In fluuium præcipitatur Abren,
Nomen Abren, fluuio de virgine, nomen eidem
Nomine corrupto deinde Sabrina datur.
But to returne to our Sauerne. It falleth into the maine sea betweene Wales and Cornewall, which is and shall be called the Sauerne sea, so long as the riuer dooth keepe hir name. But as the said streame in length of course, bountie of water, and depth of chanell commeth farre behind the Thames: so for other commodities, as trade of merchandize, plentie of cariage, & store of all kind of fish, as salmon, trouts, breames, pikerell, tench, perch, &c: it is nothing at all inferiour or second to the same. Finallie, there is nothing to be discommended in this riuer, but the opennesse thereof in manie places to the weather, whereby sundrie perils oft ouertake such as fish or saile in small vessels on the same.
The head of this noble streame is found in the high mounteines of south
Wales called Helennith or Plim limmon; in English, the blacke mounteins,
or moore heads, from whence also the Wie and the Rhidoll do procéed: and
therefore these thrée waters are commonlie called the thrée sisters, and
haue in latitude two and fiftie degrees ten minutes, in longitude
fiftéene and fiftie, as the description inferreth. So soone as it is out
of the ground, it goeth southeastward, till it come within a mile of
Laundlos, where it receiueth a chanell from by south southwest, called
the Dulas, which commeth thereinto on the south side, & southwest of Lan
Idlos. It riseth (as it should séeme) of diuerse heads in the edge of
Radnorshire, and taking in sundrie small rilles, it meeteth at the last
Brueham.
with the Brueham brooke, and so they go togither till they fall into the
Clewdogh.
Sauerne. Beneath Lan Idlos it taketh in the Clewdogh, from northwest, a
water producted by the influence of foure pretie brookes, whereof one is
Bacho.
Dungum.
Lhoid.
Bigga.
Couine.
called Bacho, another Dungum comming out of lin Glaslin, the third Lhoid
rising in lin Begilin, and the most southerlie called Bigga. After which
confluence our Sauerne procéedeth on by Berhlaid toward Landiman, taking
in by the waie, on the east side the Couine, thence to Cairfuse castell,
Carnon.
Taran.
where it meeteth with the Carnon, and the Taran both in one chanell, and
going not far from the aforesaid fortresse. After this it crosseth the
Hawes.
Dulesse. 2.
Hawes on the north halfe beneath Aberhawes, next of all the Dulesse that
riseth in the edge of Radnor shire, and méeteth with it before it come
at Newton in Powisie, otherwise called Trenewith, as I find in British
language. Being come to Trenewith, I cannot eschue (right honorable) to
giue one note, as by the waie, touching the originall of my ladie your
bedfellowes ancestrie, which came from hence, & were surnamed Newtons
onelie, for that the grandfather of sir John Newton either dwelled or
was borne there: otherwise the right name is Caradoc, for which some doo
corruptlie write Cradocke, respecting rather the shortnesse of
pronuntiation, than the true orthographie and writing of the word.
Certes the Caradockes haue béene, and yet are a linage of great honor,
antiquitie, and seruice; their lands also sometime belonged (for the
most part) to the noble Connoanies of Summersetshire: but in what order
they descended to the Newtons, in good sooth I cannot tell. But to
procéed with our riuer, which being past Newton, runneth foorth by
Mule.
Landilouarne, and so foorth on till it come to the fall of the Mule,
whose head is in the edge of Radnor also, and thereto his passage by
Kerie and Lanmereiwijc. After this also it procéedeth further till it
Kenlet.
Camalet.
Tate.
meet with the Kenlet or the Camalet, which taketh in also the Tate or
Tadbrooke water rising out of the hilles a mile from Bishops towne, the
whole course thereof being about seauen miles from the head (as I haue
often heard.) Of this also I find two descriptions, whereof one I borrow
out of Leland, who saith that it is a pretie brooke, running in the vale
by Mountgomerie, and comming within halfe a mile of the place where
Chirbirie priorie stood, it falleth into the Sauerne about a mile from
thence. Of the rilles (saith he) that run from the hilles thorough
Mountgomerie, which are a mile from the Sauerne shore, and likewise of
Lan Idlos.
the Lan Idlos brooke that méeteth withall within foure miles of the
head, I speake not, but thinke it sufficient to touch those of some
estimation, onelie leauing the rest to such as maie hereafter deale with
things more particularlie as time and trauell maie reueale the truth to
them. And hitherto Leland, whose words I dare not alter. But another
noteth this Camalet or Kenlet to run by More, Liddiom, Sned,
Churchstocke, Chirbirie, Walcote, and Winsbirie, and so into the
Sauerne.
From hence then, and after this confluence it goeth on by Fordon, Leighton, and Landbreuie toward Meluerleie, and there it méeteth with Tanet. sundrie waters in one chanell, whereof the one called the Tanet is a Peuereie or Murnewie. verie pretie water (whereinto the Peuereie or Murneweie doth fall, which descendeth from the hilles by west of Matrafall not farre from Lhan Auernie. Filin) the other Auernie, and ioining beneath Abertannoth, or aboue Lannamonach neere unto the ditch of Offa, it is not long yer they méet Mordant. with the Mordant brooke, and there loose their names so soone as they ioine and mix their waters with it. The head of the Mordant issueth out of the Lanuerdan hilles, where diuerse saie, that the parish church of crosse Oswald or Oswester sometimes stood. Certes, Oswester is thirtéene miles northwest from Shrewesburie, and conteineth a mile within the walles. It hath in like sort foure suburbs or great stréetes, of which one is called Stratlan, another Wuliho, the third Beterich, wherein are one hundred and fortie barns standing on a row belonging to the citizens or burgesses, and the fourth named the Blackegate stréet, in which are thirtie barns mainteined for corne and haie. There is also a brooke Simons becke. running thorough the towne by the crosse, comming from Simons well, a bow shoote without the wall; & going vnder the same betweene Thorowgate & Newgate, running vnder the Blacke gate. There is another, ouer whose Bederich. course the Baderikes or Bederich gate standeth, and therefore called Bederich brooke. The third passeth by the Willigate or Newgate, & these fall all togither with the Crosse brooke, a mile lower by south into the Mordant that runneth (as I said) by Oswester. From hence also it goeth to Mordant towne, and betwéene Landbreuie and Meluerleie doth fall into the Sauerne. After this our principall streame goeth to Sheauerdon castell, Mountford, and Bicton chappell: and here it receiueth a water on the left hand, that riseth of two heads, whereof one is aboue Merton, the other at Ellismere, and ioining betweene Woodhouses & Bagleie, the confluence runneth on by Radnall, Halton, Teddesmer, Roiton, Baschurch, Walford, Grafton, Mitton, and so into the Sauerne. From hence it runneth to Fitz, Eton, or Leiton, Barwijc, vpper Rossall, Shelton, and so to Shrewsburie, where it crosseth the Mele water, whose head (as I heare) is said to be in Weston.
Mele.
The Mele therefore rising at Weston, goeth by Brocton, Worthen, Aston
Haberleie.
Pigot, Westleie, Asterleie, and at Lea it méeteth with the Haberleie
water that commeth downe by Pontesford and Aunston. After this
confluence also it runneth to Newenham & Crokemele, there taking in a
rill on the other side that descendeth by Westburie and Stretton, &
thence going on to Hanwood, Noball, Pulleie, Bracemele, and
Shrewesburie, it falleth (as I said) into the open Sauerne. From hence
our Sauerne hasteth to Vffington, Preston, and betwéene Chilton and
Brampton taketh in the Terne, a faire streame and worthie to be well
handled; if it laie in me to performe it. This riuer riseth in a mere
beside Welbridge parke, néere vnto Ternemere village in Staffordshire.
From whence it runneth by the parkes side to Knighton, Norton, Betton,
and at Draiton Hales crosseth with a water comming from about Adbaston
(where maister Brodocke dwelleth) and runneth by Chippenham and Amming:
Terne.
so that the Terne on the one side, and this brooke on the other, doo
* Sée Hen. 6. pag. 649
inclose a great part of *Blore heath, where a noble battell was
somtime purposed betwéene king Henrie the sixt, and the duke of Yorke:
but it wanted execution.
But to procéed. After this confluence, it runneth to Draiton Hales, Ternehill bridge: and yer long taking in a rill from Sandford by Blechleie, it goeth to Stoke Allerton, Peplaw, and Eaton, where it crosseth with a brooke that riseth about Brinton, and going by Higham, Morton, the great Mere, Forton, Pilson, Pickstocke, Keinton, Tibberton, and Bolas, it ioineth with the said Terne not farre from Water Vpton. Thence passing to Crogenton, it méeteth with another brooke that commeth from Chaltwen Aston, by Newport, Longford, Aldneie, and so through the Wilde moore to Kinsleie & Sléepe, and finallie into the Terne, which hasteth from thence to Eston bridge, and néere vnto Walcote taketh in Roden. the Roden. This water riseth at Halton in Cumbermere lake: and comming to Ouenleie, crosseth a rill from Cowlemere by Leniall. Thence it goeth to Horton, and (ioining with another rill beneath Nonlaie that commeth from Midle) runneth on to Wen, Aston, there crossing a rill beneath Lacon hall from Prées ward, and so to Lée, Befford, Stanton, Morton, Shabrée, Painton, Roden, Rodington, and then into Terne, that runneth from thence by Charlton, Vpton, Norton, Barwijc, Acham, and so into the Sauerne two miles beneath Shrewesburie (as I wéene.)
