Henry VIII: June 1542, 1-10

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1900.

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'Henry VIII: June 1542, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 17, 1542, (London, 1900) pp. 218-228. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol17/pp218-228 [accessed 20 April 2024]

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June 1542, 1-10

1, 2 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 5.
364. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 1 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Winchester, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Sadler. Business :Order (described) in the case of Reynold Beseley, to whom the King, 3 March 33 Hen. VIII., granted the office of clerkship of York castle and county, and Ant. Maude, to whom he granted 28 Feb. 23 (sic) Hen. VIII., the bailiwick of Harthill and other wapenstakes; but who are prevented from exercising these offices by Sir Hen. Savell, sheriff of Yorkshire, who had put in his own officers.
2 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 7.
2. Meeting at Hampton Court, 2 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Winchester, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Sadler. Business :Letters sent to the warden of the Fleet to permit Bolson's wife to visit her husband, prisoner there, in his presence.
2 June.
R. O. St. P., III. 385.
365. Henry VIII. to O'Donell.
In answer to his letters of 10 May (sic) (fn. 1), marvels that he, whom the Deputy has recommended as a "civile person and a loyal subject," should make such suits. He should rather, remembering the King's goodness, show himself ready to redubb his past offences than seek to withdraw from his duty, to the evil example of others. Refers him to the Deputy, who will dispense with him in cases reasonable. Hampton Court, 2 June 34 Hen. VIII.
Copy, p. 1. Headed and endd. : Copy of the King's Majesty's answer to Odoneyl.
R. O. 2. Original draft of the preceding in Wriothesley's hand. Undated.
Pp. 2. Endd. : Minute to O'Donel ijo Junii ao xxxiiijo.
2 June.
R. O. Rymer, XIV. 748.
366. Wingfield College, Suffolk.
Surrender (by Robt. Budd, clk., master, and the chaplains of the college of Wynkfeld) of the college, and all its possessions in Wyngefeld, Chekeryng, Saxmondham, Selyham, Essham, Walpole, Benhall St. Roberts, Myddelton Chekeryng, Raydon Wyngfeld, and Stradibroke, Suff., and elsewhere in England. 2 June 34 Hen. VIII. Signed by Robt. Bud, clk., master, Peter Bryngkeley, S.T.P., John Stannard, Thomas Campyon, and Edm. Harkok. [See Eighth Report of Dep. Keeper of P. Records, App. ii. 49.]
Seal injured. Certified by Nic. Bacon as taken by him. Enrolled Cl. Roll, 35 Hen. VIII., p. 1, No. 8.
ii. Commission to Nic. Bacon to take the above 12 May 34 Hen. VIII.
iii. The commissioner's certificate of surrender, 17 June. Signed and sealed.
2 June.
R. O. St. P., III. 385.
367. Deputy And Council Of Ireland to Henry VIII.
In answer to his letters of 14 April, explain that they recommended Oneil to be an earl, because, the weather being so severe, victuals so scarce, and his offers so good, they thought best to win him by promising to be petitioners for him. Indeed, he has behaved very honestly since his submission, not seeking to revenge himself upon his neighbours, and submitting, at Dundalk, wholly to the King's order. The killing of his eldest son, Phelim Kegh, by McDonell, captain of his galloglasses, since the first submission, bred some displeasure, which the writers utilised to draw the galloglasses from him, as appears by McDonell's submission (enclosed). Ask the King's pleasure touching McDonell's petition for Green Castle and Mourne.
Are aware that the King's charges are very great, and the results uncertain as yet, but have good hope "that the end will be better if the thing begun be well ensued." Could appoint learned men to reside at Limerick, Galway, and those confines, if they knew what allowance the King would make them. Recommend that the stipends of the judges should be augmented, to enable them to go there, and elsewhere, on circuit as English judges do. In acceding to O'Brien's desire to be earl of Thomond, care should be taken to satisfy Donogh O'Brien, senescall of Thomond, by placing him too in Parliament as a viscount.
