Henry VIII: April 1514, 1-10

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1, 1509-1514. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1920.

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'Henry VIII: April 1514, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1, 1509-1514, (London, 1920) pp. 1212-1222. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol1/pp1212-1222 [accessed 26 April 2024]

April 1514

1 April.
Sanuto, XVIII., 174.
2773. VENICE.
[Note of letters deciphered 1 May 1514.]
From Andrea Badoer, London, 1 April.—Gives general conversation with the Bishop of Winchester about the Signory's peace with the Turk, the King's wish to conquer Jerusalem with 25,000 men, the agreement with the Emperor, the King of France, and other matters; but says nothing of what the English are doing, whether they will invade France, or what musters of men or ships they make.
Italian. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 400.
Le Glay,
Analectes Hist., p. 193.
2774. MARGARET OF SAVOY to HENRY VIII.
"Marguérite d'Autriche prie Henri VIII. de faire délivrer Adrien de Bailleul, prisonnier en Angleterre, sujet de Charles, son neveu, et pris, contre les lois, par le sieur de Darcy, Anglais." 1514, sans date de mois.
"A la suite de cette lettre s'en trouvent deux autres qui ont rapport au même sujet et qui sont addressées à Sir Lincoln et à lord Wincester."
1 April.
Ib., p. 192.
2775. HENRY VIII. to MARGARET OF SAVOY.
"Il mande à Marguerite qu'il a fait faire enquête sur la prise d'Adrien de Bailleul par le sieur de Darcy, capitaine de la ville de Barrewick. Il lui envoie le double de la réponse faite par le dit capitaine." Greenwich, 1 April avant Paques.
1 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 151. R.O.
2776. [4930.] SIR RIC. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
Has sent his servant Bishop. Sir Thos. Spinelly understands from Brian Tuke that Wolsey is much offended with him. Assures Wolsey of Spinelly's fidelity. Would not have written in his behalf had he not full trust in his honesty. Malyns, 1 April.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: [T]o my syngwlar good [L]ord my Lord of Lyncollne.
1 April.
Ib., f. 148. R.O.
2777. [4929.] SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
Wrote last on the 28th. Has since heard from the master of the Posts that Wolsey is discontented with him for making sinister reports to the Archduchess against him, which he denies. It would have been in the first place a great ingratitude and secondly a "very grete utercuydaunce" to have done so. Will do whatever Wolsey directs. Begs his servant Baron may return with money; if he is dead, that it may be delivered to Rob. Bishop, servant of Master Deputy of Calais, who has lent Spinelly 10l. Has sent money to the compaignon retained in the King's wages in France, at 4l. a month, and the costs of a woman conveying his news to Lysle, viz. 20l. beyond the 12l. received before Christmas. Cannot understand the Emperor's "confusse dealing," who is undoubtedly displeased with my Lady; albeit he cannot forbear to declare his mind soon. Mechlin, 1 April, 1513. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: [To the] Right Hon., &c., my Lord of Lincoln.
Augm. Misc. Books, IV., f. 28. R.O. 2778. [5768.] SALE OF VICTUALS.
Account of debts owing, 27 Feb. 5 Hen. VIII., to John Heron, supervisor of the Custom House, London, for the sale of victuals. Describing 21 several debts. Many of the items are struck out with note that they are paid or the obligations delivered, 3 April 5 Hen. VIII., leaving in the hands of the remaining "creditors" 142l. 14s. 4d. on 3 May 7 Hen. VIII. "And so remaineth in the hands of the said John Heron, accomptant, 1,631l. 5s. 2d." Marked: probatur per Dalison.
Pp. 4.
3 April.
Galba B. III., 143. B.M.
2779. [4932.] KNIGHT to [WOLSEY].
