Barkshire.

BARKSHIRE, BERKSHIRE, or BERKS, is an Inland County. 'Tis bounded on the North by the Thames and Isis, which part it from Oxfordshire; On the South, by Hampshire; Eastward, by Sur­rey; [Page 23]and Westward, by Wiltshire and Glocester­shire.

It contains in Length from East to West, a­bout 45 Miles; in Breadth from North to South, 25. The whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 140 Parishes, and 12 Market-Towns.

The Country is very pleasant, the Air sweet, and the Soil fruitful.

Next to the Isis and the Thames, which wa­ter the North Parts of it, the Kennet is the principal River, which runs into the Thames at Reading, and yields excellent Trouts, espe­cially about Hungerford.

Reading the County-Town lies 32 Miles West from London, thus; viz. to Colebrook, 15 from thence to Maidenhead, 7 and 10 more to Reading. A Town commodiously seated at the fall of the Kennet into the Thames, over which Rivers it has several Bridges, and that over the Kennet is the fairest. The Town is well inhabited, and contains 3 Parish Churches. Of great Re­sort and Trade, especially for its Cloth and Malt here made. Here the County Assizes are usu­ally kept; and its Market is on Saturday.

The other Market-Towns are

• Windsor, Sat.
• Vantage, Sat.
• Abington, Mund. & Frid.
• Faringdon, Tues.
• Ockingham, Tues.
• Wallingford, Tues. & Frid.
• Maidenhead, Wed.
• Hungerford, Wed.
• East-Isley, Wed.
• Newbury, Thurs.
• Lainborn, —

Amongst which Wallingford and Abington, are two Towns of great Antiquity, and such as have flourished in their time, but since gone to decay. The first being the Guallena of the [Page 24]Ancients, and then the chief Town of the At­trebatii, was afterwards also among the West Saxons the chief Town of this County. A Mile in compass at that time within the Walls, for­tified with a strong Castle, and adorned with 12 Parish Churches. But in the Year 1348, so desolated by a Plague, that there is now but one Church left, hardly Inhabitants enough to keep that in repair; and nothing of the Walls left (as not much of the Castle) but the Tract and Ruins of 'em. However as it is seat­ed upon the Thames (over which it has a Bridge,) it makes shift to support it self by its Trade of Maulting, and its Commodiousness for Transporting Corn and other Commodities to London. And so doth Abington, which lies North-West from it, at the fall of the Ouse into the Isis. Noted for giving the Title of an Earl­dom to the Right Honourable James Bertie, the present Earl of Abington, Baron Norreys, &c.

Windsor, on the Thames is chiefly remarkable for its Castle, the finest Royal Pallace of Eng­land, and the only Castle of six this County has formerly had, which is now remaining. Which being seated on a great Eminence, with a stately and spacious Terrass before it, injoys a pure Air, and a delicate Prospect. Famous for being the Place where the Ceremony of the Knights of the Garter is solemnized on St. George's Day.

Newbury and Hungerford are both seated on the River Kennet, few Miles distant from each other. The first, of chief note for the Batte [...] fought here in the long Civil Wars, called New­bury Fight, where King Charles I. remained victo­rious. And the last for having the best Trouts and Craw-Fish in all England.

This County, formerly a Part of the ancient Kingdom of the West-Saxons, (the Inhabitants whereof called Attrebatii by the ancient Ro­mans,) is in the Diocese of Salisbury. Dignified with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Thomas Howard, the present Earl of Barkshire, Viscount Andover, &c. Devolved to him from his Brother Charles, and to Charles from their Father Thomas Howard, created Earl of Barkshire, Anno 1625. Which Title had been injoyed before him by another Family, but in the Person only of Francis Nor­ris, created Earl of Barkshire, by King James I. Anno 1620; who died few Years after, with­out Issue Male.

Out of this County are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, seven Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. 2 from Reading, 2 from Windsor, 2 more from Wallingford, and 1 from Abington.

Bedford­shire.

BEDFORDSHIRE, another Inland County is bounded Eastward by Hartfordshire, and part of Cambridgeshire; Westward, by Buckinghamshire; Northward, by Northamp­ton and Huntington Shires; Southward, by Middlesex, and the South Parts of Buckingham­shire.

It contains in Length from North to South not above 24 Miles; in Breadth, but 12; and in Circumference 72. The Whole divided into nine Hundreds, wherein 116 Parishes, and 10 Market-Towns.

Here the Air is very temperate, the Country for the most part Champion, and the Soil fer­ile, especially the North part of it. Noted, shiefly for yielding the best Barley in Eng­ [...]and.

Next to the River Ouse, which waters the North Parts of it, the Ivel is the chief, which falls into the Ouse.

A memorable Thing is recorded of this River Ouse, which I am unwilling to pretermit. At a Place near Harwood, on New Years Day 1399, just before the War began between the Two Houses of York and Lancaster, this River sud­denly stood still, and ceased its Course; and so se­vered it self, that Men went about 3 Miles toge­ther on foot in the bottom of the Channel, the Waters swelling up backwards, to a great height.

Bedford, the County-Town, lies North-west and by North, 40 Miles from London, thus. From London to Barnet, 10; 10 more to St. Al­bans, 8 from thence to Luton, 5 more to Baru [...] Clay, thence to Bedford 7.

A Town pleasantly seated on the Banks o [...] the River Ouse, that parts it into two, and o­ver which there is a fair Stone Bridge, Called Bedford from the Beds and Lodgings on the Ford, built on both sides of the River for the use of Travellers. A Town which in proces [...] of time is grown to that bigness, as to contain in it 5 Parish Churches, whereof 3 on the North and 2 on the South-side of the River.

Famous in former times for the great Bat­tel fought in the adjoyning Fields Anno 572 in which Cuthwolf the Saxon vanquished th [...] Britains, and became Master of the Country But more famous for giving the Title of Duke to John of Lancaster, Regent of France for Kin [...] Henry VI, and to Jasper of Hatfield, Uncle [...] Henry VII. After whom it was dignified b [...] King Edward VI, Anno 1548, with the Title o [...] an Earldom, in the Person of the then Lon [...] Admiral John Russel; and from him descende [...] [Page 27]in a right line to the truly Noble and right Ho­nourable William Russel, the present Earl of Bedford, and Knight of the Order of the Gar­ter.

Lastly, this Town has two Markets a Week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, well furnished with all sorts of Provisions.

The other Market-Towns are

• Tuddington, Sat.
• Potton, Sat.
• Luton, Mund.
• Leighton, Tue.
• Biglesworth Tue.
• Dunstable, Wedn.
• Ampthill, Thur.
• Woburn, Frid.
• Shefford, Frid.

Among which Dunstable, the chief of all, is seated on a Hill, in a chalky dry Ground. Built by King Henry I. out of the Ruins of the ancient Magiovinium, for the better suppres­sing of one Dun, a notorious Robber, that u­sed to pester these Parts, from whom it came to be called Dunstable. It has 4 Streets in it, and in each of 'em a Pond, fed only with Rain, and yet these Ponds are never dry. No Springs here to be found, without digging a very great depth. But as it is seated in the high Road from London to West-Chester (formerly known by the Name of Watling-street,) 'tis a well fre­quented Town, and accommodated with several good Inns for Travellers. In this Town King Edward I. caused a Cross or Column to be e­rected, adorned with Statues, and the Arms of England, &c. in Memorial of Eleanor his Queen, this being the Place where her Corps rested in her Journey from Lincolnshire, where she died, to Westminster Abbey, where she was interred. About this Town are caught abundance of [Page 28]Larks, which are esteemed the best in England and where they are the best dressed.

Leighton is seated in the Borders of Bucking­hamshire, upon a River that runs Northward in­to the Ouse. This is a good large Town, ha­ving a Bridge over the River, which leads to Buckinghamshire. And its Market is very considerable, especially for all sorts of fa [...] Cattle.

Luton, a pretty good Town, borders upon both the Counties of Hartford and Bucking ham; and Potton, upon Cambridgeshire. Wo­burn, on a rising Ground, is much frequented by Passengers in their Journeys from London to Northampton. Formerly of some account for its fine Monastery, as it is at present fo [...] its Free School, founded by Francis Earl of Bed­ford.

Near this Town is Aspley, where the natur [...] of the Soil is such, that it petrifies Wood. An [...] about this Town is digged up excellent Fulle [...] Earth in great plenty.

Biglesworth is pleasantly seated on the Ive [...] over which it has a Stone-bridge. This Town formerly but inconsiderable, is grown into request, since it became a Thorough-fare for Coaches especially, between London and York.

Shefford is situate on the other side of the [...] ­vel, West and by South from Biglesworth, be­tween two Rivulets which joyn below th [...] Town, and fall together in one stream into th [...] Ivel.

Ampthill, 5 Miles South of Bedford, is a [...] Honour belonging to the Crown. Graced with a fine Seat and Park in its Neighbourhood, be longing to the Earl of Alesbury.

To conclude, this County (formerly was Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its In­habitants part of the Catieuchlani, as the Ro­mans called them) is now in the Diocese of London.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members to sit in Par­liament, the Right of Election being in the Town of Bedford.

Bucking­hamshire.

Buckinghamshire, or Bucks, another Inland Coun­ty, is bounded on the East by Bedford and Hart­ford Shires, and part of Middlesex; on the West, by Oxfordshire; Northward, by Northampton­shire; and Southward, by Barkshire.

It contains in Length, from North to South, about 40 Miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 18. The Whole divided into eight Hundreds, wherein 185 Parishes, and 15 Market Towns.

A Country blest with a very temperate and healthful Air, and with a rich and fertile Soil, yielding Grass and Corn in great abundance, especially the Vale, lying Northwards. South-Eastward it rises into Hills, called the Chiltern, which afford a great deal of Wood.

An infinite Number of Sheep is bred, espe­cially in the Vales of this Country, whose Fleece is much esteemed for its fineness.

As for Rivers, here is Northward the Ouse, and a small Stream that runs into it; about the middle of the County, the Tame; and in the South-East Parts the Coln, which severs part of this County from that of Middlesex.

Buckingham, the chief Place of it, lies North­west and by West 44 Miles from London. Viz. 6 to Acton, 9 more to Ʋxbridge, 9 more to A­mersham, to Wendover 6 more, thence 4 to Ailes­bury, and 10 more to Buckingham.

A goodly Town seated in a fruitful Soil, on the Banks of the River Ouse, rising not far from it, and over which it has 3 fair Stone Bridges. 'Tis pretty well frequented and inhabited; and its Market, which is kept on Saturdays, well served with Provisions. In times past, it was fortified by King Edward the elder. The Town-Hall stands in the North Part of the Town; and the Chappel, founded by Tho. Becket, is now converted into a Free School.

Otherwise not much observable but for those many noble Personages which have had the Title of Earls and Dukes thereof.

The last Duke was George Villiers, who died in the late Reign. He was Son to George Vis­count Villiers, Baron of Whaddon; first created Earl of Buckingham by King James the First, and afterwards Duke thereof, Anno 1623. He was Lord Admiral of England, and High Cham­berlain; and was slain by Felton.

The other Market Towns are

• Newport, Sat.
• Ailesbury, Sat.
• Risborough, Sat.
• Marlow, Sat.
• Oulney, Mund.
• Agmundesham, Tues.
• Colebrook, Wed.
• Chesham, Wed.
• Winslow, Thur.
• Wendover, Thur.
• Beaconfield, Thur.
• Stony-Stratford, Frid.
• Ivingo, Frid.
• High Wickham, Frid.

Amongst which, Newport, Stoney-Stratford, and Oulney, are all three seated on the Ouse; Ailes­bury, on the Tame; Marlow, near the Thames and Colebrook, on the Coln.

Newport, or Newport Pagnel, a goodly Town, has two Bridges over the Ouse, and is of chief note for the Bone-lace here made.

Stony Stratford, a Place of great Antiquity, being the Lactodurum of the Romans, is a good large Town, containing two Parish Churches. And, as it lies in the Way from London to the North-West Parts of England, it is well ac­commodated with Inns for Travellers. This is the Way called Wailing-street, being a Military High-Way of the Romans, which crossed all the Country. At this Place King Edward the Elder obstructed the Passage of the Danes, whilst he fortified Towcester against them. And here King Edward Lerected a beautiful Cross, in Memorial of his Queen Eleanor, whose Corps rested here in her Journey from Lincolnshire where she died, to Westminster Abbey, the Place of her Sepulture.

Wickham, situate in a low and fertile Vale, on a small River which falls into the Thames, is a Town which for largeness and fair Buildings is not inferiour to any in the County. Here the County Assises are commonly kept, and some­times at Ailesbury.

Ailesbury stands in a most fruitful Vale, on the rising of a little Hill, compassed about with many very pleasant green Meadows and Pa­stures. The Vale in great repute for grazing of Cattel, and feeding innumerable Flocks of Sheep, whose fine Fleeces are in great esteem. A Vale famous of old for S. Edith, who bid [...]ling the World Adieu betook her self to this Vale, where she lived a pious and holy life. The Town more remarkable of late for the Title of an Earldom it gives to the Right Honourable Thomas Bruce, the present Earl of Ailesbury, and Earl of Elgin in Scotland. Derived to him [Page 32]from his Father Robert Bruce, Baron of Kinlos, Earl of Elgin, and Lord Whorlton in York­shire. Who was created by King Charles II. Baron of Skelton, Viscount Bruce of Ampthill, and Earl of Ailesbury, March 18th. 1664. Advanced afterwards to the Place of Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold soon af­ter the late Kings Accession to the Crown, up­on the Decease of his Predecessor the Earl of Arlington.

Beaconfield is seated on a dry Hill, not far ei­ther from Wickham or Amersham. A goodly Town, which being on the high Road from London to Oxford is very well accommodated with Inns.

Marlow is probably so called from the great store of Marl or Chalk here dug up; which adds no small advantage to the Husbandmen, who inrich their Grounds with it.

But, besides all these Market Towns, here's Eaton upon the Thames, opposite to Windsor, which deserves a Place here, for its fine Col­ledge, and famous School of Literature, found­ed by that Pious Prince, King Henry the Sixth.

Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the ancient Kingdom of the West Sax­ons, and its Inhabitants part of the Catieuch­lani, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of London.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 12 Members of Parliament; viz. two out of each of these Towns, Buckingham, Ailesbury, Chipping-Wickomb, Agmundesham, Wen­dover, and Marlow.

Cam­bridge­shire.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE, another In­land County, has for its Bounds East­ward, both Suffolk and Norfolk; West­ward, Northampton, Huntington, and Bedford shires; Northward, Lincolnshire; Scuthward, Essex, and Hartfordshire.

It extends it self in Length, from North to South, 35 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 20. The Whole divided into 17 Hundreds, 163 Parishes, and 8 Market-Towns.

'Tis for the most part a pleasant, fruitful, Champain Country, abounding in all Things necessary, stored with Meadows and Pastures, plentiful of Corn and Barley, and abundantly furnished with Fish and Fowl. The Northern Parts indeed are Fenny, and therefore less fruit­ful of Corn.

But that Defect is sufficiently supplied ano­ther way, I mean by that plenty of Cattel, Fish, and Fowl that are bred in those Fens. 'Tis true the Air, in those Parts, is something the worse for them.

One Thing this County may boast of, besides Essex; viz. the Saffron it yields in great plenty, which is the dearest Commodity that England produces.

The Herb called Scordium, or Water Ger­mander (of which the Cordial Dioscordium is made) grows here also very plentifully.

About 2 miles South-Eastward from Cam­bridge is a Ridge of Hills, called Hog-magog Hills, retaining yet the remembrance of the Danish Station, and whereof the Country peo­ple tell fine fabulous Stories. On the top of these Hills is seen a Rampier, so strengthen­ed formerly with a threefold Trench, that the Place was counted to be in a manner Impreg­nable.

As for Rivers, here is the Ouse, which runs through the midst of it from West to East, and then bending its Course to the North, parts this County from Norfolk, till it discharges it self at Lyn into the Sea. The South Parts are watered with two lesser Streams, the one called Cam, and the other Grant, both which joyn together into one Stream near Cambridge, under the first Name, and so run together Northward into the Ouse. The North Parts indeed are too much watered by the frequent Overflowings of the Ouse, and other Streams, that have turned most of those Parts into Marshes.

I should now fall to the Description of Cam­bridge, but that it is a Place of that Conse­quence as to deserve a particular Description by it self. For which I refer you, together with that of Oxford, to the Conclusion of this Part. And so I proceed to a View of the other Places of chief note in this County, which are Mar­ket-Towns, besides Cambridge.

The other Market-Towns are,

• Ely Sat.
• Wisbich Sat.
• Newmarket Tue.
• Caxton Tue.
• Royston, Wedn.
• Linton, Thu.
• Merche, Frid.

Among which Ely is situate in an Isle of that name, occasioned by the divided streams of the Ouse and other lesser Rivers, turning a great part of this Tract into Fens and Mar­shes. A Place of no great beauty or reputa­tion, being seated in a foggy and unhealthful Air; but only for being a Bishops See, and a County Palatine, since the [...]eign of Hen­ry I.

Newmarket is partly in this County, and partly in Suffolk. It stands in such a plain, that it has a Prospect three quarters of the Compass, almost to the Bounds of the Horizon; the South-East Parts being more rising Ground, and ending in Woodland. A famous Plain both for Hunting and Horse-races, where the Kings of England use yearly to divertise themselves for some Days before Winter. To which pur­pose there is a House built, on Cambridge side, for their Reception. The Town it self is composed of a well-built Street; and being a great Thorough-fare, the Townsmen live chiefly upon Passengers; besides the Advan­tage of the Court, when the King goes thi­ther. It consists of two Parishes, one in Suffolk, the other in Cambridgeshire. Its Market is well served, particularly with Fish and wild Fowl from the fenny Parts, as it is with Pigeons from the Fiekling. The Women here imploy themselves very much in spinning of white Work. And, not far from this Town, is the huge Ditch, called the Devil's Ditch.

Royston stands in the bottom of a Hill, part­ly in this County, and partly in Hartfordshire. Whose Market is very considerable, for Malt especially.

Lastly, this County (which formerly was [Page 36]Part of the Kingdom of the East-Angles, and its Inhabitants part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocess of Ely.

Out of it are elected, besides the 2 Knights of the Shire, 4 Members of Parliament; viz. 2 by the Town of Cambridge, and 2 more by the Ʋniversity.

Cheshire.

CHESHIRE, a Maritime County in the North-West Parts of England, is bounded on the East by Derbyshire and Staffordshire; on the West, partly by the Irish Sea, partly by Flintshire and Denbighshire, two Counties of Wales; Northward, by Lancashire; Southward, part by Denbighshire, and part by Shropshire and Staffordshire.

It contains in Length, from East to West, about 45 Miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 25. The Whole divieled into 7 Hundreds, 85 Parishes, and 13 Market Towns.

As flat as this Country is, yet it is not with­out several noted Hills, besides the Mountains which divide it from Darby and Stafford Shires. It has also several Woods and Forests, as namely Delamere and Maclesfield Forests; and is so well stored with Parks, that almost every Gen­tleman has one peculiar to himself.

Heaths and Mosses are frequent here; but the first serve to feed Sheep, and Horses, and Mos­ses to make Turves of for Fewel.

As for Rivers, this Country is well watered with them; the South-west Parts, with the Dee; the middle, with the Weever; and the North Parts, with the Mersey, which divides this County from Lancashire. The Dee affords great plenty of Sal­mon. And 'tis observable of this River, that upon the fall of much Rain, it rises but little; but, if the South Wind beat long upon it, it swells [Page 37] [...]nd overflows the Grounds adjoyning. Here are [...]lso many Meres, and Pools, in all which are a­ [...]undance of excellent Fish.

Here the Air for Temperature, and the Soil for Fertility, is inferiour to none, and far ex­ [...]eeding the Neighbouring Counties.

Its chief Commodities are Corn, Cattel, Sheep, Fish, Fowl, Salt, and Cheese, the best [...]n all England.

Chester, (otherwife called West-Chester, by reason of its Western Situation) is the chief Place of this County, bearing from London North-West, and distant therefrom (by com­mon Computation) 150 Miles, thus. Viz. from London to St. Albans, 20. from thence to Stony-Stratford, 24; to Daventry, 16 more; from Daventry to Coventry, 22; thence to Lichfield, [...]o more; to Stone 18; to Nantwich, 15; and to Chester, 15 more.

This City was raised from the Fort Ostorius, Lieutenant of Britain for the Emperour Clau­ [...]ius. And 'tis pleasantly seated on the River Dee, about 25 miles from its fall into the Sea, the River widening it self all the way to a great breadth. But the Channel is so choakt up with Sand for some Miles, that all Ships now [...]ome to a Place called the New Key, about 6 miles distance.

Over the River it has a fair Stone-bridge [...]uilt upon 8 Arches, with a Gate at each [...]nd, from whence issue the Walls of the City [...]n a quadrangular form, high and strongly [...]uilt. In this Wall are 4 Gates, viz. the East-Gate, Bridge-gate, Water-gate, and North-Gate; the first being esteemed one of [...]he stateliest Gates in England. Besides these [...]our principal Gates, there are three others of [...]ess note, called the Posterns, and on the Wall [Page 38]are 7 Watch-towers, and broad Battlements for Pieces of Ordnance. On the South side, is a stately strong Castle, built in a circular form, with a Court-yard about it inclosed with a Wall. In the North Part is the Cathedral adjoyning to which is the Bishops Pallace.

In short, this City is beautify'd with divers fair Buildings, both publick and private; and graced with large and well-ordered Streets▪ which are supplied with fresh Water, by Con­duit Pipes, from a Tower at the Bridge calle [...] Water-Tower, 35 yards high, and 8 broad Along the chief Streets are Galleries (or Row [...] as they call them) with Shops on one side through which Galleries one may walk fre [...] from Wet in the greatest Showers.

As to the Number of Parishes in it, I fin [...] no less than ten; so well frequented this Pla [...] is by Gentry and Tradesmen. For, besides th [...] Assises held here twice a Year, Chester being a County Palatine has also its Courts Pala­tine kept here. And, as it stands commodi­ously for Ireland, with which it has a grea [...] Intercourse, so it is a constant Thorough-far [...] for that Kingdom.

Of late it has been of particular Note, fo [...] being the Rendezvous of great part of ou [...] Forces, that have been transported for th [...] Reduction of Ireland; and Highlake, on th [...] North-side of the River's Mouth, for being th [...] proper Place for Shipping.

'Twas in this City of Chester that King Edga [...] had his Barge rowed (by way of Homage) b [...] seven Kings of the Scots and Britains, from [...] Johns Church to his Pallace, himself as s [...] ­preme Lord holding the Helm. And 'tis ob­servable, that the eldest Sons of the Kings [...] England (whether it be by birth, or death [...] [Page 39]their elder Brothers, are ipso facto Earls of Chester.

The other Market Towns are

• Nantwich Sat.
• Middlewich Sat.
• Congleton Sat.
• Knutsford Sat.
• Malpas Mund.
• Maxfield Mund.
• Altrincham, Tue.
• Fordsham, Wedn.
• Sanbich, Thu.
• Northwich Frid.
• Stopford Frid.
• Tarvin Frid.

