THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES BIOGRAPHICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF WORCESTERSHIRE: INCH [>I\G LIVES OF PERSONS. NATIVES OR RESIDENTS, EMINENT EITHER FOR PIETY OR TALENT: TO WHICH IS ADO! I'. \ LI*T OF LIVING AUTHOR* OF THE COUNTY BY JOHN CHAMBERS. ESQ. 4ITHOII OF THi: KISXORIKS OF MALVERN UIB WORCK5TFR. " Dalla cuna alia tomba non ve che un breve passo."' Ariosto. WORCESTER: Printed fiat WM. WALCOTT, High-Street; 4VD Ml>-Rv LONGMAN. HIRST, RETS, ORM1. UTB BRnWs, 39, PatrrnoMer Roit. I.i.ndnn. 1820. Printed by H. B. TYMBS, Journal Office, High-Street, Worcester. BIOGRAPHICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF fBo?ceste?sf)t?e. • PREFACE. IT was my original intention to have attached to the History of Worcester, published in 1819, lives of the eminent men of the county. But as the materials accumulated became too much en- larged for this purpose, and have since received the addition of much original matter, politely communicated by individuals connected with the county, I have ventured to consider them of suf- ficient importance to form a separate volume. The local Biographer has many opportunities of correcting the mistakes of the author distant from the scene of action, and thus preventing the perpetuity of error, and I am not conscious of leaving a point uncertain through fear of trouble or a feeling of indifference. Truth is the goal I have endeavoured to arrive at, considering that the advantages of Biography, as teaching by example, cannot be promoted by the omission of facts, or by indiscriminate pane- gyric. Vlll PREFACE. If I shall be considered by some to have fallen into the same errors as the conductors of the Bio- graphia Britannica, who are so wittily reproved by Cowper, I offer in extenuation that the history of minor characters often involves dates and cir- cumstances of considerable importance. In recording the lives of persons of general notoriety, I have usually been very concise., confining myself principally to such matter as is not generally known, or lies scattered in many books ; but of such as have been natives of the county, I have copied from every source of information to prevent reference to any other work. The rule I have adopted in the present publi- cation has been, with few exceptions, to exclude all persons who have not been authors of some publication. In the arrangement of these lives it has been deemed preferable to follow a chronological rather than an alphabetical order, — the dates of birth have been the rule of precedency. TYTHING, WORCESTER, MAY, 1S20. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM, EARL BEAUCHAMP. Cine Soofc IS. BY PERMISSION, DEDICATED, BY HIS MOST OBEDIENT AND OBLIGED HUMBLE SERVANT, JOHN CHAMBERS. Biographical Illustrations, &c. &c. &c. Tatfrith or Tadfrid, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 680*, VV AS a monk in Hilda' si" famous monastery at Streaneshalh, now called Whitby, in Yorkshire, which at that time was the greatest school of learning in all the north. He was the first Bishop of Wiccia or Worcester, but was taken away by an untimely death before he could be conse- crated. » Bosel, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 680, Was bred in the famous monastery founded by Hilda — (See Tatfrith.) He was consecrated by Theodore, Arch- bishop of Canterbury, and sat in the see eleven years, when growing too infirm to continue his functions, he resisrued the bishopric A.D. 691. Oftfoe alias Ostfor, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 691, Was bred also at Hilda's monastery, and improved * The dates affixed to Ihc names are always those of the prefer- ment. t In a synod held G6t, in that monastery of which Hilda was the foundress and first ahbess, she opposed the tonsure of the priests and the celebration of Easter according to the Roman ritual. B by a journey to Rome. He was ordained by WiliVide, Archbishop of York. He died before he had sat in this see a year. Egwine, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 692, To whom the monkish historians have given the title of Saint, was not consecrated until the year after his election. In the year 708 he went to Rome with King Coenred, and Of- fa, King of the East Saxons. At this time Egwine obtain- ed from Pope Constantine, epistolam privilegii, or a charter of confirmation of his newly-founded monastery of Evesham ; which with King Ethelred's leave he began to build about 702, and on his return to England finished. Soon after re- signing the bishopric of Worcester, he became the first ab- bot of Evesham, and died there Dec. 30, 717- A monk of the name of Brithwald (not the Archbishop) wrote his life. Wilfred, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 710, Was coadjutor to St. Egwine, whom he also succeeded, and sat in the see till about 743. Mildred or Milred, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 743, Was one of the eleven suffragan bishops who attended the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Council of Cloveshoe, 747, in which the English clergy asserted their own right, and disclaimed dependance on any foreign bishop. In his time King Ethelbald freed all churches and monasteries of his kingdom, (Mercia,) from paying any taxes, except to the building of forts and bridges. He died 775. Weremund, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 77o. He sat but three years, and died in 778. Tilhere, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 778, Abbot of Berkeley, was consecrated 779- In 780 he made a great feast for King Offa at Fladbury, where, among other gifts the King presented to the Church of Worcester a very choice bible, with two clasps of pure gold. He died in the beginning of 781. Eathored, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 782, Presided in this see seventeen years, and died in 798. Denebert, Bishop of Worcester, Was at the famous synod of Cloveshoe, in 803, where Lichfield was decided no longer an archbishopric, and Can- terbury was restored to its ancient rights. He was also at the council of Celchyth, 816; he sat in this see twenty-four years, and died in 822. Eadbert, or Heabert, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 822, Who was consecrated by Wilfred, Archbishop of Canter- bury, died 848. Alhune, Bishop of Worcester, Built an oratory or chapel at Kemsey, in 868, and dedi- cated it to St. Andrew : he died in 872. Werefrid, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 873, Was trained up in the college of Worcester, and was con- secrated in 873. King Ceolwulf, at the request of Were- frid, in 875, exempted the diocese of the Wiccians from providing food for the King's horses and their leaders. When the Danes over-ran Mercia, this bishop fled to France. About 885, King Alfred recalled him, and placed him among the first class of the learned whom he had invited to his court. At the request of the King, he translated, out of Latin into Saxon, the pastoral of St. Gregory; which the King published, with a preface of his own, and sent to every bishop's see in his kingdom a copy of it, with an a'Stell, or style, worth fifty marks, and with an injunction, that it should not be taken away from the book, nor the book from the church. Many of the clergy were at this time unable to 4 understand it. This bishop died in 915, having sat in this see forty-two years. jEthelhtjn, Bishop of Worcester, Abbot of Berkeley, sat here about seven years, and dying in 922, was succeeded by Wilfrith, or Wilferth, as Bishop of Worcester. Kinewold, Bishop of Worcester. He was sent by King JEthelstan, with a present to the monasteries of Germany. He arrived at St. Gall, Oct. 15, and on the second day after, being the feast of St. Gall, he entered the church with an offering of money, part of which he laid on the altar, and gave the remainder to the use of the brethren. He died 957. The Benedictines lay claim to him as a monk of their order. Dunstan, Bishop of Worcester. This celebrated man was abbot of Glastonbury, and was canonized by the monks. He was their champion against the secular clergy. In his own abbey he set the first exam- ple of expelling the old society, and introducing monks of the Benedictine order in their stead. He had a great as- cendant at court in the reign of Edred, whom he governed as a child. But his successor, King Edwy, would not be tyrannized over by this haughty abbot : he took Elgiva to wife in spite of his invectives ; and banished Dunstan for his barbarities, which were monstrous, towards that princess. Dunstan passed not many months in exile before Edwy, by the revolt of the Northumbrians and Mercians, lost half his kingdom. Edgar was set up king of the revolting provinces, and Dunstan, recalled from banishment, and placed in this see, then vacant by the death of Kinewold ; and the year fol- lowing he had the accession of the see of London. Both these he held m conjunction about a twelvemonth ; when Edgar, then becoming master of tlie whole kingdom, trans- lated him to the see of Canterbury.* Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, Was of Dutch extraction, and nearly allied to Odo, the predecessor of Dunstan in the archbishopric of Canterbury*, being his brother's son. In his younger years he was one of the secular canons of Winchester, and afterwards dean of the minster there. About the year 9-32, by the persuasion of his uncle, who himself, when archbishop, had submitted to receive the monastic habit from Fleury on the river Loire, he resigned his preferment at Winchester, and took the vow of Benedict's rule, in that famous French abbey ; w here he continued till he was ordered into England by Odo in his last illness. Odo was dead when he arrived ; but the credit of the monks was now high. Dunstan, who already governed Edgar's half of the kingdom (Edgar himself being young), had formed the plan for bringing these religieux from their deserts into cities, and enriching them with the endowments of secular colleges. Finding in Oswald both abilities and zeal, he made him his confidant, and advanced him to the see of Worcester. He succeeded in converting the priests of his cathedral, and forming their college into a monastery, bv * Dunstan was a man of great ingenuity, and excelled in paint- ing, engraving, and music. He was an excellent workman also in brass and iron; and, according to the monkish accounts, it was when employed at his forge that the devil had the ill luck to visit him in a female form, for which he got pulled hy the nose with a pair of red hot tongs till he roared out for mercy. In Goldsmith's hall, London, there is a painting on canvass of St. Dunstan, with his unfortunate devil, over whom the heavenly host are exulting to see him in the power of the saint. Mr. Pennant, in his "London," remarks on this picture, that " it would seem Dunstan was conversant in works of gold as well as of iron, and in a place where the irritamenta malorum so much abound- ed, it was not strange to find the devil at hand." In the British Museum is a MS. tract by Bishop Dunstan on the philosopher's stone, on the back of which is written tracts on alchemy. No. 3737. 6 the union of it with St. Mary's convent. Secular clerks had got possession of the abbey of Evesham ; but Oswald re- stored it to the monks, whom he also replaced at Winchcumb and Derehurst, in Gloucestershire. He reformed the con- vent at Pershore, which before was collegiate, by settling monks on that foundation. He was a benefactor to the ab- bey of Ramsey, in Huntingdonshire, which Earl Ailwin founded in 968. Oswald himself may be esteemed (with King Edgar's assistance) the founder of Westbury, in Glou- cestershire, which had, indeed, been an ancient monastery, but had long been impropriated and annexed to the lands of the cathedral of Worcester. These reformations endeared him to Dunstan, and gained him great favour with Edgar, who granted at his request considerable privileges to the ma- nors possessed by the bishop and church of Worcester, unit- ins them all, viz. three hundred hides of land, and for the most part lying contiguous in one hundred, whose court was appointed to be held under the bishop at a place about four miles to the east of Worcester, called, in memory of the bishop, Oswaldes lawc, or Oswald's mount.* This was creating a small palatinate in the county, exempt from all jurisdiction of the civil magistrate. Out of these three hun- dred hides of land, Oswald granted away no less than one hundred and ninety to his friends, relations, thanes, artificers, and servants, generally for three lives, and with slight ser- vices reserved. In 971 the archiepiscopal see of York became a second time vacant in the same year, and Oswald was raised to that dignity, but held his bishoprick in commendam with it, and spent most of his time in Worcester. He died sud- denly there, on Monday, Feb. 28, in the year 992, having sat thirty-two years in the Wkxian see, and near twenty in that of York, of which he was the nineteenth archbishop. He was buried in his cathedral which he had built at Wor- cester. Oswald invited learned men from abroad to settle in the monasteries which he favoured. His meekness and most * Between Spetchley and Wolverton. exemplary piety, above all, his zeal for the monastic rules, and the miracles ascribed to his relics, have raised him into the rank of monkish saints. A solemn day is accordingly appointed in commemoration of him in the English calendar on Oct. 10th. Adulf, Bishop of Worcester, Abbot of Peterburg, succeeded Oswald in both his sees. He obtained the abbey of Evesham of Ethelred, brother of Edward the Martyr, and deprived it of its liberties. April 15, 1002, attended by a great assembly of his bishops, &c. &c. &c. he translated the bones of Oswald from his tomb to a shrine which he had prepared for it. He died May 6 of the same year, and was buried in the cathedral of St. Mary. Wolstan, Bishop of Worcester, Surnamed the Reprobate ; but why, we know not. lliis bishop died at York, May 28, 1023, and was carried to Ely to be interred : his time was remarkable for the general mas- sacre by the Danes, to purchase a peace from which all the church valuables were sacrificed. Leoffius, oi Leoferth, Bishop of Worcester, Abbot of Thorney. He sat therein 10 years and three months, dying Aug. 19, 1033, at his manor-house at Kenip- sey, and was buried in his cathedral at Worcester. Brightegus, or Brihteage, Bishop of Worcester, Abbot of Pershore, Mas born in Berkshire. Cnut the Danish usurper, sent this bishop, with his daughter Gunnilda, into Germany, to give her in marriage to the Emperor Con- rad, by some said to his son Henry. He died December 20, 1038. Limngus, Bishop of Worcester, A nephew of Brithwold, Bishop of St. German. He was first a monk, then abbot of Tavistock ; and, as such, 8 accompanied King Cnut to Rome, who on his return made him Bishop of Crediton, or Kirton, Devon, 1032, and on the death of his uncle lie had the bishopric of St. German given him. When promoted to this see by King Harold, surnamed Harcfoot, he held all in commendam with Wor- cester, contrary to the canons ; for which Malmsbury be- stows on him many hard names. He was accused to Har- dycnute as being accessary to the death of Alfred, Ethelred's eldest son, for which the King divested him of his sees, which were afterwards restored to him. He died March 23, 1046, and was buried at Tavistock, to which monastery he had been a great benefactor. Aldred, or Ealdred, Bishop of Worcester, First a monk of Winchester, and afterwards Abbot of Tavistock. In 1049, Griffin, King of South Wales, burnt the town of Dymenham, near the Wye ; when Aldred at the head of the men of Worcester and Gloucester attacked the pirates, but were put to flight. In 1055 he was sent by the King to the Emperor's court, to negotiate the return of Prince Edward from Hungary. In 1056 he was preferred to the bishopric of Hereford, which he held with this till the latter end of 1060. In 1058, he dedicated the abbey church of Gloucester, which he had re-built from the ground. In 1060 he was promoted to the archbishopric of York, and resigned the see of Hereford, with an intent to hold this of Worcester in commendam with York. But on his going to Rome to receive the holy pall, at a synod called there against clerks guilty of simony, he was, by his own confession, found guilty, and divested of all honours. Aldred, under this dis- grace, in company with others was returning to England, but fortunately for him, falling into the hands of robbers, who stripped them of all but their clothes, they were through ne- cessity obliged to return to Rome, where by the remon- strance of Earl Tosti and others, the Pope was persuaded to let him have the archbishopric and his pall, which he granted on condition that he should resign the see of Worcester. 9 Aldred remonstrated with Urso D'Abitot for building a cas- tle on the ground of the monastery, but without effect, and dying September 11, 1069, was buried at York or Glou- cester. Urso de Abitot. A Norman Captain, on whom William the Conqueror, about 1066, bestowed 40 hides of land, in the county of Worcester, with two manors in Warwickshire and another in Gloucestershire, and who held, under that king and Rufus his son, the chief civil and military trusts in the county of Worcester, being constituted sheriff and constable of the Royal Castle, with the very honourable appointment that these offices should descend hereditarily in his family. He is sometimes called Urso de Wircestre, doubtless from his residing here. He and his brother Rodbert, otherwise called Robert Despencer, who was the king's steward, were troublesome neighbours to the convent of St. Mary, and found pretences for dispossessing the monks of several of their manors ; Urso especially was greedy in grasping what- ever lands he could reach, and sufficiently tenacious of his prey ; yet he was no enemy of the monastic institute. This robber of the church was pleased to be founder, or rather he assisted the foundation of an hermitage at Great Malvern, which Bishop Wulstan improved, and, by the aid of con- siderable benefactions, converted into a priory of monks — vide History of Malvern. Urso carried on the building and moat of Worcester castle nearer to the cathedral than the members of it could well brook, and of which they com- plained to their old prelate and patron Aldred, Archbishop of York, who meeting with the Sheriff played off his artillery of imprecations pointed in the manner of devotive charms with rhyme — " Highest than Urse ? Have thou God's curse, and mine, and that of all holy men, unless thou remove thy castle ; and know assuredly that thy posterity shall not inherit c 10 the patrimony of St. Mary." This curse, says Malmsbury, seemed to take effect, for Ursus died soon after. For an ac- count of the Constables, Earls, and Marquises of Worcester, see Nash and Green. Wolstan, or Wulstan II, Bishop of Worcester, 1062, Surnamed the Saint ; was born at Long Ichington, War- wickshire. His father's name was iElfstan, and his mother's name Ulgeva, from whence he had his own name, Wulstan, compounded of both theirs. They separated by consent ; the husband putting on the religious habit in the monastery at Worcester, and the wife taking the veil in the religious house of the same city. Wulstan took the habit and order of a monk of this church from Bishop Brihteage, by whom he was also ordained both deacon and priest. His first pre- ferment was that of being master and guardian of the chil- dren, next chanter, then cyrcward, or keeper of the church treasure, at length prior, by the favour of Bishop Aldred, on his advancement to the see of York. He was pre- sent at- the dedication of St. Peter's Church, Westminster, built and endowed by King Edward the Confessor, and hav- ing submitted to William the Conqueror, was present at his coronation, and also was obliged to bear the pillage of the church at Worcester, from which the Conqueror carried off immense spoils under pretence of its belonging to his ene- mies. In 1084, Wolstan began to build the present Cathe- dral of Worcester ; three years afterwards he assisted in crowning William Rufus, and in 1083 opened his new cathe- dral, which was finished, and he held a synod here in 1092. Great encomiums are given of Wolstan, especially by Wil- liam of Malmsbury, who wrote a book of his life and mira- cles. He was doubtless an extraordinary man, a persuasive and powerful preacher, though his attainments in literature were mean ; he was remarkably humble in an age when the prelatic character was haughtiness : meek and patient, yet on proper occasions he wanted not spirit. He died January 19, 1095, aged about 87, having sat in this see 32 years. 11 He was canonized by Pope Innocent III, from the miracles pretended to be wrought at his shrine in Worcester Cathe- dral, and was the last Saxon Bishop of Worcester. Aldewine, or Alwin, Probably a native of this comity, was made a monk of the Benedictine order, by Bishop Woistan ; he was chosen by his brethren of the cathedral of Worcester prior of the re- ligious house for seculars at Great Malvern, of which he bagged of others to perfect the foundation, and which was afterwards dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Woistan per- suaded Alwin from going a pilgrimage to Jerusalem as he had intended, with assurances that the place of Malvern, which he had chosen for his habitation, would be wonder- fully favoured by God ; which Alwin in some measure saw fulfilled, living to have 30, or according to some 300 monks, of his order, under him, who were all plentifully supplied by the neighbouring people, who thought themselves happy in assisting them. Alwin is said to have lived till 1140. " This," (says the Author of Reflections, relative to the Mal- vern Hills, p. 44, corrections) " unless we suppose Alwine to have resigned, is disproved indubitably, by the date on the tomb of Walcher ; he was prior after Alwine, and died 1 1 35 ." Sampson, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1090', A noble Norman Canon of Baieux m his native country, Dean of the Collegiate Church of Wolverhampton. He was consecrated in this see in 109G. He conferred on the prior and monks of Worcester, his rich church of Wulfrun- hampton, with all its territories ; of which, however, after his death, Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, dispossessed them. But he disobliged the whole monastic order, by re-placing secular canons at Westbury, annulling the constitution of Oswald, who had settled monks in that ancient college. He dedicated the great church at Gloucester, and died at Westbury, May 5, 1112, and was buried before the rood- loft in his Cathedral of Worcester. 12 Theulf, Thewold, or Theulphus, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1113, A Prebendary of Baieux, and Chaplain to the King. He was elected December 28, 1113, but not consecrated till June 27, 1115. In 1121 he consecrated the great Church at Tewkesbury, and died at his manor of Hampton, October 20, 1123, and was interred near his predecessor. Florence, A Native of Worcester, was a Monk of the Cathedral Priory, and held, by his cotemporaries, in high esteem, for his diligent application to literature, both sacred and profane. His most celebrated performance is the Chronicon, a sort of general history, commencing with the beginning of the world and carried down to the last year of his own life, A. D. 1 1 18. It is an epitome of the historical work of Ma- rianus Scotus, enriched with faithful collections out of the Saxon Chronicles, and other writers. Florence left some other MSS. of less note, relating to the histories and genealo- gies of kings. The continuator of Florence, who carried down the above-mentioned Chronicle to the year 1141, was also a Worcester Monk, but his name is not known. These united Chronicles were published from a faulty MS. by Wil- liam Howard, Earl of Northampton, London, 1592. Simon, Bishop of Worcester, 1125, Chaplain or Chancellor to Queen Adelaide, of Louvain. This bishop restored Westbury to the monks, and was a very considerable patron to the Church of Worcester, by re- storing to it many lands and effects. He died March 20, 1 149. John de Pageham, orPAGiiAM, Bishop of Worcester, A.J). 1151, Was Chaplain to Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, and by him consecrated to this see, March 4, 115 J. He died at Rome, 1158. 13 Altjred, or Alfred, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 1 153. King Henry the First's chaplain, enthroned April 13, 1 158. The accounts of his death vary considerably. Roger, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1164, Son of Robert Earl of Gloucester, natural son of King Henry I. was chosen in March, 1 163, being then but a youth, and consecrated August 23, 11 64. He was called one of the lights of England, by Pope Alexander III. who delegated him to most of the causes that came before him in this king- dom. He was firmly attached to Thomas a Becket, and was dispatched to the Pope by Henry II. to assure him of that king's innocence. He was present at the Lateran Coun- cil in Rome, 1178, and in his return died at Tours, August 9, 1179, and was there buried. That he was of undaunted spirit is evident, for as he was celebrating mass at the high altar of St. Peter's, Gloucester, one of the great towers fell down with a terrible noise, while he continued the service unmoved. He was remarkable for many virtues, and much esteemed for his regular life and strict discipline. Baldwin, Bishop of Worcester, A.D. 1180, Was born of mean parents at Exeter, where he was some time school-master. Upon his entering into holy orders, he was presented to an archdeaconry, which he resigned ; and taking upon him the habit of a Cistercian monk, was chosen Abbot of Ford, in Devonshire ; and in a few years was from thence promoted to the see of Worcester, to which he was consecrated at Lambeth, August 10, 1180, and in 1184 was translated to the archbishopric of Canterbury. In accom- panying King Richard to the Holy Land, he died there at the siege of Aeon, A. D. 1191. William de Norhale, Bishop of Worcester, Was Prebendary of St. Paul's, London, and Archdeacon of Gloucester. He was consecrated in St. Catherine's, chapel, Westminster, and died May 3, 11 90. 14 Robert Fitz Ralph, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1191, Was Prebendary of Lincoln and Archdeacon of Notting- ham. He obtained a mandate from Pope Clement that he might be consecrated by William Bishop of Ely, his legate at Westminster, but the monks of Canterbury insisted on the performance of this solemnity in their church, which was accordingly done May 5, 1 191. He died June, 1 193. Henry de Soilli, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1193, Prior of Bermondsey and afterwards Abbot of Glastonbury, was elected December 3, consecrated at Canterbury Dec. 12, and enthroned January, 1 194. He died Oct. 25, 1 195. Senatus, Surnamed Bravonius ; a prior of Worcester monastery in 1189, who voluntarily resigned his precentorship. He was not less esteemed as a literary character than for his careful discipline and zeal for the honour of his monastery. He wrote the Lives of the Saints Oswald and Wolstan, a Tract concerning the pontifical pall, and a Book of Epistles. That he was also a most excellent penman, the MS. Bible written by him in the cloisters of this church, is a convincing evi- dence. See page 215, Chambers's Worcester. On his death, in 1 170, he was interred in Worcester monastery. Hemingus, A monk of Worcester, with great labour compiled a com- pendious chartulary, which greatly elucidates the ancient his- tory of the see of Worcester, and which particularizes many valuable donations belonging to it : many of them were col- lected by the late ingenious Mr. Graves, and published by Heamc, in 2 vols. 8vo. at Oxford, 1723. Walter Odimgton, or Walter of Evesham, A monk of that monastery in Worcestershire, was eminent in the early part of the 13th century, during the reign of 15 Henry HI. not only for his profound knowledge in music, but astronomy, and mathematics in general. The translator and continuator of Dugdale's Monasticon, speaks of him anions; learned English of the order of St. Benedict. For an account of Odington and his works, detailed at some length, see Tindal's Evesham, p. 254 ; see also Burney's History of Music. John de Constantiis, or de Coustances, Bishop of Worcester, A. D. 1198, Was Archdeacon of Oxford, Dean of Rouen in Normandy, and nephew to Walter, Archbishop of that city. He was consecrated at Stratford, near London, by Hubert Arch- bishop of Canterbury, and dying September 24, 1198, was interred in Worcester cathedral. Mauger, or M alger, Bishop of Worcester, Was Archdeacon of Evreux, in Normandy, Physician to King Richard I, and Dean of York. His election was re- jected by the archbishop, because he was not lawfully be- gotten, upon which he went to Rome, where Pope Innocent, admiring the elegance of his person, confirmed and conse- crated him. In 1204, Bishop Mauger replaced the bones of the blessed Wulstan in the same grave from whence they had been irreverently removed, by his predecessor John de Constantiis. In 1208, after having laid the kingdom under an interdict by command of the Pope, lie, with the Bishops of London and Ely his associates, Med to France, where he died, July 1, 1212, at Ponthieu. Randulph, Bishop of Worcester, Prior of Worcester monastery, was chosen by the monks on the death of Mauger in France; but at the instance of Nicholas the Pope's legate, he receded from the election, and was made Abbot of Evesham. Walter de Grey, Bishop of Worcester, 1214, Was then Chancellor of England. He was of the family 16 of the Greys, which afterwards was ennobled, and greatly distinguished in the English peerage. He had been chosen Bishop of Lichfield by the canons of that church, in oppo- sition to Josbert, whom the monks of Coventry had elected ; but both their elections were annulled by the legate, and he was made Bishop of Worcester, January 20, 1214. In 1215 he was translated from hence to the see of York. See a very facetious reason for his being elected, in Drake's York, p. 425. Silvester de Evesham, Bishop of Worcester, 1216, First a monk, and in 1215 prior of this church, succeeded Walter de Grey in the bishopric, April, 1216 ; he was con- secrated in Italy the same year. In 1218 Bishop Silvester solemnly consecrated his church of Worcester, which had been now repaired after the injuries it had sustained by lire in 1202, and dedicated it anew to Saints Mary, Peter, Os- wald and Wulstan; he died July 16 following, at Ramsey, and was brought to Worcester for interment. William de Blois, Bishop of Worcester, 1218, Archdeacon of Buckingham. In 1220 he consecrated the bells, which had been newly cast for the use of the cathedral, and put up in the leaden steeple. In 1224 he laid the foundation-stone of a new front, or nave to the church*, and in the same year he built the chapel of the charnel-house. He died at Allchurch, August 18, 1236, and was buried hi his cathedral. Walter de Cantelupe, Bishop of Worcester, 1237, Son of Lord Cantelupe, was consecrated in the presence of the King and Queen of England, Queen of Scotland, &c. lie was a man of spirit, and proved himself a strenuous ad- vocate for the liberties of the English Church, against the overbearing power of the see of Rome. He founded the * It is presumed, in opposition to Mr. Green's opinioi, that he buill oue side only of the nave. — See Chambers's Worcester, p. 207. 17 nunnery of the White Ladies, and in 1255 dedicated its church to St. Mary Magdalen. He augmented the chapel of the charnel-house, and about 1263 began to fortify the manor- house of Hartlebury. He joined the Barons against K. Henry III. for which, in 12(35, he was excommunicated by the le- gate ; and dying at Blockley in the next year, was buried in his cathedral. Alexander de Hales. The town of Hales Owen probably gave birth, says Dr. Nash, to this famous schoolman ; or perhaps he was a monk of the abbey there. Camden, indeed, places him at Hales in Gloucestershire ; but that was a very inconsiderable hamlet till the founding of the great Cistercian Abbey there in 1246, the year after Alexander's death : whereas Hales Owen Abbey was founded anno. 12 IS. Dr. Nash is in- clined rather to think he was a native only of Hales Owen, as he went to France, and studied school divinity and canon law in the University of Paris, in both which he became so very famous as to be commonly called Dr. Irrefragabilis : he flourished about 1230, and having entered himself in the or- der of Franciscans, died at Paris, August 27, 1245. He lies buried in the body of the church of Cordeliers in Paris, with a monument and epitaph, which last may be seen in Pitt's Angl. Script. Nicholas, Bishop of Worcester, Archdeacon of Ely, Chancellor and Treasurer of England. He was one of the 12 persons appointed to settle the peace of the kingdom. He gave b^ will 60 marks, ,for the re-edify- ing of the tower of his cathedral, and was translated to Win- chester, 1268, having satin this see nearly two years. Godfrey de Giffard, Bishop of Worcester, 1268, Lord Chancellor of England, brother of Walter Giffard, Archbishop of York, elected to this see in 1268. King Henry granted him leave to carry on the Castle of Hartle- D 18 bury, as begun by his predecessor, Walter de Cantelupe ; this bisliop finished it : he made several churches of the patronage of his cathedral prebendal to Westbury in Glou- cestershire, where a college for a dean and canons Mas founded, A.D. 1288. He was strongly but ineffectually op- posed in this measure by his Chapter. He seems to have been a man of a high spirit, overbearing, and litigious, was involved in tedious contests with the priory of Worcester, and made his visitations very burdensome by the great num- ber of horse (not less than a hundred) that formed his retinue. He died January 26, 1301-2, and lies buried in Worcester cathedral. John de Sancto Germano, Bishop of Worcester, 12G8, Was chosen Bishop by the monks of Worcester by licence granted to them by Edward I. upon the deaths of Godfrey and Giffard ; but the Archbishop of Canterbury found eva- sions for delaying his consecration : upon this, the Bishop elect applied to the Court of Rome, with letters recommend- atory from the King, and the Prior and Convent, but to no purpose, he being there obliged to renounce his right to the bishopric for want of money ; and, October 22, the Pope promoted William de Gaynesberuwe, or Gainsborough, Bishop of Worcester, A Franciscan Friar, who had been lecturer of that order in Oxford, then reader of divinity in the Pope's palace. After he had been consecrated by his Holiness he left Rome, and came to London, 1302-3. The King, exasperated at his obtaining the bishopric in this manner, withheld his tempo- ralities from him some time, and on his granting them obliged him to renounce, in writing, the Pope's authority in this see. On his arrival near Worcester he was received, at Redhill, by a numerous procession of clergy, and at the door of St. Wulstan's hospital by the minor or grey friars ; there he alighted, and to gain the people by a show of humility, walked 19 barefoot to St. Michael's church, where he was robed ; thence proceeding up the choir of St. Mary's, he was, with the usual solemnity, enthroned. In 1307 he was sent by the King of France on a marriage treaty for his son, which he accom- plished, and died on his return at Beauvais, Sept. 17, 1307- Hugh de Evesham, Archdeacon of Worcester, 1275, Was a Native of this county. He was either born at, or was a monk of Evesham, probably both, and was accounted the first physician of his age. A dispute arising at Rome concerning some medical question, he was sent for by Martin IV. who was so well satisfied with his skill as to create him a Cardinal, in the year 1280. The Italians however envied him his preferment, and are said to have poisoned him about 1287- He was buried at Rome. In the early part of his life he had passed through the prefer- ments of archdeacon of Worcester, rector of Spofford, York- shire, prebend of York, and proctor for the Archbishop of York, at Rome. Some medical and theological MSS. of his were, according to Leland, extant in the Bodleian Library. John of Malvern, A Benedictine Monk of Worcester, who flourished in 1342, and wrote a continuation of " Polychronicon," is said to have been the author of " The Vision of Pierce Plowman ;" this poem is given by others to Robt. Langland. See Wood. Elias de Evesham, Flourished about the end of the twelfth century: he was an eminent biographer and historian, of a good family, and expected an ample patrimony ; but, either through some disappointment in his expectations, or perhaps from merely a love of study and retirement, he became a monk of Eves- ham. He wrote a Chronicle, and the Life of Becket, which latter work Leland affirms that he met with in Whitley Ab- bey. A person of the same name, or probably the same 20 man, is known to 1 ave been presented, in the 18th of King John, to a prebend of Hereford. Two other monks are men- tioned by historians as of some eminence considerably after this period, but few particulars are handed down to us. One of them is, by Heame, supposed to have written the life of Richard II. which that antiquary found among the Cotton MSS. and published in 17^9. The other, whose name is known to have been Joseph, wrote a collection of letters, two of which Heame published at the end of the biographi- cal work above-mentioned. Lazimon, or Lazamon, A Native of this county, being born at Astley, — see Nicholson's Historical Library, page 31 ; he was an his- torian and a priest, and wrote the History of England from Brute to Cadwallader. Bishop Tanner takes no notice of him : some think Lazamon only translated Geoffry of Monmouth's Book into Norman-English, though he says he had it from one Walter, a Erench clergyman. See Nash, p. 41, vol. 1. Walter Reginald, or Reynold, Bishop of Worcester, Canon of St. Paul's, was Chaplain to Edward I. and Pre- ceptor to the Prince, afterwards Edward II. ; and although made Chancellor and Treasurer of England by that King, he basely aided the Queen and Mortimer against him, and went > into all the popular and violent measures which finally brought that unhappy monarch to the grave. In 1313 he was trans- lated from this to tlie see of Canterbury. He is said to have been a baker's son at Windsor, Walter de Maydenston, Bishop of Worcester, 1313, Was also a canon of St. Paul's, and one of the King's agents at the Pope's Court. He was consecrated by the Pontiff, Feb: 3, 1313. Dr. Thomas has very successfully rescued the character of this prelate from the aspersions of some of his enemies, He died beyond sea, March 28, 1317, 21 Thomas Cobham, Bishop of Worcester, 1317, Prebendary of St. Paul's, Archdeacon of Lewes, and Chan- cellor of the University of Cambridge — a man of eminent learning, and adorned with many amiable virtues, insomuch that he was commonly distinguished by the name of the good, or the honest Clerk. In 1313 he had the honour of being chosen Archbishop of Canterbury by the unanimous suffrage of the chapter there ; but that election was over-ruled by the Pope, at the instance of Edward II. To make Cobham some amends, the see of Worcester was then offered him, which, at that time, he refused ; but upon Maydenston's death he accepted this bishopric, and was consecrated at Avignon, 1317- He began a library over the old Congrega- tion-house at Oxford about 1320, but did not live to finish it, dying at Hartlebury, August '27, 1327- He however left money enough to complete it, and gave many books to the University to furnish it, when erected. He also vaulted the roof of the north aisle of his cathedral at his own expence — and close to the wall of that aisle was his tomb. " Under the window, next below Jesus Chapel, was a raised embattled tomb beneath an ornamented arch within the wall, and about four feet from the ground, to the memory of Bishop Cob- ham. His effigy was cumbent thereon, mitred and vested for the altar, his hands elevated in prayer, and at his feet an angel" — now gone. Vide Dr. Thomas's Survey, p. J 04. William de Chyryton, Abbot of Evesham, 131 6. He built that most stately gate of the abbey, with its chapels and apartments, &.c. and died 1344. John de Ombreslye Was also a great benefactor to the Abbey of Evesham. See Tindal's Evesham, pages 2G2, 2(J3. 22 Wolstan de Braunsford, Bishop of Worcester, A Native of this county, was born at Braunsford, and became Prior (equal to Dean on any other foundation) of Worcester, and Bishop, upon the death of Bishop Cobham ; he was chosen by the monks, and his election was confirmed by the young King Edward III. It is said, he was also confirmed by the Archbishop, who durst not consecrate him ; nor after the Archbishop's death, durst the Prior and Convent of Canterbury, in obedience to the King's command, call to- gether any of the suffragan bishops of the province to do it, being afraid of the Pope, who, by virtue of his reservation of the bishopric, gave it to Adam de ORLTON r or Horleton, Bishop of Wor- cester, 1329, Bishop of Hereford and a native of that city, 4th cal. Oct. 1324. He was enthroned 19th June, 1329, and was trans- lated to Winchester, 1333. He appears to have been alto- gether an infamous character, if not concerned in the murder of Edward II. Simon de Monteacuto, or Montague, Bishop of Worcester, A Bishop put in by the Pope, whose Chaplain he was in sub-deacon's orders, and Archdeacon of Canterbury. He was advanced to this bishopric at the request of Edward II. who speaks of him as his kinsman. In 1336 he restored to the Prior and Convent the manor of Croule, which had been formerly taken from them, and was then held of him in capite ; for which they made him partaker of all their prayers, and ordered that the day of his death should be inserted in their martyrology, and his anniversary to be kept with mass and chant in their choir. In 1337 he Mas translated to Ely, by Benedict XII. 23 Thomas Heminhale, or Emeniiale, Bishop of Worcester, Was named from the place of his birth, a village near Norwich, of which city he was a monk ; and upon the death of William Ayremin, their bishop, he was by his fellow-monks chosen to succeed him ; but the Pope promoted him to the see of Worcester, having reserved that of Norwich for An- thony de Beck. He sat here but a short time, dying at Hartlebury Castle, in December, 1338, and was buried in Worcester Cathedral. This see having been supplied with bishops by the Pope's provision for the last seven successions (Reginald's excepted), the monks resumed their right of choosing their diocesan; and having obtained the King's per- mission so to do, they elected for bishop, a second time, Wolstan de Braunsford, Bishop of Worcester, 1339, Their prior, now old and infirm, was consecrated at Canterbury, March 28, 1339- He died at Hartlebury, Aug. (i, 1349- While he was prior he built the guesten-hall, now the audit-house, adjoining the present deanery, in 1320. He is also said to have built a bridge at Braunsford, near Worcester, over the river Teame, called by Bishop Godwin the Tweed. — See page 22 of this Work. John de Thoresby, or Thursby, Bishop of Wor- cester, 1349, Was chosen in preference to the then prior, John de Evesham, chosen by the monks of Worcester. He was translated, by Pope Clement, from the see of St. David's, hither, by virtue of his bull, Sept. 4, 1349. He had been Master of the Rolls, and in 1350 was made High Chancellor of England. In 1352 he was preferred to York. This pie- late had the honour of settling the precedency of the Arch- bishops of Canterbury and York, winch had been disputed for near 200 years. Pope Innocent, to gratify both the par- ties, invented that nice distinction of Primate of England, 24 and Primate of all England ; which last was given to Simon Ishp, then Archbishop of Canterbury. Reginald Brian, Bishop of Worcester, Had before succeeded Thoresby at St. David's. Brian was honoured with the personal regard and friendship of the renowned Edward the Black Prince, and was one of the persons to whoin he dispatched the first account and particu- lars of the battle of Poictiers ; see this letter, &c. in Nash, vol. 1, p. 34. In 13.61 he was advanced from this see to that of Ely, but died of the plague at Alvechurch, in December of that year, before he could take possession of it, and was buried in Worcester Cathedral. John Barnet, Bishop of Worcester, I)i virtue of the Pope's provisory bull, was Chaplain to Thomas de L'Isle, Bishop of Ely, residentiary Canon of St. Paul's, Archdeacon of London and then of Essex, from whence he was promoted to Worcester. In 1362 he was constituted Treasurer of England, and the year following was translated to the see of Bath and Wells, and from thence to Ely, 1366. William Wittlesey, Bishop of Worcester, 1363, Translated to Worcester from the bishopric of Rochester, by the Pope's authority, March 6, 1363. He was a sister's son of Simon Islip, Archbishop of Canterbury : and educat- ed at Cambridge. Wittlesey was Master of Peterhouse Col- lege there, to which he left his library ; he was also Archdea- con of Huntingdon. From the University he was sent by his uncle to the Court of Rome as his proctor, and was trans- lated to the see of Canterbury, 1368. William Lynn, Bishop of Worcester, 1368, Then Bishop of Chichester, and translated to Worcester by Pope Urban V. He died Nov. 18, 1373, having been taken with an apopletic lit as he was mounting his horse to go to Parliament. 25 John Wallis, or Welch, Was a Native of this county, where he became a Fran- ciscan of Worcester. Leaving Oxford, he lived at Paris, where he was commonly called the " Tree of Life," in re- ference to what Solomon calls " a wholesome tono;ue." — Fuller, in continuation, says, " his works amounted to no fewer than 20 volumes, which are not so practical for their use, as curious in their speculations ; they were preserved in the Ancient Libraries of Baiiol and Oriel Colleges. He died and was buried at Paris, A. D. 1216. Richard de Burford, Was a Native of this county, being born at Droitwich. He was afterwards Bishop of Chichester. He studied at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna : was appointed Chancellor to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and afterwards Chancellor of Oxford : he was consecrated Bishop of Chester, March 5, 1245. Burford was a man of extraordinary learning and in- tegrity, an eloquent preacher, and so eminent for his good life, that after his death, 1253, he was canonized by Urban IV. 1262. The inhabitants of Droitwich long held his me- mory in veneration, on account of some good offices he was supposed to have done them. Mr. Leland mentions a fabu- lous report, that the principal salt springs " did fayle in the tyme of Richard de la Wich, or Burford, Bishop of Chi- chester ; and that after, by his intercession, it was restored to the profit of the ould course : such (he adds) is the su- perstition of the people. In token whereof, or for the hon- our that the W ichemen and saulters bear unto this Richard, their countrieman, they used of late tymes on his daye to hange about the sault springe or well, once a yeere, with tapestrie, and to have drinking games and revels at it." Mr. Habingdon allows that he might have been especially hon- oured in Wich, if for no other reason, because it was the place of his birth ; and as a similar instance mentions the respect shewn to St. Thomas of Canterbury, in London, E 26 where the house he was born in was consecrated for a chapel; but at the same time is persuaded, " this feaste begun fyrst for some benefyt bestowed on these springs, because the chiefest showe of this solemnity is at the salt wells." His family had lands in Droitwich, that retain the name of Bur- ford to this day. In a grant of the salt-pits by Henry VIII. they are styled Sir Richard's Vautes. William Packington, A Native of this county, according to Fuller, was Secretary aud Treasurer to Edward the Black Prince, and whose long living in France had made the language of his nurse more natural to him than the tongue of his mother. Hence it was that he wrote in French the Story of " Five English Kings,"— King John, Henry III. Edwards I. II. III. and a book of " The Atchievements of the Black Prince." He flourished A. D. 1330. Henry Wakefield, Bishop of Worcester, Oct. 28, 1375, Archdeacon of Canterbury, whom Pope Gregory XI. put into this see in preference to Walter Leigh, Prior, chosen by the Prior and Convent of Worcester with the approbation of the King. It is said that he was appointed to this see as some amends for being disappointed of Ely. In 1377, he was constituted High Treasurer of England, and in this year, April 23, we read in Smith's Antiq. of Westminster, "that by order of Richard II. he visited the Chapel of St. Stephen, to see and report the management of the building." In 1386, he finished the additions to his Cathedral, commenced by Bishop Blois — See his Article ; when, in contradiction to Mr. Green, he is presumed to have built one side of the nave, and completed the building as it now appears — Vide Chambers's Worcester, p. 206. He died at Blockley, March 1 1 , 1394 or 5, and lies interred between the lowermost pillars at the west end of the nave of the Cathedral. This Bishop had a controversy with his Prior about the use of the Bishop's attire. — See Green's Worcester, p. 193, Note. 27 Tideman de Winchcomb, Bishop of Worcester, Bishop of Llandaff ; had been Physician to the King, and, before his promotion, was one of the companions of Richard II. in his nocturnal rambles. He was his firm adherent, and opposed, with all his influence, the usurpation of Henry IV. He died June, 1401, and was buried in his Cathedral. Richard Clifford, Bishop of Worcester, 1401, Dean of York, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chaplain to King Richard II. Bishop elect of Bath and Wells, was elected by the Monks of Worcester to this see, and to which he was confirmed 1401. In 13Q6 he was made Master of Hastings College, which he resigned 1398. He was Canon of St. Stephen's, Westminster, and Keeper of the Privy Seal of Henry; and was sent by the King into Germany, to treat with the Emperor about a marriage between his son and Lady Blanch, the King's eldest daughter. In 1407 he was translated to the see of London. Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, A Native of this county, was born at Salwarp, Jan. 28, 1381. He assisted at the coronation of Henry IV. and made such a distinguished figure by his art and courage at tournaments, that the King created him Knight of the Bath, and bestowed upon him many other marks of his favour. At the battle of Shrewsbury his proofs of courage were so conspicuous that the King employed him against Owen Glyndwr, whom he put to flight, and took his banner with his own hand. Henry IV. left him guardian to his infant son, afterwards Henry V. whom he accompanied to France. He was present at the battle of Agincourt, where he behaved with astonishing bravery. After the death of Henry IV. he was appointed Regent of France, which high employment he enjoyed only four years, and died in Nor- mandy, A. D. 1439. — See a further account of him in Fuller's Worthies, and a very long life of him in Kippis's Biog. Britt. 28 Thomas Peverell, Bishop of Worcester, 1407, Descended of an honourable family in Suffolk, was bred at Oxford, and became a Carmelite Friar. In 1398 he was made Bishop of Ossory, in Ireland, by King Richard II. In 1399, removed from thence to Llandaff, in Wales ; and in. 1407 advanced to this see. He died at his manor of Hembury, Gloucestershire, March 2, 1418—19, and was buried at Oxford. Philip Morgan, L. L. D. Bishop of Worcester, 1419, An eminent Civilian, and Chancellor of Normandy : dur- ing his continuance in which province King Henry V. to whom he had been Chaplain, deputed him to treat with the Ambassador of Lewis the Dauphin of France, at Alengon, about a peace. Among the six Bishops appointed to form part of the Privy Council, during the minority of Henry VI. this Bishop received that honour from the Parliament. He was translated to Ely in 1425. Thomas Polton, Bishop of Worcester, 1425. While he was Prebend of Sarum he assisted in the Coun- cil of Constance, 1418. In 1420 he was made Bishop of Hereford, where he sat but 15 months before he was remov- ed to Chichester, and from thence to Worcester. In 1432 he, with the Prior of Norwich, was sent by the King to the Council of Basil, where he died, in August 1433, and was there buried, and not at Rome. He directed in his will to be buried in the Priory of Bustleham, in Berks, and be- queathed his mitre to the Cathedral of Worcester. Thomas Brown, Bishop of Worcester, Dean of Salisbury. Pope Eugenius conferred on him the see of Worcester, while the Monks of Worcester, with the permission of the King, who afterwards prevailed on the Pope to withdraw his nomination, chose Thomas Bouchier, 29 John Tiptot, Earl of Worcester, 1426, I3 said to have been a Native of Worcester, but we have not sufficient authority for it to insert his life at length in a work more particularly dedicated to the Lives of Natives of Worcestershire. For an account of this Nobleman, see Green, p. 258, vol. 1. and Walpole's Noble Authors. John Lowe, A Native of this county, was bred an Augustine Friar at Droitwich ; he afterwards went to the Universities, and then settled himself in London : hence he was preferred by King Henry VI. to St. Asaph's, and thence was removed, through his love of quietness, from one of the best bishop- rics in Wales, to Rochester, the meanest in England. He was, says Fuller, " a great bookmonger, and deserved well of posterity in preserving several excellent MSS. and be- stowing them on the magnificent Library, which he fur- nished at St. Augustine's, in London. But, alas, that li- brary, at the dissolution, vanished away, with the fine spire steeple of the church ; (Oh the wide swallow of sacrilege) one person, who shall be nameless, embezzling both books and buildings to his private profit." He died in 1467, and was buried in his own cathedral, over against Bishop Merton, under a marble monument. Thomas Bourgchier, or Bourchier, Bishop of Worcester, 143j, Commonly called Bowser ; he was Dean of St. Martin's, London, and son of William, Earl of Ewe, in Normandy. He was bred in Oxford, and became it's Chancellor. In 1436 he was chosen to the vacant see of Ely, by the monks there, and confirmed by the Pope, but the King refusing his consent, Bourchier, apprehensive of incurring a preniu- nire, durst not accept of it : but on the death of the Bishop of Ely in 1443, the King permitted him to take it. He was translated to Canterbury in 1454, Lord Chancellor of Eng- 30 land in 1455, and created a Cardinal in 1464 : he lived 51 years after his consecration to the see of Elv, 32 of ■which he was Archbishop of Canterbury ; he died in I486', and was buried in his metropolitan church. By his will he made a bequest of an image of the blessed Virgin in silver- gilt, value £69. 5s. to the cathedral church of Worcester. The memory of Archbishop Bourchier is to be respected, because he was the principal instrument of introducing the inestimable Art of Printing in England, temp. Edward IV. John Carpenter, D. D. Bishop of Worcester, Was Rector of Beaconsfield from about 1450 to 1435, and in 1421 was presented to St. Mildred's Church, Oxford, of which University he was afterwards Chancellor, and Pro- vost of Oriel in 1430, where he was bred, and in which he founded a fellowship for a native of the diocese of Worces- ter ; he was also Master of St. Anthony's, London, and was promoted to Worcester by Eugenius IV. He erected a handsome gate-house to his palace at Hartlebury, which was ruined in the civil wars. In 1461 he set up a library in the charnel-house of Worcester, and endowed it with £10. per annum for a librarian. He died 1476, at Northwyke,* in the parish of Claines, near Worcester, from whence he was taken to Westbury-upon-Trin, his native village, near Bris- tol, to be interred ; where, as Sir Robert Atkyns tells us, was a plain altar monument erected to his memory ; (it is an altar tomb, according to Willis, with a skeleton upon it.) He retained a fondness for his native village, in which he was reverenced as a saint, and affected to style himself Bishop of Worcester and Westbury. He joined with Sir William Cannings, who was Dean there, in re-building the College of Westbury, to which he added a stately gate, and * Some ruins, which were said to be those of a Bishop's palace, were pulled down in 1818; they stood on Mr. Tolley's land. The state in which they stood is preserved in an oil painting, taken by a young artist, J. H. Smith, of Worcester, and exhibited at the Town Hall in 1818. 31 augmented the endowment. He was also a great benefactor to St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, and presented a silver cup to Oriel College. William of Worcester, According to Mr. Gough, was educated at Hart Hall, Oxford, 1434. He drew up a history of the learned men who had been bred in that University, entitled " Polyandria Oxoniensis," of which Twyne published an extract in his Apologia, sec. 2, p. 144. His annals, at the end of that valuable assemblage of public records, the Black Book of the Exchequer, are notes of the affairs of his own times. He surveyed the dimensions of many of our conventual churches, to which Brown Willis often refers, and quotes in his Histories of Abbies. Thomas Wolsey, The Cardinal, who was born in 1417, was on the death of Henry Archbishop of Canterbury, to whom he had been Chaplain, appointed Chaplain to Sir John Nanfan, of Wor- cestershire, by whose influence he was promoted to the same office to King Henry VIII. A. Wood calls Wolsey's patron Sir John Naphant, of Somersetshire — he may be correct. John Alcock, Bishop of Worcester, 1476, To which he was translated from the see of Rochester. He was born at Beverley, in Yorkshire, and educated at Cambridge. He had been Dean of the Royal Chapel of St. Stephen, Westminster, Keeper of the Great Seal, 1473, President of Wales in the first year of Edward IV. and in the next year Master of the Rolls. In the two ordinances of Edward IV. on committing the care of Prince Edward to Earl Rivers and the Bishop of Worcester, Alcock was the prelate appointed to that honour. About the year 1481, he rebuilt the church of Little Malvern, visited and reformed the Priory, repaired the Convent, and in a great measure 32 discharged its debts. He a]so built a chapel at Beverley, and a chantry for the souls of his parents. In 1484 he founded a chapel or chantry on the south side of Trinity Church, at Kingston-upon-Hull, where, according to the Biog. Brit, he was buried, A. D. 1500 ; but according to Bentham's Ely, " he lies buried in the middle of a sump- tuous chapel, which he had built for himself, at the end of the north aisle of the presbytery of Ely : his tomb, with his effigies thereon much defaced, is placed on the north side of the chapel under an arch of stone. He turned St. Rade- gund's old polluted nunnery at Cambridge into a new found- ation, called Jesus College. He was translated hence to the see of Ely I486, and the same year made Lord High Chancellor of England. In the same year lie christened Prince Arthur, son of Henry VII. at Winchester. He was represented in the painted glass in Little Malvern Church. — Vide Nash, Chambers's Malvern, &c. This prelate was not only a considerable writer, but an excellent architect, and as such was appointed comptroller of the royal works and buildings under King Henry VII. His own chapel at Ely is a noble specimen of his architectural skill, though at present it is sadly mangled. There is in Jesus College a painting of Bishop Alcock, from which there is an engraving: he is represented with elevated hands, in a kneeling attitude, in the act of prayer. In the painting, a label (which is omit- ted by the engraver) is seen proceeding from the bishop's mouth, with this inscription, " Omnia mea tua sunt," — (All mine are thine, John xvii. 10.) On his right hand inclines a crosier, and by his left a mitre rests upon a tablet : be- neath is written, Johannes Alcock, Episc. Eliens. Totius Angliee Cancellr. Fundr. Coll. Jesu. Cantab. A. D. 1497.* ■ * John Alcock, afterwards Bishop of Ely, was, in 1461, Dean of St. Stephen's — See Newcourt, vol. 1, p. 121 s hut Dr. Richardson, in his Notes on Godwin's De Pra?s::!ibus Anglia?, p. 269, fixes it to the 29th April, J462, and cites as his authority Pat. 1, Edw. IV. p. 2, in. 28. He was, according to Newcourt, made Bishop of Rochester 1471. — See Smith's Antiquities of Westminster. 33 Tin- childish device of this founder, a pun upon his name, All-cock — viz. a cock perching upon a globe, is conspicuous in even part of the cell. On one window was a cock with a [abei with this inscription in Greek, "I am a cock:" to whom another, on the opposite side, bravely crows in answer, c< \,„i 80 am [,"_ See (I. Wakefield's Letters ; also Correc- ions, &C. by Or. Mash. Thomas Littleton, A NATIVE of this county, whose original name was Lutletou, now written Lyttelton, was a celebrated English Judwe, being the eldest son of Thomas Westeote, of the county of Devon, Esq. by Elizabeth, daughter and sole heir of Thomas Luttelton, or Lyttleton, of Frankley; in cbm- pliance to whom she consented that the issue, at least the eldest son proceeding from that marriage, should take the surname of Lyttelton,* and bear the arms of that family. — He was born about the beginning of the fifteenth century, at Frankley. Having laid a proper foundation of learning at one of the universities, probably Cambridge, he removed to the Inner Temple, and applying himself to the law became very eminent in that profession. The first notice we have of his distinguishing himself, is from his learned Lectures on the Statute of Westminster, " of conditional gifts:" he was afterwards made, by Henry VI. Steward or Judge of the Court of the Palace, or Marshal sea of the King's Household ; and in May 1455, King's Serjeant, in which capacity he went the northern circuit as a Judge of the Assize. Upon the revolution of the Crown from the House of Lancaster to * There is a tradition that the three brothers of the Judge, whose names were Nicholas, Edmund, and Guy, wrote their paternal name Westeote, which their mother once taking exception at, and asking them whether they thought themselves better than their eldest bro- ther ? they replied, lie altered his name to inherit a fair estate, which if they might share with him, they could do the same. The Lyttel- tons are a very ancient family, their ancestors being settled in thtf Vale of Evesham so early as the 7th Henry II. 1181. v 34 that of York, in the time of Edward IV. Judge Lyttelton, who was now made Sheriff of Worcestershire, received a pardon from that Prince, was continued in his post of King's Serjeant, and also in that of Justice of Assize for the same circuit. This pardon passed in 1462, the second year of Edward IV. and in 1466 he was appointed one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. The same year he obtained a writ to the Commissioners of the Customs of London, Bristol, and Kingston-upon-Hull, enjoining them to pay him 110 marks annually, for the better support of his dignity, 106s. ll|d. to furnish him with a furred robe, and 6s. 6d. more for another robe, called Linura. In 1473, we find him residing near St. Sepulchre's church, London, in a capital mansion, the property of the Abbot of Leicester, which he held on a lease at the yearly rent of 16s. In 1475 he was created, among others, Knight of the Bath, to grace the solemnity of conferring that order upon the King's eldest son, then Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward V. He continued to enjoy the esteem of his sovereign and the nation, on account of his profound knowledge of the Laws of England, till his death, Aug. 23, 1481, the day after the date of his will, in which he appointed his three sons, a par- son, a vicar, and one of his servants, executors, and Dr. Alcock of Cambridge, the then Bishop of Worcester, super- visor of the same. He was then said to be of a good old age, but its precise length has not been ascertained. He was honourably interred in the cathedral church of Worces- ter, where a marble tomb, with his statue, was erected to his memory ; his picture was also placed in the church of Fiankley, and another in that of Hales Owen, where his descendants purchased a good estate. He married, and had three sons, William, Richard, and Thomas ; Richard, bred to the law, became eminent in that profession, and it was for his use that the Judge drew up his celebrated Trea- tise on Tenures or Titles, which will probably hand his name down to the latest posterity. The Judge's third son, Thomas, was knighted by Henry VII. for taking Lambert 35 Simnel, the pretended Earl of Warwick. His eldest son and successor, Sir William Lyttleton, after living many years in great splendour at Frankley, died in 1508; and from this branch the celebrated Lord Lyttelton, of Frankley, county of Worcester, who was created a Baron of Great Britain, Nov. 1756, derived his pedigree. The memory of Judge Lyttleton is preserved by his " Te- nures ;" and the various editions through which this book has passed, are the best evidence of its worth. Dr. Middleton supposes the first edition to have been that printed in French, by Letton and Machlinia, near the church of All Saints, or All Hallows, in London, without date ; and he thinks that it was put to press by the author himself in 1481, the year he died : but Lord Coke supposes the French edition in folio, printed without date at Rouen, by W. Le Tailleur, for R. Pinson, to have been the first. The point however has not yet been settled, and perhaps cannot now be settled with precision. That it was often reprinted is a matter of less doubt : the editions from 1539 to 1639 only, amount to twenty-four. The original composition of this celebrated work is justly esteemed as the principal pillar on which the superstructure of the law of real property in this kingdom is supported ; and the valuable " Commentary" of Lord Coke has uniformly been considered, by the most eminent law- yers, as the result and repository of all his learning on the subjects there treated. Of this work there was a republica- tion in folio 1788, which, independent of the valuable anno- tations of Lord Hale and the Lord Chancellor Nottingham, has been greatly improved by the learning and indefatigable labours of Mr. Hargrave and Mr. Butler. There was a book written in the reign of Edward III. which is called " Old Tenures," to distinguish it from Littleton's Book. It gives an account of the various tenures by which land was holden, the nature of estates, and some other incidents relat- ing to landed property. It is a very scanty tract, and has the merit of having led the way to Lyttleton's famous work. 30 Thomas Alcock, Archdeacon of Worcester, 1483, Was living in 1527, being Archdeacon of Ely also. Robert Morton, Bishop of Worcester, I486, Archdeacon of York, Gloucester, and Winchester, pro- moted by the Pope to this see : he was nephew to John Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1479 he was made Master of the Rolls. He obtained a charter of pardon from King Henry VII. in 1496 — 7, of all treasons, &c. &c. This indeed was but a necessary security against the odious pro- ceedings of the harpies of that reign, who marked out the old servants of the Crown for victims of their avarice, and worried them with frivolous indictments, enforced with out- lawries and confiscations. This grant releases the Bishop from suffering any penalties for his acceptance of the Pope's provisory bull. He died the beginning of May following, and was buried in the nave of St. Paul's Church, London ; though in his will, in which he gave twenty marks to the Cathedral of Worcester, he directed to be interred in the cemetry where he should die. His memory is revered in history on account of his having been instrumental in forming the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster, William Canynge, The builder of Redcliffe Church, Bristol, was ordained Deacon, April 2, 1468, at Northwic, in the parish of Claines, Worcestershire, and Priest, April 6, the same year ; having gone through the several orders of acolyte, sub-deacon, dea- con and priest in about seven months. He was five times Mayor of Bristol, at the same time that he was Dean of Westbury ; and for his benefit, (ex parte) or rather at his request, the rectory Mas appropriated to the college there, for he declares, that the revenues of the church are not suffi- cient to support the burdens imposed on them. He is said to have been ordained priest to avoid a marriage, proposed 37 by King Edward, between him and a lady of the Widevilc family. Of this very famous man see a further account in Mr. Tyrwhitt's introductory account of Rowley's Poems, and Barrett's Bristol. Richard, Who writes himself Episcopus Oleven, (being suffragan to the Bishop of Worcester, as it seems) was a Dominican or Black Friar, in Warwick, and was educated among the Black Friars in Oxford, to whose fraternity he gave, at the time of his death, £6. to pray for him. He died in Sept. 1502, and was, according to his last will, which Wood had seen, buried in the choir of the church belonging to the Black Friars in the city of Worcester. — See Wood. John Gigles, or de Liliis, Bishop of Worcester, An Italian, of the country of Lucca, the Pope's Questor, or Collector for the Apostolic Chamber in England. — He was Rector of Swaffham, in Norfolk, St. Michael's, Crooked-lane, London, and of Laneham, in Suffolk, Pre- bendary of London and Wells, Archdeacon of London and Gloucester, the King's Solicitor in the Court of Rome, and Dean of Wells, 1478. He was advanced to the see of Worcester by Pope Alexander. He had an extraordinary commission from Innocent VIII. authorizing him to pass the most heinous offences and all sorts of crimes, and to dispense with the non-restitution of goods acquired by any sort of fraud and cozenage, on condition that part of such gain should be given to the Pope's commissaries or their deputies. He died 1498, and was buried in the English College at Rome. Sylvester Gigles, Bishop of Worcester, Son of the brother of John Gigles, had also the merit of being Collector of the Apostolic Chamber, and for his use- fulness in that employment was by the Pope presented to the see of Worcester. In 1512 he was sent by King Henry 38 VIII. to the Lateran Council, and died at Rome, 1521. In St. Michael's Church at Lucca there is a monument to his memory. Sir Reginald Bray, A Native of this county, was the second son of Sir Richard Bray, one of the Privy Council to King Henry VI. which Sir Richard lies buried in the north aisle of Wor- cester Cathedral.* One of this family (which were Lords of Braie, or Bray, in Normandy) came with William the Con- queror into England, where they flourished in the counties of Northampton and Warwick ; but Edmond, the father of Sir Richard, who was Privy Counsellor to Henry VI. is styled of Eton Bray, in the county of Bedford, which county they had represented in Parliament in 18th Edw. I. and 6th Edw. II. Sir Reginald Bray, the subject of this memoir, was born in the parish of St. John's, Bedwardine, Worcester- shire, and, according to Dr. Nash,f in 1st Richard III. 1483, this Reginald had a general pardon granted to him, proba- bly on account of his having taken part with Henry VI. to whose cause he had a personal as well as hereditary attach- ment; being Receiver General to Sir Henry Stafford, who married Margaret Countess of Richmond, mother to the Earl of Richmond, afterwards King Henry VII. ; he con- tinued in her service after the death of Sir Henry, and was put in trust for her dowry, on her marriage to Thomas, Earl of Derby. When the Duke of Buckingham had concerted with Morton, Bishop of Ely (then his prisoner at Brecknock, in Wales), the marriage of the Earl of Richmond with the Princess Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV. and the Earl's advancement to the throne, the Bishop recommended * Richard Bray, M. D. Physician to King Henry VI. and his wife, were buried in the middle aisle of Worcester Cathedral, and at their feet five of their children. Sir Reginald Bray, the celebrated courtier temp. Henry VII. was also his son. Appendix to Green, p. xxiiii. + The Author of the Beauties of England and Wales, had made Sir Regi- nald Bray a native of Great Malvern, and of St. John's, Bedwardiue. 39 Sir Reginald for the transaction of the affair with the Countess, telling the Duke he had an old friend with her, a man sober, secret, and well witted, called Reginald Bray, whose prudent policy he had known to have compassed matters of great importance : and accordingly wrote to him in Lancashire, where he then was with the Countess, at the mansion of Sir Thos. Stanley, her third husband, to come to Brecknock with all speed. He readily obeyed the sum- mons, arrived at Brecknock Castle, where Morton was con- fined in the custody of the Duke ; the plan was submitted to him, and he was directed to return to Lancashire to im- part the important secret to the Countess ; and engaged Sir Giles Daubeney, (afterwards Lord Daubeney,) Sir Jolin Cheney, Richard Guildford, Esq. and many other gentle- men of note, to take part with Henry. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the events connected with Bosworth Field, so fatal to the ambition and life of the usurping Richard ; but it must not be omitted, that the activity and address of Sir Reginald obtained the reward it merited. He gradually rose in great favour with the King afterwards, who eminently unci munificently rewarded his services. His attachment to that Prince was sincere and unremitted ; and such were his prudence and abilities that he never forfeited the confidence he had acquired, during an attendance of 17 years on the most suspicious monarch of his time. He was made a Knight Banneret, probably at the battle of Bosworth, a Knight of the Bath at the King's coronation, and afterwards a Knight of the Garter. In the first year of the King's reign he had a grant of the Constableship of the Castle of Oakham, (Ockinham) in Rutlandshire, and was appointed joint Chief Justice, with the Lord Fitzwalter, of all the Forests south of Trent, and chosen of the Privy Council. After this he was appointed High Treasurer, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan- caster, and High Steward of the University of Oxford. — It is curious to remark, that an office now so much sought after, was then pressed upon the acceptor ; for there is a letter, under the common seal, notifying the election, and 40 earnestly praying him to accept the office with one to Dr. Mayou, intreating him to use his interest with Sir Reginald to accept it — copied in the Register Book of Letters, and the schools at Oxford, and also a letter of thanks for his ac- cepting the office, and for a donation of 40 marks towards building St. Mary's Church. At the Queen's coronation, the Duchess of Norfolk, &c. sat at one side table, at the other, Lady Ferrars, of Chartley, Lady Bray, &c. At the christening of Prince Arthur, Sir Reginald bore a rich salt of gold, which was given by the Earl of Derby : he was amongst the Knights Bannerets, when Henry, the Kiug's second son, was created Duke of York, in 14Q4. In the 7th year of the King, he by indenture covenanted to serve him in his wars beyond sea, one whole year, with 12 men, himself accompted, each having his custrall and page, 24 demy lances, 77 archers on horseback, 231 archers, and Lilies on foot 24. In the 10th year he had a grant for life of the Isle of Wight, Castle of Carisbrook, and the Manors of Swainston, Brixton, Thorley, and Welaw, in that Isle, at the rent of £308. 6s. 8d. Camden mentions the grant of the Isle of Wight at the rent of 300 marks. In June, 1497, he was at the battle of Blackheath, when the Lord Audley, having joined the Cornish Rebels, was taken prisoner ; on whose execution and attainder, his manor of Shire Vachery, and Cranley, in Surry, with a large estate there, was given to Sir Reginald. He received many other marks of the King's bounty and favour, and died Aug. 5, 1503, possessed of a very great estate ; notwithstanding which, and his activity as a minister under a monarch whose love of money was the cause of great and just complaints amongst the people, historians call him the father of his country, a sage and grave person, a fervent lover of justice, and one who would often admonish the King when he did any thing contrary to justice or equity. That he should do this, and the King continue his favour, is an ample proof of the sense which his sovereign entertained of his services and abilities. He appears to have taken great delight in 41 architecture,* and to have had no small skill in it, as he had a principal concern and direction in building Henry 7th's chapel in Westminster Abbey, of which he had the credit of beina; the draughtsman, the first stone of which he laid in conjunction with Bishop Islip, in 1502 ; he was also concerned in finishing and bringing to perfection St. George's Chapel at Windsor, to which, succeeding Bishop Beauchamp as superintendent, he was a liberal benefactor in his life time, and for the com- pletion of which he made further provision by his will. His arms, crest, and device, (a hemp break,) are exhibited on the ceiling of the chapel at Windsor in many places ; and in the middle of the south aisle is a spacious chapel, erected by him, and still called by his name, in which also, by his own particular direction, he was interred, though his execu- tors neglected to erect a tomb for him as he desired : per- haps they thought his merit would be the most lasting monu- ment. It is supposed that he is buried under the stone which covers Dr. Waterland ; for, on opening the vault for that gentleman, who died in ] 740, a leaden coffin of ancient form and make was found, which by other appearances also was judged to be that of Sir Reginald, and was, by order of the Dean, immediatelv arched over with creat decencv. He was of great devotion, according to the piety of the times, and a bountiful friend in his life time to many churches. In one of the letters of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, John, Abbot of Newminster, in Northumberland, addresses him as founder of the monastery of Pipwell in Northamp- tonshire j but this must be on account of some donations, * In the account of Great Malvern, inserted in the Beauties of England and Wales, Sir Reginald Bray is mentioned as the builder, or rather re-edifyer of Malvern Abbey Church, in nearly its present form. We have adopted this idea in our History of Malvern, which was probably originally taken from Manning's Survey of the County of Surrey, a book to which we have not been able to gain access. Win. Bray, Esq. the contributor of Bray's Life, in the Biog. Brit, is silent on this head ; am! Dr. Nash says, he was a great benefac- tor to the northern Chapel of St. John's (TJedwardine'), and to the Priory Church of Creat Malvern, in the latter of which he placed the portraits of Henrv VII. &c. &c. 42 as that house was founded by Williarti Boutevileyr, in 1 143. In 1494, being then High Steward of Oxford, he gave forty marks to repair the Church of Saint Mary,* in a window of which were the figures of him and his wife,+ kneeling, their coats of arms on their backs, bearing in a shield argent a chevron between three eagles' legs erased, sable, remaining in 1584. The Dean and Chapter of Lin- coln, in recompence for his services to them, received him and my Lady his wife to be brother and sister of their Chap- ter, and to be partakers of all suffrages, prayers, masses, fastings, alms-deeds, and other good deeds, whatever they may be, done in the said church, both in their lives and after their decease. The Prior of the Cathedral Church of Dur- ham received him in like manner. In the south window of the Priory Church of Great Malvern were the portraits of Henry VII. Elizabeth his Queen, Prince Arthur, and Sir Reginald Bray ; behind them were the portraits of John Savage and Thomas Lovell, Esqrs. with their coats of arms * The University of Oxford seems to have placed great dependance upon Sir Reginald's integrity and attention to their interests, as there is a letter ex- tant lo him expressing their fear of some encroachments being made upon their privileges, by offences committed within their limits being carried before an- other jurisdiction for trial, and most earnestly entreating him to preserve their ancient rights. To this his interest seems to have been fully sufficient, for when the new Chancellor, in 1500, re-appointed Sir Reginald to his office of High Steward (it expiring at that period on the death or cession of each Chan- cellor), and in that capacity presented him to the King for his approbation. Henry in his letters patent not only accepted the nomination, but also recog- nized the franchises of the University as including the right of hearing the criminal causes of scholars and other privileged persons, allowing him and his other assessors, or any two of them, to proceed in the common form against offenders. After this he had many grants, particularly of the Farm in the Isle of Wight, the Chamberlainship of the County Palatine of Chester, and the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster. That he must have made a good and patriotic, use of all these favours, appears from his not having made himself any enemies, at least of consequence sufficient to be recorded by his biographers; it is also more fully proved by existing monuments of his taste for the fine arts. + Catherine, daughter of Nicholas Hussee, (by whom he. left no issue,) a descendant of the ancient Barons of that name. 4 o on their armour, and the following words underneath — " Orate pro bono statu nobilissiini et exceilentissimi Regis Henrici Septimi et Elizabethe Regine, ac Domini Arthuri, Principis fdii eorundem, nee non praedilectissnne consortis sue, et suorum trium militum." Vide Chambers's ^NTal- vern, p. 42. The portraits of the King and Sir Reginald remained in 1774, and are engraved in Mr. Strutt's View of the Arms and Habits of the English, vol. '2, p. 60. They have since been broken and destroyed. Sir Reginald had no issue, and his elder brother John having only one daugh- ter, married to Sir William Sandes, afterwards Lord Sandes of the Vine, he left the bulk of his fortune to Edmund, eldest son of his youngest brother John, (for he had two brothers of that name). This Edmund was summoned to Parliament in 1.330, as Baron of Eaton Bray; but his son John Lord Bray dying without issue in 1537, the estate was divided amongst six daughters of Edmund. See Biog. Brit. Chur- tou's Lives of the Founders of Brazenose College, p. '203. Sir Reginald left very considerable estates to Edward and Reginald, younger brothers of Edmund.* From Edmund the manor of Shire Vachery and Cranley, above-mentioned, lias descended to the Rev. George Brav, who was owner in 1778. Reginald settled at Barrington, in Gloucestershire, where the male line of that branch became extinct about 60 years ago. His character by Hollinshed is honourably and simply expressed — he calls him " a verie father of his countrie, and for his high wisdome and singular love to justice well wor- thie to bear that title. If anie thing had beene donne amisse contrarie to law and equitie, he would after an humble sort plamelie blame the King, and give him good advertisement, that he should not only reforme the same but alsoe be moie circumspecte in anie other like case." Bacon says of him, " that he was noted to have had with the King the greatest treedom of any counsellor, but it was but a freedom the bet- x See an extract from the will of Sir Reginald in Kippis's Biog Diet. 44 ter to set off flattery." Further particulars may be found in Manning's Survey of the County of Surrey. Stephen Gardiner, Archdeacon of Worcester, 1500. This celebrated Bishop is mentioned in this work from the situation he held in the Cathedral Church of Worcester. See his Life in the several Biographical Dictionaries. Julius de Medicis, or Julio de Medici, Bishop of Worcester, A Florentine, promoted to this bishopric by Pope Leo X. to whom he was nearly related, being his brother's son, whom, from a soldier of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, he had raised to be a Cardinal, Priest, and Vice Chancellor of the Roman Church, Administrator thereof, both in spiri- tuals and temporals, Archbishop of Narbonne and of Flo- rence. He held this see but one year; for, upon the death of his uncle Pope Leo, fearing that Adrian, the new Pontiff, (who was an Englishman) should think him too great a plu- ralist, he resigned the mitre of Worcester, September, 152*2. Julius de Medicis was chosen Pope after the deatli of Adrian VI. and took the name of Clement VII. ; he died 1534. Hugh Inge, or Ynge, Prebendary of Aust, in the church of Westburv, in the diocese of Worcester, was born at Shepton Mallet, Somer- setshire, educated at Wvkham's School, and made Perpetual Fellow of New College, Oxford, 1484; he died 1528. See a further account in Wood's Athena;. Jerome de Ghinucciis, or de Nugutiis, Bishop of Worcester, An Italian.* He procured the judgment of the Italian Divines against the marriage of Henry VIII. with Queen Catherine, which assisted him materially in becoming Car- * As were three of his predecessors, nor was an Englishman promoted t» this see until the Pope's authority was abolished. 45 dinal. After the papal supremacy had been abrogated in England, this Bishop, because he did not reside in his dio- cese, was deprived by Act of Parliament, 1534 — 5. Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, 1535. This worthy Prelate was a celebrated preacher at Court in the reign of Edward VI. when there were no sermons but in the principal churches, and upon some particular fasts and festivals. Worn out with labour, old age, and imprisonment, he suffered martyrdom, being burnt at the stake, October 16, 1555. He was a native of Thurcaston, in Leicestershire, and was born in 1470. Besides writing several sermons, Bishop Latimer had a principal hand in composing the " Homilies," in which he was assisted by Cranmer ; and at the dissolution of the religious houses he endeavoured, but in vain, to spare the revenues of Great Malvern, and to apply them to the purposes of education. Clement Lychfeld, A pious and zealous Monk of the order of St. Benedict, in the monastery of Evesham, Worcestershire. He Mas afterwards Abbot of that place, and continued there till to- wards the dissolution of religious houses, with a resolution not to surrender his house for a profane use, but was at length, by the tricks of Thomas Cromwell, Secretary of State, per- suaded to resign his pastoral staff to Hawford, alias Ballard. Clement was a great benefactor to Evesham, and died in 1540. See Wood's Fast. p. 6. William More, Was Lord Prior of Worcester, which honourable place he resigned in 1535: but was not the same person as one Bishop More. For an account of several eminent men of his name, see Wood's Athenae. Andrew Wiiitmaye, Born in Gloucestershire, and Suffragan to the Bishop of 46 Worcester in the reign of Henry VIII. ; he died in 1546. See Wood's Athena:. Richard Kydermynster, or Kidderminsteb, D. D. A Native of this county, Mas horn towards the latter end of the 15th century. When he was about 15 years of a^e, he was received into the monastery of Benedictine Monks at Winchcombc, in Gloucestershire ; whence, being professed one of that order, he was sent to Gloucester Mall, Oxford, which was then a school for young Benedictines : after studying there four years he was re-called to his inonas- tery, and made principal chaplain; and his good conduct procured him to be chosen Abbot in 1487- He had con- siderable reputation as a scholar and a promoter of learning, and was an exact observer and reformer of the discipline of his house. In one of his visits to Oxford, which were fre- quent, he took the degree of D. D. in 1500. He also visited Rome on some affair belonging to his order, and on his re- turn acquired much reputation as a preacher in the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII. In 1515, when there was a great debate between the clergy and the laity concerning exceptions, some asserting that what is called the "benefit of Clergy" should not be extended but to the higher orders, our Abbot contended that the minor or inferior orders should also be included. He died in 15.01, leaving " Tractatus contra doctrinam Lutheri," 1521, one of the first attacks on that reformer's doctrines from this country ; but he was more known for his History of the Foundation of Winch- combe Monastery, a list of its abbots, and its charters and privileges ; MSS. which have been partly lost. See a life of him in Wood's Ath. Ox. vol. 1, edited by Bliss ; Dodd's Chr. Hist. vol. 1 ; Wood's Annals; also Monthly Mag. for July, 1811, p. 351. Henry Holbech, alias Ranbes, Dean of Worcester, Originally presided as Prior over the seminary of Black Monks in Cambridge. His election of Dean was enjoined 47 by letters to the Convent from Henry VIII, In March 1538 he was consecrated suffragan to the see of Worcester, by the title of Bishop of Bristol, and held this dignity with his prior- ship. Priories were now at their period. By his surrender of this convent and all its appurtenances to the King, Jan. 18, 1540, monks were displaced from the church of Wor- cester, of which they had been possessed near 570 years, and the King settled in it prebendaries or secular canons in their stead, over whom Holbech, changing his title, presided as the first Dean. In 1544 he was made Bishop of Rochester, and held the rectory of Bromsgrove with the chapel of Nor- ton in commendam with that preferment ; he was translated to Lincoln 1547, where he died A. D. 1551. John Barlow, M. A. Dean of Worcester, 1544, But was deprived when Queen Mary came to the Crown, for being a Protestant. Peter Vannes, Archdeacon of Worcester, 1534, Is also sometimes called Vaynor ; he was a native of the city of Lucca in Italy, and named bv Leland among the fa- mous men living in the reign of Henry VIII. who sent him to Rome, with Stephen Gardiner and others, to solicit a divorce from Queen Catherine. He was also much in favour with Cardinal W^olsey, with whom he corresponded while at Rome respecting the divorce of Catherine. See a long ac- count of Vannes in Wood's Athens, vol. 1, pages 65, 399, and 400, notes, 8cc. new edition. John Bell, Bishop of Worcester, 1539, A Native of this county, was educated at Baliol College, Oxford, and spent some time in Cambridge, to both which places he was a benefactor, particularly to the former, en- dowing it for the maintenance of two scholars born in the diocese of Worcester. This was a short time previous to his death, when he gave the tenements, lands, and moveables which he possessed in the parish of Clerkenwell, Loudon, 48 for the support of two Exhibitioners born within the diocese over which he presided. He was Rector of Weston-Subege, near Campden, Archdeacon of Gloucester, Prebendary of Lincoln and Lichfield, Warden of the Collegiate Church of Stratford-upon-Avon, and Vicar-General of the Bishop of Worcester from 1.318 to 1526. On his recommendation to King Henry VIII. he made him his envoy to foreign princes and one of his Council, and as a reward for his singular ser- vice in defence of his divorce from Queen Catherine he gave him this bishopric, anno 1539, which he enjoyed not long, for he resigned it in 1543, but for what cause is unknown, and retired to a private life at Clerkenwell, where he died 1556, and was interred in St. James's Church there; he was succeeded in this see by Nicholas Heath. According to the extract made by Mr. Nichols, Bell was deprived of his bishopric. The funeral of a deprived Bishop in 1556 is thus described in Strype's Memorials, vol. 3, p. 305 — " Dr. Bell, some time Bishop of Worcester, was buried with due respect Aug. 13, at Clerkenwell, with a sermon preached by Dr. Harpsiield ; he was put into his coffin, like a bishop, with the mitre and other poniificalibus ; his funeral was illu- minated with two white branches, two dozen of staff torches, and four great tapers." His effigy, in pontificalibus, was placed over his tomb, and is engraved in Malcolm's Londi- nium Redivivum, vol. 3, p. 212 ; the inscription was — " Contegit hoc marmor Doctorem nomine Bellum. Qui bene tam rexit prasulis officium Moribus ingenio vitae pietate vigebat Laudatus cunctis cullus et eloquio. A. D. 1556, die Aug. 11. William Woddysbury, or Weddesbury. A supplication was made in 1518 fortius person, who was a Monk of the order of St. Benedict, for a degree ; he was elected Lord Prior of Worcester 1515, and dying in 1518, was buried at Rome in the cell of St. Thomas a Becket. See his epitaph in Cole. MS. Collections. Wood's Fast. p. 46. 49 Thomas Hanyball, or Hannyball, Chancellor of Worcester, 1541, In 1522 was living in Rome, in quality of the King of England's (Henry VIII.) Orator, and in that of Agent or Factor to Cardinal Wolsey ; to the last of which he often gave account, by letters, of the affairs of Rome. See a fur- ther account of this person in Wood's Fasti, p. 39. Sir Thomas White, The avowed patron of scholars, and a great benefactor to the city of Bristol, was also a benefactor to the city of Wor- cester. (Vide Chambers's History of Worcester, p. 278.) He was born in 1492. Mr. Gutch, on the authority of Fuller, determines Rickmansworth to have been the place of his nativity ; but, according to the inscription at the top and sides of the frame which holds his picture, at Oxford, and also on that of his picture at Leicester, he is said to have been born at Reading, where he had at first determined to build his College. He was educated at Merchants-Tailors' school, apprenticed to a silk-merchant, and in this business gained so large a fortune as enabled him to purchase the Benedictine College in Oxford, called Gloucester Hall, and founded it by that name ; it has since been advanced to a College, by the name of Worcester. He was the sole foun- der of St. John's College, on which he bestowed his Hall. He was elected Lord Mayor of London, and performing eminent services towards suppressing the rebellion headed by Sir Thos. Wyatt, he received the honour of knighthood. He married two wives, (the latter of whom survived him,) and died at Oxford, Feb. 11, 1566, in his 74th year. See the last letter he wrote, addressed to his College, in Acker- mann's History of Oxford, vol.2, p. 125. In 1542 he gave to the Corporation of Coventry £ 1000, &c. &c. The Master and Wardens of the Tailors' Company are his executors, and for the performance of their trust, was bequeathed to them £40 a-year. To the Mayor, Recorder, and 10 Aiderinen H of the city of Worcester, Gs. 8d. each for ever, for their trouble, and to the Steward and Town Clerk, for bonds, &c. 20s. annually ; so that no charge might be made to those who received his bounty!* Edmund Bonner, Bishop of London. Of the birth of this man, so proverbial for his cruelty, we have two different accounts ; these we shall insert verbatim from their different authorities. — The following extract was copied by Dr. Nash from Anthony Wood's MSS. in the Ashmolean Museum, marked f. 33. — " This is a true pedi- gree of Edmund Bonner, son of George Savage, Parish Priest of Denham, in Cheshire, who was a base son of John Savage, (Knight of the Garter, and Privy Counsellor to Henry VIII.) which Sir John was slain before Bolevn. This said priest begat Edmund Bonner of one Elizabeth Frodsham, (a dainty dame in her youth, and a jolly woman in her age,) who being with child was sent out of Cheshire to one that was called Savage, of Elmley, in Worcestershire, and when she was delivered, one Bonner, a sawyer, (living with Mr. Armingham, of Potters Hanley,) married her, and begat * A cause arising out of this bequest of Sir Thomas White, was heard in the Vice Chancellor's Court, November 11, 1818. — It appears that when Sir Thomas directed the Trustees (the Mayor, Burgesses, and Commonalty of Bristol) to purchase lands of the yearly value of ,£120 or more, he did not direct in w hat way any surplus which might arise should be disposed of : the lands purchased with Sir Thomas's money increased in value very much, but still the Trustees continued to pay to the respective Corporations no more than was given to them by the deed, appropriating the surplus as they (the Trustees) thought right ; the other Corporations, however, considering themselves en- titled to an equal share of the surplus, instituted legal proceedings for the de- cision of the question ; the final arguments on the case took place in Novem ber, 1818, when, after hearing Counsel for two days, the Vice Chancellor decided, that the Trustees were bound to give the several Corporations named bv Sir Thomas an equal share of the surplus. This is a very important point gained, for it is conjectured that the improved reutal of the property amounts at this time (1818) to £3500 per ann. The expenses of the legal proceedings were defrayed by contributions from the various Corporations interested in tin- question. See the cause at length in the Worcester Journal, &c. for Nov. 19, 1818. 51 other children by her, and afterwards dwelled at Potters Hanley, in Worcestershire ; and the said George Savage, priest, begat six other children more by several women." After the pedigree, by A. Wood, he proceeds in the follow- ing manner : — " George Savage, the priest, thus appears to have been father of Edmund Savage, alias Bonner, by Eliza- beth Frodsham, which Elizabeth died at Fulham, in King Edward VI's. time, when her son Bonner was prisoner in the Marshalsea, who gave, notwithstanding, mourning coats for her at her death. The Earl of Warwick's lands in Wor- cestershire, which were given to Sir John Savage, were, Elmley, Sudley, Bushley, Hanley, and Ridmarley; Elmley and Sudley have each a castle and park ; Bushley and Red- marley had both parks and no castles. Now when these fell into the King's hands, on the conviction of Sir John Savage for killing Mr. Pawlet, then Edmund Bonner did change lands in Essex with the King for Bushley and Rid- marley, the which two towns are now in the occupation ot one Searle, and Shipside, the former is cousin to Bonner, and hath Bushley, and the latter was brother-in-law to Bishop Ridley, and hath Ridmarley." Thus circumstan- tial, one would imagine Wood must be correct. Not- withstanding, Lord Lechmere assured Mr. Strype, that Bonner was certainly legitimately begotten, and born at Hanley, in Worcestershire, of one Bonner, an honest poor man, in a house called Bonner's place, now belonging to the Lechmeres, and that his Lordship's great grand-father was intimately acquainted with the Bishop, and received favours from him in gratitude for some received by Bonner from the Lechmeres in his childhood, particularly their putting him to school. Dr. Thomas says, he saw among Mr. Lechmere's papers mention made of John Bonner, 9th Henry IV. and "that 18th Henry VIII. Edmund, son of William Bonner, granted anacre of land in Lechmere field to Thos. Lechmere." It is,however, agreed that in 1512, he was entered at Broad- gate Hall in Oxford, now Pembroke College. On June 12, 1519, he was admitted Bachelor of the Canon, and the day 52 following Bachelor of the Civil Law. He entered into orders about the same time, and had some employment in the diocese of Worcester; and on the 12th of July, 1525, was created Doctor of the Canon Law. He was a man of some, though not great learning, but distinguished himself chiefly by his skill and dexterity in the management of af- fairs, which made him be taken notice of by Cardinal Wol- sey, who appointed him his Commissary for the Faculties ; and he was with this prelate at Cawood, when he was ar- rested for high treason. He enjoyed at once the livings of Blaydon and Cherry Burton, in Yorkshire, Ripple, in Wor- cestershire, East Dereham, in Norfolk, and the prebend of Chiswick, in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul ; but the last he resigned in 1539, and East Dereham in 1540. He was installed Archdeacon of Leicester, Oct. 17, 1535. After Wolsey's death, he got into the good graces of King Henry VIII. who appointed him one of his Chaplains. On this he began his career in a manner not very consistent with his after conduct. He was not only a favourer of the Lutherans, but a promoter of the King's divorce from Queen Catherine of Spain, and of great use to his Majesty in abro- gating the Pope's supremacy.* He was also in high favour with Lord Cromwell, Secretary of State, by whose recom- mendation he was employed as Ambassador at several courts. In 1532, he was sent to Rome, along with Sir Edw. Carne, to excuse King Henry's personal appearance upon the Pope's citation. In 1533, he was again sent to Rome to Pope Clement VII. then at Marseilles, upon the excommunication decreed against King Henry VIII. on account of his di- vorce, to deliver that King's appeal from the Pope to the next General Council; but in this he betrayed so much of that passionate temper which appeared afterwards more con- spicuously, and executed the order of his master in this affair with so much vehemence and fury, that the Pope talked * All this time, says Fuller, Bonner was meek and merciful, and a great Cromwellite, as appeared by some tart repartees betwixt him and Bishop Gardiner. He was also a very corpulent man. 53 of throwing him into a cauldron of melted lead, on which he thought proper to make his escape. He was employed likewise in other embassies to the Kings of Denmark and France, and the Emperor of Germany. In 1538, being then Ambassador in France, he was nomi- nated to the bishopric of Hereford, Nov. 27, but before consecration he was translated to London, of which he was elected Bishop, Oct. 20, 1539, and consecrated April 4, 1540. At the time of the King's death in 1547, Bonner was Ambassador with the Emperor Charles V. ; and though during Henry's reign he appeared zealous against the Pope, and had concurred in all the measures taken to abrogate his supremacy, yet these steps he appears to have taken merely as the readiest way to preferment ; for his principles, as far as such a man can be said to have any, were those of popery, as became evident from his subsequent conduct. On the 1st of Sept. 1547, not many months after the ac- cession of Edward VI. he scrupled to take an oath, to re- nounce and deny the Bishop of Rome, and to swear obedi- ence to the King, and entered a protestation against the King's Injunction and Homilies. For this behaviour he was committed to the Fleet, but having submitted, and recanted .his protestation, was released, and for some time complied outwardly with the steps taken to advance the Reformation, while he used privately all means in his power to obstruct it. After the Lord Thomas Seymour's death, he appeared so remiss in putting the Court orders into execution, par- ticularly that relating to the use of the Common Prayer Book, that he was severely reproved by the Privy Council, He then affected to redouble his diligence ; but still, through his remissness in preaching, and his connivance at the mass in several places, many people in his diocese being observed to withdraw from the divine service and communion, he was accused of neglect in the execution of the King's orders. He was summoned before the Privy Council on the 11th of Aug. when, after a reproof for his negligence, he was en- joined to preach the Sunday three weeks after at Paul's 54 Cross on certain articles delivered to him, and also to preach there once a quarter for the future, and be present at every sermon preached there, and to celebrate the communion in that church on all the principal feasts, and to abide and keep residence in his house in London, till he had licence from the Council to depart elsewhere. On the day appointed for his preaching he delivered a sermon, to a crowded audi- ence, on the points assigned to him ; but he entirely omitted the last article, the King's royal power in his youth; for which contempt he was complained of to the king by John Hooper, afterwards Bishop of Worcester ; and Archbishop Cranmer, Bishop Ridley, Sir Win. Petre and Sir Thomas Smith, Secretaries of State, and William May, LL. D. and Dean of St. Paul's, were appointed commissioners to pro- ceed against him. Appearing before them several days in September, he was, after a long trial, committed to the Marshalsea, # and towards the end of October deprived of his bishopric. On the accession of Queen Mary, Bonner had an oppor- tunity of shewing himself in his proper character, which in- deed had been hitherto but faintly concealed. lie was re- stored to his bishopric by a commission, read in St. Paul's Cathedral the 5th of Sept. 1553 ; and in 1554, he was made Vicegerent and President of the Convocation, in the room of Archbishop Cranmer, who was committed to the Tower. The same year he visited his diocese, in order to root up all the seeds of the Reformation, and behaved in the most furi- ous and extravagant manner. At Hadham, he was exces- sively angry, because the bells did not ring at his coming, nor was the rood loft decked, or the sacrament hung up ; he swore and raged in the church at Dr. Brieket, the Rector, and, calling him knave and heretic, went to strike him, but the blow fell upon Sir Thos. Joscelyn's ear, and almost stun- ned him. On his return he set up the mass again, at St. * It was at this time, says Fuller, that one jeeringly saluted him, "Good morrow, Bishop quondam ,•*' to which Bonner as tartly returned, " Good morrow, Knave semper" 55 Paul's, before the act for restoring it was passed. The same year he was in commission to turn out some of the reformed Bishops. In 1555, and the following years, he was the oc- casion of above 200 of innocent persons being put to death in the most cruel manner,* that of burning, for their firm adherence to the Protestant religion. On the 14th of Feb. 1555 — 6, he came to Oxford (with Thirlbey, Bishop of Ely) to degrade Archbishop Cranmer, whom he used with great insolence. The 29th of December following, he was put into a commission to search and raze all registers and records containing professions against the Pope, scrutinies taken in religious houses, &c. ; and the 8th Feb. 1556 — 7, he was also put into another commission, or kind of inquisition, for searching after and punishing all heretics. Upon Queen Elizabeth's accession, Bonner went to meet her at Highgate, with the rest of the Bishops, but she looked on him as a man stained with blood, and therefore would show him no mark of her favour. For some months, how- ever, he remained unmolested; but being called before the Privy Council on the 30th of May, 1559, he refused to take the oath of allegiance and supremacy, for which reason only, as it appears, he was deprived a second time of his bishop- ric the 29th June following, and committed to the Marshal- sea. After having lived in confinement ten years, he died Sept. 5, 1569, and three days after he Mas buried at midnight, in St. George's church-yard, Southwark,i" to prevent any disturbance that might have been made by the citizens, who hated him extremely. He had stood excommunicated seve- ral years, and might have been denied christian burial ; but of this no advantage was taken. As to his character, he was a violent, furious, and passionate * It is supposed that he condemned to the flames no less than 200 persons in three years, besides torturing others. + Bishop Godwin says, he was buried in Barking (All-hallows) Church- yard, among thieves and murderers; being, saith Fuller, a mistake surely in the printer, this church-yard being on the other side 0/ the Thames, and no- thing relating to the Marshalsea— but perhaps Godwin, after all, is correct. 56 1 man, and extremely cruel in his nature. In his person he was very fat and corpulent, the consequence of excessive gluttony, to which he was much addicted. He was a great master of the canon law, being excelled in that faculty by very few of his time, and well skilled in politics, but under- stood little of divinity. Several Pieces were published under his name, of which the following is a list : — 1 . Preface to the Oration of Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, concerning True Obedience, printed at London, in Latin, 1534 — 5, and at Hamburgh, 1536, 8vo. translated into English by Michael Wood, a zeal- ous Protestant, with a Bitter Preface to the Reader, and a Postscript, Roan, 1553, 8vo. ; it is also inserted in J. Fox's Book of Martyrs. In the Preface, Bonner speaks much in favour of King Henry VIII's. marriage with Anne Boleyne, and against the tyranny exercised by the Bishop of Rome in this kingdom. 2. Several Letters to the Lord Cromwell. 3. A Declaration to Lord Cromwell, describing to him the evil behaviour of Stephen, (Bishop of Winchester,) with spe- cial Causes therein contained wherefore and why he misliked of him. 4. Letter of his about the Proceedings at Rome, concerning the King's Divorce from Catherine of Arragon. 5. An Admonition and Advertisement given by the Bishop of London to all Readers of the Bible in the English Tongue. G. Injunctions given by Bonner, Bishop of London, to his Clergy (about preaching with the names of books prohibited.) 7. Letter to Mr. Lechmere. 8. Responsum et Exhortatis, Lond. 1553, Svo. Answer and Exhortation to the Clergy in praise of Priesthood ; spoken by the Author, in St. Paul's Cathedral, the l6th Oct. 1553, after a Sermon preached be- fore the Clergy by John Harpesfield. 9- A Letter to Mr. Lechmere, l6th Sept. 1553. 10. Articles to be enquired of in the General Visitation of Edmund Bishop of London, exercised by him in 1554 in the City and Diocese of Lon- don, &c. To ridicule them, John Bale, Bishop of Ossory, wrote a book, entitled, "A Declaration of Edmund Bonner's Articles concerning the Clergy of London Diocese, whereby 57 that execrable Antichrist is in his right Colours revealed ;" 1554 and 156l, 8vo. 11. A profitable and necessary Doc- trine, containining an Exposition on the Creed, Seven Sacra- ments, Ten Commandments, the Pater Noster, Ave Maria, with certain Homilies adjoining thereto, for the Instruction and Information of the Diocese of London, Lond. 1554 — 5, 4to. This book was drawn up by his Chaplains, John Harpesfielcl and Henry Pendleton; the former part of it, which is a catechism, is mostly taken out of the Institution of a Christian Man, set out by King Henry VIII. only varied in some points. 