Henry VIII: May 1531, 1-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 5, 1531-1532. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1880.

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'Henry VIII: May 1531, 1-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 5, 1531-1532, (London, 1880) pp. 106-111. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol5/pp106-111 [accessed 17 March 2024]

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May 1531, 1-15

1 May.
R. O. St. P. I. 383.
221. Miles Coverdale, Friar, to Cromwell. (fn. 1)
Reminds him of their conversation in Master More's house on Easter Eve, and begs his help for the fervent zeal he bears to virtue and godly study. Begins now to taste of Holy Scriptures, but requires books to help him to a knowledge of the doctors. Desires nothing but books; and will be guided by Cromwell as to his conduct, and in the instruction of others. Speaks highly of Cromwell's abilities. From the Augustines, this May Day.
Hol. Add. : Right worshipful.
1 May.
S. B.
222. Pensions from France.
1. Receipt by Hen. VIII. to Francis I. for the sum of 7,500 crowns of the sun, paid to at Calais, being an instalment of the sum of 30,000 crowns, due for three years' arrears of salt, by the treaty made at Hampton Court, 2 Sept. 1530. Westm., . Del. Westm., 1 May 23 Hen. VIII.
Fr. roll 23 Hen. VIII. m. 2.
S. B. 2. Similar receipt for the sum of 5,000 crowns of the sun of the pension of 10,000 crowns due by the treaty for the commutation of the annual pension of salt. Del. Westm., 1 May 23 Hen. VIII.
Fr. roll 23 Hen. VIII. m. 2.
S. B. 3. Another receipt, differently worded, for the sum of 47,368 crowns of the sun and 16 sous of Tours, paid to at Calais, in part payment of 1,894,736 crowns of the sun, due by treaty. Westm., 1 May 23 Hen. VIII. With a like receipt on the same parchment for 50,000 crowns of the sun, in part payment of 150,000 crowns of the sun, 40,000 angels, and 35,000 crowns of gold, formerly due by the Emperor according to the treaty made at Crevecur on the 8th Aug. 15[2]9.
S. B. 4. A signed receipt similar to No. 2, but without a date.
S. B. 5. Another receipt similar to the second in No. 3, but without a date.
1 May. 223. Elnestowe, Linc.
Appointment of abbess. See Grants in May, No. 1.
2 May.
R. O.
224. Brian Higdon to Cromwell.
Dr. Lee delivered, on Monday, Cromwell's loving letters, dated 20 April. Will do his best to get the conclusions passed in the Convocation here as in that of Canterbury. Begs his favor to the bearer, farmer of a little parcel of the prebend of Wetwang, who has been dispossessed by a gentleman of this country, though he has paid 4l. or 5l. a year more for his farm than others did before him, "for my brother (fn. 2) did enproie (improve?) that prebend by a good sum of money." York, 2 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add. : Mr. Thomas Cromwell, councillor unto the King's highness. Endd.
4 May.
Wilkins, III. 744.
225. Convocation Of York.
Met on the 12th Jan. Remitted to the King all the debts due from him to the clergy of that province. Continued to the 4th May 1531, when there was granted to the King 18,840l. 0s. 10d.
Attested by Ric. Farley, notary public. Present : Thos. Magnus, archdeacon of the East Riding, and Will. Claiburgh, archdeacon of Worcester.
4 May.
R. O.
226. The Abbey Of Roche to Robt., Carthusian Prior of Axholme.
Offers the thanks and prayers of the brethren as the sole return they can make for the kindness shown to them by his house; also the benefit of masses, fasts, &c. of the whole Cistercian Order. Every priest of that Order is bound to celebrate three masses for every brother known to have recently died, and twenty masses of Deus Veni yearly for those who have died unknown to them; and the professi, not being priests, are bound to repeat the Psalter fifteen times a year. In our Chapter House, 4 May 1531. Signed : Per me Johannem abbatem de Rupe, and by Henry Cundall, John Happe, Nic. Collys, Wm. Browne, Thos. Cundall, Ric. Fyshburne, Thos. Ewell (?), John Dodworth, Thos. Acworth, Henry Wylsun, Chr. Addisun, Chr. Gyrst (?), Wm. Carter, Robt. Rem (?), Wm. Hela, John Huland.