Amongst which, Nantwich and Fordsham are feated on the Banks of the Weever; Stopford, on the Mersey; Northwich and Congleton, on the Dane, which runs into the Weeve; Middlewich on the Croke, near its fall into the Dane; Max­field, or Maclesfield, on the Bollin; Sandbich, on the Welock.

Nantwich, Middlewich, and Northwich, are of chief note for their Salt-pits; but the first especially, which (next to Chester) is the greatest and the fairest built Town in the County. Here is the best white Salt made, and great plenty of it.

At Congleton, they make great store of Points, Purses, and leather Gloves. Sandbich is only famous for its Ale, sold at London for 12 pence the bottle; which, for strength and clearness, does equalize Canary. Maxfield, or Maclesfield, is a large and fair Town, which drives a great Trade of Buttons. But it is of most note for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honour­able Charles Gerard, Earl of Maclesfield, &c.

This County (formerly a Part of the an­cient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Cornavii, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Chester.

The Earls hereof were anciently accounted Palatines; since William the Conquerour gave this Earldom to Hugh Lupus, a noble Norman, to be holden as freely by his Sword, as the King himself held England by his Crown; which was the Tenure of all Counts Palatine, more like Princes than Subjects. And, though it be now, (and has long been) reannexed to the Crown; yet it still holds the Rights and Privi­ledges of a County Palatine; having, for the administration thereof, a Chamberlain, a Ju­stice for the Common-Pleas of the Crown, two Barons of the Exchequer, a Sheriff, an Es­cheator, and other Officers, to the great ease of all the Country, in expedition of their Busi­ness.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members of Parliament, and Chester only has the Right of Election.

CORNWAL, the furthest County in the West of England, is on all sides surround­ed with the Sea; except Eastward, where the River Tamer parts it from Devon­shire.

Its Length from East to West is about 70. miles; and the broadest Part, next to Devon­shire, 40. The Whole divided into nine Hun­dreds, wherein 161 Parishes, and 21 Market Towns.

The Country being for the most part but narrow, you cannot expect here Rivers of any long Course. The Tamer aforesaid is the most considerable; next to which you have the Camel, and the Fale.

Here the Air is pure and subtile, but much subject to Winds and stormy Weather; and more apt to preserve than to recover Health, espe­cially to Strangers.

The Spring is something backward here, which makes the Harvest to be later than in the Eastern Parts; but, on the other side, the Win­ter does prove milder.

The Country in general is hilly, and rocky, the Rocks being crusted over with a shallow Earth. The Parts towards the Sea are the most fruitful both in Corn and Pasturage. Which happens partly by the industrious ma­nuring the Ground with a fruitful sort of Sand, and a Sea-weed called Orewood. The middle Parts, except the Inclosures about Towns and Villages, ly generally waste and open, and serve chiefly for Summer Cattel. But, as to Game, both for the Hawk and the Hound, here's great store of it.

One Thing it excels all other Counties in, and that is its Tin Mines, the Tin whereof goes beyond any in Europe for fineness.

Here is also found in some Rocks a sort of precious Stone, called the Cornish Diamond, shaped and polished by Nature; and some of them as big as a Walnut, but indeed not so hard as the right Diamond.

For Fishing of Pilchards, this is the Place; the Time, from July to November. When the Sea does so swarm of them, that enough can be spared to supply France, Spain, and Ita­ly with them in great Stores; the smoaked one being called Fumados in Italy, where they pass for a great Dainty.

In Mounts Bay is the famous Hill, called S. Michael's Mount, severed from the main Land by a sandy Plain, which at Ebb-water may be passed over on foot. A Hill that proudly raises it self to a great eminence, the top of it be­ing a small Plain, the greatest part on't taken up by an old Fort.

Nigh unto the said Bay is a strong Rock, called Main Amber, which lieth as it were mounted on others of a smaller size with so equal a Counterpoise, that it may be stirred, but not moved out of its place. And in S. Cleere's Parish there are upon a Plain 6 or 8 Stones, such as are upon Salisbury Plain. Which, like them too, will be mistaken in their telling; so that, when they are told over again, they will be found either more o [...] less than before.

At Boskenna is a Trophy erected, 18 Stone placed round, and pitched 12 foot from each other, with another in the Center far bigge [...] than the rest. And in many Places hereabout [...] are Pieces of Armour, both for Horse and Man, digged out of the Ground.

Among Sea-faring Men, here are (beside [...] the Harbours) two Places of chief note [...] viz. the Lizard Point, and the Lands End. The first is the furthest part South-West of the Goon hilly Downs, a pretty large Tract [...] Ground shooting forth from the main Land into the South Sea. The Lands End is the fur­thest Point Westward of Cornwal, and conse­quently of England.

Lanceston, the County Town, bears from London West-South-West, and is distant there from 170 miles. Viz. from London to Salis­bury, 70 miles, for the particulars of which [...] refer you to Wiltshire; from thence to Shaft [...] bury, 18; to Sherburn, 12 more; to Axminster 19; to Honiton, 7 more; thence to Exeter, 12. and to Lanceston, 32 more.

This Town is seated on the banks of a small River called Kensey, and not far from its fal [...] into the Tamer. A Town of good Trade, an [...] well inhabited; whose Market on Saturday [...] [Page 43]is well frequented, and served with Provisions. Here are held the Assises for this County.

The other Market Towns are

• Saltash, Sat.
• Foway, Sat.
• East-Lowe, Sat.
• Padstow, Sat.
• Grampound, Sat.
• Tregny, Sat.
• Helston, Sat.
• Iiskerd, Sat.
• B [...]dmin. Sat.
• Stratton, Tue.
• Truro, Wedn. & Sat.
• Penrin, Wedn. Frid. & Sat.
• S. Ives, Wedn. & Frid.
• S. Colomb, Thu.
• Falmouth, Thu.
• Market-Jew, Thu.
• Penzance, Thu.
• Listhiel, Frid.
• S. Germans, Frid.
• Camelford, Frid.

Falmouth, the most-frequented Place in these Parts by Mariners, deserves a particular De­scription. First it is called Falmouth, from its Situation at the Mouth of the River Fale; and that in a fertile Tract of Ground called Roseland, which contains several Parishes, and feeds great Flocks of Sheep.

The Haven before it is so safe and so capaci­ous, that the Town has thriven of late very much upon it; the Creeks being coasted with steep Shores, and so large withal, that 100 Sail of Ships may safely ride at Anchor. Besides, it lieth more in the way of Trade to wind-driven Ships, than Plimouth in Devonshire. And over against it is the Castle called Pendennis, erected for the better security of this Coast by King Henry VIII.

But that which adds much of late to the Repu­tation of Falmouth, is his Majesty's setling of a Sea-Post here for Spain and Portugal; whereby all immediate Correspondence with France is inter­rupted, at least during this present War, and [Page 44]the Benefit of it cut off from that Kingdom. The Groyn, a Sea-Port Town of Gallicia in Spain, is the Place appointed to receive our Packet [...] there; from thence to be distributed through all Places of Correspondence, both in Spain and Portugal. Lastly, this Town is of some note for giving the Title of Viscount to the Duke of Northumberland.

Further in the County Northward lies Truro a Town of good note, seated in the middle o [...] two Streams that run into Falmouth Haven and giving the Title of Baron to the Right Ho­nourable Charles Bodvile Roberts, Earl of Radnor, Penrin, another Town of note lies something nearer, but to the Northwest of Falmouth, on a Creek of Falmouth Haven. Penzance and Market-Jew stand over against one another, West and East of Mounts Bay, the first a good traded Town, the other but inconsiderable.

Eastward you will find Fouay, East and We [...] Iowe, upon the South Sea; and on the North or Irish Sea, the Havens of Padstow and S. Ives The rest of the Market Towns are up in the Country.

This County (which formerly was part of the ancient Kingdom of the West Saxons, and the Inhabitants, together with those of Devonshire, Known among the old Romans by the Name o [...] Danmonii) is now in the Diocese of Exeter.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knight [...] of the Shire, no less than 42 Members to sit i [...] Parliament, Viz. two out of each of these Towns, Lanceston, Liskerd, Liskil or Liswithie [...] Truro, Bodmin, H [...]lston, Saltash, Camelford, We [...] and East Lowe, Grampond, Penrin, Tregny, B [...] ­ney, S. Ives, Fouay, S. Germains, S. Michae [...] Newport, S. Mawes, and Kellington.

When this County was under the Earls o [...] [Page 45]Cornwal, they gave great Immunities and Li­ [...]erties to those that workt in the Mines. And when this Earldom reverted to the Crown, in King Edwards Time, he gave it to his Son, surnamed the Black Prince, advancing that Title to that of a Dukedom, and erected a Lord War­ [...]en of the Stanneries, to have the Government thereof. Since which time the eldest Sons of the Kings of England, whether it be by Birth, or by the Death of their elder Brothers, are ipso facto Dukes of Cornwal, as they are Earls of Chester, without any Creation; being at age to sue their Livery, how young soever.

Cumber­land.

CƲMBERLAND is a Maritime Coun­ty in the North-West Parts of England. Bounded on the East by Northumberland and Westmorland; on the West, by the Irish Sea; on the North, by Scotland; on the South by Westmorland and Lancashire.

Its Length from North to South is about 5 [...] miles; its Breadth, from East to West, some thing less than 40. The Whole divided, no [...] into Hundreds, but Wards, five in Number wherein 58 Parishes, and 15 Market Towns.

This Country is generally Mountainous, and some of the Hills both very high and stee [...] Those of most note are Skiddaw, Haraknot, Black coum, and Wry-nose. On the Top of this last on the high Way-side, are placed 3 stones, ca­led the Shire-stones, standing within a foot o [...] each other, one in this County, another i [...] Westmorland, and the third in Lancashire.

As for Rivers and Meres, here is abundance [...] them; the principal River known by the Nam [...] of Eden.

Here the Air is pretty sharp and piercing though the Country be something sheltered b [...] the Northern Hills.

And, as hilly as this Country is, yet the Hil [...] [Page 47]thereof are not so barren, but that they feed great Flocks of Sheep, and other Cattel, whilst [...]ts fruitful Valleys bear good Crops of Corn, and its rich Meadows excellent Pasture.

The Sea and Rivers, on the other side, strive [...]n a manner to furnish it with plenty of Fish, and wild Fowl. And, which is remarkable, here they have Muscles that bear a sort of Pearl.

But, besides Rivers, here are a great ma­ny Meers (or Lakes) yielding great plenty of Fish; but chiefly Ʋlles Water, bordering both upon Cumberland and Westmorland.

In the Bowels of the Earth, not only Coals for Fewel, but also Lead and Copper, are found in great plenty.

Of all the Counties in England, this shews the most Roman Antiquities. The principal of which is the Picts Wall, a prodigious Stone-wall built by the Romans for their security, against the Incursion of the raging Picts; the track whereof in many places is yet to be seen. This Wall was 8 foot broad, and 12 high, reaching cross the Country from Carlisle to Newcastle, that is, from Sea to Sea, at least 80 miles. Thus it ascended and descended over great Crags and high Hills, with Watch-Towers erected at every thousand Paces, in which Souldiers were kept for its Defence.

At Salkeld, on the Eden, is a Trophy of Victo­ry erected, called by the Inhabitants Long Meg and her Daughters. This Monument consists of [...]7 Stones, each 10 foot above ground, and one of them (namely Long Meg) is 15 foot high.

Carlisle, the chief Place of this County, bears from London North-North-West, and is di­stant from it 235 miles, thus. From London to [Page 48]Buckingham 44, for the particulars of which I refer you to Buckinghamshire; to Coventry 30 more; from thence to Lichfield, 20; to Sto [...] 16 more; thence to Warington, 32; to [...]an [...] ­ster, 45; to Kendall, 16 more; and from thence to Carlisle, 32.

A City pleasantly seated on the South Bank of the River Eden, within few miles of its fa [...] into the Sea, being watered besides East an [...] West with two lesser Rivers, the Pettrel an [...] Canda, at their fall into the Eden. So that it i [...] in a manner surrounded with three Rivers, ex­cept towards the South. This is a Town o [...] great Antiquity, flourishing even in the time o [...] the Romans; upon whose Departure it suffer­ed much by the Scots and Picts. Afterward being utterly defaced by the Danes, it lay de­jected for about 200 years, till William Ruf [...] rebuilt it. After him, Henry the First, hi [...] Brother and Successor, made it a Bishops See. Thus by degrees it recovered it self, being now a fine City, well inhabited, and a Place of good Trade, chiefly for Fustians. It is begirt with fine Walls, fortified with a Castle and Cittade [...] beautified with a Cathedral of curious Work­manship, and dignify'd with the Title of an Earl­dom, at this time injoy'd by the Right Honou­rable Edward Howard Earl of Carlisle, &c. De­rived to him from his Father Charles Howar [...] created Earl of Carlisle by King Charles II. An­no 1661. And the said Charles, Son and He [...] of Sir William Howard, was great Grand-chil [...] of the Lord William Howard, third Son of Tho­mas Duke of Norfolk. In the Year 1663. h [...] was sent Embassador Extraordinary by the sai [...] King Charles, to the Courts of Moscovy, Sweden and Denmark. And some Years after, h [...] was sent again, with the same Character, t [...] [Page 49]the King of Sweden, to whom he carried the Garter.

The other Market Towns are

• Egremont, Sat.
• Ravenglas, Sat.
• Keswick, Sat.
• Alston-Moor, Sat.
• Abbey-holm, Sat.
• Cockermouth, Mund.
• Perth, Tue.
• Wigton, Tue.
• Brampton, Tue.
• Bootle, Wedn.
• White-Haven, Thu.
• Ireby, Thu.
• Kirkswald, Thu.
• Longtown Thu.

Amongst which Perith, or Penrith, seated between Eimont a River on the South-side and Lowther another River on the West, is counted the second Town of note in this County; being large, well built, and in­habited by Tradesmen, but Tanners especi­ally.

Cockermouth, a goodly Town, is so called from its Situation on the River Cocker, near its fall into the Derwent, by which two Rivers it is almost incompassed. It lies about 8 miles from the Sea, between two Hills, upon one of which stands the Church, and upon the other a Castle. Its chief Trade is of course broad Cloaths, here made. And here is a Custom, common to most other Market Towns of this County, to hire Servants at their Fairs; to which end such as want either Service or Servants do resort hither.

Egremont and Ravenglass, are seated not sar from the Sea. The first on the Banks of a River, over which it has two Bridges. Ravenglass, be­twixt two Rivers, which together with the Sea incompass three Parts of it.

White-Haven, is situate on a Creek of the Sea, at the North end of a Hill, where is a great Rock (or Quarrey) of hard white Stone, which gives name unto it. This Harbour is of late much improved in its Buildings, being well frequented and inhabited, and driving a good Trade to Ireland, Scotland, Chester, Bristol, and other Places. Whose chief Trade is of Salt, and Coals here plentifully digged up, for which they bring in exchange several good Commodities.

Keswick, seated in a Valley hemmed in with Hills, has been a famous Town for Copper Mines, and much frequented by mineral Men, who had here many Smelting Houses. But now it is gone to decay. Not far from this Town is dug up Wadd, or Black Lead, in great plenty.

Formerly they reckoned in this County 25 Castles, few of which are remaining, most of them being decayed, and gone to ruin.

Lastly, this County (which in the time of the Heptarchy was part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and whose Inhabitants, as well as those of most part of the North besides, were called Brigantes by the ancient Romans) is part­ly in the Diocese of Carlisle, and partly in That of Chester. For the South Part of it, called Copeland, lying betwixt the Rivers Duddon and Darwent, is within the Arch. Deaconry of Rich­mond in Chester-Diocese; and all the rest of the County in the Diocese of Carlisle.

Out of this County; besides the two Knights of the Shire, there are but four Members chosen [Page 51]to sit in Parliament; 2 from Carlisle, and 2 from Cockermouth.

In the North Parts of it, is a Tract called Gillesland, from whence the Earl of Carlisle in­titles himself Baron Dacre of Gillesland; and South-Westward, near the Sea, stands the Barony of Millum.

In short, this County became first an Earl­dom in the Reign of King Henry VIII, who bestowed the Title upon Henry Lord Clifford, Anno 1525, in whose Issue it continued till the Year 1642, the last that injoyed it being also a Henry Clifford. Of an Earldom it became a Duke­dom in the Person of the late Illustrious Prince Rupert, second Son of Frederick Prince Elector Palatine, and of Elizabeth his Wife, the only Daughter of King James the first; being Crea­ted Duke of Cumberland, and Earl of Holder­ness, by King Charles I. his Uncle, Anno 1643. He died without Issue at Whitehall, Nov. 29. 1682. And the Title of Duke of Cumberland is now in the Person of his Royal Highness, Prince George of Denmark.

Derbyshire.

DERBYSHIRE, or (as some spell it) DARBYSHIRE, an Inland County, is bound­ed on the East by Nottinghamshire; on the West, by Cheshire and Staffordshire; on the North, by Yorkshire; and on the South, by Lei­cestershire. And it lies so in respect to the rest of ENGLAND, that the South Parts of this County are in a manner the Center of it.

It is in Length from North to South, about 34 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, 16. The Whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 106 Parishes, and 10 Market Towns.

The Temperature of the Air of this County is very wholsom, as most of the Inland Coun­ties are.

Next to the River Trent, wherewith the South Parts of it are irrigated, that of chief note is Derwent, which crossing the Country from North to South, empties it self into the Trent, and so divides the County into East and West.

The Soil, in the South and East Parts, is ve­ry fruitful, and yields both good Grass and Corn. But the North and West Parts, being both Hilly and Stony, with a black and mossy barren Ground, are not so fertile. Yet they are not without some rich Valleys; and on the Hills themselves are bred abundance of very good (though not very large) Sheep.

For Fewel, it is not beholden to Wood, the Woods having been destroyed in a great mea­sure by the Countries Iron-Works, Lead-mines, and Coal-Delfs. But 'tis so well stored with Coals, that it supplies with this sort of Fewel many neighbouring Counties, as Leicester, Nor­thampton, Rutland, and Lincoln. Whose In­habitants frequently bring Barley to sell at Darby, and load themselves back with Coals.

For Buildings, it affords, not only good Clay for Bricks, but also store of Free-Stone, or du­rable Greet Stone; and in many parts Lime­stone, both useful in Building, and for manu­ring the Ground. Here is also Alabaster, Cry­stal, black and grey Marble, not only very du­rable, but such as polishes well.

As for Mill-Stones, and Whet-stones, here's whole Quarries of 'em; in the working where­of a great many hands are imployed, before they come to be dispersed over the Nation.

But the chiefest Commodity of this Country is Lead, which for goodness or Plenty yields to no Place in the World. Famous for this is [Page 55]the Peak of Derbyshire, as well as for its Quar­ries; but particularly for its three wonderful Caves.

This Peak ly's amongst the Mountains, in the North-West Parts; and its three Caves, of a wonderful vast height, length, and depth, are known by the Names of Devils Arse, Elden­hole, and Pools hole. From the Devils Arse a Water comes, which is said to ebb and flow 4 times in an hour, (as the Well in the Peak Fo­rest) and to keep its just Tides. Noted besides for the strange Irregularities of the Rocks with­in the Water.

Eldenhole is very spacious, but wi [...]h a low and narrow entrance. The Waters which trickle down from the top thereof do congeal into Stone, and hang like Isicles in the root there­of. Some are hollow within, and grow Ta­per-wise, very white, and not unlike to Cry­stal.

But the greatest Wonder of all is that of Buxton-Wells. Nine Springs arise out of a Rock in the compass of 8 or 9 Yards, eight of which are warm, and the ninth very cold. These Springs run from under a square Building of Free Stone, and about 300 foot off receive an­other hot Spring from a Well inclosed with four flat Stones; near unto which another very cold Spring bubbles up. These Waters are experi­mentally found good for the Stomach and Si­news, and good to bathe in.

And now I come to Mineral Waters, I can­not but mention Kedlaston Well, Quarndon and Stanly Springs. The first of which being in Ked­l [...]ston Parish, is noted for having cured (as 'tis said) the Leprosy, and for being singular in the Cure of old Ulcers. Quarndon Springs are two Springs about a mile and a half from Derby, [Page 56]much of the nature of Tunbridge-Waters in Kent, and the Spaws in Yorkshire, as strong of the Mineral, and as effectual in the Operation. As for Stanly-Spring, 'tis of the same nature, but not so strong.

But about Wirksworth there's a warm and a cold Spring, so near each other, that one may put one hand in the cold, and the other in the warm.

Derby, the Shire-Town, from whence the County it self is denominated, bears from Lon­don North and by West, and is distant there­from 98 miles, thus. From London to Leicester, 78, as you may see in Leicestershire; thence to Lougborough, 8; and to Derby 12 more.

This Town is seated upon the West Bank of Derwent (from whence probably the Name of Derby is extracted) over which there is a fine Bridge of free Stone, and upon the Bridge a Chap­pel called St. Maries Chappel. But, besides Der­went, which empties it self but 6 miles lower into the Trent, this Town has the Conveniency of a Brook rising Westward, and running through it under nine several Bridges.

'Tis a large, populous, and rich Place, few inland Towns equalizing it. Here are five Parish Churches, of which that of All-Saints is the fairest. Whose Tower-Steeple (in which are 8 tunable Bells) built at the only Charge of the young Men and Maids about the Reign of Q. Mary, is equalled for height and beauty by few in the Nation. Here is also a fair Hall, built not many years since of free Stone at the Coun­ties Charge, where the Assizes are constantly kept.

In short, 'tis a Place of good Trade and Re­sort, no less famous for good Ale than Banbu­ry for its Cakes and Cheese. Here is chiefly a [Page 57]great Vent for Barley, which they make into Malt, and so sell it again in Cheshire, Lan­cashire, and the North of this County. Its Market is on Fridays, which is very great for Cattel, Corn, and all Provisions; besides small Markets on Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Lastly, this Town is dignify'd with the Title of an Earldom, now in the person of the Right Honourable William Stanley, Earl of Derby, and Lord of the Isle of Man. Descen­ded to him from his Ancestor Thomas Lord Stanley, and of Man, created Earl of Derby, by King Henry VII. Anno 1486. Which Title was first injoy'd by the Earls of Ferrers and Derby, and afterwards by several Princes of the Royal Family, till it came (as I said before) to Thomas Lord Stanley, by Creation.

The other Market Towns are

• Chesterfield, Sat.
• Ashbourn, Sat.
• Alfreton, Mund.
• Bakewell, Mund.
• Wirksworth, Tue.
• Tideswal, Wedn.
• Dronfield, Thu.
• Bolsover, Frid.
• Drawfield,—

Amongst which Chesterfield is pleasantly seat­ed in a good Soil, for the most part on the South-side of a little Hill, and that between two small Rivers. A Town which, by the Ruins of it, does seem to be of good Anti­quity, and therefore likely to have had some more ancient Name, now buried in its Ruins. It was made a free Borough in the time of King John. And hard by it was the Battel fought between King Henry III and his Ba­rons, in which Robert de Ferrers Earl of Derby being taken Prisoner lost his Estate and Dignity, [Page 58]though not his Life. But that wherein it has most cause to glory is, that from an ordi­nary Market Town, it is become the Seat of an Earldom, the Stile and Title of Earl of Chester­field being conferred by King Charles I. upon Philip Lord Stanhop of Shelford, created Earl of Chesterfield Anno 1628. From whom it descen­ded next, by Henry his eldest Son, to the Right Honourable Philip Lord Stanhop, the pre­sent Earl of Chesterfield.

