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A VIEW of NORTHUMBERLAND with an EXCURSION to The ABBEY of MAILROSS in SCOTLAND.

By W. HUTCHINSON Anno 1776.

VOL. II.

[figure]

NEWCASTLE Printed by T. SAINT, for W. CHARNLEY and Meſſrs VESEY & WHITFIELD

MDCCLXXVIII.

ADVERTISEMENT.

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MY adoption of the word Pater, in the Hexham Inſcription, engraved, and facing page 91, vol. I. having been objected to by an anonymous writer, in order to ſhew it was by no means improper or ſingular, I beg leave to refer the reader to the 2d volume of the Archaeologia, page 190, where in the Saliſbury Inſcription commented on by Mr Gough, the words are Pater Eccleſiae Saliſbirienſis; and that writer gives it the antiquity of the beginning of the 12th century, the ſuppoſed perſonage for whom that tomb was erected, Roger third Biſhop of Saliſbury, having been elected A. D. 1102 to that See. ‘His munificence to his infant church intitled him to the name of Pater Eccleſiae Saliſbirienſis,’ are his words. The aera and occaſion agree critically in the two inſtances: others might be pointed out; but this, from its pertinence, may ſeem ſufficient.

In my account of Blanchland, page 119, by former writers I was led into an error, touching the family of Forſters, to whom it formerly appertained. This, I preſume, will appear to be duly rectified, in the account of Bambrough, in this volume.

The liberal minded reader, I flatter myſelf, will make allowances for ſuch errors as appear in this work, which, conſiſtent with its title, is a View of the County.

A VIEW OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

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WE repaſſed the Tweed by Coldſtream Bridge, a handſome ſtructure of ſeven arches, having had

WARK CASTLE

in view for ſeveral miles of our paſſage down the banks of the river: a ſmall part of it ſtanding, forms a rude pillar, which at a diſtance appears of ſome conſequence. A platform lays to the weſt, with a trench called Gully's Nich; a mean village to the eaſt, from whence you approach the caſtle. This fortreſs ſtood on a circular eminence, formed by art: its founder is not poſitively known, nor is any certain date fixed to it. In Leland's Collectanea, part 1. p. 531. it is ſaid, ‘King Henry the 2 cauſid the Caſtel of Werke to be made.’ From ſeveral circumſtances of hiſtory, it appears, that it was formidable ſo early as the beginning of the 12th century.*

[2]Near this place are ſeveral intrenchments, ſome of which are defended by mounds of earth.* There is a ſpot adjoining called the Battle Place; but from what particular event it obtained that denomination is not known. As being on the borders, this caſtle was ſubject to repeated aſſaults.

On King Stephen's uſurpation of the Engliſh crown, David of Scotland, with great indignation, entered the borders, and among other fortreſſes aſſaulted and took Carrum, which Richard of Hexham ſays was by the Engliſh called Werk. On a treaty held whilſt Stephen lay at Durham and David at Newcaſtle, theſe conqueſts were reſtored by the Scotch King, who took as a compenſation, Carliſle and ſome other places of leſs import, as additions to the Earldom of Huntington, which was then ratified to him: Stephen alſo engaged, that before any diſpoſition was made of the Earldom of Northumberland, he would cauſe the claim of Henry (David's ſon) thereto, in right of his mother, to be fairly heard by his Judges. David received in marriage, from King Henry I. of England, his brother-in-law, Maud, the eldeſt daughter of Waltheof Earl of Northumberland, from whom Henry his ſon derived his pretenſions to that Earldom. Henry, by the reſignation of his father, and King Stephen's ratification, held the Earldom of Huntington.

The determination of Henry's claim to Northumberland being ſuſpended, and Stephen unwilling to bring it to a fair diſcuſſion, ſenſible of the great power it would give to the Scotch crown, irritated David to ſupport his ſon's pretenſions by force of arms. Stephen's abſence in Normandy favoured his purpoſe; and ſoon after Eaſter, in the year 1137, he levied a great army, with intent to invade England. The northern Barons, with Thurſtan Archbiſhop of York, aſſembled the Engliſh forces at Newcaſtle; and the Archbiſhop proceeding to Roxburgh, then in the poſſeſſion of the Scotch King, in conference with David and his ſon, prevailed on them to enter into a truce till Stephen's return, when it was preſumed the matter in conteſt would be honourably accommodated: but Stephen perſiſting in a denial of Henry's right, war immediately enſued.

[3]The winter was ſet in, when David, flattered with hopes of an inſurrection in England, a plot * having been laid to maſſacre all the Normans, and deliver the kingdom to him, who was neareſt heir in the Saxon line, not regarding the rigour of the ſeaſon, diſpatched his nephew William, ſon of Duncan, with part of his army, againſt the Caſtle of Wark.

William inveſted this fortreſs early in the morning, and David with a numerous army and engines of war, advanced ſoon afterwards to maintain the ſiege. This inveſtiture continued three weeks, during which time the moſt vigorous aſſaults were ſuſtained by the garriſon, under command of Jordan de Buſſis, nephew of Walter D'Eſpec, Lord of Wark.

[4]David was obliged to raiſe the ſiege with diſgrace; his forces were much reduced, and his Standard-bearer fell among the ſlain. The border conflicts were all after one mode, rendered horrible by ravage and rapine. David, after his departure from before Wark, led his forces to the weſtern parts of Northumberland, where he ſpread deſolation and ruin, and marked his progreſs as far as Tyne with acts of ſavage cruelty.

To oppoſe theſe invaders, Stephen at the head of a numerous army advanced to Wark, which obliged David to abandon Northumberland, and prepare to defend his own territories: but Stephen, apprized of a plot which was laid to entrap him at Roxburgh, returned to England without effecting any thing againſt his enemy. David ſeeing the Engliſh forces had abandoned the border, after taking and demoliſhing Norham, advanced againſt Wark, to revenge an inſult the garriſon had committed, by taking ſome baggage, and giving annoyance to his troops, marching under his ſon Henry. His ſucceſs in this ſecond attempt was no better than in his former aſſault; he exerted his powers, employed every engine the art of war had introduced, and with much [5] bloodſhed perſiſted in the ſiege; till conceiving the fortreſs was impregnable to every other manoeuvre than a blockade, which could cut off proviſions and reinforcement, he determined thereon; and marching ſouthward with the main body of his army, left there a circumvallation of troops, under the care of two of his Barons.

David ſoon after had a dreadful defeat near Northallerton, at the Battle of the Standard; after which he retreated with the ſhattered remains of his troops to Carliſle, through a country enraged at the barbarities he had been guilty of in his former incurſion: the peaſants in every avenue revenging on his flying troops, the ſufferings their families had ſuſtained. After a ſhort reſpite, and a collection of his ſcattered army at Carliſle, he commanded the ſiege of Wark to be reſumed, in which many new-invented engines and machines were employed. The beſieged with unparallelled fortitude ſuſtained the ſhock: their ſkilfulneſs is as admirable as their courage, for they loſt but one Knight, whoſe intrepidity in attacking a machine, expoſed him to numbers of aſſailants, in the midſt of whom he fell, after teſtifying the higheſt human valour. The ſlaughter made by the garriſon was terrible; inſomuch that David, relaxing his rigorous command, ceaſed all aſſaults, and again formed a ſtrong blockade. The garriſon were reduced to great extremities; they had killed their horſes, and ſalted their fleſh for food, and when that was nearly conſumed, reſolved, as ſoon as all proviſion was exhauſted, to make a general ſally, and cut their paſſage through the lines of the aſſailants, or die ſword in hand. During this interval, Walter D'Eſpec, their Lord, willing to preſerve ſo brave a corps, ſent the Abbot of Rievalle with his command, that the garriſon ſhould ſurrender the place: on whoſe arrival a treaty was entered into, in conſequence of which the garriſon capitulated, and were permitted to march out of the caſtle under arms, with 20 horſes provided them by the Scotch King. On this evacuation, the caſtle was demoliſhed, and the fortifications were raſed.

King Henry II. to ſtrengthen the frontiers of his kingdom againſt the Scots, ordered the fortifications of the caſtle of Wark to be reſtored.*

King John, in the year 1215, in reſentment of the defection of the northern Barons, who had done homage to Alexander II. at Mailroſs, [6] advanced to the borders, and, amongſt other places, reduced Wark to aſhes. M. Paris gives the following account of this horrid expedition: ‘Deinde Rex Ira ſuccenſus, vehementi apud partes Scotiae tendebat ciſmarinas, et captis Caſtris de Berwic, et aliis quae videbantur inexpugnabilia, improperavit Regi Alexandro, et quia erat Rufus, ſignicavit ei, dicens, ſic ſic fugabimus rubeam vulpeculam latibulis ſuis, multum igitur ibidem ſtragem et exterminium exercuiſſet, niſi eundem neceſſitas magna dilationem non capiens revocaſſet.’

King Edward, on the breach of fealty by John Baliol, in the year 1296, having levied a great army, advanced towards the Scotch borders; and halting at Bamburgh, received intelligence that Robert de Roſs, Lord of Wark, had abandoned his caſtle, and gone over to the Scots, being enamoured of a Scotch woman, whoſe affection he preferred to his duty and allegiance: his brother William remaining in the fortreſs, diſpatched a meſſenger to require immediate aid of the King, as he apprehended Robert would attempt to deliver Wark to the enemy. King Edward immediately ordered 1000 men to march to ſuſtain William and his garriſon, who, on their arrival, were attacked in their quarters in the night, in a ſmall village called Preſtfeu, by Robert de Roſs, with a detachment from Roxburgh, who burnt the village, and put the reinforcement to the ſword. King Edward ſoon after this diſaſter marched with his whole army to Wark, where he continued to celebrate the feſtival of Eaſter.

In the reign of King Edward II. 1318, Wark was taken by the Scots, under King Robert Brus, by aſſault. In Leland's Collecta. p. 548, it is ſaid, that the Scottes came into the Marches of England, and deſtroyed the caſtelles of Wark and Harbottle.

As King David Bruce with his victorious army was returning from Durham in the ſummer of the year 1341, where he had imbrued his hands in the horrid maſſacre of all ages and both ſexes, had ſpoiled and plundered the ſacred places, and put the religious to miſerable deaths, the rear of his army paſſing the caſtle of Wark loaden with ſpoils, were ſeen by the garriſon with the greateſt indignation. Sir William Montague was then Governor, and the Counteſs of Saliſbury, whoſe Lord the fortreſs then belonged to, reſided there. The Governor with 40 horſemen made a ſally, attended with conſiderable ſlaughter, bringing into the caſtle 160 horſes laden with booty. King David, incenſed at [7] this inſult, led his army againſt the caſtle, and made a general aſſault, but met with a repulſe attended with great bloodſhed. David then prepared to fill up the ditches, and bring his battering engines to play upon the walls: the imminent danger of the garriſon rendered it neceſſary to ſend information of their ſituation to the Engliſh Monarch, who was approaching the borders with a conſiderable army. The place being cloſe inveſted, rendered ſuch an attempt perilous, but it was effected by the Governor himſelf, on a fleet horſe, in the darkneſs and tumult of a ſtormy night: he paſſed through the enemy's lines, and carried intelligence to King Edward, who redoubled his ſpeed to relieve the place. The Scotch Chieftains, unwilling to hazard the treaſures they had reaped in their expedition, perſuaded the King to raiſe the ſiege and paſs the Tweed; which was done only ſix hours before the van of the Engliſh army appeared. The joy of the Counteſs of Saliſbury for this relief, and her pleaſing deportment whilſt ſhe entertained the King at Wark, were the beginning of an amour, to which the famous inſtitution of the order of the Garter is ſaid to owe its origin.

In the reign of King Richard II. 1383,* it was beſieged by the Scots, and part of the fortifications deſtroyed.

Soon after the acceſſion of King Henry IV. the truce made with Richard II. expiring, the Scots made an incurſion, in which they took the caſtle of Wark, and after holding it ſome time, utterly demoliſhed the works. It was a fortreſs of too much conſequence to be neglected, and therefore we find it ſoon after reſtored and in a ſtate of defence: for in the ſame reign it ſuſtained many ſhocks, with various degrees of fortune. In 1419, in the abſence of the King of England, who was then in France, hoſtilities being commenced on the borders, William Haliburton of Faſt Caſtle took the caſtle of Wark, which was then in the keeping of Robert Ogle, and put all the garriſon to the ſword; but it was ſoon recovered by the Engliſh, who, from a perfect knowledge of the place, made their way by a ſewer which led from the kitchen into the Tweed, and ſurprizing the garriſon, put them all to death, in revenge for their cruelty on Ogle's troops.

[8]In the reign of Henry VI. 1460, the Scots gathered great booty on the Marches, and among many other caſtles which they aſſailed, Wark was taken and demoliſhed.

The caſtle was afterwards repaired by the Earl of Surry, and in the year 1523, in the 15th year of the reign of King Henry VIII. the Scotch army laying at Coldſtream, reſolved to attempt the reduction of Wark, under the command of the Duke of Albany, Sir John Liſle being then Governor. Buchanan the Hiſtorian, being preſent at the ſiege, gives the following deſcription of the caſtle: ‘In the innermoſt area was a tower of great ſtrength and height; this was encircled by by two walls, the outer including a large ſpace, into which the inhabitants of the country uſed to fly, with their cattle, corn, and flocks, in time of war; the inner of much ſmaller extent, but fortified more ſtrongly by ditches and towers. It had a ſtrong garriſon, good ſtore of artillery and ammunition, and other things neceſſary for defence.’ The Duke of Albany ſent againſt it battering cannon, and a choſen band of Scots and French, to the number of 4000, under the command of Andrew Ker of Fairnherſt. The French carried the outer incloſure at the firſt aſſault, but they were diſlodged by the garriſon ſetting fire to the corn and ſtraw laid up therein. The beſiegers ſoon recovered it, and by their cannon effected a breach in the inner wall. The French with great intrepidity mounted the breach, ſuſtaining great loſs by the ſhot of thoſe who poſſeſſed the tower or keep, and being warmly received by the forces that defended the inner ballium, were obliged to retire after a great ſlaughter. The attack was to be renewed the ſucceeding day, but a fall of rain in the night, which ſwelled the Tweed, and threatened to cut off the retreat of the aſſailants to the main army, and the approach of the Earl of Surry, who before lay at Alnwick with a large force, obliged the Duke to relinquiſh his deſign, and repaſs the Tweed.

The preſent remains of Wark do not in any wiſe ſtrike the traveller with an idea of ſo formidable a fortreſs, as it aſſuredly was for many centuries. At what time it was diſmantled, and thus totally deſtroyed, I have not been able to learn; but it is probable it was one of the ſtrongholds ordered to be demoliſhed by King James VI. of Scotland, on his acceſſion to the crown of England.

[9]The great convention for the ſettlement of the tenths demanded by King Henry II. in the year 1188, was held at Brigham, near Wark. Hugh Biſhop of Durham was the chief of King Henry's Envoys, and was met by King William the Lion of Scotland, his Biſhops, Earls, Barons, and a vaſt concourſe of inferior vaſſals, when the Scotch rejected the demand with the utmoſt contempt. In the year 1549, we read of Wark receiving the Earl of Rutland and his army after their Scotch expedition.

Wark was the barony and ancient poſſeſſion of the family of Roſs.* William de Roſs was a competitor for the Crown of Scotland in the 20th year of King Edward I. and was one of thoſe Lords who, in 1301, proteſted againſt the ſupremacy of the See of Rome over Scotland. John Lord Roſs, Baron of Wark, was one of the guardians of the Crown, during the minority of King Edward III. It continued in that family to the end of the 14th century, when (by the eſcheats of King Henry IV.) it appears to have become the poſſeſſion of the Greys, who took their [10] title from the place;* in the deſcendants of which family it has continued to the preſent time, being now the property of Lord Tankerville. Mr Pennant remarks from the Life of Lord Keeper Guildford, that ‘after the union of the two kingdoms by the acceſſion of King James I. Lord Grey's eſtate roſe from 1000l. to 7 or 8000l. a year, ſo inſtantly did theſe parts experience the benefit.’—Near to Wark lays

CARHAM,

memorable for the battle fought here with the Danes. In Leland's Col. p. 520, it is thus mentioned: ‘In the 33 yere of Ecbrighth the Danis arrived at Lindisfarne, and fought with the Engles at Carham, wher eleven Biſhopes and 2 Engliſch Countes were ſlayne, and greate numbre of people.’ At this place a great battle was fought in the year 1018, in which the Scots were victorious, and almoſt all the fighting men between Tees and Tweed were cut off, together with their Chieftains; on which event it is ſaid by ſome authors, that Aldun Biſhop of Durham died broken-hearted.

Here was an Abbey of Black Canons, ſubordinate to Kirkham in Yorkſhire. In the 24th year of King Edward I. it was burnt by the Scots, then led by Wallace, whoſe encampment gave name to an adjacent field. In Edward's letter to Pope Boniface, he deſcribes their cruelties in a moſt horrible manner; ‘The Scots inhumanly deſtroyed an innumerable multitude of his ſubjects, burnt monaſteries, churches, and towns; with an unpitying and ſavage cruelty, ſlew infants in their cradles, and women in child-bed, barbarouſly cut off womens breaſts, and burnt in a ſchool, whoſe doors they firſt built [11] up, about 200 young men, who were learning their firſt letters and grammar.’ Rym. II. 887. In the 44th year of King Edward III. 1370, Sir John Lilburn was defeated by the Scots near this place, under the command of Sir John Gordon, who was returning from an incurſion with many priſoners, and a great train of cattle: the engagement was fierce, and its deciſion long doubtful, the Scots being driven from their ground and returning again five ſeveral times. In the end Sir John and his brother were made priſoners.

We arrived at

CORNHILL,

noted for the valuable Spaws near it. By the eſcheats of the 1ſt year of King Edward I. we find this place mentioned as the poſſeſſion of William de Cornhill. The caſtle of Cornhill, I preſume, was the fort or tower, near Cornhill Bridge, and oppoſite to Linnel Houſe. The remains are ſurrounded with a ditch, called the Caſtle Stone Nich. It has been well ſituated for defending the paſſage over the river. Here is a ſeat houſe of Henry Collingwood, Eſq commanding a view of the ground we had traverſed on the north ſide of Tweed, extended to the Helton Mountains; and on the ſouthern ſide of the river having a proſpect of a wide country, over which many Gentlemen's ſeats are diſperſed, the whole cloſed by a range of mountains, of which Cheviots are ſupreme. In 1549, on an incurſion of the Scots, they took the caſtle of Cornhill, deſcribed as being an old houſe of conſiderable ſtrength,* and a valuable booty was gained.

In 1751, in pulling down Cornhill chapel, there was found, about three feet lower than the old foundation, a coffin of ſtone, about eight feet long, in which were two urns of coarſe pottery, and the ſhank bones and ſcull of a perſon of great ſize.

South-eaſt of Cornhill is a remarkable encampment, but to what people or to what particular event they appertained, I have gained no certain information. The ſeveral lines are of great extent, but as they form no regular figure, in their preſent ſtate, do not merit a particular deſcription: what is worthy of notice, is the mode in which the [12] works are defended, by ranges of conic eminences; a thing ſingular, and what rather confounds my judgment as to the antiquity of the place, and who were its occupants. Mr Wallis ſays they are ſepulchral Tumuli; from which opinion I muſt beg leave to diſſent.

In Branxton Weſt Field is a column, placed as a memorial of the battle fought there on the 9th of September, in the 5th year of the reign of King Henry VIII. called the battle of Flodden Field, from the Scotch encampment on Flodden Hill. The diſpoſition of the Earl of Surry's forces was ſuch, as to oblige the Scotch to come to an engagement, their retreat into their own country being cut off.

James IV. had waſted much time at Ford, captivated, as it is ſaid, by the beauties of the daughter of Sir William Heron, ſo as give the Earl of Surry time and opportunity for advancing towards the borders with a large army. The Scottiſh Nobles were averſe to hazarding a battle, and ſtrenuouſly inſiſted on the policy of their return into their own country, loaded as they were with ſpoils, and having gathered many laurels in their campaign: but James, fired with reſentment at the challenges ſent by Surry, determined to engage the Engliſh, and for that purpoſe made choice of an advantageous ſituation for his army, in the neighbourhood of Ford. The eminence called Flodden, lays on the oppoſite ſide of the river Till; it is the laſt and loweſt of thoſe hills that extend on the north-eaſt of the great mountain of Cheviot, towards the low grounds on the ſide of the Tweed; from which river, Flodden is diſtant about four miles: The aſcent to the top of it, from the ſide of the river Till, where it takes a northerly direction, juſt by the foot of the declivity on which the caſtle and village of Ford ſtands, is about half a mile; and over the Till, at that place, there is a bridge. On the ſouth of Flodden, lays the extenſive and very level plain of Milfield; having on its weſt ſide high hills, the branches of Cheviot; on the north, Flodden and other moderate eminences adjoining to it; on the ſouth and eaſt, a tract of riſing grounds, nigh the foot of which is the ſlow and winding courſe of the Till. The neareſt approach for the Engliſh army to Flodden, was through this plain, in every part whereof they would have been in full view of the Scots; where they had a great advantage in poſſeſſing an eminence, which on the ſide towards the Engliſh had a long declivity, with hollow and marſhy grounds at its foot; while its crown contained ſuch an extent of almoſt level ground, as would have ſufficed for drawing up in good order the forces that [13] occupied it. Surry encamped on Wooler Haugh, on the 7th of September, 1513, ſent a Herald with a challenge, to join battle in the plain the next day, between the hours of twelve and three. This challenge was dated the 7th of September, 5 o'clock in the afternoon, as appears by Stowe, p. 493. The names of the ſubſcribers were, Surry and his Son, Thomas Dacre, Clifford, Henry Scrope, Ralph Scrope, Richard Latimer, William Conyers, John Lumley, R. Ogle, William Percy, Edward Stanley, William Molineux, Marmaduke Conſtable, William Gaſcoyne, William Griffith, George Darcy, William Bulmer, Thomas Strangeways, &c. James did not accept the challenge, but lay in his intrenchments, whilſt Surry advanced his army near to Barmoor Wood, about two miles diſtant from the Scotch army, and lay there all night. A little hill on the eaſt of Ford, covered the Engliſh army from the obſervation of their enemies; whilſt, from this eminence, the Lord Admiral obtained a diſtinct view of all the Scottiſh army, and of all the eminences near it. The next morning the Engliſh made ſome marches to amuſe the enemy, and then gained the ground which cut off James's retreat to Scotland. By this poſition of his forces, Surry had an acceſs opened to the Scottiſh camp, much leſs difficult and dangerous than on the other ſide of Flodden. The batteries raiſed by the Scotch to command the Bridge of of Ford, of which the veſtiges ſtill remain, were now rendered of no uſe. The Scots, deluded either by the treacherous advice of one Giles Muſgrave, who engaged the King's confidence, and abuſed the royal ear, or depending that Surry, by his mode of marching the army, intended to gain Berwick, and avoid a battle, appeared now to be confounded by the manoeuvres of the Engliſh, which beſpoke their determination to come to an engagement; in order to receive them with the greater advantage, and to gain the ground they ſuppoſed the Engliſh would attempt to poſſeſs, on the weſtern ſide of the hill, the Scots ſet fire to their huts on the eaſtern ſide, and made a motion to the weſt. The ſmoke being driven between the armies, concealed the progreſs the Engliſh were making, till they had almoſt gained the foot of the hill. Surry obſerved the confuſion his approach had occaſioned among the Scotch troops, and finding the aſcent of the hill ſhort and moderately ſteep, determined not to delay the onſet.

The Engliſh were diſpoſed in three diviſions; the van under Thomas Howard, the General's eldeſt ſon, Lord Admiral of England, the right wing being led by Sir Edmund Howard, brother to Lord Thomas, and Knight Marſhal of the army. The middle diviſion, or main battle, was [14] led by the Earl of Surry in perſon, and the rear by Sir Edward Stanley. The Lord Dacres commanded a body of reſerve, conſiſting of horſemen. The ordnance was placed in the front of the battle, and in the openings of the ſeveral diviſions. After they had paſſed the little brook of Sandyford, the Lord Admiral perceiving the Scots approaching towards him, drawn up in four great bodies, armed with long ſpears, like Mooriſh pikes, ſent to his father the Agnus Dei that hung at his breaſt, as a token, accompanying a requeſt, that as the van of the army was not ſufficiently ſtrong or extenſive to receive the brunt of the whole Scottiſh army, his father would bring up the forces of his diviſion, and range them in a line with the van. The Engliſh General, convinced of the expediency of this diſpoſition, immediately came forward with his forces, and drew them up to the left of thoſe of his ſon. The mode in which the Scots advanced to battle is variouſly deſcribed: Paulus Jovius ſays, they were formed in five ſquare bodies, ſo that the third of thoſe in which the royal ſtandard was erected, and all the chief men fought, was incloſed on each ſide by a double line, forming, as it were, two wings. Comparing the ſeveral accounts, it ſeems moſt probable that the battalia was thus arranged: The van of the Scotch army led on the right by Alexander Gordon Earl of Huntley, and on the left by the Earls of Crawford and Montroſe, and ſome ſay Lord Hume: the King was in the center or main body: a third diviſion was commanded by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle with whom were Mackenzie, Maclean, and the Highlanders. Adam Hepburn Earl of Bothwell, with his kindred and clan, and the men of Lothian formed a body of reſerve. They had with them a large train of artillery. The Engliſh artillery began to play, which made a dreadful carnage, whilſt the Scotch cannon, from their high ſituation, took little or no effect, the ſhot going over the heads of the Engliſh. This obliged the Scotch to advance, the Earls of Lenox and Argyle, together with Lord Hume, moving with a body of ten thouſand ſpearmen, ſupported by ſome horſe, down the hill towards Branxion, made a fierce attack on the wing commanded by Sir Edmund Howard. The ſhock was violent, the Scots prevailed, and Sir Edmund was reduced to the laſt extremity, himſelf beaten to the ground the third time, and in imminent peril of Death, when Lord Dacres, and Heron the Baſtard, who had joined the Engliſh army with a troop of fierce outlaws, his followers, came in time to his reſcue. Sir Edmund, thus relieved, immediately joined the body commanded by his brother Lord Thomas, and they advancing againſt the Earls of Crawford and Montroſe, whoſe troops were armed with ſpears, put them to the rout, and both the Earls were [15] ſlain. On the other ſide of the field, Sir William Stanley, with the forces from Lancaſhire and Cheſhire, being bowmen, forced the Scots to break their array, and deſcend to cloſer fight, in more even ground, where they were ſoon thrown into confuſion, and put to flight, after leaving the Earls of Argyle and Lenox with the ſlain. The Engliſh attributed this ſucceſs to the archers, but the Scotch writers alledge, the miſcarriage of this part of their army was owing to the undiſciplined ferocity of the Highlanders, who, animated by the ſucceſs of the attack made on that wing of the Engliſh army commanded by Sir Edmund Howard, could not be reſtrained from ruſhing impetuouſly forward, in an irregular and open manner, notwithſtanding the ſignals, cries, and menaces of the French Ambaſſador La Motte, who perceived the conſequence of ſuch an improper and looſe attack. The King of Scotland, whoſe bravery kindled to extravagance of courage at the perils which now ſeemed to ſurround him, deaf to every advice and remonſtrance, preſſed forward, and expoſed his royal perſon to all the dangers of the field: being ſuſtained by Bothwell and his band, he charged on foot, at the head of the beſt of his troops, whoſe armour reſiſted the arrows of the Engliſh archery; he preſſed forward to the ſtandards of the Earl of Surry, and with ſuch ardour and valour, that they were nearly gained by this heroic phalanx: but at length the wings of the Scotch army being totally routed, all the Engliſh forces were employed againſt this valiant band, who were ſurrounded by the coming in of Lord Dacre's horſe in the rear.

A conſiderable body of Borderers, commanded by Lord Hume, ſtood aloof during the moſt arduous part of the battle; and when he was required by Huntley, to attempt the King's deliverance from the circle of his enemies, he anſwered, ‘that the man did well that day that ſtood and ſaved himſelf.’ Before the battle the old Earl of Angus, anxious to diſſuade the King from engaging, was told by his Sovereign, that if he was afraid he might go home. The Earl judging it repugnant to his honour, to fight under the ſtandard of a Prince from whom he had received ſo great an affront, requeſted he might be diſmiſſed the ſervice; but as pledges of his loyalty and firm attachment to James, left as hoſtages of his honour, a large body of kindred and dependents, with his two ſons, who both fell in the battle.

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Figure 1. FOORD CASTLE. South Aſpect.

After paſſing this ſcene, where every reflection was filled with horror, it is not to be wondered that the beauties of Etal ſhould be enhanced. We paſſed in view of

FORD CASTLE,*

the ſeat of Odonel de Ford in the time of King Edward I. from whom, by marriage, it came to the family of Herons. It was the poſſeſſion of Sir William Heron in the reign of King Henry III. who was Governor of the caſtles of Bambrough, Pickering, and Scarbrough, Lord Warden of the Foreſts North of Trent and Sheriff of Northumberland for eleven ſucceſſive years. In the year 1385 the Scotch, under the Earls of Fife, March, and Douglas, making an incurſion by the weſtern Marches, laid waſte the country as far as Newcaſtle, and demoliſhed the fortreſſes of Ford, Wark, and Cornhill. Previous to the battle of Flodden, James's troops aſſaulted and took Ford Caſtle. It was in this place the Scotch King found Elizabeth the wife of Sir William Heron (who was then a priſoner in Scotland) together with their daughter, a Lady of great [20] beauty; with whoſe charms the King was ſo faſcinated, as was before obſerved, that for ſeveral days he deſiſted from all military advances, even under the momentous circumſtance of the Earl of Surry's haſty approach. It was ſuſpected by ſome, according to Drummond, p. 74, that Surry being acquainted with the King's amorous conſtitution, continued the detention of the Lady of Ford and her daughter in their caſtle, in order to ſtay the advances of the Scotch troops, till he could by long marches come up with them.*

In 1549, the Scotch under the the command of D'Eſſe, a French General of great military ſkill, made an incurſion with a conſiderable army, attended with four field pieces: they made an attack upon the caſtle of Ford, and laid the greateſt part of it in aſhes. One of the towers, defended by Thomas Car, made a gallant defence, and remained unreduced.

This caſtle came to the family of Carr of Etal, by marriage with the heireſs of the Herons; whoſe daughter and heireſs married Edward Delaval, Eſq the anceſtor of the preſent proprietor, Sir John Huſſey Delaval.

[21]About a mile to the eaſt, lays Barmoor, an ancient eſtate of the Muſchamps. And at about an equal diſtance to the weſt,

PALINSBURN,

the ſeat of John Aſkew, Eſq Improvements in huſbandry and cultivation have become the prevailing paſſion of the age; and in this country the advances are rapid. I am informed * that Mr Aſkew lately found ſome ſmall earthen veſſels or urns in his eſtate, of a ſingular form, being triangular; that they are of coarſe pottery, and it is that gentleman's opinion, they are of Daniſh manufacture, and encloſed the heart of the deceaſed. On what this conjecture is founded, I profeſs my Ignorance. We read of the heart of one which was ſent embalmed to the holy ſepulchre, and the heart of John Bailey, who died at Newby Abbey, was embalmed by Dovergilla his wife, lodged in an ivory caſe, and depoſited at the high altar. But I am uninformed of any cuſtom among the Britons, Romans, Saxons, or Danes, in this country, of interring the heart ſeparate.

ETAL

is a modern elegant ſtructure, the ſeat of the late Sir William Carr, Bart. but its appearance is not improved by the avenue on the ſouth: the opening of the village, which preſents a proſpect of the towers of the old caſtle of the family of Manners, is an elegance which is at once [22] uncommon and highly pleaſing. Etal was one of the dependent manors of the Barony of Wooler, and the caſtle was built by Sir Robert Manners, 15 King Edward III.* The proſpect over the vale by the river Till is beautiful, graced with plantations, formed in a good taſte, upon the natural eminences: the diſtant ſcene is mountainous and auguſt; Watchlaw, a beacon hill, towards the eaſt; the hills of Branxton and Flodden to the ſouth-weſt, and beyond them the torrs of Newton; Yevering Bell, Cheviots, Akeld, and Humbledon, afford the contemplative ſpectator noble ſubjects for animadverſion.

Lord Wharton, in 1552, appointed Etal to be the reſidence of the Deputy Warden of the Eaſt Marches.

Near a ſquare intrenchment called the Haly Cheſters, is a ſtone croſs, but of what event it is a memorial is not known.—In the road from Cornhill, we paſſed

TILMOUTH,

the ancient manor of the family of Ridell, held of the Biſhop of Durham, by half a Knight's fee, under the caſtle of Norham; it afterwards came to the Claverings, by marriage, and is now the poſſeſſion of Sir Francis Blake.

At a little diſtance are the ruins of

HETON,

an eſtate of the family of Greys, § who were Governors of Norham, [23] Wark, and Roxburgh, now in the poſſeſſion of Lord Tankerville. The caſtle was of a ſquare figure, and very ſtrong; on the weſt ſide it had an area or court, called the Lion's Court: it ſuſtained a ſiege by the Scots, before the battle of Flodden Field: on the north ſide was a vault capable of receiving an hundred horſes or other cattle.

On a fine peninſula formed by the confluence of the Till and Tweed, are the ruins of a ſmall chapel, called St. Cuthbert's Chapel; near which lie the remains of a ſtone boat or coffin, ten feet long within, and three and a half wide, eighteen inches deep, and four inches and a half thick; it is of a ſingular form, and a ſtrange traditional hiſtory is told of it, that St. Cuthbert's remains not reſting at Norham, were carried to Mailroſs, where ſhewing the ſame ſigns of agitation and reſtleſſneſs as had occaſioned former removals, by a viſion the attendants were ordered to pacify his impatient ſpirit, by conſtructing a boat of ſtone, in which the ſacred relics floated down the Tweed 20 miles to Tilmouth. * It is ſaid that not long ago there was a deſign to convert this hallowed veſſel to mean offices, a peaſant having deviſed to pickle pork in it, or thereout to feed his hogs: to preſerve it from ſuch profanation, the ſpirits of darkneſs brake it in the night, leaving the fragments near the chapel.

We paſſed under

TWIZEL CASTLE,

built on a rocky eminence of uncommon appearance and ſingular form, ſaid to be remarkably pleaſant and agreeable within, the circular corners affording a great command of proſpect. This is the ſeat of Sir Francis Blake, Baronet, F. R. S. The Lordſhip was anciently held of the Biſhops of Durham, by an annual rent and ſuit at the ſeigniory court of Norham. From the 4th year of the reign of King Edward III. it has been poſſeſſed by ſeveral families, Ridells, Selbys, and others. In Leland's Itinerary, it is mentioned thus: ‘ſo to Twiſle bridge of ſtone, one bow, but great and ſtrong, where is a tounlet and a towre.’

[24]At a little diſtance is Grindon, where the Scots were defeated by Sir Thomas Percy the 6th Earl of Northumberland, and Sir Henry Percy, in the 5th of Queen Mary, 1558: the place is diſtinguiſhed by four ſtone pillars.

We arrived at

NORHAM,

a pleaſant village, in a low ſituation, on the banks of Tweed. This is a place of great antiquity, by Hoveden called Ubbanford, ſaid to be built by Egfrid Biſhop of Lindisfarn in the year 830, and gives the name of Norhamſhire to a large tract of country, a member of the county of Durham.

Durham is a county palatine; by ſome authors it is ſaid, the power of the palatinate commenced ſoon after the Norman conqueſt; but as no royal grant is to be found in the public repoſitories of records, we may preſume it is of greater antiquity. The manors of Norham and Holy Iſland, and alſo the manor of Bedlington, commonly called Bedlingtonſhire, anciently have been, and ſtill continue parcels of the body of the ſaid county palatine, and the inhabitants reſort to Durham for juſtice, in all matters of law and civil juriſdiction, as members of the palatinate. Anciently Norham, Iſland, and Bedlingtonſhires had ſeveral courts and officers of juſtice within their reſpective limits, under the Commiſſions of the Biſhop of Durham, who held Jura Regalia within his See, as Juſtices, Sheriffs, Eſcheators, Coroners, and other officers, equally with the chief body of the county palatine laying between Tyne and Teeſe, until by act of parliament, in the 27th year of the reign of King Henry VIII. many of theſe royal franchiſes and juriſdictions were reſumed to the Crown.

The royal remains of Ceolwulf were removed from Lindisfarn and depoſited at Norham. A part of the old church is ſtanding, and by ſome modern repairs is made a decent place of worſhip. Towards the eaſt of the preſent church, the foundations of ſome buildings have lately been opened, and therein diſcovered a ſtone with ſculptures upon it, and part of an inſcription, faithfully copied in the plate.

[figure]

I confeſs myſelf at a loſs to decipher it, but preſume it doth not relate to any hiſtoric matter: the ſtone appears to have been cut for the ſtalk of a font, many of thoſe in old churches being ſculptured; as the font of Bride Kirk, in Cumberland, another at Rothbury, and others I have ſeen.

Mr Lamb, in his notes to the Poem of Flodden Field Fight, gives the following remarks, extracted from Symeon Dunelm. and Hoveden: ‘Egred of noble birth was conſecrated Biſhop of Holy Iſland A. D. 831; he dedicated the church of Norham to the Saints Peter, Cuthbert, and Ceolwulf, which he built, together with the town, and gave them both to the See of Holy Iſland: he gave to it alſo the town of Jedburgh, [26] in Tiviotdale, with its appendages, and the church and town of Gainforth, and whatever belonged to it, from the river Teiſe to the river Wear: theſe two towns the Biſhop built."* "King Ceolwulf, to whom Bede dedicated his Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory, was a learned man; he was deſcended from Ida the firſt King of Northumberland. The former part of his reign was full of trouble; afterwards, in time of peace, many Northumbrian nobles and private men, with their King Ceolwulf, turned Monks: in the 10th year of his reign, A. D. 738, he quitted his crown for a cowl, and entered the monaſtery of Holy Iſland, to which place he carried his treaſure, leaving his kingdom to Eadbert his uncle's ſon. He endowed the monaſtery with the towns of Braynſhaw, Warkworth, and the church which he built there, and alſo four other villages, Wudeceſtre, Whittingham, Edlingham, and Eglingham, with their appendages. After a long life he was buried in that monaſtery, but the above-mentioned Biſhop Egred took up his body, and depoſited it in the church of Norham. His head was afterwards carried to the church at Durham.—The Monks of the cell of Norham, in the following age, called in the country to make their offerings at the ſhrine of their royal brother, who always performed ſome mighty miracle on his feaſt-day, to the great aſtoniſhment and edification of his numerous worſhippers.’

[27] ‘Out of the foundations of this cell,* which belonged to the church of Holy Iſland, I dug a ſtone, on which were cut the effigies of three patrons of Norham church, St. Peter with his keys, St Cuthbert, and St. Ceolwulf with a ſceptre in his hand.’

There were three chantries in this church, one of which was dedicated to St. Cuthbert, the founder not known. One Thomas de Kellawe occurs Chaplain in the year 1362.

The ſecond chantry was founded by Anthony Beck, Biſhop of Durham, in the year 1288, and was dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin.

[28]The third chantry was founded by William de Twiſill in the year 1344, and was dedicated to St. Nicholas.

Goſpatrick made Earl of Northumberland by William the Conqueror ended his days at Ubbanford, and was buried in the porch of the church there.*

This church had the privilege of a ſanctuary.

[figure]

The caſtle and fortifications were reſtored by Hugh Pudſey, Biſhop of Durham, in the year 1174, at the inſtance of his kinſman King Stephen: he then built the great tower, which remains to this day: but this Biſhop in the ſucceeding reign purchaſed his peace with the King of England, after certain defections in favour of the Scotch, by delivering up to him this caſtle. In 1176, we find the caſtle ſtill in the hands of the Crown, William de Neville being Keeper or Governor, who was ſworn upon the relics of Saints, that upon the event of the King's death, he would deliver it up to the Biſhop, on receiving orders from Richard de Lucy, the Biſhop of Wincheſter, or the Biſhop of Ely; and if the Biſhop ſhould die, that the caſtle ſhould be reſtored to St. Cuthbert's church at Durham, that the rights of that church might not be impaired. The caſtle of Berwick at the ſame time was governed by Geofrey de Neville, who was under the like oath in reſpect thereof.

In 1203, King John held a perſonal conference with William the Lion, King of Scotland, at this caſtle, touching the demand made by the Scotch King of the northern counties; but nothing was determined, and King John returned in great diſpleaſure.

In the year 1209, King John came with a great army to Norham; the King of Scotland then aſſembling his troops at Roxburgh, a dreadful war ſeemed to be threatened, from King John's extravagant demands and vehement wrath againſt the Scotch; but by the intervention of the Nobility, the two Monarchs agreed to hold a conference for ſettling their diſputes, at Newcaſtle; to which place the King of Scotland immediately repaired, attended by his brother David and a large train of Nobles; but being taken ſuddenly ill, a truce was concluded on till his health was reſtored. The diſpute remaining unſettled, each Monarch again prepared for war, but a ſecond interpoſition of the Nobility occaſioned [30] them to hold another conference at Norham, in the ſame year, when a treaty of peace was concluded between William King of Scotland and King John, in which John ſtipulated not to erect any fortreſs at Tweedmouth; William on the other hand depoſiting a large ſum of money as reſtitution for the ravages he had committed on the Engliſh borders.

In the year 1211, the two Kings held another conference at the caſtle of Norham, at which Ermengard Queen of Scotland was preſent, and by her amiable conduct greatly promoted the treaty on which the Sovereigns had met. Here the terms of the former peace were ratified, and ſeveral new articles agreed to.

In the year 1213, King John, in the utmoſt terror of an inſurrection of his ſubjects and an invaſion from France, in conſequence of the papal interdict which had been pronounced, came again to Norham, earneſt to ſecure the amity of Scotland. William the Scotch King then lay dangerouſly ill, and was not able to proceed further than Haddington on his engagement to meet the King of England. Highly chagrined at this diſappointment, he returned ſouthward, and it was not long before his ſentence of depoſition was pronounced, his kingdom given to the king of France, and a croiſade publiſhed againſt his territories by the Emiſſaries of the See of Rome. Driven to dreadful dilemma's, John was at length obliged to make his peace with the Holy See; the interdict, which had continued ſix years, was revoked, and the lands of thoſe who had adhered to the papal authority againſt their Sovereign, and had been pronounced forfeitures to the Crown, of which thoſe of Euſtace de Veſey were part, were reſtored. Soon after this event ſucceeded that glorious combination of the Barons, under which the great charter and charter of the foreſts were obtained from the reluctant hands of this miſerable tyrant. To thoſe patriots, whoſe names ought to be engraven on the hearts of every Briton, we owe every thing valuable upon earth, the liberty we poſſeſs, and our authentic right to the properties we enjoy. To men of the North, the memory of Euſtace de Veſey, Richard de Percy, Robert de Ros, Peter de Bruis, Nicholas D'Eſtouteſille, William de Moubrai, and Oliver de Vaux, northern Barons in this combination, ſhould be immortal.

By Hemingford, and under his authority by Knighton, it is alledged, that the violations and injuries the Barons had ſuſtained, as well touching [31] their liberties and properties as in their private and family concerns, urged them to appear more readily in the promotion of this great work, the neceſſity for which had indeed long been experienced. The baſe tyrant was not content with public oppreſſions, but in his meanneſs of vice, even deſcended to the violation of the wives and daughters of his Barons; to which purpoſe he practiſed the vileſt artifices. He had by ſtratagem poſſeſſed himſelf of the ſignet of Euſtace de Veſey, by means of which he attempted to delude his Lady, that he might violate her chaſtity. Veſey by a happy diſcovery gained a knowledge of the King's intentions, and concerting meaſures with the Lady, had addreſs enough to put a common proſtitute into the arms of the tyrant, and preſerve the honour of his family. Exulting in the ſucceſs of his project, and amidſt the fervour of a generous reſentment, he reproached the King to his face with his baſeneſs, reviled him for the poſſeſſion of a ſtrumpet, and defied his wrath.

But to return to the hiſtory of Norham.—William King of Scotland dying, was ſucceeded by his ſon Alexander II. a youth not more than 15 years of age. The Barons of Northumberland had recourſe to him for protection, and thereupon paid their homage at Felton. This incenſed King John ſo much, that he prepared for a northern expedition. In the Year 1215, King Alexander came before Norham with a mighty army, and after an inveſtiture for 40 days, was obliged to raiſe the ſiege. This circumſtance is thus mentioned in Leland's Collectanea, v. 1. p. 535. ‘Alexander King of Scottes, ſun to King William, did entre ynto England, and did much deſpite to King John; he aſſegid the caſtel of Mitteford and Norham, and toke homages.’

In 1258, King Henry III. had projected a ſcheme for ſurprizing Alexander III. King of Scotland, and reſcuing him from the government of thoſe who had taken him from thoſe miniſters approved of by King Henry. The government of the caſtles of Norham and Wark was conferred on Robert de Neville, Lord of Raby, whoſe commiſſion from King Henry was ‘to provide himſelf with horſe and arms, to march with the forces deſigned to reſcue Alexander from the reſtraint in which his rebellious ſubjects held him’ * But this project was rendered abortive by the aſſembling of a great army of Scots in the foreſt [32] of Jedburgh, and a treaty enſued. This Robert de Neville was the ſecond Lord of Raby, of the name of Neville, being the grandſon of Robert Fitz Maldred, Lord of Raby, who was the lineal male heir of Uchtred Earl of Northumberland.

A convention was appointed to be held at Norham, on the 10th day of May 1290, previous to King Edward the Firſt's entering upon a deciſion of the claims made by the ſeveral competitors for ſucceſſion to the Crown of Scotland, on the death of Margaret of Norway, the infant heireſs. The aſſembly that day is ſaid to be held in the pariſh church of Norham, when were preſent the King, and many Nobles and Prelates of both nations. The King declared, that the purpoſe of his coming was in quality of Superior and direct Lord of Scotland, to maintain the tranquillity of that kingdom, and to do impartial juſtice to thoſe who laid claim to the Crown, but previous thereto he demanded their recognition of ſuch his pretended ſovereignty; and it is alledged, that his claim was hiſtorically deduced with great ſkill and artifice by Anthony Beck, then Biſhop of Durham: after which three weeks were given for the Scotch Nobles to deliberate on the demand. On the 2d day of June then next, eight competitors, with ſeveral of the Prelates, Nobles, and Community of Scotland appeared, and held their council on this important matter, ‘Congregatis ex oppoſito caſtri de Norham, ex alia parte fluminis Tweedae in quadam arda viridi,’ * when all the competitors made the required recognition, and abſolute ſubmiſſion of their ſeveral claims and pretended right to the Scottiſh Crown, to his deciſion.

On the ſame day the competitors, together with the whole company, came to the King in the church of Norham, and ſeveral ſubſequent meetings were held there for ſettling preliminaries: and the ſecond day of the ſucceeding Auguſt was appointed for hearing all claimants at Berwick.

After judgment was given at Berwick in favour of John Baliol, on the 20th of November 1292, he ſwore fealty to King Edward in the caſtle of Norham, in the preſence of many Nobles of both nations; and a commiſſion was thence iſſued for enthroning him at Scone.

[33]In the following reign, in the year 1318, it was beſieged by the Scots, Sir Thomas Grey being then Governor,* by whoſe brave defence, and the timely aid of the Lords Percy and Nevil, it was preſerved from the hands of the enemy. In order to carry on the ſiege, the Scots raiſed two forts againſt the caſtle; one at the church of Norham, and the other at Upſitlington. On a ſucceeding ſiege in 1322, the Scots became maſters of this fortreſs, but held it not long, for King Edward retook it after an aſſault of ten days, he having brought before it a very powerful army.

[34]In 1326, on the night of King Edward the Third's coronation, the Scots made an aſſault on the caſtle: Robert Manners then Governor had received previous intimation of the intended attempt, and permitting 16 of the aſſailants to ſcale the outward wall, put them to the ſword.

In 1327, ſoon after their march from Weardale, in the county of Durham, the Scots laid ſiege to Norham, and took it by ſtorm. Three Knights of great military fame in the Scotch army fell in the attack, William de Montalt or Montraud,* John de Clapham, and Mailis de Dobery. Another party made an unſucceſsful attempt on the caſtle of Alnwick, near the ſame time. In 1355, a party of Scots under the command of Sir William Ramſay burnt and plundered the town of Norham and adjacent country.

In the 13th year of the reign of King Henry VII. the Scots led by King James in perſon beſieged Norham Caſtle, which had been put into good repair by Fox, then Biſhop of Durham, and was well garriſoned. The Biſhop came in perſon to its ſuccour, the beſieged making a valiant defence. Many of the outworks were deſtroyed. Some authors aſſert the Scotch did not raiſe the ſiege till the Earl of Surry with an army of 20,000 men came to its ſupport, and obliged the aſſailants to retire. In the 5th year of the reign of King Henry VIII. the caſtle was aſſaulted by the Scots, previous to the battle of Flodden Field, and part of the outworks were deſtroyed.

[35]In order to entertain a juſt idea of thoſe conflicts on the borders, I will extract from the letters of the Commanders in the year 1544, a [36] ſhort ſtate of their progreſs and proceedings in the Mers and Tiviotdale. The progreſs of the Berwick garriſon was as far as Dunglaſs: the garriſons of Wark and Cornhill proceeded as far as the hills of Lammar Muir, and over the dry March of Tiviotdale. The chief Commanders were Sir George Bowes, Sir Brian Laiton, and Sir Ralph Eure. On the 17th of July, Bowes, Laiton, and others burnt Dunſe, the chief town of the Mers; and John Carr's ſon, with the garriſon of Cornhill Caſtle, entered Greenlaw, and carried off a booty of cattle, ſheep, and horſes. On the 19th of the ſame month, the men of Tyndale and Ridſdale, returning from a road into Tiviotdale, fought with the Laird of Ferniherſt and his followers, and took him and his ſon John priſoners. On the 24th of July, the garriſon of Wark, the Captain of Norham, and Henry Eure burnt Long Edmin, made many priſoners, and took a baſtell-houſe ſtrongly kept, and got a booty of 40 nolt and 30 horſes, beſides thoſe on which their priſoners were mounted, each on a horſe. On the 2d of Auguſt, the Captain of Norham burnt the town of Home, near to the caſtle gates, with the ſurrounding ſteads. Sept. 6th, Sir Ralph Eure burnt Eikford church and town, the barnekin of Ormeſton, and won by aſſault the Moſs Tower, burnt it, and ſlew 34 people within it: he likewiſe burnt ſeveral other places in that neighbourhood, and carried off more than 500 nolt and 600 ſheep, with 100 [37] horſe load of ſpoils got in the tower. Sept. 27th, the men of the eaſt and part of the middle March, won the church of Eccles by aſſault, and ſlew 80 men in the abbey and town, moſt part gentlemen of head ſirnames; they alſo took 30 priſoners, and burnt the abbey and town. On the ſame day the garriſon of Berwick brought out of the eaſt end of the Mers 600 bolls of corn, and took priſoner Patrick Home, brother's ſon to the Laird of Aiton. November 5th, the men of the middle March burnt Luſſedden, in which were 16 ſtrong baſtell houſes, ſlew ſeveral of the owners, and burnt much corn. November 9th, Sir George Bowes and Sir Brian Laiton burnt Dryburgh, a market town, all except the church, with much corn, and brought away 100 nolt, 60 nags, 100 ſheep, and much other booty, ſpoilage, and inſight gear.

The whole number of towns, towers, ſteads, barnekins, pariſh churches, and baſtell houſes ſeized, deſtroyed, and burnt, in all the border country, was 192, Scots ſlain 400, priſoners taken 816, nolt 10,386, ſheep 12,492, nags and geldings 1296, gayts 200, bolls of corn 850, inſight gear an indefinite quantity.

In Hertford's expedition, places burnt, raſed, and caſt down 129; among theſe Dunſe, the abbey and town of Eccles, the tower and barnekin of Niſbit, the towers of Dunſe, Redbraes, Pollard, and Mertington, with the caſtles of Wedderburn and Blackadder were raſed. On the river Tweed, from Kelſo upwards, 33 places were deſtroyed; among which were the abbey of Kelſo, the abbey and town of Dryburgh, the abbey of Mailroſs, and the towers of Dawcove and Stotherick: on the river Tiviot 36; among which were the friars near Kelſo, the towers of Roxburgh and Ormeſton, and the two towers of Boon Jedburgh: 12 places on the Rowle Water: 13 on Jed; among which, the abbey, friars, and town of Jedburgh: 45 places on the Kayle, and between it and the Tweed: 19 on Bowbent (alias Bowmont). The ſum total of the places deſtroyed or laid waſte in the whole inroad was 287; of which, monaſteries and friar houſes 7, caſtle towers and piles 16, market towns 5, villages 243, mills 13, ſpitals and hoſpitals 3.

In the 22d year of the reign of King Henry VIII. Norham was ſurprized by the Scotch, and ſoon after recovered by one Franklin, Archdeacon of Durham.

In the year 1551, a treaty was ſigned in the church of Norham: the Scotch Commiſſioners were Robert Biſhop of Orkney, Robert Lord Maxwell, [38] Thomas Maſter of Erſkine, and Louis de St. Gelais, Lord of Lanſac, Knt. thoſe for England were Thomas Biſhop of Norwich, Robert Bowes, Leonard Beckwith, and Thomas Chaloner, Knt.

In 1552, the caſtle of Norham, which from the time of Biſhop Flambert had appertained to the See of Durham, appears from Lord Wharton's propoſals for the better protection of the Marches, to be veſted in the Crown. The deprivation of Cuthbert Tunſtal happened on the 11th of October in this year, ſoon after the acceſſion of Queen Mary, before which time we have no public record to ſhew how Norham might come into the power of the Crown. The infamous law for the diſſolution of the biſhopric, is the firſt act of any notoriety I have been able to diſcover which could effect the matter: and notwithſtanding that law, it appears from ſeveral records that in the reign of Queen Mary the caſtle was repaired and again fortified by Biſhop Tunſtal; and that ſome very ſhort time before his death, in the year 1559, he held a treaty there with the Scotch, when were preſent, Thomas Earl of Northumberland, William Lord Dacres of Gilſland, and Croft, Commander of the fortreſs of Berwick, on the behalf of the Engliſh; and for Scotland, the Earls of Morton and Hume, with the Dean of Glaſgow.

Camden deſcribes Norham Caſtle in his time ‘to be ſituate on the top of a high ſteep rock, and fortified with a trench: the outward wall, of great circuit, was guarded by ſeveral turrets in a canton towards the river, in which another wall much ſtronger encircled the keep or tower of great height.’ This deſcription gives a perfect idea of its figure, after the repairs made by Biſhop Tunſtal. Towards the river the ruins now hang upon the very verge of the precipice, part of which, by the waſhing of the torrent, has given way, and carried with it the ſuperſtructure on that ſide; which with the decay incident to the length of time, has occaſioned a wide breach in the outward wall ſpoken of by Camden: the turrets, as he is pleaſed to ſtile them, appear to be no other than demi-baſtions, a mode of fortification peculiar to the age in which this erection aroſe; a perfect model of which, ſtill in good preſervation, appears at Hartlepool, in the county of Durham, of near the ſame date, being the palatinate port of the biſhopric.

The wall of the caſtle of Norham, which extended from the water on the ſouth ſide, was guarded with a gate-way and tower, having ſquare turrets on each ſide, and thence aſcending the ſteeps ſtretching [39] eaſtward, was alſo defended by another gate-way of ſuperior dimenſions, fortified by two heavy round flanking towers, the remains of which are ſtill conſiderable. This appears to be the chief entrance, and fronts a plain of conſiderable extent: it was defended by a draw bridge over a very wide moat, which began here, and was extended round the land ſide of the caſtle, encloſing a ſpacious area or ballium, with a very ſtrong wall garniſhed with demi-baſtions at intervals. Within the area of this outward wall are the remains of a chapel and ſeveral other ſtructures. To defend the keep or main tower, a very ſtrong wall encloſes a narrow area or interior ballium, which is entered by a gateway, guarded on each hand by ſquare towers. The keep is a very large heavy ſquare building, vaulted underneath, like moſt ſtructures of this kind. Part of the vaults and ſome of the priſons remain entire, but all the interior parts of the tower above, are laid open and demoliſhed. The remains of an exploratory turret are ſeen on one corner of the keep: it may be preſumed it was originally uniform, bearing a turret at each corner. The height of the great tower is about 70 feet, containing four ſtories or ranges of apartments. The whole building is conſtructed of red free-ſtone, of a ſoft nature, and ſubject to decay. There is not the leaſt ornament about it, and the whole aſpect is gloomy to the greateſt degree: it wears the countenance of the times of King Stephen, without any embelliſhments of the age in which Biſhop Tunſtal lived.

This has been a very formidable fortreſs, inacceſſible from the Tweed; and before the uſe of fire arms, from its preſent remains appears impregnable, if fully garriſoned, and duly provided with ſtores againſt a ſiege. When the outward walls were in repair, and filled with troops; when the oillets and other devices for the garriſon's fighting and defence were properly ſupplied with experienced archers, and the baſtions were kept by men of valour, it ſeems almoſt incredible that this place could ever be taken by aſſault. But when there was a regular blockade, and time for mining and raiſing engines, the defence then conſiſting of different manoeuvres, would conſequently harraſs the moſt powerful garriſon; frequent ſallies becoming neceſſary, by which the troops are expoſed to the ſuperior numbers of beſiegers: inceſſant watchings and ſevere duties wear down the greateſt fortitude of ſoul, and ſcarcity of proviſion with perpetual anxiety ſubdue the moſt vigorous heart. Such are the calamities of a ſiege, and ſuch were many times experienced here: but of all the diſtreſſes the valiant know, none [40] equals that which proceeds from a defection in his partizans, and the corruption of his colleagues. So prone is the human heart to evil, that we find in the hiſtory of every ſtate and people, ſuch horrid tales of treachery, that the ſtain upon the human character leaves ſo diſagreeable a ſentiment upon the mind of the reader, as with its bitterneſs and gall almoſt overwhelms the pleaſures we receive by the images of virtue. I forbear to ſearch into this part of the hiſtory of Norham.*

The caſtle with its demeſnes, conſiſting of 1030 acres, are now the property of Robert Fenwick of Lemington, Eſq held by payment of a caſtle rent to Sir Thomas Haggerſton, Lord of the Manor of Norham. Richard Barnes, Biſhop of Durham, ſevered this demeſne and caſtle from his See, by grant to Queen Elizabeth, by whom it was given to the Earl of Monmouth, and paſſed from him by ſale.

All the banks of the Tweed afford the ſame cultivated ſcenes, down to Berwick, almoſt naked of wood, and conſiſting of wide encloſures. On the environs of Berwick we firſt loſt ſight of the Helton Mountains adjoining to Mailroſs.

The village of

TWEEDMOUTH,

ſituate at the ſouth end of Berwick bridge, is noted for the aſſembly of Barons and others, in the 4th year of the reign of King Edward I. An ancient hoſpital, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, ſtood here.

[41]The acceſs to

BERWICK,

is by a fine ſtone bridge of 16 arches, built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. A bridge of wood was carried away by the floods in the reign of King John, and was reſtored by William King of Scotland. In Leland's Collectanea, this event is thus mentioned: ‘The bridge of Berwike brake aboute this tyme with great force of water, bycauſe the arches of it were to low, and after the making of it, as it was then, it durid ſcars IX yeres.’ * ‘AD. 1198, hoc tempore ponte de Berwic inundatione aſportata, Philippus epiſcopus prohibuit ne pontem reaedificarent nam altera pars ripae terra erat Dunelmenſis epiſcopi.’ ‘Tandem tamen pons refectus rogante Gul. de Stoteville.’

The old caſtle, of which little remains but ſcattered fragments, and confuſed heaps of foundations, ſtood to the north-weſt of the preſent town: much of its ſtrength ſeems to have conſiſted in the elevation and mount on which it was erected. The preſent heaps and lines of ruins merit no deſcription; their extent and ſituation remain to point out the ancient ſtrength of this important fortreſs, now mouldering under the wrath of Time, and proſtrate with the earth.

Monſieur Jorvin wrote a deſcription of England and Scotland, publiſhed at Paris, A. D. 1672, which the editor of the Antiquarian Repertory thought worth inſerting in that work: the account given of Berwick, and the adjoining country, contains ſeveral particulars which claim a place here.

‘Barrwick is the firſt town by which I re-entered England, and being a frontier to England, has been fortified in different manners: there is in it at preſent a large garriſon, as in a place of importance to this kingdom. It is bounded by the river Tweed, which empties itſelf into the ſea, and has a great reflux, capable of bringing up large veſſels, was it not prevented by ſands at the entrance into its port. I arrived here about ten of the clock on a Sunday; the gates [42] were then ſhut during church time, but were opened at eleven, as is the cuſtom in all fortified places. Here is an upper and a lower town, which are both on the ſide of a hill, that ſlopes towards the river. On its top there is a ruined and abandoned caſtle, although its ſituation makes it appear impregnable: it is environed on one ſide by the ditch of the town, on the other ſide by one of the ſame breadth, flanked by many round towers and thick walls, which encloſe a large palace, in the middle of which riſes a lofty keep or donjon, capable of a long reſiſtance, and commanding all the environs of the town.

‘The high town encloſes within its walls and ditches thoſe of the lower, from which it is only ſeparated by a ditch filled with water. In the upper town the ſtreets are ſtraight and handſome, but there are not many rich inhabitants, they rather preferring the lower town, in which there are many great palaces, ſimilar to that which has been built near the great church, and in all the open areas are great fountains, and in one of them, the guard houſe and public parade, before the town hall or ſeſſions houſe, over which is the clock tower of the town; ſo that by walking over Barwick, I diſcovered it to be one of the greateſt and moſt beautiful towns in England.

‘The greateſt part of the ſtreets in the lower town, are either up or down hill, but they are filled with many rich Merchants, on account of the convenience and vicinity of its port, bordered by a large quay, along which the ſhips are ranged. There is not a ſtone bridge in all England, longer or better built than that of Barwick, which has 16 large and wonderfully well wrought arches; it is conſidered as one of the moſt remarkable curioſities of the kingdom. I paſſed over it in leaving the place, adjoining to it is a large ſuburb, from whence the country is covered with heath and briars to Aſhton, where there is a caſtle; Bowklin, where the ſea appears on the left, and a ſmall iſland not far off, which forms a pretty good harbour, near a village, having a caſtle. All this ſea coaſt is covered with ſand banks, and the interior country to Belford an entire deſert, as it is far above 20 miles round about; being only fitted for feeding cattle, occaſioned by divers rivulets, which run through meadow, where great herds of all ſorts of cattle may be ſeen feeding.’

The town of Berwick lays on the inclination of an eaſy ſlope, towards the river; moſt of the buildings are ancient, and make but a mean appearance; [43] the ſtreets are narrow, except that only in which the town houſe is placed. The fortifications are modern, and ſaid to be excellent, being conſtructed agreeable to the modes adopted ſince the uſe of cannon. In the year 1560, theſe new works were begun, by which the ancient fortification was greatly reduced; for this purpoſe many houſes were taken down, and a tower which ſtood in a ſtreet called Hide hill: the ancient chief fortreſs or caſtle, which adjoined to the ſouth-weſt corner of the old town wall, was left at the diſtance of ſeveral hundred yards from the modern works. Camden ſpeaking of Berwick, ſays it is "Munitiſſimum totius Brittaniae oppidum." The manner of fortifying with baſtions was a French device, begun in the time of Francis I. and Charles V. or at the ſooneſt of Louis XII.—The Lord Grey of Wilton was the firſt that bore the title of Governor of Berwick in commiſſion. There are excellent barracks for the garriſon, the building plain and neat, conſiſting of a center and two wings. The public walk is on the rampier, where the gaity of the inhabitants is chiefly diſplayed, and to which the ſoldiery contribute greatly. The church is a neat plain ſtructure, built in the time of Cromwell, and conſequently without a ſteeple,* he forming much of his religious manners on affected ſimplicity and a maſk of meekneſs. A Lectureſhip was founded here by the Mercers Company in London, who alſo founded another at Hexham. For the ſupport of the Lecturers, they purchaſed tithes, according to the will of Richard Fiſhborn, Eſq dated March 30, 1625, wherein he left them the ſum of 2800l. The tower of the town houſe, which is a ſpacious handſome building, contains a good ſet of bells. The country north of Berwick is open and little cultivated, and within a few miles riſes in lofty and barren hills. The town ſtands on [44] a point of land expoſed to the ſea on the eaſt and north-eaſt, and to a ſtrong channel of air from the weſt, which follows the courſe of the river, ſo that conſequently the ſituation is very cold.

Berwick was for ages a ſcene of war and bloodſhed; every ſtep the traveller takes upon its confines, or in its boundary, is imprinted on earth ſtained with human gore:* happily thoſe inteſtine miſeries are ſwept [45] away from the face of the land, and the ſtrength of theſe walls is oppoſed only to the hoſtility of ſtrangers. When this place firſt aroſe to [46] importance, is not known: whether it was of any conſiderable ſtrength during the conflicts between the Britons with their Roman allies, and [47] the northern nations, is not eaſy to determine: Camden with other Antiquarians have not offered any thing but conjecture.* Some authors alledge it was known to Ptolomy the Geographer, who wrote in the time of Antoninus, by the name of Tueſis; but the ſituation deſcribed by him, doth not correſpond with that of the preſent town.

According to Hector Boethius, Berwick exiſted as a place of ſtrength in the days of Osbert the Northumbrian King. It is reaſonable to conjecture, when Tweed became the boundary between Scotland and England, that Berwick would ariſe as a barrier town, be fortified, and have an armed garriſon. In the account given of the Daniſh invaſion under Hubba, about the year 867, Berwick is mentioned as the landing place of the invaders. Whilſt the Saxons poſſeſſed the country north of Tweed, Berwick was not likely to have riſen to any great importance, being ſo near the royal ſeat of Bamburgh, except it ſhould have had a fortreſs, as a ſafeguard to the epiſcopal ſeat of Lindisfarn.

The ſame author relates, that King Donald having defeated the army of Osbert near the river Jedd, marched down the Tweed to Berwick, which the Saxons then had in poſſeſſion, and which they abandoned on the news of their Sovereign's overthrow: Donald ſeized three Saxon veſſels in the Bay, with great riches on board; upon which event he and his followers gave themſelves up to riot and revelling: of this the [48] Saxons took advantage, and made an unexpected aſſault on the town in the night, when many of the Scots were ſlain, and their King was taken priſoner. He alſo tells us, that King Gregory the Great took Berwick, then poſſeſſed by the Danes, and put the garriſon to the ſword: after which the Scotch Monarch ſpent his winter there.

Berwick continued for many ages part of the dominions of Scotland, and was one of the four original Scotch burghs. *

[49] Edgar King of Scotland gave it to the See of Durham, according to Hollingſhead, in honour of St. Cuthbert, under whoſe banner he had obtained [50] an important victory. This donation was made about the year 1097. Ralph Flambert, after a vacancy in the See for three years, [51] from the death of William de Caralepho, was conſecrated Biſhop in 1099; he diſregarding the great gift of Edgar to the church, made an [52] irruption into his territories; on which Edgar, provoked at his ingratitude, reaſſumed the town of Berwick, with its valuable appendages.

In the reign of King Henry II. William King of Scotland ſurrendered Berwick to the Crown of England, as a pledge for the payment of his ranſom: and it is ſaid that King Henry built a caſtle there,* after William's failure in his ſtipulated payment. But in the time of King Richard I. the ranſom money being paid, which was no leſs than 100,000l. Berwick was reſtored to the Scotch.

King John, in reſentment of the homage paid by the Barons of Northumberland to Alexander King of Scotland, laid waſte the whole county, and took Berwick by ſtorm. King John is charged with committing the moſt ſavage barbarities on this occaſion, having, as it is ſaid in the Chronicle of Mailroſs, Jews with him, on purpoſe to deviſe tortures. [53] In order to extort from the inhabitants a diſcovery of their money and effects, he cauſed to be hung up men and women by the joints of their hands and feet, and inflicted on them various other bodily pains. His troops burnt the town of Berwick, the King diſgracing royalty, by ſetting fire, with his own hands, to the houſe in which he had lodged: he alſo permitted the adjoining monaſtery of Coldingham to be plundered.

Alexander King of Scotland, ſtill remaining under ſentence of excommunication, for his adherence to Louis, who had been invited to accept the Crown of England by King John's diſſident Barons, after peace was made with King Henry III. and on Alexander's acceding thereto, the Pope's Legate gave authority to the Archbiſhop of York and Biſhop of Durham to give him abſolution; for which purpoſe they met the King at Berwick. This event happened in the year 1217.

In the year 1235, Gilbert Earl of Pembroke, Earl Marſhal of England, on his marriage with Marjory, ſiſter of Alexander II. King of Scotland, came to Berwick to receive his bride, and celebrate his nuptials.

In the year 1266, Edmond the younger ſon of King Henry III. after being inveſted with the dukedom of Lancaſter, and the forfeited honours and eſtates of the Earl of Leiceſter, paid a viſit to the King and Queen of Scotland at Berwick, where the King with a numerous aſſembly of his Nobles celebrated the royal birth-day.

The great aſſembly of the ſtates of England and Scotland was held here, on the 2d day of Auguſt 1291, for determining the claims of the ſeveral competitors for the Crown of Scotland, in purſuance of the adjournment from Norham, in the preceding June. King Edward I. received the Prelates and Nobles of both kingdoms in the chapel of the caſtle: after which the Biſhops, Prelates, Earls, Barons, Knights, and people of both nations, were convened in the caſtle of Berwick, and the Delegates were commanded to aſſemble for receiving the claims, in the deſerted church of the Dominicans, adjacent to the caſtle. An adjournment was made to the ſame place in the month of June in the following year, where the King again appeared in perſon, and difficulties ſtill remaining unſolved, a further adjournment was made to the enſuing October, at which time his Majeſty, attended as before, again came to Berwick. Several intermediate days being given for ſolving the incident [54] queſtions which aroſe on the claims, the 17th day of November, A. D. 1292, was appointed for giving judgment, in the hall of the caſtle, when John Baliol was pronounced ſucceſſor to the Crown. The ſeal uſed by thoſe who had governed Scotland during the interregnum, was broken in four parts, and delivered up to King Edward to be depoſited in his treaſury, as a monument and evidence of the ſovereignty and direct dominion of that Monarch over Scotland.

In Leland's Collectanea it is noted, that in the year 1295, ‘John King of Scottes, contrary to his feith and aliegeaunce, rebellid agayne King Edward, and cam into England, and brent and ſlew. Wherapon King Edward with a great hoſt went to Newcaſtelle apon Tyne, and paſſid the water of Twede and beſiegid Berwick, and gat it: and alſo he gat the caſtelle of Dunbar, and ther were ſlayne XXV M and VII C Scottes. And ſo proceeded forth, and gat the caſtelle of Rokeſburgh, and the caſtelles of Shremborough, Stryvelin, and Gedworth, and his people foured all the lande.’ * After theſe ſeveral operations the King returned to Berwick, where he reſided ſome time, to direct ſeveral new works for the better fortification of the place; among which was a ditch over the neck of land from Tweed to the ſea, in breadth 80 feet, and 40 feet in depth.

The accounts given of theſe ſucceſſes of King Edward are various, and authors differ much in regard to the ſlaughter which attended them. The King being encamped near the nunnery, offered terms of peace, which after being demurred upon for two days, were rejected by the garriſon. On the next day, being Thurſday after Eaſter, A. D. 1296, the Engliſh army was drawn up, on an extenſive plain, near the nunnery, at the eaſtern foot of Hallydown Hill, in full view of Berwick Caſtle and the high parts of the town. There the King conferred the honour of Knighthood on Henry Percy and others, as was uſual in thoſe [55] times, on the like occaſions. The navy perceiving the diſplay of banners from the mouth of the Tweed, where the fleet then lay, and preſuming the attack was beginning, anxious to win part of the laurels of the day, puſhed over the bar, and gained the haven; by which three ſhips were loſt, having ſtranded, where they were burnt by the townſmen: the reſt were ſcarce able to eſcape in the ebb tide. King Edward deſirous to ſave his fleet, ordered an immediate attack, whilſt the chief part of the garriſon was employed in defending the town neareſt the haven. He is charged by Fordun and other Scottiſh writers with uſing a deluſive artifice, in detaching a body of men, under the cover of ſome riſing grounds, to gain an approach on another quarter, and by diſplaying Scotch colours, induce the garriſon to permit their advancing near the fortifications, under a preſumption that they were a reinforcement for the town. The Engliſh authors take no notice of this ſtratagem. It appears from the beſt authorities, that the fortifications of this place, at that time, conſiſted chiefly of a ditch, and a rampier of earth with a barricado of timber: through theſe the Engliſh army made their entrance with very little difficulty, and the garriſon and inhabitants, aſtoniſhed at the ſuddenneſs of the event, and overwhelmed by ſuperior force, were ſlaughtered without much reſiſtance. The chief oppoſition that was made, was by 30 Flandrian Merchants, who held out a ſtrong tower, called the Red Hall, till the evening, when fire being ſet to it, the building was conſumed, and all within periſhed. In the reduction of this tower, the brother of the Earl of Cornwall, a valiant Knight, was ſlain by a ſpear's piercing his eye, as he looked up to thoſe who fought above. All the gentlemen and fighting men of Fife are ſaid to have been put to the ſword. The caſtle, commanded by William Douglas, ſurrendered the ſame day, and its garriſon, conſiſting of 200 men, were permitted to march out armed, on ſwearing from thenceforth not to fight againſt the King or kingdom of England; but their Governor was detained a priſoner. Fordun ſays the number of ſlain was 7500; that the ſtreets ran with blood two days, and in ſuch quantities as to make mills go. Boetheus ſays alſo the ſlain were about 7000 in number, and ſays that mills were actually ſet a-going with the blood. Matthew Weſtminſter ſays, that all were ſlain, without diſtinction of ſex or age, in number 60,000. In the inſtructions from the Regency and Council of Scotland, to their Procurators at Rome, A. D. 1301, it is ſaid, that after taking Berwick, the King and his army committed the moſt barbarous cruelties on the inhabitants, who to the number of almoſt 8000 were ſlain, without diſtinction of character, ſex, or [56] age. The churches afforded no protection to thoſe who fled thither; after being defiled with the blood of the ſlain, and ſpoiled of all their ornaments, the King and his followers made ſtables of them for the horſes of the army.* This carnage may be aſcribed to a reſentment of the cruelties committed the preceding year by the men of Berwick and the fighting men of Fife, in attacking certain Engliſh veſſels that had entered the port, ſetting fire to the ſhips, and putting the ſeveral crews to death.

On the 24th day of Auguſt, A. D. 1296, the King received the homage of the Scotch Nobility here, in the preſence of an Engliſh Parliament, ſummoned for that purpoſe. In the year ſucceeding, he eſtabliſhed an Exchequer here, on the principles of that at Weſtminſter, for the receipt of the Scotch revenue.

In the year 1297, the Engliſh inhabitants being ſtruck with a panic on the approach of Sir William Wallace with his forces, evacuated the place, and fled with their moveables to the ſouthern parts of Northumberland. [57] Creſſingham,* whom King Edward had made his Treaſurer, from his avarice, neglected putting the King's commands in execution, for building a ſtone wall along the ſide of the new foſs, and applied the King's treaſures to his own appropriations; ſo that Berwick was apparently in ſo defenceleſs a ſtate, as not to be eſteemed tenable by the garriſon againſt Wallace's troops.

Creſſingham was ſlain at the battle of Sterling Bridge, and was flead by the ſoldiers, who divided his ſkin among them as a trophy.

The caſtle of Berwick was ſo ſtrong and well maintained, that the Scots were not able to reduce it: the Regency levied a great force, the army conſiſting of 2000 armed horſe, 1200 light horſe, and 100,000 foot; on the approach of this formidable armament, the Scots deſerted the town, and the faithful garriſon in the caſtle, who had ſuſtained a long blockade, were happily relieved.

[58]The alarm occaſioned by Wallace's inſurrection, and the invaſion with which England was then threatened, brought forth excellent fruits, which ſtill bleſs this kingdom, and are the felicity of the preſent age; the ratification of the great charter and charter of the foreſts, with a moſt ineſtimable addition, a grant and conceſſion that no tallage or aid ſhould thenceforth be impoſed on the people, without the aſſent of the Prelates, Nobles, Knights, Burgeſſes, and other Freemen.

King Edward, in the year 1303, muſtered that victorious army here, with which he penetrated the remoteſt parts of Scotland, and compleated its conqueſt.

In the year 1305, Wallace having been betrayed into the hands of his enemies, ſuffered an ignominious execution, and half of his body was ordered to be expoſed on Berwick Bridge. In the ſucceeding year, Neal Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce, was taken in the caſtle of Kildrummy, with many other perſons of great diſtinction, who were ſent priſoners to Berwick, where King Edward ordered them to be tried by Juſtices ſent thither, by whom they were condemned, and ſentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. The Counteſs of Buchan, ſiſter to the Earl of Fife, eloped from John Comyn her huſband, and carried in her retinue all his war-horſes, with which ſhe repaired to Robert Bruce, at Scone, and in the abſence of the Earl her brother, who was then with the King of England, and whoſe hereditary office it was to place the crown on the heads of the Scotch Monarchs, ſhe aſſumed that high duty, and put the diadem on the head of Bruce. King Edward ſenteaced her to be ſhut up in a wooden cage, in one of the towers of Berwick Caſtle.* From the order ſet forth by Rymer, it appears, that the Chamberlain of Scotland, or his Lieutenant at Berwick, was to cauſe this cage to be made of ſufficient ſtrength; in which ſhe was to be attended and ſerved by one or two Engliſh women of the town of Berwick, and no Scotch man or woman, or any other perſon, except the ſervant or ſervants appointed her, were to be ſuffered to have acceſs to her. Another author ſays, that the King declared as ſhe did not ſtrike with the ſword, ſhe ſhould not die by it; but ordered her to be ſhut up in an habitation of wood and iron, ſhaped like a crown, and to be hung out at Berwick, in the open air, for a ſpectacle and everlaſting reproach, both [59] living and dead, to all that paſſed. Mary a ſiſter of Bruce, was ordered to be ſhut up in like manner at the caſtle of Roxburgh. The Counteſs of Buchan lived in this confinement ſix years, when by the royal mandate ſhe was releaſed from her cage, and given in charge to Henry de Beaumont.

In the year 1307, the ſtores ordered by the King of England to be delivered by the citizens of London at Berwick, for the uſe of the forces againſt the Scots, were 20 barrels of honey, 100 barrels of wine, 12,000 lb. weight of iron, 500 lb. of hemp-cord for baliſtae, 500lb. of hemp, 100 baliſtae of one foot, 40 of two feet, 20 baliſtae de turno, 30,000 arrows for baliſtae of one foot, 12,000 arrows for thoſe of two feet, 2200 feathered arrows of copper for baliſtae de turno.* The meaſure by which theſe baliſtae are here diſtinguiſhed, relates to the arrows theſe engines were to throw; as the accepted phraſe in regard to cannon, is ſo many pounders, as the weight of the ſhot may be they are bored for.

In the year 1310, King Edward II. his Queen, and Nobles, ſpent their winter at Berwick; the King returning thither from his Scotch expedition. The dearth was ſo great in Scotland this year, that the people fed on horſe-fleſh and other carrion. During the King's reſidence here, he confirmed the election of Richard de Kellow to the See of Durham, on the death of Anthony de Beck.

In 1312, Robert Bruce attempted to ſurprize Berwick, by a ſcalade in the night; but after ladders of ropes were fixed, the place was ſaved by the barking of a dog, which alarmed the garriſon, and the aſſailants were repulſed with conſiderable loſs.

In the year 1314, King Edward II. rendezvouſed his army at Berwick, conſiſting of 40,000 horſe (three thouſand of which were compleatly armed, horſes and men) and 52,000 foot: they were in part lodged within the town, and the reſt in tents without the walls. The carriages attending this army were numerous, as no ſupplies could be drawn from a country deſolated by war, and waſted by famine. Malmſbury ſays, if they had paſſed in one line, they would have extended ſixty leagues in length. Moſt authors agree, that ſo fine an army had [60] not in the memory of man marched from England. The army of the Scots conſiſted of 30,000, advantageouſly poſted, and waiting the approach of the Engliſh, on the banks of Bannocks Burn. I ſeem to be led involuntarily to a relation of this battle; famous, for the eſtabliſhment of Robert Bruce on the throne of Scotland, in its event.

Sterling Caſtle had ſuſtained a long ſiege and blockade, and the Governor was at length obliged to accede to certain articles, under which, if this fortreſs was not relieved before an appointed day, it was to be ſurrendered to Bruce: King Edward determined to march to its relief, and with all poſſible expedition moved his army from Berwick. Robert Bruce, informed of the intention of the Engliſh Monarch, reſolved to abide the event of a battle, rather than raiſe the ſiege. He had viewed the ground, and fixed upon a part near the caſtle, where he ſhould have only juſt ſufficient room to marſhal his troops with advantage, according to their arms. This place was defended on the one hand by inacceſſible rocks, and on the other by a moraſs, having the water of Bannokburn in front. King Edward being informed the country near Sterling was full of moraſſes, and difficult to be paſſed, ſo that his horſe could not be of the ſervice he wiſhed, he levied a reinforcement of foot, 4000 from Yorkſhire, 2500 from Northumberland, 1500 from Durham, and 2000 from Derby and Nottingham. In the advance the army was divided into ten columns, 10,000 men in each, commanded by leaders of the moſt diſtinguiſhed character; the Earls of Glouceſter and Hereford led the van, the center was led by the King in perſon, Sir Giles D'Argentein and Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, Generals under him. The army under theſe diviſions, is ſaid to have covered a large tract of country, and was a ſight auguſt and ſolemn; the whole ſcene made reſplendent, by burniſhed arms and diſplayed enſigns.

As the Engliſh approached, Bruce led his troops to occupy the choſen ground, on the Saturday before the battle. To ſtrengthen the ſtation, he cauſed pits to be dug in front, armed with pointed ſtakes within, covered with hurdles or flakes, and concealed by turfs and ruſhes. On the morning of Sunday, being Midſummer Eve, Bruce with his Lords and Chieftains attended ſolemn devotions and maſs in the front of the army; and the Prieſts went through the ranks, exhorting each ſoldier ‘to exert his powers for the relief of his country, and rather die a martyr in the virtuous cauſe, than ſee the Engliſh again become tyrannical taſk-maſters, as they had been in the time of King Edward I. [61] of deteſted memory.’ Such arguments and exhortations ſerved to inflame the Scotch army with enthuſiaſtic ardour. The Engliſh were ordered to advance ſo near Bruce's ſtation; on Sunday evening, that though harraſſed with a tedious march, they were obliged to lay under arms all night, for fear of a ſurprize. This evening was not without ſeveral ſkirmiſhes and re-encounters, in which the Engliſh were worſted: in one of theſe Robert Bruce engaged and ſlew Sir Henry Boynton; cleaving his head with a battle ax. A party of 300 horſe, under the command of Lord Robert Clifford and Henry Beaumont, attempting to gain the caſtle, were engaged by a choſen band of Spearmen, led by Earl Murray, and put to the rout: Sir William Dayncourt was ſlain, and Thomas Gray made priſoner;* the Earl of Glouceſter was unhorſed, but reſcued.

The diſpoſition of the Scotch army on the day of battle was in four diviſions: Sir Thomas Randolph commanded the van, Edward Bruce the right wing, and Sir James Douglas the left; Robert Bruce was with the body of reſerve or rear. The Scotch were all on foot, that by making the danger and diſtreſs of the engagement equal, the ardour of each might by example be exhilerated. The ſoldiers of the body of reſerve, were covered with light coats of mail, which a ſword could not penetrate: they carried an ax in the belt, and lances in their hands. Malmſbury deſcribes the Scotch army moving, "as thick as a hedge." The leaders were men of that ſkill and valour, that they poſſeſſed the confidence of the troops. In the Engliſh army, the foot, conſiſting of ſpearmen and archers, were in the van, the horſe were on each flank; and in theſe poſitions the armies engaged.

The onſet was vigorous and well maintained on both ſides. The Earl of Glouceſter commanded that part of the line which was attacked by Sir James Douglas's corps, conſiſting of 7000 Borderers and 3000 Iriſh Scots or Katerans, vulgarly called Redſhanks, a fierce and valiant race. The Engliſh, unable to ſuſtain the ſhock, began to give way, when the Earl, impatient of diſgrace and inflamed with ire, accompanied by a choſen band, ruſhed into the thickeſt of the foes, where he was beaten from his horſe and ſlain. The covered pits deterred or fruſtrated his Knights from effecting his reſcue. Malmſbury ſays, with great warmth, [62] (confundat eos Dominos) they were 500 in number, and in the emergency 20 might have effected his relief. Sir Giles D'Argentein, a man much eſteemed by Robert Bruce, and of great military fame, one of the Commanders of the Gens d' Armes who guarded the King, advanced to Glouceſter's relief, but died in the attempt. Robert de Clifford, Payen de Tiptoft, William Mareſcal, Edmund Mayley, and ſeveral other eminent leaders were equally unfortunate in thoſe parts of the army where they commanded, and were ſoon numbered with the ſlain. The Engliſh archers, who had ſo often carried victory with them in former conflicts, were attacked in flank, and put to the rout, by a troop of light cavalry cloſe armed, who were remounted for this critical ſervice, and led by Sir Robert Keith, Marſhal of Scotland. The confuſion among the archers, and the fall of ſuch eminent leaders, ſtruck the Engliſh army with a panic, which was not a little increaſed by the ſight of a large body of men advancing over the ſummit of a diſtant eminence, who were no other than the attendants on the carriages and baggage, drawn up in martial array, and diſplaying pieces of linen on the ends of ſpears, which at that diſtance appeared like a crowd of banners. Confuſion and uproar ſoon took place, and the Engliſh Monarch was adviſed to ſecure his retreat, as Victory was declaring on every hand for Bruce, and the Engliſh forces, wearied and fainting, were giving way. The King with great reluctance and ſhame conſented to move the royal ſtandard, the ſight of which compleated what the valour of the Scotch phalanx had ſo gloriouſly begun: the rout became general, and multitudes fell as well under the ſword in the purſuit, as in the waters of Bannockburn and Forth. The effuſion of blood was greatly ſpared, by the avarice of plunder, the rich baggage of the Engliſh army affording immenſe booty to the victors. Of the Scots, only two leaders of note fell, William Vipont and Walter Roſs. Seven hundred Engliſh Gentlemen were miſſing after the battle, the greateſt part of whom were among the priſoners. Sterling ſurrendered to the King of Scotland, who ordered the fortifications to be deſtroyed to their foundations. Redpath, in his Border Hiſtory, ſays, ‘The rout of the Engliſh was indeed very entire; but neither the number they brought to the field, nor the loſs they ſuſtained, appear to have been nigh ſo great as the Scottiſh writers repreſent them.’

King Robert Bruce treated the priſoners with great humanity, and buried the dead with all due decorum. The bodies of the Earl of Glouceſter and Lord Robert Clifford, he ſent to the King at Berwick, to be interred [63] with the honours due to their rank and military fame. On account of a perſonal friendſhip which had formerly ſubſiſted between them, he liberated without ranſom his priſoner Lord Ralph de Mounthermer, huſband to the Counteſs of Glouceſter, the King of England's ſiſter.

King Edward with a body of horſe fled towards Berwick, purſued by Sir James Douglas with a party of light cavalry, who effected nothing but taking up a few ſtragglers, who fell off from the King's troop. He firſt took ſhelter in the caſtle of Dunbar, from whence he was conveyed by ſea to Bambrough or Berwick. It is certain he was at Berwick the third day after this defeat, as he iſſued a proclamation from thence, to adviſe his ſubjects of the loſs of his privy ſeal; which was reſtored to him by Mounthermer, on his return.

After this victory, various bands of Scots ravaged Northumberland.

In the year 1315, the Scots attempted to take Berwick by ſurprize, by means of their ſhipping, with which they entered the river under falſe colours; but being diſcovered by the garriſon before they began an attack, ſuffered conſiderable loſs e'er they could effect an eſcape.

In the following year, the dearth was ſo great in Northumberland, that the people were obliged to eat the fleſh of horſes and dogs. A quarter of wheat ſold for 40 ſhillings.

Berwick had continued in the poſſeſſion of the Engliſh for 20 years, when the Commander in the town being corrupted, betrayed it to the Earl of Murray, in the year 1318, who led a body of Robert Bruce's forces.*

Barber, the Hiſtorian of Bruce, ſays, that one Spalding, incenſed againſt the Governor's cruelty towards the Scotch inhabitants, had determined to betray the town into the hands of Bruce's party; and accordingly [64] having intimated his deſign, and aſſigned the time and place for the enterprize, when it was his turn to mount guard at the Cowgate, Randolph and Douglas, with a choſen band, repaired to Dunſe Park, and under cover of the night, advanced to a part of the wall which was left unguarded, and by ladders entered the town, unperceived by any but Spalding. They lay concealed till day-light, when other forces coming up, upon the aſſault, were aided by thoſe within, and gained the place by noon. Many of the garriſon and townſmen retired into the caſtle, from whence they made a ſally, preſuming the Scotch forces were weak, from the thin diſplay of banners; but they were repulſed with ſome loſs. The news of regaining Berwick was ſoon ſpread over the adjacent country, and numbers of Scotch crowded thither, to maintain the place and aſſiſt in the ſiege of the caſtle, which ſtood out ſix days,* and then capitulated on terms, for the garriſon to march out with their arms, and depart for England. The Scotch King Robert Bruce ſoon after arrived, and with his Court reſided ſome time in the caſtle. He made his ſon-in-law, Walter, Steward of Scotland, Governor, who, ambitious of poſſeſſing a ſettlement on the borders, where he might diſplay his youthful courage, called out 500 Gentlemen his dependents, with others of inferior rank, ſkilful in ſhooting with bows and working engines, for the more effectual defence of the place. Sir John Crab, a Fleming, of high reputation in his art, was made chief Engineer.

King Edward, in the ſucceeding year, prepared to recover Berwick, and on the firſt of September approached with a large body of troops, having with him Lancaſter, Pembroke, Arundell, Hertford, Warren, and the Earl Marſhal the King's brother, Hugh D'Eſpencer, Roger de Tammori, and Hugh Deudeley, parceners to the earldom of Glouceſter, by marriage of the coheireſſes, the late Earl's ſiſters. This force was accompanied by a fleet from the cinque ports, laden with proviſions and all kind of ſtores. The Engliſh fortified their camp, and then proceeded to an aſſault. The walls of the town are deſcribed to be ſo low, that an aſſailant might ſtrike the people that defended them, with a ſpear. On the ſeventh of September they attempted an eſcalade, at different parts in the ſame time, and a ſhip was directed to approach with an engine, to attempt the walls on the ſide next the haven; but all [65] theſe were fruitleſs, the ſhip was left on ground by ebb of tide, and burnt by the garriſon. In the next general aſſault, which was made on the 13th of September, the Engliſh employed a great machine called a Sow, conſtructed for holding and defending men, who were moved in it towards the foot of the wall, in order to undermine and ſap its foundation. Devices were uſed to burn this machine, but by throwing a ſtone of vaſt weight from an engine, the Sow was ſplit, and her occupiers diſlodged. On an attack of Marygate, the draw bridge was burnt, and the gate in great danger; but forces from the caſtle coming to its defence, the aſſailants were obliged to retire. Theſe efforts harraſſed and weakened the garriſon conſiderably, and the town muſt on another aſſault, have fallen into the hands of the Engliſh, if Lancaſter had not withdrawn his forces from the camp, exerciſing his malignant ſpirit at this critical time againſt the King, whom he hated moſt inveterately. The Earl of Murray and Lord Douglas had entered England with 10,000 choſen men, and penetrated almoſt to the city of York, the Queen eſcaping with difficulty. Theſe circumſtances determined Edward to raiſe the ſiege of Berwick.

King Robert Bruce perceiving the importance of this place, ſtrengthened the walls, and raiſed them conſiderably in height, giving alſo many new towers and additional bulwarks to the whole.

In the year 1323, King Robert Bruce at this place ratified the treaty of peace entered into with King Edward III. by his plenipotentiaries at Biſhop Thorpe near York.

In 1328, Joan the ſiſter of King Edward III. being contracted to David the ſon and heir of King Robert Bruce, was conveyed to Berwick with a ſplendid retinue, where ſhe was received by the Earl of Murray and Lord Douglas, repreſentatives of the King, he being ſick; and the nuptials were celebrated with great magnificence. She was called Make Peace, and carried with her the ragman roll, and all records which had been ſeized by King Edward I. to be again depoſited in the Scotch archives.

At this ceremony, a magnificent parade was made by the nobles of each nation, and a ſumptuous pageant crowded the place, with all that ſolemn pomp, which in the days of chivalry decked out public ſpectacles: Sumptured horſes, and men braced in ſhining arms, forming long [66] trains of ſteel effigies, ſtiffened in coats of mail, and ſtrapped like inanimate beings to the ſaddle, were the chief objects: Lord Mortimers' retinue alone, conſiſted of nine ſcore Knights, properly capariſoned, with their Eſquires, Gentlemen, and Yeomen.

The expedition of Lord Henry Beaumont and his aſſociates into Scotland, in the year 1332, being attended with remarkable ſucceſs, became an object of ſerious attention with the Engliſh Monarch; in ſo much that Edward Baliol, ſupported by this party in his pretenſions to the Crown of Scotland, as ſucceſſor of his father John Baliol, having gained the caſtle of Roxburgh, King Edward received his letters patent iſſued from thence, in which he acknowledged the King of England ſupreme Lord of Scotland, and ceded to him the town, caſtle, and county of Berwick, to be annexed to his kingdom, with many other advantageous ceſſions and terms of amity and alliance, of ſuch weight and conſideration, that the King ſummoned his parliament to meet at York, to deliberate thereon. As many of the ſtates, eſpecially the Prelates were abſent, nothing was determined: in general, it was thought expedient to treat with the guardian and nobles of King David's party; for which purpoſe commiſſioners were inſtructed to require homage and fealty from the Scotch King, and a ceſſion of Berwick; but theſe requiſitions were rejected with the utmoſt diſdain. Baliol during this time had a perilous eſcape from Annan, and was obliged to take refuge in England, his party being thrown into the utmoſt confuſion. King Edward was too far advanced in the cauſe to recede, and therefore accepted the terms propoſed by Baliol at Roxburgh, and ratified them on his part.*

The Engliſh did not recover Berwick, till the 7th year of the reign of King Edward III. after the battle of Halydoun Hill, where the ſlaughter of the Scottiſh forces was terrible, 7 Earls, 900 Knights, 400 Eſquires, and 32,000 common men died in the field; a carnage dreadful to recount, and from the very idea of which the ſoul recoils with horror.

[67] King Edward the Third, on being refuſed the homage of David Bruce, and reſtitution of Berwick, ordered his Herald to proclaim his defiance of the Scotch King. The Engliſh army began to beſiege Berwick on the 12th of April, 1333. The Scots knowing the reduction of this place would be one of the firſt and chief enterprizes of their adverſaries, to the utmoſt of their power put it in a ſtate of defence, to reſiſt the great ſhock they preſumed it would neceſſarily ſuſtain: they filled it with a garriſon of choſen veterans, and made Sir William Keith governor of the town, and Patrick Earl of Dunbar the keeper of the chief fortreſs or citadel. The King ſoon arrived, and remained in perſon before the walls about a month, when perceiving from the ſtrength of the garriſon, and the vigorous defence they made, that it would not be eaſy to reduce the place, he marched part of his army into Scotland, carrying the horrid ravages of war as far as Scone, Dundee, and Dumbarton. The moſt ſavage cruelties mark thoſe times; the wild American never deviſed more ſhocking barbarities than ſtained theſe borders; each nation was ingenious in torture, in modes of devaſtation, and in the proſecution of revenge. Having glutted their avarice of blood, and being loaded with pillage, they again returned to Berwick, which King Edward ſtill found unſubdued. After receiving reinforcements, he declared his determination was either to be maſter of Berwick, or effect ſomething of conſequence, by bringing his adverſaries to battle. The ſiege was changed into a ſtrict blockade: the beſieged diſtreſſed by the cutting off ſupplies, made many ſallies, with various fortune; they made a vigorous attack upon the fleet, and moſt of the navy then before Berwick was burnt. The garriſon ſtill entertained hopes of relief, and refuſed to capitulate, preſuming this key to the kingdom, was of too great conſequence to the Scotch, at that time to be neglected, and ſuffered to fall into the hands of the enemy. Lord Douglas had levied a powerful army, with which he marched to the neighbourhood of Berwick; but to the great diſtreſs of the garriſon, who believed their day of deliverance was at hand, inſtead of attacking the Engliſh, Douglas croſſed the Tweed, and in ſight of the town, marched along the coaſt towards the caſtle of Bambrough, which being eſteemed impregnable, was choſen by the King of England, as a ſecure reſidence for his Queen. The Scotch waſted ſeveral days in blocking up that fortreſs, and ravaging the adjacent parts, hoping that King Edward's ſollicitude for his Queen, would induce him to raiſe the ſiege of Berwick.

[68]The device which had been practiſed with effect in the year 1318, did not now take place; King Edward was not to be moved from his determined purpoſe; the garriſon reduced to extremities for want of proviſions, and diſpirited by the apparent neglect of Douglas, propoſed a treaty, which King Edward readily attended to, and the capitulation was concluded on the 15th day of July, under the following conditions: That the town and caſtle ſhould be ſurrendered to King Edward on the 20th, if not relieved with 200 men at arms, or by a battle; that in the interval, there ſhould be a ceſſation of arms; that in caſe of a ſurrender, the lives and properties of the garriſon and inhabitants ſhould be protected, with liberty to ſuch as were ſo inclined to leave the place; and that the Governor ſhould have ſafe conduct granted him to the Scotch army, to communicate the articles. Sir William Keith repaired to the Scotch camp without delay, and there prevailed that an attempt ſhould be made to relieve the place: a meaſure totally diſapproved by ſome of the oldeſt and moſt experienced of the Scotch leaders.

In this interval, a tranſaction is ſaid to have taken place, which ſullies the luſtre of Edward's military character, and ſtamps an odium on his memory; it ſtands recorded to the following effect, by Buchanan, Boece, and other Scotch authors of great credit.

Hoſtages were given by the Scots, for performance of their part of the treaty, one of whom was the eldeſt ſon of Sir Alexander Seeton, who was Deputy Governor, and took command on Keith's reſorting to the camp. King Edward had alſo in his camp Seeton's younger ſon, taken a priſoner at the aſſault made on the navy. The King apprehending that by the approach of the Scotch army, he might probably be deprived of the capture of Berwick, an object of ſo great importance, ſoon after the departure of Keith, contrary to the faith of Princes, the ſacredneſs of treaties, the common policy of nations, and all private honour, demanded an immediate ſurrender of the place; threatening if Seeton refuſed, that he would immediately hang up his two ſons, the hoſtage and the priſoner, before the walls. Seeton remonſtrated, but Edward regardleſs of all the charges made againſt him for the violation of public faith, cauſed a gibbet to be erected in full view of the town, to put in execution his infamous threat. Seeton ſtruggling between honour and parental feelings, between duty to his country and love [69] for his children, ſuffered all the pangs ariſing from a conflict, in which every ſentiment was on the rack: Nature would have prevailed, and Seeton's children been ſaved by a ſacrifice of his country's honour and his own, had not the mother, with all the virtue and heroiſm of a Roman matron, and the greatneſs of the moſt exalted mind, argued forcibly to ſupport his principle, and ſuſtain his fainting ſoul; and when yet he ſeemed to relax, ſhe withdrew him from the horrid ſpectacle, that he might retain his rectitude, though his ſons were the ineſtimable price by which it was maintained. Edward unrelenting, put them to death, and Seeton kept the town.

This tranſaction is denied by the Engliſh Hiſtorians, who affirm that the Scotch army came in fight before the truce was expired; and therefore Edward could have no pretence for demanding a ſurrender.* This argument is futile, and ſeems weak in oppoſition to the uniformity of the Scotch Hiſtorians.

On the 18th of July, Lord Douglas led his army over the Tweed, and encamped at a place called Bothull or Bothville: the Engliſh poſſeſſed Halydown Hill, a very conſiderable eminence on the weſt of Berwick, having an eaſy declivity towards the river; the other ſides were ſteeper. The Scotch diſregarding this apparent advantage, determined to engage on the Scotch ſide of the hill, not only to ſecure a retreat, but in caſe of victory, to take advantage of the flow of tide, which would render the Tweed impaſſable to the Engliſh if they ſhould be routed.

The Scotch army was diſpoſed in four grand diviſions; John Murray commanded the firſt, with Lord Andrew Frazer and his ſons Simon and James; the ſecond was commanded by Robert Lord High Steward of [70] Scotland, with the principal men of his kindred and the Earl of Monteith; the third by the Earls of Roſs, Sutherland, and Strathern; and the fourth by Lord Archibald Douglas, Guardian of the kingdom of Scotland, and Commander in Chief, accompanied by the Earls of Lenox and Carrick. The whole army amounted to 68,000. The number of King Edward's army is not poſitively mentioned by any author. It is ſuppoſed the number of the Scotch was not ſo great as Hiſtorians have aſſerted, and that they were nearly equal to their adverſaries. King Edward alſo diſpoſed his army in four diviſions, each of which was flanked by choice and ſkilful archers.

When both ſides were ready to engage, the onſet was a while ſuſpended, by the appearance of a Scotchman of gigantic ſtature, who had gained the name of Turnbull, on account of a gallant exploit, by which King Robert Bruce was ſaved from the attacks of a wild bull, which had unhorſed him, as he was hunting. Turnbull, attended by a great maſtiff,* approached the Engliſh army, and gave a challenge for ſingle combat. After a ſhort pauſe, which the ſingularity of the circumſtance occaſioned, the challenge was accepted by Sir Robert Benhale, a young Norfolk Knight, much inferior in ſtature to the Scotch champion, but of great ſtrength and adroitneſs in military atchievements. The maſtiff immediately flew forward, and was received by the Knight with a ſtroke upon the loins with his ſword, which ſevered his body. The Scotch champion advanced: Benhale, with great agility and ſkill, eluded the heavy blows aimed at him, and firſt cut off the left arm of his adverſary, and at laſt ſtruck off his head.

The Scotch army began to aſcend the hill about the hour of veſpers, with great impetuoſity; their leaders, chieftains, and men at arms diſmounted, the more to animate the troops by rendering the danger equal. They were ſoon out of breath, in conſequence of aſcending the ſteep. The Engliſh archers were advantageouſly placed, in different ſtations on the hill, ſo as to pour down ſuch ſhowers of arrows on the cloſe bodies of the Scotch troops, as made a terrible ſlaughter: they were alſo greatly annoyed by the rolling down of large ſtones from the eminence, and were ſoon thrown into confuſion. The Engliſh commanders [71] inſtantly availing themſelves of the enemy's diſorder, ordered an attack to be made by the ſpearmen and men at arms, by which they were preſſed whilſt breathleſs and diſpirited, ſo that multitudes fell. The Scotch often retreated, and again rallied and bravely returned to the fight, fiercely maintaining the battle till their General was pierced by a ſpear: his fall ſtruck the army with a panic, and a total rout enſued. The carnage was dreadful. The ſervants charged with the care of the horſes fled, and left their maſters to the deſtroying ſword of a victorious enemy, who were not accuſtomed to mercy. Edward, at the head of a choſen brigade of cavalry, and archers on horſeback, attended by Lord D' Arcy with his Iriſh troops, led on the purſuit, and directed the ſlaughter. The country for the diſtance of five miles, was ſtrewed with carcaſſes of thoſe who were cut down by their purſuers.* Among the perſons of diſtinction in the Scotch army, there fell the General, the Earls of Roſs, Sutherland, Carrick, Athol, Lenox, and Monteith; three Stewards, uncles of Robert the Lord High Steward, three Frazers, Sir John Graham, Sir Duncan Campbell, and Sir William Tudway. Among the priſoners were Sir William Keith, Sir William Douglas, Sir Robert Kirkpatrick, Sir William Campbell, Sir Gilbert Wiſeman, Sir Alexander Graham, and Sir Oliver Sinclair. Boece charges King Edward with an unmanly piece of barbarity, the putting theſe priſoners to death.

The loſs of the Engliſh is not related with certainty by any Hiſtorian. Rymer records a note ſent by King Edward, to direct a public thankſgiving after this victory, in which it is ſaid, ‘that the battle was gained without much loſs on his (the King's) ſide.’ This expreſſion implies a loſs more conſiderable than what ſome authors have ſet forth, viz. one Knight, one Eſquire, and 13 foot ſoldiers.

[72]On the day after the battle, the caſtle and town of Berwick was ſurrendered, the King faithfully obſerving the articles of capitulation. A public thankſgiving was ordered through his dominions, and he made a donation of 20l. per annum to the Ciſtercian Nuns, near whoſe convent the battle was fought, with full reparation of all damages done to the conventual church and other buildings; as the author of the Border Hiſtory ſays, ‘thus affecting, like moſt other conquerors, to draw Heaven to his party; and to regard the ſucceſs accompanying the moſt unjuſt enterprizes, as a proof of the peculiar favour of the Deity.’

King Edward determining to retain Berwick, appointed Lord Henry Percy Governor of the caſtle, and gave a commiſſion to him and the Earl of March, to act as joint Wardens of all the country on this ſide the Scottiſh ſea, where the terms of peace were received. He required 12 hoſtages for Berwick, to be choſen out of the chief inhabitants; eight of whom he placed at Newcaſtle, and four at York.

Edward Baliol did homage to King Edward at Newcaſtle upon Tyne, in June 1334, his parliament having ratified the treaty of Roxburgh, whereby the caſtle, town, and county of Berwick, with their appendages, were to be annexed to the Crown of England for ever.

In the year 1339, Lord John Mowbray was Governor of Berwick: he had in garriſon 120 men at arms, 100 halberdiers, and 200 archers.

In 1340, King Edward III. was at Berwick with an army of 40,000 foot and 6000 horſe.

In 1341, King Edward kept the feſtival of Eaſter here, and held a tournament, in which 12 Knights of Scotland entered the liſts with 12 of the King's train. This ſpectacle was exhibited with great magnificence and ſolemn pomp; but from the animoſity which ſubſiſted between the people of the two nations, this exhibition was attended with ſo much ire and inveteracy, and ſuch bitter rivalſhip, that two Scotch Knights were ſlain, and Sir John Twiford, an Engliſh Knight.

On the 12th of November, A. D. 1354, a treaty was held at Berwick for the ranſom of David Bruce, King of Scotland, taken priſoner at the battle of Durham, on the 26th of October 1346; and on the 3d of [73] October 1357, all the articles of treaty for his deliverance were concerted there; and the payments of the ranſom-money were ordered to be made at Berwick, Norham, or Bambrough. On failure of performance of the former articles, another treaty ſucceeded, with a truce for 14 years; under which 56,000 marks were to be paid, by yearly inſtalments of 4000 marks each.*

[74]In the 29th year of the reign of King Edward III. he then being on one of his French expeditions, the Scots ſurprized the town, but the caſtle ſuſtained their aſſault from the 29th of November to the month of January following, when King Edward having returned, and received the intelligence at the inſtant of his landing from Calais, he tarried in [75] London only three days before he ſet forward for Berwick; before which place he came on the 14th day of January with a large army, attended by a great naval power, with which he laid ſiege to the town both by ſea and land. The King entered the caſtle, which ſtill held out for him, and meditated a ſally at the time his troops began the [76] aſſault on other quarters: Sir Walter Manny, with miners brought from the foreſt of Dean, was employed at the ſame time, in advancing a mine below the wall. Theſe vigorous meaſures induced the garriſon to ſurrender the town. Some of the Scotch Hiſtorians ſay, the garriſon on the approach of King Edward's army evacuated the place, having [77] firſt plundered it and beat down the walls. The King added greatly to the fortifications, and ſtrengthened the fortreſs with ſeveral new works. The ſurprize of Berwick by the Scotch, is ſpoken of with ſome incredible circumſtances: Steward Earl of Angus, with Earl March, having collected a powerful navy, from different parts of Scotland, in which they embarked a choſen band of ſoldiers, entered Tweed in a dark night, and landed the forces under the walls unperceived: by break of day, with ſcaling ladders, they mounted the wall at Cowgate, and overpowered the guard; after which they ſoon made themſelves maſters of the whole town. It ſeems probable there was ſome treachery in favour of the Scotch aſſailants.*

[78] Berwick Caſtle afterwards had many changes of poſſeſſors. In the year 1377, ſeven intrepid and valiant Scots made themſelves maſters of it in the night, killed the Governor, Sir Robert Boynton, and gave liberty to his Lady under a ranſom of 2000 marks. But theſe heroes did not long poſſeſs their honourable acquiſition, for the Earls of Northumberland and Nottingham, and the Lords Lucy, Neville, and Stafford, with ſeveral other Engliſh Nobles, ſoon after inveſted the place, took the fortreſs by ſtorm, and put the Scots to the ſword, who were increaſed to the number of 48: but this was not effected till the ſmall garriſon had held out eight days againſt 7000 Engliſh archers and 3000 horſe, and during the aſſault loſt only two of their number. The Northumbrians ſoon after ravaged the territories of Lord March, in revenge for his deſtroying the town of Roxburgh. The above-mentioned ſurprize was effected in the night before the feaſt of St. Andrew. The leader, ſome authors ſay, was the valiant Sir John Gordon, but the Engliſh Hiſtorians alledge it was Alexander Ramſey. When the Earl of Northumberland ſummoned them to ſurrender, they anſwered with inſolence, ‘that they would not yield it either to the King of England or Scotland, but would retain and defend it for the King of France.’

In 1384, the Scotch gained Berwick, by corrupting the Deputy Governor. The Duke of Lancaſter, then in enmity with Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, poſſeſſing the King's ear, improved this circumſtance greatly to the Earl's diſadvantage, and he was in conſequence attainted of high treaſon, as having been guilty of treachery; and conſequently his poſſeſſions were forfeited. The Earl thinking his immediate preſence before Berwick was of the firſt conſequence, with a numerous army beſieged the town; but bloodſhed was ſpared by the ſecret application of 2000 marks, which regained the place. This event operated ſo powerfully as to gain the King's pardon, and reſtitution to the Earl of his poſſeſſions and honours.*

A conſpiracy and inſurrection were formed in the year 1405, againſt King Henry IV, in which the Earl of Northumberland, the Archbiſhop of York, Thomas Mowbray, ſon of the then Duke of Norfolk Hereditary Earl Marſh [...]l, Lord Bardolph, and others, were the leaders. [79] The Earl of Northumberland could not brook the indignities his Sovereign had heaped upon him; for beſide the grief he ſuſtained in the loſs of his ſon who fell at the battle of Shrewsbury, and the execution of his brother, he had the mortification to ſee the King's third ſon John, aſſume the office of High Conſtable, which the King had conferred on the Earl for life, with the Wardenſhip of the Eaſt Marches; he alſo was deprived of the office of Warden of the Weſt Marches, in favour of the Earl of Weſtmoreland. The King demanded the reſignation of the caſtles of Berwick and Jedburgh, and in contempt of the general act of grace for the remiſſion of all offences, paſſed after the battle of Shrewsbury, ſent out commiſſioners to compound with the Earl's adherents, and grant them ſeparate charters. The Archbiſhop, and Earl Marſhal were apprehended, before the Earl of Northumberland could join them with his forces, and ſuffered execution at York. The Earl of Northumberland held the caſtle of Berwick. On the King's arrival at Pontefract, he ordered a confiſcation of all the Earl's eſtates, and commanded the Sheriff of Yorkſhire, to ſummon the whole military power of his county, to rendezvous at Newcaſtle. The force with which the King proceeded on this expedition, was no leſs than 37,000 men, with engines and artillery for a ſiege. This powerful armament alarming the Earl, with his grandſon, the ſon of Henry Hotſpur, and Bardolph, he retired privily from Berwick, and took refuge in Scotland. Sir William Greyſtock was left to command the fortreſs. King Henry on his march ſummoned the caſtle of Warkworth to ſurrender, but it was not yielded to him, till after a ſiege of eight days, when the garriſon capitulated on the honourable terms of departing with their horſes and accoutrements. He made the like ſummons to the garriſon of the caſtle of Alnwick, to which he received for anſwer,* "That wynne Berwick, ones, he ſhould have his entent." The army advanced to Berwick, and made the uſual preparations for a regular ſiege, whilſt the Governor on his part purſued the neceſſary manoeuvres, for a vigorous defence, in hopes of receiving ſuccour from Scotland, which had been promiſed him by the Earl on his departure. The royal army had ſome pieces of ordnance, engines of deſtruction which had never before appeared againſt the fortifications of Berwick; and which Speed, by the authority of Walſingham, ſays, were on this occaſion, for the firſt time, employed in Britain. A ſhot of an enormous ſize, [80] diſcharged from a cannon of large bore,* ſhattered one of the principal towers, which threw the garriſon into ſuch conſternation, that they immediately ſurrendered. The Governor, Sir Henry Bolton, and Blenkinſop ſuffered inſtant decapitation; and the remaining part of the garriſon were committed cloſe priſoners. On the royal army's returning, Alnwick Caſtle was ſurrendered by Henry Percy of Athol and William Clifford, who had the command, on the ſame terms of capitulation as had been granted to the garriſon of Warkworth.

On the demiſe of King Henry V. in France, and the acceſſion of his infant ſon, the Scots, in the year 1422, invaded England. The Governor of Scotland with one army inveſted Berwick, whilſt Earl Douglas with another laid ſiege to Roxburgh; but neither of theſe attempts were attended with ſucceſs.

In Leland's Collectanea are the following notes: ‘Edward Erle of March, becauſe King Henry had broken convenauntes, was made King at Weſtminſter Anno D. 1459.’

‘And ſtrayte King Edwarde rode northward, and at Towton, not far from York, on Palmes Sunday advengid his fathers deth, and wan the feld, where were ſlayn xxM people on both parties. The Erle of Northumberland, the Lord Clifford, Syr John Nevil, the Erle of Weſt merlandes brother, and Andrew Trollop were killid at this tyme.’

‘King Henry, the Prince, the Queen, the Duke of Somerſet, Henry Duke of Exceſtre, the Lord Roos, Syr John Forteſcue Chief Judge of England, and Tailbois Erle of Kyme, being at York, and hering of this, fled firſt to Newcaſtelle, and then to Berwike, delyvering it to the Scottes.’

Upon a rupture with Scotland in the year 1480, the Engliſh in the winter laid ſiege to Berwick, by ſea and land, with a great force. Part [81] of the fortifications were then new, the ſame having been conſtructed by King James III. of Scotland, after the ſurrender above mentioned, who had expended a large ſum in ſtrengthening and rebuilding the walls of the town, repairing the caſtle, and furniſhing it with a compleat arrangement of artillery. The aſſailants flattered themſelves, from the newneſs of the works, they ſhould be able to beat them down without much difficulty, and eaſily win the place; but although conſiderable breaches were effected, the garriſon made ſo brave a defence, that after ſpending a great part of the winter in carrying on the ſiege, the Engliſh were obliged to raiſe it, and retire with diſgrace.

King Edward IV. in the year 1482, about the beginning of July marſhalled his army at Alnwick, amounting to 22,000 men, the van of which was led by Henry Earl of Northumberland. So great a force appearing unexpectedly on the banks of Tweed oppoſite to Berwick, the town made no reſiſtance, and was immediately ſeized by the Engliſh. Lord Hales, who commanded the caſtle, having anſwered that he was determined not to ſurrender it, 4000 men under the command of Lord Stanley, Sir John Elrington, and Sir William Parr, were left to beſiege it, whilſt the main army marched into Scotland.* The great confuſion which ſhortly after took place in the Scottiſh ſtate, it is ſaid, was Lord Hales's ſole motive for ſurrendering the caſtle on the 24th day of the ſucceeding Auguſt, he having no hope of ſuccours. On the ſucceeding truce Berwick was given up to England, and the Scots engaged never again to attempt by any art the reduction of it. Since which time it has conſtantly remained in the poſſeſſion of the Crown of England.

In the reigns of King Richard III. and King James III. of Scotland, Commiſſioners were appointed by the two Crowns, to ſet the limits of Berwick; on which occaſion the diſputed ground was agreed to remain uncultivated, unbuilt, and uninhabited.

In the treaty and convention entered into by King Henry VII. and James IV. King of Scotland, A. D. 1502, it was ſtipulated, that the town and caſtle of Berwick, with their ancient bounds and the inhabitants thereof, ſhould for ever remain and be included in the preſent perpetual peace, friendſhip, league, and confederacy: ſo that neither the King of Scotland, his heirs and ſucceſſors, nor any of them, ſhould [82] by themſelves, or any of their ſubjects, lieges, or vaſſals, make or ſuffer to be made war, inſult, ambuſh, or ſiege, publicly or privately, againſt the places themſelves or their inhabitants; nor the King of England, his heirs, ſucceſſors, or any of them, ſhould by themſelves or the inhabitants of the town and caſtle, make any war inſult or ſiege on the King of Scotland or his vaſſals.

In the month of January, A. D. 1502, James IV. King of Scotland, eſpouſed Margaret eldeſt daughter of King Henry VII. In Leland's Collectanea is a record, ſtiled ‘The Fyancelles of Margaret eldeſt daughter of King Henry VII. to James King of Scotland: Together with her departure from England, journey into Scotland, her reception and marriaged there, and the great feaſts held on that account. Written by John Younge, Somerſet Herald, who attended the Princeſs on her journey.’ As the ceremonies attending her journey through Northumberland give us a ſtriking repreſentation of the magnificence of thoſe times, they are worthy attention.

‘The XXIIIIth day of the ſaid monneth (June) the Qwene departed from Durham, accompanyd by hyr noble company, as ſhe had beene in the dayes paſt, in fayr manere and good ordre, for to com to the towne of New Caſtell. Thre mylle fore thens came to her the Prior of Tynemouth, well apoynted, and in hys company xxx horſys. Hys folks in hys liveray. And ther was in lyk wys Syr Rawff Harbotelle Knyght, richly apoynted, well mounted, and hys folks in his liveray to the nombre of XL horſys.’

‘At the intrynge of the ſaid towne of New Caſtell, the Queene apoynted hyr, and intred in noble aſtat. Ich Lord and others tuke newe horſys rychly apoynted, in ſpecial th' Erle of Northumberland, as in the manere of the entrynge of York, and hys folks in lyke wys.’

‘Upon the bryge cam in proceſſyon rychly reveſted the College of the ſaid towne, and with them the Freres Carmelets and Jacobius with the croſeys, the wich war gyffen to the ſayd Qwene to kyſſe, as before, by the Archbyſchop.’

‘After them was the Mayr of the ſaid towne, acompayned of the Scheryffes and Aldermen, well apoynted, on foot. The wich receyved the ſaid Qwene honorably: and after the receyvynge the ſaid Mayr monted on horſeback, beryng his maſſe before hyr.’

[83] ‘At the bryge end, apon the gatt, war many children, revſted of ſurpeliz, ſyngyng mellodiouſly hympnes, and playing on inſtruments of many ſortes.’

‘Within the ſaid towne, by ordre, the bourges and habitants war honneſtly apoynted. The ſtreytts were hanged, and the wyndow loupps, topps, and ſchipps was ſo full of people, gentylmen and gentylwomen, in ſo great nombre, that it was a playſur for to ſe. But they maid non ſound of artyllery and ordinance.’

‘In ſuch ſtatt and fayr aray, was the ſaid Qwene brought and conveyd to the Freres Auſtyns, wher ſhe was lodged, and honeſtly receyved by thos reveſted with the croſſe, in the manere as it is reherſed befor. And when ſhe was brought to hyr lodgyng every men drew hym to hys awn.’

‘The next day after, being the XXVth day of the ſaid monneth, Saunt Jamys day, ſhe abode all the day in the ſaid town, and was at the church maſſe very nobly acompayned.’

‘That fam day, at even, th' Erle of Northumbrelaund made to many Lords, Knights, and others, a goodeley baunket, which laſted to mydnyght, for cauſe of the games, daunces, ſports, and ſongs, with force of ypocras, ſuccres, and other metts of many delicyouſes maners.’

‘To the ſaid New Caſtell cam the Lord Dacre of the North, acompayned of many gentylmen, honeſtly apoynted, and hys folks arayd in his liveray.’

‘The XXVIth day of the ſaid monneth the ſaid Queene departed from the ſaid place, after the cuſtome precedent, varey richly and in fayr aray. And the ſayd Mayr conveyd hyr out of the ſaid towne, and after tuke lyve of her.’

‘Haff a mylle owt of the ſaid towne was Syr Humfrey Lyſle and the Prior of Bryngburn, well apoynted and well horſt, to the nombre of XX horſys. Their folks arayd of their liveray. And a mylle from the ſaid towne was in ordre the Scheryffe of Northumberlaund, Syr Rawff Evers, in company of many other gentylmen, varey well appoynted, their folks clothed in their liveray, well monted. And with [84] them wer many honeſts folks of the countre, with ſpers and bowes, in jackets, to the nombre of two hondreth horſys.’

‘With the ſam fayr company, was the ſaid Qwene conveyd to Morpath, and by the towne paſſed in fayr ordre, wher ther was much people; and ſo ſhe went to the abbay, where ſche was well receyved by the Abbot and Religyous reveſted, at the gatt of the church, with the croſſe. And after the receyvyng ſhe was conveyd to her lodgyngs in the ſaid place for that ſam nyght.’

‘The xxvijth day of the ſaid monneth, the Qwene departed from Morpath, after the cuſtom before, to goo to Alnewyk, a place of th' Erle of Northumbelaund. And in half of the way cam before hyr, Maiſter Henry Gray, Eſquier, well appointed. In hys company many other gentilmen, and hys folks well monted and arayd in his liveray, to the nombre of a hundreth horſys.’

‘Two mylle from the ſayd place, the ſaid Erle cam and mett hyr, well acompanyed, and brought hyr thorough hys park, where ſhe kylde a buk with her bow. After which ſhe was conveyde to the ſaid caſtell, where ſche and hyr company was welcomed by the ſaid Lorde, the wich maid hyr varey good chere.’

‘The next day, the xxviiith day of the ſaid monneth, ſhe was all the holl day in the ſaid caſtell, and by the Lord well cheryſt and hyr company.’

‘The xxixth day of the ſayd monneth the ſaid Qwene departed from Alnewyk, for to go for Barrwyk, and at half of the way, named Belleford, ſhe bayted. For Syr Thomas Darcy, Capittayne of the ſaid Barrwicke, had maid rady hyr dynner at the ſaid place very well and honneſtly.’

‘For that the ſaid Maiſter Henry Grays abouffe named is Sheryffe of Ellaund Shyre and Northumberland Shyre, he bore his rod before the ſaid Qwene, ſens the entrynge of the ſaid Lordſhips to Barrwyk.’

‘Betwyx Alnewyk and Barrwyk cam to the Qwene Maiſter Rawff Wodryngton, having in hys company many gentlemen well appoynted. His folks arayd in liveray, well horſed, to the nomber of an hundreth horſys.’

[85] ‘At the comyng ny to Barrwyk was ſhot ordonnounce, the wiche was fayr for to here. And ny to the ſayd place, the Qwene dreſt hyr. And ichon in fair aray, went the on after the other in fayr ordre.’

‘At the entrynge of the bryge was the ſaid capitaine well apoynted, and in hys company hys gentylmen and men of armes who receyved the ſaid Qwene into the ſaid place.’

‘At the tother end of the bryge toward the gatt, was the Maiſter Marſhall compayned of hys company, ichon bearing a ſtaffe in his haund.’

‘After hym was the college reveſted with the croſſe, the wiche was gyffen hyr for to kyſſe by th' Archbiſchop as before.’

‘At the gatt of the ſaid towne was the Maiſter Porter, with the gard and ſoyars of the ſaid place, in a row well apoynted. Ichon of thoſe had an hallebarde or other ſtaffe in his haund, as the others. And apon the ſaid gatt war the mynſtraylls of the ſayd Capitayn, playnge of their inſtruments.’

‘In the midds of the ſaid town was the Maiſtre Chamberlayn, and the Mayre, acompayned of the bourges and habitaunts of the ſaid place, in fayre ordre, and well apoynted.’

‘In ſuch fayr ordre and company ſhe was conveyd and brought to the caſtell, wher ſhe was receyved by the Lady D'Arcy honneſtly accompayned.’

‘The XXX and XXXIth days of the ſaid monneth, the Qwene tarried at Barrwyk, where ſhe had great chere of the ſaid Cappitayne of Barrwyk, and hyr company in likewys. That ſam day was by the ſaid Capyiteyne, to the pleaſur of the ſaid Qwene, gyffen corſes of chaſſe within the ſaid town, with other ſports of bayrs and of doggs togeder.’

‘The firſt day of Auguſt the Qwene departed from Barwick for to go to Lamberton kerke in varrey fair company, and well appoynted.’

‘Firſt, of the ſaid Archbyſchops and Biſchops, the Erles of Surrey and of Northumberlaund, the Lord Dacres, the Lord Scroop and his [86] ſon, the Lord Gray, the Lord Latemer, the Lord Chamberlain, Maiſter Polle, and other Nobles and Knyghts. The young gentylmen wer well apoynted at their deviſes, and ther was fou much of cloth of gold, as of other ryche rayments. Their horſys fryſks in harnays of the ſelfe: and upon thos orfavery, ſum others had campaynes gylt, the others campaynes of Sylver. Gambads at plaſur, that it was fayr thyng for to ſe.’

‘The ſayd Erle of Northumberlaund was varey well mounted, hys horſe rychly appoynted, his harnays of gold in brodeux, hymſelfe in a jakette betten of gold, well wrought in goldſmith werke, and brodery, and in a cloke of porple borded of cloth of gold. His Henſmen appoynted as before mentioned. Incontinently before hym rode the Maiſter of his Horſe, conveying the ſam thre Henſmen arayed in jaketts all of orfavery and brodery, and ther harnays of their horſys in ſuch wys of orfavery and brodery, full of ſmall bells that maid a grett noyſe. After thos cam a gentylman ledyng in his haund a corſer, covered to the grownde of a vary rych trapure betten of gold of orfavery and brodery in oraunge. And ichon of the ſam a grentre in the manere of a pyne, and maid the ſaid Lord pannades, and they weigited varey honeſtly.’

‘After cam the ſaid Qwene varey rychly arayde and enorned with gold and precyous ſtones, ſetting in hyr lytere rychly apoynted. Her foteman alwayes ny to hyr well apoynted, and monted upon fayr pallefrys, and their harnays ryche in appareyll.’

‘After cam hyr char rychly apoynted, fournyſched of ladyes and gentylwomen well apoynted, and after that, ſum other gentylwomen on horſebak honorably apoynted.’

‘The ſayd Cappitayne of Barrwyk, and my lady hys wyffe acompayned of many gentylmen and gentylwomen rychly arayd, and clothed of a liveray, went with the ſayd Qwene to Edinburghe.’

‘Before the ſaid Qwene war by ordre Johannes and hys company, and Henry Glaſcebery and hys company, the trompetts, officers of armes, and ſergeants of maſſe, ſo that at the departing out of the ſaid Barrwyk and at hyr Bedward at Lambertonkerke it was a joy for to ſee and here.’

[87] ‘In ſuch ſtat and aray the ſaid Qwene cam out of Barrwyk, ichon by ordre, the Lordes and Nobles three and thre togeder, to the ſaid Lambertonkerke, and the company behind well apoynted and in fair aray, that it was eſtimed that ther war of the parte of the ſaid Qwene xviii C or two M horſys well apoynted.’

On the 10th day of October A. D. 1525, a treaty was concluded at Berwick, between the Commiſſioners of King Henry VIII. and King James V. for a three-years peace; and in the year 1528, the truce was renewed, and the peace continued for five years.

In the year 1547, King Henry VIII. being dead, leaving his ſon Edward VI. an infant of ten years of age, the Earl of Hertford, then created Duke of Somerſet, in the month of Auguſt, advanced to Berwick with an army of 18,000 men, attended by a fleet of 34 ſhips of war, 30 tranſports and a galley, on an expedition to Scotland.* The army lay encamped without the walls of the town.

In the year 1550, great repairs were made in the fortreſs of Berwick, the expence of which, with the repairs of Calais, are alledged in the King's Journals as the reaſon for debaſing the coin; from thence it alſo appears, ſome of the walls had fallen, the foundations having been ſhaken by working a bulwark. Alſo in the year 1552, it appears conſiderable improvements had been made to the fortifications, in which, by the minutes of Secretary Cecil, 6000l. had been expended. The fort then erected was contrived to have four bulwarks, for erecting which the wall was to have been left open, on the enemy's ſide, for a conſiderable ſpace; but as this was dangerous and expenſive, it was reſolved the wall ſhould be ſtrengthened by an additional wall, and two ſlaughter-houſes, to ſcour the outer cu [...]ains, and a great ditch intervening, that an other wall fortified in the ſame manner ſhould be erected within the former. Sir Nicholas Sturley appears to have been nominated Captain of this new fort, Alexander Brett, Porter, and one Rokesby, Marſhal. No veſtiges of theſe works now appearing, it is to be preſumed they were raſed, when Queen Elizabeth put the fortifications upon a regular and modern plan.

[88]In the reigns of King Edward VI. and Queen Mary of Scotland, Berwick by treaty was made a county town, and as Rymer's Faedra notes it, "a free town independant of both ſtates."

In the year 1558, Lord Wharton in his reports to the Lord Preſident of the North, ſays, the ordinary officers of the town appointed by letters patent, were, a Captain, a Marſhal, a Treaſurer, a Chamberlain, a Porter, and a Maſter of the Ordnance: Theſe with the Mayor for the year, were counſellors for the town, each having a yearly ſalary, and pay for attendants.

In the year 1566, Queen Mary of Scotland came into the neighbourhood to view Berwick; ſhe was met at the extreme of the liberties by the Deputy Governor and his train, who conducted her firſt to Hallidon Hill, and thence to the weſt of the town, where ſhe had a perfect view of the place, and was ſaluted by a general diſcharge of the ordnance.

In 1588, King James VI. of Scotland did the like, and received the ſame ſalute.

Queen Elizabeth having fortified Berwick, made the following military eſtabliſhment there, in the year 1576, as appears by the archieves of the borough.

The garriſon conſiſted of eight companies of muſqueteers, two of them containing 100, and the reſt 65 men each; the pay of the private men 8d. per day, Captains of larger companies 4s. of leſſer companies 2s. 80 horſemen under command of eight conſtables: the horſemen had 4d. per day added to their former pay of 6l. 13s. 4d. per annum. The gunners were augmented, on account of the great additional number of large ordnance, from 28 to 60, with a Maſter Gunner, a Mate, and four Quarter Maſters: the whole eſtabliſhment for the artillery amounting to about 860l.

 £s.d.
The Lord Governor his Salary13368
A Chaplain1368
A Secretary1368
40 Houſehold Servants at6134 each
Eſpecial money per annum4000
And a reward in conſideration of his Barony   
The Marſhal, his Salary3368
An under Marſhal1600
20 Horſemen each6134
Two Tipſtaffs each568
An increaſe of pay given by her Majeſty66134
The Treaſurer, his Salary2000
Two Clerks each1368
20 Horſemen each6134
An increaſe of pay8000
Gentleman Porter, his Salary2000
Six Horſemen each6134
14 Footmen each568
An increaſe of pay5000
Chamberlain, his Salary2000
12 Soldiers, 4 at6134
Eight each600
Maſter of the Ordnance per day050
One Clerk per day010
Two Servants006
Two Labourers006

Lord Hunſdon was Governor of Berwick at the time of this eſtabliſhment; his council was compoſed of Sir Robert Conſtable, Knight, High Marſhal; Robert Bowes, Eſq Treaſurer; John Selbie, Eſq Chief Porter; Sir Francis Ruſſel, Knight, Chamberlain; and Thomas Sutton, Eſq Maſter of the Ordnance. The Mayor had an appointment of 10l. per ann. the Cuſtomer 10l. and the Comptroller of the Cuſtoms 5l.

The Maſter of the Ordnance had under his charge more than 20 artificers employed for ſervice of the garriſon: among theſe was one Bowyer, one Fletcheur or arrow-maker, and one Maſter Wheeler.

The whole number of men on this eſtabliſhment, was 980, and their pay amounted to the yearly ſum of 12734l. 19s. 2d.

In the year 1603, on the demiſe of Queen Elizabeth, King James VI. of Scotland, was proclaimed March 26th, at this place, King of England, France, and Ireland, by the name of King James I. In the archieves of Berwick, is kept a copy of the letter wrote by the Mayor, [90] Aldermen, and Commons, dated on the above day, informing the King, ‘they had, with preſent expedition, and with what ſolemnity the leiſure of time would afford, publiſhed and proclaimed his ſacred Majeſty King of England, France, and Ireland; and entreats him to pardon ſuch defects as by ignorance, omiſſion, or otherwiſe, by the ſtraitneſs of time, had happened in the performance thereof.’ To which the King returned the following anſwer.

‘To our truſty friends, the Mayor and Aldermen of the town of Berwick.’

‘Truſty friends, wee greet you heartily well. We render you thanks for your ſo dutyfull affection, utterit in aſſiſting and concurring ſae willingly with your Governour, in putting the town of Berwick in our hands, which we have appointit to be governed in the ſame form and manner as heretofore, while we adviſe otherwiſe to diſpoſe upon the ſame; aſſuring you always to find us a gratious and loving Prince, wha ſal be careful to maintaine your wonted liberties and privileges, and to ſee that the ſame be nae ways braugillit, nor otherwaies prejudget. Sua we commit you to God. From Hallirude houſe this 27th day of March 1603.’

On the King's arrival at the boundary of the liberties of Berwick, he was received with every demonſtration of duty and welcome, by Sir John Carey, then Marſhal, accompanied by the officers of the garriſon: their ſeveral corps of horſe and foot were marſhalled in due order, and on the King's paſſing ſaluted him with a feu de joy, which was returned by a diſcharge of the artillery on the ramparts. The roads were lined with people, who on all ſides joined in the loudeſt acclamations.

When his Majeſty entered the gate, the keys of the town were delivered to him, by William Selby, Gentleman Porter; who was immediately knighted, and the keys were returned. In the market-place, he was met by the body corporate of the borough; Hugh Gregſon, the Mayor, preſented him with an offering of gold, and ſurrender of their charter; after which the Recorder made a ſpeech of congratulation: theſe the King received moſt graciouſly, at the ſame time reſtoring the charter, and promiſing his royal favour and protection. The King proceeded to the church to return thanks for his peaceful entry into his new dominions, when Toby Mathews, Biſhop of Durham, preached an [91] excellent ſermon. From thence his Majeſty went to the caſtle, the ordnance were again diſcharged, and the ſtreets re-echoed with acclamations of joy. On the following day the King received ſeveral of the Engliſh Nobles, among whom were Lord Cobham, and Henry Howard, brother of the Duke of Norfolk, who came to Berwick to pay their duty to their new Sovereign: his Majeſty inſpected the fortifications, magazines, and port, and at the head of the garriſon drawn out and under arms, with his own hands, diſcharged a piece of ordnance.

Berwick became the ducal title of James Fitz James, natural ſon of King James II. of England, whom he created Duke of Berwick, A. D. 1686.

Berwick is a borough of very great antiquity, being as before aſſerted one of the four original Scotch burghs;* the corporation was preſcriptive, but after this place became the ſettled poſſeſſion of the Engliſh Crown, the corporate body was eſtabliſhed by charter; and at preſent conſiſts of a Mayor, Recorder, and four Bailiffs, choſen annually by the burgeſſes. This borough was ſummoned to ſend two members to parliament in the reign of King Henry VIII. the election of repreſentatives is by the burgeſſes, the Mayor and Bailiffs making the return.

[92]The charter granted to the corporation by King James I. ſoon after his acceſſion to the Crown of England, gives to the Mayor, Recorder, and Bailiffs many ſpecial liberties and privileges; or I may ſay more [93] properly, confirms to them the ſeveral ancient preſcriptive franchiſes and privileges, which Berwick from very diſtant ages had poſſeſſed: among which is the power of holding a Court of Pleas every fortnight [94] —the right of having four Serjeants at Mace and a Coroner — a Guild with its privileges at large—authority to make By-laws for the government of the town—to purchaſe lands of the value of 60l. per annum, notwithſtanding the ſtatute of mortmain. The burgeſſes are privileged with exemption of toll throughout the kingdom, and of priſage or impoſts of wine brought into the port of Berwick; of pontage, * paſſage, murage, pannage, cranage, § laſtage, carncage, ** kayage, †† vinage, ‡‡ achate and rechate. §§ The corporation hath power to tax the inhabitants for the chamber's uſe, and hath ſeck and ſock, toll and theam, ward and ward penny. The Mayor is Clerk of the Markets for the time being, and holds two weekly markets on Wedneſday and Saturday, having a pye-powder court, tolls, tallages, picage or ſtall-money, fines, amerciaments, &c. The juriſdiction of Berwick comprehends a court leet, and view of frankpledge, and anciently poſſeſſed the powers of infangtheof and outfangtheof; and with aid of the Coroner, who in this liberty retains the ancient authority of that office, and executes the duty of Sheriff, the body corporate hath power of aſſize and gaol delivery.

The Mayor and Corporation hold the ſeigniory borough and ſoke of Berwick, with all rights and privileges legally appertaining to ſuch [95] poſſeſſions, under the yearly rent of 20l. paid to the Receiver of the Crown. The boundaries are from the port, extending northward by the ſea ſhore to the road called Brown Rod, and by that road weſtward to the rivulet of Witteter, and by the ſaid road to the river Tweed, and by the river's banks to the port or haven.

The ſcite of the ancient caſtle and its outworks remains in the Crown, being ſpecially reſerved in the grants made to the corporation. Several tenements are in the ſame reſervation, a water mill, the inner caſtle hills encloſed, the outer caſtle hills unencloſed, New Water Haugh, Lumſden's Avery, Gayn's Law, Goak Haugh, the Sunk, Maudlin Field, Coney Garths, Marſhal Meadow, Horſman's Bat, Horſman's Meadow, Yellow Gowland Meadow, fiſhings in Tweed from Finches Haugh, and lands called Broadſhaugh, Borrey Avery, and Ethermouth Avery.*

By the rolls of King Edward the Second's reign, it appears that a houſe of Carmelites, or White Friars, was founded at Berwick, by Sir John Grey, about the year 1270, whoſe duty it was to officiate at the chapel royal within the caſtle.

According to the cuſtom of the times, a religious houſe was founded at Berwick Bridge, dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Thoſe praying fathers were placed in ſuch ſituations, to take poſſeſſion of the moment of the traveller's gratitude, for his eaſy and ſafe paſſage over great rivers.

[96]By Rymer's Convent. it appears that there was alſo a houſe of Grey Friars here.* The Maſter and Brethren of God's houſe are mentioned in Clauſ. 2 Edward III. m. 16. and had a grant of 20 marks per ann. out of Wetherborn, by pat. 21 Edward III. m. 21. and pat. 22 Edward III. p. 2. m. ‘Rex protegit Willielmo de Emeldon ſtatum quem habet in Hoſpitali Domus Dei de Berwico.’

Tanner ſays, here was a houſe of Friars Preachers before the year 1291. He alſo ſpeaks of an Hoſpital dedicated to Mary Magdalen, with an appendant Hermitage at Sogden. § A field between Berwick walls and the ſea, mentioned in the reſervations to the Crown, bears the name of Maudlin Field to this day, from its being the ancient ſcite of the Hoſpital.

[97]There is a free Grammar School appertaining to this town, founded by Queen Elizabeth, the Maſter nominated by the Guild. The attention paid to this part of the charge veſted in the body corporate, cannot appear in more favourable language, than contained in the advertiſement given in the note.*

The chief imports of the port of Berwick are from Norway and the Baltic, conſiſting of timber and deals: the exports, corn, wool, ſalmon, and eggs; the latter of which articles, though apparently ſmall or inſignificant in the liſt, yet brings in an annual ſum of 13 or 14,000l. they being ſent to London for the uſe of ſugar refiners, &c. packed in boxes the thick end down.

The ſalmon fiſhery here is very conſiderable. Mr Pennant ſpeaks of it in the following terms: ‘They lay on each ſide the river, and are all private property, except what belongs to the Dean and Chapter of Durham, which in rent and tithe of fiſh, brings in 450l. per annum: for all the other fiſheries are liable to tithe. The common rents of theſe are 50l. a year, for which tenants have as much ſhore, as ſerves to launch out and draw their nets on ſhore; the limits of each are ſtaked, and I obſerved that the fiſhers never failed going as near as poſſible to their neighbour's limits. One man goes off in a ſmall flat-bottomed [98] boat, ſquare at one end; and taking as large a circuit as his net admits, brings it on ſhore at the extremity of his boundary, where others aſſiſt in landing it. The beſt fiſhery is on the ſouth ſide; very fine ſalmon trout are often taken here, which come up from the ſea to ſpawn, and return in the ſame manner as the ſalmon do. For a fuller account of this fiſhery, vide Britiſh Zoology III. 241. To it may alſo be added, that in the middle of the river, not a mile weſt of the town, is a large ſtone, on which a man is placed, to obſerve what is called the Reck of the ſalmon coming up.’

Hiſtorians have differed greatly in the etymology of the name of Berwick. Camden ſeems to determine in favour of the Saxon [...], the town of the Bernicians.

After having mentioned the evidences of antiquity, it is requiſite, before I quit the ſubject, I ſhould ſpeak of Berwick in its natural ſtate. Being built on an angular point of land, at the mouth of Tweed, on two ſides it is bounded by water: the ſea in this part of the channel is tempeſtuous and rough, the tide ſetting in very ſtrong, occaſions a heavy ſurge, which increaſed by frequent ſtorms, renders the coaſt tremendous. The proſpect of the ocean conveys to the contemplative mind, a grand aſſociation of images, which deſcribe the might and majeſty of the Creator. As I walked the banks, imagination roved at large, but took a melancholy ſtrain; I conceived I heard the alarm guns fired at Bambrough Caſtle, and the ſignal of diſtreſs waved in my Fancy's eye, from ſome veſſel at a diſtance. The ocean, which before had affected my ſoul with a ſcene of magnificent delight, now ſeemed full of horror and diſmay; the rolling billows became tremendous, the yawning gulph an object of gloomy terror, the whole conveyed the apprehenſion of imminent peril and diſtreſs; and in the end, all the agonies of a diſtracted crew, who laboured for life, filled my imagination, and the wanderings of Fancy were replete with diſmay and miſery.

The inhabitants of Berwick have enough of ſuch horrid ſcenes: the coaſt is terrible to mariners. After having once been witneſs to ſo melancholy an event, one would ſcarce ever look upon the ſea again with pleaſure.

The Land Proſpect doth not produce a ſcene wild enough to be called romantic, or ſufficiently cultivated, to be ſmooth, placid, and agreeable. [99] The banks of Tweed loſs much of their ſweetneſs in the environs of the town; and Flora reſerves moſt of her beauties for the neighbourhood of Kelſo and Coldſtream. Below Berwick bridge, there is not enough either of trade or tranquillity; it poſſeſſes the middle ſtation; neither buſy enough nor enough at reſt, is dulneſs. Above bridge, in the fiſhing ſeaſon, the ſcene is beautifully enlivened. Below, ſome few veſſels are moored, but too often the heavy hulks are turned up on the dry ſands, with maſts unrigged, waiting for trade and tide. Such are dull objects to the eye, and have no other effect upon the ſpectator than to promote wearineſs and impatiency.

Over the arm of the ſea which breaks upon the bar of Tweed, the lands to the ſouthward are extended for ſeveral miles upon the view, varied with the happy colourings which ſucceed to cultivation; but the diſtance is ſo great, that objects are indiſtinct, and the beauties of the landſkip lay in confuſion: two often indeed the whole is enveloped in ſea vapour.

I cannot take my departure from the banks of Tweed, without paſſing ſome few thoughts on the carnage and bloodſhed, which for ages rendered them famous to the arms of both the Scotch and Engliſh; and to poſterity made their hiſtory a ſubject of horror and deteſtation.

Alberic Biſhop of Oſtia, being ſent as Legate from Pope Innocent II. on his viſitation at Carliſle, is ſaid to have taken great pains to remonſtrate to the army of King David of Scotland, after the retreat from the battle of Alerton, that they ought to wage war with greater humanity; and prevailed with them ſo far as to gain the releaſe of the female captives, whom they were carrying as ſlaves into Scotland. He alſo obtained their ſolemn engagement, that in future inroads they would not violate the churches and religious houſes; and would alſo ſpare from the ſword, women, infants, and the aged. Theſe ſhew to us what were the infamous enormities committed in theſe expeditions.

The war carried on between the two nations, was as brutal as any in the annals of the Caribbees, or any ſavages under the ſun. The public injuries of ſtates, the policy of empires, the balance of trade, the peace of Europe, or the equilibrium of power, were not the objects of warfare: like the wild Arabs, the eſtate of the people was that of robbers, rapine and plunder their objects; as if devoid of all religious ſenſe [100] of oaths and moral obligations, the compacts of ſtates, and the ties of honour and moral honeſty, they often forſook every principle for plunder, and like barbarians, levied war for the ſake of pillaging, of repriſal, and retribution. When the wolves deſcend the Alps upon the villages, it is the effect of hunger in its extreme; but here the blood of the peaſant was ſhed without any cogency of cauſe, but the lucre of his herds, flocks, and poſſeſſions. The immortal King John burnt, laid waſte, and deſtroyed half the iſland, from York northward: Alexander in all his glory never exhibited a more noble conflagration. Edward contaminated his honours with many of thoſe atchievements. Torrents of blood have iſſued from theſe borders; they were the common charnel of the two nations. Thirty-three thouſand ſouls fled in one day to the gates of eternity, diſpatched by the command of Princes, who could not account to heaven what it was they fought for. The petit maſſacres were equally as inconſiderate; the heroes of thoſe bands walked forth with their adherents, imbruing their hands in human gore, burning and deſtroying, laying waſte towers, towns and villages, and ſpreading deſolation, in the moſt ſavage manner, for the reward of ſavages: reciprocal ſlaughters, devaſtations, and cruelties marked both people. When the moſt valiant atchievements were performed, even in the preſence of their Princes, revenge appeared to be the only inſtigation, and common juſtice was ſeldom conſidered. What was the battle of Allerton, in the reign of Stephen, when David with a mighty ſlaughter was overthrown, after having ravaged Northumberland and Durham, returning like a diſappointed miſcreant, with his hands red in the blood of thouſands of his band of robbers! William King of Scotland was a priſoner on one of his incurſions: he witneſſed a cruel ſlaughter of his people. Our Edward I. ſlew 60,000 at Falkirk; Edward III. ſlew his tens of thouſands at Hally-down Hill; and Penrith and Durham witneſſed to the ſucceeding deſtruction made of the Scots in this reign under their unfortunate David, who in the battle at the laſt-mentioned place was made priſoner. The battles of Otterburn and Flodden Field were upon the ſame principles as the others.—How doth this retroſpection fully the hero, ſtain the luſtre of his arms, and the honour of his valour! yet it is too true ſuch were the conflicts on the borders, and ſuch the arms that waged the inglorious warfare on this once wretched, but now moſt happy country; at this time abounding with wealth, flowing from peace, by the channels of cultivation, manufactory, and trade: where the brethren of one climate and one iſland, under the bleſſed protection of one common father, and a conſtitution admired and envied by all the world, [101] are acting together in a ſtate of mutual offices, to contribute to the general opulence and felicity.

How baneful and obnoxious is he to the common intereſts of this now united family, who attempts to ſow the ſeeds of diſſatisfaction and jealouſy, and through calumnies ariſing in the venom of malevolence and diſappointed ambition endeavours to cultivate contempt and averſion between the brethren of this land! The ſtrength of this, and every nation, is the union of its inhabitants—he who blows up the embers of extinguiſhed feuds, is particularly an enemy to both parties, and a foe to the ſtate at large.

The acceſſion of King James the VI. to the Crown of England, operated powerfully towards the felicity of this part of the iſland; cultivation immediately took place, the country ſo often deſolated by war, received new inhabitants, who brought with them not only flocks and herds, but alſo manufactories and commerce: the works effected in peace were ſoon diſtinguiſhed, the barren waſtes were put under the plough ſhare, towns and hamlets diverſified the ſcene, and increaſing population enlivened every valley, which for ages had been marked by works of hoſtility. Yet it was not till the union of the two kingdoms, that theſe effects of peace were brought to the happy eminence now diſcovered on every hand. As to political advantages, it is evident, their diſcuſſion comes not within my plan in this work; I am perſuaded of their vaſt importance to both nations: Mrs Macauley ſays, ‘on very ſound principles of policy, the union had been ſeveral times rejected by both nations; and which was with great difficulty coerced on the Scots: though as Burnet obſerves, the advantages which were offered to Scotland, in the whole frame of it, were great and viſible. The Scots were to bear leſs than the fortieth part of the public taxes, and they were to have the eleventh part of the legiſlature. Trade was to be free all over the iſland, and to the plantations; private rights were to be preſerved; and the judicature and laws of Scotland were ſtill to be continued.’ *

[102] ‘Whether the ſecurity pretended to be obtained by England by this union was worth purchaſing at ſo high a price: whether the union [103] has anſwered the expectations of thoſe who prophefied that it would be the means of extending the bounds of the Britiſh empire, and of [104] enlarging the happineſs of its citizens, by cementing in the cloſeſt bands of friendſhip two nations who had ever regarded each other [105] with the eyes of jealouſy and averſion, will be differently determined by men, who, from their different connections in both or either countries, have contracted different prejudices; but whether, as the ſeries of theſe times predicted, it will be attended with conſequences no leſs fatal than the deſtruction of the laws and conſtitution of England, the ſpace of a very few years will, in all probability, determine beyond a doubt.’

We paſſed by the ſands to

HOLY ISLAND;

the morning was calm, the ſea ſmooth, and the land proſpect gilded with the ſun; very beautiful, though not much variegated.

The deſcription given of this iſland (Symeon, p. 87) is to the following purport: ‘That in circumference it comprehends eight miles, in which was a noble Monaſtery, famous for its Prelates, (among whom was St. Cuthbert) whoſe bodies were there depoſited, and whoſe memory would live for ever. It hath the name of Lindisfarn, from a ſmall rivulet called Lindis, which from the oppoſite continent empties itſelf into the ſea."* By Bede it is deſcribed, "Qui locus accedente ac recedente reumate, bis quotidiae inſtar inſulae maris circumluitur undis, bis, renudato littore contiguus terrae redditur.’

[106]There is one ſmall farm of cultivated land upon the iſland, with ſome few acres of good paſture ground, capable of improvement; and the reſt, by the violence of tempeſts, is covered with ſand. The iſland chiefly conſiſts of one continued plain, inclining to the ſouth-weſt. The land on which the village ſtands, riſes ſwiftly from the ſhore; at the ſouthern point, is a rock of a conical figure, and almoſt perpendicular, near 60 feet in height, having on its lofty crown a ſmall fortreſs or caſtle, which makes at once a groteſque and formidable appearance. I did not obſerve one tree upon the iſland.

