Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1873.
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'Appendix: Miscellaneous 1532', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 5, 1534-1554, (London, 1873) pp. 628-634. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol5/pp628-634 [accessed 26 April 2024]
Miscellaneous 1532
| 1532. Jan. 15. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1025. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
|---|---|---|
| The Reverend Bishop of Winchester alias Dr. Stephen, (fn. 1) arrived lately at this Court, on a mission from the most Serene King of England, and having become a great personage (et per esser fatto gran personaggio), he is supposed to have been sent in acknowledgment of the embassy performed by the Bishop of Bayonne on behalf of his most Christian Majesty. He is not understood to have come for any other cause, save that of urging King Francis to write to Rome and exert himself (et se dimostri gagliarda) about the divorce case. Dr. Benet (dottor Benedetto), the English King's envoy (nuncio), is also here on his way to Rome postwise, and the Bishop of Winchester will return to England. | ||
| Dieppe, 15th January 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Jan. 26. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 410. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1026. The Same to the Same. | |
| The Bishop of Winchester is still here, and although they say it is for the purpose of confirming and strengthening the alliance between King Francis and the most Serene English King, yet no such result is visible; and here, at the Court, the Bishop says openly that his King chooses that woman, but that he continues anxious about the affair of the divorce. (fn. 2) | ||
| There arrived here lately an envoy from King John [Zapolsky], by name Corsino, who subsequently crossed over to England. (fn. 3) | ||
| Rouen, 26th January 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| May 3. Despatches France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1027. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| An ambassador from the most Serene King of England arrived lately to reside with his most Christian Majesty, in lieu of the one who came last November [Dr. Tayler], who is removed, solely because he is very old, and unable to follow the Court. (fn. 4) | ||
| Constanza (sic), [Coutances?], 3rd May 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| May 20. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1028. The Same to the Same. | |
| On the 15th Mons. de Pomeraye, French ambassador in England, arrived here postwise, having been sent back with a letter of credence from King Henry. The English ambassador resident here immediately accompanied him to the Court, where both one and the other yet remain. Has been unable to ascertain the cause of this mission, because the Court is at a distance of 40 Italian miles from Rennes, and if not impossible, it is at least more than difficult to negotiate or investigate anything about it, and although he sometimes goes a little in advance; or sends as far as the Court, yet as no one can remain there even for hours it is hard to get at the truth. It is reported that this mission relates to the general affairs of Christendom, the most Christian King having apparently said that in case he goes against the Turks under the circumstances mentioned in the foregoing letters, the most Serene English King likewise would keep him company (la faria compagnia) with regard to (cioè di) favour and troops; and it also concerns the affair of the divorce, as also the writing of hortatory letters to the Pope. | ||
| Rennes, 20th May 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| June 10. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416, Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1029. The Same to the Same. | |
| Mons. de Pomeraye has returned to England with money due rom his most-Christian Majesty to the most Serene King of England, of the amount of 100,000 crowns, on account of the usual pension, (per causa et a bon conto delta pension consueta). | ||
| Reners (sic) [Rennes?], 10th June 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| July 28. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416, Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1030. The Same to the Same. | |
| The English ambassador like the rest having received notice to come to this city, requested permission (rechiese di voler) to follow his most Christian Majesty into Lower Brittany, which was granted; nor is it to be wondered at, for since my residence at this Court, I have always found the English ambassadors more audacious (piÛ audaci) and more respected than any of the others. | ||
| What his Majesty had determined to do after much diversity of opinion, underwent a change at the commencement of the journey, by reason of bad lodgings and suspicion of plague, so that he has exceeded the distance of 30 leagues beyond this city, surveying the country from places better suited to his diversions, without however curtailing the journey, as precisely at the expiration of one month, namely, on the 4th of August, he purposes being in this town, there to hold the States of the Duchy on the 8th. Believes also that the recent death of the Viscount of Turenne, a member of the Privy Council, in very great repute. with all nations, as the most prudent and upright councillor in his Majesty's service, dissuaded further advance. Mons. de Lautrec, a lad eleven years old, (son of the one who died at Naples,) is also dead; the only one [of the family] now remaining is a child ten years old, being Mons. de l'Escu, who will now be called Mons. de Lautrec, and his income amounts to 30,000 crowns. | ||
