Act 4 — Replies.

ST. PATRICK.

(Vol. v., p. 520.)

Allowing himself to be led astray by such an untruthful guide as Ledwich, your correspondent E. M. R. thinks that "there seems to be very great doubt if St. Patrick ever existed in reality." Had E. M. R. sought for, he might have found evidences of Ireland's apostle's existence beginning with the very lifetime itself of that saint. 1st. We have a short work from St. Patrick's own pen, the Confessio, which the best critics have allowed to be genuine: it commences thus: "Ego Patricius peccator," &c. 2nd. A very old hymn, shown by Dr. O'Conor to have been written c. A.D. 540 (Prol. in Rer. Hib. Vet. Script., p. lxxxix.), tells us that: "Patricius prædicabat Scotis." (Ib., p. xciii.). 3rd. The Irish monk Adamnan, who died A.D. 704, that is, almost a half century before our Beda, in his Life of St. Columba, says: "Quidam proselytus Brito homo sanctus, sancti Patricii episcopi discipulus," &c. (AA. SS. Junii, t. ii. p. 197.). 4th. In the library of C. C. College, Cambridge, there is a MS. of the seventh century, containing the early Irish canons: "Synodus episcoporum id est Patricii, Auxillii, Issernini" (Nasmith's Cat. C. C. C. C., p. 318.). 5th. The Antiphonal, once belonging to the Irish Bangor, but now in the Ambrosian Library, Milan, a MS. of the end of the seventh or beginning of the eighth century, and published by Muratori, has a "hymnum Sancti Patricii magistri Scotorum" (Muratori, Anecd., t. iv. p. 89.). 6th. Cummian, writing about the Pascal question to the Abbot of Hy, A.D. 634, says: "Primum (cyclum) illum quem sanctus Patricius Papa noster tulit," &c. (Vet. Epist. Hibernicarum Syl., ed. Usserio, p. 21.). 7th. In the very old Litanies, once used, as it seems, by some church among the Britons living in this island beyond the reach of Anglo-Saxon control, we find invoked St. Patrick, along with SS. Brindane, Gildas, Paterne, Guinwaloc, Munna, Tutwal, German, and other lights of the Irish, as well as our ancient British church (ed. Mabillon, Vet. Analect., p. 168.). 8th. St. Gertrude, Abbess of Nivelle, died on the 17th March, A.D. 658; the writer of her life was her cotemporary, and he expressly mentions St. Patrick (Vita S. Gertrudis, ed. Mabillon. AA. SS. O. B., t. ii. p. 447.). 9th. Our own Beda did insert St. Patrick's name in the Martyrology which he drew up (ed. Smith, Bedæ Hist. Eccl., p. 351.); and another far-famed countryman of ours, Alcuin, who, in some verses which he composed for being placed "Ad aram SS. Patricii et aliorum Scotorum," says:

10th. A liturgical MS. in the British Museum, Nero, A, II. fo. 35. b., which was first printed by Spelman, who calls it "codex vetustissimus" (Concil., i. 176.), speaks of St. Patrick as "archiepiscopus in Scotiis et Britanniis" (Ib., 177.). 11th. The celebrated monastery of St. Gall (an Irish saint) still possesses the fragment of what was once a missal, and written in the Irish character. This codex must have been older than the ninth century, for it is set down "inter libros Scottice scriptos" in a catalogue of the books belonging to that library, made in the ninth century. Among the saints enumerated in the canon of the mass is Patrick the bishop, "intercedentibus pro nobis beatis apostolis Petro et Paulo et Patricio æpiscopo" (see the fragment in Appendix A to Cooper's Report, p. 95.).

Pyrrho has had, and is likely always to have, followers in every age and country: Hardouin would not allow that Virgil ever lived, but stoutly held that the Æneid was "a fardel of monkish fictions" put together during the middle ages: not "the bigoted Anglo-Saxons" of the eighth, but Dr. Ledwich of the eighteenth century, denied the existence of the great St. Patrick; a few weeks ago a correspondent of "N. & Q." asked "Is not the battle itself (of Waterloo) a myth?" (Vol. v., p. 396.); and last week, another tells us that "the saint (Patrick) certainly vanishes into 'an airy nothing,' if we are to credit the above authors" (Dr. Ledwich and Dr. Aikin).

Who the Aikin may be, or what the work of his which E. M. R. has brought forwards, I do not know; Ledwich's book now lies before me, and a more prejudiced writer I have never met with. I think, however, that from the above authorities it is clearly shown that, together with all the most learned of early and modern times, we are still warranted in treating St. Patrick "as a real actor in Irish ecclesiastical affairs."

D. Rock.

Buckland.

Sir James Ware—St. Patrick's Birth-place (Vol. v., p. 520.)—Permit me to correct your correspondent E. M. R., who, by a strange mistake, calls Sir James Ware "a Roman Catholic writer." He was a zealous member of the church of Ireland: E. M. R. will see a memoir of him in Harris's edition of Ware's Writers of Ireland.

