Henry VIII: March 1536, 11-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

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'Henry VIII: March 1536, 11-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536, (London, 1887) pp. 182-195. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp182-195 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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March 1536, 11-15

12 March. 452. Archbishopric of Dublin.
See Grants in March, Nos. 20, 23, and 47.
12 March.
R. O. St. P. i. 454.
453. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
I was lately informed that the King wished to make Wales shire ground, and have justices of the peace and gaol delivery as in England. I cannot do less than declare my mind in one point, especially "as in trial of felons; for if they may come to their trials at home, where one thief shall try another, as before the last statute in that party provided they did, then that as we here have begun is fordone." You cannot do the Welshmen more pleasure than to break that statute. I would I had an hour to speak my mind to you. I think it not expedient to have justices of the peace and gaol delivery in Wales, for there are very few Welsh in Wales above Brecknock who have 10l. land, and their discretion is less than their land. As there is yet some bearing of thieves by gentlemen, if this statute go forward, you will have no other but bearing and little justice, as you may judge by the demeanour of Merionethshire and Cardiganshire; for though they are shire ground they are as ill as the worst part of Wales. I trust you will keep the former statute provided for Wales, as for bearing of weapons, &c., by which you will be assured of the good rule which is now begun.
John Trevor, of Oswestry, gentleman, who was sent for to the Council for assisting to burn a man's house in Chirkland, and through negligence made his escape, has gone to the wood with Robt. ap Morice, condemned for resetting of David Lloide or Place. If suit be made to the King for their pardon, please to stop the same. Ludlow, 12 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
12 March.
R. O.
454. Jane Bassett to Lady Lisle.
I have received your letter and the stuff from Sir John Bonde by a bill, viz., flock and feather beds, bolsters, pillows, cushions, and coverlets. He says they are as he received them, but some of them are not able to bear handling to be carried into the wind. I have no leisure now, as the "tabellary" is so hasty in going away, but in my next letter I will send an inventory. Speaks about the heifers in the park. The miller complains that if the water is not stopped his mill will stand still. The vicar and John Davy say it must be made. Asks lady Lisle to write to her, and not them, about this. Few letters reach her but are opened beforehand.
Your chapel stands unserved, except that the vicar causes one mass a week to be said, which is of his devotion. An honest priest has offered to serve for 40s. a year, "because he will be quiet to serve God, and he will mend your bedding and other such stuff." I thank you for your tokens by my cousin Chechester and Ric. Herrys. Commend me to my brethren and sisters. Umberley, 12 March.
Hol., pp. 2. Add.
12 March.
R. O.
455. Jenne de Saveuses (Madame de Riou) to Lady Lisle.
I returned on Friday night from my journey. Your daughter (fn. 1) has continued well; "a laquelle jay fait voir touplain de pays et de bonnes compaignies," by whom she is thought handsome and de bonne sorte. We are both anxious for news of you. On our journey we saw the Holy Tear of our Lord; and I would have sent you some tokens but that our coffers have not yet come. Mons. de Ryou joins in commendations to my Lord and you. Pont de Remy, 12 March. Signed.
I send you the bill of the necklace (jaseran) which I have got made for your daughter. It can be put on the head or round the waist at pleasure.
Fr., p. 1. Add.: "Madame de Lisle, a Cailles."
ii. On the back of the preceding is the following draft of lady Lisle's reply:—
"After recommendations, being glad of her good return and good fortune in all her voyage; beseeching not to take it in ill part because I have not sent you fish this Lenton as I have done. It is by default that the King's money is not come this time as it hath been accustomed, and I knew not how to have it carried unto you. Madame, I will send you by my servant Jehan Smyth as well the money of such parties as it pleased you to lay out for my daughter before she were forth with you, as also that for the jaseran, for the which I heartily thank you. I cannot enough thank you for the great pain you have with her, and for the goodness that ye show always unto her. And I am very well content, for your honor, to buy her anything that she needeth of, so that she take pain to please you. Monsieur and I would gladly know where we may do you any pleasure or service."
12 March.
R. O.
456. Anne Basset to Lady Lisle.
Is glad to find on her return her mother's letters, and to know that she is well. In conformity with her letter Madame de Ryon has procured the writer a beautiful jaseran. (fn. 2) She sends you the bill of costs. If you remit the money in crowns, send them full weight. We returned four days ago from our trip. Pont de Remy, 12 March.
On second thoughts, make my humble respects to his Lordship. Signed.
Fr., p. 1. Add.
12 March.
Cleop. E. vi. 294. B. M. Burnet vi. 158. Strype's Eccl. M. i. ii. 239.
457. The German Protestants.
Answer of the King's ambassadors to the duke of Saxony and the landgrave of Hesse. [See Vol. IX., Nos. 1014–16.]
The King approves of articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13. Though they contain some things which he would not easily grant even to great princes, he will consent to them in this case, knowing that their intention is for a true reformation of the Church. To the third he wishes an addition made, forbidding either party to agree to a council without the other. To the 9th he wishes it to be added that neither party shall allow its servants or subjects to fight against the other, or assist those who are attempting to invade or injure the other.
