Normandy

Sources from old books

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

Normandy is divided into 7 Diocesses.

• Diocess of Rouen in 4 Counties
  • Vexin-Normand
  • Rouanois
  • Caux
  • Bray.
• Diocess of Lisieux
• Bayeux
• Coutance
• Auranches.

NORMANDY, as it is divided into the

• Higher; where are
  • Caux,
    • Candebes,
    • Dieppe,
    • Havre de Grace.
  • Vexin Normandy,
    • Roven, or Roan,
    • Gisors,
    • Pont de l'Arche.
  • Normandy, or Champagne,
    • Eureux,
    • Lifieux,
    • Laigle,
    • Hanfleur.
• Lower,
  • Auge,
    • Caen,
    • Alenson,
    • Seez,
    • Falaise.
  • Bessin,
    • Bayeux,
    • St. Lo,
    • Vire.
  • Coutantin,
    • Coutance,
    • Carenten,
    • Cherbourg,
    • Granville.
  • Auranchin,
    • Auranches,
    • Mortain,
    • Pone Orson,
    • St. Michael.

CHAP. II. NORMANDY, Normania.

THIS Province was under the Romans, part of the Lugdunensis in Gallia Celtica; and when reduc'd by the French, was part of their Kingdom called Neustria; to which also Picardy, Champaigne, and part of the Belgium belonged. But this part was ravished from them by some of those Northern People, that for many years infested all the Coasts hereabouts, and in the Reign of Charles the Simple, forced him to grant it to them: after which it was called NORMANDY, and Govern'd by its own Dukes descending from Rollo, who were powerful Princes, and often maintained Wars with the Kings of France. Of these William, sirnamed the Bastard, invaded England, upon a right he pretended to that Crown after the death of Edward the Confessor; and by his Valour defeated Harold who had Usurped the Crown; and by his prudent management obtained the Government, and Reigned Twenty years King of England. Afterwards this Province was part of the English Dominions for several Ages, the History whereof is too long for this place. At present it is one of the most Important Governments of France, affording a large Revenue to the Prince by reason of its situation on the Sea-coasts, and the fruitfulness of its Soil

It is bounded on the North and West by the British Chanel, on the East by the Isle of France, and on the South by Perce and Maine, being extended from East to West for the space of about 160 Miles, viz. from Aumal• to the Coasts of Coutantin; and about 70 Miles from South to North. The Country abounds in good Pastures, and is extreamly fertile in Corn and Flax and divers sorts of Fruits, affording great quantities of Canvass, Cyder, and Beer, but little Wine. There are also Mines of Iron, together with some of Copper, and other Metals. Moreover, a considerable Traffick is established in these parts, for Corn, Timber, Coal, Hay, Cattle, and Herbs proper for Dying, as Madder, Woad, &c. Within the Territories of this Government are contained 100 Towns, 150 large Burghs, and 120 Forests; as also, one Archbishoprick, 16 Suffragan Bishopricks, one University, and one Court of Parliament. It is water'd with 12 principal Rivers, viz. the Seine, Eure, Bresle, Touque, Dive, Orne, Vire, Selune, See, Soule, Ouve, and Eu.

Normandy is usually divided into the Upper and Lower, the former comprehending four Bailliages, viz. those of Rouen, Eureux, Caux, and Gisori. And the lower three, namely, those of Caen, Alens•n, and Coutance. But we shall distinguish this Province into the seven Diocesses, which are of Rouen, Lysieux, Bayeux, Coutance, Auranches, Seez, and Eureux. The four first are situated on the Coasts of the English Chanel, in passing from East to West; the three other lie to the South of these, and are seen in returning from West to East; according to the order of the ensuing Table.

The Diocess of Rouen Archbishoprick divided into four Countries, viz. those of

• Vexin Normand on the Banks of the Seine, which contains,
  • Rouen Cap.
  • ...Gisors,
  • ...Pont de l'Arche.
• ...Roumois.
• ...Caux.
• ...Bray.