Thus haue I described the Terne in such wise as my simple skill is able to performe. Now it resteth that I proceed on (as I maie) with the Sauerne streame, with which, after this former confluence, it goeth vnto Roxater or Roxcester, Brampton, Eaton vpon Sauerne, Draiton, where it Euerne. ioineth with the Euerne that runneth from Frodesleieward by Withiall and Pitchford, Cresfedge, Garneston, Leighton, and betwéene the two Wenlocke or Rhe. Bildasses crosseth the Rhe or Wenlocke water, and so goeth on to Browsleie and Hoord parke, where it vniteth it selfe with another brooke to be described in this place, whilest the Sauerne rests, and recreates it selfe here among the plesant bottoms.
This water ariseth aboue Tongcastell, and yer it haue run anie great distance from the head, it méeteth with a rill comming by Sheriffe Hales, and Staunton. Thence it goeth on to Hatton, Roiton, and there crossing another from Woodhouses, comming by Haughton and Euelin, it Worfe. procéedeth to Beckebirie and Higford, and not omitting here to crosse the Worfe (sometime a great streame that runneth vnto it out of Snowdon poole) and so passeth foorth to Badger, Acleton, Worffield: a litle from whence (about Wickin) it taketh in another brooke into it called Churle, & so goeth on to Rindleford, and then into Sauerne somwhat aboue Bridgenorth at Penston mill (except mine information deceiue me.) From Bridgenorth our Sauerne descendeth to Woodburie, Quatford, and there Marbrooke. taking in the Marbrooke beneath Eaton that riseth aboue Collaton, and goeth by Moruill & Vnderton, it runneth by Didmanston, Hempton, Aueleie, & beneath in the waie to Bargate, crosseth with a brooke comming from Vpton parke, by Chetton, Billingsleie, and Highleie, which being admitted, it holdeth on to Areleie, Ciarnewood parke, Hawbach and Dowlesse. Dowlesse. Here also it méeteth with the Dowlesse water, a pretie brooke issuing out of the Cle hilles in Shropshire, verie high to looke vpon, and thrée miles or thereabouts from Ludlow, which runneth through Lempe. Clebirie parke in Wire forrest, & taking withall the Lempe, dooth fall into the Sauerne not far from Bewdleie.
But to procéed. From Bewdleie our Sauerne hasteth directlie to Ribford,
Stoure.
Areleie and Redston, and here it méeteth with a water called Stoure,
descending from Elie, or out of the ponds of Hales Owen in
Worcestershire, where it receiueth a rill from the left hand, and
another from the right, and then goeth on to Sturbridge (taking in there
the third water yer long running from Sturton castell) then to Kniuer
Whittenton, Ouerleie and Kidormister, aboue which it crosseth one
brookelet that commeth thither by Church hill, and another beneath it
that runneth by Belborow, betwixt which two waters lieth an od peece of
Staffordshire included, and also the Cle hill. From hence the aforesaid
Sauerne hasteth by Redston to Shrawleie; and aboue this towne receiueth
Astleie.
the Astleie water, as beneath the same it dooth another. From Witleie
then it goeth on to Holt castell, and so to Grimleie, taking in
Doure.
Sulwaie.
thereabout with the Doure, and Sulwaie waters, whereof this riseth at
Chadswijc, and runneth by Stoke priorie, & Droitwich, the other aboue
Chaddesleie, and commeth by Dourdale. After this it goeth foorth vnto
Worcester, in old time called Cair Brangon, or Cair Frangon, where it
Tiber.
méeteth with the Tiber, or Tiberton water, on the right hand aboue that
citie, and beneth it neere vnto Powijc with the Temde, whose description
shall be set downe before I procéed or go anie further with the Sauerne.
Temde.
The Temde, or (as some name it) the Tame riseth vp in Radnorshire, out
of the Melenith hilles, and soone after his issue, méeting with a water
from Withall, it runneth to Begeldie, Lanuerwaterden, and so to
Knighton, which is fiue or six miles (as I heare) from his originall.
From Knighton it goeth ouer the ditch of Offa vnto Standish, and
Clude.
crossing a rill that commeth from betwéene the parke named Clude, (and
is a bound of Radnorshire) it goeth to Buckton, Walford, and Lanuarden,
where it meeteth with the Bardwell or Berfield, and the Clun, both in
one chanell, of which I find these descriptions here folowing word for
Barfield.
word in Leland. The Bardwell or Barfield riseth aboue New Chappell, in
Clun.
the honour of Clun, hard by the ditch of Offa, and goeth by Bucknell.
The Clun issueth out of the ground betwéene Lhan Vehan and Maiston, and
going on by Bucton, Cluncastell, Clundon, Purslaw, and Clunbirie, it
crosseth with a brooke that runneth along by Kempton and Brampton.
Thence going foorth by Clunbirie, Brome, Abcot and Marlow, it méeteth
with the Bardwell, and so in the Temde, not verie far from Temderton. I
Owke.
suppose that Leland calleth the Bardwell by the name of Owke, but I will
not abide by it bicause I am not sure of it. After these confluences
therefore, our Temde goeth by Trippleton, Dounton, Burrington, and
Oneie.
Broomefield, where it méeteth with the Oneie, which is an indifferent
streame, and increased with sundrie waters, whereof I saie as followeth.
Bow.
The first of all is called the Bow. It riseth (as I learne) in the
hilles betwéene Hissington and Shelue, and from thence commeth downe by
Warren.
Lindleie and Hardwijc, where it crosseth the Warren that issueth out of
the ground about Rotlie chappell, and runneth by Adston and Wentnor.
After the confluence also going on by Choulton and Cheinies, it taketh
Queneie and Strabroke.
in the Queneie and Strabroke both in one chanell, wherof the first
riseth at Lebotwood, and commeth downe by the Strettons, till it passe
by Fellanton. The second mounteth about Longuill, and goeth by
Rushburie, Newhall, Harton, and Alcaster, from whence it is not long yer
it fall into the Queneie, and so by Stratford into the Oneie, which hath
borne that name since the confluence of the Bow and Warren at Hardwijc,
whereof I spake before. Finallie, the Oneie which some call the
Somergill.
Somergill being thus increased, it runneth on to Hawford chappell,
Oneibirie, Broomefield, and so into Temde, and next of all to Ludlow.
Corue.
The Temde being thus brought to Ludlow, méeteth with the Corue, which
commeth thorough Coruedale from aboue Brocton by Morehouses, Shipton,
Hungerford, and a little beneath taking in a rill that commeth by
Tugford, and Brencost castell, goeth on to Corsham castell, and there
crossing another from saint Margarets Clée, it hieth to Stanton Lacie,
and so likewise to Ludlow.
From Ludlow in like sort it goeth to Ludford, the Ashfordes, little Ladwich. Hereford, Burrington, and at Burfford vniteth it selfe with the Ladwich that commeth beneath Milburne stoke, from betweene Browne, Cleehill, and Stittertons hill, to Middleton, Henleie, Ladwich, Conam, and so into Temde, which beneath Temdbirie receiueth another rill on the other side, Rhe. and the second on the left hand called Rhe, that commeth from aboue Ricton, Staterton, Hound, Nene, Clebirie, Knighton, and then into the Temde. From hence the Temde doeth goe by Astham, Lingridge, Shelleie Welch, Clifton, Whitburne (and crossing a water that commeth from the Sapies) to Knightwijc and Bradwaies. Hereabout againe it interteineth a rill that descendeth from about Kidburie on the right hand, and goeth by Collomatherne, Credeleie, Aufrike, and so into Temde, and then procéeding forward, the said streame runneth to Braunford, and yer long Langherne. (taking in the Langherne that riseth about Martleie, and passeth by Kengewijc) it goeth to Powijc, and so into the Sauerne before it come at Wickecester.
Thus haue I brought all such streames before me that fall into the Sauerne from the head, vntill I come to Powijc, wherof (as you may easily perceiue) the Temde is the most excellent. Now it resteth that I proceed with the rest of the discourse intended concerning this our riuer. Certes, from Powijc mils which are about halfe a mile beneth Worcester, the Sauerne runneth on to Kempseie and Cleueld, whence after it hath crossed a brooke comming from Cowleie, it hasteth first to Stoke, and so to Vpton, which is eleuen or twelue miles from Glocester, whither it floweth manie times at high tides, but yer it come there, it drowneth another fall descending from Maluerne hilles by Blackemoore parke, & soone after the third growing by two branches, wherof one commeth also from Maluerne hils by little Maluerne and Welland, the other from Elderford by Pendocke and Longdon. After these confluences in like sort, it runneth to Bushelleie, and Tewkesburie, where it receiueth the Auon, that followed next of all in order to be described, before I procéed anie further in my discourse of Sauerne.
