Queen Elizabeth – Volume 243: October 1592

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1591-94. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.

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'Queen Elizabeth – Volume 243: October 1592', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1591-94, (London, 1867) pp. 277-285. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1591-4/pp277-285 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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October 1592

Oct. 1. 32. Note of the places, Plymouth, Rye, Weymouth, and Southampton, where men are to embark for Brittany. Preceded by an estimate of the charge for coat and conduct money, the same as on 30 Sept. [2 pages.]
Oct. 2.
Milton.
33. Rich. Fiennes to Lord Burghley. Leaves his case at his Lordship's disposition. Her Majesty has long been entitled to all such lands as descended to Lord and Lady Dacre, and as yet only remains interested in such as his Lordship compounded for.
Was named to Lady Dacre by Her Majesty, as an honest man, and as one she had a good opinion of; therefore, although it will be with charge, thinks he can procure the Earl of Essex, the Vice-Chamberlain, or John Stanhope, to obtain leave for him in Her Majesty's name, and for her benefit as well as his own, to make trial thereof. When she knows that he is lineally descended as next heir male, and that my Lord's ancestor, Richard Fiennes, was chiefly advanced to the barony by the help of the writer's uncle Sir James, as also that the unthrifty fall of Sir Wm. Fiennes fell happily to the good of Sir Geoffrey Bullen, who had of him for small sums many goodly manors, doubts not, but she, considering the meanness of his birth who stands for the land and the barony, will either suffer the writers to try his title, or if there be a defect, procure such a composition as at least may more than countervail the charge. His adversary will be patronised most by such as are nearest in blood and friendship to my Lady, yet she so honourably regards his Lordship's house and name, that she wishes most good to the writers therein; and for such lands as his Lordship has in fee simple, which amount to 500l. or 600l. a year, not only Lady Dacre, but old Mr. Goring and Mr. Justice Fenner have assured him that my Lord and Lady intend to let a great part fall upon him and his posterity. If these expectances are followed up by his Lordship's directions, they may add much to that poor portion which he will endeavour to preserve. The regard Lady Dacre has of her Lord's honour forces her into expense, although herself most frugal and careful of his estate; if his Lordship, (Burghley,) would hear and determine the causes, she reposing more in him than in any other, it might deliver them from a fourth proportion of the expense, as also from much suit, which has cost them a fourth part of their patrimony, and they would not have preserved the rest had not his Lordship upheld their home and estate.
Asks leave to take Lady Dacre his Lordship's reply, intending with his son, who is her Ladyship's godson, to pay his duty to her, by all means to move the determination of their suits. Will follow the Court as far as Kimble, having some land within two miles of Mrs. Hampden's, and will wait upon his Lordship. Will give assurances of the good bringing up of his only hope, and will ever defend religion to his death. Does not know that his wife is defective therein; will always defend her reputation, as she does his, although it is true that both in portion and bed they live divided by consent, and yet agree. [2 pages.]
Oct. 6.
Friday.
34. Thos. Milles to Mr. West, at the Exchequer. Begs him to advance for him 15l. to Mr. Gascoigne, post of the Court, who has sent just when the writer was leaping on horseback. Will not not trouble Mr. Sugden for so small a matter. He should give a note of hand, and be told how slow the Lord Treasurer is in signing warrants. Hopes to see him when the sickness ceases. Endorsed, "Mr. Milles, letter to my brother West for 15l."
Oct. 9.
Halstead.
35. Chris. Fresby to John Tamworth, Rutland House, Strand. Private affairs with Isabel Hudson. The land of Whatborough is held by Rob. Sharp, on rent of 13s. 14d., paid to Lord Gregory and the present Lord. Transactions relative to property in Halstead and Whatborough claimed by my Lord. Letting of Slade field. Mrs. Turner presses for her annuity; also Mrs. Woodhouse. Mr. Burton kept his [Tamworth's] Michaelmas court at Halstead, which is contrary to statute. The stray mare and foal in the Slade field were valued at 3l. 6s. 8d. [2 pages.]