Begs he will not be surprised that he has not written oftener. They send the news daily to the King. Those about the Prince of Castile would gladly hinder his marriage with the Lady Mary, saying, he is a child, and she a woman full grown. Unless the King, when the marriage is solemnised, have these officers discharged, my Lady Mary will be in great hazard. This day we were with the Marquis of Brande[n]bu[rg] and met De Chevres and the Prince of Samaye, brother to the late King of Navarre. Paid his duty in the King's behalf to the Count Palatine, who was of the company, but "had no communication with him touching his entertainment at this time." Writes in behalf of his kinsman, John Newington, mercer of London. who was in great credit, "and did commit great charges by the way of brokerage unto Richard Thyrkill," a broker, who, upon the capture of Tournay, using the privilege of those actually in the King's wars, suddenly departed, to the great injury of Newington. He is kept, by the influence of this man, who distributes goods to the "young gentlemen now being in garrison at Tournay," from seeing the Governor and obtaining justice. He not only defrauds but defames his superiors, "as Copland hath said [to me that] the said Thyrkill hath right undiscreetly abused his tongue against your Lordship." Sends him as a remembrance the "patrone of her that is mediatrix of us all." Begs for money for his diet. Has heard that he is displeased with Sir Thomas Spinelly, because "it is persuaded that he should diminish the good opinion that my Lady Margaret hath of your lordship." Defends him from the charge. As many will be desirous to creep into his favor, they will not spare detraction. Mechline, 3 April.
Hol., pp. 4, mutilated.
4 April. 2780. THE WAR.
Musters. See GRANTS IN APRIL, 1514. (5 Hen. VII.), Nos. 6, 33.
4 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 117. R.O. Schanz, Englische Handelspolitik, II. 615.
2781. [4917.] ASSAY OF ENGLISH AND FLEMISH COIN.
Instructions by "my lady the Archduchess of Austria, Duchess and Countess of Burgundy, Dowager of Savoy, for Thomas Gramay, general of the Mint, and John Dowsbrocke (Dewoesbroke in § 3), particular assayer of the Mint of Flanders, at Burges," to show the King of England (in reply to his letter dated 25 Feb. [15 Feb. in § 3] A.D. 1513, requesting her to proclaim that the gold and silver of England be current, the pound sterling at 30s. "gros Flanders money," as it was before the King's landing at Calais, which should amount the royal at 90 patters and the angel at 60 paters and the grote called "stoter" at 4 [3 in § 3] "paters of this country") that such an "avaluation" should be contrary to the ordinance of 1499 and cause the Archduke's subjects great loss. The Archduke's mint forges a mark of fine gold, containing 24 (23 in § 3) carats 9½ grains, into 54½ toisans of gold current at 50 patters which is 22l. 14s. 2d. gros; whereas the mint of England coins 48 angels, which at 60 patters, as the King desires, should be 24l. gros. As to silver pence, the Archduke's mint forges a mark of silver into toisans of silver current at 4 (3 in § 3) patters, "holding 11d. of silver the King in alloy and 72 in taille upon every mark work," 82 of such toisans less 9 mites, which is 40s. 11d. gros, 15 mites; it also coins another silver penny called "double paters," current at 2 patters, "holding silver pence the King in alloy and of 69 in taylle" of the which the "trete" of the mark of silver comes to 41s. 2½d. gros. In England they forge a mark of silver, holding 11d. of fine silver in alloy and 80 in taille, into 87 of the grotes here called stoters "and a quarter large," which at 3 (sic) paters, as the King desires, should come to 43s. 7d. gr. (7½d. gr. in § 3); this exceeding the price of this country by 14½ patters upon every mark. To please the King, she will advantage his money as high as she may without causing merchants "to cast the pence that be forged in this country into the fire" and will publish that angels, which are here worth 56½ paters 8 mites, shall go at 58½ paters, and the royals after the rate and the "grottis" at 5½ gras Fl. when he is there he may fix the price in his army as he pleases. Brussels, 20 Feb. 1513.
