HEE was the only son of John Dugdale, late of Shustoke neere Coleshill in the
county of Warwick, Gentleman, by Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Arthur
Swynsen, a younger son to William Swynsen, of Swynsen in the county of Stafford,
Esquier; and borne at Shutoke the I2th of September, anno I605 the 3d year of
King James Ist.

  This John being the only childe of James Dugdale of Cletherow in the county of
Lancaster, Gentleman, (which name and family had bin of long continuance in those
parts) had his cheife education in St. John's Colledge in the University of Oxford:
where applyeing himselfe to the study of civill law, he tooke the degree of Master
of Arts, and continuing there for the space of I4 years, was for some time clerke of the
accompts for that colledge, and steward of their courts, in which imployment Mr.
James Whitlock (afterwards a Knight and one of the Justice of the Court of King's-
Bench) succeeded him.

  DURING some years of his stay in that Colledge, being tutor to William Paulet, only
son to the Lord Giles Paulet, a younger son to William, the first Marquesse of Win-
chester of that noble family; upon his leaving the University, resolving to settle in the
countrey, he took likeing to the woodland part of Warwickshire where Mr. Paulet had
a faire estate; and sellling his lands in Lancashire, gave a large fine to him for a lease
of the impropriate rectory of Shutoke aforesaid, for the terme of threescore years,
where finding the house ruinous hee built it all anew.

  Fixing himselfe there, and marrying as aforesaid, he had only 2 children by his said
wife; viz. Mary a daughter, (who became the wife of Mr. Richard Seawall, son to
Mr. Henry Seawall, an alderman of Coventrie) and this William his only son; who had
his

[end of page i and start of page ii]

his first education in grammer learning under Mr. Tho. Sibley, curate at Nether-
whitacre (neere Shustoke aforesaid) untill he arrived at the age of tenne years and up-
wards; afterwards under Mr. James Cranford in the Free-Schoole at Coventrie, untill
hee was neere fifteene years of age: but then returning to his fater, he receaved[sic S. U.] farther
documents from him, in reading severall law-bookes, beginning with Littleton's
Tenures.

  His father being aged, and very infirme by a dead palsey in his limbs, thinking fit
to see him match't in his life time, hee thereupon wedded Margery the second daughter
to John Huntbacke of Seawall in the parish of Bishbury in the county of Stafford Gent.
upon the seaenteenth day of March anno I622, and 20th year of King James--after
which he tabled with his wife's father, untill his owne father dyed, viz. 4th July anno
I624, but soone after went to housse-keeping at Fillongley in the said county of War-
wick, where hee had an estate formerly purchased by his said father.

  In anno I625 (2 Car. I) he purchased the mannour of Blythe in the parish of Shu-
stoke aforesaid. And the next ensueing yeare (scilicet anno I626) sold his estate at Fil-
longley, and came to reside at Blythe-Hall--

  His naturall inclination being to the study of antiquities, he was not a little en-
couraged thereto, by Samuel Roper, Esq. (a Derbyshire gentleman, and barrister at
law in Lincoln's Inne) a person much esteemed for his abilities therein, with whom (by
reason that he was cosen-german to Mr. Richard Seawall, his sister's husband) he had
first acquaintance about the yeare I615.

  After he had thus settled at Blythe-Hall haveing read the description of Leicester-
shire published by Mr. William Burton of Lindley, in that county, (about eight miles
distant from Blythe-Hall) he was introduced into his acquaintance by Mr. Fisher Dilke
of Shutoke aforesaid, (a kinsman to Mr. Burton) and by the said Mr. Burton into the
acquaintance of Sir Simon Archer, of Tanworth, in the said conty of Warsick, Knt.
who being much affected to antiquities, and haveing made some collections out of di-
vers antient writeings, did freely communicate to him, what he had so gathered; and
brought him acquainted with the gentlmean of most note in that county; who being de-
sirous, through his incitation, to preserve the honour of their families by some such
publique

[end of page ii and start of page iii]

publique worke, as Mr. Burton had done by those in Leicestershire, did freely com-
municate unto him the sight of theire ancient evidences: amongst which he found none
more knowing and forward to encourage such a worke, than Sir Symon Clarke of
Brome-Court, in the parish of Salford; who imparted to him dievers things of conse-
quence, specially the leiger-booke of the priory of Kenilworth.--

  Continuing his acquaintance and conversation with the said Mr. Burton, as also with
Sir Simon Archer, (which began about the year I630) Sir Simon Archer going to
London with his lady in Easter terme anno I438[sic S. U.] much importuned the said Mr. Dug-
dale to accompany him in that journey. Whereunto he assenting, Sir Simon being ac-
quainted with the learned Sir Henry Spelman, Knt. (a person famous for his knowledge
of antiquities, and then neer eighty years of age) brought Mr. Dugdale to him, who
receiving him with great humanity: and finding upon discourse with him, and the sight
of diverse papers relating to the antiquities of Warwickshire, (which he then shewed
him) that he had made some good progress in those studies, told him; that being a
person so well inclined to that learning, and so good a proficient therein, that he esteemed
him very fitt to serve the King in the Office of Arms; and that the most noble Tho-
mas Earle of Arundell, then Earle Marshall of England, haveing, by virtue of that
office, the nomination of all such as were admitted into that society, would thinke it a
good service to the publique to prefer such thereunto as were thus naturally qualifyed,
and found sedulous in those studies; offering recommend him the said Mr. Dugdale
to his Lordship for that purpose. Which he did accordingly; whereupon he was in-
troduced unto that honourable person first by Sir George Gresley of Drakelow, in the
conty of Derby, Bart. who was then in London, and well known to his Lordship.
During his stay there wayting sometime upon Sir Henry Spelman, Sir Henry told
him, that there was a Yorkshire gentleman, one Mr. Roger Dodsworth, who had ta-
ken much paines in search of records, and other antient memorialls, relating to the an-
tiquities of that county; but specially as to the monastery foundations in the northern
parts of this realme, which worke he did not a little recommend to the paynes and care
of some industrious and diligent searchers into antiquities: affirming, that transcripts of
own great affection thereto, he had in his younger years, got together the transcripts of
the foundation charters of diverse monasteries in Norfolke and Suffolk, (himselfe being
a Norfolk-man) much importuneing Mr. Dugdale to joyne with Mr. Dodsworth in
that

[end of page iii and start of page iv]

that commendable worke; which by reason of his youth, and inclination to prosecute
those studies might in time be brought to some perfection.