None of the Council were participant with Coweley in his malicious proceedings, and their certificate sent thither against him did not proceed of malice. As to altering the seals to suit the change in the King's style, none here can do it, and the seals cannot be spared; so they send impressions in wax that the seals may be graven there. Tyrrelogh Othole's children are bastards, as they before certified, and therefore are not his heirs, and so the Chancellor stays to act upon the last article of the King's letters until he receive further instructions. Recommend some help to be given to Desmond, who now repairs to see the King. Commend the bearer, Robt. Sentleger, the Deputy's brother, who accompanies Desmond at his request.
The abp. of Dublin, who freely released to the King certain of the lands that were given to Tirrelogh Othole, has asked them to write in his favour for pardon of a debt of 250l., that he owed the late Lord Rochford. He has sustained great charges in the King's service, and received nothing of his predecessor, who was slain. He cannot pay the King and live in any honorable estate. Dublin, 2 June 34 Hen. VIII. Signed by St. Leger, Alen, Ormond, Abp. Browne, Edw. bp. of Meath, J. Rawson viscount Clontarff, Aylmer, Brabason, Bathe, Travers, Cusake, and Basnet.
Pp. 8. Add. Endd.

Add. MS.
19,865. f. 7. B. M.
368. Deputy And Council Of Ireland to Henry VIII.
"Further, having respect to the good and painful services of Edmond Sexten your Maties servant, who at this time conducteth the earl of Desmond to your Matie," and was also much the occasion of his submission, we beg you to be "good and gracious lord unto him in all his reasonable pursuits, well deserved."
Modern extract, p. 1. Headed as a letter from the Deputy and Council of Ireland to the King.
2 June.
Poli Epp., III. 55.
369. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Contarini.
Is just returned from Consistory, wearied in body and consoled in mind at this operation of God's Spirit in the mind of his Holiness about the creation of these two new colleagues, Dr. Gregorio (fn. 2) and the Father Master. (fn. 3) As to the third, the bp. of Modena, reputes it no less the work of the Spirit; but, as his promotion was to be expected, there is not such occasion to see in it the operation of the Spirit. Describes how the news of his intended promotion took the Father Master by surprise, and how he came to Pole's chamber in the morning, before Consistory, begging Pole to intercede for him with His Holiness not to promote him, as unworthy of it; but when Pole did so his Holiness said that his opinion that he was unworthy was the more reason for electing him. Rome, 2 June 1542.
Must not omit that Cardinal Farnese told him that if Contarini had had to elect two cardinals he would certainly have elected these two.
Italian.
3 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 8.
370. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 3 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Winchester, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Wriothesley, Sadler. No business recorded.
3 June.
R. O. Kaulek, 422. (Full abstract.)
371. Marillac to Francis I.
His last of the 20th ult. reported intrigues brewing between Winchester and the Emperor's ambassador; which have since continued, insomuch that other lords of the Privy Council have been there, and at Whitsuntide the said ambassador, ill as he is, had himself carried by water to Hampton Court to the King, and there was lodged with his troop for five days in the King's house, with whom he had long communications. He was caressed, not as an ordinary ambassador, but like some great minister of the Emperor coming to conclude an affair of importance. Meanwhile it was hinted to Marillac (in order to learn what he thought, and thereupon to lull him to sleep with fine words) that if a personage of authority had come instead of the receiver De Chasteauneuf, other language would have been held here about the marriage. Said only that if any of the deputies spoke of it they would find he had an answer; which would be that if things were brought near a conclusion Francis would not break the practice by failing to send a sufficient personage, as he (Marillac) had promised at the first overture in the North. Thinks their instance to have a great personage sent was to increase their reputation with the Emperor, in that, although so actively sought, they would not accept the partis offered; for, if they had as good will to join as they pretended, they would not have made instance there (i.e., in France), for the despatch of a personage, upon pretext that they wished to enter war with the Emperor and conclude the treaty of this marriage, and then afterwards disavowed what their ambassador had put forward, and given Marillac even a more meagre answer. (fn. 4) Thinks now that they are trying to make the Emperor enter war with Francis, and such is the opinion of those who almost know their designs, and who promise in a few days to let Marillac hear particulars of these secret intrigues. Madame Marie said, eight days ago, to a damsel of her chamber, now married to a French subject, that it was folly to think that they would marry her out of England, or even in England, as long as her father lived; adding that she knew what had been said of it, both on Francis's part and the Emperor's, and was sure that if either was listened to it would be France, because they would rather acquit all that could be due to them than disburse 200,000 cr. elsewhere; but it was certain that nothing would be got from them but fine words, for she would be, while her father lived, only lady Mary, the most unhappy lady in Christendom.
