, Somerset herald in the reign of James I. was a native of Folkstone, in
, Somerset herald in
the reign of James I. was a native of Folkstone, in Kent,
and descended from an ancient and reputable family, long
seated in that county. From his infancy he had a taste for
heraldry and antiquities. He was respected by Camden,
who employed him much as his deputy or marshal in his
visitations. In 1636 he published a catalogue of the chancellors of England; and in 1657 an edition of Camden’s
“Remains,
” with additions. When the civil war broke
out, he adhered, amidst all dangers, to the royal cause. In
1643, the university of Oxford conferred upon him the
degree of LL. D. In the following year he fell into the
hands of his enemies, being surprised whilst in his quarters,
at a village about two miles from Oxford, by some of the
parliamentary forces, who sent him up to London a prisoner; but he soon obtained his liberty. It was the king’s
intention to have rewarded his loyalty by the place of Norroy, but he died prematurely, in London, according to
Wood, or near Eltham, in Kent, as Hasted says, Nov.
25, 1645.