  Unto which proposal Mr. Dugdale readily assented; and a few days after ca-
sually meeting with Mr. Dodsworth at Mr. Samueall Roper's chamber in Lincoln's Inne,
and communicateing what they had in hand, as to theire farther progress in those stu-
dies, readily engaged themselves to each other, to endeavour the gayning of what
transcripts they could attaine from any antient leiger-bookes, publique records, ori-
ginal charters, or other manuscripts of note, in order thereto: but still, with this ob-
servation, that Mr. Dugdale should not neglect his collections touching the antiquities
of Warwickshire, wherein he had made a considerable progresse.

  Being thus in London, and desirous to gayne acquaintance with all persons of note,
who stood affected to antiquities, Mr. Roper brought him to Mr. Henry Lillye, and
armes paynter in Little Brittaine: who according to that meausre of learning he had
gayend, was not a little verst[sic S. U.] in those studyes; haveing been imployed by divers per-
sons of honour and quality, in framing theire pedegrees out of originall evidences, and
other warrantable authorities.

  Hereupon conversing some time with Mr. Lillye, he there accidentally met with
Mr. Richard Gascoyne, a Yorkshire gentleman, who alsoe stood much affected to
those studies, especially as to matters of pedegree, wherein he had taken some paynes
for divers northern families; who haveing great acquaintance with Sir Christopher Hat-
ton, of Kirbie, in the county of Northampton, Knight of the Bath, (afterwards cre-
aten[sic S. U.] Lord Hatton) a person highly affected to those studies, and who had not spared
for cost in gayning sundry transcripts from publique records, leiger-bookes, antient
charters, and many choyse manuscripts, brought Mr. Dugdale to that most worthy
person, by whome he was made welcome, with all expressions of kindness, and readi-
ness to further him to those his labours.

  In order thereunto Sir Christopher made him soone acquatined with Sir Thomas
Fanshaw, (his neere kinsman) at that time the King's Remembrancer in the Exche-
quer, (afterward Lord Viscount Fanshaw) by means of which great office, he had the
custody of divers leiger-books, and other manuscripts of great antiquity: specially that
notable

[end of page iv and start of page v]

notable record, called the Red Booke, as alsoe Testa de Nevill, Kirbie's Quest, No-
mina Villarum, and others; to all which by his favour he had free accesse. Nor was
he lesse carefull to obtaine the like accesse for him to the records in the Tower of Lon-
don, through his interest with old Mr. Collet the cheife clerke at that time there under
Sir John Burroughs; whom he amply rewarded with sundry gratituities, for his kind-
ness and paynes in furthering Mr. Dugdale, as to his collections from those rarities.

  During his stay alson in London at that time, he was by the said Mr. Samuell Roper
brought into the acquintance of Sir Thomas Cotton, Baronett, son to the most worthy
Sir Robert Cotton, founder of that incomparable library in his house at Westminster,
of most rare and choyse manuscripts, whereby he had alsoe access thereto; and made
such collections as were of singular use to him in severall volumes, which he did since
make publique by the presse.

  By the said Mr. Roper he was alsoe introduced into the acquaintancee of Mr. Scipio
Spuyer, then one of the vice-chamberlaines of Excequer, through whose kind-
ness and favour he had accesse to thaat venerable record, called Domesday-Booke, as al-
soe to the fines, plea-rolls, and sundry other things of antiquitie remayning in the Trea-
sury there.

  Nor was Sir Christopher Hatton less zealous in giving him all possible encourage-
ment in those his studies: for haveing seconded Sir Henry Spelman in recommending
him to the Earle of Arundell, the said Earle sent for him in September following; and
obtained the King's warrant to create him a pursuivant at armes extraordinary, by the
name of Blanch-Lyon, and thereupon so created him at the King's royall palace of
Richmond, in Surrey, upon the 24th of September, anno I638. Afterwards upon the
removall of Edward Walker, Rouge-Croix pursuivant, to the office of Chester herald;
his Lordship obtained his sayd Majesty's letters patent for createing him Rouge-Croix
pursuivant in ordinary, beareing date xviiith of March I639, by which means, haveing
a lodging at the Herauld's Office, as also some benefitt by funeralls and otherwise, with
the yearly salary of xxl. out of the King's Exchequer for his support, he thenceforth
spent the gratest part of his time in London, in order to the augumenting his collections
out of those records in the Tower and other places, untill by the influence of a predo-
minating party in that Parliament begun at Westminster on the 3d of November, anno
I640,

[end of page v and start of page vi]

I640, which beging tainted with puritannicall and antimonarchial principles, tooke away
the life of most prudent and loyall Earle of Stafford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
and imprisoned the most reverend Archbishop of Canterbury. Notwithstanding all
specious pretence of loyalty to the King, maintenance of the religion by the law estab-
lished, and piviledges of Parliament, he was forced thence: By theire beginnings, it
was plainly discerned by the most judicious men, what afterwards was accomplisht by
the grand contrievers in that unhappy convention: that is to say, the utter subversion of
the religion by law established, and extirpation[sic S. U.] of monarchique government, whereby
no other could be expected than the profanation of all places of God's publique worship,
destruction of monuments in churches, and defaceing whatsoever was beautifull and or-
namentall therein.

  The said Mr. Dugdale therefore receiving encouragement from Sir Christopher
Hatton before mentioned, then a member of the House of Commons, (who timely
foresaw the neere appoching storme) in the summer anno I641, having with him one Mr.
Willilam Sedgwick, (a skillfull armes-paynter) repaired first to the Cathedral of St.
Paul in London, and next to the Abbye Curch at Westminster, and there made exact
draughts of all the monuments in the windows, or cutt in stone: And haveing so done,
rode to Peterborough in Northamptonshire, Ely, Norwich, Lincolne, Newarke, Be-
verley, Southwell, Hull, Yorke, Selby, Chester, Litchfield, Tamworth, Warwick;
and did the like in all those cathedralls, collegiate, coventuall, and divers other paro-
chiall churches, wherein any tombs or monuments were to be found, to the end that
the memory of them in case of that destruction then imminent might be preserved for fu-
ture and better times: which draughts are in the custody of the now Lord Hatton; be-
ing trickt by the said Mr. Sedgwick, then servant to the said Sir Christopher Hatton.

