Henry VIII: February 1541, 1-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

'Henry VIII: February 1541, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, (London, 1898) pp. 246-254. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp246-254 [accessed 26 April 2024]

February 1541, 1–10



1 Feb.	504. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 128.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 1 Feb. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. No business recorded.
2 Feb.	505. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 128.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 2 Feb. Present: Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Letter sent to Rog. Wigston, Ric. Catesby, Fulk Grevile, and Edw. Pye, to send up — (blank) Maryot.
2 Feb.	506. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 266. (Abstract.)	Has received his letters of the 18th and 25th ult., touching the sending of the two gentlemen (fn. 1) to the Tower, and the King's answer regarding the Religion of Rhodes, of which he has intimated what seemed suitable to the two commanders. As to the coming of lord William and the earl of Hertford, who is one of the deputies about the boundary between Ardres and Guisnes, heard two days ago of their arrival in Calais, and at once wrote to Du Biez and De Saveuses, master of requests ordinary, to meet the English deputies and make a friendly end of the difference, as he heartily desires. If occasion offers, Marillac shall thank the King for his cordial recommendations, and make those of Francis in return. Countersigned: Breton. French. Modern transcript, pp. 3. Headed: 2 Feb. 1541.
3 Feb.	507. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 128.	Note that, on 3 Feb., “the Council sat not.”
3 Feb.	508. Southampton, Russell, and Cheyney to the Council with the King.
R. O.	Arrived here by 11 a.m. this day, and dined together with Mr. Chancellor of the Tenths and Mr. Pollarde, to whom they delivered the writing the lord Privy Seal received this morning from Mr. Secretary. To prevent delay, the lord Privy Seal had sent his clerk, John Burne, to London two days before, to warn such as the King appointed to meet “concerning this business.” (fn. 2) The King was no less than a prophet in saying “that much money it had cost him those ways whereof he thought should be found but a slender reckoning.” The Surveyor (fn. 3) is absent in Calais, and the rest show small towardness. Forward, by the messenger who brought it, a letter just received from the lord Deputy of Calais, enclosing certain keys. Evidently the lord Deputy had not yet received their joint letter to him, in answer to his, which “was determined sevennight agone.” London, 3 Feb. Signed: W. Southampton: J. Russell: T. Cheyne. Pp. 2. Add.: at the Court. Endd.
3 Feb.	509. Richard Leigh.
Harl. MS. 2,067. f. 117. B. M.	Will of Richard Leigh of High Leigh, Chesh, esq., 3 Feb. 1540. Modern copy, pp. 2.
3 Feb.	510. Montmorency to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 267. (Abstract.)	The King sends the present despatch to intimate receipt of his of the 18th and 25th ult. Since they will recommence that game there, reckons that, unless God remedy it, Marillac will have matter enough to send news as often as ever. The King has sent to Du Biez and De Saveuses the power and instructions necessary to deal with the English deputies about the difference of the “pont de la Couchoere.” To-day or to-morrow they should be busy, for the appointment was for the 2nd. There has been no news of Germany for some time; but, by the last, the Emperor was withdrawing further into the country and expected soon to finish his business there and go to Italy, where, it is said, he makes great preparations. All this company is well, and goes shortly to Blays. If a Council is held to-day, will speak for payment of Marillac's extraordinaires. French. Modern transcript, pp. 2. Headed: 3 Feb. 1541.
4 Feb.	511. Henry VIII. to James V.
R. O. St. P., v. 185.	Rejoiced to learn from James' ambassador, Sir John Cambel, who lately passed this way towards the Emperor, James' desire for the continuance of their amity and to have traitors apprehended and justified. Diligent search is being made for the traitors of whom Cambel requested the delivery, and no doubt they will shortly be apprehended. Doubts not but that the English traitors in Scotland will likewise be delivered as the treaty requires, and requests that the persons whose names and whereabouts are given in the enclosed schedule may be delivered to Sir Wm. Evers, captain of Berwick and warden of the East Marches, or to Sir Thos. Wharton, warden of the West Marches. Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 5. Endd.: “The minute of a letter to the King of Scots the 4th of February.”