Figure 1. HOLY ISLAND

The village conſiſts of a few ſcattered houſes, two of which are Inns, the reſt chiefly inhabited by fiſhermen. The ſhore is excellent for bathing, and the ſituation at once healthy and romantic: it is ſurpriſing it ſhould be ſo little reſorted to. The north and eaſt coaſts of the iſland are formed of perpendicular rocks, the other ſides ſink by gradual declinations towards the ſands. The rock on which the caſtle ſtands, is acceſſible only by a winding paſs cut on its ſouthern ſide: the narrow limits of its crown will not admit of many works, the whole ſtrength conſiſting of a ſingle battery on the ſouth-eaſt point, mounted with ſeven or eight guns, which commands the approach to the iſland from the ſea; but would be of little conſequence againſt a ſhip of any conſiderable force. The reſt of the ſummit is taken up with a houſe for the Governor and guard, the walls of which ſtand on the very brink of the precipice. This fortreſs, before the uſe of gunpowder, from its [107] ſituation appears to have been impregnable, the ſuperſtructures being above the reach of any engine, and the rocks too high to be ſcaled. The antiquity of this caſtle is not known, but I ſhould preſume it is coeval with the abbey, and was uſed as a place of reſort in times of peril, and a ſtronghold for the religious, whenever they were diſturbed in their holy retreat. The preſent fortifications appear to be the work of the laſt century. In the military eſtabliſhment made by Queen Elizabeth for Berwick in 1576, the caſtle is noted, and a patent for life was granted to Sir William Read as keeper of the fortreſſes of Holy Iſland and Farn, with a yearly payment of 362l. 17s. 6d. per annum.

The ingenious Mr Groſe gives the following anecdotes relative to this caſtle:—‘Camden mentions it, ſo that it is evidently as old as his time. Probably it has been the ſcene of very few remarkable events: hiſtory being nearly as ſilent with reſpect to them, as concerning its origin. The firſt time it occurs, is in the hiſtory of the civil war in the time of Charles I. when it appears to have been ſeized for the Parliament; and according to Ruſhworth, in an order of the Houſe of Commons, May 7th, 1646, for ſending forces thither, this reaſon is aſſigned, "it being of ſuch conſequence to the northern parts of the kingdom. Probably this conſequence aroſe, more for the convenience of its harbour, than the ſtrength of the caſtle."’

‘In the year 1647, one Captain Batton was Governor of the iſland, for the Parliament; to whom Sir Marmaduke Langdale, after the taking of Berwick, wrote the following letter, but without ſucceſs. The letter, together with the Captain's refuſal, were tranſmitted to the Houſe of Commons, for which they voted their thanks to Captain Batton, and that he ſhould be continued Governor of the place.’

Sir, you have the good opinion of the counties to be a ſober diſcreet man amongſt them, which emboldeneth me, a ſtranger to you, to propoſe (that which every man in his duty to God and the King ought to perform) the veil of theſe horrid deſigns plotted by ſome, that men may run and read the miſery and thraldom they intend upon the whole nation. It is believed by many that know you, that you are ſenſible of the impriſonment of his Majeſty, and the violation of all our laws. If you pleaſe to conſider the ends being changed, perhaps for which you firſt engaged, and comply with the King's intereſt, by keeping the fort now in poſſeſſion for the King's uſe; I will engage myſelf to ſee all the arrears due to yourſelf and the ſoldiers duly [108] paid, and to procure his Majeſty's favour for the future: and that I only may receive ſome ſatisfaction from you, that this motion is as really accepted as intended by

Your humble ſervant, MARMADUKE LANGDALE.

‘Holy Iſland does not appear ever to have fallen into the hands of the Royaliſts; for it continued in the poſſeſſion of the Parliamentarians anno. 1648; when it was (as may be ſeen in Ruſhworth) relieved with neceſſaries by Colonel Fenwick's horſe and ſome dragoons. From that time nothing memorable ſeems to have been tranſacted here, till the rebellion in the year 1715, when the ſeizure of this caſtle was planned and performed by two men only. In which exploit, ſuch policy and courage were exerted, as would have done them much honour, had they been employed in a better cauſe. The following particulars of the ſtory were communicated by a Gentleman whoſe father was an eye-witneſs to the facts, and well knew both the parties.’

‘One Lancelot Errington, a man of an ancient and reſpectable family in Northumberland, and of a bold and enterprizing ſpirit, entered into a conſpiracy for ſeizing this caſtle for the Pretender; in which it is ſaid, he was promiſed aſſiſtance not only by Mr Forſter, the rebel General then in arms, but alſo by the maſters of ſeveral French privateers. At this time the garriſon conſiſted of a ſerjeant, a corporal, and 10 or 12 men only. In order to put this ſcheme in execution, being well known in that country, he went to the caſtle, and after ſome diſcourſe with the ſerjeant, invited him and the reſt of the men, who were not immediately on duty, to partake of a treat on board of the ſhip of which he was maſter, then lying in the harbour: this being unſuſpectingly accepted of, he ſo well plied his gueſts with brandy, that they were ſoon incapable of any oppoſition. Theſe men being thus ſecured, he made ſome pretence for going on ſhore; and with Mark Errington his nephew, returning again to the caſtle, they knocked down the centinel, ſurprized and turned out an old gunner, the corporal, and two other ſoldiers, being the remainder of the garriſon, and ſhutting the gates, hoiſted the Pretender's colours as a ſignal of their ſucceſs, anxiouſly expecting the promiſed ſuccours. No reinforcement coming, but on the contrary a party of the King's troops arriving from Berwick, they were obliged to retreat [109] over the walls of the caſtle, among the rocks, hoping to conceal themſelves under the ſea weeds till it was dark, and then by ſwimming to the main land, to make their eſcape: but the tide riſing, they were obliged to ſwim, when the ſoldiers firing at Lancelot as he was climbing up a rock, wounded him in the thigh. Thus diſabled, he and his nephew were taken and conveyed to Berwick gaol, where they continued till his wound was cured. During this time he had digged a burrow quite under the foundations of the priſon, depoſiting the earth taken out in an old oven. Through this burrow he and his nephew, with divers other priſoners, eſcaped; but moſt of the latter were ſoon after taken. The two Erringtons however had the good fortune to make their way to the Tweedſide, where they found the cuſtom-houſe boat; they rowed themſelves over, and afterwards turned it adrift. From thence they purſued their journey to Bambrough Caſtle, near which they were concealed nine days in a peaſtack; a relation who reſided in the caſtle ſupplying them with proviſion. At length travelling in the night by ſecret paths, they reached Gateſhead Houſe, near Newcaſtle, where they were ſecreted till they procured a paſſage from Sunderland to France. A reward of 500l. was now offered to any one who would apprehend them; notwithſtanding which, Lancelot was ſo daring as ſoon after to come into England, and even to viſit ſome of his friends in Newgate. After the ſuppreſſion of the rebellion, when every thing was quiet, he and his nephew took the benefit of the general pardon, and returned to Newcaſtle, where he died about the year 1746, as it is ſaid, of grief at the victory of Culloden.’

The remains of the old abbey in the next place require my attention; ſuch parts of this cathedral are ſtanding as give a perfect idea of its original form and appearance. The monaſtery is in ragged ruins, and not worthy to be delineated, the walls having been robbed for the buildings in the village, and the erection of the preſent parochial church.

It is ſaid by ſome authors, that the monaſtery was built by St. Cuthbert of a plain model, without ornament, and encloſed with a high wall, in order that outward objects might not withdraw the attention of the ſociety from their divine contemplations.

In Mr Weſt's Antiquities of Furneſs Abbey, we have this ſhort account of the riſe and origin of Monaſtic Orders. ‘Soon after the chriſtian [110] religion had made ſome conſiderable progreſs in the eaſt, the policy of the Roman empire expoſed the profeſſors of it to many and great inconveniencies, and a ſucceſſion of bloody perſecutions: the two laſt under Decius and Diocleſian more eſpecially obliged many to betake themſelves to mountains, deſerts, and ſolitary places, to ſecure themſelves from the unrelenting fury of theſe bloody tyrants: there they found a ſafe retreat, with time and liberty to give themſelves up to the exerciſes of piety and divine contemplation, in a courſe of moſt rigorous mortifications, and preternatural auſterities. This kind of life, which neceſſity gave riſe to, was afterwards in the time of the Chriſtian Emperors, embraced through choice; and Pacomius about the middle of the 4th century, committed to writing rules for regular ſocieties, and founded ſome monaſteries in the environs of Thebes in Egypt.’

‘The introduction of Monks into England, is ſpoken of as a maſter-piece of policy in the court of Rome, as endeavouring thereby to ſecure her authority by an increaſe of property, which would ariſe to her by the pious donations and offerings of the faithful, and the founding of many religious houſes, to be occupied by ſuch as were, from the nature of their inſtitute, attached to the Holy See, and might occaſionally ſerve every purpoſe of ſpiritual tyranny. And it is alledged, that the Monks by the auſterity of their religion and morals faſcinated the minds of the people, and by their pretenſion to extraordinary ſanctity, ſecured a ſubmiſſion to all their deciſions, and an implicit obedience to all their doctrines. This is a heavy charge, and if well grounded, ſhould have prevented the monaſtic rule from ever taking effect in any kingdom, or occaſioned its ruin as ſoon as the diſcovery was made, or the charge formed.’

This he obviates, by monaſteries being eſtabliſhed here before Auſtin's time; and takes for his authorities Gildas and Bede, as to their being ſchools of chriſtian learning. He adds, ‘in all this, we hear nothing of foreign connections, of ſiniſter inventions, or hypocriſy.’

The Roman Pontiff knew how to draw from the circumſtances of William's afrairs, advantages which the Conqueror never intended; and which his immediate ſucceſſors could not prevent, as they were equally or more obliged to the church for her ſupport, than he himſelf had been. The foreign Eccleſiaſtics which the Norman King []
Figure 1. LINDISFARN N. Aſpect
[111] introduced, readily gave up the liberty of a country, to which they were ſtrangers, and a happineſs the ſweets whereof they had never known: but from that conſequence, of which the Conqueror and his ſons had made them, they ſoon became ſenſible of ther own importance; the foreign Monks, from the great property conferred upon them, ſoon found of what weight they were in the ſcale of government, and readily turned it to their own advantages, as occaſion offered.

‘The introduction, therefore, of ſo many new orders of Monks into England by the Norman Kings, was according to their own policy, and not that of the Court of Rome.’—He then takes occaſion to mention the good offices of the church in favour of the Conqueror's younger ſons, and the Earl of Moreton and King John.

‘The Court of Rome could have no direct hand in all this; and the monaſtick inſtitute, of its own nature, can have no part in either a civil or a ſpiritual tyranny, unleſs where perverted; as the beſt of inſtitutes may have been, by the malice of men.’—I have been led to lengthen the quotation beyond the bounds I at firſt intended, to ſhew with what arguments this ſubtle author, and other writers of the like claſs, can put a plauſible countenance on facts, which reflected diſhonour on the See of Rome. But to return from this digreſſion.

The cathedral is in the form of a croſs, the eaſt and weſt limbs of which are yet ſtanding, the other parts totally in ruins, and almoſt level with the ground. The order of building in this ſtructure is rude and heavy, and moſt of it in the worſt mode of the early Saxon architecture. Mr Groſe ſays, ‘probably it was the work of different periods; great part of it ſeems very ancient, the arches being circular, and the columns very maſſy and much like thoſe at Durham, but richer. On the north and ſouth walls there are pointed arches, which proves that part of it at leaſt was built ſince the reign of Henry II.’ The pillars on which the arches riſe in the center of the croſs are cluſtered and plain capitalled, each forming the corner of the great tower; theſe arches are of few members. There are two ſide ailes, the columns of which are heavy, and the arches circular: the windows are narrow, and ornamented with a corner pilaſter, and a moulding of few members: the walls are very thick, and every part wears a gloomy countenance. The ſouth wall of the middle tower is ſtanding about 50 [112] feet high; and one corner tower on the weſt end of the church remains perfect.* Theſe ruins retain at this day one moſt ſingular beauty, the tower has not formed a lanthorn, as in moſt cathedrals; but from the angles, arches ſprang, croſſing each other diagonally, to form a canopy roof. One of thoſe arches yet remains, unloaded with any ſuperſtructure, ſupported by the ſouth-eaſt and north-weſt corner pillars, and ornamented with the dancette or zig-zag moulding, much uſed in old Saxon architecture, extending a fine bow over the chaſm and heap of ruins occaſioned by the falling-in of the ailes. The whole ſtructure is compoſed of a ſoft red free-ſtone, which yields much to time, and renders the aſpect of the building dark and melancholy. Mr Groſe's account comprehends the following particulars:

‘Various fragments of the offices of this monaſtery are ſtill ſtanding, and foundations of buildings are ſcattered over a cloſe of near four acres; the main walls of the church on the north and ſouth ſides are ſtill ſtanding, though much out of the perpendicular; inclining outwards ſo conſiderably, as to make the horizontal diſtance between them, at the top, exceed, by near two feet, that at the bottom. Another winter or two ſeems to be the utmoſt they can ſtand.’

‘This building conſiſts of a body and two ſide ailes, into which it is divided by a double row of very ſolid columns, whoſe ſhafts are richly ornamented. Each row has five columns of four different conſtructions, and two pilaſters in the walls on the eaſt and weſt ends. The ſhafts of theſe columns are about 12 feet high, their diameters about five, their capitals and pedeſtals are plain, they ſupport circular arches, having over each arch two ranges of windows; the loweſt large and in pairs, ſeparated only by a ſhort column; the upper ſmall and ſingle. The length of the building is about 138 feet, the breadth of the body 18 feet, and that of the two ſide ailes about nine feet each.’

The proſpect from this iſland is beautiful; to the northward you command the town of Berwick, over an arm of the ſea about ſeven miles in breadth: at nearly the ſame diſtance you view Bambrough Caſtle, on a bold promontory, towards the ſouth: on the one hand you have a [113] view of the open ſea, at the time of our obſervation calm and reſplendent, and ſcattered over with veſſels; and on the other hand a narrow channel, by which the land is inſulated, about two miles in width; the diſtant ſhore exhibits a beautiful hanging landſkip of cultivated country, graced with a multitude of cottages, villages, and woodlands.

This iſland became the ſeat of Epiſcopacy early in the aera of converſion: the Northumbrians received the chriſtian doctrine much ſooner than ſome of the ſouthern provinces of Britain. Oſwald King of Northumberland, * in the ſecond year of his reign, and in the year of our Lord 635, founded the Biſhopric of Lindisfarn, the proper name of this iſland, as before obſerved.

The ſucceſſion of Biſhops was as follows.

EPISCOPUS I.

Aidan, of Scotch extraction,§ an excellent Paſtor, to whom is attributed the converſion of many of the Saxons. The King frequently officiated as interpreter of this Prelate's doctrines, to an audience who [114] knew not his dialect.* The venerable Bede ſpeaks thus honourably of him: ‘Ut multa, inquit breviter, comprehendam, quantum ab eis, qui illum novere didicimus, nichil ex omnibus quae in Evangelicis ſive Apoſtolicis, ſive Propheticis litteris facienda cognoverat praeter mittere, ſed cuncta pro ſuis viribus operibus explere curabat.’ According to the above author, he was a Monk of the Iſle Hii, otherwiſe called by him Hydeſtinate, whoſe convent was ſaid to be founded by Columbus. What greatly contributed to the prevalence of his doctrines, was his exemplary life, which ſtrictly correſponded with the rules he preſcribed: he was conſtantly employed in preaching, to which end he travelled much, and ſeldom on horſeback.

Oſwald, ſome few years after theſe pious works, was ſlain, and canonized. Aidan held the Biſhopric 17 years, and died, it is ſaid, through grief for the loſs of his royal patron, A. D. 651:§ his ſpirit aſcended to heaven, where the future Saint, the elected Cuthbert, who was promiſed to the faithful, as he tended his ſheep on the hills near the river Leder, in a holy viſion, beheld him in his celeſtial glory; and from thenceforth [115] vowing a life of ſanctity, entered the monaſtery of Mailroſs, under the Abbot Eata. *

EPISCOPUS II.

[116]

Finan, in the year 651, ſucceeded Aidan in this Biſhopric: he was a Scotchman, and member of the ſame ſociety with his predeceſſor.* He built a church on the iſland, which according to the faſhion which prevailed in Scotland in thoſe days, was conſtructed of beams and planks of oak covered with reeds. Archbiſhop Theodore, ſome time after this building was compleated, dedicated it to St. Peter. Eadbert, a ſucceeding Biſhop, improved or rather rebuilt the church, and covered it with lead. Pope Gregory commanded Finan to remove his [117] See to York; but the mode of government eſtabliſhed in the Eaſtern churches, was the only eccleſiaſtical rule which he had adopted, and conſequently the Papal ſupremacy was denied, and the command unobſerved. This Biſhop baptized two royal converts, Penda * the Mercian King, and Segbert King of the Eaſt Angles. He ordained Biſhops to attend the initiated, who in conſequence of the example of the Princes, and from the influence of their own doctrines, converted multitudes. Finan was Biſhop ten years, and died in the year 661.

EPISCOPUS III.

He was ſucceeded by Colmannus, who alſo came to this See from Scotland: he held it only for three years, being diſguſted at the part which King Oſwy took, touching the affairs of church government, in which he coincided with the Romiſh maxims.§ Thirty Engliſh, and all his countrymen who adhered to his tenets, left the iſland when he departed, and accompanied him to Scotland. He carried with him ſome of the remains of Aidan, as holy relics, leaving the reſt in the church [118] of Holy Iſland, which afterwards, it is ſaid, were by the order of King Edmund, whilſt on his northern expedition, removed to Glaſtonbury.*

EPISCOPUS IV.

Tuda then became Biſhop, being the firſt of this See who adhered to the modes and principles of Rome: he was educated in the weſtern parts of Scotland, and it is ſaid came into England with Colmannus. He held the Biſhopric a very ſhort time, being carried off by a peſtilence which then raged in Northumberland. Bede's remarks on the ſucceſſion of Scotch Biſhops ending in Tuda, are too honourable to be omitted obſervation here. Their frugality, ſimplicity of life, and parſimony appeared in the place of their reſidence, in which there was nothing unneceſſary, or unadapted to the ſimpleſt accommodation: in the church only magnificence was permitted. Their poſſeſſions conſiſted chiefly in cattle, for money was no longer retained than till a fit opportunity offered to diſtribute it to the poor. Places of entertainment for Potentates and Princes were unneceſſary, for they were viſited only for their doctrines and the holy offices of the church. The King himſelf, when he came thither from his royal reſidence, had no other object in view than to partake of the rites of religion, and departed immediately after the ſervice: if perchance he took refreſhment, it was of the common fare of the Monks. The attention of theſe Paſtors was on ſpiritual matters only; temporal affairs were deemed derogatory of their holy appointment; and thence aroſe the high veneration which was paid by all ranks of people to the religious habit. When any Eccleſiaſtic went from his monaſtery, it was to preach the word of ſalvation, and he was every where received with joy, as a meſſenger of the Divinity: on the road, the paſſengers bowed the head to receive the ſign of the croſs and his benediction, with pious reverence noting his precepts, as documents of the moſt ſalutary purport: the churches were crowded with a devout [119] audience, and when a Monk was ſeen entering a village on his travels, the inhabitants flocked about him, entreating for his admonitions and prayers. On their viſitations, riches and donations were not their purſuit; when a religious ſociety received any augmentation of the revenues of the houſe, it was through compaſſion by the donor, and they accepted it as an additional ſtore with which they were entruſted for the benefit of the poor.

EPISCOPUS V.

Chad was his ſucceſſor, by the title of Biſhop of York, at the nomination of King Alfred. He was a man of great humility, and without ambition. He received two conſecrations, one during the vacancy of the See of Canterbury, and the other by Theodore, at York. At the inſtance of Oſwy and Alfred he reſigned his Biſhopric in favour of Wilfred.

EPISCOPUS VI.

Wilfred was the preceptor of King Alfred; * he was a Northumbrian by birth, and received his education at Lindisfarn: being recommended by Queen Eanfleda to a Nobleman called Cudda, who retired to this monaſtery, he attended him thither as his companion, and continued there from the 14th to the 18th year of his age. During this Prelate's epiſcopacy there happened great revolutions and changes in the See of Lindisfarn; the death of King Oſwy was only a part of the calamities which fell upon Northumberland in his time: Egfrid not only obtained the throne of the deceaſed Sovereign, but by his powerful intereſt and efforts depoſed Alfred, aſſuming the ſecond ſcepter, and uniting the whole in one ſovereignty. Wilfred was a proud aſpiring man, and debaſed the pall of the Prelate with ambition. He became obnoxious to Theodore, who determined to humble him, and in a ſhort time got his depoſition effected. Theodore had great intereſt with Egfrid, which he uſed on this occaſion, to gratify his malice and reſentment; and under that ordinary craft of Eccleſiaſtics, a ſpecious pretence for the advancement of religion and the honour of the church, he obtained the royal mandate to divide the kingdom of Northumberland into two dioceſes, on a preſumption that one Biſhop had too much power and authority. This ancient dioceſe then underwent a ſeverance, and the two parts [120] were diſtinguiſhed by the names of York and Lindisfarn: that of York comprehending the diſtrict of Deira, and Lindisfarn that of Bernicia. The adopted ſupremacy of Rome, gave opportunity for appeal, and Wilfred, burning with reſentment and diſappointed ambition, fled thither, where a chapter being readily obtained, he returned with the Pope's reſolution in form for his reſtoration. Big with the ſupreme mandate, he obtruded himſelf abruptly on the royal preſence; but to his great mortification, found the King exaſperated at his inſolence and impudent appeal: not being the vaſſal of the See of Rome, he profeſſed his contempt of its commands, reproached Wilfred for having procured his credentials by bribery, and as a preſumptuous offender againſt the royal dignity, he caſt him into priſon. His lamentable ſituation excited the interceſſion of the devout Ebba, * aunt to the King, who obtained his liberty with an injunction, that he never afterwards ſhould enter the kingdom of Northumberland. After his releaſe, Wilfred became a member of the monaſtery of Glaſtonbury, under the then Abbot Berthwald, of the royal houſe of Mercians; but Egfrid's wrath and reſentment was not ſubſided, he continued his perſecution of him even in his retreat, and obtained his expulſion from that houſe. He then fled to the court of Adelwack King of Suſſex, whoſe ſubjects were juſt receiving the light of converſion, and that King gave him a Biſhopric called Selſey. Upon Egfrid's demiſe, the crown of Northumberland devolved upon Alfred; and Theodore declining in health and ſtrength, as he approached the grave in the ſteps of old age, grew anxious to acquit or relieve his conſcience of the ſeverities he had exerciſed againſt Wilfred, ſought to gain his friendſhip, and by his intereſt with the Crown and earneſt ſolicitations, obtained his reſtoration to the See of York. Wilfred had no ſooner reaſſumed his eccleſiaſtical dignity, than his ungovernable ambition and arrogance blazed out anew: the See of York, at his firſt aſſumption of the epiſcopal dignity, held in unity the kingdom of Northumberland; at his reſtoration it was diſmembered by a triple ſeverance, by the diſunition of Lindisfarn and the new conſtitution of Hexham. Wilfred made injudicious pretenſions and claims to effect a reunion, which ſo exaſperated the King, and was a thing ſo inconſiſtent with the politics of the times, that he was again expelled, and obliged to fly the realm. He now ſought refuge in the court of Mercia, where [121] he won upon the ear of Etheldred, and gained from him the Biſhopric of Leiceſter. Adverſity is ſaid to be the ſchool of wiſdom, but it proved not ſo with Wilfred; for in this new inſtitution he conducted himſelf with that inſolence and impropriety, that he ſoon incurred the diſpleaſure of the Mercian King and the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, who brought him to trial before a ſynod, and depoſed him. He was now 70 years of age, and yet his powers were ſo little debilitated, and his paſſions remained ſo warm, that he again journeyed to Rome, and in ſpite of the character of a turbulent and contentious Prelate, which he carried with him, obtained a decree for his reſtoration. He returned a ſecond time with the powers of Rome in his favour, and at a more favourable ſeaſon to obtain the rewards of his labour. The Archbiſhop found it convenient at that time to adhere to the mandate of ſupremacy; the Mercian King had fallen into a ſtate of enthuſiaſm, and aſſumed the habit of a Monk; the King of Northumberland was under the attacks of a dangerous diſeaſe, and feeling compunctions for the ſufferings Wilfred had undergone, became reconciled to him. Appearances were now much in the Prelate's favour, and the propitious hour ſeemed to await him, but Fate ſnatched off Alfred before a reſtoration was effected. He obtained a council to be held upon the banks of the river Nidd, under the mandate of King Oſred, Alfred's ſucceſſor, where with great difficulty he gained the Biſhoprick of Hexham, a ſmall and modern member of his former See.

EPISCOPUS VII.

When the ſeverance of Bernicia and Deira again took place, Eata was Biſhop of Lindisfarn: * he was one of the pupils of Aidan, who lived to ſee him his ſucceſſor in the Abbacy of Mailroſs. About the year 664, [122] Eata left Mailroſs to receive the Epiſcopacy of Lindisfarn, which he poſſeſſed for many years, tho' not entire; for during his time the Biſhopric of Hexham was inſtituted, and a portion of the See of Lindisfarn ſevered for the new appropriation. Eata fell into the oppoſition of Theodore, and denied his juriſdiction as Metropolitan over the northern churches. Theodore was a powerful adverſary, and held abundance of reſentment when his pride was wounded. He cauſed the convention of a chapter of Biſhops to be held on the Banks of Aln, A. D. 684, when Eata was depoſed.* On this event Cuthbert was elected to Lindisfarn, and Eata was tranſlated to Hexham; Theodore not preſuming to carry his reſentment to ſo high a pitch, as entirely to degrade him.

EPISCOPUS VIII.

Cuthbert, from whoſe piety and exemplary life the church derived great honour as well as riches, calls for particular attention. The cloiſter of Mailroſs was honoured with his initiation to a religious life, the pious Eata was his preceptor, and induced him to become a member of the houſe of Lindisfarn. A happy viſion which had been revealed to Cuthbert, § [123] whilſt he tended his flocks on the mountains, firſt warmed his mind with that religious fervour which prompted him to a monaſtic life. He was received into the fraternity of Mailroſs at an early age, poſſeſſing a graceful perſon,* an emphatic and clear expreſſion, poignant wit and [124] eloquence, and engaging manners: with ſuch natural advantages, it is not to be wondered that his doctrines were perſuaſive, or rather irreſiſtible. [125] For twelve years he governed the priory of Lindisfarn, where he lived an exemplary life for piety and ſelf-denial, and never ceaſed [126] his exhortations to religion and virtue, frequently taking journies into the deſert and mountainous parts of the country, to inſtruct and convert [127] the moſt barbarous of the inhabitants. At length conceiving that the luxury or eaſe of a monaſtic life afforded too ſelfiſh enjoyments, to [128] allow his ſpirit due attendance on contemplations and the ſervice of the Deity, he retired from Lindisfarn, and commenced the life of an [129] Anchorite, in the largeſt of the Farne Iſlands, laying oppoſite to Bambrough, and within ſight of Lindisfarn, being diſtant from thence about two leagues.* He built a cell with a ſmall oratory, and ſurrounded it with a wall, which cut off the view of every object but heaven. He could not have choſen a place better adapted to a life of mortification and ſeverity than this iſland; the ancient deſcription of it is horrible, ſeated near a ſtormy coaſt, ſurrounded by rocks, over which the ſea breaks inceſſantly with great tumult, deſtitute of freſh water, without tree for ſhelter, or fruit-bearing ſhrub, or where withal to ſuſtain human life; and worſe than all, ſaid to be poſſeſſed by devils. But the happy and miraculous change which took place, on Cuthbert's taking up his ſolitary reſidence there, is too ſingular to eſcape obſervation:§ the flinty rock bubbled with fountains of freſh water, the once barren ſoil with prolific abundance brought forth grain, trees and ſhrubs [130] bearing fruit decked the ſmiling ſhores, the troubled waters clapped their hands for joy, the plains aſſumed a mantle of green embroidered with flowers, the evil ſpirits were bound in eternal darkneſs, and angels of light communed with the Anchorite. Such are the records of the religious of thoſe ages.* Credis huic quod dicat?

This life of ſeverity excited the reverence and admiration of thoſe ages of ignorance. Whether enthuſiaſm alone could determine the human mind to ſuch undertakings, or there was a degree of pride mixed in the influenza, I cannnot determine. The vices of thoſe times, I preſume, were not attended with ſuch degrees of deſpair as are unknown to us; the inducements muſt have been more complicated than the outward countenance of piety expreſſed. How different the manners of the religious of the ſame church in modern times. ‘An ambitious or hypocritical religious, who makes a profeſſion of humility, whilſt he is puffed up with pride; a man meanly clad, and who only ſeeks after riches; a pretender to devotion, who gives himſelf out as a ſervant of God, while he is no more than a ſlave to his paſſions, is a monſter both in church and ſtate.’‘Every intriguing Monk or Friar, who thruſts himſelf into families, for the purpoſe of prying into ſecrets, regulating marriages or wills, is as deſpicable as he is dangerous.’— Theſe are the liberal ſentiments of the immortal Ganganelli, Pope Clement XIV. whoſe works have placed the Romiſh church in a more amiable point of view, than it has appeared in ſeveral paſt ages.

I have frequently ruminated on man's ſeveral affections, and this ſeverity of St. Cuthbert's reſtores to my memory ſome diſtant ideas. I have always conſidered Friendſhip as comprehending the moſt excellent feelings of the human heart: how a ſocial and generous-minded man could live without the enjoyment of friendſhip, and totally withdraw himſelf from all attachments with the world, is to me truly a ſeverity little to be comprehended. I preſume the Saint muſt have held the [131] very argument Mr Hume * adopts to account for the auſterities of ſuperſtitious men. ‘Nor is it ſatisfactory to ſay, that the practice of morality is more difficult than that of ſuperſtition; and is therefore rejected. For, not to mention the exceſſive pennances of the Bachman's and Talaponis; it is certain, that the Rhamadan of the Turks, during which the poor wretches, for many days, often in the hotteſt months of the year, and in ſome of the hotteſt climates in the world, remain without eating or drinking from the riſing to the ſetting ſun; this Rhamadan, I ſay, muſt be more ſevere than the practice of any moral duty, even to the moſt vicious and depraved of mankind. The four Lents of the Muſcovites, and the auſteries of ſome Roman Catholicks, appear more diſagreeable than meekneſs and benevolence.

‘Perhaps, the following account may be received as a true ſolution of the difficulty. The duties which a man performs as a friend or parent, ſeem meerly owing to his benefactor or children; nor can he be wanting to theſe duties, without breaking through all the ties of nature and morality. A ſtrong inclination may prompt him to the performance: a ſentiment of order and moral obligation joins its force to theſe natural ties: and the whole man is truly virtuous, is drawn to his duty, without any effort or endeavour. Even with regard to the virtues, which are more auſtere, and more founded on reflection, ſuch as public ſpirit, filial duty, temperance, or integrity; the moral obligation, in our apprehenſion, remove all pretenſion to religious merit; and the virtuous conduct is deemed no more, than what we owe to ſociety and to ourſelves. In all this, a ſuperſtitious man finds nothing, which he has properly performed for the ſake of his Deity, or which can peculiarly recommend him to the divine favour and protection. He conſiders not, that the moſt genuine method of ſerving the Divinity, is by promoting the happineſs of his creatures. He ſtill looks out for ſome more immediate ſervice of the Supreme Being, in order to allay thoſe terrors, with which he is haunted. And any practice, recommended to him, which either ſerves to no purpoſe in life, or offers the ſtrongeſt violence to his natural inclinations; that practice he will the more readily embrace, on account of thoſe very circumſtances, which ſhould make him abſolutely reject it. It ſeems the more purely religious, becauſe it proceeds [132] from no mixture of any other motive or conſideration. And if, for its ſake, he ſacrifices much of his eaſe and quiet, his claim of merit appears ſtill to riſe upon him, in proportion to the zeal and devotion which he diſcovers. In reſtoring a loan, or paying a debt, his Divinity is in no wiſe beholden to him; becauſe theſe acts of juſtice are what he was bound to perform, and what many would have performed, were there no God in the univerſe. But if he faſt a a day, or give himſelf a ſound whipping; this has a direct reference, in his opinion, to the ſervice of God. No other motive could engage him to ſuch auſterities. By theſe diſtinguiſhed marks of devotion, he has now acquired the divine favour; and may expect, in recompence, protection and ſafety in this world, and eternal happineſs in the next.’

But I will quit this review, to return to the more intereſting features of Friendſhip.

If we compare Friendſhip to the other affections of man, we ſee Love has a powerful influence on the human heart; but its bounds are confined, and its concluſions ſelfiſh; it has but one object to poſſeſs: its attachments are rigorous indeed, but full of prejudice; and its whole influence centers in an Egoity, wherein generoſity and honour loſe much of their luſtre.

Gratitude is an excellent operation of the ſoul; our obligations are therein duly eſtimated: it is a confeſſion of our former indigence; and ſelf-importance is refined by ſuch humiliation: it depends on the compariſon which is drawn, between our own wants and the bounty received. Gratitude is a branch of moral honeſty, a confeſſion of the debt of obligation.

Yet Friendſhip is abundantly ſuperior to Love and Gratitude; it is an affection of the heart, in which Benevolence preſides: it is accompanied by an openneſs of mind, wherein Generoſity and Honour are exemplary, without ſelfiſhneſs, or price, or conſideration of reward. In Friendſhip, the boſom is expanded and elated; ſecrecy, guile, and concealment are expelled; and probity, truth, and virtue reign in their place. There is an energy in Friendſhip, to which every faculty contributes: it fires the ſoul with fervour, and fills the heart with gladneſs. You act therein, from the ſame principles, as would conduct your own neareſt and moſt momentous affairs: it is that divine perfection, to which we are [133] peculiarly exhorted: Love your neighbour as yourſelf. With our friend all diſguiſe is thrown off; the political guiſe of politeneſs, which maſks ſincerity, is taken away; the heart leaps with affection; the eyes gaze with rapture, approbation, and eſteem; the countenance glows with expreſſions of delight; the boſom is unlocked, the treaſures of the boſom are thrown abroad; you fear no treachery, you are open and confident; you communicate with the ſame joy you receive inſtruction, and all is pleaſure.

Such were the feelings my youth experienced in the poſſeſſion of a friend. How often hath the young mind hung enraptured in the aſſociation of my friend. The cordiality that then took place was as dear as life. Riper manhood hath retained the whole, though in a graver degree.

I think I hear the Saint reply, ‘the warmth of our ſociability freezes up with declining youth, our cordiality cools as age advances, and our openneſs of heart decreaſes, as the frauds of mankind, and diſappointments of life, advance upon experience: we grow afraid of the hidden dangers our confidence hath often prompted; and we gradually treaſure up in our memories, the leſſons of example, and the inferences of experience; which, like the ſepulchres of the dead, only remind us how many friends are departed, how many diſaſters are incident to life, how little dependence there is on man, and how vain is all human confidence in the things of this world.’

If ſuch is the conſequence of age; if the delightful taſte of Friendſhip paſſeth away; I will cling to the departing footſteps, I will graſp at the ſacred verge, from whence to fall, is to depart from the firſt, and the fineſt enjoyment of human life; the only poſſeſſion on earth, which gives an idea of the communion of angels.

To return to our Saint. He was elected by the Synod of Aln, * but reluctant to aſſume the epiſcopal dignity, rejected the nomination, and refuſed to quit his cell and auſterities, until Egfrid himſelf, attended by all the religious and great perſonages of his realm then preſent, reſorted [134] to his iſland, and on their knees, with tears and ſupplications, in the name of God, won his conſent to take upon him this Epiſcopacy.*

Thus, after nine years continuance of a ſolitary life in the Iſle of Farne, was this pious man induced to aſſume an epiſcopal duty. He was conſecrated at York on the 7th day of April, being Eaſter day, in the year 685, and in the 11th of the reign of King Egfrid. The King was preſent at this ceremony, with ſeven Biſhops. He was firſt made Biſhop of Hexham, and thence tranſlated to Lindisfarn, in the place of Eata, who was removed to Hexham. On this occaſion Egfrid, with the Metropolitan Theodorus, in teſtimony of their love and reverence for this holy Prelate, gave to the church of Lindisfarn all the land from the walls of the church of St. Peter, in York, to the weſt gate of the city, and from the ſame church to the city wall on the ſouth; alſo the village of Craike, with territories there not leſs than three miles in circuit, that the Biſhops might have a houſe of reſt as they ſhould paſs to [135] and from York;* and alſo added Carliſle, with a large diſtrict, to this See.

Some ſhort time preceding the conſecration of St. Cuthbert, the monaſtery of Coldingham was conſumed by fire. The religious ſociety of this houſe conſiſted of Monks and Nuns, who occupied ſeparate parts of the edifice; but the ſeverities of a devoted life, and the ſtrict rules profeſſed in ſuch ſocieties, were not ſufficient to prevent a ſhameful relaxation of diſcipline, and many groſs abuſes and enormities took place; inſomuch, that the deſtruction of this ſtately edifice was regarded as a judgment, for the crimes and pollutions of its inhabitants. The monaſtery of Lindisfarn looked upon the event with religious horror, and ſoon after Cuthbert was made Biſhop, he forbid the approach of women to the convent, and even denied them acceſs to the church where the Monks performed their devotions: he cauſed a ſmall chapel to be erected in a diſtant plain on the iſland for the reception of the female ſex, from its ſituation taking the name of Greenchurch. From thenceforth the women were excluded the churches or cemeteries where St. Cuthbert's body reſted; and ſome miraculous puniſhments are related which attended infringements on this injunction. In the cathedral church at Durham the pavement is diſtinguiſhed by a croſs of black marble, beyond which women were not allowed to advance towards the choir.

Cuthbert enjoyed his change of life and dignities but a very ſhort time, for within two years finding his health declining, and his mind being by habit tempered more for ſolitude and ſilence than the duties of this high office, he reſigned the See, and returned to his cell in Farne, [136] where he ſurvived only two months, yielding his ſpirit to God on the 20th day of May, 687, in the 53d year of the creation of the See of Lindisfarn, and 37 years after he had aſſumed the monaſtic habit at Mailroſs. * His body was brought from Farne to be interred at Holy Iſland, where his remains were depoſited with great funeral pomp, firſt in the cemetery of the old church, and afterwards on the right ſide of the high altar, on the cathedral's being rebuilt: and for his exemplary piety and virtue, the church enrolled him in the table of Saints.

On St. Cuthbert's death, Wilfrid Biſhop of Hexham held the See of Lindisfarn for one year only: he was ſucceeded by

EPISCOPUS IX.

Eadbert, a learned man of exemplary life and piety, and of a moſt humane and charitable diſpoſition. His cuſtom was to remit all tithes to the poor. He re-erected the church of Lindisfarn, and covered it [137]

Figure 1. LINDISFARN

with lead; of which edifice the preſent remains have been deſcribed in page 111, &c. He held the See ten years, and departing this life in the year 698, was interred near St. Cuthbert's body.*

EPISCOPUS X.

Egfridth, or, as ſome authors write him, Eadfrid next poſſeſſed the See, a Monk of Lindisfarn, one of the moſt learned men of his time. [138] He tranſlated the Goſpels into Latin; which work after his death was highly decorated by his ſucceſſor with gold and jewels: Bilfrid, an Hermit, illuminated it with various paintings and rich devices; and Adred, a Prieſt, interlined it with a Saxon verſion. This curious work is now depoſited in the Britiſh Muſeum, in the Cottonian collection.* Under this learned Prelate's patronage, the venerable Bede wrote the Life of St. Cuthbert. Bede preſumed to remonſtrate to his friend, for his neglect of the duties of his high office; for though he had, early after his coming to the See, through his high veneration of the memory of St. Cuthbert, repaired and beautified his little oratory on Farne, yet he did not ſo cloſely follow his exemplary life, as Bede conceived he ſhould have done for the honour of religion; whereupon he took upon him to dictate manners to the Prelate. The letter wrote on this occaſion, was ſaid to be the means of Egfridth's attending more ſtrictly to his ſtudies; and from that time he tranſlated a great part of the Goſpels into the Saxon language, for the eaſier communication to the people. Bede's maxims were, I doubt not, well adapted to the age; and they ſtill are not inſignificant to the Prelates of more modern and learned times. The ſubjects of this expoſtulation, were chiefly the importance of a Biſhop's duty, and the greatneſs of the charge which he had aſſumed: he entreated him to recognize the divine commiſſion, as being the ordination of the great miſſionary of heaven: that he ſhould rebuke the proud in the vanity of their high ſtation, and inſtruct them in the duties of humiliation: that they ſhould not erect churches for the ſake of popular admiration and worldly honour, but as works of piety only, for the propagation of religion and virtue: that he ſhould viſit his Clergy, and reprove or lop off thoſe branches which were contaminated [139] with the vices of the age: and that his leiſure hours ſhould be appropriated to acts of devotion and ſtudy, and not ſacrificed to pleaſures, luxuries, and indolent eaſe. Egfridth was Biſhop for 24 years: he departed this life in 721, and was buried at Lindisfarn.

EPISCOPUS XI.

Ethelwold Abbot of Mailroſs ſucceeded to this Biſhopric.* He was an intimate friend of St. Cuthbert. His epiſcopacy was famed for the abdication of King Ceolwolfe, who quitted the throne, to take upon him the monaſtic habit at Lindisfarn, where he died A. D. 764. His body, after ſome years ſepulture, was tranſlated to Norham; and from thence his head was removed to the cathedral church in Durham. Ceolwolfe gave great poſſeſſions to the See of Lindisfarn. § Ethelwold made [140] a ponderous crucifix of ſtone, inſcribed with his name, which afterwards attended the body St. Cuthbert in its journeyings. This is remarked by Hiſtorians to be the firſt crucifix that was erected in the dioceſe: it was brought to the cathedral of Durham with the remains of St. Cuthbert, and placed in the century yard. This Prelate died in the year 740, and was ſucceeded by

EPISCOPUS XII.

Cynewolf, who was elected the ſame year. His epiſcopacy was attended with innumerable troubles: King Egbert accuſed him of being acceſſary to the death of Offa, * a perſon of the royal line, who had taken refuge in the church of St. Cuthbert. Some authors ſay, that his refuſing to give up the aſſaſſin gave the ſuſpicion of his being privy to the crime. The Biſhop was impriſoned at Bebbanburgh, now called Bambrough, where he remained in cloſe durance for a conſiderable time. After his reſtoration, being exhauſted with age and affliction, he reſigned the See, and died A. D. 783, having ſpent the latter days of his life in acts of the ſtricteſt piety and devotion.

EPISCOPUS XIII.

[141]

Higbald, who had officiated during Cynewol's impriſonment, ſucceeded to the See. During his epiſcopacy, on the 7th of June, 793,* [142] the Barbarians from the north made a deſcent upon this iſland, and not only ſeized the cattle, but alſo deſtroyed the monaſtery, pillaged the church, and inhumanly butchered many of the inhabitants; among whom ſeveral of the Eccleſiaſtics fell. Theſe heathens rejoiced in defiling the ſacred things, overturning the altars, and ſpoiling the hallowed ſhrines of their relics and ornaments. They were not informed of the chief treaſure, the body of St. Cuthbert, which remained undiſturbed; and to which, after their retreat, ſeveral of the Monks returned. The epiſcopal ſeat ſtill continued here for ſeveral years after this invaſion.* All theſe misfortunes, according to the legends of thoſe days, were ſome ſhort time before portended to the inhabitants, by dreadful ſtorms of thunder, and a horrid convulſion in the aerial regions; during which fiery ſerpents were obſerved flying and winding through the tempeſt.

The Biſhop with ſome few of the Monks eſcaped the maſſacre; and eleven years after this cataſtrophe, Higbald, having been Biſhop 22 years, departed this life in the year 804: to whom ſucceeded

EPISCOPUS XIV.

Egbert, whoſe epiſcopacy furniſhes hiſtory with nothing memorable, though it continued 18 years. He died A. D. 821, and was ſucceeded by

EPISCOPUS XV.

[143]

Heathured, who held the See in peace nine years;* and to whom ſucceeded

EPISCOPUS XVI.

Egfrid or Egrid, a perſonage of noble birth and enlarged mind, ſtrenuous in good works: he greatly contributed to the honour and opulence of the church of St. Cuthbert: he built the church of Norham, and dedicated it to St. Peter, St. Cuthbert, and the royal St. Ceolwolf: he gave to the See of Lindisfarn, Gedword, the church and village which he had built at Gainford, and all his poſſeſſions between Tyne and Tees, together with his eſtates at Cliff and Wyckliff in Yorkſhire, and Billingham in Heortneſs. He was Biſhop of this See 16 years, departed this life A. D. 845, and was ſucceeded by

EPISCOPUS XVII.

Eanbert, whoſe epiſcopacy, of eight years continuance, affords the Hiſtorian no memorable matters. He died in 854, and was ſucceeded by

EPISCOPUS XVIII.

Eardulf, whoſe poſſeſſion of this See is marked with peculiar misfortunes, among which was the ſecond deſcent of the Danes. § This invaſion [144] happened in the 17th year of the reign of Osbert King of Northumberland. By ſome authors it is aſcribed to the reſentment of Bruern Brocard, a Northumbrian Nobleman. King Osbert having come to Bruern's caſtle in his abſence, was moſt courteouſly received and entertained by his Lady, of whom he became enamoured; and in defiance of all the principles of humanity, hoſpitality, and juſtice, conſtrained her to receive his embraces. Bruern on his return being informed of the irreparable injury and diſgrace he had ſuſtained by this royal rape, went to court, attended by his kindred and dependents, and ſolemnly renounced his allegiance, and the lands he held of the King: then taking his paſſage immediately to Denmark, he fell at the feet of King Guthred, to whom Bruern was related, deſcribing his injury in ſuch pathetic terms, and uttering his grief with that energy, that the Daniſh Monarch readily hearkened to his requeſts, fitting out a powerful fleet and great army for the coaſts of Northumberland, under two Generals who were brothers, Inguar and Hubba. Matthew of Weſtminſter ſays, the principle view of this Daniſh expedition, was againſt the dominions of Edmund King of the Eaſt Angles, who was falſly charged with putting to death the father of the Daniſh chieftains, who had been aſſaſſinated by an exiled traitor. They had propoſed to land, this author ſays, on the coaſts of Edmund's kingdom, but by contrary winds being driven northwards, they landed at Berwick upon Tweed. The convent of Coldingham having been reſtored after a former conflagration, was then poſſeſſed, it is ſaid, by Nuns, under an Abbeſs called Ebba, of royal blood. She dreading the barbarities theſe invaders exerciſed in their former deſcent, on all ranks of religious, in an aſſembly of her Nuns repreſenting the hazard their chaſtity was in, communicated a device which ſhe preſumed would preſerve them from theſe violators. Without heſitation they vowed that her rules ſhould be ſtrictly obſerved. Forthwith ſhe drew out a razor, and as an example, with the greateſt fortitude, cut off her noſe and upper lip: ſhe was followed by the whole ſiſterhood. When the Danes entered the convent in the morning, they were ſhocked with the horrid ſpectacle, and diſappointed in their luſts, ſet fire to the edifice, wherein the Abbeſs with all her whole convent [145] were conſumed.* This is the ſtory of Matthew of Weſtminſter; but other authors, whoſe relations are attended with greater probability, fix the place of this Daniſh deſcent at the mouth of the Humber, from whence the invaders marched to York. Osbert at their approach led forth a powerful army, and engaged them near the city, where he fell amongſt the ſlain, and his troops were totally routed. Aella, who had held a conflict of five years for the kingdom of Northumberland with Osbert, under the ſupport of Bruern and his allies, is ſaid upon the Daniſh invaſion to have come to a compromiſe with Osbert, and joined with him againſt the common enemy; and that in the battle, he alſo fell with Osbert. This account gains greater credit than that of Bruern's application to the Danes; and it ſeems moſt probable, the object of this invaſion was no other than rapine and plunder. The Danes after this victory, having laid waſte the country between York and the Tyne, made Egbert King of Northumberland, north of Tyne, to hold his Crown as their dependent: Being afterwards employed in expeditions againſt the ſouthern parts of this iſland, the Northumbrians dethroned this vaſſal King, and gave the Crown to Ricſig. Not long after this the Daniſh King embarking his troops in ſome of the ſouthern counties, ſailed for the mouth of Tyne, and landed at the town of Tynemouth, where he wintered, it being too late in the year to attempt any thing againſt the Northumbrians. On the opening of the ſpring they began their ravages on this unfortunate country, and marked their progreſs with unequalled barbarities: Lindisfarn was the object of their peculiar wrath—the chriſtian religion their moſt inveterate averſion. The Biſhop of Lindisfarn, [146] with Eadred the Abbot, on the approach of the Danes, left the iſland, carrying with them the remains of St. Cuthbert, and the moſt valuable of their riches and ſacred things. This deſertion of the monaſtery of Lindisfarn happened in the 22d year of Eardulf's epiſcopacy, 241 years after the foundation of the See by Oſwald and Aidan, and 189 years after the death of St. Cuthbert. Theſe Eccleſiaſtics flying from the fury of the invaders, wandered from one hiding-place to another with their hallowed burthens, of which even the ſtone crucifix of Ethelwold made a part, for ſeven continued years: at length reſting at Cheſter-le-ſtreet, in the county of Durham.*

With the ſacred remains of the Saint, the Biſhopric was removed from this iſland to Cheſter; and whilſt ſettled there, this Biſhop, A. D. 883, annexed thereto the vacant Biſhopric of Hexham, which had been without a Paſtor 63 years, from the time of Tidfrith's reſignation. Eardulf continued the remainder of his epiſcopacy at Cheſter in peace, and died in the year 900, having been Biſhop 46 years.

[147]Soon after the deſertion of Lindisfarn, the monaſtery was deſtroyed, and the church diſmantled: but afterwards there was a cell of Benedictine Monks eſtabliſhed here, who were ſubordinate to the Priory of Durham. The annual revenues were valued at 48l. 18s. 11d. by Dugdale, and 60l. 5s. by Speed. 26 King Henry VIII. in the 33d year of the ſame reign, the poſſeſſions were granted to the Dean and Chapter of Durham.*

There is a legendary tale, that Guthred received from St. Cuthbert a ſingular mark of protection, on an invaſion of the Scots, who had in their progreſs trampled on the remains of ſeveral religious houſes, and threatened the utter demolition of Lindisfarn. When the Scotch army was drawn up in array, and ready for action, the earth opened, and in an inſtant ſwallowed their tens of thouſands.

As the future ſucceſſion of Biſhops is in no wiſe pertinent to this work the See of Lindisfarn being tranſlated from this iſland, and never reſettled there, I muſt take my leave of that rich and powerful epiſcopacy; but cannot refrain mentioning ſome few circumſtances which happened to the wandering bones of Cuthbert.

In 995, the Danes again afflicting the Clergy, who had been ſettled at Cheſter for near a century, they took up the holy relics, and fled with them to Ripon in Yorkſhire: where remaining till the ravagers again quitted the country, and preſuming it a proper ſeaſon for their return to Cheſter, on their way, by a miraculous power, they were ſtayed at Wardelaw, a hill near the ſea coaſt, within about eight miles of Durham, where, in a viſion, Eadmerus, one of their pious attendants, had a revelation, that at Dunhelmus the ſacred relics ſhould reſt for ever: a ſituation fortified by nature, being a lofty eminence, ſurrounded by the river Wear, overgrown with a thick entangled grove, in the [148] center of which was an open though concealed plain of cultivated land, which offered its ſequeſtered boſom for their religious repoſe.*

The remains of St. Cuthbert reſted here till the year 1069, when the the Northumbrians with other northern powers rebelling againſt the Norman King William, he entered the city of Durham, and laid it waſte [149] with fire and ſword; the church being miraculouſly preſerved by the ſudden ſpringing up of an eaſtern breeze.* Such was the horrid devaſtation made on this occaſion, that the whole territories of York and Durham are ſaid to have lain waſte and uncultivated for nine years.

The Eccleſiaſtics hearing of his horrid approach from York, fled from the enraged ſword of the Conqueror, and ſought the iſland of Lindisfarn as their refuge, bearing with them the holy relics of their Saint. They reſted the firſt night at Gyrum or Jarrow, the ſecond at Belinghum, the third at Inghala, now Ellingham; and now preparing to paſs over to the iſland, at the approach of night, they found the tide at height, and the ſea, which flows over the neck, in width about half a league, which interſects Lindisfarn from the main land, was then impaſſable. The ſeverity of the ſeaſon, it being midwinter, and the perils of the night greatly diſtreſſed the Eccleſiaſtics: but to their tears and prayers, the God of Nature, through his abundant favour to the pious adherents of the Saint, reverted his ordinary rules; and behold the ſea fled backwards, and gave paſſage to the holy labourer's dry foot. The Saint's bones reſted a very ſhort time; for on the re-eſtabliſhment of peace, on the 8th of April, 1070, the ſacred remains were reſtored to the church of Durham, where they have ſince reſted, and will reſt for ages.

[150]The catalogue of holy remains which Symeon ſays were tranſlated from Lindisfarn with the body of St. Cuthbert, is not unworthy obſervation: The head of the holy Martyr St. Oſwald.—Part of the bones of St. Aidan, who founded the monaſtery; the reſt being carried away by Colmannus into Scotland.—The bones of Eadbert, Eadfride, and Ethelwold. —To theſe, from Leland's Collect. we muſt add, the remains of Eata, Ceoluui [...]phus, and Oildiauldus, an Anchorite.

Aidan's monaſtery at its foundation was under the government of the Biſhops, and his Eccleſiaſtics, of the cathedral Clergy.

In the year 941, this iſland ſuffered greatly by the ravages of war.* In 1061, under Malcolm King of Scotland, the inhabitants were again diſtreſſed.

In the treaty entered into by King Stephen with David I. King of Scotland, A. D. 1139, when the Earldom of Northumberland was ſettled on Prince Henry, David's ſon, it was eſpecially excepted, that the power of the Prince ſhould in no wiſe extend to the lands of St. Cuthbert, or thoſe of St. Andrew in Hexhamſhire.

[151]Holy Iſland was the retreat of William de Sancta Barbara: during part of the time, William Cuming, Chancellor of King David I. of Scotland, held the See and Caſtle of Durham, in confidence that by the ſupport and influence of his Sovereign and many confederate Barons of the Biſhopric, he ſhould obtain his election to the See. William on the 18th of October, A. D. 1144, was inſtalled Biſhop, after Cuming had held poſſeſſion near four years.*

We continued upon the iſland ſo long, in reviewing theſe venerable remains, as almoſt to forget we had yet to viſit many ſcenes in this county, as worthy the obſervation of the Antiquarian and Traveller, as thoſe preſent to us: and we calculated our departure ſo ill, that the tide had begun to return, before we entered upon the ſands. We thought ourſelves ſecure indeed againſt all dangers, by having a Farmer from the neighbouring ſhore for our guide, who had brought over butter that morning for the inhabitants. The tide approached in a ſingular manner, not flowing forward in waves, but the water increaſed imperceptably, by oozing through the ſands. At firſt the paſſage ſeemed a tract of wet ſand, but preſently it became a ſhining plain of level water, unruffled by any influx, reflecting in the moſt beautiful manner the variegated landſkips of the adjoining ſhores. Our guide rode upon one of thoſe methodical beaſts, which keeps up an invariable motion with a kind of mechanical exactneſs, in ſpite of every approaching emergency. We expreſſed our anxiety at the increaſing waters, yet not daring to leave our guide, on account of the intercepting gullies, and the apprehenſion of quickſands, of the ſituation and nature of which we were totally ignorant. He was unaltered, except in his dialogue, which now was filled with the circumſtances of a late Traveller's death, who periſhed in the paſſage, wandering on the ſands till he could not extricate himſelf from the ſurrounding floods. This was no pleaſing narrative to us, who were now daſhing through the increaſing waters, up to our horſes girths; our guide's conſtancy of countenance and unmoved mind affording us no very agreeable contemplation. I wiſh to prevent ſtrangers engaging in ſo diſagreeable a project, tho' ours was attended with no other circumſtances than anxiety and impatiency of mind; yet had we attempted to make this paſſage without a guide, it is impoſſible to determine what would have been our lot.

[152]At ſome little diſtance we viewed

HAGGERSTON,

covered with a fine grove. Here is an old tower, memorable for being the place where King Henry II. A. D. 1311, received the homage of Thomas Earl of Lancaſter. This is an ancient manſion of the family of Haggerſtons, whoſe poſſeſſion we find recorded in the eſcheats of King Edward I. the preſent proprietor Sir Carnaby Haggerſton.*

The church of

KYLOE

graces the diſtant proſpect. Kyloe the reſidence of Euſtace de Kiley, in the reign of King Edward I.

FENWICK and BEAL

were alſo in view; the latter of which places, it is ſaid, was for ſome time honoured by the reſidence of, and takes its name from, the famous Iriſh female Saint Begogh.

We approached

BELFORD,

a ſmall town, not ſeated in the moſt fertile ſpot in Northumberland, the country being open and unſheltered. The manſion of Abraham Dixon, Eſq a modern ſtructure of Pane's architecture, ſurrounded with pleaſure grounds and young plantations, greatly ornament the ſcene; but the ſituation is far from eligible, there being none of that rural variety, that elegant ſimplicity, or its reverſe, thoſe wildneſſes in nature, which [153] conſtitute a pleaſing country proſpect. The hills riſe tamely, the incloſures are large and ill wooded, the hamlets are very diſtantly ſcattered, and nothing appears ſingular or attracting upon the whole view, but the Caſtle of Bambrough and the ſea which forms the horizon. Belford was the property of a family of Hepburns, in the reign of King Henry V.

We paſſed from Belford to

BAMBROUGH,

by Budle, once the poſſeſſion of the family of Bowes of Streatlam. Near Budle, at a place called Spindleſton, * is a Daniſh camp, circular in form, and fortified with a triple ditch and vallum. Two mounts are ſeen from it, which appear to be out-poſts, and not Tumuli as ſome writers have conjectured. To the weſtward is another intrenchment, which forms a creſcent, and ſeems not to be the work of the ſame people who had conſtructed the former fortifications. It is defended by a triple ditch and vallum, the interior vallum compoſed of uncemented ſtones, as was the Britiſh cuſtom. This commands a look-out to ſea, and has in view the caſtles of Bambrough and Holy Iſland. Oppoſite to this fortification is a ſquare camp, apparently Roman, called Ulcheſter. The manor of Budle was formerly a member of the Barony of Wooler, and was the poſſeſſion of Sir Robert de Ulcheſter, as appears by the eſcheats of King Edward I. It was forfeited on the attainder of its late owner, Lord Derwentwater, and now makes a part of the appropriations of Greenwich Hoſpital.

Within a mile lies

EDERSTON,

the ſeat of the late John William Bacon Forſter, Eſq which deſcended to him on the extinction of the right line of the family of Forſters, who poſſeſſed it for many ages.

[154]We now reached the

CASTLE of BAMBROUGH,

Figure 2. BAMBROUGH CASTLE

The following remarks, extracted from the ſame work, will not be unacceptable to the reader: ‘The ſtones with which the Keep or great tower is built, are remarkably ſmall, and were taken from a quarry three miles diſtant. From their ſmallneſs it has been conjectured they were brought hither on the backs of men or horſes. The walls to the front are 11 feet thick, but the other three ſides are only nine. The original roof was placed no higher than the top of the ſecond ſtory. The reaſon for the ſide walls being carried ſo much higher [157] than the roof, might be for the ſake of defence, or to command a more extenſive look-out, both towards the ſea and land. The tower was however afterwards covered at the top. Here were no chimneys, the only fire place in it was a grate in the middle of a large room, ſuppoſed to have been the guard room, where ſome ſtones in the middle of the floor are burned red. This floor was all of ſtone, ſupported by arches. This room had a window in it near the top, three feet ſquare, intended to let out the ſmoke. All the other rooms were lighted by ſlits or chinks in the walls, ſix inches broad. The outworks are built of a very different ſtone from that of the Keep, being a coarſe free ſtone of an inferior quality, ill abiding the injuries of weather; taken from the rock itſelf. In all the principal rooms in the outworks there are chimneys, particularly in the kitchen, which meaſures 40 feet by 30 feet, where there are three very large ones, and four windows; over each window is a ſtone funnel, like a chimney open at the top, intended as it is ſuppoſed to carry off the ſteam. In a narrow paſſage near the top of the Keep was found upwards of 50 iron heads of arrows, ruſted together into a maſs; the longeſt of them about 7½ inches. In December 1770, in ſinking the floor of the cellar, the draw well was accidentally found: its depth is 145 feet, cut through the ſolid rock, of which 75 feet is of hard whin-ſtone. In the ſummer of the year 1773, in throwing over the bank a prodigious quantity of ſand, the remains of the chapel were diſcovered, in length 100 feet. The chancel is now quite cleared, is 36 feet long and 20 feet broad; the eaſt end, according to the Saxon faſhion, ſemicircular. The altar, which has been likewiſe found, did not ſtand cloſe to the eaſt end, but in the center of the ſemicircle, with a walk about it, three feet broad, left for the Prieſt to carry the Hoſt in proceſſion. The font, richly carved, is alſo remaining.’

This fortreſs is by Florigelus, Hoveden, and others, attributed to Ida, * and by them eſteemed nearly cotemporary with the riſe of the kingdom of Northumberland: but there are ſufficient grounds to believe that there was a fortreſs here before Ida's time. It is ſaid the ancient name was Bebbanborough, which Camden, from Bede's authority, imagines was [158] borrowed from a Queen Bebba: but the author of the additions to Camden is of a contrary opinion, as in the Saxon authorities it is called [...], implying the royal manſion.* Ida by ſome authors is ſaid to have fortified the rock with a wooden paliſado; but others mention his removing the wooden pale and erecting a wall in its place. On the converſion of the Saxons, the chapel, of which the ruins have been lately diſcovered, was erected within the walls, and dedicated by King Oſwald to St. Aidan. Hoveden, who wrote about the year 1192, ſays, Bebba is a very ſtrong city, but not exceeding large; containing not more than two or three acres of ground. It has but one hollow entrance into it, which is admirably raiſed by ſteps. On the top of the hill ſtands a fair church; and in the weſtern point is a well, curiouſly adorned, and of ſweet clean water.’

It is admitted by all writers that Bambrough is of great antiquity, and was a fortreſs of ſingular conſequence and ſtrength in the early times of the Saxons. It has furniſhed hiſtory with many memorable events.

Penda King of Mercia, ſtill remaining a Pagan, breathed the moſt inveterate hatred againſt the Chriſtians: having obtained a victory over King Oſwald in Shropſhire, in which he treated the royal captive with the moſt ſavage barbarity, like a whirlwind he ruſhed to the deſtruction of his country. In the year 642, having ravaged Northumberland as far as Bambrough, he laid ſiege to it, and not being able to take the place by ſtorm, attempted to burn it, by raiſing huge piles of wood againſt the walls, and ſetting them on fire; but when his machines were fully prepared, and his piles were burning, the wind ſuddenly changed, and blowing a ſtorm, the blazing faggots were carried into his camp, and [159] made a great deſtruction, inſomuch that he was obliged to raiſe the ſiege. This deliverance was aſcribed, according to the ſuperſtition and bigotry of thoſe times, to the prayers of Aidan Biſhop of Lindisfarn, who for the ſake of greater retirement, and an uninterrupted devotion, was then reſident on the Farn Iſland, afterwards famous for the cell of St. Cuthbert. Oſwald's great zeal for the converſion of his people, his bounties to the church, and his ſuffering under the hand of a Pagan conqueror, procured him the immortal honours of a Saint and Martyr. His arms were preſerved as relics in the church at Bambrough, and were believed to remain uncorrupted, through the influence of a bleſſing pronounced on them by Aidan, whilſt doing a ſingular act of charity.*

After the death of Alfred, who had reigned over Northumberland near 20 years, the Crown was uſurped by Eardulph, to the prejudice of Oſred, Alfred's eldeſt ſon, then an infant of the age of eight years. As this act of Eardulph's portended imminent peril to the young Prince, Brithrick, a zealous adherent to Alfred and his family, ſeized the caſtle of Bambrough, where he placed Oſred. It was not long before the Uſurper laid ſiege to the place; but it was ſo well defended, as to baffle all his attempts, and his aſſaults were attended with a ſucceſſion of ill fortune. Whilſt Eardulph remained before the walls, the people in general declared for Oſred, and having levied a conſiderable army, advanced towards the Uſurper, who being informed of this unexpected change in the ſentiments of the people, prepared to raiſe the ſiege and draw off his troops. Brithrick at this inſtant made a vigorous ſally, the adverſaries were thrown into confuſion and ſoon routed, Eardulph was taken priſoner, and immediately executed, and Oſred aſcended the throne of his anceſtors, to the great joy of his ſubjects.

[160]This was the place of Alured's retirement, when he fled from York, to avoid the dangers of civil commotion, having in the ninth year of his reign been deſerted by his family and nobles. He was deſcended of Ida, but through the miſery of thoſe times obliged to abdicate the throne of Northumberland, and ſeek for ſafety under Cynoth King of the Picts.

In the reign of King Egbert this caſtle was the priſon of Cynewolf Biſhop of Lindisfarn: his impriſonment began in 750, and continued for 30 years, being accuſed as an accomplice in a crime, of which ſome authors aſſert he was innocent.

According to Florence of Worceſter, Alred, the ſon of Eardulph, whom Athelſtan expelled, (on the death of Sititric, who married Athelſtan's ſiſter, and was by him raiſed to the Northumbrian throne) in the year 926 ſeized this fortreſs, and made himſelf maſter of the dependent territories, but was ſoon forced to fly before the arms of Athelſtan.

In the deſcent made by the Danes about the year 933, this fortreſs ſuffered greatly, but was ſoon afterwards reſtored, and new works were added. It is ſaid a great booty fell into the hands of theſe invaders, by the reduction of Bambrough.

Waltheof Earl of Northumberland, in his declining years, was diſturbed by an incurſion of the Scots, under Malcolm their King: he retired to this fortreſs, whilſt his ſon Uchtred, a valiant youth, raiſed a few troops to oppoſe the army of the invader. He gained an advantageous poſt, and with great bravery made ſuch an attack upon the undiſciplined Scots, that they were ſoon thrown into confuſion, and after ſuffering a dreadful ſlaughter, made an inglorious concluſion of their invaſion, by a precipitate retreat into their own country. Uchtred did not conduct his ſucceſs with temperance; he ſullied his victory with cruelty, inhumanly ſlaughtering in cold blood, the nobility and officers of rank which were among his priſoners, their heads becoming the horrid furniture of the walls of Durham. King Ethelred overlooked this barbarity, and rewarded his valour by giving him in marriage his daughter Edgiva, with a princely portion; his father reſigning his poſſeſſions to the young hero, the King added thereto the county of York. The ſavage barbarity of thoſe times is ſhocking to humanity; there was ſeldom a victory obtained in the reciprocal depredations made on the [161] borders, but the utmoſt cruelty and undiſtinguiſhed ſlaughter was the conſequence. The warfare itſelf was infamous; for it was no better than robbing by a Banditti commanded by Kings, who ſullied the luſtre of a Crown by impious acts which will for ever remain ignominious in ſtory.

In the year 1015, the Danes again beſieged and took this place, and pillaged it.*

Bambrough is ſaid to have been in good repair at the time of the conqueſt, when it is probable it was put into the cuſtody of ſome truſty Norman, and had additions made to the works; as the preſent area contained within its walls meaſures upwards of eight acres, inſtead of three, as deſcribed by Hoveden

Whilſt Malcolm King of Scotland was carrying his horrid ravages along the banks of Tees, Goſpatric made an incurſion into Cumberland, which the Scottiſh King then held by force of arms; and having laid waſte the country, he returned to Bambrough loaden with ſpoils: but this was ſucceeded by a ſevere revenge, for Malcolm ſoon after entered Northumberland, and after cruel depredations, carried with him a multitude of the inhabitants into ſlavery.

In the reign of William II. A. D. 1095, on the defection of Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, the royal troops laid ſiege to Bambrough, under the command of the Sovereign, the Earl having taken refuge there. The King finding the place impregnable, to diſtreſs the garriſon, and cut off all ſuccours of men and proviſions, he erected a fortreſs in the neighbourhood, according to the art of war practiſed in thoſe days, which was named Malvoiſin, or the bad neighbour, in which he placed a ſtrong garriſon, and drew off the main body of his army ſouthward. The Earl by means of a ſecret correſpondence held with ſome of the [162] garriſon of Newcaſtle, had entertained hopes of making himſelf maſter of that place: with that intent, under covert of the night, he ſet out from Bambrough, accompanied by 30 horſemen, but being obſerved by the garriſon of Malvoiſin, was purſued. When he arrived at Newcaſtle, he found the gates ſhut againſt him, and the garriſon apprized of his intention: he was now reduced to the neceſſity of flying to the monaſtery of St. Oſwin at Tynemouth, where he was beſieged ſix days, and received a wound in his leg; at length he and his followers having retired to the ſanctuary, in defiance of the holy preſcription, were dragged forth, and delivered up priſoners to the King.* His wife, with one Morael, his kinſman and Lieutenant, ſtill held out againſt the beſiegers, and kept the caſtle of Bambrough, in defiance of every aſſault, and every device then practiſed in ſieges. The King, wearied with this unſucceſsful procedure, led forth his priſoner before the walls, and threatened inſtantly to put out his eyes, and give him up to torture, if the garriſon did not ſurrender. Morael, overcome by the threatening calamity which impended on the head of his Lord, capitulated; and for his bravery and ſingular fidelity, the King pardoned his offences, and took him into favour; at the ſame time ſparing the Earl's life, committing him priſoner to the caſtle of Windſor.

[163]In the next reign it was intruſted by King Henry I. to Euſtace Fitz-John, who was diſpoſſeſſed of it and his other employments by King Stephen, jealous of his attachment to Maud, daughter of King Henry I. [164] Irritated at this injury, Fitz-John attached himſelf to David King of Scotland, and levied a great force from his barony of Alnwick, with which he openly joined the Scotch invader. They marched towards Bambrough, and made a regular attack; but ſo far from being able to poſſeſs the place, they only forced an outwork, which had been lately erected, and put to the ſword about 100 of the defenders, by whoſe reproachful ſpeeches they were irritated to the aſſault. After deſtroying the corn, hamlets, and erections in the adjacent country, they marched ſouthward; and in the county of Durham being joined by a large body [165] of forces from Galloway and Cumberland, with King David at their head, they advanced to Northallerton, and ſoon after were defeated at the battle of the ſtandard.

In the conditions of peace made between King Stephen and King David I. of Scotland, it was ſtipulated, that the earldom of Northumberland ſhould be concluſively ſettled on Prince Henry, David's ſon, with all its appendages, except Bambrough and Newcaſtle, which the Engliſh Monarch was to retain on Henry's receiving a compenſation by lands in the ſouth of England. All the Barons within this earldom did homage to Prince Henry for their eſtates, with a ſalvo for the fealty they had ſworn to King Stephen, it having alſo been premiſed, that the laws and cuſtoms eſtabliſhed by King Henry I. in Northumberland ſhould remain in force. This treaty was ratified at Durham, in the month of April, A. D. 1139, in the preſence of Maude Queen of England and a great aſſembly of the Barons of both nations; and thereupon the King of Scotland and his ſon entered into compact for the maintenance of peace with England during their lives; for the obſervance of which Coſpatric Earl of March, Hugh de Morvill, Fergus Mel and Mac were given as hoſtages.

King Henry II. in the third year of his reign, had reſtored to him, by Malcolm IV. King of Scotland, the northern territories which King Stephen had granted to David King of Scotland: and therewith King Henry was put in poſſeſſion of the city of Carliſle, the caſtle of Bambrough, and Newcaſtle upon Tyne. It is preſumed by ſome authors, that David having taken advantage of the broils in which King Stephen was involved, had ſeized the caſtle of Bambrough; as in the treaty when the earldom of Northumberland was reſigned to Prince Henry, this fortreſs and Newcaſtle were expreſsly reſerved to the Crown of England.

In the 16th year of King Henry the Second's reign, ſome great work ſeems to have been added to this fortreſs, as in Madox's Hiſtory of the Exchequer, under the article of Amercements, it appears one William, ſon of Waldef, was fined five marks for refuſing his aſſiſtance in the King's works at Baenburg Caſtle: he was fined alſo 40s. to have a reſpite touching the ſaid works. Perhaps at this time the Keep was built; its great ſimilarity to that of Dover, the work of that reign, makes it at leaſt probable.*

[166]In the time of King Richard I. Hugh Biſhop of Durham held this caſtle, but his power was of ſhort date; for the King being offended at his inſolence, diſſeized him of this place, together with the county of Northumberland, and impoſed on him a fine of 2000 marks.

William Heron, ſon of Jordan Heron, who held a barony in this county by the ſervice of one Knight's fee, as his anceſtors had done from the conqueſt, was in the 32d year of King Henry III. conſtituted Governor of Bambrough Caſtle, and of Pickering and Scarbrough, in Yorkſhire: in which appointments he was ſucceeded in the 37th year of the ſame reign, by John Lexington, Knt. Chief Juſtice of the Foreſts North of Trent.

In 1296, King Edward I. ſummoned John Baliol, King of Scotland to renew his homage at this caſtle; but the proud vaſſal forgetting his fidelity, contemned the command, and levied an army to reſiſt the Engliſh arms, if Edward entered his kingdom. Edward burning with indignation at this inſolence, marched to Berwick, which he took by ſtorm, and put the garriſon to the ſword. From thence proceeding to Dunbar, near which place the Scotch army waited his approach, an engagement enſued, in which the Engliſh were victorious: the field of battle was covered with innumerable carcaſſes, 22,000 Scots, ſome Hiſtorians aſſert, fell that day. Dunbar was taken, and Baliol was made priſoner. The great trophy of this victory, was the ſtone chair in which the Kings of Scotland had been crowned from the earlieſt times. This was the palladium of the Scotch, the loſs of which ſhook the ſuperſtition of the whole empire. This chair was brought in triumph to England, with the King in chains, and was placed in the abbey of Weſtminſter, where it has remained for regal honours ever ſince—a degree of appropriation which nothing but the bigotry and ſuperſtition of that age could have decreed to it in England.*

Iſabel de Beaumont, related to Eleanor Queen of Edward I. ſiſter to Lord Henry Beaumont, and widow of John de Veſey, afterwards wife of John Duke of Brabant, had a grant of this caſtle for her life, on proviſo that ſhe did not marry again. During her poſſeſſion, Piers de Gaveſton, Earl [167] of Cornwall, was protected here from the vengeance of an injured and incenſed nobility. In 1312, he was dragged from the caſtle of Scarbrough, and given up to the hands of his adverſaries.

In the year 1311, this caſtle, on the marriage of the Lady Veſey, was reaſſumed by government, and given to Lord Percy.*

In 1355, Earl Murray being taken priſoner by King Edward III. was committed priſoner to this caſtle, from whence he was removed to Nottingham, and laſtly to Windſor.

It was held for a ſhort time by Roger Heron, a younger ſon of William Heron before mentioned; after which it was conferred on Henry Percy, for his good ſervices in the Scotch wars. In this family it continued for ſeveral ages, and a grant of this caſtle, together with the manor and fee farms of the town, was made to his grandſon for life. In the reign of King Henry VI. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, was Conſtable. During the contention between the King and the Houſe of York, there were divers Governors, according to the party which happened to be victorious. Sir Ralph Grey and John Lord Wenlock were both of them Conſtables for Henry VI. the latter in the 25th year of that King: he nevertheleſs ſided with King Edward IV. and ſerved under him at Towton.

In the ſecond year of the reign of King Edward IV. an inſurrection of the Lancaſtrian party appearing in the North, the King advanced to Northumberland, and at once laid ſiege to the three caſtles of Alnwick, Dunſtanburgh, and Bambrough. Ten thouſand forces inveſted the latter under the command of the Earl of Worceſter, the Earl of Arundel, the Lord Ogle, and the Lord Montecute: the Duke of Somerſet, the Earl of Pembroke, Lord Roos, and Sir Ralph Percy maintained the fortreſs until Chriſtmas eve, when it was ſurrendered. The Lords Pembroke and Roos effected their eſcape, and the Duke of Somerſet and Sir Ralph Percy received the royal pardon. The Queen ſtill ſtruggling againſt the torrents of adverſity, ſuch in the whole, as royalty ſeldom ever experienced, again made head in Northumberland. Sir Ralph Grey ſurprized the caſtle of Bambrough, which was then in the keeping of Sir John Aſtley; and he garriſoned it with Scotch troops: but the battle of Hexham [168] Levels ſoon put a final end to theſe commotions, and gave a concluſive blow to the hopes of the Houſe of Lancaſter. Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Humphrey Nevill were excepted in the general pardon. Nevill ſoon afterwards ſuffered at York, but Sir Ralph Grey knowing his perilous eſtate, held out the caſtle of Bambrough until July. The Lords Montecute and Warwick conducted the ſiege. A tower being beat down by the canon, Sir Ralph received ſuch bruizes by its fall, that he was taken up for dead; and the garriſon diſmayed at the cataſtrophe, immediately ſurrendered. It was Sir Ralph's fate to ſurvive the day, and afterwards to ſuffer death as a traitor at York.

The damages the caſtle had ſuſtained, were not repaired in that or the ſucceeding reigns: King Henry VII. and King Henry VIII. both eſteemed thoſe caſtles as places of refuge only for malecontents. From the time of King Edward IV. there is a total ſuſpenſion of its hiſtory. By the eſcheats of the 10th of Queen Elizabeth, it appears to be in the Crown, with the adjoining caſtle of Dunſtanburgh. Sir John Foſter of Bambrough Abbey, was then Governor of this caſtle. His grandſon, John Foſter, Eſq had a grant of the manor of Bambrough from King James; but in the year 1715, his deſcendant forfeited, and it was purchaſed by his uncle, Lord Crew. *

[169]The town of Bambrough is now reduced to a mean village, no traces of its ſplendour as a royal borough and the ſeat of Kings remaining. It [170] ſent Members to Parliament in the reign of King Edward I.* In King Edward the Third's time it contributed one veſſel to the expedition againſt [171] Calais. The ſhire of Bambrough is of great extent, containing the baronies of Bradford, Vicount, and Muſchamp, formerly a ſeparate franchiſe, and poſſeſſed of certain immunities and privileges now obſolete.

[172]In 1137, during the reign of King Henry I. a Monaſtery was founded at Bambrough, for Canons Regular of the order of St. Auſtin, ſubordinate and as a cell to Noſthell, near Pomfret, in the county of York, valued at the diſſolution, by Dugdale at 116l. 12s. 3d. but by Speed 124l. 15s. 7d. The ſcite of the monaſtery, with its poſſeſſions as parcel of St. Oſwald of Noſthell, were granted to John Foſter, 37 King Henry VIII. as is ſet forth in Tanner's Notitia, p. 392. King Henry gave the churches of St. Oſwald and St. Aidan here to the beforementioned priory.

By licence of King Edward II. an Hoſpital was founded here dedicated to Mary Magdalen.

Leland ſpeaks of a fair college a little without Bambrough. This was a religious houſe founded by King Henry III. for Preaching Friars. Queen Elizabeth, in the ſecond year of her reign, granted the ſcite to Thomas Reeve and Nicholas Pinder.

Bambrough was a very extenſive Deanery, comprehending a tract from Berwick to Kirk Newton, taking in Norham.

The church of Bambrough is a plain ſtructure; there is no great mark of antiquity in the building; when or by whom it was erected is not known. The church within the caſtle walls, I preſume, had Oſwald for its * [173] founder; this edifice ſeems to be of much more modern date. In a nich in the wall is a recumbent effigy of a Knight Templar, the perſonage repreſented unknown. As theſe apertures on the building of churches were deſigned for the tombs of founders or other benefactors, this tomb reduces the antiquity of the church to a late aera; and indeed the whole building has that appearance. Unleſs we conceive the outworks of the fortifications of Bambrough were of great extent, it is not reconcileable that this ſhould be the church founded by King Oſwald.

There are monuments of the Foſter family in this church, but all of inferior date to the before-mentioned grants.*

[174]It is neceſſary in this place to take a particular view of the charity of Lord Crew, who purchaſed the forfeited eſtates of the Foſters.* It is not arrogant to ſay, that his bequeſts have furniſhed the moſt exalted degree of charitable diſtribution, that ever flowed from a private donation in this country.

Lord Crew's will bears date the 24th June, 1720, and he died the 18th of September, in the 88th year of his age, at Stene, the ſeat of his anceſtors, in Northamptonſhire. The appropriations which particularly relate to Bambrough, are the ſole objects of my preſent attention. I cannot deſcribe them to the reader in more expreſſive language, than that of the worthy and learned traveller Mr Pennant; from whoſe works I will ſelect a few ſentences.

‘The caſtle, and the manor belonging it, was once the property of the Forſters; but purchaſed by Lord Crew, Biſhop of Durham, and with other conſiderable eſtates, left veſted in Truſtees, to be applied to unconfined charitable uſes. Three of theſe Truſtees are a majority: [175] one * of them makes this place his reſidence, and bleſſes the coaſt by his judicious and humane application of the Prelate's generous bequeſt. He has repaired and rendered habitable the great ſquare tower: the part reſerved for himſelf and family, is a large hall and a few ſmaller apartments; but the reſt of the ſpacious edifice is allotted for purpoſes, which make the heart to glow with joy when thought of. The upper part is an ample granary; from whence corn is diſpenſed to the poor without diſtinction, even in the deareſt time, at the rate of four ſhillings a buſhel; and the diſtreſſed, for many miles round, often experience the conveniency of this benefaction.’

‘Other apartments are fitted up for ſhipwrecked ſailors, and bedding is provided for 30, ſhould ſuch a number happen to be caſt on ſhore at the ſame time. A conſtant patrol is kept every ſtormy night along this tempeſtuous coaſt, for above 8 miles, the length of the manor, by which means numbers of lives have been preſerved. Many poor wretches are often found on the ſhore in a ſtate of inſenſibility; but by timely relief, are ſoon brought to themſelves.’

‘It often happens, that ſhips ſtrike in ſuch a manner on the rocks as to be capable of relief, in caſe numbers of people could be ſuddenly aſſembled: for that purpoſe a cannon is fixed on the top of the tower, which is fired once, if the accident happens in ſuch a quarter; twice, if in another; and thrice, if in ſuch a place. By theſe ſignals the country people are directed to the ſpot they are to fly to; and by this means, frequently preſerve not only the crew, but even the veſſel; for machines of different kinds are always in readineſs to heave ſhips out of their perilous ſituation.’

‘In a word, all the ſchemes of this worthy Truſtee have a humane and uſeful tendency: he ſeems as if ſelected from his brethren for the ſame purpoſes as Spenſer tells us the firſt of his ſeven beadſmen in the houſe of holineſſe was.’

The firſt of them that eldeſt was and beſt,
Of all the houſe had charge and government,
As guardian and ſteward of the reſt:
His office was to give entertainment
And lodging unto all that came and went:
[176]Not unto ſuch as could him feaſt againe,
And doubly quite for that he on them ſpent;
But ſuch as want of harbour did conſtraine;
Theſe, for God's ſake, his dewty was to entertaine.

That all ſeamen may be informed of the circumſtances of this charity, a printed account is publiſhed under the direction of the Trinity Houſe in Newcaſtle upon Tyne, and which is ſubjoined in the notes.* It is much to be lamented that this example has not induced the benevolent to adopt the plan on the ſouthern coaſts: by which many acts of barbarity might be prevented, and valuable lives ſaved to the public.

[177]The reader will form a perfect idea of the extent of Lord Crew's charity, in a department diſtinct from that of ſeamen under the above deſcription, by the following tables, publiſhed in the Newcaſtle newſpapers.

Annual account of the charitable inſtitution at Bambrough Caſtle, for the relief of ſick and lame Poor, from Oct. 17, 1774, to Oct. 17, 1775.
Remaining on the books Oct. 17, 177465
Out-patients admitted ſince681
In-patients17
 763
Of theſe, diſcharged cured579
Relieved81
Inoculated and recovered9
Dead9
Remaining on the books85
 763
[178]
Account from Oct. 17, 1775, to Oct. 17, 1776.
Remaining on the books Oct. 17, 177585
Out-patients admitted ſince1009
In-patients26
 1120
Of theſe, diſcharged cured928
Relieved73
Sent to the Infirmary at Newcaſtle4
Dead9
Remaining on the books106
 1120
Account from Oct. 17, 1776, to Oct. 17, 1777.
Remaining on the books Oct. 17, 1766106
Out-patients admitted ſince1055
In-patients27
 1188
Of theſe, diſcharged cured1028
Relieved59
Sent to the Infirmary at Newcaſtle1
Dead11
Remaining on the books89
 1188

So extenſive a charity, to flow from a private bounty, is ſingular: men in former ages were canonized for trifling acts of benevolence, compared to this. But although the reſources were given by Lord Crew, yet the diſpoſition was not of his arrangement; to the benevolent heart of the Rev. Dr Sharp, the chief part of the bleſſings derived from his Lordſhip's will is to be attributed. He reſides many months in each year in the caſtle of Bambrough, ſuperintends the works of charity, has his eye open upon every new channel by which he may give relief or conſolation to his ſuffering fellow-creatures. The ſhipwrecked and the diſeaſed are comforted by his viſitation, and the calamities of life [179] are all alleviated by his care. It is an exalted duty; the bleſſed ſpirits of heaven are deſcribed to us as diſpenſing the gifts of univerſal benevolence.

In regard to natural ſtrength, there is not a ſituation in all Northumberland equal to that of Bambrough, or one in any wiſe ſo well adapted to the ancient rules of fortification. From the great tower there is an extenſive ſea and land proſpect; you overlook the whole group of Farn Iſlands; you view the caſtle of Holy Iſland, which from thence makes a very formidable appearance; and on the more diſtant peninſula, you diſcern the town and fortifications of Berwick. On the other ſide, Dunſtanborough Caſtle crowns the neareſt cliffs, behind which a winding ſhore is ſeen, with many little promontories, creeks, and bays, beautifully mingled, and graced with multitudes of ſmall veſſels, laying in their ports or under ſail. The extreme point of view is Tynemouth, whoſe ruined monaſtery gives an obeliſk to terminate the landſkip. All the inland proſpect gradually inclines towards the ſea banks, with many conſiderable ſwells, diſplaying a fine cultivated ſcene to the eye, varied with innumerable villages and hamlets.

THE FARN ISLANDS

poſſeſs little matter of ſufficient conſequence to tempt a traveller to ſea, eſpecially where there is ſo conſtant a ripling and breaking of the waves, as is to be found between them and the continent.* In the month of [180] Auguſt, when we viſited the iſlands, the ſea was tumultuous, making a violent inſet between them and the main land. They are 17 in number, the largeſt and only one we thought worth attending to, is the Houſe Iſland, neareſt to Bambrough, where St. Cuthbert made his reſidence. Mr Pennant viſited them all, and has the following remarks, which, as the work of a very able Naturaliſt, highly merit a place here.*

‘Oppoſite to Bambrough lie the Farn Iſlands, which form two groups of little iſles and rocks, to the number of 17, but at low water the points of others appear above the ſurface; they all are diſtinguiſhed by particular names. The neareſt iſle to the ſhore, is that called the Houſe Iſland, which lies exactly one mile 68 chains from the coaſt: the moſt diſtant is about ſeven or eight miles. They are rented for 16l. per annum: their produce is kelp, ſome few feathers, and a few ſeals, which the tenant watches and ſhoots, for the ſake of the oil and ſkins. Some of them yield a little graſs, and ſerve to feed a cow or two, which the people are deſperate enough to tranſport over in their little boats.’

‘Viſited theſe iſlands in a coble, a ſafe but ſeemingly hazardous ſpecies of boat, long, narrow, and flat-bottomed, which is capable of going through a high ſea, dancing like a cork on the ſummits of the waves.’

‘Touched at the rock called Meg, whitened with the dung of corvorants, which almoſt covered it; their neſts were large, made of tang, and exceſſively faetid.’

‘Rowed next to the Pinnacles, an iſland in the fartheſt group; ſo called from the vaſt columnar rocks at the ſouth end, even at their [181] ſides, and flat at their tops, and entirely covered with guillemots and ſhags: the Fowlers paſs from one to the other of theſe columns by means of a narrow board, which they place from top to top, forming a narrow bridge, over ſuch a horrid gap, that the very ſight of it ſtrikes one with terror.’

‘Landed at a ſmall iſland, where we found the female Eider ducks, at that time fitting: the lower part of their neſts was made of ſea plants; the upper part was formed of the down which they pull off their own breaſts, in which the eggs were ſurrounded and warmly bedded: in ſome were three, in others five eggs, of a large ſize, and pale olive colour, as ſmooth and gloſſy, as if varniſhed over. The neſts are built over the beach, among the looſe pebbles, not far from the water. The ducks ſit very cloſe, nor will they riſe till you almoſt tread on them. The drakes ſeparate themſelves from the females during the breeding ſeaſon. We robbed a few of their neſts of the down, after carefully ſeparating it from the tang, found that the down of one neſt weighed only three quarters of an ounce, but was ſo elaſtic as to fill the crown of the largeſt hat. The people of this country call theſe St. Cuthbert's ducks, from the Saint of the iſlands.’

"Beſides theſe kinds, I obſerved the following.

  • "Puffins, called here Tom Noddies
  • "Anks—here Skouts
  • "Guillemots
  • "Black Guillemots
  • "Little Anks
  • "Shiel Anks
  • "Shags
  • "Corvorants
  • "Black and white Gulls
  • "Brown and white Gulls
  • "Herring Gulls—which I was told ſometimes fed on eggs of other birds
  • "Common Gulls—here Annets
  • "Kittiwakes or Tarrocks
  • "Pewit Gulls
  • "Great Terns
  • "Sea Pies
  • "Sea Larks—here Brockets
  • "Jackdaws which breed in rabbit-holes
  • "Rock Pigeons
  • "Rock Larks

[182] ‘The Terns were ſo numerous, that in ſome places it was difficult to tread without cruſhing ſome of the eggs.’

‘The laſt iſle I viſited was the Houſe Iſland, the ſequeſtered ſpot where St. Cuthbert paſſed the two laſt years of his life. Here was afterwards eſtabliſhed a Priory of Benedictines for ſix or eight Monks, ſubordinate to Durham. A ſquare tower, the remains of a church, and ſome other buildings, are to be ſeen there ſtill; and a ſtone coffin, which, it is apprehended, was that of St. Cuthbert. At the north end of the iſle is a deep chaſm, from the top to the bottom of the rock, communicating to the ſea; through which, in tempeſtuous weather, the water is forced with vaſt violence and noiſe, and forms a fine jet d'eau of ſixty feet high: it is called by the inhabitants of the oppoſite coaſt, the Churn.

The horrible deſcription given of this iſland by ancient authors, before St. Cuthbert bleſſed it with his preſence, is already mentioned.* Here the Saint built himſelf a cell and a ſmall oratory, which he ſurrounded with a wall that cut off his view from every thing but the heavens: thoſe who viſited him, only converſed through a grate, not having acceſs to his preſence. In Bede's Life of St. Cuthbert, we are told the Saint's cell was not the only erection upon the iſland, for there [183] was a larger houſe near the landing place, where the brethren who came to viſit him lodged. After the death of St. Cuthbert, Ethelwold, who took on him the religious habit at Ripon, reſorted to this hermitage, and poſſeſſed it 12 years, ending his life there. Felgild ſucceeded Ethelwold, and in the time of that Hermit, Eadfrid Biſhop of Lindisfarn reſtored from its foundations the oratory of St. Cuthbert, which had gone to ruin. Bede relates, that Felgild was more than 70 years old when he wrote the Life of St. Cuthbert. Beſides the perſons mentioned by Bede, there were other devotees who choſe Farn for the place of their retreat. St. Bartholomew was one, as appears from a manuſcript Hiſtory of his Life in the Bodlean Library, who obtained leave of Lawrence Prior of Durham to go to Farne, where he found one Elwyn in poſſeſſion of the deſirable reſidence, and whoſe religion was not ſufficiently tempered with charity, to induce him to welcome the ſtranger. Bartholomew wrote in this retreat his Farne Meditations, now preſerved in the Durham Library. Thomas * Prior of Durham retired to Farn in the years 1162 and 1163; he had engaged in a controverſy with that arrogant Prelate, Hugh Biſhop of Durham, touching certain liberties which the Monks of that church prompted him to maintain; and who afterwards deſerting him, induced Hugh to procure his depoſition.

On the death of Richard Biſhop of Durham, ſirnamed the Poor, the Monks elected their Prior, Thomas de Melſonby, to the See. The King oppoſed this election, eſteeming him diſaffected to his government, becauſe he had been Prior of Coldingham, and ſworn fealty to the King of Scotland; and there was ſingular danger in having a Biſhop of Durham under any attachment to the King of Scotland, as in right of his See he would poſſeſs places of great ſtrength and importance: more particularly he would hold a large tract of ſea coaſt and many havens, where the ſhipping and troops of France and Flanders might be received. Theſe objections not being eſteemed of ſufficient importance to the Monks, for them to renounce their right of election, or fearing new innovations from regal power, they appealed to the See of Rome; but the meſſengers charged with this matter died in their paſſage, [184] and Melſonby being intercepted as he attempted to leave the kingdom, he reſigned his title to the Epiſcopacy on the 8th of April, A. D. 1240, having conteſted his claim three years. In the year 1244, the King advancing towards Newcaſtle with his army, the Prior was ſtruck with new apprehenſions of danger, as he dreaded reſentment for the conduct he had ſhewn under his election to the See; conſequently he reſigned his office of Prior, and retired to Farn Iſland, where the Hermit Bartholomew then was in occupation of the ſacred cell of St. Cuthbert. Here the Prior ſpent the remainder of his life in devotion and auſterities. He was buried in the cathedral church of Durham, among the Biſhops; and many miracles were ſaid to be wrought at his tomb.*

Alexander II. King of Scotland, confirmed by deed to the Monk Henry, and his ſucceſſors in Farn Iſland, 8s. ſterling, in free alms, to be received annually out of the farm of his mill at Berwick, inſtead of half a chalder of corn, granted to him by the charter of King William.

In commemoration of theſe examples of religious ſeverity, a Priory was founded here, according to Leland, for ſix Benedictine Monks, ſubordinate to Durham, with a revenue of 13 marks from the corporation of Newcaſtle. The endowment at the diſſolution was eſtimated at 12l. 17s. 8d. King Henry VIII. in the 33d year of his reign, granted it to the Dean and Chapter of Durham.

[185]The remains of theſe edifices are very ragged and confuſed, and ſhew little other than marks of ſeverity and inconvenience, notwithſtanding the happy taſte which is denoted in the ſcites of moſt of the religious houſes of the ſame date. A part of a ſquare tower is ſtanding, which was built by one Caſtle, * Prior of Durham, in the beginning of the 15th century: part of the priory is alſo remaining; near which is ſhewn a ſtone coffin, intended to have encloſed the hallowed remains of St. Cuthbert.

Theſe erections are on the beſt part of the iſland; a little lawn ſkirts the edifices, ſurrounded with rugged rocks, from whence iſſues a ſpring of freſh water. Since the departure of the religious, this iſland has returned almoſt to its priſtine ſtate: it conſiſts of a few acres in its whole ſurface, the chief part of which is ſand and rock. A ſcanty herbage takes place indeed in ſome ſpots, eſpecially on the little lawn; but there is neither tree or ſhrub. The ſhore is rocky, and ſounding to the hollow ſea which rolls upon it, ſends forth a horrid howling: the north-eaſt winds blow fiercely here, and every inclemency of weather known to the climate beats on theſe inhoſpitable ſhores, which are tremendous from frequent ſhipwrecks.—There is not a coaſt more likely to give one the idea of ſhoals of wandering ſpirits, who viſit the ſemiſepulta Oſſa, over which they loiter on this ſide Styx, whilſt unfriendly whirlwinds wreck them over with ſand, and forbid the funeral rites for which they languiſh.

We left

ELLINGHAM

on our right hand, the ſeat of one of the Haggerſton family, an ancient barony of the family of Guagy, who poſſeſſed it in the time of King [186] Henry I. as appears by the Teſta de Nevil: it was afterwards the poſſeſſion of the Hetons. * The church was founded by Ralph de Guagy, in the pontificate of Hugh Pudſey, Biſhop of Durham.

We paſſed through

EMBLETON,

the ancient barony of the family of Viſcounts, as is ſhewn by the eſcheats of King Edward I. and the Teſta de Nevil: it is ſaid afterwards to have become annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaſter, and now is the property of the Earl of Tankerville.

Some authors aſſert, that in this pariſh was born Duns Scotus, that learned Sectary, and claim for their evidence his manuſcript works in [187] Merton College, Oxford, in which is an entry to this effect: ‘John Duns born in a certain little village or hamlet, within the "pariſh of Emildon, called Dunſton, in the county of Northumberland."’ In Camden we find his lamentable exit thus mentioned: ‘But he died miſerably, being taken with an apoplexy, and over haſtily buried for dead; whilſt upon return of life, nature (though too late) was about to throw off the violence of the diſeaſe, (and he making a lamentable noiſe calling for help) after he had for ſome time beat his head againſt his coffin, he daſhed out his own brains, and at laſt yielded up his vital breath.’

In our road to Dunſtanbrough, we had a view of

ROCK,

a little village, ſituate on an eminence, commanding a fine proſpect. It was a dependent manor, and member of the barony of Alnwick. The family of Rocks poſſeſſed it in the time of King Edward I. as appears by the eſcheats of that reign.

We now approached the ruins of

Figure 1. DUNSTANBURGH

DUNSTANBOROUGH CASTLE,

which though extenſive, have at a diſtance a ragged and confuſed appearance. Nothing remains but the outworks on two ſides to the land, viz. the weſt and ſouth, which with ſtupenduous cliffs to the ſea encloſe [188] a plain nearly ſquare, conſiſting of about nine acres. The Keep and interior works, if there ever were any, are totally gone, the plough-ſhare having paſſed within the walls.* The rocks to the north are perpendicular, of a columniary form, about 30 feet in height, black and horrible; the ſhore rugged, covered with broken rocks woven over with ſea-weed. From the edge of the ſea cliffs on the north-weſt point, the weſtern wall runs along the brink of an elevated rock; a ſquare tower ariſes near the center of this wall, of a conſiderable height, and of excellent maſonry, placed on a projecting point of the cliff, ſo as to afford to the armed men within a means of flanking the wall with their miſſile weapons; on each corner there was an exploratory turret. This ſeems to be the moſt modern part of the caſtle, built of the beſt materials, and by the ableſt workmen. Where the land riſes to the ſummit of the rock on the ſouth-weſt point, the wall turns and makes a long ſtraight front to the ſouth, as repreſented in the plate: the ground before it is level, and appears to have been aſſiſted by art, to form a more commodious parade for the garriſon. In this front there is a gate-way, built in a very remarkable ſtile, being the great entrance to the caſtle: it is formed by a circular arch, with a portico and interior gate; is defended by two heavy ſemicircular towers uniting with the ſuperſtructure of the gate-way: theſe towers, after riſing about 20 feet, and containing two tiers of apartments, ſupport turrets of a ſquare form, now ſo very rugged and ruinous, as not to allow a conjecture what was their original height. This wall extends to the cliffs on the ſea banks, is guarded by two ſquare baſtions and a ſmall ſally-port, and is terminated by a ſquare tower with a gate-way. On the brink of the cliff to the ſea, on this quarter, appear the remains of a very ſtrong wall; indeed it is probable the whole Area was originally ſo encloſed. The heavy ſeas which break upon the rocks of the north-weſt point have torn them much; and it appears as if the area had been originally of greater extent than at preſent, many ſeparate columns of rock ſtanding near the cliffs, which ſome ages ago may have been joined to the main land. At the ſouth point of the area is the well: near to the eaſtern tower are the remains of a chapel. Immediately below this tower is a gully or paſſage of perpendicular ſides, formed in the rocks, about 60 yards in length and 40 feet deep, where the ſea makes a dreadful inſet, breaking into foam with a tremendous noiſe: the ſpray [189] occaſioned thereby is driven within the caſtle walls. This place is called by the country people the Rumble Churn. The gulph, from the walls of the tower, which I aſcended to obtain the view, has a very awful appearance: you look immediately down upon the abyſs, where, as the tide ruſhes up, the waters are lifted many feet above the common level, riſing towards the walls of the tower, as if they would ſurmount the cliffs and deluge the plain. The breaking of the waves in foam over the extreme point of the rocks, the heavy ſpray, the noiſe of the diſturbed waters, and the groan which echo returns through the deſolated towers, are noble, though tremendous.

The date of this caſtle is fixed by authors to the beginning of the 14th century, Thomas Earl of Lancaſter, General of the confederate army which oppoſed King Edward II. being ſaid to be the founder. He was alſo owner of Pomfret Caſtle, where, after being taken by the King's troops at Burrowbridge, he was impriſoned, and ſoon after decollated as a traitor; though afterwards he was canonized, and the place of his martyrdom took the name of St. Thomas's Hill. He was poſſeſſed of immenſe eſtates, and was the moſt powerful and opulent ſubject in Europe, holding at once the Earldoms of Lancaſter, Lincoln, Salisbury, Leiceſter, and Darby. The King ſat perſonally on his trial, a remarkable circumſtance: he died 25th March, 1322, and was buried on the ſouth ſide of the high altar in the priory church there. Such veneration was paid to his tomb, as the enthuſiaſts waſted on that of Becket. The King of his royal clemency remitted the ſeverities of his ſentence, by which he was condemned to be hanged and quartered, an infamy which ſeldom had fallen on thoſe of royal deſcent, he being grandſon of King Henry III. But ſo fluctuating are human affairs, that the ignominious exit of this Earl, gave exalted honours to his name after his death: he was enrolled in the liſt of Martyrs, was canonized, and his portrait placed among thoſe of ſacred memory in the cathedral of St. Paul's.

[190]In the ſucceeding reign, Henry the brother of the Martyr, obtained from parliament a reverſion of the attainder, and reſtitution of the family honours and eſtates. He held great offices in government, was [191] one of the guardians of King Edward III. by whom he was created Duke of Lancaſter, and on that inveſtiture, had licence to have his chancery within the Dutchy, and iſſue proceſs there. We do not hear of this fortreſs being made memorable by any ſingular conflict, till the unfortunate concluſion of the affairs of King Henry VI. and the total deſtruction of the Roſe of Lancaſter. Queen Margaret perceiving that the French ſuccours were too inconſiderable to induce the Northumbrians to riſe in her favour, made another voyage, and having borrowed a ſum of money and gained a reinforcement of 2000 men, in October, 1462, ſhe landed near Bambrough. Her return with thoſe aids did not yet induce the people of Northumberland to take up arms. Through the treachery of Sir Ralph Gray, the caſtle of Alnwick was ſurrendered to her. Margaret hearing that King Edward was advancing with a numerous army, found it neceſſary again to ſeek refuge in Scotland: to this end ſhe embarked, but a violent ſtorm ariſing, ſhe was in imminent peril, and at length gained the port of Berwick. * Brezè her General, [192] with about 500 of his troops, were ſhipwrecked on Holy Iſland, where they were all ſlain or taken priſoners, except Brezè himſelf, who eſcaped to the Queen in a fiſhing-boat. Edward on his arrival in Northumberland, finding no enemy in the field, laid ſiege to the caſtles of Alnwick, Bambrough, and Dunſtanbrough, the latter of which, after holding out a conſiderable time, was at length taken by ſtorm, and the garriſon made priſoners: after which they diſmantled this fortreſs, and as much as poſſible deſtroyed the fortifications; ſince which time it has lain in ruins. It appears by the eſcheats of Queen Elizabeth, to be in the poſſeſſion of the Crown in that reign; King James I. granted it to the Grays of Wark, and it is now the poſſeſſion of Lord Tankerville.

We paſſed by

CRAISTER,

a neat little manſion, the ancient manor of the family of that name. We find them ſettled here in the reign of King Edward I. as appears by the eſcheats * of that time.

HOWICK

lay to our left, as we paſſed to Alnwick, one of the ancient members of the Barony of Alnwick, the poſſeſſion of the family of Greys. We do not trace this family, in ancient records, to be ſettled here earlier than the reign of King Henry VIII. this being a branch of the ancient Chillingham family. The old tower noted by Leland ſtill remains, being []

Figure 2. ALNWICK CASTLE

[193] kept in good repair, and now forming a part of the manſion-houſe. The church was rebuilt by the 1ſt Sir Harry Grey, though he was not the patron.

We now gained a ſight of the town of

ALNWICK,

and as we approached from the north-eaſt, had a moſt pleaſing proſpect of the palace of the Duke of Northumberland,

THE CASTLE OF ALNWICK.

The ſituation is not naturally elegant, the aſpect being rather confined, and the adjacent lands affording no original beauties. The oppoſite hills riſe tamely, and are not yet brought into ſuch order, as to poſſeſs artificial graces enough, to conceal the want of that variety and beauty, which a traveller wiſhes to find ſurrounding ſo noble a palace. The woody banks of the Aln, with all the wild romantic ſcenes which hang upon her borders, are excluded from the proſpect. The caſtle ſtands upon a fine elevation, riſing gradually from the river, whoſe open banks are turfed and kept in the moſt exact neatneſs under the gardener's ſcythe; but withal, poſſeſſing that trim countenance, given by ſtraight lines and angles, level walks, and ſlopes of a mechanical formality; a [194] garb in which nature doth not look the moſt lovely. The caſtle is a noble ſtructure, rebuilt on the old foundation, and in the Saxon ſtyle; the architect has ſtrictly preſerved the whole modes and ornaments of the original: the battlements are crowded with effigies, according to the taſte of the Normans, in whoſe time it underwent a principal reparation: theſe repreſent men in the act of defence, wielding ſuch arms as were then uſed; ſome of them are diſpoſed with great propriety, the guard of one of the gate-ways is in the attitude of caſting down a mighty ſtone on the heads of aſſailants. The building is of a beautiful free-ſtone, in chiſel'd work; its form is ſingular, being compoſed of a cluſter of ſemicircular and angular baſtions. I cannot, without the ichnography of the place, give the reader a more competent idea of its figure, than by comparing it to a ſection of the cluſtered Saxon pillar in our cathedrals. This edifice ſtands in a ſpacious area, which at the time of its greateſt ſtrength, I preſume, totally ſurrounded it, defended by a compleat circumvallation and a moat; otherwiſe the principal part of the fortreſs would have lain unguarded by any outwork, except a moat. At preſent the front is opened to the north-eaſt, and the wall having towers at proper intervals, ſhuts it in on the other quarters. As we viewed the caſtle on our approach, the walls with its towers formed a noble flanking to the principal ſtructure: to the ſouthward, the garden grounds appeared prettily diſpoſed; to the north and weſt, the town of Alnwick was ſeen ſpreading on the back ground. We lamented the want of ſome of thoſe fine woodlands, and lofty grey rocks, which impend over the Aln, above Alnwick, to give rural and romantic graces to objects ſo imperial, if I may be permitted to uſe the expreſſion, in diſtinguiſhing this noble edifice.

We paſſed over an elegant ſtone bridge, on our approach to the town, the battlements formed of interwoven creſcents: we found the Inn crowded with people of fortune, come from all parts of the county, to pay their compliments to the Duke and Ducheſs,* it being their firſt public day, after their arrival at this palace for the ſummer receſs.

The approach to the caſtle retains much of the ſolemn grandeur of ancient times: the inſcription on the gate-way ſtill legible, ‘Eſperance [195] me comforteth,’ appertained to the arms of the Percies, and was placed there when the repairs were made by that family: the moat is drained, and the ceremony of letting down the draw-bridge is forgot; but the walls which encloſe the area ſtill wear the ancient countenance of ſtrength and defiance. You enter by a machicolated gate, defended by an upper tower, and after paſſing a covered way, approach the interior gate which admits you to the area: this entrance is defended by all the devices uſed in ancient times; iron ſtudded gates, portcullis, open galleries, and apertures in the arching for annoying aſſailants. The ingenious traveller, Mr Pennant, had been out of humour when he viſited this place. We met with all the inconveniences of a noiſy and crowded Inn, with every awkward circumſtance which could befall travellers, who had undergone no little fatigue in purſuing the paths of pleaſure; and yet we could not ſubmit to coincide with that gentleman's ſentiments: ‘You look (ſays he) in vain, for any marks of the grandeur of the feodal age, for trophies won by a family eminent in our annals for military proweſs and deeds of chivalry; for halls hung with helms and hauberks, or with the ſpoils of the chace; for extenſive foreſts and venerable oaks. Ye look in vain for the helmet on the tower, the ancient ſignal of hoſpitality to the traveller, or for the grey-headed Porter, to conduct him to the hall of entertainment. The numerous train whoſe countenances give welcome to him on his way, are now no more; and inſtead of the diſintereſted Uſher of the old times, he is attended by a Valet, eager to receive the fees of admittance.’ I muſt beg leave to pronounce, that though the ſavage ferocity of the feodal ages is taken away, yet not the marks of grandeur: we ſaw no miſerable dungeons filled with captives, no places of execution groaning under their execrable burthen; the towers remain, but without the cry of captivity and torture: Hoſpitality cloathed in princely array, ſits in the hall, diſpenſing with a brow of benignity, mixed with features of the higheſt magnificence, gifts worthy her hand: the Duke and Ducheſs are eaſy of acceſs, and of an affable deportment; their viſitants are happy under their ſmiles, without being awed by their eminence. The attention they pay to the petitions of dependents, is marked with the greateſt benevolence; no vain promiſes are given to ſtill importunity, no hopes are flattered without ſincerity—the ſtricteſt honour attends the moſt trivial actions. A truly great principle diſtinguiſhes theſe noble perſonages; amidſt a happy liberality, there is ſo exact a propriety, and ſuch perfect oeconomy, that no tranſaction paſſes in the houſehold, without a certain rule, and ſingular regularity. The innumerable [196] charities they pour forth, are beſtowed with ſuch admirable propriety, that each perſon relieved at the gate, brings a ticket as an authority to the officer for the diſpenſation of his Lord's bounty; ſo that improper objects cannot deceive, or crafty knaves obtain the portion aſſigned for the relief of the truly neceſſitous and meritorious object. To enumerate acts of benevolence is inconſiſtent with my plan, but ſome are ſo ſingularly worthy the world's attention, that I cannot reſiſt the pleaſure of relating a ſingle tranſaction, which on my hearing it, brought tears of joy into my eyes.

Her grace returning from an airing in her chariot, paſſed through the ranks of people in the gate-ways, who attended to receive a daily diſtribution to the poor. A widow oppreſſed with grievous neceſſity, could not leave her domeſtic employment, or her labour, to attend with her ticket; ſhe entruſted it to her daughter, a girl about ſeven years of age, who took her parent's place at the gate. Her Grace obſerved this girl employed in knitting, whilſt all the reſt of the indigent group ſat with idle hands: ſhe ſent a ſervant to bring the child to her, who received the meſſage with aſtoniſhment and apprehenſion; ſhe followed the meſſenger with trembling ſteps, revolving in her mind the ſuppoſed offences ſhe had committed, and looking with eyes ſwimming in tears on the ill-fated work, ſhe held in her hand, as the cauſe of her Grace's diſpleaſure. Pale with apprehenſion of reproof, ſhe approached the Ducheſs; confuſion and dread were mixed upon her features, whilſt looks of timid innocence lived in her eyes. Her grace perceived the child's diſtreſs, but conceived not the cauſe. When the infant had recollected courage enough to give her the power of expreſſion, ſhe began a faultering and fearful excuſe for the ſuppoſed crime ſhe had committed, in knitting at the gate: a ſmile of divine benevolence aroſe upon the Ducheſs's countenance—ſimplicity and native innocence have great charms —ſhe was won by the child's ſenſibility as well as by her induſtry. The girl was taken from her indigent mother, cloathed and put to ſchool, where ſhe is acquiring thoſe accompliſhments, which one day will advance her above the rank of her humble progenitors.

The inſide of this palace is finiſhed in a moſt ſplendid taſte, every thing (to uſe Mr Pennant's expreſſion) being compleated with ‘an incompatible elegance.’ A particular account of ſuits of apartments, finiſhed and furniſhed in the higheſt manner, would be tedious: the rich variety is for the eye only. The chief deſcriptions I will borrow [197] from Mr Groſe's work; to which gentleman I am bound to pay due acknowledgments for his elegant drawing, from which the preceding plate was engraved by the ingenious artiſt Mr Bailey, who was my fellow-traveller.

A deſcription of Alnwick Caſtle, taken from an ancient ſurvey of divers of the poſſeſſions of the Right Hon. the Earl of Northumberland, made about the year 1567, by George Clarkſon, Surveyor of all his Lordſhip's lands, and other the ſaid Earl's officers, remaining among the evidences of their Graces the Duke and Ducheſs of Northumberland at the ſaid caſtle in 1775.

‘The caſtell of Alnewike ys a verye ancyent large beutifull and portlie caſtle, ſcytewate on ye ſouthe ſide of ye ryver of Alne upon a lytle mote. The circuite therof by eſtimacon about the walles cclxxvj yeards; conteyninge in yt ſelf vxx.xiiij (5 ſcore and 14) roodes. In ye wch ys thre principall wards. And in the utter warde, where ys the entry from the towne, ys a fair gate houſe coverid wth lead, with ij paire of wood gates, and on ether ſyde ys a porter's lodge wth ijo houſe height aboute: which ys now rewynooſe and in decaye, by reaſone the flores of the upper houſe ys decayed, as well in dormounts and joaſts, as in boordes, and very neceſſarie to be repayred. Without wch gayts ther ys a very faire turnepike, dooble battelled aboute, wth a pare of wo [...]le gats in the uttermoſte pte therof. Betwene wch turnpike and the greate gats, yt ſeamythe theer hathe bene a drawe bridge, but yt ys now filled uppe & paved. From the ſaid gathouſe, towards ye north, ys a curtane wall, of lenth vij roods dim. (ſeven & a half) & betwene yt & a towre ſtandinge on ye northe weſt corner, called the Abbots Towre. And in the ſaid courten wall on the inner parte ys a turret covered wth free ſtone, wch ys upon ye wall twoo houſes hight. The ſaid towre, called ye Abbotts Towre, ys of thre houſe hight: ye weſt houſe is the Armorie. From the Aboots towre towards the eaſte ys an other curtaine wall joynige unto the wall of ye dungeon, conteyinge in lenthe xxxijo roods: and in ye ſame as in ye middle, betwixt yt & ye dungeon ys twoo lytle garrets.* From the eaſte moſte garrett havinge a chamber, to the dungeone, ye ſaid wall hathe no battelment to walke upon. On ye other parte of the [198] gate-houſe towarde ye ſouthe ys a curtaine wall of lengthe fortie twoo yeards to a towre called ye Corner Towre. In ye midle betwen ye gatehouſe and the ſaid corner towre ys one garrett in the wall; in the upper parte wherof ys a lytle chamber; the neather parte ſervinge for a buttreſſe to ye wall.’

‘Betwene the ſaid corner towre & the midle gatehouſe, turning eaſte, ys a curtaine wall of length lxx yeardes, in the which ys one towre raiſed of viijth yeards ſquare, of three houſes height, called th' Auditors Towre. The under houſe ys a ſtable, & th' other houſes two fare chambers covered with leade & in good reparacions.’

‘Within the ſaid utter curten ys one houſe, of two houſe height, ſtandinge on the lefte hande at the partinge of ye gate, called ye Checker Houſe, the under houſes ſervinge for lodgings, the upper houſe for a courte houſe; covered wth ſlate and in good raparacions. And in ye ſame courte on th' other hande of the gate, ſtandinge northe & ſouthe, ys a nother houſe for a ſtable of twoo houſe heighte; th' under parte onelie ſervith for ſtables; ye over parte therof ys to be loftede and ſerve for keapinge of graine nowe newlie builded. Another like houſe, a ſtable, ſtandeth on the right hande betwen ye gaits eaſte and weſte, coverid of late wth ſlaits, and in good reparacions.’

‘The gate houſe towre for the mydle gate, is a towre of thre houſe height & in ſome parte iiij houſe height, on the lefte hande one ſtrong priſone & on the right a porter lodge. All the houſes above are lodgings; wherin is conteyned hall, ketchinge, buttrie, pantery and lodginge for a conſtable or other gentlemen to keipe houſe in. From the ſame towre eſt goithe a corteyne wall to the corner towre on the ſouthe eaſt parte, of leinght vxxvij (five ſcore and ſeventeen) yeardes: in the which ys rayſed one towre at th' ende of ye gardnors of thre houſe height, and of lenght — yeardes ſquare. Wherein ys on the grounde a ſtable, the mydle houſe for haye, the overmoſte, a chamber; & betwixt ye ſame, wch ys covered wth leade, and the ſaid corner towre ys rayſed twoo lytle garretts in ye wall; the nether parts ſervethe for butteryſs to the walle, th'other parts ſervithe onelie for privies, and are coveryd with ſtone. The ſaid corner towre ys on thre parts rounde, th'inner parte ſquare without wall, conteninge in the rounde therof xvijth (17) yeardes. The ſame towre ys rayſed no [199] heigher then the battlement of the wall, and ys of twoo houſe height all to gyther in haine, and ſervithe for a parte of the curtinge wall.’

‘Betwene the ſame rounde towre, turning towards ye northe weſt to a towre called the Ravine Towre, ys a curtinge wall of xiiijth (14) yeardes of lengthe: ye ſame towre ys coviryd wth leade, in good reparations: the towre yt ſelfe ys ſo rente yt yt ys mooche like to fall: yt ys alſo of thre houſe height; the nether ſervith for a ſtable, the midle for a chamber, and in decay wthout lofte, the overmoſte a chambre well repayred. This towre ys in thre pts rounde, the iiijth parte ſquare, conteyninge, in the holle xxvjth (26) yeardes.’

‘Betwene the ſaid towre and a towre called the Counſtables Towre, ys a cortinge wall of xxxth (30) yerdes of lenght. The ſaid counſtables towre, ys three partes rounde, the fourth ſquare, containinge xxxvith (36) yeardes; & ys of thre houſe heighte; the nether parte ſervithe for a buttrie; the other ijo parts ſervithe for two faire lodgings; and yt ys covered with lead, wch wold partly be helped; in all other things yt ys in good reparacions.’

‘Betwene the ſaid towre and the poſtrene towre, ys a curteine wall contg. xxiiith (23) yeards in lenght; and the ſame poſtrene towre ys rayſed, of xxxvjth (36) yeardes ſquare, and ys of thre houſe height; the nether parte ſervethe for a throughe paſſinge of ye poſterne; th' other for twoo fare chambers. The ſame ys now coverid wth leade ſence my L. entred, and ys in good reparacions. And in ye northe weſte coarner of the ſaid towre ys rayſed a garrett above ye batttellment therof, and right over the gate of the ſaid poſterne. And from the ſaid towre to the dungeon ther is a ſingle curtinge wall without battellment of lenghte.....’

‘Within the ſaid inner courtine, betwixt the ſaid towre of the mydle gate and ſaid lytle four ſquared towre towards th' eaſte, ys raiſed one houſe upon the courteine wall, of thre houſe height, well coveryd wth leade; and ys of lenght xxvth (25) yeardes; parte therof now ſervethe for ijo (two) ſtables for my Lords horſes: th' over parte for ijo gardners. The ſame houſe in all things ys in good reparacions.’

‘At th' eaſte ende of the ſaid gardner ys builded one lytle houſe of thre cooples and one gavill of ſtone, and joyned upon the ſaid lytle [200] ſquare towre & ys covered with ſlate, which neadithe nothinge but pointinge, wth in ye wch is one horſe-milne now in decaye, and ſervith for nothinge.’

‘And a lytell from the ſaid houſe ys ther a nother houſe of twoo houſe height, and ys of iiijth (four) coople of timber, wth twoo ſtone gavills, covered wth ſlate, and newly pointed; wch ſervithe onelie for keapinge of haye. Towards th' eaſte, joyninge to the ſaid houſe ys ther a lytle gardine, on th' one ſyde ys incloſed wth the ſaid cortinge wall; and th' others of a wall made of ſtone; containing in lenght xijth (12) yeardes. And this gardinge ys kept by Raphe Graye, who hathe ye fee of xxs by yeare for the ſame, beſides ye profett therof. So that the Lorde ys here charged wth more then neadethe; for the profett thereof wolde be ſufficyent for his paynes. And from the northe eaſte corner of the ſaid gardinge, right over to ye ſaid ruinous towre, in auncyent time hath ben faire & tryme lodgings, where nowe be nothinge; the ſtones therof taken away, and put to other uſes in the caſtell; the place now voide wolde be a tryme gardinge: yt joyneth upon the ſaid rovinte towre. In the ſouthe eaſte pte of the ſaid cortinge wall, wth ſmall charges, wolde be made a faire bankettinge houſe wth a faire gallorie, going from the ſame towards the northe to the ſaid rovine towre.’

‘Ther is neighe ye ſaid curtinge wall, wch ys betwixt ye ſaid counſtables towre and rovine towre, ys builded one faire chapell of vijth (ſeven) yeardes height of the wall, in leinght xixth (19) yeardes, and vijth (ſeven) yeardes of bredthe, covered wth ſlate; the windooes well glazed, in all things well repaired, (the ſylong thereof only excepted). Betwixt ye ſaid chappell and the ſaid corteyne-wall, ys builded one lytle houſe of twoo houſe height, of length viijth (eight) yeards; the neather parte therof called the reveſtry; th' over parte therof a chamber wth a ſtone chimley, wherein ye Lord and Ladie, wth ther children, commonly uſed to heare the ſervice: the ſame is coverid wth ſlate; ye lofte therof wolde be repayred.’

‘And before the ſaid chappell dore ys one conducte ſett wth ſtone & a chiſte of lead: wch chiſte ys three yeards of length, and xviiith (18) inches brod: ye ceſterne therof covered wth leade: wherunto comethe a goodlye courſe of trime and ſwite water from one well called Howlinge Well in pipes of leade. The ſame well covered wth a houſe [201] made of ſtone. And the water of the ſaid conducte rynnethe in pipes of leade to the brewe houſe onely, and cannot be brought to have courſe to any other houſes of office, but ſuch as are builded, and to be builded wthout the dungeon.’

‘And betwixt the ſaid conſtables towre and poſtern towre, ſtandith one faire brewhouſe well covered wth ſlate, and ys in lenght xxtie. (20) yeardes, in bredthe ixen. (nine) yeardes: wherin ther ys a copper ſett in a fornace ekid wth a crybe of clapbord wch will holde lyckor for the brewinge of xxivth. (24) bolles of malte: and in the ſame brewhouſe ther ys all manner of veſſells to ſerve for brewinge of the ſaid quantyte of malte newly made and repayred. Ther wolde be one appointed to keape ye ſaid crybe copper in the fornace. All the ſd veſſells for brewinge, with pippes and hodgeſheads perteyning to the ſame, ſweite; and the theight....’

‘And joyninge upon the ſaid poſterne towre ſtandethe the bake houſe ſouthe and northe; being of lenght xvth (15) yeardes; in breadthe viiith (8) yeardes; well covered with ſclate. In the northe ende therof ther be twoo ovens; and in the ſouthe ende one boultinge houſe well colleryd wth wainſcote, the wyndowe therof glayſined, and wolde be repaired. And joyninge to ye ſouthe ende of the ſaid bake houſe ys builded twoo houſes covered wth ſlate, and of twoo houſe height; ye neather parte ſervethe for a ſlaughter houſe, and a ſtore houſe; th' over parte of th' one for hayehouſe, th' other for chambers for the launderors; and are in lenght .... foote.’

‘And joyninge upon the weſt ſide of the ſaid twoo houſes ys the ſcyte of the chaunterie-houſe; and the ſaid ſtore-houſe and chambers above yt did ſerve ye preſts for [their] cellers and chambers; and now nothinge lefte but one [ſingle] wall goinge from the ſaid ſtore houſe to th' entrie of the .... ſide of the dungeon gate: wch. ys in lenght xxxiiih (33) yeardes. And the grounde betwene ye. wall, houſes and dongeone ys uſed for a woode garthe. And from the weſte ſide of the ſaid entrie to the towre called ye midle warde, ys another ſmall parcel of grounde incloſed for a wode garthe wth a lytle ſtone wall of xvj (16) yerds of lenght. And from the ſaid towre, called ye midle warde, ys a ſingle curteyne wall joyned to the ſaid dungeon of xxitie (21) yeardes in lenght.’

[202] ‘The dungeon ys ſett of a lytle moate made wth men's handes, and for the moſt parte, as yt were ſquare. The circuite thereof, meaſured by the brattiſhing, containeth ccxxvth (225) yeardes. It ys of a fare and pathe buildinge wth vijen (ſeven) rounde towres, iiijth (four) garretts. Betwixt the ſame garretts and towres, lodgings: beſides the gate houſe, wch ys two towres of four houſe height, ys of a ſtatelie buildinge; and th' other towres be all of thre houſe height and well covered wth leade, as is lykewiſe the ſaid gatehouſe and other lodgings. Rounde about the ſame dungeon upon the ſaid leade, ys a tryme walk and a faire proſpecte, and in ſixe parts therof ys paſſadges and entries to ye ſame leads. In ye wch dungeon ys hall, chambers and all other manner of houſes of offices for ye Lorde & his traine. The ſouth ſyde therof ſervethe for the Lordes & Ladies lodgings; and underneighe them the priſone, porter-lodge & wyne celler, wth ye ſkollerie. On the weſte ſide for chambres and wardrope. The northe ſide chambers and lodgings. Th' eaſt ſide the halle, ketchinge, chambers, pantrye. Underneithe ye ſame hall a marveylouſe fare vaulte, wch ys the butterye, in lenght xvij (17) yeards, in breadthe vjth (6) yeardes. And underneighe the ſame ketchinge a lardnor, and at th' ende of the ſaid butterie a draw-well of long time not occupied. Within the ſame dungeone ys a proper lytle coortinge for the moſte parte ſquare, and well paved with ſtone. All the chambers and houſes of office within the ſaid dungeone in good reparacions, and hathe in the ſame th' impleyments, bords, and bedſtedes perteyninge therunto, as appearethe by indenture. Ther ys rayſed on the weſte ſide of the ſaid dungeon one lytle ſquare towre, called the Watche Towre, above ye leades xiiijth (14) yeardes: wherin is placed for a watchemane to ley; and a beaken to be ſett or hinge. For that the northe parte of the dungeon ys the owtemoſte parte of the caſtell on that ſide, yt wolde be good the ſingle courteyne wall, wch ys builded from the dungeone weſteward to the eaſtemoſte garrett of the dobble cortinge wall, were taken downe; and a double courtinge wall made by the grounde of the moate of the ſaid dungeone from the ſaid garrett right over to the corner of the ſaid poſterne towre. The ſame ſhoulde then be a ſtrenght for that parte of the ſaid caſtell, and ſerve for divers other good purpoſes: the length wherof ys lxxth (70) yeardes.’

‘And becauſe throwe extreme winds the glaſſe of the windowes of this and other my Lord's caſtells and houſes here in this cuntrie [203] doothe decay and waſte, yt were goode the whole leights of evrie windowe at the departure of his Lp. from lyinge at anye of his ſaid caſtells end houſes, and dowring the tyme of his Lps. abſence or others lying in them, were taken doune and lade upe in ſafetie; and at ſooche tyme, as other his Lp. or anie other ſholde lye at anie of the ſaid places, the ſame might then be ſett uppe of newe, wth ſmale charges to his Lp. wher now the decaye therof ſhall be verie coſtlie and chargeable to be repayred.’

‘Alnwick Caſtle contains about five acres of ground within its outer walls, which are flanked with 16 towers and turrets, that now afford a compleat ſet of offices to the caſtle, and maintain many of them their original names, as well as their ancient uſe and deſtination.’

"Theſe are,

‘I. The Great or Outward Gate of entrance, anciently called the Utter Ward.’

‘II. The Garner or Avener's Tower: behind which are the ſtables, coach-houſes, &c. in all reſpects ſuitable to the magnitude and dignity of this great caſtle.’

‘III. The Water Tower; containing the ciſtern or reſervoir that ſupplies the caſtle and offices with water. Adjoining to this is the laundry, &c.’

‘IV. The Caterer's Tower; adjoining to which are the kitchens, and all conveniencies of that ſort.’

‘Behind the adjacent walls are concealed a compleat ſet of offices and apartments for moſt of the principal officers and attendants in the caſtle. Together with a large hall, or dining-room, to entertain the tenants at the audits; with an office for the auditors, houſekeeper's room; and underneath theſe, a ſervants-hall, with all other ſuitable conveniencies.’

"V. The Middle Ward.

"VI. The Auditor's Tower.

"VII. The Guard Houſe.

[204]"VIII. The Eaſt Garret.

‘IX. The Record's Tower; of which the lower ſtory contains the evidence room, or great repoſitory of the archives of the barony; over it is a circular apartment deſigned and executed with great taſte and beauty for a banquetting room, being 29 feet diameter, and 24 feet 6 inches high.’

‘X. The Ravine Tower, or Hotſpur's Chair. Between this and the round tower was formerly a large breach in the walls, which for time immemorial had been called by the town's people, the Bloody Gap.’

‘XI. The Conſtable's Tower; which remains chiefly in its ancient ſtate, as a ſpecimen how the caſtle itſelf was once fitted up.’

‘XII. The Poſtern Tower, or Sally Port. The upper apartment now contains old armour, arms, &c. The lower ſtory has a ſmall furnace and elaboratory for chymical or other experiments.’

"XIII. The Armourer's Tower.

"XIV. The Falconer's Tower.

‘XV. The Abbot's Tower; ſo called either from its ſituation neareſt to Alnwick Abbey, or from its containing an apartment for the Abbot of that monaſtery whenever he retired to the caſtle.’

"XVI. The Weſt Garret.

‘The caſtle properly conſiſts of three courts or diviſions; the entrance into which was defended with three ſtrong maſſy gates; called the Utter Ward, the Middle Ward, and the Inner Ward. Each of theſe gates was in a high embattled tower, furniſhed with a portcullis, and the outward gate with a draw-bridge alſo: they had each of them a porter's lodge, and a ſtrong priſon, beſides other neceſſary apartments for the conſtable, bailiff, and ſubordinate officers. Under each of the priſons was a deep and dark dungeon, into which the more refractory priſoners were let down with cords, and from which there was no exit but through the trap door in the floor above. That of the inner ward is ſtill remaining in all its original horrors.’

[205] ‘This caſtle, like many others in the north, was anciently ornamented with figures of warriors, diſtributed round the battlements, and therefore the preſent noble proprietors have allowed them to be continued, and have ſupplied ſome that had been deſtroyed, but to ſhew what they once were; and, that this is no innovation, they have retained the ancient ones, though defaced, which were placed on the top of the two octagon towers.’

‘From length of time, and the ſhocks it has ſuſtained in ancient wars, this caſtle was become quite a ruin, when by the death of Algernon Duke of Somerſet, it devolved, together with all the eſtates of this great barony, &c. to the preſent Duke and Ducheſs of Northumberland; who immediately ſet to repair the ſame, and with the moſt conſummate taſte and judgment reſtored and embelliſhed it, as much as poſſible, in the true Gothic ſtyle; ſo that it may deſervedly be conſidered as one of the nobleſt and moſt magnificent models of a great baronial caſtle.’

‘Nothing can be more ſtriking than the effect at firſt entrance within the walls from the town, when through a dark gloomy gateway of conſiderable length and depth, the eye ſuddenly emerges into one of the moſt ſplendid ſcenes that can be imagined; and is preſented at once with the great body of the inner caſtle, ſurrounded with fair ſemi-circular towers, finely ſwelling to the eye, and gayly adorned with pinnacles, figures, battlements, &c.’

‘The impreſſion is ſtill further ſtrengthened by the ſucceſſive entrance into the ſecond and third courts, thro' great maſſy towers, till the ſtranger is landed in the inner court, in the very center of this great citadel.’

‘Here he enters to a moſt beautiful ſtair-caſe, of a very ſingular yet pleaſing form, expanding like a fan: the cornice of the ceiling is inriched with a ſeries of 120 eſcutcheons, diſplaying the principal quarterings and intermarriages of the Percy family. The ſpace occupied by this ſtair-caſe is 46 feet long, 35 feet 4 inches wide, and 43 feet 2 inches high.’

‘The firſt room that preſents to the left, is the ſaloon, which is a moſt beautiful apartment, deſigned in the gayeſt and moſt elegant [206] ſtyle of Gothic architecture; being 42 feet 8 inches long, 37 feet 2 inches wide, and 19 feet 10 inches high.’

‘To this ſucceeds the drawing-room, conſiſting of one large oval, with a ſemicircular projection, or bow-window. It is 46 feet 7 inches long, 35 feet 4 inches wide, and 22 feet high.’

‘Hence the tranſition is very properly to the great dining room; which was one of the firſt executed, and is of the pureſt Gothic, with nitches and other ornaments, that render it a very noble model of a great Baron's hall. In this room was an irregularity in the form, which has been managed with great ſkill and judgment, and made productive of beauty and convenience. This was a large bow-window, not in the center, but towards the upper end, which now affords a very agreeable receſs when the family dine alone, or for a ſecond table at the great public dinners. This room is 53 feet 9 inches long, 20 feet 10 inches wide, (excluſive of the circular receſs, which is 19 feet in diameter) and 26 feet 9 inches high.’

‘From the dining-room, the ſtranger may either deſcend into the court, by a circular Stair-caſe, or he is uſhered into a very beautiful Gothic apartment over the gateway, commonly uſed for a breakfaſt or ſupper-room: this is furniſhed with cloſets in the octagon towers, and is connected with other private apartments. It is 38 feet 4 inches long, . . feet wide, and 16 feet 1 inch high.’

‘Hence the ſtranger is conducted into the library, which is a very fine room, in the form of a parallelogram, properly fitted up for books, and ornamented with ſtucco-work in a very rich Gothic ſtyle; being 64 feet long, . . wide, and 16 feet 1 inch high. This apartment leads to’

‘The chapel; which fills all the upper ſpace of the middle ward. Here the higheſt diſplay of Gothic ornaments in the greateſt beauty has been very properly exhibited; and the ſeveral parts of the chapel have been deſigned after the moſt perfect models of Gothic excellence. The great eaſt window is taken from one of the fineſt in York minſter. The ceiling is borrowed from that of King's college, in Cambridge; and the walls are painted after the great church in Milan: but the windows of painted glaſs will be in a ſtile ſuperior to any thing that has yet been attempted, and worthy of the preſent more improved [207] ſtate of the arts. Excluſive of a beautiful circular receſs for the family the chapel is 50 feet long, 21 feet, 4 inches wide, and 22 feet high.’

‘Returning from the chapel through the library, and paſſing by another great ſtair-caſe, (that fills an oval ſpace 22 feet 9 inches long, and 15 feet 3 inches wide) we enter a paſſage or gallery which leads to two great ſtate-bed chambers, each 30 feet long, moſt nobly furniſhed, with double dreſſing rooms, cloſets, and other conveniencies, all in the higheſt elegance and magnificence, but as conformable as poſſible to the general ſtile of the caſtle. From theſe bed-chambers the paſſage opens to the grand ſtair-caſe, by which we firſt entered, and compleats a tour not eaſily to be paralleled.’

I muſt now turn my attention to the antiquity and hiſtory of this place.

Mr Groſe ſays, ‘it is believed to have been founded in the time of the Romans, although no part of the original ſtructure is now remaining. But when part of the dungeon or caſtle keep was taken down to be repaired ſome years ago, under the preſent walls were diſcovered the foundations of other buildings, which lay in a different direction from the preſent; and ſome of the ſtones appeared to have Roman mouldings. "The dungeon or keep of the preſent caſtle, is believed to have been founded in the Saxon times. The zigzag fret-work round the arch that leads into the inner court, is evidently of Saxon architecture; and yet this was probably not the moſt ancient entrance; for under the flag tower, before that part was taken down and rebuilt by the preſent Duke, was the appearance of a gateway that had been walled up; directly fronting the preſent outward gateway into the town."’

The firſt proprietor of the barony of Alnwick named in hiſtory, is Tyſon, who fell at the battle of Haſtings, in defence of Harold his King.* William the Conqueror gave the heireſs of Tyſon in marriage to [208] Ivo de Veſey, one of his attendant adventurers; her poſſeſſions being very great, as well at Alnwick as in Yorkſhire. Beatrix was their iſſue, [209] and by King Henry I. was given in marriage to Euſtace Fitz John; from whom deſcended four generations, who ſucceſſively poſſeſſed this [210] barony. It was held in capite of the King by 18 Knights fees. This was an illuſtrious and powerful family.*

King William Rufus, being required by King Malcolm of Scotland to fulfil the articles concluded upon in the truce made in 1091, gave the Scotch Monarch aſſurances of their completion, upon his repairing to his court, to which he ordered him to be honourably conducted. On his arrival, he was received with great inſolence and contempt, being refuſed admittance to the King's preſence, who inſiſted that Malcolm ſhould ſubmit his claim to the judgment of the Engliſh peers. Malcolm with a becoming dignity refuſed, alledging if there was any diſpute to his title, it ſhould be ſettled on the Marches, by men of both nations, agreeable to the laws and cuſtoms eſtabliſhed there. The Engliſh Monarch not conſenting to ſuch propoſition, Malcolm returned in high diſpleaſure, and was not long before he ſhewed his reſentment, by entering the borders with a powerful army, accompanied by Edward his [211] ſon: they laid waſte the county of Northumberland to the environs of Alnwick, and beſieged the caſtle. The moſt authentic account of the tragical events of this ſiege, ſeems to be that given in the ancient Chronicle of Alnwick Abbey, of which a copy is preſerved in the Britiſh Muſeum. Mowbray * Earl of Northumberland had collected a few troops to oppoſe the invader, and with them poſſeſſed this caſtle. It was too ſtrong to be taken by aſſault, but a circumvallation being made by the Scotch forces, the garriſon was cut off from hopes of ſuccour, and was on the point of ſurrendering, when a perſon undertook its relief by the following ſtratagem: he rode forth compleatly armed, with the keys of the caſtle tied to the end of his ſpear, and preſented himſelf in a ſuppliant manner before the King's pavilion, as being come to ſurrender the fortreſs. Malcolm advancing haſtily without his armour, received a mortal wound from the ſpearman, who eſcaped by the fleetneſs of his horſe, and by ſwimming the river, which was then flooded with rains. The Chronicle ſays his name was Hammond, and the place of his paſſage was for long after him named Hammond's Ford: but in Lel. Col. he is called Morkell, from the Book of the High Altar of Durham Cathedral.

Prince Edward, Malcolm's eldeſt ſon, too incautiouſly advancing to revenge his father's death, fell into an ambuſcade, and was ſlain. The garriſon ſallied forth, the Scotch were thrown into confuſion by [212] the loſs of their leaders, and a panic ſucceeding, victory, ſtained with great bloodſhed, declared for the Engliſh: notwithſtanding the perſonal bravery of many illuſtrious Chieftains, and their utmoſt efforts to rally the diſconcerted troops, they fled in the utmoſt cowardice before their conquerors, who were greatly inferior in numbers. The ſpot where King Malcolm was ſlain, was diſtinguiſhed by a croſs, which was lately repaired or rebuilt by the Ducheſs of Northumberland,* who was immediately deſcended from this unfortunate Monarch, by his daughter Queen Maud, wife of King Henry I. of England; whoſe lineal deſcendants were,

  • 1. The Lady Mary Plantagenet, (daughter of Henry Earl of Lancaſter, grandſon of King Henry III.) married to Henry Percy, the third Lord of Alnwick.
  • 2. The Lady Elizabeth Mortimer, (grand-daughter of Lionel Duke of Clarence, ſon of Edward III.) wife of Hotſpur.
  • 3. The Lady Eleanor Neville, (grand-daughter of John of Gaunt) wife of the ſecond Earl of Northumberland.

In the year 1135, King David I. of Scotland ſeized upon the caſtles of Northumberland, Alnwick being one, previous to the treaty entered into between him and King Stephen.

After King William of Scotland, ſirnamed the Lion, made his diſgraceful retreat from the caſtle of Prudhoe, A. D. 1174, he beſet the caſtle of Alnwick with his whole army, conſiſting of 80,000 men: being repulſed for ſome time, he formed a blockade, and drew off many of his forces in plundering parties, to pillage the country; one of which, as Benedict of Peterborough ſays, commanded by Earl Duncan, entered the town of Warkworth, burnt it, and put all the inhabitants to the ſword, without diſtinction of age or ſex; and that he made his ſoldiers break open the church of St Lawrence in that place, in which, [213] and in the houſe of the Miniſter, they flew above one hundred men, bedſies women and children. Bernard Baliol, a youth of great fortitude, with about 400 horſemen raiſed at Newcaſtle, engaged in an enterprize to ſurprize the Scotch Monarch: they were favoured in their march by a thick fog, which kept them concealed till they reached the environs of Alnwick, when diſcovering the King attended by about 60 of his chief followers on a reconnoitering party, they came upon them unexpectedly on Saturday the 5th day of July, whilſt the principal parts of his vaſt army were ſcattered over the country in acts of rapine and violence, and the others laying in an idle and unſuſpicious ſecurity before the caſtle, a conflict enſued, in which the King's horſe was killed under him, and many of his attendants were ſlain, the King being made priſoner. The ſtraggling parties were put to the route or taken, to a great amount in number, before they gained intelligence of the real force of their opponents: and the King of thoſe robbers, after being confined ſome time in Richmond Caſtle, was removed to London, and afterwards ranſomed for 100,000l. at the ſame time doing homage for his crown: as a memorial of which ſubmiſſion, he depoſited his arms at the altar in York Minſter.

In the reign of King John, A. D. 1212, Euſtace de Veſey being accuſed of a conſpiracy againſt the King's life, fled into Scotland. His caſtle was ordered to be raſed; but the apprehenſion of a ſouthern rebellion diverted the purpoſe.

Euſtace with the northern Barons, A. D. 1216, at Felton did homage to Alexander II. King of Scotland, his brother-in-law, which ſo much incenſed King John, that he poured forth into the north a large army, laid Felton in aſhes, together with the towns of Mitford, Morpeth, Alnwick, Wark, and Roxburgh. Whilſt John made theſe dreadful depredations in Northumberland, the Lord Euſtace, with King Alexander, made an incurſion as far as Barnardcaſtle, in the country of Durham, to which they laid ſiege; and being out on horſeback, to take a view of the fortreſs, in order to plan an aſſault, making too near an approach, Euſtace loſt his life by an arrow ſhot from ſome of the out-poſts.

What greatly contributed to prolong the inteſtine troubles of Henry the Third's kingdom in 1266, was the deſpair of the rebel Barons, by the forfeitures of their eſtates, under the determinations of the parliament of Wincheſter. John de Veſey was one of them, and having been [214] deprived of his caſtle and barony of Alnwick, he entered into a combination with ſeveral others labouring under the ſame proſcription, for the recovery of their poſſeſſions. Veſey raiſed a ſufficient force to gain his caſtle, but Prince Edward coming againſt him with a ſtrong body of forces, reduced his garriſon to ſuch diſtreſs, that he was obliged to ſurrender, and ſubmit himſelf to the Prince's mercy; through whoſe interceſſion he received the royal pardon.

In 1264, this John de Veſey was ſummoned to parliament in the 28th year of King Henry the Third's reign. This was the glorious aera in which our mode of parliaments was firſt ſettled, and Commons regularly admitted to a ſhare in the legiſlative power. He died in the 11th year of the reign of King Edward I. And in the 25th year of that reign, A. D. 1297, died William de Veſey, the laſt Baron of that family; who having no ligitimate iſſue, but leaving a ſon born out of wedlock, did, by the King's licence, enfeof Anthony Beck, Biſhop of Durham and titular Patriarch of Jeruſalem, in the caſtle and Barony of Alnwick, in truſt for ſuch natural ſon; but this Right Reverend Guardian got the infant deprived of his barony, and as he acquired other royal favours, alſo obtained a confirmation from the King of a ſale made thereof to Henry Lord Percy, Baron of Topcliff and Spofford, in Yorkſhire, an anceſtor of the preſent illuſtrious family.

Mr Groſe ſays, but from what authority he is not pleaſed to point out, ‘that the appointment of the infant's Guardians, as alſo the very words of the deed of enfeofment (now extant) in which the conveyance is to the Biſhop abſolute and unconditional, confute a report too haſtily taken up by ſome Hiſtorians, that this caſtle and barony were only given to the Biſhop in truſt for William the Baſtard above mentioned; and that he was guilty of a violation of this truſt in diſpoſing of them otherwiſe.’ It would have been well if Mr Groſe could have ſhewn where this deed was to be ſeen; as it would in ſome meaſure have exonerated the Biſhop's memory of this infamous charge, and would have ſet Hiſtorians right for the future. Rymer (III. 184—18-9) authorizes the contrary determination. I do not remember an inſtrument of that antiquity, which contains an expreſs truſt; but where a truſt was premiſed, it was merely confidential, or expreſſed in ſome ſeparate deed. Truſts were introduced by the Lawmen to evade the ſtatute of uſes made in the reign of King Henry VIII. and from that period gained their legal acceptation.

[215]The caſtle and barony of Alnwick continued in the Biſhop's poſſeſſion 12 years,* before he granted them to Lord Percy. The Biſhop's deed bears date the 19th of Nov. 1309, and doth not indeed wear the countenance of an obſcure tranſaction, for the witneſſes to it were ſome of the greateſt perſonages in the kingdom, viz. Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, Robert de Umfreville Earl of Angus, Robert Lord Clifford, &c. the grant was afterwards confirmed by the King at Sheene, 23d Jan. 1310, to H. Percy and his ſons; who Mr Groſe ſays, ‘to remove every pretence of complaint, obtained a releaſe of all right and title to the inheritance from the heir at law, Sir Gilbert de Aton, Knt. who was the neareſt legitimate relation to the Lord William de Veſey above mentioned.’ I muſt confeſs Mr Groſe's argument with me tends not to exculpate the Biſhop, but to confirm the ſuſpicion of his guilt. Such a ratification of title, in my apprehenſion, tells a conſciouſneſs of defects: had the baſtard ſon confirmed, the doubt would have been taken away.

[216]From the above period Alnwick Caſtle became the chief baronial ſeat in the north of the Percies, a family of great diſtinction in the ſouthern parts of England from the time of the Conqueror. Immediately on this acquiſition, the Lord Henry Percy began to repair this caſtle; and he and his ſucceſſors perfected and compleated the citadel and its outworks. The two great octagan towers which were ſuper-added to the [] [...] [...]

  • VI. Of Plantagenet—Mary daughter of Henry Plantagenet, Earl of Lancaſter, and grandſon of King Henry III. was wife of Henry, third Lord Percy of Alnwick, ſon to the founder of theſe towers, viz. Gules, three lions rampant, Or, charged with a label of five points.
  • In the center are, the arms of the Sovereign, King Edward III. viz. France and England quarterly, France being then Semee de fleurs de Lis.
  • VII. Of Warren—Eleanor daughter of John Earl of Warren and Surry, was wife of Henry Lord Percy, the founder's grandfather, viz. Chequered or & az.
  • VIII. Of Arundel—Eleanor daughter of John Earl of Arundel, was the founder's mother, wife of Henry Percy, firſt Lord of Alnwick, viz. Gules, a lion rampant, or.
  • IX. Of Umfreville—Margaret Percy, one of the founder's daughters, was then married to Robert, ſon and heir of Gilbert de Umfreville, Earl of Angus, viz. Azure, a cinque foil, or, between ſix croſlets argent.
  • X. Of Percy again—Iſabel Percy, another of the daughters, was then unmarried. She was afterwards wife of William de Aton.
  • XI. Of Neville—Maude Percy, the founder's eldeſt daughter, was wife of John Lord Neville of Raby, viz. Gules, a ſaltire argent.
  • XII. Of Fitz Walter—Eleanor Percy, his ſecond daughter, was married to John Lord Fitz Walter, viz. Or, a feſs between two chevrons, gules.*

The laſt remarkable incident in hiſtory relative to this caſtle, was in the reign of King Edward IV. and happened after his great victory at Towton. One Peter de Brezè, a Frenchman, being under his Sovereign's diſpleaſure, and in priſon, was reſtored to liberty on condition of his entering into the ſervice of the King of Sicily, the father of Margaret of Anjou, and conducting the troops raiſed for her ſervice into England. Brezè landed on the Northumberland coaſt with about 500 [219] men at arms: he poſſeſſed the caſtle of Alnwick, which was ſoon after beſieged by Lord Haſtings, Sir Ralph Gray, and Sir John Howard. The garriſon was reduced to great diſtreſs, when George Douglas, Earl of Angus, influenced to this ſervice by great promiſes from Margaret, advanced unexpectedly to the beſiegers with 10,000 horſemen, and making ſuch manoeuvres as induced the Engliſh army to apprehend he meant to attack them, whilſt they were forming themſelves in order of battle, he brought a ſtrong party up to the poſtern gate, to whom the garriſon made a ſally, and being mounted on horſes brought for that purpoſe, or behind the armed horſemen, the ſmall garriſon evacuated the fortreſs, being only 300 in number, and fled without bloodſhed. It is believed the garriſon, before they retired, endeavoured to deſtroy all the arms and ammunition they could not carry off: for a few years ago, on opening the principal well in the inner ward, which had been long filled up, the workmen found in it a great number of cannon balls of a large ſize, ſuch as were chiefly uſed after the firſt invention of gunpowder.

Margaret, in the month of October following, making another effort, by the treachery of Sir Ralph Gray, the Governor, was again put in poſſeſſion of Alnwick Caſtle: but King Edward ſoon approaching with a numerous army, and finding no forces in the field to oppoſe him, Margaret having again retired into Scotland, he laid ſiege to the three great fortreſſes of Alnwick, Dunſtanborough, and Bambrough, at the ſame time. The troops which inveſted Alnwick, being 10,000 in number, were under the command of the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Kent, the Lord Powis, the Baron of Grayſtock, and Lord Cromwell. Alnwick held out till the 6th of January; the French General Brezé having made an ineffectual effort to relieve it.

I muſt treſpaſs upon the reader ſo far, as to introduce in this place a ſhort account of the illuſtrious family of Percy.

This family is deſcended from Mainfred de Percy, who came into Normandy from Denmark, before the adventure of the famous Rollo, and had iſſue Geffrey, who took part with Rollo in his expedition into that province, of which he obtained the Sovereignty; being the firſt Duke of that country, and lineal anceſtor to William Duke of Normandy and King of England. Glover the Somerſet Herald in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, ſet forth this as an undoubted genealogy of the family.

[220] Geffrey had iſſue William de Percy, Lord Percy and Earl of Kaws, Governor of Normandy; who had iſſue Geffrey de Percy, who married Mary daughter to the Earl of Foreſt; who had iſſue William de Percy, who had iſſue Geffrey, all born in Normandy.