f. 121. ii. A report, addressed to the Lords of the Council, of "the assayes of gold and of silver made in London at the Goldsmiths Hall, the 27th day of March, the 5th year of the reign of our said Sovereign Lord King Henry VIII., before his officers of the Mint of the Tower of London; that is to say, William Stafford, warden of the Mint, Rob. Amadas, deputy for the Lord Mountjoy, Mint Master, and Tho. Aunsam, deputy comptroller for Sir Hen. Wyott, knight; and being there present, Rob. Fenrother of London, alderman and goldsmith, Nich. Warley, Rob. Preston, and Garrard Hewys, wardens of the occupation of goldsmith[s] in the said city of London, and John Jonys, commyn assayer of the same, and Hugh Say, servant to the said Lord Mountjoy, maker of this reckoning; and also in the presence of Thomas Grammay, general of the Mint in Flanders, and John de Woesbroke, particular assayer of the said Mint, sent unto our said Sovereign Lord from the Lady Margaret Archduchess of Austriche, &c.; for the evaluation of the moneys of our Sovereign Lord foresaid, to have course in the countries of the Archduke, and for to know and make proof of the differences of fineness between the angel noble of this realm of England with also the silver groat of the same what there differeth in weight and fineness between them and the toisan of gold of Flanders, and toysan of silver with also the double stever of silver, as by articles of the same more at large doth appear."
f. 127d. iii. Notes [by the Council ?] upon the difficulties of the question.
f. 128d. iv. Declaration by Gramay and Woesbrock, upon instructions delivered by the Archduchess, 20 Feb. last, in answer to the King's letter of 15 Jan. (sic) of the results of their assay made on 7 (27 in § 3) March (sic), 1513, before Easter, in presence of Wm. Stafford, &c. (as in § ii). London, 4 April, 1513, before Easter. Signed by Abel Tash, goldsmith.
f. 132. v. Suggestion that as the "mark weight of Troy" is of the same weight in all other lands save England, the King should make a new weight for bullion, the same as that used elsewhere, and call it by some other name than Troy because the bakers "occupy the said Troy weight." Signed by Tash.
Modern copy (18th century), pp. 29.
S.P. Hen. VIII.,
7, f. 121. R.O.
2. Contemporary copy of § 1 ii. (the assay made 27 March). Signed by the English officers and witnesses.
Pp. 5. Endd.: "Assayes of golde and silver betwixte the coyne of the realm of England and the toysan of Flanders"; and also: The copy in English. Also in a modern hand: Copied this for Mr. Newton, master of the Mint, 1701.
Add. MS. 24,359, f. 13. B.M. 3. Sixteenth century copy of §§ 1 i. and iv.
Pp. 16.
Add. MS. 18,758, f. 1. B.M. 4. Modern copy of § 1 ii.
Modern copy, pp. 13.
Cambridge University MS. 930, p. 83. 5. Copies of §§ 1 i., ii., and iv.
From Catalogue.
4 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 153. R.O.
2782. [4935.] SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD, WILLIAM KNYGHTE and THOMAS SPINELLY to NORFOLK, FOX, and WOLSEY.
Have advertised the King, by this post, of the news sent by the Archduchess touching the Swiss and the discontent in Britanny. The latter is confirmed by the Bastard of Cleves. Advise that the Lord of Roham be written to. If he place in the King's hands the castle of Brest, it will afford great facilities for landing an army, having Normandy on the one side and Guienne on the other, both open and well victualled countries. Since the conquest of Britanny the French have left the country undefended. The posts hither should be doubled. Mechlin, 4 April 1514. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: To the Right Honorables, &c., my Lords, the Duke of Norfolk, Winchester, and Lincoln.
Hol., p. 1.
4 April.
Vitell. B. II., 71. B.M.
2783. [4936.] SILVESTER BP. OF WORCESTER to WOLSEY.
Has done the utmost he could to expedite his faculty for holding benefices of 2,000l. (obtinendi beneficia pro duobus mil[libus] libris). To have obtained it de integro would have cost 1,000l. Was rejoiced to hear of his promotion to Lincoln, and when ordered to execute his commission, and obtain a diminution of the annates, had done it with as much economy as if it had been his own affair. Is disappointed to find that Wolsey is dissatisfied and complains that De Giglis has spent 1,000 ducats more than usual. He calls God to witness that he has expedited the matter faithfully, and spent more than 50 ducats out of his own purse. Begs he will not credit his maligners. If the account be not correct, will forfeit his head. Hopes to receive some letter to console him. Herewith Wolsey will receive a brief from the Pope. Has written fully to Andreas Ammonius, who will show his letters to Wolsey and Fox. Rome, [4] April 1514. Signed.