Wirksworth is so called from the Worth of the Lead-Works. And 'tis the greatest Lead-Market in England.

This County (formerly Part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants part of the Coritani) is now in the Diocese of Lich­field.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Parliament Men, and these two by Derby Town.

But, before I leave this County, I cannot but observe that, of all Parts of England (which in general is famous for its Stone-Bridges) Derbyshire is of special note upon that very ac­count. Witness, amongst the rest, Burton-Bridge on the River Trent, in the Borders of Staffordshire, which has no less than 35 large Stone Arches. 'Twas at this Bridge that Edward II. put to flight Thomas Earl of Lancaster, and many of the Barons. Here is also Swarkeston Bridge, over the same Ri­ver, reputed to be near a mile in length; but much of it is rather a Causey than a Bridge. To which add Monks-Bridge, over the Dove, to say nothing more of St. Maries Bridge at Derby.

Scarsdale, a Division (or Part) of this Coun­ty, wherein stands Chesterfield, is a Valley in­compassed with Rocks and Mountains, as the Name imports, Dale in the Saxons Language signifying a Valley, and Scaire a craggy Rock. Observable only for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Robert Leak, the present Earl of Scarsdale. Derived to him from his Father Nicholas, Son of Francis Leak, Lord Deyncourt of Sutton, Created Earl of Scarsdale by King Charles I. Anno 1645.

Devonshire

DEVONSHIRE, a Maritime County in the West of England, lies open to the Sea, both Northward and Southward; on the North being bounded with the North Sea, otherwise called the Severn Sea, or S. George's Channel, which parts it from Wales; and on the South, with the South Sea, commonly called the Chan­nel, which parts England from France. But Eastward it is bounded by Somersetshire and Dorsetshire; and Westward, by Cornwal.

It contains in Length, from East to West, a­bout 52 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 46. The whole divided into 33 Hundreds, wherein 3 [...]4 Parishes, and 32 Market Towns.

The Air of this County is sharp and whole­som. The Soil, in some Parts, generally beauti­fied with fresh and pleasant Meadows, in other Parts shaded with great store of Woods, but in few places not so fit for Corn as most other Counties. 'Tis true, good Husbandry supplies that Defect, and adds unto it by cost and industry what it wants by Nature.

Amongst the many Rivers wherewith 'tis abundantly watered, the Tamer which parts it from Cornwal, the Turridge, the Taw, Ex, and Dart are the chiefest.

In short, this County is well provided with Flesh, Fish, and Fowl. And as for Sea-Fish, Pilchards and Herrings chiefly are here fished in great abundance. Noted besides for its Wools and Clothings, the best and finest Ker­seys in the Kingdom being here made; but chiefly, for its Tin and Lead-Mines.

Exeter, the chief Place of it, ly's West-South-West from London, about 130 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Salisbury 70 miles, as you may see in the Description of Wiltshire. From Salisbury to Shaftsbury, 15; and to Sherburn, 12 more; from Sherburn to Crookham, 10; thence to Axminster, 9; and to Exeter, 22 more.

This City is so called from the River Ex, on the East-banks whereof it is seated, and over which it has a fair Stone bridge, not above 12 or 15 miles from its fall into the Sea. 'Tis a large and well compacted City, and a Place of good Trade. But the River is so choaked up, that all Vessels are forced to load and unload their Goods at Topsham, about 3 miles di­stance. Within its Walls and Suburbs are reckoned, besides the Cathedral, no less than 15 Parish-Churches. It has the Priviledge of two Markets weekly, kept on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Noted besides for giving the Title of Duke, Marquess, and Earl to several noble Personages. Of Duke, to John Holland, Earl of Huntington, made Duke of Exeter by King Richard II; and to Tho. Beaufort, Earl of Dorset, created Duke of Exeter by King Henry V. Next to whom this Title was injoy'd by John, and Henry Holland, both of them Admi­rals. Afterwards the Title of Marquess of Exeter was by King Henry VIII. conferred [Page 61]upon Henry Courtney, Earl of Devonshire. Suc­ceeded in it by his Son, Edward Courtney, with whom this Title died. But in the Reign of King James I, Tho. Cecil, Lord Burleigh, was by that King created Earl of Exeter, Anno 1605. From whom is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable John Cecil, the present Earl of Exeter.

The other Market Towns are

• Kings-bridge, Sat.
• Plimpton, Sat.
• Totness, Sat.
• Ashburton, Sat.
• Chidley, Sat.
• Merton, Sat.
• Okehampton, Sat.
• Tavestock, Sat.
• Torrington, Sat.
• Holsworthy, Sat.
• South-Molton, Sat.
• Columpton, Sat.
• Crediton. Sat.
• H [...]rniton, Sat.
• Axminster, Sat.
• Plimouth, Mund. & Thu.
• Bediford, Tue.
• Tiverton, Tue.
• Ottery, Tue.
• Dodbrook, Wed.
• Newton-Abbot, Wed.
• Modberry, Thu.
• Culliton, Thu.
• Bow, Thu.
• Chu [...]mleigh, Thu.
• Dartmouth,, Frid,
• Barnstaple, Frid,
• Hatherly, Frid,

Besides Ilfarcomb, Combemerton, Bradnidge, and Sidmouth, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of.

Among which Plimouth and Dartmouth are two noted Harbours in the Channel, but the first especially. Seated between the Tamer and the Plime, at both their falls into the Sea; the Plime being but a small River, from whence Plimouth however has took its Denomination. 'Tis one of the best Ports in England, having a safe and commodious Haven, strongly fortifi­ed on both sides. A Place of great importance [Page 62]to the Kingdom, not only for his Majesty's, but for Merchants Ships outward or home­ward bound, to anchor in, upon any Casualty. The Conveniency whereof has so improved this Town, from a poor fishing Village, that it is now grown up to Stateliness. Lastly, this Place is dignify'd with the Title of an Earldom, now in the person of the Right Honourable Other Windsor, Earl of Plimouth, &c. Derived to him from his Grandfather Thomas, Created Earl of Plimouth by King Charles II. But the first that injoy'd this Title was Charles Fitz Charles, commonly called Don Carlos, created Baron of Dartmouth, Viscount Totnes, and Earl of Plimouth, Anno 1675. who soon after died at Tangier.

Dartmouth, so called from its Situation at the Mouth of the River Dart, is also a good Port Town, having a commodious Haven, well fre­quented and traded unto. There's in it three Parish Churches. And it gives the Title of Baron to the Right Honourable George Leg, made Baron of Dartmouth by King Charles II.

Few miles from Dartmouth, to the North-East, is the Bay called Torbay, of chief note for the Descent here made by his present Ma­jesty and his Land-Forces from Holland, upon the fifth of Nov. (being Gun-powder Treason Day) 1688.

From Torbay to the Coast of Dorsetshire, there is not a Sea-Town of any note, but Sid­mouth. Which indeed was a good Port Town, as well as Seaton and Budley near adjoyning, be­fore their Havens were choaked up with Sands. Now 'tis but a small Fisher-Town.

On the North Coast you will find Combe­merton, Ilfarcomb, and Hartland, all of them but mean Towns.

But, at some distance from that Sea, lies Barnstaple, a good trading Place, seated on the River Yaw, over which it has a large Bridge.

Further Westward you will find Bediford, Torrington, and Hatherley, all three on the Tow­ridge. Over which River Bediford has a large Stone-bridge of arched Work, consisting of 24 Peers; and so high, that a Vessel of 50 or 60 Tuns may pass under it. Which Accommo­dation has made it a Place of good account and trade. Torrington, a pretty large Town, is chiefly noted, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Arthur Herbert, lately created Earl of Torrington, by our present King, and made Lord Admiral of Their Ma­jesties Fleet. Whereas this Title was before in the Person of the Duke of Albemarle de­ceased.

Tavestock is seated on the Tave; Modberry, betwixt the Arme and the Aune; Totness, on the Dart, and Ashburton near it; Chidley, on the Tinge; Crediton, upon Credit and Forton, both which run into the Ex; Tiverton, at the fall of the Leman into the Ex; Columpton, on the Culme; Honiton, on the Otter; Axminster, on the Ax.

Totness, among the rest, is an ancient little Town, about 6 miles from the Influx of the Dart into the Sea. It stands on the fall of a Hill, lying East and West. Honoured once with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of George, Lord Carew of Clopton, Created Earl of Totness by King Charles I. Anno 1625. He was Son of George Carew, Dr. of Divinity, Arch-Deacon of Totness, and afterwards ad­vanced to the Deanry of Windsor. But, dying without Issue male, the Title died with him. [Page 64]In the Reign of King Charles II. this Town gave the Title of Viscount (as is said before) to Charles Fitz Charles, Earl of Plimouth but that Title also went with him into the Grave.

Tiverton, (otherwise called Twiford-Town) is a Town of good account for the Cloths he [...] made, which create a good Trade among th [...] Inhabitants.

Crediton, seated betwixt two Hills, and in [...] rich Soil, is divided into two Parts, the on [...] called the East Town, and the other the West. 'Tis very well inhabited, and drives a good Trade of Serges. There is a fair Churc [...] in it, built Cathedral-wise; this Town having been formerly the Bishops See, before it was by King Edward the Confessour trans­ferred to Exeter.

Lastly, this County (which formerly wa [...] Part of the Kingdom of the West-Saxons, and its Inhabitants, together with those of Corn­wal, known by the name of Danmonii, among the ancient Romans) is now in the Diocese o [...] Exeter.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, no less than 2 [...] Members to sit in Parliament. Viz. two ou [...] of each of these following Towns, Exeter, Plimouth, Plimpton, Totness, Okehampton, Honito [...] Barnstaple, Tavestock, Ashburton, Tiverton, Bera [...] ­stan, and two more out of these three Town [...] Clifton, Dartmouth, and Hardness.

This County has had Earls of several Fami­lies. Of which the Rivers and Courtneys hel [...] the Title long, as now the Cavendishes may do, who have possession of it in the fourth Generation. The first Earl of this Family was William Lord Cavendish of Harwick, created [Page 65]Earl of Devon by King James I. Anno 1618. And from him is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable William Cavendish, the pre­sent Earl of Devonshire, Lord Steward of the King's Houshold.

To conclude, over against Devonshire, a good way off in the Severn Sea, is an Island called Lundey, not above 5 miles long, and 2 broad; but begirt about with dangerous unapproach­able Rocks, having but one entrance into it, and that so narrow, that two men can hardly go a-breast. An Island, though situate in the midst of the salt and brackish Ocean, far e­nough from any Land, that yields notwith­standing many Springs of fresh Water for the Use of its Inhabitants, who dwell for the most part in a Town of the same Name with the Island.

Dorsetshire

DORSETSHIRE, or the County of Dorset, is another Maritime Coun­ty in the West of England. Bounded Eastward by Hampshire; Westward, by Devon­shire and Somersetshire; Northward, by Wilt­shire, and part of Somersetshire; and South­ward, by the British Sea, commonly called the Channel.

Its Length from East to West is about 4 [...] miles; and its Breadth, where broadest, 25. The Whole divided into 29 Hundreds wherein 248 Parishes, and 29 Marke [...] Towns.

Here the Air is very good and healthful, an [...] the Country as pleasant, being watered wit [...] many fine Streams, gliding through its ric [...] Meadows. The principal whereof are the Stow­er, and the Frome.

The Soil is fat and fruitful, abounding with rich Pastures, and such Corn-fields as seldom deceive the hopes of the Husbandman. S [...] that here is abundance of great and smal [...] Cattel, and commonly great plenty of Corn.

The North Parts, being somewhat flat, have the richest Meadows, and are not desti­tute of Woods and Timber-trees; but in Win­ter sadly clogged with Dirt. An Inconveni­ency the South Parts are freer from, as consisting most of Hills or Downs, which being over­spread with innumerable Flocks of Sheep, proves no small profit to the Inhabitants. And here are many (though not large) Valleys, in which most Towns and Gentlemens Houses are seated, the better to avoid those sharp Blasts this Southern Part is subject unto, lying so open and destitute of Woods as it does.

Fish and wild Fowl here's great plenty of, both from its Sea and Rivers.

Dorchester, the chief Place hereof, bears from London South-West and by West, and is distant therefrom, about 100 miles, thus. To Basingstoke, 39; from thence to Stokebridge, 16; to Dunkton, 12 more; thence to Cranburn, 9; to Blandford, 9 more; and 12 from thence to Dorchester.

A Town of great antiquity, as appears by [...]any pieces of the Roman Coyn found near [...]. Once of a large Compass, as may be con­ [...]ctured by the tract of the Walls and Trenches; [...]ut so spoiled and plundered by the Danes, who [...]so pulled down the Walls, that it could never [...]ecover its former wealth and beauty.

It was also fortified and set out with a [...]oodly Castle; which, being decay'd and ruin­ [...]us, was converted into a Monastery, and after­ [...]ards demolished. I come now to its present [...]tate.

This Town is pleasantly seated on the South­ [...]de of the River Frome, and on the Roman Causey called Via fossa, about 5 miles from the [...]ea. It consists of three fair Streets, and as ma­ [...]y Parish Churches; the Inhabitants driving a Trade of Kersies, and other Things. Here is [...] good Market kept on Saturdays, and this is the Place where the County Assises are also kept. Noted besides for the Title of Marquess it gave [...]nce to Henry Lord Pierrepont, Created Marquess [...]f Dorchester by King Charles I. Anno 1645. And in the late Reign, for giving the Title of Countess to the Lady Catherine Sidley, advanced [...]o that Dignity by King James the Second.

The other Market Towns are

• Shaftsbury Sat.
• [...]landford Sat.
• [...]arham Sat.
• Middleton, Mund.
• Pool, Mund. and Thu.
• Weymouth Tue. & Frid.
• Melcomb Regis Tue. & Frid.
• Cerne-Abbas Wedn.
• Cranborn Wedn.
• Abbots-Bury Thu.
• Corfe-Castle Thu.
• Sturminster Thu.
• Frampton Thu.
• Sherburn, Thu. & Sat.
• Wimbern Minster, Frid.
• Lime,
• Bridport
• Evershot
• Bemyster

Among which Lime, Bridport, Weymouth, and Melcomb Regis, Pool, and Warham, are so many Harbours, and Weymouth the principal.

Now Weymouth and Melcomb Regis stand op­posite to one another, on each side the River Wey, where it falls into the Sea. But, of the two, Melcomb much surpasses Weymouth fo [...] Conveniency of Situation and Buildings. And yet abroad all goes now under the Name of Weymouth, since they were both, by Act of Parliament, made but one Corporation; and the Occasion of it thus. These two Towns having for some time injoy'd alike the Pri­viledges and Immunities of the Haven, lying in the bosom of them, at last there arose a great Controversy between them. And, by their continual Suits, they still wearied the Lords of the Council and the Judges, till by an Act of Parliament in the Reign of Q. Eliza­beth they were Incorporated into one Body, to be governed by one Mayor, with Aldermen, and other Sub-Officers. Upon which imme­diately they joyned themselves together by a fair Bridge of Timber now in being; but stil [...] they send each of 'em two Burgesses to Parlia­ment. Lastly, Weymouth is of some note be­sides, for giving the Title of Viscount to the Right Honourable Tho. Thynne, the present Vis­count Weymouth.

Lime, otherwise called Lime Regis, is seated in the Borders next to Devonshire, and is so named from a River of that Name, which run [...] through the midst of the Town, and falls into the Sea. The Town is large, and its Cobb [...] safe Harbour. Which, being industriously made in the Sea for Ships to ride in, is as care­fully looked afer, and kept in good re­pair.

This Place is noted most of all for the late Duke of Monmouth's Landing here with his small Force from Holland in the late Reign, which brought him shortly after to his tragi­cal End. Near unto it is Charmouth a Village, where the Danes did twice land their Forces, when they came to subdue En­gland.

Bridport, East from Lime, was a Town of good account in Edward the Confessor's Time. 'Tis seated low and dirty, not above 2 miles from the Sea, between two Rivers, that meet­ing with a little Rill about a mile lower mix their Streams together, and make a fit Place for a good Harbour, as it was in former times. But now 'tis choakt up with Sands. The Town however is still a good Market-Town, and chiefly noted for Hemp. Inso­much that once 'twas the only Place appointed for the twisting of Cordage and Ropes for the Navy of England, as well in respect of the adjoyning Soil yielding great store of excel­lent Hemp, as for the skill of the People in twisting it.

Pool, a Haven-Town in the furthest East Parts of this County, is so seated upon an In­ [...]et of the Sea (called Luckford Lake) that 'tis inclosed on all sides with it; except Northward, where it admits entrance only by one Gate.

This Town, from a mean Hamlet consisting of a few Fishermens-Houses in the Reign of Edward III, grew to be a Market Town of good Trade; and, by reason of its large and safe Harbour, increased so that Henry VI. granted it the Priviledge of a Haven, and licensed the Mayor to wall it in. Then be­gan the Inhabitants to abound in Wealth; who, to free themselves from Subjection to [Page 70]the County, purchased the Priviledge of [...] County. But now it has lost much of its former glory.

In this Haven the Sea, contrary to all other Parts in England, ebbs and flows [...] times in 24 hours. Viz. first at a South-East and North-West Moon, and the secon [...] time at a South-by-East and a North-by-We [...] Moon.

Warham is seated on the West of, and op­posite to Pool, at the Influx of the Frome an [...] Biddle into Luckford Lake. Where it had [...] good Harbour for Ships, with all the Advan­tages of a strong Wall defended by a Castle, and of rich Inhabitants. Till being crushed by the frequent Shocks of ill Fortune, nothing o [...] its ancient Glory remained but the Shadow▪ its Castle being wholly ruinated, its Have [...] choaked up, and most of its Churches pulle [...] down and demolished.

Shaftsbury, an Inland Town, lies in the Northern Verge of this County, and near th [...] Borders of Wiltshire. It stands lofty upon a high Hill, in the form of a full-bent Bow▪ where it injoys not only a serene and healthfu [...] Air, but also a large and delightful Prospect [...] Here Canute, the first Danish King that sway­ed the English Scepter, ended his Days. I [...] its flourishing Time it had ten Parish Churches, now reduced to three; to which belong abou [...] 500 Houses, built of free Stone, with which the Hill abounds. Its Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is very considerable for mo [...] sorts of Provisions, and far exceeding all the adjacent Market Towns. Lastly, in the Reig [...] of Charles the Second, it was honoured in giving the Title of Earl to that sagacious Statesman, Anthony Earl of Shaftsbury; since [Page 71]devolved by his death to his eldest Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Anthony Ash­ [...]ey Cooper, the present Earl of Shaftsbury.

Sturminster, Blandford, and Wimborn-minster, are all three seated on the River Stowr. Over which Sturminster has a fair Stone-bridge, lead­ing to Newton; a noted Place for the remains of an ancient Castle near adjoyning, which was the Seat of the West-Saxon Kings.

Blandford is a fair, large, and well compacted Town, well inhabited, and neighboured with Gentry. Wimborn-Minster, is seated in a [...]ertile Soil, and is pretty well frequented and [...]nhabited. But tis a Town of more antiquity, [...]han beauty.

Cranborn and Sherburn are also Towns of great [...]ntiquity, The first seated near the Spring of a River that runs into the Stowr, and having a Chase which extends it self almost to Salisbury. Sherborn, on the Ill, is fairly seated, and well watered. 'Tis divided into two Parts, that which lies near the Castle (which is old, and in part ruinated) being called the Castle-Town.

Middleton, Cerne-Abbas, and Frampton do not [...]y far asunder. All three but mean, and the first two (being old Abby-Towns) considerable only by their Antiquity. But, of the two, C [...]rne-Abbas has the advantage; being seated in a dry bottom, watered with a fine Rivulet, and in a Champain Country, affording great delight both for the Hawk and Hound. Framp­ [...]on is likewise pleasantly seated upon a good River, which affords plenty of Fish, and amongst them excellent Trouts.

In this County is a noted Castle, called Lul­worth Castle, being counted the best Seat in the whole County, either for Situation or [Page 72]Beauty. The same has a very fair Prospect into the Sea, and a large Park about it, well furnished with Deer; and has been sometimes honoured with the presence of our Kings in their Western Progresses.

Durham.

DƲRHAM, a Maritime County in the North of England, is bounded Eastward by the German Ocean; Westward, by Cumberlan [...] and Westmorland; Northward, by Northum­berland; and Southward, by the River Tees, which parts it from Yorkshire.

Its Length, from East to West, is about 3 [...] miles; its Breadth, from North to South, 30 The Whole divided into four Wakes, (no [...] Hundreds) wherein 118 Parishes, and 6 Ma [...] ket-Towns.

Here the Air is pretty sharp and keen, no [...] only by reason of the Climate, but because [...] its Hilliness, especially the West Parts of i [...] [Page 75]So true it is, that those Northern Counties which are so nearly related to Scotland by their Situation, participate likewise of its nature.

This County is so well watered, what with the Sea, and what with the Rivers, that it is almost incompassed with Water. Next to the River Tine which parts it for some miles from Northumberland, and the Tees from Yorkshire, here is the Ware which runs through Durham, and Derwent into the Tine.

As the Soil of it is different, so it is in some Parts fertile, in others barren, and ac­cordingly inhabited. The Eastern Part is Champain, and bears plenty of Coal; the South­ern is the most fertile; the Western is hilly and barren, and thin of Woods and Towns. But it is recompensed by its Store of Coal, Lead, and Iron Mines.

Durham, the County Town, bears from Lon­don North by West, and is distant therefrom (by common Computation) 200 miles. That is 150 miles to York, for the Particulars of which I refer you to Yorkshire; and 50 miles more to Durham. Viz. from York to Borough­bridge, 13; to North-Allerton, 13 more; 10 from thence to Darlington; and 14 more to Durham.

Whose Situation is upon Hills and Bottoms of Hills, all surrounded with Hills; but the [...]ow Parts watered with the River Ware, which incircles the best Part of it, and over which there are two Stone-Bridges. If what Mr. Bloom says of it in his Britannia was true when it was published, the Case is altered. I have been often upon the Place, but could never find it fair and neatly compacted, nor so beautified as he represents it, nor its Market-Place [Page 76]so spacious, nor its Trade so flourish­ing. On the contrary, 'tis a good retiring Place, free from the noise and hurry of Trade; unless it be upon Saturdays, on which Day the Market is kept. Here indeed one may live plentifuly, and breath good Air, at an easy rate.

The greatest Ornament of this Place is the Castle, and the Cathedral. The Castle where the Bishop makes his Residence, is (I confess) a stately Fabrick, raised on the top of a Hill by William the Conquerour, with all the Ad­vantages both of a Pallace and a Castle. Over against it, on the same Hill, stands the Ca­thedral, whose Structure has this Defect, that it is built of a soft mouldering Stone. Between both these is a spacious Place, called the Green. On one side whereof is the Hall where the Assizes are kept, with a handsom publick Li­brary erected and founded by Dr. Cosins, the late Bishop of Durham; and on the other side, a Row of Alms-Houses, the standing Fruits of his Charity.