In reply to the 10th article, the King doubts not the confederates see that he is under no necessity for his own part to meddle in their defence. England is most peaceable and quiet, and neither the Emperor, the bishop of Rome, nor any other foreign prince has any ground of quarrel with him; and even if he feared their hostility all calumnies are now removed by the death of a woman. But to show his zeal for the reformation of the Church he will contribute 100,000 cr. for the defence of the League, with certain stipulations for surety (here subjoined). The King is much pleased with articles 1, 2, and 7, and with the honor they have conferred upon him above all princes in calling him to be protector of their religion. Accepts the title subject to arrangement about articles 1 and 2.
Henry desires in return three things of no great cost or difficulty:— 1, that in case he be invaded they will furnish him with 500 horse, or 10 ships arrayed for war, at his choice; 2, that they will also retain, at his cost, as many horse and foot as he shall require, to the number of 2,000 horse and 5,000 foot, or, instead of the latter, let him hire 12 ships of them; 3, that they will take upon them, in all future Councils and elsewhere, to defend the opinions of Dr. Martin [Luther], Justus Jonas, Cruciger, Pomeranus, and Melancthon, on the King's marriage.
2. A Latin version of the preceding (imperfect at the beginning) is printed in the Corpus Reformatorum iii. 46. It is dated "Wittenbergæ in Dominica Reminiscere, (fn. 3) 1536."
[12 Mar.]
Vit. B. xxi. 141. B. M.
458. Thos. Tebold to [Earl of Wiltshire].
"Please it your Lordship to understand . . . . . . . . . . . . I have received your most loving letters wh . . . . . . . . . . . of Reygnard Wolfe, for the which I most ho . . . . . . . . . . . Lordship, praying God to give me that power aug . . . . . . . . . . may once with my service and diligent endeavour reco[mpense] your great goodness, to the which my heart shall never . . . . . [de]syrying your Lordship to continue this your good w[ill tow]erd me so long as you shall perceive me most willing [and] diligent to accomplish your pleasure, and to do that thy[ng] which I shall judge to be acceptable to you."
This money came to me happily for two causes, because I fear war and because I have spent much in riding to Norenberg, Wy[ten]berg, Augusta, and Ulmes, from all which places I have written to you. I have had letters of commendation to the learned men there. It is costly at Tubynge, for you desired me to haunt the acquaintance of the best, and I am familiarly acquainted with the bishop of the town, the bishop and reformator of the whole country, the governor of the town, and most of the professors, being better esteemed than perhaps I am worthy, and of more credit than it becomes me to rehearse. The expense has not been very great, for I had not more than 30 li. in bank at leaving England, and I have come a long journey, not knowing the language, and stopped on my way at Collen, Franckford, and Heydylberg, where the Palsgrave was married, besides being sick for five or six weeks. I have also bought books and raiment, and made journeys to Wyttemberge, Ausborge, and Noremberg, which cost me about seven weeks, and there are also my commons at Tubyng. I reckon the money well bestowed, for I have seen most of the chiefest cities in Almayne, and spoken with many of the best learned men. I could now travel to all these parts without a guide, and, if you were disposed, could cause works both in divinity and other subjects to be dedicated to you. You commanded me to tell you how I have profited in the Almain tongue and the Latin tongue, and al[though] I have tarried but little in one place since my coming . . . . . . . . . . . . "kn . . . . . . . . . . . . [un]derstand the most part what the * * * I un . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . he speaketh more and better th . . . . . . . . . .but that is but for lack of use, which, God willing, I will shortly . . . . . . . . my return recover. Further, your Lordship may demand of Reygnard W[olfe] . . . . . . . . . . . . yn tongue I have had no great time or rest since my coming hither to have yn . . . . . . . . . . . re than I had before when I was in Lovayne by reason . . . . . . . . . . use in speaking Latin that I had there the Latin tongue . . . . . . . . . . . as familiar unto me as English, and I had as leve have [spoken] Latin as English;" but my being in France and learning French has made me less prompt, but a little use will make me prompter. I think, however, that I speak as readily as the common sort here, and I have daily communication with the best learned men, who commonly speak not all the readiest for lack of use. I will diligently labour at these two tongues. As for uttering my mind in speaking, I do not fear to whom I speak, not for excellency, but for true Latin, without studying or stumbling. As to leaving Tubyng, which you refer to my decision, I shall not depart this summer, because at Strosborge, where I intended to have gone, they begin to die of the pestilence, and I had rather go there toward winter. Another cause is that a young kinsman of Mons. de Langie has come here to study Latin and Dutch, having lived with Melancthon for a year at Wittenberg, and also at Nurenberg for a year. Langie has obtained 500 cr. a year for him from the King to stay at Tubing, and resort to the duke of Wirtemberg and others, who will communicate with the King through him. I expect to obtain news through him, and we intend to have private masters to read Dutch and good Latin authors. The Duke has given him a goodly lodging. He