Lat., vellum.
4 May.
Le Grand, III. 524.
227. Nicolas Raince to Montmorency.
The English ambassadors are sending off the present courier. Albany is writing about affairs here. He has done much for the king of England, and the English are much pleased with him, seeing the way in which the Pope acts from love to the French king. The Ambassadors, and even Bennet and his companion, confess that the Pope could not do better, for they know the importunity of the Imperialists for the examination of certain witnesses, which the Pope cannot refuse, as the English confess. The Pope, however, will take care that nothing is done contrary to what he promised. Rome, Thursday, 4 May 1531.
Fr.
5 May.
R. O.
228. Robert Parett to Cromwell.
I wish to know your pleasure concerning Mr. Browne and Mr. Denton. Browne showed me of late that he was with you concerning the lands that he holds of my lord Cardinal's College, and that you were somewhat plain with him, and would have an office found in it by the escheator. He thinks this will be in his favor, for he alleges that my Lord's college hath no title to the lands; for he that gave it to my lady of Lyttylmore had no right to it, and my Lady had no authority to receive it. I question whether he showed you his mind so plainly. I wish to know your pleasure, and whether I shall "strayn" (distrain) off the ground first or not. I doubt not, so far as I can perceive by Mr. Dean, that the College right to any lands belonging to the lady of Littlemore can be sustained. I will certify you before Midsummer of all causes concerning the same. Mawdlen College, Oxford, 5 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add. : Right worshipful.
5 May.
Le Grand, III. 542.
229. Sir Gregory Casale to Montmorency.
The cause of the king of England is in a bad condition. All the arguments proposed against giving sentence have been rebutted by the Imperialists. There is no hope except in what Grammont may bring. The news of the sentence of Modena is expected, and the Pope thinks the duke of Ferrara may have detained the courier at Reggio. The Papal Court is in great fear of the Council, but is reassured by the Emperor's last letter, which is less furious. The coming of the cardinal Grammont will increase the jealousy of the Imperialists, and make them take less account of the Pope. Unless Montmorency orders Giovanni Joachino to pay him his pension, will not do what he has told him. Rome, 5 May 1531.
Ital.
6 May.
Lamb. 603, f. 35. St. P. II. 151.
230. O'Donell.
Indenture of the submission of Odo O'Donell to king Henry VIII., by his ambassadors, Connatius O'Fraghill, abbot of Derry, and Riskard O'Cragan, before the lord deputy Skeffington and some of the council of Ireland, at Drogheda, 6 May 1531, 23 Hen. VIII.
Lat, copy.
10 May.
Le Grand, III. 525.
231. Nicolas Raince to Montmorency.
Thinks that Albany will not fail to write to the King or Montmorency what Dr. Benet has said to him about the affair of the king of England, and also what the Pope said this afternoon. Is sure that he is displeased at the way the case is carried on, from his affection for the French king, which is, perhaps, more serviceable than the English think. There is no doubt that his promise to the French king about the 1st June will be kept, and more still. Rome, Wednesday, 10 May 1531.
Fr.
10 May.
P. S. Rymer, XIV. 389.
232. For Dom. Augustino De Augustinis, M.D., a Venetian.
Denization. Windsor, 24 Feb. 22 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 10 May [23 Hen. VIII.?]
Pat. 22 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 5.