With respect to the birth-place of St. Patrick, your correspondent may consult Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga, Append. quinta ad vitas S. Patricii, cap. ii. p. 221. et seq.; also the Life of St. Patrick by Harris in his edition of Ware's Bishops of Ireland; and Dr. Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History of Ireland.

Ledwich was entirely unacquainted with the sources of Irish history, and is no authority.

T.

Trin. Coll. Dublin.

NASHE'S "TERRORS OF THE NIGHT."

(Vol. v., p. 467.)

Mr. Eastwood's quotation from Nashe's Terrors of the Night regarding the use of ale for the sacrament in Iceland, may have some light thrown upon it by the following passages from the Icelandic sages and the learned editors of the Historic Memorials of Greenland. We doubt if Nashe was correct in saying that ale was granted for that purpose by the Pope in preference to wine, on account of the "incessant frosts there;" for, in truth, the Icelanders of the present day, as well as in former times, have no difficulty in protecting liquids much more congealable, such as milk, from the winter's frost. The abundance of warm springs, and the volcanic fires throughout the island, render the temperature of the inhabited districts of Iceland much warmer in winter than would be supposed from its high northern latitude. The word "red emayle" no doubt means "red enamel," an apt simile enough, and well understood in the writer's days. We do not find any mention of "ale" ("öl") being ever used in Iceland for the celebration of the eucharist; but a wine seems to leave been prepared from the Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), as is shown by the following extract from Bishop Paul's Saga, a nearly cotemporary history; for the Saga in question is believed to have been written by Bishop Magnus Gissurson (1215-1237), who succeeded Bishop Paul in the see of Skalholt:—

"In Bishop Paul's days came Bishop John from Greenland to Iceland, and remained during the winter in the eastern fiords; but afterwards he journeyed late in Lent (langaföstu, long fast time) to Skalholt to meet Bishop Paul, and he came there on Maunday Thursday (Skírdegi-Skjærtorsdag), and these two bishops consecrated a large store of Chrism, and had besides many confidential and learned conversations. Bishop John taught the people to prepare wine from the crowberry (krækiberium), as he himself had been instructed by King Sverrer. But it so happened that the next summer few berries grew in Iceland; but a man called Erick, who lived on a farm called Snorrastade, near Skalholt, prepared a small quantity of the wine from these berries, which succeeded well that summer."—Pp. 186, 187.

We confess that we are much inclined to agree with the learned Eggert Olafsen's doubts as to the practicability of manufacturing a wine, to suit at least our palates, from the acrid fruit of the Empetrum nigrum. It is said that Boerhaave, gives a receipt for this purpose, and we have accordingly found it in his forty-second Process of the Elementa Chemiæ, but this relates to the general mode of producing wine from fruits; and Olafsen (p. 172. vol. i.) tried it in vain with the crowberry when in Iceland in 1753. Still a species of subacid drink, such as still prepared from this fruit by the Icelanders, may have been dignified in olden times with the name of wine; but Olafsen was certainly in error when he stated that Bishop Paul brought over to Iceland, according to tradition, a native of the Canary Isles, to teach the art. The Canary Isles were not then (A.D. 1203) known to Europe.

About the year 1186 King Sverrer forbade the importation of wine into Bergen by the German traders, on account of the scenes of drunkenness and riot that ensued therefrom; and he is said to have turned his attention to the preparing of a home-made wine from the crowberry, as a substitute for the foreign liquors he had forbidden. The learned editors of the Historic Memorials of Greenland, in a note on the passage above quoted in Bishop Paul's Saga, remark, that this was probably the kind of wine which is traditionally said to have been used for the sacrament in Iceland when the true juice of the grape could not be obtained. Huidtfeldt, in his Chronicle, positively states that the Northmen in 1250 and 1290 sought and obtained permission from the Pope to use mead, "mjod" (mulsum), and other similar liquors, in the celebration of the sacrament, in consequence of the great scarcity of wine in those countries. The editors further state that "within our own times, during the disastrous war with England, it was proposed to employ wine made from bilberries for the same purpose in Iceland."

The Synod of Roeskilde, according to Pontoppidan, Annal. Eccles. Dan. ii. 329. and iii. 538., forbids the use of any liquor but pure wine in the sacrament in the following words:—

"Pastores sunt admoniti ad communionem uti, non musto aut aliis liquoribus illicitis, sed puro vino, juxta institutionem."

Lastly, in Rymer's Fœdera, vol. x. p. 762., there is a petition from the Bishop of Skalholt to the English government in 1440, stating the depressed state of the commerce of Iceland at that period, and that no wine, beer, or indeed any liquor except milk and water, was to be found in the country. Such was its wretched condition, that he expresses his fear, unless supplies were received from England, divine service, the celebration of the communion, and of baptism, would soon cease.