was lately with the dukes of Bavaria, from whom he had 100 cr. as a reward. He tells me that one of them has not forsaken the French king, and that the other wavers. If this is true, I suspect there is not such earnest hatred between them and our Duke as they pretend, but the rumour was spread that they might have occasion to muster and view their people. The truth will come out if the Emperor and French king once meddle earnestly together. The people of Bavare are esteemed the worst men of war in Dutchland and * * * "of the own . . . I saw not two parsons off refuse . . . . . . . . . . . y met to war. I never saw greater and stronger people and bett[er] . . . . . . . . . . nerallye, wearing their harness and bearing their p . . . . . . . . bardes and hand guns, triumphing in the way as the[y went, inso]much that a man would think they were lanceknights [brought] up and exercised all their life in war. When they w[ere assem]bled all afore the governour of the town he made a sm[all orai]son to them in Dutch, showing them that the Prince desired nor intended war against no man, but to live quietly in peace [with] his well-beloved subjects, notwithstanding he was adve[rtised] of certain envies which privately had conspired agai[nst] him and them, which suddenly would invade them unawares, and f . . . . them . . . . to provide against this great danger in time, he had cause[d] them to assemble to give them warning to be in readiness," giving every man an oath not to leave the country without licence. He desired them to be of good courage, for he would demand no money of his subjects, for he had plenty of money, wine and victuals, and friends to take his part. They were then ordered to go to the Prince's castle, and fetch as much wine and bread as they would. They brought the wine in pails and tubs, and quaffed merrily till they were drunk. The governor's good words and this liberality set these rustics so on fire and in love with their Duke that they desired nothing else but war, being content to go whither their Prince would. When the Prince goes to war he gives no wages to his subjects, but only meat and drink, and that slenderly, except when they are going to fight, when they have their bellies full of good wine. The duchy can raise nearly 30,000 foot and 300 or 400 horse. I think our Duke favours the French king, but he dissembles, for the Emperor is proving all his friends, and has commanded that whoever goes out of the Empire to help the French king shall never return except he be content to lose his head and his goods. I think this is because the Emperor demands Milan in his own name; "but for the . . . . . . . it is thought here that the Pope is in league with the . . . . . . . . . . . . and the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . last letter to you it * * * themperor, howbeit some r . . . . . . . . [fa]vor in their heart on this matter the French king, for themper[or has] too much power already in Italy. The Emperor could not use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . more for his profit than at this time to be pre . . . . . . . . . . . partly to establish them in Naples . . . . . . . . . thought somewhat to favor the French king, and further . . . make amity and accord with the other princes of Italy, at least [to] find the means that they do not meddle against him." It is thought that the Turk is procured to come on the other side against the Emperor. The French king has a good beginning for the invasion of Milan, for he has invaded great part of the lands of the duke of Savoy and the city of Berne. We hear that the duke of Savoy has fled to Milan. I enclose a copy of a letter from a preacher in the army of Berne to my host, who is preacher of Tubyng. Berne is one of the 12 confederated villages or cantons of Switzerland, and can raise 30,000 men born there, having 30 earldoms and 10 seniories. Shaffhowse, another canton, can make 15,000 or 16,000, and Friburg as many. Basyle is also one of their cantons. Strosborought, an imperial city, has no great country nor possessions, but there is no city in Almain so strong, and they are rich enough to support 30,000 men for two years, and have victuals to keep the city for four years. The strength of the 60 cities and 10 Imperials, besides the princes and bishops of the Empire, is very great. At my departure from Tubyng, I asked the bishop and reformator general of our duchy whether he would give me any commands for Franckforde or Strosborg. "Then he asked me if I had any acquaintance with Bucerus and . . . . . . and other learned men there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . said he * * * with him . . . . articles of the French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n in receiving the Gospel sent to our Duke of late by an ambassador from him, which articles the Duke sent to him, requiring him with all speed to ma[ke] answer to them, which I read also, very clerkly written, condemning all their petitions as fantasies, follies, and great dissimula[tions] . . . . . . . . . . . in words to have the name of an evan[gelist] . . . . . . . . . . . follow it and express it in deed, for he will . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in a manner as afore both in the Pope, cery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . men, and divers other articles by the which he . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hatred in Almain than favour. But all men mock . . . . . . . . ambassy at Smalcaldia, concerning his petitions for . . . . . . the Gospel, and so they did likewise at Noremberg, as I [wrote] to your Lordship at large from thence."