  And as was feared, so it fell out: all things, through the influence of the predominant
party in that Parliament, tending every day more and more that way: in so much as
in Mach following, the King himselfe, his Queene, and royall issue, forct by tumults,
countenanc't by those great masters of mischeife, were constrained to betake themselves
for safety to other places; that is to say, the King, the Prince, and Duke of Yorke, unto
the city of Yorke the 29th of March I641; and the Queene into France.
His

[end of page vi and start of page vii]

  His Majesty being therefore necessitated thus to continue in those northern parts,
where many of the nobility attended him: haveing alsoe for his better security a speciall
guard of the most loyall gentlemen of that county: by warrant under his royall signe
manuall, bearing date the first of June anno I642, commanded the said Mr. Dugdale
fourthwith to repaire thither to him, according to the dutie of his place, who thereupon
did so; and there continued till about the midst of July, that he received this Majesty's
command to wayt upon the Earle of Northampton, Lord Lieutenant of the county of
Warwick, into the county, where the Earle was, by virtue of his Majesty's speciall
commission under the greate seale of England, to array and arme all persons able, and
of strength sufficient for preservation of the peace of this realme.

  In obedience whereunto he attend the said Earle to the borough of Warwick and
diverse othe places in that county, where many of the trained band and other loyal peo-
ple to his Lordship with horses and armes accordingly. But the predominant party,
which then sate at Westminister machinating the ruine of monarchy, and advanceing
themselves into all places of power and profitt, most falsely suggesting to the people,
that his Majesty had design to subvert the religion by law establisht, and govern by
and arbitrary power, raysed great forces throughout all parts of the realme, under colour
of defending the making of garrisons in sundry places of strength; and amongst others
sent many soldiers, with armes and amunition, into the castles of Banbury in Oxford-
shire, and Warwick, commanded cheifly by Robert Lord Brooke, one of theire then
greatest confidentes, to the no little affrightment of most people in those parts.

  The Earle of Northampton therefore discerning in what danger the county then was,
and advertising his Majesty thereof, procured his speciall warrant, beareing date at
Yorke the 4th of August, I642, directed to the said Mr. Dugdale, requireing him forth-
with, according to the dutie of his place, to repaire to those castles of Banbury and
Warwick, and to command the said Lord Brooke and his adherents to lay down all
theire forces, as well horse as foote, and to deliver up all theire armes and ammunition
to the commissoners of army, and such others as by his Majesty were then authorized
for that purpose; as also to dispense themselves, and return to theire respective homes;
and, in case of refusall, to proclayme them traytors against the King, his crowne and
dignitie.
All

[end of page vii and start of page viii]

  All which being performed by the said Mr. Dugdale in his cote of armes, and trum-
pets founding before him, the castle of Banbury, with all the armes and ammunition
therein, was delivered up accordingly: but the castle of Warwick being a fort of farre
more strength, and manned by a greater number of souldiers, under the command of
Sir Edward Peto, of Chesterton, in that county, Knt. most rebelliously contemned that
summons, Sir Edward Peto alleaging, that he was intrusted with it by the Parliament,
and would defend it accordingly. Whereupon he and all his adherents there were pro-
claymed traytors at the castle gates, by the said Mr. William Dugdale, in pursuance of
his said Majesty's warrant. That those rebels were by this time grown thus obstinate,
it was no wonder, haveing captivated the people with most bold and false suggestion of
his Majesty's purpose to enslave them by an arbitrary power; pretending what glorious
asserters they would be of their liberties; so that in every part of the realme they gayned
great numbers of peoyle[sic S. U.], and raysed a powerfull army, under the command of Robert
then Earle of Essex--which being discerned by the King, he forthwith erected his roy-
all standard at Nottingham upon the xiith of August, whereunto very many worthy
men most loyally resorted.

  Soonafter[sic S. U.] which diverse armed forces rebelliously possessing themselves of other strong
castles and towns in other parts of the realme: amongst which the city of Coventry was
one of the first (through the ayd of many sectaries and schismatiques which flockt in
unto them with armes and ammunition, especiallly from that populous town of Bir-
micham, relying much upon the securitiy of that place, by reason of the strength of its
walls) his Majesty, upon advertisement thereof, marcht up from Yorke with some
troopes of horse commanded by the Lord Byron, and coming to Stoneley House,
(about four miles distant from Coventrie) by his speciall warrant beareing date the
xxth of August, commanded the said Mr. Dugdale to summon that citty[sic S. U.], and to
require all such persons, as were there in armes, to deliver them up to such persons as
his Majesty then authorize to receive them, and to depart peaceably to theire owne
homes: but in case of refusall to proclayme them traytors against his Majesty, his
crowne and dignitie. All which upon theire obstinate refusall to give obedience there-
unto, was accordingly performed by the said Mr. Dugdale.

  Duering the King's stay at Stonely, findeing the citty of Coventry thus rebellious,
and Warwick castle garrisoned by the Lord Brooke, (as hath been observed) his Ma-
jesty

[end of page viii and start of page ix]

jesty upon his return to Nottingham placed two companies of foot, and one of dra-
goons, in his castle of Kenilworth, (the strongest fort in the midleland parts) situate be-
twixt Coventrie and Warwick: But within few days after, haveing intelligence, that
the power of the rebells in that country increased, and feareing that those souldiers so
put into Kenilworth castle might be distressed by a siege, he sent two troopes of horse,
and one of dragoones, to fetch off these men, with theire armes and ammunition: and
because he knew that the said Mr. Dugdale was well acquainted with the ways in that
county, appoynted him to accompany Sir Richard Willis, who commanded that party,
as his guide; purposeing to bring them off as privately as might be. To which end,
they marching from Mountsorrel in Leicestershire on the Sunday morning, came about
ten of the clock at night to Kenilworth. Where though they made such haste in gett-
ing carriages for their ammunition, that they marcht out of that castle by seaven of the
clock the next morning; nevertheless by intelligence given to the rebells at Coventrie,
so great a number of these with horse and foot pursued them, as they were con-
strayned to make a stop in Curdworth Field, (two miles northward from Coleshill) and
to encounter them: where they chardged those rebells (though five to one in number)
so stoutly, that they put them to the rout, and tooke diverse of them prisoners, which
they brought that night to Tamworth, and the next morning to Fulbury castle, the
said Mr. Dugdale hasting immediately to Notingham[sic S. U.] to acquaint the King there-
with.