Oct. 9. 36. Jas. Quarles to Lord Burghley. Has victualled the Vanguard and five other ships named, lying at Portsmouth, but had much ado to get the provisions ready, Her Majesty's houses there being so much decayed; if they are not presently taken in hand, will not be able to serve Her Majesty there; a penny may yet save a shilling.
Oct. 14. 37. Notes [by Lord Burghley] of things to be considered, viz., whether Her Majesty shall continue aiding the French King in Brittany, considering the loss of her people, the expense, and that it is of no profit to the King, who does not look as he ought to the safety of Brittany. How her great charge in the Low Countries may be eased; and whether, if her troops are withdrawn, Ostend and Bergen will be safe. How the general revolt of the Recusants in the realm, and particularly in Lancashire, may be remedied; how the borders towards Scotland may be strengthened against the Papists and Spanish, and what is the opinion of the Border Commissioners thereupon.
Oct. 16.
Prison.
38. Geo. Dingley to Lord Keeper Puckering. Begs relief of his necessities; has no succour except his Honour's liberality. Has enough left to discharge his commons for two weeks, but no change of apparel; what he wears is not sufficient to keep him from the cold, which he is unable to endure, being used to heat for many years. Asks some means to enlarge his long and tedious imprisonment; it can neither pleasure his Lordship nor benefit his country. If granted his liberty, will wholly employ himself according to his directions, take some chamber in the City, and make known to him whatever comes to his knowledge, or go to any other place thought fitting.
Oct. 17. 39. Request of the merchants who have undertaken payment of Her Majesty's money at Caen by exchange, that the sum may be certain which they undertake for; that they may receive it six weeks before the day of payment there, and that such days of payment may also be certain; if so, they will contract to pay 6s. per French crown for six months or a year. They are satisfied with Sir Thos. Sherley's bonds for due payment, yet as a day or two's delay in their receipts of these great sums may much displeasure them, they beg Lord [Burghley's] promise for payment on the days appointed.
Oct. 17. 40. Account of the monthly charges for officers and men formerly serving in the Low Countries and Brittany; total, 7,364l. 8s. 8d., being 1,420l. 15s. 4d. less than before; also of the yearly charges at the present time; total, 128,759l. 11s. 2d. [3 pages, with marginal notes by Burghley.]
Oct. 18.
Middle Temple.
Receipt by George Brome of Haulton, co. Oxford, from Sir John Conway of Arrow, co. Warwick, of 1,150l., in full payment to 3,000l. expressed in an indenture of 25 Oct. 1591, and release of all right or title which the said Brome might have on the manors of Ragley and Poppells, co. Warwick, or any other lands of the said Sir John Conway. [Case E., Eliz., No. 8.]
Oct. 19. 41. "An estimate how the 4,000 soldiers for Brittany may arise." The 16 bands sent out of the Low Countries, supplied with 600 lately levied for Brittany, will make 2,400. The troops in Brittany, with the late volunteers, are estimated at 1,200, and the six bands in Normandy that are to go to Brittany, at 400; total, 4,000; but it is estimated that 320 will be deficient. Also the Queen to [the Council ?]. By her late letters to lieutenants of counties, commanded 1,000 soldiers to be levied and transported to Jersey, and thence into Brittany; but as there will now be no necessity for such a number, letters are to be written to some lieutenants, only to raise a certain number, who are to be sent as before directed. [Draft by Burghley.]
Oct. 19.
[South] Hampton.
42. Sir John Norris to Lord Burghley. The weather has prevented their embarking. Thinks a clause in the letters received by himself and the Mayor from Council, that the voluntary soldiers should be dismissed, is a mistake. Desires explanation; the volunteers there have been assembled at the great charge of the captains, and are far more efficient than the men sent out of the counties; amongst them are 100 gentlemen, who will be the grace of the companies; the last great loss in Brittany, and the greatness of the enemy's forces considered, it would be more expedient to increase ours than to diminish them.
Asks favour in the motion he has made to Council, for 100 men to be pressed in Hampshire, to fill up the default of the runaways, and give the country better minds than to hinder the soldiers and assist them to escape; also for punishment of the contemptuous owners and mariners at Poole, who, when warned to prepare their ships for service, unrigged them, threatening the Mayor. Hears from the Lord Admiral that there are some ships to come from Dunkirk, to join with those of Newhaven; the companies of the Low Countries should be advertised of it, so that they may look to themselves if put back again to Flushing, as he thinks they are, having no news of them. [2 pages.]