Gives an account of the hospitality shown to him by the son of the Margrave (fn. 4) of Baden at Phorseyne (Pforzheim), whose acquaintance he had made at Orleans. Supped at his castle, where his father, who is very old and sickly, has his lodging apart. "After much communication of many matters of France . . . . . . . . and by occasion I moved communication of war between . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mas he said his father had * * * that it was thought the Emperor should have from . . . . . . . . . . . . subjects in Almain 11,000 horsemen, but of . . . . . . . . . . . he said he was sure, adding that 1,000 of them . . . . . . . . of the Palsgrave's provision, and 1,000 should [come] from about Colleyne." He said the French king would not have as many as he trusted and was promised, because of this strait command of the Emperor that all lanzknechts going to the French king should lose their heads, pretending that this war is in the name of the empire. Some who would have gone to the French king have already been hanged. He has sent to the Almain gentlemen and lanzknechts already in France, that if they will return at once they shall have favor and pardon, but if not their goods shall be confiscated, and they shall lose their heads if they ever return. They mentioned a baron and a gentleman or two who have already returned. Asked whether the earl of Furstenberge would return, who is chief for the French king in these parts, and an old captain of his. They said he had nothing to lose, and did not care to return; but I have since heard that his brother has taken possession of a seniory of his. He said he was sure that the French king had not more than 6,000 or 7,000 lanzknechts, though the report is that he has 20,000, for as many would have gone to him if they had not been forbidden. Every one says they would rather serve the King than the Emperor, for the former gives more wages and pays them better, though he does the contrary with his own subjects. After supper the Prince led me over his court. The buildings are about as large as my lord of Canterbury's place at Otford, but not so goodly. It is very old. He showed me his great guns, harness, hand guns, &c. * * * ". . . ller that ever I saw, yet I saw a very goodly one . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . castle at Wyttenberg, he showed me that th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ed in his father's court 200 or 300 pars[ons] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as goodly horses as ever I saw." He invited me to stay with him when I would. Great part of his lands lie beside Basele. I think he is of kin to the Emperor by his father, and to the dukes of Brande[nburg] by his mother. His father is a great papist, but I think he is in[diff]erent, for when he showed me his father's artillery, in which he has great pleasure, "I said to him in French that if I were in his taking I would have twice as many as there were and better, which should cost no great money. And he asked me how? And I said when his father died I would visit abbeys and religious houses where were many bells that did serve for no other purpose but to ring to dinner and supper, and to hypocrisy and superstition, with the which he might furnish himself in guns and hackbutts abundantly to defend his country, and with the monks' possessions he might bring up learned men to be of his council, for his great profit and the country, likewise to nourish with the said possessions also a great many of horsemen, in the which is all their pleasure, &c. At the which he fell in a great laughter that he could scarce stand; wherefore his gentlemen and doctors desired greatly to know what I said, but he would not tell them, forbidding me also to show them, for he would for [no] good that it should come to his father's ear that he rejoiced in such a matter." We hear by posts from Lyons that the French king has assembled more than 100,000 persons there. It is generally thought that our King and the Pope are helping him. These Brabantynes and Flemyngs do most ungoodly rail a[gainst] England and the King, and desire war with us, "saying that our King his grace is covy[to]use and layeth up money for them. This, with many other railing wor[ds], they use in all companies. Merchants of these high parts hath . . . . . . . . times of it, greatly mocking them becau[se] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yevel men of * * * that they know us no more.
". . . . . . . . . to understand that at this present I spake with two merchants of . . . . . . . . of my old acquaintance which do occupy much to . . . . . . . . lly to Lyone, wherefore the merchants having a post . . . . . . . . . showed me that they were certified in letters from thence, that [the French] king had lately viewed his host," and had given to William [earl] of Furstenberg, the captain of the lanceknights (6,000 or 7,000 in number), a chain of gold worth 1,000 cr., a chain to all the other captains, and a crown to each lanceknight. Earl Frederick, brother to earl William, will be captain for the Emperor of 4,000 horse and 10,000 lanceknights. They showed me a tale of the Pope's treason against the Emperor such as I wrote before. The people here commonly favor the Emperor, especially the Imperial cities, for the Emperor pretends that he is warring for the profit of the empire, "and to subdue to them and not to himself." They say that he intends to make Florence a city Imperial; but I fear he will keep his conquests for himself, as Philip, the father of Alexander the Great, did. A mad foolish fellow and unlearned, named Cochlæus, who is with duke Frederick, the brother or uncle of the duke of Saxony, has madly and railingly written against the King for the death of More and Fisher and other matters. Your Lordship shall receive the book from Reygnard Wolfe. Among learned men Cochlæus is esteemed not only unlearned, but foolish, mad, and fantastical, but his book doth and will do hurt. I marvel that no answer is made to Erasmus' epistle (fn. 5) for More and Fisher.
Sends an epistle of Clement Marrott, an excellent French poet, who has fled from France for the Gospel. We hear from these merchants that the Emperor will have 1,000 horse from about Gulyk, July, and Luke, who are only waiting for certainty of their stipend, and that worthily, for in their last journey for the Emperor they spent all they had, and received no recompense.
There are no new maps or pictures. If there were, I would send them. As for books, you shall . . . . . . . . . [Wol]fe such as * * * . . . . e Sundaye.
Hol., pp. 8. Mutilated. The address is written on the back of § 2, which is the enclosure referred to in the letter (see p. 186).
2. — to —.
Vit. B. xxi. 126. B. M. " . . . . ph . . . g . . . . viro . . . . . . . . . . . . . præceptori suo imprimis observa[ndo].
"Virorum doctissime, præceptor Mæcenasque observand. C . . . . . . . . . . . . et id ob tua in me collata beneficia cum in Casmeto ubi ag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dio ubi addictus eram in sacrificulum pontificium, de quo ego per . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . et ad Christum conversus cui honor in sæcula. Qua de re, cum . . . . . . . . . . . et scribendi temporis ratio se offert, non possum te mo . . . . . . . . . . . . tate incomptis hiis literis te non salutare. Novi enim te non modo literas . . . . . . . . . . . . sed fratris affectum penes te indicare, vir ornatissime. Relligio nostra . . . . . . . . . et pie agitur, ac numerus indies crescit piorum, licet invitis impior[um] . . . . . . ." Gives particulars of the war between the people of Berne and the duke of Savoy, the writer being a preacher in the Bernese army. The Duke's army was defeated at Morse; and the whole of Savoy, to Clusa and Mount Syon, is in the power of the Bernese, and Valaise and Friburg have become their friends. The king of France has taken, on the other side of Mount Syon, Romele (Rumilly), Salenau (Sallanches ?), . . . . . bee, and Schamerie (Chambery), where he has set up his arms instead of the Duke's. They have also defeated a baron of Lacerra (La Sarra), at Yfferten (Yverdon), and are returning home victorious. A general diet will be held at Lausanne on 26 March.
