T H E (continued 2)

Laftly, the Sammon, king of fish, Fils with good cheare the Christmas dish, Teaching that season must relish Each in his kind.

(*) It is said that the fish cometh, when the Alder leafe is growne to the breadth of a groate.

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And of the Sammon in particular.

NOW to the Sammon, king of fish, a trice, Against whose slate, both skill and will conspire, Paine brings the fewell, and gaine blowes the fire, That hand may execute the heads deuice. Some build his house, but his thence issue barre, Some make his meashie bed, but reaue his rest: Some giue him meate, but leaue it not disgest, Some tickle him, but are from pleasing farre. Another troope com's in with fire and sword, Yet cowardly, close counterwaite his way, And where he doth in streame, mistrustlesse play, Vail'd with nights robe, they stalke the shore aboord. One offers him the daylight in a waze, As if darknesse alone contriued wiles: But new Neptune, his mate, at land, the whiles, With forked Mace, deere school's his foolish gaze. Poore Fish, not praying, that are made a pray, And at thy natiue home find'st greatest harme, Though dread warne, swiftnesse guide, and strength thee arme, Thy neerenesse, greatnesse, goodnesse, thee betray.

In the Hauens, great store, and diuers sorts of fish, some at one time of the yeere, and some at another, doe haunt the depthes and shallowes, while the lesser flie the greater, and they also are pursued by a bigger, each preying one vpon another, and all of them accustoming, once in the yeere, to take their kind of the fresh water. They may be diuided into three kinds, shell, flat, and round fish. Of shell fish, there are Wrinkles, Limpets, Cockles, Muscles, Shrimps, Crabs, Lobsters, and Oysters.

Of flat fish, Rayes, Thorn-backes, Soles, Flowkes, Dabs, Playces.

Of round fish, Brit, Sprat, Barne, Smelts, Whiting, Scad, Chad, Sharkes, Cudles, Eeles, Conger, Basse, Millet, Whirlepole, and Porpose. The generall way of killing these (that is the Fishermans bloudie terme, for this cold-blouded creature) is by Weares, Hakings, Saynes, Tuckes, and Tramels.

The Weare is a frith, reaching slope-wise through the Ose, from the land to low water marke, and hauing in it, a bunt or cod with an eye-hooke, where the fish entering, vpon their coming backe with the ebbe, are stopped from issuing out againe, forsaken by the water, and left drie on the Ose.

For the Haking, certaine Stakes are pitched in the Ose at low water, athwart from Creeke, from shore to shore, to whose feete they fasten a Net, and at ful-sea draw the vpper part thereof to their stops, that the fish may not retire with the ebb, but be taken, as in the Weares.

The Sayne is a net, of about fortie fathome in length, with which they encompasse a part of the Sea, and drawe the same on land by two ropes, fastned at his ends, together with such fish, as lighteth within his precinct.

The Tucke carrieth a like fashion, saue that it is narrower meashed, and (therefore scarce lawfull) with a long bunt in the midst: the Tramell differeth not much from the shape of this bunt, and serueth to such vse as the Weare and Haking.

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The particular taking of sundrie kinds of fishes, is almost as diuers as themselues. Wrinckles, Limpets, Cockles, and Muscles, are gathered by hand, vpon the rockes and sands. Many of the Crabs breede in the shels of Cockles, and of the Lobsters in those of Wrinckles, as my selfe haue seene: being growne, they come forth, and liue in holes of Rockes, from whence, at low water, they are dragged out, by a long crooke of yron.

The Shrimps are dipped vp in shallow water by the shore side, with little round nets, fastned to a staffe, not much unlike that which is used for daring of Larkes.

The Ostyers (besides gathering by hand, at a great ebb) haue a peculiar dredge, which is a thick strong net, fastned to three spils of yron, and drawne at the boates sterne, gathering whatsoeuer it meeteth, lying in the bottome of the water, out of which, when it is taken vp, they cull the Oysters, and cast away the residue, which they terme gard, and serueth as a bed for the Oysters to breed in. It is held, that there are of them male, and female. The female, about May, and Iune, haue in them a certaine kind of milke, which they then shead, and whereof the Oyster is engendered. The little ones, at first, cleaue in great numbers, to their mothers shell, from whence, waxing bigger, they weane themselues, and towards Michaelmas, fall away. The Countrie people long retained a conceit, that in Summer time they weare out of kind (as indeed the milkie are) but some Gentlemen making experiment of the contrarie, began to eate them at all seasons, wherethrough, by spending them oftner and in greater quantitie, by spoyling the little ones, and by casting away the vnseasonable, there ensued a scarcitie, which scarcitie brought a dearth, the dearth bred a sparing, and the sparing restored a plenty againe. They haue a propertie, though taken out of the water, to open against the flood time, and to close vpon the ebbe, or before, if they bee touched, the which, not long sithence occasioned a ridiculous chaunce, while one of them through his sodaine Shutting, caught in his owne defence, three yong Mice by the heads, that of malice prepensed, had conspired to deuoure him, and so trebled the valour of the cleft block, which griped Milo by the hands.

Nature hath strowed the shore with such plenty of these shel-fishes, as thereby shee warranteth the poore from dread of staruing: for euery day they may gather sufficient to preserue their life, though not to please their appetite, which, ordinarie with vs, was miraculous to the Rochellers in their siedge 1572.

After Shel-fish succeedeth the free-fish, so termed, because he wanteth this shelly bulwarke.

Amongst these, the Flowk, Sole and Playce follows the tyde up into the fresh riuers, where, at low water, the Countri people find them by treading, as they wade to seeke them, and so take them vp with their hands. They vse also to poche them with an instrument somewhat like the Sammon-speare.

Of Eeles there are two sorts: the one Valsen, of best taste, coming from the fresh riuers, when the great raine floods after September doe breake their beds, and carry them into the sea: the other, bred in the salt water, & called a Conger Eele, which afterwards, as his bignes increaseth, ventreth out into the maine Ocean, & is enfranchised a Burgesse of that vast common wealth: but in harbor they are taken mostly by Spillers made of a cord, [32] many fathoms in length, to which diuers lesser and shorter are tyed at a little distance, and to each of these a hooke is fastened with bayt: this Spiller they sincke in the sea where those Fishes haue their accustomed haunt, and the next morning take it vp againe with the beguiled fish.

For catching of Whiting and Basse, they vse a thred, so named, because it consisteth of a long smal lyne with a hooke at the end, which the Fisherman letteth slip out of his hand by the Boat side to the bottom of the water, and feeling the fish caught by the sturring of the lyne, draweth it vp againe with his purchase. The Porposes are shaped very bigge and blacke. These chase the smaller schoels of fish from the mayne sea into the hauens, leaping vp and downe in the water, tayle after top, and one after another, puffing like a fat lubber out of breath, and following the fish with the flood, so long as any depth will serue to bear them; by which means they are sometimes intercepted: for the Borderers watching vntill they be past farre vp into some narrow creeke, get belowe them with their Boats, and cast a strong corded net athwart the streame, with which, and their lowd and continuall showting and noyse making, they fray and stop them from retyring, vntill the ebbe haue abandoned them to the hunters mercy, who make short worke with them, and (by an olde custome) share them amongst all the assistants with such indifferencie, as if a woman with child bee present, the babe in her wombe is gratified with a portion: a poynt also obserued by the Speare-hunters in taking of Sammons.

Now from within harbour, we will launch out into the deepe, and see what luck of fish God there shall send vs, which (so you talke not of Hares or such vncouth things, for that proues as ominous to the fisherman, as the beginning a voyage on the day when Childermas day fell, doth to the Mariner) may succeed very profitable: for the coast is plentifully stored, both with those foreremembred, enlarged to a bigger size, & diuers other, as namely of shel-fish, Sea-hedge-hogs, Scallops & Sheath-fish. Of fat, Brets, Turbets, Dories, Holybut. Round, Pilcherd, Herring, Pollock, Mackrell, Gurnard, Illeck, Tub, Breame, Oldwife, Hake, Dogfish, Lounp, Cunner, Rockling, Cod, Wrothe, Becket, Haddock, Guilt-head, Rough-hound, Squary Scad, Seale, Tunny, and many others, quos nunc, &c.

The Sheath, or Rasor-fish, resembleth in length and bignesse a mans finger, and in taste, the Lobster, but reputed of greater restoratiue.

The Sea-hedge-hogge, of like or more goodnesse, is enclosed in a round shell, fashioned as a loafe of bread, handsomely wrought and pincked, and guarded by an vtter skinne full of prickles, as the land Vrchin. But the least fish in bignes, greatest for gaine, and most in number, is the Pilcherd: they come to take their kind of the fresh (as the rest) betweene haruest and Alhallon-tyde, and were wont to pursue the Brit, vpon which they feede, into the hauens, but are now forestalled on the coast by the Drouers and Sayners. The Drouers hang certaine square nets athwart the tyde, thorow which the schoell of Pilchard passing, leaue many behind intangled in the meashes. When the nets are so filled, the Drouers take them up, clense them, and let them fall againe.

The Sayners complayne with open mouth, that [33] these drouers worke much preiudice to the Commonwealth of fishermen, and reape thereby small gaine to themselues; for (say they) the taking of some few, breaketh and scattereth the whole schoels, and frayeth them from approaching the shore: neither are those thus taken, marchantable, by reason of their brusing in the meash. Let the crafts-masters decide the controuersie.

The Sayne, is in fashion, like that within harbour, but of a farre larger proportion. To each of these, there commonly belong three or foure boates, carrying about sixe men apeece: with which, when the season of the yeere and weather serueth, they lie houering upon the coast, and are directed in their worke, by a Balker, or Huer, who standeth on the Cliffe side, and from thence, best discerneth the quantitie and course of the Pilcherd: according whereunto, hee cundeth (as they call it) the Master of each boate (who hath his eye still fixed upon him) by crying with a lowd voice, whistling through his fingers, and wheazing certing diuersified and significant signes, with a bush, which hee holdeth in his hand. At his appointment they cast out their Net, draw it to either hand, as the Schoell lyeth, or fareth, beate with their Oares to keepe in the Fish, and at last, either close and tucke it vp in the Sea, or draw the same on land, with more certaine profit, if the ground bee not rough of rockes. After one companie haue thus shot their Net, another beginneth behind them, and so a third, as opportunitie serueth. Being so taken, some, the Countrie people, who attend with their horses and paniers at the Cliffes side, in great numbers, doe buy and carrie home, the larger remainder, is by the Marchant, greedily and speedily seized vpon.

They are saued three maner of wayes: by fuming, pressing, or pickelling. For euery of which, they are first salted and piled vp row by row in square heapes on the ground in some celler, which they terme, Bulking, where they so remaine for fome ten daies, vntil the superfluous moysture of the bloud and salt be soked from them: which accomplished, they rip the bulk, and saue the residue of the salt for another like seruice. Then those which are to be ventred for Fraunce, they pack in staunch hogsheads, so to keepe them in their pickle. Those that serue for the hotter Countries of Spaine and Italie, they vsed at first to fume, by hanging them vp on long sticks one by one, in a house built for the nonce, & there drying them with the smoake of a soft and continuall fire, from whence they purchased the name of Fumados: but now, though the terme still remaine, that trade is giuen ouer: and after they haue bene ripped out of the bulk, reffed vpon sticks, & washed, they pack them orderly in hogsheads made purposely leake, which afterward they presse with great waights, to the end the traine may soke from them into a vessell placed in the ground to receyue it.

In packing, they keepe a iust tale of the number that euery hogshead contayneth, which otherwise may turne to the Marchants preiudice: for I haue heard, that when they are brought to the place of sale, the buyer openeth one hogs-head at aduentures; and if hee finde the same not to answere the number figured on the outside, hee abateth a like proportion in euery other, as there wanted in that. The trayne is well solde, as imployed to diuers vses, and welneere acquiteth the cost in sauing, and the sauing setteth almost an infinite [34] number of women and children on worke, to their great aduantage: for they are allowed a peny for euery lasts carriage (a last is ten thousand) and as much for bulking, washing, and packing them, whereby a lusty huswife may earne three shillings in a night; for towards the euening they are mostly killed.