The Diocess of

• Lysieux, Bish.
• Bayeux, B.
• Coutance, B.
• Auranche, B.
• Seez, B.
• Eureux, B.

ROƲEN or ROAN, Rotomagus aut Rothomagus, the Metropolis of the Province, and Seat of an Archbishop, as also of a Court of Parliament, is seated on the North-side of the River Seine, in a Valley environ'd with Hills and covered with Woods. It is a very considerable City, both on the account of the Wealth of its Inhabitants and its Largeness, being extended for the space of seven Miles in compass. The Eastern-side is water'd with divers Rivulets, which passing through the Town cleanse the Streets, and after having turn'd a great number of Water-Mills fall into the Seine: Over that River was erected a most stately Stone-bridge consisting of 13 Arches, but it is now ruined, and another of Boats of very artificial Structure, built near it, reaching 270 Paces in length; it rises with the Tide and is paved like a Street. The City is defended with an old Castle on the Seine, but that which stood on the adjacent Hill of St. Catherine, is now utterly ruin'd. It hath also good Walls (in which are 16 Gates) large Ditches, Bulwarks, and Rampiers; It is inlarged with six very fair Suburbs, and hath in it 13 Market-places, 136 Fountains and 35 Parish-Churches, and adorn'd with many noble Piles of Building; and, among others, the Cathedral Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Quire whereof is lined round about with Copper: It hath three Towers of a vast height, particularly that of Reuve, and that of the Pyramid; the Spire of which Steeple only (being made of Wood and covered with gilt Lead) hath 200 Steps, and the whole Edifice above 600. The great Bell in it, called George d'Amboise, is 13 foot high, and weighs 40000 pounds: On the great Gate is a Triumphal Arch in Honour of King Henry IV. with Emblems of his Conquest over the Holy League: The Body of the Church is supported by 21 Pillars, in which, and in the Chapel, are to be seen the magnificent Tombs of Cardinal d'Amboise, and of the ancient Dukes and Archbishops; as also, the Monument of John Duke of Bedford, who was Regent of France under our King Henry VI. The other remarkable Buildings are, the Convent of the Cordeliers, the Church of the Jesuits, the old Palace or Castle, the Church and Abby of St. Ouen, and the Palace of the Parliament, which are very beautiful Structures, Also, the Archbishop's Palace, called Gaillon, is a fair Building, adorn'd with fine Paintings, and pleasant Gardens.

Rouen hath suffered many Calamities and Revolutions, it hath been almost entirely burnt at 13 or 14 several times; was taken by the Normans, A.C. 841. the English made themselves Masters thereof in 1418. and in 1449. it was surrender'd to the French King Charles VII. Afterwards it was storm'd and taken by the French Protestants, and retaken and pillaged under Charles IX. Anno. 1562. Anthony of Bourbon, King of Navarre, received a mortal Wound before it, but his Son Henry IV. took it in 1594. King William I. sirnamed the Conqueror died here. It is distant 28 Miles from Eureux, to the North; 34 from Diepe to the South; near 40 from Beauvois to the West; 55 from Amiens to the South-west, 64 from Paris to the North-west, and 52 from Havre de Grace.

Pont de L'arche, Pons Arcos, or Pons Arcuensis, is a strong place seated a little below the confluence of the Rivers Seine and the Eure, and 10 Miles above Rouen to the South toward Eureux. It is strengthened with a Castle, and hath a fair Stone-bridge over the Seine built by King Charles the Bald. This was the first Town that surrender'd it self to Henry IV. after his Accession to the Crown, in 1589. It is a place of Importance, and hath a particular Governor.

Gisors, Gisirium, Caesortium, aut Coesorotium, stands on the Banks of the River Este, which divides Normandy from Picardy, and is fenced with a Fort now half ruin'd; it is the capital of a Bailiage, and is distant 40 Miles from Paris to the North-west, 28 from Rouen, 17 from Mante to the North, and 13 from Beauvais to the South-west.