From this last document it would seem that wine was no longer made in Iceland from the crowberry, and that the fermented juice of the grape was deemed absolutely necessary by the bishop of that day for the celebration of the sacrament. We are not aware of any decree or bull of the court of Rome, by which any other liquor than that obtained from the grape was permitted to be used, as such would be entirely contrary to all the canons of the church, and the opinions of all her theologians.

Edward Charlton.

Newcastle-on-Tyne.

The following quotation bears upon your correspondent J. Eastwood's Query:—

Tuæ fraternitati quærenti, an deficienti in quibusdum ecclesiis suffragancorum tuorum eucharistia propter frumenti penuriam simplex oblata undecumque confecta populo, ut sub quadam decipiatur pietatis specie, ac cervisiæ vel potus alius loco vini, cum vix aut nunquam vinum reperiatur in illis partibus, sint tradenda, taliter respondemus, quod neutrum est penitus faciendum, cum in hujus modi sacramento visibilis panis de frumento et vini de uvis debeat esse forma in verbo creatoris per sacerdotis ministerium consecrata, quod veritatem carnis et sanguinis non est dubium continere, quamquam dari possit populo panis simpliciter benedictus, prout in quibusdam partibus fieri consuevit. Datum Viterbii v. Idus Maii, pontificatus nostri anno undecimo." (A.D. 1237.)—Diplomatarium Norvegicum, p. 14.: Christiania, 1847.

Emayle is no doubt enamel, used for ice, or frozen wine. Chevela is answered in the Query. I may add a letter from the same Pope to the same Archbishop on baptism in ale:—

"Cum, sicut ex tua relatione didicimus, nonnunquam propter aquæ penuriam infantes terræ tuæ contingat in cervisia baptizari, tibi tenore præsentium respondemus, quod cum secundum doctrinam evangelicam oportet eos ex aqua et spiritu sancto renasci, non debent reputari rite baptizati, qui in cervisia baptizantur. Datum Laterani, viii. Idus Julii anno xv." (A.D. 1241.)—Ibid. p. 21.

The curious in this matter may find the practice of baptising in other liquids than water denounced in other countries, in other bulls, and even by councils.

De Camera.

SERJEANT'S RINGS.

(Vol. v., pp. 92. 110. 181.)

I send you the mottoes adopted by serjeants and judges, taken from the Term Reports, being, with one exception, I believe, a perfect list from 1786 to the year 1832, when Mr. Colman's list, in the 5th Volume of "N. & Q.," begins. That exception is Lord C. B. Richards, whose motto is not given. I have also made some additions to Mr. Colman's list.