Auon. 4. The Auon riseth at Nauesbie in the borders of Northamptonshire, a little side hand of Gillesborow and foot of the hils whereon Nauesbie standeth, and euen out of the church yard of the said village. From hence it goeth to Welford, Stamford, Lilburne, Clifton, and Rugbie, by north whereof it Swiuethus. crosseth a water called Swift, which commeth from aboue Kimcote, to Lutterworth, Browne ouer and Colsford. From thence also it goeth to Souus. Newbold, Wolston, Ruington, and betwéene the Stonlies taketh in the Sow. This Sow is a pretie water comming from aboue Calendon to Whitleie, and soone after méeting with a riueret from Couentrie, which some doo call Shirburne water, it goeth thence to Bagginton, where it taketh in a rill Kinell. called Kinell, as I haue read from Kenelsworth, from whence it runneth to Stonleie, & so into the Auon. After this confluence the Auon procéedeth on to Stonleie abbeie, Ashehow, Miluerton, Edmonds cote, and appace to Warwijc.
But yer it come there, it méeteth from south east with two waters in one chanell, whereof the least commeth to Marton from Bishops Itchington, by Herburbirie and Thorpe, where it crosseth a rill from Southam. The other Leame. is called Leame, or Lime that descendeth from about Helladon, or néere vnto Catesbie in Northamptonshire, and going by Ouencote, Braunston, Lemington and Mertun, it ioineth with the other, and then go from thence togither vnder the name of Leame, to Hunnington, Cobbington, and so into the Auon, as I gaue notice before. At Warwike also the Auon taketh in a water running northwest from Groue parke. Thence it goeth on to Bereford, and there crossing another from Shirburne, it passeth forth to Bishops Hampton, méeting finallie with the third, from Kineton that runneth by Walton and Charlecote. After this last rehearsed confluence, it hasteth to Stretford vpon Auon, and then to Luddington ward, where it Stoure. taketh in the Stoure that riseth aboue Cherington, & whose course from thence is such, as that being once past the head, it goeth by Weston, and yer long crossing a water from Campden, hanging Aston, & Todnam, it runneth to Barcheston, Aldermaston, Clifford, & so into the Auon. From hence then the said Auon goeth to Luddington, Burton, Bitford, and Cleue, and being parted from the said towne, yer it come at Sawford, it Arow. receiueth the Arow or Aur, which rising in the blacke hils in Worchestershire, commeth by Alchurch, Beleie parke, Ypsleie, Studleie, Alne. and then taking in another rill called Alne, out of Fecknam forrest, and going by Coughton parke, it hasteth to Alcester, Arow, Ragleie, Wheteleie, Bouington, Standford, and so into Auon, which after this conjunction goeth to Vffenton & then to Eouesholme: but yer it come there it receiueth two waters in one chanell, whereof the first riseth about Willerseie, the other néere to Buckland, and ioining beneath Pludor. Badseie, they fall into Anon, vnder the name of Pludor brooke, before it come to Eouesholme.
Vincélus. Being past Eouesholme it crosseth the Vincell, which rising out of the hils somewhere about Sudleie, runneth two miles further to Winchelcombe, and Gretton, and taking in a rill by the waie from Hailes, procéedeth on (going within one quarter of a mile of Hailes abbaie) to Tuddington, or Doddington, beneath which when it hath crossed another rill that commeth from Stanwaie, it goeth to Wannington, Sedgeborow, and receiuing there the last on the right hand also (as all aboue rehearsed) it falleth into the Auon, when it is come by Hinton, vnto a towne called Hampton, or (as some doo write it) Ampton. After this confluence the Auon goeth to Charleton, to Crapthorne (and there taking in a rill on the left hand) to Fladbirie wike, and almost at Persore bridge, méeteth with a branched Piddle. water that commeth by Piddle, whereof one head is at Alberton, an other at Piddle. From Persore it goeth to Birlingham, and soone after carrieng a brooke withall descending from Fakenham, by Bradleie, Himbleton, Huddenton, Crowleie, Churchhill, Pibleton, Besseford and Desseford, it fléeteth to Eckington, Bredon, Twining, Mitton, and Tewkesburie, where it ioineth with the Sauerne.
Now to resume the course of the Sauerne, you shall vnderstand, that from Tewkesburie it goeth to Derehirst, the How passage, and soone after Chilus. receiuing the Chiltenham water that commeth thither by Bodenton, Sawton, and Norton, it runneth to Ashelworth, Sainthirst; and here it parteth it selfe till it come to Glocester, where it vniteth it selfe againe. But in the meane time the easterlie branch receiueth a forked chanell, whereof one head is not far frō Leke Hampton, the other about Witcombe, from whence it goeth to Brockworth. The other branch or arme taketh in the Leadon that commeth downe by Preston, Dimmocke, Pantleie Leadon. vpper Leadon, Leadon court, and there taking in one rill that commeth from Linton by Areknoll, and another beneath it from Tainton by Rudford, it falleth into the said branch on the right side, before it come at Glocester.
The Sauerne therefore being past Glocester, it méeteth with a litle rill on the right hand, and thence holding on his course by Elmore, Minsterworth, Longneie, to Framilode, it receiueth yer it come at this Strowd. latter the Strowd brooke, which rising not farre from Side, goeth by Massade, Edgeworth, Frampton, Strowd, and receiuing there a water that commeth from Panneswijc Lodge, by Pittescombe on the one side, and another from Radbridge on the other, it prosecuteth his voiage to Stone house, Eslington, white Misen, & so toward Framilode, where the said Strowd dooth fall into the Sauerne. After the fall of Strowd, the Sauerne goeth from thence to Newenham, and Arlingham, and soone after receiuing a water on each side, whereof one commeth from Vleie by Cham and Chambridge, the other by Blackneie and Catcombe, it goeth foorth till it méet with another water on ech side, whereof that on the English halfe is forked, so that one head thereof is to be found about Borwell, the other at Horton, and méeting aboue Tortworthie, they run by Stone and Barkeleie castell, and so into the Sauerne. That on the Welsh halfe Newarne. is named Newarne, which cömeth from the forrest of Deane, and so into the Sauerne.
The Sauerne being thus described, it resteth that I go forward with the names of those that lie vpon the coast of Southwales, making my entrie at the ferrie ouer betwéene Aust in Glocestershire, and a village on the further banke of Sauerne, not farre from Tarendacus chappell, in the Wie mouth. mouth of the riuer Wie, which ferrie is about three miles ouer (saith Guie aliàs Wie. Leland) or else my memorie dooth faile me. This riuer Guie or Wie beginneth (as I said before) on the side of the hilles, where the Sauerne dooth arise, and passing through Wenceland, that is, southeast by Raiader Guie to Buelt (where the Irwon meeteth withall) it goeth to Glasburie, Hereford, Monmouth, and finallie into the Sauerne sea at Chepstow: for so they call Monhafren, which seuereth Wales from Summersetshire, Deuonshire, Cornewall: as for the Rhidoll which is the third sister, it hath the shortest course of all, for it runneth northward, and into the sea at Aberistwith, which is not farre off, as the writers doo report.
Leland writing of this riuer Guie or Wie saith thus; The Wie goeth thorough all Herefordshire by Bradwarden castell, belonging to sir Richard Vehan, and so to Hereford east, thence eight miles to Rosse, a Vmber a fish onelie in the Wie. market towne in Herefordshire: and in this riuer be vmbers, otherwise called grailings. It is also found by common experience, that the salmon of this riuer is in season, when the like fish to be found in all other riuers is abandoned and out of vse; wherof we of the east parts doo not a little maruell. But let vs not staie vpon these descriptions, sith an other is come to my hand more exact than either of these.
The Guie therefore riseth out of the blacke mounteines of Wales, out of
which the Sauerne springeth in Radnorshire, and comming by Lhangerike,
Darnoll.
and Raiadargoie, it receiueth one rill from the west called Darnoll, and
another from by northeast comming by saint Harmon. Thence it goeth to
Lhanuthell, and in the waie betwixt Raiader and Lhanuthell, it ioineth
Elland.
with the Elland, whose head is néere to Comeristwith, and taketh
Clardwen.
likewise into him the Clardwen that diuideth for a season Radnorshire
from Brecknoch, which Clardwen is likewise increased by the Clarthie
within thrée miles of his head and lesse, hauing his course from
southwest & hille soile adiacent. From Lhanuthell it goeth west of
Ithan.
Dissart, where it receiueth the Ithan, a riuer rising aboue Lhanibister,
and from whence it runneth to Landwie, and Lambaderne vawr: beneath
which it crosseth a water on ech side, whereof that on the right hand
Dulesse.