Oct. 20.
Southampton.
43. Sir John Norris to the Council, Understanding by their letter to him and the Mayor, that the men to be sent thither are to be lodged in the villages and places adjoining, as many of them are to arrive in a day or two, has despatched a commission to them from himself, together with the letters; thinks they will not refuse, though no special warrant was sent. There must be a mistake in that part of their letter touching the discharging of the volunteers; could do as much with them as with twice the number of the others; they are mostly gentlemen who have been maintained there by the writer and their captains, at a long and chargeable expense. Upwards of 100 soldiers have run away; has sundry times written to the justices thereabouts to apprehend them, yet such has been the slender care found in them, and in the constables and other officers charged to follow the hue and cry after them, that not a man has been returned by their means; the country have received them into their houses, but helped to convey both them and their furniture away. Since by their default the men have thus escaped, 100 men should be levied in Hampshire at their own charge; it is very populous, and they might well be spared.
Not finding sufficient shipping at Southampton for their transportation, wrote to the Mayor of Poole, who showed himself very careful, advertised of some fit shipping in that road, and charged the masters and owners to put themselves in readiness; but they disobediently and contemptuously took down their masts and rigging, for which the Mayor committed them; they have used very bad language, and threaten revenge. Asks an order that they may be punished, as they have so well deserved it, to avoid the like contempt by others. Has before informed their Lordships of the insufficiency of the Leicestershire men and their furniture from those parts, and of the deputy lieutenants of every shire making choice of certain gentlemen to conduct them to London, where they were received, but most of their arms refused, being so bad and unserviceable, and of the answer that they were to deliver them in that sort or not at all, as they had no commission to help it. Has not since heard of any arms to be taken for them.
The wind has blown at W.N.W. for a day or two; fears its fleeting to the south, but will lose no time, and put over as many as his ships will allow. [3 pages.]
Oct. 20. 44. Account of the expense of sending three purveyors from London to Plymouth, to victual the Vanguard and two other ships; also of sending a messenger to recal them, as the service was altered to be done at Portsmouth; also of providing and transporting victuals for 350 men, for the Rainbow and Advantage, which were stayed after the victuals had been provided; also of transporting victuals for the Charles to the Downs, but as she had sailed, returning them to the stores at Chatham; total, 75l. 8s. 7d. [2¼ pages.]
Oct. ? Declaration by John Incent, public notary, that on 25 Nov. 1580, at Doctors' Commons, Knight Ryder Street, London, in his and others' presence, Chris. Smith, public notary and proctor of the Court of Arches, exhibited letters procuratory from Thos. Seymour, lawful son of Edward Earl of Hertford and Lady Katherine, his late wife, and by virture thereof made an appeal to the following effect:—That Thos. Seymour is the legitimate son of Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, and Katherine his late wife, and has been publicly reputed as such; that he is now of age; that Matthew, late Archbishop of Canterbury, Edmund, then Bishop of London, Sir Wm. Peter, Chancellor of the Garter, Sir Wm. Cordell, Master of the Rolls, and five other judges and law officers, were appointed commissioners to inquire into the said marriage; but that by the cheats and persuasion of John Lewes, public notary, they pronounced against the marriage, and therefore declared the said Thos. Seymour illegitimate; against which sentence the said proctor, in behalf of Thos. Seymour, protests before the Queen, and appeals to have it annulled. That Smith declared, in presence of Dr. Edw. Stanhope and two others, that this appeal was not to interfere with any future appeals that might be made on his behalf, reciting the patent from Thos. Seymour, appointing Edw. Bigges and Chris. Smith his proctors, 20 Nov. 1580; that on 22 Nov. 1581, he reiterated his said appeal before Drs. Wm. Aubrey, Edw. Stanhope, and Hugh George; and again on 13 Nov. 1582, 7 Nov. 1584, 6 Oct. 1585, 2 Nov. 1586, and 7 Nov. 1587. Certified copy, 29 Oct. 1588. Endorsed, "Thos. Seymour, armigher, ab anno 1580 usque 1592." [Case E., Eliz., No. 9.]