Taking things at their worst, it remains only to write whether the English might intend anything this year to Francis's prejudice. Can as yet give no certain assurance; for, on the one hand, it looks as if for this year they are not going to move unless the Emperor were to come sooner into Flanders (as they practise to draw him thither, for they will innovate nothing unless supported elsewhere), especially as this summer, which is far advanced, their naval preparations are not yet finished, and it does not appear, besides, that men are being raised; on the other hand, if they meant any evil exploit there is no preparation for war which might not be ready within one month. In 15 or 20 days this King will resolve upon his progress, and the direction he takes will show what is this year intended.
Since writing the above, is informed from divers places that, two hours ago, the Emperor's ambassador, gouty as he is, embarked in a ship which had been secretly prepared, to go into Flanders, for which the wind is very propitious. It must be for some important intrigue. Would despatch an express with this news, but does not wish the English to know that it is taken to heart. Besides, he reserves that until he can learn more particularly what the English are aiming at; but Francis should provide against surprise on the frontiers. Marked as sent by Ferrand.
French. Modern transcript, pp. 5. Headed : 3 Juin 1542.
[3 June.]
Add., MS. 11,041, f. 59. B. M.
372. Edmund Knyghtley to Mr. Skydmore.
Desires his help that he may receive the moiety of his yearly rents of Badbye and [Newneham] (fn. 5) and Wolbaroghe, and be put in possession of the same according to Mr. Chancellor's letter enclosed. Leaves it to his discretion to direct letters to Mr. Clement Throgmerton or to the bailiff of the said towns. Falwesley, (fn. 6) on Trinity Even.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
3 June.
R. O. St. P., IX., 44.
373. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII.
Wrote on the 24th May. Count Ludovico de Rangon has since declared to me that, if he could have money of your Majesty, he could take Plainsance from the bp. of Rome, by intelligence he has within the town. He would give security here for the money, and send one or both his sons to your Majesty; as, I esteem, his letters sent herewith will certify. If you minded to displease the Bishop, the Count is a meet instrument, having great faction about Plainsance and Parma and the Bishop in universal hate of the country. The Bishop makes 4,000 footmen at Bonony, to go to Hungary under Alex. Vitelli. To Piedmont are come 400 men of arms, 6,000 Gascons, 2,000 Swiches, and 6,000 Italians; and the French ambassador says that his master shall shortly have a numerous host in Italy. The Turk's ambassador here seems to be waiting to see what the French will do. "It hath been here much divulged of the affinity (fn. 7) concluded between your Majesty and the French king." By letters from Almain, war affairs go forward. The Christian host shall number 120,000. Ferdinando goes in person to Buda, which men reckon the Turk will make invincible. This contention between Christians and Turks threatens no small ruin to one of the parties. The Turks, by long use of arms, are grown in military science nothing vulgar, and they are united and adore their Prince like a God. "In the other part, it is undoubtful what great might and virtue military is in th' Almains, and especially in the footmen, which are reputed insuperable by battle; but in soberness and good government they are not comparable to Spaniards or Italians, which were much necessary among them." Their factions are very pernicious, but their peril will keep them together. Venice, 3 June 1542.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
4 June. 374. Bishopric Of Bristol.
See Grants in June, No. 9.