| Vannes, 28th July 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Aug. 9. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1031. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| The news of this Court is that the King will omnino arm, though there is no appearance of this for the present year, and such is the belief of men of judgment. It is true that money is saved and accumulated, and in such wise, that since last March, the most Christian King has not spent a penny (un soldo) of his ordinary revenue, either on the Switzers or on England, nor in pensions, nor anything else, all that he disbursed having been derived from extraordinary sources, and he has diminished and delayed all payments. The opinion about his arming has a certain foundation, because sooner or later, in one way or the other he may be greatly moved (alterato) by events in Germany and Hungary, in which last province he expects the Lord Turk to winter this year. In that case he anticipates great danger for Christendom; so his Majesty said that next year he also will arm, with the belief that the Christians will call and give him suitable place and terms (dandoli loco et partito condecente), it seeming to him that he is to be implored like a deity (come un dio). It is also said that his Majesty's arming (lo armar di essa Maestà), will be in virtue of an agreement and understanding with the King of England, to carry out which, King Francis, after his return to Paris, will move towards Picardy, where the final arrangement will be stipulated, and possibly their Majesties will have an interview, or the King of England will send some great personage for the purpose. The King is still expected to return to Paris in the course of September. | ||
| Vannes, 9th August 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Aug. 22. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1032. The Same to the Same. | |
| On the 20th instant, his most Christian Majesty sent the Bishop of Langes, brother of the Bishop of Bayonne, to the King of England, Langes having lately returned from the Duke of Saxony and other Princes of Germany. It is supposed that he has important matters (grosse facende) to negotiate; so the rumour of the interview between the two Kings gains ground, and the report of his most Christian Majesty's arming next year by sea and land, increases daily. His intention of going speedily to Paris continues in like manner, though what road he may take subsequently is uncertain; for, as already mentioned by me, Picardy is talked of by reason of the affairs of England, whilst others say Provence, and others Burgundy; the Admiral, who is Governor of that Duchy, having gone thither lately, and on his departure he said openly that he expected the King there before Christmas, | ||
| Nantes, 22nd August 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Aug. 30. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1033. Giovanni Antonio Veniee, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| On the 26th the Imperial ambassador received letters from Ratisbon, dated the 22nd instant, announcing that on the 6th, the Turkish army, commanded by Sultan Solyman in person, was within six leagues of Vienna. When his Lordship made this announcement the King answered him, “I believe Vienna will defend itself, and that the Turks will make their winter quarters in various places;” and then after making a long discourse about Austria, Stiria, Carinthia, and other provinces, he said in conclusion, “Should this come to pass I will not fail to aid Christendom (non manchero a Christiani), and with the assistance of the King of England, and of the King of Scotland, who are my friends, I hope to be present at the defence with a hundred thousand fighting men.” [The negotiations between his most Christian Majesty and the English King are thus rendered clear, and it is asserted that they will have an interview, or at least that on the most Christian King's return towards Picardy (che tomato it Re Christmo, verso Picardia), the Great Master will cross over to England, which for many reasons is credited by judicious observers; and the French ministers (questi signori Francesi) begin to be apprehensive about what may take place between the Emperor and the Lord Turk, it seeming to them a very perilous affair (cosa di gran pericolo)]. (fn. 5) His Majesty will depart to-day towards the Duchy of Anjou, and in two days will be out of Brittany. | ||
| Nantes, 30th August 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Sept. 6. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1034. The Same to the Same. | |
| Since his departure from Nantes on the 30th ult., the King has been taking his pleasure in various ways as usual; and in the meanwhile, on the 4th, the Queen made her solemn entry into this city, which is the capital of the Duchy of Anjou. His Majesty arrived here on the evening of the 4th, and departed yesterday for a place called “Le Vergier,” where there is a most noble and highly ornamented (ornatissimo) palace, where he said he should remain a day or two at the utmost, and then continue his journey towards Paris, without entering Tours (although great preparations had been made for the Queen), as the plague increases there greatly. [I have heard, for certain, that his most Christian Majesty and the English King have settled to meet, and that preparations are already being made in Picardy by both sides, but they will not display any pomp, and purpose despatching their business in five or six days from the 20th to the 30th of October; but on his Majesty's arrival in Paris he will immediately send the Great Master to Calais, where he will find the Duke of Norfolk, sent by the King of England, that the two, together, may so far advance the negotiation that the interview, and the conclusion of the business between their Majesties, can be despatched immediately; and although discourse about this matter varies, what I write to your Serenity on the subject is assuredly true.] (fn. 6) | ||