This commoditie at first carried a very lowe price, and serued for the inhabitants cheapest prouision: but of late times, the deare sale beyond the seas hath so encreased the number of takers, and the takers iarring and brawling one with another, and foreclosing the fishes taking their kind within harbour, so decreased the number of the taken, as the price daily extendeth to an higher rate, equalling the proportion of other fish: a matter which yet I reckon not preiudiciall to the Commonwealth, seeing there is store sufficient of other victuals, and that of these a twentieth part will serue the Countries need, and the other nineteene passe into forraine Realmes with a gainefull vtterance.

The Sayners profit in this trade is vncertayne, as depending upon the seas fortune, which hee long attendeth, and often with a bootlesse trauaile: but the Pilcherd Marchant may reape a speedy, large, and assured benefit, by dispatching the buying, sauing and selling to the transporters, within little more then three moneths space. Howbeit, diuers of them, snatching at wealth ouer-hastily, take mony beforehand, and bind themselues for the same, to deliuer Pilcherd ready saued to the transporter, at an vnder-rate, and so cut their fingers. This venting of Pilcherd enhaunced greatly the price of cask, whereon all other sorts of wood were conuerted to that vse: and yet this scantly supplying a remedie, there was a statute made 35. Eliz. that from the last of Iune 1594. no stranger should transport beyond the seas any Pilcherd or other fish in cask, vnlesse hee did bring into the Realme, for euery sixe tunnes, two hundred of clapboord fit to make cask, and so rateably, vpon payne of forfeyting the sayd Pilcherd or fish. This Act to continue before the next Parliament, which hath reuiued the same, vntill his (yet not knowne) succeeder.

The Pilcherd are pursued and deuoured by a bigger kinde of fish, called a Plusher, being somewhat like the Dog-fish, who leapeth now and then aboue water, and therethrough bewrayeth them to the Balker: so are they likewise persecuted by the Tonny, and he (though not verie often) taken with them damage faisant. And that they may no lesse in fortune, then in fashion, resemble the Flying fish, certaine birds called Gannets, soare ouer, and stoup to prey vpon them. Lastly, they are persecuted by the Hakes, who (not long sithence) haunted the coast in great abundance; but now being depriued of their wonted baite, are much diminished, verifying the prouerb, What we lose in Hake, we shall haue in Herring. These Hakes and diuers of the other forerecited, are taken with threds, & some of them with the boulter, which is a Spiller of a bigger size. Vpon the North coast, where want of good harbours denieth safe road to the fisherboats, they haue a deuice of two sticks filled with corks, and crossed flatlong, out of whose midst there riseth a thred, and at the same hangeth a saile; to this engine, termed a Lestercock, they tie one end of their Boulter, so as the wind comming from the shore, filleth the sayle, and the saile carrieth out the Boulter into the sea, which after the respite of some houres, is drawne in againe [35] by a cord fastned at the neerer end. They lay also certaine Weelyes in the Sea, for taking of Cunners, which therethrough are termed Cunner-pots. Another net they haue long and narrow meashed, thwarted with little cords of wide distance, in which the fish intangleth it selfe, and is so drawne vp.

For Bait they vse Barne, Pilcherd, and Lugges. The Lugge is a worme resembling the Tagworme or Angle-touch, and lying in the Ose somewhat deepe, from whence the women digge them vp, and sell them to the Fishermen: They are descried by their working ouer head, as the Tagworme. And, for lacke of other prouision, the Fishermen sometimes cut out a peece of the new taken Hake, neere his tayle, and therewith baite their hookes, to surprise more of his Canniballian fellowes.

The Seale, or Soyle, is in making and growth, not vnlike a Pigge, vgly faced, and footed like a Moldwarp; he delighteth in musike, or any lowd noise, and thereby is trained to approach neere the shore, and to shew himselfe almost wholly aboue water. They also come on land, and lie sleeping in holes of the Cliffe, but are now and then waked with the deadly greeting of a bullet in their sides.

The Fishermens hookes doe not alwayes returne them good prise: for often there cleaueth to the baite, a certaine fish like a Starre, so farre from good meate, as it is held contagious.

There swimmeth also in the Sea, a round slymie substance, called a Blobber, reputed noysome to the fish.

But you are tired, the day is spent, and it is high time that I draw to harbour: which good counsell I will follow, when I haue onely told you, In what maner the Fishermen saue the most part of their fish. Some are polled (that is, beheaded) gutted, splitted, powdred and dried in the Sunne, as the lesser sort of Hakes. Some headed, gutted, iagged, and dried, as Rayes, and Thornbackes. Some gutted, splitted, powdred, and dried, as Buckhorne made of Whitings, (in the East parts named Scalpions) and the smaller sort of Conger, and Hake. Some gutted, splitted, and kept in pickle, as Whiting, Mackrell, Millet, Basse, Peall, Trowt, Sammon, and Conger. Some, gutted, and kept in pickle, as the lesser Whitings, Pollocks, Eeles, and squarie Scads. Some cut in peeces, and powdred, as Seale and Porpose. And lastly, some boyled, and preserued fresh in Vinegar, as Tonny and Turbet.

Besides these flooting burgesses of the Ocean, there are also certaine flying Citizens of the ayre, which prescribe for a corrodie therein; of whom some serue for food to vs, and some but to feed themselues. Amongst the first sort, we reckon the Dip-chicke, (so named of his diuiug, and littlenesse) Coots, Sanderlings, Sea-larkes, Oxen and Kine, Seapies, Puffins, Pewets, Meawes, Murres, Creysers, Curlewes, Teale, Wigeon, Burranets, Shags, Ducke and Mallard, Gull, Wild-goose, Heron, Crane, and Barnacle.

These content not the stomacke, all with a like sauorinesse, but some carrie a rancke taste, and require a former mortification: and some are good to bee eaten while they are young, but nothing tooth-some, as they grow elder. The Guls, Pewets, and most of the residue, breed in little desert Ilands, bordering on both coastes, laying their Egges on the grasse, without making any [36] nests, from whence the owner of the land causeth the young ones to be fetched about Whitsontide, for the first broode, and some weekes after for the second. Some one, but not euerie such Rocke, may yeeld yeerely towards thirtie dozen of Guls. They are kept tame, and fed fat, but none of the Sea kind will breede out of their naturall place: Yet at Caryhayes, master Treuanions house, which bordereth on the Cliffe, an old Gull did (with an extraordinarie charitie) accustome, for diuers yeeres together, to come and feede the young ones (though perhaps none of his alliance) in the court where they were kept. It is held, that the Barnacle breedeth vnder water on such ships sides, as haue beene verie long at Sea, hanging there by the Bill, vntill his full growth dismisse him to be a perfect fowle: and for proofe hereof, many little things like birds, are ordinarily found in such places, but I cannot heare any man speake of hauing seene them ripe. The Puffyn hatcheth in holes of the Cliffe, whose young ones are thence ferretted out, being exceeding fat, kept salted, and reputed for fish, as comming neerest thereto in their taste. The Burranet hath like breeding, and, after her young ones are hatched, shee leadeth them sometimes ouer-land, the space of a mile or better, into the hauen, where such as haue leasure to take their pastime, chace them one by one with a boate, and stones, to often diuing, vntill, through wearinesse, they are taken vp at the boates side by hand, carried home, and kept tame with the Ducks: the Egges of diuers of these Fowles are good to bee eaten.

Sea-fowle not eatable, are Ganets, Ospray (Plynyes Haliaeetos.) Amongst which, Iacke-Daw (the second slaunder of our Countrie) shall passe for companie, as frequenting their haunt, though not their diet: I meane not the common Daw, but one peculiar to Cornwall, and therethrough termed a Cornish Chough: his bil is sharpe, long, and red, his legs of the same colour, his feathers blacke, his conditions, when he is kept tame, vngratious, in filching, and hiding of money, and such short ends, and somewhat dangerous in carrying stickes of fire.

After hauing marched ouer the land, and waded thorow the Sea, to discouer all the creatures therein insensible, & sensible, the course of method summoneth me to discourse of the reasonable, to wit, the Inhabitants, and to plot downe whatsoeuer, noteworthily, belongeth to their estate, reall, and personall, and to their gouernment, spirituall, and temporall. Vnder their reall state, I comprise all that their industrie hath procured, either for priuate vse, or entercourse, and traffike.

In priuate life, there commeth into consideration, their Tenements, which yeeld them sustinance, and their houses, which afford them a place of abode. Euerie tenement is parcell of the demaynes, or seruices of some Manner. Commonly thirtie Acres make a farthing land, nine farthings a Cornish Acre, and foure Cornish Acres, a Knights fee. But this rule is ouerruled to a greater or lesser quantitie, according to the fruitfulnesse, or barrennesse of the soyle. That part of the demaines, which appertaineth to the Lords dwelling house, they call his Barten, or Berton. The tenants to the rest hold the same either by sufferance, Wil, or custome, or by conuention. The customary tenant holdeth at Wil, either for yeeres, [37] or for liues, or to them and their heires, in diuers manners according to the custome of the Mannour. Customarie Tenants for life, take for one, two, three, or more liues, in possession, or reuersion, as their custome will beare. Somewhere the wiues hold by widdowes estate, and in many places, when the estate is determined by the Tenants death, and either to descend to the next in reuersion, or to returne to the Lord, yet will his Executor, or Administrator detaine the land, by the custome, vntill the next Michaelmas after, which is not altogether destitute of a reasonable pretence.

Amongst other of this customarie Land, there are seuenteene Mannours, appertaining to the Duchie of Cornwall, who doe euerie seuenth yere, take their Holdings (so they terme them) of certaine Commissioners sent for the purpose, & haue continued this vse, for the best part of three hundred yeeres, through which, they reckon, a kind of inheritable estate accrued vnto them. But, this long prescription notwithstanding, a more busie then well occupied person, not long sithence, by getting a Checquer lease of one or two such tenements, called the whole right in question: and albeit God denyed his bad minde any good successe, yet another taking vp this broken title, to salue himselfe of a desperate debt, prosecuted the same so far forth, as he brought it to the iutty of a Nisi prius. Hereon certayne Gentlemen were chosen and requested by the Tenants, to become suiters for stopping this gap, before it had made an irremediable breach. They repayred to London accordingly, and preferred a petition to the then L. Treasurer Burleigh. His L. called vnto him the Chauncellour, and Coise Barons of the Exchequer, and tooke a priuate hearing of the cause. It was there manifestly prooued before them, that besides this long continuance, and the Importance, (as that which touched the vndooing of more then a thousand persons) her Highnesse possessed no other lands, that yeelded her so large a benefit in Rents, Fines, Heriots, and other perquisites. These reasons found fauourable allowance, but could obtaine no thorough discharge, vntill the Gentlemen became suppliants to her Maiesties owne person, who, with her natiue & supernaturall bounty, vouchsafed vs gratious audience, testified her great dislike of the attempter, & gaue expresse order for stay of the attempt: since which time, this barking Dogge hath bene mufled. May it please God to award him an vtter choaking, that he neuer haue power to bite againe.

Herein we were beholden to Sir Walter Raleghs earnest writing, (who was then in the Countrey) to Sir Henry Killigrews sound aduice, and to Master William Killigrews painefull soliciting (being the most kinde patrone of all his Countrey and Countreymens affaires at Court.)

In times past, and that not long agoe, Holdings were so plentifull, and Holders so scarce, as well was the Landlord who could get one to bee his Tenant, and they vsed to take assurance for the rent by 2. pledges of the same Mannour. But now the case is altred: for a farme, or (as wee call it) a bargaine can no sooner fall in hand, then the Suruey Court shal be waited on with many Officers, vying & reuying each on other; nay thei are taken mostly at a ground-hop, before they fall, for feare of comming too late. And ouer and aboue the old yerely rent, they will giue a hundred or two hundred [38] yeeres purchace and vpward at that rate, for a fine, to haue an estate of three liues: which summe commonly amounteth to ten, or twelve yeeres iust value of the land. As for the old rent, it carrieth at the most, the proportion but of a tenth part, to that whereat the tenement may be presently improued, & somewhere much lesse: so as the Parson of the parish can in most places, dispend as much by his tithe, as the Lord of the Mannour by his rent. Yet is not this deare letting euerie where alike: for the westerne halfe of Cornewall, commeth far short of the Easterne, and the land about Townes, exceedeth that lying farther in the Countrey.

