Milan: 1455

Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts in the Archives and Collections of Milan 1385-1618. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1912.

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'Milan: 1455', in Calendar of State Papers and Manuscripts in the Archives and Collections of Milan 1385-1618, (London, 1912) pp. 16-17. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/milan/1385-1618/pp16-17 [accessed 24 March 2024]

1455

1455.
March 5.
Potenze
Estere.
Francia.
Milan
Archives.
21. Raymondus de Marliano to Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
The ambassadors of the King of England and the papal legate are making great instances to the King of France to have long truces, for at least twenty years, and it is hoped that such truces will be arranged.
Dijon, the 5th March, 1455.
[Italian.]
July 4.
Potenze,
Estere.
Roma:
Milan
Archives.
22. The Bishop of Novara, Milanese Ambassador at Rome, to Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
From England we have the news which you will see by the enclosed copy. Although it is not good for those who are dead, yet it cannot fail to favour our proceedings, because it will make the French a little more cautious, as during these differences between the English, they had become great and daily became greater.
Rome, the 4th July, 1455.
[Italian.]
Enclosure. 23. Copy of part of a letter written from Bruges to the Archbishop of Ravenna.
We left London on the 27th May and at that time there was nothing new; my lord of Somerset ruled as usual. Subsequently I learned here yesterday, by letters which came straight from Sandwich to Dunkirk, that fresh disturbances broke out in England a few days after my departure. A great part of the nobles have been in conflict, and the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland and my lord of Clifford are slain, with many other lords and knights on both sides. The Duke of Somerset's son, who presented the collars of the king, was mortally wounded; my lord of Buckingham and his son are hurt. The Duke of York has done this, with his followers. On the 24th de entered London and made a solemn procession to St. Pauls. They say he has demanded pardon from the king for himself and his men, and will have it. He will take up the government again, and some think that the affairs of that kingdom will now take a turn for the better. If that be the case, we can put up with this inconvenience.
No one comes from Calais as the passages are guarded. We should hear further particulars from merchants, messengers and those who come. I send your lordship these particulars, as you will be glad to hear them even though the news seems unpleasant.
Bruges, the last day of May, 1455.
Postscript on the 3rd of June.—I have further news of the battle in England brought by one who came here from Calais. They say that on the 21st of May the king left Westminster with many lords, including the Duke of Somerset, to hold a council at Leicester (a le cestre), eight miles (sic) from London. They went armed because they suspected that the Duke of York would also go there with men at arms. That day they travelled twenty miles to the abbey of St. Albans. On the 22nd the king set out to continue his journey, but when they were outside the town they were immediately attacked by York's men, and many perished on both sides. The Duke of Somerset was taken and forthwith beheaded. With his death the battle ceased at once and, without loss of time, the Duke of York went to kneel before the king and ask pardon for himself and his followers, as they had not done this in order to inflict any hurt upon his Majesty, but in order to have Somerset. Accordingly the king pardoned them, and on the 23rd the king and York and all returned to London. On the 24th they made the solemn procession, and now peace reigns. The king has forbidden any one to speak about it upon pain of death (il Re ha mandato Bando a pena di vita, non se ne parli). The Duke of York has the government, and the people are very pleased at this (il duca de Jorlz ha il governo et li popoli se ne tengono molto contenti).
[Italian.]