"Ex . . . . . . . prope Bernam Helvetiorum urbem," 1536, 12 March.
Lat. Mutilated, p. 1. Add. in a different hand: To the most honourable and his singular good lord, my lord the earl of Wylsher and of Ormonde."
12 March.
R. O.
459. George Earl of Shrewsbury to Henry VIII.
Thanks him for allowing Dr. Buttes to attend him in his "nowe dysease." The earl of Northumberland has sold to the King and others a good parcel of his lands, and if any Act should pass in this Parliament about it there will be danger of my lady of Northumberland, the writer's daughter, losing her living. Asks the King not to give his assent to such an Act till his daughter is provided for. Hansworth, 12 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
13 March.
R. O.
460. G. Earl of Shrewsbury to Cromwell.
The earl of Northumberland has married the writer's daughter, who is therefore by law entitled to dower of all Northumberland's lands at the time of espousal. Hears that Northumberland has parted with much of his land to the King and others, and "that Acts shall pass this Parliament," whereby his daughter shall be defeated of her dower in the lands, to her utter undoing, as she has no jointure or other living. Begs Cromwell's favor with the King that she may be provided for. Credence for his son Francis. Hannysworth, 13 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
13 March.
R. O.
461. Chr. Jenny to Cromwell.
I beg your aid in keeping Saham lands. The failing to give sureties is no sufficient reason for taking them from me, as I have shown you. I do not so much regard the lands as the dishonor of parting from them, and the great loss at my mother-in-law's hands. As I have held it for one year, and taken the profits by the assent of Smith, the executor, and made leases for 10 years, it will be a shame for me to lose it. God forgive them that moved you to this. It lies meet for no man but me and my lord of Wiltshire. I must defend my claim. Let me have your assistance in this. 13 March. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
13 March.
Cleop. E. iv. 110. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 36. Excepta Historica, 290.
462. Thos. Dorset to Mr. Horsewell, (fn. 6) Mayor of Plymouth, and others.
The day after Mr. Hawkins departed hence I went, as an idler, to Lambeth, to learn the news, and took a wherry at Paul's wharf, wherein was already Dr. Creukehorne, sent for to come to the bishop of Canterbury. And he, before the bishops of Canterbury, Worcester, and Salisbury, confessed that he was rapt into Heaven, where he saw the Trinity sitting in a blue pall, mantle or cope. From the middle upwards they were three bodies, and downwards but one body with two legs. He spoke with Our Lady, who took him by the hand, and bade him serve her as he had done in the past, and that she would be honored at Ipswich and Willesden as of old "ne forte." My lord of Canterbury "apposed him nerre," when he made but a weak answer, and was told to come again the second day after. This he did, and at last denied his vision. He offered to prove Purgatory by a verse in the Psalter, but failed. One Lambert, within seven days after, was "detect of heresy" to the three bishops for saying it was sin to pray to saints. The bishops could not say it was necessary, but he might not make sin of it. If he would have agreed to this he might have gone; but he refused, and was committed to the porter's lodge from that Monday till Friday night, when he was set at large. He came back again next day, to know the Bishop's pleasure, whether he were all free or not, when they opposed him again. He stood firm, and they could find by no Scripture that we ought to do it. The bishop of Worcester was most extreme against him, and he was sent to ward again. Next morning, Sunday, they sent him and his articles to my Lord Chancellor, and there he remains in prison. My lords of Norfolk and Essex, and the countess of Oxford, wrote to these bishops against him; and it is supposed they handled him so to please them, which has done great hurt to the truth. Dr. Heynis preaches before the King every Wednesday this Lent: and on Wednesday in the Ymbre he said in his sermon that God hath brought the truth of his word to light, and princes be the ministers of it to set it forward, "and yet is nothing regarded, and make of him but a Christmas king." On Tuesday the same week the bishop of Rochester came to the Crutched Friars, and inhibited a doctor and three or four others to hear confessions, "and set in Cardmaker and oder in their places." Then came the bishop of London's apparitor, and railed on the other bishop, declaring he should have no jurisdiction within his Lord's precinet. The bishop of London was sent for on Thursday to make answer to this, but was sick, and could not come. On Friday afternoon the clergy discussed it in Convocation, but left it till another day. On Sunday last the bishop of Worcester preached at Paul's Cross, declaring that bishops, abbots, priors, priests, and all were strong thieves; yea, dukes, lords, and all. The King, he said, made a marvellous good Act of Parliament, that certain men should sow, each of them, two acres of hemp; "but it were all too little were it so much more to hang the thieves that be in England." Bishops and abbots should not have so many servants or so many dishes, but go to their first foundation, and feed the needy, "not jolly fellows with golden chains and velvet gowns, ne let them not once come into the houses of religion for repast; let them call knave bishop, knave abbot, knave prior, yet feed none of them all, nor their horses, nor their dogs, nor ye set men at liberty also to eat flesh and white meat in the Lent, so that it be done without hurting of weak consciences and without sedition, and likewise on Friday and all days. The bishop of Canterbury saith that the King's grace is at a full point for friars and chantry priests, that they shall away all that, saving tho that can preach. Then one said to the Bishop that they had good trust that they should serve forth their lifetimes, and he said they should serve it out at cart then, for any other service they should have by that."