Latin, pp. 3. Add.: T., electo Lincolniensi.
5 April.
Ven. Transcr. 179, p. 4. R.O.
2784. DOGE OF VENICE to HENRY VIII.
5 April 1514.—Lately answered his letters and declared how the Signory always desired a reasonable peace with the Emperor. Forced, apparently, by their adversaries, the Pope recently pronounced upon the matter, but not in a way binding to either party. While the conditions are thus in negociation an army of Germans descended into Friuli laying waste town and country, dragging men to torture, death and slavery, and in one village digging out both eyes of 120 poor men and cutting off the two forefingers of others. After acting thus for some days, they besieged Osopo and the Signory, to save Hieronymo Savorgnano, who was defending it, sent succours from Padua, who relieved Osopo and routed the enemy.
Latin. Modern transcript (faulty ?), pp. 3.
Sanuto, XVIII., 110. 2. Contemporary copy of the above.
Latin. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 390.
6 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 230, f. 140. R.O.
2785. FLEMISH GUNNERS.
"The number of the gunners that be come out of Flanders," viz., a list of wages due to 138 gunners (in nine companies) at 6d. a day, for periods of two to 13 days ending 6 April, and for the four days, from 6 April, of their going to Portsmouth, with 2s. for John Hamond, gunner, conveying them to Portsmouth. Signed by Sir Thomas Wyndam.
ii. Acknowledgment of receipt of the money, 6 April 5 Hen. VIII., from Sir John Daunce, signed by Hamond for Cornelius Johnson and himself.
Pp. 2.
Ib., f. 141. 2. Wolsey's order to Sir John Daunce to pay the above. Signed: T. Lincoln.
Small paper, p. 1.
Ib., f. 142.
R.O.
2786. CALAIS ACCOUNTS.
End of an account beginning with payments to Hugh Wylly and John Rawlyns of which all particulars are lost by mutilation. "Item paid to Sir John Tremayll by a bill signed with the hands of all the Council in Calais bearing date the 12th day of November the said 5th year" (amount lost). Item, to Charles Vyllers, by indenture, 12 Dec. 5 Hen. VIII., 109l. 4s. Item, to Sir Nicholas Vaux by four bills signed by him 3 Nov. 1 and 29 Dec. and 26 Jan. 5 Hen. VIII., 296l. 16s. Total payments "to the crews," 1,177l. 8s. 10d.; leaving 526l. 14s. 6d., whereof paid to Ant. Neale, for "reparacions," by indenture 11 Nov. 5 Hen. VIII., 2,040 ducats and 43l. 6s. 8d. st., which make 510l. 16s. 8d. st. Remainder, 15l. 17s. 10d. against which accountant asks 19l. 10s. 6d. for loss in receiving ducats and crowns.
Fragment of a paper roll.
Exch. Accts.,
203 (7). R.O.
2787. THE STAPLE OF CALAIS.
Thirteen sealed (seals broken or lost) receipts by the justices for their fees and rewards of the year ended 6 April 5 Hen. VIII. paid (in accordance with Act of Parliament) by the Staple of Calais: all dated 30 April 7 Hen. VIII., viz.:—
(1) Sir John Fenuex, chief justice of King's Bench and justice of assizes.
(2) Robert Brudenell, justice of K.B. and of assizes.
(3) John Botiller, justice of Common Pleas and of assizes.
(4) Humphrey Conyngysby, justice of K.B. and of assizes.
(5) Elizabeth Fairfax, widow and executrix of Wm. Fairfax, late justice of C.P. and of assizes.
(6) Richard Elyott, justice of C.P. and of assizes, from 26 April 5 Hen. VIII, the date of his patent of appointment, to 6 April following.
(7) The same, as King's serjeant at law and justice of assizes, from 6 April ao 4 to 26 April following.