Oct. 21.
Hampton Court.
Declaration that John Theaker, public notary, and one of the proctors of the Court of Arches, showed before Dr. Wm. Aubrey, Master of Requests, procuratory letters made to him by Thos. Seymour, on account of the death of Chris. Smith, former proctor, and made an appeal, as formerly done by Smith, 25 Nov. 1580, and often since. Recital of the said appeal as in the preceding document, and also of the patent of Thos. Seymour, appointing John Theaker, or in his absence Edw. Orwell, proctor of the Court of Arches, as his proctor, 8 Nov. 1591 ; also attested certificate thereof by Thos. Redman, public notary, before Dr. Wm. Aubrey and four other witnesses. Collated copy, taken 10 July 1593. [Latin. Case E., Eliz., No. 10.]
Oct. 23. 45. Examination of Rich. Stone, prisoner in the Marshalsea, before Rich. Young. It was reported that Hen. Collins, servant to John Gage of Firle, committed last Easter, was committed for seeking to kill the Queen. Gratian Brownell, another prisoner there, said there were many committed for that, but some one would make an end of her one day, and then all those commitments would be void, and all would be well. When the apprentices were unruly, and would have broken up the Marshalsea, Rich. Webster, another prisoner there, said they could not agree because they had no head, and that if they had one, all the commons would rise, for they all disliked the State and Government.
Oct. 23. 46." Difference betwixt payment of a band of 150, besides 8 officers, and of the band including the 8 officers." The charge of 150 men, according to the former establishment, amounted to 5l. 15s. 6d. a day, or 161l. 14s. a month; according to the latter, made In March 1588, 154l. 4s. 8d., so that 7l. 9l. 4d. was saved monthly. The six bands of Flushing being increased to 10, their pay, according to the first establishment, would amount to 1,046l. 13s. 4d. a month, by the latter, 992l. a month, and so 54l. saved.
Oct. 25. 47. Patent from Sam. Willingham, rector of Waternewton, diocese of Lincoln, constituting his curate, Thos. Stott, and Kenelm Kent, notary of the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, his proctors ecclesiastical in all synods, visitations, &c., in presence of Dr. Thos. Preston, Commissary of the said Archdeaconry.
Oct. 26.
Hampton Court.
48. Lord Burghley to Sir Thos. Wilkes, clerk of the Council. Her Majesty wants some order set down for the discipline and mustering of her army in Brittany, to avoid previous disorders. Asks him to bring all books and papers of the orders in such causes, taken in Lord Leicester's time or since, that the like, if thought fit, may be put in execution forthwith.
Oct. 27.
Portsmouth.
49. Sir John Norris to Sir Thos. Sherley, Treasurer at War. Has been so long detained by contrary winds that they have well-nigh spent all their money, and have left only French money, which they cannot pass there. Asks for a speedy supply; finds the stores there short, and their credit not very good, so cannot tell what course to take, if not provided. Has been three or four times aboard, but cannot get away. Received letters from the Council, for the Kent and Sussex men to be shipped at Rye, and continue with him; if they be not dispersed, begs letters to the deputies of those shires that they may not be revoked, according to their Lordships' first directions. No order has been sent to Weymouth for the soldiers that are to ship there.
Oct. 30.
Prison.
50. Geo. Dingley to Lord Keeper Puckering. Thanks for his bounty and courteous speeches; hopes release. Divers priests will be in London this term; also Garnet, the Jesuit, or some other of the chief of them; might meet them abroad and give him notice, if he had his liberty. Is wearied with irksome imprisonment, yet content with his Lordship's determination.
Oct. 30.
Hampton Court.
51. The Queen to the Earl of Derby. Has long had good proof of his fidelity; thanks him for his late sincerity in the discovery of a number of evil-disposed persons, detected in favouring and maintaining seminaries and Jesuits in Lancashire. As Thos. Bell, lately a seminary, alleges that he has been moved by conscience to confess,—considering the dangerous purposes of such Jesuits and seminaries, in combining and conspiring with a number of men of value, which he has discovered to his Lordship, and confirmed before the Archbishop of Canterbury,—thinks it meet that Bell should be returned thither, to be used as Council advise, for better searching and apprehending of Jesuits and seminaries, and such other dangerous persons as relieve them; wishes his Lordship to follow directions from the Council therein. [Copy.]