The laſt Geffrey had iſſue two ſons, William and Serlo, who came into England with William the Conqueror. *

William was a great favourite of this Prince, and by his bounty held large poſſeſſions in Hampſhire, 32 lordſhips in Lincolnſhire, and 86 lordſhips in Yorkſhire; Topcliff, in the North Riding, and Spofford, in the Weſt Riding, being his chief ſeats. He left a great patrimony in France to the Lord Monpenſier.—Madox, in his Baronia Anglicana, ſays, that William the Conqueror granted to his favourite Percy a barony of 30 Knights fees.

This William de Percy was ſurnamed Le Gernon, or Algernon: he was poſſeſſed of the lordſhip of Whitby, with the large territory adjacent thereto, in the Eaſt Riding of the county of York, where he founded an Abbey for Benedictine Monks, to the honour of God, St. Peter, and [221] St. Hilda, in the time of King William Rufus, in the place where the monaſtery of Strenſhale anciently ſtood (deſtroyed by Inguar and Hubba the Danes). Serlo the founder's brother, having aſſumed the habit of a Monk, was Abbot. William married Emma de Port, Lady of the honour of Semar, and had iſſue by her three ſons, Allan, Walter, and William. At Sion-houſe, in an old roll, wrote in the reign of King Henry VIII. is a hiſtory of the family in verſe, where it is ſaid he was Admiral of the navy which brought over William the Conqueror, that he died beyond the ſeas, and his heart was brought over and interred at Whitby, in the chapter-houſe; where alſo Emma his Lady was buried, having ſurvived her huſband.

Allan de Percy, the eldeſt ſon, ſucceeded to the honours and eſtates of his father. He married Emma daughter of Gilbert de Gant, Lord of Humundbre, and ſon of Gilbert Earl of Lincoln, by whom he had five ſons, William, Geffrey, Henry, Walter, and Allan. He had likewiſe one illegitimate ſon Allan, who was with the King of Scots, in the third of King Stephen, at the battle of Northallerton, called Bellum de Standardo.

William, * the eldeſt, married Alice the daughter of Robert Lord Roſs, and had iſſue four ſons, Allan, William, Richard, and Robert. Allan [222] dying without iſſue, William ſucceeded to the eſtate and honours of his anceſtors.

This William, * in the 34th year of King Henry I. A. D. 1133, founded the Abbey of Hampoll for Ciſtertian Monks; and alſo that of Sallay, in Craven, in the 12th year of King Stephen, A. D. 1147. He was one of the northern Barons who diſtinguiſhed themſelves at the battle of Northallerton againſt the Scots. In the 12th year of King Henry II. on levying the aids on the marriage of the King's daughter, he certified his Knights fees to be 28 de veteri feoffamento, and 8, a third and ſixth parts de novo feoffamento. He made a journey to Jeruſalem, and departed this life at Mount-Joy, in the Holy Land. He married Adelidis de Tunebrigge, by whom he had iſſue four ſons, Walter, Allan, Richard, and William, and two daughters, Maud and Agnes. All the ſons died without iſſue. William was a Monk, and Abbot of Whitby. Maud married William Earl of Warwick, and Agnes, Joceline de Lovaine, ſon to Godfrey Duke of Brabant, and brother to Adelidis Queen of England, wife of King Henry I. Maud died without iſſue, on whoſe demiſe Agnes her ſiſter became ſole heireſs of all the large poſſeſſions of her anceſtors. Before her marriage with Joceline, a covenant was made, that he ſhould either bear the arms of the Lords Percy (five fuſils in feſs Or) and renounce his own, or continue his own arms, and take the name of Percy to him and his iſſue by her. Under her picture in the pedigree at Sion-houſe are theſe lines:

[223]
Lord Percy's heir I was, whoſe noble name
By me ſurvives, unto his laſting fame;
Brabant's Duke's ſon I wed, and for my ſake
Retain'd his arms and Percy's name did take.

There was iſſue of this marriage four ſons, Richard, Henry, Robert (Lord Sutton upon Derwent) and Joceline. In the before-mentioned roll are theſe lines:

And at Petworth is beryed this noble Lord,
Lady Agnes his wife, at Whitby, books record.

Joceline de Louvaine's pedigree was from the Kings of France of the race of Charlemain, ſon of a Prince of the Medes.

Richard, the eldeſt ſon, was one of the chief of thoſe Barons in arms againſt King John, in the 17th year of that reign, and alſo one of the 25 who took an oath to compel the King to obſerve the particular articles granted by the great Charter and Charter of the Foreſts: and he was excommunicated by the Pope, for his being a partizan with the inſurgents. He was one of the Barons who called over Lewis, the ſon of the French King, to receive the Crown of England, and in aſſociation with Robert de Ros and Peter de Brus, ſubdued all Yorkſhire to the obedience of Lewis. He made his peace with King Henry III. and was in arms for him againſt the Welch, in the ſecond year of that reign. He died without iſſue, as did alſo Robert and Joceline.

Henry * ſucceeded as heir of his brother: he married Iſabel daughter of Adam, and ſiſter of Peter de Brus, of Skelton. He had in dowry the manor of Lekenfield, for which he rendered the following remarkable ſervice: he and his heirs were to reſort to Skelton Caſtle every Chriſtmas-day, and lead the Lady of that caſtle from her chamber to the chapel at maſs, and from thence to her chamber again; and after dinner to depart. He was buried at Whitby, and left iſſue two ſons, William and Henry.

[224] William * being ſeized of the eſtates of his father, paid 100 marks fine in the 26th year of the reign of King Henry III. to exempt him of attendance on the King into Gaſcoine. He had two wives; by the firſt, Elan daughter of William Lord Bardolph, he had ſeven ſons; by Joan his ſecond wife, who was the daughter of William de Brewer, he had no iſſue that ſurvived him.

Henry, his eldeſt ſon, ſucceeded his father in the honours and chief poſſeſſions of the family. He married Eleanor daughter of John Earl of Warren and Surry. We find him in ſeveral ſervices in the reign of King Henry III. againſt the Welch and Scotch, and for ſome ſhort time in aſſociation with the rebellious Barons, but reſtored ſoon after to royal favour. He had iſſue three ſons, William, John, and Henry. William and John died without iſſue, and the honours and eſtates devolved upon

Henry, whoſe wardſhip, 22d King Edward I. was granted to Edmund the King's brother. In the 24th year of that reign, he was knighted by the Sovereign before Berwick; after which he was in the battle of Dunbar, where the Engliſh obtained a ſignal victory. He was in many diſtinguiſhed ſervices in the ſucceeding years of that reign: he was one of the great Barons who ſigned that memorable declaration to Pope Boniface, ‘That their King was not to anſwer in judgment, for any rights of the Crown of England, before any tribunal under heaven, &c. and that by the help of God they would reſolutely and with all their force maintain againſt all men.’ In the 34th year of that reign he was ſent into Scotland, accompanied by Lord Clifford and the Earl of Pembroke, to oppoſe Robert de Brus, then lately crowned King, and at Methfeu they obtained a compleat victory. They were beſieged at Kentier by the Scotch [225] forces, where they defended themſelves gallantly till relieved by troops ſent by the King from Lenercoſt. This Lord Percy purchaſed the barony of Alnwick, as before mentioned. In the 5th year of King Henry II. he was Governor of the caſtles of Scarbrough and Bambrough; and in the ſame year the King granted him the cuſtody of the manor of Temple Weneby, in the county of York, belonging to the Knights Templars, who were charged by Pope Clement with being guilty of apoſtacy, idolatry, ſodomy, and hereſy. The Pope's bull alledges, ‘that when a brother is admitted, he denies Chriſt and he treads on the croſs.’ This Lord Percy appears to be of the liſt of factious Barons, who beſieged Piers de Gaviſton, Earl of Cornwall, in Scarbrough Caſtle, on account of the royal partiality ſhewn to this unhappy favourite: Gaviſton had ſurrendered himſelf to his protection, but it did not prevent his death. A royal mandate iſſued for the confiſcation of all Lord Percy's eſtates and effects; but in the 7th year of that reign, he had reſtitution and a pardon from the King: after which he was in the royal army at the battle of Bannocksburn, when the Engliſh ſuſtained a ſhameful defeat.* On the death of Robert Lord Clifford, during the minority of his heir, he had the cuſtody of the caſtles of Skipton in Craven, Appleby, Brougham, and Pendragon, in Weſtmoreland and Cumberland. He died in the 8th year of King Edward II. and was buried in the abbey of Fountains, before the high altar. By Eleanor his wife, daughter of John Fitz Allan, he had iſſue two ſons, Henry and William.

Henry was 16 years of age on the deceaſe of his father. On the 10th of September, 16 King Edward II. he was made a Knight at York, having the year before been appointed Governor of Scarbrough and [226] Pickering. In the 19th year of King Edward II. on the landing of Queen Iſabel and Prince Edward in England, he was one of the Nobles that joined with them for reforming the abuſes of government, occaſioned by the influence of the Spencers. The acceſſion of the forces headed by Lord Percy, greatly augmented the army at Glouceſter, and was ſingularly inſtrumental in the great changes then effected. He was one of the 12 Lords appointed the young King's Council, was principal Commiſſioner for ſettling the Peace with Scotland, and was made Warden of the Marches. He was the firſt of the Percys who poſſeſſed the caſtle of Warkworth, which after the death of Sir John Clavering, without iſſue male, was ſettled to devolve to the King and his heirs; and which Henry Lord Percy received by grant from the Crown, in lieu of an annual ſalary of 500 marks paid to him for certain ſtipulated ſervices. In the 4th of King Edward III. he was Ambaſſador to France. In the 5th year of the ſame reign, he was made one of the Conſervators of the Peace for the counties of Cumberland and Northumberland; and in the ſucceeding year he was appointed Warden of the Marches, and Conſervator of the Peace for the counties of Northumberland, York, Lancaſter, Cumberland, and Weſtmoreland. He was with King Edward III. at the ſiege of Berwick, and at the memorable battle of Hallidown-hill. He was in much foreign ſervice in this reign, as well as being engaged in the wars with Scotland: he ſignalized himſelf at the ſiege of Nantz, and after his return to England, had the chief command at the battle of Nevil's Croſs, near Durham, where King David was made priſoner, and his powerful army vanquiſhed. After living a life of action and honour, he died on the 26th of February, in the 26th year of King Edward III. and was buried in the priory of Alnwick. By Idonea his wife, daughter of Robert Lord Clifford, he had iſſue four ſons, Henry his eldeſt thirty years of age at the deceaſe of his father, Thomas Biſhop of Norwich, William, and Roger, and alſo four daughters.

Henry * was in the great expedition to France, on which ſucceeded the famous battle of Creſſy. He was one of the leaders of the firſt wing [227] of the Engliſh army at the battle of Nevil's Croſs. On Oct. 5th, 28 King Edward III. A. D. 1354, he was commiſſioned to receive from Sir John de Coupland, Sheriff of Northumberland, the body of David de Bruce, King of Scotland, and ſet him at liberty, according to the treaty for his ranſom. He was preſent with King Edward III. when John Baliol reſigned his Crown at Roxburgh. In the 33d year of the ſame reign, he was Conſtable of the Caſtle of Berwick; and in the ſame year attended the King to France, and was a witneſs to the treaty of Chartres. He was ſeveral times in the commiſſion of Conſervators of the Marches. He had two wives; he firſt married the Lady Mary Plantagenet, daughter to Henry Earl of Lancaſter, ſon of Edmund Earl of Lancaſter, Leiceſter, Derby, &c. ſecond ſon of King Henry III. Edmund married Blanch daughter of Robert Earl of Artois (brother of St. Lewis King of France) and widow of Henry de Champaigne King of Navar. Lady Mary was ſiſter to Henry Plantagenet, who was created Duke of Lancaſter in the 27th of King Edward III. whoſe daughter and heir was wife of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaſter, father to King Henry IV. By this marriage Lord Percy had iſſue two ſons, Henry and Thomas. * By his ſecond wife, Joan the daughter and heireſs of John de Oreby, he had one Child, Maud, who married John Lord Roſs. Lord Percy departed this life on Aſcenſion-day, in the 42d year of King Edward III. he was ſucceeded by his eldeſt ſon,

[228] Henry, * who during his father's life was engaged in ſeveral expeditions into France: but what chiefly renders his memory amiable to this age, is, that he was a great favourer and ſupporter of the reformer Wickliffe, by which his life was in imminent peril. He was appointed Lord Marſhal of England, which office he retained at the coronation of King Richard II. when he was created (16 July, 1377) Earl of Northumberland. Soon afterwards he grievouſly revenged the ſlaughter made by the Earl of Dunbar at Roxburgh; having levied an army of 10,000 men, he ravaged the territories of that Earl for three ſucceſſive days, burning and ſlaying conformable to the ſavage cuſtoms of the age. Under the influence of the Duke of Lancaſter, who had expreſſed an inveterate hatred to him, he was accuſed of neglect of duty, wherein the Scots had ſurprized Berwick, and judgment of death and loſs of eſtate was pronounced againſt him: but this ſevere ſentence was remitted by the King, and he ſoon recovered that fortreſs. The Earl of Northumberland having ſuffered many unmerited indignities from the King, entered into an aſſociation for his depoſition: meſſengers were accordingly ſent to Henry Duke of Lancaſter, ſon of John of Gaunt, who was then in France, to invite him over; and he taking advantage of Richard's being in Ireland, with a few attendants, landed in the month of July, 1399, in Holderneſſe, Yorkſhire, where he was received by the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Henry Percy his ſon, the Earl of Weſtmoreland, and many other perſons of great power, with a conſiderable body of men, which in a few days was augmented to 60,000. The ſucceeding event is ſo notorious, that it requires no place here. The Earl of Northumberland was appointed Envoy to Richard, by whoſe argument he was perſuaded to reſign a royalty of which nothing remained but the name, the defection being ſo general, that he had not [229] one adherent left. A parliament was called to meet on the feaſt of St. Michael, when Richard was ſolemnly depoſed, and Duke Henry having heard read the articles of royal charge by the Archbiſhop, the ſame were ſigned by him with the ſign of the croſs; and the Earl of Northumberland being High Conſtable of England, taking the ring with which the Kings were wedded to the realm, ſhewed it to the whole aſſembly, and then put it on the Duke's finger; after which the Duke kiſſed the Earl, as he had before done the Archbiſhop, and immediately he was proclaimed King, by the name of Henry IV. The Earl received appointment of the high office of Conſtable of England for life, with a grant of the Iſle of Man, and many other great dignities and eminent employments. In the third year of King Henry IV. the Scots having invaded England, the Earl gave them a dreadful overthrow at Homeldon hill, where the Earl of Douglas was taken priſoner. Some diſſentions quickly enſued between the Earl and his Sovereign; the blood of Percys could not brook an indignity from one chiefly by them raiſed to the throne; they levied a powerful army, and under Henry Hotſpur and Earl Douglas their leaders, gave the royaliſts battle near Shrewsbury, * in which the event for long was dubious, and victory ſeemed to change from party to party ſeveral times, till at length King Henry was ſupported by the coming up of his corps de reſerve, and gained a compleat victory, Henry Hotſpur being among the ſlain. The Earl of Northumberland, then indiſpoſed, was not come up with his reinforcements [230] before the battle; on receiving intelligence of the ill ſucceſs of his party, he retreated to his caſtle of Warkworth; from whence being ſummoned by the King, he ſurrendered himſelf, and obtained royal clemency for life, but was diveſted of his eſtates and kept priſoner till the commotions ſubſided, when he received reſtitution of honours and lands, the Iſle of Man excepted. This reſtoration was attended with a great ſolemnity, in the preſence of the aſſembled eſtates of the kingdom. The Commons gave thanks to the King in full parliament for the favour ſhewn to the Earl of Northumberland. The ſame day, at their requeſt, the King commanded the Earls of Northumberland and Weſtmoreland, in token of perfect amity, to kiſs each other in open parliament, and to take each other by the hand thrice; which they did. The ſame ceremony paſſed between the Earls of Northumberland and Dunbar, on the 22d February then following. But the death of Hotſpur, and the neglect ſhewn the Earl of Northumberland from the Crown, enraged him ſo much, that in the ſucceeding year he openly joined the northern malcontents, and again took up arms againſt the King. The royal army ſoon appeared in the north, ſeized the Earl's caſtles of Alnwick and Warkworth, and drove the party to ſeek refuge in Scotland. A ſcheme was projected to ſurrender up this turbulent Earl, but he gaining intelligence of the deſign, eſcaped, and afterwards levied a ſufficient force to enter England, and recover his caſtles: theſe proſperous circumſtances were ſoon ſucceeded by a total overthrow at the battle of Bramham Moor, on the 2d of March, 8th King Henry IV. A. D. 1403, in which the Earl was ſlain. His head was cut off, then white with age, and being ſent to London, was fixed on a poll on the bridge: his quarters were placed on the gates of London, Lincoln, Berwick, and Newcaſtle; but in the month of May following they were taken down, and delivered up to his friends to be buried. The Earl of Northumberland had two wives; he firſt married Margaret daughter to Ralph Lord Nevil, ſiſter to the firſt Earl of Weſtmoreland; by her he had iſſue three ſons, Henry named Hotſpur, Thomas, * and Ralph. To his ſecond wife he married Matilda the widow [231] of Sir Gilbert Umfrevill, Earl of Angus, daughter of Thomas Lord Lucy, and ſiſter and heir to Anthony Lord Lucy, who out of her great affection ſettled upon his Lordſhip, and his heirs, all her honours and lands, the baronies of Cockermouth and Egremont in Cumberland, and the baronies of Langley and Prudhoe in this county, on condition of quartering the arms of the Lucies with his own. By her the Earl had no iſſue.

Henry Hotſpur, Lord Percy, ſhewed in his early youth a martial diſpoſition. At the coronation of King Richard II. when his father was created Earl, he received the order of Knighthood. In the ninth year of that reign he was made Governor of Berwick, and Warden of the Marches towards Scotland; in which office he was ſo active, that the Scotch gave him the title of Hotſpur. In the ſame year he was ſent to Calais, where he teſtified his valour. In the 11th year of the ſame reign he was elected Knight of the Garter: but being envied at court for the military fame he had acquired, his adverſaries who had gained the Sovereign's ear, prevailed to get him an appointment at ſea to repel the French, who threatened an invaſion: in which he acquitted himſelf with great honour. In the ſame year the Scotch entering the Eaſt Marches, he encountred them near Newcaſtle, ſlew the Earl Douglas with his own hands, and mortally wounded the Earl of Murres: but preſſing over forward, was taken priſoner by the Earl of Dunbar, together with his brother Ralph, and both were carried into Scotland. He bore many honourable commiſſions in this reign; and in the ſucceeding one being an attendant on his father when the crown was placed on the head of Henry IV. among other marks of royal favour, he was made Sheriff of Northumberland, Governor of Berwick and Roxburgh, and Juſtice of Cheſter, North Wales, and Flintſhire; alſo had a grant of the caſtle and lordſhip of Bambrough for life, and of the whole county and dominion of Angleſey. He was in the battle of Hailidon-hill, and to his valour and his archers, that great victory was chiefly attributed. He married Elizabeth the eldeſt daughter of Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March, by Phillippi his wife, only daughter and heir of Lionel Duke of Clarence, ſecond ſurviving ſon of King Edward III. by whom he had iſſue one ſon, Henry, and one daughter, who married John Lord Clifford, and [232] ſurviving him, to her ſecond huſband married Ralph Nevill, ſecond Earl of Weſtmoreland.

Henry * his ſon being carried into Scotland by his grandfather when an infant of tender years, after the death of his father, in order to protect him againſt the reſentment of King Henry, Robert King of Scotland intending to ſend his ſon James out of the kingdom, for fear of his coming to an untimely end by means of Walter Duke of Albany his uncle, Henry was his attendant and companion; and leaving Bas Caſtle in ſtormy weather, they were drove on Flambrough-head, where going on ſhore to refreſh themſelves, and being known, were taken priſoners, and carried to the King at Windſor. This event proved fortunate for our young Lord, he thereby having a means of winning the friendſhip of Henry V. who reſtored him to the title and poſſeſſions of his anceſtors. In the 4th year of King Henry V. he ſat in the parliament holden at Weſtminſter Oct. 19, as Earl of Northumberland, and the ſame year was conſtituted General Warden of the Marches of Scotland. He attended the King in his French campaigns, and during this reign held many diſtinguiſhed offices. He received the order of Knighthood along with King Henry VI. and many accompanying Peers, from the hand [233] of the Duke of Bedford, then Regent. In the 14th year of King Henry VI. he made an unſucceſsful irruption into Scotland, and at Piperden was defeated by the Earl of Angus, with the loſs of 1500 men. In the 29th year of the ſame reign, he again entered Scotland, and engaged, near the river Sare, a large body of Scotch under the command of Sir William Wallace of Craigy, where he again had a defeat, and narrowly eſcaped being priſoner; his ſon chooſing to throw himſelf into the hands of the enemy to ſave his father. This Earl added to the works of Alnwick Caſtle, and fortified the Town with a ſtone wall of conſiderable ſtrength, with four gates and ſquare towers.

In the great carnage at the battle of St. Albans, 23d May, 1455, the Earl was among the ſlain, having ſupported the King with all his power. He was interred in the chapel of the bleſſed Virgin in the abbey of St. Albans. He married Eleanor daughter of Ralph Earl of Weſtmoreland, and had by her nine ſons, Henry, John, * Thomas, Ralph, John, Henry, § William, Richard, ** and George, †† and two daughters, Catharine and Ann, ‡‡ He was ſucceeded by his eldeſt ſon,

Henry, §§ who was thirty years of age when he ſucceeded to the title. In the 4th year of the reign of King Henry VI. he was knighted: the Duke of Bedford firſt knighted the King, and then the King in like manner conferred the ſame honour on ſeveral of the ſons of Earls, among whom was this Henry Lord Percy, then about two years of age, and the King not five years old; he having ſucceeded to the throne [234] before he had compleated the ninth month of his age. In the 20th of the ſame reign, he was retained Governor of the town and caſtle of Berwick, with the Eaſt Marches of Scotland. He married Eleanor the daughter and heireſs of Robert Lord Poinings, (who was ſlain at the ſiege of Orleans) and in the 25th year of that reign had livery of the poſſeſſions of that family. In the 27th year of the ſame reign, he was ſummoned to parliament by the title of Lord Poinings; and in the 33d year of King Henry VI. he ſucceeded to the honours of the Earldom of Northumberland. In the 38th of that reign, he was conſtituted Juſtice of all the Foreſts north of Trent. He was with Queen Margaret in the north, when the King was taken priſoner at the battle of Northampton. She, ſupported by the Earl, having collected 18,000 men, marched ſouthward to attempt relieving the King, and encountred the Duke of York near Wakefield, in Yorkſhire, on the laſt day of December; in which battle the Duke was ſlain, and his army vanquiſhed, 2800 being left dead upon the field. From thence the victorious Queen marched ſouthward, and on Shrove Tueſday, at St. Albans, obtained a victory over the forces under the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Warwick, and others who were left to govern the King. By this event he regained his liberty; but finding great levies drawing forwards from all quarters in ſupport of Edward, the King with his party prudently retreated to the north. Edward having been proclaimed King by his partizans, by the name of King Edward IV. left London on the 12th of March, leading forth a powerful army to purſue the unfortunate Henry in his retreat, and by eaſy marches arrived at Pomfret, where he reſted the troops for ſome time, appointing the Lord Fitz Walter to keep the paſs of Ferrybridge. The Earl of Northumberland, deſirous of revenging the death of thoſe whom he dearly loved, was well prepared to receive his enemies; and leaving King Henry with his Queen and ſon in the city of York, for their greater ſafety, it was reſolved that Ferrybridge at all hazards ſhould be recovered, and the enterprize was committed to the Lord Clifford; who with a competent number of light horſemen departing early from the army on the morning preceding Palm Sunday, made ſuch expedition that he ſurprized the guard, which he put to the ſword, and gained the bridge. The Lord Fitz Walter hearing the noiſe, roſe out of his bed, as did the baſtard brother of the Earl of Warwick, preſuming there was a mutiny among the ſoldiers, but ſoon fell victims to the arms of Clifford. On this Edward thinking loſs of time might endanger the reſt of his forces, reſolved to try his fate, by the immediate iſſue of a battle. Finding the paſs of Ferrybridge too well maintained [235] to be attempted, he ordered the van-guard of his army to ford the river three miles above, as Caſtleford; and attacking the Lord Clifford near Towton, as he was retreating to the main army, ſurrounded his party, who defended themſelves with great bravery till his Lordſhip was ſlain, being ſhot with an arrow through the throat.

Next day being Palm Sunday, 29th of March, both armies were within ſight of each other between Saxton and Towton; King Henry's forces being computed at 60,000, and King Edward's at 48,660. Our Hiſtorians have given a particular account of this battle, which laſted three days, and in which were ſlain on both ſides 36,776 perſons, all Engliſh; whereof the Chiefs were the Earls of Northumberland and Weſtmoreland. The Earl of Northumberland commanded the van-guard, the ſnow blowing in the faces of his troops, ſo that they could not ſee how to direct their arrows, he led them on to charge ſword in hand: a bloody conflict continued for ten hours, in doubtful victory, in which the Earl was killed, but how or by whom is not known. In the ſucceeding parliament he was attainted, and the earldom of Northumberland was conferred on John Nevill, Lord Montacute, brother to Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick, by patent dated 28th May, 4th King Edward IV. Henry Earl of Northumberland left a ſon,

Henry * being in his minority when his father was ſlain, was committed to the tower of London, till the 27th of October, A. D. 1469, 9th King Edward IV. when he was brought before the King at Weſtminſter and took the oath of allegiance, whereupon he was ſet at liberty, and ſoon after reſtored to the eſtates and dignities of his anceſtors: he was made Warden of the Middle Marches before his reſtoration in blood and inheritance, and afterwards bore many honourable commiſſions from the crown: he had the chief command of the army in the 22d year of the reign of King Edward IV. which beſieged and took Berwick: in the battle of Boſworthfield, in the third year of King Richard III. he is charged (by Hall and Buck) as acting a treacherous part to a ſovereign from whom he had received conſiderable marks of confidence and eſteem, by withdrawing his troops, or otherwiſe ſtanding an idle ſpectator of the dreadful conflict of that day. It is certain he was immediately received to the favour of King [236] Henry VII. In the fourth year of that reign, being Lieutenant of Yorkſhire, he was murdered by the populace at Coxlodge near Thirſk, 28th April, 1489, on enforcing the tax for carrying on the war in Britany. He married Maud daughter to William Herbert, firſt Earl of Pembroke of that name, by whom he had iſſue four ſons and three daughters. He and his lady were buried at Beverley. On the 15th of September, 1678, this lady's monument was opened*, (but on what occaſion my author doth not ſay) when the body was found in a ſtone coffin, embalmed and covered with cloth of gold, and on her feet ſlippers embroided with ſilk and gold, by her ſide a wax lamp, and a plate candleſtick with a candle.

Henry the eldeſt ſon, fifth Earl of Northumberland, in the 12th year of King Henry VII. was one of the chief commanders of the King's army in the battle of Blackheath.

The magnificence of this Earl is mentioned on the marriage of Margaret with the King of Scots, when in ſplendour he exceeded all the nobility preſent. Hall ſays he outdid them ‘for the richneſs of his coat, being goldſmiths work garniſhed with pearle and ſtones; and for the coſtly apparel of his henxmen, and gallant trappers of their horſes; beſides 400 tall men well horſed, and apparel'd in his collars: he was eſteemed both of the Scots and Engliſhmen, more like a prince than a ſubject.’ He had alſo with him his officer of arms, named Northumberland, arrayed in a livery of velvet, bearing his armorial enſignia.

On the acceſſion of Henry VIII. he was continued in the office of Warden of the Marches, which he had filled in the preceding reign. He ſerved in the French campaign, and was preſent at the battle of Spurs. In the 14th of King Henry VIII. he was made Warden of the whole Marches, which office he executed for a very ſhort time; at his own inſtance giving place to the Earl of Surry. He died in the 18th of King Henry VIII. and was buried at Beverley. He married Catharine daughter and coheireſs of Sir Robert Spencer, by Eleanor daughter and at length heireſs of Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerſet, by Eleanor his wife daughter and heir of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, who was great grandſon of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaſter. [237] The Earl had iſſue three ſons, Henry, Thomas *, and Ingeham , and two daughters, Margaret and Maud. §

It may be agreeable to the reader in this place, to find an account of the Earl's houſhold, as it points out the faſhion of the age, as well as the magnificence of the family.

‘Gentlemen who wait before noon, 6; yeomen and grooms of the chamber who wait before noon, 10; yeomen officers, 4; and groom officers, 4; ſervants to wait in the great chamber, in the morning daily throughout the week, from ſix to ten of the clock, 20; gentlemen to wait in the afternoon, 7; yeomen of the chamber, yeomen waiters, and grooms of the chamber to wait in the afternoon daily, 7; yeomen of houſhold and groom officers of houſhold, which ſhall not attend after ſupper, 8; yeomen officers and groom officers of houſhold to wait in the afternoon, 4; gentlemen to wait after ſupper, 13; yeomen waiters and grooms of the chamber to wait after ſupper, 17; chaplains and prieſts in houſhold, 11; gentlemen and children of my Lord's chapel, attending in exerciſing of God's ſervice in the chapel daily at matins, lady maſs, high maſs, and even ſong, 17; yeomen officers, groom officers, and grooms in houſhold, not appointed to attend becauſe of others their buſineſs, which they attend daily in their offices in my Lord's houſe, 27; an armourer; a groom of the chamber to Lord Percy, to wait hourly in his chamber; a groom for bruſhing and dreſſing his cloaths; a groom of the chamber to his Lordſhip's two younger ſons; a groom of the ſtyrrup; a groom ſumpter man, to dreſs the ſumpter horſes and my Lady's palfreys; a groom to dreſs my Lord's hobbeys and nags; a groom of the ſtable; a groom to keep my Lord's hounds; a groom miller for grinding corn for baking and brewing; a groom porter for keeping the gates; a groom for driving his Lordſhip's chariot, and a keeper of the ſaid chariot horſes; clerks in my Lord's houſe, not appointed daily to attend, becauſe of making their books, which they are [238] charged with to write hourly upon, 7; ſervants belonging to gentlemen in his Lordſhip's houſe, 10; ſervants and gentlemen ſervants not appointed to wait becauſe of other their buſineſs, which they attend on daily for his Lordſhip, 44: in all 229.’ *

The ſixth Earl Henry was deeply in love with the fair Anne Bullen, but by the art of Cardinal Woolſey, and even the royal interpoſition, was withdrawn from an attachment, which it is ſaid gave great anxiety to the Sovereign. Notwithſtanding the Earl's early affection for the Cardinal, in 1530, he was one of the King's Commiſſioners to arreſt him for high treaſon. He was Warden of the Eaſt and Middle Marches, and one of the Knights of the Garter. He married Mary daughter of George Earl of Shrewſbury, and died without iſſue.

As his brother Thomas had been attainted, the earldom of Northumberland for ſome time remained dormant: Queen Mary reſtored Thomas the nephew to the honours and eſtates of his anceſtors, the patent ſetting forth that the ſame was done ‘in conſideration of his noble deſcent, conſtancy of virtues, valour in deeds of arms, and other ſhining qualifications.’ The ceremony of his creation at Whitehall was attended with great pomp: the proceſſion was preceded by 8 heralds and 12 trumpeters: he was accompanied by the Earls of Pembroke, Arundel, and Rutland, and the Lord Montague, walking in the middle, dreſſed in robes of crimſon velvet, a hat of crimſon velvet, and a coronet of gold. He was joined with Lord Wharton as Wardens General of the Marches, with very extenſive powers, A. D. 1557. He commanded againſt the Scots who made an incurſion the ſame year, and giving them battle near Cheviot, obtained a compleat victory: Sir John Forſter was ſhot through the mouth, and had his horſe killed under him. Sir Andrew Kerr, the Scotch leader, was taken priſoner. He with his brother Henry having entered Scotland in the following year, obtained a victory over the Scotch near Swinton; and the ſame year engaged the French auxiliaries with equal ſucceſs, near Grindon. In jealouſy of Lord Cecil's power with Queen Elizabeth, he entered into the northern conſpiracy, and at length appeared in open rebellion. It would be inconſiſtent with my plan, in this place to ſpeak upon that matter; it will ſuffice to add, that the Earl having fled into Scotland, was betrayed and delivered up, and in the 13th year of Queen Elizabeth, he and his Counteſs were convicted of high treaſon and outlawed; [239] and on the 22d of Auguſt, 1572, he was beheaded at York, avowing with his laſt breath the Pope's ſupremacy, affirming the realm to be in a ſchiſm, and the ſubjects who were obedient to the Queen, no better than heretics.* He married Ann daughter of Henry Somerſet, Earl of Worceſter, by whom he had one ſon and five daughters: the ſon died without iſſue.

The patent of reſtoration made by Queen Mary having limited the titles and eſtates to the late Earl's heirs male, and in default of ſuch iſſue, to Henry Percy, the Earl's brother, in the 18th of Queen Elizabeth, he was ſummoned to parliament by the diſtinction of Earl of Northumberland and Baron Percy.

On his brother's defection, he ſtood loyal to the Queen, and with Sir John Forſter, commanded the troops which on the 9th of December, in the 12th of Queen Elizabeth, routed the Earl of Weſtmoreland's forces in the biſhopric of Durham. In the 27th year of Queen Elizabeth, being ſuſpected of plotting to ſet at liberty the Queen of Scots, he was committed priſoner to the Tower; and on the 21ſt of June, was found dead in his bed, having three ſhots from a piſtol lodged under his left pap, his chamber door being faſtened on the inſide. He married Catharine eldeſt daughter and coheireſs of John Nevill, Lord Latimer, by whom he had iſſue eight ſons and three daughters. Henry his eldeſt ſon ſucceeded him, the ninth Earl of Northumberland.

He was one of thoſe volunteer Lords who hired veſſels to accompany Charles Lord Howard, Lord High Admiral, againſt the Spaniſh Armada. Being ſuſpected as an accomplice in the Gunpowder Plot, he ſuffered a long and grievous confinement in the Tower; his ſentence being an [240] impriſonment for life, and a fine of 30,000l. though he was convicted in the Star Chamber for miſpriſion of treaſon only. In 1614, he paid his fine, but he did not gain his liberty till the 18th of July, 1621, having been confined 15 years.

In the 4th year of King Charles I. he obtained a confirmation to him and the heirs male of his body, of the title and dignity of Baron Percy, in as ample a manner as his anceſtors had enjoyed the ſame. He died at his ſeat at Petworth, on the 5th of November, 1632. He married Dorothy daughter of Walter Devereux, Earl of Eſſex, by whom he had iſſue four ſons and two daughters. His two eldeſt ſons dying in infancy, he was ſucceeded in title and eſtates by his third ſon, Algernon. *

Algernon the 10th Earl of Northumberland was about 30 years of age when he ſucceeded to the honours of his anceſtors. Lord Clarendon ſays, ‘that the King took him into his immediate and eminent care, and proſecuted him with all manner and demonſtration of reſpect and kindneſs; and (as he heard his Majeſty himſelf ſay) courted him as his miſtreſs, and converſed with him as his friend, without the leaſt interruption or intermiſſion of any poſſible favour and kindneſs.’ On the 13th May, 11 King [241] Charles I. he was inſtalled one of the Knights of the Garter. He was made Lord High Admiral, for his ſervices againſt the Dutch in 1636. He bore the following titles: ‘Lord of the honours of Cockermouth and Petworth, Lord Percy, Lucy, Poinings, Fitz-Aine, Bryan, and Latimer, Knight of the Garter, Lord High Admiral of England, Ireland, and Wales, and of the dominions and iſles of the ſame; of the town of Cales and Marches of the ſame; of Normandy, Gaſcony, and Aquitaine; Lord General of the navy and ſeas of the ſaid kingdoms of England and Ireland; one of the Lords of his Majeſty's Moſt Honourable Privy Council; Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Weſtmoreland, and Captain General of the army to act againſt the Scots. He attended King Charles I. into Scotland, on his coronation. In the 11th year of that reign, he was inſtalled one of the Knights of the Garter; and in the 13th year he was made Lord High Admiral of England. In the 15th, he was made Captain General of the army. In 1639, his Lordſhip was at the head of ſtate affairs. In a letter to the Earl of Leiceſter, he thus expreſſed his ſentiments of public matters: ‘It grieves my ſoul to be involved in theſe councils; and the ſenſe I have of the miſeries that are like to enſue, is held by ſome a diſaffection in me; but I regard little what thoſe perſons ſay.’ In 1643, he with the Earls of Pembroke and Saliſbury, with ſeveral Members of the Houſe of Commons, were indicted of high treaſon at Salisbury, before Judges Heath, Forſter, and Glanvill, for aſſiſting the parliament; but they could not induce the jury to find the bill. On the 17th of May, 1645, by order of the Lords, the Earl and his Counteſs were directed to take care of the King's children. His Lordſhip, though acting under many commiſſions of parliament, deteſted the cruel murder of his Majeſty, and did his utmoſt to obſtruct it."* After which he retired from public buſineſs, living at his ſeat at Petworth, waiting for a favourable opportunity to reſtore King Charles II. in which he took an active part. He was twice married; by Anne daughter of William Cecil, Earl of Saliſbury, his firſt wife, he had five daughters. By Elizabeth daughter to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk, he had iſſue, Joſceline his only ſon and ſucceſſor. He died the 13th October, 1688, and was interred at Petworth.

Joſceline the eleventh Earl of Northumberland married the Lady Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treaſurer of England. He was made Lord Lieutenant and Cuſtos Rotulorum of [242] the county of Suſſex, and Lord Lieutenant of the county of Northumberland. On the 21ſt May, 1670, he died at Turin, was brought to England, and interred at Petworth. He had iſſue an only ſon, Henry, who died in infancy, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Henrietta, the latter of which died at four years of age.

The Lady Elizabeth had three huſbands; the firſt, Henry Cavendiſh, Earl of Ogle, ſon and heir to the Duke of Newcaſtle. Her ſecond huſband was Thomas Thynne, Eſq And her third, his Grace Charles Duke of Somerſet. By the latter her Ladyſhip had iſſue, Algernon Earl of Hertford, afterwards Duke of Somerſet, and by creation Earl of Northumberland, who left an only daughter and heir, the late Ducheſs of Northumberland.

In this preſent illuſtrious family, live all the heroic virtues of their anceſtors. I muſt give a place to the following oration, ſpoken at Guildhall, Weſtminſter, by the Reverend Mr Bennet, on Tueſday July the 30th, 1776, on placing the picture of Earl Percy in the council chamber of that hall.

Gentlemen,

Notwithſtanding your worthy Chairman has ſo fully expatiated. on the cauſe of this chearful and reſpectable meeting, I feel myſelf animated, not leſs from inclination than duty, to offer a few words with your permiſſion, on the preſent occaſion.

‘Public virtues and ſingular acts of greatneſs, have ever kindled in the mind of man, an ardent deſire of beholding the perſons, or repreſentations of thoſe in whom they ſhone: hence examples of great and generous actions, have been continually handed down to poſterity for their imitation, and incitement to glory:—hence Caeſar—hence Cato live; and their virtues remain unſullied by the grave, amidſt the ruſt of time.’

‘Rome had its heroes—Britain boaſts of hers; and when Percy is no more, that picture ſhall record his deeds.’

‘At a time when the ſupreme legiſlative authority of parliament over the whole Britiſh empire was called in queſtion; at a time when [243] diſcord, diſobedience, nay rebellion itſelf prevailed in America;—at a time when diſſipation and every ſpecies of luxury pervaded this great nation, and its direful influence was viſibly increaſing;—Earl Percy, diſdaining every conſideration that was unconnected with the common weal, boldly ſtood forth a champion for his country, a friend to his King, and enemy to thoſe who had fallen from their duty.’

‘It was not wealth, gentlemen, that could urge him to ſo dangerous an undertaking—Fortune had placed him above the purſuit of it:— it could not be ambition, for rank and titles were already his own; —but it was public ſpirit that called him forth;—for he had all to loſe, but nothing to gain;—nothing but the true intereſt of his country to acquire. He gave up his own ſafety, he made a ſacrifice of every thing;—pleaſures, profit, and intereſt—all were ſubſervient to the common good.’

‘Without flattery, gentlemen, I may aſſert Rome would have gloried in ſuch a real Patriot; Rome would have rejoiced to have ſeen one of their Nobility ſo ſtrenuous in their country's cauſe.’

‘But this was not all; and what I have ſaid would bear but little reſemblance to that great man, were I not to take notice of his unbounded humanity as well as public ſpirit.’

‘His tenderneſs in a time of the greateſt calamity; his readineſs in ſharing whatever his ample fortune afforded him with the common ſoldier, the widow, and the orphan, has raiſed his name almoſt above the reach of praiſe.’

‘Great as his own diſtreſs was, he overlooked it, in commiſerating and relieving that of others: indeed every humane and generous feature of the noble Duke his father, are clearly ſeen in the actions of the ſon.’

‘But it is not to be wondered at, gentlemen, that humanity, generoſity, and magnificence, ſhould ſhine forth with ſo much luſtre in the noble Earl, when they are the acknowledged characteriſtics of the Houſe of Northumberland.

[244]The town of Alnwick * is irregular, being built on the declivities of a hill, in various directions: the buildings are chiefly modern, and [245] ſome of them approach to elegance. It is the county town of Northumberland, and an unrepreſented borough, governed by a Bailiff (nominated by his Grace; his authority derived from the obſolete office of Conſtable of the Caſtle) and four Chamberlains, choſen annually out of the freemen of the town. The freedom of this borough was one of King John's inſtitutions, who in a ridiculous humour ordained, that it ſhould be obtained by paſſing through a deep and miry pond, on the Town Moor,* upon St. Mark's day; which ſtill to render more ludicrous, the candidate is to perform in white cloathing; and ſometimes it is effected with the utmoſt peril. What immunities or privileges are gained by this unhappy mode of acceſſion, I never could learn: the trade of Alnwick, with every advantage of excluſive exerciſe, is inſignificant, [246] and the appendages of the borough are of no great moment.* The town was walled round by Henry Lord Percy, in the reign of King Henry VI. having four gates guarded by ſquare towers; three of which ſtill remain, Bondgate uſed for a priſon, Clayport for a poor-houſe, and Pottergate diſmantled and falling to decay. This borough holds a weekly market on Saturday, and four annual fairs, on the 12th of May, the laſt Monday in July, the firſt Monday in October, and on the 24th of December. The Market-place is well ſituated near the centre of the town, and greatly ornamented by the public buildings lately given by his Grace: among which are the Market-houſe, in the Gothic ſtyle, highly finiſhed and decorated, the Shambles, and Font. There is an ancient and immemorial cuſtom retained here, on the proclamation of the ſeveral fairs: Divers adjacent townſhips, which are free of toll in the borough by this ſervice, ſend their Repreſentatives to attend the Bailiff on the eve of the fair, when he makes proclamation: after which they keep watch all night in every quarter of the town. This is the moſt perfect remains of watch and ward retained in any part of this county.

Here is a School endowed with a revenue ariſing out of the tolls; but to which of the Lords of Alnwick it owes its conſtitution, I have gained no certain information.

This town was ſubject to all the miſeries of the Border Wars, and in 1448, was reduced to aſhes by the Scots.

[247] The Church ſtands a little diſtance from the town, retaining no very diſtinguiſhing marks of antiquity.* In the ſouth aile is a tomb formed in the receſs of the wall, with three recumbent effigies; but of what perſonages, no inſcription or tradition diſcovers: probably they repreſent ſome of the family of Veſeys, who were founders or great benefactors.

Here are two Diſſenting Meeting-houſes, and a modern Weſtlean Conventicle.

An Hoſpital was founded here by the Percies, in the reign of King Edward III. dedicated to St. Leonard; and by Henry Lord Percy, (the firſt of that name) afterwards Earl of Northumberland, made an appendage to the abbey, 50 Edward III.

The attention there is given by the Duke's ſervants, reſident at the caſtle, to ſatisfy the inquiries and curioſity of travellers, afforded us an eaſy acceſs to the pleaſure grounds which lead to Huln Abbey. The road we paſſed is calculated for the family's private uſe and retirement; but ſuch is his Grace's benevolence to the public, that the eye of the [248] curious is not excluded from thoſe beautiful ſcenes. The way to Huln forms one of the ſweeteſt and moſt romantic rides in the county; where nature has left the lands open, art has happily diſpoſed her works with the juſteſt taſte, to ſupply the vacancy. The entrance is by a ſteep deſcent to the vale, through which the river winds its courſe. The road by traverſing the hills obliquely, renders the way eaſy to the paſſenger: it is cloathed on each hand with plantations of various kinds of foreſt trees, mingled with great judgment, and ſo diſpoſed, that the pines and evergreens give an agreeable variegation of colour in the foliage, without deadening the ſcene. Nothing can be more gloomy than long-extended lines of duſky firs, which, as the Poet * juſtly obſerves, ‘blot the horizon.’ Theſe plantations are bordered on each ſide of the road with a variety of flowering ſhrubs and tufts of flowers. After paſſing this agreeable grove by irregular windings, we deſcended into a plain waſhed by the ſolemn ſtream of ſleepy Aln, which ſcarce appears to flow, ſo dull it ſeems, in this romantic valley, ſhut in on every hand by lofty eminences, covered with wood, forming a ſpacious theatre near two miles in circuit. On the right hand the river forms a ſemicircle, the oppoſite ſhore compoſed of ſhaken and perpendicular rocks, over whoſe brink impends a foreſt of oaks, riſing ſhade above ſhade up to the crown of the mountains. As the Aln paſſes away from this ſweet vale, and glides from under the feet of thoſe romantic rocks, ſhe doth not even yield a murmur or a ſigh; except where conſtrained by ſome artificial wears, ſhe turns over with indolence, and falls again to ſleep on the ſucceeding lake.

After paſſing this plain, the vale grows narrow, the hills and woods are loftier, and the river here and there frets over a few pebbles which impede her paſſage. Here is every ſylvan beauty; here we taſted enjoyment of all the pleaſures of a woody ſcene—the richneſs of the foreſt hues, the deep ſhadow, and the refreſhing breeze perfumed by woodbine—together with that ſolemnity and ſtillneſs which ſooth the contemplative mind.

As we winded thro' this deep valley, the proſpect at length opened upon the ſcite of Huln Abbey: on the left hand the landſkip was abruptly cloſed with rugged mountains of naked white rocks; oppoſed to [249] which, on the right, on a graſſy eminence, ſtand the remains of the monaſtery, humbly mourning in the lowly garb of ſolitude, and bending down in ruins: over which a tower of the Percys bears the melancholy air of unavailing defence, and overlooks the mouldering walls with an aſpect of deſpondency, in its inability to ſhield off the ſtrokes of time and devaſtation. We aſcended to the ſummit of the hill, and being poſſeſſed of the keys, by which alone we could have had acceſs to theſe retreats, we flattered ourſelves no obſtacle could ariſe that might deprive us of the ſight of the ruins of this religious houſe, and every thing curious there; but the whole is encloſed with a lofty wall, the interior ground being diſpoſed in gardening: we found the keeper of this place a little man, of a mean and inſolent aſpect; he heard our requeſt with the door in his hand, after which, with a contemptuous ſilence, he walked in and turned the key againſt us, as if he was afraid we ſhould diſcover ſome theft he was committing againſt his Lord. Thus excluded and looking ridiculous enough, we could do nothing more than ride round the walls, by which we obſerved that the ruins chiefly conſiſted of a ſmall chapel, wanting little beſides a roof: the tower a ſquare building, with exploratory turrets at each corner, is in good repair, fitted up as a pleaſure room, commanding a beautiful proſpect, as we could ſufficiently judge from our lower ſituation.

The view from this eminence into the vale which we had paſſed, was ſingularly beautiful: the ragged, rocky, and barren mountain, which now lay on our right, afforded a bold contraſt to the hanging foreſts and the planted eminences which interſected the winding valley: the Aln was ſeen in meanders down the nearer and narrow dell, and in the extended diſtant plain the waters formed a fine lucid creſcent, the canal being then happily touched by the ſun's beams; the heights cloathed with oaks, the lower hills girt with plantations of various hues, the bold rocks puſhing forth their fronts from out the wood, all mingled with that irregularity and wildneſs nature alone can diſplay in theſe hilly countries, formed this beautiful landſkip.*

[250]I will purſue the account given by Mr Groſe of this Abbey, as the moſt perfect one extant. Hulne was the firſt monaſtery of Carmelite Friars in this kingdom. The account of its foundation is thus given by ancient writers: Among the Britiſh Barons who went to the Holy Wars in the reign of King Henry III. were William de Veſey Lord of Alnwick, and Richard Gray, two eminent chieftains in the chriſtian army: led by curioſity or devotion, they went to viſit the Monks of Mount Carmel, and there unexpectedly found a countryman of their own, one Ralph Freſborn, a Northumberland-man, who had diſtinguiſhed himſelf in a former cruſade; and in conſequence of a vow had afterwards taken upon him the monaſtic profeſſion in that ſolitude. When Veſey and Gray returned to England, they ſtrongly importuned the ſuperior of the Carmelites to let their countryman accompany them home; which was at length granted, upon condition that they would found a monaſtery for Carmelites in their own country. Soon after their return, Freſborn, mindful of their engagement, began to look out for a place for their Convent. After examining all the circumjacent ſolitudes, he at length fixed upon the preſent ſpot, induced, it is ſaid, by the great reſemblance which the adjoining hill bore to Mount Carmel: and indeed whoever looks into Maundril's travels, will find that the draught of that mountain, given in his book, bears a ſtrong likeneſs to this before us.’

‘The above William de Veſey gave a grant of the ground, conſiſting of twelve or thirteen acres, in his park of Holne; but Freſborn is ſaid to have erected the building himſelf. The foundation was laid about A. D. 1240, and Freſborn gathering a proper number of Monks, became the firſt Abbot of the Order; and having preſided here with great reputation of ſanctity, at length died, and was buried in the monaſtery about the year 1274.’

The original grant of William de Veſey, was confirmed by his ſucceſſors Veſeys; and by the Percies, after their becoming proprietors of Alnwick: many additional privileges and immunities were added by the ſucceeding grants, particulariſed in Mr Groſe's work, but too [251] tedious to take place, except only ſuch as are ſingularly curious following.

‘Alſo all wild bees, with their fruits of honey and wax, found in Walſe and in Holne, as well in the park as in the foreſt, for the perpetual ſupport of the light in their church; with a proviſion againſt the ſaid Friars being defrauded of the ſaid bees, wax, and honey, by the foreſters and ſhepherds there. They ſhall alſo have yearly, out of the Lord's coney warren of Houghton, one truſs of conies at Eaſter, and another at the aſſumption of the bleſſed Mary. And certain quantities of ruſhes, and twelve loads of broom, to cover their houſes.’

‘Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland, built in this abbey, a fine tower, as a place of refuge for the Monks to retire to in times of danger. Near it is this curious inſcription, in ancient Engliſh.’

I

n the year of Criſt Ihu mccccxxVIII
This Towr was bilded by Sir hen Percy
The fourth Earl of Northūberlād of gret hon̄ & worth
That Eſpouſed Maud ye good Lady full of vertue & bewt̄
Daughtr to Sr. Will̄m harbirt noble & hardy
Erle of Pembrock whos ſoulis god ſave
And with his grace cōſarve the builder of this Towr.

‘The annual value of this houſe is not given by Tanner. Some of the buildings are fitted up and inhabited by ſervants, who take care of an aviary which his Grace has eſtabliſhed here. The other parts are decorated with plantations of various trees and ſhrubs, ſo as to afford a delightful point of view, from every ſtation whence they are viſible.’ *

From an ancient ſurvey which Mr Groſe copies, made in 1567, it appears ‘that the cloiſter is ſquare; in the midſt thereof groweth a [252] tree of ewe. It is well paved with ſtone about the ſaid cloyſter, the windowes haith bene all glaſyned, and now for the moſt parte are in decaye."—"The place where the church was in now full of cherry trees."—"In the garden groweth one pear tree, and all the reſt be plome trees and bulleſter trees.’

Mr Wallis ſays, the famous Biographer, John Bale, lived and ſtudied here, being a member of this little ſociety.

Returning from Hulne by the ſame road, we paſſed down to

ALNWICK ABBEY,

now the ſeat of Michael Doubleday, Eſq. This was formerly an Abbey of Premonſtratenſian Canons, (Dugdale calls it a Priory) dedicated to St. James and the bleſſed Virgin. It was founded in 1147, by Euſtace Fitz John, who by his marriage with Beatrix the daughter of Ivo de Veſey, became Lord of the barony of Alnwick. He endowed it amply.*

The charter of foundation, included in a confirmatory charter of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, is addreſſed to William de Sta Barbara, Biſhop of Durham. Among the ſouls for whoſe benefit it was erected, is mentioned that of Ivo de Veſci. Dugdale and Stephens do not agree touching the time when this order of Religious came firſt into England. From Dugdale's authority, it is ſaid that the firſt of that order came to ſettle at Alnwick in the year 1147; but Stephens, from the authority of Raynerus, ſays the order firſt came over in 1146, and ſettled at Newhouſe, in Lincolnſhire, in their monaſtery built by Peter de Saulia, dedicated to St. Martialis.

[253]In the chronicle of this houſe, preſerved in the library of King's College, Cambridge, there is an account of a Banquet given by Walter de Hepeſcotes, the Abbot, A. D. 1376, on the day of the aſſumption of the bleſſed Virgin Mary, to Henry the 4th Lord of Alnwick, with the 13 following Knights, William de Acon, Richard Tempeſt, Walter Blount, Allan de Heton, John Coniers, John Heron, John Littleburum, Thomas de Ilderton, Thomas de Boynton, Ingram de Umfravil, John de Dichaunt, John de Swynton, Radulphus de Viners, and many others of the chief gentry of the country, amounting to 120, all entertained in the refectory; beſide 86 at a ſecond repaſt. The cloiſters too were filled with inferior people of all ages, to the number of 1020, who were likewiſe there feaſted.*

It appears from the ſame authority, that divers of the Percys were interred here; particularly Henry the ſecond Lord of Alnwick, who died in 1351: Henry the third Lord, who beſtowed on the Monks 100l. at his death, A. D. 1368; alſo Mary his wife, daughter of the Earl of Lancaſter. Henry the fourth Lord of Alnwick, A. D. 1372, was admitted in the month of February to the Brotherhood of this Chapter, together with divers other Knights and Eſquires; as alſo, in the ſucceeding year, Henry his eldeſt ſon, with his two brothers, Thomas and Radulphus.

During the Abbacy of Walter de Hepeſcotes, this houſe was afflicted with a great ſcarcity, together with a peſtilence, whereby all the cattle belonging to the monaſtery were deſtroyed. In this chronicle the following Abbots are mentioned: John, who died in 1350; Walter, who reſigned his office in 1362, and was ſucceeded by Robert; and Walter de Hepeſcotes, A. D. 1376.

The Abbot of this houſe was ſummoned to the parliaments of the 23d, 24th, 28th, 32d, and 34th of King Edward I. alſo to that held at [254] Carliſle, 35th of the ſame reign; and to the parliament of the 19th King Edward II.*

[255]At the diſſolution the revenues of this houſe were valued at 189l. 15s. by Dugdale, and 194l. 7s. by Speed, there being then 13 Canons. King Edward VI. in the 4th year of his reign, granted the ſcite to Sadler and Winnington. It came afterwards to the poſſeſſion of the Brandling family, and the Doubledays from whom the preſent owner is deſcended, derived their title by purchaſe from the Brandlings. This is a ſweet though deep retirement, on the banks of Aln, defended by lofty hills to the north and weſt.

Figure 1. ALNWICK ABBEY GATEWAY

There are no remains of the Abbey, but a Gateway and Tower, which by the architecture and arms ſculptured upon the building, ſhew it is of much more modern date than the foundation of the houſe. This tower is not ſquare, but oblong, having an exploratory turret on each corner. The north ſide is ornamented with a nich, canopy'd, capable of receiving a ſtatue five feet high: moſt probable it contained the effigies of the dedicatory Virgin. Beneath is a figure of an angel in relief, with expanded wings. Over this entrance are ſhields of arms, a croſs, ſuppoſed to be the arms of the Veſeys, and a croſs molin. On the ſouth ſide, in a nich, is the figure of one of the Religious, of the order of White Friars of Premonſtratenſes, in his proper habilament, in pretty good preſervation. This front is ornamented with ſhields of arms, the arms of Brabant adopted by the Percys, with the arms of Lucys quarterly, the principal; and alſo the arms of Veſey.

[256]A gate opens to the eaſt, on each ſide of which are the figures of cherubs ſupporting armorial ſhields: on this front is alſo a canopy and nich for a ſtatue. Here are the arms of Brabant and the arms of Lucys on ſeparate ſhields. At this entrance, as alſo on the north ſide, were machicolations; and in the center of the arching of the gateway is a ſquare aperture, from whence the poſſeſſors could annoy aſſailants. The maſonry of this tower is excellent; the gates of lattice braced with iron ſtill remain.

Above the gate going into the court of the houſe, is an eſcutcheon of white marble, much injured by the weather, but retaining ſome marks of the Sculptor, to diſtinguiſh that it once contained the creſt of the Doubledays, an arm in armour ſuſpending a mullet. The antiquity of this piece has been much doubted, but the materials determine that point clearly.

This ſeat of the Doubleday family has nothing very ſingular to mark it, but the beauty of the retirement, under the hanging woods of the river Aln. The ground plot of the religious houſe is now included in the orchard; the ruins of which probably afforded materials for the preſent manſion; but there are not the leaſt remains to denote the exact ſcite of the monaſtic buildings, or the place of interment of the illuſtrious perſonages before mentioned.

[]
Figure 2. WARKWORTH CASTLE.

We paſſed from Alnwick Abbey to

WARKWORTH,

the roads agreeable, and the country finely cultivated. In the way, we had a view of the port of

ALEMOUTH.

This was a dependent manor of the barony of Alnwick. The town is ſmall, but carries on a conſiderable trade in the export of corn and other produce of the country. The imports are chiefly timber, and ſome merchandize from Holland. Near the ſea, on an eminence, are the remains of a church in the form of a croſs. When this edifice was deſtroyed, or by whom, is not known. The church-yard is ſtill uſed for ſepulture.* We approached the town of Warkworth by a fine ſtone bridge of three arches over the river Coquet, anciently defended by a tower with an iron gate and portcullis.

THE CASTLE OF WARKWORTH

ſtands on a lofty eminence, the town of Warkworth lying on the northern inclination of the hill, and forming a pleaſing, though ſteep approach to the, caſtle: the ſtreet is wide, and contains ſome modern buildings. This acceſs gives the fortreſs an auguſt appearance.

[258]An account of this place, publiſhed in the Newcaſtle Courant in the year 1772, contains the following particulars: ‘It is about three quarters of a mile from the ſea. The principal ſtreet ſtands upon a riſing ground, at the higher end of which, upon an eminence, are the remains of an ancient caſtle. The market place is in the middle of the town, where is a fine ſtone croſs on a ſpacious area at the meeting of two ſtreets, the one leading to the church, which is an elegant ſtructure, whoſe ſpire is upwards 100 feet high; the other to the bridge, where is an ancient tower. Contiguous to the bridge is a large freeſtone quarry, the ſtones of which are ſo much eſteemed, that great quantities thereof are ſhipped for London. The ſalmon fiſhery here is carried to a very great extent, ſo that at the mouth of the Coquet, in the ſummer ſeaſon, as well as in the river itſelf, are ſome thouſands caught, which gives employment to a number of hands. The river, which almoſt ſurrounds the town, directs its courſe in a ſtraight line for about half a mile, then leaving the fine and pleaſant villas of Gloſterhill and Amble on its ſouthern banks, while it loſes itſelf in the ocean. In the year 1764, it left its old courſe, and forced its way between two ſandy hills overgrown with bent, that had obſtructed its paſſage for ages, and is now ſettled in a very deep channel, with a fine clay bottom, which makes it navigable for ſmall craft. It is ſaid there is upwards of 14 feet of water upon the bar at full ſea, and continues that depth very near the town; ſo that with a little aſſiſtance of art, it might be made to admit ſhips of a conſiderable burthen; and as Coquet Iſland is ſituated a little to the ſouthward, forms a fine bay at the very mouth of the river. The grounds adjoining thereto abound with a fine ſeam of coal; and ſo plentiful is corn, that few counties can equal its fertility. From theſe conſiderations, what pity it is that Warkworth was not made a ſea-port, ſince nature has almoſt half finiſhed the deſign.’

‘This little borough is governed by a Mayor, who is choſen annually at a Court Leet, and enjoys great privileges by an extenſive common, the property of the village, and ſome little indulgencies from his Grace the Duke of Northumberland; and as the town conſiſts all of free burgeſſes, is capable of great improvements.’ *

[259]The caſtle ſtands on the crown of a rock, of an oblong figure; the great tower to the north, placed on the brink of the cliff above the town, is of fine architecture in chiſel-work, of a ſingular figure, being octangular, and from the center of four oppoſite ſides, a turret projects, of a ſemi-hexagonal form; from the middle of the building a very lofty exploratory turret ariſes. This part of the caſtle owes its origin to the Percys, as appears by the Lion of Brabant above the gate, and the arms diſperſed over the building. The weſtern ſide is formed of various irregular towers and walling of different ages, extending along the brink of the cliff, whoſe foot is waſhed by the river Coquet. On the ſouth, the ground riſes gradually to the height of the rocks on which the weſtern buildings are founded. This ſide of the caſtle fronts to a ſpacious plain or platform, and is defended by a high wall with an outward moat. The ancient gateway and chief entrance to the caſtle is on this ſide; the gate defended by circular towers and a draw bridge. The eaſtern ſide is placed on the brink of a ſteep declivity, defended by an outward moat, and a lofty wall guarded by a ſquare baſtion near the center, and an angular tower at the ſouth point. The walls encloſe a ſpacious area, almoſt ſquare, within which the ancient parts of the fortreſs are very ruinous.

The view from hence is ſo extenſive and various, that deſcription can carry but a very imperfect idea of its members or its beauties: to the eaſt and north-eaſt, there is a ſea proſpect, with which you take in all the ſhore we had traverſed, with Dunſtanbrough and Bambrough Caſtles at the moſt diſtant point of land: the Farn Iſlands lie ſcattered like patches on the face of the waters. The port of Alemouth is a nearer object, and at a little diſtance the mouth of the river Coquet and Coquet Iſland with its ruined monaſtery are ſeen. To the north, you view a rich cultivated country to Alnwick; weſtward, the banks of Coquet river, graced with little woodlands, which here and there impend on its winding channel; to the ſouth, you view an extenſive plain, inclining towards the ſea, crowded with villages, and interſperſed with woods; the ſhore indented by many little ports and creeks; the higher grounds are ſcattered over with innumerable hamlets, churches, and other buildings, mingling with a variety highly pleaſing; whilſt on the extreme diſtance, the different teints of the landſkip, ariſing from various objects, require colours to convey their picture to the mind.

Mr Groſe, who has given two views of this caſtle in his excellent work, ſays, ‘nothing can be more magnificent and pictureſque, from [260] what part ſoever it is viewed; and though when entire it was far from being deſtitute of ſtrength, yet its appearance does not excite the idea of one of thoſe rugged fortreſſes deſtined ſolely for war, whoſe gloomy towers ſuggeſt to the imagination only dungeons, chains, and executions: but rather that of ſuch an ancient hoſpitable manſion as is alluded to by Milton,’

Where throngs of Knights and Barons bold
In weeds of peace high triumphs hold.

‘The caſtle and mote, according to an ancient ſurvey, contained 5 acres 17¾ perches of ground. Its walls on the ſouth, eaſt, and weſt ſides are garniſhed with towers. The great gate of the caſtle is on the ſouth ſide, between two polygonal towers, and is alſo defended with machicolations.’

‘The keep or dungeon forms the north front; its figure is a ſquare with the angles canted off. Near the middle of each face of this ſquare there is a turret, projecting at right angles, its end terminating in a ſemi-hexagon: theſe projections are of the ſame height as the reſt of the keep. This keep is very large and lofty, and contains a variety of magnificent apartments.’

Mr Groſe gives the copy of a ſurvey taken of this caſtle in 1567, of which ſome extracts may be pertinent here. ‘The Buyldinge of the ſayd caſtell on the ſowth parte is thre towres, viz. the Gatehouſe towre in the middle thereof, which ys the entrye at a draw bridge over drye moyte; and in the ſame toure ys a priſon and porter lodge, and over the ſame a fare lodging, called the conſtables lodgings; and in the curtayne is a fayre and comely building, a chapel, and divers houſes of office, and above the great chambre and the Lordes lodginge. On the weſt ſide, the poſterne towre, and the old hall, which was very fare at the entrye into the hall, for the porche thereof is rayſed a little ſquare towre, wherein is two chambres; and on the foreſyd, in ſtone, portrayed a lyon, verie workmanly wrought, and therefore called the lyon towre. In the eaſte ſyde of the great hall, was an ile ſet owt, with pyllers, which yet ſtandeth. The doungion is in the northe parte of the ſcyte of the ſayd Caſtell, ſet upon a little mount highyer than the reſt of the cowrte; ſteppes of a greas before ye enter to yt: and the ſame ys buyld as a foure ſquare, and owt of every ſquare one towre; all which be ſo quarterly [261] ſquared together, that in the ſyght every parte appeareth five towres, very finely wrought of maſon-work: and in the ſame conteyned as well a fayre hall, kytchinge, and all other houſes of offices, verie fare and apteley placed, as alſo great chambre, chapel, and lodgings for the Lord and his trayn. The caſtell is envyroned on thre partes with the ſayd ryver; and of the northe parte, in an angle within the ſayd water is ſituate a towne called the borough of Warkworth, and the pariſh church, &c.’

Warkworth was formerly the barony of Roger Fitz Richard, who held it by the ſervice of one Knight's fee, of the grant of King Henry II. He married Eleanor, one of the daughters and coheireſſes of Henry de Eſſex, Baron of Raleigh and Clavering. * It continued in this family for ſeveral ſucceſſive generations. John, in obedience to King Edward I. by his command, took upon him the ſurname of Clavering. In conſideration of certain grants of lands in the ſouthern counties, he made over to King Edward II. the reverſion in fee of his barony and caſtle of Warkworth, provided he ſhould die without iſſue male. This reverſion King Edward III. granted to Henry Lord Percy, from whom theſe poſſeſſions have deſcended to the preſent Duke of Northumberland.

The church is a handſome building, ornamented with a ſpire, the inſide very neat. There is a monument with the recumbent effigy of a Knight Templar, with an inſcription intimating that the perſonage there interred was Sir Hugh de Morwick, who gave the common to the town of Warkworth.

In a window of one of the ailes, is painted the figures of St. Hilda and an attendant female.

Leland ſays, Warkworth was much reſorted to by Merchants. At preſent there is no navigation on the Coquet, though it is ſaid to be practicable to bring up ſmall craft to the bridge. The town is entitled [262] to a weekly market on Thurſday, and three annual fairs on the Thurſdays preceding St. George's, St. Lawrence's, and St. Martin's days.

We paſſed up the river Coquet about three quarters of a mile to the

Figure 3. HERMITAGE at WARKWORTH.

HERMITAGE.

[figure]
The cliff, the vault, but chief the tomb,
Attract the wand'ring pair;
Eager they aſk what hapleſs dame
Lies ſculptur'd here ſo fair?
The Hermit ſigh'd, the Hermit wept,
For ſorrow ſcarce could ſpeak;
At length he wip'd the trickling tears,
That all bedew'd his cheek.
Alas! my children, human life
Is but a vale of woe;
And very mournful is the tale
Which you ſo fain would know.
[267]
Young Lord, thy grandſire had a friend,
In days of youthful fame;
Yon diſtant hills were his domains;
Sir Bertram * was his name.
Where e'er the noble Percy fought,
His friend was at his ſide;
And many a ſkirmiſh with the Scots
Their early valour try'd.
Fair Widdrington the maiden's name,
Yon tow'r's her dwelling-place;
Her ſire an old Northumbrian chief,
Devoted to thy race.
[268]
Many a Lord and many a Knight
To this fair damſel came;
But Bertram was her only choice,
For him ſhe felt a flame.
Lord Percy pleaded for his friend,
Her father ſoon conſents;
None but the beauteous maid herſelf
His wiſhes now prevents.
* * * * * * * *
When lo a damſel young and fair
Stepp'd forward thro' the hall.
She Bertram courteouſly addreſt,
And kneeling on her knee,
Sir Knight, the Lady of thy love
Hath ſent this gift to thee.
Then forth ſhe drew a glittering helm,
Well plated many a fold;
The caſque was wrought of temper'd ſteel,
The creſt of burniſh'd gold.
Sir Knight, thy Lady ſends thee this,
And yields to be thy bride,
When thou haſt prov'd this maiden gift,
Where ſharpeſt blows are try'd.
Young Bertram took the ſhining helm,
And thrice he kiſs'd the ſame;
Truſt me I'll prove this precious caſque
With deeds of nobleſt fame.
Lord Percy and his Barons bold,
Then fix'd upon a day,
To ſcour the Marches, late oppreſt,
And Scottiſh wrongs repay.
* * * * * * * *
Now cloſing faſt on every ſide,
They hem Sir Bertram round;
But dauntleſs he repels their rage,
And deals forth many a wound.
[269]
The vigour of his ſingle arm
Had well nigh won the field,
When ponderous fell a Scottiſh ax,
And clove his lifted ſhield.
Another blow his temples took,
And reft his helm in twain;
That beauteous helm, his Lady's gift:
His blood bedew'd the plain.
Lord Percy ſaw his champion fall,
Amid the unequal fight:
And now my noble friends, he ſaid,
Let's ſave this gallant Knight.
Then ruſhing in, with ſtretch'd out ſhield,
He o'er the warrior hung,
As ſome fierce eagle ſpreads her wing,
To guard her callow young.
* * * * * * * *
All pale, extended on their ſhields,
And welt'ring in his gore,
Lord Percy's Knights their bleeding friend
To Wark's fair caſtle bore.
* * * * * * * *
All day o'er moſs and moor they rode,
By many a lonely tow'r,
And 'twas the dewfall of the night
Ere they drew near her bow'r.
* * * * * * * *
Six days, young Knight, are paſt and gone,
Since ſhe ſet out to thee;
And ſure, if no ſad harm had happ'd,
Long ſince thou wouldſt her ſee.
For when ſhe heard thy grievous chance,
She tore her hair, and cry'd,
Alas! I've ſlain the comelieſt Knight,
All thro' my folly and pride.
* * * * * * * *
[270]
Then mounted ſhe her milk-white ſteed,
One morn at break of day,
And two tall yeomen went with her,
To guard her on the way.
Sad terror ſmote Sir Bertram's heart,
And grief o'erwhelm'd his mind;
Truſt me, ſaid he, I ne'er will reſt,
Till I my Lady find.
* * * * * * * *
Now, brother, we'll our ways divide,
O'er Scottiſh hills to range;
Do thou go north, and I'll go weſt,
And all our dreſs we'll change.
* * * * * * * *
One day, as he ſate under a thorn,
All ſunk in deep deſpair,
An aged Pilgrim paſs'd him by,
Who mark'd his face of care.
* * * * * * * *
Cheer up, my ſon, perchance (he ſaid)
Some tidings I may bear;
For oft when human hopes have fail'd,
Then heav'nly comfort's near.
Behind yon hills, ſo ſteep and high,
Down in a lowly glen,
There ſtands a caſtle, fair and ſtrong,
Far from th' abode of men.
As late I chanc'd to crave an alms,
About this evening hour,
Methought I heard a Lady's voice,
Lamenting in the tower.
* * * * * * *
Theſe tidings caught Sir Bertram's ear,
He thank'd him for his tale,
And ſoon he haſted o'er the hills,
And ſoon he reach'd the vale.
* * * * * * * *
[271]
All day he ſits beſide the gate,
And pipes both loud and clear;
All night he watches round the walls,
In hopes his love to hear.
The firſt night, as he ſilent watch'd,
All at the midnight hour,
He plainly heard his Lady's voice,
Lamenting in the tower.
The ſecond night, the moon ſhone clear,
And gilt the ſpangled dew,
He ſaw his Lady thro' the grate,
But 'twas a tranſient view.
The third night, wearied out, he ſlept
Till near the morning tide,
When ſtarting up he ſeiz'd his ſword,
And to the caſtle hey'd.
When lo he ſaw a ladder of ropes
Depending from the wall;
And o'er the moat was newly laid
A poplar, ſtrong and tall.
And ſoon he ſaw his love deſcend,
Wrapt in a tartan plaid;
Aſſiſted by a ſturdy youth,
In Highland garb then clad.
Amaz'd, confounded at the ſight,
He lay unſeen and ſtill,
And ſoon he ſaw them croſs the ſtream,
And mount the neighbouring hill.
Unknown, unheard of all within,
The youthful couple fly;
But what can 'ſcape the lover's ken,
Or ſhun his piercing eye?
With ſilent ſtep he follows cloſe
Behind the flying pair,
And ſaw her hang upon his arm,
With fond familiar air.
[272]
Thanks, gentle youth, ſhe often ſaid;
My thanks thou well haſt won;
For me what wiles haſt thou contriv'd;
For me what dangers run?
And ever ſhall my grateful heart
Thy ſervices repay:
Sir Bertram could not further hear,
But cry'd, Vile traitor, ſtay!
Vile traitor, yield that Lady up!
And quick his ſword he drew:
The ſtranger turn'd in ſudden rage,
And at Sir Bertram flew.
With mortal hate their vigorous arms
Gave many a vengeful blow;
But Bertram's ſtronger hand prevail'd,
And laid the ſtranger low.
Die, traitor, die!—a dreadful thruſt
Attends each furious word:
Ah! then fair Iſabel knew his voice,
And ruſh'd beneath his ſword.
O ſtop, ſhe cry'd; O ſtop thy arm!
Thou doſt thy brother ſlay!
And here the Hermit paus'd and wept.
His tongue no more could ſay.
At length he cry'd, Go lovely pair:
How ſhall I tell the reſt!
Ere I could ſtop my piercing ſword,
It fell, and ſtabb'd her breaſt.
Wert thou thyſelf that hapleſs youth?
Ah cruel fate! they ſaid:
The Hermit wept, and ſo did they;
They ſigh'd—he hung his head.
* * * * * * *
[273]
My brother, alas! ſpake never more,
His precious life was flown;
She kindly ſtrove to ſooth my pain,
Regardleſs of her own.
* * * * * * *
Thus pouring comfort on my ſoul,
Even with her lateſt breath,
She gave one parting fond embrace,
And clos'd her eyes in death.
* * * * * * * *
For me, I loath'd my wretched life,
And long to end it thought;
Till time and books and holy men
Had better counſels taught.
They rais'd my heart to that pure ſource,
Whence heav'nly comfort flows;
She taught me to deſpiſe the world,
And calmly bear its woes.
No more the ſlave of human pride,
Vain hope and ſordid care;
I meekly vow'd to ſpend my life
In penitence and pray'r.
The bold Sir Bertram now no more
Impetuous, haughty, wild;
But poor and humble Benedict,
Now lowly, patient, mild.
My lands I gave to feed the poor,
And ſacred altars raiſe;
And here a lonely Anchorite
I came to end my days.
This ſweet ſequeſter'd vale I choſe,
Theſe rocks and hanging grove;
For oft beſide that murmuring ſtream
My love was wont to rove.
[274]
My noble friend approv'd my choice,
This bleſs'd retreat he gave;
And here I carv'd her beauteous form,
And ſcoop'd this hollow cave.
Full fifty winters, all forlorn,
My life I've linger'd here;
And daily o'er this ſculptur'd Saint
I drop the penſive tear.

In Mr Groſe's account of this Hermitage, it is alledged, that it was univerſally believed the firſt Hermit enjoined himſelf this life of pennance and ſeverity, in contrition for the murder of his own brother. I muſt ſay, I was ſtruck with an idea on my firſt entrance, which grew upon me whilſt I remained in theſe ſacred vaults, and drew on a train of penſive thoughts: There needed nothing barbarous, ſavage, or murderous to induce a man to ſuch a life—diſappointed love was ſufficient of itſelf to incite it: Conceive the perſonage ſculptured upon the tomb or monument, to be the devoted bride or beloved wife of the Recluſe, cut off in the prime of life by ſome common caſualty, perhaps after a ſhort life of harmony and love in the marriage ſtate, in the inſtant of bringing into the world the iſſue of an happy intercourſe, and the heir of an opulent race—this was cauſe ſufficient. Under ſuch circumſtances, we ſhould entertain more feelings for the tender ſorrows and diſappointed love of the Hermit, than we can experience when we ſee him ſtained with bloody crimes, ariſing from wrath, revenge, raſhneſs, or indiſcretion—mad with jealouſy, even to ſuch a blindneſs, that he could not know his own brother, though gone forth in diſguiſe at his inſtance on the ſame errand with himſelf. I own my ideas furniſhed me with a very different picture of the Hermit's woes—I ſtood over the monument with an eye flooded in tears, and a mind diſtreſſed by the tendereſt touches of commiſeration. After muſing for ſome time, I imagined I could hear the diſtreſſed inhabitant exclaim: ‘In the duſt reſts for ever the beloved remains of the beſt of women—united to me by love and wedloc—the hopes of my youth, the joy of my deſire, and the felicity of my poſſeſſion; with her I had flattered my mind, life would paſs away ſerenely, and the evening of the human day advance in peace: but alas! when my happineſs was at its height, ſhe was ſnatched from me, and forlornneſs beſet my ſteps.’

[275]But to return to my deſcription: The weſt end of the chapel is lighted by a window formed of four conjoining circles: above the inner door of the veſtibule is a ſhield, bearing the remains of ſome arms; by ſome taken to be the figure of a gauntlet; but as it is generally believed one of the Bertrams formed this hermitage, ſo it is probable this ſhield (the remains of which ſeem to correſpond therewith) bore the Bertrams' arms, Or, an orl, azure.*

On the left hand of the altar, a window is formed in the partition of the apartments, divided by two mullions, the ſummit of each light or diviſion ornamented with work formed of ſections of circles, like thoſe ſeen in cathedrals of the tenth century. From the chapel we entered an inner apartment, by a neat door-caſe, over which is ſculptured a ſhield, with the crucifixion and ſeveral inſtruments of torture. At the eaſt end of this inner apartment, is an altar like that in the chapel, lighted by the laſt-deſcribed window, and through which the perſon kneeling at the inner altar, could view the cenotaph in the chapel: this apartment is about five feet wide and nine paces in length: here is alſo a nich or baſon for holy water. On the northern ſide of this inner chamber, a receſs is cut in the rock, of ſize ſufficient to hold the couch of a perſon of middling ſtature. I have ſeen ſeveral of the like form, alcoved above, and a ſole about two feet above the level of the floor to hold the matraſs and bedding of the Recluſe. This receſs is ſo placed, that whilſt I ſat therein to make my notes, by a nich cut ſlantwiſe in the partition wall which ſeparates the two apartments, I had a view of the cenotaph and effigies thereon. The nich ſeemed calculated for this very purpoſe; being cut through the wall aſſant, it could not be conceived intended to convey the light. By ſome it has been imagined to be deſigned for confeſſion, but it is my ſentiment that the Hermit was prieſt and penitent in one; and that he had deviſed thoſe apertures, that the effigies ſhould be conſtantly in his ſight. In this inner apartment, is a ſmall cloſet cut in the ſide wall to the north: from this interior chamber is a doorway leading to an open gallery, having a proſpect up the [276] river; but by the falling of ſome of the rock above, this part is greatly damaged. It is ſaid by old people, that the roof was ſupported by a fine pillar, and formed a ſmall piazza cloiſter or open gallery—ſuch galleries are ſeen in very ancient manſions, in the centre of the front: one is yet perfect in the remains of Bradley Hall, in the county of Durham, the manſion of the eldeſt branch of the family of Bowes, built, as it is preſumed, ſoon after the conqueſt.

From theſe cells, through a neat doorway, there are winding ſtairs cut in the rock, leading to its ſummit, ſuppoſed to conduct to the Hermit's olatory or garden. A channel is ingeniouſly formed on the ſteps to carry off the water.

It ſeems evident that the original hermitage conſiſted of no more than the apartments hewn in the rock, the inner one being the dwelling-place, and the little cloiſter the ſummer ſeat, facing weſtward, and commanding a beautiful view up the river Coquet, which here forms a fine curve, in extent near half a mile, on this ſide bordered by rocks, on the other by cultivated lands, of an eaſy inclination; on the extremity ſtands a pretty farmhold, to terminate the ſequeſtered rural proſpect. The ſtyle of architecture adopted in this hermitage is of the Saxon Gothic, which proves its antiquity. In the poſtſcript to the poem of the Hermit of Warkworth, the author aſſerts, ‘that the memory of the firſt Hermit was held in ſuch regard and veneration by the Percy family, that they afterwards maintained a chantry prieſt, to reſide in the hermitage and celebrate maſs in the chapel; whoſe allowance, uncommonly liberal and munificent, was continued down to the diſſolution of the monaſteries; and then the whole ſalary, together with the hermitage and all its dependencies, reverted back to the family; having never been endowed in mortmain. On this account we have no record which fixes the date of the foundation, or gives any particular account of the firſt Hermit.’ The patent is extant, which was granted to the laſt Hermit in 1532, by the ſixth Earl of Northumberland.* The author of the poem in this poſtſcript adds, ‘After the peruſal [277] of the above patent, it will perhaps be needleſs to caution the reader againſt a miſtake ſome have fallen into, of confounding the hermitage near Warkworth, with a chantry founded within the town itſelf, by Nicholas de Farnham, Biſhop of Durham, in the reign of King Henry III. who appropriated the church of Branxton for the maintenance there of two Benedictine Monks from Durham. That ſmall monaſtic foundation is indeed called a cell by Biſhop Tanner; but he muſt be very ignorant, who ſuppoſes that by the word cell, is neceſſary to be underſtood a hermitage; whereas it was commonly applied to any ſmall conventual eſtabliſhment, which was dependant on another. As to the chapel belonging to this endowment of Biſhop Farnham, it is mentioned as in ruins in ſeveral old ſurveys of Queen Elizabeth's time; and its ſcite not far from Warkworth church, is ſtill remembered.* But that there was never more than one prieſt maintained, at one and the ſame time, within the hermitage, is plainly proved, (if any further proof be wanting) by the following extract from a ſurvey of Warkworth, made in the year 1567, viz. Ther is in the parke alſo one howſe hewyn within one cragge, which is called the harmitage chapel: in the ſame ther haith bene one preaſt keaped, which did ſuch godlye ſervices as that tyme was uſed and celebrated. The mantion howſe ys nowe in decaye: the cloſes that apperteined to the ſaid chantrie is occupied to his Lordſhips uſe.’

[278]It appears to me, that the Monks who came here in an age in which the ſeverities of a religious life were relaxing, founded the good warm kitchen of maſon-work at the foot of the rock, adapted to indulgencies unknown to the original inhabitant. The form of the doors and windows are of a much more modern mode than thoſe above; the windows of the hermitage have had no iron-grating.

After wandering in this ſweet ſequeſtered vale, ſo ſingularly calculated for contemplation, and adapted to a mind fond of ſerious reflections, till the decline of day warned us of the neceſſity of our departure, we returned to Warkworth, from whence we had a view of

COQUET ISLAND,

little more than a mile from the main land, and about a mile in circumference. Here are the remains of a Cell of Benedictine Monks, which was ſubordinate to Tynemouth Priory. After the diſſolution, it was granted to the Earl of Warwick,* and is now part of the poſſeſſions of the Duke of Northumberland. This is a much more comfortable receſs than St. Cuthbert's on the Farn Iſland: rabbits abound here, and pit coal was wrought before Leland's time. There is nothing memorable in hiſtory relative to this place, but its capture by the Scots in the reign of King Charles I. when it was garriſoned with 200 men, and defended with ſeven pieces of ordnance.

We took our rout to

FELTON,

a village on the banks of Coquet. The ſcenes near this place are romantic and beautiful; fine rocks and hanging woods form the margin [279] of the winding river, whilſt on every ſide lies a rich cultivated country. At this place the Barons of Northumberland, Lord Euſtace being one, did homage to Alexander King of Scotland: to chaſtiſe which defection, King John levied a great army, and in 1216, marching northward, made horrid devaſtations: Felton was reduced to aſhes.

This was one of the dependent manors of the barony of Mitford, and paſſed through the ſucceſſive poſſeſſions of Bertrams, Pembrokes, Athols, Percys, Scropes, and Lyſles, and afterwards of the Widdringtons, from whom the preſent owner, Mr Riddell, derives his title, in right of his Lady. The church ſtands on the ſouthern ſide of the river, and is dedicated to St. Michael. Mr Riddell has a ſeat-houſe at the weſt end of the village.*

Nigh this place was the Priory of Gyſon or Giſneſs, founded by Richard Tyſon. The Abbey of Alnwick had Gyſon or Giſneſs annexed to it by Euſtace Fitz John, to hold in pure alms with all its privileges and endowments, a moiety of the tithes, and two bovates of land at Gyſon, the church of Halge, &c.

[280]We viſited the ruins of

BRINKBURN PRIORY,

Figure 4. BRINKBURN

ſituated in a deep vale, on a ſmall peninſula formed by the river Coquet, overlooked by ſteep hills and craggy rocks on every hand; in ſo much, that on our approach by the ancient cauſeway, the firſt view we had of it, within the diſtance of 150 yards, was from ſuch an eminence, and ſo immediately above it, that we looked into the interior parts of the ruins. This is the moſt melancholy and deep ſolitude, choſen for a religious edifice, I ever yet viſited.*

[281]The building is in the cathedral form; the body is 22 yards in length and 13 breadth, without much ornament, and compoſed of a durable ſtone. The walls are almoſt entire; the great tower is very perfect: there are ſome remains of the dormitory, now converted into a cellar. Mr Groſe obſerves, that ‘theſe ruins exhibit one among the many inſtances wherein circular and pointed arches occur in the ſame building, and that in parts manifeſtly conſtructed at the ſame time; which ſhews, that about the period of its erection, there was a kind of ſtruggle between the ancient mode or Saxon, and what is called Gothic architecture; in which neither ſtyle then thoroughly prevailed. The upper range of windows in this church are all circular; thoſe immediately under them are pointed. Two doors, one on the north, the other on the ſouth, have circular arches, (of various members, falling back, ſupported on pilaſters) richly adorned with variety of Saxon ornaments, particularly that on the north, which has among others the heads of animals. Theſe are generally deemed the moſt ancient decorations of that ſtyle. The great tower has four pointed arches, and others of the ſame ſhape are ſupported by maſſy octagonal pillars in the body of the church. There have been burials here as late as the year 1745. At the eaſt end, and in the north and ſouth croſſes, were chapels; in one of which are divers fragments of coffins and human bones. On the whole, though this building, except about the doors, is remarkably plain, it has a ſober and ſolemn majeſty, not always found in buildings more highly decorated. Part of this, perhaps, it may owe to its romantic ſituation, which is the moſt proper in the world for retirement and meditation. Near the ſouthweſt [282] angle of the church is a houſe, ſeemingly built out of the offices of the monaſtery.’ There are no monuments or inſcriptions that we could diſcover: the whole of the little plain on this peninſula is occupied by the church and the priory, the latter now converted into a farm-houſe and garden.

This priory was founded by Oſbertus Colutarius, under the grant of Sir William Bertram, for Black Canons, or Canons regular of St. Auſtin, in the reign of King Henry I. and by him and his heir richly endowed.* The church was dedicated to St. Peter. The Monks were brought from the monaſtery of De Inſula: William Hogeſton was the laſt Prior. In the year 1477, on the 20th September, being the fourth year of the pontificate of William Dudley, LXVIs. viijd. was paid to the Prior of Brinkburn, the Biſhop's Suffragan, proregardo ſuo. At the time of ſuppreſſion of religious houſes there were ten Canons here, and the revenue was eſtimated by Dugdale at 68l. 19s. 1d. and by Speed at 77l. In the fourth year of King Edward the Sixth's reign, it was granted to the Earl of Warwick, but ſoon after came to the Fenwicks of Fenwick Tower; the laſt male branch of which family was George Fenwick, Eſq whoſe daughter and heir Elizabeth married Roger Fenwick of [283] Stanton, Eſq one of her deſcendants, William Fenwick of Bywell, Eſq is the preſent proprietor.*

Mr Wallis ſays (but from what authority I know not) that the bell of this church was removed to the cathedral at Durham.

Ralph Lord Grayſtock, at the inſtance of Johanna his mother, gave the impropriation and advowſon of Long Horſley to this priory, in the 8th year of the reign of King Richard II. The convent in return agreed, that ſhe and her heirs, Lords of Morpeth, for ever ſhould have the nomination of one Canon there: and Allan ſon of John de Preſtwick was the firſt nominee under that power.

We paſſed by

NETHER WITTON,

the modern ſeat of the Thorntous, now that of Walter Trevelyan, Eſq by marrying Margaret daughter of the late James Thornton, Eſq— the tower built by Roger Thornton about the fourteenth century now totally in ruins. The country on every hand is rich and beautiful.

From the road we had a view of

STANTON,

a ſeat of the younger branch of Fenwicks of Fenwick Tower.

LONG WITTON,

the modern and pleaſant ſeat of the Swinburn family, was our next object, commanding a fine proſpect over the rich country which ſurrounds [284] it. Near it are Thurſton wells, of medicinal virtues, but little known. Remains of the Hermin-ſtreet, or, as it is vulgarly called, the Devil's Cauſeway, are to be traced at ſome little diſtance.

We obſerved the tower of Hartburn, but did not quit our road to viſit it, though greatly tempted by the agreeable deſcriptions given us of the walks of Hartburn Wood.

We arrived at

BOLHAM,

a ſmall village of ſome antiquity, being the ancient reſidence of Sir Walter de Bolham, to whom it was granted by King John; from the Bolhams it came to the family of Raimes in the time of King Edward III. and as appears by the eſcheats of the ſeveral reigns of King Richard II. King Henry IV. King Henry VI. Queen Elizabeth, and King Charles I. remained in that family for many generations. We inquired after a camp before deſcribed to us, of an oblong figure, 120 yards long and 80 broad, fortified with a vallum and double trench, having a raiſed paſs leading to it: It appears to be Roman.* The Herman-ſtreet paſſes over Bolham Moor, in many places perfectly to be diſtinguiſhed. [285] Near it is a tumulus, which was opened by Mr John Warburton, by which two pillars of ſtone are placed, without any inſcription: the perſonage interred totally unknown. On the north-eaſt ſide of the moor, is a rock trenched round, containing the ruins of interior buildings; but its hiſtory loſt in the oblivion of ages. Near Bolham is a place called Gally Hill, the place of execution belonging to the ancient Barons. Many places of that name are to be ſeen near the baronial caſtles in this county.

We now took our rout by

[figure]

MITFORD,

to Morpeth. The ancient caſtle of Mitford is a rude heap of ruins, ſituate on a conſiderable natural eminence; defended towards the north and weſt by a deep ditch, and on the ſouth the river Wansbeck waſhes the foot of the caſtle hill: the works appear to cover about an acre of ground. The principal part of this fortreſs conſiſted of a circular tower raiſed upon an artificial mount, the chief elevation from the natural level being effected by arches of ſtone and vaults, which in ancient times were uſed as priſons or places for concealment: the tower was defended by an outward wall, which ran parallel with it, at the diſtance of about 10 feet. There is a very narrow proſpect from this eminence, the vale is ſo ſhut in on every ſide. What other erections were [286] within the walls of this fortreſs cannot be traced, the ruins are ſo confuſed, and moſt of them covered with graſs.

It is preſumed this caſtle was built before the conqueſt; the firſt owner and its date are not known.

At the time of the conqueſt, it was the poſſeſſion of Sir John Mitford, whoſe only daughter and heir, Sibille, was given in marriage by the Conqueror to Sir Richard Bertram, a Norman Knight, by whom he had two ſons, William and Roger.

William ſucceeded to the manor and caſtle of Mitford, and by the grant of King Henry I. it was created a Baronage. He married Alice the daughter of Sir William Merley, of Morpeth. His ſon Roger, deſirous of adding greater improvements to Mitford, paid a fine of 50 marks to King Henry II. for a weekly market at his town of Mitford.

Roger Bertram, * a lineal deſcendant, having joined with the northern Barons in the 17th year of the reign of King John, the Flemiſh troops commanded by that inhuman ravager in his northern depredations, ſeized this caſtle, and deſtroyed the town of Mitford with fire and ſword. The next year, probably whilſt the caſtle remained in the King's cuſtody, it was beſieged by Alexander King of Scotland, as is mentioned in Leland's Collectanea, from a chronicle called Hiſtoria Aurea. Whether it was taken or not, is not mentioned.

[287]The barony of Mitford was given by the Crown to Philip de Ulcotes; but upon the King's demiſe, Bertram found means to make his peace with King Henry III. and for a fine of 100l. obtained a reſtitution of his lands, and afterwards grew into ſo much eſteem with him, that he granted, on the payment of 10 marks, that his annual fair at Mitford ſhould laſt eight days inſtead of four.

His ſucceſſor, Roger Bertram, was one of the inſurgents at Northampton, in the reign of King Henry III. where he was taken priſoner, and his honour and caſtle of Mitford, with all his other lands, were ſeized for the King's uſe. The caſtle was given by King Edward I. to Eleanor Stanour, the wife of Robert de Stoteville.

In the year 1316,* this caſtle was in the poſſeſſion of one Gilbert Middleton, a Freebooter, who (ſays Stowe) after many injuries done to the priory of Tynemouth and other places, was taken here by Ralph Lord Greyſtock and others, and carried to London, and there executed. In the year 1318, it was taken by Alexander King of Scotland, who diſmantled it, and ſpoiled moſt of its fortifications.

The entire barony of Mitford was then the property of Adomer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. By the eſcheats of the 17th King Edward II. it appears this caſtle was in ruins, having been deſtroyed by the Scots.

This Earl ſeemed to have a divine interdict impending over him, and the immediate vindictive hand of Providence to be upon him and his poſterity, for his atrocious deeds. He was a tool to his Prince, and ſervilely [288] ſubmitted to the mandates of the Crown, contrary to the dictates of humanity, honour, and juſtice. He ſat in judgment on Thomas Earl of Lancaſter, and impiouſly acquieſced in his ſentence. He was a chief inſtrument in apprehending the famous Scotch patriot, Wallace of Craiggy, in 1305, accompliſhing his capture by corrupting his boſom friends, and by the treachery of his moſt intimate aſſociates, and thoſe in whom he placed his utmoſt confidence, Sir John Monteith and others of infamous memory. Adomer on his bridal day was ſlain at a tournament, held in honour of his nuptials, and left a wife, at once a maiden, bride, and widow. * It is ſaid, that for ſeveral generations of this family, a father never was happy enough to ſee his ſon; the proſcribed parent being ſnatched off by the hand of Death, before the birth of his iſſue.

The unfortunate Lady of Adomer de Valence, was in her own right Baroneſs of Veiſſer and Montenact.

This barony afterwards came to the Earl of Athol, by Johanna his wife, of the Pembroke family, from whom, by female heirs, it paſſed to the Percys; § by two coheireſſes it came to the families of Brough and Gray; and from Leland it appears, that in the reign of King Henry VIII. this caſtle and manor were in the poſſeſſion of Lord Brough. In the 4th year of Queen Mary, Lord Brough granted theſe poſſeſſions to Cuthbert Mitford and Robert his ſon for ever, a collateral branch of the ancient owner before the conqueſt, reſerving the ſcite of the caſtle and the royalties; which coming afterwards to the Crown, were [289] granted to the above-mentioned Robert Mitford, * in the reign of King Charles II.

The church of Mitford, with the impropriation and advowſon, were granted by King Edward I. to Lanercoſt Priory, in Cumberland. In this church is a tomb with a rude effigy of one of the Bertrams, the inſcription dated 7th October, 1622.

There was an Hoſpital at Mitford, dedicated to St. Leonard, founded by Sir William Bertram, (who granted lands for founding Brinkburn Priory) and endowed with lands for the maintenance of a Chaplain. By an inquiſition taken in the reign of King Edward III. it appeared that the Abbot of Newminſter had poſſeſſed himſelf of theſe lands; but King Richard II. obliged him to reſtore them, and nominated John de Wenhings Chaplain. There was an ancient bridge over the Wanſbeck, between the church and caſtle, called Fouſe Brig, or Fees Brig; for the guarding of which on the eve and day of the Aſcenſion, Walter de Swinhoe held 40 acres of land in the manor of Mitford, as appears by the eſcheats of the 51ſt of King Edward III.

On the banks of Wansbeck, was ſeated

THE ABBEY OF NEWMINSTER,

now deſtroyed to its foundations, and nothing left to denote its ſcite, but a part of one of the gateways leading into the abbey yard.

It was founded by Ralph de Merlay, Baron of Morpeth, and Julian his wife, daughter of Coſpatric Earl of Northumberland, in the reign [290] of King Stephen, 1138,* for Ciſterfian Monks, tranſlated from Fountains, in Normandy, and was dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin. Its endowments and revenues were very ample.

[291]The Abbot was ſummoned to the parliament at Carliſle by King Edward I. 1307.

The revenues of this abbey at the diſſolution, were valued by Dugdale at 100l. 1s. 1d. and by Speed at 140l. 10s. 4d. The religious body at that time conſiſted of 15.*

The ſcite was granted by King James I. to the Brandling family, and it is now the poſſeſſion of Mr Ord of Fenham.

[292]The vale of Wansbeck, from Mitford to Morpeth, is narrow and deep, but the winding banks of the ſtream are woody and beautiful.

Not far diſtant from Mitford, ſtands

MOLLESTON,

formerly the poſſeſſion of a collateral branch of Mitfords, who afterwards regained the baronial inheritance of Mitford. It was granted, in the reign of King Edward III. by Strabolgy Earl of Athol, to Sir John de Mitford, a lineal deſcendant of Matthew de Mitford, younger brother of Sir John de Mitford, whoſe daughter Sibille married Sir Richard Bertram. *

We approached

MORPETH,

which we made our common reſting place, after ſeveral little excurſions into the adjoining country. It is a pleaſant well built town, ſeated on the northern banks of the river Wanſbeck, in a warm and ſheltered vale, ſurrounded with a rich cultivated country; and tho' without any conſiderable degree of trade, wears the countenance of opulence.* It is a preſcriptive borough, governed by two Bailiffs and ſeven Burgeſſes, annually elected out of the free burgeſſes being inhabitants and paying ſcot and lot. In the firſt year of the reign of Queen Mary, 1553, it began [293] to ſend members to parliament, who are now elected by the free burgeſſes, and are returned by the Bailiffs.* A weekly market is held on [294] Wedneſday, when there is expoſed a profuſion of excellent proviſions. It has the privilege of two yearly fairs, held on Holy Thurſday and [295] Magdalen-day.* The market-place is conveniently ſituated, near the centre of the town, though narrow enough for the great reſort to it. An elegant Town-houſe was built by the Carliſle family in 1714, in which their manorial court is held, and alſo the quarter ſeſſions for the county of Northumberland. The ſtructure is of hewn-ſtone, with a piazza ornamented with ruſtic work, the ſuperſtructure decorated with turrets, in a very good taſte. The market croſs is commodious, built in 1699. by the Hon. P. Howard and Sir H. Bellaſis. As the church is diſtant about a quarter of a mile from the town, a tower is built near the market-place, containing a good ring of bells. Near the bridge is the [296] county gaol, a modern ſtructure. King Edward VI. founded a Grammar School here, and endowed it with the revenues of two diſſolved chantries in Morpeth, and one at Nether Witton. The ſchool-houſe, with a neat chapel lately erected, ſtand on the brink of the river, near the bridge, which leads to Newcaſtle:* the parochial church is on the ſouthern [297] ſide of the river; a plain ſtructure, containing nothing remarkable but one inſcription. Oppoſite to the church is the Rectory-houſe, a handſome [298] new building.§ There was a chantry in this church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but by whom founded, or how endowed, is not known. John Anderſon was Chaplain May 10th, 8th of King Henry VII.

[299] The baronial caſtle * is in ruins, little remaining thereof but an old gateway tower and part of the outward wall which encloſed the area and interior buildings. It is placed on a lofty eminence, unaſſiſted by art; the ſouthern ſide is very ſteep, and waſhed by the river Wanſbeck; the northern ſecured by a deep valley. The tower has formerly had angular turrets at the north-eaſt and ſouth-eaſt corners, with a communication by an open gallery which was ſupported by projecting corbles: there is no portcullis. In the centre of the arched roof of the gateway is a ſquare aperture, calculated to annoy aſſailants who ſhould gain the outward gate. It commands a fine proſpect, overlooking the town of Morpeth, and the banks of Wanſbeck, where large tracts of woodlands are beautifully diſpoſed. Near this tower, towards the north-eaſt, and on the other ſide of the deep dell or valley, before deſcribed, is a round mound of earth, on a natural mount whoſe height is greatly increaſed by art. It appears to have been raiſed rather by aſſailants than as an outwork or defence to the caſtle; for from thence, by engines, ſtones and miſſile weapons might be thrown into the interior parts of the fortreſs, to annoy the garriſon: and agreeable to the modes practiſed in early times, perhaps this was caſt up for an oppoſing fort and malvoiſin on ſome blockade. No record come to my knowledge proves who [300] was the firſt founder of this caſtle; early in the time of the Normans, the baronial ſeat of the Merleys was here, and probably they had a ſtronghold upon the very eminence where the preſent remains ſtand— the tower was the work of William Lord Greyſtock, who lived in the time of King Edward III. as appears by the eſcheats of that reign.* Surnames were derived from places, and that of Merley, probably from their fortreſs here. By the rolls of Henry V. the barony is called the barony of Marlay: which ſhews that Merlay and Morpeth were places originally diſtinct from each other, the one denoting the hill and the other the valley; at length the diſtinctions ſubſided in the general appellation of Morpeth.

We do not find in hiſtory any thing ſingular of Morpeth in the times of the Saxons; it was the ancient barony of the Merleys, but when it was ſo created, or whether the Merleys were in poſſeſſion before the conqueſt, there is no ſatisfactory evidence. By the Teſta de Nevill it appears, that the third Roger de Merley held the barony of Morpeth by the ſervice of four Knights fees. "Et omnes anteceſſores ſui tenerunt per iundem ſervicium poſt conqueſtium Angliae." King Henry I. gave Julian the daughter of Goſpatrick Earl of Dunbar in marriage, with a rich dowery, to Roger de Merley, Baron of Morpeth. This Roger founded Newminſter, and as appears by the Autographo, was interred therein, with his Lady and Osbert their ſon.

There was an hoſpital founded in Morpeth by this family, to which William de Merley gave a carucate of land.§

[301] Roger de Merley obtained of King John, 1199, a market for his borough, and an annual fair on Magdalen-day, in conſideration of a fine of 20 marks and two palfreys. He was alſo interred at Newminſter. *

His ſucceſſor Roger ornamented the borough of Morpeth, and founded an Hoſpital at Catchburn. He was alſo interred at Newminſter.

Roger the third granted to his burgeſſes a freedom from all taxes, ſubſidies, or contributions, except thoſe to the King for public ſafety, the marriage honours of the Lord's heir or eldeſt daughter, or the Lord's redemption from captivity. He granted ſeveral other liberties and immunities. The charter is ſo valuable and ſingular a piece of antiquity, that it highly merits a place here.

Omnibus hanc cartam viſuris vel audituris Rogerus de Merlay tertius ſalutem. Noveritis me audiſſe cartà Rogeri patris mei in hac verba. Omnibus hominibus has literas viſuris, vel audituris, Rogerus de Merlay ſalutem. Sciatis quod ego Rogerus de Merlay dedi et conceſſi, et hac praeſenti carta mea confirmaviſſe, meis liberis burgenſibus de Morpeth, illis et haeredibus ſuis, tenend. et habend. in perpetuum de me et haeredibus meis, omnes libertates, et omnes liberas conſuetudines, honorabiliter, et libere, et integre, ſicuti carta domini Regis purportat, quam ego habio de dono ſuo. His teſtibus, Willielmo de Merlay, Richardo de Pleſſes, &c. &c. Quare volo, concedo et confirmo, pro me et haeredibus meis, praedictis burgenſibus, et haeredibus ſuis, quod habeant omnes libertates praedictas, ſicut carta Rogeri de Merlay patris mei purportat et teſtatur. Et praeterea conceſſi pro me et haeredibus meis quod praefati burgenſes nec haeredes eorum tallientur niſi quando dominus Rex talliabit burgenſes ſuos et ad promogenitum meum milit. faciend. et ad primogenitum filiam meam maritandum, et ad corpus meum de priſona redimendum. Item conceſſi eiſdem quod ſi ego vel haeredes mei, prizas ferimus per ſervientes noſtros de pane vel de cerviſia vel de aliqua alia de re in dicta villa de Morpath, illae prizae ſolvantur creditori infra quadraginta dies; creditor autem cui non ſolutum fuerit infra quadraginta de prizis ab eis factis maneat quietus ab [302] omni priza poſt illas quadraginta dies quouſque ei ſolutum fuerit. Ita tamen quod bene licebit mihi et haeredibus meis alias prizas facere, infra terminum illarum quadraginta dierum. Et ſciendum quod priza mea cerviſiae erit in toto anno tres gallones pro uno denario. Conceſſi etiam eiſdem burgenſibus et haeredibus ſolitas communas paſturae et aiſiamenta conſueta cum libero exitû et introitu ad eandem villam de Morpath pertin. Exceptis bladis & pratis. Conceſſi etiam ſuperdictis burgenſibus et haeredibus eorum communam in ſtipulis meis, ejuſdem manerii mei de Morpath; ſcilicet de Wenherlawe verſus occidentem uſque ad diviſas abbatis novi monaſterii, et uſque ad foſſatum parci occidentalis. Ita tamen quod herbagium earundem ſtipularum reſervetur ad opus meum et haeredum meorum per quindecem dies poſtquam bladum meum fuerit cariatum. Et conceſſi eiſdem burgenſibus et haeredibus eorum, quod quando eis turbarias vendere voluero in turbariis meis de Morpath, et quantum eis vendere voluero, ſingulas cariatas turbarii pro ſingulis denariis. Et ſi contingat quod averia eorundem burgenſium capiantur in defenſis meis, pro quolibet averio debant unum obulum, et pro quolibet equo unum obulum, et pro quinque ovibus unum obulum per tres vices tam extra quam infra, et ad quartem vicem pro ſingulis eorum averiorum captis infra boſcum dabunt octo denarios, et extra boſcum quatuor denarios, et poſtea iterum incipiendo pro ſingulis averiorum obulum per tres vices, ut praedictum eſt. Et ſi averia eorum capiantur in bladis vel in pratis, faciant emendas ſecundum tempus anni. Conceſſi inſuper, et confirmavi praefatis burgenſibus et eorum haeredibus illam placeam quietam ubi forum eorum eſſe ſolebat (excepto tamen Tofto Aliciae Hudde, et priſtina ejuſdem villae, et excepta quadam fabrica, quam Philippus tenuit. In qua placea volo quod ſtalla eorum conſtrunantur ubi carnes et piſces vendant uſque in horam nonam. Et prohibeo ſuper plenam forisfacturam mei et heredum meorum ne quis preſumat vendere carnes nec piſces ante horam nonam, quoniam ſervicii dict. ſtall. niſi in groſſo. Et ſciendum quod bene licebit mihi et haeredibus meis facere aedificia noſtra ubicunque voluerimus in culturis noſtris, in quibus eis conceſſimus communia ſine impedimento vel contradictione dictorum burgenſium, vel haeredum eorum in perpetuum. Et ſciendum quod dicti burgenſes et haeredes eorum ſequentur molendina mea de Morpath ad tertium decimum vas multurae, ſicut prius ſequi conſueverunt. Et ego Rogerus de Merlay et haeredes mei univerſa praenominata et conceſſa dictis burgenſibus et eorum haeredibus contra omnes gentes in perpetuum warrantizabimus. Et in hujus rei teſtimonium unam partem hujus cartae chirographatae quam dicti burgences habent penes eos et [303] haeredes eorum ſigillo meo roberavi; et aliam partem habeo penes me et haeredes meos communi ſigillo dictorum burgenſium ſignatum. His teſtibus Hugone Gubion, Willielmo de Merlay, Johanne de Pleſſes, Willielmo de Conyers, Ada Barret, Willielmo de Horſley, Willielmo filio Radulphi, Richardo de Saltwick, Richardo de Sancto Petro, Willielmo Spurnelow, Radulpho Grom. Thoraldo, Rogero Palmer, Waltero de Witton clerico et aliis.

Roger the third was alſo interred at Newminſter, leaving two daughters, Mary and Johanna, his coheireſſes.*

Mary the eldeſt daughter married William Lord Greyſtock, to whoſe iſſue the whole barony of Morpeth deſcended. Johanna married Robert de Somerville, by whom ſhe had five ſons, who all died without iſſue male.

John his heir was a great benefactor to Tynemouth and Newminſter. In the Autographo, he is termed Vir ſtrenuus et corpulentus. He died in the year 1307.

[304]On extinction of the male line of Fitz William, who on the death of John Lord Greyſtock aſſumed the name and title of Greyſtock, Morpeth [305] paſſed by marriage of the heireſs, to Lord William Dacre of Gilſland, in Cumberland; and by marriage of the heireſs of the Dacre family, to Lord William Howard, third ſon of the Duke of Norfolk, from whom they deſcended to the preſent Lord Carliſle.

We made an excurſion from Morpeth, to viſit

BOTHALL,

the baronial inheritance of the family of Ogles, diſtant from Morpeth about four miles. This ride is extremely beautiful, lying within a little diſtance of the river Wanſbeck, the banks of which to the ſouth are lofty, and cloathed with fine hanging woods, through which here and there you ſee a bold promontory or rocky precipice. All the environs of the river to Bothal are romantic and beautiful. The caſtle, though placed on a conſiderable eminence, yet ſtands in a very deep vale; hanging woods forming an amphitheatre at the diſtance of about half a mile. Its preſent remains chiefly conſiſt of the great gateway, flanked on the north ſide by two polygonal towers, 53 feet high; and on the ſouth-weſt angle by a ſquare turret, whoſe height meaſures 60 feet. From the towers of this gate the outward wall extends along the brink of the eminence, in [306] a circular form, encloſing the area and interior buildings of the caſtle. This encloſure contains about half an acre, in which are ſome ſcattered fragments of the inner buildings, now affording no degree of certainty what were their original form and uſe. To the north-weſt of the gateway, was formerly another tower, pulled down within the memory of perſons living, which bore the denomination of Ogle's Tower. The ſcite of this caſtle to the ſouth is very lofty, on the brink of a rock, whoſe foot is waſhed by the river: the eaſt and weſt ſides of the eminence have been defended by a moat. Mr Groſe, to his ſecond plate of this caſtle, which chiefly repreſents the gateway tower, ſays, ‘the wood ſcene in the back ground ſlopes to the water's edge, here and there ſkirted by pictureſque rocks; and in many places the trees overhang the ſtream, which here runs briſkly, breaking againſt the huge ſtones plentifully ſcattered throughout its channel; at once captivating the eye, and by its gentle murmurs ſweetly ſoothing the ear. Indeed the banks of the Wanſbeck, between this place and Morpeth, afford a variety of ſylvan ſcenes, equal in beauty to any in the kingdom.’

I muſt deſcend to more minute deſcriptions of the gateway with its towers;* they bear a certain appearance of being the moſt modern parts of this caſtle; the architecture is excellent, and the edifice built of a durable ſtone, well dreſt, and in good preſervation: the aſcent from the town is eaſy and gradual. The outward gate was defended by a portcullis; in the arching of the roof of the gateway, are three ſquare apertures, from whence the garriſon could annoy the aſſailants, when they had gained the firſt gate; a door on each hand leads to the flanking towers. On the right hand, is a paſſage and ſtaircaſe in the ſouthweſt tower; at the foot of the ſtairs is a door into the priſon, which is not ſo horrible an encloſure as moſt of thoſe ſeen in baronial caſtles: it is above ground, and cloſely arched, having narrow apertures, like loopholes, to admit light and air from the gateway paſſage. Oppoſite to theſe ſtairs, on the other ſide of the gateway, is a large hall. Paſſing the winding ſtairs, we entered the ſtate-room, above the gateway: this apartment is lighted by four windows, none of them of any conſiderable ſize; the principal one is to the north, in the centre: by means of the thickneſs of the wall, the receſs formed for the window is benched [307] with ſtone at the ſides, with ſeats for ſix perſons at leaſt. From this window you view the town, the church, and a narrow vale, through which the river flows. On each ſide of this window, is a door leading to the chambers of the flanking towers. The fire-place, of a very ſpacious range, is to the eaſt, on the left ſide of which is another window with a receſs, benched like that before deſcribed. A third window like the two former, is to the right of the door as you enter, looking into the area of the caſtle; a large window to the weſt commands the wider part of the vale, and the fine hanging woods by which it is is bounded. Three large ſtones cover the apertures in the floor, which open upon the paſſage of the gateway. The upper rooms being more ruinous, are not ſo eaſy to deſcribe, or their form capable of being aſcertained. I walked theſe apartments with a veneration, proceeding from the tendereſt obligations; an alliance with a lineal deſcendant of thoſe illuſtrious families, who for ages poſſeſſed this inheritance.

[figure]

In the front of the gateway, are ſeveral ſhields of arms arranged in the following order; which I apprehend, like thoſe at Alnwick, perfectly point out to us the time when this part of the caſtle was built. In the centre, in a large ſhield, are the arms of England and France quarterly. It is obſervable that England takes the firſt quarter, a thing I have never obſerved an inſtance of before. On the dexter ſide, a ſhield with the arms of England, three lions paſſant gardant; on the ſiniſter, a ſhield with the arms of the Grays, barry of ſix argent and azure, three torteauxes in chiefe. This denotes that the erection was made in the time of Edward IV. whoſe conſort was a Gray, mother of Thomas Gray, who in the 15th year of that reign was created Marquis of Dorſet. Beneath, in the [308] centre, the arms of Bertram, Or, an orl, azure. On the dexter and ſiniſter ſides of this, are three ſhields, which denote the alliances of the Bertram family.

The firſt, on the dexter ſide, the arms of Percy

The ſecond of Dacre

The third of Veſey, Or, a croſs, ſable.

The firſt, on the ſiniſter ſide, of Darcy

The ſecond of Haſtings

The third, two lions paſſant gardant in a treſſure; but to what family this coat armour appertains, I cannot form any probable aſſertion.

On the tower on the right hand of the gateway, are four ſhields, the chief of which is of the Ogles; but as they are greatly defaced by time, and on my view did not ſeem to have any material relation to the date or hiſtory of this erection, I paſſed them without particular attention: but on conſidering the matter, I am induced to believe that John Ogle, the grandſon of the heireſs of Bertram, and who aſſumed the name of Bertram, erected this gateway. In the family of Ogles afterwards mentioned, he is particularly noticed.

In the centre, on the battlement, is the figure of a man, in ſtone, in the attitude of ſounding a horn; on the right hand tower is another figure, holding a ball between his hands: theſe figures are greatly injured by the weather.*

[309]The ſcite of Bothal appears very like a Roman ſtation: Camden ſays, that he had thought for ſome time, that the Roman Glanoventa ſtood on the banks of Wansbeck, garriſoned by the firſt cohort of the Morini; for it is ſeated in the range of the wall, where the Notitia places it: the river's name is Wants-beck, and Glanoventa, in the Britiſh tongue, ſignifieth THE SHORE OR BANKS OF VENTA. Mr Groſe has the following remarks on the Bertrams, the original poſſeſſors of this caſtle. Richard Bertram, who lived about the time of King Henry II. gave two ſheaves, or two third parts of the tithes of this barony to the Monks of Tinmouth. (In Bourne's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle, it is ſaid, ‘being a devout man, he gave two ſhares, i. e. two third parts of the titles of it, to the Monks.’) ‘His ſon Robert obtained of King Richard I. that his manor with its dependencies ſhould be raiſed to a barony; and it is mentioned as ſuch, in that ancient record, remaining with the King's Remembrancer in the Exchequer, called Teſta de Nevil, from its being compiled by Jollan de Nevil, who was a Juſtice Itinerant in the 18th and 24th years of King Henry III. It contains the King's fees through the greateſt part of England, with inquiſitions of lands eſcheated and ſerjeantries.’

‘This barony was held by Robert of the King in capite, by the ſervice of three Knights fees, as his anceſtors had formerly held it; the ſaid lands being de veteri feofmento, and paying yearly for the caſtle guard at Newcaſtle upon Tyne for cornage 5l. 15s. 4d.’

‘Robert was ſucceeded by his ſon Roger, who procured a charter for free warren, for all his demeſne lands here and at Heburn in this county. His heirs enjoyed the barony for ſome ſucceſſions, without making any additions to its grandeur; but Robert Bertram being in the reign of King Edward III. conſtituted Sheriff of Northumberland and Governor of Newcaſtle upon Tyne, obtained a licence of that King to make a caſtle of his manor houſe at Bothal.

[310] Robert having no iſſue male, his daughter and heireſs, Helen, marrying Sir Robert Ogle, of Ogle, Knight, transferred this barony to his family. Robert their ſon, after the death of his mother, ſettled the ſame upon his youngeſt ſon John; his paternal eſtate he bequeathed to his eldeſt ſon Robert, who ſuffered his brother to enjoy the barony of Bothal for a ſhort time only, for ſoon after his father's death, with 200 armed men, he took forcible poſſeſſion of the caſtle, under pretence of its being his birth-right: but on complaint to parliament, a writ was iſſued to the Sheriff of Northumberland, directing him to reinſtate the complainant, and commanding Robert to appear at Weſtminſter on a certain day, to anſwer for this miſdemeanor.* This [311] John, who took the name of Bertram, was afterwards knighted, and was ſeveral times Sheriff of Northumberland in the reign of King Henry VI.’ *

The family of Ogle was of great antiquity in the county of Northumberland, where they were poſſeſſed of an extenſive property, antecedent to their intermarriage with the heireſs of Bertram. Humphrey Ogle, Eſq lived at Ogle Caſtle at the time of the conqueſt. This family held the manor of Unthank, with lands in Gilcroft and Raleigh, for ſeveral generations. Sir Robert Ogle, by marriage with Helen the daughter and heireſs of Sir Robert Bertram, in the reign of King Edward III. became poſſeſſed of the barony of Bothall.

There was iſſue of this marriage, Sir Robert Ogle, who married Matilda the daughter of Sir Thomas Gray of Wark, by Alice daughter of Ralph Nevil, Earl of Weſtmoreland.

He was ſucceeded by Sir Robert, who was created by King Henry VI. Baron of Bothall and the 1ſt Lord Ogle, § an ardent adherent in the conflicts between the houſes of York and Lancaſter. He married Iſabella [312] daughter and heireſs of Sir Alexander de Kirby, by Johann daughter to Sir Thomas Tunſtall.

Owen Lord Ogle their ſon married Eleanor daughter of Sir William Hilton, and had iſſue,

Ralph the 3d Lord Ogle, * who married Margaret the daughter of Sir William Gaſcoin, and had iſſue,

Robert the 4th Lord Ogle, who married Ann the daughter of Thomas Lord Lumley, by Elizabeth Plantagenet, daughter of King Edward IV. by the Lady Lucy, and had iſſue,

Robert the 5th Lord Ogle, who died in the battle at Hallydon-rigg, in Scotland. He was twice married; firſt to Dorothy daughter of Sir Henry Widdrington; his ſecond wife was Johann, daughter of Sir Cuthbert Radcliff, by both of whom he had iſſue. By Dorothy he had

Robert the 6th Lord Ogle, who married Jane the daughter of Sir Thomas Maleverer, but died without iſſue. By the ſecond wife Johann, the 5th Lord Ogle had iſſue,

Cuthbert the 7th and laſt Lord Ogle, who married Catharine the daughter and heireſs of Sir Reginald Carnaby, and had iſſue two daughters, Johanna and Catharine.

Johanna married to Edward Talbot, Eſq younger ſon to the Earl of Shrewsbury.

[depiction of tomb]

The parochial church ſtands at a little diſtance from the caſtle: in tablets on the wall, in the old black letter, are painted the genealogy of the Ogles. There is a fine marble tomb of one of the Ogles and his Lady, with their effigies recumbent. I preſume the perſonages there repreſented are Sir Robert Ogle and his wife, the Baroneſs Bertram. His effigy is cloathed in a coat of mail, the hands elevated, about his neck a chain, with a croſs pendant on his boſom, his hair cut over his forehead and round by his ears, his head ſupported on his creſt a bull's head, his feet reſted againſt a curled water dog. Her effigy is dreſſed in a long robe, which conceals her feet; over her head and ſhoulders a mantle flowing back, her hands elevated, her head ſupported by a cuſhion taſſelled at the corners, kept by two Eſquires in their proper habiliments, each holding a taſſel; on the lap of her robe a ſmall Italian greyhound. A ſword ſheathed lies between theſe effigies. At the head of the tomb, in niches ornamented with tabernacle-work, are four Eccleſiaſtics, their crowns ſhaven, and with hands elevated; at a corner, an inclining ſhield, ſupported on the dexter ſide by a lion collared and chained, and on the ſiniſter ſide, by a monkey chained by the waſte. The ſhield of arms is ſo ſingular, that I have cauſed it to be engraved with the effigies.

[314]On the banks of Wansbeck, near to Bothall, are the ruins of an ancient chapel or oratory, ſaid to be dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin. The ſituation is admirably calculated for meditation, being in a ſhady ſolitude. By the arms on the wall, it appears to have been built by the family of Ogles. The erection is all of well-wrought free ſtone; its dimenſions within, eight yards in length, and four in breadth; the roof, now gone to decay, was arched with ſtone, after a curious form, as appears by its remains. It is now grown over with trees, which have ſtruck their roots into the joints and chaſms of the building.

In paſſing to Aſhington, the family ſeat of the Crows, we had a view of

SHIPWASH,

where the Rectory-houſe ſtands appertaining to the pariſh of Bothall, lately honoured by the reſidence of the moſt excellent Prelate, his Grace the Hon. and Right Rev. Dr. Drummond, late Lord Archbiſhop of York. He was the ſecond ſon of the Right Hon. George Hay, Earl of Kinnoul, and brother to the preſent, whoſe illuſtrious anceſtors are recorded for their virtues and military atchievements, in the annals of their country. He was a man of deep erudition, an excellent paſtor, a ſteady loyaliſt, and a ſtateſman of unbiaſſed integrity. He mixed affability with dignity, and at the ſame time he commanded reverence he was courteous. In his archiepiſcopal character, he was rigid, yet eaſy of acceſs; and as he was benevolent, ſo was he ſlow of condemnation. He conſtantly avoided the buſtle of greatneſs, and in his country retreat, putting off the dignity of his office, he was diſtinguiſhed as a generous friend, an inimitable parent, and a gracious neighbour. He was a ſtudent in Chriſt Church College, Oxford, and had the degree of Doctor in Divinity 27th June, 1745. He took the name and arms of Drummond, as heir intail to his great grandfather, William Drummond, Viſcount Strathallan. He married Henrietta daughter of Peter Auriol, Eſq Merchant, of the city of London, by whom he had iſſue three ſons and two daughters. He became Chaplain to King George II. in Auguſt, 1727; was inſtalled Prebendary of Weſtminſter 29th April, 1743; and conſecrated Biſhop of St. Aſaph 24th April, 1748: he was afterwards tranſlated to Sarum, and made Archbiſhop of York in 1761; in the ſame year he was made Lord High Almoner to the King, and one of his Majeſty's Moſt Hon. Privy Council.

[315]The mother church, it is ſaid, formerly ſtood here. At a little diſtance lies the port of

CAMBOIS,

at the mouth of the river Wansbeck, a haven with two quays on the north ſhore for ſmall veſſels, about 30 tons burthen, employed in the export of corn and grindſtones, and in importing timber.* Many lime boats from the adjacent coaſts reſort to this place. The cliffs by the ſea, called the Hawk's Hugh, are rude and majeſtic. There is a cavern towards the north end, well known to ſmugglers. The ſituation of

ASHINGTON,

and the proſpect from thence, are delightful: the banks of Wansbeck are finely wooded, and on every hand you look upon a rich cultivated country. The objects diſpoſed on theſe ſcenes are various and beautiful: the nearer are woodlands, rocks, and cultivated eminences, ſcattered over with hamlets; the ſtreams of Wansbeck, enlivened by people employed in the Salmon Fiſhery, and graced with the bridge of Shipwaſh and the fiſhing veſſels: the more diſtant are Bebſide and the port of Cambois, Seaton Delaval, and the ſea. Aſhington was one of the dependent manors of the barony of Bothall.

Approaching the ſea coaſt, we viewed

NEWBIGGIN,

a fine bay for ſhipping, ſecured from the ſtormy quarters by high rocky promontories, and capable of receiving veſſels of 60 tons burthen. The town is ſmall, and chiefly inhabited by fiſhermen. There are ſeveral granaries for corn here. This whole coaſt is enlivened by trade, and opulence is diſpenſed on every ſide by the hand of induſtry. Human nature is capable of vaſt works; the capacity of man is infinite, the further it is exerted, the more is diſcovered for the advancement of its occupation. The more our faculties are employed, the nearer we approach to a ſimilarity of the divine being, in whoſe image man was created [316] in the beginning. To let our time elapſe whilſt our rational powers ſleep in indolence, is highly criminal; it is a prodigality of all others the worſt; denying birth to thoſe good works we owe to ourſelves, and to mankind at large. In the bay ſhips ride in ſix or ſeven fathom of water.

The church ſtands on the north ſide of the haven, on a point of land which projects a conſiderable way into the ſea; and it is ſaid there are the remains of a pier there. This church was formerly a much more conſiderable edifice, now the middle aile and ſteeple with a ſpire only remaining: which circumſtances give riſe to an idea, that Newbiggin and its haven were in ſome former age of more conſiderable importance. The ſpire is a mark to Seamen, of great uſe to ſhips coming from the North and Baltic Seas, as a direction for their ſouthward courſe. The ornament of the altar ſeems to have been a devoted gift by ſome Seaman who had eſcaped the perils of the ocean, being the King's arms carved in wood for the ſtern-piece of a ſhip.

We paſſed the houſe of

CRESWELL,

one of the ancient members of the barony of Bywell, the family ſeat of Creſwells from the time of King John.* Like moſt of the old Northumbrian manſions, this was defended by a tower, part of which remains. [317] The village of Creſwell lies at a little diſtance, chiefly inhabited by fiſhermen.

WIDDRINGTON CASTLE,

the poſſeſſion of Sir George Warren, Knight of the Bath, in the next place engaged our attention, ſeated on an eminence commanding a view of Coquet Iſland and the ſea.*

This was the ancient ſeat of the Widdringtons, and by the attainder of William Lord Widdrington in 1715, came to the Crown. Royal mercy being extended to him, he did not ſuffer death with Lord Derwent water and his aſſociates, but was diveſted of his honours and eſtates.

We find by ancient records, that Gerard de Widdrington was ſettled here in the reign of King Edward I. and his deſcendants continued in [318] poſſeſſion till the degradation of the family at the above-mentioned period.

We advanced weſtward to

CAWSEY PARK,

a member of the barony of Bothall, and the inheritance of a younger branch of the noble family of Ogle, now the ſeat of Bernard Shaw, Eſq by his marrying the widow of William Ogle, Eſq This was the manſion of John Ogle, who appears to have erected it, as the old tower ſtill retains the initial letters of his name.* There were many collateral branches of the noble family of Ogle, whoſe pedigrees would not be eſteemed ſufficiently pertinent to hold a place in this work.

Henry Ogle, brother of the late William Ogle, founded a School here for 30 children, and endowed it with a ſmall piece of ground and 300l. in money, for a ſtipend for the maſter.

Humphrey of this line of the family of Ogles, was Dean of Hereford and one of the Society of Brazen Noſe College, Oxford, where he founded two Scholarſhips in favour of the heirs of his brother Roger.

The houſe has no great beauty of ſituation, it is ſurrounded with a cultivated country, and has pleaſant gardens, fiſh-ponds, and other artificial ornaments, which greatly contribute to make it a pleaſant retirement.

LONGHORSLEY.

[319]

This manor was given by Goſpatrick Earl of Dunbar to Sir Ralph Merley Baron of Morpeth, as part of the dowery of Julian his daughter. Roger de Merley granted part of theſe poſſeſſions to Adam de Pleſis; and the heirs of his body, in the reign of King Henry III. The family of Horſleys held lands within this manor from diſtant ages.* The church ſtands at a diſtance from the town, and belonged to the priory of Brinkburn.

In our return to Morpeth, our reſting place from theſe little, excurſions, we viewed

COCKLE PARK TOWER,

which ſtands about four miles north from Morpeth. In the time of King Edward I. it was the manſion-houſe of a branch, of the family of Bertrams, built according to the faſhion of moſt of the ancient capital dwellings in this county, as a ſtronghold not only for the family, but a place of ſecurity for the tenants with their flocks and herds, at the times of incurſions of the Scots, or ravages by the banditti called the Moſs Troopers.

[320]From Morpeth, our next tour was by Whalton to Ogle Caſtle.

WHALTON

was the barony of Walter Fitz William, who came into England with the Conqueror. It was afterwards the poſſeſſion of Robert de Crammaville, whom King John diveſted, and afterwards gave his eſtates, together with Warkworth, to Roger Fitz Roger, an anceſter of the noble family of Clavering. It afterwards came to the family of Scroops, of Maſham,* in the reign of King Edward III. and continued therein till the reign of King Henry VI.

OGLE CASTLE

was the manor and ſeat of the family of Ogles before the conqueſt, as I have mentioned before: it is now part of the poſſeſſions of his Grace the Duke of Portland, having attained the barony of Bothall in the deſcent from Cuthbert the 7th Lord Ogle. The ſituation is good, on an eminence on the ſouth banks of Blyth. There are very little remains of the old caſtle; part of a circular tower adjoins to the eaſt of the preſent farm houſe, which ſtands on the ſcite of the caſtle: the windows of this tower are very ſmall, topped with pointed arches, the whole remains carrying a countenance of very remote antiquity. The ground wherein the chief part of the caſtle has ſtood is ſquare, guarded by a double moat, divided by a breaſtwork of maſon-work. The walls are quite levelled with the ground, and the moat almoſt grown up.

Mr Wallis ſays, that it appears by an ancient pedigree at Bothall Caſtle, tranſcribed by Robert Treſwell, Somerſet Herald, A. D. 1598, by permiſſion of Cuthbert Lord Ogle, that Walter Fitz William came into England with the Conqueror, to whom the King gave the barony of Whalton; and that Walter, by deed, granted to Humphrey de Ogle all ſuch lands and liberties, as he or any of his predeceſſors had before the coming of the Normans, notwithſtanding the royal grant of Whalton, and any claims he might make there under.

[321]In the reign of King Henry III. and King Edward I. Thomas de Ogle was poſſeſſed of Ogle Caſtle, as appears by ſeveral eſcheats. Sir Robert Ogle in the time of King Edward III. reſided here, before his marriage with the heireſs of the Bertram family. By patent he held the bailiwick of the dominion of Tynedale. He had licence from the Crown to rebuild the Caſtle of Ogle. In 1327, he attended the King in the camp of Stanhope Park; in 1346, he was at the battle of Nevil's Croſs; in 1355, he was Governor of the caſtle of Berwick during the ſiege, in which his brother Alexander was ſlain.*

We paſſed by

KIRKLEY,

a dependent manor on the ancient barony of Mitford; for ſome ages paſt the ſeat of a branch of the noble family of Ogle, now the poſſeſſion of Dr. Newton Ogle, Prebendary of Durham, and nephew to Admiral Ogle. The manſion houſe makes a handſome appearance, being a ſquare building, with flanks or wings conſiſting of offices. The ſouth front commands no remarkable proſpect, the country irregular, and not in the higheſt cultivation, without any pictureſque ſcene, or ornamental object; but this is amply compenſated by the view to the eaſt, which is extenſive, and affords a landſkip equal to any in this part of the county.

Kirkley was anciently the ſeat of the Eures or Evers, who held great poſſeſſions in the county of Durham, and had their caſtle at Witton. They held this manor by the ſervice of preſenting a barbed arrow on St. John Baptiſt's day, at the court of the caſtle of Mitford.

PONTELAND

is in a very low ſituation on the banks of the river Pont, from which it derives its name: it was part of the ancient poſſeſſions of the Barons [322] of Mitford, and by an inquiſition taken at Newcaſtle, 14th September, 10th King Edward II. is noted as part of the property of Adomar de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. This place is mentioned in hiſtory for the congreſs held in 1244, the 28th King Henry III. when peace was ſettled between England and Scotland through the negotiations of the Prior of Tynemouth. The church is in the form of a croſs, and was formerly collegiate.* Gilbert, Parſon of Eſland, was a witneſs, with others, to the firſt charter of St. Mary's Hoſpital in Newcaſtle, about the year 1190.

At the weſt end of the church is a gallery, on the front of which is the following inſcription in gold letters: Mr Richard Coates died January 3d, 1719,

And left his whole effects, at or about 70l. per annum, to the pariſh of Pont Iſland for a Charity School; the Rev. Mr Byne, Vicar of Pont Iſland; the Rev. Mr Forſter, of St John's, in Newcaſtle, and Mr Charles Clarke, Attorney in Newcaſtle, being with their ſucceſſors left Truſtees for ever to ſee it juſtly applied.

On the ſouth end of the gallery is another inſcription in black letters:

Mrs Barbara Coates built the ſchool-houſe and erected this gallery at her own charge, after her huſband's deceaſe.

[323]Camden * from the name of this place was induced to believe it was the Roman Pons Aelii, by more modern Antiquaries fixed at Newcaſtle.

WOLSINGTON

lies at ſome little diſtance, lately the property of the family of Jeniſons: it was a manor and part of the poſſeſſions of the priory of Tynemouth, is in a delightful ſituation, now the ſeat of Matthew Bell, Eſq

The proſpect over this part of the county, at the turnpike bar, is ſo extraordinary, that I cannot forbear pointing it out to future ramblers. Ponteland is ſeated in the depth of the vale, ſhrouded with a pretty grove; Eſland Hall crowns the right hand eminence, beyond which the elegant houſe of Gosforth, ſurrounded by riſing plantations, fills the more diſtant landſkip; the neat houſe at Beanridge to the left, contraſted by Berwick town, of Scotch aſpect, whoſe black thatched cottages ſtretch along the neighbouring hill. One of the wings of Dr. Ogle's houſe at Kirkley is ſeen through the trees, the white front, and deep coloured ſhade of the plantations, forming an agreeable mixture. The town of Ogle ſtands on an eminence in front, over which Whalton is ſeen, and the whole back ground is formed by the rugged rocks of Rothbury, which give a rude and diſtant horizon.

We paſſed over the great north road to

GOSFORTH,

an elegant new building, of Pain's architecture, the ſeat of Charles Brandling, Eſq ſurrounded with riſing plantations. No place in the [324] county of Northumberland better aſcertains the improvements of which the northern lands are capable: Miniſter Acres was ſhut in on every ſide by a deſert, which within a few years has been converted into beautiful plantations; but the great advancement which has taken place here is almoſt incredible, and the noble works which now fill a tract of land that was covered with heath, and had all the dreary aſpect of barrenneſs and waſte, are aſtoniſhing. No man is more valuable to the commonwealth, than he who applies his opulence in the improvements of agriculture: the produce of our lands is a ſtaple of which we cannot be robbed by foreign enemies; a treaſure which no change in the balance of Europe can waſte; an inteſtine wealth, which will give power without the jeopardies attending common merchandize; the increaſe will ever find an efflux to ſtates which cannot ſupport their numbers by the produce of their own land, and will ever ſecure an influx of wealth. Our lands afford a perpetual ſupply of trade; the goods derived from manual occupations, are the objects of fluctuating taſte; and when Birmingham and Wolverhampton ſhall no longer bear the laborious anvil, our wool, our corn and cattle will remain a laſting ſource of wealth. Manual occupations are transferrable, and in future ages may and will be moved from their preſent ſeats, and take place in other kingdoms and diſtant quarters of the earth; but the produce of lands, as they are local, ſo are they univerſally neceſſary; thoſe of our climate in particular: others produce the luxuries we ſeek, but ours the neceſſaries every climate requires. To Mr Brandling every lover of his country muſt return thanks for the example he has given, to ſpur on emulation for improvement, by proving the certainty of the effect. Gosforth was formerly part of the poſſeſſions of the family of Surtees, * held of [325] the Crown by the ſervice of half a Knight's fee: it came to the predeceſſors of the preſent owner ſome little time before the reign of King Edward VI.*

We paſſed by

BLAGDON,

the ſeat of Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart. a handſome ſquare building, in the mode of architecture, and with ſuch ornaments as prevailed in the cloſe of the laſt century. It is covered with fine plantations.

This was anciently one of the manors of the barony of Morpeth, held by John de Pleſſes, as appears by the eſcheats of King Edward I. Pleſſes was a benefactor to Newminſter. A fee for cornage, of 1s. 1½d. yearly, on the feaſt of St. Cuthbert, was anciently paid out of this manor.

At the diſtance of two miles, we paſſed

STANNINGTON,

another dependent manor of the barony of Morpeth, anciently called Cooks Land. It was chargeable with a cornage rent, payable on the day of St. Cuthbert. The church ſtands on the north ſide of the village. One of the Merleys, Baron of Morpeth, founded a chantry here, with ſeveral endowments. The advowſon of the church of Stannington was given by Roger de Somerville to the priory of Newminſter.

[326]Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart. in the ſummer 1772, decorated the chancel windows, which are of the true old Gothic taſte, with ſome curious painted glaſs, finely coloured, of various ſcriptural deſigns and arms of religious houſes, ſuppoſed to be 500 years old.

We took our next departure from Morpeth, to viſit Tynemouth. In this rout we paſſed through

BEDLINGTON,

part of the territories called the patrimony of St. Cuthbert, and a manor belonging to the See of Durham, which, as an excluſive liberty, obtained the appellation of the ſhire of Bedlington. It is bounded by the rivers Blyth on the ſouth, and Wansbeck on the north. In all matters of law and civil juriſdiction, it is a member of the county palatine, and (as I mentioned before when ſpeaking of Norham) anciently had courts and officers of juſtice within its own limits, appointed under commiſſion from the Biſhop of Durham, as well Juſtices, Sheriffs, Eſcheators, as Coroners, and all other officers of juſtice. The ſtatute made in the 27th year of King Henry VIII. diveſted the palatine of thoſe royal franchiſes, and reſumed the ſame to the Crown.* An ancient offering to the Hoſpital of St. Giles, in Durham, of a thrave of corn out of every plough land for the relief of Pilgrims, about the time of King Richard II. was granted by the land owners, payable on the feaſt of St. Michael. It was afterwards compounded for a money payment.

[327]The town of Bedlington is in a low but pleaſant ſituation; it conſiſts of one long ſtreet. The church is an ancient ſtructure, but has no monuments of note.

In the year 1659, when the lands belonging to the See of Durham were put up to ſale by the Parliament, this manor, with Choppington farm, were purchaſed by Robert Fenwick, Eſq for 1296l. 5½d.*

Near this place is a conſiderable iron foundery.

BEBSIDE,

which was in our view from the road, was a manor appertaining to the priory of Tynemouth.

NEWSHAM and SOUTH BLYTH

lay to our left, the property of a younger branch of the Cramlingtons in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; afterwards purchaſed by Colonel Thomas Radcliff; it is chiefly the poſſeſſion of Sir Matthew White Ridley. Blyth is a pretty village, ſituate on the ſouth ſide of the river Blyth, with a commodious port for ſmall craft.

The navigable river and port of Blyth were of conſequence to the Biſhops of Durham in ancient times, and are named in their records with the Tyne, Wear, and Tees, as being ſubject to their juriſdiction, where they enjoyed all royal rights. The Biſhops of Durham ſtill continue to leaſe out the anchorage, beaconage, plankage, wharfage, ballaſt key, and waſtes between the high and low water marks of Blyth, and all the wrecks of the ſea on that coaſt.§

CRAMLINGTON

[328]

lay on our right, a member of the barony of Guagy, the ancient poſſeſſion and reſidence of the family of Cramlingtons. * Male iſſue failing in William de Cramlington, during the reign of King Henry V. theſe eſtates came to his two daughters as coheireſſes; one of whom married William Lawſon, through which they ſoon after centered in that family.

The appearance of

SEATON DELAVAL

now engaged the eye; the ſpreading plantations extended over the plain afforded an agreeable ſcene, which was beautifully improved by the diſtant proſpect of the ocean.

[]
Figure 1. SEATON DELAVAL North Front
[]
Figure 2. SEATON DELAVAL South Front
[]
Figure 3. HARTLEY HAVEN
[]
Figure 4. MAUSOLEUM at Seaton Delaval

A delightful ſhady walk, of a mile long, leads to Sir John's port of Hartley, * whence his coals, well known in London by that name, are [334] ſhipped. There are alſo large ſalt works and copperas works, and likewiſe very conſiderable glaſs works, which were built by Thomas Delaval, Eſq and purchaſed of him by Sir John, who has cut through a ſolid and hard rock a new entrance into his harbour, which is 52 feet deep 30 feet broad, and 900 feet long: this great work he did at his own private expence, which no perſon has any ſhare or concern in but himſelf: no ſhips come hither except for his coals, ſalt, glaſs, and copperas; the three laſt-mentioned works are carried on here for the ſake of conſuming the ſmall coals of his colliery, which would without them be of no value. Before this new entrance was effected, the opportunity for exportation here was very confined, as the ſhips, for want of a ſufficient depth of water in the old entrance, were obliged to be loaded with keels, whereas they can now ſail out with their full loadings. Theſe works produce to the public a revenue of above 20,000l. a year, and afford Sir John the means of conſtantly ſupporting ſeveral hundred people who live upon his eſtate in honeſt induſtry, in which he and Lady Huſſey Delaval take great delight.

Sir John has alſo made a little harbour of refuge in St. Mary's Iſland, for the ſafety of the Fiſhermen upon this coaſt, by which many have been ſaved who could not poſſibly, in certain winds, have reached any other harbour.

Conceiving it might prove moſt agreeable to the reader to find a particular deſcription of

FORD CASTLE,

which Sir John Huſſey Delaval conſiders as his ſporting ſeat, immediately ſucceeding that of the princely manſion of Seaton Delaval, I reſerved it for this place.

[335]From Yevering Bell, and the eminences beyond Wooler, it has a noble appearance, ariſing from a fine cultivated plain. This Caſtle was re-edified by Sir John, the antique ſtile being well preſerved in the deſign; two towers, one on the eaſt flank, and one on the weſt, being the only remains of the old caſtle which are retained in this edifice. The work was begun in the year 1761, and compleated in two or three years. The front is to the ſouth, the centre of which is formed by a ſemihexagonal projection, and its terminations are ſquare turrets; from whence, on each hand, a regular wing is advanced. On the weſt ſide of the area in front, is an old ſquare tower of ſingular form, it being compoſed of two turrets, one ariſing above another; the upper one being ſo much leſs than that which ſupports it, as to afford a ſpacious battlement. The area is encloſed by a wall embrazured and garniſhed with turrets, the entrance to which is by a ſpacious gateway: the wall is defended by corner towers.

This caſtle is ſeated on the eaſt banks of the river Till: It appears by Madox's Exch. p. 647, that Sir William Heron built it in the 12th year of the reign of King Henry III. A. D. 1227, the eſtate having come to his family by an intermarriage with the heireſs of Ford, who derived her deſcent from Odonel de Ford, as is mentioned in the preceding page 19, and who was ſeized thereof in the time of King Henry I.

The caſtle commands a fine proſpect up the valley as far as Wooler bounded by lofty eminences, which riſing ſwiftly, are broken in the moſt agreeable and romantic manner. To the weſtward, at about the diſtance of a mile and a half, you view Flodden Hill, marked to the eye by a riſing plantation of firs,* which crowns the eminence, and gives a beautiful object upon the landſkip. In great floods the Till overflows ſeveral hundreds of acres of flat ground; the extenſive ſheet of water makes a grand appearance from the caſtle: when it ſubſides, the plain is left covered with a moſt fertilizing mud, by which the ſoil is greatly enriched.

From the happy taſte her Ladyſhip poſſeſſes for a rural life, Sir John has advanced the more rapidly in thoſe works of improvement which [336] mark the adjacent country. The fair example becomes illuſtrious, by the contraſt which is ſeen in the lives of perſons of equal rank and opulence. The works which are ſpread around Ford and Seaton Delaval, whilſt they diſpenſe felicity to innumerable laborious families, contribute greatly to the general opulence of the ſtate. No panegyric can pay due praiſe to thoſe who thus employ their abundant wealth: the effect is not contracted within the circle of Sir John's poſſeſſions, the example influences as it carries with it conviction, and many are thereby induced to cultivate and improve the adjacent eſtates, recovering from a prepoſſeſſion of ages of ignorance, that the nature of the ſoil and climate would fruſtrate their attempts. A vaſt tract of land, on which you look from Ford, was within 20 years laſt paſt, one continued ſheep-walk; now interſected and encloſed with excellent quick-wood fences; the eminences adorned with fine plantations; the large and open farms which heretofore gave the country the aſpect of poverty and deſolation, are now ſubdivided, and let out into ſmaller allotments from 60l. to 200l. a year each, by which the country has become well peopled, and the lands, which for paſturage did not yield above one ſhilling per acre, now let for twenty-five ſhillings. The vice of enlarging farms, deſtroying villages, and thereby depopulating a country, was advanced to ſuch enormity in the reigns of King Henry VII. and King Henry VIII. that it called for a parliamentary inquiry and reſtriction. No language can more ſtrongly expreſs the error, than the preamble of the ſtatute of the 25th of King Henry VIII. cha. 14.

For as much as divers and ſundry perſons of the King's ſubjects of this realm, to whom God of his goodneſs hath diſpoſed great plenty and abundance of moveable ſubſtance, now of late within few years have daily ſtudied, practiſed, and invented ways and means how they might accumulate and gather together into few hands as well great multitude of farms as great plenty of cattle, and in eſpecial ſheep, putting ſuch lands as they can get to paſture, and not to tillage, whereby they have not only pulled down churches and towns, and enhanced the old rates of the rents of the poſſeſſions of this realm, or elſe brought it to ſuch exceſſive fines, that no poor man is able to meddle with it, but alſo have raiſed and enhanced the prices of corn, cattle, wool, pigs, geeſe, hens, chickens, eggs, and ſuch other, almoſt double above the prices which have been accuſtomed; by reaſon whereof a marvelous multitude and number of the people of this realm be not able to provide meat, drink, and cloaths neceſſary for themſelves, their wives and children; but be ſo diſcouraged with
[]Figure 5. The FORGE near FORD CASTLE
[337] miſery and poverty, that they fall daily to theft, robbery, and other inconveniences, or pitifully die for hunger and cold. And as it is thought by the King's moſt humble and loving ſubjects, that one of the greateſt occaſions that moveth and provoketh thoſe greedy and covetous people, ſo to accumulate and keep in their hands ſuch great portions and parts of the grounds and lands of this realm from the occupying of the poor huſbandmen, and ſo to uſe it in paſture and not in tillage, is only the great profit that cometh of ſheep, which now be come to a few perſons hands of this realm, in reſpect of the whole number of the King's ſubjects, that ſome have 24,000, ſome 20,000, ſome 10,000, ſome 6000, ſome 5000, and ſome more and ſome leſs; by the which a good ſheep for victual, that was accuſtomed to be ſold for 2s. 4d. or 3s. at the moſt, now ſold for 6s. or 5s. or 4s. at the leaſt; and a ſtone of clothing wool, that in ſome ſhires of this realm was accuſtomed to be ſold for 18d. or 20d. now ſold for 4s. or 3s. 4d. at the leaſt; and in ſome counties where it hath been ſold for 2s. 4d. or 2s. 8d. or 3s. at the moſt, is now ſold for 5s. or 4s. 8d. at the leaſt, and ſo are raiſed in every part of this realm: Which things, thus uſed, be principally to the high diſpleaſure of Almighty God, to the decay of the hoſpitality of this realm, to the diminiſhing of the King's people, and to the let of the cloth-making, whereby many poor people have been accuſtomed to be ſet on work; and in concluſion, if remedy be not found, it may turn to the utter deſtruction and deſolation of this realm, which God defend.

—By this law, which is ſtill ſubſiſting, no farmer, under a penalty to be levied by Juſtices of the Peace, ſhould hold more than two farms, and they to be in one pariſh, where he ſhould reſide; and no farmer to have above 2000 ſheep.

Not only the pleaſure her Ladyſhip takes in promoting Sir John's attention to the improvements of the adjacent lands, ſhe alſo, I am informed, was a chief cauſe of the Iron Manufactory carried on near Ford, being brought to its preſent ſignificance. About a mile down the river, a Plating-Forge was erected in 1769, where a large quantity of ſhovels, ſpades, and other plate-iron works are made, as well for home conſumption, as for exportation at the ports of Berwick, Newcaſtle, &c. The ſcheme, when carried to its intended extent, will be of great conſequence to this part of the country. The ſituation of the Forge is romantic, and the whole ſcene pictureſque. The water to ſupply the wheels is collected by a dam, and forms a fine canal, from whence it [338] breaks over the wear in a beautiful caſcade; and being intercepted in its lower courſe by rocks and hillocks, divides itſelf into ſeveral ſtreams. The buildings for the forge, as you look up the river, lay to the left; on the oppoſite ſide is a water-corn-mill: the vale ſeen above the canal conſiſts of cultivated and encloſed grounds, which are highly contraſted by the lofty eminences which bound the proſpect, finely broken and irregular, through which the light ſtreams, and gives a ſingular beauty to the offſcape: theſe at the extreme point of view are overlooked by Cheviot, awfully ſupreme and majeſtic, on whoſe brow heavy vapours are generally ſeen ſuſpended.

The family of Delaval had conſiderable poſſeſſions in

ECHEWICK:

Hubert Delaval and Richolda his mother gave a moiety of that manor to the priory of Hexham. The priory held lands there of the gift of others; one parcel the donation of Thomas de Echewick, and another of Peter de Fawdon. The abbey of Newminſter alſo had lands in Echewick, by the gift of John de Mitford, 3 King Henry VI.