Cluedoch.
consisteth on the Dulesse and the Cluedoch, after their confluence: the
Lamaron.
other hight Lomaron, whose head is aboue Lanthangle, and in the forrest
of Blethwag. After these confluences, it runneth on crinkeling in
Hawie.
strange manner, vnder the name of Ithor, till it come to Dissart, taking
in the Hawie on the left side yer it come there, and then into the Wie
on the north side, which directeth his course further to Bealt, where it
Yrwon.
receiueth the Yrwon, a notable streame, descending from the hilles aboue
Lanihangle Abergwessen, and thence comming downe by Lanurid Lang marsh,
Lanauan, Vechan, Langantan, and so to Beth or Bealt, being inlarged by
Weuereie.
the waie with sundrie faire waters, as the Weuereie, whose head is about
Lanauan moore, the Dulasse, or (as some call it) the Dowlasse, that
Dulasse.
Comarch.
Dulasse.
commeth from the hilles west of the head of Weuereie. The Comarch whose
head and course is west of the Dowlasse on the north side, and likewise
by two other on the southwest, and Dilasse from by southwest, which last
rehearsed falleth into him halfe a mile and more aboue the influence of
the Comarch which lieth on the other side. After this our Yrwon goeth to
Dehon.
Lhanuareth, where it crosseth the Dehon on the southwest side, then to
Edwie.
Aberedwie, and there receiueth the Edwie on the northeast, which ariseth
in the hilles aboue Botins chappell, and commeth downe by Crigend and
Lanhaderne, thence the Guie goeth on to Lanstephan, and there (or a
Machaweie.
little aboue) taketh in the Machaweie that commeth by castell Paine, and
Leuenni.
so going on in processe of time with the Leuenni, whereof Leland in his
commentaries doth write as here insueth.
Euer.
Euerie.
The Leuenni, otherwise called the Euer or Euerie, is a farre streame
rising in Welch Talgarth hard by Blaine Leuenni, among the Atterill
hilles, from whence it goeth to Brecknoch mere, which is two miles long,
and a mile broad, and where men doo fish in Vniligneis or botes of one
peece, as they doo in Lhin Seuathan, which is foure miles from Brecknoch.
Finallie bringing great store of red sand withall, and there with the
Brennich.
Brennich water (that hath his originall issue at Mennith gader, and is
Trufrin.
increased with the Trufrin) it falleth into the Wie aboue Glesbirie
three miles from Haie, at a place that of the onelie fall of this brooke
is named Aberleuenni, after this the Guie. Being come to Haie, a pretie
towne where much Romane coine is found, which they call Jewes monie: and
after it hath passed or crossed a little brooke, which commeth from
Dulesse.
Lanigon, it méeteth with the Dulesse that commeth also from the Atterill
by Kersop, and from thence goeth to Clifford castell (being now entred
into Herefordshire, and leauing Radnor, wherevnto it hath for a long
course béene march) then to the Whitneies, Winferton, Letton,
Bradwarden, Broberie, Monington, Biford, Bridgesalers, Eaton, Brinton,
and Hereford, without anie influence of riuer worthie of memorie, and
yet with manie windlesses, & there méeteth with a water rising short of
Wormesleie, which goeth by Maunsell, Lacie, Brinsop, Crednell, Stretton,
and Huntington, and soone after into the Wie, beside a little rill that
runneth betwéene them both euen into Hereford towne. From hence in like
sort the Wie hasteth to Rotheras church, Hampton, and Mordeford, where
Lug.
it taketh in sundrie waters in one chanell, of which the Lug or Luie is
the principall, and next of all to be described, before I go anie
further with the course of the Wie, whereinto it dischargeth the
chanell. It riseth in the edge of the forrest of Kemples aboue Langunlo:
from whence it goeth to Momonacht, Pilleth Whitton, Fuldibrooke,
Prestaine, so into Herefordshire, where betwéene Bonie & Beton, or
Bitton, it receiueth in the Somergill, whose crotched head being march
to Radnor forrest, directeth his streame betwéene the new and old
Radnors, to Knill, to Nash, and so into the Lug, which presentlie
passeth by Kinsham, Shirleie, Ailmister, Kingsland, Eaton chappell, and
so into Lemister, where it crosseth the Oneie (a streamelet rising short
of Shobden, and going by Chorlester) a little before it come to the west
side of the towne.
At Lemister it selfe in like sort three waters doo méet, and almost
Pinsell.
inuiron the towne, that is to saie, the Lug, the Pinfulleie or Pinsell
Kenbrooke.
(a riueret rising at Kingsland two miles from Lemister) & the Kenbrooke,
which commeth out of the blacke mounteins, from Lemister, otherwise
called Leofminster, of the builder, and also Leonminster, the Lug or
Luie goeth on to Eaton, and there taketh in a rill beneath Hampton, and
aboue Hope, whereof one head is betwéene Hatfield and Bickleton, another
néere vnto Marston, and méeting of both at Humber. From Hampton it goeth
to Bodenham, Wellington, Morton, Sutton, Shelwijc, Lugwardin, and
Fromeie.
Longward, where it crosseth the Fromeie or Frome, a pretie water, and
worthie to be remembred. It riseth about Wolferelaw, from whence it
commeth downe toward the southest by Edwinsloch to Bromyard, Auenburie,
Bishops Frome, Castell Frome, Can Frome, to Stretton vpon Frome, and
Loden aliàs Acton.
there taking in a water called Loden, comming from aboue Bishops
Grendon, by Pencombe, Cowarne, Stoke Lacie, Cowarne, and Engleton, our
Frome goeth on to Yarkeleie, Dornington, and Longward, and so into the
Lug, betwéene Longward and Suston, which runneth foorthwith to Mordford,
or Morthford, and there into the Wie, vnto whose description I now
returne againe.
Being come therefore vnto Mordford, it goeth to Fawnehope, Hamlacie, Treske. Ballingham, Capull regis, where it receiueth a water called Treske, from little Berch by Treske, Fawleie, How, Capull Inkeston, Foie, Brampton, Bridstow, Wilton castell, the Rosse, and there a rill from Bishops Vptonward by Rudhall, Weresend, Ham, Glewston, Godderich, here in like sort meeting with another that commeth from Ecleswall in the confines of Glocestershire, by Peniard castell & Coughton, to Welch Bicknor, English Bicknor, Huntesham, including a parcell of Monmouthshire, being an outliggand, as ye may find in that parcell of Herefordshire which butteth vpon Glocestershire (as you shall find the like péece of Herefordshire in the confines of Salop and Worcester, wherein Rochford standeth, beside manie other which I haue elsewhere spoken of) Whitchurch, where Gainar. it taketh in Gainar water that commeth from Much Birch, by Lanwarne, Garran. Michaell church, and at Langarran crosseth the Garran brooke, that riseth in Gregwood, short of Arcop, six miles from Monemouth by northwest: after which these two doo runne as one to Marston, and almost Whitchurch, and so into the Wie, which goeth from thence to Gunnarew, S. Michaell, Dixton, and Monemouth, where I will staie a while, till I haue described the Mone, next of all to be remembred here.
Mona. The Mona or Monbecke, riseth in the forrest of Hene, twentie miles from Monemouth by west in Eirisland, and going by Creswell, or Craswall chappell not farre from the marches of Brecknocke, and northeast of Hatuill hils, which after it hath run a good distance from the head Eskill. receiueth first the Eskle, and passeth by Lanihangle and the old Court, Elkon. from northweast, then the Olcon, from southwest, which méeteth withall néere Cledoll or Knedoch, & passing by the old towne, it hasteth to Altrinis, where it becommeth march betwéene Hereford and Monemouth shires, and taketh in a water comming by Trewin, & likewise the Hordwie Hodneie. or Hodneie which riseth in Becknocke, among the Saterelles, & runneth by Capell a fin, Lantonie, Cumroie, Michaell church in Monemouthshire, and ioineth with our Mona at Altrinis, which after this confluence hasteth to Walderstone, Lansillo Langua, betwéene which and Kinechurch it ioineth Doure. with the Doure that riseth about the Bache aboue Dourston, which is six miles aboue Doure abbie, so that it runneth through the Gilden dale, by Peterchurch, Fowchurch, Morehampton, Newcourt, Doure, and beneath Doure Dulesse. taketh in the Dulesse, from southwest and Lanihangle, by Harleswas Wormesbecke. castell on the one side, and yer long the Wormesbecke, descending from aboue Keuernall by Didleie, Deuerox, Workebridge, and Kenderchurch on the other, and so running all in one chanell vnto Mona, that riuer goeth on to Kinech church, Grismond, Cardwaie, Skenfrith, Warnethall, Perthire, and so to Monemouth, where it meeteth with the Wie, ouer each of which riuers Monemuth towne hath his particular bridge.
