THe Towne of Stamford alias Stant­ford, alias Stampford, (for by so many severall names the same is cal­led in divers Records) is scituated up­on the furthest point West in the County of Lincolne, on the confines of the Counties of Rutland and Northampton: the same and Stam­ford-Baron adjoyning, are placed in a very healthfull pleasant, and tempe­rate ayre, which in the forme thereof doth frame the figure of a Roman T. It is watered on the South parts with the River of Welland, which hath the originall Spring in the County of Leicester, towards the West not farre from the [Page 2] Towne of Harborow. From whence extending her streame she devideth by her Channell in the beginning of her course the Coun­ties of Leicester and Northampton; and so gliding with her silver current Eastward in her journey proves a fruitfull Parent ma­king her self the rich Mother of Gréene-Hew, and many severall coloured flowers which she brings forth upon the fruitfull Medowes enamelling the same therewith all along as she passeth de [...]iding be­fore she come at Stamford the Counties of Rutland and North­hampton, and then ariving there, with her fragrant streame she devideth the same from the Towne and Parish of Stamford-Ba­ron, in the County of Northampton; a place though not subject to the Mace of Stamfords government, yet joyned to the same in all Taxes, Subsidies, Fifteenes▪ and other payments to the State a­mounting to a fifth part of a full mul [...]t, and so subjugating her self to passe under the stony yoake of a Bridge of five Arches, she holds on her constant travell towards the East, thence making a separati­on betwixt the Counties of Lincolne and Northampton, till she comes to the Towne of Crowland, where she drowneth her self and name in the Fennes of Holland and payes the tribute of her waves to the Monarch Neptune by delivering her waters towards Lynne in the County of Norfolke into the grand Ocean.

This Towne of Stamford is of great antiquity, and was built (as the tradition goes) 863 yeares before the Incarnation of Christ by Bladud a King of the Britaines, who being himself a great Philosopher endeavoured at this Towne to plant the study of Philo­sophy▪ in emulation or imitation of the ancient Athenian Schooles, and drawing hither the learnedst and gravest men of that Science that were to be found in the whole World, it flourished in all man­ner of Heathenish learning till the time of K. Lucius, who was the first that here imbraced the Christian Faith by the Preaching of Fu­gatius and Damianus, sent hither into Britaine by Eleutherus Bi­shop of Rome; and as before it was [...]ery famous through the world for the great proficiency of Ethnick learning▪ so in that bles­sed time when England was first inlightened with the glorious beames of the Gospell, it much more flourished with Learned▪ Holy and Religious men, who very devoutly taught the Soule-saving [Page 3] knowledge of CHRIST; Insomuch that in a short time (accor­ding to the Devotion of those times) in and about Stamford eight Houses of Religion, thirteene Parish Churches, and three Chap­pels, all of them in or neare the same Towne were erected, (as shall hereafter in the proper place be more particularly named) the same being furnished with the Learnedest and gra [...]est men of that Age: the fame of whose Piety and Learning caused many of the Christi­an Princes and other Great men neighbouring upon the Isles of Britaine, to send their Sonnes and Friends hither to be taught and educated by those pious Masters▪ whereby it in those dayes at­tayned to the name and honour of an University. But as no glory is parmanent in this transitory life, so in time the lustre of this bright shining tapor of Fame began to wax d [...]mme and to decline by the foggie and pestiferous mysts of Heresie and Errours; like mortall Diseases breeding in a body long inured with Peace, health and quietnesse, which caused the Stamford [...]an University to be dissol­ved by the Decree and Power of Gregory then Bishop of Rome, about the yeare after the Incarnation of Christ, 727.

ABout the yeare after the Incarnation of Christ 116, Canu [...]us the heathen King of Denmark invading England with a potent Army, amongst other of his spoyles and rapines layd wast the Towne of Stamford, which not long after was by Aliren the second his Successour, re-edified and a Bridge [Page 4] of Stone built over the River of Welland leading into Stamford-Baron, it remained without Castle or Walls till the time of Ed­mund Ironside a Saxon King, about 200 yeares before the Nor­man Conquest, who built the Castle and compassed the Towne with a wall of Stone of an indifferent height, for the better defence against the Danes invasion, garnishing the same with Five strong and stately Watch-towers, two towards the Water-side for the discovery and defence against the Enemy towards the South, the one called Béesfort, the other Holme-towes: The other three Bulworkes or Watch-towers are towards the East, North, and West, for the discovery and defence against the Enemy on those parts, called Carpe-tower, White-tower, and North Bul­worke.

The Walls have in them Five principall Gates or entries, Peter-gate on the West St. Clements-gate on the North, Paul-gate, and St. Georges-gate toward the East, and the Bridge gate to­wards the South: To these may be added a Sixth standing North­east called the New-gate, but made long since the ancient Gates were erected all the rest appearing to have slippes of strong Port­cullesses, which New-gate wanteth. Besides there is toward the South, two ancient Posterne-gates which seeme as ancient as the Walls themselves, the one joyning to the Bridge-gate ▪ the other not farre from St. Georges-gate, leading into the Tenter-Mea­dowes.

But as the length of time corrupteth not only manners and good Government from the ancient intent and integrity thereof but also Stone walls from their true use and sufficiency, so hath it brought to passe in these more moderne Times, that the manners of good and carefull government of Majestrates becomming corrupted, eyther by self-seeking Covetousnesse, or friendly partiality, have so farre cor­rupted these very walls of Stone that they have lost the true use and strength of them contrary to the intent and wise meaning of the first-Founders, by permitting the adjacent Inhabitants within them to make back-doores out of them: [...]o that one may say, so many Tenements as border upon them so many new Posternes are made out of them, serving for no other purpose then for the letting in and [Page 5] out at unlawfull houres Night-walkers and suspected persons, which feare to appeare in the presence of a Watch, or to be seene in the heart of a Towne, or to come within the compasse of the awfull eye of the publique Majestrate, things of no small and dangerous consequence in the times eyther of Peace or Warre, especially where they are permitted to the backsides of Victualing-houses, as too many of them are.

The Castle was scituated whilest it stood upon the side of an Hill (as indeed all the Towne stands upon the rising of an hill) but the Castle-hill appeares somewhat artificiall, being cast up round and higher then the ordinary degree, stan­ding well towards the middest of the Towne and somwhat South-west, facing the River with a very pleasant prospect.

Cum Edwardus Senior [...]ustrales fluminum ripas contra Danos et Aquilone irruentes communi [...]et è regione etiam hujus i [...] Australi [...]ipa (que nun [...] Stamford-Baron voca­tur) firmissimam arcem con­struxisse. Nusquam tamen hodie apparet nae [...] quod inte­stino bello Stephanus contra Henricum Andegavensem fir­mavit in ipso oppido fuisse et firma obtin [...] ipsius area etiam­num ostendit. Camden Britt. in Com. Lincolne. Mr. Camden makes mention of ano­ther Castle somtimes standing in Stam­ford-Baron, built by Edward the Elder a Saxon King, as a Fortification against the Danes, which was destroyed in the warres betwixt King Stephen and Henry the second; and indeed the very ruines thereof are now come to ruine for no place there appeares to give evidence where it stood.

To manifest the profitable and pleasant scituation of this Towne, the Munkes, Friers, and Nunnes of those superstitious times (like so many Rats or Mice, which make choyce to reed of the daintie [...] Cheese) made choyce of this place to build here severall receptacles, as one observes of them.

For in and about this Towne they had no lesse then Eight severall [Page 6] Cells or Monastories; as namely, the Gray-Fryers, the White-Fryers, the Black-Fryers, the Augustine-Fryers, St. Leo­nards (being a Cell belonging to the Abbey of Durham) New­sted Monastory, the Hermitage (being the place where now the Spittle-house standeth) and a house of Nunnes in Stamford-Baron.

Heere hath been likewise in former times (as I said before) thir­teene Parish Churches besides three Chappels, namely St Maries, All-Saints, St. Thomas, St. Michaels, St Iohns, Trinity Church, Paules Church, Peter Church, St. Georges, St. An­drews, Clement Church, St. Stephens, and St. Martins, in Stamford-Baron.

Also Benet Chappell, St. Thomas Chappell, and Magdaline Chappell. These are now all reduced into five Parishes within the liberties, and St. Martins without, namely, St. Maries, All-Saints, St. Michaels, St. Iohns, and St. Georges; and yet none of all these six Parishes (excepting All-Saints) hath so much maintenance belonging to any of them as wil competently maintain a Minister in them, a thing which may seeme very strange when sixteene severall Benefices are reduced to the number of five, or 6. But I conceive the reason to be heere as it is in the University of Cambridge, which hath in it (as I take it) 15 Parish Churches, and yet not any one of them of any competent maintenance; be­cause the fellowes of the severall Colledges do officiate in those seve­rall cures for the better exercise and practice of their Ministery, as having their chiefest maintenance from the Colledges: even so the Munks of the severall Monastories in this place (whilest those Mona­stories stood) did officiate in the severall Parishes here, having their principall maintenance from the Monastories; which being dissolved most of these Parishes became united (especially those that had any maintenance unto them) for the support of the future Ministery, and those that had meerely nothing were totally ruinated.