1786. G. Bond Hæreditas a legibus.

1787. A. Thomson Reverentia legum.

S. Le Blanc

1788. Lord Kenyon Quid leges sine moribus.

R. Clayton

1794. S. Heywood Legum servi ut liberi.

J. Williams^[1]

1796. A. Palmer Evaganti frœna licentiæ.

S. Shepherd Legibus emendes.

1799. J. Vaughan Paribus se legibus ambæ.

J. Lens Libertas sub rege pio.

J. Bayley

1800. Sir J. Scott (Lord Eldon) Rege incolumi mens omnibus una.

A. Chambre Majorum instituta tueri.

W. D. Best Libertas in legibus.

R. Graham Et placitum læti componite fœdus.

A. Onslow^[2]

1801. W. M. Praed Fœderis æquas dicamus leges.

1802. Sir E. Law (Lord Ellenborough) Positis mitescunt sæcula bellis.

1804. J. Mansfield Serus in cœlum redeas.

1805. T. M. Sutton^[3] Hic ames dici pater atque princeps.

1807. G. Wood Moribus ornes, legibus emendes.

1808. W. Manley Pro rege at lege.

A. Pell

W. Rough

1809. R. H. Peckwell Traditum ab antiquis servare.

W. Frere

1812. V. Gibbs Leges juraque.

1813. H. Dampier Consulta patrum.

J. S. Copley Studiis vigilare severis.

R. Dallas Mos et lex.

1814. J. B. Bosanquet Antiquam exquisite matrem.

1816. J. A. Park Qui leges juraque servat.

C. Abbott (Ld. Tenterden) Labore.

G. S. Holroyd Componere legibus orbem.

J. Burrough Legibus emendes.

J. Hullock Auspicium melioris ævi.

1817. W. Firth Ung loi, ung roi, ung foi.

W. Garrow Fas et jura.

1818. W. Taddy Mos et lex.

1819. J. Richardson More majorum.

V. Lawes Pro rege et lege.

J. Cross

T. D'Oyley

1820. T. Peake Æquâ lege.

1824. R. Gifford Secundis laboribus.

W. Alexander

J. Littledale Justitæ tenax.

W. St. J. Arabin Regi regnoque fidelis.

T. Wilde (L. Truro)

S. Gaselee Bonis legibus, judiciis gravibus.

R. Spankie

1827. T. Andrews More majorum.

H. Storks

E. Lawes

E. Ludlow

H. A. Merewether

W. O. Russell

D. F. Jones

J. Scriven Lex ratione probatur.

H. J. Stephen

C. C. Bompas

1828. J. Parke Justitiæ tenax.

1829. E. Goulburn Nulla retrorsum.

N. C. Tindal Quid leges sine moribus.

W. Bolland Regi regnoque fidelis.

1830. W. E. Taunton Nec temerè nec timidè.

E. H. Alderson

J. Patteson

——— Omitted in List, Vol. v., p. 181.

1833. T. N. Talfourd Magna vis veritatis.

1841. J. V. Thompson Nec ultrà nec citrà.

W. Wightman Æquam servare mentem.

1842. C. Cresswell Leges juraque.

1844. F. Pollock Jussa capessere.

1850. Ld. Campbell Justitiæ tenax.

J. Jervis Venale nec auro.

——— Errata.

1843. N. R. Clarke For metuis read metuit.

J. B. Byles

1847. For E. N. Williams read E. V. Williams; and for libere read liberi.

J. E.

THE OLD COUNTESS OF DESMOND.

(Vol. v., pp. 145. 323.)

In your Number of "N. & Q." of April 3rd, there are some curious and interesting remarks by the Knight of Kerry, respecting that wonder for length of days, the old Countess of Desmond, in which he gives the copy of an inscription on an ancient painting, stating that in the year 1614, and in the 140th year of her age, she appeared at the court of King James, to seek relief in consequence of the House of Desmond having been ruined by attainder. That this statement in the inscription is erroneous, can, I think, be proved by the following circumstances, which also seem to me to afford some light on the most obscure parts of the question.

I have at this moment before me a work, which has been for many years in the library of my husband (the Rev. E. A. Bray, the Vicar of this place), and highly prized by us both, namely, a most perfect and beautiful copy of Sir Walter Raleigh's History of the World, published in 1614. I here give the date from the engraved title-page, which is of an allegorical description:

"THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD." "AT LONDON: PRINTED FOR WALTER BVRRE." "1614."

In this volume, Chapter V. (of "the first Booke of the first Part"), page 66., "Of the long Lives of the Patriarchs, and some of late memory," after enumerating several celebrated persons who lived to great ages, Raleigh thus speaks of the old Countess:—

"I myself knew the old Countess of Desmond of Inchiquin, in Munster, who lived in the yeare 1589, and many years since, who was married in Edward IV.'s time, and held her joynture from all the Earls of Desmond since then; and that this is true, all noblemen and gentlemen of Munster can witnesse."

If she came to England in 1589, Sir Walter Raleigh might have seen her in her pilgrimage to his royal mistress in that year, as in that year (the next after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, in which glorious service he bore a distinguished part), among other honours conferred upon him, was that of being appointed one of the gentlemen of her Majesty's Privy Chamber. In 1614 Raleigh was a prisoner in the Tower; and very improbable is it that, even had she been living at that date and in England, the old Countess would there have paid him a visit, to thank him for his mention of her in his History of the World. And, finally, had she really been alive when he wrote it, he might have referred to the lady herself, as a proof of what he said about her being true, instead of referring to "all the noblemen and gentlemen in Munster."

As the Knight of Kerry has expressed a wish to receive the opinions of your readers who take an interest in the subject, I venture to offer the foregoing remarks, in consequence of having the very valuable copy of Raleigh's great work in our possession, and shall be happy if the few observations I have made may be in any respect acceptable to him or to your readers.

Anna Eliza Bray.

The Vicarage, Tavistock, Devon.

In a "Life of Old Parr," Harl. Misc., vol. vii. p. 79., are the following lines about the old Countess, which may perhaps interest some of your readers:

At the bottom of the page is a note by Oldys, but it probably contains nothing new to your correspondents who have so diligently investigated this matter. He quotes however some remarks of Archbishop Usher on this subject, which I do not remember to have seen noticed in your pages.

Erica.

The Knight of Kerry, in his very interesting letter, infers that if the old Countess of Desmond was only eight or nine years old at the death of Edward IV., she therefore could not have been married during the reign of that monarch. Was it not, however, a not uncommon custom, at that period, for royal and noble infants to be given in marriage at quite as early an age as eight or nine, whenever it suited the views, political or otherwise, of their parents or guardians?

C. E. D.

A FEW THINGS ABOUT RICHARD BAXTER.

(Vol. v., p. 481.)

Your correspondent Mr. Bealby mentions that in his visit to Kidderminster in 1836, he was shown the house in the High Street in which Richard Baxter is said to have resided: a few more particulars on the subject may prove interesting.