The Guie or Wie therefore being increased with thus manie brookes and waters, passeth on from hence, and going toward Landogo, it méeteth with Trollie. the Trollie becke, whose head is aboue Lannam ferrie in the north part of Monemouth shire, and goeth from thence by Lhantellio, Lanihangle, Gracedieu, Diggestow, Wonastow, Troie, and so into Wie, that runneth Elwie. also by Wies wood chase, taking in there the Elwie that commeth from aboue Landelwie by Langowen, Lannissen, Penclase, Trilegh, and Langogo, where méeting with the aforesaid streame, the Wie directeth his course from thence by Tinterne abbeie (where it crosseth a rill from Trile grange) Chapell hill, Parcasicke, Penterie chapell, Lancante, Chepstowe, and so into the sea, leauing the Treacle (a chappell standing on a rocke) on the hand betweene it & Sauerne, ouer against the point that lieth south of Betteslie. Next vnto the Wie, I find a rill of no great course, comming downe from Mounton chappell, by a place of the bishops of Landaffe. Thence passing by Charston rocke, and the point whereon Trogie. Trinitie chappell standeth, I come vnto the fall of Trogie, which riseth short of Trogie castell, and runneth toward the sea, by Landuair, Dewston, Calicot, and so into the Ocean, ouer against the Charston rocke. The next fall is of a water that commeth from aboue Penho by saint Dennie Iland in the middest of the Sauerne, and likewise another litle one called Beuerage. Brides, north and by west of Dennie Iland, which lieth midwaie betweene that fall & Porshot point, and before I touch at Goldcliffe point, I crosse another fall of a fresh brooke, whose head is aboue Landueigo in Wencewood, and course by Lhanbed, Langston, Lhanwarme, and through the More to Witston.
Wiske. Next vnto this is the Aberwish, or Wiske, in Latine Osca, whereon Caerleon standeth, sometime called Chester and Ciuitas legionum, bicause the Romans soiourned there, as did afterward Arthur the great, who also held a noble parlement in the same, whereof Galfride maketh mention Lib. 7. cap. 4. affirming thereto, that in those daies the maiestie thereof was such, as that all the forefronts of their houses were in maner laid ouer with gold, according to the Romane vsage. There was in the same in like sort a famous vniuersitie, wherein were 200 philosophers; also two goodlie churches erected in the remembrance of Iulius and Aaron, two Brittish martyrs, whereby it might well be reputed for the third metropoliticall sée in Britaine. But to our water, whereof I read that it is furthermore one of the greatest in Southwales, and huge ships might well come to the towne of Caerleon, as they did in the time of the Romans, if Newport bridge were not a let vnto them; neuerthelesse, big botes come thereto. It is eight Welsh or twelue English miles from Chepstow or Strigull, and of some thought to be in base Wenceland, though other be of the contrarie opinion. But howsoeuer the matter standeth, this riuer is taken to be the bounds of Brechnockshire, as Renni is middle to Wenceland & Glamorganshire. But to leaue these by-matters, and come to the description of the water.
Vske.
You shall vnderstand that the Vske or Wiske, in Latin Osca riseth in the
blacke mounteins ten miles aboue Brechnocke toward Carmardine, the hill
being properlie called Yminidh Duy out of which it falleth, and situate
in the verie confines betwéene Brechnocke and Carmardine shires, from
whence winding into the northeast, it commeth to Trecastle, and in the
Craie.
waie betwéene it and Capell Ridburne, it taketh in the Craie brooke, on
the right hand before it come to Ridburne chappell. Going also from
Sennie.
thence toward Deuinocke, it crosseth the Senneie on the same side (which
Camblas.
Brane.
riseth aboue Capell Senneie) next of all the Camblas, & at Aberbraine,
the Brane, or the Bremich, whose head is thrée miles from Brechnocke,
and running by Lanihangle, it méeteth I saie with the Vske, about master
Yster.
Awbries manor. Beneath Aber Yster, it receiueth the Yster, which riseth
northwest aboue Martyr Kinoch, and commeth by Battell chappell, and
going from thence by Lanspithed and Newton, it runneth in the end to
Hodneie.
Brechnocke, where it taketh in the Hodneie or Honthie on the one side,
whose head is in Blaine Hodneie, and comming downe from thence by
Defrune chappell, Lanihangle and Landiuilog, it méeteth with the Vske or
Brechnocke townes end, which of the fall of this water was sometime
called Aberhodni, as I haue beene informed: on the other halfe likewise
Tertarith.
it receiueth the Tertarith that riseth among the Bane hils, fiue miles
from Brechnocke, and commeth likewise into the verie suburbs of the
towne, beneath Trenewith, or new Troie, whereby it taketh the course.
Kinuricke.
After these confluences, the Vske procéedeth on toward Aberkinurike, or
the fall of a water whose head is in the roots of Menuchdennie hill, and
passage by Cantreffe. Thence it goeth by Lanhamlaghe, Penkethleie
castell, Lansanfreid, Landettie, Langonider, and soone after receiuing
Riangall.
the Riangall (which riseth about the hill whereon Dinas castell
standeth, and runneth by Lanihangle and Tretoure) it passeth betwéene
Laugattocke and Cerigkhowell, to Langroinie, and there about crosseth
Groini.
the Groinie brooke, that descendeth from Monegather, Arthur hill, by
Peter church, as I find. When the Vske is past this brooke, it taketh in
thrée other short rils, from by south within a little distance, whereof
Cledoch Vaur.
Fidan.
Cledochvehā.
the first hight Cledoch Vaur, the second Fidan, and the third
Cledochvehan. Of these also the last falleth in néere to Lanwenarth.
From hence the Vske runneth to Abergeuenni towne, where it méeteth
Kebbie.
with the Kebbie water from by north, that riseth short of Bettus
Geuenni.
chappell aboue the towne, and the Geuennie that descendeth from aboue
Landilobartholl beneath not farre from Colbroke, and so goeth on to
Hardwijc, beneath which it crosseth thrée namelesse rilles, on the right
hand or southwest side before it come at Lanihangle vpon Vske, of whose
courses I know not anie more than that they are not of anie length, nor
the chanell of sufficient greatnesse seuerallie to intreat of. Betwéene
Birthin.
Kemmeis and Trostreie it meeteth with such an other rill that commeth
Caer Vske standeth on one side of
Vske, and Caerleon on the other, but Caer Vske
by diuerse miles further into the land.
downe by Bettus Newith. Thence it goeth to Caer Vske or Brenbigeie
(whose bridge, I mene that of Vske, was ouerthrowne by rage of this
riuer, in the six and twentith yeare of king Henrie the eight, vpon
saint Hughes daie after a great snow) but yer it come there, it
receiueth the Birthin on the right hand, which is a pretie water,
descending from two heads, whereof the first is northwest of Manihilot,
as the other is of Lanihangle and Pentmorell.
Elwie. Next vnto this it ioineth with the Elwie aboue Lanbadocke, whose head is east of Penclase, and running westwards by Penclase, Lanislen, Langowen (and beneath Landewie taking in a brooket from Ragland castell, that commeth downe thither by Ragland parke) it bendeth southwest, vntill it come at the Vske, which crinkling towards the south, and going by Lanhowell, méeteth with three rilles before it come to Marthenie chappell, whereof the first lieth on the right hand, and the other on the left: the midlemost falling into the same, not farre from Lantressen, as I haue béene informed. From the mouth of the Romeneie to the mouth of the Taffe are two miles. Certes the Taffe is the greatest riuer in all Glamorganshire, (called by Ptolomie Rhatostathybius, as I gesse) and the citie Taffe it selfe of good countenance, sith it is indued with the cathedrall see of a bishop. The course of the water in like maner is verie swift, and bringeth oft such logs and bodies of trées withall from the wooddie hilles, that they doo not seldome crush the bridge in péeces, but for so much as it is made with timber it is repaired with lighter cost, wheras if it were of hard stone, all the countrie about would hardlie be able to amend it. It riseth in Brechnockshire among the woodie hilles, from two heads, whereof one is in Monuchdenie, the other west of that mounteine, of which the first called Taffe vaure, goeth by Capell lan vehan, Vainor, and Morlais, the other by Capell Nantie, and ioining at southwest beneath Morlais castle, they go to Martyr Tiduill, and toward Lannabor, but by the waie it taketh in from northwest a brooke called Cunnon, which commeth out of Brechnockshire by Abardare, and afterward the Rodneie comming out of the same quarter (but not out of the same shire) which runneth by Estridinodoch, a crotched brooke, & therefore diuided into Rodneie vaure, & Rodneie vehan, that being ioined with the Taffe, doth run on withall to Eglefilian, castle Coch, Whitchurch, Landaffe, Cardiffe, and so into the sea, not far from Pennarth point, where also the Laie dooth bid him welcome vnto his chanell or streame. Furthermore, from Marthellie it hasteth to Kemmeis, and yer it come at Caerleon or Chester in the south, taketh in two waters on the right hand, of which the first commeth downe from the north betweene Landgwie, Landgweth, and by Lhan Henoch, without anie further increase: but the other is a more beautifull streame, called Auon, and thus described as I find it among Auon. my pamphlets. The Auon riseth in the hilles that séeme to part Monemouth and Brechenocke shires in sunder, and after a rill receiued from Blorench hill on the northside of the same, running downe from thence by Capell Newith and Triuethin, it receiueth a water from by south almost of equall course, and from that quarter of the countrie, and in processe of time another little one from the same side, yer it come to Lanurgwaie and Lanihangle, from whence it goeth to Guennocke and Penrose, & so in Vske before it go by Caerleon. But here you must note, that the course of this streame ioining beneath Quenocke chappell, with the other which descendeth (as I said) from the hilles about foure miles aboue Landgwaie and Langweth, dooth make an Iland aboue Caerleon, where Penrose standeth, & much Romane coine is found of all sorts, so that the influence of the one into the other séemeth to me to be but a draine deuised by man, to kéepe the citie from the violence of such water as otherwise would oft annoie the same.