At Nevils Cross, near Durham, a bloudy Battel was fought the 20th of Oct. 1346, be­tween the English and the Scots; where David Bruce, King of Scots, was taken Prisoner by one Copland, a Man of a mean degree, but Knighted for this Action. Then was Queen Philip, Wife to King Edward III, in person in the Field; the Battel being managed by the Lords Mowbray, Percy, and Nevil.

The Market-Towns, besides Durham it self, are

• Darlington, Mund.
• Bernard-Castle, Wedn.
• Bishop Aukland, Thu.
• Sunderland, Frid. and
• Stainthorp

Darlington, is a good large Town, seated up­on two Rivers, the Skerne, and a Rivulet that runs there into it. Over the first, which falls within 2 miles into the Tees, it has a fair Stone-Bridge.

Not far from hence, at Oxenhall, are 3 Pits called Hell-Kettles, of a wonderful depth, supposed to come of an Earthquake that hap­ned in the Year 1179. 'Tis said of Bishop Tunstall of this Diocese, that he took a Goose which he markt, and put into one of the Pits; and the same Goose was found afterwards in the River Tees.

Bernard Castle is seated in a Bottom, on the River Tees, and adjoyning to Marwood Park. 'Tis but an indifferent Town, and of chief note for Stockings here made.

Bishop Aukland is pleasantly seated on the side of a Hill, between the Ware (over which it has a Bridge) and a Rivulet that runs into it. This is a neat Town, and noted for its good Air. But that which adds much to its Reputation is its stately Castle, the Bishops Summer Pallace, beautifully repaired by Dr. Cosins the late Bishop of Durham; and a fine Chappel, raised by the same Bishop from its Ruins.

Sunderland is a Sea-Town, on the Mouth of the River Ware. Called Sunderland, because by the Working of the Sea it is in a manner pull­ed from the rest of the Land, it being at high Water invironed on all sides with the Sea. This is a noted Place for its Sea-Coal Trade; but chiefly for giving the Title of Earl, first to Emanuel Lord Scrope of Bolton, and Lord President of the North, created Earl of Sun­derland by King Charles I. Anno 1627. Upon whose Death, without lawful Issue, the Title [Page 78]was bestowed by the same King upon Henry Lord Spencer of Wormleighton, in the Year 1643. Who, being slain the same Year at the first Newberry Fight, the Title fell to Robert, his Son and Heir, the present Earl of Sun­derland.

Stainthorp, or Staindrop, ly's but 5 miles East-North-East from Bernard Castle, among Parks, and on a Rivulet that runs from thence into the Tees. And not far from it is another Castle, called Raby-Castle, which King Ca­nute gave to the Church of Durham, with the Lands about it.

But, besides the said Market-Towns, here is in the South-East Parts Stockton and Billingham, noted for their strong Ale; And further North­ward Hartlepool, that stands upon a Neck of Land shooting forth into the Sea, which sur­rounds it on all sides, except Westward.

On the Mouth of the River Tine you will find Sheals, where the New-Castle Coal-Fleet takes its Cargo. A little higher stands Jar­row, noted for being the Birth place of the Venerable Beda. And, over against Newcastle, Gateshead or Gateside, the Receptacle of those numerous Men that work in the Coal-pits. Men that rake their mean Subsistence from the very Bowels of the Earth.

This County was formerly called St. Cuth­berts Patrimony, from S. Cuthbert, the Raiser of Durham; whose Episcopal See was removed hither from Lindisfarn, or Holy Island, on the Coast of Northumberland. A Saint for whom several of the Saxon Kings, and after them Ca­nute the Dane, had so great a Veneration, that upon him, and his Successors in that See, was all the Country between Tees and Tine con­ferred by Alfred King of England. Which his [Page 79]Donation was confirmed, and in part increased, by his Successors Edward, Athelstan, and Canute the Dane. So fortified it was with Priviledges and Royal Grants, that, at the coming in of the Norman Conquerour, the Bishop was reputed for a Count Palatine, and did ingrave upon his Seal an armed Knight, holding a naked Sword in one hand, and in the other the Bishops Arms. Nay, it was once adjudged in Law, that the Bishop was to have all Forfeitures and Escheats within the Liber­ties, as the King had without. In short, the Bishops hereof had the Royalty of Princes, having their own Courts of Judicature both for Civil and Criminal Causes, and covning their own Coin. But these exorbitant Privi­ledges and Immunities were in part impaired by a Statute under Henry VIII, and altogether with the Lands and whole Rights thereof conferred upon the Crown by Act of Par­liament in the last Year of the Reign of Ed­ward VI.

To conclude, when England was divided into seven Kingdoms, this County was Part of that of Northumberland. And the Inha­bitants of it, as well as those of most part of the North besides, were called Brigantes by the ancient [...]omans.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members to serve in Parliament, for which Durham has the Right of Election.

Essex

ESSEX, another Maritime County, has for its Bounds Eastward, the German Ocean; Westward, Hartfordshire and Middlesex; North­ward, the County of Suffolk; and Southward, the County of Kent.

This is a pretty large County, being in Length about 45 miles; in Breadth, 36. The Whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 45 Parishes, and 21 Market-Towns.

The same is abundantly irrigated, both with great and small Rivers. For, besides the Thames which severs it from Kent, the Stower from Suffolk, and the Lea from Mid­dlesex, here is the Coln, the Chelmer, the Crouch, and the Roding, with several others; in all which are great plenty of Fish.

Here the Air is very Temperate; but down in the Hundreds towards the Sea-side it is very Aguish.

The Soil for the most part is good, and in some Parts so fruitful, that (according to the Author of Englands Remarqnes) after 3 Years Glebe of Saffron, the Land for 18 years more will yield plenty of Barley, without any Ma­nuring with Dung or the like, and then bear Saffron again. One Acre of this Ground (which is most in the North Part of the County) will yield 80 or 100 weight of moist Saffron in a Year, which being dried is valued 2. pound sterling.

Its chief Commodities, besides Saffron as aforesaid, are Cloths, Stuffs, Hops, and the best of Oysters.

Colchester, the chief Place of it, bears from London North-East, and is distant from it, 43 miles, by common Computation. Viz. 10 from London to Rumford, 5 more to Burnt­wood, 10 from thence to Chelmsford, and to Colchester 18 more.

A Town of great Antiquity, and built (as some Authors write) by Coilus, the British Prince, 124 years after Christ's Birth. But yet more Remarkable, for giving birth to [...]u­cius, [Page 81]Helena, and Constantine, the first Christi­an King, Empress, and Emperour in the World.

Seated it is upon the Rise of a Hill, stretch­ing it self from East to West; and watered by the River Coln, from whence probably it came to be called Colchester. And, as it is but 6 miles distant from the Sea, so its Situation must needs be upon all accounts both pleasant and commodious. 'Tis a fair and well-built Town, forti [...]ed with an old Roman Wall, and having six Gates of entrance, besides 3 Posterns. Towards the East stands an old Castle, within the Ruins of a Trench containing about two Acres. In short, there were in it 14 Parish Churches, several of which are now re­duced to ruin. But it is still a Place of good Trade for the Stuffs here made, and of some note for its excellent Oysters. In short, 'tis the richest, fairest, and best traded Town in the whole County, from whence the Earl Rivers takes his Title of Viscount. Yet, in regard it stands in the extremity of all the County, the Sessions and Assizes are held most commonly at Chelmsford, which is almost in the middle of it. Its Market is kept on Saturdays, and is well served with Provisions.

The other Market-Towns are,

• Maldon, Sat. Harwich, Tue.
• Cogshall, Sat. Manytre, Tue.
• Walden, Sat. Billerakey, Tue.
• Dunmore, Sat. Waltham Abbey, Tue.
• Hatfield, Sat. Braintre, Wedn.
• Raleigh, Sat. Rumford, Wedn.
• Hornden, Sat. Buntwood, Thu.
• Barkin, Sat. Epping, Thu. and Frid.
• Cheping-Onger Sat. H [...]ulsteed, Frid.
• Cheping-Onger Sat. Chelmsford, Frid.
• Cheping-Onger Sat. Thanted, Frid.

Among which Maldon and Harwich are two noted Harbours. The first, by the Romans called Camelodunum, a Town of great antiqui­ty, and the Seat of Cunobelin King of the Trinobantes, about the Time of Christ's Birth. 'Tis seated on the River Chelmer, about 7 miles from the Sea, between which and the Sea ly two small Isles, called Northey and Osey. It has one Street about a mile in length, and is well inhabited. In short, 'tis one of the chief Places in the whole County; particularly noted for giving the Title of Viscount to the Earl of Essex.

In the Parts adjoyning to this Town are ex­cellent Pastures, which feed store of Sheep, (amongst other Cattel) of whose milk they make Cheese. And on the utmost Promonto­ry stood an ancient City of the Romans, called Ithancester, where the Fortenses with their Cap­tain kept their Station or Gard, in the Dedi­nation of the Roman Empire, for the Security of these Parts against the Saxon Rovers. No­thing of which is now remaining, but the Ruins of a thick Wall, where many Roman Coyns have been found. And out of the Ruins of this City was built S. Peters upon the Wall.

Harwich lies the furthest East of any, by the Sea-side, and at the mouth of the River Stower. So that 3 Parts of it are surrounded with Water. The Town is not large, but well inhabited and frequented; not only for the commodiousness and safety of its Harbour, but because it is the readiest Passage for Holland, and the Station for the Packet-Boats imploy'd for that purpose. But there is a great Inconve­niency to the Inhabitants, the Brackishness of its Waters. Which puts the Inhabitants upon the necessity of being supplied with sweet Wa­ter from other Places.

The Towns of chief note besides are Chelms­ford, where the Assizes for the County are usually held; Burntwood, or Brentwood, a Place of good Antiquity; Rumford, a great Thorough­fare; and Walden, or Saffron-Walden, seated on an Ascent, among pleasant Fields of Saffron, from which the Owners reap good Profit.

Not far from Walden is one of the Royal Hou­ses, called Audley-end, a very stately Building, built by the Right Honourable Thomas Ho­ward Earl of Suffolk, then Treasurer of Eng­land. And upon the Thames, over against Graves­end in Kent, stands Tilbury Fort, which com­mands that Passage.

This County (which formerly was part of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, from whence it came to be called Essex; and its Inhabitants, together with those of Middlesex, known among the ancient Romans by the Name of Trino­bantes) is now in the Diocese of London.

Famous, among other things, for giving the Title of Earl to several Families, as the Man­deviles, the Bohuns, the Bourchiers, Thomas Lord Cromwel, William Lord Parre and three D'Evreux, before it came to the present Family of the Capels. And the first Earl of this Name was Arthur Capel, the late Earl of Essex, advanced to this Title by King Charles II. Anno 1661, afterwards made Lord Lieutenant of Ire­land, and some years after his Return sent to the Tower, in order to make him a Sacrifice, with the Lord Russel and others, to the Popish Facti­on. But his Title is revived in the person of his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Algernon Capel, the present Earl of Essex.

Lastly, out of this County are elected, be­sides the two Knights of the Shire, six Mem­bers of Parliament, Viz. two from Col­chester, [Page 84]two from Harwich, and two more from Maldon.

Glocester­shire.

GLOCESTERSHIRE, a large Inland County, is bounded on the East by Warwickshire and Oxfordshire; on the West, by Monmouthshire and part of Hereford­shire, Northward by Worcestershire; South­ward, by Wiltshire and Somersetshire.

It contains in Length, from North to South, 50 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, about 25. The Whole divided into 30 Hundreds; wherein 280 Parishes, and 26 Market Towns.

This is in general a most pleasant and fruitful Country, blessed with a full Course of the Ri­ver Severn. That Part thereof which is beyond the River is overspread with Woods; all which, included in one Name, made the Forest of Dean. That part which buts upon Oxford­shire is swelled up with Hills, called the Corswold Hills; but these are in a manner covered with Sheep, which yields a Wool of a notable fine­ness. Whereof great Quantities of Cloth are here made, that find vent throughout all Eng­land, and divers forein Countries. Between these two, I mean the Forest and the Hills, is seated a most fruitful Vale, yielding most sorts [Page 85]of Grain to admiration, and formerly stock'd with Vines and Vineyards. The want of which is now supplied with Cider, which they make here in great abundance.

Next to the Severn, which crosses the Coun­try from North to South, here's the Avon which parts it from Somersetshire, the Wye which severs it in part from Monmouthshire, besides the Stroud and the Isis. All which afford great plenty of Fish, and the Severn particularly abundance of Salmon.

The Forest of Dean, which ly's in the West­side of the County between the Severn and the Wye, is reckoned to be 20 miles long, and 10 broad. A Place formerly much more woody than it is at present, the Iron Mines that are here having consumed a good part of the Wood.

Glocester, the County Town, is 81 miles di­stant West and by North from London. Viz. from London to Colebrook, 15; to Maidenhead, 7 more; and 11 from thence to Nettlebed; from Nette­bed to Abington, 12; to Faringdon, 10 more; to Perrors Bridge, 14 more; and 12 from thence to Glocester.

A City of good Antiquity, and first built by the Romans, to whom it was known by the Name of Glevum. It ly's stretch­ed out in length on the Severn, over which it has a fine Bridge, and on the Banks thereof a large Key or Wharf, very commodious for the Merchandize and Trade of the Place. The Streets are generally fair, and the Town well built upon an easy Ascent, the Streets descending every way from the Cross. It has been for­merly walled about with a strong Wall, except on the Rivers side; and some Remains of its Walls are still in many places to be seen, which shew what strength they were of.

The City is not very large, but very well in­habited and frequented, and enjoying a good Trade. It has two Markets a Week, viz. Wed­nesdays and Saturdays, which are very great for Corn and Cattle, and well served with all Pro­visions. And, for Divine Worship, here are twelve Parish-Churches; besides the Cathedral, a fine piece of Architecture, noted amongst o­ther things for its Whispering Place, which is in an Arch of the Quire? but chiefly for be­ing the Burying-place of Lucius, the first Chri­stian King; and of the unfortunate King Ed­ward II. who at Barkley-Castle was barbarously murdered by the Cruelty of Isabel his Wife.

Lastly, this City is both a Bishops See, and a County of it self, being made a County by King Richard III, once Duke of Glocester. And, as it has the advantage of denominating so rich a Country as this, so it has been of­ten dignified with the Title of a Dukedom, sometimes that of an Earldom, in those eminent Persons who in their several Times and Ages have been either Dukes or Earls of Glocester. The Number of 'em is too great for me to produce 'em all here. Therefore I shall only say, that the last Duke of Glocester was Henry, the third Son of King Charles I, declared by his Royal Father Duke of Glocester, and Earl of Cambridge, and so Intituled Anno 1641, but not so created till the Year 1659. He lived to see the Restauration of the Royal Family, and died the same Year it hapned, viz. Sept. 13. 1660. With him the Title has lain dormant, till it was lately revived in the person of the young Prince William, the Son of the Illustrious Prince George of Denmark.

Nigh to this City is Alney-Isle, so made by the Severn. In which Edmund Ironside King of the English Saxons, and Canute the Dane, after many Conflicts and bloody Battels, fought a single Combat hand to hand, for the Crown of England. The Issue of which was, that they agreed to part the Kingdom; which they joyntly governed, till Treason took away the Life of King Edmund, and left Canute sole Monarch of England.

At Lassington, a mile from Glocester, is found a sort of Stone, called the Star-Stone, being a­bout the breadth of a Silver Peny, and the thickness of a Half-crown. These Stones are flat, and (like a Star) five-pointed; of a gray­ish colour, and on the flat sides naturally in­graven in fine Works, as one Mullet within another.

The other Market-Towns, besides Glocester it self, are

• Bristol, Sat. and Wedn.
• Tewksbury, Sat.
• Winchcomb, Sat.
• Leonards Stanley, Sat.
• Thornbury, Sat.
• Wickware, Mun.
• Dean Magna, Mun.
• Cirencester, Mun. & Frid.
• Panswick, Tue.
• Horton, Tue.
• Minching-hampton Tue.
• Marshfield, Tue.
• Letchlade, Tue.
• Campden, Wedn.
• Blackley, Wedn.
• Tedbury, Wedn.
• Stow on the Wold. Thu.
• Cheltenham, Thu.
• Dursbey, Thu.
• Chipping Sudbury, Thu.
• Fairford, Thu.
• Stroud, Frid.
• Wotton, Frid.
• Newent, Frid.
• Newham, Frid.

Amongst which Bristol, being not only the greatest Place of Trade in England next to [Page 88]London, but also a Bishops See, and a County of it self, deserves a particular Description. It is both pleasantly and commodiously seat­ed at the fall of the Frome into the Avon, which five Miles from thence empties it self into the Severn. By this River the City is divided in­to two Parts, the chief Part in Glocester­shire, and the other in Somersetshire, but with the conveniency of Communication by means of a fair Stone Bridge. Which (like London Bridge) is so covered with Houses, that it looks more like a Street than a Bridge. Its Streets are neatly ordered, and set out with many fine Edifices. Among which may be reckoned the Cathedral, and most of the Parish Churches, which are 18 in Number. The City is be­girt with a Wall, besides other Fortifi­cations. At the East end of it stood a Castle, wherein King Stephen was kept a Prisoner by Maud the Empress. But it was demolish­ed by Oliver Cromwel, and is now built in­to Streets, called Castle-street and Castle-Green.

But that which has chiefly made Bristol so considerable is the goodness of its Port. The principal Key whereof stands on the Frome, which at Spring-Tides does flow about 40 Foot, and so brings Ships in of a great Burden. Thus Bristol, by its Commodious­ness for Shipping, is become a Place of great Resort both for Merchants and Tradesmen; those driving a great Trade to most Parts of the Known World, these a Home-Trade, es­pecially to Wales, to Shropshire, and other Counties.

About Bristol is great store of Coals; also, a sort of Precious Stone, called from thence Bristol-Stones, taken out of S. Vincents Rock. [Page 89]At the bottom whereof is a hot Well, of a Me­dicinal nature.

Lastly, though Bristol stands partly (as I said before) in this County, and partly in Somer­setshire; yet, as it is a County of it self, it yields Obedience to neither. And considering its Beauty, Trade, Riches, Extent, and Po­pulousness, it may be counted the chief Place in England, next to London.

'Tis but about 150 Years since this Town came to he a Bishops See, this being one of the six new Sees erected by Henry VIII. by virtue of an Act of Parliament made in order to it. But it is less since it became a Title of Nobility, which was not till King James I. conferred the Honour of Earl of Bristol upon John Lord Digby of Sherburn, Anno 1622. From him devolved by his Death to his Son George, in the Year 1650, and from him to the Right Hononrable John Digby, the present Earl of Bristol.

Cirencester, commonly pronounced Circester, is seated on the River Churn, over which it has a Bridge. It has been a Place of great ac­count in the time of the Romans; and, with­out insisting upon the Roman Coyns, Checker-work Pavements, and engraven Marble Stones, that have oft been digged up here, its very ruinous Walls, still to be seen, and about 2 Miles in Circuit, are a sufficient proof of its former Greatness. This City was taken from the Britains by the West-Saxons, and afterwards possessed by the Mercians, till laid in Ashes by a Stratagem of the merciless Danes, in tying fire to the Wings of Sparrows, from whence it came to be called the Sparrows City. Since which Desolation, it could never recover it self to any thing beyond the Name of a good Borough Town.

Tewksbury is a goodly Town, situate at the fall of the North-Avon into the Severn, and water­ed besides with two Rivulets. A Town of good account for making of Woollen Cloth, and for the best Mustard in the Kingdom, as Dijon is in France. But most of all memorable for the Battel fought here Anno 1471. between King Henry VI. and his immediate Successor Edward IV, that is, between the House of Lancaster and York, where the Lancastrians were intire­ly defeated, and the young Prince Edward (the only Son of King Henry) slain.

Stroud, situate on the River so called, is a well-built Town, whose Houses for the most part are of Stone. It has a Bridge over the River, on the Banks of which are placed abundance of fulling Mills. Here they die Scarlet, the Stroud Water having a peculiar quality to give the right Tincture.

Near the Severn Banks stands Berkley Castle, which gives Name to a noble and ancient Family dispersed in many Places of this King­dom, and whereof they were made Barons by King Henry the II. Whereas before that time they were called Fitz-Harding, as being descen­ded from one Robert Fitz-Harding, of the Blood-Royal of the Danes. William Lord Berkley of this House descended from the Mowbraies (who, amongst other Titles, were Earls of Nottingham) was in the Year 1432 created Viscount Berkley by King Richard III; after­wards Earl of Nottingham, and Earl Marshal, by King Henry VIII; and finally Marquess Berkley, by the same King Anno 1509. But dying without Issue, all those Titles ended with him. Only the Title of Lord Berkley continued in the Collateral Line, till advanced to the Title of Earl by King Charles II. [Page 91]Anno 1679. in the person of the Right Ho­nourable George, Earl of Berkley, Viscount Dursley, &c.

To conclude, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants, with those of Oxfordshire, known among the ancient Romans by the Name of Dobuni) is now partly in the Diocese of Glo­cester, and partly in that of Bristol.

Ont of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parlia­ment; Viz. 2 out of Glocester, 2 out of Tewksbury, and 2 more out of Cirencester. In this Case Bristol is counted in Somerset­shire.

Hampshire.

HAMPSHIRE, or HANTSHIRE, otherwise called the County of Southampton, from Southampton the Shire-Town, is a Maritime County. Bounded on the East by Surrey and Sussex; on the West, by Wiltshire and Dorsetshire; on the North, by Barkshire; and on the South, by the Channel, or British Sea.

Its Length, from North to South, is about 46 miles; its Breadth, from East to West, 30. The Whole divided into 39 Hundreds, wherein 253 Parishes, and 16 Market-Towns.

This County is rich in all Commodities, both of Sea and Land; and those Parts of it which [...]y furthest from the Sea, of a pure and excellent Air.

In particular, the Country is well cloathed with Wood, affords plenty of Iron, which is here wrought from the Mines, with abundance of Wool, which the Inhabitants make Cloths and Kerseys of, and the best sort of Hony.

As for Rivers, here is in the West Parts of the County, the Avon, and the Stower a Dor­setshire River, which meet together at their fall into the Sea. More Eastward you will find the Test, and the Itching, which also meet at their fall into the Sea, and that near South­ampton.

In this County is the New Forest, about 30 miles in compass. A Forest which William the Conquerour so delighted to hunt in, that (to make it compleat and intire) he caused ma­ny Towns and Villages, with no less than 36 Parish-Churches, to be pulled down and le­velled with the ground. But this Exorbitance of his did not escape unpunished. For in this very Forest Richard, his second Son, was goared by a Deer, and died; William, his third Son, was accidentally slain by Sir Walter Tyrrel; and his Grandchild, Robert Curtoyse, being in pursuit of the Game, was struck by a Bough in­to the Jaws, and died.

Southampton, the Shire-Town, bears from London South-West by West, and is distant therefrom 60 miles, thus. From London to Stanes, 15; to Bagshot, 10 more; thence to Alton, 14; to Alesford, 8 more; from Ales­ford to Twiford, 7; and to Southampton, 6 more.