Roger Fenwick, Eſq of Bitchfield, ſecond ſon of Sir John Fenwick of Wallington, by Margery the daughter and heireſs of John Harbottle, Eſq married Urſilla daughter of Sir John Heron of Chipchaſe, Knt. and purchaſed of the Crown Echewick Hall with divers lands, to be held by fealty only, as of the manor of Eaſt Greenwich, ſubject to a certain fee-farm rent. In the year 1589, he ſettled the ſame on Anthony his ſecond ſon, whoſe iſſue in the male line becoming extinct, the eſtate, about the year 1670, came to Ralph Scourfield, Eſq of Newcaſtle upon Tyne, in right of his mother, who was the daughter of Geo. Fenwick of Newcaſtle, Merchant Adventurer, younger ſon of Anthony Fenwick. Ralph Scourfield of Echewick, Eſq his only ſon, was High Sheriff for the county of Northumberland A. D. 1684: he died Sept. 1728, and lies buried within the rails of the communion table in the church of St. John, Newcaſtle. On his deceaſe the eſtate deſcended to Edward Bell, Eſq whoſe eldeſt daughter and coheireſs, the preſent proprietor, in the year 1748, married George Spearman, Eſq

This family of Spearmans derives deſcent from Le Sire D'Aſperemont, ſon of the Count D'Aſperemont, who accompanied King William the [339] Conqueror to England. The corruption of the name has been attributed by ſome of the family to an atchievement in the holy wars under Prince Edward, afterwards King Edward I. The anceſtors of George Spearman, Eſq were ſettled at Preſton, in the pariſh of Tynemouth, for ſome centuries. John of that family, in the beginning of this century, left by will a chalice for the communion, and a yearly ſtipend for a Schoolmaſter in the pariſh of Tynemouth.

But to return from this digreſſion:—From the mauſoleum at Seaton Delaval, the walk is extended to

HARTLEY,

which place was the poſſeſſion of Adam de Jeſmont, as appears by the eſcheats of the reign of King John: but in that age it was inconſiderable, when compared to its preſent ſtate.

The river anciently made its courſe due eaſt, until it was within a little way of the ſea, and then ſuddenly made a turn, and diſcharged itſelf in a courſe due north. The ſea banks at this point form an angle, one ſide facing to the north, and the other almoſt full eaſt. At the point of this angle, Sir Ralph Delaval erected his works, to ſecure his little haven at the mouth of the river, as mentioned in the foregoing note: but Sir John, in an age much advanced in mechanic knowledge, brought his haven into its preſent ſtate, by cutting through the rock, from the point where the river anciently turned towards the north, to the ſea on the eaſt ſide of the angle, ſo that the current now diſcharges itſelf into the ſea in a ſtraight direction, almoſt due eaſt, and forms a harbour acceſſible with every wind, and a moorage ſecure againſt every ſtorm.

Over the cut, a drawbridge is caſt for the paſſage of the inhabitants.

A little to the weſt lays

SEGHILL,

miſtaken by Camden for the Roman Segedunum, now the poſſeſſion of Sir Lancelot Allgood: formerly the ſeat and manor of a branch of the [340] Mitford family, who built the tower, the remains of which ſtill appear.*

We paſſed by the Monks ſtone, about two miles north-weſt of Tynemouth. The beſt account which has yet been given of it, is by Mr Groſe, which I ſhall take the liberty to tranſcribe. It appears to me to be the ancient boundary mark of the priory diſtrict: many obeliſks of this kind being fixed on the boundaries of church lands in the northern counties.

‘A gentleman in the neighbourhood remembers it ſtanding, though in a tottering condition, and much out of the perpendicular: he thinks it was then near ten feet high: it has lately been thrown down and broken; two pieces of it are now remaining, one of which, meaſuring three feet and a half, has been ſet up, the other, of about three feet, is the part repreſented (in Mr Groſe's plate) lying on the ground; on the pedeſtal is the inſcription, O horror, to kill a man for a pigges head: the characters ſeem more modern than the obeliſk. This monument is of a whin ſtone; its plan, what is called an oblong ſquare: it is injured by time, and beſides which, the country people have punched it ſo full of round holes, and otherwiſe ſo defaced it, as not only to render its ornaments unintelligible, but alſo to make it doubtful, whether all its ſides, or only the two broadeſt were ornamented.’ The following traditionary ſtory, relative to this monument, is alſo given by Mr Groſe.

A Monk of this monaſtery, ſtrolling abroad, came to the houſe of Mr Delaval, an anceſtor of the ancient family of that name, who was then abſent on an hunting party, but was expected back to dinner: among the many diſhes preparing in the kitchen, was a pig ordered purpoſely for Mr Delaval's own eating: this alone ſuiting the liquoriſh palate of the Monk, and though admoniſhed and informed for whom it was intended, he cut off the head, reckoned by epicures the moſt delicious part of the animal, and putting it into a bag, made the beſt of his way towards the monaſtery. Delaval, at his return, being informed of the tranſaction, which he looked upon as a perſonal inſult, and
[]Figure 6. TYNMOUTH
[341] being young and fiery, remounted his horſe, and ſet out in ſearch of the offender; when overtaking him, about a mile eaſt of Preſton, he ſo belaboured him with his ſtaff, called a hunting gad, that he was hardly able to crawl to his cell. The Monk dying within a year and a day, although as the ſtory goes the beating was not the cauſe of his death, his brethren made it a handle to charge Delaval with his murther; who before he could get abſolved, was obliged to make over to the monaſtery, as an expiation of this deed, the manor of Elſig, in the neighbourhood of Newcaſtle, with ſeveral other valuable eſtates; and by way of amende honourable, to ſet up an obeliſk, on the ſpot where he properly corrected the Monk. Elſig was afterwards made the ſummer retreat of the Priors of Tynmouth.

‘This ſtory, like many others of the like kind, is very defective in ſeveral parts; no date is affixed, and the above-mentioned monument is ſhewn in ſupport of it; it ſeems difficult to account for this Monk being ſo far from his monaſtery, eſpecially alone, which was ſtrictly prohibited by their rules: and this not being of the Mendicant order, he could not be going on the queſt. The only method of reconciling it, is to ſuppoſe that this perſonage was a lay-brother, and ſervant to the houſe. It however ſhews how dangerous it was to injure the meaneſt retainer to a religious houſe: a peril very ludicriouſly, though juſtly expreſſed in the following old Engliſh adage, which I have ſomewhere met with: "If perchaunce one offende a Freeres Dogge, ſtreight clameth the whole brotherhood, an hereſy! an hereſy!"

The town of

TYNEMOUTH

is well built, being a place of great reſort in the bathing ſeaſon. The Inns are good, and there is every accommodation to render the ſituation agreeable.

The preſent church ſtands a mile weſt from the town, and was conſecrated by Biſhop Coſins, 20 King Charles II. A. D. 1668.

THE PRIORY

[]
Figure 7. The North West View of TYNMOUTH.

On paſſing the gateway, the ſcene is ſtrikingly noble and venerable; the whole encloſed area may contain about ſix acres; the walls ſeem as well calculated for defence as the gateway tower; the view is crowded with auguſt ruins; many fine arches of the priory are ſtanding; the moſt beautiful part of theſe remains is the eaſtern limb of the church, of elegant workmanſhip. The ruins are ſo diſunited, that it would be very difficult to determine to what particular offices each belonged. On the ſouth ſide, adjoining the wall which ſtands on the brink of the cliff, are ſeveral ſpacious vaulted chambers, one of which I conceived was the kitchen, from the large extended fire-place; another the priſon, with an aperture in the top of the vault, by which the miſerable captive deſcended to his horrid dungeon. On the north and eaſt ſides, the cliffs appear to be about 10 perpendicular fathoms in height, at the feet of which, on a broken rocky ſhore, the ſea beats impetuouſly. From the walls on the ſouth ſide, you have a view of the batteries which command the mouth of Tyne, with the barracks for the garriſon. On the north ſide, is a houſe built by Colonel Henry Villiers, once Governor of this fortreſs, together with a light-houſe, for the benefit of ſhipping [344] paſſing this dangerous coaſt. Theſe erections being made by licence from government, Villiers was authorized to receive one ſhilling for every Britiſh veſſel, and ſix-pence for each foreign veſſel anchoring in Shields harbour, which produced a revenue of about 80l. per annum: a trifling gratuity for ſo beneficial a work.*

The ruins which preſent themſelves in front, on entering the gateway, appear to be the remains of the cloiſter, to which you have acceſs by a gateway of circular arches, comprehending ſeveral members inclining inwards, and ariſing from pilaſters. After paſſing this gate, in the area many modern tombs appear, the ground being ſtill uſed for ſepulture. The weſt gate entering into the abbey is ſtill entire, of the ſame architecture as that leading to the cloiſter. The ground from the cloiſter to the ſouth wall is almoſt covered with foundations of buildings, which I preſume are the remains of the priory. Two walls of the eaſt end of the church are ſtanding; the end wall to the eaſt contains three long windows; the centre window, the loftieſt, is near 20 feet high, richly ornamented with mouldings; ſome of roſe-work, and others of the dancette, as the figure is termed in heraldry, or zig-zag, a decoration common to old Saxon architecture. The diviſions or pillars between the windows are enriched with pilaſters of five members, with highly finiſhed foliated capitals and cornices. Above the centre window, is an oval one with like mouldings, and the openings of a gallery on each ſide. Part of the ſouth ſide wall of the choir is alſo ſtanding, illuminated with four windows of like form as thoſe to the eaſt, and equally ornamented, though not of the ſame height; for above them are an equal number of ſmall windows: the diviſions or pillars between the larger windows are decorated with pilaſters, of the ſame kind as [345] thoſe at the eaſt end; in the diviſions or pillars between the ſmaller windows, ſpring the groins of the arches which formed the roof, by their remains ſhewing they were ornamented with rich mouldings. The arches of the windows in this part are circular; the blank arches which are thrown upon the wall beneath the windows are pointed. The architecture through the whole of this part of the building is ſingularly light and beautiful; the erection conſiſts of a red freeſtone, which endures the weather well, in this ſtormy ſituation.

Beneath the centre window at the eaſt end, is a doorway, of like excellent workmanſhip, conducting to a ſmall but elegant apartment, which I conceive has contained the ſhrine and tomb of St. Oſwine. On each ſide of the door, is a human head, cut in a ſtile much ſuperior to that of the general taſte of the age in which they are ſuppoſed to have been executed. The apartment within is 18 feet in length, and nine feet in breadth and height. On the ſouth ſide is an entrance from the open yard with two windows, on the north ſide three windows, and a circular window to the eaſt, ſo elevated as to give place for an altar beneath: there are two niches for ſtatues at the eaſt end, a cloſet for the veſſels for ſacred offices, and a baſon for holy water: on each ſide of the window is the figure of a Monk kneeling, and two of the emblematical animals commonly depicted with the Evangeliſts: the ſide walls are ornamented with pilaſters, from whence ſpring the groins and arches of ſtone, which in various interſections form the roof; the joinings of which are enriched with circles of carved work, and the interſtices of the roof are arched and conſtructed with thin bricks. The circles contain ſculptures of the divine Perſonages with the Apoſtles, of workmanſhip far from being deſpicable, and all the figures are in good preſervation. Round each ſculpture is a circular belt with a ſentence in the old Engliſh character, well raiſed, viz. Sanct. Petrus ora P. nobis, &c. each varied by the name of the perſonage to whom it is inſcribed. The centre row conſiſts of four circles; in one is the effigies of John the Baptiſt, with the like ſentence; in a ſecond, towards the weſt, the effigies of our Saviour, with a Monk kneeling; in a third, to the eaſt, the effigies of the Supreme, with the Lamb bearing an enſign; and in the fourth, a repreſentation of the laſt judgment, with this ſentence: In die judicii liberare nos. Above the door is the effigies of our Saviour with a globe in his hand, with morit P. nobis, ſubſcribed; on each ſide of the door, an emblematical figure, as to the eaſt. There are two eſcutcheons, the dexter one charged with bearings of Veſey, a croſs ſable; the ſiniſter, [346] the bearings of Brabant and Lucy quarterly.* Many little ornaments are cut on the inferior roſes on the arched work; as croſlets, creſcents, winged croſſes, the old Saxon [...], as the emblem of ſacred [347] maſonry, and the uſual characters diſpoſed over religious buildings Ihc, Jeſus hominis conſervator. On the outſide of this erection, at the eaſt end, are two coats armour, ſupported by cherubs; the one charged with a croſs, the arms of the monaſtery of St. Albans, the other, with [348] three crowns; which latter was the proper arms of the monaſtery * of Tynemouth.

The time when this monaſtery was firſt founded, as well as the founder, are both uncertain. By a paſſage in Leland's Collectanea, vol. 3. p. 42. it appears, that Edwin King of Northumberland, who began his reign about the year 617, and died in 633, built a chapel of wood at Tynemouth, wherein his daughter Roſetta took the veil; and that this chapel was afterwards rebuilt by St. Oſwald with ſtone. Tanner, in his account of this houſe, ſays, ‘Among the monaſteries and churches founded by St. Oſwald, the firſt chriſtian King of Northumberland, this is reckoned to be one, though others aſcribe its foundation to King Egfrid.

Although the exact aera of its foundation cannot be aſcertained, there are nevertheleſs ſufficient proofs of its great antiquity: inſomuch, that according to the learned author laſt cited, ‘it is evident that St. Herebald, the companion of St. John of Beverley, was Monk and Abbot here in the beginning of the 8th century.’ The perſonages who were interred here point out its conſequence in thoſe days.

[349]It ſuffered three ſeveral depredations from the Danes: the firſt about the concluſion of the 8th century;* the ſecond under Hunguar and Hubba, in the reign of King Ethelred; and the third in the reign of Athelſtan. The deſire of plunder urged thoſe heatheniſh tribes of robbers againſt the ſacred places: on the ſecond deſcent of thoſe invaders, the Monks fled to their church for ſafety, and there ſuffered together with the hallowed pile; the Barbarians reducing the whole, with its [350] religious aſſembly, to aſhes. If we were allowed to truſt, that vindictive Providence ſometimes wields an immediate ſcourge over the wicked, we ſhould conceive the divine interpoſition was manifeſted on thoſe inhuman murtherers, who were purſued by Ethelred King of the Northumbrians, and Offa King of Mercia, with a dreadful ſlaughter, and forced in great precipitation to their ſhips, when a ſucceeding ſtorm ſtrewed the ſhores, which had been conſcious of their crimes, with their miſerable carcaſſes and the wreck of their fleet.

After the horrid maſſacre of the Monks, the monaſtery lay in aſhes till the reign of Edward the Confeſſor, when Toſtin Earl of Northumberland rebuilt and endowed it; but what order of religious were placed here, I have found no poſitive evidence. It was not till Mowbray's time Black Canons were ſettled here from St. Albans.*

[351]Toſtin did not make this foundation from religious principles; he was prompted to it by ambition or other ſiniſter views: his life was marked with ſavage barbarities, which drew upon him the wrath of his Prince, who baniſhed him for his complicated and atrocious crimes. Thenceforth he attached himſelf to the King of Norway, who was ravaging Scotland, and induced him to attempt depoſing his own brother, Harold II. for which purpoſe he projected a deſcent at the haven of Tynemouth, from whence they pillaged all the country on the banks of Tyne. Putting again to ſea, they entered the Humber, where they committed the moſt horrid cruelties, burning and laying waſte the whole country, and imbruing their hands in a flood of innocent blood. In a little time they were oppoſed by a body of forces under the command of Edwin and Morchar; but in the conflict the Danes were victorious. Harold with an army of 60,000 men, ſoon afterwards engaged the invaders, who were nearly equal in number, at Stanford Bridge, near York. The battle began at ſeven in the morning, and did not ceaſe till three in the afternoon, when after a great ſlaughter of the Danes, Toſtin and the Daniſh King being among the ſlain, victory declared for Harold: and ſuch were the bloody honours of the day, that out of 500 ſhips, with which the invaders entered Tynemouth haven, twenty, and thoſe too by permiſſion of the Conqueror, carried the young Prince with his remaining followers to Denmark.*

[352]This monaſtery was reduced to the title of a cell to Gynwin, afterwards became a cell to Durham, and at laſt a cell to St. Albans. * From the great diſagreement in authors on theſe facts, it is difficult to determine by whom theſe ſeveral changes were made; but from the beſt authorities, I am led to conceive the firſt degradation of this monaſtery was by Waltheof Earl of Northumberland, at the command of his King. To ſhew ſome colour or pretext for ſo flagrant an invaſion of the rights of the church, he pretended it was an unfit ſituation for devotion (horridus & incultus). Mr Wallis's ideas are excellent on this ſubject: I will take them literatim, as he gives them in his work.

‘It is ſo far from being an unfit place for devotion, that few can exceed it, for preſenting the mind with a variety of ſolemn objects, capable of raiſing it to an adoration and awful reverence of the Deity. The very precipice it ſtands on, lofty and almoſt perpendicular, whoſe ſemicircular baſe withſtands the fury of the waves, muſt have inſpired the religious with a firm reliance on him who is the rock of ages: the calms—the ſtorms—the ſhips, muſt all by turns have furniſhed them with occaſions to praiſe him, whoſe wonders are ſeen in the great deep.’

The monaſtery was diſmembered from Gyrwin, and made a cell to Durham, by Albric Earl and Governor of Northumberland, (Mr Groſe ſays, by Agelwinas in 1065, who was Biſhop of Durham, but quotes no authority) as an act of devotion to the memory of St. Cuthbert. Mowbray, when Earl of Northumberland, ſevered it from the church of Durham, and gave it to St. Albans, in or about the year 1090, he [353] having repaired the church and offices, and placed therein Black Canons from that abbey. This was ſaid to be done in reſentment (as appears by Dugdale) for ſome affront he conceived he had received from the Biſhop of Durham. It is remarkable, that the very altar which he thus preſumed to profane, he ſought to lay hold of as his ſanctuary, when his unſucceſsful plots brought upon him the wrath of his Sovereign. It is ſaid by his treaſon he forfeited 280 Fiefs, ſo princely were his poſſeſſions.

The Prior had the privilege of a market on Sunday, and the priory had many wealthy endowments, which were confirmed by the patents of many of our Kings, from King Henry I. to King Edward IV.*

[354]The badneſs of the ſituation, as alledged by Waltheof, was amply compenſated by an advantage ariſing from thence: the Monks knew well how to avail themſelves of it; the exalted rock on which this monaſtery ſtood, rendered it viſible at a great diſtance at ſea, in every direction; whence it preſented itſelf as if reminding and exhorting Seamen in danger, to make their vows, and promiſe maſſes and gifts to the Virgin Mary and St. Oſwin for their deliverance. Vows of this kind were common among the ancients, and are to this day, it is ſaid, made in ſome catholic ſtates, where the walls of churches are covered with the paintings of ſhips, boats, and other votive memorials. Eraſmus, in his piece intitled the Shipwreck, has very humourouſly deſcribed and ridiculed this cuſtom of bribing heaven in caſe of ſudden emergency. In Germany, below almoſt every dangerous fall or paſſage of the Rhine, there is a hermitage, whoſe Hermit, or his Agent, waits on the paſſenger in the boat, as ſoon as it has paſſed over, requeſting alms as a reward for his prayers, to the efficacy of which it is intimated he owes his ſafety. Something like this perhaps might be practiſed by the Monks, from which they would receive many emoluments, both in goods and money, for the celebration of maſſes; eſpecially as the entrance into Shields harbour is at certain times both difficult and dangerous.

Many great perſonages lay interred here,* and there have been of this houſe many learned men.

[355] Malcolm King of Scots, and his ſon Edward, ſlain near Alnwick 1094, 7th King William II. are interred here.

King Edward I. after his victory over the Scots, viſited the ſhrine of St. Mary and St. Oſwin; and in 1303, his Queen reſided here, when he was on his laſt march to Scotland.

John Wethamſtad, Abbot of St. Albans, was a Canon here. He was an Hiſtorian of great note. On his preferment, he preſented to the altar of Tynemouth a chalice of gold.

John de Tynmouth, an eminent ſacred Biographer, was born here. He flouriſhed about the year 1366.

The following liſt of Priors is given by Brown Willis: Remegius 1092; William de Bedford 1124; Thomas More 1340; John Langton 1451; Thomas Gardiner 1528; Robert Blaceney was Prior at the diſſolution, at which time he, with fifteen Prebendaries and three Novices, ſurrendered this houſe, 12th January, 1539, 30th King Henry VIII. and had a penſion of 80l. per annum aſſigned him. In the year 1553, here remained in charge 37l. 12s. in annuities, and theſe penſions, viz. Thomas Caſtle 6l. 13s. 4d. Henry Woodal and Robert Bolland 61. each, Robert Gateſhead and Robert Foreman 5l. 6d. 8d. William Carliſle, Stephen Hayman, Anthony Gardiner, George Jaſper, Clement Weſtminſter, and Robert London 4l. Thomas Durham, Robert Charity, and George Faith 2l. each.

The annual revenues of this monaſtery, unconnected with St. Albans, were at the diſſolution valued by Dugdale at 396l. 10s. 5d. by Speed 511l. 4s. 1d.

The ſcite of the priory, in the 5th year of King Edward VI. was granted to John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, but on his attainder reverted to the Crown, and remained ungranted until the 10th year of Queen Elizabeth, as is ſet forth in Tanner's Notitia.

The manor of Tynemouth is now part of the poſſeſſions of his Grace the Duke of Northumberland.

Much of the remains of the priory were pulled down by Mr Villars, for erecting the barracks, light-houſe, his own houſe near it, and other [356] edifices: he likewiſe ſtripped off the lead which till then had covered the church.*

The firſt day of our abode here was employed in drawing views of the auguſt remains. The next morning being remarkably ſerene, awaked me early to reviſit the ſame ſcene, and enjoy the ſea breeze. I walked towards the cliffs—the ſun caſt a ruddy gleam over a calm ocean —the breeze ſcarce ruffled the leaping ſurge—the horizon glowed with clouds tinged with gold and crimſon; above which the feint blue of the verge gradually deepened into azure, as the eye advanced towards the zenith—the ſea appeared of a pale green, ſtrip'd with ſilver, as the rays of light fell upon the tracks which were becalmed—the ſcene was enlivened by a fleet of veſſels, 44 in number, of various degrees of burthen, which then paſſed in view—over the foreground of this proſpect, the ſolemn ruins were diſpoſed in melancholy arrangement, wearing a countenance more awful and majeſtic, from the ſhadows which the eaſtern ſun occaſioned to be caſt on them—on the right hand and left, the landſkip preſented itſelf full of life and buſineſs; and to add to the effects this view had on the mind, the morning drum was heard from the garriſon, the hum of the diſtant voices of buſy men, and the ſounding of the hollow ſhore, beat by an advancing tide.

Leaving Tynemouth, we paſſed within ſight of the barracks and batteries to

NORTH SHIELDS,

which is not improperly compared to Wapping: the ſtreets, lanes, and alleys are narrow, dirty, populace, and noiſy. It is aſtoniſhing what buſineſs is inceſſantly going on here: we were told there lay in harbour, even at that ſeaſon of the year, above 400 ſail of ſhips of conſiderable burthen. The crews of ſuch a number of veſſels, the carpenpenters, ropers, victuallers, and men concerned in the merchandizing of ſuch a fleet, muſt neceſſarily occaſion a mighty concourſe and buſtle: to which being added the family of ſailors reſiding here, makes the place reſemble a hive of bees.

Shields has advanced to its preſent ſtate of populouſneſs, trade, and riches, from a very low eſtate, within the ſpace of two centuries: the [357] church was begun to be built in the year 1659: in the beginning of the reign of King Edward I. it conſiſted only of ſix fiſhermen's hovels. By the arguments in a cauſe depending between the King and his Burgeſſes of Newcaſtle and the Prior of Tynemouth, in the 20th year of that reign, it appears, that the Prior had built a town upon the bank of the water of Tyne on one ſide, and the Prior of Durham another on the other ſide, where no towns ought to be, only lodges for fiſhermen; and that the fiſhermen had there ſold their fiſhes, which ought to have been ſold at Newcaſtle: and that both the ſaid Priors had cauſed to be made breweries and fiſheries, having great ſhips, whereas they ought to have had but boats; and had cauſed bread to be baked there, which ought to have been baked at Newcaſtle. It was decreed, that neither at Tynemouth or Shields there be any ſale of things ſaleable, as in meats, drinks, &c. and that ſhips ſhould not be laden or unladen there. This will ſerve to ſhew what was the ſtate of this place in the 13th century.

We took a boat to examine this buſy ſcene upon the water: the ſight of ſo many veſſels, and ſuch a concourſe of people, is very pleaſing: it conſequently brings to one's mind, reflections on the powers of human faculties. The genius of man is infinite; if we could be taught for 1000 years, we ſhould diſcover at that period, from the learning we had acquired, that we had an infinity of ſubjects yet to learn: for the more knowledge man attains, the wider circle of objects unattained opens upon him. As the ſcale of numerical calculation is without end; as the variations of muſical tones are infinite; ſo is man's genius. By the uſe of letters we have accumulated the learning of ages; yet after the concluſion of a few centuries, all our acquiſitions will perhaps appear to poſterity, as but minute members of the ſcience of mankind. Before the uſe of letters, with the fall of empires, the accumulated knowledge of ages expired with them; but henceforth it will not be ſo.

How wonderfully perfect is all maritime ſcience now, to what it was in the moſt flouriſhing period of the Egyptian and Phoenician ſtates! We are told the timber for building the temple at Jeruſalem was floated in rafts: This ſhews the force of the ſhipping then employed. The mariners of antiquity ſeldom truſted themſelves from the ſight of the coaſt. The Grecian and Roman fleets were compoſed of inſignificant veſſels, compared with a Britiſh navy. The diſcovery of the magnet has given infinite powers to the Mariner; our geometrical principles [358] have fitted our veſſels for ſwift ſailing and the carriage of great burthens. The ark of Noah was little better than a huge caſk rolling on the face of the deep; whoſe preſervation was miraculous, and not mechanical, amidſt the perils of an univerſal ocean. The veſſels of the Phoenicians were little ſuperior to our lime-boats; their rigging and devices for ſailing greatly inferior: and the moſt excellent of the Roman gallies comparable only to the gilded barges of a Lord Mayor's ſhew. The moſt ſuperb veſſel we read of in antiquity was conſtructed by Archimedes: ‘it was a whole year in building—had twenty benches of oars; the enormous pile was faſtened together on all ſides with huge nails of copper, that weighed each ten pounds and upwards: the inſide had in it three galleries or corridors; the loweſt of which led to the hold by a deſcent of ſtairs; the ſecond to apartments, and the firſt to ſoldiers lodgings.’

‘On the right and left ſide of the middle gallery, there were to the number of thirty apartments; in each of which were four beds for men. The apartment for the officers and ſeamen had 15 beds, and three great rooms for eating; the laſt of which that was at the poop ſerved for a kitchen. All the floors of theſe apartments were laid with ſmall ſtories in different colours, taken from the Iliad of Homer. The ceilings, windows, and all the other parts were finiſhed with wonderful art, and embelliſhed with all kinds of ornaments.’

‘In the uppermoſt gallery there was a gymnaſium or place of exerciſe, and walks proportionate to the magnitude of the ſhip. In them were gardens and plants of all kinds, diſpoſed in wonderful order. Pipes, ſome of hardened clay and others of lead, conveyed water all round to refreſh them. There was alſo arbours of ivy and vines, that had their roots in great veſſels filled with earth. Theſe veſſels were watered in the ſame manner with the gardens. The arbours ſerved to ſhade the walks.’

‘After theſe came the apartments of Venus with three beds. This was floored with agates and other precious ſtones, the fineſt that could be found in the iſland. The walls and roof were of Cyprus wood. The windows were adorned with ivory, paintings, and ſmall ſtatues. In another apartment there was a library, at the top of which, on the outſide, was fixed a ſun-dial.’

[359] ‘There was alſo an apartment with three beds for a bath, in which were three great coppers, and a bathing veſſel made of a ſingle ſtone of various colours. This veſſel contained 250 quarts. At the ſhip's head was a great reſervoir of water, which held an hundred thouſand quarts. All round the ſhip, on the outſide, were atlaſſes of ſix cubits or nine feet in height, which ſupported the ſides of the ſhip: theſe atlaſſes were at equal diſtance from each other. The ſhip was adorned on all ſides with paintings, and had eight towers, proportioned to its bigneſs; two at the head, two at the ſtern, and four in the middle, of equal dimenſions. Upon theſe towers were parapets, from which ſtones might be diſcharged upon the ſhips of an enemy that ſhould approach too near. Each tower was guarded by four young men compleatly armed and two archers; the inſide of them was filled with ſtones and arrows.’

‘Upon the ſide of the veſſel, well ſtrengthened with planks, was a a kind of rampart, on which was an engine to diſcharge ſtones, made by Archimedes: it threw a ſtone of 300 weight and an arrow of 12 cubits the diſtance of a ſtadium or 125 paces. The ſhip had three maſts, at each of which were two machines to diſcharge ſtones. There alſo were the hooks and great lumps of lead to throw upon ſuch as approached. The whole ſhip was ſurrounded with a rampart of iron to keep off thoſe who ſhould attempt to board it. All round were iron graplings diſpoſed, which being thrown by the machines, might catch hold on the enemy's veſſel, and draw them cloſe to the ſhip, from whence it was eaſy to deſtroy them. On each of the ſides were 60 young men compleatly armed: there were as many about the maſts and at the engines for throwing ſtones.’

‘Tho' the hold of this ſhip was exceeding deep, a ſingle man could clear it of all water with a machine made in the nature of a ſcrew, invented by Archimedes.’

‘Hiero having found there was no port in Sicily capable of containing this veſſel, except where it could not lay without Danger, reſolved to make a preſent of it to King Ptolemy, and ſent it to Alexandria.’ *

[360]This was a more unwieldy and ungovernable maſs than Noah's ark: the compariſon made between them and our ſhipping, excites no ſmall degree of wonder how they could ever perform the navigation for which they were reſpectively deſigned.

What luxury, what eaſe and ſplendour doth Britain enjoy, from the labour of her Mariners! things which we have rendered the common neceſſaries of our lives, are furniſhed from the diſtant quarters of the earth! even the very lower claſſes mix the produce of the Eaſt and Weſt Indies for their common meal; our dwellings are decorated from all the regions of the world, and our tables are furniſhed with the dainties of every climate—the ancient eaſtern empires did not enjoy one half of our ſplendour or our luxury.

When I compare this ſcene of man to the Shepherds haunts on the ſkirts of Cheviot mountains, I am aſtoniſhed on each hand: at the waſted life and faculties of the Shepherd, and at the extended powers of the buſy race before me.

We paſſed by Howden Pans, where a large ropery and ſmithery are carried on.

WALL's END

lay in our way, formerly belonging to the Monks of Durham, given to them by William De Carilepho, Biſhop of that See, in the year 1082; a pretty village, the name evidently derived from its ſituation on the extremity of the Picts wall.* At a little diſtance lies

CARR VILLE,

once the ſeat of the Coſens's, named by Mr William Carr, who rebuilt it not many years ago. Near it is the extreme Roman ſtation on the wall. By moſt Antiquaries it is admitted to be the Segedunum of the Romans, a name derived from its ſituation, and being a magazine for corn, for [361] the ſupply of the Roman ſtations.* It lay conveniently for the ſmall veſſels employed by the Romans on the coaſt, to ſcour the ſeas of piratical rovers. From the ruins, it ſeems to have had a quay for the convenience of merchandize; or perhaps was decorated with ſome pleaſure buildings on the ſhore. It was the ſtation of the firſt cohort of the Lergi. In the walls of Mr Couſins's ſeat, before it was rebuilt, Mr Horſley obſerved ſeveral Roman inſcriptions, which are preſerved in his work. [362] Severus's wall has very manifeſtly terminated in a ſquare fort or ſtation, above a furlong to the eaſt of the manſion called Couſins's Houſe. The ruins of a Roman ſtation and town at this place are very diſcernible, though it has all been ploughed, and is now a very rich meadow. The ſtones and rubbiſh of the buildings are levelled, and covered with earth and graſs, but yet the ramparts of the fort may be diſtinctly traced out, both they and the ditch being viſible, almoſt quite round.

In Mr Warburton's Vallum Romanum, and Mr Horſley's Brit. Rom. are the following particulars, which I will tranſcribe, as at the time I viſited this ſtation I could not traverſe the ground without injuring the crops growing. ‘There are very evident remains of two turrets at the weſtern and eaſtern entries to the ſtation, and of another at the ſouthweſt corner. The weſt entry has been cloſe to the wall, and the eaſtern one directly oppoſite to it. The fort has been about 140 yards, or perhaps ſix chains ſquare, and ſo the contents of it above three acres and an half. About 60 yards of the weſtern and eaſtern ſides lie without, or to the north of the line of the wall, and eighty within it; ſo that the wall falls upon the ſides of the ſtation, not far from the middle of them. The ſouth rampart of this fort is about three quarters of a furlong from the river ſide, and runs along the brow of the hill, or at the head of a conſiderable deſcent from thence to the river. There have been ruins of buildings on this part and to the ſouth-weſt of the fort; but they are now ſo levelled and covered, that little evidence appears above ground; yet the ſtones and remains of rubbiſh are eaſily diſcovered, when the ſurface is any where removed: and ſome of theſe inequalities in the ſurface, which uſually ariſe from ruins, yet remain, and may eaſily be perceived to be hillocks of ſtones or rubbiſh.’ * Mr Gordon ſuppoſes, that the wall itſelf forms almoſt [363] a right angle, and then is continued down to the ſide of the river: but it is the weſtern rampart of the ſtation which makes that angle with the wall: nor does this rampart reach the river, though it is likely the town or buildings without the fort may have extended ſo far. On the north ſide of the ſtation there are ſome crooked riſings and ſetlings of the ground, which at firſt view appeared to me not unlike a round fort or tower, projecting from the ſtation with a triple rampart and ditch. The two cloſes in which the Roman town and ſtation have ſtood, are called Wall Lawes. If the name Lawes be owing to the riſing ground only, the termination Lawes or Lowes, which ſignifies hills, ſo far correſponds to the Roman name Segedunum. But as there were two diſtinct Tumuli obſerved by Mr Warburton remaining near a place he calls the Beehouſes, and not far from theſe cloſes, he apprehends that from them they have borrowed this name; a Lawe or Lowe being one of thoſe names by which Tumuli are frequently expreſſed. There was an altar and ſome centurial inſcriptions at Couſins's Houſe, in Mr Horſleys time.

The wall having left this ſtation, paſſes on weſtward, and at a little diſtance the remains of a caſtellum are viſible. It is 60 feet ſquare, like thoſe mentioned in the moſt weſtern parts of this county, it is built cloſe to the wall, and wholly within it, on the ſouth ſide. From hence the wall paſſes by Walker or Wallkier or Byker Hill, and thence deſcends to Eweſburn, where are ſome ruinous heaps, which may probably have been the remains of ſome of the ſmaller exploratory turrets that have been placed all the way upon the wall. Hence the wall ſeems [364] to have paſſed through the houſe at Red Barns, and enters Newcaſtle at Pandon Gate.

Mr Horſley and other authors ſeem very doubtful of the veſtiges of the military way, from the wall's end to Newcaſtle. Near the Red Barns, and upon the deſcent from Byker Hill to Eweſburn, they conceived the track where it had gone might in ſome places be traced, but the appearance was ſo very faint and obſcure, they would not inſiſt upon it.

‘As for Hadrian's vallum, Mr Warburton ſays he could no where in all this ſpace diſcern the leaſt track of it; nor did he ever hear of any traditionary account of its having been there.’—Mr Pennant* ſays, ‘it was ſuppoſed to have reached no further than Pons Aelii, or Newcaſtle, on the eaſt. But by an account he had recently received from Mr Robert Harriſon of that town, he found it extended on this ſide as far as the wall of Severus. A broken ſtone has lately been diſcovered at Wall's End with this inſcription:’

HADR—
MVR. COND—
HOC. MARM—
POS. COSS D—

The diſtance from the ſtation at the end of the wall to St. Nicholas's church in Newcaſtle, is exactly three meaſured miles and five furlongs, and in this ſpace there are three caſtella all viſible: that which ſhould have been next in courſe, is loſt in the ſtation at Newcaſtle.

LITTLE BENTON and LONG BENTON

were in our view as we paſſed. Little Benton, one of the manors of the barony of Heron, of which it was held by Euſtace de Benton in the reign of King Henry III. now the reſidence of the family of Bigge. In the 11th year of King Edward II. it belonged to Jeffrey de Scroop, of Maſham, in Yorkſhire; afterwards it came to Ralph Lord Greyſtock; and in the reign of King Henry VI. it was the poſſeſſion of William Fitz Hugh, and by him given to his ſon Henry.

[365] Long Benton, a dependant manor of the barony of Morpeth. The church ſtands at a little diſtance from the village, which with ſome lands in the pariſh were given by Sir Philip Somerville to Baliol College, Oxford, for the perpetual maintenance of ſix Scholars.

HEATON

lay to our right, anciently held of the barony of Gaugy, now the poſſeſſion of Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart. an elegant manſion, ornamented with plantations in a good taſte. The following account of this place and its poſſeſſors, I have extracted from the notes of Mr Bourne's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle, page 114:

‘It has been handed down by tradition to the preſent day, that this was a place of retreat for King John, when he came into this country; and there are ſtill to be ſeen the ruins of an ancient building, which carries the name of King John's palace. On the north ſide of this old building are the remains of a fortification, which 'tis natural to conjecture was built for the ſafety and ſecurity of this houſe, and conſequently this houſe muſt have been of ſome great diſtinction. Robert de Gaugy was a great man in the reign of King John, and had ſpecial truſt repoſed in him by his Sovereign, and it is not improbable when the King came to theſe parts he lodged at this houſe.’

‘The preſent houſe was built in the year 1713, and is ſo ſituated, that on the weſt it overlooks the Town Moor, Fenham, and part of the lands of the Prior of Tinmouth; on the eaſt it faces the Shields road; on the north it has a moſt agreeable proſpect to the windings of the Ouſe burn, of its woods and banks, and of the villages ſituated on it; on the ſouth it faces the river Tyne.’

‘Hardriding, near Haltwhiſtle, is the ancient ſeat of the Ridley family: above one of the old doors there a date earlier than the conqueſt appears, and the initial letters of the builder N. R. This was a younger branch of the Ridleys of Willimoteſwicke: of which branch was John Ridley, a Major in the ſervice of King Charles I. in the Duke of Newcaſtle's army.’

‘Biſhop Nicholas Ridley was of this branch, and was born here (Mr Bourn ſays) I preſume he means at Hardriding. He was educated [366] in grammar at Newcaſtle on Tyne. He ſuffered in 1555, near Baliol College, in Oxford.’

"Dr. Thomas Ridley was alſo of this family. He died in 1628."

To our left lay

BYKER,

great part of which is the property of Sir Henry Lawſon, Bart. It belonged anciently to the Bikers, who we find poſſeſſed thereof in the reign of King Henry III.* and from that time to the 19th of King Edward III. In the reign of King Henry VI. it was part of the poſſeſſions of the Percys. In the 2d of King Edward IV. being in the Crown, was granted to the Duke of Clarence, the King's brother. The firſt poſſeſſion of the Lawſons is noted in the eſcheats of the 10th of Queen Elizabeth. The manor was anciently held in grand ſerjeancy, by carrying the King's writ between the rivers Tyne and Coquet, and making diſtreſſes of goods for the King's debts.

We approached Newcaſtle by Pampeden Gate. It is not my purpoſe to attempt a particular hiſtory or deſcription of this place; the ſubject is too complicated and extenſive to be treated at large, conſiſtent with the plan I have hitherto purſued: a general account is all I ſhall attempt. A worthy friend is compiling, with great labour and induſtry, and at vaſt expence, a general hiſtory and minute deſcription of New-caſtle: to his labours I muſt refer the curious, who I doubt not will find therein infinite pleaſure and ſatisfaction.

NEWCASTLE,

though greatly increaſed in ſize, wealth, trade, and number of inhabitants ſince Camden's time, then merited the following deſcription: ‘It makes a glorious appearance, as the very eye of all the towns in this [367] part of the kingdom; ennobled by a fine haven, where ſhips of great burthen lay in ſecurity. It is ſituate on the uneven riſings of a hill, north of the river Tyne, over which is a fair bridge: on the left hand thereof ſtands the caſtle, and on the right the Market-place, and principal part of the city, in regard to the elegance of its buildings. From thence the aſcent is very ſteep to the upper town, which is of much greater extent than the lower, graced with four churches, and fortified with ſtrong walls, having eight gates, with ſeveral towers.’ This deſcription given by Camden, compared with the preſent ſtate of the town, will clearly point out the great improvements made therein ſince his time.

It is admitted by all Antiquaries that this place is of Roman origin,* but of what importance or magnitude the Roman ſtation was which [368] occupied a part of this ground, no evidence appears. Camden adopts the name of Gabroſentum, which he thinks might be derived from its vicinity to the ſteeps on the oppoſite ſhore of Tyne, as being the haunt of herds of goats. Theſe etymologies are ſometimes ſo conſtrained, that they rather bewilder than inſtruct. It is as probable the name of [369] Gabroſentum might from the ſame cauſe extend to the cliffs and hills on both ſides of the river. The Notitia places Gabroſentum within the wall, and makes it the ſtation of the ſecond cohort of Thracians. Other Antiquaries * inſiſt upon its name of Pons Aelii, where the Romans had a bridge to the ſouthern ſhore, and that it was garriſoned by the Cohors Cornoviorum: this they attempt to confirm, from the traces of a military road diſcovered in a lineal direction from the bridge to Cheſter-le-ſtreet. Dr. Stukeley conjectures that this was the ſtation Admurum of Richard of Cirenceſter, in his Map of Britania Romana. No altars or inſcriptions have been diſcovered to aſcertain the name. If there was once a Roman ſtation here, every veſtigia thereof muſt long ſince have been deſtroyed, by the works of a large populous and ancient town. The remains of the Roman wall, or wall of Severus, have frequently been diſcovered by workmen, in digging the foundations of buildings in thoſe parts of the town through which it lay. It paſſed from the weſt through the Vicarage gardens, the Groat Market, the north part of St. Nicholas's church, and from thence to Pandon Gate. This gate bears ſingular marks of antiquity; the ſuperſtructure is of different workmanſhip and model from any others on the town wall; the arches are circular, and there appears that natural decay on the whole ſtructure, which might happen in ſuch a number of years. Camden ſays, ‘at Pandon Gate there remains, it is preſumed, one of the turrets of the Roman wall, differing in form and workmanſhip from the others on the walls of the town.’ By the dimenſions which I took of this gateway, I find it nearly-correſponds with the other ports or gates in the Roman wall. It is ſaid the Carpenters Tower is alſo of Roman original. The reputed antiquity of Pandon Gate is denoted in a proverb of common acceptation: "As old as Pandon Yates."

We have no authorities to fix the certain aera when or by whom this place was firſt inhabited from the evacuation of the Romans, or how long it remained deſerted after their departure: like other ſtrongholds within the defence of the Roman wall, it is reaſonable to conceive it was very early reſorted to by the diſtreſſed Britons, and was kept up by them as a place of ſecurity againſt the northern rovers. The firſt name we find it diſtinguiſhed by in hiſtory was Monkcheſter, ‘which ſhews that it was noted for being the habitation of religious men.’ What ſociety of religious (and whether Saxons or not) took up their [370] reſidence here, at what time they firſt poſſeſſeſſed the place, or when they were expelled, are circumſtances unknown: all the evidence remaining is the name only. Bede in his Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory and Life of St. Cuthbert is totally ſilent relative to them; and as his reſidence was at Jarrow, ſituated within a few miles, and he died in 735, the name of Monkcheſter and the reſidence of thoſe religious muſt have ſucceeded his death. Mr Pennant ſays, ‘their deſtruction muſt have been early, for the venerable Bede takes no notice of the place. The ruin therefore of this place cannot be attributed to the Danes, whoſe firſt invaſion did not take place till after the death of that Hiſtorian.’ It appears to me the argument holds the other way; for had it been the reſidence of any religious ſociety who ſuffered perſecution, before or in the time of Bede, he would have noticed it. Fifty-nine years elapſed between the time of Bede's death and the firſt deſcent of the Danes on Northumberland: in this period of time the increaſe of religious houſes was very rapid, and it is reaſonable to conceive ſuch examples as Landisfarn and Jarrow had produced, would greatly promote like inſtitutions in their neighbourhood. From Hollinſhead's authority we are induced to believe, that on the viſitation of Aldwin, Alfrin, and Remfrid, in 1074, ‘there was not a monaſtery remaining in this part of Northumberland, and ſcarce a church was left ſtanding.’

This was a deſirable ſituation for the Danes, when they entered the Tyne: and to that aera I am inclined to fix the deſtruction of the religious ſociety which had ſettled here, and from whoſe reſidence the name of Monkcheſter was derived.

In 1080, when Robert Courthoſe, the ſon of William the Conqueror, returned from his Scotch expedition, he halted here to refreſh his army; and finding the ſituation proper for a fortreſs to command the turbulent Borderers, and the river well adapted for the reception of ſuccours by ſea, as well as trade, built a caſtle here, to which he gave the name of Newcaſtle, in contradiſtinction (it is ſaid) to a ſmall circular tower* which the Monks held, or to the Roman turrets on the wall.

From this period we may date the growing importance of the place: the protection of a fortreſs on the banks of ſo fine a river, would draw thither a great number of ſetlers, and trade would ſoon begin to flouriſh [371] under ſuch propitious circumſtances. There was ſo rapid a progreſs in its improvements, that before the death of King David I. of Scotland, who held it as a member of his earldom of Northumberland, it was become a place of great importance, David having founded here two monaſteries.* Tanner ſays a nunnery was founded here as early as the conqueſt.

Newcaſtle was defended by a ſtrong wall, and an outward ditch of great depth, now much gone to decay. From Leland's account it appears, that this fortification was begun in the reign of King Edward I. and compleated in the reign of King Edward III. A rich citizen having been taken priſoner in the middle of the town, by the haſty irruption of a hardy band of Scots, who would not ſet him at liberty without a conſiderable ſum for his ranſom, on his return he ſet about to ſecure his native place by a wall; his fellow-citizens promoting ſo important a work for the protection of their merchandize and riches. In the 19th year of the reign of King Edward I. the royal licence for fortification was obtained. But it is the opinion of ſome that the northern wall was built in the reign of King John, and that the remaining part of this fortification began from the above event in the reign of Edward I. The circuit of the wall rather exceeds two miles: it is defended by towers, the chief of which are of a cemicircular figure; machicolated towers are intermixed, but not regularly, which project a little over the wall; and there are alſo many guerrets.

There were ſeven ancient gates,§ the names of which, together with thoſe of the towers, point out the many contributors to ſo conſiderable [372] a work. To theſe gates two were added in more modern times; Bridge Gate, which guarded the paſs of the bridge, and Sand Gate, which opens upon the river's banks. The wall formerly extended between Bridge Gate and Sand Gate, which part ſome few years ago was taken down to open the quay: an alteration greatly for the convenience of trade. The form of the wall there proved it to be of the moſt modern date of any part of the fortifications, there being therein many ſmall gates to give acceſs to the quays. Sand Gate had no tower above it as the other gates.

THE GATE OF WALK-KNOWLE is ſaid by ſome to be of Roman architecture,* and part of Severus's work; its preſent ſuperſtructure, is modern, being the hall of the Carpenters company.

PAMPEDON is the next gate, formerly opening upon an ancient town of that name, which was united with Newcaſtle by the grant of King Henry III. A. D. 1299, whereby it was ordained, ‘Et quod praedicta villa Novi caſtri et terrae & tenemen, predict. in Pampedon unica villa etcet. ſunt, et unus Burgus, ad uniend. et concludend. dictam vallam Novi caſtri in emendationem et augmentationem ejus villae, &c.’ It is ſaid that in Pampedon was a palace of the Saxon Kings of Northumberland. This gateway was defended by folding gates of iron:§ the preſent aſcent to the top of the wall is by ſtairs two [373] yards wide. From the remains of the ſuperſtructure it is not, at this time, poſſible to gain any certain idea of the form or capaciouſneſs of the Roman turrets.

The part of the wall which extends from Sand Gate to Pampedon, and from thence to the Auſtin Fryers Tower, is pointed out by Mr Wallis, as being the work of the Burgher, who was ſurprized by the Scots. King Edward III. granted to the Corporation the duties and cuſtoms of the town for the term of ſeven years, to enable them to compleat the fortification; but finding them negligent of a work of ſuch importance, he revoked the grant, and conſtituted Henry de Percy, Ralph de Nevil, John de Fenwick, John de Creyk, and Robert de Fenwick, then Sheriff of Northumberland, Commiſſioners for keeping the town; after which the franchiſes were not reſtored to the Burgeſſes 'till they conſented to perfect the work at their own coſts.* In the reign of King Henry VIII. this place is ſaid to have exceeded in the ſtrength and magnificence of its works, all the cities of England, and moſt places in Europe.

A ſmall tower called Corner Tower.

Auſtin Tower ſucceeds next in courſe, ſaid to be built by the Friars of the order of St Auſtin for defence of their monaſtery, which ſtood near to it. It is now the hall of the Ropers Company, who repaired it A. D. 1698.

Carliol Tower is next, deriving its name, as it is conjectured, from one of the family of Carliols, who were ancient burgeſſes here. Nicholas carliol was mayor in the ſecond year of the reign of King Edward II. during whoſe mayoralty perhaps this tower was erected. It was repaired A. D. 1682, and fitted up as a hall for the Company of Weavers.

The next in ſucceſſion on the wall is Pilgrim-ſtreet Gate, being the great paſſage of Pilgrims to the ſhrine of the Virgin Mary at Jeſmond, or Jeſus Mount: as being one of the principal approaches from the north, this is a very ſtrong edifice, flat roofed with embrazures, a port cullis and iron gates. A. D. 1716 it was repaired and made the hall of the Company of Joiners.

[374] Ficket Tower is next, of which nothing remarkable is noted by Bourne and others.

Bertam Mon Coucher tower is next. A perſon of this name was High Sheriff of the county of Northumberland in the 40th year of of King Edward the Third's reign, and for three ſucceſſive years in the reign of King Richard II. but in what manner he was a contributor to theſe fortifications, or how this tower happened to take his name is not known.

New Gate is next, the common priſon, for which uſe its works are conſtructed of ſuperior ſtrength. The original gate was ſuppoſed to be one of the moſt ancient parts of this fortification, the Roman towers excepted. The preſent edifice is modern, the north front being ornamented with a ſtatue of King Charles II. two wings were added within this century, one A. D. 1702, the other A. D. 1706, to enlarge and render the priſon more commodious.

Andrew Tower ſeems to derive its name from its vicinity to the church of St Andrews.

Eure Tower, ſaid to be built by the Eures, Lords of Kirkley and Barons of Witton in the county of Durham. The Colliers, Waggoners, and Paviors now uſe it as their hall.

Morden Tower, repaired A. D. 1700 for the hall of the Plumbers, Glaziers, &c. who were incorporated in the year 1536.

Black Friars Gate, built under authority of the royal Licence of Edward I.* ‘Evardus dei gratiae rex Angliae, dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae, omnibus ad quos preſentes Literae pervenerint, ſalutem. Sciatis quod de noſtra gratia ſpeciali conceſſimus dilectibus noſtris fratribus praedicatoribus de novo caſtro ſuper Tynam, quod per medium novum murum circumagentem villam praedictam, quem per medium gardini praedictorum fratrum fieri oportebit, ut dicti facere poſſint, quandam ſtrictam portam ad ingreſſum in Gardinum ſuum habend. portam ſuſt. ſibi et ſucceſſoribus ſuis, tenere in perpetuum. Dum tamen porta illa ad voluntatem Noſtram, vice comitis Northumbriae ad conſtabuli Noſtri ibid. qui pro tempore fuerit, obſtruatur. [375] In cujus rei teſtimonium lias Literas noſtras fieri Patentes; teſte meipſo apud Dunelm. decimo octavo die Septembris, anno regni noſtri octavo.’

Heber Tower is now the hall of the Company of Armourers, Curriers, &c. who were incorporated in the 36th year of King Henry the Eighth's reign.

Durham Tower is next in place, of which there is nothing remarkable.

Weſt Gate is a conſiderable edifice, excellently conſtructed, and very ſtrong: it is defended by a port cullis and iron grated gates. This building is attributed to Roger Thornton, Eſq * whoſe memory in the annals of this place ought to be greatly diſtinguiſhed for his munificence and liberal ſpirit. The Company of Houſe Carpenters lately repaired and fitted up the tower for their hall.

Pink Tower is next in ſucceſſion, and in the next place a Poſtern opens upon the Firth.

Gunner Tower and Stank Tower next ſucceed, of which nothing remarkable is obſerved. The next

Weſt Spital Tower, or Saint Mary's, it is ſaid was built by the maſter and brethren of St Mary's Hoſpital.

The building of Nevil Tower is attributed to one of the great Nevils, Earls of Weſtmoreland: their family manſion ſtood near it. This Tower was repaired A. D. 1711, for the Maſons, Bricklayers, and Plaiſterers hall.

In the next place is a Poſtern, called White Friar Gate: a convenient paſſage for the Carmelites or White Friars to and from their monaſtery.

Not far from thence is the White Friar Tower, built on the ſummit of a vaſt eminence above the ſtreet called the Cloſe: its form is circular: it is flagged on the top and embrazured; from thence you have the moſt extenſive proſpect any part of theſe fortifications commands: you view the whole of the upper town and great part of the lower, a vaſt [376] tract of country down the river, and a landſcape as beautiful and extenſive towards the weſt and north as any in this part of Northumberland. This building is attributed to the Houſe of Carmelites, which ſtood immediately oppoſite: its eminence is ſuch, that from the Cloſe Gate you aſcend to it by 140 ſteps. The inner part of the tower contains the Maſons hall.

The Cloſe Gate is near the preſent extremity of the wall, on the banks of Tyne. I am inclined to conceive the ancient fortification of this town did not conſiſt of an entire circumvallation, but that the walls terminated in two points as they approached the river near to Cloſe Gate and Sand Gate.*

Having deſcribed the walls, I muſt in the next place conſider the interior fortreſs.

The Caſtle, all authors agree, was built by Robert Carthouſe, ſon of William the Conquerer, in the year 1080, on his return from his Scotch expedition: he perceived the great conſequence of ſuch a fortreſs on the frontiers, commanding ſo fine a river, and in a ſituation excellently calculated for aſſembling the northern levies on any diſturbance on the borders. The tower built by Robert was of great ſtrength, ſquare, and ſurrounded by two walls: the height of the tower is 82 feet, the ſquare on the outſide 62 feet by 54, the walls 13 feet thick, with galleries gained out of them: there was a chapel within the tower. The outward fortifications are now defaced, and their ſcite crowded with buildings. The tower ſtill remains entire, the corners projecting from the plane of the ſquare, a mode much practiced in the Norman ſtructures. It is ſituate on a lofty eminence, commanding the whole town: the principal entrance is on the ſouth. What number of gates were in the outward wall we cannot now determine, but from Bourne's account of it, which I ſhall quote in its proper place: the area incloſed by this wall contained three acres and one rood. The Caſtle belongs to the county of Northumberland, and makes no part of the liberties of Newcaſtle, or its Sheriffdom: the government of it, 21ſt September, 1ſt of King Henry VII. was granted to William [377] Cloſe, Eſq for life as Conſtable; and in the 9th year of the ſame reign it was granted to Roger Fenwick, Eſq with 20l. per annum ſalary; ſince which time I do not find that any Conſtable has been appointed, but the Sheriffs of Northumberland had cuſtody of the Caſtle. It now ſerves for the county priſon, and in the great hall the Judges of aſſize hold the gaol delivery.

Soon after the building of this caſtle, it is ſaid by Bourne that Robert de Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, when in rebellion againſt King William Rufus, was beſieged therein, and this fortreſs after ſuffering much damage was taken: but I confeſs I do not find ſufficient authorities to ſupport this aſſertion of my author, and think it is much to be doubted. The Scots by treachery A. D. 1135, in the 1ſt year of the reign of King Stephen, gained poſſeſſion of the caſtle and town, which they held to the year 1156, when Malcolm IV. ceded the northern counties to King Henry II.*

The caſtle having ſuffered much by neglect in that and the ſucceeding reign, King John reſtored it, and added a ditch to the fortifications, in doing which he was obliged to deſtroy ſeveral houſes: as a compenſation to the owners of theſe tenements he ordered 110s. 6d. rents in eſcheats to be paid yearly, as is ſet forth in his charter to the town. This caſtle was conſidered of ſuch conſequence, that moſt of the neighbouring Baronies paid conſiderable ſums towards its ſupport, under the articles of Caſtleward and Cornage: the ſeveral ſums are mentioned in Bourne's hiſtory. Beſides the larger payments ſeveral ſmall ones iſſued from ſundry houſes and lands in the town.

[378]Bourne ſays, ‘In the 9th of King Edward III. an inquiſition was taken at this town, whereby it was found that at the time of the battle of Bannockburn, which was in the year 1313, when John de Kenont, Knight, was High Sheriff of Northumberland, the Caſtle and all its edifices about it were in good repair: that after that time Nicholas Scot, Adam de Swinburn, William Riddel, Johannes de Fenwick, Cuthbert de Broughdon, Johannes de Fenwick, Johannes de Woodhorn, Johannes de Lilleburn, Willielmus de Tynedale, Roger Mauduit, and Robertus Darreius, were High Sheriffs of Northumberland, during which time the great tower, and alſo the leſſer ones of the ſaid Caſtle, the great hall, with the King's chamber adjoining to it, together with divers other chambers below in the Queen's mantle, and the buttery cellar and pantry: the King's chapel within the caſtle, a certain houſe beyond the gate which is called the chequer houſe, with the bridges within and without the gate, with three gates and one poſtern, were 300l. worſe than before. They alſo ſay that there are in the cuſtody of Roger Mauduit, late High Sheriff, 420 fother of lead: they ſay alſo, that it was thought highly neceſſary that the Baron Heron of Huddeſton, the Baron of Walton, Lord Robert Clifford of the New Place, Chief Lord of the Barony of Gaugie, the Lords of the Barony of — and Devilſton, that the Lord of Werk upon Tweed, the Lord of the Barony of Bolbeck alias Bywell, the Baron of Bothal, and laſtly the Baron of Delaval, ſhould build each of them a houſe within the liberties of the caſtle for the defence of it.’

‘There were two great ſtrong walls which ſurrounded the caſtle: the interior wall was of no great diſtance from the caſtle itſelf, as may be ſtill ſeen in ſeveral places. The exterior wall ſurrounds the verge of the caſtle borders. From this outer wall were four gates, the great gate and three poſterns. The north ſide of the caſtle is the main gate, called now the Black Gate; it had two port culiceſſes, one without the gate, as may be ſtill ſeen, and another within it, at a little diſtance from it, the ruins of which were to be ſeen a few years ago. There ſtill remains a piece of the old wall, which ſhews its ſituation to have been where that houſe is, which was lately purchaſed by Mr Jaſper Harriſon. The ſhop belonging to this houſe was dug (as I am informed) out of the wall juſt now mentioned. On the eaſt ſide of the caſtle there was a poſtern, which led down to the ſtreet called the Side, which is ſtill to be ſeen: it was once called (but many years [379] after it was in decay) the Waiſt of Laurentius Acton. On the ſouth ſide of the caſtle is another gate, which leads down the Caſtle Stairs to the ſtreet called the Cloſe: this was the ſouth poſtern. There is a building upon it, which was the county Goaler's houſe. On the weſt ſide was the poſtern facing Bailiff Gate; now the dwelling-houſe of James Lidſter.’

‘There is an houſe in the yard, which they ſay was the chapel of of the garriſon, which is called the chapel houſe to this day: it ſtands north-eaſt from the chapel; its common name now is the Three Bulls-heads.’

By an inquiſition taken in the reign of King James I. it appears this caſtle was then much out of repair; and in the 18th of the ſame reign another having been taken, complaint was made that a great dunghill, heaped up againſt the wall on the weſt ſide of the caſtle, had done damage to the amount of 120l. it was under the ſame inquiſition complained, that the great ſquare tower was full of chinks and crannies, and that one-third of it was almoſt taken away; that all the lead and coverings which it had of old, were embezzled and carried off, inſomuch, that the priſoners of the county of Northumberland were moſt miſerably lodged, by reaſon of the ſhowers of rain falling on them. The computation made for repairs was 809l. 15s. In 1644, the dunghill was taken away by Sir John Morley, and it is ſaid was uſed to make a rampart on the town walls againſt the Scots: he alſo repaired the round tower under the Moothall, now called the Half-moon.*

‘It has been (continues Bourne) a building of great ſtrength, and no little beauty; the vaſt thickneſs of the walls ſpeaks the one, and the ruins of ſome curious workmanſhip the other. The grand entrance into the caſtle was at the gate facing the ſouth, which leads up a pair of ſtairs (which ſtill ſhews the magnificence of the builder) to a very ſtately door of curious maſonry. The room this leads into, has its floor broken down cloſe to the caſtle wall, as indeed all the other floors are, to the top of the caſtle; ſo that excepting the floor above the county gaol, there is not one left, though there have been five diviſions or ſtories of the caſtle, beſides this. This floored room, which I was told was lately flagged by the order of William Elliſon, [380] Eſq when he was Mayor in 1722, ſeems to me, without any doubt, to have been the common hall of the caſtle, becauſe on the north ſide of the ſame room, there is an entrance by a deſcent of ſome ſteps into a room, where is the largeſt fire place I ſaw in the caſtle, which plainly ſpeaks it to have been the kitchen. At the end of this there are ſeveral ſtairs, which lead into a place under the kitchen, which I think goes down as low as the bottom of the caſtle: this I take to have been a cellar, as I do alſo that little dark place on the right hand coming up again, to have been a ſort of pantry. The door I mentioned juſt now on the eaſt of the caſtle, which leads to the firſt broken down floor, is becauſe of its grandeur and beauty, an argument that this room has been the moſt ſtately one in the whole caſtle: another reaſon for its being ſo is, becauſe of the windows which gave light into it; thoſe of them that face the eaſt are the moſt beautiful of the whole caſtle beſide. On the ſouth of this room there is an entrance into a ſort of a parlour or withdrawing room, which has a fire place in it, and has been a piece of curious workmanſhip, as is viſible to this day; and this place has no communication with any part of the caſtle but this room. On the north ſide of this room, is a door leading into an apartment where ſtands a well of conſiderable depth; it was 18 yards before we touched the ſurface of the water; which ſeems to have been placed there on purpoſe for the more immediate ſervice of this room. There are ſome little baſons on the top of the well, with pipes leading from them, which conveyed water to different apartments of the caſtle: this is plain from what may be obſerved in the county gaol, at the bottom of the caſtle; the round ſtone pillar in it having an hollow in the middle, of a foot wide, with a lead ſpout in the ſide of it.’

‘In the inquiſition made in the 9th of King Edward III. above mentioned, among other things that were complained of for being neglected, one was, Capella Domini Regis infra caſtrum. This chapel, I have been told, ſtood on that part of the caſtle yard where the Moothall is; but upon ſearching, I found it in the caſtle itſelf, according to the account of it juſt now mentioned. The door of it is at the bottom of the ſouth wall of the caſtle, adjoining to the ſtairs which lead into the ſtate chamber. It has been a work of great beauty and ornament, and is ſtill, in the midſt of duſt and darkneſs, by far the moſt beautiful place in the whole building; the inſide of it being curiouſly adorned with arches and pillars. It is eaſy to obſerve the different [381] parts of it, the entrance, the body of it, and the chancel: on the left ſide of the entrance you go into a dark little room, which undoubtedly was the veſtry; the full length of it was 15 yards, the breadth ſix yards and a half; it had three or four windows towards the eaſt, which are now all filled up; nor is there any light but what comes in at a little cranny in the wall. Nicholas de Byker tenet terras ſuas, ut faciat diſtrictiones ad Ward. novi caſtri ſuper Tynam faciend. et pro deb. Domini regis inter Tynam et Coquet, &c. and then my authority goes on to ſay, that the manor of Byker was Sir Ralph Lawſon's, Knt. deceaſed, after of Henry Lawſon, Eſq his ſon, and now of his eldeſt ſon, who without all queſtion is Bailiff by inheritance of the ſaid caſtle, and is to levy theſe caſtle wards, cornages, &c. and other rents, iſſues, fines, and amerciaments belonging to the ſaid caſtle.’

‘In the 17th of King James I. 1619, a grant was made of the ſcite and demeſnes of the caſtle to Alexander Stevenſon, Eſq who was ſucceeded by one Patrick Black, who died and left it in the poſſeſſion of his wife. After that one James Langton claimed Patrick Black's right, but by virtue of what is not known.’

‘The liberties and privileges of the caſtle extend northwards to the river of Tweed, and ſouthward to the river of Tees.’

In the year 1737, 10 King George II. the ſcite and demeſnes of the caſtle were granted to George Liddell, Eſq for 50 years, from 2 July, 1736: rent 100 chaldron of coals for Greenwich Hoſpital.

The next ſubjects of antiquity to be attended to are the Religious Foundations. The moſt ancient that I can point out was a Nunnery, cotemporary with the conqueſt,* to which Agas, mother of Margaret Queen of Scotland, and Chriſtian her ſiſter retired, after the death of Malcolm at Alnwick. Near the time of the diſſolution, there were ten Nuns of the Benedictine order here, whoſe revenues amounted to 36l. per annum. Mr Wallis ſays this houſe was founded by King Henry I. but gives no authority for the aſſertion, though I preſume it is Bourne's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle. The ſcite of the nunnery is within the limits of [382] the preſent Newgate-ſtreet; a back gate leading to it, and an adjoining cloſe ſtill retain the name of Saint Bartholomew's. Among their poſſeſſions, of which we have evidence, was the village of Stella, on the ſouthern banks of Tyne, as appears by a deed noted by Mr Wallis, wherein it is deſcribed, ‘Nuper parcello poſſeſſionum domus ſive monaſterii S. Bartholomei infra villam Novi Caſtri ſuper Tynam diſſoluti.’ Some authors alledge a religious houſe in Gateſhead, now called Gateſhead Houſe, was a cell to St. Bartholomew's, and paid yearly thereto 2s. St. Mary's Hoſpital, in Weſtgate-ſtreet, is alſo ſaid to have been dependant thereon. They ſurrendered the 3d January, 1540, and the revenue was eſtimated at 36l. 10s. as ſet forth by Dugdale, and 37l. 4s. 2d. by Speed. Agnes Lawſon the Abbeſs was allowed a penſion of 6l. a year for life. The houſe became the reſort of pedlars and vagabonds, and growing into a public nuiſance, it was pulled down, and the ground levelled.

The Franciſcans or Grey Friars had a houſe here, founded by the Carliols (who were wealthy Merchants) in the time of King Henry III. it was ſituate near Pilgrim-ſtreet Gate.* Mr Pennant ſays, ‘part of it [383] is ſtill remaining,’ ſeveral additional buildings having been made, it was uſed as the town-houſe of the late Sir Walter Blackett. This religious houſe conſiſted of a Warden, eight Friars, and two Novices, and ſurrendered the 9th of January, 30 King Henry VIII. On the diſſolution no valuation is recorded, for the Franciſcans had nothing in propriety nor in common, but being Mendicants, begged all their ſubſiſtence from the charity of others. It is ſaid King Charles I. was confined here, after he had entruſted himſelf to the hands of his Scotch ſubjects. The famous Duns Scotus, mentioned in a preceding part of this work, the Doctor Subtilis, was of this houſe. The conventual ſeal was impreſſed with the figure of St. Francis bearing a croſs in his hand.

The Preaching or Black Friars, Dominicans, had a monaſtery here. Mr Groſe, in his celebrated work, gives the following account of this houſe, drawn from Bourne's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle and other authorities.*

‘This monaſtery was founded by Sir Peter Scott, who was the firſt Mayor of Newcaſtle A.D. 1251, and Sir Nicholas Scott his ſon, who was one of the four Bailiffs of the town A. D. 1254 and 1257, and [384] capital Bailiff 1269; but the ſcite of it was given by three ſiſters, whoſe names have long ſince been ungratefully buried in oblivion.’

‘When was the particular time of its building, I have met with no account; but it is not difficult to give a probable gueſs. The order itſelf, of the Dominicans or Black Friars, came into England in the year 1221; conſequently it muſt have been founded after that time: and that it muſt have been founded ſome years before the year 1280, is plain to a demonſtration; for in that year, which was the 8th of King Henry I. the Black Friars had licence from the King, to break a door through this new or town wall into their garden; which proves them a regular ſettled body at that time; and therefore that their priory was built ſome years before that licence.’

‘We are told that this monaſtery was in old time called the Grey Friars, which, in my opinion, is a thing highly improbable; for the Grey Friars or Franciſcans came not into England till about the year 1224; and if, as I have proved above, the Black Friars were a ſettled body ſome years before 1280, how is it poſſible, to have been called of old time, the Grey Friars? This is therefore a miſtake: and beſides, the Dominicans came into England before the Franciſcans or Grey Friars, and therefore more probably were ſooner in this place.’

‘It has been a very ſtately building, as appears by the preſent remains of it. The area or graſs plot is about 87 feet in length, and as many in breadth. On the eaſt ſide of it was the chapel, which is now the hall of the company of Smiths in this town. On the weſt ſide of it, is a curious old well, which ſerved the monaſtery with water, called our Lady's Well. On the ſouth may ſtill be ſeen, the ruins of a curious front, on which ſide is the hall of the Cordwainers; in which I ſaw a pair of winding ſtairs, which they told me (before they were walled up) led by a vault as far as the nunnery of St. Bartholomew. On the north of it were their gardens, a part of which was the Warden's Cloſe, before the building of that part of the town wall. This appears by the charter granted to the monaſtery in the reign of Edward I. about the breaking out that narrow gate in the wall between Weſtgate and Newgate; in which grant it is ſaid, that the wall went through the middle of their garden. The monaſtery was dependant on the priory of Tynemouth.’

[385] ‘In the reign of Edward II. the brethren of this monaſtery had licence granted them for the building of a draw bridge beyond the new ditch of the caſtle.’

‘Who were the Priors of this monaſtery; what eminent men belonged to them; or what things were tranſacted by them from their beginning till their diſſolution; were things undoubtedly preſerved among themſelves whilſt they were a body; but after their ſurrender, were either deſtroyed, or have not yet come to light.’

‘One of the Priors of this monaſtery was one Richard Marſhall. I take this gentleman to have been the laſt Prior of this monaſtery; for in the 28th of King Henry VIII. a grant of a tenement near the White Croſs (ſigned by Friar Richard Marſhall, Doctor and Prior; and Friar David Simpſon, and Friar John Sourby) was given to Anthony Godſalve, upon his paying to the ſaid priory or monaſtery 9s. per annum. This grant is now in the poſſeſſion of Mr Thomas Marſhall of Newcaſtle, Joiner, who purchaſed this tenement, and has lately rebuilt it. He pays the ſame rent to the town of Newcaſtle, which the tenement paid to the monaſtery. About two years after the ſigning of this deed, in January, the 30th of this reign, this monaſtery ſurrendered. It conſiſted of a Prior and 12 Friars.’

‘What became of the brethren of this friary, after their ſurrender; what they had allowed them annually for a maintenance; or whether they had any thing allowed at all does not appear. Some account indeed I met with afterwards of the Prior himſelf, but none of the Friars.’ It is this which follows.

‘Richard Marſhall, Prior of the Black Friars in Newcaſtle about the year 1551, went into Scotland and preached at St. Andrew's, that the Pater-noſter ſhould be addreſt to God and not to the Saints. Some Doctors of the univerſity being diſguſted at this aſſertion, prevailed with one Tofts, a Grey Friar, to undertake to prove that the Pater-noſter might be ſaid to the Saints; whoſe ignorance in doing the ſame was ſo manifeſt, that he became the common jeſt, and quitted the town.’

‘After the ſurrender of this monaſtery, the Black Friars was granted to the town of Newcaſtle, in conſideration of 53l. 7s. 6d. The annual value of it was 2l. 19s. 6d.’

[386] ‘The King ſays in his grant, that he gives to the Mayor and Burgeſſes of Newcaſtle, the whole houſe and ſcite lately a priory, or houſe of brethren, called vulgarly the Black Friars, in Newcaſtle upon Tyne; the chapel-houſes, edifices, gardens, &c. the hall, two chambers, a chamber called the Croſs Chamber; and two gardens with their appurtenances; and the whole cloſe within the Weſtgate, and another cloſe near the ſcite of the ſaid priory, on the north; and a cloſe containing three acres, and a houſe in the ſame cloſe, without the walls of the ſaid town; and a houſe called the Gatehouſe ſituated near the ſaid ſtreet. It alſo appears from the firſt grant, that the King reſerved to himſelf and ſucceſſors the bells and lead that was upon the church belonging to this friary, and the other buildings of it; the lead in the gutters, together with the ſtones and iron of the church, &c.’

‘The Nine Crafts of this town had their meeting-houſes or halls in it, and ſtill have except two of them, the Taylors and the Cordwainers, who have beſtowed theſe upon ſome poor widows, and got themſelves others in their places. Theſe halls are of great ſervice to this ancient building, in preſerving it from intire ruin. Such is the hall of the Smiths, which was repaired by them in the year 1709: the hall of the Dyers; the hall of the Bakers and Brewers, which was repaired by them in the year 1711: theſe halls are on the eaſt ſide of the friary. Such alſo are thoſe on the weſt ſide of it, viz. the hall of the Sadlers, which was repaired by them in the year 1729, and the hall of the Skinners and Glovers, which was repaired by them in the year 1721. Such are thoſe alſo on the ſouth ſide of it, viz. the Cordwainers hall, which was turned into apartments for three widows in the year 1729: the hall of the Butchers and the hall of the Tanners were repaired in the year 1717.’

‘By the means of theſe halls, there is ſtill ſome viſage of the friary remaining, which had otherwiſe been intirely in duſt. 'Tis a pity that thoſe people, who are permitted by the companies to reſide in ſome of thoſe rooms, are not threatened into more cleanlineſs;* and that the companies themſelves are not at the expence of repairing the area. Were theſe things done, it would be a beautiful piece of antiquity, [387] and the entertainment of the curious, from whence ſoever they come.’

‘Browne Willis, in his Hiſtory of Abbies, ſays, Roland Harding was the laſt Prior of the Newcaſtle Dominicans; and that he with 12 Monks ſurrendered their convent 10th January, 1539, 30th Henry VIII. This was the only Dominican monaſtery in Newcaſtle.’

The monaſtery of St. Auguſtine was founded by William Lord Roſs, Baron of Werk:* it was ſituate in the Manor Chair, was a handſome edifice, with cloiſters and a noble chapel: the Kings of England in their Scotch expeditions frequently took up their reſidence there. It ſurrendered 9th January, 30 King Henry VIII. and was uſed for ſome time by government as a magazine for warlike ſtores: from whence it acquired the name of the Artillery Ground. King James I. gave it to a Scotch attendant, who for the ſake of the lead and materials diſmantled it. Out of the ruins have aroſe a workhouſe for the poor, a houſe of correction, a charity-ſchool for the pariſh of All-ſaints, and a houſe for the maſter. The Surgeons hall and two hoſpitals ſtand within the limits of this monaſtery.

A monaſtery of Carmelites or White Friars was founded by King Edward I. in honour of the bleſſed Virgin. On their ſurrender, 30 King [388] Henry VIII. they conſiſted of a Prior, ſeven Brethren, and two Noviciates, and their revenue was valued at 9l. 11s. 4d. It was ſituate near the Foot of Weſtgate, not far diſtant from White Friar Tower before deſcribed.

In the cloſe of this houſe was a fraternity, ſtyled the Brethren of the Pennance of Jeſus Chriſt, or the Brethren of the Sack; to whom King Henry III. gave the place called Calgarth, at the inſtance of Robert Bruce.*

The Carmelites had another monaſtery in this town, ſituate in the Walk Knowle, of which Laurentius de Acton was the founder, according to Leland. Dugdale ſays it was founded by Roger de Thornton, but that is confuted by Bourne. It was dedicated to St. Michael, and being on a lofty ſituation,§ had the name of St. Michael's Mount. After [389] the diſſolution, King Henry VIII. gave it with its rights and revenues to Sir John Greſham, then an Alderman of the city of London, and Richard Billingford.

By Tanner's Notitia it appears, that King David I. of Scotland, who was poſſeſſed of Newcaſtle as Earl of Northumberland, founded here two monaſteries and a nunnery: but whether any of the before mentioned own their riſe to him, no evidence remains. He died A. D. 1153.

Patents were made out for founding two other religious houſes; one 37 King Edward III. in honour of the nativity and reſurrection of our Lord, which was repealed; and another, 5 King Henry IV. in honour of St. John Baptiſt and St. John Evangeliſt, which latter was alſo repealed or otherwiſe proved abortive.*

Beſides theſe religious foundations, there were ſeveral on a more meritorious plan—hoſpitals for the benevolent purpoſe of relieving the miſeries of human life. When that dreadful diſtemper the leproſy raged here, the great and opulent, from true principles of religion and piety, erected thoſe places of conſolation and relief for miſerable mortals, who were expelled from ſociety on account of this horrible viſitation. King Henry I. founded an hoſpital here for the reception of lepers, called the Hoſpital of St. Mary Magdalen, ſituated near Barras Bridge, without Pilgrim-ſtreet Gate, and therein fixed a Maſter, Brethren, and Siſters. After that malady abated, or was ſubdued, it was appropriated for the reception of poor perſons, when the town was viſited with a peſtilence—a dreadful ſcourge, which the Almighty has now withheld from this land for a conſiderable time. On ſuch occaſions, 14 within the houſe were allowed each a room, 8s. per month, and coals: 15 without the houſe had different allowances, according to the ſtate of their wants; ſome 8s. per month, ſome 5s. others 2s. 6d. In the reign of King Edward III. Laurentius Acton had the firſt fruits, amounting annually to 200 marks; one John Bland was then Maſter, and was a conſiderable patron to this foundation, having built the conſiſtory, and ornamented the chapel. He died A. D. 1374, and was interred in his own chapel, near the high altar, after having preſided over the hoſpital five years. It was a donative in the patronage of the Corporation, and ſtood without Pilgrim-ſtreet Gate, near the Barras [390] Bridge. Adjoining to it was a chapel dedicated to St. James, ſuppoſed to have been a chapel of eaſe to the pariſh of St. Andrew's.*

The hoſpital of St. Mary, commonly ſtyled St. Mary the Virgin, was ſituated in Weſtgate-ſtreet, had ſeveral patrons, but it is not certain who was the original founder. There is ſome confuſion in our authorities touching this hoſpital, as will appear by the notes. Walter de Bolbeck was a benefactor to the firſt foundation, which Bourne thinks took date in the reign of King Henry I. One Aſelack, of Killinghow, was the ſecond founder, in the time of King Richard I. as appears by his charter: ‘Ego Aſelack, &c. fundavi hoſpitale Sanctae Mariae Virginis, &c. & ibi poſui duos fratres regulares & unum capellanum ad ferv. &c.’ Euſtacius, Parſon of Benton, one of the witneſſes, was incumbent about 1190. The third foundation was by the Corporation, or as Bourne ſays, by the inhabitants of Newcaſtle, for a Maſter and Chaplain to ſay divine ſervice for ſix Bedes folks in the alms-houſe, &c. its revenue was 33l. 15s. per annum. It was beſides inſtituted as an aſylum for the helpleſs ſtranger and indigent traveller, a receptacle to the ſick and needy, and to give ſepulture to ſuch as died there. It had an annual allowance of nine chaldron of coals. King Edward III. gave thereto 100s. as a compenſation for the damage it ſuſtained in the Scotch incurſions. 8th of January, 1335, Richard de Bury, Biſhop [390] [...] [...]

[392]The hoſpital of the Holy Trinity was founded by William de Acton, 37 King Edward III. A. D. 1363; according to Randal 1360, and was confirmed by Biſhop Thomas Hatfield 2 Oct. 1361: it ſtood on the Walk Knowl. Some authors aſſert, that Anthony Beck, Biſhop of Durham, preſented the firſt Maſter; but Randal, whoſe accuracy was ſingular, ſays, Will de Wackefeld pater ord. Scae Trin. was appointed511 [393] Cuſtos by the founder. It ſurrendered 10th of January, 30th King Henry VIII.*

St. Catherine's or Thornton's Hoſpital, on the ſouth ſide of Sandhill, called by ſome authors Maiſon Dieu, was founded in the reign of King Henry IV. by Roger Thornton the elder. Here was a Chaplain, nine poor men, and four women. The Corporation, 34 King Henry VI. by leave of the founder, had the uſe of the hall and kitchen, for the wedding entertainments of young people, there to receive the offerings and gifts of their friends.

Brigham's and Ward's Almshouſes may alſo claim a place here: but to introduce the particular donations and conſtitutions of theſe, would in no wiſe entertain the reader, and would increaſe this work too much. Brigham's Almshouſe ſtood near the monaſtery of Franciſcans, and Ward's in the Manor Chair.

In Randal's Manuſcripts, I find the name of St. Laurence's, without any particulars relative to it. Bourne ſays, as to St. Laurence's, ‘it is ſaid to have been built by one of the Earls of Northumberland. It was dependent upon the priory of St. John of Jeruſalem, and was granted to the town in the 3d year of Edward VI.’ In 1558, its revenues amounted to 11l. 8s. 8d.

[394]The ancient palaces were,

Pampedon Hall, a royal manſion, in the time of the Saxon heptarchy.

Lumley Place, in the Side, an ancient appendage to the caſtle; the temporary reſidence and palace of the Kings of England, on their northern expeditions: it became afterwards the houſe of the Lords Lumley, of Lumley Caſtle, from whom it had its more modern name.

The Earl's Place, belonging to the Earls of Northumberland, in Newgate-ſtreet: it is ſometimes called the Scotch Inn, being the temporary reſidence of the Kings and Nobles of Scotland, when in Newcaſtle on a truce.

Northumberland Houſe, in the Cloſe; the reſidence of the Earls of Northumberland.

Weſtmoreland Place, in Weſtgate-ſtreet; the palace of the Nevils, Earls of Weſtmoreland.

To theſe we may add the Pilgrims Houſe, in Pilgrim-ſtreet; the place of reſort, ſtay, and refreſhment of devotees, in their way to the holy ſhrine at Jeſmont.

This large and populous town conſiſts of four pariſhes; St. Nicholas, All-ſaints, St. Andrew's, and St. John's.

St. Nicholas's is a vicarage, having three dependent chapels, viz. Gosforth, St. Thomas's, and Cramlington. The Biſhop of Carliſle is impropriator and patron: it was given to the Church and Canons of St. Mary's, Carliſle, by King Henry I. in or about the year 1120. Richarnus de Aurea Valle was Parſon of this and Newburn church, and alſo a third not named in that reign.*

The ſeveral churches of All-ſaints, St. Andrew's, and St. John's, are dependent upon this vicarage, though they are diſtinct pariſhes; and the Vicar receives dues from them all.

[395]The church of St. Nicholas,* by moſt authors, is ſaid to have its foundation in the year 1091, though ſome attribute it to David I. King of Scotland. In the grant to St. Mary's in Carliſle, the ſtipend of the Miniſter is not ſtipulated, the expreſſion being ‘a ſuitable maintenance to be given to the Miniſter.’ This was afterwards fixed in the reign of King Stephen, 24th January, 1194, by Hugh Pudſey, Biſhop of Durham, with the approbation of the Prior and Convent of Carliſle, when all the fruits, fees, annual profits, oblations, and obventions were aſſigned thereto (the great tithes excepted). The church is a ſtately building, placed on a fine elevated ſituation, near the centre of the town; 240 feet in length, 75 feet in breadth, and of a proportionable height. The tower or ſteeple is 194 feet in height, highly ornamented; four images of no mean ſculpture decorate the lower part of the tower: the top of the tower is very elegant, it is ornamented with fine pinnacles of tabernacle-work, from the corner ſpring interſecting bows or arches, ſupporting in the middle a light and open lanthorn, graced [396] with pinnacles of extraordinary beauty: the whole has the moſt uncommon and pleaſing appearance, not unlike a magnificent imperial crown. It is juſtly allowed by all travellers to be the fineſt piece of maſonry of the kind in Europe. This tower, moſt authors agree, was built in the time of King Henry VI. by one Robert Rhodes. On the bottom of the bellfry is this inſcription: Orate pro anima Roberti Rhodes;* from thence it is conjectured by ſeveral that this was the name of the founder. The church is well illuminated; the eaſt or altar window was anciently adorned with paintings on the glaſs, repreſenting the twelve Apoſtles, and the ſeven acts of charitable munificence of Roger Thornton, who built the window; in which was the following inſcription: Orate pro anima Rogeri de Thornton, et pro animabus filiorum & filiarum.§

The church has eight muſical bells, and a good double organ. On the north ſide of the organ is St. George's Porch: According to Bourne, it was ornamented with carvings and painted windows: the portraiture of St. Lawrence remains in the eaſt window. It is ſuppoſed to be an ancient chantry, founded by one of the Engliſh Monarchs.

There were nine chantries to this church, dedicated (1) to St. John the Baptiſt and St. John the Evangeliſt, two to St. Catharine, (4) St. Peter and St. Paul, (5) St. Thomas, (6) the Virgin Mary, (7) St. Margaret, (8) St. Cuthbert, (9) St. Lyra.

[397]Above the veſtry is a library, to which Dr. Tomlinſon, a late Vicar, at his death, made a great addition, by a donation of his valuable books: but of what utility (comparatively ſpeaking) was this library, until the late munificent Sir Walter Blackett (over whoſe name every worthy burgeſs will for one age at leaſt drop a tear, whilſt his experienced benevolence gives the eſtimate of his loſs; and on whoſe immortal character future ages will contemplate with veneration and Joy) the great modern patron of Newcaſtle, gave an annual ſtipend of 25l. for ever for a Librarian.

Beſides the benefice, the Vicar receives an annual gift of 90l. from the Corporation, by way of augmentation. The firſt Curate's ſtipend is 4l. from the Vicar, 6l. 16s. 8d. from the Crown, and 40l. gift from the Corporation. The Lecturer has 120l. a year from the Corporation.

At the north door of the church there is a large flag for the firſt ſtep, ſculptured in waves, as in commemoration of the dedicatory Saint's peculiar protection to ſeafaring men.

The Vicarage-houſe ſtands in Weſtgate-ſtreet.

[398]Many very elegant monuments are placed within the ailes, but their deſcription cannot be ſet out in this work.

The chapel of St. Thomas ſtands at the end of the Bridge: the founder not known, or the time of its being erected.

There were two chantries founded in it, dedicated to St. Ann and St. Mary the Virgin.* It was made a Chapel of Eaſe to St. Nicholas 10th September, A. D. 1732, and was repaired by the Corporation, who gave a handſome ſtipend to a morning and afternoon Lecturer.

All-ſaints church is at the foot of Pilgrim-ſtreet: it was built before the year 1286. This is ſaid to be one of the largeſt cures in the kingdom. Seven chantries were founded in this church, and dedicated (1) to St. Thomas, (2) St. Mary the Virgin, (3) St John the Evangeliſt, (4) St. Peter, (5) St. John Baptiſt, (6) St. Catharine, (7) St. Lyra.

[399]The Miniſter of this church is paid 4l. per annum by the Vicar, and 5l. per annum by the Crown; the remaining income ariſes from fees. There are two Lecturers appointed by the Corporation, with each a ſalary of 100l. per annum.

This church hath a dependent chapel, St. Ann's, Sandgate: after the reformation it was neglected and fell to decay, but was repaired in 1682. It hath lately been rebuilt by the Corporation on a beautiful plan: they appoint two Lecturers thereto, the one with a ſalary of 50l. the other 40l. per annum.

Another chapel anciently ſtood in theſe ſuburbs, dedicated to St. Lawrence, ſaid to be founded by one of the Earls of Northumberland: it was dependent upon the priory of St. John of Jeruſalem. King Edward VI. granted it to the Corporation, in conſideration of 144l. 13s. 4d. The bottle-houſes now fill the ground where this chapel ſtood.

St. Andrew's church ſtands near Newgate. From the ſtyle of the architecture, and it being erected on the ſcite of the old Monk Cheſters, it claims a title to greater antiquity than the other churches. It is ſuppoſed to have been built by King David of Scotland.

Three chantries were founded in this church, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, the Holy Trinity, and St. Thomas.*

The Miniſter's ſtipend from the Vicar is 3l. from the Crown 5l. 2s. 6d. and from the Corporation as Lecturer 100l. per annum.

[400]St. John's church, in Weſtgate, built before the year 1287. Robert Percival, a Pinmaker, gave it many ornaments, and a houſe of 20l. yearly value. It has ſix muſical bells and a good organ.*

Three chantries were founded in this church, dedicated to St. Thomas the Martyr, St. Mary the Virgin, and the Holy Trinity.

The income of the Miniſter conſiſts of 3l. from the Vicar, 5l. from the Crown, and from the Corporation as Lecturer 90l. per annum.

There are alſo many meeting-houſes of Diſſenters here.

Beſides the grammar ſchool before mentioned, there are four parochial charity ſchools.

The grammar ſchool was founded by Thomas Horſley, Mayor of Newcaſtle, A. D. 1525: he endowed it with lands of a conſiderable yearly value. Queen Elizabeth confirmed this foundation, or rather refounded it by charter. The great tithes of the pariſh of Bolham appertain [401] to it, and the Maſterſhip of St. Mary's Hoſpital is generally annexed. The Maſter of the ſchool hath a convenient dwelling-houſe belonging to it.

The charity ſchool of the pariſh of St. Nicholas was opened in 1709, for the teaching and cloathing of 40 boys and 20 girls, of this pariſh and the chapelry of St John's. The boys are placed out to buſineſs, and have on ſuch their going out a gift of certain religious books and 40s. in money. The girls are placed out to ſervice, and have a like gift of books and 20s. in money. The Schoolmaſter's ſalary is 25l. and 20s. for coals yearly. The Miſtreſs has 10l. and 10s. for coals.

This ſchool was originally founded by Mrs Eleanor Allan, a widow of Newcaſtle, and endowed with lands of 60l. a year value. Mrs Criſhold, the widow of the Rev. Mr Criſhold of Wooler, added a donation of 500l. By a parochial ſubſcription the children are cloathed on the 1ſt day of May yearly.

The charity ſchool belonging to the pariſh of All-ſaints is ſupported by ſubſcription, which was begun A. D. 1709. It receives 41 boys and 17 girls, and is conducted as the ſchool of St. Nicholas.

The charity ſchool of the pariſh of St. Andrew was founded by Sir William Blackett, Baronet, for 30 boys, and was opened A. D. 1707: the Schoolmaſter's ſalary 20l. a year.

The charity ſchool of the pariſh of St. John was founded in the year 1705, by John Ord, Eſq for 44 boys. He endowed it with lands near Pilgrim-ſtreet Gate. Mrs Margaret Allgood gave thereto 100l. The boys are cloathed annually on Midſummer-day, by ſubſcription. The Schoolmaſter's ſalary is 24l. a year, and 40s. for teaching them to ſing; with an additional allowance of 16s. a year for pens, ink, and paper.

Beſides the principal edifices before mentioned, there are ſeveral public buildings here.

The Town Houſe and Exchange, on the Sandhill, originally founded by Roger de Thornton. In the year 1658, this public edifice was rebuilt by the Corporation on the preſent plan;* the front towards the [402] river being ornamented with two ſeries of columns. The expence amounted to 11,200l. 10,000l. of which was advanced by the Corporation, and 1200l. a donation from Alderman Weimouth, compleated the work. The area in front was ornamented with an equeſtrian ſtatue, in copper, of King James II. the horſe in a vaulting attitude, ſupported by a pedeſtal of white marble. This ſtatue was by an outrageous mob pulled down A.D. 1688, and appropriated to furniſh bells for the church of All-hallows or All-ſaints. The ſtatue was ſaid to be of excellent workmanſhip, and coſt 1700l. An elegant plate was publiſhed of it in 1742.

The Trinity Houſe at the Head of the Broad Chair: In it are apartments for 14 perſons, to whom 8s. per month with coals and cloathing are given: it alſo contains a ſpacious hall and a neat chapel. Dalton's Place ſtood upon this ground. It is not known when or by whom the monaſtery of the Trinity was founded. The original inſtitution of the order of the Holy Trinity was in 1198, in the time of Pope Innocent III. and was for the redemption of captives from ſlavery. The Trinity Houſe we are now ſpeaking of appertains to the fraternity of Mariners, who have received three ſeveral royal charters; one in the 3d year of King James I. the ſecond by King Charles II. 1664, and the third by King James II. 1687.*

The Manſion Houſe, in the Cloſe; the temporary place of reſidence of the Mayor. It is an elegant modern building, with a ſpacious area on the banks of Tyne.

The Freemen's Hoſpital, in the Manors, founded by the Corporation in 1681, for a Maſter and 39 poor Freemen, or their widows. The [403] Maſter's annual allowance 6l. each of the Brethren 4l. The building is handſome, three ſtories in height, ornamented with a piazza 60 yards in length: an open area with a fountain in front.

Daviſon's Hoſpital, for ſix widows of Clergymen or Merchants. The building was erected at the expence of the Corporation, and the endowment was made by Mrs Ann Daviſon, the relict of a Merchant of this town. The allowance to each is 40s. quarterly.

The Barber Surgeons Hall.

The Maidens Hoſpital, built by the Corporation in 1753, and endowed by a donation of 1200l. from Thomas Daviſon, Eſq of Ferry-hill, in the county of Durham, and his ſiſters; and the like ſum of 1200l. from the munificent Sir Walter Blackett—for the reception of ſix maiden women and ſix poor men.

The Keelmen's Hoſpital, a ſquare building with cloiſters, near Sandgate, built in 1701, by a contribution of 1d. each tide from every Keelman plying upon the Tyne, within the liberties of Newcaſtle. It contains upwards of 50 chambers, but is ſaid to be neglected, and without endowment. It is wonderful this laborious and uſeful race of men, whoſe toils help to contribute ſuch immenſe wealth to Newcaſtle, ſhould not have claimed the attention of the Corporation, from whoſe revenue more donations iſſue in charitable and religious appropriations, than any other Corporation in the North of England can boaſt.

The Infirmary ſtands in an airy elevated ſituation behind Weſtgate, and near the public walk called the Forth: It was founded by ſubſcription, for the relief of the ſick and lame of Newcaſtle and the counties of Durham and Northumberland. To this excellent foundation Sir Walter Blackett gave 1000l. out of the intereſt money ariſing from which donation, he appointed 10l. a year ſhould be given to a Clergyman to do duty there. So happy a relief has this charitable inſtitution proved, that from the time of its commencement to April 1778, 17,331 patients have been diſcharged cured.

To theſe may be added the Hoſpital for Lunatics, and the Hoſpital for Married Women lying-in: as alſo the fund raiſed for the ſupport of thoſe who lie-in at their own houſes.

[404] An elegant Hall has lately been erected in High Friar Chair, by the ſociety of Free and Accepted Maſons of the Lodge of St. John: it is richly ornamented, and has an excellent organ for their ſolemn rites. It was dedicated in the year 1777; to attend which ceremony, there was the moſt reſpectable and numerous convention of that order that ever appeared in the northern parts of this kingdom. The muſic was performed by an excellent band, the vocal parts of which were done by the beſt voices from the quire of Durham cathedral. A pathetic exhortation was delivered by Mr Huntley, and an elegant oration, diſplaying the antiquity, progreſs, and excellence of the order, by the Rev. Dr Scott of Simonburn. The feſtival was held in the new aſſembly room, when at three tables near 400 of the brethren dined together; at which time that regularity, order and harmony were maintained, for which this ſociety, above all others in the world, is remarkable: where men of all ranks, political opinions, and religious perſuaſions meet, without envy or contention; and preſerve a unanimity and brotherly love, in deſpite of the frailties and fickleneſs of the human heart.

The hiſtory of this place is very dark, antecedent to the time of Robert Carthouſe, and the building of the caſtle, from whence it is preſumed the name of Newcaſtle was derived. The advantages of a fine navigable river, with a ſituation defended by ſo ſtrong a fortreſs, would ſoon induce Merchants and others to fix there; yet we find no record of any royal charter, liberty, or franchiſe granted to the ſettlers, till the reign of King Henry II. when they obtained a royal charter, which is ſaid to have comprehended great privileges;* but of what nature theſe were, our author is ſilent. King John, in the 3d year of his reign, confirmed the above charter, on payment of 100 marks and two palfreys. In the 14th year of his reign he greatly enlarged thoſe liberties and powers, and expreſsly ‘in conſideration of the loyalty and faithful ſervices of his burgeſſes there,’ he granted them ſeveral excluſive privileges; among which are, an exemption from the power of the Sheriff of the county at large, and that they ſhould be amenable to the Courts only within their own juriſdiction, except in matters relative to the rights of the Crown. The government of the borough was then under four Bailiffs only.

[405]King Henry III. by charter, appointed a Mayor to preſide in the government of this borough, together with four Bailiffs. From this Prince the Burgeſſes derived two moſt excellent bounties, viz. the Caſtle Demeſnes, containing 850 acres, for free paſturage, with liberty of winning coal and ſtone; as alſo a plot of ground called the Forth, containing about 11 acres. Here the Infirmary ſtands: a portion of the ground is incloſed, and converted into a public walk. One thing very ſingular in this royal charter, is the prohibition againſt Jews reſiding within the borough.

This was one of the boroughs that received the firſt ſummons to ſend Repreſentatives to ſit in a Houſe of Commons, in the 10th year of the reign of King Edward I. A. D. 1282.*

[406]Pampedon was by royal grant annexed to Newcaſtle in this reign.

Upon an inquiſition taken, 4 King Edward I. touching the ancient cuſtoms which prevailed within the borough, it was returned, that by [407] the cuſtom eſtabliſhed within the borough, the real eſtates of freemen within the borough had always been conſidered in the nature of chattels, and as ſuch were diſpoſed by will: which ſpecial cuſtom was accordingly confirmed.

[408]King Edward III. confirmed all its franchiſes and privileges, and added thereto an exemption from the juriſdiction of the Conſtablery, Marſhalſea, and Admiralty of England, within the port and limits of the borough. He gave the Town Moor to the Burgeſſes in perpetuity; [409] he alſo gave licence to the Burgeſſes to purchaſe lands; he confirmed many by-laws made by them for well-governing the borough; directed the mode of electing Mayors, Magiſtrates, and Officers; he ſettled the meaſure to be uſed in the ſale of coals, and made the Burgeſſes toll-free for their merchandize throughout his dominions.

[410]King Richard II. in the firſt year of his reign, A. D. 1378, confirmed the charters before granted to the Burgeſſes; he afterwards granted them ground for roads and a bridge.* In 1390, he gave licence for a ſword of ſtate to be borne before the Mayor.

It was not till the reign of King Henry IV. that Newcaſtle received the moſt diſtinguiſhing marks of royal favour: on the acceſſion of this Prince, the borough received a confirmation of all ancient liberties and immunities; beſides which he alſo granted, that this borough ſhould for ever thereafter be independent of the county of Northumberland; that it ſhould have a Sheriff, as being a county of itſelf, a diſtrict not above 10 miles in circuit; which Sheriff ſhould ſupply the duty of the Bailiffs, whoſe office was from thenceforth revoked and annulled; that the Sheriff ſhould hold his county within the liberties of the borough, on Wedneſday from month to month, that he ſhould have the return of writs, and account unto his Majeſty's Exchequer; that ſix Aldermen [411] ſhould be elected out of the Burgeſſes, as aſſociates in the civil Magiſtracy with the Mayor, with power to act as Juſtices of the Peace within the precincts of the borough; that the Burgeſſes ſhould hold the Conſervatorſhip of the river Tyne, from Sparrow Hawk to Hedwin Streams, with the royalties thereof, a ſpace of 14 miles; within which limits no ſhip ſhould load or unload any ſort of goods but at the quays of Newcaſtle. The preſent quays are eſteemed equal to any in England, being upwards 700 yards in length. King Edward II. granted the Conſervatorſhip of the river Tyne to John Earl of Hampſtead; but the ſame was ſoon revoked, on its being repreſented an infringement on the rights of Newcaſtle.

[412]King Edward VI. on the diſſolution of the Biſhopric of Durham by act of parliament, A. D. 1552, granted to Newcaſtle the town and liberties of Gateſhead: he alſo propoſed to have erected a Biſhopric at Newcaſtle, out of part of the revenues of the diſſolved See;* but theſe purpoſes were defeated by the death of the King; and on the acceſſion of Queen Mary, 1554, the Biſhopric of Durham was reſtored.

Queen Elizabeth confirmed to the Burgeſſes all the liberties and immunities granted by her predeceſſors, and added thereto many privileges by her charter dated, as Mr Wallis ſays, on the 22d March, in the 42d year of her reign; but as it appears by a note to Bourne's Hiſtory, in the 31ſt year of that reign. It was then declared to be a free town, with power to the corporate body to purchaſe lands to them and their ſucceſſors in fee and perpetuity, and to grant and demiſe the ſame; and that they ſhould have a common ſeal: that they ſhould exerciſe an Admiralty Juriſdiction within their own liberties, excluſive of any authority of the Lord High Admiral.

The Corporation is now governed by a Mayor, Sheriff, and 12 Aldermen; the Borough ſends two Members to Parliament, elected by the Free Burgeſſes, who are about 2400 in number.

[413]The Mayor holds a Court of Record, wherein all actions of debt upon the caſe, treſpaſs, &c. are tried, which ariſe within, the juriſdiction:* no Attornies are allowed to practice but thoſe who are Free Burgeſſes, and duly ſworn there at their admiſſion. Six Serjeants at Mace appertain to this Court.

It is ſuperior to the Sheriff's Court, from whence cauſes are removeable.

The Sheriff holds a court of his county monthly.

A Court of Conſcience is alſo eſtabliſhed here, by virtue of an act of parliament—an excellent relief in ſo populous a place, where the difficulty of proving ſale and delivery of ſmall articles, by witneſſes, would often deprive the honeſt trader and mechanic of his juſt dues. It is an equitable enlargement of the privilege of inferior courts, worthy the attention of the Legiſlature, and would be greatly beneficial to the community, if it was admitted at the Sheriffs Courts and in Courts Baron, touching debts of an inferior value.

The Court of Common Council is a court held by force of the charters, by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commoners, wherein regulations and by-laws are made, for the protection of trade and the government of the incorporate body.

In the Wardmote Court, Officers, &c. of each ward are choſen.

[414]The Mayor holds a Court of Pyepowder at the times of fairs: On the 1ſt of Auguſt, a fair granted by King John, and on St. Luke's day, a fair granted by King Henry VII.*

The Mayor holds three Guilds of Trade annually, at which are tranſacted all buſineſs between maſters and apprentices; the inrolling of apprentices, and giving thoſe who have ſerved their time, or otherwiſe are by patrimony intitled, their freedom.

[415]Two ancient puniſhments, inflicted on the diſturbers of the peace here, are worthy notice.

A common Drunkard was led through the ſtreets as a ſpectacle of contempt, covered with a large barrel, called a Newcaſtle cloak one end being out, and the other having a hole made through it, ſufficient for the offender to paſs his head through; by which means the veſſel was reſted on his ſhoulders.

The Scold wore an iron engine, called the branks, in the form of a crown; it covered the head, but left the face expoſed; and having a tongue of iron which went into the mouth, conſtrained ſilence from the moſt violent brawler.

The trade of this place is very great: to enter upon an exact detail, would exceed the limits of my work: the exports chiefly conſiſt of coals, wrought iron, lead, glaſs, ſalt, bacon, corn, ſalmon, butter, tallow, and grindſtones: its ſituation is ſuch, as neceſſarily renders it the place of ſupply for an extenſive country, in articles of imported merchandize. In the ſummary I have given of the trade of the county in the ſucceeding pages, the importance of this place will appear. In Mr Pennant's work it is ſtated, that in the year 1771, the ſhipping mentioned in the following table were entered here with imports.

 810 ſhips,carrying 77,880 tons,from foreign parts.
 140 ſhips,carrying 18,650 tons,coaſting trade.
Total95096,530 tons. 

[416]Here are 16 glaſs-houſes, three ſugar-houſes, ſeveral ſoap-boileries, a conſiderable manufactory of ſteel and iron, alſo a manufactory of broad and narrow woollen cloaths carried on with great ſucceſs. Seldom leſs than 30,000 firkins of butter, and 40,000 hundreds of tallow, are annually exported from hence.

The chief article of export is coal:* ſhips of great burthen take in their lading at Shields, the coals being carried thither in large unwieldy lighters, called keels, limited by government to the burthen of 20 chaldrons, being nearly circular in form, and very flat bottomed; ſometimes navigated by a ſquare ſail, at other times managed with the advantage of the tide, by one oar plied at the ſide and another at the ſtern, which ſerves as a ſculler and rudder. Near 500 of theſe [417] veſſels find conſtant employ on this river. No veſſels exceeding 400 tons come up to the Quay.

The collieries which ſupply this exportation, about 24 in number, lie at conſiderable diſtances from the river. From the mines, the coals are ſent to the places of lading in large unwieldy carriages or waggons, of the form of a common mill-hopper, carried on four wheels of iron, the fellies or rims of which are hollow, ſo as to run upon ſtrings of wood adapted thereto, with which the roads are laid. By this means, theſe carriages on an eaſy deſcent run without horſes, and ſometimes with that rapidity, that a piece of wood, called a tiller, is obliged to be applied to one wheel, and preſſed thereon by the weight of the attendant who ſits on it, to retard the motion: by the friction of which frequently the tiller and ſometimes the carriage is ſet on fire.

In the courſe of the year 1775, 697, 608 chaldrons of coals were imported in the port of London from Newcaſtle, and Sunderland on the the river Wear, in the county of Durham; which is 37,237 chaldrons more than the year 1773, and 77,237 chaldrons more than in the year 1774. In the year 1776, 600,000 chaldrons were imported at London.*

In 1775, 4773 ſhips were cleared at the Cuſtom-houſe of Newcaſtle; of which 4343 were coaſtways, and 430 for foreign parts; being upon the whole 270 leſs than in the year 1774. The cuſtoms for coal exported on an average amount to 40,000l. or thereabouts annually, excluſive [418] of 1s. a chaldron paid to the Duke of Richmond for coals ſent coaſtways, which brings in a yearly income of 15,000l. or more.

The revenue of the Corporation, which they poſſeſs in their own right, is ſaid to exceed 8000l. a year. The allowance to the Mayor during his year is very ample,* a manſion-houſe furniſhed and ſervants, a ſtate coach, with the expences of entertaining the Judges of Aſſize on the circuit. The Sheriff has alſo an allowance for his public entertainments. The receipts of the Corporation in the year 1774, were 20,360l. 9s. 8d. and their diſburſements 19,445l. The inhabitants of Newcaſtle and Gateſhead are computed to exceed 30,000.

We find here a remarkable provincial dialect and a guttural pronunciation, in which words containing the letter R are articulated with difficulty. This ſeems to be derived from the Danes. In a degree, the ſame guttural pronunciation takes place through all Northumberland.

Newcaſtle was the ſeat of many remarkable occurrences and events. On the incurſion made by David I. King of Scotland, A. D. 1135. in the reign of King Stephen, he took Newcaſtle, and obliged the inhabitants to ſwear allegiance to the Empreſs Maude as their Queen. David having made this place his head quarters, remained there till a truce was entered into with King Stephen, who lay with his army at Durham.

On the reſtitution of Newcaſtle to the Crown of England, King Henry II. confirmed to the burgeſſes and inhabitants their eſtates, and granted them an exemption from tolls and duties.

[419]King John and William the Lion King of Scotland, about the year 1209, met at Newcaſtle, and held a conference. The Scotch King lay ill here for a conſiderable time.

In 1235 or 1236, the King of England and Alexander King of Scotland had a conference at Newcaſtle, on the demand made by the Scotch King for reſtitution of Northumberland, Weſtmoreland, and Cumberland. The Queen of Scotland alſo was preſent.—Chron. Mailroſs.

In the year 1244, King Henry III. aſſembled a great army and marched to Newcaſtle, whilſt the King of Scotland marched to Ponteland. There were 5000 horſe among the Engliſh troops finely armed. In the Scotch army were 1000 horſe with armour of iron or network, to which were added 100,000 foot; but no engagement enſued, as Alexander, who before had denied King Henry's ſupremacy, now ſubmitted to acknowledge Henry as his liege Lord, and agreed to bind himſelf not to enter into any league with any of the enemies of the King of England.

In the year 1251, Newcaſtle had its firſt Mayor, Petrus Scott, Knt.

In 1276, on the eve of St. Nicholas, great earthquakes were felt here, accompanied with dreadful lightnings and thunders, the appearance of a fiery dragon in the heavens, and a blazing ſtar.

In the year 1292, after the Regency of Scotland was diſſolved, Baliol ſwore fealty to King Edward I. in the caſtle of Norham, in the preſence of many of the Nobility of both nations. The next day the royal commiſſion was iſſued, directing John St. John to place Baliol in the royal chair at Scone, according to the ancient mode of inauguration of the Kings of Scotland: in which duty St. John repreſented Duncan Earl of Fife, then a minor, whoſe hereditary office it was gained by his anceſtors for their diſtinguiſhed ſervices. This ceremony was ſoon after performed on St. Andrew's day; after which Baliol paſſing into England, did homage to King Edward on Chriſtmas day at Newcaſtle, in the hall of the caſtle.

In the year 1296, an open rupture taking place between the two kingdoms, the Scots profeſſing to throw off the Engliſh yoke, King Edward appointed the 1ſt day of March for his rendezvous at Newcaſtle, [420] and was there on that day, accompanied by his Nobles and an army of 30,000 foot and 4000 heavy armed horſemen, beſides the ſmall army belonging to the Biſhop of Durham, conſiſting of 1000 foot and 500 horſe.

In the year 1298, the Engliſh army was ordered to muſter at Newcaſtle, to proceed againſt the Scotch, when there aſſembled 2000 heavy armed horſemen, 1200 light horſe, and above 100,000 foot.

In the beginning of May 1312, King Edward II. being at Newcaſtle with his favourite Gaveſton; Lancaſter, the Lords H. Percy and Robert Clifford, in aſſociation with many other Nobles, accompanied by numerous attendants, came by ſurprize upon them, intending to take the devoted Minion even from the embraces of the Sovereign; but they made their eſcape to Tynemouth, and from thence by ſea to Scarbrough, where Gaveſton being left by the King as in a place of the utmoſt ſecurity, he was beſieged by Lord Pembroke and others, and obliged to ſurrender upon ſtipulated terms: but Lancaſter, Hereford, and Arundel, the heads of the junto, not approving of the ſubmiſſion Lord Pembroke had accepted, they ſeized Gaveſton, and put him to death as a traitor.*

The whole militia of England, by advice of a parliament held at Lincoln, were ordered to rendezvous at Newcaſtle, 8 King Edward II. 1315, in order to proceed on a Scotch expedition: every village in the kingdom ſent one ſtout man with armour and travelling money, as alſo wages at 4d. per day, during the ſervice.

Bourne, in a note to the year 1317, ſays, ‘there was a grievous famine and mortality, inſomuch that the quick could hardly bury the dead; and a great corruption of cattle and graſs. Some eat the fleſh of their own children; and thieves in priſon devoured thoſe that were newly brought in, and greedily eat them half alive.’

In the year 1319, King Edward having ſuſtained the moſt diſgraceful defeats and diſappointments in Scotland, a congreſs of Commiſſioners [421] was agreed to be held at Newcaſtle on the 6th of December, when a truce for two years was concluded.*

A congreſs was held here at Candlemas 1320, in order to eſtabliſh the terms of reconciliation between the nations. Beſides the conſervators of the truce for England and Scotland, there were preſent, as aids and mediators, two Envoys from Philip King of France, and two Nuncios from the Holy See: but each party inſiſting on rigorous articles, the congreſs broke up without effecting any thing.

In October 1322, King Edward II. was at Newcaſtle, where he rendezvouſed a great army, and therewith marched from thence to relieve Norham Caſtle, that was then beſieged by the forces of King Robert Bruce: but the country being naked, and the Scotch having driven their cattle and flocks into the mountains and ſtrongholds, King Edward in his progreſs into Scotland loſt many men by famine.

A peace was concluded upon here between England and Scotland in the year 1323, by the Commiſſioners of King Edward II. and King David Bruce for 13 years. Among the Engliſh Commiſſioners were Adomar Earl of Pembroke, and Hugh de Spencer, Lord High Chamberlain. Among thoſe from Scotland, the Biſhop of St. Andrew's, and the Earl of Murray.

In 1327, Nov. 20th, the Commiſſioners of both nations met at Newcaſtle, and concluding a truce, ſuch preliminaries for a ſettled peace were agreed upon, as were deemed worthy a parliamentary conſideration; and accordingly a parliament was ſummoned to aſſemble at York at Candlemas following, in which was given the memorable recognition of the right of Robert Bruce and his heirs to the Crown of Scotland, and the renunciation of all claim and right to the dominion or ſovereignty of the kingdom by King Edward III. and his ſucceſſors Kings of England, and that the ſaid kingdom ſhould be held for ever divided and diſtinct from the kingdom of England, and in all reſpects indepent of it; and to that end, all writings and evidences to the contrary ſhould be deemed null and void: and on the part of King Robert Bruce, 20,000l. was ſtipulated to be paid by Scotland, in three yearly payments, to King Edward's officers at Tweedmouth.

[422]In 1328, King Edward III. remitted to the Burgeſſes of Newcaſtle all debts and arrears due to him or his progenitors.*

King Edward III. having placed Edward Baliol on the throne of Scotland, kept his Whitſuntide, A. D. 1334, at Newcaſtle, with great ſplendour and magnificence. In the month of June, in quality of Sovereign Lord of Scotland, he received there, in a public and ſolemn manner, the fealty and homage of the Scotch King: at the ſame time Baliol ceded to him large Scotch territories, in ſatisfaction of the expences ſuſtained in reſtoring the Crown to him, as its hereditary claimant. By the following paſſage in Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 469, it appears that greater ceſſions were made by Baliol: ‘And this Edwarde Baillol condeſcendid with Eduarde King of England, after that he had done the accuſtomid ſervices, that if he died without heyres, the realme of Scotlande ſhould remayne to King Edwarde of England and his heyres for ever. And this pact was made at Newcaſtle upon Tyne.’

Through the interpoſition of the King of France, Edward conſented to a truce with David Bruce's party, who had oppoſed Edward Baliol; on the expiration of which, about Midſummer 1335, both Kings held their rendezvous at Newcaſtle with a powerful army, preparatory to their entry into Scotland.

In the year 1336, King Edward met the Scotch Delegates at Newcaſtle, when he acceded to propoſals made by the Pope's Nuncio, for a further time of truce.

In 1341, it was granted, that no goods be ſold until a plank be laid to the ſhip, on forfeiture of the goods.

In 1342, David King of Scots having committed horrid ravages on his march through Northumberland, came before Newcaſtle with a powerful army, amounting in numbers, as ſome authors inſiſt, to 60,000 foot and 3000 horſe. John Lord Nevil, who commanded in the caſtle, made a ſally with 200 choſen lancemen, who entering the Scotch camp, ſurprized the Earl of Murray, one of the chief in command, in bed, and dragged him forth naked, returning to the caſtle with their priſoner [423] and much booty, not having loſt one man. The Scotch enraged at the diſgrace, began a fierce but irregular attack, and were repulſed with great ſlaughter. The bravery of the garriſon induced David to raiſe the ſiege and march towards Durham, which city he took by ſtorm, and with the moſt ſavage barbarity put the inhabitants to the ſword, without diſtinction of age, ſex, or condition.*

In 1346, Newcaſtle furniſhed 17 ſhips and 314 mariners for the ſiege of Calais: a force ſuperior to that provided by any northern port in England but Yarmouth; which ſhews the power and conſequence of this place in ſo early an aera. In King Edward the Second's time there was an order of the King and Council for a ſtaple here.

In 1353, Commiſſioners met at Newcaſtle for the deliverance of David King of Scotland on Ranſom. The Delegates for England were the Biſhop of Durham, William de Bohun Earl of Northampton and Conſtable of England, Gilbert de Umfreyvill, Earl of Angus, the Lords de Percy and de Nevill, William Baron of Greyſtock, and Henry le Scroop. For Scotland, the Biſhop of St. Andrew's and Brechin, Patric of Dunbar Earl of the March of Scotland, the Abbot of Dumfermelin, and Walter de Moffet Archdeacon of Leoneſſe.

In 1353, King Edward III. in his rout to Scotland kept his Chriſtmas at Newcaſtle.

In 1363, there happened a froſt which continued from the middle of September to the month of April.

In 1390, licence was granted to the Mayor and his ſucceſſors to have a ſword borne before them.

Froiſard ſpeaks of a remarkable rencounter near Newcaſtle, in the 11th year of the reign of King Richard II. ‘The Scots having invaded England, and being come into the Biſhoprick of Durham, the Earl of Northumberland ſent his two ſons, viz. Sir Henry and Sir Ralph, to Newcaſtle, to which place the county were appointed to come: whereupon enſued ſeveral light ſkirmiſhes betwixt the Engliſh and them, [424] and many proper feats of arms done. Amongſt others there fought hand to hand the Earl Douglas and Sir Henry Percy; and by force of arms the Earl won Sir Henry's penon. Whereupon Sir Henry and all the Engliſh were ſore diſpleaſed; the Earl ſaying to him, Sir, I ſhall bear this token of your proweſs into Scotland, and ſhall ſet it on high on my caſtle of Alqueſt, that it may be ſeen afar off: which ſo provoked the Percys, that after divers bold adventures againſt the Scotch forces, at length they obtained the victory, and ſlew the Earl James Douglas; but Sir Ralph Percy was therein wounded and taken priſoner by a Scotch Knight.* And after this, in another encounter, this Sir Henry Percy, fighting valiantly with the Lord Mountcumber, a ſtout Knight of Scotland, was by him taken priſoner.’

In 1415, the head of Sir Thomas Grey of Werk was placed on one of the gates of Newcaſtle; he was a conſpirator againſt the life of the King, with the Earl of Cambridge and Lord Scroop.

In the year 1451, Plenipotentiaries from King Henry VI. and King James II. of Scotland, met at Newcaſtle and concluded a truce for three years. They put their ſeals to the inſtrument in the church of St. Nicholas. The time of truce was enlarged A. D. 1459, by Commiſſioners who met at Newcaſtle for that purpoſe: and in the reign of King Edward IV. 1465, the time was again enlarged, and through a friendly intercourſe which took place between the Engliſh King and the Scotch Regency, a peace was ſoon afterwards eſtabliſhed.

1ſt May, 1460, James Butler Earl of Wilts and Ormond, taken priſoner by Richard Salkeld, Eſq after Towton battle, a firm Lancaſtrian, was beheaded at Newcaſtle.

In the year 1544, Edw. Seymore Earl of Hertford, ſent by King Henry VIII. to execute his vengeance on the Scotch, embarked 10,000 men from this port in 200 ſhips, and ſailed into the Firth. In this expedition the city of Edinburgh, with Leith and Dunbar, and many other conſiderable places, were pillaged and burnt.

[425]The army under the command of the Duke of Somerſet, muſtered at Newcaſtle in the year 1547, in order to their advancing againſt Scotland.

By an act of parliament paſſed in the 7th year of King Edward VI. 1553, it was enacted, that in Newcaſtle there ſhould be no greater number than four taverns or wine ſellers to ſell or utter wine by retail.

In Strype's Annals, vol. 4. p. 306, No. CCXXIII, is the following article.

‘Matthew Archbiſhop of York and the reſt of the Councel in the north to Lord Treaſurer Burleigh.’

‘The Juſtices of Aſſizes have adjourned the aſſizes and jayl delivery for the counties of Dureſme and Northumberland, in regard of the great infection of the plague in thoſe counties, eſpecially in and about Dureſme and Newcaſtle. For which reſpect likewiſe we have adjourned all cauſes depending before this Councel, between ſuch parties as are inhabiting within thoſe counties, until the ſitting after Michaelmas, before which time we hope the ſickneſs will ſtay. And ſo beſeeching God to bleſs your Lordſhip with his manifold graces, we humbly take our leaves. At York this 6th day of July 1597.’ Signed by the Archbiſhop Charles Hales and Jo. Fuerne.

King James I. on the 9th of April 1603, entered Newcaſtle in his progreſs to the capital, and remained three days there. He granted the Burgeſſes a confirmatory charter by letters patent dated 31 March, 1604.

In the time of King Charles I. A. D. 1643, Newcaſtle ſuſtained a ſiege, the Scotch advancing againſt it under the command of Leſley, who dividing the forces, attacked it vigorouſly on two ſides at once. The Marquis of Newcaſtle, then Governor for the King, maintained the place, though the enemy gained part of the outworks; and ſome unfortunate ſallies were made. In the ſucceeding year the Scots took it by ſtorm. Sir John Merlay then Mayor retired to the caſtle with about 500 men, which he held till terms of capitulation were obtained. The inhabitants ſaved the town from being plundered by payment of a large ſum of money. The Parliament disfranchiſed the body corporate, and ordered the Mayor to be tried by a court martial. Sir Henry Anderſon, [426] one of the Repreſentatives in Parliament, was expelled the Houſe for joining the royal army. The town at the time of theſe calamities, was alſo viſited by the plague.

In the year 1646, the King came from Lumley Caſtle, in the county of Durham, and put himſelf under the protection of the Scotch General Leven.* Whilſt they remained at Newcaſtle they raiſed a ſubſidy from the adjoining country, amounting to 8000l. a month before the King's arrival, and 9000l. a month after: which was obtained under the threats of military execution in caſe of default.

Theſe men from whom the King ſought protection, ſold him for a trifling ſum, though it was the price of their eternal infamy.

Many inſtances not mentioned here, occur in hiſtory, which ſhew the importance of Newcaſtle; as a place for convention, the rendezvous of large armies, and the reſort of the Monarchs of both nations, their Envoys and Plenipotentiaries, when treaties were held between the two kingdoms.

In the reign of King Henry III. A. D. 1249, the town ſuffered greatly by fire. It ſuſtained a great loſs, by a ſudden inundation of the river Tyne, in the reign of King Edward III. when 120 perſons were drowned. In the year 1771, it again ſuffered by an inundation; when four of the arches of the bridge were deſtroyed, with 22 houſes, and ſix of the inhabitants. One of the houſes remained for ſome time, ſuſpended in an amazing manner, over a dreadful chaſm, ſuſtained by the compactneſs of its materials and its timber; and clinging by a ſmall part of its foundation, on one of the piers, from which the arch was broken down. [427] From thence the miſerable inhabitants looked on the raging waters and the horrid ruins with diſtraction, and ſent forth cries of deſpair to multitudes [428] of ſpectators, who could not lend them aid. At length the fatal moment arrived that cloſed the tremendous ſpectacle; the houſe with its inhabitants ſunk, and were ſwallowed up in the deſtructive torrent.

The ancient bridge was of wood and in the 33d year of the reign of King Henry III. was deſtroyed by fire. The late bridge was conſtructed of ſtone, and conſiſted of 12 arches; three of which on the north were cloſed up and uſed as cellars. It was built about 500 years ago, Walter Kirkham,* Biſhop of Durham, being a great contributor thereto. It was crowded with buildings. Near the middle was a tower with an iron gate, which the Corporation uſed as a town priſon. This tower was of conſiderable ſervice ſome years ago, in preventing the further communication of a fire which conſumed many houſes adjoining it. At the ſouth end was formerly another tower and a draw-bridge. A blue ſtone near the middle of the bridge denoted the boundary of the town's liberty, the ſouthern end of the bridge appertaining to the See of Durham. In the year 1416, a claim of the Corporation to the whole bridge occaſioned a ſuit, in which the right of the Biſhop of Durham to the ſouthern part was eſtabliſhed. Thomas Ruthal, Biſhop of Durham in the reign of King Henry VII. repaired the ſouthern part.

A ſtrong building croſſed the bridge, which was uſed as a magazine for the town. On the ſouth front was an elegant ſtatue of King Cha. II. [429] with this motto, Adventus Regis, Solamen Gregis. There was an opening in the battlements of the bridge railed with iron, for the convenience of paſſengers to look upon the river and ſhipping: Mr Bourne relates a ſtory, that from thence one Anderſon, an Alderman, dropt his ſignet ring into the river; that ſome time afterwards his own ſervant having bought a ſalmon for his table, in opening the fiſh the ring was found in its intrails, and was in his days in the cuſtody of a deſcendant of Mr Anderſon. Herodotus gives an account of a ſimilar circumſtance happening to Polycrates King of Samos, who was called the favourite of Fortune.

On the 20th of June 1770, the workmen began to pull down the weſt end of St. Thomas's chapel, in order to open the paſſage to the bridge.

In the inundation 11th Nov. 1771, the water was ſuppoſed to be at its height about ſeven in the morning, and to have riſen upwards of 12 feet above high water mark in ſpring tides. From Tyne Head, in Aldſton Moor, to Shields, was a continued ſcene of horror and devaſtation.

An act of parliament paſſed 3d June 1772, to enable the Biſhop of Durham and his ſucceſſors to raiſe a competent ſum of money, to be applied for the repairing, improving, or rebuilding ſuch part of Tyne Bridge as belongs to the See of Durham.

On the 10th June 1772, one Stephenſon contracted to build a temporary bridge over the Tyne in four months time, under a great penalty; which was performed.

On Tueſday 25th April 1775, the firſt ſtone of the ſouth pier of the new bridge, within the boundaries of this Corporation, was laid by Sir Matthew White Ridley, Mayor.

From the evidence of the ancient name of Pons Aelii and the Roman road from Cheſter leading thereto, it is conjectured that the Romans had a bridge here.

Mr Pennant is of opinion, ‘that part of the Roman bridge remained till the late inundation; for from the obſervation of workmen upon the old piers, thoſe as well as the piers of the bridge at Bywell, ſeem originally to have been formed without any ſprings for arches. This [430] was a manner of building uſed by the Romans, witneſs the bridge built over the Danube by Trajan at Severin, whoſe piers (he believes) ſtill exiſt. Adrian was probably the founder of the bridge at Newcaſtle, which was called after his family name Pons Aelii, in the ſame manner as Jeruſalem was ſtyled Elia Capitolina, and the games he inſtituted at Pincum in Maeſia, Aeliana Pincenſia. The coins diſcovered on pulling down ſome of the piers in 1774, confirm my opinion. Several were diſcovered, but only three or four reſcued from the hands of the workmen. All of them are coins poſterior to the time of Adrian, probably depoſited there in ſome later repairs. One of them is a beautiful Fauſtina the Elder after her deification. Her forehead is bound with a ſmall tiara; her hair full, twiſted and dreſſed a la moderne; round is inſcribed Diva Fauſtina. On the reverſe is Ceres, with a torch in one hand and ears of corn in the other. The inſcription Auguſta S. C.

‘The next has the laureated head of Antoninus Pius. On the reverſe Apollo, with a patera in one hand and a plectrum in the other; the legend ſo much defaced as to be illegible.’

‘The third is Lucius Verus (like that of Fauſtina after conſecration). On the reverſe is a magnificent funeral pile, and the word Conſecratio. S. C.

Within a little diſtance from Newcaſtle lies

JESMOND,*

an ancient Hoſpital, with a chapel appertaining to it, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. King Edward VI. granted this place to the Corporation of Newcaſtle, who ſold it to Sir Robert Brandling. The hoſpital is now uſed as a dwelling-houſe, and the chapel is converted into a ſtable.

There was a well at Jeſmond, greatly reſorted to by perſons labouring under infirmities, for its ſalutary qualities. It had as many ſteps down to it as there are articles in the Creed. Many pilgrimages were made to Jeſmond, to viſit the ſhrine of the Virgin, and to partake of the miraculous virtues of the ſanctified ſpring. The ſuperſtition of paying reverence to ſalubrious ſprings, ſeems to be derived from the Romans.

[431]In the firſt year of the reign of King Henry VIII. a mob headed by ſeveral of the Aldermen and principal inhabitants of Newcaſtle, aſſembled here with intent to ſlay the Prior of Tinemouth. The cauſe of this outrage my author doth not mention.*

From the ſame authority it appears, that ſoon after Jeſmond became the property of Mr Coulſon, he encloſed the well, and converted it into a bath; but in a ſhort time the water forſook the well, which alarmed the ſuperſtitious much. But whilſt the cry againſt this profanation was warmeſt, the waters returned, and the miracle was waſhed away.

ELSWICK

is about a mile weſt from Newcaſtle, the ſeat of John Hodgſon, Eſq formerly part of the poſſeſſions of the manaſtery of Tynemouth. Soon after the diſſolution it came by purchaſe to the family of Jenniſons, whoſe property it was for ſome generations. It is an old houſe, but has an excellent ſituation, commanding a fine proſpect to the eaſt and ſouth. The eaſtern proſpect comprehends, among other objects, Newcaſtle and Gateſhead: the ſouthern, the rich borders of Tyne, the vales of Lameſley, and the caſtles of Ravenſworth and Lumley, in the county of Durham.

On the right hand of the road leading to Benwell is

FENHAM,

the ſeat of William Ord, Eſq a handſome modern ſtructure, commanding a diſtant view of Tyne below Newcaſtle, with all the beauties of its navigation, the ſcene being crowded with ſhipping mixing with villages and hamlets: the church and village of Jarrow are in view, and at a greater diſtance on the oppoſite ſide of the river, the village of Chirton: it is ſaid in a clear day the ruins of Tynemouth are the terminating objects of this noble landſkip. Fenham was anciently part of the poſſeſſions of the Knights Templars, and in the 18th of King Edward II. A. D. 1324, was by parliament granted to the Hoſpitallers of St. John of Jeruſalem. On the diſſolution in the 31ſt of King Henry VIII. A. D. 1540, [432] the Prior died of grief.* It was for ſome time the eſtate of the Riddels of Swinburn Caſtle.

We advanced to

BENWELL,

one of the moſt delightful ſituations in the north of England, the eſtate of Andrew Robinſon Stoney Bowes, Eſq It was the poſſeſſion of the Shaftoes of the Bavington family for ſeveral generations, and anciently a member of the barony of Bolbeck. The preſent manſion-houſe is united with the ancient tower, and retains the name of Benwell Tower. The pleaſure grounds are not extenſive, but diſpoſed in a good taſte; commanding a view of the Tyne and its rich borders, with the iſland called the King's Meadows: the more diſtant proſpect is graced with Axwell Park, the elegant manſion of Sir Thomas Clavering (of Payne's architecture) and the hanging woods of Gibſide, where, towering above every other object, an obeliſk is ſeen, on which ſtands a fine figure of liberty.§

[433]Benwell was the Condercum of the Romans:* the diſtinct remains of the ſtation appear on Benwell Hill. The obſervations made thereon and the courſe of the wall from Newcaſtle to Rutcheſter, by Mr Horſley [434] and Mr Warburton, are to the following effect. No appearance of either of the Roman walls can be expected as far as the buildings of Newcaſtle extend; but as ſoon as they are well ended, ſome feint veſtiges [435] of both, or of what has belonged to them, begin to ſhew themſelves: for juſt at the end of Weſtgate, on the ſouth ſide of the highway, Hadrian's Ditch ſeems pretty viſible; and near the Quarry Houſe ſome [436] feint marks of the Ditch and north Agger begin to appear, but chiefly of the latter; and this ſtate of the Vallum extends to Benwell Fort. As to Severus's Wall, little or nothing relating to it can be diſcovered between [437] the town and the Quarry Houſe: ſome viſible remains of a caſtellum are diſcoverable juſt behind the Quarry Houſe, and the line of the wall appeared to go through the midſt of the houſe. The caſtellum is conveniently placed for proſpect, and is the only one that is viſible between Newcaſtle and the next ſtation: by the diſtance there ſhould have been another, but it is quite demoliſhed. From the Quarry Houſe to Elſwick Windmill, Severus's wall is difficult to trace; but from thence to the fort on Benwell Hill, the appearance of the ditch is frequently very diſtinct, and the track of wall (which keeps much upon the high road) pretty certain.

From the ſtation at Newcaſtle (which is placed by theſe Antiquaries near the caſtle) to Benwell Hill, is near two miles and a furlong, and no inſcriptions have been diſcovered in this ſpace; at leaſt none now remain, nor even the remembrance of any.

The ſituation of the ſtation on Benwell Hill is high, and the proſpect conſiderable: the ramparts are large and diſtinct, but the ditch ſcarce to be diſcerned. Hadrian's vallum ſeems to have fallen in with the ſouth ſide of it, and Severus's wall ſtrikes upon the eaſt and weſt ſides, ſo as to leave three chains to the north and ſix to the ſouth; but there is no appearance of the wall and its ditch being continued through the fort, though Mr Gordon has ſo repreſented it. There are ſtones in the road that now croſſes this fort, but theſe ſeem only to have been taken [438] out of the ruins to repair the highway. This ſtation falls in courſe to be Condercum, the name given in the Notitia to be the third in the ſeries, where the Ala Prima Aſtorum was quartered.

From the ſtation at Benwell Hill, Severus's wall and ditch, in going down to Denton, continue much in the ſame ſtate as before; but Hadrian's work on this ſide begins to appear more conſpicuous; both the walls paſs to the north of the hill and village of Benwell; from Denton to the Chapel Houſes, both the walls and their ditches are almoſt all the way viſible and diſtinct: over-againſt Weſt Denton Hall there ſeemed to be the viſible remains of a caſtellum, and ſomewhat like the ruins of a Turret not very far from it.

Near the Chapel Houſes, about a furlong ſouth from Severus's wall, and leſs from Hadrian's, are ſomewhat like the ruins of a rampart: it is called the Caſtle Steads, the name uſually given to thoſe caſtella that are regularly placed along Severus's wall; but this (beſides its being at ſome diſtance from the wall, which the others never are) appears to have been of a quite different form and dimenſions; for it is about four chains long, with an interval in the middle, that looks like a gate, and ſo makes it appear very like the ſouth rampart of a ſmall fort: but if there have been ramparts on the other ſides, no traces of them appear at preſent. The proſpect here, eſpecially to the ſouth, is very conſiderable; perhaps it has been an exploratory tower belonging to Hadrian's work, and prior to Severus's, and ſo neglected in his time. The uſual caſtellum belonging to Severus's wall, is about a furlong weſt from the Chapel Houſes, and viſible there; ſo that the other can neither be one of theſe, nor intended to ſupply the place of one. From the name Chapel Houſes, one would expect to find ſome ruinous chapel there; and I ſhould have ſuſpected ſomewhat of theſe ruins to have been of that nature, if the name Caſtle Steads had not determined againſt it.

From Chapel Houſes to Wallbottle both walls and ditches are pretty viſible, and continue ſo to Newburn Dean: but on the deſcent from the Chapel Houſes to Wallbottle, Hadrian's north Agger becomes very conſpicuous, and holds ſo for the moſt part to Newburn Dean. Between Wallbottle and this Dean is a caſtellum ſtill very viſible; and from the Dean to Throcklow, Hadrian's vallum and ditch are diſcernible, but not very large, and Severus's wall not quite ſo plain.

[439]Over-againſt Throcklow, in a convenient high place, there ſeems to be the ruins of another caſtellum; but near the village the vallum is very obſcure. From Throcklow to Heddon on the Wall, Severus's wall and ditch are very conſpicuous, and Hadrian's vallum and ditch near as viſible. The north Agger is alſo diſcernible for part of the way, and near Heddon it is very conſiderable. Before we come to Heddon, there is on the north ſide of the wall, another place of the ſame nature with that at Chapel Houſes, and called likewiſe Caſtle Steads. The remains are very confuſed, and as it is altogether on the north of the wall, and detached a little from it, it ſeems to be a caſtellum erected prior to the wall, and neglected after the building of it. The proſpect from this place is very good, which makes it the more likely to have been of the exploratory kind. However there ſeems to have been an uſual caſtellum in Severus's wall, very near to theſe ruins; which is a further proof, that the other has not been uſed after the wall was erected. It ſeems to have been twice as large as one of Severus's caſtella, and yet not large enough for a ſtation. Three ſides, the north, eaſt, and weſt, may be traced out, but the other is entirely levelled.

HEDDON,

commonly called Heddon on the Wall, was part of the barony of Hugh de Bolbeck, who gave the appropriation and advowſon of the church here to the Abbey of Blanchland.

In Nov. 1752, the workmen employed in making the military road which leads from Carliſle, found a great number of curious Roman coins and medals in the ruins of the Roman wall here. They had been depoſited in wood boxes, which were almoſt decayed: ſeveral of the medals were freſh and fair, as if but newly ſtruck: ſome of them are of ſilver, but moſt part of copper and mixt metal. They are thought to be as valuable a collection as has been diſcovered for ſome centuries paſt.

Near Heddon on the Wall ſomewhat appears like Severus's military way, pretty near to his wall; but it is rather probable this appearance is nothing but the ſtones and ruins of the wall, and that the military ways have here coincided, becauſe the north Agger is ſo large, though in a ploughed field: not far from this place there have been ſome remarkable Tumuli. The village Heddon Lawes, which ſtands upon a [440] hill, has no doubt had its name from ſuch Tumuli. There is yet remaining one very great heap of ſtones, beſides other Tumuli, and a remarkable one farther to the eaſt, called Dewly Lawe, with a ſmaller one near it. The whole hill is like the ruins of a quarry, but curious and worth the ſeeing. If regard be had to the diſtance of 12 miles from the ſea, Heddon on the Wall would ſeem to be Bede's VILLA AD MURUM, and not either Wall's End or Wall Town.

From Heddon to Rutcheſter, both the walls and their ditches are diſtinct; and a little before we come to Rutcheſter, Hadrian's north Agger is diſtinct. Here is another caſtellum, the remains of which are very viſible, and an oval fort, (though it ſeems not to be Roman) near it. The whole diſtance between the ſtation at Benwell Hill and this at Rutcheſter, is ſix meaſured miles and three quarters; in this ſpace there are ſix viſible caſtella, in a ſeries without interruption, and the conſtant exact meaſure between them is, ſix furlongs and three quarters; and the whole diſtance between the two ſtations, ſix meaſured miles and three quarters: the two caſtella that have been next the fort at Benwell Hill, have no viſible remains.

We paſſed in view of Denton Hall, a ſeat of the ancient family of Montagues, to

NEWBURN,

a borough given by King John to Robert ſon of Roger de Clavering, Baron of Warkworth. John the laſt Lord Clavering having granted the reverſion of it to the Crown, in the 6th year of the reign of King Edward I. it was given to Henry Lord Percy by King Edward III in the ſecond year of his reign, and is now part of the poſſeſſions of his Grace the Duke of Northumberland. The village is chiefly inhabited by Miners. The impropriation and advowſon of the church of Newburn was given by King Henry I. together with St. Nicholas in Newcaſtle, to the Church and Canons of St. Mary in Carliſle. The church is in the form of a croſs, having a tower. Here is a tomb of the Delaval family.*

[441]Newburn was a place of conſequence and note preceding the conqueſt. Copſi who was created Earl of Northumberland by King William, was put to death here. Oſulf the preceding Governor, expelled by the Conqueror to give place to Copſi, being forced into the woods and deſerts, lay concealed till he had collected a few hardy troops; with theſe he beſieged Copſi, and at length obliged him to take refuge in the church. Oſulf diſregarding all veneration for things ſacred, when put in competition with his deſperate fortune and revenge, ſet fire to the holy pile; and as Copſi endeavoured to ſhun the flames, he was ſeized, and his head ſevered on the ſpot.

At this village, on the 28th of Auguſt, 16 King Charles I. A. D. 1640, Lord Conway with an army of 3000 foot and 1500 horſe, oppoſed the paſſage of the Scots over the river Tyne, led by Leſley.* The Scots [442] with great intrepidity paſſed the river, breaſt deep, in the face of the Engliſh army, who were drawn up on the oppoſite banks. Three hundred Scotch horſe were obliged to repaſs the river, being oppoſed by a [443] body of foot covered by a breaſt-work; but Leſley getting nine pieces of cannon * to play upon the Engliſh lines, a panic ſeized the whole line of infantry, they threw down their arms and fled with the utmoſt precipitation, leaving the horſe under Commiſſary General Wilmot, accompanied by many Gentlemen of rank, expoſed to the enemy's artillery and the united force of the whole body of Scots: till overpowered by numbers, and having ſuſtained a loſs of 300 men and upwards, they were obliged to retreat. The foot were ſoon aſhamed of their flight, wiſhing to repair their diſgrace, and revenge it on a foe, who hardly credited their own ſucceſs; but the timid General uninfluenced by the ſame ſenſe of honour, never afterwards turned his face to the enemy. Lord Clarendon calls this defeat, an irreparable rout. The General's conduct was inquired into on his coming to York, where he told the ſtory of his defeat to the King: he was accuſed of cowardice and treachery, and though he uſed his utmoſt art to put a gloſs upon his conduct, [444] yet the ſtrongeſt ſhew of conſcious guilt was diſcoverable in his manners, and the confuſion of his language and countenance.*

I now repaſſed the Tyne, and entered into the Biſhopric of Durham.

Having compleated my view of each remarkable place within this extenſive and opulent county, I ſhall proceed, by way of compendium of the curſory remarks which I made in each particular diſtrict, to ſhew the importance of Northumberland in a collected and clear point of view.

By a geographical table lately publiſhed, it appears that the area of Northumberland contains 131,000 acres, and is 155 miles in circumference; having 3 boroughs, 13 market towns, 460 pariſhes, 22,741 dwelling-houſes, 113,705 inhabitants; ſends 8 Members to Parliament, and pays in proportion to the land-tax 5. It is divided into 7 wards; has 4 chief rivers, Tyne, Tweed, Alne, and Coquet; is within the dioceſe of Durham, and gives a Ducal title. Newcaſtles lies in lat. 55:0, whoſe diſtance and bearing from London in meaſured miles is 278½ N. W.

The revenues of the church in this county, excluſive of Newcaſtle and Hexhamſhire, exceed 11,000l. a year.

Northumberland ſends two Knights of the Shire to Parliament. The firſt upon record were ſummoned in the 26th year of the reign of [445] King Edward I. A Sheriff was appointed in the year of our Lord 1154, in the firſt year of the reign of King Henry II.*

[446]The lands produce fine corn. On the banks of Tweed excellent cattle are bred, of which ſome have come to the weight of 160 ſtone (14lb. to the ſtone): the ordinary cattle in the interior parts of the [447] country, are of a middle ſize and mixed breed, between Dutch and Scotch, which are very beautiful, and yield abundance of milk: ſmaller cattle, of the Highland kind, are bred in the mountainous parts. The [448] hills afford fine ſheep walks, and the flocks are numerous: in ſome parts of the county, of late years, they have been much improved, by the introduction [449] of Leiceſterſhire and Lincolnſhire ſheep; by which croſs the fleeces are become much better, and the ſheep feed to an improved weight. Few of the large ſheep are kept in this county.

[450]Improved huſbandry makes a rapid progreſs, and encloſures take place of the wide extended tracts, where many Herdſmen were heretofore neceſſarily employed to keep the cattle and flocks within their bounds.

[451]For ſo large a tract of land, there are few conſiderable woods of timber trees, and planting ſeems to proceed but languidly; except in the vale of Whittingham and ſome other tracts, where a laudable example has been given.

[452]The rivers abound with ſalmon and trout, and the coaſts with cod, ling, turbot, ſoles, place, whitings, haddocks, crabs, lobſters, muſcles, and cockles.

[453]The great ſtaple of Northumberland is coal. By the following tables, the importance of this county to the ſtate at large will appear, in its [454] exports and numbers of ſhips. From that conciſe plan, the produce is immediately deduced, in all its articles of trade. By the imports is [455] ſhewn how few foreign articles are wanted to contribute to the pleaſures and luxuries of life, other than thoſe produced within its own limits.

[456]Exports at Berwick in the year 1776.

To foreign parts: Corn 2500 qrs. Salmon 700 barrels

[457]In the coaſt trade: Wheat 13,000 qrs. Oats 19,000 qrs. Salmon 50,000 kits [458] Eggs 5000 cheſts, each containing 1700. Tallow Candles 230 cwt.

[459]ALEMOUTH Exports chiefly Corn ſhipped for Scotland and the London market.

[460]CAMMAS WATER. Exports: Corn ſent coaſtwiſe—Grindſtones to foreign parts 1400 chald.

[461]BLYTH. Exports: Coals 14,000 chald. Salt 250 ton.

[462]HARTLEY HAVEN.

Exports: Coals 18,000 chald. Bottles 70,000 doz. Salt 300 ton. Copperas 100 ton.

[463] [464]

NEWCASTLE Exports in the Year 1776.
Countries and Iſlands.No. of ShipsTonnage.Species of Merchandiſe.Quantity in
Brit. BottomsForeign Bot.
AfricaBritiſh 1 Lead Shot5 c. 0 qr. 
 50White Glaſs18 1 
   Green Glaſs16 0 
   Bar Iron160 0 
   Wrought Iron10 0 
   Rice6 0 
   Gunpowder900lb. 
   Haberdaſhery896 
   Ale195 gall. 
   Paper60 reams 
   Earthen Ware500 pieces 
   Muſkets100 
   Gunflints10,000 
   Looking-Glaſſes144 
AlderneyBritiſh 1 Coals40 chald. 
 60Earthen Ware300 pieces 
Denmark and NorwayBritiſh 1383 Coals7347 chald.76 chald.
14,259Grindſtones247306
 Foreign Salt130 tons
 502416Tow138 c. 0 qr.309 c. 0 qr.
   Lead10,167 01586 0
   Lead Shot143 050 0
   White Glaſs75 013 1
   Green Glaſs96 3549 2
   Wrought Iron270 04 2
   Steel7 37 3
   Cheeſe30 0
   Worſted Stuffs2240 lb.4204 lb.
   Haberdaſhery864114
   Flour Muſtard1883346
   Indico369 
   Tann'd Leather835
   Dreſſed Flax2412
   Ale96 gall.57 gall.
   Rubſtones12 doz.16 doz.
   Felt Hats40
   Worſt. Stockings10
   Silk Gauze200 yards9 yards
   Velverets200750
   Col. Wool. Cloth15907755
Denmark and Norway.  Linen121 yards
  Printed Cottons142
   Flannel280
   Corduroy80
   Earthen Ware12,700 pieces17,400 pieces
   Tobacco Pipes53 groſs
   Bricks100012,500
FlandersBritiſh 3 Coals180 chald. 
 170Grindſtones2 
FranceBritiſh 89 Coals6165 
 10,741Grindſtones467 
   Lead764 t c. 3 qr. 
   Litherage6 0 
   Copperas443 1 
   Rubſtones183 doz. 
   Earthen Ware300 pieces 
GermanyBritiſh 89 Coals7933 chald.36 chald.
 14,209Grindſtones1399
 Foreign 3 Salt69 tons69 tons
 190Lead551 c. 2 qr. 
   Lead Shot88 2 
   White Glaſs298 0 
   Green Glaſs41 3 
   Wrought Iron1 0 
   Copperas340 1 
   Litherage61 2 
   Muſtard120 lb. 
   Ale100 gall. 
   Rubſtones38 doz. 
   Flagſtones4 
   Earthen Ware4250 pieces5300 pieces
   Col. Wool. Cloth80 yards80 yards
   Sadler's Ware60l. val. 
   Houſh. Furniture80l. 
GibraltarBritiſh 14 Coals980 chald. 
 1160Green Glaſs203 c. 1 qr. 
   Ale68 gall. 
   Earthen Ware600 pieces 
Greenland SeasBritiſh 4 Fiſhing Stores, and Proviſions for ſix months.  
1360  
GuernſeyBritiſh 11 Coals624 chald. 
 1050Grindſtones4 
   White Glaſs4c. 3 qr. 
   Green Glaſs248 1 
   Muſtard1400 lb. 
   Earthen Ware15,500 pieces 
HollandBritiſh 19 Coals455 chald. 
 1741Grindſtones560 
 Foreign 1 Lead2202 c. 0 qr. 
 50Lead Shot17 0 
   White Glaſs544 2 
   Green Glaſs4284 2 
   Litherage1397 2 
   Copperas1366 0 
   Foreign Wheat244 qrs. 
   Flour Muſtard39lb. 
   Earthen Ware700 pieces 
JerſeyBritiſh 7 Coals320 chald. 
 608Grindſtones12 
   Lead5 c. 0 qr. 
   Lead Shot17 2 
   White Glaſs55 0 
   Green Glaſs213 2 
   Wrought Iron18 1 
   Steel12 0 
   Earthen Ware19,000 pieces 
IrelandBritiſh 3409White Glaſs1184 c. 2 qr. 
  Green Glaſs418 3 
   Steel28 0 
MinorcaBritiſh 1    
 170Coals104 chald. 
N. AmericaBritiſh 1 Coals8 
 70Biſcuit Bread32 tons 10 c. 
   Cordage30 c. 3 qr. 
   Butter20 1 
   Cheeſe4 1 
N. America  Soap5 c. 3 qr. 
   Oakham6 0 
   Wheat Flour75 qrs. 
PolandBritiſh 5360Coals247 chald.80 chald.
  Grindſtones12 
 Foreign 1150Col. Wool. Cloths100 yards 
  Velverets60 
   Fireſtones147 
   Worſt. Stockings50 pairs 
   Flour Muſtard120lb. 
   Wheat Flour6 qrs. 
   Earthen Ware400 pieces 
PortugalBritiſh 14 Coals932 chald. 
 1904Green Glaſs457 c. 3 qr. 
   Wrought Iron30 0 
   Wheat100 qrs. 
   Barley365 
   Ale188 gall. 
PruſſiaBritiſh 6 Coals224 chald. 
 712Grindſtones155 
   Rubſtones12 doz. 
   Corn Machines3 
RuſſiaBritiſh 9 Coals295 chald. 
 932Grindſtones66 
   Lead2382 c. 3 qr. 
   White Glaſs58 2 
   Green Glaſs3002 3 
   Worſted Stuffs114 lb. 
   Flour Muſtard408 
   Indico1560 
   Velverets121 yards 
   Corduroy100 
   Col. Wool. Cloths1310 
   Tobacco Pipes30 groſs 
   Rubſtones25 doz. 
SpainBritiſh 1 Wheat1138 qrs. 
 120   
SwedenBritiſh 16 Coals1212 chald.12 chald.
 2140Grindſtones1516
 Foreign 1 Lead2012 c. 0 qr.123 c. 3 qr.
 50White Glaſs11 38 2
   Flour Muſtard140 lb. 
   Ale10 gall. 
   Earthen Ware500 pieces200 pieces
   Velverets500 yards150 yards
   Col. Wool. Cloths1000900
Weſt India IſlandsBritiſh 7 Coals648 chald. 
1300Grindſtones2 
   Potatoes12 tons 
   White Glaſs46 c. 0 qr. 
   Cordage15 2 
   Biſcuit Bread160 0 
   Hams16 0 
   Flour of Muſtard56lb. 
   Wheat Flour448 qrs. 
   Port Wine146 gall. 
   Bricks41,000 
   Pantiles25,000 
NEWCASTLE IMPORTS in the Year 1776.
    Quantities in
Countries and Iſlands.No. of Ships.Tonnage.Species of Merchandiſe.Brit. BottomsForeign Bot.
Denmark and Norway.Britiſh 23 Common Deals668 hun. 1 qr.763 hun. 1 qr.
2290Battens23 370 3
 Foreign 42 Paling Boards3 140 1
 2876Middle Balks6 326 1
   Small Balks12 241 1
   Double Uffers1 113 0
   Single Uffers10 022 0
   Capravens5 1
   Small Spars3 07 3
   Pipe Staves10 0
   Handſpikes10 248 3
   Oars0 23 1
   Oak-knees for Wherries2 23 0
   Calf Skins in Hair2 0
   Axhelves2 23 1
   Boom Spars0 2
Denmark and Norway.  Spokes for Cart Wheels28 hun. 1 qr.
   Oak Boards0 1
   Oak Timber1 load 0 ft12 lds 15 ft
   Fir Timber364 23878 0
   Middle Maſts6104
   Small Maſts87184
   Wood Trays11/ [...]/ [...] Shock
   Wood Scoops9 doz.
   Goats Skins in the Hair10½½
   Bar Iron18 t. 9 c. 1 qr.18 tons 9 cwt.
   Kelp1 19 2 
   Stock Fiſh0 10 3 
   Carraway Seeds0 4 3 
   Tar51 laſts 3 bar.26 laſts 3 bar.
   Small Nuts14 barrels
   Ragſtones2300
FranceBritiſh 4 Brandy43 tons 
 700Lintſeed2694 buſh. 
   Apples64 
   Prunes45 cwt. 1 qr. 
   Tar4⅔ laſts 
French Fland.Britiſh 1 Sail Cloth75 ells 
 40   
GermanyBritiſh 20 Raw Dutch Linen Yarn1417 lb. 
 3640 
 Foreign 1 Smalts24,932 
 240White Peas252 qrs. 
   Sail-cloth32 ells 
   Oak Plank201 lds 46 ft 
   Fir Timber74 loads 18 ft
   Beech Plank2 35 
   Oak Timber10 15 
   Bottles Pyrmont Water8 doz. 
   Rheniſh Wine37 gall. 
   Clap Boards12 
   Barrel Boards5 hun. 3 qrs.
   Pipe and Hogſhead Staves30 hund.19 2
Germany  Barrel Staves22 hun. 0 qrs.128 hun. 0 qr.
   Kilderkin Staves17 2
   Firkin Staves30 010 0
   Oak-knees1 3 
   Great Maſts2 
   Horſes2 
Greenland SeasBritiſh 4 Whale and Seal Blubber  
1121243 tons 2 qrs 
   Whale Fins161 cwt. 3 qrs 
   Seal Skins538 
GuernſeyBritiſh 1 French Wine1 ton 2 qrs. 
 70   
HollandBritiſh 12910Old Iron3045 c. 2 qrs. 
 Rough Flax4516 2 
 Foreign 180Madder347 2 
  Clover Seed859 1 
   Sach. Saturnia5 2 
   Fenugreec Seed2 3 
   Broken Glaſs91 0 
   Old Cordage8 0 
   Steel Hemp0 3 
   Geneva1 ton 1 qr. 
   Rheniſh Wine2 1 
   Wainſcot Boards3415 inches 
   Lintſeed58 buſh. 
   Hempſeed13 
   Cheſnuts24 
   Ruffia Mats100 
   Wood Hoops1800 
   Millſtones3 
   Dogſtones1⅓ laſt 
   Bottles Seltzer Water15½ doz. 
   Cheſt of Wood ClocksVal. 5l. 
     
