Venice: July 1566

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 7, 1558-1580. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.

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'Venice: July 1566', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 7, 1558-1580, (London, 1890) pp. 382-383. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol7/pp382-383 [accessed 24 April 2024]

July 1566

July 5. Original Letter Book, Venetian Archives. 371. Marc' Antonio Barbaro, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
The disturbances in Ireland caused a sensation in England, owing to some offensive words which passed between Lord Robert and the Earl of Sussex, a person of importance, who was Governor in Ireland; but through the favour of Lord Robert, the Queen recalled him, and sent thither the brother-in-law of Lord Sussex.
Queen Elizabeth being at Greenwich, the dispute arose in the Council itself, where, speaking of the rising made by the Irish baron, whose name is O'Donnell, Lord Robert laid the blame upon the Earl of Sussex, who modestly defended himself, without any abuse, merely saying that neither he nor any one of his family had ever been traitors to their sovereign, but was compelled at length by many rejoinders made by Lord Robert to tell him that as he was bound to defend his honour, he would speak freely; adding that Lord Robert was in fault, because he had frequently written letters with his own hand to O'Donnell, and given him favour constantly. From these words to Lord Robert inconvenient results would have ensued, if the Chancellor and other personages had not interposed.
This circumstance was immediately communicated to the Queen, who, after saying some sharp words to Lord Sussex, to show the esteem she had for Lord Robert, chose that as a sign of pacification they should depart both together for London; and on the morrow she made them dine with her; but they are nevertheless not yet reconciled, and each of them walks with a large company of armed men to secure himself.
As I wrote to your Serenity on the 27th June, affairs in Scotland hitherto proceed very quietly, but not without suspicion that as the Queen is in childbed, some disorder may ensue.
I hear news from Flanders that public affairs are in a much worse condition, and that public preachings have commenced outside Antwerp to very large congregations, which seems to be a bad commencement. The Marquis of Berghes is on his way to Spain to acquaint his Catholic Majesty with the disordered condition of Flanders, and to advise his Majesty to visit the province in person.
The Bishop of Mondovi has arrived; he is proceeding to Scotland as Nuncio, but will not depart from hence until the baptism of the son of her Scottish Majesty has been solemnized, in order that he may go and remain thither in security. He appears to me to be a good, religious, and able man, and these qualities are necessary in order to conduct a negotiation so difficult and dangerous.
Matters show no improvement in Flanders, and although no new personage of importance is discovered amongst the heretical party, the latter nevertheless continue to increase both in numbers and insolence.
Paris, 5th July 1566.
[Italian.]
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