This Town hath in it to the number of a Eleven indifferent faire Streets, and 10 small streets or Lanes, well replenished with houses, but in former times (as appears by the ruines of many ancient buil­dings) it was much more populous then now it is (the reason of [Page 7] which hereafter appeareth in the proper pl [...]e). The names of the Streets and Lanes are as followeth Peter-hill Street St. Maries Street, Pauls Street, S. Michaels Street▪ S. Geo [...]ges Street, Cle­ment-hill (where the Friday Market-Crosse s [...]nds) Clip [...]ill St. Maries Market Street, All-Hallowes gate the Bridge-street the Market-street, Cle-ment Lane, Star Lane Goldsmiths Lane, Manerly Lane, Chenie Lane, S. Thomas Lane, S. Iohns Lane, S. Maries Lane, Castle-dike, and Pillory-nooke, where the white meate Market is kept.

The Towne is watered by two common Conduits▪ as namely by St. Michaels and Pauls Conduits, besides it hath foure common wheel-Wells belonging thereunto, All-Hallowes Well, St▪ Geor­ges Well Poule Well and Clement Well: the Conduits are fed by pipes of lead which descend from a spring called the Conduit-head, being twelve-score or thereabouts without the Walls, upon the North-east of the Town in the common field, and hath the Land next adjoyning to it for the benefit both of the Spring and Conduit.

MAster Cambden in his learned Britania in the Coun­ty of Lincolne describes the scituation, Cambden Britta [...] [...]. stctruure, and generall Priviledges, anciently used in this Town in these words. In limite ad Wellandum flu­minū Stamford sed et è Saxo structili unde et nomen aedificatum oppi [...]um frequens et varijs immunitatibus [...], muro (que) firmatum Geldum per duodecem hundredis, et dimi­di [...] dedit in exercitu navigio et Dane-gelt, ibi (que) fuerunt sex custodiae. With this in part agrees the Booke of Crowland which makes mention of Stamford and Stamford-shire.

Moreover Iohn Stow in his Chronicle reports, Stow, pag. 131. that in the time of King Athelstone before the conquest, there was a Mint for the coy­ning of Money in Stamford-Baron; so that without doubt the [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...] [Page 8] limits of the Iurisdiction and liberties of Stamford have been farre beyond what now they are.

The ancient owners of this Town have been many, but all hol­ding from the Crown in chief, the Tower roll makes mention that King Iohn gave the Castle and Town of Stamford to William Earl Warren, after the death of which Earle Warren, Henry the third sei­sed the Castle and Towne, and gave the same to Edward his sonne who held them, and when he came to be King he gave the same to Iohn Earle Warren; Iohn Earle Warren ga [...]e amongst other things the said Castle and Town againe to the King after his death▪ the said Iohn dyed the 21 ^th of Edward the third seised of the said Castle and Town for life, the remainder to the King as appeares by the inquisi­tion upon the Tower Roll taken after the death of the said Iohn in the 21 ^th yeare of the said King Edward the third. Edward the third, after the death of the said Iohn Earle Warren, gave the said Ca­stle and Towne to William de B [...]hume Earle of Northampton, and to his Heires males, and in default of such issue, the remainder to the King.

The said William Earle of Northampton dyed without Heires Males, whereupon the reversion of the said Castle and Town did a­gaine returne into the Crown and so continued till the first of Ed­ward the fourth, in which said first yeare by Letters Patents, bea­ring date the 1. of Iune, the said King Edward the 4.th granted the said Town and Castle to his Mother Sisley Dutches of York for the terme of her life, the remainer to the King and his Heires, after the death of the said Sisley Dutches of York, the same remained in the Crown till the time of Queene Elizabeth, at what time William Cecell then newly made Lord Burleigh, a man great in the State and also lately become great in possessions in and about Stamford, being trusted by the Townsmen for the obtaining of the Fee-farme therof for the use of the Corporation, he obtained the same for him­selfe, in whose posterity it as yet remaineth to the great disadvan­tage of the said Town.

THe Government of Stamford was long before their written Charter held, and used amongst themselves by an ancient Prescription, which was called the Aldermanry of the Guild, as strong and as large (if not more strong then now the same is setled by the Charters of the first and 15 ^th of Edward the 4 ^th, who was the first that did incorporate the Town by Letters Patents). For it ap­peareth upon the Tower-Roll in the third yeare of King Edward the first, Per veredictum duodec [...]m minorum Ville de Stamford R [...] ­tul. hundred. Lincoln. ibi fuerunt duodecem qui vocantur LE­GEMANI qui sic vocabantur quia ab antiqu [...] fuerunt Iudices legum in eadem Villam. Whereby it is manifest, that in those dayes there were Twelve men in Stamford which were called Legemani, because they were Iudges of the Law, and had the law in their hands for the Government of this Towne.

Edward the 4 ^th in the first yeare of his Raigne Anno Dom. 1461. by his Charter directed to George Chapman, the first incorporate Alderman, and others both of the upper and lower Bench, then called the Comburgesses and Capitall-burgesses (being then the first and second Twelve, as they are more particulerly named in the said Charter, but since inlarged by a later Charter, To the Alderman and twelve Comburgesses, and to the number of 24 Capitall Burgesses) did incorporate the said Towne both in Name and [Page 10] Deed by the name of the Alderman and Burgesses of Stamford, and thereby gave or rather confirmed unto the same many great and profitable Priviledges; as to be freed from the Sheriffes juris­diction, and from being put on Inquests out of the Towne, to have the returne of all Writs, to be freed from all Lords Lieutenants; or their Deputies in respect of taking of Musters; as touching the Militia of the said Towne, making the Alderman for the time be­ing the Kings immediate Lieutenant within his Liberties and Iuris­diction, and to be within the same the second man within the King­dome; to have one or more Mace or Maces of Gold or Silver at his choyce to be carried before him for his greater honour and dignity; to have a common Seale at Armes, and for the more honour there­of, the same are allowed to be the Armes of England, both in Field, colour, and posture without difference, impaled with the checkie Coat, Or and Azure of Earle Warren, the ancient Lord (as hath been said) of this Towne; and further, to doe and execute within the same and Liberties thereof, Vt ab antiquo usu fuerunt, as of ancient time they had been accustomed▪ which makes it evi­dent that this Charter is but a new Confirmation of more ancient Priviledges.

The Naturalists report, that the Viperous brood are procreated by the destruction of both the Parents; the Male destroyed in the act of generation, the Female at the time of bringing forth: Such a generation of Vipers have frō time to time unfortunatly been got­ten and brought forth in this Town, I meane, men who have been begotten into prime O [...]fices by the votes and suffrages of others, by which very act they have proved the ruine of those which begat them, and being conceived in the wombe of their Offices, to make themselves a Birth to their better benefit and greater prefe [...]ment, have torne out the bowels of this their nourishing Mother, by pur­loyning from her, her ancient Records. Charters, and miniments, rending to the death and destruction of this Corporation, only to advance their private designes, together with the designes of the Townes common enemy; whereby our ancient Immunities ap­peare no otherwise, then scatteringly here and there upon the Tow­er Roll little better then meere circumstances; yet pregnant Evi­dences [Page 11] of more ancient Priviledges: So that at this day wee ca [...] shew none under any authentick warrant beyond the first yeare of the Raigne of King Edward the fourth.

But to proceed since the obtaining of this first Charter, the same hath been Confirmed by divers Iuspeccimusses from all the succee­ding Kings and Queenes that have been Soveraignes to the time of King CHARLES that now is, and divers new Grants added; as the Munday Market, the three Fayres of Simon and Iude, Gréene-goose Fayre, and St. Iames Fayre, having formerly but the Friday Market, and the great Mid-lent Mart, the profits of which only belong to the Lord, these later to the Corporation.

By a late Inspeccimus, there is granted to the Alderman and Burgesses, to hold a Court of Pleas of all actions Reall, personall or mixt, to the value of 40. l. And to hold Sessions and Goale deli­very, for all Criminall actions perpetrated and done within the Li­berty (high Treason and pettie Treason only excepted.)