| Angers, 6th September 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Oct. 31. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1035. Giovanni Antonio Venier, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| [All the ambassadors being here [at Abbeville] on the 18th, as I wrote from Montreuil on the 17th, considering the boundary which had been assigned them, the Papal Nuncio and the Magnifico the Imperial Ambassador pvœsertim, came to the conclusion that, by this act, both his most Christian Majesty and the King of England had comported themselves either inconsiderately, or for the purpose of inflicting a great insult on the Princes of all the ambassadors. And this they say, not indeed because they were made to go as far as Montreuil and Boulogne, and to incur expense, and make their arrangements as usual in similibus, and then to be confined contrary to their honour, and forbidden what has been lawful for every sort of person [viz.], not only to see the congress, but to go even to the chambers where the royalties themselves were; but what they complain of and say is, that this act is demonstrative of some treaty (trattatione) against the said ambassadors' Princes at a time when they are all at peace together; and then, again, this seems to have been done in direct opposition to the promises of the two Kings, who said they wished for the interview in order to provide for the affairs of Christendom in case of need. With regard to this matter, I mention what I hear from these ambassadors, and with your usual wisdom your Serenity will judge how far you are concerned in it.] (fn. 7) | ||
| Ritrovandosi tutti li Oratori quì alli 18, scrissi da Montrol che alli 17 il Nontio Pontificio et orator Cesarco coocluseno questo atto di fame star quì apartati, e sia (con pocha consideration, et per far grande iniuria a li principi de chi semo oratori, li quali è sta f'ati venir a Montarol e Bologna), e spender, confinandone poi ea cadaum altro è sta licito andar a vedcr i eungressi. | Ritrovandosi alli 18 del presente tutti gl' ambassatori a questa città (come scrissi alla Sublimità Vra da Monteruol per l' ultime mie de 17 che dovevano esser) considerato il confin dato a loro presertim il Revdo Nuncio Pontificio et Magco. Orator Cesareo concluseno che in questo atto ambe queste Mtà Christma et Anglica se erano mosse o con poca consideratione o per far grande iniuria alli principi de tutti gli Ambri et questo dicono non già per haverli fatti andar fino a Monteruol et Bologna et spender et disponer le cose loro come è solito farsi in similibus confinandoli contra l' honor suo, et prohibendo a loro queìlo che è stato licito a cadauna sorte di gente, non solum di veder il congresso, ma andar fino nelle camere dove erano le proprie persono regie, ma si dogliono, et dicono, che questo atto è demonstrative de alcuna trattatione contra li principi di prefati Ambri in tempo che tra tutti essi sta la pace. Poi appar esser fatto immediate contra le promesse de essi Re li quali dicevano volersi veder per pro veder alle cose de Christiani in eventum chel bisognasse. Io dico in questa parte quello che odo da questi Sigri. Ambri ma la Serta. Vra.quanto alla portion sua iudicarà lei con la solita propria sapienza. | |
| Abbeville, 31 October 1532. | Abbeville, 31 October 1532. | |
| (Original Diaries, vol. 57, p. 105.) | (Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives, p. 20 tergo). | |
| (Continuation as in Vol. IV. Venetian Calendar, p. 361, “ On the 11th instant” to p. 363, line 17, “which will be difficult.”) | ||
| In addition to this, whether it be true, or that the French ministers (questi signori) avail themselves of the report, it is said that the most Serene English King having made the above-written Marchioness [Anne Boleyn] cross the Channel with him, with the firm determination (certa opinion) of marrying her, with the intervention (con intervento) of King Francis, his most Christian Majesty seems to have modified this determination (tal opinione) at the conference, so that it was not carried into effect; and, to say the truth, the French and English believed it to be certain, and the said English are very well pleased that the marriage did not take place. (fn. 8) | ||
| The magnifico Sir [Gregory] Casal (fn. 9) arrived here lately postwise, from Rome, where he was negotiating. (Continuation as in Vol. IV. Venetian Calendar, to p. 364), line 5.) | ||
| [It is said that these two Kings have agreed that, should the Cardinals [Tournon and Grammont] not succeed in persuading the Pope to comply with their Majesties' wishes, namely, to detach him from so close an alliance with the Emperor, or should he make any new agreement in Italy, in either case, they will no longer allow the collation of the benefices of France and England to be referred to Rome, but separate their clergy entirely from the Roman see. It is also generally reported that the interview between these two great Kings merely caused immoderate expense, entertainments, and pageants, and no effect whatever equal to the expectation.] (fn. 10) | ||
| Abbeville, 31st October 1532. | ||
| [Italian.] | ||
| Si dice questi Re hanno convenuto che li Cardinali insista che 'l Papa non conseguisca il vincolo con Cesare; et facendo nova intelligentia non voler più che la expeditione di Franza et Anglia vadino a Roma, ma divider il suo clero dalla Sede Romana. | Non tacerò dirsi che questi Re hanno convenuto chè si li Revmi Cardli non conseguiscono con il Pontce li desiderij de loro Mtà. cioè di rimover quello da così stretto vinculo con Cesare, ò s' el facesse qualche novo accordo in Italia, in quelli casi non voler più che le expedition di Franza et Anglia vadino a Roma, ma divider il suo Clero in tutto dalla sede sua. Item sono comune voce (sic) che il convento di questi doi grandi Re, non sia stato se non spese soverchie, feste et pompe, et non alcuno effetto eguale alla espettatione. | |
| Abbeville, 31 October 1532. | Abbeville, 31 October 1532. | |
| (Original Diaries, vol. 57, p. 105.) | (Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives, p. 20 tergo.) | |
| Dec. 5. Despatches, France, Miscellany, No. 416. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. | 1036. Giovanni Antonio Venier and Marin Giustinian, Venetian Ambassadors in France, to the Doge and Senate. | |
| To-day, many prelates of the kingdom, with the Cardinal Legate Chancellor and the Cardinal of Lorraine, assembled; and it is said that in this congregation they spontaneously offered two-tenths to his most Christian Majesty, much to the surprise of everybody that this should be done at the present moment, when two Cardinals (fn. 11) are on their way to his Holiness on the King's business. | ||
| The Duke of Richmond, (fn. 12) son of the most Serene King of England, who offered him for his Majesty's service, has come, and resides at the court, living at very great expense, and very honourably (et molto honoratamente). | ||
| Paris, 5th December 1532. | ||
| [Italian] | ||