It was a three storied, high gabled house, with low ceilinged rooms, lighted by long ranges of casement. The exterior of the house displayed a goodly proportion of wood-work, and appeared to be much in its original condition. No garden or extra-ground was attached to it, another street (Swan Street) running immediately at its back. Three or four years since the house fell before the march of modern improvements, and none of its old features can now be recognised. At the time of these alterations, the house was tenanted by a shoemaker. An ascent of four or five steps led into the shop, the long low window of which, projecting somewhat over the pavement, was tiled above, and supported underneath by wooden pillars. These also served to mark the boundary allotted to the display of the handiwork of the basketmaker who plied his trade in the capacious cellar underneath the shop.

Of course Mr. Bealby, while prosecuting in Kidderminster his inquiries about Baxter, visited Caldwall Castle (close to the town), once the residence of Sir Ralph Clare, Baxter's sturdy opponent. In an old map of the town, the castle is represented as having eight towers; but only one of these now remains, which is attached to a modern house. The tower is octagonal, built of red sandstone, of massive proportions, and is in good preservation. It contains two rooms lighted N. and S.; a turret staircase; and a groin-roofed cellar, level with the ground, and with an exterior door. From this cellar an underground passage is said to extend to St. Mary's Church, about a quarter of a mile distant. Sir Ralph Clare was buried in St. Mary's, opposite to where Baxter's pulpit then stood. The flat stone that covers his grave has once again been restored to the light by the removal of the cumbrous sleeping-box that concealed it,—thanks to the judicious alterations now being carried on by the present vicar; alterations very different to those "beautifyings" of 1786, in which Baxter's pulpit was sold as worthless lumber. (Vide "N. & Q.,", Vol. v., p. 363.)

The Registers preserved in the vestry of St. Mary's attest the careful neatness of Baxter in his official entries. The headings of the different months are printed, and, in some cases, ornamented after the missal style. Many of the burials are set down as those of "valliant souldiers," who fell in the frequent skirmishes of those troublous times.

The row of elms on the south walk of the churchyard is said to have been planted in Baxter's time,—perhaps by his own hand.

If Mr. Bealby would like a copy of my etching of Baxter's pulpit (referred to at p. 363.), and would leave his address with the Publisher of "N. & Q.," I should be happy to forward one to him.

Cuthbert Bede, B.A.

ST. BOTULPH.

(Vol. v., pp. 396. 475.)

As no one has hitherto answered the inquiries of A. B. touching St. Botulph, I beg to forward you the following Notes. The earliest mention of him will be found in the Saxon Chronicle, at the year 654. He is said to have then commenced the building of a minster at Ycean-ho. The statement is repeated by Florence of Worcester, who writes the name of St. Botulph's convent Ikanho. Its locality is thus pointed out by Leland, Itinerary, i. 31, 32. ed. Hearne:—

"Some hold opinion that est of Lincoln were 2 suburbs, one toward S. Beges, a late [of late] a cell of S. Mari abbay at York; the which place I take be Icanno, wher was an house of monkes in S. Botolphes tyme, and of this speketh Bede[?]. It is scant half a mile from the minster."

The same writer has informed us (viii. 68.) that St. Botulph died in Icanno (15 Kal. Jun.), and that the monastery was soon afterwards destroyed by the Scandinavian vikings. The authority on which this latter statement will be found to rest is a "Life of St. Botulph," written or embellished by John Capgrave, and included in his Nova Legenda Angliæ. I have now before me a fine copy of the work (Lond. 1516); but very few of the events in which St. Botulph is there said to have played a part belong to the sphere of history. We learn that Botulphus and Adulphus were two noble brothers, who in early life were sent into "Old Saxony" to be instructed in monastic learning. Botulph there became acquainted with two sisters of an English king, named Ethelmund ("regis australium Anglorum"), who, at their wish, allotted to the monk a piece of barren ground, on which to build a convent ("locum quendam incultum et ab hominibus desertum Ykanho vocatum.") Like other marshy spots, in which the ignis fatuus abounded, it was thought to be infested by malignant spirits. These were soon, however, put to flight ("edito crucis signo"), and a convent, on the model of the house in which St. Botulph had been reared, was planted in the midst of their domain. It perished under Edmund (941-946); but the relics of St. Botulph, which had been enshrined in his own foundation, were preserved, and afterwards translated, in the time of Edgar (959-975), through the efforts of St. Ethelwold. The head was sent to Ely, and the body equally apportioned to the royal cabinet of relics and the abbey church of Thorne. The closing passage is as follows:

"In libro ecclesie Sancti Botulphi juxta Aldersgate London habetur quæ pars corporis Sancti Botulphi per bone memorie regem Edwardum ecclesie B. Petri Westmonasterii est collata. Eodem etiam tempore, ut in quibusdam locis scriptum inveni, per eundem monachum, jubente episcopo Ethelwoldo, translata sunt apud Thornense monasterium ossa Benedicti Biscop, abbatis venerabilis Wermuthensis, nutritoris Bede presbiteri. Construxit autem Sanctus Ethelwoldus non longe a monasterio Thornensi, in loco ubi beata virgo Christi Toua inclusa fuerat, lapideam ecclesiolam delicatissimis cameratam cancellulis et duplici area tribus dedicatam altaribus permodicis, undique usque ad eius muros vallatam arboribus diversi generis. Sedem ibi heremiticam, si permisisset Deus, sibi delegit."

