Shire. Secondly, Sarisbury or new Sarum, now the chiefe citie, and famous for its Cathedrall Church, and for that a streame of water runneth through every street thereof. Here are also the Townes of Malmesburie, Chippenham, Trubridge, Calne, Marleburrow, &c. And this Shire containeth 304. Parishes. The rivers are Isis, Avon, VVilleybourne, Adderburne, Ellan and Kennet. Glocestria commonly called Glocestershire, hath on the West VVales,* 1.21 on the North VVorcestershire, on the East Oxfordshire, on the South VViltshire, it is a pleasant and fertile Countrie, lying East and West;* 1.22 and hath in it many other mines. The chiefe Citie of this Countie is Glocester, which Antoninus calleth Cleve, and Gleve, the Latines Glovernia, and some Claudiocestria: it is an ancient Citie built by the Romans, and is seated by the River Severne, having a strong wall in those places where the River doth not wash it. There are also other Townes, as Teukesburie,* 1.23 anciently called Theocsburie, Deohirst, Campden or Camden, VVincelscombe, Cirencester or Circester, Tetburie, Barkley, &c. and 280. Parishes contained in this Countie. The Rivers which water it are Severne, Avon and Isis, commonly called Ouse, which afterward by the marriage of Thame unto it is called by a compounded name Thamisis or Thames.* 1.24 The Countie of Monmouth, called anciently VVentset and VVentsland,* 1.25 and by the Brittaines Guent, is enclosed on the North with the River Munow, which doth part it from Herefordshire, on the East with the river Vaga or VVye, which divides it from Glocestershire, on the West with Remney which disjoynes it from Glamorganshire, and on the South it is bounded with the Severne Bay, into which those former Rivers together with the River Isc, which runneth through the middle of the Countrie, do rowle themselves. It hath not onely sufficient provision of things necessary for life for it,* 1.26 but also furnishes other Countries. The chiefe Towne thereof is Monmouth, called by the Inhabitants Mongwy: towards the North where the River doth not fence it, it was encompassed with a wall and a ditch; In the middle neare the Market-place is a Castle.* 1.27 There are also the Townes of Chepstow, called Castlewent, Abergevenny, or contractly Abergenny, which Antoninus calls Gobanneum, New-port or Brunepegie, and the Citie which Antoninus called Ifa, where the second Legion named Augusta lay, now stiled by the Brittaines Caerleon, and Caer Leonar Vsk. Here the Saxon Heptarchie, obeyed the Welch Mountainers, who notwitstanding, as we may discerne by the auncient Lawes,* 1.28 were under the government of the West Saxons. But at the comming in of the Normans, the Captaines of the Marches did grievously afflict them, especially Hamelin Balun, Hugh Lacy, Gualter and Gilbert de Clare called Earles of Strigulia, and Brian of Wallingford, to whom when the King had granted whatsoever they could get in that Countrie by conquering the Welchmen, some of them reduced the Higher part of the Countrie into their power: and others the Lower part which they called Netherwent. Glamorganshire lyeth wholy by the Sea side,* 1.29 it is longer than broad, and is beaten on the South side with the Bay of Severne. But on the East side it hath Monmouthshire, on the Norrh Brecnock-shire,* 1.30 and on the West Caermardenshire. The Northerne part swelleth with mountaines which descending toward the South,* 1.31 remit somewhat of their height, and at the foot of them the Countrie lyeth plaine toward the South.* 1.32 In this countrie is the litle Citie of Landaffe, that is the Chappell at Taff; under which there are 156. Parishes. Also Caerdiffe, or as the Britons call it Caerdid, Cowbridge, called by the Brittaines Poratuan from the stonebridge which is there, Neath, Sweinsey, and Loghor, which Antoninus calleth Leucarum. The Rivers that wash it are Ramney,* 1.33 Taff, Nide, and Loghor. The Earles of this Province from the first vanquishing were the Earles of Glocester descending in a right line from the Fitz-hamons, the Clares, the Spencers, and after them the Beauchamps, and the two Nevils, and by a daughter of a Nevill, Richard the third King of England, who being killed, Henry the seventh enlarged the inheritance of this Countrie, and gave it to Gaspar his Unkle and Earle of Bedford, but hee dying without issue, the King tooke it againe into his owne hands. Caermardenshire is bounded on the East with Glamorganshire, and Brecknock-shire,* 1.34 on the West with Penbrockshire, on the North with the River Tay separating it from Cardiganshire, on the South with the Ocean. It is sufficiently fruitfull, abounding with flocks of cattle and in some places with pit-coales.* 1.35 The chiefe towne of the Shire is Caermarden, which Ptolemie calls Maridunum, Antoninus Muridunum, having pleasant Meadows and woods about it, it is very ancient, and as Giraldus saith, it was encompassed with a stone wall, part whereof yet standeth. There is also the auncient towne of Kidwilly, which now is almost ruinated, for the Inhabitants passing over the River Vendraeth Vehan did build a new Kidwilly, being drawne thither with the conveniencie of the Haven, which yet is of no note. The Rivers are Vendraeth Vehan, Towy or Tobius, and Taff. Penbrokshire is on every side encompassed with the Sea,* 1.36 except on the East, where part of Caermardenshire,* 1.37 and on the North where part of Flintshire lyeth against it. The countrie beeing neare Ireland hath a temperate, and wholesome aire, and is plentifull in all kinde of graine.* 1.38 The chiefe towne hereof is Penbro now called Penbroke,* 1.39 and seated on a craggie long rocke. The other Townes of note in this Countrie are Tenby, Hulphord now called HarfordWest, and Menevia or Tuy Dewi, which the English at this day do call S. Davids. I finde but two Rivers in this Shire: but here is a Port called Milford-Haven,* 1.40 which is the fairest and safest in all Europe. Gilbert Strongbow was the first Earle of this Countie, on whom King Stephen did first conferre the title of Earle of Penbroke, and hee left it to his sonne Richard Strongbow, who subdued Ireland, from whom with his daughter Isabel, William Lord of Hempsted and Marshall of England, a man flourishing both in times of peace and warre, received it as her dowry. Concerning the other Earles read Camden. Brecnockshire is called so from the Prince Brechanius,* 1.41 as the Welchmen suppose. This is bounded on the East with Hereford,* 1.42 on the South with Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire, on the West with Caermardenshire, on the North with Radnorshire. The countrie is very full of Mountaines, yet it hath every where fruitfull vallies.* 1.43 The chiefe towne in it is Brecnock, stiled in the Brittish tongue Aber-hodney, and placed in the midst thereof. There are also the townes of Blueth or Bealt, & Hay or Trekethle. The River Vaga called by the Brittaines Gowy, and by the English Wye, watereth the Northerne part of the countrie: and Vsk runneth through the middle thereof. Herefordshire,* 1.44 called in the Brittish tongue Ereinuc, is as it were of a circular forme, it is environed on the East with Glocester-shire, on the South with Monmouthshire,* 1.45 on the West with Radnor and Brecnock shire, and on the North with Shropshire. It is a pleasant countrie, full of fruit and cattle. Hereford or Hareford is the chiefe citie of this countrie, having round about it faire medowes, and fruitfull fields; it is encompassed with Rivers almost round about, on the North & West with a namelesse river: on the South with Vaga, which hasteneth its course hither out of Wales. There are also the townes of Lemster (called anciently Leonis monasterium, and by the Brittaines Lhanlieni) Webley, Ledburie, and Rosse: and there are in it 157 Parishes. The chiefe Rivers here are Vaga,* 1.46 Lug, Munow, and Dor.

THE fifth Table of England comes to be unfolded, in the which, the first that wee meete withall is Yorkeshire,* 1.1 the greatest Shire in all England, and called by the Saxons Ebona-y•yne.* 1.2 On the East it is bounded with the German Ocean, on the West with Lancashire, and Westmoreland, on the North with the Bishoprick of Durham, and on the South with Cheshire, Darbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolneshire. It is held to be temperate and fruitfull. If in one place it bee sandie, stony, and barren,* 1.3 in an other place it hath fruitfull fields, if heere it be voide of woods, there it is shadowed with thick trees, Nature being so provident, that the Countrie is more pleasant by this variety. Here is Eboracum called by Nennius Caer Ebrauc, and by the Brittaines Caer Effroc,* 1.4 but commonly stiled Yorke. It is the second Citie of all England, and the fairest in all this Country, which is a great strength and ornament to all the North parts. It is pleasant, large, strong, beautified both with private and publick Buildings, and full of wealthy Citizens. The River Ouse doth, as it were, part it and divide it into two Cities, which are joyned together by a great stone Bridge. There are also the Townes of Kingston upon Hull, Dancaster, called by the Scots Doncastle, and by Antoninus Danum, Halifax, anciently Horton, Pontfreit, Shirborne, Wetherby, Kingston, Patrington, called anciently Praetorium, and many others; for there are in this Shire 39 great Townes, and 459 Parishes, besides many private Chappels of ease, which great Parishes are faine to provide in regard of the multitude of the Inhabitants. The chiefest Rivers are Don or Dune,* 1.5 Calder, Arc, Wherfe, Nid, and Ouse, which arising out of the Mountaines, doe runne through the fruitfullest parts of the Country. There are also other Rivers, as Cokar, Fosse, Derwent, Foulnesse, Hull, Teyse, Dow, Rhie, Recal, and Wisck. Lincolneshire is a great Country,* 1.6 being almost three score miles long, and in some places more than thirty miles broad. On the East it is beaten with the German Ocean, on the North it toucheth the Aestuarie of Abus or Humber, in the West it looketh toward Nottinghamshire, and on the South it is parted from Northamptonshire with the River Welland. It is a Country that produceth much fruit,* 1.7 and breadeth up abundance of cattell. The chiefe Citie of this Shire is Lincolne, which Ptolemie and Antoninus call Lindum.* 1.8 The Citie it selfe is large and faire, being seated on the side of a Hill, where the River Witham bendeth toward the East. There are also the Townes of Stanford, Grantham, Ancaster, anciently called Crococalana, Crowland, Spalding, Boston, rightly called Botolps towne, and others. And there are in this Shire about 630 Parishes.* 1.9 This Countrie is watered with many Rivers, as Witham, which is full of Pikes, Lud, Trent, Welland, Idle, Pan, &c. The next Countrie that followeth is Darbyshire,* 1.10 which on the South is enclosed with Leicestershire, on the West with Staffordshire, on the North with Yorkeshire, on the East with Nottinghamshire. It is of a triangular forme, but not equilaterall,* 1.11 or having equall sides. It is divided into two parts by the River Derwent. The Easterne and Southerne parts are tillable, and fruitfull, the Westerne part is all rockie, and full of craggie barren Mountaines,* 1.12 though they be rich in Mynes of Lead, and are commodious for to feede sheepe. The head Towne of the Shire is Darbie, famous for the best Ale in England which is brewed there. There are also the Townes of Saint Diacre, Workesworth, so called from the Lead-workes there, and Bakewel. And this Shire doth containe an hundred and sixe Parishes.* 1.13 The Rivers that water it are Trent, Dove, and Derwent. The Westerne part of this Shire, which is mountainous, is called the Peake, and is very full of Lead: for in these Mountaines Lead-stones (as the Mettallists call them) are daily digged forth, which when the winde is Westward, they dissolve with a wood fire, and (having made trenches for the mettall to runne in) melt into pieces, which they call Sowes. Moreover, not onely Lead, but also veines of Antimonie, which the Grecian women were wont to use in dying, are found in these Hils. Heere also Mill-stones are cut forth, as also whet-stones, and somtimes a white substance is found in the Mynes, like to Chrystall. But of this enough:* 1.14 I passe to Stafford-shire, which is encompassed on the East side with Warwick-shire and Darby-shire, on the South with Glocester-shire, on the West with Shropshire,* 1.15 and on the North with Cheshire. It beareth the shape of a Rhombus, running from South to North, and being broadest in the middle, and narrowest toward the two ends. The Northern part is mountainous and lesse pleasant,* 1.16 the middle part is more delightfull, as being watered with the River Trent, cloathed with green woods, and diversified with variety of fields and meddowes. The Southerne part is rich in Pit-coales, and veines of Iron. The head Towne hereof is Stafford or Stratford,* 1.17 anciently called Betheney, and is much graced by the Castle called Stafford adjoyning to it, which the Barons of Stafford built for their owne dwelling. Heere are also the Townes of Lichfield or Licidfield, Burton, Vtcester, anciently called Etocetum, Stone, Drayton Basset, Tameworth, Wolverhampton, or Vulfrunshampton, Theotenhall or Tetnall, and Weadesbrig or Wedsborow. And in this Shire are reckoned 130 Parishes. The chiefe Rivers which glide through this Countrie are Dove, Hanse,* 1.18 Churnet, Tayn, Blith, and Trent, which arising from two springheads, is the third chiefe River of Brittaine. There are also Sous, Tam, and Penke. The Northerne part is somewhat mountainous, and full of hils,* 1.19 which beginning heere, doe runne, like the Apennine Hils of Italie, with a continued ridge through the middle of England, even to Scotland, yet often changing their name. In the midst of this Shire is Needwood a spatious wood,* 1.20 in which the Nobilitie and Gentrie of the Countrie doe daily recreate themselves with hunting.* 1.21 Nottinghamshire is bounded on the East with Lincolnshire, on the North with Yorkeshire, on the West with Darbyshire,* 1.22 and on the South with Leicestershire. The Southerne & Easterne part of the Countie is fructified by the famous River of Trent, and other Rivulets that flow into it.* 1.23 The Forrest of Shirwood taketh up the whole Westerne side: this (because it is sandie) the Inhabitants call the Sand: the other (by reason the soyle consisteth of Clay) they call the Clay; and they divide their Countrie into these two parts. The chiefe Towne which gives a denomination to the Shire, is Nottingham, being pleasantly seated;* 1.24 for on one side faire Meddowes lye along the River side, and on an other little Hils doe raise themselves, to adde a grace thereunto: It is a Towne abounding with all things necessary to life. For besides other conveniences, it hath Shirewood, which doth furnish it with store of fuell, and the River Trent doth yeeld it plenty of Fish. The Streetes are large, having faire buildings, and two great Churches, with a spacious Market-place, and a strong Castle. Besides, heere are other great Townes, namely Suthwel, Newarke, Mansfield, Blith, Scroby, and Workensop.* 1.25 And in this Shire there are 168 Parishes. The Rivers are Trent,* 1.26 Lin, Snite, and Idle. Leicester-shire, anciently called Ledecester-shire,* 1.27 bordereth upon the South with Northampton-shire, on the East with Rutland shire and Lincoln-shire, on the North with Nottingham shire and Darby-shire,* 1.28 and on the West with Warwick-shire. It is all field-ground, and very fruitfull, but for the most part it wanteth wood. The chiefe Citie is Leicester, called heretofore Legecestria, Leogara, and Legeocester, more ancient than beautifull.* 1.29 There are also the Townes of Longburrow, Lutterworth, Hinckly and Bosworth, neere which Richard the third was slaine; and in this Shire there are 200 Parish Churches. The River Soar, running toward Trent, waters the middle of it, and the little River Wrek, which at last mingleth his waters with Soar, doth gently winde about through the Easterne part.* 1.30 Rutland-shire, which was anciently called Rudland and Roteland, that is, red land, is, as it were, emcompassed with Leicestershire,* 1.31 except on the South side, where it lyeth by the River Welland, and on the East where it joyneth to Lincolne-shire: It is the least Shire in England; for it lyeth in a round circular forme, so that a man may ride quite round about it in one day.* 1.32 This Countrie is no lesse pleasant and fruitfull than others, although it bee not so spacious. The chiefe Towne in it is Vppingham, so called, because it stands on the ascent of an hill;* 1.33 it hath a faire free Schoole in it, which was built for the nurture and bringing up of children to learning, by R. Iohnson, Minister of Gods word, who also built an other at the towne of Okeham, so called, because it is situated in a vale, which once was very woody and full of Oakes. This Shire can reckon 47 Parish Churches. The little River Wash or Gwash, gliding through the middle of it from East to West, doth divide it into two parts.* 1.34 Northfolke remaines yet to be described, that is to say, the Northerne people. The bounds thereof on the South are Suffolke,* 1.35 on the East and North the German Ocean, and on the West the River Ouse.* 1.36 The Countrie is large, & for the most part field-ground, unlesse it bee where there are some smaller hils; it is very rich, full of flocks of sheepe, and especially of Cunnies: it is watered with pleasant Rivers, and is sufficiently stored with wood. The soyle differs according to the diversitie of places, for in some parts it is fat and rich, in other parts light and sandie, and in other clayie and chalkie. Amongst the chiefe townes in this Shire, old Thetford is the first,* 1.37 which Antoninus calleth Sitomagus, that is, a towne situate by the river Sit. It hath now but few dwelling-houses, though heretofore it were faire and very populous. There is also in this Shire the famous Citie of Norwich, called by the Saxons North, that is, the North Castle, and h 1.38 Yarmouth or Garmouth, a faire Haven Towne, fortified by its situation, and mans industrie; for it is almost entrenched with water; on the West with the River, over which there is a draw Bridge; on other sides with the Ocean, except it be on the North side, toward the Land, and there it is encompassed with strong wals, which with the River doe lye in a long square-sided-figure. There are also these Townes, Ashelwel-thorp, Dis or Disce, Shelton, Skulton or Burdos, Attleburgh, Wauburne, Lynne, Swaff ham, North Elmeham, Dereham, Windham, Icborow, and others. For this Countrie hath 27 Market Townes, and 525 Villages, and about 660 Parish Churches. The rivers that doe water it are Ouse, Thet,* 1.39 anciently called Sit, Wauency, Gerne or Yere, and Wents anciently Wentfare. There is not in the world any towne which getteth so much by taking and catching of Herrings, as the towne of Yarmouth in this Shire.* 1.40 For it is incredible to thinke, what great Faires and Markets they have here at Michaeltide, and what a number of Herrings and other fish are carried from hence into other parts. Besides, from hence (as Varro adviseth) thou maist collect the goodnesse of the shire, the Inhabitants being well coloured, craftie witted, and sharpely insighted into the Lawes of England.* 1.41 But of these Counties wee have entreated largely enough, I passe now to the sixth Table.

IN the Sixt Table of England is first Warwick shire, being bounded on the East with Leicester•shire, and Watling-street way, on the South with Oxford shire and Glocester-shire,* 1.2 on the West with Wiltshire, and on the North with Stafford-shire. This Country is divided into two parts, Feldon and Woodland,* 1.3 heretofore called Arden, that is, into the Field and Wood-Country. The chiefe Towne hereof is Warwicke, called by the Brittaines •aer-Leon; besides the Townes of Leamington, called so from the River Leame by which it standeth, V•hindon, now called Long Ichingdon, Harbury, Mancester, called anciently Manduessedum; Coventry, called heretofore Conventria, Stratford upon Avon, and others; and there are in this County 158 Parish Churches. The Rivers are Avon, Leam, Arrow and Allen, commonly called Aln•. The next that followes is Northampton-shire,* 1.4 which from the East, where it is broadest, lesseneth by degrees, and is extended Eastward. The County is bounded on the East with Redford-shire and Huntingdon-shire,* 1.5 on the South with Bucking•am shire,* 1.6 and Oxford shire, on the West with Warwick-shire, and on the North with Leicester-shire, Rutland-shire, and La•colne-shire, which are parted from it by the River Welland. It is a field Country, of a very rich soyle,* 1.7 both in upland grounds and meddowes. The shire Towne hereof is Northampton, the other Townes are Frakley, Torcester, anciently called Tripontium, Grafton, Daventr•, W•d•n, Higham, Oundale, rightly Avondale, Peterborow, called anciently Pe••••urg••, Welledone, &c. A• to this Shire there appertaines 326 Parishes:* 1.8 the Rivers are Ouse, Avon, and Welland. In the third place is Huntingdon-shire, being so situated, that on the South it looketh toward Bedford shire, on the West toward Northampton-shire, on the North where it is parted with the River Avon,* 1.9 and on the East, toward Cambridge-shire. It is a Country fit for tillage, and feeding of cattle, and toward the East where it is low ground it is very fruitfull, having every where pleasant hills and shadie woods. The chiefe Towne of this Country is Huntingdon, called heretofore Huntesdune, to which it gives the name of Huntingdon-shire. Here are also the Townes of S. Ives, which the Saxons anciently called Slepe, Saint Needes, or Saint Neotifanum, and Cunnington; here are 78. Parishes. The two Rivers Ouse,* 1.10 and Avon doe water the Country. In the fourth place is Cambridge-shire,* 1.11 which lying toward the East, doth butte upon North-folke and Suffolke, on the South on Essex and Harford-shire, on the West on Huntingdon-shire, and on the North on Lincolne-shire, and the River Ouse, which running through it from East to West, doth divide it into two parts.* 1.12 The Lower and Southerne part is more tilled and planted then the rest, and therefore more pleasant; it lyeth in the manner of a bending plaine, being a Champion Country, and yeelding excellent Barley, except where it beareth Saffron: the farther and Northerne part flourishes more with greene Meddowes. The chiefe Towne in this Shire is Cambridge, anciently called Camboritum, and by the Saxons Grantcester,* 1.13 this is one of the Universities of England, yea the Sunne and Eye thereof, and a famous Nurserie of good learning and pietie, it is seated upon the River Cam. Besides, here are these Townes, Roiston, Rech, Burwell, Ely, and here are 163 Parishes in this Countie, and the Rivers are Cam and Stour. Suffolke followes in the next place, having on the West Cambridge-shire,* 1.14 and on the South the River Stour, which divides it from Essex,* 1.15 on the East the Germane Ocean, and on the North the two little Rivulets,* 1.16 Ouse the lesse, and Waveney, which arising as it were from one spring head, and running a diverse course, doe part it from North-folke. The Country is large, and of a fat soyle, except it be toward the East, for it is compounded of clay and marle, so that the fields doe flourish every where; here is fruitfull pasturage for fatting of cattle,* 1.17 and great store of cheese made. The Townes in this County are Sudbury, that is the South-Towne. Ixning, Saint Edmunds-bury, called anciently Villa Faustini, Bretenham, Hadley, Ipswich, called anciently Gippwic, Debenham, Oreford, and many others. The Rivers are Stour, Breton, Gipping,* 1.18 Deben, Ore, Ouse, Waveney, and Gerne or Yere. Oxford-shire, which commeth next to be spoken of, on the West is joyned to Glocester-shire, and on the South it is parted from Barke-shire by the River Isis or Ouse, on the East it is bounded with Buckingham-shire, and on the North with Northampton-shire and Warwick-shire.* 1.19 It is a fertile and rich Country, the plaines thereof being adorned with faire fields and meddowes, and the hills crowned with many woods, filled with fruits, and all sorts of cattle which graze thereon. In this Shire the Citie of Oxford, anciently called Ousford from the River Ouse, lifteth up her head, being the other Universitie of England,* 1.20 the other Sunne, Eye, and Soule thereof, and a most famous Nurserie of Learning and Wisedome, from whence Religion, Humanitie, and Learning are plentifully diffused and dispersed into other parts of the Kingdome.* 1.21 Here are also the Townes of Bablac, Burford, which the Saxons called Beorford, Minster Lovell, Whitney, Woodstocke, Banbury, Burcester, or Burencester, Tame, Dorchester, called by Bede Civitas Dorcinia, and by Lelandus Hydropolis, Watlington, and 280. Parishes in it: the rivers here are Isis, Cherwell, Windrush, and Evenlode.* 1.22 Buckingham-shire so called, because it is full of Beech-trees, commeth to be viewed in the seaventh place, which being but narrow, doth runne length-wayes from Thamisis Northward. On the South it looketh towards Berk-shire, being parted from it by Thamisis,* 1.23 on the West toward Oxford-shire, on the North toward Northampton-shire,* 1.24 and on the East it looketh first toward Bedford-shire, afterward toward Hartford-shire; and last of all toward Middlesex. It hath a plentifull soyle, and the fruitfull meddowes thereof doe feed innumerable flockes of sheepe. The head Towne is Buckingham,* 1.25 besides which it hath also the Townes of Marlow, Colbroke, Amersham, Crendon or Credendon, so called from the Chalke or Marle, by which the Inhabitants thereof manure their Land, High-Wickam, Stony-Stratford, Oulney, Newport-Pannell, &c. and in this Shire are reckoned 185 Parishes: the Rivers are Thame, Colne and Ouse. Bedford-shire followes,* 1.26 being joyned on the East to Cambridg-shire, on the South to Hartford-shire, on the West to Buckingham-shire, and on the North to Northampton-shire, and Huntingdon-shire; it is divided into two parts by the River Ouse. That part which is Northward is more fruitfull and woody, the other part toward the South which is larger, is of a meaner soyle, but yet not barren: for it hath great store of very excellent Barley. In the middle of it there are thicke Woods, but Eastward it is more bare and naked of trees The chiefe Towne is Lactodorum, now called Bedford, which communicates its name to the Shire. It hath also other Townes, as Odill, Bletnesho or Bletso, Eaton, Dunstable,* 1.27 built by Henry the first for suppressing of the robberies of the rebell Dun and his companions: it containeth 116 Parishes, and is watered with the River Ouse.* 1.28 Next to Bedford-shire on the South side lyeth Hartford-shire, the West side thereof is enclosed with Buckingham-shire, the Northerne side with Middlesex, and the East side with Essex,* 1.29 and partly with Cambridge-shire. It is very rich in corne-fields, pastures, meddowes, and woods. The chiefe Towne in the Country is Herudford,* 1.30 now called Hertford, which doth impart its name to the whole Shire. There are also the Townes of Watling-street, Fane, S. Albane, or Verulamium, Roiston, called anciently Crux Roisiae, Ashwell, Bishops-Stortford, and many others: and this Shire hath an 120. Parishes. The Rivers are Lea or Ley, Stort, Mimer and Benefice. Now come we to Essex,* 1.31 which the River Stour on the North divideth from South-folke, on the East the Ocean beateth it,* 1.32 on the South the River Thames now growne very wide, doth part it from Kent, on the West the River Lea divideth it from Middlesex, and the little River Stour or Stort, from Hertford-shire.* 1.33 It is a large Country, fruitfull, abounding with Saffron, being full of woods, and very rich: here is Camalodunum, now called Maldon.* 1.34 Also Colchester, which the Brittaines call Caer Colin, Leyton, Bemflot, Leegh. Rochford, Angre, Ralegh, anciently called Raganeia, Dunmow, Plaissy or Plessy, called anciently Estre, Chelmesford, now called Chensford, Ithancester, Earles Colne, Barlow, Walden, called likewise Saffron▪ Walden, &c. the Parishes are 415. the Rivers are Ley, Thames, Chelmer, Froshwell, anciently called Pante and Colne. In the next place followes Berroc-shire,* 1.35 now called Berk-shire, the Northerne part whereof Isis, which is afterward called Tamisis, doth compasse with a winding pleasant streame,* 1.36 and doth divide it from Oxford-shire and Buckingham-shire: the Southerne part the River Kennet doth seperate from Hampshire, the Westerne part is held in by Wiltshire and Glocester-shire, and the Easterne part is confined with Surrey. This County on the West side where it is broadest, and in the middle thereof is very rich, and full of corne, especially in the Vale of White Horse, and on the Easterne side which is lesse fruitfull,* 1.37 there are many long and spacious woods. The Townes are Farendon, Abington, called anciently Abandune, and by the Saxons Sheoverham, Wantage, Wallingford, Hungerford, Widehay, anciently called Gallena, Newbery, Reading, Bistleham, or Bisham, Southealington, now called Maidenhead, and Windsore, called by the Saxons Windlesora. This Country hath 140 Parishes: the Rivers which water it are Isis, Thames, Ocke, Cunetio or Kenet,* 1.38 and Lambo•. Middlesex is divided on the West side from Buckingham-shire with the River Colne, on the North side from Hertford-shire, with the knowne bounds,* 1.39 on the East side from Essex with the River Lea, and on the South side from Surrey and Kent with the River Thames. It is every where very pleasant by reason of the temperatenesse of the Ayre,* 1.40 and goodnesse of the Soyle, besides the faire Townes and buildings. The Townes here are Vxbridge, Draiton, Stanes, Radclisse, and others: but above all London, called also Londinium, Longidinium, Augusta, and by Stephanus Lindonion, which is an Epitomy of all Brittaine. It is seated by the River of Thames, having a fertile Soyle and temperate Ayre: it is distant from the Sea threescore miles, it hath a stone Bridge over the River, being three hundred and thirty paces long, adorned on both sides with magnificent and faire buildings. It hath also a strong Tower, which is the chiefe Armory of England, and in this the Mint is kept. Neare to London is Westminster, anciently called Thorney, famous for the Abby, the Courts of Justice, and the Kings Pallace. The Abbey is most renowned by reason of the Coronation, and buriall of the Kings of England,* 1.41 and in this Countie are 73 Parishes, besides those in the Citie. The Rivers that water it are Lea,* 1.42 Colne, and Thames. Hampshire or Hantshire toucheth on the West Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, on the South the Ocean, on the East Sussex and Surrey, and on the North Berk-shire. It is fruitfull, having pleasant thicke woods and flourishing pastures: it hath two Cities, the one Southampton, so called, because it stands on the River Test,* 1.43 anciently called Ant or Hant: the other Winchester, called heretofore Venta Belgarum. There are also these Townes, Regnwood or Ringwood, Christ-church, Whorwell, Andover, Rumsey, Portsmouth, Kings-cleare, Odiam, Silcester, called anciently by the Brittaines Caer Segente, and others,* 1.44 and it hath 253 Parishes: the Rivers are Avon, Stour, Test and Hamble. Surrey, called by Bede Suthriona, joyneth on the West partly to Berk-shire,* 1.45 and partly to Southampton-shire, on the South to Sussex, on the East to Kent, and on the North it is watered by the River Thames, and divided by it from Middlesex. It is a Countrie not very large, yet very rich:* 1.46 The Townes are Godelminge, Aclea, or Ockley, Effingham, Kingstone, Merton, Cradiden, or Croydon, Beddington, Wimbandune, or Wimbledon, Wandlesworth,* 1.47 and the Borrough of Southworke, called by the Saxons South werke, and this Country hath 140 Parishes: The rivers are VVey, Mole, (so called, because for a certaine space it runneth under ground like a Mole) Wandale, and Thames aforesaid. Now followeth Cantium or Kent, a Country so called from the situation,* 1.48 for it looketh toward France with a great corner,* 1.49 which the word Canton in the French signifies, environed round about with the mouth of Thames and the Sea, unlesse on the West side where it joyneth to Surrey,* 1.50 and on the South side to part of Sussex. It is unlevell, yet plainest toward the West, and shaded with woods, on the East it is raised with high hills. The chiefe Citie is Durovernum, which Ptolemie calls Darvernum, and in English is called Canterbury. There are also the Townes of Dover,* 1.51 anciently called Durbis, and by the Saxons Dufra, Hith or Hide, Rumney, anciently called Rumenal, Sandwich or Sondwic, Gravesend, &c. The Rivers are Thames,* 1.52 Darent, Medway, anciently called Medwege, Stoure, called by Bede Wantsome, &c. Sussex toward the South bordereth upon the Brittish Ocean,* 1.53 * 1.54 and that part of the Country which is toward the Sea is full of high white hills, which because they consist of a fat kinde of Chalke are very fruitfull: the middle of it hath goodly meddowes, pastures, fields, and many pleasant groves. The hither part hath many woods, and it hath many veines of Iron. The Townes here are Chichester, or rightly Cissanceaster,* 1.55 so called from one Cissa a Saxon that built it: Arundal, so called, because it stands upon the River Arun, and other. It hath many Rivers, and 312 Parishes.