12. Several Letters, Declarations, Arguiugs, Disputes, &c. of his are extant in J. Fox's Book of Martyrs, vol. last. 13. His Objections against the Pro- cess of Robert Horn, Bishop of Winchester, who had ten- dered the Oath of Supremacy to him a second time, are preserved by Mr. Strype, in his Annals of the Reformation. The character of Bishop Bonner is so familiar to our readers as to require little illustration, or any addition to the preceding accounts from our several Biographical Diction- aries ; yet some notice may be taken of the defence set up by the Roman Catholic Historians. — Dodd, alluding to his cruelties, says, that " seeing he proceeded according to the statutes then in force, and by the direction of the legislative power, he stands in need of no apology on that score." But the history of the times proves that Bonner's character can- not be protected by a reference to the statutes, unless his vindicator can likewise prove that he had no hand in enact- ing those statutes ; and even if these were conceded, his conduct will not appear less atrocious, because, not content with the sentence of the law carried into execution by the accustomed officers, Bonner took frequent opportunities to manifest the cruelty of his disposition by anticipating or ag- gravating the legal punishments. His diabolism on these occasions are too abominable to insert. The fact is, that Bonner was constitutionally cruel, and delighted in the suf- ferings he inflicted. Granger very justly says, that " Nature seemed to have designed him for an executioner ;" and as, i 58 wherever he could, he performed the character, how can he be defended by an appeal to the statutes ? The most re- markable circumstance in his history is, the lenity shown to him after all this bloody career. There seems reason to think that he would not even have been deprived of his bishopric, had he consented to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, a circumstance which is surely very extraordinary. His compliance, had he taken that step, could have been only hypocritical ; and what an object it would have been to have seen the duties and power of a Protestant prelate intrusted to such a monster, in that diocese where so many families preserved the bitter remem- brance of his cruelty. See Anth. Wood. Roger Stanford, Prebendary of Worcester, 1541, Called Sandford, in the modern Histories of Worcester ; a Benedictine Monk of Worcester, and afterwards one of the first Prebendaries there, was admitted B. A. at Oxford^ May, 1515. Wood's Fasti, p. 43. Nicholas Heath, Bishop of Worcester, Was also Bishop of Rochester, Archdeacon of Stafford, and chief Almoner to the King, who had given leave to the Dean and Chapter to choose him. He was the first Prelate on the new foundation in the see of Rochester, 1540. He held the archdeaconry of Stafford and the rectories of Shore- ham and Cliff, in Kent, in commendam with his bishopric ; he likewise had a licence to enjoy the same privilege for five years after his translation to the more valuable see of Wor- cester. In 1549 — 50, refusing to subscribe the Book for the making of Bishops and Priests, and disobeying the King's orders for discontinuing the mass, he thereby incurred Ed- ward's displeasure, was committed to the Fleet, and by royal authority deprived of his office, not by the power of an ecclesiastical court, but by secular delegates, three of whom were civilians, and three common lawers. He was, how- ever restored to his bishopric on the accession of Queen 59 Mary, after she had sacrificed Bishop Hooper to her bigotry, and made President of Wales, and soon after she translated him to the see of York, and, upon the death of Gardiner, made Heath Chancellor of England. The bull of Paul IV. which confirmed his election to the archbishopric of York, is the last instrument of the kind allowed in that see. Philip Hawford, alias Ballard, Or rather Ballard de Hawford, was, when very young, an Abbot of Evesham; he was created an Abbot in 1539, for the sole purpose of surrendering the Abbey, and all its Lordships to the King: this he did Nov. 17, of the same year, and was rewarded with a pension of £240 per annum, and the rectory of Elmeley-Lovett ; Queen Mary gave him the deanery of Worcester, in lieu of that pension. He died 1557, and lies buried in Worcester Cathedral. See an affect- ing account of his predecessor, Clement Lechfeld, in TindaPs Evesham, p. 41. George Owen, M. D. A Native of this county, was an eminent English Phy- sician, and became probationary Fellow of Merton College, Oxford, in the beginning of 1519- Having studied physic, he took his Doctor's degree in that faculty, in 15'27, and soon after was appointed Physcian to Henry VIII. and held the same office in the two succeeding reigns. In 1544 he was constituted a Fellow of the College of Physicians, and ap- pears to have attained high consequence in his profession. He was a witness to the will of Henry VIII. who left him a legacy of £100. It is reported, that Edward VI. was brought into the world by Dr. Owen's means, who per- formed the Cassarean operation on his mother, Queen Jane Seymour. From this circumstance, whether truly or falsely related, we may conclude him to have been a practitioner in midwifery, as well as in physic. In the first year of Queen Mary, (to whom he was also Physician,) he was very instrumental in obtaining an act for 60 the confirmation and enlargement of the powers granted to the College of Physicians. Some time after, in the same reign, when a difference took place between the College of Physicians and the University of Oxford, concerning the admission of an illiterate person to a degree, who was re- jected by the College upon their examination, Cardinal Pole, then Chancellor of the University, was appealed to, and obliged the University to consult Dr. Owen and Dr. Thos> Huys, the Queen's Physicians, " de instituendis ra- tionibus cjuibiis Oxoniensis academia in admittendis Medi- cis uteretur ;" an agreement was accordingly made, which the Chancellor approved, and ratified by his authority. Dr. Owen died, Oct. 10, 1558, of an epidemic intermit- tent, and was buried in St. Stephen's, Walbrook. Leland intimates, that he had written several pieces on medical sub- jects, but none of them were preserved. Tanner mentions that he wrote a work (still extant) entitled, " A meet Diet for the new Ague, set forth by Mr. Dr. Owen ;" Lond. 1558, fob which was unknown to Ames, Herbert or Leland. In 1553 Edward VI. granted Durham College, Oxford, to our Geo. Owen and Wm. Martyn, which, the following year, they sold to Sir Thos. Pope, who founded Trinity College on the site. Previous to this, Dr. Owen received a grant of Godstowe Nunnery, with its adjoining estates, and this nunnery he converted to a dwelling-house, with some alterations and improvements. See Wood's Fasti, p. 78. Richard Smith, D. D. A Native of this county, was a learned popish Divine, but of great fickleness in his principles. He was born in 1500, and educated in Oxford. In 1527 he was admitted a Probationary Fellow of Merton College, took the degree of M. A. in 1530, and was elected Registrar of the Univer- sity the year following. He afterwards became Rector of Cuxhum, Oxon, Principal of St. Alban's Hall, Divinity Reader of Magdalen College, Regius Professor of Divinity, and took his Doctor's Degree in that faculty. In }537, he 61 was made Master of Whittington College in London, of which he was deprived in the reign of Edward VI. In the first year of this reign, he recanted his opinions at St. Paul's Cross, yet was obliged to resign his Professorship at Oxford, in which he was succeeded by the celebrated reformer Peter Martyr, with whom he had afterwards a controversy. From Oxford he went first to St. Andrew's in Scotland, and thence to Paris, in 1550, and from Paris to Louvaine, where he was complimented with the Professorship of Theology. On the accession of Queen Mary, he returned to England, was re- stored to his Professorship, made Canon of Christ Church, and Chaplain to her Majesty. One of his principal appearances on record was at Oxford, where, when the Bishops Ridley and Latimer were brought to the stake, he preached a sermon on the text, " If I give my body to be burnt, and have not charity, it profiteth me no- thing." This discourse, which lasted only about a quarter of an hour, was replete with invectives against the two martvrs, and gross assertions, which they offered to refute on the spot, but were not permitted ; he was also one of the witnesses against Archbishop Cranmer, who had done him many acts of friendship in the preceding reign. For this conduct he was deprived of all his preferments, when Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, in 1559, and was committed to the cus- tody of Archbishop Parker, by whose persuasion he recanted part of what he had written in defence of the celibacy of the clergy. He then contrived to make his escape, and went to Douai, in Flanders, where he obtained the deanery of St. Peter's Church, and a professorship. He died in 1563. He wrote about 16 tracts in favour of Popery, some of which were answered by Peter Martyr. A list of them may be seen in Dodd, or Wood ; they are partly in Latin and partly in English, the latter printed in London/ and the for- mer at Louvain. His character seems to have been a sin- gular one : he suffered for Popery, yet deserted it, and em- braced it at last, after having expressly declared himself in error. His recantations, however, we should suppose in- m sincere, and made only to save himself. Such conduct is never much respected ; and Stfype informs us, that being desirous to confer with one Hawks, the latter said, " To be short, I will know, whether you will recant am/ more, ere I talk with you or believe you." Ath. Ox. new ed. Dodd's Christ. Hist. Strype's Cranmer, and Lives of Ridley and Latimer. John Hoper, or Hooper, Bishop of Worcester, 1552, Was promoted from the see of Gloucester, by King Edward, who suppressed that bishopric, and made it an archdeaconry dependant on Worcester, as it formerly had been. He was bred in Oxford, travelled into Swit- zerland, and became one of the first Non-conformists. On being appointed Bishop of Gloucester, he refused to wear the episcopal habit, and, as generally supposed, the oath of canonical obedience to the Archbishop ; but at length submitted to both, and was consecrated Bishop of Gloucester. This Bishop, in the next reign, fell a sacrifice to the madness of the times, and died a martyr to the Pro- test religion with great fortitude, being burnt at Gloucester, Feb. 9, 1555. He was a man of eminent learning, exem- plary piety, unblemished morals, and of most extensive charity. See Fox's Martyrs, Wood's Athena?, &.c. The gateway of the cathedral church-yard, at Gloucester, over which Bishop Hoper was confined, is the only gate to that place now (Jan. 1819) remaining; and the house (now the New Inn) from which he was taken to the stake, continues nearly in the same state as when the Bishop left it. Richard Pates, Bishop of Worcester, Was a native of Oxford, and bred in that University ; he was Archdeacon of Winchester, and afterwards of Lincoln. He had been employed in several embassies by King Henry, but in 1542 was attainted of high treason, and deprived of his archdeaconry. Queen Mary preferred him to this see, ia which he continued till the accession of Elizabeth, when (J3 he was deprived, and for a short time imprisoned. When released he went abroad, and sat in the Council of Trent. He died at Louvain, Nov. 22, 1565, a zealous Romanist, but not of persecuting principles. See Wood's Athenae. Robert Johnson, LL. B. Prebendary and Chancellor of Worcester, 1544, Wrote a book against Bishop Hooper, but he not pub- lishing it, it was afterwards printed by Henry Joliffe — see his Article. Johnson died in 1559- See more of Johnson in Wood's Fasti, p. 133. John Compton, alias Thele, or Treale, B. D. . Prebendary of Worcester, 1546, Was afterwards Chancellor of Hereford, Chaplain to Henry VHI^and Warden of All Souls, Oxford. John Wakeman, A Native of this county, was a Benedictine Monk, and educated for a time among those of his order in Gloucester College, and afterwards became the last Abbot of Tewkes- bury, and King's Chaplain in the year 1541. Sept. 26, he (being then B. D.) was consecrated the first Bishop of Glou- cester, where, sitting about 8 years, he died, 1549- In his life time he erected a tomb for the place of his burial, in the Abbey Church of Tewkesbury, in the north side of a little chapel there, but was buried at Worthington, or Worming- ton, in Gloucestershire ; or, as Wood believed, at Forthamp- ton, in the said county, where he had a house and a private chapel. Thomas Ingmethorpe, A Native of this county, was born in 1562, and matri- culated as a Member of Brazeno*e College, in May, 1581. He left College without having any degree conferred upon him, and was afterwards made Rector of Great Stanton, or Stainton, in the Bishopric of Durham, being then accounted 64 eminent in the Hebrew tongue, and for his admirable me- thods in teaching youth, which employment he practised not only before he came to Stainton, but also afterwards in his private house there, among 12 or 14 boys, till almost to the time of his death, and where he was buried. Ingmethorpe was the author of several sermons, see their titles in Wood's Athena? ; and " A short Catechism for young Children to learn, by law authorized;" Lond. Svo. 163^ >>3. Gilbert Bourn, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1541, A Native of this county, being the son of Philip Bourn, of Worcestershire, and brother to Sir John Bourn, Prin- cipal Secretary of State. He became a student in the Uni- versity of Oxford in 1524, Fellow of All Souls 1531, and in the year after he proceeded in Arts, being then esteemed a good orator and disputant. He was made first Preben- dary of Worcester, after King Henry VIII. had converted the prior and monks of that place into a dean and prenda- ries ; and two years after was admitted to the reading of the sentences, that is, to the degree of B. D. which was the high- est he took in this University. About that time he became Chaplain to Bishop Bonner, and a preacher against the here- tics of the times. In 1549 he closed so much with the Re- formation then on foot, that he became Archdeacon of Bedford on the death of Dr. John Chamber, being installed July 7th, 1549, and Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral; but whether he kept the said dignities altogether, Wood does not inform us. In the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, he turned about, and became so zealous for the Roman Catholic cause, that, preaching at Paul's Cross in behalf of the said Bonner, then present, against his late unjust sufferings, and against the unhappy times of King Edward VI. (as he called them) he so incensed the people that suddenly a great tumult arose upon it ; some pelting him with stones, others crying aloud, "pull him down! pull him down!" and one (who never could be known; flung a dagger at his head, which after- 65 Maids was found sticking in a part of the pulpit; and greater had the mischief been on the occasion, if Mr. Brad- ford and Mr. Rogers, two eminent preachers in the time of Edward VI. and of great credit and esteem with the common people, had not endeavoured to appease the enraged multi- tude, and with great difficulty secured the preacher in th» school adjoining. Bourne thus being withdrawn, the work was carried on by another, and search being made after the assassins, certain persons were imprisoned for it. In 1.554, Sir John Bourn, of Baten-hall, Worcestershire, uncle to Gilbert Bourn, being then Principal Secretary of State to Queen Mary, the subject of these pages was elected .March 28, to the see of Bath and Wells, upon the free re- signation, as it is said, of Dr. Wm. Barlow, whereupon he was consecrated at St. Saviour's Church, Southwark, April 1, and had the temporalities thereof given to him April 20, the same year. Soon after Bourn was made President of Wales, and was in great favour during the reign of Queen Mary, but was deprived of his bishopric on the succession of Queen Elizabeth for denying her supremacy, notwithstanding he had done many good offices for his Cathedral Church, and had been a benefactor thereto. Afterwards, being committed to free custody with the Dean of Exeter, he gave himself wholly to reading and devotion. At length, dying at Silverton, De- von, Sept. 10, 1569, he was buried in the parish church there, on the south side of the altar, bequeathing what he had to his brother, Richard Bourn, of Wyvelscomb, in Somersetshire. See Wood's Athenae. John Dee, D. D. This celebrated Astrologer and Rosicrusian was born in London in 1527, though some authors call him a Welch- man ; he was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts, and was presented by Edward VI. to the living of Upton-upon-Severn, in Worcestershire, in the year 1552, when John Harley was made Bishop of Hereford. He gained great fame in the time of Elizabeth and James I. by K 6(5 his knowledge in mathematics ; and wrote perhaps, in the whole, not less than 50 treatises. He began early to have the reputation of a conjuror ; of which he grievously com- plains in the Preface to his Euclid. Dee died very poor at Mortlake, in Surrey, 1608, aged 81. He had a certificate of his knowledge and good life from the University of Cam- bridge, dated in Convocation, 1548. He complained much of the loss of his library, which, he says, consisted of 4000 vols. 700 whereof were MS. in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. John Standisii, Prebendary of Worcester, 1550, A most noted disputant, was descended from a Lancashire family; at about the age of 16, he was, in 1524, by the care of his uncle, the Bishop of St. Asaph, sent to Brazenose College. He separated from his wife on the accession of Queen Mary, although he lost his preferment on account of his being a married man ; notwithstanding this, Bonner col- lated him to the rectory of Packlesham, in Essex, and to the prebend of Eadland, both of which he was deprived of by Queen Elizabeth Leonard Pollard, B. D. Prebend, of Worcester, 1554, Succeeded John Standisii. Pollard was Chaplain to Dr. Pates, Bishop of Worcester, who having written live ser- mons, were, after they had been revised by Bonner, printed in London, 1556, in 4to. This Pollard was not of Oxon : but died about March the same year of the appointment to his prebend's stall. Griffyth Williams, Chancellor of Worcester, 1554, Was of New College, Oxford. It is not known if this be the same person " who died a fearful death ;" presumed to be a judgment upon him, by Fox, for condemning a boy to bo. burnt. See Wood's Fasti, p. 134. Edwin Sandys, D. D. Bishop of Worcester, 1559, Founder of the noble family of Sandes in this county, was 67 born at Hawkcshead, at which place he endowed afree-Schottf, and was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he took his Doctor's Degree, 1552, from whence he was elected Master of Catherine Hall in 1547. He was Vicar of Haver- sham, Bucks, and in 1548 Prebendary of Peterborough, and was presented to a prebend of Carlisle. He was a learned divine, and one of the first reformers ; and being a favourer of the cause of Lady Jane Grey, was committed to the Tower, with the Duke of Northumberland. After about a year's imprisonment he fled from England, and took up his residence at Stratsburgh. His resolute behaviour, and haz- ards, on account of his religion, may be seen in Fox's History of Martyrs, vol. 3, p. 787, and Strype's Memorials, vol. 3. During his retirement, his first wife died, of a consumption, in his arms, and his child of the plague, at Augsburgh : he then married Cicely, sister to Sir Thomas Wilford, who, by the picture at Ombersley, (where they are painted both to- gether,) seems to have been much younger than himself; which we may likewise infer from a clause in the Archbishop's will, wherein he makes a provision in case his wife Cicely should marry again. On the north wall of the chancel at Woodham Ferrers, in Essex, is a monument of black and white marble, with an epitaph, to the memory of Cecillia Sandys, who died 5th Feb. 1610, having been a widow 22 years. Upon the accession of Queen Elizabeth, 1558, Dr. Sandys returned to England, and was consecrated at Worcester the following year. June 2, 1570, he was elected Bishop of London, and in Jan. 1577, translated to the see of York. Having filled it about 12 years, he died July 18, 158S, in his 69th year, and was buried at Southwell, where he has a monu- ment and epitaph. Administration and probate of his will were granted to his widow, May 22, 1590. His neighbour, Sir John Bourne, who lived at Holt Castle, a great advocate for the old religion and a violent enemy to the Reformers, took every opportunity of insulting the Bishop (whom fortune seemed never weary of persecuting), particularly by calling 68 his wife my Lady, meaning to reflect upon him as a married priest ; upon this a great fray ensued between the servants of the Bishop and those of Sir John, and several were wounded on both sides. When Queen Elizabeth appointed Bishop Sandys to this see, she detained the lands and rents, and gave him impropriations and spiritual profits. During his prelacy the corn-rent was restored to the College ; he also made additions to his palace. James Calfhill, Bishop of Worcester, 1570, Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, Dean of Bocking, in Es- sex, and Archdeacon of Colchester. He was removed to this bishopric on the translation of Sandys to London, but he died in Aug. of that year (1570), before he was consecrated. Henry Joliffe, B. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1.541, Was sometime Proctor of Cambridge, and afterwards Rector of Bish Hampton, Worcestershire,* one of the first Prebendaries of Worcester, and in 1554, Dean of Bristol. He carried the book written against Bishop Hoper, by Robt. Johnson, and printed it after his death, beyond sea, when he fled to Louvain, on the alteration of religion. He died in 1573. Nicholas Bullingham, Bishop of Worcester, 1570, A Native of this city, was Bishop of Lincoln in 1559, from whence he was translated to this see. He was educated in All Souls College, Oxford, where he took a degree in law in 1536; he was afterwards Archdeacon of Lincoln, and be- came that Bishop's Vicar-General. When Queen Mary began her reign he absconded, and applied himself to the study of divinity; and on Queen Elizabeth's accession, he became Doctor of his faculty at Cambridge, and was ap- pointed a Judge Ecclesiastical in the Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He died much respected in 157G, and was buried in this Cathedral, on the north side of the high altar. * His name is not inserted in Dr. Nash's List of Incumbents. 69 Seth Holland, M. A. Prebendary, 1555, Dean of Worcester, 1557, Was Chaplain to Cardinal Pole, Warden of All Souls College, Oxford, and Rector of Fladbury, in this county; the last of which he resigned on his appointment to that of Cleeve Episcopi, Gloucestershire ; when he became Dean of Worcester, he resigned the wardenship of All Souls into the hands of Cardinal Pole, 1558 ; he was deprived of his deanery by Queen Elizabeth, Oct. 1559, on the death of her sister Mary, and his deprivation was followed by imprison- ment ; he died in the Marshalsea, in the 2d year of her reign, and was buried in St. George's, Southwark, out of the Kbig's Bench Prison, according to Wood. John Pedor, Dean of Worcester, 1559. He had been an exile in Frankfort, but was, by patent, advanced to this deanery, the revenues of which were much improved by his care. He died April 5, 1571, and was in- terred, it is presumed, in the Dean's Chapel of Worcester Cathedral, in the which was a monument to his memory. Thomas Wilson, D. D. Prebendary, 15G0, Dean of Worcester, 1571, Was educated in Trinity College, Cambridge ; he had also been an exile at Frankfort. On the accession of Queen Elizabeth he returned to his native country, and was appoint- ed a Prebendary in the 7th stall of Worcester Cathedral, and Chaplain to Bishop Sandys, who had been in exile at the same time in Frankfort. In the famous Synod assembled at Westminster, Jan. 1562 — 3, to complete the Restoration of the Reformed Church of England, he was chosen by the Dean and Chapter of Worcester one of their Proctors ; and was appointed Dean of Worcester, by the Queen, in which station he died, July 20, 1586, and lies buried in the Dean's Chapel of this Cathedral. Dean Wilson was also Rector of Blockley, and left £40. to the poor of that parish. 70 Hugh Cox, Was Rector of All Saints, Worcester, afterwards a learn- ed Professor of Divinity in Oxford, and Bishop of Salisbury. He was related to Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, and wrote a book called "A Mirror of Papists' Subtilties ;" and died 1587. See Strype's Life of Whitgift. John Harley, Prebendary of Worcester, 1551, Afterwards Bishop of Hereford, had been a Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. He gave up the jurisdiction of the Forest of Dean to the see of Gloucester; but Queen Mary soon compelled him to abdicate the see, on an allega- tion that he was married, and had wilfully evaded the hearing of mass. John Ellis, M. A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1577, Was bred in Jesus College, Cambridge, but, according to A. Wood, became Prebendary of Worcester in 1570; he was also Dean of Hereford in 1559' William Tinker, Calling himself" Gent." was the Author of " Worcester's Affliction," 1551, to which is attached a table of the m n- ber of persons, in the respective parishes of the city and suburbs, who died in that year of the plague. Mr. Green calls it "a MS. poem of considerable merit, from which a late publication is an extract." The humanity shown on this melancholy occasion towards the distressed sufferers, who, but for the assistance of the neighbouring gentry, must have perished through want, is the subject of another poem, written and published by J. Toy, M. A. Master of the Col- lege School, entitled " Worcester's Elegy and Eulogy." See his Article. Tinker's work was first printed, according to the title, from the original MS. by J. Grundy, no date, 4to. Wood. 71 Edmund Daniel, M.A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1558, Fellow of Merton College, was also Dean of Hereford. In the year 1559, he was deprived of his dignities. He was one of those who, in 1556, supplicated in vain to be admitted to the degree of B. D. See Wood's Fasti, page 150. Thomas Talbot, A celebrated Antiquary, was a native of Northampton- shire. Abingdon, in his MS. edition of the Bishops of Worcester, says — " But these first (Bishops) I had out of the collection of an excellent Antiquary, Mr. Thos. Talbot, who gathered the same out of a leiger of the Priory of Worcester, which, I think, is now perished." He left choice collections behind him, and was living in 1580. John Watson, A Native of this county, was born at Evesham,* 1520. He was admitted Fellow of All Souls College 1540, and took the degree of M.A. two years after; and about that time applied his mind to the study of medicine, in which afterwards he had considerable practice. At length, about the time Queen Elizabeth came to the throne, if not before, he entered into holy orders, was made Prebendary of Win- chester, Archdeacon of Surrey, Chancellor of St. Paul's, and Master of the Hospital of S. Cross, near Winchester. In the 15th Eliz. 1572, he was made Dean of Winchester, and 1575 admitted to the decree of M. D. about which time he, being in great favour at Court, was made Bishop of Winchester, though somewhat against his m ill ;t ha which * At Benge worth, according to the Biog. Dram. ; this is corroborated by Fuller, where, says he, some of his name and relations remain at this day. + Fuller says, " Dean Watson, aged 60 years, and desirous to lead a pri- vate life, in the sickness of Bishop Horn privately promised the Earl of Lei- cester 2001. that he might not be made Bishop of Winchester. — The bishopric tailing void, and Queen Elizabeth professing her intention to confer it o» 72 see he sat until his death, Jan. 23, 1583, and on Feb. 17, his funeral was solemnized in the cathedral church of Win- chester, and his remains buried in the body thereof. By his last will he gave £'40 to All Souls College, £20 to the Uni- versity of Oxford, and 100 marks to certain poor scholars studying there ; to five poor students of Oxford, studying there also, £4 a-piece for five years after his decease ; and to the poor of Evesham before-mentioned he was a liberal benefactor, for whose sake also he gave a stock £40 to set them on to work. Watson was also Prebendary of Langford Manor, in the church of Lincoln, which he resigned before 1574. Meres speaks of a Play by Bishop Watson, a tragedy, called Absalon, as able to abide the test of Aristotle's precepts, and Euripides's examples. From a passage in Aschanis Scholemaster, it appears to have been written in Latin, and not published. He also wrote an epigram on the death of Martin Bucer, which forms part of the volume mentioned in vol. 1, Col. 378, note 5. See Wood, and Biog. Dramatiea. William Norfolk, Prebendary of Worcester, 1558, Was admitted M. A. 1551. He was Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, and one of the first Prebendaries of Worcester. Sir Henry Sydney, Father of the celebrated Sir Philip Sydney. Dying at the Palace of Worcester in 15S6, his bowels were deposited in the Dean's Chapel there, and his heart in Ludlow church. Vide Zouch's Life of Sir P. Sydney. By others, however, he is said to have died at Ludlow. Watson, the Earl requested the contrary, acquainting the Queen with the passage betwixt them, — 'how otherwise it would be 2001. oul of his way.' • Nay then,' said the Queen, 'Watson shall have it; he being more worthy thereof who will give 2001. to decline, than he who will give 20001. to attain it." There were three Bishop Watsons in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, but no ways related to each other. An epitaph on Bish >p Wats >n is to be seen , Mary Overies. 73 John de Feckingham, D. D. A Native of this county, so called because lie was born of poor parents in a cottage near the Forest of Feckingham, his rio-ht name behiir Hownum, was the last Abbot of \\ est- minster. Discovering in his youth very good abilities, and a strong propensity to learning, the priest of the parish took him under his care, instructed him some years, and then procured him admission into Evesham Monastery. At IS, he was sent by his Abbot to Gloucester Hall, Oxford, from whence, when he had sufficiently improved himself in acade- mical learning, he was recalled to his abbey ; which being dissolved, Nov. 17, 1536, he had a yearly pension of 100 florins allowed him for his life. Upon this lie returned to Gloucester Hall, where he pursued his studies some years, and in 1.539 took the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, being- then Chaplain to Bell, Bishop of Worcester. That Prelate resigning his see, in 1.343, he became Chaplain to Bonner, Bishop of London ; but Bonner being deprived of his bishop- ric, in 1.349, by the Reformers, Feckingham was commit- ted to the Tower of London, because, as some say, he re- fused to administer the sacraments after the Protestant man- ner. Soon after, he was taken from thence, to dispute on the chief points controverted between the Protestants and Papists, and disputed several times in public before and with some great personages. He was afterwards remanded to the Tower, where he continued till Queen Man's accession to the Crown, in 1533, but was then released, and made Chaplain to the Queen. He became also, in 1554, again Chaplain to Bonner, a Prebendary of St. Paul's, Dean of St. Paul's, Rector of Finchley in Middlesex, which he held only a few months, and then Rector of Greenford, in the same county, which last he held two years. In the same year, he was one of the Disputants at Oxford against Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, before they suffered martyrdom, but said very little against them ; and during Mary's reign he was constantly employed in doing good L 74 offices to the afflicted Protestants, from the highest to the lowest. — Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, Ambrose and Robt Dudley, afterwards Earls of Warwick and Leicester, were benefited by his kindness ; as was also Sir John Cheke, whose life he and Sir Thomas Pope, the founder of Trinity College, Oxford, are said to have saved, by a joint applica- tion to Queen Mary. Feckingham was very intimate with Sir Thomas, and often visited him at Tyttenhangcr House. Feckingham also interceded with Queen Mary for the Lady Elizabeth's enlargement out of prison, and that so earnestly, that the Queen was actually displeased with him for some time. In May, 1556, he was complimented by the Univer- sity of Oxford with the degree of Doctor in Divinity, being then in universal esteem, for his learning, piety, charity, moderation, humility, and other virtues. The September following, he was made Abbot of Westminster, which was then restored by Queen Mary, and fourteen Benedictine Monks placed there under his government, with episcopal power. Upon the death of Mary, in 1558, her successor, Eliza- beth, not unmindful of her obligations to Feckingham, sent for him, before her coronation, to consult and reward him, and, as it is said, offered him the Archbishopric of Canter- burv, provided he would conform to the laws, but this he refused. He appeared, however, in her first Parliament, taking the lowest place on the Bishops' form, and was the last mitred Abbot that sat in the House of Peers. During his attendance there, he spoke and protested against every thing tending towards the Reformation ; and the strong op- position which he could not be restrained from making, occasioned his commitment to the Tower, in 1560. After nearly three years' confinement there, he was committed to the custody of Home, Bishop of Winchester ; but having been old antagonists on the subject of the oath of supre- macy, their present connection was mutually irksome, and Feckingham was remanded to the Tower, in 1564; after- wards he was removed to the Marshalsea, and then to a private house in Holboin. 75 In 1571, he attended Dr. John Stone, before his execu- tion. In 1573, we find him in free custody with Cox, Bishop of Ely, whom the Queen had requested to use his endeavours to induce Feckingham to acknowledge her su- premacy, and come over to the Church; and he was at length prevailed on to allow her supremacy, but could never be brought to a thorough conformity. Soon after, the rest- less spirit of some Roman Catholics, and their frequent at- tempts upon the Queen's life, obliged her to imprison the most considerable among them ; upon which Feckingham was sent to Wisbech Castle, in the Isle of Ely, where he continued a prisoner to the time of his death, which hap- pened in 1585. As to his character, Camden calls him, " a learned and good man, that lived long, did a great deal of good to the poor, and always solicited the minds of his adversaries to benevolence." Fuller styles him, " a man cruel to none ; courteous and charitable to all who needed his help or liber- ality." Burnet says, "he was a charitable and generous man, who lived in great esteem in England :" and Dart con- cludes his account of him in these words — " Though I can- not go so far as Reyner, to call him a martyr; yet I cannot gather but he was a good, mild, modest, charitable man, and a devout Christian." Wood has given us the following catalogue of his works : — 1 . " A Conference, dialogue-wise, held between the Lady Jane Dudley and Mr. John Feckingham four days before her death, touching her faith and belief of the Sacrament, and her religion, 1554." (In April, 1554, he had been sent by the Queen to this Lady, to commune with her, and to reduce her from the doctrine of Christ to Queen Mary's religion, as Fox expresses it. The substance of this Con- ference may also be seen in Fox's Acts and Monuments of Martyrs.) '2. Speech in the House of Lords, 1553. 3. Two Homilies on the 1st, 2d, and 3d Articles of the Creed. 4. Oratio funebris in exequiis Ducissae Parma;, Sic. that is, A Funeral Oration on the Death of the Duchess of Parma, 76 daughter of Charles V. and Governess of the Netherlands. 5. Sermon at the exequy of Joan, Queen of Spain, 1555. 6. The Declaration of such scruples and staies of Conscience touching the Oath of Supremacy, delivered by writing to Dr. Home, Bishop of Winchester, 1566. 7- Objections or Assertions made against Mr. John Cough's Sermon, preach- ed in the Tower of London, Jan. 15, 1570. 8. Caveat Emptor ; which seems to have been a Caution against buy- ing Abbey Lands. Tie had also written Commentaries on the Psalms, and a Treatise on the Eucharist, which were lost among other things — thus far Wood ; but another au- thor mentions, 9- A Sermon on the Funeral of Queen Mary, on Ecclesiastes, iv. 2. MS. Mr. Tindal says, he was also the author of a Speech in Parliament against the alteration of Religion, 1559; a Letter to Cecil, 1564; Confession in Wisbech Castie, 1530; and Conference with Bishop Ridley in the Tower. See Tindal's Evesham. Richard Longwortii, D.D. Preb. of Worcester, 1568, Was afterwards Dean of Chester. John Whitgift, D.D. Bishop of Worcester, 1577, Afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, in which see he succeeded Grindall, whose lenity in the execution of the ecclesiastical laws gave great offence to the Queen, Elizabeth. This prelate's temper, which was naturally warm, had been much heated by controversy ; he was therefore thought proper person to put the penal statutes into execution against all that dissented from the Established Church: and if we consider the conduct of the Puritans towards him and the Church, we shall not perhaps wonder at his anger. At his persuasion, Elizabeth appointed a new Ecclesiastical Com- mission, which was not only authorized to hear and deter- mine ail causes that came under their jurisdiction, but was also armed with an inquisitorial power to force any one to confess what he knew, and to punish him at discretion.* ■ Ui.;hop Whitgift in a letter to yueea Elizabeth tells her, the Church He was the great restorer of order and discipline in the Uni- versity of Cambridge, when deeply wounded and almost sunk ; and for his sake the salary of the Lady Margaret's Professorship was raised from 20 marks to 20 pounds. It is worthy of remark, that Lord Bacon studied under this Bishop when he was at Trinity College. He published several polemical pieces against Cartwright. Whitgift was born at Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, 1530, and died Oct. 1(303. See Wordsworth's Eccles. Biog. &c. Sir Thomas Bromley, Lord Chancellor in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a na- tive of Shropshire, purchased Holt Castle in Worcestershire. He died 1587, aged 57, and was buried in Westminster Ab- bey, where is his monument. " He acted a bloody part" against Mary Queen of Scots. Fuller says, though he suc- ceeded Sir Nicholas Bacon, yet the Court of Chancery was not sensible of any alteration, such was his learning and in- tegrity. By a mistake in the Stemmata Chicheleana, p. 10, Sir Thomas Bromley, Knt. is put for Sir Henry Bromley, Knight. Edmund Freake, D. D. Bishop of Worcester, 1534, Bishop of Norwich, was nominated to Worcester on the translation of Whitgift to Cantei burv. He was a native of Essex, and had his education at Cambridge ; was Great Almoner to Queen Elizabeth, and had passed through several ecclesiastical dignities. He died at Worcester, in 1 391, and lies buried in the south aisle of the bodv of the Cathedral. He approved himself a zealous assertor of the church dis- cipline, and bore the character of a pious and well-qualified Divine. See Wood's Fasti, p. 186. John Martiall, D. D. A Native of this county, was a zealous advocate for the mnst fall, if the Rill against Plura'itie?, then brought into the House of Com- mon*, should take place. 78 Catholic cause ; he was bom at Dalisford, in Worcestershire, near Chipping-norton, Oxfordshire, and educated in gram- matical learning in Wykeham's school, near Winchester, where he was admitted Perpetual Fellow of New College, after he had served two years of probation, anno 1551. He took the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law five years after, about which time he was made usher or second master of the aforesaid school under Thos. Hide. In the beginnks of Queen Elizabeth's reign he left his employment, his fellow- ship, and at length the kingdom, and going beyond the seas to Louvain, he made proficiency there in the study of di- vinity, and at length, by the procurement of Lewis Owen, Archdeacon of Cambray, he was made Canon of St. Peter's Church at Lisle, in Flanders, which place he kept eight years ; he resigned it, (being then D. D.) to the end that he might give himself solely up to his devotions, and prepare himself for another world. Martiall wrote a Treatise of the Cross, gathered out of the Scriptures, Councils, and ancient Fathers of the primi- tive Church, 8vo. 1564. Bodl. 8vo. M. 57. This he dedi- cated to Queen Elizabeth ; emboldened upon her keeping the image of a crucifix in her chapel, which he termed ' her good affections to it.' But James Calf hill, of Ch. College, making an answer to it, our author came out with a reply, entitled, « A Reply to Mr. Calflnll's blasphemous Answer against the Treatise of the Cross, Lov. 156G, qu. (Bodl. 4to. A. 29. Th.) Afterwards he wrote " Treatise of the Tonsure of the Clerks," left imperfect, and therefore never printed. He departed this life to the great grief of the Roman Catho- lics, at Lisle, in the arms of Win. Gifford, Dean of that church, April 3d, 1597, and was buried in the collegiate church of St. Peter before mentioned. At his death he be- queathed a rich ring, with a stone in it, to adorn our Saviour's cross in the cathedral there ; which bequest being performed by the said Gifford, that bequest was esteemed as a trophy of victory over Calfhill, and was for some time preserved as a choice relic there. See Calfhill, in Wood's Athene. 79 John Bullingiiam, D. D. Preb. of Worcester, 1 570, Was born at Gloucester, elected Probationer of Magda- len Coll. Oxford, July, 1550, and in 1581 was consecrated Bishop of Gloucester, about which time he had the see of Bristol given him in commendam, and died in 1593. Bul- limrham was also installed Prebendary of South Lincoln- Sept. 10, 15(18. He wrote the story of Julius Palmer, the Protestant Martyr, for John Fox's Acts and Monuments. See more of Bullingham in Wood's Athena?, vol. 2. James Jackman, M.A. A Fellow of Oriel College, Oxtord, who, in 1599, be- queathed certain lands in the parish of St. Giles, in the su- burbs of Oxford, for the maintenance of a poor scholar of the county of Worcester. Griffith Lewis, D. D. Preb. of Worcester, 1571, Was also Dean of Gloucester. Richard Fletcher, Bishop of Worcester, 1593, Elected pursuant to the Queen's conge ; he was at that time Bishop of Bristol. Fletcher was bred at Benet's Coll. Cambridge, and in 1583 made Dean of Peterborough, and in 1586 — 7 was present with Mary Queen of Scots when she suffered death in Fotheringay Castle ; see his teizing speech to her on the scaffold in Strype's Annals of Queen Elizabeth. In 1589 he was made Bishop of Bristol, and about the same time Almoner to the Queen, from thence he was pro- moted to Worcester, where he continued till Jan. 1594 — 5, when he was translated to London, and died suddenly 1596, and was buried in St. George's Chapel in St. Paul's, as it stood before the great fire. On his promotion the see of Worcester remained vacant nearly two years. Fletcher fell under the Queen's (Elizabeth) displeasure by marrying a second wife, the Lady Baker, and is said to have died in discontent by smoking tobacco immoderately. This bishop was the father of the dramatic poet Fletcher. 80 Thomas Bilson, Bishop of Worcester, April 30, 1596, Was born in the city of Winchester. He performed a very important service to the College at Winchester, by pre- serving the revenues of it when they were in danger of being swallowed up by a notorious forgery. He was translated from the see of Worcester to that of Winchester, and de- parted this life June 18, 1616, and was buried in Westmin- ster Abbey. Bilson's " True Difference between Christian Subjection and Unchristian Rebellion," was of fatal tendency to Charles I. few books being more frequently quoted by the mal- contents to justify their resistance to that Prince. His able defence of Episcopacy, by publications and sermons, greatly alarmed the Puritans, and in these he was encouraged by Queen Elizabeth, and by her command wrote " The Survey of Christ's Sufferings for Man's Redemption, and of his Descent to Hades or Hell for our Deliverance." He was also one of the speakers and managers of the Hampton Court Conference, and was engaged in the last translation of the Bible. His character is represented as a very great one by Sir Anthony Weldon. See a long life of Bilson in Wood's Athenae, p. 1 and 2. Richard* Bristow, Was a Native of this city, and born in 1538. He was educated in grammar learning under one Rog. Goldbourne. In 155.5 he was entered at Exeter College, Oxford, accord- ing to Pits, which Wood doubts ; but he took his degree of B. A. in 1559, and M. A. in 15(32, at which last time he was a Member of Christ Church. He and the celebrated Cam- pian were so esteemed for their talents as to be selected to entertain Queen Elizabeth with a public disputation in 15G(J. Bristow was afterwards, in July, 15G7, made a Fellow of Exeter College, by the interest of Sir Win. Petre, who had founded some fellowships in that college, and who would * Fuller calls him Robert. 81 have promoted him further, had he not laid himself open to the suspicion of holding popish tenets ; and this appeared more plainly by his quitting the University on Cardinal Alan's invitation. He then went to Douay, and after prose- cuting his theological studies in that academy, was admitted to his Doctor's Degree in 1.379; and, says his biographe Pits, was " Alan's right hand upon all occasions." He was made Prefect of Studies, lectured on the Scriptures, and in the absence of Alan acted as Regent of the College. Hi* intense studies, however, injured a constitution originally very weak, and after a journey to Spa, which had very little effect, he was recommended to try his native air. On his return to England he resided, for a very short time, with a Mr. Bellamy, a gentleman of fortune, at Harrow-on-the-hill, where he died Oct. 18, 1581. The Popish Historians concur in expressing the loss their cause suffered by his death ; he being esteemed " an Alan in prudence, a Stapleton in acuteness, a Campian in elo- quence, a Wright in theology, and a Martin in languages." He wrote — 1. Dr. Bristow's Motives, Antwerp, 1574, 1599, Svo. translated afterwards into Latin, by Dr. Worthington, Douay, 1608, 4to. 2. A Reply to Wm. Fulke, (his ablest antagonist) in defence of Dr. Alan's Articles and Book of Purgatory, Louvain, 1580, 4to. 3. Fifty-one Demands, to be proposed by Catholics to Heretics, London, 1592, 4to. 4. Veritates Aureae, S. R. Ecclesiae, ]6l6. 5. Tabula in summam Theologicam, S. Thomae Acquinatis, 1579- He wrote also An Apology in defence of Alan and Himself, and Notes upon the Rheims Testament. See a long account of Bristow and his works in Wood's Athenae. Richard Eedes, Dean of Worcester, 1596, Is supposed to have been born in Bedfordshire. After an education at Westminster School, he went to the University of Oxford, where he was elected Student of Christ's Church in 1571. He proceeded in Arts, 1578, and about the same time, entering into orders, became a celebrated preacher. M 82 In 1584 he was installed a Prebendary in the Cathedral of Salisbury, and afterwards appointed Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth. He received the canonry of Christ Church in 1586. In 1589 he was created D. D. and remained Dean of Worcester, until his death, Nov. 19, 1604; he was buried in his Cathedral. In Mere's Wit's Treasury, 1598, p. 283, he is enumer- ated among the writers of tragedy at that period ; and Wood says, that his younger years he spent in practical fancies, and composing plays, mostly tragedies ; but at riper years he became a pious and grave divine, an ornament to his pro- fession, and a grace to the pulpit. None of the plays of Eedes are now existing. The widow of Dean Eedes married to a second husband, Humphrey Littleton, 3rd son of Roger Littleton, of Grovely, which Roger was the 5th son of John Littleton, grandson of Judge Littleton ; from these came the Littletons of Stud- ly, Warwickshire. See a long account of Eedes in Wood's Athenae, vol. 1, p. 749. Godfrey Goldsborough, Prebendary of Worcester, 1581, Archdeacon 1579, Was afterwards Bishop of Gloucester, 159S. Bishop Goldsborough had been Fellow of Trinity College, Cam- bridge, and was incorporated B. D. there : he died May, 1604, and was buried in a little chapel on the north side of a tair large chapel, at the east end of the choir of the Cathe- dral Church of Gloucester. See Wood's Fasti, p. 214. Francis Willis, Dean of Worcester, 1586, Was President of St. John's College, Oxford, a native and Canon of Bristol, and was buried in Worcester Cathedral. Thomas Thornton, D.D Preb. of Worcester, 1573, Bom in 1541, was also Vice Chancellor of Oxford, and Canon of Christ Church, Oxon, of Worcester, and Here- ford, of which last place he was also Chanter, and about 83 this time Master of Ledbury Hospital, Herefordshire : he died April 15, 1629, and was buried in the chancel of the parish church of Ledbury, where was a monument set up for him, on which was an inscription saying, he was born at Harrow-on-the-hill, Middlesex. He adorned and repaired the Library at Hereford, and enriched it with books. He was a common refuge for young poor scholars of parts, and was tutor to Sir P. Sydney, when he was at Christ Church, and to the learned Camden. See Wood's Fasti, p. 225. George Wall, A. M. A Native of this county, held a benefice in Worcester- shire, 1573.* He published a Sermon "on the Archbishop of Canterbury his Visitation metropolitical, held at All Saints in Worcester, by Dr. Brent, his Grace's Vicar-General, 3d June, 1635, on 2 Cor. 5, 20." See Wood's Fasti, p. 366. Gervase Babington, Bishop of Worcester, 1597, Was born in Nottinghamshire, according to Fuller, but in Devonshire, according to Izacke and Prince. He was sent to Trinity College, Cambridge, of which he became Fellow; but on the loth July, 1578, he was incorporated Master of Arts at Oxford, as he stood in his own Univer- sity. When he was D. D. he was made Domestic Chaplain to Henry, Earl of Pembroke, and President of the Council in the Marches of Wales. By his Lordship's interest he was constituted Treasurer of the Church of Llandaff, and in 1588 was installed into the prebend of Wellington, in the Cathedral of Hereford, and advanced to the bishopric of LlandafT, Aug. 29, 1591. In Feb. 1594, he was translated to the see of Exeter, to which, says Mr. Chalmers, " he did an irreparable injury, by alienating from it the rich manor of Crediton, in Devonshire ;" which, Mr. Prince says, having obliged a courtier with, made way for his promotion. In 1597, he was translated to Worcester, by Queen Elizabeth, * 1573, Jan. 7, Geo. Wall, A. M. coll. ad preb. de Cadington minor per mortem Job.. Semers. Reg. Sondes Epi. Lond. — Kennett. 84 Aug. SO, elected Sept. 15, and confirmed Oct. following, and was likewise made one of the Queen's Council for the Marches of Wales. To the Library of Worcester Cathedral he w r as a very great benefactor, for he not only fitted and repaired the edifice, but also bequeathed to it all his books. After having continued Bishop of Worcester near 13 years, he died of the jaundice, May 17, 16 10, and was buried in the Cathedral of Worcester, but without any monument. He was not only diligent in preaching, but in writing books, for the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. His works were printed first in 4to. then, with additions, in folio, in 1615, and again in 1637. Prince, in his Worthies of Devon, remarks, that the paternal arms of this Bishop were the very same as those of the see of Worcester; "this I could not omit," says Mr. Abingdon, " it being so very re- markable." See also Wood's Fasti, p. 21 1. Henry Parry, or Ap Harry, D. D. Bishop of Worcester, Was a native of Herefordshire, and educated at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He was translated to Worcester from Gloucester, where he had sat three years. He had been Dean of Chester. He died of the palsy, at Worcester, Dec. 12, 1616, and was buried in the Cathedral. For an account of his portrait, and some relics of his, in the posses- sion of Mr. Nash, of Sidbury, see Chambers's Worcester, page 147* Miles Smith, D. D. Said to have been Rector of Upon-upon-Severn, but his name is not among Dr. Nash's list of incumbents, Rector * Sir Thomas Parry, Cofferer to Queen Elizabeth, and afterwards Comp- troller of her Household, her confidant in her affair with Seymour, the Lord High Admiral in the reign of Queen Mary, was probably a relation of the Bishop's ; and being so great a favourite with Elizabeth, was not unlikely to have received from her hands those presents mentioned in our History of Worcester as being given to the Bishop. 8"> of Hartlebury, in the diocese of Worcester, in 1598, and afterwards Bishop of Gloucester, in 1612; was born in the city of Hereford, and became, about 1658, a Student of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, from which he transferred himself to Brazenose ; he took his degree in Arts as a Mem- ber of the latter, was a petty Canon of Christ Church, and a Bachelor and Doctor of Divinity. His knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Oriental languages was so great, that he has been called " the walking Library." He used to say, " he was covetous of nothing but books ;" he was the first and the last man concerned in the last translation of the Bible, to which he wrote the preface, now extant ; for all which he Mas rewarded with a bishopric. He was a strict Calvinist, was the editor of Bishop Bab- ington's works, and the author of some sermons, one of which, preached at an Assize at Worcester, was published without his consent. He died 1624. See Wood's Athena?, vol. 2, p. 83, Ox. Fuller's Worthies ; Preface to his Sermons, and Barksdale's Memorials. Rowland Bekkeley, Esq. Was the father of Judge Berkeley. Of this benefactor to the city of Worcester Dr. Nash has the following account, copied from the elder Abingdon : — " Before I attend the Judge to his rising sunne, I will accompanie his father to his night of death ; whome if I should commend, because he was my ancient friend, and left me not (where the world forsooke me) in my stormy troubles, and lastly not onely refused to make a prey of my lands, being offered him, and lying most convenient for him, but alsoe instantly warned me to prevent my mine, it might be thought that, blinded with affection, I were partial. — ■ Passing, therefore, from my private particulars to matters more public, he was a man of a very good witt, which he furnished with learning, initiate in Oxford, but chiefly gained out of stolen hours, and hardly spared from his continual business in his vocation ; by which course, joined with ex- 86 perience and observations, growing to be of deep judg- ment, he attained to be for government such a magistrate, as that he gained love, respect, and obedience ; which, if the city of Worcester, where he lived divers years, will not acknowledge, his often service for them in Parliament (where he shewed himself their friend, and a good commonwealth's man) will testify for him. Neither was he confined within the circle of this cittie, but, being in commission for the county, was an uncorrupted and sedulous justice. I omit his worldly blessings, being abundant and fairly ceasing by his death, in a good old age, at his owne mansion at Spetch- ley, where his sonne, the Judge, hath erected a monument for him and his mother." Sir Rowland Berkeley was a very eminent and wealthy clothier at Worcester, descended from a very ancient and noble family, no other (continues Abingdon) than from one of the most ancient of Barons, Lord Berkeley ; for James, Lord Berkeley, had, by the Lady Isabell, one of the two co-heirs of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, (who flourished in the reigns of Henry IV. and V.) Thos. Berke- ley, his 4th son, who had issue Richard Berkeley, his 3d son, (who sometime lived and had a small freehold at Dursley, in Gloucestershire,) whose 4th son, William Berkeley,* was father of the subject of this article, Rowland Berkeley, father of the J udge ; which said Rowland, being the 8th son of the said William, though extracted thus from nobility, yet seem- ed in the world extenuated for a while, until by God's bless- ing and his own industry, he became eminent in wealth and dignity. Mr. Rowland Berkeley and Catherine his wife were married in the church of St. Martin, on Thursday, in Easter week,f 1574, being then the 15th day of April; they lived in this parish man and wife 34 years, in which time they had * He was Mayor of Hereford in 1545, 35th of Henry VIII. + See a curious article in Nash's Worcestershire, Appendix, page cxlir. signed by Rowland Bartley, in 1580, as Churchwarden of St. Martin's, rela- tive to a licence for allowing a sick man to eat meat in Lent. 87 seven sons and nine daughters, all bom and baptized in this parish ; one of the sons died in his infancy, all the rest sur- vived their father; all the daughters were married in their father's life, and survived him. Mr. Rowland Berkeley died l6ll, and his wife in 1629- The said Mr. Rowlaud Berkeley gave by his will £100 to the Corporation of Clothiers in this city, to be lent gratis for two years, to two thriving young men exercising the trade of clothiers in this city. Mrs. Catherine Berkeley gave by her w ill £50 to the Corporation of Clothiers, to be lent gratis for two years, to two thriving young men of this parish exercising the trade of clothing ; and for want of such, then to two thriving young men of this parish exercising some other honest trade : but the said Corporation not accepting her legacy in manner as it was given, her executors paid the same to the church- wardens of this parish, to be employed according to her ap- pointment. She also left charities to the poor of the city, and the parishes of St. Martin and Spetchley, payable for the term of 22 years. Edward Kellev, alias Talbot, A Native of this county, and a celebrated Alchymist, was born in 1555, and educated at Gloucester Hall, Oxford, but bred up an apothecary in this city. Wood says, that when his nativity was cast, it appeared that he was to be a man of most acute wit, and great propensity to philosophical studies and mysteries of nature. He believed this prophecy, however, both in the progress and termination of his life ; for, leaving Oxford abruptly, and rambling about the kingdom, he was guilty of some crime in Lancashire, for which his ears were cut off at Lancaster, but what crime this was we are not informed. He became afterwards an associate with the famous Dr. Dee, travelled into foreign countries with him, and was his reporter of what passed between him and the spirits with whom the Doctor held in- telligence, and who wrote down the nonsense Kellev pre- tended to have heard. Of their journey with Laske, a Polish Nobleman, see the life of Dr. Dee in the Biog. Diet. 88 We further learn, from Ashmole, if such information can be called learning, that Kelley and Dee had the good fortune to find a large quantity of the elixir, or philosopher's stone, in the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey ; which elixir was so sur- prisingly rich, that they lost a great deal in making projec- tions before they discovered the force of its virtue. The author also adds, that at Trebona, in Bohemia, Kelley tried a grain of this elixir upon an ounce and a quarter of com- mon mercury, which was presently transmuted into almost an ounce of line gold. At another time he tried his art upon a piece of metal, cut out of a warming-pan, which, without handling it or melting the metal, was turned into very good silver, only by warming it at a fire. Cervantes has given us nothing more absurd in the phrenzy of Don Quixote. This warming-pan, however, and the piece taken out of it, were sent to Queen Elizabeth, by her Ambassador then residing at Prague. Kelley afterwards behaving in- discreetly, was imprisoned by the Emperor Rodolphus II. by whom he had been knighted ; and endeavouring to make his escape out of the window, fell down and bruised himself so severely that he died soon after, in 1595. His works are — A Poem of Chemistry, and a Poem of the Philosopher's Stone ; both inserted in the Theatrum Chymicum Bi itannicum, 1652. De Lapide Philosophorum, Hamburg, 1676, Svo. but it is questioned whether he is the author of this ; he was, however, certainly the author of several discourses in " a true and faithful Relation of what passed for many Years between Dr. John Dee and the same Spirits," &c. Lond. 1659, folio, published by Dr. Meric Casaubon. There are Fragmenta Aliquot, edita a Com- bacis, Geismar, 1647, 12mo. ; also, Ed. Kelleii Epistola ad Edwardum Dyer, and other little things of Kelley, in MS. in Biblioth. Ashmol. Oxon. See Green's Worcester, Append. Robert Abbot, Was a Lecturer in the city of Worcester, and Rector of All Saints Church there, April 7, 1589, (Eliz.) to which he 89 was recommended by Bishop Whitgift. Among other works he wrote "The Mirror of Popish Subtilties; discovering certain wretched and miserable Evasions and Shifts, which a secret cavilling Papist, in the behalf of one Paul Spence, Priest, yet living, and lately Prisoner in the Castle of Wor- cester, hath gathered out of Saunders and Bellarmine, &c. concerning the Sacraments, &c." Lond. 1594. This he dedicated to Whitgift, who had recommended him to the preferment he held in this city, and to Fletcher, then Bishop of Worcester. Abbot was born at Guildford, Surrey, in 1560, and died soon after the year 1615. James Montague, S.T. P. Dean of Worcester, 1604, Was Master of Sydney College, Cambridge, and soon after his advancement to this deanery, was appointed Dean of the King's Chapel, Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1608, and translated from thence to Winchester, l6l6, and dying 1618, was buried in the Abbey Church, Bath. John Thorn borough, Bishop of Worcester, 1616, Was also Bishop of Bristol ; he was bora at Salisbury in 1542, and educated at Magdalen College, Oxford. He obtained a chaplainship at Court, and in 1539 the deanery of York. In 1593 he was consecrated Bishop of Limerick, and in 1603 was removed to Bristol, with leave of holding York deanery in commendam. He was a great adept in chemistry, and wrote a tract concerning the Philosopher's Stone, &c. and was well furnished with learning, wisdom, and courage, and other, as well episcopal as temporal, ac- complishments. He died of extreme old age in July, 1641, at Hartlebury, and was buried in his Cathedral, where his monument is still preserved, with several inscriptions, a part of one of which is now incomprehensible to the reader. See Chambers's Worcester, p. 140. He had issue, by his first wife, Sir Benj. Thornborough, Knight, and Edward Thornborough, Archdeacon of Wor- cester, who died 1 645 ; and by his second wife, Sir Thomas N 90 Thornborough, of Elmley-Lovet, Worcestershire, &c. &c. : he had also a nephew, Giles Thornborough, M. A. Preben- dary of Worcester 1629, who died 1663 .* A little before the Bishop's death he told his Majesty King Charles I. that he had outlived several that had expected to succeed him in the see of Worcester ; " and now (said he) I am afraid I shall outlive my bishopric," which almost had come to pass. Thomas Abingdon, or Habington, An early Historian of this County. He was descended from a Roman Catholic family ;f his grand-father was Rich- ard Habington, or Abingdon, of Brockhampton in Hereford- shire ; his father, John, second son of Richard, and Cofferer to Queen Elizabeth, was born 1515, and died 1531; he bought the manor of Hinlip in Worcestershire, and re-built the mansion-house about 1572. His son, the subject of this memoir, was born at Thorpe, near Chertsey, in Surrey, Aug. 23, 1560. At about the age of 16 years he was ad- mitted a Commoner of Lincoln College, Oxford, and after about three years of study there, was sent to the Universities of Rheims and Paris. On his return to this country he in- volved himself with the party who laboured to relieve Mary Queen of Scots, which occasioned him to be sent to the Tower, on a suspicion of being concerned in Babington's conspiracy. During this imprisonment, which lasted six years, he employed his time in study, and profited more in this seclusion, in several sorts of learning, than he had before done in all his life. Being at length released, and his life * In a note to this article in Wood's Athenae, vol. 3, p. 6, is mentioned another " Giles Thornborough, M. A. Rector of Orston George, Wiltshire, and Vicar of Crowle, had the second stall in Worcester Cathedral ; he died in 1668, and was buried at Crowle." Willis's Cathedrals, p. 669. Bishop Thornborough had also a brother named Giles. A W 7 illiam Thornborough, in 1660, was Prebendary of the eighth stall in Worcester Cathedral. — See llarleian MSS. + " In this parish (St. John's, Bedwardine) lived Mr. Win. de Habington, from whom descended the families of that name iu the counties of Worcester, Gloucester, and Dorset." — Nash. 91 saved, as it is supposed on account of his being the godson of Queen Elizabeth, he retired to Hinlip, which had been settled upon him by his father, in consideration of his mar- riage with Mary, eldest daughter of Edward Parker, Lord Morley, by Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of Sir Wm. Stanley, Lord Monteagle. On the detection of the Gunpowder Plot, he again fell under the displeasure of Government, by concealing Garnet and Oldcorn, agents in that affair, who were found in his house at Hinlip, and he was again committed to the Tower, and condemned to die, but pardoned by the intercession, says Dr. Nash, of his wife's father, Lord Morley. Mary the wife of Habington is supposed, by some, to have been the person who wrote the letter to her brother, Wm. Parker, (he being Lord Monteagle in his father's life, in right of his mother, and after his father's death, Lord Morley also,) in order to save his life at the intended massacre. It is plain (continues he) Lord Monteagle, though a zealous Catholic, did not know of the Gunpowder Plot.* * In what manner (says Mr. Smith, in the Antiquities of Westminster) the Powder Plot was providentially discovered, by means of a letter to Lord Monteagle, the son of Lord Morley, and who probably was a Member of the House of Commons, warning him to be absent, and delivered to his servant in the street, has long been known ; but it remained, till very lately, undiscover- ed that this intimation came from a lady, and that affection for a brother prompted the warning, while love for a husband, unfortunately privy to the plot, suggested such means as were best calculated to secure him from detec- tion. This lady, who, on more accounts than one, deserves to be remem- bered and celebrated, was Mary, the wife of Thomas Abingdon, of Hinlip, in the county of Worcester, and eldest of three daughters of Lord Morley, and consequently eldest sister of Lord Monteagle, of Greenwich. — Mrs. Abing- don was at one time Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth, anno 1557, and a great favourite of the Queen ; she was therefore buried at the expense of her Majesty. Mr. Smith then proceeds in his narrative, as if there had been a doubt, which there never was, of Habington's guilt, and afterwards continues thus : — " Mr. Green, in his History of Worcester, vol. 2, p. 102, says, ' Mr. Abing- don's wife, daughter of Lord Morley, is supposed to have written that letter to her brother, Lord Monteagle, which warned him of the impending danger •f the Powder Plot, and was also meant to save him from the intended mas- 92 The condition of Habington's pardon was, that he should never stir out of Worcestershire : with this he appears to have complied,* and devoted his time, among other pur- suits, to the History and Antiquities of this County ; of which he left three folio volumes of Parochial Antiquities, in MS. two of Miscellaneous Collections, and one relating to the Cathedral : these received additions from his son, and afterwards from Dr. Thomas, Avho gave 20 guineas for the collection, of whom they were purchased by Bishop Lytlel- ton, and presented to the Society of Antiquaries. These papers formed the foundation of Dr. Nash's elaborate His- tory, but, if we may trust the character given of them by Dr. Wm. Hopkins, were of no great value; for "he is sure, by what he has seen, that there are many great defects and errors in them ; that Mr. Abingdon never had access to the Cottonian Library ; that he was no Saxonist, and had taken many things upon trust ; that his style was ill, and his way sacre ; but as no reasons are there given for the supposition, it was thought necessary to state the above facts.' " Ibid p. 42. Dr. Nash, under the head Hinlip, p. 585, says, " Tradition in this country informs us that she was the person who wrote the letter to her brother which discovered the Gunpowder Plot. Percy, whose picture is at Hinlip, was very intimate both with Abingdon and Lord Monteagle, and is supposed, by Guthrie, to have written the letter ; but the style of it seems to be that of one who had only heard some dark hints of the business, which perhaps was the case cf Mrs. Abingdon, and not of one who Mas a principal mover in the whole, as was Percy, a desperado, who thought himself personally otTended, and was fit for the most horrid designs." The original letter, now preserved in the Paper Office, Whitehall, is exactly copied by Rapin ; the beginning of it is, " Love I bear to you," but the word you is scratched out, and it goes on, "to some of your friends ;" perhaps this might be cautiously erased by Mrs. Abingdon, lest it might lead to a discovery of the writer, by savouring too strongly of brotherly love. The letter indeed seems to be in a counter- feit hand, and not that of a lady. The house in which Lord Monteagle resided at the time of his receiving the letter respecting the Gunpowder Plot, in the year 1605, is yet, in part, stand- ing.— It is situated in Monteagle-close, in the Borough, and is occupied by a cooper, who has converted what ground remains attached to it to the purpose of his business. — Courier, 1818. > By the Court interest of his brother-in-law, Lord Monteagle, Habington was rescued from a lingering imprisonment. Har. MS. 93 of writing so tedious that it was necessary to write the book anew, in a great part, to lit it for the press." Abingdon's Antiquities of Worcester, Lichfield, and Co- ventry, were advertised, by Curl, 1729, at five shillings. Anth. Wood says, that Ha'oington had a hand in the History of Edward IV. published afterwards in the name of his son, the poet, (see his article,) vhom he survived, and died Aug. 8, 1647, at Hinlip, at the advanced age of 87- He also wrote an Account of the Cathedral and Bishops of Worces- ter, which was printed m 1717, and re-published with addi- tions, by an editor unknown, in 1723, 8vo. ; and a transla- tion of Gildas " de excidio Britannia?," with a large pre- face, Svo. Lond. 1638. This translation and preface were made during his lingering imprisonment for matters relative to the Popish Plot * A. Wood also informs us, flat Edward, a younger brother of this Thos. Habmgton, who was also engaged in the trea- sons of Mary Queen of Scots, a person of turbulent spirit and nature, was, with others, executed in St. Giles's in the Fields, near London, Sept. 20, 1586; at which time he cast out threats and terrors of the bood that was ere long to be shed in England. -&' Richard Fowns, A Native of this county, wts the son of a minister, and born in 1560; elected Student of Christ Church 1577, took the degree of Arts, became Clnplain to Prince Henry, B. and D. D. 1605, and about tha; time (1602, Nash) Rector of Stoke-upon-Severn in his own county, where he was buried in the church, Nov. 25, 1625 ; and soon after was put a monument over his grave, with an inscription thereon, but so miserably defaced in the civil war, 17 years after, as to be no longer legible when A. Wood wrote. He was the author of Trisagion, or the three Offices of Christ, Lond. * For a curious account of Hinlip House, the discovery of a casket and the plotters Garnet and Hall, &c. see Dr. Nash's Worcestershire, vol. 1, page 583, and the pedigree of Habington, p. 588. 94 1619; qu. (Bodl. 4to. F. 9, Th.) A Latin Sermon of one Richard Fownes, preached on 2 TJiess. 2, 3, 4, was publish- ed in 1660. Query, if by our author. Sir Edwin jIandys, A Native of this county, th^ second son of Archbishop Sandys, was, according to WoodJboru in this city about 1561 , and admitted of Corpus ChristiCollege, Oxford, at sixteen, wuder the celebrated Hooker. | After taking his degree of B. A. he was made Probation^ Fellow in 1579, and was collated in 1581 to a prebend/ in the Church of York; he then completed his degree of M. A. and travelled into foreign countries, and at his return \Jas esteemed for learning, vir- tue, and prudence. He appears afterwards to have studied the Law. While he was at Ifaris, he drew up a tract under the title of " Europae Specjluin,"* which he finished in 1599; an imperfect copy of which was published without the author's name or consent, in 1605, and was soon followed by another impression. Bui the author, after he had used all means to suppress these :rroneous copies and to punish the printers of them, at lengti caused a true copy to be pub- lished, a little time before hs death in 1629, 4to. under this title, " Europae Speculum ; or, a View or Survey of the State of Religion in the Weslern Parts of the World ; where- in the Romane Religion, and the pregnant Policies of the Church of Rome to suppor the same, are notably displayed, •with some other memorably Discoveries and Memorations, never before till now published, according to the Author's original Copie. Multuni diucjue desideratum. Hagae * Two circumstances concerning this book are not commonly known — 1. That in writing it he was greatl' assisted by the conversation of F. Paul. 2. That F. Paul himself translated he book into Italian, with additions, from whence it was translated into Frenjb, by Diodati, of Geneva, with the title of " Relation de 1'Estat de la ReligiJn," &c. For both these facts I have the authority of II. Grotius, who wisjed for a Dutch version of the tract. See Grotius's Epistles in the Appendix, No. 388 and 395, p. 865 and 866.— See Corrections by Dr. Nash onj his History of Worcestershire, page 29, in volume 2. 95 Comitis, 1629. To this edition was a preface, which had been omitted in the latter editions, though some passages of it were printed in that of 1637, 4to. It was also reprinted in 1673, and translated both into Italian and French. In May, 1602, he resigned his prebend, and in May, 1603, received the honour of knighthood from James I. who after- wards employed him in several affairs of great trust and im- portance. Fuller tells us, "that he was dextrous in the management of such things, constant in Parliament as the Speaker himself, kept time with him in the chair, and esteem- ed by all as an excellent patriot." " Faithful to his country, (says Wood) without any falsehood to his Prince." It ap- pears, however, that for some opposition to the Court in the Parliament of 1621, he was committed, with Selden, to the custody of the Sheriff of London in June that year, and de- tained above a month, which was highly resented by the House of Commons, as a breach of their privileges ; but Sir George Calvert, Secretary of State, declaring that neither Sandys nor Selden had been imprisoned for any Parliament- ary matter, a stop was put to the dispute. Sir Edwin was Treasurer to the Undertakers of the Western- Plantations, and had a principal hand in settling Bermudas. He died in October, 1629, and was interred at Northborne r in Kent, where he had a seat and an estate, granted him by James I. for some services done at that King's accession to the Throne. A monument, now in a mutilated state, was erected to his memory, but without any inscription. He bequeathed £1,500 to the University of Oxford, for the en- dowment of a Metaphysical Lecture. He left five sons, all of whom, except one, adhered to the Parliament during the civil wars. Henry, the eldest, died without issue ; Edwin, the second, was the well known Par- liamentary Colonel, of whose outrages much may be read in the publications of the times, and who, receiving a mortal wound at the battle of Worcester, in 1642, retired to North- borne to die, leaving the estate to his son Sir Richard, who was killed by the accidental explosion of his fowling-piece. 90 in 1663. His son, Sir Richard, was created a Baronet in 16S4 and dying in 1726, without male issue, was the last of the family who lived at Northborne, where the mansion remained many years deserted, and at length was pulled down. There was one Sir Edwin Sandys, who published, as Wood informs us, " Sacred Hymns, consisting of 50 select Psalms of David, set to be sung in five Parts by Robert Taylor," and printed at London, l6l5, in 4to.; but whether this version was by the subject of this article, or by another of both his names, of Latimers in Buckinghamshire, is un- certain. See George Sands, or Sandys. Lewis Bayly, A native of Caermarthen in Wales, and Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford; was Minister of Evesham in l6ll. In 1613 he became D. D. and being eminent as a preacher, he was successively made Chaplain to Prince Henry, Rec- tor of St. Matthew's, Friday-street, London, and lastly one of the Chaplains to James I. He was elected to the see of Bangor in l6l6. He wrote a book, in high esteem, en- titled "The Practice of Piety." He died October 6, 1631, and was buried at Bangor. Godwin de Praes, page 628. William Swaddon, or Swadon, Archdeacon of Worcester, 1610, Was of New College, Oxford ; he died Aug. 2, 1623, and was buried, as Wood supposes, in the north aisle of the Cathedral of Worcester, which adjoined to the parlour of the senior prebend. He was the author of Latin (funeral) Verses on the death of Queen Anne, wife of King James I. by which it appears he was Chaplain to her Majesty. Arthur Lake, Dean of Worcester, 1608, Brother to Sir Thos. Lake, Knight, Principal Secretary of State to King James. He was Fellow of New College, 97 Oxford, Master of St. Cross, Winchester, and Archdeacon of Surrey. In l6l6 he was made Bishop of Bath and Wells ; he Mas eminent for his learning, and esteemed one of the best textuarists of his time. He died lG'26. Whilst Dean of Worcester he accomplished what was designed by Dean Eede- — the redemption of the meadows. Henry Bright, Prebendary of Worcester, 1619, A Native of this city, was 40 years Master of the King's or College School of \Y orcester, and an excellent preacher ; he was educated at Baliol College, Oxon, and admitted M. A. Jan. 27, I08G. In his profession of schoolmaster he made it his business to delight, and, though in easy circum- stances, continued to teach for the sake of doing good, by benefitting the families of the neighbouring gentlemen, who thought themselves happy in having their sons educated by him. " For my own part (says Fuller, who has recorded his epitaph,) I behold this Master Bright placed by Divine Providence in this city in the Marches, that he might equally communicate the lustre of grammar learning to vouth both of England and Wales.'' " I have endeavoured (says Dr. Nash, in his Life of Butler,) to revive the memory of this great and good teacher, wishing to excite a laudable emula- tion in our provincial schoolmasters — a race of men who, if they execute their trust with abilities, industry, and in a proper manner, deserve the highest honour and patronage their country can bestow, as they have an opportunity of communicating learning at a moderate expense to the mid- dle ranks of gentry, without the danger of ruining their for- tunes, and corrupting their morals or their health." " The posterity of Bright (says Wood in his Fasti.) do now live in genteel fashion in Worcestershire." He was the proprietor of a considerable estate in the parish of Col- wall, county of Hereford, called Brockbury, which continues, we believe, at this time in his name and family. Bright died in 16<26, and was buried in the Cathedral of Worcester ; his epitaph was composed by Dr. Joseph Hall, then Dean of Worcester. o 98 Francis Hicks, or Hyckes, A Native of this county, was the son of Richard Hicks,, an arras weaver, of Barcheston, commonly called Barston, in Warwickshire ; he was born, 1566, at Tredington, in Worcestershire, and in 1579 entered of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, which he left, after taking his Bachelor's Degree, and appears to have lived the life of a country gentleman, relieving his agricultural pursuits by study. His favourite object was the Greek language. He died while on a visit to a relation at Sutton, in Gloucestershire, Jan. 9, 1630. His translation of Lucian was published by his son Thomas Hicks,* A. M. Chaplain of Christ Church, Oxford, in 1634, 4to. who also presented to the Library of that College MS. translations, by his father, of Thucydides and Herodian. The Life of Lucian and the notes were written by this son, who died young in 1634, and had been, as Wood says, esteemed a good poet and an excellent limner. See Wood's Athena?, vol. 2, p. 4Q0. John Charlet, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1607, Is, I presume, the same person who is mentioned as the Incumbent of Overbury in 16 15, and who also held the living of Norton, both in this county, in 1620. I find also in Nash, vol. 1, p. 24, " that in the year 1625 the Right Wor- shipful John Charlet, Doctor of Divinity, did procure of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester £5, for the pious use of making the wooden bridge and causey in Hawbridge Green, and the said sum was delivered to George Allen, Curate of Houlton, who therewith, and with 5s. 4d. of his own money, did make the same accordingly in the year 1625." The name of Chartlett or Charlet frequently occurs in the History of Worcestershire. Francis Chartlet, M. A. was a Prebendary of this Cathedral in 1627. In Aubrey's Letters, from the Bodleian Library, an entertaining account ' This translation was of certain select Dialogues of Lucian, with the life ■if Lucian prefixed. 99 is given of one Arthur Charlett, to whom, says this account, Queen Anne gave a stall in Worcester Cathedral, in 1713. This must be a mistake, as there is no such person as Arthur Charlett, nor any person of that surname, mentioned in the list of Prebendaries so late as the year 1713. Richard Thornton, D. D. Preb. of Worcester, lGll, Canon of Christ Church, admitted D. D. June, 1608, and dying Jan. 1, 1(314, was buried in the Cathedral of Christ Church, Oxon. William Bradsiiaw, M. A. Was bom 1571, at Market Bos worth, in Leicestershire, and received the early part of his education at Worcester Free School. He was afterwards admitted to Emanuel College, Cambridge, the master of which, Dr. Chaderton, procured him the situation of tutor to the children of Sir Thos. Leighton, and afterwards a Fellowship of Sydney Sus- sex College, then newly founded. He preached as a Lec- turer at Abingdon and at Steeple Morton, and in lGOl set- tled at Chatham. He was suspended by Bishop Whitgift, on his refusal to subscribe, but afterwards obtained permis- sion of Dr. Overton, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, to preach any w here in his diocese ; and at length coming to London was chosen Lecturer of Christ Church, Newgate Street. He was obliged to leave this city on his publishing a Treatise against the Ceremonies, and died while on a visit at Chelsea in l6l8. Bishop Hall and others have borne testi- mony to the sincerity of his professions and the simplicity of his character. He published several works relative to Nonconformity, &c. an account of which may be seen in his not uninteresting life, written by the Rev. Thos. Gataker, of Rotherhithe, and in Neale's History of the Puritans. Thomas Allen, Probably a Native of this county, was born in 1573, and was educated at the King's School at Worcester, from which 100 he was removed, in 1589, to Brazenose College, Oxford; he was elected Probationer Fellow of Merton College in [-5Q8, and afterwards went into orders. Instead of preach- ing he applied himself to the abstruse and critical parts of learning and philosophy, and became a noted disputant. This recommended him to the esteem of Sir Henry Saville, who represents him as a very learned man, and no less skil- led in the Greek learning than in Divinity, and by whose in- terest he obtained a Fellowship of Eton College in 1604. He assisted Sir Henry Saville in his elaborate History of St. Chrysostom, by contributing " Observationes in libellum Chrvsostomi in Esaiam :" he also assisted that Gentleman in his Annotations on that Father's Homilies on the Evan- gelists. He died Oct. 10, 1(538,* and was buried in Eton College Chapel. Allen was a benefactor, in books, to the Libraries of Brazenose and Merton Colleges. This Divine must be carefully distinguished from Thomas Allen of Trin- ity College, Oxon, his cotemporary, born at Uttoxeter. Robert Wakeman, D. D. A Native of this county, was the son of Thomas Wake- man, of Fliford Flavel, and born in 1576; he became a Student of Baliol College in the beginning of 1590, and was made Chaplain-Fellow thereof July 17, 1596, being- then B. A. ; about that time he entered into orders, and was at length made Reetor of Beer Ferres, and afterwards of Charl- ton in Devon, and took the degrees in Divinity. He was Prebendary of Exeter in 1616, and dying in Sept. 1629, was buried on the south of the chancel of the church at Beer Ferres, on the 19th, leaving behind him several children, who were all, in the beginning of the civil war, persuaded from their religion to that of Rome, by one Captain Rich. Read, as it was supposed, who was quartered in the house where they lived, and who married one of the Doctor's daughters ; they afterwards retired into Worcestershire, where, says Wood, they, or at least their issue, now live. * Or in 1636.— -Recs's Cyclopaedia. 101 Wakeman was the author of several sermons, the titles of which may be seen in A. Wood's Athena.', vol. 2, p. 471. John Hanmer, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1613, Was born in Shropshire 1576, was admitted Fellow of All Souls from that of Oriel in 1596, elected Bishop of St. Asaph 1623, and died at Pentrepant, near Oswestry, Shrop- shire, July 23, 1621). Christopher Helme, Chancellor of Worcester, 16 IS, Of Merton College, Oxford, was in 1607 Rector of Bre- don in Worcestershire. John Worfield, A benefactor to the city of Worcester, for an account of whose bounty* see Chambers's Worcester, p. 281. John Pride a ux, Bishop of Worcester, 1641, Was born at Stowford in the parish of Harford, near Ivy- bridge in Devonshire, Sept. 17, 1578, and was the fourth of seven sons of his father, who being in mean circumstances with so large a family, young Prideaux, after he had learned to write and read, having a good voice, stood candidate For the place of parish clerk of the church of Ugborow, near Harford. Mr. Price informs us that " he had a competitor for the office, who had made great interest in the parish for himself, and was likely to carry the place from him. The parishioners being divided in the matter did at length agree in this, being unwilling to disoblige either party, that the Lord's day following should be the day of trial; the one should tune the psalm in the forenoon, the other in the after- * The following Advertisement relating to the above is extracted from the Worcester Journal, May 4, 1748 : — " Notice is hereby given — That upon Ascension day next ensuing, proper persons will attend at the Town Hall in the city of Worcester, at three o'clock in the afternoon, for the examination of such Scholars as shall oflfer Iheirt- selves for the vacant exhibitions, in order to their being elected and admitted thereto, according to the will of the benefactor." 102 noon, and he that did best please the people should have the place ; which accordingly was done, and Prideaux lost it, to his very great grief and trouble. Upon which, after he be- came advanced to one of the first dignities of the church, he would frequently make this reflection, saying, ' If I could but have been Clerk of Ugborow, I had never been Bishop of Worcester.'" Disappointed in this office, a lady of the parish, mother of Sir Edmund Towel, maintained him at school till he had gained some knowledge of the Latin tongue, when he travel- led to Oxford, and at first lived in a very mean station in Exeter College, doing servile offices in the kitchen, and pro- secuting his studies at his leisure hours ; till at last he was taken notice of in the College, and admitted a Member of it in Act Term, 1596, under the tuition of Mr. William Helme, B. D. In 1615, after taking his degrees, he was made Regius Professor of Divinity, and consequently became Canon of Christ Church, and Rector of Ewelme in Oxfordshire, and afterwards discharged the office of Vice Chancellor of the University for several years. In the rectorship of his Col- lege he behaved himself in such a manner that it nourished more than any other in the University, more foreigners com- ma: thither for the benefit of his instruction than ever was known ; and in this situation he showed himself a stout champion against Socinus and Arminius, which being dis- relished by some who were then rising and in authority at Court, a faction thereupon grew up in the University be- tween those called Puritans, or Calvinists, on the one side, and the Remonstrants, commonly called Arminians, on the other ; which, with other matters of the like nature, being not only fomented in the University but throughout the na- tion, all things thereupon were thrown into confusion. He was appointed to Worcester through the recommend- ation of the Marquis of Hamilton, who had been one of his pupils ; but the Rebellion was at that time so far ad- vanced, that he received little or no profit from it, to his 103 great impoverishment : for, adhering stedfastly to his Ma- jesty's cause, and pronouncing all those of his diocese who took up arms against him excommunicate, he was plundered and reduced to such straits that he was obliged to sell his excellent library. Dr. Gauden said of him, " that he now became literally a helluo librorum, being obliged to turn his books into bread for his children." He seems to have borne this barbarous usage with patience, and even good humour. On one occasion, when a friend came to see him,, and asked him how he did ? he answered, " Never better in my life, only I have too great a stomach ; for I have eaten the little plate which the sequestrators left me ; I have eaten a great library of excellent books; I have eaten a great deal of linen, much of my brass, some of my pewter, and now I am come to eat my iron, and what will come next I know not." So great was his poverty about this time that he would have attended the Conference with the King, at the Isle of Wight, but could not afford the means of travelling, being only allowed 4s. 6d. a week for his support.* He died of a fever, at Bredon in Worcestershire, at the house of his son-in-law, Dr. Henry Sutton,f July 20, 1650, leaving to his children no legacy but " pious poverty, God's blessing, and a father's prayers," as appears from his last will and testament. His body was attended to the grave by persons of all ranks and degrees, and was interred in the chancel of the church at Bredon. He was extremely hum- ble, and kept part of the ragged clothes in which he came to Oxford in the same wardrobe where he lodged his rochet, in which he left that University. He was exemplary in his charity, and very agreeable in conversation. By his first wife, Mary, daughter of Dr. Taylor, burnt for * Yet we learn that Usher, driven from the Primacy of Ireland by the Puritans, resided about the year 16-15 in the house of his friend, Dr. Prideaux, Bishop of Worcester, where he occupied himself in preparing an edition of the Epistles of Barnabas and Ignatius, and generally preaching every Sabbath day in some of the churches. + Webb, according to Dr. Nash. 104 the Protestant religion in the reign of Queen Mary, he had five sons and two daughters, viz. Sarah, married to William Hodlges, Archdeacon of Worcester, and Rector of Ripple in Worcestershire ; and Elizabeth, married to Dr. Henry Sut- ton, Rector of Bredon in this county. He had for his se- cond wife, Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Reynal, of West Orwell in Devonshire, Knight. Cleveland the Poet wrote :m elegy upon his death. Dr. Prideaux was considered to be a man of deep learn- ing, and his works were very numerous in the Latin tongue ; he also wrote several sermons. See his epitaph in Bredon church, also his portrait in Nash's Worcestershire. Thomas, Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper, A Native of this county, was the eldest son of Thomas Coventry, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas. He was born at Croome D'Abitot in 1578, and at 14 years of age became a Gentleman Commoner in Baliol College, Oxford, when, having continued about three years, he was removed to the Inner Temple, in order to pursue his father's steps in the study of the common law. In 16 16 he was riiosen Autumn Reader of that Society, on the 1 7th Nov. the same year appointed Recorder of the City of London, and on the 14th of March following Solicitor General, and received the honour of knighthood two days after at Theo- balds. Jan. 14, 16'20 — 1, he was made Attorney General, and thence advanced to the office of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, by King Charles I. on the 1st Nov. l()25 \ and on the 10th April, 1628, dignified with the de- gree of a Baron of this realm, by the title of Baron Coventry, of Ailesborough. lie died at Durham House, in the Strand, on the 14th Jan. 1639 — 40, and was interred in the church of Croome D'Abitot on the 1st of March following, after he had con- tinued in his post of Lord Keeper, with an universal repu- tation for his exact administration of justice, for the space of about 16 years, which was another important circumstance 105 of his felicity, that great office being of a tenure so precarious that no man had died in it before for near the space of 40 years ; nor had his successors for some time after him, much better fortune. See his character at length in Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, and a list of his works in the seve- ral Biographical Dictionaries. Echard relates, that Lord Coventry sent the following request to King Charles I. when upon his death-bed—" That his Majesty would take all distastes from the Parliament, summoned against next April, 1639, with patience, and suiter it to sit without an unkind resolution." The celebrated Lady Pakington was a daughter of the Lord Keeper Coventry. John Wilde, or Wyld, A Native of this county, was the eldest son of a lawyer, as his father is said to have been, Serjeant George Wilde, of Droitwich, in Worcestershire. He was of Baliol College, Oxford, and in 1610, when he took his degree of M. A. was a Student in the Inner Temple ; of this society he became Lent Reader, 6 Car. 1, afterwards a Serjeant at Law, one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal in 1643, and in Octo- ber 1648, Chief Baron of the Exchequer and one of the Council of State.* In 1641 he drew up the impeachment against the Bishops and presented it to the House of Lords, and was prime manager not only in that, but on the trial of Archbishop Laud. " He was the same also," says Wood, " who, upon the command, or rather desire, of the great men sitting at Westminster, did condemn to death, at Winchester, one Captain John Burley, for causing a drum to be beat up for God and King Charles, at Newport in the Isle of Wight, in order to rescue his captive King, in 1647." Wood adds, that after the execution of Burley, Wilde was rewarded with .£1000. out of the privy purse at Derby House, and had the * " That on many of the Parliament side doubting their right to make a new Seal, the King being in possession of the proper one at Oxford, Serjeant Wilde had, with much confidence, averred their legal power to make a Seal, which was at length done." — Clarendon. P 106 same sum for saving the life of Major Edmund Rolph, who had a design to have murdered the King. When Oliver be- came Protector, "he retired and acted not ;" but after Rich. Cromwell had been deposed, he was restored to the Exche- quer. On the Restoration he was, of course, obliged to re- sign again, and lived in retirement at Hampstead, where he died about 1669, and was buried at Wherwill in Hampshire, the seat of Charles, Lord de la Ware, who had married his daughter. Wdde married Anne, daughter of Sir Thomas Harry, of Tonge Castle, Serjeant at Law and Baronet, who died in 1624, aged only 16, being newly delivered of her first-born. She lies buried in Tonge Church, in Staffordshire. Such are the particulars Wood has given of this Lawyer, and they are in general supported by Clarendon and other coternporary authorities, and attempted to be contradicted only by Oldmixon and Neal. Oldmixon's evidence will not be thought to weigh much against Clarendon's. Neal calls him "a great lawyer, and of unblemished morals; and after the restoration of King Charles II. was made Lord Chief Baron, and esteemed a grave and venerable Judge." But it is grossly improbable that such a man should have been thus promoted, and it is besides expressly contrary to fact; for Sir Orlando Bridgeman was Chief Baron at the trial of the Regicides, and was succeeded by Judge Hale : it was the Rump Parliament only who bestowed the honour on Wilde. Neale perhaps, we know others have, confound- ed his favourite hero Serjeant Wilde, which was his only legitimate title, with Sir Win, Wild, who was Recorder of London in 1659, created a Baronet Sept. 13, 1660, and who ■was a Justice of the Common Pleas, afterwards of the King's Bench, and author of Yelverton's Reports, and who died Nov. 23, 1679-* * " Chief Baron Wilde was very laborious in the service of the Parliament, and stiff for them, and had sustained great loss and hatred by adhering to them in all matters. He was learned in his profession, but of more reading than depth of judgment ; and I never heard of any injustice or incivility of him. The Parliament made him Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, which place 107 Nathaniel Giles, A Native of this county, was a Musician, and as noted for his religious life and conversation (a rarity, saith Wood, in musicians,) as for the excellent faculty, was bom in or near to this city. He was one of the Organists at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and Master of the boys there ; was famous for his composition of Divine Hymns and Anthems, the words of some of which are to be met with in a book enti- tled, Divine Services, or Anthems sung in the Cathedrals and Collegiate Choirs in the Church of England ; published by James Clifford, 1663. He was a Bachelor of Music, and licensed to proceed in that faculty. On July 5, 1622, he was made Doctor of Music. In 1607 he supplicated the venerable Congregation of Regents to be admitted Doc- tor, which desire of his was granted conditionally, that he compose a choral Hymn of eight parts, to be publicly sung in the Act in which he should proceed. " But for what rea- son (says Wood) he did not perform that obligation, I can- not justly say : sure I am that in the Act this year, wherein he proceeded, were certain questions appointed to be dis- cussed between him and Dr. Heather, which being pro forma only and not customarily to be done, were omitted. The questions were — 1. Whether discords may be allowed in music ? — Affirm. 2. Whether any artificial instrument can so fully and truly express music as the natural voice? — Negat. 3. Whether the practice be the more useful part of music or theory? — Affirm." Dr. Giles died about 163.5, and was buried in one of the aisles adjoining St. George's Chapel. he executed with diligence and justice; yet upon the alteration made by Cromwell, when he assumed the Protectorship, on the nomination of officers he left out Serjeant Wilde from being Chief Baron or any other employment — an usual reward in those times for the best services. He intreated me to move the Protector in his behalf, which I did, but to no effect ; the Protector having a dislike of the Serjeant, but the ground thereof I could not learn." — Whitlock's Journey to the Swedish Embassy, vol. ii, p. 408. There is a letter of Oliver Cromwell to Wilde and Lechmere, and the rest of the Judges in Worcestershire, ordering them to break up all dangerous meetings, &c. in " Epistolatory Curiosities," Series 1, p. 51. 108 William Juxon, D-D. Dean of Worcester, 1627, ami Bishop of Hereford, 1633, Was the son of Richard Juxon, of Chichester, born in 1 582, and educated upon the foundation of Merchant Tailors' School, and elected a Fellow of St. John's College, Oxford, in 1598. The constancy with which he accompanied his Master, from the commencement of his troubles to his death on the block, is highly indicative of his courage and good- ness of heart. Great mysteries were supposed, by the Regi- cides, to be concealed by the word " Remember," which Charles uttered earnestly to Juxon before his execution, but which, the good Bishop declared, was only a hint that the King's son should not revenge the injuries of his lather. He accompanied the King's body to Windsor, but was not permitted to read the funeral service over it ; such was the vindictive spirit with which Charles was pursued by the Puritans — men pretending to greater righteousness than their fellows. Bishop Juxon died of the stone, June 4, 1663. He wrote The Subjects' Sorrow, &c on the death of Charles, &c. George Stinton, A Native of this city, where he was educated in gram- mar learning. He was the eldest son of an Escmire, and after he had taken the degree of M. A. 1622, he became Vicar of Claines, in the Bishop of Worcester's gift, and Rector of Spetchley. He published a sermon, preached in the Cathedral of Worcester in the time of the pestilence, on 1 Kings, viii, 37, 38, 39, Oxon, and others, for the press. He died at Spetchley about 1654, and was buried in the church there. He left behind him several sermons in MS. Sir Robert Berkeley, A Native of this city, was born in the parish of Saint Martin, hi 1584, and was the second son of Rowland Berkeley, Esq. of Spetchley,* where his descendants yet ' Purchased by Mr. It, Berkeley, who settled it on bis son Judge Berkeley. 109 live. In the l'2th James I. 1602, he served the office of High Sheriff for this county ; and in the 3d Charles I. was made King's Serjeant, and in the 8th of the same reign, namely, Oct. 11, 1632, a Justice of the Court of King's Bench- While in this office, he, with eleven of his brethren, gave his opinion in favour of the ship-money ; and if we may judge, (continues Grainger,) from the tenor of his conduct in pri- vate life, as well as upon the Bench — from honest motives; but as he had been active upon other occasions in what he seems to have thought his duty, and was a man of fortune, he was singled out by the Parliament as a proper object of their vengeance.* At the seige of Worcester, Cromwell took up his quarters at Judge Berkeley's, who had been impeached of high treason, and adjudged to pay a fine of £20,000, to be deprived of his office of Judge, and rendered incapable of holding any place or receiving any honour in the State or Commonwealth ; he was also to be imprisoned in the Tower during the pleasure of the House of Lords. Having made some " satisfaction" for his fine to the Parliament, he was, by their authority, discharged from the whole and set at liberty, after he had been upwards of seven months in the Tower. But he after- wards suffered greatly by the plunderings and exactions of the Rebels ; and a little before the battle of Worcester, the Presbyterians, though engaged in the King's service, re- tained their ancient animosity against him, and burnt his house at Spetchley to the ground. He afterwards converted the stables into a dwelling-house, and lived with content, and even dignity, upon the wreck of his fortune. Part of his defence of the charge of high treason, &c. in MS. by Sir Robert, is now in the possession of his great- grandson, Mr. Robert Berkeley, the fust half of which is * " Judge Berkeley was yesterday att ye bar in ye Vpper House, and there heard his charge read, to which he pleaded not guilty, and made prudent answeare; whereupon tyme is given him till Tuesday next to produce wit- nesses concerning soe much of his charge as reletes to misdemeanours." — Sir Ed. Nicholas to Charles I. Oct. 1641. 110 torn off and lost. It is said to be, as may be imagined, far from a despicable performance, both in style and argument. The persecution he underwent was not all owing to his resolution in regard to ship-money, but probably full as much to his zeal for the religious as well as for the civil establishment — too much zeal both in religion and politics is the greatest crime which his enemies accuse him of: for nothing can be more unjust than to expect from a Judge of Kino; Charles the First's time the sentiments that would suit one m these days. The Judge was then a servant of the King and received his wages ; and Archbishop Laud, in his letters to Sir Robert Berkeley, seems to have considered them as servants of an inferior rank. Custom and the prac- tice of the Courts were considered as equal to Acts of Par- liament, and unles they clashed with the Prerogative they were reckoned indisputable authority : now the five pre- ceding reigns and the latter part of the sixth had admitted no bounds to the Prerogative, so that was become Law in the Courts from long usage. Every man is to be tried, not by the opinions of our days, but by the pule hrum and bonum of his own times. But civil liberty was only a secondary consideration with the patriots of those days ; the primary grand object was the establishment of the wildest system of fanaticism that ever disturbed a distempered brain — a motive he was not only exempt from, but thought himself bound strenuously to withstand, from his pre-engagement to Epis- copacy, the religion as by law established. Judge Berkeley married Elizabeth, daugher and co-heiress of Thomas Conyers, Esq. of East Baraet, Herts. The old people in the neighbourhood of Spetchley are fond of re- lating; a ridiculous anecdote thev received from their fathers : — Sir Robert called at Spetchley as he went the circuit, and going to see some repairs at Perry Mill, a tiler just over his head, talking to his man, said, " Well Tunnnas, for a wise man my Lord Judge talks the most like an oaf I ever heard a man in my life." " Why so, John?" says the Judge : after some encouragement, John told him it was, because he had in- Ill sisted his perry should be ground first in the new perry-mill, for that the new wood would spoil the first perry. " Well John, (said the Judge,) I own you understand making of perry better than I do, but remember you must not call your neighbour a fool ; I know the law better than you do, and if you want advice come to me, and I will give it you in re- turn for your's, which I intend to follow." According to the inscription to be seen on his monument, he died Aug. 5, l656, # aged 72, and lies buried under a handsome monument in a chancel which he had built to the parish church of Spetchley, He left one son, Thomas, who having fled abroad to avoid the persecutions the Cavaliers underwent after the destruction of the King's affairs, in imi- tation of his Royal Master, embraced the communion of the Church of Rome, at Brussels, where he married a lady of the same persuasion ; a step that seems to have given his father more mortification than all the prosecutions and mis- fortunes he had hitherto undergone. So that though he had drunk so deep of the bitter cup of persecution, he could not refrain from presenting it to his son, but was at last recon- ciled by the great good qualities of his daughter-in-law Ann, daughter of Win. Darrell, Esq. of Scotney, Kent. Perhaps his daughter marrying a Mr. Barton, the son of one of the Judges that condemned Charles I. might have contributed to that reconciliation. However, in his will he seems ex- ceedingly solicitous to remedy in his posterity the step he so much disapproved of in his son. Habington the elder, from whom Dr. Nash has extracted his account of the Berkeleys, ends his encomium on the Judge in the following manner : — " Let my withered age never behold him declining, but when his sunne must, by revolution of time, be set, I hope that, leaving behind him an odor of good fame, he will in the end obtain a day of * Dr. Nash is then mistaken, when at p. 359, vol. 2, he says, " he died in 1692," as in that case he would have been 108 ; and this error has been copied by Green, at p. 69, vol. 2, of his History. 112 eternal light." See the monuments of the Berkeley, and a portrait of the Judge, in Nash, article Spetchley, &c. This pious and charitable man founded an Hospital in Worcester, for the maintenance of 12 poor men ; it is a handsome building, embellished with a sculptured portrait ot the founder,* a whole length, with drapery. He also gave 23 timber trees towards the new-building of the north aisle of St. Martin's Church, l6l6, and was also at the charge of above £100 in mending and increasing the ring of bells, 1640 ; at which time he caused a new treble and a new te- nor to be made and placed in .his church, which said tenor he appointed to be rung at certain times and to be called Berkeley's Bell. He also gave a rent-charge of inheritance of £5 and 10s. per annum, to be received by the churchwardens of this parish and distributed as followeth, viz. — upon every Easter Tuesday for ever, 37 shillings to 37 poor persons of this parish, 20s. to a preacher of a sermon in this church on the forenoon of the said day, and 3s. to the bell-ringers ; which sums, amounting to £3 per annum, he appointed for a commemoration of God's blessing upon his father and mother, who were married in Easter week and lived man and wife above 37 years : and upon every St. James's Day for ever, 20s. to 20 poor persons of this parish, 20s. to a preacher of a sermon in this church on the forenoon of the said day, 3s. 4d. to the bell-ringers, and 6s. 8d. to the churchwardens for bell-ropes ; which sums amounting to £2. 10s. per an- num, the said Sir Robert Berkeley gave to this parish, in token of his humble thankfulness to Almighty God for his great mercies and goodness to him ever since the time of his birth, which was on the day after St. James the Apostle's Day. His portrait has been engraved by Hollar and Powle, and by some other person, an impression of which was sold at Mr. West's sale. Hollar's print exactly resembles the ex- * This portrait of the founder was not, we presume, put up till long after the decease of Judge Berkeley, as the figure is executed in the costume of the period of Queen Anne's reign, and not of that of James 2d. 113 cellent figure of Sir Robert in marble that lies upon his tomb, which Abingdon says is one of the best he ever saw ; it was copied from a cast in plaster taken from his face after his death.* HfizEKiAHf Woodward, A Native of this county, was the youngest son of nine children. After he had spent six years in a grammar school he was sent to Oxon in the beginning of 1608, and settled in Baliol College, where he took a degree in Arts the latter end of the year l6ll. Afterwards he retired to London, taught school there several years, and was esteemed eminent in his profession ; but, having been always puritanically af- fected, he sided with the Presbyterians, upon the change of the times in 164 1 , and was a great zealot and frequent preacher among them, either at St. Mary's in Aldermanbury or near it. Afterwards he took the Covenant, and shewed the use and necessity of it in his discourse and preachings ; but soon after, when he saw the Independents and other factious people gaining the ascendancy, he became one of them, and not unknown to Oliver Cromwell, who having quartered more than a year in the vicarage-house at Bray, near Maidenhead, Berks, during the time of the civil wars, (in which time he * ''The pictures, for we have two of them, (portraits of Sir Robt. Berkeley) one common three-qnarter size, the other much less, have been in the family ever since Sir Robert's time. My grandfather, who was most of his life the younger brother, had one of them, the other came to him at the death of his elder brother Robert, and was the only one left him of any value, the rest, as well family as other pictures, were taken away by his widow, who after- wards married Bishop Burnet. At the sale of the Bishop's pictures, my uncle, Mr. John Berkeley, was wrote to and offered the purchase of his fa- mily pictures, but he being dangerously ill at the time, it was neglected. Mr. Powle (an ariist) could discover no painter's name or mark. — The larger one is in excellent preservation, and Mr. Powle thinks it an original ; the smaller is very much damaged, and I am going to send it to him to be repaired ; they are both in oil and seem to be of the same hand. 1 should think Hollar's print taken from one of them, the very plaits in the robes are the same." — Vide Mr. Berkeley's Letter to Mr. Grainger, at p. 217, of Letters, &c. t Called by C.tlamy, in his History of Ejected Ministers, " Thonuu." O 114 had an opportunity to ascertain that the parish was very larse, beins: a whole hundred of itself,) he sent his favourite Woodward about U)49, who was then his chaplain, under the notion of doing some eminent good to that great place. Here Woodward continued 10 vears or more. Wood seems to be particularly anxious to stamp his cha- racter as a violent man and a great fanatic, in strong terms, and says, it was reported that he wrote a book against the Lord's Prayer, &,c. Stc. On his Majesty's restoration he left Bray, to prevent ejection, and retired to Uxbridge, Middle- sex, where he died March 29, 1675, aged 87 or thereabouts ; his body was carried to Eaton, near Windsor, and buried in the church-yard there near his wife's remains. He wrote — Gate to Sciences. The Child's Patrimony, Sic. in 2 parts. Vestibulum, &c. printed vuth the Child's Patrimony. The Church's Thanksgiving, &c. 1G42. The Covenant Cleared. Three Kingdoms made One by the Covenant. Cause, Use, and Cure of Fear, &c. The King's Chronicle, &c. written, says A. Wood, purposely to point out the bad actions of his Majesty. The Sons' Patrimony and Daughters' Portion. Inquiries into the Cause of our Miseries, &c. Short Letter on the Antipologia. Lord's Day, the Saint's Holy Day. Christmas an Idol Day. A just Account in Truth to Fellow Helpers why they must open themselves to the view of the World, &c. Appeal to the Churches of Christ, &e. &c. Conference of some Chris- tians, &c. Infant Baptism — an Inoffensive Answer to re- move Offences. See the whole of these abbreviated titles of his works in Wood's Alhenae, vol 3, p. 1034. He wrote other things, which Wood never saw, and had many things in MS. ready for publication at the time of his death. Joseph Hall, D. D. Dean of Worcester, l6l6. This Prelate, justly called the Christian Seneca, from his sententious manner of writing, was promoted from the dean- ery of Worcester to the see of Exeter in 1627- He was oue of the Divines sent by James I. to the Synod of Dort, 115 before which he preached an excellent sermon. In his younger years he composed a Book of Satires, and was the first writer in that kind of our English Poets. Mr. Pope has been known, in conversation, to say high things of his performances. His works, not including his Satires, were printed in 5 vols, folio : the last mentioned work, first pub- lished in 1597, was reprinted in 8vo. 1753. A beautiful little tract of his, entitled, " Henochismus sive Tractatus de Mode ambulandi cum Deo," was printed at Oxford, 1762; tliis alone may serve as a specimen of his genius and piety. His works have been lately collected in a very handsome, correct, and well-arranged edition, by the Rev. Josiah Pratt, in 10 vols. Svo. Bishop Hall was bom July 1, 1574, in Bristow Park, within the parish of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire : according to Aubrey he was a keeper's son, near Norwich, lie removed to Cambridge, at the age of 15, to Emanuel College, M. A. 1596, a Prebendary of Wolverhampton, and translated to the see of Norwich in 1641 ; when he was im- prisoned in the Tower, with the twelve other Bishops prose- cuted by the Parliament. He died Sept. 8, 1656. For a further account of Bishop Hall, see life by himself, in his Specialities, and Biog. Johnson's and Chalmer's English Poets, 1810; Warton's History of Poetry, and Wood's Fasti, p. 208. Aubrey says, he wrote most of his fine dis- courses at Worcester. Samuel Smith, A Native of this county, was born at or near Dudley in 1588, and was of his time one of the most popular writers of pious tracts, whose works are still in vogue. He was the son of a clergyman, and studied for some time at St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, but left the University without taking a degree, and became beneficed at Prittlewell in Essex, and after- wards, as Wood says, in his own county ; but, according to Calamy, he had the perpetual curacy of Cressedge and Cound in Shropshire. On the breaking out of the Rebellion 116 he came to London, sided with the Presbyterians, and be- came a frequent and popular preacher. On his return to the country he was appointed an Assistant to the Commis- sioners for the ejection of those they were pleased to term " scandalous and ignorant ministers and school-masters." At the Restoration he was ejected from Cressedge, but nei- ther Wood nor Calamy have ascertained when he died. — The former says "he was living, an aged man, near Dudlev, in 1663." His works are — 1. David's blessed Man; or a short Ex- position upon the first Psalm ; Lond. 8vo. of which the 15th ed. in 12mo. was printed in 1686. 