4 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 8.
375. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 4 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler. Business :Sir Nic. Poyntz, declaring his agreement with all who had informed against him, except Doole and Higges, discharged.
Heading entered for another Council the same day; but no business recorded.
4 June.
R. O. St. P., III. 391.
376. John Alen, Chancellor Of Ireland, to Henry VIII.
Has not written privately to the King for a long season, but as the oldest English servant here, having served fourteen years, thinks it his duty to advertise matters of moment. Oneyle's submission is not to be trusted, and the Council here should keep an eye on both him and Ochonour. Desmond's ancestor had occasion to rebel. He is of English blood, and a wise man, and is going to the King to seek for mercy and grace, and will doubtless meet with more than he deserves. But the King should be careful not, "in clouds," to give him great things by the name of small, such as Crom and Athdare, which he desires as worth 20 mks., but which are worth 200 mks. It were best to give him abbey lands on his frontier next to Irishmen, or nigh to Dublin. Other advice as regards Desmond.
Now that the great potentates Oneyle, Obrene, Odonell, and McWilliam have submitted, returns to the string he has always harped upon, and recommends strongly the reformation of Leinster, where the Cavenaghis, Birnes, and Tholes inhabit; which were better left desolate to feed wild beasts than to hold such a den of thieves and traitors. Dublin, 4 June 24 (sic) Hen. VIII.
Hol. pp. 3. Add. Endd. : Ao xxxiiijo.
5 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 8.
377. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 5 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler, Dacres. Business :Order (detailed) between Sir Nic. Poyntz and Jas. Higges touching farms called Combe and Osylworth.
6 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 10.
378. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 6 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler, Dacres. Business :Discharge of certain points in Sir Nic. Poyntz's recognisance.
6 June.
Harl. MS. 4,136, f. 24. B. M.
379. Antwerp.
Notes of the sale and purchase of goods, partly paid for by bills of exchange on Antwerp, viz., of (i.) "wat wares I sell by twyne Jhan Bate and I," (cloth, tin pots, small kettles &c., to Rob. Showsmythe, Hedward Heyward, Jhan Baker in Grassyos strete, and "my master" Mr. Warner, and various others named); moneys "made over by exchange to the Cwld Mart," 25 Jan. with Jhan Sanddars, stapler : (ii.) "Wat wares I by at Blakewell Hall unpayed :" (iii.) of debts "I owe" to Jhan Atterford, Jhan Depape, and Markes Cornelys of Makelyne, 10 March 33 Hen. VIII., of goods delivered to Mr. Doctor of the Black Friars "to sell for me," and a remembrance sent over with John Bate, 31 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII., and the like. The latest date seems to be (at f. 31), 6 June 34 Hen. VIII.
Pp. 20, in a very cramped hand. These notes are jotted down on ff. 24 to 31, 23, 3, 109, 110, 117, 118.
6 June.
R. O.
380. Aberdihanw, near Builth.
Certificate by Edw. and Wm. Games, Rice ap William, and John Baker, returning a commission and interrogatories with the examinations they have taken upon them. Rayeder, 6 June 34 Hen. VIII. Signed and Sealed.
P. 1. Add. at head to Sir Ric. Riche, chancellor of Augmentations.
ii. Commission above referred to, dated 24 May 34 Hen. VIII.
Small parchment.
iii. The interrogatories, eight in number, headed as on the part of Matthew Walter against Hugh Lewys. Enquiring whether Aberhoney Grange belonging to Stratflere Abbey, its yearly value, whether the 99 years' lease to Hugh Lewys was made before or after the dissolution of the monastery, and whether it was for any other rent than 6s. 8d.
Parchment.
iv. Rental of Aberdehoney, giving the names of 11 tenants who pay a rent of 5l. 10s.