(8) Lewis Pollard, King's serjeant at law and justice of assizes.
(9) John More, justice of assizes.
(10) John Ernley, King's attorney and justice of assizes.
(11) Guy Palmes, King's serjeant a law, and justice of assizes from 9 May 5 Hen. VIII., the date of his patent of appointment as one of the King's serjeants.
(12) Thomas Pygott, King's serjeant at law, from 9 May 5 Hen. VIII., the date of his patent of appointment.
(13) John Newport, justice of assizes, by pat. 8 April 4 Hen. VIII., for two assizes held between that date and 6 April following.
File of parchments.
7 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 230, f. 144. R.O.
2788. MINT AT TOURNAY.
Receipt, 7 April 5 Hen. VIII., by Wm. Stafford, warden of the Mint in the Tower, from Sir John Daunce, of 40l. for going and coming with coiners and officers of the Mint to the King's "city of Tournay for the ordering and exercising of the King's Mint there."
P. 1.
7 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 154. R.O.
2789. [5770.] THE NAVY.
Warrant, by T. earl of Surrey, to Sir John Danse, for payments for The Mary Emperyall for one month and 17 days, from 1 March to 15 April, to be made to John Blake, the master. Greenwich, 7 April.
P. 1.
7 April.
Vitell. B. XVIII., 80. B.M.
2790. SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to [HENRY VIII.].
Wrote last from this town on the ... inst. The posts are slow. Yesterday, at the Emperor's desire, went with the Earl of Mansfelde and Hans Reynner to the lodging of the Danish Ambassadors to commune on the articles for the marriage of their master and the Lady Isabel, second sister to the Prince of Castile. The dowry to be ... thousand florins of gold payable in three instalments. The Emperor left here this day with an injunction that no one should follow him. He was engaged yesterday in the variance between Swabia and Franconia, which is likely to lead to a war. On 18th ult. the Swiss Diet concluded to serve the Emperor. An ambassador from the Cardinal of Sedonencis is here, who informed Wingfield that the Cardinal had great desire to do Henry service in his enterprise against France and could furnish 10,000 Swiss.
Had written thus far when Mansfelde and Reynner came for him to go to the Danish Ambassadors. Saw their commissions, their King to settle 25,000 fl. a year, the Lady Isabel's dowry to be 250,000 fl. Reynner will ride to the Emperor to-morrow for his approval of the contract. Asked him to remind the Emperor to give Mr. Louis Marroton an answer to the matter contained in Henry's instructions. Expects the Emperor will soon issue his commission to furnish Henry with all things necessary for the enterprise against France. As regards the Cardinal of Sion, Wingfield thinks the Swiss would be glad to serve, for they are discontented with the Pope's pay and afraid that if the truce of the King of Aragon be accepted they will not get the 400,000 crowns they looked for from the French King. It is said they have [se]nt to execution those who were the cause of the [appo]yntment at Dogion (Dijon). Lynce in Ostryk, [7] (fn. 1) April 1514.
Hol., mutilated, pp. 4.
7 April.
Sanuto, XVIII., 160.
2791. VENICE.
[Note of letters received 26 April 1514.]
From Ambassador Dandolo, Paris, 7 April.—The King has told him he will make no agreement that is not to the advantage of the Signory and that he has two practices on hand, one to marry the King of England's sister, the other to give his second daughter to the second born of Burgundy, Ferdinand, and govern Milan until the latter is 13 years of age. The Cardinal of St. Malo has written to him, from St. Malo, that the Scots have routed the English and captured a lieutenant, that the King wishes the King of Spain to renounce, post mortem, the realm of Naples in favour of the said Ferdinand, to whom the King of France will give his daughter with Milan in dote. The King has three armies, viz., in Dauphiné under Bourbon, in Savoy under Zuan Giacomo Triulzi, and against England under—(blank).
Italian. See Venetian Calendar, II, No. 398.
8 April. 2792. ST. PETER'S, GLOUCESTER.
Election of abbot. See GRANTS IN APRIL, 1514 (5 Hen. VIII.), No. 17.
