In respect to the Marquis’s wealth, a contemporary authority informs us in reference to that period, that,--“His whole estate _ubique_ was esteemed 24 thousand pounds per annum.”[93] Indeed he was almost an universal landlord in the county.[29] He had then altogether raised 1500 foot and near 500 horse, the command of which he gave to his son, Lord Herbert; thus raising the first horse levied by the King. The writer of a contemporary pamphlet published at Oxford, entitled--“A short view of the late troubles,” states: “Moreover, within few days following, one John Davis discovered [12th Nov.] to the House that the Earl of Worcester had large stables under ground, at Raglan Castle, and a number of light horse in them; likewise arms for a hundred and forty horse, and two thousand men, whereof seven hundred were then in pay, and ammunition proportionate.”[90] We learn little more personally affecting the Marquis of Worcester for about two years, during which his time must have been both fully and painfully absorbed in superintending the warlike preparations which environed his domicile. Footnotes [88] Sandford. [4] Annual Register, 1769. [A] 1640. 16 Car. I. vol. ii. p. 75. [B] Journals of House of Commons, 1641. 17 Car. I. vol. ii. p. 317. [C] From MSS. Badminton. [D] From MSS. Badminton. [E] Ibid. [F] Sir Arthur Hazilrigge, Bart. [G] Journal, House of Commons, 1642. 17 Car. I. vol. ii. [H] From MSS. at Badminton. [93] Symonds. [93] Symonds. [90] Somers. [93] Symonds. [29] Corbet. [90] Somers. CHAPTER V. LORD HERBERT IN HIS MILITARY CAPACITY. The sad necessities of the times and the perilous position in which his tortuous policy had placed him, obliged Charles the First to court the assistance and presence of the wealthiest among the nobility, than whom none then ranked higher than the Marquis of Worcester, who, as we have seen, his Majesty pressingly sues, through his son, Lord Herbert, at Nottingham, for still further monetary supplies. It is not surprising then to find Lord Herbert, even against his better judgment, considering his tastes, habits and experience, taking an active part in military affairs, and the mailed philosopher actually setting forth as an enthusiastic Cavalier. In one of the political tracts of the day, published at Oxford in 1642, the writer gives as a reason for the Marquis of Hertford declining the service in which the King had employed him:--“For that the King hath not only given way to the raising of a popish army in the North, but hath granted commission to the Marquis of Worcester, a known papist, to be general of the forces in those parts, where he is; whose army consists of profest papists.”[90]