Being past Caerleon it runneth to Crindie, where maister Harbert dwelleth, and there carieng another brooke withall, that riseth north of Tomberlow hill, and descendeth by Henlis and Bettus chappell, it runneth forth to Newport (in Welch castle Newith) and from thence vnder a bridge, Ebowith. after thrée or foure miles course to the sea, taking the Ebowith water withall, which méeteth with the same almost in the verie mouth or fall, and riseth in the edge of Brecknoch shire, or (as Leland saith) high Winceland, from two heads of which one is called Eberith Vehan, the other Eberith Mawr, as I haue beene informed. The course of the first head is by Blamgrent, and after the confluence they passe togither by Lanhileth, and comming by west of Tomberlow hill (crossing a rill, from Serowie. north east by the waie) it taketh in thereabout the Serowie, that runneth by Trestrent, & is of lesse race hitherto than the Ebowith, and from that same quarter. After this confluence it goeth to Risleie, Rocheston castell, next of all thorough a parke, and so by Greenefield castell, and is not long yer it fall into the sea, being the last issue that I doo find in the countie, which beareth the name of Monemouth, and was in old time a part of the region of the Silures.
Romeneie. The Romenie or (as some corruptlie call it) the Nonneie, is a goodlie water, and from the head a march betwéene Monemouth & Glamorgan shires. The head hereof is aboue Egglins Tider vap Hoell otherwise called Fanum Theodori, or the church of Theodorus, whence commeth manie springs, & taking one bottome, the water is called Canoch and not Romeneie till it be come to Romeneie. It receiueth no water on the east side, but on the west diuerse small beckes, whereof three (and one of them called Ifra) are betwéene the rising and Brathetere chappell, the fourth cōmeth in by Capell Gledis, and Kethligaire, the fift from betwéene the Faldraie and Lanuabor, the sixt & seuenth before it come to Bedwas, and the eight ouer against Bedwas it selfe from chappell Martin, Cairfillie castell, and Thauan, after which confluences it runneth on by Maghan, Keuen, Mableie and Romeneie, & yer long crossing a becke at north west that commeth from aboue Lisuan, Lamssen and Roch, it falleth into the sea, about six miles from the Wisbe, and albeit the mouth therof be nothing profitable for ships, yet is it also a march betwéene the Silures and Glamorganshire.
Laie. The Laie falleth into the sea a mile almost from the Taffe, and riseth in the hilles aboue Lantrissent (for all the region is verie hillie.) From whence comming by Lantrissent and Auercastell, it runneth by Coit Marchan parke, Lambedder, S. Brides, Lhannihangle, saint Fagans and Elaie, Leckwith, Landowgh, Cogampill, and so into the sea, without anie Dunelais. maner increase by anie rils at all sauing the Dunelais, which riseth foure miles from his fall, east northeast, and meeteth withall a little more than a quarter of a mile from Pont Velim Vaur, and likewise by west, Methcoid. the Methcoid that commeth from Glinne Rodeneie, and wherein to the Pedware. Pedware dischargeth that small water gathered in his chanell. Here will I staie a little and breake off into a discourse, which Leland left also as parcell of this coast who toucheth it after this maner.
Laie. From Taffe to Laie mouth or Ele riuer a mile, from Laie mouth (or rather Thawan. Penarth, that standeth on the west point of it) to the mouth of Thawan riuer (from whence is a common passage ouer vnto Mineheued in Summersetshire of 17 miles) are about seuen Welsh miles, which are Scilleie. counted after this maner. A mile and a halfe aboue Thawan is Scilleie hauenet (a pretie succour for ships) whose head is in Wenno paroch two Barrie. miles and a halfe from the shore. From Scilleie mouth to Aber Barrie a mile, and thither commeth a little rill of fresh water into Sauerne, whose head is scant a mile off in plaine ground by northeast, and right This Ile went fiftie yeares agone for x. pounds. against the fall of this becke lieth Barrie Iland a flight shot from the shore at the full sea. Halfe a mile aboue Aber Barrie is the mouth of Come kidie. Come kidie, which riseth flat north from the place where it goeth into the Sauerne, and serueth oft for harbour vnto sea-farers. Thence to the mouth of Thawan are thrée miles, wherevnto ships may come at will.
Colhow.
Two miles aboue Thawan is Colhow, whither a little rill resorteth from
Lau Iltuit, thence to the mouth of Alen foure miles, that is a mile to
Alen.
saint Dinothes castell, and thrée miles further. The Alen riseth by
northeast vp into the land at a place called Lhes Broimith, or Skirpton,
about foure miles aboue the plot where it commeth by it selfe into
Ogur.
Sauerne. From thence to the mouth of Ogur aliàs Gur thrée miles. Then
Kensike.
Auon.
come they in processe of time vnto the Kensike or Colbrooke riuer, which
is no great thing, sith it riseth not aboue three miles from the shore.
From Kensike to Aber Auon two miles, and herein doo ships molested with
weather oftentimes séeke harborough. It commeth of two armes, wherof
that which lieth northeast is called Auon Vaur, the other that lieth
northwest Auon Vehan. They meet togither at Lhanuoie Hengle, about two
miles aboue Aber Auon village, which is two miles also from the sea.
Neth.
From hence to the Neth is about two miles and a halfe, thereon come
shiplets almost to the towne of Neth from the Sauerne. From the mouth of
Neth vnto the mouth of Crimline becke is two miles, and being passed the
Tauie.
same we come vnto the Tauie, which descendeth from the aforesaid hilles
and falleth into the sea by east of Swanseie. Being past this we come
Lochar.
vnto the Lichwr, or Lochar mouth, and then gliding by the Wormes head,
Wandres.
we passed to the Wandresmouth, wherof I find this description following
Vendraith Vaur, Vendraith Vehan.
in Leland. Both Vendraith Vaur and Vendraith Vehan rise in a péece of
Carmardineshire, called Issekenen, that is to saie, the low quarter
about Kennen riuer, and betwixt the heads of these two hils is another
hill, wherein be stones of a gréenish colour, whereof the inhabitants
make their lime. The name of the hill that Vendraith Vaur riseth in, is
called Mennith Vaur, and therein is a poole as in a moorish ground,
named Lhintegowen, where the principall spring is, and this hill is
eight or nine miles from Kidwellie: the hill that Vendraith Vehan
springeth out of, is called Mennith Vehan, and this water commeth by
Kidwellie towne.
But about thrée or foure miles yer it come thither, it receiueth a brooke called Tresgirth, the course whereof is little aboue a mile from the place where it goeth into Vendraith, and yet it hath foure or fiue tucking milles and thrée corne milles vpon it. At the head of this brooke is an hole in the hilles side, where men often enter and walke in a large space. And as for the brooke it selfe, it is one of the most plentifull and commodious that is to be found in Wales. All along the sides also of Vendraith Vaur, you shall find great plentie of sea-coles. There is a great hole by head of Vendraith Vehan, where men vse to enter into vaults of great compasse, and it is said, that they maie go one waie vnder the ground to Wormes head, and another waie to Cairkemen castell, which is three miles or more into the land. But how true these things are, it is not in me to determine; yet this is certeine, that there is verie good hawking at the Heron in Vendraith Vehan. There are diuerse prints of the passage of certeine worms also in the caue, at the head of Vendraith Vehan, as the inhabitants doo fable: but I neuer heard of anie man that saw anie worme there, and yet it is beléeued that manie wormes are there. Hitherto out of Leland. But now to returne to mine owne course.
Laie. Leauing the Laie, which some call Elaie, and passing the Pennarth baie, that lieth betwéene the Pennarth and the Lauerocke points, we left Scillie Ilet (which lieth on the mouth of Scillie hauen before Barrie. described) and came vnto the Barrie, whose head is aboue Wrinston castell, and from whence he runneth by Deinspowis, Cadoxton, Barrie, and so into the sea.