The reason of this enhaunsed price, may proue (as I gesse) partly, for that the late great trade into both the Indies, hath replenished these parts of the world with a larger store of the Coyne-currant mettals, then our ancestours enioyed: partly, because the banishment of single-liuing Votaries, yonger mariages then of olde, and our long freedome from any sore wasting warre, or plague, hath made our Countrey very populous: and partly, in that this populousnes hath inforced an industrie in them, and our blessed quietnes giuen scope, and meanes to this industrie. But howsoeuer I ayme right or wide at this, once certayne it is, that for these husbandry matters, the Cornish Inhabitants are in sundry points swayed by a diuerse opinion, from those of some other Shires. One, that they will rather take bargaines, at these excessiue fines, then a tolerable improued rent, being in no sort willing to ouer a penny: for they reckon that, but once smarting, and this, a continuall aking. Besides, though the price seeme very high, yet mostly, foure yeeres tillage, with the husbandmans payne and charge, goeth neere to defray it. Another, that they fal euery where from Commons to Inclosure, and partake not of some Easterne Tenants enuious dispositions, who will sooner preiudice their owne present thrift, by continuing this mingle-mangle, then aduance the Lords expectant benefit, after their terme expired.

The third, that they alwayes preferre liues before yeeres, as both presuming vpon the Countries healthfulnesse, and also accounting their family best prouided for, when the husband, wife, and childe, are sure of a liuing. Neither may I (without wrong) conceyle the iust commendation of most such wiues, in this behalfe: namely, when a bargaine is so taken to these three, it often falleth out, that afterwards the sonne marieth, and deliuereth his yeruing-goods (as they terme it) to his father, who in lieu thereof, by his wiues assent (which in many auncient deeds was formall) departeth to him and his daughter in lawe, with the one halfe of his Holding in hand.

Now, though after the fathers decease, the mother may, during her life, turne them both out of doores, as not bound by her owne word, and much lesse by her husbands: yet I haue seldome or neuer knowne the same put in practise, but true and iust meaning hath euer taken place.

Yet another vnconscionable quirk some haue of late time pried into, viz. in a ioynt-lease to three intended by the taker and payer, to descend successiuely and intirely, one of them passeth ouer his interest to a stranger, who by rigour of law shall hold it during the liues of the other twaine.

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The ordinary couenants of most conuentionary Tenants are, to pay due Capons, doe haruest iournyes, grinde at the Mill, sue to the Court, discharge the office of Reeue and Tithing-man, dwell vpon the Tenement, and to set out no part thereof to tillage, without the Lords licence first obtained. Which conditions are yet enlarged or restrained, according to the Demisors humour.

Vsuall it is for all sorts of Tenants, vpon death, at least, if not surrender, or forfeyture, to pay their best beast for a Heriot: yea, if a stranger, passing thorow the Countrey, chaunce to leaue his carkase behind him, he also must redeeme his buriall, by rendring his best beast, which he hath with him, to the Lord of the soyle: or if he haue none, his best Iewell; or rather then fayle, his best garment then about him, in lieu thereof. But this custome hath beene somewhat shaken, in comming to triall, and laboureth of a dangerous Feuer, though the Cornish Gentlemen vse all possible remedies of almost fas et nefas, by pleading the 11. poynts of the Lawe, to keepe it on liue.

The free Tenants seruices, are ordinary with those of other places, saue that they pay in most places onely fee-Morton releeses, which is after fiue markes the whole Knights fee, (so called of Iohn Earle first of Morton, then of Cornwall, and lastly King of this Land) whereas that of fee-Gloucester is fiue pound. And to accomplish this part, I haue heere inserted a note of the Cornish Knights fees and acres, which I receyued from my learned and religious kinseman Master Robert Moyle.

Record. Feod. Milit. in Cornub. fact. Anno 3. H. 4. vt sequitur.

HEnricus Dei gratia, Rex Anglia & Franciae, & Dominus Hiberniae, dilectis nobis Vicecom. & Escaetori nostris in Com. Cornub. ac Iohanni Colshil, & Iohanni Tremayn seniori collectoribus auxilij 20. solidorum, de quolibet feod. Milit. tento de nob. fine medio in Com. praedicto ad Blanchiam primogenitam filiam nostram maritand. iuxta formam statuti, anno regni Domini Edwardi nuper Regis Angliae, Aui nostri 25. edict. assignat salutem. Quasdam euidentias, quas de libris, rotulis & memorand. Scaccarii nostri exhiberi fecimus pro informations vestra, super captione inquisitionum diuersorum feodorum in Com. praedicto, viz. de rubro libra unam scedulam, & duos rotulos de euidentiis nuper collectoribus auxilii praedicti, auo nostro ad filium suum primogenitum milit. faciend, anno Regni sui 20. concessi vobis mittimus, sub pede sigilli nostri, mandantes, vt inspect. euidenc. praed. vlterius inde tam per easdem euident. quam per Inquisitiones super praemiss. per vos capiend. pro commodo nostro faciatis, quod de iure per vos videatur faciend: Ita quod euidenc. praed, vna cum toto fac. vestro in premiss. & hoc breue ad Scaccarium nostrum super compot. vestrum proxim. de eodem auxilio redend. Baronibus de dictio Scaccario nostro ibidem liberandum habeatis. Teste Iohanne Cokayn apud Westmonast. 30. die Ianua. Anno Regni nostri 3. Rotl. memorum de anno 3. Hillar. record.

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Hundred de Penwith.

Will, de Campo Arnulphi ten. 7 feod. & di. in Luduon trewedryn, Maien & Kelle- meke. Will. Basset ten. 1. feod in Tihidi & Trenalga. Mich. de Bray ten. 2. partes vnius feod. in Bray Alanas Bloighon ten 2. feod. in Tremall. Haeres Marci de Walestbren ten. 2. partes feod. in Veno. Episcop. Exon. ten dimid. feod. in Lauestli. Haeres Iocei Dynnan ten. 1. feod. in Gorten. Comes Gloc. ten. 4. part. unius feod. in Drayn- neck. Idem. Comes ten. 1. feod. in Couerton. Idem. Comes ten. 1. feod. in Binnerton. Idem. Comes ten. 5. part. 1. feod. in Loigans. Haeres Ties ten. dimid. feod. in Alwerton. Marchio Dorset. ten. 4. feod. in Trenwel.

Hundred de Lysnewith.

Will, de Botriaux tenet in isto Hundred in Wale breux. 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Polruman di. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Wolueston 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Tresciward 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Worthauale 1. feod. Reginald de Ferrar in ead. Hund. 7. feod. Will, de Witha & Iohan. de Crammon tenent in Trewint & in Westdisart 1. feod. Idem Will. de Campo Arnulphi ten. 1 feod. in Heliset. Idem Will. ten. in Oterham 1. feod. Idem Will, in Donneghny Crugplegh di. feod. Simon Giffard ten. 1. feo. in Donneghny de la Bruer. Henric. de la Pomerey ten. in Lesnewith & Treuyghan di. feod. Rogerus de Crammon ten. in Moteland 1. feod. Omnia praedicta feod. sunt feod. Mortanne. Haeres Iocei Dinan ten.in Ouer rescradeck. & nether rescradeck di. feod.

Hundred de Stratton.

HErbertus de Pyn ten. in Middeland 3. feod. Idem ten. in Bere 1. feod. in Deuon. Idem ten. in Alwington in Deuon 2. feod. Idem ten. Marwonchurch 1. feod. Idem ten. in Pensenteinon, Trethewy & Westory 2. feod. Comes Gloc. ten. 2. magna feod. in Kilkham land.

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Ranulphus de Albo Monasterio tenet in Stratton 1. feod. Thomas de Wamford ten. in Efford 1. feod. Henric. de Killigreu ten. 1. feo. in Orchard mar- ries. Iohannes de Cobbeham in Lancels 1. feod. quod Abbas & conuentus de Hartland tenent in pur. & perpet. elem. Idem ten. in Wiston & Serpeknol 1. feod. Idem ten. in burgo paruo Ponte knol. & Sunondsham 1. feod. quod Abbas & conu. praed. clam, tenere in pura & perpet. elem. Idem ten. 3. part. 1. feod. in Turlebere. Idem ten. 1. feod. & 6. part. 1. feod. in Hilton simul cum Ferewil in Deuon. Rogerus de Carmmon ten. 1. feod. in Hormecot & Rescher. Rex ten. 1. feod. in Bostinne. Idem ten. Lamaylwen 1. feod. quod Oliuerus de Cram- mon ten. Idem ten. in Nantoige 1. feod. di. feod. Iohanna Lengleis ten. i. feod. in Wadfaste. Guilielmus de Campo Arnulphi ten. 1. feod. m Pen- nalim. Idem ten. 1. feod. & 2. partes 1. feod. in Wike. Prior de Lanceston ten. 1/4 1. feod. in Borton. Haluethus Maliuery ten, di. feo. milit. in Tamerton. Omnia praedicta feod. sunt parua feod. prater. 2. feod. in Kilkam lond.

Hundred de East.

IOhanna de Rame ten. 1. fe. magnum de Seniock. Nicholaus Danne ten. 1. partem feod. dict. feod. de Mortimer in Tregantle de Modeton. Idem Nich. ten. 1. magnum feod. de Abbate de Ta- uistauk. Idem Nich. ten. 1. mag. feod. in Trecan & Trecurnel & Churleton de praedict. Abbate. Idem Wil. de Bodbrand ten. 2. parua feod. de Mor- teynne in Penhangle de Trematon. Idem Will. ten. 1. paru. feod. dict. feod. de Morteynn in Karkeil de Trematon. Rogerus de Tredenick ten. in Tredenick 5. part. 1. parui feod. prout ibid. Rogerus de Ferrar ten. 2. parua feod. dict. feod. de Mortyn in Penpol de Tremerton. Idem ten. 1. paru. feod. in Haston de Tremerton. Idem ten. 1. paru. feod. in Westuenton de Tre- merton. Idem ten. di. paru. feod. dict. feod. de Mortyn in The- lebridge in la rode. Idem ten. 3. part, vnius paru. feod. in Croketon de Tremerton.

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Idem Calistock 1. paru. feod. & est in manu regis. Idem aqua de Tamar di. feod. in manu reg. de honore de Tremeton. Idem Rogerus de Inkepenne ten. 2. paru. feo. Mortynn in Halton. Galfrid. de Erth. ten. di. paru. feod. ibid. Idem Galfrid. de Groue ten. 3. part, vnius di. feod. paru. de Mortyn ibid. Idem Nic. de Merton ten. 1. paru. feod. Mortyn in Treualuare & in Trekinward. Will. de Botriaux ten. di. paru. feod. de Mortyn in Penhele de rege. Thomas Lercedekne ten. 4. part. 1. feod. paru. in Treu- ris de rege. Baro de Stafford ten. di. feod. paru. dict. feod. de Mortyn de rege in Kallilond. Episcop. Exon. ten. 1. mag. feod. Gloce. de rege. Ric. de Trenaga tenet ibid. paru. feod. de Willi. Botriaux. Regin. de Beuil ten. ibid. paru. feod. in Tredawil de Wil. de Botriaux. Idem Prior de Minstre ten. 1. paru. feod. Mort. in Polisant. Idem Nic. Danne ten. 3. part. 1. feod. paru. dict. feod. de Mor. in Legh.

Hundred de West.

CArdynan Penlyn ten. pro duobus feod. paru. dict. feod. de Morteyn in custodia regis. Ric. de Serifeaux ten. 3. paru. feod. de Mort. in Laurethon, Kilgather & Lansalwys. Will. de Bodrigan ten. paru. feod. in Trethim Bes- sant. Manerium de Liskerd est di. paru. feod. Mort. & est in manu reg. Tho. de Cruptus ten. 2. paru. feod. in Cruphs & Caruaton. Matheus de Trethake ten. 2. par. feod. Mo. in Tre- thake, Lamlewarn, Trelewarn & Denant. Mathilda de Hewisch ten. di. part. feo. in Meuely. Ioh. de Wellington & Reg. Querquius ten. 5. part. 1. feod. in Fawyton.