   Wheat109 qrs.
   Blue Paper10 reams 
   Sail-cloth58 ells 
   Pack-thread241 lb. 
   Mares6 
JamaicaBritiſh 1 Rum15,134 gall. 
 160   
JerſeyBritiſh 2 Currants55 cwt. 3 qrs. 
 110Cyder458 gall. 
   Wine253 
   Cows3 
PolandBritiſh 2 Hogſhead Staves9 hun. 0 qrs. 
 176Barrel Staves10 1 
   Common Deals1 0 
   Oak Plank165 loads 6 ft 
   Fir Timber11 46 
   Bar Iron58 cwt. 3 qrs. 
   Tree Nails4530 
PortugalBritiſh 7 Port Wine423 tons 
 650Cork2 cwt. 2 qrs. 
   Bacon Hams2 2 
   Dried Plumbs349 lb. 
   Onions560 bunches 
PruſſiaBritiſh 20 Rye2262 qrs. 
 4255Barley800 
   White Peas22 
   Common Deals44 hun. 3 qrs. 
   Clap Boards8 1 
   Pipe Staves43 1 
   Battens1 2 
   Barrel Staves17 0 
   Small Spars3 2 
   Oak-knees1 0 
   Fir Timber4347lds 5ft 
   Lathwood43 fathom 
   Anchor Stocks6 
   Great Maſts24 
   Middle Maſts5 
   Small Maſts10 
   Capravens24 
   Kegs Sturgeon12 
   Calf Skins in Hair4400 
   Rough Hemp17 cwt. 2 qrs. 
   Bar Iron19 1 
   Tallow22 0 
RuſſiaBritiſh 19 Bar Iron361 t. 5 c. 2 q. 
 2739Rough Hemp575 10 2 
   Tow1 11 2 
   Rough Flax138 5 0 
   Pearl Aſhes7 13 1 
   Refined Tallow1 19 0 
   Rope Tarr'd0 5 3 
   Wainſcots1 hun. 0 qrs 
   Clap Boards1 0 
   Pipe Staves5 0 
   Small Spars1 0 
   Common Deals151 1 
   Battens11 0 
   Handſpikes1 0 
   Drilling19 2 ells 
   Sail Cloth0 2 
   Linen22 2 
   Fir Timber80 loads 
   Lathwood4 fathoms 
   Tar120 laſts 
   Rye1115 qrs. 
   Capravens10 
   Empty Mats10,000 
SpainBritiſh 2 Wine61 tons 2 qrs. 
 190Olives5 gall. 
   Raiſins280 cwt. 1 qr. 
   Sweet Almonds0 2 
   Cork15 0 
   Grapes19 jars 
   Lemons5000 
SwedenBritiſh 10 Bar Iron562 t. 14 cwt.15 tons 8 cwt.
 950Tallow4 0 
 Foreign 1 Common Deals322 hun. 0 qr.9 hun. 0 qrs.
 40Battens6 0 
   Pipe Staves8 1
   Small Spars0 1 
   Oars0 2 
   Middle Maſts2
   Tar7 laſts 9 bar.
   Pitch0 6
   Wood Tubs10 doz. 

[473]COASTWISE 1766. Ships 4113.—Coals 350,803 chald.—Cinders 3716 chald.—Lead 6250 tons.

There are upon the river Tyne, five Glaſs Bottle Houſes, three Broad Glaſs Houſes, two Crown Houſes, two Flint Glaſs Manufactories, and one Plate Glaſs Houſe.

There are between 30 and 40 working Salt Pans.

The great Crowley Iron Manufactory at Swalwell employs three Ships, about 150 tons each, throughout the year, in carrying the produce to the port of London only, beſides their great vend at other places.

BERWICK IMPORTS in the year 1776.
No. of Ships.Species of Merchandiſe.Quantity in Britiſh Bottoms.
49Common Deals236 hund. 0 qrs.
 Battens68 2
 Middle Balks29 0
 Handſpikes17 0
 Paling Boards23 0
 Single Uffers2 0
 Small Balks3 2
 Firkin Staves6 0
 Fir Timber1236 loads
 Oak Timber4
 Bar Iron109 tons
 Rough Flax107 cwt.
 Clover Seed134
 Lintſeed935 buſhels
 Wainſcot Boards820 inches
FINIS.

Appendix A ITINERARY and INDEX. ADVERTISEMENT.

[]
  • WARK CASTLE Page 1
  • CARHAM Page 10
  • CORNHILL Page 11
    • An Account of the Battle of Flodden Field Page 12
  • FORD CASTLE Page 19
    • A large Plate of the Caſtle.
  • PALLINSBURN Page 21
  • ETAL
  • TILMOUTH Page 22
  • HETON
  • TWIZEL CASTLE Page 23
  • NORHAM Page 24
    • A ſmall Etching of an ancient Sculpture and Inſcription Page 25
    • A Plate of Norham Caſtle Page 28
  • BERWICK Page 41
    • Heads of the ancient Border Laws, notes Page 44
    • Conjectures on the Riſe of Boroughs, from the Manuſcripts of the late Roger Gale, Eſq notes Page 48
    • Account of the Battle of Bannockburn Page 60
    • the Battle of Hallydown Hill Page 69
    • the Entry of Margaret Queen of James the Fourth of Scotland, into and paſſage through this County Page 82
    • Repreſentatives in Parliament for this Borough, notes Page 91
    • Original Letters of Lord Marchmont on the Union, notes Page 102
  • HOLY ISLAND, anciently called Lindisfarn Page 105
    • A ſmall Plate of the Caſtle Page 106
    • A large Plate of the ſouth-eaſt Aſpect of the Remains of the Abbey Page 111
    • Succeſſion of Biſhops Page 113
    • A ſmall Plate of the north Aſpect of the Remains of the Abbey Page 137
  • HAGGERSTON Page 152
  • KYLOE
  • FENWICK AND BEAL
  • BELFORD
  • BAMBROUGH Page 153
  • EDERSTON
  • CASTLE OF BAMBROUGH Page 154
    • A large Plate of Bambrough
    • Ancient Song of the Laidly Worm of Spindleſton Heughs, notes Page 162
    • An ancient Inquiſition of the Rights of Bambrough, notes Page 168
  • THE FARN ISLANDS Page 179
  • ELLINGHAM Page 185
  • EMBLETON Page 186
  • ROCK Page 187
  • DUNSTANBOROUGH CASTLE
    • A ſmall Plate of the Remains of this Caſtle
  • CRAISTER Page 192
  • HOWICK
  • []ALNWICK Page 193
    • A large Plate of A [...] Caſtle, drawn and given to this Work by Mr Groſe.
    • A ſhort Account of the Percy Family Page 219
    • Manuſcripts of Roger Gale, Eſq—Lotter from Mr Gale to Sir John Clerk, and the Anſwer thereto Page 244
  • HULN ABBEY Page 248
  • ALNWICK ABBEY Page 252
    • A ſmall Plate of the Gateway Tower.
  • WARKWORTH Page 257
  • ALEMOUTH
  • THE CASTLE OF WARKWORTH
    • A large Plate of the Remains of Warkworth Caſtle.
  • THE HERMITAGE near Warkworth Page 262
    • A ſmall Plate of the [...]nt of the Cells
    • — of the Efigies on the Cenotaph Page 264
  • COQUET ISLAND Page 278
  • FELTON
  • BRINKBURN PRIORY Page 280
    • A ſmall Plate of the Remains of the Abbey.
  • NETHER WITTON Page 283
  • STANTON
  • LONG WITTON
  • BOLHAM Page 284
    • Gale's Manuſcripts.—Letter from Mr Warburton, notes.
  • MITFORD Page 285
    • A ſmall Plate of the Remains of the Caſtle
  • THE ABBEY OF NEWMINSTER Page 289
  • MOLESTON Page 292
  • MORPETH
    • Repreſentatives in Parliament for this Borough Page 293
  • BOTHALL Page 305
    • A ſmall Plate of the Caſtle Page 307
    • Plate of the Effigies in the Church.
  • SHIPWASH Page 314
  • CAMBOIS Page 315
  • ASHINGTON
  • NEWBIGGIN
  • CRESWELL Page 316
  • WIDDRINGTON CASTLE Page 317
  • CAUSEY PARK Page 318
  • LONGHORSLEY Page 319
  • COCKLE PARK TOWER
  • WHALTON Page 320
  • OGLE CASTLE
  • KIRKLEY Page 321
  • PONTELAND
  • WOLSINGTON Page 323
  • GOSFORD
  • BLAGDON Page 325
  • STANNINGTON
  • BEDLINGTON Page 326
  • BEBSIDE Page 327
  • NEWSHAM AND SOUTH BLITH
  • CRAMLINGTON Page 328
  • BEATON DELAVAL
    • A large Plate of the North Front Page 329
    • []A large Plate of the South Front Page 331
    • — of the Mauſoleum Page 333
    • — of Hartley Haven
  • FORD CASTLE deſcribed Page 334
    • A large Plate, a View of the Forge Page 337
  • EACHWICK Page 338
  • HARTLEY Page 339
  • SEGHILL
  • TYNEMOUTH Page 341
    • A large Plate of the ſouth-weſt Aſpect of the Remains of the Abbey
    • — of the north-weſt Aſpect Page 343
  • NORTH SHIELDS Page 356
  • WALL'S END Page 360
  • CARR VILLE
    • Gale's Manuſcripts.—Letter from Chriſtopher Hunter, Eſq M. D. to Mr. Gale. Page 361
  • LITTLE BENTON AND LONG BENTON Page 364
  • HEATON Page 365
  • BYKER Page 366
  • NEWCASTLE
    • Gale's Manuſcripts.—Letter from Chriſtopher Hunter, Eſq M. D. to Mr. Gale, and Anſwer thereto Page 367
    • Repreſentatives in Parliament for Newcaſtle Page 405
    • Table of Mayors and Sheriffs Page 410
    • Recorders Page 413
  • JESMOND Page 430
  • ELSWICK Page 431
  • FENHAM
  • BENWELL Page 432
  • HEDDON Page 439
  • NEWBURN Page 440
    • A General Review of the State of the County and its Trade Page 444
    • Knights of the Shire
    • Commiſſioners named 12 King Henry IV. Page 450
    • Sheriffs Page 451

Appendix B Order of the Plates.

[]
  • Engraved Title Page
  • Ford Caſtle to face Page 19
  • Lindisfarn Abbey Page 111
  • Bambrough Page 155
  • Alnwick Page 193
  • Warkworth Page 257
  • Tomb in Bothal Church Page 313
  • Scaton Delaval North Front Page 329
  • — South Front Page 331
  • Mauſoleum Page 333
  • Hartley Haven immediately following.
  • The Forge at Ford Caſtle Page 337
  • Tynemouth Abbey, S. W. Aſpect Page 341
  • — N. W. Aſpect Page 343

Appendix C ANCIENT CUSTOMS Which prevail in the COUNTY of NORTHUMBERLAND, WITH CONJECTURES THEREON.
[]ANCIENT CUSTOMS, &c.

[]

MANY ancient Cuſtoms prevail in this County, the familiarity or outward inſignificance of which occaſion them to paſs without much attention: but as they are the ſtrongeſt traditional memorials of antiquity, I thought them worth collecting, and preſent them to the Reader with ſome ſhort Conjectures on their origin, and the hiſtorical facts to which they have relation.

Mr Bryant's words are, ‘We talk indeed of ancient times, and times of Antiquity; but that time is moſt aged which has endured longeſt, and theſe are the moſt ancient days in which we are ourſelves converſant. We enjoy now an age of accumulated experience, and we are to make uſe of the helps which have been tranſmitted, to diſpel the miſt which has preceded.’ Letters have afforded the accumulation; before their uſe, the diſſolution of every ſtate was the diſſipation of its ſcience and wiſdom: arts and collective knowledge were deſtroyed with the empire in which they flouriſhed, and only a few ſcattered fragments and diſtracted ruins remained to ſave them from total oblivion. By letters we poſſeſs the wiſdom of all quarters of the earth; times which have preceded their uſe left us chiefly traditional fragments, ſcattered abroad in national cuſtoms, and provincial names and phraſes.

In the courſe of this Collection I ſhall remark whatever Mr Bourne, in his "Popular Antiquities," has noticed, with ſome of the illucidations and judicious conſtructions given by his late Editor, the Rev. Mr John Brand.

Appendix C.1 BABBA.

The common and moſt tender appellation of an infant is Babba. This name Mr Bryant, in his Analyſis of ancient Mythology, ſays, is derived from the exclamation made by the congregation during the ceremony of purification, by paſſing infants through the fire of Molock. Fire worſhip was uſed in this country, and in the Druidical rites ſuch ceremony might be retained; for they held many cuſtoms ſo ſimilar to thoſe of the Hebrews, that it ſtrengthens the idea greatly they were communicated by the Phoenecians, or introduced from Germany, where the Amonians moſt certainly were well known. The Saxons alſo introduced their cuſtoms; they were worſhippers of fire, and might hold ſuch office of purification.

Appendix C.2 GIFTS to INFANTS.

[4]

Children when [...]ſt ſent abroad in the arms of the nurſe to viſit a neighbour, are preſented with an egg, ſalt, and fine bread. The egg was a ſacred emblem, and ſeems a gift well adapted to infancy. Mr Bryant ſays, ‘An egg, containing in it the elements of life, was thought no improper emblem of the ark, in which were preſerved the rudiments of the future world: hence in the Dionuſiaca, and in other myſteries, one part of the nocturnal ceremony conſiſted in the conſecration of an egg. By this, as we are informed by Porphyry, was ſignified the world. It ſeems to have been a favourite ſymbol, and very ancient, and we find it adopted among many nations. It was ſaid by the Perſians of Oromaſdes, that he formed mankind and incloſed them in an egg.’ Cakes and Salt were uſed in religious rites by the ancients: The Jews probably adopted their appropriation from the Egyptians; ‘And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it ſhall be unleavened cakes of fine flour, &c. Lev. ii. 4. ‘With all thine offerings thou ſhalt offer ſalt. Ibid. 13. There was a cuſtom in the Romiſh church of making a cake in honour of the Holy Virgin's time of child-birth, which was condemned by a canon in the Council of Trullus.*

Appendix C.3 DOUBLING the THUMB.

Children, to avoid approaching danger, are taught to double the thumb within the hand. This was much practiſed whilſt the terrors of witchcraft remained; and even in the beginning of the preſent century, much of thoſe unhappy prejudices poſſeſſed the minds of the vulgar. It was a cuſtom to fold the thumbs of dead perſons within the hand, to prevent the power of evil ſpirits over the deceaſed; the thumb in that poſition forming the ſimilitude of the character in the Hebrew Alphabet, which is commonly uſed to denote the name of God.

Appendix C.4 NEW YEAR's DAY.

The celebration of New Year's Day is preſerved in this country as a rural feſtival. Gifts are made to children, ſervants, and dependants, called New Year's Gifts. Mr Bourne quotes what Stillingfleet ſays, ‘That among the Saxons of the northern nations, the feaſt of the New Year was obſerved with more than ordinary jollity;’ and, from Hoſpinian, ſays, ‘It was an ancient cuſtom of the Heathens, and afterwards practiſed by the Chriſtians.’ Servants were exempt from their labour, and partook of the feaſt and rural ſports with their maſters: they were preſented with tokens of approbation and favour. On certain feſtivals, the Romans gave pieces of money to travellers and ſtrangers who were preſent at the ſacrifice. On our day of feſtivity, mirth is excited by a ruſtic maſquerading and playing tricks in diſguiſe: the hide of the ox ſlain for the winter cheer, is often put on, and the [5] perſon thus attired, attempts to ſhew the character of the devil, by every horrible device in his power. All the winter ſports ſeem to expreſs a ſtrong opinion of the ancients, that Genii of very contrary natures prevailed on earth, that the one was conſtantly concomitant to light as the other was to darkneſs; and this image of the devil, which is frequently permitted to expel the inhabitants and take poſſeſſion of the houſe, is typical of the power of the evil genius, in the ſeaſon when the ſun is longeſt abſent from our hemiſphere. This correſponds with the lamentation uſed by thoſe who held the Eluſinian myſteries, and mourned for Adonis. It is very difficult to make any probable determination to what people we owe theſe cuſtoms. In the Roman Saturnalia and Sigillaria, this kind of frolicking was practiſed. Among the obſervations made by Mr Brand on Bourne's XIV Chap. he remarks, that there was an ancient cuſtom for young women to go about with a waffail bowl, that is, "a bowl of ſpiced ale," on New Year's Eve, with ſome ſort of verſes that were ſung by them in going from door to door. Waffail is derived from the Anglo Sax. [...] that is, "Be in health."

Appendix C.5 TWELFTH DAY.

The twelfth day after the day of our Saviour's birth is attended with great feſtivity. There are diverſions uſed in the ſouthern parts of England, which have not reached this northern county. The mirth of the day here conſiſts of feaſting and a ſocial intercourſe between neighbouring families. Mr Brand makes a happy quotation from Collier's Eccl. Hiſt. vol. I. p. 163, in his obſervations on Bourne's Chap. XVII. ‘In the days of King Aelfrid a law was made with relation to the holydays, by virtue of which the 12 days after the nativity of our Saviour were made feſtivals.’ So much as theſe feaſts have been decried, I cannot ſee them in the deſpicable light many modern authors have been pleaſed to place them. They were the occaſion of gathering neighbours together, in good humour with each other, and the means of keeping them on terms of intimacy: friendſhip and benevolence were thereby increaſed, and good offices multiplied: public matters at ſuch times were diſcuſſed and amicably determined; and thoſe happy effects reſulted which tended not only to the advantage of the individual, but to the good of ſociety at large. This age is refined into inſipidity: few of the old hoſpitable days return: ſociability is ſickened into unmeaning ceremony. In ancient times the bard was brought to the feſtive hall, to rehearſe the Excellencies of our anceſtors, to fire the breaſt with emulation, to inſpire noble and bounteous ſentiments, and lift us, through example, into an adoption of the character of thoſe heroes and men of honour from whom we were deſcended: then it was the genial ſpirit was rouſed, and benevolence prevailed. The name of friendſhip is retained in our language, and the real character is ſomewhere ſtill found to exiſt; but it is chiefly in middle life; the great and opulent in general have little experience of it: each apparently ſeparates himſelf from community, and is involved in his own circle. The diſtinguiſhing characteriſticks, which in former days purchaſed a man fortune and fame, are become intrinſic trifles, with which he [6] may amuſe himſelf, but purchaſe little patronage: the vice is contaminating, it is creeping into the vitals of lower life, and where the inſipidity will end is beyond modern magic to divine. What would be the conſequence, ſhould adverſe ages ever bring on exigences of ſtate? The old popular influence of the great no longer exiſting! the diſtances between ranks of men ſtill extending their ſeparation! The celebrated fable points out the politics which would prevail with the loweſt claſſes of men, ‘If we are only to be regarded for ſervility, it is indifferent to us to whom we are ſervants.’ There is nothing keeps this part of the ſtate within rule, but the fear of ſtill worſning the condition.

Appendix C.6 BLACK MAILE PAYMENT.

This cuſtomary collection of money, corn, and cattle, was taken away in conſequence of the acceſſion of King James I. There was a law indeed made in the 43d year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to reſtrain the Black Maile Payment, and correct the enormities from whence it aroſe; but whilſt the contentions between the nations continued it had little effect. This was a levy made within this county by the chieftains on the borders, for protections againſt the depredations made by the robbers and ſpoil-takers, afterwards called Moſs Troopers. The receivers were in league with the banditti.

Appendix C.7 HEAD PENCE PAYMENT.

This was an exaction made by the Sheriff of Northumberland, amounting to 40l. or more, twice in ſeven years. It was received for an exemption from attendance at the Sheriff's torn; and thereupon the Lords of Manors held their leet, where the ſuitors, for their greater convenience, were permitted to attend and make what in the law books is called their Suit Royal. This exaction was totally ſurpreſſed by the Statute made in the 23d year of King Hen. VI. c. 7.

I have noticed theſe two obſolete cuſtoms, becauſe not only their names, but alſo ſome memorials of them remain on the borders, and in the mountainous parts of the county.

Appendix C.8 CANDLEMAS DAY.

It is little noted in this county, but by name. Several religious rites were made peculiar to it in the Romiſh church. In the quotation of St Gregory's Letter, in the notes to p. 27 in the ſecond volume of the work, a reaſon is given for not aboliſhing the Pagan ceremonies, in countries where converſion was taking place; but it was commanded to adapt them to chriſtian ceremonies: and this ſeems to carry with it a ſtrong reaſon for the ſimilarity there was in many of the ceremonies of the chriſtian church in the firſt ages and the Pagan rites. Mr Brand, in his obſervations on Bourne's XIX chap. from [7] Bacon's Reliques of Rome, fo. 164, makes a quotation which informs us, that the Romans, in the ſervice of their God Mars, and his mother Februa, made proceſſions in the city of Rome with lighted torches; the remains of which cuſtom ſtill exiſting with the vulgar in the time of Pope Sergius: he commanded that it ſhould be converted into an holy office of the chriſtian church, and that the congregation on the ſame day made their approach to the high altar with lighted tapers, in honour of the Holy Virgin. Thoſe who ſigh for the ſanctity of the church in ſuch reviews of her ceremonies, muſt conſider this was done to conciliate the minds of thoſe long uſed in ſuch ſpectacles and ſolemn ſhews; and that an auſterity which ſhould at once have aboliſhed ſuch acts, to which almoſt every mind was prejudiced, would have greatly retarded, if not totally prevented the progreſs of converſion.

Appendix C.9 St AGNES' FAST.

It is not yet pointed out when or where this had its riſe. It is a faſt kept by women deſirous of dreaming of their lovers, and thence to derive propitious indications touching wedlock. It is the remains of the old ſuperſtition of divination; but why fixed to the day of St Agnes is not to be accounted for.

Appendix C.10 VALENTINE DAY

is an anniverſary day of divination by lots. It is a common ſaying, that birds on this day chooſe their mates. It may have relation to ſome domeſtic birds, and alſo rooks and pigeons. The cuſtom now is, that the names of young people are wrote on ſcrols of paper, and each draws one, confident that marriages are made in heaven, and in full hope the lot of life will be pointed out. What particular attention the allotted ſwain in former days was obliged to pay the fair one, to whoſe hands his name had fallen, I have not diſcovered. Mr Brand, in his obſervations on Bourne's XXth chap. quotes a paſſage in Moreſin to this purpoſe: ‘That at this feſtival, the men uſed to make the women preſents, as upon another occaſion the women uſed to do to the men; but that in Scotland on this day preſents were reciprocal.’ Mr Pennant ſpeaks of this cuſtom in Scotland, by which young people try prognoſtications of their future fortunes in the nuptial ſtate. The firſt inventor of this cuſtom muſt have been ſome benevolent female, who ſtudied to encourage the intercourſe of the ſexes; for by ſuch means intimacies might ariſe, productive of love and marriage engagements: or otherwiſe the firſt deſign of thoſe lots was, that thoſe who ſhared in the dances and diverſions, might have their proper partners aſſigned, without hazarding the confuſion and diſpleaſure which muſt neceſſarily ariſe in the liberty of choice.

There was a religious ſect of Valentinians, but I find no ceremony uſed by them or tenet they embraced, which could have any relation to theſe cuſtoms.

Appendix C.11 SHROVE TIDE.

[8]

It is particularly obſerved. Shrove is derived from Shrive, confeſſion; a preparation enjoined in the Romiſh church, previous to the duties of Lent. It was particularly preſcribed, that all offences ſhould be mutually forgiven, and reconciliation take place, before they entered upon the ſolemnities of Lent; and this was conſequently a day of mutual intercourſe and amity. In ſeveral ancient Roman Catholic families, the kitchen is opened, and every neighbour and paſſenger is permitted to enter and fry a pancake, for which the neceſſary proviſion is made ready. This ſeems to be derived from a cuſtom in the refectory of religious houſes, where the table was ſpread on this day for all pilgrims, travellers, and viſitants. In Newcaſtle, Durham, and other places, the great bell of the church is tolled, the ſervants have holyday, and whoever partakes of the pancakes of the day muſt fry them; a circumſtance which occaſions high kitchen mirth. In the keeping of the vigils of all ſolemn days, the ceremony began at noon. The ringing of the great bell at noon was a ſignal to clear the larder of fleſh meat, from which time its uſe was prohibited. In Mr Brand's Appendix to Bourne's Pop. Antiq. he ſays, ‘A kind of pancake feaſt preceding Lent was uſed in the Greek church, from whence probably we have borrowed it.’ One of the chief diverſions of the day is fighting of cocks. Moreſin ſays this was derived from the Athenians, who exhibited cock fightings on one day in each year, an inſtitution of Themiſtockley; and that thoſe of the Romiſh church derived the cuſtom on this day from thence. The inference is ridiculous. It was a general holyday, and this was one of the vulgar diſſipations, no otherwiſe peculiar to the ſeaſon, than that the animal was in good feather at this time of the year, and in condition for the greateſt exertion of powers.

Appendix C.12 ASH WEDNESDAY.

The name only remains, the peculiar cuſtoms are forgotten. Penitents expreſſed their humiliation by ſackcloth and aſhes. Fuller in his Church Hiſt. p. 222, mentions a cuſtom ‘Of giving aſhes on Aſh Wedneſday, to put in remembrance every chriſtian man in the beginning of Lent and Pennance, that he is but aſhes and earth, and thereto ſhall return.’ In the proteſtant church the commination or ſervice contains a public rehearſal of thoſe curſes which we find denounced in the ſcriptures, and which, with an impious arrogance, we interlard with an amen; (not with a petition for everſion) aſſuming a right of denunciation and judgment, when humiliation, contrition, and tears would better befit the congregation in the rehearſal of the very curſes by which the moſt of them probably ſtand condemned.

Appendix C.13 CARLING DAY.

The ſecond Sunday preceding Eaſter is called Carling Sunday. The peculiar cuſtom is the ſerving up parched peas to the table. This ſeems to be derived [9] from the ſeverities of the Romiſh church in the early ages, at this period in Lent, in their abſtinence and mortification uſing ſuch food. This was called Paſſion Sunday; and Mr Brand quotes Marſhall on the Saxon Goſpels, vol. I. p. 536, where it is ſaid, Care or Carr Sunday was not unknown to the Engliſh in his time. Mr Brand adds, It was uſual to give away beans in the dole at funerals, both with the Heathen and the people of the Romiſh church. They are uſed as a kind of mourning dole on this day. Eraſmus mentions an obſervation of Pliny's, concerning Pythagoras's Interdiction of the uſe of Beans, "that they contain the ſouls of the dead." Thence they were uſed in the Parentalia. Plutarch held, that pulſe was of the higheſt efficacy for invoking the manes. The adoption by Chriſtians can only be reconciled by the preceding arguments touching Heathen rites. The modern Greeks carry in funeral proceſſions parboiled wheat.

Appendix C.14 PALM SUNDAY.

On this day is ſtill retained the ancient uſage of dreſſing windows with ever-greens, &c. in commemoration of our Saviour's entry into Jeruſalem. It was the cuſtom of the ancient Chriſtian church to repreſent, by ſolemn ſhews, even the moſt tremendous occurrences in the hiſtory of our Saviour —a proceſſion with palms was uſed. In this country the buds of the ſaugh, which is one of the earlieſt marks of vegetation the trees of the climate ſhew, are gathered and adopted for branches of palm. Mr Bourne ſays, the branch of palm was uſed in the country near Jeruſalem as an emblem of victory. Our adoption of the ſaugh buds may ariſe from their being the firſt bloom the woods wear after winter is ſubdued, and might be uſed alſo typically, from their bearing teſtimony of renovation, as a ſacred emblem of victory over death.

Appendix C.15 EASTER DAY

is attended with ſeveral ſingular cuſtoms. The people riſe before the ſun, in hopes to ſee the great luminary aſcend the horizon, dancing for joy. This has been an innocent artifice to draw forth the vulgar to early devotion; and what could be more powerfully typical and figurative to ignorant minds that conceive few images of the reſurrection of our Lord, than that of a glorious and reſplendent ſun, riſing from a gilded horizon, diſpelling every gloom and ſhade, and diſpenſing light, beauty, and joy over the face of the earth. It was a ſeaſon and a ſpectacle, under the immediate impreſſions of which, well adapted and pathetic exhortations would take a deep root. The Druids and Saxons both had made it a chief object of worſhip, and the time of ſun riſing the chief ſeaſon for their religious rites and adorations; of theſe, ſtrong prejudices would remain with the vulgar. Bourne ſays, the ſalutation of the eaſtern church on this day was, "The Lord is riſen," and the uſual anſwer was, "The Lord is riſen indeed;" and no doubt they were peculiar to the morning.

[10]The children have dyed and gilded eggs given them, which are called Paſte Eggs, a ſuppoſed corruption of Paſche Eggs. Eggs were held by the Egyptians as a ſacred emblem of the renovation of mankind after the deluge. The Jews adopted it to ſuit the circumſtances of their hiſtory, as a type of their departure from the land of Egypt; and it was uſed in the Feaſt of the Paſſover as part of the furniture of the table with the paſchal lamb. The Chriſtians have certainly uſed it on this day, as retaining the elements of future life, for an emblem of the reſurrection. Mr Brand has many well choſen quotations on this ſubject, among which is a prayer extracted from the ritual of Pope Paul the Vth, made for the uſe of England, Ireland, and Scotland.

‘Bleſs, O Lord, we beſeech thee, this thy creature of eggs, that it may become a wholeſome ſuſtenance to thy faithful ſervants, eating it in thankfulneſs to thee, on account of the reſurrection of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who with thee,’ &c. &c.

He quotes from Dr Chandler's Travels in Aſia Minor a paſſage, in which it appears, thoſe of the Greek church on this day preſented coloured eggs. In Ruſſia there is the like cuſtom, which he ſhews in two quotations, one from the Abbè d' Auteroche, in his Journey to Siberia, and the other from Hakluyt's Voyage 1589. But from all the quotations no determination is drawn why the painted Eggs were uſed on this day peculiarly, and eſpecially being no part of the day's repaſt. The field of conjecture is open and at large to every one. It ſeems as if the Egg was thus decorated for a religious trophy after the days of mortification and abſtinence were over, and feſtivity had taken place; and as an emblem of the renovation of life, certified to us by the reſurrection from the regions of death and the grave.

Mr Brand, p. 252, gives us the following note: Eraſmus ſpeaking of the proverb, Mea eſt Pila, that is, I have got the ball, tells us that it ſignifies I have obtained the victory, I am maſter of my wiſhes.’ The Romaniſts certainly erected a ſtandard on Eaſter Day in token of our Lord's victory; but it would perhaps be indulging fancy too far to ſuppoſe that the Biſhops and Governors of churches, who uſed to condeſcend to play at hand ball at this time, did it in a myſtical way, and with reference to the triumphal joy of the ſeaſon. Certain it is, however, that many of their cuſtoms and ſuperſtitions are founded on ſtill more trivial circumſtances than even this imaginary analogy.

It was an ancient cuſtom for the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff of Newcaſtle, accompanied with great numbers of the Burgeſſes to go every year at the feaſts of Eaſter and Whitſuntide to the Forth, the little mall of the town, with the maces, ſword, and cap of maintenance carried before them. The young people of the town ſtill aſſemble there, at this ſeaſon particularly, play at hand ball, dance, &c. but are no longer countenanced in their innocent feſtivity by the preſence of their Governors, who no doubt in ancient times [11] uſed to unbend the brow of authority, and partake with their happy and contented people, the puerile pleaſures of the feſtive ſeaſon.

It was alſo uſual among the ſports of the day to have foot courſes, &c. the prize being a tanſey cake. It has been alledged, that the uſe of tanſey was adopted from the Jewiſh meſs of bitter herbs at this ſeaſon. A diſcuſſion of this practice of the Jews would be too tedious in this place, and articles of mortification ſeem not to correſpond with the univerſal feſtivity of the time; I rather conceive that the prizes were the ancient ſweet bread, concerning the uſe of which I ſhall have occaſion to make ſome remarks in the ſequel, and that tanſey was uſed for its flavour and ſalubrity only.

Mr Brand quotes Durand Lib. 6. c. 86. 9. for a very ſingular and unreaſonable cuſtom, ‘That on Eaſter Day wives uſed to beat their huſbands, and on the day following huſbands their wives:" and he adds, "There is a cuſtom ſtill retained at the city of Durham on theſe holydays, on one day the men take off the women's ſhoes, which are only to be redeemed by a preſent, and on another day the women take off the men's in like manner.’ This cuſtom is not a peculiarity of the city of Durham only, but extends into other parts of that county, as well as Northumberland. As it ſeems to be the remains of ſome religious ceremony, if peculiar to the cathedral it would probably travel with the See from Lindisfarn by Cheſter to Durham, and its remains would be found ſcattered through this paſſage. In Lancaſhire the cuſtom of the day is to lift the paſſenger from the ground: this ſhews of itſelf of what it is emblematical. But our cuſtom leaves us wide and indeterminate conjectures. In the cathedral of Durham there was a cuſtom on Good Friday for the Monks to approach the high altar, then decorated with all the ſolemn emblems of that tremendous day, on their knees, being bare footed. On Eaſter Day they made a ſolemn proceſſion, when all the ſpectators pulled off their ſhoes, as treading on holy ground. King Canute approached the ſhrine of St. Cuthbert from Garmondſway, the diſtance of five miles, with all his retinue and attendants bare-footed; when he gave great territories and donations to that church. Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 331. Theſe are the moſt memorable circumſtances I have been able to collect. Preparatory to the paſſover, our Saviour waſhed the feet of the Diſciples; after which he gave them this ordonance: "For I have given you an example, that you ſhould do as I have done to you." The Monks of Durham are ſaid to have waſhed the feet of the poor, within the cloiſter, in commemoration of our Saviour's act. In the ages immediately ſucceeding the converſion of the Britons, an inveterate hatred and contempt was ſhewn to all Jews, who by ſhipwreck or other caſualty came among them; even to a greater bitterneſs the averſion was carried, than againſt the unconverted Heathen. The order of the paſſover ceremonies, as ſet forth in the 12th chapter of Exodus, enjoins the Jews to have their ſhoes upon their feet: perhaps in contradiſtinction, or in reproach of the Jews, the ſhoes of paſſengers are pulled off.

Appendix C.16 SWEET BREAD.

[12]

I intimated in the preceding pages, an intention of remarking the Sweet Bread uſed in religious rites. Small loaves of bread, peculiar in their form, being long and ſharp at both ends, are called Buns. This name takes place where old religious ceremonies have been ſolemnized, derived from the conſecrated ſweet bread, which was offered on high feſtivals. It is of the higheſt antiquity; according to Mr Bryant, ‘the offerings which people in ancient times uſed to preſent to the Gods, were generally purchaſed at the entrance of the temple; eſpecially every ſpecies of conſecrated bread, which was denominated accordingly. One ſpecies of ſacred bread which uſed to be offered to the Gods, was of great antiquity, and called Boun. The Greeks who changed the Nu final into a ſigma, expreſſed it in the nominative [...], but in the accuſative more truly Boun, [...]. Heſychius ſpeaks of the Boun, and deſcribes it a kind of cake with a repreſentation of two horns. Julius Pollux mentions it after the ſame manner, a ſort of cake with horns. Diogenes Laertius, ſpeaking of the ſame offering being made by Empedocles, deſcribes the chief ingredients of which it was compoſed: "He offered up one of the ſacred liba, called a Boun, which was made of fine flour and honey. It is ſaid of Cecrops, he firſt offered up this ſort of ſweet bread. Hence we may judge of the antiquity of the cuſtom, from the times to which Cecrops is referred. The prophet Jeremiah takes notice of this kind of offering, when he is ſpeaking of the Jewiſh women at Pathros in Egypt, and of their baſe idolatry; in all which their huſbands had encouraged them; the women in their expoſtulation upon his rebuke tell him, Did we make her cakes to worſhip her? &c. Jer. xliv. 18, 19. lb. vii. 18.’ Bryant's Analyſis, vol. I. p. 297. The ſacred cakes which were offered at the Arkite temples were ſtyled Boun, and were preſented upon every ſeventh day. Bryant, vol. II. The cuſtom of hot Croſs Buns in London, on the morning of Good Friday, ſeems to have relation to theſe ancient practices: We only retain the name and form of the Boun; the ſacred uſes are no more.

Appendix C.17 HAGMANA.

The Rev. Mr Lambe, Vicar of Norham, Editor of the poem of Flodden Fight, in his ingenious notes thereto, ſays, ‘We may find in the North the traces of ſome words left us by the Romans: For example; the month of of December is called Hagmana, derived from the Greek Hagia mene, the holy moon.’

Appendix C.18 ISCA.

‘When the Shepherds call their Dogs, it is uſual with them to cry Iſca, Iſca; which is evidently an abbreviation of Lyciſca, the name of the Roman Shepherd Dog.’—Multum latrante Lyciſca. Virg. Ecl. 3.

Appendix C.19 HOCK-TIDE.

[13]

Hock-days Þucx-daeg Dies irriſorius, a time of ſcorning or triumphing: a feſtival of the common people held ſoon after Eaſter. The ſervants had liberty of divers ſports and diverſions, and in compenſation for the loſs of time in their ſervice, the maſters were intitled to a gratuity. It was held in commemoration of the day on which the Danes were maſſacred, A. D. 1002; and ſuch were the licentious enormities committed therein, the ſervants deeming themſelves, during this feſtival, under no law of ſubordination, that it was prohibited by the church in the fifteenth century, under pain of excommunication. The remains of this feſtival ſeem to be retained in our fools day, the 1ſt of April, when all ſorts of ridiculous tricks are practiced to render the perſon you meet with a ſcoff and jeſt: it may be preſumed the perſons who, from their connections and intercourſe with the Danes, lamented the horrid ſlaughter were thus ſcoffed and ridiculed; and thoſe who were ignorant of the event, ſent on fruitleſs errands to their dying friends, weltering in gore. Such was the ſavage barbarity of the times, and the ferocity of our progenitors. Theſe errands are called Sleveleſs Errands, which Skinner conſtrues Lifeleſs Errands.

Appendix C.20 MAY-DAY.

It ſtill retains ſome of its ancient ſports. The young people of both ſexes go out early in the morning of the 1ſt day of May, to gather the flowering thorns and the dew of the graſs, which they bring home with muſic and acclamations; and having dreſſed a poll on the town-green with garlands, dance around it. The dew was conſidered as a grand coſmetick, and preſerved the face from wrinkles, blotches, and the traces of old age: the happieſt gift Flora could beſtow on her votaries. It ſeems from theſe remains, that this feſtival was introduced by the Romans, who obſerved it in honour of Flora. What particular rites originally attended it with that people we ſhall not enquire: at preſent it is celebrated only with mirth, innocence, and love. The Druids, who were the prieſts of the God of nature, and celebrated every remarkable period in the change of ſeaſons, left a memorial of their religious rites on this day, very different from thoſe inſtituted in honour of the notorious divinity Flora; that is, a Bel-tein rural ſacrifice. It is to be traced in the mountainous and uncultivated parts of Cumberland, among the Cheviots, and in many parts of Scotland. Mr Pennant gives a particular deſcription in his Tour in Scotland: ‘On the firſt of May, in the Highlands of Scotland, the herdſmen of every village hold their Beltein: they cut a ſquare trench in the ground, leaving the turf in the middle: on that they make a fire of wood, on which they dreſs a large caudle of eggs, butter, oatmeal, and milk, and bring, beſides the ingredients of the caudle, plenty of beer and whiſky; for each of the company muſt contribute ſomething. The rites begin with ſpilling ſome of the caudle on the ground, by way of libation; [14] on that every one takes a cake of oatmeal, upon which are raiſed nine ſquare knobs, each dedicated to ſome particular being, the ſuppoſed preſerver of their flocks and herds, or to ſome particular animal, the [...]al deſtroyer of them; each perſon then turns his face to the fire, breaks off a knob, and flinging it over his ſhoulder, ſays, this I give to thee, preſerve thou my horſes; this to thee, preſerve thou my ſheep, and ſo on. After that they uſe the ſame ceremony to the noxious animals: this I give to thee, O fox! ſpare thou my lambs: this to thee, O hooded crow! this to thee, eagle! when the ceremony is over, they dine on the caudle,’ &c.

We retain ſomething of this kind in the ſyllabub, prepared for the May feaſt, which is made of warm milk from the cow, ſweet cake, and wine; and a kind of divination is practiſed, by fiſhing with a ladle for a wedding ring, which is dropt into it for the purpoſe of prognoſticating who ſhall be firſt married.

Mr Brand, in his Obſervations on Bourne's XXV chap. makes ſeveral quotations from a pamphlet, intitled, "The way to things by words, and to words by things." He ſays, ‘We gather from him that our anceſtors hold an anniverſary aſſembly on May-day; the Column of May (whence our May Pole) was the great ſtandard of juſtice in the Ey-commons or fields of May. Here it was that people, if they ſaw cauſe, depoſed or puniſhed their Governors, their Barons, their Kings. The garland or crown when hung on the top of the May or Pole, was the great ſignal for convening the people. This was one of the ancienteſt cuſtoms, which from the remoteſt ages, has been by repetition from year to year perpetuated.’ ‘It was conſidered as the boundary day that divided the confines of winter and ſummer, alluſively to which, there was inſtituted a ſportful war between two parties; the one in defence of the continuance of winter, the other for bringing in the ſummer. The youth were divided into troops, the one in winter livery, the other in the gay habit of the ſpring. The mock battle was always fought booty, the ſpring was ſure to obtain the victory, which they celebrated by carrying triumphally green branches with May flowers, proclaiming and ſinging the ſong of joy, of which the burthen was in theſe or equivalent terms.’

"We have brought the ſummer home."

Appendix C.21 PAROCHIAL PERAMBULATION

was a practice introduced by and adopted from the Romans, who held an annual feaſt of Terminalia; they were ſingularly obſervant of the bounds of their property, and there, as the moſt ſolemn mode of diſtinction, made their places of ſepulchre, and erected altars. In later ages, the companies who went on the perambulation were attended by the pariſh prieſt, and at every boundary mark, which was diſtinguiſhed by a ſtone croſs, a prayer was put up for a fruitful ſeaſon, and protection againſt the evils of peſtilence and dearth. This cuſtom and prayer have lately been diſuſed, ſince we grew afraid of appearing religious, leaſt we ſhould be accuſed of having ſuperſtition.

Appendix C.22 MIDSUMMER.

[15]

The ceremonies of the eve and day of Midſummer were various, and worthy attention. In all theſe feſtivals, it was the cuſtom to keep the wake, as it was called, or watch, 'till after midnight, and to begin the ſports and ceremonies of the day in the firſt hour of the morning.

The ſummer [...]o [...]tice was the grand feſtival and jubilee of the Druids, and all thoſe who retained any of the Amonian rites, of which we trace ſeveral in the religious ceremonies of the Saxons. This day was celebrated with peculiar magnificence and ſolemnity, when the adored luminary was at his greateſt altitude. It has been alledged by ſome, that the Eluſinian rites, in celebrating the return of Proſerpine, gave part of the ceremony of this day; and that the uſe of garlands is derived from the cuſtom of the initiated in the Eluſinian miſteries, being crowned with flowers.

It is uſual to raiſe fires on the tops of high hills and in the villages, and ſport and dance around them; this is of very remote antiquity, and the firſt cauſe loſt in the diſtance of time. Many reaſons have been aſſigned in different periods. Bourne quotes a paſſage of Durand to the following purport, ‘In ancient times the dragons, being incited to luſt through the heat of the ſeaſon, did frequently as they flew through the air, ſpertmatize in the wells and fountains; by this means the water became infected, and the air polluted, ſo that whoever drank the waters was either tormented with a grievous diſtemper, or loſt his life. As ſoon as the phyſicians perceived this, they ordered fires to be made every where about the wells and fountains, and thoſe things which occaſioned the noiſomeſt ſmell to be burnt, knowing that thereby the dragons would be driven away: and foraſmuch as this cuſtom was obſerved about the time we now celebrate St John Baptiſt's feaſt, it is therefore ſtill obſerved among ſome people.’ In this enigmatical and miſterious account we plainly trace, the fires were originally kindled for ſacred rites and ſacrifice, in order to avert the horrors of peſtilence, which in early ages frequently attended the advancing heat of ſummer, in a country covered with foreſts and ſwamps, whoſe reſpiration and exhalations brought on various diſtempers, of which Epilepſies was one of the moſt general; to prevent which, the darkneſs of thoſe times had received few diſcoveries of medicine. In Scotland they uſed to run about the mountains and higher grounds with lighted torches, like the Sicilian women of old in ſcarch of Proſerpine.— The propheteſſes in Mona, at the approach of the Romans, ran about with diſhevelled hair in a frantic mode with lighted torches, performing various rites to execrate the enemy. It was a cuſtom not many years ago in this county, for the villagers to run with burning firebrands round their fields, and then in a forcible manner taking the aſhes from ſome neighbouring fire, they uſed to exclaim, "We have won the flower (alias flour) of the wake." Moreſin conceives we trace the ancient Cerealia in this ceremony. It is not [16] to be wondered, that the Druid rites ſhould in courſe of time be mixed with the Roman. Mr Borlace, ſpeaking of this cuſtom in Wales, ſays, ‘He takes it to be the remains of the Druid ſuperſtition.’ Moreſin is of opinion, the cuſtom of leaping over the fires is a veſtige of the ordeal, and thoſe performing theſe feats were ſhewing tokens of innocence and virtue, by being neither burnt or ſullied. The act of leaping through the flames was certainly a religious one, and was meant as a kind of purification, and not merely a ſport and diſplay of agility. Mr Pennant mentions another remarkable cuſtom in Scotland, of which he was an eye witneſs: they take the new baptized infant, and wave it three or four times gently over a flame, ſaying thrice, "Let the fire conſume thee now or never:" this ſeems to be the direct act of purification in paſſing the fire of Molock. Like other heatheniſh cuſtoms appropriated to feſtivals of the chriſtian church, theſe are adopted on the day of St John, or rather uſed on the ſame anniverſary, and the name of that Saint aſſumed to give them new ſanctity. Mr Brand quotes ſeveral paſſages from Gebelin's Allegories Orientales: ‘Can one (ſays he) overlook here the St John fires, kindled about midnight, on the very moment of the ſolſtice, by the greateſt part both of ancient and modern nations? A religious ceremony, which goes backward thus to the moſt remote antiquity, and which was obſerved for the proſperity of States, and to diſpel every kind of evil.’ Divinations were alſo uſed on the vigil of this day: ‘Men and women were accuſtomed to gather together in the evening by the ſea ſide, or in ſome certain houſes, and there adorn a girl, who was her parent's firſt begotten child, after the manner of a bride. Then they feaſted, and leaped after the manner of bacchanals, and danced and ſhouted as they were wont to do on their holidays; after this they poured into a narrow necked veſſel, ſome of the ſea water, and put alſo into it certain things belonging to each of them; then, as if the devil gifted the girl with the faculty of telling future things, they would enquire with a loud voice, about the good or evil fortune that ſhould attend them; upon this the girl would take out of the veſſel the firſt thing that came to hand, and ſhew it and give it to the owner, who, upon receiving it, was ſo fooliſh as to imagine himſelf wiſer, as to the good or evil fortune that ſhould attend him.’ Bourne, p. 226.

Another cuſtom uſed on this day, is to dreſs out ſtools with a cuſhion of flowers. A lair of clay is placed on the ſtool, and therein is ſtuck, with great regularity, an arrangement of all kinds of flowers, ſo cloſe as to form a beautiful cuſhion: theſe are exhibited at the doors of houſes in the villages, and at the ends of ſtreets and croſs lanes of larger towns, where the attendants beg money from paſſengers, to enable them to have an evening feaſt and dancing. This cuſtom is evidently derived from the Ludi Compitalii of the Romans: this appellation was taken from the Compita or croſs lanes, where they were inſtituted and celebrated by the multitude aſſembled before the building of Rome. Servius Tullius revived this feſtival after it had been neglected for many years. It was the feaſt of the Lares or houſhold Gods, who preſided as [17] well over houſes as ſtreets. This mode of adorning the ſeat or couch of the Lares was beautiful, and the idea of repoſing them on aromatic flowers and beds of roſes was excellent. The chief port of the ceremonies and ſolemnities of this feaſt uſed by the Romans, as we are told by the Poets and Hiſtorians, was exhibiting the houſhold Gods, crowning and adorning them with chaplets and garlands of flowers, and offering ſacrifices up and down the ſtreets. The Britiſh remains of the ceremony are more refined—that of repoſing them on thoſe delicious beds. Suetonius tells us, that Auguſtus ordered the Lares to be crowned twice a year. We are not told there was any cuſtom among the Romans, of ſtrangers or paſſengers offering gifts. Our modern uſage of all theſe old cuſtoms terminates in ſeeking to gain money for a merry night.

Appendix C.23 SHEEP-SHEARING.

The Sheep-ſhearing feſtival retains nothing ſingular, and is too well known to require any animadverſions.

Appendix C.24 The WAKE.

The Country Wake or Feaſt Day, called in ſome places the Hopping, is the ancient Feaſt of Dedication. Vide notes, vol. II. p. 26.

Appendix C.25 MELL SUPPER.

After harveſt the Heathens are ſaid to have ſacrificed to the Deity Vacina or Vacuna, who was ſuppoſed to preſide over Reſt and Eaſe. It is now a cuſtom on the laſt day of reaping, to dreſs up an image of the corn, and bear it home in triumph, which is called the Kern (properly Corn) Baby. In ſome places I have ſeen an image apparelled in great finery, crowned with flowers, a ſheaf of corn placed under her arm, and a ſcycle in her hand, carried out of the village on the morning of the concluſive reaping day, with muſic and much clamour of the reapers into the field, where it ſtands fixed on a poll all day, and when the reaping is done, is brought home in like manner: This they call the Harveſt Queen, and repreſents the Roman Ceres. The ſervants having performed the moſt valuable part of their labour, are entertained by their maſters, when all diſtinction is laid aſide. This feaſt is called the Mell-Supper, at which there are dancing, maſquing, and diſguiſing, and all other kinds of rural mirth. The name of this ſupper is derived from the rites of Ceres, when an offering of the firſt-fruits was made; the word Melle being a provincial word, and ſignifies in this country mingled; implying that the cakes uſed at this feſtival are mingled or made of new corn, and that it is the feaſt of the firſt mingling of flour of the new reaped wheat. The Romans held a ſolemn day after harveſt, dedicated to Ceres and Ops, the accuſtomed victim a boar: but we cannot from any part of the above rural feaſt gather the leaſt Roman remains, ſave only the ſeaſon and the image of the Goddeſs. The rejoicing after harveſt may have an origin as high in antiquity as reaping itſelf: The firſt inſtance we read of is in the 4th chapter of Geneſis, ver. 3, 4.

Appendix C.26 SEMESLINS.

[18]

We have a kind of cake mixed with fruit, called Semeſlins. The Romans prepared ſweet bread for their feaſts held at ſeed time, when they invoked the Gods for a proſperous year. In Lancaſhire they are called Semens. We have the old French word ſtill in uſe in heraldry, ſemèe, deſcriptive of being ſown or ſcattered.

Many Cuſtoms are retained in Winter.

Appendix C.27 ALLHALLOW MASS.

The 1ſt day of November ſeems to retain the celebration of a feſtival to Pomona, when it is ſuppoſed the ſummer ſtores are opened on the approach of winter. Divinations and conſulting of omens attended all thoſe ceremonies, in the practice of the Heathen: Hence in the rural ſacrifice of Nuts, propitious omens are ſought touching Matrimony; if the Nuts lie ſtill and burn together, it prognoſticates a happy marriage or a hopeful love; if on the contrary they bounce and fly aſunder, the ſign is impropitious. I do not doubt but the Scotch fires kindled on this day, anciently burnt for this rural ſacrifice.

Appendix C.28 MARTINMAS

has no peculiar celebration now remaining: We are told by Moreſin, that the Heathen held the feſtival of Bacchus at this ſeaſon; and without remembering the jolly God, the jovial ſervice long remained in the northern counties. Within half a century it was held as a ſeaſon of great mirth and jollity.

Appendix C.29 CHRISTMAS

has ſtill many peculiar cuſtoms: The Saltatio Armata, the Pyrrhick or Military Dance of the Romans, is ſtill preſerved; men dreſſed out with ribbands perform a Sword Dance, and gather gifts for a merry night.

Others, in the ſame kind of gay attire, draw about a Plough, called the Stot Plough, and when they receive a gift, make the exclamation, Largeſs! but if not requited at any houſe for their appearance, they draw the plough through the pavement, and raiſe the ground of the front in furrows. I have ſeen 20 men in the yoke of one plough.

Theſe are perfect remains of Roman cuſtoms: Mr Brand quotes the following paſſage, ‘Aratrum inducere moris fuit Romanis, cum urbem aliquam evertiſſent, ut eam funditus delerent,’ Vocab. utriuſque juris a Scot. J. C. in Verb. Aratrum. It may have been practiſed by the Romans in commemoration of the founding of Rome, or ſome cities in Britain.

"Interea Aeneas urbem deſignat aratro."

Virgil Aeneides, lib. 5. p. 261. l. 755.

[19] ‘Quem Cato in originibus dicat morem fuiſſe condituri enim civitates, taurum in dextra, vaccam in ſiniſtra jungebant; et cincti ritu ſabino, id eſt togae parte capitis velati, parte ſuccincti, tenebant ſtivam obliquam, ut glebae omnes intrinſecus caderent, et ita ſulco ducto loca deſignabant murum, aratrum ſuſpendentes circa loca portarum. Unde & territorium dictum eſt, quaſi tritorium, tritum bubus et aratro.’

The Stot Plough has been conceived by ſome to have no other derivation, than a mere rural triumph, the plough having ceaſed from its labour.

Appendix C.30 YULE CLOG.

On the eve of the Nativity, the peaſants place upon the fire a large piece of wood, called a Yule Clog; ſome have looked upon this as a rural ſacrifice, the beaſt being ſtalled, there is no further uſe for the tether clog, by which he was prevented ſtraying in the ſummer from his paſture. It has had a more diſtant implication, and intended to keep up the wake, and drive away malevolent ſpirits, and ſpirits of darkneſs. The Druids held a ſolemn feſtival at this time, and fires were lighted to fill up the ſpace between the laſt night and firſt morning of the year, that the evil genius might not prevail. The Eluſinian myſteries were typical of the renewing year; and the howlings and lamentations made in the hours of darkneſs for the loſs of Adonis, were like our ſolemn wake over the yule clog, which was to baniſh the ſpirits of darkneſs whilſt the ſun was in his deepeſt receſs. In thoſe rites, the return of Adonis, or the ſun, was repreſented by the approach of a Prieſt with a lighted torch, thereby diſpelling the horrid darkneſs, in which the prevalency of the evil genius was deſcribed by horrid noiſes, and all the dreadful ſpectacles ingenuity could deviſe, to ſecure the ſuperſtition of the aſſembly. Among all nations there has appeared a prevalent ſuperſtition touching good and evil ſpirits, one ſuperintending the hours of light, the others darkneſs; one the guides of man's rectitude and virtues, the other his malevolence and vice.

On the word Yule or Gule, there have been innumerable controverſies with the learned, from whoſe arguments I am induced to believe it is a word derived from the old Britiſh language, and implies a Feſtival; and thence that Yule Clog expreſſes the feſtive fuel.

The Yule Baby was a ſweetmeat image given to children, in commemoration of our Saviour's nativity.

The windows are dreſſed with evergreens, as typical of our Saviour, who was called the Branch of Righteouſneſs, that liveth for ever: alſo as memorials of his promiſes, and our victory over death.

Appendix C.31 CHRISTMAS BOX.

[20]

Gifts to ſervants and mechanics, for their good ſervices in the labouring part of the year. The paganalia of the Romans, inſtituted by Servius Tullius, were celebrated in the beginning of the year: an altar was erected in each village, where all perſons gave money. This was a mode originally deviſed for gaining the number of inhabitants.

Appendix C.32 The DEAD.

Cuſtoms attending Death and Funerals are well known, and their origin of no very diſtant antiquity; ſo that I will avoid a ſubject ſo peculiarly melancholy and affecting, ſave only the Arvel Dinner.

On the deceaſe of any perſon poſſeſſed of valuable effects, the friends and neighbours of the family are invited to a dinner on the day of interment, which is called an Arthel or Arvel Dinner. Arthel is a Britiſh word, and is frequently more correctly written Arddelw. In Wales it is written Arddel, and ſignifies, according to Dr. Daviſe's Dictionary, Aſſerere, to avouch. This cuſtom ſeems of very diſtant antiquity, and was a ſolemn feſtival made at the time of publicly expoſing the corps, to exculpate the heir, and thoſe intitled to the poſſeſſions of the deceaſed, from fines and mulcts to the Lord of the Manor, and from all accuſation of having uſed violence; ſo that the perſons then convoked might avouch, that the perſon died fairly, and without ſuffering any perſonal injury. The Dead were thus exhibited by ancient nations, and perhaps the cuſtom was introduced here by the Romans.

FINIS.
Notes
*
Werke Caſtel on the ſouthe ſyd of Twede. A praty towne there.—Lel. Itin. v. 7. p. 54.
*
Theſe mounds have a trench croſs the crown of each.
This is an error in the Hiſtorian, the places are diſtinct, and ſeparate a conſiderable diſtance.
*
Ordericus Vitalis.—L. 13. p. 912.
Richard of Hexham, John of Hexham.—Redpath's Border Hiſtory.

Walter D'Eſpec had great eſtates in Yorkſhire, and was founder of the Abbey of Rievalle, which he filled with Monks from St. Barnard. The ſcite of this abbey is by ancient writers deſcribed to be melancholy and deſert, on a tract of land called Blackowmor, on the banks of the river Rie, from whence the monaſtery had the name of Rievalle. Rie empties itſelf into Derwent. The abbey, of which there are fine remains to this day, ſtands near Helmſley, in Yorkſhire. We find a particular deſcription of Walter D'Eſpec given by Ethelred or Ailred, ſecond Abbot of Rievalle, an elegant and ſpirited writer, in his Hiſtory of the Battle of the Standard. He is there repreſented as a perſon of the firſt eminence and eſteem in the Engliſh army, haranguing them before the battle from the carriage in which the famous ſtandard was erected. ‘Vir ſenex et plenus Dierum, acer ingenio, in Conſiliis prudens, in Bello Amicitiam Sociis, fidem ſemper Regibus ſervans. Erat ei ſtatura ingens, membra omnia tantae magnitudinis, ut nec modum excederent, et tantae proceritati congruerent. Capilli nigri, barba prolixa, frons patens et libera, oculi grandes et perſpicaces, facies ampliſſima, tracticia tamen, vox tubae ſimilis, facundiam quae ei facilis erat, quadam ſoni majeſtate componens.’ Dec. Scr.

An account of the diſpoſitions made by both armies before the battle known by the name of Bellum Standardi, as collected from Hiſtorians of character, may not be diſagreeable to the reader in this place, though not pertinent to this work.

This expedition of David's was unfortunate to the Scotch: they were joined by Euſtace Fitz-John Lord of Alnwick, who reſented Stephen's taking from him Bambrough, and who hoped to have regained that fortreſs by the arms of the Scottiſh King. The caſtle ſuſtained the aſſault of the whole army, and remained impregnable. David with fire and ſword laid waſte the country to Durham, where he was joined by the men of Galloway, Cumberland, and Carliſle, augmenting his army ſo, that it conſiſted of 26,000 men at the leaſt. He was oppoſed near Northallerton by a much ſmaller number, chiefly conſiſting of the nobles and men of Yorkſhire, headed by their Archbiſhop Thurſton, whoſe preſence animated them to the higheſt pitch of bravery. The maſt of a ſhip, having on its top a croſs, wherein was the conſecrated hoſt in a ſilver pix, and the banners of St. Peter, St. John of Beverley, and St. Wilfrid of Ripon waving below it, was erected on the beam of a vaſt chariot. Around this ſtandard, and ſome of them upon the carriage on which it ſtood, were placed the more aged of the Engliſh Barons, and with theſe Roger de Moubrai the infant Earl of Northumberland. Roger was the ſon of Negel de Albanei, [4]who at the battle of Tinchebrai, in Normandy, took Duke Robert priſoner; for which and other great ſervices, King Henry rewarded him by a gift of the lands of Robert de Moubrai Earl of Northumberland, which had been forfeited on account of his rebellion againſt William Rufus. His preſence drew around him all his vaſſals, who made no inconſiderable part of the Engliſh army. Immediately before the battle, Ralph Biſhop of the Orkneys, deputed by the aged and infirm Thurſtan, having aſſured the army that by fighting bravely they would purchaſe the remiſſion of their ſins, did, on receiving their confeſſions, actually pronounce their abſolution, joining to it his benediction; at the ſame time the prieſts in their white veſtments carrying croſſes and relics, went among the ranks, encouraging the ſoldiers by their exhortations and prayers. Theſe pious acts were accompanied with a wiſe arrangement of the Engliſh warriors, adapted to ſuſtain and repel the firſt fierce onſet of their enemies. The Abbot of Rievalle relates, that David was prevented making the diſpoſition he intended by the obſtinacy of the Gall [...]waymen, who claimed it as their right to fight in the van, a ſtation which David and his beſt officers perceived they were not fit for, on account of their wanting heavy armour, ſuch as was borne by thoſe who ſtood in the firſt rank of the Engliſh army. The King however fearing ſedition, at a time when it might have proved ſo fatal, was obliged to grant theſe troops their requeſt. The next line was commanded by Prince Henry, conſiſting, as Aulred ſays, of knights and archers, or according to Huntington, of Engliſh and Norman horſemen, who belonged to his father's houſehold, and with them the men of Cumberland and Tiviotdale. In this diviſion was alſo Euſtace Fitz-John. The third line conſiſted of the Laodomains with the Iſlanders and Lavernans. The King had in his own line the Scots and Murraymen, and for his body guard a band of Engliſh and Scotch Knights. Robert Brus and Bernard Baliol, both of whom, beſides the great eſtates they poſſeſſed in England, did alſo hold lands of the Scottiſh King, went to him before the battle, and endeavoured to perſuade him to retire, aſſuring him that Northumberland ſhould be delivered to his ſon Henry; but not being able to prevail, they renounced their fealty to David, and returned to fight under the Engliſh ſtandard."*

[3]
*
Richard Hagulſt.—Ailz. Abb. Rev. C. 342.—Lord Lyttleton.—Sir James Dalrymple.
*
A.D. 1158, Iterum firmatum eſt caſtellum de Werk praecepto Regis. Lel. Collecta. 206.
*
A. D. 1383 & 7 Rich. Scotti ceperunt caſtellum de Werk ſuper Fluv Twede & depraedatum incenderunt. Lel. Collecta. 252.
*
Robertus Ros tenet Baroniam de Werk. Lel. Col. 200.

Robert de Roſs, one of this family, with John de Baliol, were guardians of Alexander King of Scotland, on his marriage with Margaret eldeſt daughter of King Henry III. of whom the following unaccountable anecdote gained acceptation:—‘That they were guilty of injurious conduct towards their charge, by denying them ſocial intercourſe: on the information of an Engliſh Phyſician, they were puniſhed; Baliol by a large ſum in mulct, and Roſs by confiſcation of his eſtates. King Henry and his Queen, from their parental feelings, made a journey to Edinburgh, to ſee them poſſeſſed of their wiſhes.’—This remarkable tale we have in Hollinghead's Chronicle.

William de Roſs, the ſucceſſor of Robert, on the death of Alexander King of Scotland, was a competitor for that Crown, with William de Veſey Baron of Alnwick, Florence Earl of Holland, Patrick de Dunbar, Robert de Pinkney, Nicholas de Sauls, Patric Golightly, Robert Bruce, and John Baliol, 1292.

Of this illuſtrious family of Greys we have the following account:

  • Their arms gules, a lion rampant, with a border engrailed argent.
  • Sir Thomas Grey, High Sheriff 9 King Henry IV.
  • Sir Ralph — ditto 34 & 38 King Henry VI.
  • Sir Ralph — ditto 5 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Sir Thomas — ditto 16 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Sir William, created a Baronet 17 King James I.
  • He was made a Peer by the title of Lord Grey of Wark 21 King James I.
  • — Lieutenant General of the parliament army under Lord Fairfax.
  • — joint Chancellor with Lental of the Duchy of Lancaſter 21 King Charles I.
  • — made joint Keeper with Sir Thomas Widdrington of the Great Seal, 1647.His ſon [10] Ford Grey was created Viſcount Glendale and Earl of Tankerville 7 King William III.
  • He married Mary daughter of Earl Berkley, and had one child, Mary, who married Charles Bennet Earl of Oſſulton.
  • Ralph Grey, Governor of Barbadoes.
  • Lady Oſſulton his niece became his heir, and having a ſon, he was created Earl of Tankerville, 1 King George I. His ſon
  • Charles Earl of Tankerville was Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland and Newcaſtle upon Tyne.
  • Charles the preſent Earl of Tankerville.
[9]
*

In Lord Wharton's propoſals for better protection of the Marches, it ſeems that the caſtle of Wark was then held by the Crown. On the acceſſion of King James I. all the fortreſſes on the borders were ordered to be reduced and diſmantled, and it is moſt probable that was the period when Wark went finally to ruin.

Infeliciſſime pugnatum ab Anglis contra Scottos apud Carham. Lel. Collectea. 330.
*
Ridpath's Border Hiſtory.
*
Foord Caſtle in Glyndale apon the eaſt ſyd of Tille. It is metly ſtronge, but in decay. Lel. Itin. v. 7. p. 54.
  • William de Heron King Henry I.
  • Jordan de Heron King Henry III.
  • Sir William de Heron Hing Henry III.
  • Sir William Heron 44 King Edward III.
  • He was Ambaſſador to France and Steward of the King's Houſhold King Henry IV.
  • Sir John Heron, his brother.
  • Sir John Heron, nephew and heir of Sir William High Sheriff five years. King Henry VI.
  • Sir William Heron, High Sheriff 17 King Henry VIII.
  • Elizabeth Heron, heireſs, married Thomas Carr, Eſq Etal. His heireſs married Sir Francis Blake, whoſe daughter Mary married Edward Delaval, the anceſtor of Sir John Huſſey Delaval.
Wallis.
*

Here is a tradition, that King James returning from a viſit to Mrs Ford * at Ford Caſtle, found himſelf in danger of drowning in his paſſage through the Tweed, near Norham, at the Weſt Ford, which is pretty deep on the Scotch ſide. Upon which he made a vow to the Virgin Mary, that if ſhe would carry him ſafe to land, he would erect and dedicate a church to her upon the banks of the Tweed; which he performed in the jubilee year, A. D. 1500, according to an old inſcription upon the church, moſtly now defaced. This Gothic ſtructure is much admired; it is entirely of ſtone. The roof of it reſts upon what the maſons call here, point caſt arches, which are ſupported by nineteen buttreſſes. William Robertſon, Eſq added to this church a handſome ſteeple, A. D. 1743, and in 1769 paned the greateſt part of it.

Lamb's Notes to the Poem of Flodden.
*
A miſtake in the Editor of this Poem.

Ex rotula Curiali Northumbriae.

Odonellus de Ford—Leproſi de Bolton—Euſtachius de la Vale —Radulphus de Blenkenſhop tenet Blenkenſhop de Nicolas de Bolteby—Thomas de Fetherſtanhaugh—Joannes de la Dene— Prioriſſa de Lamley—Joannes de Hawelton tenet in capite de Domino rege Halton Claverwwurth & Wetingtun—Joannes de Eſſelington—Thomas Bedenhaul de Bedenhaul—Joannes Rex dedit Roberto filio Rogeri Newburne cum pertinentiis—Joannes filius Roberti tenet in capite de Domino rege Corbruge quod eſt Burgus, pro 40 li. per annum ad feod. firmam—Nicolaus de Bolteby—Gul. Heron—Hugo de Bolebek tenet in capite de Domino rege 5 feoda—Willyam Burneton—Willyam Heron—Robertus de Wecheſter—Odonellus de Inſula—Radulphus de Cangi—Alexandre de Bradeford—Hugo de Morewik—Baro de Grayſtoke—Rogerus Marley— Radulphus de Merley—Hugo de Gubion—Richardus de Boinden—Gul. Coniers—Joannes Pleſſys—Galfridus de Wetſlade—Adam Barrette—Rogerus Bertham—Robertus filius Ranulphi —Euſtachius de la Vale—Gul. de Cranceſtre—Robertus de Muſchampe tenet in capite de Domino rege 4 feoda: de quibus Odonellus de Ford tenet unum, Robertus de Maners tenet dim. Robertus de Heddam 4 partem unius feodi—Gul. de Ros tenet in capite de Domino rege 2 feoda. Joannes de Viſcount—Nicolaus de Farindun—Radulphus ſuper Thays—Gilbertus de Unfranville tenet 2 feod. de rege—Unfranville de Inſula—Henricus de Halton—Thomas de Fenwik— Bernardus de Babington—Galfridus de Haiden.

Ex Veredicta de terris Northumbr. anno 3. Henricus de Ulcotes tenet manerium de Devilſton —Emma Uxor Gualteri filii Gilberti nupſit Petro de Vallibus—Robertus Taileboys—Matildis de Claverworth—Emma de Aeiden—Alicia de Morwik nupſit Rogero Galafre—Nicolaus de Biker—Thomas de Wautham—Dominos rex habet in villo de novo caſtro 110 [...]ol & 6 depar. reddituum, quos dedit Burgenſibus ejuſdem villae pro terris ſuis, quas amiſerunt per foſſata Domini regis—Thomas Statton.

Lel. Collect. 200.
*
Mr Culley, who lately viſited Palinſburn.

Sir Thomas Manners, Lord Ros, of Etal, was created Earl of Rutland 17 King Henry VIII. 1526. Sir Robert de Manners, in the 15th of King Edward III. built the caſtle of Etal.— James IV. before the battle of Flodden Field, aſſaulted and took this caſtle, and ruined part of its fortifications.

*
Etel Caſtel ſtondinge on playne grownde, hard on the eſte ſyde of Tyll longynge to the Erle of Rutland.—Lel. I [...]n. v. 7. p. 54.
The Vicar of Tillemuth did write an hiſtorie, thus intituled, Hiſtoria arirea, wherein is much to be ſeene of Kinge William Conquerors cuming yn to England.—Lel. Col. 509.
Eyton Caſtle longing to Sir Edward Graye 2 miles lower on Tyll than Etel. It ſtondithe on the weſt ſyd of Tille. The Scotts at Flodden Fild bet it ſore.—Lel. Itin. v. 7. p. 54.
§
  • Of this Houſe was Sir Thomas Grey, Governor of Norham Caſtle in the reign of King Edward II.
  • Sir Thomas his ſon, Governor of Norham in the reign of King Edward III. In 1355, too raſhly purſuing an advantage he had gained againſt the Scots, he was taken priſoner.
  • Sir Thomas, Repreſentative in Parliament for Northumberland 1 King Henry IV. Governor of the caſtle of Wark, executed for conſpiring the death of that Sovereign.
  • Sir Ralph Grey, knighted with King Henry VI. Governor of the caſtles of Wark and Roxburgh: he was made Governor of Bambrough Caſtle by the Lancaſtrian party, and was degraded and beheaded at Doncaſter.
  • Sir Edward in the time of King Henry VIII. and after him
  • William Lord Grey of Wark.
*
By ſome hydroſtatical experiments, it has been proved capable of floating and carrying the remains of the Saint. Theſe philoſophical exhibitions in ages of profound ignorance, among the vulgar were always eſteemed miracles and food for ſuperſtition.
The Lord of this manor has a ſingular right of fiſhing in Tilmouth Haugh Fiſhery; he is to uſe a ring net only, and the perſon who fiſhes is to ſtand on a place called Filleſpote, on the ſouth ſide of the river. The name probably a ſarcaſm on the nature of this fiſhery.
*
Hathuredo poſt novem annos mortuo ſucceſſit Egredus 22o. anno Eamedi Regis In Norham Ecleſiam conſtruxit in honore Sancti Petri Apoſtoli, S. Cuthberti, nec non Ceolwulphi Regis & Monachi cujus corpus eo tranſtulit,
Note:

Geneforde non longe à Teſe Flu. i [...] nac parochia eſt caſtellum Barnardi.

Wigelif unde Wigelif haereticus originem duxit.

ipſamque villam, & Gedeworde eccleſiamque quam conſtruxerat in Geneforde, & quicquid ad eam perteriita flu. Teiſa uſque ad Weor flu. S. Cuthberto contulit Ileclif Wigclif, ſed et Billingham in Hertruneſſe quarum ipſe conditor fuerat. Lel. Coll. v. 1. p. 328.

In the northern counties theſe holy feaſts are not yet aboliſhed, and in the county of Durham many are yet celebrated: they were originally feaſts of dedication, in commemoration of the conſecration of the church, in imitation of Solomon's great convocation at the conſecrating the Temple of Jeruſalem: the religious tenor is totally forgotten, and the Sabbath is made a day of every diſſipation and vice which it is poſſible to conceive could crowd upon a villager's manners and rural life. The manner of holding theſe feſtivals in former times, was under tents or booths erected in the Church-yard, where all kinds of diverſions were introduced. Interludes were there performed, being a ſpecies of theatrical performance conſiſting of a rehearſal of ſome paſſage in holy writ perſonated by actors: this kind of exhibition is ſpoken of by travellers who have viſited Jeruſalem, where the religious even preſume to exhibit the crucifixion and aſcenſion, with all their tremendous circumſtances. On theſe celebrations in this country, great feaſts were diſplayed, and vaſt abundance of meat and drink. From whence we adopted the cuſtom is not aſcertained, but it ſeems probable, and by ſome authors it is inſiſted upon, that we had it in very great antiquity, and derived it from the Eaſterns. All their Holydays were diſtinguiſhed by great feaſts; the celebrations we read of, were performed with all the pomp of proceſſion, approaching the temple of the Gods with offerings in great magnificence and ſplendour; where the cattle were conſecrated, and then delivered over to feaſt the multitude. The feaſt of the tranſlation of St. Cuthbert's body is celebrated every year with great reverence, by the inhabitants of Norham, on the firſt Sunday and Monday after the 4th day of September, O. S.

St. Gregory in his letter to King Ethelbert in the year 601, had enjoined him to deſtroy the heathen idols, their temples, and high places, that their influence might be taken away from the people, and their memory effaced. But on reviewing the eſtate of the inhabitants, their ſuperſtitions, and ſettled and habitual cuſtoms, he thought it expedient not to purſue meaſures ſo violent and alarming at firſt; and therefore in a letter wrote to Mellitus, an Abbot, who was upon his voyage to Britain, he orders him upon his arrival to inform Auguſtine, that on more mature deliberation, he had reſolved that the Pagan temples in Britain ſhould not be pulled down, it being ſufficient that the Idols were taken away: therefore the places of the heathen worſhip were to be purified with a libation of holy water, altars were to be erected therein, and relics placed under them; for if theſe temples were well built, it was fit the property of them ſhould be altered, the worſhip of Devils aboliſhed, and the ſolemnities changed to the ſervice of the true God: that when the natives perceived thoſe religious ſtructures remained ſtanding, they might keep to the place without retaining the error; and be leſs ſhocked upon their firſt entrance upon chriſtianity, by frequenting the temples they had been uſed to eſteem. And his injunctions were, that ſince it had been their cuſtom to ſacrifice oxen to the Devils they adored, this uſage ought to be refined on, and altered to an innocent practice. He recommends, that on the anniverſary of the Saints whoſe relics are lodged there, or upon the return of the day on which the church was conſecrated, the people ſhould erect booths about the churches lately reſcued from idolatry, provide a feaſt, and keep a chriſtian holiday: not ſacrificing their cattle to evil ſpirits, but killing them for their own refreſhment, and praiſing God for the bleſſing: and thus by allowing them ſenſual gratifications, they may reliſh chriſtianity the better, and be raiſed by degrees to the more noble pleaſures of the mind; for unpoliſhed and ignorant people are not to be withdrawn from their habits all at once. God when he diſcovered himſelf to the Iſraelites in Egypt, did not forbid them the cuſtomary rites of ſacrificing, but purified the ſervice to himſelf. Greg. Epiſt. Lib. 9. Epiſt. 71. Thus the Pope thought it expedient to bend to the prejudices of the new converts, as a more likely expedient to reconcile them to chriſtianity than rigid meaſures, the abolition of their old cuſtoms, and forcing the people from one extreme to another.

*
Cells were houſes appertaining to great abbeys or monaſteries: ſometimes they were far diſtant from the mother church, as that of Wyndham, in Norfolk, which was annexed to St. Albans. To theſe cells the Monks of the abbies ſent colonies, when they were too much crowded, or when afraid of an infectious diſeaſe at home.
*
Dugdale's Bar. v. 1. p. 54.
*
Dugdale's Peerage, vol. 1.
*
Rot Turri.
*

In Leland's Collectanea, we have the following curious particulars of this ſiege.

‘The Scottes came yn to the Marches of England, and deſtroyed the caſtels of Werk and Herbotel, and overran much of Northumberland Marches.’

"At this tyme Thomas Gray and his friends defended Norham from the Scottes."

‘It were a wonderful proceſſe to declare what miſchefes cam by hungre and aſſeges by the ſpace of XI yeres in Northumberland; for the Scottes became ſo proude after they got Berwick, that they nothing eſteemed the Engliſhmen.’

‘About this tyme there was a great feſte made yn Lincolnſhir, to which came many Gentlemen and Ladies; and among them a Lady brought a heanlme for a man of were, with a very rich creſte of gold, to William Marmion, Knight, with a letter of commandment of her Lady, that he ſhould go into the daungereſt place in England, and there to let the heanlme to be ſeene and knowne as famous. So he went to Norham; whither within 4 dayes of cumming, cam Philip Moubray, Guardian of Berwicke, having in his band 140 men of armes, the very flour of men of the Scottiſh Marches.’

‘Thomas Gray, Capitayne of Norham, ſeying this, brought his gariſon afore the bariers of the caſtel, behynde whom cam William richly arrayed, as al glittering in gold, and wearing the heanlme as his Lady's preſent.’

‘Then ſayd Thomas Gray to Marmion, "Sir Knight, ye be cum hither to fame your heanlme, mount upon your horſe, and ryde like a valiant man, to yown even here at hand, and I forſake God, if I reſcue not thy body deade or alyve, or I myſelf will dye for it."’

‘Whereupon he took his curſore, and rode among the throng of enemyes; the which layd ſore ſtripes on hym and pulled hym at the laſt oute of his ſadel to the ground.’

‘Then Thomas Gray with all the hole garriſon lette pryk yn among the Scottes, and ſo wondid them and their horſes, that they were overthrowen, and Marmion ſore beten was horſid agayn, and with Gray perſewid the Scottes in chaſe. There were taken 50 horſes of price; and the women of Norham brought them to the foote men to follow the chaſe.’

‘Sir Thomas Gray hymſelfe killed one Cryne, a Fleming, an Admiral, and great robber on the ſe, and yn hy favor with Robert Bruſe: the reſidew that eſcaped were chaſed to the Nunnes of Berwick.’

‘Adam de Gordon, a Baron of Scotland, came with 160 men to dryve away the cattel paſturing by Norham, but the young men of the country thereaboute encountered with them, whom Thomas Gray ſeing to ſtand in jepardy, wente oute with only 60 men, and killed moſt parte of the Scottes and their horſes.’

‘The ſame Thomas was twiſe aſſiged yn the caſtel of Norham by the Scottes, one tyme by the ſpace almoſt of an yere, the other 7 monithes: his enuemies made fortreſſes before the caſtel, one at Upſedlington, another yn the church of Norham. This caſtel was twiſe vitailied by the Lord Percy and Neville, that he came with very noble men, and rich and great ſocorers of the Marches of England.’

‘The utter ward of Norham Caſtel was ons taken in Thomas Gray's tyme, on the vigill of St. Catherine, but they kept yt by 3 days, for theyr purpoſe in myning fayllied them.’

*
Robert Bruce King of Scotland had aſſegid the caſtel of Norham, wher Robert Maners was Capytane; which with his garriſon iſſuid oute one day, and diſcomfited the Scottes, killing William Monhaud, a Baron of Scotland.—Lel. Coll. v. 1. p. 550.

We have this mentioned in the poem of the battle of Flodden, part 2, fit. 3, line 147.

It was the King's expreſs command,
To waſte with cruel ſword and flame;
A field of blood he made the land,
'Till he to Norham Caſtle came.
148.
Which ſoon with ſiege he did beſet,
And trenches digged without delay;
With bombard ſhot the walls he beat,
And to aſſault it did eſſay.
[35]149.
The Captain great, with courage ſtout,
His fortreſs fiercely did defend;
But for a while he laſhed out,
'Till his ordnance did ſpend.
150.
His powder he did profuſely waſte,
His arrows he hailed out every hour;
So that he wanted at the laſt,
And at the laſt had none to pour.
151.
But yet five days he did defend,
Though with aſſaults they him aſſail'd;
Though all their ſtrength they did extend,
Yet all their power had not prevailed.
152.
Had not there been a traiterous thief,
Who came King James's face before;
That in that hold had got relief,
The ſpace of thirty years and more.
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
156.
O King! quoth he, now quit this place,
And down to yonder vallies draw;
The walls then ſhall you rend and raze,
Your batteries will bring them low.
157.
Which as he ſaid, ſo did the King,
And againſt the walls his ordnance bent;
It was a wretched diſmal thing,
To ſee how ſoon the walls were rent.
158.
Which made the Captain ſore afraid,
Beholding the walls, how they reeled;
His weapons all then down he laid,
And to King James did humbly yield.
* * * * * *
160.
So when the Scots the walls had won,
And rifled every nook and place;
The traitor came to the King anon,
But for reward, met with diſgrace.
* * * * * *
165.
Therefore for this thy traiterous trick,
Thou ſhall be tried in a trice;
Hangman, therefore, quoth he, be quick,
The groom ſhall have no better place.
The Battle of Flodden.

[36]The King, by the advice of this traitor, deſcended from Lady Kink-bank into the flat ground near the Tweed, now called the Gin Haugh, whence with his cannon he threw down the north eaſt corner of the caſtle wall, a large fragment of which now lies by the ſide of the river. Biſhop Tunital, in Queen Elizabeth's time, rebuilt the wall: this is now very diſtinguiſhable from the old work. There is a field near the caſtle, in which this traitor was hanged, now called Hangman's Land. This fact is not mentioned by the Hiſtorians. By the account of it in the poem, we ſhall more readily underſtand the following epigram of Sir Thomas More, Lord High Chancellor in the time of King Henry VIII.

In Regem Scotiae, qui arcem Norhamam proditam ſibi, tamen oppugnavit, diſſimulans proditam eſſe.

Scote quid oppugnas Norhamam viribus arcem
Ante tibi falſa proditione datam?
Artibus ergo malis captâ fuit arce voluptas
Magna tibi forſan, ſed brevis illa fuit.
Teque tuiſque malâ, meritâ ſed morte peremptis,
Arx intra eſt paucos, capta, recepta, dies
Proditor inque tuo peteret cum praemia regno
Mors ſceleri eſt merces reddita digna ſuo
Proditor ut pereat pereat cui proditor hoſtis
Invicta in ſatis arx habet iſta ſuis.

I take this to be the meaning of the two laſt verſes, which are the moſt difficult:—There is a tradition here, that the King was told where the caſtle wall was weakeſt, by a letter fixed to an arrow ſhot over the Tweed into his camp.

Lamb's Notes to the Poem of the Battle of Flodden.
[34]
*

A fiſhery in Tweed, near the caſtle, called Hallywell, for one night and one day, adjudged, by Commiſſioners to ſettle claims on the borders, 1553, to be the inheritance of Lord Hume.

A mile below Norham the Tweed forms an iſland of 14 acres, near a place called St. Thomas's Den.

A little to the weſt, a lofty terrace on the banks, where the Tweed forms a ſerpentine canal. The ſeat of James Ker, Eſq of Ker's-field, on the other ſide.

Further down the river is the pedeſtal of a croſs, with ſome of its fragments; and about 200 yards further, in a direct line, another with ſteps round it, a place of ſepulchre or barrow. Croſſes were erected by the road ſide leading from Tilmouth chapel to Norham.

Wallis.
In right of his wife, one of the daughters and coheirs of William Ord, Eſq of Sandy Bank.
George Charleton, born at Norham, bred in Oxford, was one of the four Divines ſent by King James to the Synod of Dort. He was Biſhop of Landaff, afterwards of Chicheſter; a man of good affections, ſolid judgment, and clear invention. He wrote, amongſt others, two Treatiſes called ‘A thankful Remembrance of God's Mercy, and a Confutation of Judicial Aſtrology.’ When young he was grave in his manners, ſo when old he was youthful in his parts, even to his death, which happened in the 1ſt of King Charles.
*

This objection was removed on renewing ſome terms of convention, ſtipulated in the time of Philip's predeceſſor.—Hoved. p. 796.

What theſe terms were my author doth not mention.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 539.
Ibid. p. 293.
*
Colonel George Fenwick of Brinkburn, under parliament, ſuperintended the work. He lays buried in the church, under the following epitaph: ‘Col. Geo Fenwick of Brenkburn Eſq Governour of Berwick In the year 1652 was a principal Inſtrument of cauſing this Church to be built And died March 15th 1656 A good man is a public good.’
Monoſterium de Coldingham, in Scotio ditionis Dunelmenſis, Berwick in parochia de Coldingham. Unde Dunelmenſis eccleſia habet Rectoriam de Berwick.—Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 334.
*

It may be acceptable to the reader to find here a ſtate of the antient Border Laws, as ſet forth in Ridpath's Border Hiſtory, collected (as the editor of that work aſſerts) from a manuſcript copy in the Advocates Library in Edinburgh, which differs conſiderably from the copy of them publiſhed by Dr. Nicholſon, and is much ſuperior to the mixed Code of Laws in Nicholſon's and Burn's Hiſtory of Cumberland, lately publiſhed, in which we are not left to judge for ourſelves, but muſt place an implicit confidence in the compilers for its accuracy and propriety.

About three months before the death of Alexander, (the 2d, King of Scotland) a meeting was held on the Marches of England and Scotland, for aſcertaining the laws of thoſe Marches, and enforcing their obſervation. This work was committed to 12 Knights * of each kingdom, under the direction of the Sheriff of Northumberland, for the King of England; and of the Sheriffs of Roxburgh and Berwick, for the King of Scotland; by which Sheriffs the 24 Knights were ſworn, to make a faithful inqueſt and report concerning the laws and cuſtoms that regulated the intercourſe between the inhabitants on each ſide of the limit between the kingdoms.

I. The firſt article is, that any ſubject of Scotland accuſed of committing in England, homicide or any other crime* that ought to be tried by ſingle combat, ſhall not be obliged to anſwer in any other place but on the Marches of the two kingdoms; and in this article, the places for the trial of thoſe crimes are fixed .

II In the next place it was declared that all who dwelt between Totneſs in England, and Caithneſs in Scotland, might agreeably to the cuſtoms of both kingdoms, be juſtly called the Marches to decide their quarrels by combat; excepting the perſons of the Kings themſelves, and of the Biſhops of St. Andrews' and Dunkeld.

III. It was further unanimouſly declared, that if any vaſſal or bondſman in Scotland, ſhould with or without his goods, fly into England with the intention of eſcaping from his Lord; and if within 42 days after, he ſhould be purſued by his Lord's Bailiff, the fugitive ſhould be brought back to Scotland on the oath of the purſuer without any oppoſition from the Engliſh; the ſame being underſtood to hold with regard to fugitives from England. But if the fugitive was not purſued before 42 days were elapſed, his Lord could not recover him without a brief from the ſovereign of the kingdom where he remained: and on his being diſcovered there * after the expiration of 42 days , his Lord might ſeize him upon giving his own oath, accompanied by the oath of ſix others.

[45]IV. Moreover it was found, that if any of the rank of a bondſman * of the one kingdom had delivered pledges for a debt he owed in the other, he might recover theſe pledges within thrice 15 days upon finding ſureties for payment, one out of each kingdom ; and pay the ſum itſelf within 15 days immediately following. But if the ſum was not then paid, the creditor might ſeize the pledge of his debtor, and detain it until he received full ſatisfaction for the debt owing him. But if the debtor denied his debt, he was obliged to purge himſelf of it on the Marches within the firſt ſucceeding 15 days by the oaths of ſeven , his own included. And this was alſo to be underſtood of the ſurety when the creditor could not be found, but if he confeſſed his debt and had no goods wherewith to pay it, he was obliged to declare himſelf not poſſeſſed of goods exceeding the value of five ſhillings and four-pence; and muſt further ſwear, that he will pay the ſaid debt, as he may be able to acquire or gain the means of paying it; reſerving only his own ſuſtenance.

V. In the next place they found that all climants on either ſide, ſhould in perſon give their oaths in ſupport of their claims with the exception only of the two Kings and their Heirs, and the Biſhops of St. Andrews' and Dunkeld. The perſon who ought to ſwear in the place of the King of England, was his ſtandard bearer and the conſtable of his army, on the other hand, the Prieſt of Wredale *, was to ſwear for the King of Scotland and the Biſhop of St. Andrews', and the Prior of the Iſle for the Biſhop of Dunkeld .

VI. It was further declared, that no perſon beſide theſe had a right to depute * another, to ſwear for him in any quarrel touching life or limb, unleſs ſuch deputation was made with conſent of both parties; but without this conſent the failure of either in appearing in perſon to give his oath loſt him his cauſe for ever.

VII. They next found that if there were any plea on the Marches between a plaintiff and a defendant, that affected life or limbs, and if the defendant happened to die within the 15 days preceding the day of trial, his body ſhould be carried to the Marches at the time, and to the place appointed between the parties; becauſe no man can be eſſoigned by death. Again, when the appellant delayed his appearance beyond the appointed day, the defendant * ought to paſs to the Marches and obtain an atteſtation from three Barons, witneſſing that he had regularly made his appearance on the day prefixed; and this being atteſted by them, he was to be, in all time coming, free from challenge in that caſe: but if any, or all of theſe Barons, refuſed to give teſtimony of the above fact, he might oblige them to decide the truth of this charge by a combat: and the ſame rule was to hold with regard to the appellant.

VIII. It was alſo found that if any Scottiſh robber ſtole in England an horſe, oxen, or cows, or any other thing, and carried the goods ſtolen into Scotland, the perſon whoſe property they were, wherever he diſcovered them, might in the Court * of the Lords in whoſe [46]lands he found the ſtolen goods, and ſhould there recover them by his own oath, and the oath of ſix perſons beſides; unleſs the perſon poſſeſſing the goods, affirms them to be his own, in which caſe the queſtion muſt be decided by a combat on the Marches.

IX. The next article fixed was, that in any trial on the Marches that affected life or limb, as for robbery, theft, or murder, where the defendant was convicted by the iſſue of a combat, his ſureties ought not to be anſwerable for a greater ſum than the plaintiff mentioned in his charge. But * if a perſon accuſed, was convicted of ſlaying a man, and his ſureties were dead, he was obliged to make good the forfeiture , if his own money, and that of his ſureties, together with the produce of their corns, expoſed to ſale, were ſufficient for that purpoſe: (the lives of different ranks of men at that time being appretiated) and if the ſureties were not dead, and the accuſed was convicted by combat, all the goods he poſſeſſed at the time of attacking him ought to incur forfeiture to the purſuer. But all ſuch perſons ought to purge themſelves in the ſame manner as thoſe who having no ſureties, are ſuffered to go out of priſon.

X. It was next declared, that if a malefactor paſſing from one diſtrict or province of the kingdom, into which he had entered into another, deſired to obtain protection * he ſhould receive it from thoſe having power to grant it, viz. from the Sheriff of the county into which he had entered; and if he could not find the Sheriff, he might obtain peace at the firſt church, by ringing the bells, and ſhould remain in peace there until protection was granted by the Sheriff; but if before thus obtaining his peace, he was attacked, he might be brought back without any oppoſition.

XI. It was further agreed, that if any inhabitant of either kingdom affirmed in oppoſition to a claimant of the other, that a horſe, ox, cow, or hog, in his poſſeſſion, was his own, he ſhould have the uſual reſpite of days eſtabliſhed between the kingdoms *, before the matter was brought to a trial. And on the day fixed for that, if he choſe to avoid a combat, and knew that the thing was not his own, he was obliged to bring it to the Marches, and inform the oppoſite party that he was ſatisfied upon enquiry, that the horſe, &c. was the property of that party, and after this declaration he was bound to drive it into the water of Tweed or Eſk; and the defendant ſhould then be free from the claim or challenge brought againſt him. But if it was drowned before it reached the mid ſtream of the water , the defendant ought according to the cuſtom of the Marches to be ſtill anſwerable for it; and this extended to an ox, cow, or ſwine, or other things, only nothing was eſtabliſhed about a load .

XII. They further agreed, that no inhabitant * of either kingdom could prove his property in any thing poſſeſſed by an inhabitant of the other, by witneſſes; but ſolely by the body of a man, whence many combats muſt needs enſue, from the ſtrifes that aroſe from time to time on the Marches.

XIII. They further agreed, that any perſon in their kingdom purſuing for the recovery of a debt due to him in the other, ought, according to the laws of the Marches, if the perſon indebted to him were a Clerk to ſeek juſtice * from the Clerks, if a Knight from the Knights, and if a Burgeſs from the Burgeſſes; by which claſſes alone judgment is reſpectively to be given, where their brethren are concerned.

Finally they agreed, that the magiſtrates within and without Burghs *, ſhould have power to diſtrain the inhabitants of each kingdom, in order to inforce the obſervation of the aforeſaid cuſtoms between the kingdoms.

[44]
*
The names of the Engliſh Knights were Robert de Clifford, Robert ſon of Ralph Robert Mallfant, Robert de Ulfeſton, William de Burnville, William de Siremeſton. William de Hermanſton (alias Herrington) Robert de Glendale (alias Glenſdine) Sampſon de Coupland, William de Cookpate, Henry ſon of Godfred (in the tranſlation in Edinburgh Library called Jafreſon of Porſeweek)—The Scottiſh Knights were Adam de Earth, Ralph de Borckle (perhaps Bonkle) William de Northinton (alias Morthinton, perhaps Mordington) Robert Bernham Mayor of Berwick, Adam de Morham (alias Norham) Henry ſon of Waldeve, Henry de Brade, Richard Holkerton (alias Halkerſton) Robert de Durham, Aymarde Enſley Adam (alias Alan de Newbiggin).
There are only 11 Knights of each kingdom in the foregoing Liſt from Dr. Nicholſon's Border Laws. The Sheriff of Northumberland it may be ſuppoſed made the 12th in the Engliſh Liſt; and the Sheriff of Roxburgh or Berwick, the 12th in the Scottiſh.
*
In MS. robbery, theft, homicide or any other crime.
If the defendant dwelt above Redam, he was to anſwer at Riding Burn, but Radſdale and Cookdale were to anſwer at Campeſpeth, agreeably to the laws and cuſtoms uſed between the kingdoms.
*
In Reg [...] ex quo exiverit (in printed copy) in MS. regno inquo extiterit.
An exception is made, niſi fuera nativus (not tranſlated) does it mean that theſe oaths were unneceſſary where the fugitive was a bondſman?
*
Si Nativus aliquis. Nativus is here rendered according to its uſual ſignification in the laws and deeds of that time; but native ſeems to be the juſter term.
Namos ſuos replegiabit per Inbrocht wood et utbrotcht wood MS. Wred) Wred is a ſurety. Inbrotcht et utbrotcht nativos et extraneos. Not in Nicholſon.
Cum ſeptima manu. This interpretation is given upon a preſumption that the meaning is the ſame here, with what is more fully expreſſed in the concluſion of the former article by theſe words, per Jurameatum ſex Virorum et ſe ſeptimo, et per ſacramentum ſex Virorum, et ſe ſeptimo. In Art. VIII.
*
Wredale (Vallis Doloris, Ford.) is the ſame with Stow (ſo Mill is the deſcription of Mellroſe.
Prior de Inſala, probably of Lockleven, where the Convent was governed by a Prior. The head of the Convent at Inchcalm was an Abbot. Spotſwood 236, 237. If inſtead of Dunkeld, Durham is to be read, the Prior de Inſula will be the Prior of Holy Iſland.
*
Facere Attornatum.
Ita pro uno ſolo Defectu.
*
The word defendant is not in the original; but the ſenſe ſeems neceſſarily to require its being underſtood.
Accipere Manum de Wardſhiel; (Wardſhiel (MS. Hame Wardſhiel) I do not underſtand. This ſeventh is a very obſcure article, and it is doubtful if the tranſlation expreſſes its exact meaning.
*
From this it is probable there were not at that time any Warden Courts.
*
From this to the end of the article, from the MS. in the Advocates Library.
Reſp [...]debit die de monteple [...]. The learned Sir James Foulis of Collington, gave the Editor the following probable meaning of the word montoplen. I take mont [...]plen to be a contraction for manto plenitudine, a barbarous law term to expreſs the full time of waiting. Manto is a contracted word for manſito the frenquentative of manco, ſo reſpen [...]ebit de manto plenitudine, is, that he ſhall anſwer when the full time of waiting is expired, that is, when the legal term comes.
Debout ſe purgare tanquam exeuntes de Carcere quibus Plegius defuerit.
*
Hebere voluerit Pacem. The article is, ſi aliquis malefactor exiſtens in una Regione in altera Parte (MS. alteram Partem) regei in quo intravit habere volueris Pacem, &c. perhaps it may be underſtood of a malefactor paſſing over the March that divides the counties from one kingdom to the other; and the ſenſe according to this interpretation ſeems better. Probably the text is corrupt.
*
Habebit Di [...]ti [...]e omnes inter regna Statutes ut ultimas Dies Litis.
So rendered in MS. tranſlation mentioned by Dr Nicholſon.
De Sar [...].
*
Quod cullus de Reg [...] Anglie poteſt probare aliquam, Rem (aliquiem Reum in printed copy) de Regno Scotiae per Teſtes ( [...] [...]verſe) niſi tantum [...]do per Corpus Hominis.
[...]e. By his own body, or that of his champion in combat; a combat of this kind on the Marches was called [47]by a particular name Acra, in a remonſtrance of the clergy of England, preſented to the Legate Otho in 1237, for procuring redreſs from the King of ſeveral encroachments on their liberties, they complain of an abuſe ariſing from an eſtabliſhment of the Kings of England and Scotland; by which, not only ſimple Clerks, but alſo Abbots and Priors in the dioceſe of Carlitle, when challenged for any thing by an inhabitant or ſubject of Scotland, or reciprocally, were compelled to fight with ſpears and ſwords, a combat called Aera, on the confines of the two kingdoms, (inter fores utriuſque regni) ſo that the Abbot or Prior of whatever religion or order was obliged either to a perſonal combat, or to have a champion to combat for him, and if this champion was defeated, the Abbot or Prior was to undergo capital puniſhment; of which there had been a recent inſtant in the Prior of Lidely. The clergy ſupplicated the Legate to admoniſh, or, if admonitions could not prevail, to employ his Legative authority, to compel the Kings not to ſuffer ſo deteſtable an abuſe to be extended to eccleſiaſtical perſons.
*
Clericos inde monere (MS. manare.)
Et de illis et non aliis judicari (MS. ſic de aliis et non alios judicari.)
*
In Burgh et Out Burgh Poteſtatem habebunt (MS. in Burgh et in Suth Burgh.)
*

Ex libello quodam, incerti autoris, quem mutuo ſumpſi à Domino Monjoro, & erat de origine Scottorum.

Berengus, interfecto Rodrico Domino ſuo, obtinuit locum habitandi in Brittannio a Mario, et poltea edificavit villam de Berwic.—Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 73.

*

Conjectures on the riſe of Borroughs.
From the manuſcripts of the late Roger Gale, Eſq

Opinions concerning the aboriginal form of human habitations in general, and Britiſh in particular, founded upon the word BURROUGHS, by the Rev. Mr Conyers Place of Dorcheſter.

Burrough and its contraction Burgh (of which alſo I take Burrow, Barrow, and Bury to be ſo many corruptions) is an allowed note of the antiquity of the place ſo called, as well by Cambden himſelf as thoſe who are the authors of the annotations upon him; nor can there be a more effectual confirmation of that note, than that thoſe old and mother towns that have the privilege of ſending members to parliament, are particularly diſtinguiſhed by that name, and are called Burroughs, or allowed to be ſo; the whole title of many of them to their preſent enjoyment of that right in the ſtate of decay they are now reduced to, ſeems to reſt in their claim to that title, and in the reſpect and veneration which the evidences of antiquity inſerted in that name beſpeaks for them.

I cannot perceive that the name Burrough or Burgh, was inſtituted to denote any kind of eminence in the place ſo called, beyond others, ſo as to mean a Fort or Caſtle, or place any way fortified with ramparts, or otherwiſe diſtinguiſhed by any peculiar advantages, as is often ſuggeſted by Camden; or that the name puts the place called by it under any diſtinction whatever, unleſs accidentally, beſides that of common habitation, the bare antiquity of which it only implys, becauſe it is often confounded with ſuch appellatives to aſcertain and diſtinguiſh it, as Burgh Caſtle, Burgh Fort, &c. and that it ſignifies no more than houſe, houſes, or a town, a ſettlement where one or more families dwelt. Burrough was the habitation, and Bour was the inhabitant, hence neighbour i. e. a nigh-bour or one that lived in a Burrough not far off.

But the name Burrough, though at firſt it directly meant only one common habitation, yet carries in it monumental evidences of the original form of ſuch habitation, and indirectly lets us into that: for our application of the name Burrough, to the habitation of ſuch animals whoſe natures are incapable of making improvements in their manner of dwelling that is ſtill retained among us, diſcovers the native and ſimple ſignification of the name Burrough, when our anceſtors gave their own dwellings that name; for we appropriate it only to the underground lodgings of animals, as to the holes of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. From whence I infer that when it was firſt applied to human habitation, whether in an alluſive ſenſe from them, or their's from it; or whether both were ſimple and equally original, that it ſignified the very ſame, or what nearly reſembled the habitations of thoſe creatures, and conſequently that the inhabitants of this land, when the name was given, dwelt chiefly underground, and lived not in houſes raiſed from the ground, but in holes dug in it, which ſenſe of the word ſeems ſtill to obtain as to the dead, though it has loſt its native idea as to the living; for hence we may call putting a corpſe into a hole underground to bury or burrough it: a barrow or burrough being a place dug for that purpoſe, though the cuſtom of monumental tumulation has abuſed the word to expreſs the contrary to what it was inſtituted to expreſs, and to ſignify a hill inſtead of a hole.

Our original Burroughs in the primitive ſimplicity were but as ſo many human warrens, conſiſting of a ſet of underground caverns; the lodging part and body at leaſt of each dwelling run in, and was underground; and this is but ſuitable to the ſavage way of life of the old [49]Britons in other reſpects; ſuch as their going naked, which alone cuts off all the ends almoſt of raiſing houſes: for to what end ſhould men raiſe houſes, who had neither cloaths nor furniture, nor wanted any guard againſt the inclemency of the air, nor had any intent of retirement to anſwer, but ſecurity from wild beaſts, or noiſe whilſt they ſlept? Their painted or rather ſmoke-bound hides, looked as if they lived in rooms where ſmoke had no vent by windows or chimneys; to which we may add, as an inducement to natural ſimplicity, that underground lodgings were both cooler in ſummer (if our clime is ever too hot) and warmer in winter; for which latter reaſon 'tis pretty near kept to in Iceland, Lapland, &c. Purchas ſays of the Icelanders, all their houſes are under ground. Lib. 3. ca. 22.

Nor were the inhabitants of this iſland ſingular in this matter, ſo no derogation to them, becauſe it ſeems to have been Nature's primitive mode of dwelling, common with them to moſt nations. The various notions of [...], of old, that took their names from the cuſtom of living in holes or burroughs, ſtrictly ſuch, is an inſtance of it: hence it is that the old Giants are repreſented to us as under-ground livers all of them, as Polyphemus's Cave, Cacus's Den, &c. The ruſtic Divinities of the heathen, ſuch as Pan, Faunus, the Satyrs, &c. are propoſed to us as reſiding in under-ground ſeats, and your Sibylls, Trophonius, and the reſt of them, made choice of caverns to vent their oracles from, as more awful and venerable by their reſemblance of primitive and ſimple times, when heaven and earth correſponded together more familiarly; and I am apt to think, that the notion of your [...] and Terrae Filii, men ſpringing out of the earth, did ariſe hence; and that a great many ſuddenly bolting out at once from their burroughs, like the Tinners in Cornwall from their mines, might firſt give occaſion to thoſe fables and fancies, of crops of armed troops ſtarting up from dragons and ſerpents teeth, to the great ſurprize of Cadmus and Jaſon. Ovid reckons men's building houſes and living above ground as an improvement, or rather a degeneracy gradually introduced after the golden age, and in proceſs of time

Tum primum ſubiere domos, domos antra fuere
Et denſi frutices, aut junctae ortice virgae.

following to be ſure the tracks of hiſtory and traditionary chronology, at leaſt from the creation, in this matter.

After the deluge, the terror it had ſtruck, and the fear of its return, made men keep chiefly to the mountains, as the ſafeſt: beſides that, the plains and flat countries muſt be all ſo mixed, and thereby puddled, that a century would ſcarce harden and ſettle them again ſufficiently for ſafe and convenient habitation; for till the waters had wrought themſelves drains, after ſuch a thorough blend, they muſt be drawn off very leiſurely, and when the fertility of the plains invited them down, the diſtruſt of the floods returning, firſt put them upon building upwards from the level; of which new project Babel ſeems to have been the firſt inſtance, followed by others built after the ſame new mode by Nimrod, in the plain of Shinar, nor does it appear that any ſuch thing had been practiſed before by the antediluvians; and Moſes's way of mentioning that piece of architecture does intimate the project to have been entirely new, and that the tower or town of Babel was the firſt building that men had raiſed above ground for habitation; for Cain's building of a city may be accounted for by forming a ſociety only, or ſurrounding the place where he dwelt with trenches, ramparts, or fortifications, ſuch as his fears put him upon, and does not determine it to any mode of building. Digging downward for habitation, both before and long after the flood, appears to have been the common and general practice, and Nature's firſt genuine method, which men departed from either through diſtruſt or ignorance of God's providence, leſt there ſhould be a ſecond deluge; or as the fear of wild [50]beaſts, or of each other grown wild or ſavage, prevailed over Nature's preſent or more ſimple recourſe for habitation; or as the local inconveniences of the foundering in the natural mould might put them here and there upon artificial walls and roofs; or as ſuffocating damps or ſulphureous ſteams and exhalations made them continue building upwards as an expedient; or as the nearneſs of the ſprings would not permit them to ſink houſes, but forced them to aboveground habitations: this not being a thing of choice but neceſſity, a violence offered to natural dictate and diſpoſition, men went no further nor faſter into them than juſt in the ſimpleſt manner, to avoid inconvenience that put them upon it, ſo as to live above ground with as much reſemblance ſtill as poſſible to living under ground; either raiſing an artificial bank, and then ſcooping out the earth from the ſide, for even mud walls were not preſently invented, till ſome ſuperior and happy genius diſcovered the tempering of the artificial paſte, and the uſe of it now ſo vulgar and univerſal, which was once the ſecret and rarity of the age: however now the prejudices from the reverſe of cuſtom, and the modern refinements of artificial dwellings has turned the ideas and very thoughts of ſubterraneous living within walls, and under roofs of earth, of Nature's diſpoſing, into contempt and ridicule, and we laugh at the ſimplicity and extream awkwardneſs of the thing, yet we continue to pay regard to the name, and while we ſpurn the ſubſtance, load the ſhadow with dignity and pre-eminence, and make it a title of preference to all that culture and elegance of modern architecture that has ſucceeded it.—All the firſt ſettled habitations were caves, nor is it likely there were houſes, unleſs ſtationary places of defence before, or for ſome generations after the flood. Had architecture been preſently from the creation invented, or been natural, yet it is not likely there were any materials in the firſt ages to build withall, for they would require conſiderable time for their generation, there being few ſtones, and ſtill fewer quarries to be ſuppoſed perfectly formed, the rocks requiring ages to bring them to a firmneſs beyond paſte; nor were the mines of metals haſtily ripened to a hardneſs for tools: nor are we ſure that woods or timber trees were created mature, or enew to be employed in building, till they had by God's command propagated their ſeveral kinds. Brick, therefore, or naked earth, was of neceſſity, probably, not choice, the firſt material of architecture, and the only one, which nevertheleſs muſt have been unſerviceable, had not the natural ex [...]ſtation of bitumen upon the ſpot luckily ſupplied the want of cement, to the firſt undertakers: for from the creation to the building of the tower of Babel, they had none at all of an artificial ſort, 'tis plain from the text, ſo never had built.

The beſt therefore that we can ſuppoſe of our top Britiſh manſions and towns, when the name of borroughs was impoſed on them, in the barbarous ſtate the inhabitants were then in, is, that they came up to the [...]uts of the Hottentots, or Indian Savages, or other uncultivated tribes of men: and if their houſes ſtood above ground, yet they were ſuch congeſta culmina [...]eſpite, or extempore hovels, as our beggars now but make againſt banks of the road ſide; one degree removed from ſubterranean, if at all: they lived under earth, if not under ground; and indeed what are our houſes ſtill, but ſupplemental caves above ground?

[51]Nor does the antique mode of living under ground ſeem to have gone off at once, but by degrees by little and little, ſince it is hardly yet quite worn out: it is but lately that the faſhion of aſcending to houſes has much prevailed, moſt old houſes may be obſerved to be deſcended into by ſteps, and floors laid a good deal below the level, with expence to have them ſo; which is to be aſcribed either to nature, or to a remain of the old Britiſh genius and cuſtom of underground living ſtill [...]icking in us.

The old pavements of your opus teſſelatum, are generally found ſo low in the ground, that I cannot ſee how they can be ſo well ſuppoſed to be either ſo far overgrown, or ſunk beneath the ſurface, but rather to have been deſignedly at firſt laid under ground, though by Roman hands, in compliance with the natives' mode of under-ground habitations.

Nor is it an unlikely conjecture, that the vaſt and various cavities under ground, ſuch as thoſe of the Peak and Wookey or O [...]ey Hole, near Wells. *Theſe are without doubt natural, and never could be habitable. and a great many others leſs famous, may not be all the work of nature, but in great meaſure the effects of under-ground architecture, by men's cultivating the diſpoſitions of nature: and as they look like the palaces of ſome old Giants, ſo they might be the Windſors and Hampton Cour [...] of their times; when under-ground dwellings were in faſhion, and once admired no leſs for magnificence, than now for proſpects of wildneſs and horror. I know no hypotheſis that can account ſo well for all thoſe odd hollows, ſinkings in the ground, and pits that are every where to be met withall, and in ſome places too many, and too regular to have happened there by chance,As juſt by Nottingham. and yet one cannot imagine that they ſhould have been made there for any purpoſes above ground, but as they are the manifeſt foundering in of ſubterranean caves by length of time, why might they not be the work of men for habitation, when burrough life was in faſhion? Abundance of theſe kinds of large baſons I remember when I was a boy in Ripon Common, in Yorkſhire, and a great many in a neighbouring Heath, and hard by here, &c.Dorcheſter.

After under-ground living was generally quitted, as to natural and civil life, yet we find how devotion and ſuperſtition ſtill loved to keep it on, by under-ground cells, chapels, and oratories: nor is it to the diſadvantage of burrough life, that ſo many of thoſe, of whom the world was not worthy, are ſaid to have dwelt in dens and caves of the earth, ſome of choice, and others for refuge. Grotius notes on Lot's dwelling in a cave, (Geneſis xix. 30.) that Strabo relates there were abundance of caves in that country, which being one of thoſe that were firſt inhabited, ſtrengthens the thought that they came not there by chance, but were made by the men for habitation, though by change of cuſtom difuſed; and the abundance of them in all countries that admit of it, confirms the ſame truth, as to their ſeveral aborigines.

That there are fewer burroughs in our lower and flat countries, and part of the nation, tho' otherwiſe more populous, and better ſtocked with modern towns, than the hilly parts, may alſo proceed from their being leſs commodious for the burrough life then in vogue; which may be one reaſon why Cornwall has in it more burroughs, in proportion, than any other county, and where the aboriginal inclination to burrough life very remarkably alſo exemplified itſelf among the inhabitants, as many of which almoſt are ſaid to live in burroughs in the old ſenſe of the word, as in thoſe above ground.

The Romans indeed repreſent the Britons, when they found them, as living in huts of reeds or wood, and their towns as ſo many woods; but the Britons, who knew themſelves beſt, cannot be ſuppoſed, without reaſon and propriety, to have given a name to their habitations, that ſpeaks them to have been of another nature; againſt which no foreign teſtimony can ſo far prevail, as to make us think otherwiſe, but that in ſome period of time or other, either then, before, or ſince, the inhabitants notions of dwelling were agreeable to what that name expreſſed, and that conſiderable diſpoſitions were made actually among themſelves accordingly.

The name burrough appears to have travelled hither from Germany and the North, whence we were firſt peopled, and where a great many of their oldeſt and moſt conſiderable towns carry burgh and burrough in their name; and the thing itſelf, in the colder climates, as I have hinted, is pretty near kept up to. The infamous cuſtom of inceſtuous community of wives, which Caeſar takes notice of among the Britons, and ſays they had ten or twelve of them wives together in common, eſpecially brothers with one another, and parents with their children, very well agrees with burrough living; for families cohabiting in one common room together, without partition, and that ſuited ſuch works of darkneſs, muſt of courſe fall by that means into ſuch [52]unnatural practice;*He muſt mean Gav [...]ed, for by Borrough Engliſh the inheritance goes to the youngeſt child only. and that ſort of odd tenure which they call Burrough Engliſh, muſt as naturally as neceſſarily ariſe again from men's having community of wives; for where men could not know which were their own, which others children; it of courſe drew them into the agreement of letting all fare alike.

The invention of this tenure of Burrough Engliſh, has likewiſe raiſed a thought in my head concerning the etymology of the name England itſelf, that falls in with what I have ſaid of burroughs, from an old word ſtill in uſe in the North, which is angle, and ſignifies a hole that runs under ground, on the branch of a mine. From the old word that worm takes its name, whoſe uſe for baits has given the name of angling when we fiſh with it, it is not unlikely but the name of England and Angle-land might alſo come from living in ſubterraneous caverns, a burrough differing from an angle, as a part from the whole, a houſe from a town, or one room from a houſe. If we ſuppoſe ſome of thoſe burroughs, like the cave of Machpelah, double,Geneſis. ch. xxiii. but there is nothing ſaid of its being double there. that is running in ſeveral ways from one common mouth, ſo that Engliſhmen, was as much as to ſay Burroughmen or cavern-livers, the very ſame as [...], which example makes it more likely, and which I think is a much better conjecture than from Angulus, or their living in a corner, or from angling, or from Angelus, the ſtory of the Pope's admiring the Engliſh boys; which paultry etymologies yet are thought worthy of a place in our Antiquities. That the name of England or Engliſhman, *By this argument the Britons could never be called burrough-livers, as he before ſuppoſes, ſince the name of England was unknown till long after the arrival of the Saxons. as it is thus of cognate ſignification, may come from the word angle, which is the ſame thing almoſt as burrough, is ſtill more likely from hence, that the Angles or Angle-livers have their original fixed in that ſame quarter, whence, as has been obſerved, burrough came, and ſo the two words give mutually light to one another, and ſtrength to what I have obſerved; the native force of the one ſupports the denominative title of the other, and with an equal propriety, had arbitrary cuſtom happened to have made the counter-change of application, the kingdom might have been called Burroughland, and our towns for burroughs, angles.

[48]
*
Collier's Dictionary.
A. D. 1212, Caſtrum de Berwic captum a Joanne Rege.—Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 281.
*
Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 7.

A. D. 1296, Edwardus Rex occupat villam de Berwic. Richardus de Cornubia, frater Edmundi comitis Cornub. occiſus ſpiculo in villa de Berwic. Gul. Duglas capitaneus ville de Berwic captus. Edwardus Rex villam de Berwic novo foſſato munivit.

Parlamentum apud Berwic in quo fidelitates nobilium Scotiae accepit.—Ibid. vol. 1. p. 180.

Edward got Berwic. There were XXVM and ſeven C Scottes ſlayne. At this ſiege was Sir Richard of Cornewal, a noble Engliſchman, ſlayn by a Fleming ſhoting a quarel owte of the Redde Hall.

King Edwarde let welle encloſe Berwik with ditches and waulles.—Ibid. p. 473.

*
In theſe inſtructions there is the following charge againſt King Edward:—That he had violently ſeized Baliol's perſon and kingdom, and compelled his Chancellor to reſign his great ſeal: and after Baliol and his ſon were ſent priſoners to London, he cauſed letters of reſignation to be forged, and afterwards publiſhed them to the inhabitants of Scotland, although they never were, nor ſhould be ratified by Baliol.

The oath of fealty then adminiſtered:

‘Becauſe we are under the ſubjection of the thrice noble Prince and our dear Lord, Sire Edward King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitain, we do faithfully promiſe for ourſelves, and for our heirs, upon pain of body and eſtate, that we will ſerve him truly and loyally againſt all manner of people, that may live and die whenever it ſhall be required or commanded by our ſaid Lord the King of England or his heirs; that we will hinder him from damage as much as we can, and ſet upon his enemies with all our forces where ever they may be found. And to the end that we may firmly keep and hold theſe preſents, we do bind ourſelves, our heirs, and our goods, and we have ſworn to this upon the bleſſed Evangeliſts. Beſides, all we that are preſent, and every of us ſeparately, have done homage to our Lord the King of England in theſe words.’

‘I will be true and loyal and bear true faith and allegiance to Edward King of England and his heirs, and ſerve him with life and limb, and do him all earthly honour againſt all manner of people that may live and die; and from henceforth I will not bear arms, nor be aiding in council againſt him, or againſt his heirs, on any cauſe whatſoever So help me God and all the Saints. In witneſs of theſe things we have made theſe letters patent, and ſealed them with our ſeals. Given at Berwick upon Tweed the 28th day of Auguſt, in the year of the reign of our ſaid Lord the King of England 24.’

His ſtature and ſtrength were gigantic, his aſpect and addreſs pleaſing and attractive of popularity: he was ſubtle in deviſing, and dexterous in the execution of the moſt adventurous and perilous projects. In an old Poem he is thus deſcribed:
Wallace ſtature of greatneſs and of height
Was judged thus by diſcretion of ſight,
That ſaw him both on Cheval and in Weed,Note: F. I. 6 11¼
Nine quarters large of height he was indeed.
Third part that length in ſhoulders brode was he;
Right ſeemly ſtrong and luſty for to ſee;
In limmes great, with ſtalwart pace and ſound,
His brands hard, with armes long and round;
His hands made right like to a palmeir,
Of man-like, make, with nails long and cleir.
Proportioned fair and long was his viſage,
Right ſad of ſpeech, and able of courage.
Both breaſted high, with ſturdy craig and greet,
His lippes round, his noſe ſquare and neit.
Burning brown hair on brows and brees light,
Cleir aſper eyes like diamonds full bright.
Under his chin, on his left ſide was ſeene
(By hurt) a wan, his colour was ſangueene.
Wounds he had, in mony divers place,
But fair and whole well keeped was his face.
Of riches als he keept no proper thing,
Gave that he wan, like Alexander the King.
In time of peace meek as a mind ſhould bee,
When war approached the right Hector was hee,
To Scotſmen right and good credence he gave,
But known enemies they could him nought deceive.
*
Creſſingham was a Clergyman, Rector of Ruddeby, Chief Juſticiary in York Aſſize, and Prebendary of many Churches.—He never aſſumed ſpiritual Enſigns or Armour, or was habited in the Clerical Garb, but always uſed the Helmet and Breaſt-plate, in which be died.
One of the Towers in Berwick Caſtle, called Hogs Tower, was at this time the priſon of Sir William Douglas, where it is ſaid he died.
*
Redpat [...]'s Border hiſt. p. 229.
Weſtminſter.
*
Rymer. III. 16.
Ibid. 226.
*
Lel. Coll.
Malmſbury.
*

James Duglas, by the helpe of Patrike Counte of March, and Peter Spalding of Berwike got Berwike owt of the Engliſchmennes handes. But the caſtel kept a XI wekes after, and then, for lak of vitaile and reſcue was gyven up. Then Roger Horſeley, the Captain of the caſtel for the Engliſchmen, loſt one of his yes.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 547.
*
This differs widely from Leland's account.
*

Edward Baliol gave up Berwick, Roxburg, Dedinburg, Pebilles, and Dunfres, to King Edward, and promiſid to make hym homage for the reſideu, after that the hole Engliſch Hoſte had faught with the Scottes, and had ſo great a victory of the toune of Berwick, was gyven up to King Edward.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 554.
*

Smollet, vol. 2. p. 19.

Tyrell ſays, on expiration of the truce mentioned by Boece and Buchanan, King Edward ſummoned the town to ſurrender; to which Seeton replied, he could not conſent thereto, as he had aſſurances of ſpeedy relief. The King inſiſted on the terms of the truce, by which the ſurrender was ſtipulated, and the time was now expired. Seeton ſtill refuſed, would have prevaricated and argued; which ſo incenſed the King, that by advice of his Council he executed one of Seeton's ſons. This act is ſaid to have induced the townſmen whoſe ſons were hoſtages, to ſolicit new terms, and additional days for ceſſation of arms, which King Edward granted.

It does not appear that Seeton's ſon was an hoſtage; his name is not in any record of that treaty: but preſuming there was a former treaty, which was renewed or prolonged, and of which no record is now in being, this difficulty ceaſes. Fordun expreſly ſays, King Edward cauſed Seeton's ſon Thomas to be executed on a gibbet, in ſight of his parents; but agrees with Tyrell, that it was not done till after the time of the treaty was expired.

*
Some of the Borderers on the weſtern Marches kept maſtiffs or bull-dogs, which were let looſe on the ravaging parties —Nicholſon and Burn's Hiſt. Weſt.
Stowe.
Smollet, v. 2. p. 19.
*
Barnes, Fordun, Boece, Buchanan, Knighton, &c.

Edwardus 3 debellavit Scottos apud Halidon hille, & occidit in illo Bello 35 Millia & poſtea cepit caſtrum de Berwicke —Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 448.

In the VII yere of the reigne of King Edwarde he aſſembled a great hoſt, and cam to Berwike apon Tweede, and layde ſiege therto: & to him cam Edward Bailiol, King of Scottes, with a great powre to ſtrenght and hyde him. The Scottes cam owt of Scotland in foure batailles, well armed and araied.

Edward King of England, an Edward King of Scottes, appareiled theyr people yn other iiii batailles, and apon Halydun Hille beſide the towne of Berwik, mette theſe 2 hoſtes, and there were diſcomfitid of the Scottes, xxv M and vii C, wher of wer ſlayne viii Erles, a M and iii C Knightes and Gentilmen. This victorie done, the King returned to the towne of Berwik, & the towne and the caſtelle were yeldid up to him.—Ibid. p. 9.

Smollet, &c. &c.
*

The following papers are in few hands, and as they contain many curious particulars relative to this ranſom, it is preſumed their inſertion will be agreeable to the reader.

A truce of fourteen years between the King of England and Scotland, concluded at London, in May 1369, under the ſeal of divers Scottiſh Lords.

Be it known to all, who are preſent now, and may be hereafter, that the Reverend Fathers in God, William of Saint Andrew, Walter of Glaſcow, John of Dunkelden, Patrick of Brechin, Chancellor of Scotland, and Walter of Dunblane, Biſhops: The Noble and Puiſſant Lords, Robert Steward of Scotland and Earl of Stratberne, Thomas Earl of Marr, George Earl of March, William Earl of Douglas, John Steward Earl of Carrie, William of Keth Mareſchal of Scotland, Archibald of Douglas, Robert of Erſkyne, James of Douglas, Walter of Leſley, Walter of Halyburton, Aliſaunder of Lyndeſay, all Barons and Knights; Mr John Carr Keeper of the Privy Seal of the High Prince the King of Scotland, being deputed by the ſaid Lord the King of Scotland; and other Prelates, Nobles and Lords, deputed by the King of England, have for both of the aforeſaid Princes and Lords, the Kings, and for all their kingdoms, lands, counties, territories, and ſubjects of each ſide whereſoever they be, by land and by ſea, in expectation of a happy peace, ſtipulated and concluded a juſt, lawful and ſtable truce, forbearance, and ceſſation of war from this preſent day, till the purification of our Lady next coming, and from thence forward for fourteen years next inſuing and fully accompliſhed.

During which truce there ſhall no moleſtation, damage, injury, aſſault or enterpriſe be offered on either ſide, whether by taking of towns, caſtles, or fortreſſes: by burning of houſes or other things: by taking and detaining of perſons: by plundering of cattle and goods; or by any other hoſtile act whatſoever; but they ſhall live, converſe, and traffick mutually together, freely, and peaceably, without producing any letters of ſafe-conduct, and without any arreſt, diſturbance, or interruption altogether in as much amity as they would, and ought to do in the time of an abſolute peace; only paying the dues and cuſtoms to one King as well as to the other.

And if any thing chance to be attempted, or committed by either King, or their ſubjects of either part, contrary to the ſame, it ſhall duely, and as ſoon as may be, without any fraud or delay, be repaired, redreſſed, and made good to the party that ſhall be injured; the truce for all that remaining in full force and vertue.

And in like manner, during the term of the ſaid truce, neither the King of England, nor of Scotland, nor any of their ſubjects of either kingdom, nor any of their Lords, may be an ill-wiſher, adverſary, or enemy: nor ſhall commit any act of hoſtility, damage, or injury: neither may they be aiding, comforting, or counſelling in England, or in Scotland, or in any place elſewhere, againſt the Kings and ſubjects of either kingdom, or of any of their dominions in any manner whatſoever.

And if any of the ſaid ſubjects do act to the contrary, they ſhall, in the firſt place, be required and commanded by way of letter to deſiſt; and, upon neglect thereof, they ſhall be puniſhed as traytors and rebels, and all their goods be forfeited and confiſcated to that King whoſe ſubjects they are.

And during the ſaid term, no ſubject, who may be a rebel, and diſobedient to either King, ſhall be admitted into one kingdom, nor into the other, nor into any of their dominions, whereby he may offer injury and wrong to the ſaid Kings, or to any of their ſubjects.

[74]And the ſaid King of Scotland, for the remainder of his ranſom, ſhall pay 56,000 marks in gold, or ſilver of an equal value, to the King of England, or to his heirs or deputies, at Berwick upon Tweed, at Norham, or at Bambourgh, in the ſpace of the foreſaid truce.

That is to ſay, every year 4000 marks, till the whole ſum aforeſaid ſhall be paid; whereof the firſt payment ſhall commence, in the ſame manner, as hath been ſaid before, at Candlemas next coming, or within fifteen days after; and ſo from year to year, till all the foreſaid ſum of 56,000 marks ſhall be fully paid, as hath been already ſaid; and afterwards the King, and all the other Lords of Scotland, who ſtand engaged for the payment of the ſaid remainder, their heirs and ſucceſſors, ſhall remain acquitted and diſcharged by the ſaid King of England, his heirs and ſucceſſors, and aſſigns, of all the ſaid ranſom, and all other ſums, penalties, failures, oaths, obligations covenants promiſes and defaults, if any chance to be alledged: And of all demands, which may be made by vertue of any obligations by indentures and public inſtruments, granted and paſſed to the ſaid King of England, ſince the time that the ſaid King of Scotland was taken priſoner at the battle of Durham.

And, in particular, of the laſt obligation by the ſaid King of Scotland, given for the payment of 100,000l. And that ſame laſt bond, and all other letters obligatory, indentures, and public inſtruments ſhall, upon the laſt payment, be actually reſtored and delivered to the Commiſſioners of the ſaid King of Scotland. And in caſe that any ſuch writings, relating thereunto, ſhall be found and appear afterwards, they ſhall be always looked upon as void and null, and ſhall looſe their force, effect and power, in all points: and ſhall not be of any benefit, after the ſaid laſt payment, to the King of England, nor of any damage to the King of Scotland.

It is in like manner ſtipulated by the Commiſſioners of the King of England, that the ſubjects of the King of Scotland ſhall have, during the ſaid truce, one moiety of the rents and profits of the lands and poſſeſſions in the hands of thoſe people, who are under the ſubjection and obedience of the King of England in the county of Roxburgh; that is, in ſuch manner that thoſe of Scotland, claiming right of inheritance in the ſaid lands and poſſeſſions, may enjoy one moiety of the profits; but that all the time of the ſaid truce, the ſaid lands and poſſeſſions, together with the perſons, in whoſe hands they are, ſhall remain, as to the King of England, in the ſame ſtate, fealty, obedience, and condition, they are in this preſent day.

And the ſaid lands ſhall, during the term of the ſaid truce, be farmed out well and faithfully, by the joint conſent of both parties concerned, to as much advantage as may be, without any fraud or deceit.

And the ſaid truce ſhall be proclaimed and publiſhed yearly through all the kingdoms, in Ireland, and through all the dominions of both the Kings aforeſaid, both on this ſide and beyond the ſea; and upon the delivery of this preſent treaty under the ſeals of the Prelates and Lords aboveſaid, the ſaid King of England, ſhall in like manner deliver a counterpart of the ſame, under the ſeals of the Honourable Fathers in God William of Wincheſter Chancellour, John of Ely Treaſurer of England, S [...]mon of London, Adam of Saint Davids, William of Worceſter, Biſhops: the Noble and Puiſſant Lords John Duke of Lancaſter: Richard of [...]rundell, Thomas of Be [...]u [...]hamp of Warrewick, Robert of Suffolk, and William Montague of Saliſbury Earls: Henry Lord Percy, Roger Lord Clifford, William Lord Latimer, Sir Peter Lacy Keeper of the Privy Seal.

All and every of which articles the Prelates and Lords of Scotland have ſworn and promiſed that they will obſerve, preſerve, and fulfil, ſo far as they do, or may concern them in every individual [75]point, well and faithfully, without frand or deceit; and without ſaying, or acting any thing tacitely, or expreſly, by themſelves, or by any other for them, to the contrary.

Concluded and delivered under the Seals of the Prelates and Lords of Scotland aforeſaid, at the city of London, in the month of June, and in the year of Grace 1369

  • John of Carryk, Secret.
  • Alexander of Lyndeſay
  • Walter de Haliburton
  • Walter de Leſley
  • James de Douglas
  • Robert de Erſkyne
  • Archihald de Douglas
  • William de Keth
  • Earl of Carryk
  • Earl of Douglas
  • Earl of March
  • Earl of Marr
  • Steward of Scotland
  • Dunblain
  • Brechen
  • Dunkelden
  • Glaſguen
  • St. Andrews

De Obligatione facta Domino Regi per David de Bruys.

A Treſexcellent Prince noſtre Treſchere & Treſhonure Frere Edward, par la grace de Dieu Roi D'engleterre. David par meſme la grace Roi d'Eſcoce Salutz & dilection; Pur ceo que de votre grace eſpetiale vous nous avez accorde par vos lettres overtes que de la Some grande des deniers d'argent, la quele nous vous devons paier, a cauſe de notre deliurance, d'ont nous vous devons paier cheſcun an quatre Mill marcz ala Chaundeleure a certein lieu. Solone la fourme & l'effect, d'unes lettres Obligatoirs d'arreinment faites Sur la reſte de noſtre ranceon, que nous duiſſons paier d'An en An au dit liu quatre Mill marcz a la feſte de Seint John le Baptiſtre, nous promettons loialment, & en paroule de Roie Sacre que nous ferrons le dit paiement d'An en An au lieu accorde a la dite feſt de Seint John le Baptiſtre a voz deputez, tanque a l'enterim paiement de tute la reſte de la Somme, que nous vous devons par la cauſe avantdite; c'eſtaſſavoir, de Cinquante & deux mill marcz d'eſterlinges le terme de primer paiement; comenceant a la feſt de la Nativite de Seint Johan Baptiſtre, l'an de grace M.CCC.LXXI. Et n'eſt pas notre volunte n'entention que la dite grace, q'enſi fait, nous avez vous tourne en damage ou prejudice, ne aſcun autre a cauſe de vous ne a les lettres obligatoriez que faitez vous avouns darreinment par la meſme cauſe; einz volons q elles eſtoiſent & demorent en lour effect, force & fermetee, en touz pontz & articles, horſpris Soulement la change des termes avant nomez tout auxi come vous ne nous euſſez fait la grace avandite. Don. par teſmoignance de notre Seal Secre a la Cite de Londres le quart jour de Juyn, I'an de grace M.CCC.LXX. Et de nre Roialme Quarantiſme.

Rot. Scot. 31 E. 3. M. 1 dors.
Nomina Obſidum de Scotia, viz.

Liverez au Sr. de Percy,
  • 1. Jehan Fitz & Heir au Seneſchall d'Eſcoce
  • 2. Umfred Fitz & Heir a Roger de Kirkpatrick
Liverez a Alain del Strother, come a Vicount de Northumb.
  • 3 Reynard Fitz & Heir Seign Will More
  • 4. Gilbert Fitz & Heir Johan Kenedy
  • 5. Johan Fitz Johan de Berkclay
Au dit Alain, &c.
  • 6. Johan Flemyn Heir au Conte de Wygets
  • 7. Johan Fitz Seign. Andrew de Valence
  • 8. Patrick Fitz & Heir a Sr. David de Graham—Livere a Monſ. Will. de Weſſyngton.
  • 9. Robt. Fitz Sr Will. de Conyngham—Livere a Rog. Corbet.
a Monſ. Rich. Tempeſt.
  • 10 Joh. Fitz & Heir Sr. Joh. Steuard de Dernele
  • 11. Rob. Fitz & Heir Sr. Rob. de Danyelſton
  • 12. Tho. Fitz a Rob. Erſkyn a Johan de Coupland.
  • 13. Will. Fitz & Heir Sr. Tho. Somervill a Monſ. Johan de Evre.
  • 14. David Fitz & Heir David de Wemy [...] a Will. de Strother Mair del Noef-chaſtell.
  • 15. Tho. Fitz & Heir Will. de la Hay de Lockow a Henry de Stro—
  • 16. Johan Fitz & Heir Joh. Gray a Monſ. Tho. de Gr—
  • 17 Item, Johan. Fitz & Heir le Count de Sothirland eſt Envoe a Loundres devers le Chancellor.
  • 18. Item, William Fitz & Heir le Comte de Roſſie eſt malades & le Roi David, & les Eveſques de Seint Andrew & de Brethyn, & le Counte de la Marche ſont Empris q'il terre Livere au Gardein de Berwick devant Nowel, & s'il ſoit mort que la prochein Heir au dit Count vendra en ſon lieu.
  • 19. Item, Patrick Fitz & Heir a Monſ. Will. de Levynſton eſt baille a Richard Snell Burgeis de Berwick, & le Roi David ad empres—ſa bouche & une Lre—de ſon Sigut q'il ſerra—& ne elongera.
  • 20 Item, Sive Thomas Byſet ad Empreſs que William ſon Fitz terra a les touz Seintz — du Seigneur d'Manny pur dem—

Rot. Scot. 32 E. 3. M. 6. De denar recipiend & obſidibus admottend.

Rex dilectis & fidelibus Suis Henrico de Percy, Rado de Nevill, & Johanni de Coupeland Cuſtodi Villae Regis Berewici ſuper Twedam, Salutem. Cum, in Tractatu inter Concilium noſtrum & quoſdam Praelatos Magnates & alios de Scotia ſuper deliberatione David de Bruys Priſonarii noſtri pridem habito, concordatum Sit quod Centum Milia marcarum Sterlingorum pro redemptione Praedicti David infra decem annos extunt proximo Sequentes apud Berewycum ſuper Twedam, vel Norham, aut Baumburg, vel London nobis ſolvant videlt decem Milia martarum de prima ſolutione ad feſtum Nativitatis ſancti Johannis Baptiſtae proximo futurum. & reſidum corumdem Centum milium marcarum ad alios terminos in quadam Indentura inde facta contentos, & quod Johannes Primogenitus & haeres Seneſcalli Scotiae qui unâ eum quibuſdam alijs Magnatibus de Scotia in obſides pro deliberatione praedicti David liberantur, in Cuſtodia veſtra, praefatus Henr. Moraretur quouſ (que) dicta decem milia marcarum plenarie fuerint perſoluta, & tunt loco ſuo veniet Secundo genitus praedicti Seneſcalli frater ipſius Johannis in obſidem in forma ſupradicta, & dictus Johannes deliberabitur prout Indenturâ praedictâ plenius continetur.

Nos, de fidelitate & circumſpectione veſtris plenius confidentes, aſſignavimus vos conjunctim & diviſim ad dicta decem milia marcaraum, de prima ſolutione praedicta, ad inſtans feſtum Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiſtae apud dicta loca de Berewico, No [...]ham, vel Baumburgh, nomine noſtro, in ſterlingis vel in moneta auri in Anglia iam currente recipiendum, & ad Secundo genitum praedicti Seneſcalli Fratrem praedicti Johannis loco Ipſius Johannis in obſidem [77]admittendum & per vos, praefate Henr. cuſtodiendum; & admiſſo in veſtram ſecuram cuſtodiam ipſo Fratre ejuſdem Johannis ſic in obſidem, & dictis decem Milibus Marcarum vobis perſolutis, Sicut predictum eſt ad praedictum Johannem a priſona, qua ſic detinetur, extunc deliberand' juxta vim & effectum Indenturae pradictae.

Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praemiſſa faciatis in forma predicta. In cujus, &c. Teſte Rege apud Weſtm. viij die Junij.

Rot. 34 Edw. 3. De uno Obſidum David de Bruys deliberando & alio recipiendo.

Rex dilectis & fidelibus ſuis Henrico de Percy & Radulfo de Nevill Salutem: Cùm nuper, ſuper tractatu deliberationis David de Bruys habito, concordatum fuiſſet quòd Johannes filius & haeres Seneſcalli Scotiae, unus obſidum pro dicto David in Comitivâ veſtrâ, vel alterius veſtrûm, moraretur quouſ (que) prima ſolutio decem Milium Marcarum de redemptione dicti David plene fiat, & eâ factâ Filius dicti Seneſcalli Secundo genitus loco predicti Johannis fratris ſui in dictum Regnum noſtrum veniet in Obſidem moratur pari formâ, & Statim ſuper adventu dicti Secundo-geniti in ipſum Regnum deliberabitur dictus Johannes, quod (que) quilibet dictorum filiorum predicti Seneſcalli, qui in Obſidem ſic veniet ſit ejuſdem conditionis, Ita quod nullus corum, niſi pro unicâ ſolutione dictae redemptionis, obſes morabitur, ut eſt dictum.

Nos volentes dictum tractatum in omnibus obſervari, vobis mandamus quod cum, per Cancellarium & Theſaurarium noſtros certificati fueritis, quod ſecunda ſolutio redemptionis praedictae plenariè facta fuerit, & filius dicti Seneſcalli tertio-genitus in obſidem pro dicto David ſe intraverit praedictum ſecundo-genitum, in cuſtodia veſtra, ſic exiſtentem deliberari faciatis juxta formam Tractatûs praedicti. Volumus enim vos de ipſo ſecundo-genito extunc exonerari.

Per ipſum Regem & Concilium.

[73]
*

Patric of Dunbar Counte of Marche, and Thomas le Seneſchal, that caulled hymſelf Counte of Angus, one and twenty days after thys prepaired themſelf apon a nighte with ſcaling laders cumming to Berwick, and with yn VI dayes after tok be aſſaute one of the ſtronges toures of Berwik, and enterid the town.

This tydinges was brought to King Edwarde at his very landing at Calays yn to England. Wherfore he taried at his parlament apointed at London but 3 dayes, and with al ſpede cam to Berwike, and enterid the caſtel, and then the burgeſes tretiſed with hym, and the toune of Berwik was redelyverid ful ſore agayn the Scottes wylle to King Edwarde.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 565.
*
A. D. 1384 caſtellum de Berwik a Scottis captum, & ab Henrico de Percy comite Northumbr. receptum.—Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 184.
*
Hard. p. 203.
*
The firſt conſtruction of Cannon, was by iron bars bound together with hoops.

A. D. 1505 comes de Northumb. & D. Bardolf fugerunt de Berwick in Scotiam. Rex obſeſſit caſtrum de Berwicke & expugnavit & multos in eo captos decollavit.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 314.
Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 499.
*
Stowe, p. 432.
*
See an account of the devaſtations made on this expedition, p. 37.
Hayne, p. 127.
*
The town arms, a dog paſſant by a tree, in feſſe point, two eſcutcheons with the arms of England and France quarterly, tied together by an arch; in chief a King ſitting on an arch,' with a ſcepter in the right hand, and a mound in his left.—Browne Willis.

Repreſentatives in Parliament for the Town of Berwick.

Brown Willis ſays, that the burgeſſes were ſummoned to ſend repreſentatives to parliament, in the latter end of the reign of King Edward IV. From the 17th of King Edward IV. to the Firſt of King Edward VI. the returns are all loſt, except an imperfect bundle of the 33d of King Edward VIII.

16 Jan.1542King Henry VIII.33 P. at Weſtm.
8 Nov.1547King Edward VI.1 P. at Weſtm.
1 March1552 7 P. at Weſtm.
  Queen Mary. 
5 Oct.1553No return1 P. at Weſtm.
2 April1554George Browne, Odwell Selby, Gentlemen1 P. at Oxford
  Philip and Mary. 
12 Nov.1554No return1 & 2 P. at Weſtm.
21 Oct.1555John Bredforth, Charles Wharton2 & 3 P. at Weſtm.
20 Jan.1557No return4 & 5 P. at Weſtm.
  Queen Elizabeth. 
23 Jan.1558No return1 P. at Weſtm.
23 Jan.1562Anthony Temple, Thomas Norton5 P. at Weſtm.
11 Jan.1571Valentine Browne, Knight, Henry Cave, Eſq13 P. at Weſtm.
8 May1572Martin Garnet, Gentleman, Robert Newdigate, Eſq14 P. at Weſtm.
23 Nov.1585William Moreton, Thomas Parkinſon, Aldermen27 P. at Weſtm.
29 Oct.1586Valentine Browne, Knight, Thomas Parkinſon, Alderman28 P. at Weſtm.
4 Feb.1588William Moorton, Mayor, William Selby, Eſq31 P. at Weſtm.
19 Nov.1592William Moorton, Mayor, William Selby, Eſq35 P. at Weſtm.
24 Oct.1597William Selby, Thomas Parkinſon39 P. at Weſtm.
7 Oct.1601William Selby, Senior, Eſq David Waterhouſe, Eſq43 P. at Weſtm.
  King James I. 
19 March1603William Selby, Knight, Ch. Parkinſon, Recorder1 P. at Weſtm.
5 April1614William Selby, Knight12 P. at Weſtm.
30 Jan.1620Joh. Selby, Knight, Robſon Jackſon, Knight18 P. at Weſtm.
19 Feb.1623Rob. Jackſon, Knight, Edward Lively, Gentleman21 P. at Weſtm.
  King Charles I. 
21 Jan.1625John Selby, Knight, Rob. Jackſon, Knight1 P. at Weſtm.
6 Feb.1625Rob. Jackſon, Knight, Richard Lowther, Eſq1 P. at Weſtm.
16 March1628Edward Lawyer, Knight, Edward Lively, Gentleman3 P. at Weſtm.
13 April1640Thomas Widdrington, Knight, Hugh Potter, Eſq15 P. at Weſtm.
3 Nov.1640Thomas Widdrington, Knight, Robert Scawin, Eſq16. P. at Weſtm.
  Oliver Cromwell 
  Convened an aſſembly called the Little Parliament, but no repreſentatives for Cities or Boroughs, London excepted, were ſummoned to it. 
5 July1654Geo. Fenwick of Brenkburn, County of NorthumberlandP. at Weſtm.
3 Sept.1656Colonel George Fenwick, Ob. 15 March (1656)P. at Weſtm.
  Richard Cromwell. 
27 Jan.1658John Ruſhworth of Lincolns Inn, EſqP. at Weſtm.
  George Payler, Eſq one of the Commiſſioners of the Navy 
  The Convention Parliament. 
25 April1660Sir Thomas Widdrington, John RuſhworthP. at Weſtm.
  King Charles II. 
8 May1661Sir Ralph Grey, Sir Thomas Widdrington13 P. at Weſtm.
6 March1678John Ruſhworth, Sir Ralph Grey31 P. at Weſtm.
21 March16John Ruſhworth, Sir Ralph GreyP. at Oxford
  King James II. 
19 May1685Philip Bickerſtaff, Ralph Widdrington1 P. at Weſtm.
  The Convention Parliament. 
22 Jan.1688Francis Blake, Eſq Philip Babington, EſqP. at Weſtm.
  King William and Queen Mary. 
20 March1689Samuel Ogle,* and Francis Blake, Eſqrs.P. at Weſtm.
  King William III. 
22 Nov.1695Ralph Grey, Samuel Ogle, Eſq7 P. at Weſtm.
  ☞ March 9, 1696, The right of election is ſtated in the report to be in the freemen. 
3 Dec.1698Sir Francis Blake, Samuel Ogle, Eſq10 P. at Weſtm.
10 Feb.1700Jonathan Hutchinſon, Samuel Ogle, Eſqrs.12 P. at Weſtm.
30 Dec.1701Samuel Ogle, Jonathan Hutchinſon,* Eſqrs.13 P. at Weſtm.
  Queen Anne. 
20 Oct.1702Jonathan Hutchinſon, Samuel Ogle, Eſqrs.1 P. at Weſtm.
25 Oct.1705Jonathan Hutchinſon, Samuel Ogle, Eſqrs.4 P. at Weſtm.
8 July1708Jonathan Hutchinſon, Samuel Ogle, Eſqrs.7 P. at Weſtm.
25 Nov.1710William Kerre, Eſq * Richard Hampden, Eſq 9 P. at Weſtm.
12 Nov.1713William Orde, Eſq * Richard Hampden, Eſq12 P. at Weſtm.
  King George I. 
17 March1714Grey Neville, Eſq * John Shute, Eſq 1 P. at Weſtm.
10 May1722John Lord Viſcount Barrington, Grey Neville, Eſq7 at P. Weſtm.
  Grey Neville, died 24th April, 1723, a new writ 29 April. 
  William Kerre, Eſq in the room of Grey, and Henry Neville Grey, Eſq in the room of Barrington expelled. 
  King George II. 
28 Nov.1727Joſeph Sabine, Eſq * and George Liddel, Eſq1 P. at Weſtm.
13 June1738George Liddel, Eſq * Hugh Lord PolwarthP. at Weſtm.
  Thomas Watſon, Eſq ſucceeded to Lord Polwarth's ſeat, and William Wildman, Barrington Shute, Viſcount and Baron Barrington, to Mr Liddel's, by virtue of a writ teſted March 6, 1740. 
25 Jan.1741Lord Viſcount Barrington,* Thomas Watſon, EſqP. at Weſtm.
13 May1747Thomas Watſon, Eſq John Delaval, EſqP. at Weſtm.
  
  • No. of Burgeſſes polled 23 April, 1754 476
  • Watſon 374
  • Delaval 307
  • John Wilkes, Eſq 192
 
  King George III. 
5 May1761Thomas Watſon,* Eſq Sir John Huſſey Delaval, Bart.1 P. at Weſtm.
12 May1768Sir John Huſſey Delaval, Bart. Robert Paris Taylor, Eſq Elected on Wedneſday 19th October, 17748 P. at Weſtm.
  Jacob Wilkinſon, Eſq Hon. John Vaughan, EſqP. at Weſtm.
  