8 April.
Calig. B. III., 25. B.M.
2793. [4951.] DACRE to HENRY VIII.
Promised in his last, sent by post on the 18th March, to let the King know the answer of the gentlemen of the East Marches as to the formation of garrisons for defence of the Borders. It was, however, so small in substance, that he waited for news from Scotland. They wish the King to keep garrisons for their defence and also to give them (the gentlemen) wages. Sends the book by post. On the breaking up of the Council of Scotland on the 5th, the Parliament was "continued" to the 15th May. They have enacted (1), that all fortresses in Scotland shall be delivered to the keeping of the three estates; (2), that the Earl of Crawford shall be chief justice beyond Forth, and the Lord Chamberlain on this side. The bill for the Duke of Albany's restitution was read, but is not yet determined. A herald will be sent to England to demand safe-conduct for ambassadors, on the pretence that some of those mentioned in the last are sick; really to prolong the time till they know if Albany is coming, in which case they will send none. They have despatched Islay herald by the West coast, to invite him to come secretly and be their protector. Wallace, a servant of Albany's, arrived at Leith on Sunday last in a little bark, and was despatched again on Wednesday last "by the narrow see." The Prothonotary sent to Scotland did not pass Coldingham till they knew his message, when he was conveyed to the Chancellor and Bp. of Aberdeen. He will be detained till the 15th May to be answered by Parliament. The Queen has taken her chamber in Stirling Castle. If the French King please to marry her he can have her. Carlisle Castle, 8 April. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: To the King's grace. Endd.
8 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 155. R.O.
2794. [4952.] MAXIMILIAN to MARGARET OF SAVOY.
Has received her letters stating that the King of Aragon's ambassador had advertised her that Quintana had, by Maximilian's commission, arranged a year's truce between the Emperor, Aragon, England, and Charles on the one part, and the King of France on the other. The truth is, he had come and showed certain articles for a peace, which were not satisfactory; but the Emperor agreed that he might negociate for a year's truce provided always that the King of England consented. The ambassador of the King of Aragon has told him in presence of the English ambassador that Quintana had concluded a truce between the Emperor and his confederates and the King of France, for a year. Certain propositions have been made by the said ambassador, Ureas, for a peace; sc., that the King of England should be satisfied with the government of Scotland, France paying his old pension; that France should assist the Emperor to destroy the Venetians and recover Gueldres; and give his daughter Renée to Don Fernando; that he should disavow all claim to Naples, and assist Aragon to keep Navarre.
Ureas also told important reasons for his master's making the truce. Although the Pope has pronounced a peace between the Emperor and the Venetians, he is secretly practising to unite France and the Swiss and make a confederation between himself and them, with the Venetians and all the states of Italy, doing so because France will renounce his claim upon Naples in behalf of Julian, the Pope's brother. Aragon thinks it can only be for this purpose that the Pope is plotting to obtain 10,000 soldiers from the Swiss, and has sent a body of troops to Ancona, and raises 20,000 soldiers, under the pretext of repelling an invasion of Naples by the Turks, For this reason the King of Aragon has concluded the truce without prejudicing the affairs of the Emperor against the Venetians and others. Will write his opinion by next post. The English ambassador writes all the above to his master. Lins, 8 April 1513, avant Pasques. Signed: Per Regem. Countersigned: Renner.
French, pp. 3. Add.
9 April.
Stowe MS. 146, f. 110. B.M.
2795. FURS.
Warrant to Sir John Daunce to pay Thomas Jenyns, serjeant of the Peltry, 54l. 8s. for furs (specified). Greenwich, 13 March 5 Hen. VIII.
Small parchment, p. 1. Endd. with receipt (signed with a mark) dated 9 April 5 Hen. VIII.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 7, f. 157. R.O. 2796. [5771.] THE NAVY.
Bill of Thomas Vaughan, captain of The Fortune of Dover, for a month's wages and victualling, beginning 13 March and ending 9 April; viz., for Thos. Vaughan, capt., 18d. a day; 100 men, at 5s. a month; 16 dedshares; 100 men, at 18d. a week; &c. Subscribed with Surrey's holograph order to Mr. Dawnsy to pay the 68l. 9s. 6d.
ii. Corrected copy of the above apparently subscribed with receipt (much mutilated).