  These souldiers being thus got safe to Fulbury, joyned with those forces, which
(his Majesty haveing raysed at Nottingham) were on theire march towards Shrewsbury,
(viz. on the I2th of September) unto which place the said Mr. Dugdale gave attend-
ance on his Majesty, and thence, after the compleating of his army there, to the battell
of Kineton (commonly called Edg-Hill Battell) which happend on the 2ed of Octo-
ber; and so to Oxford; thence also to Reading and Braynford, his Majesty then pur-
poseing for London: but finding the power of rebells so much increased by the ci-
tizens confluence to them from the populous place, after some skyrmishes neere Brayn-
ford, (where the King took many prisoners) he returned to Oxford, and there fixed
his cheife residence; fortifying it with outworks, for the better security thereof.

  OXFORD threfore being thus made the cheife garrison, where his Majesty's great
officers, viz. Lord Keeper, Lord Treasurer, and Councill of State kept their residence,
the

[end of page ix and start of page x]

the said Mr. Dugdale attended his Majesty's service was (with divers others of the
King's servants) admitted to the degree of Master of Arts: and haveing taken notice of
the most remarkable passages in Kineton-Battell (on which he was a spectater) to the end
that the relation of all particulars relating thereto might be better understood; in Fe-
bruary next ensuing, (accompanied with some gentlemen of note, and a skillfull sur-
veyor) he rode to Banbury, (the castle there being then his Majesty's garrison) and
thence to the feild[sic S. U.], where the battle was fought, which by the helpe of one Mr. Hol-
sted, a skillfull surveyor, he exatcly surveyed; noteing where each army was drawn up:
how and where the canon on each part were placed: as also the particular graves where-
in all the slayne were buryed; observing from the relation of the neighbouring inhabit-
ants, the certain number of bodies which lay interred in every grave; which in the
whole did not amount to full one thousand, though the generall report of the vulgar
made them no less than five thousand.

  Whence returning to Oxord, and there by his Majesty's command continuing untill
the render o that garrison to the rebells the 26th o June I646, (which wanted not
four months of four years) his estate in the county being sequestered by the rebells all
that time, he there perfomed such service in attending the funeralls o sundry noble
persons, and others of great quality, (some of which were slayne in those warrs) as
belonged to the duty of his office: and upon the death of Sir John Borough, Knt.
Garter Principall King of Arms, who departed this life there upon the 2Ist of Octo-
ber I643, Sir Henry St. George, Knt. then Norroy King of Armes, being advanced to
the office of Garter; and Edward Walker, Esq. then Chester Herauld, made Norroy;
the said Mr. Dugdale was by letters patent bearing date at Oxord aforesaid the xvi of
April anno I644 (20 Car. I) created Chester Herauld.

  Continueing thus in Oxford, he thence tooke a journey to Worcester in anno I644,
withiin which diocess the southern parts of county of Warwicklye[sic S. U.]. Where haveing
perusall of the registers of Bishop, as also of the Deane and Chapter, he thence ex-
tracted the like materialls, in order to his historicall worke of Warwickshire (aterwards
made publique by the presse) as he had done at Litchfeild, within which diocess the
rest of the said county as: was by his quotations in that volume are to be seene.
And

[end of page x and start of page xi]

  And haveing sufficient leisure, during that long time he continued in Oxford, ap-
plyed himselfe to the search of such antiquities as were to be found in the famous Bod-
leian Libraries, as also in the libraries of such colledges, and other hands, as he thought
might any way conduce towards the furtherance of that worke of the monastery founda-
tions, designed by Mr. Roger Dodsworth and himselfe; as also of whatsoever might re-
late to matter of history touching the antient nobility of this realme: in which he found
very much for that purpose, whereof he made great use in those volumes of the Baronage
of England, since by him publisht.--

  But the rebells at length prevailing, through the ayd of the Scotts, (who maade a se-
cond invasion hither with a mighty army) whereupon the garrison of Oxford was deli-
vered up unto them upon articles in June I646, the said Mr. Dugdale, haveing the be-
nefitt of those articles, repayred shortly after to London, and made his composition at
Goldsmith Hall. After which, haveing formerly proceeded very farr in gathering ma-
terialls towards his designed worke of the antiquities of Warwickshire, he proceeded
againe to London, and perfected his collection from the publique records there, where-
in he had long before made a large progress. Where happening to meet with Mr. Dods-
worth, and acquainting him how he had bestowed his time at Oxford and elsewhere in
gayning materialls in order to that work of the monasteries, Mr. Dodsworth imparting
the like to him; he found that Mr. Dodsworth had transcribed divers foundation
charters, and other grants of consequence, relatin cheifly to the northern monasteries,
which he tooke from the very originalls then remayning in sundry large chests deposited
in St. Mary's tower at Yorke.

  After which waiteing on the Laddy Hatton to Calais in May I648, there to meet
with the Lord Hatton, (her husband) from Paris, he went back with that Lord thither,
and makeing stay there neere[sic S. U.] three months, through the favour of Mr. Francis du
Chesne (son to the learned Andrew du Chesne, deceased) the said Mr. Dugdale had a
view of divers excellent collections, taken by the said Andrew, relating to sundry
monasteries in France and Normandy, and other parts of that realme: amongst which
finding many things of note, touching those religious houses in England, called Pri-
ories-Alien, (which were cells to certaine great abbies in those parts) he tooke copies of
them, of which he made good use in those volumes called the Monasticons, afterwards
published. And then returned into England, haveing letters of safe conduct under the
signe

[end of page xi and start of page xii]

signe manual and signet of the Queen of England, (Henrietta Maria) bearing date at
St. Germans in Lay, upon the 3rd of August.