In the Territory of ROƲMOIS are situated some small Towns and Villages, particularly Quillebeuf, at the Mouth of the River Seine, and 30 Miles from Rouen to the West, and Montfort; but neither of these places are very considerable.

The Country of Canx, lies to the North part of the Vexin Normand, taking up the Northern and Western parts of Normandy on the North side of the Seine, and including a Bailliage of Parliament, together with these principal Towns, viz.

• Diepe. Capital.
• ...Havre de Grace.
• ...Caudebec.
• ...St. Valery.
• ...Eu.
• ...Aumale.

DIEPE, Deppa, and Depa, is a noted Sea-port Town on the Shore of the British Sea, at the distance of 35 Miles from Rouen to the North, and 52 from Havre de Grace to the East. It is seated at the foot of the Mountains, and at the Mouth of the River Arques, which falling into the Sea makes the Haven; it is fortified with Bulwarks to the Sea, with a Fortress at the Suburb called Pollet, and a Castle; which, together with the craggy Mountains that lie on the South make it a place of good strength; and as such it was chosen by King Henry IV. for his Head Quarters when he was opposed by the League at his Accession to the Crown. The Town is reasonably large and well built, and is Inhabited by Sea-faring Men, who are reckon'd very expert in Maritime Affairs: Mechanicks, that make curious Works in Ivory, and Merchants, who make considerable Traffick to foreign Parts, especially Newfoundland in America. Its Inhabitants were mostly Protestants till the late Persecutions. The Haven is narrow but very long, and will receive Ships of great Burthen; but, by reason of its straitness, is of difficult access. This Town hath been often taken and retaken in the Wars between the French and English. And in the last year 1694. was almost totally destroyed by the Bombs that were shot into it from the English Fleet commanded by the Lord Berkeley

HAVRE de GRACE, Portus Gratiae, is a strong Sea-port Town at the Mouth of the Seine between Harfleur and Fescamp, 50 Miles below Rouen to the West, 40 from Caen to the East, and 20 from Lisieux to the North. It is a pleasant and well-built Town, and a place of good Trade, several Merchants inhabiting here that Trade to Newfoundland and other places. Francis I. and Henry II. fortified this Town to defend it from the Incursions of the English; to which Lewis XIII. added a Citadel, which is flanked with four Royal Bastions. In the Reign of Charles IX. it was seized by the Protestants, and by them delivered over to Queen Elizabeth in 1562. for the Assistance she gave them. But the next year it was vigorously besieged by the French, and as couragiously defended by the English under the Earl of Warwick; but by reason of a Pestilence in the Town, they were forced to surrender on the 17th of July 1563. and return home. This Town also was almost wholly destroyed by the Fire of the English Bombs the same year, 1694.

Harfleur, a small Sea-port Town, stands at the mouth of the Seine, five Miles from Havre de Grace to the East. It was once a considerable Port, but Havre de Grace being found more convenient, this is now neglected.

Caudebec, Caledobecum, is seated near the Bar or Mouth of the Seine, where that River meets the Sea-water, 24 Miles below Rouen toward Havre de Grace. It is remarkable on the account of its divers sorts of Manufactures, especially Hats, which bear the name of the place, and are much esteem'd in England and elsewhere.

EƲ, Auga seu Augum & Eusium, is seated in the midst of pleasant Meadows, and on the banks of the River Brele which separates Normandy from Picardy, between Diepe and S. Valery, at the distance of one League from the Sea, 10 Miles from Diepe to the East, and 20 from Abbeville to the West. It is adorned with a stately Castle, an Abbey and a College of Jesuits; it gives Title to a Count and Peer of France, which hath been enjoy'd by several illustrious Families.

