The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England Part 8

And wheras there are two infallible signes of a diseased State; excesse in eating, and in attire; which could neuer be restrained by penalties or feare, but the more the people are therin forbidden, the more are they rauished into riot and vanitie: the King by two meanes cast a general restraint vpon them both: by example, and by reproofe: which by reason of the inclination of men to imitate and please their Prince, haue alwayes been of greater force then lawes, to reforme abuses in that kind. He much abhorred excesse in eating and drinking, and was so moderate in his owne diet, that he seemed to feede onely for necessitie of nature. Hee both vsed and commended ciuill modestie in apparell: especially he could not endure an absurd abuse of men in those times, in wearing long haire like vnto women. And when their owne haire failed, they set artificiall _Peruques_,[105] with long locks vpon their heads; whereas by censure of the Apostle, it is reprochfull for men to weare long haire. He discharged his Court of many loose lasciuious persons; affirming, that they were no good instruments of the kingdome; as being in peace chargeable, and vnprofitable for warre.

During his absence in _Normandie_, which was sometimes three or foure yeeres together, he committed the gouernement of his Realme to _Roger_ Bishop of _Salisburie_: A man harmelesse in life, in mind flourishing and fresh, in intention vpright: most wise in taking, and most faithfull and fortunate in giuing aduise. Hee had gouerned the Kings expenses of house when hee was but a Prince of priuate estate; whereby he gained that reputation for integritie and skill, which aduanced him to a higher trust. He was Doctor of the Canon and Ciuill lawes, as most of the Bishops at that time were, and did beare the t.i.tle and name of _Iusticiarius totius Angliae_. Hee built the _Deuises_ in _Wiltshire_, the Castles of _Malmesburie_ and _Shireburne_. He repaired the Castle of _Salisburie_, and enuironed the same with a wall; hee built the stately Church at _Salisburie_, destined to a longer life then any of his other workes. And further, by reason of the Kings much abode in _Normandie_, the prouisions of his house were valued at certaine prices, and receiued in money, to the great contentment and ease of the people.

In these times were mighty woods about the place where the two high wayes _Watling_ and _Ikening_ doe ioyne together; which woods were a safe couert and retreite for many robbers, who much infested those high wayes. The most famous thiefe among them, was named _Dunne_,[106] a man mischieuous without mercie, equally greedie of blood and of spoile, the first infamie of his name: Hee was in a sort as the most villanously aduentrous and vile; (for in lewd actions, the worst are greatest) Commander ouer the rest, and of him the place was called _Dunstable_. To represse this annoyance, the King caused the woods to bee cut downe, built there a Borough, to which hee granted Faire & Market, and that the Burgesses should be so free as any other Burgesses within the Realme.

Hee erected there also a Palace for himselfe, and also a faire Church or Priorie; whereto he gaue large priuiledges and endowments. By these meanes hee made the place first populous, and consequently both plentifull and safe.

Many other royall workes hee performed, some for Religion, as the Religious buildings specified before; some for strength, as diuers Castles in _Normandie_, in _Wales_, and some also in _England_: and namely the Castle of _Warwicke_, of _Bristoll_, the Castle Colledge and Towne of _Windsore_ on the hill, about a mile distant from the old Towne of _Windsore_; which afterward was much encreased by King _Edward_ the third, and after him by many Kings and Queenes succeeding. Many Palaces also he built for ornament & pleasure. And to this end he maintained his Parke at _Woodstocke_, wherein hee preserued diuers sorts of strange beasts; which because he did with many demonstrations of pleasure both accept and esteeme, were liberally sent vnto him from other Princes.

Hee first inst.i.tuted the forme of the high Court of Parliament, as now it is in vse. For before his time, onely certaine of the n.o.bilitie and Prelats of the Realme were called to consultation about the most important affaires of state: he caused the commons also to be a.s.sembled, by Knights and Burgesses of their owne appointment, and made that Court to consist of three parts; the n.o.bilitie, the Clergie, and the Common people; representing the whole body of the Realme. The first Councell of this sort was held at _Salisbury_, vpon the 19. day of April, in the 16.

yeere of his reigne.

His seueritie in iustice, the very heart string of a Common-wealth, his heauie hand in bearing downe his enemies, in disabling those from working him harme whom he knew would neuer loue him at the heart; was traduced by some vnder termes of crueltie. And yet was he alwayes more mindfull of benefits then of wrongs; and in offences of highest nature, euen for bearing Armes against him, he punished oftentimes by imprisonment or exile, and not by death.

