Before this time, it was, saith[294] my author, that the king, by the advice of his nobles, having given him the whole province of Gascoigne, he went thither, and showing his charter received the homages of that people, and after some years by another charter had a confirmation of that grant; but afterwards, when the queen was delivered of a son, that she so far prevailed with the king as he should reassume his grant, and give it to the prince, and that thereupon, this earl grew much displeased, insisting still upon his right, though he had thus lost the possession. Moreover, that the king being then in Gascoigne, and finding the people wavering in their obedience, not well knowing which way to lean, he did in great wrath require this earl to resign his grant, and to quit his whole right thereto. Also, that finding him refractory, he gave
command that the men of Bordeaux should seize upon him by night and imprison him, which they refused to do, partly in respect of his birth, and partly by reason they had done homage to him. And, furthermore, seeing he could not prevail with them that way, he corrupted some with gifts to effect his desires, viz. to lay hands on him as a rebel, and cast him in prison; also, that having advertisement thereof (then lodging in the monastery of S. Cross at Bourdeaux) he got privily on shipboard to come for England, but without provisions or any necessaries for the journey; and lastly, (to add to his affliction,) that he was so tossed with a fearful tempest, as that being in no little peril of shipwreck, he made a vow to found an abbey for monks of the Cistercian order, in case he should safe arrive in England.
The next thing memorable of him is, that having taken another journey to the Holy Land (with William Longespe, Earl of Salisbury), he returned[295] thence, in anno 1422, (26 Hen. III.) and accompanied[295] the king into Gascoigne, in aid of Hugh le Brun, Earl of March (who had married the king’s mother), and was[295] with him in that battle near Xant against the King of France; after which, the next ensuing year, he married[296] Senchia, daughter of Reymund Earl of Provence, sister to the Queen, the wedding being kept at Westminster with great pomp, whom he endowed[297] at the church door with the third part of all his lands, whereof he then stood possessed, or should afterwards acquire, the castle and manor of Berkhampstead being part; and shortly after, keeping his Christmas[298] at Walingford, entertained the[298] king and most of the nobility there with extraordinary feasting.
In 30 Hen. III. the templars and hospitalers electing[299] many secular persons into their societies for succour of the Holy Land, and defence of those castles then besieged there, this earl sent[299] them a thousand pounds towards that good work. And the same year, in accomplishment[300] of his vow formerly made, founded[300] a Cistercian abbey at Hales (near Winchcombe, in com. Gloc.) causing also the church of Beaulieu (which his father King John had
founded) to be then dedicated. Moreover, in anno 1247, (31 Hen. III.) by authority[301] from the Pope, he gathered[301] vast sums of money from those who were signed with the cross. And the next year following, through importunity with the king, obtained[302] that no clipt money should be current.
In anno 1250, (34 Henry III.) passing[303] through France with a pompous retinue, viz.[303] forty knights, all in rich liveries, five waggons, and fifty sumpter horses, (his lady and his son Henry being also with him,) the pope being then at Lyons, sent[304] all his cardinals, except one, besides a number of clerks, to meet him, and conduct him thither, and there receiving him with great respect, feasted[304] him at his own table. Being returned[304] from thence in anno 1251, (35 Hen. III.) on the eve of St. Leonard, he caused the Church of Hales to be dedicated[304] with great solemnity; which, with extraordinary costs, he had so founded, as is before observed. And in 36 Hen. III. obtained a grant[305] of the Manor of Ocham in Rutland (sometime belonging to Isabel de Mortimer), in part of payment of five hundred pounds due to him from the king, upon the marriage of Senchia his wife, to hold to himself and the heirs of his body by her.
Moreover, the next ensuing year, Albert, a clerk, coming[306] over into England from the Pope, made offer to him of the kingdom of Apulia, of which he refused[306] to accept, unless he might have some cautionary places of strength, as also hostages, for securing his possession. And in 38 Hen. III. the king then going into Gascoigne he was joined[307] with the queen in the government here during his absence, in which year he exacted vast sums of money from the Jews for the king’s use.
It is observed,[308] that in anno 1255, (39 Hen. III.) upon a full meeting of the nobles in Parliament at Westminster, the king specially applied himself to this earl by a formal speech for a large supply of money, viz. forty thousand pounds, the pope having also written letters to him for that purpose, signifying that he should therein give a good example to others; but herein he answered neither of their expectations. And being a person of high repute for his
heroic and noble endowments, about two years after (in the parliament[309] held at London on the Feast of the Nativity), certain nobles of Almaine being arrived here, represented[309] to the whole baronage of England then met, that by unanimous consent of the princes of the empire he was elected King of the Romans, shewing letters testimonial for further manifestation thereof; soon after which, the Archbishop of Cologne, with divers others of the nobles of that country, came[310] likewise hither, and did homage[310] to him; whereupon, he gave[310] them five hundred marks towards their travelling expenses, as also a rich mitre, adorned with precious stones; which so pleased the archbishop, that he said[310] thus, as he hath put this mitre on my head, I will put the crown of Almaine on his.
In order whereunto, taking leave[310] of his friends on the third day in Easter week, he committed[310] himself to the prayers of the religious, and began his journey towards Yarmouth, there to take shipping, leaving the charge[311] of his castles and lands in England to the Bishop of London, and arriving shortly at Aquisgrave, was there crowned[312] king upon Ascension day.