S. Valery, Fanum sancti Valeri, stands on the Coasts of the British Sea, between Soreville and Veuleres, 35 Miles from Rouen to the North, and 16 from Diepe to the West.

Aumale, Albamala, called Albemarle by the English, stands near the Spring-head of the River Russine in the Lower Normandy, and enjoys the Titles of a County and Dutchy: It is distant 36 Miles from Rouen to the N. E. 20 from Abbeville to the South, and 23 from Beauvais to the North.

Near Caudebec stands the Village Yvetot, which hath the Title of a Principality, and as some say, formerly a Kingdom. Longueville 10 Miles South from Diepe, and Estoutville 15 Miles from Longueville give the Titles of Dukes to two Peers of France, but otherwise not considerable.

The County of BRAY is extended on the right side of the River Seine, and contains these Towns, viz.

• Gournay, Cap.
• ...Fleri.
• La Ferte, &c.

GOƲRNAY, Gornacum, is a small Town on the River Epte, distant 12 Miles from Gisors, and three from Neuf-Marche to the North.

The Diocess of LYSIEƲX lies between those of Rouen, Eureux, and Seez, and the Ocean.

• Lisieux, Bish. Cap.
• ...Honfleur,
• ...Pont-l' Eveque.
• Bernay, &c.

LYSIEƲX, Lexovium, aut Noviomagus Lexoviorum, a fair and large City, being the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Archbishop of Rouen, is situated in a very beautiful Country in the Upper Normandy, and on the Banks of the River Lizon, at the distance of 15 Miles from the Coasts of the British Chanel to the South, 46 from Rouen to the West, and 35 from Caen to the East. The Cathedral Church is dedicated to St. Peter. This See is of ancient Foundation, for Lotharius Bishop of Lysieux is found among the Bishops that assisted at the first Council of Orleans, held A. D. 511 as did also Theobald at the Third Council of Orleans, in A. D. 538.

Henfleur, Honflorium, stands on the Coasts of the British Sea, at the Mouth of the River Seine, over-against Harfleur, from whence it is distant 8 miles to the South, as also 8 from Havre de Grace.

Pont L'eveque, Pons Episcopi, is Watered by the small River of Lezon, 8 miles below Lysieux to the North, toward Havre de Grace, and 5 from the Sea. This Town is more especially famous for a sort of excellent Cheese made in it.

Berna, Bernascum, is built on the side of the Rivulet of Carentonne, almost in the midst, between Evreux to the East, and Lisieux to the West, at the distance of 25 miles from both these Towns, and 26 from Caudebec to the South.

The Diocess of BAYEƲX, lyes between the Ocean and those of Coutance, Sees and Lisieux, including these chief Towns, viz.

• Bayeux Bish. Cap.
• ...Caen.
• ...Vire.
• Torigni, &c.

BAYEƲX Baiocae, Baiocum and Baiocensis Ʋrbs, olim Biducassel, Biducassum and Juliobona, is Seated on the River Aure, which a little below is swallow'd up under Ground. It is distant 17 miles from Caen to the West, 35 from Coutance to the N. E. and but 5 from the Shore of the British Sea to the South. It is a very ancient City dignified with the Title of a County, Bailiage, and Episcopal See; and its Bishop presides in the General Assemblies of the Clergy of the Province, during the Absence of the Archbishop of Rouen. The Cathedral Church Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is extreamly Magnificent, and Beautiful with two high Spire-Steeples, besides a stately Tower. The City is divided into the Upper, and the Lower or the Suburbs of St. John; whereto are joyned those of St, George and St. Patrick. It hath been often Pillag'd and Ruin'd in the X. and XI. Centuries, by the Incursions of the Normans, and other barbarous Nations.