  • Candidates No. polled
  • Jacob Wilkinſon 452
  • Hon. Vaughan 388
  • Alexander Campbell, Eſq 147
 
[91]
*
Samuel Ogle of South Diſſington, County of Northumberland, Eſq Commiſſioner of the Revenue in Ireland. Coll. Per. v. 3. p. 350.
*
Brother of John the Firſt Duke of Roxburgh.
Hampden in the County of Bucks.
*
Of Fenham, County of Northumberland.
*
Neville one of the Commiſſioners for ſtating the debts due to the army.
Shute Barrington, created Viſcount Barrington in Ireland, during this Parliament, July 11, 1720, and expelled the houſe 1723.
*
A Lieutenant General of his Majeſty's forces, Governor of Berwick and Holy Iſland, and Colonel of the royal regiment of Welch Fuzilcers. On his death Hugh Lord Polwarth ſucceeded to his ſeat in Parliament.
*
Ob. Oct. 9, 1740.
Hugh Lord Polwarth, on the death of his father in 1740, ſucceeded to the title of Earl of Marchmont.
*
Made one of the Lords of the Admiralty, and a new writ being iſſued 20 February, 1746, he was re-elected.
*
Ob. 6 January, 1766, Viſcount Liſburne ſucceeded to his ſeat.
*
Pontage—A contribution towards the maintenance or re-edifying of a bridge. Weſt. 2. Cap. 25. 13 Edward I. Or a toll collected from paſſengers on bridges for the above purpoſe. 1 Henry VIII. 29 Elizabeth.
Murage—Is a toll or tribute to be levied for the building or repairing of public walls. It is due either by grant or preſcription. Co. Inſt. 2. It is alſo conſtrued to be a liberty granted to a town by the Crown, for collecting money towards walling the ſame. 3 Edward I.
Pannage—The feeding ſwine on the maſt of beech, acorns, &c. in the royal foreſts.
§
Cranage—The liberty of uſing a crane on the wharfs of an haven or port.
Laſtage—Has various conſtructions; a right to carry goods in a fair; the ballaſting of ſhips; cuſtom for goods ſold by the laſt.
**
Carncage—A taxation of lands computed by the earnca or oxgang.
††
Kayage—A cuſtomary toll for wharfage of merchandize.
‡‡
Vinage—Duty on wine.
§§
Achate and Rechate—Buying and ſelling proviſions, &c. &c.
*
Wallis.

Sir John Grey founded here, A. D. 1270, a houſe of White Friars. Vide Rot. Pat. 11 Edward II. p. 1. m. 14. Quod fratres Carmelitae deſerviant in capella regia in caſtro de Berwic et habeant conſuetum ſtipendium.—Tanner's Not.

South Berwick. David King of Scotland (who died A. D. 1153) is ſaid to have founded in or near this place a Benedictine Nunnery. Tanner's Not. Jun. 6, 1291. Religioſa Mulier Domina Agnes de Berinham Proriſſa de Berewico, took the oath of allegiance to King Edward I. in the chapel of the caſtle of Berwick. Pryn. v. 3. p. 508. Rym. tom. 2. p. 568. Aug. 20. 24 Edward I. 1296. Anneys Prioreſſe de South Berewyk & le Covent ſwore fealty to King Edward I. Pryn. v. 3. p. 655.

Leland's Itin.

Leland ſaith that ‘there was an order here Ordinis S. Trinitatis, but Anthony Bee Biſhop of Dureſme deſtroyed it, and then one William Wakefield, maſter of the houſe in Berwik, at the defacing it came to Newcaſtle, and, by the aid of William and Lawrence Acton, brethren there, builded an houſe of that religion,’ which was afterwards called the Walk Noll. Quere, Biſhop Beck died A. D. 1311. and clauſ. 2 Edward III. m. 16. is ‘pro miniſtro et fratribus S. Trinitatis pontis Berwici.’—Tanner's Not.

*

Theſe were called Grey Friars, Friars Minors, or Franciſcans, ſo named from their patron St. Francis, born at Spoletum in Italy, (ob. 1226) and canonized by Pope Gregory IX. It was one of the convents of the cuſtody of Newcaſtle. King Edward III. 13th year of his reign, confirmed to it an allowance of 20 marks yearly, ſettled on the Friars of this convent by the Kings of Scotland. This gift is declared to be beſtowed as a free charity, and a pure alms for the ſupport of theſe poor Friars. Stephens Mon. p. 25. of the appendix.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

In Cl. Rimeri Conventionum, etc. tom. 5. p. 104. Maerdatum R. Edward III. anno regni 13 de ſolvendo guardiano et fratribus de ordine Minorum de villa de Berewice commorantibus viginti marcas per ann. de firma dictae villae de [...]l [...]moſina regnum Scotiae ab antiquo conſtituta.

Tanner.

Theſe were called Preaching Friars, Black Friars, Jacobine Friars, or Dominicans, ſo named from St. Dominick their founder, born in Spain. They firſt came over into England about 1221. R. Mon. p. 396.

Aug 4, 1291, Henry Abb of Abirbrothok, and Sir David de Forthorand, Knt. in the decayed (deſerted Eccleſia) church of the Friars Preachers, took the oath of fealty to King Edward I. Pryn, v. 3. p. 512.

§

Frere Will. Meſtre de la Meſon de S. Auſtyn de Seggeden, took the oath of fealty to King Edward I. Aug. 20, 1296. Pryn, v. 3. p. 660.

In the eſcheat rolls of Northumb. 41 Edward III. 1367, there is mention of the Hermitage of Segden, and of an inquiry concerning the lands belonging to it. In the pat. 16 King Henry VI. 1437, the hoſpital of St. Mary Magdalen is called a free chapel, and Segeden an hermitage, and theſe are ſaid to be united.

Nicholas Newton cuſtos of the free chapel of St. Mary Magdalen near Berwic, and of the hermitage of Segden annext to it. Pat. 16 King Henry 6.—Randal's Manuſcripts.

Rot. Pat. 29 Edward I.—In Rymer, v. 3. p. 786, ſuch an hoſpital is mentioned as near this town.

In Sancroft's Manuſcripts Valor. under Kepyer, near Durham, there is ſaid to have been an hoſpital near Berwick dependent on Kepyer, to which it paid an annual rent of 20s.

Tanner's Not.

Jon. de Cerve was cuſtos of this hoſpital 13 King Edward II. A. D. 1319.

Rym. v. 3. p. 786.
*

Publiſhed in the Newcaſtle newſpaper, Oct. 20, 1750.

The public Grammar School of Berwick upon Tweed, being vacant by the reſignation of the late maſter, the Guild has determined to fill the employment, by the moſt deſerving man they can find to undertake the charge.

Notice is hereby given, that the ſaid employment will be diſpoſed of on Thurſday the 27th of December next, at Berwick, where the candidates are deſired at that day, to make their perſonal appearance.

The corporation being duly ſenſible of the high importance of the charge, and how much the principles of the ſociety may be corrupted, their morals debauched, and the public peace diſturbed, by the jacobitiſm, bigotry, looſe morals, imprudence, or ill temper of the perſon that is intruſted with their children, at an age ſuſceptible of every impreſſion, deſire that whoever is willing to offer themſelves as candidates for ſuch employment, may, on or before the 27th of November, ſend certificates ſealed up and encloſed, to the Town Clerk of Berwick, under the hands of gentlemen of probity and knowledge, of their zeal for liberty and the preſent conſtitution, their ſobriety, moderation, good conduct and temper, as the corporation is reſolved to commit that care to the perſon who ſhall appear beſt qualified: and therefore after the attention to their characters in theſe reſpects, gentlemen of undoubted honour will be employed to examine into the learning of the perſons beſt recommended.

The maſter has a commodious dwelling-houſe and garden; the ſalary for teaching freemen's children is 60l. per annum, and 10s. a quarter for teaching every unfreeman's child; out of which the maſter is to provide himſelf with an uſher, at a yearly ſalary not leſs than 20l. who is to be approved by the Guild.

*

Lord Marchmont having been pointed at by Hiſtorians as being one of thoſe corrupt partizans, who effected the union from ſiniſter views, the following authentic letter in the author's cuſtody, among many ſtate papers found in the cabinet of the late Lord Wharton, will be thought worthy a place here: To which ſome hiſtorical notes, &c. are added.

[102]

From the Earl of Marchmont to Lord Wharton.

MY LORD,

I had the honour of your Lordſhip's letter of the 31ſt July laſt, by the Lord Roſs, who did me the kindneſs to call at my houſe, on his way to Edinburgh, and gave me the ſatisfactory account of your Lordſhip's hearty inclinations to the union, and of your prudent diligence to advance it in the treaty: ſuch as I would have expected from your underſtanding and parts.

I have been long wiſhing an opportunity to aſſiſt in that deſign; being convinced that an union of the kingdoms is the only ſolid way to ſecure the religion and liberty,* to increaſe the power and ſignificancy of this iſland, and to eſtabliſh the peace of it.

I would have written to your Lordſhip ſooner, but delayed till I might obſerve the motions of our parliament. I had diſcovered ſome time ago, that in all corners of the country, endeavours were uſed to poſſeſs the people with fears about it, and great prejudices againſt it, as if it would bring ſlavery upon them, deſtroy the little trade they have, and make them miſerable beyond a poſſibility of remedy; but eſpecially that it would overturn the church government eſtabliſhed here, which the people are ſo addicted to, that they can ſuffer as much for it, as I think they would for Chriſtianity itſelf.

Some had influenced the moſt part of our preachers, to whom the people have great regard, that it is ſcarcely poſſible to perſuade them to a true notion of the union, or to any good thoughts of it, though there has been much pains taken by others to do it.

When the parliament met, it was eaſy to find out who had been the ſomenters of the fears and doubts cauſing the averſion; and it is evident enough the oppoſers in parliament have been the authors of very bad impreſſions upon the clergy and lower people, yet I am of opinion, that the fancies they have taken up will ſoon vaniſh, and will not be the hinderance of concluding a treaty.

[103]Upon the 4th current the houſe came to a queſtion, ‘Approve the firſt article of the treaty or not?’—With this proviſion, that if other articles be not adjuſted by the parliament, the agreeing to the firſt ſhould be of no effect.

The voters preſent were 199, of which 116 were approvers, 83 were oppoſers; of theſe 66 entered their diſſent and proteſted—17 would not join in the diſſent, becauſe they differed from the approvers, only in that they were not for putting a queſtion upon the firſt article, till votes ſhould paſs on the 4th, 5th, and ſome other following articles: and I think, the moſt part of, if not all the 17, are for an entire union, if the terms pleaſe them.

Several very underſtanding and well affected members find difficulties in ſome of the articles, whereof they apprehend ſome to be inſuperable, unleſs they meet with a remedy from the wiſdom of England.

Many of the more judicious members are little moved by the croſs humour raiſed among the people, by the pains of ill-deſigning men, while it is founded only upon ſpeculation, for they think that will vaniſh. But if the mulitude of the lower people, ſhall at the beginning feel a ſenſible prejudice by the execution of any article, then the danger may prove greater among a hot ſtubborn vulgar, than can well be foreſeen.

I cannot yet condeſcend upon particulars, which I will do when I am able to explain them more diſtinctly: this I can ſay in the general, that I am only apprehenſive of ſuch things as may univerſally affect the common people, before they can have much reliſh of the advantages which certainly will in courſe be the product and fruit of an union.

In the beginning of this ſeſſion, thoſe who in the laſt were called the new party, made up of the Peers and Gentlemen who were laid aſide from public employment and the council in the year 1705, and others their friends upon whom they have influence, who have ſtill ſtuck together, above 24 in number, were ſuſpected that they would go croſs to the Miniſters: but God [104]be thanked they have not done ſo, for which they merit eſteem and thanks from all who wiſh well to her Majeſty and her kingdoms. They have carried themſelves and concurred as perſons of honour and underſtanding, for promoting the common good, without any appearance of reſentment towards thoſe now employed. Whereas if they had joined with the oppoſers of the union, the promoters of it here were not able to carry it through.

As for the proteſters, I am confident, the far greater part, if not all of them, are deſigning to make way for the ST GERMAINS YOUTH, and to divide theſe kingdoms.* They well diſcern that an union extinguiſhes all hopes of that ſort; and therefore they will certainly embrace any means that can prevent an union. But as the friends to it cannot miſs to out-vote the other, if inſuperable difficulties of the kind I have mentioned be not found in ſome of the articles; or if found, be removed or redreſſed by the prudent aſſiſtance of your Lordſhip, and ſuch as you in your parliament; I doubt not the treaty will be brought to a happy concluſion, which I heartily wiſh, and wherein I ſhall labour to be as much aſſiſtant here as can be in the power of,

MY LORD,
Your Lordſhip's moſt obedient and moſt humble ſervant, (Signed) MARCHMONT.

Turn over.

If your Lordſhip n [...]eds to write to me, the gentleman who delivers this, has a way to have it brought with certainty to me.

My ſhaking hand ſerves me not to write, therefore I make uſe in this of my ſon Sir Andrew's.

*
The Duke of Hamilton's ſpeech was ſpirited: ‘What! ſhall we in one day give up what our forefathers maintained with their lives and fortunes for many ages? Are here none of the deſcendants of thoſe worthy patriots, who defended the liberty of their country againſt all invaders: who aſſiſted the great King Robert Bruce to reſtore the conſtitution, and revenge the falſehood of England and uſurpation of Pa [...]ol? Where are the Douglaſſes and Campbe [...]ls? Where are the Peers, where are the Barons once the bulwark of the nation? Shall we yield up the ſovereignty and independency of our country, when we are commanded by thoſe we repreſent to preſerve the ſame, and aſſured of their aſſiſtance to ſupport us.’

The proceſſors were the Duke of Athol, Earl Marſhal, Marquis of Annandale, Lord Belhaven, Earl of Buchan, Lockhart of Carnwarth, Sir Walter Stuart, the Earl of Errol, and ſome of inferior rank.

Thoſe who promoted the union were headed by the Dukes of Queenſberry and Argyle, the Earls of Montroſe, Seafield, and Stair.

Smollet ſays, ‘they found means, partly by their promiſes and partly by corruption, to bring over the Earls of Ro [...]burgh and Marchment, with the whole ſquadron who had hitherto been unpropitious to the Court.’

From this letter the reader muſt entertain a more favourable idea of its author.

Mr Fleming's Voyage to Scotland, printed with Hook's Negotiation, ſays, ‘The ſame evening I arrived at Lord Nai [...]ns, in the county of Perth, who expreſſed great zeal for the ſervice of the K—; and as I had a letter of the Earl of Errol for him, that he might inform me of the moſt proper meaſures to ſee his brother the Marquis of Athol, he undertook to conduct me to him. We found that Lord in ſuch a temper as we could wiſh; for five months before he had all his vaſſals ready to take arms upon the firſt news o [...] the K—'s arrival.’

In this collection we have the two following letters.

From the Earl of Errol, Lord High Conſtable of Scotland.

May it pleaſe your M—,

The ſatisfaction which I feel on receiving your M—'s orders, anſwers to my zeal and hopes, of being one day [...] in your ſervice. I have left nothing undone to reſtore your M—y to the throne of your anceſtors; and though our deſign of doing it by the parliament, has not had the ſucceſs your faithful ſubjects wiſhed for, [103]yet the arrival of Colonel Hooke, and his diligence in the execution of his orders, have been ſo uſeful, that I hope in conſequence thereof, to have the happineſs of ſeeing your M—y in this country; an happineſs after which we have ſo long ſighed, to be delivered from oppreſſion. Moſt of your M—'s friends having left Edinburgh before the arrival of Colonel Hooke, all that we could do was to act in concert, in ſigning the memorial: and as the memorial is not ſo ample as ſome of us could have wiſhed, we have deſired the Colonel to ſupply what is wanting therein, by repreſenting ſeveral things, concerning which we have inſtructed him. He will alſo inform your M—, how much this nation is generally well affected to your ſervice, and with how much pleaſure we ſhall venture our lives and fortunes for ſo juſt a cauſe. No one will concur more heartily than I, who conſtantly pray for your M—'s proſperity. I am,

May it pleaſe your M—y, Your M—'s moſt faithful ſubject, and moſt obedient, moſt humble ſervant, (Signed) ERROL.

Extract of the letter from the Counteſs of Errol to the Queen of England, May 29th, 1707.

All the delays which we have ſuffered have not diminiſhed our zeal, though they have prolonged our miſeries and misfortunes.

Colonel Hooke has been ſo well received among us, that he is able to give an exact account of his negotiations, which will not diſpleaſe your M—.

I confeſs, that after having waited for him for a long while, our ſervour began to diminiſh, in proportion to our hopes; but his prudence and good conduct joined to his indefatigable diligence, has revived our ardor; and he has put our affairs into ſo good order, that we hope they will come to an happy iſſue. The preſent opportunity is looked upon by all as the beſt that has ever offered, and the laſt that will offer for a long time.

All ranks of people earneſtly demand their K—, and the Scots will certainly return univerſally and unanimouſly to their duty towards their lawful S—.

Though the relations of Mr Murray are very conſiderable, and able to do much for your M—'s ſervice, yet he has not thought proper to promote it in the country, on account of the ſituation he is in with reſpect to the government: beſide, Colonel Hooke's activity has been ſuch, that he has not ſtood in need of aſſiſtance. However Mr Murray has always been ready to do every thing in his power, and has followed exactly the advice of the Colonel, &c. &c

[102]
*
Voltaire ſpeaking of the Tories attempting to replace the Stuart family on the throne of England, is thus noted by his tranſlator Smollet: ‘We can affirm, on the very beſt authority, that the Tories never harboured any ſuch deſign: there might indeed be ſome Jacobites among them, who ſecretly entertained notions of that kind, but theſe they carefully concealed from the party with which they aſſociated. Some too were driven into Jacobitiſm by hard uſage; but the Tories in general had no intention to alter that ſucceſſion which they themſelves had eſtabliſhed.’
MY LORD,

The difficulties and warm debates which happened in the houſe, led me to delay the ſending my letter, till I could give you this further account.

The 2d, 3d, and 4th articles of the treaty are approved, with the like proviſion as the firſt is; but the carrying of theſe votes was with a great deal of wrangle and conteſt: even as much upon the 4th (wherein we expected little reſiſtance) as upon any of the former; whereby it is eaſy to diſcern the deſign of the oppoſers. Yet our greater difficulty is to keep many by whom we muſt carry our votes, from being miſled by the deſigning oppoſers, with the ſubtle pretences they make; ſo plauſible, as are of danger to prevail upon the leſs underſtanding ſort of well-meaning perſons.

The 5th article is this day approved, with this alteration. ‘The Diet is changed from the time of ſigning the treaty for the union, to the time of ratifying the treaty.’

"I know not how your parliament may like this, but I am hopeful that an affair of ſo manifold advantages to this iſland, as an entire union may prove, will not ſtop upon differences of leſſer moment.

What I foreſee of this ſort, brings to my remembrance a very old treaty betwixt Reheboam and the tribes of Iſrael; and of the wiſe advice which the old Counſellors gave him. This ſimilitude halts, as commonly all do; yet I believe your Lordſhip will find ſomething in it that may be of uſe.

I ſhall add no more now, but that I am

Your Lordſhip's humble ſervant, (Signed) M. E.
[101]
*

In Mr Groſe's works we find theſe particulars relative to this Iſland.

‘Bede calls it a Semi Iſland, being as he juſtly obſerves, twice an iſland and twice continent in one day; for at the flowing of the tide it is encompaſſed by water, and at the ebb there is an almoſt dry paſſage, both for horſes and carriages to and from the main land; from which if meaſured in a ſtraight line it is diſtant about two miles eaſtward; but on account of ſome quick ſands paſſengers are obliged to make ſo many detours, that the length of the way is nearly doubled, the water over theſe flats at ſpring tides is only ſeven feet.’

‘This iſland was by the Britons called Inis Medicante; alſo Lindisfarn from the ſmall rivulet of Lindi which here runs into the ſea, and the Celtic word Fahren or receſs; alſo on account of its being the habitation of ſome of the firſt monks in this country, it afterwards obtained its preſent name of Holy Iſland. It meaſures from eaſt to weſt about two miles and a quarter, and its breadth from north to ſouth is ſcarcely a mile and a half. At the north-weſt part there runs out a ſpit of land of about a mile in length. The Monaſtery is ſituated at the ſouthermoſt extremity; and a ſmall diſtance north of it ſtands the little town inhabited chiefly by fiſhermen. This iſland though really part of Northumberland belongs to Durham; and all civil diſputes muſt be determined by the juſtices of that county.’

Lindis dicitur flumen, quod in mare excurrit, duorum pedum latitudinem habens, quando Ledon fuerit, id eſt, minor aeſtus, & videri poteſt. Quando vero Malina fuerit, id eſt, major aeſtus maris, tum nequit Lindis videri. Farne autem inſula eſt, in qua beatiſſimus Cuthbertus heremitican invitam duxit. Non tanta eſt Lindisfarne, ſed eſt poſita in mare, magnis exturbata fluctibus dicbus & Noctibus.—Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 173.
*
The cathedral, with the town of Fenham, and the town and church of Norham were given by William de Carilepho, to the monaſtery of Durham. Monaſt. Angl. Vol. 1.
*
S. Oſwaldus ſucceſſit in reg. utriuſque.
Hic Aidano Epiſcopo ſedem in Lindisfarne dedit.
Hic Eccl. S. Petri Ebor. ab Edwino rege inceptam conſummavit.
Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 411.

Erat namque filius Potentiſſimi regis Ethelfridi, cujus Pater Ethelricus rex, cujus Pater Ida rex, a quo, ut Beda refect, regalis Northanhymbrorum proſapia cepit originem. Nec tantum paterna ſed et materna quoque origine clariſſimum ducit genealogium ex ſorore, videlicet Edwini Regis procreatus, &c. &c.

Symeon Dunel.

Anno igitur Dominicae incarnationis DCXXXV, qui eſt annus adventus Anglorum in Brittaniane CLXXXVIII, adventus vero ſancti Auguſtini XXXIX piiſſimus Rex Oſwaldus, ſecundo imperii ſui anno, venienti ad ſe Aidano, ſedem Epiſcopalem in Inſula Lindisfarnenſi conſtituit, ubi et ipſe antiſtes, jubente ſuffragante & co-operante Rege, Monachorum, qui ſecum venerant, habitationem inſtituit, hoc illis Rege ſcilicet & Epiſcopo procurantibus, ut et Pontificale auctoritate fides reboraretur novella, & monachia inſtitutione ſemper in poſterum caperet augmentum religionis obſervantia.

Ibid.

Nomina Epiſcoporum Lindisfarnenſium.

Aidan, Finan, Colman, Tuda, Eata, Cuthbertus, Eadberht, Aetheluuold, Cineuulſus, Hygbaldus, Ecgbertus, Earduffus, Cuthheardus, Tilredus, Wigredus, Vhtredus, Sexhelme, Aldredus, Alſius, Aldhumus, Eadmundus, Edredus, Egelricus, Egelwinus, Walcherus, Wilhelmus, Ranulphus, Gaufridus.

Lel. Col. Vol. 1. p. 320.
§
In Ridpath's Border Hiſtory ſaid to be ‘a Monk of the chief Scottiſh monaſtery of I'colm'kill;’ but there is no authority quoted for this aſſertion.
*

Regno enim potitus, gentem fibi ſubditam ſecum mox Chriſto ſubdidit, utpote in verbo fidei pontifici Aidano ſocius & co-operator exiſtens egregius: praedicante namque in ſua id eſt ſcottorum lingua Epiſcopo, ille qui hanc aeque ut ſum perfecte noverat, Rex utique Regis aeterni miniſter devotus aſſiſtere, & fidus interpes fidei ducìbus ſuis ac miniſtris miniſtrare ſolebat verba ſalutis.

Symeon Dunelm. p. 17.

He was buried in the church of Lindisfarne, and was eſteemed ſo holy, that Colman, alſo Biſhop of that See, ſome years afterwards retiring into Scotland in the year 664, carried part of his reliques with him. The Monks of Glaſtonbury falſely pretended he was buried in their abbey.

Groſe.
Bede Ch. Hiſ. 3d book.

Hujus praeſulatus anno 8. regni autem ſui nono, ſanctiſſimus & piiſſimus Rex Oſwaldus primus in tota Berniciorum gente ſignifer fidei Chriſtianae & fundator eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis, ex qua omnium ejuſdem provinciae eccleſiarum primordia, a Paganis, in Bello proſtratus occubuit.

Sym. Dunel.
§

Peractis in Epiſcopatu decem & ſeptem annis, praeſul Aidanus viam patrum eſt ingreſſus, cui mors temporalis laetum vitae alterius pendebat introitum, &c. &c.

Ibid.

The holy Biſhop Aidan, when he was near the cloſe of life, having exerciſed the epiſcopal office for 17 years, remained in a royal village not far from the city of Bebba: for having a church and habitation there, he uſed frequently to reſide at that place, for his greater convenience of preaching in the adjacent country; he never reſting long in a place, having no poſſeſſions but his church, and a ſmall ſpot of ground thereabout: being ſick, he erected a hut, cloſe to the wall, on the weſt ſide of the church. In this place he gave up the ghoſt on the laſt day of Auguſt, in the 17th year of his epiſcopacy. His body was carried to Holy Iſland to be interred in the church-yard of the monaſtery; but ſhortly after, a more ſpacious church being erected there, dedicated to St. Peter, his bones were removed, and with much religious ceremony interred on the right ſide of the high altar.

Bede's Ch. Hiſt. b. 3. ch. 16.
*

Hujus ad caelos felicem triumphum coeleſtium agminum choris eximia cum claritate deducentibus, ille Iſrahelita in quo dolus non erat, in carne non ſecundum carnem vivens, ille cujus a puero tota converſatio erat in caelis, ille, inquam, converſationis angelicae juvenis egregius, ſanctiſſimus videlicet Cuthbertus videre promeruit: nam cum paſtor futurus animarum, agens in montibus cuſtodiam pecorum juxta fluviam Leder, ſolus ſecretis pernoctaret in orationibus, jamque ſtudio & amore totus in caelum raperetur, tantae gloriae ac beatitudinis contemplatione dignus habebatur. Qua viſione dilectus Deo adoleſcens incitatus ad ſubeundum arctioris propopoſiti gradum, ad promerendam inter magnificos viros altioris praemii gloriam, mane facto, ſtatim commendans ſuis pecora quae paſcebat dominis, perfectioris vitae gratia monaſterium petere decrevit. Anno enim Dominicae incarnationis DCLI, ab adventu vero ſancti Auguſtini in Britanniam LV, ex quo autem provincia Berniciorun induſtria Regis Oſwaldi fidem Chriſti perceperat anno XVII, quo Pontifex Aidanus ad caeleſtia tranfiit, qui eſt annus imperii Regis Oſwiu, nonus, juvenis ille ſanctiſſimus Chriſto ſoli famulaturus, monaſterium Mailroſenſe intravit, ſuſceptus a reverendiſſimo Abbate Eata, ſuggerente ei de Cuthberto Boiſilo eximiae ſanctitatis & prophetici ſpiritus viro, qui ipſum monaſterium ſecundus ab Abbate, praepoſiti jure, gubernabat.

Sym. Dunelm.

In the paintings of one of the windows in the cathedral church at Durham, St. Aidan is repreſented in his epiſcopal garb, with a croſier in his hand, whilſt his ſoul is carried to heaven in a ſheet by two angels.

The effigies of this Saint were placed at the north door of the entrance into the quire of the cathedral at Durham, underneath which was the following inſcription: ‘Sanctus Aidanus natione Scotus, Monachus Monaſterii de Hii, Epiſcopus factus per Oſwaldum vocatus, anno gratiae 635, fundavit ſedem Epiſcopalem & Monachorum congregationem in inſula Lindisfarnenſi, ac gentem Berniciorum, co-operante ſancto Oſwaldo ad fidem Chriſti convertit. Hujus Aidani animam ſanctus Cuthbertus ab Angelis in Caelum deferri conſpexit: ejus caput et Oſſa in hac Eccleſia Dunelmenſi, ut ſanctae reliquiae ſunt ſervata.’

Oſwald, the ſecond ſon of Ethelfrid, ſucceeded to both the kingdoms (Deira and Bernicia) a noble and virtuous Prince, whoſe chief ſtudy was to promote the chriſtian religion. To this effect he ſent his Embaſſadors unto Donald IV. then reigning in Scotland, and entreated him by the old familiarity that had been among them, to help him with ſome worthy and learned men that could inſtruct his people in the faith of Chriſt. The King recommending the matter to the Clergy, one Cormanus was elected to go thither; but his labours proving unprofitable, he returned about the end of the year, and in a ſynod of the Biſhops and Clergy, informed them, that they were a people ſo indocile and froward, that the pains taken upon them were loſt, they neither being deſirous nor capable of inſtruction.

It grieved the ſynod exceedingly to hear this, and while they were conſulting what to do, Aidanus, a learned man and reverend preacher, is ſaid to have adviſed them not to give over the work at any hands, for that the bad ſucceſs of Cormanus's labours might poſſibly proceed from himſelf, that had not uſed the people tenderly, nor according to the Apoſtle's rules ‘fed them at firſt with milk;’ and therefore deſired ſome other approved man might be employed of new, who would probably do good among them.

This opinion allowed by all, none was thought fitter for this ſervice than he who had given the advice; and ſo with common conſent was Aidan ordained Biſhop, and appointed to that charge. Being come thither, he ſet himſelf to amend the fault which he ſuppoſed Corman had committed, and ſo tempered his doctrine, as multitudes of people daily did reſort unto him to be inſtructed. It was great hinderance unto him at firſt, that he was not ſkilled in the Saxon tongue, neither did the people underſtand his language; but this defect the King himſelf ſupplied, interpreting to the auditory all that Aidanus delivered in his ſermon: ſo by the King's zeal, and Aidanus's diligence, ſuch numbers were brought to the chriſtian profeſſion, as in the ſpace of ſeven days 15,000 perſons were by him baptized.

Whether this people were more happy in their King or in this Biſhop, it is difficult to ſay, for the King he did ſo excel in piety and prudence, that, as Beda writes, all the nations and provinces within Britain were at his devotion; and not the leſs his heart was never lifted up within him, but ſtill he ſhewed himſelf courteous and affable, and of the poor moſt compaſſionate. Among examples of his liberality towards theſe, the ſame Beda related, that ſitting at table on Eaſter-day, and Aidanus by him, when it was told that a number of poor men were at the gate expecting his alms, he commanded to carry the meat that was ſet before him unto them, and the platter of ſilver wherein it was to be broke in pieces, and diſtributed among them. Aidanus beholding it, took the King by the right hand, and kiſſing it, ſaid, "Nunquam marceſca haec manus," never let this hand conſume or wither; which, as he writeth, came alſo to paſs, for being killed in battle, and his arm and his hand cut off, the ſame was encloſed in a ſilver ſhrine, and remained for many years uncorrupted, in the church of St. Peter, at Bambrough.

As to Aidanus, he was an enſample of abſtinence, ſobriety, chaſtity, charity, and all other epiſcopal virtues; for as he taught, ſo he lived, was idle at no time, nor did he admit any of his retinue to be ſo, but kept them in a continual exerciſe, either reading ſcripture or learning the pſalms of David by heart. If he was invited to any feaſt (as rarely he went) he made no ſtay, but after a little refreſhment taken, got himſelf away. In preaching he was moſt diligent, travelling through the country, for the greater part on foot, and inſtructing the people whereſoever he came. In a word, he was deficient in no duty required of a good Paſtor; and having governed the church in thoſe parts moſt happily the ſpace of 17 years, he died in the Iſle of Lindisfarne, the place he chuſed for his reſidence, where he was alſo buried.

After his death, which happened in the year 651, Finianus was ordained Biſhop, and ſent to the Northumbers, from Scotland.

Spotſwood's Hiſt. of the Church of Scotland, book 1. p. 14.
*
Succeſiit autem Aidano in Epiſcopatum Finan, ab eadem Gente et Monaſterio unde ut predeceſſor ejus fuerat miſius. Sym. Dunel.

Finan, Qui in Inſula Lindisfarnenſi fecit Eccleſiam, ſedi Epiſcopali congruam, quam tempore ſequente reverentiſſimus Archiepiſcopus Theodorus in honore beati Petri Apoſtoli dedicavit: (Petri & Pauli Lel. Col.) Sed Epiſcopus loci ipſius Eadbertus, de quo in ſequentibus decimus, ablata arundine, Plumbi laminis eam totam, hoc eſt, et tectum, & ipſos quoque parietes ejus, cooperire curavit. Ab hoc Epiſcopo filicet Finano, princeps Mediterraneorum Anglorum Peada in provincia Northanhymbrorum baptizatus eſt, &c. Nec multo poſt Rex Orientalium Saxonum Sigbertus, ab eodem Epiſcopo lavacrum ſalutis accipit, &c.

Fecit Eccle. quam tamen more Scottorum, non de lapide, ſed de robore ſecto totam compoſcit, atque arundine contexit, &c.

Symeon, Bede, Lel. Col.
*
Lel. Collect. vol. 2. p. 140.

Mayo.

S. Colmannus Epiſc. Lindisfarnenſis, abdicato Epiſcopatu, in Hiberniam rediit ann. 655, ubi in Monaſterio Magionenſi a ſe conſtructo, Anglos (inter quos fuit S. Geraldus) collocavit, unde locus olim dicebatur Magionia-Saſſon, id eſt, Magio-Saxonum. Canonici hujus Coenobii, ordinis fuit Auguſtiniani.

Hibern. Antiq. Jacobo Waraeo, p. 220.

Defuncto autem Finano decimo ſui Epiſcopatus anno, Colmannus & ipſe a Scotia miſſus, ad Eccleſiae regimen ſucceſſie.

Sym. Dunelm.
§

During the incumbency of Colman, a controverſy concerning the celebration of Eaſter, the tonſure of Prieſts, and ſome other ceremonies of the church, which had long been agitated with great acrimony, was determined in favour of the Roman manner, in preference to that of the Eaſtern churches, by King Oſwy, at a council held at Steanch Hall (now Whitby) monaſtery.

Groſe.

The mode of tonſure uſed by the continental churches, was to make bare the crown, leaving the remaining hair as a reſemblance of our Saviour's crown of thorns. The Scotch church ſhore the hair off from ear to ear. In the conteſt touching the celebration of Eaſter, the authority derived from St. Peter to his ſucceſſors in the See of Rome was chiefly inſiſted on; and the idea of his keeping the keys of heaven, admitted by all the diſputants, determined the King in his opinion.

Collier's Ch. Hiſt.

Deinde ſeceſſit ad inſulam quandam parvam, quae ad occidentalem plagam ab Hibernia procul ſecreta, ſermone Scottico Iniſhouinde ( [...], veſ. Ang. Sax.) i. e. inſula vitulae albae nuncupatur. In hanc ergo perveniens, conſtruxit monaſt. & monachos inibi, quos de utraque natione collectos adduxerat, collocavit. Qui cum invicem concordare non poſſent, eo quod Scotti tempore aeſtatis, quo fruges erant colligendae relicto monaſterio, per nota ſibi loca diſperſi vagarentur; at vero ſuccedente hyeme redirent, & his, quae Angli praeparaverant, communiter uti defiderarent.

Lel. Col. vol. 2. p. 144
*
Smith. Not ad Bed. p. 135, from a MS. of John Weſhington, Prior of Durham.
In Ridpath's Border Hiſtory, p. 24, he is ſaid to have received his education and ordination in Ireland; but no authority is quoted.

Quo patriam reverſo ſuſcepit pro illo Pontificatum Northanhymbrorum famulus Chriſti Tuda, qui apud Scottos auſtrinos eruditus erat atque ordonatus Epiſcopus; vir quidem bonus & religioſus, ſed eodem anno ſuperveniente peſtilentia, ac provinciam Northanhymbrorum depopulante, raptus eſt de Mundo.

Sym Dunelm.

Tuda qui apud Scottos Auſtrinos eruditus erat, ſucceſſit in Epiſc. Lindisfarn: Colmanno, et eodem anno ex peſte obiit, et ſepultus eſt in Monaſterio de Penelegh.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 368.
*
Many anecdotes of Wilfrid take place in the account given of Hexham and its Prelates.
*
St. Ebba, daughter of Edilfrid King of Northumberland, was Prioreſs of Coldingham in Scotland. She with others cut off their noſes, that their beauty might be no bait to the luſtful Danes.
*

Anno ab incarnatione Domini 664, ex quo autem ſedes Epiſcopalis in Inſula Lindisfarnenſi & Monachorum habitatio a ſtudioſiſſimis Chriſti cultoribus Rege Oſwaldo & Pontifice Aidano inſtitutae ſunt anno triceſimo. Quo Scotti domum redeuntes ipſam eccleſiam reliquerant: Abbas Eata, ut dictum eſt, cura ipſius eccleſiae ſive monaſterii ſuſcepta, &c.—Porro fratribus qui in Lindisfarnenſi Eccleſia, Scottis abeuntibus, remanere maluerunt, praepoſitus eſt Abbatis jure, vir reverentiſſimus ac manſuetiſſimus Eata, qui erat Abbas in monaſterio quod vocatur Mailroſs, &c. &c.

Sym. Dunelm.

The effigies of Eata were placed at the north door of the quire of Durham cathedral, with this inſcription.

St Eata Monachus & Abbas Mailroſenſis & Lindisfarnenſis, fecit ſanctum Cuthbertum monachum ac praepoſitum ſive Priorem primo Mailroſenſem poſt Lindisfarnenſem, & dato loco ab Alfrido Rege, in Ripon fundavit monaſterium; ubi ſanctus Cuthbertus hoſpitio ſuſcepit Angelum domini. Et Epiſcopus factus, quintus in ordine rexit eccleſiam Lindisfarnenſem, ſimul cum eccleſia de Hexham: cujus oſſa in eccleſiam de Hexham ſunt canonizata.

This inſcription differs greatly from Symeon's account of the ſucceſſion of our Biſhops, making Eata the 5th, inſtead of the 7th Prelate. It correſponds with Leland's liſt, in which neither Wilfred or Chad appears.

*

Poſt tres autem annos abceſſionis Wilfridi, Theodorus ordinavit Tumbertum ad Haguſtaldenſem eccleſiam, Eata ad Lindisfarnenſis eccleſiae praeſulatum, per quatuor annos remanente. Quadrienno vero ex acto, contigit ut congregata ſynodo non parva ſed praeſentia piiſſimi & deo delecti Regis Ecgfridi, juxta fluminum Alne, in loco qui dicitur Aettiwaforda, quod ſignificavit ad duplex vadum, cui beatae memoriae Theodorus Archiaepiſcopus preſidebat, unanimo omnium conſenſu, ad Epiſcopatum eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis beatus pater Cuthbertus eligeretur.

Sym. Dunelm.

Eata ſucceſſit Tudae in Epiſc. Lindisfarn: conſecratus Ebor: a Theodoro. Hic Eata 3 annis pontific: Lindisfarn & Hauguſtaldenſem, quem S Wilfridus A. D. 673 fundavit, rexit. Deinde electo Tumberto ad Haguſtal: ille ſolus praefuit Lindisfarn: ſedi.

Nec multo poſt Eata exactis in Epiſcoparu Lindisfarn 14 annis, reductus eſt ad ſedem Haguſtaldenſem, & Cuthbertus fit Epiſcopus Lindisfarn.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 368.

Abbas Eata 664, ut dictum eſt, cura ipſius eccleſiae ſive monaſterii ſuſcepta, beatum Cuthbertum cum in Mailroſenſi monaſterio in monachiae vitae perfectione jam quartum decimum ageret annum, illo tranſtulit, ut ubi quoque fratribus cuſtodiam diſciplinae regularis, & auctoritatae prepoſiti intimaret & examplo virtutis praemonſtraret.

Sym. Dunelm.
§

St. Cuthbert, as it is generally agreed, was born of mean parents, though ſome make him deſcended from the blood royal of Ireland; but the firſt ſeems the moſt probable, as he followed the occupation of a ſhepherd.

Once upon a time when the ſaint was preaching in a certain village to a crowded audience, the alarm was given that there was one of the cottages on fire, this drew a number of people from the ſermon to extinguiſh it, which was juſt what ſatan propoſed; the more water they threw on it, the more fiercely it ſeemed to burn, and all efforts to put it out ſeemed ineffectual. The ſaint miſſing ſo many of his auditors, enquired the cauſe, when leaving off his preaching and repairing to the ſcene of action, he perceived it was all illuſion, and ordered a few drops of holy water to be ſprinkled on it; on which the devil ſneaked off, and the fire diſappeared.

Groſe.

The ſame author repeats ſome other Iudicrious tales of the like nature.

*

He had ſuch grace and ſkill in expreſſion, ſuch perſuaſive zeal, and ſuch an angelic face and countenance, that no one preſumed to lock up the ſecrets of his heart from him.

Bede's Eccl. Hiſt.

Extracts from the Legend of St. Cuthbert, or the Hiſtories of his Churches at Lindisfarne, Cunecaſceſtre, & Dunholm, by Robert Hegg, 1626.—A Manuſcript in the Biſhop's Library at Durham.

"At which tyme I finde, that St. Cuthbert was a ſhepheard, and that in the dead of the night, he ſaw the ſoule of the ſaid Biſhop carryed up with great melody by a quire of angells into heaven; which heavenly viſion ſoe ſeaz'd upon his affection, that reſolving upon an holyer courſe of life, he thought he could betake himſelf to noe better place then to the abby of Mailroſe, built by Aidanus upon the banks of Tweed; but the devill to croſſe his good intent, meetes him in his journey, and after a good cudgeling, was glad to leave him; for proof whereof, in the ſame place to this day (if you will borrowe an optick-glaſs from ſuperſtition) you may ſee the printe of his cloven foote: Neither did his valour, but alſo his humulitie appeare, when overtaken by night and hunger, he was forc'd to ſuccour himſelfe under an old cottage, where he found noe other gueſt for entertainment, then an horſe, which turning up the hay, diſcovered a loafe of bread, at which the Saint right glad, ſaid grace, and giving the horſe one halfe, ſatisfied himſelfe with the other, and the next day came to Mailroſe, where he had no ſooner entred, but Boyſilus Prior of the abby, by a propheticall phiſiognomy, as if he had read in his face his ſanctite, ſolemnly receives him in his armes, and preſents him to Eata the Abbat, who committed him to Boyſilus for his tutor, who taught him St. John's goſpell, in that booke, which in honour of the ſchollar, was kept in the abby at Durham in Prior Turgots tyme, on which, after ſoe many centuries of yeares, noe moth durſt ever preſume to feede.

"In this abby, after he had ſpent in the perfection of a monaſticall life 15 yeares, he was prefer'd by Eata the Biſhop, to the Priorie of Lindisfarne. In this Holy Iſland (ſo chriſtned in after ages for St. Cuthbert's ſanctitie) ſtood that renouned monaſtery founded by K. Oſwald, and was the mother church and nurcery of religion among the Bernicians under Aidanus, from whom the epiſcopall race of the Prelates of the church of Durham reckon their ſucceſſion.

"In this iſland fourteen Biſhops ſucceſſively aſcended the epiſcopall ſeate; among whom, as a glorious ſtarre of the firſt magnitude, St. Cuthbert ſhyned in the firmament of this church; where after twelve yeares he had borne the dignity of the Priorſhip, he became a votary to an anachoreticall life, and chooſed the iſland Farne, ſeated in the maine ocean, for the place of his hermytage. This iſland as voyd of trees, water, and graine, as full of devills, became the ſtage whereon St. Cuthbert acted all his miracles; for at his arrival, the ſpirits that frequented this iſle were put to ſlight, the rocks powred out their water, and as if there had beene a return of the golden age, the earth brought forth corne without tillage, with many more wonders, if they might bee reported upon the creditt of a legend: but theſe are enough to ſhewe what advantage [124]the Monkes took of the blind devotion of that age, whoſe ſtudy and whole practiſe was to deviſe and relate miracles of their Saints, which (as ſuperſtition is alwaies credulous) were as eaſily beleeved: Thus to gaine from the Pagans a reverend opinion of chriſtianity, they thought it but a pious fraud to coſen the people with volumes of wonders, who whiles they defended trueth by forgeries, their impoſtures diſcover'd to wiſer ages, have rather made religion ſuſpected, then any way advanced it: but if I ſhould proceed in this diſcourſe, I ſhould leave St. Cuthbert too ſolitarie in his cell at Farne, where for want of other auditors, I finde him in the hiſtory preaching to birds that eate his corne, who ſoe confuted them out of the text, with aliena non concupiſces, that they never after touch'd his harveſt. In like manner he reclaymed two crowes from their wonted ſtealing and rapine, that pull'd thatch of his anchorage for to build their neſts, and made them ſo penitent, that they lay proſtrate at his feete for abſolution.

"In this iſle he voluntarilye ſuffer'd nine yeares impriſonment from the ſociety of men, ſoe wholly devoted to heaven, that he remembred not he was upon earth, and for a whole yeare forgott to put off his ſhoes: but he could not live ſoe obſcurely in his cell, as his ſame was reſplendent abroad; and in a ſynod at Alne upon Twyſord he was in his abſence choſen Biſhop: This dignity was propheſied to him long before whiles he was a child, by an infant of three yeares old, who gravely reproved him, Fye Saint Cuthbert! what a Presbyter and a Biſhop, and playing among boyes? as if at that tyme he had ſeene him in his myter and croſier ſtaffe; but St. Cuthbert had ſo wedded his affection to a ſolitary life, that neither letters nor embaſſadors from the ſynod could perſwade or command him to take upon him the government of the church, till King Egfrid himſelfe, attended with both the Lords temporall and ſpirituall, ſayled to his hermytage, and with the ſame company might have beſieged and taken a city whiles they were conquering his reſolution.

"The King to enlarge his dioceſſe gave him a great part of the city of Yorke, and the village of Creca with three miles compaſſe about it, as alſo the cittie of Carliel with the circuit of fifteen miles about it: but for all this, St. Cuthberts mind was ſtill on his anchorage, whither ſhortly he betooke himſelfe againe, and in contempt of honour, edded his life in his cell. But it ſhall be no part of his funerall prayſes thus to unman himſelfe to contemplate himſelfe into a God or Silvanus, for what was this elſe then to excommunicate himſelfe from the commonweale, and to finne againſt the definition of a man, to whom ſocietie is as naturall, as to bee a creature: and ſurely religion cannot bee the motive of ſuch an unnaturall act, but rather in all ſuch anchorites a melancholy diſtemper is uſually miſtaken for devotion.

"His laſt will and teſtament was to his Monkes to bury him at the eaſt ſide of his oratory, in a coffin that venerable Cudda the Abbat gave him, which they ſhould finde hid in the ground at the north ſide of his cell, and to putt his corps in the ſhirt that Verca Abbateſſe of Tinmouth had ſent him for a token (which for the reverence of that holy woman he had never worn in his life time,) and laſtly, if the Pagans ſhould invade them, and force them to flye, that they ſhould carry with them his bones: All theſe deſires were performed; onely at the weeping requeſt of the Monkes, he permitted that his body ſhould bee tranſported to Lindisfarne, where in St. Peters church, at the right ſide of the high altar, he was ſolemnly enſhrined anno domini 687.

"But to returne to Saint Cuthbert, who had now an eleven yeares lyen in his ſepulchre, when the Monkes thought to place his bones, by this time drye and diſrobed of fleſh, among their other reliques, for kiſſes and adoration: but behold a wonder! They looke for a ſkeleton, but found an entire body, with joints flexible, and fleſh ſo ſucculent, that there onely wanted heate to make his body live without a ſoule; nay his very funerall weedes were ſo freſh, as if putrefaction had not dared to pluck him by the coate. This was rather to pay his debt to heaven then to nature; who after he had reſtored his ſoule to God, ſhould keepe back the payment [125]of his body from corruption. In other men it is true, that ſleepe is the image of death, but here the grave ſuffer'd a cheat, and death was the image of ſleepe.

"This miracle St. Beda reports (who was an eleven yeares old at St. Cuthberts death) in relating whereof he made no lye, but perhaps told one. The hiſtory of whoſe life and death, he writ from the information of the Monkes of Lindisfarne, who had defloured all the miracles of Saints in holy writt, and beſtowed them upon their St. Cuthbert; who, like man in paradiſe, had the beaſts to doe him homage, and the ſea monſters to aſke him bleſſing: Like Abraham he entertayned three angells at the monaſterie of Rippon: A raven brought Elias fleſh, and an eagle brought St. Cuthbert fiſh. As he ſayl'd with his mother from Ireland, his native ſoyl, into Scotland, he lett the book of Pſalmes fall into the ſea, which forthwith was ſwallowed up of a ſea calfe, and by the ſame fiſh delivered to them at their landing. Take here the pſalter for a man, and the ſea calfe for a whale, and you have the hiſtory of Ionas, with many ſuch hiſtories of wonder, with which the Monkes delighted the ſuperſtition of the times.

"After this illuſtrious miracle of St. Cuthbert's incorruption, Lindisfarne rais'd itſelfe to that height of renowne, that Ceolwolphus the King, to whom Bede dedicates his Engliſh Hiſtorie, reſigned an earthly crowne to gaine a celeſtiall one, and tooke upon him the habitt of a Monke in Lindisfarne; a welcome man you may be ſure to that monaſtery, for whoſe ſake, it was graunted the Monkes there to drinke wine or ale, who before were onely to drinke milke or water, though they that dranke after Saint Cuthbert in his cupp, found ſometimes water turn'd into wyne without a miracle.

"Many kingly treaſures did this devout Prince beſtowe upon that monaſtery, with ſuch large poſſeſſions, as he ſeem'd rather to reſigne his kingdome to the church than to his ſucceſſour, and became a Monke to make St. Cuthbert a King: for he endowed that monaſtery with all the land betweene the rivers of Tees and Weer, and many townes and lordſhips, as Warkworth Caſtle, Billingham, Gedworth, (where Ceolwolphus built the church,) and diverſe other villages, as Woodceſtre, Hutingham, Breſgen, Edulingham, names that for ought I know, have outlived their townes, or townes that have chang'd their names.

"After the manifeſtation of this miracle of bodily immortality after death. Eadfrid then Biſhop, cauſed him to be lay'd in a new ſepulchre, and to be advanced for ſtate and reverence above the pavement in the ſanctuary, for it was not fitt that he ſhould have his grave among the dead, whoſe body lived by ſanctity when his ſoule was gone.

"Now they began to worſhip the very ground St. Cuthbert had troad upon, whoſe ſanctity was ſuch, that he made every place he came in a church; and Eadfrid in honour of St. Cuthberts preſence, there built up his hermitage; where, as if a genius of ſanctity had frequented that place, Ethelwald a Monke of Rippon lived an Hermite twelve yeares.

"Thus for a long tyme flouriſhed the Monkes of that church in great repute and proſperity, till the Danes diſturbed their peace, who now began to make incurſions upon the frontiers of this land, for many yeares continueing their piracies, till they had made a final conqueſt, which at length yeilded to the Norman ſword. Thoſe were the tymes, when ſo many monaſteries (which the devotion of former ages had erected) had their funerals: then periſhed that famous Emporium of Hartlepoole, where the religious Hieu built a nunnery, of which I may ſpeake as Hildebert of Rome, ‘Quam magna fueras integra, fracta doces;’ whoſe ruines ſhew how great ſhee was in her glory, but now remayns to paſſengers both a monument of devotion and hoſtility: then were demoliſhed the two monaſteries of St. Peter and St. Paul at Weremouth and Jarrow, built by the reverend Abbats Celfrid and Benedict.

"The furie of the Danes ſtill encreaſing, continued by the ſea coſtes to Tinmouth, ſo that it was now tyme for the Monkes of Lindisfarne to look about them; for they well underſtood by [126]the lamentable uſage of their neighbouring abbyes that the Danes would not, like the devill, bee affrighted with holy water, and ſaw by the bad ſucceſſe of other monaſteries, that it was not ſafe truſting to the protection of a Saint, and ſo concluding upon flight, putting all their reliques into St. Cuthberts coffin, they left the Pagans the ſpoyle of an empty church, anno Domini 893.

"It was Eardulphus his fortune to bee Biſhop in theſe troubleſome tymes, who with his whole Cleargy and families of People, followed this ſacred bier; which, beſides ſeaven Monkes, as deputed Eſquires of his body, none durſt preſume to touch. Theſe miſeries had beene enough to have unfainted St Cuthbert, when purſued both by forreine foes, and overtaken with an home-bred enemy, famyne, he could afford them no releife. They were now come to the firſt ſea, and might complaine as the old Brittanes did to Actius the Conſull, Repellunt nos Barbari ad mare; repellit mare ad Barbaros; inter haec duo oriuntur genero functum, aut jugulamur, aut mergimur. But becauſe the diſreſpective ſea would not divide itſelfe at the approach of St. Cuthbert, the Biſhop with ſome fewe of his Monkes, determin'd privily to ſayle over into Ireland with his corps, that there he might finde reſt for his toumbe, where he firſt had his birth. But they had not farre ſail'd from the ſhore, but the winds and the ſea were both up in armes againſt their ſhippe, which both Aeolus and Neptune might have reverenced for her ſacred carryage of a Biſhop and his Clergy: but the ſea roared ſoe loud, that noe prayers for St. Cuthbert could bee heard, but threaten'd them ſo near with ſhipwracke, as they had not that confidence in their Saint, as to encourage the marriners as Caeſar did, Ne metues, Cuthbertum vehis! who now himſelf wanted ſome other Saint to invocate for helpe, and was in daunger to bee drowned after he was dead. Where had then beene the church of Durham, and the devotion of Kings to his ſepulchur? Where had then beene the tutelarie Deity againſt the Scotts, and the lande of the church called St. Cuthberts patrimony? How then ſhould his halywarke-folk be freed from tribute and ſervice in warre, and the Monkes of Durham fed ſoe many yeares with eaſe and fatt revenues, if now their Saint had beene entombed in the ſea, and erected his epiſcopal ſeate among the fiſhes? This ſacrilegious ſtorme ſtrucke this ſhippe with ſuch a palſie, that it ſhak't out the texts of the Evangeliſts into the ſea: This book Eadfrid Biſhop of Lindisfarne had writ out with his own hand, and Belfrid the Anchorite had curiouſly paynted and guilded it, in which art the Monkes were admirably expert; not that I taxe in them this quality, but onely, it argued the Monkes were at great leaſure. Thus, whether the ſea, as envying the land ſuch a precious jewell as St. Cuthbert, or he himſelf to ſhew his diſlike for Ireland, had raiſed this ſtorme, it was not long 'till in a calme they were carryed to the ſhore from whence they ſett forth: but great ſorrow you muſt imagine was for the drowned booke, 'till one Hundredus (one of the ſeven that carryed the coffyn) was bid in a night viſion by St. Cuthbert, to goe ſeeke it on the ſhoare at Whitterne, where he found it in its former beautie and ſplendour, which was kept in Prior Turgots tyme in Durham, in memory of the miracle; when the water ſeem'd to run out of herſelfe to doe homage to St. Cuthbert, and would rather looſe her nature then wett his book. If this were true, then I am ſure that St. Cuthberts bookes had twice better fortune in the ſea, then they have now in his library at Durham, which was once a little vatican of choyce manuſcripts, but now rather a [...] than a library; rather a ſepulcher f [...]r bookes, than a place to conſerve them: but this is the diſeaſe of moſt church libraryes, ſince the inventing of printing, by which, men finding a more compendious way, and a cheaper paſſage to ſuperficial learning, have bequeathed old manuſcripts to the mothes and jackdawes, the onely ſtudents at this day in ſuch libraries.

"But to returne to the forenamed Monkes, who had another oracle by night from St. Cuthbert, to repair to a certaine tree, whereon he ſhould finde a bridle, at the ſight whereof, a dunne horſe ſhould proffer his ſervice (for eaſe of the Monkes) to drawe St. Cuthberts body lay'd upon a wagon: but this was not to ſteale an horſe, becauſe it was an horſe of St. Cuthberts [127]providing, the conduct whereof (as if he underſtood more of St. Cuthberts minde than the reſt) they followed whither ſoever he drew him, and at length, by the providence of the horſe, they came to the monaſtery of Creca, where for foure moneths they were kindly entertayned by the Abbat and his Covent, and had leaſure to tell ſtoryes of their travailes.

"From this abby, in a revelation by night, St. Cuthbert ſent Aeadred Abbat of Luell, upon an embaſſage to the campe of the Danes, that they ſhould crowne Guthredus King, whom they had ſold to a widdow; a thing in thoſe days not practiced by the Pope to diſpoſe of kingdomes. But what authority he had to nominate a King, or what reaſon they had to believe a dreame, muſt be rank'd amongſt St. Cuthberts miracles: for Guthred thus to bee made a King, what was it elſe then to become St. Cuthberts ſubject, and to oblige his royalty to thoſe Monkes that as boldly encroacht upon ſoe fayre an advantage? For firſt, they require the reſtauration of their epiſcopal ſeat in Cuncaceſtre, where Eardulphus firſt aſcended the pontifical chayre. And it was but another dreame, for the foreſayd Abbot to goe to the King from St. Cuthbert, and bid him give all the lands betwixt Weer and Tyne for ever to his church. This modeſt requeſt muſt bee graunted, or elſe the Monkes would be ready to upbrayd him with ingratitude. Ah poor Prince! to bee thus rob'd of his kingdome, and to receive a diademe, to ſet it upon St. Cuthberts head! Thus was the religious King cheated of his ſoveraignty by thoſe Monkes that had now got the art of anſlaving the devotion of Princes to their private ends; for at this tyme alſo, the great Alfred ſwore fealty to St. Cuthbert and his Clergy, by whoſe help they perſwaded him, that he had got the victory over the Pagans. This made them bold alſo to aſk the priviledge of a ſanctuary for their church, to reſkue offenders 37 dayes at St. Cuthberts ſepulchre, that neither Juſtice ſhould curbe the freedome of ſinning, either againſt heaven or the ſtate; for noe other uſe was commonly made of aſylums, than, that men might offend more ſecurely, and diſloyally appeal from the King and the Lawes to the protection of a Saint. Neither was this enough, 'till King Alfred muſt by his royal charter free the inhabitants of St. Cuthberts lande from tribute to the King, which he ſealed with fearful anathem's to his ſucceſſors, that ſhould infringe the ſaid liberties. What elſe was this, than for a King to bee a Traitour to his own Majeſty, and deprive himſelf of that ſervice, which even by the law of nature is due from a Subject to his Prince.

"Now in what reverend eſteem this Saint was to King Alfred, I gather from the conſecration of the chappel to St Cuthbert in Univerſity Colledge in Oxford, where he is ſaid to bee the firſt founder: in an antient window whereof King Alfred and St. Cuthbert are painted together, the King beſpeaking the Saint in a pentameter, ‘Hic in honore tui Collegium ſtatui;’ and St. Cuthbert thus replying in an hexameter, ‘Quod ſtatuiſti in eo, pervertentes maledico;’ and by ſuch curſes, the Monks maintayn'd their lands in a better tenure than under the Kings broad ſeale. The like malediction you may read in a diſtick in Trinity Colledge in Oxford, engraven in wooden letters over the ſcreene,

Terras Cuthberti qui non ſpoliare verentur,
Eſſe queant certi, quod morte mala morientur;

which colledge was founded by Thomas Hatfield Biſhop of Durham, anno Domini 1340.

"Thus after Eardulphus (the laſt Biſhop of Lindisfarne, and the firſt of Cheſter) had ſhared with St. Cuthbert both in his proſperity and adverſity, and had ſeene this new church ſprung up like a phoenix out of the aſhes of the former, he ended his life in a full age, and was ſolemnely enterred anno Domini 894; in which yeare alſo died the victorious Alfred, who on his death bedd, bequeathed his love of St. Cuthbert, as a precious legacy to his ſonne Edward, [128]chargeing him to be as well heire to his devotion to that Saint, as to his kingdomes. King Edward alſo, as if it had beene ex traduce to thoſe Princes to honour St. Cuthbert, left his ſonne Athelſian executor of his love to that church.

An Anthem for St. Cuthbert, exſcribed out of a Manuſcript of a Monk of Durham.
Splendor Chriſti Sacerdotis,
Et vicinis et remotis
Preeminet cum gloria.
Lux Cuthberti fulget late,
Corporis integritate,
Nec eſt tranſitoria.
Incorrupta vernat Caro,
Quam decore Rex preclaro
Celeſtis magnificat.
Cujus feſtum Celum plaudit,
Cujus Terra laudes audit,
Aſpicit, et predicat.
Parvuli triennis ore
Pontificali decore
Ornandus aſſeritur,
Angelo docente Dei,
Celo miſſa ſalus ei,
In genu edocetur.
Pene merſos in profundo,
Prece ſancta, corde mundo,
Litteri reſtituit.
Animam ad Celos vebi
Aidani, Viri Dei,
Cernere promeruit.
Panes nivei candoris
De ſupernis dedit oris
Tribus allatoribus celitus,
Quos per Angelum de Celis,
Miniſtrari vir fidelis,
Applaudit meditullitus.
Bellue dum de profundis,
Gradiuntur maris undis,
Illi dant obſequia.
Futuri diem ſereni,
Predicit ſermone leni,
Vi precludens noxia.
Lympham ſibi Deus dedit,
Heremita quo reſedit,
Ex humi duritia.
Regem cito moriturum,
Seque Preſulem futurum
Certa dat indicia.
Quem ab arbore cadentem,
Celos vidit aſcendentem
Ejus narrant premia.
Chriſti myſticis reſectus
Sacramentis, et protectus,
Tranſit ad celeſtia.
Sunt miracula perplura,
Obſiſtente que Natura
Per hunc fiunt inclyta.
Hec ad laudem Dei creſcunt,
Ablati nec deliteſcunt
Sancti Viri merita.
Integris in Urna pannis,
Quadrigentis decem annis
Et octo dormierunt:
Nec putredo, nec vetuſtas,
Imo ſplendor, et venuſtas
Illum circum diderunt.
Caput tuum, Rex Oſwalde!
(Vir dilecte Deo valde)
Hec Theca ſervaverat;
Et Bede ſancti Doctoris,
Qui celeſtis eſt odoris,
Oſſa recondiderat.
Fragrans odor Balſamorum
Hos perfundit ſupernorum
Qui preſentes aderant:
Qui in carne Dei virum
Incorruptum (dictu mirum!)
Cernere meruerant.
Odor ergo nos celeſtis
Comat moribus honeſtis;
Ut fruamur Celi feſtis
In Sanctorum Gloria.

AMEN."

[123]
*
Anno incarnationis Dominicae ſexcenteſimo ſeptuageſimo ſexto, qui eſt annus imperii Regis Ecgfridi ſextus, cum vir Domini Cuthbertus in Lindisfarnenſis monaſterii prioratu duodecimum & eo amplius annum tranſegiſſet: tandem comitante praefati Abbatis ſui ſimul & fratrum gratia, Anachoreticae quoque contemplationis ſecreta ſilentia petiit. Sym. Dunelm.
Eſt locus inſignis flu, ſuper oſtia Tini,
Ex imio jam tunc monachorum examine pollens.
Cuthbertus fit ſocius monachorum.
Fit monachis ſocius, quos Lindisfarnea glanci
Inſula clara maris refluis, circumluit undis.
Tandem Farne petit ſenior, cupitiſque potitus
Sedibus, indigenas patria fugat impiger atros,
Illa prius nam honens larvalibus inſula flabris
Arcebat humana minis conſortia caecis.
Bede. Lel. Col.

Ubi vero talia vir Domini promeruerat, eſt inſula Farne, quae hinc altiſſimo, inde infinito clauditur oceano, tunc aquae prorſus inops, frugis quoque & arboris, malignorum etiam ſpirituura frequentia humanae habitationi minus accommoda.

Sym. Dunelm.
Bede ſays the cell of St. Cuthbert was ſurrounded with a trench: perhaps the meaning is by a fence of earth.
§

Verum, illo quoque virum Dei comitante miraculorum gloria, de rupe ſaxoſa precibus fontem elicuit, de tellure duriſſima ſegetem produxit, hoſte antiquo cum ſatellitum turba fugato, locum ipſum habitabilem fecit. Poſtquam enim inhabitator ſancti Spiritus ſuam ibidem habitationem inſtituit, in tantum Spiritus nequam deinceps ipſam inſulam exhorruit, ut qui eam Chriſto famulaturus ingreditur, nullas ex phantaſiis Daemonum inquietudines ſuſtinere dicatur.

Sym. Dunelm.
Bede's account of this growing corn, like the miracles of thoſe days, is reconciled by the ſimple rules of nature. ‘He deſired to have wheat brought him, and tools to till the ground, and when he had prepared the land with infinite labour, and ſown it in due ſeaſon, in the ſummer there appeared neither blade or ear: when he was again viſited by his brethren, he required of them barley for ſeed, and having ſowed it in the ſame field out of all ſowing ſeaſon, and without hope of fruit, there grew up an abundant crop, &c.’
*
In this dreary ſolitude St. Cuthbert remained ſeveral years, during which time he had a variety of combats with the devil, the print of whoſe feet is, it is ſaid, to be ſeen in many places. If any perſons out of devotion came to viſit him, he retired to his cell, and diſcourſed with them only through his window. Once indeed to oblige a Lady, the Abbeſs of Coldingham, he paid her a viſit at the Iſle of Coquet, where going down to the ſea ſhore, as was his cuſtom every night, two ſea monſters preſented themſelves kneeling before him, as if to demand his benediction, which having received, they returned to the deep. Groſe.
*
Hume's Eaſſays. Nat. Hiſt. of Religion, vol. 2. p. 469.
*
Cuthbertus in Synodo apud Twiford juxta Alne flu. a Theodoro Archiepiſcopo cantaur: in epiſcopum Lindisfar. electus eſt. Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 327.
*

Haec quae ſequuntur de Epiſcopis Hagulſtalden decerpta ſunt ex libro ſuperiori de Epiſcopis Eboracenſibus.

Expulſo Wilfrido ab Echerto rege Northumbr. Eata ſucceffit ad Haguſtaldenſem Epiſcop. adjecta preterea ſede Lindisfarnenſi, et utramq. ſedem 3 annis tenuit. Sed poſtea ad ſolam Lindisdar, remanfit, & ad Haguſtaldenſem ordinatus eſt pro eo Tumbertus. Cui cum 3 annis praefuiſſet depoſitus eſt, & S. Cuthbertus pro eo ſubrogatus. Sed quia ille maluit ei praefici in qua converſatus fuerat, Eata reverſo ad Haguſtaldenſem, ad quam primo ordinatus fuerat, Cuthbertus ad Lindisfar, ordinatur, quam 2 annis regent, ad inſulam Farne poſtea rediens ſolitariam vitam in ſancta converſatione uſque ad mortem duxit.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 338.

Qui cum multis legatariis ac litteris ad ſe praemiſſis nequaquam ſuo loco poſſet erui, tandem Rex ipſe praefatus una cum ſanctiſſimo Antiſtite Trumwino, nec non & aliis religioſis ac potentibus viris ad inſulam navigavit. Conveniunt & de ipſa inſula Lindisfarnenſi in hoc ipſum multi de fratribus, genuflectunt omnes, adjurant per Dominum, lachrymas fundunt, obſecrant, donec ipſum quoque lachrymis plenum dulcibus extrahunt latebris atque ad Synodum pertrahunt, &c.

Cum ergo per novem annos in ſolitaria vita ſoli Deo vacaſſet, in Pontificatus honorem auctore Deo levatur, conſecratus Eboraci VII. Kalendas Aprilis in ipſo die ſancto Paſchae, ſub preſentia Regis Ecgfridi, convenientibus ad conſecrationem ejus ſeptem Epiſcopis, in quibus beatae memoriae Theodorus ordinator ejus primatum tenebat, anno Dominicae incarnationis 685, regni autem Ecgfridi XII. Electus eſt autem primo in epiſcopatum Haguſtaldenſis eccleſiae pro Tunberto qui ab epiſcopatu fuerat depoſitus; ſed quoniam plus Lindisfarnenſi ecclſiae, in qua converſatus fuerat, dilexit praefici, placuit, ut Eata reverſo ad ſedem eccleſiae Haguſtaldenſis cui regendae primo fuerat ordinatus Cuthbertus eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis gubernacula ſuſciperet.

Sym. Dunelm.

The effigies of St. Cuthbert was placed at the ſouth door of the quire of Durham cathedral, with this incription: Sanctus Cuthbertus Monachus, Epiſcopus Lindisfarnenſis nunc patronus Eccleſiae et Civitatis ac Libertatis Dunelm. cujus corpus poſt 418 annos ſepulturae ſuae incorruptum et flexibile, dormienti quam mortuo ſimilius eſt inventum, & ſic vitam intimeratam commendat corporis incorrupto.

*

Dedit ei Rex Ecfridus in Civitate Eboraco a muro Eccleſiae S. Petri uſque ad magnam portam verſus occidentem, & a muro ipſius Eccleſiae uſque ad murum civitatis verſus auſtrum. Villam quoque crecam, et tria in circuitu milliaria, ut iens Eboracum vel rediens haberet manſionem ubi requieſcere poſſet, ubi monachorum ſtationem inſtituit.

Et quia illa terra minus ſufficiens erat, Lugubaliam, que Luel vocatur, in circuitu 15 milliaria habentem in augmentum ſuſcepit, ubi ſanctimonialium congregatione ſtabilita reginam dato habitu religionis conſecravit, & ſcholas ibidem inſtituit.

At Ecfridus Rex eodem anno, quo conſecratus eſt Cuthbertus cum max. parte ſui exercitus in terra Pictorum ſecundum viri Dei prophetiam, extinctus eſt apud Nathaneſmere, quod eſt ſtagnum Nethani, anno regni ſui 15, cujus corpus in Hii inſula Columbae ſepultum eſt.

Cuthbertus vixit in Epiſcopatu duos annos & menſes aliquot.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 327, 328.
This aſſociation of Monks and Nuns is ſaid to be grounded on the words of our Saviour, John xix. 26, 27.
*

He directed by his laſt will, that his body ſhould be buried at the eaſt end of the oratory, in a ſtone coffin given him by the holy Tuda, and wrapped up in a ſheet preſented him as a token by Virca Abbeſs of Tynemouth, which out of reverence to that holy woman he had never uſed: and laſtly, if the iſland ſhould be invaded by Pagans, he ordered the Monks to fly from them, and carry his bones away with them. Theſe directions were none of them performed, his body was tranſported to Lindisfarn, where in St. Peter's church, at the right ſide of the high altar, he was ſolemnly laid in a tomb of ſtone; but the Monks left behind them the coffin for which he expreſſed ſuch regard, which ſtill continues to be ſhewn at Farne Iſland, and it is highly probable they were not more mindful of the ſheet

Groſe.

In the Philoſophical Tranſactions a curious painting of St. Cuthbert is deſcribed, found neer Aſhelney, in Somerſetſhire. The portrait is enamelled on gold, drawn ſitting in an epiſcopal chair, with the following inſcription: ‘AELFRED MEL HETT GEWYRLAN.’

Thus conſtrued: Alfredus me juſſit fabricari.

Mr Wallis ſpeaking of this portrait, has the following remarks. ‘King Alfred preferred theſe characters to the Saxon, and when he ſwayed the ſcepter, brought them in uſe. This curious memorial of St. Cuthbert was found in the very place of that glorious Monarch's retreat and deliverance from the Danes, fortified by him in the time of war, and in time of peace converted into a monaſtery. Dr. Muſgrave thinks this curious Cimolium an undeniable inſtance of the uſe of images coming from the heathens into the chriſtian church.’

St. Cuthbert's ſhrine had the privilege of ſanctuary, where fugitives were ſafe for 37 days. This reſpite allowed criminals a time for making reſtitution, or under the feudal laws they would have ſuffered immediate pains and puniſhments: it was the proceſs by which the rigour of common law was moderated; and when kept in due reſtraint was of great benefit to mankind: but by an enormous extenſion which took place, it produced infinite miſchiefs to the community and to the ſtate.

*

Cujus corpus in ſepulchro beati patris Cuthberti ponentes appoſuerunt de ſuper arcam in qua incorrupta ejuſdem patris membra locaverunt.

Sym. Dunelm.

His effigies was placed at the ſouth door of the quire of the cathedral church at Durham, with this inſcription: Ss Eadbertus monachus ſeptimus Epiſcopus Lindisfarnenſis: Vir, ſapientia divinarum ſcripturarum & obſervantia praeceptorum caeleſtium, ac maxime operatione Eleemoſynarum inſignis; corpus Si Cuthberti, poſt undecim ſepulturae ſuae annos, incorruptum & flexibile inventum, abſque laeſione pannorum, quibus erat involutum, de terra juſlevari, et Theca reconditum ſuper pavimentum veneratione dignum locari, in cujus ſepulchro idem Eadbertus ſepultus erat, ſed in ultima tranſlatione corporis Si Cuthberti ejus reliqiae cum ſancto corpore ſunt repoſitae, & in hac Dunelmenſi eccleſia adhuc ſervatae.

Eadbertus poſt annum ab obitu Cutheberti ordinatus eſt in Epiſcopum Lindisfarn. Hic Cuthberti corpus poſt IIm. annum ejus obitus tranſtulit. Obiit Eadbertus 10 Epiſcop. ſui anno qui fuit, A. D. 698, ſepultus eſt Lindisfarn. unacum Cutheberto.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 370.
His effigies was placed at the ſouth door of the quire of Durham cathedral, with this inſcription: Ss Eadfridus de habitu monachali octavus Epiſcopus Eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis; hujus hortatu venerabilis Beda Preſbyter, & monachus girvenſis vitam Si Cuthberti, tam in metro quam in proſa compofuit: cujus Oſſa in arca cum corpore Si Cuthberti ſunt inventa, & in hac eccleſia Dunelmenſi conſervata.
*
A curious ſpecimen of one of the finely illuminated pages of this work is given in the Antiquarian Repoſitory.

‘Praedictus itaque reverentiſſimus Pontifex Eadfridus, multum fervens amore ſui predeceſſoris beati Cuthberti, oratorium in ſuae anachoreticae converſationis inſula, longa jam vetuſtate diſſolutum, a fundamentis reſtauravit.’

Sym. Dunelm.

Eadfridus ſucceſſit. Hic oratorium S. Cuthberti in Farne reſtauravit, Felgildo tunc in vita ſolitaria poſt Ethelwoldum converſante. Fuerat Ethelwoldus Monachus Ripenſis, & mortuo Cuthberto in Farne 12 an. exegit, poſtea ſepultus Lindisfarn.

Eadfridus exactis in Epiſcopo 24 ann. obiit & ſepultus eſt Lindisfarn.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 370.
*

His effigies was placed at the ſouth door of the quire of Durham cathedral, with this inſcription: Ss Ethelwoldus de habitu monachali nonus Epiſcopus Eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis; hic primo religioſae vitae Abbas et Preſbyter monaſterii Mailroſenſis, & quondam B. Cuthberti dignus miniſter erat, ac Epiſcopus conſecratus ſanctiſſime vixit et obiit; cujus Oſſa cum corpore Si Cuthberti inventa, & in hac eccleſia in ſcrinio ſunt repoſita.

Ethelwoldus ſucceſſit Eadfrido. Preſbiter hic Mailroſen. monaſter. & quondam S. Cuthberti miniſter fuit. Fererat iſte de Lapide crucem artificis opere expoliri, & in ſui memoriam in ea nomen ſui exarari. Cujus ſummitatem multo poſt tempore dum ipſam Eccl. Lindisfarn. pagani devaſtarent, fregerunt. Sed poſtea artificis ingenio reliquiae parti infuſo plumbo, ipſa fractura eſt adjuncta: ſemperque deinceps cum corpore S. Cuthberti crux ipſa circumferri ſolebat, & a populo Northumbr. propter utrumque ſanctum in honore haberi, quae etiam uſque hodie in Dunelmenſis Eccl. caemiterio ſtans ſublimis utrorumque pontificum intuentibus exhibit monumentum.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 370.
Ceolwulphus anno reg. ſui 9o. fit monachus Lindisfarn.—Ibid.

Sym. Dunelm. c. 16.

Ceolwulphus olim Rex, poſtea in Lindisfarnenſi eccleſia Monachus caeleſti regno militavit. Cujus corpus poſtea delatum in eccleſiam Northam multis ibidem, ut fertur ab habitatoribus, miraculis claruit. Hoc rege, jam monacho facto, efficiente, data eſt Lindisfarnenſis eccleſiae Monachis licentia bibendi vinum vel cereviſam. Ante enim non niſi Lac et aquam bibere ſolebant.

Ibid. p. 172.

‘He procured an improvement in the living of the Monks, gaining the uſe of ale and wine in the room of water and milk, which were the only liquors they had been permitted to uſe by the rule of their founder Aidan. In this retreat he ſpent the laſt 22 years of his life, and acquired on his death the title of Saint.’

Hoveden, Bede Con.
§

Ceolwulphus dedit monaſter. Lindisfarn. Brigeſne & Werceworde alias Werkworth, cum ſuis appendeciis, ſimul et eccl. quam ibi aedificaverat, alias quoque 4 villas, videlicet, Undeceſter alias Wodeceſter, Hwytingham, Eadulfingham, & Egwulfingham. Hi ſunt termini donat praedictae ab aqua quae vocatur Lina uſque ad Cocwnda; inde ad Civitatem quae vocatur Brincewel, & a Cocwnda uſque ad Hafodſhelf verſus orientem, & ab Alna uſque ad dimidiam viam inter Cocwnda & Alna.

Ceolwulphus primo ſepultus Lindisfarm poſtea ad Norham ab Egfrido epiſcopo tranſlatus.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 370.

Edelridus Rex Merciorum—Kenredus ſucceſſor Ethelredi, Cedwalla Rex Weſtſax.—&Ine ſucceſſor ejus—Sigebertus Rex Eſtangl.—Sebbi Rex Eſtſax. monachalem habitum aſſumpſerunt: quorum exemplum ſecutus eſt Ceolwolphus & regnum deliquit, &c.

Ibid. p. 213.

Oſia ſanctorum Bedae & Ceoluulphi regis, qui apud Lindisfarnum monachus, & ſanctus fuerat, in ſingulis ſaccis lineis reperta.

Ibid. p. 261.
*
Turgot repreſents this matter ſomewhat different. He was charged (he ſays) for ſuffering Offa, after almoſt periſhing by hunger in the ſanctuary of St. Cuthbert, whither he had fled for refuge, to be carried away from it by unarmed foes, who afterwards put him to a cruel death. The King thus provoked, beſet St. Peter's church, ſeized the Biſhop, and detained him a priſoner in Bambrough, committing the adminiſtration of his See to Fredbert Biſhop of Hexham, until Cynewolf, having made his peace with him, was reſtored.—L. 2. ch. 2.
Symeon Dunelm. ch. 17.

Cinewolphus epiſcopus Lindisfar. 41 anno ſui epiſcop. ſenio confectus vices ſuas Higbaldo delegavit, & 3 annos poſtea vixit.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 328.
*

Elfwoldus Rex 6 anno epiſcop. Higbaldi interfectus eſt apud Sciteleceſtre juxta murum. Sepultus eſt autem in Haguſtaldenſi eccleſia.

Anno ſequente dum pagani portum Ecgfridi regis, hoc eſt Girvi, vaſtantes monaſterium ad oſtium Tini amnis depraedarentur, dux eorum ibidem crudeli nece interiit.

Eodem tempore depopulata eſt eccleſia Lindisfar.

Higbaldus expletis in pontificatu Lindisfar. annis 22 obiit, cuit ſucceſſit Ecbertus.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 328.

DCCXCIIIo.

Sigga dux, qui interfecit Elfwaldum regem, interiit propria nece, corpus corpus ad inſulam Lindisfarnen. Prelatum eſt IXo. Cal. Maii Lindisfarnenſis inſula magna eſt, per ambitum, verbi gratia, octo, vel amplius, milliariis fe extendens: in qua eſt nobile monaſtarium, quo eximius Cuthbertus antiſtes poſitus erat, cum aliis preſulibus, qui ejus ſucceſſores digniſſimi extiterant, de quibus convenienter dici potes quod canitur, "corpora ſanctorum in pace ſepulta ſunt."

Ibid. vol. 2. p. 173.

Higebaldi Epiſcopi tempore Dani depopulati ſunt Lindisfarnenſem inſulam, ut nec ſacroſanctis parcerent altaribus. Tunc corpus Sancti Cuthberti quidam Hubbenford depoſuere juxta amnem Tuedam, ubi jacuit multis annis uſque ad adventum Edredi regis.

Ibid. p. 325.

DCCXCIIIo.

Eodem ſane anno pagani ab aquilonali climate navali exercitu, ut aculeati crabrones, Britanniam venientes, hac illacque, ut diriſſimi lupi, currentes praedantes, mordentes, interficientes non ſolum jumenta, boves et oves, verum etiam ſacerdotes. Levitas, choros monachorum, atque ſanctimonialum. Veniunt, ut praefati ſumus, ad Lindisfarnenſem eccleſiam, miſerabili praedatione, vaſtant cuncta, calcant ſancta pollutis veſtigiis, altaria ſuffodiunt, et omnia theſauraria ſanctae eccleſiae rapuint. Quoſdam e fratribus interficiunt, nonnullos ſecum vinctos aſſumunt, perplurimos, opprobriis vexatos, nudos projiciunt, aliquos in mare demergunt, &c.

Ibid. p. 173.

Ex Epiſtola Albini ad fratres Lindisfarnenſis eccleſiae & Higebaldum Epiſcopum.

Veſtrae tribulationis calamitas licet abſentem multum me quotidie contriſtat, quando Pagani contaminaverunt ſanctuaria Dei, & fuderunt ſanguinem ſanctorum in circuitu altaris, vaſtaverunt domum ſpei noſtrae, calcaverunt corpora ſanctorum in templo Dei quaſi ſterquilinium in platea. Quid nobis dicendum eſt, niſi plangendum animo nobiſcum ante altare Chriſti & dicere, ‘Parce, domine, parce populo tuo, & ne des hereditatem tuam gentibus, ne dicant Pagani, ubi eſt deus Chriſtianorum.’ Quae eſt fiducia eccleſiis Britaniae ſi Sanctus Cuthbertus cum tanto ſanctorum numero non defendit. Aut hoc initium majoris eſt doloris, aut peccata habitantium hoc exegerunt. Non equidem caſu contigit, ſed magni cujus libet meriti indicium eſt. Sed modo qui reſidui eſtis ſtate viriliter, pugnate fortiter, defendite caſtra Dei. Mementote Judam Macchabeum, qui templum Dei purgavit, & populum a ſervitute liberavit extranea.

Et tu, pater ſancte, dux populi Dei, paſtor gregis ſancti, medicus animarum, lucerna ſuper candelabrum poſita, eſto forma in omni bonitate omnibus te videntibus. Eſto praeco ſalutis cunctis te audientibus. Sit tuus comitatus honeſtibus moribus, aliis exemplum ad vitam, non ad perditionem.

Cum Dominus noſter Rex Carolus hoſtibus per Dei miſerecordiam ſubditis domum reverteretur, nos Deo juvante ad illum ire diſponimus, & ſi quid tunc vel de pueris, qui in captivatem a paganis ſubducti ſunt, vel de aliis quibuſque neceſſitatibus veſtris veſtrae ſanctitati proficere poſſumus, diligenter ad effectum perducere curabimus.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 394.
*

‘Haec de ipſa inſula; cujus cladem & aliorum quoque Sanctorum necem futuram preſignantia, horrenda fulmina & dracones igneis jactibus per aera vibrantes & volitantes videbantur. Mox eodem anno Pagani ab aquilonali climate navali exercitu Britanniam venientes, hac illicque diſcurrentes, praedantes, interficiunt non ſolum jumenta, verum etiam Sacerdotes, Levitaſque, Choroſque, Monachorum atque Sanctimonialium. Veniunt VII Iduum Juniarum ad Lindisfarnenſem eccleſiam, miſerabili praedatione cuncta vaſtant, ſancta pollutis veſtigiis calcant, altaria ſuffodiunt, omnia theſauraria eccleſiae rapiunt. Quoſdam e fratribus interficiunt nonnullos ſecum vinctos aſſumunt, plurimos opprobriis vexatos nudos projiciunt, aliquos in mare demergunt.’

Sym. Dunelm.
Higbaldus completis in epiſcop. annis 22 octavo Cal. Jun. vita defunctis eſt anno D. 804.

Egbertus ſucceſſit Higbaldo, & conſecratus eſt ab Eanbaldo Archiepiſcopo, & Eanberto & Badulpho, aliis quoque Epiſcopis in loco qui dicitur Bignelle. 3 Non. Jun.

Tempore hujus Egberti praedaverunt Northumb. & monaſterium Ecfridi ſpoliaverunt apud dunemuthe: quo tempore occurrentibus Anglorum nobiliſs: Dani partim interfecti, partim ad naves fugati ſunt.

Obiit Egbertus eractis in Epiſcop. 18 annis A. D. 822.

*
His effigies was placed at the north door of the quire of Durham cathedral, and had the following inſcription: Ecgredus de habitu monachali decimus quartus Epiſcopus Lindisfarnenſis; hic Vir natu nobilis dedit So Cuthberto eccleſiam de Norham quem redificavit; villam quoque de Hedworth cum appendiciis; eccleſiam quoque & villam de Geynford & quicquid ad eam pertinet.
Heathuredus Egberto ſuccedens novem annis eccl. rexit. Obiit autem A. D. 831.

Hathuredo poſt novem annos mortuo ſucceſſit Egredus 22o. anno Eanredi regis. Hic eccleſiam S. Cuthberti rebus & terris locupletare ſtuduit. In Norham eccleſiam conſtruxit in hone S. Petri Apoſtoli, S. Cuthberti, nec non Ceolwolphi regis & monachi cujus corpus eo tranſtulit, ipſamque villam & Gedeworde, eccleſiamque quam conſtruxerat in Geneforde, & quicquid ad eam pertinet a flu. Teiſa, uſque ad Weor flu. S. Cuthberto contulit: Ilecliff Wigcliff, ſed et Billingham in Herteneſſe, quarum ipſe conditor fuerat.

Egredus Epiſcopus completis in officio 16 annis obiit, (A. D. 847) cui ſucceſſit Eanbertus, qui Epiſcop. 8 annis praefuit.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 328.
§
His effigies was placed at the north door of the quire of Durham cathedral, with the following inſcription: Eardulphus de habitu monachali decimus ſextus & ultimus Epiſcopus eccleſiae Lindisfarnenſis. Hic Vir magni meriti erat; audito adventu Danorum Paganorum, ille et Edridus Abbas tollentes ſecum corpus Si Cuthberti eccleſiam Lindisfarnenſem reliquerum poſt anno 241 ex quo ſe [...]es epiſcopalis cum caetu monachali ibidem erat inſtituta, A. gratiae 875, & de loco ad locum fugientes per ſeptennium rabiem Danorum, tandem reportaverunt dictum corpus in Ceſtriam in ſtrata, ubi per centem & tredecim annos dictum corpus & ſedes epiſcopalis permanſerunt.
*
There is the greateſt improbability in this relation, touching the maſſacre of Ebba and her Nuns. In the time of Ebba who was of royal race, the ſociety conſiſted of Monks and Nuns; and ſhe was dead before St. Cuthbert was conſecrated Biſhop of Lindisfarn, and made the regulation noted in regard to the female ſex.—The reader will correct the note at p. 120. If the name of the Abbeſs of Coldingham, at the time of this deſcent of the Danes, was Ebba, it could not be Ebba daughter of Edilfrid King of Northumberland.
Chron. Sax. Sym. Dunelm. &c.

Halfdeni ducis Danorum adventu cognito, Eardulphus Epiſcopus Lindisfar accito Eadredo viro ſancto, abbate monaſterii quod S. Cuthbertus in urbe Luel conſtruxerat, nomine Luliſo, habito inter ſe concilio, tollentes incorruptum S. Cuthberti corpus, & una cum eo in ejuſdem thecae loculo ſanctorum reliquias, & caput S. Oſwaldi martyr: ante in ejuſdem eccleſiae caemiterio ſepultum, partemque oſſium Aidani, nec non & venerabilium epiſcoporum oſſa. Eadberti, Ealfridi, Ethelwoldi, Lindisfar. eccleſiam barbaros fugiendo relinquunt, &c. ut paſſim vagati ſint cum reliquiis & intrautes Derwentae flu. oſtia, poſt metum naufragii pervenerint ad candidam Caſam, alias Witernam dictam. Epiſcopus vero cum S. Corpore in Monaſterio Creca a S. Cuthberto conſtituto 4 Menſibus reſidebat.

Sopitis itaque procellis perturbationem ſedes Epiſcop. quae uſque tunc in Lindisfar. inſula fuit, in Cuncaceſtre reſtauratur, incorruptum corpus ſancti illuc transfertur; ſimul & qui Deo ibidem ſervirent inſtitutis.

Obiit Eardulphus Epiſcopus anno 18 ex quo Sanctum Cuthberti corpus in Cunecaceſtre tranſlatum fuerat, ſui vero Epiſcop. anno 46.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 328.
*

The legendary tales of St. Cuthbert's miracles during his life time, muſt give place to thoſe after his death.

King Alfred for the firſt ſix years was greatly diſtreſſed by the Daniſh invaſions: he was at laſt reduced to the neceſſity of ſeeking his ſafety for a conſiderable time in an obſcure and inacceſſible retreat, among the Marſhes of Somerſetſhire. Having there collected a few choſen troops, he iſſued out unexpectedly on the enemy, and obtained a glorious victory. Guthurn, one of the Daniſh Chieftains who was taken priſoner, was perſuaded by Alfred to embrace the chriſtian religion, and his example influenced his adherents. After which he was raiſed by Alfred to the throne of the Eaſt Angles, as a dependent Prince, under the Saxon Monarchy. Whilſt Alfred endured great diſtreſs in his retreat, he was comforted by a viſion of this Saint, who promiſed him the ſucceſs he afterwards experienced: from hence Alfred was inſpired with great veneration for him. The body of Danes which had ſettled in Northumberland having loſt their Chieftain Haldan, remained ſome time without a leader. Eadred the Abbot of Lindisfarn, who, together with his Biſhop, was ſtill flying from one retreat to another with their ſacred charge, aſſured the Biſhop and the whole army of Danes and Engliſh, that the Saint had appeared to him in a viſion, and expreſſed his command to them to redeem from ſlavery Guthred the ſon of Hardiknut, a youth ſold by the Danes to a widow at Whittingham, and make him their King. The injunction was received with enthuſiaſtic reverence, and piouſly obeyed. Guthred was crowned at York, and ruled over the ſouthern departments of the Northumbrian kingdom. Soon after his acceſſion, Guthred, in gratitude to the Saint, gave all the county between Tyne and Tees to the Biſhopric, then ſettled at Cheſter. And King Alfred, from a like principle, confirmed the donation.

*
Biſhop Tanner's Notit. Monaſt.

Interjecto tempore aliquanto, gens Scottorum innumerabili exercitu coadunato, inter caetera ſuae crudelitatis facinora Lindisfarnenſe monaſterium ſeviens & rapiens invaſit. Contra quos dum Rex Guthredus, per Sanctum Cuthbertum confortatus, pugnaturus ſtaret, ſubito terra dehiſcens hoſtes vivos omnes abſorbuit, renovato ibi miraculo antiquo, quando aperta eſt terra & degluttivit Dathan, & operuit ſuper congregationem Abiron. Qualiter autem geſtum ſit alibi conſtat eſſe ſcriptum.

Sym. Dunelm. l. 2. c. 13.
*

Eardulphus ſucceſſit; cujus pontific: anno 22 deſtructa per Danos Lindisfarn. eccl. ſedes epiſcopalis, & congregatio Monach. quae ibidem annis 141 duraverant, ceſſaverunt. A. D. 875 adveniente Halfden Dano, Oſbertus Werkworth, & Tilemuth, Ellavero Billyngham, Ycliffe & Wicclif, crecam quoque ſacrilego auſu S. Cutheberto abripuerunt. Quo etiam anno Angl. Reges, qui annis 321o. regnaverunt in Northumbr. deſierunt imperare per annos 51. Depopulationi namque ſervitutique errundem Paganorum abſque rege octo annis ſubjacebant: et ex tunc Danici generis reges regnare caeperunt.

Monachi Lindisfarn. per ſeptennium diſcurrebant cum corpore S. Cutheberti.

S. Cuthebertus apparuit regi Aluredo.

Corpus S. Cutheberti ab Eadulpho epiſcopo & Eadredo abbate delatum ad crecam, ibique ab abbate, cui nomen erat Gene, benigne ſuſcepti velut in proprio 4 Menſibus reſidebant.

Guthredus, Hardeknuti regis filius, a paganis in Angl. ductus, & audam viduae in Witingham in ſervum venditus, miraculoſo S. Cutheberti admonitu in regem elevatus eſt.

Guthredus Rex Northumbr. & Alfredus Rex Weſtſax. adjecerunt totam terram inter Teſam & Tinam in augmentum epiſc. S. Cutheberti. Haec donatio facta eſt anno 13. reg. Alfredi, anno autem Di. 883.

Tunc caedes epiſc. quae fuit in Lindisfarn. reſtauratur in Conecheſter, quo à Creca tranſlatum eſt corpus S. Cutheberti.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 372.

Aldunus Elfsigo ſucceſſit, qui oraculo admonitus ut rabiem in Danorum declinaret, tulit ſecum corpus S. Cutheberti, & uſque ad Ripon pervenit, anno 113 ex quo in Cunecaceſtre locatum fuerat. Pace poſt 4 Menſes reddita, aſſumpto ſecum corpore ſancto, ut ad priorem locum illud reportaret, cum prope Dunelmum ad orientalem plagam in locum qui Wardelaw dicitur adveniſſent, vehiculum, quo ſanctum corpus techa ferebatur, ulterius moveri non poterat, ſed velut mons quidam immobile permanſit, &c. ut corpus Dunelmum poſtea perductum. Quod non feciſſet, facta de virgis eccleſiola ibidem corpus ad tempus locaverunt. Erat namque Dunelmum locus quidem natura munitus, ſed non facile habitabilis, quem denſiſſ. undique ſylva totum occupavit. Epiſcopus vero auxilio Uthredi comitis totam extirpans Sylvam locum in brevi habitabilem fecit, eccleſiam conſtruxit, & in illam corpus ſanctum tranſtulit anno, ex quo ſedes epiſcop. ab Oſwaldo & Aldano in Inſ. Lindisfarn. fuit inſtituta 361.

Ibid. p 330.

Lindisfarne Inſ. alias dicta ſacra inſula, habuit olim nobile Coenobium, ubi etiam erat ſedes epiſcopalis, in qua floruit Sanctus Cuthbertus. Sed vi Scotica primo ſpoliatum, deinde a Danis prorſus deletum. Monachi vero & provinciales, miſerti tantarum calamitatum, reliquias S. Cuthberti Caſtrum detulerunt, quod media via poſitum eſt inter Dunholmum & Novum Caſtellum, ibique, tanquam in epiſcopali ſede, requievere centum & tredecim annis. Poſtea orta per bellum ibidem novacalamitate, tranſlatae ſunt Cuthberti reliquiae Riponam, ubi cum ad tempuſculum requieviſſent, caeperunt monachi cogitare, temporibus jam ſerenis, de reportandis Cuthberti reliquiis caſtrum. Sed cum monachi comitantibus multis provincialibus, ſanctum feretrum Dunholmum uſque perduxiſſent, feretrum adeo immobile fuit, ut nulla prorſus vi inde amoveri potuerit. Provinciales, rei novitatem admirantes, poſuerunt ibidem reliquias in porticu, quae nunc Alba porticus appellatur. Hic manfere donec magnifica & nova baſilica conſummata fuit. Tandem vero propter princeps altare cum magna celebritate poſitae ſunt.

Ibid. v. 4. p. 40.
*
Sym. Dunel.—Hoveden.

Coſpatricius comes Northumbr. hoc maxime concilium dedit, ut fugientes eccl. Dunelmen. relinquerent: & ipſe max. ejus ornamentorum partem ſecum abduxerat.

Coſpatricius poſtea nudis pedibus incidens ad inſulam ubi S. corpus Cuthberti fuerat, veniam eorum, quae in eum deliquerat, precibus & muneribus petivit.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 381.

The donations to the church of Durham were immenſe:

  • Carliſle and a diſtrict of 15 miles round by Egſrid.
  • All the diſtrict between Tyne and Tees by Guthred and Alfred, A. D. 883.
  • Staindrop and Raby by Canute.
  • South Wearmouth, in the county of Durham, together with 11 villages, by Ethelſtan.
  • The Lordſhip of Darlington, in the county of Durham, by a Nobleman whoſe name was Slire.
  • The Lordſhips of Braaburg, Morden, and Griſeby were given by one Swaculph.
  • King William II. gave North Allerton, where Biſhop Pudſey built a palace.
  • Sadberge was purchaſed of King Richard by Pudſey and annexed to the See, from whence the temporalities of an Earl are derived by the Biſhops of Durham.
  • Jarrow was given by Biſhop Walcher.
  • South Yoden was given by Tillered Abbot of Heffereham.
  • Norham by Biſhop Egfrid.
  • Cheſter-le-ſtreet by King Egfrid.

The form of one of the Grants may be agreeable to the reader in this place.

In nomine Patris & Filii & Spiritus Sancti Amen. Anno Dominicae incarnationis 685 Congregata ſynodo juxta flu. Alne in loco qui dicitur Twiford, cui Theodorus Archiepiſcopus Durovernenſis praeſiuebat, cum Cuthbertus multis legatariis ad ſe premiſſis nequaquam poſſet ſuo loco erui, tandem ego Ecfridus Rex Northumbr. cum antiſtite Trumwino, & aliis religioſis viris inſulam navigavi, & invitum ad ſynodum pertraxi, ubi omnium juſſione epiſcopatus officium ſuſcipere compellitur: cui et omnibus ſucceſſoribus ſuis cum conſilio Theodori Archiepiſcopi, & Trumwini, & totir [...] concilii pro ſalute animae meae, & omnium ſucceſſorum meorum, donavi villam quae vocatur Creec & 3 millia in circuitu ipſius villae. Donavi etiam civitatem quae vocatur Lugubalia, & in circuitu ejus quindecim milliaria, ut haec tam ipſe quam ſucceſſores ſui ad Dei ſervitium in perpetuum habeant, ita ſicut ego habui libera & quieta, & ſecundum ſuam voluntatem diſponenda.

Ego Theodorus Archiepiſcopus Durovernenſis ſubſcripſi

Ego Boſa Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi

Ego Cedde orientalium Saxonum Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi

Ego Sexuif Merciorum Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi

Ego Trumwin Pictorum Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi

Ego Ceadda Lichefeldenſis Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi

Ego Eadhed Lindiſſy Epiſcopus ſubſcripſi.

Haec donat. ſcripta eſt tempore Agathonis Epiſcopi Ro. anno aetatis Ecfridi 40 regui vero ejus 15o.

*
Inde Eboracenſes Lindisfarnem inſulam vaſtantes multos occiderunt.—Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 185.

Scottorum Rex Malcolinus ſui conjurati fratris Toſtii comitatum, i. e. Northumbriam, fortiter depopulator, violata pace S. Cuthberti in Eiland.

Ibid. v. 2. p. 194.
*
Whart. Ang. Sac. v. 1. p. 710.—Symeon Dunelm. p. 63. &c. &c.
*
  • John Haggerſton King Henry III.
  • Sir Thomas, created a Baronet 19 King Charles I. was Colonel in the famous Northumberland regiment.
  • Sir Thomas, Governor of Berwick.
  • Sir Carnaby.
  • Sir Thomas.
  • Sir Carnaby
Wallis.

In the former part of the reign of King Henry VIII. the buckles, barrs, and ſtuds of a Knight's belt, and a pommel and croſs for a ſword, and buckles and ſtuds for ſpurs, all of gold, were found between two ſtones here. They came into the poſſeſſion of Dr Ruthal Biſhop of Durham.

Leland's Itin. vol. 7.
This is the patroneſs of Kirby Begegh and Beal, in Yorkſhire.—Life of Grindad.
*
The poem of the Laidly Worm of Spindleſton Heughs, inſerted in the following notes, ſeems to be of an hiſtoric nature, but wrapped up in ſuch dark allegory, the humour of thoſe times, as to render it unintelligible in this age. The fortifications are Daniſh, and it is probable that the ballad relates to the conflicts of that people, with the garriſon of Bambrough.
  • Sir Thomas Forſter in the reign of King Henry VIII.

He married Dorothy the daughter of Ralph Lord Ogle.

  • Thomas Forſter, High Sheriff of Northumberland 6 & 14 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Matthew, High Sheriff 18 King James I.
  • Thomas He lived in the reigns of King Charles I. & II.
  • Thomas, High Sheriff 2 Queen Anne.
  • Thomas, died 1763.
  • Succeeded by
  • John William Bacon, who aſſumed the name of Forſter.
  • John Bacon, his great grandfather, High Sheriff 5 King William III.
  • William, High Sheriff 1745.
  • John, Fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies.
Wallis.
*

Regnum Nordanhumbrorum incepit XIIIo anno regni Kinrici. Cum enim proceres Anglorum patriam illam multis & magnis praeliis ſibi ſubjugaſſent, Idam quendam, juvenem nobiliſſimum, ſibi regnem conſtituerunt, qui fuit filius Eoppae.

Conſtruxit autem Bebbanburg, & circumdedit eam prius ſepe, poſtea muro.

Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 293.
*

But yet it may be queſtioned, whether Bede himſelf ever gave out this etymology. No mention of it is in the Saxon, but it is there called [...], i. e. the royal manſion. Florence of Worceſter ſeems to have been the firſt contriver of the ſtory of Queen Bebba; but Matthew of Weſtminſter tells us it was built by Ida the firſt King of Northumberland.

Gibſon's Camden, p. 1094.

Anno 774.

‘Bebba vero civitas, urbs eſt munitiſſima, non admodum magna, ſed quaſi duorum vel trium agrorum ſpatium, habens unum introitum cavatum, et gradibus miro modo exaltatum. Habet in ſummitate montis eccleſiam praepulchre factum, in qua eſt ſcrinium ſpecioſum et pretioſum; in quo involuta, pallio jacet dextra manus St. Oſwaldi regis, incorrupta, ſicut narrat Beda, hiſtoriographus hujus gentis. Eſt in occidente et in ſummitate ipſius civitatis, fons miro cavatus opere dulcis ad potandum, et puriſſimus ad videndum.’

Sym. Dunelm.
*

Symeon Dunelm. ch. 1.

Nam tempore epiſcopatus ejus hoſtilis Merciorum exercitus, Penda duce, Nortdanhumbrorum regiones impia clade longe lateque devaſtans, pervenet ad urbem uſque regiam, quae ex Bebbae quondam Reginae vocabulo cognominatur, eamque, quam neque armis, neque obſidione capere poterat, flammis abſumere conatus eſt. Deſciſſiſque viculis, quos in vicinia urbis invenit, advexit illo plurimam congeriem trabium, tignorum, parietum, virgeorum, & tecti fenei, & his urbem in magna altitudine circumdedit a parte qua terrae eſt contigna: & dum ventum oportunum cerneret, inlato igne urbem conburere viſum eſt. Quo temtempore reverentiſſ. anteſtes Aidan in inſula Farne, quae duobus ferme milibus paſſuum ab urbe procul ab eſt, morabatur. Illo enim ſaepius, ſecretae orationis & ſilentii cauſa, ſecedere conſueverat. Denique uſque hodie locum ſedis illius ſolitariae in eadem inſula ſolent oſtendere. Qui cum ventis ferentibus globos ignis, ac fumum ſuper muros urbis exaltari conſpiceret, fertur, ad coelum elevatis oculis manibuſque, cum lachrimis dixiſſe: "Vide, domine, quanta mala facit Penda." Quo dicto, ſtatim mutati ab urbe venti in eos, qui accenderant, flammarum incendia retorſerunt. Ita ut aliquot laeſi, omnes territi impugnare ultra urbem ceſſarent.

Bede. Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 139.
*
Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 285.
Groſe.

Dum ſic ſaevit Malcolin, Coſpatricius comes Cumberland: vaſtavit, ac cum ſpoliis onuſtus rediit, & in Bebbanburg munitione firmiſs: ſe concluſit. Erat id temporis Cumberland ſub regis Malcolini domino, non jure poſſeſſa, ſed violenter ſubjugata.

Malcolinus propter excurſionem Coſpatritii in Cumberland, Northumbr. ſaeviſs. ſtrage depopulatus eſt, abducta poſtea magna hominum in ſervitutem multitudine.

Lel. Col. v. p. 382.
*

Robertus de Mulbrai comes Northumbr. & Gul. de Auco cum multis aliis regem Gul. Rufum reg. vitaque privare, & filium Amitae illius Stephanum de Albemarla conati ſunt regem conſtituere.

Moreal propinquus Mulbraii reddidit caſtellum de Bebbanberg Gul. Rufo.

Gul. Rufus juſſit oculos erui & teſticulos abſcidi Gul. Auco duello apud Sareſbyri victo.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 159.

About this period of time the following old poem ſeems to have been compoſed; but to what hiſtoric fact (if any) it relates, I have not been able to diſcover. It was communicated to me by the Rev. Mr Lamb of Norham.

The LAIDLEY * WORM of SPINDLESTON HEUGHS.
A Song 500 years old, made by the old Mountain Bard, Duncan Fraſier, living on Cheviot A. D. 1270. From an ancient manuſcript.

Virgo jam ſerpens ſinuoſa volumina verſat,
Mille trahens varios adverſo ſole colores,
Arrectis horret ſquamis et ſibilat ore;
Arduaque inſurgens navem de littore pulſat.
THE King is gone from Bambrough caſtle:
Long may the Princeſs mourn,
Long may ſhe ſtand on the caſtle wall,
Looking for his return.
She has knotted the keys upon a ſtring,
And with her ſhe has them ta'en,
She has caſt them o'er her left ſhoulder,
And to the gate ſhe is gane.
[163]
She tripped out, ſhe tripped in,
She tript into the yard:
But it was more for the King's ſake,
Than for the Queen's regard.
It fell out on a day the King
Brought the Queen with him home:
And all the Lords, in our country,
To welcome them did come.
Oh! welcome father, the Lady cries,
Unto your halls and bowers;
And ſo are you my ſtepmother,
For all that is here is yours.
A Lord ſaid, wondering while ſhe ſpake,
This Princeſs of the North
Surpaſſes all of female kind
In beauty, and in worth.
The envious Queen replied, at leaſt
You might have excepted me;
In a few hours, I will her bring
Down to a low degree.
I will liken her to a Laidley Worm
That warps about the ſtone,
And not, till Childy * Wynd comes back,
Shall ſhe again be won.
The Princeſs ſtood at her bower door
Laughing: who could her blame?
But e'er the next day's ſun went down,
A long worm ſhe became.
For ſeven miles eaſt, and ſeven miles weſt,
And ſeven miles north, and ſouth,
No blade of graſs or corn could grow,
So venomous was her mouth.
The milk of ſeven ſtately cows,
It was coſtly her to keep,
Was brought her daily, which ſhe drank
Before ſhe went to ſleep.
At this day may be ſeen the cave,
Which held her folded up,
And the ſtone trough, the very ſame
Out of which ſhe did ſup.
Word went eaſt, and word went weſt,
And word is gone over the ſea,
That a Laidley Worm in Spindleſton Heughs
Would ruin the north country.
Word went eaſt, and word went weſt,
And over the ſea did go;
The child of Wynd got wit of it,
Which filled his heart with woe.
He called ſtraight his merry men all,
They thirty were and three:
I wiſh I were at Spindleſton,
This deſperate worm to ſee.
We have no time now here to waſte,
Hence quickly let us ſail;
My only ſiſter Margaret
Something, I fear, doth ail.
They built a ſhip without delay,
With maſts of the rown-tree,
With fluttering ſails of ſilk ſo fine,
And ſet her on the ſea.
They went aboard. The wind with ſpeed
Blew them along the deep,
At length they ſpied an huge ſquare tower,
On a rock high and ſteep.
The ſea was ſmooth, the weather clear,
When they approached nigher,
King Ida's caſtle they well knew,
And the banks of Bambroughſhire.
The Queen looked out at her bower-window,
To ſee what ſhe could ſee;
There ſhe eſpied a gallant ſhip
Sailing upon the ſea.
When ſhe beheld the ſilken ſails,
Full glancing in the ſun,
To ſink the ſhip ſhe ſent away
Her witch-wives every one.
Their ſpells were vain. The hags returned
To the Queen in ſorrowful mood,
Crying, That witches have no power,
Where there is rown-tree wood.
[164]
Her laſt effort, ſhe ſent a boat,
Which in the haven lay,
With armed men to board the ſhip;
But they were driven away.
The worm leapt up, the worm leapt down,
She plaited round the ſtane;
And ay as the ſhip came to the land
She banged it off again.
The child then ran out of her reach
The ſhip on Budle ſand;
And jumping into the ſhallow ſea
Securely got to land.
And now he drew his berry-brown ſword,
And laid it on her head;
And ſwore if ſhe did harm to him
That he would ſtrike her dead.
Oh! quit thy ſword, and bend thy bow,
And give me kiſſes three;
For though I am a poiſonous worm,
No hurt I will do to thee.
Oh! quit thy ſword, and bend thy bow,
And give me kiſſes three;
If I am not won e'er the ſon go down,
Won I ſhall never be.
He quitted his ſword, he bent his bow,
He gave her kiſſes three;
She crept into a hole a worm,
But ſtept out a Lady.
No cloathing had this Lady fine,
To keep her from the cold;
He took his mantle from him about,
And round her did it fold.
He has taken his mantle from him about,
And it he wrapt her in;
And they are up to Bambrough caſtle,
As faſt as they can win.
His abſence, and her ſerpent ſhape,
The King had long deplored:
He now rejoiced to ſee them both
Again to him reſtored.
The Queen they wanted, whom they found
All pale, and ſore afraid,
Becauſe ſhe knew her power muſt yield
To Childy Wynds, who ſaid,
Woe be to thee, thou wicked witch,
An ill death mayeſt thou dee;
As thou my ſiſter haſt likened,
So likened ſhalt thou be.
I will turn you into a toad,
That on the ground doth wend;
And won, won ſhalt thou never be
Till this world hath an end.
Now on the ſand near Ida's tower
She crawls a loathſome toad,
And venom ſpits on every maid
She meets upon her road.
The virgins all of Bambrough town
Will ſwear that they have ſeen
This ſpiteful toad of monſtrous ſize,
Whilſt walking they have been.
All folks believe within the ſhire
This ſtory to be true;
And they all run to Spindleſton,
The cave and trough to view.
This fact now Duncan Fraſier,
Of Cheviot, ſings in rhime;
Leſt Bambroughſhire men ſhould forget
Some part of it in time.
*
This is a northern corruption for Loathly; i. e. loathſome.
*
There is a ſtreet now called the Wynd at Bambrough.
Mountain aſh.
[162]
*
Groſe.
*
To increaſe the ſuperſtitions import of this palladium of monarchy, it is reported that it contains or is compoſed of the ſtone of Beth-el, on which Jacob ſlept when he had the beatific viſion, and received the promiſes of inheritance from the voice of the Supreme.
*
Carte, II. 320. Dug. I. 273.
*

I am indebted to Ralph Spearman, Eſq of Eachwick, in the county of Northumberland, for the following curious ſurvey, taken by inquiſition, of this caſtle, its rights and liberties.

Inquiſitio indentata capta apud Bamburge in com. Northumb. xvio die Aprilis anno regni Eliz. Dei gra. Anglie France et Hibernie Fidei Defenſoris &c. Decimo octavo 1576 Coram Johae Selbye Ar. janitore ville Barwici Willimo Reed Ar. capitaneo inſulae ſacre & Thomae Bates Generoſo Superviſore omniu. & ſingulor. Dm̄ior. Man̄ior. terraru. et Tentoru. dic. dn̄e Rin̄i in com. Northumbr. virtute commiſſionis dce Dme Rin̄e eiſdem commiſſionar. ac Cuthberto Collingwood Militi & Roberto Raynes eis quinq. quatuor aut tribus eoru. directe et hinc inquiſit annexe ſacrum Thome Bradford Ar. Nicholas Hebburne Gen. Petri Wetwood Gen. Willimi Wallis Gen. Jacobi Wallis Gen. Edwardi Hebburne Gen. Radi Collingwood Gen. Thome Lilburne Gen. Edwardi Maſtians Gen. Uſwini Maſtians Gen. Thome Swinho Gene. de Mowlſen Roberti Roddam Gen. Cuthberti Ogle de Dichburne Gen. Oſwaldi Younghuſbande de Budley Yeoman qui ſuper ſacrum &c. dicunt quod ſup. caſtri de Bamburge in dicta commiſſione ſpecificati ac extent terrar. Dn̄icat. et alior. poſſeſſionem eid. caſtro pertinet. cum juribus previligiis conſuetudinibus et ſervitiis eid. caſtro pertinent et aliis ſircumſtantibus juxta tenorum et effectum quorundam articulor. eid. commiſſionis annext. in hac inquiſit. poſtea in lingua Anglicana ſcript. et reſitat. eſt vera et ad quam quidem jur. intereſſent.

The ſurvey and view taken of the caſtle of Bambrough, in the countie of Northumberland, the 2 [...]th of October 1574, in the 16th year of the reigne of our Soveraigne Ladie the Queens Matye that now is, by the Commiſſioners and Jury abovenamed as followeth: To the firſt article, the ſaid caſtle is ſcituate upon a mayne rocke, on the ſea banke, a very ſtrong ſcituation; and hath on the coſt northward from him the Holy Iſland, diſtant by eſtimacon 4 miles; [169]and from thence the Queens Majties towne of Barwicke, diſtant from Iſland 6 miles; and towards the ſouth, from Bambrughe, on the ſea coaſt, y•. ſcituate the caſtle of Dunſtenburge, parcell of her Maties poſſeſſion of the Dutchie of Lancaſter, diſtant 5 miles, or thereabouts; which ſaid caſtle of Bamburge, in the ſaid commiſſion named, is in utter ruin and decay, the drawbridge and gates ſoe broken, that there is noe uſual entre on the fore part, ſave at a breache on the wall, that hath beene well walled, and yet hath walls much decayed ſtanding; and is of three wards, in the two utter wards whereof nothing is but walls much decayed; in the innermoſt ward is one tower of 25 yards ſquare by eſtimation ſtanding upon the topp of the rocke, and in the ſame a well of freſh water, the walls whereof are upright, but much worne and decayed with weather, the roofe whereof, which hath beene timber, and ſwintime covered withe lead, as it ſeemed, is utterly decayed and gone; within the ſaid warde hath beene alſoe the principal lodging of the houſe, and as it may appear, all offices belonging thereunto, which for the more part, as it ſeame, have beene long in decay, ſave the remoteſe walls doe in the moſt part thereof ſtand, and yet in one parte of the ſame lodging hath beene of late a lodging for the Captaine, the partes whereof called the hall and great chamber have beene covered withe lead, and yet have ſome lead upon them, and in ſome parts revin and the lead taken away. The hall in the Captain's lodging, containing in lenth 6 yeards and in breath 7 yeards by eſtimation, hath lead upon him yet, by eſtimation [...] feathers; the great chamber, containing in lenth 10 yeards and in breath 5 yeards by eſtimation, hath lead yet remaining to the va [...] of [...] foothers by eſtimation, by reaſon of the lead of both houſes decayed and taken awa [...]

The timber of both the ſaid houſes is piched and in much decay; within the ſaid ward have beene of late a chappel and other little turats covered, all which be now utterly decayed, ſaveing the [...] walls of the moſt parte thereof, much worne with weather, ſtandith. The Cee Towne, there is at this day no place or towne of that name, that we can know, unleſſe that be menie of the towne of Bamburghe, which is ſcituate not far from the foreſaid caſtle, on the weſt parte thereof, and hath been a borough and market towne, but now not frequented with market, but in manner decayed, and the moſt parte thereof deſolate and unbielded. The Lordſhippe is reputed to be the antient inheritance of the crowne and antient demayne, and hath the liberties, royalties, privileges, and ſervices belonging thereto, and antiently have uſed the ſame; and the tenants of certain towns there, as of Bamburgh, Shoſton, and Sunderland are not empleaded, nor doe not few for that inheritance, but onely in the courts there, and have their courts kept at certain cuſtomable days accordinglie. There is belonging to the ſaid caſtle the demain lands of Bamburghe, demain lands at Sunderland, the towns or hamlets of Bedenhall, Shoſton, and Sunderland, all which be reputed as the upper Lordſhipp belonging to the ſaid caſtle. And beſides the payment of the rents in money and grains mentioned in the next article following, they or ſome of them perfectly there known, doe owe by their tenure and by cuſtome certaine ſervices to the ſaid caſtle, as the caſting away of ſand and clenging the caſtle thereof, certaine daysworks of huſband labour for occupation and manuring of the ſaid demayne lands; and alſoe that every two tenants ſhould bring every year one carte load of wood from Rochwood, and one foother of turves from the Kings Moore to ſaid caſtle, to be ſpent with certaine other accuſtomable ſervices: to the ſaid caſtle alſoe belongeth a certaine peace of ground, which as it ſemeth hath beene incloſed, becauſe there remaineth yet about it the mencon where the ditch hath bene, called by the name of Rotchwood, where great woods hath beene, but now utterly decayed, and noe wood at all remaineth thereon: there is alſoe certaine other townes, as Bewicke, Dichburne, Calvele, Eſlingtone, Yetlingtone, Midletone, Midle Midletone, North Midletone, South Mowlflen, and Bedenhall, which pay yearly ſeverall rents unto the ſaid [170]caſtle, which rents be commonly called Drimgage. * And the ſame townes alſoe doe make appearance at the head courts, or in default thereof lye in fyne or be mercyed, and what other ſervices they or any of them be charged with all the jury knoweth not. There is belonging to the ſaid caſtle certaine fiſhings in the water of Tweed, the rents whereof and all other the premiſſes belonging to the ſaid caſtle, doth particularlie appear in a rentale and ſcedule hereunto annexed, with the names of the occupiers and payers of the ſame. The demaine lands of the ſaid caſtle doe lye in three ſeveral fields, the ſouthweſt and north fields, and doe extend in the ſouth fields, beginning at the caſtle gates, goeing ſowth betweene the See and the Straidburne to the ſouth ſide of the Straid field, and the turning weſt up the ſaid burne to a ditch which is nere betwixt the demains and a parcell of Learmuth lands, and then turning ſouth by the ſame diche to the ſouth end of Baſeletche, in the which compaſſe there is a parcel of ground ſometime belonging't, Colte and diverſe others cont. by eſtimac. one acre and a halfe from the ſouth, and of Baſeletch cloſe that goeth ſouth by certaine marke ſtones, and other meres betwene the demains and the lands of Sir Thomas Gray, and betweene the demains and the lands of the Earle of Rutlande, till it come to the Longdales in the King's Meadow, and then turneth weſt to a diche that is more betwene the demains and the fields of Burton, and then turneth ſoutheſt a certaine ſpace, and then eaſt to a diche betweene the demains and Fowbridge fields, and the demains of Bamburgh and the demains of Shoſton to the ſee ſhore to the ſaid caſtle, in which compaſſe there is a parcel of Learmoths land, containing by eſtimation acres, all the reſidewe of the [171]demains being containeth by eſtimation, in areable land, meadow, and paſture, [...] acres. In the weſt field there is one forlong containing by eſtimation 5 acres, called the Blind Wells, joyneing on the one parte to Learmoth's lands, and one the other parte to a furlong of the ſaid demains called Shoutrings, which containeth by eſtimation 8 acres, and joyneth to another furlong of the ſame demains called Starrehoetopps, containing by eſtimation [...] acres, and joyneth to the fields of Barton, and one the north parte to another furlong of ſame demains called the Stake Flatt, containing by eſtimation 7 acres, joning to the fields of Budle on the one parte, and to another flatt of the ſaid demains called Raggs Flatt, containing by eſtimation 3 acres, of which parcells ſome be with a diche lately made, incloſed with other lands, and ſome be left out and yey be not ſo well bounded with perfect meres as the reſidue of the demains bee. There is another parcell of the ſaid demains called Potter Field, lyeing all together, ſaveing that the way or lane leading weſt owt of the town of Bamburghe divideth that in that place, and hath ſome parte thereof one the ſouth ſide of the way, and containeth in the whole by eſtimation acres: the north fields of the demains lyeth alltogedder, and hath one the weſt parte Learmoth's lands, one the ſouth parte a letch, and joyneth to the ſee, containing by eſtimation [...] acres. There is a parcell of land in Shoſton Fields, in the tenure of William Hood, parcell of Porter Land, and of the ſaid demains, containing in acres by acres 6. The demaine lands, called the Mains of Shoſton, belonging to the ſaid caſtle, lieth in the fields of Shoſton altogidder, in the north parte adjoyneing to parcell of the demains of Bamburgh, and on Learmowths lands lying within compaſs of the ſaid demains and in other parts, ſave a pece of the eſt parte abutting opon parcell of the ſaid Learmowth's lands that is environed with the fields and lands of Shoſtons, and containeth by eſtimacon [...] acres.

To the fourth, the ſaid caſtle is in utter ruine and decay, as before is menconed, and the place called the towne is not knowne, unleſſe it be the towne of Bamburgh, which is likewiſe in decay and ruine, and very few houſes in reſpect of the buildings that have beene there, and in reſpect of the intre of burgage are now there ſtanding, but when, where, how, or by whom, or to what dammage or loſſe or vallew we cannot underſtand or eſtimate; yet for the decay of the ſaid caſtle of late time, the depoſicons of certaine perſons who were ſervants to Sir John Horſley, late Captain, there is by vertue of the ſaid admiſſione, taken as followeth at Bambrugh the 24th of October, in the 17th year of the rayne of the Queens Matie that now is.

William Hunter of Thorny Haugh, in the county of Northumberland, aged 53 yeares, or thereabouts, ſworne and examined to the firſt, ſecond, third, fowrth, fifthe, and ſixthe ſaith, that in the time of Sir John Horſley, late Captain of the ſaid caſtle, and at his death there was in the ſaid caſtle one hall, one great chamber, and one other chamber on the eaſt ſide of the hall, all covered with lead, and furniſhed in other reparacons at that time convenient to be dwelled in; and that there was at that time two other chambers in the ſaid caſtle likewiſe covered with lead and in like reparacons; and that there was in the ſaid caſtle kitchinge covered with flaggs, and a chappell covered with ſlate; and that under the ſaid hall and great chamber were ſcellers for offices, with doors and all other foornitours as were convenient: and being examined how he knew the ſame to be true, he ſaith Sir John Horſley being the laſt Captain there, the ſaid Sir John Horſley did dwell and keep his houſe continueally in the ſaid caſtle, and that this deponent was his ſervant, and did for the moſt parte attend upon him there.

Henry Muſtchant of the Greans, in the countye of Northumberland, of the age of 60 years, or thereabouts, ſworne and examined to the firſt, ſecond, third, fowrth, and fifth and ſixth, ſaith in all things as his preſeſts have ſaid, which ludginging is now in utter ruin and decay, the chappel, timber, and ſtones clean taken away, and all the other bieldings before mentioned, ſave only the hall and great chamber, which have yet ſome lead upon them as appeareth that [172]in the anſwer of the firſt article, the timber by reaſon of the lead taken away much pyched, but by whome the ſame ſpoyle is done they know not.

To the 5th, for the decay of the caſtle is before declared, and what the repayre thereof will coſt they know not; but if it ſhall be to any purpoſe to reſtore the former ſtrenth and beautye thereof, the charges will be greate, and they ſay to their knowledge the Queens Matie is to repayre and maintain the ſame, becauſe that is the auntient inheritance of the Crowne: and of the towne ſpecified in that article be the town of Bambrughe, they ſay to their knowledge the houſes decayed and ruinewſe are to be repared and maintaned by the owners and inheritours of the ſaid lands and burgage, as in all other boroughs is uſual.

To the 6th, they know not of any lands, tenements, or ſervices, or rents withdrawn or kept back, but they ſay that, &c. &c.

In cujus rei teſtimon huic inquiſit, tam predict. Commiſſionar. quod prefat. Jur. Sigill. ſues a poſuerunt.

[168]
*

As this ſervice hath of late engaged the attention of Antiquaries, the following definitions are worthy a place here.

Drenches or Drenges, Drengi, were tennets in capite, ſays an ancient MS. Doomſday, Tit. Leſt. Reg. Pictaviens Neuton. They were, ſays Spelman, E [...]ge [...]ere vaſſallorum non ignobilium, cum ſinguli qui in Doomſday nominantur, ſingula po [...]ent mane [...]a. Such as at the conqueſt being put out of their eſtates, were afterwards reſtored; for that they being before owner thereof, were againſt him neither by their perſons or councils; Coke on Lit. fo. 5. ſays, Dre [...]e [...] miſprinted there for Drenches, are free tenants of a manor. See alſo Mon. Ang. 2 part, fo. 598.

Dre [...]g [...]giam, the tenure by which the Drenches held their lands, of which ſee Trin. 21 Edw. 3. Eb [...]r & Northumbr. Rot 101. and we may obſerve, ſays Spelman, Qu [...] Drengorum claſſe-erant vel per Drengagium tenure ſua incoluiſſe [...] [...]te adv [...]tur N [...]an [...]ra [...]n.

‘S [...]r Matthew Ha [...]e, in his Expoſition of the Vetripont Charter, ſays there is no ſuch tenure in the ſouthern part of England, and obſerves from the records before him, that it drew wardſhip and relief. Sir Henry Spelman re [...]ites ſeveral records, wherein theſe words had occurred to him, and conjectures upon the whole, that the Drenges were free tenants holding by military ſervice. But there are other records, which had not fallen under the inſpection of that learned author, that deſtroy this notion intirely. Mr Denton, from the Red Book in the Exchequer, obſerves, that Sir Hugh Mor [...]il, in Weſtmoreland, changed drengage into free ſervice (ſeveral inſtances are quoted). At Clifton alſo in this county, and other neighbouring parts, there were drengage tenants; and in the 31ſt Edw. 3. Gilbert de Eugain, of Clifton, granted by indenture to Roger de Clifford, Lord of Weſtmoreland, the ſervices of divers perſons there by name, with their bodies and all that belonged to them (cum eorum corporious et corum equ [...]lis) during the life of the ſaid Roger. So that they ſeem to have been drudges to perform the moſt ſervile and laborious offices. And of theſe Roger had great uſe at Brougham; for of him the Counteſs of Pembroke's Memoirs take notice, that he was a lover of building, and a great repairer of his ancient caſtles, the ſeats of his anceſtors. They ſeem to have been tenants in pure villenage, who were bound to the Lord as members of and annexed to the manor, and were uſually ſold with the farm to which they belonged.’

Nicholſon and Burn. Hiſt. of Weſtmoreland.

The work from whence the laſt quotation is made, is marked with many forced and uncouth etymologies and derivations: the above of [...]ru [...]ges from ore [...]ges. not a little remarkable. A more perfect knowledge of the feodal ten [...]tes would have diſcovered the ſutility and inconſiſtency of the above argument. There were certainly villains in C [...]fton, yet it doth not follow that the drenges and they were one.

We do not find theſe tenants mentioned in Blakiſton's Commentaries or Sullivan's Lectures. The villains or lazzi held no lands but at the will of the Lord, and were in abſolute vaſſalage. When they bettered their condition, they became baſe copyholders It would be a change not inſtanced in records of the feodal tenures, for a villain to be raiſed to free ſervice. The original acceptation of the old word Dre [...], is not known to us, or to what language it belongs: Balley in his Dictionary ſuppoſes it derived from the Saxon [...], a Drone.

Tanner's words, p. 396, are, "Here was an old Hoſpital dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen." Vide Pat. 7 Edw. 2. Pat. 22 Edw. 3. Pat. 37 Edw. 3. Pat. 50 Edw. 3. Eſcheat Northumb. 50 Edw. 3.
Tanner, p. 396. Vide Rot. Pat. 50 Hen 3. Cart. 51 Henry 3 Pro decem acris terrae ad [...]rium conſtruendum. Pat. 51 Hen. 3. Pat. 22 Edw 1. Prope finem rotuli.
*
Note to p. 170.—23d Parl. King Edward I. John le Grayſtang and William le Coroner, Members.
*

Of which the two following inſcriptions are the moſt ſingular; and as they contain ſome hiſtory of the family, may be acceptable to the reader.

On a monument of black marble in the chancel.
Scio quod Redemptor meus vivit in coelis.

Claudius Forſterus Eques Aurat' et Baronettus, antiqua numeroſa et Nobili Forſteroru Familia in Com. Northumb. oriundus Dno Nicholao Forſtero Fortiſſ. illi' viri Filio Dni Joannis Forſter, Qui 37 Anos Mediar. Marchiar. Scota vers' Dns Guardian' Extitit, Fili' & Haereſ. Honoratiſſ. etiam Dnis Cumbriae et Bedf. Comitib' nec non inſigni et illuſtri Fenwicoru Progeniei totiq. Generoſu Genti inter Tinam & Tweda Celeberr. Sanguine Conjunct' Caſtri deniq. Bamburg. Dns ſceniſcall et ſumm' Conſtabulari obiit in manerio ſuo De Alba-Terra in comit. Northumbr. Ano Sal. Noſt. 16 [...]3.

Memoriae ſacru Lugens poſuit uxor ejus Dna Elizabetha Guilielmi Fenwici de Wallingtonia Equitis Aurati, Filia.

On a monument of white marble in the chancel.

In the vault below lie buried the bodys of WILLIAM JOHN and FERDINAND ſons of SIR WILLIAM FORSTER* of BAMBROUGH KNT. by DOROTHY daughter of SIR WILLIAM SELBY of TWISDALE BART. and by ELEANOR Daughter of FERDINANDO LORD FAIRFAX of DENTON WILLIAM was born 28th July 1666 married ELIZABETH Daughter of WILLIAM PERT ESQR. died 1ſt Sept. 1700 without iſſue. JOHN was born 24th Sept. 1668 died 15th Novr. 1699 FERDINAND was born 14th Feby. 1669 died 22d Augt. 1701 Both unmarried They had another Brother NICHOLAS who dyd young and was buried in the Church of Saint Mary in the South Baiely in Durham As alſo five Siſters

ELEANOR and DOROTHY who both died very young.

FRANCES married to THOMAS FORSTER * of ETHERSTONE Eſqr

To whom ſhe had ſeveral children. MARY who died unmarried And DOROTHY wife of the RT HONOBLE THE LORD CREWE Lord Biſhop of Durham Of whom their Mother died. SHE Being the only one remaining of the Family Set up this monument in memory of her dear Brothers As the laſt reſpect that could be paid them For their true affection To the CHURCH, ye MONARCHY their COUNTREY and their SISTER Ao 1711 This being the burying place of their Anceſtors.

*
Born Nov. 12, 1674. P. R.
Ob. 26 Sept. B. 30, 1672. P. R.
B. 2 Sep. P. R.
*
B. 19 Dec. 1673. P. R.
Ob. 16 Oct. 1715.
*

In Mr Randal's Manuſcripts it is ſtated, that ‘Bambrough was afterwards granted to his grandſon, Claudius Forſter, Eſq Mar. 15, 7 King James I. Dorothy the only child of William Forſter, Knt. marrying Nathaniel Lord Crewe, Biſhop of Durham, and Baron of Steane in the county of Northampton, July 23, 1700, brought with her the eſtates of Bambrough and Blanchland. She died without iſſue.’

"His Lordſhip left by will, dated June 24th, 1720, the ſaid eſtates to charitable uſes.

‘There are ſeveral good rooms furniſhed in the tower. Dr R. Trevor, Biſhop of Durham, held a confirmation at Bambrough, on Sunday Auguſt 10th, 1766, for that pariſh, and dined with Dr. Sharp at the caſtle, in the large room where the manor court is held’

Randal's Man.
*
Dr. Sharp.
Once belonging to a Dutch frigate of 40 guns, which with all the crew was loſt oppoſite to the caſtle, about 60 years ago.
*
*
The effect of oil on troubled waters, mentioned lately as a modern and accidental diſcovery, was known in very diſtant ages: it was practiſed in this country, and eſteemed a miracle. Indeed moſt of the miraculous works of the religious were deduced from ſome knowledge of the ſimpleſt principles of nature, diſcovered and diſplayed in ages of profound ignorance. In Bede's third book of the hiſtory of the Church of England, touching the miracles wrought by Aidan, this practice is thus mentioned. ‘A certain prieſt named Utta, a man of great gravity and ſincerity, and one who for his qualities and truth was well eſteemed, was commiſſioned to go into Kent, for Eanflede, King Edwine's daughter, who after her father's death had been ſent thither, in order to her eſpouſal with King Oſwin. He was to travel by land to Kent, but to return by ſea; on which account he addreſſed Biſhop Aidan, beſeeching him to put up fervent prayers to God to proſper their Voyage. The Biſhop gave them his bleſſing, and having recommended them devoutly to the protection of God, he alſo delivered to Utta ſome jars of hallowed oil, ſaying, I foreſee that whilſt you are at ſea, a ſudden tempeſt will come upon you; remember to caſt into the troubled waters the oil that I give you, and and ſpeedily the tempeſt ſhall be aſſuaged, the ſea be calmed, and you ſhall have a pleaſant paſſage. All theſe things were fulfilled according to the prophecy. At the beginning of the tempeſt, when the waves and ſurges chiefly raged, the ſailors endeavoured in vain to caſt anchor; but the ſtorm increaſed, and the waves multiplied ſo faſt, that the veſſel was almoſt filled with water, and nothing but immediate death preſented itſelf. In this diſtreſs the Prieſt had recourſe to the Biſhop's directions, and took the pot of oil, ſome of which he caſt into the ſea, and the ſea was immediately calmed, the ſun ſoon after ſhone forth, and the ſhip proceeded with a proſperous voyage. Thus the man of God, through the ſpirit of prophecy, predicted the tempeſt, and by the ſame holy ſpirit, though he was himſelf abſent, appeaſed the ſame.’
*

There ly certen iſles adjoining to Farne Iſland, bigger then Farne itſelf. But in them is no habitation. Certn bigge foules, caullid S. Cuthbertes byrdes, brede in them, and puffins, birdes leſs than dukkes, having grey fethers like dukkes, but without painted fethers, and a ring about the nek, be found breding ther in the cliffy rokkes.

Lel. Itin. vol. 6.
*
I am apt to doubt whether Aidan ever made any other retreat to theſe iſlands, than merely occaſional, and for no longer ſtay, than to put up his ſupplications to heaven on ſingular events; where from greater privacy he might poſſeſs more fervour of mind, than he could command in the cells of a convent.

Farne dicitur inſula medio in mari poſita, &c. ſed aliquot milibus paſſuum ab hac ſemiinſula diſtans, quae et hinc altiſſimo, & inde infinito clauditur oceano.

Qui videlicet miles Chriſti, ut, devicta tyrannorum acie, monarchus terrae, quam adierat, factus eſt, condidit civitatem ſuo aptam imperio, & domos in hac aeque civitati congruas erexit. Eſt autum aedificium ſitu pene rotundum, a muro uſque ad murum menſura 4or. ferme ſive quinque, perticarum diſtentum, murus ipſe deforis altior longitudine ſtantis hominis. Nam intrinſecus imam caedendo rupem multo illum fecit altiorem, quatenus ad cohibendam oculorum ſimul & cogitationum laſciviam, ad erigendam in ſuperna deſideria, totam mentis intentionem, pius incola nil de ſua manſione praeter coelum poſſet intueri. Quem videlicet murum non ſecto lapide, vel latere, & caemento, ſed impolitis, prorſus lapidibus & ceſpite, quem de medio loci fodiendo tulerat compoſuit.

Duas in manſione habebat domos, oratorium ſcilicet & aliud ad communes uſus aptum habitaculum; quorum parietes quidem de naturali terra multum intus foriſque circumſodiendo ſive cedendo confe [...]it. Culmina vero de lignis informibus & foeno ſuper poſuit. Porro ad portum inſulae major erat domus, in qua viſitantes eam fratres ſuſcipi, & quieſcere poſſent. Nec longe ab ea fons eorundem uſibus accomodus.

Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 158 —Bede
*
Thomas the Firſt ſucceeded at Farn Iſle, A. D. 1158.—Randal's Manuſcripts.

Richard Biſhop of Durham, ſirnamed the Poor, was tranſlated from Saliſbury, A. D. 1226. His memory was revered for his pious act in paying his predeceſſor's debts. Ob. Apr. 15, A. D. 1237, and was buried in the nunnery at Tarent, of his own foundation.

A. D. 1238, Thomas the Second of Melſonby ſucceeded in Farn Iſle, where he died.—Ibid.

*
Whart. Aug. Sax. v. 1. p. 735.

Farn Iſland, by Mr Speed corruptly called Frameland, Flaneland, and Ferne eland.

A priory of ſix or eight Benedictine Monks, ſubordinate to Durham, valued at 12l. 17s. 8d. per annum.—Dugdale and Speed. It was granted to the Dean and Chapter of Durham, 33 Henry VIII.

Vide in Bourne's Hiſt of Newcaſtle, p. 199, Aſſiſam per Priorem Dunelm. contra majorem et ballivos Novi Caſtri pro redditu annuo Treſdecem marcarum et decem ſolidorum conceſſo domni de Farneland anno 25 R. Edward 3.— P. 209, Requietantiam Prioris Dunelm. pro redditu praedicto debit ad feſtum S. Michaelis anno 5 R. Henry 5.—P. 218, R. Henry 7. Confirmationem iſtius redditus anno regni 7.

Pat. 41 Henry 3.

Clauſ. 10th Edward 2. de quinque quarteriis frumenti ſingulis annis e maneriis de Toghale et Swinſon.

Pat. 9 Edward 3.

Clauſ. 2 Henry 4. de XIII Marcis annui redditus conceſſis de redditu Novi Caſtri per regem Edvardum.

Rec. in Scac. 7 Henry 7. Trin. Rot. 11. Confirmationem ſuper Carta R. Henry 4. de redditu Novi Caſtri.

Tanner, p. 394.
‘In the above aſſize, the revenue is thus mentioned.’

That our Lord Edward lately King of England, had in his life by word of mouth granted to the Monks dwelling in the iſland of Farneland, near Bambrough, which iſland is a cell to the Priory of Durham, 10 quarters of corn and 2 tuns of wine, to be received every year by the hands of the Mayor and Bailiffs of Newcaſtle upon Tyne, as an alms, &c. for ever. Our preſent Lord the King being willing to fulfil and continue his (father's) will in this part, hath granted to the aforeſaid Monks, as a compenſation of the aforeſaid corn and wine, 13 marks and 10s. to be received every year at the feaſt of St. Michael, by the hands, &c. from the fee of the ſaid town, namely, 5 marks for every tun of wine, and 5 ſhillings for every quarter of corn, to be paid &c. for ever.

Bourne, p. 200.
*

Prior Caſtel of Dyrham, the laſt ſave one, buildid the toure in Farne Iſlane for defence owt of the grounde. Ther was a chapel and a poore houſe afore.

Lel. Itin. vol. 5.

There was a church built there, for the women to hear maſs, pray, and receive the ſacrament, afterwards demoliſhed; and another built for the ſame uſe by Hugh Pudſey, Biſhop of Durham, called the Gallilee.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Sir Allan de Heton acquired great honour in the ſiege of Berwick, under Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland.

Holl. Chron. vol. 2.

Johannes Scotus, born at Dunſton, a Franciſcan Friar, got the title of Doctor Subtilis. He maintained againſt the Thomiſts, that the bleſſed Virgin was conceived with ſin. He died of a fit of an apoplexy at Colen.

England's Worthies.

The famous Doctor Joannes Duns, alias Scotus, lived in the time of Biſhop Lamberton (he died 1328). He was born in the town of Duns, in the county of Mers, and being yet a child, after ſome taſte he had got of the Latin tongue, by the perſwaiſion of two Minorite Friars, went to Oxford, ſtudying Logic in Morton College: then applying himſelf to ſcholaſtic Divinity, grew to ſuch a perfection therein, as he was called the ſubtle Doctor; and was followed of a number, who after his name are called to this day Scotiſtae. After he had profeſſed a while at Oxford, he was called to read divinity in the univerſity of Paris, and from thence went to Colon, where he died of the apoplexy. They write that after he was laid in grave, his ſpirits did return, and that ſtriving to get forth, he was there ſmothered; whereupon an Italian did write this epigram.

Quaecunque humani fuerant juriſque ſacrati
In dubium veniunt cuncta vocante Scoto
Quid? quod et dubium illius ſit vita vocata,
Morte illum ſimili ludificante ſtropha;
Quam non ante virum vita jugularet adempta,
Quam vivus tumulo conditus ille foret.

The Engliſh writers contend that this Scotus was born in England, in Dunſtane village within the pariſh of Emilden, in the county of Northumberland; and confirm it by the manuſcripts reſerved in the Library of Merton Collge, in one whereof are written theſe words, Explicit actura ſubtilis Doctoris in Univerſitate Oxonienſi (ſuper libros ſententiarum) Doctoris Joannis Duns nati in villa de Emilden vocata Dunſtan contracta Duns, in comitatu Northumbriae, pertinens ad Domum ſcholaſticorum de Marton Hall in Oxonio & quondam dictae Domus ſocii. But this is no ſufficient proof; for it may be probably ſuppoſed, that he living at Oxford, in England, when the wars were ſo hot betwixt the two kingdoms, did diſſemble his country, and pretend himſelf to be an Engliſhman born to eſchew the hatred of the Students. In Colen, where he might without danger ſhew of what country he was, he did profeſs himſelf a Scot, and the Minorites (of which order he was) did therefor upon his tomb, erected in their church, at the end of the quire nigh unto the high altar, ſet this inſcription, which is there yet to be ſeen:

Scotia me genuit, Anglia ſuſcepit
Gallia edocuit, Germania tenet.

What a fine ſubtle wit he had, the monuments left by him to poſterity do witneſs. He died young in the year 1308.

Spotſwood's Hiſt. Ch. of Scot.
*

Within the circumference of which there grew not long ſince 240 Wincheſter buſhels of corn, beſide ſeveral cart loads of hay.

Gibſon's Camden.
*

The following account of this matter, extracted from the Chronique of William de Pakington, is contained in the 1ſt vol. Lel. Col. p. 461. &c.—About this tyme Henry Lacy Erle of Lincoln dyed, and charged Thomas of Lancaſtre his ſunne yn law and heyre, that he ſhould maynteine his quarelle agaynſt Peter Gaveſton. Be whos meanes after, and the Counte of Warwickes, was Pers Geveſton behedid at Gaveriſhith by Warwick the xxix of Juin yn the yere of our Lord 1312. King Eduarde lamenting and deſiring of God that he might ons be revengid of Peter Gaveſtons dethe.

The Nobles of England ſeing the infinite covetuſnes of the Diſpenſer, came to Thomas of Lancaſtre to treate a meane for it. And after of one aſſent made aſſemble at Shirburne yn Elmede. And ſending the Kings ſupplication, and not hard, the Barons went into the Marches of Wales, and deſtroyid the Diſpenſars landes. Then King Edward, at the motion of the Diſpenſars, baniſhid John Mountbray, Roger Clifford, Gofeline Dainville, and dyvers others. And after the Barons caulid by brief to a parlament cam with 3 battayles in order, having ten colourid bandes on theyr ſleves, wherefore it was caullid the parlement de la Bende. And yn this company were Humfre de Boun Counte of Hereforde, Syr Hugh de Andeley, Sir Roger Damare, &c. &c.

The Barons hering (the King had taken the caſtle of Leeds) both the Mortymers toke Brigenorth, for the which the King baniſhed, by proclamation, Thomas of Lancaſtre and Humfrede Boun with al theyr adherents.

And after the King cumming agayn his Barons with a ſtronge hoſte, both Mortymer the uncle, and Mortymer the nephew, put them ſelf yn the Kinges grace, and were ſent to the Toure of London.

The Barons hering this cam to Pontfract, to Thomas of Lancaſtre, and theire gathering theire poure, aſſauted the Kinges caſtel of Tikhille, but not wynning it.

And hering of the Kinges hoſte, went to Burton apon Trente, keping the Bridge to let the Kinges paſſage. But the Kinge paſſid per foro [...], and thens wente the Barons with Thomas Lancaſtre to Tuttebyri, and thens to Pontefract. And yn this gorney Syr Roger Dainmore dyed yn the abbay of Tuttebyry.

After this Thomas Lancaſtre and the Barons counſelid together in Blake Freres in Pontfracte, and the Baron concludid to go to Dunſtanburg, a caſtel of Thomas of Lancaſters in Northumberland: but he utterly refuſid that counſel, leſt it might have be thought, that he had, or wolde have intelligence with the Scottes. Wherefore he intendid to remayne at his caſtel at Pontfract.

Syr Roger Clyfford hering this, toke oute his dagger, and ſayde, that he wolde kille him his oune handes in that place, except he woold go with them.

Then Thomas Lancaſtre a force granted, and went with them, having in company VII. C. menne to borowbridge.

To Borowbridge came Syr Andrew he Harkeley, Warden of Cairluel and that Marches, and Syr Simon Warde, to encountre with the Barons. Where Thomas Lancaſtre told Harkeley his juſte quarel agayne the Diſpenſers, promiſing hym, if he would favor his cauſe, one of the V Countes that then he had in poſſeſſion. But Herkeley refuſid his offre. Them Thomas prophetied that he wold ſore repent, and that ſhortly, ſo fair, and that he ſhould dy a ſhameful deth, that is to ſay, to be hangid, drawn and quartered.

Then Harkeley, whom Thomas of Lancaſtre had afore tyme made Knight, made his archiers to ſhote, and ſo did the Barons upon the bridge. And emong al other, one gotte unde the bridge, and at a hole thruſte with a launce the renounid Knight thorough oute al Chriſtentye Humfrede de Boun yn the foundemente, ſo that his bowels cam oute. And Syr Roger Clifforde was ſore wonded on the hedde. And Syr William Sulley and Syr Roger Bernefeld were ſlayne. And then wente Thomas Lancaſtre into a chapel, denying to rendre hymſelf to Harkeley, and ſaid, looking on the crucifix, ‘Good Lord, I render myſelf to thee, and put me yn to thy mercy.’

Then they toke of his cote armures, and put on hym a ray cote, or goune, one of his mennes lyveryes, and caried hym by water to York, were they threw balles of dyrte at hym. And the reſidew of the Barons part were purſuid from place to place, and to the church hold was no reverence gyven, and the father purſuid the ſunne, and the ſunne the father.

The King hering of this diſcumfiture, cam with the Diſpenfars and other Nobles his adherentes to Ponfracte.

Syr Andrew of Herkeley brought Thomas of Lancaſtre to Pontfracte to the Kinge, and there was put in a towre that he had newly made toward the abbay, and after juged in the haule ſodenly by thes Juſtices, Syr Hugh Diſpenſar the father, Syr Aimer Counte of Pembroke, Syr Edmunde Counte of Kent, Syr John de Britayne, and Syr Robert Malmethorp, that pronouncid his judgement.

Then Thomas Lancaſtre ſayd, Shaul I dy with owt anſwer?"

Then certayne Gaſcoyne toke hym away, and put a pillid broken hatte or hoode on his hedde, and ſet hym on a lene white jade with owt bridil, and he than cryed thus, ‘King of Heaven have mercy on me. For the King of Herth nous ad querpi.’

And thus he was caryed, ſum throwing pelottes of dyrt at hym, and having a frere Precher for his Confeſſor with hym, on to a hille withowte the toune, where he knelid doune toward the eſte, on tille one Hughinde Muſton cauſid hym to turne his face towarde Scotlande: wher kneling, a villayne of London cut of his hedde, 11 Cal. Aprilis anno D. 1321. And after the Prior and the Monkes required his body, and got it of the King, and buried it on the right hand of the hy altare.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 464, &c.
*

King Henry, the Duke of Exceſtre, and the Duke of Somerſete, and other Lordes that fled, had kepte Alnewicke, Banborow, Dunſtanburgh, Warkworth, and mannid and intailid them.

Syr Peers de Braſile, the great warriour of Normandy, cam to help Queen Margaret with French men, and XX. M. Scottes, and to remove King Edwardes men from Alnewik ſige, and the reſidew of other caſtelles ther. By this meane both Edwardes men were aferde of the Scottes, as recoiling from the ſiege; and the Scottes aferd of Edwardes men, leſt they had recoylid to bring them to a trap. And Henrys men iſſuyng owte of to much boldnes, gave Edwardes men oportunitie to enter into the caſtel.

Ibid. p. 499.
*
  • William de Craſter 1 King Edward I.
  • Sir Edmund 26 King Edward III.
  • Richard 13 King Edward IV.
  • Edmund King Edward IV. granted lands for their faithful ſervices. Edmund was Governor of Bambrough Caſtle.
  • Richard King Edward IV. granted lands for their faithful ſervices. Edmund was Governor of Bambrough Caſtle.
  • John 12 King Henry VI.
  • Edmund 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • John
  • George, the preſent owner.
Wallis.

The manor of Crawceſter, Crawſter, now Craſter, is on the banks of the ſea, and lays in the pariſh of Embleton.

William de Craſter held it, 1 King Edward I. by half a Knight's fee of the Barony of Embleton.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

The following character of its late owner, Sir Henry Grey, was given in the public prints. Howick, May 7th, 1759. Laſt night about nine, by his own expreſs order, the remains of Sir Harry Grey, Knt. and Baronet, who died in the 58th year of his age, were depoſited in the family vault of this church. A Gentleman of an ancient and honourable family, and of the greateſt perſonal worth and merit; an upright and impartial magiſtrate, and zealouſly attached to the eſtabliſhed government, and to the true intereſt of his King and country; an affectionate huſband, a tender father, a kind maſter, and a generous landlord; one of the greateſt probity and ſincerity, and no leſs conſcientious in the diſcharge of divine than ſocial duties; of a very charitable and beneficent diſpoſition, as appears by the following inſtances (among many others): Upon the ſcite of an old decayed church here, he erected a new one of an elegant taſte, and not inferior to any of its ſize in thoſe northern parts, upon which he expended at leaſt 500 l. He laid out 100 l. towards building a convenient ſchool-houſe, for the uſe of the poor children of this pariſh, and to the former ſalary of 10l. a year for the maſter, for teaching all the indigent children gratis, he has added the intereſt of 200l. yearly for the maſter's better ſubſiſtence and encouragement. And beſides a liberal diſtribution to the neceſſitous of this place and others at his funeral, he has bequeathed the intereſt of 100l. to be given annually on his birth-day, for the relief of the indigent inhabitants of the pariſh. He was endowed with all the amiable qualities which could endear him to mankind in this life, and perpetuate his memory after death to the lateſt poſterity. He is ſucceeded in his eſtate and honours by his eldeſt ſon, of the ſame name.

  • Sir Ralph Grey, Knt. King Henry VIII. and Edward VI.
  • Thomas Grey
  • John Grey, High Sheriff of Northumberland, 14 King William III.
  • Sir Harry Grey, High Sheriff. 1736.
  • Sir Harry Grey.
*
Her Grace was living when the author made his tour and compiled this work. He ſhould think himſelf happy, could he compoſe an Eulogium equal to ſo eminent and illuſtrious a character.
*
Guerite, Fr. a centry-box.
*

1. Gilbt. Tyſonn Lord of Bridlington, Walton, Malton, & Alnewicke at the time of the Norman Conqueſt. He had Iſſue Wm Tyſonn his S. & Heire, & Rich Tyſonn.

2. Wm Tyſonn S. & H. of Gilbt. had iſſue one only daughter Beatrix, who was given in marriage by Wm the Conqr. D. of Normandy & then K. of England, to be married to one of his [208]Noblemen called Ivo Veſey Lord Veſey with the Barony of Alnewick & Malton & all the Lands thereto appertayneing.