Is there any other notice of this female solitary?

C. H.

St. Catharine's Hall, Cambridge.

[Leland notices this female solitary. St. Tova, or Tona, was a Saxon saint, to whose memory a fair chapel, called Thoveham, or Thona, half a mile from the abbey, was consecrated; and at this place was the oratory of the Heremites. Lelandi Collectanea, vol. i. p. 28.; Willis' Mitred Abbies, vol. i. p. 187.—Ed.]

The earliest mention found of this saint is in the Saxon Chronicle, under the year 654, when he began to build his minster at Ycean-ho, probably Boston or Botulph's-town in Lincolnshire. His life was first put into regular form by Fulcard, a monk of Thorney, who was made abbot of that monastery in 1068. Fulcard tells us in his preface what his materials were:

"Reperta sunt quædam in veteribus libris vitiose descripta, quædam ab ipso præcipuo præsuli in privilegiis ejusdem cœnobii sunt breviter annotata, cætera ex relatione veterum ut ab antiquioribus sunt eis exhibita."

An early MS. of this life is in the Harleian collection, No. 3097. It was printed (somewhat curtailed) by Capgrave in the Legenda Nova, and seems to have furnished all that our antiquaries know about St. Botulph. Camden indeed refers to Bede, iv. 3., as containing some mention of him; but I can find no such passage, and I believe that Botulph is nowhere mentioned in the Historia Anglorum. The remains of Botulph were taken up in the days of King Edgar, and his head was allotted to Ely, while the rest of his bones were divided between the abbeys of Thorney and Westminster. The cause of his extended popularity it is difficult to discover. His fame even passed over to Denmark, and an office is allotted to him in the Sleswick Breviary, Britannia Sacra, vol. i. p. 370. It has been surmised that he was a patron saint of seamen, and that his name indicates this character, i. e. boat-help! See Allen's History of Lincoln, vol. i. p. 245. His brother Adulf was made Bishop of Trajectum, probably Utrecht. Your correspondents may be referred to Capgrave; to Leland, Collectanea, vol. i. p. 217., and vol. iii. p. 33.; and to Ellis's Monasticon, vol. ii. p. 596., and vol. vi. p. 1621. St. Botulph's day is the 17th of June.

C. W. G.

SIR RICHARD POLE, THE FATHER OF CARDINAL POLE.

(Vol. v., pp. 105. 163.)

"Robert Pull, alias Poole, alias De la Poole, lord of Barretspoole, 8 Edw. I., by Elizabeth, dau. to Hugh Raby, had issue Reginald and others. Reginald had issue James, who died 1 Edw. II., leaving Robert de Pull, his son and heir, who m., 2 Rich. II., the dau. and heir of Thomas de Capenhurst. Sir John de Pull, Knight, his son, lived 8 Hen. IV. and 3 Hen. V., and was father of Sir John Poole, of Poole, in Wirrall, living about 19 Rich. II., who by a dau. of —— Mainwaring, of Peover, had issue, 1. Sir Thomas Poole, Knight, lord of Poole and Capenhurst, 35 Hen. VI. 2. Robert Poole, who left posterity. 3. Sir Richard Poole, Knight, who had progeny; and 4. James, grandfather to John Poole, of Stratford in Essex."

Is anything known further of the above Sir Richard Poole, Knight, or of his "progeny"? From a comparison of the dates before given with that of the time in which the father of the Cardinal flourished, it seems not improbable (in the absence of direct proof to the contrary) that he removed into Buckinghamshire, and was father of "Geoffry Pole," who married Edith St. John, as shown. Cardinal Pole, however, was born (in 1500) at Stoverton Castle in Worcestershire, and the fact that he was named Reginald, as borne by the son of Robert, the first ancestor of "Poole" (as shown in the above extract), as well as by other members of the baronet family, would tend to confirm the supposition of a common ancestry. The reasons for the change in the family bearing suggested by J. G. N. seem highly probable, besides being the usual course adopted by younger sons for difference. I would here suggest another Query: Was Sir Richard, or his son Henry, created Lord Montague? Burke seems to be at variance with other testimony I have found on the matter. He says:

"Sir Richard Pole, K.G., [was] summoned to Parliament in 1553 [Query, 1503], as Baron Montague: he m. Lady Margaret Plantagenet, dau. of Geo. Duke of Clarence, and left issue four sons and one daughter, viz. Henry, second Baron Montague (whose daughters and coheirs were, Katherine, wife of Francis, second Earl of Huntingdon; and Winifred, m. first to Sir Thomas Hastings, and, secondly, to Sir Thomas Barrington). 2. Geffery, Sir. 3. Arthur. 4. Reginald, the celebrated Cardinal. 5. Ursula, m. to Henry Lord Stafford."