CAEN, Cadmus, aut Cadomum, is a large and well built City in the lower Normandy, having received its Name (according to the Opinion of some Authors) from Caius Caesar, as the Latin word Cadomus, a Cai Domus seems to import, in regard this Emperor resided here for some time, whilst he made preparations to pass into England. It is situated on the River Orne, and divided by its streams into the upper and lower Towns, between which there is a Communication, by the means of the Bridges of St. James and St. Pet•r, on the latter whereof is erected a stately Town-House, adorn'd with four large Towers. The upper Town is fenced with a Castle built on a Rock, very well fortified; the lower altogether incompassed with Water. It is a place of good Trade, Boats of good burden being able to come up from the Sea to the Bridge of St. James, King Charles VII. Founded an University here, A D. 1430, or 1431 which is become Famous; also a Mint-Office about the same time. An Academy of Ingenious Men hath been Establish'd about twenty five years ago. It is believed that the second Council which Maurice Archbishop of Rouen Celebrated, A. D. 1063, was held at Caen, in the Presence of William, Surnamed the Conquerour, King of England, and Duke of Normandy, who was interr'd in the Abby of St. Stephen in this City, which he had founded. This City is distant 74 Miles from Roan to the West, 30 from Lisieux, and 15 from Bayeux to the East.

Vire, Vira, is a very neat Town, Founded on the Banks of a small River of the same Name, about 33 Miles from Caen to the South-West, somewhat less from Coutance to the East, and as many from the Coast of the British Sea to the South.

Torigny, Toriniacum, Tauriniacum, is a small Town near the same River of Vire, being distant 15 Miles from that Town to the North, and 33 from Coutance to the East.

The Diocess of COƲTANCE lies in the lower Normandy, between Bayeux, Auranches, and the Western Ocean. The Principal Towns whereof are these, viz.

• Coutance Bish. Cap.
• ...S. Lo.
• ...Granville.
• ...Carentain.
• ...Barfleur.
• ...Cherbourg.
• ...Valogne.

COƲTANCE, or Constance, Castra Constantia, aut Casedae, the Metropolis of the Country called from thence Le Contantin, is a Bailiage, a Presidial, and the See of a Bishop Suffragan to Roan, Seated on the River Burd, at the distance of 7 miles from the Sea over against the Isle Jersey to the East; 52 miles from Caen to the West, and 22 from Auranches to the North. The Aqueducts found in the Adjacent Territories of this City are a sufficient mark of its Antiquity; and the pleasant Meadows watered with a great number of Brooks, with which it is encompassed, render its Situation very delightful. It is pretty large and Populous, and adorn'd with many stately Edifices, particularly the Cathedral Church, the Churches of St. Peter and of St. Nicholas, divers Monasteries, a Colledge Founded by John Michael, a Canon of this Diocess, &c. King Lewis XI. caused the Walls of Coutance to be demolish'd, because the Inhabitants had declared in favour of Prince Charles his Brother; and under the same Reign it was exposed to the Incursions of the Bretons. It suffered much likewise during the English Wars, and was taken by the French Protestants, A. D. 1562.

Granville, Grandivilla, aut Magnavilla, a good Seaport, stands partly on a Rock, partly in a plain, on the Coasts of the British Chanel, 17 miles S. from from the Island of Jersey; as also 16 from Coutance to the South, 16 from Auranches to N. W, and 13 from Mont St. Michael to the North.

Carentan, Carentonium is built in a Marsny Ground on the side of the River Ouve, where it receives the Carentan or Carente, being distant 25 miles from Bayeux, to the W. 20 from Coutance to the S. and only 3 from the Sea; insomuch that Vessels of the largest size arrive there at high Tides. It hath large Suburbs, a strong Castle, and firm Walls, and environed with Ditches full of Water. This Town bears the Title of a County, and hath been subject to divers revolutions in the preceeding Age.