On Saturday in the Ember week the King came in among the burgesses in the Parliament, and delivered them a Bill, which he desired them to weigh in conscience, and not to pass it because he gave it in, but to see if it be for the common weal of his subjects. On Wednesday next he will be there again to know their minds. "There shall be a proviso made for poor people, the gaols shall be rid, the faulty shall die, and the other shall be acquit by proclamation or by jury, and shall be set at liberty and pay no fees; and sturdy beggars and such prisoners as cannot be set awork shall be set awork at the King's charge, some at Dover and some at the place where the water hath broken in on the land." Idlers are to be brought before justices; and if taken again, their dwelling shall be found out, and they burnt in the hand; if taken a third time, they shall die. "This said [a] burgis of the Parliament." Sanctuary is not to be allowed for debt, murder, or felony, either at St. Martin's, St. Katharine's, or elsewhere. Written in haste, 13 March.
Hol., pp. 3. Headed: To the right worshipful Mr. Horsewell, mayor, Mr. Elyete, (fn. 7) Mr. Hawkyns, (fn. 8) and William Aishryg, of Plommourth, their bounden and beholden Thomas Dorset, curate of St. Margaret in Lothbury, in London, sendeth greeting and good health in our Lord Jesu Christ. Amen."
Add.: To the right worshipful Master Horswell. Endd.: The certificate of Thomas Dorsett, vicar (fn. 9) of St. Margaret's of Lothbere, in London, to the mayor of Plymouth, and others.
13 March. 463. Pierre de Castelnau.
See Grants in March, No. 24.
13 March. 464. Ralph Sadler.
See Grants in March, No. 26.
13 March.
R. O.
465. Anne Rouaud (Madame de Bours) to Lady Lisle.
My son Montmorency has been lately presented with an otour (goshawk), which I send you because I have heard you wished to have one. I thank you very much for the goudinal which you have been good enough to send to me and my daughter d'Azincourt. Your daughter is well. I shall give her what she stands in need of, as you write, and you may be sure I shall treat her like my own daughter, she is so good. I wish I could be with you and her also an hour a day. For 10 or 12 days I have been obliged to bring Mons. de Bours and all our household to this town, for fear of the evil times (du mavois tans), much to my disappointment. Abbeville, 13 March.
Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: A Callais.
ii. On the back of the preceding is a draft answer from lady Lisle, to the following effect:—"After recommendations to my Lord and Lady, I thank you for the goodness at all times showed to my daughter. And I am sorry that ye have not sent me the partes (fn. 10) that ye have laid out for my daughter, to th'end that I might have sent you money. I have sent you, by my servant John Smyth, some money, but I know not if it be enough. Wherefore, I pray you send me the parties, and if they amount more I will send you the rest." Thanks Mons. de Montmorency for his hawk. Is sorry she has at present neither lanner nor good greyhound to send him in return, but next year hopes to get her friends in England to recompense him. Sends lady d'Azincourt "du drap blank for her child that she beareth." God make her a glad mother. "I sent her a girdle that hath been about the body of St. Rose." Sorry I could get no carriage to send you sprats and other fish this Lent. The horses that brought the King's money used to bring the fish, but they have not brought the money yet. I am content that my daughter have anything she lacks, so it be for your honor, and I will repay it with much thanks. "It displease me greatly the war that is apparent, for your sake as much as it were for myself, trusting in God some good appointment shall be made that it shall cease."
13 March.
R. O.
466. Mary Basset to Lady Lisle.
Is glad to hear that Madame de Bours has sent to her to learn the news. Thanks her for 27 pearls and a crown. Sends a pair of knives to put in her cabinet, as she has none of the same make. Madame de Bours has paid my teacher of the spinet at Gaissart, and taken another in this town. Has paid only 10 sous to the schoolmaster that teaches her to read and to write. Madame de Bours has not yet had my satin gown trimmed, having had so much to do, but she will have it done by Easter, and she will look out a good spinet. She always takes so much trouble for me. She has not yet sent you the bills, but if you will send a person you shall have them all. The bearer is one of the Court servants. When we go into the country he attends Madame's coach. I recommend him to you as one to whom I have always promised to make a present. I have been with my sister at Pondremy, and brought her the letters. Abbeville, 13 March.
Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.
13 March.
R. O.
467. Mary Basset to Philippa [Basset].
Wishes to hear of her and her other sisters. If she had her will would be with them an hour every day to teach them to talk French. Likes this country so much that if she could only see her mother frequently she would never care to return to England. I send you a green velvet purse, a little pot for my sister Françoise, (fn. 11) a gospel for Katharine, and a parrot for my father, as he is fond of birds. Begs she will present it, and ask him to send her something pretty for this Easter. There is a gentleman here, named Philip, who for your name's sake sends you a little pannier. I had promised him a bow, which I beg you will get Madame to send by bearer. I owe some shoes to the "demoiselle qui garde mes besognes." I lost them to her at play. I should like my mother to send them. I have not yet made any present to the femme de chambre of Madame. Would like something to give her. Sends commendations to her sisters Françoise and Katharine, &c. Would like to know if Jausseny has got well. Madame de Bours sends commendations. Abbeville, 13 March.
Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.
13 March.
R. O.
468. Thos. Leygh to Lady Lisle.
Has received her letter of the 6th, saying that she has half a good quarrel with him for not informing her of his marriage nor sending token or letter since his leaving Calais, but that yet she will not fall out with him. Was confident that though he was somewhat slothful in doing his duty to her, she would consider his business and pardon him. His marriage is of so small a value that he forbore writing not only to her, but also to all his other friends. If he had not liked his wife better than the substance he had with her he would have returned unmarried to Calais. Since leaving Calais has received one letter and one small ring from lady Lisle, and no other rings or tokens. Desires to be commended to lord Lisle. London, 13 March 1535.
Hol., p. 1. At Calais.
13 March.
Vit. B. xxi. 127. B. M.
469. Edmund Boner and Richard Caundysshe to [Christiern III.].
"Illustrissime princeps et gratiosissime domine."
They have long known his devotion to the Gospel, and think it right to call his attention to the efforts of its enemies in these parts. During the reign of the Pope, George Wolwever did much to demolish it and to support the Gospel at Lubeck, but now the citizens, instead of feeling grateful, seek to destroy him. Some say that he wished to introduce the Emperor into Lubeck and Denmark; others, that he had attempted much against the Emperor and the Papal Church. If the former is true, "cur in carcerem conjectus est Rodon burgensem, quia Imperatori non dicebatur favisse?" But if he resisted the Emperor's attempts against the spread of the Gospel, which it is clear that he did everywhere, why should he not expect great thanks from the people of Holstein and Lubeck, and all who wish to seem to favour the Gospel?
Though many do not think his destruction of much consequence, it is certain that the cause of the Gospel will receive great injury from such conduct. They accuse him of being an Anabaptist, though his exertions against the sect are well known; but it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog, and debtors willingly seek their creditors' lives. Urges him to interfere, for the sake of the Gospel cause, that there may be no dissensions, but that all may unite against the insatiable and pernicious beast of Rome. Hamburg, 13 March 1536. Signed.
In Boner's hand. Lat., pp. 2. Mutilated.
14 March.
R. O.
470. Roland Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield to Cromwell.
I am informed that certain gentlemen of Brecknock are repairing to London to sue for the redemption of the sessions there, for which, and the redemption of their arrears due to the King, a great talliage is to be levied of the King's poor subjects, "and that they intend the surmise of my coming thither" as a let to their purpose, and therefore will endeavour to obtain a commandment that I shall not repair thither. Ludlow, 14 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
14 March.
R. O.
471. [Lisle] to Cromwell.
Received your letter on the 12th inst., and the morrow after I, Sir Thos. Palmer, Thos. Fowller, Mr. Mason, Mr. Carpenter, and their warden, Robt. Shetford, clerk of the King's works, and John Lake, clerk to my lord Edmond, rode to Guisnes and viewed the breach of the wall. Great part of it now standing is cloven and falls daily. A new wall must be made outside it, 500 ft. long, built diamond pointwise, with a great tower or bulwark in the middle of the said point, and a platform of 30 feet broad. The place is most dangerous if there were a siege. According to a "plat" made by the bearer, the warden, it will cost 1,581l. 3s. 4d. Calais, 14 March.
Pp. 2. Endd.: Copy of a letter sent unto Mr. Secretary concerning reparations of Guysnes.
14 March.
R. O.
472. Thos. Parry to Cromwell.
By examining divers of the monks here perceives that divers precious stones, as emeralds, &c., were taken out of the jewels of the house by the prior and four or five monks without the knowledge of the convent, and sold to one Bestyan, a jeweller, who is in London in some family of the strangers. Understands that he has been in divers religious houses for a like purpose. Supposes that a little coercion would make him give up what he has got, and disclose things profitable to the King. Dr. Leigh is away on business with which Cromwell has entrusted him, and returns tomorrow for the expedition of the business here. Will bring at their return the book of particulars of the jewels and the certificate of the rest. St. Swithin's in Winchester, 14 March.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary.
Harl. MS. 358, f. 60 b. B. M. 473. The Prior and Convent of St. Swithin's, Winchester, to Cromwell, Secretary and Visitor-General.
Send a certificate of the writings concerning the first, second, and third foundation of their church, rents, impropriations, and royal confirmations; and declaration of the jewels, gems, goods, and stock of the monastery, excepting implements. In consequence of the destruction and burning of the monastery, the authentic writings, of the first, second, and third, foundations, have been lost.
The certificate is in the form of a history of the church, compiled from Bede and other writers. There is no inventory of the goods here.
Lat., pp. 19. Copy or draft.
Ibid. f. 16. B. M. 2. Portion of an English translation of the above history, with a copy of the Latin letter which precedes it.
Copy, pp. 3.
14 March. 474. Henry Norris.
See Grants in March, No. 27.