Small paper, p. 1.
v. Examinations of seven persons of St. Harmon, co. Radnor, and Aberdehoney and Llanveir, (fn. 8) co. Brecknock, who again agree that the grange belonged to Stratflere, and produced the rental above given. It was worth, to let, 8l. or 10l., and was leased for 99 years, to Hugh Lewys, by Ric. Talley, late abbot, at 6s. 8d. rent, after Christmas, 30 Hen. VIII., but whether before or after the dissolution none of them know.
Pp. 6.
6 June.
R. O.
381. Wallop to Southampton.
Wrote, 4 June to Norfolk, reckoning him then to be at Court (and, if absent, to Southampton) news, for the King, that a great part of the men of arms now upon the borders of Picardy were ordered towards Lyons, including half of Mons. du Bies' band under Mons. de Vervin as lieutenant and Loveringhen as standard bearer, that it was thought that Du Bies himself should go; and that Wallop had sent out espials.
The espial he sent to Arde reports that, on Saturday last, a post came from the court to Du Bies, who sent him on with letters to the captain of Arde to discharge 500 of the labourers and certain tumbrels, and proclaim that every inhabitant of Arde should within 14 days furnish himself with victuals for three months. Du Bies goes to Court, and intends to be within 14 days at Arde. The Frenchmen mistrust the Emperor's wars, fearing that the King will join him. Learns otherwise that the French king much more mistrusts the coming of the Emperor's self into Provaunce or Piemounte, and has sent Mons. de Honybaul, with light horse, to Tourryn, and Mons. de Brysacke with 10,000 foot towards Lyonnes. Mons. Dorliaunce will lie in Dolphenie, and the king of Navarre in Gasconne. The French king intends to be at Lyons at the end of this month, and, on 1 July, muster his 200 gentlemen pensioners "with divers other of his household, as carvers, cupbearers, sewers, as all other officers according to their degrees."
Another espial, sent to Waste, Davern, Samer de Bois, and Mustrull, brings word that there go towards the Mountains, "from Abbevile upward to Parys," 3,000 horsemen, part new made and part from the garrisons. None of Du Bies's band go, but the half of them is come to Mustrull and the other half remains at Boulogne. There is no talk of his going to Court, but much of the discharge of the labourers and tumbrels out of Arde. The bruit was that the Burgundians intend war, but they care not, if England remain their friend, of which they are doubtful because of the great bruit in France that the Emperor's son should marry the lady Mary. The Emperor prepares a great number of horsemen in Flanders and on the borders of Italy another great number of horse and foot; insomuch that at Paris they have "sowned the tamberyn," and from thence upward to Lyons, go horse and foot. The provost of Paris and his band is gone from Tyrwan towards the Mountains, and another band come in his place. I think that, if they mistrusted the Burgundians, he would not depart."
Begs favour for his servant Calveley, the bearer, "which is the young man that your Lordship did like so well for his diligent waiting, who since his first coming to me never gave cause to me hitherto to be angry with him, having as many good qualities as any few men in England of his age, and at this hour one of the towardliest men of arms in England or elsewhere." He desires a letter in his favour to the dean of West Chester for a lease given him by the late prior, which will aid his living, he being a poor younger brother.
The works between St. Peter's and Calais progress slowly for lack of oversight. The labourers have been seen in "plompis," 10 or 12 together, loitering, and the clerks absent. Showed this to the King at Dover, who said Mr. Treasurer would see to it; who is "a good man, wise and discreet," but much occupied. Suggests a letter to the Council there to take the oversight in turns, and have two of the men of arms there daily. Guisnes, 6 June. Signed.
Pp. 4. Add. : To, etc., the lord Privy Seal. Endd.
7 June. 382. The Archbishop Of Canterbury.
See Grants in June, No. 15.
7 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 10.
383. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 7 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler, Dacres. Business :Recognisance (cited) of Thos. Thrower, keeper of Ludgate, to appear.