Hundred de Trigger.

ROb. Thomy ten. di. feod. in Bliston dict. feod. Mortyn. Idem Nico. de Bindon ten. in Penrosburdon di. feod. Mort. Rob. de Cheyndut ten. in Bodannan 4. part. 1. feo. Mort. Ioh. filius Wil. te. in Kinnarght 4. par. 1. feo. Mor.

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Idem ten. in Tregradeck, 4. part. 1. feod. Mor. Henricus Camel ten. in Belionnus, 1. feod. Mor. Polroda. Robert. de Brunn ten. in Delisonbol 1. feod. Mort. Matheus & Agnes de Trehauk ten. in Trehome di. feod. Mort. Robertus Giffard te. in Lannomunnus di. fe. Mor. Robertus de Helligan ten. ibi. 2. feo. dict. fe. Mort. Iohannes de Tinten ten. in Tynten & in Trewinneck 1. feod. Mort. Ioh. de Seneschal te. in Helland, 4. part. 1. fe. Mort. Haeres de Walesbren ten. in Lamailwen 4. part. 1. feod. Mort. Ric. de Rescarreck ten. in Rescarretunus 4. part. fe. Mort. Dom. de Lancarsse ten. ib. 5. part. 1. feo. di. fe. Mort. Dom. de Portguin ten. ib. di. feod. Mort. Siluester de Tregamuran ten. in Tregonen 1. feod. magnum. Iohannes Darundle ten. in Treawset, & in Trenbeith 1. feod. Mort. Episcop. Exon. ten. in Eglosel 1. feod. mag. Ioh. Tracy & Hugo Peuerel tenent in Tremscord & Hamatethy, 2. feod. Mort. Ricard. de Serifeaux ten. in Kilkoid 2. feod, & di. Mort. Iohannes de Guillez ten. in Trenderet. 1. feo. Mor. Barth, de Cant. ten. ibid. di. feod. Mort. Ioh. fil. Will. ten. in Haumal di. feod. Alanus Blughon ten. in Polrodon Donnat 2. feo. Mort.

Hundred de Pider.

IOhannes de Vinfrauil ten. ratione Aliciae vxoris fuae, 1. mag. feod. in Laherne. Ric. de Hiuoisch ten. ibid. mag. feod. in S. Idy. Rosamunda de la forest ten. ibid. mag. feod. in Tre- ueald. Bartholomeus de Bercle tenet dimid. mag. feod. in Tre- woleck. Iohannes de Tregage tenet dimid. mag. feod. in Tre- nurdre. Episcop. Exon. te. 5. part. mag. feod. in Dinbegh. Rad. de Berthei ten. ibid. 1. paru. feod. Henric. Ties te. 4. part. mag. feod. in Trewarnayl. Item Rex ten. 4. part. 1. mag. feod. in Trewarnayl. Ela de sanct. Colano ten. ibid. di. paru. feo. Mort. Ric. de sanct. Colano ten. ratione Isoldae vxo. eius ibid. di. paru. feod. Mort. Rob. Thomy ten. in Caruaton 4. part. 1. paru. feod. Barth. de Berckle te. in Tremor, di. paru. feo. Ioh. Darundle ten. di. paru, feod. in Treloy. Iohannes Hamelyn te. di. paru. feod. in Trekinnen, Rad. Darundle te. di. paru. feo. in Trekinnen.

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Regin. de Botriaux ten. 5. part. paru. feod. in Cut- fordferle.

Hundred de Powder.

Will. de Campo Arnulphi ten. in Tiwardraith 1. feo. vnde Prior ten. 3. acr. & di. ibi. Idem Will. ten. in Bodrigan Penarth & Cargois 3. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Gouely 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Prideas 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Lishiestick 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Treuerlynwater di. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Bodenda 4. part. 1. feod. Idem Will. ten, in Treuerbindren 5. par. i. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Tronneck 5. part. 1. feod. Idem Will. ten. in Tronalgerthan 4. part. 1. feod. Episcop. Exon. ten. in Caniwerez 1. feod. Idem Episcop. ten. in Trenel 1. feod. Idem Episcop. ten. in Taluren 1. feod. Idem ten. in Fentengullyn di. feod. Idem ten. in Tremnel di. feod. Idem ten. in Trelonck. di. feod. Henr. de la Pomeray ten. 3. part. 1. feo. in Hellarna. Ioh. de Riparys ten. in Mauntayn di. feod. Idem ten. in Trethak 1. feod. Steph. de Belloprato ten. in Treuewith & Trewithy di. feod. paru. Serlo de Lauladro ten. ibid. & in S. Goriann & in paru. Luntyan 1. feod. & di. paru. Rad. de Killigreu ten. ibid. 1. feod. paru. Will, de Bodrigan ten. in Tremodret & in la roche 3. feod. paru. Serlo de Lauladro ten. in Alet 3. part. 1. feod. Will. Stanley & Comes de Riuers ten. 1. feod. mili. Mo. in Elerky. Haeres Iocei Dynnan ten. in Eglosroset in Trelewith 1. feod. Will. Baillisbury vaca. vxo. fuae ten.in Blanchelond 1. feod. Henr. fil. Maugi de Killigreu ten. in Trewyn 3. part. 1. feod. Ric. de Hiwisch ten. in Trenasanstel di. feod. Idem ten. in Gloures 1. feod. Haeres Iocei Dynnan ten. in Argallez 1. feod. paru. Idem ten. in Fountomon 3. part. 1. feod. paru. Haeres Thomas de Prideas ten. in Boswyghergy 2. part. 1.feod. paru. Mat. de Trethake ten. in Tragameddon 2. feo. par. Rex. ten. aquam de Fawe pro 2. feod. & 3. part, 1.feo. Henricus de la Pomerey ten. 12. feod. in Tregony.

Hundred de Kerier.

WAlter. Wailisbury & Isolda vxor eius te. 3. feod. in Rescronges dicta feod. Mortan.

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Iohannis de Riparys te. in Rosewike 1. feo. Mort. Episcop. Exon. ten di. mag. feod. in Minstre. Rogerus de Carminon ten. 20. part. 1. feo. Mort. extra 10. part. illius 20, in Wynnenton, Marthyn & Ta- merton. Thomas Durant ten. in Penzenguans, 1. fe. Mort. Iohannes fil. Will. ten. di. feod. in Arworthel per Car- tam Edwardi quondam Com. Cornub. dict. feod. Mor.

Euidentiae extractae de rubro libra de Scaccario, 143. Cornub.

RObertus de Cardinan 71. feod. milit. Reginaldus de Valle torta 59. de honore de Tre- meton. Thomas de Middleton 10. de honore de Midd. Will. de Botterill 12. milit. Robertus fil. Walteri 11. milit. de feod. Ric. de Lusti auunculi sui. Robertus de Peuerel 9. milit. de feod. eiusdem. Ric. fil. Ric. 1. feod. & 3. part, cum haere de Rupe. Rad. Bloyon 7. Arehennaund. Flandrensis 7. milit. Robertus de Tintagle 5. milit. Henricus fil. Will. 4. milit. Wil. de Albemarle 5. milit. cum relict, Robert. de Bikehat. Radulphus de Treat. 1. milit. Ric. Wallensis 2. milit. Wil. de Bosfco Roardi 2. milit. Iohannes de monte acuto. Henricus de Pomeray. Henricus de Herys 1. Pharanus Warebras 1. milit. Barth. fil. 1. milit. Gilbertus Anglicus 1. milit. Symon Pincerna 1. Ric. filius Iuonis 1. Ric. Buzon. 1. Henricus fil. Com. 1. Huardus de Bekelege 1. Walterius de Dunstan vil. 1. milit. Hastul de Sullinge 4. part. Robertus de Mandeuil 1. milit. Alicia de Valletorta 1. milit.

Seriantes.

PEtrus fil. Ogeri 40. Cabulion per vnam Capam de Gresenge in aduentum dict. Regis in Cornu- biam. Rogerus Cithared 5. pro portanda illa Capa dum Rex fuerit in Cornubia.

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Iohan. de Pencoit vnam acram in Lametyn prec. de 5.s. fac. ibid, custodiam per 40. dies. Rog. de Bodmel 1. acram pro sequela in Com. Rob. Espiakelin duas acras & furuum in Lanceneton, vt eat in exercitum cum rege stipendiis ipsius Regis.

Extenta acrarum Cornub. facta coram Salom. de Ross. & Sociis suis Iustic. itinerant, apud Laun- ceston a die Paschae in 3.septimanas anno Reg. Edw. 12.

Hundred de Penwith.

Decunar. de Tihidi. 70. Lanistly 28. Acr. Redwory 14. Acras. Alwarton. 64. Couerton. 45. Trefruss. 3. Treruffe. 1. Marchel. 23. Dreyneck. 5. Trefundryn. 20. Bennerton. 45. Maen. 15. Gurlyn. 15. Bree. 8. Loygans. 9. Kelyneck. 24. Tenent de Tregony. 9. Warewil. 25. Penuerthy. 8. Tredyne. 1. Vthno. 8. Trewannard. Prior Mich. 8. Kelision. 6. Treynwal. 20. Tredeny. 3. Luddeuan. 55. Sum. 532. Acr.

Hundred de Kerier

Talgollon. 6. Carmynow. 18. Pensignans. 6. Wymanton. 12. Kenel 1. di. Trebrabo. 24. Arwothel. 9. S. Mawgan. 9. Restrongas. 21. Helston. 30. Penryn. 21. Methele. 15. Treros. 6. Trenhale. 6. Minster. 12. Godolghan 13. als. Epo. 9. Trewotheck. 6. Pengirsick, 6. Trenaweth. 9. Rogearon. 9. Trelan. 9. Wenna. 9. Rosewike. 30. Trelew. 9. als. 1. Ac. Exo. Lysard. 12. Presprinick. 6. Tredaneck. 6. Trelybey. 9. Tucays. 6. Luceas 31. als. 31. Ac. Ex. Clehar. 6. Sum. 397. Acr. & dimid.

Hundred de Pider.

Deci. de naushike pro. 6. Trewenneck. 3. Kalestek. 4. Trewoleck. 9. Elineas. 24. Bodwenek. 9. Dygimbris. 39. Rialton parua. 57. Treloy. 9. Trenowith. 3.

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S. Ify. 14. Treworder Bilcon. 12. Lanheyl Tinten. 18. Meddeschole. 9. Methean. 2. S. Peran. 3. Trewarnayl. 51. Eliquyn. 6. Carantock. 18. Cargoule. 39. Ryalton. 18. Porthe. 9. Lanhernow. 18. Carnaton. 14. Pawton. 120. Tregennow. 9. Aldennow. 21. Tremblithe. 4. Lantallen. 4. Gluuian. 3. Tremore. 6. Withiel. 15. Banhedrek. 9. Ryalton magna. 57. Retergh. 9. Cotford felle. 15. Trewynnian. 3. Berthey. 24. Meyndy. 6. Cragantallen. 3. Sum. 700. Acr.

Hundred de Powder.

Decuna de Tregaire. 93. Treworeck & Trew. 24. Inde alloc. 20. Ac. pro. do. Tremodreth. 18. Deuon. Treueruen & Poldu. 15. Blanchelond. 11. Eglosros. 3. Argallas. 6. Crogith & Caryheges. 9. Trenoweth. 9. Treuanion. 6. Kestel & Coran. 6. Lanhaddron. 4. Trelueck. 1. Boderdel. 20. Trelewith. 6. Brithion. 8. Tewynton. 33. Lanestek. 6. Tregony Pomeray. 32. Elerky. 42. Tredaek. 20. Werneckbosueleck. 4. Gouily. 9. Cargoul. 8. Pennarth. 9. Tretherf. 3. Trenyeck & Golours. 7. di. Pentewyn. 3. Trethewy. 6. S. Goron. 6. Boswiththe. 20. Beranel. 36. Trenance priour. 12. Trenananstle. 8. Killiuregh. 2. Tregarreck. 14. Landegy. 9. Maresk 36. pro reg. al- Tregamedon. 6. loc. 2. Alet. 12. Bodrugan. 9. Berthey Brune. 3. Treualgarthyn. 3. Growith & Trewithgy. 30. Lauada. 1. Treworeck. 9. Pridiaux. 12. Tybest & Penkeuel. 42. Tywascreth. 36. Treueruyn. 3. Pensentimow. 6. Nantyan. 36. Kenewyn. 1. Sum. 573. Acr. & dimid.