When _Matilde_ his daughter was giuen in mariage to _Henry_ the fifth Emperour, he tooke 3. shillings of euery hide of land throughout the Realme: which being followed by succeeding Kings, did grow to a custome of receiuing ayd, whensoeuer they gaue their daughters in marriage. For albeit the same be found in the great _Custumier_ of _Normandie_, yet was it neuer practised in _England_ before. This happened in the fifteenth yeere of his reigne: and he neuer had the like contribution after, but one for furnishing his warres in _France_. So the people were not charged with many extraordinary taxations, but their ordinary fines and payments were very great; and yet not very grieuous vnto them. For that they saw them expended, not in wanton wast, not in loose and immoderate liberalitie, but either vpon necessitie, or for the honour & dignitie of the state: wherein the preseruation or aduancement of the common good, made particular burthens not almost sensible.

But both his actions and exactions were most displeasing to the Clergy; the Clergy did often times not onely murmure, but struggle and oppose against his actions: as taking their liberties to be infringed, and their state diminished; by abasing their authority, and abating both their riches and power. When any Bishop.r.i.c.ke or Abbey fell voyd, hee did apply the reuenues thereof for supply of his necessities and wants: and for that cause kept some of them many yeeres together vacant in his hands. He would not permit appeales to _Rome_. Canons were not of force within the Realme, vnlesse they were confirmed by the King. Legats from the Pope were not obeyed; and no man would come to their conuocations.

In so much as one of the Popes Legates in _France_ did excommunicate all the Priests of _Normandy_, because they would not come to his Synode.

For this cause the King sent the Bishop of _Exceter_ to _Rome_, albeit he was both blind and in yeeres, to treat with the Pope concerning that businesse. Hee gaue inuest.i.tures to Prelates, by Crosse, Ring and Staffe: and is charged to haue receiued of some of them great summes of money for their places. About this time the marriage of Priests was forbidden in _England_; but the King for money permitted them to reteine their wiues, and in the end set an imposition in that respect vpon euery Church throughout the Realme. It auailed not any man to say, that he had no purpose to keepe a wife: he must pay for a facultie to keepe a wife if he would.

For these causes they fastened the infamie of couetousnesse vpon him.

For these causes and especially for inuesting and receiuing homage of Prelats, he had a stiffe strife with _Anselme_ Archb. of _Canterburie_.

For the King said, that it was against the custome of his ancesters, it could not stand with the safety of his State; that the Prelats, who at that time held the princ.i.p.all places both of trust and command in his kingdome, who in very deed ruled all the rest, should not be appointed onely by himselfe; should not sweare faith and allegiance vnto him; should either bee aduanced or depend vpon any forren Prince. On the other side _Anselme_ refused, not onely to confirme, but to communicate or common friendly with those who had bene inuested by the King: reproching them, as abortiues and children of destruction; traducing the King also, as a defiler of Religion, as a deformer of the beautie and dignitie of the Church. Hereupon by appointment of the King, they were confirmed & consecrated by the Archb. of _Yorke_. Onely _William Gifford_, to whom the K. had giuen the Bishop.r.i.c.ke of _Winchester_, refused Consecration from the Archb. of _Yorke_; for which cause the King depriued him of all his goods, and banished him out of the Realme.

Then the King required _Anselme_ to doe him homage, and to be present with him at giuing Inuest.i.tures; as _Lanfranck_ his predecessor had bene with King _William_ his father. Against these demaunds _Anselme_ obiected the decrees of the Councell lately held at _Rome_; whereby all Lay-persons were excommunicate, who should conferre any Spiritual promotions; and all those accursed, who for Ecclesiasticall dignities, should subiect themselues vnder the homage or seruice of any Lay-man.

Hereupon messengers were dispatched from both parties to the Pope: who determined altogether in fauour of _Anselme_, or rather in fauour of himselfe. Notwithstanding the king desisted not to vrge _Anselme_, to sweare homage vnto him. _Anselme_ required, that the Popes letters should bee brought foorth; and he would doe as by them hee should be directed. The King answered, that he had nothing to doe with the Popes letters; that this was a Soueraigne right of his Crowne; that if any man may pull these Royalties from his Crowne, he may easily pull his Crowne from his head: that therefore _Anselme_ must doe him homage, or else depart out of his kingdome. _Anselme_ answered, that hee would not depart out of the Realme, but goe home to his Church, and there see, who would offer him violence.