This Town is commodiously seated at the very Mouth of the Rivers Test and Itching both which Streams being here united together into one go under the Name of Hampton, which is more like an Arm of the Sea than a River. And 'tis capable of Ships of good Burden to the very Key, which is very com­modious for lading and unlading of Ships. Ac­cordingly this Town has flourished for some time, and injoy'd a great Trade with France [Page 93]especially; being conveniently seated, oppo­site to Normandy, and its adjacent Isles, Jer­sey and Garnsey. It has been likewise a Place of good Defence, surrounded with a double Ditch, and strong Walls, with several good Towers, and fortified besides with a Castle. At present both its Trade and Strength are very much decay'd and diminished. How­ever it is still of that extent as to contain five Parish Churches. And, though it be within the County, yet it is (as some other Towns) a County of it self, for which it stands beholding to King Henry VI.

The Bishops of Winchester were anciently reputed to be Earls of Southampton, and are so stiled in the new Statutes of the Garter made by Henry VIII. But that Title has been since otherwise disposed of; Thomas Wriothesley, Lord Chancellour, being created Earl of Southampton by King Edward VI. Anno 1547. In whose Line it has continued, till it died with Thomas Wriothesley, Lord Treasurer, Anno 1667. In the Reign of Charles II. After whom Charles Fitz-Roy, Lord Limrick, eldest Son to the Dutchess of Cleveland, was created Baron of Newberry, Earl of Chichester, and Duke of Southampton, Anno 1675.

For Provisions, and other Commodities, this Town has two Markets a Week, viz. Tuesdays [...]nd Fridays.

But, though Southampton be properly the Shire Town, yet the City of Winchester out­loes it upon several accounts, and there­sore deserves a particular Description by it self.

Winchester, the Venta Belgarum of the ancient Romans, is pleasantly seated in a Valley be­twixt Hills, and on the Banks of the River [Page 94]Itching. A City of great Antiquity, and noted among the Romans for being the Place where the rich Imbroideries were made for their Emperours. In the time of the Saxons it was twice consumed by fire, and by them rebuilt; being made the Royal Seat of the West-Saxon Kings, and the chief Episcopal See. Afterwards it felt, with many other Places, the fury of the Danes. In the time of the Normans it was repaired, and honoured with the keeping of the publick Records of the Kingdom. But soon after it had a Relapse, be­ing sore oppressed during the Civil Wars of Maud the Empress and King Stephen. At last it began in the Reign of Edward III. to reco­ver it self, having made it the Mart for Wool and Cloth.

At present this City contains, within its Walls, about a mile and a half in Circuit, but not without some waste. Here is a fine Hall, where the Assizes and Sessions are kept for the Coun­ty; and in this Hall hangs up King Arthur's Round Table, which is kept as a Monument.

For Divine Worship, here are five Parish Churches. Besides the Cathedral, a large and beautiful Structure, dedicated to the Holy Tri­nity; and of special note, for being the Se­pulchre of many Saxon Kings and Queens, besides two Kings of the Danish, and two of the Norman Race. For the Education of Youth, here is in the Suburbs a fair Colledge, liberally endowed, and a place of good Lite­rature; built and endowed by William of Wickham for a Seminary to his other Colledge in Oxford. And for the Relief of the Poor, a very fair Hospital, called S. Crosles, not far off from the Colledge. Here is also a goodly and capacious Palace for the Bishops Dwel­ling, [Page 95]called Wolvesey-House; and, upon a Hill, a strong Castle, which overlooks the Country.

In short, the City of Winchester is indiffe­rently well peopled, and frequented. And its reekly Markets, kept on Wednesdays and Satur­days, are well served with all sorts of Provisi­ons, especially that on Saturdays. Noted be­sides, for giving the Title of Marquess to his Grace Charles Paulet, lately made Duke of Bol­ton by our present King.

The other Market-Towns are

• Kingsclere, Tue.
• [...]asing-stoke, Wedn.
• Kingwood, Wedn.
• [...]lisford, Thu.
• Portsmouth, Thu. & Sat.
• Andover, Sat.
• Ramsey, Sat.
• Petersfield, Sat.
• Lemington, Sat.
• Odiam, Sat.

Besides Christchurch, and Whitechurch, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of; and Newport, [...]in the Isle of Wight, of which more anon.

Amongst which Portsmouth, the strongest Place in this Kingdom, is seated in the Isle of Porsey, South-East from Southampton; Which Isle has Communication on the North with the main Land, by a Bridge. This Place is both a good Harbour for Ships, and by its strong Fortifications a Shelter to this Country. Here are Docks and Store-houses for the King to build and equip Men of War; and for its Defence, two Castles, one in the North, and another in the South, besides other Fortifications, and a good Garrison withall. But it is counted an unhealthy Place.

However, it gives the Title of Dutchess to a famous French Lady, Louisa de Querouaille, creat­ed Baroness of Petersfield, Countess of Faru­ham, and Dutchess of Portsmouth, by King Charles II. Anno 1673. A Town noted besides for a Race of small Dogs like Beagles, bred about it; which hunt Moles, as their natural Game.

Odiam, seated on the Road, did formerly be­long to the Bishops of Winchester. Near un­to it stand the Ruins of an old Castle, once so strong, that in the Reign of King John, 13 Englishmen kept out the Dauphin of France and his Army for the space of 15 days.

As for Whitechurch, Stocksbridge, and Rumsey, they are all three seated upon the Test; Ring­wood, upon the Avon; Christ-Church, betwixt the Avon and the Stower, at their fall into the Sea; and Lemington, East from it, by the Sea­side. Stockbridge, Basingstoke, Petersfield, and Ando­ver, are great Thorow-fare Towns.

Spithead, a noted Place for being a fre­quent Rendezvous to the Royal Navy, lies between Portfmouth and the Isle of Wight.

Hartford­shire.

HARTFORDSHIRE, an Inland Coun­ty, is bounded on the East by Essex; on the West, by Buckingham and Bedfordshire; on the North, by Cambridge-shire; and on the South, by Middlesex.

It contains in Length, from North to South, 30 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, 27. The whole divided into eight Hundreds, where­in 120 Parishes, and 18 Market Towns.

A Country not only blest with a sweet and wholsom Air, but also with a fruitful Soil; well watered with fresh and delightful Streams, the principal whereof are the Lea and the Coln.

Hartford, the Shire-Town, from whence the County took its Name, stands North by West 20 miles from London, Viz. 10 from London to Barnet, and 10 more to Hartford.

A Town of great note, in the time of Beda, (by whom named Herudford,) for a Synod there held in the dawning of the day of Christianity, amongst the Saxons; in which S. Augustine the Monk, the first Apostle of that People, had a Conference (or Consultation) with the British Bishops. More memorable, in the following Times, for giving the Title of an Earl to the Illustrious Family, surnamed De Clare; the ad­dition of an Honour, and a goodly Patrimony to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster; and at this time the Title of Marquess to the Duke of Somerset.

This Town is seated on the Lea, much decay'd by the turning the High-way through Ware, and having now but 3 Parish Churches. Here however, is kept the County Goal, and 'tis a well frequented Market on Saturdays.

The other Market-Towns are

• S. Albans, Sat.
• Rickmansworth, Sat.
• Barnet, Mund.
• Berkhamsted, Mund.
• Buntingford, Mund.
• Watford, Tue.
• Ware, Tue.
• Hitching, Tue.
• Hempsted, Thu.
• Hatfield, Thu.
• Hodsdon, Thu.
• Baldock, Thu.
• Bp. Stretford, Thu.
• Stevenedge, Frid.
• Tringe, Frid.
• [...]toudon, Frid.

Amongst which S. Alhans, seated on the Ri­ver Coln, was so called from a famous Monastery here, founded by Offa, the great King of the Mercians, in honour of St. Albans the Proto­martyr of Britain, a Citizen of Verulamium near adjoyning to it. Out of the Ruins whereof (decay'd by Age, and destroy'd by War) arose the present S. Albans, the fairest and best trad­ed Town in this County. A Town which for­merly injoy'd great Priviledges. For Divine Worship it has now 3 Parish Churches; and in one of 'em ly interred the Bodies of many Nobles, slain in two Battels fought here be­tween the Houses of York and Lancaster.

This Town has been dignifyed with the se­veral Titles of Viscount, Earl, and Duke. With the first, Anno 1620, in the Person of Francis Bacon, Viscount S. Albans, Lord Verulam, and Lord High Chancellour of England. With the Title of Earl, Anno 1628. in the person of Richard de Burgh, and continued in his Son Ulick, [Page 101]with whom it dyed; till revived again, Anno 1660. by King Charles II. in the person of Hen­ry Jermin, the last Earl of St. Albans. Who dying without Issue, King Charles advanced his Grace Charles Beauclare, Earl of Burford, to the Title of Duke, by making him Duke of S. Al­bans.

Ware, Hatfield, and Hodsdon, are all three seat­ed on the Lea. The first a good Thorough-fare Town, much improved since the High-Way was turned from Hartford hither. Noted be­sides for the Channel cut from thence to Lon­don where it serves so many hundred Fa­milies with the Conveniency of that ex­cellent Water, called New River Water. To which may be added another Observa­tion, the pleasantness and easiness of the Road from Ware up to London; which being of a Sandy Soil, proves seldom dirty but with­in a mile of London, and is so filled with Towns and Gentlemens Houses from mile to mile, that one would think the Suburbs of London on the North side fetch their beginning at Ware. So strange is the Influence of this rich and popu­lous City.

Hatfield is a Place of great Delight and Re­creation; but of chief note for that stately House called Hatfield House, formerly one of the Kings of Englands Pallaces, till it came in the possession of the Earls of Salisbury. A House which for Situation, Prospect, Contri­vance, and Building, for Air, water, and all other Accommodations, is inferiour to none in England.

Not far from Hodsdon, but nearer to Wal­tham Abby in Essex, is Theoballs, one of the Kings Royal Seats, pleasantly situate among delightful Walks, Gardens, Groves, and Springs. [Page 102]First built by Sir William Cecil, and afterwards beautifyed by his Son Robert, both Lord Trea­surers of England.

Barnet, or high Barnet, is pleasantly seated on a Hill, and in the Road within ten miles of London. Of some account for its Medicinal Waters; but much more memorable for a bloody Battel fought here between the two Houses of York and Lancaster, wherein the former prevailed.

Warford and Rickmansworth are both seated near the Coln. And, not far from the first, Langley Abbey, the Birth-place of that proud and high-spirited Pope Adrian IV. first known by Nicholas, and surnamed Break-Spear.

Bishops-Stratford is a great Market Town, seat­ed near the River Stowr, on the side of a Hill, and much resorted unto. On the East-side whereof are to be seen the Ruins of a Castle, called the Castle of Waymour, standing very steep in an Isle upon an artificial Mount, with a dark and deep Dungeon in it, which denotes some great Priviledges to have belonged unto it in former Times. It was ruinated by King John.

Among the Market-Towns here, I might have put in Royston, part of which stands in this County; but I refer you for it to Cam­bridgeshire.

In short, this County (which formerly was di­vided betwixt the Kings of Mercia and the East-Saxons, and whose Inhabitants were part of the Catieuchlani, as the Romans called them,) stands now divided betwixt the Dioceses of London and Lincoln.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but four Members to serve in Parliament; 2 by Hartford, and 2 by St. Albans.

Hereford­shire.

HEREFORDSHIRE, or the County of Hereford, is an Inland County. Which has for its Eounds Eastward, Glocestershire and Worcestershire; Westward, Radnockshire and Brecknockshire in Wales; Northward, Shropshire; and Southward, Monmouthshire.

Its Length, from North to South, is about 35 miles; its Breadth, from East to West 30. The Whole divided into 11 Hundreds, where­in 176 Parishes, and but 8 Market-Towns.

This County was formerly part of Wales, before it was by Conquest annexed to this Crown. And then it was strengthened with no less than 28 Castles, whereof there's scarce any thing now remaining but their Ru­ins.

Here the Air is temperate and healthful; and the Soil exceeding rich. Tis well cloathed with Wood, and refreshed with Rivers; the principal of which are the Wye, Lug, Arrow, and Frome.

Two Things this County excels in, its plenty of Fruit, and the finest Wool in any part of England. And, amongst all sorts of Fruits, the Red-streak Apple (which makes the best sort of Cider) is that which thrives here to admiration.

Hereford, the chief Place hereof, bears West-North-West from London, and is distant from it 101 miles, thus. From London to Glocester, 81 miles, as you may see in Glocester­shire; then from Glocester to Ross, 10 miles; and to Hereford 10 more.

'Tis seated on the Banks of the River Wye, and another that, runs into it, amongst rich [...] Meadows and plentiful Corn-fields. Raised out of the Ruins of Ariconium, a Place of good account in the time of the Romans. It had once a strong and stately Castle, built by the Normans, which Time has now ruinated. And now it is walled about, having six Gates for entrance, and 15 Watch-Towers for de­fence. 'Twas a Bishops See in the time of the Britains, and restored to that Dignity by the Saxons Anno 680. Noted besides, for gi­ving first the Title of Earl, then that of Duke, and lastly that of Viscount, now in the Per­son of the Right Honourable Edward D'Evreux, Viscount Hereford, &c. Descended to him from his Ancestor Sir Walter D'Evreux; who, on the Death of Robert D'Evreux, Viscount Hereford, and Earl of Essex, succeeded in the Title of Viscount, Anno 1646.

Here are three Markets a Week, viz. on Wednesdav, Friday, and Saturday. And, in point of Trade, this Place is particularly no­ted for the Gloves here made, and vended in great quantities in London and elsewhere.

The other Market-Towns are

• Bramyeard, Mund.
• Pembridge, Tue.
• Lidbury, Tue.
• Kyneton, Wedn.
• Webley, Thu.
• Rosse, Thu.
• Lemster, Frid

Among which Pembridge and Kyneton are seated on the River Arrow; Rosse, on the Wye; and Lemster, on the Lug. This last of chief note for the fine Wool which the Sheep in its Neighbourhood bear, and likewise for its fine Wheat and Flower; as Webley is for its good Ale.

At Kyneton, a pretty large and well-built Town, they drive a good I rade for narrow Cloths; and the Market is counted the best for Corn, Cattle, Provisions, and several other Commodities, especially the Wednesdays before Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide.

Ledbury; seated near the Malvern Hills, in a rich Clay Ground, is a well built Town, and much inhabited by Clothiers, who drive a good Trade here.

Among the Things remarkable in this Coun­ty, here is first, by Snod-hill Castle, a Quar­ry of excellent Marble. And, by Richards Castle, in the North Part of the County, a Well called Bone-Well, wherein are always found sinall Fishes Bones, but not a Fin to be seen. Which Well being wholly cleansed of them, yet will the like come again, and no Man knows whe­ther they be produced naturally, or brought thither in Veins through the Earth.

Neither can I omit to relate the Story of Marsley Hill, tho' I could scarce give credit to it, were it not related both by Cambden and Speed, two Authentick Authors. This Hill, in the Year 1571, removed it self with a roar­ing noise from the place where it stood, and for 3 days together travelled from its old Seat. It began this Motion on Saturday the 7th of February about 6 a Clock at Night, and by 7 a Clock the next Morning it had gone about 200 Foot; carrying with it Sheep in their [Page 106]Coats, Hedge-rows, and Trees, whereof some stood, and others were overthrown. Kinna­ston Chappel fell down in this Remove, and two high Ways were turned about 300 Foot from their old Paths; the East-Parts turned to the West, & the West turned to the East, Pasturage being left in the place of Tillage, and Tillage on the other side overspreading the Pasturage. Thus about 26 Acres of Ground travelled 3 days together, till being raised to a Hill 12 fa­doms high, there it rested.

This County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants known among the Romans by the Name of Silures) is now in the Diocese of Hereford.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament, Viz. 2 out of Hereford, 2 out of Lemster, and 2 out of Webley.

Hunting­tonshire.

HƲNTINGTONSHIRE, another Inland County, but of a small extent, is boun­ded on the East by Cambridgeshire; on the North and West by Northamptonshire; and on the South, by Bedfordshire.

It contains in Length about 22 Miles, and in Breadth 18. The Whole divided into four Hun­dreds, wherein 79 Parishes, and 6 Market Towns.

In former time this County was very Woody, being counted a Forest, and such as afforded excellent Game for Hunting, from whence it took its Denomination. But in the beginning of the Reign of Henry II. it was disforested, being at present a very open Country, and ge­nerally flat. Only in some Parts it rises into lit­tle Hills, best for the Plough; as the Valleys are for Pasture, which is counted as good here as any in England.

The East Part of it towards Cambridge­shire, is something troubled with Fens, which makes the Air not so good here as in other Parts of England. Yet the Natives that dwell about them are healthfull, and many of 'em long-lived; but it is not so with Stran­gers.

In general this Country is very fertile, both for Corn and Pasturage; and is well watered with Rivers, the chief whereof is the Owse.

One Thing it is peculiar in, which is its plenty of Willows; from whence it is nick­named the Willow-shire.

Huntington, the chief Place of it, bears from London North by West, and is distant from it 48 Miles, thus. From London to Edmonton 6; to Waltham-Cross 6 more; and 8 from thence to Ware; from Ware to Puckeridge, 4; to Roy­ston, 9 more; and thence to Huntington 15.

The same is pleasantly seated on a soft As­cent, and on the North Banks of the River Owse, over which it has a fair Stone-bridge, which leads to Godmanchester. It is a Town of great Antiquity, and has formerly enjoyed great Priviledges. Once so large and popu­lous as to contain 15 Parish-Churches, now reduced to four. However it is still a Place of good Trade, well inhabited and frequented, being a Thorough-fare Town for Travellers to and from the North. Here is kept the County Goal, and the County Assizes. And its Market, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions. Of some Note besides for an Abbey, founded here by Maud the Empress; and Eustace Loveloft; the Ruins of which, and of a far more ancient Castle built by King Edward the Elder, are yet to be seen.

This Town became an Earldom presently upon the Norman Conquest, the Title of it injoyed by several Families, before it came to George, Lord Hastings, created Earl of Hunting­ton by King Henry VIII. Anno 1529. From whom is descended in a right Line the Right Honourable Theophilus Hastings, the present Earl of Huntington.

The other Market-Towns are

• St. Ives, Mund.
• Yaxley, Tue.
• Ramsey, Wedn.
• St. Neots, Thu. and
• Kimbolton, Frid.

Among which St. Ives and St. Neots, two large and well-built Towns, and of good Antiqui­ty, are seated on the Ouse, each of them with a fair Stone-Bridge over it. St. Ives so called from one Ivo, a Persian Bi­shop, who about the Year 600. travelled (as 'tis said) through England, preaching the Gos­pel, and here ended his Days. Whose Body, in a short time after, was removed to Bamsey Abbey. This Town is much resorted to for Cat­tle by London Butchers.

St. Neots, or St. Needs, from Neotus a Monk of Glastenbury. A Man no less holy than learned, whose Body was translated hither from Neotstoke in Cornwal, and in whose Honour Earl Elfrides Palace was converted into a Mo­nastery. This Town is beautified with a neat Church, and a fine Steeple to it.

A little beneath it, at a Place called Ailewe­ston, are two Springs, the one fresh, and the other brackish; the first good for dim Sights, the other for curing of Scabs and Le­prosy.

Kimbolton, a pretty fair Town, seated in the bottom near Bedfordshire, is of chief note for giving the Title of Baron to the Earl of Man­ch [...]ster; whose Mansion is called the Castle of Kimbolton.

Ramsey is seated in the Fens among rich Grounds, towards Cambridgeshire, near the Meers of Ramsey and Whitlesey. Which, with the Rivers that plentifully water it, afford excellent Fish, and wild Fowl in great plenty. A noted Place in former time for its wonderfull rich Abbey, which continued in its glory till its Dissolution by King Henry VIII.

This County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of Mercia, and its Inhabitants Part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of Lincoln.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Parliament Men, and these out of Huntington.

Kent.

KENT, in Latin Cantium, so called as being seated in a Canton or Corner of the Kingdom, is a large, rich, and pleasant Coun­try [...]ying between the Thames and the Nar­row Seas. So that it is invironed on all sides with the Sea, except Westward, where it bor­ders both upon Surrey and Sussex.

It contains in Length, from East to West, 60 Miles; in Breadth, from North to South, 30. The Whole divided into five Lathes (cal­led Sutton, Aylesford, Scray, St. Augustine, and Shepway Lathes,) and these into 67 Hundreds; wherein 408 Parishes, and 30 Market Towns. Which is an Argument of its Populousness.

But the Air is neither so serene, nor so health­ful here, as in other Counties, especially near the Sea and Marshes; which makes this Coun­try [Page 110]so noted for its Kentish Agues. Now, that you may know in few words the Nature of this Country, both as to its Air and Soil, I shall bring in the Remark made upon it, which is, that there are 3 Ridges of Hills in Kent, one called Health without Wealth, the second Health and Wealth, and the third Wealth without Health. Others, as to the Soil, give this different Character of it. The Weald for Wood, East Kent for Corn, Rumney for Meadow, Tenham for an Orchard, Shepey and Reculver for Wheat, Thanet for Barley, and Hed­corn for Capons.

In general this may be said of Kent, that it is a Country very good for Corn, and fit for Pasturage, according to the several Plots and Parts thereof; and wondrous full of fruitful and well-ordered Orchards, from whence the City of London is supplied with most sorts of Fruit, but chiefly with Pippins and Cherries, which are counted the best in England. On the Cliffs between Deal and Dover, there grows a great store of Samphire.

The same is well watered with Rivers. For, besides the Thames that washes its North Parts, here is the Medway, which in a manner parts it in the middle, the Stower that runs by Can­terbury, the Tun through Tunbridge, and the Rother upon which Appledore is seated, not to mention the lesser Streams.

Of all the Counties in England, this was the first Kingdom of the Heptarchy, and had a par­ticular King to it self, which no other County ever had. Neither was it conquered by the Normans, the Kentish Men yielding upon Ar­ticles, and having their ancient Franchises and Customs confirmed to 'em by William the Con­queror. One of which is the Cavelkind, where­by [Page 111]they are not so bound by Copy-hold as in other Parts of England; Lands of this nature being equally divided here among the male Children, and for want of Males, among the Females. By the same Law they are at age at 15 years old, and they may sell or make over the Land without the consent of the Lord. Also, the Son (tho of a convicted Father for Felony or Murder) succeeds him in such Kind of Lands.

The Kentish Men besides have this to glo­ry in, that they were the first Christians of this Island. And this is the only County at this time that has two Cities, or Episcopal Sees, namely Canterbury and Rochester.

Canterbury, the chief Place of this County, is 46 miles East of London, Viz. from Lon­don to Dartford, 12; to Rochester, 11 more; from thence to Sittingborn, 10; and to Canter­bury, 13 more.