Hundred de Trigg.

Egloshayl. 7. di. Lannousun. 18. Penpout. 21. Bendeuy. 36.

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Namail. 3. Roscarreck Bighan. 3. Hundr. de Trig. 9. Tregradeck. 16. Trelindret. 1. di. Lancarff. 6. Tinten. 12. Pentir. 1. di. Trenesquit. 18. Trewornar. 18. Peterow. 6. Penrosburdon. 12. Boddannan. 27. Killigint. 18. Deliodbol. 6. Tridiseck. 18. Bliston. 33. Heligan. 9. Canta. 1. di. Reskarrekam. 9. Broneyr. 2. Linnoban. 66. Rugog. 9. Bodymel. 12. Delioner. 9. Trehaneck. 6. Polroda. 15. Hellaund. 6. Killigen. 9. Tamitethy. 12. Portligwyn. 1. di. Lanowseynt. i8. Sum. 473. & dimid.

Hundred de Lesnewith.

Hellesland. 57. Cydmonth. 7. Treualga. 18. Powndstock. 9. Treuilla. 3. Donneny. 18. Cracampton. 12. Treseward. 7. di. Dysard. 6. Bochym. 21. Wolueston. 9. Boleny. 8. Treglasta. 35. Ebsett. 21. Mokelound. 8. S. Genys. 10. Treuerueth. 9. Whalsborow. 8. Wortheual. 29. Otterham. 12. Lesnewith. 24. Tremayl. 6. Sum. 337. & dimid.

Hundred de Stratton.

Decena de Middeland. Marwyn-church & extra.2. 68. di. Launceles. 20. Loghe. 2. Thurlebere. 12. Corg. 1. Weke. 15. Fanceston. 8. Wadfast. 17. Pennalym. 17. Wyldsworthy. 4. Efford. 21. Tamerton. 8. Bere. 3. Harnacot. 9. di. Hilton. 20. Morton. 2. Forkeston & Brendon. 4. Kilkampton & Allerton. Witston & S. Petnel. 2. 68. Boyton & Bradbridge. 9. Stratton. 21. dimid. Bryard. 5. Sum. 341. Acr. & dimid.

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Hundred de East.

Penheal. 36. Landreyn. 3. Item ibid. 1. Clemyslond. 50. Tredawel. 13. Halton. 18. Trelosk. 14. Newton. 16. Tauestok. 27. Trematon. 80. Modeton. 9. Lanrake. 100. Cauilond. 44. Sheuiek. 100. Launcelond. 50. Tregilla. 12. Polisaund 6. Penquite. 11. Trefrys. 18. Carnedon. 8. Lawytton. 80. Rame. 20. Haston. 7. Bennalua. 20. Landilp & leghe. 14. Penhasgar. 26. Killaton. 20. Thorleton. 5. Treuaga. 13. Cranydon. 24. Trenymel. 12. Buysworek. 10. Penpol. 24. S. Germyn. 37. Treuartha. 3. Hamet. 7. Sum. 927.

Hundred de West.

Cardinan. 24. Treuellawan. 15. Breuigon. 6. Lanrethow. 12. Estdraynez. 6. S. Wynow. 4. dimid. Tremethert. 24. Bocunek. 12. Recradock. 9. Treuilias. 3. Lutcot. 24. Trethu. 6. Pendryn. 6. S. Wot. 3. Killigath. 9. Perpol. 24. Plenynt. 9. Losnewith. 6. Manely. 12. Trethewy. 3. Polscoth. 1. dimid. Penquite. 9. Botylet. 9. Boccalawar. 6. Killigoreck. 9. Tallan. 6. Baurylen & Hamiteth. 3. Trethek. 6. dimid. Fowyton. 30. Langonet. 6. Treueruyn. 6. Rathwil. 1. dimid, West Draynez. 6. Brothok. 3. Laskerd. 18. Penfran. 9. Crutour. 9. Colmettyn. 6. Trelowya. 6. Kelly & Mighstow. 3. Trenant. 6. Sum 353.

Sum. tot. 5555. dimid. Acr.

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Nomina Baron. & Militum ex Rotulis de feodis Militum, vel de Scutagio Solutis Regi Richardo primo : In libro rubeo Scaccarii.

Cornubia.

WAlterus Hay 20. M. per Agn. vxorem suam. Nicholaus filius Galfridi 10. M. Willi. Boterell. 12. M. Alanus Blundus 7. M. Geruasius filius Willi. 5. M. Willi. frater Comitis 4. M. Willi. filius Ric. 5. M. Rad. de Rupe 3. M. Willi. Oliuer. 1. M. Henricus de Tredeleberg. 1. M. Richardus filius Iuo. dim. M. Iohannes de Soleigny. Stephanus Flandrensis. 7. M. Alanus de Dunstauill. 1. M. Rogerus Anglicus. 1. M. Regium de Valletorta 51. M. Secundum quod Lucas filius Bernardi Senescallus euis mandauit per litteras Baron. de Scaccar. in Anno sexto Regis Richardi. Robertus de Cardin. 71. M. Secundum quod Senescallus eiusdem mandauit Baron. eodem anno 6. R. 1. Galfridus de Lacell. qui habet med. feod. q. fuerunt Richard, de Lucy in hoc Com. 9. M. sicut Ric. filius Willi. Senescallus eius mandauit per breue, Anno regni Regis Richardi octauo.

Cornubia

Anno 40. Henr. tertii.

lllustri viro, Domino Henrico, Dei gratia, Regi Angliae, Domino Hiberniae, Duct Nor. Aquitan. & Com. Andeg. vicecomes Cornubiae, salutem, cum omni reve- rentia & obsequio. Ad mandatum vestrum, nomina illorum qui ten. quindecem libratas terrae vel plus, & tenent per seruitium militare, & milites non sunt, excellentiae vestrae praesentibus transmitto, vide- licet.

THomas de Tracy, cuius terrae in Cornubia valent 40. libras & plus. Rogerus de Mesy. 16. li. Stephanus de Bellocampo. 15. li. Henr. filius Henr. de la Pombre. 30. li. Robertus de Carmeneu. 16. li. Willi. filius Roberti. 15. li. Marc. le Flamanc. 16. li.

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Willi. Wise. 16. li. Iordanus de Hacumb. 14. li. Robertas de Draenas. I5. li. Philippus de Valletorta. 40. li. Richard. de Grenuile. 50. li. Henricus de Dones. 15. li.

Nomina Militum, & aliorum hominum ad Arma, Anno Regni Regis Edw. filii Regis Edw 17.

IOhannes de Treiagu vicecomes.

Nomina militum de Com. Cornubiae, tam infra libertates quam extra.

WIlli. de Botriaux. Reginaldus de Botriaux. Rad. de Albo Monasterio, Richard. de Campo Arnulphi. Henricus de Campo Arnulphi.

Le Petit.

THomas Lercedekne est in Vascoma in sericium Regis. Iohannes de Alneto. Iohannes de Tynten. Willi. de Ferrers. Robertus Bendyn. Reginaldus de Mohun. Robertus filius Willi. impotens miles coronator Domini Regis. Iohannes de Carmenou. Otto de Bodrugan peregrinatus est ad San. Iacobum li- centia Domini Regis.

Nomina hominum ad Arma In Com. Cornubiae.

IOhannes de Dynham. Rad. de Bloyen. Willi. Basset. Oliuerus de Carminou. Henricus de Peng. Rogerus de Reskymmer. Iohannes de Lambron. Iohannes le Scor. de Taluran.

[52]

Richardus de Cerefeaux iunior. Iohannes de Pyn. Rogerus Pridyas. Rad. de Bello Prato, peregrinatus est cum Ottone de Bodrugan, cum licentia regis pro se & duobus va- lectis.

Isti praenominati habent 40. libr. terrae & redditus per annum. Alii multi Armigeri desunt, nomina eorum dilace- rata, non possunt legi in originali.

EDwardus Dei gratia, Rex Angliae, Dominus Hiberniae, & Dux Aquit.vicecomiti Cornub. salutem. Cum nuper tibi praeceperimus, quod omnes & singulos de balliua tua in- fra libertates & extra, tam illos qui viginti libratas terrae & redditus per annum habent, quam illos similiter qui plus habent, de quocunq; teneant sine delatione rogares, & speci- aliter requireres ex parte nostra, fermiterq, iniungentes eis- dem, quod essent ad nos Londini die dominica prox. post octa- vas Sci. Iohannis Bapt. proximo futuras, cum equis & Ar- mis, videlicet, quilibet eorum prout decuerit statum suum, parati transfretare cum corpore nostro, partes transmarinas, ad Dei nostri & ipsorum honorem, ut speramus, & pro sal- uatione & communi utilitate regni nostri, tibi praecipimus, firmiter iniungentes, quod mandato nostro praedicto diligenter & celeriter executo, nos de nominibus omnium illorum de balliua tua quos sit rogaueris ad dictam diem dominie. dis- tincte & aperte, sub sigillo tuo certiores reddere non omittas: Remittens nobis tunc hoc breue. Teste meipso apud Portes- mouth, 24. die Maii, Anno regni nostri vicesimo quinto.

Nomina eorum qui habent viginti libratas terrae, seu redditus vel amplius, in Com. Cornubiae.

DOminus Oliuerus de Denham. Dominus Willi. de Boteraus Senior. Dominus Willi. de Boteraus maior. Dominus Willi. de Campo Arnulphi. Dominus Thomas de Kan. Dominus Stepha. de Bello Prato. Dominus Rogerus de Carminou. Dominus Thomas de Pridias. Dominus Hugo Peuerell. Dominus Iohannes de Lambron. Dominus Rad. Bloyhon. Dominus Iohannes filius Willi. Dominus Osbertus le Sor. Dominus Robertus Gifford. Dominus Richardus de Huwyse. Dominus Reg. de Beuill. Dominus Richardus de Reskymer, Dominus Henricus de la Pomerey. Dominus Petrus de Fysac. Dominus Roulandus de Quoykyn. Dominus Richardus de Greneuyle. Dominus Walterus de Cornubia.

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Dominus Reginaldus de Botreaus. Thomas le Erchideakene. Serlo de Lansladeron. Walterus de Trem. Steph. de Trewythen. Odo de la Roche. Willi. del Estre. Rad. filius Oliueri de Arundell. Willi. de Bret. Mich. le Petit. Iohannes de Kellerion. Henricus de Kymyell. Iohannes de Arundell. Rogerus le Flemming. Richardus le Ceariseus. Iohannes de Tynton. Rad. de Cheyndut. Robertus le Brun. Stephanus de Trewynt. Robertus filius Willi. Thomas de Waunford. Rogerus Cola. Rogerus de Meules. Iohannes de Kylgat. Richardus de Trenaga. Philip. de San. Wynnoko, Iohannes de Thurlebere.

NOW to weaue on our former web. The ancient maner of Cornish building, was to plant their houses lowe, to lay the stones with morter of lyme and sand, to make the walles thick, their windowes arched and little, and their lights inwards to the court, to set hearths in the midst of the roome, for chimneyes, which vented the smoake at a louer in the toppe, to couer their planchings with earth, to frame the roomes not to exceede two stories, and the roofes to rise in length aboue proportion, and to bee packed thick with timber, seeking therethrough onely strength and warmenesse; whereas now-adayes, they seat their dwellings high, build their walles thinne, lay them with earthen morter, raise them to three or foure stoaries, mould their lights large, and outward, and their roofes square and slight, coueting chiefly prospect and pleasure. As for Glasse and Plaister for priuate mens houses, they are of late yeeres introduction.