Cherbourg, Caroburgus, aut Caesaris Burgus, is seated on the Sea-coasts between the Cape La Hogue and Harfleur, and hath a very Capacious Harbour, at the distance of 32 miles from Coutance to the N. and 24 from Carentan to the N. W. In this place was formerly made admirable Glass, which for clearness and beauty even excels that of Venice; but the Work-houses have been lately remov'd for certain reasons of State, to Auxerre in Burgundy, and these Glasses are polish'd in the Fauxbourg St. Antoine at Paris. The Town of Cherburgh was the last of the Province that remained to the English, and fell into the Hands of the French under Charles VII. in 1453 It is very strong by reason of its Situation, (the Sea flowing almost round it every Tide,) and its Fortifications lately erected.

Valognes, Valoniae, olim Alaune, is a small Town on the River Ovue, in the Country of Coutantin, being distant 10 miles from the Coasts of the British Sea, 14 from Cherbourg to the East, and 30 from Coutance to the North.

Barfleur, a small Town on the Sea-shoar, 10 miles from Valognes to the North. It was formerly the Landing-place of our Kings that were Masters of that Province. And hath of late been made known by a very signal Victory the English Fleet, commanded by Admiral Russel, obtained over that of France, Commanded by Tourville, May 1692.

LA HOGƲE, a small Sea-Town on the North-west point of Normandy, thence called Cape la Hogue, which hath been made notable to Posterity by the bravery of the English Seamen, who after the above mentioned Victory in 1692, did attack and burn the French Admiral, call'd the Royal Sun, (a very Glorious and large Ship) and twelve more of their best and largest Men of War; which had been run aground here to avoid the English Fleet, and the Canon carried a shoar and planted upon the plat-forms for their defence; notwithstanding which, the English under Sir Ralph Delaval, did in their Boats burn them all as abovesaid. This Cape is about 15 miles North from Cherbourg.

The Diocess of AƲRANCHES lyes between those of Coutance, Bayeux and Seez, in the most Western and Southern parts of the lower Normandy. Its most remarkable Towns are these.

• Auranches Bish. Cap.
• ...Mont St. Michael.
• ...Mortain.
• ...Pont Orson.

AƲRANCHES, Abrincae, olim Legedia and Ingena Abrincataurum, stands upon a Hill on the side of the River See, which a little below falls into the Sea, being distant 22 miles from Coutance to the South, 37 from St. Malo to the East, and 47 from Bayeux to the S. W. It is a place of very great Antiquity, and (as it is supposed) was inhabited by the Ambiliates, a People mentioned by Caesar in his Commentaries. Its extent is not very large, but it is however a Bailiwick and Vicounty, and hath in it besides the Cathedral, several Parish-Churches and Monasteries. It is well Fortified with a strong Castle and other Bulwarks. Theodia and Albert, Cardinals and Legates of the See of Rome, held a Council or Assembly in this City, by the special Order of Pope Alexander III. to take information concerning the Murderes of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury; and Henry II. King of England was thereupon oblig'd to clear himself by an Oath from the Accusations laid to his charge. The Bishoprick was erected by Clovis the Great,

Mont St. Michael, Mons Sancti Michaelis in Periculo Maris, is a large Town, together with a famous Abby, defended by a strong Castle, built at the foot of a Rock, which was heretofore a Mountain encompassed with Forests, with the Seat of certain Hermits. This Rock stands in the midst of a large sandy Shoar, or Strand, which is cover'd with the Sea-water at high tide. There goes a Fabulous Story, that St. Michael the Arch-Angel appeared A. D. 708 to Albert Bishop of Auranche, admonishing him to cause a Church to be erected on the top of this Rock, and Consecrated to his Name, whose Orders were soon put in execution by the Reverend Prelate, and Augustin Bishop of the same Diocess in the begining of the VIII. Century, constituted Canons to Officiate therein; afterward, viz. in 966 Richard I. Duke of Normandy, founded an Abby of the Benedictine Order; and his Son Richard the II. Surnamed the Undaunted, finished the Church in 1026. This place is famous for the frequent resort of Pilgrims, and on the account of the great quantities of Salt extracted out of the Sands that are impregnated with Sea-water.