Oct. 52. Account of nine persons residing in Lancashire, who have kept or keep priests or recusants as schoolmasters, &c. Endorsed [by Burleigh. 1½ pages.]
Oct. ? 53. Account of money to be demanded and allowed upon the account for Normandy, for coat and conduct money, levying, victualling, and transporting 3,000 men and 100 horse; transport of eight bands from the Low Countries to Dieppe; of 400 pioneers and 50 miners from England; levy of 100 men sent with Sir Mathew Morgan; also for money paid to Sir Robt. Constable and Anthony Painter for necessaries for the great ordnance; also for 5s. apiece given to 952 poor and sick soldiers to carry them back to the countries whence they were levied; total, 5,134l. 11s. 6d. [1¾ pages.]
Oct. 54. List of arms and other things required for the 50 men levied in Leicestershire.
Oct. 55. Account of the charges for coat and conduct money of 900 men, levied in 10 counties named, in Oct. 1592, to make up 1,000 appointed to be levied and sent to Brittany; total, 420l. 16s. 8d.
Oct. ? 56. Estimate of the weekly charge for rent, wages, provisions, fuel, &c., of persons employed in baking 10 quarters of wheat; total, 3l. 15s. 1d.
Oct. 57. Notes from letters that have come out of Spain. Powder, shot, lead, and pilchards have been brought out of England to Spain. The Raven of Amsterdam, Mr. Arnolt, master, freighted with pilchards for Italy, under bond of 2,000l., with good sureties, came to St. Lucar. The White Swan of Emden, also freighted with pilchards for Legborn by Thos. Coleth, and the Red Lion of Wismar discharged their cargo at Valentia, and two others brought brimstone from Naples and pilchards into Spain. Another ship of Emden, laden with lead, &c., at Dartmouth for Leghorn, also came to St. Lucar, as did two others laden with wheat at Harwich; 14 sail of Hollanders also came there laden with Wheat, and if they had not come at that time, the country had been famished. There are 36 sail in the Straits, laden with corn. Out of these ships the Adelantado has taken a great store of ordnance. Search was made in all ships of the Low Countries and others for English goods; 16 gallions were appointed to waft the Indian fleet, and great means used to take up money for the King. Two ships have gone for Ireland to lade timber and pipe staves; they look to have ordnance out of Wales. [1½ pages.]
Oct. ? 58. Reasons by Thos. Bedingfield, for moving Her Majesty to grant a licence for keeping certain houses in London and Westminster for playing at dice, cards, table play, bowling, and tennis, and to grant the forfeitures of others that keep such houses or places, and use such plays contrary to statute. She has power to grant such licences; the number of houses is at present very great, and many are kept by persons to whose houses the honester sort will not resort, whereby the worst sort have greater liberty to do evil; it is therefore meet to reduce the number, appoint good order, and forbid from such places those who are not fit to play. By these means deceitful playing may be suppressed, many young gentlemen kept from spoil, many poor men driven from unlawful exercises to live upon lawful labour, much other wickedness reformed, and the ancient exercise of shooting, now greatly decayed, be revived.
Request that the sole licence for a certain number of years be granted to Bedingfield and his deputies, to keep such houses within the city, &c., for all persons of good fame to resort to; with a proviso limiting the number of such houses, forbidding any bowling alley or tennis court to be kept in Westminster. Also that no man play in the forenoon of any Sabbath day, or during evening and morning prayers on holydays; that no swearing or blasphemy be suffered in any such places, but the offenders sharply admonished, and if that will not serve, banished from the houses, and no affrays suffered without complaint to the magistrates. Also that Bedingfield's deputies shall become bound not to behave contrary to the true intent of the licence, nor suffer any falsehood, guile, or deceit, in any of the games played in such houses. Also that none but noblemen, gentlemen, and merchants, or such as shall be entered in the Book of Subsidies, at 10l. in land or goods, shall be suffered to play within any such houses. [2 pages.]