In a list of attainders appended to the 2nd volume of Debrett's Peerage, the date 1504 is given as the creation, and 1538 the forfeiture of the title. Wotton says (vol. i. p. 32.):

"Sir Thomas Barrington, high sheriff of Essex and Hertford, 4 Eliz." 1561, "m. Winifred d. and coheir of Henry Pole, Lord Mountague (son of Sir Richard Pole, Knight of the Garter" only), "by Margaret Countess of Salisbury, dau. to Geo. Duke of Clarence, brother to King Edward VI."

That "marvellous" historian, Sir Richard Baker, in his Chronicle (ed. 1696, pp. 246. 271. 286., &c.), records, under the reign of Hen. VII. (cir. 1503):

"Prince Arthur, after his marriage, was sent again into Wales, to keep that country in good order, to whom were appointed for councillors Sir Richard Pool, his kinsman and chief chamberlain, Sir Henry Vernon," &c.

I find no trace of the title till 15 Hen. VIII. (1524):

"All this while King Henry had play'd with the French, but now he seems to be in earnest, and therefore sends over the Duke of Suffolk with an army, the four and twentieth of August, attended with the Lord Montacute and his brother, Sir Arthur Pool, with many other knights and gentlemen."

On the knighthood of this Sir Arthur I find, farther on,—

"On Allholland (Query, All-hallows) day, in the chief church of Roy," (the Duke) "made knights, Lord Herbert (son of the Earl of Worcester), the Lord Powis, Oliver Manners, Arthur Pool, &c.

And now—

The 3rd Nov. (1538) Henry Courtney, Marquess of Exeter and Earl of Devonshire, Henry Pool, Lord Montacute, Sir Nicholas Carew, of Bedington, Knight of the Garter and Master of the Horse, and Sir Edward Nevill, brother to the Lord Aburgenny, were sent to the Tower, being accused by Sir Geoffry Pool, the Lord Montacute's brother, of high treason. They were indicted for devising to promote and advance one Reinald (Qy. Reginald) Pool to the crown, and put down K. Henry. This Pool was a near kinsman of the king's (being the son of the Lady Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, daughter and heir to George, Duke of Clarence). He had been brought up by the king in learning, and made Dean of Exeter; but being after sent to learn experience by travel, he grew so great a friend of the Pope's that he became an enemy to King Henry, and for his enmity to the king was by Pope Julius III. made cardinal. For this man's cause the lords aforesaid being condemned were all executed; the Lord Marquess, the Lord Montacute, and Sir Edward Nevill, beheaded on the Tower Hill the ninth of January; Sir Nicholas Carew the third of March; two priests condemned with them were hanged at Tyburn: Sir Geoffry Pool, though condemned also, yet had his pardon."

I give this last quotation entire (hoping to be pardoned for its length), as it affords a curious insight into the eventful history of the period; for, two years later, I find it on record that—

"Reynold Pool, Cardinal, brother to the Lord Montacute, was with divers others attainted of high treason; of whom Foskeue and Dingley the tenth of July were beheaded, the Countess of Salisbury two years after."

But I forbear quoting further the account of this same cardinal's pompous "absolution of these realms," and "reconciliation to the church of Rome," all which are given in "marvellous" detail by our worthy historian. I pass on to observe, in conclusion, that, from the fact (as recorded in the first of the foregoing historic extracts) that "Sir Richard Pool, chamberlain" to Prince Arthur, was sent by him into Wales, I gather your correspondent I. J. H. H. has been led to suppose him a Welsh knight. That he is called a kinsman of the prince is also some confirmation of the statement afforded by J. G. N., that he became so by his mother's near connexion with the Countess of Richmond, but his own alliance with the house of Plantagenet must have taken place about the close of the fifteenth century (and I own this offers some objection to my theory of his descent); it could not have occurred in 1513, as your correspondent states, since Cardinal Pole was, as I have stated, born in 1500, and was therefore fifty-four years old at the commencement of Mary's reign, viz. 1553-4, when proposals were made for his marriage with the queen; for, says Sir Richard, once more, in speaking, of "the marriages propounded for Queen Mary:"

"One was Cardinal Pool, of a dignity not much inferior to kings, and by his mother descended from kings; but there was an exception against him also, because four and fifty years old (as old a batchelor as Queen Mary was a maid)," &c. &c.