  This so faire a collection got together by Mr. Dodsworth, considering how much
Mr. Dugdale had gathered out of sundry leiger-bookes, and other authentique manu-
scripts at Oxford, encourageing them to perfect the worke, they then resolved to goe to
the records in the Tower of London; from which makeing a thoroug search, they
tooke copies of all that they deemed most materiall for the same. And haveing so done
Sir Tho. Cotton (through the interest which Mr. Dugdale had with him) gave them
free access to his incomparable library in his house at Westminster, where a multitude
of leiger-bookes (being obtained through the care and cost of the famous Sir Robert
Cotton, his father) were then preserved.

  This being accomplisht; and finding there many papers of state made up in large
bundles, which were originall letters, and choyse memorialls obtained by the said Sir
Robert Cotton from sundry hands; some the transactions betwixt Cardianll Wolsey,
Cromwell, (afterwards Earle of Essex) Secretary Paget, Cecill Lord Burleigh, Se-
cretary Walsingham, and others, relating as well to forreign as domemstique affaires: as
also the letters and papers of Mary Queen of Scotland, to Duke of Nofolk and seve-
rall eminent persons in those times; the said Mr. Dugdale sorted them all, both as to
time and otherwise, and caused them to be bound up with clasps, with the armes of
Sir Thomas Cotton on each side of every book: all which amounted to about four
score volumes, by which they are now usefull to all lovers of histricall
learning.

  The collections for the two volumes of the Monasticon being thus compleated, and
the publishing of them by the presse much desired; an offer was made to severall booke-
sellers, of the copye, upon such indifferent termes, as might have defrayed the charge
of those transcripts, so made from records, and otherwise as hath been observed. But
the bookesellers declining to adventure thereon, the sayd Mr. Dodsworth and Mr. Dug-
dale, joyning together, hyred large sumes of money to do it themselves: the care and
oversight of which worke, as to the printing part, lay totally on Mr. Dugdale, by rea-
son that Mr. Dodsworth departed his life in Lancashire about the middle of August anno
I654, before the tenth part of the first volume was dispatcht at the presse.
Here

[end of page xii and start of page xiii]

  Here it will not (I presume) be amisse to take notice, that whereas since his happy
restoration, some persons of note, who were in greate place and power in the time of
the late usurpation, and as yeta are not small countenancers of those separatists, which
are again busily endevaouring the ruine of monarchy, to blast and vilifye this works of
the Monasticons, have maliciously given out, that the designe of makeing it publique
by the presse was purposely to discover the lands sometime belongint to the religious
houses in this realme; to the interest, that upon restoreing the Romish religion which
they would have it believed is much seigned, they might returne to their former super-
stitious uses--I shall thereore here make a breife digression, cleerly[sic S. U.] to manyfest the
falseness and absurdity of that suggestion by three irrefragable instances.

  The first is, that a cheife promoter of the worke was the late Lord Fairfax the Par-
liament's Generall in theire bloudy warrs against the King, (whom none of that party
did ever suspect to be popishly affected) allowing Mr. Roger Dodsworth 40l. per an-
num during his life for his support therein, as is very well knowne: and that Mr. John
Rushworth (then his secretary) through the influence he at that time had upon those
who kept the records in the Tower of London, procured for the said Mr. Dodsworth
and Mr. Dugdale free accesse unto them, with liberty to make transcripts of whatsoever
did relate to this collection without payment of any fees.

  Next, that the substance of these collections is the foundation off charters of what
the monasteries had upon their first erection: the donation charters in after times being
purposely omitted, which are so numerous, that twenty such volumes would not con-
taine them. Lastly, that had these persons, who seeme to feare the restoring of the
Romish religion, (and consequently a return of those monastery lands to the support of
such votaries, who may betake themselves to a monastick life) a reall sense thereof, the
proper course to prevent a discovery of them would be to destroy all such publique re-
cords and memorialls as sett them forth at large; as is that generall survery in 26 H. 8.
in the First Fruits Office--so likewise those other surveys, which, upon the act of disso-
lution in 31 H. 8. were brought into the Autmentation Court: as also the enrollments
of those grants as have since been made from the Crowne, for passing them to private
hands. But I returne--
[no blank line here]
  Which first volume being finished and made publique in anno I655, a stop was for
some years made of printing the other, untill the gratest part of that was sold off,
whereby

[end of page xiii and start of page xiv]

whereby money might be had to proceed therewith. Mr. Dugdale therefore haveing
noe small paynes and charge in printing and paper or publishing thereof: and lying in
London in order to the correcting the presse himselfe for neere one year and a halfe (the
ordinary correctors being not skilled in the pedigrees[sic S. U.]) at length, scilicet in anno I656,
he exposed it to sale.

  In which time of his residence in London, meeting casually with Mr. John Reading,
a Notinghamshire gentleman; who haveing formerly beene clerke of the Nisi prius for
the Midland Circuit, (and with whom before the rebellion the had been acquainted) he
friendly invited Mr. Dugdale to his house at Scriveners Hall, (neere Silver street) with
promise to shew him some old manuscript bookes, originall charters, and other antient
writings; who, comeing thither, accordingly, he brought forth five ancient mauscript-
bookes in folio, which were leigher-bookes of the lands antiently given to the Cathedral
of St. Paul in London, and freely lent them to him, untill the next ensuing Michael-
masse terme; then intimateing that he should have the use of many more upon his next
returne to London.

  But in Michaelmasse terme, when Mr. Dugdale came to restore those bookes, so
lent, he found that Mr. Reading was dead, and had constituted one Mr. Williams
(a barrister at law of the Temple) his executor.--Addressing himselfe therefore to the
sayd Mr. Williams and desiring a sight of the rest, he very civily brought him to
Scriveners Hall, and there shewing him many other old manuscript-bookes, originall
charters, and very antient writeings in baggs and hampiers, all relateing to the greate
Cathedarall, he freely lent them to him, to carry his owne lodging, they amounting to
noe less than ten porters burdens. Haveing them therefore thus in his private custody,
and bestowing paynes to sort them into order, he made extracts from them of what he
found historicall in reference to that church.