7 June. 384. Chapuys to Mary Of Hungary.
See No. 363.
8 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 10.
385. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 8 June. Present : Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler, Dacres. Business :Letters sent to my lord Chief Baron, to appear on Sunday next, with Dowllande of the Exchequer.
9 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 10.
386. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 9 June. Present : Norfolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler. Business :Robt. Bolson discharged from the Fleet upon recognisance (cited) to appear at the More on Wednesday next.
9 June.
R. O.
387. The Loan.
Acknowledgment of receipt by Thos. Anton, on behalf of his master, lord St. John, of 160 privy seals from Wriothesley, by the hand of his servant, Wm. Honni[ng], 9 June 34 Hen. VIII. Signed : Thomas Antan. Sealed.
P. 1. Endd. : "My Lord St. John's man for clx. More xl. by Mr. Wareham's man."
9 June.
R. O.
388. John Carewe to John Gates.
As appointed in your late letter I send you your farm money for the butlerage of Pole due at Midsummer. I pray you move Mr. Deny to entreat Mr. Chancellor of the Augmentations to give judgment in the matter of a copyhold between John Jey and John Carewe in Canford; and that my cousin John Grenfyld, serjeant-at-arms, may be appointed to "remember" Mr. Chancellor when the time comes. Pole, 9 June.
Hol., p. 1. Add. : To, etc., Mr. John Gates, esquire, one of the gentlemen attending the King's Highness in his Grace's Privy Chamber, dd. be this. Endd.
9 June.
R. O. Kaulek, 423. (Abstract.)
389. Francis I. to Marillac.
Has received his letter of the 3rd inst. from London. Things being as they are, he cannot do better service than continue to write often of the health of the King, and of everything he can learn. Hopes to put things in such order that his realm shall be sure against those who would enterprise anything. Countersigned : Bochetel.
French. Modern transcript, p. 1. Headed : Espineux Val, 9 June.
10 June.
Dasent's A.P.C., 11.
390. The Privy Council.
Meeting at Hampton Court, 10 June. Present : Norfolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Russell, Durham, Westminster, Cheyney, Gage, Browne, Wingfield, Sadler. Business :The ambassador of Lubeck had answer, by mouth of my lord of Durham (that they should pay half their debt to the King at Christmas next, and send commissioners to Antwerp, the morrow of All Souls Day, to meet his), and promise of a passport and letters of commendation next day.
10 June.
R. O.
391. The Loan.
Acknowledgment of receipt from Wriothesley, 10 June 31 Hen. VIII., by John Clerk, on behalf of his master, the bp. of Worcester, of 40 privy seals for the loan to be advanced to the King in Worcestershire. Signed.
P. 1. Endd.
R. O. 2. Like acknowledgment, 10 June 32 June Hen. VIII., by Nic. Walker, servant to Simon Norwich, collector of the loan in co. Northampton, for 45 privy seals. Signed.
P. 1. Endd.
10 June.
Kaulek, 423. (Almost the whole text.)