May I be allowed to suggest another Query as to the value of the aforesaid dignity of knighthood, since Lord Herbert and Lord Powis accepted it with men of plainer name and "lesser note." I should feel obliged to any of your correspondents for information on this point.

H. W. S. T.

Southampton.

PROCLAMATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF COAL.

(Vol. v., p. 513.)

I have recently, for a definite purpose, searched for facts relative to the introduction of coal into domestic use, but I have not met with the case referred to by Dr. Bachhoffner. So harsh a measure appears somewhat inconsistent with other facts connected with the early history of coal. For instance, a grant, dated 7th May, in the 34th of Edward I. tolerates the introduction of sea-coal into London, but levies a toll of sixpence upon every ship-load passing London Bridge: "De qualibet navata carbonis maris venal. sex denarios" (Hearne's Liber Niger Scaccarii: Lond. 1774, 8vo. p. 480.), which toll was to be applied to the maintenance of the said bridge. A few months after this, in 1306, was issued the proclamation prohibiting its use; and on its being disregarded, was, as stated by Prynne, followed by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer in the year 1307, a short time before the death of Edward I. It is pretty evident that on the accession of Edward II. a great change occurred in the opinion of the authorities respecting the use of coal; for in the year 1308 fifty pounds (equal probably to 800l. of our money) were paid from the Exchequer to provide wood and coal for the king's coronation. (Issue Roll, Excheq., 1 Edw. II.) This sum was paid to John Fairhod, Thomas de Hales, Thomas Wastel, Roger le White, and John de Talworth. We cannot tell the quantity of coal used on that occasion; but, in addition to the above sum we find Richard del Hurst of London petitioning Parliament for the payment of ten shillings to him for sea-coal supplied at the king's coronation. (Rot. Parl., 15 and 16 Edw. II., vol. i. p. 405.) Many facts might be given to show that coal was frequently used in London during the reign of Edward II.; and unless we are to infer that the king used without hesitation that which was denied to the citizens on pain of death, we cannot suppose that any such stringent measure was in force as to render the use of coal a capital offence. The period, therefore, in which the case referred to by Dr. Bachhoffner occurred, was most probably during the last few months of the reign of Edw. I. But I am not acquainted with any record of the case, and, with Mr. Wilson, should feel obliged if any of your correspondents can refer me to it. But perhaps the Doctor himself will kindly answer the Query.

F. Somner Merryweather.

RALPH WINTERTON.

(Vol. v., pp. 346. 419.)

You mention that a Latin distich by Winterton may be found among the Additional MSS. in the British Museum. And at p. 420. his publication of Hypocrates is referred to, with a Query as to the Latin verse translation. As this book (not I believe very common) is now before me, I transcribe the title:

"'Ἱπποκράτους τοῦ Μεγαλοῦ ὁι ἀφορισμοι· πεζικοί τε καὶ ἔμμετροι. Hippocratis Magni Aphorismi, soluti et metrici. Interprete Joanne Heurnio medico Ultrajectino. Metaphrastis, Joanne Frero Medico-Poëta et Radulpho Wintertono Medicinæ, et Poëseωs Græcæ studioso, Anglis.

Alexandri Magni Apophthegma.

Βασιλικόν εσι, τὸν εὖ ποιουντα κακῶς ἀκούειν.

Regale est, bene cùm feceris, male audire.

Catabrigiæ. Excudebant Thomas Buck et Rogerus Daniel, MDCXXXIII."

The volume is 12mo., and dedicated to William [Laud?], Bishop of London. Then follow "Reverendorum S. Theol. Professorum Censuræ," including those of Thomas Comber, Dean of Carlisle, and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge; Matthew Wren, Dean of Windsor, and Master of Peterhouse, &c. The aphorisms are given each in the original Greek, with a metrical version in the same language, followed by prose and metrical versions in Latin.

At the end of my copy is bound up, as probably it was printed to accompany the preceding,

"Epigrammata Regiorum Medicinæ Professorum, Cantabrigiensis atque Oxoniensis, &c. In Rad. Wintertoni Metaphrasin nuper editam, &c., quibus accedunt Epigrammata Therapeutica ejusdem, ad malevolorum lectorum ægritudines."

Cantabrigiæ, same date and printers. One of the Epigrammata throws some light on the Query in Vol. v., p. 420., as to the authorship of the Latin version: Edward Hanburie, of Sidney College, says, addressing Winterton,—

The volume closes with some Latin elegiac verses by Winterton on the death of his brother Francis, who, leaving the office of Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to the Queen,

This supplementary volume is partly occupied with complimentary verses by the fellows of King's, who address Winterton as

Among these is one copy by Gulielmus Sclater, C. R. C., "Socius Inceptor in Artibus;" and another by Johannes Sclater, C. R. C., quondam Socius, S. T. B. 1613. I indicate these as having lately called the attention of your readers to this family.

Balliolensis.