THe seventh and last Table of England containeth these foure Islands which belong to England: the former two whereof namely Anglesey and Wight,* 1.1 do lye neare the English shoare, the latter Garsey neare the French shoare. The first is Anglesey,* 1.2 which the Brittaines call Mon, Tirmon, and Ynis Dowyl, (that is) the darke Island, the Saxons call it Moneza, being divided by a slender Bay from the Brittish Continent. It is a brave Island, and the ancient seat of the Druides, the length whereof 22 English miles,* 1.3 the breadth 17, and the whole compasse of it 60 miles. This Island, although Giraldus saith, it was in his time, drie, stonie, unpleasant, and deformed, yet now it is delectable, and being tilled yeeldeth so much wheat,* 1.4 that it is commonly called the Mother of Wales. It hath milstones, and in some places aluminous earth, out of which they have lately begun to make Alum. It is also rich in cattell. It was first subjected to the Romane Empire by Paulinus Suetonius, and Iulius Agricola as Camden out of Tacitus a learned Writer. Many yeares after being conquered by the English, it came to be called Anglesey, as it were, the English Island, Camden addeth, that when the Romane Empire in Brittaine began to decrease, the Scots crept out of Ireland into this Island. For besides the hills which are entrenched round, and called the Irish cottages:* 1.5 there is a place which the Irish call Y••Hericy Guidil, where being lead by their Captain Sirigi, they gave the Brittaines a great overthrow, as it is mentioned in the booke of Triads. Neither hath this Island beene invaded by the English, but likewise by the Norwegians. For in the yeare 1000. The navie of Aethelred sailing about it did wast it in hostile manner. Afterward two Norman Hughs, one Earle of Cheshire, the other of Shropshire did most grievously afflict it and built the Castle Aber-Lienioc to restraine the Inhabitants, but Magnus a Norwegian arriving at this Island kild Hugh Earle of Cheshire with an arrow, and having tooke bootie on the Island departed. Afterward also the English often attempted it, untill Edward the first reduced it into his power. Heretofore it had 363 Villages, and at this day it is full of Inhabitants, but the chiefe Towne is Bellus Mariscus,* 1.6 commonly called Beaumarish, which Edward the first built in the East part of that Island in a moorish place; and in regard of the Situation, he gave it this name, and fortified it with a Castle. The second Towne to this is Newburge, in Welch Ressur, because it was much troubled with the sands which were continually cast upon it. Here is also Aberfraw heretofore the chiefe Citie of Wales. Also the holy Promontorie which the English call Holyhead: the Inhabitants call it Caer Guby from Kibius a holy man who was Scholler to Hilarius Pictavensis. The Inhabitants are very rich and strong, and they use the Brittish language having no skill in English, albeit they, together with the rest of Wales, have beene subject to the Kings of England these three hundred yeares.* 1.7 Now followeth Vecta or Vectis, the Isle of Wight, which the Brittains call Guith.* 1.8 It is broken off frō the Continent of Brittaine by so small an Euripus running betweene, called heretofore Solent, that it seemeth to cleave unto it, and hence that Brittish name Guith, which signifies a separation, seemes to be derived: even as Sicilie being divided from Italie, tooke his name, (as learned Iulius Scaliger pleaseth to derive it,) à secando, that is, from cutting. From this vicinitie of situation, and affinitie of the name, wee may conjecture that this Vecta was that Icta, which when the Sea Flow'd did seeme an Island, but when it Ebd againe, the shoare being almost drie, the ancient Brittaines were wont to carrie Tinne thither in Carts to be transported thence into France. I suppose it cannot be that Mictis of Pliny, which joyneth close to Vecta, because out of that there came white lead, and in this (saith Camden) there is no mettall veine so farre as I know.* 1.9 This Island betweene East and West lyeth twentie miles in length in an ovall figure, the breadth thereof in the middle where it is broadest is twelve miles over, the one side lyeth toward the North, the other toward the South. It hath a fruitfull soyle, and very profitable to the husbandman,* 1.10 so that it exporteth and sendeth forth divers commodities, it is every where full of Cunnies, Hares, Partridges and Pheasants, it hath also a Forrest and two Parkes full of Deere for hunting.* 1.11 Through the middle of this Island there runneth a long ridge of hils, on which flockes of sheepe securely graze, whose fleeces are held to be the best wooll, except that of Lemster and Cotteswold, and therefore being chiefly bought up by Clothiers, the Inhabitants do make a great gaine and commoditie thereby. The Northerne part hath greene medowes, fields, and woods: the Southerne part is all corne-fields, enclosed every where with ditches and hedges.* 1.12 At either end the Sea on the North side doth so penetrate and winde into it, that it maketh almost two Islands, and the Inhabitants do call them Islands, namely that which looketh toward the West the Fresh-water Isle, that which lyeth toward the East Binbrydge Isle. Vespasian serving under the Emperour Claudius did first reduce this Island to the obedience of the Romans, as p 1.13 Suetonius writeth in the life of Vespasian. The first Saxon that made it his owne was Cerdicius which gave it to Stuffa, and Whitgarus, who carried away the Brittish Inhabitants to Caresbrok, and put them to death; afterward Wolpherus being of the Mercians, brought Vecta or Wight under his power,* 1.14 and gave it to Edelwalch King of the South Saxons. After that Caedwalla King of the West-Saxons, (the aforesaid Edwalch being slaine, and Arnaldus Governour of the Island being made away) adjoyned it to his territories. But see more concerning these things in Camden. The Inhabitants by nature are warlike,* 1.15 bold, and forward, and the Souldiers very stout. In Bedes time there were thought to be in this Island a thousand and two hundred families, but now it hath sixe and thirtie Townes besides Villages and Castles. The chiefest Townes are New-port, the chiefe Market-towne of the Island, heretofore called Medena, and Novus Burgus de Meden, from whence the whole Countrie is divided into East-Meden, and West-Meden, according as it lyeth East or West. Also Brading,* 1.16 Newton, & Yarmouth which have their Majors, and do send up their Burgesses to the Parliaments of England. This Yarmouth and another also called Sharpnore have Castles, which together with the Fort Worsteys doe defend the coast on the West side. Over against which scarce two miles off standeth the Fort Hurst on a little tongue of ground in Hampshire. Here is also the Towne Quarre where a litle Monasterie was built in the yeare 1132 for vailed Virgins or close Nunnes, and Gods Hill where I. Worseley founded a Schoole for the nurture of children. Here is situate Westcow and Eastcow, now ruinated, which Henry the eight built in the very jawes and entrance of New-port. And on the East is Sandham a Castle fortified with great Ordinance, as the rest are, beside the fortifications of nature, for it is encompassed about with ragged cliffes, underneath which are hidden rocks. As these two Islands lye neare to the English shoare, somewhat more toward the West, some Islands do appeare in the Sea neare to France, and yet belong to England, among which are Gerzey and Garnzey, and first Gerzey, called Caesarea by Antoninus, lyeth neare to Normandie, or the shoare of Lexobii, whom our Brittaines do call Lettaw, that is, dwellers on the shoare, or coasters: this word Caesarea the Frenchmen have contracted into Gersey,* 1.17 even as Caesaris Burgus, a towne in Normandie is by them contractly called Cherburgh and Caesar Augusta a Towne in Spaine is by the Spaniards called Saraggosa.* 1.18 Into this Island condemned men were heretofore banished,* 1.19 for the Bishop of Lyons was banished hither. Papirius Massonius calleth it the Isle of Constantine shoare, because it lyeth over against the ancient citie of Constantia, which Ammianus thinketh was heretofore called Castra Constantia, and in former times Muritonium. This Island is about 20 miles in compasse, being defended by rockes and such sands as are dangerous to sea-men. The earth is sufficiently fertile, abounding with divers fruits and with flockes of cattell; it hath many sheepe, and most of them such as have foure hornes, is beautified with so many greene Orchards and Gardens, and those so fruitfull that the Inhabitants make a kinde of drinke of apples, which they call Sisera and the English Side••, therewith; but in regard they have little fuell, instead of wood they use Sea weeds (by them called Vraic) which seemes to be that sea-grasse which Pliny mentions, and they grow so plentifully on these rocks,* 1.20 that they seeme a farre of to be thicke woods. These being dryed in the Sun and after burnt for fuell, they make use of the ashes for manuring their fields, and making them fruitfull. This Island is likewise full of Villages, having twelve Parishes. It is fortified with a strong Castle seated on the hill Montorguel, and hee that governes it for the English is also governour of the whole Island. Twentie miles hence towards the West is another Island, which Antoninus named Sarnia, the English at this day call it Garnsey, lying from East to West in the forme of a harpe,* 1.21 it is not to be compared either for largenesse or populusnesse with the aforesaid Gersey, for it hath onely tenne Parishes. Yet in this it is to be preferred before it, because it hath no venemous thing in it: beside it is more fortified by nature, as being encompassed on every side with broken cliffes among which the Smyris an hard and rough stone is found, which the English call an Emrall, with which Jewellers do cut their stones,* 1.22 and Glaziers do cut their glasse. This Island also, as the former, hath greene Gardens and Orchards planted with divers trees, whence for the most part, the Inhabitants use the drinke made of apples called Cider, as the Gersey people doe, in regard of the convenience of an Haven,* 1.23 and the traffique of Merchants it is more famous than Gersey. For on the farthest part toward the East, on the Southerne side, it hath a Haven like an halfe Moone, neare which is seated the Towne of Saint Peter, being one long narrow streete,* 1.24 full of warlike provision, and frequented much with Merchants when warres begin in other places. The entrance into the Haven is fortified on either side with Castles, on the left hand is an anciēt Castle, & on the right hand another which they call Cornet, seated on a high rock, & environed with the Sea. The Inhabitants of either Isle are originally either Normans or Brittaines, and do speake French.▪ In both Islands they use that which they call Vraic instead of fuell, or pitcoales digged in England, & both of them have great store of fish. These Islands with other adjacent and lying neare unto them did heretofore belong to Normandie, but when Henry the first had overthrowne his brother Robert in the yeare of Christ 1108, he adjoyned Normandie & these Islands to the Kingdome of England,* 1.25 since which time they have continued in faithfull obedience to England, although the French (banishing King Iohn) possessed Normandie and Henry the third sold his right in Normandie, and yeelded up the possession of Aquitaine in consideration of a certaine summe of money. 'Tis true that the French in the raigne of Henry the fourth, did hold Garnsey, but by the industrie of Richard Harleston, Valectus de Carona (as they then called him) they were driven out, in reward whereof the King did conferre and bestow upon him the government of the Island and Castle. And let so much suffice to have beene spoken concerning these foure Islands, and also concerning England, both in generall and particular.

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

The Kingdom of ENGLAND may be divided into

• ENGLAND, particularly so eali'd, in which. If Monmouthshire were included, there would be 40 Shires▪ and which, according to the SAXONS Haptarchy, are thus divided, and that as they regard the 4 Quarters, and then
  • The Nine towards the East and South, and which made the Kingdoms of
    • KENT, where is only Kent,
      • Gin•erb•ry,
      • Rochester,
      • Dover,
      • Sandwich.
    • SOUTH SAXONS, which contained the Regm, are the Counties of
      • Surrey,
        • So•thwe•k,
        • Kingsto••.
      • Sussex,
        • Chichester,
        • Winchelsey,
        • Lewes.
    • EAST ANGLES, which contained the Iceni, are the Counties of
      • Norfolk,
        • Norwich,
        • Y•rmouth.
      • Suffo•k,
        • ••swich,
        • St. Edmonds-Bury.
      • Cambridgshire,
        • Cambridge,
        • Ely.
    • EAST SAXONS, which contained the Trinobantes, are the Counties of
      • Essex,
        • Colchester,
        • Norwich.
      • Middlesex,
        • London,
        • Westminster.
      • Hartfordshire,
        • Hartford,
        • St. Albons.
  • The Seven regarding the West, and which have made the Kingdom of the WEST SAXONS, are the
    • Dammonii, of Counties of
      • Cornwal,
        • Launston,
        • Padstow.
      • Devonshire,
        • Exeter,
        • Plimouth,
        • Dartmouth.
    • Belge, of Counties of
      • Somerse•shire,
        • Bristol,
        • Bath,
        • Wells,
        • Bridgwater.
      • Wiltshire,
        • Salisbury,
        • Mal•bury.
      • Hamshire,
        • Southampton,
        • Winchester.
    • Durotriges, or Counties of
      • Dorsetshire,
        • Dorchester,
        • Weymouth.
      • Berkshire,
        • Windsor,
        • •edding.
  • The Six towards the North, and which have made the Kingdom of the NORTHUMBERS, are the Counties of
    • Yorkshire,
      • York,
      • Hull,
      • Richmond.
    • Lancashire,
      • Lancaster,
      • Lirpool.
    • Durham, — Durham.
    • Cumberland,
      • Carlisle,
      • Peri•h.
    • Westmerland,
      • Kendale,
      • Apleby.
    • Northumberland,
      • Barwick,
      • Newcastle.
  • The Seventeen in the middle of the Country, and which have made the Kingdom of MERCIA, are the
    • Iceny, or County of Huntingtonshire,
      • Huntington,
      • St. Ives.
    • Canleju•anl, or Counties of
      • Buckinghamshire, Buckingham.
      • Bedfordshire, — Bedford.
    • Coritanl, or Counties of
      • Rutlandshire,— Upingham.
      • Northamptonshire,
        • Northampton,
        • Peterborough.
      • Lelcas•ershire,
        • Lelcester,
        • Harborow.
      • Lincolnshire,
        • Lincoln,
        • Boston.
      • Nortinghamshire, Nortingham.
      • Derbyshire,
        • Derby,
        • Chesterfield.
    • Dobimi, or Counties of
      • Oxfordshire,
        • Oxford,
        • Henley.
      • Gloces•ershire, — Gloucester.
    • Cornavii, or Counties of
      • Worcestershire, — Worcester.
      • Warwickshire,
        • Warwick,
        • Coventry.
      • Staffordshire,
        • Stafford,
        • Litchfield.
      • Cheshire,
        • Chester,
        • Nantwich.
      • Shropshire,
        • Shrewsbury,
        • Bridgnorch.
      • Herefordshire, — Hereford.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

Of England.

ENgland was so called by the English, an ancient People, who dwelt on the confines of Germany and of Denmark; the Name of Saxony Trans-marine was given it by the Saxons. Before, it was called Lhoegria, and then Scotland went under the Name of Albania, and Wales that of Cambria. During the decay of the Roman Empire, the Saxons and English invaded Great Brittain with main force, and near Bedford gained a signal Victory over the Insularies, who were constrained to abandon their Countrey. Several Brittons retired into Wales, others passed into Brittany in France, where they setled the British Tongues by the help of their Country Men, whom the Romans had already lead thither to support their pretensions to the Empire. King Arthur, one of the last Brittish Kings, who dyed in the year 542. is the same whom so many Fables be told of, and to whom is attributed the institution of the Knights of the round Table. The Victors, that is to say, the Saxons and the English, raised a Wall towards the West of England, to mark the Bounds of their Conquests, and at the same time made a Law, by which all the Brittons should have a hand cut off, who were found with a Sword on this side the Wall. In the year 450. and the following, there were formed seven Kingdoms, Kent, Sussex, Essex, West-Sex, East-Anglia, Mercia, North-Humbria. A little after that Charlemagne was acknowledged Emperour of the West, all these Monarchies were reduced into one by King Egbert, who dyed in the year 837. The Successours of this Egbert having been troubled by the Danes, the last of them declared his Heir William Duke of Normandy, to whom the Conquest of England brought the Name of Conquerour. Thus England has had Soveraigns of six several Nations, of the Brittons, Romans, Saxons, English, Danes and Normans. These last have established there the Principal Laws, the King who now reigns is James the 2. England is a greater Kingdom, more fertile and populous than is either Scotland or Ireland. It is the most considerable of any State in the Ocean: It produces Corn and Fruits in abundance: the best Tin in the World is transported thence; Wool, Cloaths, Hides and other Commodities both excellent and in great plenty; neither is it wanting in excellent Liquors. The English Horses, Dogs and Cocks are in high esteem all over the World. No Wolves have been seen there since the general hunting, which destroyed them almost all, by the means of permission Criminals had of redeeming their Lives with the Heads of those Animals. Gunners and Dogs were for sometime kept upon Frontiers of Scotland, to hinder the Wolves' which were hunted out, from returning into England. The great respect that is paid to Ladys in this Realm, has given occasion to the saying; that England is the Paradise of Women, the Purgatory of Servants, and the Hell of Horses. The English for the most part are well proportioned, and of a generous Nature. They have had so great an Antipathy to the Scots, that Edward the 1. the same who was preferred before his Eldest Brother, by reason of the Beauty of his Body, recommended, that after his Death, they should boyl him until they parted his Flesh and his Bones, that they should bury his Flesh, and carry his Bones along to the War against the Scots. The English are owned Soveraigns of the Ocean, and have made those States and Potentates to repent, who have dared to dispute their Right to that Title. Their Countrey is compared to the Tortoise in the shell, who has all his Defences collected. The acquisition of some Places by the allyance with Portugal, has obliged them to extraordinary expences. The Spaniards have a Proverb, with all War, and Peace with England. The general Religion of the English, is the reformed, the King of England is the Head of the Anglican Church, where of the Principal Members are the Bishops, who compose the House of Lords with the other Peers. This Parliament is very different from those of France; besides the House of Lords, there is that of the Commons, called the Lower House. The principal Rivers of England are, the Thames, Severn and Humber, which do not encrease by the Rains, the neighbouring Lands being sandy. There be reckoned one and fifty Counties called Shires; each of those Counties is distributed into hundreds, into Tithings or Tenths. They may be considered according to the four Regions of the World; and this division is much the same with that the Romans made, when they were Masters of the Country.

The Southern part of England is along the Channel, where be the best Harbours of the Kingdom. Canterbury and Bristow be there considerable, the first upon the account of its Archbishopwrick and of its Primacy; the second for its Commerce, Ships arriving there at full Sail. Rochester is the usual Station of the Kings Ships, which are called men of War, Frigats, Yachts. Salisbury has a Metropolitan Church, wherein are reckoned as many Doors as there be Months, and as many Windows as there be days in the year. Windsor is a Royal Castle near the Thames, where the Ceremonies of the order of the Garter are generally performed. Dover is known for its strong Castle, for Peoples embarking there for Calice, Dunkirk and Ostend; for the Neighbourhood of the Downs, under whose shelter, the Ships that are bound towards the East and towards the South, may wait safely for Winds, fair for their Voyage. Hastings is a place where in the year 1066. William the Conquerour gained a full Victory over Herald the 2d. the last Danish King, who was killed upon the spot with above sixty thousand of his Men. Portsmouth, Southampton, Plimouth have very good Ports.

The Eastern part has this advantage, of having London, the Capital of all the Realm, one of the Greatest, Richest and most Populous Cityes in the World, by the means of its greatest traffick. Its Scituation is upon the River of Thames, where it receives the noblest Ships of the Universe; its Bridge is three hundred and thirty Paces in length. The Pastures and Meads round about would make a most pleasant Prospect and Landskip, if the Smoak of Coals which is commonly burnt there, did not raise a continual Cloud. Norwich is one of the best Cities, and most populous of all the Kingdom. Yarmouth sees the fishing of Herrings performed in its Neighbourhood, where at Michaelmas is held a fair for that purpose. Cambridge one of the most famous Universities in the World. Harwich a famous Port. The Countrey round about was the abode of the Icenians, whose Queen Bodicea put to Death a great number of Romans in the time of Nero, and preferred a glorious Death before an Ignominious Slavery.

Towards the midst of the Realm is Oxford, with one of the four most famous Universities of Europe, wherein there is thirty three Colledges, that of the University has a Library full of very curious Manuscripts; unless it be that of the Vatican, there be few in the World that have any so fine. Gloucester is commonly the appanage of the third Son of the King of Great Brittain: It is near the Severn, near the Isle of Aldney, where was formerly fought a singular Combat between Edmond Ironside King of the English Saxons; and Canute the Dane, who at length divided the Kingdom between them, after having fought a long while without being able to have any advantage over one another. Chester is accompanyed with a Sea-Port, where People embark for Ireland. At Worcester was the Defeat of the Kings Army in the year 1651. by the Rebels.

York in the Northern part is the second City of the Kingdom, and the Title of the Kings second Son. Lancaster is a County Palatin, famous for its ancient Family. The two Houses of York and Lancaster gave a great deal of trouble to England, during above a hundred years, by the fatal Faction of the White and Red Rose. New-Castle and Hull have the conveniency of the Sea: The Country about New-Castle is full of Mines, which afford Coals, so necessary to the Inhabitants of the City of London, and the best Crayons of Europe. The refusal that was made at Hull of receiving King Charles the 1. was one of the Principal Motives of the War between his Majesty and the Parliamentaryes. Barwick and Carlisle have some Fortifications. Penrith keeps the round Terrass, which is said to have been King Arthurs Table. Between Hull and Newcastle there be the Ports of Brilington and Scarborough.

The Principality of Wales is the Title of the Kings Eldest Son; it has few good Cities: Bangor was there formerly a famous Abby, where above twelve hundred Monks lived on what they earn'd by working. Milford is reckoned one of the finest Havens of Europe, by reason of its Sinuosities, which form as many good Ports. The Isle of Anglesey which is near it, was the abode of some Druids, and the retreat of those, who in Great Brittain would not submit to the Romans. It is called the Nursing Mother of Wales, by reason of its fertility. Its City of Aberfrau served formerly for abode to the Kings of North-Wales.

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

THE KINGDOM of ENGLAND

BRITAIN, an Island large, populous and fruitful, is, in Longitude, about 15 Degrees and 50 Scruples; and in Latitude, in the North-part 50 Degrees, 40 Scruples; but in the South about 50 Degrees and 10 Scruples. Among the Ancients it was look'd upon to be so considerable, that in their Writings they call'd it Insula magna; and Caesar went yet higher, boasting, That he had found another World. By the best estimate that can be taken, 'tis computed at about 1836 miles in compass, viz. from Cathness to the Lands-end, 912. from the Lands-end to the Kentish-foreland, 320. and from thence all along the Eastern-coast to Cathness, about 704. The Ancients differ very much in their accounts of this matter, but their Authority is not much to be heeded: For few of those Writers knew the Island, and those that did, had not yet such a near acquaintance with it, as to take its Dimensions with a tolerable exactness.

The FORM of it is Triangular, the Lands-end, the Kentish-foreland and Cathness, shooting out into so many Promontories, and making the three Corners. It's Bound, the Sea, has several Names, adapted to the several Shores: On the North, 'tis call'd the Northern-sea; on the West, the Irish-sea; on the South, the Channel; and, on the East, the German-Ocean. This advantage of the Sea surrounding it, as 'tis a Security against Enemies, so also against the violent Colds to which the Climate would be otherwise expos'd: It supplies us both with Peace and Health. For the Tides and constant Motions of the Sea send us in a softning sort of Vapour which qualifies the natural sharpness of the Air, even to that degree, that in some parts of France and Italy they feel more o' the Winter than we do in England.

The SOIL does, in a great measure, owe its Fertility to the same cause; the Vapours not only softning the Air, and by that means nourishing every thing that grows, but also furnishing us with easie Showers in their proper Seasons. Insomuch, that our Forefathers had a fancy, that this must needs be the Fortunate Islands, so much talk'd of by the Ancients; as having of all others the best Claim to those agreeable Pleasures and Delights, with which they furnish'd that happy place. I know not whether it was not more the Courage and Vigour (observ'd to be in these Westerly Inhabitants) than any natural Cause, which gave rise to that Opinion, That the farther West, the Constitutions were more firm and the Courage greater.

That part of the Island which lies towards the Western Ocean, is mountainous, as in Cornwall, Wales, and also a great many parts of Scotland; but the inner Tracts are generally a plain, champain Country, abounding with Corn and Pasture. The most remarkable MOUNTAIN, is that continu'd Ridge which runs from South to North, dividing, as it were, the whole Island into the East and West parts, and is by Writers call'd the English Apennine.

The ISLANDS lie round it in great numbers; some single, as the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, &c. others as it were in Clusters, as the Cassiterides, the Orcades, and other little Slips that are scatter'd all along the Coast of Scotland. It has on all sides very convenient Harbours, and is accommodated with navigable Rivers in abundance, which convey the Riches of the Sea and of Foreign Nations into the very heart of the Kingdom. Of all the rest, these three are by far the most considerable; the Thames, the Severn, and the Humber, which carry along with them into the Sea vast numbers of lesser Rivers. Their course, with the Towns and Cities they touch upon, are better represented in the Map, than they would be by an enumeration of Particulars.

The INHABITANTS of the several Parts, are of a different original. These of Cornwall and Wales are in a great measure the Posterity of the ancient Britains, who, upon the Invasions first of the Picts and then of the Saxons, betook themselves to those mountainous corners and out-skirts, and have ever since maintain'd both themselves and their Language too, against the mixture of Foreigners. Of late years indeed, the Cornish are come over to the English modes and ways of Living, and have begun to lay aside their ancient Tongue; which cannot perhaps be more plausibly attributed to any one thing, than the great number of Representatives they return to Parliament; for whom 'tis natural to carry back with them the Humours and Inclinations of the Court, and, at their return, to settle themselves in a method of Living agreeable to the Entertainments they meet with in their time of Attendance. But the Welch have no such entercourse with the polite parts of the Kingdom; and so keep on in the old Channel, both as to Customs, Language, and other Circumstances of Life. The Scots are originally Irish, but not without a mixture of Picts, who (tho' they were subdu'd by the former, and fell under their Government) could not yet be entirely cut off, any more than the Conquer'd usually are in other Kingdoms. Bede and our other Historians are very clear and positive in the matter, That the West-parts of Scotland were Peopl'd from Ireland; and the Irish, which is their Language, puts it beyond all dispute: But the exact time when this should happen, is a point the Learned s•ill quarrel about, while the Natives are concern'd for their own Antiquity, and their Neighbours do not love to see them run up their Original too high. As for the rest of the Island, tho' the Britains were for many hundred years in full possession, and after that the Romans made a considerable figure among us; yet we cannot well imagine there's much of the Blood of either Nation among us at this day. The Britains indeed may with some reason value themselves upon their descent from the Romans, with whom, in such a vast compass of time, they could not but have frequent Inter-marriages, and so incorporate themselves as it were into one People. This they may insist upon, and by such a step be carried to the Trojans, (whom they are so fond of) with more reason and less vanity. But whoever considers, how the Foreign Wars under the later Emperors clear'd this Island of the Romans, and how the prevailing power of the Saxons swept off the miserable Britains, will have but a mean opinion of our Title to a Descent from either. 'Tis true, we have more of the Roman Language to shew than the Britains, but we had it at second hand only from the Normans; whereas, the Remains they produce have been deriv'd to them from Age to Age, ever since their mutual Correspondence with that People. So that the Saxons are as far as we can go with any tolerable probability; and they, along with the Danes (who for many years over-ran the whole Kingdom) and the Normans (who conquer'd it) are the great Ingredients of our Inhabitants at this day.

And as we are a mixture of the Northern Nations and of the French or Norman; so we seem to retain something of the HUMOUR and TEMPER of both, keeping a mean between the two. The French-man is brisk, gay and airy; the Hollander and German is unactive, heavy and unweildy; the English-man has neither so much of the first Qualities as to carry him to Levity; nor of the second, as make him fairly chargeable with Dulness. His Fancy does not out-run his Judgment, nor his Judgment drown his Fancy. This difference is very remarkable in two particulars, War and Learning. In the first, what more notorious than the slowness of the German, tho quickness of the French, and the settl'd Courage and Conduct of the English? In the second, nothing is more apparent, than the heavy Bulks of •ectures, and Comments, and Common-places, that the first have given us; the little Whimsies and pert Essays that we have had from the second; and the solid Argument and substantial Matter which the last have sent into the World. The French, 'tis true, have done great Honour to Learning, under the protection of a Prince; who has establish'd a more lasting Name, by his eminent Patronage to that, than by the progress of his Arms. But they have this advantage, that their Language has settl'd it self in most parts of Europe, and conveys the utmost extent of their Learning, as far as it reaches. Could but our English Tongue propagate it self into as many Corners of the World, or would the great Men among us make themselves Masters of the Roman Style, and so pen their Discourses in a Language universally known, our Books would undoubtedly make their own way: They would carry Instruction abroad, and bring Reputation to our own Kingdom. Our Divinity, particularly, as it is grave and substantial, so it is much courted and admired by Foreigners; insomuch, that of late years we have had great numbers of Germans, Sweeds, Danes, and other Nations, who have travell'd into England upon no other design, but to inform themselves in our methods of Preaching, and by learning the Language to be capable of receiving profit by our Writings.