Then were messengers againe sent to the Bishop of _Rome_; two Bishops from the King, and two Monckes from _Anselme_. The King wrote to the Pope, first congratulating his aduancement to the Sea of _Rome_; then desiring the continuance of that amitie which had bene betweene their predecessours; Lastly, he tendred all honour and obedience, which in former times the Kings of _England_ did yeeld to the See of _Rome_; desiring againe, that he might not be abridged of such vsages as his father did enioy: concluding, that during his life, hee would not suffer the dignities of his Crowne to be empaired; and if he should so doe, yet the n.o.bilitie and common people of the Realme would in no case permit it, but would rather recede from obedience to his See.

The Pope wrote backe againe to _Anselme_; that for one mans pleasure hee would not reuerse the decrees of former Popes; and therefore gaue him both encouragement & charge, to continue constant, and to see them obserued in euery point. Hee directed also his letters to the King, which the King did suppresse: but his Emba.s.sadours declared by word, that the Pope permitted Inuest.i.tures to the King, so as in other things hee would execute the Office of a good Prince. _Anselme_ called for the Popes letters. The King answered, that his Bishops were to be credited before the Monckes, who were disabled either for voyce or testimonie in Secular affaires. _Anselme_ said, that he was desirous to yeeld vnto the King, but he durst not although it should cost him his head, vnlesse he had a warrant from _Rome_: and therefore he would send thither againe, to haue a more full and ample answere. The King and diuers of the n.o.bilitie perswaded him to goe in person, to trauaile to the Pope, and to trauaile with him, for the quiet of the Church, and of his countrey.

With much adoe he was entreated, and so set forth on his iourney towards _Rome_: and after followed the kings Emba.s.sadour _William Warlewast_, new elect Bishop of _Exceter_.

When the Bishop came to the Popes presence, he declared vnto him; what great commodities did rise out of _England_ to the See of _Rome_; that the Inuesting of Prelats had bene an ancient right to the crowne of that Realme; that as the King was by nature liberall, so was he stout and resolute in courage, that it should be a great dishonour to him, who in power exceeded any of his ancesters, if hee should not maintaine the dignities which they held; that for this cause the Pope should doe well to preferre to his consideration, what preiudice might follow to his Estate, if hee should remit nothing of the seuerities of those Canons which had bene lately made.

The Pope gaue an attentiue eare, and seemed to pause vpon that which had been sayd. Which the Kings Amba.s.sadour taking to be a degree of yeelding, did more earnestly insist, and said: that the King his master would not for the Crowne of his Realme, loose the authoritie of inuesting his Prelates. Hereto the Pope with a starting voice and countenance answered; _Neither will I lose the disposing of spirituall promotions in_ England, _for the Kings head that beareth the Crowne; before G.o.d_ (said hee) _I aduow it_. His flattering followers applauded this speach, as proceeding from a magnanimous courage, or rather as some flash of diuine inspiration: and the Kings Amba.s.sador not a little abashed, was content to descend to lower demands. In the ende it was ordered, that the King should be restored to certaine customes which had been vsed by his father; but that all they who had bin inuested by the King, should be excommunicate, & that their satisfaction and absolution should be committed vnto _Anselme_.

Thus _Anselme_, with full saile of victorie and ioy returned towards _England_; but the Kings Amba.s.sadour stayed behind, to a.s.say whether by any meanes hee could worke the Pope to a milder minde. But when hee saw that he trauailed in vaine, he followed _Anselme_, and ouertooke him at _Placentia_, and there deliuered vnto him certaine priuate instructions from the King: that if he would come into _England_, and behaue himselfe as his predecessours had done towards the Kings father, hee should be welcome; otherwise, you are wise enough (said hee) you know what I meane, and may easily coniecture what will ensue. With these words he flang suddenly away; by occasion whereof his speaches setled with a more strong impression, and multiplied many doubtfull constructions. So the Emba.s.sadour returned to the King; but _Anselme_ went to _Lions_, and remained there a yeere and halfe.