The poore Cotager contenteth himselfe with Cob for his wals, and Thatch for his couering: as for Brick and Lath walles, they can hardly brooke the Cornish weather: and the vse thereof being put in triall by some, was found so vnprofitable, as it is not continued by any.

It resteth, that after the Cornish Inhabitants reall priuate estate, I speake of their entercourse and traffike, and so step forth to their personal.

This entercourse is obtayned by high wayes and Bridges: for highwayes, the Romanes did not extend theirs so farre: but those layd out of later times, are in the Easterne part of Cornwall, vneasy, by reason either of their mire or stones, besides many vp-hils and downe-hils. [54] The Westerne are better trauaileable, as lesse subiect to these discommodities: generally, the statute 18. Eliz. for their amendement, is reasonably wel executed.

Bridges, the riuer Tamer hath Polston, Gresham, Horse, and New Bridge. Lyner, that at Noddetor, Seton, and Loo, two bridges of the same name. Foy riuer, Reprin, Lostwithiel, S. Nighton, or Niot. Fala riuer, Grampord, Tregny. Loo riuer, Helston. On the North coast, vpon Camel, Wade, Dilland & Helland. Vpon Deuon, Trywartheuy, &c. for they are worth no curious enquiry.

For maintenance of traffike by buying and selling, there are weekely markets kept: In the Hundred of East, at Saltash, Launceston, and Milbrook. In west H. at Loo, and Liskerd. In Stratton H. at the Towne of the same name. In Lesnewith H. at Bottreaux Castle, and Camelford. In Powder H. at Foy, Lostwithiel, Grampord, Tregny, and Truro. In Trig H. at Bodmin. In Kerier Hun. at Helston, and Perin. And in Penwith Hundred, at Pensants, and at S. Ies. Of these, Bodmyn and Launceston are the greatest: this as placed in the broadest, that in the middle part of the Countie.

Fayres there are many, some of which here ensue.

March 13. at Bodmyn, Helston, S. Michaels mount. April 24. at Loo. 25. at S. Columbs, S. Probus. May 1. at Launceston, Perin. Iune 11. at Minhinet, 24. at Launceston, Pelint, Probus, Colombs Iuly, on S. Margets day, at S. Stephens. S. Thomas transl, at Camelford. On S. Iames day, at Golsinni, Saltash. August 1. at S. Germaines. On S. Laurence day, at S. Laurence. On the Assumption of our Lady, at Lalant, September, on S. Mathews day, at Liskerd, on S. Bartholmews, at Lostwithiel, on the Natiuitie of our Lady, at Kellington, S. Marie weeke, and Marcasiow. October, on S. Dionise day, at Treuenna in Tintagel, Nouember, on S. Katherins day, at S. Thomas. On S. Leonards day, at Launceston and Tregny. December, on S. Nicholas day, at Bodmyn.

And because traffike cannot bee exercised without waights and measures, a word or two of them.

Touching wayghts, the statute 12. H. 7. which made a generall ordinance therein, did specially exempt those appertayning to the cunnage, in Deuon and Cornwall, viz. that they should be priuiledged to continue their former vsage.

In measures the Shire varieth, not only from others, but also in it selfe: for they haue a land-measure, and a water-measure: the water-measure, of things sold at the ships side (as salt and peason) by the Inhabitants, is sixteene gallons the bushell; by strangers, betweene 18. and 24. The land-measure differeth in diuers places, from 18. to 24. gallons the bushell, being least in the East parts, and increasing to the Westwards, where they measure Oates by the hogshead.

The Iustices of peace haue oftentimes indeuoured to reduce this variance to a certaintie of double Winchester: but though they raysed the lower, they cannot abate the higher to this proportion: and yet from the want of this reformation, there ensue many inconueniences; for the Farmer that hath the greatest bushell at the market, maketh a price for the lesser to follow with little, (or at least) no rateable deduction. Besides, they sell at home to their neighbours, the [55] rest of the weeke, by the smaller meafure, as was payd in the market for the bigger.

There are also some Ingrossers, who buy Wheat of the husbandman, after 18. gallons the bushell, and deliuer it to the transporting Marchant, for the same summe, at 16.

So doth their Pearch exceed that of other Countries, which amounteth vnto 18. foote. And it is likewise obserued by strangers, that the Cornish miles are much longer then those about London, if at least the wearinesse of their bodies (after so painefull a iourney) blemish not the coniecture of their mindes. I can impute this generall enlargement of saleable things, to no cause sooner, then the Cornish mans want of vent and money, who therethrough, to equall others in quality of price, is driuen to exceed them in quantitie of measure.

Touching the personall estate of the Cornish Inhabitants, to begin with their name in generall, I learne by master Camden (who, as the Arch-antiquarie Iustus Lipsius testifieth of him, Britanniae nebulas claro ingenij sole illustrauit) that Ptolomey calleth them Damnonii, Strabo Ostidamnii, and Aretemidorus, Cossini.

Touching their particular denominations; where the Saxons haue not intruded their newer vsances, they partake in some sort with their kinsmen the Welsh: for as the Welshmen catalogize ap Rice, ap Griffin, ap Owen, ap Tuder, ap Lewellin, &c. vntill they end in the highest of the stock, whom their memorie can reach vnto: So the Westerne Cornish, by alike, but more compendious maner, intitle one another with his owne & his fathers christen name, and conclude with the place of his dwelling; as Iohn, the sonne of Thomas, dwelling at Pendaruis, is called Iohn Thomas Pendaruis. Rich. his yonger brother is named, Richard Thomas Pendaruis, &c. Through which meanes, diuers Gent. and others haue changed their names, by remoouing their dwellings, as Trengoue to Nance, Bonithon, to Carclew, two brethren of the Thomasses, the one to Carnsew, the other to Rescrowe, and many other.

Most of them begin with Tre, Pol, or Pen, which signifie a Towne, a Top, and a head: whence grew the common by-word.

By Tre, Pol, and Pen, You shall know the Cornishmen.

Neither doe they want some signification, as Godolfin, alias Godolghan, a white Eagle: Chiwarton, the greene Castle on the hill: which Gentlemen giue such Armes; Reskimer, the great Dogges race, who beareth a Wolfe passant. Carnsew, alias, Carndew, a black rock: his house Bokelly, which soundeth the lost Goat: and a Goate he beareth for his coate: Carminow, a little Citie: Cosowarth, the high Groue, &c.

And as the Cornish names hold an affinity with the Welsh, so is their language deduced from the same source, and differeth onely in the dialect. But the Cornish is more easie to bee pronounced, and not so vnpleasing in sound, with throat letters, as the Welsh.

A friend of mine, one master Thomas Williams, discoursed once with mee, that the Cornish tongue was deriued from, or at least had some acquayntance with the Greeke: and besides diuers reasons which hee produced to proue the same, he vouched many wordes of one sence in both; as for example :

[56]

Greeke Cornish English

Teino Tedna Draw Mamma Mamm Mother Episcopos Escoppe Bishop Klyo Klowo Heere Didaskein Dathisky To teach Kyon Kye Dogge Kentron Kentron Spurre Methyo Methow Drink Scaphe Scapth Boat Ronchos Ronche Snorting, &c.

This language is stored with sufficient plenty to expresse the conceits of a good wit, both in prose and rime: yet they can no more giue a Cornish word for Tye, then the Greekes for Ineptus, the French for Stand, the English for Emulus, or the Irish for Knaue.

Others they have not past two or three naturell, but are fayne to borrow of the English: mary, this want is releeuved with a flood of most bitter curses, and spitefull nick-names.

They place the adiective after the substantive, like the Grecians and Latines, as Father ours, March guiddn, horse white, &c.

1 2 3 4 In numbring they say, Wonnen, Deaw, Tre, Pidder, 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Pimp, Whey, Zith, Eath, Naw, Deag, Ednack, Dowthack, 13 14 15 16 17 18 Tarnack, Puzwarthack, Punthack, Wheytack, Zitack, Itack, 19 20 40 100. 1000. 10000. Naunzack, Eygganz, Deaw Egganz, Cans, Mille, Molla.

Durdatha why, is Good morrow to you. Trenestatha, Good night. Fatlugan a why: How do you? Da durdalathawhy: Wel I thanke you. Betha why Iawanneck: Be you mery. Benetugana: Farewell.

A sister, they call Whoore: a whoore, whorra: a priest, coggaz: a partridge, grigear: a Mare, cazock.

Relauta: by my troth. Warrasay: by my fayth. Molla tuenda laaz, ten thousand mischiefs in thy guts. Mille vengeance warna thy, a thousand vengeances take thee. Pedn ioll, deuils head: Pedn brauze, great head: pedn mowzack, stinking head: and so in Infinitum.

Which termes, notwithstanding thogh they witnes their spite on the one side, yet retayne they as great a proofe of their deuotion on the other: for the Lords Prayer, the Apostles Creed, and the ten commaundements, haue beene used in Cornish beyond all remembrance. But the principall loue and knowledge of this language, liued in Doctor Kennall the Ciuilian, and with him lyeth buryed: for the English speach doth still encroche vpon it, and hath driuen the same into the vttermost skirts of the shire. Most of the Inhabitants can no word of Cornish; but very few are ignorant of the English: and yet some so affect their owne, as to a stranger they will not speake it: for if meeting them by chance, you inquire the way or any such matter, your answere shal be, Meea nauidua cowzasawzneck, I can speake no Saxonage. The English which they speake, is good and pure, as receyuing it from the best hands of their owne Gentry, and the Easterne Marchants: but they disgrace it, in part, with a broad and rude accent, and eclipsing (somewhat like the Somersetshire men) specially in pronouncing the names: as Thomas they call, Tummas & Tubby: Mathew, Mathaw: Nicholas, Nichlaaz: Reginald, Reinol: David, Daaui: Mary, Maari: Frauncis, [57] Frowncis: Iames, Iammez: Walter, Watty: Robert, Dobby: Rafe, Raw: Clemence, Clemmcowe, &c. holding herein a contrary course of extension to the Italians abridgement, who terme Frauncis, Cecco: Dominick, Beco : Lawrence, Renzo: as also to the Turks, who name Constantinople, Stampoli: Adrianople, Adrina: an Olifant, Fil: and the Sicilians, who curtayle Nicholas, to Cola.

Besides these, they haue taken vp certayne peculiar phrases, which require a speciall Dictionarie for their interpretation: of which kinde are,

Tis not 'bezibd' (fortuned) to me: Thou hast no 'road' (ayme), he will never 'scrip' (escape) it, he is nothing 'pridy' (handsome), 'boobish' (lubberly), 'dule' (comfort), 'lidden' (by-word), 'shune' (strange), 'thew' (threaten), 'skew' (shunne), 'hoase' (forbeare).

To reproue one of lazines, they will say, Doest thou make Idle a coate? that is, a coate for idlenes? In coniecturing what number may effect a thing, they adde, or same: as two, or some: ten, or some: twentie, or some: id est, thereabouts.

The other rude termes, wherewith Deuon and Cornish men are often twyted, may plead in their defence, not onely the prescription of antiquitie, but also the title of proprietie, and the benefit of significancy: for most of them take their source from the Saxon, our naturall language, and continue in vse amongst the Dutch: as Nimme commeth of Nimpt: Vang, of Fieng: the one importing a taking by ones selfe: the other by deliuery: both which we now confound. Ich to Ick, Cund to Cundigen, Lading, to Geladen: eruing goods, to Erbnuss. So Thwyting, is properly the cutting of little chippes from a stick. Pilme, the dust which riseth: Brusse, that which lyeth: which termes, as they expresse our meaning more directly, so they want but another Spencer, to make them passable.

The number of Cornish Inhabitants, though it cannot directly bee summed, may yet proportionably be gessed at by the musters taken of the able men (hereafter set downe) which wee will value at a third part of the whole, in ensuing Bodins rate.