The State of RELIGION, so far as we have any light from History, is in short thus. When Julius Caesar came over, his short stay and small correspondence with the Natives gave him little opportunity of informing himself in their Affairs. But when he observes, that such of the Gauls as desired to be instructed in the Rites and Discipline of the Druids, came over into Britain for that purpose, 'tis plain that this was the Religion of the place. Nor need we build only upon that hint, after he has told us how at that time 'twas a current Opinion, that the Discipline of the Druids came originally out of Britain, and was thence transplanted into Gaul. This was their Religion, till the plantation of Christianity; for which their old Persuasion (which taught 'em to believe One God, and the Immortality of the Soul) may seem in some measure to have made way. How early it was introduc'd, is a point which has been very much disputed among the Learned. Some will have it, that Joseph of Arimathea sail'd from Gaul, and preach'd Christianity among them: But that, in several particulars, looks but too like a piece of Monkish Forgery. The general Tradition is, that, at King Lucius's request, Pope Elutherus sent over Eluanus and Meduanus to preach Christ; an Opinion which is handl'd at large by Archbishop Ʋsher and Dr. Stillingfleet. The latter of these, is enclin'd to have Christianity very early in this Island, proving it to have been planted by no less Hand than that of S. Paul. The Reasons alledg'd by the particular Patrons of these Conjectures, are too many and too large for this place: The Authors themselves have deliver'd 'em at large. Upon the invasion of the Saxons, Christianity was consin'd to that poor corner which was the shelter of the Britains, and nothing but Paganism prevail'd amongst that warlike Crew; till Pope Gregory sent over Austin the Monk, who, by his indefatigable Industry laid such a foundation for Christianity, that his Successors gain'd ground apace, and in some years propagated it over the whole Nation. Such was the pious Zeal of those times, that Religion quickly receiv'd encouragement from all Hands, and Kings and Princes honour'd it with Religious Houses and Churches in great numbers. Thus it went on without Interruption, till the Danes broke in upon them; who, from an innate barbarity and hatred to Religion, as well as a thirst after the Wealth and Riches of those holy Places, spar'd none of them that lay in their way, but burnt and plunder'd whatever they came near. Upon an accommodation with that People, it reviv'd and grew mightily; so that England, for number of Religious Houses, was perhaps as considerable as any part of Europe. Till King Henry VIII. by Act of Parliament had them dissolv'd, when (quitting his subjection to the See of Rome) he made a Reformation of the Corruptions that had crept in among us, and establisht the Protestant Religion.

The first LANGUAGE in this Nation, was British, which (as the People and Religion) was driven off by the Conquerors, and succeeded by that of the Saxons. By the Danish Invasions, a mixture of that Tongue crept in among us; but did not cause any considerable alterations, especially as to the Fundamentals, wherein they agree pretty much. But the Norman Conqueror, so soon as he was settl'd in his new Territories, quickly discourag'd both; and succeeded so well in his endeavours to establish the Norman, that before the end of Henry II. (what by contractions of the Old and interpolations of the New) we find the true native Saxon quite moulded into another form. For how should it be otherwise? Their publick Pleadings were in French, French was the Language of the Court, and Children were to learn no other Tongue. Thus, by degrees, (partly by reason of a fondness we have always entertain'd for French Fopperies, and partly by reason of a harshness that has been still fancy'd to run through our own Language) our Ancestors have endeavour'd to supply and refine it from the French, and every Age has been bringing in new Words, new Phrases, and new Dialects. So that now it makes a very great figure in our common Conversation and Writings; tho' we may still safely affirm, That the most full and significative Words in use among us, are the remains of the old native Stock. And as it has been an unaccountable Levity in our Ancestors, to affect Foreign Commodities when they had more substantial Wares at home; so would it become their Posterity to look back into the Ruins of their original Language, and try whether they cannot meet with Expressions of a stronger meaning, than that loose and verbal Harangue of our Neighbours, agreeable indeed to the Humour of an effeminate Nation, but by no means suited to the masculine Genius of the English. This way of restoring our old Words has been of late practis'd, with good success, by a very eminent Author.

SECT. II. Of the ancient State of BRITAIN.

The name Britannia and Insulae Britannicae were of a large extent among the Ancients, and us'd sometimes to signifie all the Islands lying in this Western part of the World. But to restrain them to the more limited acceptation: Britain (as I observ'd before) was so little known to Julius Caesar, that, as one says, He rather shew'd it to the Romans than subjected it to the Empire. So that his accounts of it are short and lame, rather taken from report than any certain knowledge he could have of their Affairs. He tells us, That all the Sea-coasts over against Gaul were peopl'd from that Country, but that the inner parts were Aborigines, or sprung out o' the Ground; which is a fair Confession that he knew nothing o' the matter. Had he drawn the In-landers from the same Original as he did the Sea-coasts, he had light upon that by Conjecture which after-Ages have found reason to advance into an establish'd Opinion. The British Language is so much of a piece with the old Gaulish (as near as we can judge by the broken remains that are left us of this latter;) the Customs of both Nations were so alike; and 'tis likewise so very natural to imagin, that after the propagation of Mankind, in their progress Westward and their quest after new Countries, out of Gaul they should come over into Britain, lying within Sight; that an impartial Judge cannot stick in this point. Let it suffice here barely to have recited the common Heads from which the Arguments for this Opinion are fetched; especially since the great Oracle of our Nation, Mr. Camden, has prov'd every Particular with such a strength of Reason and Judgment as puts the matter beyond Dispute. I know the Britains are very proud of their original from the Trojans, and would fain have Brutus to have left his Name to the whole Island; but the same Author has considered their pretences to that Title so exactly, and convinc'd them so fully of their Mistake, that if any thing could, nothing need be added to what he has left us. Claudius was the next Man that came among us, who by his own Conduct and that of Aulus Plautius, made his way into the more inward parts of the Island, by the defeat of the Britains. After these, Vespasian, Publius Ostorius, and Paulinus Suetonius, prov'd very troublesom to the Inhabitants, who all the while omitted no opportunities of returning their kindness, by surprizing the Roman Legions, entring into Confederacies against their new Governors, and more than once breaking out into actual Rebellion. But it was Agricola, who under Vespasian, Titus and Domitian, gave the finishing stroke to the Conquest of Britain; not by the same methods which his Predecessors had us'd, Hardships and Severities, but by the more gentle ties of an obliging Humour. 'Tis true, he was almost continually engaging one Party or other of them, for eight years together; but unless his good Temper had seconded this success of his Arms, though he might quell them for the present, yet he had left them in an entire hatred to their Roman Lords, and a full resolution to take up Arms upon the first opportunity. By which means, the Supplies necessary to defend the Garisons, would have cost the Romans more than all the Revenue of the Island was worth. But he observ'd, he had a stubborn morose People to deal with; a Nation that was inur'd to all kinds of Hardship: and therefore instead of Threatnings (which could not work upon them) he betook himself to artificial Insinuations, and began to encourage the Roman Customs and Modes of living. This softn'd them by degrees and melted them down into Idleness and Luxury; so that in a short time, he had par'd off that aversion to the Romans, and happy was the Man that could imitate them most.

To the Romans succeeded the SAXONS, whoe ame over upon this occasion. In the Reign of Valentinian the Younger, the necessities of the Empire abroad, had oblig'd the Romans not only to recall most of their own Forces out of Britain, but also to deprive the Island of her own native Strength by their frequent Levies. The Scots and Picts (two Warlike People) laid hold of this opportunity of plundring the Frontiers, and making in-roads into the Territories of the Britains, who by this time were quite dis-spirited by Slavery, and had suffer'd their own native Courage to dwindle into Ease and Cowardise. In this condition, all the refuge they had, was to fly to the Romans, who had neither left them Forces to protect them, nor (which is worse) a manly resolute Spirit to stand upon their own Guard. The Romans were too warmly engag'd nearer home, to relieve them; upon which they send the same request to the Saxons, who had fully convinc'd them of their Courage, by their frequent Piracies upon our Coasts, even while the Romans continu'd among us. So that we find under the later Emperors, the Comes Littoris Saxonici, or Count of the Saxon Shore, to have been a standing Officer, whose business it was to guard the Sea-coasts against their In-roads and Depredations. Upon this application, they come over, repel the Enemy, and are mightily pleas'd with their new Quarters, especially being a little straitn'd at home. In short, they begin to lay hold of all occasions for a Quarrel with the Britains, pretend they had not stood to their Terms; and carry on their Designs so succesfully, that they never desisted till they had Banish'd the old Inhabitants, and made themselves Masters of the greatest part of the Island.

The DANES about the year 800, though they had not so fair a pretence of coming over, yet by main force edg'd themselves in among the Saxons, and us'd them much at the same rate as that People had done the Britains. They Robb'd and Plunder'd, till they had forc'd them to a Composition, and had Lands assign'd them in such and such parts of the Kingdom. Nor would they be content with this; but made frequent Incursions into their Neighbours Territories, which occasion'd the raising of that sort of Tax call'd Danegelt, a Bribe to keep them from overrunning the Kingdom. But neither did this do. Their Insolence was such, that the English could not long bear it; so, entring into a secret Plot, they made a general havock of them in one single Night, putting them all to the Sword. At this, Sueno, King of the Danes, was highly enrag'd, and to revenge the Injury, Invaded England with a strong Army, and possessed himself of the Crown; which was enjoy'd only by four Kings of that Race, and then return'd to the Saxons.

Scarce had the Saxons recover'd their ancient Rights and Government, but they fell into a worse Confusion, upon the Death of Edward the Confessor. He was an easie Prince, and rather enclin'd to attend the duties of Religion than the secular affairs of his Kingdom. Leaving no issue behind him, the title to the Crown came to be contested by two very powerful Parties, who yet had neither of 'em any right to it; for Edgar Atheling was the only Man then living of the Saxon Line. But Harold Earl Godwin's Son, took advantage of his tender years and possessed himself of the Throne. William D. of Normandy, afterwards stiled the Conqueror, took these proceedings very hainously, imagining, that by his relation to that Family, by virtue of the Confessor's Promise when he was Banish'd into Normandy, and also Harold's obligation to see it discharg'd, he had fairer pretentions than any other. Whereupon he landed with a powerful Army, Conquer'd the English in a set Battle, (wherein Harold was Slain) and immediately took possession of the Government

SECT. IV. The Civil Government of BRITAIN.

Of the Administration of the ancient Britains, we have these two general Heads left us by Julius Caesar, That in times of Peace, the Druids had the conduct of all Civil Affairs; and in times of War they chose some one of remarkable Courage to be General of their Forces, upon that Expedition. The Romans Govern'd it by their Propraetors and other Sub-ordinate Officers, who were to act according to Instructions from Rome, and had some Legions ready for their defence upon any emergent occasion. But the Saxons as they gain'd Ground, settl'd so many distinct Kingdoms; which upon their entire Conquest, amounted to Seven, and have been since stil'd the Saxon Heptarchy. The names of them, with their Extent and Jurisdiction, are as follows:

The Saxon Heptarchy.

• 1. The Kingdom of Kent contain'd
  • ...The County of
    • Kent
• 2. The Kingdom of the South-Saxons contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Sussex
    • Surrey.
• 3. The Kingdom of the East-Angles contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Norfolk
    • Suffolk
    • Cambridge, with the Isle of Ely.
• 4. The Kingdom of the West-Saxons contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Cornwall
    • Devon
    • Dorset
    • Somerset
    • Wilts
    • Hants
    • Berks.
• 5. The Kingdom of Northumberland contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Lancaster
    • York
    • Durham
    • Cumberland
    • Westmoreland
    • Northumberland and Scotland to the Fryth of Edenburg.
• 6. The Kingdom of the East-Saxons contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Essex
    • Middlesex, and part of Hertfordshire.
• 7. The Kingdom of Mercia contain'd
  • ...The Counties of
    • Glocester
    • Hereford
    • Worcester
    • Warwick
    • Leicester
    • Rutland
    • Northampton
    • Lincoln
    • Huntingdon
    • Bedford
    • Buckingham
    • Oxford
    • Stafford
    • Derby
    • Shropshire
    • Nottingham
    • Chester, and the other part of
    • Hertfordshire.

But though these were distinct Kingdoms, yet still there was a face of Monarchy in the Nation; and the Prince that was most Powerful of the Seven, generally Lorded it over the rest, as if they had been only so many Tributary Kings. For they were continually at War one with another, and the Conqueror always taking the Dominions of the Enemy into his own Kingdom, they all came at last into that of the West-Saxons, under King Egbert; who by a publick Edict, order'd the whole Kingdom to be stil'd Engla-land, which we have now contracted into England. One of his Successors, presently upon this, took the Title of King of Great Britain, and another that of Monarch of all Albion.

The Succession of our English Monarchs from Egbert, is thus:

Came to the Crown.

• EGbert 800
• S. Ethelwolf 837
• Ethelbald, 857
• Ethelbert, 858
• Ethelred, 863
• Alfred, 873
• Edward the Elder, 900
• Athelstan, 925
• Edmund 940
• Eldred 946
• Edwin, 955
• Edgar, 959
• S. Edward, Martyr, 975
• Ethelred, 978
• Edmund Ironside, 1016

The Danish Race.

• Canutus, 1017
• Harold, 1037
• Hardicnute, 1041

The Saxons Re-possess'd.

• S. Edward, 1045
• Harold, 1066

The Normans.

• William the Conqueror, 1066
• William Rufus, 1087
• Henry I. 1100
• Stephen, 1135

The Saxon Line Restor'd

• Henry II. 1154
• Richard I. 1189
• John, 1199
• Henry III. 1216
• Edward I. 1272
• Edward II. 1307
• Edward III. 1326
• Richard II. 1377

The Line of Lancaster.

• Henry IV. 1399
• Henry V. 1412
• Henry VI. 1422

The Line of York.

• Edward IV. 1460
• Edward V. 1483
• Richard III. 1483

The Families United.

• Henry VII. 1485
• Henry VIII. 1509
• Edward VI. 1546
• Q. Mary 1553
• Q. Elizabeth, 1558

Union of the Kingdoms.

• James I. 1603
• Charles I. 1625
• Charles II. 1648
• James II. 1685
• WILLIAM III. 1689 and
• MARY II. 1689

The King is Supreme in all Causes, both Ecclesiastical and Civil; having the same Power, in Matters relating to the Church, that the Pope had, before this Island disown'd his Jurisdiction under Henry VIII. But yet he cannot enact Laws singly and by himself, but must have the Concurrence of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and of the Commons assembled in Parliament, before any thing can pass into a Law. The Parliament does not meet but upon the more weighty Affairs of the Kingdom, and are both call'd and dissolv'd at the King's Pleasure, who is suppos'd to be Judge of the Exigencies of the Nation. This is the supreme Court, wherein Causes are finally determin'd, and from which there lies no Appeal; whereas, Appeals are made to this from the other Courts.

The chief Courts are, 1. The King's-Bench, so call'd, because the King us'd to sit there in Person; but now administers Justice by a Lord Chief Justice, and three more Judges, or as many as he shall think fit. 2. The Common Pleas (from determining Pleas between Subject and Subject) consists of a Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and three other Judges to assist him. 3. The Exchequer (from a Table at which they sat;) where all Matters belonging to the King's Revenue are determin'd by the great Officers and Judges belonging to it, viz. The Lord Treasurer, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chief Baron, and four other Barons. 4. The Chancery, (so call'd from sitting within the Rails or Cancels;) instituted to moderate the Rigour of the Law, which by reason of an infinite number of unforeseen Circumstances that attend a great many Causes, is too often Oppression and Injustice. Hither, therefore, they make their Appeals, who think themselves injur'd by the Letter of the Law: And if it appears that they have Equity on their Side, the Judgments given upon strict Law are revers'd, and the Parties reliev'd. In this Court is the Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and twelve Masters of Chancery, as Assessors, the chief whereof is the Keeper of the Rolls. 5. The Court of Admiralty, where Sentence is given in Marine Affairs, by the Admiral of England, a Judge, two Clerks, &c. 6. The Court of Requests (from the Petitions receiv'd there) managed by the Lord Privy Seal, the Masters of the Requests, a Clerk and two or three Attorneys.

The Court of Wards and Liveries (from taking Cognisance of the Causes of Minor's) and the Court of Star-Chamber (which was chiefly to restrain the Exorbitances of Great Men, and punish Misdemeanors, &c.) are both abolish'd.

Besides these Courts, the King, for the Ease of the Subject, sends down two Judges into each County; the one of Life and Death, and the other of Nisi Prius, who are to determine Causes without putting the Parties to the Trouble and Expence of giving Attendance at the Superior Courts; except where the Case is weighty and difficult, and then it is referr'd to a Tryal at Westminster: And as these Circuits were contriv'd for the Ease of the Nation in general; so for the Peace and good Government of each particular County, the King has his Lord Lieutenants, whose Care it is that the State suffer no Damage. Each County also has it's Sheriff, who is to get up the Publick Revenues, to attend the Judges, to take care that such as are condemn'd be duely executed, &c. And several Justices of the Peace, who may Commit for Felonies, Trespasses and other Misdemeanours.

Before the Conquest, we find that England, according to its several Branches, was govern'd by three sorts of LAWS, the West-Saxenlage, the Danelage and the Merchenlage. For as the Authority, which the first and last of these three bore in the Heptarchy, was sufficient to establish their own Laws in their neighbouring Countries; so the Power to which the Danes arriv'd, did effectually engage such Places as they over-ran most, in the Use of their Customs and ways of Living. But upon William the Conqueror's coming in, these Laws were in a great measure laid aside. At first, he intended to have brought in the Norman Usages, and to have establish'd them here entire; till he found the Humor of the English very much set upon their own Laws, and so was induced, from a prudent Regard to his own Safety, only to Reform, Alter, Add, &c. but so, that the old Body was his Foundation. Tho' in his whole management of Affairs, he omitted no Opportunities either of Force or Insinuation, to discourage the establish'd Customs, and to wean them from the Affection they had to the Usages of their Fore-fathers. Thus, he won upon them by degrees, till he had confirm'd himself in his New Conquests, and in an absolute Power, or something that look'd very like it; especially, if we take an Estimate from his Arbitrary Proceedings towards the English, rather than from his fair Words, Contracts and Promises; which Conquerors, when they find them inconsistent with their Designs, seldom want either Inclination or Pretences to break and cast off. But the succeeding Kings (whether for want of Policy, or Courage, or both) found it hard to maintain themselves in that absolute manner of Government, and to complete what their Predecessor had begun. For the People began to insist upon their Liberties (whether justly or unjustly, I shall not determine; 'tis a Controversie has cost Pains and Paper enough already) omitted no Advantages of Wars abroad or Disturbances at home, whereby they might gain Ground and extort new Privileges. More especially, in the Reigns of King John and Henry III. they broke into open Wars, for the Redress of Grievances; and brought them to such Straits, that they were glad to come off by submitting to the Regulations insisted upon, and by admitting the Nobility and Gentry into a nearer Share of the Government. Whereupon, the Great Charter, call'd Magna Charta, was granted, and Statutes began to be made according to the Necessities of the Kingdom; by which, and the Common Law, or the common Usages of the Nation, our Law-Courts proceed at this Day, in their Judgments and Decrees.

SECT. IV. The Ecclesiastical Government.

The Church of England is govern'd by two Archbishops and twenty five Bishops. The Archbishop of Canterbury is Primate of all England; the Archbishop of York is Primate of England, but not of all England: A Controversie which caus'd a great many hot Disputes and Quarrels, but was at last determin'd in favour of Canterbury, against all the Pleas and Arguments brought by the other for Independencie and Freedom. The Archbishopricks and Bishopricks, with their Extent and Jurisdiction, will best appear from the following Scheme.

Within the Province of Canterbury, which hath Part of Kent for its own peculiar Diocess, are,
Rochester	The other Part of Kent.
London	Essex, Middlesex, and Part of Hertfordshire.
Chichester	Sussex.
Winchester	Hampshire, Surrey and Isle of Wight, with Gernsey and Jersey.
Salisbury	Wiltshire and Berkshire.
Exeter	Devonshire and Cornwall.
Bathe and Wells	Somersetshire.
Glocester	Glocestershire.
Worcester	Worcestershire, and Part of Warwickshire.
Hereford	Herefordshire and Part of Shropshire.
Lichfield and Coventry.	Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and the other Part of Warwickshire, with Part of Shropshire.
Lincoln	Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the other Part of Hertfordshire.
Ely	Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely.
Norwich	Norfolk and Suffolk.
Oxford	Oxfordshire.
Peterburrow	Northamptonshire and Rutlandshire.
Bristol	Dorsetshire.
To these add Four in Wales, S. Davids, Landaff, Banchor and S. Asaph.

Within the Province of York, which hath Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire for its peculiar Diocess, are,

• Chester
  • Cheshire, Richmondshire, Lancashire, Part of Cumberland, and of Westmorland, Flintshire and Denbighshire.
• Durham
  • The Bishoprick of Durham and Northumberland.
• Carlisle
  • Part of Cumberland and of Westmorland.
• Sodor
  • The Isle of Man.

As to the Precedency of these, the Archbishop of Canterbury is first, York second, London third, Durham fourth, Winchester fifth; and the rest according to order of Consecration.

As in the Civil Government, the Parliament is the Supreme Court, so is a Synod in the Ecclesiastical; call'd among us a Convocation: Wherein Matters of Doctrine and Discipline are from time to time stated and determin'd, and by the King and Parliament pass'd into Laws.

The chief Courts of the Archbishop of Canterbury are,

1. The Court of Arches, where the Dean of the Arches sits as Judge.

2. The Court of Audience, where all Complaints, &c. are received.

3. The Prerogative-Court, where the Business of Wills is handl'd.

4. The Court of Faculties, where the Rigour of the Canon-Law is moderated.

5. The Court of Peculiars, wherein is lodg'd a Jurisdiction over Parishes exempt from the Bishop of the Diocess.

Besides, every Bishop holds his Court within his own Diocess, and takes Cognizance of Excommunications, Censures, and other things relating to the Church.

SECT. V. The Divisions of England.

The most remarkable Divisions of England, are these three. 1. That of the Romans into Britannia prima, secunda, Maxima Coesariensis, Valentia, Flavia Caesariensis. The Bounds of these several Branches are very uncertain, and can only be gathered from Conjecture. Britannia prima seems to have been the South Part of Britain. Secunda probably was Wales. Maxima Coesariensis and Valentia seem to have been those Countries that lay upon the Frontiers of Scotland. And Flavia Coesariensis was likely enough the Heart of England.

2. That of the Saxons, into seven Kingdoms; whereof we have given an Account, under Sect. 3. concerning the Civil Government.

3. That of King Alfred, into Hundreds (call'd in some Parts of England, Wapentakes) and Counties.

Besides these, the Romans branch'd it into so many several People, the Names whereof are generally of a British Original, relating either to the Figure of the Place, the Nature of the Soil, or the Disposition of the Inhabitants. This Division cannot be more conveniently represented, than in a Table along with the Counties of England, as they stand at this Day, and fall within the Bounds of the several People.

Danmonii

• Cornwall,
• Devonshire.

Durotriges.

• Dorsetshire.

Belgae,

• Somersetshire,
• Wiltshire,
• Hamshire,
• Isle of Wight.

Atrebates,

• Barkshire.

Regni,

• Surrey,
• Sussex.

Cantium.

• Kent.

Dobuni.

• Glocestershire,
• Oxfordshire.

Cattieuchlani.

• Buckinghamshire,
• Bedfordshire,
• Hertfordshire.

Trinobantes.

• Middlesex,
• Essex.

Iceni.

• Suffolk,
• Norfolk,
• Cambridgeshire,
• Huntingdonshire.

Coritani.

• Northamptonshire,
• Leicestershire,
• Rutlandshire,
• Lincolnshire,
• Nottinghamshire,
• Derbyshire.

Cornavii.

• Warwickshire,
• Worcestershire,
• Staffordshire,
• Shropshire,
• Cheshire.

Silures,

• Herefordshire,
• Radnorshire,
• Brecknockshire,
• Monmouthshire,
• Glamorganshire.

Dimetae.

• Caermardhinshire,
• Penbrokshire,
• Cardiganshire.

Ordevices.

• Montgomeryshire,
• Meirionydhshire,
• Caernarvonshire,
• Anglesey, Mona.
• Denbighshire,
• Flintshire.

Brigantes.

• Yorkshire, West-riding,
  • East-riding,
  • North-riding,
  • Richmondshire,
• Bishoprick of Durham,
• Lancashire,
• Westmorland,
• Cumberland.

Ottadini.

• Northumberland.

CORNWALL.

THE County of CORNWALL has its Name from lessening by degrees into a sort of Horn: which very exactly answers the Nature and Form of that Tract; as may be seen either by the General or particular Maps. As it lies out from the rest of the Kingdom, so had it formerly it's Laws and Usages distinct from England. But 'tis by degrees reconcil'd not only to the same Laws, but even to the same Language. Now, few or none among them know any thing of the old Cornish; having a great Fondness for the English Tongue and Modes of Living.

Their greatest Commodity is Tin; which has given occasion to an Opinion that the Phoenicians traded thither, and left Name not only to the County in General, but to a great many Particular Places in it. But whatever Advantage might be reap'd from the Mines anciently (which probably was very considerable;) 'tis certain that the Earls of Cornwall have been prodigiously enrich'd by the Revenues arising from them. Nor could it be well otherwise; all Europe fetching their Supplies, at least the greatest share of them, from these Parts. Which vast In-comes have induc'd the Earls to grant them large Privileges; to procure them such Charters from Time to Time as might tend to the Improvement of their Trade or Convenience of Management, and to erect Courts and constitute Officers, in a Method agreeable to the Nature of the Employment, and the Humor of the People.

'Tis observable, That through the whole County, abundance of Towns are scatter'd, which have their Names from Irish Saints, who had come over into these Parts; and on account of their Piety and Religious Course of Life had a wonderful Veneration paid them. And after their Deaths, the particular Places wherein they had spent their Time in Devotions and Retirement, were consecrated to their Names, and had signal Pieces of respect paid them by their Neighbours.

The most Remarkable Places are,

• ...Falmouth,
• ...Launston,
• ...Truro,
• ...Wadebridge,
• ...Fawey,
• ...Saltash,
• S. Columbs.

Falmouth, a Town of a very considerable Trade, which the Convenience of the Harbour brings to it. 'Tis a Port very Large, and withal Safe, by reason of the Creeks on all Sides, which protect it against the Violence of Winds and Storms. The two Forts, one on each Side, viz. S. Maudit's and Pendinas, render it a Place of yet greater Strength and Security.

Launston, on the East-Side of the County (call'd in Domesday Launstaveton, from a College there dedicated to S. Stephen) is two Towns, now grown into one, and is become so considerable that the Assizes are always held in it.

Truro, a Mayor-Town, suppos'd to be so call'd from it's three Streets; but especially considerable in those Parts for the more than ordinary concern that it has in the Stannaries.

Wadebridge, about 5 miles from Padstow, is remarkable for a Bridge of seventeen Arches, the largest by much in the whole Country.

Fawey, a Haven on the South-Side of the County, remarkable for Sea-Fights; and has in Memory of them, for its Arms, a Compound of those of the Cinque-Ports.

Saltash, on the West-Side of the River Tamar, a Town conveniently seated for Trade, well stor'd with Merchants, and endow'd with good Privileges.

S. Columbs, not far from the Irish-Sea, tho' a Place of no great Trade or Resort, is made famous by its Relation to S. Columba, a very pious Woman, from whom it had the Name.

Ancient Places.

Voluba seems to have left its Name in our present Falmouth, before-mention'd.

Belerium can be no other than the Land's-End; call'd also by Ptolemy 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or Antivestaeum.

Cenionis ostium, cannot any where be plac'd more probably than at that large Port, the Conveniency whereof we have describ'd under Falmouth.

Ocrinum (probably so call'd from Ochr, an Edge) seems to be that Promontory, call'd at this Day, the Lizard.

Ʋzella seems to have left some Remains of its Name in the present Lestuthiel, which was a Place of good Note and Trade, till the Sands stopping up the River, hindred Ships from coming up to it.

Tamara is the River which parts this County from Devonshire; and likewise a Town upon it, now call'd Tamerton.

Things Remarkable.

Biscaw-woune (near S. Buriens) a Place so call'd, where are nineteen Stones set in a Circle, which by some are imagin'd to have been erected in Memory of a Victory. But if we compare them with others of the same Nature, in other Parts of the Kingdom; to imagine them Funeral Monuments, will perhaps be a more plausible Conjecture.

Main-Amber (near Pensans) a stone of a prodigious Bigness, which yet was so plac'd that one might move it with a Finger. In the late Civil Wars it was thrown down.

Other-half-stone (not far from S. Neot's) an Inscription, with large barbarous Letters, the Reading whereof implies it to have been a Funeral Monument. See Camden's Brit. Engl. p. 9.

Wring-cheese; near this Place, is a large Stone like a Cheese, and so plac'd between some others, that it seems to be press'd by them.