In the meane time much posting was made betweene _England_, _Lions_, and _Rome_; but nothing was concluded, nothing could please: For neither the Pope would yeeld to the King, nor the King to _Anselme_. At the last _Anselme_ threatned to excommunicate the King: whereof the King being aduertised by the Countesse _Adela_ his sister, hee desired her to come to him into _Normandy_, and to bring _Anselme_ with her. Here the King restored _Anselme_ to his former possessions; but his returne into _England_ was respited, vntill the Pope had confirmed certaine things which _Anselme_ did a.s.sure. So the King tooke his pa.s.sage into _England_, and _Anselme_ abode at the Abbey of _Beck_. Then were dispatched for _Rome_, _William Warlewast_ mentioned before, and _Baldwine_ Abbot of _Ramsey_; by whose meanes the controuersie was composed betweene the King and the Pope; that the King should receiue homage of Bishops elect, but should not inuest them by Staffe and Ring.

After this the king went into _Normandie_, and there agreed to _Anselme_ in these points following.

1 _That all his Churches which had been made tributary to King William the second should bee set free._

2 _That the King should require nothing of the sayd Churches, whilest the Sea should remaine vacant._

3 _That such Priests as had giuen money to the King to reteine their wiues, should surcease from their function the s.p.a.ce of three yeeres; and that the king should take no more after such maner._

4 _That all such goods fruits and possessions as the King had taken from the Sea of Canterbury, should bee restored to him at his returne into England._

Thus _Anselme_ returned into _England_, and after a short time the king followed; hauing taken his brother prisoner, and subdued _Normandie_ to his subiection.

Forthwith _Anselme_ by permission of the K. a.s.sembled a great Councell of the Clergie at _Westminster_; wherein hee so wrought with the King, that at length (albeit not without great difficultie) it was newly decreed; that no temporal man should giue inuest.i.ture with Crosse, or with Ring, or with Pastoral staffe. Also he directed Iniunctions to the Priests of his Prouince, that they and their wiues should neuer meete within one house; that they should not keepe any woman in their house, but such as were next in kinred vnto them; That hee who held his wife and presumed to say Ma.s.se within eight dayes after, should solemnely be excommunicate. That all Archdeacons and their Officials should bee sworne, not to winke at the meetings of Priests and their wiues for any respect, and if they would not take this oath, then to lose their office; that such Priests as would forsake their wiues, should cease fourty dayes from ministration in their office, and performe such penance as should be enioyned them by their Bishop. The execution of these Canons importing both a great and sudden alteration, occasioned much disquiet and disorder in many parts of the Realme.

In the same Councel the censure of Excommunication was cast vpon those, who did exercise the vile vice of Sodomitrie: and it was further decreed, that the same sentence should be published euery Sonday in al the parish Churches of _England_. But afterward it was esteemed fit; that this general excommunication should be repealed. The pretence was, for that the prohibiting, yea, the publike naming of that vice might enflame the hearts of vngracious persons with desire vnto it. But wise men coniectured, that after this seuere restreint of marriage in the Clergie, it did grow so frequent and familiar among them, that they would not giue way to so generall a punishment. It is certaine that in this Kings dayes _Io. Cremensis_ a Priest Cardinal, by the Kings licence came into _England_, and held a solemne Synode at _London_; where hauing most sharpely enueighed against the marriage of Priests, the night following hee was taken in adulterie, and so with shame departed the Realme. It is certaine also that _Anselme_, the most earnest enforcer of single life, died not a Virgine; as by the lamentation which hee wrote for the losse thereof it may appeare.

Not long after _Anselme_ died, being of the age of 70. yeeres. He had bestowed much money on _Christs_ Church in _Canterburie_; as well in buildings, as in ornaments, and encrease of possessions. Other workes of charge he left not many; neither in very deed could he, by reason of his often banishments, and the seasures of the reuenues of his Church. But this he did more then liberally supply by the eternall labours of his penne. After his decease the Archbishop.r.i.c.ke remained voyd fiue yeeres: during which time, the King applied the fruits to himselfe. The like hee did to other vacant Churches; and compounded also with Priests for reteining their wiues; and made his profit by Ecclesiasticall persons and liuings, more largely and freely then he had done before. For which cause it is not vnlike that the imputation of couetousnesse was fixed vpon him. At the last _Radulph_ Bishop of _Rochester_ was aduanced to the See of _Canterburie_; and notwithstanding all former agreements and decrees, the King inuested him with Ring and with Staffe.