But another question falleth sometimes into scanning, namely, whether Cornwall haue heretofore beene better stored with people, then it is now. Some holde the affirmatiue, and vouch to prooue it, the generall decay of Inland townes, where whole streets, besides particular houses, pay tribute to Comdowne Castle, as also the ruines yet resting in the wilde Moores, which testifie a former inhabitance. Others incline againe to the negatiue, alleadging the reasons heretofore touched, in the deare price of farmes or bargaines, by which mine assent is rather swayed: for I suppose that those waste grounds were inhabited, and manured, when the Saxons and Danes continual inuasions draue them to abandon the sea coasts, saue in such townes, as were able to muster, vpon any sodaine occasion, a sufficient number for their owne defence. The residue retired into the heart of the land, where, vpon a longer warning, they might sooner assemble from all sides, to make head, and the enemie in so far a march and retrait, should aduenture a greater hazard to bee distressed by the way. Which policy the French were driuen vnto, in Edward the thirds time, vpon the Englishmens [58] often roades, and the Spaniards make vse of at this day, in their Indies. Touching the decayed Inland townes, they are counteruayled with a surplusage of increase of those on the coast, and the desolate walks in the Mores, haue begotten a seuen-fold race of cotages neere the sea side. And thus much of Cornwall compared with it selfe: now, if you match it with other champion Shires, methinks, I may gather the same to be better inhabited, within a like circuit of miles, because the plenty of hils & valleys, afford a large quantity of ground thereunto. He that cannot conceiue this, may read Polibius in his 9 booke, where it is written, that for this reason, Lacedemon, being but fourty eight furlongs in compasse, contayneth more dwellings then Megalopolis, which extendeth vnto fiftie. My last proofe is grounded on this, that where the most part of the shire is seuered into inclosures, you cannot easily make choyce to stand in any one of them, aboue a quarter of a mile distance from some dwelling house.

After the names, language, and number thus perused, the Cornish peoples disposition & quality of mind and body, as well ancient as present, and then their degrees and recreations, succeed to be surueyed. The first Inhabitants, or Aborigenes, as the Paynims held, resembled those whom our stories affirme Brute to haue found here at his landing, huge of body, rough of liuing, & sauage of conditions, whome an old Poet desciphered in certaine verses, which I receiued of my particular kind friend, and generally well-deseruing Countreyman M. Camden, now Clarentieulx, which he since hath published.

—Titanibus ilia, Sed paucis famulosa domus, quibus vda ferarum Terga dabant vestes, cruor haustus, pocula trunci: Antra lares, dumeta thoros, caenacula rupes, Praeda cibos, raptus venerem, spectacula caedes, Imperium vires, animos furor, impetus arma, Mortem pugna, sepulchra rubus, monstrisque gemebat Monticolis tellus, sed eorum plurima tractus, Pars erat Occidui, terror maiorque premebat, Te furor extremum Zephiri Cornubia limen.

Which sound thus in English.

This was the Titans haunt, but with No plenty did abound, Whom beasts raw hides for clothing seru'd; For drinke, the bleeding wound ; Cups, hollow trees; their lodging, dennrs ; Their beds, brakes; parlour, rocks; Prey, for their food; rauine, for lust; Their games, life-reauing knocks. Their Empire, force; their courage, rage ; A headlong brunt, their armes ; Combate, their death; brambles, their graue. The earth groan'd at the harmes Of these mount-harbour'd monsters : but The coast extending West, Chiefe foyson had, and dire dismay, And forest fury prest Thee, Cornwall, that with utmost bound Of Zephire art possest.

But afterwards, the Cornishmen, through the conuersation of forraine Marchants trading into their countrey for Tyn, by the testimony of Diodorus Siculus; grew to a larger measure of ciuility, then others their fellow, but more remoted Ilanders. From which ciuility, in the fruitful age of Canonization, they stepped a degree farder to holines, & helped to stuffe the church kalender with diuers Saints, either made or borne Cornish. Such was Keby son to Solomon prince of Cor. such Peran, who if my author

[59a]

the Legend lye not) after that (like another Iohannes de temporibus) he had liued two hundred yeres with perfect health, tooke his last rest in a Cornish parish, which therethrough he endowed with his name. And such were Dubslane, Machecu, & Manslunum, who (I speake vpon Math. of Westm. credit) forsooke Ireland, thrust themselues to sea, in a Boat made of three Oxe skinnes and a halfe, with seuen daies victuall, and miraculously arriued in Cornwall.

Of Cornishmen, whose industrie in learned knowledges hath recommended their fame to their posterity, these few as yet are onely come to my notice: [1170] Iohn of Cornwall, a student at Rome, and other places in Italy, wrote of the Incarnation of Christ, against Peter Lumbard, and dedicated the same to Pope Alexander the third, by whom he was highly fauoured.

[1201] Simon Thurnay, after he had out-gone all the Oxford schollers in prophane learning (sayth the commendably paynefull Antiquarie, and my kind friend, Master Hooker) passed from thence to Paris, and there so profited in the study of diuinitie, that he attayned the chiefest place amongst the profound Sorbonists. But it was a windy knowledge that thus filled his sayles of glory, which grew at last so to tempest his wittes, as he held Aristotle superior to Moses and Christ, and yet but equall to himselfe. But this extreame surquedry, forfeyted his wittes, so as at last they could not serue him to know any letter in the booke, or to remember ought that he had done.

In King Henry the thirds time, liued Michael of Cornwall, admirable (as those dayes gaue) for his variety of Latine rimes, who maintayned the reputation of his Countrey, against Henry de Abrincis, the Kings Arch-Poet, but somewhat angerly, as it seemeth by these verses against the said de Abrincis:

Est tibi gamba capri, crus Passeris, & latus Apri, Os leporis, catuli nasus, dens & gena muli, Frons vetulae, tauri caput, & color vndique Mauri His argumentis, quibus est argutia mentis, Quod non a Monstro differs, satis hic tibi monstro.

[1292] Walter of Exon, a Franciscane Frier of Carocus in Cornwall, at the request of Baldwin of Exon (de-) formed the Historie of Guy of Warwick.

Godfrey, surnamed of Cornwall, was about that time a cunning Schoole-man, and Diuinitie Reader in Paris.

[1342] William de Grenefild, from the Deanry of Chichester, stepped to the Chauncellorship of England, and Archbishoprick of York, under K. E. the first.

In Ed, the seconds daies, one Geffrey of Cornwall, is remembred for a writer.

Iohn Treuisa, a Cornishman, liued in R. the 2. raigne, & translated diuers books into English.

King Henry the fift not vnmindfull of the ciuiller Arts amongst his Martiall exployts, founded an Vniversitie at Caen in Normandie, & appointed Michael Tregury of Cornwall, for his rare gifts in learning, to bee Gouernour thereof.

In Henry the sixts time, Iohn Skewish compiled certaine abbridgements of Chronicles, and the warres of Troy.

King Henry the 7. promoted Iohn Arundel for his learning, to the sea of Excester.

Neither is Thomas Triuet to be forgotten, as a writer, [60] though he haue grauen his memory in a fairer letter, by building the costly bridge at Bridge-water, of which sometimes he was Lord.

Within our remembrance Cornwall hath bred or harboured Diuines, graced with the degree Doctorship, Moreman Tremayn, Nichols and Rolls. Bachelers, Medhope, Stowel, Moore, Denis. Of Preachers, the shire holdeth a number, plentifull in regard of other shires, though not competant to the full necessity of their owne, all commendably labouring in their vocation, though not endowed with an equal ability to discharge the same.

In the Ciuil law there liued of late Doctor Kennals, & now doth Doctor Carew, one of the ancientest masters of the Chauncerie; in which calling, after his yonger yeres spent abroad to his benefit, he hath reposed himselfe. Bachelers there are Carnsew, Kete, & Denis. Barristers at the Common law, Chiuerton, Tremayne, Skawn, Michel, Moyle, Courtnay, Tub, Treffry, Sayer. These testifie the honesty of their carriage by the mediocrity of their estate: and (if they will giue me leaue to report a iest) do verify an old Gentlemans prophesie, who said that there stood a man at Polton bridge (the first entrance into Cornwall, as you passe towards Launceston, where the Assizes are holden) with a blacke bill in his hand, ready to knock downe all the great Lawyers, that should offer to plant themselues in that Countie. In earnest, whether it be occasioned through the countries pouerty, or by reason of the far distance thereof from the supremer Courts, or for that the multiplicity of petty ones neere at hand, appertaining to the Dutchy, Stannary, and Franchises, do enable the attourneyes and such like of small reading, to serue the peoples turne, and so curtail the better studied Counsellours profiting; once certayne it is, that few men of Law, haue either in our time, or in that of our forefathers, growne heere to any supereminent height of learning, liuely-hood or authoritie.

Of like fortune, but lesse number are the Phisicions; by how much the fewer, by so much the greater witnesses of the soyles healthfulnes. The most professors of that science in this Country, sauing only one Io. Williams, can better vouch practise for their warrant, then warrant for their practise. Amongst these, I reckon Rawe Clyes a black Smith by his occupation, and furnished with no more learning, then is suteable to such a calling, who yet hath ministred Phisike for many yeeres, with so often successe & general applause, that not only the home-bred multitude beleeueth mightily in him, but euen persons of the better calling, resort to him from remote parts of the realme, to make trial of his cunning, by the hazard of their liues; & sundry, either vpon iust cause, or to cloke their folly, report that they haue reaped their errands end at his hands. But farre more commendable is M. Atwel, sometimes Parson of Caluerly in Deuon, & now of S. Tue in Cornwall. For besides other parts of learning, with which he hath bene seasoned, he is not vnseene in the Theoricks of Phisike, & can out of them readily and probably discourse, touching the nature and accidents of all diseases. Besides, his iudgment in vrines commeth little behind the skilfullest in that profession. Mary his practise is somewhat strange and varying from all others: for though now and then he vse blood-letting, and doe ordinarily minister Manus Christi, and such like cordials, [61] of his owne compounding (a poynt fitting well with my humour, as enabling nature, who best knoweth how to worke) yet mostly for all diseases he prescribeth milk, and very often milk and apples, a course deepely subiect to the exception of the best esteemed Practitioners; and such notwithstanding, as whereby either the vertue of the medicine, or the fortune of the Phisicion, or the credulitie of the Patient, hath recouered sundry out of desperate and forlorne extremities.

This his reputation is of many yeeres standing, and maintayneth it selfe vnimpayred. But the same soareth to an higher pitch, by the helpe of another wing, and that is, his liberalitie. On the poore he bestoweth his paines & charges gratis: of the rich he taketh moderately, but leaues the one halfe behind, in gift amongst the houshould, if he be called abroad to visit any: The rest together with the profits of his benefice (rather charitably accepted then strictly exacted from his Parishioners) he powreth out with both hands in pios vsus, and will hardly suffer a penny to sleepe, but neuer to dwell with him.

Few Townes there are in Cornwall, or any other shire between that and London, which haue not in some large measure tasted of his bountie. None commeth in kindnes to see him, but departed gratifyed with somewhat, if his modestie will accept it. Briefly, his sound affection in religion, is so wayted on by honesty of life, and pleasantnesse of conuersation, that in Fabritius his voluntary pouertie, he is an equall partner of his honour, and possesseth a large interest in the loue of his neighbours. My loue to vertue, and not any particular beholdingnes, hath expressed this my testimony.

For persons imployed in state affaires, and there-through stept to preferment, that I may not outstride late remembrance, Sir Richard Edgecumb the elder, was Comptroller of the houshold, and priuie Counseller to King Henry the seuenth, being sent by him also in diuers Ambassades, in one of which to the Duke of Britaine he deceased.

King Henry the eight made like vse in this last kind, of Iohn Tregonwel, who graduated a Doctor, and dubbed a Knight, did his Prince good seruice, and left faire reuenewes to his posterity.

Sir Thomas Arundel, a younger brother of Lanhearn house, maried the sister to Queene Katherine Howard, & in Edward the 6. time was made a priuie Counseller: but cleauing to the Duke of Somerset, he lost his head with him.

Sir Henry Killigrew, after Ambassades and messages, and many other employments of peace and warre, in his Princes seruice, to the good of his Countrey, hath made choyce of a retyred estate, and reuerently regarded by all sorts, placeth his principall contentment in himselfe, which, to a life so well acted, can no way bee wanting.