R. O.
233. Richard Manchester to Lady Russell.
On receipt of her letter, went with Mr. Spylman to Mr. Augustyne's house, and, not finding him at first, to Dr. Mychalas' house, who had gone into Kent. Went next to Dr. Cromer, the Scot, who, after they had had much trouble to find him, said he had so many cures in hand, it would be against his honesty to leave them. Then went again to seek Mr. Augustyne with Mr. Byrch, whom they met on the way; but Augustyne refused to come, as he had my lady of Sussex under his hands, though Byrch offered him his horses and men. Mr. John, the poticary, would be glad to do my master the best service he can, "that is, when a physician hath made the bill." Mr. Spelman can inform you what diligence has been used in this business. This Monday.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
10 May.
Add. MS. 28,583, f. 204. B. M.
234. Secret Consistory Of Cardinals.
"On the 10th of May a secret Consistory was held in the Apostolic Palace at Rome, in the usual room, in which it was decided that, notwithstanding the allegations of the excusator of the king of England, the decree concerning the matrimonial cause of England was to remain in full force."
English abstract from a transcript at Simancas made from the Papal archives by command of king Philip II.
12 May.
Add. MS. 28,583, f. 205. B. M.
235. Mai to Fr. De Los Covos.
"Muxetula and the cardinal of Osma asked him not to write what the Pope said when he was informed of the sentence concerning Ferrara. Thinks it is his duty, nevertheless, to write it.
"The Pope was furious,Muxetula, he (Micer Mai), and the cardinal of Osma treating with the Pope, and quieting him. The Pope confessed that the bishop [of] Vaison committed the principal fault.
"Went next day alone to the Pope, and gave him a letter from the queen of England. Spoke with the Pope about the business of England. Said he had been informed that the English ambassadors were boasting that they would turn to good account the sentence of Ferrara; and that it was said in Rome that they had oftener visited the Pope during the last few days than formerly during a month. Added to these statements, which are true, some others of his invention, in order to make a deeper impression on the mind of the Pope.
"Found that the Pope was more cheerful and communicative. He complained of the licence of the Romans, who always invented stories. As for the English ambassadors, they had said to him nothing more than that they did not know whether they ought to congratulate or to condole him on account of the sentence of Ferrara, as they did not know how he liked it. The answer of the Pope was, according to what he says, that he is, and always will be, the friend of the Emperor. Inquired what the Pope had spoken with the duke of Albany. The Pope assures him that they have not spoken about anything particular, except the Council.
"Secretary Sanga. Cardinal Salviati, &c. Rome, 12 May 1531." English abstract from original at Simancas.
12 May.
R. O.
236. Stephen Clare, Mayor of Kingston-on-Hull, (fn. 3) to Norfolk.
Hearing that goods were being exported from Hull without paying duty according to the Act 2 Hen. VI., has arrested Thos. Spicer, master of the Mary Edward, of Brykilsey, and Wm. Gardiner, of Brykilsey, master of the Mary, of Hull, who were taking wheat to Armewe, in Selond. Encloses a bill of the goods in the Mary Edward, and the confession of the masters. Kingston-upon-Hull, 12 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add. : To, &c. the duke of Norfolk and treasurer of England.
ii. Goods in the Mary Edward :
30 tons iron, "Spaynyth and Amyas;" 23 barrels 3 firkins black soap; 1 bag alum; a sack of hops.
P. 1.
14 May.
R. O.
237. Brian Higdon and W. Strangways to Cromwell.
Have received his letters for exemption of the church belonging to the lord of St. John's from payment to the King's subsidy. Endeavoured to persuade the Convocation accordingly to allow the privileges and charters exhibited in discharge of further payment, but the clergy would not consent. York, 14 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add. : To owr ryght honorable master, Thomas Crowmwhell, one of the Kyng his most honorable Cownsell. Endd.
14 May.
Vienna Archives.