But howsoeuer we may either excuse or extenuate the two vices of crueltie and couetousnesse, wherewith he is charged, his immoderate excesse in l.u.s.t can no wayes be denied, no wayes defended: And when age had somewhat abated in him the heat of that humour, yet was hee too much pleased with remembrance of his youthfull follies. For this vice it is manifest, as well by the sudden and vnfortunate losse of his children, as for that he was the last King by descent from males of the _Norman_ race, that the hand of G.o.d pressed hard vpon him.

As _Radulph_ succeeded _Anselme_ in the See of _Canterburie_. So after the death of _Thomas_, _Thurstine_ the Kings Chapplaine was elected Archb. of _Yorke_. And because he refused to acknowledge obedience to the See of _Canterbury_, hee could not haue his Consecration, but was depriued of his dignitie by the King. Hereupon he tooke his iourney to _Rome_, complained to the Pope, and from him returned with a letter to the King: that the putting of a Bishop elect from his Church, without iudgement, was against diuine Iustice, against the decrees of holy Fathers: that the Pope intended no preiudice to either Church, but to maintaine the const.i.tution which S. _Gregorie_, the Apostle of the _English_ Nation, had stablished betweene them: that the Bishop elect should be receiued to his Church, and if any question did rise between the two Churches, it should be handled before the King.

Vpon occasion of this letter a solemne a.s.sembly was called at _Salisburie_, where the variance betweene the two Prelats was much debated. _Radulph_ would not giue Imposition of hands to _Thurstine_, vnlesse hee would professe obedience. _Thurstine_ said, that he would gladly embrace his benediction, but professe obedience to him he would not. The King signified to _Thurstine_, that without acknowledgement of subiection to the Archb. of _Canterburie_, hee should not be Consecrated Archb. of _Yorke_. _Thurstine_ replied nothing; but renounced his dignitie, and promised to make no more claime vnto it.

Not long after, _Calixtus_ Bishop of _Rome_ a.s.sembled a Councell at _Rhemes_; and _Thurstine_ desired licence of the King to goe to that Councell. This hee obtained vnder faithfull promise, that he should there attempt nothing to the preiudice of the Church of _Canterburie_.

In the meane time the King dealt secretly with the Pope, that _Thurstine_ should not bee consecrated by him. This the Pope did faithfully a.s.sure; and yet by meanes of some of his Cardinals, whom _Thurstine_ had wrought to bee suiters for him; by reason also of his hate against _Radulph_, for taking Inuest.i.ture from the King; The Pope was drawen to giue him consecration, and therewith the Pall. For this cause the King was displeased with _Thurstine_, and forbad him to returne into the Realme.

After this, the Pope came to _Gisors_, to which place the King went vnto him; and desired that he would not send any Legates into _England_, except the King should so require. The reason was, for that certaine Legates had come into _England_ lately before, to wit, one _Guido_, and another named _Anselme_, and another called _Peter_; who had demeaned themselues, not as Pillars of the Church, but as Pillagers of all the Realme. Also he required that hee might reteine all such customes, as his auncestors had vsed in _England_ and in _Normandie_. The Pope vpon promise that the King should ayd him against his enemies, yeelded to these demands: and required againe of the King, to permit _Thurstine_ to returne with his fauour into _England_. The King excused himselfe by his oath. The Pope answered, that he might and would dispence with him for his oath. The King craued respite, affirming that he would aduise with his Counsaile, and then signifie to the Pope what he should resolue. So in short time hee declared to the Pope, that for loue to him, _Thurstine_ should bee receiued both into the Realme and to his Church: vpon condition, that he should professe subiection to the Sea of _Canterburie_, as in former times his predecessors had done; otherwise (said hee) so long as I shall bee King of _England_, hee shall neuer sit Archbishop of _Yorke_.

The yeere following the Pope directed his letters to the King, and likewise to _Radulph_. And herewith he interdicted both the Church of _Canterburie_ and the Church of _Yorke_, with all the Parish Churches of both Prouinces; from Diuine seruice, from Buriall of the dead, from all other offices of the Church; except onely baptizing of children, and absolution of those who shal lie at the point of death: vnlesse within one moneth after the receit of the same letters, _Thurstine_ should be receiued to the Sea of _Yorke_, without acknowledging subiection to the Sea of _Canterburie_. It was further signified to the King, that he should also be excommunicate, vnlesse hee would consent to the same.