3. Richd. Tyſonn 2d S. of Gilbt. founder of the Monaſtery of Giſbrough: & by the gift of Gilbt. his F. was Ld. of Shilbotille, Haſand, Newton, Reighton, Foland, & Boxfield. Et Eccleſiae de Gyſyns ex dono patris ſui. This Richd. lies buried in the Abbey of Giſborough, which was of his owne foundation. He had Iſſue

4. One only Sonne named Wm Tyſonne—& Wm Tyſonne had Iſſue alſo one onely Son named German Tyſonne.

5. German Tyſonne had iſſue onely one D. Benedicta his heir, who was mar. to Wm Hilton Baron of Hilton, & was Father of Alexr Hilton, who was father of Robt. Hilton Dnus Hilton mil.

Gilb. Tyſonn, Lord of Bridlington, Walton, Malton, Alnewick, and other great poſſions & Landes. He mar. Beatrix a Norman & near kinſwoman to Wm. the Conqr. & after K. of Engl. & by her had Iſſue two S. Wm. & Richd. which Richd. his 2d. S. was founder of the Abbey of Giſborough. His arms were vert, 3 Lions rampant argent, crowned & collared, Or, with chains coming over the backs of them.

Wm Tyſonn Son & H. of Gilbt. mar. ye D. of Gilbt. de Gaunt, Earl of Lincolne, & had iſſue Alda his onely & ſole D. & H. mar. to Ivo Veſey Ld Veſey & Baron of Alnewick & Malton. This Wm fell in the Battle of Haſtings, on the ſide of W. the C. & in the life time of his Father. Ivo Veſey was ſo called from a town of yt name in Normandy where he was born. The arms of Veſey were Or, a Croſs, ſable.

Ivo Veſey, by Alda, ſole D. and H. of Wm Tyſonn, had iſſue Beatrix, their ſole D. and H. & heir of all thoſe Lands of Bridlington, Walton, Alnwick, & Malton, with all their Roialties and lands thereto belonging.

Euſtace Fitz John, a noble Baron, the S. of John Monoculus, or the one eyed Lord of Knareſborough, Br. & H. of Surlo de Burgo, who in the reign of the Conq. builded the Caſtle of Knareſborough in the Co. of York. This Serlo & John were the ſons of Euſtace, a Norman. And this Euſtace Fitz John mar. to his firſt w. Agnes, D. of Wm. the Conſtable of Cheſter, founder of the Abbey of Norton, & ſiſter and H. of Wm. her br. Conſtable of Cheſter, who died witht iſſue. And by the ſaid Agnes he had iſſue Richard Fitz Euſtace, & bore for his arms quarterly Or & Gules, a Bend ſable. Euſtace Fitz John marryd to his 2d. w. Beatrix, the onely D. & H. of Ivo Lord Veſey, with whom he had the Baronies of Malton and Alnewicke, and with her conſent founded the Abbies of Malton & Alnewicke, & the Hoſpitall at Broughton. And by her he had Iſſue Wm their onely S. who aſſumed to himſelf and his poſteritie the ſirname and arms of Veſey.

Wm Lord Veſey, in right of his mother Baron of Alnewicke & Malton, ſon of Euſtace Fitz John, & heire to his mothers eſtate, and of all the Lord Veſey his lands, and the onely childe of Beatrix his mother, the onely H. of Ivo Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke and Malton as aforeſaid. This William Lord Veſey he married Burga the D. of Robt Eſto Hevill, whoſe armes were Barry of ten pieces Argent & Gules, & by her had iſſue Euſtacius Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke, his S. & H. & Warren Veſey Dnus d' Knapton ex dono Willi patris Matildis Waleranni uxor Warini.

Euſtacius Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke & Malton, S. & H. of William, in right of his mother Lord Veſey; he married Margaret (of ſome named Marion) D. of Wm. K. of Scotts, & Earle of Huntingdon in England, and by her he had iſſue Wm Lord Veſey, Baron of A. & M. his ſon & H. & Richard N [...]t [...]us.

William Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke, S. & H. of Euſtacius Lord Veſey, mar. to his firſt w. Iſ [...]l the D. of Wm. ſurnamed Louſpec, E. of Saliſbury, but had no iſſue: and then he married Agnes D. of Wm. de Ferrers, E. of Derby, & by her had iſſue John Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke, who died without iſſue, & Wm who after the death of his brother John, was Baron of Alnewicke and Ld Veſey. The armes of Ferrers were V [...]rry of Or & Gules.

[209] John Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke, S. & H. of Wm. married the D. of [...] Bellomonte, but had no iſſue; leaveing William his younger brother his heire, who after his death was Ld Veſey and Baron of Alnewicke.

Warren Veſey above named, by Matilda his wife, had iſſue one onely D. named Marjory, their ſole heire, who was mar. to Gilbt Atton Dnus d' Atton in Pickering Lythe. The arms of Atton are Barrways of 6 pieces, Or & Azure, on a Canton, Gules, a croſs floree, argent.

Gilbt Atton, Lord of Atton, he mar. Marjory the onely D. & heire of Warren Veſey, Lord of Knapton; & they had iſſue Wm. Atton, of Pickering Lythe, there ſone & heire. This Wm Atton mar. [...] and by her had iſſue Gilbert his ſone & heire, who died without iſſue: and William his 2d ſon.

Sr Wm Atton, Knt. 2d. S. of Wm. & grand childe of Gilbert, who mar. Marjory Veſey, Lord of Atton in Pickering Lythe, & Br. & H. of Gilbert, who died without iſſue. He mar. [...] & had iſſue Gilbt his onely S. & Heire.

Sir Gilbert Atton, Knt. Lord of Atton in Pickering Lythe, ſon & heire of Sr. Wm Atton, Kt. & cozen & next heire of John Lord Veſey, Baron of Alnewicke; and ſo this Gilbt being his next heire, as deſcended frō Warren Veſey by Gilbt Atton Lord of Pickering Lyth, who mar. Marjory the D. & ſole heire of Warren Veſey, Lord of Knapton aforesde; & ſo the Veſeys deſcended from Wm. the firſt Ld. Veſey in right of his mother. This Gilbt was found next H. to Wm. the laſt Ld. Veſey & Baron of Alnewicke, whoſe ſonne John Lord Veſey died in his fathers life time, without iſſue: and ſo this Sr. Gilbt Atton, was admitted as the next heire of the Lord Veſey, & had both the honour & armes: he had iſſue his only ſonne Sr. Wm Atton. Knt. who left three Dau. his heires to the whole Eſtate both of the Attons & Veſeys. This Gilb̄t is in ſundry recordes ſtiled Sr Wm Atton, Knt. Lord Veſey.

Wm Lord Veſey, 2d S. of Wm Lord Veſey & br. & H. of John Ld Veſey, who died without iſſue, and after the death of his br. John was Lord Veſey & Baron of Alnewicke. He married Iſabell the D. of Robt Perington & the widowe of Robt Lord Wells, and by her had iſſue John their only S. & H. who died in his father's life time withoute any iſſue, leaving Gilbt d' Atton the 3d of that Xian name his coſſen & next heire.

Gilb̄tus iſte de Atton tertius & ultimus ſui nominis deficientibus Dnis de Veſey, tanquam cōſanguineus & ꝑ ximus heres aſcendit ad Hēditatem ſuam ꝑ lineā rectā deſcendentum a Warino de Veſey. et ſui gener̄is primus fuit, qui, rejectis armis ſive inſiḡnibus paternis illorum arma militaria ꝑ ſuit in poſterum uſurpabat, Crucem ſcilicet fabulinam in Campo Aureo.

Sr. Wm Atton, Kt. Lord Veſey and Baron of Alnewick only S. of Sr. Gil̄bt Atton, Kt. who was found next heire to Wm Lord Veſey, & to John laſt Ld. Veſey, who died in the life time of his F. Wm. withoute iſſue. This Wm Atton Ld Veſey, he mar. Iſabell ye Dau. of Hen. Lord Pierſey, the fifth of that Xian name, whoſe armes were in a field Or. a Lion rampant azure, and by her he had iſſue 3 Daūrs his heires, Elizabeth, Anaſtacia, & Katherine. Elizabeth was firſt mar. to Wm Place, Eſq whoſe armes were argent, a feſſe, gules, & above the feſſe charg [...]d with 2 Mullets ſable, and by him had iſſue a ſon named alſo William. And 2dly ſhe was mar. to Sir John Conyers of Sockburne, Knt. whoſe armes were Azure, a Maunch, Or.

Anaſtaſia the 2d of the D. & Coheireſſes of Wm Atton Ld Veſey was mar. to Edw̄d St John, Knt. whoſe armes were argent on a chief indented Gules, two Mullets pierced, Or.

Katherine the 3d D. was mar. to Sr Ralph Ewre, Knt. of whom deſcended the Ld Eweres who bare quarterly Or & Gules, on a Bend, ſable, 3 Eſcallops argent.

Sr John Conyers had iſſue by the Widow Place, Robt Conyers, afterwards a Knt. & from them deſcended Conyers of Sockburne.

[210] Sr Edw̄d St. John had iſſue by Anaſtatia Atton, one only Daūr, their heire, named Margaret, who was married to Thos Bromfleet, Knt. by whom he had iſſue Hen. Bromfleet, created Lord Veſey at the coronation of Q. Margaret, W. to K. VI. Hen. Bromfleet Lord Veſey had iſſue one onely Dau. Margaret, mar. to John Ld Clifford, who bare Checkie Or & Azure, a feſſe, Ruby: in whoſe poſteritie the honour of Lord Veſey continues to this day, in Francis Earle of Cumberland, Lord Clifford, Weſtmoreland & Veſey.

Sir Ra. Ewre, Kt. S. & H. of John who married Katherine Atton, one of the D. & Coheires of Wm Atton, Knt. Lord Veſey, had by her iſſue Sr Wm Ewre, Knt. from whom in lineal deſcent is cum Wm now Ld Ewre, & divers others.

E Folio MSS of pedigrees penes Geo. Bowes, Eſq Randal's Manuſcripts.

The Lordſhip of Alnwick at the time of the conqueſt belonged to Gilbert Tyſon, who being ſlain in the battle of Haſtings, on the part of King Harold, left this Lordſhip of Alnwick, and that of Malton in the county of York, to his ſon William Tyſon.—Randal's Manuſcripts.

Dugdale Monaſt. vol. II.

This was formerly a Barony of the Veſeys, for Henry II. gave it to Euſtace Fitz John, father of William Veſey, in tenure of 12 Knights fees.

Gibſon's Camden.
[207]
*
  • Euſtace Fitz John
  • William He married the Earl of Saliſbury's daughter, and in the 10th year of King Henry III. had livery of the caſtle of Alnwick, &c.
  • Euſtace
  • William
  • John de Veſey,

Who ſucceſſively held the Barony of Alnwick.

The Lord Euſtace had great alliances by marriage; his eldeſt ſiſter Matilda marrying Robert de Muſchamp, the firſt Baron of Wooler.

Cecilia, a younger ſiſter, married Hugh de Baliol, Baron of Bywell.

Lord Euſtace himſelf married Agnes daughter of William King of Scotland, and his own mother was of the noble houſe of Stutvill of Knareſbrough in Yorkſhire, the daughter of Lord Robert Stutvill.

Wallis.
*

A. D. 1093. Rex Scottorum Malcholmus, & primogenitus ejus filius Edwardus, cum multis aliis in Northumbria die S. Bricii a militibus Rodberti Mulbrai Northumbrorum comitis, occiſi ſunt juxta Alne fluvium.

Corpus vero regis, cum ſuorum nullus remaneret, qui terra illud cooperiret, duo ex indigenis carro impoſitum in Tinemuthe ſepelierunt.

Lel. Col. vol. II. p. 357.

Malcolinus Rex Scottorum quinquies Northumbriam invaſit. Primo regnante Edwardo rege, quando Toſti Northumbr. fuit Romae. Secundo reg. Gul. baſtardo, quo tempore Clivelandiam etiam depopulavit. Tertio reg. eodem Gul. ſub Walchero epiſcopo. Quarto reg. Gul. Rufo uſque ad Ceſtre pervenit. Quinto ſub eodem Gul. quo tempore a Morkello milite occiſus eſt cum filio prope Alne flu. & ſepultus apud Tinimuth. Unde Margareta regina ejus uxor ex animi moerore obiit.

Ibid. p. 387.

Margareta, &c. ex quo genuit Edwardum, Edgarum, Alexandrum, David, qui omnes poſt patrem in Scotia regnaverunt praetar Edwardum qui cum patre occiſus eſt.

Ibid. p. 416.

Mr Wallis ſpeaks of this event in the following words: ‘Malcolm thought himſelf ſecure by the abſence of the King's troops. Mowbray conſidered this, and came upon him with the forces of his government. A ſmart battle enſued. The Scots being deprived of their uſual courage by their ſurprize, gave ground. The Sovereign and his ſon aſtoniſhed to ſee it, rode from rank to rank, exhorting, intreating, and imploring them to remember the glory of the Scotch arms, and were both ſlain.’

P. 397.
*

Malcolinus Rex Scottorum genuit e Margareta, Edgari Clitonis filia, ſex filios, Eadwardum, Eadmundum, Eadgarum regem, Alexandrum regem, Ethelredum, David regem, & 2 filias, Matildem reginam Angl. & Mariam, quam Euſtachius comes Bononiae in conjugium accepit.

Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 128.
Groſe.
*
Groſe.

Antoninus de Bek, &c.

Caſtrum de Alnewick, quod ei Gul. de Veſey contulerat, confidens in eo, quod illud ad opus filii ſui parvuli & illegitimi Gulielmi conſerverat, & ei adulto traderet, accepta pecunia Henrico de Percy vendidit.

Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 334.

Carta Ep̄i. Dun. qua Baronia de Alnewyk. H. de P. conceſſit A. D. 1309. A. 3. Edw. 2.

Rym. Tom. 3. p. 183.

A Permiſſione divinia, &c. Noveritis me dediſſe Conceſſiſſe & hac carta noſtra confirmaſſe, nobili viro Domno Hen. de Percy, Baroniam, Caſtrum, Manerium et villam de Alnewyk, cum villis Hamelettis Membris Advocationibus Eccleſiarum, Abbathiarum Prioratuum Hoſpitalium et Capellaniarum, ſimul cum molendis Pratis Boſcis, Dominiis, Dominicis, Terris, Patris Villenagiis, Villanis, cum eorum ſequelis & catallis, Feodus Militum, Homagiis, Redditibus, ſervitiis Liberorum Hominum, Wardis, Releviis Eſcaetis Hundredis, Wapent, et Cur. ſimul cum omnibus aliis Pertinentiis et proficuis quae aliquo modo accidere poterunt ad Baroniam praedictam; ſcilicet.

Quicquid habuimus de dono nobilis viri Domini Willielme de Veſey, infra Baroniam praedictam, et alibi infra comitatum Northumbriae, una cum Ferijs Mercatis Warennis Chaceis Wrecco Maris, et omnibus aliis libertatibus liberis conſuetudinibus Juribus et aliis rebus quibuſcunq. ad predictam Baroniam ſpectantibus, ubique infra Comitatum praedictum, et extra, ſine allo retenemento.

Habenda et Tenenda praedicto D. H. haeredibus & aſſignatis ſuis, Baroniam praedictam, cum Caſtro, Villis, Membris, et aliis pertinentlis, Juribus Libertatibus proficuis et aliis rebus quibuſcunq. in omnibus, ſicut praedictum eſt, de Domino Rege & haeredibus ſuis, per Servitia inde debita et conſueta inperpetuum.

Et praeteria conceſſimus pro nobis & haeredibus Noſtris, quod omnes Terrae et omnia Tenementa cum ſervitiis, et aliis pertinentiis ſuis, quae Iſabella quae fuit uxor Dni Johannis de Veſey ſenioris, et Iſabella, quae fuit uxor dicti Willielmi de Veſey tenet in Dotem de Baroniā praedictā, et quae poſt mortem praedictarum Iſabellae et Iſabellae ad nos et Haeredibus Noſtros reverti deberent, poſt deceſſam enjuslibet ipſarum Iſabellae et Iſabellae praefato domino Henrico Haeredibus et aſſignatis ſuis remaneant Tenenda ſimul cum Baronia et omnibus terris et tenementis predictis, de domino Rege et Haeredibus ſuis, per ſervitia inde debita et conſueta imperpetuum.

Et nos praefatus Antonius, et Haeredes noſtri, praedicto domino Henrico haeredibus et aſſignatis ſuis praedictam Baroniam cum Caſtro Villis membris, maneriis, et aliis pertinenſiis, Libertatibus proficiis et aliis rebus quibuſcumque, in omnibus, ficut praedictum eſt, contra omnes Geates warranti [...]abimus et defendimus imperpetuum.

In cujus rei teſtimonium preſenti chartae ſigillum noſtrum eſt appenſū, hiis teſtibus, nobilibus viris, Dominis.
  • Comitibus.
    • Henrico de Lacy, Lincolniae
    • Roberto de Umfravill de Anegos
  • Militibus.
    • Dominis
    • Roberto de Clifford
    • Roberto de Hilton
    • Johanne de Cambtion
    • Richardo Marmeduck
    • Ada de Henton
    • Johanne de Dudden
    • Willielmo de Goſſewyk et aliis.

Pro H. de Percy de Conventionib. cu. Ep̄o. Dun. Rym. Tom 3. p. 185. A. D. 1309. A. 3. Edw. 2. Pat. 3. E. 2. m. 30.

Rex
omnibus adquos, &c. ſalutem.

Quia intelletimus quod, inter venerabilem patrem A. Dunelmenſe Epiſcopum et dilectum et fidelem noſtrum Henricum de Percy, quaedam convenſiones praetactae et praelocutae ſunt, videlicet, quod idem Epiſcopus praedictum Henricum de Caſtro et Manerio de Alnewyk, cum pertinentiis feoffabit.

Nos, eidem H. Volentes in hac parte, gratiam facere ſpecialem, concedimus exnunc et licentiam damus, pro nobis & Haeredibus noſtris, quantum in nobis eſt, eidem H. quod, ſi contingat ipſos Epiſcopum & Henricum ſuper conventionibus praedictis ad invicem concordare, et quod idem Epiſcopus ipſum H. de Caſtro et Manerio praedictis cum pertinentiis voluerit feoffare, quod id H Caſtrum illud et manerium, cum pertinentiis ingredi poſſit; ita quod ipſe et Haeredes ſui Caſtrum et Manerium praedicta cum pertinentiis, teneant de nobis et Haeredibus noſtris, per fertitia inde debita & conſueta imperpetuum.

Nolentes qd praedicti Ep̄us & H. vel. eōr Haeredes, ratione praemiſſor p. nos vel haeredes nr̄os, aut Ballivos. ſeu Miniſtros noſtros quoſcunq. occaſionentur, moleſtentur in aliquo, vel graventur.

In cujus, &c.
Per ipſ̄u. Regem, nunciante Comite corrubiae.
*
Groſe.
*
Lord Percy made a ſolemn feaſt
In Alnwick's princely hall;
And there came Lords and there came Knights,
His chiefs and Barons all.
With waſſel, mirth, and revelry,
The caſtle rung around;
Lord Percy call'd for ſong and harp,
And pipes of martial ſound.
The minſtrels of thy noble houſe,
All clad in robes of blue,
With ſilver creſſents on their arms,
Attend in order due.
The great achievements of thy race,
They ſung their high command;
How valiant Mainfred o'er the ſeas
Firſt led his northern band.
Brave Galfred next to Normandy
With virtuous Rollo came,
And from his Norman caſtles won
Aſſum'd the Percy name.
They ſung how in the Conqueror's fleet
Lord William ſhip'd his powers,
And gain'd a fair young Saxon bride,
With all her lands and towers.
Then journeying to the holy land,
There bravely fought and died;
But firſt the ſilver creſſent wan,
Some Paymin Soldan's pride.
They ſung how Agnes' beauteous heir,
The Queen's own brother wed:
Lord Joſceline ſprung from Charlemagne,
In princely Brabant bred.
How he the Percy name reviv'd,
And how his noble line,
Still foremoſt in their country's cauſe,
With godlike ardour ſhine.
With loud acclaims the liſtning crowd,
Applaud the maſters ſong;
And deeds of arms and war became
The theme of every tongue.
Piercy's Hermit of Warkworth.

Ex Regiſtro Monaſterii de Whitby.—In the Harleyan Collection, No. 692 (26) fo. 235.

William Lord Percy, the fyrſt founder of Whitby, his armes "Field azure, 5 millpikes Or." He begat of Emme of the Porte Lady Percy, Alayne Percy: who by Emme of Gawnt his wife, begat William that ſucceeded him, Walter, Jeffrey, Henry, and Alayne: and he lyeth buryed in the Chapter Houſe of Whitbye, and his mother Emme of the Porte. Which Emme fyrſt was Lady of Semer beſides Skarburgh afore the Conqueſt, and of other landes, William Conqueror gave to Sir William Percy for hys good ſervice: and he wedded hyr that was very heire to them in diſcharging of his conſcience.

Gul. Percy dedit. Whitby in opus reſtaurandi monaſterii ubi Stephanas Abbas fuit.

Idem Gul. Percy Whitby monachis abſlulit.

Stephanas Abbas caepit cum ſuis reſtaurare monaſter S. Mariae Ebor. favente ac juvante Alano comite Richemondiae, A. D. 1088.

Ex Libello Stephani li Abbatis S. Mariae Eboraci.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 22.
*

The ſecond William Lord Percy, the ſonne of the firſt Alayne married Aliza, that lyeth at Whitbye, by whom he had Alayne his firſt begotten ſonne that dyed without iſſue, Richard the firſt, Lord Percy, Robert Percy who begat John Percy.

In the year of grace 1120, and in the 20th year of King Henry the firſt, William the Prince of England was at Barkeflete in Normandye, and was purpoſing to follow into England his father, and he was drowned in the ſea, and many mo noble folkes not farre fro the land; among whom was Richard a baſtard ſonne of the King, and alſo his baſtard ſiſter the Countyes of Percy (or Perche in France) Richard the Earl of Cheſter and his wyfe the King's neſe; and the Archdeacon of Hertford, and many other to the number of 140: and none of them eſcaped but one rude fellow a Bocher, and he ſwamme all night upon an ore, and in the morning he was driven to the land ſide, and he told all the matter and caſualtye.

Ex regiſtro Monaſt. de Whitby
*

The firſt Richard Lord Percy, had the 3 William Lord Percy, who founded the Abbey of Handell in the honour of our Lady anno Chriſti 1133o. and anno 1147 he founded the Abbey of Salley, in Craven, of white Monkes; and he gave to the Monkes of Whytbye the church of Semer; and to the Monkes of Fowntaynes Malmor and Mahoter; and he gatt on Mary his wyfe Walter the fyrſte ſonne, Alayn his ſecond ſonne, Richard the third ſonne, and William the fyrſte Abbot of Whythye, Maud and Agnes, and when he died he was buried at Salley in Craven, &c. William the fyrſt Abbote of Whytbye ſtode Abbote 26 yeres, and is beried in the Chapter Houſe of Whytbye.

Maude the elder daughter, Counteſs of Warwyke, married William Earl of Warwyke; Agnes Lady Percy marryied Jocelin Luvain, called Percy by his wyfe. This Jocelyn was the ſonn of Godfrey Lo [...]ain Duke of Brabant and brother to Adelyne Queen of King Henry the firſt king of England, and he wedded this dame Agnes Percy upon condition that he ſhold be called Jocelyn Percy, or els that he ſhold bare the armes of the Lords Percy, and he toke the counſell of his ſyſter, and he choſe rather to be called Jocelyn Percy, then to forſake his own armes, (which be "Feld Ore, a Lyon rampant azure") for ſo ſhold he have had no right title to his father's inheritance; and ſo of right the Lord Percy ſhold be Duke of Brabant, though they be not ſo indede. And to this Jocelyn Percy King Henry the ſecond gave and conſerved the honor of Petworth, as William Erle of Arundel and his ſiſter gave the ſay'd honor. And this Jocelyn gatt of Agnes his wife Henry, Alianor, Adalice, Robert, and Richard, and the ſaid Agnes is b [...]ried in the Chapter Houſe of Whytbye.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*

The firſt Henry Lord Percy married Iſabell Bruſe, to whom Adam de Bruſe gave in full marriage with his daughter, all the towne of Leuenton with the appurtenances, by the aſſent and conſent of his heires. And the Erle gatt on his wife William and Henry.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*

The fourth William Lord Percy, after the death of Agnes his grandame, and Henry his father and Richard his uncle, came to the whole inheritance of his elders, and he gatt of Helyn his wife, Henry his eldeſt ſonne, Jeffrey Lord of Semer, Walter Lord of Kildale, that lyeth at Giſburne, William Lord of Dunſle, Ingelram Lord of Dalton: and he dyed in his good age, and is buried at Salley in Craven, &c.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.

The ſecond Henry Lord Percy, of the daughter of the Erle Warren, gat William and John that dyed without iſſue, and the third Henry that was his ſucceſſor; and he dyed in his good age and is buried by his father in the Abbey of Salley in Craven.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.

The third Henry Lord Percy gat on Alianour the dawgter of the Erle of Arundell Henry and William, and he dyed in the yere of grace 1268, and is buried at Fowntaynes afore the high alter. A [...]ianour Arundell Lady Percy, buylded the Chappel in the mannor of Semer, and ſhe dyed afore hyr huſband, Anno Gratiae 1263.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*
In the hiſtory of Stirlingſhire lately publiſhed, this battle is particularly mentioned, with ſome ſingular circumſtances not noted in the account given thereof page 60, &c. in this vol.— The moſt material are: That the Scots army was flanked on one hand by Woodlands, the defiles of which would greatly impede the Engliſh horſe. That the Scotch army before engaging kneeled down to prayers, which ſuppliant poſture the Engliſh apprehended was to denote their ſubmiſſion and that they begged their lives; a conceit in the author as improbable as ridiculous: no credulity or confidence in the authority could reconcile ſo ſimple a tale to common ſenſe. That after the Engliſh army were put to the rout, Gloceſter, attended by his military tennants, made a deſperate effort to retrieve the loſt honours of the day, in which he fell. That on the day of the general engagement Robert Bruce being attacked by Sir Henry Boynton, ſlew him with a battle ax, which was a ſignal to the Scotch army for the onſet. Theſe are material variances from the relations of other authors, and in the above work appear unſupported.

The 4th Henry Lord Percy was Lord of Alnewyk, and he repaired the Caſtell of the ſame; and he by the lycenſe of King Edward founded a Chauntrie of 2 Priſtes in the chapel of Semer; and King Edward gave to him the countye of Carryk, and the countye of Bowgan, and he gat on Idonn Clyfford, Henry, William, Richard, Maude, Alianour Fitzwater, Iſabell, Thomas Biſhop of Norwich, Roger, and Margaret, that was married to the Earl of Angus ſon, and his heir.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*

The 5th Henry Lord Percy married Mary the daughter of the Erle of Lancaſter anno gratiae 1334o, and he gat on hyr Henry the fyrſt Erle of Northumberland, Thomas the Erle of Worceſter, and Iſabell married to Gilbert of Aton. And King Edward the third, in the 5th yere of his reigne in his parliament, by his letters patents gave to the ſayd Henry and his heires for his good ſervice, the reverſion of the mannor and caſtell of Warkworthe and of the mannor of Routhbery, and of other landes and tenements, which John de Clavering held in the countye of Northumberlande to him and to his heires male of the King, and other things, which after the deth of the ſayd John ſhold revert to the King, yf the ſayd John dyed without heire male.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*
This Thomas was created Earl of Worceſter. In the 2d year of King Richard 2d he was appointed Admiral of the northern ſeas, with Sir Hugh Calvely, Knight; they had of their retinue 720 men at arms, 775 archers and 140 croſs bow-men: On a cruiſe they met with ſeven French merchantmen, richly laden, under convoy of a man of war, which they engaged and took: in 1379 being ordered on an expedition to France, the fleet was diſperſed by a violent ſtorm, in which it ſuffered great loſs; Sir Thomas having rid out the ſtorm was ſoon after attacked by a large Spaniſh ſhip, which under all his diſadvantages he at length boarded and took. In the ſucceeding years he bore many diſtinguiſhed offices under government, and in the 10th year of the ſame reign he was made Admiral of the fleet which carried the great armament into Spain: in the 21ſt of King Richard 2d he was created Earl of Worceſter; his affections were not transferred to Richard's ſucceſſor King Henry 4th, though he received from him many diſtinguiſhing marks of favour: he fell from his allegiance, and engaging in a confederacy with his brother the Earl of Northumberland, and Hotſpur, who were then in arms, after an unſucceſsful conflict was taken priſoner and beheaded at Shrewſbury.
*

The ſixth Henry Percy was made Erle of Northumberland by King Richard the ſecond, on the day of his coronation; and he gat on Margaret the daughter of Raffe. Lord Nevyll, Henry Knight, Thomas Knight, Raffe Knight; and after her death he weddet the Countes of Angus daughter and heire of the Lord Lucy, (whoſe armes be "Feld Gules, three fyſhes argent) and ſhe gave to hyr huſband and his heires by deed and by fine the honor of the Caſtel and Lordſhippe of Cockurmuthe.

Edmond Mortymer the firſt Erle of Marche, of Leonells dawghter and heire got Roger the ſecond Erle of Marche and of Ulneſtre which was ſlayne at Trym in Ireland; and Edmond his brother that dyed in priſon of Owen of Glendore; and Elizabeth that was wedded to Syr Henry Percy ſonne and heire of the Erle of Northumberland, that was ſlayne at Shroweſbury of King Henry 4. and this Roger that was ſlayne at Trym, gat on the elder dawghter of the Erle of Kent the noble Edmond the laſt Erle of Marche and Ulneſtre; and Roger his brother, which dyed in coming from France; and Anne the Countes of Cambrige, mother of Richard the third Duke of York, and Lady Bowſter.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*

In the 3 yere of King Henry on S. Magdalene's day, Syr Henry Percy, the Erle of Northumbr. ſunne, thorough the Counſaile of Syr Thomas Percy his uncle. Erle of Wiceſter, gave the King Bataile, and there was ſlayne; and Syr Thomas Percy Erle of Worrceſtre taken, and hanged drawen and quarterid at Shrewſbyri. And at this batayle of Shrewbyri on the Kinges part wer ſlayne the Erle of Staforde and Walter Blunte wering the King cote armure. They that were ſlayne on the Kinges party were there buried.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 485.

Henry Percy, Knight, the firſt ſonne of Henry the Erle; of Eliz. the Erles dawghter of Marche gate Henry the 2d Erle of Northum. and Elizabeth Clyffurth (afterwards) the Countes of Weſtmerland. He was ſlayne at Shrewſbery by King Henry 4th. Alſo Henry Erle of Northumberland, father to the ſayd Syr Henry Percy, in the yere following coming from Scotland towards London for to aſke the King's grace, beſydes Yorke of the Sheryf of Yorke there was ſlayne on Bramham More, and he was buryed in the cathedral church of Yorke with Syr Henry his ſonne. Elizabeth Percy the daughter of the aforeſayd Syr Henry, Knight, firſt was married to John Lord Clifford (whoſe armes "Feld Cheker Ore and azure a bar Gules") who by her had Thomas Lord Clyfford, and Thomas had John the Lord Clyfford. Hyr ſecond huſband was Raffe Erle of Weſtmerland (whoſe armes be "Feld Gules a Saltier argent") who had by hyr John Ne [...]yle that dyed.

Ex. Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*
Thomas married one of the daughters and coheireſſes of David de Strathbolgy, Earl of Athol.
Ralph was a party with his brother Hotſpur in the victory over the Scots at Newcaſtle 12th King Richard II. 18th King Richard II. he had a grant of the cuſtody of Berwick upon Tweed to himſelf and the heirs male of his body. He married the other daughter and heireſs of the Earl of Athol. He with his brother Henry were taken priſoners at the battle of Otterburn.
*

Henry Percy the ſon of Sir Henry Percy that was ſlayne at Shreweſbery, and of Elizabeth the daughter of the Erle of Marche, after the death of his father and grandſyre was exiled into Scotland in the time of King Henry 4: but in the time of King Henry 5th, by the labour of Johanne the Counter of Weſtmerland, whoſe daughter Alianor he had wedded in coming into England, he recoverd the King's grace, and the countye of Northumberland (ſo was the ſecond Erle of Northumberland. And of this Alianor his wyfe he begat IX ſonnes and III daughters, whoſe names be Johanne, that is buried in Whythye; Thomas Lord Egremont, Katheryne Gray of Pythyp; Sir Raffe Percy; William Percy a Byſhopp; Richard Percy; John that dyed without iſſue; George Percy Clerk; Henry that dyed without iſſue; Anne; but in the yere of grace 1452 there aroſe for dyverſe cauſes a greate diſcord betwixt him, and Richard the Erle of Saliſbery, hys wyfes brother: in ſo much, that many men of both parties were beten ſlayne and hurt. And in the yere of grace 1453 at Staynford Bridge beſydes Yorke there was a battayl ſet betwixt Thomas Lord Egremont and Richard hys brother, the ſonnes of the ſayd Erle of Northumberland on the one partie, and two ſonnes of the ſayd Erle of Saliſbery on the other partie; that is to ſay, Syr Thomas Nevyll and Sir John Nevill: but through the treaſon, and withdrawing of Peirs of Lounde, the ſayd Lord Egremont and his brother were taken, and put in priſon at London. And in the year following, that is to ſay in the yere of grace 1454, on the 22 day of Maye at Saint Albons was the ſayd Henry Erle of Northumberland and Thomas Lord Clyfford his nephew, and many other ſlayne.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.

King Edward ferid then the Lord Montacute, the Erle of Warwikes brother, whom he had made Erle of Northumberlande, and ſo prively cauſid men of the countery to deſire the rightful heyre Percy, ſun to Henry that was ſlayne at York felde: and ſo Percy was reſtorid, and made Montacute a Marquis and his ſunne Duke of Bedforde, which ſhould wedde the Kinges eldeſt doughter, which by poſſibilite ſhould be King of England.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 500.
*
John died in his infancy.
Thomas was created Lord Egremont: he was ſlain at the battle of Northampton, 36th King Henry VI. in the King's tent, when the King was taken priſoner.
Ralph was ſlain at the battle of Hedgelamour in Northumberland, with his dying breath uttering "I have ſaved the bird in my boſom."
§
John and Henry died young.
William was Chancellor of the Univerſity of Cambridge, and Biſhop of Carliſle.
**
Richard is not noted in hiſtory.
††
George was a Prebend of the collegiate church of Beverly.
‡‡
Catharine married Edm. Grey Earl of Kent, and Ann was thrice married, firſt to Hungerford Lord Molins, ſecondly to Sir Lawrence Rainsford, Knight, and laſtly to Sir Hugh Vahan.
§§

Henry Percy the third Erle of Northumberland, by the meane of Henry Cardinal of England, and of the tytle of Saint Euſebri, wedded Alianor the dawghter and heire of the Lord Poinings Fitspayne and of Bryane, (whoſe armes he quartered the firſt cote, "Six peeces barrewayes Ore and Vert a bendlet Gules," The ſeconde cote, "Gules a bendlet azure upon three lyons argent paſſaunt gardaunt") and he gate of hyr Henry the 4th Erle of Northumberland, Alianor, Margaret, Elizabeth, and others.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*

Henry the fourth Erle of Northumberland, married the Lord Harbert's dawghter, by whom he had Henry the 5th Erle of Northumberland.

Ex Reg. Monaſt. de Whitby.
*
Dugdale's Ad.
*
Thomas was a party in Aſk's conſpiracy, was arraigned before the Marquis of Exeter, High Steward, and executed at Tyburn 29th King Henry VIII. From him the ſucceeding Earls of Northumberland deſcended.
Died without iſſue.
Married Henry Lord Clifford, the firſt Earl of Cumberland of that name.
§
Maud married John Lord Conyer, whoſe heireſs Margaret married Sir Arthur Darcy, Knight, anceſtor of the Earl of Holderneſſe, who in her right is Lord Conyers.
*
Colling's Peerage.
*
Hollingſhead, Speed, and Stowe.

Wood in his Athenae Oxonienſis ſays, ‘That the Rev. Mr Nathaniel Torporley, a noted Mathematician, being made known to the great Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy, the generous favourer of all good learning, was received into his patronage, and had a penſion paid yearly unto him, ſeveral years from his purſe. Thomas Hariot went in 1584, with Sir Walter Raleigh to Virginia, where he was employed in the diſcovery and ſurveying thereof. After his return into England, Sir Walter got him into the acquaintance of that noble and generous Earl, who finding him a gentleman of an affable and peaceable nature, and well read in the obſcure parts of learning, he did allow him a yearly penſion of 120l. About the ſame time Robert Hues and Walter Warner, two other Mathematicians, who were known alſo to the ſaid Earl, did receive of him yearly penſions alſo, but of leſs value; as did Torperley. So that when the ſaid Earl was committed priſoner to the tower, in 1606, Hariot, Hues, and Warner, were his conſtant companions, and were uſually called the Earl of Northumberland's 3 Magi. They had a table at the Earl's charge, and the Earl did conſtantly converſe with them and with Sir Walter Raleigh then in the tower.’

‘Their priſon was an academy, where their thoughts were elevated above the common cares of life, explored ſcience in all its pleaſing forms, penetrated her moſt intricate receſſes, ſurvey'd the whole globe, till Sir Walter's noble fabric aroſe, his Hiſtory of the World, probably by the encouragement and perſuaſions of theſe his learned friends.’

Wallis.
*

‘His Lordſhip's brother Henry Percy was a repreſentative in parliament for Northumberland, but was expel'd 9th December, 17 King Charles I. 1641, for endeavouring to engage the northern army to free his Majeſty from the Parliament Fetters, "pour mettre le Roy hors de Peine." as he terms it; to keep up his Majeſty's revenue, to maintain Biſhops in their rights and functions. He was betrayed after a ſolemn oath taken by Colonel Goring, afterwards a General of horſe under the Earl of Newcaſtle. With ſome difficulty and peril he eſcaped their vengeance. Hiſtory has drawn his character in moſt amiable colours. His countenance was awful and commanding reſpect. His mind liberal and ſtored with knowledge civil and military. This made him as able a General in the field as he was a prudent and wiſe Counſellor in the cabinet. In the former he awed the parliament by his management and addreſs; and in the latter embarraſſed their meaſures; in both firm and intrepid; more formidable by his wiſdom than his power, tho' that was great; which he employed with the ardour and zeal of a patriot, in the ſervice of a good Maſter, who, to reward him, created him a Peer, by the ſtile and title of Baron Percy of Alnwick, 28th June, 1643. He alſo made him Lord Chamberlain, and give him in charge a treaſure he loved well, the conduct of his Queen to Oxford. When the power of the parliament was too enormous to oppoſe, he retreated beyond ſea, leaving behind him a great eſtate, &c. preferring before them a ſpotleſs loyalty and an unwounded honour.’

Wallis.
*
Colling's Peerage.
*

Alnwick, Alnewick or Alnewicke, in Saxon [...], implying a town of two fathoms length. In the Deanery of Alnwick, and in Coquetdale Ward.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

From the Manuſcripts of Roger Gale, Eſq. Extract of a letter from Mr Gale to Sir John Clerk, 24th June, 1726.

[figure]

The ſhaft when not employed might be drawn out of the chizzel, and by running a ſtring thro' the ring on their ſides, ſeveral of them might be tied together, and conveniently carried by the workman at his girdle, or otherwiſe, and one ſhaft ſerve them all. About eight years ago near a buſhel of them were found at Cave, upon the banks of the Humber in Yorkſhire, under a little Tumulus by the highway ſide; and what is very remarkable, every one of them was encloſed in a matrix of the ſame metal, or caſe, fitting it ſo exactly, that it ſeemed to be caſt in it, and ſo freſh and whole were the edges of them, all as if they had never been uſed.

A little above the place where the ſwords and ſpears were buried at Alnwick, was deeply and rudely cut in the rock 1115, but I cannot think theſe figures had any relation to what was ſound below. I have had the good fortune to get a ſword and ſpear, and 3 chizzels, for a crown piece, the reſt were ſeized by the Duke of Somerſet's Steward, upon pretence of ſecuring them for his Grace, but were never ſent to him. So many of theſe braſs chizzels have been found in this iſland, and ſo few any where elſe, and thoſe only in France, that they ſeem almoſt to have been the peculiar tools of the Britons; their near alliance and intercourſe with the Gauls eaſily accounting why they have been ſometimes diſcovered in the antient ſeat of the latter. The ſwords and ſpear heads afore-mentioned being found ſo near theſe chizzels, and of the very ſame metal, is an argument that they belonged to the ſame people, which I cannot think to have been Romans, who, as I formerly ventured to give you my opinion, ſeem to have left off the uſe of braſs in their weapons, before their arrival in this iſland. The word Ferrum much earlier than that time, denoted in their authors all manner of military weapons, and was a general name for them, which I think is ſome additional ſtrength to my former arguments on that ſubject.

I am, &c. R. GALE.
The Sword, Spear Hea [...]d, and 2 of the Chiſſels I preſented to my Lord H [...]rtford.

Sir John Clerk's Anſwer. 29th Aug. 1727.

I return you thanks for the account you ſent me of the Antiquities found at Alnwick, their number ſurpriſed me much. Some of the ſame kind have been found here in Cairns, nothing in Antiquity is more myſterious than the uſe of theſe Inſtruments of braſs, which reſemble ſmall hatchets or chiſſels. I incline to think them warlike inſtruments, as we generally take the ſtone hatchets to be: I have 3 or 4 of both kinds. When they came firſt into my hands, I ſet about reading ſuch accounts as had been given of them, and found that one Mr Hearne had taken a good deal of pains to prove they were Roman. His diſſertation is printed in Mott's Collection of the Tranſactions of the Royal Society, v. 2. part 4. p. 70. But I cannot be of that gentleman's opinion. The Romans underſtood better the expeditious ways of doing things, than to make uſe of ſuch ſlight and brittle tools: We muſt then aſcribe them to the ancient Britons who uſed inſtruments of braſs before iron came to take place: What makes me judge they were not chiſſels, is, that the Britons made very little uſe of hewn * ſtone, and for that reaſon little or nothing of their ſtone monuments does remain. It is indeed probable they made uſe of them for repairing their highways, for all ſuch inſtruments found here were in Cairns ſituated near theſe ways, and thoſe in my poſſeſſion have induced me to think that our great highways in Britain were not Roman but BritiſhHow then were they warlike inſtruments?. I am glad you have got one of the ſwords, I wiſh I knew how to get one of the ſame kind from the Duke of Somerſet.

I am, &c. JOHN CLERK.
*
The Stones at Stonehenge are hewen.

Cairus are burying places, and therefore uſually ſituated near Highways, ſo that the finding theſe Tools near Highways, is merely accidental.

R. G.
*
Alnwicke Moor formerly bore the name of the Foreſt of Aidon. There is a tradition that King John made this fooliſh inſtitution as a perpetual mark of his diſpleaſure, on account of his having been thrown from his horſe in the bogs of this foreſt, upon his dreadful viſit to the north.
*

Machell Vivan, a Scotchman, (born near Aberdeen) beneficed in this county, within three miles of Alnwick. An old man of 110 years of age, was famous for a new growth of hair, breeding of three teeth in the ſpace of two years, and reading of ſmall print without ſpectacles, whereas 40 years before that time he had uſed them for the biggeſt print. He had five children after he was 80 years of age.

England's Worthies.
  • The townſhips of Chatton and Chillingham 4 men.
  • Cold Marten and Fowbery 4 men.
  • Hetton and Hezelrigge 4 men.
  • Fawdon and Clinch 4 men.
  • Alnham and Alnham Moor 2 men.
  • Tughall and Swinhoe 2 men.
  • Long Howton and Denwick 4 men.
  • Leſbury and Bilton 2 men.
  • Lyham and Lyham-hall one.
  • Together with the principal inhabitants of the town of Alnwick.
Wallis.

The School ſtands at the upper end of Pottergate-ſtreet, and over the door is the following Inſcription:

Haec ſchola primo in uſum municipum
Alaunenſium aedificata Anno Dom. 1687
Nunc demum inſtaurat [...]r Anno Dom. 1741.
*

The Church ſtands at the end of Bailiff-gate ſtreet: has 3 ailes extending through as many arches into the chancell: has 4 galleries and 27 windows: a neat tower and 3 bells.

Behind the royal arms, over the arch of the middle aile, in entering the chancell, is this inſcription in black characters.

Sumptibus Edvardi comitis cognomine Bedford;
Cognita praeclari ſunt haec inſignia clara.
Anno Qni 1600.
Randal's Manuſcripts.
Tanner 398. vide Eſcheat Northum. 50. Edw. 3. Pat. 50. Edward 3.

John Veſey returning from the Holy War, is ſaid to have firſt brought Carmelites into England, and to have built a Convent for them here at Holme, a ſolitary place, and not unlike Mount Carmel in Syria. But in truth there never was any Convent or Monaſtery founded at Alnwick, or near it, by John Veſey: there was indeed a Monaſtery of the Order of the Praemonſtratenſes founded by Euſtatius Fitz John, father of William de Veſey, who had the ſirname from his mother, an heireſs. But this was done in the year 1147, long before the Carmelites were heard of in England. John Bale who was ſometime a Carmelite himſelf, tells us that the firſt convent of that order was founded at Holme (Hull they now call it) near Alnwick, by Ra. Freſborn, a gentleman of Northumberland, who died A. D. 1274, and was buried in the Convent. Euſtatius's Abbey is ſtill to be ſeen, at half a mile diſtance from the Convent of Hull, down the river.

Gibſon's Camden.

Holme caenobium fratrum Carmelitarum

Camd. 813. Johannes Veſey miles primus fundator, qui e Terra ſancta rediens primus in Angliam introduxit Carmelitas fratres.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 103.

A. D. 926. Cantaurienſes cum multitudine Danicorum piratarum in loco qui Holm dicitur, pugnaverunt & victores extiterunt.

Lel. Col. vol. II. p. 282.
*
Maſon.
*

Here was one of the firſt houſes of the Carmelites, or White Friars, in England, who were brought over by John Lord Veſci about A. D. 1240, and placed here near Hulpark, within the Lordſhip of Alnwick. The ſcite of the Black Friars (probably a miſtake for White Friars) was granted to Thomas Reve, William Ryvet, &c. 6 Eliz.

Vide inter Mſs. Bodl. Oxon, Dodſworth, vol xlv. f. 15. Excerpta ex cartulario Carmelitarum de Alnwyke nuper in cuſtodia Dom. Will. Howard dom. de Naworth, modo penes Joannem Warburton Arm. Somerſet Heraldum, A. D. 1720.

Pat. 4. Edw. 2. Pro confirmatione donationum Joannis de Veſcy et aliorum.

Pat. 9. Edw. 3.

Tanner's Not.
*

This Convent at the diſſolution, ſays Fuller, was at low rates, in a cheap country valued at 194l. 7s. per annum, but juſtifies our obſervation, that even Mendicant Friars had houſes endowed with revenues.

Fuller's Ch. Hiſt. p. 271.

Robert Leſbury, born in Northumberland, the 32d and laſt Provincial of the Carmelite Order, choſen 1519, was buried at Weſt Cheſter.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

The village of Hincliff with its demeſnes and waſtes, with the ſervice of half the tenants. Two parts of the tythes of the Lordſhip of Tughall, of Alnham, Heyſend and Chatton. One moiety of the tythes of Wooler, of Long Houghton and Leſbury. He annexed to it the Priory and Church of Gyſnes near Felton, dedicated to St. Wilfred, to hold in pure alms with all its privileges and endowments; a moiety of the tythes and two bovats of land at Gyſon, the church of Halgh or Haugh, the lands of Ridley and Morewick Hough, the liberty of erecting a Corn Mill on the river Coquet, and of raiſing as much Corn on his waſtes there as they could plough, with liberty to grind it at his own mill, mulcture free. He alſo gave the Canons for their table, the tenth part of all the [...]eniſon and pork killed in his parks and foreſts, and of all the fiſh taken in his fiſhery by his order, and a ſalt work at Warkworth.

William de Veſey his ſon gave them advowſons of Chatton, Chillingham, and Alnham. They alſo held the advowſons and appropriations of St Dunſtans, in Fleet-ſtreet, London, and of Sckenfield in Yorkſhire. They had 24 acres of Turbary, and liberty of paſturage on Edlingham Common; Lands at Chatton and Falloden: Alſo four Tenements and a Garden in Newcaſtle upon Tyne.

Groſe and Wallis.
*
Groſe.

The following liſt of Abbots is given by Browne Willis. "Thomas Alnwicke occurs Abbot, A. D. 1432 and 1437. Patric Gale, A. D. 1491, in Henry the Seventh's time, when there were accounted 22 religious in this Convent. William Harriſon was laſt Abbot; he ſurrendered his Convent 22d December, A. D. 1540, 31ſt King Henry VIII. and had a penſion of 50l. per annum, which he enjoyed in 1553, in which year there remained in charge 2l. 6s. 8d. in annuities, and theſe following penſions. Robert Forſter 5l. 6s. 8d. Roger Spence 5l. Robert Baker 5l. Richard Miller 6l. James Samſenne 5l. John Hochinſon 5l. William Hudſonne 5l. William Saunderſon 1l. and Richard Wheteley 1l.

To which we may add,

 Abbots. 
Not. Mon.Baldwin 1ſt Abbot, ao1152
Robert el.1167
Gilbert 
Gaufridus 
Adam1208
P— oc. in cro S. Michs.1224
Ib.Wilhelmus1263
 John died1350
 Walter reſ.1362
 Robert ſucceeded1362
 Walter de Heppeſcotes1376
WillisThomas Alnwycke oc.1532 and 37.
Tunſtal, p. 8.Roger Acton made his proof of obedience Oct. 28, 1531.
Ib. p. 5.Dns Will. Halton el. Sep. 4. 1532 p. mort. Dni Acton.
Rhymer.He made his profeſſion of obedience to the Biſhop of Durham
 Sep. 22d following, and was the laſt Abbot.
Randal's Manuſcripts.

MCXLVII

Hoc anno ordo Praemonſtratenſis venit ad Alnewic, ubi primus Abbas Baldewinus.

Lel. Col. vol. 3. p. 73.
*

An Abbey of Praemonſtratenſian Canons founded by Euſtace Fitz John, A. D. 1147. It was dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin, and valued 26th Hen. VIII. at 189l. 15s. by Dugd. 194l. 7s. Speed; about which time there were 13 Canons. The ſite of this houſe was granted 4 Edw. VI. to Ralph Sadler and Lawrence Winnington.

Vide in Mon. Angl. Tom. 2. Diploma Henry Percy com Northumbriae, recit, & confirm. cartam fundationis: Cartas tres Will. de Veſey filii Euſtachii; unam pro Eccl. de Chetton; alteram pro Eccl. de Chaulingham; tertiam pro Eccl. de Alncham. p. 592. Stemma fundatoris ex rol. eſcaet. 8 Edw. II. in cedula.

In Bourn's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle, p. 142. of four tenements and a garden in Newcaſtle, belonging to this Abbey.

In Newcourt's Repertorium, vol. 1. of the church of St Dunſtan, in the Weſt, London.

Regiſtrum et cartas penes Franc Brandling de ead. M [...]l. A. D. 1639. Collect ex eiſdem ms. Dodſworth, vol. xlix.

Chronicon monaſterii de Alnwike, ms. in bibl. Coll. Reg. Cantab. hugus apographum in bibl. Stillingfleet, nunc Harleyana, et excerpta ex eodem ms. Cotton. Vitell E xiv. 22. 10.

Cart 2. Joan m. 12. p. 13. pro Turbaria xxiv acrarum inter Yerleſſeter et diviſas de le Morton et Edelingham.

Plac. in com. Northumb. 21. Ed. 1. aſſis. vol. 27. de commun paſtur. in Edelingham: Cart. 35. Edw. 1. p. 25. recit. et confirm. donationes.

Pat. 1. Edw. 2. p. 2. m 4. pro. Eccl. de Wollore conceſs. per Nic. Graham: Pat. 5. Edw. 2. p. 1. m. 23. pro Eccl. de Chartam: P. 16. Edw. 2. p. 2. m. 1. de teris ibidem et in Falendon.

Pat. 3 Edw. 3 p. 2. m. Pat. 8. Edw. 3. p. 2. m. 9. vel. 10. Pat. 9. Edw. 3. p. 2. m 14. Eſcheat Northumb. 50. Edw. 3. p. 56. Pat. 50 Edw. 3. p. 1. m. 24. pro hoſpitali S. Leonardi ibidem annectendo.

Pat. 9. Ric. 2. p. 1. m. 14. pro. eccl. S. Dunſtani in Fleteſtreet Londini approprianda.

Pat 2. Hen. 4. p. 4. m. 9. Fin. 2. Hen. 4. m 3.

Pat. 35. Hen. 6. p. 2. m ult. Pat. 37. Hen. 6. p. 1. m. 4. pro eccl. de Lakenſeld approprianda; et p. 2. m. 20. et 37.

Tanner.
*
In the banks, as waſhed away by the violence of the ſea, have frequently been diſcovered, Bones of an enormous ſize. Ignorant ſpectators have retained the circumſtance, without diſtinguiſhing of what animals theſe were the remains: and being found near a place of human interment, they are at once conceived to have belonged to men of gigantick ſtature. The conſtant warfare that diſtreſſed theſe ſhores for ages, might occaſion the ſlaughter of vaſt numbers of horſes and other beaſts, which after a day of havock may have been thrown into one common pit. The remains of elephants have been diſcovered in ſeveral parts of England, and have given the like apprehenſion to the vulgar, that giants once diſtreſſed this iſland.

Werkworthe Caſtell ſtondythe on the ſouthe ſyde of Coquet watar. It is well maynteyned and is large. It longed to the Erle of Northomberland. It ſtondithe on a highe hille, the which for the more parte is includyd with the ryver, and is about a mile from theſe. Ther is a prety towne, and at the towne ende is a ſtone bridge with a towne on it. Beyond the bridge is Banborowſhire.

Lel. Itin. v. 7. p. 76.
*

John Fitz Robert, in 7 King Henry III. obtained licence that the market which had been uſually kept upon the Sunday at his manor of Werkworth, ſhould be held upon the Wedneſday every week.

Dugd. Baron. v. 1. p. 107.
*

The name of Clavering is derived from the barony of Clavering in Eſſex.

By the teſta de Nevill it appears, that Robert, the ſon of Roger, held of the King in capite, by the ſervice of one Knight's fee, the barony of Warkworth, with its appurtenances. And Roger, the ſon of Richard, held the ſame barony by like ſervice from the time of King Henry, the father of King John, who gave it to him in fee.

John de Clavering was ſummoned to parliamant as Baron Warkworth and Clavering, 25th King Edward I. 3d King Edward III. and the 6th King Edward III.

And alſo Rothbury, Corbridge, and Newburn, which by a reverſionary grant to Henry Lord Percy, now are become part of the poſſeſſions of his Grace the Duke of Northumberland.
*

From the advertiſement to the Poem.

About a mile from the caſtle, in a deep romantic valley, are the remains of a hermitage; of which the chapel is ſtill entire. This is hollowed with great elegance, in a cliff near the river; as are alſo two adjoining apartments, which probably ſerved for the ſacriſty and veſtry, or were appropriated to ſome other ſacred uſes: for the former of theſe, which runs parallel with the chapel, appears to have had an alter in it, at which maſs was occaſionly celebrated, as well as in the chapel itſelf.

Each of theſe apartments is extremely ſmall; for that which was the principal chapel does not in length exceed 18 feet, nor is more than 7½ feet in breadth and height: it is, however, very beautifully deſigned and executed, in the ſolid rock; and has all the decorations of a compleat Gothic church or cathedral in miniature.

But what principally diſtinguiſhes the chapel, is a ſmall tomb or monument on the ſouth ſide of the altar; on the top of which lies a female figure, extended in the manner that effigies are uſually exhibited praying on ancient tombs. This figure, which is very delicately deſigned, ſome have ignorantly called an image of the Virgin Mary, though it has not the leaſt reſemblance to the manner in which ſhe is repreſented in the Romiſh churches; who is uſually erect, as the object of adoration, and never in a proſtrate or recumbent poſture. Indeed the real image of the bleſſed Virgin probably ſtood in a ſmall nich, ſtill viſible behind the altar: whereas the figure of a bull's head, which is rudely carved at this lady's feet, the uſual place for the creſt in old monuments, plainly proves her to have been a very different perſonage.

About the tomb are ſeveral other figures, which, as well as the principal one above mentioned, are cut in the natural rock, in the ſame manner as the little chapel itſelf, with all its ornaments, and the two adjoining apartments. What ſlight traditions are ſcattered through the country, concerning the origin and foundation of this hermitage, tomb, &c. are delivered to the reader in the following rhimes.

It is univerſally agreed, that the founder was one of the Bertram family, which had once conſiderable poſſeſſions in Northumberland, and were anciently Lords of Bothal caſtle, ſituate about ten miles from Warkworth. He has been thought to be the ſame Bertram that endowed Brinkburn Priory, and built Brenkſhaw chapel; which both ſtand in the ſame winding valley, higher up the river.

But Brinkburn Priory was founded in the reign of King Henry I. whereas the form of the Gothick windows in this chapel, eſpecially of thoſe near the altar, is found rather to reſemble the ſtile of architecture that prevailed about the reign of King Edward III. and indeed that the ſculpture in this chapel cannot be much older, appears from the creſt which is placed at the lady's feet on the tomb; for Camden informs us, that armorial creſts did not become hereditary till about the reign of King Edward II.

*
The Bertrams were an ancient family in this country: they held great poſſeſſions under the ſavour of William the Conqueror, with whom Sir Richard Bertram; a Norman Knight, came over to England. He had in marriage, as a royal ward, Sibel, the daughter and heireſs of the Mitford family. Sir William his ſon obtained his poſſeſſions of Mitford to be created a Barony by King Henry I. He married Alice the daughter of Sir William Merley, by whom he had iſſue two ſons. This Sir William was, or Oſbertus Colutarius, under his grant, the founder of Brinkburn Priony, afterwards deſcribed.
*
Henry Earl of Northumberland, &c. Knowe you that, &c. Have geven & graunted, and by theſe preſentes do gyve & graunte unto the ſaid Sir George (Lancaſtre) myn armytage, belded in a rock of ſtone, within my parke of Warkworth, in, &c. in the honour of the bleſſed Trynete, with a yerely ſtipende of twenty merks by yet (now 100l.) from the feaſt of Seint Michell tharchangell laſt paſt, afore the date herof yerly duryng the naturall lyve of the ſaid Sir George. & alſo I the ſaid Erle have geven and graunted, &c. unto the ſaid Sir George Lancaſter, the occupation of one little greſground of myn called Cony garth, nygh adjoynynge the ſaid Harmytage, only to his only uſe & proufit, wynter & ſumer, durynge the ſaid terme: the garden & orteyard belongyng the ſaid armytage; the gate & paſture of twelf kye & a bull, with their calves ſ [...]kyng; and two horſes goyng & beying within my ſaid parke of Warkworth, wynter and ſomer. One draught of fiſhe every fondaie in the yere* to be drawn fornenſt the ſaid armytage, called the Trynete draught: and twenty lods of fyre wode to be taken of my wodds, called Shilbotell wode, during the ſaid terme. The ſaid ſtipend of XX merks by yere to be taken & perceived yerly of the rent & ferme of my fiſhing of Warkworth, by th [...]ands of the fermour or fenmours of the ſame for the tyme beynge yerly, at the times ther uſed and accuſtomed, by evyn portions. In wytnes whereof to the [...] my letters patentes, I the ſaid Erle have ſet the ſeal of myn armes: Yeven undre my ſygnet, at my Caſtell of Warworth, the third daye of December, in the XXIIIth yer of the reigne of our Sovereygn Lorde Kyng Henry the Eight."
*
A great Salmon Fiſhery.
*

A Cell of two Benedictine Monks from Durham, for whoſe maintenance here Nicholas de Farnham, Biſhop of Durham, who died A. D. 1257. appropriated the church of Brankeſton, which was confirmed by Walter de Kirkham, his ſucceſſor.

Vide Angl. Sacr. Tom. 1. p. 738.

Tanner.
*

This little iſland is ſaid by Bede, to be "Monachorum coetibus inſignis." in St. Cuthbert's time, about A. D. 680. Here was, till the diſſolution, a ſmall houſe of Benedictine Monks, Cell to Tinmouth, as parcell of which priory, 4 Edward VI. this iſland was granted to John Earl of Warwick.

Tanner.
‘Cuthbertus Coquedam venit, ubi Aelfledam Ecgfridi regis ſororem, convenit.’

Qui, aſcenſa cum fratribus navi, venit ad Inſulam, quae Coquedi flu. oſtio praejacens, ab codem accepit cognomen, & ipſa monachorum coetibus inſignis.

Bede. Lel. Col. vol. 2. p. 158.

Tinemuthe.

Henricos, heremita Coketenſis Inſulae, ibidem ſepultus.

Lel. Col. v. 3. p. 43.
*

Over the door of the Vicarage Houſe is the following inſcription.

A
1683
Has Aedes
Poſuit
Robertus Henderſon
Trinitatis Colleg. Cantab.
Tempore Barrowni, tempore Newtoni
Socius:
Hujus et eccleſiae
Non indignus Vicarius.
Pietatis ergo poſuit
Hoc patri filius teſtimonium
1758.
In the Lincoln Taxation amongſt the Temporalities, there is "Prioriſſa de Gwyſnes in archidiaconatu Northumbriae, LXX l. IVd. And cart. 35. Edward I. n. 35. Rex confirmat abbati et conventui de Alnwico communiam in tota mora et paſtura de Edelingham, ad omnia averia ſua, tam de domo de Alnwyk et grangiis ſuis, quam de domo de Gyſnes," but more of this houſe I cannot learn.
*

A Priory of Black Canons, founded temp. Henry I. by Oſbertus Colutarius, upon a piece of ground which was given him by William Bertram. This houſe was under the patronage of St Peter; about the time of the diſſolutie conſiſted of 10 religious, who had the yearly income of 68l. 19s. 1d. Dugd. 77l. Speed. It was granted to John Earl of Warwick, 4 Edward VI.

Vide in Mon. Angl. Tom. 2. Cartas Will Bertram primi advoc. Will de Guaren com Northumbriae, pro ſalina apud Werkworth; et Henrici com. Northumb. pro eadem: Cart 43 Henry III. pro cix acris terrae in Evenewode, commun ſocialum in Turbaria de Glantley, vaſto de Framelington, &c.

Tanner.
Richardus

Was witneſs to H. Pudſey's confirmation of certain donations to the Nuns of Newcaſtle. Will Hogeſtone was the laſt Prior.

An. 1553. Here remained in charge 13s. 4d. in annuities.

Edward Hoton and Edward Long. Canonici Regulares Eccl. de domo conventual de Brenkeburne accoliti Ord. S. Auguſtini die Sabbi qua cantatur oſſic: Miſſe ſcitientes Mar. X. 1496.

R. Fox, p. 12.

Ricus Epus 27. d. Feb. 1500 conceſſit Edw. Hoton, Edw. Long, Rob. Watſon, & Ryco Lyghton can. Reg. Ecclie covent de Brenkeborn Lr. demiſſor. ad oes tam minores qui Majores etia Preſbyteratq. ord. &c.

R. Fox, p. 36.

Will Gray Can. regularis domus Conventul de B. ordinis Sci Ang. Pbr ordinat pennult Mar. 1499.

R. Fox, p. 20.

Matheus Swan ad titlm monij. de B. ord Pbr. Mar. 8. 1532

Tunſtal, p. 11.

Oſwald Maſhione ord. Pbr. Apr. 12. 1532.

Ib. p. 12.

Brinkburn Curates.

  • Edm. Willy Cur. ib. Jan. 29. 1577.
  • Hum. Hutton Cur. oc. Feb. 13. 1583.
  • Bp. Viſ. Jul. 30. 1578.
  • Bp. Viſ. 3 July. 1579.
  • Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Thornhaugh, Ferderhaugh, Papwithhaugh, Heley, and over Heley, with the woods belonging to them. Alſo a wood eaſt of Heley, extending from Linckburn to the river Coquet; together with 20 fiſhes out of Coquet fiſhery. Roger the founder's grandſon gave thereto 140 acres in his waſtes of Evenwood, with a large ſhare of waſtes near Framlington; alſo liberty to cut timber out of his woods for neceſſary uſes, and the privilege of killing game. Prince Henry of Scotland, Earl of Northumberland, gave to it a ſalt-work at Warkworth. The Warrens gave thereto half of the manor of Nethertyrwit, and the appropriations and advowſons of Horſley and Felton.

Wallis, Groſe, &c.
E. Rol. Dudley.

Mr Wallis has the following anecdote of this perſonage. ‘In the reign of King Charles I. it belonged to Colonel George Fenwick, in the ſervice of the parliament, and governor of Berwick upon Tweed. Cromwell, on taking Edinburgh, 1650, made him governor of that place. He ſummoned the governor of Hume Caſtle to ſurrender to Cromwell. The governor anſwered he knew not Cromwell, and for his caſtle it was built upon a rock. The ordnance playing againſt it, he ſent Fenwick theſe verſes.’

I William of the waſtle
Am now in my caſtle;
And aw the dogs in the town
Shan'd garre me gang down.

‘Breaches were made in his caſtle, and many rich goods ſpoiled. Gallant William was forced to ſurrender: the ſoldiery were ordered to ſhare his goods, except ſome furniture and bedding for the accommodation of his lady.’

‘H was member for Berwick, and one of the Parliament Commiſſioners to treat with the Scots. He was one of the 96 members not ſuffered by Oliver to ſit in his pack'd parliament, 1656.’

*
Groſe.

Roger Thornton, the celebrated patron of Newcaſtle upon Tyne.

  • Sir Roger married Elizabeth, daughter of John Lord Greyſtock, Baron of Morpeth, Sheriff of Northumberland 29 and 36 King Henry VII.
  • Roger 6 King Edward VI.
  • Sir Nicholas whoſe eſtate was ſequeſtered by parliament, 8th Nov. 4th King Charles II. 1652.
  • James who left two daughters and coheireſſes.
Wallis.

Sir Ra. de Fenwick, High Sheriff of Northumberland, 7th King Henry VIII.

  • Ralph 6 King Edward VI.
  • Richard 10th Queen Elizabeth.
  • William 14th Char. I.
  • Roger mentioned in Brinkburn.
  • John mentioned in Brinkburn.
Wallis.
*

From the Manuſcripts of Roger Gale, Eſq. Extract of a Letter from Mr John Warburton to Roger Gale, Eſq 5 January, 1717/ [...]

As I was well aſſured from the authority of Mr Camden, (for I want languages to derive words) that Clenoventa was on the banks of the Went, or Wentſbeck, in Northumberland; I carefully examined all places from its ſource, 'till it falls into the ſea, that had the leaſt appearance of antiquity, as likewiſe thoſe upon the river Glen, Bowent, and Alne, (viz.) Antercheſter, Yevrin, (which is Bedes ad Gebrin) Milfield, (Bede's Melmin) Brampton, where Mr Camden in his firſt edition of the Britannia placed Bremenium, but could never ſatisfy myſelf until I diſcovered the Devils Cauſeway, and found Thorntons ſtanding thereon, which though at preſent but an inconſiderable village, ſhews the Veſtigia in it of a remarkable town in former times: a high ridged military way runs through the middle of it, and a ſquare platform joins to it, both which are evidently Roman.

I had once made choice of Bolham for the ancient Glanoventa, which is ſituated upon an eminence oppoſite to Thornton on the other ſide of the Wentſbeck, where there are likewiſe conſiderable remains of antiquity; but on better conſideration found that to have been of the Saxons foundation.

*

Why of Saxon foundation? Bolham might have been the town of Glenoventa, and Th [...]rton a Tarris or Caſtelliam to it. Thor [...]ton, by Mr Warbarton's map, is at leaſt two miles north from Bolham. See note to Mr Warburton's letter of 21ſt Nov. 1717.

R. G.

About two miles ſouth of this Thornton, cloſe by the military way lately mentioned, are two large ſtones, ſtanding on their end like thoſe at Burrowbridge, but not ſo big, and betwixt them a tumulus, which I was at the expence of opening, and in it found a ſtone coffin, about three feet in length, two in breadth, and two in depth, which was black on the inſide with ſmoke, and had in it ſeveral lumps of glutinous matter, which my workmen would needs have to be pieces of the dead hero's fleſh. It was covered over with two flat ſtones, and not above a yard in depth from the ſummit of the tumulus, but had neither inſcription, bones, coins, urns, or other remarkable thing about it. I opened another larger than this near Cheſter in the Wood, and found it much the ſame.

J. Warburton.
*
  • Sir Richard Bertram, a Norman Knight.
  • Sir William
  • Sir Roger
  • Sir William, Ob. 8th King John
  • Sir Roger, Ob. 26, King Henry III.
  • Roger

A little higher the river Wentſbeck falls into the ſea. It runs by Mitford, which was burnt down by King John and his Rutars, when they ſo miſerably waſted this country, that age called thoſe foreign auxiliaries and freebooters Rutars, who were brought out of the low countries, and other places, to King John's aſſiſtance, by Falques de Brent and Walter Buc; which Rutarii or Ruptarii are not only mentioned by our Hiſtorians in the reign of King John, but before his time alſo in the reign of Henry II. and after it under Henry III. By all the accounts which we have of them, it appears they were mercenary German troops. Now, in the High Dutch, Rot (whence our Engliſh Rout) is a company of ſoldiers; Rotten or Rottiren to muſter. That from hence we are to fetch the true original of the word, we are ſufficiently taught by Will. Newbrigenſis, who lived and wrote his Hiſtory in the times of theſe Rutars. This was formerly the barony of William Bertram, whoſe line ſoon failed in Roger his grandſon; the three coheirs being married to Norman Darcy, I. Penbury, and William de Elmeley.

Gibſon's Camden.
*

There be ruines of a Caſtle longynge to the Lord Borow, at Mydford, on the ſowth ſyde of Wanſbeke, iiii miles above Morpeth. It was beten downe by the Kynge. For one Ser Gilbert Midleton robby'd a Cardinall cominge out of Scotland, and fled to his Caſtle of Midford.

Lel. Itin. v. 7. p. 76.

Anno D. 1317. Duo Cardinales Gaucelinus ſanctorum Marcellini & Petri Preſbyter Cardinalis & Lucus de Iliſco S. Mariae in via lata, Diaconis Cardinalis, dum cum Ludovico, ut ejus creationi intereſſent, verſis Dunelmum procederent, inter Fery & Wottoun per Gillertum de Midleton et ejus complices depraedati ſunt. Ludovicus electus Epiſcopus Dunelmenſis, & Henricus frater ſuus ad Caſtrum de Metforde adducti. Mitforde Caſtellum non fuit id temporis (ut quidem volunt) drutum.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 335.

Alexander King of Scotts, ſon to King Willliam, did entre ynto England, & did muche deſpite to King John. He aſſegid the Caſtel of Mitteford & Norham, & toke homages of divers nobil men of Northumberland and the counte of York; wherfor King John after deſtroied much of theyr landes, & bet doune Morpeth Caſtel.

Ibd. vol. 1. p. 535.
He was ſoon after poiſoned at Gateſhead by ſome of Middleton's confederates.
*

She was ſo affected by the loſs of her huſband, that ſhe reſigned herſelf entirely to a religious and contemplative life, and beſtowed moſt of her fortune in acts of piety and charity, raiſing her faithful friends above want and indigence, and erecting noble ſtructures in honour of religion and learning with liberal endowments. Denney Priory, in Cambridgeſhire, for Nuns of the order of St Clare, being of her foundation, endowed with the manor of Stroud, in Kent, and other lands; alſo Pembroke Hall, in Cambridge, moſtly finiſhed about the year 1347, and endowed with lands for a warden and fellows, ſome of whom ſhe lived to ſee preferred to the higheſt dignities in England, in the courſe of 40 years or upwards. She died 15th March, 51ſt of King Edward III. and was interred in her own Priory of Denney, under a marble monument, between the two choirs of the Nuns and Seculars. She ſurvived her huſband 61 years.

Wallis.
Holling Chron. From Adomer unto John de Haſtings, Earl of Pembroke, 1390.
Inquiſition taken at Newcaſtle upon Tyne the 20th of March, in the firſt year of the reign of Edward II.
§
Inquiſition taken at Newcaſtle upon Tyne 10th October, eleventh King Henry VI.
*

Robert Mitford married Jane daughter of John Metford, of Seghill. Had iſſue three ſons and four daughters.

  • Cuthbert married Mary daughter of Ch. Wharton, of Offerton. They both died on one day at Mitford.
  • Robert married Philadelphia daughter of Humphrey Wharton, of Gillingwood, Yorkſhire.
  • Humphry married Frances daughter of Sir George Vane, of Longnewton, Durham.
  • Robert High Sheriff of Northumberland. 9 King William III. A. D. 1697.
  • Robert High Sheriff, 9 King George III.
  • Bertram the preſent proprietor.
*

Eodem anno, id eſt, 1138, quidem vir potens in Northumbria cepit in ſua poſſeſſione apud caſtrum, quod dicitur Morpeth, monachus de Fontibus VIII No. Januar. qui conſtruxerunt caenobium, S. novum monaſterium vocatum. Quibus hoc ipſo anno circa Epiphaniae diem Galfridus Epiſcop. Dunelmi, benedixit abbatem Rodbertum, fanctum virum. Quos libenter fovit praedictus vir, ſcilicet Ranulphus de Merley.

Lel. Col. vol. II. p. 362.

Anno quinto a fundatione matris noſtrae vir nobilis Ranulphus de Merley fontes noſtros viſurus acceſſit, & poſtea in patrimonio ſuo novum monaſterium conſtruit. Hic primus palmes quem vinea noſtra expandit.

Ib. vol. III. p. 106.

The founder endowed it with ‘The Lordſhip of Ritton, and part of the woods of Witton, and all the vale between Morpeth and Hebre, by the brook of Fullbeck to its fall into Cottingburn, and by Cottingburn to its fall into Wanſbeck.’

Its ſeveral benefactors were

  • Margery the Lady of the ſecond Roger de Merley,
  • She gave three fiſheries in the river Tyne.
  • William Bertram, Baron of Mitford,
  • The fine vale between the Minſter and Mitford.
  • Peter ſon of John Vicar of Mitford,
  • Aldworth Grange.
  • Everard de Ros, Baron of Wark,
  • Sturton Grange.
  • Robert Bertram, Baron of Bothall,
  • The eſtate called Forum.
  • Sir Gilbert de Humfreville, Baron of Prudhow,
  • The moors of Chiviot, the granges of Felton, and Tollard, and Turfhill paſture.
  • Sir Walter Baron of Bolham,
  • Newton Grange.
  • Hugh Baron of Bolbeck, and Theophania his wife,
  • The villa of Rotheley.
  • Robert de Greyſtock,
  • The manor and royalties of Keſtern and Werehill, the demeſnes of which they bought of John de Keſtern.
  • Roger Baron of Warkworth,
  • A ſalt work at Warkworth.
  • Henry Cemers, and Eda his wife,
  • Scarplane Grange and an eſtate at Clifton.
  • They held Tritlington of the manor of Wark upon Tweed.
  • Sir Richard Gubion,
  • 20s. yearly out of his mill of Shilvington.
  • Sir Roger de Merley—the like at Stanton.
  • Sir Robert de Fenwick,
  • Two parts of his villa of Irdington, in Cumberland.
  • Allan Whitehead, Vicar of Tynemouth, and William Kell,
  • Lands in Stannington.
  • John de Pleſſes,
  • Mills of Stannington, and Lands thereto appertaining.
  • John de Mitford,
  • Lands in Echwick.
  • John Lord Greyſtock
  • Reſtored to them Common right at Stobbiford, given by their founder, and again taken away by his heir.
  • Sir Roger de Somerville,
  • Impropriation and advowſon of Stannington; they alſo had the impropriation and advowſon of Kirkwhelpington.

Roger de Thornſon, Ralph Lord Greyſtock, John Lord Greyſtock, and Sir Ra. Nevil, gave ſundry ſums to adorn the church.

*

A qwartar of a mile owt of the towne, on the hithere ſyde of Wanſpeke, was Newe Minſter Abbay of White Monks; pleſaunt watar and very fayre wood about it.

Lel. Itin. vol. 7. p. 75.

Ranulph de Merlay and Julian his wife (who was daughter of Coſpatric Earl of Northumberland) built here, A. D. 1138, an Abbey of Ciſtertian Monks from Fountains, to the honour of the bleſſed Virgin Mary. It had at the ſurpreſſion about 15 religious, and poſſeſſions of the yearly value of 100l. 1s. 1d. Dugd. 140l. 10s. 4d. Speed. The ſcite was granted 7 King James I. to Robert Brandling.

Vide in Mon. Angl. Tom. 800. annotatiunculas quaſdam hiſtoricas deprima fundatione ex Lel. Col. vol. 2. et Cod. ms. de origine fontanenſis coenobii. Cartas R. Hen. I. Ranulpho de Merlay, Ranulpi de Merlay Monachis, et Will. de Merlai. Cart. 39. Hen. III. m. 3. confirm donationes Rogeri Bertram, Roberti de Grayſtok, et Gilberti de Umfranville de Mereden diviſa inter baronias de Midford et Morpeth etc.

Ibid Tom. ii. p. 916, 917, 918, quaedam de fundatore et praecipius benefactoribus abbatiae de Newminſter ex Martyrologio ejuſdem domus.

In Leland's Collect. v. 3. p. 106. notulam de fundatione.

In Bourn's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle, p. 142. of ſix houſes in Newcaſtle.

Regiſtrum hujus Abbatiae ms. penes dom. Will. Howard de Naworth. Martyrologium Abbatiae de Newminſter quondam inter mss Cecilianos nunc in bibl. ducis Cantiae.

Collectanea ex regiſtro et Martyrologio per Franc. Thynn ms penes Io. Anſtis arm.

Fin. div. com. 8 Joan n. 47. de commun. paſtur. in foreſta de Rouberi. Cart. 28. Hen. 3. m. 1. Cart. 36. Hen. 3. m. 12. Cart. 55 Hen. 3. m. 5 et 6. Cart. 18. Ed. 1. n. 63. de lib. war. in Horton, Filton, Newton, Weſt et eſt Ritton, Keſtern, Ulgham, et Rothely. (Northumberland) Plac. apud Weſtm. 20. Ed. 1. rot. 117 de cclvii acris etc. in Rocheby. Plac. in com. Northumb. 21. Ed. 1. aſſis. rot. 6. dorſo, de ten. in Bolum. Rot. 13. et 18 dorſo. quo. war. rot. 3. dorſo. Cart. 35. Ed. 1. n. 34.

Pat. 8. Ed. 2. p. m. 5. Pat. 10. Edw. 2. p. 1. m. 7. vel. 8. de limittibus terrarum dominicalium abbatiae. Pat. 4. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. Cart. 4. Edw. 3. n. 85. Claus. 4. Ed. 3. m. 37. pro advoc. eccl. de Stainington. Pat. 8. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 18 pro eccl. de Whelpinton. Pat. 22. Ed. 3. p. 3. m. 22 vel 23. Pat. 38. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 20 vel 21.

Pat. 16. Ric. 2. p. 8. m. 1.

Tanner.
*
  • Sir John De Mitford.
  • Matthew
  • Sir John 43 King Edward III.
  • William High Sheriff of Northumberland 5 and 6 King Henry V. died 1ſt King Henry VI.
  • John A benefactor to the Abbey of Newminſter, died 35 King Henry VI.
  • John
  • Bertram
  • Gawen
  • Cuthbert One of the Commiſſioners for Diviſion of the Middle Marches 6th King Edward VI.
  • Robert
Wallis.
*

Morpet, a market towne, is XII longe miles from New Caſtle. Wanſbeke, a praty ryver, rynnithe thrwghe the ſyde of the towne. On the hether ſyde of the river is the principall churche of the towne. On the ſame ſyde is the fayre caſtle ſtondinge upon a hill, longinge with the towne to the Lord Dacres of Gilſland. The towne is longe & metely well buylded with low howſys, the ſtreets pavyd. It is far fayrar towne then Alnwicke.

Lel. Itin. vol. VII. p. 53.
*

The town's arms are argent, barry of ſix, azure and gules, over all a caſtle tripple crowned within a bordure azure ſeme de Martlets.

Browne Willis.

This Borough did not ſend Members to Parliament till the firſt year of Queen Mary, 1553.

Annis.MaryParliament.
1553John Watſon, Gent. William Warde, Gent.1 p. at Weſtminſter.
1554Thomas Beates, — William Warde,1 p. at Oxford.
 Ph. and Mary, 
1554Henry Percy, Gent. Robert Warde,1 and 2 p. at Weſtminſter.
1555Cuthbert Horſley — Thomas Bates2 and 3 p. at Weſtminſter.
1557Robert Whetely — Thomas Bates4 and 5 p. at Weſtminſter.
 Elizabeth. 
1558Thomas Bates, Gent.1 p. at Weſtminſter.
1562William Warde, — Arthur Welſhe, Gent.5 p. at Weſtminſter.
1571Francis Gawdy, Eſq Nicholas Mynn, Eſq13 p. at Weſtminſter.
1572George Bowes, Knight. Richard Wroth, Gent.14 p. at Weſtminſter.
 George Bowes Knighted at Leith by Edward Seimore, E. Hertford.
1585William Carey, Eſq George Gifford, Eſq27 p. at Weſtminſter.
1586Robert Carey, Eſq Anthony Felton, Eſq28 p. at Weſtminſter.
1588Robert Carew, Eſq Hen. Nowell, Eſq31 p. at Weſtminſter.
1592Edm. Boyer, Eſq Francis Tindal, Gent.31 p. at Weſtminſter.
1597Robert Printell, Eſq Thomas Carleton, Eſq39 p. at Weſtminſter.
1601George Savil, Eſq John Browne, Eſq43 p. at Weſtminſter.
 James I. 
1603Ch. Perkins, Knight. John Hare, Eſq1 p. at Weſtminſter.
1614Ch. Perkins, Knight12 p. at Weſtminſter.
1620Robert Brandling, Eſq John Robſon, de Morpeth, Clerk18 p. at Weſtminſter.
 A New Writ was ordered to elect in Robſon's place, becauſe he was a Clergyman.
1623William Carnaby, Knight. Thomas Reynell, Eſq21 p. at Weſtminſter.
 William Carnaby of Halton Tower. 
 Charles I. 
1625Anthony Herbert, Knight. Thomas Reynell, Eſq1 p. at Weſtminſter.
1625Thomas Reynell, Knight. John Banks, Eſq1 p. at Weſtminſter.
1628Thomas Reynell, Knight. John Banks, Eſq3 p. at Weſtminſter.
1640Phil. Mainwaring, Knight. Thomas Witherings, Eſq15 p. at Weſtminſter.
1640John Fenwick, Eſq William Carnaby, Knight16 p. at Weſtminſter.

Carnaby expelled, 26th Auguſt, 1642.

John Fiennes, Eſq George Fenwick, Eſq

Fenwick died 15th March, 1656.

N. B. Theſe latter members came in the rooms of the firſt elected Burgeſſes, on their deaths or being diſplaced, between 1640 and 1653.

 Oliver Cromwell.
16531ſt p. at Weſtminſter, 5th July, 1653.
 This parliament, called the "Little Parliament," was convened by the Uſurper, but no Repreſentatives for Cities or Boroughs, except London, were ſummoned to it.
16542d p. at Weſtminſter, 3d September, 1654.
 No Burgeſſes returned for Morpeth.
16563d p. at Weſtmiſter, 17th September, 1656.
 No Burgeſſes returned for Morpeth.
 Richard Cromwell. 
1658Robert Delaval, Eſq Robert Mitford, Eſqp. at Weſtminſter. 27th Jan. 1658.
 The Convention Parliament, 25th April, 1660.
1660Edward Lord Morpeth. George Downing, Knightp. at Weſtminſter.
 Charles II. 
1661Edward Lord Morpeth. George Downing, Knight13 p. at Weſtminſter.
1678Edward Lord Morpeth.* George Downing, Bart.31 p. at Weſtminſter.
1679George Downing, Bart. Dan. Collingwood, Eſq32 p. at Oxford.
 James II. 
1685Will. Pickering, Knight. John Oglethorp1 p. at Weſtminſter.
 The Convention Parliament, 22d Jan. 1688.
1689Roger Fenwick, Eſq Charles Lord Morpeth.p. at Weſtminſter.
 William and Mary. 
1689Roger Fenwick, Eſq Charles Lord Morpeth2 p. at Weſtminſter.
 William III. 
1695Sir Hen. Bellaſis, Knight. George Newlandp. at Weſtminſter.
 Reſolved, 9th March, 1695, that the right of Election is only in the Bailiffs and Free Burgeſſes.
1698Sir Hen. Bellaſis, Knight. Hon. Phil. Howard10 p. at Weſtminſter.
1700Sir John Delaval. Eman. Howe12 p. at Weſtminſter.
1701Sir John Delaval. Eman. Howe13 p. at Weſtminſter.
 Anne. 
17021ſt p. at Weſtminſter. 
1705Sir Richard Sandford, Bart. Edm. Maine, Eſq4 p. at Weſtminſter.
1708Sir Richard Sandford, Bart. Sir John Bennet, Knight§7 p. at Weſtminſter.
1710Sir Richard Sandford. Ch. Viſc. Caſtlecomer9 p. at Weſtminſter.
1713Sir John Germanic, Bart. Oley Douglas, Eſq12 p. at Weſtminſter.
 George I. 
1714Charles Viſc. Caſtle Comber. 
 Oley Douglas, Eſq was a petitioner with Thomas Renda, Eſq in the 1ſt p. of King George I. but he withdrawing his petition, Lord Viſc. Caſtlecomber made his election for Rippon, and a new writ ordered March 26, 1717. George Carpenter, Eſq a Colonel in the Guards was elected.
 George Carpenter, Eſq Henry Lord Morpeth1 p. at Weſtminſter.
 Robert Fenwick, Eſq was a petitioner. 
1722George Carpenter, Eſq Henry Lord Morpeth7 p. at Weſtminſter.
 George II. 
1727George Carpenter, Eſq Henry Lord Morpeth1 p. at Weſtminſter.
 Sir Thomas Robinſon, Bart. 
1734Sir Henry Liddell, Bart. Henry Lord Morpeth*7 p. at Weſtminſter.
 A new writ ordered 9th May, 1738. Hen. Furneſſe, of Gunnerſby-houſe, elected.
 Hen. Furneſſe, Eſq. 
1741Sir Hen. Liddell, Bart. Robert Ord, Eſq 14 p. at Weſtminſter.
 Sir Hen. Liddell was created Baron of Ravenſworth, 29th June 1747, and was one of the Committee choſed by ballot to enquire into the conduct of Robert E. of Orford, for 10 years paſt.
1747James Viſc. Limerick. Robert Ord, Eſq21 p. at Weſtminſter.
1754Thomas Duncomb, Eſq Robert Ord, Eſq §30 p. at Weſtminſter.
 George III. 
1761Thomas Duncomb, Eſq John Stewart Viſc. Gairlies1 p. at Weſtminſter.
 
  • The Poll of Free Burgeſſes in No. 51, 28 March, 1761.
  • Thomas Duncomb, Eſq 31
  • Lord Gairlies 26
  • John Ord 25
  • Major Midford 20
1768Peter Beckford, Eſq Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart.8 p. at Weſtminſter.
 
  • The Poll of Burgeſſes, 21 March, 1768.
  • Peter Beckford, Eſq 51
  • Sir M. W. Ridley, Bart 29
  • Francis Eyre, Eſq 26
 F. Eyre had 12 mandamus votes. He petitioned againſt Sir M. W. Ridley. 23d Feb. 1769. Sir M. W. Ridley was by the houſe voted duly elected, by a majority of 122 againſt 26.
1774Francis Eyre, Eſq Peter Delme, Eſqp. at Weſtminſter.
 
  • The Poll of Burgeſſes, 14th October, 1774.
  • Francis Eyre 162
  • Peter Delme 150
  • Hon. William Byron 140
  • Thomas Charles Bigge, of Little Benton 132

Hon. William Byron, petitioner, voted duly elected, 26th Jan. 1775, in the room of Francis Eyre.

[293]
*
E. Carliſle, 24 Feb. 1584.
E. of Carliſle, 23d April, 1692.
Of Houghill Caſtle, in the county of Weſtmoreland, Warden of the Mint.
§
Serjeant at Law.
Of Drayton, Northamptonſhire.
Carpenter, Lord Carpenter by death of his father, 10th Feb. 1731, of Homme in the county of Hereford. Sir Thomas Robinſon, Bart. of Rookby, in the county of York, in his place, a Cornet in Wade's regiment.
*
Earl of Carliſle by the death of his father, 1ſt May, 1738.
Of Peterſham, in Surry, R. R. S.
Duncomb, of Duncomb Park, in the county of York, married Diana, ſiſter to the Earl of Carliſle.
§
Ord ſucceeded Baron Idle as Chief Baron of the Exchequer of Scotland, about 4th Oct. 1755.
Nephew of Will. Beckford, Eſq Alderman of London.
Of Blagdon, county of Northumberland.
*
King Edward I. by grant enlarged this Fair to three days, on the eve, and on the feſtival of St Mary Magdalen, and the day following. 9th May 13 Edw. I.
*

Extract from the Antiquarian Repoſitory, No. IX.

The Chantry founded at Morpeth, was ſituated on the north eaſt of the bridge, as you enter the town, very near the ſide of the river Wanſbeck, in a beautiful vale of wood and water, as moſt of the religious houſes in the north are. It was partly pulled down at the diſſolution of the Monaſteries, and remained in that ſituation till the 6th year of King Edward VI. when a Grammar School was founded here, and endowed with the whole eſtates, as appears by the Grant annexed. The middle area to the weſt is entire, enlarging the windows, and breaking convenient doors, for the original entrance to the weſt, is built up with a window in the Belfrey. The north area is almoſt demoliſhed, and many houſes built out of the materials on the ground; in a yard behind theſe houſes the ground plan may be traced with the greateſt eaſe, which has been cruciform. A very handſome modern-built Chapel, for the uſe of the town, was built ſome years ago on the ſouth, and the Grammar School is kept in the weſt part, which is entire. I am well informed that ſome of the eſtates and revenues mentioned in the Grant of King Edward VI. have been alienated from the good purpoſes of the founder, are fallen at laſt into private property, and are ſo held to this day.

Abſtract of the Grant.

Edward the VIth, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and over the church of England and Ireland ſupreme head: To all to whom theſe our preſent letters ſhall come greeting, Know ye, that we, as well upon the humble petition of William Lord Dacre, Greyſtock, and Gilſland, as of the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes of the town of Morpeth, in our county of Northumberland, and many other of our ſubjects of the whole county there adjoining, for founding and erecting a Grammar School there for the inſtruction and education of youth, do of our ſpecial favour, &c. grant and ordain, that from henceforth there ſhall be one Grammar School in the ſaid town of Morpeth, which ſhall be called the Free Grammar School of King Edward VI. to be continued for ever. And we do by theſe Preſents declare, that the ſaid School ſhall have one Maſter and Aſſiſtant. Know ye, that of our ſpecial favour we have granted, of our free will and pleaſure, to the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes of the ſaid town of Morpeth, in the county of Northumberland, all thoſe two late Chantries in Morpeth, in the ſaid county, and all that late Chantry of St Egidius, founded in the chapel of Witton, in the pariſh of Hartburn, in the ſaid county, with all their rights, &c. And all and ſingular our meſſuages, lands, tenements, cottages, gardens, meadows, paſtures, feedings, rents, reverſions, ſervices, and hereditaments whatſoever, ſituate and being in Morpeth and Nether Witton, and elſewhere in the ſaid county, to the ſaid late Chantries belonging, which had been formerly granted or appointed for the ſupport of any of the Preſbyters or Miniſters formerly miniſtering in the ſaid late Chantries, or any of them; and alſo all and ſingular our meſſuages, lands, &c. &c. ſituate and being in Morpeth aforeſaid, and in Ponteland, Milburne, Dorris Hall, High Callerton, Berwick Hill, Low Callerton and Dennington, or elſewhere in our ſaid county, which have been granted for the ſupport of any Preſbyters or Miniſters formerly miniſtering in Morpeth, for the ſupport of the School of Morpeth, or for the ſupport of the Preſbyter or Miniſter in Ponteland, in the ſaid county; and the reverſions of all and ſingular the ſaid premiſſes, in as ample manner to hold, as any of the Miniſters of the late Chantries, or any Maſter of the School in Morpeth, or any perſon whatever formerly had occupied or enjoyed the ſame, as all and ſingular the ſaid premiſes have or ought to have come to our hands, by reaſon of any act paſſed in our parliament, held at Weſtminſter in the [297]firſt year of our reign, amongſt other things made and provided concerning the diſſolution and determination of divers Chantries, Colleges, Free Chapels, Gilds, and Fraternities, or ought to remain in our hands, which meſſuages, lands, &c. &c. are only computed at the clear yearly value of 20l. 10s. 8d. To hold the ſaid meſſuages, lands, &c. &c. to the ſaid Bailiffs and Burgeſſes of Morpeth for ever, to hold of us our heirs and ſucceſſors, as of our manor of Eſtegrenewicke, in our county of Kent, by fealty only of free ſoccage, yielding and paying to us, our heirs and ſucceſſors, yearly and every year, the ſum of 10s. 8d. of lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid at the feaſt of St Michael the Archangel, for all rents and ſervices and demands whatever. And we alſo give to the ſaid Bailiffs and Burgeſſes, the profits growing out of the ſame, from the feaſt of the annunciation of the bleſſed Virgin Mary laſt paſt, to the date hereof, without fine or gift to us or our heirs and ſucceſſors for the ſame. And further we grant to our ſaid Bailiffs and Burgeſſes, and the major part thereof, power with the then Biſhop of Durham to appoint Maſters when neceſſary, to make ſtatutes and laws in writing for the government of the ſame, the ſalary, the direction and management of the rents, &c. for the ſupport of the ſaid School for ever. And we further empower our Bailiffs and Burgeſſes to take and receive to them and their ſucceſſors, or of any other perſon, manors, meſſuages, lands, tenements, rectories, tythes, and other hereditaments whatſoever within the kingdom of Great Britain, or elſewhere, within our dominions, ſo as they do not exceed the yearly value of 20l. as well to ſupport the ſaid School as for the ſupport of the Bridge, or other neceſſary buildings in Morpeth, beſides the ſaid meſſuages, lands, &c. &c. to the ſaid Bailiffs and Burgeſſes, and their ſucceſſors aforeſaid granted, the ſtatute of Mortmain concerning lands and hereditaments, or any other ſtatute, act, or ordnance, had or provided to the contrary. And it is our will and pleaſure, that the ſaid Bailiffs and Burgeſſes have our letters patent duly made out and ſealed, under our great ſeal of England, without any fee or fine, great or ſmall, to be made, paid, or given for the ſame, in our Hanaper office or elſewhere.

In witneſs whereof we have cauſed theſe our letters to be made patent, at Weſtminſter, the 12th day of March, in the 6th year of our reign.

Signed
  • Nel. Beaumont.
  • E. Shawfeld.

Inrolled in the office of Richard Hochenſon, Auditor of our Lord the King, in the ſaid county of Northumberland, 26th day of March, in the 6th year of our Reign.

Statutes and Ordinances for this School were made by the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes, and confirmed by the Right Reverend Father in God, William Lord Biſhop of Durham, the 7th day January, A. D. 1725, amongſt which the following are particularly worthy notice.

10—The Maſter ſhall be of the degree of Maſter of Arts.

11—The Uſher ſhall be Batchelor of Arts.

13—They ſhall teach all Freemen and Brothers Children gratis.

14—That the Sons of all Tenants and Farmers, who have not a freehold eſtate above the value of 20l. per annum, ſhall be taught for 20s. per annum; and the Maſter and Uſher ſhall aſk no more.

Which Statutes and Ordinances were thus ratified.

I do hereby conſent and approve of the aboveſaid Statutes and Orders for the Free Grammar School at Morpeth, containing in number 45, and do as much as in me lies (as Viſitor of the ſaid School) ratify and confirm the ſame. Witneſs my Hand and Epiſcopal Seal, this 12th day of February, Anno Dom. 1725. W. (LS) Dureſme. L.
Common Seal of the Corporation of Morpeth.

[298]The Maſter's ſalary is near 100l. a year, the Uſher's about 60l. a year.

The Sons of Freemen and Brothers of Morpeth are only intitled to be taught gratis.

  • John Maxwell — Ludi Mag. not. lic. oc. 1577.
  • Nych. Rydley, ſub. ipo didaſcalus. not. lic. 1577.
  • Bryan Henſhaw, A. M. lic. Oct. 10. 1618. Oc. 28th Nov. 1627.
  • El. P. Balivos Burgeuſes & Aldermanos.
  • Steph. Jackſon, A. B. lic. (f. Uſher) Aug. 18. 1683.
  • — Grover, A. M.
  • Mordecai Cary, A. M.
  • Scholar of Trin. Col. Cam. appointed Biſhop of Clonfert in Ireland, Mar. 22. 1731. aft. Biſhop of Killala and Achonry, Dec. 20, 1735.
  • Humph. Holden, M. A. 1732, by promotion of Cary.
  • Ob. Mar. 20. 1771. at Morpeth.
  • John Loddington, B. A. Uſh. oc. 1740. reſ. 1751. for a Col. Liv. in Norfolk, bred up at Eaton School. Fel. of King's Col. Camb. preſented to the R. of Hadeſcoe, co. of Norfolk by King's Col. and to the R. of Toft, two ſmall diſcharged Rectories.
  • Thomas Barker, M. A. Elec. Uſh. June 21, 1752.
  • — Garthwaite. oc. Uſh. Aug. 2. 1758.
  • Thomas Vaughan, M. A. oc. Uſh. Aug. 12, 1762.
  • William Sanderſon, B. A. Uſh. oc. Aug. 9. 1766.
  • The Poll of the Voters in No. 138, Sep. 20, 1771, at the Town-hall.
  • William Holden, M. A. Curate of Morpeth 95
  • William Sanderſon, M. A. Uſher 43
  • William Holden, M. A. Elec. Sep. 20th, 1771, on the death of H. Holden his father. Never licenſed by the Biſhop. Meanly learned.
  • The Poll of the Voters in No. 211, Apr. 24. 1772.
  • William Sanderſon. M. A. Uſh. ſupported by Lord Carliſle's int. 108
  • W. Walter, M A. Under Maſter of Newcaſtle School 103
  • William Sanderſon Elect.

Several freemen brought from London to vote on this occaſion.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
[296]

Antonius de Bek manerium de Aukeland cum capella & Cameris ſuptuoſiſſime conſtruxit, capellanis in Capella in perpetuum ſervituris eccleſiam de Morpath approprians. Sed eo mortuo Radulphus filius Gulielmi dominus de Graiſtok patronatum illius eccleſiae per litem acquiſivit, & ſic Capella indotata remanſit.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 334.
In Obitum Henrici Graii nuper de
Novo Monaſterio Armig. qui obiit ultimo
Die Martii Anno Domini 1597. Poſuit
Thomas Grey, filius Primogenitus
Pietatis ergo.
Underneath are the Arms of the Greys of Chillingham, with their motto,
De bon Valoir.

Below are theſe Stanzas.

Conditus hic Jaceo quartus genitore Radulpho
Filius ex Graio milite fic jaceo.
Nupta fuit mihi Woddringt [...]nia chara Maria
Militis ac clari nata Johannis ea
Una dies partus nos, ut Baptiſmata Una
Junxit ſic Una lex hymenea toro.
Annos bis Septem ſociale federe juncti
Ruperunt tetrici vincula noſtra Deae
Bis binos pueros mihi, treſque Lucina Puellos
Praebuit extincti pignora chara mei.
§

W. Turner, born at Morpeth, bred in Cambridge, was a general ſcholar, and very zealous in the proteſtant religion, writing much in the defence thereof, and much moleſted for the ſame by Biſhop Gardener and others. After long impriſonment he eſcaped and fled beyond the ſeas. At Ferrara in Italy he commenced Doctor in Phyſic: he wrote an Herbal and a book of Phyſick for the Engliſh gentry, beſides ſeveral other Treatiſes. He died in Germany, in the reign of Queen Mary, whoſe cotemporary and fellow confeſſor,

Thomas Gibſon, born at Morpeth, wrote a book of Herbs, as alſo a Treatiſe, intitled The Treaſons of the Prelates ſince the Conqueſt.

England's Worthies.

The great Antiquary J. Horſley, author of the Roman Antiq. of Britain, ob. 1732, Paſtor of a diſſenting Congregation at Morpeth.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Morpeth caſtle ſtondy the by Morpith towne, it is ſet on a highe hille, and about the hill is moche wood. Towne and caſtle belongeth to the Lord Dacres. It is well mayntayned.

Lel. Itin. vol. 7. p. 53.

Bytwixte New Caſtle and Morpethe litle wood grounde. Bytwyxt Morpethe and Alnewick good plenty of wood in certayne places, and many parks.

Ibid. p. 54.
*

Iſte Willielmus victorioſus et in omnibus hoſtitudiis glorioſus erat valde; et cum aedificaſſet caſtellum de Graiſtock, et Turrem de Morpath, et multa alia dignitatis opera, obiit apud Brampſpeth, et apud Graiſtock ſepultus eſt.

Eſcheat 33 Edw. III.

The barony of Morpeth conſiſted not only of the caſtle and lordſhip of the town, but has many villages members of it, as Grimweſt, Ulweham, Hebſcot, Schillington, Twiſel, Salwick, Two Duddens, Cliſten, Cladwell, Stannington, Shorton, Blakedon, north and ſouth, Wideſlad, Killingwith, Benton, and Waver.

Bourne's Hiſt. Newcaſtle.
Camden has this remarkable relation of Morpeth. That in the year 1215 it was ſet on fire by the inhabitants themſelves to prejudice King John, who would have reſted there in his infamous excurſion.

Ranulphus de Merlay, una cum Juliana uxor ejus, & Oſberto filio ejus, ſepulti ſunt in boreali parte domus capituli Novi Monaſterii quod Condidit.

Ex Autographo Perantiquo.
§

Willielmus de Merley Omnibus, &c. Me et meos Homines dediſſe & Conceſſiſſe in perpetua elemofina, unum carucatam terrae domni infirmorum de Morpathe, &c.

Monaſt. Angl. vol. 1.
*

Cum Rogerus de Merley primus haec et alia conſilia compleviſſet, obdormivet in Domino, et in domo Capituli Novi Monaſterii cum patre ſuo ſepultus eſt. Et ſucceſſit ei Rogerus filius, qui dicitur Rogerus de Merley ſecundus.

Ex Autographo.

Rogerus de Merley ſecundus, Burgam de Morpath decoravit, et multa alia opera caritativa, et poſt obitum ſuum ſepultus eſt in Clauſtro ad introitum domus Capituli Novi Monaſterii, Hoſpitali de Catchburn tunc per ipſum promoto.

Ex Autographo.
*

He died 1265: an inquiſition was ſoon after taken of his poſſeſſions, when it was found he had the following revenue, &c.

  • Burgenſes, Burgi pro firma burgi XI.
  • Pro Piſcario Salmonum in aqua de Wanſpeck
  • Cum felon. et ſtallag. XLVIs. VIIId.
  • Cottingwood XLVIs. VIIId. per annum.
  • Eaſt Park VII. XIIIs. IVd. per annum.
  • Weſt Park in Manu domini.

Having no iſſue, he ſettled this barony on his kinſman Ralph Fitz William, who aſſumed the name and title of Ralph Lord Greyſtock. He founded a chantry in the church of Tynmouth, and lived to a great age. Ob. 1316, and was interred at Newſham.

By an inquiſition taken at his death, he appears to have died poſſeſſed of the following eſtates.

 £s.d.
The manor of Morpeth8450
of Ulgham48134
Villa of Hepeſcotes2000
Mediety of the Hamlet of Tramwell 149
Part of the villa of Horſley10166
Mediety of the villa of Stannington900
— of Benton and the rents of Killingworth18138
Held by the ſervice of two Knights fees, now paying only 10l. money payment, quod jacent Vaſtae.   
A Mediety of the manors of Stiford and Heddon on the Wall, Adgerton, Dodington, with their hamlets, of the barony of Bolbeck, held by two Knights fees, of the yearly value of8000
Sed nunc nihil reddunt, quod jacent vaſtae.   

[304]And by another inquiſition taken before the ſame Eſcheats it appears, that

The Coheireſſes of Ade Barret held the manor of Walker of the manor of Morpeth in Capite, by the ſervice of one Knight's fee, and ſervice at the court of Morpeth, &c. and the mills of Benton ad XIII. vas. and that the aforeſaid manor of Walker uſed to pay yearlyX Marks.
That Eliz. Conyers held the manor of Clyfton of the manor of Morpeth in Capite, by the ſervice of one Knight's fee and ſuit of court, and payed£s.d.
1000
The heirs of Hugh Gibon held the manor of Shilvington, &c. &c.2000
Edward de Duddon, the manor of Duddon, &c. &c.1000
Hugo Cocus of Stannington, lands there, &c. &c.1000
Adam de Benton, lands at Hyrmyngfield011
William de Camera, lands at Kyllyngworth00
William Prudholme, do. do. with ſuit of court at Benton0153
Thomas Dryng, do. do. and ſuit at the Lord's mill1107
Robert of the church of Morpeth, lands at Morpeth080
John de Rukeby, ditto0126
Rogerus de Horſley, lands at Whythcome, a pound of Cumin   
The advowſon of the church of Morpeth of the yearly value of1000
The advowſon of the church of Horſley, ditto2000

Ralph Lord Greyſtock, a younger ſon ſucceeded him, but died the year following, 1317, and was interred at Butterwick.

Ralph Lord Greyſtock died by poiſon at Gateſhead, A. D. 1324, by the contrivance of the accomplices of Sir Gilbert de Middleton, in revenge for his being a chief inſtrument in apprehending him at Mitford caſtle. He was interred at Newcaſtle.

William Lord Greyſtock. He firſt married a daughter of Lord Lucy, and afterwards a daughter of Henry Fitz Hugh, Lord Ravenſwath. He died A. D. 1358, and was interred at Grayſtock.

Ralph Lord Greyſtock. A great benefactor to Brinkburn and New Minſter. He died A. D. 1417.

He was ſummoned to the parliament at Weſtminſter 1ſt King Richard II. 1ſt and 7th King Henry IV. and to the parliament at Leiceſter 2d King Henry V. Die vemente proxime poſt feſtum Navitatis ſancti Johannis Baptiſtae anno Richardi ſecundo quarto, apud Horſridge in Glendale, dictus baro, cum Willielmo de Aton, et aliis militibus, et multis validis, infeliciter captus eſt per Georgiam comitem de Dunbar; ob quod Willielmus frater ejuſdem baronis miſſus in hoſtagio pro eo apud Dunbar, tactus Morbo peſtilentiali mortuus eſt, et ſepultus ibidem; ſed poſt duos annos completos corpus ejus integra carne et pelle tranſlatum eſt, et eoram ſummo altari in Novo Monaſterio juxta Margeriam Dominam de Ulgham ſepultum eſt. Et nihilominus dictis baro mediante malicia Johannis ducis Lancaſtriae, redemptus eſt pro MMM marcarum ad quam redemptioned Johanna Mater ejus fecit levari de Burgenſibus de Morpath per manus Johanni de paſſenham, receptoris ſui VIII. XIIIs. Xd.

[305]John Lord Greyſtock married Elizabeth, one of the daughters and coheireſſes of Robert Lord Wemme. He died 14th King Henry VI. and was ſucceeded by

Ralph Lord Greyſtock, married Elizabeth daughter of William Fitz Hugh Lord Ravenſwath. He died ad King Henry VII. He had one ſon, who died in his father's life time, leaving one daughter by Elizabeth daughter of Edmund Gray Duke of Kent.

Elizabeth Baroneſs Greyſtock and Wemme. She married Thomas Lord Dacre, of Gilſland. He died 17th King Henry VIII. and was ſucceeded by his ſon,

William Lord Dacre. He died 6th Queen Elizabeth, and was ſucceeded by his ſon,

Thomas Lord Dacre. He died 9th Queen Elizabeth, and was ſucceeded by his ſon,

George Lord Dacre, who dying under age, his honors and eſtates deſcended to his two ſiſters Ann and Elizabeth.

Ann married Philip Earl of Arundel, eldeſt ſon of the Duke of Norfolk.

Elizabeth married Willliam Howard, of Naworth Caſtle, Cumberland, third ſon of Thomas Duke of Norfolk. He was formidable to the Moſs troopers, who in deriſion called him Bald Willy.

His grandſon Charles was created Lord Dacre of Gilſland, Viſcount Morpeth, and Earl of Carliſle. He died A. D. 1684, and was ſucceeded by his ſon,

Edward Earl of Carliſle. He was ſucceeded by his ſon,

Charles Earl of Carliſle. He was ſucceeded by his ſon,

Henry Earl of Carliſle. He died. A. D. 1758, and was ſucceeded by his ſon,

Frederick Earl of Carliſle.

[303]
*
This gate-way is of the ſame model as the gate of Alnwick caſtle, and by its architecture and ornaments appears to be nearly of the ſame date.
*

The following curious ſurvey of this caſtle was publiſhed in the Antiquarian Repertory.

The following extract is copied from a ſurvey called the book of Bothool Baronrye, in Northumberland, moſt beautifully written, and in high preſervation, the property of his Grace the Duke of Portland, to whom that barony now belongs. It was taken the 20th day of June; 1576, by Cuthbert Carnable, Robert Maddiſon, and John Lawſon, tenants to that manor, by virtue of a commiſſion granted by Cuthbert Lord Ogle, and directed to the afore-named Cuthbert Carnabie, Robert Maddiſon, Jacob Ogle, Eſqrs Anthony Ratcliff and John Lawſon, Gents. the whole 5, or any 4, 3, or 2 of them. Dated at Bothole the 6th day of May in the ſaid year.

To this manor of Bothoole belongeth ane Caſtell in circumference cccclxxxx foote, wharto belongeth ane Caſtell, great chaulmer, parler, vij bed chaulmers, one galare, butterie, pantrie, lardenor, kitchinge, backhouſe, brewhouſe, a ſtable, an court called the yethouſe, wharin thare is a priſon, a porter loge, and diverſe faire chaulmering, an common ſtable, and a towre called Blanke Towre, a gardine, ane nurice, chapel, and an towre called Ogle's Towre and Paſtrie, with many other prittie beauldings here not ſpecified, faire gardinges and orchetts, wharin growes all kind of hearbes and flowres, and fine appiles, plumbes of all kynde, peers, damfellis, nuttes, wardens, cherries, to the black and reede, wallnutes, and alſo licores verie fyne, worth by the yeare XXL.

*

Pateat univerſis &c me Robtm Ogle militem conſtituiffe &c Wm Bertram Rob̄tm Reymes Robt̄m Mitford Armiḡes & Wm Lawſon Attornat ad intrand. &c in toto Manerio de North Midleton &c in Com. Northumb̄ cum oībis Terris &c qe nuper fuerunt Rob̄ti de Ogle patris mei in praedicta villa ad deliberand. pro me et noīe meo Johanni Ogle Fratri meo plenam & pacificam ſeiſin. &c habend. ſibi et aſſignatis ſuis ſecundum Cartam feoffamenti eidem Johi inde fact. date eſt ſicut dat. preſentu. &c

dat. 11o. Sep. 33. Hen. 6. In the Collection of W. H.

*
Henricus Comes Northumbrie & Dn̄s Honoris de Cockermouth oib̄s ad quos, &c. Sciatis, me bro bono & fideli ſervitio qd dilectus ſerviter mē Johanes Ogle Armiger nobis ante hec Tempora impendit & impoſterum impendit dediſſe, &c. Confirmaſſe eidem Jōni totum Dominum ac Manerium nr̄m de Foxdon in Com Northmb. Hebendm̄, &c. ſibi abſq. aliquo redditu ſive forina, &c. ad Term̄nm vitae ſuae in Cugus rei, &c. Datte apud Petteworth, 12 Octb. 28 King Henry VI.
William the Conqueror, by his deed without date, confirmed to Humphrey all the liberties and royalties of his manor of Ogle, in as ample a manner as any of his anceſtors had enjoyed the ſame before the time of the Normans.

Sir Robert Bertram's Lady ſurvived him, and married John De Hatfield.

Mr Wallis mentions the following perſonages, which are unnoticed in a pedigree of the family in the author's poſſeſſion, made out at the herald's office.

Sir Robert de Ogle, who married Johanna the youngeſt daughter and coheireſs of Sir Alan de Heton, of Edlingham, as by an inquiſition taken 21 King Richard II.

Sir Robert de Ogle, High Sheriff of Northumberland 16 King Henry VI.

The title of the firſt Lord Ogle, he ſays, was Baron Ogle, of Ogle.

§
He had a brother John, who ſettled in Lancaſhire, and had great poſſeſſion. This line is alſo now reduced to female repreſentation.
*
He was at the battle of Branxton.
Of whom there were ſeven Lords and thirty Knights. This Genealogical Table begins with Humphrey Ogle, of Ogle Caſtle, at the time of the Conqueſt.
*
The principal proprietors are Sir Thomas Clavering, Bart. and Matthew Ridley, Eſq.
Near this place is a ſpring called St Margaret's well, but without any medicinal qualities. Its name derived from days of ſuperſtition, when, for every trifle, places and things were beatified by the churchmen.
*
  • Robert de Creſſwell King John
  • Simon King Henry III.
  • Roger 21 King Edward I.
  • Robert King Edward II.
  • Alexander 43 King Edward III. and
  • Alexander 2d King Richard II.
  • John 10th King Richard II.
  • John King Henry V.
  • George King Henry VII.
  • Robert King Henry VII.
  • Oſwin Queen Elizabeth.
  • John Queen Elizabeth.
  • John King James I.
  • John
  • William
  • William
  • John the preſent poffeſſor
Wallis.
*
Since the Author's tour this fine manſion was deſtroyed by fire, ſaid to be occaſioned by the negligence of workmen.
  • Gerard de Widdrington 1ſt King Edward I.
  • Sir Roger 36th. King Edward III. High Sheriff of Northumberland.
  • Sir John 22 King Richard II. High Sheriff 11th King Henry IV. and 4th and 8th of King Henry VI.
  • Sir Roger 10th, 14th, and 21ſt King Henry VI. High Sheriff.
  • Gerard 5th King Edward IV. High Sheriff.
  • John 12th, 13th, 14th King Edward IV. High Sheriff.
  • Sir John 32d King Henry VIII. 6th King Edward VI. and 1ſt Queen Elizabeth, High Sheriff.
  • Sir Henry 21ſt Queen Elizabeth, and 3d King James I. High Sheriff. One of the Repreſentatives of the county in Parliament 1ſt, 12th, and 18th King James I.
  • Sir William 12th King Charles I. High Sheriff. A Repreſentative in Parliament for this county 15th, 16th, and 17th of ſame reign; one of the 56 who voted to ſave Earl Strafford; was committed to the Tower for introducing candles into the houſe without a previous order. He was expelled the houſe A. D. 1642, for refuſing to attend, and raiſing forces for the King; was created Baron Widdrington 1643. After the battle of Marſton Moor, he fled. On the King's march to Worceſter, he ſtaid at Wigan, in Lancaſhire, with Earl Derby and about 200 horſe, where they were ſurprized by the Parliament forces at day break, when he diſdained to be a priſoner or take quarter.
  • William Lord Widdrington his ſon, was one of the Council of State on the reſtoration.
  • William Lord Widdrington his ſon. On his attainder, his effects were computed at 100,000l.
  • Henry his ſon. His ſeat at Stella on Tyne.
Wallis.
*

The date thereon 1589.

His wife was interred in Bothall church, and her tomb has the following inſcription:

Here lyeth Catharine the wife of John Ogle,
of Cawſey Park Eſqr. daughter of
Robert Woodrington Eſqr. by
Margaret his wife, which Margaret was ſiſter to
Robert the 6th and Cothbert the 7th Lord Ogle.
She died May 23d, 1609.

James their ſon was interred in the church of St. Andrew, in Newcaſtle upon Tyne; the following inſcription on his tomb:

Hic jacet Jacobus Ogle de Cauſey Park in Comitatu Northumbr. Armiger. Antiquitate Domus, utpote et praenobili Baronia Ogle de Ogle, ſtirpe recta linea oriundus, verè clarus. Sed invicta in, perduelles, graſſantibus nuperis civilibus Bellis, animi magnitudine, conſtantia in regem, etiam in triſtiſſimo authoritatis deliquio fidelitate, in ſuperiores obſervantia, in pares comitate, in inferiores benignitate, quae omnia juſtiſſimo titulo ſua vocare poterat, multo illuſtrior. Obiit Dec. 4 die, annoque Dom. 1664.

*
  • John de Horſley 1 King Edward III.
  • Richard 37, 43, 44, 45 King Edward III. High Sheriff.
  • John King Henry VI.
  • Sir John 1 King Edward VI. knighted after the victory at Muſſelburgh.
  • Cuthbert 1 Queen Mary. Repreſentative in Parliament for Northumberland, and for the borough of Morpeth, 2d and 3d ſame reign.
  • Edward Horſley Widdrington, whoſe only daughter and heir married Thomas Riddell, Eſq of Swinburn Caſtle.
Wallis.
Mr Wallis ſays, that the Lord of this manor compelled all the tenants within the manor to keep the ways and ditches round their grounds in good order, on pain of being whipped the day after his court was held. As his authority for this ſtrange penalty, he quotes the Autographo Perantiquo, ‘Et iſte eſt Rogerus, qui ſubditos ſuos in Horſley ad vias et foſſatas circa Campos de Horſley bene conſervandas et diligenter ſuſtentandas, tractare ſtatuit. Et quod quicunque convictus fuerit de aliquo fragmento in foſſatis vel viis praedictis in Campo ſuo tenetur ibidem in craſtino inventionis ſanctae crucis, et craſtino ſancti Martini in hieme, et reddet domino ſuo pro quolibet delicto ſuo duas Virgas ſerveas quoties inde convictus fuerit.’ I conceive Mr Wallis has miſtranſcribed the word ſerveas; how he renders the ſentence to make it imply ſuch a penalty as he has ſtated, even allowing the word ſerveas to be right, I know not. The Virga ſerrea was a royal ſtandard meaſure kept in the Exchequer; and it is moſt probable the penalty inflicted on the tenants of Horſley was a forfeiture, meeted by the Virga ferrea.
*
  • Sir Henry le Scrope 20 King Edward III.
  • Sir Stephen King Richard II.
  • Sir Henry 8 King Henry IV.
  • Sir John King Henry V.
  • Sir Thomas 25 King Henry VI.
Wallis.
*
From Ogle Caſtle you command a pretty view of Belſey Caſtle.
  • John de Eure—aiding the Scots againſt King Edward II. His lands after his death, then in poſſeſſion of Sir John his ſon, were ſeized to the uſe of the crown.
  • Sir John — doth not appear to have had reſtitution of his inheritance.
  • Sir Ralph — 5 King Richard II. member of parliament for Northumberland. In him the eſtates appear to be reſtored.
  • Sir William — 15th King Henry VI. High Sheriff of Northumberland.
  • Sir Ralph — 19th King Henry VII. High Sheriff. 28th King Henry VIII. he was Lord Warden of the Eaſt Marches, and kept the borders in profound peace. He, with his friends, tenants, and ſervants, maintained the caſtle of Scarborough for ſix weeks againſt the northern rebels; the garriſon living for 20 days on bread and water—a duty performed through affection and not office. 36 King Henry VIII. he joined the royal army in Scotland with 5000 light horſe, and rendered ſingular ſervices—37th of the ſame reign he was ſlain at Halidon Rigg, with Lord Ogle.
  • Sir William — Was raiſed to the peerage in the ſame reign, was Deputy Warden of the Eaſt Marches 6th King Edward VI. was a General of the army againſt Scotland commanded by Earl Suſſex 12th Queen Elizabeth.
  • William Lord Eure—ſometime Governor of the Middle Marches.
Wallis.
*

A. D. 1291 in the Lincoln Taxation is the following eſtimate of this Collegiate Church.

  • Ponteland Rectoria XXXl. XIId.
  • Prebanda dom. Carol de Bellamont XXIIl.
  • Prebenda Philipi de Wyleby XXl. Xs.

N. B. 27l. per annum is only applied to the uſe of this School.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Pons Elii in libro Notitiae ſtatio eſt Tribuni Cohortis Cornoviorum Etiam hodie depravata voce Pont Eleand dicitur, tanquam Pons Elianus atq. ultra Elij Hadriani vallum, eſt in Otodinis, ad fluviolum de ſuo nomine hodie Pont appellatum.

Baxti. Gloſs. ad. v. 6.

This family poſſeſſed Felling, in the county of Durham.

Memorand. quod anno Dni Millimo ſexcentemo. quarto die Menſis Aprilis XXIIIo, Robertus Brandling de felling in Com. Dunelm. Ar. fecit homagiu et fidelitatem Mro Willimo James theologiae profeſſori Decano et Captlo Dunelm Cathis Eccliae Xpi et btae Mariae Virginis & Manerio de Felling prdict. ſuis otinen quod tenetur de Decano & Captlo Dunelm ꝑ ſervitium Militare et coem ſectam ad liberam Curiam eorund. Decani et Captlo dequindena in quindenam et reddendo pro ſcutagio qu [...]ndo ponitur ꝑ patriam iiijs. quando ſcutagiu currit ad xls. et plus et redd. ad Scaccariu Decani et Captlo. pd ꝑ annum xxvis. viijd. act. in magna Camera infra Aedes. Decanatus Dunelm. in putia mei Thomae King Notarii pubci. Dcoru Decani et Captlo Regraij, pntibus etiam tunc et ibm.

Sic ſubſcript.
  • Anthony Diſney
  • James Temple
  • John Horſſie
  • Thomas Caldwall
  • Robert Maſſam

Deo Roberto Brandling flexis genibus ſic dicente.

I do become yours and the Chapters man from this day forward for life, and member, and for earthly honour, and to you ſhall be faithful and loyal and ſhall beare faith to you for the lands which I do claime to hold of you, ſaving the faith I owe to our Soveraigne Lord the King, and to ſuch other Lords as I hold of.

*

Surtees were poſſeſſed of Gosforth from the time of King Henry I.

  • Richard Surtees King Henry III.
  • Ralph 1 King Edward I.
  • Thomas 47 King Edward III. High Sheriff, alſo 2 King Richard II.
  • Thomas 8 & 9 King Henry V. High Sheriff.
Wallis.
*
  • Sir Robert Brandling 1 King Edward VI. created a Knight banneret after the defeat of the Scots near Muſſelburg. A repreſentative in parliament for Newcaſtle on Tyne in the year 1547, and alſo in the 1ſt, 2d, and 3d years of Queen Mary, and 5 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Sir Robert 15th James I. High Sheriff. A repreſentative in parliament for Morpeth the 18th of the ſame reign.
  • Sir Francis 21 King James I. A repreſentative in parliament for the county of Northumberland 21ſt King James, and 1ſt King Charles I. and High Sheriff 6th of the ſame reign.
Wallis.

This Chantry was dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin, for one Chaplain, to be nominated by the Archdeacon of Northumberland for the time being.

A Croſt on the ſouth ſide of the church, with paſture for 4 cows and 30 ewes, with their followers of one year old.

10 acres of Land, and half a Ploughland in Clifton, and 20 acres in Coldwell, to be held of the Priory of Hexham, at 1s. 6d. rent.

3 Oxgangs of Land in Coldwell, with Common of Paſture in Clifton and Coldwell, to hold of Gilbert Coniers and his heirs at 1s. rent.

A Silver Chalice, gilt, of the value of 23s. alſo veſtments for the Chaplain.

The Grant of the Lands is witneſſed by Hugone de Bolbeck, Euſtachio de la Vale, Rogero Bertram de Bethall, Johanne de Pleſſes, Adam Barret, Johanne filio Simonis, Thoma de Ogle, Willielmo de Horſley, Richardo de Saltwick, Willielme filio Radulphi, Adam de Pleſſes, Nicholas de Beckrig, Walter de Witton, & aliis, and concludes thus, "Iſta charta et Chirograffata in quatuor partes. Unam partem habeo penes me et haeredes meos cum ſigillo Archidiaconi Northumbriae. Aliam partem habet capellanus penes ſe ſigillo meo ſignatum. Tertia pars apud Tynemouth, eſt in Cuſtodia prioris et Conventus. Et quarta pars eſt in Cuſtodia prioris et Conventus Dunelmiae Eccleſiae."

*

Copyhold Books H. Page 227. Fox. 1498.

Cur. ap. Bedlington xviijo. Apr. Ao. Tranſl. Rici. quarto & Ao. R. H. 7. xiijo. cora. R. Danby Seneſc.

Jur. Regal. ꝑtin Dn̄o Ep̄o infa. Dniūm iſtud.

Vered̄em.

It. Iur. dic. ſup. ſacru. ſem qd. le ankarage & le wreyk maris, ac oīa al. regalia infa. Dn̄iū. iſtud accident. ſolūmodo ꝑtinent dn̄o Ep̄o ut de jure regali Ecc̄lie ſue & nulli alteri & ſemp. ſuerunt a tempe qo. non memoria Hoiū. contrariū. exiſtāt, niſi in temp̄e. Johis Spittell nup. Ballivi p. favorem ſuſtinēbat Johem̄ Goſten & Johem Raw tenent comit Weſtml̄d ꝑ ſex annos occupare ea Tamen id Joh̄es Spittell his ꝑſens in Cur fatetur ſe ocupaſſe & recepiſſe ead regalia ad uſu et oficium dc̄i dn̄i Ep. ſitit Ric̄us Taillor & Joh. Forſter deputati ſui occupaverunt eadem.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*
It is ſaid, at the reſtoration, the purchaſers of church lands offered the King the round ſum of 500,000l. to confirm their right for 99 years, on payment of the old rents to the Biſhops and Clergy, which offer his Majeſty was ſo far from complying with, that he granted a commiſſion of inquiry touching ſuch eſtates.
  • Thomas Cramlington 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Robert King Charles I.

His eſtate was ſequeſtered by parliament 1652.

Anno 1. Thomas Hatfield Epiſc. anno 19 Edward III. 1346. ‘Per Compotum ſolut Epiſc. pro Anchoragis navium in Aqua d'Blyth in Bedlingtonſhire 4d. pro qualibet nave, toto iijs. iiijd.
§
Anno 31 Eliz. Cop. Halmot Rob. Lambton, anno 43 Eliz. Cop. Toby Matthew Epiſc. — Bowes.
*
  • John de Cramlington King Edward II.
  • Richard 33 King Edward III.
  • William 16 King Richard II.
Wallis.
  • William Lawſon 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Robert Lawſon 7 Queen Ann, High Sheriff of Northumberland 1708.
Wallis.
*
In a periodical publication, printed for Snagg, in Fleet-ſtreet, I find the following account: Cullicoats, a place otherwiſe of no great diſtinction, but worthy remembrance in this reſpect, that it is a very commodious little port, of artificial conſtruction, or as the common people ſtile it, an harbour made by hand. It is dry at low water and difficult at the entrance; but it ſerves for coals and ſalt belonging to the works of particular perſons, at whoſe expence it was conſtructed. Seaton Sluice was originally of the ſame kind. Sir Ralph Delaval was continually contriving new improvements, in the exerciſe of which he never heſitated at expence; and amongſt the reſt made this port, on his own plan, and entirely at his own charge, for the benefit of his tenants and himſelf immediately, but without excluding others who choſe to uſe it. In the conſtruction of this ſmall harbour he found enough to exerciſe his ſkill and patience; the ſtone pier which covered it from the north eaſt wind, being carried away by the ſea more than once; and when he had overcome this difficulty by uſing timber as well as ſtone, he felt a new inconvenience by his port's filling up with mud and ſand, though a pretty ſharp rill ran through it, which had ſo hollowed the rock as to produce the very baſon which Sir Ralph would convert into a haven. In order to remove this miſchief, he placed a new ſtrong ſluice, with flood-gates upon his brook, and theſe being ſhut by the coming in of the Tyde, the back water collected itſelf into a body, and forcing a paſſage at the ebb, carried all before it; and twice in 24 hours ſcoured the bed of the haven clean. King Charles II. who had a great taſte for matters of this kind, made him collector and ſurveyor of his own port.’
*
Made by Sir John Huſſey Delaval.
*
  • John Mitford — 6 King Edward VI.
  • John — 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Robert — Queen Elizabeth.
  • Robert — 25 King Charles II.
  • Michael — Queen Ann.
Wallis.
*
His Monument in the priory-yard has the following Epitaph:
Hic fitae ſunt mortales Reliquiae
Henrici Villiers Armigeri
Stirpe antiqua prognati
Unici
Honoratiſſimi Comitis de Jerſey
Fratris
Nec non hujus preſidii
Circiter Viginti annos
Fidelis et perquam dilectus
Praefectus
Vixit annos 49 Obiit 18 Aug.
Anno Dom. MDCCVII.
*

In P. Monier's celebrated Hiſtory of Painting, &c. we have the following remarkable paſſages touching the original uſe of Paintings and Sculptures in the chriſtian churches.

One would have thought that the excellence of deſigning ought to have been kept up at Rome, by reaſon that from the beginning of the Chriſtian Religion the Chriſtians made uſe of painting and ſculpture, to repreſent the hiſtories of the Old and New Teſtament, to adorn their churches and tombs.

St Gregory * of Nice aſſures us, he could not refrain from tears at the ſight of a picture wherein Abraham was repreſented about to ſacrifice his ſon: In his oration of St Theodore he deſcribes the greatneſs and magnificence of a temple conſecrated to that Saint. He takes notice that his martyrdom was extraordinarily well done, and that the characters of the grief and conſtancy of this martyr, of the fierceneſs and cruelty of the tyrant, and the aſſiſtance of our bleſſed Lord to crown this happy ſaint, were as legible in this piece as in a book; inſomuch, that the Pictures on the walls were like a lively and uſeful ſermon.

Saint Baſil confirms the ſame thing, and ſays, that painters do as much by their figures as orators by theirs, and that both equally ſerve to perſuade and raiſe the contemplators to virtue. —There were ſome excellent painters among the Greeks in the year 800; for there was nothing more ſurprizing, nor of greater uſefulneſs, than a piece of the day of judgment done by Methodius, which ſo ſenſibly affected Bogoris, King of the Bulgarians, that it converted that prince, and afterwards all his ſubjects to chriſtianity.

Images in the chriſtian religion began from the time of Jeſus Chriſt: the firſt that was made was by a lady, whereof there is made mention in St Luke, cha. 8. v. 46. This holy woman, as an acknowledgement of her cure, erected in the city of Caeſarea a ſtatue of I. C. It was of braſs, and at his feet was the ſtatue of this woman, in a ſupplicant poſture. She was ſo acceptable to God, that he gave a miraculous virtue to a plant that grew at the foot of this ſtatue, and when it was grown high enough to touch the fringe of this image, it healed all ſorts of diſeaſes.§ Several hiſtorians record this truth, particularly Euſebius of Caeſarea, who was an ocular witneſs of the truth of it; and Sozomen reports that Julian the apoſtate, by reaſon of the hatred he bore to I. C. cauſed this famous ſtatue to be taken away, and ordered his own to be ſet up in its place: but he was immediately puniſhed for this ſacrilege, for lightning falling thereon conſumed it to aſhes.

There are other authors who write, that from the time of the apoſtles there were images of the painting of I. C. * and that our bleſſed Saviour was the inventor of them, at the ſolicitation of Abagarus King of Edeſſa, who having heard of the miracles of C. I. ſent a painter to draw his picture; but when he could not lay down the deſign of it, by reaſon of the ſhining rays that iſſued from his divine looks, our Lord, to ſatisfy the requeſt of the King of Edeſſa, covered his face with a linen vail, whereon he imprinted his divine image, and ſent it to that prince, by virtue whereof he was healed of a diſeaſe otherwiſe incurable. In the time of the apoſtles were alſo to be ſeen images of the bleſſed virgin; for St Luke made ſeveral of them: this is witneſſed by St Gregory the patriarch, of Conſtantinople, in what he writes to the Emperor Leo Iſaurianus.

Theodorus further ſhews, that the Empreſs Eudoxia ſent one of theſe images, painted by St Luke, to Pulcheria Auguſta; § there is alſo one to be ſeen at this day at Rome, made by the ſame ſaint, which is carefully kept by the religious of Saint Sylveſter.

Although the hiſtory of the portrait of C. I. ſent to Abagarus, and that of the portrait of the Holy Virgin, painted by St Luke, are ſcrupled and conteſted about by ſome, notwithſtanding I thought fit to relate them here to ſhew the antiquity of images after the example of the ſecond Nicene Council. Thoſe of the Apoſtles, Confeſſors, and Martyrs have been alſo painted and engraven in the infancy of the church. The ſame St Gregory tells us the ſame thing, as Pope Adrian I. relates in what he writ to Conſtantine and Irenaeus. He aſſures us that there were kept in the Baſilicum and in the Vatican, the portraitures** of St Peter and St Paul, which are thoſe which St Sylveſter ſhewed to the Emperor Conſtantine †† the Great after he was converted.

*
In an oration which he made at Conſtantinople, mentioned in the ſecond Nicene Council Ac. 4. Vidi ſaepius inſcriptionis imaginem, & ſine larrymis tranſire non potui, cum tam efficaciter eb oculos poneret Hiſtoriam.
Pictor artis ſuae f [...]res in imaginibus exprimens, res Martyris praeclare gefias, Labores, Cruciatus, immanes Tyrannorum eſpectus, impetas, ardentem iliam & flammas evomentem fer [...]atem, beatiſſimum Atcletam, Chriſtiq. certamini praeſidentis, ac prae [...] doctis, tama [...]e fermant imaginis: Haec inquam voiis tanquam in libro loquente, artiſcioſe deſcribens, Martyris cert [...]i [...]a ſapi [...]er expeſ [...]it. Novit e [...]im etiam Pictara tacens, in perietibus l [...]qui, & utilitatis plurimum afferre.

Curtpal. Ce [...]en. Z [...]ar. related by Mr H. D. Icon [...]ol.

This Methodius was a Monk and Painter. Bogoris employed him to paint a palace he had built. He orderd him in general to draw repreſentations of terror; taking chiefly delight in pictures that repreſented the combats of hunters with boars, lions, bears, and tygers. Methodius finding nothing more terrible than the day of judgment, he painted it admirably well, with all its moſt horrible and amazing circumſtances; and above all, the reprobates on the left hand of the judge, and delivered over by his ſentence to devils to be dragged into hell. Bogoris was ſo touched at the repreſentation of this picture, that he immediately reſolved, without further delay, to turn chriſtian.

§
Ni [...]e Council 2d Act. 4. S. Greg. a Eſpiſt. to Germ. Bp of Conſtant.
Euſebius Lib c. 7. Chap. 14. This hiſtory is alſo related by Antipater Beſtrenſis, and alſo by Nicephorus, Caſſeterat & Metaph [...]s. There is alſo a large narrative of all theſe antient images in the book of Subterranean Rome.
*
Hiſtoriae quoq. (ſays Damaſcene) proditum eſt. Cum Abagarus Edeſſe Rex eo nomine pictorem miſiſſet, ut Domini imaginem exprimeret, neq. id Pictor ob ſplendorem ex ipſius vultu manantem, conſequi potuiſſet; Dominam ipſum divinae ſuae ac vivificae faciei pallium admoviſſe; Sicq. illud ad Abagarum, ut ipſius cupiditati ſatisfaceret, miſiſſe. 5. Jo. Damaſc. de orthod. Fid. 1. 4. Chap. 17. Baron. Ann. Tom. 1. an. 31.
St Gregory the 2. writing to Leo Iſaurus relates the ſame hiſtory, and that they came out of all the Eaſt to worſhip this image. Cum Hyeroſolymis ageret Chriſtus, Abagarus qui tum temporis dominabatur, & Rex erat urbis Edeſſenorum cum chriſti miracula audiviſſet, Epiſtolam ſcripſit ad Chriſtum qui manus ſuae reſponſum, & ſacram glories amq. faciem ſuam ad eum miſit. Itaq. ad illam non manufactam imaginem mitte ac vide. Congregantur illic orientis turbae & orant, &c.
Theodoris in his oration againſt Leo Iſaurus Annal. T. 9. Annal. 814. and in the 2d Council of Nice: The ſame relation is confirmed by Leo, Lecturer of the church at Conſtantinople, who witneſſeth the honour that was paid in his time to that image. Theſe are his words, Leo Religioſiſſimus Lector magnae & egretiae Eccleſiae Conſtantinopolitanae dixit, & ego indignus veſter famulus cum deſcendiſſem cum regis Apocriſariis in Syriam Edeſſem petivi, & venerandam Imaginem, non factam hominum manu adorati & honorari apopula vide, &c.
§

Lucas vero, qui ſacrum compoſuit Evangelium, cum Domini pinxiſſet imaginem pulcherimam & pluris faciendam poſteris reliquit. St Theodor. Orat. in Leo Arm.

Teod. Lect. Collet. L. 1.
St Greogory II. in his epiſtle to Leo Iſaurus, ſays, of the firſt chriſtians who painted our Saviour, Qui Dominum cum viderent, prout viderant venientes Hieroſolymam ſpectandum ipſum proponentes depinxerunt. Cum Stephanum Protomartyrem vidiſſent, prout viderant ſpectandum ipſum proponentes depinxerunt. Et uno verbo dicam, cum facies martyrum qui ſanguinem pro Chriſto fuderunt, vidiſſent depinxerunt.
**
Had. 1. Epiſt. to Conſt. & Irenaeus Baron. Annal. to 3. An. 324. and to 3. An. 785.
††
Conſtantine, to adorn his new city, ſet up on all the gates, the image of the Holy Virgin, and upon that of his palace the image of our Saviour, which Leo Iſaurianus cauſed to be taken away. He alſo cauſed to be raiſed in the middle of his palaces, fine ſtatutes of our Saviour, in the form of the good Shepherd, and that of the prophet Daniel in the lion's den. H. of the Iconocl. of Maimbourg.
*
Tanner.

Chronicon autore monacho Albanenſi, ſed incerto nomine. Edwinus Rex Northumbrorum, facellum erexit Tinemutae ex ligno, in quo Roſetta, ejus filia, poſtea velum ſacrum accepit. S. Oſwaldus monaſteriolum de Tinemuthe ex ligneo lapideum fecit.

Oſwinus Rex & Martyr ſepultus Tinemuthae.

Edredus Rex Deirorum ibidem ſepultus.

Henricus heremita Coketenſis inſulae, ibidem ſepultus.

Malcolinus Scotorum Rex apud Alnovicum occiſus a Moubreio Comite, ſepultus eſt ibidem in Capitulo.

Monaſterium de Tinemuthe bis deſtructum, ſemel per Augarum & Hubonem, iterumque per Danos tempore Athelſtani Regis.

Dani Tinemutha utebantui pro propugnaculo atque adeo receptaculo cum transfretarent ex Dania & Norwegia in Angliam.

In Cocheta Inſula caenobiolum eſt monachorum Tinemutenſium.

E Regione Tinemuthae fuit urbs vaſtata a Danis Urfa nomine, ubi natus erat Oſwinus Rex.

Locus ubi nunc Caenobium Tinemuthenſe eſt, antiquitus a Saxonibus dicebatur Penbalcrag, i. e. caput valli in rupe. Nam circa hunc locum finis erat valli Severiani.

Lel. Col. vol. 3. p. 42.

Before the end of the 8th century this monaſtery was plundered by the Danes, as it was again by them under Hunguar and Hubba in the next century, and by the ſame Pagans a third time in the reign of King Athelſtan. The old church was dedicated to the bleſſed Virgin, and ſeems to have lain deſolate till the finding of King Oſwin's relicks here a little before the conqueſt, when to the honour of St. Mary and that King, Toſti Earl of Northumberland repaired and endowed this houſe. Upon the baniſhment of Toſti, this country was given by the Conqueror to Robert de Moubray, who thereupon became Earl, and placed in the church here (which had been given by Waltheof Earl of Northumberland to the Monks of Yarrow, and by Earl Arlbry to Durham) Black Monks from St. Albans in Hertfordſhire, to which abbey this priory was ſubordinate; tho' 26 Henry 8, it was found to have a ſeparate yearly revenue of 397l 10s. 5d. ob. Dugd. 511l. 4s. 1d. ob. Speed.

Tanner, 390.

Vide in Mon. Angl. tom. 1. p. 42. donationem eccl. S. Mariae de Timmuth monachis apud Girve factam a Waltheoſo com. Northumbr. P. 45. de revocatione iſtius donationis ex munimentis Dunelm. Ibid. p. 333. Ex Leland Collect. v. 3. p. 177. de vita S. Oſwini, ejuſq. tranſlatione. P. 335. Cartas Will. Conq. unam Hen. 1. duas Davidis regis Scottorum; unam Hen. 2. unam Joannis regis; unam Richardi Bertram de Garbis in Bothal. Cart. 2. Edw. 3. n. 3. de Libertat. Matth. Paris Vitas Abbatum S. Albani. Math. Weſtmonaſt. Hiſtoriam in anno. 1090

In Madoxii Hiſt. ſcace. p. 279. pro libertat. confirmandis (bis) vide etiam, p. 414.

Year Books XVIII. 20.

De eccleſiis collatis prioratui de Tinmouth, MS. in Bibl. Cotton.

Excerpta ex antiquo regiſtro prioratus de Tinmouth remanente apud comitem Northumbriae MSS in bibl. Cotton.

Regiſtria Abbatiae S. Albani.

Cart. Antiq. G. 21.

Cart. 5. Joan. m. 12. n. 99. Clauſ. 6 Joan. m. 5. quod monachi ſint quieti de cornagio.

Plac. de Banco. 10. Hen. 3. Hill. Rot. 18. pro maner. de Cherinton. Cart. 53. Hen. 3. m. 2. pro mercat. apud Bewyke. Cart. 55. Hen 3. m. 4 & 7, de libertatibus.

Pat. 21. E. 1. m. Plac. in Com. Northumb. 21. Ed. 1. aſſis rot. 2. dorſo. rot. 8. 9. dorſo; rot. 21, 22, 24 dorſo; Et 26 27 de maner de Weſtcherton. Cart. 27. Ed. 1. n. 31. Cart. 32. Ed. 1. n. 14. pro feria apud Tinmouth. pat. 35. Ed. 1. m.

Pat. 6. Ed. 2 p. 1. m. 10. dorſo pro return. brev. Cart. 9. Ed. 2. n. 39. Pat. 19. Ed. 2. p. 1. m. 35. pro meſſ. et terris in Bokeworth, Moreton, Whitley et Milneton; et p. 2. m. 4. pro meſſ. in Novo Caſtro.

Cart. 2. Ed. 3. n. 75. Claus. 2. Ed. 3. m. 35. Pat. 2. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 35 pro ten in Woodham et Seton. Pat. 9. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 7. Pat. 13. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. Pat. 19. Edw. 3. p. 3. m. 4. Pat. 22. Ed. 3. p. 2. m. 28. Pat. 28. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 2. pro ten. in Weſt Morton, Eaſt Backworth, Weſt Backworth, Preſton, &c. Pat. 34. Ed. 3. p. 1. m. 18. pro ten. in Wolſington Morton et Middle Chirton.

Pat. 3. Ri. 2. p. 2. m. 13. Pat. 4. Ri. 2. p. 2. m. 3. Pro ten. in Seton Monachorum, Eſt Chirton, Eglingham, Denton, &c. Pat. 5. Ric. 2. p. 2. m. 1. Pat. 8. Ric. 2. p. 1. m. 2. pro Eccl. de Hawtwyſſel in Tynedale approprianda. Pat. 15. Ric. 2. p. 1. m. 7. Pro Meſſ. in Novo Caſtro. Ibid m. 12. pro. aliis meſſuagiis ibidem. Ibid. p. 2. m. 6. Pat. 16. Ric. 2. p. 1. m. 6. pro ten. in Elſtwick, Newbigging, Wodrington, Cuppon, &c.

Cart. 2. Hen. 4. p. 1. n. 4. Pat. 6. Hen. 4. p. 1. m. 35. pro maner. de Whitley.

Pat. 3. Ed. 4. p. 3. m. 12.

Rec. in. Scac. 11. Hen. 8. Paſch. rot. 24.

*

A. D. 800. Eccleſiae de Herteneſs & de Tinemuth ſpoliatae ſunt a Danis.

Lel. Col. v. p. 388.
*

Toſtius Co. Eboraci frater Heraldi primus fundator per alios. Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 103.

Oſwine was killed at Gillingham, and was buried at Tynemuth. Oſred was buried at Tinemuth.

Ibid. p. 515—516.

Corpus Oſwini ab eis, qui truncaverant, delatum eſt ad Oſtium Tinae flu. ibique in oratorio S. Mariae ſepulturae traditum, in quo loco virorum illuſtrium mag. multitudo congregata erat, qui ſub ordine regulari divino cultui ſerviebant, qui quidem in tantam excreverat honoris eminentiam, ut ſi quis per infra jacentem provint. in fata conceſſiſſet, ad eundum locum pro reverent. & honore religioſae gentis tumulandus deferretur.

Hynguar & Hubba hoc monaſter. deſtruxerunt monachi metu perſecut. fugerunt ad quandam eccleſiolam in fundo ſuo, quam S. Cuthbertus dedicaverat. Quo comperto Dani ipſam eccl. & omnes qui in ea erant, igni ſuccenderunt, & omne loci nobilis aedificium in campi planitiem redegerunt.

Jacuit pene neglectum corpus Oſwini regis, uſque ad tempora Toſtii comitis, & Egelwini epiſcopi.

Oſwinus Martyr apparuit in ſomnis (Eadmundo) aedituo veteris eccl. S. Mariae de Tinemuth.

Juditha uxor Toſtii comitis, perſuaſit Egelwino, ut quaeriret Oſwini Corpus.

Inventio corpuris S. Oſwini Martyris anno ab ejus paſſione 414. A. D. 1065, quinto Id. Martii.

Corpus Oſwini tranſlatum in novum monaſterium de Tinemuth A. D. 1110. 13 Cal. Sept.

Ibid. vol. 3. p. 114 and 115.

Grant of King William Rufus.

Willielmus Rex Angl. T. Archiepiſcopo & W. Dunelmenſi Epiſcopo & omnibus Baronibus ſus Francis & Anglis ſalutem. ſciatis me dediſſe & conceſſiſſe Deo & S. Albano Eccleſiam de Tinemotha & omnia quae ad eam pertinent in terris et Decimis et conſuetudinibus & nort de Tyne & in ſuth de Tyne & in Anglia cum omnibus quae Robertus Comes Northumberland & ſui homines dederant ſancto Oſwino antiquam mihi forisfactus eſſet. Et volo & praecipio ut S. Albanus habeat praedictam Eccleſiam cum omnibus ad eam pertinentibus cum pace & honore & omni jure perpetuo Teſtibus Eudone, Dapifew & P. de Valonis, apud Novum Caſtrum.

Dated at Canterbury, 4th Nov. in the 1ſt year of Richard I.

Richardus Rex, &c. Notum facimus vobis nos conceſſiſſe, &c. Deo & ſancto Albano Eccleſiae ſuae ſancti Oſwini de Tynemuth cellae ſancti Albani & Monachis ibidem deo ſeventibus omnes terras ſuas & omnes homines ſuos, cum ſacha ſoca over ſtrond et ſtreme, on wode et felde, toll them & grithburge, hamfocne, murdrum & foreſtall, danegeld, infangenethof & utfangenethef, fleminefrenieth, blodwit, wreck, &c.

Expoſition of terms.
  • Sacha. Hoc eſt placitum & emenda de tranſgreſſionibus hominum in curia veſtra.
  • Soca. Hoc eſt ſecta de hominibus in curia veſtra ſecundum conſuetudinem Regni. Over ſtrond et ſtreme, &c. In Littore in fluvio, in ſylva & campo.
  • Them. Theme eſt quod habeatis totam generationem villanorum veſtrorum cum eorum ſectis & catallis ubicunque inventi fuerunt, &c.
  • Grithburge. Power of puniſhing breaches of the peace.
  • Hamſocne. Now called burglary.
  • Murdrum. Anciently defined, Homicidium quod nullo praeſente, nullo audiente, nullo vidente clam perpetratur.
  • Dane geld. A land tax of 12d. upon every hide of land impoſed by the Danes.
  • Infangenethef & utfangenethef. Power of apprehending and puniſhing thiefs, as well taken within the liberty as without.
  • Fleminefrenieth. The relief of fugitives.
  • Blodwit. Pains of bloodſhed.
  • Wrecke. Wrecks of the ſea.
*
Adam Bemenſis ſays, "That in the ſpoil of the invaders there was as much gold taken, as twelve young men with difficulty bore on their ſhoulders."
*

Waltheof Earl of Northumberland, A. D. 1073, gave to the Monks of Durham the Church of our Lady at Tynemouth, with the body of St Oſwin, King and Martyr, there interred, and died 1075.

Mon. Aug. v. 1. p. 42.

Albrius Comes Northumb. donationem de Tinemuth confirmavit eccleſiae S. Cuthberti.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 332.

Robertus de Mulbraio circa annum D. 1090, reſtauravit Eccl. S. Oſwini martyr: apud Tynemuthe, & eam tanquam cellam monaſter. S. Albani deſignavit. Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 418.

Robertus Mowbray comes Northum. abſtulit Tinemuth monachis Dunelmenſibus, & dedit Paulo abbati & monachis S. Albani. Offenſum Gul. Mag. timens Tinemuthe loco caſtelli occupat, poſtea tamen ibidem Captus.

Ibid. p. 332.

Oſſa S. Oſwini tranſlata a Tinemuth ad Girwi permiſſione Walthevi Comitis.

Ibid. p. 383.
  • Fr. Clem. Weſtmynſter Monachi de Tynmouthe Ord Pb̄ri. 20 Dec. 1533.
  • Fr. Rob. London Monachi de Tynmouthe Ord Pb̄ri. 20 Dec. 1533.
  • Fr. Will. Facetus Monachi de Tynmouthe Ord Pb̄ri. 20 Dec. 1533.
  • Reg. Tuſtal. p. 16.
  • Prima Tonſura, i. e. Shavelings.
  • Tho. Dureſme, Rob. Charite Monachi Mon. de Tynmouthe, 18 Dec. 1533.
  • Geo. Faythe, Edw. Hope Monachi Mon. de Tynmouthe, 18 Dec. 1533.
Ibid. p. 23.

Cuth. Baleye Dun. Dioc. ad Tit̄lm mon. de Tynm. Pb̄r tunc.

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Theſe poſſeſſions are thus mentioned by Mr Wallis and Mr Groſe.