A City of great Antiquity, if it was built (as some Authors aver) 900 years before Christ. 'Tis seated on the River Stower, (noted for breeding the best Trouts in the South East Parts of England,) and is counted in the Lath of S. Augustine. The Buildings of it but mean, and the Wall which encompasses it, in a de­cayed condition. The greatest Ornament of all is the Cathedral, wherein ly interred the Bodies of eight Kings. For this City had been the Seat of the Kings of Kent, till given by Ethelbert, the first Christian King of this Coun­try, to Augustine the first Archbishop thereof, and his Successors. Whereupon the King re­moved his Seat to Reculver, a Town by the Sea­side. In this Cathedral is also interred the Bo­dy of Thomas Becket, once Archbishop hereof, that famous Saint so reverenced by the Ro­manists. [Page 112]In this City, and its Suburbs, are reckoned 14 Parish Churches; besides a Meet­ing-place under the Cathedral, for the Walloon [...] that dwell in this City, who are very nume­rous, and drive a considerable Trade of the Stuffs they make here. It has two Markets a Week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the latter of which is the most considerable.

But to the honour this City has had of being the Regal Seat of the first Kings of Kent, and of being to this day the See of the Primate of England, let us add the Coronation of King John and Queen Izabel his Wife, the Marriages of Henry II. and Edward I, and the Interments of Edward the black Prince, King Henry the Fourth, and Queen Joan his Wife, all which was performed in this Place.

The other Market-Towns are

• Eltham, Mund.
• Wrotham, Tue.
• Lenham. Tue.
• Westram, Wedn.
• S. Mary Cray, Wedn.
• Goldburst, Wedn.
• Gravesend, Wedn. & Sat.
• Feversham, Wedn. & Sat.
• Dover, Wedn. & Sat.
• Sandwich, Wedn. & Sat.
• Wye, Thu.
• Rumney, Thu.
• Lyd, Thu.
• Folkstone, Thu.
• Maidstone, Thu.
• Bromley, Thu.
• Rochester, Frid.
• Tunbridge, Frid.
• Tenderden, Frid.
• Woolwich, Frid.
• Smarden, Frid.
• Malinge, Sat.
• Milton, Sat.
• Cranbrook, Sat.
• Hythe, Sat.
• Ashford, Sat.
• Sevenoke, Sat.
• Dartford, Sat.
• Appledore, —

Among which Rockester requires the pre­eminence, as a Bishops See, and the second for Antiquity in all the Island. It is seated upon the Medway, over which it has a state­ly Stone-bridge, one of the fairest in England. It consists most of one principal Street, which extends it self a long way; the Houses being but ordinary, as they are inhabited for the most part but by Trades-men and Inn-keepers. Yet, besides the Honour it has of being a Bishops See, it is dignify'd with the Title of an Earl­dom in the Person of the Right Honourable Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester, Viscount Hyde, &c. Which Title was formerly enjoy'd by three Wilmots; And, before them, there was a Viscount of this Place, Sir Robert Carr be­ing created Viscount of Rochester, Anno 1611. and afterwards Earl of Somerset.

Adjoyning to this City is Chatham, also seated on the Banks of Medway. A long Thorough­fare Town, well inhabited by Seamen and Ship­wrights, as being the principal Station of the Royal Navy, and having a good Dock and Store-houses, for the building and equipping of his Majesties Ships.

Maidstone is seated also on the Medway, but near the head of it. This is the Town where the County-Goal, Sessions, and Assizes are kept; be­ing conveniently seated for that purpose, and a Place of good resort.

Gravesend is seated on a rising Hill on the Banks of the Thames. A Town of great Re­fort for Travellers, both by Sea and Land, that either come up the Thames to London, or go down the River in order to take Ship­ping; well furnished therefore with Inns, and other Houses of Entertainment, but noted for their exactings. Over against it, in Essex, is [Page 114] Tilbury-Fort, that commands this Passage.

Nearer to London stands Dartford, on the River Darent, not far from its Influx into the Thames; which gives good advantage to the Town, in conveying their Goods to London. The Town is large; and, being in Dover Road, is therefore well accommodated with Inns and Houses of Entertainment. Of chief note for the Rebellion begun here, and headed by John Tiler, (commonly nick-named Jack­straw,) in the Reign of Richard the second, Anno 1381.

Woolwich, seated on the Thames, is remark­able for nothing but its Dock, used for the Royal Navy.

But nearer to London stand Greenwich and Deptford, two Towns of better account, tho they be no Market-Towns. The first is plea­santly seated on the Banks of the Thames, a neat and healthful Place, well inhabited and frequented by Gentry. Adjoyning to which is a Royal House, called Queen Elizabeth's Pallace, with a Park about it, yielding a fair Prospect. Besides another Pallace by the Rivers-side, first built by Humphrey Duke of Glocester, and after him inlarged and beauti­fy'd by several Kings; till being fallen to ruin, King Charles II. attempted to make it a state­ly Pile of Building, but left it unfinished. Ad­joyning to Greenwich is Black-Heath, noted for the Battels fought here against Rebels, under the Reigns of Richard II. Henry VI. and Henry VII.

Deptford is another large Town, divided into the Upper and the Lower; seated the nearest to Surrey, at the very fall of the Ravensburn (a small River) into the Thames, among rich and low Meadows. A Town well [Page 115]inhabited and frequented by Sea-men, by rea­son of its Docks and Store-houses for the Na­vy Royal.

Bromley stands upon the same River; graced with the Bishop of Rochester's Seat (a Coun­try House) by it. One of whose late Prede­cessors, I mean Dr. Warner, founded here a Colledge for 20 Clergy-mens Widows. Where each one hath a fair Apartment, and 20 l. a Year Rent-Charge duly paid; and, for their publick Devotion, a Chaplain, provided with fair Lodgings, and 50 l. a Year Rent-Charge.

Eltham, seated on the South-side of Shooters­ [...]hill, among Woods, is a neat Town, and well inhabited by Gentry. Formerly honoured with [...] Royal Pallace, but laid aside and gone to decay, since Greenwich came to be lookt upon (as indeed it is) a Place of greater Delight.

Near Westram, on the Darent, stands Ot­ford, on or near the same River, a place of good Antiquity. Noted for the Battel sought here betwixt King Edmund surnamed Iron­side, and Canute the Dane, wherein Canute was put to flight, with the Loss of 5000 Danes.

S. Mary Cray is so called from Cray, a small (but swift) River, on which it is situate in a Wood-land Country. Its Market is very in­considerable.

Sevenoke, not far distant from thence, is a Town of good Resort. Here is an Hospi­tal, and a Free-School, founded by one Wil­liam Sevenoke, Lord Mayor of London, Anno 1418. who was a Foundling in this Town, and from hence took his Name.

Tunbridge, so called from the River Tun upon which it is seated, within few miles of its fall into the Medway, is a noted place for its [Page 116]mineral Waters, so much resorted unto by the Gentry, and drunk in the Summer-Season. Known by the Name of Tunbridge-Wells, tho' at some distance from thence, at a Place cal­led Speldherst.

Cranbrook is seated at the very head of the River Medway, and Lenham at the Spring of the Stower. Upon which last River you will find also both Ashford and Wye. And, upon the Rother, Appledore, an Island called Oxney-Isle.

This Island is seated in the South-West Parts of Kent, towards Sussex; incompassed with the River Rother, and a lesser River that runs into it. It has but 3 Towns in it, Wittrisham, Stonae, and Ebony, all three but inconsidera­ble.

North-Eastward, near the Isle of Shepey, lie Milton and Feversham; the first a Place of good account in the Reign of Edward the Con­fessour, but Feversham the best trading Place at this time. For it has the Conveniency of a Creek that comes up to it, which makes it the chief Port-Town for all this Part of Kent, being well frequented by Hoys, and such like small Vessels. The Town is large, and well inhabited; and its Markets well served with Provisions. But it is counted an Aguish Place. Here was ere­cted an Abbey by King Stephen where him­self, his Queen, and Eustace his Son were bu­ried. Of late years it has been dignified with the Title of an Earldom, in the Person of the Right Honourable Lewis de Duras, Earl of Feversham, &c. And, since that, it has made a greater Noise in the World, on the account of the late King's landing there Incognito, in the first Attempt he made to withdraw himself in­to France.

Not far from this Town are Pits of a great depth, narrow at the mouth, and very broad below; with several distinct Rooms in 'em and Pillars of Chalk, as it were to support, them.

Whitstable and Reculver are two Sea-Towns, few Miles North of Canterbury, well fre­quented by Hoymen and Fishermen. Recul­ver, of special note, for that Ethelbert, the first Christian King of Kent, had his Palace, and did reside here. Its Church remarkable for its lofty spired Steeple, which serves for a Sea-Mark.

I come now to the Cinque-Port Towns that belong to this County, Those are called Cinque­Forts, which lying on the Coast of Kent and Sussex had great Priviledges granted them by former Kings, the better to enable 'em to se­ture these Coasts against the Incroachments of France. They were at first but five, as is [...]mply'd by the Word, which is originally French. But three more were added to 'em, which makes up the Number of eight. Where­of four are in this County, Viz. Dover, Sand­ [...]ich, Hythe, and N [...]w Rumney; the others in Sussex, to wit, Rye, Winchelsey, Seaford, and Hastings. And of these in their proper place.

Dover, the principal of 'em, stands over a­gainst Calais in France; the Passage by Sea being reckoned but 7 Leagues (or 21 Miles) over. Seated it is in the very South-East Point of Kent, in a Bottom among Cliffs, from whence one may easily discern the Coast of France. Upon one of those Cliffs stands the Castle, both to command and defend the Town, which some will have to be built by Julius Caesar. A Castle of that importance, that Philip King of France, [Page 118]when Lewis his Son (being called in hither by the factious Barons against King John) had gotten many Towns and Forts, without being able to get the mastery of this, slighted all that was taken, and said his Son had not one Foot of Land in England, if he were not Ma­ster of Dover-Castle. As to the Buildings of this Town, they are but mean; tho' it be in Time of Peace the greatest Thorow-fare for Travellers from England to France, and from that Kingdom to this. It has formerly had [...] Parish-Churches, which are now reduced to two. Its Haven is indifferent good, and (as Calais on the other side of the Water) fit on­ly for smaller Vessels. As for honourary Ti­tles, I don't find any it has yielded before the Reign of King Charles I, by whom Henry Carey, Viscount Rochford, and Baron Hunsden, was created Earl of Dover, Anno 1627. Which Title expired with his Son John Carey, dying without Issue-male in the Year 1667; the Barony continuing in the Collateral Line.

Sandwich lies about 12 miles North from Dover, and was formerly a Place of good Strength. But, since the Sea has forsaken it, and its Haven has been choakt up, it has los [...] much of its Trade and Reputation. Noted however for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Edward Montague, the pre­sent Earl of Sandwich. Devolved to him from his Father, Edward Montague, created Baro [...] Montague of S. Neots, Viscount Hinchingbroo [...] and Earl of Sandwich, by King Charles II 1660. Who lost his Life in a Sea-fight against the Dutch, May 29. 1672.

Hythe, another of the Cinque-Port Towns has run the same fate as Sandwich, by the un­kindness of the Sea. It lies South and by Wes [...] [Page 119]from Dover, within a Mile of Sangate Ca­de.

Rumney is seated in a Marsh so called, a­bout 14 Miles long, and 8 broad. Much more famous for the Conveniency of the Marsh in the Grazing of Cattel, than either for good Air or a good Harbour.

To the Port of Dover belongs Folkstone, as a Member thereof; a Sea-Town near San­gate Castle, formerly containing 5 Parish Churches, now reduced to one.

Lyd is likewise a Member of the Cinque-Ports. And so are Deal and Fordwich, Mem­bers of the Town and Port of Sandwich. The [...]irst of which is of most note in these Parts for the Fleets that from time to time harbour [...]ereabouts, in order to sail East or West.

Lancashire.

LANCASHIRE, or the County Pala­tine of Lancaster, is a large Maritim [...] County, in the North-West Parts o [...] England. Founded on the East with York shire, and part of Derbyshire; on the Wes [...] by the Irish Sea; on the North, by Cumberlan [...] and Westmorland; and on the South, by Ch [...] ­shire.

Its Length, from North to South, is 57 miles its Breadth, from East to West, 32. The Who [...] divided into six Hundreds, wherein 61 Parishe [...] and 26 Market-Towns. The Number of Parish [...] [Page 123]but small, in so large a quantity of Ground; but that there are many Chappels of Ease, equal to Parishes elsewhere for Multitudes of People.

Here the Air is sharp, thin, and piercing, seldom troubled with Fogs. And the Inhabi­tants accordingly are healthfull, comely, strong, and long-lived, not subject to many Disea­ses.

The Soil differs much, according to its dif­ferent nature and situation; some Parts being Mountainous, and of the Champain Country some very fruitfull, some Mossy, and the rest Moorish.

The Champain Country is very good for Wheat and Barley; but that which lies at the bottom of the Hills is best for Oats.

From the Mosses, which are not unlike the Irish Bogs, some of them many Miles in Com­pass, the common People get Turves for their Firing. And sometimes they dig up Trees out of them, which serve both for Building and Fewel. Cambden seems to be of Opinion, that they are subterraneous Trees growing un­der Ground, as some other Plants do.

The Mountainous Part, which lies East­ward, is full of stony, craggy, and barren Hills, bare of Wood, and the Habitation of Foxes, Conies, Otters, &c. Amongst these Hills, some are of a prodigious height; espe­cially Pendle-Hill, on the top whereof grow's a peculiar Plant called Cloudsberry, as coming from the Clouds. But one thing besides is remarkable in this Hill, that, whenever the Top of it is covered with a Mist, 'tis an in­fallible Sign of Rain.

The Country in general is well watered with Rivers; the chief whereof are the Mer­sey, the Rible, and the Lon, all three running from East to West into the Irish Sea. The Mersey Waters the South Parts, and serves for a Boundary betwixt this County and Che­shire; the Rible waters the middle; and the Lon, the North Parts.

Besides these Rivers, and many others of less note, here are several great Meers (or Lakes,) as Merton, and Winder (or Wimander) Meer. This last divides part of Lancashire from West­morland, reaching about 10 miles in length, and 3 or 4 in breadth. It has (as most Lakes in the North) a clear pebbly Bottom, whence the Saying, that this Lake is all paved with Stone. And it breeds great store of Fish, particularly Trouts, Pikes, Pearches, Eels, and Skellies. But there's one sort of Fish peculiar to it, and not to be found else­where, except in Vlles Water, another Lake, bordering both upon Cumberland and West­morland. Charre is the Name of it, and 'tis a dainty Fish, whereof many Pies are yearly sent abroad for Presents.

In short, tho' this Country in general cannot be called a fruitfull Country, yet what is good of it yields abundance of good Grass and Corn, the fairest Oxen in England, and in general all sorts of Provisions. Fish and Fowl particularly here's great plenty of; and in the River Lon, near Cockerfand Abbey, is great store of Salmon.

To make Linnen, here grows a great deal of Flax; for Fewel the Country yields, not only fat Earth, but good Coals; and for Build­ing, Quarries of good Stone.

Lancaster, the Sh [...]re Town, bears from Lon­don North-West and by North, and is distant therefrom (by common computation) 187 miles, thus. From London to Stafford, 104, for the particulars whereof I refer you to Staffordshire. Then from Stafford to Stone, 10; to Newcastle, 6 more; thence to Warington, 20; to Wigan, 14 more; to Preston, 14 more; then to Gar­stang, 10; and to Lancaster, 15 more.

A Town pleasantly seated, in a good Soil, on the South-side of the [...]iver Lon, near its fall into the Sea. From which River it came to be called Loncaster, since turn'd into Lancaster, as from Lancaster the whole County took the Name of Lancashire. The Town not very well peopled, nor much frequented. There are in it several fair and long Streets, from the Length whereof this Town (I suppose) might be called Longovicus by the Emperor Antonine. And yet there is but one Parish-Church, which indeed is large and fair. It stands on the side of a Hill; on the top of which is the Castle, now made use of for the County Goal both for Debtors and Malefactors, and for keeping the Assizes for the County. Besides the Church and Castle, two of the chief Ornaments of this Town, here's a fair Stone-Bridge over the Lon, supported by five Arches. To which add the Market-house, or Town-hall, where the Mayor and his Brethren keep their Courts. Its Market, which is kept on Saturdays, is com­monly well furnished with all sorts of Provi­sions, but Fish (and among the rest, Salmon,) especially.

Lastly, this Town is of sufficient Fame in the Annals of England, for those noble Per­sons which have successively born the Titles of Earls and Dukes of it; the greatest Princes [Page 126]in their time, for Revenues, of any Subjects in Christendom. Of which House there have been four Kings of England, all under the Name of Henry, viz. Henry the fourth, the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh. The last, by marrying with Elizabeth, Daughter and Heir to Edward IV. of the House of York, did hap­pily unite the two Houses of York and Lanca­ster; Whose Competition for the Crown of England, under the Names of Red and White Roses, had caused more Blood-shed than the Conquest of France by the English.

The Market-Towns of this County, besides Lancaster, are

• Manchester, Sat.
• Leverpool, Sat.
• Clitheroe, Sat.
• Dalton, Sat.
• Blackborn, Mund.
• Poulton, Mund.
• Cartmill, Mund.
• Hornby, Mund.
• Hawkshead, Mund.
• Wigan, Mund. & Frid.
• Rochdale, Tue.
• Chorley, Tue.
• Ormskirk, Tue.
• Kirkham, Tue.
• Prescot, Tue.
• Coln, Wedn.
• Haslington, Wedn.
• Warington, Wedn.
• Preston, Wedn. Frid. Sat.
• Bury. Thu.
• Garstang, Thu.
• Ʋlverston Thu.

Besides Leigh, and [...]reat Eccleston, whose Market-days I am ignorant of.

Manchester, is seated upon a stony Hill in the South-East Parts of the County, between the Rivers Irk and Irwell, both which empty themselves, not far off into the Mersey. This Town, called by Antonine the Emperour Man­tunium, was a Station of the Romans. And it [Page 127]is to this day a Town much beyond Lancaster, in beauty, and populousness. Its chief Orna­ments are the Colledge, and the Market-Place; but, above all, the Collegiate Church, beauti­fied with a small Quire of excellent Workman­ship. Honoured besides with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honoura­ble Charles Montague, the present Earl of Man­chester; derived to him from his great Grand­father Henry Montague, Viscount Mandeville, created Earl of Manchester by King Charles I. Anno 1625. being then Lord Treasurer, and President of the Council, and afterwards Lord Privy Seal.

And lastly, 'tis a noted Place for its Linnen and Woollen Cloths; as also for its Cottons, which are held in great esteem.

Leverpool is the next Place of chief note in this County. Tis an excellent Sea-port, com­modiously seated at the fall of the River Mer­sey into the Sea, where it affords a safe Har­bour for Ships, and a convenient Passage into Ireland. To the immortal Praise of the Fami­ly of the Mores of Banck-hall, this Town has been very much improved and beautified, at their Charge and Industry. Here is a Town­house erected upon Pillars and Arches of hewn Stone, and underneath an Exchange for the Merchants. Among its Antiquities, a Castle on the South-side, which commands the Pool, built by King John, during his stay here for a Wind to Ireland; and on the West-side, upon the River, the Tower, being a stately and strong Pile of Building.

Preston, near to Leverpool, is a fair, large, well inhabited and frequented Borough-Town. Seated on the North-side of the Rible, over which it has a very fair Stone-bridge. In this [Page 128]Town are held the Court of Chancery, and Offices of Justice for Lancaster, as a County Palatine.

Not far from Preston aforesaid is a small Town, from the River on which it is situate, called Rible-Chester, which has been esteemed and called the richest Town in Christendom. No doubt but it has been a Place of great account in the Time of the Romans, if we consider the many Statues, pieces of Coin, Al­tars, Pillars, Inscriptions, and other Pieces of Antiquity, that have been often digged up here.

Wigan is another Town of note in this Coun­try. Seated on the River Dowles, and much inhabited by Braziers, Pewterers, Diers, Weavers of Rugs, Coverlets, and Tackling for Bedding. Of special note for the choicest Coal in Eng­land, called Caunel; but most of all for a burn­ing Well, not far from it.

Warington, a good large Town, is seated on the River Mersey, over which there's a fine Stone-bridge, which leads to Cheshire. Dig­nify'd of late with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Henry Booth, Earl of Warington, and Baron De la Mere.

Poulton, Bury, and Rochdale, lie not far asunder; the first on the Irwell, and Rochdale on the River Rock, in a Vale.

Coln is situate on a little Hill, near the Eastern Confines of the-County; Blackborn, near the Derwent; Ormskirk, not far from Merton Meer; Ki [...]kham, near the Mouth of the Rible; Garstang, near the Wire; and Hornby, on the Lon. This last noted for its Castle, called Hornby-Castle, the ancient Seat of the Lord Morley and Mounteagle.

Hawkshead is placed in a hilly and woody Country; Clitheroe, towards Pendle-hill; Dal­ton, in a Champain Country, not far from the Sea; and Ʋlverston, commonly called Ouslon, on a small Stream, which empties it self not far off into the Sea, or an Arm thereof, near Lever-Sand.

Lastly, this County (formerly a Part of the Kingdom of Northumberland, and its Inhabi­tants part of the Brigantes, as the Romans cal­led them) is now in the Diocess of Lincoln.

It was made a County Palatine by King Edward the Third. And out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, 12 Mem­bers of Parliament, Viz. two out of each of these Towns, Lancaster, Leverpool, Preston, Wigan, Clitheroe, and, Newton.

Leicester­shire.

LEICESTERSHIRE, an Inland County, is bounded on the East by the Coun­ties of Lincoln and Rutland; on the West, by Warwickshire; Northward, by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire; and Southward, by Nor­thamptonshire.

Its Length, from East to West, is about 30 miles; its Breadth, from North to South, about 25. The whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 192 Parishes, and 12 Market-Towns.

The Air in this County is mild and whol­som; and the Inhabitants accordingly are healthy, and long-lived.

The Soil, in the South-East parts especially, is extream fertile for all sorts of Grain, but chiefly Peas and Beans; and has also rich Pastures, feeding Cattel and Sheep in great Numbers, whose Wool for its fineness is had in great esteem. But the North-West part is gene­rally barren, and in some places rocky and sto­ny. [Page 130]About the Forest of Charwood (where is Bardon-Hill) is great store of Lime-Stone, wherewith they manure their Ground.

For Fewel, this Country is but thinly cloathed with Wood, especially in the South-East Parts. But this Defect is sufficiently sup­ply'd by the great plenty of Pit-coal digged up in the North Parts.

Here are a great many small Rivers, but none of any long Course, besides the Stower and the Wreak.

Leicester, the County Town, bears from London North-North-West, and is distant therefrom 78 miles, thus. Viz. from Lon­don to Northampton 54, for the particulars of which I refer you to Northamptonshire; from Northampton to Harborough, 12, and from thence to Leicester, 12 more.

It is pleasantly seated in a good Air, and rich Soil, on the Banks of the Stower (of old called Leir) that washes its North and West Parts, and over which it has two Bridges. Once a Bishops See, and in those Days. beau­tified with a fair Collegiate Church, a magni­ficent Abbey, and a strong Castle, all decay'd and ruined by the iniquity and injury of the Times. As to the present State of it, it is indifferent large, containing 3 Parish Churches, has several good Buildings, and is well inha­bited. In short, 'tis in as good plight, both for Trade and Buildings, as most Towns are that want a navigable River. And its Mar­ket, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions, and Country Commodities.