Hurlers, at a little distance, is a square Set of Stones, so call'd from an Opinion advanc'd by the common People, that they are so many Men chang'd into Stones for hurling the Ball, on Sunday; an Exercise for which they have been exceeding famous. But we need not acquiesce in their foolish Fancies, since it appears plainly enough, that these (as well as many others in this County) were funeral Monuments; from a Cross discover'd upon one of them, by a very ingenious Gentleman.

DEVONSHIRE.

AS Devonshire in the Time of the Romans was included under the same common Name, Danmonii, with its Neighbour Cornwall; so in after-Ages did it share in several Privileges and Advantages. Particularly in those of the Tin-mines, which it had in great abundance; as the four Stannary-Courts, and the Officers belonging to them do plainly evince. Nay, by the best Computations which can be drawn from the Registers and Publick Papers belonging to each County, it appears that this afforded a greater Plenty than Cornwall. And that not only of Tin, but also of Silver; Mines whereof were discover'd about Comb-Martin, in the Time of Edward I. and did great Service to King Edward III. towards carrying on the French Wars.

The Soil of it self is but Lean and Poor; but they improve it strangely, by a sort of Sea-Sand, which they sprinkle upon it: And where that is scarce, they make use of Marie, Lime, and burnt Turf.

The more considerable Towns, are,

• ...Tavestock,
• ...Plimouth,
• ...Totnesse,
• ...Torbay,
• ...Tiverton,
• ...Exeter,
• ...Bernstaple,
• ...Topesham,
• ...Okehampton.

Tavestock, adjoyning to Cornwall, is not at present remarkable for either Wealth or Buildings; but receives all its Glory from the old Abbey, and the Laudable Custom of reading Saxon Lectures, in order to keep up the Knowledge of our old Mother-Tongue.

Plimouth, a flourishing Town, occasion'd by the Convenience of its Harbour, for the Reception of great Ships. Which the Government observing, has pitch'd upon it as the most convenient Place in those Parts, for the Building of Ships, and has accommodated it with a Dry-Dock, capable of a First-Rate-Ship, a Bason before it of above two hundred Foot square, and Houses for Officers, Stores, &c. in proportion. They had a Mayor granted them by Henry VI. who governs the four Wards, into which the Town is divided; whereas before, they were govern'd by four distinct Captains (for so they term'd them) and their inferior Officers. The Place is eminent for the Birth of Sir Francis Drake.

Totnesse, upon the River Dert, was formerly a Town of great note, and accordingly had very considerable Privileges granted it by the Kings of England. The Condition of it at present, will not bear the Character which it formerly had.

Torbay, upon the Eastern Coast, has been very remarkable and much talk'd of for the Landing of the Prince of Orange, now King William III. on Nov. 5th 1688.

Tiverton, upon the Ex, is remarkable for a good Free-School, and for its Woollen-Trade, which very much enriches the Inhabitants.

EXETER, the most considerable Place in all these Parts, stands upon a gentle Hill, and is encompass'd with a Ditch and very strong Walls. That the Romans knew it, is plain from the Itinerary of Antoninus, which begins here. The Saxons came then into the entire Possession of it, when Athelstan turn'd out the Britains, who had not 'till that Time solely enjoy'd it, but had the Liberty of Living in common with the Saxons. As the Kings of England have endow'd it with many Privileges, so has it suffer'd very much from Sieges: Notwithstanding all which, it might however have been more considerable than it is at this day, if the Wears of Topesham did not hinder Ships of Burden from coming up to the City, as they formerly did. On the East-Side stands the Cathedral, built by King Athelstan, and by Edward III. honoured with the Title of an Episcopal See.

Berstaple, on the Irish-Sea, is a neat Town, govern'd by a Mayor, two Aldermen, and a Common-Council of twenty four. 'Tis a Place of good Trade, so that the greatest part of the Inhabitants are Merchants; and is pretty eminent for a Bridge, built by one Stamford, a Citizen of London.

Topesham, a Town near Exeter, had its Rise from the Misfortune of that Place: For upon the Obstructions of the River Ex, made by Edward Courtney, Earl of Devonshire, upon a Displeasure conceiv'd against the Citizens; this began to be a Place of Resort, where the Vessels landed, and from whence the Lading was carry'd by Land to Exeter. But in the Time of King Charles II. such effectual Endeavours were made towards the removing of these Damms, that now they carry Lighters of the greatest Burthen up to the City-Key.

Okehampton, so call'd from the River Ock upon which it stands, is a considerable Market-Town, incorporated by King James I.

Ancient Places.

Isca, mention'd by Ptolemy, is so plainly convey'd to us in the present Ex, call'd by the Britains Isc; that there's no place of doubt, but this is the same River.

Isca Danmoniorum, is our Exeter.

Moridunum, tho' it has left nothing of the Name, seems yet to have its Meaning preserv'd in a Sea-Coast-Town, call'd at this Day Seton: For Mor is Mare, and Dunum a Town.

Herculis Promontorium is easily discover'd by the present Name Herty-point; of which no tolerable Reason can be given, unless we allow it to be a Corruption from that old Name.

Things Remarkable.

Lay-well, is a Well near Tor-bay, which in the compass of an Hour Ebbs and Flows several Times; bubling up now and then like a boiling Pot. The neighbouring People look upon it to be Medicinal in some sort of Fevers.

At Withicombe, in a Storm of Thunder and Lightning (14 Car. I.) a Ball of Fire came into the Church, whilst they were at Divine Service, which kill'd three Persons, and wounded sixty two; and besides, did Damage to the value of 300 l. and upwards.

And at Crews-Morthard, in the same County, a like Storm happen'd, which melted the Bells, Lead and Glass; and was so violent, that it rent the Steeple: This was in the Year 1689.

The Organ in the Cathedral of Exeter is accounted the greatest in England; the largest Pipe being 15 Inches Diameter.

At North-Taunton, there is a Pit of ten Foot deep, out of which there sometimes springs up a little Brook, that continues for many Days together. The Common People tell you, That it presages some Publick Calamity; but whether the particular Times, at which it has been observed to rise, will justifie that Interpretation, I know not.

DORSETSHIRE.

THO' the County of Dorset lies much upon the Sea, yet have they not those Advantages from Navigation, or such Convenience of Harbours, as other Counties that have less Sea-Coast. Which possibly may be owing, in some measure, to the fruitfulness of their Soil, which both employs the Inhabitants, and supplies them with all Necessaries of Life; whilst Parts that are more barren send the Natives to Sea, both to spend their Time and provide a Maintenance.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...Lyme,
• ...Dorchester,
• ...Shirburn,
• ...Shaftesbury,
• ...Blanford,
• ...Winburn.

Lyme, a Place of good Trade and well-stock'd with Merchants, lies upon the Sea-Coast, near the Borders of Devonshire. Navigation is that which has raised it from a very mean Condition; for the Convenience whereof they have built a very remarkable Peer, which requires a great Sum of Mony yearly to maintain it. This Advantage supplies it with Wealth at home; but that which has given it a name abroad, was the Landing of the Duke of Monmouth, upon which occasion we frequently meet with it in the Histories of those Times.

Dorchester, the Place from which the whole County had its Name, must, for that Reason, have been formerly of much more note than it is at present. Its Decay probably is owing to the Revolutions of Wars; for that it has been a Place of Action, we learn both from our Histories and the Remains of Antiquity they still meet with. Of late Years it seems to have recover'd it self; being thought fit to have the Privilege of a Mayor and Aldermen bestow'd upon it by King Charles I.

Shirburn, upon the Edge of Somersetshire, derives its ancient Glory from being an Episcopal See; and its present from Populousness, and their Improvement of the Woolen Manufacture.

Shaftesbury seems to have been of considerable Note in the Times of the Saxons; in whose Histories we find it frequently mention'd. That it was built by King Alfred, appears from a Stone dug up out of the old Ruins; the Reading whereof Malmsbury has convey'd to us. It grew so considerably, that about Edward the Confessor's Time it had no less than 104 Houses.

Blandford (upon the Stour) a pretty Market-Town, which ows its Beauty to a Fire that happen'd in it, and burnt it down; after which it was neatly rebuilt.

Winburne, upon the same River, is seated at the Foot of a Hill; being pretty large and populous. In the more early times it was famous upon the account of Religion, and the Nunnery there; but afterwards for being a Seat of War in the Danish Commotions.

In this County, we must also observe Portland, an Island of about seven Miles Circumference, guarded with a continued Ridge of Rocks running round it. The Inhabitants are not many; but the Soil affords good store of Corn and Pasture.

And on the East-side of the County, Purbeck, which is of a contrary Nature, being mostly Heath and Wood; but well stock'd with Fallow-Deer.

Ancient Names.

Durnovaria, mention'd by Antoninus in those Parts, can be no other than the present Dorchester, whether we respect the Name, the Distances, or the Remains of Roman Antiquity, which they trace out.

Vindogladia also discovers it self in the present Name of Winburn; the first Syllable whereof is manifestly a Relique of the old Denomination: And the second (which implies a River) does very well answer the Gladia, deriv'd from the British Clediau, Swords; by which Expression they sometimes denoted their Rivers.

Things Remarkable.

In the Isle of Portland, Wood is so very scarce that their common Fuel is Cow-Dung dried hard by the Heat of the Sun; which being so order'd makes a clear Fire, without any offensive smell.

Maiden-castle, near Dorchester, is a most stately Piece of Antiquity, and appears from the Form, Contrivance, and other Circumstances, to have been a Work of the Romans.

White-Hart-forest, on the Borders of Somersetshire, has its Name from a White-hart, kill'd by a Gentleman of this Country, against the express Order of King Henry III. For which Fact, there is yearly paid into the Exchequer a pecuniary Mulct, call'd White-hart-Silver.

It was a pleasant Humor, and a very lucky Discovery, that happen'd some Years ago near Winford-Eagle. Digging a Barrow or Tumulus, the Workmen came to an Oven (with an Urn in it) and one of them putting forward his Hand, in hopes of some farther Discoveries, found it too hot for him to hold it long there. 'Tis probably owing to some Mineral; the same natural Heat being commonly discover'd by the Miners.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

THE County of Somerset is not so well accommodated with Harbours, as might be expected from a Tract of Ground that lies so much to the Sea. In some Parts it is exceeding Marshy; but in others affords plenty of good Corn and Pasture.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...BRISTOW,
• ...BATHE,
• ...WELLS,
• ...Bridgwater,
• ...Somerton,
• ...Taunton.

BRISTOW is parted by the River Avon, which divides this County, for some miles together, from Glocestershire. It's Wealth and Glory cannot be of any great Antiquity, because we find very little or no mention of it in the early Times of the Saxons. No, nor in the Danish Plunders neither; which few Places escap'd, that had Riches enough to expose them to the Depredations of that People. But after the Conveniency of the Place for Trade with most Parts of Europe, was observ'd and understood; then the Inhabitants seem to have flock'd thither, and by their good Success and Commerce to have improv'd it to that degree of Wealth and Beauty, it may justly glory of at this Day. Their Buildings are fair, the Inhabitants numerous, and their Churches and publick Edifices very beautiful. To these Advantages, a new Honour was added by King Henry VIII. who made it a Bishop's See, upon the Suppression of the Monasteries, and gave it for its Diocess the City of Bristow (a County incorporate by it self) and the County of Dorset, formerly belonging to Salisbury.

BATHE stands upon the same River, and has the same Dignity of a Bishop's See; but in other respects falls far short of Bristow. It lies low, in the middle of a Range of Hills, wherewith it is very much fortified. This natural Strength of the Place was, no doubt, the reason of all that Bustle and Noise which the Saxons and Britains made about it, in their Engagements in those Parts. It's Name and Reputation have both the same Original; the hot Springs, I mean, arising there, which many Ages have known, but none have experienc'd so Medicinal as the present. Great numbers of the Nobility and Gentry flock thither in Summer-time, and the Physicians begin to frequent them more than ever: Which concourse from all Parts, makes it a little strange that the City should not increase more in Wealth and Buildings. As it affords Remedies to the Sick, so does it give a great Diversion to the Antiquaries, by shewing a vast number of ancient Monuments and Inscriptions, set up in the Walls. That it enjoys the Title of a Bishop's See, was occasioned by Joannes de Villula, Bishop of Wells, removing his Seat thither, about the Year of our Lord 1088. Whereupon, to compose a Quarrel which had risen between the Monks of Bathe and Canons of Wells about the Right of Election; it was agreed among other things, That the Bishop should take his Title from both Places; tho' by others 'tis affirm'd that for some Years after, he was only call'd Bishop of Bathe.

WELLS, so call'd from the Wells and Springs in it, is situated at the Bottom of Mendip-Hills. It was made a Bishop's See by Edward the Elder, about the Year 905. and the Bishop kept his Residence in it, till John de Villula, the Sixteenth Bishop, having purchas'd the Town of Bathe of King Henry I. transferr'd it thither. The Place is populous, and very beautiful, whether you respect the Publick or private Buildings.

Bridgewater (corruptly so call'd from Burgh-Walter, as appears by the ancient Records) lies upon the River Parret, and is a large and well-peopled Town.

Somerton, as inconsiderable as it is at present, was once the chief Town in this County; as may be reasonably inferr'd from its giving Name to the whole; and from the frequent mention of it in our ancient Histories.

Taunton, a Town seated upon the River Thone, which gives it the Name, is very neat and beautiful in it self; but render'd much more agreeable by the delicate Prospect it gives us of green Meadows, and numbers of pretty Villages all round.

Ancient Places.

Ʋzella, mention'd by Ptolemy, is an Aestuary on the West Side of this County, occasion'd by the concourse of two large Rivers, emptying themselves into the Sea about the Stert-point.

Ischalis, appears from the Coins and other Marks of Antiquity, that are dug up at Ivelchester (a Town upon the River Ivel) to have been seated at that Place.

Aquae Solis, by the Course of the Itinerary, and the Import of the Word, can be no other than our Bathe; especially, if we add to these Evidences, the Monuments mention'd to be found, in the Description of that Place.

Things Remarkable.

Ochie-hole, a remarkable Cave in Mendip-hills, of a vast length; wherein they discover several Wells and Springs.

The Serpent-Stones are common at Cainsham near Bristow.

Abundance of Diamonds are about the Rocks near Bristow; being lodg'd very artificially in a hollow sort of Flint.

A Monument of large Stones, not unlike that of Stone-henge in Wiltshire, is at Stanton-drew in this County; but being interrupted with Buildings and Enclosures, it is not so much taken notice of as it might otherwise deserve.

Cheddar-Cheeses (so call'd from the Place near Wells, where they are made) are so large as sometimes to require more than one Man to set them upon the Table.

The Elvers at Bristow is a Dish perhaps not to be met with elswhere: 'Tis a sort of Eel, which at a certain Time of the Year, swims upon the Surface of the Water in great Numbers. These they skim up in small Nets, and by a peculiar way of Dressing, bake into little Cakes; and so fry, and serve them up.

Amongst the Rarities of this County, Glassenbury may justly be reckon'd; which by the Remains of Religion and its venerable aspect, affords abundance of Pleasure to a curious Admirer of Antiquities.

WILTSHIRE.

AS the County of Wilts was for many hundreds of Years almost a constant Scene of Action in the Wars between the Saxons and Britains, and afterwards between the several Saxon Kings; so does it afford greater remains of Antiquity than perhaps any County in England can pretend to. 'Tis divided into North and South; and agreeable to this Division, is of a different Soil and Aspect. The first abounds with little Hills, which are render'd very entertaining by the small Rivers gliding between; and naturally produces much Wood. The latter is a Champain Fruitful Country.

Places of greatest Note, are

• ...Salisbury,
• ...Malmsbury,
• ...Devises,
• ...Marlburrow,
• ...Wilton.

Salisbury is two-fold, the Old and New. Old Sarum was seated upon a high Hill (as most of our ancient Towns here in Britain are observ'd to have been) being a place chiefly intended for Strength, and a defence against the Enemy. But what was a security against Foreigners, prov'd a plague to the Inhabitants; who found the insolencies of the Garison-Soldiers to be such, that they seem'd Intolerable. To remedy this Evil, and to accommodate themselves with the convenience of Water, (the want whereof had been a heavy grievance in their old Quarters) they began to remove into the lower Grounds in the time of Richard I. where they laid the Foundations of New Sarum. And immediately Richard Poor, the Bishop, began a most stately Cathedral Church, which at this day has deservedly a name among the most considerable Structures of this Island. The Bishop's See was remov'd to Salisbury, upon the uniting of Sherborn and Wilton into one, by Hermannus, about the year 1056. But though that may be of advantage to the place, and set it somewhat forward into its growing condition, yet it could never have arriv'd to that Degree of Wealth, Populousness and Splendor, if the Western-road had not been turn'd that way, by the Authority of some who were nearly concern'd for its Prosperity. Their want of Water was amply supplied by their remove from the higher Grounds; for now every Street has its little Rivulet running through it.

Malmsbury, though at present a handsom Town and well maintain'd by the Cloathing-Trade, was yet formerly much more considerable on account of its Monastery. For Maildulphus an Irish-Scot leading here an Hermit's Life, left behind him a Scholar (Aldhelmus) a very eminent Man, who built a stately Monastery; whereupon the place was call'd Mealdelmesbyrig, and by contraction Malmsbury; which Name seems to be a compound of Maildulphus and Aldhelmus, the Master and the Scholar.

Devises, anciently very famous for a strong Castle, the Government whereof has been thought an Honorable Post by Persons of the best Quality. But now, that is quite Demolish'd; and the advantage of Peace hath given it what is much more valuable, a good Trade, a thriving People, and plenty of every thing. It is Govern'd by a Mayor, Recorder, &c. and hath in it two great Parishes.

Marlburrow, upon the River Kennet, runs along the side of a Hill: It was formerly eminent for its Castle, and is mention'd in our Law-books and Courts of Justice, upon account of the Statute made here for the suppression of Riots, in 32 Henry III. call'd to this day Statutum de Marlburrow. The Keep of the old Castle is figur'd into a Mount of curious contrivance, by his Grace the Duke of Somerset, the Owner of it.

Wilton does not require a mention upon account of any Figure it makes at this day, but may justly call for that respect, as being once the chief Town in the whole County. And it might have grown as well as its Neighbours, had it been allow'd the advantage of the Western-road, which at first it enjoy'd. But when that was turn'd through Salisbury, the rise of one was the ruin of the other; and this Place has ever since been dwindling by degrees into that low condition we see it in at present.

Ancient Places.

Cunetio may very probably be settl'd at Marlburrow, the Castle there appearing from Roman Coins to be of Roman Antiquity.

Sorbiodunum is agree'd upon by all Authors to be Old Sarum. However they may quarrel about the original of the Name, they are unanimous in their opinion of its Situation.

Verlucio, keeps something of its name in the present Werminster, (a Town lying upon the little River Dever-ril;) for by changing the (v) into (w) which without any straining may be done, and adding the Saxon Termination mynster, we have the Name compleat.

Things Remarkable.

Wansdike, or Wodensdike, (so call'd from the Saxon God Woden) is a wonderful Ditch, running across the middle of this Shire from East to West. Whenever it was cast up, the design seems to have been a Boundary or Fence, either to distinguish Territories, or to be a guard against the Enemies in this Frontier Country.

Stone-henge is a Monument so remarkable, that it has engag'd many a Learned Pen in conjectures about its Founder's design and Antiquity. The Opinions contain'd in three or four separate Books written upon that Subject, are drawn up, and the whole matter Stated in the new Edition of Camden's Britannia, page 108, whither I refer the Reader.

The Barrows upon Salisbury Plain, lying scatter'd here and there, afford good entertainment to a curious Traveller; and the rather, because they are of several Forms and Figures, which perhaps in other places is not so common.

HAMSHIRE.

OF all the Counties which border upon the Sea, there are few or none that have the advantage of so many Creeks and Havens, as Hamshire. By which means the South part is abundantly supplied with all the conveniencies the Sea affords. Through the whole, they have good store of Corn, and plenty of Wood in all Parts; but what they are most remarkable for, is their Bacon, which is reputed the best in the Kingdom, and accordingly is sold into all parts.

Towns more considerable, are

• ...Winchester,
• ...Southampton,
• ...Portsmouth,
• ...Basingstoke,
• ...Andover,
• ...Christ-Church.

Winchester, whether we consider its ancient or present condition, may deservedly lay claim to the first Place. For as it was of good Note in the times of the Romans, so under the Saxon Government was it the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings. But that which has chiefly secur'd its flourishing condition, is the Bishop's See, settl'd there very early by Kinegils the Saxon; and (which is more) never remov'd from its first Foundation, as most of its Neighbours have been, to the great damage of the places from which they were drawn. This favourable concurrence of Circumstances was encreas'd by Edward III. when he settl'd here the Staple for Cloath and Wool. The Cathedral hath been from time to time enlarg'd and put under the protection of several Tutelar Saints. But its greatest Glory, is the College built here by William of Wickham, Bishop of this See; which supplies both Church and State with great numbers of Learned Men. The Royal Palace began by King Charles II, is very stately and magnificent; and the Hospital built by Bishop Morley for 10 Ministers Widows, is a work of great Charity and Goodness.

Southampton within these hundred years was a rich, populous, beautiful Place; but now by the loss of its Trade, all this Finery is gone, the Buildings decay'd, the Town poor, and the Inhabitants thin. It ought not however to be omitted amongst the considerable places of these parts, both upon account of its former Eminency, and also for the Figure it still bears in our Naval Affairs.

Portsmouth, after it was by Queen Elizabeth compleatly Fortified with new Works, became a place of great Note and Resort, in times of War especially: but in times of Peace, the Trade it has will hardly maintain it in the same Grandeur. And as the Place is of great importance to the Nation by its Strength, and Works of the best Contrivance; so is it of great consequence to our Fleets, being furnish'd of late years with Docks and all other necessaries for building and repairing Ships of the highest Rates.

Basingstoke is a well frequented Market, upon the High-road.

Andover is a Corporation pretty large and populous.

Ancient Places.

Regnum can be no other than the present Ringwood, (lying upon the River Avon) which may seem by a very fair Interpretation to signifie the Wood of the Regni.

Alauni Ostium, is probably that Mouth out of which the Stour and Avon empty themselves jointly.

Trisantonis Ostium is agree'd upon all hands to be the Harbour of Southampton, beginning at Calshot-Castle.

Clausentum, by the distances from the two Stations on each side, as it stands in the Itinerary, must of necessity be that Old Town which stood formerly near the present Southampton, and was call'd by the same name.

Brage, by the course of the Itinerary, is probably a little Country Village that lyes between Salisbury and Winchester, the two Stations on each hand, and is call'd at this day Broughton.

Venta Belgarum, is undoubtedly Winchester, to which it has probably given the first Syllable of that name.

Segontiaci, mention'd by Caesar, by all the Circumstances must have been those People who liv'd about the Northern limits of this County, about the Hundred of Holeshot.

Vindonum we call at this day Silcester; though by the Britains it was call'd Caer Segonte, as being the chief City of the Segontiaci, just now mention'd.

Things Remarkable.

Arthur's Round-Table at Winchester is much talk'd of and admir'd as a Relick of King Arthur's. But that Fancy is to be reckon'd among those many ridiculous Errors which have been convey'd to the ignorant country People by Ballads and Romances, and have got such footing that 'tis hard to undeceive them. This Table is probably as old as the Torneaments: and 'tis a good Conjecture, that it was design'd to prevent all quarrels about Precedency among the Combatants.

Silcester, which we observ'd but now to be the Vindonum of the Ancients, shews vast remains of its Antiquity and once Flourishing condition. The thinness of the Corn where the Walls and Streets have run, with other Observations to be made upon the place, afford very good entertainment to a curious Traveller.

The Isle of WIGHT.

South of Hamshire lyes the Isle of Wight, about 20 miles long, and 12 over where broadest. The North is mostly taken up with Pasturage. Meadows and Wood; but the South bears abundance of Corn. As to Ecclesiastical Government, it is under the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Winchester; but as to Civil, under Hamshire. The Inhabitants are a Stout sort of People, having been all along inur'd to frequent Skirmishes, by lying expos'd to the first attacks of the invading Enemy.

Caresbrook, a Castle in the middle of the Isle, of very great Antiquity. Of late years the Imprisonment of King Charles I. has made it very Remarkable.

Yarmouth and Cows, both lying over against Hamshire, are their two Havens of greatest Safety and Importance.

The Needles, the Shingles, the Mixon, and other Shelves round it, are a good security to the Place against an Enemy, but very troublesom to the Seamen.

BARKSHIRE.

THE County of BERKS lying out in length from South-east to North-west, as it is accommodated all over with very convenient Rivers, so has it the advantage of the Thames running along one side of it. Which being navigable, is of great profit not only to the particular Towns seated upon it; but also to the whole County, the narrowness whereof gives the Inhabitants an opportunity of conveying Goods by Water, without any great inconvenience or expence of Land-carriage. This I take to be the great enricher of the County: For tho' in several parts, especially in the middle, and where it borders upon Wiltshire, they have good store of Corn; yet this, without the assistance of the River, could not turn to near the same account.

Towns of note,

• ...Abingdon.
• ...Windsor.
• ...Reading.
• ...Wallingford.
• ...Newbury.
• ...Hungerford.
• ...Maidenhead.

Abingdon carries in its very name the character of Religion, being so call'd from the famous Abbey that was built there by Cissa the West-Saxon. Some modern Authors are inclin'd to think this the old Clovesho, so famous in our ancient Histories for the solemn Meetings and great Councils before the Conquest. And the situation indeed of the place makes it convenient enough for holding such general Assemblies, being almost at an equal distance from the several Parties concern'd. But whether this Honour belongs to it or not; 'tis certain, the Abbey grew to be so eminent and considerable, that here (as in many other places throughout England) it lay a good Foundation for a handsom Town; which encreas'd strangely, after that Henry V. had contriv'd the high Road through it. Malt is its greatest Trade, and the Market-house its greatest Ornament.

Windsor stands in the North-west corner of this County, upon a high Hill; from whence there is a delicate Prospect of Woods and Fields all round. This advantage of situation, with its convenient distance from London, has induc'd several of the Kings of England to take a more particular delight in it, both on account of its Strength and Pleasure. The Palace is a most noble Structure, adorn'd with a delightful Terrace-walk by Queen Elizabeth, but beautify'd chiefly and brought to perfection by King Charles II. who, at vast expence, adorn'd it with most curious Paintings. S. George's Chappel and the noble Order of the Garter, instituted there by King Edward III. are Honours wherein the place may justly glory; the greatest Princes in Europe having esteem'd it a high favour to be admitted into that Society. And it was an honour to this Castle, to be the Prison of the King of France and the King of Scots, at the same time, under that powerful Prince Edward III. As for the Town: Old Windsor is very much gone to decay, upon the rise of the new one, which lies to the West of the Castle, and (as it were) under it. The growth of the Town is in a great measure owing to the Court, which the pleasure our Princes have taken in it, has drawn hither. And accordingly, 'tis easie to observe, what difference there is between its present condition, now 'tis almost forsaken by the Court; and its state in the Re•gn of Charles II. by whose inclination to the variety of Diversions it affords, the Town flourish'd very much beyond its Neighbours.

Reading is conveniently seated upon the River Kenet, at a small distance from its emptying it self into the Thames. It was before the Conquest very eminent for a strong Castle; which lasted no longer than the time of Henry II. by whom it was pull'd down, for fear it should afford Refuge and Protection to King Stephen's Party. About an hundred years ago, Cloath was its greatest Trade and Employment; but the advantage of the situation upon the River has in a great measure drawn the Inhabitants from that Business, and turn'd them to the Malt-trade, by which the Wealth of the Town is very much improv'd, The Streets and Buildings are very neat and handsom; and sometimes the Assizes are held here.

Wallingford, upon the River of Thames, was also. famous for its Castle, which was exceeding strong and attempted more than once by King Stephen, in the civil Wars between him and Henry II. That which made Abingdon chiefly flourish, was the cause of this Town's decay, viz. the change of the High-Road. But yet for all that, the Malt-Trade does not only support it, but of late years has also encreas'd its Wealth, Buildings, and number of Inhabitants.

Newbury carries its rise and original in the very name, which implies a relation to some old Burgh near it; and that was Spene, at a little distance from this new Town. Tho' the name destroys all its pretensions to Antiquity, yet it bears a considerable figure in our modern Histories, upon account of the Engagements here between the King and Parliament, in the late Civil Wars. The Cloath-Trade and the convenience of the River, have improv'd it into a handsom, pretty Town.

Hungerford, upon the edge of Wiltshire, has been all along more considerable, upon account of the Title it has for many Ages given to a very eminent Family, than for either Wealth or Neatness. All the Country round, it has a particular reputation for the best Trouts.

Maidenhead, considering what time it has had for improvement, is grown into a handsom Town. For its first encrease was occasion'd by building a Wooden Bridge over the Thames; which, before that, us'd to be Ferry'd, at the expence and trouble of the Traveller. But the new Bridge, as it made the Road this way much more easie and convenient, so did it induce the Inhabitants to build Inns and provide all Accommodations for the Entertainment of Strangers.

Ancient Places.

Galleva was undoubtedly our Wallingford, as appears both from the course of the Itinerary, the remains of the old Name in our present, and the ancient grandeur and largeness of the Town.

Spinae is now an inconsiderable Village, about a mile from Newbury; which carries the old name in its present Spene, and has also left the remains of it in a part of Newbury, still call'd Spinham-Lands.

Bibroci, also, a People in those Parts, may seem to have left something of the name in the present Bray near Maidenhead.

SURREY.

THE County of Surrey, (as we call it at this day) lyes all along upon the South-side of the River of Thames; from which Position, it has the Name. For, what our Age has contracted into Surrey, was call'd by our Fore-fathers Suthrige. That part of the Country which borders upon the Thames, is so adorn'd with a mixture of Woods, Meadows, and fair Buildings, that nothing can be more Entertaining: The other parts are Fruitful enough, though not so Pleasant.

More considerable Towns, are,

• ...Southwark,
• ...Guildford,
• ...Kingston,
• ...Richmond,
• ...Lambeth.