2. The great Assize, or the Day of Jubilee, 12mo. which, before 1684, went through 31 editions, and was often re-printed in the last century. 3. A Fold for Christ's Sheep ; printed 32 times. 4. The Christian's Guide ; of which there were numerous editions. He published some other tracts and sermons, which also had a very numerous class of readers. Samuel Fell, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1628, Was in 1638, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, but ejected in 1647 ; when, after suffering for his zeal in preserving the statutes and liberties of the University, (see Chambers's His- tory of Worcester, p, 224,) he retired to his rectory at Sun- ningwell, near Abingdon, Bucks, where he died 1648 — 9, on being made acquainted with the death of King Charles I. He must not be confounded with Bishop John Fell, who, according to Evelyn's Diary, Feb. 24, 1665, "preached be- fore the King a very formal discourse, and in blank verse, according to his manner — however, he is a good man." George Benson, D. D. Born of a genteel family in Westmoreland ; was of Queen's College, and admitted D. D. July 8, 1607. He was, about this time, Canon Residentiary of Hereford, and Parson of Rock in Worcestershire ; Author of a sermon, at Paul's Cross, on Hosea vii, 7—12, Lond. 1609, and perhaps of 117 other things. He was Fellow of Queen's College, Proctor of the University, and died about 1647. See Lindndge in Nash. John Nash, A Native, I presume, of Droitwich in this county; an Alderman and a benefactor to the city of Worcester ; was born in 1590, and was the son of James Nash, of St. Peters, Droitwich. For an account of his several bequests see Chambers's Worcester, page 286. He was buried in St. Helen's Church, May 22, 1662. There is a portrait of Alderman Nash engraved in Dr. Nash's History of Worces- ter, the original picture of which is in the possession of the present Lord Somers, at Eastnor Castle. The late residence of Alderman Nash, as far as regards its exterior, is still to be seen in New Street near the end of the Garden Market. Christopher White, A Native of this county ; was, says A.Wood, "elected a Student of Christ Church about 1606, took his Degree in Arts, and became a preacher. In 1622 he became 13. D. ; in 1620 he was admitted to the reading of the Sentences, about which time he was Rector of Letly, in Hampshire. He died about February 1636 — 7, and was buried in the chancel of his church at Letly. White was the author of several sermons, a good and edifying preacher, a charitable man, and a loving neighbour." Christopher Potter, Dean of Worcester, 1636, Nephew of Barnabas Potter, the celebrated Divine, was bom in Kendal, Westmoreland, about 1591, Clerk of Queen's College, Oxford, 1606, B. A. 1610, and M. A. 1613, and the same year was chosen Chaplain of the College, and after- wards Fellow, at which time he joined the Puritans ; before he was promoted to the deanery of Worcester, in 1635, he had received a promise of a canonry of Windsor, which he never enjoyed. In 1640, inclining to the Court party, he 118 was made Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, in the execution of which office he met with some trouble from the Members of the Long Parliament; and while he was Dean of Worcester he was a Commissioner in one of the many mock treaties offered by them to King Charles, to argue in favour of Episcopacy.* Upon breaking out of the civil wars he sent all his plate to the King, and declared that he would rather, like Diogenes, drink in the hollow of his hand, than that his Majesty should want; and he afterwards suffered much for the royal cause. In consideration of this he was nominated to the deanery of Durham, in January, 1645—6, but was prevented from be- ing installed by his death, which happened at his college March 3d following, and was interred in his chapel there. He translated Father Paul's History of the Quarrels of the Pope with the State of Venice, and left several manuscripts and tracts. Thomas White, alias Woodhop, A Native of this county, was born at Beoley. He wa3 a Benedictine Monk, and the author of a Latin MS. men- tioned by A. Wood as being in his possession, " which con- tained the obits and characters of many eminent Benedic- tines." White spent several years in the Sheldonian family at Beoly ; he at length retired to Douay, in the time of the civil war, was chosen Prior of the College of English Bene- dictines, and died there of the plague in l6o4. » Sir William Russell. This distinguished Patriot was of a family which came orio-inally out of Normandy, and flourished at Strensham, * It appears from Clarendon, vol. 4, p. 588, that in this dispute the Creed and Ten Commandments had been entirely rejected by the Parliament by 8 or 9 votes, and even the Lord's Prayer was only mentioned once. This leems rather singular from a party who wished to obtain a greater reputation for religion than their opponents. Potter's book against Knot, the Jesuit, produced Chillingworth's " Religion of the Protestants." 119 in this county for 400 years. He was the son of Sir Thos, Russell, and though of a Worcestershire family, I have not been able to find whether he was actually born in the county. He chiefly resided in this city, and in 1643 he was High Sheriff of Worcestershire, and also Governor of the city. During the civil wars he was a zealous champion of the Royal cause, and was the first to oppose the entrance of the Par- liamentary army into Worcester, for which he was presented with the freedom of the city, as also for " his otherwise good intentions." He also spent great part of his fortune in the King's service, notwithstanding which when the order of the Roval Oak was intended to have been instituted, his estate was only valued at £3000 a-year. In the propositions offered by Mr. Henry Washington, Governor of Worcester, for the surrender of the town to Mr. Edward Whalley, Commander of the Parliamentary forces, who lay at Mr. Fleet's of Hollow, in the year 1(546, the 31st article was, that the several garrisons of Worcester, Evesham, Strensham, Hartlebury, and Madreslield, should be disgarrisoned, and the Bishop of Worcester, Sir William Russell, and Col. Lygon, be restored to the possession of their houses and estates. In the treaty negotiated soon after concerning the surrender of Worcester, between Mr. Wash- ington and Major-Gen. Raynesborough, it was insisted up- on by the latter, that Sir Win. Russell* should be exempted from the benefit of the treaty ; this caused a long delay, and Sir William was pressed to escape in disguise, which he re- fused, saying, he would willingly surrender himself for the public good, he had but a life to lose, and it could not be better spent. Upon his resolute refusal to escape, or stop the treaty any longer, the noblemen and gentlemen, think- ing themselves bound in honour, signed a letter to Sir Thos. * The besiegers, in their abuse of the Royal army, called bis soldiers Russell Apes, &c. &c. " In a Chamber Meeting, held on July 18, 16-13, a certificate was agreed to be presented to the King, expressive of the confidence of the Mayor and Corporation in the courage and good intentions of Sir William." 120 Fairfax desiring that Sir Wm. Russell* might have the bene- fit of the treaty, and that he could not by any other means so much oblige the county. Sir Thomas replied, that Sir Wm. Russell should be used as a gentleman, and be prisoner to Major-Gen. Raynesborough. Notwithstanding this, we tind in the " Perfect Diurnal," 1646, that the House, upon special information, ordered that the late Bishop of Worces- ter, (Prideaux), Sir Wm. Russell, and the late Mayor, shall be sent up in safe custody to answer such things as shall be against them objected." He afterwards compounded with the Parliament's Committee for £ 1,800, and £50 a-year settled on his estate. He died Nov. 30, 1669- A very good portrait of Sir William, by Vandyke, is in the possession of Thomas Blayney, Esq. Evesham. Thomas Bushell, A Native of this county, was born of and descended from a genteel family of his name living at Cleeve Prior, and received some education in Oxon, particularly, Wood con- ceives, in Baliol College ; being fond of the study of philo- sophy and natural history, he was taken into the service of Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Albans, before whom, when Lord Chancellor, he bore the Great Seal, from which he gained much pecuniary advantage, but much more by the generosity of his master, who was as an indulgent father to him. After the declension of that Noble Lord, (continues A. Wood) Busliell travelled beyond seas to satify his curi- osity in many matters of nature, and at his return, his genius being much advanced by his travels, especially upon his se- rious reading of his master's Philosophical Theory of Mineral Proseci(ti<»is or Discoveries, (which, as it is confessed, did lighl the first candle to his future discoveries,) he followed the direction of it as having always been inclined to search out hidden matters and the secrets of nature, and followed an inclination for the study of mineralogy. The first emi- * See a particular account of this negociation in Dr. Nash's Appendix to his History, p. cv. 121 nent discovery that he made -was at Enston, Oxfordshire, where, or near that place, he had land, and used often in the summer season to retire: at length, according to Dr. Plott,* cleansing a certain spring called Goldwell, then overgrown with briars, &c. to place a cistern for his own use, he disco- vered a rock so wonderfully ordered by nature as to make it worthy of being assisted by art ; whereupon he made cis- terns, and laid divers pipes between the rocks, and built a house over them, containing one fair room for banquetting, and several other small closets for divers uses besides the rooms above, which, when finished in 1636, together with the rock, grove, walks, and all other purposes, done in the com- pass of a year, were all on the 23d of August presented by him to Queen Henrietta Maria, who in company with her Royal Consort King Charles I. was graciously pleased to honour the rock not only with her royal presence but com- manded the same to be called ' Henrietta.' At the same time (Aug. 23, 1636) as they were entering the house en- closing the rock, there arose a hermit out of the ground and entertained them with a speech in verse, beginning thus — ' With bended knees thus humbly do I pray,' &c. which be- ing concluded to their content, he did return to his humble grave, his peaceful urn. Then was the rock presented by Mr. Bushel] in a sonnet by another person, (answered by an echo) beginning thus, ' I charge thee answer me to what I ask,' &.c. After that was done a banquet was presented to them, with a sonnet sung within the pillar of the table, beginning thus, ' Come away blest souls, no more,' &,c. and in conclusion a sonnet was sung to the King and Queen with this beginning, ' Hark, hark ! how the stones in the rock,' Sec. " All which sonnets (saith A. Wood) had music composed to them by that admirable musician, Sim Ive, whom, if I mistake not, was the same Sim Ive who died in the beginning of 1662." " Soon after this, Bushell became Farmer of his Majesty's ' In Plott's Oxfordshire is an engraving of the Reck at Enstone. R 122 Minerals in the Principality of Wales. The chief stage of his action there was Cardiganshire ; but what he did there, or was to do there, some construed to be but the ideas of a fantastical brain. He began with a cheerful heart to cut through five mountains at their lowest level, some of which were 60, some 80, and some 100 fathoms perpendicular ; and, as it appears in a certificate under the miners' hands, which was presented to the Lords and others of his Majes- ty's Privy Council, viz. that the said Mr. Bushell, at his in- estimable charge, having cut 600 fathoms through the rock at the lowest levels N. and S. for discovering the lost vein at Cumsum Lock, lying E. and W. ; 200 fathoms through the Mountain of Tallybout, at 60 fathoms perpendicular ; three several addits at Koginean, one above another, GO and 30 fathoms centre ; another at Bryn Lloyd, 50 fathoms in length and 30 fathoms centre ; working day and night for the draining of the water, which formerly in the time of Smith and Sir Hugh Middleton in their workings of mines- royal was never used, they only working upon the super- fices of the earth, the works being drowned with water be- fore they could sink to the best of the vein, and so the charge exceeded the benefit," , Bishop of Oxford before the Usurpation, and one of the few prelates who lived to be re-established in their former sees. lie was born in Northamptonshire, and educated at Trinity College, Oxford, where he became an eminent tutor, conse- crated the fust Bishop for the see of Bristol, [636, and in 1641 removed to that of Oxford. He joined with eleven of his brethren in a protest against the proceedings of the Parliament, for which they were all arraigned of high treason, and ten of them committed to the Tower. He was confined there seventeen months, when his sufferings taught him to temporize, for when deprived of his bishopric, he complied with the new ordinances so far as to preserve his rectory of Launton, in Oxfordshire, till episcopacy itself was restored. He died 1(370, aged SO, and was buried in Worcester Cathedra}.. John Vaughan, Was born in Cardiganshire, September 14, 1608, and educated at Worcester School, (Query, the College), whence he entered Christ Church, Oxford, in 1623. He made such a figure in the law as caused him to be returned to the Par- liament of 1640, as Member for the town of Cardigan. It is said that he was in his heart an enemy to monarchy, but he never engaged in open hostility to Charles I. In 1668, his Majesty Charles II. conferred the honour of knighthood upon him, and he was also sworn Serjeant at Law, and the day following, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. He died Dec. 10, 1674, and was buried in the Temple Church, near the grave of his friend Selden, who had apr 156 pointed him one of his executors, and whose friendship Tor jiim is recorded on Sir John Vaughan's monument.* William Stampe, D.D. A Native of this county ; for he is presumed by Dr. Nash to have been born in the parish of St. John's, Bed- wardine; his mother was of Clent, and resided at St. John's. The Rev. biographer had a picture of Dr. Stampe in his pos- session, of whom he was a distant relation ; he also possessed many letters written to his (Stampe's) mother at St. John's, from different parts of Europe. Wood however says that Dr. S. was the son of Timothy Stampe, of Brewern Abbey, near Chipping Norton, Oxon, Gent, and that he was born in that county in 1610. He was entered a student in Pembroke College, Oxford, in the beginning of 1626, and was after- wards made fellow of that house. He proceeded in arts, entered into holy orders, and exercised the functions of his profession in St, Aldate's church, joining to his college, in 16'37, Some time before the Rebellion broke out he was presented by the Right Hon. Thomas Cleaveland, Baron of Nettlestead, Lord Wentworth, to the living of Stepney, near London, where he was much resorted to by persons of orthodox principles, for his edifying way of preaching, but from which he was ejected during the civil wars, and Hed to save his life. At that time Oxford being the chief place of refuge for men of his condition, he made shift to get there about the beginning of 1G43, and his case being made known to the King then there, this order following was written by Lord Falkland, his Secretary, to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, that he have the degree of D.D, conferred on him;— * Lord Clarendon says he was in truth a man of great parts of nattire, and very well adorned by arts and books ; but he was of so magisterial and sin percillious a humour, so prqud and insolent a behaviour, that all Mr. Sejden's instructions, and authority, and example, could not file ofl' that roughness of bis nature, so as to make him grateful, 157 " The King's Majesty taking into his princely consideration the great suf- ferings of William Stampe, who hath not only undergone a long and hard im- prisonment of thirty-four weeks, but also is now outed of a very good living, and all this for preaching loyalty and obedience to a disaffected congregation, to the extreme hazard of his life, His Majesty, being willing to repair these his sufferings, and to encourage his known abilities, (for which by special fa- vour and grace he is sworn Chaplain to his dearest Son the Prince), hath commanded me to signify to you, that you forthwith confer upon him the de- gree of D. D. &c." o In obedience to which order he was actually created doctor of that faculty in July the same year. Afterwards upon the declining of the King and his party, he followed the Prince beyond the seas, was afterwards made Chaplain to the unfortunate Queen of Bohemia, daughter of James I. and following her fortunes, became a frequent preacher among the Protestants at Charenton, near to Paris. About the year 1650, he published a treatise of " Spi- ritual Infatuation, being the present disease of the English nation, delivered in several sermons at the Hague, in Hol- land, by William Stampe, D.D. the imprisoned, plundered, exiled Minister of God's Word, at Stepney, near London, with an epistle dedicatory to his flock, the parishioners of the said parish," wherein he exhorts them to return to their allegiance to the King, and shews the advantage of a kingly over a popular government. According to Dr. Nash, there were many things in the treatise applicable to the govern- ment of France, and the period of 1799- He was also the author of several other Sermons, and a Vindication of the Liturgy of the Church of England. A proof of his steadi- ness to the Queen of Bohemia, who supported him in his last illness, was found by Dr. Nash in the annexed copy of a letter written to his mother at St. John's, which is now pasted (continues the Doctor) on the back of his picture painted by Ad. Hanneman : — " My dearest Mother — With what a sad heart and trembling hand you will receive these lines dated from my death-bed ! (for if I recover 1 do not in- tend they shall ever be sent to you), I can only guess by your constant tender- ness and care. It is true I came twice out of the kingdom without your knowledge, but I dare not go out of the world without acquainting you of 158 the manner of my passage. Truly God was never more merciful to roe than in his gracious and gentle dealing with mc in the way of his visitation. I can- not give you the history of my illness, without great prejudice to that strength that remains, only desire you to believe that if my great Lord and Master shall call me home from his embassy by this visitation, I shall think myself the most happy of any man living, and therefore no tears for mc, but for those that survive me iu misery and woe. Dear mother, God Almighty bless, guide, protect, and govern by his power and grace, both yon and all the branches that are sprung of you. 1 cannot name particular friends, but must recommend all into the hands of a wise and gracious God, who can make all things, even our sins, and his own punishments, aye and death too, to turn to the benefit and advantage of them that serve and fear him, in which num- ber I doubt not shall be comprised, dear Mother, " Tour most obedient Son, " Hague, February 11, 1653. " W. STAMPE.'* This letter was enclosed in one to Mr. Thomas Clayton, after Dr. Stampe's death, and by him forwarded from Ox- ford Aprils, 1653, to the Doctor's mother, who had married Mr. Gower, a gentleman of considerable property in this parish (St. John's) — the envelope contained as follows : — " Good Mrs. Gower, " I am very sorry I shall be the messenger of so bad news as the enclosed will bring, it being a letter from my very good friend, your son Dr. W. Stampe, written to you upon his death-bed in Holland at the Hague, where it pleased God he died after a month's sickness : it came enclosed to me from a friend of mine and his, with a desire to convey it to you, and vvitlial to sig- nify thus much, that he was handsomely buried and like a gentleman, at the Queen of Bohemia her charge, whose Chaplain he was, and wanted nothing that could be done to him in his sickness. He lies interred at a famous vil- lage called Lasedune, three miles from the Hague. He left nothing behind him but books and cloaths, which were disposed of towards the payment of his debts, the remainder whereof, to the value of 160 are undertaken by th« Queen. His picture was taken very well a little before his sickness, and be- ing in thair hands that sent me this letter, will be sent over for you by the first safe opportunity. These are times of tryal of all kinds, so that I hope you are prepared for the greatest losses, among which I cannot but reckon this of your son, being so honest a gentleman, and so generally beloved by all his acquaintance; and with a particular affection and esteem from myself, that I cannot but have a great share and grief of your loss in him, for which I pray God comfort you with the enjoyment of those you have left, and the assurance that he is an happy saint in Heaven. I beg your pardon for thus long trou- bling you, and the favour to have my service presented to all your's that know me ; and to take leave to rest " Your assured friend and servant, " Oxford, Jpril2, 1653. * THOMAS CLAYTON." IV") Dr. Stainpe died of the black jaundice at the Hague, February, 1653. Joseph Crowther, D.D. Rector of Tredington, in this county, in 1660. One of the articles against the great Lord Clarendon was, " that he did unduly cause his Majesty's letters patent to one Dr. Crowther to be altered, and the enrolment to be razed ; n but this erasure arose from a mistake of the attorney em- ployed, who inserted " Warwickshire" for Worcestershire. See Life of Clarendon. Thomas Hall, A Native of this city, was the son of Richard Hall, clothier, by Elizabeth Bonnor, his wife, and was born in St. Andrew's parish July 22, 1610, and after being edu- cated in grammar at the Kind's School under Mr. Henrv Bright, he was entered at Baliol College, in 16C4, from whence he soon removed to Pembroke, and had for his tutor a Mr. Thomas Lushington, a man eminent for his philolo- gical learning. After taking his first degree in arts, he re- turned home, and for a while taught a private school, and preached in the chapels belonging to King's Norton, in Worcestershire. About this time, says Wood, afterward? being a frequenter of the lectures in Birmingham, he began to adhere to the Puritans ; but he adds, " was so rigid in hi.s pursuation that he was disliked by his bretheren." This perhaps may be gathered from his works, some of which were written in opposition to unlicensed preachers, fifth monarchy men, and other extravagancies of the times. He was afterwards master of the free school at King's Norton, and curate of the place under his brother, Mr. John Half, who at length resigned it all to him : this was the only pre- ferment he had. He appears to have been a man of retired and studied habits, and although averse to episcopacy and the ceremonies, free from turbulence or open interference in the commotions of the times. He died April 13, 1665, 160 and was buried at King's Norton, to the school of which he was a bountiful benefactor in the establishment of a parochial library there, which is now, says Mr. Carlisle, hi his History of Schools, in the upper school-house there, dusty and neglected : he also contributed to the library of Birmingham school. Among his works are many contro- versial tracts enumerated by Wood, commentaries on some parts of the scriptures, and some translations, adapted ap- parently for the use of schools, from Ovid ; but his Treatise on Long Hair, and against May Poles, have given him much greater celebrity than his other works. Henry Oasland, M.A. A Native of this county, was born in the parish of Rock, and educated under the curate of the parish in the free school at Bewdley, and at Trinity College, Oxford, under Dr. Hill, and " learnt more," says Wood, " from his plain preaching in one year, than he had all the time before." After spending four years in the University, he went to see his friends, intending to return to his studies ; but Mr. Tombes, after his dispute with Mr. Baxter, in Bewdley Chapel, leaving the town, the magistrates pre- vailed with Mr. Oasland to succeed him in 1650. The next year he went to London, and was ordained in Bartho- lomew Exchange, by Mr. S. Clarke, and Mr. Simeon Ash, &c. In the printed testimonial of his ordination, (then usual), the words relating to taking the covenant were razed out, as he had not taken it, nor was it then insisted on. When he was of a Master's standing he went to Cambridge, and took that degree. When he was ejected Aug. 24, 1662, from Bewdley Chapel to Ribbesford, he and his family of five children were supported by his wife's jointure, which she had by a former husband, but was contented. In the hottest parts of Charles L's reign, he preached in several counties ; but as much as he could out of church hours, and when he was abroad, his family went to church. He was for a time confined for Packington's plot, after which he re- 161 tnoved with his family into Staffordshire, where he preached to any that invited him without molestation. About the be- ginning of King James's reign, he was cited into the Court of Lichfield, but soon discharged without expence or trouble, by the declaration for liberty. He left two sons, Edward and Henry. The elder was pastor at Bewdley. Henry, the vounger, died in Cambridgeshire. He was the author of The Dead Pastor yet Speaking. Two Sermons, taken in short hand, and printed without his knowledge. The Christian's Daily Walk, in one sheet. Silas Taylor, A Captain in the Parliament army. " He was a great lover of antiquities, and ransackt the MSS. of the Church of Hereford ; (there were a great many that lay untoucht and useless). He also garbled the library of the Church of Worcester, and evidences, where he had the originall grant of King Edgar (&x\xa-7 pears to some, was but moderate. He was thinking once, says Aubrey, to have made painting his profession. His love to, and skill in it, made a great friendship between him and Mr. Samuel Cowper, the prince of limners. Dr. Nash recollects seeing at Earl's Croombe in his youth, some por- traits said to be painted by Butler, which did him no great honour as an artist ;* and when he inquired for them some years afterwards, he found them destroyed to stop windows, and owns they hardly deserved a better fate. I have heard, continues Dr. Nash, lately of a portrait of Oliver Cromwell, said to be painted by our author. After continuing some time in this service, he was recommended to Elizabeth, Countess of Kent, who gave her gentlemen 201. a year a piece ; she lived at Wrest, in Bedfordshire. Here he en- joyed a literary retreat during great part of the civil wars ; and here Aubrey says, beside his study, he employed his time much in painting, drawing, and also in musique ; and here he probably laid the ground work of his Hudibras, as he had the benefit of a good collection of books, and the society of that living library, the learned Selden.f His biographers say, he lived also in the service of Sir Samuel Luke, of Caple Hoo Farm, or Wood End, in that county ; and that from him he drew the character of Hudibras : but such a prototype was not rare in those times. We hear little more of Butler till after the Restoration : perhaps, as Mr. Selden was left executor to the Countess, his employment in her affairs might not cease at her death, though one might sus- pect by Butler's MSS. and remains, that his friendship with * In bis MS. Common Place Book he says, " It is more difficult, and re- quires a great mastery of art in painting, to foreshorten a figure exactly, than to draw three at their just length ; so it is in writing, to express any thing naturally and briefly, than to enlarge and dilate." + Mr. Saunders, the Countess of Kent's kinsman, said, that " Mr. Selden much esteemed him for his partes, and would sometimes employ him to write letters for him beyond sea, and to translate for him. lie was Secretaire to the Duke of Bucks, when he was Chancellor of Cambridge: he might have had preferment at first, but he would not accept of any but very good ; so at last he bad none at all, and dyed in want." — Jubrey. 108 that great man was not without interruption, for his satirical wit could not be restrained from displaying itself on some particularities in the character of that eminent scholar. Lord Dorset is said to have first introduced Hudibras to Court November 11, 1062, and when known it was ne- cessarily admired ; the King quoted, the courtiers studied, and the whole party of the loyalists applauded it, and every eye watched for the golden shower which was to fall upon the author, who certainly was not without his share in the general expectation. The author obtained an imprimatur, signed " I. Birkenhead," for printing his poem ; accord- ingly in the following year he published the first part, con- taining 125 pages. Sir Roger L'Estrange granted an imprimatur for the second part of Hudibras, by the author of the first, November 5, 1663, and it was printed by T. R. for John Martin, 1664. In the Mercurius Aulicus, a ministerial newspaper, from January 1 to 8, 1662, 4to, is an advertisement, saying, that " there is stolen abroad a most false and imperfect copy of a poem called Hudibras, without name either of printer or bookseller ; the true and perfect edition, printed by the author's original, is sold by Richard Marriatt, near St. Dunstan's church, in Fleet-street; that other nameless impression is a cheat, and will but abuse the buyer as well as the author, whose poem deserves to have fallen into better hands." Probably many other editions were soon after printed ; but the first and second parts, with notes to both parts, were printed for J. Martin, and H. Her- ringman, 8vo, 1674. The last edition of the third part, be- fore the author's death, was printed by the same persons in, l6?S : this Dr. Nash thinks was the last copy corrected by himself, and is that from which Dr. N.'s edition is generally printed ; the third part had no notes put to it during the author's life, and who furnished them after his death is not known. In the British Museum is the original injunction by authority, signed John Birkenhead, forbidding any printer or other person whatsoever to print Hudibras, or any part thereof, without the consent or approbation of 169 Samuel Butler, (or Boteler, Esq.) or his assignees ; given at Whitehall, 10th September, l6'77, — a copy of which in- junction may be seen in a note at page 8 of Nash's Hudi- bras. It was natural to suppose, that after the Restoration, and the publication of his Hudibras, our poet should have appeared in public life, and have been rewarded for the eminent services his poem did to the Royal cause ; but his innate modesty, and studious turn of mind, prevented solici- tations ; never having tasted the idle luxuries of life, he did not make to himself needless wants, or pine after imagi- nary pleasures ; his fortune, indeed, was small, and so was his ambition; his integrity of life, and modest temper* ren- dered him contented. Lord Clarendon, according to Wood, gave him reason to hope for places and employments of value and credit ; but no such advantages did he ever ob- tain. It is also said that he once received from the Kino - an order on the Treasury for £3000, but the order being * Tli? annexed note is somewhat of a drawback upon this strong pane- gyric : — " Butler, though he was a man of extraordinary wit and fancy — though his merits deserved a much better fate, is said to have starved, which extremity of poverty was owing to his own pride and foil}'. His necessities were too well known to all his acquaintance, to leave him a possibility of concealing them from them ; and yet his pride was so intolerable, that it was the most difficult thing in the world to compel him to accept of any assistance, though offered in the most friendly and genteel manner in the world. There was a gentleman of his acquaintance, and of a considerable fortune, who over a bottle one night had made a clean conveyance of a purse of an hundred guineas into his pocket, which he did not at all perceive. The next morning Butler finding it there, was extremely uneasy, and considered what company he was in the day before, and found it could be nobody but the very gentle- man that did it. He dressed himself, and went to his Chambers, and carried with him the money, charging him with the affront, and went away in a pet, leaving the purse behind biro." — The foregoing antidote is extracted from a book rather uncommon, entitled, Miscellanea Aurea, or the Golden Medley, Svo. 1720, p. 63. It was written in part, if not wholly, by Mr. Killigrew av.tnor of a play called Chit Chat, acted at Drnry Lane, 1719; soon after which the author died. It will occur to our readers, that the lapse of time from Mr. Butler's death was not too long for such an anecdote to have been re. lated by some person well informed. The above account, which has never been inserted in any Life of Butler, has only appeared in print in the European Magazine for September, 1798. 170 written in figures, somebody through whose hands it passed, by (uiiitig off a cypher, reduced it to £300. However there is food authority for believing that he did receive a handsome sum in the manner above stated, and that the order, at the solicitation of Mr. William Longueville, of the Temple, passed through all the offices without payment of fees, Lord Danby being at the time Lord Treasurer. It is also believed that the receipt of this money gave him an opportunity of displaying his disinterested integrity, by conveying the entire sum immediately to a friend for the use of his creditors, himself refusing to touch a shilling of the King's bounty. Dr. Zackary Pearse, on the authority of Mr. Lowndes, of the Treasury, asserts, that Butler re- ceived from Charles II. an annual pension of £100 ; in ad- dition to this he was appointed Secretary to Richard Earl of Carbcrry, Lord President of the Principality of Wales, and about the year 1667, Steward of Ludlow Castle .* This circumstance is however contradicted by all traditions — by the complaint of Oldham, and by the reproaches of Dryden ; and I am afraid, says Dr. Johnson, will never be confirmed. It is perhaps therefore too true that the Court was thought to have been guilty of a glaring neglect in his case, and the public were scandalized at the ingratitude. The indigent poets, who have always claimed a prescriptive right to live on the munificence of their contemporaries, were the loudest in their remonstrances. Dryden, Oldham, and Otway,* * Aubrey says, " after the restoration of hrs Majestie, when the Court at Ludlow was again sett up, he was then the King's Steward at the Castle there. He printed a wittie Poeme called Hudibras, the first part, A°. 166, which took extremely ; so that the King and Lord Chancellor Hyde would have him sent for, and accordingly he was sent for: (the Lord Chief Justice Hyde hath Iii. picture in his library, over the chimney) they both promised him great matters, but to this day he has got no employment, only the King gave him lib." * 1 am aware, says Dr. Nash, of a difficulty that may be stated, that the Tragedy of Constantine the Great, to which Otway wrote the prologue, ac- cording to Giles Jacob, in his Poetical Register, was not acted at the Theatre Royal till 1684, four years after Butler's death ; but probably he had seen- the MS. or heard the thought, as both his MSS. differ from the printed copy. 171 while in appearance they complained of the unrewarded merits of Butler, obliquely lamented their private or parti- cular grievances. Butler's own sense of the disappointnn nt, and the impression it made on his spirits, are sufficiently marked by the circumstance of his having twice transcribed the following distich, with some variation, in his MS. Common Place Book : — To think how Spencer died — how Cowley mourned — How Butler's faith and service were returned. In the same MS. he says, " Wit is very chargeable, a not to be maintained in its necessary expences at an ordinary rate : it is the worst trade in the world to live upon, and a commodity that no man thinks he has need of, for those who have least believe they have most" — Ingenuity and wit Do only make the owners lit For nothing, but lo be undone Much easier than if th' had nonet But to proceed. — Butler spent some time in France, pro- bably when Louis XIV. was in the height of his glory and vanity: and notwithstanding neither the language nor manners of Paris were pleasing to the modest poet, yet some of his ob- servations on them are amusing, and may be seen in i )r. X ash's + See Lines by Oldham on Butler, in Monthly Magazine for November, 1811, p. 354. — Wood relates that he was Secretary to Villiers Duke of Buckingham, when he was Chancellor of Cambridge; this is doubted by another writer, who yet allows the Duke to have been his frequent benefactor. That both these accounts are false, there is reason to suspect, from a story told by Pack in his account of the Life of Wycherley, and from some verses which Mr. Thyer has published in the author's Remains. Mr. Wycherly, says Pack, " had always laid hold of any opportunity which offered of re- presenting to the Duke of Buckingham how well Butler had deserved of the Royal Family, by writing his inimitable Iludibras, and that it was a reproach to the Court, that a person of his loyalty and wit should suffer in obscurity, and under the wants he did. The Duke always seemed to hearken to him with attention enough; and after some time, undertook to recommend his pretensions to his Majesty. Mr. Wycherly, in order to keep him steady to his word, obtained of his Grace to name a day when he might introduce that 172 Life of him. While Steward of Ludlow Castle, Butler mar- ried Mrs. Herbert, a gentlewoman of good family, but whe- ther she was a widow, or not, is uncertain. Aubrey says she was a good jointure, the relict of — — — Morgan ; with her he expected a considerable fortune, but, through various losses, from bad security and knavery, he found himself disappointed : to this some have attributed his se- vere strictures upon the professors of the law ;* but if his censures be properly considered, they will be found to bear hard only upon the disgraceful part of each profession, and upon false learning in general; this was a favourite subject with him, but no man had a greater regard for, or was better judge of, the worthy part of the three learned professions, or learning in general, than Butler. How long he continued in office, as Steward of Ludlow Castle, is not known ; but he lived the latter part of iiis life in Rose-street, Covent Garden, in a studious retired manner, and died there Sep- tember 25, 1C80. In this mist of obscurity passed the life of Butler — a man whose name can only perish with his lan- modest and unfortunate poet to his new patron. At last an appointment was made, and the place of meeting was agreed to he the Roebuck. Mr. Butler and his friend attended accordingly ; the Duke joined them ; but, as the devil would have it, the door of the room where they sat was open, and his Grace, who had seated himself near it, observing a pimp of his acquaintance (the creature too a Knight) trip by with a brace of ladies, immediately quitted his engagement to follow them, and though no one was better qualified than he both in regard to his fortune and understanding, to serve men of genius, yet from that time to the day of his death poor Butier never found the least effect of his promise. The verses alluded to are written with a degree of acrimony such as neglect and disappointment might naturally excite, and such as it would be hard to imagine Butler capable of expressing against a man who had any claim to his gratitude. Notwithstanding this discouragement and neglect he still prosecuted his design ; and in 1678 published the third part, which still leaves the poem imperfect and abrupt. How much more he origi- nally intended, or with what events the action was to be concluded, it is in vain to conjecture : nor can it be thought strange that he should stop here, however unexpectedly. To write without reward is sufficiently unpleasing. lie had now arrived at an age when he might think it proper to jest no longer ; and perhaps his health might now begin to fail. * Wood says he lived upon her fortune, having studied the common law, but never practised it. 173 guage. He is said to have been buried at the expence of Mr. Wm. Longueville, though he did not die in debt. Some of his friends wished to have interred him in Westminster Abbey, with proper solemnity ; but not finding others willing to con- tribute to the expence, his corpse was deposited privately in the yard belonging to the church of St. Paul's, Covent Garden, at the expence of Mr. Longueville, (the service being read by Dr. Simon Patrick,) at the west end of the said yard, on the north side, under the wall of the said church, and under that wall which parts the yard from the common highway. We have been thus particular, (conti- nues Dr. Nash, from whose Life of Butler most of this ac- count is taken), because, in the year 1786, when the church was repaired, a marble monument was placed on the south side of the church on the inside, by some of the parishioners, which might tend to mislead posterity as to the place of his interment : their zeal for the memory of the learned poet does them honour ; but the writer of the verses seems to have mistaken the character of Butler. The inscription runs thus : — This little monument was erected in the year 1786, by some of the pa- rishioners of Covent Garden, in memory of the celebrated Samuel Butier, who was buried in this church, A. D. 1680. A few plain men, to pomp and state unknown, O'er a poor bard have raised this humble stone, Whose wants alone his genius could surpass, Victim of zeal ! the matchless Hudibras ! What though fair freedom suffer' d in his page, Reader, forgive the author for the age How few, alas ! disdain to cringe and cant, When 'tis the mode to play the sycophant. But oh ! let all be taught, from Butler's fate, Who hope to make their fortunes by the great, That wit and pride are always dangerous things, And little faith is due to Courts and Kings. In the year 1721, John Barber, an eminent printer, and Alderman of London, erected a monument to the poet in Westminster Abbey ; the inscription as follows : — 174 M.S. SAMUELIS BUTLER, Qui Strenshamiae in agro Vigorn. nat. 1612. Obiit Lond. 1680. Vir doctus imprimis, acer, integer ; Operibus ingenii, non item praemiis, faelix : Satyrici apud nos carminis artifex egregius ; Quo simulatae religionis larvam detraxit, Et perduellium scelera liberrime exagitavit: Scriptorum in suo genere, primus et postremus. He, cui vivo deerant fere omnia, Deesset etiam mortuo tumulus Hoc tandem posito marmore, curavit Johannes Barber, civis Londinensis, 1721. Thus translated by the author of Westmonasterium, in torn. 1. p. 79 : — Sacred to the memory of SAMUEL BUTLER, Who was born at Strensham, in Worcestershire, 1612 ; And died at London, 1680. A man of extraordinary learning, wit, and integrity : Peculiarly happy in his writings, Not so in the encouragement of them: The curious inventor of a kind of Satire amongst us, By which lie pluck'd the mask from pious Hypocrisy, And plentifully exposed the villainy of Rebels: The first and last of writers in his way. Lest he, who (when alive) was destitute of all things, Should (when dead) want likewise a monument, John Barber, citizen of London, hath taken care, By placing this stone over him, 1721. On the latter part of this epitaph the ingenious Mr. Sa- muel Wesley wrote the following lines : — While Butler, needy wretch, was yet alive, No generous patron would a dinner give ; See him, whenstarv'd to death, and turn'd to dust, Presented with a monumental bust. The poet's fate is here in emblem shewn — He ask'd for bread, and he received a stone. Soon after this monument was erected in Westminster Abbey, some persons proposed to erect one in Covent Garden Church, for which Mr. Dennis wrote the following inscription : — 175 Near this place lies interred the body of Mr. SAMUEL BUTLER, Author of Hudibras. He was a whole species of poet in one ; Admirable in a manner In which no one else has been tolerable : A manner which began and ended in him, In which he knew no guide, And has found no followers. Nat. 1612. Ob. 1680. Hudibras is Butler's capital work, and though the Cha- racters, Poems, Thoughts, &c. published by Mr. Thyer, of Manchester, in 2 vols. 8vo.* are certainly written by the same masterly hand — though they abound with lively sallies of wit, and display a copious variety of erudition, yet the nature of their subjects, their not having received the author's last corrections, and many other reasons which might be given, render them less acceptable to the present taste of the public, which no longer relishes the antiquated mode of writing characters, cultivated when Butler was young by men of genius, such as Bishop Earle, and Mr. Cleveland ; the volumes, however, are very useful, as they tend to illustrate many passages in Hudibras.}- The three * From none of these pieces can his life be traced, or his character dis- covered. Some verses in the last collection shew hiin to have been among those who ridiculed the institution of the Royal Society, of which the enemies were for some time very numerous, and very acrimonious ; for what reason it is hard to conceive, since the philosophers professed not to advance doc- trines, but to produce facts, and the most zealous enemy of innovation must admit the gradual progress of experience, however he may oppose hypothe- tical temerity. + " As to these Remains of Butler, they are certainly his, but they would not strike the public, if that public was honest ; but the public is a malicious monster, which cares not what it affords to dead merit, so it can but depress the living. There was something singular in this said Butler. Besides an infinite deal of wit, he had great sense and penetration, both in the sciences and in the world. Yet with all this he could never plan a work, nor tell a story well. The first appears from his Hudibras ; the other from his Elephant in the Moon ; he evidently appears to have been dissatisfied with it, by turning it into long verse, from whence you perceive lie thought the fault lay in the doggrel verse; but that was hi* forte — the fault lay in the manner of telling. 176 small ones, entitled, Posthumous Works, in prose and verse, by Mr. Samuel Butler, author of Hudibras, printed 1715, 1716, 1717, are deemed spurious, except the Pindaric Ode on Duval the Highwayman, and perhaps one or two of the prose pieces. As to the MSS. which after Mr. But- ler's death came into the hands of Mr. Longueville, and from whence Mr. Thyer published his genuine Remains in the year 1759, what remain of them still unpublished, were either in the hands of the ingenious Dr. Farmer, of Cam- bridge, and Dr. Nash : for Mr. Butler's Common Place Book, mentioned by Mr. Thyer, Dr. N. was indebted to the liberal and public-spirited James Massey, Esq. of Rost- hern, near Knotsford, Cheshire ; and this book is now in the possession of Lady Somers, the daughter of the late Dr. Nash, the biographer of Butler. The poet's frequent and correct use of law terms* is a sufficient proof that he was well versed in that science ; but if further evidence were wanting, Dr. N. says " he could produce a MS. purchased of some of our poet's relations, at the Hay, in Brecknock- shire, which appears to be a collection of legal cases and principles, regularly related from Lord Coke's Commentary on Littleton's Tenures : the language is Norman, or law French, and, in general, an abridgement of the above ce- lebrated work; for the authorities in the margin of the MS. Butler's heroics are poor stuff indeed ; only doggrel, made languid by heavy expletives. He is sometimes wonderfully fine both in his sentiments and ex- pression, as where he defines the proud man to be a fool in fermentation ; and where speaking of the Antiquary, he says, he has a great veneration fur words that are stricken in years, and are grown so aged that they have outlived their em- ployments. Mr. Cray has certainly a true taste. I should have read Hudibras with as much indifference perhaps as he did, was it not for my fondness of the transactions of those times against which it is a satire. Besides it induced me to think the author of a much higher class than his Remains shew him to have been ; and I can now readily think the comedies he wrote were as execrable as the satirists of that age make them to be." — See more of this in Warburton's Letters, pages 287, and 296. — So much for the opinion of literary men on literary subjects. * We learned from some publication, the name of which has slipped our memory, that Butler was once a member of Gray's Inn, and of a club with Cleveland, and other wits inclined to the Royal cause. 177 correspond exactly with those given on the same positions in the first institute ; and the subject matter contained in each particular section of Butler's legal tract, is to be found in the same numbered section of Coke upon Lit- tleton : the first book of the MS. likewise ends with the 84th section, which said number of sections also ter- minates the first institute ; and the second book of the MS. is entitled by Butler, le second livre del primer part del institutes de ley d'Engletene. The titles of the respective chapters of the MS. also precisely agree with the titles of each chapter of Coke upon Littleton ; it may therefore reasonably be presumed to have been com- piled by Butler solely from Coke upon Littleton, with no other object than to impress strongly on his mind the sense of that author ; and written in Norman, to familiarize him- self with the barbarous language in which the learning of the common law of England was at that period almost uni- formly expressed. The ISIS, is imperfect, no title exist- ing, some leaves being torn, and is continued only to the 193d section, which is about the middle of Coke's second book of the first institute. As another instance of the Poet's great industry, Dr. Nash had a French dictionary (now in the possession of the Rt. Hon. Lady Somers) compiled and transcribed by him : thus did our ancestors, with great la- bour, draw truth and learning out of deep wells. It doth not appear that ever he wrote for the stage, though in the MS. common-place book above alluded to, time is part of an unfinished tragedy, entitled Nero. Concerning Hudibras there is but one sentiment — it is universally allowed to be the first and last poem of its kind. The engravings which embellish Dr. Nash's edition of Hudibras, were chiefly taken from Hogarth's designs, an artist whose genius, in some respects, was congenial to that of our Poet, though here l;e cannot plead the merit of originality so much as in some other of his works, he having borrowed a areat deal from the 2 A 178 small prints in the 12mo. edition of 17 10.* Some plates are added from original designs,f and some from drawings by La Guerre, and one print representing Oliver Cromwell's guard-room, from an excellent picture by Dobson, com- municated by Robert Bromley, Esq. of Abberley Lodge, in this county ; the picture being 7 feet long and 4 high, it was difficult to give the likenesses in the engraving, upon so reduced a scale ; the picture belonged to Walsh, the Poet, and has always been called Oliver Cromwell's guard-room : the figures are certainly portraits, but of whom, except Oliver, is now unknown.^ I shall end this memoir with the concluding words of Aubrey, " When but a boy he (Butler) would make ob- servations and reflections on every thing one sayd or did, and censure it to be either well or ill. — He is of a middle stature, strong sett, high coloured, a head of sorrell haire, a severe and sound judgement : a good fellowe. He hath of- ten said that way (e.g. Mr. Edm. Waller's) of quibling with sence will hereafter grow as much out of fashion and be a* ridicule § as quibling with words. " Qd N. B. He hath been much troubled with the gowt, and particularly, l679> he stirred not out of his cham- ber from October till Easter. " He y dyed of a consumption Septemb. 25, (Anno D n » 1680, 70 circiter,) and buried 27, according to his owne ap- pointment in the church-yard of Covent Garden ; sc. in the north part next the church at the east end. His feet touch the wall. His grave, 2 yards distant from the pillaster of the dore (by his desire) 6 foote deepe. * Hogarth was born in 1698, and the 1st edition of Hudibras, with hi? designs, was published in 1726, t These were by Mr. Skip, of Ledbury, for some account of whom see notes on Dunster, in this volume. ^ See an account of John Townley, who translated Hudibras into French, with some extracts, in Europ. Mag. for 1S02. He presented a copy of Hu- dibras to the British Museum. ^ Sic. Edit. |] Evidently written some time after the former part. E. 179 " About 25 of his old acquaintance at his funerall : 1 my .self being one. "hudibras unprinted. " No Jesuite ever took in hand, To plant a church in barren land ; Or ever thought it worth his while A Swede or Russe to reconcile. For where there is not store of wealth, Soules are not worth the chardge of health. Spaine and America had designes To sell their Ghospell for their Wines, For had the Mexicans been poore, No Spaniard twice had landed on their shore. 'Twas Gold the Catholic Religion planted, Which had they wanted Gold, they still had wanted." " He had made very sharp reflexions upon the Court in his last part. (< Writt my Lord (John*) Rosse's Answer to the Mar- quisse of Dorchester. " Memorandum. Satyricall witts disoblige whom they converse with, Sic. consequently make to themselves many enemies and few friends, and this was his maimer and case. He was of a leonine-colored haire, sanguine, cholorique, middle sized, strong." Mr. Ractster, of Pershore, has an original portrait of Butler and his wife ; at Eastnor Castle is another por- trait of the Poet ; and there is also a miniature of him in the possession of W. Welch, Esq. of Hawford. Of the lines " He who fights and runs away, May live to fight another day," which have been so often attributed to Butler, and on which so many wagers have been lost and won, it may be necessa- ry to say, that, according to a writer in the M. Mag. for May, 1817, they are the production of Sir John Mennes, a Poet * In the hand writing of Anthony a Wood. Edit. A buffoon answer, written by Lord Roos, afterwards Duke of Rutland, who was assisted in it by Butler. Parke's Noble Authors, p. 586, vol. 1. 180 of the reign of Charles II. who wrote a small volume of po- ems on miscellaneous subjects, which book is now scarce. The closest approximation of any lines of Butler's to these, may be found in Hudibras, cant. 3, part 3, lines 235 to 244, ending with cc For those that fly may fight again, "Which he can never do that's slain." William Thomas, Bishop of Worcester, 1683, Was Dean of Worcester in 1665. He was a native of Bris- tol, the son of a linen-draper, was born in 16 13, and was sent to Jesus Coll. Oxford. He underwent misfortunes in common with his fellow labourers during the Usurpation, for being sequestered from his vicarage, he was obliged to maintain himself by teaching youth in Carmarthenshire. When he was about the age of 33, a party of the Parliament horse came to Loughern, of which he was vicar, and en- quired whether that Popish priest, Mr. Thomas, was still there, and whether he continued reading the Liturgy and praying for the Queen ; and one of them adding, that he would go to church next Sunday, and if Mr. Thomas per- severed in praying for that drab of the w e of Babylon, he would certainly pistol him. Upon this, his friends earnestly pressed him to absent himself, but he refused, thinking it would be a neglect of duty. He no sooner began the ser- vice than the soldiers came and placed themselves in the next pew to him, and when he prayed for the Queen, one of them snatched the book out of his hand, and threw it, with a bitter speech, at his head. The preacher bore it with pa- tience and composure, but the soldier who had committed the offence was, it is said, instantly seized with such com- punction, that his companions were forced to carry him away, while Mr. Thomas continued, and delivered his ser- mon with his usual emphasis. The Restoration recalled him from his retirement in Wales, and he was appointed Chaplain to James, Duke of York, (James II.) Ju 1678, being consecrated Bishop of St. 181 David's, he obtained permission to hold the Deanery of Worcester with it, after which he was promoted to this See. Steady in his duty as a Protestant, he refused to conform to the wishes of James II. but he could not be prevailed upon to withdraw his allegiance, and transfer it to William and Mary. Preparatory to his deprivation, he was sus- pended ; but the latter punishment was rendered of none effect by his death, which occurred June 25, 1689, after shewing much patience and fortitude under persecution. This worthy prelate was buried in the cloister of his cathe- dral. — His age, his piety, his virtues, deserved a better fate. See an interesting and detailed life of Bishop Thomas, in Chalmers's Biog. Diet. John Oliver, D. D. Dean of Worcester, 1660, Succeeded Holdsworth, after a vacancy of eleven years. He was originally of Merton, but removing to Magdalen Col- lege, was there demy and fellow, and at length president. He was deprived of his preferment for opposing the visitors of the University, and thereby reduced to the lowest ebb of fortune. About a fortnight before the King's restoration, he was reinstated in his college by authority of the Parliament, and soon after, through the interest of Lord Clarendon, to whom he had the honour to be preceptor, was raised to this Deanery, which he enjoyed not long. Strangely desirous to leave this world, though few had greater inducements to stay in it, his desires were by providence granted him, Oct. 27, 1661. He was buried in Magdalen College Chapel, Ox- ford. Richard Baxter Was born in Shropshire in 16 15 : he was a man famous for weakness of body and strength of mind, for having the strongest sense of religion himself, and exciting a sense of it in the thoughtless and the profligate ; for preaching more sermons, engaging in more controversies, and writing more books than any other nonconformist of his age. Kiddermin- 182 ster, of which he held the living, and Worcester, were mostly his scenes of action ; he was some time with Cromwell dur- ing the siege of the latter place.* He spoke, disputed, and wrote with ease ; he reproved Cromwell, and expostulated with the second Charles. See his life by Silvester, folio. Ditto, written by himself, and abridged by Calamy. Long's review of his life, and the Biog. Brit. The quakers have it recorded, " that Thomas Goodaire was the first (ergo, there were others,) sent to prison for speaking to Richard Baxter, after he had finished his sermon." — Vide Chambers's Wor- cester, p. 274. — But surely this was not at his instigation, if it were, it pays no compliment to his liberality. Bax- ter's pulpit was purchased by the dissenters from the churchwardens of Kidderminster when the church was re- paired ; it is still preserved in their meeting-house. Bax- ter died December 8, 1691- Miss Warner, in her col- lection of " Original Letters," has given one by this ce- lebrated divine. An original picture of Mr. Baxter was in the possession of the late Rev. Thomas Doolittle, M. A. till the year 1707, and from that time in the hands of his grand- son, Samuel Sheafe, of London, 1763. Dr. Nash says, " Mr. Benjamin Fawcet is possessed of another original por- trait of him," an engraving of which is inserted in his History of Worcestershire. Benjamin Baxter, A Nonconformist Minister, of Upton-upon-Severn, was the son of Mr. Geo. Baxter, Minister of Little Wenlock: he continued at Upton till his death, and left his children in a low condition. He wrote " A Posing Question put by * June 9, 1646, two famous divines, Dr. Warmestry and Mr. Richard Baxter, who was then chaplain to a regiment of horse that besieged the town, took this opportunity of discoursing upon points of divinity : the first point which Mr. Baxter undertook was, that there was no difference between a church and any common place ; they disputed for several hours, and, con- trary to what commonly happens among polemic divines, they parted good friends. " Bish. Blandford's Collections," inserted in Dr. Nash's History. 183 the Wise Men, &c. on the Ignorance of Man in what is good for him," and " Sermons," &c. &.c. &c. William Bagnall, The preserver of Charles II. after the battle of Worces- ter, by turning out to the Monarch a horse ready saddled, was a loyal gentleman who then lived in Sidbury, and was one of the Chamber of this city : he died Sept. 21, 1652, aged 36, and was buried in the church of St. Nicholas. To a son of this Mr. Bagnall, Dr. Thomas, when Dean of Worcester, married his eldest daughter ; and from his pa- pers the anecdote was preserved of the means by which the King made his escape through St. Martin's Gate. Dr. Nash undertakes to say, that the family never afterwards received any consideration for the horse or saddle. Although Charles II. was not remarkable for remembering all his friends, surely some excuse may be made from the confusion at- tendant on a battle ; or, Charles might never have known the name of his benefactor, who died a year after this inci- dent. The King had also another narrow escape, but whe- ther before this, or afterwards, does not appear. See Cham- bers's Worcester, p. 42 &. 43. Thomas Warmestry, D. D. Dean of Worcester, l66l, A Native of this city, in which he was also educat- ed, was the son of William Warmestry, Registrar of the Cathedral Church of Worcester. He became a student of Christ Church, Oxon ; about 1G24 took the degree of Arts, diat of Master being completed in 1631, and had some spi- ritual cure in his own county conferred upon him soon after. In 1640, he was Clerk for the Diocese of Worcester in the two Convocations of the Clergy held that year; and in 1642 he retired, for security's sake, the nation being then unset- tled, to the King at Oxon, where he was actually created D. D. the same year; and afterwards lost what he had be- fore obtained in the Church, notwithstanding he had been always accounted a puritan. After the King's cause de- 184 clined, he lived mostly in London, was the distributor of money (obtained from generous loyalists) to sufferers in the royal cause, was chief confessor to loyal martyrs, a constant and indefatigable visitor and comforter of sick and distressed cavaliers; very zealous also in converting infidels, industrious in reclaiming the loose and establishing the wavering, zea- lous and careful in preparing his auditors for the sacrament, and for death. After the King's return, in 1660, he was re- stored to what he had lost, was made Prebendary of Glou- cester, and in the year following Dean of Worcester. He died Oct. 30, 1665, aged 60, or thereabouts, was buried near his father, grandfather, and other relations, in the body of Worcester Cathedral, not far from the north door. Over his grave is an inscription engraven on black marble — " Anno 1657, 23 June. The Parliament desires his Highness to re- move from Margaret's, Westminster, one Warmestree, who is employed as a lecturer there, (being a notorious delin- quent) and to appoint some person of eminent godliness and abilities to be public preacher there, which the Parliament doth apprehend to be a matter of very great concernment to the good of this place." Cole. He was notoriously abused after his death in a scurrilous pamphlet entitled, " More News from Rome" and in one called, " A New Font erect- ed in the Cathedral Church of Gloucester in Oct. 1663." Watts. He wrote a Convocation Speech against Images, Sec; Pax Vobis ; Ramus Olivse; Answer to one Win. Bridges concerning the present War, &c. ; an hearty and friendly Premonition to the City of London, &c. ; Vindication of the Solemnity of the Nativity of Christ ; Answer to cer- taia Queries ; Sighs of the Church, &c. ; A Box of Spike- nard ; The Baptized Turk (Dandulo), to which he caused the print of the Turk to be put before it ; The Countermine of Union. — See these titles at full length, with remarks, in Wood's Athense, vol. 3, p. 714. Walter Blaxdford, D.D. Bishop of Worcester, 1671, Was Warden of Wadham College in 1 659, and Chaplain 185 to Lord Clarendon, Vice Chancellor of the University ; in 1665 was consecrated Bishop of Oxford. He died, unmar- ried, at the palace of Worcester, July Q, 1675, aged 59. Bishop Blandford had at one time for his Chaplain, Nicholas Lloyd, author of several works, for an account of which, and the life of the author, see Wood's Athenae, v. 3, p. 1258. This Lloyd, in 1670, was at Worcester with his patron. According to the following statements, Bishop Blandford was a man of what is called liberal ideas, for he contrived to keep his fellowship during the whole usurpation of Crom- well ; and when the Duchess of York (wife of James II.) was dying a member of the Catholic Church, it is related that Dr. Blandford came to see her ; the Duke meeting the Bishop in the drawing-room, told him that she was recon- ciled to the Church of Rome, when the Bishop said, he made no doubt but that she would do well, since she was fully convinced, and did it not out of any worldly end ; and afterwards went into the room to her and made her a short Christian exhortation, suitable to the condition she was in, and then departed. — Vide Life of James II. from his own papers, v. 1 . p. 452 & 3. Thomas Weaver, A Native of this city, was born in lGlG, and was the son of Thomas Weaver. He applied his poetical genius to academical learning in Christ Church, Oxford. Anno 1633, he took the degree of Arts, that of master being complet- ed in 1640, about which time he was made one of the petty Canons of Worcester Cathedral, from which place, being ejected by the Parliamentarian visitors in 1648, he shifted from place to place, and lived upon his wits, a spe- cimen of which he published to the world, entitled Songs and Poems of Love and Drollery, printed 1G54, 8vo. in which book is a ballad entitled Zeal overheated, or a re- lation of a lamentable jirc which happened at Oxon in a religious brother's shop, &c. to the tune of Chevey Chase, 2 15 18(3 The said religious brother was Thomas Williams, a milliner, living- some time against All Saints' church, where holy Cor- nish teached, (that is Henry Cornish, a Presbyterian Mi- nister, Canon of Christ Church,) by authority of Parlia- ment, anno 1648; but the said songs and poems being looked upon by the godly men of those times as seditious ;md libellous against the Government, he was imprisoned, and afterwards tried for his life : whereupon his book being produced in open court, (after it had been proved he was the author of it) the judge read some pages, and then spoke to this effect, — " Gentlemen, the person that we have here before us is a scholar and a man of wit : our forefathers had learning so much in honour, that they enacted, that those that could but as much as read should never be hanged, ex- cept for some great crime, and shall we respect it so little as to put to death a man of parts ? I must tell you, I should be very unwilling to be the person that should condemn him ; and yet, I must be forced to it, if the jury bring him in guilty," ccc. So that, upon this harangue, too large to be here set down, the jury brought him in not guilty ; where- upon being set at liberty, he was ever after highly valued by this boon and generous Royalist. He hath also certain epi- grams extant, which Wood had not seen ; and wrote the co- py of verses called, the Archbishop of York's revolt, print- ed in the poems of Joh. Cleaveland, besides divers pieces of poetry printed in several books published in his time. After his Majesty's return, in 1660, he was made exciseman for Liverpool, and was commonly called Capt. Weaver; but prosecuting too much the crimes of poets, brought him to his grave, in the church there, on the 3d of January, 1662. About the beginning of 1656, was a book pub- lished, entitled, Choke Drollery, with Songs and Sonnetts, which giving great offence to the pious of that time, who esteemed it a scandalous thing, it was ordered by the Protec- tors council to be burnt on the 8th of May the same year: but who the author of that book was, Wood did not know. 18: Thomas Foley, Esq. A Native probably of this county, was the founder of the Hospital at Old Swinford, and of Whitley Court, Wor- cestershire, of which county he was High Sheriff. He* was born in 16*18, and was the ancestor of the present family of that name.* At the time he gave to his charity an estate worth £600 a year, he had five children unsettled and unprovided * Mr. Seward, in his Anecdotes of Lord Mansfield, respecting (he difficul- ties of his early life, says, that Murray acquainting a late Lord Foley that lie feared he must give up the law, and go into orders on account of his slender income, Lord Foley generously requested his acceptance of SCO), a year ; and this will account for the great attention paid by Lord Mansfield to Lord Foley, of which the biographer of the former, Mr. Holliday, seems igno- rant. — Vide p. 131 of his work. The following is an extract of a letter written by the Poet Shenstone : — " The Leasowes, Nov. 20, 1762. " About a week ago I paid a visit of two or three days, which I had lor» promised, to Lord Foley. His table, for a constancy, is the most magnifieelil I ever saw ; eighteen or twenty elegant dishes ; a continual succession of com- pany; his behaviour perfectly hospitable, and his conversation really enter- taining. I most readily own myself to have been under a mistake, with re- gard to his companionable character. My reception was as agreeable as it could possibly be. As to the rest, he has a most admirable house and furni- ture; but without any room or utensil that would stand the test of mod 1 criticism. The views around him, wild and great ; and the park capable 0! being rendered fine; twice as striking as it is at present, if he would fell sOmi oaks, under the value of a crown, and some hawthorns, under the value of a halfpenny; but 'tis possible, at his time of life, &c. nothing of this sort nill be undertaken. The things at present remarkable are, his lodge and his chapel. The portico of the former (designed by Fleetcroft) affords three dif- ferent and striking prospects. The chapel is so very superb and elegant, that Mrs. Gataker has nothing to do but send you and me thither, to say our prayers in it. In reality, it is perfect luxury ; as I truly thought it la^t Sunday se'en-night. His pew is a room, with a handsome fire- pi ace ; the deling carved, and painted in compartments, and the remainder enriched with gilt stucco ornaments ; the walls enriched in the same manner ; the best painted u indow - 1 ever saw : the monument to his father, mother and brothers, cost, he said, 20001. The middle aisle rendered comfortable by iron stoves, in the shape of urns; the organ perfectly neat and good, in proportion to its size; and to this chapel you are led through a gallery of paintings seventy feet long — and what would you more ? — You'll say a good sermon. I really think \\\- p ir-or. js able to preach one." 188 for; and the register shews the first admission of boys to this charity to have been almost seven years before the founder's death. This Hospital constantly feeds, clothes, teaches, and apprentices sixty poor boys, from seven to eleven years of age, according to Baxter, who highly eulo- gizes him, and who preached Mr. Foley's funeral sermon. " He raised himself from almost nothing to £.5000 a year, or more, by his iron works." — See Nash, vol. 2, p. 211, 465, 466, and Baxter's Life. Mr. Foley died Oct. 1, 1677- Andrew Yarrington,* A Native of this county, being bom, says Dr. Nash, in Astley Parish, about the year l6l6. He was, according to his own account, apprenticed " to a linen draper, -f when this King (Charles II.) was born, and continued at the trade some years. But the shop being too narrow and short for my large mind, I took leave of my master, but said nothing. Then I lived a country life for some years, and in the late wars J I Mas a soldier, and sometimes had the honour and misfortune to lodge and dislodge an army. In the year 1652 I entered upon iron works, and plied them several years, and in them times I made it my business to survey the three great rivers of England, and some small ones, and made two navigable, and a third almost completed. I next studied the great weakness of the rye lands, and the surfeit it was then under by reason of their long tillage. I did by pracfick and theorick find out the reason of its defection, as also of its recovery, and applyed the remedy in putting- out two books § which were so fitted to the countryman's capacity, that he fell on pell mell, and I hope, and partly know, that great part of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire, have doubled * This name frequently occurs in the list of bailiffs of Bewdley. + Granger is therefore wrong in calling him a mercer. J From this circumstance he is probably called Captain Y. by Dr. Nash. \ His book of " England's Improvement, &c." was licensed by Roger L'Estrange in 1676. 189 the value of the land by the husbandry discovered to them. See my two books printed by Mr. Sawb ridge, on Ludgate- hill, entituled, Yarrington's Improvement, by Clover ; and there thou maist be further satisfied. I also for many years served the countreys with the seed, and at last gave them the knowledge of getting it with ease and small trouble ; and what I have been doing since, my book tells you at large ; and as to any that are my enemies upon the account of this subject, or of such as speak, or assert my pains to be to them acceptable, both parties are to me alike. I only wish and pray, that what is here treated upon may by the Powers above us, be seriously considered of, and if it be found it tends to the benefit of this present age, and for the good of the generations to come, then let them pursue the ends to bring it to pass. If any gentleman or other please to put pen to paper in opposition to what is here asserted, I shall give him a civil return, bound up with the second part, where these seven heads shall be treated on : — " 1st, Demonstrate, and make it appear, that England and Ireland are the only northern kingdoms unimproved ; " 2dly, Discover that it is a great and wonderful provi- dence of God it is so at this time; " Sdly, Shew how England may be improved in all its parts to thirty years' purchase, and how things may be fitted for the doing thereof; as also how Ireland maybe brought to twenty years' purchase, and made as useful to England, and of as great strength as Norway is to Denmark ; " 4thly, Where manufactures may be fitted, and where settled, and how they must be ordered for the benefit of the kingdom and trade universal ; " othly, Shew how and where all manner of naval stores are to be had and provided at three-fifths they now cost the King, with the way, means, and manners of accomplishing them ; " 6thly, How to employ 6000 young lawyers, and 3000 priests, for the good of the public and mankind, which now have neither practice, nor cure of souls ; 190 " 7thly, With observations of the balance of Europe, and of the public bank therein, with their use, order, rule, and riches." It appears that Yarrington was sent to foreign parts to acquire knowledge of trade, &c. by Sir Walter Kersham Blount, Sir Samuel Baldwin, Sir Timothy Baldwin, Knts. ; Thomas and William Foley, and Thomas Smith, Esqrs. ; Joseph Newbreak, Samuel Whyle, Nicholas Baker, John Finch, and Nicholas Harrison, Gents. ; and encouraged by these gentlemen, he travelled through Holland, Germany, &c. to bring home from thence any thing that might improve our manufactures : his charges were borne by twelve gentlemen, to bring with him the secret of linen-making.* He arrived in Holland during the Treaty of Breda, in 1667, and was then satisfied we could not beat the Dutch with righting. In about the year 1674 he was prevailed upon by some money bankers and other gentlemen to go over to Ireland, to survey iron works, woods, and lands. He was afterwards taken by Lord Clarendon, on the decline of his popularity in 1677, to Salisbury, to survey the River Avon, to find where that river might be made navigable, and also whe- ther a safe harbour could be made at Christ Church for ships to come in and out, and be safe ; and having found where he thought safe anchorage might be attained, his Lordship proceeded to act upon his information. His literary works are " England's Improvement by Sea and Land.-}- To outdo the Dutch without Fighting. To pay Debts without Money. To set at Work all the Poor of England with the Growth of our own Lands. To pre- vent unnecessary Suits in Law, with the benefit of a volun- * In speaking of the silent manner of correcting the children at the spin- ning schools of Germany, he says, " and I believe their way of ordering (by silent motions) the young women in Germany is one great cause that the German women have so little of the twit-twat, and I am sure it would be well if it were so in England." + In this work he recommends a brother projector, Mr. Roger Cook. 191 Vary Register. Directions where vast quantity of Timber are to be had for the building of Ships, with the advantage of making the great Rivers of England navigable. Rules to prevent Fires in London and other great Cities, with direction how the several Companies of Handicraftsmen in London may always have cheap Bread and Drink : all by Andrew Yarrington, Gent." The copy I have before me was licensed in 1676, and printed by R. Everingham, for the author, and are to be sold by T. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, and N. Simmons, at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard, MDCLXXVIL Dr. Nash says, the first part was published in 1677, and the second in 1698. The copy I have is all under one title page, and dedicated first to Arthur Earl of Anglesea, Lord Privy Seal, and to the Chamberlain of the City, Sir Thomas Player. The second dedication which immedi- ately follows is to Thomas Lord Windsor,* whom he thanks for the encouragement his Lordship has given to his pursuits. His favourite schemes were a public register for lands, &c. — Vide his book. Dr. Nash says, that Yarrington, in concert with Capt. Wall, undertook, for the sum of 7501. to make the river Salwarp navigable, and to procure letters patent for doing it from Cromwell ; but the times being unsettled, and Yarrington and Wall not rich, this scheme, the authors of which were more disinterested than projectors generally are, was never carried into execution. The river Stour was also attempted to be rendered navigable by this pub- lic-spirited and well-meaning projector, which however proved abortive, as we learn from poor Yarrington's account of the matter : — " It was my projection," says he, in his England's Improvement, " and I will tell you the reason why it was not finished. The river Stour, and some other rivers, were granted by an Act of Parliament to certain per- sons of honour, and some progress was made in the work : but within a small while after the act passed, it was let fall again ; but it being a brat of my own, I was not willing it * See article William Sandys, p. 127. 192 should be abortive, therefore I made offers to perfect it, having a third part of the inheritance to me and my heirs for ever, and we came to an agreement ; upon which I fell on, and made it completely navigable from Stourbridge to Kid- derminster, and carried down many hundred tons of coal, and laid out near a thousand pounds, and there it was ob- structed for want of money." Brindley, the engineer, af- terwards proposed a canal at Stour, on an improved prin- ciple of the ingenious and unfortunate Yarrington : when his scheme was first brought forward, it naturally met with violent opposition and ridicule. The undertaking was thought wonderfully bold, and the attempt of Yarrington, joined to the great extent of the undertaking, the sandy, spongy nature of the ground, the high banks necessary to prevent the inundation of the Stour on the new canal, fur- nished its opponents, if not with sound argument, at least with very specious topics for opposition and laughter. It was not long, says Dr. Nash, since some of the boats made use of in Yarrington's navigation were found ; but he knows of no cause why this navigation was neglected. The following critique on his book is extracted from the Phil. Trans. — The author, it seems, has discovered the mys- teries of trade universally for all parts of England ; and he detected the mysteries of iniquity, how some wealthy mer- chants and overbusy factors hinder trade and our staple ma- nufactures, for private lucre, to the great damage of our own native country; he advises good remedies, and proposes what trades are proper to be advanced, and what the pecu- liar inconveniencies. Thus he runs through all the intrigues of trade, noting the secret abuses and obstacles, and offer- ing genuine remedies, confirmed by the experience of fo- reign nations, large territories, and principalities. In the second part of his work, he speaks of the disco- very of the hearth of a Roman foot blast, and of a pot of Roman coin found by its side, near the walls of the city of Worcester. " In the forest of Deane, and thereabouts, as high as Worcester, there are great and infinite quantities of 19^ cinders, (the rough and offal thrown by in the Roman times, they then having only foot blasts to melt the iron stone,) some in vast mounts above ground, some under ground, which will supply the iron works some hundreds of years. Yarrington had a .son, whom he relates twice surveyed the river Thames and the Cherwell.* Richard Moore, Rector of Alvechurch, which living he intruded on during the Commonwealth, and was ejected thence for noncon- formity at the Restoration. Dr. Walker says, he gave up his living in 1661, to Mr. Hallington. He published, in 1675, in 8vo. a book entitled, " A Pearl in an Oyster Shell, or Precious Treasure put in Perishing Vessels ;" several Sermons ; an Account of the Holy Life and Death of Mr. Thos. Hall ; Paul's Prayer for Israel. Wood says, he was living in 1682, at Wetherock-hill, in Worcestershire, where he preached privately. Elias Ashmole, Founder of the Museum at Oxford, was born May 23, 1617, being always a zealous and steady loyalist; he became one of the gentlemen of the ordnance in the garrison at Ox- ford, whence he removed to Worcester, where he was com- missioner, receiver, and register, of the excise, and soon after went into Lord Ashley's regiment. When the affairs of the King became desperate, Mr. Ashmole withdrew him- self, after the surrender of the garrison of Worcester, into Cheshire, and died May 18, 1692. Anthony Palmer, A Native of this county, was the son of Anthony Pal- mer, and born at Great Comberton in 1618. He became a student in Baliol College, 1634, admitted fellow thereof, after he had taken one degree, Nov. 29, 1640, and in the * In St. Helen's church lie buried, Mr. William Yarrine;ton, clothier, of this city, who died February 25, 1687 ; also two sons and one daughter. 2 c 194 vrar after, being M. A. he entered into orders; he sided with the presbyterians, and took the covenant; at length he got possession of the rich rectory of Bourton-on-the-W ater, Gloucestershire, and resigned his fellowship 1649, took the engagement, and was assistant to the commissioners for ejecting the Church Ministers. On the Restoration, he re- tired to London, where A. Wood accuses him of having a hand " in that stupendous tragedy which was intended to be acted by the Satanical saints in 1662," for which many suf- fered. He died 26th January, 1678, and was buried in the dissenters' burial ground at Moorfieids. He was the author of (* A Scripture Raile to the Lord's Table, &c. ;" Me- moirs of Godliness and Charity, &c. ; The Christian's Free- dom by Christ; The Gospel New Creature; The Tempestuous Soul calmed, Sec. See also Calamy, Non. Mem. Roger Manwaring, D. D. Dean of Worcester, 1633, Was educated at the College School of Worcester, under Mr. Henry Bright. He was one of the most abject tools of power ; he not only preached at Court, but published two sermons, wherein he maintained " that the King is not bound to observe the laws of the realm relating to the rights and liberties of the subjects, but that his royal will and com- mand imposing on them loans and taxes, without common consent in Parliament, doth oblige the conscience of the subjects, on pain of eternal damnation." It was the general desire of the nation to see such an apostle of slavery pu- nished : he was arrested by order of the House of Lords, and sentenced to make his submission at the bar of the House, to pay a fine of £1000, to be suspended from preaching for three years, and incapacitated from holding any preferment : but Charles I. granted him a full pardon, remitted the fine, and immediately preferred him to a rich benefice in Essex ; and, but a few years after, to the Deanery of \V orcester ; and, as if all this was not sufficient for a service so meritorious, he advanced him, in l635 > tx> 195 the see oi St. David's. lie died in privacy at Caerinarthen, lGj'3, and was buried at Brecknock. Thomas Blount, A Native of this county, was born at Bordesley in iGlS : he was the son of Myles Blount, of Orleton, in He- refordshire, who was the fifth son of Roger Blount, of Monkland, in the same county. He appeals to have sup- plied the want of an university education by diligent appli- cation, and, after studying the classics, entered himself of the Inner Temple, and was in due course admitted to the bar. Being, however, a Roman Catholic, he never plead- ed ; but after some time, resided mostly at Orleton. He married Ann, daughter of Edmund Church, of Maiden, in Essex. A sedentary life having much impaired his health, and the Popish plot breaking out in 1678, he was so hur- ried from place to place, that the fatigue brought on a pal- sey, of which he died at Orleton, Dec. 26, HiTfJ, at which place he was buried. Whether by this mention of the Popish plot, his biographer means he was concerned in it, does not appear. Wood seems to insinuate he was only alarmed, as he was known to be a zealous Roman Catholic ; he was, however, a man of general know ledge, and an in- dustrious and useful writer. His works are — 1. " The Academy of Eloquence, or complete English Rhetoric," 1654, l2mo. often reprinted; 2. " Glossograpbia, or a Dictionary of Hard Words," Loud. l(i.06. Svo. of this there have been at least live editions ; 3. " The Lamps of the Law, and the Lights of the Gospel," ibid. 16.38, Svo. ; 4. Boscobel, or the History of his Majesty's Escape after the Battle of Worcester, ibid. 1G60; 5. Boscobel, 2d part, with the addition of the " Claustrum regale reseratum," or the King's Concealment at Trent, in Somersetshire, pub- lished by Mrs. Ann Windham, of Trent, ibid. 1()S1. Both these now are among the scarce and high-priced curiositi * I have been much obliged by the loan of a copy of this rare production, which has been reprinted, to the owner of which 1 owe many thanks, for ar- 19G of the seventeenth century. Extracts are given from them in the addenda to Lord Clarendon's History. It appears, however, by the following extract from Dr. Nash, that doubts may be entertained with regard to Mr. Blount's being the author of Boscobel. " In a MS. I have seen, he (Mr. Blount) denies that he was the author of Boscobel ; and says, the first time he ever saw the book was at Lord Oxford's, at Brampton Bryan, as will appear by the follow- ing letter : — * Counsellor Blount was the author of the Antiquities of Herefordshire ; he was my grandfather : one of the volumes was lent to the late Sir Robert Cornwall, the other I had, but my son took it with him to London, in hopes of meeting with the present Baronet, and with an intent of revising the whole with Mr. Booth, if he could get it ; but I had often applied, particularly after you lived at Ludlow, thinking that, by your acquaintance with the country, you might examine its veracity, and make additions of what jou saw defective; butl never was able to obtain it. The volume which my son took up to town was in MS. and after his death, whether my son Edward took care to pre- serve it, I do not know. I will enquire of him, if you want it. If you do, I wish he may not have neglected it, as thinking one without the other of no use ; and his bashfulness, I am sure, will not sutler him to apply to a stranger for that which was lent to Sir Robert Cornwall. My grandfather's name was Thomas, he died at Orleton ; I dare say he was not the author of Boscobel ;* sisting my researches to the utmost of his power. In this work, Mr, Blount more loyally than religiously compares the sufferings of his master with those of King David : it has a fine head of Charles II. engraved by P. H. Van Houe : an exact ground plot of the city of Worcester, as it stood fortified Sept. 3, 1651, with the sorties of the besieged, &c. and a larger view, en- graved by Burnford, in which Boscobel-house, the White Ladies, the Royal Oak, &c. are in one plate, and an engraved title of the burning or rejoic- ing for the supposed death of the King, at Trent, and the battle of Worcesr ter. Sold by 11. Brome, &c. 1680-1. In the M. Mag. vol. 36, p. 113, is the following extraordinary paper, extracted from " The Kingdom's Intelligencer, 1661-2;" — " By express command from his Majesty, we are to acquaint the reader that a little book, named Boscobel, (being a relation of his Majesty's happy and miraculous escape after the fight at Worcester) hath divers errors and mistakes in it, and therefore not to he admitted as a true and perfect narrative of his sacred Majesty's deliverance." And yet much of this book is confirmed by the King's (Charles II.) own account, as dictated to Mr. Pepys. * The preface to " Boscobel," which I have now befpre me, is signed Thomas Blount. It is said, that the MS. that formed the Bishop Percy's Collection of Reliques, was believed to be transcribed by Mr. Blount, the author of Boscobel, and the author of Jocular Tenures, who, according to 197 lor in a letter to my father, I have seen the following sense expressed ; — 'Th« •other day, being on a visit to Lord Oxford, I met with a tract entitled Bos- cobel. My Lord expressed great surprise in seeing me eager to peruse it, saying, I was deemed the author. How the world tomes to be so kind as to give it me, I know not; but whatever merit it may have, for I had not time to examine it, I do not chuse to usurp it, I scorn to take the fame of another's productions: so, if the same opinion prevails amongst my friends in your part of the world, I desire you will contradict it, for I do not so much as Jtuow the author of the piece.' ** Upon the strength of this information," continues Dr. Nash, " I wrote to Mr. Cornwall, the Speaker of the House of Commons, who very obligingly examined all his father's papers, and wrote me word he could find nothing of Mr. Blount's, but a very short account of his own fa- mily, which he sent me." Mr. Blount was the author of " The Catholic Almanac, for 1661-2-3, &c." 7- " Booker Rebuked, or Animadversion on Booker's Almanac"; 8. "A Law Dictionary,"* ibid. 1671, fol. reprinted with addi- tions ; 9- " Animadversions on Sir Richard Baker's Chro- nicle," Oxf. I672,f 8vo.; 10. " A World of Errors dis- covered in Mr. Edward Philips' World of Words," Lon- don, 1673, fol. 11." Fragmenta Antiquitatis ; Ancient Te- nures of Land, and Jocular Customs of some Manors," ibid. 1679, 8vo. of which Josiah Beckwith, of York, pub- lished a new edition in 1784; 12. "Animadversions on Blome's Britannia," not published ; 13. " The Art of Wood, was a Herefordshire man. — Query, might not this be the father of Thos. Blount ?— Vide Dibdin's Bibliograph. Decameron, vol. 3, p. 339, arti- cle Percy, Bishop of Dromore. * Wood says, in his life, " Received from Thomas Blount, of the Inner Temple, Esq. a book of his writing, entitled, a Law Dictionary, inter- preting such difficult and obscure words as are found either in our common or statute, ancient or modern laws, &c. printed in folio : this book he gave A. W. because he had, in his great reading, collected some old words for bit use which were remitted therein, afterwards sending to him more ; they were remitted in the 2d edition of that book." + A book, entitled " Animadversions, &c." first of all published at Oxon, in Svo. having been printed there. — The Book was written by Thos. Blount, of the Inner Temple, Esq. and it was sent to A. W. to have it printed there, and to be by him corrected."— A. Woods Life. In the 9th page of this work, Mr. B. introduced a couplet on Wood'* 198 making Devises, treating of Hieroglyphics, Symbols, Sec.'" a translation from the French, 1646, 4to.; 14. " A Cata- logue of the Catholics who lost their Lives in the King's Cause during the Civil War," printed at the end of Lord Castleman's Catholic Apology; 15. "A Chronicle of Eng- land," left imperfect, and a History of Herefordshire, a MS. left with his heirs, but which was probably lost, or has escaped the researches of Mr. Gough ; 16. " A Pedigree of the Blounts," printed in Peacham's Complete Gentleman, ed. 1661. The Penderills, Pendrills, or Penderells, Of whose devoted attachment and services to Charles H. some notice may be expected in a work professing to record the actions of every person worthy notice as connected with the county of Worcester; particularly as Mr. Green, in his history, seems to convey an idea that the family was after- wards neglected bv a Government which it endeavoured to preserve. Mr. Green's words are these :— u A descendant of the Pendrill's, of the name of John, is now (1796) liv- ing in Worcester. His pretensions to the inheritance of the royal grant have been approved by many who have enquired into, and have examined them. The preservers of Kings in another nation are proscribed characters. It is a pity, how- ever, that in any kingdom those who have deserved so well should be forgotten, or that their seed should be neglected. Query, who last enjoyed this pension ?" I have taken some pains to enquire if this charge of neglect, as as- serted by Mr. Green, was correct, and at length I am ena- bled to lay the following extracts before my readers, the first of which is from the Worcester Journal : — On Friday, Dec. 26, 1784, was married, at the Collegiate Church, Wolver- hampton, Geo. Richards, Esq. late of Poland-street, Lon- History of Oxford University. These animadversions were called in and silenced, in the beginning of January, by Dr. Mews, the Vice Chancellor, because therein, p. 30, 'tis said, that the word conventicle was first taken up in the time of Wickliffe. 199 don, to the relict of the late Mr. Shaw, and a descendant of the family of the Pendrils, who preserved the life of Charles II. after the battle of Worcester, from which she now en- enjoys a handsome premium from his Majesty."* Add to this, I was at length so fortunate as to obtain the following- answer to a letter I was directed to send to Birmingham ; and for the ready manner in which it met my enquiry, I beg to thank the communicator : " Sir, " St. Martin's Place. Birmingham, Nov. 12, 1817. " Tn answer to your letter, I hereby inform you that I do receive an an- nuity of about /24 half yearly ; and there is also a Mr. Hill, in this town, a descendant of the Pendrells in a female line, who also receives an annuity on the same account, which is something more than mine; it was originally granted to five brothers, Pendrells; to two of them was granted £ 100 each per annum, and to the other three one hundred marks each per annum ; it is paid out of certain lands lying in the several counties of Stafford, Salop, Worcester, Hereford, &c. which probably at that time might belong to Go- vernment. " I am, Sir, your humble servant, " JOHN PENDRILL. " I believe I am the only descendant in the male line." The contributor of this letter is now carrying on the busi- ness of a carpenter and joiner at Birmingham, and his son is a printer. The christian name of Mr. Hill is Richard ; he is en- gaged in a brewery at Birmingham, and is in the receipt of £3.5 half-yearly The portrait of William Penderill, says Mr. Grainger, which was done in the reign of William III. represents him in the 84th year of his age. Richard Penderill or Penderell's portrait was painted by Zoust, and is engraved by Houston: these six brothers, continues Mr. G. rented little farms on the borders of Staffordshire, and were frequently employed * Among the descendants op the Pendrils, we may also add, that in De- cember, rol5, died, at Gresley Green, the residence of the Rev. G. W. Kempson, near Wolverhampton, in the 82d year of his age, Mr. Thos. Pen- drill Rock, of Brewood, surgeon. The name of Pendrill was given to him as a descendant of the loyal Staffordshire Miller, who preserved Charles 1 1. 200 as labourers, in cutting down timber. Richard died 8th February, 1671, and lies buried in the church of St. Giles in the Fields, London, where a monument is erected to his memory : the author of his epitaph styles him " the great and unparallel'd Penderel." Richard was the third of these brothers, and he was commonly called Trusty Richard; he and his five brothers lived at or near the White Ladies, in a little farm within the wood ; they were employed in cutting down timber, and watching it to prevent its being stolen. They subsisted chiefly upon the profits of some cow grass. — See Pepysian Miscellany, published by Sir David Dalrym- ple. The portrait of trusty Dick Penderell, engraved by Lamborn, Mr. Grainger does not think genuine. At the Restoration, King Charles II. confirmed on Pendrel and his heirs, forever, the sum of £ 100 per annum. Of the other characters whom Charles was obliged to for his escape, Thomas Whitgreaves was of Moseley, in Stafford- shire. In the Worcester Journal for 1810, is inserted, " On Friday se'nnight died, at Moseley-hall, Staffordshire, Tho- mas Whitgreaves, Esq. the worthy descendant of the faith- ful preserver of Charles II." Jo.Hurlston, or Huddleston, was, at the time al- luded to, Chaplain to Mr. Thomas: he was a Benedictine Monk. Wood, who gives some account of him, says, he prevailed upon him to commit to writing the adventures of Boscobel Wood ;* surely this could not be the account that bears the signature of Thos. Blount. — See his article. Hud- dlestone administered extreme unction to Charles II. when on his death bed, at the request of James Duke of York, See an account of the death of that Monarch, by Huddle- ston, in the memoirs of King James, written by himself, p. 748, vol. 2. Mrs*|* Jane Lane married Sir Clement Fisher, of * Charles, after his restoration, gathered some acorns from the Royal Oak at Boscobel, set them in St. James's Park, and used to water them himself Vide Tour through Britain, 1753. + Mrf. was at that time the title of Spinsters. 201 Paekington-hall, Warwickshire, Bart. Mr. Evelyn, in his Diary, mentions that she visited him at Paris in November, 1 65 1 : [September 6th of this year was the fatal Battle of Worcester.] In the European Mag. for October, 1 794-, is a copy of a letter from Charles II. regretting that " he cannot at present reward Mrs. Lane according to his wishes and her de- serts :" this is dated during his exile. Her sister, Mrs. Let- tice Lane, was blind many years before she died in 1709. She assisted her sister Jane in polishing pebbles, by rubbing them one against another. See Nash, vol. 2, p. 168. For an account of the escape of Charles, see Boscobel , the Monthly Mag. vol. 30, p. 137, and Grainger. Simon Ford, D. D. Rector of Old Swinford, Worcestershire, was the son of Richard Ford, and descended from Nicholas Wadham, founder of \\ adham College, was born, about 1619, at East Ogwell, near Newton Bushel!, Devon ; and educated at the free schools of Exeter and Dorchester ; admitted of Magdalen College, Oxford, \GJd ; disappointed of a scho- larship at Wadham, he retired to London, 1641, and ad- hered to the Parliament, under whom he had some employ- ment; M.A. lG48, senior student of Christ Church, and B. D. 1649, and turned out of this place for preaching against the engagement. He was Rector of Newington Green, and Vicar of St. Lawrence, at Reading; in 1659, chosen by the Corporation of Northampton Vicar of All Saints there, D. D. and was appointed King's Chaplain, Minis- ter of Bridewell Chape!, and of St. Mary, Aldermanbury ; but London air not agreeing with his health, he accepted the Rectory of Old Swinford. He was accounted a very able scholar, a noted preacher, and most eloquent Latin poet. Besides a number of sermons and polemical pieces, and translations from Plutarch, enumerated by Wood, he pub- lished Latin Poems on the Fires of London and Northamp- ton. He printed also, 167S, " A Discourse concerning God's Judgments, resolving many weighty questions and <2 D 202 cases relating to them, preached (for the substance of it) at Oldswinford, in Worcestershire, and now published to ac- company the annexed narrative concerning the man whose hands and legs rotted off, in the neighbouring parish of King's Swinford, in Staffordshire, penned by another au- thor, London, 1678," 12mo. It is dedicated to his patron, Thomas Foley, of Kidderminster, and his brother, Philip Foley, of Prestwood Hall, and is the substance of several sermons preached in this parish on that memorable event, which was related at large by James Illingworth, B.D. of King's Swinford, and attested by Dr. Ford, and others, to have happened to one John Duncalf, a young man of 22, who, after a vicious course of life, and imprecating God's vengeance on himself, and that his hands might rot off, if he had committed a theft which he was charged with, died in the course of four months, in a state of perfect mortifica- tion and neglect of cure : Illingworth's narrative was printed in 1678, 12mo. and dedicated to Dr. Ford ; and reprinted in this century, with Mr. Whiston's account of this fact, from his Memoirs, p. 4. On the south wall of the body of the church of Old Swin- ford is this inscription, to the memory of Dr. Ford : — " H. S.E. Simon Ford, S.T.D. Devoniensis hujus ec- clesiae per 22 annos rector, juxta Martham Stampe Redin- gen sem. conjugem fidelissimam : obiit ille 7° Aprilis, 1699, anno setatis octogesimo, obiit ilia 13 Novemb. A. D. 1684." Lady Dorothy Pakington,* "Whose talents are handed down to us with no small pa- negyric, as being, from her acquirements, the probable au- * The Pakington family were originally of Warwickshire ; they first came into this county by the marriage of a John Pakington (see Nash's Worcester- shire, vol. 1, p. 537,) with a daughter of the family of Washborne, of Stanford, about the latter end of Henry VI. and who died 1461. In 1380, W. de Pa- kington was Secretary and Treasurer to the Black Prince, 4th Richard II. -, lie was also Treasurer of the King's Household, Keeper of the Wardrobe, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rector of East Wrotham, Northamptonshire, Prebendary of Tamworth, Lincoln, and York, Rector of Ivinglio and Wear- 203 tlior of the Whole Duty of Man, was the wife of Sir John Pakington, of whom some account will be found in the notes attached to this article : she was the youneest dauHi- ter of the Lord Keeper Coventry, and was born in London about the middle of the reign of James I. : her tutor and pre- ceptor was the learned Sir Norton Knatchbull ; and, after she was married, the famous Hammond, and others, were her instructors. She died on May 10, 1679, and was interred in the church of Hampton Lovett, in this county, where a memorial of her virtues and talents is inscribed at the bottom of a monument erected by her husband. The Whole Duty mouth, Archdeacon of Canterbury, Dean of the Royal Chapel of St. Mary, Stafford, St. Martin le Grand, and Lichfield : he died about 1392. Leland quotes largely in English from his Chronicle, which began at 9 John, and was continued to his own time, but does not appear to be now extant. He wrote, in French, the victorious achievements of the Black Prince. — Pitts, p. 530 ; Nicbol's Hist. Library, p. 66 ; Tanner's Bib. Brit. p. 569. He al- so wrote, in French, the History of Five English Kings, John, Henry III. Edward I. II. and III.— Vide Dr. Nash. SIR JOHN PAKINGTON, 24 Henry VIII. was Chirographer of the Common Pleas, Serjeant at Law, a Welch Judge, and Recorder of Wor cester. He had a memorable grant from the King, that, duringhis life, he should wear his hat in the King's presence, and not be uncovered upon any occasion whatsoever, against his good liking ; that he should not be compelled to take any office or charge upon him, be created a knight or serjeant, or suffer any fine or amerciament for refusing the same. — Pat. 28 Henry VIII. p. 2, in the Rolls Cbapel. Dugd. Orig. Jurid. Chron. sec. p. 83. He died seized of thirty-one manors, had the grant of Westwood d. 2 Eliz. and was buried at Hampton. ROBERT PAKINGTON, born at Stanford, died April, 1537; he was M. P. for the city of London, and was barbarously murdered in the streets of London, A. D. 1537, by the Papists, whom he had opposed. — Stow, vol. i, b. 3, p. 29. SIR JOHN PAKINGTON, called the lusty, a favourite of Queen Eliza- beth, died of the gout, aged 77, and wasburied at Ailesbury, 1625. Queen Eliz. first took notice of this gentleman in her progress to Worcester; afterwards he went to Court, and was made Knight of the Bath. He entered into arti- cles to swim against three noble courtiers, for i/3000, from the bridge at Westminster to the bridge at Greenwich; but the Queen, by her specia command, prevented it. He spent great part of his estate at Court, an' then retired into the country. Queen Elizabeth called him her Temperance and Leicester his Modesty : by the courtiers he was called Moderation. — Vid< Lloyd's State Worthies, and Pennant's MS. Outlines of the Globe and Li 204 of Man has probably, with as little reason, been attributed to the pens of many others : the limits of this work will not allow of any length of discussion of the question, and which, after all, would be left in obscurity : I shall therefore refer those readers who may wish to enter into the arguments for and against Lady P. as the author of that work, to Ballard's British Ladies; the Female Worthies; Aubrey's Letters; Mrs. Hays's Female Biography; Nash's Worcestershire; the Gents. Mag. for 17-54; and Nichol's Literary Anec- dotes, in which latter work the author is presumed to have been a French woman. Mr. Evelyn, in his Diary, says, " I went to visit the Bishop of Lincoln, when, amongst terary Life. Mr. Tomkins, Prebendary of Worcester, in the Memoirs of his Life, which Dr. Nash had seen, says, that he bought, of the Karl of Lei- cester, as much timber out of the forest of Wire at one time as cost the sum of J: 48, for marking, at4d. a tree : he had also a monopoly of starch from the Queen. He was a man of a high but liberal spirit, and a good scholar. — See a long account of him in the Biog. Mirror. SIR JOHN PAKINGTON. Bart, husband to the presumed author of the Whole Duty of Man, was a Knight of the Siiire. In the loth Charles I. he was tried for his life by the Parliament, sequestered and plundered for his loyalty, and compounded withjthe Parliamentary Committee for ,£5000. He served in Parliament for Worcestershire and Aylesbury, and died in 1679. His house was a comfortable asylum for all the men of learning in those limes. SIR JOHN PAKINGTON, Bart, born March 10, 16? 1, buried August 13, 1727, was constantly elected one of the Knights of the Siiire for Worcester- shire in every Parliament, except one, from his first being chosen, at 19 years of age, notwithstanding the powerful opposition that was generally made to him. He was an active man on the Tory side during the reigns of Anne and George I. The inscription on his monument, at Hampton church, «tys, — " He spoke his mind in Parliament without reserVe, neither fearing or flattering those in power, but despising all their offers of titles and pre- ferment upon base and dishonourable compliances." Bishop Lyttelton, whose family always opposed the Pakingtons in the county, says, in a note upon this, that Sir John l'akington had a pension from the Whig ministry of JtbOO per annum, charged upon the Salt Office. Westw^od, the seat of the Pakingtons, hath often afforded an asylum to !r;ji ijcd men : Dr. Hammond, Bishops Morly, Fell, Gunning, and others, always met with hospitable entertainment here, during the troubles of the kingdom. At the Revolution, the doors of Westwood were open to some persons who scrupled to take the oaths to King William. And here Dean Hickes wrote great part of his Linguarum Septentrionalium Thesaurus, &c. 205 other things, he told me, that one Dr. Chaplain, of Uni- versity College, Oxford, was the person who wrote the Whole Duty of Man, that he used to read it to his pupils, and communicated it to Dr. Sterne, afterwards Archbishop of York, but would never suffer any of his pupils to have a copv of it. The following works have been also attributed to her Ladyship, and to the author, whoever it may be, of the Whole Duty of Man, viz. — 1. On the Impartial Survey of the Ruins of the Christian Religion, &c. ; 2. The Gentle- man's Calling; 3. The Ladies' Calling, in two parts; 4. On the Government of the Tongue ; 5. The Art of Con- tentment ; 6. The Lively Oracles given to us, and a Prayer for King Charles II. during his banishment, and another for Resignation to the Almighty Will. These also prove the abilities of the author, and evince the pious sentiments of a religious mind. The life of this amiable woman was ex- tended to a long period, and she died, says Ballard, full of years and good works. She is said to have received so learned an education as to be able to read the Scriptures in their original language ; and Hammond, Morley, Fell, and Thomas, averred that she was as great an adept, and as well versed in divinity as themselves ; she also possessed a great knowledge of antiquities. An almost incontrovertible evi- dence of Lady Pakington being the author of the book in question, arises from the assertions of Archbishop Dolben, Bishops Fell, and Abbestry, who are said to have declared this of their own knowledge, after her death, which she obliged them to keep private during her life — that she really was the author of that best and most masculine religious book extant in the English language, the Whole Duty of Man. George Hopkins, M.A. A Native of this county, was the father of William Hopkins, a Prebendary of Worcester. See his article. He was of New Inn, Oxford, and the son of William Hop- '206 kins, a member of the Long Parliament. Wood says he was born at Bewdley, April 15, 1620, and was educated partly there in school learning, under John Graile, and partly at Kinfare, county of Stafford. He became a battler of New Inn, 1637 ; and having in 1641 taken one degree in arts, he left the University for a time, being puritanically affected. He afterwards sided with the Presbyterians, took the covenant, retired to Oxford after the garrison thereof had surrendered for the use of the Parliament, and he then submitted to the visitors appointed by them, took the degree of M.A. and soon afterwards became Minister of All Saints, Evesham. In 1654, was an assistant to the com- missioners " for ejecting scandalous ministers." After his ejectment from Evesham, for want of conformity, he re- tired to Dumbleton, in Gloucestershire. When the Oxford oath came out he was over-persuaded to take it, according to his own idea of it, that he might not be forced live miles from the people, but died just at the time when he should have had the benefit of it, March 2,3, 1666, and was buried in the chancel of the parish church. He was a judicious, godly, peaceable, upright man, and a useful preacher. Wood says he was a good mathematician, and an example of great candour and moderation ; he constantly (continues he) frequented the parish church, with his family, received the holy communion, and did all things required of a lay member of the Church of England. He was the author of Salvation from Sin by Jesus Christ, or the Doctrine of* Sanctification founded upon Christianity, &c. in seven ser- mons, on Matt. i. 21, levelled at the Antinomians. John Evelyn, Esq. Author of Sylva, 8cc. purchased the manor of Hurcott, (Hircourt) in this county, of his brother George, in 1648, for 33001. and sold it in the same year to Mr. Bridges, for 3,400. — See his Diary. This circumstance has not been mentioned by Dr. Nash. 207 Thomas Barlow, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1660, Was also a Librarian at the Bodleian, and Provost of Queen's College, Oxford. He was installed Archdeacon of Oxford in the Cathedral of Christ Church, June 12, 1664, and translated to the See of Lincoln in 1675. He died October 8, 1691- He was a very learned man, though be- lieved to be a rigid Calvinist, consequently no friend to his order ; insomuch that he was remarkable for having never visited any part of his diocese while he sat in it. He had a very high opinion of the virtues of tobacco, of which, like Drs. Aldrich and Barrow, he smoked great quantities. For a further account of Bishop Barlow, see A. Wood ; Grain- ger and Nichol's Literary Anecdotes. Giles Collier, A Native of this county, was the son of Giles Collier, of Pershore, where he was born in l6'2'2, or at least in Worcestershire. He became either a battler or servitor at New Inn, Oxon, in Lent term, 1637, took the degree of B.A. and left college for a time, and went over to the Presbyterians. In 1648, when the Parliamentarian visitors were in Oxon, he proceeded in arts, took the covenant, and afterwards became Vicar of Blockley, near Evesham, and of Shipston, both in this county (Worcester); and became an active man as assistant to the commissioners of Worcester- shire, for the ejection of such whom the puritans called " scandalous, ignorant and insufficient ministers and school- masters," about the year 1654. At his Majesty's restoration, he continued in Blockley ; and when the Act of Uniformity was published, he conformed, not without the regret of some loyalists in the neighbourhood, whom he had much dis- pleased in the interval. He died at Blockley the latter end of July, 1678, and was buried in the church there. He was the author of Vindiche Thesium de Sabbato, &c. Appendix to ditto, wherein is briefly examined the Assertion of Bishop Fisher, viz. — there is an equal authority and equal antiquity 208 for the observation of the 25th of December, as for the Lord's Day. Answer to Fifteen Questions lately published by Edward Fisher, Esq. and the suggestions therein deli- vered against suspended ignorant and scandalous persons from the Lord's Supper ; and a Funeral Sermon. — Vide Wood's Athenae. Henry Greisley, M.A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1672, Was educated at Westminster School, and became a student of Christ Church, Oxford, 1634. He was the in- cumbent of Severn Stoke, 1661, and died 1678. Griesley translated from the French Balsahs Prince, and Senault's Christian Man. — See a further account in Anthony Wood. Ralph Sheldon, A Native of this county, was born at Bewdley, Aug. 4, 1623. He was commonly called the great Sheldon; and an ancestor of his, of the name of William, about the year 1553, introduced the working of tapestry in England. — See an account of the Sheldons in Dr. Nash's Worcestershire, vol.1, p. 66. Ralph, the subject of this memoir, received the early part of his education in his father's house, under Woodhip, the family priest. At the age of nineteen he com- menced his travels, and having visited Fiance, resided for some time at Rome. After spending four years away from his native country, he returned to England, the troubles here having ceased, about 1647, and married Maria Savage, a daughter of Lord Savage, a handsome woman ; but so lavish and imprudent, as much to diminish his estate. Fortunately, however, he had no family ; he therefore indulged in a taste for the study of heraldry and antiquities, and bestowed a considerable time in collecting and writing genealogies of the noblemen of England. At length his wife dying in 1663, he spared no money in forming a library, at his house at Weston, in Warwickshire, and became a great patron of learning and learned men, and well skilled in history and antiquities. In 1667 he once more visited Rome, where remaining about 209 two years, he collected there many choice books, medals, and coins. After his return in l6?0, John Vincent, son of Au°us- tus Vincent, some time Windsor Herald, and like himself, an able genealogist, (to whom he had for several years allowed an annual pension to encourage his works) being at that time dan- gerously ill of a dropsy, was advised to leave all his MSS. to Mr. Sheldon, upon condition of his paying his debts, "and (conti- nues Wood) relieving several of his books which were then pawned for ale." His will was made, and his MSS. amount- ing to at least 240, besides many rolls of pedigrees left to Mr. Sheldon, who conveyed them to Weston, and he pur- chasing more printed books, and all the MSS. he could lay his hands on. Becoming acquainted with A. Wood, at Oxon, he employed him to catalogue and arrange his library, which he formed in a large square room over his kitchen, and arranged his medals, curiosities, and pictures, in a little room over the entry into the hall, which continued there till 16S2, at which time they were removed to the north end of the gallery. Mr. Sheldon died in 16S4, and having be- queathed his closet of rarities to his uncle's daughter, T. Sheldon, they were conveyed to London soon after his death, and the books put in their place by his successor, R. S. of Barton. Mr. Sheldon was a great friend to A. Wood, and left him 1001. towards printing his Athena?, and committed to him the charge of sorting his papers after his decease, bequeathing him 401. for his trouble : the va- luable MSS. of Augustus Vincent he left to the Herald's College, and allowed the son of Vincent a yearly pension for many years. He acquired the name of great from his great integrity, charity, and hospitality, which gained him the esteem of all the neighbouring gentry. The reader will find :i long account of Sheldon in Anthony Wood's Life attached to his Athenae ; also the following memorandum : " Received from Mr. Ralph Sheldon a book entitled the Rule of Faith, translated by his uncle, Mr. Edward Sheldon, with several others, to put in the hands of the Oxford booksellers." 