  And to the end the memory of those noble and antient monuments might be pre-
served, which were afterwards destroyed (the church being made an[sic S. U.] horse garrison
by the late rebellious usurpers) did, by the helpe and favour of sundry worthy persons,
who voluntarily offered to be at the chardge of those plates, in which the representations
of them were cutt in brasse; as alsoe the lively prospects of the whole fabrick (inside and
outside) accomplisht the same: And haveing succinctly framed an[sic S. U.] historicall narrative
of

[end of page xiv and start of page xv]

of the foundation and endowment thereof; likewise of all the chantryes, and what else
was most memorable therein, or relateing thereto, made it publique by the presse in
anno I658.

  But as the darkest night hath its morning, so did it please Almighty God at last to
put an end to the tyranny of those late usurpers by the miraculous restoration of our
present Sovereigne, King Charles the 2d. in the yeare I660, which was about twelve
years after the most execrable murther of his royall ather of blessed memory.

  So soone therefore as those who were of greatest trust with our present Sovereigne,
then beyond sea, did, by theire entelligence[sic S. U.] from hence, discern in what distraction
those usrupers then were; and how that all people were weary of theire oppressions so
that the time of his most happy returne drew nigh, to prevent the importunity of others
who aymed at the office of Norroy King of Armes, which was then void by the re-
movall of Sir Edward Walker unto the office of Garter; Sir Edward Hyde, Knt. then
Lord Chancellour (afterwards Earle of Clarendon) haveing seen the booke of War-
wickshire antiquities, and the first volume of the Monasticon Anglicanum, while he
was with the King in foreigne parts, moveing his Majesty on the behalfe o the sayd Mr.
Dugdale for that place and office of Norroy, readily obtained it, with a speciall war-
rant under the royall signet to prepare a patent under the greate seale for the same;
which passed accordingly, bearing date (after his said Majesty's happy returne) upon
the eighteenth day of June, in the I2th year of his reigne, (anno scilicet I660) the
second volume of the Monasticon being then in the presse, and published the next yeare
following, viz. anno I661.

  Soone after which, scilicet in anno I662, came out of the presse his historicall worke
of imbanking and drayning the fenns and marshes of this kingdom, (adorned with sundry
exact mapps of the parts and places so drayned) deduced from sundry publique records
and antient manuscripts at the instance of the Lord Gorges, Sir John Marsham, Bart.
and other who were adventurers in that costly and laudable worke, for drayning the
greate lavell, which extends itselfe into a considerable part of the counties of Cambridge,
Huntingdon, Northampton, Norfolk and Suffolke.
Ater

[end of page xv and start of page xvi]

  After which, haveing in his many years labour in search of records for those his
workes already published, taken notes of the Lord Chancellours of England, Lord
Treasurers, Masters of the Rolls, Judges of all the Courts in Westminster Hall, King's
attorneys, and solicitors, and serjeants at law, likewise of the antiquities of our laws,
Courts of Justice; as also of the Inns of Courts and Chancery for students in that ex-
cellent profession, he compiled that historicall worke, intituled Origines Judiciales,
(adorned with exact cutts in copper-plates, of the armes in the windows of all the Innes
of Court, and Serjeants Innes) which was made publique by the presse in annno I665.

  And haveing been much importuned by the late Archbishop of Canterbury, (Dr.
Sheldon) and the then Lord Chancellour, (Earl of Clarendon) to perfect the collection
begun by the learned Sir Henry Spelman, Knt. of his intended second volume of the
provinciall councills here in England, makeing different search for such materialls as
might be found in the famous Cottonian libary, or otherwise, did make transcripts
thereof, and fitted them for the presse, the whole volume amounting to full two hun-
dread sheets in folio, all whereof, excepting fifty and seaven, were totall of his the said
Mr. Dugdale's collection.

  So likewise for the whole Glossary of that learned Knight, whereof the manuscript
copy, (written by Sir Henry's own hand) was not all ordered for the presse; much
of it being loosely written and with abbreviations, and with sundry bitts of paper pinn'd
thereto, which he tooke paynes to dispose of unto proper order, transcribing many of
those loose papers, makeing what was proper to difference the character, and so brought
it to the presse: Both which workes were also published in the yeare I666 without any
alteration from Sir Henry's copy, as by some hath been ignorantly surmised.

  Haveing likewise in this course of his collections made at Oxford in the time of the
rebellion, extracted from sundry manuscripts divers notes relateing to the anicient nobi-
lity of this realme, and not being ignorant that those volumes of the Monasticon would
yeild a multitude of good materialls in order to an historiccall worke of the Baronagel;
he thougt fit to go againe to the Tower, Exchequer, and Office of Rolls in Chancery
lane: as also to the Archbishop's pricipall register, and registers of the prerogative
court of Canterbury, for wills, and testaments, dispensations or marriages, &c. Whence,
and from many choyse manuscripts in private hands, monumentall inscriptions, and
other

[end of page xvi and start of page xvii]

["other" missing S. U.] authorities, (which after a great part of thirty years labour he had been gathering) at
length he compiled that large worke in two volumes, intituled the Baronage of
England--

  In makeing of which collection, he omitted nothing of consequence, which related
to the foundation and endowment of the cathedrall and collegiate churches of England
and Wales, consisting of secular canons; nor what he could else observe concerning
the monasteries, to the end that they might be made use of as additaments, to those vo-
lumes. And in the yeare I673 publisht all those additatment, together with what
he had so collected or those cathedrall and collegiate churches before specifyed: But
these volumes of the Baronage hanging long at the presse, came not out till the yeares
I675 and I676.--

  Towards the end of which last mentioned year (scilicet I676) 20 Febr. Sir Edward
Walker, Garter Principall King of Armes, departed this life, the sayd Mr. Dugdale
being then at his house in Warwickshire, whereupon much dispute grew betwixt the
Right Hon. Henry then Earle of Norwich (afterwards Duke of Norfolke) as Earle
Marshall of England, and the King, touching the nomination of the person unto whome
his Majesty should by his letters patent grant that office; the Chancelour[sic S. U.] of the Garter,
on the King's behalfe, strenuously insisting upon his Majesty's right to nominate, by
reason that the said office of Garter was an imployment chiefly relating to that honour-
able order, for attending at all instlattions and festivalls, and performing other services
unto the Sovereigne and Knights, companions thereof.