Vpon these letters _Thurstine_ was sent for, and reconciled to the King, and quietly placed in his Church at _Yorke_. And thus when the Bishops of Rome had gained absolute superiority ouer the state of the Church, euen for managing external actions and affaires (which seeme to be a part of ciuill gouernement) there wanted nothing but either a weake Prince, or a factious n.o.bilitie, or a headstrong tumultuous people, to giue him absolute superioritie ouer all.

In the second yeere of this Kings reigne the Cities of _Gloucester_ and _Winchester_ were for the most part wasted with fire.

In the fourth yeere a blasing starre appeared, and foure circles were seene about the Sunne. The yeere next following the King preuailed much in _Normandie_, and so did the Sea in _Flanders_: insomuch as a great part of that Countrey lay buried in the waters.

In the seuenth yeere a blazing starre appeared: and vpon thursday night before Easter, two full Moones were seene, one in the East, and the other in the West. The same yeere _Robert_ Duke of _Normandie_ was taken & brought prisoner into _England_.

In the tenth yeere the Abbey of _Elie_ was made a Bishops Sea, and Cambridge shire was appointed for the Diocesse thereof. In regard whereof, the King gaue the mannour of _Spalding_ to the Bishop of _Lincolne_, for that the shire of _Cambridge_ was formerly vnder the Iurisdiction of _Lincolne_. The same yeere a Comet appeared after a strange fashion. About _Shrewsburie_ was a great earthquake. The water of _Trent_ was dried vp at _Nottingham_ the s.p.a.ce of a mile, from one of the clocke vntill three: so as men might pa.s.se ouer the Channell on foote. Warres ensued against the Earle of _Aniou_; a great mortalitie of men; a murraine of beastes both domesticke and of the fielde: yea, the foules perished in great abundance.

In the 13. yeere the Citie of _Worcester_, and therein the chiefe Church, the Castle, with much people were consumed with fire. A pigge was farrowed with a face like a childe. A chicken was hatched with foure legs. The yeere next ensuing the riuer of _Medeway_ so fayled for many miles, that in the middest of the channell the smallest boates could not floate. In the _Thames_ also was such defect of water, that betweene the Tower and the Bridge many men and children did wade ouer on foote. This happened by reason of a great ebbe in the Ocean, which layd the sands bare many miles from the sh.o.a.re, and so continued one whole day. Much rage and violence of weather ensued, and a blasing starre. The Citie of _Chichester_ with the princ.i.p.all Monastery was burnt. The yeere next following almost all the Bridges in _England_ being then of timber, by reason of a hard Winter were borne downe with Ice.

In the 17. yeere the towne of _Peterborough_ with the stately Church were burned to the ground. The Citie of _Bath_ also was much ruined and defaced with fire. In March there happened fearefull lightning, and in December grieuous thunder and haile. The Moone at both times seemed to be turned into blood, by reason of the euill qualited vapours through which it gaue light. The yeere following, _Mathild_ the Queene departed this life: a woman in pietie, chast.i.tie, modestie, and all other vertues nothing inferiour to her mother; but in learning and iudgement farre beyond her: who did not act, nor speake, nor scarce thinke any thing, but first it was weighed by wisdome and vertue. When the king desired her in marriage, for the publicke good and tranquilitie of the State, in reducing the _Saxon_ blood to the Crowne; she first modestly, then earnestly refused the offer; shewing no lesse magnanimitie in despising honours, then others doe in affecting them. But when she was not so much perswaded as importuned to forsake her profession, she is reported by some to haue taken the matter so to heart, that she cursed such issue as she should bring forth: which curse did afterwards lie heauie vpon them. For her sonne _William_ perished by shipwrack, and her daughter _Matild_ was neuer voyd of great vexations. As she trauailed ouer the riuer of _Lue_, at the _Old-foord_ neere _London_, she was well washed, and somewhat endangered in her pa.s.sage: whereupon he caused two Stone-bridges to be built ouer the same riuer, one at the head of the towne of _Stratford_, the other ouer another streame thereof, commonly called _Channels-bridge_; and paued the way betweene them with grauel.

She gaue also certaine mannours, and a mill called _Wiggon_ mill, for repairing of the same bridges and way. These were the first Stone-bridges that were made in _England_. And because they were arched like a bow, the towne of _Stratford_ was afterwards called _Bow_.

In the 20. yere, a great earthquake hapned, in the moneth of September.