Noted besides for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Philip Sidney, the present Earl of Leicester. Derived to him from his Father Robert, Son and Heir of Robert Sidney, [Page 131]Viscount Lisle, created Earl of Leicester, and Baron of Penthurst, by King James the first, Anno 1618. Which Robert was descended of a Sister of Robert Dudley, the last of many Earls of Leicester before him.

The other Market-Towns are

• Ashby, Sat.
• Hinkley, Mund.
• Mont-Sorel, Mund.
• Melton-Mowbray Tue.
• Harborough Tue.
• Bosworth, Wedn.
• Loughborow, Thu.
• Waltham, Thu.
• Hallaton, Thu.
• Lutterworth, Thu.
• Billesden, Frid.

Among which Ashby, or Ashby de la Zouche, is seated between two Parks, on the Borders of Derbyshire. In whose Neighbourhood is Cole. Overton, noted for its Pit-coals. Hinkley stands on the Borders of Warwickshire; beau­tified with a fair and large Church, and a lofty Spire-Steeple.

Mont-Sorrel is seated on a great Eminency, near the Stowr, over which it has a Bridge. Of some note formerly for its famous Castle, that stood on a steep and craggy Hill, but is long since demolished. At Barrow, near ad­joyning, is digged up excellent Lime, much com­mended for its binding.

Melton-Mowbray is situate in a fertile Soil, on the banks of the Wreak, over which it has two Stone-bridges. Harborough, on the Borders of Northamptonshire, and the banks of the Weland, which parts the two Counties.

Bosworth is loftily seated on a Hill, and in a fertile Soil. Noted for the bloody Battle fought at Redmore, near adjoyning, betwixt Richard III. and his Successor Henry VII. [Page 132]Which decided the long-depending Differences betwixt the Houses of York and Lancaster, giving the Crown from Richard to Henry, de­scended from the latter House. Richard being slain in this Battle, his Body was ignomini­ously cast cross a Horse's back, naked and torn in pieces, and meanly buried in the Grey-Friars of Leicester. Which being afterwards destroy'd, the Stone-Chest wherein the Corps lay, serves now in an Inn for a drinking Trough for Horses.

Loughborow, a good handsom Town, flands pleasantly, among fertile Meadows, near the Forest of Charwood, on the Banks of the Ri­ver Stowr, over which it has a Bridge. Lutter­worth, a goodly Town also, beautified with a large and fair Church, with a neat and lofty Spire-Steeple, is seated in a good Soil, on the River Swift, which at a small distance from hence, falls into the Avon in Warwickshire. Of this Town the famous Wicless was Parson, an okl Champion against the Corruptions and Errours of the Church of Rome.

This County (now in the Diocese of Lin­coln) was part of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia, in the Time of the Heptarchy; and its Inhabitants (with several of their Neigh­bours) went, among the ancient Romans, under the Name of Coritani.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, but two Members of Parliament, chosen by the Town of Lei­cester.

Lincoln­shire.

LINCOLNSHIRE, a large Maritime County, is bounded on the East with the Ger­man Ocean; on the West, with the Counties of York, Nottingham, and Leicester; on the [Page 133] North, with the River Humber, which parts it from Yorkshire; on the South, with the Counties of Cambridge, Northampton, and Rutland.

It contains in Length, from North to South, almost 60 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 35. The Whole divided into 3 Parts, called Lindsey, Kesteven, and Holland. And these 3 Divisions contain 30 Hundreds, wherein 630 Pa­rishes, and 35 Market-Towns.

This Country being Fenny, especially in the East and South Parts, makes the Air some­thing unhealthful, because it is apt to be thick and foggy.

The Soil, in the North and West Parts, is exceeding pleasant and fertile, stored with Pasturage, Arable, and Meadow Grounds. But the East and South Parts, that are full of Fenny Grounds, and something brackish by reason of the Salt Waters that come in from the Sea through several Inlets, are barren, and unfit for Corn. 'Tis true, in recompence thereof, there is such a plenty both of Fowl and Fish, that no County in the Kingdom can compare with it. And there goes a Story, that at one draught with a Net 30 [...]0 Mallards have been taken, besides other sorts. How true it is, I am as yet to seek; but am apt to think, there's one Cypher too much.

As for Rivers, no County in England is better irrigated, nor Rivers any where more plentifull of Fish. Northward is the Humber, which (as I said before) parts it from York­shire; and Westward the Trent, which severs Part of it from Nottinghamshire. Cross the Country you will find the Witham River; South­ward, the Weland, and the Nen.

That Part of the County which goes by the Name of Lindsey lies to the Northward, and is so named from Lindissi, the ancient Name of Lincoln, according to Beda. This Part is so surrounded with Water, that it is an Island; and its Extent so great, in pro­portion to the rest, that it takes up at least one half of the County. Noted for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable Robert Bertie, the present Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England. Kesteven, and Holland take up the South Parts from Lindsey, Holland lying towards the Sea, and Kesteven West from it. Of Holland there has been 3 Earls, Henry, Robert, and Edward Rich. The first, created Earl of Holland by King James I. Anno 1624. Robert, his Son, succeed­ed not only in this Title, but also in that of Earl of Warwick, upon the Death of his Cousin­german, Charles Rich, Earl of Warwick, who died without Issue. So that both Titles are now injoyd by his Son and Heir, the Right Honourable Edward Rich, the present Earl of Warwick and Holland.

Lincoln, the principal Place in this Shire, and a Bishops See, bears from London North by West, and is distant from it (by common Computation) 103 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Huntington, 48 miles, for the Par­ticulars whereof I refer you to Huntington­shire; from thence to Stilton, 9; to Peterborough 5 more; to Market-Deeping, 8; to Sleaford, 18 more; and thence to Lincoln, 15.

A City seated on the side of a Hill, the lower part whereof is watered by the River Witham; over which there are several Bridges, for the Conveniency of Passengers. A Place of great Antiquity, whose ancient ruinated [Page 135]Places are still an Argument of its former Greatness. In the Time of the Romans 'twas a Town of great strength and fame; and, in the Time of the Normans a Place of great Trading. Whose flourishing Condition occa­sioned the Episcopal See, then at Dorchester near Oxon, to be removed hither. But this City has gone through all the Calamities of Fire, Sword, and Earth-quake. Which has so much weakned and impaired it, that of 50 Churches it is said to have had for divine Worship, there remains but 15, besides the Cathedral.

In the Time of the Saxons, King Arthur drove away their Forces from this Place. The like did Edmund Ironside to the Danes, who had made sore havock thereof. On the 5th of Sept. 1140. here was a great Battel fought between King Stephen and Maud the Empress, in which the King was taken Pri­soner, and afterwards laid in irons in Bristol. On the 19th of May 1217. here was ano­ther sore Battel fought betwixt King Henry III. and his disloyal Barons, who stood for Lewis the Dauphin of France; in which the King got the day.

But, whatever Disasters and Calamities this City has gone through, still 'tis a large, populous, and well frequented Place. Dig­nified not only with an Episcopal See, whose Diocese to this day is the greatest of any in the Kingdom; but also for many Ages, with the Title of an Earldom. Which, having passed through severall Families, with frequent Interruptions, came at last to be in the pos­session of Edward Fiennes, Lord Clinton, who being Lord Admiral in Queen Elizabeth's Time, was by her Majesty created Earl [Page 136]of Lincoln, Anno 1565. From whom the Ti­tle is now devolved, in a direct Line, to the Right Honourable Edward Clinton, the present Earl of Lincoln.

The Cathedral, or Minster, as now standing, is one of the stateliest Piles in En­gland, and perhaps in Christendom; high seated on a Hill, and from thence discerned over all the Country. In short, this City is a County of it self, whose Liberties extend about 20 miles in compass; and is called the County of the City of Lincoln. Its Market kept on Fridays, is well served with Provisions, and Country Commodities.

The other Market-Towns are

• Grantham, Sat.
• Kirkton, Sat.
• Thongcaster, Sat.
• Waynfleet, Sat.
• Horn-Castle, Sat.
• Dunington, Sat.
• Burton, Sat.
• Bourn, Sat.
• Spilsby, Mun.
• Salsby, Mun.
• Sleaford, Mun.
• Market-Stanton, Mun.
• Stamford, Mund. & Frid.
• Ganesborough, Tue.
• Barton, Tue.
• Market-Rasen, Tue.
• Bullingbrook, Tue.
• Spalding, Tue.
• Alford, Tue.
• Grinsby, Wedn.
• Binbrook, Wedn.
• Lowthe, Wed. and Sat.
• Boston, Wed. and Sat.
• Glamford, Thu.
• Burgh, Thu.
• Market-Deeping, Thu.
• Folkingham, Thu.
• Holbich, Thu.
• Wragby, Thu.
• Naverby, Thu.
• Tatershall, Frid.
• Saltfleet,
• Crowland,
• Barnwell,

Among which Stamferd in Kesteven Division, and the hithermost Town of Lincolnshire, is the most considerable. Seated on both sides of the River Weland, so that it stands upon three Counties; the chief Part in Lincoln­ [...]hire, another part in Rutland, and that Part on this side the River in Northamptonshire. Over which River, some time since made na­rigable, it has several Bridges. A Town of good Antiquity, from whence the Roman High-way, or high Dike, leadeth to the North. [...]ut that which gives it most Renown is [...]hat, upon a Quarrel between the North [...]d South-Men in the University of Oxford, [...]he Scholars removed hither in the Reign of Edward III, and here held publick Schools of [...]ll sorts of Learning. Nor did they return [...]gain, till they were commanded so to do by [...]he King's Proclamation, with Order that the Scholars, in taking their Degrees, should make [...]ath not to read publickly at Stamford, to [...]he prejudice of Oxford. Nevertheless the Town still flourished in Trade and Merchan­ [...]ize; and the Inhabitants of it to this day [...]rive a good Trade, of Malt especially, where­ [...]f great plenty is made here. The Houses [...]re built of free Stone, which they have [...]rom Ketton Quarry. In short, this Town [...]onsists of several Streets, begirt with a Wall, [...]nd containing six Parish Churches. Dig­ [...]ify'd besides with the Title of an Earldom, [...]ow in the person of the Right Honourable Thomas Grey of Groby, Earl of Stamford, [...]c. Within half a mile of this Town, in [...]orthamptonshire, stands Burgley House, [...] stately Building, the Mansion-House of the Earl of Exeter.

Grantham, situate on the River Witham, is a Town of good account, and well resorted unto. Whose Church-Steeple is so very high, that it seems crooked to the Eye of the Be­holder.

Not far from hence, towards Leicestershire, is Belvoir Castle, the Earl of Rutland's Seat, so highly elevated (though in a Vale) that it yields a most admirable Prospect. About this Castle is found the Astroit, or Star­like Stone, pointed with five beams or rays; formerly of such an esteem, that he thought the Victory infallible on his side that wore one about him.

Sleaford stands near the head of a River so called, which runs into the Witham. A large and well inhabited Town, formerly streng­thened with a Castle, whose ruinous Walls are yet standing.

Market-Deeping is seated not far from Stam­ford, on the Weland, but in a fenny Ground. Where Richard de Rulos, Chamberlain to William the Conqueror, for the hindering it Overflowing, raised its Banks, and built there on divers Tenements; so that it became a great Village, and is now an indifferent Town.

Bourn, seated at the head of a Spring calle [...] Burnwell-head, is a goodly Town, of some not for being the Place where King Edmund wa [...] crowned. Here are still to be seen the Rui [...] of a good Castle. And, not far from hence is Swinsted-Abbey, one of whose Monks (n [...] ­med Simon) poisoned King John.

Ganesborough, or Gainsborough, in Lindse [...] Part, is seated on the River Trent. A larg [...] and well-built Town, of a considerable Trade▪ Where Sueno, the Danish Tyrant, was stabbe [...] to death by an unknown hand, as a just Re [...] ­ [...]ard [Page 139]for his many Outrages committed in the [...]ountry. Noted besides for giving the Title [...]f Earl to the Right Honourable Wriothesly Noel, the present Earl of Gainsborough.

Barton is seated on the River Humber, al­ [...]ost over against Hull in Yorkshire. Here [...] a considerable Ferry into Yorkshire, which [...]s no small Advantage to the Town.

About this Place are abundance of Pewets, Godwits, Knots, and Dotterels; the last a sim­ple kind of Bird, yet much given to Imita­ [...]ing. And 'tis usually caught by Candle­ [...]ight in this manner. The Fowler stands [...]efore the Bird; and if he put out an Arm, [...]he Bird stretches out a Wing; if he put a [...]eg or his Head forward, the Bird does the [...]ike. Thus he imitates the Fowler's Gesture [...]o long, till he drawing nearer and nearer by degrees, at length casts his Net over him, and takes him.

Grimsby, is situate within half a Mile of the Humber, where it falls into the Sea, in a flat and marshy Ground. This Town has formerly injoyed a good Trade, before its Haven was choackt up; and then it had two Markets a Week. For the security of its Port, it had a Castle, which is likewise de­cayed. And, instead of two Churches it had, now it contents it self with one, which for largeness gives place to few. Cathedrals.

Burton, or Burton Stather, is seated on the Ri­ver Trent, near its fall into the Humber.

On the other side of the Trent is the Isle of Axholm, made so by the Trent and Dun, with two or three lesser Rivers. This Isle is in breadth from North to South 10 miles, but in length not half so much; and in that Cir­cuit are seated several Towns. The lower Part [Page 140]of it is flat and moorish, yielding a sweet Shrub called by the Country people Gall. But the middle Part, which is a rising Ground, is fer­tile, and (among other Things) does yield great store of Flax. Here is also Alabaster to be found.

Thongcaster, a well-compacted Town stands o [...] the side of a Hill. Of note for its ancien [...] Castle so called, said to be built by Hengist the Saxon, after he had beaten the Picts and Scots in Vortiger's Quarrel. Who granted him so much Ground as an Ox-hide cut into Thongs would compass, within which he ere­cted the Castle.

Saltfleet is a Sea-Town, much frequented by the Gentry in the Summer Season for the eating of Fish; otherwise inconsiderable.

Alford, a goodly Town, is seated at the head of a Rivulet, few miles from the Sea­side.

Waynfleet, South of Alford, is another good Town, not far from the Sea; but seated in a fenny Ground, on a Wash (or Dike) which falls into the Sea. Here is an excellent Fre [...] School, founded by William of Waynfleet, Bishop of Winton, who also built Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

Bullingbrook, or Bolinbrook, an ancient Town, is seated on a low Ground, at the Spring head of a River which falls into the Witham. Of note for a Castle built here by William of Romara, Earl of Lincoln. But much more famous, in succeeding Times, for being the Birth-place of King Henry IV, surnamed (ac­cording to the fashion of those Times) of Bul­lingbrook. And almost ever since his Time it has been one of the Honours (as we call it) of the Kings of England; but never made [Page 141]an honourary Title to any Family, till King [...]ames conferred it on Sir Oliver St. Johns. Who, [...]possibly might affect to be thence denominated, as fetching his Descent from the Lady Marga­ [...]et Beauchamp, Grandmother to King Henry VII, the Heir of the Lancastrian Family. From him the Title fell to Oliver St. Johns, his Grand­child, by Pawlet his second Son, Oliver Lord St. John the eldest Son being slain at E [...]ge-hill [...]ight. And from him to his Son, the Right Honourable Paulet St. John, the present Earl of [...]ullingbrook.

Not far from Bullingbrook is Eresby, which gives the Title of Baron to the Earl of [...]indsey.

Horn-castle and Tatershall are both seated on the River Bane, this last near its Influx into the Witham. But Horn-castle is the most conside­rable.

Boston, in Holland Division, stands on both sides of the River Witham, within few Miles of its fall into the Sea. This is a considerable Town, of good Antiquity, and a Place of Trade, well inhabited and resorted unto. Over the River it has a very fair high wooden Bridge. Its Mar­ket. Place is fair and spacious. And the Church of special Note for its fine-built Tower, ex­alted to that height as to serve as a Land-mark to Mariners.

Kirkton is situate on a sandy Ground rising in that flat Country. A Town so called from its Church, which is a fair Structure, built (Ca­thedral like) in the form of a Cross, with a broad. Steeple in the middle. Of some note besides for its excellent Pippins. But there is another Kirkton in Lindsey.

Crowland ly's some Miles East of Market-Deep­ing, and upon the same River, which is the Weland. A Town seated so low, among Fen [...] and miry Ground, that there is no coming to it but by the North and East side, and that by narrow Causeways, not admitting o [...] Carts. Hence came the Proverb, that [...] the Carts that come to Crowland are shod wi [...] Silver. It consists of 3 Streets, severed each from other (not unlike Venice) by Water-Courses running between; and on the Banks, which are raised up, and preserved by Piles, are set Willow-Trees. Their Cattel are kept a good distance from the Town; and when they go to milk their Cows, they go in small Skerries or Boats. Here they take in the Pools, or watery Places, a world of Fish and Fowl, of which they make good pro­fit.

In short, the Ground about this Town is so very rotten, that one may thrust a Pole in to it 30 foot. And in a Place called Hollan [...] there, it is so wet, that as one stands upo [...] it the Earth will shake under his Feet, an [...] he will be ready to sink into it. Here are al [...] many Quick-sands, which have a wonderful force both to draw to them, and to hol [...] fast whatever they draw.

Spalding, a pretty Town, and a Place o [...] good Trade, stands also on the Weland; bu [...] nearer its Influx into the Ocean, some mile [...] North of Crowland. That is, not far from the Washes, the neighbouring Sea, so calle [...] for its frequent Inundations in these Parts.

Dunington, also situate in a Flat, and water­ish like Spalding, is a considerable Place fo [...] the great quantities of Hemp and Provision [...] here sold.

To conclude, this County (which now is in the Diocese of Lincoln) was part of the [...]ncient Kingdom of Mercia in the Time of the Heptarchy, and its Inhabitants part of the Coritani in the Time of the Romans.

Out of it are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, ten Members of Par­ [...]iament. Viz. Two out of each of these fol­lowing Towns, Lincoln, Stamford, Grantham, Boston, and Grimsby.

Middlesex.

MIDDLESEX, a small Inland County, is bounded on the East with Essex, from which 'tis parted by the River Lea; on the West, with Buck­inghamshire, from which 'tis severed by the Coln and the Shire-Ditch; on the North, with Hartfordshire; and on the South, with the Thames, which parts it from Surrey and Kent. Called Middlesex from its Situation, as lying between the East-Angles and the West-Saxons.

It contains in Length, from East to West, a­bout 24 miles; in Breadth, from North to to South, 18. The Whole divided into seven Hundreds, wherein 203 Parishes, and 6 Market-Towns.

For Sweetness of Air, or Fruitfulness of Soil this County may compare with any Shire i [...] England. From the Hills that are about it as Hampsted, Highgate, Harrow-Hill, &c. th [...] Prospect of the whole is seen; in this not unlik [...] to Zoar in Egypt.

London, the chief Place hereof, but withal the Metropolis, and the Glory of the King­dom, is too great to be crowded here withi [...] the narrow Compass of these short Descrip­tions. Therefore I refer you to the Con­clusion of this Part, and so proceed to

The Market-Towns, besides London and West­minster,

• Brentford, Tue.
• Stanes, Frid.
• Ʋxbridge, Thu.
• Edgeware, Thu.

Brentford, in the Western Road, 7 or 8 mile [...] from London, is divided into Old and New Brentford, both so called from Brent, a smal [...] River that falls here into the Thames. O [...] most renown in former times for the goo [...] Success Edmund Ironside King of England ha [...] here against the Danes Anno 1016, which com [...] pelled them to raise the Siege of London. No [...] of most note for being the Thorough-fare b [...] twixt London and the Western Countries, th [...] Passage up and down by Water for the ea [...] of Travellers, and a well frequented Market Once dignify'd with the Title of an Earldo [...] in the person of Patrick Ruthen, Earl of For [...] in Scotland, Created Earl of Brentford by Kin [...] Charles I. Anno 1644.

Stanes, upon the Thames, is a large, we [...] inhabited, and frequented Town. It lies o [...] the West Road of England, and has a Bridg [...] over the River that leads into Surrey.

Ʋxbridge is another good Town, that lies North of Stanes, on the River Coln, which parts (as I said before) this County from Buckinghamshire. And, as it is seated in the high Road from London to Oxford, so it is well accommodated with Inns, and Houses of In­tertainment.

As for Edgeware, 'tis but a small Town.

But, besides these four Market-Towns, the flourishing City of London has such an In­fluence over all its Neighbourhood, that it swarms all over with pretty Towns, not only in Middlesex, but even in Surrey.

In Middlesex, as Islington, Highgate, Hamp­sted, Chelsey, Kensington, Fulham, Hamersmith, Thistleworth, Hounslow, &c. most of them graced with the Seats of divers Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Citizens.

Among which Kensington of late has the ho­nour of injoying some part of the Year Their Majesties Presence, as Hamersmith the Queen Dowager's.

Hounslow, famous for its adjoyning Heath, and the notable Incampments made there in the late Reign, in order to bring in Popery. But, as Providence was pleased to order it, the Thames swallowed the Tiber, and the cold Northern Heresy proved too hard for the hot­headed Jesuit.

Besides Kensington-House, here are in this County no less than five Royal Houses; viz. Whitehall, and S. James in Westminster, Hampton-Court, Enfield, and Hanworth.

Lastly, this County (which formerly was Part of the Kingdom of the East-Saxons, and its Inhabitants part of the Trinobantes, as the Romans called them) is now in the Diocese of London.

Out of it are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, six Members of Parliament; viz. 4 out of London, and 2 out of West­minster.

As for honourary Titles, I know not by what popular Errour the Citizens of London reckoned the Lord Mayor elect for Earl of Middlesex. But whatever Ground it had, now it has none to stand on, since that Title was bestowed, first on Lionel Lord Cranfield, Lord Treasurer of England, created Earl of Mid­dlesex by King James I. Anno 1622. Which continued in his Son James, and died with Lionel, Brother of James. But in the Year 1675. it was revived by King Charles II. in the person of the Right Honourable Charles Sackvil. Lord Buckhurst, who was created Earl of Middlesex during the Life of his Father Richard Earl of Dorset. Upon whose Death, two years after, he succeeded in the Earldom of Dorset.

Neither is it to be omitted, that betwixt Brentford and Colebrook is a small Town reckoned as 3 Mannors, viz. Arlington, Shepston, and Dawling. From the first of these Mannors Henry Bennet, the late Earl of Arlington, took his Title. Who was created first Baron of Arlington, by King Charles the Second, Anno 1664, afterwards Viscount Thetford, and Earl of Arlington (his Birth-place) Anno 1672; and sworn Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Houshold, in the Year 1674.

Monmouth­shire.

MONMOƲTHSHIRE, formerly a Welch County, and now reckoned among the English, is bounded on the East by the River Wye, which parts it from Glocestershire; on the West, by two Welch Counties, Brecknock­shire [Page 147]and Glamorganshire; Northward, by He­refordshire; and Southward, by the Mouth of the River Severn.

It contains in Length, from North to South, about 25 miles; in Breadth, from East to West, 20. The Whole divided into six Hundreds, wherein 127 Parishes, and 7 Market. Towns.