  The Earle on his part, as Earle Marshall, and cheife superintendant of the office and
officers of armes, alleaging the usage of his predecessors in that honourable office of Earle
Marshall, to recommend and nominate to the King, upon the death or vacancy of any
King of Arms, Herauld, or Pursuivant, such person or persons to supply the place,
as he should thinke fitt and proper for that service.--

  In which contest one Sir Wm. Howard, Knt. (a person very well qualified with learn-
ing in all points of honour and armes) haveing obtayned the favour of divers noble-
men, to move the King on his behalf, his Majesty inclined much to him, and the Earl
of Norwich (on the other part) accounting it a derogation to his office of Earle Mar-
shall

[end of page xvii and start of page xviii]

shall to be refused the like priviledge as his predecessors therein had been permitted to
enjoy, for which he produced some late precedents; but acknowledging, that he had
nothing to doe as to any superintendencie over him as an officer of the Garter; never-
theless, as Garter is Principall King of Armes, he is subordinate to his authoritie. The
King at length asking him whom he had a desire to recommend; he presently named
Mr. Dugdale; whereupon his Majesty immediately replied, "Nay then I am content."

  Whereupon the Earle Marshall caused his secretarie to advertise Mr. Dugdale thereof
by the post that night, (he being then in Warwickshire) and earnestly to presse his
speedy coming up to London.

  Which news not a little surprizing him, being so farr from any thoughts thereof;
that upon some letters from ceratine honourable persons, upon the death of Sir Edward
Walker, earnestly importuening his speedy repaire to London, in order to his obtain-
ing that office, (which, as he was the next King of Armes, to whom it properly be-
longed, and the most antient officer in the Colledge of Armes then living, by above
twenty yeares, than any other, none could pretend to so faire a clayme) he excused
himselfe in respect of his age.

  But after serious consideration what to resolve on therein, haveing a farr greater de-
sire to wave it than otherwise; he grew doubtfull whether it might not be ill taken by
the King, that his Majesty so freely assenting to the Earle Marshall's recommendation
of him, he should refuse what was thus intended him as a favour. And fearing also
the Earle Marshall's displeasure in case he should not comply with him therein; at
length concluding with himselfe, that it was by God Almighty's disposall thus cast upon
him, (whose great and wonderfull providence extendeth to the very last of all humane
actions) he resolved to accept it, and within a few days after rode up to London ac-
cordingly, being there welcomed by the Earle Marshall with very noble expressions
for complying with him therein.

  Whereupon he passed his patent, under the great seale for that office of Garter upon
the xxvith of April anno I677. And afterwards, scilicet on Thursday being the xxiiij
of May (Ascension Day) was solemnly created into that office, at the Colledge of
Armes, by the Earle of Peterborough, who then exercised the office of Earle Marshall,
[first word of the next page omitted. S. U.]

[end of page xviii and start of page xix]

as deputy to the Earle of Norwich, by virture of his Majesty's immediate warrant for that
purpose. And the day following, (viz. Friday the xxvth of May) being brought be-
fore the King in the old bed-chamber at Whitehall, by the said Earle Marshall, re-
ceived the honour of Knighthood, (much against his will by reason of his small estate)
at which time his Majesty put the badge of the order hung in a chayne of gold (usually
worne by Garter King of Armes) about his neck.

  After which upon the Ist day of June next ensuing in a solemn chapter, held by the
sovereign, and divers companions in the Red-Roome at White Hall, he tooke his oath
as Garter, knelling by the King, which was administred to him by the Bishop of Salis-
bury as Chancelour[sic S. U.] of that noble order.

  As to the exercise of his office of Norroy, when he was provinciall King of Armes
for the northern parts of this realme, the bookes of his visitations of the severall
counties of Derby, Notingham, Stafford, Chester, Lancaster, Yorkshire, Bishoprick
of Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland, under his charge, re-
mayning in the Office of Armes, will sufficiently manifest his care and diligence therein
by taking exact notice of all collateralls, viz. uncles, aunts, and sisters in
the descents by him entered.

  Likewise in publiquely disclayming such as took upon them the titles of Esquier or
Gentleman without just right; and faithfully registring the armes of all such as could
manifest any justifyable right thereto.

  Alsoe in defaceing such tablets of armes as he found in any churches or other pub-
lique places, as were fictitious; and pulling down severall atchievements irregularly,
and against the law of armes hung up in any churces, or chapells, within the precincts
of his province; the particulars whereof are fully exprest in that large booke of the
Office of Armes, covered with russet leather, called the Earle Marshall's Booke, which
containeth sundry orders of the Earle Marshall of England and Lord Commissioners
for the exercise of that office, with other memorialls of note.--

  And farther to vindicate the just rights of his said office, commenc't a suit at the
common law against one Randle Holme, a paynter in the citty of Chester, who had
boldly

[end of page xix and start of page xx]

boldy taken upon him to invade his office of Norroy, by prepayring atchievements for
the funerall of Sir Raphe Ashton, of Middleton, in the county of Lancaster, Knt. and
given direction for a funerall proceeding at the solemnity thereof. Whreupon he had
a verdict against him the sayd Holme, at the generall assizes held at Stafford in March
anno I667, recovering good damages and costs of suit.--

  Divers atchievements also, set up in sundry churches within his said province of
Norroy, contrary to the law of armes, by the said Holme the paynter, he pulled down
and defaced, viz. in the city of Chester, at Bredworth, Nether-Pever, Hooton in
Wirrall, (all in Cheshire) Biddulph in Staffordshire; as also at Chirke in North-
Wales; and likewise defaced many fictitious armes which he found engraved on tomb
stones at Newcastle upon Tine in Northumberland; of all which particular mention is
made in the said register booke called the Earle Marshall's Booke.

  The printed bookes by him given to the Herauld Office are these, viz. the Antiqui-
ties of Warwickshire illustrated; the Monasticon Anglicanum, in three volumes; the
History of St. Paul's Cathedrall; the History of Imbanking and Drayning the Fenns;
his booke intituled Origines Judiciales; and his two volumes of the Baronage of
England.

  Of manuscripts these; one large volume of the Armes and Monuments in the Ca-
thedarll of Yorke, and diverse other Churches in that county, lively trickt up with a
pen, (by Mr. Gregory King then his clerk, since Rouge-Dragon Pursuivant of Armes)
and the epitaphs transcribed according to the very letter of each, all bound in russet
leather.