2 E 210 Mr. Sheldon and his father suffered much from the civil wars, and their estate being then valued as the largest but one in the county, except that of the Middlemores, he was to have received the honour from Charles II. of the order of the Royal Oak. His epitaph is in Nash's Worcestershire. Adam Littleton, A Native of this county, was born at the vicarage-house of Hales Owen, November 8, 1624 ; his father, Mr. Thomas Littleton, being then Vicar. He was descended from the Westcot family, of Mounslow, Worcestershire. He was educated under Dr. Busby, at Westminster school, and in 1644 was chosen student of Christ Church, Oxford, but was ejected by the Parliament visitors in November, 1648. This ejection, however, does not seem to have extended so far as in other cases, for soon after he became an usher of Westminster school ; and in 1658, was made second master, having for some time in the interim taught school in other places. In July, 1670, being then Chaplain in Ordinary to the King, he took his degrees in divinity, which were con- ferred upon him without taking any in arts, as a mark of respect due to his extraordinary merit. This indeed had been amply attested to the University, by letters from Henchman, Bishop of London. In September, 1674, he was made Prebendary and Sub-dean of Westminster, and Rector of Chelsea, where he lies, with an epitaph. Among his numerous publications is " A Sermon at a solemn Meet- ing of the Natives of the City and County of Worcester, in Bow Church, London, 24th June, 1680 ;" but it does not appear that he ever resided or held any situation in this county. Among the works presumed to be written by Littleton, the Tragico Comsedia Oxoniensis was said by Anthony Wood to be in reality written by Mr. John Carrick, a student of Christ Church, whom the doctor noted as the author in a copy of the poem in his own study. He died June 30, 1694. 211 Sir William Coventry, Knt. LL.D. Was the younger son of the Lord Keeper Coventry. He was born in 1626. In 1642 he became a Gentleman Com- moner of Queen's College, Oxford, and afterwards travelled on the Continent. On his return to this country, adhering to King Charles II. he entered into his army, and had the command of a company of foot. He shortly after travelled into France, where he remained after the defeat of his master, while there was any chance of getting another army to as- sist him against his enemies, or of the other powers exert- ing themselves in the cause of monarchy. But when all hopes of this became desperate, he returned to England, and became, according to Clarendon, with whom he appears to have been no favourite, indifferent to the cause to which he had been once so warmly devoted. The fact is, as I learn from King James's Memoirs of his own Life, that Sir William constantly opposed the opinions of the Chancellor and his friend the Treasurer Nicholas : and his Lordship does not scruple to affirm that he incensed the House of Commons against him, and strove by every means to seek his ruin. The Chancellor, however, highly praises his bro- ther, Henry Coventry, for his able negociation with Sweden ; and he declares him to be a man equal to any business. Sir William became at length the chief actor in the affair of im- peaching the Chancellor, and gave up his situation as Se- cretary to the Duke, that he might be more at liberty to pro- secute him : indeed, of all that Lord's enemies, he was the most dangerous, as having the greatest abilities ; but no sooner was Lord Clarendon removed, than Courtnev in turn became subject to the persecution of Buckingham and Ar- lington. It is said, in James's Memoirs, that the Chancellor, finding Sir William to be a very industrious man in business, grew jealous of him, and secretly endeavoured to keep him back, which the other was clear-sighted enough to perceive ; and therefore, when the opportunity offered, he failed not to give his helping hand towards disgracing the Chancellor. On the King's restoration, Sir William was one of those who waited on his Majesty to congratulate him on his arrival, and Mas made Secretary to the Duke of "York, Secretary to the Admiralty, and elected Burgess of the town of Great Yar- mouth, in Norfolk, in the Parliament which met at West- minster, May 8, l66l, (2 Charles II.) and also to that which was summoned in 1678 : and in 1663 he was created Doctor of the Civil Law, at Oxford. He was sworn of the Privy Council, and received the honour of Knighthood, June 26, I6G0, and was made one of the Commissioners of the Treasury on May 24, 1667 ; being, according to Bi- shop Burnet, " a man of great notions and eminent virtues, the best speaker in the House of Commons, and capable of bearing the chief Ministry, as it was once thought he was very near it, and deserved it more than all the rest ;" yet, as he was too honest to engage in the designs of that reign, and quarrelled with the Duke of Buckingham, a challenge passed between them, upon which he was forbid the Court, and re- tired to Minster Lovel, near Whitney, Oxfordshire, where he gave himself up to a religious and private course of life, without accepting any employment, though he was after- wards offered, more than once, the best posts in the Court. He died June 23, ]6S6, unmarried, at Somerhill, near Tollbridge, Kent, where he had retired for the benefit of the waters, being afflicted with the gout in his stomach ; and was buried at Penshurst, in the same county, under a monument erected to his memory. By his last will he gave £2000 for the relief of the French Protestants, then lately arrived in England, and banished for the sake of their religion ; and £3000 for the redemption of captives from Algiers. Sir William Coventry wrote, 1. " England's Appeal from the Private Cabal at Whitehall to the Great Council of the Nation, the Lords and Com- mons in Parliament assembled," Lond. 1673, 4to. ; 2. " Let- ter written to Dr. Gilbert Burnet, giving an account of Car- dinal Pole's secret powers, &c. respecting the alienation of the Abbey Lands," ibid. 1685, 4to.; 3. "The Character 213 of a Trimmer," ibid. 1689, 2d ed. with his name, which did not appear to the first : this work was not published until 1689, a year after the author's death. Mr. Bliss, the editor of Bishop Earl's Microcosmography, says, that the book was written long before it was published, as may be seen by article xlix of Characters in this Bishop's work. — " Charac- ter of a Tory in 1659," in answer to that of a Trimmer (ne- ver published), both written in King Charles's reign, and reprinted in the works of George Villiers, second Duke of Buckingham, 4to. London, \~'2i, but not mentioned by Mr. Parke, in his Noble and Royal Authors. I there- fore presume that the " Character of a Tory" was not the production of the Duke, or it would not have escaped the indefatigable author of that interesting work. Mr. Evelyn, in his Diary, thus speaks of the subject of this article: — " 16.59, Mr. William Coventry visited me ; he is son to the Lord Keeper ; a wise and witty gentleman." The attachment of Sir William Coventry to James II. seems constant and ardent, and to which that Monarch has borne ample testimony in his Memoirs, written by himself, and edited by the Rev. Mr. Clark. When the unpopularity of the Duke of York had obliged Charles to banish his brother from England, we find Sir William Coventry, his Secretary, (although he had, with the Duke of Ormond, advised him to leave this kingdom,) was the only person who dared to oppose the vote, " that the Duke of York, being a Papist, had given rise to the Popish Plot :" yet, when the bill to exclude the Duke of York from the succession was agitated, we find no mention made of the name of Sir William Co- ventry ; and from this it may be imagined that, much as he loved his master, he loved his country yet more. At the time the Duke ventured to return from Brussels, on being sent for by Charles II. who was taken ill, and on the re- covery of Charles ordered back again, Mr. Secretary Co- ventry thought proper to represent his reasons to the King against this latter measure, but these not availing, he urged the great impropriety of putting the heir of the Crown into 214 the power of a foreign Prince, and that if his Majesty would not suffer him to remain in England, it were more prudent to send him to Scotland ; this was the first time that design had been named or thought of, and it ap- peared so reasonable, that Lord Sunderland, and the King himself, soon entered into it; only they would have him first go back to Brussells and fetch the Duchess, and from thence go straight to Scotland. Thomas Lamplugh, B.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1669, Afterwards Archbishop of York, Mas a native of Thiving, in the East Riding of Yorkshire ; he was some time a Ta- berder of Queen's College, Oxford. In 1672 he was pre- ferred to the Deanery of Rochester, and in 1676 to the Bishopric of Exeter. Upon the landing of the Prince of Orange in the west, he, in a public address, exhorted those of his diocese to adhere to King James ; but, upon the ap- proach of the Prince of Orange, he fled from Exeter to Lon- don, and was presently after made Archbishop of York. He set the Crown upon the Prince of Orange's head, and died May 5, l6Ql. There is nothing extant of his writings but a sermon on Luke 55, 5(), preached November 5, 1678. See an anecdote of him in Baxter's Life, fol. edit. John Flavel, A Native of this county, was born about 1627, and educated at University College, Oxford, where he took his degree of B. A. In 1650 he settled as Assistant Minister to Mr. Walplate, Rector of Deptford, in Devonshire, and shortly after succeeded to the Rectory, which, however, in 1656, he resigned, to become Minister of a very populous parish at Dartmouth, though the stipend at this situation was much less. In 1662, when ejected, with other non- conformists, he occasionally preached, and administered the sacrament, privately, till the passing of the Oxford Act, in 1665, when he was obliged to retire to Slapton, a village five miles from Dartmouth, where also he sometimes 215 preached, when he could do it with safety ; and sometimes when his safety was endangered. In 1680, a mob was ex- cited against him, and would probably have destroyed him, had he fallen into their hands : he then came to London, where he narrowly escaped being apprehended, but return- ing to Dartmouth, when in 1 687 King James granted more liberty to nonconformists, Mr. Flavel's congregation im- mediately obtained for him a large place, in which he was enabled to exercise his ministerial functions ; and by the Revolution in 1688, he enjoyed complete liberty. He died at Exeter in l69l> in his 64th year, having long possessed, in an eminent degree, the respect and esteem of all good men. He was a man of exemplary piety, and his various works are still in considerable popularity, and are regarded by those who hold Calvinistic sentiments. They were col- lected, after his death, in 2 vols, folio, and have been since often printed in 6 vols. Svo. Joseph Cooper, Chaplain of Kingsnorton, Worcestershire, was the son of Mr. Hugh Cooper, Minister of Preston, in the county of Salop. He took great pains to compare oriental versions, and the Septuagint with the Hebrew text. He read the Massoreh, and other Jewish and Rabbinical Commentaries, as if they had been in Latin. Mosely was a poor place : the inhabitants made up the salary to him £50 a year, but the legal income was but 20 nobles : on this account there was no one to supply his place after St. Bartholomew's day, 1662, so that he continued till December, when a troop of horse came to apprehend him ; he was taken out of the pul- pit, and confined in Worcester gaol six months, but preach- ed again the very day on which he was released. He was the author of Domus Mosaics Clavis, sive legis Sepimen- tum, a book that gained the author reputation among linguists ; the Dead Witness still speaking to his Living Friends; the Substance of eight Sermons, by way of Fare- 216 well ; MtsQoffxowtx, or a Prospect of Heavenly Glory, for the comfort of Sion's Mourners. Sir Thomas Street, Lord Chief Justice Of the King's Bench: he was for many years Town Clerk of the city of W orcester, and also represented the city in Parliament : he was advanced to the degree of Serjeant at Law by Charles II. appointed a Judge on the Welch Cir- cuit, and a Baron of the Exchequer ; from thence he was re- moved to the King's Bench, and made Justice of the Com- mon Pleas Oct. 29, 1684. Sir Thomas Street was the on- ly one of the twelve Judges who gave his opinion against the King's dispensing power.* The singularity of his being " faithful found among the faithless," is recorded on his tomb, which has many pretensions to taste in its sculpture. — See Chambers's Worcester, p, 186. He died March 8, 1696, in the 70th year of his age. There is a portrait of him engraved by R. White, 1686. About seventy years ago, says Dr. Nash, Judge Street's grand-daughter renewed the inscription ; and at her death left money to erect his monument in the Cathedral. William Lloyd, Bishop of Worcester, 1699, Was born at Tilchurch, Berks, 1627 : having been in- structed by his father in classical learning and Hebrew, at eleven years of age he was entered, in 1638, a student of Oriel College, Oxford ; the following year he was elected to a scholarship of Jesus College. Dr. Nash, who intro- duces a note on this life to correct the date of other biogra- phers, says, that he was ordained Deacon in 1649, and * 1687. — This year King James II. resolved to grant, by proclamation, without consulting the Parliament, an indulgence or liberty of conscience, Deing fully convinced, by the opinions of all the Judges, except Mr. Baron Street, that he might do it by virtue of his prerogative. Life of James 11. frain Memoirs written by his own hand. 217 Priest in 1635. In 1654, upon the ejection of Dr. Pordage by the Presbyterian committee, he was presented to the Rectory of Bradneld, Essex, which he soon after resigned, being threatened with a contest. In 1668, after various small preferments, he was installed Archdeacon of Me- rioneth, and then promoted to the See of St. Asaph. He had shewn his zeal against Popery, and in the same spirit published, in 1677, " Considerations teaching the true way to suppress Popery," a work which, it is rather singular, subjected him to a suspicion of his being favourable to the Catholics, and which brought him under the satirical lash of Shippen. All suspicion, however, vanished when he was committed to the Tower, with six other Prelates, for not complying with the order of publishing the Royal Decla- ration of liberty of conscience. Having concurred heartily in the Revolution, he was made Lord Almoner to William III. On this occasion, Lord Clarendon says, "the Bishop of St. Asaph was with me ; and, in discourse, we quickly fell upon the new oaths : I told him I could not take them, thinking myself bound by the oath of Allegiance and Su- premacy which I had already taken. He told me those oaths did no longer oblige me than the King to whom I took them could protect me, and that I was free from my allegiance to King James, and that these new oaths were no more than to live quietly under King William ; and he would fain have persuaded me to take them, but I answered, that I was fully satisfied that I could not be absolved from the oaths I had taken, to which these new ones were contradictory ; that having already taken the former oaths, my allegiance was due to King James, and not in my power to dispose of." According to Sir John Dalrymple, of the seven Bi- shops persecuted by James, only one, Lloyd, Bishop of Asaph, waited on the new King, William, and took the oaths to his government. In 1692 he was translated to the See of Lichfield and Coventry, and afterwards to Worcester. He lost the situation of Almoner to Queen Anne, in con- sequence of a petition to her Majesty, praying that the Bi- 2 r 218 shop might be prosecuted for interfering in an improper man- ner in an election to return his son for this county. He died at Hartlebury Castle, August 30, 1717, and was buried in the church of Fladbury. Bishop Lloyd furnished a large share of the materials to Burnet's History of the Reform- ation, and to him the learned are obliged for that stu- pendous work, Pool's Synopsis, which was undertaken by his advice. Bishop Wilkins also acknowledges himself obliged to his continual assistance, panegyrising him for great industry and accurate judgment. He is also supposed to have had a hand in a book published by his son at Oxford, in 1700, entitled, Series Chronolo- gica Olympiadum, &c. He collected, in the course of many years, an immense treasure of remarks upon the Bible, filling up, from time to time, a large folio edition of it, in- terleaved and interlaced even to the margin, but all in short hand, known only to himself and his Chaplain : this book was extant in 1764. There was a letter from Queen Mary, in the possession of Dr. Tottie (see his article) written with her own hand, desiring Bishop Lloyd to publish his Col- lections upon the Bible ; this was never done : his Lordship corresponded upon particular texts with many learned abroad, who made it their study to discuss the matter, and send him their answers. There is a letter of abjuration, by Bishop Lloyd to Humphrey Wanley, in page 100, vol. 1, Letters from the Bodleian Library. In Swift's Letters, we read : — " Yesterday the old Bi- shop of Worcester, who pretends to be a prophet, went to the Queen, by appointment, to prove to her Majesty, out of Daniel and the Revelation, that four years hence there would be a war of religion ; that the King of France would be a Protestant, and light on their side ; that the Popedom would be destroyed, &c. ; and declared, that he would be content to give up his Bishopric if it were not true.* Lord Treasurer, who told it me, was by, and some * Dr. William Lloyd, Bishop of Worcester, was a man of great learning, and author of a " History of the Government of the Church ;" a " Chro- 219 others ; and I am told, Lord Treasurer confounded lam sadly in his own learning, which made the old fool very quar- relsome. He is near ninety years old." Baxter, in his Life, says, that Bishop Lloyd set himself with vigour to reduce Dissenters, and affected to do it in a reasoning May; he publicly discoursed with the Quakers, &c. When Dr. Sacheverell passed through Worcester, Bishop Lloyd ordered the churchwardens to take care that there should be no bells rung ; but some of the mob broke into the churches, and finding the ropes taken away, began to knock with hammers on the bells ; several pamphlets were also published on this affair. Mr. Evelyn has the following notice in his work : — " Nov. 23, 1679, -Dr. Lloyd preached before the King. I never heard a more christian and excellent discourse ; yet w ere some offended that he seemed to say the Church of Rome was a true church ; but 'twas a captious mistake, for he never affirmed any thing that could be more to their reproach, and that such was the present Church of Rome, shewing how much it had erred : there was not in this sermon so much as a shadow for censure ; no person of all the clergy having testified greater zeal against the errors of the Papists than this pious and learned person." — See Diary. Anthony Wood relates the following anecdote of Bishop Lloyd : — """Sept. 16j9, one Kinaston, a merchant, of London, with a long beard, and hair overgrown, was at the Miter Inn, and faigning himself a patriarch, and that he nological Account of the Life of Pythagoras ;" and many tracts against Popery. For Popery, indeed, he had an ancient and irreconcileable hatred and terror ; having preached that funeral sermon upon the death of Sir Ed- mondbury Godfrey, two able-bodied divines attending as a guard to his per- son in the pulpit, lest, before all the congregation, he should be murdered by the Papists. His chronological studies led him to write a Commentary on the Revelation, the result of which, and perhaps some confidence in the force of his own controversial tracts, led him, it seems, to hope for the conversion of the King of France from the errors of Rome. The Bishop is described, in a Poem called " Faction Displayed," under the title of Old Mysterio.— Note by Scott. 220 came to Oxford for a model of the last reformation, divers royalists repaired to him, and were blest by him, viz. Joh. Ball, Gilb. Ironside, and Henry Langley, of Wadham Col- lege ; Bernard Rawlins, a glazier, was there, and also craved his blessing on his knees, which he obtained. Joh. H ai- mer, the Greek professor of the University, appeared very formally, and made a Greek harangue before him ; where- upon some of the company, who knew the design to be waggish, fell a laughing, and betrayed the matter. It was a piece of waggery to impose upon the royalists, and such that had a mind to be blest by a patriarch instead of an archbishop or bishop, and it made a great sport for a time ; and those that were blest were ashamed of it, they being more than I have set down. Mr. William Lloyd then living in Wadham College, in the quality of tutor to William Buckhouse, of Swallowfields, in Berks, was the author of this piece of waggery, as he himself used to make his braggs : and because the Dean of Christ Church, Dr. Owen, and some of the Canons of that house, and other Presbyterian Doctors, resorted to him, or he to them, for to draw up and give him a model ; they were so incensed when they found the matter a cheat, that Lloyd was forced to abscond for the present; or, as he used to say, run away. This Mr. Lloyd was afterwards successively Bishop of St. Asaph, Lichfield and Coventry." Wood also records, " that in January, 1693, it was proposed, that Dr. Lloyd's book, entitled God's Way of Disposing Kingdoms, &c. should be burnt, but it was carried against it in the House of Peers, by eleven votes." The following circumstance bears ample testimony that, though Bishop Lloyd, in common with all mankind, had his weak side, avarice at least was not one of his vices : — *' In the night of November, 1707, Mrs. Palmer, of Upper Snodsbury, and her maid servant, were murdered, and her house burnt, by part of a gang of desperate villains, at the head of whom were Palmer, her only son, and one Symonds, whose sister Palmer had married. They were both persons 221 uf some property. Palmer was possessed of an estate of near £'200 per annum, and £740 in bonds, &c. and Sy- monds was descended from Justice Symonds, ■who was a Healous friend of Cromwell, and entertained him at his own house the night before the battle of Worcester. They were executed for this murder, and hung in chains, May 8, 1708. There were inferior criminals associated with them, who also suffered. While they lay under condemnation, Talbot, Dean of Worcester, (see his article) interested himself in their conduct. By the death of Palmer, a lease of a portion of the tythes of Sheriff's Lench and an estate at White Lady Aston were forfeited to Lloyd, the for- mer valued at about £35 a year, the latter at about £30. His Lordship, unwilling to receive the price of blood, as he himself called it, gave both estates to charitable uses ; the latter to found a school, the former to pay £5 a year each to three curates, namely, those of Bengeworth, Church Lench, and All Saints, in Evesham ; the remainder to clothe poor boys in the school before mentioned." (See Chambers's Worcester, p. 293.) This act of Bishop Lloyd, who was by no means a rich man, and who had a family, ought not to be forgotten. See Bishop Madox. But no written au- thority seems to represent Bishop Lloyd's temper and cha- racter in a more amiable light, than the interesting account of his conduct towards the dissenters of his diocese, as given in the Life of the Rev. Philip Henry, see p. 118, ed. 1712. The reader will find an account of the minor circum- stances of Bishop Lloyd's life in the several Biographical Dictionaries ; and in Dr. Nash's History of Worcestershire is to be seen an account, by the Bishop, of the murder of Sir Edmund bury Godfrey, on whose death he preached a sermon, when Dean of Bangor ; and also some further par- ticulars. W'illiam Lloyd, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1714, Was also Chancellor of this Diocese. His library was sold in 1775. ±1-1 Rev. Thomas Doolittle, or Doolitell, A Native of this county, was born at Kidderminster in 1630. Having discovered an early inclination to learning, he was sent to Cambridge, and admitted of Pembroke Hall, where he studied with a view to the church, or rather to the meetino-, as the church was then under the controul of the Republican party. His first destination, however, was to the law ; and he went for some time to receive instructions in an attorney's office ; but his master having employed him to copy some writings on a Sunday, he relinquished the bu- siness. It appears to be after this that he went to the Uni- versity, and having taken his degree in Arts, became a preacher. His first settlement was at St. Alphage, London Wall. This living being then vacant, Mr. Doolittle ap- peared as a candidate, with several others, and the pa- rishioners preferred him to become their pastor, in 1(5.54, and remained a very popular preacher until 1662, when he was ejected for nonconformity. From this he removed to Moor- fields, and opened a kind of boarding school, in which he was so successful as to be obliged to hire a larger house in Bunhill Fields, where he continued until the great plague, and then he removed to Woodforde. After the plague abated he returned to London, and saw it laid in ashes by the oreat fire ; on this occasion he and some other noncon- formists resumed their preaching, and were for some time unmolested. Mr. Doolittle has the credit of projecting the first meeting-house, which was a hired place in Bunhill Fields ; but that proving too small, when the city began to be rebuilt, he erected a more commodious place of worship in Mugwell, or Monkwell-street, Cripplegate, which re- mains until this day : here, however, he was occasionally interrupted by the magistrates, who put the laws in execu- tion ; but in 1672 he obtained a license from Charles II. which is still suspended in the vestry room of the meeting, and for some time continued to preach, and likewise kept an 223 academy at Islington for the education of young men in- tended for the ministry among the nonconformists. On the Corporation Act being passed, when his license became use- less, he was again obliged to leave London, and resided partly at Wimbleton and partly at Battersea, where, al- though his house was rifled, he escaped imprisonment. At the Revolution he was enabled to resume his ministry in Monkwell-street, and here he closed the public labours of fifty-three years on May 24, 1707, the 77th year of his age. Much of his time was spent in writing his various works, many of which attained a high degree of popularity : as, l."A Treatise concerning the Lord's Supper," 1665, 12mo. which has, perhaps, been oftener printed than al- most any book on that subject ; 2. " Directions how to live after a wasting Plague," (that of London) 1666, 8vo. 3. " A Rebuke for Sin by God's Burning Anger," (alluding to the great fire) ; 4. " The Young Man's Instructor and the Old Man's Remembrancer," 1673, Svo.; 5."A Call to De- laying Sinners," 1683, 12mo. of which there have been many editions ; 6. " A Complete Body of Practical Divi- nity," fol. 1723, 8cc. Sec. Among the books written by Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Chalmers has not mentioned his " Suf- ferings of Christ." " The first copy," says Dunton, " I would venture to print, was written by the Rev. Mr. Doo- little, and intituled ' The Sufferings of Christ ;' this book fully answered my end, for, exchanging it through the whole trade, it furnished my shop with all sorts of books saleable at that time ; and it also brought me acquainted with Messrs. Shewel, Clark, Benson, Wells, and Sunders, who were then students of Mr. Doolittle." — Nichols. His son, Sa- muel, was settled as a dissenting minister at Reading, v\here he died in 1717. Richard Morton, M. D. Was born in the county of Suffolk : on leaving the Uni- versity, where he took orders, he was for some time Chap- lain i:i the family of Foley, in Worcestershire. Having 224 adopted the opinions of the nonconformists, he left the pro-' fession of theology and adopted that of medicine, and died at his house in Surrey, 1698. Sir Francis Winnington, A Native of this city, was born November 7, 1634 : this family is of great antiquity in Cheshire, it appearing, by their pedigree in the Herald's Office, that they were lords of the manor of Winnington, near Nantwich, in Cheshire, 3d Edward I. 1275, and intermarried with the Grosvenors, Manwarings, Warburtons, and other principal families of that county : they continued to reside at Winnington till 35 Elizabeth, when Sir Richard Winnington, Knt. dying with- out issue male, his only daughter became his heir, and mar- ried Sir Peter Warburton, who thus became possessed of the manors of Winnington, Pulford, &c. and his male issue enjoyed them till the only daughter of General Warburton married Samuel Pennant, Esq. The only brother of Sir Richard Winnington was made a Colonel, resigned his post in the army, and settled at Powick, where he married, and had one son, Francis, the subject of this memoir, who was a servitor in Trinity College, and bred to the law. He be- came eminent in his profession, and was made Solicitor Ge- neral to Charles II. in 1674, and opposed the exclusion bill, for I find him telling the Commons, " That those arguments which had just been used for temporizing, were only proper to lull themselves into a fatal negligence and security, as if it were needless, or to no purpose to oppose Popery." Life of James II. from his own Papers, vol. 1, p. 610: and again, " that it was the prospect of a Popish succession that gave life and encouragement to the designs of destroying the government and introducing Popery ;" p. 637. — Vide the opening of the trial of Stafford : in the same work, it is said that he raised a great estate by the law, though his talents consisted rather in speaking fluently than elegantly, knowing how to wrangle better than»to argue. But Mr. Evelyn calls him a famous pleader; and says, that in November, 1680. 225 he was on the trial of the Earl of Stafford, afterwards behead- ed, for conspiring the death of the King. He died May 1, 1700, and was buried in Stanford church, in this county. The body of Sir Francis Wilmington was as active as his mind ; he was a great sportsman, and would frequently ride, in the months of November and December, from London to Stanford in a day, about 125 miles, and this when he was upwards of 60 years of age ; December 13, 1698. The expence of post horses being £3. 2s. 6d. and the expences on the road, for himself and servant, 7s. 6d. It was much easier done in those days than now, before the country was enclosed, and before turnpike-roads and post-chaises had rendered long journies on horseback so unfrequent and dis- agreeable as at present. See the MS. Diary of Sir Francis Wilmington. He was eminent for his knowledge in the laws of England, a great master of eloquence, and a most zealous defender of the liberties of his country in Parliament, where he for some time represented the city of W 01 cester, and afterwards the boroughs of Windsor and Tewkesbury ; and was the first patron of Lord Somers, who is said to have lived with him two or three years as his cierk in cham- bers. The will of Sir Francis Wilmington, says Dr. Nash, is now before me, dated 1697; it is very short; and, though a great lawyer, he avoids all law terms and phrases, gives an account of his children and wife, and exhorts them to prac- tise an holy and virtuous life, which, sailh he, will bring them more content than any thing this world can afford. There is a letter of Sir Francis Wilmington's in Series 1 of Epistolary Curiosities, p. 163, respecting the affair of Boraston : see his article ; but the matter is of little or no importance. Thomas Badland, A Nonconformist Minister, ejected from Willenhall, Staf- fordshire, was afterwards Pastor of the Presbyterian con- gregation at Worcester, for whom he drew up the declare- 2 a 220 tion of its religious sentiments, dated 1687- — See Calamy's Abridgment of Baxter, p. 358. Mr. Palmer is therefore wrong when he says, in his continuation of Calamy's Non- conformist's Memorial, p. 245, note, that there was not any ejected minister of that name. For the dispute, whe- ther Badland and Baldwin were the same persons, see Me- morial, vol. 3, p. 245, 389. — See also article White, in this book. In the Appendix to Dr. Nash's History of Worcestershire, is the following entry : — " On a monument fixed to the south wall of the south aisle of St. Martin's church — Under these seats lies interred the body of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Badland, a faithful and profitable preacher of the gospel in this city for the space of 35 years. He rested from his la- bours May 5, A.D. 1698, aetat. 64. " Mors mihi vita nova." Sir Thomas Cookes, Bart. A Native of this county, was born at Bentley Paunce- fort, in the parish of Tardebig, where he had a good house. He was founder of Worcester College, in 1714, some years after his death. — (See Sir Thos. White.) By his will, dated June 8, 1701, he left the sum of £10,000 at the disposal and management of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bi- shops of Worcester, Oxford, Lichfield, and Gloucester, and ail the heads of the colleges and halls of the University of Oxford, for the time being, for the erecting of an orna- mental pile of building in Oxford, and thereto adding, rais- ing, creating, or endowing, such and so many scholars' places and fellowships as they should think the product or yearly revenue of the sum of £ 10,000, and the lands there- with purchased, would support and maintain; or otherwise, for the adding to, creating, raising, or endowing such other college or hall in Oxford, with such and so many fellowships and scholars' places as they should think most fit and con- venient, with preference to such as are bred in and educated at Ins schools ofBromsgrove and Feckingham, in the coun- 227 ty of Worcester, as for their learning should be thought fit for the University ; and such of them principally as should be of his relations ; and from a default of such boys in those schools, then such as are bred and educated at the lice schools in Worcester, Hartlebury, and Kidderminster, and other free schools in the county of Worcester. He also ap- pointed the Bishops of Worcester and Oxford, and the Vice Chancellor of the University for the time being, and their successors for ever, to be especial visitors. The sum al- ready mentioned remained so long unapplied, according to the direction of his will, that it accumulated to £15,000. At length, Gloucester Hall being thought a proper place to receive the benefaction, and the trustees having made a pur- chase of the said hall of St. John's College, and also of other lands, and framed a body of statutes, her Majesty Queen Ann granted her royal letters patent, dated July 14, 1714, for erecting this hall into a college, by the name of Worcester College. — See a further account of this bequest in Chambers's Worcester, p. 290. Sir Thomas Cookes Mas Lord of tire Manor of Norgrave, in the parish of Feck- ingham. He endowed the school of Feckingham with £50 a year for ever, issuing out of the lands near the town, called Feckingham Pools, and ordered it to be the second school from whence the scholars of Worcester College should be chosen. Bromsgrove, the first, was augmented with £50 a year by Sir Thomas Cookes ; and here twelve boys are taught and clothed, and afterwards apprenticed, or they are eligible to scholarship on his foundation in Worcester Col- lege, Oxford. He died in 1701, and was buried in a chan- cel built on purpose, adjoining the old parish church of Tar- debigg, which did not join the chancel built by Lord Wind- sor. Over his grave was a marble monument, which " I suppose," says Dr. Nash, " will be put up in the new chan- cel, though he erected a much more lasting monument for himself in the foundation of Worcester College, Oxford ; for which purpose, at the persuasion of Bishop Lloyd, he left £10,000; but various disputes arising about the place 228 where the said college should be placed, before it was paid in for this charitable purpose, the interest and principal amounted to about 15,0001. He married Mary, eldest daughter of Thomas, first Earl of Plymouth, and dying, 1702, by his own directions was buried with a gold chain and locket round his neck, and two diamond rings, of no great value, on his fingers: about 1750, David Cookes, Esq. heir of the family, came with a hook and a pair of tongs, and searching round, found the things above men- tioned." — See vol 2, p. 40<). The epitaph on his wife's monument is printed in Dugdale. The portraits of Sir T. Cookes were presented to Worcester College, Oxford, by Dr. Samuel Wauley and Dr. Clarke. William Wyatt, Was of St. John's College, and created B. D. at Oxford, September 12, l66l. He was born at Todenham, in Gloucestershire, and was prevented taking his degree in Arts by the breaking out of the civil war : afterwards he was assistant to Dr. Jer. Taylor, when he taught school in Carmarthenshire, and wrote, as was usually said, which he himself also acknowledged, " A new and easie Institution of Grammar, &c." which was published under Dr. Taylor's name. Afterwards Wyatt taught at Evesham, in Worces- tershire ; and at length assisted Mr. William Fuller, while he taught a private school at Twickenham, in Middlesex ; and when Fuller became Bishop of Lincoln, he made him, not only his Chaplain, but also Prebendary, and afterwards Chanter of his cathedral, which dignities he resigned in 1681. He retired to Nuneaton, in Warwickshire, where he died, in the house of Sir Richard Newdigate, about ]6S(3. — See a further account of this book in Bonney's Life of Jeremy Taylor. John Hall, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1G76, Afterwards Bishop of Bristol, 1691, was a scholar of Pembroke Hall, Oxford; he was afterwards Master of 229 Pembroke College ; and he bequeathed his collection of books to this Society. He died in 17C9, aged 77. Edward Stillingfleet, Bishop of W orcester, 1GS9, Was the seventh son of Samuel Stillingfleet, Gent, de- scendant from the ancient family of the Stillingfleets, of Stil- lingfleet, about four miles from York. His mother was Su- sannah, the daughter of Edward Norris, of Petworth, in Sussex, Gent. He was born at Cranbourne, in Dorset- shire, April 17, 1635, and educated at the grammar school of that place, by Mr. Thomas Garden, for the University, and from thence he was removed to Ringwood, in Hamp- shire, that he might have a chance for one of Lynne's ex hibitions, who was the founder of that school. Having suc- ceeded in this, he was entered, in Michaelmas, 1648, of St. John's College, Cambridge ; and in the beginning of November was admitted a scholar of the house, on the no- mination of the Earl of Salisbury. He took his Bachelor's degree in lf>52, and was now so much esteemed by his so- ciety, that at the very next election he was chosen ii.to a fellowship, and admitted March 31, 1653. While ba- chelor he was appointed tripos, and was much applauded for his speech on that occasion, which was " witty and in- offensive," a character not often given to those compositions. About 1654, he left the University to accept the invitation of Sir Robert Burgoyne, who wished him to reside with him at his seat at Wroxhall, in Warwickshire. He had been recommended by Dr. Pamau, one of the fellows of his college, but in what capacity, whether as chaplain, or com- panion, does not appear. His patron, Sir Roger Bur- goyne, presented him to the living of Sutton, in Bedford- shire. Before institution, he received orders at the hands of Dr. Brownrig, the ejected Bishop of Exeter. V\ hile at Nottingham, as tutor to Mr. Pierrepoint, he composed his first publication, and printed it in lG3 he took the degree of B. D. and not long after became Chaplain to Archbishop Sheldon, who begged that favour of the Bishop of Winchester, and who, in 1675, gave him the 241 Rectory of Lambeth, and afterwards the Precentorship of Exeter. In 1677 he commenced D.D. and the same year being made Almoner to the Princess of Oranoe, he went over to Holland, where, at the request of her Royal High- ness, he regulated her chapel according to the usage of the Church of England. After one year's attendance, he re- passed the sea, in order to complete his marriage to Abigail, daughter of Richard Guildford, Gent, the treaty for which had been set on foot before his departure. This done, he went back to her Highness, who had obtained a promise irom him to that purpose ; but after a stay of about eight months, she consented to let him return home. In 1680 he is said to have been offered the Divinity Professorship at Oxford, (but the succession to that Chair had been secured to Dr. Jane) which he declined, but was made King's Chap- lain about the same time. In 1685, by the King's com- mand, he attended the Duke of Monmouth, and had much free conversation with him in the Tower, both the evening before, and the day of, his execution, on which the unhap- py nobleman assured him, " he had made his peace with God," the nature of which persuasion Dr. Hooper solemnly intreated him to consider well, and then waited on him in his last moments. The following year he took a share in the Popish Controversy, and wrote a treatise, inserted in a list of his works. In 1691 he succeeded Dr. Sharp in the Deanery of Canterbury. As he never made the least applica- tion for preferment, Queen Mary surprised him with this offer, when the King her husband was absent in Holland : with a dis- ir.terestedness not very common, he now proposed to resign either of his livings, but the Queen observed, that " though the King and she never gave two livings to one man, yet they never took them away," and ordered him to keep both : however he resigned the Rectory of Woodhay. He was made Chaplain to their Majesties the same year. In 16Q8, when a preceptor was chosen for the Duke of Gloucester, though both the royal parents of that Prince pressed ear- nestly to have Hooper, and no pretence of any objection 2 1 242 was ever made against him, yet the King named Bishop Burnet for that service. In 1701 he was chosen Proculator to the Lower House of Convocation, and became a zealous defender of the rights and privileges of the English Presby- ters, and constantly refusing the offers of removal to Lon- don on the death of Dr. Compton, or York, on the death of Dr. Sharp. It is said of him, that he considered himself as married to his diocese, and he uniformly promoted his own clergy to all the instances of preferment that fell in his disposal ; he regarded no interest, but made those the object of his favour who were most attentive to the duties of their situation. The care of his parish was the best recommend- ation of a pastor to this vigilant prelate ; and the continuance in his duty, the most satisfactory requital that could be made him. The same year he was offered the Primacy of Ireland by the Earl of Rochester, then Lord Lieutenant, which he declined. The year after the accession of Anne to the throne (May, 1703,) he was nominated to the Bishopric of St. Asaph, which was the last promotion conferred by that Queen before her death :* this he accepted, though against his inclination ;-f and in half a year after his promotion to St. Asaph, receiving a like command to remove to the see of Bath and Wells, he earnestly requested her Majesty to dis- * Here it was that he was received with the universal applause both of the clergy and laity, and by the future conduct of his Jife verified that saying of his master, Busby, " that Dr. Hooper was the best scholar, the finest gentle- man, and the completest Bishop that was ever educated at Westminster School." " Tiiis boy," said the disciplinarian, " is the least favoured in features of any in the school, but he will be the most extraordinary of any of them." But Burnet says, "he was reserved, crafty, and ambitious; dis- satisfied with his Deanery, because he thought he deserved to be raised higher:" but this Bishop, and Atterbury, are the only persons who speak disrespectfully of the Bishop. Dr. Coney, who knew the Bishop well, proved the testimony of Busby to be correct. + On this occasion he resigned Lambeth, but retained his other prefer- ments with this Bishopric, in which indeed he continued but a few months, and on that account he generously refused the usual mortuaries, or pensions, then so great a burthen to the clergy of Wales, saying, " they should never pay so dear for the sight of him." 243 pense with the order, not only on account of the sudden change of such a translation, as well as a reluctance to re- move, but also in regard to his friend Dr. Kenn, the deprived Bishop of that place, for whom he begged the Bishopric. The Queen readily complied with Hooper's request, but the offer being declined by Kenn, Hooper, at his importunity, yielded to become his successor. He now relinquished the Deanery of Canterbury, but wished to have retained the Precentorship of Exeter in commendam, solely for the use of Dr. Kenn, but this was not agreeable to Dr. Trelawney, Bishop of Exeter. His intention however was supplied by the bounty of the Queen, who conferred an annual pension of £200 on the deprived prelate. In 1705, Bishop Hooper distinguished himself in the debate on the danger of the Church, which, with many other persons, he apprehended to be more than imaginary. His observation was candid ; he complained, with justice, of that invidious distinction which the terms High Church and Loiv Church occa- sioned, and of that enmity which they tended to produce. In the debate, in 1706, he spoke against the union between England and Scotland, but grounded his arguments on fears which have not been realised. In 1709-10, when the arti- cles of Sacheverell's impeachment were debated, he endea- voured to excuse that divine, and entered his protest against the vote, which he could not prevent. But whatever were his political opinions, his prudent, courteous, and liberal be- haviour in his diocese, secured the esteem both of the laity and clergy. To the latter he was a faithful friend ; for while he confined his preferments to those of his own dio- cese, his disposal of them was judicious and disinterested: the modest were oftentimes dignified without any expecta- tion, and the diligent were always advanced without the least solicitation. His regulation also of official proceedings was so conspicuous, " that no tedious formalities protracted bu- siness ; no imperious officers insulted the clergy." The re- gard which he experienced inseparably attached him to this diocese. He sat in the see of Bath and Wells twenty-three 244 years and six months; and, September 6, 1727, at the advanced age of 90, died at Bockley, in Somer- setshire, whither he sometimes retired, and Mas interred, in pursuance of his own request, in the cathedral of Wells, under a marble monument with a Latin inscrip- tion ; adjoining to it is a monument, with an inscription, to the memory of his wife, who died the year before him. # The following character of Bishop Hooper was printed in Mist's Journal soon after his decease, and dated from Somersetshire, October 11, 1723 : it may be seen at length in vol. 4, p. 570 of Nicholl's Literary Anecdotes. After giving the Bishop credit for every virtue under Heaven, it thus concludes : " As long as religion shall lift up her head, and learning retain a sense of gratitude, the memory of this great and good man shall be blessed ; and nothing shall be able to hate him but vice, nothing to traduce his character but envy, and nothing to insult his ashes but fac- tion." — Orthodoxus. Mr. Evelyn says, he was one of the first rank of pulpit orators then in the nation. Besides eight sermons, he published several books in his life-time, and left several MSS. behind him, some of which he permitted to be printed. The following Js a catalogue of both : — 1. " The Church of England free from the Imputation of Popery," 16S2 ; 2. "A fair and methodical Discussion of the first and great Controversy between the Church of Eng- land and the Church of Rome, concerning the Infallible Guide, in three discourses ;" the two first of these were licensed by Dr. Morrice in 1(587, but the last was never printed ; S: " The Parson's Case, under the present Land Tax, recommended, in a Letter to a Member of the House of Commons," 1639; 4. "A Discourse concerning Lent, in two parts ; the first an historical account of its observ- ation, the second an essay concerning its original ; this sub- divided into two repetitions, whereof the first is preparatory, * By this lady he had nine children, one of whom only, a daughter, sur- vived him; then the widow of Prowse, Esq. K 245 and shews that most of our Christian ordinances are derived from the Jews, and the second conjectures that Lent is of the same original," 1694 ; 5. A Paper in the Philosophical Transactions for October, 1699, intitled " A Calculation of the Credibility of Human Testimony ;" 6. " New Danger of Presbytery," 1737 ; 7. " Marks of a Defenceless Cause ;" 8. " A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Lower House of Convocation, from February 10, 1700, to June 25, 1701, vindicated;" 9- " De Valentinianorum Hseresi conjectural quibus illius origo ex iEgyptiaca Theologia deducitur," 1717; 10. " An Enquiry into the State of the Ancient Mea- sures ; the Attic, the Roman, and especially the Jewish ; with an Appendix concerning our old English Money and Measures of Content," 1721 ; 11. " De Patriarch* Jacobi Benedictione, Gen. 49, conjecturas," published by the Rev. Mr. Hunt, of Hart Hall, in Oxford, with a preface and notes, according to the Bishop's directions to the editor, a little before his death. The MSS. before-mentioned are the two following: — 1. A Latin Sermon, preached in 1672, when he took the degree of B. D. ; and 2. A Latin Tract on Divorce. A beautiful edition of his whole works was printed at Oxford, 1757, fol. under the superintendance of Dr. Thomas Hunt, Canon of Christ Church. Bishop Hooper was a perfect and general scholar, a lawyer, a ca- suist, a divine, an antiquary, a linguist, a philosopher, and an accomplished gentleman. He blended the gravity of a bishop with the pleasantry of a wit ; but the former always restrained the latter. He had a numerous set of friends, but neither they or his relations could claim or receive his patronage as friends alone. His clergy were his family ; he knew their wants ; and, by his patronage, raised the dis- tressed, laborious pastor, to ease, and, when necessary, to independence ; and he died regretted by the good and the wise in all parts of the kingdom. John Deacle Was a Native of Bengworth, in this county, who, 24t> by his industry, acquired an ample fortune, and was chosen an Alderman of the city of London. In Bengworth Church is a marble monument erected to his memory. He died in 1709, and left £2000 to the Corporation of Evesham for the endowment of a school. The north side of Bengworth church was granted by Bishop Lloyd to the executors of Mr. Deacle, to be repaired and fitted up for a school-house, wherein to teach thirty of the poorest boys born in that town or parish, to write and cast accounts : and in case there should not be thirty such in that town, the full number to be made up of poor boys born within the Corporation of Eves r ham, provided that no more than ten boys of the town of Evesham should be admitted into the same school at one time, and that the other twenty should be boys born within the parish of Bengworth. They were to be chosen and ad- mitted by the churchwardens and overseers ; and in case of their neglect, by the Mayor and capital burgesses of Evesham aforesaid. Mr. Deacle ordered that the boys should be clothed, and freely taught, from their respective ages of eight years till they should be fit to go to some trade ; and that no boy should be taken in that was above the age of ten. The chapel is not used for the school-house ; but a building has been erected on purpose, near Evesham bridge. George Hickes, D. D. Prebendary, 1680, Dean of Worcester, 1683, A divine of uncommon abilities, Mas born June 20, 1642, in Kirby Wisk parish, Nevesham, Yorkshire, where his fa- ther was a farmer. He was educated at Northallerton gram- mar school, and from thence, in 1659, sent to St. John's College, Oxford ; and, soon after the Restoration, re- moved to Magdalen College, frem thence to Magdalen Hall, and at length chosen fellow of Lincoln. Being advised to travel for his health, he accompanied Sir George W heeler, who had been his pupil, to the continent. At Paris he be- came acquainted with Mr. Henry Justell, who, in con- fidence, informed him of the intended revocation of the 247 Edict of Nantz, &c. About 1673, he became Rector of St. Ebb's Church, Oxford ; and, in 1676, was made Chap- lain to the Duke of Lauderdale, by whom he was employed in many important affairs. In 1679-80 he was presented to the vicarage of All-hallows, Barking; and in May, 1686, he left this living to settle on his Deanery, the Bishop of Worcester having offered him, at the same time, the Rec- tory of Alvechurch, (commonly called Allchurch.) Up- on the Revolution, 1688, he refused to take the oaths of allegiance to King William, and fell under suspension ; and Talbot, afterwards Bishop of Durham, having taken pos- session of his Deanery, he drew up his claim of right to it, which he affixed over the great door of the choir of Worces- ter Cathedral, after which he privately withdrew to London, where he absconded for about ten years, when Lord So- mers, then Chancellor, out of regard to his uncommon abi- lities, procured an Act of Council to cause a noli prosequi to be entered against all proceedings against him. He was afterwards consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Thetford, and died, at his house in Ormond-street, of the stone, on Thurs- day, December 15, 1715, about ten in the forenoon, in his 74th year. A volume of his posthumous sermons was pub- lished in 1726. It is very remarkable that this divine's brother, the Rev. Mr. John Hickes, was ejected, for nonconformity, from the livings of Stoke Damarell, in Devonshire, 1662 ; and for joining the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth, in 1685, he suffered death by hanging ; so that the two brothers were both sufferers for conscience sake, though of opposite par- ties. — See a long and entertaining life of Dean Hickes in Europ. Mag. for March, 1793, p. 178.— His life, detailed at some length, and his portrait, would be interesting to the- literary world. William Johns Was the son of Nicholas Johns, of Mathern, in Mon mouthshire, and born about 10*44 : he became a chorister 248 of All Souls' College, Oxford, in Michaelmas Term, 1663, at the age of 19, or thereabouts, but left the University without a degree. He afterwards became a schoolmaster of Evesham, Worcestershire, where he continued several years with approbation. He at length took orders, and was living, in 1691, minister of a church near the aforesaid place. He wrote " The Traytor to Himself, or Man's Heart his greatest Enemy, a Moral Interlude," 4to. 1678. This piece is written in rhyme, and is intended to represent the careless, hardening, returning, despairing, and renewed heart, with intermasques of interpretations at the close of each several act. It was performed by the boys of the pub- lic school at Evesham, at a breaking-up, and published so as to render it useful on any similar occasion. It contains many moral and instructive sentences, well adapted to the capacities of youths ; but has nothing in it remarkable, ex- cepting its being written without any womens' parts, after the manner of Plautus's Captivi ; and for this, the author (who was master of the school) assigns as a reason, that he did not think female characters fit to put on boys. The pro- logue is in parts, to be spoken by four boys. William Bowles, A Native of this county, and the son of William and Bridget, was born at Hagley, from whence he was sent to Eton school for grammar learning, and elected from that foundation to a scholarship in King's College, Cambridge, December 22, 1677. On the 10th October, 1681, he went out Bachelor of Arts, and M. A. at the usual time following, viz. about 1684. In 1687, he, with others, w ere delegated by the Senate to advise the Vice Chancellor to offer a petition to his Majesty to revoke his mandate to Father Alban Francis, a Benedictine monk, for his degree of Master of Arts, without taking the usual oath, which had its effect. In the same year he was presented to the rectory of Endfield, in Staffordshire, and resigned his fellowship of King's College June 5, 1688. His resignation is sealed 249 with a griffin segreant, but it does not seem to be meant as coatannOur, and is witnessed by William Bowles, sen. Sa- muel and Thomas Palmer. On 19th August, 169-5, (Wood's Ath. vol. 1, p. 448,) he was collated by William Lloyd, Bishop of Lichfield, to the Prebend of Gaia Minor, in his cathedral, which he vacated by his death in 1705. He was esteemed a most complete scholar, and a great poet ; se- veral of his poems and translations are printed in Mr. Ni- choll's Select Collection, 1780, vol. 1, p. 2 and 92. His elder brother, Henry Bowles, fellow of King's College also, and bom at Hagley : was moderator in the Sophisters' schools, anno 1(383, senior fellow of King's College, 1690, schoolmaster of Stourbridge, in Worces- tershire, 1691, bursar, 1695, proctor, 1697, vice provost, 1705, and succeeded his brother in the rectory of Enville. He was esteemed a most complete scholar, and a neat poet, " but what the titles of his productions are," says Mr. Cole, " I have not met with." Carter, in his book of Cambridge, says, from some information, that " he wrote several poems and translations/' William Hopkins, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1675, A Native of this county, was born at Evesham August 28, 1647, and was the son of the Rev. George Hopkins, whom Ilickes terms a learned and pious divine, and who was ejected for nonconformity : his grandfather was a gen- tleman of rank and fortune at Bewdlev, for which town he was chosen M. P. but died before he took his seat. At school, the subject of this memoir was so great a proficient, that, at 12 years of age, he translated an English poem into Latin verse, which was printed some time before the Re- storation. At 13, he was admitted of Trinity College, Ox- ford, under the learned Mr. Stratford, afterwards Bishop of Chester. He proceeded M. A. in 166S, some time before which he removed from Trinity College to St. Mary Hall. He was much noticed by Dr. Fell, Dean of Christ's Church, who, it is supposed, recommended him to the Hon. Henry 2 K 250 Coventry, as his Chaplain and companion in his embassy to Sweden, on which he set out in September, 1671 ; and Mr. Coventry, though not very open in his temper, entirely loved and esteemed him. While in Sweden, Mr. Hopkins applied himself to the study of northern antiquities, having previously studied the Saxon, and perfected himself in this language by his conversation with the Delicarlians and other northern nations. His first wife was Averill Martin, by whom he left three children, but they all died within the year : his second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Whitehorn, of Tewkesbury, daughter of Henry Bromeley, Esq. ofUpton- upon-Severn, a lady of bright parts, and of exemplary vir- tue and piety : he also possessed great skill in the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and oriental languages. After his return, in lG75j by Mr. Coventry's recommendation to the King, he was preferred to a Prebend in Worcester Cathedral ; and, from his installation, began to collect materials for a history of this church, some of which fell into the hands of Wharton, and other antiquaries. In June, 1678, he was made Curate of Mortlake, in Surrey ; and about 16S0 was chosen Sunday Lecturer of the church of St. Lawrence, Jewry, in which year he is also mentioned as Incumbent of Wolverley ; and in 1686 was preferred to the Vicarage of Lindridge, in this county. In 1697 he was chosen Mas- ter of St. Oswald's Hospital, in Worcester, of the pro- fits of which he made a fund for the use of the hospital, and the benefit of his poor brethren there. He proceeded D. D. at Oxford, in 1692 ; aud died of a violent fever, May 18, 1700, and was interred in Worcester Cathedral, (of which he had been a most exemplary and useful member for twenty-lour years) in a grave close by that of his first wife, near to the door of his house, which opened into the church; over whom was placed a fiat stone, with the following in- scription : but when the church was new pewed, the stone was moved, and placed under the second window (west) of the north aisle of the choir : 251 M. S. Gulielmi Hopkins, S. T. P. Hujus Ecclesiae Wigorniensis Per xxiv Annos Prebendarii. Qui Obijt 28 die Maii, ame laws which give you the right of succession, do judge you also unwor- thy of the same, because you have oqt framed your conduct according to the laws. iscc. &c. t Lord Hard wick e says, the. Treatise on Grand Jurors, the Ju-t and Mo- dest Vindication of the last Parliament of Charles II. ami the famous last Speech <>r'hiiig V\ illiam, were all in Lord Somen's hand writing. 2 m 266 sion of the Crown antecedent to the Revolution in l6S8, printed the same year, 1714, and published under the title of " A B?-ief History of the Succession of the Crown of England ; wherein facts, collected from the best authorities, are opposed to the novel assertion of indefeasible hereditary right :" this tract it is said was first written by Algernon Sidney, but new drawn by Somers, and corrected by Jones, Attorney General to King Charles ; in it, among other things, it is suggested, that dissolving the Parliament was an arbitrary act, wherein the King had exceeded the power of his prerogative, &c. &c. : the reasons given for the dis- solution were, their entire neglect of the public, and falling into factions, their issuing arbitrary orders for taking his Majesty's loyal subjects into custody, and other opposition to the King's wishes, particularly in voting against the pro- secution of the dissenters, which declaration was ordered to be read in all churches aud chapels throughout the kingdom In the same year, Mr. Somers was the reputed author of another tract, written in defence of the grand jury, for not finding the bill of indictment for high treason against the Earl of Shaftesbury; it was published in 4to. 1681. In the same spirit, he appeared counsel for Pilkington and Shute, Sheriffs of London, Cornish and Bethell, Aldermen, together with Ford, Lord Grey, of Werk, Sir Thos. Play- er, Mr. John Jekyll, father of Sir Jos. Jekyll, who after- wards became his brother in law, with whom he had been intimately acquainted while both were students in the Tem- ple. All these persons, with several others, were tried on the 8th of May, 1683, for a riot in the city, at the election of the Sheriffs the preceding year : the two Sheriffs had continued the poll for new Sheriffs after the common hall was adjourned by the Lord Mayor, for which they were committed to the Tower, June 26, 1682, but were ad- mitted to bail on the 30th of that month ; and being brought with the rest to their trial abovementioned, they were all convicted and fined ; Pilkington, 5001.; Shute, 100 marks; the Lord Grey, Bethel, and Cornish, 1000 marks each; 267 and the rest in lesser sums. Their counsel were Holt, Thompson, Williams, Wallop, Freke, Somers, and Sir Francis Winnington. As he foresaw a change in the go- vernment established by law would unavoidably follow a change in the religion of the governor, and upon that ac- count had promoted every orderly and legal way of com- passing the exclusion of the Duke of York, so he continued to oppose all the illegal and arbitrary proceedings of King James II. ; and being employed, at the age of 36, as coun- sel in the trial of the seven Bishops in 16S8, he argued with great firmness of speech, and perspicuity of reason, against the dispensing power usurped by the unfortunate Prince. Being the youngest counsel employed for the Bishops, his turn was to speak last of all : but this, which is ordinarily a great disadvantage, (especially where some of the most emi- nent lawyers are retained, as was in the present case,) our young barrister, by the force of his excellent parts, con- verted it into an occasion of displaying his superior merit ; among other things, he produced the case of Thomas and Sorrel, in the Exchequer Chamber, upon the validity of the dispensation of the statute of Edward VI. touching sell- ing of wine, arguing that there it was the opinion of every one of the Judges that there never could be an abrogation, or a suspension, (which is a temporary abrogation) of an act of Parliament but by that legislative power : that, in- deed, it was disputed, how far the King might dispense with the penalties in such a particular law, as to particular persons ; but it was agreed by all, that the King had no power to suspend any law, of which there could be no dis- pensation but by an act of Parliament : that by the laws of all civilized nations, if the Prince does require something to be done, which the person who is to do it takes to be un- lawful, it is not only lawful, but his duty, rescribere Prin- cipi, which is all the Bishops had done here, and that in the most humble manner. That the matter of fact, alledged in the Bishops' petition, had been proved perfectly true, by the journals of both Houses ; that there could be no design 268 to diminish the prerogative by it, because the King had no such prerogative : that the petition could not be seditious, because it was presented to the King in private, and alone ; nor false, because the matter of it was true ; nor malicious, for the occasion was not sought, the thing was pressed upon them ; nor in short a libel, because the intent was innocent, and they kept within the bounds set by act of Parliament, that gives the subject leave to apply to the King when he is aggrieved. The writer of the life of Somers observes, ffeefo what Mr. Somers urged in this short but very just argument, made more than ordinary impression upon the jury, and was more taken notice of than the argument of the eldest lawyers, who pleaded the Bishops' cause before him. It has been often said, particularly in Swift's Life of Queen .Anne, that this cause was the first event that assisted his rapid rise in the world. But the same writer (of his life) assures us, with great appearance of truth, that from the time of his being engaged for the Sheriffs Pilkington and Shute, &c. his practice increased daily ; and, continues he, it is said he gained £700 per annum by it in King James the Second's reign ; if this was an extraordinary gain at that time, it must be allowed that the times are much altered since in favour of the lawyers. The same writer having observed afterwards, that Mr. Somers inherited a good estate after the death of his father, declares that he was looked upon as one of the most rising counsel in England before he appeared at the trial of the Bishops. With these principles, and such abi- lities, it is no wonder that he was admitted into the most secret counsels of the Prince of Orange, and was one of those who concerted the measures for bringing him over. After his arrival in England, he was chosen representative of his native city. In the convention which met, upon the summons of that Prince, January 2*2, 1688-9, and in the conferences between the two Houses about the word abdi- cated, he was appointed one of the managers for the House of Commons, whereby the Lords were induced to agree to make use of that term against their own amendment ; the 269 purport of this speech waa as follows — The Lords had changed the word abdicated for deserted, for these two rea- sons, first, because abdicated was a word not known to the common law ; and, secondly, because the common accept- ation of the word amounts to a voluntary express act of re- nunciation, which was not in this case, nor what would fol- low from the premises. To the first objection, Mr. Somen replied, that their first reason had the same force against their own word, deserted, which had no determined sense given to it in the common law : that they were both Latin words, and that the word abdicate doth naturally and pro- perly signify, entirely to renounce, throw off, disown, re- linquish any thing or person, so as to have no further to do with it, and that, whether it be done by express words or in writing, (which was the sense put upon it by their Lord- ships, and is properly called resignation, or cession,) or by doing such acts as are inconsistent with holding or retaining of the thing, which the Commons take to be the present case, and therefore made choice of the word, as that which did above all others most properly express their meaning. This he proceeds to shew was the bare signification of the word, from the authorities recited in the margin, Grot, de jure Belli & Pacis, 1. ii. c.4, and other authorities. He further observes, that Grotius seems to expound the word to mean, that he who hath abdicated any thing, hath so far relinquished it, that he hath no right of return to it, which is the sense the Commons put upon it. On the other hand, the word deserted, in the common acceptance both of civil and canon law, signifies only a bare withdrawing, a tempo- rary quitting and neglect only, which leaves the party at li- berty of returning to it again, (Spigelius's Lexicon, Sec.) which, as the Commons do not take to be the present case, so neither can they think that their Lordships do, because k is expressly said, in one of their reasons given in defence of their last amendment, that they had and were willing to se- cure the nation against the return of King James. IK was answered, among others, by the Earl of Nottingham, who 270 acknowledged that he had fully made out the signification of the word abdicate in the civil law, but insisting upon it that it was a word not known to the common law : our manager, in his reply, evaded the argument, by observing that the same objection did not lie against the word vacate, which had been applied in a parallel case, in 1 Henry IV. upon re- cord, the words which he produced.* In the beginning of May, 1685, he was made Solicitor General (in the room of Treby), and knighted. While he held this dignity, it is said he had some thoughts of marrying, and made his ad- dresses to a young lady, Mrs. Anne Bawdon, daughter of Sir John Bawdon, an Alderman of London. That he went so far into it as to deliver in a rental of his estate, towards making a settlement, and had several meetings with the young lady's friends to treat of it; but the treaty broke off, on account of a difference about the marriage portion and settlement, to the great regret of the lady, when she found him made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal in two years af- terwards. While he held the post of Solicitor General, came on the trials of Lord Preston, Mr. Ashton, and Mr. Elliot, for high treason ; and in that of the Lord Preston, the Solicitor made a very distinguished figure. The trial was held January 17, before Lord Chief Justice Holt, at the Old Bailey. All our Solicitor's speeches .on this occa- sion are well worth the perusal of the reader ; they are to be met with in the " State Trials ;" but as they are too long to be inserted here, I shall only give the following specimen from that spoken at the opening of the charges, in which, having informed the jury, that the general design of the conspiracy was to depose the King and Queen, which was to be effected by a French army and a French fleet, he pro- ceeds in these terms : — " It will be easily granted, that no- thing more dreadful, can enter into the imagination of an Englishman, than the destruction of our fleet, and the con- quest of the kingdom by the arms of France ; but yet it will * See also Life of James II. from his own MSS. vol. 2, p. 297-300. 271 be part of the evidence that we shall offer to you, that the prisoners, and others of the conspirators, seem to be of another mind ; for among the papers which were taken with the prisoners, you will see one which is styled the result of a conference, wherein they pretend to shew the possibility of restoring King James by the power of the French King, and yet to preserve the Protestant religion, and the laws and liberties of the kingdom. They themselves went no farther than to think it possible, and I believe it will be hard to persuade any other Englishman that it is possible, unless some one instance could be given that the French King ever employed his arms for setting up any body but himself, his own religion, and his own government. I never heard that he did pretend to form any part of his glories upon the virtue of moderation or self denial : and there can hardly be ima- gined a greater instance of self denial than for the French King, after he had destroyed the Dutch and English fleets, and subdued our forces at land, not to make use of his suc- cess so as to add these three kingdoms to his conquests, and possess himself of the uncontested dominion of the sea for ever, but only to entitle him, at so great a hazard and ex- pence, to become a mediator between King James and the people of England, and by his mediation to establish the Protestant religion, and the liberties of the people : and yet, as absurd as this seems, you will find this to be the result of one of their conferences, &c." When the legality of the act, in the convention for recognising William and Mary, was called in question by one of the members of the House of Commons, as not being summoned by writ, he spoke with remarkable spirit in defence of it. Bishop Burnet, who furnishes this particular, gives us the substance of his speech, and tells us he said, " if that was not a legal Par- liament, they who were then met, and had taken the oaths enacted by that Parliament, were guilty of high treason; the laws repealed by it were still in force, so they must pre- sently return to King James ; all the money seized, col- lected, and paid, by virtue of that act of Parliament, made 272 every one that was concerned in it, highly criminal." This, continues the Bishop, he spoke with much zeal, and such an ascendant of authority, that none were prepared to an- swer it : so the bill passed without any more opposition. The Right Rev. historian concludes with a remark, that this was a great service done in a very critical time, and con- tributed not a little to raise Somers's character. On the 2d of May, 1692, he was made Attorney General, (again suc- ceeding Treby, made Lord Chief Justice,) and was ad- vanced thence to the post of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal on the 23d of March ensuing. He had now an opportunity of displaying all those extraordinary improvements in learn- ing and knowledge, which he was eminently possessed of, in the business of his profession ; yet the temper which he invariably preserved upon all occasions, whilst he sat on the Bench, rendered him more particularly conspicuous. He was fair and gentle almost to a fault, considering the dignify of his post, and had all the patience and softness, as well as the justice and equity, becoming a great magistrate. How- ever, it was not the ability and unblemished integrity of the Judsje that recommended him to that confidence which Kins William expressed for him on all occasions ; it was the un- common reach of his capacity for all affairs of public con- cern,* that made that Prince consider him above all his mi- * How well Lord Somers used the confidence with which William ho- noured him, may be seen in the following extract : — " At the moment when the spontaneous overture of the Princess Anne to Ring William, on the death of Mary, had produced its effect, Lord Somers, who had long regretted the feuds in the Royal Family, repaired to the palace at Kensington : he found the King sitting at the end of his closet, in an agony of grief more acute than seemed consonant to his phlegmatic temper. Absorbed in reflection, William took no notice of the intrusion till Somers himself broke silence, by proposing to terminate the unhappy difference with the Princess: the King replied, ' jSIy Lord, do what you will, 1 can think of no business :' to a repetition of the proposal, the same answer was returned. By the agency of Somers, an interview was accordingly arranged, in which the King received the Princess with cordiality, and informed her, that the palace of St. James should be ap- propriated for her future residence." — Vide Mrs. Burnet's Letter to the Du- chess of Marlborough, and Cox' Life of that Nobleman. This reconciliation however, was rather assumed ihan real. 273 nisters, and several persons of real worth felt the happy ef- fects of the share he had in the royal favour. When he did not think it proper to countenance some persons, whose learning he admired, though he did not like their characters he was very bountiful to them, at the same time that he gave them to understand he could excuse their visits. For in- stance, he gave a certain person £100, and directed one, whom he entrusted with that commission, to let him know, it was on condition he should give no more attendance upon him ; the person, though a clergyman, having no good re- putation for his morals. This particular comes from the writer of his memoirs, who, also observes that his Lord- ship did not confine his protection of men of letters to his countrymen only, but that foreigners also shared his fa- vour and bounty"; and Mr. Le Clerc in particular relates as follows ; — "About the time that Mr. Bayle's Historical and Critical Dictionary was much talked of, as a work ready to be published, my Lord Somers had such a character of it, that he was desirous of doing something for the author ; ac- cordingly, he wrote to a friend in Holland, intimating, that if Mr. Bayle accepted of his patronage for his dictionary, he had 150 guineas at his service. Mr. Bayle (continues the writer) had been suspected of caballing with persons in the French interest, and it was so far proved upon him, that King William ordered him to be removed from his pro- fessor's place by the magistracy of Rotterdam. This highly disgusted that gentleman; and on many occasions he ex- pressed his resentment against King William, but in none more than in this : for, when a friend of his communicated to him my Lord's generous disposition towards him, and represented how much it would be for his honour and ad- vantage, Mr. Bayle answered, it was true; bat he could not bring himself to pay that compliment to a Lord who was mi- nister to a Prince of ivhom he had reason to complain ; that King William, concludes this writer, had reason to com- plain oj him, we may very well imagine, when he was so well with the. French Court that Count Guiscard offered him a efore the House. Although a question like this cannot be decided by the opinion of any individual ; yet, surely the judgment of Lord Somers, the constant friend of liberty, and the oracle of the revolution, is entitled to some respect, and the time and manner of giving it peculiarly interesting. While the bill was in agitation, Dr. Friend, the celebrated physician, called on Lord Townshend and informed him that Lord Somers was at this moment restored to the full pos- session of his faculties by a fit of the gout, which suspended She effect of his paralytic complaint. Townsbend immedi- 29-3 ately waited upon Somers, who, as soon as he came into the room, embraced him, and said, " I have just heard of the work in which you are engaged, and congratulate you upon it. I never approved the Triennial Bill, and always considered it in effect, the reverse of what it was intended ; you have my hearty approbation in this business, and I think it will be the greatest support possible to the liberty of the country." Cox's Life of Walpole, 1 . 76*. — Yet, upon the change of the Ministry, a few days before the Queen's death, his Lordship went to the Council; in consequence of his in- creasing infirmities, he now held no other post than a seat at the council table, and he attended there upon some occa- sions, till the year 1716,* when he was seized with an apo- plectic fit, which carried him off the stage of this world, on the 26th of April, that year; he was buried at Mims, Herts, where a monument was erected by Lady Jekyl, with a very short inscription. His Lordship Was never married, so that his estate fell to the sisters, the youngest of whom was mar- ried, as before mentioned, to his friend, Sir Joseph Jekyl, Master of the Rolls, and the eldest, Mary, was wife to Charles Cocks, Esq. of Worcester, whose daughter by her was the Lady of the Earl of Hardwicke, late Lord Chancellor of England, who was her second husband. His Lordship's character was represented by two very eminent pencils, but under very different principles, Dean Swift and Mr. Addison ; the former occurs in the Dean's history of the last four years of Queen Anne ;i" and the latter, as * When George I. set out from Hanover, he went with a resolution of op- pressing no set of men that wouid be quiet subjects ; but as soon as he came into Holland, a contrary resolution was taken, at the earnest importunity of the Allies, and particularly of Heinsius, and of some of the Whigs. Lord Townshend came triumphing to acquaint Lord Somers with all the measures of proscription and of persecutions which they intended, and to which the King had at last consented ; the old Peer asked him what he meant, and shed tears on the foresight of measures like those of the Roman Triumvirate. Whar- ton or Pope. — This anecdote appears in a letter from Lord Bolingbroke to another Lord, inserted in the Earop. Mag. for June, 1791, p. 427. t Wharton says, that Swift's hatred to Somers and Lord Wharton, ori- 296 I have before mentioned, in the Freeholder. Mr. Wal- po!e has made this attempt of Swift not less than that of Addison, the subject of his ridicule. Dr. Kippis, in his biography of Addison, has very properly remarked that "a few passages of Addison's, which may be thought excepti- onable, can by no means justify so severe a criticism;" see note in Mr. Parke's Noble and Royal Authors, p. 73. vol. 4. The character of Lord Sommers is to be found at large in all the biographical dictionaries. Cunningham, in his His- torv of Great Britain, calls him the preserver of the king- dom, the father of his country, and glory of the peerage. Swift has accused him with imbibing the sentiments of To- land, but Mr. Cooksey says, that with this man, Lord Som- mers never conversed on subjects of religion, and his religi- ous notions were long digested before he knew Toland, who obtained access and intercourse with him, merely as a joint admirer of Milton, and a coadjutor in raising and spreading the reputation of this his favourite poet, by the superb edi- tion of his Paradise Lost, with cuts, published by sub- scription, in 1688, by Tonson, at the recommendation of Mr. Somers. Mr. Addison says, " his religion was sincere and unostentatious, and such as inspired him with universal benevolence, and that he was constant to its offices of devo- tion, both in public and in his family; and Miss More has observed that this consummate statesman was not only re- markable for a strict attendance on the public duties of re- ligion, but for maintaining them with equal exactness in his family : — Religion of the Fashionable World. — See also a no- ginated in the refusal of the latter to employ Swift at the instigation of the former, and making use of the following expressions, which were never for- gotton or forgiven by the Dean, — " My Lord, we must never prefer or coun- tenance these fellows, we have not character enough ourselves." — Swift however, even in rancour, allowed Lord Somers " (o have been the best Chancellor that ever sat in the Chair, &c." and this is corroborated by Mackay, who says, Lord S. was believed to be the best Chancellor that ever sat in the Chair, and as knowing in the afl'airs of foreign courts as in the laws of liis own country. Characters, p. 49. Garth, in the earlier editions of hi- " Dispensary," has a couplet which heightens this praise. 297 ble eulogium on Lord Sommers, in one of Burke's letters on u Regicide Peace. The second charge against him by Swift, in his Examiner, namely, of " ruining and imprisoning the husband, in order to keep the wife without disturbance, was founded upon a supposed amour and attachment between him and Mrs. Blount, whose husband had been three times set up in business, by his Worcester friends, who at length finding him a man whom it was impossible to serve or save from a gaol, left him to his deserts, and contented them- selves with recommending his wife, a very sensible and de- serving woman, who had been the mother of a large family, to Lord Sommers, as housekeeper, in which capacity she lived at his house at Belbac, and proved an excellent servant and nurse to him as long as he lived. His morals, how- ever, with regard to women, I am afraid, were far from cor- rect ; for this conduct, his biographers have set up the ex- cuse of disappointment in a first attachment. Lord Wal- pole, says Swift, might have known that Lord S. was not en- tirely justifiable in obtaining some grants of crown lands ; which, though in no proportion to other grants in that reign, it would have become him to resign, and not to coun- tenance by his example ; this, however, has been palliated as a measure ©f expediency, to sustain the expenses of his office. Though Lord Sommers wrote several tracts, we are ignorant even of the titles of many of them. Lord Sommers was one of the Kit Kat Club, which being composed of Whigs, Bolingbroke thinks proper to speak of in the follow- ing manner : — After speaking of a club, which he is form- ing, which is to consist of persons of wit and learning, the first regulation proposed, and that which must be inviolably kept, is decency. None of the extravagance of the kit Kat, none of the drunkenness of the Beef-steak is to be en- dured : Bolingbroke's Correspondence, v. 1. p. 246. — Besides the pieces already mentioned in the course of this memoir, Mr. Walpole mentions some others, as 1. Dryden's Satire to his Muse* (printed in the Minor Poets.) Which, howe- * This poem, says Mr. Cooksey, which, though it does no great houour to 2Q 298 ver, he observes, has been disputed, and thinks that the o-ross ribaldry of it cannot be believed to have flowed from so humane and polished a nature as that of Lord Somers. 2. The argument of Lord Keeper Somers, on his giving judgment in the Banker's case, delivered in the Exchequer Chamber, June 26, 1696. 3. He was supposed, but on what foundation he does not know, to write the preface to Dr. Tindal's Rights of the Christian Church. (Harley's Catalogue) vol. 2, p. 378. Some years ago, came out a collection of scarce pieces, in four parts, each consisting of 4 vols, in 4to. from pamphlets chiefly collected by Lord So- mers. But, a much more valuable treasure, his Lordship's collection of original papers and letters, filling above 60 vols, in quarto, was lost by afire in the Chambers of the Hon. Charles Yorke, Esq. his Majesty's Solicitor-General, which happened in Lincoln's Inn-Square, on Saturday morn- ing, Jan. 27, 1752. Some remains " Immitis ignis reliqua?," were published by Lord Hardwicke, in 1778, in 2 vols. 4to. entitled, " State Papers from 1501 to 1726." Lord Somers, with H arley, set on foot an inquiry into the state of the pub- lic records, and this plan was prosecuted till the reign of George II. In addition to these productions, Mr. Cook- sey is inclined to believe that the Tale of the Tub was also the production of his Lordship. " It was here, (says he) at the White Ladies, that Mr. Somers, and the Earl of Shrewsbury, the latter of whom had become an inmate of this house, from the circumstance of throwing his affairs in the hands of the father of Lord Somers, amused themselves with sketching from the life, the Characters of Peter, Jack, and Martin, and their ludicrous disputes about the fashion of either Dryden or Somers, yet bears strong marks of Shrewsbury and Somers in the composition, and of its being their joint performance. The invectives, and o-ross language with which it abounds, are to be placed to the score of the young debauched Lord ; and the didactic and serious part of it, ex- pressive of the principles of the English government and constitution, flowed from the pen of the lawyer, who abhorred indecency of every kind, and is always stiled, by the vile and abandoned writers of the Atalantis, even in the i <:cital of his amours, the grave Somerius. 299- their coats. It was from his own sensible observation, and this humorous representation of absurdities in religious systems, that the conversion of the Earl from Popery was effected, who was too dissipated to attend to the sober disquistions of Tillotson, which however were not wanting, and which con- tributed so much to the Revolution. That these sketches of characters, which, after many years lying by, and passing- through the hands of Lord Shaftesbury and Sir Wm. Tem- ple, and were given to the world by Dean Swift, under the title of " The Tale of the Tub," were the early sportive productions of Mr. Somers's pen, I have no doubt, from the private tradition of the family ; and drawn by him, from real life and originals, within his own observation. His uncle, Blurton, as good and pious a man as ever lived, fur- nished the portraiture of the Church of England man. The character of Jack, the Calvanist, exhibited that of his grand- father, Somers , such a devoted admirer of honest Richard Baxter, as induced him to spend most of his latter days with him at Kidderminster, and to direct his remains to be depo- sited under a cross in the church-yard there, as supposing the ground hallowed by the sanctity of that good man. Pe- ter had his lineaments from Father Peter and the Jesuits, with whom the young Earl of Shrewsbury was constantly beleagured. Addison was in the secret, but as it was the wish of Lord Somers that it might not be disclosed, he only hints at it in the "Freeholder, written upon his death, May 4, 1716." Indeed, continues Mr. Cooksey, to demonstrate it not to have been the work of Swift, needs no more than the internal evidence of the composition itself. It is mani- festly above him, as it is very obviously remarked by Mr. Walpole, and Dr. Samuel Johnson. From a very dull aca- demic, and his servile employ as amanuensis to Sir William Temple, and the publisher of his writings, it cannot be con- ceived that he should at once burst forth the author of a tract so superior in wit and composition to every thing he afterwards produced. How- poor and flimsy, in comparison with this, is the humble imitation of the same species of hu- 30t> mour, in "The History of John Bull," compiled by him and Dr. Arbuthnot, many years after. The truth is, that Swift found, among Sir William Temple's papers, the only copy Mr. Somers ever made of this boyish amusement; winch in hours of unreserved and social conviviality, he had communicated to his frie ds Lord Shaftesbury and Sir Wil- liam, but to whom he had forgotten he ever entrusted it. This Swift copied; and by servile adulations and profes- sions of zeal and attachment, prevailed on them, after strik- ing out some reflections on kingly government, to which the young authors were not at the time of writing it, much at- tached, to suffer him to publish as his own, which he did, with a dedication to Lord Somers, and is the chef d'ouvie of his prose writings, preferring the reputation of a witty writer, to that of a serious and conscientious member of the church; see further in Cooksey's Life of Lord Somers. — Jacob, in his Poetical Register, remarks, that Lord Som- mers was not only an encourager of Poetry, but a Poet himself in his younger years ; vide his Dido to JEneas, which is ascribed to Lord Somers, though the book whence it is extracted, places it after Dryden's version of the same epis- tle, and only designates it as the work of another hand. In the Europ. Mag. for Dec. 1791, P- 410, there is a correc- tion which disproves " The Judgment of Kingdoms," &c. to have been by Lord Somers. His Security of Englishman's "Rights was re-published by Almon. In Dr. Lort's Cat. is entered " Lord Somers's Guide to the Knowledge of the Rights and Privileges of Englishmen," 1757, Svo. which probably was the same tract. The inscription on a monument to the memory of his father .and mother, fixed to the east wall of the church of Severn Stoke, is said to be written by Lord Somers, and is to be seen in Nash, vol. 2, p. 345 ; as is also the inscription on a mural monument, to the Blurtons, removed from the church of St, Nicholas to the White Ladies. Dr. Nash remarks that Lord Sommers made no addition to his paternal estate in this county, of about 3001. a year, further than the purchase of Wadberrow, 301 and a mortgage on Stoulton, though his favour, joined to the prudence and parsimony of his successors, laid the foundation of large possessions in this and the adjoining counties, and Gloucester. Mr. Archdeacon Cox, in his valuable life of Marlborough, after dilating on his great acquirements, thus finishes a character of Lord Somers. But what is sense the most luminous ! Somers, the constellation of Britain, died an idiot! — a friendly stroke of apoplexy destroyed that form which had lost the mind long before. Let private individuals check their ambition, when they see that a Somers could not singly sup- port himself amid wounded pride, ambition, and envy. He had, in an high degree, the passions of human nature, which he sometimes indulged, but possessed in a much higher de- gree, its excellencies and ornaments. In person, Lord S. was of the middle size, and of a brown complexion. There is a letter from Lord Somers to the Marquis of Wharton, which is said to be copied imperfectly in the Ge- neral Dictionary, article Somers; correctly printed in the Europ. Mag. for Jan. 1 793, p. 5. Arthur Lowe, Of a very ancient family, seated at Lindridge, in this coun- ty, bequeathed certain charities to the poor of lindridge : see extract from his will, in 1718, note in Dr. Nash's Worces- tershire, p. 93, vol. 2. He was remarkable for retaining many peculiarities of the ancient English manners and cha- racter, had such a reverence for the old mansion and place whence he derived his name, that he left this particular clause in his will. " Item, I will that my house at the Lovje, where- in I now live, being the ancient seat of my ancestors, be, from time to time, kept up and repaired, by whoever shall be seized of my estate at the Lowe, as need shall require, but by no means to be pulled down or demolished." Arthur Lowe, of whom the reader will find some curious inform- ation, under the article Lindridge, in the work quoted above, died in 1724. 302 Joh. Baron, D.D. A Native of this county, was bora at Hanley Castle; he was Master of Baliol College, Oxford, 1705, and Vice- Chancellor of the University, 1715. He possessed a small estate in Hanley Castle. Richard Laughton, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1717, The celebrated Tutor of Clare Hall, so eminent for the great encouragement he gave to the study of mathematics, was, about the year 1710, senior proctor, and warmly at- tached to Dr. Bentley ; see Middleton's Remarks on the case of Dr. Bentley, further stated, &c. in his Works, 4to. vol. 3, p. 341. He was a Prebendary of the eighth stall of Worcester, and M. A. and died July 28, 1723. He was eminent for his learning, integrity, and zeal for the public good, as well as for the great number of the nobility and gentry educated under his care: he printed a sermon, preached before King George I. in King's College Chapel, Oct. 6, 1717, 4to. Dr. Colbach, in a commemorative ser- mon, 1717, speaks thus of Dr. Laughton, "We see what a confluence of nobility and gentry, the virtue of one man daily draws to one of our least colleges." Dr. Conyers Middleton, among the MSS. he left behind him of his own writing, had " Dr. Langton's Account of finding Dr. Mid- dleton at a Tavern ;" which it is just possible, however, might be a Bentleian tract. *&■ John Bernardi, A Native of this county, was born at Evesham, in 1657; he was usually called Major Bernardi, and was an adven- turer of whom there is a very prolix, but not very inter- esting account in the Biographia Britannica : he was de- scended from an honourable family which had flourished at Lucca, in Italy, from the year 1097- His grandfather Phi- lip, a Count of the Roman Empire, lived in England, as 303 resident from Genoa 28 years, and married a native of this country; his father Francis, succeeded to this office, but taking disgust at some measure adopted by the Senate of Ge- noa, resigned, and retiring to Evesham, amused himself with gardening, on which he spent a considerable sum of mo- ney, and set a good example in that science to the town. The subject of this article was of a spirited and restless tem- per ; having received some harsh usage from his father, he, at the age of 13, ran away to avoid his severity, probably without any determinate purpose. He retained, notwith- standing, several friends, and was for some time supported by them, but their friendship appears to have gone little fur- ther ; for soon after, he enlisted as a common soldier, in the service of the Prince of Orange. In this station he shewed uncommon talents and bravery, and in a short time obtained a captain's commission in the service of the States. Before this period, when a cadet at Portsmouth, in 16/2, he was seized by a press gang belonging to the Royal James, at Fareham, but claimed by his captain, he was discharged, unfortunately as it happened for him, for if he had gone in that ship, he had died gallantly when she was blown up in the following year. Bernardi lost his patron in 1673, and was thus reduced both in situation and constitution. He was wounded at the siege of Gibraltar, in 1674, and again in 1675, in parting two gentlemen who were fighting a duel ; he lost an eye, was shot through the arm, and left for dead in the field, at the siege of Maestricht, in 1678. In April, 1677, he married a Dutch lady of good family, with whom he enjoyed much conjugal happiness for eleven years. The English regiments in the Dutch service, being recalled by James the Second, very few of them, but among those few was Bernardi, would obey the summons, and of course, he could not sign the association, into which the Prince of Orange wished the regiments to enter. He thus lost his favour, and having no alternative, and probably wishing for no other, he followed the abdicated James the Second into Ireland; who, soon after, sent him on some commission 304 into Scotland, from whence, as the ruin of his master now became inevitable, he once more retired to Holland. Ven- turing, however, to appear in London in 1695, he was com- mitted to Newgate, March 25, 1696, on suspicion of being an abettor in the plot to assassinate King William, and al- though sufficient evidence could not be brought to prove the fact, he was sentenced, and continued in prison by the express decree of six successive Parliaments, with five other persons, where he remained for more than forty years. As this was a circumstance wholly without a precedent, it has been supposed that there must have been something in his charac- ter particularly dangerous, to induce four Sovereigns and six Parliaments to protract his confinement, without either le- gally condemning or pardoning him. In his confinement, he had the courage to venture on a second marriage, which proved a very fortunate event to him. As he thus not only enjoyed the soothing converse of a true friend, but was even supported during his whole imprisonment by the care and industry of his wife. Ten children were the produce of this marriage, the inheritors of misery and confinement. In the mean time, he is said to have borne his imprisonment with such resignation and evenness of temper, as to have excited much respect and love in the few who enjoyed his acquaintance. In the early part of his life he had received several dangerous wounds, which now breaking out afresh, and giving him great torment, afforded a fresh trial of his equanimity and firmness. At length he died, Sept. 20, 1736, leaving his wife and numerous family probably in a destitute state, but what became of them afterwards is not known. Bernardi was a little, brisk, and active man, of a very cheerful dispo- sition, and, as may appear even from this short narrative, of great courage and constancy of mind ; he published his own life, or case, in his 74th year ; to this life is attached his portrait in armour, painted by Cooper, G. Vandergutcht, sculp. 305 William Derham, D.D. A Native of this county, was born at Stoughton,* in 1657, and educated in grammar learning, at Blocklev, in this county. In May, 167-5, [1683, Nichols,] he was admitted of Trinity College, Oxford ; and when he took his degree of B. A. was already distinguished for his learning and exemplary character. He was ordained Deacon by Compton, Bishop of London, in May, 1681; Priest, by Ward, Bishop of Sa- lisbury, in July, 1682; and was the same month presented to the Vicarage of Wargrave, in Berkshire. — Aug. 1689? he was presented to the valuable Rectory of Upminster, in Essex ; which living, lying at a moderate distance from Lon- don, afforded him an opportunity of conversing and corres- ponding with the most eminent philosophers of the nation. Here, in a retirement suitable to his contemplative and philo- sophical temper, he applied himself with great eagerness to the study of nature, and to mathematics and experimental philosophy ; in which he became so eminent, that in 1 702, he was chosen F. R. S. He proved one of the most useful and industrious members of this society, frequently publish- ing, in the Philosophical Transactions, curious observations and valuable pieces, as may be seen by their index. In his younger days, he published separately, " The Artificial Clock-Maker; or a Treatise of Watch and Clock- Work ;" shewing to the meanest capacities the art of calculating num- bers to all sorts of movements, the way to alter clock-work, to make chimes, and set them to musical notes, and to cal- culate and correct the motions of pendulums ; also numbers for divers movements, with the ancient and modern history of clock-work ; and many instruments, tables, and other matters, never before published in any other book; the fourth edition of this work, with large emendations, was published * There is no such place as Stoughton in Worcestershire; perhaps his bi- ographer meant Stoulton. Nash is altogether silent respecting Derham, botb under the head of Stoulton and Blockley. 2 R 306 in 1734, l2mo. In 1711 and 12, he preached sixteen sermons at Boyle's Lectures, which, with suitable altera- tions in the form, and notes, he published in 1713, un- der the title of " Physico Theology ; or, a Demonstra- tion of the Being and Attributes of God from his Works of Creation," 8vo. In pursuance of the same design, he pub- lished, in 1714, " Astro Theology ; or, a Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God, from a Survey of the Heavens," illustrated with copper plates, 8vo. These works, the former especially, have been highly and justly valued, a 5th edition being printed in 1720, translated into French and several other languages, and have undergone se- veral editions. In 17 16 he was made a Canon of Windsor, being at that time Chaplain to the Prince of Wales ; and, in 1730, received the degree of D.D. from the University of Oxford by diploma, on account of his learning, and the service he had done to religion by his culture of natural knowledge : — " Ob libros," as the terms of the diploma run, " ab ipso editos, quibus physicam & mathesin auctiorem reddidit, & ad religionem veramque fidem exornandam re- vocavit." When Eleazer Albin published his Natural His- tory of Birds and English Insects, in 4 vols. 4to. with ma- ny beautiful cuts, it was accompanied with very curious notes and observations by our learned author. He also re- vised the " Miscellanea Curiosa," in 3 vols. 8vo. 1726. He next published* " Christo Theology ; or, a Demon- stration of the Divine Authority of the Christian Religion, being the Substance of a Sermon preached at Bath, Nov. 2, 1729, and published at the earnest request of the auditory, 1730, 8vo. The last work of his own composition was " A Defence of the Church's Right in Leasehold Es- tates, in answer to a book called * An Inquiry into the cus- tomary Estates and Tenant-rights of those who hold Lands of the Church, and other Foundations, published under the name of Everard Fleetwood, Esq."' 1731, 8vo. But, be- * Mr. Nicholls says, this was the last thing he wrote. 307 besides his own, he published some pieces of Mr. Ray, and gave new editions of others, with great additions from the authors' own MSS. To him the world is likewise indebted for the " Philosophical Experiments and Observations of the late eminent Dr. Robert Hooke, and other eminent Ver- tuosos in his time, 1726," 8vo.; and he communicated to the Royal Society several pieces which he received from his learned correspondents. This great and good man having thus spent his life, making all his researches subservient to the cause of religion and virtue, died, in his 78th year, April 5, 1 735, at Upminster, where he was buried : his library was sold by auction 1757. He left behind him a valuable collection of curiosities ; among the rest, a specimen of insects, and of most kinds of birds in this island, of which he had preserved the male and female. It may be necessary just to observe, that Dr. Derham was very well skilled in medical as well as physical knowledge ; and was constantly a physician to the bodies as well as souls of his parishioners. The late Dr. Kippis, in his additions to the life of this excellent man, says, "it sometimes happens that clergymen of the greatest wisdom, learning, and merit, are far from being good preachers. Dr. Derham is understood to have made but a very poor figure in this respect ; and, to his other defects in the pulpit, was added some disadvantage with regard to his person, for he was very wry-necked." Lord Kaimes ac- cuses Dr. Derham of not having paid sufficient attention to one subject which properly came before him in his " Phy- sico Theology," namely, the natural history of animals with relation to pairing, and the care of the progeny. " M. Buf- fon," says he, " in many large volumes, bestows scarcely a thought on that favourite subject, and the neglect of our countrymen, Roy and Derham, is still less excusable, con- sidering that to display the conduct of Providence was the sole purpose of their writing natural history." This defect Lord Kaimes has endeavoured to supply by some ingenious observations of his own, which, however, he considers as hints merely tending to excite further curiosity. Dr. Der- 308 ham, by Anne, his wife, had several children, the eldest of whom, William Derham, D. D. died President of St. John's college, Oxford, in 1757. The reader will find a letter from Wheeler to Dr. Derham in the Europ. Mag. Dec. 1795. Sir William Dawes, Bart. D.D. Prebendary of Wor- cester, 1698, Was educated at Merchant Taylor's school, under Mr. Ambrose Bonwicke, and was Master of Catherine Hall, Cambridge, 1696, to the chapel of which he was a great benefactor. He procured the grant of a Prebend of the church of Norwich from Queen Anne, with the consent of Lord Chancellor Harcourt, to be annexed to the Mastership. He was some time fellow of St. John's College, Oxford, and Dean of Bocking, in Essex ; and in 1707 made Bishop of Chester.* He resigned the Mastership of Catherine Hall in 1713, and in 1714 was elevated to the x\rchbishoprick of York. At this time he was much caressed by the Hano- verian party, who were very anxious to fix him in their in- terest. In Macpherson's Original Papers, vol. 2, p. 604 and 605, I find one of his letters to the Princess Sophia, who had written to him a little time before, as it had been in- timated to her, that he had some lurking fondness for the exiled family ; but the letter which the Electress addressed to him, appears to have produced the impression which it was designed to make, for we find, by his answer of May 14, 1714, that he professed himself to be entirely devoted to her and her family. — Ackermanri's Camb. Sir Wm. Dawes is highly complimented in a poem, written by Lady Piers in 1714, called " George for Britain." He was the editor * Query, Is this correct ? — Cox, in his Life of Marlborough, says that " Queen Anne promoted Sir William Dawes to the see of Exeter in 1704, without waiting for the recommendation of the Whig Ministers, or rather to prevent their interference. He was promoted on account of his Tory zeal, against the wish of the Duke of Marlborough ; and his appointment gave great offence to the Whigs," 300 of the works of Blackball, Bishop of Exeter, and of " The Duties of the Closet." He died in 1725, and his library was sold in 1727-8. Dr. William Talbot, Dean of Worcester, 1691, And successively Bishop of Oxford, Salisbury, and Dur- ham, was the only son of William Talbot, Esq. of Lichfield. His mother was the daughter of Thomas Doughty, Esq. of Whittington, in this county, but he was born at Stourfon Castle, one of his father's seats, in Staffordshire, 1659. He was admitted to Oriel College at the age of 15, and, after taking the degrees of B. A. and M. A. entered into holy or- ders, and obtained the Rectory of Berfield, Berks. He succeeded Dr. Hickes, who was ejected for refusing to take the oath of supremacy to King William and Queen Mary, in the Deanery of Worcester, In June following, he was diplomated D. D. by Archbishop Tillotson, and conse- crated Bishop of Oxford, 1699, and was made Dean of the Chapel Royal on the accession of George I. Bishop of Sa- lisbury, 1715, Durham in 1730, and died in Hanover- square, London, October 10, 1730, leaving eight sons and several daughters, the eldest of whom was Lord High Chancellor of England ; and his second son, born in Wor- cestershire, was Archdeacon of Berks. He was buried pri- vately in St. James's church, Westminster.