This Towne hath (as many other ancient Boroughes of England have) a power to send up two Burgesses to every Parliament: So that they have not only the power to execute Lawes, but also a share in making of lawes: And here is to bee observed the reason, why the Princes and policy of England have had a regard, as it were to the fencing and hedging about the Cities and ancient Boroughs of this Land with Priviledges and Immunities, for the stronger de­fence, preservation and maintenance of the same, and that for di­vers great and weighty ends and purposes. In the time of William the Conquerour it is constitured by the said King in these words; Item nullum Mercatum vel forum sit nec fieri permittatur nisi in Ci­vitatibus Regni nostri & in Burgis clausis & muto vallatis & Castel­lis, & locis tutissimus ubi consuetudines Regni nostri & jus nostrum commune & dignitates Coronae nostrae quae constitutae sunt a bonis Prae­decessoribus nostris deperire non possunt nec defraudari, nec viol [...]ri, sed omnia rite & [...]er judicium & justiciam fieri debent: Et ideo Castel­la & Burgi & Civitates sunt & fundatae & edificata scilicet ad tui­tionem gentium & populorum Regni, & ad defencionem Regni & id­circo observari debent cum omne libertate et integritate et ratione.

So as by this it appeares, Lamb. fol. 125. that Cities and ancient Boroughs [Page 12] (as this Towne is) were instituted for three purposes.

• First, the conservation of the Customes of the Kingdome, and the common Right and Dignity of the Crowne.
• 2. For the defence of the Nation, and the people of the King­dome.
• 3. And as for the defence of the Kingdome, so for the conserva­tion of the Lawes thereof, by which Lawes every man in­joyes his owne in Peace; for tuition and defence of the Kings subjects, and for the keeping of the Kings peace in time of suddaine uproares; and finally for the Defence of the Realme against outward and inward hostilitie.

And indeed the Graunts of Kings and Soveraigne Princes, either to Counties, Cities, or Townes corporate, makes such Counties, Cities, and Townes corporate▪ as it were small County Palatines within themselves, in giving them power for the better Govern­ment of such places, to have Magistrates of their owne members; and for their more ample Authority and peculiar rule to make Lawes, constitutions and ordinances, to bind themselves and every member within their Iurisdiction.

When the Conquerour created Hugh Lupus Earle of Chester, he made that Shire a County Palatine, upon which Creation Henry Bradshaw a Munk in Chester, about the beginning of King Henry the 8. speaking of the manner of the Conquerours graunt to the said Hugh, hath these following Verses, which in part doe resemble the free and large liberties and graunts to inferiour Corporations.

[Page 13]This Hugh Lupus for the better ayding of him in his Govern­ment and for the more compleating of him in his Parliament, which shou [...]d bee the fountaine of his Lawes to rule by, substituted and made under him these Eight Barons; That is to say, —

• 1 Robertus filius Hugonis, Baron de Malpas.
• 2 Richardus de Vernon, Baron de Shibbrooke.
• 3 Willielm [...] Malbanc, Baron de Nampwich.
• 4 Willielmus filius Nig [...]lli, Baron de Halton.
• 5 Hamo de Mascy, Baron de Dunham.
• 6 Gilbertus de Venables, Baron de Kilb [...]rton.
• 7 Hugo filius Normandi, Baron de Hawardin,
• 8 Nicholas de Stock-port, Baron de Stock-port.

In like manner, as this Earle and his Barons assembled in the great Hall in his Castle of Chester, had the power to make Lawes and Constitutions for the government of that his County, so hath this lesser body aggregate (the survey of which I now write) a po­wer within themselves in their common Hall assembled, to make Lawes as peculier and proper rules for their better Government, the said assembly being a little Court of Parliament (if it be lawfull for me to compare small things with great, or like a Cosmographer to frame a modell of the great World in one small skin of Parch­ment; for in this small modell is a representation of the highest and greatest Government;) For here the Alderman as the chiefest Magistrate represents the person of the King, his Brethren the Comburgesses sitting round about him as so many Peeres of the upper house, the Capitall Burgesses which wee here call the 24▪ being Senatores minorum gentium, are the representative Body of the whole Towne, and in their place doe symbolize with the lower house of Parliament; The Recorder (being the mouth of the Court) doth represent the Speaker in this Michrocosme; the Town-clarke, the Register or Clarke of the same; The gilded Mace-bearer, the Serjeant at Armes, and the Iaylor (being the ar­resting Serjeant in the Liberty) the Knight of the Black rod.

Now in pursuance of that power given to this Corporation for [Page 14] the making of good and wholsome Lawes for the better govern­ment of the same. Richard Wolphe Gent. Alderman of the said Towne, at a common Court or Hall there held the 15 ^th day of March, in the Sixth yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord King CHARLES that now is, &c. With the advice and consent of the Comburgesses and Capitall Burgesses in the Common Hall assembled; Did ordaine and constitute as followeth:

I.

THat no new Habitation shall be erected in the said Town, unlesse it be made fit for the dwelling of such person or persons, as shall be Cessed or fit to be cessed in the Subsidie at xx.s. in Land, or iij.l. in Goods at the least (excepting Hospi­tals and houses of Correction) upon peyne to forfeit to the Al­derman and Burgesses, or their successors the summe of x.s. for every Moneth, that such Cottage or new building shall be used for habitation.

2 That no Barnes or other houses shall be converted into Tenements, and no ancient Tenement shall be devided into sundry habitations (except the same so devided shall be made fit for the dwelling of Subsidie men of xx.s. lands, or iij.l. goods, the erecter to forfeit x.s. Monethly and the tenant v.s. monethly to the use aforesaid.

3 That such who take in Inmates, shall forfeit x.s. month­ly to the use aforesaid.

4 That none shall let or assigne any Tenement to any one not assessed or fit to be assessed at xx.s. lands, or iij.l. goods (ex­cept to Fréemen that have not discontinued from the Towne with their family by the space of one yeare before) unlesse the Landlord become bound with the tenant or one other sufficient suerty in 40. l. to save the towne harmless, upon peine of five pound forfeit for the contempt, and x.s. monethly for the conti­nuance by the Landlord, and v.s. monethly by the tenant, to the use aforesaid.

5 That these orders extend not to any that take in tenants of xx.s. land or iij.l. goods in y ^e subsidy (except they be Inmates.)

6 That the Alderman for the time being with two of the [Page 15] [...] Camburgesses to the place (not being offenders) shall be iudges, whether such erections be meet for the habitation of such Subsidy men.

7 That the Stréets and Lanes in the said towne be clensed every Saterday by the adjacent Inhabitants, or the parties de­linquent to forfeit for every offence vj.d. and the Constables in that precinct, to forfeit for not presenting every offence at the next Sessions after the same is committed ij.s.vj.d. to the use aforesaid.

8 That no Alderman shall presume to make any a Fréeman out of the Town-hall, unlesse the same be granted in the open Hall, and the fine for such Fréedome there assessed▪ upon peyne to forfeit v.l. to the use aforesaid.

9 That no Tradesman whatsoever (except Fréemen by birth or service) shall presume to open any shop, or to sell any wares untill they have agréed for their Fréedome, upon peyne of for­feiting x.s. for every Month they shall so do, to the use aforesaid.

10 That all the Conduits, common Wells, and Pumps a­bout the said Town shall from time to time be repaired, at the Town charge upon pain of forfiture of vj.s.viij.d. a peece by the two Chamberlains, to the use aforesaid.

11 That so many of the Comburgesses, or Capitall Burges­ses as shall be dwelling within the parish where the Alder­man or his Deputy for the time being shall dwell (having no lawfull excuse to the contrary) shall attend upon the said Al­derman or his deputy to and from his parish Church upon eve­ry Lords day both before noone and after noone▪ if there be any Sermon at the said Church▪ upon pain for every one offending, to forfeit for every offence the summe of iiij.d. to the use afore­said.

12 That all such as have built upon the Town walls or up­on the Rampier thereof, or made any doores, or gates, out of the said walls within the space of 40 yeares before these ordi­nances, shall take Leases from the Town, of the said passages; or shall forfeit xij.d. for every Month they shall continue the same without Leases, to the use aforesaid.

[Page 16]13 That the Pinder of the said Town shall impound and take i.d. for every beast that he finds in the Town stréets and in the liberties thereof, not put before the common Heard.

14 That all the forfitures aforesaid, shall be payed to the Chamberlaines for the time being, who in default of payment shall recover and leavie the same by action or actions of debt, or by distresse of the goods and chattels of the offenders, which Distresse being taken shall be impounded untill the penalty for which it was taken be fully payd, or else for non-payment by y ^e space of sixe dayes after the taking, and not in the meane time repleavied, the same to be apprized by two indifferent persons to be chosen by the Alderman for the time being, and by the Chamberlaines sold for the satisfaction of the said penalties, and the overplus to be delivered to the owner or owners of the said goods.