Southwark, (so call'd from its Southerly Situation, with respect to London) by its near intercourse with that noble City, has improv'd it self into a flourishing condition, not only beyond all other Places in this County, but equal to most of our Cities in England. Before the building of the Bridge, their Commerce was maintain'd only by Ferrying; but upon erecting a Wooden-bridge, it seem'd to be a sort of Suburbs to London; and lastly, by the stately Stone-bridge of 19 Arches, (upon which the Buildings are continu'd like a Street) one would think it a part of the City. Accordingly, in the Reign of Edward VI. it was annext to London; and by virtue thereof the Inhabitants had a power granted them to use all such Laws within their Burrough, as the Citizens did within their City.

Guilford (for so it is commonly pronounc'd, though written Guldford and Guildford) is seated upon the River Wye, and is a populous Market-Town: I know not whether we may attribute its growth, in some measure at least, to the Benefaction of Sir Richard Weston; by whose Industry, principally, the River upon which it stands, was made Navigable. 'Tis certain that all this part of the Country is very much engag'd to the first Contrivers, since they receive such considerable advantage from it.

Kingston upon Thames, has its name from the Solemn Coronation of three Saxon Kings, Athelstan, Edwin, and Ethelred, in the Danish Wars. 'Tis a Market-Town, not very large indeed, but populous enough, and of good resort.

Richmond, hard by has been particularly pitch'd upon by several of our Kings, for their Diversion and Pleasure, whenever the Affairs of the Nation would give them leave to retire out of the noise and Tumult of the City. And his present Majesty is so great an admirer of the Place, as to prefer it before the rest of his Royal Seats near the City, in his intervals from publick Business.

Lambeth, over against Westminster, upon the River of Thames, has all its Reputation from the Palace of the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, which is very large and stately. It has belong'd to them successively, ever since Arch-bishop Baldwin got a Manour in this Place by exchange with the Bishop of Rochester, about the year 1183.

We meet with none of the old Stations in this County; the Noviomagus, (which Mr. Camden places at Woodcot) being more conveniently settl'd in Kent.

Things Remarkable.

The Mole (a considerable River) in two several places goes under Ground for some space; particularly, for 2 miles together, near Whisehill; from whence the place is call'd the Swallow.

At Albury, the Hypogaeum, or Perforation, made through a mighty Hill, and design'd for a Coach-passage, is very Remarkable and Surprizing.

Epsom-Wells have been in so great request of late years for their Mineral-waters, as to cause a considerable increase of Buildings, for the entertainment of Gentlemen resorting thither, for their Health or Pleasure.

A Skeleton of 9 Foot 3 Inches long, taken up in the Churh-yard of Wotton, and distinctly measur'd, may justly be reckon'd among the Remarkables of this County.

SUSSEX.

SƲssex, (or as it is more truly written, South-sex) derives its name from the ancient Inhabitants, the South-Saxons, who had that denomination with respect to the East-Saxons. The Downs take up the Sea-coast; the middle consists of Meadows, Pastures and Corn-fields; and the more Northerly part of it abounds with Wood. The Iron-works turn to very good account; as did formerly the Glass-houses; but now the latter are quite laid aside.

More considerable Towns are,

• ...Chichester,
• ...Arundel,
• ...Lewes,
• ...Rye.

Chichester, in its Saxon name Cissanceaster, discovers its first Founder, viz. Cissa, Son of Aella, who settl'd the Kingdom of the South-Saxons. Notwithstanding which Antiquity, we do not find that it flourish'd very much till the Conqueror's time, when the Bishop's See was remov'd from Selsey to this Place; where it still continues in a good condition. The City had undoubtedly been much more Wealthy, Large and Populous, if the conveniency of the Harbour had seconded the advantage of the Bishop's See. But the Haven is of it self not very commodious; and is also at too great a distance.

Arundel, ows it name and Reputation more to the Castle and its Earls, than either the populousness of the Town, or wealth of the Inhabitants. The Castle was a place of great strength, and of considerable moment in our Wars; and the Earls, Persons of great Worth and Honour. But though the condition of the place will not answer either the figure it makes in our Histories, or the reputation it has in the opinion of Strangers; 'tis however a Market-Town, and sends two Burgesses to Parliament.

Lewes, at a little distance from the Sea, is seated upon a rising ground, and is a Town of good Note: Tho' anciently it seems to have been more considerable. For when King Athelstan settl'd Mints in the more eminent Towns of the Kingdom, he pitch'd upon this place for one, and gave it two Minters.

Rye, upon the Sea Coast, joyning to the County of Kent, owes it's rise to the decay of it's Neighbour Winchelsea. For the Sea, in those parts, does as it were dispose of it's wealth among the Coasters, according to the several ages. So that by its breaking in one while and retiring another, they enjoy the advantage of it in their turns. Rye has flourish'd by its kindness these many ages, in Buildings, Navigation, and Fishing; whilst a great many of its Neighbours are ready to starve, and are daily drawing on towards ruine.

Ancient Places.

Portus Adurni (the place where the Exploratores kept watch against the Saxon Pirats under the later Emperours) must be upon this Coast. And we cannot pitch upon any part with greater probability, than Ederington, a Little Village, which seems still to retain something of the old name; and besides, is a very convenient place for Landing. Which indeed in our present search, is a circumstance of great moment; since those Guards upon the Sea-Coast, were set to hinder the Pirats from Landing; and by consequence must have been fixt where the shore was most convenient for that purpose.

Things Remarkable.

It was a pleasant humour of John de Camois Lord of Broodwater in this County, in Edward the First's time; to make over his own Wife to Sr. William Painell, by Will, in the same manner as Men bequeathe their Goods and Chattels.

The Arch with the Inscription, at Lewes, in the little demolish'd Church near the Castle, is well worth the sight of a curious Traveller, if there be any thing left of that ancient Building. But if Time has destroy'd it, the best information we can have, is from Mr. Camden's draught, which he has given us in the Britannia, under his Description of this place.

KENT.

AMongst the Counties of England, no one can pretend to lead us so far back into its Antiquities, as this of Kent. In all Revolutions, this has had the first share: The Romans made their first Attempts upon it; and Julius Caesar has left us a pretty distinct account, in what condition he found them at that Time. Their Successors, the Saxons, after Depredations, Piracies, and at last open Violence, establish'd their first Kingdom in this Corner, about the Year 456. The Norman too (if we may believe a Tradition, which is not grounded upon much Evidence from History) had it particularly in his Eye; and had us'd it as he did the rest of the Kingdom, but that they obtained the Continuance of their Ancient Customs and Usages, by a notable Stratagem.

Nor could it well be otherwise: For as their Situation exposes them to the immediate Attempts of Foreigners; so do the Riches and Fruitfulness of their Country invite them to a settlement there, before any other Part. The Soil is exceeding rich; so that they abound with excellent Corn-Fields, Meadows, and Pastures. They have Apples also, and Cherries in great abundance; which turn to better account here than in most other Places, by reason of their nearness to London, whither they sell them by whole-sale. Besides this Fruitfulness of the Soil, which furnishes them with most Necessaries; they are supply'd with what conveniences our foreign Trade brings in, by their Harbours and noble Rivers.

More Remarkable Places are,

• ...Canterbury,
• ...Rochester,
• ...Dover,
• ...Greenwich,
• ...Deptford,
• ...Maidston,
• ...Romney,
• ...Chatham.

Canterbury, upon the River Stour, as it is the principal City in those parts, so is it the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom. For upon the conversion of the Saxons to the Christian Faith, Ethelbert King of Kent gave this place to Austin the Monk; who was made Arch-bishop of the English, and so fixt his See here. And here it has continu'd ever since; save that for a little while it was remov'd to London (the chief City of the Kingdom;) but in honour and memory of St. Austin, it was return'd to Canterbury. The Church that is most eminent, is Christ-Church; for St. Austin's (built below the City for a burying-place for the Kings of Kent and the Arch-bishops, when is was not lawful to bury in Cities) is laid in its own ruines; by which one may perceive what a stately Fabrick it has once been. The City is populous and wealthy; having in it abundance of Walloons and French; the first settl'd here in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and brought along with them the Art of Weaving Silk; the second came over of late years, upon the persecution of Lewis the XIV.

Rochester is the other City of this County, being made an Episcopal See by the same Ethelbert that gave Canterbury to St. Austin, upon his conversion to the Christian Faith. The situation of it, is low, and the bounds narrow, but the Suburbs make it pretty large. Anciently, it was of great note for its Castle, which the nature of the place render'd exceeding strong: So that when Odo held it against William Rufus, nothing could bring him to a surrender but want of provisions. The noble Stone-bridge (through which the Medway runs with a most hideous noise) was built, upon Simon Montefort's cutting down the Wooden one, in his attempts upon this place.

Dover, next these two, makes the greatest figure in our Histories; not for its extent or riches, but the convenient passage it affords into France. It has also a Castle of great strength; and was anciently accounted of so much importance, as to be commonly called the Key of England, without which, it was impossible for Foreigners to make their way, with any advantage, into this Nation. Upon this account, William the Conqueror took particular care to have it well fortified and guarded; distributing vast quantities of Land to his Soldiers, purely for that Service. The Peer was built by Henry VIII. and repaird by Queen Elizabeth at vast expence, after the Sea had begun to break in upon it.

Greenwich, lying upon the Thames, is remarkable for its Royal Seat, built by Humfrey Duke of Glocester, and enlarged by King Henry VII. and is a place much talk'd of in our Histories for giving Birth to that most excellent Princess, Queen Elizabeth.

Deptford is at a little distance, and draws its reputation from the noble Dock and other accommodations for building and repairing of Ships; whereby it is of great use and importance to the Royal Navy of England.

Maidston, (so call'd from the Medway upon which it lyes) is a pleasant populous Town, and seems to have been formerly of greater eminence than it's Neighbours, as being the Shire-town, where the Assizes are generally held. Unless, possibly, the convenience of its situation, almost in the middle of the County, may have been the principal means of procuring that piece of honour.

Romney, lying near the Sea-Coast to the South-East, was formerly very considerable both for it's Harbour, and the Sea-Services done by the Inhabitants to the Crown. But when the Ocean overflow'd these parts, in the Reign of Edward I. and remov'd the passage of the River another way, it began to forsake the Town, and by consequence to rob it by degrees of it's former glory.

Chatham, near Rochester, is eminent for the station of the Navy-Royal; and has been much more so since the improvements of Docks, Launches, Store-houses, &c. made by King Charles II. and King James II. 'Tis also remarkable for it Fund of Naval Charity, for the support of Persons wounded in the Sea-Service; establisht in the Year 1588. under the Title of The Chest at Chatham.

Ancient Places.

Vagniacae, by the course of the Itinerary, must be Maidstone; especially if Noviomagus, the next Station on one Hand, may be fix'd at Hollowood-hill, and not at Woodcot in Surrey (as Mr. Camden imagins.)

Durobrovis is agreed on all Hands to be Rochester.

Regulbium, mention'd by the Notitia, has left the express Remains of its Name in our present Reculver; which also demonstrates its Antiquity by the Roman Coins discover'd thereabouts.

Durovernum is beyond all dispure to be settl'd at Canterbury.

Durolenum seems to fall in (as to the sound) with Lenham; which yet is too far out of the Road, and has nothing to support it, besides the bare similitude of Names. Bapchild lies directly in the way, and does not want either Antiquity or a due distance to answer the Itinerary; which has induc'd a modern Author to remove the Station thither.

Cantium Promontorium, is the Kentish-foreland.

Dubris, by the present name and the circumstances of the place, can be no other than Dover.

Anderida, mention'd by the Notitia, has been by some fix'd at Newenden, by others at Hastings or Pemsey in Sussex. Indeed the names mention'd in that Book, wanting the assistance of the Distances, are very hard to find out; having no other Directions, but barely their situation upon the Sea-coasts; which we infer from the use of them, viz. to be a Guard against the Invasion of Pyrats.

Lemanis is, by Mr. Camden, plac'd at Stutfall-castle near Hithe; but by Mr. Somner at Romney.

Noviomagus, by the distances in the Itinerary, must be brought much nearer Maidstone than Woodcot in Surrey is, where Mr. Camden fixt it, The discovery of a large Roman Camp upon the River Ravensbourn (which empties it self into the Thames near Greenwich) makes it probable enough that the old Noviomagus ought not to be sought in any other place.

Rhutupiae, is the same as our Richburrow; which daily shews the Marks of its Antiquity, viz. Roman Coins of Gold and Silver.

To these we may add the Island which Solinus (according to different Copies) calls Thanatos and Athanatos, from whence the present name of Thanet is deriv'd. 'Tis made by a division of the Waters of the River Stour, near its entrance into the Sea, and is about 8 miles long and 4 broad. The Soil is a white Chalk, which produces Hay and Corn in great abundance.

Totiatis Insula is probably Shepey.

Things remarkable.

The vast Pits near Feversham, narrow at the top but within very large, are thought to be some of those out of which the Britains us'd to dig Chalk to manure their Grounds. Which seems a more probable Opinion, than that the Saxons should contrive them, in imitation of their German-Ancestors, for a sort of Granary wherein to protect their Corn and Goods against the violence of Cold and plunders of an Enemy.

Below Greenwich, there is great plenty of Scurvy-grass.

Bromley-Hospital, built by the right Reverend Father in God Dr. John Warner, for the maintenance of 20 poor Ministers-Widows, is a most noble Foundation, and may very well serve for a Pattern to Persons who are dispos'd to settle such Charities in other Places.

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich, furnisht with all sorts of Instruments for Astronomical Observations, and a Dry Well for discovery of the Stars in the day-time, is very curious.

Tunbridge Wells have of late years been found so useful for carrying off several Distempers, that the great resort of Gentry has caus'd the building of a good number of Houses near the place; and of a Chapel, wherein Prayers are read twice a day during the Season.

Gavel-kind is a Custom peculiar to this County; whereby all Lands are divided equally among the Males; and in default of them, among the Females. They would derive this and other Privileges from their Composition with William the Conqueror; which Opinion is yet stiffly oppos'd by their Learned Country-man Mr. Somner, in his excellent Treatise upon that Subject.

The Cinque-Ports are a Constitution not to be met with in other places, being 5 Ports under the Constable of Dover-castle, establisht by William the Conqueror for the better security of this Coast. The Ports are Hastings, Dover, Hith, Romney and Sandwich; which, upon account of their Sea-services, enjoy several Immunities; their Governor is styl'd Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports.

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

THE County of GLOCESTER, according to its several parts, has a different Soil and Appearance. In the East, 'tis hilly; in the West, woody; and in the middle, a sweet fruitful Vale. The middle parts are much indebted to the Severn, which runs along for forty miles together, bringing in Necessaries from abroad, and conveying the native Commodities into foreign Parts. The Western Tract was one continu'd Wood, thick and unpassable; but the discovery of the Veins of Iron (which requires vast quantities of Wood to support them) has made it much thinner.

The more remarkable Towns are,

• ...Glocester,
• ...Tewkesbury,
• ...Cirencester,
• ...Camden,
• ...Winchcomb.

GLOCESTER, the principal place in this County, is a Town well-built, beautify'd with mamy fair Churches, and exceeding well provided with Hospitals for the maintenance of their Poor. The Severn, along which it is stretch'd, secures it on one side, and it has Walls to defend it on others. About the time of William the Conqueror, forging of Iron seems to have been the Business of the Town; since Domes-day tells us, That the Tribute requir'd of them, was a certain quantity of Iron-bars. It has had its misfortunes both from Wars and Fire, but still rose again and flourisht, till at length King Henry VIII. made it an Episcopal See; which at this day is its greatest Glory.

Tewkesbury, seated at the meeting of the Severn, the Avon, and another little River, is a large beautiful Town, the great Business whereof is Woollen-cloth. In the Histories of our Nation 'tis mention'd upon account of the Battel between the Houses of York and Lancaster, wherein the latter Party was almost entirely defeated.

Cirencester, call'd commonly at this day Ciciter, was of good note both under the Romans and Saxons. Its eminence among the first is discover'd by ancient Coins, Pavements and Inscriptions; and the frequent mention of it in the Saxon Histories make it probable that it bore some considerable Figure among the latter. Add to this, the extent of the Town, which has formerly been two miles round; but now not above a fourth part of that compass is inhabited. They have also had 3 Parish-Churches, of which only one is left, very fair indeed and large.

Camden, in the North part of the County on the edge of Worcestershire, is a good Market-town, famous especially for the Stockin-trade. The South-Isle of this Church is adorn'd with several most noble and curious Monuments of Marble.

Ancient Places.

Abone appears by its situation upon Severn, its distance from the next Station, and most of all from the present name, to be that which we call at this day Aventon.

Trajectus, where they Ferry'd over the Severn, was probably at Oldbury; which both carries Antiquity in its name, and is situate over against Abone.

Corinium, mention'd by Ptolomy, was our Cirencester.

Glevum is agreed by all to be the present City of Glocester.

Things Remarkable.

The Whispering-place, in the Cathedral of Glocester, is a Curiosity much talk'd of and admir'd by Travellers. 'Tis a Wall built so in an Arch of the the Church, that if you whisper never so low at one end, another that lays his Ear to the other end shall hear each distinct Syllable. Which yet the more knowing Inhabitants affirm to be purely accidental, and not the effect of any curious contrivance.

Stones like Cockles and Oysters are found about the Head of the River Avon, or the Hills near Aldersey.

In some parts of the County, they had formerly a Custom very unaccountable, That the Lands of condemn'd Persons should be forfeited to the King only for a year and a day, and after that return to the next Heirs; but 'tis now quite abolisht.

OXFORDSHIRE.

THE County of OXFORD is accommodated with three large Rivers, which answer the Necessities of its several parts. The Thames supplies the South and West, the Tame the East, and the Cherwell the middle. The two last empty themselves into the first, and are carried with it in one Chanel into the Ocean. The bottoms of this Shire abound with Meadows and Corn-ground; the Hills are well stor'd with Wood; but were much more so before the civil Wars between the King and Parliament. The more considerable Places, are

• ...Oxford,
• ...Woodstock,
• ...Banbury,
• ...Dorchester,
• ...Henley.

OXFORD, as it gives its name to the whole County, so is it upon several accounts very eminent: The Air is sweet and healthful, the Prospect on all hands very pleasant; the private Buildings are neat, and the publick sumptuous. But that which gives it a Reputation, not only above its Neighbours, but above all other places in the Kingdom, is, One of the most noble Universities in the whole World. The Constitution whereof is so regular, the Discipline so strict, the Endowments so plentiful and convenient for Studies; and, in a word, every thing so agreeable to the education of Youth, that we need not wonder it should daily send abroad such numbers of learned Men, for the Service of Church and State. Of what Antiquity it is, I shall not pretend to determin: Whole Volumes have been writ upon that Subject already. Let us thank Providence, that 'tis in such a flourishing condi•ion at present, and leave the nice Di•quisition of what it has been, to others. The following Scheme will afford the best view of its State and Increase, in the several Ages.

Colleges.	Founders.	King's Reigns.
University,	King Alfred.	Alfred.
Baliol,	Sir John Baliol.	Henry III.
Merton,	Walter Merton.	Edward I.
Oriel,	Edward II.	Edward II.
Exeter,	Walter Stapledon.	Edward II.
Queens,	Robert Eglesfield.	Edward III.
New-College,	Wm. of Wickham.	Edward III.
Lincoln,	Richard Fleming.	Henry VI
All Souls,	Henry Chichley.	Henry VI.
Magdalen,	William Wainfleet	Henry VI.
Brazen-nose,	William Smith.	Henry VIII.
Corpus Cristi,	Richard Fox.	Henry VIII.
Christ-Church,	Henry VIII.	Henry VIII.
Trinity,	Sir Thomas Pope.	Queen Mary.
S. Jo•n's,	Sir Thomas White.	Queen Mary.
J•s••	Queen Elizabeth.	Qu. Elizabeth.
Wadham,	Nicholas Wadham and	James I.
	Dorothy Wadham.
Pembroke,	Thomas Tisdal.

All these are well endow'd with Fellowships, Scholarships, &c. The Halls (where Gentlemen live upon their own Expences) are Seven,

• ...Glocester,
• S. Edmund,
• ...Magdalen,
• ...Hart,
• ...Alban,
• S. Mary,
• ...New-Inn.

The Disturbances which these Seminaries of Learning have met with, have come partly from Abroad; but have been chiefly occasion'd by the Insolencies of the Towns-men. The Danes, who were a rude unpolish'd People, enemies to Learning, Religion, and every thing that was Honourable, sack'd and burn'd this place among others, in their Ravages through the Kingdon. And about the Reign of King John, (at which time 'tis said there were three Thousand Students, who lodg'd up and down in the Town,) the Scholars were heavily pester'd with the rude carriage of the Citizens, and retir'd in great numbers to Reading, Cambridge, Salisbury, and other places: But about Henry the Third's Reign, and so downward, (as pious Persons built Colleges and Halls for the entertainment of Students) they began to be less dependent upon the Town; especially being supported with good Revenues, as well as accommodated with convenient Lodgings.

The chief of its publick Buildings are,

1. The Schools, a noble stately Pile of Building, wherein Exercise for the several Degrees are performed, the publick Lectures read, &c.

2. The Library, built by Sir Thomas Bodley, and commonly call'd the Bodleian Library; famous throughout Europe for its prodigious Stock of Books, both Printed and Manuscript.

3. The Theater, a Magnificent Work, and of admirable Contrivance; built by the Right Reverend Father in God, Gilbert Sheldon, Arch-bishop of Canterbury.

4. The Musaeum, commonly call'd Ashmole's Musaeum, is a neat Building; the lower part whereof is a Chymical Elaboratory; and the upper, a Repository of Natural and Artificial Rarities.

Woodstock, distant from Oxford about 6 miles to the North, by its name implies a situation in a woody part of the Country; and accordingly its greatest Reputation has been the Park, along with a Royal Seat built there by King Henry I. who probably was induc'd to pitch upon this place for the convenience of Hunting; a Diversion much us'd and admir'd by our Fore-fathers. At present the Town is not very populous, nor the Trade considerable.

Banbury, on the edge of Northampton-shire, is a pretty large Town; and is principally known upon account of its excellent Cheese.

Dorchester lyes upon the River Tame, at the other end of the County; and is a place of great Antiquity and Dignity: For, as it seems to have flourish'd under the Romans, so had it the honour of an Episcopal See under the Saxons; till in William the Conqueror's Reign, that was Translated to Lincoln. The removal of the See, and the turning of the High-road another way, have left scarce any Image of its former Grandeur.

Henley stands in the utmost Limits of this County, Southward; and is a Town of good Wealth and Buildings. The growth of it has probably been owing to its situation on the River of Thames; and partly also to the Passage over the same River by a Wooden-bridge, which drew Travellers that way.

Ancient Places.

Ancalites, a People mention'd by Caesar, seem to have liv'd in these Parts; and 'tis probable, by the Circumstances, that they were seated about the South-corner of the County; and that Henley was their chief Town; especially if it may be allow'd so much Antiquity, as some are willing to grant it.

Things Remarkable.

Rolle-rich-stones, in the Western part of this County, are a number of huge Stones plac'd in Circle, which some have thought to be Monuments of a Victory; others, a Burying-place; and again, others, a place for the Coronation of the Danish Kings. See Plot's Oxfordshire, p. 342.

The Labyrinth made by King Henry II. at VVoodstock, for his Fair Rosamund, is much talk'd of; tho now nothing is to be seen of it.

Astrop-Wells near Banbury, have been much resorted to of late years by the Nobility and Gentry.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

THE County of Buckingham (so call'd probably from great numbers of Bucks in this Woody Country) is for many miles together extended from North to South. The Chiltern is one part of the County; which is a continu'd Ridge of Hills; and below them, lyes the other Branch, call'd the Vale, being a pleasant champain Country, consisting of Meadows, Pastures and Corn-grounds.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...Buckingham,
• ...Ailsbury,
• ...Wickham,
• ...Stony-Stratford.

Buckingham gives name to the whole County, and is at present a Town of good Note; though anciently it was not very considerable, if we may go by the computation of Hides and Burgesses in Domesday. I know not whether the strength of the place, may not be the reason why it made so considerable a Figure, when the Houses were few, and the Inhabitants thin. 'Tis certain, the Castle (now quite gone) was built a good while before the Conquest; and Nature too has in some measure contributed towards its Safety, by surrounding it on all sides but the North, with the River Ouse; which must needs make it a valuable Refuge in those troublesome and warlike Times.

Ailsbury was also a place of Note, in the beginning of the Saxons; being taken from the Britains about the year 572. At present it is a large and populous Market-Town, pleasantly seated in the midst of Meadows and Pastures, wherein are fed prodigious numbers of Sheep.

Wickham, in the Road between Oxford and London, is a large populous Corporation, well-built, and of good Trade. It has a throng Corn-market; and the Woods all round bring in considerable Revenues yearly, by supplies sent to the neighbouring Counties; some of which are hard enough put to it for Fuel.

Stony-Stratford, in the North part of the Shire, takes its name from the Stony-Ford that led over the River, at that Place. 'Tis a good large Town, in the middle whereof stands the Cross, erected by King Edward I. to the Memory of Queen Eleanor.

Ancient Places.

Pontes, by the course of the Itinerary, must be somewhere about Colebrook; for if that Guide were wanting, the condition of the place would naturally point this out in our search after the old name: For, where should we search for it, but at a division of the River into four Channels; over each of which there is a Bridge, within a very little space one from another?

Lactodorum does not discover it self by the same evidence, but yet seems plainly enough to be Stony-Stratford, both upon account of its Situation upon the Military-way, and also from the import of the name in the British, which by those who are skill'd in the Language, is affirm'd to signifie the same thing as our present Appellation.

Things Remarkable.

At Borstal they still preserve the Horn, by the Livery whereof that Estate was convey'd to Nigel de Borstal in the time of one of the Williams.

Pen, and the Towns upon that Ridge, are observ'd to be the highest Ground in all these parts; there being a sensible Ascent thither all along from London, and as sensible a Descent when you are past it.

BEDFORDSHIRE,

THE County of Bedford in the South part is Barren; in the middle, Woody, and in the North, Fruitful. As the Soil distinguishes it into these three Parts, so has Nature divided it into other two, by the Channel of the River Ouse, which is the principal River of the County, and runs through it.

Towns more remarkable are,

• ...Bedford,
• ...Dunstable.

Bedford, the principal Town of the County, tho it can hardly pretend to Roman Antiquity, was yet of very good repute among the Saxons; and was one of those which suffer'd from the Danish Depredations. But its greatest Miseries were occasion'd by the Castle, built there after the Conquest, which was a certain refuge to one Party or the other in all the Civil Wars that follow'd. The Town is parted by the River Ouse, and join'd by a Stone-bridge: The South-side has two Churches, and the North, three. The Site of the old Castle is now a spacious Bowling-green, whither the Neighbouring Gentry resort for their Recreation.

Dunstable, so call'd from its high situation, stands upon the end (as it were) of the Chiltern, upon a dry chalky Soil. This quality of the Soil puts them to some inconvenience for Water; with which notwithstanding they are supplied tolerably well with four publick Ponds, one in each Street. It is pretty populous, and well furnish'd with Inns, having the advantage of lying upon the Northern-road, from London. The Cross in the middle of the Town was erected by Edward, to the Memory of his Queen, Eleanor.

Ancient Names.

Salinae must in all probability be the place now call'd Chesterfield, near Temesford; by the course of the Itinerary, the Roman Mony, with other marks of Antiquity, discover'd there.

Magioninium, need be sought at no other place than Dunstable, which stands upon a Roman-way, and has the evidence of Roman Mony to assert its Antiquity.

Things Remarkable.

At Harewood, the River was observ'd to stand in the year 1399; and again in 1648; which have been look'd upon as Prognosticks; the first of the Civil Wars that ensu'd, the second of the Death of Charles I.

Fuller's-Earth is dug up in great abundance about Woburn.

A Woman in Dunstable, had nineteen Children at five Births; 5 at two several ones; and three together at 3 more.

HERTFORDSHIRE.

THE County of Hertford seems to owe its flourishing Condition more to its situation than Soil: For the many Thorow-fairs to and from London, have mightily Enrich'd the particular Towns, by the advantage of entertaining Travellers; and its nearness to the City, (together with the Healthfulness of the Air) has induc'd great numbers of the Nobility and Gentry to purchase and build in those Parts.

The more remarkable Towns are,

• S. Albans,
• ...Hertford,
• ...Ware,
• ...Hatfield,
• ...Royston,
• ...Stortford.

S. Albans, (the old Verulamium of the Romans, and the Watling-chester of the Saxons) was of such considerable Note under the Romans, as to be a Municipium; but in the famous Insurrection of Queen Boodicia, was entirely laid Waste by the Britains: However it recover'd it self, and afterwards had the honour of being the Birth-place of S. Alban (the Proto-martyr of Britain, in the time of Dioclesian;) a Person so eminent for Piety and Goodness, that the Town afterwards took his Name, as the greatest Honour it could do it self. For when Offa had built a large and splendid Monastery, Dedicated to the Memory of S. Alban, the Town presently flourish'd, and was particularly ambitious of a Relation to that Saint. From time to time there have been discover'd vast remains of Roman Antiquity, in the place where the old Verulamium stood, now turn'd into a Cornfield. The Church of the Monastery is still standing, and is a most noble Pile of Building. At present, 'tis a large flourishing Town, having the advantage of being a Thorow-fair, on the Northern-road from London.

Hertford, (so call'd, as if one should say a Ford of Harts; for their Arms is a Hart couchant in the Water) is a Town rather noted for giving name to the whole County, than any riches or beauty of its own. The Assizes indeed are still kept here, a mark of its ancient Prosperity; but the Place is neither Populous nor of any tolerable Trade.