* Bishop Tal- bot brought a bill into Parliament in 1722, to enable Bi- shops to grant leases of mines without consent of the Chap- ters, a measure which, although the bill did not pass, " alarmed," says Spclman, " the whole nation." The oilier matter which hurt the Bishop's popularity, was his insinu- ating to the Dean and Chapter the room there was foi -ad- vancing the fines on their leases, setting the example in his own. Twelve of the Bishop's sermons were published in 1731. He was strongly attached to Dr. Samuel Clarke, and was often heard to lament that, from his refusing to sub- * The Bishop's wife was buried in Worcester Cathedral. 310 scribe to the 39 articles, he could not promote his interest. It is remarkable of this prelate, that in nine years time he disposed of all the best livings in his patronage, both his archdeaconries, and half the stalls in his cathedral : and it has been hinted, by Hutchinson, that he did not come to this opulent see without a douceur of 6 or 70001. ; yet one of his biographers asserts, " that he was too careless of his wordly concerns." When Palmer and Symonds (see Bishop Lloyd's school, in Chambers's Worcester, p. 293,) lay un- der condemnation for the murder of the former's mother, Bishop Talbot endeavoured with much pains to bring them to a confession and a just sense of their guilt. When he had performed this, he wished to defer their punishment, and riding to the Judges, from Worcester to Gloucester, in a rainy day and high flood, to the peril of his life, in less than four hours, he got them reprieved for three weeks. Many people judged hardly of the Bishop's conduct in this affair, though he acted the part only of a truly compassionate di- vine. — Vide article Lloyd. — See also Nichol's Illustrations of Literature, Granger, and the Biog. Dictionaries. Sir Henry Herbert, Knt. Brother to the celebrated Lord Herbert, of Cherbury, resided for some time at Ribbesford, in Worcestershire. He was born in 1660, but in what county I know not. — See an account of him in Epistolary Curiosities, series 1, p. % 33, 41, 57. Thomas Morris, orMisERiMus. The unhappy man who is now only known by the trite memorial of " Miserimus," was the Rev. Thos. Morris. At the Revolution, he refused to acknowledge the King's supremacy, and, on that account was, with many others, deprived of all ecclesiastical preferment ; his necessities now entitled him to charitable support, and he found that aid in the evening of a long life, in the liberality and generosity of affluent Jacobites. He died in 1748, silvered over with the 311 weight and infirmities of 88 years. As many of the days of our nonjuring priests have been tinctured with much unhap- piness, by reason of the opinions they so tenaciously ad- hered to, so it was his last and earnest request to the friend who witnessed his final exit from this stage of life, that no monumental marble should relate who he had been, but that he died as he had lived, " Miserimus." He lies buried in the north cloisters west, and opposite the lower south entrance into the nave, of Worcester cathedral, M'ithno in- scription on his grave-stone save that of Miserimus. Josiah Sandby, Prebendary of Worcester, 1708, The Incumbent of Lindridge, April 12, 1716. He was Chaplain to a regiment during Queen Anne's wars in Flan- ders, Secretary to Charles Churchill (brother to John, Duke of Marlborough,) and for some time Governor of Brussells, where he might have acquired a large fortune, if his gene- rous temper had not prevented it. Through the interest of the Duke of Marlborough he was made Prebendary of Wor- cester, on which occasion his Grace wrote a recommend- atory letter to Lord Godolphin, for which, and others di- rected to Mr. Sandby, see Nash's Corrections on vol. 2 of his History. Elizabeth Burnet Was born November 8, 1661 ; she was the eldest daugh- ter of Sir Richard Blake, Knt. fifth son of Thomas Blake, of Earontoun, county of Southampton, Esq. and of Eli- zabeth, daughter of Dr. Bathurst, Physician, in London. At 1 1 years of age she shewed a strong inclination for learning and piety, but her parents and friends took great pains to make her think meanly of herself, lest her over- forward genius should bring on pride and self-conceit. At 17 years of age she was married to Robert Berkeley, Esq. ofSpetchley, grandson of Sir Robert Berkeley, a judge in the reign of Charles II * The father of Miss Blake's hus- *" 13th Sept. 1683, came to visit me, my old and worthy friend Mr. 312 band had been perverted to the Catholic religion while on his travels in France and Italy, which gave infinite concern to his father, the Judge; but as he died young, his son was put under the guardianship and care of Bishop Fell : his Lordship was very instrumental in bringing about this match, and thought that the assisting his friend in it was the greatest service he ever performed for him. When the young lady came into the family, she found her husband's mother a zealous papist, which induced her to consider the grounds of the controversy between the Catholics and Pro- testants, but she always behaved herself with the greatest modesty and moderation : in this manner she lived six years. In King James's reign, when the fears of Popery increased, and Bishop Fell was dead, who had great iufluence over Mr. Berkeley, she persuaded her husband to make the tour of Holland and the Low Countries ; they staid some time at the Hague ; and about the time of the Revolution returned to Spetchley, where her husband died, 1693. Her chief friends were Bishop Stillingfieet and Robert Wylde, Esq. of the Commandery. Her husband left £6000 for an hos- pital at Worcester, and was engaged during his life-time in the establishment of schools for the poor, all which she took great pains to carry into execution ; she spent great part of her time with her only sister, the wife of Judge Dormer, continued a widow seven years, and then married Dr. Gil- bert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury. She retained her for- tune to her own use, or rather for charity, as she is said to have given away 4-5 ths of it. In the beginning of 1 708 she was seized with a pleuritic fever, and died February 3, aged 47 : she was buried at Spetchley, in a vault she had made for her former husband. The only book she is known to have published was entitled, " A Method of Devotion, or Rules for Holy and Devout Living, with Prayers on several occasions, and Advices and Devotions for the Holy Sacra- Packer, bringing with him his nephew Berkeley, grandson to the honest Judge, a most ingenious, virtuous, and religious gentleman, seated near Worcester, and very curious in gardening." — Evelyn's Diary. 313 ment;" it contains near 400 pages, 8vo. Thomas Burnet, the editor of his Father's Life, speaking of the Bishop's mar- riage with this lady, says she was a person of uncommon de- grees of knowledge, piety, and virtue, as may appear from her " Method of Devotion," which bore several impressions in her life-time, and was re-printed after her death, with an account of her life, by Dr. Goodwyn, Archbishop of Cashel. In the article of Judge Berkeley, at page 112 of this work, 1 have doubted the authenticity of the figure at Berkeley's Hospital as being that of the Judge ; and on writing the life of Mrs. Burnet, I find it recorded that her husband left money for the erection of an hospital in the city of Worcester, at a period which accords with the cos- tume of the founder erected over the chapel. Upon a re- ference to the accounts of the books relative to Berkeley's Hospital, (in the possession of the Town Clerk, and to which, through the politeness of a gentleman, 1 have had access,) I find it proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Robert Berkeley (grandson of the Judge) was founder of the hos- pital, and not Sir Robert Berkeley : I consider this disco- very of no small importance. Mr. Green has fal'en into the error of ascribing those charities to the Judge, in which mistake he has been followed by several minor recorders. In his will, which corrects some other particulars in Green, he orders his trustees, in default of issue of his body, out of the rents, &c. of his manor, to raise and pay yearly the sum of £400, until the sum of £6000 shall be raised, and vested in the hands of trustees, to build an hospital in or near the city of Worcester, and purchase lands for the maintenance thereof, for twelve poor men and one poor woman, to be all of the city of Worcester, and to be of the age of 60 when admitted, and to each of them £ 10 per annum, to be paid quarterly ; £20 per annum to a chaplain, to officiate and say prayers morning and evening, and also to administer to the sick ; and £20 per annum to a steward, to take care of the hospital and lands thereto belonging ; the said chaplain and 2 s 314 steward to have lodgings built and assigned them to reside hi, and likewise a chapel to be built near the alms-house, £vc — The sum of £2000 to be expended on the chapel and alms-houses, &c. and the remaining £4000 to be laid out in lands of inheritance, &c. &c. The hospital to be annually visited by the diocesan, and after the said hospital and pre- mises are repaired, the overplus of the revenue of the said hospital lands to be given to the poor of the parish where the said hospital stands. — An Act of Parliament to be first gained for endowing the hospital before it is built. Richard Bentley, Prebendary of Worcester, 1692. This celebrated scholar was born at Oulton, in York- shire, 166'1, and died in 1741 ; but as his life is detailed in the Biographical Dictionaries, and in Cumberland's Me- moirs, I shall only mention such circumstances in it as have escaped notice, or are not generally known : — it is said that he was at one time Master of the grammar school at Spald- ing, in Lincolnshire ; and the following letter to William Graves,* Esq. at Fulborn, near Cambridge, inserted in Mr. Nichol's Literary Anecdotes, corroborates this circum- stance : " Sir, " You seemed desirous, when at Spalding, to know when Dr- iven tley was chosen Master of the Grammar School here: I applied to Mr. Johnson, who tells me his accounts of admission do not go so far back, but referred me to the Society, where I find we have a most minute detail of things memorable, both here and the neighbourhood : what relates to the Dr. runs thus : — " About two years after, (viz. in the year 1681) that great light of learning, Richard Bentley, (now D. D. Regius Professor of Di- vinity, Master of Trinity College, Royal Librarian, &c.) supplied his place, who being soon taken from us by the learned Bishop of Worcester, Dr. Stil- * Mr. Graves, who had been much obliged to Dr. Bentley, who pushed him forward when a young man, made him steward of the college estates, and sent a picture of the Doctor to the Spalding Society, now hanging up in the meeting-room. Mr. Graves was elected, by the University of Cambridge, ther Commissary, 1726, which office he resigned in a handsome manner about 1781, when he presented apiece of plate, value .£50. to his College. 3lo lingfleet, to be his amanuensis,* Walter Johnson, of Peter-House, in (Jam- bridge, was elected in his place, 1682, &c. &c." (Signed) " J. ROWNING." In addition to the preferment of a stall given him by Bi- shop Stillingrleet, he also presented Bentley to the rectory of Hartlebury, in 1695, a circumstance not mentioned, I believe, by any of his biographers. In Hughes's Letter.*, vol. 2, p. 9, it is said, " Bentley is preparing ' An Answ er to the Articles,' against next year." — It does not appear that this work, if ever written, was ever published, as I cannot find any other notice of it. He was liberally patronised, says Mr. Parke, in his Noble and Royal Authors, by Lord Car- teret. And, according to the same author, John, Lord Jefferies, translated an Elegy, in Latin verse, by Dr. Leni- ley, on the Death of the Duke of Gloucester. His trans- lation of Lucan was printed at Strawberry-hill. — See an ac- count of Boyle's Critique on Berkley's Phalaris, with the MS. notes of Bentley, on his own copy, in the Europ. Mag. for Nov. 1789 ; a Letter by him on the State of Parties, in the same Mag. for Dec. 1801; an epitaph on Sir Isaac Newton, by Dr. Bentley, in that for Jan. 1803: — see also those for May, 1791, and Feb. 1793 ; and a notice in the Gent's. Mag. for Jan. 1819, p. 35. Dr. Bentley's eldest son was the friend of Horace Wal- pole ; he made the designs for an edition of Gray, but at length, I believe, quarrelled with his friend Horace, or his friend with him. Dr. Bentley, regretting his son's want of * Notwithstanding this entry, the Dr. denied bis ever having served the Bishop in the capacity of amanuensis ; so it is probably a mistake For tutor to the Bishop's son. — See Preface to his Dissertations on the Epistles of Pha- laris, p. 78, ed. 1699, where are these words : " I should never account it any disgrace to have served the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Worcester in any capacity of a scholar, but I never was amanuensis to his Lordship, nor to any body else, neither did his Lordship ever make use of any amanuensis : *o little regard has this Examiner to decency or truth : — I was first tutor to his Lordship's son, and afterwards chaplain to himself; and I shall always esteem it both my honour and my happiness to have spent 14 years of my life in his family and acquaintance, whom envy itself will allow to be the glory of our church and nation, &c." 316 taste for all such learning as his, used to sigh and say, " Tul- ly had his Marcus." It appears from the letters of Walpole, that the younger Bentley was very unfortunate : he, or one of his correspondents, mentions him as at one time confined to his bed, with five or six infants, with a sore throat and a fever ; he made choice of a wife from whom he was obliged to part, from expensive habits, &.c. — See also Granger, and No- ble's Continuation ; and Nichol's Literary Illustrations. The following particulars are contained in a letter from Bolingbroke to Prior, dated July 4, 1713 : " At the last election at Westminster, I endeavoured to send a very pretty lad, who wears your name, and therefore was entitled to my best services, to Christ Church; but Bentley, pro solitd humanitate sua, leaped over eight boys to make this youth his first option; and remained, with all the good breeding of a pedant, inflexible." " I am obliged to you very particularly for your care of my friend Prior. — I cannot imagine how you came to know that snudging boy, for his mother is very homely. Bentley will always be an ill-bred pedant : can the leopard change his skin ?" Robert Harley, Afterwards Earl of Oxford, being a decided enemy to Popery, took so prominent a part in the Revolution, that he was selected by the gentry of Worcestershire to convey a tender of their services to the Prince of Orange, and was brought into Parliament on the accession of William. He was afterwards re-elected Speaker, in opposition to Sir Thos. Lyttelton, who was supported by the Whigs. Har- ley was born in l66l, and died in 1724. There is an original portrait of the Earl of Oxford at Lord Foley's, at Whitley Court. Edward Chandler, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1706, Was afterwards Bishop of Lichfield, 1717, and of Dur- 317 ham, 1730. He was the son of Samuel Chandler, Esq. of Dublin, where he was probably born, but was educated at Emanuel College, Cambridge, where he was ordained Priest, and became Chaplain to Lloyd, Bishop of Winches- ter. It was publicly said that Bishop Chandler gave 90001. for the opulent see of Durham, which is scarcely credible. He was universally acknowledged to be a prelate of great erudition, having rendered himself justly valued as a worthy father of the Church, and patron of the truth, by his learn- ing and convincing writings, particularly, " A Defence of Christianity, from the Prophecies of the Old Testament, &c, &lc. &c." a learned and very elaborate work. He died at his house in Grosvenor-square, July 20, 1750, of the stone, several large ones being found in his body, when opened, and was buried at Farnham Royal, Bucks. While he was Bishop of Durham, he gave 501. towards augmenting Monkwearmouth living, also 2001. to purchase a house for the minister of Stockton, and 20001. to be laid out in a pur- chase for the benefit of clergymen's widows in the diocese of Durham. It is recorded, to his honour, that he never sold any of his patent offices. The Bishop's sister, the celebrat- ed Mrs. Mary Chandler, who was deformed, and had been a milliner, was of a literary turn ; she published a volume of poems, which procured her the compliments of Mr. Pope, and the friendship of Mrs. Rowe, the Countess of Hertford, &c. &c. William Walsh, A Native of this county, was the son of Joseph Walsh, of Abberley, in Worcestershire, Esq. (who had suffered much from his loyalty to Charles II.) and born about 1663, for the precise time docs not appear. W ood places it in 1663. He became a Gentleman Commoner of Wadham College, in Oxford, 1678, but left the University without a degree, and pursued his studies at London and at home. That he studied, in whatever place, is apparent from the ef- fect, for he became, in Dryden's opinion, " the best critic 318 in the nation." To improve his mind, and qualify him for moving in a respectable sphere of life, he entered upon his travels at an early period, and formed, by his talents and address, an acquaintance with men of wit and learning abroad , and when he returned home, his accomplishments introduced him to the first company in high as well as lite- rary life. He was not, however, merely a critic, or a scho- lar, he was likewise a man of fashion ; and, as Dennis re- marks, ostentatiously splendid in his dress : he was likewise a Member of Parliament and a Courtier, Knight of the Shire for his native county, being chosen three times to re- present the county of Worcester, and once succeeded in a contest upon the Whig interest, in another, the Represent- ative of Richmond, in Yorkshire, at the time of his death, and Gentleman of the Horse to Queen Anne, under the Duke of Somerset. Some of his verses shew him to be a zealous friend to the Revolution ; but his political ardour did not abate his reverence or kindness for Dryden, even after he had been dispossessed of the Laurels by King William, to whom, Dr. Johnson says, he gave a Dissertation on Vir- gil's Pastorals ; but this was certainly written by Dr. Chet- wood, as appears by one of Dryden's letters : Dr. Johnson, presuming it to be Walsh's, remarks, " that however studied this dissertation was, he discovers some ignorance of the laws of French versification." In 1705 he began to corres- pond with Pope, in whom he discovered, very early, the power of poetry, and advised him to study correctness, which the poets of his time, he said, all neglected. Their letters are written upon the pastoral comedy of the Italians, and those pastorals which Pope was then preparing to pub- lish. The kindnesses which are first experienced are seldom forgotten ; Pope always retained a grateful memory of Walsh's notice, and mentioned him, in one of his latter pieces, among those who had encouraged his juvenile stu- dies : — Granville, the polite, " And knowing Walsh, would tell me I could write." 319 In his " Essay on Criticism," he had given him more splen- did praise, " Such late was Walsh, the Muses' judge and friend, " Who justly knew to blame, or to commend ; " To failings mild, but zealous for desert, " The clearest head, and the sincerest heart." And, in the opinion of his learned commentator, Wharton, sacrificed a little of his judgment to his gratitude. Walsh, from a complacent disposition, and a well cultivated mind, was much respected by his contemporaries, and lived on terms of friendship and familiarity with men of the first rank and abilities. Dryden and Pope have given their sanction in his favour, to which, no doubt, they were greatly in- duced by motives of personal friendship ; and the more rigid critics are of opinion that if an intimacy had not subsisted between these great literary characters and our author, their encomiums would have been less lavish ; candour, however, must admit, that much praise is due to several of his pro- ductions. He died, on March 15, 1707, without issue, at Marlborough, Wilts. He is known more by his familiarity with greater men than by any thing done or written by him- self. His works are not numerous, nor of very great merit. In 1691 he published, with a preface written by his advocate and friend, Dryden, " A Dialogue concerning Women, being a Defence of the Sex," in 8vo. •* and, the year after, " Letters and Poems, Amorous and Gallant," published in what is called " Dryden's Miscellanies." These were re- published among the " Works of the Minor Poets," print- ed in 1749, with other performances, consisting chiefly of * " I was not ignorant," says the great Critic, " that he was naturally in- genious, and that he had improved himself by travelling ; and from that I might reasonably have expected that air of gallantry which is so visibly dif- fused through the body of the work, and is, indeed, the soul that animates all things of this nature. But so much variety of reading, both in ancient and modern authors, such digestion of that reading, so much justness of thought, that it leaves no reason for affectation or pedantry, I may venture to say, are not over common among practised \vi iters, and very rarely to be founrt 3mong beginners." 320 elegies, epitaphs, odes, and songs, in which, says Mr. Chalmers, he discovers more elegance than vigour, and sel- dom rises higher than to be pretty. Dr. Johnson, however, stamps a value on the preface prefixed by Walsh to his col- lection, in saying it is a very judicious preface upon episto- latory composition and amorous poetry. He certainly, in this, presents a very candid and judicious statement of the comparative merits of the ancient and modern writers on these subjects, and, with great judgment, awards the palm to the former, as more attentive to the genuine dictates of nature, and less impressed by maxims of fashion than the laws of truth. His Essay on Pastoral Poetry, with a short De- fence of Virgil against some of the reflections of Fontenelle, which is prefixed to Dryden's Translation of Virgil, men- tioned above, was written in 1697- A small posthumous piece of his composition, entitled Msculapius ; or, the Hos- pital of Fools, in imitation of Lucian, was printed in 1714. Of his merit in elegiac composition, we think the follow- ing lines, from his Elegy to his Mistress, on " The Power of Verse," a very sufficient proof: — " While those bright eyes subdue where'er you will, And, as you please, can either save or kill ; What youth so bold, the conquest to design — What wealth so great, to purchase hearts like thine ? None but the Muse the privilege can claim ; And what you give in love, return in fame. Riches and titles, with your life must end ; Nay, cannot, e'en in life, your fame defend ! Verse can give fame, can fading beauties save, And after death redeem them from the grave ; Embalnvd in verse, through distant times they come, Preserv'd like bees within an amber throne." There is much point and truth in his Epigram on Love and Jealousy ; and his Golden Age Restored, in imitation of the 4th Eclogue of Virgil, is replete with humour, and exhibits some of the leading political characters of his day in a very ludicrous point of view ; and, in his Ode in imi- tation of Horace, he pays some well-turned compliments 321 to King William, on the salutary effects of the glorious Revolution. Of all the different species of poetry, none is more adapted to engage the mind, and captivate the fancy, than the pastoral, the beauty of which consists in an elegant simplicity. Hence we are induced to think the critics have not done that justice to Walsh to which we conceive him en- titled, from his pastoral Eclogues, as they abound with the most simple yet elegant descriptions : there is a degree of plaintiveness in his 5th Eclogue, in which he laments the loss of a female friend, Mrs. Tempest, highly poetical, and at the same time it forcibly moves our sensibility.* The author of the Rambler styles Mr. Walsh's works pages of inanity ; and Dr. Wharton, in his Essay on the Genius of Pope, calls him a flimsy and frigid writer ; he, however, remarks that the " Three Letters to Pope," are well written, and that " the remarks on the nature of pas- toral poetry in borrowing from the ancients, and against flaccid conceits, are worthy perusal." Pope adds, Dr. W. owed much to Walsh. The works of Walsh were originally published by him- self, and afterwards were re-printed, with additions, by Curll, in a thin volume, 1736. Mr. Ralp mentions a tra- ditional report, that he translated one act of a play, which is generally, and with more reason, ascribed wholly to Van- brugh. There is a head of the poet, with a view of his house at Abberlev, in Nash's Worcestershire. The date on his tomb makes him 46. — Mr. Pope, who was likely to know, says he was 49. Dennis, the critic, says, Walsh was a very indifferent poet; and what was full as true of him, according, to Dr. Nash's opinion, he loved to be well dressed ; his wig would cost, continues he, though the account may be exaggerated, 801. employ a barber a fortnight to comb it, and require above 3lbs. of powder. * Walsh was not only a Socinian, but, what you wili own is harder to bo saved, a Whig.— See Pope's l.etlerto Swift. o T 322 I have seen a note, written by Dr. Nash, requesting ma- U rials of Mr. Malone for a life of Walsh, which the Dr. meant to affix to a MS. of Walsh's, intended for publica- tion. On this note Mr. Malone had written, that Dr. Nash did not fulfil his intentions. — Query — What were the con- tents of the MS. and in whose possession is it at present? In Nash's Corrections on his History, p. 11, Addenda, is an account of Walsh's translating an act of a French farce. Anne, Countess Coventry. Of this lady I can find no account whatever as an au- thoress ; she has even escaped the indefatigable Mr. Parke, who makes no mention of her in his Noble and Royal Au- thors. It was but lately that I was shewn a production of her's, by a gentleman of this county, with the following title, " Meditations and Reflections, Moral and Divine, by Anne, Countess of Coventry," 1707, 14mo. printed forB. Aylmer, at the Three Pigeons, at Cornhill, and W. Rogers, at the Sun, in Fleet-street. To this little volume is a frontis- piece of a female at her devotions, drawn by — rchet,* the beginning letters being torn off, and engraved by Nutting. Dr. Nash mentions an Anne, Countess Coventry, daughter of Sir Strensham Masters, who died at Holt Castle, May 20, 1788, aged 98. If this be the same lady, she was of course but 17 when she wrote these Meditations. Her first husband died in 1719, when she married, in 1752, Ed- mund Pytts, Esq. of Kyre, M. P. for Worcestershire. — See Nash's Corrections and Additions, p. 43, col. 1. Thomas Vernon. This learned gentleman was the son and heir of the Rev. Richard Vernon, of Hanbury-Hall, Worcestershire, of a family which came originally from Vernon, in Normandy, and made a considerable figure in the reigns of Queen Anne and George I. knight of the shire for this county, and re- * A painter of the name of Berchet died in 1720. Nutting, the engraver, flourished in 1709. 323 presenting the borough of Whitechurcb, Hampshire, in the Parliaments called in 1710, 1713, 1714, and 1722, but this, as well as the date of his death, has been incorrectly stated by his biographers, as his monument in H anbury church informs us he died February 0, 1720-1, aged 67, without issue. He had been secretary to the unfortunate Duke of Monmouth. His Law Reports were printed by order of the Court of Chancery, in 2 vols, folio, 1 726, 1728, under the title of the " Reports of Thos. Vernon, Esq. of Cases argued and adjudged in the High Court of Chancery, from 33 Car. II. to 5 Geo. I." Among other eminent au- thorities, the late Lord Kenyon took occasion to observe, that it had been a hundred and a hundred times lamented that Vernon's Reports were published in a very inaccurate man- ner ; there were some private reasons, said his Lordship, assigned for that, which he would not mention. Mr. Ver- non's notes were taken for his own use, and never intended for publication. He was, added Lord Kenyon, the ablest man in his profession. There being a dispute after Mr. Vernon's death, whether his MSS. should go to his heir at law, or pass under the residuary clause in his will to his legal personal representatives, the Court of Chancery made an order for the publication of them, under the direction of Mr. Melmoth and Mr. Peere Williams ; but as many of the cases have been found inaccurate, and to consist of loose notes only, John Raithby, Esq. has lately edited and re- published them with great labour, and as he has taken pains to examine all the cases with the register's book, they cannot fail to be an acceptable offering to the profession. Mr. Rajfh- by's elaborate edition appeared in 1806 and 1807, 2 vols. 8vo. Thomas Vernon lived in Lincoln's Inn Fields, and by his profession added much to the estates of the family. By his will, dated 17th Jan. 1711, proved in March, 1720-1, he orders his body to be buried at Haubury, and leaves 5001. to erect a monument for himself, his father and mo- ther ; to his niece, Lajtitia Acherley, who was his heir at law, a considerable legacy, on condition that she does not 324 contest his will; to his cousin, Wm. Vernon, his estate at Horsiugton, in Lincolnshire ; and all the rest of his large estate to his cousin, Bowater Vernon, Esq. with various remainders over to the other male branches of his family ; he also, says Dr. Nash, left considerable legacies to the poor of these three parishes, namely, Audley, Shrawley, and Hanbury. In the " Abstract of Returns of Charitable Donations, &c. 1 787 — 1788, so far as relates to the county of Worcester, and ordered by the House of Commons to be printed, June 26, 1816," just handed me through the po- liteness of a gentleman, I learn that Thomas Vernon, in 1720, left by will to the parish of Shrawley, 181. vested in the hands of Sir Edward Wilmington, Bart. Edward Whitcomb, John Prosser, and Charles Cooke, for gowns, coal, and fuel. I regret the above document came not sooner to my hands ; and recommend it as an interesting paper, containing all the sums of money left by benevolent persons to the poor of this county. Dr. Francis Hare, Dean of Worcester, 1708, And afterwards successively Bishop of St. Asaph and Chichester, was born in London, and educated at Eton, whence he was admitted of King's College, Cambridge, 1688, and took his degree of A. B. 1692, and A. M. 1696. He afterwards became tutor in the College, and in that ca- pacity superintended the education of the celebrated Anthony Collins. He became D. D. 1708, and in 1726 Dean ot St. Patd's. December 27 he was consecrated Bishop of St. Asaph, where he sat about four years, and was trans- lated to the see of Chichester, which he held, with the Deanery of St. Paul's, till his death. He was dismissed from being Chaplain to George I. 1718, by the strength of party prejudice, and died at Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks, April 26, 1740. Dr Hare was the author of many literary productions, among which is a remarkable publication, en- titled, " The Difficulties and Discouragements which attend the Study of the Scriptures." 325 Moses Hodges, D.D. Author of a sermon while he was Vicar of St. Mary's, Warwick, to which he was presented by Queen Anne in 1706. Worn out with indefatigable pains in the discharge of his parochial duty, as Vicar of St. Mary's, he retired to Harvington, in this county, where he was appointed, in August, 1660, Rector. He died November 21, 1724, in the 62d year of his age. He married Martha, the daughter of John Jephcott, D.D. (probably the Prebendary of Worces- ter, 1683, and whom he succeeded at Harvington,) by whom he left four daughters. Nicholas Faccio or Fatio de Duillier, A man of considerable learning, who, becoming con- nected with the French prophets, stood in the pillory at Charing Cross in 1707, for favouring these enthusiasts in their wicked and counterfeit prophecies. Oppressed with derision and contempt, he, about the year 1720, retired to this county, and died at Worcester in 1753, aged 90; and, according to the register of St. Nicholas, in that city, was buried April 28, 1753. Dr. Johnstone, of Kidderminster, had in his possession a MS. written by Faccio, containing commentaries and illustrations of different parts of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia, and many other MSS. by him. Dr. Wall, of Worcester, who was well acquainted with Faccio, communicated many particulars of him now to be found in his biography. — See also Seward's Anecdotes, and the Ap- pendix to Green's Worcester. Richard Willis, D.D. A Native of this county, was the son of a capper, at Bewdley, where he Mas born in 1664. He received the first rudiments of his education at the free grammar school, from whence he was removed to Oxford, where he became Fellow of All Souls. On his leaving the University he was chosen Lecturer of St. Clement's, in the Strand, London, and 326 Prebendary of Westminster: becoming remarkable, from preaching extempore, he was recommended to King Wil- liam as a proper person to attend him as Chaplain to Holland, and was soon after promoted to the Deanery of Lincoln by his Majesty, while he held a stall in that church, Dec. 26, 1701, and in 1714 was made Bishop of Gloucester by George I.; in 1721 promoted to Salisbury, and hi 1723 to Winchester. He deserves to be remembered with gratitude by every Worcestershire man, as during the whole course of his life he shewed a great affection for his native county ; and at Winchester provided for the younger sons of several gentlemen's families of the county. Bishop Willis presided at Winchester till his death at Winchester-house, Chelsea, which happened suddenly in the morning of August 10, 1734, when in his 71st year. His Lordship was a Prelate of the most noble Order of the Garter, Cierk of his Ma- jesty's Closet, a Commissioner for building fifty new churches, and one of the founders of the Society for pro- moting Christian Knowledge. His body was interred in his own cathedral, a little above Bishop Wyekham. He is represented on his monument in his episcopal robes, upon a sarcophagus. The descendants of this Bishop still hold the manor of Maiden, under a lease from Merton College, granted to him in 1707- Dr. William Byrche, LL. D. Prebendary, 1727.. Chancellor of Worcester, 1 7 19> Was nearly related to the great Bishop Hough, both by his mother, and by various intermarriages. He was Rector of Fladbury, in this county, and possessed " a good thou- sand a year in preferment." He married Miss Elizabeth Savage, of Elmley Court, Worcestershire, by whom he had two children ; which match it appears was, according to one of Bishop Hough's letters, for some time delayed, from an awkward accident : " Shrove Tuesday," the Bishop writes, " was fixed upon to be the happy day, but on Mon- day, by an unfortunate step, he fell, and bruised himself so 327 severely, as to be obliged to keep his bed ; and before that illness was over, the gout seized both his feet." He died February, 1741, and lies in the east end of the south clois- ter of this cathedral, where is an inscription on a flat stone. He was brother to Mr. Edward Byrche, who died Novem- ber, 1 730, and who is so affectionately spoken of in Bishop Hough's letters. There is a portrait of Dr. Byrche in the audit room of the cathedral of Worcester. The author of Bib- liotheca Britannica says, that Wm. Byrche, D. T). Chap- lain to the Archbishop of Canterbury } and Chancellor of Worcester, was the author of the " Consecration of Bishop Chandler, a Sermon on 1 Tim. iii. 7," 1717, 8vo. John Meeke* Clerk; he gave by his will, dated November, 1665, 1001. per annum, issuing out of divers messuages and lands at East Smithfield, St. Catherine's, and Aldgate, in the coun- ty of Middlesex, to ten poor scholars, to be chosen out of the free grammar school at Worcester, and placed and edu- cated in Magdalen College, Oxford ; each of them to have 101. per annum ; and if the rents should increase, then more scholars should be elected, with a similar allowance. — See " Carlisle's endowed Schools." Edmund Neale, otherwise Smith, A Native of this county, was mostly known by the latter name. By his epitaph he appears to have been 42 years old when he died, he was consequently born in the year 1G68, and at Hanley,+ the seat of the Lechmeres. He was the only son of an eminent merchant, one Mr. Neale, by a daughter of the famous Baron Lechmere, of the Ex- chequer, who died in 1701. Some misfortunes of his fa- ther, which were soon followed by his death, were the oc- casion of the son's being left very voung in the hands of a near relation (one who had married Mr. Neale's sister), * This article should have been inserted at page 131. + Severn End, in the parish of Hanley Castle, is the seat of the Lerhnjeres. 328 whose name was Smith : this gentleman and his lady treated him as their own child, and put him to Westminster school under the care of Dr. Busby. It is known to have been the custom of this master to detain those youths long at school of whom he had formed the highest expectations. Smith took his Master's degree on the 8th July, 16Q6, he therefore was probably admitted into the University in 1689, when we may suppose him 20 years old : he was removed from Westminster to Christ Church, Oxford, after the loss of his maternal uncle, his faithful and generous guardian, whose name he assumed and retained in gratitude for his care of him after his father's decease, and was there by his aunt handsomely maintained till her death, after which he continued a mem- ber of that learned body till within five years of his own ; though, some time before his leaving Christ Church, he was sent for by his mother to Worcester, and owned and acknowledged as her legitimate son, which had not been mentioned, but to wipe off the aspersions that were igno- rantly cast by some on his birth. It is to be remembered, for our author's honour, that when at Westminster election he stood a candidate for one of the Universities, he so sig- nally distinguished himself by his conspicuous performances, that there arose no small contention between the represent- ative electors of Trinity College, in Cambridge, and Christ Church, in Oxford, which of the two royal societies should adopt him as their own : but the electors of Trinity College having the preference of choice that year, they resolutely elected him, who, yet being invited at the same time to Christ Church, chose to accept of a studentship there. Mr. Smith's perfections, as well natural as acquired, seemed to have been formed upon Horace's plan, who says, in his " Art of Poetry," " Ego nee studium sine divite vena, " Nee rude quid profit video ingenium ; alterius sic " Altera poscit opem res, & conjurat amice." His reputation for literature in this college was very great j but the indecency and licentiousness of his behaviour, drew 329 upon him, Dec. 24, 1694, while he was yet only Bachelor, a public admonition, entered upon record, in order to his expulsion : of this reproof the effect is not known. The following account is from Dr. Johnson's Lives of the Poets : — " He had exhibited much literary merit by his excellent ode on the death of the great Orientalist, Dr. Pococke, who died in 1691, and whose praise must have been written by Smith when he had been but two years in the University. This ode, which closed the second vo- lume of the Muses Anglicans, though perhaps some ob- jections may be made to its Latinity, is by far the best lyric composition in that collection ; nor do I know where to find it equalled among the modern writers. It expresses, with great felicity, images not classical in classical diction : its digressions and returns have been deservedly recommended by Trapp as models for imitation. He had several imita- tions from Cowley : Testitur hinc tot sermo coloribus Quot tu, Pococki,* dissimilis tui Orator effers, quot vicissim Te memores celebrare gaudeut. " I will not commend the figure which makes the orator pronounce the colours, or give to colours memory and delight. I quote it, however, as an imitation of these lines : So many languages he had in store, That only Fame shall speak of him in more. " The simile, by which an old man, retaining the fire of his youth, is compared to iEtna, flaming through the snow, which Smith has used with great pomp, is stolen from Cow- ley, however little worth the labour of conveyance. " He proceeded to take his degree of Master of Arts, July 8, 1696. Of the exercises which he performed on that oc- casion, I have not heard any thing memorable. As his years advanced, he advanced in reputation ; for he continued to cultivate his mind, though he did not amend his irregularities: by which he gave so much offence, that, April 24, 1700, * Seethe ludicrous analysis of Pocockius in Johnson's Lives. 2 u 33Q the Dean and Chapter declared " the place of Mr. Smith void, lie having been convicted of riotous behaviour in the house of Mr. Cole, an apothecary ; but it was referred to the Dean when, and upon what occasion, the sentence should be put into execution." Thus tenderly was he treat- ed : the governors of his college could hardly keep him, and yet wished that he would not force them to drive him away. Some time afterwards he assumed an appearance of de- cency : in his own phrase, he whitened himself, having a de- sire to obtain the censorship, an office of honour and some profit in the college ; but, when the election came, the pre- ference was given to Mr. Foulkes, his junior; the same, 1 suppose, that joined with Friend in an edition of part of Demosthenes. The censor is a tutor; and it was not thought proper to trust the superintendence of others to a man who took so little care of himself. From this time Smith employed his malice and his wit against the Dean, Dr. Aldrich, whom he considered as the opponent of his claim. Of his lampoon upon him, I once heard a single line too gross to be repeated. But he was still a genius and a scho- lar, and Oxford was unwilling to lose him : he was endured, with all his pranks, and his vices, two years longer ; but on December 20, 1 705, at the instance of all the canons, the sentence declared five years before was put in execution. 'J he execution was, I believe, silent and tender ; for one of his friends, from whom I learned much of his life, appeared not to know it. He was now driven to London, where he associated himself with the Whigs, whether because they were in power, or because the Tories had expelled him, or because he was a Whig by principle, may perhaps be doubt- ed. He was, however, caressed by men of great abilities, whatever were their party, and was supported by the li- berality of those who delighted in his conversation. There was once a design, hinted at by Oldisworth, to have made him useful. One evening* as he was sitting with a friend at a tavern, he was called down by the waiter : and, having staid some time below, came up thoughtful. After a pause, 331 said he to his friend, " he that wanted me below was Addi- son, whose business was to tell me that a History of the Re- volution was intended, and to propose that I should under- take it. I said, ' What shall I do with the character of Lord Sunderland?' and Addison immediately returned, ' When, Rag, were you drunk last?' and went away " Captain Mag was a name which he got at Oxford bv his negligence of dress. This story I heard from the late Mr. Clark, of Lin- coln's Inn, to whom it was told bv the friend of Smith. Such scruples might debar him from some profitable em- ployments ; but, as they could not deprive him of any re:;'. esteem, they left him many friends; and no man was ever better introduced to the theatre than he, who, in that vi- olent conflict of parties, had a prologue and epilogue from the first wits on either side. But learning and nature will now and then take different courses. His play pleased the critics, and the critics only. It was, as Addison has re- corded, hardly heard the third night. Smith had indeed trusted entirely to his merit, had ensured no band of ap- plauders, nor used any artifice to force success, and found that native excellence was not sufficient for its own support. The] play, however, was bought by Lintot, who advanced the price from fifty guineas, the current rate, to sixty , and Halifax, the general patron, accepted the dedication. Smith's indolence kept him from writing the dedication till Lintot, after fruitless importunity, gave notice that he would publish the play without it. Now, therefore, it was written; and Halifax expected the author with his book, and had prepared to reward him with a place of three hundred pounds a year. Smith, by pride, or caprice, or indolence, or bash- fulness, neglected to attend him, though doubtless warned and pressed by his friends, and at last missed his reward by not going to solicit it. Addison has, in the Spectator, men- tioned the neglect of Smith's tragedy as disgraceful to the nation, and imputes it to the fondness for operas then pre- vailing. The authority of Addison is great ; yet the voice <>f the people, when to llease the people is the purpose, de- 332 serves regard. In this question, I cannot but think the people in the right. The fable is mythological, a story which we are accustomed to reject as false ; and the manners are so distant from our own, that we know them not from sympathy, but by study ; the ignorant do not understand the action ; the learned reject it as a school-boy's tale; incredu- lus odi. What I cannot for a moment believe, I cannot for a moment behold with interest or anxiety. The sentiments thus remote from life are removed yet further by the dictiou, which is too luxuriant and splendid for dialogue, and enve- lopes the thoughts rather than displays them. It is a scho- lar's, play, such as may please the reader rather than the spec- tator ; the work of a vigorous and elegant mind, accustom- ed to please itself with its own conceptions, but of little ac- quaintance with the course of life. " Dennis tells us, in one of his pieces, that he had once a design to have written the tragedy of Phcedra ; but was con- vinced that the action was too mythological. In 1709, a year after the exhibition of Phccdra, died John Phillips, the friend and fellow-collegian of Smith, who, on that occasion, wrote a poem, which justice must place among the best elegies which our language can show, an elegant mixture of fondness and admiration, of dignity and softness. There are some passages too ludicrous ; but every human per- formance has its faults. This elegy it was the mode among his friends to purchase for a guinea : and, as his acquaint- ance was numerous, it was a very profitable poem. Of his Pindar , mentioned by Oldis worth, I have never otherwise heard. His Longinus he intended to accompany with some illustrations, and had selected his instances of the false sub- lime from the works of Blackmore. He resolved to try again the fortune of the stage, with the story of Lady Jane Grey. It is not unlikely that his experience of the inefficacy and in- credibility of a mythological tale might determine him to choose an action from the English History, at no great dis- tance from our own times, which was to end in a real event, produced by the operation of known characters. A subject 333 will not easily occur that can give more opportunities of in- forming the understanding, for which Smith was unques- tionably qualified, or for moving the passions, in which I suspect him to have had less power. Having formed his plan, and collected materials, he declared that a few months would complete his design ; and, that he might pursue his work with less frequent avocations, he was, in June, 1710, invited by Mr. George Ducket to his house at Gartham, in Wiltshire. Here he found such opportunities of indulgence as did not much forward his studies, and particularly some strong; ale, too delicious to be resisted. He ate and drank till he found himself plethoric ; and then resolving to ease himself by evacuation, he wrote to an apothecary in the neigh- bourhood a prescription of a purge so forcible, that the apo- thecary thought it his duty to delay it till he had given notice of its danger. Smith, not pleased with the contradiction of a shopman, and boastful of his own knowledge, treated the notice with rude contempt, and swallowed his own medicine, which, in July, 1710, brought him to the grave. He was buried at Gartham. Many years afterwards, Ducket com- municated to Oldmixon, the historian, an account pretend- ed to have been received from Smith, that Clarendon's History was, in its publication, corrupted by Aldrich, Smalridge, and Atterbury ; and that Smith was employed to forge and insert the alterations. This story was published triumphantly by Oldmixon, and may be supposed to have been eagerly received ; but its progress was soon checked ; for, finding its way into the journal of Trevoux, it fell un- der the eye of Atterbury, then an exile in France, who im- mediately denied the charge, with this remarkable parti- cular, that he never in his whole life had once spoken to Smith;* his company being, as must be inferred, not ac- cepted by those who attended to their characters. The « See Bishop Atterbury's "Epistolary Correspondence," 1799, vol.3. p. 126— 133. In the same, work, vol.1, p. 325, it appears that Smith was at one time suspected by Atterbury to have been the author of the " Tale of a Tub." 334 charge was afterwards very diligently refuted by Dr. Burtou, of Eton, a man eminent for literature ; and though not of the same party with Aldrich and Atterbury, too studious of truth to leave them burdened with a false charge. The tes- timonies which he has collected have convinced mankind that either Smith or Ducket was guilty of wilful and mali- cious falsehood- This controversy brought into view those parts of Smith's life which, with more honour to his name, might have been concealed. " Of Smith I can yet say a little more. He was a man of such estimation among his companions, that the casual cen- sures or praises which he dropped in conversation were con- sidered, like those of Scaliger, as worthy of preservation. He had great readiness and exactness of criticism, and by a cursory glance over a new composition would exactly tell ail its faults and beauties. He was remarkable for the power of reading with great rapidity, and of retaining with great fide- lity what he so easily collected. He therefore always knew what the present question required ; and, when his friends expressed their wonder at his acquisitions, made in a state of apparent negligence and drunkenness, he never discovered his hours of reading or method of study, but involved him- self in affected silence, and fed his own vanity with their admiration. One practice he had, which was easily ob- served ; if any thought or image was presented to his mind that he could use or improve, he did not suffer it to be lost ; but, amidst the jollity of a tavern, or in the warmth of con- versation, very diligently committed it to paper. Thus it was that he had gathered two quires of hints for his new tra- gedy ; of which Rovve, when they were put into his hands, could make, as he says, very little use, but which the col- lector considered as a valuable stock of materials. " When he came to London, his way of life connected him with the licentious and dissolute ; and he affected the airs and gaiety of a man of pleasure ; but his dress Mas always deficient ; scholastic cloudiness still hung about him ; and his merriment was sure to produce the scorn of his compa- 335 nions. With all his carelessness, and all his vices, he was one of the murmurers at Fortune ; and wondered why he was suffered to be poor, when Addison was caressed and preferred : nor would a very little have contented him ; for he estimated his wants at six hundred pounds a year. In his course of reading, it was particular that he had diligently perused, and accurately remembered, the old romances of knight-errantry. He had a high opinion of his own merit, and was something contemptuous in his treatment of those whom he considered as not qualified to oppose or contradict him. He had many frailties ; yet it cannot but be supposed that he had great merit who could obtain to the same play a prologue from Addison and an epilogue from Prior; and who could have at once the patronage of Halifax and the praise of Oldisworth. " For the power of communicating these minute memo- rials, continues Dr. Johnson, I am indebted to my con- versation with Gilbert Walmsley, late registrar of the ec- clesiastical court of Lichfield, who was acquainted both with Smith and Ducket; and declared, that, if the tale concerning Clarendon were forged, he should suspect Ducket of the falsehood : ' for Rag was a man of great ve- racity.' " Dr. Johnson thus proceeds : — " Edmund Smith is one of those lucky writers who have, without much labour, attained high reputation, and who are mentioned with reverence rather for the possession than the exertion of uncommon abilities. Of his life little is known; and that little claims no praise but what can be given to in- tellectual excellence seldom employed to any virtuous pur- pose. His character, as given by Mr. Oldisworth, with all the partiality of friendship, is said by Dr. Burton to show " what tine things one man of parts can say of another." The declamation of Oldisworth, which may be seen in Dr. Johnson's Lives of the Poets, written while his admiration was yet fresh, and his kindness warm, and therefore such as, without any criminal purpose of deceiving, shews a strong desire to make the most of all favourable truth. I cannot 336 much commend the performance; the praise is often in- distinct, and the sentences are loaded with words of more pomp than use. There is little, however, that can be con- tradicted, even when a plainer tale comes to be told." Richard Estcourt. This Theatrical Performer and celebrated Dramatist was born at Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, 1668 : having an early inclination for the stage, he stole away from his father's house at the age of 15, and joined a travelling company of comedians then at Worcester ; where, for fear of being known, he made his first appearance in female attire, in the part of Roxana. For an entertaining account of Estcourt, see the Biographia Dram. Estcourt died in 1713. He was the author of " The Fair Example," and " Prunella." John Wynne. D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1705, Was afterwards Bishop of St. Asaph ; and, resigning his principality in 1720, was translated, in 1727, to the see of Bath and Wells. He Mas educated at Jesus College, Ox- ford, of which he was a Fellow: and in 17 12 he was elected Principal. He compiled an Abridgement of Locke on Christianity; and died in 1743. — Ackermann's Oxford, ar- ticle Jesus Coll. His son, Huddlestone Wynne, was the author of Fables of Flowers, 1773: he was apprenticed to a compositor. — See an interesting life of him in Nicol's Lit. Anecdotes. William Thomas, D. D, Grandson of Bishop Thomas, and only son of John Tho- mas and Mary Bagnall, which Mary was daughter to Mr. Bagnall, who lived in Sidbury, and was so instrumental in saving the life of Charles II, (see article Bagnall.) He was born in 1671, and inherited but little from his grandfather. He was educated at Westminster school, from whence elected to Trinity College, Cambridge, June 25, 1688, Leing then 17 years old, as appears by the accounts of ad- OOT 37 missions in that college. Here lie took his Master's degree, and soon after went into orders : he had the living of Exall, in Warwickshire, given him by the interest of Lord Somers, to whom he was distantly related : at Atherston, in the same county, he had a considerable estate, as he had likewise at the Grange, near Todington, in Gloucestershire ; the former came to him by his wife, the latter by his uncle, William Thomas. Queen Anne was well disposed to him, and made many enquiries after him, his grandfather the Bi- shop having been formerly her preceptor; but he declined preferment, or attendance at Court. He married Elizabeth Carter, only daughter of George Carter, Esq. of Brill, in the county of Bucks, with whom he had a considerable fortune. By her he had a numerous family, nine daughters and five sons ; of the latter, one only survived him about eight years, (Nash says he died without male issue,) and died unmarrried. For the education of this numerous fa- mily, Dr. Thomas wished to go to Worcester, which he accordingly did in 1721, and in 1723 was presented to the rectory of St. Nicholas, in that city,* by Bishop Hough, to whom he dedicated " Antiquitates Prioratus Majoris Mal- verne ;" printed in 1725 ; his edition of " Dugdale's War- wickshire," in 1730; and likewise his " Survey of the Ca- thedral Church of Worcester," printed in 1736 : to Dug- dale he made many large and valuable additions, and it is now deservedly a book of great price. In his younger years, namely, in 1700, he travelled to France and Italy, where he contracted a particular intimacy with Sir John Pakington ; he was well skilled in the Greek and Latin languages, to which he added the French and Italian. He likewise made himself master of the Saxon, a task at that time not so easy as at present, when we have a good dictionary, and a good grammar ; the former would have saved him great trouble, as Dr. Nash saw one he made himself, for his own use, * He founded a library at this church, for the benefit of succeeding rectors, of which a few volumes only are now preserved. — See Chambers's AYorcester. 2 x 338 which cost him great pains ; his industry, indeed, was amazing ; as he hardly allowed himself time for sleep, meals, or amusement. He fully intended, if Providence had spared liis life, to have published the history of Worcestershire, and with this view had carefully examined and transcribed many of the registers of the Bishops, and the church of Worces- ter.* To these labours Dr. Nash owns himself indebted, and says, " he should be highly ungrateful if he did not take every opportunity of acknowledging the obligations, He visited likewise every church in the county about 50 years ago, which, together with the church gatherings of old Ha- bingdon, were of great service to Dr. Nash, by explaining defaced arms and obliterated inscriptions ; indeed, the ac- count of the painted glass is chiefly taken from their MSS. as it is now, by time and other accidents, almost all broken, or rendered unintelligible by the glaziers. He died July 26, 1738, aged 68, and is buried in the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral, near his grandfather.-}- James Brooke, M.A. Rector of Hill Cromb,J and Vicar of Hanley Castle, 1725, both in this county, was the author of a Funeral Ser- mon on Sir Francis Russell, Prov. x. 7, 1706, 4to.; and * Bishop Lyttelton praises Dr. Thomas for being an industrious antiquary, but regretted he had made many mistakes and omissions. — Vide Lyttelton's Letter to Smart Lethieulier, in Green's Appendix, p. cxlii.— See also a defence of the Dr. for making a false citation, at the next page, by Mr. Garbet. + In the year 1731, Bishop Hough made him a handsome present of a silver bason and ewer, which weighed 152 ounces, with his name engraved, and this inscription :— " Ex dono Reverendi in Christo patris, Johannes, permissione divina, Episcopi Wigorniensis." This present, from such a worthy prelate, Dr. Thomas highly esteemed. t In Dr. Nash's list of Incumbents to Hill Cromb, the names of Brooke is thus inserted — Jacobus Brooke, el. A. B. 1 Jan. 1705. James Brooke, A. M. 12 April, 1742. There is also an entry of the same names in the incumbents of Croome D'Abitot, 1771, and of Pirton, (M. A.) 1762. 339 The Duty and Advantage of Singing to the Lord, Col. iii. 16, 1,728, 8vo. William Delaune,D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 17 14, Was of St. John's College, Oxford : B.A. 1683, B.D. 1688, D.D. 1697, and President of the College, March 12, 1697-8. He was also Rector of Chilbolton, Hants, and for four years successively Vice Chancellor of the Uni- versity ; installed Prebendary of Winchester March 4, 1701; afterwards Rector of Hanborough, Oxon, and Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity. He published a sermon preached before the House of Commons, in 170(2, twelve sermons upon several subjects and occasions, 172S, in which year he died, and was buried in the inner chancel of his college, with this inscription on a small white stone : — H.S. E. G. DELAUNE, Prases; Ob. Maii23, 1728, setat 69. See more of him in Nichol's Literary Anecdotes. James Stillingfleet, D.D. Prebendary, 1698, Dean, 1726, Son of the learned Bishop Stillingfleet, by his second wife. He took the degree of M. A. in Wadham College, Oxford, 1695, and became Rector of Hartlebury in 1698-9. Dean Stillingfleet died, after presiding near twenty years in his Deanery, in September, 1746, and was buried in Wor- cester Cathedral. — See Hutchinson's History of Durham. Nicholas Lechmere, Baron of Evesham, of a family which came originally out of the Low Countries, served under William the Conqueror, and obtained lands in Hanley, called, from them, Lech- mere's Place, and Lechmere's Field ; they are moreover al- lied to the De Rupes, the Dinelys, the Nevilles, Lords Abergavenny, &c. Nicholas was the second son of Ed- mund Lechmere, and studied at the Middle Temple, of 340 which society he was a member. In the Parliament which met July 8, 1708, he was returned for Appleby, in West- moreland ; in that of November 25, 1710, for Cocker- mouth, which place he likewise represented in 1713 and 1715. On the accession of George I. October 8, 1714, he was appointed Solicitor General, in the room of Sir Ro- bert Raymond, about which time we find him opposing Walpole's charges against General Cadogan, for a fraud in transporting the Dutch troops, in the time of the rebellion, to and from Great Britain, as frivolous, and the result of malice.— Vide Cox's Life of Walpole, vol.3, p. 112. lu 1717, he was promoted to the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, and on vacating his seat in Parliament, he was immediately chosen for Tewkesbury, for which he like- wise was returned again, on his being promoted to the of- fice of Attorney General in 1718, in which year I find him supporting the Peerage bill. He was one of the managers against Dr. Sacheverel!,and moved the impeachment against Lord Derwentwater, one of the rebel Lords. His speech on the latter occasion has been published in a pamphlet, and in the Historical Register, vol. 1, p. 142. He was created Baron Lechmere, of Evesham, in the county of Worcester, Aug. 25, 1721, 7 George I. The preamble to his patent is as follows : — taking no notice of the antiquity of his family,* " he choosing rather to be the first, than to have it supposed he could derive any honour from those who had gone before him. In his younger years, furnished with a general and extensive knowledge of all good literature, he applied himself particularly to the laws of his country, in the practice whereof he soon appeared eminent for both the qualifications, exact judgment and inimitable eloquence, in * Noble, in his continuation of Granger, contradicts this assertion, and says, " It expressly mentions therein, ' that he is a person il- lustrious by his descent on both sides from an honourable and most ancient family of that county, in which, for many ages, his ancestors have distin- guished themselves by their loyalty and love to the true interest and li- berty of their country, &c.' ; — Vol. 1, p. 171, note. 341 cither of which but few only attain unto perfection ; which excellency, both of judgment and elocution, as it first shined forth in the business of his profession, so it soon appeared and continued more eminently conspicuous in debates in Parliament, where, by constant attendance and applica- tion, at the same time that he underwent the great weight both of private business and public office, he acquired, in the universal opinion of men of all parties, an uncommon skill and ability in Parliamentary affairs, with incredible distinctness of thought and clearness of expression, opening the most extensive and perplexed matters, and by the co- piousness and strength of his reasons influencing the most nice and important debates. For these causes we thought fit formerly to appoint him a Member of our Privy Council, and our Attorney General, and Chancellor for Life of our Duchy and County Palatine of Lancaster, honours hardly ever before united in the same person ; and now, with regard to the same excellency, and that distinguished zeal and in- tegrity of our service, of which he has in every employment, and upon every occasion, continued to give new and un- doubted proofs, we have resolved to promote the said Ni- cholas Lechmere, Esq. to the dignity of Peerage." In 1717 he was one of the committee of secrecy to examine the books and papers relative to the South Sea Act. He died of an apoplexy, while at table, at the age of 52, in 1727,* at Camden House,t which he had purchased, and which was sold by his heir. He was a good lawyer, a quick and dis- tinguished orator, much courted by the Whig party, but of a temper violent, proud, and impracticable. One particular instance of his violence is related by Mr. Cox, in his Life of Walpole, vol. 1, p. 122, when, instead of confining him- self to the subject of debate, he poured forth invectives * See an account in Cox's History of Walpole, vol. 1, p. 264, of the in- decent intrusion of Lechmere in the King's closet. t See the ballad, published in Swift's works, said to be written by Gay, entitled " Duke upon Duke, or a ludicrous account of a Quarrel between Lord Lechmere and Sir John Guise." 342 against Walpole, who, having replied, he again attempted to speak, when the House refused to hear him : see also p. 145 of the same work. His character may be con- jectured from what Sir Robert Walpole said to him, drawing a parallel between him and one of his coach- horses. Lord Lechmere, who was a great lover of fine horses, overtaking Sir Robert in his coach, coming from Chelsea, admired his cattle ; Sir Robert agreed with him that they were all fine horses, but, says he, there is one in the set that is worth all the rest, if he would not be restive, but draw in company; sometimes he is so violent he will draw all himself; at other times he will hang back, and do a great deal more harm than good. The same impetuosity led him to speak in the House of Commons the instant that he had taken the oaths, upon which a member interrupted him, and facetiously objected to Mr. Lechmere as not a sitting member, he never having sat down in the House before he spoke. " These anecdotes," says Dr. Nash, from whom this account is extracted, " I had from Sir John Rushout, his intimate friend, who had his portrait at Northwick, but the character of the man is so lost in the immensity of wig, that I did not think it worth engraving. It is well known these full-bot- tomed wigs were in fashion during the reigns of King William and Queen Anne. Lord Bolingbroke was one of the first who tied them up, with which the Queen was much offended, and said to a bye-stander, " he will soon come to Court in his night-cap." Soon after, tye-wigs, instead of being a mark of undress, became the high Court dress. Nicholas, Lord Lechmere, married Elizabeth, third daughter of Charles, Earl of Carlisle, by whom he had no issue : she re-married Sir Thomas Robinson, of Rokeby, in the county of York, Bart, and died April 10, 1739-" The reader will find some circumstances relating to his brother in Bolingbroke's Correspondence, pages 55 and 58. 343 William Worth, B. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1715, and Archdeacon, 1705, Was also the Incumbent of Alvechurch and of North- field, both in this county : to the former he was collated April 9, 1713, and to the latter July 11 of the same year. He was a Fellow of All Souls College, and published Tatian, at Oxford, in the year 1700. The following ex- tract is copied from the Bodleian Letters — Hearne to Dr. Smith : — " I suppose you have looked into a book lately published, called Chronicon Pretiosum, the chief design of which is to keep Mr. Worth in his Fellowship of All Souls College, which he ought to leave on account of the Arch- deaconry of Worcester being almost a year since conferred on him, and is valued more in the Queen's book than is con- sistent with the oath he had took at his entering upon his Fellowship, viz. to observe all the statutes of the college. But the author of this book, which some say is Dr. Wm. Fleetwood, endeavours to shew that he is not obliged to re- sign, if the value of money be considered as it was at that time." Dr. Nash, in his History of Worcester, has availed himself of the Collections of Archdeacon Worth, who died in 1742. John Doharty, A native of Ireland, resided for some time in Worcester : he was a mathematician of great eminence, and kept an aca- demy of that science in this city and county for fifty-five years, with great reputation, out of which he furnished to the world many ingenious persons. Among these, his two sons, Joseph and John, became distinguished as surveyors: the former produced the most correct Ichnography of the Cathedral of Worcester that had then been published — see Dr. Thomas's Survey of the Church, 1734 ; and John pub- lished the best plan of the city of Worcester that had ap- peared prior to the year 1741. Doharty, sen. died at Wor- cester January 11, \75o, aged 78, and had interment in 344 the centre of the area of the cloisters of the cathedral. His Treatise of Practical Gauging, and his Mathematical Di- gests, are the principal part of his publications.* Thomas White, A Native of this city, Architect. It is not known who was his father, but his mother was one of the daughters of Mr. Twitty, of Ronkswood. He served an apprenticeship to a statuary and stone-cutter in Piccadilly, near Hyde Park Corner, London, and afterwards distinguished him- self as a promising young artist. Sir Christopher Wren, who had witnessed his ardour and ability in the arts, took him to Rome, where he placed him with a statuary. In the intervals of his profession he varied his studies, by em- ploying those hours in making measures of all the com- ponent parts of St. Peter's Church ; and assisted Sir Chris- topher Wren in modelling that of St. Paul's, London, which model is still shewn there, with one of St. Peter's church, on the same scale. It is asserted, but which assertion I doubt, that Sir Christopher Wren would, at his return to England, have retained him as superintendant of the building of St. Paul's, but Mr. White, having an estate in houses at Worcester, chose rather to retire to his native city, where he lived in great reputation as an architect : here he also oc- casionally exercised the art of sculpture ; and the statue of Queen Anne, at the Guildhall of this city, which originally * " Whereas it has been maliciously reported, that 1, after having been a scholar to Mr. John Dougharty, of Worcester, above three years, did as- sert that he could teach me no further, and that he kept me back for that reason, &c. I do hereby utterly deny that I ever said any such a thing, directly or indirectly : and do affirm, that he immediately answered all difficulties offered to him, either by myself or other scholars, with the greatest freedom, and to our satisfaction ; and that, by his diligence in his school, his ingenious method of teaching, and profound skill in letters, numbers, and all useful parts of the mathematics, he is the only person to fit youth for any sort of business, at land or at sea that I could ever meet w ith ; and was capable of instructing me further, had not other business forced me to leave him. Worcester Post Mark, March 15, 1715, " JOSHUA PERRY." 345 stood on a pedestal before the Town Hall, and is now placed in a niche over the door of the modern building, is the work of his hands, and for which the Corporation gave him his free- dom : the other statues, of the two Charles's, and the alle- gorical ones on the parapet of the same building, together with the trophy of ancient armour in the front, are undoubt- edly of his design, although not of his entire execution. The Britannia, on the front of a house near St. Oswald's hospital, is, according to Mr. Green's opinion, the most successful of his works, as an attempt at the execution of the whole figure. In heads, continues Mr. Green, whe- ther portraits or imaginary characters, he was on the whole better informed. " The heads of the two Kings at Guild- hall, which (adds his biographer) I cannot doubt are by him ; that of George II. at King Edgar's tower, for which he is said to have taken only a promise to be invited yearly to the audit dinner, and the head of Bishop Hough, at the east end of the church of All Saints, have merit sufficient to place him in a respectable point of view as an artist ; nor have the ideal characters of the other figures at the Guild Hall, or the masks above the windows, and other parts of the building, a want of excellence with which an artist might not be well sa- tisfied." Such is the opinion of Mr. Green, himself an artist, upon the merits of Mr. White as a sculptor. But I presume it requires no great knowledge of art to perceive that the pro- ductions of Mr.W. as a statuary, are very far indeed from bear- ing that high character which Mr. Green, in his over anxiety to compliment, has conferred on them, making all due allow- ance for the period in which they were executed. Mr. White is supposed to have been the architect of several of the new churches built in the reign of Queen Anne. The Corporation of Worcester were so well satisfied with his abi- lities as an architect, shewn in the erection of their Guild or Town Hall, that they settled upon him a pension of £30 per annum during his life. He lived in easy circumstances, and died unmarried about the year 1738, leaving the arrears <2 Y 346 of his annuity of £30 per annum, due from the Corporation of Worcester, to the Worcester Infirmary. Charles Ponty. This versatile artist, as it will be seen by his advertise- ment annexed, flourished in Worcester in the year 17 16 : — " This is to give notice to Gentlemen and Ladies, that Mr. Charles Ponty, Limner, gives constant attendance at his summer house in Sansomc-Jields, Worcester, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and at his house at Kobcrts-cnd-strcet, in Iianley, every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, to draw pictures hy the life, in great or little, and other curiosities in Painting, viz. large historical pictures for halls, stair-cases, altar-pieces, &c. land- scapes for chimney-pieces, &c. An exact prospect of any gentleman's seat, with the out-houses, gardens, &c. according to the rules of perspective, giving at the same time (if desired) a true survey of the estate in a map. He also mends and copies any picture very justly, and paints any sort of dials with proper ornaments. This, and other business in Painting, any Gentleman or Lady, upon coming or sending to him, may have performed at easy rates, to their satisfaction." — Worcester Postman, No. 365, 1716. Ponty painted the altar-piece, &c. of Great Malvern church. — Vide Chambers's Malvern, p. 85. Elizabeth Elstob, The celebrated Professor of the Saxon language, was born in Newcastle, 1683, and took up her residence at Evesham, in Worcestershire. Having assumed another name, she led at first but an uncomfortable and penurious life, but grow- ing acquainted afterwards with the gentry of the town, her affairs mended, but still she had scarcely time to eat, much less for study. Her own account of her situation at Evesham runs thus : — " I had several other designs, but was unhap- pily hindered by a necessity of getting my bread with much difficulty, labour, and ill health, which I have endeavoured to do with very indifferent success. If it had not been that Al- mighty God was graciously pleased to raise up lately some gracious and good friends, I could not have subsisted, to whom I always was, and will, by the grace of God, be most grateful-." — MS. Life. Mrs. Elstob, however, saw better days, and died at an advanced age, in the service of the 347 Dowager Duchess of Portland, May 30, 1756, and was buried at St. Margaret's, Westminster. George Boraston, A Native of this county, was born November 29, 1683 ; his father was minister of Bewdley, in the same county (vide Wood), and George was of Wadham Col- lege, Oxford, and the author of " The Royal Law," and " The Golden Rule of Justice and Charity," and of " A Sermon preached at the Anniversary Meeting of the Gen- tlemen, inhabitants of London, and others, born within the county of Worcester, Nov. 29, 1(383." There was a Jons Boraston, who held the living of Bewdley, or Ribbes- ford, 1638, who was engaged in a troublesome tythe cause •with Sir Henry Herbert, of which see an accoont in Series 1 of Epistolary Curiosities, p. 96, and a long account in Appendix to ditto. This John Boraston, who was a Roy- alist, died 1688, aged 8a, after being Rector of Ribbes- ford 58 years. George Lavington, Prebendary of Worcester, 1719, Was born at the parsonage-house of Meldon Hall, in the county of Wilts, and baptized January 18, 1683: he was educated at Wykeham's foundation, near Winchester, from whence he succeeded to a Fellowship of New College, early in the reign of Queen Anne, and, while yet a school- boy, he had produced a Greek translation of Virgil's Eclogues, which is still preserved in MS. at Winchester. In 1717 he was presented by his College to the Rectory of Hayford Warren, Oxfordshire. Earl Coningsby, also, not only appointed him his Domestic Chaplain, but introduced him in the same capacity to the Court of George I. His appointment to a stall in this Cathedral, he esteemed one ot the happiest events in his life, and through which he was in- troduced to the learned Dr. Hare, Dean of Worcester. He would never, probably, have thought of any other prefer- ment than that of Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's, and the 348 « Rectory of St. Michael's, Bassishaw, procured him through the influence of his friend, Dr. Hare, if the death of Dr. Stillingfleet, Dean of Worcester, in 1746, had not recalled to his memory the pleasing ideas of many years spent in that city, in the prime of life ; but his friends had higher views for him, he was therefore collated to the Bishopric of Exeter, where he died September 3, 1762, universally la- mented, crowning a life that had been devoted to God's service by a pious act of resignation to his will, for the last words pronounced by his faultering tongue were, Aofa tw © £ « — " Glory to God." — See Polwhele's Devonshire. He married Frances Maria, daughter of Lave, of Corfe Mou- lin, Dorset, who had taken refuge in this kingdom from the Popish persecution in France. Bishop Lavington pub- lished only a few occasional sermons, ( 1 . " On the Influence of Church Music, a Sermon preached at the Anniversary of the Three Choirs at Worcester, Sept. S, 1725, and pub- lished at their request;" 2. " Fear God, Honour the King; an Assize Sermon, preached at Worcester, August 16, 1726 ;") and his " Enthusiam of the Methodists and Papists compared, 3 parts," which involved him in a temporary controversy with Whitfield and Westley. Richard Beaed, M. D. Author of several papers in the Philosophical Transac- tion?, particularly an account of a person (an officer's lady*) killed by lightning at Worcester, June 10, 1724, for which see the Transactions Abridged, vol. 7, p. 153. He died July 8, 1734, aged 47, and was buried in the church of St. Peter the Great, in this city. — See a long inscription to his memory in Nash's History. Thomas Jenner, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1728, Whose date, by Mr. Green, is 1721, Mas Professor * What was very singular, (his lady, having had a brother killed by lightning,} had moved her seat in the hopes of avoiding the effects of this storm. 349 (Lady Margaret's) of Divinity, of Magdalen College, Ox- ford, November 13, 1745, and died January 12, 1768. Philip Smalridge, M.A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1731, and Chancellor, 1742, The son of George, Bishop of Bristol, was admitted a scholar on the foundation at Westminster, 1714, elected to Christ Church in 1717, M.A. 1723, B. and D. D. 1742: he married, in 1730, a daughter of the celebrated Dr. Friend, who, in the lottery of 1714-15, got the great prize of £20,000. He obtained a Prebend in the Cathedral of Worcester by the patronage of Queen Caroline, and had the Chancellorship of that diocese conferred on him by Bi- shop Hough, out of regard to his father's memory ; he was also presented to the rectory of Christleton, near Chester, by Sir Roger Mostyn. I cannot learn when he died. James Mackenzie, M. D. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Edin- burgh, practised in Worcester many years with high repu- tation and success. He was the first to whom Madox, Bishop of Worcester, communicated his noble design of establishing his Infirmary at Worcester, and earnestly co- operated with that good prelate in struggling against the many discouragements it met with. \\ hen he found it ex- pedient to retire from business, the Bishop of Worcester affectionately reminded him " that it is our duty to do all the good in our power in every situation of life ; and that a physician of long experience might contrive some method of being useful, even in retirement." His age rendered him unable to pursue the painful practice of a country physician : he could not ride long journies to cure diseases : he deter- mined, therefore, to endeavour in some measure to prevent them, by acquainting those who will restrain their appetites, and hearken to reason, with the most effectual rules to pre- serve health ; and solaced himself, under the natural infirmities of old age, with the reflection of still being a benefactor to 350 mankind, even beyond the grave. With this view, he wrote his History of Health, published October, 1758, which he dedicated to his friend Bishop Madox, whose sti- mulus to usefulnes he had not forgotten. This book was so well received, that it quickly passed through three editions, and is, I believe, still held in estimation. Besides his His- tory of Health, in which he highly eulogizes Armstrong's Art of Preserving Health, Dr. M. at the close of his life, published a volume of Devout Meditations. His name was withdrawn as Attending Physician on the Worcester Infirmary in 1750, at which time he retired entirely from all professional practice. Dr. Mackenzie was first elected Physician to the Worcester Infirmary in 1745, and died in Scotland, but in what year I am not acquainted. Accord- ing to the account of Dr. Johnstone, sen. in this work, he first retired to Kidderminster. In the new edition of Wood's Athena?, by Mr. Bisse, is the following correction of Dr. Mackenzie : — " Dr. James Mackenzie, in his History of Health, mistakes Dr. Thomas Cogan for a Thomas Morgan, of whom I can discover no trace. Unless Mackenzie has erred in the name, and of this I have no doubt, there was a Thomas Morgan, educated at Oxford, who wrote a treatise with the same title as Cogan's, as well as gave an account of the sickness in Oxford,* who escaped the researches of Wood. But this is very improbable ; for, first, we cannot suppose that two authors wrote, so near together, two works with corresponding titles ; and, secondly, the indus- trious Herbert, who had in his own collection, and parti- cularly registers, Cogan's Haven of Health, had never dis- covered or heard of any writer of that period, with the name of Thomas Morgan. It is, however, difficult to account for Mackenzie's error (which must be more than that of the ♦Mackenzie says, that Morgan wrote on the BlackJsslzesixt Oxford, which was an infectious damp or plague that occurred during the Assizes in 1577, and destroyed above 500 souls. Here again he seemed to have mis- taken a date, for Wood expressly tells us, Cogan wrote on the sickness that happened in 1575. 351 press, for he repeats it in three places), since he had evi- dently seen the work itself, and quotes several passages from it. His (Cogan's) Rules of Health, says Mackenzie, are taken for the most part from Hippocrates and Galen, espe- cially from the latter. He treats of exercise, particularly, in a concise and masterly manner, blending his own observa- tions with the precepts of the ancients. — History of Health, p. 30. Mackenzie had never seen Wood's Life of Cogan, for he supposes him (or Morgan) not to have proceeded re- gularly in the faculty of medicine. — See Wood's Ath.v.2,ip. 19- Jacob Tonson, The celebrated Bookseller, who died at Ledbury, 1735, ajred 80, according to Mr. Malone, in his Life of Drvden, possessed estates in Herefordshire, Giocestershire, and Wor- cestershire ; but Dr. Nash is totally silent with regard to the latter county.* Martha Whiteway. This ladv, the cousin german and intimate friend of the celebrated Dean, was, according to the Worcester Journal, a woman of great endowments, both natural and acquired, had abundance of spirits, was a firm and sincere friend, a despiser of riches, and always liberal to the poor and dis- tressed. She died in this city on Thursday, the 1 1th of Fe- bruary, 1768, in the 78th year of her age. — For a further account of this lady, see Walter Scott's edition of Swift's Works. Bernard Wilson, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1735, Was of Trinity College, Cambridge, A. D. 17 12. He held this Prebend of the Crown, and was Prebendary also of Carborough, at Lichfield, and Vicar of Newark, &c. where he had a house given him by Bishop Chandler. He was presented to Battesford, in Leicestershire, July, 1735, * This article should bave been inserted at p. 302, 352 but never took possession of it. He translated some parts of Fleury; and published, in 1729, the first volume, in folio, of M. de Thou's History of his own Time ; in which work it is imagined he proceeded no further. Soon afterwards lie received a great accession to his fortune by the will of Sir George Markham, a bequest which, being censured by that oentleman's relations, obliged him to print a defence of himself against their aspersions (in 4to. 7 pages.) He was involved in a suit at law, in consequence of the non-per- formance of a marriage contract, and had the ill fortune to be frequeutly in dispute with his town's people. Among others, I find in print the following pieces, by himself, or in answer to him, viz. — " An Account of the Donations to the Parish of Newark-upon-Trent, by a Parishioner," London, 1 748, 4to. ; on the preface to which were published, " Re- marks, by a M r of P m 1, printed [by one of the churchwardens] not for the abuse, but the real use, and lasting service, of the Parishioners." 1751, 4to. This was followed by " An Impartial Relation of some Parish Trans- auctions at N k," 1751, 8vo. ; "A Discourse ad- dressed to the Inhabitants of Newark, against the Misap- plication of Public Charities, and enforced from the follow- ing text, Eccles. vi. 1, by the Rev. Bernard Wilson, D. D. Vicar of Newark, and Prebendary of Worcester, to which is added a more full and true Account of the very consi- derable and numerous Benefactions left to the Town of Newark than has hitherto been published," London, 1768, 4to. He died April 3, 1772, and in the church of New- ark is an inscription to his memory. Nathaniel Wilkinson, A common mason, who built the beautiful spire of St. Andrew's church, in this city ; he was also the builder of the steeples of Ledbury and Ross, Herefordshire, and Mitchell Dean, Glocestershire, and the steeple of Monmouth. He is also said to be the sculptor of those figures, intended to re- present Fortitude and Justice, at the end of Frog-lane; 353 but as these productions cannot confer on him any fame as an artist, I readily adopt the opinion of a well-informed person, who says that Wilkinson was not their author, but that they were brought to the place where they now stand from Leigh. In 1730 Mr. Wilkinson repaired Edgar's tower ; he was also architect to the Cathedral ; and in the year 1748, rebuilt the north end of the great cross aisle, with some of the windows, and the spires of that church. He died September 28, 1764, leaving some property to his descendants, and was buried in St. Peter's church, under the seats of the children of the Sunday School, leaving be- hind him the splendid monument of his talents, the spire of St. Andrew's, finished by his son, the beauty and stability of which will for ever perpetuate his name.* The Right Hon. Thomas Winnington, Grandson of Sir Francis Winnington, Solicitor General to Charles II. and son of Salwey Winnington, of Stanford Court, in Worcestershire, was born December 31, 1696. He was educated at Westminster School, from whence he went to Christ Church, Oxford. He was chosen Member for Droitwich, 1725, for which place he continued a Mem- ber until 1741, when he was elected for Worcester. In 1730 he was appointed a Lord of the Admiralty, of the Treasury in 1736; and in the following year I find him moving two resolutions, in substance thus : — " That all the public funds redeemable by law, which carry an interest of 4 per cent, per aim. be redeemed, according to the re- spective provisos or clauses of redemption contained in the Acts of Parliament for that purpose, or (with consent of the proprietors) be converted into an interest of annuity, not exceeding 3 percent, per aim. not redeemable till after 14 years. That his Majesty be enabled to borrow from any person or persons, bodies politic or corporate, any sum or * In the entry of inscriptions, in Dr. Nash, of St. Peter's church, we read of Thomas Wilkinson, mason, and his wife, late of this parish. He died November 9.5, 1736. 2 Z 354 sums of money, at an interest not exceeding 3 per cent, to be applied towards redeeming the national debt." — Vide Cox's Mem. of Sir R.Walpole, vol.1, p. 503. And in 1737-8, he agreed with the Speaker and the Whigs on the propriety of prohibiting printing the debates of the House in the public papers. — Ibid. p. 569- In 1741 he became Paymaster of the Household, on the resignation of Wal- pole, and Paymaster of the Forces in 1743. In 174G, on the appointment of the Grenville Administration, several Members of the former Ministry resigning, Mr. Winning- ton also declared his intention of vacating his office of Pay- master of the Forces ; and when the King offered him the situation of the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, he re- turned the seals three times into his Majesty's hands, adding, " the new Ministry, Sir, can neither support your Majesty nor themselves ; they cannot depend upon more than thirty- one Lords and eighty Commoners." Perplexed and em- barrassed at the resignation of many officers of the old Ca- binet, the King shut himself up in his closet, and refused to admit the new-made Ministers; and soon after he sent for Mr. Wilmington, told him he was the honestest man about his person, and should have the honour of reconciling him with the late Ministers, and that all his old servants should be reinstated; thus the Pelham Ministry was again formed, after a retirement of forty hours. — Cox's Lord Walpole, p. C97. He was a man of great penetration and quick parts, being a ready debater ; he was very useful in sup- porting the measures of Government in the House of Com- mons, and possessed the intimate confidence of Sir Robert Walpole.* He was among the distinguished votaries of * At which time (1727 to 1730) the reader cannot but be struck with the coincidence of circumstances between those times and the present.— " The Opposition declaimed against the profuse expenditure of the public money. They declared that, although large supplies were annually voted, and the produce of the sinking fund had been applied to the discharge of the national debt, during a period of almost uninterrupted tranquillity, yet the public burthens were increased, instead of being diminished ; and they observed, that if the war with Spain should continue, and new troubles arise in Europe, 355 w it and pleasure, and was an associate of Lord Hervey, Mr. Fox, and Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. He pos- sessed great knowledge of the world, could talk agreeably upon any subject, either in private company or in the House of Commons : though a man of pleasure and expence, he was, when at Christ Church, reckoned by his companions attentive to money, on which account they gave him the nick- name of Penny Winnington, and his name is so printed among the subscribers to Bishop Smalridge's Sermons. Soon after his death, in 1746, a curious pamphlet made its appearance, which was entitled " An Apology for the con- duct of a late celebrated second-rate Minister," said, in the preface, to have been found among his papers. It impli- cated him with Sir Robert Walpole, in a supposed scheme to bring in the Pretender. This publication, although plainly ironical, gained such credit as induced his executors (Lord Holland and Mr. Ingram), to declare by advertisement that it was not found among his papers, and to offer a reward of £50 for the discovery of the author. Mr. Wilmington married Love Read, sister and co-heiress of Sir James Read, Bart, of Brockethall, Herts, by whom he left no issue, according to some of his biographers, but Dr. Nash says he left a son. He died April 23, 1746. His estates at Brocket- hall were divided between his two sisters, Lady Masham and Mrs, Wheeler, and Stanford Court, with his other es- tates in Worcestershire, descended to his cousin, Sir Ed- ward Wilmington, who was created a Bart, in 1755, and to whose son, Sir Edward Wilmington, Mr. Cox was indebted for these particulars. — See also his Historical Tour in Mon- mouthshire, c. 29. Dr. Nash says it is more than probable Mr. Wilmington died through the ignorance of his physician; his case occasioned many pamphlets to be written. Mr. Winnington was buried in Stanford church, where are the following lines inscribed to his memory : fresh taxes must be perpetuated to the latest posterity, and the nation must inevitably sink under such an accumulated load." — Cot's Sir Robert TValpole, v.l,p.?9i. 356 Near his paternal seat here buried lies, The grave, the gay, the witty, and the wise ; Equal to every part, in all he shin'd — Variously great — a genius unconfin'd : In converse bright, judicious in debate ; In private amiable, in public great : "With all the statesman's knowledge — prudence — art- With friendship's open, undesigning heart. The friend* and heir + here join their duty— one Erects the busto — one inscribes the stone : Not that they hope by these his fame should live ; That claims a lenger date than these can give. False to their trusts — the mould'ring busts decay, And soon the effaced inscription wears away. But England's annals shall their place supply ; And while they live, his name can never die. Isaac Madox, D.D. Bishop of Worcester, 1743, Was born in London, July 27, 1697, of obscure pa- rents, whom he lost while he was young, and was taken care of by an aunt, who placed him in a charity school, and afterwards put him on trial for apprenticeship to a pastry- cook, but before he entered into articles the master told her that the boy was not fit for trade, that he was continually reading books of learning above his (the master's) compre- hension, and therefore advised that she should take him away, and send him back to school, to follow the bent of his inclinations ; (see Dr. Nowell's " Answer to Pietas Oxoniensis," 1768, p. 49 ;) he was, on this, sent, by an exhibition of some dissenting friends, to the University of Aberdeen, but not caring to take orders in that church, was afterwards, through the patronage of Bishop Gibson, ad- mitted of Queen's College, Cambridge, and favoured with a Doctor's degree, at Lambeth. After entering into orders, he was first a Curate of St. Bride's, then Domestic Chap- lain to Dr. Waddington, Bishop of Chichester, whose niece he married, and in 1731 was appointed to the Rectory of St. Vedast, Foster-lane ; and it is believed Clerk of the Clo- * Sir Charles Hanbury Williams. + Sir Edward Winnington. 357 set to Queen Caroline 1729* In 1733 he was made Dean of Wells; in 1736, Bishop of St. Asaph : and, in Novem- ber, 1743, translated to Worcester, during which time he hired a house at Little Mario w, Bucks. His tract, where- in he vindicates the spirit and plan of the great conductors of the Reformation under Queen Elizabeth against the in- jurious reflections of Mr. Neal, is a lasting monument of his diligence and discernment ; in this he was assisted by Dr. Gray, who intended to have communicated his remarks in 2 vols. The Infirmary at Worcester acknowledges in him its father. Several of the London hospitals were in- debted to him for more than his contributions — his zealous services. He is said to have spent more than £l 2,000 in adorning his chapel at Martlebury. It ought to be recorded, to the honour of this worthy prelate, that, in the year 1758, he informed his clergy, by the Archdeacon, that he would, every year, as long as he should live, assign £200 to the improvement of small livings within the diocese, a bene- faction which would entitle every poor incumbent who should receive it to £200 more, from the Governors of Queen Anne's bounty : but death deprived the clergy of his liberality, after his benefaction had been once bestowed, and the concomitant addition procured. Bishop Madox was a great encourager of trade, en- gaging in the British fishery, by which he lost some money. He likewise was a strong advocate for the act against spi- rituous liquors; see an epistle to the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London, and Governors of the several hospitals, with an appendix, con- taining the most material extracts from his sermon preached at St. Bridget's church on Easier Monday, concerning the pernicious and excessive use of spirituous liquors, 3d ed. with additions, by Isaac, Bishop of Worcester, Lord Pre- sident ; printed by H.Woodfall, 1751, price (id. Happy in the veneration and love of the clergy and laity, he presided at Worcester 16 years, and dying at Hartlebury September 27, 1759, had interment m the Cathedral.— See his epitaph 358 in Chambers's Worcester, p. 183. Bishop Madox married, in 1731, Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Price, of Hayes, in the county of Middlesex; he left one daughter, who married the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Yorke, late Bishop of Gloucester and of Ely. — See an eulogiumon Bishop Madox in the Worcester Journal, 1759, No. 216. While Queen Caroline (wife of George II.) dressed, prayers used to be read in the outward room, where hung a naked Venus. Mrs. Selvvyn, bed-chamber woman in waiting, was one day ordered to bid Dr. Madox, as chap- lain, to begin the service : he said, archly, " and a very proper altar-piece is here, Madam." This reminds me of a well-known anecdote of Queen Anno, who had the same custom ; and once ordering the door to be shut while she attired, the chaplain stopped ; the Queen sent to ask why he did not proceed : he very properly replied, " he would not whistle the word of God through a key-hole." One of the lives of the estate at White Lady Aston, which had been appropriated by Bishop Lloyd (see his article) to his school, dropping, in the time of Bishop Madox, although he had a family, generously renewed the whole, without taking any fine to himself; and so secretly did he perform this charitable act, that, upon the death of Mr. Stillingiieet, at Hartlebury, it was supposed the estate dropped to Bishop North ; however, Bishop Madox's re- newal, says Nash, saved the estate of Aston. William Broughton, M. A. A Rector in Worcestershire, according to the Biblio r graphia Britannica, Mas the author of " Idleness in Spiritual Affairs considered, a Sermon on Matt. xx. 6 & 7," 1726, 8vo. In my search through Nash, I find Wm. Broughton, Rector of Chaddesley Corbet in 1663; and in the account of burials in that church, " William Broughton, S. T. P, Rector per 50 annos, abdormivit 1715, £et. 77 ;" and in the list of Incumbents of Rushock, in this county, " Wm, Broughion, cl. A.M. 19 Nov. 1714;" this latter is pro- bably the above person. Richard Meadowcourt, Prebendary of Worcester, 1735, A celebrated critic, was born in Staffordshire, 1(J97, and .was educated at Merton College, Oxford, of which he became a Fellow. In 1732 he published notes on Milton's Paradise Regained ; he was afterwards promoted to a Ca- nonry in the church of Worcester; and in 1751 he was collated to Lindridge. He was the author of several small tracts, containing critical remarks on the English Poets ; and his notes were not neglected by the late Bishop Newton, in publishing his edition of Milton. He was greatly esteemed by the learned in general, and died in Worcester, 1 76*9, aged 72. — See Dr. Newton's thanks for the services of Mr. Meadowcourt, in his Preface to Paradise Regained. Mr. Meadowcourt was author of eleven printed sermons, which are enumerated in Cooke's Preacher's Assistant ; among which is one on the general Fast, April 11, 1744, "The Duty of considering our Ways explained," printed at the request of the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Worces- ter ; this seems to have caused some uncommon sensation of feeling in the city in the year 17 15. — Vide Worcester Journal. Also a sermon preached before the University of Oxford, in Merton College Chapel, May 1, 1723, " On the Grounds and Rule both of interpreting and of trying the Interpretations of Extraordinary Events, prescribed and established, and particularly applied to a series of such events brought to pass in behalf of the people of these king- doms, from the Reformation to the present time," published at the desire of several of the hearers. There are some lines on Hag'.ey, addressed to Ld. Lyttelton, by Mr. Meadow- court, hi Nash's Worcestershire, vol. 1, p. 490. The following letter of Mr. Meadoweourt's to Mr. Dun- comb, is taken from " Letters by several eminent Persons deceased," vol.2, p. 246: 360 " Dear Sir, " Worcester, July 10, 1758. " I am very much obliged to you for remembering a person who has been so long out of sight, and for giving me so acceptable a token of your remem- brance as the first volume of your ' Horace.' To the dishonour of this place, there are no booksellers, and but few readers of books, here. Most of the clergy, especially the incumbents, on cushions in a cathedral, have finished their studies before they are lifted into preferment.* Wordly cares, or world- ly enjoyments, too active or too passive a life, often lead them too far astray from literary pursuits. " The account you have heard of my being much addicted to the peripatetic sect, is a true account : but it is in winter, and in the cool sea- sons, that I venture on walks of any considerable length. He who travels on foot has an opportunity of wandering from hill to hill, from stream to stream, and from one rich valley to another, of dwelling on lovely land- scapes and delicious scenes, and of seeing numberless objects and numberless places which are inaccessible to the horseman, and never were seen by any one whirled through the country in the state prison of a coach. For these, and many other reasons, I choose to make use of my own legs, and prefer the wholesome exercise of walking to all the modes of conveyance which effeminacy and luxury can invent. If I live to take another phi- losophical journey on foot to London, Mr. Duncomb, in Frith street, may depend on hearing me knock at his door. My place of residence, during the summer months, is almost twenty miles from hence, in reducta valle, Qua pinus ingens albaque populus Umbram hospilalern consociare amant ramis. Here my days pass away in peace, undisturbed by ambition and envy ; not altogether devoted to solitude, nor too often interrupted by social visits. I rejoice here in the works of my hands, which are constantly employed in forming a wood into walks, in nursing a thicket of shrubs, and in adding the improvements of art to those of nature, in a most delightful situation, f "Was * The reader will please to observe this is more than half a century ago. + This gentleman, while he was Fellow of Merton College, Oxford, about the year 1729, had a very elegant garden there, in which were the following mottoes : Over the door : Me sylva cavusque Tutus ab insidiis tenui solabitur ervo. On a bench near the cntrauce of the garden : Hffic est Vita Bolutomm misera ambitione gravique. On another bench near the fields : ■ ■ " Mihi parva rura Parca nonmendax dedit, et innlignurn Spernere vutgus. 361 it not for such amusements as these, accompanied with the entertainments of books, I should probably be found at the feet of Parnassus, courting the Muses, and catching at some of the poetical spirit which is still indulged to you. May it long be indulged to you, and be ever attended with satisfaction and success. These are not the compliments, but the sincere wishes of, dear Sir, &c. &c. " R. MEADOWCOURT. " I can give you but a bad account of any thing I have published of late years. Mr. Sandby,* bookseller, in P'leet-street, may perhaps have reason to give you a worse." There is a letter from Mr. Meadowcourt, on the rejoic- ings at Oxford for the relinquishment of the excise scheme, in the Mem. of Sir Rob. Walpole, v. 2, p. 137. Edward Stillingfleet, M.A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1737, Grandson of the Bishop, and son of Dr. James Stilling- fleet, was educated at Merton College, Oxford, took the degree of M. A. 1721, Minister of St. Nicholas, in this city,f and Rector of Hartlebury, 1737- He died March 16, 1777, and was buried in the middle aisle (west end) On a small pump: Parvum parva decent. And on a little pyramid in memory of the founder, Walter de Merton : Ille nobis hajc otia fecit. On the outside of a summer-house at the upper end of the garden : In his ipsis rebus, qua? ad requietera animi delectationemque quaerunter, natura dominatur. And in the inside : Inter cuncta leges, et percontabere doctos, Qua ratione queas traducere lenitur aevum ; Quid rainuatcuras. quid te tibi reddat amicum, Quid pure tranquillet, honos, an dulce lucellum, An secretum iter, et fallentis semita vitae. J n bis chambers, also, over his books, was inscribed : His me consolor, victurum suavius, ac si Quaestor avus, pater atque meus patruusque fuissent. And on one of his chairs : Otium, non desidia. * Brother of a Prebendary of Worcester. + He is so recorded in the pedigree of the Stillingfleets ; but his name does not appear in Dr. Nash's list of the Incumbents of this church. 3 A 362 of his cathedral : his tomb was thus inscribed, by his own direction : — Edvardus Stillingfleet Episcopi Nepos Decani Filius Ipse Canonicus, Sed quorsum hi Tituli Sepukhrales Cum Regibus cum Patriciis cum Plebeiis Jacet communem Mundi expectans Rogum. Ob. Mart, die 16, Anno salutis humanae, 1777, jEtatis 79. Edwin Sandys, LL. B. Prebendary of Worcester, 1743, Was the son of Martin Sandys, Esq. who was Town Clerk of this city, and who died in 1753. Edwin Sandys was Rector of Holt, 1740, and Incumbent of St. John's, Bedwardine, 1746, both in this county. I can no where find the date of his death. Samuel Woolley, M. A. Prebendary of Worcester, 1760, Also Prebendary of Glocester, was thirty years resident of the parish of Powick ; he was born in 1698 ; died 1764. The family of the Woolleys, Dr. Nash believes, are founder's kin at New College. Giles Woolley, of Hinlip, in this county, was admitted into Winchester College, as founder's kinsman, A. D. 1642; and John Woolley in 1634. Samuel Woolley was buried in the church of Powick, in this county. Edmund Martin, D.D. Dean of Worcester, 1747, Enjoyed the Deanery but a short time, dying in 1751. Lewis Crusius, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1751. Of this person I have been able to gain but little inform- ation. He was elected Head Master of the Charter-house School in 1748, collated a Prebendary of Worcester, Nov. 1751. He was Rector of Stoke Prior, 1754, and of St. 3G3 John's, Bedwardine, Worcester, May 28, 1764. He died May 23, 1775, and was interred under the piazza of the Charter-house Chapel. Dr. C. was the author of the Lives of the Roman Poets, with an Essay on Dramatic Poetry, Lond. 1733, 2 vols. 12mo. ; and the Lives of the Roman Poets, with an Account of their Writings, Lond. 1753, 2 vols. 12mo. Richard Lovett, A Lay Clerk of the Cathedral Church of Worcester, and author of some philosophical works, was born at Chalfont St. Giles, Bucks, in 1692. In September, 1758, he is- sued the following notice : — " Mr. Lovett, of this city, hav- ing for more than eight years past experienced the good ef- fects of electricity when applied as a remedy in human dis- eases, and having made some successful trials in common sore throats, is of opinion the like good effects will appear when the same experiments are applied to the ulcerated sore throats now so rife, and often times mortal, and therefore designs, for the benefit of the public, to make trials (gratis) on any person who will apply to him. N. B. Electricity has been found so efficacious in removing obstructions, that he thinks he has sufficient reason to conclude that whoever applies for help, before the ulcers are formed, will never be troubled with any." Mr. Lovett died on Thursday, June 8, 1780, in the pa- rish of St. Swithin. He had a son, named Timothy, who was a pupil at the Worcester Infirmary, and afterwards re- sided near the Cross, in this city, but who died before his father. The subject of this memoir was the author of — 1." Philosophical Essays, in 3 Parts," 8vo. 1766, price 6s.; and 2. " The Electrical Philosopher : containing a new Sys- tem of Physics, founded upon the principle of an universal Plenum of Elementary Fire ; wherein the nature of Ele- mentary Fire is explained, its office pointed out, its exten- sive influence and utility in explaining many of the most ab- struse Phenomena of Nature shewn ; and the Grand De- 364 sideratum in particular, which has hitherto either been given up as inexplicable, or else sought after in vain by the most able naturalists, is at length happily obtained, viz. ' The cause of Gravity, the cause of Cohesion, &c.' to which is subjoined a Postscript, containing Strictures upon the un- candid Animadversions of the Monthly Reviewers," 8vo. 1775, plates, price 3s. The editor of the Critical Review, for October, 1766, speaking of this work, thus concludes : — " We must refer such readers as are curious in these mat- ters to the book itself, which is evidently a work of genius, by no means undeserving the perusal of modern philoso- phers." Daniel Brooker, Vicar of St. Peter's, Worcester, January 8, 174f, and a Minor Canon of the Cathedral ; author of a Sermon on Music, at Worcester, on Ps. xxxii. 1, 3, 1743, 4to. ; and a Sermon on John xviii. 38, 1745 ; and a Thanksgiving Sermon for Victory over the Rebels, from Ps. xxi. 12, 13, 1746, 4to. Thomas Tanner, A Surgeon of Hartleburv, Worcestershire, was the au- thor of a Practical Treatise on the Small Pox and Measles, published in March, 1746. Thomas Cameron, M. D. The son of the Rev. John Cameron, Minister of Callen- dar, was born A. D. 1704, in Edinburgh, and educated in the High School of that city, from whence he was elected an Exhibitioner to Balliol College, Oxford; for in the year 1666 Dr. John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, had founded four exhibitions for scholars of the Scottish nation, who, when they had taken the degree of M. A. were to return to their native country in " Holy Orders, that there may never be wanting in Scotland some who shall support the eccle- siastical establishment of England :" and in 1679 John Snell, 365 Esq. of Ayrshire, left the manor ofUfton, in Warwickshire, to the College, to support from five to twelve more exhi- bitioners, having the same object in view as Bishop Warner, the support of episcopacy in Scotland. But when, upon the accession of King William, episcopacy was abolished, the trustees permitted the exhibitioners to chuse their own professions, and Dr. Cameron was the first who did not en- ter into holy orders. He was a complete master of Latin, writing and speaking the language with great fluency, having got almost the whole of Terence by heart, in order to qualify himself for conversation with learned foreigners, who came to see the University, which he was often called upon to do, as at that period the Latin tongue was the chief medium of communication with the literati of other nations. Dr. Ca- meron commenced the practice of physic at Worcester in the year 1727, and laboured assiduously in his profession for the term of fifty years, with great reputation to himself, and benefit to mankind, during which time he was one of those gentlemen who promoted the first establishment of the Infirmary in 1745, to which institution he was elected Physician before the present building was erected, to which the patients were removed in 1770. He was at length re- leased from a tedious and painful disease, the stone, on the Gist day of November, 1777, and was buried in St. Peter's church, where there is an inscription to his memory. Dr. Cameron was twice married : by his first wife, Miss Severn, he had no child. In 1747 he married Barbara Ann, daugh- ter of Win. Plowden, of Plowden, in the county of Salop, Esq. ; and it was a singular circumstance that this lady's fa- ther, and the father of Dr. Cameron, were both sufferers in the same cause, though they were of different kingdoms, and different religions ; Mr. Plowden being a Roman Ca- tholic, and having been an officer in the guards to James II. was obliged to abscond, because he would not take the oaths to King William ; and Mr. Cameron, from the same conscientious conduct, lost his preferment. Dr. Cameron was the author of two letters in the Gent.'s Magazine ; one 3($0 on the Small Pox, dated 1752, and tiie other on the Mea- sles * To the superior method of treatment of the latter dis- order by Dr. Cameron, Dr. Percival bears ample testimony, in the 5th vol. of Medical Observations and Enquiries, by a Society of Physicians in London, 8vo. 1776, p. 284, as follows : — " The practice of giving the bark in this disease (the measles) was first introduced by Dr. Cameron, a very eminent physician of Worcester ; he observes that it pre- vents the retrocession of the morbid acrimony, and conti- nues the efflorescence on the skin, sometimes so long as the 12th day. By this salutary operation, the cough, and other inflammatory symptoms, are, in a great measure, obviated, and the patient is freed from all danger of a peripneumony, the fatality of which Sydenham describes in such strong terms. It is many years since I first adopted the method of cure recommended by Dr. Cameron, and experience has afforded me the fullest conviction of its safety and efficacy in all ordinary cases." — See also Medical Museum, vol. 1, No. 37, p. 281. The late Mr. Percival Pott paid frequent tributes to the merits of Dr. Cameron, in conversation with Dr. Woodyatt, of Worcester, and others : and in his " Chi- rurgical Works, vol. 3, p. 453, he says—" In a former edition I gave an account of a conversation which passed be- tween me and the late Dr. Cameron, of Worcester, who told me that, having remarked in Hippocrates an account of a paralysis of the lower limbs cured by an abscess in the back, he had, in a case of useless limbs, attended with a curvature of the spine, endeavoured to imitate this act of nature by exciting a purulent discharge, and that it had proved very beneficial, which was confirmed to me by Mr. Jeffrys, of Worcester, who made the same experiment with the same success." Dr. Cameron left two sons and one daughter, the eldest of whom, Charles, was also of Bal- * The editor of the Bibliotheca Britannica mentions " Thomas Cameron, M. D. author of a paper, ' A Dissection of a man who died of a hurt, La- ceration of the Lymphisis Pubis and Bladder,' in the Phil. Trans. 