Pp. 2.
9 April.
Galba B. III., 174. B.M.
2797. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD and Others to [HENRY VIII.].
Received his letters of 3 April on the 6th, and made a transumpt in French with certain modifications, which they presented next day to the Archduchess, who stated that the change in the place of interview, from Calais, for the marriage was unknown to the Emperor and had been resolved on by the Council here because Calais seemed too small. They said it was as big as it was at the conclusion of the Treaty. She stated she had written to the Emperor to complete the appointments. To prevent any dissimulation, they demanded a new license, under the seal which she keeps for authorizing all great affairs, to retain "horsemen and other necessaries," which she has referred to her Council. She has written to Tournay requiring the noble to pass for 60 "stuvers" until some conclusion be made with the master of this Prince's mints, who is now in England. She expressed her surprise that the Emperor had wished the English ambassador resident to advise Henry to enter the truce, and said she had received, when at Brussels, a letter from him mentioning the arrival of Quintana for a general peace [and he had asked her] whether he should give it a hearing. Berghis was then absent from Brussells, on account of the death of his son. In the absence of councillors, she wrote in her own hand two letters urging the Emperor to remember his promises made to England and not to be guilty of deceit to one who never used it; that she wondered he should listen to the King of Aragon who had never credit with him before; that Aragon was safe from all danger by the mountains and England by the seas and the injury would fall on him.
After the two letters were directed she moved from Brussells to Mechlin, where De Berghez and the rest of the Council assembled, by whose advice Nassau and Chevres were called to council upon the Emperor's letter and all advised answering as she had done; and a third letter was then sent. The Ambassador of Aragon had told her that the French King offered to give in marriage to the Prince of Castile the Lady Claude, "which Lady is impotent, halteth and is naturally deformed"; also that the King of England would be satisfied for the injuries done him by the truce, if the marriage of my Lady Princess effectually proceeded. She thought the business of Hungary, by which the Emperor excused his coming down, was feigned; and that he would soon come and would nowise enter the truce; also that he would consider the taking of Arnhem by the Duke of Gueldres was instigated by the French. She said a rumour was circulated that the King would make the Prince of Castile a prisoner in Calais, and that her war preparations were intended against Ghent. Lord Fiennes had been active in suppressing these bruits. As they were despatching a post she sent word that letters had come from the Emperor; on which Sir Thomas Spinelly went to learn news and "found her at mass very joyful." She appointed them audience at 2 p.m., and on their coming they found the President of the Council and Governor of Brexte with her. The President declared, in answer to Henry's letters delivered the day before, that the motion for the marriage in another town than Calais was because of the smallness of Calais; that my Lady would do the best in her power for the retinue of horsemen and that no further licence was needed, but she could not give it under the seal, as it would be a breach of the neutrality, and that she had made provision for the value of money, as above written. She read them the letters from the Emperor; and delivered them to be sent into England, on condition that they should be returned by next post. The cancelled clause in the end only refers to Don John of Aragon. Maroton has written to the same effect, that no peace will be made with France without the expressed consent of England. The Emperor draws hitherward. She read them the two letters devised by her at Brussels warning the Emperor not to be abused by Aragon, but take this opportunity to assure this house, which might not recur in 500 years. Beg to have powers for retaining such captains as the King wishes. The Archduchess said that to secure the truce, France offered his youngest daughter; and to resign his titles of Naples and Milan. Mons. Louis Marlion has shown Spinelly that the Ambassador of Aragon in his oration to the Duke of Milan advised him to obey the Emperor and keep up good intelligence with the Swiss; and if he wanted to marry to take one of the Prince of Castile's sisters, which is a proof of his master's good meaning. Sir Richard Wingfield has posted archers at Dunkirk and Gravelyn to prevent the posts being intercepted by the French. Mechlin, 9 April.