15 That the severall summes hereafter to be payed, recove­red or levied by vertue of these Ordinances or any of them, shall be from time to time imployed to and for the good of the Poore of the said Towne of Stamford, and no otherwise.

These Lawes, Constitutions and Ordinances, were in the same yeare viewed, approved and confirmed under the hands and Seales of Sir Richard Hutton Knight, then one of the Iustices of his Ma­jesties Court of Common-pleas, and Sir George Crooke Knight, one of his Majesties Iustices of the Court of Kings-bench, being the two Iudges of Assizes for the County of Lincolne (in which County the said Corporation of Stamford standeth) and thereby made Lawes according to the forme of the Statute in that case made and provided, 19 Hen. 7. cap 7. and are set up in the Counsell-Chamber of the said Towne fairely written in Parchment and fixed in a woodden frame.

But these Lawes how good soever in themselves remaine but as so many linelesse letters for want of that quickening spirit which the authority of the Majestrate ought to put into them by the just and impartiall execution of them. For as in cases criminall▪ the Death of a malefactour is the life of the Law, so in all offences of a lesse nature the due punishment of the offender, shewes the instru­ment of the living Law in the hand of the Iusticer; and therefore [Page 17] such Magistrates as have good rules prescribed, but in regard either of negligence, idlenesse or ignorance, forbear to do their duties, are like to counterfeit mankins set upon Corn lands, only to fright away the birds, and the offender perceiving such a one what he is, is by him rather incouraged then made afraid to offend▪ because he knows he may offend without controule, having for his Governour but Aesopes dead beam flung into the water, upon which every base Frog, in contempt and derision will hop and trample on.

What shall I call such blockish Justices?

They are like round ciphers which have neither the figures of Justice, Judgement, Equity, Courage, nor the fear of God before their eyes: or like the picture of St. George on horse-back, threat­ning with his Sword to kill the Dragon, but never hits him; There­fore to finish the Character of this Sin-suffering beast with this Chapter, the Poets definition fits him.

NOw since this Town hath for her principall Magistrate an Alderman, I conceive it will not be amisse nor out of order or method, before I set down the manner of e­lection and inaugeration of this prepotent Officer, some­what to vindicate the dignity and antiquity of the word Alderman it self, with the large extent and ancient power thereof; here in England long before the Norman conquest, farre beyond that of Major or any other name of Magistrate at this time appoin­ted, for the rule or government of a City or Town incorporate, though the conceit and opinion of these more modern times seem to be otherwise; Sed non fuit sic ab initio: and I am sure the best An­tiquities preferre an ancient dignity though by time neglected, be­fore [Page 18] new invented title though never so much for the present adored; so likewise do the best Heralds preferre an ancient family (retaining the old [...], though declined in estate) before a new and upstart house though never so much glittering for the present in wealth, pomp, and prosperity: for we know that though many times a black cloud interposeth it self betwixt us and the Sunnes Bright­nesse, yet the Sun still remaineth to be the same both in heat and splendor though seeming darkned, cooled, and obscured to dull con­ceits and thick capacities: So, though time and use like an absco [...] ­ding vail or curtain, drawes it self betwixt us and the former anci­ent lustre and extent of Government, appropriate unto the name and dignity of the word Alderman, yet the same stil remains as at the first g [...]orious and splendidious in it self. For it is to be noted, that in all old Saxon titles, the word Alderman or Duke (as Selden observes) was one and the same, for authority whereof, he cites an instrument made by Ethelread and Ethelfled ▪ The Aldermen, Dukes or Lords of Mercia, to Werfred Bishop of Worcester, in the year 904 for the profit and benefit of that Church, and (as the book of the Church of Worcester saith) the name Alderman is sometimes expressed by sub. Regulus & Regulus, Camden B [...]tan. pa. 368. sometimes by Patricius, Princeps, Dux, Comes & Consull, nor is this without example, that they are called Reges. There was an old inscription at the Abby of R [...]sey in anci­ent time, of one Alwin, who being of the blood Royall was Alder­man, of all England under King Athel [...]on and founder of that Ab­by, as there appeares by the Epi [...]aph upon his Tomb in these words: Ob [...] anno Christi 9 [...]2. Col Ram­sy in Ar [...]hi vi [...] Scacca­rij. Hic requiescit Alwinu [...] in [...]liti regis Edgari cognatu [...] [...]tius Anglia Aldermanus et huius sacri coe [...]bij miraculos [...] fundatur. Here lies Alwin kinsman to King Edgar Alderman of all Eng­land and the miraculous founder of this sacred Cell. The word Elderman (saith Hovenden) in England is the same with Senior or Senator in Latine, Hov [...]ndes pag. 607. Poly hron. Polidor. Virgill in­ter leg [...] [...]. not so much so called propter se­nectutem sed propter sapientiam ▪ not so much for their age as for their wisdome, and divers others have it to the same purpose in other words by way of notation, observing that those whom the Saxons formerly called, and now we call Eldermen or Earles, the Ro­mans called Senators. Et similiter [...]lim apud Britanes [...]emporibus [Page 19] [...] in Reg [...] isto Britania vocabantur [...] qui [...]oste [...] [...] Sax [...]num vocabantur Aldermani, non propter aetat [...]m sed propter sapientiam & dignitatem, cum quidem adolecentes essent Iuris­p [...]riti tamen & super hoc experti. And likewise in times past a­mongst the Britaines, in the time of the Romanes in this King­dome of Britaine, they were called Senators which afterwards in the time of the Saxons, were called Aldermen, not so much for their age as for their wisdome, &c.

So that it appeares hereby, that the Antiquity, dignity, and the extent of authority of the name or title Alderman ▪ surpasseth that of Major, Provost, Bayliffe, or Warden, by which severall ti­tles given to the chiefe Magistrates, divers▪ Cities and Corporate Townes are governed.

IN the next place followes in order, the originall grant and present practice according to that grant in the e­lection and choosing of this prime Magistrate, and the other subordinate Officers under him; for (as I said before) King Edward the 4 ^th. in the first yeer of his Reigne, directed his Letters patents to George Chapman and others, by the name of the Alderman and Comburgesses of Stamford, and to twelve more of an inferiour rank, by the name of the Capi­tall Burgesses of Stamford, which second 12 have been by a la­ter Charter augmented to the number of 24: So as King Edward the 4 ^th. creating this body by his Princely power, by his wisdome and policy gave rules and directions to the same, how it should from time to time be preserved in a perpetuall life, and being by a continued succession; and therefore when any of the first number do decease or leave their place, the Alderman with the rest of his [Page 20] company (and the second company in their common hall assem­bled) do elect and chose out of the second number such a meet and able man as they shall think fi [...] for the supply of the vacant▪ the said election being only made in the private chamber of the Councell by the Alderman and those with him of the first number, and this by the major number of voyces (the Alderman having in this as in all other votes a double or casting voice. And when any of the second number happen to decease or to be displaced, both Companies joy­ning together by the major number of voyce [...], chose out of the body of the whole Town such a descreet able and sufficient man as shall be thought convenient to supply the then vacant place.

Both companies thus compleatly furnished being congregated in their common Hall upon the first Thursday after the feast of St. Bartholmew the Apostle, every year, do elect two out of the first number, who have not been Alderman by the space of two yeares then past, to the end that one of these two, the first Thursday in the clean week next after the feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel, then following, may by the major suffrages of both the companies be chosen to be Alderman for the year then to come, which party thus elected, is brought and presented by his predecessor to the Steward of the Court Leete in the open Court after Proclamation made in solemn manner to that purpose: The ceremony of which day is as followeth.

The former Alderman attended by the first and second compa­nies, the first company in their Robes of purple faced with Foynes (such as the second Robe of London i [...]) and the second company in their decent gownes of black fit for such an Assembly, do repayre to the house of the new elected Alderman, where after a short ban­qu [...]t, they all do passe in order to the Castle-yard where the Leet i [...] kept, and there being presented, (as is aforesaid) he is solemnly sworn by the Steward of the Leet, first taking the oath of suprema­cy and Allegance, next the oath of Iustice of the peace and Alder­man of the Corporation, and having a tippet of black velvet taken from the neck of his predecessor, and by the hands of his said pre­decessor put upon his, he then is seated on the right hand of the Steward, where he sits till the charge be given, and then attended [Page 21] by the severall Companies, they go to the Church of St Maries in Stamford, where they heare a Sermon, which being finished, the new Alderman passeth to his house with the two Maces, the one of Gold the other of Silver, born before him, and attended by the severall Companies as is aforesaid, with the lowd musick of the Town, playing before them, and in divers places as they passe the Schollers of the free Grammer Schoole do pronounce before them severall Orations in Greek and Latine.

After which the Alderman at his own house (for the most part) and at his own cost and charges, doth make a great Feast to the Town, and to as many of the Gentry of the Country as upon so­lemn invitation think good to be present.