Aberthaw. Being past the Barrie water, we come to a fall called Aberthaw, which riseth two or thrée miles aboue Lansanor, and going by Welch Newton, it commeth at length to Cowbridge, and from thence goeth to Lanblethian, Landoch, Beanpéere, Flimston, Gilston, and betweene the east and the west Aberthaw, & into the Sauerne sea. But yer it come all there it receiueth a brooke called Kensan, or Karnsan, or Kensech, on the east side, whose head is east of Bolston, & comming by Charnelhoid, Lhancaruan, & Lancadle, it falleth into the former aboue either of the Kensan. Thawans. Leland saith, that Kensan hath two heads, whereof the more northerlie called Brane, lieth in Luenlithan, and runneth seauen miles before it méet with the other. Leauing this water we sailed on, casting about the Nash point, omitting two or thrée small waters (whereof Leland hath alreadie as ye see made mention) because I haue nothing more to add vnto their descriptions, except it be, that the Colhow taketh in a rill from Lan Iltruit, of whose course (to saie the truth) I haue no manner of knowledge.
Ogur.
The Ogur or Gur, which some call the Ogmur, is a well faire streame (as
we were woont to saie in our old English) whose head is in the same
hilles, where the Rodeneies are to be found, but much more westerlie,
and running a long course yer it come to anie village, it goeth at the
length beneath Languineuere or Langouodoch, to S. Brides vpon Ogur, then
Wennie.
to Newcastell, and Marthermaure, beneath which it méeteth the Wennie,
halfe a mile from Ogur or Ogmur castell on the east side of the banke.
It riseth fiue or six miles from this place, among the hilles, and
comming downe at last by Lanharne, it crosseth a rill yer long from
northeast, and the confluence passeth foorth by Coitchurch, Ogur
castell, & so into the Ogur. Leland writing of the waters that fall into
Garrow.
this Ogur saith thus. Into the Ogur also resorteth the Garrow two miles
aboue Lansanfride bridge, descending from Blaingarow. It taketh
Leuennie.
Corug.
furthermore (saith he) another called Leuennie rising in the parish of
Glin Corug, at northwest, and then running two miles lower, vniteth it
selfe with the Corug brooke, a little short thing, and worthie no longer
speach. From this confluence the Leuennie goeth seauen miles further yer
it meete with the Ogur on the west side, at Lansanfride, two miles aboue
Penbowt. And so far Leland. But I wot not what he meaneth by it.
Kensig.
Next vnto the Ogur is the Kensig water, that commeth downe by the Pile
Margan.
and Kensig castell, and being past the same we crosse the Margan rill,
Auon.
where sir Edward Manxell dwelt, and so vnto Auon, which hauing two heads
(as is said) the more easterlie of them commeth downe by Hauodaport
chappell, the other by Glin Corug, Michaell church, Aber Auon, and so
into the sea, yéelding also in time of néed a good harbour for ships to
lodge and ride in. From hence we went along by the Cole pits to the
Neth.
Nethuehan.
mouth of the Neth. The Neth is a faire water, rising of diuerse heads,
whereof the more easterlie named Nethuehan riseth not farre from the
head of the Kennon, and comming downe by Penedorin to Aberpirgwin it
Nethuaur.
receiueth Nethuaur, a little aboue the towne, which rising not farre
southeast of the head of Tauie in Brecknoch shire (as all the rest doo)
Trangarth.
Meltaie.
Hepsaie.
receiueth the Trangarth, the Meltaie and the Hepsaie, all which are
accounted as members of his head in one chanell, about a mile or more
before it ioine with Nethuehan. For as Trangarth riseth east of
Nethuaur, so the Melta riseth by east of Trangarth, and ioineth with the
same aboue Istrad wealthie, and a little beneath the same towne taketh
in the Hepsaie. So that albeit their seuerall risings be half or a whole
mile in sunder, yet haue they (in a maner) like distance from
Aberpirgwin, and their finall confluence in the edge of Glamorganshire,
which they directlie doo crosse. After these confluences, the maine
streame runneth in and out by sundrie miles, and through the wooddie
soiles, till it meet with Cledaugh, which ioineth with the same beneath
the Resonlaie, and goeth withall to Lanisted, where it taketh in the
Dulesse.
Dulesse, whose head is aboue Chappell Krenaunt, in the marches of
Brecknoch. Thence it goeth to Cador towne, or betwéene it and
Lannistide, then to Neth towne, whither small vessels often come: and
Cledoch.
beneath the same receiuing the Cledoch that runneth by Kelebebilch (and
also Neth abbeie where maister Crumwell dwelleth) it goeth on by
Coitfranke forrest, Nethwood, Briton ferrie, and so into the sea.
Tauie.
The Tauie riseth in the thickest of the blacke mounteines in
Brecknochshire west of Nethnaur, and comming downe west of Calwen
Coilus.
chappell, it receiueth on the east banke a rill named Coiell that
runneth thither by Coielburne chappell: and being thus vnited, the
Torch.
chanell passeth foorth by Istradgunles, and then méeting with the Turch
or Torch water that cōmeth from the foot of the blacke mounteines,
and is march to parcell of Caermardinshire, it runneth to Langoge,
Lansamled, saint Iohns, Swanseie, and so into the Baie. Being past this,
we come by another little fall, whose water runneth thrée or foure miles
yer it come into Swanseie baie, but without name. Thence we go to the
Crimline becke, whose description I neither haue, nor find anie great
want therof. Wherfore going about by Oistermont castell, and Mumbles
point, we passe foorth toward the southwest, by Penmarch point, til we
Ilston.
come to Ilston water, whose head is not farre within the land; and yet
as it commeth thorough the woodland, and downe by Penmarch castell, a
rill or two dooth fall into the same. Then casting about by Oxwich
point, we go onward there by, and sailing flat north by the Holme
(hauing passed the Wormeshead and S. Kennets chappell) and then
Lochar.
northeast by Whitford point, we went at length to the Lochar or Loghor,
or as Lhoyd nameth it, the Lichwr, whose indraught for a certene space
is march betwéene Caermardine and Glamorgan shires. It riseth aboue
Gwenwie chappell, from whence it goeth Landbea, to and aboue Bettus
Amond.
receiueth a rill named Amond that entreth thereinto from northeast.
Being past Bettus, it passeth by Laneddie, Arthelas bridge and ouer
Combwilie.
against Landilo Talabout, it crosseth from by west, the Combwilie by
Morlais.
west of Parkreame, and afterward the Morlais aboue Langnarch on the same
side. Then comming to Loghor castell, it taketh in on the east side, the
Lhu.
Lhu, whose course is not aboue fiue miles, and thence loosing the name
Burraie.
of Lochar, it is called Burraie, as some gesse, vntill it come to the
sea, where it parteth it selfe going on each side (of Bachannie Iland, a
small thing) and not worthie for anie thing I read thereof, as yet to be
particularlie described. From this water we passed (I saie) by
Bachannies Ile, to the Aberlheddie water, whose head being in the hilles
aboue Prenacrois, it passeth by Lhaneltheie, and thence into the sea.
Dulesse.
Then went we to the Dulesse a little rill, whose head is not farre from
Trinsaren: thence by the Pembraie and Calicoit points, till we came
Wandres.
about to the Wandres or Vendraith mouth, whose description is partlie
touched alreadie; but bicause it is not such as I would wish it to be, I
will here after my owne maner deale somewhat further withall. Gwendrath
or Vendraith vaur riseth in the lower ground, or not far from the hill
Renneth Vaur, whereon castell Careg standeth, and descending by a pretie
long course vnder sundrie bridges, commeth at the last to Glin, then to
Capull Lanberie, and so vnto the sea, being little augmented with
influences by the waie. Vendraith Vehan riseth a mile higher towards the
north than Vendraith Vaur, but out of the same soile, & thence directing
his course toward the southwest, it goeth by Lancharog, Langendarne,
Capull Langell, Bithon, Leighdenie, Kidwillie, and so into the sea,
about one mile from the fall of Vendraith Vaur.
Towie.
The Towie riseth in the mounteines of Elennith foure miles by southeast
from Lintiue, and two from Lingonon, in a moorish ground foure & twentie
miles from Caermardine, and in a forrest called Bishops forrest, midwaie
betwixt Landwibreuie & Landanuerie castell. For fish, in my opinion,
this is much better than the Taw or Taffe, whose head breedeth no fish,
but if it be cast into it, they turne vp their bellies flote aloft and
die out of hand. It parteth Brecknoch from Cardigonshire also for a
Trausnant.
certeine season, till it come by the water of Trausnant, that falleth
thereinto from by east out of the confins of Brecknoch, vnto Pilin
Tothée.
capell, and so to Istrodefine, where it méeteth with the Tothee that
commeth thither from Lhinuerwin where it riseth, and so through Rescoth
Pescotter.
forrest, vniting it selfe by the waie with the Pescotter, which mounting
out of the ground in the edge of Cardigonshire, runneth along as a limit
and march vnto the same, till it ioine with the Tothée, and both come
togither beneath Istrodefine into Towie, which we haue now in hand.
After this confluence it commeth to Lhanuair Awbreie, Lanihowell, and
Lanimphfrie, and here it receiueth two waters in one chanell, whereof
Brane.
Gutherijc.
the first is called Brane, the other Gutherijc (which lieth more
southerlie of the two) and fall (as I said) into Towie beneath
Dulesse.
Morlais.