Ware, (so nam'd from the Wear in the River Lea) is a populous thriving Place, owing its rise to the decay of Hertford: For about King John's time, the High-road was turn'd this way; and ever since Ware has been encreasing, and the other dwindling away by little and little.

Hatfield is more remarkable for the stately Seat of the Earl of Salisbury, than any thing the Town it self can boast of beside.

Royston, or Royse's Town (on the North-side of the County) is so call'd from a certain Lady nam'd Roysia, who erected a Cross in this place. The Town (ever since Richard I. granted it the privilege of a Market) has been still growing; and deals especially in Malt and Corn.

Stortford, upon the little River Stort, is of late years grown into a considerable Market-Town, and is very well furnish'd with good Inns.

Ancient Places.

Verulamium has been by all Men and all Ages, so undoubtedly settl'd at S. Albans, that it is even at this day known by the name of Verulam in several of our Writings; and commonly enough in Conversation.

Durocobrivae, upon account of the beginning and end, must be sought somewhere upon a River, dur signifying Water, and briva a Passage. The course of the Road directs us to look for it below Flamsted, where the ancient High-way crosses the Water.

Things Remarkable.

The little Brook Womer near Redborn, is by the Inhabitants thought to portend Dearth or troublesome Times, when it breaks out. The Font at S. Albans, wherein the Children of the Kings of Scotland us'd to be Baptiz'd, was a most noble Monument, plac'd here by Sir Rich. Lea, Master of the Pioneers; but it is, since taken away, as it seems, in the late Civil Wars.

MIDDLESEX.

THE County of Middlesex, or Middle-Saxons, (so call'd from its situation between the East and South Saxons) is of no large extent, but is furnish'd with great numbers of fair Buildings and sweet Seats, for the retirement of the Nobility and Gentry.

Places most considerable are,

• London, Cap.
• ...Westminster,
• ...Ʋxbridge,
• ...Hamton-Court,
• ...Fulham,
• ...Chelsey,
• ...Hamsted.

LONDON, (the Metropolis of our Nation) as it is one of the most flourishing Cities in the whole World, so is it of such Antiquity, that the most ancient Records and Memorials, can give us no account of its Original. Under the Britains, it was a considerable place; and Ammianus Marcellinus, even in his time, calls it an ancient City. Its Glory appears more distinctly under the Romans, who (probably out of a jealousie of its Greatness) would not grant it the privilege of a Muncipium; Governing it by a sort of Commissioners sent yearly from Rome. But though they would not allow it too much Power and Authority, they own'd its Glory and Eminence, by giving it the honourable name of Augusta. Also, when Constantine had confirm'd Christianity; upon the removal of the Flamin, a Bishop's See was settl'd here. At the beginning of the Saxon Government, it had its share of the Misfortunes with which this Warlike People oppress'd the whole Nation; but bore up however against the Storm, till the Conversion of that People to Christianity. Then Aethelbert King of Kent, built a Church dedicated to S. Paul, which Posterity by degrees improv'd into a most stately Fabrick. This, along with the greatest part of the the City, was Consum'd in that most dreadful Fire which happen'd in the year 1666; and put all things into such confusion, that the ancient State of this noble City, must have been in a great measure hidden from Posterity, had not the industrious and learned Mr. John Stow, rescu'd it from Oblivion by his excellent Survey. To him I refer the Reader for matters of Antiquity; and shall content my self with a short description of the several Buildings, and other Curiosities, which it boasts of at this day. Premising thus much in general; that within these Hundred years, and especially since the above-mention'd Fire, the City has grown so strangely both in publick and private Buildings; has also stretched it self out so far on all sides, that by a Draught of an hundred years old; nay, of one taken immediately before 1666, compar'd with its present extent and beauty, one could not imagin it to be the same City.

I. The Tower, at the East-end of the City, is a large stately Fabrick, fortified with Walls and a broad Ditch; where the Arms and other Warlike Preparations are laid up, as in a common Store.

II. Gresham-College, so call'd from Sir Thomas Gresham the Founder, was institued for the improvement of Arts and Sciences; and accordingly there are genteel Salaries settl'd for the several Professors of Divinity, Law, Physick, Astronomy, Geometry and Musick.

III. The Royal Exchange was built by the same Sir Thomas Gresham, and a most noble Ornament to the C•ty, as well as a singular convenience toth' Merchants.

IV Guild-hall, (or the Senate-house) a most beautiful Buil• ng.

V •au•'s Church, as we observ'd before, was consum d in the dreadful Fire of 1666; but is now rising again with new Beauty and Majesty. A magnificent Building i• 〈◊〉, if we look upon its Extent and Strength; and if upon the Contrivance, a most curious Fabrick. The Quire is well-nigh finish'd, and in a short time will be fit for the celebration of Divine Service.

VI. Christ-Church-Hospital was Founded by King Edward VI. for the Maintainance of Orphans; one Thousand whereof are suppos'd to be annually provided for by this Charity. After they have gone through the several Schools, they are bound out Apprentices, at 15 years of Age; or sent to one of the Universities, where they are maintain'd for 7 years.

VII. Charter-house (so call'd from the Carthusian Monks) was erected into an Hospital by Thomas Sutton Esq by the name of The Hospital of King James, endowing it with Revenues sufficient for the Maintenance of 80 poor Brothers or Pensioners, who are to be either poor decay'd Gentlemen, or Merchants, or Superannuated Soldiers, 40 poor Scholars, who are either put to Trades, or sent to the University; with a Master, Preacher, Physician, and other Officers.

VIII. The Inns of Court are chiefly Four, The Inner-Temple, the Middle-Temple, Grays-Inn and Lincolns-Inn; besides several others of less Note. Here great numbers of young Gentlemen are educated in the study of the Laws, and qualified either for publick Pleadings, or for the service of the Kingdom in any other Capacity, that requires a more than ordinary knowledge of our Customs and Constitution.

Besides those Ornaments we have mention'd, the Churches are spacious and beautiful; the publick Halls of the several Companies large and stately; the Squares uniform and pleasant, and the private Buildings and Shops exceeding convenient. A late ingenious Author hath made it probable from the number of Burials and Houses in London, Paris, and Rouen; that the first of these is altogether as big and populous as both the other two.

WESTMINSTER, as it is a City distinct from London, with separate Magistrates and Privileges, so was it formerly at least a Mile distant from it, till by degrees the Suburbs of the former joyn'd the latter, and made them both together look like one entire City. It seems to owe its rise to the Church, which Sibert King of the East-Saxons built there to the honour of S. Peter; and which together with its Westerly situation from London, caus'd its name to be chang'd from Thorney, into the present one of Westminster. Edward the Confessor built it anew, and endow'd it largely: His Fabrick was afterwards demolish'd by Henry III. who erected a new one very stately and magnificent; to which Henry VII. added a Chappel, commonly call'd King Henry VIIth's Chappel, for the burial of himself and Children. It was by Q. Elizabeth converted into a Collegiate Church, consisting of a Dean, twelve Prebendaries, &c. The greatest Curiosities it affords are the Tombs and Monuments of our Princes, and of the more eminent Nobility, with several Persons famous for Learning and other Excellencies in their respective Ages.

Near the Abbey is Westminster-hall, a spacious Room, wherein (and in the places round it) Justice is publickly administred in the several Courts, mention'd in the Introduction. Nor ought the School to be omitted, since it is so serviceable to Church and State, in furnishing both with Persons every way qualified for the discharge of their several Stations.

White-hall is conveniently seated between S. James's Park and the Thames, and is the Residence of our Kings. It was the House of Cardinal Wolsey, and converted into a Royal Palace by King Henry VIII.

Ʋxbridge, upon the edge of the County, is a pretty large Town, stretch'd out on each side a long Street; lying upon the Road, it reaps great advantage by the entertainment of Travellers, and is well stor'd with Inns. 'Tis mention'd in our Histories, particularly upon account of the Treaty held there, in the Reign of Charles I.

Hamton-Court, is a Royal Seat, lying pleasantly upon the River Thames, and accommodated with most excellent Prospects all round. Cardinal Wolsey begun it, and King Henry VIII. finish'd it: But their Structure though very large and magnificent for that Age, is far excell'd by the Additions made to it by his present Majesty; and that whether we compare the Buildings themselves, or the Gardens, and other contrivances about it.

Fulham is only remarkable for the residence of the Bishops of Lond•n, who have here their Palace for a retirement out of the City.

Chelsey, situated pleasantly upon the Thames, is noted only for its noble Hospital, built for the maintenance of lame and decay'd Soldiers. It was begun by King Charles II, carried on by King James, and finish'd by his present Majesty; a Building as in it self very Magnificent, so accommodated with all manner of Officers convenient for the design, and also with pleasant Walks and Gardens.

Hamsted, at a little distance from L•ndon to the North-west, is remarkable for the goodness of the Air, which has caus'd its enlargement in Buildings of late Years.

Ancient Places.

Sulloniacae is Brock•ey-hill upon the edge of this County, as appears both from the distances and remains of Antiquity, (Coins, Ʋrns, Bricks, &c.) that have been discover'd there.

Londinum, London, call'd also Augusta, a Title of Preheminence among the Romans.

The Green-houses at Hamton-Court, with Stoves under them, to preserve foreign Plants in gradual Heats, suitable to the Climes whereof they are Natives, is an admirable Contrivance.

ESSEX.

ESsex is so call'd from the East-Saxons who inhabited it, and had that name from their situation, with relation to the South-Saxons. As 'tis on one side accommodated with the Sea, so is it in all parts furnish'd with good Rivers, which do not only water it, but convey likewise all Necessaries from abroad, and give them an opportunity of sending out such Commodities as they can spare for the use of foreign Parts.

Towns more remarkable, are

• ...Colchester,
• ...Chemsford,
• ...Harwich,
• ...Maldon.

Colchester, seated on the brow of a Hill and extended from East to West, flourish'd in the times of the Romans under the name of Colonia, from whence possibly the present Colchester (or as the Saxons call'd it Colneceaster) has its original. Next to this their Antiquity; the Inhabitants glory that Helena, Mother to Constantine the Great, was born in this place. At present 'tis large and populous, containing a great many Parishes.

Chemsford or Chelmesford, has a convenient situation, just at the meeting of two Rivers. The place seems to have been of no great note, till the Bishop of London, in Henry I.'s time, turn'd the high Road through it, which before lay through Writtle. At present, the Assizes are held in it.

Harwich is more famous upon account of its Harbour, than either the Riches or Building of the Town. The convenience of Passage from hence to Holland, is the occasion why 'tis so much talk'd of, and so well known.

Maldon, tho' of it self large and well-inhabited, (being one Street reaching a mile in length) is yet of greater eminence by reason of its Antiquity, and the considerable Figure that it made among our Fore-fathers. Claudius Caesar, in his attempt upon Britain, storm'd this place, and left a strong Garrison to hold and defend it. But when the Insolence of the Soldiers came to such a height, that the poor Britains could no longer bear the Indignities and Oppressions; these (under the conduct of Boadicia) form'd themselves into a Confederacy, burnt this Colony, and put all the Inhabitants to the Sword. Under the Saxons we hear little or nothing of it; tho' in the Conqueror's time, it seems to have been in a tolerable condition, Domesday reckoning 180 Houses.

Ancient Places.

Durolitum, by the course of the Itinerary, the sound of the present name, and the remains of Antiquity discover'd thereabouts, cannot well be any other than Leyton, about 6 miles from London.

Convennos Insula, has the plain Remains of the old name left it in the Island Canvey, about 5 miles in length, which feeds great numbers of Sheep.

Caesaromagus is Dunmow, written anciently Dunmage and Dunmawg, the last Syllable whereof is a plain Relick of the old magus; and as for the first (Dun) every one knows how common that is in the ancient names of places. All the Objection is, That it lies a little out of the Road, which the Itinerary seems to take in that Journey; but any one who observes what wheelings and windings the Itinerary takes in other parts of England, will hardly stick upon that exception.

Canonium, is Writtle through which the high way pass'd before Henry I.'s time: And, besides, 'twas a place of note among the Saxons, and after the Conquest; which agrees well with that observation, That the Saxons settl'd in the deserted Stations of the Romans.

Othona, a Garrison under the Count of the Saxon Shore, seems to have been at Ithancester, mention'd by our Histories, and seated about the utmost point of Dengy-hundred.

Camalodunum, from the present name, the course of the Itinerary, and the consent of all judicious Writers, must be concluded to have been at Maldon, which we describ'd before.

Ad Ansam seems to be Wittham; for the Road lies through it, the distances answer, and it still shews an old Camp.

Colonia is by all agreed to be Colchester.

Idumani fl. ostium, is Black-water-bay, ydu in British signifying black.

Things Remarkable.

The Caverns near Tilbury, in a chalky Soil, have given occasion to some Conjectures; tho' perhaps no one does so well agree either with the nature of the Ground or the custom of the Britains, as the opinion, That they were intended by that People for Supplies of Chalk to manure their Lands.

Walfleet-Oysters, are got in great abundance upon this Coast, and so call'd from a Wall (built to secure the Inhabitants against Inundations) along which they lie.

It was a pleasant Custom which they had in the Priory of Dunmow, That whoever did not repent of his Marriage in a year and a day, upon Oath made thereof before the Prior and Convent, should have a Gammon of Bacon deliver'd him.

SUFFOLK.

THE County of Suffolk, contracted from Suthfolk (for so it was written among the Saxons) is so call'd from its situation with respect to Norfolk or North-folk. The Soil is, in most parts, very fruitful; assisted by a sort of Marle mixt with Clay.

Towns more remarkable, are

• ...Bury,
• ...Ipswich,
• ...New-market,
• ...Clare.

Bury (so call'd by contraction for S. Edmunds-bury) seems to ow its original and growth, in a great measure, to the Translation of the Body of S. Edmund to this place; an excellent Prince, who was barbarously murder'd by the Danes. And even the Danish Cruelties, which were the ruin of most other places, did a considerable service to this Town; King Canutus, out of a desire to make amends for the Injuries done it by his Father Sueno, taking a particular liking to it, and endowing it with many Privileges. The Popes also, out of a regard to the sanctity of S. Edmund, granted it large Immunities. So that the Monastery and Town grew apace in Wealth and Reputation, till the general Dissolution by King Henry VIII. And now, tho' the first is destroy'd, the second is still in a flourishing condition.

Ipswich, is a place mention'd in our Histories about the latter end of the Saxons; by whom it was call'd Gypeswic. The advantage of a Harbour has made it considerable; and, accordingly, that of late years having not been so commodious as formerly, the Town it self has gone a little to decay. For about an hundred years ago, they had 14 Churches; which are so far from being encreas'd, that at this day there remain only 12. Their number of Ships also is considerably diminish'd of late years; which must be an Argument that their Trade is not so good as it has been.

New-market, upon the edge of Cambridge-shire, by the very name betrays its want of Antiquity. That it is of note at present, is not owing either to Manufactures or any particular Commodities; but partly to its situation upon the Road, and partly to its convenience for Hunting and Horse-races: By which Entertainments the Court is pretty often drawn thither; and acccordingly, there is a House built for his Majesty.

Clare, upon the River Stour, is very often mention'd in our English Histories, on account of the Earls to whom it has given Title, and who, in their several Ages, have been Men of great Worth and Eminence.

Ancient Places.

Villa Faustini seems to belong to S. Edmunds-bury, by the course of the Itinerary.

Combrelonium discovers it self in the present Bretenham, upon the River Breton; the Termination Ham being an addition purely Saxon.

Extensio or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Promontory, shooting it self a long way into the Sea; which we, at this day, call Easton-ness.

Gasiononum, is Burgh-castle upon the Coast of Norfolk, near Yarmouth.

Things Remarkable.

That vast Ditch which runs along New-market-heath, is a Work so prodigious, that the common People cannot conceive it made by any but the Devil; and upon that fancy have call'd it Devils-dike. Whereas, 'tis plain, that it was contriv'd as a common Fence and Bound between the two Kingdoms in the Saxon Heptarchy.

It was a factious sort of Tenure, by which Hemingston in this County was holden, viz. upon condition, That every Christmas-day the Lord of it should dance, make a noise with his Cheeks puff'd out, and let a Fart, in the presence of the King.

Upon the Sea-coast, near Aldburrow, the Inhabitants valu'd themselves upon a signal favour of Providence; which, in a time of great Dearth, sent 'em a Crop of Pease among the hard Rocks, in the beginning of Autumn. But the more judicious find no occasion for the Miracle; but think it may be very well solv'd, by imagining the Sea might cast in some Pulse left in it by Shipwrack, and so cause that unusual growth.

NORFOLK.

THE County of Norfolk is so call'd with respect to Suffolk, as if one should say, the northern People, or the northern branch of the East-Angles. Of all the Shires in England, this is observ'd to be most populous, for the compass, and to be thickest set with Towns and Villages. They are generally rich and live handsomly, which perhaps may be one reason why they have been so much given to the study of the Laws; so that even your ordinary sort are not altogether unacquainted with the little Niceties of Courts and Pleadings. Riches breed Quarrels, and Quarrels Law-suits, and those drive the Parties engag'd to the Examination of their Cause; which would never be thought of nor started, if they were as hard put to it for the common Necessaries of Life, as they are in many other places.

The more remarkable Places, are

• ...Norwich,
• ...Yarmouth,
• ...Lynne,
• ...Walsingham.

Norwich, is as much as one should say a Castle or Fort to the North, with relation to Castor, about four miles South from it, out of the Ruins whereof Norwich seems to have risen. For that it is much more modern, appears from hence, that we do not find it mention'd before the latter end of the Saxon times; whereas Castor was, no doubt, the ancient Venta. It is seated upon the side of a Hill from North to South, about a mile and a half, or two miles in length: The Inhabitants are wealthy, the City populous, and the Buildings (both publick and private) very neat and beautiful. It has 11 Gates, and is surrounded with Walls, except where 'tis defended by the River, viz. on the East. Domesday tells us, it had not less than 1320 Burgesses; and altho' it suffer'd very much by the Insurrection of Ralph Earl of the East-Angles against William the Conqueror, yet was that damage abundantly repair'd, when the Episcopal See was remov'd hither from Thetford. The great number of Netherlanders, who came over, upon the Tyranny of the Duke of Alva, and settl'd here, seem also to have been a mighty advantage to the City, by settling the Manufacture of Worsted Stuffs.

Yarmouth, on the mouth of the River Yare, seems to have risen out of the Ruins of old Garianonum, as Norwich did out of those of Castor or Venta. It is not of so much note, as one would expect from the advantage of the Sea, and the convenience of the Harbor. The reason is, because the violence of the Wind upon this Coast, is such, that they have much ado to keep the Haven so open and free from heaps of Sand, as to maintain a tolerable Trade. At present, their great Business, is the Herring-trade. They have but one Church, very large and stately, with a high, lofty Spire.

Lynne, about the entrance of the Ouse into the Ocean, next to Norwich, is the best Town in those parts, having grown in Wealth, Buildings and number of Merchants, by the convenience of a very safe and advantagious Harbour. The Soil too, all about it, contributes to its greatness; for 'tis fat and luscious, and very fruitful. The very name implies a moist, fenny situation; Hlyn signifying so much in the old British.

Walsingham was one of the most famous Places in these parts, till the Dissolution of Monasteries by King Henry VIII. for then, its Monastery (from whence sprung all its Glory, Reputation and Riches,) was plunder'd and demolish'd. Before, rich Jewels, Gold and Silver, were heap'd in with so much profuseness, according to the superstition of those times, that it was the great admiration of Strangers and Travellers.

Ancient Places.

Sitomagus seems to be Thetford, which was formerly a place of great note, till the Bishop's See was remov'd to Norwich, and then it fell to decay.

Garienis ostium discovers it self by the present name of the River Yare, and of the Town at the mouth, Yarmouth.

Venta Icenorum, the capital City of the Iceni, was at Castor 3 miles South of Norwich; now faln to decay, but known to be a place of Antiquity by the old Walls, and the discovery of Roman Coins.

Metaris aestuarium, mention'd by Ptolomy, is suppos'd to be the Washes, near Lynne.

Iciani, by the name should seem to be Ic-borough.

Brannodunum is plainly Brancaster near Walsingham.

Things Remarkable.

Carleton in this County was held by a pleasant Tenour, That 100 Herrings bak'd in 24 Pies should be presented to the King, in what part of England soever he was, when they first came into season. The custom is still observ'd, and the Herrings duly convey'd to the King by the Lord of the Manor.

Herrings are observ'd to be more plentiful upon this Coast, than any other part of England; which brings, in great advantage to the Inhabitants.

S. Bennet's, an Island, is so loose and unfix'd, that it seems to be kept from swimming away, only by the Roots of Trees.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

THE County of Cambridge, according to different parts, is of a different Soil. The South is fertil, well-till'd and bears abundance of Barley; whereof they make vast quantities of Malt. The North is more wet and spungy, and so fitter for Corn than Pasture; not only upon account of its loose softness, but by reason also of the frequent over-flowings in those parts.

The principal Towns are,

• ...Cambridge,
• ...Ely.

Cambridge seems to be the Daughter of the old Camboritum, and possibly may have borrow'd the first Syllable of her name from the Mother. The University is her greatest Glory, which for many hundred years has furnish'd Church and State with Persons of Learning, Piety and Prudence. When it was first instituted; let others determine: Thus much is certain, that like Oxford, at first it afforded the Scholars no publick reception or place of Studies, but oblig'd them to take up with such Lodgings in the Town as they could get. By degrees, the inconvenience of this method was observ'd, not only from the mean Accommodation they met with, but also from the frequent Commotions caus'd by the Insolence of the Towns-men. Whereupon, pious and charitable Persons began to erect Inns and Hostels for the reception of Scholars, in order to give them an opportunity of retirement, and an indepence upon the Town. But still'd they liv'd upon their own Estates, enjoying only the convenience of Lodgings, without any manner of Endowments; till, in the Reign of Edward I. they began to build Colleges, not only for the Reception, but also for the maintenance of certain numbers of Scholars, according to the Revenues assign'd to that purpose. The order and time of their Foundation, with their respective Founders, are as follow.

Colleges and Halls.	Founders.	Year.
Peter-house,	Hugh Batsham.	1284.
Clare-hall,	Richard Badew.	1340.
Bennet or Corpus Christi,	Society of Friers in Corpus Christi,	1346.
Pembroke-hall,	Lady Mary S. Paul, Count. of Pembroke.	1347.
Trinity-hall,	William Bateman.	1353.
Gonvil and Caius,	Edmund Gonvil.	1348.
Afterwards finish'd by John Caius.
King's College,	Henry VII.	1441.
Queen's College,	Q. Margaret of Anjou.	1448.
Katherine-hall,	Robert Woodlark.	1459.
Jesus College,	John Alcocke.	1497.
Christ College, and S. John's,	Margaret Countess of Richmond. circ.	1506.
Magdalen College,	Thomas Audley.	1542.
Trinity College,	Henry VIII.	1546.
Emanuel,	Sir Walter Mildmay.
Sidney-Sussex,	Frances Sidney.

This University, as well as its Sister Oxford, has its publick Schools and Library; but falls far short of them in stateliness of Buildings, number of Books, and other Ornaments. The Structures most remarkable in Cambridge, are, 1. King's-College-Chappel, which for contrivance and largeness, is look'd upon to be one of the finest in the World. 2. Trinity-College-Library, begun under the government of the famous Dr. Barrow, and now entirely finish'd; for beauty and design (considering also the bigness of it) perhaps it cannot be match'd in the 3 Kingdoms.

Ely is seated in the chief of those spungy Islands, wherewith this northern part of the County abounds. Whether it had the name from Eels, I shall not dispute: 'Tis certain, the softness of the Soil and the watry situation do both make the Conjecture more plausible, than Polydore Virgil's fancy about the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying a marsh. For what have we to do here with a Greek original? The place ows its rise to Religion; for Etheldreda Wife to Egfrid King of Northumberland, founded here a Nunnery, which afterwards, by the patronage of Kings and Noblemen, grew up to an incredible degree of Wealth and Revenues. Insomuch, that in Henry I.'s time it was advanc'd to the dignity of a Bishop's See, and had Cambridgeshire assign'd it for its Diocess, which before belong'd to Lincoln. Notwithstanding these Advantages, the City cannot boast of any great beauty, either in publick or private Buildings; for its fenny situation, making the Air thick and gross, has render'd it no very desirable place of Residence. The Cathedral, indeed, is a spacious and beautiful Building.

Ancient Places.

Camboritum, situated upon the River Cam, and implying as much as a Ford over it, is the old Grantcester of the Saxons, out of the Ruins whereof the present Cambridge seems to have risen.

Things Remarkable.

The vast Ditches thrown up by the East-Angles in several parts of this County, to prevent the Incursions of the Mercians, are such as few other places can shew.

Sturbridge-fair, so call'd from the River Sture upon which it is kept every year in September, is very famous for resort of People and variety of Wares.

HUNTINGDONSHIRE.

THE County of Huntingdon seems to have that name from the convenience of Hunting, an opinion that is back'd by the ancient condition of this Shire, which is said to have been almost one entire Forest till the Reign of Henry II. At present, it is a very good Corn-Country; and the East-parts, which are fenny and very fat, afford excellent Pasture.

The more remarkable Towns are,

• ...Huntingdon,
• ...Goodmanchester,
• ...Kimbolton,
• ...S. Ives.

Huntingdon, the chief Town of the Shire, is seated upon the River Ouse. Formerly, it was much more considerable, than at present it is; as appears from its fifteen Churches, being reduc'd to two. The cause of this decay seems to be the obstruction mention'd by Speed to have been made in the River which before was navigable to this Town, to the great profit of the Inhabitants.

Goodmanchester, call'd formerly Gormonchester, stands over against Huntingdon, on the other side of the River. It has improv'd it self chiefly by Agriculture, wherein the Inhabitants are very industrious; and they boast, that at one time they have entertain'd the King in his progress, with a noble Show of ninescore Plows. And, in this their Employment, they have been so successful, that in the Reign of King James I. the Town was made a Corporation.

Kimbolton, a pretty fair Town, seated in a bottom, is the Ornament of the East-part of this County.

S. Ives, upon the River Ouse, is call'd by a late Writer, a fair, large and ancient Town: But within these 3 or 4 years it was a great part of it burnt down; and so, possibly, may hardly merit that character at present.

Ancient Places.

Durobrivae, i. e. the passage of the River (viz. Nen) must be Dornford, formerly call'd Dorm-ceaster and Caer-Dorm; whether we respect the course of the Itinerary, the discovery of ancient Coins, or the marks of an old City.

Durosiponte, by the import of the Word, must have been some place upon the Ouse; the name signifying a Bridge over the Ouse. Gormonchester bids fairest for it; which, as an Evidence of its Antiquity, throws up old Roman Mony: And, besides, that more modern name was only given it, when King Alfred bestow'd these parts upon Gorman the Dane.

Things Remarkable.

It has been observ'd of this County, that the Families have gone strangely to decay; and that even an hundred years ago, there were few Sir-names of any note, which could be drawn down beyond the Reign of Henry VIII. The cause is uncertain; unless we should impute it to the great quantity of Abby-lands that were in this Shire; which, upon the Dissolution, fell into Lay-hands, and perhaps would no more stick by them here, than they have done by their owners in other places.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.

THE County of Northampton is a plain, level Country, abounding with Pasturage and Corn-fields. The number of Churches is an argument of its populousness; for they are so thick set, that from some places you may see no less than 30 Steeples at a time. For Houses also of the Nobility and Gentry, it may vie with any County in England, of an equal bigness.

The more remarkable Towns are,

• ...Northampton,
• ...Peterburrow,
• ...Dantrey.

Northampton, seated at the meeting of two Rivers, seems to be of no great Antiquity, since we hear little of it in our Histories, till after the Conquest But in the Commotions rais'd by the rebellious Barons, it was made the Seat of War: And sometimes, the Kings of England have held their Parliaments at it; induc'd by the convenience of its situation, almost in the Heart of the Kingdom. The Buildings of it were very handsome, and the Town it self pretty large; having within the Walls 7 Parish-Churches, and in the Suburbs, two. But in our Age, a most dreadful Fire laid it in Ashes; by which the Inhabitants must have been ruin'd, and the Town it self have been buried in Oblivion, had not the liberal Contributions of the Kingdom reliev'd the one, and repair'd the other. So that now, the first are wealthy much beyond their Neighbours; and the second need give place to no Town in England for neatness, beauty and situation.

Peterburrow, seated upon the River Nen, is so call'd from a Monastery begun there by Peada first Christian King of the Mercians, and dedicated to S. Peter. It suffer'd much from the Danes, who destroy'd the Monastery and Monks together; so that it lay desolate for above an hundred years. Then Ethelwold, Bishop of Winchester, rebuilt it, and restor'd the Monks; who liv'd in great abundance till the dissolution by King Henry VIII. The same King erected it into a Bishop's See, giving this County and Rutlandshire for its Diocess. The Cathedral is a most noble Fabrick; but was much more so before the civil Wars, when it was defac'd, and depriv'd of many considerable Ornaments.

Dantrey is a good Market-town, well stor'd with Inns. Some have imagin'd, the name came from a relation it might have to the Danes; and, that the large Fortification near it, was the work of that People. But the form of it, which is four-square, and the Coins of the Emperors, do sufficiently assert it to the Romans.

Ancient Places.

Tripontium, is probably to be fixt at Torcester in this County; which by the ancient Coins they dig up, is undoubtedly a place of great Antiquity.

Bannavenna is certainly Weedon on the Street, upon the River Nen; not only because it is a place of Antiquity, but also because the distances on both sides exactly answer, and a military way goes directly along by it.

Things Remarkable

Burghley-house, upon the Welland, was a most noble Structure even an hundred years ago; but now, is mightily improv'd by the present Earl of Exeter: So that for the stateliness of Rooms, Pictures, Paintings, Carvings, Gardens, Walks, Terrasses, and all other things which furnish out a compleat Seat, it may vie with the best in England. Few Travellers of Curiosity, that go this way, are willing to lose the opportunity of such a goodly Sight.