1747, Ab. ix. p. 370," but I am uncertain if this be the same person. 367 liol College, where he took the degree of Bachelor in Me- dicine, and settled in Worcester, in 1772-3. He was soon afterwards, in consideration of his father's long services, appointed Supernumerary Physician to the Worcester In- firmary, and in 1773 was elected Physician to that esta- blishment, which he attended with unremitting assiduity for more than forty years, when impaired health and strength obliged him to resign his situation in 18 16. The above par- ticulars were given me by himself, who lived but a very short time afterwards, when the following impartial notice of the recorder of his father's life appeared in the Worcester He- rald : — "On Sunday, December 27th, 1818, died, after a protracted illness, in the 71st year of his age, Charles Cameron, M. B. for more than forty years Physician to the Worcester Infirmary. He was the elder son. of Dr. Thomas Cameron, a name eminent in the history of medical science, and still highly endeared to all who retain a remembrance of his superior talents and acquire- ments, or his moral worth. His son Charles was edu- cated at Eton, graduated at Balliol College, Oxford, and completed his course of medical study in London, and at the University of Edinburgh. As a Physician, he was dis- tinguished by sound judgment and accurate discrimination, and his own acquirements were enriched by the resources he derived from the profound skill and experience of his fa- ther. Impediments, however, existed, to the successful exertion of his abilities in the world. He was naturally in- clined to inaction, and this tendency was increased by dis- ease, and the progress of advancing years. During a part of his life, also, he indulged in habits of amusement, which were inconsistent with professional attention and exertion. A certain delicacy of sentiment, and a modesty of mir.d, which made him shrink from all appearance of obtruding upon the notice of others, or pushing himself into practice, led him into conduct which was often misunderstood, and exposed him to the censure of pride, or of neglect, to his own worldly 'disadvantage. The distinguishing qualities of 368 his heart were sensibility and affection ; and those who knew him most intimately, feel, better than they can express, the moral excellence of his character. One striking feature in it, must not be passed over : under all the trying circum- stances of life, he felt and he expressed a degree of confi- dence, too rarely manifested even by persons apparently of superior piety, in the kind and providential care of a Hea- venly Father, who never suffered him to be disappointed in that trust." James Johnson, D. D. Bishop of Worcester, 1759, Son of the Rev. James Johnson, Rector of Milford, Suf- folk, and grandson of George Johnson, Esq. of Bowden Park, M. P. for the borough of Devizes. He was elected from Westminster School, where he first cultivated the friendship of Judge Mansfield, to a studentship of Christ Church. Some years after, he was appointed second Mas- tet of that distinguished seminary in which he had received his classical education. In 1748 he attended George II. to Hanover as his Chaplain, and the same year was made Ca- non Residentary of St. Paul's. He attended the King a se- cond time to Hanover in 1752; and in the couse of that year was promoted to the see of Gloucester ; and from thence to Worcester, November 9, 1759. He greatly im- proved and embellished the episcopal house at Hartlebury, and made some valuable additions to that of Worcester, at an expence exceeding 50001. He also added to the patron- age of his successors the rectory of Ricard's Castle, in the diocese of Hereford. He was remarkable for an uniform sweetness of temper, which constantly displayed itself in placid and cheerful affability, and in condescending acts of benevolence. He died at Bath, in consequence of a fall from his horse, 1774, and was buried with his ancestors at Lay- cock, Wilts, but an elegant monument is erected to his me- mory in Worcester Cathedral by his only surviving sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson. — See an account of a sermon written 369 for Bishop Johnson by the great Lord Mansfield, in page 489 of Halliday's Life of that nobleman. John Baskerville, A Native of this county, was bora at Wolverley* in 1 706. He was heir to a paternal estate of 601. per annum, which, 50 years after, while in his own possession, had in- creased to 901. ; and this estate, with an exemplary filial piety and generosity, he allowed to his parents + till their death, which occurred at an advanced age. Mr. Noble, in his Continuation of Granger, thinks Baskerville was origi- nally a footman to a clergyman at King's Norton, near Bir- mingham, who used to make him instruct the poor youths of his parish in writing, as an old woman near him did to read ; and from this place he went to Birmingham ; there, in a little court or yard near the High Town, he taught writing and accounts. According to the account by most of his bi- ographers, he was trained to no occupation, but having ac- quired in early life a skill and taste for fine writing and cutting in stone, he removed to Birmingham at the age of 20, where he settled as a writing master. In 1737 he taught at a school in the Bull King, and wrote an excellent hand. As painting suited his talents, he entered into the lucrative branch of japanning, and resided at No. 22, in Moor-street ; but in 1745 he took a building lease of 8 acres and two furlongs north-west of the town, to which he gave the name of Easy Hill, and converting it into a little Eden, built a house in the centre : J but the town daily increasing in magnitude » The Editor of the Beauties of Worcestershire, calls him a most use- ful and estimable character, says he was of an ancient family, as old as the Conquest : and Robert de Baskerville, of Eardesley, in Herefordshire, .married a daughter of Rhees ap Tudor, Prince of Wales, in 1090. He was, he adds, equal a? a printer, to Elzevir or Foulis. + An estate, Mr. Laird very properly remarks, which must have come to him by some collateral bequest ; as any inherited estate must have been the property of one or other of his parents. % Mr. Derrick, in a letter written to the Earl of Cork, July 15, 1760, voutaining a .ie-ciiptiou of Bii-iniughum, sa}?. -v I need not remind your 3 B 370 and population, soon surrounded it with buildings. Here he continued the husiness of a japanner for life : this resi- dence was afterwards the property of Mr. Ryland. Accord- ing to Mr. Noble, he commenced this trade at the period when Mr. Taylor began the japanning or painting of snuff boxes. Baskerville followed his example, but dealt more in tea waiters, and thus acquired a large fortune before he at- tempted printing. His carriage, each pannel of which was a distinct picture, might be considered the pattern card oi his trade, and was drawn by a beautiful pair of cream-co- loured horses. His inclination for letters induced him, in 1750, to turn his thoughts towards the press. He spent many years in the uncertain pursuit, sunk 6001. before he could produce one letter to please himself, and some thou- sands before the shallow stream of profit began to flow. His first attempt was a 4to edition of Virgil, 1756,* price one Lordship, that Baskerville, one of the best printers in the world, was born in this town, and resides near it. His house stands at about half a mile distance, on an eminence that commands a fine prospect. I paid him a visit, and was received with great politeness, though an entire stranger. His apartments are elegant; his stair-case is particularly curious; and tbe room in which he dines, and calls a smoking room, is very handsome. The grate and furni- ture belongining to it are, I think, of bright wrought iron, and cost him a round sum. He has just completed an elegant octavo Common Prayer Book, has a scheme for publishing a grand folio edition of the Bible ; and will soon finish a beautiful collection of Fables, by the ingenious Mr. Dodsley. He manu • factures his own paper, types, and ink ; and they are remarkably good. This ingenious artist carries on a great trade in the japan way, in which ho shewed me several useful articles, such as candlesticks, stands, salvers, wait- ers, breadbaskets, tea boards, &c. elegantly designed and highly finished. Baskerville is a great cherisher of genius, which, wherever he finds it, he loses no opportunity of cultivating. One of his workmen has manifested fine talents for fruit painting in several pieces which he shewed me." Dr. Kippis, who has copied this letter, adds his own testimony concerning Mr. B.'s polite- ness to strangers, and the cheerful hospitality with which he treated those who were introduced to him ; " he was well knswn," says the Dr. " to ma- ny ingenious men, and was particularly intimate with the late Mr. Robert Dodsley, and Mr. Shenstone.'' * " My copy of Baskerville's Quarto Virgil, given me by the late Duke of Roxburgh, bound in red Morocco, on leaving Eton, is dated 1757. Query, if the first or second edition." Mr. Dibdiii, vol.2, p. 335, Introduction to tbe Classics, mentions only 1757. " I compared mine lately with Mr.Wood- 371 guinea, now of much greater value, even three times thai price. This here-printed in 8vo. 1758, and in that year he was employed by the University of Oxford on an entirely new-faced Greek type. — See an advertisement to that effect copied in NichoPs Lit. Anecdotes, from the St. James's Chronicle, Sept. 5, 1758, with a hint of his great merit. Soon after this he printed many other works, with more sa- tisfaction to the literary world than emolument to himself, and obtained leave from the University of Cambridge to print a Bible in royal folio, and two editions of the Com- mon Prayer, in three sizes, for which permission he paid a considerable premium to the University. The next in order of his works was — 1. Dr. Newton's edition of Milton's Po- etical Works, 1759, 2 vols. 8vo.; 2. in May, 1760, he cir- culated proposals for printing a folio Bible ; and in that year he printed, 3. the Book of Common Prayer, the con- sequence, I presume, of his permission from the University of Cambridge; 4. Dodsley's Select Fables of JEsop, 1701, 8vo. ; 5. Juvenal and Perseus, 1761, 8vo. ; 6. Congreve's Works, 1761, 3 vols. 8vo.; 7. The Book of Common Prayer, in long lines, 1762, 8vo.; and 8. an edition in 12mo. ; 9. Horace, edited by J. Livie, A. M. 1762, Svo. ; 10. Addison's Works, 1763, 4 vols. 4to. ; 11. Dr. Jenning's Introduction to the Knowledge of Medals, 1763, Svo. ; 12, The Holy Bible, for the Use of Churches, 1763, a beau- tiful royal folio. He also printed editions of Terence, Ca- tullus, Lucretius, Sallust, and Florus, in royal 4to. The paper and ink, as well as the type, were prepared by him- self; and the beauty of his work, says his biographer, was unrivalled : the type was distinguished by a peculiar fine- ness and sharpness, which gave to the printing a strong re- semblance to fine print-hand writing ; and the paper had a hull's account of his, when Mr. Charles Hoare was of opinion with myself, that the difference was only caused, as Mr. Woodhull expresses it, ' currente prelo.' " Mr. Dibdin makes Shenstone speak (March, 1757,) of the pub- lication as being to take place soon. " Baskerville publishes at the close of Mis nonth."— Note on Baskerville's Life in Nichols, by E. J. 372 remarkable gloss, which set off the type, "but not without offending the eye. It is observed, however, that Basker- ville's editions are not remarkable for their correctness ; and some of his copies of the Prayer Book bear marks of un- professional management. Deriving very little encourage- ment from booksellers, he set up a type foundery for the sale of letters. His publications, however, according to some critics, rank the name of Baskerville with those per- sons who have the most contributed, at least in modern times, to the beauty and improvement of the art of printing. But after the publication of his folio Bible, in 1763,* he * The subscribers are desired to send for those volumes to Mr. Baskerville's Printing-Office, at Mr. Paterson's, Essex-house, inEsscx-street, in the Strand. The following is a copy of a letter from Mr. Baskerville: " To the Hon. Horace Walpole, Esq. Member of Parliament. in Arlington-street, London, this : " Sir, " Easy Hilt, Birmingham, 2 Nov. 1762. " As tiie patron and encourager of arts, and particularly (hat of printing, I have taken the liberty of sending you a specimen of mine begun 10 years ago at the age of 47; and prosecuted ever since, with the utmost care and attention; on the strongest presumption, that if I could fairly ex- cel in this divine art, it would make my affaits easy, or at least give me bread. But alas in both I was mistaken. The Booksellers do not chuse to encourage me, though I have offered them as low terms as 1 could possibly live by ; nor dare I attempt an old copy till a law suit relating to that affair is determined. The University of Cambridge have given me grant to print their 8vo. and 12mo. common Prayer books ; but under such shackles as greatly hurt me. I pay them for the former 201. and for the latter 121. 10s. the thousand ; and to (hi Stationer's Company 32 pounds for their permission to print one edition of the Psalms in metre to the small prayer book ; add to this, the great expence of double and treble carriage ; and the inconvenience of a printing house an hundred miles off. All this summer I have had nothing to print at home. My folio bible is pretty far advanced at Cambridge, which will cost me 20001. all hired at 5 per Cent. If this does not sell, I shall be obliged to sell a small patrimony which brings me in 741. a year, to the bu- siness of printing, which 1 nm heartily tired of, and repent I ever attempted. It is surely a particular hardship, that I should not get bread in my own country (and it is too late to go abroad) after having acquired the reputation of excellency in the most useful art known to mankind ; while every one who excels as a Player, Fiddler, Dancer, &c. not only live in affluence, but has it in their poAver to save a fortune. I have sent a few specimens (same as the enclosed) to the Courts of Russia and Denmark, and shall endeavour to do the same to most of the Courts in Europe ; in hopes of finding in some one 373 appears to have been weary of the profession of a printer, or at least he declined to carry it on, except through the me- dium of a confidential agent; it is recorded that Mr. Robert Martin "had agreed with Baskerville for the use of his whole printing apparatus, with whom he had wrought as journey- man for 10 years past, he therefore offers his services to print at Birmingham for gentlemen or booksellers on the most moderate terms, who may depend on all possible care and elegance in the execution ; samples if necessary may be seen on sending; a line to John Baskerville or Robert Mar- tin, (June 8, 176...)" In 1764 he had the honour of pre- senting to his Majesty, and to the Princess Dowager of Wales, his then newly-printed 8vo. Common Prayer Book, which was most graciously received. In the same year he applied to his friend, the eminent Dr. Franklin, in London, respecting his types ; the following is an extract from the Doctor's letter : " Dear Sir, " Craven-street, I^ondon, 1764. " Let me give you a pleasant instance of the prejudice some have entertained against your work. Soon after I returned, discoursing with a of them a purchaser of the whole scheme, on the condition of my never at- tempting another type. I was saying this to a particular friend, who re- proached me with not giving my own country the preference, as it would (he was pleased to say) be a national reproach to loose it : I told him, nothing but the greatest necessity would put me upon it, and even then I should resign it with the utmost reluctance. He observed the Parliament had given a handsome premium for a great medicine ; and, he doubted not, if my affair was properly brought before the House of Commons, but some regard would be paid to it. I replyd, I durst not presume to petition the House, unless encouraged by some of the Members, who might do me the honour to promote it, of which I saw not the least hopes. Thus, Sir, I have taken the liberty of laying before you my affairs, without the least aggravation ; and humbly hope your patronage. To whom can I apply for protection, but the great, who alone have it in their power to serve me ? I rely on your candour as a lover of the arts, and to excuse this presumption in your most obedient and most humble servant, " JOHN BASKERVILLE. " P. S. The folding of the specimens will be taken out, by laying them a short time between damped papers. N. B. The ink, presses, chases, moulds for casting, and all the apparatus for Printing, were made in my own shops." 374 gentleman concerning the artists of Birmingham, he said H you would be a means of blinding all the readers in the nation, for the strokes of your letters being too thin and narrow, hurt the eye, and he could never read a line of them without pain t" " I thought," said I, " you were going to complain of the gloss on the paper, some object to." " No, no," says he, " I have heard that mentioned ; but it is not that, it is in the form and cut of the letters themselves ; they have not that natural and easy proportion between the height and thickness of the stroke, which makes the common printing so much the more comfortable to the eye." You see this gentleman was a connoisseur. In vain I endeavoured to support your character against the charge ; he knew what he felt, and could see the reason of it : and several other gentlemen among his friends had made the same observation, &c. Yesterday he called to visit me, when mischievously bent to try his judgment, I stept into my closet, tore otf the top of Mr. Caslon's specimen, and produced it to him as your's brought with me from Birmingham, saying, "I had been examining it since he spoke to me, and could not for my life perceive the disproportion he mentioned, desiring him to point it out to me." He readily undertook it, and went over the several founts, shewing tne every where what he thought instances of that disproportion ; and declared, " that he could not then read the specimen without feeling very strongly the pain lie had mentioned to me." I spared him that time the confusion of being told, that these were the types he had been reading all his life with so much ease to his eyes ; the types his adored Newton is printed with, on which he had pored not a little ; nay, the very type his own book is printed with, for he is himself an author, and yet never discovered this painful disproportion in them, till he thought they were yours. I am, &c. " B. FRANKLIN." He again applied to the Doctor, who was then at Paris, in 1765, to sound the opinion of the literati respecting the pur- chase of his types, but received for answer, that the French, reduced by the war of 1756, were so far from being able to pursue schemes of taste, that they were unable to repair their public buildings, and suffered the scaffolding to rot before them. In regard to Baskerville's character, he was very eccen- tric, and idle in the extreme, but his invention was active ; he could well design, but procured others to execute ,* wherever he found merit he caressed it : he was remarkably attentive to strangers, fond of shew ; his figure was rather of the smaller size, and he delighted to adorn that figure with gold lace ; although constructed with the light timbers of a * The name of the artist who executed Baskerville's types, I am informed, was John Handy, He died Jan, 24, 1793. o/O frigate, his movement was stately as a ship of the line. During the last 25 years of his life, though then in his de- cline, he retained the traces of a handsome man. If he ex- hibited a peevish temper, says one of his biographers, we may consider that good nature and intense thinking are not always found together ; taste accompanied him through the different walks of agriculture, architecture, and the fine arts. Whatever passed through his fingers bore the marks of John Baskerville. He died without issue Jan. 8, 1775. I have to regret that, in his will, executed about two years before, he unblushingly avows, not only his disbelief of, but his contempt for revealed religion, and that in terms too gross for repetition : his will is as follows : — MEMORANDUM.— That I, John Baskerville, of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, on the 6th day of January, H73, do make this my last will and testament, as follows : First, I give, bequeath, and devise unto my executors hereafter named, the sum of 20001. in trust, to'discharge a settle- ment made before my marriage to my wife Sarah. I also give to my exe- cutors the lease of my house and land, held under the late John Ruston, in trust, for the sole use and benefit of the said Sarah my wife, during the term of her natural life, and after her decease, to the uses mentioned below. And my further will is, that the sum of 20001. shall be raised and paid to my wife out of my book debts, stock in trade, and household furniture, plate, and china. — (N. B. The use of my furniture, plate, and china, I have already given by deed to my wife for the term of her natural life, but this will makes it entirely her own.) I appoint and desire my executors to take an inventory and appraisement of all my effects whatsoever, within six weeks after my decease. I also give to my executors hereafter named, the sum of 1001. in trust, to the sole use and benefit of my nephew John Townsend, to whom I also give my gold watch as a keep-sake. 1 further give to my executors, in like trust, the sum of 1001. for the sole use and benefit of my niece Rebecca, the wife of Thomas Westley, as an acknowledgment of relationship. I have heretofore given by will, to each of the last-named relations, a more consi- derable sum , but as I have observed with pleasure that Providence has blessed their endeavours with success, in acquiring a greater fortune than they will ever expend the income of; and as they have no child or chick to inherit what they leave behind them, I have stayed my hand, and have thereby re- served a power to assist any branch of my family that may stand in need of it, I have the greatest respect and esteem for each of the above parties. I also give to my executsrs in like trust, the sum of 1501. for the use of my ne- phew Richard Townsend, butclier. 1 further give to my executors the sum of 3001. to be disposed of as follows : to Joseph, Thomas, and Jacob, sons of Thomas Marston by hisvife Sarah, my niece, 1001. each, as they shall se- "376 yerally attain the age of 21 years, but should any of them die before they come of age, then such 1001. shall be divided, share and share alike, among the survivors. I also give to Isaac, the son of Thomas Marston, the sum of 101. for pocket money ; and my reason is, his being patronized by his worthy uncle Mr. Thomas Westley, who, if he behaves well, will put him in a way to acquire an easy fortune. But I must not forget my little favourite, 1 therefore give to my executors, in trust, the sum of 5001. for the sole use and benefit of Sarah, the daughter of Ferdinand and Sarah de Mierre (my wife's daughter), to be paid her when she attains the age of 21 years : but should she happen to die before that age, my pleasure is, that my wife shall have the disposal of the said 5001. at her pleasure, signified in her last will. I also give to my executors the further sum of 14001. in trust, to the following uses, viz. to Rebecca Wesley, John Townsend, Richard Townsend, and the four sons of Thomas Mamon, by his wife Sarah, my niece, the sum of 2001. eacb, to become due and payable (only) on the day of my wife's future marriage, which, ifshechuses, I wish her happy, equal to her merit ; but if ebe continues a widow, the last-mentioned legacies are entirely void. I fur- ther give to my executors, in trust, all my goods and chattels, household fur- niture, plate, and china, not disposed of as above, to the following uses ; first, for the payment of my several legacies and debts (if any), and all the residue and remainder (except the sale of my lease, as below,) to the sole use and benefit of my wife Sarah. I further give to my executors, in trust, the reversion of the lease of my house and land, held under my good friend the late Jonathan Ruston, together with the fixtures in the house, particu- larly the fire-place, including the grate, fender, &c. ; together with three leaden figures, all plantations of trees and shrubs of every kind, including my grotto, and whatever contributes to beautify the place: that the whole shall be sold at public auction, after being properly advertized in some of the London and the neighbouring county papers. The money arising from such sale, I give to the following uses, viz. : 1st. 5001. to the Committee for the time being of the Protestant Dissenting Charity School at Birmingham, in trust, towards erecting a commodious building for the use of the said Cha- rity : 7001. more arising from the said sale, 1 give and bequeath as follows : 4001. to be shared equally among the sons of Thomas Marston, by his wife Sarah ; to Jonathan, John, and Richard Townsend, my nephews, 1001. each; to Rebecca Westley, my niece, 1001.; and my will is, that this and the above-mentioned sum of 1001. shall be entirely at her own disposal, and not subject to the controul or intermeddling of her husband, and yet her re- ceipt alone shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors ; 8001. more arising from the said sale I give to the three sons of the late Jonathan Ruston, in equal and even shares, viz. John, Daniel, and Josiah Ruston. What further sum of money may arise from the sale of the above lease, I give to the sole disposal of my wife Sarah, by her last will. As I doubt not the children of my late worthy friend will endeavour to traduce my memory, as they have already done my character, in having my lease on too easy terms, I there- fore think proper to declare, that at the time I took the aforesaid lease, I paid the full value of it, and have laid out little less than 6,0001. upon tbe 377 premises. But as the increase of the town has since enhanced its value, I have made an acknowledgment as above, which I always proposed, to the sons of my most valued friend, and which would have been much more con- siderable, if they had refrained from injuriously abusing me. I had even given by will the reversion of my lease to Martha , upon the death of my wife's eldest son, and my intended successor ; but her unprovoked pe- tulant malice and spleen, and abusive treatment of me without cause, con- vinced me of the rancour of her heart, and determined me as above. My farther will and pleasure is, and I do hereby declare, that the devise of my goods and chattels, as above, is upon this express condition, that my wife, in concert with my executors, do cause my body to be buried in a conical build- ing in my own premises, heretofore used as a mill, w hich I have lately raised higher and painted, and in a vault which I have prepared for it.* This, doubtless to many will appear a whim ; perhaps it i^ so, but it is a whim for many years resolved upon, as I have a hearty contempt for all superstiton, — [What follows is by far too indecent for repetition.] * * * ********** I expect some shrewd remarks will be made on this my declaration by the ignorant and bigotted, who cannot distinguish between religion and super- stition, and are taught to believe that morality (by which I understand all the duties a man owes to God and his fellow-creatures) is not sufficient to entitle him to Divine favour without professing to believe — [Here again I must leave a blank] ****** This morality alone I profess to have been my religion, and the rule of my actions, to which I appeal how far my profession and practice has been con* sistent. Lastly, I do hereby appoint my worthy friends, Mr. Edward Palmer, and Josiah Ruston, my wife's brother, joint executors of this my will, in most perfect confidence (as I know the integrity of their hearts) that they will jointly and cordially execute this my most important trust committed to them with integrity and candour, to each of which 1 leave 6 guineas to buy a ring, which I hope they will consider as a keep-sake. In witness, &c. Sarah Stuart, Joseph Bridgwater, John Webster. * This was accordingly performed ; and although his dwelling-house was destroyed in the riots of 1790, his remains continued undisturbed. On the top of the windmill, after it fell into disuse, he had erected an urn, for which he had prepared the following inscription : " Stranger, Beneath this cone, in unconsecrated ground, a friend to the liberties of mankind directed his body to be inurn'd. May the example contribute to emancipate thy mind From the idle fears of Superstition, and the wicked arts of Priesthood." His grave however was merely covered with flat stones without any inscrip- tion. Near him lies a favourite dog, with the epitaph, " Alas ! poor Trim." Ur. Butcher, in his Tour from Sidmouth to Chester, says, that some time 3 C 378 Many efforts were used after Baskerville's death to dis- pose of his types and matrices in this country,* but without effect : no purchaser could be found in the whole common- wealth of letters ; the Universities rejected the offer ; and the London booksellers preferred the sterling types of Cas- lon, and his apprentice, Jackson : the valuable property therefore lay a dead weight till it was purchased by a literary society at Paris in 1779, for 37001. and were afterwards employed in a splendid edition of Voltaire's works.f The principal part of his fortune, amounting to about 12,0001. he left to his widowj^who sold the stock, and retired to the house which her husband had built. She had before been the widow of a person who, having been guilty of some fraudulent practices in regard to a relation's will, was obliged to quit the kingdom, having first made over his property to a person at Birmingham, who, after his return, refused to resign it. His son, reduced to drive waggons for his main- tenance, by the assistance and support of Baskerville, (to whom his mother retired, and who afterwards married her,) recovered his estate, and made a handsome provision for his two sisters.— Gough's Brit. Top. 1780, vol.' 2, p. 306. In April, 1773, Mrs. Baskerville wholly declined the printing business, but continued that of letter-founder till February, 1777 : she died in March or April, 1788. The reader will find an advertisement of Mrs. Baskerville, recommending her types to the public, in Nichol's Literary Anecdotes, ago a report had gone abroad that this grave had been robbed for the sake of the leaden coffin ; an actual examination, however, proved that this was unfounded. * The types of Baskerville's Oxford Greek Testament, according to the late Mr. Bowyer, -the celebrated printer, were not good ones. + Mr. Laird, in his Beauties of Worcestershire, says, " that even the re- maining copies of Baskerville's productions could not find a purchaser uutil Mr. Smart (the predecessor of the publisher of this work) ventured to pur- chase them ; and that Baskerville House, built by Smart, near this city, re- ceived its name from the respect which he had for this amiable man's (Basker- ville's) memory." I cannot help adding, that the page from which this is extracted, shews a striking instance of the folly of complimenting persons who, to say the best of them, are no better than their neighbours. 379 under the head Baskerville. The very partial author of the life of the subject of this memoir, inserted in the Histon of Birmingham, thus ends his biograghy of Baskerville. " It is an old remark, that no country abounds with genius so much as this island ; and it is a remark nearl) as old, that ge- nius is no where so little rewarded. How else came Dryden, Goldsmith, and Chatterton to want bread ? Is merit like ;t flower of the field, too common to attract notice ? or is the use of money beneath the care of exalted talents : Invention seldom pays the inventor — if you ask what fortune Baskerville ought to have been rewarded with : the most which can be comprised in 5 figures; if you farther as!:, what he poss< ed ? the least, but none of it squeezed from the press. We must admire, if we do not imitate, the taste and economy of the French nation, who, brought by the British arms, in 17t'i l 2, to the very verge of ruin, rising above distress, were able in 17 years to purchase Baskerville's elegant types, refused b) his own country, and to expend 100,0001. in poisoning the prin- ciples of mankind by printing the works of Voltaire. 1 low greatly must we regret the projected sale of his estate for pavment of a debt incurred for borrowed capital to print his bible, when we witness the price which it now produces, whenever offered for sale ; more particularly when we re- flect that, though entitled to this estate from his birth, Bas- kerville appropriated the produce of it, during the lives of his parents, to their comfort and support." Many unjust and unnecessary reflections are made in the work 1 have just quoted, on the booksellers and Universities; the answer, says Mr. Chalmers, in his Biog. Dictionary, is easy ; Bas- kerville himself derived little advantage from them, and at the time they were offered for sale, and for many years af- terwards, the principal works which came from his press were sold at a price so inferior, as to render any further spe- culation hopeless : the following documents relate to the use of his types in Trance : " The English language and learning are so cultivated in France, and so eagerly learned, that the best authors of Great Britain are bow re-print- 380 ing in this metropolis : Shakespeare, Addison, Pope, Johnson, Hume, and Robertson, are to be published here very soon. Baskerville's types, which ■were bought, it seems, for a trifle, to the eternal disgrace of Englishmen, are to be made use of for the purpose of propagating the English language in this country." — Letters from Paris, Jug. 8, 1780. " A complete edition of the works of Voltaire, printed, by subscription, with the types of Baskerville. — This work, the most extensive and magni- ficent that ever was printed, is now in the press at Fort Kehl, near Stras- burgh, a free place, subject to no restraint or imprimatur, and will be pub- lished towards the close of the present year. It will never be on sale. Sub- scribers only can have copies. Each set is to be numbered, and a parti- cular number appropriated to each subscriber at the time of subscribing. As the sets to be worked off are limited to a fixed and small number, con- sidering the demand of all E#rope, those who wish to be possessed of so valu- able a work must be early in their applications, lest they be shut out by the subscriptions being previously filled. Voltaire's MS. and port folios, besides bis works already published, cost 12,000 guineas. This and the other ex- pellees attending the publication, will lay the Editors under an advance of 100,0001. sterling. The public may from thence form a judgment of the ex- traordinary care that will be taken to make this edition a lasting monumeut of typographical elegance and grandeur. Subscriptions are taken in at the fol- lowing banking-houses : London, Sir Robert Herries & Co. ; Edinburgh, Sir William Forbes, J. Hunter, & Co. ; Dublin, Messrs. Black & Murray. Proposals and particulars may be had, and Subscriptions taken in, at Mr. Elmsley's, bookseller, in the Strand ; Mr. Woodmason's, Leadenhall-street ; Mr. Farquharson's, Agent to the undertaking; and at John Henderson's, Esq. Milk-street, Cheapside.— June 4, 1782." " I well remember Baskerville," says Mr. Noble, " he taught my respected father, who maintained an acquaintance with him as long as he lived, to write, and I have been very often with him to Baskerville's house, and found him ever a most profane wretch, and ignorant of literature to a wonder- ful degree. I have seen many of his letters, which, like his will, were not written grammatically ; nor could he even spell well. In person, he was a shrivelled old coxcomb. His favourite dress was green, edged with a narrow gold lace , a scarlet waistcoat, with a very broad gold lace ; and a small round hat, likewise edged with gold lace. His wife was all that affectation can describe : she lived with him in adultery many years. She was originally a servant : such a pair are rarely met with. He had wit; but it was always at the expence of religion and decency, particularly if in com- 381 pany with the clergy. I have often thought there was much similarity in his person to Voltaire, whose sentiments lie was ever retailing. The Biographia Britannica has made several mistakes relative to Baskerville. Baskerville, who kept up an acquaintance with my lather, as long as he lived, was in the habit of receiving the finest specimens of writing from the most eminent masters, which were handsomely trained and glazed, and made pleasing ornaments to one of his apartments." The following notice respecting the productions of Bas- kerville are to be seen in a letter from Mr. Paterson, in Ni- chol's Literary Anecdotes : — " I could give you also a note on Baskerville, to demonstrate that he knew very little of the execution of typography beyond the common productions which are to be found every day in Paternoster-row, and there- fore, in a comparative view, might readily conclude that he had outstript them all." But Mr. Dibdin, whose judgment in these matters few will call in question, thus speaks of him in Bibliographical Decameron : — " Rowe Mores, in his abuse of Baskerville, exhibits the painful and perhaps mirth- provoking efforts of a man kicking against the thorns. Bas- kerville was a wonderful creature as an artist, but a vain and silly man. The greatest compliment paid to his memory was the beautiful edition of the works of V oltaire, printed by Beaumarchais, in Fort Khell, on the Rhine, with types cast in the matrices of Baskerville." And again — " the star of .Baskerville shone with a lustre fidl of hope and promise : this star ran a short but brilliant course, and at its declen- sion a night of typographical darkness threatened to set in on all sides. The types of Bondoni and Baskerville are much like each other. The prayer books of Baskerville are pro- bably more frequently seen within the pews of a church than any other, at least they were so within these dozen years past ; they are of two forms or sizes, royal octavo and crown octavo : of the former there were two different impressions, one in long lines and the other in double columns ; and each of these asrain is varied by the omission or introduction ol a 382 fancy border round the entire page. The crown octavo im- pression, which is the rarer of the two, has no such dis- tinction of border : it is executed in a small character, in double columns, upon thin paper, but of a close and durable texture. I do not remember to have seen more than one copy of the royal octavo in an uncut state, and of the crown octavo not a single copy, so popular were these impressions upon a first appearance ; there is a soft and silky tint about these volumes which make them grateful to the eye, but, in point of fine printing, they have each of them been ex- celled by a royal and crown prayer book from the press of Buhner." " Aldus and Baskerville appear to have chosen Jonson for their model ; what was left undone by Jonson was per- formed by his imitator Baskerville. The little Horace of 1762, executed by the latter, possesses as much excellence of typographical arrangement and execution as in any other volume which owes its production to the early Venetian press." Lord Shaftesbury's works, &c. were also produced from the founts of Baskerville. The following account of Baskerville is copied from the European Magazine of December, 1735 : " I was acquainted with Baskerville, the printer, but cannot wholly agree with the extracts concerning him, from Hutton's History of Birmingham. It is true he was very ingenious in mechanics, but it is also well known he was extremely illiterate, and his jokes and sarcasms on the Bible, with which his conversation abounded, shewed the most contemptible ignorance of eastern history and manners, and indeed of ever} thii g. His quarto edition of Mil- ton's Paradise Lost, withal! its splendour, is a deep disgrace to the English press. lie could not spell himself, and knew not who could. A Warwick- shire country schoolmaster, of some parish charity school, we presume, wai employed by him to correct this splendid edition, and that dunce has spelt many words in ii according to the vulgar Warwickshire pronunciation. For example, many of the western vulgar clap an h to every word beginning with an open vowel, or even the «o, as hood for wood, my harm for my arm, heggs for eggs, &e. &c. and again as viciously dropping the h in verbs, as ave for have, as fur has, &.C. &c. Many instances of this horrid ignorance we find in the ingenious Baskerville's splendid Milton, where as is often put for the %erb has, and has for the conjunction as, v\ ith several others of this worse thau cockney family, ftor can 1 by any means agree with Mr. Huttou that " it i* 383 to the lasting discredit of the British nation that no purchaser could he found for his types.'' — What was the merit of his priming ? — Ills paper was afa finer gloss, and his ink of a brighter black than ordinary; his type was thick- er than usual in the third strokes, and finer in the fine, and was sharpened in the angles in a novel manner ; all these combined gave his editions a brilliant rich look, when his pages were turned lightly over ; but when you sit down to read them, the eye is almost immediately fatigued with the gloss of the paper and ink, and the sharp angles of the type ; audit is universally known that Baskerville's printing is not read ; that the better sort of the London printing is infinitely preferable for USE, and even for real sterling elegance. The Universities and London booksellers therefore are not to be blamed for declining the purchase of Baskerville's types, which we are told were bougl t by a Society at Paris, where tawdry silk and tinsel is preferred to the finest English broad cloth, or even Genoa velvet. Mr. Hutton says, "If you ask what fortune Baskerville ought to have been rewarded with ? the most which can be comprised in 5 figures. If you further ask, what he possessed ? the least, but none of it squeezed from the press." By this quaint riddle me rec, I suppose it is meant that Baskerville's genius ought to haie been rewarded with ,£99,999. good English money, hut that, such was the baseness of the age, he only died worth £11,111.; and that none of this was squeezed from the press is a full proof that there was more glitter than real merit or improve- ment in the boasted printing of Baskerville. " Y IATOE." Some of Baskerville's types are now in use in the office of Messrs. Harris, of Liverpool. Robert Eden, D. D. A Canon of Worcester, wrote a sermon on the Necessity and Unchangeable difference of Moral Good and Evil, Isai. v. 20, Ox. 1743, 4to. ; on Jerem. xxix. 7, Ox. 1743, 4to.; on Ps. exxxviii. 5, 6, 1755, 4to. ; the necessary Connexion of Truth and Love in matters of Religion, a sermon on Ephesians iv. 14, 15, Lond. 1754, 4to.; the Harmony of Benevolence, a sermon, Lond. 1756, 4to. Is. William Thomson, M. D. A descendant of the Poet of that name, appointed Phy- sician to the Worcester Infirmary in 1757, which situation he resigned in 1793, was originally a dissenting minister, and tutor to several young gentlemen, whom he accompa- nied on the grand tour; tired of an occupation far from congenial with his wishes, he was advised by Dr. Nash, the historian of Worcestershire, to retire to Leyden, to studj 384 medicine, which advice he followed, and afterwards settled at Ludlow as an accoucheur and surgeon, from whence he came to Worcester, and succeeded to the practice of the ce- lebrated Dr. Wall. He died March 4, 1802, aged upwards of 80. Dr. Thomson was a humane, good man, and had a son educated under Goodinge at the King's School, Wor- cester ; he was afterwards Profesor of Chemistry at Oxford. William Gooohall. From the account this writer gives of himself, in a preface to his MisceUcnries, I learn that he was an apprentice to a clothier at Worcester, with whom he lived until the time of his service expired, at the end of which he came to London, and was recommended by Mr. Sandys to the service of the Hon. James Douglas, where he remained, and published his only dramatic piece, in 1740, called " The False Guardians outwitted, Ballad Op." 8vo. printed in a col- lection called " The true Englishman's Miscellany :" it does not appear to have been ever acted. John Wall, M. D. A Native of this county, was born in the village of Powick in 170S. He was the only son of Mr. John Wall, a respectable tradesman of this city, who served the office of Mayor in the year 1703, and descended from a good family winch had settled near Leominster, in Herefordshire : he dy- ing while his son was at an early age, the latter, with a dis- crimination which shewed his good sense, chose the late Lord Sandys for one of his guardians. The subject of this article received the early part of his education at Leigh Sin- ton, and at the King's School of this city, from the latter of Vvbichhewas elected a scholar of Worcester College, Ox- ford, in June, 1726. In the year 1735 he was elected a fellow of Merton College; and while he remained in this University he was distinguished by his assiduity in his several studies, and his acquaintance was solicited by the eminent, as weil as by those who wished to gain a reputation for learning. After remaining some years, diligently applying 385 himself, at Oxford, and at St. Thomas's Hospital, with a reference to the profession of medicine ; he took the degree of M.A. April 15, 1736, and that of Bachelor of Physic on December 5 following, at which time he also obtained licence to practice : but he did not complete his degrees in that faculty till June 30, 1759, when lie went out grand compounder, and afterwards commenced his professional career in Worcester. In 1740 he married Catherine, young- est daughter of Martin Sandys, Esq. of the city of Wor- cester, uncle to the first Lord Sandys, of Ombersley Court. In 1759 he took the degree of Doctor of Physic. He died at Bath, of a lingering disorder, at which place he had lat- terly resided, and was buried in the Abbey Church, where, on a plain stone attached to one of the pillars, is the follow- ing inscription : — Sacred to the Memory of JOHN WALL, M. D. late of Worcester, whose body restethjiere after a life of labour for the good of others» Nature gave him talents ; a benevolent heart directed the attention of them to the study and practice of a profession the most beneficial to mankind ; and by a most uncommon genius for Historic Painting (an amusement worthy his enlarged mind) he has produced many lasting evidences of the noble simplicity of his sentiments, and the extensiveness of his abilities. Husbands, Fathers, Friends, and Neighbours, saw in him a living pattern of their duties — and ever must remember the various excellencies of that Heart the loss of which they now lament. He died June 27, 177G, A ged 07 . 3 D 386 In all the concerns of life, and particularly in his practice, Dr. Wall was distinguished by an uncommon sweetness of manners and chearfulness of disposition, which, in union with his knowledge and discernment, attracted the affection and secured the confidence of those who required his pro- fessional assistance. In this employment his experience matured his judgment, and enabled him to reject many of the delusions and errors of former practitioners.* These important improvements he communicated to the public in the weekly, monthly, or annual repositories of medical and philosophical discoveries : they have since been collected in one volume by his son, Dr. Martin Wall, and published, with annotations, at Oxford, in 1780, 8vo. This volume contains — I. Of the extraordinary effects of Musk in con- vulsive disorders, &c. II. Of the use of the Peruvian Bark in the small pox. III. Of the cure of the putrid sore throat. IV. Mr. Oram's account of the case of the Norfolk boy. V. Observations on that case, and on the efficacy of Oil in worm cases. VI. Experiments and Observations on the Mal- vern Waters : to these are added further experiments by his son, Dr. M. Wall. VII. Letter to Sir Geo. Baker, &x. on the Poison of Lead, and the impregnation of Cyder with that Metal. VIII. A Letter to Dr. Heberden on the An- gina Pectoris. — Supplement, containing an account of the Epidemic Fever of 1740-1741-1742: these were first print- ed in the weekly or monthly collections, and in the Phi- losophical and Medical Transactions. Dr. Wall contri- buted also, an exact account of the symptoms of the Epi- demie at Worcester, which is inserted at full length in the Historia Morbi. in Dr. Baker's Treatise, in his enquiry into the nature, &c. of the Epidemic Fever ; he also pub- * Perhaps a greater compliment cannot be paid to the medical talents of Dr. Wall than the opinion of Mr. Russell, tfce celebrated surgeon, of Wor- cester, a man capable of judging, and one who never paid an undeserved compliment. Although he affected not to give credit to all Dr. Wall's as- sertions respecting the effects of the Malvern Waters, yet he had the highest possible regard for his professional abilities. 387 fished, in the Gentleman's Magazine for Nov. 1751, a suc- cessful method of treating a malignant sore throat with fever, that prevailed at Kidderminster in the year 1750; the printer of the Mag. has by mistake put the signature of W. Wall instead of J. Wall. Nor were the exertions of Dr. Wall's talents limited to his profession ; ever attached with fervor to experimental chemistry, he directed his researches in the pursuit of ma- terials by means of which the fine porcelain of the East might be imitated in Europe.* To these experiments the city of Worcester owes its China .Manufacture ; and from these the great improvement of the Potteries in the midland couuties in England are said to have been original ly de- duced.f About the same period of time, reports of the successful use of the Malvern Waters in many dangerous disorders, having been circulated through the neighbouring counties, he collected all the authentic cases, and gave them to the public with annotations and chemical observations. This publication, to which for several successive \ears he added new cases, coining from an authority so respee table, drew a great resort of company to that delightful situation, and even under all the difficulties; of bad accommodation ; to remedy these incoveniences, he proposed many improve- ments, and not only suggested, but enforced, superintended, and at length saw completed, such a system of accommo- dation at the Wells, that persons resorting there, either for health or amusement, might be received and entertained with every possible advantage. — See Chambers's. History of Malvern,, But his humane disposition was display ed in its utmost extent in his unremitting attention to the poor. To his zeal and diligence the county and city of W oreesler are * I have been informed that the introduction of the Porcelain Manufactory owes its birth to a determination of the low party of the county to introduce same fresh branch of commerce, which should enable them, by the ?ates ot its possessors, to stand a competition, as Members of Parliament, with the Ministerial or popular party. t These experiments were made by Dr. Wall, and others, on the pro- mises, in Broad-street, now occupied by Mr. llulslun, apothecary. 388 in no small degree indebted for the advantages of their In- firmary, of which he was one of the earliest and most assi- duous patrons. He gave it constant and regular attendance during his whole life, and under every trying circumstance of fatigue and indisposition ; he never allowed any cause but absolute confinement by illness, to interrupt his punc- tual exercise of this humane duty. The Governors of the Infirmary have recorded, in terms of great respect, their sense of the obligations they owed to his assiduity. As a relaxation from these fatiguing employments, he yielded to the natural bent of his genius for the fine arts, and parti- cularly painting : his numerous productions, though great- ly inferior to his own ideas of perfection, cannot be viewed without applause, even when the circumstances under which they were produced are unknown : but when we are told that they are the native effusions of uninstructed genius, designed and executed at uncertain intervals of respite from the almost incessant engagements of a very active life, it will become a matter of wonder how any one so situated could have attained to so great a degree of eminence in the most eminent and difficult arts. In justification of these as- sertions concerning Dr. Wall, I will only add, says Dr. Nash, that that excellent critic in all works of taste, Dr. Joseph Warton, late head master of Winchester School, speaking, in the 2d edition of his Virgil, of Dr. Wall's ca- pital picture of Brutus condemning his Sons, has made use of these expressions — (C This subject has been very well exe- cuted by Dr. Wall, of Worcester, whose fine genius for history painting would make us regret that his time is em- ployed in another profession, were it not for the interest of mankind that he is so employed." Indeed, as a self-taught artist, the productions of Dr. Wall, particularly the designs of them, certainly rivalled the works of the regular professors of his day, as may be seen by those of Edwards, and others, who were afterwards Royal Academicians ; his colouring, it is true, discovers the pencil of a young artist, whose manner of setting about a 389 picture, and mixing his colours, are drawn alone from his own resources; and yet he needs not even this excuse tor some of his pictures. It has been thought by some, that the eulogium passed upon him by the great Lord Lyttelton, which asserts, " that if he had not been one of the first phy- sicians, he would have been one of the first painters of the age," was founded more in compliment than in truth ; 1 beg leave to say that I do not see it in this light. It is well known, that from his earliest youth he was particularly at- tached to the arts of design, and left no means untried to prosecute this study. His guardian, Lord Sandys, apprehensive that the smell of oil colours would injure his health, or that it might other- wise suffer from this sedentary amusement, when added to the more necessary pursuit of his literary studies, deprived him of the means of prosecuting his favourite pursuit. To obviate the deprivation of colours, he, it is said, has fre- quently saved the juice of his currant pudding, and with it tinted his juvenile attempts. I am aware that this early bias is not always indicative of talent, but the reader will find similar anecdotes of early propensities to the arts in the lives of Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mr. West/ and Mr. Haydon. His oil paintings, in later life, were the source of attraction to every stranger visiting Worcester : among others, Garrick, whose quick and vivacious manner of junk- ing upon the chairs to assist this little great actor in his nearer approach to the pictures, is still known by tradition in this city. Dr. Wall's painting room is attached to the back part of the house in which he lived in Foregate-street ; it was once an Inn, called the Green Dragon, but now the residence of Geo. W r oodyatt, M. D. When the va- riety and importance of his pursuits are considered, it may well be a matter of surprise how he could, as he certainly did, perform his duty in all. The care of the Infirmary, and his other numerous patients, his chemical processes, his plans relative to the improvement of Malvern, his pub- lications, and his pictures, one of which he always had up- 390 on his ease!, can only be accounted for by his own favourite expression, when pressed to inform any one how he found time for all : ** I make time," said he ; with these words lie always answered those who wondered how he could com- plete so much. Of his pictures, Mr. Gough, in his addi- tion to Camden, in Worcestershire, vol. 2, p. 359, says: " The windows of the chapel of the Bishop's Palace at Hartlebury, Mere painted by Price, after some designs by Dr. Wall, of Worcester." Win. Peckitt. in 1767, put up, at Oriel College, a window of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, from a design of Dr. Wall's.* The principal paintings by Dr. Wall, are, a large historical composition presented by him to Merton College, Oxford, and which now adorns its hall ; it represents the Founder, seated, in his episcopal robes and mitre, and pointing to a view of his college : on the right, is Minerva introducing a youth hold- ing a book : to the left, stand Religion and Prudence ; be- hind which are two Monks retiring, with countenances ex- pressive of malignity and indignation : in the upper part are two winged figures bearing a laurel wreath and a scroll, containing the names of 11. Bacon, Scot i us, Wickhf/e, Linaere, Jewel, Bodley, Saville, and Harvey, who had been distinguished members of this college : at the bottom are these inscriptions : J. Wall COLL. MERTON avrolittoivTos Custodi et Sociis Inv. pinx. Tabulam hanc 1705 Manu sua depictam J. WALL, M.D. Istius Collegii Soc, lu publicum animi grati Testimonium. D. D. D. Dv. Wall painted also " The Head of Pompey brought to Cassar," now at Hagley (Lord Lyttelton's) ; The Judge- * This was presented to the Chapel by three Noblemen, namely, the Duk« •f Beaufort, Lord Weotaan, and Lord Leigh. .391 ment of Brutus ; The Return of Regulus to Carthage ; Queen Eleanor sucking the Poison from the arm of Ed- ward I. ; Moses striking the Rock ; Elijah i'ed by the Ra- vens; The Grecian Daughter; The School of Physic; David and Nathan; &c. many of which are in the posses- sion of Mrs. Catherine Wall, of the High-street, in this city. Samuel Crane, Esq. also, of Foregate-street, pos- sesses two clever pictures of his hand, viz. The Shunamite's Child Restored, and The Head of John the Baptist brought in a Charger ; his other pictures are dispersed among his numerous descendants. Dr. Wall etched several prints from his own designs, a plate of which is in the possession of the gentleman just alluded to ; it is a free etching of An Hermit in Contemplation, in a landscape, all from Dr. W.'s own design. He also designed a frontispiece to an editon of Hervey's Meditations ; one to Smith's translation of Longinus ; and one to Mr. Cambridge's Scribleriad.* There is also, in Granger, vol. 4, p. 335, mention made of a design of his, Christ praying in the Garden, which was painted in glass for Maddox, Bishop of Worcester, but where placed I know not. Dr. Wall informed Granger that this design was strangely altered in the execution, oc- casioned by the deficiency of the glass painter (Rowell) as a draftsman. The following extract is from one of Ladv Lux- borough's letters x\ " I was agreeably surprised yesterday with a visit from Dr. Wall, [licr physician] who dined with me, and returned to "Worcester. He talked ta meof a poem I am impatient to see ; he had it in the manuscript, and lias it also in print; but it was published for the public but on Saturday last : the author is Mr. Cambridge, the gentleman who entertained the Prince and Princess of Wales so elegantly last summer, at his seat on the Severn, as yon must have read in the newspapers. The title of the poem is, I think, " I'hc Scribleriad, an Heroic Poem." — The subject is the supposed travels and ad- ventures cf Scriblerus, of which Dr. Wall named no particulars but one, * " -I want to see the frontispieces, because Dr. Wall is so ingenious a man that 1 am persuaded he gives nothing to the public but what is worthy persons of taste." — Lady Luxborough's \Otk Letter. + For an account of this lady, see Parke's Noble and Royal Author*. 392 which was his being enamoured with a Princess, whom he meets with in a Gothic castle ; and I imagine this poem is not calculated to please Mr. Miller, and the rest of the Gothic gentlemen; for this Mr. Cambridge ex- presses a dislike to the introducing or reviving tastes and fashions that are in- ferior to the modern taste of our country. The frontispiece to this poem Dr. Wall presented Mr. Cambridge with ; and as it is the Doctor's own drawing and inventing, I did not think it civil to ask the description of it, so I wait till I can get the book to judge of it, and should be glad to have your judg- ment of it, when you have seen and read it. He says the poem is all fi- nished ; but I do not know whether this which is published is more than the first part.— We talked of the Leasowes; he wished to see it, and seemed to regret that his business deprived him of the pleasure of going to see the places he should relish. If he has as great a relish for money as Dr. M , the misfortune he complains of will be none to him ; but I rather imagine him not to be of that excessive craving temper." — Vide Letter 58, 1750. It appears from the following extract (part of the P. S. of Letter 63) that her Ladyship sometimes varied in her opi- nion : " I never saw any thing of Dr. Wall's drawing but his frontispiece to Her- vey's Meditations, which 1 did not like, and now this to the Scribleriad : but Capt. Robinson says that the Doctor's rooms are adorned with his own works ; but he does not say a great deal in recommendation of them. Mais Ic desseinii'est pas son metier ; ilfautdonc ltd laisser ses ouvrages en ce genre, pour son propre amusement." I have inserted these remarks of Lady Luxborough with- out any fear that the merits of Dr. Wall, as a painter, will at all suffer while he has such eulogists as Dr. Wharton, Lord Lyttelton, &c. Dr. Wall was instrumental in bring- ing into public notice the ingenious Miss Whately (see her article in this book). In consequence of a letter written by the Doctor to a friend having found its way into a news- paper, occasioned another in explanation from his pen ; the result was a subscription for printing that lady's poems, and they accordingly made their appearance in 4to. in 1764. — See New Monthly Mag. for Dec. 1814, p. 400. The life of Dr. Wall passed in the greatest tranquillity, either in the labours of his profession, or in the amusement of his favourite arts and sciences. His mind was constantly chearful and serene; he was not the votary of ambition, but he was particularly averse to, and carefully avoided, all 393 strife, emulation, and contest ; his spirits were equal anil good ; and his success as a physician greater than his most sanguine hopes. Such was his dislike to make those uneasy about him, that, during those fits of the gout to which he was a martyr, he insisted on being attended only by his man servant, lest, in the agony of pain, he should cause those he loved, and would otherwise be about him, to suffer with him. He left behind him five children, namely, Col. Wall,* deceased, late of the Lodge, Tewkesbury ; Mar- tin Wall, M. D. now of Oxford, (for an account of whom, and his works, see Calendar of Authors) ; and three daugh- ters. John Dalton, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1748, Was the son of the Rev. John Dalton, Rector of Dean, in Cumberland, where he was born in 1709 : he was a mem- ber of Queen's College, Oxford, and took the degree of M.A. May 9, 1734: he afterwards became tutor or go- vernor to the only son of Algernon Seymour, Duke ot Somerset, a very hopeful and promising young gentleman, whose death, in the bloom of youth and expectation, stands on record in a very affecting manner, in two letters on that occasion, written by his afflicted mother, the Coun- tess of Hertford, afterwards Duchess of Somerset, and which, since her death, have been published in Mr. Dun- combe's Collection of Letters. On the 4th July, 1750, he took the degree of B. and D. D. but died July 22, 1763, at the time he was Rector of St. Mary-at-Hill. Dr. Dal- ton added considerably to Milton's admirable Masque at Ludlow Castle, which he considerably extended, not only by the insertion of some songs and different passages of the Allegro, Sec. selected from other of Milton's works, but also by the addition of several songs and improvements oi * The second wife of this gentleman was niece to the author of the Spi- ritual Quixote, her mother is immortalized by Shenstone under the name of Delia: she rejected the Poet, and married the Rev. Dr. Taylor, Rector of Ashton Clinton, Berks. 3 E 394 his own, " so admirably adapted," says the author of the Biog. Dram, "to the manner of the original author of the Masque, as by no means to disgrace the more genuine parts, but, on the contrary, greatly exalt our ideas of Dr. Dal- ton's poetical abilities." — No mean praise this. It has moreover had the advantage of being most excellently set to music by Dr. Arne, and is sometimes acted under the title of " Comus, a Masque," 8vo. 1738. During the run of Comus, Dr. D. industriously sought out a grand-daughter of Milton (Elizabeth Foster), oppressed both by age and poverty, and procured her a benefit from it at Drury Lano Theatre, April 5, 1750, by which she cleared above 1301. Mr. Garrick spoke a prologue, which was written by Dr. Johnson for the occasion. — See Critiques on this alteration of Comus in the Biog. Dram. George, Lord Lyttelton, A Native of this county, descended from the author of the Tenures, (see p. 33 of this work) # was born in 1709, and was the eldest son of ten children of Sir Thomas Lyt- telton, f of Ilagley, in the county of Worcester, Bart. He came into the world at seven months, and is reported to have been thrown aside by the nurse, as dead ; but upon closer examination he appeared alive, and was with some difficulty reared. His mother was Christian Temple, sister of Sir Richard Temple, Bart, of Stowe, Bucks, afterwards Lord Viscount Cobham. He was educated at Eton, where he so much distinguished himself, that his exercises were recommended as models to his school-fellows ; his poe- * The Luteltons, or Lytteltons, held Frankley of William I. The reader will see much curious information relative to this family in Dr. Nash's His- tory of Worcestershire. t Sir Thomas Lyttelton, when Member for the county, about the year U 13, gave great offence to his constituents by voting for an excise. — See a very manly letter which he addressed to them on this subject in Dr. Nash's Corrections and Additions to his Worcestershire, p. 33, col. 2. Sir Thomas, although he always complained of his head, died of a polypus in the great ar- tery, 1751, aged u6. 395 tical compositions are said to have been highly esteemed for their correctness and elegance ; and at this place hL> Soliloquy on a Beauty in the Country, and his verses on Good Humour were also produced. From Eton he went to Christ's Church, where he retained the same reputation for superior powers, and displayed his abilities to the pub- lic in a poem on Blenheim, written in 1 7 C 7 . He was a very early writer, both in verse and prose. His " Progress of Love," and his " Persian Letters," were both written when he was young-, namely, in 173.3; but his earlier pro- duction was his Epistle to Lord Hervey, written in 1730. His Persian Letters were in imitation of Montesquieu's, whom he had known in England. " The character of ;i young man," says Dr. Johnson, "is very visible in them; they have something of that indistinctness and head-strong ardour for liberty, which a young man of genius always catches when he enters the world, and always suffers to cool as he passes forward." In the following year he addres an elegant copy of verses to his cousin Pitt, on his losing his commission in the army for his conduct in Parliament. Mr. Lyttelton did not stay long at Oxford, for in 1728 he began his travels, visited France and Italy, and resided some time at Luneville, in Lorrain, as appears by his letters to his father, in which he describes the places he visited, and relates some of the principal incidents of his journey. In one of his letters he expresses his dissatisfaction at the thoughts of returning to Luneville. — " Luneville was my school of breeding, and I was there more unavoidably sub- ject to the influence of bad example, as the politesse prac- ticed in that place is fuller of ceremony than elsewhere, and in many instances peculiar to itself. This is the first and strongest reason why I despair of being happy in Lorraine. I am not only averse to, but have often expressed my con- tempt for, the fopperies and ridiculous customs which are so prevalent in this seat of luxury and dissipation." It is impossible to peruse his letters to his father without b< charmed with the manlv and virtuous sentiments with which 3.96 he discovers his strong aversion to vice and folly, and par- ticularly with the unaffected ardour of filial affection which runs throughout the whole. At Paris he employed much of his time in the cultivation of his poetical talents, and wrote a very manly and correct epistle to Dr. Ayscough, a divine of great learning and probity, who had been his tutor at Ox- ford, afterwards became his relation, and was appointed tutor to the young Prince, and promoted to the Deanry of Bristol. During his absence, he wrote an elegant poetical epistle to Pope, (prefixed to that poet's works) whom he consulted in 1730 respecting his four pastorals published in Dodsley's Collections. Pope made some alter- ations in them, which may be seen in Bowles's edition of the latter's works, vol. 4, p. 139. I find Pope, a few years af- terwards, in a letter to Swift, speaking thus of Lyttelton — " lie is one of those whom his own merit has forced me to contract an intimacv with, after I had sworn never to love a man more, since th sorrow it cost me to have loved so many, now dead, banished, or unfortunate — I mean Mr. Lyttelton, one of the worthiest of the rising generation, &c." In another letter of Pope's, Mr. Lyttel- ton is mentioned in a manner (as a mere chance acquaintance) with which Dr. Wharton says he was displeased. — When he returned from his tour, he was, May 4, 1729, made Page of Honour to the Princess Royal ; and, in 1735, was returned in Parliament for the borough of Oakhampton, and continued its representative till he Mas made a peer, and soon distinguished himself among the most eager op- ponents of Sir Robert Walpole, though his father, who was one of the Lords of the Admiralty, always voted with the Court. For many years the name of Geo. Lyttelton was seen in every account of every debate of the House of Com- mons. He opposed the standing army, he opposed the ex- cise, he supported the motion for petitioning the King to remove Walpole ; so violent was he against the Minister, that, when he was threatened with an impeachment, every effort was made to exclude Lyttelton from the committee. 397 The violence of his opposition to the administration of Wal- pole had subjected him to the charge of ingratitude, of which, after all, he may be guiltless ; it is grounded on a let- ter which he wrote to his father while at Luneville, wherein he makes it appear that Walpole's recommendation procured him the friendship of Prince Craon ; his words are these : " You will let Sir Robert Walpole know how much I am obliged by his letter, and do justice to Prince Craon, who has expressed his regard to it in the strongest manner, and bv a kindness which I cannot acknowledge. " The Prince of Wales being, in 1737, driven from St. James's Palace, (from having incurred the displeasure of his father) kept a separate Court, and opened his arms to the opponents of the Ministry ; and it was about this period that I find it observed by Lyttelton, on the demand of Spain to search our ships loading to and from the British Plantations in America, " that the grievance of England admitted but of one remedy, a verv short and simple one, — that our ships shall not be searched on any pretence. This alone can go to the root of our griev- ance ; all less than this is trifling, hurtful, and fatal to com- merce." — Cox's Walpole, p. 602. Mr, Lyttelton was made, by the Prince, his secretary, with the addition of 2401. the usual sum paid to such a servant of the Prince, yearly to his salary, (vide a letter to his father) and as he was sup- posed to have great influence in the direction of the Prim conduct, his name in consecmence frequently occurs in Dod- dington's Diarv. " In 1740," says the Rev. Mr. Graves, in his Life of Shenstone, " Mr. Lyttelton stood for the county of Wor- cester, whose interest Mr. Shenstone warmly espoused, and I believe did him more service than might have been expected from a man of his limited fortune and retired way of life. But Mr. Lyttelton's, and his father, Sir Thomas's, po- litical connexions, made a majority of the country gentle- men, both Whigs and Tories, (who were united against Sir Robert Walpole) against him; and his Persian Letters, which were written with a freedom to which we were then 393 less accustomed, disgusted the clergy, and made them his enemies, so that Mr. Lyttelton not succeeding was not a matter of much surprise." — The reader will find a satnical poem on this election in the Corrections to Dr. Nash's His- tory of the County. Mr. Lyttelton persuading the Prince, whose business it was now to be popular, that he would advance his charac- ter by patronage, Mallet, the poet, was made Under Se- cretary, with an annual salary of 2001. ; and Thomson had a pension of 1001. per annum. The disposition of these two men must account for the difference of their salaries : Mallet could render more service as a politician than the honest- hearted Thomson. For Thomson, Lyttelton always re- tained a kindness, and was at length able to place him in ease, by procuring him the situation of Surveyor General of the Leeward Islands. Thomson's works were collected, after his death : the poem of Liberty was shortened by Sir George Lyttelton, it therefore does not appear in its origi- nal state, (see Wool's Life of Wharton, p. 253.) — It may be added, that even after the death of Thomson, his patron- age descended to his family ; his Coriolanus was brought on the stage by Lyttelton for its benefit, and recommended by a prologue written by the noble promoter of its perform- ance ; and in this prologue is this often quoted but expressive compliment, " no line which, dying, he would wish to blot." Thomson left Lord Lyttelton and Mr. Miller his executors ; by their united interests and exertions the play was brought on the stage to the best advantage, from the profits of which, and the sale of the MS. and other effects, all demands on the poet were duly satisfied, and a handsome sum remitted to his sisters. Moore also courted Lyttelton's favour by an apologetical poem, called " The Trial of Selim," for which he was paid with kind words, which, as is common, says Dr. Johnson, raised high hopes, that at last were disap- pointed. It is possible, however, that these hopes were of another kind than it was in his Lordship's power to gratify. Of this Moore was not always sensible. On one occasion, 399 when Lord Lyttelton bestowed a small place on Bower, to which the poet thought he had a higher claim, he behaved in such a manner to his patron, as to occasion a coolness. Horace Walpole undertook to reconcile them. Moore did not know tliat Walpole had written the letter to the Whi°-s Which, in his zeal for Lyttelton, he had undertaken to an- swer : Horace, however, kept his own secret, and performed the office of mediator. — Vide Walpole's Letters, vol. 1. It is certain, however, that Lord Lyttelton substituted a me- thod of serving Moore, which was not only successful for a considerable time, but must have been agreeable to the feel- ings of a delicate and independent mind. About the year 1751-2, periodical writing began to revive in its most pleas- ing form, but had hitherto been executed by men of learning also ; his Lordship projected a paper, in concert with Dods- ley, which should unite the talents of certain men of rank, and receive such a tone and consequence from that circum- stance, as mere scholars can seldom hope to obtain. Such was the origin of " The World," for every paper of which Dodsley stipulated to pay Moore three guineas, whether the papers were written by him or the volunteer contributors. Lord Lyttelton, to render this bargain more productive to the editor, collected and obtained the assistance of the Earls of Chesterfield, Bath, and Cork ; and of Messrs. Walpole, Cambridge, Jennings, and other men of rank and taste, who gave their assistance, some with great regularity, and all so effectually as to render " The World" far more popular than any of its contemporaries. It is also said, that w hen Moore married, his Lordship did him the honour of stand- ing as father to the bride. To procure the patronage of Lord Lyttelton, Mickle, whose literary talents were then in the highest estimation, had presented him with a copy of his " Providence" before he left Edinburgh, accompanied with a letter, under the assumed signature of " William More,'' in which he requested his comments upon that production ; his Lordship returned a very polite answer, and it brought *>n an epistolary correspondence between the nobleman and 400 tlic poet, the latter of whom derived no other advantage from it than the honour of being ranked among his acquaint- ance, the instructions resulting from his criticisms on his productions, and the incitement of his sanction in the pro- secution of his poetical studies. — Life of Mickle. But in the event of Mickle's visiting the West Indies, Lord Lyt- telton offered to recommend him to his brother, who was then holding some situation in that part of the world : soon after this all correspondence between these parties ceased. It appears from it, that Mickle lost no promotion for want of hinting his inclinations to his Lordship : at the same time, justice obliges us to add, that Mickle exhibits a laudable in- stance of gratitude and liberality, which reflects great ho- nour on his character, in speaking of his Lordship ever af- ter in terms of the most profound respect and veneration. The sanction of his signature, and the correction of his works, by such a man as Lord Lyttelton, at a time when the poet was little known in London, was probably of vast service to Mickle ; neither is it impossible that he might have tasted of the more substantial bounty of his Lordship, although he is silent on this head. Lord Lyttelton was also the friend of Fielding ; he softened the rigour of his mis- fortunes while he lived, by making him a Middlesex Justice, and exerted himself towards his memory when he was no more, by taking pains to clear up imputations of a par- ticular kind, which had been thrown out against him. Fielding dedicated his Tom Jones to him, in which he in- forms the reader he does it in defiance of his Lordship's re- fusal, that to him the work owes its existence, it being by his Lordship's desire that such a work was ever began, and that he partly owed to his Lordship his existence during the time he was composing his work, who perused the MS. when completed, and who gave it his entire approbation ; and that he has copied the display of benevolence of one character from his Lordship, who introduced him to the Duke of Bedford, &c. — See Preface. In the opinion of his Lordship, Fielding had more wit and humour than 401 Pope, Swift, and all the other wits of the time put toge- ther. I may add also, that Carr inscribed his translation of Lucian to his Lordship, and that he was one of those distin- guished literary characters who encouraged Mrs. Montague to publish her work on the genius and writings of Shakes- peare. He also patronised Joseph Ameen, an Armenian Prince, who was for some time in this country, reduced to the necessity of blacking shoes, and carrying burthens for a maintenance. Benjamin Wilson, the portrait painter, painted a portrait of Ameen for Lord Lyttelton. Sec an entertaining account of this extraordinary character in Miss Warner's volume of Original Letters. — Also a letter from Lord Lyttelton to Dr. Beattie, in Forbes's Life of that Poet, in which he approves of Dr. Beattie's Essay on Truth, and censures several late metaphysical writers ; also another letter, in the same work, complimentary on the composition of " The Minstrel." Lord Lyttelton now stood in the first rank of Opposition ; and Pope, who was incited, it is not known how, to in- crease the clamour against the Ministry, commended him among the other patriots; this drew upon Lyttelton the re- proaches of Mr. Henry Fox, who, in the House, imputed to him as a crime his intimacy with a lampooner so unjust and licentious : Lyttleton supported his friend, and replied " that he thought it an honour to be received into the fa- miliarity of so great a poet." Pope has been applauded by Dr. Warton, for his just and not overeharged encomium, in the following lines : — " Free as young Lyttelton, her cause pursue ; Still true to virtue, and a= warm as true." Thomson, Shenstone, and Hammond, were also his cor- dial eulogists ; and so appears Mr. Capel Loffit, in his Praise of Poetry : "All honoured Lyttelton, thy worth, While any line live true merit to revere, Like a pure stream of li^ht Ltsft here behind on thy soul's parting flight, vJ I' 402 Shall animate us here, And bhine forever friendly to mankind." Odes, p. 42. While Ljttelton was thus conspicuous as the favourite of the Prince of Wales, lie married, in 1741, Miss Lucy Fortescue, sister of Matthew, Lord Fortescue, of Devon- shire, by whom he had a son, Thomas, (afterwards second Lord Lyttelton) and two daughters, and with whom he ap- pears to have lived in the highest degree of connubial feli- city : but human pleasures are short — she died in child-bed, in 1747, and he solaced his grief, says Dr. Johnson, by writing a long poem to her memory. She was buried in Over Arley, in Staffordshire, but a very elegant monument was erected to her memory in Hagley Church, with an in- scription written by her devoted husband. 2 he was a sincere Christian, and Mr. Lyttelton confessed she had made him such. The criticism of Dr. Johnson, on his Lordship's monody, is remarked by Dr. Anderson to be sparing and invidious; to those who have perused it, with the thrilling sympathy of conjugal love, it will also be found insensate : Smollett's broad burlesque was hardly more un- feeling. Such callous criticism, says Mr. Park, leaves a torpor on the mind like that of an opiate on the frame, and induces a temporary stupefaction. Mr. Chalmers remarks, that the notice of this monody, which is given in Dr. John- son's words, has been thought too scanty praise. In truth it is no praise at all, but an assertion, and not a just one, " that \ .ord Lyttelton solaced his grief by writing that poem." The praise or blame was usually reserved by Johnson for the conclusion of his Lives, but in this case the monody is not mentioned at all. There is, however, on record, an opinion of Gray, which the admirers of the poem will perhaps scarcely think more sympathetic than Johnson's silence : in a letter to Lord Orford, who had probably spoken with dis- respect of the monody, Gray says, " I am not totally of vour mind as to Mr. Lvttelton's elesw, tho' I love kids and fawns as little as you do, if it were all like the fourth stanza. 403 I should be excessively pleased; nature, and sorrow, aud tenderness, are the true genius of such things, aud sonic- thing of these I find in several parts of it, (not in the orange tree) poetical ornaments are foreign to the purpose, for they only shew a man is not sorry; and devotion worse, for it teaches him that he ought not to be sorry, which is all the pleasure of the thing." — Orford's Works, vol. 5, p. 381). Dr. Johnson is undoubtedly ironical in saying that the author " solaced his grief" by writing the monody : the poet's grief must have abated, and his mind recovered its tone, be- fore he could write at all ; and when this became Mr. Lyt- telton's case, he felt it his duty to pay an affectionate tribute to the memory of his lady, who certainly was one of the best of women. His talents led him to do this in poetry ; and he no more deserves the suspicion of hypocrisy than if he had, as an artist, painted an apotheosis, or executed a mo- nument. It is not a little singular, that Johnson should ridicule Mr. Lyttelton's poem, when the Doctor was by no means deficient in affection to his wife. Of Gray, or Lord Orford, they knew nothing of Lyttelton's pleasures as a married man, consequently they were incompetent to judge on his manner of displaying his regard for the memory of his wife. He did not, however, condemn himself to perpe- tual solitude and sorrow, for soon afterwards he sought to find the same happiness again, in a second marriage with the daughter of Field Marshal Sir Robert Rich,* in 17 "She was an intimate and dear friend," says Mr. Gilbert West in a letter to Dr. Doddridge, in June, 174n elude this imperfect sketch of a most worthy character, by observing that the warmth of his affection Co theSociety con- tinued to his latest breath ; and he has given a signal proof of it in the last'great act which a wise man does with resp< ct to his worldly affairs; for, amongst the many charitable and generous donations contained in his will, lie has made a very useful and valuable bequest of MSS. among those aM! history of the building of Exeter Cathedral, and printed books to the Society, as a token of his affection for them, and of his earnest desire to promote those laudable purpoi for which they were instituted." Vide the speech of Dr. Milles, Dean of Exeter, on succeeding to the Presidency, Jan. 12, 1769, prefixed to the Archa&logia, vol. l.p.xli. The Society expressed their gratitude and respect to the memory of Bishop Lyttelton, by a very fine mezzotmto por- trait of him, engraved by James Watson, after Cotes, at their own expence, in 1770. Bishop Lyttelton communicated the MS. Life ol Mrs. Elstob, and her brother, to Mr. Pegge, for his Collections for 436 Staffordshire, and Ballard's Transcript of iElfred's Orosius ; he likewise very much assisted Dr. Borlase in several literary productions. Dr. Borlase addressed his Observations on the Scilly Islands to Bishop Lyttelton, which were enlarged at the Bishop's request. Dr. Ducarel also inscribed his Anglo Norman Antiquities to him, by whom he was assisted in his plan respecting the endowment of vicarages. The statements respecting the MS. Collections for the History of Worcestershire differ; one of which affirming that Dr. Nash (who certainly availed himself of their mat- ter) became the possessor of them, and another asserting that he left these Collections to the Antiquarian Society, who allowed Dr. Nash the use of them : the latter account is correct, and confirmed by Dr. Nash in the preface to his work. See a communication relative to the building of the Cathedral of Worcester, by Bishop Lyttelton, in a letter to Smart Letheiullier, Esq. with notes, in the Addenda to Green's Worcester. The MSS. of Dr. Thomas, relating to the History of Worcestershire, were purchased by Dr. Lyttelton, who made many additions to them from the old Chapter-house, Westminster, the Tower Records, and other public affairs, — See Nichols's Anecdotes. William Shenstone, The poet, was a native of that part of Hales Owen which is not in the county of Worcester; he is consequently not entitled to further notice in this work than that he was born ip 1714, and died 1763. — See some particulars of him in Dr, Nash, Hull's Letters, §Cc. &c, Thomas Phillips Was descended from an ancient family ;* his father was a Roman Catholic, but he became a convert to the Protestant * His great uncle, in the last century, wrote " Observations on the Life o( Cardinal Reginaldus Polus," 8yo. lGtb\ 437 faith. Where or when the subject of this memoir was born I am not informed, but it appears that, when at school, he became an enthusiastic admirer of the Lives of the Saints &c. He was thence removed to St. Omer's, where he made great progress in polite literature, and obtained the first aca- demical prizes. At one time he felt an inclination to become a member of the Society of the Jesuits, but changed his mind ; and, after a course of study at St. Omer's, travelled through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Italy, dur- ing the course of which he visited persons eminent for learn- ing, assisted at various academical exercises, looked over the principal libraries, and considered the productions of the po- lite arts, and those magnificent structures which ancient and modern piety had raised and dedicated to public worship. He did not trust his remarks to memory alone, but committed them briefly to wrijting ; but whether they are now existing, we are not, say his biographers, able to ascertain. Having finished his travels, he determined to devote himself to the ministry, and accordingly was admitted into orders. Soon after, his father died, but his perseverance in his religious sentiments* deprived him of the estates he would have other- wise enjoyed : thus, though an eldest son, he had no other provision but what the frugality of his parents had made for him ; this, however, was something more than mediocritv, and placed him above dependence. The preceding account is extracted from our author's pamphlet, printed in 1761, and entitled " Philemon," of which a few copies only were given to his friends. The other circumstances collected by his biographer, relate chief- ly to his publications. In 17-56 he published " The Study of Sacred Literature fully stated and considered, in a Dis- course to a Student in Divinity/' (the Rev. John Jemson, who died at Liege, December 27, 1790,) a second edition of which appeared in 1758, and a third in 1765; this work is entitled to considerable praise ; but his principal per- formance was " The History of the Life of Reginald * A Catholic priest, on being ordained, takes a vow of poverty. 438 Pole,"* 1764, 2 vols. 4to. re-printed in 1767, 2 vols. Svo. In this work he was assisted, says Mr. Nichols, by Mr. Cole. It cannot be denied, says Mr. Chalmers, that this work, though penned with no small degree of spirit and ele- gance, contains much matter of an exceptionable nature ; many of the facts distorted, and many of the characters in troduced in it virulently abused. It excited, therefore, on the Protestant side, a general alarm, and met, as might be expected, with a firm opposition; many answers soon made their appearance from several eminent hands, and the mis- takes and improprieties of our author's performance were pointed out and exposed. The follow ing, I believe, is an exact list of his answerers: — 1. "A Letter to Mr. Phillips, containing some Observations on his History and Life of Reginald Pole, by Richard Tillard, M.A." 1765, 8vo. : 2. "A Review of Mr. Phillips's History of the Life of Re- ginald Pole, by Gloucester Ridley, LL. IL" 1766, f Svo. ; 3. " Animadversions upon Mr. Phillips's History of the Life of Reginald Pole, by Timothy Neve, D. D. (see his ar- ticle) Rector of Middleton Stoney, Oxfordshire," 1766, 8vo. ; to these are added some Remarks bv Dr. Jortin, sent to Dr. Neve ; 4. " Remarks upon the History of the Life of Reginald Pole, by Edward Stone, Clerk, A. M. and late Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford," 1766, Svo. : these Remarks were first printed in the Public Ledger ; 5. "The Life of Cardinal Reginald Pole, originally written in Italian, by Lodovico Beccatelli, Archbishop of Ragusa, and now first translated into English, with notes, critical * " Tf the Life of Pole was printed (as it is said) at Oxford, it was done within the jurisdiction of the Vice Chancellor. — With hi* knowledge, per- mission, or. approbation, I cannot suppose." — Nichols'sAnee. article Jones. Mr. Jones thought it was too publicly regarded. — Increase of Papistical Sentiments. i " Yet in the midst of this death am 1 engaged in writing, and in a kind from which my nature is most averse, religious controversy with an artful Jesuit, (here he was misinformed, Mr. Phillips was Chaplain to the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Canon of Liege, but not a disciple of Loyola,) the author of the Life of Cardinal Pole."*— See Letter in Nichols's Literary Anecdotes. 439 and historical ; to which is added an Appendix, setting forth the plagiarism, false translation, and false grammar, in Tho- mas Phillips's Life of Reginald Pole, by the Rev. Benja- min Pye, LL. B." 1766, 8vo.; 6. " Catholic Faith and Practice, addressed to the ingenious Author of the Life of Cardinal Pole, Anonymous," 1/65 ; the author of which was Mr. John Jones, of Wellwyn (see his article in the Biog. Dictionary.) In vindication of himself, he pub- lished, in 1767, "An Appendix to the Life," with some remarks on the chief objections which had been made to it; and at the end of the 3d edition of his " Essay on the Stu- dy of Sacred Literature," he added some strictures on his opponents, and some corrections of mistakes. Speaking of this pamphlet in a letter to Mr. Cole, he says, "I am about to give another edition, with considerable changes; especially as I have been informed that a seeming partiality to the Order of the Jesuits is the chiefest objection to the performance, which may be avoided in a future edition, and the instruction be as complete as in the present." This seems to shew that his object was the general usefulness of the work, independent of party considerations. Mr. Phil- lips, after he entered into holy orders, obtained a dispen- sation to quit the Jesuits ; and this step is said to have been taken in consequence of some dissatisfaction and difference with his superiors and professors, by whom he would not submit to be guided and controlled in his theological stu* dies. From Liege, where he took his dismission, he went to Rome, and there obtained, by the interest of the Pre- tender, a Prebend in the collegiate church of Tongress, but was dispensed from residence on condition of serving the English mission, and for many years lived in the family of the late Earl of Shrewsbury, and afterwards in that of Mrs. Berkeley, of Spetchley, in this county. In the decline of life he retired to the English College at Liege, with the de- sign, which he could not effect, of re-entering into the So- ciety he had withdrawn himself from, for which he retained a tender regard and affection. During the last four or live 440 years of his life, he was afflicted with epileptic fits, and, its' his temper was naturally eager, his friends were cautious not to engage him on conversation upon his past studies, or literary subjects, by which they observed his infirmity was increased. He was, I am told, a man of eminent piety, and always appeared strongly affected with the idea of the presence of God, particularly in his last illness, which hap- pened at Liege in 1774. He had a sister, Elizabeth, who became Abbess of the Benedictine Nuns at Ghent, to whom he addressed some elegant and spirited poetry. Be- sides the pieces already mentioned, Mr. Cole attributes to him, " Reasons for the Repeal of the Laws against the Pa- pists ;" and his biographer adds, that he was the author of an elegant translation, in metre, of the beautiful prose, " Lauda Sion Salvatorem ;" and an equally elegant " Cen- sura Commentariorum Cornelii a Lapide/' in Latin, printed on a single sheet.* It is related that some courtier ventured to suggest to our venerable Sovereign the danger which the Life of Pole might prove to the Established Church, and that the book ought to be burnt. — " No, no," said his Majesty, with his usual quickness, " refute, refute it." The reader will find a circumstantial life of Mr. Phillips in the European Mag. for Sept. 1796. Thomas Padmore, By profession a French Master, translated " The Art of Living at Court," 1755. Samuel Garbet, M.A. Resided in Worcester several years, and materially as- sisted Mr. Green in his History of this city. He was born at Wem, in Shropshire, where his father Mas Minister, and also an industrious and learned schoolmaster. He was * " Thomas Aquinas's Hymn on tlie Eucharist, which is said to be weli translated by Tom Phillips, author of the Life of Cardinal Pole, and Senior Canon o/Tongress, which is meant by T. P. S. C. TV'-— Nicholas Lit. Ante. 441 educated at Christ's Church College, Oxford. Having ari easy fortune, he sought for no preferment in the Church, but, pursuing the bent of his highly cultivated talents, he was unremitting and incessant in his studies. Mr. Green acknowledges that he owed to Mr. Garbet the revisal of his MS. History of Worcester, and that he furnished him with the two first sections of it, and which, with very slight variation, now forms, as it did of the first edition of his history, the same portions of his last work, under the titles of u Worcester, under the Romans and Saxons ;" the notes and illustrations which accompany them were then first added. The accounts of the ancient castle, and of the Bi- shops of Worcester, from the Reformation to the year 1759, were also contributed by him. Mr. Garbet died at Worcester, Monday, January 11, 1768, in the 52d year of his age, and lies buried in the church of Stoulton, about four miles east of this city. — See a panegyric on him in Green's Worcester, vol. 2, p. 105. Dr. Nash says, that his modesty was so great that he ne- ver could be persuaded to publish any thing in his own name, although always ready to assist his friends ; and if death had spared him, the Collections for his (Dr. Nash's) Worcestershire would have been much more perfect. Job Orton, An eminent divine among the dissenters, was born at Shrewsbury, 1717. A schism arising among the congre- gation respecting electing a successor, after he had taken leave of them, considerably affected his health : he fixed on Kidderminster as a residence, principally that he might have the advice of Dr. Johnstone, of this city, who always proved himself a faithful and tender friend. He continued at Kidderminster the remainder of his days, and died July 19, 1783.— See a Life of Orton in Chalmers's Biog, Diet, in a note on Doddridge. 3 l 442 Jonx Warren, LL. D. Archdeacon of Worcester, 1773, Was the nephew of Bishop Johnson, of this See. He -was also a Prebendary of Gloucester Cathedral, and died March 9, 1737.— See Gent.'s Mag. 1814. Richard IIurd, Bishop of Worcester, June 30, 1781, Was born at Congreve, in the parish of Penkridge, in the county of Stafford, Jan. 13, 1719-20. He was the second son of three children, all males.* His parents rent- ed a considerable farm at Congreve, but soon after removed to a larger at Penford, in the same county. He was edu- cated at the grammar school at Brewood, under the Rev. Mr. Ilillman, and, upon his death, under Mr. Budworth, whose memory Mr. Hurd affectionately embalmed, so early as 17.57, in a dedication to Sir Edward Littelton, a gentle- man who had also been educated at Brewood school. Mr. Budworth would sometimes observe that young Hurd did not apply himself much to his book when he first came to school, and that he continued in an unpromising state till the last year before he went to the University, when he began to study in earnest, and soon made such an astonishing progress, that with rapture Mr. Budworth was heard to say, " he never knew so surprising an alteration, and so great an improvement, in such a short time." The Rev. Stebbing Shaw, contradicting this assertion, says, " he was assured by a schoolfellow of Mr. Hurd's, that his Lordship had no indifference to learning till the last year of his being at school, on the contrary, he was always assiduous." He * — — " Tli? truth is, I go to pass some time with two of the best persona in the world, to whom I owe the highest duty; their generosity was such, that they never regretted any expenee that was in their power, and almost out of it, in whatever concerned the welfare of their children. For myself, a poor scholar, as you know, I am almost ashamed to own to you how so- licitous they were to furnish me with all the opportunities of the best and most libera] education. We are three brothers of us — the eldest settled very respectably in their own way, and the youngest in the Birmingham trade." — Extract from a letter of the Bishop's to Warburton, July 2, 1754. 443 continued with Mr. Budworth until he was admitted of Emanuel College, Cambridge, October 3, 1733, but did not reside in the University until a year or two afterwards ; and was ordained Priest May '20, 1744. His Commentary on Horace's " Ars Poetica," in the preface of which, taking occasion to compliment Mr. Warburton, it procured him the friendship of that author, by whose recommendation he was afterwards, in May, 1750, appointed one of the Whitehall Preachers. In 17-33, he was presented to the donative curacy of St. Andrew the Little, in Cambridge, where, as is customary, he preached in the open air on the two chief Sundays during Stirbridge fair ; the place is commonly called Duddery. On the 27th of November, 1755, Mr. Hurd lost his father; the reader will see a very affecting letter on this occasion, written to his friend Warburton in " The Correspondence ;" and in the same year he published " The Delicacy of Friendship," occasioned by Dr. Jortin having spoken with less deference of Warburton than the friendship of Hurd was inclined to allow. In December, 1750, he became entitled to the rectory of Thurcaston, to which he was instituted in February, 1757- In this year both Dr. Warburton and Mr. Yorke took considerable pains in en- deavouring to obtain for him the preachership at the Kolls, then vacant, but in which they failed. Mr. Green has stated that he was preacher assistant at the ltolls Chapel with Bishop Warburton, whereas neither of these pi elates were ever preachers at the ltolls at all. In November, 1762, Mr. Hurd had the sinecure rectory of Folkton, near Bridlington, Yorkshire, given him by the Lord Chancellor Northington, on the recommendation of Mr. Allen ; and in 1765 was made a preacher of Lincoln's Inn,* on the re- commendation of Bishop Warburton and Mr. Charles Yorke ; and was collated by the former friend to the Arch- deaconry of Gloucester, August 27, 1 767. On Commence- ment, Tuesday, July 5, 1768, he was admitted D.D. at * 1775, according to Dyer's Camb. 444 Cambridge, and an the same day appointed to open the lec- tures established by Bishop Warburton for the illustration of the Prophecies, in which he is said to have exhibited a model truly worthy the imitation of his successors. It wa» soon after Dr. Hurd published his Sermons on the Pro- phecies that he received an anonymous letter, which, after the secret had been kept for four-and-twenty years, the Bi- shop, in a new edition of his works, in 1811, told the pub- lisher that the author of it was Edward Gibbon, on whose writing the Bishop has thus spoken (vide Appendix to Hind's Works): — "The talents of Gibbon are disgraced, and the fruit of them blasted, by a false taste of composition ; that is, by a raised, laborious, ostentatious style ; effort in writing being mistaken, as it commonly is, for energy ; by a perpetual affectation of wit, irony, and satire, generally misapplied, and often out of place, being wholly unsuited to the historic character, and what is worse, by afree-think- ing libertine spirit, which spares neither morals nor reli-r gion. These miscarriages may all of them be traced up to the one common cause, an excessive vanity," Sec. In 1773, Dr. Hurd had to lament the loss of an affectionate mother, who died at the advanced age of 88. It is well known that his noble friend and patron, Mr, Yorke, only enjoyed the Great Seal a few days ; but a man of such merit and ge- nius could not be suffered to follow his own resolution of returning to a college life. Lord Mansfield siezed the first occasion of cultivating his acquaintance; and soon after, entirely unsolicited on his part, he was consecrated Bi- shop of Lichfield and Coventry, February 12, 1775; and in 1776, was appointed tutor to the Prince of Wales, and his brother, Prince Frederick. The Bishop of Win- chester, Dr. Thomas, dying May 1, 1781, Bishop Hurd received a gracious letter from his Majesty, by a special messenger from Windsor, offering him the See of Wor- cester, on the presentation of Bishop North to that of Win- chester, and of the Clerkship of the Closet, in the room of Dr. Thomas. On his arrival at Hartlebury, in July, that year. 445 he resolved to put the castle into complete order, and to build a library ; this library was finished in 1782, and furnished with a collection of books, late Dr. Warburton's, and or- dered by his will to be sold, and the value given to the Gloucester Infirmary. To these, other consideiable ad- ditions have since been made. Archbishop Cornv\ailis died in 1783, and Bishop Hurd had the offer of the Auh- bishoprie from his Majesty, with many gracious expres- sions, and was pressed to accept it, but humbly begged leave to decline it, as a charge not suited to his timpei and talents, and much too heavy for him to sustain, especially in these times. "I took the liberty (said the Bishop) of telling his Majesty that several much greater men than my- self had been contented to die Bishops of Worcester, and that I wished for no higher preferment." The King was pleased not to take offence at this freedom, and then to in- ter with him into some confidential conversation on the sub- ject. In 1784 he added a considerable number of books to the new library at Hartlebury. In 1785 he also added more, and put the last hand to his Life of the Bishop of Gloucester. Bishop Hurd had the honour of confirming Prince Edward (now Duke of t Kent) and Princess Augusta; and, in 1788, of entertaining then Majesties at his palace, a particular account of which mav be seen in Chambers's Worcester, p. 395, extracted from a more de- tailed account in Green's History, and Nichols's Literary Anecdotes, vol. 6, p. 493. So late as the first Sunday m February, before his death, though then declining in health and strength, Bishop Hurd was able to attend his parish church, and to receive the sacrament. Free iiom any pain- ful or acute disorder, he gradually became weaker, buihis faculties remained perfect. Altera lew dajs ciiiineiiicnt to his bed, he expired, in his sleep, on Sahudav morning, May 28, 180S, having completed lour months be\ond his S8th year, and after holding this £ee for almos! £7 years.— He was buried in Haillebury church-yard, according to his own direction. The reader will find an excellent account 446 of Bishop Hurd, and his literary productions, from which this sketch is partly compiled, in Nichols's Literati/ Anec- dotes, with the following remark, by their venerable editor : "This article of biography was originally printed in Ni- chols's History of Leicestershire, in which, but not before it had been published, it was seen and sanctioned by the Bishop ; it is now enlarged and corrected from some parti- culars in his own hand-writing, which were found after his decease, and endorsed by him, ' Some Occurrences in my Life.— R. W.'" The following faint praise of Dr. Johnson, will not de- tract from the general commendation awarded to the cha- racter of Bishop Hurd : — Dr. Johnson said to a friend, " Hurd, Sir, is one of those set of men who account for every thing systematically ; for instance, it had been a fa- shion to wear scarlet breeches ; these men would tell you, according to causes and effects, no other wear could at that time have been chosen." He, however, said of him, at another time, to the same gentleman, " Hurd, Sir, is a man whose acquaintance is a valuable acquisition." This learned prelate, it is well known, at one period of his life, published " Moral and Political Dialogues," with a woefully W higgish cast. Afterwards, his Lordship, hav- ing thought better, came to see his error, and republished the work with a more constitutional spirit ; Johnson, how- ever, was unwilling to allow him full credit fur his political conversion. I remember, when his Lordship declined the honour of being Archbishop of Canterbury, Johnson said, " I am glad he did not go to Lambeth; for, after all, I fear he is a Whig in his heart." — Letters to Boswell. I shall insert the following anecdote, without vouching for its authenticity : — "A short time alter the late Dr. Hurd had been translated into the See of Worcester, it was re- ported to him that a clergyman in his diocsse, the rector of a parish near W orcester, had turned his own wife out of doors, vas equally a pupil of Mr, Jeffries, and the other surgeons of that Institution. 453 noted and valuable apothecary and chemist at Dudley, in this county, and was the inventor of a very useful medical composition, which, in that part of the world, is exceed- ingly admired, and for which receipt a considerable pre- mium was offered by a learned physician. This Henry mar- ried Miss Rebecca Kawkes, of a respectable family, the descendants of whose brother live in great credit, and one, if not two of them, in opulence, at Dudley. Henry Sanders had, by his wife Rebecca, eleven children living at one time, and at least nine at his decease, the eldest of whom, the subject of this article, was Henry, author of the " His- tory of Shenstone." Their father, with all his care and in- dustry, was unable to provide them any pecuniary advan- tages worth mentioning, having barely e competency to support himself and daughters in the decline of life. A cir- cumstance particularly favourable, however, attended his three eldest sons, the benefit of a grammar school, which was highly benefited by two succeeding grammar masters, the former a relation, the Rev. Pynson Wihnott, M.A. af- terwards Vicar of Hales Owen, Salop ; and the latter the Rev. Benjamin Clements, B.A. afterwards Prebendary of the Collegiate Church, Minster of St. John, and Head Master of the Grammar School in Wolverhampton. Hen- ry, having obtained an excellent classical education, was well qualified for either of the three learned professions, and the clerical suited more the disposition of his mind, while his two brothers decidedly chose the medical. At length a great difficulty arose how he could be supported at the University, even in the most frugal manner, since his father could spare but little from so large a family. A cir- cumstance indeed occurred, which by many persons would have been eagerly embraced : there was a contest between two distinguished houses for the representation of the county in Parliament, and it was confidently said that a nobleman made an offer to assist the education of Henry, and advance him in future life, if Ins father would consent. Such a friendship might be perhaps owing to his Lordship's esteem 454 for a near relation ; but the father would by no means ao cept the offer, his interest and regard being entirely devoted to the service of the noble family at Himley. By dint of industry and ability, however, Henry procured an exhibition, or clerkship in Oriel College, and was appointed by that So- ciety to perform duty in King Edward's Hospital, a small dis- tance from Oxford, before he was in orders. J3y great pru- dence, many friends, and the favour of the College, he com- bated every pecuniary difficulty, and tookthe degree of B. A. ; which when he had determined, he left the University, being desirous of encountering no farther trouble in the pursuit of academical degrees. But, although he had abandoned such inconveniences in the University, he had another still to struggle with immediately, and that was how to be admitted into holy orders. Notwithstanding all his literary merit, he found it no easy matter to obtain a title, as curacies were at that time scarce, and Dr. Maddox, then Bishop of Worcester, treated him rather ungraciously ; so that, between his disappointments with the beneficed clergy, his numerous journies, many expences, and an almost empty purse, the whole story, as he related it, would incline the reader to laugh, although it would be impossible not to pity his situation. Some time after, having been regularly ordained, he resided upon a curacy at Wednesbury, about four miles distant from his native town, the annual income of which did not exceed 361. While he officiated at that place, a respectable and rather wealthy family attracted his esteem, which soon terminated in his marriage with the elder daughter, Elizabeth Butler; but her family was not satisfied with her choice of a husband possessed of so small an income ; and they were compelled to support themselves, and afterwards their infant, more than two years, upon 301. stipend, and the vicarage-house in an adjoining parish, West Bromwich. Providence at length, after such a com- tented struggle with adversity, interposed in their behalf, and they were removed to Shenstoue, a place not only de- lightful ill its situation, but abounding with a number of 455 worthy inhabitants. The author was no sooner appointed to this comfortable curacy, than he was invited to be one of the reading and domestic clergymen to Samuel Hill, Esq. in whom he not only obtained a friend, but a consi- derable increase of income, insomuch that the disobliged father above-mentioned became so reconciled to his daushter as to settle upon her the portion of a child. But this fe- licity was of short duration ; he not only lost by deadi his benefactor, Mr. Hill, but his wife did not survive her goino- to Shenstone more than four vears. The eveniuof before she departed, she desired to see her only child, then not five years old : after giving some important instructions for his future life, she enjoined him " to choose no other than the clerical profession ; that, be his fortune ever so small, he should disregard lucre, care of preferments, &c. ; for that employment, properly discharged, was superior to any other in the world." The next morning, about seven o'clock, she sang an hymn, and instantly expired. Mr. Sanders still continued his curacy of Shenstone, in his own words, " loving and loved by his parishioners," till about the end of thirteen years, when, unhappily for himself, and disagreeably to all his flock, he accepted a station in Kinc Edward the Sixth's School, at Birmingham, with a design to superintend the education of his son, and obtain for him an exhibition to College. Within two vears of his leaving: the curacy of Shenstone he was engaged by Humphrey Minchin, Esq. afterwards M. P. for Bossiuey, as private tutor to his two eldest sons, who, removing to Birmingham for edu- cation in that school, represented their former instructor in such a favourable view to the Rev. Mr. Brailsford, head master, that the then vacant place of assistant teacher to the upper boys proved an allurement, with a curacy, and the idea of superintending his son's education, to withdraw Mr. Sanders from Shenstone. His heart, however, being with his beloved people, and uneasy from the place he so much delighted in, he was frequently occupied in preparing the history of the parish where he had spent the happiest part of 456 his life. Though he afterwards gained a comfortable settle- ment as master of the free grammar school at Hales Owen, Salop, by the favour of George Lord Lyttelton, and through the recommendation of some friends, and also the perpetual curacy of Oldbury Chapel, to which he was presented by the Rev. Penson Wilmott ; yet no place afforded him con- solation like Shenstone, where, though he had it not in his power to end his days, agreeably to his wishes, his will ex- pressly charged that his remains should be deposited in the church where his pastoral duties had been so particularly acceptable. From the time of his appointment at Hales Owen, which was in 1771, till his decease in 1785, he had lain aside all thoughts of preferment, seemed little anxious about popular esteem, and devoted himself to retirement and study. He was tolerably conversant in almost every branch of literature, more especially theology, history, and the classics ; and, had his abilities met with due en- couragement in the early part of his life, he would have made a conspicuous character in the learned world. The " History of Shenstone," drawn up with great care and at- tention, after a long and painful discharge of the important duties of his sacred office, was prepared for the press during his residence at Birmingham, where he had an inclination to have printed it ; and was afterwards, from time to time, improved during his residence at Hales Owen. At the dis- tance of twenty years, it was submitted to public inspection, as left by the author, except with the addition in a very few places of a date, and occasionally a supplementary link in the connection of a pedigree. His only son, the Rev. John Butler Sanders, Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford, M. A. 1780, sometime chaplain to the British Factory at Gottenburgh, well known and respected as a worthy di- vine, was, in 1814, curate of St. Augustin and St. Faith, and lecturer of St. Olave, Jewry, and St. Martin, Iron- monger-lane, and second grammar master of St. Olave's School, in Tooley-street. The full title of Mr. Sanders's work is as follows : — " The History and Antiquities of 457 Shenstone, in the county of Stafford, illustrated : together with the Pedigrees of all the Families and Gentry, both an- cient and modern, of that Parish. By the late Rev. Henry Sanders, B. A. of Oriel College, Oxford, and thirteen years Curate of Shenstone." 