Added in Wingfield's hand: Their last letters were dated the 6th. Enclose the transumpt they showed of the King's last letters and a letter from Serychze containing news out of Normandy. Signed: R. Wyngfeld, William Knyghte, Thomas Spyn[elly].
Pp. 14, mutilated.
10 April.
S.P. Hen. VIII., 230, f. 145. R.O.
2798. VICTUALLING.
Receipt, 10 April 5 Hen. VIII., by John Ricrofte, serjeant of the Larder, from Sir John Daunce, of 1,000l. towards provision of malt, wheat, beans and oats.
P. 1.
Stowe MS. 146, f. 111. B.M. 2799. FLAGS AND BANNERS.
Bill, 8 April 5 Hen. VIII., witnessing receipt, by Wm. Gonson from John Brown, painter, of seven banners of linen cloth and buckram painted with divers arms, to be delivered to Sir Thomas Wyndam and "divided among the King's ships."
Hol, p. 1.
Stowe MS.
146, f. 112. B.M.
2. Bill of John Brown, the King's painter, for a streamer 51 yards long fringed with Cadow fringe and other streamers, banners and flags (described) supplied to the King's royal ship called the Henry Grace a Dieu, 10 April (in margin Spert), to the Gabriel Royal, 5 April (in margin, John Ravon) and to Wm. Gonson 8 April 5 Hen. VIII. (as in § 1); and also for 60 staves for the King's great ship made by Wm. Heyward, joiner. Total, 97l. 9s. 4d.
ii. Subscribed with Browne's receipt (signed with his mark) 26 April 6 Hen. VIII.
Pp. 3. Endd. with a note of instalments of the payment received beforehand.
Ib., f. 114. 3. List of the ten banners for the Henry Grace a Dieu, as received from John Brown, "by me Thomas Spertt, m. of ye H. Gresse Dew."
P. 1.
Ib., f. 136. 4. The earl of Surrey's order to Brown to deliver to John Ravon, purser of the Gabriel Royal, streamers and banners (specified) made for her. Signed.
Small paper, p. 1.
S.P. Hen. VIII.,
7, f. 159. R.O.
5. [4954.] Modern copy of § 2 i. described as "Ex orig. penes T. Astle." Followed by extracts, from bills of Vincent Vulp, John Bolt, Cornelius Johnson and others, taken from originals in Astle's possession.
Pp. 6.
10 April.
Galba B. III., 181. B.M.
2800. [4955.] SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD and Others to the KING'S AMBASSADORS at ROME.
The King has been informed of the practices of the King of Aragon made, at the French King's request, to the Emperor, and rejected, as will appear by the copy (enclosed) of a letter written by the Emperor to the Archduchess. To extinguish the phantasies of the King of Aragon, they think the Pope should write to the Emperor, justifying himself, that he never intended to invade Naples or injure the confederates of the Church; and the ambassadors should exhort the Pope to make the Venetians keep the appointment he concluded between the Emperor and them, and persuade the Swiss to continue in their ill opinions of the French. All the old enmities between the Kings of France and Aragon are put in oblivion by the subtle wit of the King of Aragon; but if the Pope will follow the King's advice he may frustrate the designs of Aragon on Italy. The Pope should not grudge the prosperity of the King of England, as he has been and ever shall be an obedient son to the See Apostolic. Requests them to keep secret from all except the Pope, and especially from Cardinal Gurcke, the letter to the Archduchess. The post will be with them in 11 days. Are making great provision of troops. Mechlin, 10 April 1514.
Signed: Richard Wyngfeld, William Knight, Thomas Spynnelly. Superscribed: Reverendissimo, &c., Christofero tit. S. Praxedis, etc., Cardinali Angliæ ac Rev., etc., Sil. Wigorniensi Episcopo Christianissimi Regis Angliæ et Franciæ oratoribus.
Copy, pp. 3. Mutilated. Endorsed by Spinelly's clerk: "Copy of the letter written to Rome to the King's ambassadors there by those being with the Lady Archduchess."

Footnotes

  • 1. Headed in a modern hand 7 April.