[88]
The great cross in West Cheap was originally erected in 1290, by Edward I., in commemoration of the death of Queen Ellinor, whose body rested at that place, on its journey from Herdeby, in Lincolnshire, to Westminster, for interment. It was rebuilt in 1441, and again in 1484. In 1584 the images and ornaments were destroyed by the populace; and in 1599 the top of the cross was taken down, the timber being rotted within the lead, and fears being entertained as to its safety. By order of Queen Elizabeth, and her privy council, it was repaired in 1600, when, says Stow, "a cross of timber was framed, set up, covered with lead,and gilded," &c. Stow'sSurvey of London, by Strype, book iii. p. 35. Edit, folio. Lond. 1720.
[89]
This must allude to the play written by Heywood with the following title:The Foure Prentises of London. With the Conquest of Jerusalem. As it hath bene diuerse times acted at the Red Bull, by the Queenes Maiesties Servants. 410, Lond. 1615. In this drama, the four prentises are Godfrey, Grey, Charles, and Eustace, sons to theold Earle of Bullen, who, having lost his territories, by assisting William the Conqueror in his descent upon England, is compelled to live like a private citizen in London, and binds his sons to a mercer, a goldsmith, a haberdasher, and a grocer. Thefour prentises, however, prefer the life of a soldier to that of a tradesman, and, quitting the service of their masters, follow Robert of Normandy to the holy land, where they perform the most astonishing feats of valour, and finally accomplish theconquest of Jerusalem. The whole play abounds in bombast and impossibilities, and, as a composition, is unworthy of notice or remembrance.
[90]
The History of the Nine Worthies of the World; three whereof were Gentiles; I. Hector, son of Priamus, king of Troy. 2. Alexander the Great, king of Macedon, and conqueror of the world. 3. Julius Caesar, first emperor of Rome. There Jews. 4. Joshua, captain general and leader of Israel into Canaan. 5. David, king of Israel. 6. Judas Maccabeus, a 'valiant Jewish commander against the tyranny of Antiochus. Three Christians. 7. Arthur, king of Britain, who courageously defended his country against the Saxons. 8. Charles the Great, king of France and emperor of Germany. 9. Godfrey of Bullen, king of Jerusalem. Being an account of their glorious lives, worthy actions, renowned victories, and deaths.12mo. No date.
[91]
Those of the same habits with himself; his associates.
[92]
Thedear yearhere, I believe, alluded to, was in 1574, and is thus described by that faithful and valuable historian Holinshed:--"This yeare, about Lammas, wheat was sold at London for three shillings the bushell: but shortlie after, it was raised to foure shillings, fiue shillings, six shillings, and, before Christmas, to a noble, and seuen shillings; which so continued long after. Beefe was sold for twentie pence, and two and twentie pence the stone; and all other flesh and white meats at an excessiue price; all kind of salt fish verie deare, as fine herrings two pence, &c.; yet great plentie of fresh fish, and oft times the same verie cheape. Pease at foure shillings the bushell; ote-meale at foure shillings eight pence; baie salt at three shillings the bushell, &c. All this dearth notwithstanding (thanks be given to God), there was no want of anie thing to them that wanted not monie."--Holinshed,Chronicle, vol. in., p. 1259, a. edit, folio, 1587.
[93]
On the 21st of December 1564 began a frost, referred to by Fleming in his Index toHolinshed, as the "frost called the great frost," which lasted till the 3rd of January 1565. It was so severe that the Thames was frozen over, and the passage on it, from London Bridge to Westminster, as easy as and more frequented than that on dry land.
[94]
The person who exhibits Westminster Abbey.