4to. " The village of Shenstone, situate in a pleasant part of the county of Stafford, and by all travellers admired as a beautifnl and well-watered spot, has furnished copious ma- terials for a description, by the esteem and affection borne to its inhabitants by that faithful pastor, whose son has done ample justice to his memory in his account of him prefixed, and to the attachment of his parishioners, by a feeling dedica- tion to them. It is believed there were more posthumous works than the present, which would have been serviceable to the public, and transmitted to the press, but as he had bequeathed one to a noble Lord, in hopes that he would have condescended to have published it ; there were, toge- ther with it, carried away very many manuscripts, which, we fear, are removed beyond the reach of recovery." John Ash, LL. D. A celebrated grammarian and lexicographer, was the au- thor of a Complete Dictionary of the English Language, 2 vols. 8vo. 1775, and other works. He was born 1720, and was a dissenting minister at Pershore, in this county, where he died in March, 177.5. — See his memoirs in all the Biographical Dictionaries ; also particulars of him in the Gent leman's and London Magazines, 1779>andthe Wor- cester Paper, 1775. Henry Vaughan Jeffreys, Whose very eminent abilities as a surgeon entitle him to a place among the celebrated men of Worcester, was the son of Herbert Jeffreys, Esq. of Old Kington House, in the county of Hereford ; but it is believed the subject of this sketch was born at Argos, in Radnorshire, certainly on the 20th June, 1722. He was an apprentice to Mr. Stephen 3n 458 Edwards, of Worcester, afterwards surgeon to the Worcester Infirmary, to which place, after having pursued his medical education in London, he returned as a practitioner. In 1747 Mr. Jeffreys was appointed one of the surgeons of the Worcester Infirmary; and he is highly eulogised in the Histories of Worcester for the share which he took in pro- moting the establishment of this institution, and for the in- dustry and skill with which he performed its duties. He died at his house in Foregate-street, Jan. 6, 1803. Sir Richard Wrottesley, Bart. LL. D. Dean of Worcester, 1765, Was installed May 30. This gentleman went late into the clerical order, having been a Member of the House of Com- mons, and held a place at the Board of Green Cloth. He died 1769. Samuel Foote Was born in the year 1 722, and was educated at Wor- cester King's College School, at the same period with Dr. Nash. " His turn for mimicry," says the Doctor, " was perfectly natural, for, when a boy of ten years old, he ex- celled 111 it. Being acquainted and related to many of the principal families of Worcester, he was frequently invited to their houses on Sundays and holidays ; the next day the whole school was made idle by attending to Foote's taking off, and ridiculing all the parties he had seen the preceding day. He was entered of Worcester College, Oxford, where he was chosen scholar, being nearly related to the founder ; here he continued about two years, but the trammels of a college did not suit his genius. When a scholar, he went to Bath, played high, kept several footmen, and a good house. I remember one anecdote of him (continues Dr. Nash) which shews that his humour still continued with him. It was a college exercise to repeat in the hall some part of a classic, Foote chose the 9th satire of the 1st book of Ho- race, which begins " Ibam forte via sacra," which he re- 459 cited with such infinite humour that the whole college, even the gravest of them, could not refrain from loud laughter. When he had acquired a large fortune, by various means, he came down and lived at Charlton, about a year, in very great splendor, with a coach and six, and a great retinue : his old school-master went to see him, to whom he gave a very handsome piece of plate from his sideboard ; at this magnificence the old gentleman expressed some surprise, saying, ' Pray, Sir, what may all these fine things have cost r' ' Indeed,' said Foote, ' I know not what they cost, but I shall very soon know what they will sell for.'" He was born at Truro, in Cornwall ; and died Oct. 21, 1777- Timothy Neve, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1783, Was born at Spalding October 12, 1724, and died at Oxford January 1, 1793. He had accumulated a very con- siderable collection of books and curious pamphlets, which were dispersed after his death, most of which contained MS. notes of great value. He was the author of " Ser- mons," and " Animadversions on Phillips's Life of Cardi- nal Pole." In the Transactions of the Royal Society are some papers by a Rev. Tim. Neve, (perhaps his father) viz. — Observations of two Parhelia, or Mock Suns, seen December 30, 1735; and of an Aurora Borealis, Decem- ber 11, 1735; and another on the Aurora Borealis seen near Chelsea, London, 1738. Seventeen sermons, by the subject of this article, were published by subscription for the benefit of his family. — See Chalmers's Biographical Dictionary, and Nichols's Lit. Anecdotes. Treadway Russell Nash, D. D. A Native of this county, was born at Clerkenleap, in the parish of Kempsey, June 24, 1725; he was descended from an ancient gentleman's family in this county ; his an- cestors, about the Reformation, purchased shares of the manor and lands of St. Peter's, near Droitwich ; before that time they possessed lauds in Gaines, and at Ombersley, 460 where they resided, and where the family continued to live for many generations. About the year 1630, James Nash, of St. Peter's, divided his property among his relatives, giving his estate at Martley to his son by a second wife, named Richard, who was a Member of Parliament for the city of Worcester the 27th of Elizabeth ; and John Nash, (see his article, p. 117,) Member also for the said city, who com- manded a troop of horse, and was an active Justice of the Peace in the time of Oliver Cromwell, &c. ; he was also an eminent clothier, and an Alderman of Worcester, where he founded an hospital, and left many charitable legacies to the citizens for clothing apprentices, and setting up young trades- men in business. (Vide Chambers's Worcester, p. 286.) — He purchased several considerable estates at Martley, Shels- ley, &c. which he afterwards exchanged for lands at Dod- derhill, near Droitwich ; and also left to his family an estate in the parish of Kempsey, called Clerkenleap, which conti- nued for some generations to be the family seat. The Al- derman and his brothers were much at variance during the civil wars of Charles I. as the latter were very active in their exertions in favour of the King.* • In a note upon a note in Dr. Nash's Hudibras, occasioned by the in- sertion of the name of Tom Nash, a writer of farces in the reign of Eliza- beth, and who died before 1606, the Doctor says, " This Tom Nash should not be confounded with Thomas Nash, barrister, of the Inner Temple, who is buried in that church, and has the following inscription : — ' Depositura Thomas Nash, generosi honesta orti familia in agro Vigorniensi, viri, chari- tate, humilitate eximii et mire mansueti ; Graece, Latine, Gallice et Italici, apprimedocti, pliirium (quos scripsit, transtulit, elucidavitedidit) librorum authoris jure amplectandi, Interioris Templi annos circiter 30 repagularis, nonsolidi minus quam synceri. Tho. Nash obiit 2$° Augusti, 1648.' I have never seen any of his works, but am informed that the "School of Po- tentates, translated from the Latin, with Observations," in 8vo. 1648, was his, and that he probably wrote the " Four-fold Discourse," in 4to. 1632; he was a zealous loyalist, contrary to the sentiments of his two brothers, the ejdest a country gentleman in Worcestershire, of considerable estate, from whom the editor is descended, was very active in supporting the public cause, and the government of Cromwell : the younger brother commanded a troop of horse in the Parliament service, was a Member of Parliament for the city of V)'oreestcr, and an active Justice of the Peace under the Protector. The fa- 461 Richard Nash, Esq. the father of the subject of this me- moir, was married to Elizabeth, daughter of George Tread- way, Esq. by whom he had many children ; he dying, was succeeded, in 1740, by his eldest son Richard, who, in 1753, married Frances Ravenhill, heiress of the ancient fa- mily of the Russells, of Strensham, in this county, in con- sequence of which he took the name of Russell, in addition to that of his own, but dying suddenly, in 1757, and leaving no issue, his paternal property devolved to his brother Treadway, who also became heir of the Strensham estate on the death of his late brother's widow in 1794, when he likewise took the name of Russell. Treadway Russell Nash was born at Clerkenleap, June 24, 1725, and at the age of 12 years was sent to the King's School at Worcester, where he was placed under the care of Mr. Miles, and leav- ing Worcester, forOxon, was, before he had arrived at the age of 15, elected a scholar of Worcester College. In March, 1749, he accompanied his brother Richard on a tour for the recovery of his health, to the Continent, where, after remaining in Paris about six weeks, they spent the remainder of the summer on the banks of the Loire; in the month of October and the following year, they visited Bourdeaux, Thoulouse, Montpelier, Marseilles, Leghorn, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bologna, Venice, Padua, Verona, Milan, Lyons, and again Paris, from whence Mr. Nash returned to Oxford the latter end of the summer of 1751.* About this time, he was presented by his friend, Mr. Martin, who was afterwards his brother-in-law, to the vicarage of Ens- ham, in Oxfordshire, he also undertook the office of tutor at Worcester College, which he continued till the death of mtly quarrel, (on political accounts) which was carried on with the greatest animosity, and most earnest desire to ruin each other, together with the decline of the King's affairs, and particularly the execution of his person, so affected the spirits of Mr, Thos. Nash that he determined not long to survive it." * Nichols, in his Literary Anecdotes, says, he proceeded M. A. 1746 ; and B. aud D. D. 1753. A.t Worcester College he was tutor to one of the Win- nington family. 462 his brother, in 1757, when he resigned the living of Ens- ham, and left Oxford, having taken the degree of D. D. and gone ont grand compounder. During his residence at Oxford and Ensharn, he not only discharged his duty to the utmost of his power, as a tutor and fellow of a college, but endeavoured to promote the interest of the neighbourhood by every possible means ; he was the first who projected a carriage road from Oxford to Witney, and was very active on many other occasions during that period of his life, parti- cularly at the contested election for the county of Oxford, though his name was not reflected on in the prints and pas- quinades of those times. In October, 1758, he married Margaret, youngest daugh- ter of John Martin, Esq. of Overbury, near Tewkesbury, for which borough Mr. Martin was many years Member of Parliament. Immediately on his marriage, Dr. Nash pur- chased an estate, and the lease of a house at Bevere, in the parish of Claines, in this county, where he for some time resided. At the expiration of his lease, he made large addi- tions to a neighbouring house, which he had subsequently purchased, and to which the walks and pleasure grounds he had before made were equally convenient. In the year 1759, as the furniture, &c. of Dr. Nash were being conveyed from London, an accident, as extraordinary as it was unfortunate, occurred. A bottle of aqua-fortis, which was in the waggon, being ill corked, opened, and the spirit running over some deal boxes which took lire and set the whole in a flame, property to the amount of 20001. belonging to Dr. Nash, was unfortunately burnt, besides a good collection of books, and a very curious and valuable selection of drawings and prints, which he and his brother had purchased in France and Italy. In 1773, Dr. Nash first conceived the idea of some persons writing the History of Worcestershire, little imagining he should himself ever undertake so laborious a work ; he proposed the plan to several persons, and offered to subscribe 200 or 3001. to encourage the work : finding, however, that no eligible persons applied, he set 463 earnestly about it himself, and in June, 1774, published his intentions, requesting all persons who had in their posses- sion any papers that might tend to promote the work, to communicate them either to him, or to Mr. Clarke, the de- puty Registrar, at Worcester. In the following year he printed enquiries, which were sent to every clergyman in the diocese, and to many gentlemen, but from those he re- ceived little information; he, however, persevered steadily and industriously in his plan, and after the labour of several years, sent the first volume to the press, which was published in the year 1781, (April) folio, and the second volume in the year after,* 700 copies of which were printed on demy, and 50 on royal paper. In 1799, he closed his labours by a thin folio volume of 104 pages, under the title of Supple- ment to the Collections for the History of Worcester. A second edition of Dr. Nash's Worcestershire was published in 1800. In August, 1802, Dr. Nash was appointed Proctor to represent the Clergy of the Diocese, he was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His connexion with Strensham, to the rectory of which parish he had been insti- tuted in December, 1797, made him anxious to see such an edition of the works of Butler, a native of that place, as might do honour to his name, and to the county which pro- duced him; accordingly, in 1793, he published a splendid edition of Hudibras,f in 2 vols. 4to. with a third of notes, it was embellished with many engravings after Hogarth, and * Dr. Nash's Worcestershire is very incomplete in the botanic part ; if he had used Hudson's Flora for his work, he would have escaped the censure he had on that score, because that work lay before him. We must not expect Dr. Nash to be a botanist, but he might have applied to friends. Daniel Prince, 1780, in NichoVs Anecdotes. Dr. Nash has just published the first volume of his Worcestershire ; u is a folio of prodigious corpulence, and yet dry enough, but then it is finely dressed, and has many heads and views. — Walpole to Cole, 229, 1781. + Isaac Reed presented Dr. Nash with some original notes on iludibras, written principally by Mr. Montague Brown, and afterwards published by Nichols. 464 John Skipp, Esq. * 8tc. — See a high character of this work, hi the Monthly Revieio, New Series, vol. xv. p.p. 172-177. Dr.Nash died at his house at Bevere, Jan. 26, 1811, aged 86, after a long and painful illness, and on the 4th of Fe- bruary, his remains were interred in the family vault at St. Peter's, Droitwich, where he himself had, before his death, put up an inscription to his memory, of which rectory he and his ancestors had been patrons for a long series of years ; his wife survived him only four months, and died at the age of 77, Dr. Nash left only one daughter, married to the present Right Honourable Lord Somers. "This respectable and learned divine, (says Mr, Nichols of Dr. Nash, in his Literary Anecdotes,) was the venerable father of the magistracy^ of the county of Worcester. If the good Doctor (as I know to have been the case) grew tired at last both of the labour and the expence of editing a county history, his own ac- count of his motives for undertaking it will in some decree plead his excuse :" — " Above twenty years ago, coming into possession of a considerable real estate in this my native county, I determined, as far as was consistent with a proper * John Skipp, of Upper Ledbury, Herefordshire, Esq. was an amateur of the polite arts, of which he possessed a critical knowledge ; he gave a picture of the Crucifixion, by Tintore!, to Merton College, Oxford, of which he had been gentleman commoner, and died in his 84th year, in April, 1790. Many of his drawings for Dr. Nash's Hudibras, head and tail pieces chiefly, are in the possession of the Right Hon. Lady Somers. I have seen 40 duplicate impressions of subjects from the Old Masters, executed by this gentleman in a bold free style, they are executed in neutral tints from blocks, in the style of Jackson, of Battersea, who, in 1754, published a pamphlet, " An Essay on the Invention of Engraving and Printing, in chiaro oscuro, as practised by Albert Durer, &c. and the application of it to the making paper hangings of taste, duration, and elegance ; illustrated with prints in their proper co- lours :"the pamphlet is in my possession,and the copies alluded to byMr.Skipp, are the property of gentlemen of this county. i Dr. Barton being in company with Dr. Nash after the publication of his Collections, the Warden humorously observed to the Doctor, that his publica- tion was deficient in many respects. Dr. N. as was but natural, endeavoured to defend his volume in the best manner he was able. " Pray Doctor," said the Warden, " Are you not a Justice of the Peace ?" " I am," replied the Doctor; then said Barton, " I advise you to send your work to the House of Correction." 4G5 attention to my own affairs, to serve my countrymen and neighbours by every means in my power. Thus I became a mere provincial man, confining my ambition within the an- cient province of VViccia, now commonly known by the name of Worcestershire. I had oftentimes wished that some one would write the history and antiquities of the county. 1 proposed the undertaking to several persons, offering them all the assistance in my power. I invited the Society of Antiquaries to choose a proper person, promising to open a subscription with three or four hundred pounds. Failing in success in all my applications, I offered my own shoul- ders, however unequal to the burthen, reflecting that though very little had been published, yet this work was in some degree made easv, because materials had been collecting for near 200 years." The original collectors (of whom Dr. Nash gives several particulars) were Thomas Habingdon and his son William, and the MSS. of both augmented by those of Dr. Thomas, and of Bishop Lyttelton, &c. hav- ing been bequeathed to the Society of Antiquaries, Dr. Nash was indulged, in 1774, with the unreserved use of them, for the purpose of publication. " " When I first undertook this work," he says, " it did not appear so troublesome or expensive as I afterwards found it, but having once begun, I determined to persevere : it has been my amusement, and I hope the reader's expectation will not be absolutely disap- pointed. I was the better enabled to go through with it, as 1 lived within my income, and by inclination as well as pro- fession, was restrained from elections, gaming, horse-rac- ing, fox-hunting, and such other pleasures as are too fre- quently the ruin of country gentlemen. Many alterations were to be made, and much was to be added to the mate- rials already collected, as well to supply defects as to bring the work down to the present time. Many errors must in- evitably occur in a book of this kind, which the editor wishes earnestly to correct : if, therefore, any gentleman more in- timately acquainted than himself with any parish here de- scribed, would be so obliging as to communicate his cor- 3 o 466 rections or additions either to himself, at Bever6, near Worcester, or inclosed, to any of the booksellers mentioned in the title page, they shall be printed on separate sheets, and given to the purchasers of this work, as it is not pro- bable a book of this kind should ever require a 2d edition. 1 should be very ungrateful if I did not acknowledge the favours already received from many learned friends, Mr. Gough,* Mr. Manning, Mr. Rose,f Mr. Pennant, Dr. Percy, Dean of Carlisle, Mr. Farley, Mr. Brooke, Mr. Astle, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Lightfoot, &c. not to mention the communications of many gentlemen of this county. Some may be displeased with the manner in which these collections are disposed, and may think they should have been arranged in hundreds, or according to the course of rivers ; but whoever is acquainted with the irregular shape of the county, with the disjointed manner in which the pa- rishes lie that compose the several hundreds, must know that it is almost impossible to throw them into any other form, especially as I do not presume to call this account an history, but only Parochial Collections for an history; and it is hoped that in some future day an able hand will se- lect from all the provincial histories what is really useful or curious, and add it by way of notes to a new edition of * " I have at present undertaken to assist our brother Nash in pub- lishing his Worcestershire Collections. Abingdon's are his ground-work, on which he builds a later superstructure. The pursuit is new to the editor, but he spares no expence of original record and plates, and adopts the mo- de^ title of " Parochial Collections." — Extract from a letter of Gough's f {June 6, 1780,) who superintended the printing of Dr. Nash's Collections. " I am g!ad to hear Worcestershire is likely to appear by the means of your fostering auspices. I did not know it was in such forwardness. If it is a subscription work, I should like to subscribe my mite to it. Last year Mr. Bromley, of Worcester, mentioned it to me, and it was an argument he made use of to get from me, by permission of Lord Montford, a fine pedigree of his family, which he has never yet returned to me ; he said it was to lend to Dr. Nash, to correct or add to that pedigree meant to be printed in the book. I hope it does not, like Morant, exclude church uotes, arms, and epitaphs." — Letter from Cole to Gough, June 18, 1780. + Mr. Rose translated the Doomsday Book for him. 467 * Camden'' s Britannia.' Much of what is here written ma)', to indifferent persons, appear trifling and uninteresting ; but to such as have property or connections in the county, the same things may be amusing, if not useful and instructive ; and it must be always remembered, that a county historian is by profession a dealer in small ware." The second vo- lume appeared in 1782, without a preface, but inscribed " To the Rising Generation of his Countrymen." It hav- ing been hinted, in the Gent's Mag. that perhaps an 8vo. edition of Dr. Nash's Hudibras might be acceptable to the public, a note appeared in that publication, thanking Mr. Nichols " for the civil things he had said of him in his Ma- gazine : to an 8vo. edition of the Hudibras wished for, be pleased to let him know by a line. — Bever6, Aug. 16, 1802." This edition, however, was never published. Besides the works mentioned in this account, Dr. Nash published seve- ral smaller works, chiefly upon subjects relative to pro- vincial business, to which he did not put his name. His " Observations on the Time of the Death and Place of Burial of Queen Catherine Parr," were read at the Society of Antiquaries, June 14, 1787. — See two letters to Mr. Granger from Dr. Nash, asking his advice, in Mr. Gran- ger's Letters. It seems uniformly the custom with the topographers of Worcester to abuse each preceding collector, from whose materials they have gained their earlier information ; this ap- plies to Habingdon, Thomas Hopkins, and Lyttelton ; Dr. Nash must, however, be omitted in this charge ; and his work will be found, by those who have perused it through- out, to be as correct, and to contain as much valuable mat- ter, as any similar work of such magnitude, the production of an individual. There is a gentleman in this county every way fitted for the task of writing its history, who has for many years been making a collection which shall supersede Dr. Nash's book. I trust it will be published, and in such a style as the present public encouragement of such works, and the 4(58 great perfection of English art, will allow. Perhaps I may- be permitted to hint, that the manner in which Omerad'S Cheshire is given to the public, particularly in the deco- rative part, reflects as high credit on the author and on the subscribers, as it does on the period and country that [pro- duced it. Charles Clarke, Whose concerts, about the year l?CO, were frequent in the city of Worcester, was a lay clerk of the Cathedral. In 1764 he published a book of songs. He died in the year 1789, and, it is believed, at Burton-upon-Trent. Jeremiah Clarke, A presumed Native of this city, was the son of the above, and was also a chorister and lay clerk of the Cathedral ; he was a pupil of Mr. Isaac, the organist, and conductor or the Music-Meetings. J. Clarke was for a short time organist at this Cathedral, to which situation he was appointed in 1806, on the death of Mr. Pitt. In 1791 he published ten songs, in score, dedicated to the Marquis of Donncgal, and in 1797, eight songs and four canzonets, and instruc- tions for singers. He was also patronised by Lord Dudley and Ward, at whose house he was a frequent visitant. He went to settle in Birmingham, where he resided for some time, and died at Bromsgrove in May, 1809- These Clarkes must not be confounded with a Dr. John Clarke, who some time since resided for about half a year in this city, and now lives at Cambridge : he was the pupil of Phi- lip Hayes, Mus. Doc. John Tottie, D.D. Archdeacon of Worcester, 1774, Whose father was Chaplain to Lloyd, Bishop of Wor- cester, was educated at Worcester College, of which he became afterwards fellow ; he was also a Canon of Christ's Church, Oxford, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty, and Rector of the parish of St. Martin, in this city, and 469 preached a sermon in 1772, when that chinch had been re- paired, from Acts vii. v. 48, printed at Oxford. lie in- formed Mr. Jones, of Welwyn, that the Remarks on the Bible, collected by Bishop Lloyd, (see his article) he re- turned very faithfully to his Lordship's grandson, as also the letter from Queen Mary. Dr. Tottie was the author of a volume of sermons, preached before the University of Ox- ford, " designed as preservatives against the sophistical arts of the Papists, and the delusions of the Methodists," 1765 ; and three Charges to the Clergy of the Archdeaconry of Worcester, 1775. In one of his sermons he endeavoured to shew the sinfulness and folly of the matter contained in one of the papers of the North Briton, of which Charles Churchill was the author. The inscription on the tomb of Bishop Hough, in Worcester Cathedral, has been generally ascribed to Dr. Tottie ; but in the Gcnt.'s Mag. 1807, is a communication, presuming it to have been written by Dr. Smallridge. Dr. Tottie died November 21, 1774, a few days before Bishop Johnson, who not having collated to it, the vacant turn devolved to the Crown. Thomas Johnson, Architect, of this city, was the builder of the new west window of this Cathedral in 1789, and the new east win- dow in 1792. He died in 18°0- His wife painted some of the subjects on the glass of these windows, many of which are now gone ; they were inappropriate and trifling designs, and not vitrified. Johnson has been accused of cutting away much of the beautiful enrichment of the tower of this Cathedral, and also of beautifying it. A person of a si- milar name and profession died in Sidbury, near this city, in 1786. William Hughes, M.A. Upwards of 50 years a minor canon of this Cathedral, and Vicar of St. Peter the Great, in this city, in 17^3. In 1763 he wrote " Remarks upon Church Music," and " Observ- 470 ations on Handel's Oratorios ;" and died B. D. at Leomin- ster, aged 70, August 13, 1798. The following epitaph was written on this gentleman, en badinage, at Tom's Cof- fee House, Worcester, (nearly facing the Star and Garter) by a gentleman now living, and one of a number of wits who at that time resorted to this city : Let this stone Perpetuate the memory of William Hughes. Great was his genius, Small his preferment : The oracle of a coffee-house, He wished not to shine in a more exalted sphere, He laughed through life, And his face made others laugh too ; Not that it was peculiarly comic, But ludicrously serious. Not remarkable for preaching, He was distinguished By his Musical Talents ; And tho' not in unison with any one, Died In harmony with All. A Dean of the College, complaining to Mr. Hughes that he was much annoyed by rats, Mr. Hughes replied, "Make Prebendaries of them, Mr. Dean, you will then only see them once a year." Rev. Arthur Vaughan, Was one of the successors of Mr. Charles Dodd, (see Addenda) at Harvington, in this county. He was a native of Wales, and studied at Douay College ; ordained about the year 1750-1, and remained at Harvington until his death, July 17, 1792, at the age of about 66 years. He was the author of — 1 . The Triumphs of the Cross, a Life of St. Mary of Egypt, in verse; 2. The Ghost of Sansom- fields, on occasion of Mr. Wharton's* abandoning his flock * A Roman Catholic clergyman of Worcester, a native of America, and a member of the Order of Ignatius Loyola, became a Protestant about the 471 at Worcester; 3. Dr. Madan's Thelypthora burlesqued; which the contributor of this article has seen in MS. but never heard of its being printed. ThomasRandolph, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1768, President of Corpus Christi College in 1748, afterwards Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity, and Archdeacon of Oxford, died March 24, 1783 ; he was the father of Ran- dolph, Bishop of London, and author of a Sermon on Faith and Works. — See Nichols's Anecdotes. Robert Foley, D.D. Dean of Worcester, 1778, Was educated at Westminster, and probably of Brazen Nose College, Oxford, enjoyed this dignity but little more than four years, dying in 1783. He had the living of New- ent, Gloucestershire, and was also Rector of Kingham, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Mr. Foley was a distin- guished scholar, of social habits, and, above all, a good man. About the time he held theDeanry, the custom was first abo- lished of inviting the Members of the Corporation to the Audit dinner. James Stillingfleet, A.M. Prebendary of Worcester, 1772, Was born September 14th, 1729, and was the son of James Stillingfleet, of Doctor's Commons, Registrar of the Diocese of this See, grandson of James Stillingfleet, Dean of Worcester, and great grandson of Bishop Stillingfleet. He received his education at Westminster School, under Dr. Nichol, and being removed to Oxford, obtained a Hebrew Fellowship at Wadham College, and was afterwards same time with Mr. Hawkins, (see his article) and resided, until about the year 1784, in the house attached to the Catholic Chapel, in Sansom-fields. He left this country for America, where, on his arrival, he published a Letter to the Catholics of Worcester, which gave rise to one of the produc- tions by Mr. Hawkins. 472 elected Fellow of Merton. Here he became a proficient in the Hebrew language, which he read without the points. His associates were eminent for piety and learning, and un- der the influence of some of them, he imbibed the principles of the Hutchinsonian system of philosophy. He held the living of Shawbury, Shropshire, for some years. Under the patronage of the Earl of Dartmouth, he was promoted to a Prebend in this Church, which he continued to oc- cupy till his decease ; he also held, at different times, the livings of St. Martin, in this city, and of St. John, in its vicinity, and was many years Rector of Knightwick and Dod- denham. He published three single sermons, viz. l."The Christian Ministry and Stewardship," preached before the University of Oxford, June 8, 1760 ; 2. " Unity of Faith, Righteousness of Life, and Obedience to the Civil Powers commended," preached in the Cathedral Church of Wor- cester on a general fast, Feb. 21, 1781 ; 3. "National Gra- titude," a thanksgiving sermon, preached November 29> 1798, on occasion of the victory obtained over the French fleet, off the Nile, by Lord Nelson. He also wrote, in 1763, "An Account of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. Samuel Walker, Curate of Truro, in Cornwall," prefixed to that author's Lectures on the Church Catechism, to which he only attached the signature of his initials. He died at at his house at Malvern, July 6, 1817, in the 88th year of his age, after being for five-and-forty years Prebendary of this Cathedral, leaving three sons by his first wife, Kathe- rine, daughter of Herbert Maekworth, Esq. of Gnoll Cas- tle, Glamorganshire; and two daughters by his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Win, Hale, Esq. of King's Waldon Park, Herts; and was buried in this Cathedral, where is a mural slab to his memory, close to the monu- ment of Bishop Hough. In November, 1819, were pub- lished, by W. Walcott, " Sermons, preached in the Cathedral Church of Worcester," by the subject of this article, in 1 vol. 8vo. 473 James Johnstone, M.D. A Physician to the Worcester Infirmary, who practised both at Kidderminster, and afterwards in this city, for more than half a century, was the fourth son of John Johnstone, Esq. of Galabank, an ancient branch of the Johnstones, of Johnstone ; he was born at Anandale,* in Scotland, April 14, 1730, in which town he received the rudiments of his education, under the Rev. Dr. Henry, afterwards celebrated for his History of England. He continued at Annan, or at Moffatt, assisted in his studies by his bro- ther, the Rev. Edward Johnstone, heir of Moffatt, till he had attained his 15th year, at which period his progress in classical learning was such as to induce his friends to remove him to the University of Edinburgh. He very early deter- mined on medicine as the profession of his future life, and pursued the study of it, for the space of three years, under the auspices of the elder Munro, and Professors Whytt, St. Clair, Rutherford, and Plummer, spending his vaca- tions with his brother, the minister of Moffatt, and reced- ing from this pious source the most valuable instruction. As he was thought at this time too young for practice, the fourth year of his professional studies was devoted to foreign travel. He went to Paris, where he perfected himself in anatomy under Ferriere, and in chemistry under Rouelle. In June, 1750, he received the degree of M.D. in the University of Edinburgh, publishing for his thesis, " De Aeris factitii imperio in primis corporis humani viis*" In this dissertation he availed himself largely of the experiments of Hales and Boyle ; and it is no trifling praise to a young man of 20 years of age, that Dr. Priestley should say of his dissertation, that, for the time, it contained a great deal of important information. * The subject of this article was the representative of the ancient branch of the Johnstoues, of Johnstoune, in Annandale. The family, before the union of the Crowns, possessed considerable estates near Annan, and are siill possessed of an estate held of the Crown, with other proj erty in laud thcie. 3 P 474 In 1751 Dr. Johnstone settled as a physician at Kidder- minster, where he experienced the kind offices of Dr. Mac- kenzie, who had retired from practice in Worcester, as ap- pears by a letter from Dr. St. Clair, dated Nov. 1751. In this letter, the Doctor says, "As to yourself, allow me to repeat, in a few words to you, the sum of my former ad- vice, — be honest, be prudent, be diligent and complaisant, — thus you will not fail of success, which I wish you most heartily." His worthy friend's wishes were soon realized, for in the first year of his practice, though only 21 years of age, he acquired 100 pounds, and never afterwards had oc- casion to apply to his father for pecuniary assistance. It was here that the cases of gall stones came under his care, the history of which was inscribed in the Philosophical Transactions, 1. xxi. p. 543, under the title of " Two ex- traordinary Cases of Gall Stones." From the low situation and crowded population of Kidderminster, malignant fevers, and sore throats, had often been prevalent and fatal ; a cir- cumstance which arrested the attention of this reflecting physician, and the result was the introduction of the use of mineral acids, Peruvian bark, and a tonic system, in lieu of bleeding, and every other debilitating means. It was pro- bably the success attending the internal exhibition of mi- neral acids which first suggested to him the idea of raising them in the form of a vapour, as a means of destroying con- tagion. This he did by pouring the sulphuric acid on com- mon salt, of which he published an account, 1758, in a book entitled " An Historical Dissertation concerning the Malignant Epidemic Fever of 1756," a period many years prior to the pretended discovery, by Guy ton Morveau, of the muriatic acid gas, for purifying the Cathedral of Dijon, which was not till 1773, and twenty-two years antecedent to that of Dr. James Carmichael Smyth's introduction of the nitric acid vapour, for the same purpose, the account of which was not published till 1795.* However highly this * The following u extracted from the Calendar of Living Authors, 1816. 475 undoubted discovery of the use of mineral acids, both in- ternally and in the form of a vapour, in curing or preventing malignant fevers, might have raised the character of Dr. Johnstone, it received additional lustre from his other im- portant publications, equally evincing the strong powers of an inquisitive and luminous mind. In the 54th volume of the Phil. Trans, he published the first sketch of his opi- nions of the uses of the ganglions of the nerves,* a subject ■which he afterwards pursued in the 57th and 60th vo- lumes of the same work, viz. " History of a Foetus born with a very imperfect Brain; to which is subjoined, a Sup- plement to the Essay on the use of Ganglions." — Phil. Trans. Abridged. The publication of these papers pro- cured the author the notice and friendship of many distin- guished persons at this period, and amongst others, of the illustrious Haller, with whom a correspondence com- menced in 1761, and continued till 1775. It consists chiefly of physiological and critical observations on the doc- trine of ganglions, in which Haller candidly offers objec- tions, and admits of reply. In a letter, dated May 25, (article Carmichael Smyth.) — "To correct the contagion (in the prison hospital at Winchester) in 1780, Dr. C. Smyth had recourse to the three mineral acids, the superior efficacy of which was quickly felt ; and subsequent trials on other occasions shewed the importance of the discovery. Dr. Smyth, in conse- quence, made an application to Parliament for a remuneration, which was granted him in 1802, but not without opposition, as Dr. John Johnstone, of Birmingham, set up a counter claim, on the ground that his father had re- commended the same acid, as a remedy against infection, many years before the application of it by Dr. Smyth. On examination, however, it appeared that the latter had no knowledge of such a hint having been given ; nor was it proved that Dr. Johnstone himself had ever tried it on a proper scale." I have thought it but fair to give both sides of the question ; the reader will judge for himself. * " When you are here, I will amuse you with a pamphlet which is a com- plete physical, or rather anatomical reply to those who defend the right of •elf murder; it is a treatise on the Ganglions of the Nerves, by a Dr. John- stone, a physician in my neighbourhood ; is written with the pen of a scho- lar, and possesses throughout a most perspicuous ingenuity. This gentle- man attended my father in his last illness, and was not only his physician but ki» confessor.— Fictitious Letters of Thomas Lord Lyttleton. 476 17^9, utter some prefatory observations on Dr. Johnstone' 6 doctrine, he adds, " For any thing I know, there is but one objection, the opthalmic ganglion, which lies entirely be- tween nerves dedicated to voluntary motion. I shall look for some opportunity of shewing you my just regard," &c. This objection is satisfactorily answered in a subsequent work by our author, entitled " Medical Essays and Ob- servations." These papers were collected and enlarged, and published in Salop, in 1771, under the title of * Essays on the Ganglions of the Nerves." They were again pub- lished in 179-3, with many valuable physiological and pa- thological additions, and with several other practical tracts, in one volume, entitled " Medical Essays and Observations, with Disquisitions relating to the Nervous System." This volume, which was translated into the German and French languages, contains all the medical tracts published by him, excepting his Inaugural Dissertation, his Treatise on the lever of 175(), the Life of Dr. Gregory, in the Manchester Memoirs, and two papers, in the Memoirs of the Medical Society of London, on the Angina and Scarlet Fever of 1778, and on the Diseases of Needle-makers. He pub- lished, however, separately, on the Slave Trade, and an Analysis of Walton Water, near Tewkesbury, in a letter to lid. Johnstone, M. D. Aug. CO, 1787, which he proved to be of nearly the same qualities as the purging waters of Chel- tenham. At the end of this analysis, he again displayed the strong and active powers of his mind, by assigning the uses of the lymphatic glands. At Kidderminster, Dr. John- stone continued to act in a wide sphere of country practice, till the death of his eldest son, a physician fast rising into eminence, who fell a martyr to his humanity, while attend- ing the prisoners affected with a gaol fever, at Worcester, in 1783 : he was succeeded by his father as Phvsician to the Infirmary. — (See his article.) This distressing event, to- gether with the coincidence of the death of his dearest friend, the Rev. Job Orton, induced him to remove to Worcester: in this city (famous for its physicians from the days of Dr. 477 Cole, the friend of Sydenham,) he continued vigorous, ac- tive, and sprightly, useful to the community, beloved by his friends, and practising with the same success, till with- in a few days of his death.* In the beginning of April, 1802, Dr. Johnstone was summoned to Birmingham on a commission of lunacy: from thence he was hurried about the country, in the course of three days, nearly 200 miles. From this extraordinary exertion he never recovered : his breathing became shorter, and his strength failed. He had been attacked with pulmonary complaints in his youth, from which the temperance and caution of the middle part of his life had exempted him. In his latter years they recurred, and during the spring of 1801 he had caused himself to be bled rather profusely. In the last attack of his malady, he had recourse again to bleeding, but his weakness was such as to forbid a repetition of it. Only five days before his death he went to Bromsgrove, a distance of thirteen miles, on professional business. He now saw his end approaching, and prepared for it with the same firmness as if he were about to take a long journey. The night before he died, he sat up, and conversed chearfully with his family. His intellect was clear, his mind calm, and he expired, at Wor- cester, after a short, and in no wise painful, struggle, on the evening of April 28, 1802, in the 73d year of his age. — See the inscription on his monument in the Cathedral, (in which he was not buried) in Chambers's Worcester, p. 192. Dr. Johnstone contributed to the Medical Society, of which he was a corresponding member, by the following valuable communications: In vol. 1, a case of Hydrophobia, which was enlarged with further observations in his Medical Es- says and Observations, published in 1795; to this case many practical remarks were added by himself, and his son, Dr. Edward Johnstone, in which a conclusion very favour- able to the mercurial ointment was suggested. Case of Au- * Dr. Johnson resigned the office of Physician to the Worcester Infirmary, a situation which had been hold_by himself and his two sons, in December, 1799. 478 gina Pectoris, from an unexpected disease of the heart, 1786. Vol. 2, Of the Cynanche Pharyngea, or Defect of Deglutition, from a straitening of the oesophagus, 1787. Vol. 3, Remarks on the Angina and Scarlatina of 1778 ; case of Calculi ; and two other cases of a smilar nature, 1790; and on the Phthisis Pulmonalis of needle-manu- facturers, 1790. Under a sense of the importance of these communications, the Council of the Society voted the au- thor their honorary medal. Dr. James Johnstone was M.D.S. Lond.; S.R.M. Ed.; Physician to the General Infirmary at Worcester; Honorary Member of the Phil, and Lit. Soc. of Manchester, and of the Phil. Soc. Bath. — To Dr. Johnstone we are obliged for the interesting account of the death of Lord Lyttelton ; and Dr. Nash, in his History of Worcestershire, acknowledges the assistance of much valuable and curious information from the subject of this memoir :* he also wrote an account of an earthquake felt in various parts of England, Nov. 18, 1795, in a letter dated Nov. 24. — See Phil. Transactions Abridged. Dr. Johnstone was the father of Dr. James Johnstone, jun. (see his article), and of Dr. John Johnstone, who was educated at Merton College, was chosen a Fellow of the Royal Med. Soc. of Ed. in 1790, and was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Medicine, at Merton College, Oxford, 1793, and is now with his brother Edward in practice at Birmingham. Edward Evanson, A.M. In 1770, became Rector of Tewkesbury, Gloucester- shire, and Vicar of Longdon, in this county. In 1778 he resigned borh these livings, and this resignation was oc- casioned by his holding hetorodox opinions respecting the Trinity, &c. Mr. Gilbert Wakefield, in his Letters, calls him a notorious and confirmed heretic. He was the author * Mr. Green probably meant Dr. Johnstone, instead of Dr. Johnson, whom, in page 16, he thanks for valuable communication, as I do not re- member to have heard of a Dr. Johnson in Worcester. 479 of several publications, vehicles of his strange opinions oi» religious subjects ; and died September 25, 1805, aged 74. He was a native of Warrington, Lancashire. The reader will find a detailed biography of Mr. Evanson, and an ac- count of his literary productions, in Chalmers's Biographi- cal Dictionary. — See also Dyer's Cambridge, Warburton's Letters, and a note on them by Bishop Hurd, in the latter work. Isaac Taylor, A Native of this city, was the son of William and Ann Taylor, and was born December 13,1 730, in the parish of St. Michael in Bedvvardine. His father was a brass found- er : among his most considerable works is one of those chan- deliers which adorn the Town-hall ; this he cast in compe- tition with Birmingham, where the other was cast. The profession of his father led Isaac to acquire a partial skill in drawing of ornaments chiefly, to which he added some knowledge of the general principles of the human figure. He had the misfortune to fall into the Severn when about nine years old, whence he was carried home for dead, but was recovered ; yet he always thought that the accident eomewhat enfeebled his constitution. Naturally intent on study, he soon began to shew his disposition, and to take advantage of what small helps were within his reach. The principal of these was the sight of a few pictures painted by M. Laroon, who then resided and died in Worcester ; and tome encouragement from the celebrated Dr. \\ all ; the rest was the study of nature. The youth observed men and cattle in the fields, whence he brought home stones, plants, barks and leaves of trees, &.c. for his study within doors. These he painted from as occasion served. But his father's business leading him to handle the graver, in order to en- grave card plates for tradesmen, book plates for the gentry, but especially to mark silver plate with coats of arms, &c. the youth acquired a reputation for dexterity in this branch «f business ; and often, during summer, he was invited to 480 Spend as many days among the neighbouring seats, Lord Foley's, Mr. Tracy's, &c. The year 1747 was distinguished by a violently con- tested election at Worcester, understood to be between the Jacobite and Georgian parties, in which Mr. Tracy, a Georgian, was successful, and the freemen who supported him determined on erecting a triumphal arch to do greater honour to his victory. This was accordingly placed across the main street, and added to the splendour of the caval- cade. To render this still more public, it was resolved that this should be engraved, and it was spiritedly under- taken by the Taylors. When finished, so little was known at that time about the arts, and the conduct of publications, printing, &c. that the father came to London to procure pa- per to print it on, in full conviction that none was to be had unless purposely commissioned from Holland. This idea was not in reality so absurd as it appears now to be, for the British paper manufactories were not then what they now are, and copper-plate printing paper of good quality was wholly imported from France. This display of party triumph, however, gave violent offence, as might be ex- pected, to the opposite party, and, with other occurrences, Contributed to render the situation of the Taylor family ra- ther unpleasant. Not long after, a breach between his fa- ther and himself fixed the determination of Isaac to come to London, where one of his uncles was settled. Thither he accordingly peregrinated, early in 1752, walking by the side of the waggon. Arrived at Hyde Park Corner, before he had entered the town, he was attracted by a print of Moses delivering the Daughters of Jethro, by Audran, af- ter Le Brim ; unable to resist the temptation, he parted with four-pence, no small part of his ready cash, for the pur- chase. A youth, a stranger, without introduction, without a regular profession, unacquainted with life, and exposed to all the tricks of the town ; such was the situation of Isaac Taylor. After making attempts in various places, he ob- tained a few days' work at Francis Garden's, a silversmith. 481 in the city, -where, by good fortune, a feliow workman Con- nived at the introduction of a foreigner on city ground. He afterwards worked with Mr. Jeffries, the geographer, the corner of St. Martin's-lane, then but young in the business* Here he staid about two years. He married that person's niece, whom he met with at her uncle's. His first settle- ment, after his marriage, was at Shenfield, near Brent- wood, Essex, in the profession of a land surveyor, but this failing, he returned to town, and resumed his occupation of engraver. At Mr. Jeffries's he had executed a variety of plates for the Gentleman's Magazine, then in its glory, un- der the direction of Mr. Cave, and others for Owen's Dic- tionary. This led him to seek employment in the book line. The first considerable work he received was from old Mr. Mynde, for whom he engraved the Cuts to Tookc's Pantheon; he afterwards executed those to Don Quix- ote, to which is affixed the name of G. V. Niest, and these being copied from good modern masters, as Ravenet, Sco- rin, and Grignion, furnished him with his fust masterly views of his profession. He many years afterwards repaid these obligations, by settling the accounts of Mr. Mynde with the Royal Society in favour of his widow. By degrees Mr. Taylor advanced in reputation and skill ; and on the death of Anthony Walker might be regarded as the principal among those engravers who fufnismed plates for books and booksel- lers. Nor was he without employment on plates of larger dimensions ; he engraved the Flemish Collation for Boy- dell, which he exhibited at Spring Gardens in \7G5 ; also " Democritus binding a Bundle of Sticks," exhibited in 1773; also the vignette frontispiece to the Alderman's vo- lume of prints, representing "Apollo crowning his Ma- jesty with Laurel," from a drawing by Gwin, exhibited in 1769, with his print of " Syagfius, the Roman Gene! a', brought prisoner before Clovis I. King of France," one of his best works. He was admitted an early Fellow of the Society of Artists, which was incorporated by Royal Char- ter in January, 17655 and, in 1 7 7 4, Mr. Taylor was chosen 3Q 482 successor to Mr. John Hamilton, in the office of secretary, he being the third appointed to that situation. The print trade in England had now began to vie with that on the Continent; the earliest of those productions in which Taylor entered into a competition with the library engravers of France, was the frontispiece to Langhorne's poems, bat whether it was improved by the desire of the poet's friends, to introduce somewhat of a portrait, I cannot say. The frontis- piece to Daphne and Amyntor, exhibited in 1 766 ; to Love in a Village, 1767 ; to the Maid of the Mill, ditto; to False Delicacy, exhibited at the King of Denmark's exhibition, 1768; were thought very pleasing by the public* The vig- nette to Goldsmith's Deserted Village, 1770; that to Nup- tial Elegies, &c. were considered as sharing in the popu- larity of those works. Of these, Taylor was both designer and engiaver ; he was the same to two of the plates to the Fool of Quality : he engraved the other two from pictures by a Mr. Brook, a nephew of the author. Not many plates have been superior to these, or to his Grandison, which are extremely well engraved ; but as designer, he has in these attended too much to fashion, and the change of mode, which is an inevitable disadvantage to all delineations, has given a constrained air to those compositions from which their merit, as engravings, has not been able to preserve them. He never disgraced himself by designing or engrav- ing political prints j a few squibs on the elections at Wor- cester were, however, executed by his pupils. Nor did his genius admit fuel to vice. His pupils, including his two eldest sons, were Mr. Binder, who quitted his profession for divinity, Mr. Pollard, Mr. Clare; besides imparting as- sistance to Mr. Collyer, and the elder Bewick, of New- castle. — See a letter from this celebrated artist to Mr. Taylor, in the Literary Panorama, for January, 1S08, from which this memoir is copied. Mr. Taylor gradually withdrew from business, and from town, during the last 20 or 25 years of his life, so that at length he was recol- lected by few ; though not many sales of pictures, &c. 483 passed without his inspection. He amused himself in the country with painting a few subjects in oil ; this study had been the delight of his early years, and he would willingly have been a painter, but the course of his labours was di- rected into another channel, and the wants of a family re- quired exertions which left him little leisure for amusement. The works that he conducted were very numerous, including Mr. Howard's publications, Sparman's Cape of Good Hope, Clavigero's History of Mexico, Chambers's Cy- clopaedia, &c. and he gave his opinion on many more. Taylor's style was finished, his workmanship sound, and his plates were supposed to wear better at the press than those of any other engraver ; in short, the succeeding gene- ration of engravers, whose works now delight the public, has but adopted and improved those principles of execution which he had formed for himself. He laid the foundation of that ornamental style of library decoration which has of late years surpassed in merit and effect the labours of our continental rivals. He died at Edmonton, in the county of Middlesex, Oct. 17, 1807, aged 77- Mr. James Taylor, the younger brother, came to London many years after him ; he had practised as a china painter in the manufactory of this city ; he worked some years with his brother, and died in Dec. 1790. He made some humorous designs for Magazines ; and was also the brother of Mr. Taylor, of the Architectural Library, in Holborn. James Taylor's son, some time a singer at Vauxhall Gardens, is also an en- graver. There have been no less than five artists in this fa- mily, engravers ; and there are others rising into notice. The sons of Mr. Taylor are — the respectable Publisher, of Hatton Garden, London; Isaac Taylor, an engraver of considerable talent, at Ongar, in Essex, who is also a preacher of the Baptist persuasion, author of " The Glory of Zion," and a set of prints to illustrate the Bible, the designs of which are by his son : his wife has published several re- spectable works particularly applicable to females. 4o4 The Hon. and Rev, St. Andrew St. John, D. I), Dean of Worcester, March 20, 1783, W as descended from a very ancient and noble family, being the second son of John, tcr.lh Lord St. John, of Bletsoe, in the county of Bedford, He was born January 17, 1731, at his father's seat, Melchboume Park, Bed- fordshire. He was educated, under Dr. Kinsey, at Bury St. Edmond's, and at New College, Oxford, as a gentle- man commoner, where he received an honorary degree of A.M. having been prevented from proceeding to a regular degree by a singular accident that had nearly proved fatal, and was followed by a long state of nervous debility, and interruption of his studies. — As he was taking a book down from a high shelf, the top of the book-case fell, and, striking the back of his neck, partially fractured the bone, with such injury to the spine, as to render his recovery al- most miraculous. This accident occasioned a remarkable stooping of the head, which never entirely recovered its po- sition. On taking order?, Mr. St. John was presented bv his father to the valuable rectory of Woodford, in North- amptonshire, which he afterwards exchanged for Fawlev, in Hampshire, on succeding to the estates of his relative, Sir F. Seymour Py'e, in that county. He was early pro- mised high preferment in the church, through the interest of his brother-in-law, the late Earl of Coventry ; and on tiie. death of Dr. Noel, the Deanry of Salisbury was offered to him by Lord North, but, for political reasons refused. The same reasons restrained any further application for advancer nn.nt for many years, during which he resided on his estate, and at Eawlev, diligently discharging the important duties of a country gentleman, a magistrate, and a parish priest. On a change of Administration, he was, on March c l[) y 1783, appointed to the Deanry of Worcester, where he was. much distinguished for his liberal hospitality, his general benevolence, unassuming manners, and constant attention \.o the offices of his high station, He made considerable 485 improvements in the Deanry, and built an excellent house in the vi-28 different parts of Europe ; afterwards he became more art- ful and more successful, the pigeon turned to a hawk, and at his death he was supposed to have acquired 30,0001. by play. His ambition tempted him to be a speaker in the House of Lords, where he harangued with great pomp and affected zeal for patriotism and honour. His constitu- tion was feeble, and by his vices so enervated, that he died an old man at the age of thirty-five. About three days be- fore his decease, a female figure, with a bird in her hand, appeared to him, as he imagined, and told him he should die in three days. The day after this supposed appearance, he went to the House of Lords, and spoke with great earnestness on some business then in agitation. The next day he went to a villa he had near Epsom, apparently as well as he had been for some time before. The succeeding day he continued at Epsom, and was in good health and spirits, though the apparition still hung upon his mind. He spent the evening in company with Miss Amphlet, Admiral Wole- sely, Earl Fortescue, and some other persons ; he seemed perfectly well, and pulling out his watch, said jocularly it was ten o'clock, and if he lived two hours, he should jockey the ghost. In about an hour he retired to his chamber, and ordered his yalet to bring his powder of rhubarb, which he frequently took at night ; his servant brought it, and forget- ting to bring a spoon, was going to stir it with a key, upon which his Lordship called him a dirty fellow, and bid him fetch a spoon ; accordingly he went, and returning in a few- minutes, found his Lord in the agonies of death (see article Andrews in this work, page 506.) In November, 1783, adds Dr. Nash, I spent a few days with Lord Dudley, at Himley; his Lordship told me, that some years before, Thomas Lord Lyttelton slept in the room I did ; the floors of some of the rooms, owing to the length of the boards will, upon change of weather or some other cause, make a noise like the report of a gun ; this happened in a room where Lord Lyttelton was lodged. His Lordship thought of ghosts, was frightened, and ran into Lord Valentia's j29 room, which was near, where he slept the remainder of the night. Next morning, Lord Lyttelton thinking it would be talked of, began the subject with Lord Dudley, saying, if he had believed in ghosts, he should have been very much alarmed the preceding night: — " My father," said he, " believed in apparitions and ghosts; nay, added he, * * # # # » However, he never could be persuaded to sleep another night at Himley, and often returned after dinner to Hsfgley, in the darkest nights, and in the worst weather. Upon the death of Thomas Lord Lyttelton, there were printed for Bew, in Paternoster-row, 1780, Letters of the late Lord Lyttelton, in two volumes. Advertise- ments were published by Lord Westcote, his uncle, and uncle to this article, disavowing these publications, though many passages in them, particularly in the latter, had some marks of being genuine ; I have authority for saying they are entirely ideal. These letters, says Mr. Park, (see the Addenda to his Noble and Royal Authors), were said to be written by Mr. Coombe : Query the author of Syntax's Tour ? In a letter from an excellent person, who knew the family well, to Dr. Johnstone, dated June 4, 1781, after de- claring that Lord Lyttelton (Thomas) was a deist, she says, " Whenever I think of the poor young man, I comfort my- self in an opinion, that he was to a certain degree insane. I remember his worthy father saying to me, with tears in his eyes, that he was obliged to consider this circumstance, so terrible in most cases, as an alleviation of his unhappiness." Lord Thomas, says Lord Or ford, was a meteor, whose ra- pid extinction could not be regretted ; and as remarkable, adds Dr. Anderson, for an early display as for a flagitious prostitution of great abilities. He attained no small conse- quence as a speaker, and was appointed Chief Justice in Eyre, a place which his father, with better pretensions, could never procure. One of his speeches in the House of Lords has been printed, and in the Westminster Magazine, for 1773, are some lines he wrote to his wife. In Mr. Park's work is * An Invitation to MissWarburton." He also wrote " Poems, 3 Y by a young Nobleman of distinguished abilities, lately de- ceased," Sec. 1780, 4to. The editor of these says he knew the Noble Author both in his convivial hours and in those which were more rationally employed. The superiority of his abilities, he adds, was always acknowledged, and the goodness of his heart, for the last three years of his life, be- came as conspicuous as the excellency of his head. While another friend avers, that the period which marked his Lordship's emancipation from the fetters oi^ pleasure and indolence, also marked his dissolution. Prefix to his Poems. There is a letter in the Europ. Mag. for November, 1800, from Thomas Lord Lyttelton, to his father, dated Florence, July 23, 1763, in which he expresses a contempt for antiquarian researches. The following is extracted from Wraxall's Memoirs of his own Time, vol. 1. p. 319 : — " The ministry sustained about this time (1779), a diminution of strength and a loss of ta- lents in the House of Peers, which an administration so un- popular could ill afford, by the defection of Lord Lyttelton (Thomas), who suddenly went over to the opposition. His decease, not less sudden in its nature, took place immediately afterwards. He was a man of very considerable parlia- mentary abilities, who, notwithstanding the many glaring vices of his private character, might have made a couspicu- ous political figure, if he had not been carried off in the prime of life. But by the profligacy of his conduct and the abuse of his talents, he seemed to imitate Dry den's Duke of Buckingham, or Pope's Duke of Wharton, and when scarcely thirty-six, breathed his last, at a country house, near Epsom, called Pit-place, from its situation in a chalk pit, where he witnessed, as he conceived, a supernatural appearance. " Having gone down there, for purposes of recreation, with a gay party of both sexes, several individuals among whom 1 personally knew, he had retired to bed, when a noise, which resembled the fluttering of a dove or pigeon, heard at his chamber window, attracted his attention. He 531 then saw, or thought he saw, a female figure, which ap- proached the foot of the bed, and announced to him, that in three days precisely from that time he should be called from this state of existence. In whatever manner the sup- posed intimation was conveyed, whether by sound or by impression, it is certain that Lord Lyttelton considered the circumstance as real ; that he mentioned it as such to those persons who were in the house with him ; that it deeply affected his mind, and that he died on the third night at the predicted hour. About four years afterwards, in the year 1783, dining at Pit-place, I had the curiosity to visit the bed-chamber, where the casement window at which, as Lord L. asserted, the dove appeared to flutter, was pointed out to me : and at his step-mother's, the Dowager Lady Lyt- telton's, in Portugal-street, Grosvenor-square, who, being a woman of a very lively imagination, lent an implicit faith to all the supernatural facts which were supposed to have ac- companied or produced Lord L.'s end, I have frequently seen a painting which she herself executed in 1780, ex- pressly to commemorate the event. It hung in a conspi- cuous part of her drawing-room. There the dove appears at the window, while a female figure, habited in white, stands at the bed foot, announcing to Lord Lyttelton his dissolution. Every part of the picture was faithfully designed after the de- scription given her by the valet de chambre who attended him, to whom his master related all the circumstances. This man assured Lady Lyttelton, that on the night indi- cated, Lord L. who, notwithstanding his endeavours to sur- mount the impression, had suffered under great depression of spirits, during the three preceding days, retired to bed be- fore twelve o'clock. " Having ordered the valet to mix him some rhubarb, he sat up in the bed, apparently in health, intending to swallow the medicine, but being in want of a tea-spoon, which the ser- vant had neglected to bring, his master, with a strong expres- sion of impatience, called out to him to bring a spoon; he was not absent from the room more than the space of a mi- 532 nute, but when he returned, Lord L. who had fallen back, lay motionless in that attitude. No efforts to restore ani- mation were attended with success, whether therefore his death was occasioned by any new attack upon his nerves, or happened in consequence of an apoplectic or other seizure, must remain a matter of uncertainty and conjecture." " It is, however, to be observed," continues Mr. Wraxall, " that the Lyttelton family, cither from constitutional ner- vous irritability, or from other causes, was peculiarly suscep- tible of impressions similar to the shock which seems to have produced Lord L.'s end : his father, though a man of very distinguished talents, manifested great credulity, as I have been assured, on the subject of apparitions, and his cousin, Miss Lyttelton, who married the present Sir Richard Hoare, died in a way somewhat similar about four years later at Stourhead. The second Lord Lyttelton's life had likewise been of a nature and description so licentious, not to say abandoned, as to subject him continually to the keenest reproaches of an accusing conscience. This domestic spectre, which accompanied him every where, was known to have given rise, while on his travels, particularly at Lyons, to scenes greatly resembling his last moments. Among the fe- males, who had been the objects and the victims of his tem- porary attachment, was a Mrs. Dawson, whose fortune, as well as her honour and reputation, fell a sacrifice to her passion. Being now forsaken by him, she did not long sur- vive, and distress of mind was known to have accelerated if not to have produced her death. It was her image which haunted his pillow, and was supposed by him to have an- nounced his approaching dissolution, at Pit-place." William Langford, D. D. Preb. of Worcester, 1785, Was a Steward of the Music Meeting of the three Choirs, in 1788, and author of a sermon preached at this Meeting. He was elected fellow of Eton Coll. May 1803, and was succeeded in his prebendal stall, in 1787, by the Rev. John 63S Plumptre, the present Dean of Gloucester, at which period, I presume, Mr. Langford died. Arthur Onslow, D.D. Dean of Worcester, 1 795, Was born August 30, 1746, O.S. He was the third son of Lieutenant-General Richard Onslow, who was brother to the Right Hon. Arthur Onslow, about thirty years Speaker of the House of Commons. His mother was Tooley Wal- ton, the daughter of William Walton, of Wanstead, in Essex, Esq. niece and heiress of Sir George Walton, Admiral of the Blue, well known for his laconic letter to the Admiralty, of " burnt, sunk, and destroyed, as per margin," when he had, in fact, burnt, sunk, and destroyed the whole Spanish fleet. Dean Onslow was educated at Hacknev and at Eton. On leaving Eton, in 1764, he entered as a gentleman commoner at Exeter College, Oxford, from which he was elected to a fellowship of All Souls, in the same University. In 1770, he was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Oxford. On the 6th Nov. 1772, he was married to Frances Phipps, daughter of Constantine Phipps, Esq. of the Island of St. Christo- pher's. In 1774, he was ordained Priest by the Bishop of Lincoln. Almost immediately on his being in full orders, he was collated by Di. Terrick, Bishop of London, to the living of St. James's, Garlick Hithe, a living which he after- wards exchanged for the consolidated livings of White Wal- tam and Shottesbrook, in the county of Berks. About the year 1775, he was appointed chaplain to the House of Com- mons, by the then Speaker, Sir Fletcher Norton. In 1779, he was preferred by Lord North, for his services as chaplain to the House of Commons, to a canonry of Christ Church, on the promotion of Dr. Cust to the deanry of Rochester. In 1782, he was nominated by the mayor, aldermen, and bridge- master of the town of Maidenhead, to the curacy of that place, vacant by the death of the Rev. Humphry Henchman. This preferment he held until the day of his death, though he had for some time resigned the emoluments of it, to his old friend Mr. Dodwell, who performed the duty of it. In 534 1785, he was collated, on the death of Dr. Dodwell, by the present Bishop of Durham, then Bishop of Salisbury, to the archdeaconry of Berks. This appointment was wholly un- solicited by the Dean, and was notified to him in the follow- ing letter from the Bishop : — Dear Sir, Palace, Salisbury, Oct. 27, 1785. Personal regard, and a conviction that the duties of the office will be well discharged, induce me to request your acceptance of the Archdeaconry of Berks, vacant by the death of Dr. Dodwell. I am, dear Sir, with much esteem, Your faithful Servant, S. SARUM. In 1795, Mr. Onslow succeeded Dr. St. John in the deanry of Worcester, and was installed May l6th. On his first appointment, Mr. Pitt expressed his satisfaction, from a consideration of the Dean's public conduct, at having an op- portunity of recommending him to the royal patronage, and his late Majesty, at the time of his signing the Dean's patent, was graciously pleased to observe to a gentleman, who was then with him, that he most highly approved of the recommen- dation. In the same year that he was appointed to the deanry of Worcester, he was also instituted to the vicarages of Kidderminster and of Wolverley ; the former, on the pre- sentation of the present Lord Foley, then a minor, at the request of his uncle, the Hon. E.Foley; the latter, on the presentation of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester. In 1801, he resigned, with the consent of its patron, the vicar- age of Kidderminster to his eldest son. In 1811, he also resigned Wolverley, and was instituted to the vicarage of Lindridge, vacant by the resignation of Dr. Evans. In 1813, on the death of Dr. Torkington, he was appointed to the mastership of St. Oswald's Hospital, in Worcester. He died at the vicarage house at Lindridge, of a paralytic stroke, on the 15th of Oct. 1817. It is a remarkable fact, that on the last Sunday but one preceding the attack which terminated his valuable life, the Dean preached in the church at Lindridge, on a text taken from Numbers xxiii. 10- 53o " Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." The object of his sermon was to shew, that the same preparation which is necessary for a proper recep- tion of the Lord's supper, is requisite also for a good death, and that they who are properly prepared to receive the sa- crament, are also properly prepared to die. The Dean, af- terwards on the same day, received the sacrament himself, and administered it to his parishioners ; and his worthy curate, the Rev. D. Davis, observed, " that he performed the service with the most marked and fervent devotion." From the first moment indeed of his attack, until the period of his dissolution, he was unable to articulate ; but he ap- peared, during the greater part of his illness, to retain the full possession of his senses, and his countenance throughout the whole of it, was strongly expressive of piety and resigna- tion. He expired, almost without a struggle. His remains were deposited in a vault in the crypt of Worcester Cathe- dral, and was the first body removed there, in pursuance of the new regulation for interment. — See Chambers's Wor- cester, p. 80. This ceremony took place, Oct. 23, 1817. The Dean published four sermons, 1. Preached before the House of Commons, on Wednesday, March 12, 1800, being the day appointed for a general fast, from 2 Chronicles vi. chap. 34 35 v. For this sermon he received the thanks of the House of Commons. 2. " The Scriptural Analogy and Concord of St. Paul and St. James on Christain Faith," preached May 9, 1805, in the parish church of St. Mary, Reading, at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Berks, from Romans xii. and the latter part of the 6th verse. This ser- mon was published at the request of the clergy of the arch- deaconry. 3. " The Testimony of the Spirit of God in the Faithful," preached at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Berks, July 1, 2, 3, 1807, from Romans viii. 16, and pub- lished also at the request of the clergy. 4. " The Advan- tages of National Schools," preached at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Berks, April 28, 29, 30, 1812, from Pro- verbs xix. c. 1 1 v. published at the request of the clergy. 536 / As a preacher, the Dean's delivery was clear, impressive, and Tree from affectation, and his sermons were plain, scrip- tural, and practical. Dean Onslow was a magistrate for the counties of Berks, Oxford, Surrey, and Worcester. He left three sons and three daughters : of the former, 1. Richard Francis, is Archdeacon of Worcester, &c; 2. Arthur Cyril, Rector of Newington Butts ; 3. Phipps, an officer in the artillery : of the latter, the second married to the Rev. Winnington Ingram ; the first and third remain un- married.* Rev. Ron. Gentleman, Was a native of Whitchurch, Salop, and first settled as a teacher of the protestant dissenters, assembling on Swan Hill, Shrewsbury, in 1767, and in the year 1784, he settled as a pastor over one of the congregations of dissenters at Kidderminster. He published an edition of the Rev. Job Orton's Exposition of the Old Testament for the Use of Fa- milies, in 6 vols. 8vo. and several pieces of his own writing (" Addresses to Youth," &c.) He died in 1795, in the 50th year of his age. T. Goodinge, LL.D. Late head master of the College School at Worcester. Many who have been indebted to him for their educa- tion, will be pleased to read a few memorials of their able and learned preceptor: he was born in or about 1746, and it is believed in London, where his father)- practised as a barrister, but removed to Gloucester in 17-52, and this his only son, received his education at the College School there. In April, 1763, he became a resident member of Trinity College, Oxford, where he continued till January, 1765, when, " at the sadly too early age of nineteen," as he ex- * An excellent likeness of the late Dean of Worcester is engiaved, after a picture by Wood, in the possession of the family. + The Rev. Wallinger Goodinge, Vicar of Stratton St. Margaret's, county of Wilts, was the elder brother of the Doctor's father. o37 presses it, io soma memoranda which he left behind him, he became assistant to the Rev. Mr.Townshend, in the College School of Salisbury. He quitted this situation in the fol- lowing November, and resided with his mother at Glouces- ter, till the beginning of 1768, when he was appointed head master of the College, Worcester, which he raised from a very declining condition to great respectability. In 1769, he took the degree > of B. A. and was ordained deacon by Bishop Johnson. In December 1771, he became Rector of Bredicote, in this county, on the presentation of the Dean and Chapter. In December 1773, he married Miss Maria Hale, a very amiable woman, the daughter of Robert Hale, Esq. of Mary-le-bone. In 1775, he resigned his situation at Worcester, and retired to the neighbouring village of Bevere, where he opened a private academy with great success, having under his care the sons of most of the principal gentry of that county. In 1778, he became M. A. and LL.D. the former at Cambridge, the latter at Oxford. In the following year, having been appointed head master of the Grammar School, Leeds, (which he also raised from a state of great depression to very considerable repute), he re- moved thither. In June 1788, he took possession of the Rectory of Hutton, county of Somerset, to which he had been presented by a relation fourteen years before, but from which he had been hitherto excluded by a suit concerning the advowson. In January 1789, on the death of the truly excellent Dr. Adams, of Pembroke College, he was pre- sented to the valuable rectory of Counde, county of Salop, whereupon he resigned the school at Leeds ; and after at- tempting to reside on his living, from which he was much unfitted from his previous habits, became for the remainder of his days an inhabitant (and while he enjoyed his health, one who added much to its society), of the town of Shrews- bury, within a few miles of his living, the service of which he rarely intermitted, as long as he was able to perform it. In September 1810, he lost his wife, by a lingering and cruel 538 disease, and dying at Shrewsbury, followed her t<> the grave, July 17, 18 1G. Dr. G. was a man of accurate and varied information, which he knew well how to communicate ; admirably versed in the classics, profoundly skilled in the Greek tongue, and not less so in biblical literature. His valuable library of exegetical divinity was sold by Sotheby, in the spring of 1817. His extensive botanical collection was disposed of some years before his death. He had made considerable progress in a translation of Lycophron, w ith a commentary on that obscure writer, which is still extant in M.S. but he laid aside this arduous undertaking, for which he was excellently qualified, on the appearance of Mr. Meen's publication. Dr. Goodinge was an impressive and power- ful preacher, and when Ids eves failed, as they began to do about ten years before his decease, was enabled, by a very copious and well-arranged mind, to address his congregation, greatly to their satisfaction, without notes. His conversation derived much additional interest, from a peculiarity of manner, which will be long remembered by those who enjoyed his acquaintance. GentJs Mag. Aug. IS 17. Theophilus Swift, A relative of Mr. Dean Swift, see page 4'2S, was born at Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire, and was called to the Bar in 1774. He inherited, it is said, the eccentricities of the celebrated Dean of St. Patrick ; it is true, he was eccen- tric, but his eccentricities were of a different nature, fai- lle was an amateur of duelling; he was severely wounded in a rencontre of this kind by the late Duke of Richmond, then Colonel Lennox, in July, 1789, who challenged Mr. Swift ; the cause of this dispute was some offensive lan- guage, reflecting upon the Colonel, contained in a pamphlet entitled " A Letter to the King;" in this encounter Mr. S. states, that Colonel Lennox wounded him, but did not in- duce him to retract his assertions, 530 Captain Ascough, the relation and publisher of the Works of George Lord Lyttelton, a victim to his fears, sub- mitted to the insults of Mr. S. which he suffered without resenting. At a house, in this city, it was the chance of the subject of this article, to sit down to whist, a game to which he was much attached, with a gentleman for his partner, who was of a somewhat nervous temperature ; they at length counted eight, when he looked in vain for his partner to finish the game by a call for honours. What, then, was his surprise afterwards, to see his partner play two honours which he held! " Why did you not call," said the astonished Swift, in an authoritative strain : " Sir," replied the trem- bling partner, " I — I winked." — " Winked !" reiterated the disciple of Hoyle, with stronger energy, " Why, Sir, are you a geutleman and wink at whist ?" This was too much for the winker, he ran off as fast as he could from the scene of altercation, and jumping into a boat, was on the other side of the Severn in an instant. Mr. Swift was the author of the War of the Whigs, 4to. 1785. A Letter from Theo. Swift, Esq. to Mr. Bird, (an attorney, who managed the assemblies of this city), em- bellished with an emblematic frontispiece, and the motto " It was not an open enemy that did me this dishonour," Psalm iv. v. V2. The Temple of Folly, 4to. 1787, with a design by Fuseli. The Gamblers, a Poem, 4to. Poeti- cal Address to his Majesty, 4to. 1788. Letter to the King, on the Conduct of Colonel Lennox, 8vo. 1789. Letter to W. A. Brown, Esq. on the Duel of the Duke of York and Colonel Lennox, Svo. 1789- Vindication of Renwick Williams, commonly called the Monster, Svo. 1790. He also contributed several papers of his relation the Rev. Jo- nathan Swift, to Mr. Walter Scott, for his life of the Dean. # lie is also the presumed author of Royal Magnificence, and the Lunaticiad. He was a frequent communicator of * Those were atone time advertised in The Worcester Journal, as about to be published by him. 540 poetical effusions, about the year 1780, to The Worcester Journal, which was afterwards the medium of his letters in the several disputes in which he was engaged. Mr. Swift died in Ireland in the summer of 1815. Robert Lucas, D.D. Rector of Ripple, in this county, and Vicar of Patishall, was a native of Northampton, and graduated at Trinity Col- lege, Cambridge. He was, I am informed, an active magi- strate for the counties of Gloucester and Worcester, and known to the literary world as the author of a volume of Poems and one of Sermons, and a separate Sermon preach- ed for the benefit of the Severn Humane Society, and pub- lished with some interesting matter relative to that praise- worthy institution. He died March 1, 1812, aged 65. Francis Jukes, A Native of this county, was born at Martley, and, by the dint of the utmost frugality and industry, raised himself to eminence in his profession, in the art of aqua-tinta engraving, of which, if he were not the inventor, he certainly was the first that brought it to a degree of perfection ; witness the numerous specimens he has given to the world. His in- tense assiduity in business cost him his life. Superintending continually, with indefatigable attention, a large body of aquafortis, in the operation of his art, for such a number of years as he did, the effluvia of that pernicious acid to the human frame, brought an oppression upon his breath, which never left him but with life. In his line of publisher, he was upon the point of establishing an intercourse of print- selling to Basil, in Switzerland, as the French Revolution broke out, and blasted the hopes of millions. He died June 1811, in his 66th year, in Upper John-street, Fitzroy- square, London, but was twenty years resident in Howland- street. 511 Holland Cooksey, A Native, I believe, of this county, was descended of an ancient family, whose names are found in an inqui- sition taken in this county in the reign of Edward the Third, 1355. — See Pedigree in Dr. Nash's Hist. vol. 2. p. 50. He was the son of Richard Cooksey, Esq. of the White Ladies, near this city, was educated at Mer- ton College, Oxford, and afterwards became a student in the Temple. He married Miss Tart, and was the author of 1 . "A Charge to the Grand Jury of Worcester," de- livered by him as Chairman of the Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County. 2. Essays on the Lives and Characters of the Lord Chancellors Somers and Hardwicke, 1791, which bears the name of his son (see his article) in the title page, and which was presented by his father for that purpose. Mr. Cooksey resided at Braces Leigh, in the parish of Leigh, in this county, which he purchased in 1758, and died at Bath, Dec. 26, 1792. Thomas Moss, A. B. For many years minister of Brinley Hill chapel, in this county, and of Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, died in 1808; he was the author of" The Rise and Progress, together with the Influence and Effects of the Papal Power, an awaken- ing Call to Protestants." An Assize Sermon, on the Im- portance and Necessity of Christian Moderation, 1779« He was also said to have been the author of those beautiful and popular lines " The Beggar's Petition." This has, however, been disputed by some writers in the Gent's. Mag. Thomas James, D.D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1797, Was born in 1748, at St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire, where his ancestors have long resided. From his earliest childhood he was thoughtful ; and shewed a strong desire to take every opportunity of acquiring knowledge In 1760, o42 his father sent him to Eton School, where he received his education under Dr. Barnard, Dr. Foster, and Dr. Jonathan Davies. He had not been there long before the quickness of his intellects became conspicuous ; while iiis dili- gence and amiable disposition recommended him strongly to his instructors. He was elected on "the foundation, and became one of the brightest ornaments of that dis- tinguished seminary. His remarkable skill in Latin and Greek versification, will ever be remembered by those who were his contemporaries at school ; and of his ingenuity in that art, the public have some very masterly specimens in the well-known selection of Latin and Greek verses, called the Muste Etonenses. For a Greek translation of one of the smaller poems of Dr. Akenside, that elegant poet complimented the subject of this memoir, by present- ing him in the most handsome manner with some books. Having thus gained for himself no small credit, he was elected a scholar of King's College, Cambridge, to which place he removed in February 1767. Flere he soon be- came known for his diligent pursuit of literary knowledge; and his name was established with that of his competitor, Mr. Law, (the late Lord Ellenborough), by their obtaining the two University prizes, for the best Latin essays, in two successive years. He distinguished himself also by his knowledge of mathematics, a science which before his time was but rarely studied by the scholars of King's, because, by the charter of their College, they claim the pe- culiar privilege of exemption from all the University exami- nations in taking their decrees. In February 1770, Mr. James became fellow ; and hav- ing proceeded to his degree of B.A. and M.A. he took Orders, and was chosen tutor of the College ; an office which he held for several years ; during which time he fully confirmed his reputation as a scholar, and his character as a man of an upright mind and benevolent heart. One proof of the lat- ter must be here recorded: — It happened that the clerk of the CollegcChapel was reduced to extreme distress, by the I long illness of his huge family ; — his wife became deranged ; his debts increased ; and despairing of being able to extricate himself from his difficulties, he applied to Mr. James, at that time a young man at the College, for his assistance. A subscription was immediately raised ; but Mr. James's cir- cumstances not being such as enabled him to contribute largely by pecuniary relief, he turned his mind to some other mode of affording it, and for this purpose wrote an accurate account of that wonderful piece of Gothic architec- ture, the chapel of his College. This little production was embellished with two etchings (a side elevation of the cha- pel, and a portrait of the clerk,) from the masterly hand of his friend, Mr. Thomas Orde, afterwards Lord Bolton ; and was published under the name of " Henry Maiden, Chapel Clerk." It went through several editions, and the money arising from the sale, which was considerable, was applied for the benefit of the clerk's distressed family. Mr. James's long residence in the Lniversitv had given him a deeply-rooted attachment to a college life; but the air and situation of Cambridge were not at all congenial to his health. In 1778, therefore, Dr. Bnrrough having re- signed the head mastership of Rugby school, Mr. James's friends advised him to offer himself a candidate for that si- tuation, which lie accordingly did ; and was elected, though not without opposition. Before, however, he left Cam- bridge, he proved how much he had the interest of his Col- lege at heart, by presenting 1001. to institute an annual prize for the best Latin declamation by a scholar of King's : this handsome offering is prettily alluded to in some lines which appeared in a Coventry paper, and are inserted at the end of this memoir. When Dr. James first went to Rugby, he found the school consisting of little more than sixty boys. He began, there- fore, a reform in the discipline and system of teaching hi- therto adopted, and introduced the Etonian method. His ex- ertions were soon crowned with the desired success, the fame of the new master rapidh spread, and pupils crowded from o44 all parts for the benefit of his instruction.* From this time it may be said to have been one of our public seminaries, being inferior neither in point of discipline, mode of education, nor masters, to the first in the kingdom. In its most flourishing state, under Dr James, it consisted of more than 300 boys, many of whom afterwards distinguished themselves as emi- nent scholars every year at the Universities, and brought lasting credit to the establishment ; among these must be mentioned the name of Samuel Butler, D. D. the learned editor of iEschylus. Soon after his first settlement at Rugby, Dr. James married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Mander, Esq. of Coventry, a lady for whom he had a most sin- cere attachment, but who was unhappily taken from him by a rapid decline, three years after their marriage. Upon a small marble monument, which he erected to her memory, in Rugby church, is inscribed this comprehensive line, at once expressive of his tender affection for her, and the well- grounded hope which he entertained of a blessed meeting in a better world : — Dr. James had two children by his first wife: — 1. Thomas James, Esq. of the Middle Temple, London, Bar- rister at Law. 2. Mary, married to the Rev. John Wing- field, D. D. late head-master of Westminster School, and now Prebendary of Worcester Cathedral, Rector of W hit- burn, and Vicar of Bromsgrove. Early in 1785, he married Arabella, fourth daughter of William Caldecott, Esq. of Rugby, heir of the ancient fa- mily of that name, of Catthorpe, in Leicestershiref- This lady, after many years of uninterrupted conjugal happiness, * " James's school, at Rugby, is in much vogue, and he has a great num- ber of boys. There is no person under whom I would sooner place a child." — Jacob Bryant. t For an account of thii family, see iNichols's Leicestershire. 545 survived her husband, and succeeded to the care of educat- ing his numerous family.* After a laborious employment of sixteen years at Rug- by, Dr. James's health began to be impaired by his unre- mitted study, and the great attention which he had paid to the minutest affairs of the establishment under his care ; and, in the year 1794, he resigned the mastership. Upon Dr. James's resignation the Trustees presented him with a handsome piece of plate, as a testimony of their esteem ; and at their next meeting wrote jointly to Mr. Pitt, then Prime Minister, expressing their high sense of the long and great services of the late able master ; and requesting he might have such preferment given him as should be thought ade- quate to his deserts ; in consequence of which application he was appointed, in May 1797, to a prebendal stall in the Cathedral Church of Worcester, and was instituted to the rectory of Harvington, in the same county .j Dr. James gave so much of his time to the concerns of the school, and afterwards to the zealous performance of his duties as a parish Minister, that he never appeared before the world in any literary work of much consequence. He pub- lished, however, a small Compendium of Geography, which is one of the most comprehensive and accurate of its kind, and was intended for his school at Rugby. Besides this, and his little work on King's College, before alluded to, he pub- • 1. Rev. John Thomas James, M.A. Vicar of Flitton, Bedfordshire, late student of Christ Church, Oxford, author of " Traveli in Russia, Sweden, Poland," &c. and of the " History of the Italian Schools of Painting." 2. Rev. Wm. James, M.A. Fellow and Senior Tutor of Oriel College, and Vicar of St. Mary's, Oxford. 3. Rev. Edward James, M. A. of Christ Church, Tutor in the family of the Earl of Derby. 4. George James, Lieu- tenant in the Royal Artillery, served under the Duke of Wellington in Spain, and has been since employed in Upper Canada. 5. Sophia Catharine, mar- ried, in 1813, to Robert Morris, Esq. of t Barnwood Court, near Gloucester. 6. Isabella Octavia James, a minor. + In 1798, I find Dr. James's name among the subscribers to the defence of the country, of a sum of 1001. over and above the sum which he contributed in that subscribed by the Dean and Prebendaries of the Cathedral. 4 A 54(> lished a very useful algebraic explanation of the 5th book of Euclid : and also two sermons, one of which was preached in the Cathedral of Worcester, at the Triennial Music Meet- ing of the three Choirs of Worcester, Hereford, and Glou- cester, of which he was a steward in 1800, viz. " The Pro- phetic Office connected with Poetry and Music, published for the benefit of the Charity, and dedicated to the Stewards :" and the other, on the occasion of a public fast, dedicated to the Dean and Chapter. The former of these, the learned Dr. Hurd, late Bishop of Worcester, said, was " ingenious and eloquent;" the latter, " pious and animated." Some years before the late King's lamented illness, as his Majesty was walking on the Terrace at Windsor, he saw Dr. James in company with Dr. Heath, former head master of Eton, when recognising him, with that quickness of recollection for which he was always so remarkable, he heartily congratu- lated him on his enlargement and improvement of Rugby School : — " But it is no wonder," continued the King, " you have been so successful, having been yourself educated at Eton," — a compliment of which Dr. Heath might certainly claim a share. After a life spent in the exercise of real and active christian benevolence, Dr. James expired at his living of Harvington, on the 23d of September, 1804, in the 56th year of his age ; having on that day experienced much hap- piness, from effecting a reconciliation between some parties who had quarrelled in his parish. There is a mural monu- ment of white marble to his memory, in the south aisle of Worcester Cathedral, with an inscription. — Vide Chambers's Worcester, p. 188. There is a good portrait of Dr. James, engraved by the contribution of some gentlemen educated by Dr. James ; it is executed in the dotted manner, by Mr. Matthew Houghton, of Birmingham, a pupil of Bartolozzi, from a picture by the justly-celebrated Engleheart. To this private testimony of worth and affection, we have to add, that a very hand- some subscription has been raised by Dr. James's scholars, 517 for the purpose of erecting a cenotaph to his memory in the Chapel of Rugby School.* This monument, which contains a full-length figure of Dr. James, in white marble, is exe- cuted by Mr. Chantrey, and affords a fine specimen of that sculptor's exquisite skill. LINES TO THE MEMORY OF DR. JAMES. Though silent sorrow pour the copious tear To James — the father, friend, and husband dear : And humble hope has register'd above His acts of mild benignity and love : Yet public strains to public worth belong, And bright example still should live in song ; That vice may never triumph through neglect Of those, whom all should follow and respect; That ev'ry good man, deem'd a general good, May claim the meed of general gratitude ; That nought be lost of that which God has given, To light the path to happiness and Heaven. Nurs'd in the lap of the Etonian Muse, Nor Greece nor Latium might a wreathe refuse * At a numerous Meeting of the Noblemen and Gentlemen educated at Rugby School, holden on Wednesday, the 20th June, 1810, at the Freema- sons' Tavern, Great Queen's-street, Lincoln' s-Jnn-fie!d% London, Stkphejc Rumbold Lushington, Esq. M.P. in the chair, the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to: — That in order to testify the feelings of affectionate attachment evinced by many pupils of the much-lamented Dr. James, a mo- nument be erected to his memory by subscription. — That to facilitate as much as possible the means of attaining the desired object, and carry it into execu- tion in a manner adequate to the worth of Dr. James, a committee be im- ' mediatety appointed to manage the necessary arrangements. The following were accordingly elected members of such committee ; the Viscount Yalentia, (now Earl Mountnorris,) the Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of Windsor, (now Lord Bishop of Oxford,) the Hon. Mr. Eardley, the Hon. Wm. Booth Grey, M.P. the Hon. Charles Bagot, M.P. the Hon. W. H. Lyttelton, M.P. for "Worcestershire, the Very Rev. the Dean of Lincoln, the Rev. the Warden of Merton College, Oxford, the Rev. Dr. Wooll, head master of Rugby School, the Rev. Mr. Heyrick, S. R. Lushington, Esq. M. P. Lieut. Col. Colquitt, G. Wharton Marriott, Esq. That Mr. Wratislaw, as secretary to the Com- mittee, be directed to address an official letter to the trustees of Rugby School, inclosing a copy of the resolutions, and requesting their permission to place the monument in the chapel about to be erected, or in some other c >i. venient part of the new building at Rugby. That these resolutions be generally advertised and circulated by the Committee ; and subscriptions received by Mr. Wratislaw, aDd the several Bankers.— Courier. 548 To bim, by learned Foster well beloved ; By chaste and attic Akenside approv'd. Maturer grown, h'explor'd the maze of truth. And Cam admired his laborious youth. In mat hematic step ascending sure To light of science, as sublime as pure : He ne'er unnerv'd his mind in languid ease, Nor sought for knowledge self alone to please. Cheer'd by his voice, Youth bent the patient mind (Which erst had play'd with fancy uncoufin'd) To thought severe, to nature's constant laws, And plans which reason out of reason draws. Hence playful genius took a chaster stole, And decent method disciplined the soul. Language and thought arranged, controul'd appear, While Ciceronian rythm charms the ear. Patron of science, and of classic lore, Oh ! James, will Cam remember thee no more ? Yes, King's proud dome still echoes with thy name, And annual gratitude records thy fame : But chiefly Rugby, which, in happiest day, Hail'd thee the guide of youth's entangled way, Shall sing thy praise as long as verse shall roll, And mild humanity shall charm the soul : Then Britain sent her sons from every shore, To sip the honey of thy classic store ; And thousands blest the kind paternal hand, Which led them on to learning's fertile land, Smoothing with patient toil the rugged way, And oft reclaiming oft who went astray. Youth, taught by precept, and example too, Heard what was right, and found the proof in you. All knew thee good, as learned, and confest The milk of human kindness in thy breast. You bade the organ's solemn notes to blow, And gave religion a sublimer glow. Nor e'er unmindful of the social weal, You sought the rankling wounds of strife to heal; Approv'd by love of man thy love of God, Nor punish'd frailty with too harsh a rod. When wakeful fever raging round thy bed, Wither'd awhile the ivy on thy head, When from thy hand Quintilian's fasces fell, And the voice languish'd which could teach so well, You found the comfort, which you ne'er denied, Respect and love attendant at your side : 549 Patrons of genius came, a gen'rous band, And bade the blossoms of fair hope expand ; Led thee to brighter scenes, where honour stands Holding his golden gifts in his capacious hands. E'en in that day which clos'd thy active life, This was thy work of love, to banish strife ;* Voices discordant long you taught to flow In harmony, and made a heaven below. Spirit of gentle goodness, oft descend, A guardian angel, still, thy influence lend To soothe mad passion, modulate the mind, Spread far and wide the love of human kind, Compose the sorrows of those held most dear, Paint thy new joys, and check th' immod'rate tear : And oh ! from Heav'n's high mansion may'st thou see Succeeding ages happy — blest — through thee. Coventry Mercury, Oct. 1804. The following tribute of respect, to the memory of Dr. James, is from the Northampton Mercury, October 6, 1804:— Died, on Sunday se'nnight, the Rev. Thomas James, D. D. formerly of King's Coll. Cam. and many years head master of Rugby School, and lat- terly a Prebendary of Worcester Cathedral, and Rector of Harvington, in that county. He died suddenly in the night, having retired to rest the pre- ceding evening in perfect health. By this lamented death, the world at large may be said to have sustained a heavy loss ; to his severely afflicted family, it is indeed irreparable. In every stage of life, the purest integrity and good- ness of heart marked the character of this truly good and learned man, and obtained him the highest respect and love of all who had the happiness to know him. In no situation did his virtues shine with greater lustre than in that of preceptor, when, by the fatherly manner in which he conducted him- self towards the numerous pupils entrusted to his care, he gained the ad- miration of their parents, and the affection of themselves. B. Walwyn, A Native of this county, was born in 1750. His family have their origin from Walwain, the nephew of King Ar- thur, which they assert on the authority of tradition alone, unless it be allowed, as a confirmation of their ancestry, * See page 546. 550 that we read in the old records of Wales, of a parish in Pem- brokeshire, named Walvain parish, where a castle stands, originally of the same name, and which is said to have been in the possession of an ancient family from this stock. Mr. Walwyn's grandfather was born in this parish ; but to shew the vicissitude of families, as well as of estates, his father was a leather-seller in the Borough of Southwark. The subject of this memoir was brought up to the same busi- ness, but having a very strong addiction to study, he stole every moment from the labours of the day, and also hours from the repose of the night, to improve his mind. His fa- ther being in an eminent line of business, employed his son to ride through England, Scotland, and Wales, to procure orders. In this pursuit he continued five years, being al- most always on horseback during that time. Soon after this he married an amiable young lady, with a fortune of 20001. and went into business for himself in a wholesale warehouse in Watling-street. He suffered innumerable losses, and his affairs having gone into embarrassment by various calamities, he was again employed by his father to transact business for him in Ireland. Here he bought and fitted out a sloop, and in his first voyage was wrecked and thrown a stranger and an outcast on the northern shore of Ireland. He speaks of the hospitality of the people in terms of rapturous gratitude ; for though without money he was attended to in the violence of a dangerous fever, with parental care ; and after restoring him to life and health, they procured him a passage to England. On his ar- rival in London, he found himself destitute of any other de- pendence for the support of his wife and family, than an annuity of 401. In this predicament he commenced author, and was engaged as one of the critics in Dr. Kendrick's London Review. He has also written a variety of essays in the public prints. " London," a Satire, in Feb. 1782 ; also " Chit Chat," an Interlude, 8vo. 1781 ; and " Matrimonial Breakfast," a Burletta, the music by Reeve, 8vo. " Chit Chat ; 551 or, the Penance of Polygamy," a temporary satire-on the doctrines of the " Thelyphthora." One of his dramatic pieces was written for the benefit of the late Lee Lewis, and on account of its merit and success, it was afterwards performed several times. He also contributed a great deal to the comic exhibitions of 1782, entitled " Je ne scai quoi," and a variety of essays, in the periodical prints of that time, claim him as their parent. A series of political let- ters, under the signature of Corrector, gained him also con- siderable credit. Charles Dunster, A Native* probably of this county, as I am informed by his relict, who always understood, but cannot say with cer- tainty, that Mr. D. was born in Worcester. He has been mentioned as the son of the translator of the Epistles of Ho- * The Dunsters, of Dunster, and afterwards of Ilchester, both in Somerset- shire, were a family of great respectability. I have no doubt that this tran- slator (Samuel Dunster), was a native of the same county. Mr. Granger merely mentions his name, degree, and preferment; and Mr. Bromley only observes, that he was living in 1719 ; but they both say he was a Prebendary of Sarum. I think it is not impossible that he was a son or other near rela- tion of Thomas Dunster, D. D. elected Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, in 1689, upon the promotion of Dr. Gilbert Ironside, to the See of Bristol, a brother translator ; the Rev. Thomas Francklin, D. D. Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, who was Greek Professor there, does not convey a very favourable idea of the version of Horace, by Mr. Dunster, in these lines, in a poem professedly on the subject of translation : — " O'er Tiber's swan the Muses wept in vain, And mourn'd their bard by cruel Dunster slain." But that genius, learning, and taste, are now, at least, familiar with this name, there needs no other evidence than the English translation of the " Frogs of Aristophanes," and the editor of Philips's " Cyder," and the Pa- radise Regained of Milton, by the present worthy incumbent of the valuable vicarage of Petworth, (the subject ef this article.) — Nobles Continuation of Granger. A John Dunster, living at Doneat, near Ilminster, in Somersetshire, Mas, according to Wood, made demy of Mag. Coll. in 1598, aged sixteen ; Perpe- tual Fellow, 1602; afierwards M. A. Proctor of the University, 1611 ; and 552 race, but the name of the writer of this was Samuel. The father of Mr. Dunster was the Rev. Charles Dunster,* a Prebendary of Salisbury. His mother was the daughter of the pious Dr. Inett, Prebendary of Worcester, 1726, and Precentor of Lincoln Cathedral. The subject of this me- moir was born in 1750, and received the early part of his education at the Rev. Mr. Samuel Pritchett's, Rector of Knightwick (1734) in this county; he was formerly under master of the King's or College School, Worcester, and af- terwards at Knightwick, where he built the parsonage house, and formed an earthly Eden. He prepared many cele- brated characters for the universities. At this school there was nothing apparent in the conduct or abilities of young Dunster, to warrant the future celebrity of his attainments. He was only, as I am informed by a contemporary of his, remarkable for an extreme bashfulness and timidity, arising, at length chaplain to Archbishop Abbot, who bestowed on him a benefice or dignity, about 1613 ; in which year he resigned his Fellowship. He pub- lished Caesar's Penny Sermon, on 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14. Oxon. 1610, 8vo. [Bodl. Svo. D. 59. Tb.] Prodromus ; or, a Literal Exposition of the 79th Psalm, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. [Lond. 1613, 8vo. Bodl. 58. Th.] In his younger days being estemed a noted poet by his contemporaries, he had seTeral copies of verses printed in various books, especially in that made by the Soc. of Mag. Coll. on the death of a noble young man of that house, named Will Grey, son of Arthur Grey, Baron of Wilton, who died 18th Fe- bruary, 1605. A John Dunster, who died October 14, 1625, and was buried in the church of All Hallows, Bread-street, gave (inter alia) 2001. which pur- chased 121. per annum for ever, towards the reparation of the same, besides 2001. which he then gave towards the building thereof. Newcourt's Reper- torium, i. 244. There was also a John Dunster of Mag. Coll. admitted M. A. Mar. 27, 1604 ; Proctor, April 3, 1604. * The following memoranda are copied from Green's History of Worcester Cathedral, N. Isle W. End :— Here lieth the body of Mary, the daughter of the Rev. Charles Dunster, M.A. (late Prebendary of the Cathedral Church of Sarum), and of Mary, his wife. She died Oct. 24,1761, aged 13. Also the body of Ann Inett, daughter of Timothy Chamberlain, Esq. of Revesley, in Leices- tershire, and widow of Thomas Inett, M.A. Prebendary of Winchester, and of this church. She died March 24, 1780, aged 83. Also the body of Mary Dunster, daughter of the said Thomas and Ann Inett, widow of the above- mentioned Charles Dunster. She died Feb. 25, 1786, aged 67. Also in the 553 it is presumed, from being kept much at home until this pe- riod with his sisters. From Knightwick Mr. Dunster was removed to Westminster School, where he formed an ac- quaintance with the present Earl of Egremont and the late Lord Foley and his brothers, who afterwards became his most valuable patrons in the profession which he had adopted. In the year 1766, he entered at Oriel College, Oxford, which he subsequently exchanged for Baliol,* and again for Trinity College in the same University. Mr. Dunster proceeded to the degree of B.A. in 1771, and M.A. in 177-5 ; he was instituted to the rectories of Oddiug- ley and Naunton Beauchamp in this county, Feb. 29, 177-5, to which he was presented by Lord Foley ; but the next year he resigned the former, being presented by the same noble patronage to the rectory of Mordeford, in the county of Hereford : and here he married Miss Brydses, of that county, now surviving him at Midhurst, in Sussex, and by whom he had no issue. He resided at Mordeford till the year 17S.S, but in that year resigned his benefices, for the valuable rectories of Petworth and TiUington, in the county of Sussex, to which he was presented by his other early noble friend and schoolfellow, the Earl of Egremont; and, in 1787, was instituted by the Bishop of Hereford to the rectory of Stoke Edith.f He resided from this time until his decease, at Petworth. • choir, N. T. W. E. Thomas Tnett, M.A. Prebendary of this Cathedral twenty- three years, 1748. Charles Dunster, Prebendary of Salisbury, 1749. * Mr. Dunster took his degree of M.A. at Baliol College, at the same time with the Rev. Digby Smith, now of Worcester, and Mr. Jeffreys, a son of the late very respectable surgeon of the same city, at which time a custom was revived, but which had not been practised for a great number of years; they were required to go, preceded by one of the yeomen bedells, to certain Col- leges, and to propose a question for disputation in the quadrangle of each. These Colleges, it is believed, were those of the candidates for the degree— and those of the Vice Chancellor, Proctors, and other officers. + According to a very short account of Mr. Dunster, in the Gent's. Mag. he was Rural Dean of We?tern : Sussex. 