The Priors and Canons of Tynmouth had 27 villas in Northumberland belonging to them, with their royalties, viz. Tynemouth, Miluton, Shields, Eaſt Chirton, Eaſt Preſton, Monckton, Whitley, Murton, Erſden, Backworth, Seghill, Wolſington, Diſſington, Elſwick, Wylam, Hertford, Cowpon, Bebſed, Welden, Hauxley, Ambell, Eglingham, Bewick, Lilburn, Flatworth, Middle Chirton, Weſt Chirton. Within theſe Lordſhips they returned the King's writs, and were exempt from cornage.

They had alſo the lands of Royeley and Denum.

They had the Tyths of Corbridge, Ovington, Wylam, Newburn, Diſſington, Callerton, Elſwick, Bothall, Warkworth, Ambell, Rothbury, and Wooler in Northumberland. Alſo the Tithes of Hertneſs, in the Biſhoprick of Durham, and of Middleton upon Tees.

They had the impropriations and advowſons of Tynmouth, Woodhorn, Whalton, Bolham, Bewick, Eglingham, Hartfurn, Shilbottle, and Haltweſel, in Northumberland, and Conſcliff, in the Biſhoprick of Durham.

They had 17 meſſuages, and a cloſe called Warden's cloſe, in Newcaſtle upon Tyne.

They had a weekly market at their town of Berwick, and an annual fair at Tynemouth. Alſo a harbour, called the Priors Harbour.

Ralph Lord Greyſtock founded a Chantry in 1315, and John Lord Greyſtock and Sir Robert Somerville made ſeveral donations to the Priory, with ſeveral others.

Wallis. Groſe.

The Priors harbour is now the public bathing place.

King Henry I. confirmed all that had been given to this monaſtery by Mowbray, viz. Tyths of Corbridge, Ovington, Wylam, Newburn, Diſſington, Calverdon, Elſtroye, Bothall, Werkworth, Anebell, Roubyr, and Wullour.

David King of Scots, by his charter A. D. 1138, granted to this church his peace for ever, the peace of his ſon, and that of all his ſervants, threatning all thoſe who ſhould act otherwiſe with the loſs of his favour for ever; on condition the religious of this monaſtery prayed for the ſouls of his father and mother, and of King Alex. his brother, and the ſoul of Matilda Queen of England, his ſiſter, and for the ſouls of all his anceſtors and ſucceſſors.

King Henry II. gave thereto Egleringham, Bewick, and Dilleburn.

King John confirmed all their poſſeſſions, viz.

Tynmouth, Seaton, Preſton, Chirton, Churton, Millington, Whitley, Edeſton Backwell, Backwell, Seghal, Morton, Bebeſide, Diſslington, Diſſington, Wulſington, Bewick, Egelingham, Lilleburn, Anibel, Hovekſlaw, Eſtwick, Wylum, Weltedane, and half of Copun, Carleberry and Morton in Haliwerkſtock, and the land of Royeley and Demuni; alſo the churches of Tinmouth, Wodeburn, Whalton, Bolum, Bewick, Egelingham, Kertburh and Cuneſtine; likewiſe Hereford upon Blyth, and the tythe of Hyrenes, Middleton upon Theyſe, Corbrigg, Rouber, Werkewuriel, Wollour and Newburn, with all the mills.

Richard Bertram gave the tyths of Bothal.

King Edward III. confirmed all the poſſeſſions, immunities, &c.

Ra [...]ſon of William Fitz Ralph, Lord of Grimethorp, in the county of York, founded a Chantry at Tynemouth for the ſoul of John Lord Grayſtock, who died in the 34th year of King Edward I. his kinſman, and all his anceſtors, and died an aged man about the feaſt of All Saints A. D. 1316, 9th King Edward II. and was buried at Neſham, in the county palatine of Durham.

*

E Libello de locis quibus S. in Angl. requieſcunt.

Apud Tinemutham S. Oſwinus rex & martyr & S. Herebaldus Abbas ejufdem Loci.

Lel. Col. v. 2. p. 408.
*
Groſe.
*
This is ſuppoſed to be Ptolemaeus Philadelphus.
*
At the eaſt end of the village is the ſchool-houſe, given by the ſiſter of James Moncaſter, Eſq Wallis.
*

From the Manuſcripts of the late Roger Gale, Eſq Extract of a letter from Chriſ. Hunter. M. D. to Roger Gale, Eſq

SIR,

Give me leave to attempt the recovery of one of the Roman ſtations in this country, both requiſite for the ſecurity of navigation in the northern ſeas, and the protection of their frontiers beyond the river Tyne, thereby ſaving the great expence and trouble of building the wall as far as the ſea at Tynemouth, no leſs than three miles at leaſt; I mean that near South Shields, at the entrance of the ſaid river into the ocean, and which cannot but have flouriſhed till the Daniſh invaſions, as Mr Leland has it in his Collectanea, vol. iv. p. 43. E Regione Tinmuthae fuit urbs vaſtata a Danis, Urfa nomine ubi natus erat Oſwinus Rex.

The communication it had with Bincheſter is viſible in ſeveral places, as is the angle where the paved way goes off from the military way leading to Lancheſter, about three miles to the north of Bincheſter, and paſſes to the north-eaſt through Brancepeth Park, thence a little to the ſouth of Brandon, and is loſt in the cultivated grounds, but appearing upon Durham Moor in the ſame direction again, paſſing by Haghouſe and below upon Harbraſs Moor is very viſible tending paſt Lumley Caſtle in a direct line towards South Shields, paſſing about a mile to the eaſt of Cheſter in the Street, without any ſigns of communication therewith. Two elevated pavements in the river Tyne, the one at the weſt end of South Shields, the other on the north ſide of the river, near the end of the Roman wall, proper for their ſafe landing at different times of the flowing and ebbing tide, fully ſhews its neceſſary correſpondence with Segedunum, the firſt ſtation upon the wall: but another military way called Wreken Dyke paſſing from this ſtation to the weſt, has hitherto fruſtrated the enquiries of our late Antiquaries; Mr Horſley himſelf pointing out its ductus very juſtly over Gateſide Fell, where it paſſed the public road, and a little to the weſt the Roman way going to the ſouth from Newcaſtle to Cheſter in the Street, and afterwards running through Lameſley and Kibbleſworth Fields, advances to the ſouthweſt over Blackburn Moor, and through the townſhip of Hedley; it comes next to Cauſey, a village which owes its name to it, and from thence aſcends a high hill, and terminates at a ſquare fortification upon the top thereof at Stanley, the ſeat of the Hon. Sir Nicholas Tempeſt, Bart. who I am told poſſeſſes ſeveral Roman coins found therein.

This place, tho' not above three miles from Cheſter in the Street, and four from Lansheſter, ſeems to have had no immediate communication with either of them, no veſtigia of any paved way appearing upon the adjoining moors, and being ſituated as Cheſter itſelf, at the termination of a military way, gives me convincing reaſon to believe the uſe of each has been the ſame, namely, to guard herds of cattle at graſs, for the ſubſiſtence of the two garriſons of South Shields and Pons Aelii, and for victualling ſhips reſorting to the firſt place; whereas had its elevated ſituation been intended to form a caſtrum exploratorium, then muſt the advantage of paved ways to the next ſtations have been neceſſary, for the ſpeedy conveyance of intelligence. Tho' this laſt military way bears the name of Wreken Dyke, I am apt to believe that name is rather due to the way leading from Bincheſter to South Shields, eſpecially from the authority of Ranulph Higden, who ſays the Wreken Dyke or Reken Dyke paſſed from the weſt of England and ended at Tinemouth. I dare not fix a Roman name to this our ſtation without the authority of inſcriptions.

I am, Sir, &c. CHRIS. HUNTER.
*

Mr Horſley gives the following inſcriptions as belonging to this place:

I. Cohortis primae centuria Fiari poſuit.

This ſtone with the five next (as alſo a piece of an altar and part of a pedeſtal) are all placed in niches in the outſide of the wall belonging to Couſins Houſe, where they have ſtood unobſerved and neglected for many years, and being expoſed to the winds and weather, have ſuffered very much by that means. I cannot find that the leaſt notice has been taken of them before; the four firſt are plainly centurial, ſuch as were generally placed in the face of the wall, and are rarely found in any other ſtation. Hence we have one argument, that this ſtation was built at the ſame time with the wall, in the reign of Severus. The cohorts mentioned in theſe inſcriptions were certainly legionary. The mark for the century is very clear and diſtinct in all of them, and the names of the centurions, as in moſt others of the ſame kind, are in the genitive. For which reaſon, I think, that the mark is not to be read centurio, but centuria, (as it is frequently read in Gruter) and that poſuit is to be ſupplied or underſtood at the end; ſo that cohortis primae centuria fiari, is much the ſame as to ſay, ſuch a Captain's company of ſuch a regiment. Indeed centurio cohortis, or the centurion of a cohort, does often occur in inſcriptions, but does not neceſſarily imply, that the whole command of the cohort was in a ſingle centurion; for we have alſo centurio legionis and miles legionis, which can ſignify no more than ſuch a perſon was a centurion or a ſoldier in ſuch a legion.

III —

  • COH X. — Erected by the century of Juſtinus Secundus in the tenth cohort.
  • [figure]
    IVSTINI
    [figure]
    — Erected by the century of Juſtinus Secundus in the tenth cohort.
  • SECVNDI — Erected by the century of Juſtinus Secundus in the tenth cohort.

IV—Cohortis decimae centuria Siinſi Priſci poſuit.

This has ſuſtained more damage than the former, by being expoſed to the weather; for the number of the cohort is effaced. The mark for the century is alſo faint, and one of the centurion's names very obſcure, but the other name Priſcus is plain and clear, the letters being groſs, tho' ſhort, and cut very deep in the ſtone. The former name Siinſus ſounds ſomewhat oddly, but there are many as uncouth in Gruter.

VI. Jovi Optimo Maximo.

A ſmall altar, no other inſcription appearing.

*
Tour in Scotland, vol. II. p. 289.

William Bigge, Eſq High Sheriff of Northumberland 1751.

Thomas Charles Bigge, Eſq High Sheriff 1771.

Wallis.
*
  • Nicholas de Biker Temp. King Henry III.
  • Robert King Edward I.
  • John 13 King Edward III.
  • Roger 19 King Edward III.
Wallis.
  • Sir Ralph Lawſon, Knt. 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Henry Lawſon, Eſq Same reign.
  • Roger
  • Ibid.
*

From the Manuſcripts of Roger Gale, Eſq Extract of a letter from Chr. Hunter, Eſq M. D. to Roger Gale, Eſq

Pliny is the only author we can gather any thing from remarkable concerning the Varduli, and that ſo very conciſe, I think deſerves a place here. In conventum Clunienſem Varduli ducunt populos XIV ex qutbus Albanenſes tantum nominare libeat. Nat. Hiſt. Lib. III. Ca. 3. Sect. 4. of the laſt Paris edition; and in Lib. IV. Ca. 20. Sect. 34, he enumerates the Verduloruin, Oppida, Moroſgi Menoſca, Veſperies, Amanum Portus ubi nunc Flaviobriga Colonia, where Mr Hardauin recites the modern names; and as Gruter's almoſt infinite collection affords no inſcription wherein the Varduli are named, I preſume the Roman oeconomy under the Emperor Trajan, by deſcent a Spaniard, if not ſooner, had aboliſhed the old diſtinctions of ſeparate governments, and reduced the whole province under one general name Hiſpania, which afterwards the Notitia Imperii Occidentalis divides into three conſular provinces, under the direction of Preſidents, and places no garriſon of the Varduli in any fortreſs in the eaſtern or weſtern empire.

I am, Sir,
Your's, &c. CHRIS. HUNTER.

Anſwer to the preceding letter by Mr Gale.

As to the two inſcriptions you ſent me, I will venture to give you my thoughts on them, not doubting but you will excuſe me where I differ from you, ſince what I offer proceeds only from a love of truth, and no ſpirit of altercation.

The firſt of them is very curious, as it gives us the name of a Legatus Auguſtalis & Propraetor, hitherto unknown in Britain, and which ought, as I think, to be read as follows.

Numini Auguſti et Genio Cohortis ſecundae Vardullorum Equitatae Miliariae ſub Antiſtio Advento Legato Auguſti propraetore F. Tiranus Tribunus dat dedicatque Rite.

To read G R in the 4th line Gregulium is not a little doubtful; it cannot well be ſuppoſed that the tribune of the cohort would dedicate an alter to the deity of the Emperor, and at the ſame time to the genius of the common ſoldiers, excluſive of the genius of the officers, of which he himſelf was one; and how to read it otherwiſe is as uncertain, if the letters are G R as in your copy: but if they are C R, as on the altar given us by Mr Horſley, Durham, No. 26, in his Brit. Rom. and which you ſay has C very apparent inſtead of G, they may denote Civium Romanorum, and theſe Varduli a people of Spain, admitted to the freedom of the city of Rome for ſome extraordinary merit, or by ſome Emperor's favour, perhaps their countryman Trajans: this was a privilege frequently conferred on foreigners, even whole towns and nations, and at laſt communicated by Antoninus Pius omnibus *Vide Span [...]. Exercit. de Civ. Rom. apud Graevii Theſ. Tom. XI. p. 64. S. C. in commune ſubjectis, by which it ſeems as if this altar had been erected before this general grant of that Emperor, for it is no great honour or advantage for theſe Varduli to value themſelves upon, if they had enjoyed it only in common with all the reſt of the world. Monſieur Spanheim obſerves Exercit. 1ma. ad Conſtitution. Imp. Antonini de Civ. Rom. Quod ſub M. Antonino Imp. Civitate donati eſſent, quicunq. in Romani orbis provinciis aut oppidis delecti eſſent Milites ut Praeſidiarii in Imperii limitibus conſtituerentur: this ſeems contradictory to the firſt mentioned grant, ſince it only confers the freedom of the city upon the ſoldiers in garriſon on the frontiers of the empire, and the other gives it to all the ſubjects of the Roman empire without exception: perhaps the ſoldiers had this advantage given them at firſt, and upon finding the encouragement it gave them to defend the countries where they were quartered, it was thought adviſeable to admit all the ſubjects of the empire to the ſame privilege, to intereſt them the more in preſerving the whole from the attacks of the Barbarians; but there has been no ſmall uncertainty among the learned to which of the Antonini this conſtitution is owing; ſome attributing it to Antoninus Pius, others to Marcus Aurelius, and Mr Spanheim, with great reaſon, to Antoninus Caracalla, from Dion Caſſius chiefly, who tells us this privilege was granted by him Omnibus qui in Orbe Romano erant, not ſo much for the honor and advantage of it to the people, as for the filling his treaſury, ſince it made them liable to the payment of ſeveral taxes from which they were before exempted; ſo that the ſoldiers had this benefit conferred on them for their ſervices, and the reſt of the people afterwards moſt likely to drain their purſes.

In Gruter's Theſaur. p. CCCCLV. 6. is mentioned T. Antiſtius Praefectus Alae Sulpiciae C. R. i. e. Civium Romanorum, and in page CCCCLIX. 8. L. Praeſentius Praefectus Coh. I. Afr. C. R. E. which is read Praefectus Cohortis Primae Afrorum Civium Romanorum Equitatae *Vide Urfatus C. R. juſt the ſame as that at Lancheſter, only changing Afrorum into Vardulorum. A Cohors Equitata was compoſed partly of horſe, partly of foot, as Vegetius Lib. 11. C. 2. informs us. Prima Cohors habet mille centum et quinque: Equites Loricator centum triginta duos et appellatur Milliaria. I muſt own the Cohors in this inſcription is called Secunda Vardulorum, but that is only in reſpect to the Cohors prima Vardulorum, of which an inſcription was found at Riecheſter in Northumberland. This ſecond Cohors of the Varduli might however be the prima auxiliaria of ſome legion, perhaps the VI. and in more eſteem for ſome eminent ſervice or fortunate accident than the firſt, not dignified with the honourable title and privileges Civium Romanorum, and perhaps alſo independent of any legion; and after all, the ſole reaſon why one of theſe Cohorts was called the firſt and the other the ſecond, might have been from the priority of time when they were firſt raiſed.

This Antiſtius Adventus ſeems alſo to have been Legatus Auguſti & Propaetor in Belgium, from an altar found near Utrecht upon which he is called Caius Antiſtius.

Jovi Opt. Maximo ſummano Exſuperantiſſimo ſoli invicto Opollini, Lunae, Dianae, Fortunae, Marti Victoria Paci Colus Antiſius Adventus Legatus Auguſti Propraetore Dat. and this juſtifies my reading of his titles here, Legatas Auguſti Propraetore Dat. and not Legionis Auguſtae Propraetore, there being no mention of a military body in the Belgic inſcription; beſides, we never meet with a legion ſtiled Auguſta ſingly, without ſome other adjunctive diſtinction as the Legio II. VI. or Antoniniana Auguſta, nor could there be any ſuch officer as a Praetor or Propaetore Legionis, that magiſtrate being intirely civil.

Sir,
Your's, &c. R. GALE.
*
Dr Hunter, Mr Horſley, Mr Pennant.
Dr Stukely, p. 48.
Pennant.
*
Bourne.
*
Tanner, 391. Keith.
Grey's Chorograph.
Two miles and 176 yards.
They were decorated with the effigies of men cut in ſtone placed on the tops of them as though they were watching. They had ſquare holes over the walls to throw ſtones down.
§

A gate at the Bridge End.

Then turning on the right honde to the Key, a chapell of the towne withe a macſun dieu.

Then a certen houſes, with a Watar Gate and a ſqware haull place for the towne, and a chapelle there, as I remembar.

Then a mayne ſtronge wall on the haven ſide to Sandgate to Tynemouthe way.

Then 3 towers to Pandon Gate.

There harde by dothe — Deene water dryve a mille, and paſſithe threwghe the — on this water there by is a litle archid bridge.

And about this quartar ſtoode the howſe of the Friers Ordinis S. Trinitatis.

From Pandon Gate to Pilgrime Gate 15 towres.

Thens to Newgate 8.

The obſervant Friers howſe ſtode by Pandon Gate. It was a very fayre thinge.

And lower in the ſame ſtreet, but on the contrary ſide a litle with a lane, was the houſe of the Auguſtine Freires.

From Newgate to Weſtgate a mightye ſtronge thinge of 4 wardes and an yron gate 13 towres.

The faire place of Blake Freres ſtode bytwixt Newgate and Weſtgate.

The Nunnes Dene having 2 bridges refortithe towards Pilgrime Gate, and ſo downe ward to Tine.

The watar of boothe the denes cummithe from the cole pitts at Cowhill or Cowmore, half a mile owt of Newcaſtelle.

Ther is a parke waullid and a lodge witheout the Blak Freres and the towne waulle.

From Weſtgate to Tineſide 16, parte almoſt round, parte ſqware. There I ſaw the hoſpitall of S—, and then the White Freres, whos garth cam almoſt to Tinefyde.

Ther be 3 hedds of condutes for freſch watar to the toun.

Lol. Itin. v. 8. p. 40, 41.
*

The wall upon the Knoul cannot be underſtood of any other than the Roman wall, becauſe it had this name from very ancient times, long before the building of the town wall.

Bourne.

This was one of the Roman towers, as was very viſible before the taking down the upper part of it, for it was of the ſame ſize, model, and ſtone with the tower of Rutcheſter in Northumberland.

Ibid.
Pennant, Bourne.
§
Wallis.
*
Wallis.
Leland's Itin.
*
Wallis.
*
At the Weſt Gate came Thornton in,
With a Hap and a Halfpenny and a Lambſkin.
Bourne.
*

The town after the compleating of the walls was divided into 24 wards, according to the number of the gates and round towers in the wall, which towers and gates were wont to be defended in times of hoſtility with the Scots by the particular wards appropriated to them.

Bourne.
Pennant.
*

In the 3 yere of Henry the 2. the King of Scottes had the Erledom of Lancaſtre yn his handes, the cite of Cairluel, Bamburgh Caſtel and Newcaſtel.

Lel. Col. v. 1. p. 471.
The records have of late years been ſtrictly kept, and much intereſt muſt be uſed to have acceſs to the archieves: to me, whoſe intention was chiefly to make a deſcriptive view, ſuch applications were not of ſuch moment as they are to the learned compiler from whom we may in a little time hope to receive a compleat Hiſtory of Newcaſtle.
  • The Barony of Herons.
  • — Dilſton.
  • — Walton.
  • — Bolbeck.
  • — Bolam.
  • — Gaugye.
  • — Marley.
  • — Bothal.
  • — Delaval
  • — Roſſe.
  • — Bywell. And
  • — Copun.
*
Wallis
*
Tanner 391. Pennant, vol. 2. p. 306.

Monaſterium Monialium S. Barptolemaei in Novo Caſtro ſuper Tinam Flu, Henricus Rex, confirmavit Donat.

Teſtes Gul. de Mandevilla; Reginald de Curtenay; Gul. Stutevilla; Thomas Bardolf; Richar. Giffard.

Hoſpitale S. Mariae de praedicto Caſtello in uſus Monialium datum.

Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 41.

Agas mother to Margaret Quene of Scotland, and Chriſtian her ſiſter, becam Nunnes at Newcaſtel upon Tyne; after that King Malcolm was killed at Alnewick.

Ibid, vol. I. p. 531.

36 King Henry VIII. it was granted to William Barantyne and others.

Vide in Madoxii Formul. Angl. p. 50. Cartam Hugonis Epiſc. Dunelm. de terra in Burgo Dunelm. p. 132. Prioriſſae et conventus dimiſſionem XX acrarum terrae in Haliwell. p. 271. Conceſſionem omnium terrarum Hoſpitalis S. Edmundi de Gateſhend prioriſſae & conventus de Newcaſtle. P. 69. Roberti Epiſc. Dunelm. confirm. dictae conceſs. P. 287. Prioriſſae & conventus dimiſſionem Terrae in Gateſhend. P. 375. relaxationem prioriſſae et conventui de uno Meſſuagio cum pertinentiis in Novo Caſtro.

Tanner's Notitia.

Prioreſies. Dna Criſtiana oc. ad pentec. 1233—Sibil Gategang 1331. Dna Alice Davill 9 May, 1355—Amiſia de Belford 10 Jun. 1367—Katerina 21 Sep. 1403 (Rot Skirlaw Bp No. 93).—Margaret Hawkeſwell, 1 May, 1446 (Madox form. p. 271.)—Agnes Danby, 9 Oct. 1471.—Johanna Baxter, 20 Aug. 1486. Dame Joan Pr. granted a leaſe 4 King Hen. VII. A. D. 1486. Johanna. She reſigned for a penſion of 1l. 10s. per ann.—Agnes Lawſon laſt Prioreſs. She ſurrendered this Convent 3 Jan. 1540, 31 King Hen. VIII. before Ric. Layton, one, &c. and had a penſion of 6l. per ann. aſſigned her, which ſhe enjoyed in 1553, in which year remained in charge the following penſions.—Johanna Prioreſs 1l. 10l. Johanna Brodrigge 1l. 6s. 8d. Johanna Younger 1l. 6s. 8d. Eliz. Cranmer 1l. 6s. 8d. and to Cecily Middleton 1l. 6s. 8d.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

He notes a Charter of confirmation of one of the Henrys, which he preſumes was Henry Second. The witneſſes ſhew it to be the ſame as remarked by Leland.

*

By Pandon Gate ſtood the Grey Friers houſe, a very fair thing, of the Caerluells foundation, before the year 1300. After the diſſolution it was granted 36 King Hen. 8. to the Earl of Eſſex and James Rockby, &c.

Tanner's Not.

The Friers Minors of this Monaſtery were Conventual, for St Francis divided them into Conventual Obſervantines and Capuchins; but King Hen. 7. made them Obſervants: he was a great lover and patron of that order. King Hen. 8. A. D. 1536, made them Conventuals again.

Fr. Tho. Baxter ord. fri. minor ord Pbr Mar. 23. 1497.

Fr. Joh. Cooke, Joh. Eſby Fr. Will. Hudſon ord Subdiac, Mar. 23. 1497.

Freſ. Joh. de Machlina Ord fri. Minor, de Obſervanc. Accoliti.

Fra [...] de Machlina Ord fri. Minor, de Obſervanc. Accoliti.

Fox. Reg. p. 15.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

The Gray Freres in Newcaſtel of the Cairluelles foundation, originally Marchauntes of the ſame town, and after men of land. The Thirgilles of the wold of Yorkſhir have now by heyre Generalles Cairluelles landes.

Lel. Itin. v. 6. p. 46.
*

It was granted 35 King Hen. 8. to the Mayor and Burgeſſes of this town.

Pat. 48 Hen. 3. n. 35.—Pat. 8. Edw. 1. m.—Pat. 5 Edw. 2. p. 2. m. 5.—Pat. 11 Edw. 11. p. 2. m. 30.—Pat. 15 Edw. 2. p. 3. m. 3. vel. 4.—Pat. 3. Edw. p. 1. m. Pat. 15 Edw. 3. p. 3. m. 3. vel. 4.

Tanner's Not.

It was dependant upon Tinemouth.

Priors.—Frater Joh. Rokeſburgh oc. Prior, 13 July, 1476, v. Madoxs form. Angl. p. 127.— Fryer Rich. Marſhall: he with Fryers Dav. Simpſon and Joh. Sowrby ſigned a Grant 28 King Henry 8. A. D. 1537.—This Prior reſigned and went into Scotland 1551. Richard Harding the laſt Prior 1538 by reſ. Marſhall.—This Pr. or Gardianus Domus fratru. Praedicatoru. with 12 brethren ſurrendered 10 Jan. 30 King Hen. 8. Their annual revenue was then 2l. 19s. 6d.

Randal's Mannuſcripts.

The Blake Freres of the foundation of Syr Peter and Syr Nicholas Scottes, father and ſun, Knightes boothe. But the ſite of the howſe was gyven by 3 ſiſters.

The landes of Scotte of Newcaſtelle cam by doughters to Heron of Ford, to Denton, &c. The beginning of theſe Scottes was merchaundice.

Lel. Itin. v. 6. p. 46.
*
This ſtill remains a matter of complaint, for it is abominably filthy; and the curious paſs through it amidſt thoſe unſeemly annoyance of which ſome animals are peculiarly delicate in their concealment.
*

The Auguſtines foundid by the Lord Roſe. In this houſe be 3 or 4 faire toures.

Lel. Itin. v. 6. p. 46.

Lower in the ſtreet not far from Pandon Gate, a little within a lane, was the Auſtin Friers, founded by the Lord Roſs; which houſe, after the diſſolution, was granted to John Duke of Northumb. 5 Edw. 6.

Pat. 19. Ed. I. m. 7. vel 8. Pat. 34 Ed. I. m.—Pat. 11. Edw. II. p. 1. m. 23. de terra in Cowgate conceſſa fratribus S. Auguſtini per Will Roos de Hamelake.—Pat. 12 Ed. II. p. 1. m. 4 vel 5.—Pat. 16. Edw. II. p. 2. m. 15 promanſo elargandon.—Pat. 3. Edw. III. p. 1. m. Pat. 4 Edw. 3. p. 2. m. 43. vel 44. Tanner's Notitia.

V. Pilkington's Reg. p. 75 at the end.

  • Cuthb. Jordayne Fres Ordinis S. Auguſti ord Pbr 23 Dec. 1501 (Epo Cuthberto.)
  • Joh. Ruther Fres Ordinis S. Auguſti ord Pbr 23 Dec. 1501 (Epo Cuthberto.)

Andr. Kelle Pr. or Warden Domus Convent. fru Auguſtin. ſurrendered 9 Jan. 1539, 30 King Hen. 8. Randal's Manuſcripts.

Between Weſtgate and the ſide of the river Tyne was the houſe of the White Friars, founded by King Edw. I. as Speed, but as others by Roger Thornton, Merchant. It was granted 37 King Henry VIII. to Sir Richard Greſham and Rich. Billingford.

Pat. 35 Ed. I. m. 4 vel 5.—Pat. 4 Ed. II. p. 2. m. 18 vel 19.—Pat. 10 Edw. III. p. 2. m.

Tanner's Notitia.

The Carmelites were firſt brought into England by Ra. Freeborne, and placed at Huln near Alnwick as before-mentioned under that head.

Edw. Dinely Carmelita apud N. Caſtru. egregius cocionator, ſocius Nic, Kentaru ordinis Provincialis claruit 1450. v. Tanner's Bilioth p. 228. Fr. Rob. Benton ord fru Carmelitar ord Phr 23 Mar. 1497, e Regro Fox. p. 15.

Gerald Spore laſt Pr. or Gardianus dumus Conventual frum Carmelitaru. with ſeven Friars two Novices ſurrendered. It was valued at 9l. 11s. 4d. at the ſuppreſſion.

Part of the ground on which this houſe ſtood was purchaſed by Adam Aſkew, M. D. a gent. very eminent in his profeſſion, and a native of Kendale in Weſtmoreland, who in 1740 built an elegant houſe on the ſpot. Randal's Manuſcripts.

The White Freres of the foundation of Thornton, firſt a marchante and then a landid man. The landes of Thorton be deſcendid to the Lord Lumley, ſo that almoſt all the faire landes that Lomeley cam by this Thorton. Witton in Northumberland, and the iſle in the Biſhoprick, and alſo Lulworth were Thortons.

The advancement of Lumeley to be Lord was by marriage of a baſtard doughter of King Edwards 4.

Thomas Lumeley, after Lord Lumeley, ſlew in the diche of Windſor Caſtelle Giles Thornton, baſtard to rich Thornton. Lel. Itin. v. 6. p. 46.

*

Here was Temp. Hen. 3. a Friery of Brethren de Penetentia Jeſu Chriſti, ſcituated in a place called the Conſtable Gerth.

Pat. 51 Hen. 3. m. pro place ſua elarganda. Tanner's Notitia.

The Croſie Freres, alias Walknolle, of the foundation of Laurence Acton ſum tyme Mayre of Newcaſtelle.

The Actons landes cam joyntely with the Thorntons to Lomeley.

Thornton Mayre of Newcaſtell, borne in Wytton. He purchaſid 800 marke land, and died wonderful riche. Some ſay by prices of ſylver owre taken on the ſe.

Lel. Itin. vol. 6. p. 46.
Bourne, p. 169.
§

Fox p. 12—Steph. Sheraton and Cuth. Yonge. ad. titim domus Sci Mich. de Walk-knowl ord Pbri 11 Mar. 1496.

Rob. Wales, &c. Ord Pbri 23 Sep. 1497. Randal's Manuſcripts.

*
Wall 211.
*

There was a Priory or Hoſpital (without the walls of the town in the ſuburbs of Pilgrim-ſtreet) of a Maſter and Brethren, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, and founded as Speed ſaith by King Hen. I. It was valued, 26 King Hen. VIII, at 9l. 11s. 4d. per ann. as Speed; and though granted away in the time of Queen Elizabeth, yet was re-eſtabliſhed in the 9th year of King James I. when the chapel of St Thomas on the bridge over the Tyne was annext to it. It conſiſts now of a Maſter and three poor Brethren, Burgeſſes of Newcaſtle, who have each of them 3l. 6s. 8d. per ann. It is under the patronage and government of the Mayor and Burgeſſes of the Corporation.

  • Pat. 19 Ed. I. m. 3. vel 4. Tanner's Notitia.
  • Pat. 5 Ric. II. p. 2. m. 35 pro advocatione Ejuſdem. Tanner's Notitia.
  • At the Surpreſſion val. at 9l. 11s. 4d. Proc. Ep. 3s. 4d.

Maſters.—John de Bland 1374. 15 Feb. 1569, the Mayor and Burgeſſes of Newcaſtle granted the next preſentation of St M. Magdalen, called the Maidlenes, to Hen Anderſon, Rob. Mitford, and Chr. Mitford.—Edm. Wyſeman, inſt. 5 Oct. 1564. This took no effect. — Rob. Mydforde 1586. Randal's MSS.

Mr Wallis gives the following liſt of ornaments belonging to the chapel.

"In the mayoralty of Wm Harding 1444, the following liſt was taken of the plate, ſacred veſtments, and other things belonging to it.

Three chalices gilt with gold, one entire veſtment of bloody velvit woven about with golden fringe, with one cap, one caſule, three albs for the principal feſtivals.

511

Maſter, by a ſolemn act transfer their right of nominating a new Maſter to Tho. (Langley) Bp of Durham, on Oct. 26, 1412, by Rob. de Berall Not. Publ. in the preſence of Sir John Palman Prieſt, Robt Middylham and Joh. Walghes Clerks of D. dioc. Witneſſes. The Bp, authoriſed by the ſaid act or inſtrument, collated a Maſter. (Langley's Reg. p. 91.) Will Cartell frater ord. regular. S. Auguſtini in Hoſp, B. M. and S. Joh. Evang. vulgarit nucupat. Weſt-ſpittle. col. 1. Oct. 1413, p. m. Fris Burneham. Pr. Tho. Bp Dun. h. v.—Whether Cartell was frightned by the Bp's proceedings, or on what other account I know not, he ſoon after reſigned the cuſtody or maſterſhip of the hoſpital on 20 Feb. 1416, before the Bp, in the preſenceof Sir Robt Umfraville, Knt. and Meſſrs John Howingham, Archd. of D. and Tho. Rome, Monk of D. in S. Theologia Magro. Ric. Holme and Tho. Leyes, Rrs of churches pochial within the dice. of York and Linc. and Will. Browne Rector of St Dennis's church in the city of York and others.—Magr Joh. Fitz Henry Carr, of the Priory of Newburgh ord. S. Auguſtini Ebor Dioc. Col. 28 Oct. 1417, p. reſ. fris Carlell.—Tho. Ep. Dun. h. v.—On the 5th Jan. 1424, the ſame Biſhop, in order to preſerve the goods of the hoſpital, iſſued a ſentence of excommunication againſt every perſon ſtealing the goods belonging to it, viz. Libros Calices aliaq. Jocalia & ornamenta.—Magr Johes Bird in legib. B. Cuſtos 1501. Roland Swinborne, A. M. 1528, p. m. ult. Inc. Pr. Edw. Swinborne Major et Communitas Villae Novi Caſtri. He reſigned 29 Aug. 1531, exchanging with Robert Davill for a Prebend in Norton church in the county of Durham.— Robt Davell, Cl. preſ. 29 Aug. 1531, p. reſ. Swinborne. Pr. Gilb. Middleton Arm. Major, &c. —Joh. Raymers, A. M. inſt. 25 Apr. 1558, p. mort. Davell—Rich. Maſter, M. D. Regiae Majeſtatis in aula ſerviens, was preſ. by Q. Eliz. 1564.—Anth. Garforth, Cl. inſt. 9 Oct. 1579, p. depr. Raymes.—Hen. Dethicke, A. M. and L. L. B. inſt. 30 June, 1580, p. mort. Garforthe. Pr. Rog. Rawe, Mayor, &c.—Ra. Pattenſon, A. M. inſt. 9 May, 1583, p. reſ. Dethicke. Pr. Will. Riddell, Mayor, &c.—Hen. Ewbanke, A. M. inſt. 15 Mar. 1585, p. reſ. Pattenſon. He reſigned 18 Oct. 1615.

The Grammar School was founded in St Nicholas church-yard by Thomas Horſley, who was Mayor of Newcaſtle in the years 1525 and 1533. It was removed to the Weſt Spittle 1559.

Queen Eliz the 2d foundreſs. The Mayor and Burgeſſes patrons.

Burras reſigned the Free School in St Nicholas church-yard 1559.

Sir Geo. Selby, Mayor, turned the chapel of this hoſpital into a ſchool-houſe, and veſtry into an election houſe.

  • Maſter's ſalary 50l. per ann.
  • Uſher's ſalary 35l. per ann.
  • Paid by the Town.
    • A ſecond Uſher's ſalary, and 32l. 10s.
    • Writing Maſter's, paid by the Town. 35l.

Rob. Fowberry, A. M. 1615.—Edw. Wigham, A.M. 1623.—Fra. Grey, Cl. 1629.—Amor Oxley, A. M.—Nich. Hall, S. T. B. 1649.—Geo. Ritſchell.—John Bewick 1669.—Rich.Garthwaite, A. M. 1671.—John Cotterel, A. M. 1690—Tho. Rudd, A. M. 1699.—Jam. Jurin, A. M. Fell. of Trin. Col. Camb. and afterwards Doctor of Phyſick 1709.—Edm. Lodge, Cl. by reſ. Jurin.—Rich. Dawes, A. M. 1739. He reſigned and had an annuity of 80l. a year for life given him by the Corporation.—Hugh Moiſes, A.M. 1750.

*
10 Jan. A. D. 1539. Tho. Wayde Magiſter ſive cuſtos Cellae ſive Domus de Walleknowle infra villam de Novo Caſtro, &c. ordinis ſanctae Trinitatis, ſurrendered this religious houſe.

It was a cuſtom in the North, for the bride to have a purſe at her girdle, in which ſhe received the bridal preſents of her friends. It ſeems as if there had been a cuſtom in Newcaſtle, for poor Burgeſſes to have a bridal feaſt at the expence of the Corporation; but of this I have not any authority, but the article which refers to this note.

The revenue of this hoſpital was valued, 26 King Henry 8. at 12l. 3s. 10d. in the whole, and 8l. 0s. 1d. clear.

Vide in Mon. Angl. tom 11. p. 474, 475. licentiam regis pro fundatione ex Pat. 13. Hen. 4. p. 2. m. 14. Pat. 4. Hen. 4. p. 2. m. 38. pro pecia terrae conceſs pauperibus Domus Dei per Rog. Thornton edificatae. Pat. 2. Hen. 6. p. 3. m. 8. vel. 9. Tanner's Not.

Bourne ſays the foundation was for a Chaplain to pray for the founder's ſoul, and the ſouls of his father and mother, and of Agnes his late wife. In the notes is given at length the licence noted by Tanner.

Martinus Hallymane Maſter of Maſendew oc. 14 Feb. 1582. Biſhop Barnes's viſitation.

Randal's Manuſcripts.

In a grant of the next preſentation ſet forth in Randal's Manuſcripts, from J. Lumley Mil. Dns de Lumley, &c. patronus libe Cap. S. Kath. this place is thus deſcribed: ‘Super montem fabulum infra V. Novi Caſtri.’

*

Carlile monaſterium canonicorum dedicat. B. Mariae.

Walterus Preſbyter Normannus, quem Rex W Rufus praefecerat urbi Carleolenſi, caepit inchoare monaſterium in honorem B. Mariae, quo in ipſo principio ſublato. Hen. I. Rex praedictum monaſterium prefecit, canonicoſque regulares introduxit, deditque monaſterio 6. Eccleſias, viz. Newcaſtle, Newburne, Warkeware, Robern, Wichingham, and Corbridge, ſecitque Adelwaldum confeſſorum ſuum primum priorem.

Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 121.
*
St. Nicholas, to whom this church is dedicated, was Biſhop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province in Aſia Minor; he lived about the beginning of the 4th century, and during the perſecution of Licinius the Roman Emperor was ſent into baniſhment: But after the death of that tyrant, he reviſited his dioceſe, and threw out all the idols which he found in it. He is ſaid to have aſſiſted at the general council of Nice, where he ſtrenuouſly oppoſed the Arians: he is commemorated 6th December. Randal's Manuſcripts.

A ſtate of the Lectureſhips from the Manuſcripts of Dr. Ch. Hunter.

It appears, that Pearſon, Lecturer of St. Nicholas about 1606, was paid quarterly a ſalary out of the town of Newcaſtle, and likewiſe for ſeveral years after during his continuance.

It appears, that Shaw was about 1614 Lecturer of St. John's, and had a ſalary quarterly paid him out of the town, and the like for ſeveral years after during his continuance.

Fran. Grey, about 1622, was Lecturer of St. Andrew's, and had alſo a ſalary quarterly paid him out of the town, and the like for ſeveral years after during his continuance.

There were Lecturers of All ſaints about the ſame time, as Dr. Jenniſon and others, who had alſo a ſalary paid them out of the town, and continued in the like manner till the late civil wars.

The ſalaries were not one and the ſame, but added and increaſed as the town thought fit. Upon this firſt ſettlement they had thoſe ſalaries out of the town for preaching in the forenoon, and the pariſhes contributed for their preaching in the afternoons. Some time after the town of Newcaſtle made an addition to the former ſalaries, and gave them an allowance for preaching both forenoon and afternoon: after which augmentation the pariſhes gave no further contribution. In this ſtate have the Lectureſhips continued ever ſince, with an alteration ſtill of ſalaries, more or leſs, as there was occaſion, and at the will and pleaſure of the patrons: and when any vacancy happened in any of the ſaid churches, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of Newcaſtle, have from time to time choſen another in ſuch room and ſtead, and the Biſhop of Durham for the time being did always hitherto allow and approve of, by his licence, ſuch perſon ſo choſen, being duly qualified.—Note the Lecturers of St. Nicholas and All-ſaints have this further advantage in it, which makes it the more valuable, that this preferment does no ways diſqualify or incapacitate them from holding other livings with the cure of ſouls

Randal's Manuſcripts.
*

Great diſputes have aroſe who this Robert Rhodes was: Grey ſays he was Prior of Tynemouth in the time of King Henry VI. Others ſuggeſt he was one of the Juſtices of the Biſhop of Durham, and quote a regiſter at Durham to prove Robert Rhodes and Agnes his wife lived about the year 1486: but Bourne with great propriety fixes on an eminent Merchant in Newcaſtle, and gives powerful arguments for his determination.

Bourne tells the following remarkable Story: ‘That when the Scots beſieged the town in the civil wars, and made ineffectual efforts to reduce it, they ſent a meſſage threatening to deſtroy this fine ſteeple: in conſequence of which, the Mayor ordered it to be filled with Scotch priſoners then in the town, which being made known to the beſiegers, they forbore to ſhed the blood of their countrymen, and the elegant edifice was ſaved.’

Pennant, vol. 2. p. 308.
The chief of which were, the building of Weſtgate; the Town Houſe and Exchange; St. Catharine's Hoſpital; Monaſtery of Carmelites at Walk Knowle; a Chantry in the church of All-ſaints, value 6l. per annum, dedicated to St. Peter; and another in the ſame church, dedicated to St. Catharine, value 5l. 3s. 8d. and this Window.
§
Wallis.—Gray's Chorographia inter Collectan. Oxfordiana.

The chantry of St. John the Baptiſt and St. John the Evangeliſt ſtood on the north ſide of the church: its original foundation was by Lawrence Prior of Durham, 14th King Stephen, 1149. It was refounded 6 King Edward III. by Richard de Emeldon, for three Chaplains. By an injunction of Richard Biſhop of Durham, in the third year of his conſecration, 1335: they were obliged to diſtribute after divine ſervice, on the eve of the anniverſary of his death, the ſum of 6s. 8d. to 160 poor people. It was founded again in the reign of King Hen. 6. by Robert de Rhodes and his wife Agnes, for one Chaplain: the annual value 7l. 7s. 10d. beſides a houſe given by the corporation for the Chaplain to live in.

One of the Chantries of St Catherine was founded by Allan de Durham. It was refounded in the reign of King Edward 3. by William Johnſon and his wife Iſabell, for one Chaplain: the annual value 6l. 15s.

The other Chantry of St Catherine by Nicholas and John Elliker: the annual value 3l. 14s. 8d.

The Chantry of St Peter and St Paul was founded by Adam de Fenrother and Alan Hilton, in the reign of King Hen. 4. the annual value 4l. 13s. 4d.

The Chantry of St Thomas was founded by John Thape cape, in the reign of King Edw. 3. the annual value 4l. 12s. 6d.

The Chantry of the bleſſed Virgin claims as high a foundation as the reign of King Edw. 1. but how much earlier and by whom is unknown, the deed of foundation being loſt. It ſtood on the ſouth ſide of the church, being a large porch; the annual value 5l. 16s. Nicholas de Carliol, capital Bailiff of the corporation 1328, and Peter Graper, mayor, 1305, paid each 2s. per annum to it.

The Chantry of St Margaret was founded by Stephen Whitgray and his wife Mary 17 King Rich. 2. 1394. The annual value 10 marks.

The Chantry of St Cuthbert was founded by Tho. de Errington and Wm Redmarſhal, in the reign of King Rich. 2. The annual value 7l. 3s. 2d.

The Chantry of St Lyra was founded by Robert Caſtell in the reign of King Edward 3. The annual value 4l. 10s.

Bourne, Wallis, &c.
*

St Ann's was founded by Wm Heron: the annual value 4l. 17s.

St Mary's, the founder unknown: the annual value of the endowment 4l. 3s. 6d.

Another Chantry was founded in honour of St Mary, by George Carr, Merchant, but never licenſed: annual value of the endowment 5l. 6s. 8d.

There are three cellars under the chapel. Gilbert de Mitford, a burgeſs of Newcaſtle, paid annually for the middle one 14s. at the feaſt of St Martin in winter. It was confirmed to him 21ſt King Edw. 3. 1347, by charter from William Spyn, then Chaplain, and Guardian of the alms for the ſupport of Tyne Bridge, with the conſent of the Corporation: ſealed with their ſeal, and ſigned by Peter Graper, Mayor, William de Acton, Hugh de Augerton, Hugh de Carliol, and John de Emeldon, Bailiffs.

Bourne, Wallis, &c.

Grey is of opinion that it was dedicated to All Hallows, or All Saints, from the antient name of that part of the town Pampedon, which he ſays was ſo called from [...], imagining, I ſuppoſe, that it was ſo called of the Romans after the temple of Rome, the Pantheon, which was dedicated to all the Gods.

The church is 55 yards 1¼ foot long, and 25 yards 2 feet broad: a ſquare tower: the bells were founded in 1696, of the metal of the ſtatue of King James II. removed from Sandhill. The name of Robert Rhodes is on this ſteeple alſo.

The chancel ſtands on a vault ſupported by a center pillar and eight groin arches.

The Rood was an image of our Saviour upon the croſs, made generally of wood, and placed on a loft erected for that purpoſe, juſt over the paſſage out of the church into the chancel; out of this myſtery it is ſaid, that the church repreſents the church militant, and the chancel the church triumphant; and who will paſs out of the former into the latter, muſt go under the Rood loft, that is, they muſt go under the croſs and ſuffer affliction. This image was wont to have the Virgin Mary on one ſide, and St John on the other. Savely's Church Hiſt. p. 199.

Bourne.

St Thomas's was founded by John Puthore Clerk: the annual value 4l. 8s. 4d.

St Mary's, founder unknown: the annual value 4l. 5s. 10d.

St John the Evangeliſt's was founded by Rich. Williſby and Rich. Fiſhlake: the annual value 4l. 15s. 4d.

St Peter's was founded by Roger de Thornton, the royal licence granted 13 King Henry IV. the annual value 6l. It was ſituate oppoſite to the founder's ſepulchral monument.

St Catherine's had the ſame pious founder, the annual value 5l. 3s. 8d.

St John the Baptiſt's was founded by John Ward: the annual value 7l. 15s. 8d.

St Lyra's was founded in the reign of King Edw. III. by Richard Pickering: the annual value 3l. 8s. 4d.

Wallis.
*

St Mary's founder unknown: the annual value 6l. 12s. 10d.

The Holy Trinity, is ſaid to have been founded by Sir Adam de Atholl, Knight, whoſe remains are interred in it: the annual value 4l. 2s. 10d.

St Thomas's, founder unknown, and the annual value uncertain.

Ibid.
*

The name and arms of Robert Rhodes are on the ſteeple.

There is a thing at the top of the quire, which though little known is yet of great certainty, and that is, the funnel or wood box in the form of a ſpout, which hangs from the top of this quire. This was a conveyance for an artificial dove on the day of Pentecoſt, to repreſent the deſcent of the Holy Ghoſt. That there were ſuch things in churches, though in none that I know of in this town but this, is matter of fact. For thus we are told, that on Whitſunday they began to play a new interlude, then ſent down a dove out of an owls neſt deviſed in the roof of the church; but firſt they caſt out roſin and gunpowder, with wildfire, and that muſt needs be the Holy Ghoſt which cometh with thunder and lightning.

Bourne.
In the church yard on a elegant tombſtone.
Here lie the Remains of
John Cunningham
Of his Excellence
As a Paſtoral Poet
His Works will remain a Monument
For Ages
After this tempory Tribute of Eſteem
is in Duſt forgotten.
He died in Newcaſtle 18 Sep. 1774.
Aged 44.

St Thomas's was founded in the reign of King Edward II. by Adam de Durham, a burgeſs of this town: the annual value 4l. 3s.

St Mary's was founded in the reign of King Edward III. by Edward Scot: the annual value 4l. 4s. 4d.

The Holy Trinity was founded by John Dalton, Wm Akinſhawe, and Andrew Acliffe, Clerks: the annual value 5l. 13s. 4d.

*

The Exchange contains a variety of apartments, and alſo the Courts of juſtice for the town. Is of the architecture of the period of James I. The builder Robert Trollop is buried oppoſite to it in the church-yard of Gateſhead. His ſtatue pointing towards the Exchange, ſtood formerly over his grave, with theſe lines under his feet.

Here lies Robert Trollop
Who made you ſtones roll-up
When death took his ſoul-up
His body fill'd this hole-up. Pennant.

The ſtory of the ſtatue is believed to be fabulous: an anonymous writer has ſaid lately in his ſtrictures on the above publication, that the Epitaph has always been ſaid to be made by Daniel De Foe, whilſt at Gateſhead, on ſome occaſion; and adds, ‘At preſent there is neither inſcription nor ſtatue, nor do I believe there ever was on Trollop's monument.’ Whether Mr Pennant's known veracity will go further than the ſplenetick froth of a man who dares not ſubſcribe his name to his belief, the reader muſt determine.

*
Randal.
*
Gardiner, ch. 2. p. 7.
Madox Firma Burgi, p. 54.
*
Burgeſſes returned to Parliament for Newcaſtle.
Anno Regni.King Edward I.Parliament.
26—John ScotPeter Graperat York
30—Nich. CarliolTho. de FriſmaLondon
35—Nich. le Scot Carliſle
 King Edward II. 
1—Gilbert de FlemingPeter FiſherNorthampton
2—Johannes filius HenriciGilb. HawkinsWeſtminſter
4—Rich. de EmeldonJohn de Carliolditto
5—Rich. de EmeldonNich. de CarliolLondon
*6—Gilbert FlemingJohn de KeteringhamWeſtminſter
8—Nich. le ScottsRich. de EmeldonYork
15—Michael ScottRob. AngertonWeſtminſter
19—Rich. de EmeldonAdam Graperditto
 King Edward III. 
1—Richard de EmeldonTho. DaulinYork
2—Rich. EmeldenAdam GraperNorthampton
4—Will. BarntonGilb. HaukinWeſtminſter
6—Rich. EmeldenJohn Dentonditto
7—John DentonHugo de NechamYork
8—John de DentonHugo de Nechamditto
9—John de EmeldonRich. HeiteWeſtminſter
12—Peter de AngertonTho. Holiwellditto
13—Rob. de HaliwellTho. de Haliwellditto
14—John DentonRich. Gallowayditto
14—Nich. ScottJohn Scottditto
15—Will. de EmeldonNich. de Sadlingſtavesditto
17—Rich. de EmeldonGilbert Hawkinditto
20—Will. de AttonRich. Angertonditto
21—Rob. AngertonRob. de Peturickditto
22—Peter GraperWill. Dittonditto
22—Thomas WorſhipJohn Reynaldditto
24—John de ChaumbreNich. Radunditto
25—John de ChaumbreNich. de Rodunditto
32—Will. del StrotheNich. de Rodunditto
33—Philip GraperTho. Friſmariſcoditto
34—Will. de StrechreJohn de Stanhopditto
35—John othe ChaumbreJohn de Stanhopditto
36—John de la ChaumbreRob. de Duxfieldditto
39—Will. ActonHugo Hawkinsditto
45—Rich. DactonRob. de Angertonditto
46—Rob. de HangertonLaurence de Actonditto
47—Henry ScotRoger Lelilaxditto
50—Nich. de SabramLaurence de Actonditto
51—Tho. Del ChaumbreJohn Howelditto
 King Richard II. 
1—John de BulkhamRich. de Stanhopditto
3—Nich. SabramJohn Howellditto
7—John HowellSampſon Hardingditto
8—John HowellSampſon Hardingditto
9 —Steph. WhitgraySampſon Hardingditto
10—Laurence de AttonPhil. Howellditto
11—Sampſon HardingWill. Biſhopdaleditto
13—Will. BiſhopdaleSteph. Whitgrayditto
15—Will. de BiſhopdaleLaurence de Actonditto
16—John de MoretonRich. de Langeſtonditto
17—Henry de KerſellTho. Dirindonditto
20—Sampſon HardingWill. Redmarſhullditto
 King Henry IV. 
1—Laurence ActonRoger ThorntonWeſtminſter
3—Rich. BennetRobert Darcyditto
12—Roger ThorntonRoger de Botheditto
 King Henry V. 
1—Will. JohnſonRob. Whelpingtonditto
1—Rich. de DaltonRob. Whelpingtonditto
2—Will. de MiddletonRol. SwineburneLeiceſter
3—Roger del BothTho. de HibburneWeſtminſter
5—Roger ThorntonJohn de Strotherditto
7—John PaulinRob. HibburneGlouceſter
8—John de WallRoger del BothWeſtminſter
9—Will. EllerbyRoger del Bothditto
 King Henry VI. 
1—Rob. WhelpingtonEmeric Herringditto
2—Rob. WhelpingtonRoger del Bothditto
3—Will. MadecroftAndomar Herringditto
6—Will. MadecroftRob. Rodesditto
7—Rob. RodesTho. Papedayditto
11—Will. HardingRob. Rodesditto
13—Edw. BartramRob. Rodesditto
20—Rob. RodesRob. Heworthditto
25*—Will. HardingTho. MorriſlawCambridge
27—Will. HardingJohn DaltonWeſtminſter
28—Rob. HeworthRob. Baxterditto
29—John WardRich. Weldenditto
38—Tho. WeltdenRob. Mannesditto
 King Edward IV. 
7—John WoodRich. Weſtdenditto
12—Will. BlackſtonRob. Folberyditto
17— ditto

The writs, returns, and indentures from 17 King Edward IV. to 33 King Edward VIII. are all loſt.

B. Willis.
 King Henry VIII. 
33— Weſtminſter
 King Edward IV. 
1—Rob. Brandling, Knt. ditto
7—Rob. Lewen, MayorBertram Anderſonditto
 Queen Mary. 
1—Rob. Brandling, Knt.Edw. Hallditto
1—Bertram AnderſonCuthbert Horſleyditto
 Philip and Mary. 
1 and 2—Bertram AnderſonJoh. Watſon, EſqWeſtminſter
2 and 3—Rob. Brandling, Knt.Cuth. Blontditto
4 and 5—Bertram AnderſonRob. Lewenditto
 Queen Elizabeth. 
1—Cuth. BlountRob. Lewenditto
5—Rob. Brandling, Knt.Barth. Anderſonditto
13—Will. CartWill. Jenniſonditto
14—Will. SelbyWill. Jenniſonditto
27—Henry AnderſonWill. Jenniſon, Aldermanditto
28—Hen. AnderſonEdw. Lewen, Aldermenditto
31—Hen. AnderſonHen. Mitford, Aldermenditto
35—Hen. AnderſonEdw. Lewen, Aldermenditto
39—Henry Mitford ditto
43—Will. JenniſonGeo. Selby, Aldermenditto
 King James I. 
1—Geo. SelbyHenry Chipenham, Eſqditto
12—Hen. Anderſon, Knt. ditto
18—Fra. Anderſon, Knt.Tho. Riddell, Knt.ditto
21—Hen. Anderſon, Knt.Pet. Liddel, Knt.ditto
 King Charles I. 
1—Hen. Anderſon, Knt.Tho. Liddel, Knt.ditto
1—Hen. Anderſon, Knt.Peter Liddel, Knt.ditto
3—Tho. Riddel, Knt.Peter Riddel, Knt.ditto
15—Peter Liddel, Knt.Tho. Liddel, Eſqditto
16—Hen. Anderſon, Knt.*John Blackſton, Eſq ditto

Oliver Cromwell, Uſurper, Convened a Parliament called the Little Parliament, 1653, but no repreſentatives for any cities or boroughs, except London, were returned.

3 Sep. 1654—Arthur Haſilrig, Bart.  
17 Sep. 1656—Walter Strickland, Eſq  
 Richard Cromwell, Uſurper. 
27 Jan. 1658—Mark Shaftoe.Tho. Lilburne, Eſq 
 The Convention Parliament. 
25 Apr. 1660— Franc. Anderſon, Knt. — Rob. Elliſon, Knt.—(Qry J. Marley.)
 King Charles II. 
13—Franc. Anderſon, Knt.—J. Marley, Knt. Qry—Wm Blackett, Knt.Weſtminſter
31—Fran. Anderſon, Knt.Will. Blackett, Knt. and Bart.ditto
31—Ra. Carr, Knt.Nath. Johnſon, Eſq or Sir W. Blackett, Bart.ditto
32—Ra. Carr, Knt.Nath. Johnſon, Knt.Oxon
 King James II. 
1—Nath. Johnſon, Knt.Will. Blackett, Bart.Weſtminſter
 The Convention Parliament. 
22 Jan. 1688—Ra. Carr, Knt.Will. Blackett, Bart.ditto
 William and Mary. 
2—Ra. Carr, Knt.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
 King William III. 
7—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
10—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
12—Hen. Liddell, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
13—Hen. Liddell, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
 Queen Anne. 
1—Hen. Liddel, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
4—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
Hen. Liddel, Bart. in the room of Blackett, who died 29 Dec. 1705.
7—Hen. Liddel, Bart.Will. Carr, Eſqditto
9—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Wrightſon, Eſqditto
12—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Wrightſon, Eſqditto
 King George I. 
1—Will. Blackett, Bart.Will. Wrightſon, Eſqditto
 James Clavering, Eſq petitioner. 
7—Will. Blackett, Bart. ditto
 King George II. 
1—Will. Blackett, Bart.Nich. Fenwick, Eſqditto
 William Carr, Eſq petitioner.* 
7—Walter Calverly Blackett, EſqNich. Fenwick, Eſqditto
14—Walter Calverly Blackett, EſqNich. Fenwick, Eſqditto
Poll. May 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19, 1741.
Candidates.
No. of voters.
Walter Calverly Blackett, Eſq
1453
Nicholas Fenwick, Eſq
1231
Matthew Ridley, Eſq
1131
William Carr, Eſq
683

Mr Ridley and Mr Carr petitioned, but Mr Carr died 16 May, 1742. Mr Ridley renewed his petition in the ſecond ſeſſion.

20—Walter Calverly Blackett, EſqMatthew Ridley, EſqWeſtminſter
28—Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart.Matthew Ridley, Eſqditto
 King George III. 
1—Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart.Matthew Ridley, EſqWeſtminſter
8—Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart.Matthew Ridley, Eſqditto
—Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart.Matthew White Ridley, Bart.ditto
Elected on Wedneſday 19th Oct. 1774 Poll eight days.
Candidates.
No. of voters.
Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart.
1432
Matthew White Ridley, Bart.
1411
Conſtantine John Phipps, Eſq
795
Thomas Delaval, Eſq
677

About 2662 voters, being 233 leſs than in 1741.

On the death of Sir Walter Calverly Blackett, Bart. 1777.
Candidates.
No. of voters.
Sir John Trevelyan, Bart.
1163
Andrew Robinſon Bowes, Eſq
1068

About 2231 voters.

[405]
*
Anno 6. Ed. 2.—A writ iſſued to the Sheriff of Northumberland, in uſual form, Ad eligendum pro communitate comitat. ill. duos Milites & qualibet Civitate duos Cives, & quolibet Burgo duos Burgenſes.—He made this return on the dorſe thereof: Willus de Tindale vic Northumb. ſic reſpondit. Quid homineſtam Com. Northumb. quam villae Novi Caſtri ſuper Tynam, multum timent, quod pax inter regna Angliae & Scotiae per quoſdam Scotiae infringeretur, propter quod ipſi ſe elongare ad preſens commodé non potuerant; Ideo praedicti nullos Milites ſeu Burgenſes pro inſtanti parliamento curant mittere.

In the 8th year of Edw. 2. the King iſſued forth another writ to the Sheriff of Northumberland, to elect two Knights, Citizens and Burgeſſes, for the commonalty of the county, and of every city and borough within it, on which the Sheriff indorſed this return: Iſtud Breve oſtenſum fuit in pleno Comitatu: ubi reſponſum fuit mihi. Quod omnes Milites de Balliva mea non ſufficiunt ad defenſionem Marchiae. Et mandatum fuit Ballivis Libertatis villae Novi Caſtri ſuper Tinam, qui ſic reſponderunt, quod omnes Burgenſes villiae predictae vix ſufficiunt ad defenſionem villae ejuſdem; Et ideo quo ad executionem iſtius Brevis, nihil actum eſt.

Prynne Br. Parl. rediviva 165.

The above table of Burgeſſes not agreeing with the ſeveral returns, implies that a peremptory writ had compelled an election.

Anno 1. Ed. 3.—A writ to elect two Knights for this county of Northumberland, and two Citizens and Burgeſſes, was directed to the Sheriff, who returned this anſwer to it.

Communitas Com. Northumb. ſic reſpondet. Quod ipſi per inimicos. Scotiae adeo ſunt deſtructi, quod non habent unde ſolvere expenſae duobus Militibus proficiſſuris ad tractatum & conſilium apud Linc. tenend.

Ballivi libertatis Novi Caſtri ſuper Tinam, ſic reſpondent. Quod ipſi tam oncrantur circa ſalvam cuſtodiam villae praedict. quod nominem poſſunt de dicta villa carere, Ideo executio iſtius brevis ad praeſens fieri non poteſt.

Prynne, p. 165.
*

This return was made by the Sheriff of Newcaſtle by indenture, being the firſt on record after the appointment of that officer.

Vide Prynne, p. 282.
*

Anderſon expelled for non-attendance. Rob. Elliſon of Hebburne, Eſq in the place of Warmouth, Eſq not permitted to fit.

Hollis's Memoirs.
Signed the warrant to behead the King
*
1727 William Carr, Eſq lodged his petition in time, but nothing was done therein till after Sir William Blackett's death, 29 Sept. 1728, and then the petition being depending, Carr was heard upon his petition, and having diſqualified above 600 of Sir William's votes for bribery, was voted to be duly elected, no oppoſition being made againſt him.
*
This was to enlarge and render more commodious the acceſs to the bridge.

A correct table of the Mayors and Sheriffs is given in Bourne's work: I will only add the ſucceſſion ſince the time of that publication.

The laſt named by the above author.
Mayors.Sheriffs.
1735—Walter BlackettJohn Wilkinſon
1736—Nicholas FenwickMatthew Bell
1737—William CarreJonathan Sorſbie
1738—Nathaniel ClaytonWilliam Greenwell
1739—Cuthbert FenwickCuthbert Collingwood
1741—Edward CollingwoodRa. Sowerbye
1741—Robert SorſbieJohn Ord
1742—John SimpſonWilliam Peareth
1743—Ra. SowerbyeGeorge Colepitts
1744—John Ord; in his room Matthew RidleyAubone Surtees
1745—Cuthbert SmithHenry Partis
1746—Nicholas FenwickHenry Eden
1747—Nicholas Fenwick re-electedWiliam Watſon
1748—Walter BlackettJohn Vanholt
1749—Robert SorſbieRobert Heron
1750—Ralph SowerbyeWilliam Clayton
1751—Matthew RidleyMatthew Scaife
1752—Henry PartisFrancis Rudſton
1753—Henry EdenJohn Harriſon
1754—Cuthbert SmithWilliam Rowell
1755—William ClaytonWilliam Harbottle
1756—Sir Walter Blackett, Bart.John Eraſmus Blackett
1757—Matthew BellJohn Scurfield
1758—Ra. SowerbyeEdward Moſley
1759—Matthew RidleyMatthew Stephenſon
1760—Henry PartisJohn Baker
1761—Aubone SurteesFletcher Partis
1762—Cuthbert SmithHugh Hornby
1763—William ClaytonFrancis Forſter
1764—Sir Walter Blackett, Bart.Thomas Blackett
1765—John Eraſmus BlackettCharles Atkinſon
1766—Matthew ScaifeJohn Hedley
1767—Edward MoſleyRichard Lacy
1768—John BakerWilliam Coulſon
1769—Francis ForſterWilliam Reed
1770—Aubone SurteesJames Liddell
1771—Sir W. Calverly Blackett, Bart.Chriſt. Wilkinſon
1772—John Eraſmus BlacketttJames Rudman
1773—Matthew Scaife Obt. 16 Jan. 1774, Edw. Moſley elected.Wm Yielder
1774—Sir M. White Ridley, Bart.Francis Johnſon
1775—Charles AtkinſonWilliam Cramlington
1776—John BakerJames Tho. Lorrain
1777—John HedleyRobert Clayton
[410]
*
The preamble of the act ſets forth "That this Biſhoprick being then void of a Prelate, the gift thereof was in the King's pleaſure, and the compaſs of it being ſo large as to extend itſelf into ſeveral ſhires far diſtant, it could not be ſufficiently ſerved by one Biſhop; and ſince the King by his godly diſpoſition was deſirous to have God's holy word preached in thoſe parts, which were wild and barbarous for lack of good preaching and good ſearching; therefor he intendeth to have two good Biſhopricks for that dioceſe; the one at Durham, which ſhould have 2000 marks yearly revenue, and another at Newcaſtle with 1000; and alſo found a cathedral church at the latter place, with a Deanery and Chapter, out of the revenues of the ſaid Biſhoprick; therefore the Biſhoprick of Durham is utterly extinguiſhed and diſſolved, and authority given for letters patents to erect the two new Biſhopricks, together with a Deanery and Chapter at Newcaſtle, with a proviſo that the rights of the Deanery, Chapter, and Cathedral of Durham ſhould ſuffer nothing by this act."
The preamble ſets forth, "That certain ambitious perſons taking advantage of the late King's minority, made an intereſt, by ſiniſter practice, to procure the diſſolution of the Biſhoprick; that it was done out of mercenary views, to enrich themſelves and their friends, by ſeizing the lands of the See, rather than upon juſt occaſion or godly zeal; that Tunſtall Biſhop of Durham was deprived upon unjuſt furmiſes and falſe accuſations, and that the proceſs againſt him was foul and illegal; that upon a full examination of the matter by the Queen's commiſſioners, the ſentence of deprivation was declared void, as may be ſeen at large by an authentic inſtrument; that the Queen had new founded the Biſhoprick by her letters patents, and reſtored all the lands in her poſſeſſion. But that neither the ſentence of deprivation, nor the Queen's letters patents were of ſufficient force to recover the honours, lands, &c. to the See of Durham; therefore to reſtore the Biſhoprick to its former intereſt, privileges, and revenues, the two diſſolution ſtatutes of the laſt reign are hereby repealed."
*

In a note, Bourne ſays by ſeveral records it appears, that it has been cuſtomary to levy fines in this court, p. 192.

Recorders of Newcaſtle.
Sir Thomas Tempeſt, Knt.1536 
John Savil, Eſq Baron of the Exchequer1599named in the charter.
Thomas Riddel, Knt.1639v. Ruſhworth.
Robert Shaftoe, Knt.1660 
John Cuthbert, Eſq Serjeant at Law1709 
William Daviſon of Beamiſh, Eſq Pro Tempore. reſigned.
John Iſaacſon, Eſq1725 
Edward Collingwood, Eſq1737reſigned 1739.
William Cuthbert, Eſq1739 
Chriſtopher Fawcett, Eſq1746removed.
Edward Collingwood, Eſq1753reſigned on account of health.
Chriſtopher Fawcett, Eſq re-elected 6 Dec.1769 
*

The proclamation uſed on theſe occaſions is as follows:

"The Right Worſhipful * * * Mayor of the town and county of Newcaſtle upon Tyne, and his Worſhipful Brethren; the Aldermen of this Corporation, ſtreightly charge and command, on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King, that all manner of perſons, of whatſoever eſtate, degree, or condition they be, having recourſe to this fair, keep the peace of our ſaid Sovereign Lord the King.

That no manner of perſons make any congregations, conventicles, or affrays, by which the ſaid peace may be broken or diſturbed, upon pain of impriſonment, and fine to be made, after the diſcretion of the Mayor and Aldermen.

Alſo, that all manner of ſellers of wine or beer ſell by meaſure ſealed, as by gallon, pottle, quart, pint, &c. upon pain that will fail thereof.

And that no perſon ſell any bread, but if it keep the aſſize, and that it be good and wholeſome for man's body, upon pain that will fail thereof.

And that no manner of Cook, Pye-baker, nor Huckſter, ſell or put to ſale, any manner of victual, but it may be good and wholeſome for man's body, upon pain that will fail thereof.

And that no manner of perſons buy or ſell, but with true weights and meaſures, ſealed according to the ſtatute in that behalf made, upon pain that will fail thereof.

And that no manner of perſon or perſons take upon him or them, within this fair, to make any manner of arreſt, attachment, ſummons, or execution, but if it be done by the officers of this corporation thereunto aſſigned, upon pain that will fail thereof.

And that no manner of perſon or perſons whatſoever, within the limits and bounds of this fair, preſume to break the Lord's day, in ſelling, ſhewing, or offering to ſale, or in buying, or offering to buy, any commodities whatſoever; or in fitting tipling or drinking in any Tavern, Inn, or Ale-houſe, Tipling-houſe, or Cook's-houſe, or in doing any other thing that may tend to the breach thereof, upon the pains and penalties contained in ſeveral acts of parliament, which will be ſeverely inflicted upon the breakers thereof.

And finally, that what perſons ſoever find themſelves grieved, injured, or wronged, by any manner of perſon in this fair, that they come with their plaints before the Stewards in this fair, aſſigned to hear and determine pleas, and they will adminiſter to all parties juſtice, according to the laws of this land, and the cuſtoms of this corporation." Wallis.

The oath adminiſtred on taking up a freedom is as follows:

Ye ſhall ſwear that ye ſhall be good and true to our Sovereign Lord King George the Third, and to the heirs of our Sovereign Lord the King, obeiſant and obedient ye ſhall be to the Mayor and Miniſters of the Corporation, the franchiſes and cuſtoms thereof ye ſhall maintain, and this town keep harmleſs in that that you is.

Ye ſhall be contributary to all manner of charges within this town, as ſummons, watches, contributions, taxes, tallages, lot and ſcot, and to all other charges bearing your part as a freeman ought to do.

Ye ſhall colour no foreign goods under or in your name, whereby the King or this town might or may loſe their cuſtoms or advantages.

Ye ſhall know no foreigner to buy or ſell any merchandize with any other foreigner within this corporation or franchiſe thereof, but ye ſhall warn the Mayor thereof, or ſome miniſtring under him.

Ye ſhall implead or ſue no freeman out of this town, whilſt you may have right and law within the ſame town.

Ye ſhall take no apprentice but if he be free born, that is to ſay, no bondman's ſon, nor the child of an alien, and for no leſs term than for ſeven years, without fraud or deceit, and within the firſt year ye ſhall cauſe him to be enrolled, or elſe pay ſuch fine as ſhall reaſonably be impoſed upon you for omitting the ſame: and after his term's end, within convenient time, (being required) ye ſhall make him free of the corporation, if he have well and truly ſerved you. Ye ſhall alſo keep the King's peace in your own perſon.

Ye ſhall know no gatherings, conventicles, nor conſpiracies againſt the King's peace, but ye ſhall warn the Mayor thereof, or let it to your power.

All theſe points and articles ye ſhall well and truly keep, according to the laws and cuſtoms of this corporation, to your power. So God you help. Wallis.

*

Great diſputes have aroſe touching the time when coals were firſt uſed in this iſland.

Our Antiquaries have conjectured that the Romans knew how to win them and their uſe; yet in the diſcovery of their hippocauſts, and of the vaults where the remains of ſacrifice have been found, it is not aſſerted by any that the remains of any coal fires have been diſcovered.

Matthew Paris mentions Carbo Marinus.

In the 1ſt year of the reign of King Edward I. mention is made de Carbonibus Maritimis, and their meaſure.

In the 31ſt year of that reign, a complaint was made of the public nuiſance the burning of coal was in the city and ſuburbs of London, by corrupting the air by the ſtink and ſmoke, and a proclamation was iſſued to prohibit its uſe; and afterwards a Commiſſion of Oyer to puniſh thoſe who uſed it, in defiance of the proclamation.

Pryn's Animadverſ. Coke's Inſtitutes, p. 182.

By a charter of 23 King Henry III. A. D. 1239, licence was given to win coal in the Caſtle Field and Forth.

In the 9th of King Henry V. 1421, a duty of two-pence a chaldron being paid to the King, the burthen of keels was limited by ſtatute to 20 chaldron, and the keels were directed to be ſealed by the King's officers, to prevent frauds in the duty. St. 9 K. Hen. 5. cha. 10.

In a charter of the 8th of King Henry IV. De privilegijs & Libert. Epi Dun. A charter of the 7th of King Richard III. is recited De Carbonib. & aliis Merchandizis vendendis.

Queen Elizabeth granted a charter to the Fraternity called Free Hoſtmen for the vending of Coals, reſerving a duty of 12d a chaldron.

By the ſtat. 30. King Charles II. Commiſſioners are appointed for regulating the duties on coals, &c.

The quantity of a Ten of coals is uncertain, and not always the ſame, but commonly 16 Newcaſtle chaldrons make a ten. Two keels alſo make a ten, and 11 waggons a keel. Each waggon contains 19 bolls and upwards, at 36 gallons to a boll, and 9 bolls or thereabouts go to a fother, and three fothers and a quarter make a chaldron; 21 corves to a ſcore, and 55 fother make a ten.

A ſquare yard of ſolid coal contains eight bolls.

An acre of ground contains 4840 ſquare yards of ſolid coal, which is near equal to 68 tens, at 16 chaldrons to a ten, which is near equal to 1088 chaldrons of coals.

Three ſquare yards and a quarter go to a chalder.

Waggon ways were firſt uſed in this neighbourhood ſoon after the revolution, by Mr Allan of Flatts, in the county of Durham, and on the Tyne by Charles Montague, Eſq at Stella.

*
A manuſcript note in the margin of Bourne's Hiſtory of Newcaſtle, in Fiſher's Circulating Library, p. 159.

The great export of this place is coal, for which it has been noted for ſome centuries. It is not exactly known at what time that ſpecies of fuel was firſt dug. It is probable that it was not very early in general uſe. That the Romans ſometimes made uſe of it appears in our former volume, p. 55: but ſince wood was the fuel of their own country, and Britain was overrun with foreſts, it was not likely that they would pierce into the bowels of the earth for a leſs grateful kind. But it was exported to foreign parts long before it was in uſe in London; for London likewiſe had its neighbouring foreſts. We find that in 1234, King Henry III. confirms to the good people of Newcaſtle, the charter of his father King John, granting them the privilege of digging coals in the Caſtle Moor, and converting them to their own profit, in aid of their fee-farm rent of one hundred a year; which moor was afterwards granted to them in property by Edward III. The time of the firſt exportation of coals to London does not appear. In 1307, the 35th year of Edward I. they were conſidered in the capital as a nuiſance; for on the repeated complaints of Prelates, Nobles, Commons of Parliament, and Inhabitants of London, againſt the ſtench and ſmoke of coals uſed by Brewers, Dyers, and other Artificers, the King iſſued out his proclamation againſt the uſe of them: which being diſregarded, a commiſſion of Oyer and Terminer was iſſued, to puniſh the diſobedient with fines for the firſt offence, and for the ſecond, by the deſtruction of their furnaces. In 1379, we find that their uſe was not only tolerated, but their conſumption made beneficial to the ſtate; for in that year a duty of ſix-pence per ten each quarter of a year was impoſed on ſhips coming from Newcaſtle. In 1421, the trade became ſo important as to engage the regulations of government, and orders were given about the lengths of the keels, ſo that the quantity of coal might be aſcertained. From that period the commerce advanced continually. Pennant, vol. II. p. 310.

 Ships.Tons.Ch. Coals.Cwt. Lead. 
1772.3585689,090330,200123,370Coaſt Trade.
 36349,12421,69030,064Foreign Parts.
 3948738,214351,890153,434 
*
The exact amount of the revenue and allowance to the Mayor is not eaſily gained by a traveller; it muſt be got by particular confidence.
Pennant.
*

In Gaveſton's baggage left behind him in his precipitate retreat were found many jewels, which belonged to the Crown, and of which an exact inventory was taken. They were reſtored to the King after Gaveſton was beheaded. Rapin.

*
Four Conſervators were appointed for Northumberland.
Walſingham.
*
Mador Firm. Burg.
*
Barns's Hiſt. King Edward III.
Hakluyt's Eng. Voyages, vol. I. p. 119.
Brady's Continuation, p. 253.
*

Scotti poſuerunt caſtra prope Novum Caſtellum. In qua Villa Henricus Percy junior & Radulphus frater ejus milites erant. Henricus Percy opp. egreſſus captus eſt a Scottis, ſed edita ante ingenti Scottorum caede. Lel. Col. vol. I. p. 253.

Iriſh Compend. p. 126.
*

A ſermon was preached before him by the Scotch Metropolitan, who was ſo little touched with the preſence of ſuffering Majeſty, and had ſo little a portion of the grace of modeſty, that after his diſcourſe was ended he called for the 52d pſalm, which begins, "Why doſt thou, tyrant, boaſt thyſelf, thy wicked works to praiſe." His Majeſty that moment ſtood up and called for the 56th pſalm, which begins, "Have mercy, Lord, on me, I pray, for men would me devour. The congregation ſung his Majeſty's. Clarendon.

The Statue of King Charles II. which ſtood over the magazine gate, was taken down, when the tower was removed to render the entrance into the town more open. The ſtatue was re-exalted on the ſide of the Exchange facing the Fiſh-market. This circumſtance ſo greatly irritated ſome inveterate enemy to the Stewart race, and fiery zealot to the houſe of Brunſwick, that the following illnatured paſquinade was found poſted upon a door immediately under the ſtatue.

Sacred to the memory
Of CHARLES STUART,
Of a juſtly deteſted race, and a moſt deteſtable raſcal
That ever diſgraced the Britiſh throne;
Ungrateful to his friends,
Treacherous to his country,
To humanity a ſtranger;
He proſtituted the beſt gifts of nature
(A ſtrong bodily conſtitution,
And ſtronger mental parts)
To the moſt abominable lewdneſs and the worſt of vices.
Tho' a barren wife
Left him no legitimate ſucceeding iſſue,
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * *
Curious ſpectator, whoever thou art,
Thankfully acknowledge thy obligations
To the Right Worſhipful the M—r and M—tes
Of this once truly loyal,
But now, alas! licentious town;
That they have gratified the curious eye,
By placing this exquiſite piece of art
In a more elevated and conſpicuous ſituation,
In the front of their Hall of Juſtice.
If happily thou retaineſt in thy generous breaſt
The ſeeds of loyalty and affection
To the unfortunate Royal Houſe of Stuart.
Reflect with gratitude
On the bleſſings thou enjoyeſt
From the happy and glorious reſtoration
Of Charles the Second.
If unhappily thy principles or thy paſſions
Torment thee with indignant rage
Receive inſtruction and profit
From the wretch whoſe memory thou abhorreſt:
Or learn to moderate thy reſentment or party zeal,
By the humiliating reflection,
That the heavieſt oppreſſions,
The moſt cruel perſecutions,
The vileſt debaucheries
And moſt deſtructive vices,
May reign and ſpread with triumphant havock,
Under the mild connivance, miſtaken confidence, and unmerited favour
Of a moſt gracious and virtuous ſovereign;
As under the avowed auſpices, the lewd example, and open encouragement
Of the moſt diſſolute and abandoned tyrant.
Randal's Manuſcripts.
*
He came to the See 1249.

The original ſuperſtructure of this bridge was probably of wood, like that over the Danube, and continued made with the ſame material for ſeveral centuries. Notice is taken of it in the reign of King Richard I. when Philip Poictiers, Biſhop of Durham, gave licence to the Burgeſſes of Gateſhead to give wood to whomſoever they pleaſed to be ſpent about the river Tyne; which is ſuppoſed to mean in the repairs of the bridge and quay on the part belonging to Durham; for one third belongs to the Biſhop, and two to the town; ſo that after it was deſtroyed in 1248 by a furious fire, the Biſhop and the town united in the expence of building the ſtone bridge, of which this calamity was the origin. The Prelate (Walter Kirkham) had the advantage in this; for, armed with ſpiritual powers, he iſſued out indulgences from all penances to every one that would aſſiſt, either with money or labour. The town alſo applied to other Biſhops for their aſſiſtance in promoting ſo good a work, and they in conſequence granted their indulgences; but then the Clergy of the North were directed by their Archdeacon, to prefer the indulgences; of their own Prelate to any other. In the end both parties ſucceeded, and the money raiſed was given to Laurentius, Maſter of the Bridge. Pennant, vol. 2. p. 315.

This part of the bridge was repaired by Thomas Ruthal, Biſhop of Durham, famous in the reigns of King Henry VII. and VIII. not only for being the richeſt ſubject then in Britain, but for the unfortunate miſtake he made in delivering the book of his own private affairs to the aſpiring Cardinal Wolſey, inſtead of one he had wrote on the ſtate of the kingdom by the deſire of his Sovereign, whereby the Cardinal effected his ruin and ſtepped into his Biſhoprick. Wallis.

*
A corruption of Jeſus-Mount.
*
Bourne, notes, p. 82.
*

The Prior Sir William Weſton died of grief. The Priory lands were annexed to the crown, except 600 marks per annum, given to four Knights and two Gentlemen for their valour; 100 marks to each, with a dwelling houſe for ever. Their names were Sir John Dudley, Sir Thomas Seimour, Sir Thomas Poinings, Sir Geo. Carew, Anthony Kingſton, and Richard Cromwell.

Wallis.
  • Robert Shaftoe of Little Barrington 10 Queen Elizabeth.
  • Mark Shaftoe of Benwell,

Member of Parliament for Newcaſtle, A. D. 1659.

  • Robert, High Sheriff of Northumberland 8 King William III. 1696.
  • Robert, High Sheriff 4 King George I. 1718.
  • Robert, High Sheriff 27 King George II. 1754.
Wallis.
Little Bavington.
§

Beſides the Antiquities found here, mentioned by Mr Horſley, the following are worthy notice.

‘A Roman Sudatory was diſcovered a few years ago, in a field eaſt of the houſe, the pavement was not in chequer work or Moſaic, but in unequal irregular figures, red and white; a compoſition of Caluviva and brick, reſembling a pebble marble. Of the true Muſive or Moſaic, I have not heard of any yet being diſcovered in the Roman ſtructures of this or the other ſtations with us; though I make no queſtion but the Romans of quality had them here, as well as in the more ſouthern ſtations of Britain. They are of great antiquity, invented by the luxurious Aſiatics, the builders of Babylon, of Palmyra, of Perſaepolis, of the famous Piramids of Memphis, the juſt wonders of the world. At Suſa they had a royal banquet on a Lythoſtraton, compoſed of rich and curious ſtones. Eſther Ch. I. At Jeruſalem our Saviour had his ſentence paſſed on him by Pilate, from a throne in a place called by way of eminence the Pavement. From Aſia theſe Lythoſtrata paſſed into Greece, from Greece to Rome. The firſt made at Rome was in the temple of Fortune, laid by Sylla 170 years before the chriſtian aera. ‘From Rome they came to Britain, into the palaces of Princes, the ſtate rooms and tents of Generals, the ſacred temples, magnificent thermae, and other places of elegance and pleaſure. The Balnaeum and Lithoſtraton, according to Varro, made a compleat and elegant villa. Baths and ſhady piazzas were firſt introduced here by Agricola.

‘Two millſtones were found here, one of ragſtone, the other factitious of potters work. A ſmall goloſum fictile, or drinking cup, of Roman pottery, and the neck and handle of a cruiſe of brown pottery unglazed.’ Wallis.

*

In Mr Horſley's works the following Roman Antiquities found at this ſtation are mentioned:

No. VII. Jovi Optimo Maximo Dolicheno, et Numinibus Auguſti proſalute Imperatoris Caeſaris Titi Aelii Hadriani Auguſti Pii patris patriae et legionis ſecundae Auguſtae Marcus Liburnius Fronto Centurio Legionis ejuſdem votum ſolvit libens merito.

Between Couſins Houſe and Benwell I could not meet with any Roman inſcriptions or ſculptures. I never heard of any found at Newcaſtle; nor is this much to be wondered at, conſidering how large a town it has long been, and how eaſy it is to ſuppoſe that all that was Roman has been loſt ſome ages ago amongſt ſuch numerous buildings: I therefore proceed to the inſcriptions at Benwell. There are three belonging to this fort, of which this and the next have been publiſhed only (I think) by Mr Gordon: That part of the two firſt lines, which is loſt in the break of the ſtone, is ſo ſupplied by Mr Gordon, as if the whole had been Jovi Optimo Maximo et numinibus, &c. and as if the words Optimo Maximo had been wrote at large ſo as to fill up the whole vacancy: but theſe words are ſeldom found at length upon an altar, and will by no means conſiſt with the letters HENO, which are very plain and diſtinct. The reading I have given ſeems to anſwer as to the letters, and to fill up the ſpace with the greateſt exactneſs; and it will be hard to find another word into which the letters HENO will enter, nor is there any occaſion to ſearch for any other, ſince Jupiter Dolichenus had not only ſeveral altars dedicated to him in other places, but one or two likewiſe in Britain. Caeſar, in the ſhort Natural Hiſtory he gives of Britain, tells us, "The inland countries afford tin, and the maritime iron, tho' no great plenty of it." This paſſage of Caeſar may give us ſome light into the reaſon of theſe altars being dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, when compared with another inſcription to the ſame deity, publiſhed by Reineſius, and referred to in Camden: The inſcription is this, Jovi Optimo Maximo Dolycheno ubi Ferrum nacitur, Sempronius Rectus Cent. Frumentarius, D. D. Reineſius thinks Jupiter had this name given him from [...], a town of Epirus or Macedonia, which country Strabo repreſents as rugged and mountainous, and productive of metals, among which Reineſius ſuppoſes there was iron. If this was the caſe, though Strabo I think does not mention iron, the words ubi ſerrum naſcitur may ſeem to intimate that Jupiter Dolichenus had ſome particular concern in iron mines, and ſo might well be applied to for aſſiſtance and conduct by thoſe who entertained hopes of making beneficial diſcoveries in that way; now Benwell is not many miles from the ſea, and this country abounds with mines of coal that bring yearly a very large ſum of money into it; and the Romans, from Caeſar's account and other circumſtances, might expect to find iron mines in theſe parts, and upon that occaſion pay their devotion to Jupiter Dolichenus. Montſaucon has given us one image of this deity, found at Marſeilles, clad in armour, and ſtanding upon a bull, which ſeems to agree very well with this account; but another image repreſents him in a ruſtic habit, with an ox under him; and Stephanus, who calls him [...], derives his name from Dolochene, a city of Cammagene, in Aſia, which Strabo deſcribes as a fruitful country, well planted with trees and vines; [434]it is not unlikely therefore he might be worſhipped at both theſe places, and that the words in Reineſius's inſcription ubi Ferrum naſcitur might be deſigned as deſcriptive of the Graecian Deity: it may not be improper to remark, that there is a coalry not far from Benwell, a part of which is judged by thoſe that are beſt ſkilled in ſuch affairs to have been wrought by the Romans. The Legio Secunda Auguſta, for whoſe preſervation, together with that of the Emperor, this altar was erected, muſt at this time have been upon the wall in Northumberland, which very probably (if Pauſanius's account be true) might be after they had defeated the Brigantes, and taken from them a great part of their land.

The words which I read Centurio Legionis ejuſdem, are by Mr Gordon read legatus ejuſdem, which miſtake he ſeems to have been led into by not obſerving the centurial mark; ſo that here is no foundation to ſuppoſe a new Propraetor or Lieutenant, M. Liburnius Fronte, from this inſcription: this curious altar has on one ſide the ſacrificing knife and ax, on the other ſide both the Patera and Praeferi [...]ulum. This and the following were in the collection of Robert Shaft [...], Eſq

No. VIII. Centurio Legionis viceſtmae valentis victricis, votum ſolvil libens merito.

This is an imperfect inſcription, upon the lower part of a broken altar, found in the ſame place with the preceding; and as that was erected by a centurion of the ſecond Legion called Auguſta, ſo this by another ſuch officer of the twentieth Legion called Valens Victri [...]: the mark for the Centurion is very plain and diſtinct upon the ſtone, though omitted by Mr Gordon; nor do I remember an inſtance in Britain of an altar erected by a whole Legion, though it was frequently done by a Cohort. My reaſon for reading Valens Victrix and not Valeria or Valeriana I have given before.

No. IX. Victoria Auguſt [...]r [...] Noſtrorum ſecit Nepot Softi Senecionis conſulis Felix alae primae Aſterum Praefectus.

I firſt diſcovered this inſcription on the ſide wall of a houſe at Eaſt Denton, which village ſtands upon the wall, about a quarter of a mile weſt from Benw [...]ll Fort. The houſe was afterwards demoliſhed, and this ſtone thrown among the dirt and rubbiſh: but being again recovered, by a curious gentleman of my acquaintance, is now in my poſſeſſion. Tho' the word ſecit, as ſynonimous with p [...]ſant, is frequently applied to an altar or monument, and therefore does not certainly prove that the legion was at this time employed in building the wall, or the valla [...]; yet as no perſon is named in the inſcription, to whoſe honour this monement was erected, the word fecit may poſſibly refer to ſome other work than purely ſetting up ſuch a ſtone, and to none more likely than building that part of the wall; but this I have conſidered in its proper place. It is ſomewhat rare and curious, to have the name of the legion and the number of the cohort ſet down both together, ſo diſtinctly as here. There are ſome other parallel inſtances of legionary cohorts in Britain, but not very many. In a memorandum left by the late Dr W [...]dward [...]f Cre [...]a [...]n [...]e, this ſtone is ſ [...]d to have been found on the Roman Wall near Newcaſtle upon Tyre and to have been ſent to him by Dr Ca. of that town. The monument correſpondents ſo exact to the deſcription I had from an eye-witneſs of one found at Benwell Fo [...]t, and preferred for ſome [...]re at Benwell [...]ſe, that there can remain no doubt but it muſt be the very [...]me. I am told it was firſt preſented by the preſent Mr Shaſto's grandmother, during the mi [...]or [...]y of the late Mr Shafto at Benwell, to the late Dr Ca [...], a learned and curious Phyſician of Newcaſtle, by whom it was tranſmitted to London ſince the death of Dr Woodwa [...], and the [...]poſal of h [...]s co [...]eſ [...]in [...] in which I ſaw it, it is now in the poſſeſſion of Mr Weſt. The diſtinct mention ma [...]e [...] th [...]s monument of the Ala prima Aſtorum renders it highly curious and valuable, as it c [...]nfr [...] the Roman town and fort upon the wall at Benwell [...] to be the ancient Cond [...]rcu [...], the third ſtation per [...]neam Val [...]i, where according to the Notitia [435]this Ala was in garriſon. I was agreeably ſurprized at the ſight of it, becauſe it is a further confirmation of the ſcheme I had advanced concerning theſe ſtations: I was alſo pleaſed to diſcover the ſmall o at the end of the laſt line, which is ſufficiently diſtinct and certain, and proves the word to be Aſtorum not Aſturum, in which it agrees with the Notitia. That part of the ſtone which is near the M in the bordering is imperfect and broken. I make no doubt but the letters RV have been before the M, and that it is to be read Aſtorum: the PRA on the other ſide can be nothing elſe but Praefectus: there is no appearance left of any croſs ſtrokes of the E after Ala in the laſt line; but as theſe may have been worn out, I am of opinion that it was at firſt ALAE, and that the monument was ſet up by Felix the commander of this Ala: it ſeems plainly to have been erected Victoriae Auguſtorum, for the word Victoriae is compleat and diſtinct; the upper parts of the two G G are yet viſible; and Dr Woodward had put a V before them in his copy, though I could not diſcern any veſtige of it on the ſtone: I ſuppoſe a ſtroke or two in the next letters are now effaced, and that they were originally a double N conjoined for noſtrorum; and whoſoever conſiders the frequent variation of letters we often meet with in the ſame monument, won't think it ſtrange that the firſt ſtroke is more oblique here than in one or two inſtances of the ſame letter afterwards the letters F E at the end of this line muſt in all probability ſtand for the word Fecit. If my reading be allowed, the monument muſt have been erected by Felix, who was the grandſon of Socius Senecio the conſul, and the commander of the firſt wing of the Aſti. Mr Ward chuſes to read the third and fourth lines thus: Numerius Soſius Senecio Nepos Conſulis Felix. The letter N put for a praenomen ſignifies Numerius, according to Diomedes. Soſius was one of the conſuls names, who is called G. Soſius Senecio in the Faſti Conſulares, and N for Nepos is very common upon inſcriptions: as to the ſituation of the words Nepos Conſulis, 'tis uſual in inſcriptions to inſert ſuch words as expreſs any relation or other circumſtance of thoſe who erect them, before the laſt name: but N S in Goltzins is made to ſtand for Numerius, as well as N alone. This being admitted, we may read Numerius Senecio Nepos Conſulis Felix: but I much incline to the reading that I have given, which occurred to me at the firſt: 'tis evident that no regard is had in this inſcription to the uſual order of the words in others; there ſeems rather to be an affected ſingularity as to this matter. Senecio, who is mentioned in an inſcription or two found at Brugh in Richmondſhire, (the originals of which are now loſt was probably of the ſame family, though rather too late to be the ſame perſon with him who is deſcribed in this monument, for he (as appears from theſe inſcriptions I have referred to) lived under the reign of Commodus, and continued at leaſt till the joint reign of Severus and Caracalla, is later than a grandſon of Soſius Senecio the conſul can well be ſuppoſed to have lived; for Soſius Senecio was the fourth and laſt time conſul in conjunction with Licinius Sura in the year 107, under the reign of Trojan, from whence to the beginning of the joint reign of Severus and Caracalla is little leſs than a century; for the ſame reaſon it is not ſo probable that the two Emperors here intended are Severus and Caracalla, but rather Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, who, as well as the others, carried on a war with ſucceſs againſt the Britons, and Calpurnius Agricola was their Legate, whoſe name we meet with in ſome inſcriptions found near the Roman wall, and as he began to reign jointly above thirty years before the other two, that time ſuits better than the other: ſo that upon the whole I take this monument to have been erected to the honour of the Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, upon occaſion of ſome victory they had gained over the northern Britons by Calpurnius Agricola their Legate, in which this Felix Senecio had the command of the firſt wing of the Aſti. The Aſti, according to Pancirollus, were the inhabitants of the Aſta, a colony in Ligu [...]ia. Aſta is mentioned by Pliny and others; no doubt they were diſtinct from the Aſtures, a people of Spain. The four inſcriptions which follow are on ſtones built up in the walls of houſes in the village of Benwell.

[436]No. IX. Dis Manibus Aurelii clae primae Aſtorum.

This is a funeral monument, but imperfect, and has been much abuſed. I have given the beſt reading of it I could: it is now built up in the front of Mrs Lion's houſe near the door. There appears ſomething like a ſtop after the A in the laſt line; but yet I incline to read it alae primae, and moſt probably Aſtorum, for this was the only ala primae ſtationed on the principal line of the wall. This ſeems to be of the lower Empire, and more ſtrongly proves this fort to be the ancient Condercum.

No. IX. Centuria Peregtini. This of Peregrinus is now built up in the fore wall of the houſe of William Gill.

No. IX. Legionus ſecundae Auguſtae cohors decima.

This is very uſeful and curious, though it contains only the name of the Legio ſecunda Auguſta, and the number of the Cohort, namely, the tenth, for this farther confirms what I had from other reaſons and inſcriptions conjectured before, that this Legion was employed on the eaſt end of the wall, and this Cohort of that Legion in particular: the Sea Goat and Pegaſus at the top are not uncommon, and ſeem to denote the maritime ſituation of the country on the one hand, and the ſwiftneſs of the Roman victory on the other. There is a branch in the upper part of the ſtone which was miſtaken by a very learned Antiquary for a Roman Vexillum, and we have a Roman Vexillum ſupported by a Pegaſus and a Sea Goat at Little Cheſters on the wall. This ſtone is now in the fore wall of the houſe of Joſeph Wallis, near the door.

No. IX. Centuria Arrii.

This of Arrius is in the back wall of the houſe of Matthew Garret; both the ſtone and letters are very coarſe. Arrius is a Roman name. Horace has it once and again.

No. IX. Centuria Herenniani.

This ſtone was found near the highway ſide by Denton, and is now in my own poſſeſſion. Herennius Herennianus occurs in a remarkable inſcription found in Spain, and publiſhed in the Tranſactions. The name on this ſtone is plainly Herrennianus.

This ſtation on Benwell Hill has furniſhed a good many inſcriptions; but I remember not to have ſeen or heard of any Roman coins found here, nor can I ſay in the general that Roman coins are ſo frequent in the ſtations on the wall as in ſome other places; but the fine urn which they now preſerve in the Library at Durham was found at this place. The cut of the letters in the inſcriptions belonging to Benwell is tolerably good, and the inſcriptions themſelves are not ſo much perplexed with ligatures of letters, as thoſe of later dates often are, though theſe are not wholly free from them. But the moſt curious inſcriptions have been removed out of this county: many were carried off by Sir Robert Cotton, ſeveral of which are yet remaining at Connington near Stilton in Hantingdonſhire; but they alſo are going to ruin, for the ſummer-houſe where they were carefully placed by Sir Robert being now uncovered, and in a ruinous ſtate, the ſtones and inſcriptions have already ſuffered very much.

Mr Warburton had made the largeſt collection, who was at a great deal of pains and expence to collect the moſt curious Roman ſtones he could find in this county, but he unhappily broke many of them in order to make them more portable, and ſo carried off only that part of the ſtone which had the inſcription; by this means it has happened that many of the ſtones collected by him are only faces of altars, and in ſeveral inſtances the inſcriptions themſelves have ſuffered damage by this unhappy frugality. What this gentleman had collected together at Hexham have ſince been removed to the Library at Durham.

Mr Warburton in his Vallum Romanum juſtifies himſelf againſt this charge in the following manner: ‘The editor, in vindication of himſelf from this unjuſt accuſation of a parſimonious incurioſity, denies the charge in every part; and as a proof of the truth thereof refers himſelf [437]to the draughts of the altars he diſcovered, as the ſame are repreſented in the plates. That the Romans frequently broke and defaced altars on particular occaſions is evident, and is uſually obſerved to have been practiſed on Revolutions in the Empire, or upon a perſons falling into diſgrace, who is mentioned in the inſcription.’

Obſervations on the inſcriptions near Walbottle.

The three following are at a place upon the wall called Walbottle.

No. X. Centuria Mucieni Poſuit.

This is Centurial, and is now in the ſore wall of a cow-houſe in this village: it contains nothing diſtinct but the character and name of the Centurion.

No. XI. Cohors octava Poſuit: This contains only the number of the Cohort; I believe there never has been any thing more inſcribed on it, and am apt to think it was the eighth Cohort of the Legio ſecunda Auguſta, the ſame as that before in the inſcription at Eaſt Denton.

No. XII. The inſcriptions contained under this number are only ſome obſcure and doubtful remains of numeral letters. The two firſt, viz. V and IX have moſt probably been 8 and 9, denoting the numbers of the Cohorts; they are in the corner of the ſtone wall, through which a ſmall brook paſſes, a little weſt from the town; and of the ſame ſort with theſe are the reſt, but placed in ſeveral parts of the inſide of the wall which incloſes the field. There were two or three more of the ſame ſort and ſize, with No. I upon them, and another alſo with No. V, beſides thoſe which I have deſcribed.

[433]
*
  • Sir John Delaval, of North Diſſington, Knt. Ob. 12th Aug. 1652.
  • Robert his ſon and heir Ob. 6th Feb 1666.
  • He gave 5l. to the poor of this pariſh yearly, iſſuing out of Diffington.
  • Willam Delaval Ob. 20th Aug. 1684.
  • George Ob. 18th March, 1694.
  • Mary wife of Edward Delaval and daughter of Sir Ob. 7th Dec. 1711. AE 17.
  • Francis Blake, of Ford Caſtle Ob. 7th Dec. 1711. AE 17.
  • Edward, above named Ob. 3d Aug. 1744. AE 80.

The income of this pariſh being repreſented to Dr Smith, Biſhop of Carliſle, after the Reſtoration, as an inſufficient maintenance for a miniſter, his Lordſhip, among his other excellent charities, augmented it 25l. per ann.

Wallis.

Here lieth Sir John Delaval, of North Diffington, Knt. who died the 12th of Auguſt, 1652; alſo Robert Delaval, Eſq his ſon and heir, who died the 6th of Feb. 1666, and gave to the poor of this pariſh 5l. to be paid by the lands of North Diffington the Thurſday before Eaſter yearly, for ever; alſo William Delaval, buried Auguſt the 20th, 1684; George Delaval, buried March the 18th, 1694; Mary wife of Edward Delaval, Eſq daughter of Sir Francis Blake, of Ford Caſtle, buried Dec. 7th, 1711, aged 17. The aforeſaid Edward, eldeſt ſon of George Delaval, Eſquire's ſon, died Aug. 3d, 1744, aged 80 years, and left 50l. to be diſtributed amongſt the poor inhabitants of the four following pariſhes: To Newburn 20l. to Heddon on the Wall 10l. to Stamfordham 10l. and to Ponteland 10l.

*

In Ruſhworth's Hiſtorical Collections, there is a very particular relation of this affair, p. 1236.

‘On the twenty ſeventh of Aug. (1640) in the forenoon, his Majeſty received intelligence from the Lord Conway, that the Scots would that night be near Newcaſtle with their army, craving his Majeſty's pleaſure and directions about the diſpoſing of his army to the interruption of the march of the Scots.’

‘The King immediately called the Gentry of Yorkſhire, then at York, together, to wait upon his Majeſty, to whom the Earl of Strafford made a ſpeech, preſently after he prepared a pacquet to be ſent poſt to the Lord Conway, then underſtanding the Scots were come near Newcaſtle; and the author of theſe Collections being newly come poſt from London to York, and hearing a pacquet was about to be ſent to Newcaſtle, took the opportunity to bear the meſſenger company therewith: but when the author and the meſſenger with the pacquet came to Newcaſtle upon the 28th of Auguſt in the morning, they were informed, that the Lord Conway was gone to the army near Newburn, whither we went immediately, and found the Lord Conway and the Field Officers at a Council of War at Stella, half a mile diſtant from the army, and delivered the Lord Conway the pacquet, which being opened, it contained ſpecial orders to prepare the army for an engagement with the Scots. Whilſt [442]they were in debate in this matter an Herald came in all haſte from the army, to acquaint the Lord Conway and Council of War, that the army was already engaged with the Scots; which ſeemed ſtrange to them, becauſe orders were given not to fight but upon the defence.’

On the 27th of Auguſt, ‘The Scots pitched their tents on Heddon Law, above Newborne, from whence there went a continued deſcent to the river of Tyne. In the night time they made great fires in and round about their camp, on an open mooriſh ground, (having coals plenty thereabouts) ſo that the camp ſeemed to be of large compaſs and extent.’

‘That night and the next morning they ſuffered any Engliſhman to come into their camp, and made them welcome, with expreſſions of great love and proteſtations of doing harm to none but thoſe who ſhould oppoſe them in demanding juſtice of the King againſt incendiaries.’

‘The ſame night part of the King's army, conſiſting of 3000 foot and 1500 horſe, were drawn forth into a plain meadow ground, which was near a mile in length, cloſe on the ſouth ſide of Tyne, called Newborne Haugh or Stella Haugh, to hinder the Scots from paſſing the river in the night time, where were two ſeveral ſconces or breaſt-works, raiſed by the Engliſh againſt the two fords, which the Scots might paſs over at low water, for 'till then they could not paſs the Tyne, and into each ſconce were put four hundred muſqueteers and four pieces of ordinance.’

‘The horſe were drawn into ſquadrons in the ſaid Haugh, at ſome diſtance from the foot; in this poſture horſe and foot guarded the river all that night and the next day, till the engagement.’

‘The Scots all the forenoon watered their horſes at one ſide of the river, and the Engliſh on the other ſide, without affronting one another, or giving any reproachful language.’

‘The Scots having the advantage of the riſing ground above Newborne, eaſily diſcerned the poſture and motion of the Engliſh army below in the valley, on the ſouth ſide the river; but the poſture of the Scots army the Engliſh could not diſcern by reaſon of the houſes, hedges, and incloſures in and about Newborne. The Scots brought down cannon into Newborne town, and planted ſome in the church ſteeple, a ſmall diſtance from the river Tyne: their muſqueteers were placed in the church, houſes, lanes, and hedges, in and about Newborne.’

‘The ſkirmiſh began thus, (as the author of theſe Collections was informed, being then upon the place) a Scottiſh officer, well mounted, having a black feather in his hat, came out of one of the thatcht houſes in Newborne, and watered his horſe in the river Tyne, as they had done all that day; an Engliſh ſoldier perceived he fixed his eye towards the Engliſh trenches on the ſouth ſide of the river, fired at him, (whether in earneſt or to fright him is not known) but wounded the Scotchman with the ſhot, who fell off his horſe, whereupon the Scottiſh muſqueteers immediately fired upon the Engliſh, and ſo the fight begun with ſmall ſhot, but was continued with great ſhot as well as ſmall.’

‘The Scots played with their cannon upon the Engliſh breaſt-works and ſconce; the King's army played with their cannon to beat the Scots out of the church ſteeple; thus they continued firing on both ſides, 'till it grew to be near low water, and by that time the Scots, with their cannon, had made a breach in the greater ſconce, which Colonel Lunsford commanded, wherein many of his men were killed and began to retire, yet the Colonel prevailed with them to ſtand to their arms; but preſently after a Captain, a Lieutenant, and ſome other officers were ſlain in that work: then the ſoldiers took occaſion to complain, that they were put upon double duty, and had ſtood there all night and that day to that time, and that no ſoldiers were ſent from the army at Newcaſtle to relieve them; but Col. Lunsford again prevailed with them not to deſert their works, but another cannon ſhot hitting in the works amongſt the ſouldiers, and killing ſome more of them, they threw down their arms, and would abide in the fort no longer.’

[443] ‘The enemy on the riſing ground above Newbourne, plainly diſcerned the poſture of the King's army, and how the ſouldiers had quit the great work, and being low water, the Scots commanded a forlorn party of 26 horſe, being gentlemen of the College of Juſtice Troop, to paſs the river, which they did with ſome ſwiftneſs; their orders were only to make diſcovery in what poſture the ſouldiers were about the uppermoſt work, but not to come to cloſe engagement, but fire at a diſtance and retreat.’

The Scots playing at this time very hard upon the furthermoſt trench, forced the Engliſh ‘foot to retreat from that work alſo, which the Scots diſcerning on the riſing ground at Newborne, commanded by Sir Thomas Hope, and two regiments of foot commanded by the Lord Craford, Lindſey, and Lord Lowdon, waded through the river, and General Leſley at this inſtant of time played hard with nine pieces of cannon, from a new ſconce which they had raiſed on a hill to the eaſt, and ſo galled the King's horſe, drawn up in plain meadow ground, that it much diſordered them, and ſending more forces over the river, a retreat was ſounded, and Colonel Lunsford drew off the cannon. Immediately Commiſſary Wilmot, ſon to the Lord Wilmot, Sir John Digby, a Romiſh Recuſant, and Daniel O'Neal, an Iriſhman, jointly engaged the enemy, and had a ſharp encounter with their horſe, they being commanded to bring up the rear, whilſt the foot retreated up Ryton and Stella Banks; but the Scots, with their freſh ſupply newly come over the river, environed theſe three commanders, and took them and ſome others of their troops priſoners. General Leſley treated theſe commanders nobly in the Scots camp, and afterwards gave them their liberty freely to return to the King's army.’

‘In this engagement Cornet Potter, ſon of Endymion Potter of the Bed-chamber, was ſlain, and during the whole fight about 60 men more, as the Scots told us, after the ceſſation of arms was agreed unto, for the Scots buried the dead; and afterwards they further told us, that moſt of them that were killed lay about the works: how many of the Scots were ſlain we know not.’

‘After this retreat the Lord Conway called a Council of War, and it was there reſolved, at twelve at night, that the whole army ſhould retreat to Durham, horſe, and foot, and train of artillery, and to quit Newcaſtle.’

[441]
*
Said to have been concealed in ſome bruſhwood, previous to the army fording the river.
Clarendon.
*
Whitlock's Memoirs.

Knights of the Shire for the county of Northumberland, to the 12th year of King Edward IV. extracted from Prynne's Brevia Parliamentaria Rediviva.

Anno Regni.Knights.Parliament.
 King Edward I. 
26—Dominus Henricus de DychendDominus Johannes de Ogghell 
30—Hugo GabionJohannes de Camhou Milites. 
 King Edward II. 
1—Johannes de EureJohannes de Dudden Mil. 
4—Wiſthard de CharrousRogerus Mandiuts Mil. 
6—Dominus Walter de BorringdonDominus Rob. de Clifford Mil.Apud Windſor
6—Dicunt non curant mittere Woodſtock
7—Adam de SwinburneRogerus Mandite 
8—Nulli electi ratione Belli Spalding
15—Rob. de RaynesJohannes de Yerdham Mil. 
19 Will. RydellMichael de Preſſen 
 King Edward III. 
1—Nulli electi ratione Belli* Stanhope
1—Johannes de LilliburneJohannes de Meneville Mil. 
2—Johannes de BoroughdonMich. de Preſton Mil.Ebor
4—Rogerus ManduitWill. de Tynedale 
7—Rogerus MaunditRob. Darrays 
9—Rob. DarraysJohannes de Wanton 
12—Will. de EmeldonDavid de VolloresWalton
14—Will. de FeltonRobertus de ManersHerewyr
15—Henricus de HaveringtonWill. de PreſſenWoodſtock
17—Johannes de YerdhillMich. de Preſſon 
20—Alanus de HeppeſtotesEdmundus de Demun 
21—Rogerus de WidringtonWill. de Heppeſtotes 
22—Rob. de ReymesRob. Wendite 
24—Rob. BertramRog. de Boderington 
26—Will. de Felton (only one Knight by the writs) 
27—Wil. de Felton Mil.  
31—Hen. de HaveringtonRicus de Horſeley 
33—Johannes de CambhouweRicus de Horſeley 
34—Ricus de HorſeleyRob. Wenduit 
34—Tho. SurteysRoger Woderington 
36—Tho. SurteysRoger de Woderington 
38—Adomarus de AthollAlanus 
39—Adom. de AthollHen. de Haverington 
46—Tho. SurteysJohannes de Midford 
47—Will. de ValeBertram Monboucher 
50—Bertram MonboucherJohannes de Mitford 
 King Richard II. 
2—Johannes de FenwickNich. Raymes 
5—Adomarus D'AtholRad. de Euyr 
7—David HolgreveJoh. de Mitteford 
7—Thom. de ModerbyRob. de Eſthydwinde 
8—Joh. de LilburneThom. de Moderby 
10—Bertram MonboucherRob. Elmering 
11—Tho. UmfranvillJoh. de Mitford 
13—Tho. de UmfranvillJoh. de Mitford 
15—Gerardus HeronJoh. de Mitford 
17—Gerardus HeronJoh. Miteford 
18—Will. de SwinburnSampſon Harding 
20—Tho. GreyJoh. de Miteford 
21—Gerardus HeronRob. Liſle 
 King Henry IV. 
1—Tho. GreySampſon Harding 
3—Gerardus HeronJohannes Muſard 
 King Henry V. 
1—Joh. Bertram P. Indent.
2—John WoderingtonSampſon Harding Mil.ditto
5—Rob. de OgleWill. Mitfordditto
5—Rob. LiſleJoh. Middletonditto
8—Rob. OgleNich. Turpinditto
8—Edw. HaſtingsRob. Hirbotyllditto
9—Rob. OgleWill. Mitfordditto
 King Henry VI. 
1—John BertramWill. Elmedon Mel. gladiis cinctiditto
2—Thom. HaldonThom. Ildertonditto
3—Rob. de OgleThom. Ilderton Milesditto
5—Will. Elmedon ChirWill. Strotherditto
7—Joh. BertramJoh. Cartingtonditto
13—Rob. Ogle Mil.Will. Bertram Arm.ditto
20—Rob. de Ogle Mil.Joh. Heron Arm.ditto
25—Joh. Heron Arm.Joh. Cartington Arm.ditto
27—Radus Grey Arm. fil & heres Rici Grey Mil.Joh. Heron de Fordditto
28—Will. Bertram Mil.Rob. Mitfordditto
 ☞ Qui ambo Indenturas ſubſcripſerunt ut Electores. 
29—Will. BertramJoh. Ogle Milesditto
38—Tho. WiltdenRob. Manersditto
 King Edw. IV. 
6—Georgius LomlyRob. Folbery Mil. gladiis cinctiditto
12—Joh. Middleton MilesJoh. Cartington Arm.ditto

The Writs, Returns, and Indentures from 17 King Edw. IV. to 33 King Henry VIII. are all loſt.

B. Willis.
 King Henry VIII. 
33  
 King Edw. VI. 
1—John Widdrington, Knt. P. Indent.
7—John GrayCuth. Horſeleyditto
 Queen Mary. 
1—Tho. Grey, Knt. of Harton CaſtleCuth. Horſeleyditto
1—Joh. Swinborne, Knt. of CapheatonRob. Horſeley, Knt.ditto
 Philip and Mary. 
1 and 2—Joh, Gray, Knt.Cuth. Horſeley, Eſq of Long HorſleyP. Indent.
2 and 3—Geo. Wharton, Knt.Tho. Warren, Eſqditto
4 and 5—Tho. Wharton, Knt.Rob. Elleker, Knt.ditto
 Queen Elizabeth. 
1—Tho. Wharton, Knt. ditto
5—Joh. Vaughan, EſqRob. Lawſonditto
13—Hen. PiercyWill. Hilton, Knts.ditto
14—Fra. Ruſſel, Knt.Tho. Leighton; Eſqditto
27—Fra. Ld RuſſelEdw. Talbot, Eſq Younger ſon of E. Shrewſburyditto
28—Tho. Grey, Knt.Edw. Talbot, Eſqditto
31—Will. CarreRob. Widdrington, Eſqditto
35—Will. Read, Knt.Rob. Widdrington, Eſqditto
39—Rob. Carr, Knt.Rob. Widdringtonditto
43—Rob. Carre, Knt.Will. Selbye, jun. Eſqditto
 King James I. 
1—Ra. GreyHen. Widdrington, Knts.ditto
12—Geo. SelbyeHen. Widdrington, Knts.ditto
18—Will. Grey, Bart. of Wark CaſtleHen. Widdrington, Knt. of Widdrington Caſtleditto
21—Joh. FenwickFra. Brandling, Knts. of North Gosforthditto
 King Charles I. 
1—Joh. Fenwick, Knt.Fra. Brandling, Eſqditto
12—Joh. Fenwick, Knt.Joh. Delaval, Knt.ditto
13—John FenwickWill. Carnaby, Knts. of Halton Towerditto
15—Joh. Fenwick, Knt. and Bart.Wm Widdrington, Knt.ditto
16—Joh. Fenwick, Bart.*Hen. Percyditto
Wm WiddringtonWm Fenwick, Eſqrs. 

Theſe came in the rooms of the laſt elected Knights, on their deceaſes or expulſions, between 640 and 653.

Oliver Cromwell Uſurper. He convened the Little Parliament; except London, Returns of Repreſentatives were only made for Counties.

1 (1653)—Hen. Ogle Weſtminſter
3 Sep. 1654 —Hen. Ogle of EglinghamWm Fenwick of Wallingtonditto
—Rob. Fenwick of Bedlington, Eſq *  
17 Sep. 1656.—Rob. Fenwick, EſqWm Fenwick, Eſqditto
—Tho. Lord Widdrington  
 Richard Cromwell Uſurper. 
27 Jan. 1658.—Wm Fenwick, Bart.Ra. Delaval, Eſqditto
 The Convention Parliament. 
25 Apr. 1660.—Lord MansfieldJoh. Fenwick, EſqWeſtminſter
 King Charles II. 
13—Lord MansfieldJoh. Fenwick, Eſqditto
31—Ra. DelavalSir Joh. Fenwick, Bart.ditto
31—Ra. DelavalSir J. Fenwick, Bart.ditto
32—Ra. Delaval, EſqSir John Fenwick, Bart.Oxon
 King James II. 
1—Joh. Fenwick, Bart.Will. Ogle, EſqWeſtminſter
 The Convention Parliament. 
22 Jan. 1688.—Will. ForſterPhil. Bickerſtaff, Eſqrs.ditto
 King William and Queen Mary. 
2—Will. ForſterPhil. Bickerſtaff, Eſqrs.ditto
 King William III. 
7—Will. ForſterPhil. Bickerſtaff, Eſqrs.ditto
10—Will. Forſter, EſqEdw. Blackett, Bart.ditto
12—Fra. BlakeWill. Lorraine, Eſqrs.ditto
12—Fra. Blake, Knt.Bertram Stote, Eſqditto
 Queen Anne. 
1— ditto
4—Tho. Forſter, EſqJoh. Delaval, Bart.ditto
 
Election 31 May, 1705.
  • Tho. Forſter 823
  • Joh. Delaval 775
  • Fra. Blake of Ford 646
 
7—Tho. Forſter, jun. EſqAlgernon Earl Hertford *ditto
9—Tho. Forſter, jun. EſqAlgernon E. Hertford ditto
12—Tho. ForſterAlgernon Earl Hertfordditto
 King George I. 
1—Algernon E. Hertford.Tho. Forſter, jun. Eſq ditto
 Fra. Blake Delaval of Seaton Delaval, Eſq
7—Algernon E. Hertford. §Ra. Jenniſon, Eſq ditto
Will. Middleton, Bart.  
King George II. 
1—Wm Middleton, Bart.Ra. Jenniſon, EſqWeſtminſter
7—Wm Middleton, Bart.Ra. Jenniſon, Eſq *ditto
14—Wm Middleton, Bart.Joh. Fenwick, Eſqditto
 Elected 21 May, 1741. 
21—Wm Middleton, Bart.Joh. Fenwick, Eſq ditto
28—Wm Middleton, Bart.Henry Grey of Howick, Bart.ditto
 Elected 18 May, 1754. 
 King George III. 
1—Geo. Shaftoe Delaval, EſqHen. Grey, Bart.ditto
8—Geo. Shaftoe Delaval, EſqEdw. Blackett, Bart.ditto
—Lord Algernon PercySir Wm Middleton, Bart.ditto
Elected Sat. 22 Oct. 1774.
Candidates.
No. polled.
Lord Algernon Percy
1235 Poll began 13 Oct. and ended 22d.
Sir Wm Middleton
1099 Poll began 13 Oct. and ended 22d.
Sir J. Huſſey Delaval
1083 Poll began 13 Oct. and ended 22d.
Wm Fenwick, Eſq
762 Poll began 13 Oct. and ended 22d.
They polled in each Ward.
 PercyMiddletonDelavalFenwick
Caſtle Ward14512115088
Morpeth174170152117
Coquetdale33522124811
Balmbrough581134596
Glendale1396014927
Tindale384414339323
 123510991083762

The joint Intereſt which appeared in this Election, will be beſt comprehended from the following Table, handed to the public at the time of the conteſt. It will alſo gratify the curious with a view of the chief landed property in the county.

[450]

Perſons.Eſtates per ann.
 £.
Duke of Northumberland40,000
Duke of Portland8,000
Earl of Tankerville12,000
Earl of Carliſle10,000
Lord Ravenſworth3,000
Sir G. Warren2,000
Sir J. H. Delaval10,000
Sir W. C. Blackett8,000
Sir M. W. Ridley5,000
Sir F. Blake4,000
— Reed, Eſq2,000
 104,000
[444]
*
Theſe three returns from Prynne, p. 165, ſet forth at length in the notes to the table of Burgeſſes for Newcaſtle.

In 34 Edward III. the King iſſued a writ, dated 3 Ap. apud Weſt. to the Sheriff of Northumberland, to elect, De com. tuo duos milites gladiis cinctos, &c. de diſcretior; & probioribus militibus & ad loborandum potentioribus. The Sheriff, Henry de Strochre, thereupon made this return on the back of the writ:

Non fuerunt aliqui milites in com. meo poſtquam breve iſtud michi venit praeter quam Walterus de Tyndale qui languidus eſt & impotens ad loborandum. Whereupon the names and manucaptors of two others who were elected, though they were no Knights by order girt with ſwords in this manner. Manucapt. Rici de Horſley unius electorum de com. meo plenam et ſufficientem poteſtatem habentis pro ſe & communitate dicti com.

Manucapt. Robti Wendind alterius electi dicti com. eandem poteſt. habentis.

Prynne's Br. Parl. Red. p. 167.
*
Expelled the Houſe 22d Jan. 1640.
Expelled 9 Dec. 1741.
*
Purchaſed the Manor of Bedlington and Choppington Farm of the Parliament, 21 Jan. 1649, for 1296l. 5½d.
*
Made a Colonel in the army, and new writ ordered 15 Nov. 1709, and re-elected.
Ogle, a petitioner, withdrew.—Lord Hertford, eldeſt ſon of the Duke of Somerſet, made Governor of Tinmouth Fort, 17 Feb. 1711: a new writ ordered, on which he was re-elected.
Tho. Forſter, expelled for being a Rebel to Jan. 1716: a new writ.
§
Ob. 7 Feb. 1722.
Election Feb. 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 1 Mar. 1722.
  • Wm Wrightſon 997
  • Ra. Jenniſon 963
Wrightſon having a majority of 34, was returned by R. Mitford, Eſq the Sheriff; but the Houſe upon ſcrutiny ſtruck off near 30 of Mr Wrightſon's votes, and in the end voted him not duly elected. My authority, ſays (Randal's MS) that one Wm Shippen, Eſq deſired to ſave, &c. &c. &c. to ſtrike off five or ſix more of Wrightſon's votes, as the majority, &c. &c. &c. before it was put to the vote.
*
Made Maſter of the King's Buck Hounds. A new writ 25 June 1737, and he was re-elected. Election, 8 May, 1734.
  • Ra. Jenniſon of Elſwick, Eſq 1189
  • Sir W. Middleton of Belſay Caſtle, Bart. 1092
  • Joh. Fenwick of Bywell, Eſq 1052
  • Joh. Bacon of Newbrough, Eſq 153
Elected 1 July, 1747. J. Fenwick dying, a new writ ordered 11 Jan. 1748. Election Feb. 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, Ao. 1747.
  • Lancelot Algood of Hexham, Eſq 982
  • Cha. Lord Oſulſtone 971
The Sheriff Nich. Brown, Eſq diſallowed 26 of Mr Algood's votes, and returned Lord Oſulſtone, who on Mr Algood's petition waved his return.
Sir Wm Middleton ob. 28 Sep. 1757, and in his room was elected Geo. Shaftoe Delaval of Bavington, Eſq.
*
[450]

Note to page 445.

The Names of the Gentry of Northumberland, returned by the Commiſſioners in the 12th year of King Henry VI. 1433.

  • Thomas Biſhop of Durham Commiſſioners to take the Oaths.
  • Ra. Earl Weſtmoreland Commiſſioners to take the Oaths.
  • Tho Lilborn and John Carington Knights for the Shire Commiſſioners to take the Oaths.
  • Rob. Umfravil, Knt.
  • Ra. Gray, Knt.
  • Rob. Ogle, ſen. Knt.
  • Rob. Ogle, jun. Knt.
  • John Bertram, Knt.
  • Will. Elmeden, Knt.
  • Joh. Middleton, Knt.
  • Will. Swinburn, Knt.
  • Joh. Maners, Knt.
  • Math. Whitfield, Knt.
  • Will. Carnaby
  • Joh. Fenwick
  • John Middleton
  • Tho. Ilderton
  • Rob. Rames
  • Tho. Haggerſton
  • Rob. Manners
  • Laur. Acton
  • Tho. Gray de Norton
  • Tho. Blenkenſop
  • Row. Thirlwall
  • Rich. Featherſtonhalgh
  • Gilb. Rotherford
  • Will. Muſchaunce
  • Gilb. Eryngton
  • Will. Clenell
  • Joh. Heron de Netherton
  • Tho. Reed de Redeſdale
  • Rog. Uſhere
  • Tho. Midleton
  • Joh. Ellerington
  • Joh. Park
  • Rich. Lilburne
  • Tho. Elwicke
  • Joh Eryngton
  • Nich. Heron de Meldon
  • John Trewyk
  • Joſ. Cheſtre
  • Lion Cheſtre
  • John Horſeley de Horſeley
  • Jaco. Buk de Morpath.

[451]

Sheriffs of Northumberland.
 King Henry II. 
A. D.Sheriffs.Anno Regni.
1154Odardus1
1155Will. de Veſcy Mil.2
1156Will. de Veſcy Mil.3
1157Will. de Veſcy Mil.4
1158Will. de Veſcy Mil.5
1159Will. de Veſcy Mil.6
1160Will. de Veſcy Mil.7
1161Will. de Veſcy Mil.8
1162Will. de Veſcy Mil.9
1163Will. de Veſcy Mil.10
1164Will. de Veſcy Mil.11
1165Will. de Veſcy Mil.12
1166Will. de Veſcy Mil.13
1167Will. de Veſcy Mil.14
1168Will. de Veſcy Mil.15
1169Roger Stateville16 Will. de Veſcy half the year
1170Roger Stateville17
1171Roger Stateville18
1172Roger Stateville19
1173Roger Stateville20
1174Roger Stateville21
1175Roger Stateville22
1176Roger Stateville23
1177Roger Stateville24
1178Roger Stateville25
1179Roger Stateville26
1180Roger Stateville27
1181Roger Stateville28
1182Roger Stateville29
1183Roger Stateville30
1184Roger de Glanvill31 Amerced 10l. for not coming to the Exchequer as ſummoned. Madox, p. 695.
1185Roger de Glanvill32
1186Roger de Glanvill33
1187 34
1188 35
 King Richard I. 6 June, 1189. 
1189Roger de Glaville1
1190Will. de Stuteville & Regin Baſſet2
1191Nul. Tit. Com. in hoc Rotulo3
1192 4
1193 5
1194Hugo Bardolph6
1195Hugo Bardolph7
1196Hugo Bardolph8
1197Hugo Bardolph9
1198Hugo Bardolph, & ob. Fil. Will.10
 King John, 6 Apr. 1199. 
1199Hugo Bardolfe1
1200Will. Stutevill & Joh. Laleman2 Rob. Fitz Roger half that year. V. Dugd.
1201Rob. fil. Rog. & Rad. de Furnell3
1202Rob. fil. Rog. & Rad. de Furnell4
1203Rob. fil. Rog. & Rad. de Furnell5
1204Rob. fil. Rog.6
1205Rob. fil. Rog.7
1206Rob. fil. Rog. & Rob. de Kent8
1207Rob. fil. Rog. & Aug. de Corvo9
1208Rob. fil. Rog. & Tho. Haltem10
1209Rob. fil. Rog. & Will. de Blunvill11
1210Rob. fil. Rog. & Will. de Blunvill12
1211Rob. fil. Rog. & Will. de Blunvill13
1212 14
1213 15 Rob. ſon of Roger. V. Dug. Ulcote of Weſt Matfen.
1214Almericus Archd. Dunelm & Phil. Ulcote16
1215Phil. de Ulcote & Will. de Shatton17
1216 18
 King Henry III. 19 Oct. 1216. 
1216Phil. de Ulcot1
1217Phil. de Ulcot2
1218Phil. de Ulcot3
1219Phil. de Ulcot4
1220Rob. de Witcheſter5
1221Rob. de Witcheſter6
1222Will. Briervere, jun. & Rog. Langford7
1223Will. Briervere, jun. ut Cuſtos & Tho. de Titleburn8
1224Joh. fil. Rob. & Will. Coniers9
1225Joh. fil. Rob. & Will. Coniers10 Joh. Governor of Newcaſtle.
1226Joh. fil. Rob. & Will. Coniers11
1227Joh. fil. Rob. half that year12
1228Bri. fil. Alani & Hug. de Magneby13 Bri. Governor of the Caſtle of Newcaſtle.
1229Bri. fil. Alani & Hug. de Magneby14
1230Bri. fil. Alani & Hugh de Magneby15
1231Bri. fil. Alani & Joh. de Merſley16
1232Bri. fil. Alani & Joh. de Merſley17
1233Bri. fil. Alani & Joh. de Merſley18
1234Bri. fil. Alani & Joh. de Merſley19
1235 20
1236Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby21 Hu. Gov. of the Caſtles of Bambro' and Newcaſtle.
1237Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby22
1238Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby23
1239Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby24
1240Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby25
1241Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby26
1242Hu. de Bolebet & Alan de Kirkby27
1243Hu. de Bolebet & Rob. de Camhoe28 of Camhoe, Knt.
1244Hu. de Bolebech & Rob. de Camhoe29
1245Hu. de Bolebech & Rob. de Camhoe30
1246Will. Heyrun31 Heron of Ford Caſtle built the caſtle in 1227, 12 K. Hen. III.
1247Will. Heyrun32
1248Will. Heyrun33
1249Will. Heyrun34
1250Will. Heyrun35
1251Will. Heyrun36
1252Will. Heyrun37
1253Will. Heyrun38
1254Will. Heyrun39
1255Will. Heyrun40
1256Will. Heyrun41
1257Joh. de Pleſſet42
1258Joh. de Pleſſet43
1259Tho. filius Mich.44
1260Tho. filius Mich.45
1261Adam de Geſenor & Hu. de Hereford Clicus46
1262Adam de Cregenor & Joh. Lidegreynes47
1263Adam de Creſenor & Joh. Lidegreynes48
1264Adam de Creſenor & Joh. Lidegreynes49
1265Adam de Creſenor & Joh. Lidegreynes50
1266Adam de Creſenor & Joh. Lidegreynes51
1267Wiſchardus de Charny52 s.
1268Wiſchardus de Charny53 Amerced C for not making his profer at the Exchequer. Madox, p. 645.
1269Rich. de Charny54
1270Rich. de Charny55
1271Rich. de Charny56
 King Edward I. 16 Nov. 1272. 
1272Robert de Hampton1
1273Rob. de Hampton2
1274Rob. de Hampton3
1275Joh. de Lichegreynes4
1276Joh. de Lichegreynes5
1277Joh. de Lichegreynes6
1278Walt. de Cannblion7
1279Walt. de Cannblion8
1280Tho. de Dyveleſton9
1281Tho. de Dyveleſton10
1282Tho. de Dyvelſton11
1283Tho. de Dyvelſton12
1284Tho. de Dyvelſton13
1285Tho. de Dyvelſton14
1286Tho. de Dyvelſton15
1287Tho. de Dyvelſton16
1288Rich. Knoul17
1289Rich. Knoul18
1290Rich. Knoul19
1291Rich. Knoul20
1292Rich. Knoul21
1293Hu. Gobium22
1294Hu. Gobium23
1295Hu. Gobium24
1296Joh. de Kirkby25
1297Rob. de Balliolo26
1298Rob. de Balliolo27
1299Rog. Mynot28
1300Rog. Mynot29
1301Joh. de Camblion30
1302Lucas Talboys31
1303Lucas Talboys32
1304Joh. de Creppinge & Joh. de Sheffeld33
1305Joh. de Creppinge & Joh. de Sheffeld34
1306Joh. de Crepping & John de Sheffeld35
 King Edward II. 7 July, 1307. 
1307Rob. de Fandon1
1308Guid Charro [...]m2
1309Johan. de Cannton3
1310Johan. de Cannton4
1311Will. de Felton & John de Cannton5
1312Will. de Felton & Joh. de Cannton6
1313Will. de Felton & Joh. de Cannton7
1314Will. de Ridell of Swinburn Caſtle, Knt. during pleaſure8
1315, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1319, 1320, 1321 
1322Dominus Joh. de Fenwyck16
1323Dominus Gilbertus Boroughdon17
1324, 1325  
 King Edward III. 25 Jan. 1326. 
1326Joh. de Inſula & Joh. de Fenwick1
1327Joh. de Lilleburne2
1328Joh. de Lilleburne3
1329Joh. de Lilleburne4
1330Joh. de Lilleburne5
1331Joh. de Lilleburne6
1332 7
1 [...]33Roger Manduit8
1334Hob. Dardins9
1335Hob. Dardins10
1336Hob. Dardins11
1337Will. Felton12 of Weſt Matfen, Knt.
1338Will. Felton13
1339Will. Felton14
1340Will. Felton15
1341Will. Felton16
1342Will. Felton17
1343Rob. Bertram & Rob. de Fenwicke18
1344Rob. Bertram & Rob. de Fenwicke19
1345Rob. Reymes20 of Bolam.
1346Rob. Reymes21
1347Joh. Clifford22
1348Joh. Clifford23
1349 24
1350Joh. Coupeland25 of Coupeland, Knt.
1351Joh. Coupeland26
1352Joh. Coupeland27
1353Joh. Coupeland28
1354Joh. Coupeland29
1355 30
1356Alan de Strother31 of Kirk-Newton, in Glendale.
1357Alan de Strother32
1358Hen. de Strother33
1359Hen. de Strother34
1360Joh. Heronn35
1361Rog. de Widrington36 of Widrington Caſtle, Knt.
1362Rich. de Horſeley37 of Long Horſeley.
1363Hen. de Strother38
1364Hen. de Strother39
1365Hen. de Strother40
1366Hen. de Strother41
1367Hen. de Strother42 Horſely oc. 1367.
1368Rich. de Horſeley43
1369Rich. de Horſeley44
1370Rich. de Horſeley45
1371Rob. Umfravil46
1372Tho. Suritis—Will. de Errington, query47 Surtees of North Gosforth.
1373Joh. Fenwicke—Will. Delaval, query48
1374Bertram Monboucher49
1375Tho. de Ilderton50 of Ilderton, Knt.
1376Rob. Umfraville51
 King Richard II. 21 June, 1377. 
1377Bertram Monboucher1
1378Tho. Surtees2
1379Bertram Monboucher3
1380Bertram Monboucher4
1381Adom. de Atholl5 Dominus de Jeſmond, Knt.
1382Rob. de Clifford6
1383Johan Heron7
1384Henry de Percy de Alnwick Com. Northumb.8
1385Henry de Percy9
1386Henry de Percy10
1387Henry de Percy11
1388Rad. de Eure12
1389Rad. de Eure13
1390Joh. de Felton14
1391Henry de Percy15
1392Henry de Percy16
1393, 1394, 1395 
1396Hen. de Percy20
1397Hen. de Percy21
1398Joh. de Fenwicke de Fenwicke Tower22
 King Henry IV. 29 Sept. 1399. 
1399Henry de Percy fil. Com. Northumb.1
1400Gerard Heron M. & Rob. Umfravill2
1401Joh. Milford M.3 of Moleſton.
1402Joh. Clavering M.4 of Calleyley.
1403 5
1404Rob. Umfravill M.6
1405Rob. Liſle Mil.7
1406Rob. Herbotel8 of Harbottle.
1407Tho. Grey9 of Herton. Knt.
1408Rob. Tempeſt10
1409Joh. Widdrington11 of Widdrington Caſtle, Knt.
1410Joh. Bertram12
 King Hen. V. 20 Mar. 1412. 
1412Joh. Maneres1 of Etal.
1413Edw. Haſtings M.2
1414Rob. Liſle3 of Felton, Knt.
1415Joh. Bertram4
1416Rob. Ogle5
1417Edw. Haſtings6 of Weſt Matfen, Knt.
1418Will. Elmedon7
1419Tho. Surtis8 of North Gosforth.
1420Tho. Surtis9
 King Hen. VI. 31 Aug. 1422. 
1422Joh. Bertram M.1
1423Joh. Middleton2
1424Joh. Bertram M.3
1425Joh. Widdrington4 of Widdrington Caſtle, Knt.
1426Will. Lambton5
1427Hen. Fenwick Arm.6
1428Will. Carnaby Ar.7 of Halton Tower, Eſq
1429Joh. Woderington8
1430Joh. Bertram9
1431Rog. Woddrington10 of Widderington Caſtle, Knt.
1432Joh. Midleton11
1433Math. Whitfield12 of Whitfield Hall, Knt.
1434Joh. Bertram M.13
1435Rog. Woderington14
1436Will. Eure Mil.15 of Kirkley, Knt.
1437Rog. Ogle Mil.16 of Ogle Caſtle, Knt.
1438Joh. Bertram17
1439Rob. Herbotell M.18
1440Joh. Heron19 of Ford Caſtle.
1441Joh. Heron20
1442Rog. Woderington21
1443Joh. Heron22
1444Rob. Claxſton23
1445Will. Haringe24
1446Tho. Wellden25
1447Bertram Herbotelle26
1448Tho. Nevill M.27
1449Ro. de Woderington28
1450Rog. Thornton29 of Nether Witton Caſtle, Eſq
1451Joh. Heron30
1452Rob. Mitford31
1453Joh. Burceſter32
1454Rob. Maners, Ar.33 of Etal, Eſq
1455Rad. Grey, Mil.34 of Heton, Knt.
1456Joh. Heron, Mil.35
1457Rog. Thornton36
1458Will. Bertram37
1459Rad. Grey Mil.38
 King Edward IV. 4 March, 1460. 
1461Joh. Middleton Mil.1 of Belſey Caſtle.
1462Geo. Lumley Mil.2 of Lumley Caſtle, Com. Dunelm.
1463Geo. Lumley Mil.3 Knt.
1464Rob. Manres Mil.4 of Etal.
1465Geo. Woderington5 of Widderington Caſtle.
1466Will. Bowes Mil.6 of Streatlam Caſt. Com. Dunelm.
1467Joh. Nevill Mil.7
1468Geo. Lumley Mil.8
1469Geo. Lumley9
1470Geo. Lumley10
1471Geo. Lumley11
1472Joh. Woderington12 of Widderington Caſtle.
1473Joh. Woderington13
1474Joh. Woderington14
1475Hen. Com. North15
1476Hen. Com. North.16
1477Hen. Com. North.17
1478Hen. Com. North.18
1479Hen. Com. North.19
1480Hen. Com. North.20
1481Hen. Com. North.21
1482 22
 King Edw. V. 9 March, 1483, and King Rich. III. 22 July, 1483.
1483Hen. Com. North.1
1484Hen. Com. North. Rad. Hurbottle Sub. v.2
1485Rob. Maneret M.3
 King Hen. VII. 22 Aug. 1485. 
1486Hen. Com. North.1
1487Hen. Com. North.2
1488Hen. Com. North.3
1489Nullus Tit. Comitis in hoc Rotulo. 
1490, 1491, 1492, 1493 
1494Rog. Fenwick9 of Fenwick Tower.
1495, 1496 
1497Rob. Grey de Horton Caſt. Knt.12
1498Geo. Taylbois Mil.13
1499, 1500, 1501 
1502Edw. Radcliff M.17 of Cartington, Knt.
1503 18
1504Rad. Eure Mil.19 of Kirkley, Knt.
1505 20
1506Tho. Ilderton Mil.21 of Ilderton, Knt.
1507 22
1508Nich. Ridley Arm.23 of Willemoteſwick, Knt.
1509 24
 King Hen. VIII. 22 Apr. 1509. 
1509Nich. Ridley Arm.1
1510Nich. Ridley2
1511Nich. Ridley3
1512, 1513, 1514 
1515Rad. Fenwick Ar.7 of Stanton, Knt.
1516, 1517 
1518Chr. Thirkil Ar.10
1519Geo. Skelton Ar.11
1520Chr. Dacre Mil.12
1521Will. Elleker Ar.13
1522, 1523 
1524Will. Elleker Ar.16
1525Will. Heron Mil.17 of Ford Caſtle.
1526Will. Eure Mil.18 of Kirkley.
1527Cuth. Ratcliffe Ar.19 of Cartington.
1528, 1529, 1530, 1531, 1532, 1533, 1534, 1535, 1536, 1537, 1538, 1539, Recorda Manca.
1540John Woderington32
1541Leo. Carnaby M.33 of Halton Tower.
1542Joh. de Lavale M.34 of Delaval Caſtle, alias Seaton
1543Tho. Hilton M.35 Delaval.
1544Joh. Collingwood36 of Eſſington, Knt.
1545Tho. Hilton M.37
1546Joh. Horſeley Ar.38
 King Edward VI. 28 Jan. 1546. 
1547Joh. de Lavale M.1
1548Tho. Hilton Mil.2
1549Joh. Forſter M.3 This year enacted Sheriffs ſhould be accountable in the Exchequer, of Eſlington, Knt.
1550Joh. Gray M.4
1551Rob. Collingwood5
1552Joh. Witherington, Q. Tho. Grey6
 Queen Mary, 6 June, 1553. 
1553Joh. de Lavale M.1
 Philip and Mary, 15 July, 1554. 
1554, 1555, 1556 
1557Rob. Ellerker4 & 5
1558Geo. Ratcliffe5 & 6
 Queen Elizabeth, 17 Nov. 1558. 
1559Joh. Witherington1
1560Alb. Featherſton2 of Featherſton Caſtle, Knt.
1561Rob. Lawſon Arm.3 of Rock.
1562Hen. Percy Mil.4
1563Rad. Grey Mil.5
1564Tho. Forſter Ar.6 of Etherſton.
1565Tho. de Lavale Ar.7
1566Geo. Heron Ar.8
1567Cuth. Carnaby Ar.9 of Halton Tower.
1568Cuth. Collingwood10
1569Rob. Raymes Ar.11 of Bolam.
1570Nich. Ridley Ar.12
1571Joh. de Lavale M. Geo. Heron M.13 Heron of Chipchace Caſtle.
1572Tho. Forſter Ar.14
1573Cuth. Carnaby Ar.15
1574Tho. Grey Mil.16 of Heaton.
1575Rob. de Lavale M.17
1576Rob. Midleton18
1577Fra. Ruſſel M.19
1578Will. Fenwick Ar.20 of Wallington.
1579Hen. Witherington21 of Widdrington Caſtle, Knt.
1580Cuth. Colingwood22 of Eſlington.
1581Joh. Heron Ar.23
1582Rad. Grey Ar.24
1583Rob. de Lavale Ar.25
1584Jam. Ogle Ar.26
1585Rich. Radley Ar.27
1586Rob. Clauding28 Clavering of Calleley.
1587Hen. Anderſon Ar.29
1588Hen. Anderſon Ar.30
1589Will. Fenwick Ar.31
1590Alex. Featherſton Ar.32 of Featherſton Caſtle.
1591Rad. Grey Ar.33
1592Rob. de Lavale Ar.34
1593Rad. Grey Ar.35
1594Tho. Bradford Ar.36
1595Tho. Bradford Ar.37
1596Geo. Muſchampe Ar.38
1597Edw. Grey Ar.39
1598Edw. Grey Ar.40
1599Tho. Middleton Ar.41
1600Geo. Muſchamp Ar.42 of Barmore.
1601Edw. Talbot Ar.43
1602Nich. Forſter Ar.44 of Bambrough Abbey, Knt.
1603Will. Selby, jun. Ar.45
 King James I. 24 March, 1603. 
1603Will. Selby, jun. Ar.1 of Bitleſdon.
1604Rad. de Lavale Ar.2
1605Hen. Widdrington3
1606Will. Selby Mil.4
1607Geo. Selby Mil.5
1608Rad. de Lavale M.6
1609Edw. Talbot Ar.7
1610Joh. de Lavale Ar.8
1611Ra. Grey Mil.9
1612Claudius Forſter Ar.10 of Bambrough Abbey.
1613Rad. Selby Mil11
1614Joh. Clavering M.12
1615Hen. Anderſon M.13
1616Will. Selby M.14
1617Rob. Brandling15 of North Gosforth, Knt.
1618Tho. Middleton Ar.16
1619Joh. Fenwicke M.17 of Wallington.
1620Mat. Forſter Ar.18 of Etherſton.
1621Rad. de Lavale Ar.19
1622Will. Muſchampe20 of Barmore.
1623Joh. Clavering M.21
1624Joh. De Lavale M.22
1625 23
 King Charles I. 27 Mar. 1625. 
1625Cuth. Heron Ar.1 of Chipchaſe Caſtle.
1626Fra. Brandling Ar.2
1627 3
1628Tho. Swinburn M.4 of Capheaton, Knt. f. Edlingham.
1629 5
1630Rob. Brandling Ar.6 of North Go [...]forth, Knt.
1631Nich. Townley Ar.7
1632Nich. Tempeſt M.8
1633Tho. Middleton Ar.9
1634 10
1635Will. Carnaby M.11 of Halton Tower, Knt.
1636Will. Witherington12 of Widdrington Caſtle, Knt.
1637Rob. Bewick Ar.13 Fuller's Liſt of Sheriffs end [...].
1638, 1639, 1640, 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644 
1645Joh. Fenwick, Bar.21
1646, 1647, 1648 
 King Charles II. 30th Jan. 1648. 
1648, 1649, 1650, 1651, 1652 
1653Rob. Middleton, Eſq6 of Belſey Caſtle.
1654, 1655, 1656, 1657, 1958, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1664, 1665
1666Will. Middleton, Bart.19 of Belſey Caſtle.
1667, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672 
1673Joh. Forſter, Eſq26
1674Martin Fenwick, Eſq27
1675, 1676, 1677, 1678 
1679Mark Milbanke32
1680, 1681 
1682Edm. Crayſter, of Crayſter, Eſq35
1683Edm. Crayſter, Eſq36
1684James Howard, Eſq37
 King James II. 6 Feb. 1684. 
1684, 1685 
1686Mark Milbanke, Knt.3
1687Rich. Neile, Eſq4
1688Rich. Neile, Eſq and Wm Blackett, Bart.5
 King William and Queen Mary, 13 Feb. 1689.
1689Will. Blackett, Bart.1 of Newcaſtle.
1690, 1691 
1692Joh. Blackett, of Wylam Hall, Eſq4
1693John Bacon, of Staward Pele, Eſq5
1694 6
1695Rob. Bewick, of Cloſe Houſe, Eſq7
1696Rob. Shaftoe, of Benwell, Eſq8
1697Rob. Mitford, of Mitford, Eſq9
1698 10
1699Edw. Collingwood, of Byker, Eſq11
1700 12
1701Joh. Grey, of Howick, Eſq13
1702 14
 Queen Anne, 8 Mar. 1702. 
1702Will. Brown, of Bolton, Eſq1
1703Rob. Lawſon, of Cramlington, Eſq2
1704, 1705, 1706 
1707Hen. Ogle, of Eglingham, Eſq6
1708Rob. Lawſon, of Cramlington, Eſq7
1709  
1710Geo. Fletcher, of Rothbury, Eſq9
1711Joh. Middleton, of Belſey Caſtle, Bart.10
1712Hen. Rawling, Eſq11
1713Will. Fenwick, of Bywell. Eſq12
1714Mark Strother, of Kirk Newton, Eſq13
 King George I. 1 Aug. 1714. 
1714Mark Strother, of Kirk Newton, Eſq1
1715Joh. Johnſon, of Bebſide, Eſq2
1716Joh. Rogers, of Eaſt Denton, Eſq3
1717Ra. Jenniſon, of Wolſington, Eſq4
1718Rob. Shaftoe, of Benwell, Eſq5
1719Will. Coatſworth6
1720Matth. White, of Blagdon, Eſq7
1721Edw. Delaval8
1722Will. Mitford9
1723Rob. Mitford, of Mitford, Eſq10
1724John Coatſworth, of the Hermitage, Eſq11
1725Alex. Collingwood, of Little Ryle, Eſq12
1726Rob. Bewick, of Cloſe Houſe, Eſq13
1727Luke Clennell, of Clennell, Eſq14
 King George II. 11 June, 1727. 
1728John Fenwick, of Bywell, Eſq1
1729Joh. Blackett, of Wylam Hall, Eſq2
1730Fra. Blake Delaval, Eſq3
1731Tho. Watſon, jun. Eſq4
1732Walter Calverly Blackett, of Wallington, Eſq5
1733Joh. Reed, of Chipchace, Eſq6
1734John Ogle. Eſq7
1735Hen. Elliſon, Eſq8
1736Hen. Grey, of Howick, Bart.9
1737Hen. Ogle, of Cauſey Park, Eſq10
1738James Hargrave, of Shawdon, Eſq11
1739Will. Errington, of Walwick Grange, Eſq12
1740Geo. Shaftoe Delaval, of Little Bavington, Eſq13
1741Joh. Strother Kerr, of Fowberry, Eſq14
1742Anth. Iſaacſon, of Fenton, Eſq15
1743Cha. Lorain, of Stanton, Eſq16
1744James Carr, of Black Heddon, Eſq17
1745Will. Bacon, of Staward Peele, Eſq18
1746Lanc. Algood, of Hexham, Eſq19
1747Will. Ord. of Fenham, Eſq20
1748Nich. Brown, of Bolton, Eſq21
1749Gawen Aynſley, jun. of Little Harle, Eſq22
1750Will. Carr, of Etal, Eſq23
1751Will. Bigge, of Little Benton, Eſq24
1752Will. Fenwick, of Bywell, Eſq25
1753Rob. Fenwick, of Lemington, Eſq26
1754Rob. Shaftoe, of Benwell, Eſq27
1755Joh. Swinburne, of Newcaſtle, Eſq28
1756Math. White, of Blagdon, Eſq29 created a Baronet 1756.
1757Edw. Blackett, of Weſt Maffen, Bart.30
1758Will. Wilkinſon, of Clennell, Eſq31
1759Abra. Dizon, of Belford Hall, Eſq32
1760Rob. Bewick, of Cloſe Houſe, Eſq33 Knighted by King George III. on his acceſs.
 King George III. 25 Oct. 1760. 
1761Alex. Collingwood, of Unthank, Eſq1
1762Ra. Bates of Hallowell, Eſq2
1763Joh. Will. Bacon Forſter, of Etherſton, Eſq3
1764Chr. Soulſby Reed, of Chipchaſe, Eſq4
1765Math. Forſter, of Bolton, Eſq5
1766Hen. Collingwood, of Cornhill, Eſq6
1767Hylton Lawſon, of Cramlington, Eſq7
1768Bryan Burrell, of Broome Park, Eſq8
1769Mich. Pearſon, of Weſt Matfen, Eſq9
1770Joh. Simpſon, of Long Horſeley, Eſq10
1771Tho. Cha. Bigge. of Little Benton, Eſq11
1772Fra. Blake, ſen. of Crawley Park, Eſq12 created a Baronet in 1774.
1773Wm Lowes, of Ridley Hall, Eſq13
1774Wm Loraine, of Kirkharle, Bart.14
1775Walter Trevelyan, of Nether Witton, Eſq15
1776John Aſkew, of Pallinſburn, Eſq16
1777Wm Ord, of Fenham, Eſq17
1778Tho. Carr, of Eſhot, Eſq18
1779Daniel Craſter, of Craſter, Eſq19
[445]
*
Bou [...] P [...]p. Antiq p. [...]04, quoted Can. 80. Trul. Bal.
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Zitationsvorschlag für dieses Objekt
TextGrid Repository (2020). TEI. 4837 A view of Northumberland with an excursion to the abbey of Mailross in Scotland By W Hutchinson pt 2. University of Oxford Text Archive. . https://hdl.handle.net/21.T11991/0000-001A-5B7C-4