Near Lilburn, upon the edge of Warwickshire, upon digging a Burrow in hopes of meeting with hidden Treasures, they found nothing but Coals: From whence some have concluded it to have been rais'd for a Boundary, building upon the Authority of S. Austin and other ancient Writers, who mention that custom.

Within the Demesnes of Boughton in this County, is a petrifying Well; from whence a Skull all over Stone (both within and without) was brought to, and preserv'd in Sidney-College in Cambridge.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

THE County of Leicester is a Champain, abounding with Corn; but very few parts of it afford any Wood. The old Roman-way, call'd Watlingstreet, runs along the West-side of it.

The more considerable Places are,

• ...Leicester,
• ...Melton-Mowbray.
• ...Ashby de la Zouch.

Leicester, standing upon the River Soar, is a place of great Antiquity; for when the Mercian Kingdom was divided into Diocesses, a Bishop's See was settl'd here; which is a great sign of its eminence at that time. But tho' that was quickly remov'd, we find that in the Conqueror's time it was in a very good condition, and continu'd so till the Reign of Henry II. under whom it was grievously harrass'd upon account of the Rebellion of Robert Bossu Earl of Leicester. At present, it is a beautiful Town, pleasantly situated, and adorn'd with handsom Churches.

Melton Mowbray, so call'd from the Mowbrays formerly Lords of it, is a good Market-town, and the most considerable for Cattle of any in that part of England. Thre is little in the Town worth our notice, besides the large and handsom Church.

Ashby de la Zouch, so call'd probably from the de la Zouches Lords thereof, is a very pleasant Town, belonging now to the Earls of Huntingdon.

Ancient Places.

Bennones must be about Cleybrook, both because the ancient Ways cross here (as Antoninus has hinted) and also because of the ancient Coins, and Foundations of Buildings that have been discover'd. Bensford-bridge, not far off, may seem to have something in it of the old Bennones.

Ratae has the same evidence to assert it to Leicester, where several pieces of Antiquity have been found; and an old Trench call'd Rawdikes may possibly have some remains of the old name.

Verometum must be settl'd upon Burrow-hill, where are the visible marks of an old Fortification; tho' now it is turn'd into arable Ground.

Things Remarkable.

The Lazers or Lepers had an Hospital in this County, at Burton-Lazers; which is thought to have been built about the beginning of the Normans, when the Leprosie over-spread England.

'Tis a remarkable Epitaph, that is in the Church of S. Martins, in Leicester; whereby we learn that one Mr. Heyrick (who dy'd Apr. 1589. aged 76.) liv'd in one House with Mary his Wife full 52 years, and in all that time never bury'd Man, Woman nor Child, tho' they were sometimes 20 in Family.

RUTLANDSHIRE.

RƲtlandshire is the least of all the Counties in England; and, before the Conquest, seems to have been part of Northamptonshire. For till long after the coming in of the Normans, we do not find it nam'd as a distinct County. 'Tis of a form almost circular; the Soil is rich, and the situation pleasant.

Towns more remarkable, are

• ...Ʋppingham,
• ...Okeham.

Ʋppingham, in the South-part of the Shire, is a well-frequented Market-town, and has a handsom School.

Okeham (situated pleasantly in the middle of the Vale of Catmore, and so call'd from Oaks) belong'd formerly to the Ferrars, and is at present a Market-town of good note.

Ancient Places.

Margidunum, by its Termination, seems to point out to us some Hill in these parts, where we are to look for it. Market-Overton has certainly the best right; which, as it is seated upon a high Ground, and answers the distances exactly enough, so does it cast up abundance of Coins in testimony of its Antiquity; and shews store of Marle, to answer the Marga in the beginning of the old name.

Things Remarkable.

At Okeham, was born a Dwarf who was scarce 18 inches high, when a year old, and when 30, only about 3 foot and 9 inches. When the Court came progress that way, he was serv'd up in a cold Pye at the Duke of Buckingham's Table.

'Tis an odd custom at the same Town, That the first time any Baron of the Realm comes through it, he shall give a Horse-shooe to nail upon the Castle-gate: And in case he refuses, the Bayliff has power to stop his Coach, and take one off his Horse's Foot.

LINCOLNSHIRE.

THE County of Lincoln is very large, and is branch'd into three parts, under three several names, Holland, Kesteven and Lindsey. The first is a soft, marshy Ground, abounding with Rivers and Fens; the second is much better Peopl'd, has a more wholsome Air, and a Soil more fruitful; the third juts out into the Ocean with a large Front, and is bigger than either of the other two.

The more considerable Towns, are

• ...Lincoln,
• ...Stamford,
• ...Boston,
• ...Grantham.

Lincoln (probably so call'd from its watry situaation, Lhin in British implying so much) is the chief Town of this County both in Antiquity and Dignity. For it was fortify'd by the Britains; and Vortimer himself was bury'd in it. Notwithstanding the Calamities which the Danes brought upon it, it still kept up its Head; and, at the Conquest, was in a thriving condition, as we learn from Domesday. About which time, the Bishop's See was transferrd thither from Dorchester; upon a publick Order, that no Bishops should have their Seats in obscure Villages. The Diocess was exceeding large; and notwithstanding Ely was taken out of it by Henry II. and Peterburrow and Oxford by Henry VIII. it is still by much the greatest in England. The Cathedral, as it now stands, is a most stately Pile, and of excellent Workmanship; to which perfection it was brought by several Hands. 'Tis said, there were once 50 Churches in it; but now not above 18. So much has Time spoil'd it of its ancient Grandeur.

Stamford, upon the River Welland, is so call'd from the stony ford that was in that place. Before the Conquest, it flourish'd very much; and in the time of Edward III. upon a Contest between the Northern and Southern Students in Oxford, a great number of them retir'd hither, and settl'd an University. But upon an accommodation, they went back again, and a publick Act was pass'd, That no Oxford-man should ever profess at Stamford. In the civil Wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster, it was destroy d with Fire and Sword, and could never after perfectly recover it self; tho' at present it contains some seven Parishes.

Boston or Botolph's Town, at the mouth of the Witham, is built on both sides that River, and join'd with a wooden Bridge. In Edward I.'s time, it was ransack'd and burnt down by a wicked Gang, which could never be discover'd: Only, their Ring-leader confessed the Fact, and was hang'd. But it recover'd it self; especially by the Staple of Wool being settl'd here, which very much enrich'd it. The Inhabitants at present deal mostly in Merchandise and Grazing; and with so good success, that the Town is populous and well-built, and the Market much frequented. Their Church is a beautiful Building, the high Steeple whereof is a good Guide to Mariners.

Grantham is a good Market-town; and is much talk'd of upon account of its exceeding high Steeple.

Ancient Places.

Gausennae may be conveniently enough settl'd at Brig-casterton near Stamford, where the River Gwash or Wash crosses the high-way; which possibly may be some remain of the old Gausennae.

Ad Pontem is plainly Paunton, near the head of the River Witham; which may be inferr'd not only from the similitude of Names, but also from the distances and marks of Antiquity, discover'd in that place.

Crococalana, tho' it wants the analogy of names to claim a place at Ancaster, is yet sufficiently demonstrated to belong to it, both by the distances from the Stations on each side, its situation upon the high Way, and the Coins, Vaults, &c. that have been d•scover'd there.

Lindum is on all hands agreed to be Lincoln.

Things Remarkable.

About Belvoir-castle, they find the Astroites or Star-stone, resembling little Stars with five Rays.

In Stamford they have the custom, which Littleton calls Burrough-English; whereby the youngest Sons inherit such Lands as their Fathers die possess'd of.

Between Stamford and Lincoln, they have many Spaws or Chalybiate-springs: Those which are most used, are Bourne and Walcot, near Folkingham.

At Wragby, 8 miles East of Lincoln, a Woman brought forth a Child with two Heads, An. 1676. which liv'd some hours.

At Salslelby, near the Sea-coast, one Mr. John Watson was Minister 74 years; in which time he bury'd the Inhabitants three times over, save 3 or 4 Persons. He dy'd Aug. 1693. aged 102.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

THE County of Nottingham is exceeding well-water'd by the River Trent, and those lesser ones that run into it. The West-part of it is all taken up with the spacious Forest of Shirwood.

The Towns more considerable, are

• ...Nottingham,
• ...Southwell,
• ...Newark,
• ...Mansfield.

Nottingham, the chief Town of the County, is very pleasantly situated; having on one side sweet Meadows; on the other, Hills of an easie ascent. The Town is very beautiful, being adorn'd with a delicate Market-place, neat Churches, and convenient private Buildings. But that which has made it most famous in all Ages, is its strong Castle; built by Peverel base Son to William the Conqueror. In the beginning of the civil Wars, Charles I. set up his Royal Standard here in the year, 1642. but a little after, it came into the Hands of the Parliament, and that War being over, it was order'd to be pull'd down. The Duke of Newcastle hath since erected a splendid Fabrick in the place, begun in the year, 1674.

Southwell is famous at this day for its Collegiate Church of Prebendaries, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Here, the Archbishops of York have a Palace, and 3 Parks.

Newark is a pretty Town lying upon the Trent; so call'd as if one should say a new Work from the new Castle built there by Alexander Bishop of Lincoln. Our modern Histories mention it pretty much upon account of its being a Garison for King Charles I, which held out to the very last.

Mansfield is the chief Town in the Forest of Sherwood, and is a plentiful and flourishing Market.

Ancient Places.

Agelocum or Segelocum is probably at Littleburrow upon Trent, both because the old Way goes along by it; and also because within the marks of an ancient Wall in the neighbouring-Field, the Country-people meet with Roman Coins, which they call Swine-penies.

Things Remarkable.

Mortimer's hole, and that Vault wherein David II. King of Scotland was kept Prisoner, are Rarities wherewith they entertain Strangers in the Castle of Nottingham.

At Workensop, they have Liquorice in great abundance.

DERBYSHIRE.

THE County of Derby, towards the South-part is hardly six miles broad; but in the North, is thirty. The East and South are well till'd and fruitful enough; but the West, commonly call'd the Peak of Derby, is nothing but Rocks and Mountains: Which yet makes amends for its Barrenness, by the abundance of Lead, Iron, &c. which they dig in those parts.

The principal Town of this Shire, is

Derby, so call'd from being a shelter for Deer, which implies, that this was formerly a woody Tract. It was pretty famous in the times of the Saxons; but at the Conquest was very much impair'd: Whether by the Danish Tyranny, I know not; only thus much is certain, That the Danes made it a Harbour and Retreat in their Depredations, till they were driven out of it by the victorious Lady Ethelfleda. At present, it is a handsom Town and pretty large, having a reputation for admirable good A L E above its Neighbours. The Trade of the place is a sort of Retail, viz. buying Corn in order to make advantage of it by Sale to the High-land Countries.

The Peak (as was observ'd) is a craggy, mountainous Country, yet is not altogether useless; for the Hills feed great numbers of Sheep, and it affords also a mixture of Vales pleasant enough. Under Ground they meet with, 1. Lead, 2. Antimony, 3. Mill-stones, 4. the Fluor, a Stone like Crystal.

Remarkable Things.

Buxton-wells, in the Peak of Derby, have a good reputation among the Naturalists; and are said to have a Vertue very Soveraign in many Distempers.

The Devil's Arse in Peak, is a spacious Hole, with a great many corners, like so many apartments.

Elden-hole is remarkable for its deepness: Mr. Cotton plumb'd it to the depth of 800 fathom, but could find no bottom; at least, that he could certainly know to be so.

Near Pooles-hole, is a little Brook, consisting of both hot and cold Waters, which are unmixt, and yet so near that you may put the Finger and Thumb, one in hot and the other in cold, both at the same time.

WARWICKSHIRE

THE County of Warwick is divided into two parts, the Feldon, and the Woodland; that on the South-side, and this on the North-side of Avon. By this division 'tis certain, that as one was a Champain, so the other was a woody Country: The first afforded all the Pasture and Corn-grounds, and the second was of little use, besides Fuel. But the Ironworks in the Counties round, have so consum'd the Wood, that they have long since made way for the Plough; and at present, what by Marle, and other good Contrivances, all this part produces abundance of Corn: So that the Feldon is turn'd, in a great measure, into Pasturage.

The chief Towns, are

• ...Warwick,
• ...Coventry,
• ...Bremicham.
• Stratford upon Avon.

Warwick, the principal Town of this Shire, tho' it seems to have been eminent even in the time of the Romans, does yet owe its rise, in a great measure to the noble Lady Ethelfleda, who rais'd it out of Ashes. And indeed, we cannot wonder why it should be particularly pitch'd upon, in those warlike times, for a Retreat and Sanctuary, since Nature her self seems to have made it for that purpose. The Hill on which it stands, is one entire Rock of free Stone; and the four ways leading into the Town were cut through it. The Castle is exceeding strong, and was of great consequence in times of War; but now 'tis a noble and delightful Seat. On the South of the Town, is a Prospect of a sweet, fruitful Champain; on the North, of Groves and Parks. The two publick Ornaments, are the County-hall and the Market-house. This was the condition of the place, till of late; when a most dreadful Fire, enforc'd by a very strong Wind, laid the best part of the Town in ashes: But 'tis hop'd, the Contributions of the Kingdom will be so liberal, the in a few years we shall see it rise out of its Ruins with a fresh Beauty.

Coventry, so call'd from a Convent there, had formerly the honour of a Bishop's See; which, within a few years, was remov'd back to Lichfield; but upon this Condition, That the Bishop should take his Title from both places. They own Leofrick Earl of Mercia and Godiva his Wife, for their greatest Benefactors. The growth and increase of the Town seems to be owing, in a great measure, to the Manufacture of Cloathing and Caps, for which they were once very eminent; tho' now they are almost laid aside. That which they value themselves upon, is a stately Cross, built by Sir William Hollies Lord Mayor of London, for Beauty and Workmanship not to be match'd in England. The Walls (which were very strong) were demolisht at the Restoration, by order of King Charles II.

Bremicham, is a very populous Town, abounding with handsom Buildings: It seems to be of a late date, and to have risen chiefly by the Iron-works, which are the great Business of the place.

Stratford upon Avon is a pretty Market-town; and has a fine Stone-bridge over the Avon, consisting of 14 Arches.

Ancient Places.

Praesidium, mention'd by the Notitia, is in all probability the Town of Warwick; than which no situation can be more proper for a Garison.

Manduessedum must be sought for upon Watling-street, and there we meet with Mancester; which as it carries in it some Remains of the old Name, so does it shew its Antiquity by a Fort, which they call Oldbury.

Things Remarkable.

On the side of Edge-hill, is the shape of a Horse cut in the Ground; and the Trenches that form it, are kept open by a Freehold in the Neighbourhood, who hold Lands by that Service.

About Shugbury, they often meet with the Astroites; which being put into Vinegar, keep themselves in motion, as appears by Experiment.

In memory of Godiva their great Patroness, the Inhabitants of Coventry have a yearly Cavilcade or solemn Procession, with a naked Figure, representing her riding naked on Horse-back through the City. The occasion is this: Godiva (as Tradition says) redeem'd the Town from very heavy Taxes, laid upon them by her Husband Leofrick; these he would upon no Terms remit, unless she would consent to ride through the Town naked; which she did, and cover'd her Body with her long dischevel'd Hair.

WORCESTERSHIRE.

THE County of Worcester is very happy both in its Air and Soil; and is excellently water'd by the River Severn, which runs through the very midst of it. The South-part has also the advantage of the Avon, running out of Warwickshire into the Severn.

The more remarkable Towns, are

• ...Worcester,
• ...Kedderminster,
• ...Evesham,
• ...Droitwich.

Worcester, the chief place in this County, seems to have had its original from the convenience of its situation upon the Severn. For that River being the Boundary between the Britains and Saxons, the frequent Incursions of the former oblig'd the latter to fence and guard it with the utmost diligence. And to go yet higher; it might probably enough be one of those Garisons which the Romans built to keep in awe the Britains in those parts, and to secure themseves against Plots and Insurrections. In the year, 680. it was made an Episcopal See, and the Church was fill'd with marry'd Presbyters; till Dunstan turn'd them out and plac'd Monks in their room. But those too were at last ejected by King Henry VIII. who plac'd there a Dean and Prebendaries. The City it self is large, populous and wealthy, dealing much in the Cloath-trade. 'Tis govern'd by a Mayor and six Aldermen, who are Justices of the Peace and elected out of the 24 capital Citizens.

Kedderminster, at a little distance from the Severn, is not remarkable for any Antiquity it can claim; but is, however, a handsom Town, adorn'd with a beautiful Church, and has a Market very well frequented.

Evesham, upon the River Avon, was very famous among our Fore-fathers, upon account of the Monastery built there by Egwin, about the year, 700. The Town is seated upon a gentle ascent, and is neat enough; receiving not only great Advantages, but the pleasure also of an open, free Prospect, from the spacious and fruitful Vale of Evesham, which produces Corn in great abundance.

Droitwich, upon the River Salwarp, has got both its Reputation and Riches by the Brine-pits, and the purest kind of Salt which they make. They had a Charter granted them by King James I. and the Burrough is govern'd by two Bailiffs and a certain number of Burgesses.

Ancient Places.

Branonium, call'd also Branogenium, is undoubtedly the City of Worcester, call'd by the Britains at this day Caer Ʋrangen.

Things Remarkable.

The Brine-pits at Droitwich afford great quantities of fine white Salt; and would yield much more, but that the Proprietors are careful, for their own Interest, not to over-stock the Markets.

The River Severn, about Holt and the neighbouring Parts, breeds prodigious numbers of River-Lampreys.

Washbourn under Bredon-hills, with some other Villages, are entirely sever'd from the main Body of the County.

STAFFORDSHIRE.

THE County of Stafford, as to the Figure, is broad in the middle, but narrow towards each end: As to the Soil, 'tis mountainous, and not very fruitful towards the North; but in the middle and South-parts, is very fertil and pleasant.

The chief Towns are,

• ...Stafford,
• ...Lichfield.

Stafford, upon the River Sow, requires our mention, more upon account of its giving name to the whole County, than any Beauty, Riches or Populousness of its own. Nor was it very considerable, about the Conquest; for we find by Domesday, That the King had in this place only 18 Burgesses. The Barons of Stafford, owners of Stafford-castle, were exceeding favourable to it, got it erected into a Burrough in the Reign of King John, and procur'd for it very large Privileges and Liberties.

Lichfield, upon the River Trent, is a very ancient Town, and seems to have had that name from the dead Bodies of those Christians who are said to have been put to death here, in the time of Dioclesian. Oswy King of Northumberland settl'd a Bishop's See in this place, as early as the year, 606. which also afterwards had its Archbishop for some time; but that lasted not long. The situation of it is low; and the City is handsom and pretty large. Its greatest Ornaments, are, the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and the Houses of the Prebendaries; which make a noble Show. 'Tis divided into two parts by a sort of Lough; which yet have communication by two Causeys. It was first made a Corporation by King Edward VI. who granted to it Bailiffs and Burgesses.

Ancient Places.

Elocetum will best suit with the course and order of the Itinerary, if it be settl'd at Wall, about a mile South of Lichfield. For the Remains of old Walls and Buildings, plainly shew it to be a place of Antiquity; which being gain'd, the agreement of the Distances are a sufficient Argument to prefer this place before any other.

Pennocrucium should seem, at first sight, to be Penkridge, upon the River Penk; and the Distances, as well as Sound, would favour such a Conjecture well enough. But there is one Objection against it, That it lies a considerable way from the Old Road, and so cannot well be suppos'd to be one of their Stations, which seldom or never were remov'd from the Way. Stretton, a little lower, carries Antiquity in its very name (as much as if one should say the Street-town) suits the Distances very well, and has the advantage of lying upon the Road, from which it takes the name.

Things Remarkable.

Below the confluence of the River Tame and the Trent, northward, there is great store of Alabaster.

The 3 Stones, erected Spire-wise in the Churchyard at Checley, with the little Images cut upon two of them, upon what account soever they might be set up, are very remarkable.

SHROPSHIRE.

SHropshire (as a Frontier-Country between the Welch and English) has more Castles built in it, than any other County in England. Insomuch, that a late Author observes, That it seems to be parted from Wales with a continu'd Wall of Castles: And, 'tis said by another, That no less than 32 Castles have been built within this Shire, besides the fortify'd Towns. The Soil of it is fruitful, and the Country pleasant.

The chief Towns are,

• ...Shrewsbury,
• ...Ludlow.

Shrewsbury, the chief Town of the County, tho' it cannot pretend to Roman Antiquity, did yet rise out of the Ruins of an old, neighbouring City, Ʋricondum; and was of very good note among the Saxons. So that, about the Conquest, we find 252 Citizens reckon'd in it; and Roger de Montgomery, who had it bestow'd upon him by the Conqueror, improv'd it considerably with Building; and fortify'd it with a strong Castle. And indeed, the natural situation of the Town is encouragement enough to pitch upon it particularly for a place of Strength and Sanctuary. The Severn had in a great measure done the work to their Hands, having almost encompass'd it, and made it look like a Peninsula. At present, 'tis well-built, well-inhabited and well-traded. For, standing in the Confines of England and Wales, it is (as it were) the common Mart of both Nations. Of the publick Buildings, the most noted is the School, which is a stately Stone Fabrick, erected and endow'd by Q. Elizabeth, for one Master and three under-Masters. It has likewise a curious Library, which together with the School and Houses for the School-masters, make it look like a College.

Ludlow, at the meeting of the Rivers Teond and Corue, ows its original to the Castle built in the place by Roger de Montgomery; which he enclosd with a Wall. The Town is beautiful and in a thriving condition, notwithstanding all the Misfortunes it has undergone, in the turns of War, by being a Frontier between England and Wales. For which King Henry VIII. made it amends very amply, when he settl'd there the Council of the Marches, consisting of a Lord President, so many Counsellors and other Officers; which does not only add to its Reputation, but also is of considerable consequence to it in point of Interest.

Ancient Places.

Rutunium discovers it self very distinctly in the present name of Routon, in the West-part of this County, not far from the Severn; which Analogy of Names is of so much the more force, because the Distances agree very well on both sides.

Ʋnconium is call'd at this day Wroxeter (at some distance from Shrewsbury); and the ancient Fortifications and Buildings of the Romans (the Remains whereof are visible) are nam'd The old Works of Wroxeter.

Things Remarkable.

Where the Rivers Clume and Temd meet, arises the famous Caer-Caradock, a large Hill, which was the Scene of that Action between Ostorius the Roman, and Caratacus the Britain; whereof Tacitus has given us a very distinct Account.

The Sweating-sickness in the year 1551. which over-ran the whole Kingdom, was observ'd to begin in Shrewsbury.

'Tis a pretty Device, the Fishermen in those parts have invented, viz. a little Coracle (as they call it) of an Oval Form, made of split Sally-twigs, and next the Water cover'd with an Horse's hide. In this, one Man seats himself; rows with one Hand very swiftly, and with the other can manage his Net, Angle or other Fishing-tackle.

CHESHIRE.

THE County of Chester is a fruitful Country, and very well water'd. It boasts most of its Palatine Jurisdiction, by virtue whereof its Earl was stil'd Comes Palatinus, and all the Inhabitants held of him as in chief; and were under a Sovereign Allegiance to him, as to the King. He held also his Parliaments, where even the Barons were oblig'd to give their Attendance. But when this unlimited Power (which had been granted about the Conquest) came to break in by degrees upon the Regal Authority it self, and was justly suspected by our Kings. Henry VIII. restrain'd their Sovereignty, and made them dependent upon the Crown. Notwithstanding which, all Pleas of Lands and Tenements, &c. ought to be judicially determin'd within this Shire; no Crime but Treason forcing an Inhabitant of this County to a Trial elsewhere.

The more considerable Places are,

• ...Chester,
• ...Nantwich.

Chester, call'd from its westerly situation West-Chester, was (under Agricola Lieutenant of Britain) the Seat of the Legion call'd Vicesima Victrix, settl'd there to curb the Incursions of the Ordovices. And accordingly, the discovery of Roman Coins, Inscriptions, &c. are a sufficient mark, not only of its Antiquity, but likewise of the Eminent Character it bore in those times. A little after the Conquest, it was made a Bishop's See, by Peter Bishop of Lichfield; but did not enjoy that Dignity long. In all the Disturbances between the English and Welch, this City has constantly had its share; being immediately expos'd to their Fury when-ever they met with any favourable prospect of an Incursion. Perhaps, it might be in consideration of their good Services, that King Henry VII. was mov'd to incorporate the Town into a distinct County. But his Successor King Henry VIII. did it the greatest Honour, when, upon the expulsion of the Monks, he erected it into a Bishop's See; a Dignity that it had wanted for many hundred years. The City it self is of a square Form, the Buildings whereof are very neat; and the chief Street is adorn'd with Piazza's on each side. It has eleven Parish-Churches. The Sea is not so kind as it has been formerly; having withdrawn it self, and depriv'd the City of the advantage of an Harbour.

Nantwich, lying upon the River Wever, is a Town very well-built, with a handsom Church. It seems to owe its Growth to the Brine-pits, which afford them the whitest Salt, in great abundance. Upon which account, 'tis call'd by the Welch Hellath-wen, that is, White-salt-wich.

Ancient Places.

Deva, is on all Hands agreed, to be the City of Chester.

Bonium seems to have left something of its name in the ancient Banchor, a Monastery of great eminence among our Fore-fathers, lying upon the River Dee; and the Distances, with other Circumstances, do moreover assert it to the same place.

Cangi, a People of the Britains, are settl'd in these parts, upon the Authority of an old Inscription, dug up near this Coast.

Condatum seems to be Congleton in this County by the sound; but the Distances and Course of the Itinerary do not so well hit with the Conjecture. An old Inscription dug up at Presbrig in the Bishoprick of Durham, would encline us to carry it thither, by its mention of this ancient place.

Things Remarkable.

The County is remarkable for making excellent Cheese, which it sends thorow the whole Kingdom.

In the Heaths and Bottoms, through which the Wever passes in the South-part of the Shire, they dig up Trees under Ground; a thing indeed not peculiar to the County, but remarkable enough.

In this County, they make abundance of Salt.

HEREFORDSHIRE.

THE County of Hereford is water'd by the pleasant Rivers Wye, Lug and Munow, which empty themselves in one Chanel into the Severn. Being a sort of Frontier in the Wars between the English and Welch, it has had greater numbers of Forts and Castles, than most other Counties. Tho' it abounds with good Corn and Pasture-grounds, yet is it most eminent at this day for its vast quantities of Fruit, of which they make so much Cyder, as does not only supply their own Families, but furnish London and other parts of England. Their Red-streak (so call'd from the Apple) is highly valu'd in all parts.

The chief Town

Hereford, so call'd as if one should say The ford of the Army, is encompass'd with Rivers on all sides, but to the East. 'Tis Daughter to a place of Antiquity at about three miles distance, call'd by the Romans Ariconium, at this day Kenchester. But our Hereford seems not to have risen before the Saxon Heptarchy was at its height; nor to owe its Growth to any other cause than the Martyrdom or Ethelbert King of the East-Angles, villanously murther'd by Quindreda Wife to King Offa, while he courted her own Daughter. Whereupon, he was taken into the Catalogue of Martyrs, and had a Church built to his memory in this place; which was not only soon after erected into a Bishop's See, but had signal Respects shew'd it by the West-Saxon and Mercian Kings. The City is pretty large: Before the Civil Wars, it had six Churches; but now it has only four.

Ancient Places.

Blestium, by the Distances, can be no other than Old Foari (upon the Munow) call'd by the Britains Castlehean, a name implying Strength and Antiquity.

Ariconium must be Kenchester, near Hereford; which asserts its claim to Antiquity by the old Walls, Chequer-works, Bricks, Coins, &c. observ'd and discover'd about it.

Things Remarkable.

A Well, below Richard's-castle, is full of small Fish-bones or Frog-bones; and notwithstanding it be sometimes empty'd, a fresh Supply always succeeds: Whereupon, 'tis call'd Bone-Well.

Marcley-hill, near the confluence of Lug and Wye, was in the year 1575. remov'd by an Earthquake to a higher place.

In a common Meadow call'd the Wergins, between Sutton and Hereford, two large Stones set on end were remov'd to about twelvescore Paces distance, no Body knew how: This hapn'd about the year, 1652.

YORKSHIRE.

THE County of York is, by much, the largest in all England, being divided into three Branches; each of which is as large, or indeed larger than any ordinary County. The Divisions are term'd Ridings; a name corrupted from the old Saxon Thrihing, which consisted of several Hundreds or Wapentakes. They are, according to the several Quarters, call'd West-Riding, East-Riding and North-Riding, to which we may add Richmondshire. We will consider each of these under their several Heads; but the West-Riding being the most flourishing part and abounding most with beautiful Towns, requires the first place.

WEST-RIDING.

West-Riding is for some time bounded by the River Ouse, by Lancashire, and the Southern-limits of the County in general.

The more considerable Towns, are

• ...York,
• ...Leeds,
• ...Rippon,
• ...Halifax,
• ...Wakefield,
• ...Pontfract.

YORK, the Metropolis of this County, and an Archiepiscopal See, stands upon the River Ʋre or Ouse, which runs quite through it from North to South. At what time precisely it was built, we have no evidence: Thus much is certain, That it was the Residence of the Sixth Legion call'd Victrix, that Severus had his Court here, that Constantius the Emperor dy'd in this place, and was immediately succeeded by his Son Constantine the Great, who receiv'd the last Breath of his dying Father. We need no further Evidence of its Glory under the Romans. Upon the settlement of the Saxons, it was erected into a Metropolitan See by Pope Honorius; and has continu'd so ever since. It suffer'd very much in the Danish Ravages; but recover'd it self, when the Norman Government was establish'd, and the Disturbances of that Revolution were blown over. The City is large, pleasant and adorn'd with beautiful Buildings both publick and private. The Bridge over the Foss or Ditch is so throng'd with Buildings, that you would take it for one continu'd Street. The publick Structures of greatest note, are, 1. The Minster, or Cathedral Church, built in the Reign of Edward I. 'Tis a most stately Pile, and particularly remarkable for the fine Carvings in the Quire. 2. The Chapter-house, for its small Pillars and the contrivance of the whole Fabrick, is one of the neatest Buildings in England.