4 B r .'j4 Mr. Dunster frequently exercised his genius by contri- buting to the poetical departments of the monthly publica- tions of the day. In 1784, he put forth proposals for trans- lating the comedies of Aristophanes into English verse, of which " The Frogs" he published as a specimen. But in this work he did not proceed. By too freely complying hi the early part of his life with the claims of that society of which he was the life and soul, he impaired his health and constitution materially, and was recommended by his physician and friend, Dr. Falconer, of Bath, to have some regard for his own health, in the pleasure that he was dealing round him, and to fill up his leisure hours with such studies as might be pursued without injury to his constitution. In consonance with this advice, he engaged himself in the cultivation of his poetical talents, and in works of playful criticism ; imt latterly he confined himself to those produc- tions which chiefly related to the sacred profession he had adopted. He died in April 1816.* There are many manuscript copies of his earlier produc- tions, scattered among his friends, and the following, I have every reason to believe, were never in print : — ODE TO BACCHUS. I. Bacchus, I bow before thy shrine, God of the soul-inspiring vine ; I've felt thy force, I've known thy power, God of the gay convivial hour; By thee my breast has been inspir'd, My genius wak'd, my fancy fir'd, And as 1 joiu'd thy bacchant train, Reason might preach, — but ever preach'd in vain. II. At thy approach pale care and sorrow fly, Suspicion drops her jealous eye, Sad apprehension's fancied ills are o'er, And disappointment rends the soul no more. Hope, bright enchantress ! waves her golden hair, And to eternal exile dooms despair; * His Horary wns sold in 1818. QD'J Let me then sit beneath thy throne, When other priests I ween, are found beside their own. III. Have I not seen at thy command, Avarice herself ungrasp her baud •, Envy to worth due tribute pay, And throw her venom'd snakes away ; Pride in the equal converse join, And selfishness e'en self resign ? Oh ! let us then thy praise allow, And to thy pow'r in reverend rapture bow. IV. !Tis thine the drooping heart to cheer, To free the mind from groundless fear ; The loaded bosom to careen, And loose the tyranny of spleen ; 'Tis thine the demon9 to subdue, Of sable or cerulean hue, Bid them no more our joys controul, Or cloud the azure sunshine of the soul. v. Then while before thy shrine I bow, Fealty and firm allegiance let me vow, Not that thy frantic rites impart, Some transient raptures to the heart, But that the virtues flow from thee, Mild candour, pure sincerity ; Friendship's warm glow, Compassion's tear are thiue, Thine Genius, Liberty, and Truth divine. TRANSLATION OF GRAY's ODE " tu severi religio loci" &c. Kail genius of these realms austere, Whatever name, 'tis thine to bear; For sure no trivial pow'rs can reign, O'er this romantic solemn scene, But midst the gloom of thick-wove bowers, Through which the dashing torrent roars, Midst pathless wilds more plain we see, And shaggy rocks, the Deity, Than when the sons of art combine, To labour out the form divine, 550 And gold and geras their lustre shed, Around the idol's honour'dhead. Hail, nor disdain the votive lay, Which wrapt in reverence I pay; And midst your hollow groves request, That ease which soothes the wanderer's breast; Though fortune cruelly severe Me from these envied mansions tear, From scenes of more than common awe, And musing silence, welcome law, And to the stormy haunts of men, Bear me in torture back again. Yet, Power supreme, thy suppliant hear, Nor doom him to perpetual care, When trembling 'ueath life's closing load, Grant him some calm retir'd abode, There save him from the great and proud, And shield him from the vulgar crowd, There let him live in unmolested ease, And breathe his last in solemn scenes like these. MALVERN. I. Malvern, while on thy lofty brow I stand, And view Vigornia's distant spires arise, While duty calls me to my native land, Why heaves the sigh, why backward turn mine eyes ? II. Are not thy vales, and native land, as fair As those Pomona's partial bounties bless? Dost thou not Nature's amplest tribute share ? Why then, Vigomia, do I love thee less? 111. Why thus reluctant do my footsteps bend, To view these scenes which charm'd my youthful mind ; While Malvern's much-lov'd summit I ascend, Why turn my longing, ling'riug looks behind? IV. Forgive me native land, and thou fair stream, Sabrina, Oh! forgive my wandering eye, If 1 regardless of thy beauty seem, And seek on fancy's wings the banks of Wye. v. There Delia roams with every charm replete, Each native tint of innocence and youth, 00/ In her the virtues and the graces meet, The blush of goodness, and the smile of truth. VI. In every look superior sense presides, Her every thought, good nature, springs from thee, Candour her every word and action guides, Her every feeling sensibility. VII. Then pardon, native land, on charms like these, If all my raptur'd thoughts transported roll, If while thy once-lov , d beauties cease to please, Delia alone, possess my captive soul. VIII. And should the lovely maid, whose generous mind, Scorus each base art, which vulgar bosoms know, Bland to my hopes and to my wishes kind, Propitious smile upon my proffer' d vow. IX. Her gentle steps I then perhaps may lead, To view the beauties of thy level plain, And while Sabrina's verdant banks we tread, Thy scenes, O native land, shall please again. EPITAPH ON A MUCH-LOVED AND MUCH-LAMENTED CHILD, OF GREAT PROMISE. I. While agonizing nature prompts to mourn, The sweetest pledge from our embraces torn ; This beauteous flower, which Heaven so perfect mad*, , Thus doom'd in earliest noon of life to fade, Still taught by her, we dare not to repine, But bow submissive to the will divine. II. Oh ever lov'd ! be now our joy to trace, On memory's page, each sweet retiriug grace, Each mild angelic virtue which combin'd, To pour its lustre o'er thy spotless mind, But chief that bright-ey'd faith, and seraph's love, Which rais'd thy stedfast gaze to theirs above, Which bade thee fix on Heav'n thy soul's desire, And to those realms with ardent hope aspire. III. Oh everlov'd ! with equal faith may we, In every saiut-like virtue copy thee, 558 So while thy sainted spirit mugs its flight, To the blest regions of eternal light, The bliss thy fancy framed, thou there shalt know, 44 The guide and guardian of thy friends below." The following translation of Mr. Dunster's, among the many of Bishop Lowth's elegant epitaphs on his daughter, was deemed superior to any extant : — " CARA VALE INGEMO PRiESTANS P1ETATE PUDOEE," &C. A Item pled in English. With sense, religion, modesty array'd, Lov'd beyond nature's claim, farewell, sweet maid ! Farewell ! let hope my bursting sigh restrain, That well-fix"d hope, that wc shall meet again ; When if thy father should be found like thee, Spotless and pure, from every frailty free, Again shall he behold that angel face, And fold Maria in a fond embrace. The following, I believe, is a correct list of the works of Mr. Dunster : — 1. The Frogs, from the Greek of Aristophanes, 4to. 1785. 2. Cyder, a Poem, in two books, by J. Philips, with Notes, Provincial, Historical, and Classical, 8vo. 1791, dedicated to the Hon. Ed. Foley. 3. An edition of Paradise Regained, with Notes, 1795.* 4. Considerations on Milton's early reading, and the Prima Stamina of his Paradise Lost,f to- gether with Extracts from a Poet of the 16th Century, in a Letter to Wm. Falconer, M.D. from Chas. Dunster, A.M. 1800, Svo. 5. St. James's Street, a Mock Heroic Poem, in blank verse, by Marmaduke Milton, Esq. Is. (3d. pub- * For which purpose Mr. D. in 1195 applied to Mr. Price, the friend of T. Warton, for collections. t Every illustration of Milton v ill be acceptable to admirers of poetical fancy. Perhaps few have been more happy in illustrating him than the critic before us, who having relieved the melancholy of habitual indisposition, com- paring him with a contemporary writer, pays his friend and physician the compliments of his investigation. — GcnCs. Mag. Vol. LXX. p. 657. lished Jan. 1791- See it reviewed, with extracts, mEurop, Mag. for 1791' And, in the more immediate line of his pro- fession, he published — 6. A Letter to the Right Rev. the Bi- shop of London, humbly suggesting a farther Consideration of a Passage in the Gospel of St. Matthew, 1801. 8vo. 7. Discursory Observations on St. Luke's Preface, and other Circumstances of his Gospel, in three Letters to a Friend from a Country Clergyman, 1805, Svo. 8. Con- siderations on the supposed Evidence of the Early Fathers that St. Matthew's Gospel was the tirst written, by a Coun- try Clergyman, 1806. Svo. 9. A Letter to Granville Sharpe, Esq. respecting his Remarks on the two last Peti- tions of the Lord's Prayer, from a Country Clergyman, 1807. 12mo. 10. A Letter to a Noble Duke (Leeds), on the Incontrovertible Truth of Christianity, (a republication of Mr. Leslie's Short Way with the Deists, abridged), print- ed by Seagrave, Chichester, for Robson, Bond-street, &c. 1803, the second edition corrected, to which is now added, a Postscript, 1808. Svo. 11. Discursory Considerations on the Hypothesis of Dr. Macknight and others, that St. Luke's Gospel was the first written, 1808. Svo. 12. Points at Issue between the Editor of Dr. Townson's Works, and the Author of Discursory Considerations on the Hypothesis that St. Luke's Gospel was the first written ; discursorily canvassed in two Letters to the Rev. Ralph Churton, Arch- deacon of St. David's, from a Country Clergyman, 1811. 8vo. 13. Considerations on the Holy Sacrament, 1811. 12mo. 14. A Synopsis of the three First Gospels, includ- ing the four last Chapters of St. John's Gospel, 1812. 8vo. 15. Psalms and Hymns, selected and adapted for the Use of a Parochial Church, by a Country Clergyman, 1812. 12mo.* 7, 8, 12, and 13, were published anonymously. * Mr. Dunster, it is said, never read a sermon m ritten by any other person. " If it is a bad one," said he, " my time is lost ; if a good one, I should only regret it was not my own composition." lie never published any himself, al- though he wrote many. He began one which was finished by Dr. Greaves, and they once bought one between them for three guineas. 560 Mr. Dunster's rare and very desirable qualifications make it difficult to speak of them without the appearance of ex- aggeration. He was a profound scholar, and possessed an uncommon genius. Yet he could descend to the most play- ful conversation, and the most trifling subjects he treated in a manner entirely his own. Thus he was an enlightened companion among the most erudite of his own sex, and to females he was endeared by the conciliating and elegant manner into which he entered into their more immediate pursuits. His conversation was, at the same time, brilliant, clear, and conclusive, ranging through every branch of human science, art, or learning. In fine, he was an elegant writer, and an ingenious and feeling poet. In his editorial capacity, he united a due portion of critical accuracy, with extensive learning and ele- gance of taste. He has taken some pains (says Dr. Nash, in his Hudibras,) to vindicate the character of Withers, as a poet. Party might induce Butler to speak lightly of him; but Mr. D. seems to wonder why Swift, and Granger, in his Biographical History, should hold him up as an object of contempt. His works are very numerous, and Mr. Granger says, his eclogues are esteemed the best; but Mr. Dunster gives a few lines from his Britain's Remembrancer, a poem in eight cantos, written upon occasion of the plague which raged in London in the year 1625. The extract from his Britain's Remembrancer is quoted in Nash's Hudibras, which passage, Mr. Dunster says, may, perhaps, challenge " comparison with any instance of the Qeoa- octto ^yy^xwa- in an- cient or modern poetry." His private character was marked by liberality of sentiment and feeling, and a disposition, with all these temptations to become a man of the world, highly fa- vourable to the interests of religion and virtue. This was the man who formed one of a bright constellation of men of genius and talent, who might be said to have been the boast of this city and its environs, about the middle and sub- sequent part of the eighteenth century. Men, in whom the sun of intellect never shone with brighter rays, nor illumined 561 with more vivid intelligence.* In a volume of Poems, by Holland Cooksey, Esq. is a poem addressed to the Rev. Charles Dunster, with the poetical answer of the latter. Edmund Lechmere, A Native, perhaps, of this county, was the son of Ed- mund Lechmere, formerly representative for Worcestershire ; he received his education at Queen's College, Oxford, where he took the degree of M.A. 14th November, 1770, and was afterwards called to the Bar. In 1770, he publish- ed, in a 4to. pamphlet, " Poems and Translations, by a Young Gentleman of Oxford." He was afterwards M.P. for this city, and died at Edinburgh, about Sept. 1798. There are some elegiac lines to the memory of the late Edm. Lechmere, Esq. Member in the last Parliament for the city of Worcester, signed "Belinda" Downing-street, West- minster, April 28, 1799, in the Europ. Mag. for May, 1799- Captain Michael Clements. The father of this gallant officer was Rector of Long Walton, in the county of Leicester; he built the house now occupied by Mr. Stephenson, surgeon, in the Ty thing, near this city. About the year 1742, Captain Clements commanded the Acteeon. In the year 1759, the freedom of the city of Cork was presented in silver boxes to Captains Clements and Logie, for their spirited behaviour at Carrick- fergus, on the defeat of the celebrated Thurot, on the 28th of February of that year. — Vide Smollett's History of Eng- land. March G, 1778, Captain Clements was appointed * This circle consisted of Mr. Ingram, of the Wkite Ladies, — (Vide Cham- bers's History of Worcester, pages 236, and 2S5,) Dr. Russell, Sir Edward Winnington, Mr.Dandridge, of Malvern; Colonel Barry, nonliving; Rev. J. Carver, Preb. of Worcester ; Mr. Ccombe, author of " Dr. Syntax," &c. Mr. Russell (surgeon,) James Johnstone, M.D. Dean Swift, his relative, Theophi- lus; Mr. Berkeley, of Spetchley, and his chaplain, Mr. Philips, the author of the Life of Cardinal Pole ; Ed. Lechmere ; Dr. Goodinge, Master of the Col- lege School; Thomson, jun. M.D. Holland Cooksey, Esq. and Captain Clements, R. N. Memoirs of most of these are to be found in this volume. 4 c: 5C2 to the command of his Majesty's Bhip Vengeance, and per- formed sevcial gallant actions, particularly near Cadiz, in the face of the whole Spanish fleet, and in sight of all Un- people assembled on the walls of the city, when he defeated two frigates sent out against him, receiving the fire of twenty-four ships of the enemy, and having forty shots put into the hull of his ship, many of which win between wind and water. Captain Clements died in confinement, for he became in- sane ; but at what period of time I have not been able to ascertain, but after the death of his wife, which took place in 1786. His brother, Major J. Clements, of the Worcestershire militia, and one of his Majesty's magistrates for the county, died Sept. 17, 1778, at Warley camp, and was buried in the ground of St. Osw aid's Chapel. Walsh Porter. This gentleman, of such considerable celebrity in the fa- shionable and literary world, lived at Farmcomb, Worcester- shire. He published Travels through Russia; he also wrote the Chimney Corner, a Musical Entertainment, 1797, N.P. Voluntary Contributions, Occasional Interlude, 1798, N. P. and died at Dawlish Villa, near Bath. He had, on the evening preceding his death, desired his valet to order the post-chariot to be got in readiness by five o'clock on the morning, May 1809, at which time he was found in bed lifeless by his servant. His death was presumed to have been caused by the bursting of an abscess in the liver. He was married to the beautiful and accomplished daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Scrope, of Castle Comb, near Bath. For a character of his dramatic works, see Biog. Dramatica. On Saturday, April 14, 1810, the collection of pictures, which belonged to the late Mr. Walsh Porter, were sold by Mr. Christie, for no less a sum than 30,0331.; a picture by Claude went for 27501. another by Correggio was sold for 20501.; the latter picture was, J believe, afterwards sold for 70001. 563 John Maunde, A clergyman of the Church of England, was a native of Montgomery, and received his education at Christ's Hospi- tal, London. He visited Paris at the early part of the French Revolution, and during his stay there, was seized with the rest of the English, and thrown into prison, where he remained four years. On his return to England, he en- tered himself a member of the University of Oxford ; from thence he removed to this city and took orders. In 1812, he went to Kenilworth, as curate, and just be- fore his decease, he was presented with the living of Atherton, near Evesham, in this county, to which place he was travelling to take possession, when at the Crown Inn of this city, he was seized with a violent fit of coughing, from which he burst a blood vessel, and within an hour expired, in June 1813. He was engaged, at the time of his death, by Lucien Bonaparte, when at Thorngrove, to translate his poem of Charlemagne, in which he had proceeded as far as the eighth canto. Thomas Pitt, Originally a chorister of Worcester Cathedral, was the pupil and afterwards assistant of Mr. Isaac, whom he suc- ceeded as organist to that Cathedral and as conductor of the concerts. — See his article, p. 503. He was the author of " A Selection of Sacred Music, principally from the Works of Handel, inscribed by permission to the Hon. and Rev. the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Worcester." This work consisted of sixteen anthems now used in this Cathedral. Mr. Pitt died in April, 1806. James Johnstone, Jun. M.D. A Native of this county, was born at Kidderminster, Aug. 1754. He was the eldest son of Dr. James John- stone, (whose memoir we have detailed at page 473) and of 564 Hannah, daughter of Mr. Henry Crane, of Kidderminster. This gentleman was also a Physician to the Worcester In- firmary, in which situation he was succeeded by his father, Dr. James Johnstone, sen. In his childhood he gavetailv indications of an amiable disposition and good talents ; and was brought up under his father's eye at the grammar school at Kidderminster, under the Rev. Mr. Martin, an excellent classical scholar. At Dr. Atworth's academy, young John- stone made considerable progress for three years in lan- guages, mathematics, philosophy, and other academical studies; and when he left that sehool, the Doctor conclud- ed many pleasing accounts of his pupil by declaring he was one of the most ingenious and promising young men he had ever known. Thus prepared, he commenced the study of medicine at Edinburgh, in the 17th year of his age, wherej it is said, he attended the lectures and studies with singular industry. He was soon admitted a member of the Medical Society of Edinburgh, and distinguished himself there by his papers, and in the debates, the former of which have, according to his life, in Green's History, contributed to form the medical character of a great many celebrated phy-- sicians. His assiduity was honourably noticed by his pro- fessors, particularly the late Dr. Cullen and Dr. Gregory ; to the last, he acted as chemical clerk, in preparing the cases in which the Doctor proposed to lecture at the Infirmary. Dr. Johnstone graduated at Edinburgh in September, in the year 1773, being there distinguished by his early pro- ficiency, for he had hardly completed his 20th year, when he was made a Doctor of Physic. His thesis on the An- gina Maligna was considered as a master-piece, and recom- mended to the attention of physicians by Dr. Cullen. This treatise was re- published in 1779, in an English translation, with considerable additions, derived from a paternal stock of observations, as well as from the author's own study and experience. Dr. Cullen is not the only writer of eminence who has spoken of this work as one of the most valuable treatises on the subject ; the late Dr. Fothergil!, Dr. 56-5 Rowley, and others, have bestowed much commendation upon it. In the summer of 1774, Dr. Johnstone was unanimous- ly chosen a Physician to the Worcester Infirmary, and at- tended that charitable institution with acknowledged assi- duity. The patients felt his humanity, and profited by his skill. His success and diligence in his profession gave him a large share of medical practice in the city and county of Worcester, at a time of life when it is not usual for physicians to be very much employed. His knowledge of medicine was regular and correct m all its branches ; but in the application of his knowledge to particular cases, he dis- played that happy sagacity and discernment, that energy tempered with prudence, in his prescriptions, which alone belongs to the rare character of a physician of genius ; and a little before his death (continues his biographer) he was looked up to as one who would soon be at the head of his profession. When called, by the Magistrates of the county of Wor- cester, to visit the prisons, where many laboured under the gaol fever, nobly attentive to his duty, but too negligent of his own safety, he went into cells and dungeons full of pes- tilential contagion, and restored health to the miserable suf- ferers ; but his own valuable life fell a sacrifice to the ex- ertion. He was seized with the dire contagion ; and, fully persuaded that the event would be unavoidably fatal, he was conveyed to his father's house in Kidderminster, there to receive the last attention of parental skill and affection. — Every medical effort proved ineffectual ; he died Aug. 16, 1783,* a lamented victim in the discharge of one of the most dangerous duties of the profession : he was buried in Wor- cester Cathedral, where, on a tablet, is an inscription to his memory from the classical pen of Dr. Parr. — Vide Chambers's History of Worcester, p. 189- Dr. Johnstone's manners were as remarkably chearful and pleasing as his * Aug. 20, Dr. Johnstone offered himself to succeed his son as Physician to •the Infirmary. 566 knowledge was great and extensive ; to these were added great sweetness of temper mingled with vivacity and sensi- bility, and he possessed a vigor of body which seemed to pro- mise a long life. The Governors of the Worcester Infir- mary expressed the concern of the public in their statement of 1784: — "It would be unpardonable to overlook the mournful occasion of this election of physicians, by the death of Dr. Johnstone, jun. who for nine years served this cha- rity with great assiduity, humanity, and skill, and who fell a memorable sacrifice by his attendance on another public ser- vice." The late Mr. Howard, whose death was similar, speaks of Dr. Johnstone with a generous sympathy in his " State of the Prisons in England and Wales," 3d ed. 1784: " In the course of my pursuits (says the philanthropist) I have known also many amiable young physicians, who, in their zeal to do good, have been carried off by this dreadful distemper, the gaol fever, and this has been one incentive to my endeavours for its extirpation out of our prisons. I shall mention one affecting instance which happened here, as the circumstance is related by Dr. Barnes, in the Manchester Memoirs, vol. 2, p. 85 : Dr. Johnstone, jun. of Worces- ter, has lately fallen a much-lamented martyr to a noble dis- charge of duty, in attending the prisoners ill of a fever in Worcester gaol, in 1783. He attained, at an early period, to great and deserved eminence in his profession, and will be ever regretted as a physician of great ability and genius, and one of the most pleasing men, prematurely snatched from his friends and country, when highly agreeable and use- ful to them."* * In recording the memoirs of the last physician of eminence who died in this city, I may perhaps be allowed to mention one of the Medical Pro- fession who, although he has left no memorial of his literary talents behind him, yet have the celebrity of his abilities, and the goodness of his heart, not been forgotten among us. — The following tribute to his virtues appeared in the Worcester Journal: — " Died, suddenly, the 17th Nor. 1818, at his house in Foregate-street, of violent haemorrhage from the bowels, John Dangerfield, Esq. of this city, surgeon. He was not more distinguished for professional skill, than for his humanity, attention, and kindness to all mi N. WlLLOUGHBY, Architect of the new County Prison, died Dec. 1815. *WlLLIAM TlNDAL.f The following account of the historian of Evesham, ex- that required his assistance. His conduct through life -was ever marked by the highest sense of honour, the strictest integrity, the noblest candour, and the practice of every christian virtue- * So christened after his ancestor, the celebrated martyr and translator of the Bible. + The pedigree of the family of Tyndale, Tindale, or Tindal, may be seen in Morant's History of Essex, and Bloomfield's Norfolk; but they say nothing of the famous Wm. Tindal (a) burnt for translating the scriptures at Augs- burg, in Germany, during the reign of Henry VIII. who was, it is not un- likely, the second son (mentioned in the pedigree) of John Tindal, Knight of the Bath, who died in 1539. Nor do they mention the later branches of the family ; the latter I shall endeavour to supply by a communication from me- mory, from a genealogical table made out at the Herald's Office: — " Mat- thew Tindal, son of the Dean, was father of Matthew and John, the former the great metaphysician and deist ; the latter had the living of Cornwood, in Devon, and was father to Nicholas Tindal, Rector of Alverstock, Hampshire, a great living, and one of the Directors as well as Chaplain to Greenwich Hospital. He had by his first wife three sons, John, Rector of Chelmsford, Essex; George, captain of a man of war ; and James, captain in the 4th re- giment of dragoons. John, the eldest son, had one daughter, Anna Maria, married to John Morgan, clerk, he succeeded to the rectory of Chelmsford ; George had two sons, George and Robert, and two daughters; Robert, still living, has a numerous family, which are now the only branch likely to per- petuate the name. James Tindal, the youngest son of Nicholas, bad four children; James, who died young, and likewise Ann Louisa, married to James Boden Carpenter, who has a numerous family, and Wm. Tindal, clerk, the youngest, (the subject of this memoir), was likewise married, but died without children." ArmsofTyndal — Argent or, a fesse sable 3jarbesor. Crest a plume of feathers, ermine, within a crown. (a) See Granger. He is also mentioned by Mr. Chalmers, in his Biog. Diet, as of another family. Mr. Wm. Tindal has been heard to say, that the version of Psalms, as now used in the Common Prayer, was literally his trans- lation ; being more poetical and read better than perhaps a more correct one, it remains unaltered. 508 traded from a little sketch of his early life, and written by himself, has been obligingly forwarded to inc by the person in whose possession he left it : — " I first saw the light at the parsonage house at Chelmsford, on the 14th of May, 17-36; my father, the youngest son of three, of Nicholas Tindal, the continuator of Rapin, was a captain in the 4th regiment of dragoons, and was then on a visit with my mother, i»t my uncle's, John Tindal, at that time rector of Chelmsford. Verv soon after my birth, my father's regiment went to Scot- land; I accompanied it, and there he died, I believe, at Dunbar, when I was about four years old, and my mother, who was left in circumstances very far from affluent, brought me from Scotland, to her brother's house, who was then a minor canon of Chichester Cathedral. At a proper age I was sent to a day school kept by the Rev. Mr. Biagdon, a worthy man and a good scholar, but inattentive to his pupils. At this school I acquired little or nothing. A very singular turn of mind, which has accompanied me through life, was visible even in the early part of it. Though possessing the playfulness and vivacity of other children, yet a pensive meditative thoughtfulness so much predominated, as to be remarked by my friends, and excited their wonder and dis- approbation, at the same time 1 evinced a strong inclination for music, and was early discovered to possess a very delicate ear. When about the age of ten, I left Chichester, to live with my mother, then removed to Richmond. Here 1 saw much of my grandfather, and often visitedat his apartments, in Greenwich Hospital, of which he was chaplain. He seemed to think well of my capacity for obtaining know- ledge, but appeared apprehensive of the violence of my pas- sions. I think he would have been right, in both respects, if poverty, and the remote situation in which 1 lived, had not at the same time that they curbed those violent passions, also repressed what little genius I might originally have pos- sessed, which afterwards discovered itself in the cultivation of the art of music. 569 In about a year after I had resided with my mother,* at Richmond, I accompanied her to Oxford, iu order to be entered as a chorister of the chapel there. This, I think, was a material error of my friends ; it shewed a want of pro- per attention to my disposition and turn of mind. Had I been a bold forward boy, without awe of my superiors, this plan might have answered ; but for a shy, reserved, silent, and meditative youth, fully sensible of his inferiority to the merits of others, although, perhaps, not superior in reality to his own, it was the worse situation they could have chosen. They fell into the common error of many persons, in mis- taking silent thoughtfulness for stupidity or heaviness ; here, however, I continued for some years, and lodged at the house of the Rev. Mr. Mant. My passion for music again revived, with the leisure, which made me my own master. I hired a violin, and began to play several passages from the solos of Correlli, and not contented with these, I endeavour- ed to improve these solos into trios, by adding parts to them ; at the same time I was also seized with an ardour for severer studies. I know not at what period of my life my love of drawing and a fondness for paintings first discovered itself, which afterwards clung to me through life. I only know, that when in Cumberland, in 1770, I was seized with an eager desire of delineating some of its magnificent scenery, and I produced two or three well-finished and spirited pencil drawings, to my own great astonishment. In the spring of 1772, 1 entered as commoner of Trinity College, with an in- tention of standing for a scholarship the same year. My tutor, the famous T. Warton, ushered me into some of the best rooms of the college (mistaking, probably, my import- ance), and when the day came to which I looked forward with anxiety, I was examined in Epictetus, and a difficult ode of Horace. I do not recollect, but I believe there was nothing very brilliant in my mode of doing it ; however * This lady, whose maiden name was Shenton, and who was respectably portioned by her father-in-law, married Dr. Smith, a physician, of Chelten- ham and Oxford. 4 D 570 I was elected scholar. Study, serious study, was now pretty much out of the question. Music, at this period, mostly occupied mv time. I began to compose a quartetto and sccceeded tolerably well." — Mr. Tindal having thus far spoken for himself, I have only to continue the memoir from the same authentic source from which I have gained the preceding matter. His father died at the early age of thirty-three. A few years after his father had purchased him a captain's commis- sion at a great expense, and during the time that Captain James Tindal was in the army, the following exertion of his courage occurred; at the battle of Dettingen, where he was a comet of dragoons : — He was stationed in the front rank, when his horse was shot under him, but contrived to save his colours, which he did by creeping under the bellies of, the whole troop of horse, and dragging the flag after him in his teeth. This enterprize being reported to George II. his Majesty presented him with a lieutenancy, and signed his commission on the field of battle. Mr. Tmdal lost his pa- ternal grandfather in the year 1774, by whom he was left a handsome annuity, until he should arrive at the age of four and twenty, at which time the old gentleman had hoped and expected his grandson would have been amply provided for in the church. He was ordained at Oxford in 1778, and became Fellow of Trinity College. This he lost by marry- ing, which he did early in life. He afterwards held the living of Kington, in this county, to which he was instituted July 6, 1792, and to which he was presented by his father-in-law, Dr. Smith, through his interest with the Cecil family ; he also held the living of Billmgford, Norfolk, which latter pre- ferment he exchanged with the Rev. T. Cowper, it is be- lieved, in 1779, for the chaplainship of the Tower of Lon- don, in which place he died, September 1804. Mr. Tindal was the author of" A History of Evesham," in one volume 4to. a work of which the following letter bears more ample testimony to its merits, than any panegyric I can bestow : — 571 COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE LATE EARL OF ORFORD TO A FRIEND.* Dear Sir, Strawberry Hill, Oct. 12, 1794. There has been published, this year, a book, with so uncaptivating a title, that it may not have attracted your notice, yet, in some parts, I think it would please and amuse you; and from one chapter I can confidently say, that it deserves to be highly commended and re- commended, for the effect it may have on others, though not, perhaps, on those readers for whom it was principally calculated, and on whom good sense is not apt to make much impression — I mean antiquaries. — Lord help them ! The book is called " The History and Antiqui- ties of the Abbey and Borough of Evesham ;" a quarto, printed there; the author, Wm. Tindal, M.A. late Fellow of Trinity College, Oxon. I know nothing at all of the gentleman, nor whether he is a clergy- man or a laic. I am fond of English local history, a study, if it may be called so, that requires little but patience, and a memory for trifles, and which, to be sure, from the general manner in which it is executed, produces as little satisfaction, as any kind of reading can do. Thus, you see, I prove I am one of those insipid beings at whom I hinted, who demand uothing, but to be told facts and cir- cumstances of no importance, that commonly are obsolete, and little worth reviving. To my great surprise, (for I never set out in such a task with san- guine hopes of entertainment), I found the work in question written with the utmost impartiality and liberality, as you will judge, if you will please to turn to a few lines at the close of the 4th chap. p. 120, and still better, if you look at the conclusion of the 5th chapter, be- ginningatp. 144, with these words :— " But these poor abbotts." I think. Sir, you will discern excellent and rational reflections, and an admirable contrast between just seriousness and superstition, with an amiable picture of melaucholy contemplation on the vicis- situdes of human affairs. But what I chiefly meant to recommend to your observation, and wish to see specified with proper enco- miums (the real object of this letter), are the severe but merited strictures on the French Revolution, on their insolent philosophers, and on all those monsters that have been, and still are, their disci- ples^ These strictures extend to the end of the fifth chapter, and, in my humble opinion, no reprobation of the conduct of the French * Printed in some periodical publication. + Surely Mr. Walpole forgot the eulogiutns he had lavished on his dear friend, Madame De DefFend, &e. 57 ■: for the last five years, has been so well expressed in the compass of fix pages. How concisely has the author, towards the bottom of page 146, painted the apish and pedantic atlcctation of their writers in imita- tion of the classics ! I beg your pardon, good Sir, for giving you this trouble, though, I trust, I have introduced to you an author worthy of your acquaint- ance. 1 beg, too, not to have this letter shewn, as I write to you most confidentially, and should be very sorry to offend those very inoffensive personages, antiquaries: for a few of them I have a great esteem. I am, with sincere respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, OR FORD. P.S. Pray read the account of the Battle of Evesham, it is a fine piece of history. In addition lo the History of Evesham, the contributor of this article informs me, Mr. T. wrote — 2. " Strictures (or Remarks) on Dr. Johnson's Life, and Critical Observations on the Works of Mr. Gray, 1782;"* a work of which I have heard, that the late Bishop Hurd said, " It was the best defence he had ever seen against the attacks of that Goliah of literature." He also wrote, 3. " Juvenile Excursions," a work produced, I believe, while he held the living of Bil- lingford. 4." The Evils and Advantages of Genius contrast- ed ;" and several pamphlets on political subjects. He also had several unfinished works in hand, at the time of his decease, of which many are in the possession of his widow. His compositions in music have been held in high estima- tion by the first judges; and it is not long since that some of his juvenile productions were played at the Concert of Ancient Music, with great approbation. * I have in my possession " Remarks on Dr. Johnson's Life, and Critical Observations on the Works of Gray," 8vo. 1782. In the work by Mr. Tin- dal, I am informed, he called Johnson the Aristarchus of the present age. This is not mentioned in my pamphlet ; and yet I have little doubt but it is the same work. 573 George Osborne, Late pastor of the dissenting congregation in Angel-street, in this city, was born in the city of Cork, November 13, 1757, and was the son of John and Catherine Osborne. He was placed under the care of a clergyman in Cork, who, perceiving the intellectual bias of his mind, bestowed upon him more than common attention. While yet very young, he appeared resolved to dedicate himself to the mi- nistry, and this idea probably arose from an impression made on his mind by a sermon from Mr. Whitfield, whom he was taken to hear by his grandmother. This inclination was, however, much discouraged by some of his friends, who ob- serving indications of superior talent, imagined it might more successfully be employed at the bar ; while others proposed the study of medicine ; but his first design prevailed. He was then strongly solicited to enter into the established church, and many inducements were held out by his young friends and others, who had livings at their disposal. These flattering offers, being a dissenter from principle, he positively rejected : and at length embarked for England for the purpose of studying at the academy of Daventry, under the Rev. Thomas Robins ; he, it is said, took much pains to strengthen his voice, which was naturally weak, by resorting to the plan laid down by Demosthenes, of speaking in the open air, and near the sea-shore. Upon leaving the academy, Mr. Osborne returned to Ireland to exercise his ministerial labours in his native country. In these views he was, however, disappointed : those to whom his talents as a preacher would have been acceptable, differed from him in sentiments ; he therefore returned to England, where he found many friends, and he continued in this country more than two years, during which period, namely, in March l/So, he married the daughter of John and Frances Hartley, of Fleet-street. Towards the close of the same year, he re- moved to West Bromwich, Staffordshire, having accepted hi invitation t<> take care of an independent congregation of 374 that place, and where he was ordained on the 2oth July 1787- He continued his services, at West Bromwich, during a period of seven years, and in this place he estab- lished Sunday schools, relieved the poor, and promoted the institution of a lying-in charity, the latter of which was sanc- tioned and supported by the late Earl of Dartmouth. In 1792, Mr. Osborne entered upon the office of pastor of the congregation belonging to Angel-street, Worcester, in which he continued until his death, and here he commenced form- ing a collection of books, for the benefit of his connection, in the same room now occupied as the City Library. " As a preacher," says his biographer, " he was deservedly conspi- cuous, and had his health (which was habitually infirm) ad- mitted of a more rigid application to study, it is more than probable he would have attained a very high degree of emi- nence in the list of pulpit orators." His voice, without being strained, was always distinctly audible ; bis enunciation and manner graceful and impres- sive; his style oftentimes energetic, but always neat, co- pious, and flowing ; his conception of his subject was gene- rally exceedingly correct and intimate, and the facilities of language and expression seemed perfectly at his command. As a tutor he was eminently distinguished as well by his clsasical attainments and general knowledge, as bv his unceasing endeavours to promote the high interest of his pupils. Mr. Osborne was the first* who established Sun- day schools in Worcester, and his exertions were successful in stimulating other societies to a similar work. He died on Tuesday, November 10, 1812, aged 54, at the parsonage ad- joining Angel-street chapel, after being for nearly twenty-one years pastor of the congregation at Worcester, and was in- terred on the Wednesday follow ing, in the burial-ground ad- joining the chapel. He left behind him a widow, one son, and four daughters. * I had been given to understand, that the Sunday schools in this city, ori- ginated with the Rev. Mr. Harris, in 1791. See History of Worcester, p. 266. ""»C 570 Mr. Osborne was the author of four published sermons. 1. Christianity attested and explained by Prophecy, Rev. xix. 10. 1738. 2. Evangelic Faith and Union, Philip, i. 27. 1794. Moral Charity, Rom. ii. 20. 1801. And 4. Devout Loyalty, Psalm xx. 9- John Price, A teacher of the French, Latin, Italian, and Spanish lan- guages, was born in the year 1773, at Leominster. He was the author of 1. " An Historical and Topographical Account of Leominster and its Vicinity," 1795, 8vo. 2. " An His- torical Account of the City of Hereford," &c. 1796, 8vo. and 3. " The Worcester Guide," 12mo. 1799, very respect- able works ; from the latter of which have been copied much of the matter of other histories of Worcester, without due acknowledgment to the author for information bor- rowed from his work, the copy-right of which was pur- chased by the late Mr. Smart, bookseller, of this city. Mr. Price died April 5, 1801, sincerely lamented; his ac- quaintance with the various departments of polite literature was accurate and extensive ; his manners were affable, and his conduct marked with integrity. He had pedestrinated through France, Italy, &c. and is represented as being a little active man. J. Barrett, A clergyman, whose name is affixed to " A Description of Malvern and its Environs, comprising an Account of the Efficacy of the Malvern Waters," &c. 1796, of which there is a later edition. I believe this gentleman was the curate of Colwall, in Herefordshire. The work possesses consider- able merit; it has been quoted by several authors, and is now out of print. I have been informed that the work was, in reality, written by Sir H. V. Tempest. Eliza Blower, A Native of this rounty, was. an early candidate for li- 57(1 terarv fame, having been the authoress of a novel when only of the age of sixteen. In the year 1782, being only eighteen years of age, she produced a similar work, called George Bateman, published by Dodsley, in three volumes. Her father was well known for his steady attachment to an unsuccessful candidate for the city of Worcester, and from the misfortunes attendant on this attachment, it was pre- sumed that Miss Blower was indebted for the election inci- dents which she has introduced in George Bateman. " The general plan of this work," says a contemporary critic, " is obviously a masterly imitation of Tom Jones. George Bateman has every trait that marks the Foundling of Field- ing. If there is a deviation, it is in the superior politeness of Bateman;" and the critic then proceeds in a strain as highly complimentary to the abilities of the fair writer. Her first novel was called " The Parsonage House." Its design was to ridicule the method of novel making at that period ; but her imagination, it is said, insensibly contracting a fond- ness for the characters it conceived, threw a brilliancy over the performance which destroyed the intention. Miss Blower, from forming so early a taste for books, formed little extempore dramas, before she had learned to write, from tales in the Spectator, Tatler, &c. Sec. for she was not permitted by her parents to peruse regular dramas. Her literary exertions were called forth to benefit her family, but her success in them bore no proportion to her merit. In person she was elegant, attractive, and interesting. Her countenance pleasant, expressive, and vivacious ; her eyes lively and penetrating ; and, finally, says the contemporary critic which we have quoted above, her character was irre- proachable. John Collett Was born at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, April 28, 1769, of respectable parents. He was a descend- ant of that estimable scholar, Dr. John Colet, Dean of St. Paul's, and founder of St. Paul's School, London. His ex- 577 traordinary size* unfitting him for a more active life, he opened a boarding-school at Bourton, in 1791. In 1799, he removed to Evesham, in this county, where he presided over a large and respectable seminary with great reputation and success. He died March 22, 1816, in the Foregate- street of this city, where he had opened a school in the sum- mer preceding, which is now conducted by his sou. He was a useful and benevolent man ; he was the chief promoter of the first Sunday school at Evesham, and was the secretary and treasurer to that and several other in- stitutions. In the early part of his life he frequently invoked the muses ; and in most of the magazines of that period, some of his poetical contributions are to be found, under the sig- nature of O. O. He published, in 1795, " Poetical Es- says; or, Short Flights towards Parnassus;" and, in 1805, a larger work, entitled, " Sacred Dramas." Colonel Sir Henry Walton Ellis, A Native of this county, was the son of Major-General Joyner Ellis, many years resident at Kempsey, where the sub- ject of this memoir was born, in the year 1782. At a very early period he entered the army as ensign in the 89th regi- ment, from which he was, in 1 792, promoted to a lieutenancy in the 41st regimeut; and, in 1795, embarked for the West Indies with the latter corps, and was stationed with it in the island of St. Domingo. He returned to England, 1796, in consequence of being promoted to a company in the 23d, or Royal Welch Fusileers. In 1799, he accompanied the 23d to Holland, and was present at the action of the H elder, on the 27th August, where he received a severe wound in the knee. Captain Ellis embarked at Plymouth, in 1800, with his regiment, which formed part of the force engaged in the several expeditions to Ferrol, Cadiz, and ultimately to Egypt. At the memorable landing effected by our troops in • He weighed 365 Ite. 4 E 578 the Bay of Aboukhy Captain Ellis, then only nineteen years of a«e, was the first officer of his regiment who gained the beach, and gallantly led on the brave grenadier company to storm the heights, which was effected with great loss, and he received a very severe wound. lie received a gold medal for his conduct on this occasion, and was subsequently em- ployed with his regiment, at Gibraltar, for eighteen months, and returned to England, in August 180:5, and was engaged in the recruiting service, till he attained the rank of major, in October 1804, and in the year following accompanied the army to Hanover. In April 1807, he obtained a lieutenant- colonelcy ; and, in Feb. 180S, embarked in the command of the 1st battalion of the 23d regiment for North America, and arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia, the April following ; the 23d regiment also formed part of the expedition against Martinique, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis was very highly spoken of in the dispatches of Sir George Beckwith, for his conduct at the capture of that island, in February 1809. In April, of the same year, the regiment returned to Hali- fax, and, in October 1810, embarked to join their gallant countrvmen in the Peninsula, and arrived at Lisbon in No- vember following, from which time, till the conclusion of the war, he and his brave regiment formed part of the 4th division of the army, and was engaged in almost every battle and siege which occurred. On the retreat of Massena from Santarem, on the night of the 5th March, 181 1, the 23d regiment composed part of the force detached southward, under command of Marshal Be- resford. On the investment of Badajos, the 23d was em- ployed in the trenches, till the siege was raised by the ap- proach of Marshal Soult to relieve it, when the allied army took up a position on the heights near Albuera, where a most sanguinary battle was fought on the l6th of May, and the French were repulsed, and retreated with great loss. The conduct of the fusileer brigade was on that day the ad- miration of the whole army, but its loss was most severe. Sir William Myers, who commanded it, being killed, the o79 command of the brigade devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis, who was severely wounded, by a musket-ball passing- through his right hand. He was, however, soon after com- manding his regiment at Aldea de Fonte, on the 27 th Sep- tember, 1811. At the siege and storming of Cuidad Rod- rigo, in January 18112, Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis, and the Welch Fusileers, bore a distinguished share, and formed part of the army besieging Badajos in March following ; whilst on services in the trenches, on the 28th of that month, he received a wound from a musket-ball, across his forehead, just above his eyes, which deprived the country of his services at the storming of that fortress, but where his regiment behaved nobly. He likewise commanded the fu- sileer brigade at the glorious battle of Salamanca, the 23d of July, where he was most severely wounded from a musket- ball, which entering his neck, passed along his back, and lodged in his shoulder, another ball, at the same moment, grazing his temple. He was present at Burgos in October following, and at the subsequent retreat. In 1813, he sus- tained the high character of his regiment at the battle of Vittoria, on the 21st of June, and received the praise of Lord Wellington. At the battles of the Pyrenees, the 23d was particularly engaged, and, on the 28th of July, charged several times with the bayonet; the total repulse of the enemy followed, but the Lieutenant-Colonel received another wound from a musket-ball on his cheek. He was present at the battle of Pamplona, in September; at the passage of the Bklassoa, in October; the Nivclla, in November ; and the Nive, in December following. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis received a wound in his eye at the battle of Orth.es, on the 27th February 1814, where he greatly distinguished himself, as he did at the battle of Thoulouse, on the 10th of April following. The Peninsular war having gloriously terminated, Lieute- nant-Colonel Ellis returned with his regiment to England, and soon after received those rewards from his Sovereigu and his country, which he had so justly merited, by being, 580 in June IS 14, promoted to the rank, of a Colonel in the army ; and, in January 181.5, made one of the Knights Command- ers of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, and Knight of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword. He also received a gold cross, &c. for his conduct in the different battles in which he had been engaged ; and, on his return to his native land, this county and city voted him a most superb and elegant vase, which was presented to him on the 2()th of December 1814, by the Right Hon. the Earl of Coventry. The inscription on one of the sides of this vase is in Latin, and the other in English, the latter of which is as follows: — To Colonel HENRY WALTON ELLIS, Of the 23d Regiment Royal Welch Fuzileers, This tribute to his meritorious and distinguished conduct, during 15 years of active service, In Holland, Egypt, America, the W r est Indies, Spain, Portugal, and France, Is respectfully offered by the County And his native City of Worcester, and presented at their desire, By the Earl of Coventry, Lord Lieutenant and Recorder, 1815. Alas ! all these honours were only achieved to illustrate the words of the poet, " The paths of glory lead but to the grave !" On the recommencement of hostilities, Sir Henry Ellis embarked with his regiment for the Netherlands, and at the ever-memorable battle of Waterloo, so glorious for the country, but so unfortunate for individuals, whilst charging the enemy with his brave and invincible regiment, lie re- ceived a carbine shot in the left breast, of which wound he lingered nearly two days, and then expired at the early age of thirty-three,* to the great regret of the whole regiment, which was devotedly attached to him, and the unutterable grief of all who knew him. Colonel Ellis is said to have D * Thirty-two accordins to his monument. 581 been a man of most engaging and fascinating manners, mild and affable, and possessing a happy flow of spirits, a most entertaining companion, excelling eminently in the charms of conversation and social life. He was, in consequence, en- thusiastically beloved by his own family. The estimation in which he was held may be ascertained from the Duke of Wellington's dispatch announcing his death, in which he laments him as a public loss, and as a friend. He was in- terred in the field of battle to the right of the position, on the mound of the only wind-mill at Braine le Leud, and he has left behind him a name of imperishable lustre. As a token of respect to his memory, the officers, non- commissioned officers, and privates of the regiment, unani- mously resolved to raise a monument by subscription, ac- cording to their respective ranks. This monument, exe- cuted by Bacon, is now erected in the nave of Worcester Cathedral. It represents Colonel Ellis falling from his horse, while Victory is crowning him with laurel. His present Majesty, when Prince Regent, was pleased to grant to the family of Sir Henry Ellis, the following ho- nourable augmentation of arms, to be for the future borne by them, viz. Gules on a fess Or, three escallop of the field, between two crescents in chief, and an urn in base, Ar- gent, pendant from the chief point by a ribband and clasp. A representation of the gold cross and clasp presented by the royal command to the late Sir Henry Walton Ellis, as a mark of his (late) Majesty's approbation of his services in the Peninsula, &c. On a chief embattled of the 2d, pen- dant of a ribband Gules, fembriated Azure, representation of the silver medal struck in commemoration of the battle of Waterloo, and presented to the family of Sir H. W. Ellis, beneath the word " Waterloo," and a branch of palm, and another of cypress, proper. The urn, in the base of the arms, being intended to allude to the public tribute, &c. presented by his native county and city of Worcester. And for a crest, or, a wreath of the colours out of a mural crown ; Or, a cubit arm in bend, vested Gitlet, cuff Azure, the hand 582 grasping a Bword proper; pomel and Iiilt gold, the blade broken, and encircled by a wreath of cypress ; from the wrist a representation of the said medal, in commemoration of the battle of Waterloo, pendant bj ■ ribband, as in the arms. Motto — "Decorum pro patria roori;" above the crest — " Bello dextra." A miniature of the subject of this memoir, painted by Bennett, is in the possession of William Joyner Ellis, Esq. his relative, Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Richard Cooksey, A Native of this county, the son of Holland Cooksey, Esq. was born at Braces Leigh, 1761. He was first edu- cated at Eton School, then, I believe, at Oxford ; and, af- terwards choosing the profession of his father, entered the Temple. Mr. It. Cooksey was the author of a volume of Poems, 8vo. 1796. In 1788, he published Proposals for a History of Worcester by subscription, in one volume, from the Collections of Dr. Nash ; and also a similar Proposal for the Lives of the Chancellors Somers and Hardwicke. This History of Worcester, I believe, was never printed. For an account of the latter work, see page 541 of this work, article Holland Cooksey. He died in London, in March, 1798. ADDENDA. Ednod, (Add at page 72.) Was originally a monk of Worcester, and became, through the interest of Bishop Oswald, the first abbot of Ramsey Abbey. In 1005, he was promoted to the bishopric of Dorchester ; he is sometimes called Bishop of Lincoln, but that by way of anticipation, for the bishopric was not removed from Dorchester to Lin- coln till after the Norman Conquest; Ednod was a cele- brated architect, and was killed, while attending the armv of King Edmund, at the fatal battle of Assendum. See Ben- tham's Ely. Thomas and Matthew of Worcester, (P. 19, after Evesham.) Were artists, employed about the year 1300, as painters, to decorate the chapel of St. Stephen's, Westminster; the former, at .5d.; the latter, at 4fd. per diem. John Wickliffe. (Add to p. 28, before article Peverell.) This cele- brated father of the Reformation had a prebend in Wor- cester Cathedral.* In Worcester Cathedral Library is a smaller copy of his Bible and New Testament than the one at St. John's College, Oxford, given by Bishop Laud. It is written in a different hand from Laud's MS. This also is said to have been of Wickliffe's penmanship, together with a copy of the Vulgate, corresponding to it, the copy, it is said, from which Wickliffe translated, and written in the same hand with the translation. He was born 1324, and died 1384. * I regret that I have unfortunately mislaid the authority for this, which I remember considering as undoubted. He died before the dates of the list of Prebendaries in the History of Worcester commences. 584 "William of Worcester, (p. 31, add) was also called Win. Boloner : he was a native of Bristol. — See Fenn's Original Letters. Bray, (p. 38, 1. 10) yet Mr. Lysons says that Eton Bray was granted to Sir Reginald in 1513, it having been forfeited by attainder. Mr. L. also says, Sir Reginald was possessed of Haynes. In the south aisle of Eton Bray church is a fragment of stone-work, richly carved, and ornamented with the Royal arms, and devices of Sir Reginald Bray. — See more in Ly sons' s Bedfordshire. In the 12th of Henry VII. a tax was levied upon the English to appease a tumult in Scotland, when the Cornish men rose, and refused to pay it, laying the charge of this exaction on Sir Reginald Bray and Merton, Archbishop of Canterbury. — Hall's Chroni- cle, p. 477- In the reign of Henry VI. the fee-farm rent of Bedford, payable by the burgesses to the Crown, being then 4G1. per aim. was remitted in part for a time, on a re- presentation of the poverty of the town. By the intercession of Sir Reginald Bray, when he was prime minister to Henry VII. it was permanently reduced to 201. per an. some sub- sequent time to 161. 5s. 8d. — Lysons. In 1513 (this must be a mistake in the date, he died in 1503,) he became possessed of Totenhoe, Bedfordshire, by a grant from the Crown. The manor of Standon Hussey,Beds. in the Wiltshire part of the parish, at one period belonged to Sir Reginald Bray, and was bequeathed by him to William, Lord Sandys, who married the only child of his brother John. Bonnor, (p. 50, first line, add) was a Native of the county, (p. 51,1. 5) George Savage was reported to have had seven illegitimate children by three different women. (1. 22) An entry in the register of Dereham, Norfolk, cor- roborates his being the illegitimate son of Savage. — See also Granger's Letters, p. 85. Query, at what time was he re- gistered? (1.15, add) had. (p. 56, 1.6) It must not how- ever be forgotten that Bonnor had the merit of inviting to i England the celebrated Hadrian Junius, one of the most eminent scholars of those days ; and although he had not the means of assisting him on his arrival in England, he v\as in consequence introduced to the celebrated Earl of Surrie, who maintained him in his house as his physician, with a liberal salary. — See Nott's elaborate Life of the Earl of Surry, pp. xl. xliv. Ixi. and Ixii. Sir John Harrington tells us, that when Bonnor, to vex him, was shewn a wood- en print in Fox's Book of Martyrs, representing himself whipping Thos. Henshaw, he laughed at it, saying, "A vengeance on the fool, how could he get my picture drawn so right :" A large wooden chair, in which he is said to have passed sentence upon heretics, was placed a few years ago in a shrubbery near rulham Palace ; on this circum- stance Mrs. H. More has exercised her poetical talents. — . See Ly sons' s Fulham and Malcolm's An. of Lond. p_110. See lines on Bonnor in the Harleian Miscellany. Sandys, (p. 66, add) When possessed of the See of Lon- don he was a benefactor to the hamlet of Highgate, Middle- sex, by enlarging the free grammar school and chapel, found- ed by Sir Roger Cholmondeley. (p. 67, I. 1, Hawkeshead, add) See the foundation charter in Habingdon : he was Pre- sident of St. John's, Camb. — Vide Habingdon. The cha- pel adjoining the school of Highgate is said, in an inscrip- tion put up against the west end in 16S2, to have been built by Edwin Sandys, Bishop of London, in loQo, as a chapel of ease for the inhabitants of Highgate. Here is certainly a mistake ; Grindail was Bishop of London in that year, and his arms are in one of the windows with chose of Sir Ro- ger Cholmondeley ; the latter it appears certainly erected the chapel, the inscription on the front being erroneous. Lysvis's Buckinghamshire, p. 667. When Bp. of London, Sandys, with the consent of the vicar of Hillingdon, granted a licence to the inhabitants of Uxbridge to bury their dead in the chapel at Highgate. — See also Granger, v. 1, p. 206. Bishop Sandys was spoken of as one of the translators of 4 r 580 • Queen Elizabeth's, or Parker's, bible, and wrote a vol. of sermons. Mr. Dyer is under a mistake when he says, Bi- shop Sandys died Bishop of Norwich in 1618. Overhall, Bishop of Norwich, who succeeded .leggon, died in 1619; the style of his sermons exceeds, says Mr. Drake, ( Hist, of York) any thing I have met with among the writers of his time. Richard Steward, Preb. of Worcester, 1628, (P. 70, after Talbot, add) And Provost of Eton Coll. Dec. 28, 1639, enjoyed in succession the Prebends of Wor- cester, Salisbury, and Westminster, the Deanries of Chi- chester, St. Paul's, and Lincoln, and was one of the King's Chaplains and Clerk of the Closet. He is described as being a poet, an orator, an able divine, and an eloquent preacher. On account of his loyalty he was deprived of his prefer- ments, and took refuge on the Continent. In his last ill- . . . ness, at Paris, he was visited by Charles II. after his escape from the battle of Worcester. He died Nov. 15, 1651, and was buried in a cemetry in the suburbs of St Germain. See a hymn written by him in his last sickness in Acker- mann's History of the Public Schools, article Eton Coll. p. 52. Montague, (p. 89) published a splendid edition of the works of King James. Mr. Dyer, in his History of Cam- bridge, is surely incorrect when he says Montague died Bp. of Worcester: he was translated to Ely. — See Bentham. Berkeley, (p. 112) He did not erect the hospital. — See an important correction of Green, &c. on this matter, at p. 313. Nash. (p. 117) See more of him in the life of Dr. Nash. James Dalton (insert at p. 131) Was the author of " A strange and true Relation of a young Woman possessed with the Devil, by the name of 587 Joice Dove), dwelling at Bewdley, near Worcester." — Lond. 1647, 4to. Thomas Hunt, (insert at p. 163) A Native of this city, was the son of Henry Hunt : he was born in l6ll, became a student of Pembroke 1628, A.M. 1636; he afterwards went into the country, and taught a private school in Salisbury, then to London, and taught in the church of St. Duustan in the East ; at length being preferred to the mastership of the free school of St. Saviour's, Southwark, did much good among the youth there, as he had done elsewhere. He died Jan. 23, and was buried in the church of St. Saviour. He was the au- thor of Libellus Orthographicus, 1661, and Abecedarium, l6/l, and Abecedarium Scholasticum. — See Wood. Sir Thomas Vrouhaet, or Urchard, (p. 164) Was the author of a book bearing this strange title, " 'ekzktbaatpon, or the Discovery of a most exquisite Jewel, more precious than Diamonds enchased in Gold, the like whereof was never seen in any age ; found in the kennell of Worcester streets the clay after the Fight, and six before the autumnal equinox, 1651." In this book is con- tained a memorial of sundry illustrious persons of Scotland, serving to vindicate the honour of the nation, &.c. &c. &c. Sir Thomas was a physician, of the house of Cromarty, in Scotland. — See more of him and his book in Sir John Haw- kins's Life of Dr. Johnson, p. 290, 300. Sir Thomas was the author of several other woiks. — See Granger's Biog. Hist, of England, vol. 2, p. 33(). Butter, (p. 180) Wood ascribes to Butler, (supposed falsely, as he says, to be by Wm. Prynne,) the work en- titled " Mola Asmaria, or the unreasonable Burdens pressed upon the shoulders of the groaning Nation, &c." Lond. 1659, in one sheet, 4to. : the other two letters are from John Audland, a quaker, to Wm. Prynne ; the other Prynne's 588 answer, in 3 sheets, folio, 1672. — Vide Additions to Wood, MDCCL. Edmund Pitt, (p. 180) An able Botanist, and an Alderman of Worcester,* was the author of a paper in the Philosophical Transactions for the year 1678, on the Sorbus Sativa Piriformis, in which he asks whether a verjuice made of this fruit wotdd not make one of the best acid astringent sauces. An Edmund Pitt lies interred in St. Martin's Church of this city; he is re- corded as an Alderman, dying Sept. 15, 1G88, aged 75. In 1656 Edmund Pilt was Mayor of Worcester. Thomas Hill, (p. 181) A Native of this county, was born at Knighton ; he was a scholar of Emanuel Coll. Cam. a Fellow, and a noted tutor, minister of St. Andrew's, Camb. thrice rector of Rich- mond, one of the morning weekly preachers in Westminster Abbey ; he set up a lectureship in St. Michael's, All Saints', Camb. and was the author of sermons on Easter Tuesday, 1644, arid six sermons, 164Q. < John Fell, (p. -210) Afterwards Bishop of Oxford, &c. the son of Dr. Sa- muel Fell, a Prebendary of Worcester, by Margaret, daugh- ter of Thos. Wilde, of this city, was born, says Mr. Chal- mers, at Longworth,t in Berkshire, June 23, 1625 ; but according to Lysons, who copied it from the register, " bap. July 16, 1624." Bishop Fell only belongs to this work as holding the mastership of St. Oswald's Hospital, near this city, which he re-built, says Chalmers's Biographical Dic- tionary, in a sumptuous manner, bestowing all the profits of his income there, in augmenting and recovering its estates. — * See Nash's History, vol. 1, p. 11. t And by those biographers who only borrow faults from each other, with- out consideration, at Suaning-'well. 589 See Chambers's Worcester, p. 281. — He is the person al- luded to in the life of his father, (see p. 116) and wrote the life of the pious Hammond. Robert Cooler, A.M. (p. 249) A Native, probably, of this county, was the son of a father of both of these names, of Kidderminster, and was, continues Wood, a poor scholar or servitor of Pembroke College; in Lent Term, 1666, took the degree of Arts, was made Fellow of that house by the endeavours of Dr. Hall, the master thereof, whose favourite he always was ; proved a good scholar, preacher, and well skilled in mathematics : at length, by the favour of John, Lord Ossulton, he became rector of some living near Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrev. He wrote " Proportions concerning Optic Glasses," and "A General Introduction to Geography," of much merit. William Stephens, (p. 254) A Native, probably, of this city, and born 1649, was the son of Richard Stephens ; he became a batler, says Wood, or semi commoner, of St. Edmund Hall, June, 166.3, proceeded in Arts, and was some time preacher of St. Lawrence Hinxey, Oxon, where, by his sedulous en- deavours, he caused the tower to be re-edified by the pa- rishioners ; he was also lecturer of Carfax, Oxon, bachelor of divinity, and rector of Sutton, in Surrey ; he was the au- thor of a sermon preached before the Lord Mayor of Lon- don, which produced, in answer to it, "A true Protestant Bridle," &c. &c— See Wood. Ralph Battel, Preb. of Worcester, 16S0, Was born April 11, 1649, and was rector of St. Peter's Church, Canterbury, &c. He died of a nervous fever, March 20, 1712, and was buried in the cemetry of All Saints', Hereford. He published, in 1684 and 1691, " Ser- mons," and " Vulgar Errors of Divinity removed," Lond. 1683. ■ — See more of him in Noble's Continuation of Granger. 590 Jonathan Kimberley, (p. 2.58) A Native, I presume, of this county, was the son of Wm. Kimberley, of Bromsgrove, born in 1651, and en- tered of Peinbioke, of winch lie was afterwards Fellow, entering into holy orders about 1673 ; he became a famed preacher in the University, was minister of Stedham, near Oxford, and afterwards vicar of Trinity Church, Coventry, and chaplain in ordinary to Charles II. He wrote " A Sermon of Obedience for Conscience sake, preached at the Assizes held at Warwick, 1683, Rom. 13, 5," Lond 1683. Somers. (p. 260) The apartment where he studied, at Severn Stoke, was probably on the spot now occupied as the Black Farm \ there is, however, but little remains of the old building, except the stable and cellar. Michael Laroon, (p. 302) A painter of celebrity in his day, died in this city in 1702. — See Lord OrJ'ord's Painters. George Walls, Preb. of Worcester, 1694, (p. 310) And rector of Holt, in this county ; he founded some alms-houses at Aka, or Rock, in this county, and died Sept. 15, 1727. Wm Gallaway, M.A. Preb. of Worcester, 1700,(p.317) Was chaplain to the Train of Artillery ; he wrote "A Ser- mon on Death," 1692; "Reflections on Mr. Johnson's Notes on the Pastoral Letter," 1694; and a Thanksgiving Sermon. Anne, Countess of Coventry, (p. 322 add.) A polite communication, dated Snitterfield, Nov. 6, 1819, says: — " She left Snitterfield on the death of her Lord, and re- mained absent (where is not known) from that place 16 years, and died at Snitterfield, Feb. 14, 1763, at the age S91 of 90 ; it is presumed she had remained a widow 53 years. She was so well beloved, that she was termed the good Ladv Aim. Her charity was unbounded: the poor of the neighbouring villages (as well as those of her own) par- took of it : she constantly attended divine service until very near the period of her death, and was never absent from the sacrament. There is now m a chest, in the chancel of the church of Snittertield, a pulpit and desk cloth, and one for the communion table, of her Ladyship's work, which has been thought extremely handsome, and is now in tolera- ble preservation Htr book is unknown here. The Rev. Mr. Jago, {query, the poet) the then vicar, preached a funeral sermon, which is in existence. She was taken to Badminton, to be interred in the family vault, being a daughter of the 3d Duke of Beaufort." Lady Ann Somer- set, 4th dau. of the 1st Duke of Beaufort, was married on May 4, 16Q1, to Thomas 1st Earl of Coventry, and died Feb. 14, 1763. — Collins's Peerage. Byrche. (p. 326) I suspect that Dr. Drake, in his Lives of the Contributors to the Guardian, fyc. and who says that the subject of this article was the author of " No. 36," of that work, has mistaken him for some other person. William Bj/rche, and not 'Ihomas Birch, is the subject of this article. John Jones, (p. 336) Schoolmaster, of Kidderminster, wrote " The New Art of Spelling," Lond. 1704, 4to. ' Charles Trimnall, (p 337) Of a respectable Worcestershire family, was Bp. of Nor- wich in 1707, from which he was translated to Winchester. Rev. Charles Dodd, A Catholic minister resident in this county, whose true name was Hugh Tootel, (and of whom Mr. Chalmers, the only protestant biographer who has noticed him at 592 all, declares he knows but very little, derived from Mr. Berrington's preface to the Memoirs of Panzani), was born in 1072, in the neighbourhood of Preston. IJe was confirmed by the Catholic Bishop Leyburn, September 13, 1687, at Euxton, or Exton Chapel, the property of the Daltou, and now, it is believed, of the Anderton family. Having studied the classics in England, probably under the Rev. Christopher Tootel, presumed to have been his uncle,* of Lady Well, or Fernyhalgb, he went to Douay College, in UJ88, where he arrived July 23. lie had then completed his sixteenth year, and immediately began philo- sophy. In July following he publicly defended logic ; phy- sics, March 8, 1690; and universal philosophy in July of the same year, on the Kith of which month he took the college oath ; and, on the 22d of September, received the minor orders at Cambray, from James Theodore de Bayes. He studied part of his divinity under Dr. Ha warden, af- ter which he was admitted in the seminary of St. Gregory, at Paris, where having gone through the usual course of phi- losophy and divinity, he passed bachelor of divinity in that faculty. During what was called the vacation, preparatory to the licence, he returned to Douay, where he arrived De- cember 18, 1697, and remained the greater part of 1()98, about which time he came on the mission, and had the charge of a congregation in Lancashire. In 1718, he was again at Douay, collecting materials for his Church History of England, in which he was very ably assisted by the Rev. Edward Dicconson, then vice-president of the college, and professor of divinity ; and by Dr. Ingleton, of the seminary, at Paris. On his return to England, he was recommended by Bishop Stonnor, in August 1 722, to Sir Robert Throck- morton, Bart, as a proper person to assist Mr. Bennett, alias Thompson, alias Temple, in the charge of the congre- gation at Harvington, in this county ; and, on his death, in Sept. 1726, he succeeded him. It was here that Mr. Dodd ar- * See some account of this person in the " Catbolicon" for Oct. 1816. 593 ranged his materials, and finished bis "Church History, from 1500 to 16SS," the first volume of which was published in 1737; the second, in 1739; and the third, in 1742. The expense of publication was, in a great measure, defrayed by Edw. Duke of Norfolk, Sir Robert Throckmorton, Bart. Cuthbert Constable, of Burton Constable, Esq. Thos. Gif- ford, of Chillmgton, Esq. Bishops Stonorand Hornyhold,&c. The house is still shewn in Wolverhampton where he resided, during the printing of it, for the purpose of correcting the press. Mr. Chalmers, in his Biog. Diet, says, it was pub- lished " with the place of Brussels, but evidently from the type, Sec. printed in England;" this, however, it is pre- sumed, from the severity of the penal laws against printing by Catholics, could not be the case. " Having had repeat- ed occasion," says Mr. C. " to consult this work, we are ready to acknowledge our obligation for information derived from this history, which cost the author the labour of thirty years ; and we agree with Mr. Berrington, that it contains much curious matter, collected with great assiduity, and many original records. The author's style, when the sub- ject admits expression, is pure and unincumbered, his nar- ration easy, and his reflections just and liberal, at least as much as can be expected for an undisguised zeal for a cer- tain train of opinions, and certain views of history. His materials, perhaps, are not well arranged, and he was him- self, we are told, so dissatisfied, as, with his own hand, to copy this voluminous work into two or three different forms, This history remained for many years almost unknown ; and we can remember when it was sold almost at the price of waste paper. Its worth is now better ascertained, and the last copy offered for sale, belonging to the Marquis of Townshend's library, was sold for ten guineas.* " The vir- tues and talents of Mr. Dodd," adds Mr. Chalmers, " were eminent, and his labours in the range of literature wereinces- * Berrington's Preface to the Memoirs of Panzani, where Dodd's share 4 c in that work is acknowledged 59 I sunt and manifold." Mr. Butler, in his Historical Memoirs of English Catholics, Vol. I. p. 331, informs his readers, "that Mr. Kirk, (editor of "The Principles") Catholic pastor at Lichfield, is now preparing a new edition, to be greatly enlarged, and continued to the present times, of Dodd's Church History, — a work more interesting to the Ca- tholic body, or a person better qualified to doit justice could not have been selected, and, it is hoped, that it will meet with encouragement; the work is important, and a better editor cannot be imagined." Mr. Dodd died on the 27th February 1742, old style, and was buried March 1, at Chaddesley Corbet, in this county, in which parish Harvington is situate. Mr. Dodd was a laborious missionary, and an indefatigable writer ; for, be- sides his Church History alluded to, he wrote 2. The His- tory of the English College at Douay, by R. C. Chaplain to an English Regiment, 1713. This was answered by a Mo- dest Defence of the Clergy and Religious. Mr. Dodd never owned this, or the following work, yet there is no doubt he was the author of both. 3. The Secret Policy, &c. in Let- ters to a Provincial, called The Provincial Letters. 4. The Free Man ; or, Loyal Papist, MSS. 5. A Treatise on Providential Allegiance, MS. of the same tendency with the former, but more connected and finished. In 1716, was published, by P. R. Doctor utriusque Juris, a Roman Ca- tholic System of Allegiance in favour of the present Establishment, very similar in plan and reasoning to the Treatise, &c. and perhaps by Dodd. 6. Certamen utrius- que Ecclesia?, by Chas. Dodd, 1724, thin 4to. 7. Flores Cleri Anglo Catholici, thin 4to. 8. Part of the First Ca- tholic Remains, or a Catholic History of the Reformation in England, MS. folio, p. 191 ; and 9. Part 2 of Catholic Remains, or the Lives of English Roman Catholics, Cler- gy, Regular and Laymen, from 800, MS. folio, pp. 748. 10. Introductory History, MS. folio, p. 157 ; it only comes down to the year 600 ; this was the first form and draft of his Church History. 11. An Historical and Cri- 595 tical Dictionary, comprising the Lives of the most eminent Roman Catholics, from 1500 to 16S8, with an Appendix and Key to the whole, p. 1280, MS. 3 vols. 1. folio ; the lives are much enlarged, and the records are written at the bottom of the pages, but the whole is different from the printed edition. 12. An Apology for the Church History of England, being a Reply to a quarrelsome Libel entitled A Specimen of Amendments, by Mr. Constable, under the fictitious name of Clerophilus Alethes, Svo. 1742. 13. The Sincere Christian's Guide in the choice of Religion, a post- humous work of Mr. Goter, published by Dodd, who wrote the preface. 14. A Confutation of the Latitudinarian Sys- tem, by Mr. Goter ; Dodd prepared it for publication, and wrote the preface and notes; MS. folio. 15. Christian In- structions, general and particular, delivered in 80 Dis- courses, methodised by way of Sermons, MSS. folio, p. 370. 16. The Creed, Lord's Prayer, Commandments, and Sa- craments, explained, MS. in 4to. p. 238. 17. A Treatise of Three short Catechisms ; 1st, for New Converts; 2d, for Illiterate Persons, and 3d, forYoung Communicants, MS. 4to. p. 16. 18. An Abridgment of Christian Doctrine, with an easy Explication of the Creed, Commandments, Sa- craments, &.c. and of several things belonging to Divine Service, MS. 4to. p. 30. The following are MSS. ex- cepting Nos. 19, 51, 52: — 19. Pax Vobis, an Epistle to the Three Churches, Lond. 1721, in imitation of Pax Vo- bis, or Gospel and Liberty, of Robert Brown, a Scotch Priest. 20. Compendium Historicum Ecclesias in Anglia, ab. anno 1500, p. 336, in Eng. 4to. 21. History of the Reformation down to Geo. I. in 21 books, 4to. p. 292. 22. An English Historical, Geographical, and Ecclesiasti- cal Dictionary, down to the Reformation, fol. pp. 278. 23. Remarks on Dr. Middleton's Letter from Rome, fol. pp. 22. 24. A long Dissertation on Protestant Ordination, pp. 78, large fol. 25. Catholic Proofs and Protestant Ob- jections, fol. 26. A Polemical Dictionary, pp. 176, 4to. 27. A Philosophical and Theological Dictionary, in 44 Nos. 596 28. Barrier between Church and State, 4to. pp. SI. 29. Lives of Penitents in the Deserts, and of other Saints, 4to. 30. Remarks on Hoadley's Preservative, 4to. 31. The Principles and Practices of the Court of Rome, pleading for the present Establishment of Government, 4to. 32. An Historical Essay in favour of Providential Allegiance, 4to. 33. A Theological Essay in favour of ditto, 4to. 34. Ge- neral Claim of Allegiance, 4to. 35. A Description of a large Floating Island, by Capt. Wrangle, 4to. p. 31. 3d. A complete Abridgment of Divinity, 4to. pp. 79- 37. An- swer to Dr. Sherlock's Vindication of the Corporation and Test Acts, 4to. pp. 22. 38. Answer to Law's First and Second Letter to the Bishop of Bangor, 4to. pp. 48. 39- The Protestant Expostulator, 4to. pp.32. 40. The Layman's Manual of Controversy, 4to. 41. A Disclaim of Popish Orders on Nonjurors, 4to. 42. A Brief Chrono- logy of Men's Lives and Actions, 4to. 43. The Dissenter's Claim to Places of Trust justified, 4to. 44. Retractions of Dr. Burnet, 4to. 45. Remarks on his Romance called " History of his own Times," 4to. 46. Historical Account of Visions, Prophecies, &c. 4to. 47- Life of Dr. Oliver Buckridge, Vicar of Bray, 4to. 48 Controversial Letters, 8vo. 49. Sermons for all the Sundays in the year, 8vo. 50. Catechistical Instructions on the Creed, Decalogue, &c. 51. Annals of the Reign of Henry VIII. &c. a very thick 4to. 52. Ditto of the Heptarchy, Normans, &c. 53. Authors Unmasked, Rejected, and Vindicated. 54. Consecrators of Parker not true Bishops, 8vo. 55. English Biography. 56. Controversial Collections, thick 4to. 57- Historical Catechisms of the State of Religion in England. 58. Origin arid Change of Governments in 1 ngland. 59. Dictionarium Etymologicum undecim Linguorum. 60. Controversial Gleanings, in Verse, from various authors. 61. Atheist's Denying a Deity. 62. Annals of Henry VIII. James, and Charles II. Svo. 63. The Humours. 64. Remarks on Dr. Fiddes' Divinity. The above list of his works, with other particulars, is copied from a Life of 597 Dodd, in the Catholicon, which says, " I send some frag- ments from the port folio of Rev. C. Dodd : each article is written on a distinct piece of paper, and without any other connexion than what is derived from the running title, " The Freeman, or Royal Papist:" this is common to them all. They were probably only some of the heads of a work which he had in contemplation about the year 1719, when proposals were made, and terms offered, to the English Ca- tholics on the part of the Government of George I. by Se- cretary Craggs, upon which " they might obtain some li- berty, and security to their religion." In ascribing all these works and lucubrations to Mr. Dodd, I have been guided, Mr. Editor, partly by public opinion, and partly by the MSS. being all in his own hand writing, which cannot ea- sily be mistaken. Of these, some are in a finished, and others in an unfinished state." Edward Combe, M. A. (p. 344) Rector of St. Martin's, Worcester, 1 690, was author of Sermons on Prov. xiv. 34, 1708, 4to. ; Sermon on Luke vii. 36, 50, 1720, 4to. ; Farewell Sermon, on Acts ii. 32, 1717, 8vo. Wm. Brampton, or Bramston, D. D. Prebendary of Worcester, 1713, (p. 347) Was rector of St. Christopher, Bread-street, London : he was the author of several sermons. Thomas Good, A.M. (p. 348) Rector of Astley, in this county ; author of a Sermon on the Blessedness of Peace Makers, 1715. Crnsius. (p. 362) A small oval portrait of this gentleman hangs in the gallery of the Charter-house. From a whim- sical thought, in allusion to the original destination of this foundation, he is represented in the habit of a Carthusian monk, and makrs a very respectable appearance. But there *9£ is nothing in his countenance that should lead us to suppose his back had been lacerated with an hair shirt or lashes from leathern thongs, nor that his body had been supported by fish and roots. The rosy English divine predominates over the melancholy, mortified Carthusian. A wag has written under the painting, 1765, " His face and dress so aptly fit, He surely was a Jesuit." Dr. Crusius resigned his mastership in 1769, and died at Chapel, at the age of 74. — Vide inscription on the pave- ment of the Charter-house, where is also an inscription to "Ann Crusius, 1782, aged Off'. — Malcolm's London. Lovett. (p. 363, add) In Bent's Cat. 1811, is Lovett's Thoughts on the Cause of Evil, 12mo. Baskerville. (p. 383) Mr. Pye, in his History of Bir- mingham, thus speaks : — " The other is an humble tomb- stone, remarkable as being one of the last works cut by his own hand, with his name on the top of it, of that celebrated typographer Baskerville, but this being neglected by the re- lations of the deceased, has been mutilated, although the in- scription is still perfect, but so much overgrown with moss and weeds, that it requires more discrimination than falls to the lot of many passing travellers to discover the situation of this neglected ge.:i. To those who are curious, it will be found close to the wall, immediately under the chancel win- dow. This precious relic of that eminent man is deserving of being removed, at the expence of the parish, and pre- served with the greatest care withinside the church. Mr. Baskerville was originally a stone-cutter, and afterwards kept a school at Birmingham. There is only one more of his cutting known to be in existence, and that has lately been removed and placed withinside the church at Edgbaston. The stone being of a flaky nature, the inscription is not quite perfect; but whoever takes delight in looking at well- 599 formed letters, may here be highly gratified ; it was erected to the memory of Edward Richards, an idiot, who died 21st September, 1728, with the following inscription: — " If innocents are the favourites of Heaven, And God but little asks where little's given, My great Creator has for me in store Eternal joys ; what wise man can have more ?" Dr. Johnson, (p. 427) In a short account of the ancient and modern state of Lichfield, 1820, is an account of Dr. Johnson and his father. Of the latter, it appears he attended the principal markets with books. In the Gent's Mag. March, 1820, p 2, 3, 4, is an extract from this work, with his bill of fare to his customers, in which, after mentioning French prints, maps, &c. he says, " To be Sold by Auction, or he who bids most, at the Talbot, in Sidbury, Worcester," &c. &c. In this Cat. dated 1717-18, isanotice, addressed to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Worcester, in which he tells them he has had several auctions at Gloucester, Tewkes- bury, Evesham, &c. &c. Orton. (p. 441) It was his advice, Never to use a hard word in a sermon, when an easy one can be found which as well expresses the meaning : this he often recommended to his younger brethren, who, he said, were seldom sufficiently aware what degree of plainness the lower classes of mankind required. Hurd. (p. 446, 1. 20) Having given Dr. Johnson's opi- nion of this learned man, it may be proper to state what Dr. Parr also has said of him : — " I have known him for many years ; there is not a cranny in that man's skull but is full of brains." Hastings, (p. 501) In 1 820 the East India Company voted a statue to his memory. — See testimonies of esteem for Mr. H. from the inhabitants of Calcutta, &c. in Gent's Mag. April 18, 1820. LIVING AUTHORS, &c. OF WORCESTERSHIRE; Including those who have resided, as well as those who are residing in the County. Agg John. According to the Calendar of Living Au- thors, published by Colburn in 1 8 1 (5, was bred a bookseller and publisher at Evesham ; he was the author of several works of a local nature. — See work quoted above. Baker James. — A brief Narrative of the PVench In- vasion at Fisguard Bay, 1797 ; Picturesque Tours through Wales and the Marches, 1 792 ; Select Landscapes, Views, &c. .unfinished. Bullfinch , was an attorney of this city. — Au- tumnal Reflections. Butt Rev. John Martin, A.M. late student of Christ Church, Oxford, (see an account of his father at p. 523) was born at Stanford Court, in this county, now rector of Oddingley. — The Revelation of St. John compared with itself and the rest of Scripture, 8vo. 1 804 ; A Com- mentary on the Prophecy of Daniel relating to the 70 Weeks, l8mo. 1807 ; A Commentary on the Last Vision of the Prophet Daniel, being a Sequel to the preceding, l8mo. 1808 ; the Divinity of the Apocalypse demonstrated by its Fulfilment, l2mo. 1809; Translation and Re-print of Pot- ter's (No. 666) Theophilus. Booker Dr. Luke, vicar of Dudley, in this county, and rector of Tedstone Delamere, Herefordshire, of which coun- ty he is also a magistrate. — The Highlanders, a Poem, 4to. 1787 ; Poems on Subjects Sacred, Moral, and Entertaining, 60 1 3 vols. 18mo. 1788; &c. &c— See Chambers's Malvern, p. c 253. — Since which, Dr. B. has published Malvern Guide, various Sermons, Addresses, Discourses, &c. — See Calen- dar of Living Authors for a short account of Dr. B. Best Thomas, minister of the chapel at Cradley, near Stourbridge. — A True State of the Case, or a Vindication of the Dissenters from the Misrepresentations of the Rev. R. Foley, M.A. in his Defence of the Church of England, 8vo. 1795. Broad John, Chaddesley Corbett. — The Worcester- shire Farmer. Bate Henry. The reader will find a long life of this gentleman in the Public Characters; wth a list of his works, containing several dramatic. — See also Cal. of Authors. Barnes M. J. — The Lawyer Forsaken, or Devil's Farewell, 1791. Boughton Sir Charles Wm. Boughton Rouse, of Rouse Lench. — See Cal. of Authors. — Substance of an Address to a Parochial Meeting held at Chiswick, to consi- der of the Propriety of a Voluntary Contribution for the Defence of the Country, 8vo. 1793. Card Rev. Henry. — See Cal. of Authors and Cham- bers's Malvern, 255. Cameron Rev. Charles Richard, M.A. son of the late Dr. Cameron, perpetual curate of Donnmgton-wood Chapel, Salop. — Sermons, on the Death of Nelson, on the Connection between the Work of Man's Redemption and the Divine Agency, preached at the University of Oxford, 1808; and some publications without his name. Cooper Rev. E. Droitvvich. — Elegiac Poetry, in blank verse; The Elbow Chair, a Rhapsody, 1759; Bewdley, a Poem ; and Lines on Malvern Spa. Cawood Rev. John, M. A. perpetual curate of Bewd- ley. — Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Rev. John Greig, 1819. Carpenter Benjamin, minister of the Dissenting Chapel, Stourbridge. — Letter to the Rev. R. Foley, rector 4 a 002 of Old S win ford, in answer i<> the Charges brought against tie Dissenters of Stourbridge, 8vo. 1792; a Liturgy, con- taining Forni9 of Devotion for each Sunday in the Month, l2mo. 1794; Sermons ; The Cap Fit f ,ed, (see anonymous authors.) Carpenter J. farmer, of Chadwick Manor, in this county. — A Treatise on Practical and Experimental Agri- culture. Dibdin Rev. Wm.— The Law of the Poor Rates, by J. F. D. of Lincoln's Inn ; Analysis of the Rights of Per- sons. Worcester, printed for the Author, Jan. 1800. Digby Rev. Wm. M.A. Prebendary of Worcester. — A Sermon preached at the Cathedral Church at the Triennial Meeting of the Three Choirs, 1818. Davis T. land surveyor, Eastham. — Eastham Hill, Wor- cestershire, a Loco-Descriptive Poem, with Explanatory Notes, to which is added, an Appendix, containing Ob- servations on the Deluge, and Solar Heat. Printed at Mon- mouth, 1706. DarwallMrs. (late Miss W'hately). — Poems, 1760. Edmondson Rev. John, pastor of the Wesleyan Me- thodists, Worcester, was born at Keighley, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, March 27, 1767, and was invited to be an itinerant preacher, at the age of 19, by the late Mr. Wesley ; he was afterwards stationed at Epworth, &c. and about 1815 was made Secretary to the Foreign Missions of the Society. — A Concise System of Self Government on the Great Affairs of Life and Godliness, 181 6, 8vo. Ewing Harriet, of Powick. — Dunrie, a Poem, 8vo. Faulkner Rev. W.. A.M. rector of St. Andrew, and master of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. — Strictures on the Church Service, Svo. ; a Grammar ; Sermon ; ditto on the Death of George III. Foley Rev. Robert, of Oriel College, Oxford, and Rector of Old Swinford. — A Defence of the Church of Eng- land, in a series of ten Sermons, preached at Old Swinford, ] 795 ; A Letter to Dr. Priestley, in answer to the Appen- 603 dix, No. 9, p. 197, of his publication entitled "An Appeal to the Public," &c. 1793. Gresley Sir Roger. — A Letter addressed to the Gen- tlemen Commoners of Worcestershire on the Danger of In- novation to a Government, &c.5vc. 1817; Monody on the Death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales, 1817. Harris Henrietta, the wife of an apothecary of Wor- cester, who removed to Gloucester. — Poems, 1 805. Hebb Christopher, surgeon. — A Translation of Cor- visart on the Heart, 8vo. &c.— -See Chambers's Worcester, p. 368. Hastings Charles, M.D. — A Treatise on Inflam- mation of the Mucous Membrane of the Lungs, 1820, 8vo, Hudson Richard, Esq. — Observations on the Origin and Effects of the Test Acts, with some Hints for the Con- sideration of the Clergy, 1790. Hobson John, dissenting minister, Kingswood, Wor- cestershire. — Discourse on Prayer, 8vo. 1787; Remarks on Geo. Croft's Sermon; The Test Laws Defended, 8vo 1790. Jesse Wm. — Parochalia, a Discourse preached at Bewd- ley Chapel. James Rev. John Thos. son of the late Dr. James. — See p. 345 of this work, note. Knapp Miss, a daughter of the late Rev. Primatt Knapp, of Powick, at present a teacher of a native family in Russia. — Anecdotes of Heraldry and Chivalry, 4to. Lewis S. Lowesmore. — New General and Commercial Directory for the City and County of Worcester, 1820. Malden Jonas, M.D. physician to the Worcester In- firmary and the Tewkesbury Dispensary. — Remarks on the Cow Pox, designed for general reading, in which the uni- versal adoption of Mr. Bryce's Test is strongly recom- mended, 1820. Mence Rev. Samuel, son of the late deputy clerk of the peace for this county, now of Highgate. — Sermons. Moseley Walter Michael, Esq. of Wvnteidine. Essay on Archery, 8vo. 1792. 004 North, Bishop of Worcester, 1774, ami in 1781, trans- lated to Winchester; he was born in 1741, and is the young- est son of the first Earl of Guilford. Oldxall Wm. Russell, barrister-at-law, son of the late rector of St. Nicholas, in this city. — On Crimes and Misdemeanors, 2 vols. 8vo. Parkes Samuel, F.L.S. a native of Stourbridge, in this county. — The Chemical Catechism, 1806, &c.8tc. &c. — Vide Calendar of Authors. Plumptre Rev. Joiix, M. A. Prebendary of Wor- cester, 1787. — Ecloga Sacra Alexandrii Pope, vulgo Mes- sia dicta Greece reddita ; Accedit etiam Graece inscriptio sepulchralis ex celeberrima Elegiaj Thomas Gray, 4to. 1796; the Elegies of R. Pedro Albenovanus, with an English Ver- sion, 12mo. 1807; this was anonymous; he also edited Divine and Moral Precepts for the Conduct of a Christian towards God and Man, by John Hamond, father of Dr. Henry Hamond, published from the original MS. 12mo. 1810. Page Rev. J. of Upton-upon-Severn. — Sermon. Philip Dr. Wilson, M.D. — The following isa correct account of his works : — 1. An Experimental Inquiry into the remote Cause of Gravel, Edinburgh, 1 792 ; 2. An Expe- rimental Inquiry into the Modus Operandi of Opium and Tobacco on the Living Animal Body, Edinburgh, 1795; 3. A Treatise on Febrile Diseases, including the various Spe- cies of Fever, and all Diseases attended with Fever, in 4 vols. London, 1803 ; 4. An Analysis of the Malvern Wa- ters, with Observations on their Medicinal Effects, London, 1S05 ; 5. An Essay on the Nature of Fever, being an At- tempt to ascertain the Principles of its Treatment, London, 1S07 ; 6. An Experimental Inquiry into the Laws of the Vital Functions, with some Observations on the Nature and Treatment of Internal Diseases, in part re-published from the Philosophical Transactions, with the Report of the In- stitute of France on the Experiments of M. le Gallois, and Observations on that Report, London, 1817; 7. Two Pa- 605 pers in the Philosophical Transactions for 1815, on the Principles on which the Action of the Heart and Blood Ves- sets depend, and the relation which they bear to the Nervous System ; 8. A Paper in the Philosophical Transactions for 1817, on the Effects of Galvanism in restoring due Action to the Lungs ; 9. A Paper in the 7th volume of the Medico- Chirurgical Transactions on Dyspeptic Phthisis ; 10. A Pa- per, on the Laws of Excitement, in the Annals of Philo- sophy, vol. 12. ; 1 1. A Paper, on the Agency of Galvanism, in the Journal of Science and the Arts, vol. 8 ; various other Papers in the three last works, and in the Edinburgh Medi- cal Journal, the Medico-Chirurgical Journal, Medical Re- pository, and other periodical works. Porter W.J. A.M. head master of the College School, Worcester, and chaplain to Lord Viscount Fitzwilliam. — Two Anthems, a Sanctus, and two Single and Double Chaunts, 1793; A Selection of Psalm Tunes for the Use of Parish Churches, 2d ed. 1812; A Selection from the New Version of the Psalms of David,* including the 100th Psalm and part of the 104th, from the Old Version, for the Use of Parish Churches, 2d ed. 1812; he also published, Cathe- dral Music, in score, composed by Mr. Samuel Porter, (his father) a scholar of Dr. Maurice Green, and 47 years or- ganist of Canterbury Cathedral, who died in 1810, aged 77 years (see Gent.'s Mag.); also several detached pieces, by himself. Price Rev. H. — Funeral Sermon preached at Bewdley. Pattington J. — Sermons. Richards John, Esq. — Consequences of returning to the Old Standard of the Paper Currency, by Philopatris Vigorniensis. Rudd Rev. E.. M.— Reflections on Malvern, 1814, (corrected.) Ruff Humphrey — Published Cheltenham Guide, 1804. * Tbey are arranged so as to correspond, in general, with some part of the service appointed for the day. 006 Russell Wm. curate of Pershore. — A Few Hints for the Consideration of Methodists and otlicr Dissenters, in Answer to the Remarks of Mr. Jos. Benson, of Manches- ter, in the celebrated Sermon by Dr. Tatham, 1793; A Calm Reply, &c. 1794. Sandford William, surgeon. — On the Medicinal Effects of Wine and Spirits, 12mo. — See Chambers's Wor- cester, p. 367. Steers H. — Elegy on the late Francis, Duke of Bed- ford, 4to. 1802; iEsop's Fables New Versified, from the best ed. in 3 parts, 1803 ; Leisure Hours, or Morning Amusements, Poems, f. c. 8vo. 1811. Sanders Wm. clerk of St. Oswald's Chapel, born 1730. — True Philosophy in the Word of Cod, the Certainty of which is explained in a Deduction from the Four Days' Wonder at the Creation, with other Remarks. Savigny John Horatio. — Description of a Portable Apparatus for the Recovery of Persons apparently Drowned, 8vo. 1 790 ; Engravings, representing the most approved Modern Instruments used in the Practice of Surgery. Sherwood Mrs. — Numerous Publications for Juvenile Readers. Valentia Lord, educated at Upton-upon-Severn and at Stanford. — Voyages and Travels, in India, the Red Sea, and Abysinia, 3 vols. 4to. 1809, 2d ed. 6 vols. 8vo. and 1 vol. 4to. of plates, 1811. — See Calendar of Authors. Worthington Richard, M.D. of Worcester, and a dissenting minister. — Letters to the Jews, 8vo. 1787; Dis- quisitions on several Subjects, 12mo. 1787; Thoughts on the Manifesto of the French to all States, 8vo. 1792; Trea- tise on the Dorsal Spasm, 8vo. 1792; Sermons, to which is affixed, a Short Discourse on the Divinity of Christ, 8vo. 1793; Address to a Disingenuous Writer in the Monthly Review, 8vo. 1794; Remarks on the threatened Invasion, and a Proposal for the Relief of the Sick Poor, 8vo. 1804; Address to the Practical Farmers of Great Britain, recom- mending a Change of System in the Mode of Cultivating (J07 Tillage Land, 8vo. 1810; Sequel to the Address, 8vo. 1812; Invitation to the Inhabitants of Great Britain to manufacture Wines from the Fruits of their own Country, 8vo. 1812. Wall Martin, M.D. a Native of Worcester, bred at New College, Oxford, proceeded M.A. July 2, 1771, M.D.April 9, 1777, elected Clinical Professor 1787- — Medical Tracts of Dr. John Wall, 8vo. 1780; Disserta- tions on Select Subjects in Chemistry and Medicine, 8vo. 1783 ; Clinical Observations on the Use of Opium in Slow Fevers, 8vo. 1786; Malvern Water, being a Re-publi- tion of Cases formerly collected by John Wall, MD. and since illustrated with notes by his son, 8vo. 1806; he had also some curious Papers in the Transactions of the Man- chester Literary Society. Warter Thos. M.A. rector of Cleobury North, and of Astell Botterall, Salop. — Charity Sermon preached at Bewdley, May, 1787. Whyte Wm. Peter, F.S.A. of Worcester. — Obser- vations on the Nature, Causes, Prevention, and Cure of Gout and Rheumatism, 8vo. 1S00, and several Articles in Young's Annals of Agriculture, and the Commercial and Agricultural Magazines. Williams John. — On the Climate of Great Britain; and several articles in the Trans. Horticultur. Soc. Further Additions to Deceased Characters. Harris Robert, President of Trim Coll. Oxford, born 1578 in Gloucestershire, resided for some time in this city; he wrote Sermons and Pious Treatises. — See Chalmers's Biog. Diet. Nabbs Thomas, Poet, died 1645 ; secretary to some person in this county. Hand I. author of Poems, humorous and sentimental ; he was a compositor in the Office of the Worcester Journal, and died about 1792. <>08 ANONYMOUS. The Cap Fitted, or the Sequel of a Vision called " The Triumph of Fashion," by a Clergyman — Stourbridge, 1811. A Pastoral Elegy to the Memory of E. Thresher; and Palemon and Lysidas, by the Author of The Squib ; and Elegies on two Young Men who lately died (1784) in Wor- cester. An Epistle to the Absent Client, with the Author's Ad- dress to Fair British Ladies, 1791. A Plain or Easy Introduction to the Principles of Natu- ral and Revealed Religion, with a comprehensive View of the Reasonableness and Certainty of the Christian Dispen- sation, intended for young Students in particular, and exhi- biting much of the Substance of Dr. Jenkins's learned Work on the same Subject, by a Clergyman of the Church of England, 2 vols. 6s. An Account of the Worcester Institution for the Relief of the Poor, &c, by a Member of the Committee, 1817. British Loyalty, 1789. The Lunaticiad, 1787. Poe- tical Address on his Majesty's Visiting Worcester, 1788. Dialogues of the Dead, relative to the Abolition of the Slave Trade. G . Character of the Hon. C. J. Fox, a Poem, 4to. : The Patriot's Vision, 1810; a Monody on the Death of Fox. W. P. R. " Piscator." — Severn Salmon, or Spirited Let- ters concerning the Rights of Fisheries, 1811. ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF NAMES. Those with the letter n affixed, are Native s of this County. A Bentley 314 Cameron, Th. 364 Abbott 88 Bernard!— re. 302 Cameron, Chas. 367 Abingdon, see } Berkeley, Row. 85 Cantelupe 16 Habingdon \ Berkeley, Sir > 108 Rob.— re. \ 586 Canynge 36 Adulf 7 Cardale 448 JEthelhun 4 Berkeley, R. 501 Carpenter 30 Alcock, J. SI Bilson ' 80 Chandler 316 Alcock, T. 36 Blandford 184 Charlet 98 Aldewine — re. 11 Blackburn, Artist 503 Chyrton De 21 Aldington 503 BIois,de 16 Claridge 254 Aldred 8 Blount— -re. 195 Clarke, C. 468 Alhune 3 Blower, Miss — re. 575 Clarke, J. 468 Allen 99 Bonnor — re. 50-584 Clements, Capt. 561 Andrews 506 Boraston — re. 347 Clifford 27 Ashe 457 Bosel 1 Cobham 21 Alured 13 Bourgchier 29 Collet 576 Ashmole 193 Bourne — re. 64 Collier — re. 207 B Bowles, W.— re. 248 Compton,orTheale63 Babington 83 Bowles, H. 249 Conant 154 Badland 225 Bradshaw 99 Constantiis 15 Bagnali 183 Brampton 597 Cooke, S. 254 Baker 431 Braunsford,W. 22-23 Cookes — n. 226 Bakewell — re. 369 Bray, Reg.--w. 38-584 Cooksey, H. — n. 541 Baldwin 13 Brian, Reg. 24 Cooksey,Rd. — n .582 Ballard 59 Bright— re. 97 Coombe 597 Barksdale, C. 164 Brightegus 7 Cooper, J. 215 Barlow, J. 47 Bristow — re. 80 Cooper, R. — re. 589 Barlow, T. 207 Bromley, Sir T. 77 Coventry, T. — re. 104 Barnet 24 Brooke 338 Coventry, Sir W . 211 Baron — re. 302 Brooker 364 Coventry, i> Couutess£ 322 Barrett 575 Broughton 358 590 Baskerville J. ) 369 S 508 Brown, T. 28 Coverley, de 253 — re. Brown, R. 237 Cox 70 Battel 589 Bullingham,N.—re. 68 Croft 134 Baxter, R. 181 Bullingham, J. 79 Crowther 159 Baxter, B. 182 Burford, de — re. 25 Crusius 362-597 Bayly, L. 96 Burnet, Mrs. 311 D Baylies, M. D. 448 Bushell— re. 120 D'Abitot 9 Beale 134 Butler,S.—n. 164-587 Dalton 393 Beard 348 Butt, D. D. 515 Dal ton, J. 586 Beauchamp — a 1. 27 Byrche 326-591 Daniel 71 Bell— re. 47 C Dawes 308 Benson 116 Calfhill 68 1 Deacle— re. 243 INDIA". Dee De Laune Denebert Derham — n. Digby Dodd, Rev. Doharty Doolittle — n. 65 339 3 305 502 591 343 222 Doughtie — n. 126 Du Bois. Lady 515 Dugard, W.— n. 151 Dugard, R.— n. 153 Dunstan 4 DuDster — n. 551 E Eadbert 3 Earle 133 Eathored 3 Eden 383 Ednod 583 Eedes 81 Egwine 2 Ellis 70 Ellis, Col.— n. 577 Elstob 346 Estcourt 336 Evans 515 Evanson 478 Evelyn 206 Evesham, E. 19 Evesham, Hugh — n. Evesham, S. de F Faccio 325 Falkner 429 Farley — n. 131 Feckingham — n. 73 Fell H6 Fell, Bp. 588 Fitzralph 14 Flavel, J.— re. 214 Fletcher 79 Fleetwood 138 Florence — re. 12 Foley— re. 187 Foley 471 Foote, Sam. 458 Ford 201 Fountain 502 Fownes — re. 93 Freake 77 G Gainsborough 18 19 Gallaway 590 Garbet 440 Gardiner 44 Gulden 147 Gentleman 536 Germano 18 Ghinucciis 44 Giffard 17 Giles— re. 107 Glanville 235 Good 597 Goodhall 384 Goodinge 536 Goldsborough 82 Green 507 Greisley 208 Grey, de 15 Gwynne, Archt. 504 Gygels, J. 37 Gygels, S. 37 H Habingdon.T. 90 Habingdon,W.> 14 — n. J Hales, de 17 Hall, J. 114 Hall, T.— re. 159 Hall, J. 228 Hamond 150 Hancock, Artist 485 Hand 607 Hanmer 101 Hanyball 49 Hare 324 Harley, J. 70 Harley, R. 316 Harris, R. 607 Hastings, War.) 486 — re. S 599 Hawford 59 Hawkins 513 Haynes 162 Heath 58 Helme 101 Hemingus 14 Hemenhale 23 Herbert, SirH. 310 Hickman — re. 139 Hicks, F.— re. 98 Hicks, T.— re. 129 Hicks, G. 246 Hill, Thos.— re. 588 Hodges— re. 132 Hodges, M. 325 Holbech 46 Holdsworth 133 Holland, S. 69 Hoper 62 Hooper — n. 240 Hopkins, G. — re. 205 Hopkins.W. — n. 249 Hornyhold, Bp. 427 Hough 255 Hughes 469 Hunt, T.— n. 587 Hurlstone, or ) on HuddlestoneS ^ U0 Hurd 442-599 1 Inge 44 Ingmethorpe 63 Isaac 503 Jackman 79 James, D. D. 541 Jeffries 457 Jenner 348 John of Malverne 19 Johns 247 Johnson, R. 63 Johnson, Bp. 368 Johnson, Dr. > 427 S. \ 599 Johnson.T. Archt 469 Johnstone, J M. D. Johnstone, ) _„ jun.M.D.--«.$ 5 Joliffe 68 Jones 591 Jukes, Artist — n. 540 Juxon 108 K Keck, Architect 485 Kelly— n. 87 Kimberley — n. 590 Kinewold 4 Kyderrainster — n. L Lake 96 Lamplugh 214 Lane, Mrs. 200 Langford 532 Laroon, Artist 590 Latimer 45 Lavington 347 Laughton 302 Lavamon — n. 20 473 46 INDliX. Lech mere Leclimere, E. Leoffius Lewis Lister Littleton 339 -n561 7 79 236 33 327 394 432 Littleton, Jas. 131 Littleton, Ad. — n.210 Livingus 7 Lloyd, Bp. 216 Lloyd 221 Longworth 76 Lovett 363-598 Lowe — n. 29 Lowe 301 Lucas, T). D. 540 Lychfield 45 Lynn 24 Lyttelton, G. — n. Lyttelton, Bp — n. Lyttelton, Thos. 527 M Mackenzie, M.D. 349 Madox, Bp. 356 Malvern, John of 19 Manwaring 194 Martial — n. 77 Martin 362 Matthew of } 19 Worcester ) 583 Mauger 15 Maund 563 Maydenston 20 Meadowcourt 359 Medicis, de 44 Meeke 327 Mildred 2 Miserimus, or> „ Morris \ 6W Montague 89-586 Monteacuto 22 More 45 Morley, Bp. 126 Moore 193 Morgan 28 Morton 36 Morton 223 Moss 541 N Nabbs 607 Napleton 506 Nash, J. — n. 117-460 Nash, D.D.— n. 459 Neale,orSmith> — n. $ Neve - 459 Nicholas 17 Norfolk 72 Norhale 13 O Oasland— n. 160 Odington 14 Oftfor 1 Oley 235 Oliver 181 Ombreslye de 21 Onslow 533 Orlton 22 Orton 441-599 Osbom, Rev. 573 Oswald 5 Owen — n. 59 P Padmore 440 12 26 Pageharn Pakington — n. Pakington, Lady 202 Pakington ) 203 family ) (note) Palmer — n. 193 Pardoe 237 Parry or ap Harry 84 Pates 62 Pedor 69 Pendrells, The 198 Peverell 28 Philips 436 Pitt, T. 563 Pitt, E. 588 Pollard 66 Polton 28 Ponty (Artist) 346 Porter, Endy. 125 Porter, W. 562 Potter C. 117 Potter F. 125 Price 575 Prideaux 101 R Randolph 471 Randulph 15 Reginald, or Reynolds Richard 37 Roger 13 Rowland — n. 162 20 Russell, Sir W. 118 Russell 448 S Salway— n. 139 Sampson 1 1 Sandby 311 Sanders — n. 452 Sandys, E. ? 66 Abp. S 585 Sandys, Sir E- n. 94 Sandys, W. 127 Sandys, M.—n. 131 Sandys, E. Preb. 362 Savage — n. 140 Senatus 14 Sheldon— n. 208 Shenstone 436 Sheridan, Chs. 524 Shewring 252 Silvester 16 Simon 12 Skipp (note) 464 Skinner 155 Smalridge 349 Smith, R.— n. 60 Smith, M. 84 Smith, S.—n. 115 Smith, or ) Neale— n. ) Smith (note) 475 Smith, W.—n. 431 Soilli 14 Somers, Lord ) 258 — n. S 39 ° Statnpe — n. 156 Standish 66 Stewart 586 Stephens— n. 589 Stanford 58 Steynor 238 St. John 485 Stillingfleet, Bp. 229 Stillingfleet, J. 339 Stillingfleet, Ed. 361 Stillingaeet, J. 471 Stinton — n. 108 Street, Sir T. 216 Swaddon 96 Swadlin — n. 129 Swift, D. 428 Swift, T. 538 Sydney, Sir H. 72 T Talbot (see Kelly 327 INDEX. Talbot, T. 71 Talbot, W. 309 Talbot, E. 427 Tanner 364 Tatfrith 1 Taylor, S. 1G1 Taylor, I. Artist 479 TheleorTreale 63 Theulf 12 Thomas of > 19 Worcester > 583 Thomas, W. Bp. 180 Thomas, Wm. 336 Thomson 383 Thomborough 89 Thornton, T. 82 Thornton, R. 99 Thoresby 23 Tilhere 2 Tindal, Wm. 567 Tinker 70 Tiptoft— n. 29 Tombs — n. 135 Tonson,Jac. 351 Tottle 468 Toy— n. 163 Trapp 131 Trimnall 591 Trye (note) 452 Twittie— n. 124 V Vannes 47 Vaughan, J. 155 Vaughan, A. 470 Vellers 524 Vernon 322 Vincent 504 Urquhart U 587 W Wakefield 26 Wakeman, J. — n. 63 Wakeman, R. > _. — *• > Wall, G.—n. 83 Wall, M. D.— n. 384 Waller 142 Wallis— n. 25 Walls 590 Walsh— n. 317 Walwyn — n. 549 Warmstrey, G.—n. 141 Warmestry,T.--M.I83 Warren 442 Watson — n. 71 Waugh 430 Weaver — n. 185 Werefriil 3 Weremund 2 Wharton (note) 470 White Sir T. 49 White, C.—n. 117 White, T. or > Woodhop--rc.£ 352 118 236 344 White, R White,T.artist> — n. J Whiteway, Mrs. 351 Whitgift 76 Whitgreaves 200 Whitmaye 45 WickliiFe 583 Wilfred 2 Wilfrith 4 567 224 Wilkinson, ar-> chitect J Williams, G. 66 William of ) 31 Worcester $ 584 Willis, F. 82 Willis, R.— n. 325 Willis Willoughby, Architect Wilmot 430 Wilson, T. 69 Wilson, B. 351 Winchcomb,T. de 27 Winchcorab, H. 503 Wilmington, F.— n. Wilmington, T. 353 Wittesley 24 Woddysbury 48 Wogan 134 Wolsey, Card. 31 Wolstan, I. 7 Wolstan, II. 10 Wolstan, de Braunsford Woodward — n. 113 Woolley 362 Worfield 101 Worth 343 Wrottesley 458 Wyatt 228 Wyld— 11. 105 Wynne 336 Y Yarrington — n. 188 Young 523 22 ERRATA. P. 20 — For Lazamon read Layamon. — 26 — Dele the article Wm. Pakington, and see p. 202, note. — 94— Sir Edwin Sandys, add D. D. — 96 — Dele See Geo. Sands or Sandys — 107 (Note) — For Oliver read by Oliver Cromwell. — 153 — For Nichol read Nichols. — 164 — For Decamerer read Decameron. — 178— The account of Mr. Skip is at p. 464, Life of Dr. Nash. — 208 — For Balsahe read Balsace. — 212 — L. 27 — For then lately, &c. read fled from persecution on ac- count of their religion. — 236 — For copy read title. — 237— For Sillingfleet read Stillingfleet. — 266— Dele at 6th 1. " this tract" to " King Charles." — 321 — For Ralp read Ralph. — 331 — For his play read Phasdra and Hippolitus. — 356 — 3d 1. from bot. query, Bradford, Bishop of Chichester. — 366 — Note — For Lymphisis read Symphisis. — 391— L. \i—dele " all from Dr. W.'s own designs." — 414— L. 8— For May 26 read August 28. — 464 — Note — For Tintorel read Tintoretto. — 541 — L. 9— For Miss Tart read Miss Stors. Printed by H. B, Tymbs, Worcester Journal Office. ol) .-"">■ -'•h9 f£B ' .' mari 3 1961* m m >*i " A * 18 1980 i THE LI 'Y UNIVEi. [FORNIA AA 000191 513 1 3 1158 00543 2389 iy DA 670 7f9C3