In the 22. yeere, the Citie of _Glocester_, with the princ.i.p.al Monasterie was fired againe. The yeere next following, the Citie of _Lincolne_ was for the most part burned downe, and many persons perished with the rage of the flame. In the 27. yeere, the King receiued an oath of the chiefe of the Prelats and n.o.bilitie of the Realme; that after his death, they should maintaine the kingdom against al men for his daughter _Matild_, in case she should suruiue, and the king not leaue issue male in life.

In the 30. yeere, the Citie of _Rochester_ was much defaced with fire, euen in the presence and view of the King. The yeere next following the oath to _Matild_ was receiued againe. About this time the King was much troubled with fearefull dreames; which did so affright him, that he would often leape out of his bed, and lay hand on his sword, as if it were to defend himselfe. This yeere as he returned out of _Normandie_ into _England_, when he had bene caried not farre from land, the winde began to rise, and the Sea swelled somewhat bigge. This weather did almost suddenly encrease to so dangerous a storme, that all expected to be cast away. The King, dismayed the more by his sonnes mishap, reconciled himselfe to G.o.d; and vowed to reforme many errours of his life, if he did escape. So after his arriuall, he went to the Monasterie of S. _Edmund_; and there both ratified and renued the promise he had made. After this he was better ordered in his actions; he erected a Bishop.r.i.c.ke at _Caerlile_, and endowed it with many honours: he caused Iustice indifferently to be administred; and eased the people of the tribute called _Dane guilt_.

In the 32. yeere, _Matilde_ daughter to the King was deliuered of a sonne, who was named _Henry_. Hereupon the king a.s.sembled his n.o.bilitie at _Oxeford_, where he did celebrate his feast of Easter; and there ordeined, that shee and her heires should succeed him in the kingdome.

And albeit they were often sworne to this appointment; albeit _Stephen_ Earle of _Bloise_ was the first man who tooke that oath: yet was he the first who did rise against it; yet did many others also ioyne with him in his action. For oathes are commonly troden vnder foote, when they lye in the way, either to honour or reuenge. The same yeere the Citie of _London_ was very much defaced with fire.

The yeere next following, many prodigies happened, which seemed to portend the death of the King, or rather the troublesome times which did thereupon ensue. In the moneth of August, the Sunne was so deepely eclipsed, that by reason of the darkenesse of the ayre, many starres did plainely appeare. The second day after this defect of light, the earth trembled with so great violence, that many buildings were shaken downe.

_Malmesb._ sayth, that the house wherein he sate, was lift vp with a double remooue, and at the third time setled againe in the proper place.

The earth in diuers places yeelded foorth a hideous noyse; It cast foorth flames at certaine rifts diuers dayes together, which neither by water nor by any other meanes could be suppressed.

During the time of the eclipse mentioned before, the King was trauersing the sea into _Normandie_; whither hee vsually went, sometimes euery yeere, but euery third yeere at the furthest. Here he spent the whole yeere following, in ordering affaires of State, and in visiting euery corner of the Countrey. He neuer gaue greater contentment to the people, as well by his gifts, as by his gentle and courteous behauiour: he neuer receiued greater contentment from them, by the liuely expressing of their loue. But nothing did so much affect him with ioy, as that his daughter _Matild_ had brought foorth other two sonnes, _Geoffrey_ and _William_: whereby hee conceiued, that the succession of his issue to the Crowne of _England_ was so well backed, that he needed not to trouble his thoughts with any feare that his heires would faile.

At the last he began to languish a little and droupe in health; and neither feeling nor fearing any great cause, hee rode on hunting, to pa.s.se it ouer with exercise and delight. Herewith being somewhat cheered, hee returned home, and eate of a Lamprey, albeit against his Physicians aduise, which meate he alwayes loued, but was neuer able well to digest. After this, and happely vpon this vicious feeding, he fell into a feuer; which increased in him by such dangerous degrees, that within seuen dayes it led him to the period of his life. Hee died vpon the first of December, in the 67. yere of his age: when hee had reigned 35. yeeres and foure moneths, wanting one day. His bowels and eyes were buried at _Roan_: The rest of his bodie was stuffed with salt, wrapped vp in Oxe hides, and brought ouer into _England_; and with honourable exequies buried in the Monastery of _Reading_, which hee had founded.

His Physician who tooke out his braines, by reason of the intolerable stinch which breathed from them, in short time after ended his life. So of all that King _Henrie_ slue, this Physician was the last.