This solemnity being finished, presently after he keeps his first Court (which is called a Hall) where he sweares all his first com­pany to be faithfull unto him, and truly to Counsell him in the ex­ecution of his Office, and likewise, he then sweares the second com­pany to be ayding and assisting unto him in all things that apper­tain to the Aldermanry, during the time of his Office, at the hall; [...] likewise takes an oath of the Town Clark, for the true execu­ting of his Office, and likewise he then sweares, the Coroner of the Town for the year to come, (who is by custome) the same party that was Alderman the year before.

Also he then sweares the two Chamberlaines and ten or twelve Constables, at least, Searchers for the Corn, Flesh, and Fish Mar­kets, sealers and searchers of Lether, are at this time likewise sworn, and all other inferiour Officers, as the Bayliffe of the liberty, the Sergeant of the Mace, such as are needfu [...]l and necessary for the ayd and support of the Towns government, are at this Hall chosen and sworn, well and faithfully to performe and execute their severall Of­fices during the yeere then next following.

Mr. Camden out of Cum ( ut habet Hunting donensu) Picti & Scoti, om­nem regionem ad Stamfordiam usque [...]ripuissent, ubi Hen­gistus noster cum sub Saxonibus in [...] eximia fortitud [...]ne furentibu [...] baba [...]is ita iter occusit ut plurimis peremp [...]is, pluribus cap [...]i [...], reli­qua fugam und [...]que capesserunt. Camd. in Brittan. i [...] Com. Lincoln. Huntington reports, that when the whole Nations of the Picts and Scots, had invaded the North of Eng­land and were come South­wards as farre as Stamford, that Hengist (which was as I take it, the first Saxon King that here raigned) came against them with his Saxons, with such unwearied great strength and fortitude, that hee there so stopped the journey of these barbarous invadors that most of them were slaine and taken, the rest which were put to flight were drowned in the water.

I have read in the story of Ingulphus, that at what time the Danes invaded England, Ingulphus. had burnt the Abbey of Crowland, and put to the sword all the Monks in the same, and marching towards Stam­ford, the then Baron of Easindine, with the men of Stamford gave them Battell neare unto the said Towne and beat them backe for that time▪ though afterwards they recruted to the destruction of the same, as formerly hath been related.

In anno Dom. 1153, King Stephen holding the Castle of Stam­ford against Henry Fitz-Empris, that is Henry the second, the said Castle was besieged and wonne by the said Henry.

In anno Dom. 1189. all the Iewes that then repaired to the Mid­lent-Mart at Stamford from all parts, were spoyled of their goods and murthered.

In Anno 1227. there was a great Meeting at Stamford of divers Lords, about plotting of the Rebellion against King Henry the 3. called the Barons warres.

[Page 23]In Anno 1293. 1300. 1311. generall chapters called Itinere mino­ [...] were held at Stamford: Afterwards in the raigne of Richard the 2. anno Dom. 1392. there was a meeting at Stamford called C [...]silium Sta [...]fordiensem Prelatorum, at which meeting King Ri­chard himself was present by the Command of Pope Boniface the 9. about the suppressing of Wicklifes opinions.

In anno Dom. 1334. by reason of a bloody Difference happening betwixt the Southerne and Northerne Students in the University of Oxford, part of that University being the whole Northerne facti­on removed it self to Stamford, whereby was accomplished a for­ [...] ancient Prophecy which followeth in these wor [...]

Mr. Camden in his learned Britannia, confirmes this faction at Oxford and the setling for a time of the Northerne Students here [...] Stamford; For (saith he) Regnante Edwardo tertio caepta hîc A­cademia & bonarum literarum professo (quod sue gloriae imprimis du­cunt cives. Cum enim Oxoniae inter studiosos Boreales & Australes omnia litibus feruerent, magnus studiosorum numerus huc concessit: But here they stayed not long, for saith the same Camden, Paulo ta­ [...]en post Oxoniam reversi Academiae huic orienti ut initium ita finem [...] posuerunt. Yet this separation occasioned that ever since, that Uni [...]ersity when any of their members are to take any Degree, they gi [...]e them an Oath never to reade Logick in Stamford, (strangely conceiving that either the foresaid Prophecy is not yet fulfilled, or else that their policy can prevent the Decree of eternity, when as we see that God when he pleaseth brings the same thing to passe by the same meanes whereby fond man goes about to prevent it;) For saith. Camden further, Cautum (que) deinceps in revirando ne quis Oxoni­ [...]sis publicè Stamfordiae praelegeret.

This towne of Stamford neverthelesse flourished for some time [Page 24] afterwards in trade and Marchandize untill the Warres happened unhappily, betwixt the two families of York and Lancaster, in which intestin [...] strife the Northern Souldiers breaking into the Town, burnt down the houses, and so farre destroyed all things here, that never since this Town could fully recover her ancient dignity; for saith Cambden (speaking of the Town after the removall of the Ox­ford Students,) Nihilominus illa Mercimonijs floruit, donce ardente inter familiam Lancastrense [...] & Eboracensem civili bello, Bo­reales milites irrumpentes aedibus, & incendijs omnia miscuerint; nec inde verò dignitatem pristinam plenè recuperare potuit.

The Castle of Stamford was overthrown and quite demolish­ed in the time of Richard the third, the materials thereof taken a­way to repayre the White-Friers in Stamford.

Edward the 4 ^th. came to Stamford in anno 1462 the year after he had incorporated the Town by letters Patents.

Henry the 8th. came to Stamford at his progresse into Lin­colnshire in anno Dom. 1532, where he was Royally welcōmed by Henry Lacy Gentleman then Alderman, as his predecessor Edward the 4 ^th. was before received by Iohn Brow [...]e Esquire, then Alder­man.

In anno 1469 Sir Thomas De-la-Band, and Sir Thomas Dimock were executed for Treason at Stamford, Thomas Royston then be­ing Alderman.

The Town-house or common-Hall over the Bridge-gate in Stamford, was newly built by Iohn Haughton Alderman in Anno Dom. 1558.

In anno Dom. 1565. Queen Elizabeth passed through Stamford and dyned in the White-Friers, in her progresse into Lin­colnshire, Godfrey Dawson then being Alderman.

In anno Dom. 1594. Robert Medowes then being Alderman, a great tumult was raised at the Inne called the Bull in Stamford, by Mullene [...]x of Nottinghamshire, and Terwil of Lincolnshire of the one side, and one Rockwood a Gentleman of Suffolke of the other party, the occasion began upon a trifle. A foot-boy drying himself in the evening by the Kitchin fire, (where his Master Ro [...]k­woods supper was making ready) Mollene [...]x and Terwil fitting at [Page 25] [...] drinking neer to the fire, took exceptions against the boy [...] him because he did not stand uncovered before them, the [...] complaint thereof to other of his Masters servants the [...] [...], divers of them came down to revenge the boys wrong [...] with naked swords so affronted the foresaid Gentlemen, that at [...] the Gentlemen and servants on both sides became to be [...].

And a great stream of blood might have issued from this small originall had not the same been wisely prevented by the valour and [...] o [...] that honourable Souldier Peregrim, Lord Willoughby of Grimsebory, who living then in Stamford and hearing that the said Alderman (though he used his best endeavour for the appea­ [...]ng of the said stirre) could not prevail. Armed himself and his followers, and on his warlike courser entred himself into the midst of the throng, and like a right valiant person and wise Comman­der pacified the uproare before any mortall wound was gi­ven; so serving her Majesty by the procuring of her peace, and sa­ving the lives of many, who otherwise were in danger to have peri­shed in that tumult, and by his wisdome and discretion before he parted from them made them all friends.

In anno Dom. 1633 King Charles lay in Stamford-Baron one night as he passed into Scotland there to receive the Crown of that Kingdom, and then passed through the Corporation of Stam­ford in state, Iohn Atton the then Alderm. bearing the Mace before him, the said Alderman and all the first Company mounted upon horse back and riding in their Robes upon their foot clothes.

In anno 1634. King Charles and his Queen in their progresse Northward, lodged two nights at the Earle of Westmerlands at Ap [...]thorpe five miles from Stamford, but when they removed from thence they passed in State through the Town, Edward Camocke then Alderman bearing the Mace before them.