It is blest, not only with a healthfull and temperate Air, but also with a rich Soil. And, though the Country be both hilly and woody, yet all Parts thereof are fruitfull, and scarce any barren. The Hills are grazed upon by great and small Cattel, and the Val­leys laden with Corn and Grass.

Its fertility is much furthered by its being plentifully watered with so many Rivers, the principal whereof are the Ʋske and the Wye, the Rumney and the Monnow, all which fall into the Severn. Among which the first two are full of Salmon and Trouts.

Monmouth, the County-Town, bears from London West by North, and is distant there­from 99 miles, thus. Viz. from London to Glocester, 81 miles, as in Glocestershire; and from Glocester to Monmouth, 18.

The Situation of it between two Rivers, the [...]onnow and the Wye, is both very pleasant [...]nd commodious. The Town it self large and [...]air, well inhabited and frequented; having [...]he Conveniency of two Bridges, one over the [...]ye, and the other over the Monnow. Once [...]rtified with a Wall and Ditch, and in the [...]ldst of the Town with a stately Castle, the [...]uins whereof are still to be feen. In this Castle was born the renowned King Henry V, [...]he Conquerour of France, from hence called [...]enry of Monmouth. Of some note besides, [...]r being the Birth-place of Geofry, surnamed [Page 148]of Monmouth, who wrote the History of Great Britain. But, of late times especially, for be­ing dignify'd with the Title of a Dukedom, in the person of James, the late Duke of Mon­mouth; and, since the late Revolution, with the Title of an Earldom, in the person of the Right Honourable Charles Mordant, Earl of Monmouth, &c. Its Market, kept on Satur­days, is considerable for Corn, and other Pro­visions.

The other Market-Towns are

• Chepstow, Sat.
• Newport, Sat.
• Pon [...] Pool, Sat.
• Ʋske, Mund. and Frid.
• Abergavenny, Tue.
• Caer-Leon, Thu.

Chepstow stands upon the side of a Hill, on the Banks of the Wye, near its fall into the Severn. A Town in former times famous, and of great resort; supposed to be raised out of the Ruins of Venta Silurum, 4 miles distant, the ancient and chief City of the Silures, which flourished in the Days of Antonine the Em­perour. This Town, says Cambden, was fortified about with a Wall of a large Circuit, and had a very spacious Castle, once fronted by a Prio­ry, the better part of which being pulled down, the rest was converted to a Parish Church. At this present time, the Town is large and well built, well inhabited, and frequented; having a fair and high Bridge over the Wye. And so it needs, for here the River rises to a great height.

In the Year 1606. the Moor (or Marsh) near Chepstow was very much indamaged by the Severn. For that Year, at the Change of the Moon in February, this River at a Spring­tide [Page 149]was driven back for 3 days together with a South Wind. Which made it swell so high, that it came rushing in a main upon this Tract, and carried all before it.

Newport, a goodly Town, is seated on the Uske, over which it has a fair Bridge; the Uske discharging it self not far off into the Se­vern, where it has a good Haven, bearing the Name of the Town.

Some miles East from this Haven is the Gold-Cliff, so called from the golden Colour of the Stones that lie hereabouts; which makes some suspect a Mine to be there. And opposite to that Cliff, about the midst of the Severn, lieth a small Isle, called Denny-Island.

Pont-Pool is but a small Town, seated be­twixt the Hills. Of chief note for its Iron-Mills.

Ʋske, a good large Town, is so called from the River Uske on which it is situate, with a Bridge over it. 'Tis beautified with well built Stone-houses, and formerly was fortified with a large and strong Castle, now ruinated. According to Antonine, here stood the little City Burrium. But, not far from it Northward is Ragland Castle, a noble Seat belonging to the Duke of Beaufort.

Abergavenny, by Antonine called Gobanium, stands also upon the Uske, where a small River (Keveny by name) empty's it self into it. This is a Place of some strength, being forti­fied with Walls, and a Castle of great note in former times. The Town is large, the Houses well built, and injoy's a good Trade, for Flan­nels especially.

Caer-Leon, by the Romans called Isca Silurum, stands also upon the Uske, a little above New­port, and has a large wooden Bridge over the [Page 150]River. This Town was once, a famous and flourishing City in the time of the Romans, where lay the second Roman Legion called Augusta, to keep the Silures in aw. The Ru­ins of its stately Buildings, Palaces, Temples, Theaters, together with the Water-pipes, Vaults, Hot-Houses, Altars, and Roman Coyns, often digged up here, do sufficiently evidence its former Antiquity and Greatness. Here King Arthur kept his Court; and in this City was a famous School or Colledge, to learn Astronomy, and other Arts. As for its pre­sent State, the Town is pretty large, and the Houses for the generality built of Stone. It has yet the Ruins of a Castle standing.

To conclude, this County (formerly the Habitation of the Silures) is in the Welch Diocese of Llandaff.

Besides the two Knights of the Shire, there's but one Member elected to serve in parliament, and that's out of Monmouth.

Norfolk.

NORFOLK, a Maritime County of a large extent, is bounded Eastward and North­ward with the German Ocean; Westward, with the River Ouse, which severs it from the County's of Lincoln and Cambridge; South­ward, with the little Ouse and the Waveney, which part it from Suffolk. Thus Norfolk, what with the Sea, and what with the Ri­vers, is so incompassed with Waters, that it wants very little of being an Islland of it felf.

It contains in Length, from East to West, 50 miles; in Breadth, from North to South, a­bout 35. The Whole divided into 31 Hundreds, wherein 660 Parishes, and 31 Market-Towns. Which is an Argument of its Populousness.

Here the Air is sharp and piercing, espe­cially near the Sea, and in the Champain Part; which occasions a later Spring and Harvest.

The Soil in many Places, but chiefly along the Sea-Coast, which is a Champain Coun­try, affords plenty of Corn. The Heaths feed a World of Sheep, and breed abundance of Conies. And the Woodland Part serves for Grazing of Cattel, yet not without Corn­ground.

The Sea, and the Rivers besides that glide through this Country, strive as it were to fur­nish it with their plenty of F [...]sh. And, among these (besides those above-named, viz. the two Ouses, and the Waveney,) there are two of chief note, called the Yare, and the Thryn.

The Yare, particularly noted for its great plenty of a certain Fish called Ruff, whose body is all Prickled over; the tail and fins spotted with black Specks. This Fish eats tender and short as a Perch, and is counted a wholsom Fish. It delights in sandy Places, and is rarely seen in any other River. One Thing is observable of it, that, when the Fish is angry, the fins stand up stiff; and, after its Anger is over, they fall flat a­gain.

In short, the Soil of this Country, ac­cording to the Variety of Places, is of dif­ferent nature. In some Parts it is fat, rank, and full of moisture; in others, very light and sandy. Yet so, that one contributing to the other, and the Sea giving help to both, it is a very plentiful Country for Corn, Sheep, and Fish.

Norwich, the chief Place hereof, and a Bishops See, bears from London North-East and by North, and is distant therefrom 90 miles, thus. From London to Ware, 20; to Barkway, 11 more; thence to Witle [...]ford-Bridge, 10; and to New-Market, 12 more; from New­market to The [...]ford, 16; to Attleborough, 10 more; thence to Windham, 5; and to Norwich, 6 more,

A City seated on the River Yare, which runs thence to Yarmouth, and over which it has several Bridges.

It was formerly the Seat of the East-An­gles, and then a Place of great splendour. But it has since undergone so many Calamities, by Sword and Famine, by Fire and Pestilence, that it is much it should prove to this day, a fair, large, populous, and well frequented City. Insomuch that it ly's out a Mile and a half in length, and half as much in breadth, containing in that Circuit about 20 Parishes; well walled about, with several Turrets, and 12 Gates for entrance, but not without much waste Ground within it.

Its chief Buildings are the Cathedral, beauti­fied with a lofty Spire; then the Bishops and the Duke of Norfolk's Pallaces, the Market-House, the Cross, and the House of Correction made of free Stone, and so well cemented that no Mortar is seen. Here is also an Hospital, where 100 poor Men and Women are main­tained; and the Ruins of an ancient Castle, of the Saxons building. In short, here is so pleasant an Intermixture of the Houses with Trees, that it may not improperly be called an Orchard in a City, or a City in an Orchard; the populousness of a City, and the pleasure of the Country meeting here together. Of [Page 153]some Note besides, for giving the Title of Earl to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Earl of Arundel, Surrey, and Norwich.

Finally, this City do's injoy a great Trade, but chiefly for its Stuffs, Stockings, and other Manufactures here made; for the learning of which it is beholding to the Dutch that came to inhabit here. It has three Markets a Week, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; the first and last very great, for all sorts of Provisions.

The other Market-Towns are

• Lyn, Sat. & Mund.
• Yarmouth, Sat.
• Thetford, Sat.
• Hingham, Sat.
• New-Buckenham Sat.
• Swafham, Sat.
• Downham, Sat.
• Holt, Sat.
• Burnham, Sat.
• Cromere, Sat.
• Repcham, Sat.
• Alesham, Sat.
• Worsted, Sat.
• Sechy, Mund.
• East-Herling, Tue,
• Fulcham, Tue,
• Caston, Tue,
• Harlston, Wedn.
• Watton, Wedn.
• North-Walsham, Thu,
• Attlebury, Thu,
• Fakenham, Thu,
• Windham, Frid,
• East-Derham, Frid,
• Diss, Frid,
• Snetham, Frid,
• Walsingham, Frid,

Besides Southwold, and Winfield, two new Markets; and Hickling, whose Market-Days I am ignorant of.

[...]yn, formerly called Bishops Lyn as apper­taining to the Bishops of Norwich, till King Henry VIII, gave it the Name of [...]yn Regis or King's Lyn, is seated in the Western Part of the Country, upon the Banks of the Ouse, near its fall into that Part of the Sea which [Page 154]is called the Washes. Watered besides by two little Rivers, that fall there into the Ouse, which are passed over by about 15 Bridges. A Town of good antiquity, large, and well built, containing 3 Parish-Churches; and for its Defence, incompassed with a Wall, and a good Ditch. Well Inhabited by Mer­chants and Tradesmen, who drive a conside­rable Trade, and the more by reason of its commodious Haven. Yet it is much eclipsed in its Trade, to what it was formerly, be­cause of the stoppage of a Sluce upon the Ouse, which do's so obstruct the Current of salt Water, that the River is scarce navigable to Cambridge.

Nigh unto this Town, on the other side of the Ouse, is a little Marsh Country, called Marsh-Land, very subject to the Inundations of the Sea, and therefore very moist and aguish. But, in recompence, its Soil is exceeding fat, and feed abundance of Cattel. In this Marsh are seated several Towns, but so destitute of fresh Water for houshold Use, that many of 'em are fain to get a supply thereof at 4 miles distance.

About 3 miles from Lyn, towards the Sea, stands a decayed Town called Castle-Rising. Its Decay occasioned by its Haven's being many years since choakt up with Sands, where­by 'tis become useless. Which has done a Kindness to Lyn.

Yarmouth, the best Harbour in all this County, and the Key of this Coast, is seated at the Mouth of the River Yare, from whence it is called Yarmouth. A Town of good Strength as well by Nature as Art, well built, and pretty large; and yet it has but one Church, which is beautify'd with a lofty Spire. The [Page 155]same is well inhabited, and much resorted unto by Seamen; affording a ready Passage to Holland, and being a frequent Shelter to the New-castle Fleets, when distressed by Wea­ther. Of special note besides, for Herring­fishing, in the Seas adjacent, in the Month of September. Which draws a great Concourse of People hither, and makes the Town much richer all the Year after. Lastly, 'tis dig­nified with the Title of Earl, in the person of the Right Honourable William Paston, the present Earl of Yarmouth.

Thetford is an Inland Town, situate on the Confluence of the Thet and the little Ouse, over wich it has a Bridge leading to Suffolk. A Place of great Antiquity, built out of the Ruins of the ancient City Sitomagus, which was destroyed by the merciless Danes. The Bi­shop's See of the East Angles was from North-Elmham removed hither, and from hence to Norwich. It is not very well Inhabited, to what it has been. However this is the Town, where the Lent-Assizes for the Coun­ty are usually kept.

Herling, and New Buckenham, ly not far from Thetford, to the Eastward; Diss, and Harleston, on the Waveney; Watton, Windham, Hingham, Swafham, and East-Derham, do not ly far asunder, about the middle of the Coun­ty. Further to the Northward you will find Repeham, Caston, Fakenham, Walsingham, Holt, Ale [...] ­ham, Worsted, North Walsham, and Hickling this last in a Marsh-Ground, not far from the Sea.

Downham is upon the Ouse, over which it has a Bridge, leading into Cambridgeshire. Snetham, North of Lyn, is seated on a bivuler, not far from the Sea. Burnham-Market, and Cromere, are two Sea-Towns in the North [Page 156]Parts of the County. Between which is Clay, another Sea-Town, on three sides incompassed with Waters, and once a Market Town, but now discontinued. And near it Wayborn-hope, a noted Place amongst Seamen; as is Win­terton Ness, or Point, in the East, which is very coldly seated. And yet it is observed, that the Ground about Winterton is one of the richest and fattest in England.

Among the aforesaid Towns, Walsingham was formerly renowned, as for its Colledge of Ca­nons, so for the continual Concourse of Pil­grims to this Place. Who came hither to pay their Superstitious Devotion to the Blessed Vir­gin, at a Chappel near the two Wells called to this day the Virgin Mary's Wells. It was also a Place of note, for its good Saffron.

Near Burnham-Market, within 2 Miles from it to the Westward, is a small Country-Town, called Brancaster, the Ruins of an ancient Town known by the Name of Branodunum. Seated near the Sea-shore, and a Place of good account in the time of the Romans, who kept here a Garrison.

Not far from Hickling, in the North-East Parts, is the ancient decay'd Abbey of St. Bennet's in the Holme, built by the Danish King Ca­nute. An Abbey so fortified afterwards by its Monks with Walls and Bulwarks, that it seemed rather a Castle than a Cloyster; and yet was betrayed by a Monk to William the Conqueror. The Bishop of Norwich re­tains to this Day the Title of Lord Abbot of St. Bennets. And it is observable, that hereabouts both Cockles and Perwinkles are digged out of the Ground.

Lastly, this County (which is the largest in England next to Yorkshire, but much more populous) was Part of the Kingdom of the East-Angles, in the time of the Heptarchy; and its Inhabitants, part of the Iceni, as the Romans called them.

It is observed of the People in this Coun­ty, that they are notably industrious for Plough and Manufactures, insomuch that one shall hardly see a Beggar throughout all the Coun­try. And yet (which one would wonder at) they are notable Wranglers, and generally so well versed in the Quirks of the Law, that they create more work for the Assizes than almost all the Circuit else. Accordingly Nor­folk is the County, which commonly yields the best Breed of Lawyers, and has furnished the Courts of Justice with many an emiment Man in the Laws of England. But a great Antiquary has made another material Obser­vation, That in this County are a hundred Families of ancient Gentry, that never were attainted of high Treason. Which if it be true, the Gentry here have had better fortune than the Dukes, Dutchesses, and Earls of Nor­folk.

His Grace, Henry Howard, the present Duke of Norfolk, derives his Title from his noble Ancestor John-Lord Howard, created Duke of Norfolk by King Edward IV. Anno 1483, and descended from the Lady Margaret, Dutchess of Norfolk, Daughter of Tho. de Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, first Son of King Ed­ward I.

Out of this County are elected, besides the two Knights of the Shire, ten Members of Parliament. Viz. Two out of each of these following Places, Norwich, Kings I yn, Yar­mouth, Thetford, and Castle-rising.

Northamp­tonshire.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, an In­land County, is bounded on the East with the Counties of Cambridge, Huntington, Bed­ford, and Buckingham; on the West, with Rut­land, Leicestershire, and Warwickshire; North­ward, with the Counties of Lincoln, Rutland, and Leicester; Southward, with Buckingham­shire, and Oxfordshire.

This County, being long, but narrow, runs in Length, from North to South, ahout 50 miles; and in Breadth, from East to West, but half. The Whole divided into 20 Hundreds, wherein 326 Parishes, and 13 Market-Towns.

Here the Air is temperate and health­full; the Soil as rich, either for Corn or Grass, as in any Place in England. And the Inha­bitants find such a Profit here by Grazing and Tillage, that they improve the Ground every where. Insomuch that it is said, there is less waste Ground in this County than in any other.

As for Rivers, and other fresh Streams, 'tis as well watered as most Counties are. Its principal Rivers are the Nen and the Weland, both having their Rise here; besides the Ouse, which rises in the South Parts, near Bucking, hamshire.

A further Proof of the excellency of this County might be fetched from its Populousness. For it is so garnished with Towns, that in many Places 20 or 30 Steeples present themselves at one view. And considering its Extent, 'tis said to be honoured with the Seats of as many (if not more) of the Nobility and Gentry, as any County in the Kingdom.

Northampton, the chief Place hereof, ly's North-West from London, and (by common Computation) is distant from it 54 miles, thus, From London to Barnet, 10; thence to St. Al­lans, [Page 159]10; and to Dunstable, 10 more; from Dunstable to Stony Stratford, 20; and to Nor­thampton, 10 more.

A Town pleasantly seated on the Banks of the River Nen, where it meets with two Ri­vulets, one from the North, the other from the South. And, though it has suffered much by the sore hand of the Dane, and other Calamities (and of late particularly by the dreadfull Fire which buried it all in Ashes in September 1675) yet it has raised it self again more glorious than before. So that for Circuit and Beauty it may at this time be ranked with many Ci­ties. Fortified heretofore with good Walls, and a strong Castle; and seated in so good an Air, that once the Students of Cambridge had a mind to remove their University hither. Here the Inhabitants drive a considerable Trade, especially of Leather; and its Market, which is on Saturdays, is well served with Provisions. This Town is the Place where the County-Goal, and the Assizes are kept. Of special note, for giving the Title of Earl to the Right Honourable George Compton, the present Earl of Northampton. Devolved to him from his noble Ancestor William, Lord Compton, and Lord President of Wales, Crea­ted Earl of Northampton by King James I. An­no 1618.

The other Market-Towns are

• Peterborough, Sat.
• Oundle, Sat.
• Higham-Ferrers, Sat.
• Rothwell, Mund.
• Thrapston, Tue.
• Towcester, Tue.
• King's Cliff, Tue.
• Wellingborow, Wed.
• Bra [...]kley, Wed.
• Daventry. Wed.
• Kettering, Frid.
• Bodkingham,

Among which Peterborough is seated in a Nook (or Angle) of the County, bordering upon Cambridgeshire, and Huntingtonshire, where formerly had been a Gulf or Whirl­pool of an exceeding depth. 'Tis seated on the River Nen, over which it has a Bridge leading into Huntingtonshire. A Town of no great account, but for being a Bishops See, since the Reign of Henry VIII. For, as it is no plausible Place either for health or pleasure, so it stands out of the way for Trade. Yet it shews two handsom Streets, a large Mar­ket-Place, and a fair Parish Church, besides the Abbey. Which last, from a Monastery founded by Wolpher the Mercian King, is now become a Cathedral. And, from that Monastery dedicated by him to St. Peter. This Town, formerly known by the Name of Medanshede, came to be called Peterburgh, or Peterborough. Dignify [...]d with the Title of an Earldom in the person of Henry Mordant, the present Earl of Peterborough; devolved to him from his Father John, Lord Mordant, created Earl of Peterborough by King Charles I. Anno 1627.

Oundle is pleasantly seated on the Banks of the Nen, over which it has two Bridges. A well built and uniform Town, beautified with a fair Church, a free School, and an Alms­house.

Nigh unto Oundle Northwards, and upon the same River, stands Fotheringhay-Castle, in­vironed on all sides with pleasant Meadows. Noted for that here Mary, Queen of Scots, was beheaded.

Thrapston, Higham-Ferrers, and Wellingborow, ly all three upon the Nen; the first two on the Eastern, the last on the Western Banks [Page 161]and each of them with a Bridge over the River. Higham-Ferrers has a Free-School for the Education of Youth, and an Alms house for the Relief of poor people; and was anciently strengthned with a Castle, whose Ruins are yet to be seen. Wellingborow, pleasantly seated upon the Ascent of a Hill, is a large, and well inhabited Town, injoying a good Trade, beau­tified with a fair Church, and having the Con­vieniency besides of a Free School.

Not far from Rothwell, or Rowel, is Naseby, which is said to stand on the highest Ground in England, near which the Avon and the Nen (two considerable Rivers) have their Spring­heads. A noted Town for the Battel fought here June 14th 1645; where the Kings For­ces commanded by Prince Rupert were totally routed by General Fairfax.

Towcester, situate in a Valley, and on the Banks of a small River that empty's it self in the Ouse, is a Place of good Antiquity. Cambden takes it for the ancient Tripontium, which took its Name from 3 Bridges; the Roman Port-way (which in many places be­tween it and Stony-Stratford shews it self) be­ing cut through by three Streams or Chan­nels, which the Rivulet there divides it self into. About the Year 917. it was so strong­ly fortified, as to resist the furious Assaults of the Danes. At present 'tis but a small Town, beautified however with a fine Church.

Near this Place Eastward is Grafton, a Road-Town in this part of Northamptonshire, with a fine Park adjoyning to it, and a Mannor­house of great Antiquity, most part whereof was burnt and pulled down in the long In­testine War, Anno 1643. Memorable for the [Page 162]Marriage here consummated betwixt Edward IV. and the Lady Grey, the first King o [...] England since the Conquest that married his Subject. This was the ancient Seat of the Family de Wideville, Earls of Rivers. And Richard, the last of the male Line, dying An­no 1490. did by his Will bequeath it (a­mongst other Lands) to Thomas Grey, Mar­quess of Dorset. In which Name it continued till Henry VIII, with whom it was exchanged for other Lands in Leicestershire, and so has ever since continued in the Crown. Of late become of more remark, for giving the Ti­tle of Duke to his Grace Henry Fitz-Roy, cre­ated Baron of Sudbury, Viscount Ipswich, and Earl of Euston Anno 1672, and Duke of Grafton five years after.

Brackley, a Town of Note when it was in a manner the Staple Town in the County for Wool, is seated near the Spring of the Ouse, upon the edge of the County towards Buckinghamshire. It contains two Parish-Churches, and had formerly a Colledge, now made use of for a Free-School.

Daventry and Kettering are seated, each of 'em upon a Rivulet, that falls into the Nen. The first, a great Road-Town from London to the North-West Counties, and from thence hither. The last, North-East from that, is delightfully seated on an Ascent; and has a Sessions-House for the Justices of Peace of the County, who sometimes assem­ble here.

Rockingham, a small Town, is seated on the Weland. A Town of note in former Time for its Castle, long since demolished.

Lastly, this County, together with Rutland, make up the Diocese of Peterborough. In [Page 163]the Time of the Saxons, it made part of the Kingdom of Mercia; and its Inhabitants, in the Romans Time, part of the Cori­tani.

Out of it are chosen, besides the two Knights of the Shire, seven Members of Parliament. Viz. 2 out of Northampton, 2 out of Peterbo­rough, 2 out of Brackley, and 1 out of Higham-Ferrers.