4 Feb.	512. E. earl of Hertford to the Lord Chancellor.
R. O.	Received this afternoon yours of the 1st inst., with a letter of 31 Jan. to you from certain of the King's Council “concerning the records for matters of the marches here,” and two schedules touching the limits of the said marches. Albeit I and others here take the “meaning of the exception for th'inheritances of the churches contained in the second article of the said schedules” to be as declared in your letters; yet I shall let the Frenchmen take no advantage thereby. Where the King's Council would have me see whether Ardre be within the limits of his Grace's pale; the common report is here that it is and is parcel of the county of Guisnes. Among the records here are several letters from the commonalties of Calais, Marke, Guisnes and Ardre to the King of England as to their sovereign, to the same effect as the letter of Ardre (copy herewith). Begs that this may be shown to the Privy Council attending the King, and that he may know the King's pleasure. Calais, 4 Feb. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd.
R. O.	2. Copy of a letter from the townsmen of Ardre to Edward III. thanking him for having appointed the staple of wools to be at Calais, and praying that the appointment may be put into effect. Dated Ardre A.D. 1361, 13 April, and certified as authentic by Peter Floyde. French p. 1. Endd.: “The copy of a letter sent heretofore from Arde, declaring the King's Majesty's title to the same by naming it his Majesty's town.”
4 Feb.	513. Card. Pole to Card. Contarini.
Poli Epp., iii. 13.	Has received two letters from him, the one dated at Baccano (Bachanœ), the other at Viterbo, giving an excellent account of his health in view of those journeys (fn. 4) Pole wished him to undertake at an unseasonable time of year. Hopes to have frequent letters from him, for he has felt more melancholy than he expected at the prospect of his absence. Was glad to hear that he found the convenience of a litter, and the friend who was against his using one is glad his advice was not followed. Hopes he will be accompanied by Abbot Gregory. Anything else which may give Contarini anxiety he may leave to Him in whose cause he has undertaken these labours. Rome, 4 Feb. 1541. Lat.
5 Feb.	514. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P. C. P., vii. 129.	Meetings at Hampton Court, 4 and 5 Feb. Present: Suffolk, Gt. Chamb., Comptroller, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. No business recorded.
5 Feb.	515. Henry VIII. to Sir Ric. Long.
R. O.	Although the earl of Hertford shall disclose a matter of importance to him, these letters will give him further instructions. He shall tarry at Sittingbourne (corrected from Canterbury) until the coming of A. B., (fn. 5) with whom he shall confer as having met by chance. He shall then say to A. B. (form of speech given) that, the King being his good lord and lately minded to have advanced him, such things have been declared against him as will require purgation at law, but that the King will not commit him to any common prison nor suffer anything to be published to his dishonour until he shall be examined at his Grace's house at Southwark by certain of the Privy Council. Long shall then say he has, at that town, received the King's commission to bring him to Southwark, and, that he may the more readily acquiesce in this, the King sends also a letter to him (A. B.) for his comfort. Long shall then desire his casket of writings to be sent to the King and make him write two letters, one to the earl of Hertford at Calais, pretending that he has left some writings behind there and begging Hertford, as one of the King's Council, to search for them. the other to his wife to show Hertford where all his writings are. One of Long's servants shall carry these letters and they shall come together to Southwark “in familiar sort,” having nevertheless “a convenient eye unto him,” and sending the casket on before to the King. If his secretary be with him they must be separated, so that neither know of the restraint of the other's liberty. Corrected draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 9. Endd.: The minute of a letter to Sir Ric. Long, 5 Feb.
5 Feb.	516. Henry VIII. to [Sir John Wallop.]
R. O.	After we had determined your advancement, things were revealed to us which make it meet that before having access to our presence you should make your “declaration.” That this may be done without slander we have sent Sir R. L. (fn. 6) to convey you to our house at Southwark; and we desire your credence to him. Draft in Wriothesley's hand, p. 1. Endd.: “The minute of a letter to A. B., which Sir R. L. delivered, of the 5th of February.”
5 Feb.	517. Southampton to Hertford.
Cal. of Cecil MSS., Pt. i., 70	“Doubts not he has received of Mr. Secretary Wriothesley, before the arrival hereof, a copy of the articles of treaty between the Black Prince and the Dolphin touching the ‘bunder’ of the East Pale and the West Pale, as it was when Calais was first English. They also have received from him the copy of a commission addressed to Sir Sampson Norton and others in the time of Henry VII., and although diligent search has been made in the Chancery, the Exchequer, and the Tower, where the King's records remain, no return thereto can be found. Nevertheless, in searching for the said return another commission has been found, addressed by Richard III. to Sir John Dynham, knt., and others, to survey the said Pale, which is sent herewith, together with certain articles devised and penned by Sir John Dawney and Master Polard, comprising ‘reasons, grounds, and presumptions’ to show and prove that the ‘Couswade’ must needs be English. A copy of so much of the article of the ‘Perpetual Peace’ (fn. 7) as concerns this matter is also sent herewith; and this is all that can be found amongst his Majesty's records touching this matter, which his lordship must make use of according to his wisdom. His Majesty and the Queen, with my lord Prince, are in good health. His Highness hath appointed him, with the lord Admiral, the lord Warden, and other younger men associated with them, as Sir Thos. Arundel, Sir Ric. Southwell, and Tirwhit, to survey the whole of the ordnance in the Tower, and at his departure gave him special charge to search for the writings and muniments, copies whereof are sent herewith.” London, 5 Feb. Pp. 3. Add.: “To my verie good Lorde my lorde therele of Herford, the Kinges Majesties Chief Commissionar nowe at Calais,” &c.
