Page:History of Norfolk 5.djvu/268

 Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, by whom he had issue, 1, James Lord Mowbray and Lord Maltravers, who was one of the Knights of the Bath at the coronation of Car''. I. and after making the tour of France and Italy, died in his return, at Gaunt in Flanders, unmarried. 2, Henry Lord Mowbray, who succeeded him. 3, Thomas. 4, Gilbert. 6, Charles, who all died infants in their father's lifetime. William, the fifth son, married Mary, sister and sole heir to Henry Lord Stafford, and 16 Car. I. was created Baron of Stafford, and she at the same time Baroness of Stafford, from whom the present Earl of Stafford is descended. During this time, the manor and honour passed in the trustees of the family, along with Fersfield manor, as in vol. i. p. 89, 90.

This most noble Earl was the greatest favourer of arts, and promoter of sciences, that we have met with. He had an excellent knowledge in painting, sculpture, carving, building, and designing; his collections of designs exceeding that of any person then living; and his statues were equal in number, value, and antiquity, to those in the houses of most princes; to gain which, he had persons many years employed, both in Italy, Greece, and many parts of Europe, where rarities were to be had; all which, were by him placed in the garden, and certain rooms belonging to Arundel House in the Strand, and are accurately described in that tract of his, intituled Marmora Arundeliana; and will remain a lasting monument of his highly deserved fame to future ages; Henry Duke of Norfolk, his grandson, bestowing them on the University of Oxford, they were orderly placed in the walls, enclosing the stately Theatre, but are since removed to a room over the Bodleian Library.

His paintings likewise were numerous, and of the most excellent masters, having more of that exquisite painter Hans Holben than were in the world besides. He had the honour to be the first person of quality that set a value on them in our nation; being also the person that brought in uniformity in building, and was chief commissioner to see it performed in London; he was likewise sumptuous in his household stuff; full of state and magnificence in his entertainments, especially of strangers; at his table very free and pleasant. He was more learned in men and manners, than in books, yet understood the Latin tongue very well, and was master of the Italian: he was a great favourer and admirer of learned men, as appeared by his intimacy with Mr. Cambden, Mr. Seldon, Sir Robert Cotton, and Sir Henry Spelman, the lights of their age. He was a promoter of order and ceremony, and kept greater distance toward his Sovereign, than any person at court; often complaining, that the too great affability of the King, and the French garb of the court, would bring Majesty into contempt. In council he was grave and succinct, rather discharging his conscience and honour, than complying with particular interests; and so was never at the head of business or principal in favour. He was free from covetousness, and so much above a bribe of gratuity (for favours done) as no person ever durst tempt him with one. He was in his religion no bigot or Puritan, and professed more to affect moral virtues, than nice questions and foolish