In April 1641. by the meanes of great raine and the wind then being full West, the River of Welland so farre swelled aboue the banks▪ that the flood so farre prevailed as it went over the North end of Stamford Bridge▪ and flowed up St. Maries-hill, the mid-way [Page 26] to St Maries Church, drowning the lower roomes and Sellers on both sides the Street, and on the South side it drowned the lower rooms of the New-bead-house, and both the yard and the lower rooms of the Inne called the George, insomuch that some horses were then, and there drowned in the stables and the Wals and roofe over one of the Stables thrown down by the violence of the water the flood being so high all over the yard that a horse might have swoom therein. It drowned all the lower rooms in the houses that stand in the Water Street of Stamford-Baron: yet though this flood did rise so high upon the sudden, upon the East and West of of the River of Welland, flowing over all the lower rooms by which [...] passed, and carrying down the [...]ream both Cattell. Tim­ber and all that lay within the compasse thereof, yet (thanks be to God) I could never hear of Man, Woman nor child, that perished thereby,

THere is an ancient dike appeareth here and there in di­vers place; betwixt Stamford and Lincolne, and (being obscured by ruinating time some miles from Stamford) some part of it appeares again upon the North side of the Town betwixt Stamford and Brig­ [...]asterton, and comes almost to the Town Wall toward Peter-gate but after it appeares no more Southward (for as much as I could ever perceive) this is vulgarly called the High-dike ▪ but Camden in his Britania, calls it, Via militaris Romanorum and brings it to Stamford in the same place as I have here related it; Licet non nulla (saith he) antiquitati [...] judi [...]ia hic supersint tractum (que) oli [...] su­isse Via militaris Romanorum, qua statim te ex [...]ppid [...] in Bore [...]m pro­ficientem excipit satis declaret.

Not farre from hence upon the North side of the Town neer un­to [Page 27] York highway, and about twelvescore from the Town gate, which is called Clement-gate, stands an ancient Crosse of free stone of a [...] [...]ious fabrick, having many ancient scutchions of Armes [...]s [...]ulped in the store, about it; as the Armes of Castil [...] and L [...]n, [...]ua [...]ered; being the paternall coat of the King of Spain, and divers other Hatchments belonging to that Crown, which envious time hath so defaced, that only the ruins appeare to my eye, and there­fore not to be described by my pen.

This Crosse is called the Queens-Crosse, and was erected in this place by King Edward the first▪ about Anno Dom. 1293. The occasion of this erection was in memory of El [...]nor daughter to Far­dinand the third of that name King of Castil [...], and wife of the said King Edward the first, a most Religious, Chast and vertuous Lady, who (as the story goes) when her husband was wounded with an invenomed arrow at the Warres in Palestine, with her own mouth she sucked the poyson out of the wound and so healed her Lord, when all his Chyrurgions & Physitians had left the wound for mor­ [...]ll. This Queen fal [...]ing sick at H [...]rdeley beyond Lincolne, there dy­ed the 9th. of November 1290 and her Corpes being brought from thence to be buried at Westminster, in every place whne the same rested by the way, King Edward the first shortly after caused in me­mory of her a most sumptuous Crosse of stone to be erected neer the place, some of which are standing and remaining (if not lately destroyed) till this day as at Lincolne, Grantham, Stamford, Waltham, and Charing-Crosse neer unto Westminster yet appeareth.

At the upper end of the middle quire of this Church of St. Maries in Stamford, St. Mryes. there stands a monument more curious for the work­manship then for the matter whereof it is framed having no super­scription nor Armes, to de [...]ote unto us who the party was that it was made for▪ He lyeth in Armour Cap [...]pe. The tradition is that he was a Knight who went by the name of Sir Daniel Phillips, a great man for Henry Earle of Richmond in the battaile against the Tyrant Richard the third. But I suppose he was one of a more high­er rank and of the blood Royall, for at his feet there is a Lyon Co [...]chant and round about the Tombe Roses (the culler not percei­ved) supported by a Grayhound and a Dragon, being hatchments of honour appertayning to the Crown of England.

[Page 28]At the upper end of the midle quite in the glasse window, did stand (before they were lately defaced) three Scu [...]chions of Armes, the first Gules a [...]esse betwixt six crosse Crossees de Or, being the coat Armor of B [...]champ, sometimes Earle of Warwicke; likewise another coat viz [...]. Argent a Pesse, between three Cressents Gules, which is the coat of Oagle of Pinchback in the County of Lincolne, from which family as to me appeares, the Baron Oagles of the North are descended, because these Oagles of Lincolnshire bear the pater­nall coate without difference▪ the third is Azure [...] Crosse fitched be­tween 2. Eagles wing▪ Or in the midle window on the South side of the said Church (before the same was defaced) there stood the coat Armor of Shelton of Norfolke, viz [...]. Azure a Crosse Or.

Upon the North side of the golden Quire in this Church in the Wall of the fame, there is a Monument lying in Armor Cap [...]pe, but having neither Scutchion not superscription s [...]ing that in the glasse window neer to the same there sometimes (and but lately) their stood a shield of Armes Sable, three Lyons pawe [...] ▪ cupped and erected Argent, armed Gules; which Coat belongs to the name of Vsher, and this makes me to conceive, that this party was of that Family.

In the midst of the flore of the said golden Quire lies buried un­der a faire stone of blew Marble, plated very curiously with Brasse work William Hi [...]km [...]n sometimes Alderman of Stamford, who at hi [...] own cost and ch [...]ges did gild over the roof of the said Quire; the full portrature both of him and his wife in Brasse, did lately lie fixed upon the same stone.

St. GeorgesIn the upper window of the quire of St. Georges Church▪ are portrayed kneeling (as in St. Georges Chappell at Winsor before the picture of that Saint) Edward the third, his Queen, the Prince of Wales, and Henry Duke of L [...]ncaster, all in their Robes of the Order of the Garter, and in the windowes on each side the said Quire are portrayed, acco [...]ding to the first institution the first Knights of that Order that were made kneeling in their Garter Robes upon their Surcoates of Armes, which said Order was unded by the said Edward the third, the names of the first Knights of this Order are set down in order.

• [Page 29] Edward the third,
• Edward Prince of Wales,
• Henry Duke of Lancaster,
• [...] Earle of Warwicke,
• Cap [...]tain [...] De Bouch [...],
• [...]aphe Earle of Stafford,
• William de Mount [...]ac [...]te, Earle of Salisbury.
• Roger de Mortimor Earle of March.
• Iohn de I [...]sula,
• Bartholmew Burwash,
• Iohn de-Belle Campo,
• Iohn de Mohum.
• Hugh Courtney,
• Thomas Holland,
• Iohn Gray,
• Richard Fitz-Symon,
• Miles Stapleton,
• Thomas Walle,
• Hugh Wrothesley,
• Nigellus Loring,
• Iohn Chandos,
• Iames Audley,
• Otho Holland.
• Henry Eme,
• Zachetus Dabridgcourt
• William Paganell.

In the Windowes of the said Church in sundry places appeares the Coat Armor of divers ancient and Noble Families; there is the Coat of Earle Warren the ancient Lord and owner of Stam­ford, Checkie Or and Azure.

There is likewise the Armes of Sapcote, who bears Sable a Pid­gion Coat erected Argent.

The Armes of Le Grosse, being Or a Ccheverne betwixt three Roses Gules, is likewise placed in the lower Window of the said Church towards the South.

There is likewise in an other window on the same side, the Coat Armor of Molene [...]x of Haughton in the County of Nottingham, who beares Azure, A Crosse Moly [...]e quarter pierced Argent. Which severall Monuments of Armes were here placed, either in regard the bearers of them were benefactors to this Church, or had Lands and possessions in the same Parish.

In this Church of All-Saints, I observe not any Monument of Stone worth the noting, All-Saints and very few Monuments of Armes in the Windowes.

The Armes of the Town of Stamford, Gules three Lyons pas­sant Or, impaled to Earle Warren, Or and Azure Checky, stands on the North side of the lowest window West, on the South side of [Page 30] the same window, stands the Armes of the Marchants of the Staple being Nebile of six pieces Argent and Sable, a chief Azure charged with a Lyon passant Argent: my conjecturall reason is touching the placing of these Armes in this window, that the said window was first built at the joint charge of the Town and of William Brown, who was (as hereafter shal appeare) a great benefactor to this Church, and was a Marchant of the Staple.

St. Iohns and St. Michaels.For the parishes of St. Iohns and St. Michaels in Stamford, I doe not observe any Mon [...]ment worth the noting▪ neither in the quires, bodies or windowes of the said Churches.

S. Ma [...]tins in Stam­ford-BarōThere is in the upper end of the midle Quire of this Church of S. Martins neer Stamford, a stately Mausolean Monument built in the memory of VVilliam Cecell Lord Burley, standing just over the Vault in which his body lies interred, upon the North side of the North quire of the said Chu [...]ch, up against the Wall is erected a reasonable faire Monument in the memory of Richard [...]ecel Esquire and Iane his wife, the Father and Mother of the said William Lord Burley ▪ though the statue of the said Richard there stands yet his body lies buried in St. Margarets Church in Westminster, but the body of the said Iane lies in the Vault by her said Son William Lord Burley.