238. Chapuys to Charles V.
Ten days ago the King despatched Dr. Fox to France, an "habile gallant," and one of the boutefeus in this matter of the divorce. I have taken trouble to learn his charge, but have not succeeded. Some think it is to inform the cardinal de Tarbes, who is going to Rome, as also to get him charged by the French king to have the divorce in special consideration. Nothing was said of the sending of the said Doctor until after the receipt of a letter from Albany, that he had put this affair of the process in good train, and had no doubt of success, provided that the man who succeeded him with the Pope should follow the same track, and that the French king continued in the same matter. This letter was seen by the duchess of Norfolk, who reported it to the Queen; and she had a very bad headache, until I told her that the duke of Albany was returning from Rome, wherefore he could very well venture to write more boldly than heretofore, since if the affair succeeded otherwise he could well excuse himself on the ground that those who remained had carried on the affair badly. Hereupon the Queen lost all sorrow; at which the opposite party are astonished; and even the duke of Norfolk, seeing her lately leave her chamber, began to tell the Marquis (fn. 4) (?) that her courage was supernatural, that showed neither care nor anxiety at the course of affairs; and when the other answered that it must be thought that she felt assured in her conscience of the justice of her cause, the Duke replied, it was the Devil, and nobody else, who was the inventor of this accursed dispute.
The King, dining the other day with the Queen, as is usual in most festivals, began to speak of the Turk and the truce concluded with your Majesty, praising your puissance, contrary to his wont. Afterwards proceeding to speak of the Princess, he accused the Queen of cruelty, because she had not made her physician reside continually with her; and so the dinner passed off amicably. Next day, when the Queen, in consequence of these gracious speeches, asked the King to allow the Princess to see them, he rebuffed her very rudely, and said she might go and see the Princess if she wished, and also stop there. The Queen graciously replied that she would not leave him for her daughter nor any one else in the world; and there the matter stopped.
The news which have come of the arbitramental sentence touching Reggio and Modena have raised the hopes of these people, and the going of Dr. Fox has not cooled down. Though they know the sentence in their hearts to be good, they will use their efforts to persuade the world to the contrary, in order to induce the Pope to alienate himself [from you]. Has had further conversations with Joachin about Ferrara. He proposed the other day he should speak to the Council to remedy certain imposts which the Londoners wished to put upon merchant strangers; and he complained that he did not stand so well with this court as usual, and of the difficulty there was to entertain this people, and the little regard those who have the management showed for preserving amity and neighbourliness. He referred to the prohibition of selling French caps, which is directly against the treaty and contrary to custom, against which he has been able to do nothing. He is always asking for his cong, and says that half a year's pension is arrived at Calais, but it has been raised with difficulty.
The King is making a great park (fn. 5) in front of the Cardinal's house, and in order to reach it across the street he has had a very long gallery made; and they have proceeded to knock down a great many houses, to the great injury of those to whom they belonged, and there is no talk of compensation. All this has been done to please the lady, who likes better that the King should stay in the said house than elsewhere, as there is no lodging in it for the Queen. At the desire of the same lady the duchess of Norfolk has been sent home, because she spoke too freely, and declared herself more than they liked for the Queen. Stefano Colonna is here. London, 14 May.
Hol., Fr., pp. 3, from a modern copy.
15 May.
Add. MS. 28,583, f. 213. B. M.
239. Dr. Ortiz to Charles V.
"Thanks for the 300 scudos he has received. It is decided once more in the last Consistory that the person who is to excuse, in the name of the English nation, the absence of the king of England, shall not be heard, except in the case he shows power of the king of England to do so. The Pope is favorably inclined towards the Queen, and the same can be said of almost all the Cardinals. It would be a good thing if the proceedings in this cause could be abbreviated as much as possible. Thanks for his preferment to the post of preacher of the Imperial Court. Rome, 15 May 1531."
English abstract from the original at Simancas.

Footnotes

  • 1. This letter, which is printed by the Editor of the State Papers in 1532, is probably many years earlier, and prior at least to 1527.
  • 2. John Higdon was appointed to the prebend of Wetwang in 1529. According to Le Neve, it was next held by William Shute, who was preferred to it in 1558.
  • 3. According to Tickell's History of Hull, he was mayor in 1530-1.
  • 4. au marquis.
  • 5. "part" in copy.