Master George Carew, in his yonger yeeres gathered such fruit, as the Vniuersitie, the Innes of Court, and forrayne trauell could yeeld him: vpon his returne, he was first called to the Barre; then supplyed the place of Secretarie to the Lord Chauncellour Hatton; and after his decease, performed the like office to his two successours, by speciall recommendation from her Maiestie, who also gaue him the Prothonotaryship of the Chauncery, and in anno, 1598. sent him Ambassadour [62] to the King of Poland, and other Nothern Potentates' where, through vnexpected accidents, he vnderwent extraordinary perils, but God freed him from them, & he performed his duty in acceptable maner, and at this present the common wealth vseth his seruice, as a Master of the Chauncery.

Cornwall, no doubt, hath affoorded a far larger proportion of well deseruing and employed members, to the good of their Prince and Countrey, albeit they fall not within the compasse of my knowledge, &. it is likely that the succeeding age wil much encrease the number, by meanes of her Highnes bounty, who to that end hath established seed-plots of free Schooles, with competent pentions out of her owne cofers, for the teachers at Saltash, Launceston, and Perin, three market townes of the County.

In descending to martiall men, Arthur claimeth the first mention, a Cornishman by birth, a King of Britaine by succession, & the second of the three Christian worthies by desert: whom (if you so please) that Captayne of Armes and Venery, Sir Tristram, shall accompany. From them, I must make a great leap (which conuinceth me an vnworthy associat of the antiquary Colledge) to Sir Iohn Naphant who (if I mistake not) was by country a Cornish man, though by inhabitance a Calisian, where H. 7. vsed his seruice in great trust; and Cardinal Wolsey owned him for his first master. More assured I am, that Sir Iohn Arundell of Trerne, vpon a long fight at sea, took prisoner one Duncane Camel, a hardy Scottish Pirate, and presented him to K. H. the 8: for our Chronicles report it. Towards the end of that Kings raine, Sir Wil. Godolphin also demeaned himselfe very valiantly in a charge which hee bare beyond the seas, as appeared by the skarres hee brought home, no lesse to the beautifying of his fame, then the disfiguring of his face: Whose Nephew, of the same name and dignity, hath so inriched himselfe with sufficiency for matters of policy, by his long trauell, & for martial affaires, by his present valiant cariage in Ireland, that it is better knowne, how far he outgoeth most others in both, then easily to be discerned for which he deserueth principall commendation himselfe. So did Sir Rich. Greinuile the elder enterlace his home Magistracy, with martiall employments abroad: whereof the K. testifyed his good liking by his liberality. Which domestical example, encouraged his sonne Roger the more hardily to hazard, & the more willingly to resign his life in the vnfortunate Mary Rose. A disposition & successe equally fatall to that house: for his sonne againe, the second Sir Ric. after his trauell and following the warres vnder the Emperour Maximilian, against the great Turke, for which his name is recorded by sundry forrain writers and his vndertaking to people Virginia and Ireland, made so glorious a conclusion in her Maiesties ship the Reuenge (of which he had charge, as Captaine, & of the whole fleet as Vice-admirall) that it seemed thereby, when he found none other to compare withall in his life, he striued through a vertuous enuy to exceed it in his death. A victorious losse for the realme; and of which the Spaniard may say with Pirrhus, that many such conquests would beget his vtter ouerthrow. Lastly, his son Iohn took hold of euery martiall occasion that was ministred him, vntill, in seruice against her Highnesse enemies, vnder the command of Sir Walter Ralegh, the Ocean became his bedde of honour. Neither may I without wrong passe ouer Captaine George Wray in silence, who (by a rare temperature of vertues) breathed courage into his soldiers, purchased loue amongst his acquaintance, and bred dismay in his enemies. Or captaine Hender, the absolutest man of war for precise obseruing martiall rules which his dayes afforded, besides his commendable sufficiencie of head and hand for inuention and execution. I will end with master William Lower, late captaine of Sir Frauncis Veres companie in Netherland, who hath opened the war schoole vnto a great many Cornish young gentlemen, that vnder his conduct sought to conforme themselues to his patterne, euerie way accomplished, with all the due parts of honour.

For Mechanical sciences the old Veale of Bodmyn might iustly expostulate with my silence, if I should not spare him a roome in his Suruey, while hee so well deserues it. This man hath beene so beholden to Mercuryes predominant strength in his natiuitie, that without a teacher hee is become very skilfull in welneere all manner of handy-crafts: a Carpenter, a Ioyner, a Milwright, a free-Mason, a Clockmaker, a Caruer, mettall founder, Architect, & quid non? yea a Surgeon, Phisicion, Alchumist, &c. So as that which Gorgias of Leontium vaunted of the liberall sciences, he may professe of the mechanicall, viz. to be ignorant in none.

The Cornish minds thus qualified, are the better enabled to expresse the same by the strong, actiue, &c healthfull constitution of their bodies; touching each whereof a little in particular, though we shall haue a fitter generall occasion to discourse therof, where we handle their passetimes. For strength, one Iohn Bray (well knowne to me as my tenant) carried vpon his backe, at one time, by the space welneere of a Butte length, sixe bushels of wheaten meale, reckoning fifteen gallons to the bushel, and the Miller a lubber of foure and twenty yeres age, vpon the whole.

Iohn Romane, a short clownish grub, would beare the whole carkase of an Oxe, and yet neuer tugged with him, like that so famous Milo, when hee was a Calfe.

For activity, one Kiltor, committed to Launceston Gayle for the last Cornish commotion, laying there in the castle-greene vpon his back, threw a stone of some pounds wayght, ouer that Towres top, which leadeth into the parke.

For health, 80. & 90. yeres age, is ordinary in euery place, and in most persons, accompanied with an able vse of the body & his sences. One Polzew, lately liuing, reached vnto 130, a kinsman of his, to 112. one Beauchamp to 106. yea Brawne the begger, a Cornishman by wandring (for I cannot say, by inhabitance) though Irish by birth, out-scoreth a hundred winters, by I wote not how many reuolutions. And in the parish where God hath seated my poore dwelling, I remember the decease of foure, within 14. weekes space, whose yeres added together, made vp the summe of 340.

Now to the degrees of their seuerall callings, wherein as I will poast ouer the Dukes to another place, so for Noblemen, I may deliuer in a word, that Cornwall at this present enioyeth the residence of none at al. The occasion whereof groweth, partly, because their issue female haue caried away the Inhabitance, together with the Inheritance, to Gentlemen of the Easterne parts: and partly, for that their issue male, little affecting [64] so remote a corner, liked better to transplant their possessions neerer to the heart of the Realme. Elder times were not so barraine: for besides the Lord Tregoyes in Wil. Conquerours dayes, Bottraux Castle vaunted his Baron of that title; both now descended to the Earles of Huntingdon: the last deceased of which, retayning the honour, departed with the land to my kinde friend master Iohn Hender, a Gentleman for his good parts, employed by her Maiestie amongst others, in the peace gouernment of the shire.

The Lord Bonuile his house was at Trelawne, alias, Trelawney, lately purchased of her Highnes, by Sir Ionathan Trelawny, a Knight well spoken, stayed in his cariage, and of thrifty prouidence.

The Lord Bray dwelt at [blank]: the Lord Brooke, at Kellington, where one of them hath his tombe: the Lord Marney at Colquite: and the Lord Denham at Cardenham.

Boconnock also appertained to the Earles of Deuon, and was by Frauncis Earle of Bedford, solde to Sir William Mohun, who deriued his pedigree from the ancient Barons of that name, and is also issued from one of those Earles of Deuons sisters and heyres. This together with other fayre possessions, now resteth in Sir Reignald Mohun his sonne, one that by his courteous,iust, and liberall course of life, maintayneth the reputation, and encreaseth the loue alwayes borne his ancestours.

The most Cornish Gentlemen can better vaunt of their pedigree, then their liuelyhood: for that, they deriue from great antiquitie, (and I make question, whether any shire in England, of but equall quantitie, can muster a like number of faire coate-Armours) whereas this declineth to the meane. One cause there is of both proceeding from the want of those supplies, which seruice, law and marchandise, afford the more inward Inhabitants of the Realme, as I haue elsewhere touched: yet this rule is not so generall, but that it admitteth his exceptions: for there are diuers, whose patrimonies extend to a large proportion; & for the residue, the cheapnes of their prouisions, and their casualties of Tyn, and fines (which 2. later ordinarily treble the certaine reuennue of their rents) enable them with their few scores, to equall the expences of those Easterne dwellers, who reckon by the hundreds: besides, they finde meanes by a suruey, to defray any extraordinarie charge of building, marriage, lawing, or such like. Yet I cannot denie, but that some, in gaping for dead mens shooes, find their improuident couetous humour punished with going barefoot.

This angle which so shutteth them in, hath wrought many interchangeable matches with eche others stock, and giuen beginning to the prouerbe, that all Cornish gentlemen are cousins; which endeth in an injurious consequence, that the king hath there no cousins. They keepe liberall, but not costly builded or furnished houses, giue kind entertainement to strangers, make euen at the yeeres end with the profits of their liuing, are reuerenced and beloued of their neighbours, liue void of factions amongst themselues (at leastwise such as breake out into anie daungerous excesse) and delight not in brauerie of apparrell: yet the women would be verie loth to come behind the fashion, in [65] newfanglednes of the maner, if not in costlynes of the matter, which may perhaps ouer-empty their husbands purses. They conuerse familiarly together, & often visit one another. A Gentleman and his wife will ride to make mery with his next neighbour; and after a day or twayne, those two couples goe to a third: in which progresse they encrease like snowballs, till through their burdensome waight they breake againe.

And heere I thought requisite, to lay downe the names of such Cornish gentlemen, as I find recorded to haue come in with the Conquerour.

Gentlemen descended from those, who came in with the Conquerour, and now resi- ding in Cornwall.

Arundell. Greinuile.

Basset. Karrow, alias, Carew. Bluat, alias, Bluet. Beauchamp. Mowne, alias, Mohun. Bray. Malet. Bellet. Miners. Beuill. Barret. Pomeray.

Courtenay. Rouse. Chaumont, alias, Chamond. Samtalbin, alias, Semtabyn. Denis. Saulay, alias, Saule.

If the variety of Armes disclaime from any of these names, I will not stand vpon a stiffe iustification: and yet it is to bee noted, that diuers Cornish Gentlemen, borne yonger brothers, and aduanced by match, haue left their owne coats, & honoured those of their wiues with the first quarter of their shields. Which error their posteritie likewise ensued, as also, that before these later petty differences grew in vogue, the Armes of one stocke were greatly diuersified in the younger braunches.

I had also made a more paynful, then perfect collection of most of the Cornish Gentlemens names & Armes: But because the publishing thereof might perhaps goe accompanied with diuers wrongs, to my much reuerenced friends the Heralds, by thrusting my sickle into their haruest; to a great many my Countrymen, whom my want of information should be forced to passe ouer vnmentioned; and to the truth it selfe, where my report (relying vpon other mens credits) might through their errour intitle me the publisher (though not the author) of falshood: I rather thought fit altogether to omit it, and to note onely, that of diuers Gentlemen there haue bene in Cornwall, either their names are worne out, or their liuings transferred by the females, into other families: as likewise, sundry of those there now inhabiting, are lately denized Cornish, being generally drawne thither (besides other more priuate respects) through eyther the desire of change, which the disease of discontent affecteth, or the loue of quiet in so remote a corner, or the supposall of commodities there arising, and accruing, or the warrantize from ouerlooking & bearing, where little difference in quality tendeth to an [66] equality in estates.

From Gentility, we wil descend to ciuility, which is or should be in the townesmen. Those in Cornwall do no more by nature, then others elsewhere by choyce, conceiue themselves an estranged society from the vpland dwellers, and cary, I will not say a malice, but an emulation against them, as if one member in a body could continue his wel-being without a beholdingnes to the rest. Their chiefest trade consisteth in vttering their petty marchandises, & Artificers labours at the weekly markets. Very few among them make vse of that oportunity, which the scite vpon the sea proffereth vnto many, for building of shipping, and traffiking in grosse: yet some of the Easterne townes piddle that way, & some others giue themselues to fishing voyages, both which (when need requireth) furnish her Maiesties nauy with good store of very seruiceable Mariners.