Leeds, upon the River Are, is of good Antiquity; and the very name implies that it has been all along a populous, thriving Town; for 'tis deriv'd from the Saxon Leed, gens, populus. It has grown strangely by the advantage of the Cloath-trade especially; and was by King Charles II. honour'd with a Mayor, 12 Aldermen and 24 Assistants.

Rippon, situated between the Ʋre and the Skell, was of good note even in the Infancy of the English Church, upon account of the Monastry built there by Wilfrid Archbishop of York. The Town has grown mightily by the Woollen Manufacture, which they have now pretty much laid aside. The Church is a neat and stately Fabrick, with three Spire-Steeples; and was built by Contributions.

Halifax, upon the River Calder, is suppos'd to be nam'd from a certain holy Virgin, who had her Head cut off by a lustful Villain, with whose impure Desires she would not, by any means, comply. Her Head was hung up on a Tree; and was reputed so sacred, as to be frequently visited in Pilgrimage. Whereupon, the little Village of Horton came by degrees to be a large and noted Town, and took its name from that which had rais'd its Reputation, viz. the sacred Hair of the Virgin's head: For so much Halifax implies. Notwithstanding the Soil hereabouts is very barren, the Inhabitants by their Industry in the Cloath-trade are grown exceeding rich. The Parish is vastly large, having in it twelve Chapels under the Mother-Church of Halifax, two whereof are Parochial.

Wakefield, upon the River Calder, is a large Town, neatly built, has a well-frequented Market, and has grown mainly by the Cloathing-trade.

Pontfract, so call'd from a broken Bridge, is a Town well-built and admirably situated. It had a most noble large Castle, seated upon a high Hill, which is now demolish'd.

Ancient Places.

Danum, mention'd by Antoninus and the Notitia, is undoubtedly Doncaster, call'd by Ninius Caer-Daun.

Cambodunum belongs to the little Village Almondbury, six miles from Halifax; as appears both by the Distances on each hand, and the Ruins of an old Roman Work, with a triple Fortification, still plainly visible.

Legcolium cannot be more conveniently seated than at Castleford, near the Confluence of Calder and Are; where they meet with great numbers of Coins, which they call Sarasins Heads.

Olicana appears to be Ilkeley, from the affinity of the two names, the remains of Antiquity found about it, and its situation in respect of York.

Calcaria, tho' commonly settl'd at Tadcaster, and that upon very plausible Reasons, ought nevertheless to be remov'd to its Neighbour New-ton-kime, where the ancient High-road runs along, crossing the River at S. Helensford, and where they meet with great store of Roman Coins, and other marks of Antiquity.

Isurium is sufficiently asserted to Aldburrow near Burrow-bridge, both by its nearness to the River Ʋre, the great number of Coins they dig up, and its due distance from the City of York, answering the computation of Antoninus.

Eboracum is by all agreed to be the City of York the eminence whereof in the time of the Romans, we have already taken notice of.

Things Remarkable.

Halifax-law is eminent: By it, they behead any one that's found stealing within such a Liberty, without staying for a legal and ordinary Process.

S. Wilfrid's Needle at Rippon was mighty famous. In the Church, they had a little close passage into a Vault, whereby they pretended to try the Chastity of Women: If they were Chast, they pass'd with ease; if not, they were stop'd and holden, without any visible Impediment.

The Devil's bolts, near Burrow-bridge, are three huge Stones, set on end in the form of Pyramids: Which have their name from a foolish fancy of the Vulgar, that they were pitch'd there by the Devil; but are by the Learned (according to different Conjectures) look'd upon to be either Monuments of some Victory, or British Deities.

In the Levels or Marches, they dig up great quantities of Firr and some Oak.

EAST-RIDING.

The Bounds of the East-Riding are thus: The North and West-sides are limited by the River Derwent; the South, by the mouth of Humber; and the North, by the German Ocean. In some parts 'tis pretty fruitful, tho' in every respect it falls much short of the West-Riding; the middle of it being nothing but Mountains, which they call York-wolds.

The chief Towns are,

• ...Beverley,
• ...Hull.

Beverley began to be a Town of note, after John de Beverley Archbishop of York, a Person of great Piety, retir'd hither, and ended his days in it. For King Athelstan having a singular Veneration for him, for his sake endow'd the Town with several Immunities; and others of our Kings have been exceeding kind to it upon the same account. So that now (notwithstanding its nearness to Hull, which one would think should very much prejudice it) it is above a mile in length; and is adorn'd with two beautiful Churches. The Minster is a very fair Structure. The chief Trade of the place, is Malt, Oat-meal and Tann'd-leather.

Hull, or Kingston upon Hull, is so call'd from the River upon which it stands, and King Edward I. its Founder. By the convenience of their Harbour, the advantage of their Iseland-Fish-trade, and the particular Favours of their great Patron Michael de la Pole, the Town is so grown both in Wealth, Buildings, Populousness and Commerce, that it infinitely exceeds all its Neighbours. They have 2 Churches, an Exchange for Merchants, and a Trinity-house for the Relief of Seamen and their Wives; besides other Buildings, which are very ornamental and of great use in the management of their Trade, and the administration of their Government. As to the Strength of the place, they have a strong Cittadel begun in the year 1681. But their situation is the best Bulwark against the Enemy: For by advantage of the Leval all about, they can let in the Flood, and lay all under-water for 5 miles round.

Ancient Places.

Derventio must be seated some-where upon the River Derwent: Auldby is the likest place, both upon account of its name, which implies an old Dwelling; and also by reason of the Remains of Antiquity still visible about it.

Abus can be no other Aestuary than the Humber, which is a very spacious one, and receives a great many considerable Rivers.

Delgovitia is probably Wigton, upon the little River Foulness; Degwe in Brittish signifying a Statue or Image of a Heathen God, and it appearing that not far from hence there stood an Idol-temple.

Ocellum Promontorium, is Spurnhead; where Kellnsey seems to be a Remain of the old Ocellum.

Praetorium discovers it self by the present name Patrington, and by its distance from Delgovitia.

Sinus Salutaris is that Bay near Bridlington; in the turn whereof is Sureby, which exactly answers the name, as 'tis translated into Latin, from the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Things Remarkable.

The Vipseys or Gipseys (for so they are call'd at present) about Flamborough, are a sort of little Springs which jet out of the Ground, and spout up Water to a great heighth. They never come, but after great Rains, and lasting wet Weather. See Camden's Britannia, English, pag. 748.

NORTH-RIDING.

The North-Riding is (as it were) the Frontier of the other two; extending in a narrow Tract from East to West, for 60 miles together, and bounded on one side with the River Derwent and the Ouse, on the other by the Tees.

The chief Town is

Gisburgh, four miles from the mouth of the Tees, formerly famous for the Abbey there; which, by the Ruins, seems to have been equal to some of the best Cathedrals in England. Its Eminence appears, in that it was the common Burial-place for the Nobility in these parts. The pleasant Situation, the goodness of the Air, the neatness of the Inhabitants, and other Advantages, make the place very agreeable and delightful.

Ancient Places.

Dunus Sinus discovers it self by a little Village seated upon it and call'd Dunesley, hard by Whitby.

Things Remarkable.

About Whitby, they find the Serpent-stones; which the credulous, common People imagine to be Serpents, turn'd into Stones by the Prayers of S. Hilda.

Upon the same Shore, they find the Black-Amber or Geate, which grows within the chink or cliff of a Rock.

The Seales (or Sea-veales, call'd also Sea-calves) sleep upon the Rocks near Huntcliff in great Droves, and there Sun themselves.

RICHMONDSHIRE.

This part of the County lying to the North-west, is almost all Rocks and Mo•ntains, which yet in some places afford good Pasture; and under-Ground, great store of Lead, Coal, &c.

The chief Town is

Richmond, upon the River Swale, so call'd as if one should say a rich Mount; which name it had given it by Alan the first Earl, immediately after the Conquest; who fortify'd it with Walls and a very strong Castle. It has three Gates; and taking in the Suburbs is pretty large and populous; but within the Walls it is but narrow.

Ancient Places.

Bracchium is to be sought for at the confluence of Baint and Ʋre; where, at a place call'd Burgh, are the Remains of an old Fortification, and where an Inscription was discover'd making express mention of this name.

Caturactoninm (so call'd from a Cataract in the River Swale) does plainly discover it self in our present Cattarick.

Lavatrae, by the course of the ancient High-way and the Distances in Antoninus, must be about Bowes, on the edge of Stanemere; which has had its Antiquity attested by ancient Inscriptions.

Things Remarkable.

Upon the Confines of Lancashire, where the Mountains are rough, wild and steep, there ate little Rivulets hurry along so deep in the Ground, that it creates an Horror in one, to look down to them: Those they call Hell-becks, upon account of their gastliness and depth.

Sir Christopher Medcalf, a Gentleman of these parts, when Sheriff of the County, is said to have been attended with 300 Knights, all of his own Family and Name, and all in the same Habit, when he receiv'd the Judges, and conducted them to York.

DURHAM.

DƲrham (commonly call'd the Bishoprick of Durham, from the absolute Power which the Bishops hereof us'd to exercise in this County) is nam'd by our ancient Writers, the Patrimony of S. Cuthbert. This Saint, who liv'd here in the Infancy of the Saxon-Church, was so much respected by our Kings and Nobility for his exemplary Virtue and Piety, that they thought they could never sufficiently express their respect to his Memory, nor heap Lands, Privileges and Immunities enough upon his darling Church. Insomuch, that at length, it was made a County-Palatine; and accordingly the Bishops have their Royalties, being both Spiritual and Temporal Lords.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...Durham,
• ...Bernard-castle,
• ...Stockton.

Durham, in Saxon Dun-holm, from its high situation, ows its original to the miseries and misfortunes of the Monks of Lindisfarne, in the time of the Danes. For being by that barbarous People disturb'd in their own Seats, they were forced to seek Protection for themselves, and a shelter for the Relicks of S. Cuthbert, in the most convenient place they should meet with. Here they fix'd; and when that dreadful Storm was blown over, and Religion reviv'd, they flourish'd in great Pomp and Reputation. In William the Conqueror's time the place was made a Seat of War, by a set of Men in those parts, who could not bear the violation of their ancient Rights and Liberties. The Town is defended by the River, on all sides but the North; and besides, is wall'd round. The Cathedral is a noble Pile of Building, and the Church is exceeding rich.

Bernard-castle, upon the River Tees, was so call'd from Bernard Baliol (Grandfather to John Baliol King of Scots,) its Founder. 'Tis a good Town; and is eminent in those Northern parts, for the best Whitebread.

Stockton, about 3 miles below Yarum (a considerable Market-town) about 30 years ago, had no Houses but of Clay, and thatch'd. Now, 'tis well built, is a Corporation, and drives a very great Trade in Lead and Butter.

Ancient Places.

Tuesis, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Ptolemy, is plainly the River Tees.

Vedra, mention'd by Ptolemy, does likewise belong to this County, and is undoubtedly the River Were, call'd by Bede, Wirus.

Vinovium in Antoninus, in Ptolemy, Binovium, seems by the very name to settle it self at Binchester, near the River Were; where appear large Ruins of Walls, and Coins, with other marks of Antiquity, are dug up.

Condercum seems to be Chester on the Street, near the River Were; especially, if the Saxon name of the place be Concester: All the Objection is, That the Notitia settles this Station ad Lineam Valli, so that Chester on the Street is perhaps too far remov'd from the Wall to lay claim to this piece of Antiquity. An Altar found at Benwall in Northumberland seems to give it to that place, against which there is not the same Objection.

Things Remarkable.

The Pits call'd Hell-kettles near Darlington, are much admir'd both by Travellers and the Inhabitants. There are 3 of them, full of Water to the brim; possibly by a communication with the Tees only, the Water in them is said to be of a different kind from that in the River. They look much like old-wrought Coal-pits that are drown'd.

LANCASHIRE.

THE County of Lancaster, call'd by the northern People Loncaster, where it is level yeilds good store of Barley and Wheat; and in the Valleys, Oats. The Mosses, tho' as to their produce they are of no real value, are yet of considerable advantage both by the Fuel above-Ground, and the old Trees under-Ground. Its greatest Glory is, that 'tis a County-Palatine, as well as its neighbour Cheshire.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...Lancaster,
• ...Manchester,
• ...Wiggin.
• ...Leverpoole.

Lancaster, (so call'd from the River Lone upon which it stands) gives name to the whole County, and was, accordingly, the most flourishing Town in it. But now 'tis much out-grown by Manchester, having no advantage of Trade, or any other Employment besides that of Agriculture; to which indeed the nature and situation of the place may seem in some measure to have determin'd the Inhabitants. For the Grounds about it are very fit for Cultivation, and 'tis seated in an open free Tract.

Manchester, at the Confluence of the Irk and Irwell, is the most populous and thriving Town in this County. The Inhabitants may be estimated from the number of Communicants; who in the Town and Parish round it made no less than 20000, sixty years ago; since which time the Inhabitants have encreas'd proportionably to their incredible growth in Trade. They are most famous for the Fustian-Manufacture, commonly known by the name of Manchester-Cottons; tho' they deal also in many other Manufactures, all which are call'd by one general name, Manchester-Wares. They have more publick Buildings than are commonly to be met with in our Country-towns. 1. The Collegiate Church is a very stately Edifice, the Quire whereof is particularly remarkable for its curious carv'd Work. 2. The College (consisting of a Warden, 4 Fellows, 2 Chaplains, 4 Singing-men and 4 Choristers) is a noble Foundation. 3. The Hospital for the maintenance of 60 poor Boys, is much of the same Government and Constitution with that of Christ-Church in London. 4. The Library is furnish'd already with Books, to almost the number of 4000, and will daily encrease by an annual Salary of 116 l. per Ann. settl'd upon it for that purpose, and for the maintenance of a Librarian. 5. The School has three Masters, who have very genteel Salaries.

Wiggin, near the rise of the River Dugless, is a handsom, plentiful Town, having the honour of a Mayor and Burgesses.

Leverpoole (near the entrance of the River Mersey into the Sea) tho' it can boast of no great Antiquity, is yet a place both of Name and Wealth. The first it derives from the convenience of a passage from hence over into Ireland, which of late years has been much us'd by reason of the Commotions in that Kingdom. The second is owing to its Trade with the West-Indies, and the Manufactures round it: By the advantage whereof the Buildings and Inhabitants are more than doubly increas'd, and the Customs augmented eight or ten-fold, within these 28 years last past. Of late, they have built a Town-house, plac'd upon Pillars; and under it, the Exchange.

Ancient Places.

Mancunium, is Manchester, which may seem to have taken part of its name from the Roman one.

Bellisama must be an Aestuary hereabouts: The latter Syllable of the name of Ribell would induce us to pitch upon the mouth of that River before any other.

Ribodunum (if we may change Ptolemy's Rigodunum, into that) need not be sought in any other place but Rible-chester, which produces a variety of Roman Remains; and however inconsiderable at present, gave rise to Preston, a handsom, large and populous Town.

Bremetonacum cannot probably be more conveniently seated than at Overburrow (at the confluence of Lac and Lone) which, tho' it has no remains of the old name, does yet carry Antiquity in the latter part of its present one, and has the Tradition of the Inhabitants on its side (who tell you of a spacious City that was formerly there) and the Evidence of Roman Coins, Inscriptions, &c.

Longovicum is plainly Lancaster, call'd by the Inhabitants and the northern part, Loncaster; besides which Analogy of Names, they meet now and then with Coins of the Roman Emperors.

Things Remarkable.

Lancashire-Oxen are famous throughout England, for huge, bulky Bodies and large Horns.

Winwick, near the River Mersey, is reckon'd one of the best Parsonages in the Kingdom.

At Hey in this County, we see such a Plantation of Fir-trees (by the industry and contrivance of its present Owner Thomas Brotherton, Esq) as perhaps can hardly be met with elsewhere.

Lathom-spaw in this County, tho' not much frequented (by reason of the want of suitable Accommodation) has done very considerable Cures.

Burning-well, near Wiggin, if a Candle be put to it, will presently take Fire and burn like Brandy; and in a calm quiet Season will continue for a whole day together, even to that degree, that by the heat of it they can boil Eggs, Meat, &c.

WESTMORLAND.

THE County of Westmorland is so call'd from its westerly situation; lying West of that great ridge of Mountains which divides these northern Counties. The out-skirts of it on most sides are hilly and mountainous, which feed great Flocks of Sheep, and have a mixture of fruitful Vales; but the heart of it is an open, champain Country, which affords pretty good store of Corn and Wood.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...Apleby,
• ...Kendal.

Apleby claims the first place, both upon account of its Antiquity; and also because 'tis the County-town, where the yearly Assizes are held. Otherwise, 'tis neither rich nor beautiful; only the situation indeed makes it very agreeable, having the advantage of pleasant Fields round it, and being wash'd by the River Eden.

Kendal, call'd also Kirby Kendal, has its name from the River Can, and implies as much as a Dale or Valley upon that River. This is much beyond Apleby, whether we respect the Trade, Buildings, Number or Wealth of the Inhabitants. It has two good Streets, which cross each other, and is enrich'd by the Industry of the Towns-men and the Woollen Manufacture, for which they are very eminent, and drive a Trade with it throughout England.

Ancient Places.

Amboglana, if we follow the Analogy of Names, cannot be plac'd more conveniently than at Ambleside, upon Windermere-water; which may be done with so much the less scruple, because it shews the Ruins of an old City, and other marks of Antiquity.

Ituna is undoubtedly the noble River of Eden, which marches through this County, towards the Sea.

Verterae must be Brough under Stanemore, for several Reasons: The Name imports Antiquity; then, it stands upon a Roman High-way; and lastly, the Distances from Levatrae and Brovonacum agree very exactly.

Aballaba is so visible in our present Apelby, and so well answers that situation, that there is no room for dispute.

Gallatum is probably Whelp-castle, near Kirby-Thore, where are the Ruins of an old Town, and very considerable Remains of Antiquity.

Setantiorum Lacus may well enough be Windermere, upon the edge of Lancashire; one of the largest Lakes in the Kingdom.

Things Remarkable.

King Arthur's round Table, in the North of this County, is much talk'd of by the Inhabitants and others: But we need go no farther for its original than the Ages wherein Tilting was in vogue; this being a round Entrenchment with a plain piece of Ground in the middle, and very convenient for that purpose.

Gold-sike, in the Parish of Orton, is a little Spring which continually casts up small thin pieces, of a substance shining and resembling Gold.

In VVindermere-water there is great store of the Fish call'd Charre, which is not to be met withal in the South, and only in very few places of the North. They are bak'd in Pots, and so sent up to London, and other parts, where they are an acceptable Present.

CUMBERLAND.

THE County of Cumberland is the farthest of our English Counties to the North-west, and borders upon Scotland. Whether it fetch the name from the old Britains, call'd Cambri & Cumbri; or, (as a modern Author imagins) from our Cumber, the Shire being encumber'd with Lakes and Mountains, and made very difficult to Travellers, I shall not determine. The former Conjecture has this advantage, that some of the Britains posted themselves for a long time in these parts, when the Saxon Conqueror drove them to the out-skirts of the Island, and made them seek for shelter among Hills and Mountains. The remains of British names hereabouts concur to the establishment of the same Opinion.

More considerable Towns are,

• ...Carlisle,
• ...Penrith.

Carlisle is very happy in its situation, standing between the Rivers of Eden, Peteril and the Caude; which, as they make it very agreeable, and furnish it with great plenty of Fish, so do they add considerably to its Strength; a circumstance that in these bordering Countries is very valuable. For before the union of the two Crowns, the Scots were continually making Incursions upon the Frontiers; which put the Government under a necessity of building Castles, Towers and fortify'd places, for the defence of it self and of the Subject. The City is wall'd round, has a Castle, and a Citadel built by King Henry VIII. Its situation upon the Wall, with the marks of Antiquity dug up about it, put it beyond dispute, that it was a place of some note among the Romans. The Danes utterly destroy'd it, and it lay in desolation for about two hundred years; till William Rufus took it into his protection, built here a Castle, and planted it with a new Colony of Husbandmen, to till the Ground round it. It has had of late, Earls of considerable note; but ows its greatest honour to the Bishop's See, establish'd in it by King Henry I. The Cathedral stands almost in the middle of the City; but the Bishop's Seat is some few miles distant from the City, at Rose-castle.

Penrith is a Market-town upon the South-border of the County, of good note in these parts. The Town is well enough built, and the Inhabitants are pretty wealthy; having the advantage of standing almost in the middle between 2 Counties. In the Town, they have a handsom Church; and at a little distance, an old Castle.

Ancient Places.

Morbium seems to have left its name in the present Moresby, upon the Western Coast; where they find great remains of Roman Antiquity.

Arbeia also may seem to point out its old situation by the name of a Town at the head of the River Elen, now call'd Jerby.

Volantium, if it is not allow'd a place at Elenburrow, at the mouth of the River Elne; must remain unsettl'd, till some more lucky discovery fix it in its true place. 'Tis certain, here are all the signs of Antiquity that can be wish'd; great store of Altars, Statues, Inscriptions, &c. and (which is of most moment) one of the second sort, with this Writing on the back-side, Volantii vivas.

Moricambi, signifying in British a crooked Sea, cannot be settl'd at any winding, more agreeable to the name, than that near Holme Cultram, upon this Coast.

Castra Exploratorum, if we respect the Distances on each hand, will fall in well enough with the present Old Carlisle, at the head of the little River Wize; a place (by reason of its high situation) fit for the discovery of an Enemy; and where they find such plenty of Roman Remains, as put it beyond all dispute that it was of considerable importance under that People.

Blatum-Bulgium discovers its ancient situation by the present name Bul-ness; where are Tracks of Streets and old pieces of Wall.

Petrianae seems to be Old Perith (near the, Town of that name) where a broken Altar was dug up, implying that the Ala Petrianae quarter'd there.

Congavata is possibly the place we now call Rosecastle, the Seat of the Bishop of Carlisle.

Luguvallum is agreed upon by all to be the present Carlisle, and seems to owe the latter part of the name to its situation upon the Picts-wall.

Aesica must be sought for somewhere upon the River Esk. Netherby bids fairest for it, proving its claim by the vast Ruins of an old City; how inconsiderable soever it may be at present.

Bremenium should seem to be Brampton in Gillesland.

Things Remarkable.

Pearls are found in great abundance in the little River Irt, being call d Muscle-Pearls. Some Gentlemen have lately procur'd a Patent for the Pearl-fishing in this River.

The Font at Bridekirk, with a fair Runick Inscription, is a Curiosity that has been long since taken notice of by Antiquaries, but must be clear'd and illustrated by that learned Gentleman Mr. Nicolson, in his Antiquities of the Kingdom of Northumberland.

The Circle of Stones call'd Long-Megg and her Daughters (at Little Salkeld) have had several Conjectures spent upon them; but will be fully illustrated by the same worthy Gentleman.

The Picts-wall, so much talk'd of in our Histories and among the common People, begins at Bulness upon the Irish-Sea, so runs by Carlisle; and afterwards passing the Rivers of Cambec, Irthing and Poltross, enters Northumberland. It was built in the latter end of the Romans, to prevent the Incursions of the Scots and Picts; who (upon calling over the Roman-forces to assist in foreign Wars) took all opportunities of making Excursions into the Territories of the poor Britains. At convenient Distances they had Towers and Garisons, that the Enemy should not surprize them, and that they might be in a condition to get together upon the first Motion and Alarm.

NORTHUMBERLAND.

NOrthumberland was formerly us'd in a much greater latitude and extent, than at present it is; for it denoted all those Counties, which (according to the import and meaning of the Word) laid beyond, or on the North-side of the River Humber. Before the Union of the two Kingdoms, this County was almost continually a Seat of War, and the Inhabitants were daily exercised with the Skirmishes of the neighbouring Scots. This, as it made them a warlike, stout sort of People, so did it fill the Shire with little Forts and Castles, which private Men built for their own defence. In those times, they were rude and unpolish'd, coming pretty near the manners and behaviour of the bordering Scots; but since, they have taken to the English modes of Living, and are as decent and regular as any of their Neighbours.

The more considerable Towns are,

• ...New-castle,
• ...Berwick,
• ...Hexam.

New-castle is seated conveniently upon the River Tine, which makes a secure Harbour, and carries up Vessels of Burthen. 'Tis of good Antiquity, tho' the name imports it to be only of a modern date; but that it got, when Robert, Son to William the Conqueror, built a New-castle at it. It is surrounded with good strong Walls, which were begun by a wealthy Citizen, in the Reign of Edward I. The growth of it is owing to the Trade it drives upon the Coasts of Germany, and the plenty of Sea-coal with which it furnishes London, and a good part of England; especially, so much as lies upon that Coast. By Henry VI. it was made a County Incorporate; and since that time, has improv'd so considerably in Wealth and Trade, that 'tis now the great Emporium of the North-part of England, and of a good share of Scotland. S. Nicholas is the Mother-Church; besides which, there are six other Churches or Chapels.

Berwick, seated at the mouth of the River Tweede, is the farthest Town in this Kingdom; and standing between England and Scotland, has ever born the first Assaults, upon the breaking out of War between the two Nations. By which means it was a sort of continual Garison, one while in the Hands of the English, and then again in the possession of the Scots; till it was reduc'd to the obedience of Edward IV. and partly by the Union, partly by its great Strength, has ever since continu'd in subjection to our Kings. About a hundred years ago, it was reputed the strongest place in the whole Kingdom; but as the apprehensions of danger from that Quarter have for many years ceas'd, and so put a stop to the Improvements which would otherwise have been made upon it; so Enemies from other parts have oblig'd us to spend more Pains and Industry upon Hull, Portsmouth, Plimouth, &c. which at present much out-do it in Strength and Fortifications.

Hexam was a place of mighty note among the Saxons; and is much talk'd of in our Histories. For here, Egfrid settl'd a Bishop's See; which might have continu'd longer (to the honour and interest of the place) if the Danes had not given them such violent Disturbances, as put the Monks under a necessity of removing, and seeing out for new Quarters. The Church, which stands still entire (except the West-end) is a very stately Fabrick.

Ancient Places.

Magna, mention'd by the Notitia, is probably Chester in the Wall; not only because it stands upon the Picts-wall and takes its name from thence, but also because it has shewn us some Altars and Inscriptions, as Evidences of its Antiquity.

Hunnum, tho' it has left no Remains of its name in any place in these parts, yet the Wing which resided at it, call'd by the Notitia, Sabiniania, may seem to have given some ground to the present Seavenshale, upon the Wall.

Gallana discovers it self in the present Walwick, which probably had this denomination from the old name.

Habitancum should seem to be Risingham upon the River Rhead, where are many Remains of Antiquity, and an Inscription was dug up which made express mention of the old name.

Cilurnum may very conveniently be plac'd at Silcester near the Wall; which may seem to owe the first Syllable of its name to it.

Axelodunum is so manifest in our present Hexam, that the latter seems only to be a contraction of the former; especially, if we consider the various meltings and mouldings of this name under the Saxons. Add to this, that the termination Dunum does very well suit with the high situation of this place.

Protolitia seems to be our Prudhow-castle, upon the River Tine.

Pons Aelii can be no other, than that which at this day we call Pont-Eland, upon the River Pont.

Borcovicus does still preserve the Remains of its name in Borwick, which seems to be a Compound of a Roman Initial and a Saxon Termination.

Vindolana, where the fourth Cohort of the Galli kept Garison, may very well be settl'd at Old-Winchester.

Gabrosentum is Gateshead, a sort of Suburbs to New-castle, where the Wall pass'd.

Vindobala, as the Notitia; or, as Antoninus terms it, Vindomora, seems to imply as much as the Wall's end; and then we need not be at a loss for its situation, since we meet with a Village in these parts of the very same name.

Glanoventa (signifying as much as the bank of the River Went) must be plac'd somewhere upon the River call'd at this day Wentsbeck; tho' the Distances seem to hit well enough with Caer-vorran, near which, there is a place still call'd Glen-welt.

Alaunus, mention'd by Ptolemy, discovers it self plainly in the present name Alne.

Tunnocellum is plainly Tinmouth, call'd formerly Tunnacester, from the old Roman name.

Segedunum needs no clearer Guide to its situation, than the affinity it has with our present Seghill, upon the Sea-coast near Tinmouth.

Alone may fairly enough be settl'd at Old-town; not only because that place carries Antiquity in the name, but also from its situation upon the River Alon, and the proper Distances from the Stations on each Hand.

Corstopitum, is evidently Corbridge; and probably the same with Ptolemy's Curia Ottadinorum.

Things Remarkable.

At Chillingham-castle, 'tis said a live Toad was found in the middle of a Stone at the sawing of it. One part of the Stone is now a Chimney-piece in the Castle, with a hollow in the middle; and the other also has the like mark, and is put to the same use at Horton-castle.

The Improvement in Tillage at Rock by John Salkeld, Esq and in Gardening and Fruitery at Falladon, by Samuel Salkeld, Gentleman; are Fineries hardly to be met with in these parts: The latter is the more remarkable, because of an Opinion which has prevail'd in the World, That the coldness of the Climate in these Northern parts, will not allow any Fruit to come to its proper perfection and ripeness.

Not far from New-castle, there are some Coal-pits on fire, which have burnt for several years: The Flames are visible enough by night, and the burning may be trac'd on the day-time by Brimstone, which lies on the Surface of the Ground.