Both in the uppermost window of the Quire of this Church and in many of the windowes and Stone-work in the body of the same, stands the paternall Coat of Trigg, viz. Azure two Chevernels Or, betwixt three Roses Argent, whereby it seemes that the Ancesters of that Family have been good benefactors, as well to the windows as to the rest of the Fabrick of this Church.

There is in the same windowes, the Coat Armor of the Family of Vincents, who were the ancient Lords of Barneck neer Stamford being Azure three Gray-hounds Heads cupped Or.

Also the Armes of Mathew Parker som [...]time Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury, being Verte three Cunnyes Argent the same impaled to the Armes of the A [...]chbishoprick.

There is in the same windowes▪ an ancient Coat of Armes attri­buted by some Heralds, to be born by Egbert a Saxon King, the Field is Iupiter a Crosse patence Sol, which demonstrateth the An­tiquity [Page 31] of this Church, and the charity of the pious Benefactors to the same.

IT now followes, that I here set downe the names of such as have from time to time been Benefactors to the said Towne of Stamford generally or particu­larly: And in the first place I can [...]ot but acknow­ledge that the Lord and giver of all good gifts the Almighty God of Heaven and Earth, hath not only inspired many worthy and religeous persons who by their Charity and Almes-deeds have from time to time, and till the end of [...]ime given allowment, either to the generall or particular members there­of; but also by his provident care (whereby all things doe subsist) with a preventing knowledge did possesse the first Founders of this Towne with such a fore-sight, that for the better preservation there­of to all Posterity▪ they scituated it in such a place that the most skil­full Engineers, which in these present civill Warres have surveyed the same on both sides, nor the plots or practises of those who with­out judgement would have Canonized it▪ could never find the way to make it a Towne ren [...]ble either for offence or defence▪ which yet hitherto hath caused the same (though much weakened by the free Quartering of passing and repassing of Companies) not to suf­fer such miserable spoiles as other neighbour Cities and Townes have undergone, by the taking and retaking of them on both sides, to the utter ruine and destruction of the harmlesse Inhabitants: In which regard it were impiety in me, if J should not acknowledge [Page 32] our great and good God to be the prime and best Benefactour to us at Stamford.

Our late Soveraigne Lord K. Edward the 4 ^th, upon the incorpora­ting of this Towne, gave the Lands of Gowen Southerope (which were confiscated to the Crowne) to the Alderman and Burgesses of Stamford for ever.

The late most pious and gracious Prince King Edward the 6. gave the Lands and Tenements formerly belonging to the dissolved Gild or Fraternity of Corpus Christi in Stamford, to the Alderman and Burgesses and their Successors for ever, which are worth to the Towne at present 160. l. per annum, being the greatest and chiefest revenue the Towne hath in lands at this time.

William Ratcliffe Esquire, having been Alderman of Stamford foure times, in anno Dom. 1530. gave all his Messuages, Lands and Tenements in Stamford, for the perpetuall maintenance of a Free Grammar-schoole in that Towne, which Land (as it stands) for the present improved, yeelds to the head Schoole-master and Usher 30. l. per annum or thereabouts: For the augmentation of which stipend William Cecell late Lord Burleigh, gave (or pretended to give) 4. l. per annum, to the said Schoole for ever, issuing out of a depopulated Town neare Stamford called Pickworth, but in regard the heires of the said Lord Burleigh when they let the last Leases of the said Mannor of Pickworth, for the better advancement of the Fines, pre­tended to the Tenants that they should hold their Farmes tyth-free, but no sooner were their Leases made, sealed and delivered, when as the said Heire presented a Chaplaine of his own to the Parsonage thereof▪ the same having neither Towne nor Church standing▪ only the ruines of both appearing: So that the Parson making good the Title and Tithes from the Tenants, they have ever since refused to pay the said 4 l. per annum, to the use of the said Schoole.

William Browne Marchant of the Staple, and sometime Alder­man of Stamford erected in anno Dom. 1493. the old Bead-house there called Brownes Beadhouse incorporating the same of a War­den, Confrater and 12 poore Old-men, and one woman for a Nurse unto them: Gave to the same the Mannor of Swayfield, 7. miles from Stamford worth 400. l. per annum, besides divers great Farmes [Page 33] Messuages, lands, and tenements in Stamford, Pil [...]gate, Eas [...]on, Northluffenham, and other places of good value; a very pious and liberall guift, though (the more is the pitty, as many of the like na­ture are) much abused by the avarice and misimployment of the Governours thereof.

Mrs. Iane Cecell Widdow in anno Dom. 1561, at her own costs and charges leaded and paved the Fryday-Market Crosse in Stam­ford.

In anno Dom. 1570, the North end of the Town-Bridge in Stamford being born down by the violence of a great Hood, was re-edified at the cost and charges of William Cecell then Lord Bur­ley, and good reason, for he and his heires do raise 100. l. per annum. for the [...]ollage of the said Bridge, and out of the Fayres and markets of Stamford.

Francis Trigg Clarke in anno Dom. 1585, gave 4. l. per [...] forever, to buy Barly to make Bread for the poore of Stamford.

George Trigg Gentleman in anno Dom. 1586, gave 400. l. in Money to be lent out for ever upon good security, to poore yong Tradesmen and Artificers in Stamford, without interest.

William Lord Burley in anno Dom. 1597, erected an Hospitall at the South end of Stamford Bridge, in a place where formerly stood a Religious house, the Lands and Tenements to the same be­longing he obtained of Queen Elizabeth, and gave a perpetuall [...] to the said Hospitall, issuing out of Cliffe-Park [...] neer Stam­ford, for the maintainance of a Warden and 12 poor men, the War­den receiving 3. s. 4. d. weekly, and each poor man 2. s. 4. d. week­ly, with yeerly allowance of wood, and blew Cloth to make each of them a Gown; and the said Lord Burley did appoint the Al­derman of Stamford for the time being, to have the nomination of foure of the said poor men, when any of the said places shall happen to f [...]ll voyd.

In anno Dom. 1588, the foresaid Mrs. Iane Cecell by her last Will and Testament, gave 50. l. to be lent out for ever without in­terest to poor Tradesmen and Artificers in Stamford and Stamford-Baron, the same to be disposed of by certain Feoffers nominated in hersaid Will.

[Page 34] Richard Sn [...]de [...] Clarke and Parson of St. Iohns in Stamford by his last will in anno Dom. 1604, gave certain Lands and Tene­ments for ever in Stamford (after the decease of his wife) fo [...] seaven poor Widdowes of the age of 60 yeares and upwards the profits whereof doth afford each Widdow 7. d a weeke and a house to dwell in, and by the said will it is appointed that the Alderman of Stamford, for the time being, shall appoint them to their places when any place shall fall void.

Iane K [...]shey late of Stamford Widdow, the same yeer by her last Will▪ gave 8. l. for ever to be put forth to interest and the pro­fits thereof to go to the use of the poor of Stamford.

Sir Robert Wingfield late of Vpton in the County of Northamp­ton Knight, being one of the Comburgesses of Stamford, and likewise one of the Burgesses of the Parliament, the same ye [...]re, ob­tained of King Iames the pardon and remittance of two fifteenes for Stamford and Stamford-Baron, amounting to the summe of 84. l. 8. s. 4. d.

The same Sir Robert Wingfield in anno Dom. 1605, obtained par­don and remittance of the said King Iames, for Stamford and Stamford-Baron of six entire fifteenes, amounting to the summe of 254. l. 6. s.

Anno Dom. 1609, the right honourable Thomas late Earle of Ex [...]ter, a right pious and charitable person, a man (as we of Stam­ford may say) fixed in his generation▪ as our Saviour Christ was in his passion, betwixt two, &c. gave a perpetuall ann [...]ety of 41. l. 1. s. 8. d. per annum ▪ issuing out of certain Lands in Lincolnshire, for the putting forth of poor children Apprentizes (such as should be born in the Town of Stamford) and towards other charitable use [...], besides the Town did often receive from him (whilst it was blessed with his life) many great and beneficiall favours.

Hugh Allington late of Timwell in the County of Rutland Esqu. by his last will gave 40. l. forever, to be lent to the poor artificers in Stamford and Stamford-Baron, without interest, by certain Feoffers named in his said will.

Roger Mannors of Vffington in the County of Lincoln Esquire, by his last will gave to the use of the poor of Stamford 20. l. for e­ver [Page 35] to be put forth to interest, the profit whereof to be bestowed in C [...]les amongst the said poor yeerly, by the dis [...]retion of the Alder­man, for the time being.