  Another manuscript booke, containing a transcript of three old visitations, which are
not in the Herauld's Office, viz. of Lancashire in King Henry the Eighth's time, Staf-
fordshire in Queen Elizabeth's time, and Northumberland in the time of King James,
bound into also in russet leather.

  Another manuscript booke covered with volume, and new marked L. I2, containing
diverse armes in colours, of forreign Kings and Princes, Brittish Kings, antient English
nobility, with theire crests, supporters and badges; as also armes of the Scottish and
Irish

[end of page xx and start of page xxi]

Irish nobility; the armes of the Heraulds Office, and of the three Kings of Armes;
badges of diverse noblemen, with severall other things of note and pedegrees of divers

  By the procurement also of the sayd Mr. Dugdale, were those manuscripts bookes
containeing copies and extracts from divers publique records given to the Heraulds Of-
fice by Thomas Pavey, Esq. now one of the masters of the requests. So likewse were
all those manuscript-bookes and printed bookes, relating to the history and genealogy,
which were likewise bestowed on the said office by the now Duke of Norfolke in anno
I676.

  The said Mr. Dugdale was also the cheife promoter of the Saxon dictionary, com-
piled by Mr. William Somner late of the citty of Canterbury deceased, and printed at
Oxford in anno I659; unto whome, in order to his accomplishing that elaborate worke,
he contributed a large alphabeticall collection of Saxon words made by himselfe, which
collection is amongst his owne manuscript bookes; some acknowledgement whereof
Mr. Somner hath made under the worde SIPEROCA.--

  After all this, it must not be forgotton that the said Mr. Dugdale haveing taken spe-
ciall notice of the rise, growth, and fatall issue of the late horrid rebellion, begun by
the Scotts in anno I639, and afterwards prosecuted by the English through the influ-
ence of a malevolent party in the late long Parliament of King Charles I. which began
at Westminster the 3d of November I640, of which he did compose a succinct history
in folio, extending the same unto the happy restoration of our late Sovereign King
Charles the Second anno scilicet I660, which he did never disigne to be made pub-
lique by the presse whilist he lived; was at the importunity of some honourable persons,
(who thought the publishing of it sooner very seasonable) prevailed with him to printe
it at Oxford in anno I681.--

  Since which, scilicet in anno I682, he hath also published a breife discourse in 8vo.
intituled the Antient Usage in Bearing Armes, printed likewise at Oxford, unto which
he hath annexed a catalogue of the English Nobility, and Bishops, as also of the Ba-
ronets from the first rise of that dignity in 9 Jacobi Regis to that present yeare.
Besides

[end of page xxi and start of page xxii]

  Besides these already published, he had made ready for the presse choyse collections
from our publique rocords of all summons to Parliament of the nobility, beginning with
that in the 49th of H. 3. and extending to that began at Oxford the 2Ist of March
I689[sic S. U.], and made publique by the presse in anno I685.

  Alsoe a short historicall account of such marks and ensignes of honour as are com-
monly called Armes, shewing theire originall, true use, and the antient practise in learn-
ing them. Whereupon are added certaine brief[sic S. U.] observations touching the antiquitie of
heraulds, theire imployments, rights, priviledges, and succession; deduced from sun-
dry authentique memorialls and other authorities.--

  Besides his historicall discourse of the antient familey[sic S. U.] of Hastings Earles of Hunting-
don, already published in the Ist volume of the Baronage of England, he composed a
farr more large history of that honourable family, from the authority of publique re-
cords, and a multitude of charters and evidences in the custody of Theophilus now Earle
of Huntingdon.--

  The like for the family of Manners Earle of Rutland; as alsoe of the antient Lords
of the honour of Belvoir (theire principall seat) so likesise of the Vernons, and other
more antient Lords of that great mannour of Haddon, in the Peake of Darbyshire[sic S. U.], the
present inheritance of John Earle of Rutland; but the papers are not yet delivered to
them.

  Unto sixty faire volumes of elaborate collections from records by the late learned and
industrious antiquary Sir Lo. Kniveton (now in the custody of Christopher Lord Hat-
ton) he made perfect indexes, referring the names of all persons and places to the re-
spective counties; all which are in number twenty six thin folios, covered with blew
papers; besides those to Leland's Itineraries and Collectanea.

  To the severall records of most of our antient English historiographers, which are
published in print, (viz. Mathew Paris, Mathew Westminster, Roger Hoveden,
Henry Huntingdon, Ethelward, and Ingulphus, together with Thomas of Walsingham)
he hath made certaine indexes for his owne use.
He

[end of page xxii and start of page xxiii]

  He also composed divers genealogique tables of Kings, and antient nobilitie of
this realme, extracted from our old historiographers, quoting the particular folios for
proofe: the like of the Kings and principall nobility of Scotland; all bound up in one
volume of russet leather.

  The like alsoe of the other Kings of Christendome and greate families of Germany,
extracted from theire best historiographers and genealogists.

  His collections of materialls from the records in the Tower of London, the rolls of
Chancery-lane, the treasury of the Exchequer, the King's Remembrancers Office, and
other places: as also from leiger-bookes, and antient manuscripts in the famous Cotto-
nian and Bodleian libraries: likewise from a multitude of originall charters, of which he
did make use in compiling his historicall worke of Warwickshire Antiquities, and the
Baronage of England; all gathered and written with his own hand, are in number no
lesse than twenty seaven volumes in folio: all which to be preserved to posterity he hath
given by his last will and testament to the University of Oxford to be kept; as also six-
teen others (some written also with his owne hand) in a presse made purposely for them
in that new building called Musæum Ashmoleanum, neere to the famous theater, lately
there erected.--

At

[end of page xxiii and start of page xxiv]

  At the upper end of the chancell of the parish-church of Shustocke[sic S. U.] aforesaid he did in
his life time chuse a narrow vault to be made, and two coffyns of stone for the sepulture of
himselfe, and his wife. Over which is placed, and fixed to the wall on the north side
of the said chancell, a large and stronge tombe of free-stone, in forme of an altar with
his armes, impaling his wifes, carved on the side thereof: and above it in the wall, hath
fixed a tablet of white marble, bordered with the lilke free-stone, well wrought with faire
mouldings, on which is this epitaph.

[end of page xxiv]

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