15 March.
R. O.
475. The Abbot and Convent of Garadon to Cromwell.
On the second Sunday (fn. 12) in clean Lent we received at 12 o'clock, by Francis Basset, your letter in his behalf for a new lease of our grange, called Rewestones. We let it to one Rowland Babyngton, brother to Sir Anthony, eight years ago, for a fine. Will. Basset took the grange by lease, and died within the term. Henry Cokyn married his wife and occupied the grange. At that time Francis Basset being young at school, Cokyn forfeited his lease for lack of payment, and we re-entered. Cokyn confessing it to be forfeited entreated us, and we were content that he and his assigns should hold it for the rest of the term, of which there are two years to run; and we have covenanted that Rowland Babyngton shall not meddle with it till the old term is expired. Begs credence for Anth. Babyngton. Garadon, 15 March.
Signed: Per me Thomam Abb'em—D. Rychard Leycester—D. Thomas Wygston—D. Wylliam Hathorn—D. John Aschbe—D. Wylliam Aylston— D. John Coventre—D. John Wodward—D. Richard Shepshede—D. Robert Mountsorell.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Sealed.
15 March.
R. O.
476. Sir William Fitzwilliam to Lord Lisle.
Has received his letter in favor of Wm. Paisley, doubting whether he can dwell without the gates of Calais by reason of the late proclamation. Between the Water and Lantern gates and the said town inhabitants are to be considered as belonging to the town. Westm., 15 March. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
15 March.
R. O.
477. Lisle's Ship.
James Hawkysworth's account of sums received and spent on the making of my lord's (Lisle's) ship, the total cost of which, as appears by his book, was 49l. 17s. 11d. Signed: By me, James Hawkysworth.
P. 1. In Hawksworth's hand. Endd.: James Hawkisworthe's account of the making of my Lord's ship, Ao 1535, the 15 day of March.
15 March.
Vit. B. xiv. 278 (fn. 12). B. M.
478. Erasmus to Cromwell.
Was pleased to hear from the letters of Chapuys and Bedyll that Cromwell, being a man of such dignity and authority, was disposed to favor him. Thanks him for the present of 20 angels. The priest of Aldington paid him half his pension last year, and promised to pay the whole in future. This year, however, he has paid nothing. He pleads distress, but Erasmus does not see why he should suffer, not being the cause thereof. The other denies that he consented to give a pension though he paid it sometimes during Warham's life. Cromwell can do much to help him by three words. Basle, 15 March 1536.
Signed: "Erasmus Rot. ægre subscripsi ob chiragram."
Lat., p. 1. Address mutilated, pasted on.
15 March.
Nero, B. vii. 111. B. M.
479. Bernardin Sandro to Starkey.
Cannot send him news of Priuli, M. Antonio, or Lazaro, as he asks, not having seen them or been in Padua. Has been this whole winter in Donato's house in Venice. Aloise Priuli has been there, but Sandro has been unable to speak with him. He, Il Campense, and M. Dannesio went to Rome a month ago, and are there now. The two former are with cardinal Contarini.
Il Signore (Pole) and all are well. We shall probably go to Padua at Easter for the summer. I still hold my office of "bredd and drinke," and having been asked by Don Bernardino Theatino to do this alms with him, I have undertaken the correction of eight orations of Gregory Nazianzene, with which will be printed Gregory of Nyssa De Homine. Could not write by the last courier as I had cut my hand with glass.
The Turk has arrived in Constantinople with Habrahym Bassa and Barbarossa. They came secretly with five galleys. A French ambassador was with him, with the charge, it is said, of sowing discord between him and the Venetians, because they favor the Emperor. The French king is so angry with them that he was nearly ordering a Venetian in France to be beheaded. The Pope favors France, but the dukes of Urbino, Ferrara, Mantua, and Florence, the Emperor. The duke of Florence has married the Emperor's bastard daughter. The Florentines have offered the Emperor 700,000 ducats and a tribute to restore the republic, but in vain. Soldiers are being raised in Venice, two captains being sent to Epirus to levy light cavalry. Things are cheap enough.
War has been begun in Savoy between the French and the Duke, who has already lost Chambery and the greater part of Savoy. The Swiss are in alliance with the French. The duchess of Savoy has fled to Milan. 24,000 Germans are coming to join the Emperor. "Altro non ho al presente che scrivervi, but that your bookys are in good helth." Venice, 15 March 1536.
Hol., pp. 2. Ital., with a little Greek in some parts. Add.

Footnotes

  • 1. Anne Basset.
  • 2. Necklace or bracelet.
  • 3. The second Sunday in Lent, which fell this year on the 12th March.
  • 4. This must be Ernest, brother of the Margrave Bernhard. See l' Art de Verifier les Dates, xv. 441.
  • 5. The letter signed Gulielmus Covrinus Nucerinus (Vol. VIII., No. 1096) was commonly, and no doubt rightly, attributed to Erasmus.
  • 6. James Horsewell.
  • 7. John Elyott.
  • 8. William Hawkyn.
  • 9. Newcourt gives a list of rectors of this parish, but makes no mention of vicars, and Dorset's name does not appear among the rectors.
  • 10. i.e., les parties, the particulars or the accounts.
  • 11. Qy., her half-sister Frances, lord Lisle's daughter?
  • 12. 12 March in 1536.