The reverend and pious Prelate Robert Iohnson of Northluffing [...], in the County of Rutland, late Arch Deacon of L [...]icester amongst other his pious works to Stamford whilst he lived, gave a Bible of the largest size to passe from Alderman to Alderman and the [...]id on the Aldermans cushion before him in the Church, every Lords day or at other times when he goeth to Church.

Antony Ash [...] Gentleman, by his last Will gave 5. l. per annum, for ever to the use of the poor in Stamford.

Mr. Edward Welles gave a house which yeelds 3. l. 10. s. per annum and three akers of Land, to be payd to a petty School-master in Stamford, to teach poor Free-mens children of that Town to reade English.

Anno Dom. 1638, VVilliam Beanell late of Chasterton in the County of Huntingdon Esquire, by his last Will gave to the use of the poore of Stamford 80. l. the interest whereof to be distribut [...]d amongst the said poor by the discretion of the Alderman for the time being.

AS touching the ancient and publike Sports used at this Town they are not many; in all but two and to many by one. The one a sport savouring of Man­hood and Gentry, and of a [...]oncourse of Noblemen and Gentlemen meeting together in mirth▪ peace, and amity, for the exercise of their swift running Horses every Thusday in March. The prize they run for is a silver and gilt Cup with a cover, to the value of seaven or eight pounds, provided by the care of the Alderman for the time being, but the Money is raysed out of the interest of a stock formerly made up by the Nobility and Gentry which are neighbours or well-wishers to the Town.

The second sport though more ancient then the former yet more Beast-like then any: It is their Bull-running a sport of no plea­sure except to such as take a pleasure in beastlinesse and mischief. It is performed just the day six weekes before Christmas. The But­chers of the Town at their own charge against the time: provide the wildest Bull they can get, this Bull over night is had in to some Stable or Barne belonging to the Alderman the next morning pro­clamation is made by the common Bell-man of the Town, round about the same, that each one shut up their shops-doo [...]es and gates, and that none upon payne of Imprisonment offer to doe any vio­lence to Strangers, for the preventing whereof (the Town being a great thorough-fare and then being in Terme-time) a Gard is ap­pointed for the passing of Travellers through the same (without hurt.) That none have any [...]ron upon their Bull-clubs or other [...]affe which they pursue the Bull with. Which proclamation made and the Gates all shut up, the Bull is turned out of the Aldermans house, and then hivie, skivi [...], tag and rag, Men, Women and chil­dren of all sorts and sizes, with all the Dogs in the Town promiscu­ously running after him with their Bull-clubs spattering dirt in each others faces that one would think them to be so many Furies started out of Hell for the punishment of Cerbor [...]. as when Thes [...] and Perillus conquered the place (as Ovid describes it.) [Page 40]

And (which is the greater shame) I have seen both Senatores majorā gentiū & matr [...] de eodem gradu, following this Bulling busines.

I can say no more of it but only to set forth the Antiquity thereof, (as the tradition goes) William Earle Warren, the first Lord of this Town in the time of K. Iohn, standing upon his Castle walls in Stamford, viewing the faire prospe [...] of the River and Medowes under the same, saw two Bulls fighting for one Cow, a Butcher of the Town the owner of one of th [...]se Bulls with a great [...]asti [...]e Dog accidentally comming by, set his Dog upon his owne Bull, who forced the same Bull up into the Towne, which no soo­ner was come within the same but all the Butchers Dogs both great and small followed in the pursuit of the Bull, which by this time made starke mad with the noise of the people and the fiercenesse of the Dogs, ran over Man, woman and child that stood in his way, this caused all the Butchers and others in the Town to rise up as it were in a tumult, making such an hideous noise that the sound ther­of came into the Castle into the ear [...]s of Earle Warren, who pre­sently thereupon mounted on Horseback, rid into the Town to see the businesse, which then appearing (to his humour) very delight­full, he gave all those Medowes in which the two Bulls were at the first found fighting (which we now call the Castle Medowes) per­petually as a Common to the Butchers of the Town (after the first grasse is eaten) to keepe their Ca [...]tle in till the time of slaughter: Upon this Condition, that as upon that Day on which this sport first began, which was (as J said before) that day Sixe weekes be­fore Christmas) the Butchers of the town should from time to time yearly for ever, find a mad Bull for the continuance of that sport.

An ominous thing to the Towne, for some of the Lords of the same of his succession (though not of his Descent) have since upon their hornes of greatnesse, tossed the best of the Burgesses out of their gownes, and why? Because the Burgesses were no [...] Foxes, o­therwise they would not have suffered themselves to have been so abused by such Buls, whose eare [...] were longer then their hornes.

And so much for the sports of Stamford.

IT will be no great digression nor much from the pur­pose, if I now walke a little out of Stamford into the County of Lincoln, in w ^ch County this town standeth, and since I have in their order and succession set downe the Names of y ^e prime Majestrates as they have succes­sively borne Office in this Towne: give me leave in the next place to set forth such as this County of Lincoln [...] hath from time to time sent up to London, who have borne the head Office in that mighty City. It is true this County hath received back as it were by way of exchange, two Families of Gentry which are descended from Majors of London ▪ and have planted their houses in this County.

In the first place I find the Family of the Granthams ▪ which from Iohn Grantham Grocer, Major of London in the third yeare of the raigne of K. Edward the 3. (which was in Anno Dom. 1328.) are descended and ever since setled in the County of Lincolne, as ap­peares by the Armes of that Iohn Grantham ▪ borne by the Gran­thams of this County at this day.

The next Family which London hath lent to this County to gar­nish the same with the flowers of her Gentry, is the illustrious Fa­mily [Page] of the Askewes of Lincolnshire, which from Sir Christopher Askew Draper the Son of Iohn Askew of Edmunton in the County of Middlesex, being Major of London in anno Dom. 1534 (being in the 26 yeare of the raigne of K. Henry the 8.) are descended as ap­peares by the same Coat-armour borne by the Askewes of Lin­colnshire at this day.

It is true, this Towne of Stamford hath never beene so fortu­nate as to have any Major of London descended out of the same, but what this place hath been defective in, the County hath given a lar­ger supply then any one County of England, having sent up Tenn [...] Majors besides other Aldermen and Sheriffes to that City.

I.

First, in Anno Dom. 1470. which was in the 10.th yeare of King Edward the 4.th, Sir Iohn Stockdon Mercer, the Sonne of Richard Stockdon of Bratoft in the County of Lincolne, was Major of Lon­don at what time the Bastard Falconbridge assaulted the City at Al­gate, and at the Bridge-gate, who for his Valour in the defence of the same, with a XI. more of his Brethren the Aldermen, and Vrs­wicke the then Recorder of London, were then Knighted in the field by the said King Edward the fourth.

II. Sir Nicholas Alwin Mercer, sonne to Richard Alwin of Spalding in the County of Lincolne, was Major of London in anno Dom. 1500, in the 15.th yeare of King Henry the 7.th, Hee gave xij.d. a peece to 3000, poore people in and about Spaulding, and to as many more in and about London.

III. VVilliam R [...]mington Fishmonger, sonne of Robert Reming­ton of Boston in the County of Lincolne, was Major of London in anno Dom. 1501. which was in the 16.th yeare of King Henry the 7.th.

IV. VVilliam Foreman Haberdasher, sonne to VVilliam Fore­man of Gainsborough in the County of Lincolne, was Major of London in anno Dom. 1539, which was in the 31.th yeare of [...]ing Henry the 8.th.

V. Sir Henry Hubberthorne Marchant-Taylo [...] sonne to [...] ­stopher Hubberthorne of Wadingsworth i [...] the County o [...] Lincolne, was Major of London, anno Dom. 154 [...]. which was in [...] of K. Henry the 8.

[Page 46]VI. Henry A [...]coles Fishmonger, sonne of William A [...]coles of Astrap, in the County of Lincolne, was Major of London in anno Dom. 1549, which was in the second yeare of Edward the 6 ^th.

VII. Sir Iohn Langley Goldsmith, sonne to Robert Langley of Althorpe, in the County of Lincolne, was Major of London in an­no Dom. 1577, which was in the 19.th yeare of Queene Elizabeth.

VIII. Sir Nicholas Moseley Clothworker, sonne to Edward Moseley of Hough, in the County of Lincolne, was Major of Lon­don in anno Dom. 1600, which was the 42.th yeare of Queene E­lizabeth.

IX. Sir George Bowles Grocer, sonne of Thomas Bowles of New­bold, in the County of Leicester, descended from the Bowles of Lincolnshire, (as by his Coat of Armes agreeable with those ap­peareth) was Major of London in anno Dom. 1618, which was in the 16.th yeare of King Iames.

X. Sir Nicholas Raynton Haberdasher, sonne of Robert Rayn­ton of Highinton, in the County of Lincolne, was Major of Lon­don in Anno Dom. 1633, which was in the 9.th yeare of King CHARLES.