Mortain, Moritanium, is seated near the River Ardee, on the Frontiers of the Province of Maine, being about 7 miles distant from thence, and 14 from Vire to the South. This Town is the seat of a Bailiff, and enjoys the title of a County or Earldom, which Henry I. King of England and Duke of Normandy, granted to his Nephew Stephen of Blois, who obtain'd also that of Bolen, by his Marriage with Maud the Daughter of Eustace Earl of Bolen, and was afterwards King of England.

Pont-Orson, Pons Ʋrsonis, Stands on the Frontiers of Bretaigne, near the mouth of the River Covesnon, which a little below dischargeth it self into the Sea, almost in the mid-way between Auranches to the East and Dol to the West, at the distance of about 15 miles from both, and 6 from Mount St. Michael.

The Diocess of SEES is extended between those of Auranches, Bayeux and Lisieux; toward the Southern part of Normandy, and contains these principal Towns, viz.

• Seez Bish. Cap.
• ...Alenson.
• ...Falaize.
• ...Argentan.

SEEZ, Sagium, olim Sessui and Vagoricum Sessuorum, is seated on the River Orne, near its Source, and but an ordinary built City, although dignified with the title of an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Roan, which (as some Authors say) was translated hither from Oximum or Hiesmes, an adjacent Town of great Antiquity. Seex is distant 64 miles from Roan to the S. W. 37 from Lisieux to the S. 70 from Auranches to the E. and 12 from the Frontiers of Mayne.

Alencon, Alencomium, aut Alentia, is pleasantly seated on the River Sarte, in a fruitful plain between the Forests of Escours and Perseigne, at the distance of 13 miles from Seez to the S. and 66 from Auranches to the E. It is a very fair and large City, having long since enjoyed the title of an Earldom, which was erected into a Duchy by Charles VI. 1414. and hath been often conferr'd on the Royal Progeny of France. In the principal Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, are to be seen the Tombs of the Dukes of Alenson, and not far from thence a stately Bridge erected over the Sarte, where it intermixeth its Waters with those of the Briane, which forms a small Island in the Town, whereon stands the Convent of St. Claire. This City hath been often taken by different Parties, and suffered much damage during the Civil Wars of France.

Falaise, Falesia, aut Falesa, a small Town of the Lower Normandy, took its Name from the Rocks that environ it, and is situated on the little River Anne, at the distance of 18 miles from Caen to the South, and 34 from Seez to the North-West. The first Dukes of Normandy chose it for their Palace in the time of Peace, and Fortress during the Wars. Here is a strong Castle built upon a Rock. It was the last place which the English subdued in this Province, and was by them exceedingly well fortified; and the last in like manner that surrendred to Charles VII. in 1430. The Suburbs called La Guibray, are famous for the Fairs that have been held there in the month of August, ever since the Reign of William the Conqueror. The Town is encompassed with large Motes and two Ponds, one of which can never be dried up; and not far from thence stands Mount Arienes, whence Birds of Prey are often taken, and sometimes Eagles.

Argentan, Argentomum, Argentanum, Argentomacum, aut Argentomagum, is a very neat Town on the River Orne, distant about 10 miles from Falaise to the S. E. 12 from Seez to N. W. and 20 from Alenson to the North.

The Diocess of EƲREƲX lies between those of Seez, Rouen, and Lisieux, towards the Southern and Western parts of Normandy. The most considerable Towns whereof are these, viz.

• Evreux, Bish. Cap.
• ...Beaumont le Roger,
• ...Bretueil,
• ...Bugles,
• ...Vernon.