5 Feb.	518. Hertford and Others to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Monday, 31 Jan., it was signified to us your Deputy, Marshal, and Treasurer, here by John Broket, late servant to Sir Robt. Harvie, priest, commissary here under the Abp. of Canterbury, that the said Harvie had spoken seditious words. Examined Broket, and as some of the slanders concerned us your officers, we carried him to the house of the earl of Hertford, where he made the depositions enclosed. As Broket mentioned Sir Thos. Tye, curate of Our Lady's church here, we examined him also, who confirmed Broket's sayings, and added the “abominable treasons” contained in his depositions sent herewith. Finally examined Harvie, and although he, with wonderful impudence, denied or explained away the matter, yet, as the things were so important, we committed both to the mayor's gaol. Next morning the gaoler said that Sir Thomas desired to speak with us, who said that the same morning the Commissary, whose chamber adjoined his, had spoken to him through a “chym” in the boards, and urged him to revoke his accusations (rather than that they both should suffer, one for the offence and the other for the concealment of it), and say he made them by provoquement “of Sir John Butler, priest, and Alcocke scribe thereunto.” Sent Sir Thomas back to his chamber, secretly accompanied by two servants of the Earl and of the Treasurer, who there heard the Commissary confess the said treasons to Sir Thomas, and have signed a book of them. Beg the King's pardon to Sir Thomas, in consideration of his ignorance of the statute and readiness to divulge the treason. This would encourage others, who may be concealing the like, to confess. As to the stores in Calais and Guisnes, will certify the King later. Of the staple of victuals for Calais to be provided by Ant. Rouse to the sum of 700l., is brought hither as yet but 100 qrs. of wheat, and 48 qrs. of beans. Of the 300l. which, last summer, Thos. Fowler was commanded to employ upon a like staple for Guisnes there is 1,078 lbs. hops, 23 chaldron of coals, 100,000 billets, and a tun of vinegar, and the rest of the money remains with Fowler. Have taken order for the security of the day watchman, and about soldiers leaving their staves outside the doors of places they resort to; which shall this day be proclaimed (copies enclosed). Calais, 5 Feb. 32 Hen. VIII. Signed: E. Hertford—H. Mawtrauers—Thomas Ponynges—Edwarde Wotton—Edward Carne. Pp. 4. Endd.: The earl of Hertford, the Deputy, and the rest of the Council of Calais to the King.
R. O.	2. Order taken — (blank) Feb. 32 Henry VIII. by the earl of Hertford, chief commissioner, the lord Mawtravers, deputy, and others of the King's council here, “whose names are to this said order subscribed.” Directions for the visiting the Watch tower at intervals of half an hour during the day (twelve items). Similar order for the bestowing of weapons within the doors of the places whereunto the soldiers resort (one item). Copy, pp. 8. Endd.: An order taken at Calays touching the watch and the weapons of the garrison.
5 Feb.	519. James V. to Dorothy Countess Palatine.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi. 106b. B. M.	Has received her letters by Guanto Norvegus, and sympathises with her father (fn. 8) in his calamity. Explains the case of the heirs of Robert Berton in refusing to restore goods which her father deposited with the said Robert. Edinburgh, nonis Februarii, 1540. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
Ib., 206.	2. Another copy. Lat.
5 Feb.	520. Jo. Poggio, Nuncio, to Cardinal Sanctae Crucis. (fn. 9)
Laemmer, Mon. Vat., 346.	* * * Desires to know what to answer when asked about the errand of the English ambassador, and the dealing with him (delle messe dell' ambasciator Inglese, et del contrattar seco). Is told that the ambassador of France and Vergerius have practises and interviews with him as if they were servants of the Pope. * * * Spires, 5 Feb. 1541. Italian.