392. Marillac to Francis I.
The Emperor's ambassador, because of contrary wind, landed twenty miles from this, and was conducted in a litter, by a troop of gentlemen of this King's house, to Dover; from whence he crossed escorted by two ships to Gravelingnes. The cause of his voyage is so variously interpreted that it is hard to learn the truth, but the common opinion is that the marriage of the Emperor and Madame Marie is almost concluded, for 300,000 cr., which was the dot of her mother Queen Katharine, and 200,000 cr. added by the King, her father. Pending the consummation of this marriage (for the Emperor is vet in Spain) this 500,000 cr. shall be disbursed, and certain towns of Flanders bound for it until this treaty takes effect or the money is restored. The ambassador went to communicate with the Queen of Hungary, and to know if the towns would consent. For himself, Marillac thinks that such a loan might be made, and the pretext of this marriage added to draw the consent of the towns; but nothing could persuade him that the lady is to be delivered to the Emperor and leave England during her father's lifetime. Besides difficulties which he has before specified (this King having often said that Marillac might count him demented if he let the Emperor have his daughter), Norfolk, at their last interview, in answer to Marillac's question whether there was hope for Mons. d'Orleans, said that he knew his master to be more inclined to it than his Council, and that, at all events, the Emperor should never have her. Persons of good wit, who have frequented the great men of this Court all their lives, are of the same opinion, and think all these intrigues meant only to draw the Emperor into war with France; and there is some appearance of likelihood in this, for, since the shipwreck of Arger, the English have sought the Emperor more than ever, for fear that the rout he had and the failure of his enterprises might make him cease his obstinacy, and do reason to Francis. Learns from others that the marriage of this lady is concluded for the son of the king of the Romans, on condition of his coming to dwell in England, and renouncing the hope of succeeding to this crown, having for dot the duchy of Bedford, county of Richemont and other lordships here. This would be likely as regards this King, who does not desire a great lord for son-in-law, nor a neighbour who might in the future trouble England, but I know not whether the other side would grant such conditions. True it is that, in favour of this alliance, the above loan to the Emperor is also spoken of. Whatever happens, be it for the Emperor or his brother's son, or be it that both parties would show the world that there is great intelligence between them, the ambassador is to return in ten or twelve days, bringing with him the Count de Bure and Seigneur de Brosse to conclude what has been determined, and meanwhile the King has called to him the Duke of Norfolk, who, since Easter, had retired home, and has sent for several other great lords.
The above news has not so much moved me to despatch an express man as the following, which seems of great consequence; and I know not whether I might be able later to inform you, because the passage of the sea might be closed to me. It is that this King's ships of war are being equipped and the Great Henry, one of the finest vessels afloat, and eight or ten others, are being laden with artillery, hacquebuttes, pikes, and other munitions of war; and the beer brewers are commanded to keep a certain number of vessels of their brewing, so that at St. John's tide these ships may be fully ready to sail; and there is nothing needful for war which is not provided, even to baggage waggons, and horse harness, nor anything wanting save great horses, with which they could be furnished if they had intelligence with the Burgundians. Still, as yet there is no levying of men or arresting of merchants' ships; nor are any other than the King's ships equipped. This preparation is either to make Francis suspect that they wish to invade him, in order to obtain more easily what they wish from him, or to show the Emperor that they are in arms, in order to induce him to begin war, or really to execute some enterprise, for instance the forcing of Ardres, which this King has discussed with Wallop (as Marillac wrote in his last), and for which the fortifications at Guynes have been reinforced with workmen, and victualled and furnishedas, the Marshal du Bies writes, has been likewise done on Francis's side. London, 10 June.
French. Marked as sent by M. des Formes.
10 June.
R. O.
393. Wallop to Henry VIII.
Thos. Barnabe, coming out of France, found him this afternoon without the castle gates, overseeing the works. To confirm the news Wallop sent to the Council this week past, by several letters, especially touching the fear the Frenchmen are in, he confessed that all Picardy was in great fear, and Du Bies himself could scant hide it, although he said they were ready for war with "a galyard sprite." Du Bies told him that he would lodge certain deer near Guisnes Forest, and desired to see Wallop there. As they were talking a gentleman from Du Bies came to say his master had passed towards Arde, and would to-morrow return towards Boulogne, and, having sent his venours to lodge deer in their woods adjoining the Forest, invited Wallop to the pastime. Reflecting that (having met Du Bies, by request, twice, on first coming [hither]) to refuse would confirm his suspicions, answered, with thanks, that if he had deer lodged, "I should be glad to wait upon him, and without that I was so desirous of th'oversight of the King's fortifications that I would be loth otherwise to spare any time, and this three weeks I had not been a hunting ne a hawking, and how well I love the same no man knoweth better than Mounsr. du Bies." I think he desires this meeting to feel if he can gather anything of the premises; but I have practised too much abroad "for a Frenchman to pick anything out of me," and rather think to learn something myself. Perceived by Du Bies's man that the Emperor or his son shall marry the lady Mary, which was the more likely as the Emperor's ambassador came to Dover in the King's litter, and that many labourers were come over. Upon that the writer pointed out a hundred that came to have their names entered, saying, "Look, these be no men for the war but small personages meet for to labour." Whereat he smiled, seeming that he liked that well. "Assuring your Majesty they be small personages indeed, and none such for that number came hither this year." Refers the rest to Barnabe, this bringer.