EVREƲX, Ebroicum, olim Ebroicae, and Mediolanum, Eburovisum, is seated in a very fertil Plain in the upper Normandy, and on the side of the Rivulet Iton, which a little below falls into the Eure, being distant 30 miles from Roan to the S. 48 from Seez to the E. and 54 from Paris to the W. It is a very ancient City; and an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Rouen, hath been long since establish'd therein; besides a Bailliage and a Court called Presidial. It contains a great number of Churches and Monasteries, more especially the Cathedral, adorned with 12 large Towers, and the Abbies of St. Thurin and St. Saviour. This City hath been formerly subject to the Jurisdiction of its own Counts or Earls, Princes of the Royal Blood, and other Potent Lords, from whom were descended Walter and Robert D'Evreux, Earls of Essex in England, &c.

Beaumont Le Roger, Bellomontium Rogerii, stands on a rising-ground, 15 miles from Evreux to the West towards Lysieux, and is water'd by the River Rille. This Town bears the Title of a County or Earldom, and hath been Govern'd by very Noble Lords, of whom Earl Roger gave his name to it, and caus'd it to be enlarged and beautified with a great many fair buildings; since when it hath been well Fortified.

Bretueil, Bretolium and Britolium, is extended along the Banks of the River Iton, about 12 miles from Evreux to the South-west. Henry II. King of England, and Duke of Normandy, gave this Town to Robert de Montfort; and his Sister Amicia sold it to the French King Philip the August, A. D. 1210. Afterward it devolv'd as an Inheritance on Charles King of Navarre, who exchang'd it for some other Possessions with Charles VII. in 1416.

Vernon, Vernonium, and Verno, is water'd by the River Seyne, over which is erected a Stone-bridge now half demolish'd; distant 26 miles from Roan to the South, and 16 from Evreux to the North-east.

For the Government of this Province the King appoints a Governor or Commander in general, who is at present the Duke de Montauzier, and under him, two Lieutenant-Generals; besides which, he hath a Lieutenant in every one of the seven Bailiwicks, and particular Governors in all the chief Towns, viz. In Roan, Pont de l'Arche, Diep and the Fort of Pollet, Fecan, Honfleur, Pont-Eveque, Caen, Cherbourg, Carentan and the Bridge Pouvre, Coutance, Granville, Mont St. Michael, Falaise, Argentan, Alencon, Havre de Grace, Montiervillers and Horfleur.

A Chronological TABLE, shewing the Succession of the Dukes of Normandy.

Began their Reigns,	A. D.	reig. Y's.
1 ROllo, called also Robert I.	912	5
2 William, Surnamed Longsword.	917	26
3 Richard I. the Old or void of Fear.	943	53 or 56
4 Richard II. the Ʋndaunted.	996	about 30
5 Richard III.	1026	2
6 Robert II.	1028	7
7 William the Conqueror, K. of Engl.	1035	52
8 Robert III.	1087	20
9 William II. Rufus, King of England, Slain in	1100
10 Henry I. King of England.	1507	28
11 Stephen King of England.	1135
Maud of England, died in	1167
Geoffry V. Earl of Anjou, the Husband of Maud.
12 Henry II. King of England.	1154	38
Henry the younger, Surnamed Courtmantle.
	1161
Died before his Father.	1183
13 Richard IV. Sur-named Coeur de Lyon.	1189	10
14 John King of England, who was Dispossessed of Normandy by Philip II. King of France, in	1202
And died in	1216
After this, Normandy was United to the Crown of France, and the Title of it was given to
15 John of Valois, afterwards King of France, who held it from	1332	23
And to
16 Charles V. of France in the Life of his Father.	1355
But these enjoy'd the Title only, for it was not alienated till it was regained by the English under our Valiant King Henry V. A. D. 1420, which was 218 years after it was Seized by the French; but the English held it not long, for by reason of our unhappy Divisions at home in the unfortunate Reign of Henry VI. this Province was again taken by the French, 30 years after we had regain'd it.
Afterwards the Title of Duke of Normandy, was given to
17 Charles, Son of Charles VII. and Brother to Lewis XI. in Anno	1464

But he parted with it quickly after for that of Guienne; and ever since it hath been no other than a Province of France.