Landonuereie, which runneth on till it méet with the first Dulesse that
goeth by Lenurdie, then with the Morlais, and these on the northwest.
Certes the Brane is a pretie brooke rising two or thrée miles aboue
Capell Newith, and descending by Lanbrane and Vstradwalter, it méeteth
(I saie) with the Gutherijc, whose head is west of Tridcastell in
Brecknochshire, and thereby it is not a little increased. But to proceed
with the Towie, which being past Lanimphfrie and a rill that méeteth
with the same, descending from northwest of Lanurdan, it taketh in the
influences of diuerse waters in one chanell, of which the greatest is
called Modewie, and thereof I find this description.
Modewie.
The Modewie, or (as some pronounce it) Motheuie, riseth of two heads,
which ioining aboue Lanihangle, the streame runneth on till it méet with
Cledoch.
the Cledoch on the left hand, procéeding also further toward Langadocke,
Sawtheie.
it receiueth not far from thence the Sawtheie, whose two heads descend
from the blacke mounteines or east edge of Carmardineshire (as mine
Dulesse. 2.
information leadeth me.) After this confluence the second Dulesse dooth
méet with the Towie, whose head is in the hilles aboue Talthogaie
abbeie, northwest from Langadocke full fiue miles: then comming downe by
Landilovaur, Newton, Dinefar castell, and Golden groue, it receiueth the
Dulesse. 3.
third Dulesse from by north that commeth in by Lanihangle and Drislan
Cothie.
castell, and after that the Cothie, whose race is somewhat long, and
therefore his description not vtterlie to be passed ouer.
Not farre from the head (which is three miles from Landanbreuie, vnder
the hulke of Blame Icorne, a narrow passage, and therein manie heaps of
stones) and somewhat beneath Lana Pinsent chappell, it taketh in the
Turche.
Turche becke that runneth thither from aboue Lanacroies: thence it goeth
to Lansawell, Abergorlech, Breghuangothie, Lannigood, and so into Towie,
Rauelthie.
which hasting forward by chappell Dewie, receiueth the Rauelthie from by
Gwilie.
north, then the Gwilie from northwest, whose head is aboue Lanie
Pinsent, and race by Canwell, Eluert, Comewilie, and Merling hill as I
haue often heard. After this confluence with the Gwilie, the Towie goeth
to Caermardine, then to Lanigang, then to Lanstephan, S. Ismaels, and so
into the sea.
Taue.
Next vnto the Towie is the Taue, whose head is in the blacke mounteines,
as at the roots of Wrenni vaur hill in Pembrookeshire, from whence it
Dudderie.
runneth by Lanuurnach, Langludien, Lanualteg, and taking in the Dudderie
from southwest, out of the same countie by Lanbederuelfraie, and Lindwie,
Marlais.
it goeth to Eglesware chappell, beneath which it crosseth the Marlais by
north that runneth by Lanbedie and Whitland. Thence meeting with one
Vennie.
rill called Venni, as I take it, that commeth through Cardith forrest on
Caire.
the one side, and the Caire on the other that runneth into it west of
Carthkinnie.
Landowror, it hasteth to S. Clares, where it taketh in the Carthkinnie,
Gow.
or Barthkinnie (as Leland calleth it) and the Gow or Tow both in one
chanell, of which the first riseth aboue Capell Bettus, from whence it
runneth by Talacouthe, Kilsant, and Langinnin, the other issueth out of
the ground aboue Trologh Bettus, by Midrun, & ioining with the former a
little aboue S. Clares, they run into the Taue, and from thence to
Gowen.
Lanihangle, and betwéene it and Abercowen, admitteth finallie the Gowen
or Gow streame, which comming likewise from the blacke mounteines, goeth
by Ebbernant, & so into the Taue, who directeth his course by Lancharne
castell, and then into the sea.
Gwair. The next water that we come to is the Gwair, which is but a small thing rising aboue Lambeder Velfraie, and going from thence by east of castell Merhie hill, Crumuier and Argwaire, it is not long yer it fall into the sea, and so we leaue Cairdinshire, and go ouer into Penbrooke. Then passed we by an other comming out of Rathe forrest called Coit Rathe, the water it selfe rising about Templeton. Thence leauing the Monkeston rocke, we came to Tenbie or Dinbechie Piscood, and passing into the port Brechnocke. betwéene the castell and S. Katharines rocke, we found it serued with two little backe waters, of so small countenance, that they are not worthie of anie further talke to be spent in their descriptions: yet the one séemeth to be called Florence brooke, the other Fresto, Gunfreston standing betwéene them both, when by their sight cannot perish. After From Londie to Caldie thirtie miles. this we passed betwéene Londie and an other Ilet or rocke lieng by northwest of the same, to Ludsop point, & so to Abertrewent, where I Trewent. found a sillie fresh water named Trewend that riseth a mile or thereabout within the land. From thence we went southwards by Brode hauen, till we came to S. Gowans point. Then gathering west and by north before we came at Shepe Iland, we found another fresh water, that riseth short of Kiriog Maharen, and running south of Vggarston, Windmill hill, or betwéene it and Castell Norton and Gupton, it holdeth on flat west all the waie till it come to the Ocean.
Pennar. Being passed this water, we cast about toward the northwest, by the Poptons and Pennar, till we came to the Pennar mouth, out of which the salt water issueth that in manor inuironneth Penbroke. From this (omitting sundrie salt créekes on both sides of the hauen, not appertinent to our purpose) we came to the fall of two waters in one chanell, aboue whose confluence Williamston parke standeth, and whereof one (a méere salt course) incloseth thrée parts of Carew castell. The other rising néere to Coit Rath forrest is a fresh, & going by Geffraiston, Creswell & Lawrenie, it leaueth the parke on the south side, & goeth into the hauen after confluence with the former.
Now come I to the two swords, or hauen of Milford, whereinto two riuers
Dugledu.
direct their course from the northeast called Dugledu or the two swords,
Cultlell.
and betwéene them both is a rill which they call also Cultlell (that is
to saie) the knife. Hereof riseth a merrie tale of a Welshman, that
lieng in this place abroad all night in the cold weather, and
peraduenture not verie well occupied, was demanded of his hostesse
(where he did breake his fast the next morrow) at what inne he laie in
the night precedent, bicause he came so soone to hir house yer anie of
hir maids were vp? Oh good hostesse (quoth he) be contented, I laie to
night in a dangerous estate, for I slept betweene two swords with a long
knife at my heart; meaning indéed that he laie betwéene these two
riuers, and his brest towards the south neere to the head of Cultlell.
But to passe ouer these iests. Here Leland speaketh of a riuer called
Gwilie.
Gwilie, but where it riseth or falleth, he maketh no certeine report:
wherefore it is requisit that I proceed according to my purpose.
The one of these swords is called Clotheie or Clothie, of which I find Clotheie. this short and breefe description. The Clothie riseth at the foot of Wrennie vaure hill and comming downe to Monachlodge, Langelman, Lannakeuen, and Egremond, it receiueth a rill from by northwest before it come at Lanhaddon castell, which commeth from aboue the moore by Clarbaston and Bletherston, his head arising in the hill west of Mancloghaie, as Leland dooth informe me. Yer long also and beneath Lanhaddon it taketh in another on the east side from Narbarth castell, comming by Robeston, then going by Cunaston, Slebach, Picton castell, Sister houses, Minware & Martheltwie, at Rise castell point west of Coit Dugledie. Kenles (as I haue béene informed) it taketh in the other sword, named Dugledie, wherof I read as followeth. The head of the Dugledie is somwhere at northwest, betwixt S. Laurences & S. Dugwels, from whence it runneth to Trauegarne, Redbaxton, & taking in a rill by the waie from Camrose at the west, it goeth to Hauerford or Hereford west, and there vniteth it selfe with a water, which peraduenture is the same that Gwilie. Leland called Gwilie. Certes it riseth short of Walton, and comming by S. Leonards chappell and Pendergest, it falleth I saie into the Dugledie, ouer against the towne of Hauerford or Herford west, but in Welsh Hufford; as Lhoid dooth set it downe. Beneath Herford it taketh in another water from south west, whose head is short of S. Margarets chappell, and enterance betweene Harraldston and Herford, which Harraldstone receiueth the name of Harrald the successour of Edward the confessour as some call him, who was a gréeuous mall vnto the Britons that remained in the time of the said Edward; as I haue noted elsewhere. Then the Dugledie still descending taketh in the Frese frō Fresethorpe, a rill of no great accompt, and therefore I go from it making hast vnto Culthell, & omitting two rils betwéene it and the Clotheie on the southside, of no great weight and moment. The Cultlhell commeth into the Dugledie beneath Bolston, with a streight course from by north, of three or foure miles, rising by west of Slebach, and comming by Bowlston, after whose vnition with the aforesaid water they run on as one till they méet with the Clothie, casting out by the waie sundrie salt créekes, as the maine chanell dooth from thence foorth vntill it passe the Sandie hauen, the Dale rode (whither a sillie fresh rill commeth of small value) & be come about againe to the large Ocean.