Perceives the King's pleasure, by Thos. Palmer, one of the captains here, to know how Boulogne is fortified within, and whether there is a ditch within the town as well as without. Will know the truth shortly, but is told that, as one enters the town, there is on the left hand, towards the castle, an old wall 24 feet distant from the utter wall, with a rampier made between the walls and many houses built "joining the said wall." Guisnes, 10 June.
P.S.At finishing this, learnt that the captain of Davern, the receiver of Fiennes and divers of Du Bies's archers, at dinner at Fiennes, this day, "said among themselves that there was an ambassador of th' Emperor's that came lately out of England, who had concluded a marriage between th' Emperour and your Highness' daughter, and that they feared not so much the war this many years as they do now," and that the said receiver has received money to provide corn for Arde. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd. : 1542.
10 June.
Spanish Calendar, VI. II. No. 10.
394. Charles V. to Chapuys.
Has received his letters of the 18th (qu. 16th ?) April and 8th (7th) ult., but till he receives Chapuys's answer to his last can say no more, but to desire him to keep him well informed. Is to request the French ambassador's man to continue in his service, and, if he return to France, to communicate with Mons. de Marvol, the Emperor's ambassador there, to whom the Emperor now writes about him. Has no doubt the Archbishop (sic) of Arras, who has already been written to, will give the prebend to the man's brother Charles. Hears from France that the Admiral lately proposed to the Imperial ambassador new terms for a lasting peace, saying there was no need of the Pope or any other sovereign intervening. Has replied that he is in favour of peace if the Admiral will declare the new terms. Chapuys should know this in case the French hereafter set forth at the English Court their own proposals as emanating from the Emperor. Burgos, 10 June 1542.
From a draft in French in the Vienna Archives.
10 June.
Poli Epp., III. 57.
395. Cardinal Pole to Cardinal Contarini.
The desire to do Contarini some service when here, of which he wrote before leaving Viterbo, has made him anxious for letters from Contarini, but none have come. Finds all here animated with the same desire to serve him, and praising his good government, especially Cardinal Farnese. Rejoices with him once again at this trinity of new cardinals, and hopes they will all three (fn. 9) remain united in the same spirit, and one in heart. Rome, 10 June 1542.
Italian.

Footnotes

  • 1. See No. 262, which is really dated "10 Kalendas Maias."
  • 2. Gregory Corteso.
  • 3. Thomas Badia, master of the Sacred Palace.
  • 4. This passage is a little obscure. The reading in the transcript is :"Car, s'ilz eussent autant de voulente de joindre qu'ilz en monstroient le semblant par tant de belles parolles, dont ilz faisoient sy bon march, ilz n'eussent faict instance par del qu'on depeschast personnaige exprs de vostre part, Sire, soubz pretexte qu'ilz disent, vouloir entrer en guerre contre l'Empereur et mectre conclusion au traict de ce mariage, pour aprs desavouer (?) ce que leur ambassadeur avoit propos et me rendre encores plus meigre responce que l'on feist ainsi qu'ilz desiroient qu'ilz n'auroient fait auparavant."
  • 5. See No. 285(6).
  • 6. Fawsley, in Northamptonshire, not far from Badby, mentioned in the letter.
  • 7. The proposed marriage between Orleans and the Princess Mary.
  • 8. Llanfair ym Mhuallt, commonly called Builth.224
  • 9. See No. 369.