6 Feb.	521. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 129.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 6 Feb. Present: Suffolk, Gt. Chamb., Comptroller, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. Business:—Recognisance (cited) made by Edw. Rawley to bring before the Council Geo. Byrd, suspect of felony, and be himself forthcoming, with his servant Robt. Frybody.
6 Feb.	522. Henry VIII. to the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of Exeter.
Hist. MSS. Com. Report, v. 296.	“Whereas the King's servant, Thomas Winter, archdeacon of Cornwall, has leased to the King's servant, William Bodye, his archdeaconry for three years to three years, for 32 years yet to come or thereabouts, and W. Bodye spent much money in getting the lease and since, and will lose if Winter die; the King asks them to confirm Winter's grant under their seal i.e., the Episcopal and Chapter seal.” Hampton Court, 6 Feb. 32 Hen. VIII. MS. belonging to Lord Hatherton.
6 Feb.	523. Chapuys to Mary of Hungary.
Spanish Calendar, vi., Pt. i., No. 151.	Those who, as mentioned in his last, were about to leave town, viz., the duke of Norfolk for the borders of Scotland, and his brother William for France as ambassador, and the earl of Hertford for the delimitation of the frontier of Guisnes and Ardres, have already left. Ordnance and ammunition have been sent to the borders of Scotland. No definite charge has yet been made against Wyatt and nothing proved against him but words which would not have been noticed elsewhere; but these people are so suspicious that they make mortal sins of trifles. Eight days ago Dez Guignonez, (fn. 10) a Spanish soldier, came here to apply for a neutral field against the marquis del Gasto and others, but has been refused by this King, as he had been by Francis before. A gentleman has also come from Provence with letters from Francis I. to ask for a safe-conduct for certain knights of Rhodes to come here from the Grand Master to solicit restoration of their rights to certain of that Order, which has been abolished. Believes the safe-conduct will be granted, but the solicitation fruitless. The Princess sends commendations. She is well, but distressed at the death of one of her maids, who died of grief at being removed, by the King, from her service. (fn. 11) London, 6 Feb. 1541. Original (at Vienna) partly in cipher.
6 Feb.	524. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
Add 28,592, f. 273. B. M.	After closing my other letters joined with these, at the moment of the courier's departure, I have received the two pairs of letters written by your Majesty, and also the copy of those addressed to the Emperor. Cannot thank her enough for her pains to protect him from the suspicions of those here, towards whom one cannot use too much dissimulation and caution. Thinks she has done well about the revocation of the Emperor's edict as to lading of ships; so as to obtain a remedy for the new injuries (nouvelletez et oppressions) done by the English to the Emperor's subjects, and bring them to consent to the new commercial treaty desired by her. It would assist greatly if the Emperor would cause the old pragmatiques to be observed in Spain, and also those for the confiscation of false cloths, as almost all those exported from here to Spain are. This would be a very just beating to those here, and of great advantage to the Spaniards, and to the Flemings also, who for one cloth they sell to the Spaniards now would sell more than ten. Thinks without this the diet for the reformation of the intercourse might be frustrated and the merchants in his Majesty's dominions might be as much injured as the shipowners (maronniers) would be profited. For when it came to the point the King, to revoke the Imperial edict, would revoke his prohibition; but by and bye he would also revoke the privilege that he gave to the said merchants. Thinks that even if the King agreed to the navigation proceeding “indistinctement” as formerly, yet nothing should be revoked till it be ascertained whether the further grievance which he has lately imposed, ordering foreign merchants, subjects of the Emperor, to pay a double tax and to be chased out of the kingdom, be not a direct violation of the treaties. On these two points one could make a stand, in default of other reply to the most plausible complaint of those here, viz., of the injustice of the Emperor's prohibition of foreign vessels without any distinction such as that contained in this King's prohibition. Has no doubt the King will renew conference with him as soon as the Emperor's answer arrives. Will then follow her instructions and find out what he means to do. Begs the Queen will keep all this secret, that the English may not think he is urging anything not in their favour. London, 6 Feb. Fr. Modern copy from a copy at Simancas, pp. 4. The original letter is at Vienna, almost all in cipher. See Spanish Calendar, vi., Pt. i., No. 152.
6 Feb.	525. Thomas Barnaby to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P. iii., 281.	Not long since, went to Court, from Mr. Wallop, to obtain letters to divers quarters, especially to the lieutenant criminell of Paris, for the taking of Garret Fizgarret. Could not find him, but after diligent search “I took a Breton named Vincent Noblete, which was his conductor by the commandment of the captain of Morloys, and with him also one Darby, (fn. 12) with such money and stuff as the said Garret had in his lodging.” Describes how, about 26 Jan., going from Paris to Roan, he overtook the said Breton going to the free fair there, how his suspicions were aroused, how he found that at Roan the Breton looked for ships out of Ireland, and how he finally asked him where Fizgarret was. Told him lord William Hayward was coming as ambassador, and that, if by his means the child should be had, he would be rewarded and the child saved, who was led by others to his confusion. He asked how the child should be delivered, saying he would not for 20,000l. betray him, for “next God he loved the child above all men”; but, to get the child's pardon, he would do anything in reason, for he often heard the child wish he were in the King's favour and with his mother in England. Welch, who is with him, and his schoolmaster (fn. 13) intend, as soon as they can get money, to go to cardinal Poole, whom they boast to be the child's uncle. Welch is a stubborn, cankered-hearted fellow and half frantic, and keeps the child in awe and beats him; but the schoolmaster is a right sober man who would go abegging all his life to get the child pardoned. Welch says he would not trust the King's pardon unless it were accompanied by a promise to the French king or Emperor, citing the case of James Fizgarret, who was put to death with his brethren, although he had the King's pardon and had opposed Thomas Fizgarret. The Breton says those who were entrusted to take Garret Fizgarret in Ireland, by day pretended to seek him and by night made cheer with him and his uncle Odonelle. The Breton promises to tell more, but the writer will first consult lord William. The bearer, John Davy, is trusted by Mr. Wallop, as shown by two letters herewith, and is of counsel in this matter. Wrote lately that the promises made to Mr. Wallop were not to be trusted, because he saw that the Constable and Catelon trifled about the letters till the child had warning. Catelon feigned to Mr. Wallop that he would find the child, although he knew he had gone from Paris to Mekery, five leagues off, and told the writer that the Great Master suspected him to be “better English and (qu. than?) French.” Asks that lord William may speak to the French king to end his matter, and reminds the King that the lord Privy Seal promised him an honest living. Roan, 6 Feb. Hol., pp. 3. Much injured by damp.
8 Feb.	526. James V. to Henry VIII.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi. 107. B. M.	This bearer, religious man, Jochin Coquo, is sent by the patriarch of Jerusalem to gather alms of Christian princes and people to redeem an abbey called Our Lady of Grace from the Turks, and is directed hither from Flanders, and hopes, at the writer's supplication, to obtain favour in England. Begs a passport for him until he departs from Calais. Edinburgh, 8 Feb. “the xxviij year of our reign.” Copy, p. 1.
8 Feb.	527. James V. to Christian king of Denmark.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi. 106. B. M.	Begs favour for the bearer, Peter Stub, whose father, now deceased, forfeited his patrimony and offices by adhering to the party of king Christiern. Edinburgh, 6 id. Feb. 1540. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
Ib. 205 b.	2. Another copy. Lat. Copy, p 1.
10 Feb.	528. Lord William Howard to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 519.	Arrived on the 5th at Paris and learned that the French king would leave Fontainbleau on the Monday following. Wrote at once by Tade, the courier, to Mr. Wallop at Mellun, 8 miles from the Court, to ask if the King would receive Howard before departing. The answer was that they should come to Court on the morrow and dine with the Constable. Did so and delivered Henry's letters to the Constable, who said that whatever had been reported he had never gone about to minish the amity between Francis and Henry. He knew he was thought an Imperialist because he had done his best to make peace between his master and the Emperor; but he was more bound to Henry for his kindly treatment there, when ambassador, (fn. 14) and for the Order of the Garter; and he and others there added many things in praise of Henry. After dinner they were brought to the King, and Howard delivered Henry's letters, saying he (Henry) was lustier than ever, and “was little within the house, but either hawking or hunting, were it never so cold, when divers of your servants had liever be at home.” In going to Court they alighted at the Chancellor's lodging and delivered his letters. He said there was a certain Breton who had spent all his money in suits in England and could get no justice. Wallop left his secretary behind to speak for a certain woman that is a suitor, (fn. 15) but the Chancellor said he would do nothing in English suits until the Breton were dispatched, and other things which Wallop shall report. The same day they presented Henry's letters to the queen of Navarre who, with her husband, is shortly going into their own country to get the noblemen's consent to the marriage of his daughter with the duke of Cleves. The Admiral's process is ended and sentence remains with the King. None know what it will be, and all his friends are in great fear. Paris, 10 Feb. Signed. Pp. 3. Add. Endd.