Henry VIII: April 1533, 1-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 6, 1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1882.

'Henry VIII: April 1533, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 6, 1533, (London, 1882) pp. 144-151. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol6/pp144-151 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1533, 1-10



1 April. R. O.	306. James Layburn to Cromwell. Whereas the King sent letters to my lord of Cumberland, commanding him not to intermeddle in my lord of Richmond's liberties in Kendal : the Earl's officers still molest the tenants, as will be seen by the bill enclosed. These offences were done from the time of the King's letters to the time when my lord of Norfolk commanded me not to allow the said Earl or his officers to intermeddle. Connyswik, 1 April. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Right worshipful.
2 April.	307. Ambassador Of Denmark. See Grants in April, 24 Hen. VIII., No. 4.
3 April. R. O.	308. Sir Chr. Garneys and Rob. Fouler to Cromwell. Have put in execution the King's letters of 16 March, directing them to seize to his use the goods belonging to lord Berners. By means of the bearer, Fras. Hastings, we have come to the knowledge of the greater part, as comprised in an inventory signed by lord Berners before his death ; and also all such other stuff as Hastings had at his marriage by Berners' gift, or now by his bequest. Find Hastings honest, and to have hidden nothing, and hope Cromwell will favor his suit to the King. Calais, 3 April. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Right hon. Endd.
4 April. R. O.	309. [Friar] John Lawrence to Cromwell. Being very desirous to speak with you, I attended three days, and would have attended longer if obedience would have suffered me. If you wish to speak with me, send me your mind, and whether it be our sovereign's pleasure that I should declare this matter of matrimony in favor of his just cause. I shall do it in such a way as shall be as much to his honor and purpose as any man that has preached on it hitherto. I beg you to be good to my poor brother, of whom ye may win Heaven. The bearer can give you credible information of Father Forest. You shall know more of my mind when I speak to you. London, St. Ambrose Day. Hol., p. 1. Add. : Right honorable.
4 April. Add. MS. 19,401, f. 28. B. M.	310. Henry VIII. to Queen Margaret Of Scotland. In answering her letter, follows rather the persuasion and instigation of natural affection than the state of affairs between himself and her son, who has acted as an enemy to him. Would have refused to receive or answer letters from her as the mother of his enemy, but cannot abstain from answering the gentle letters she sends, as she is his sister. Intends rather to satisfy her kind and loving demonstration, by similar conduct on his part, than to answer the matter of which she writes, or send into Scotland an account of the injuries done to him by her son, and a declaration of how he would have them satisfied. She knows his natural disposition and inclination, and she can consider what her son has done and written, how he has refused to make restitution to English subjects according to the treaties, pretends a colorable title to the ground of Cannaby, which is of small value, and has preferred to enter into a war rather than relinquish what neither he nor his predecessors have hitherto claimed until the last war. She may easily know whether her son is as disposed for amity as she writes. Would gladly accept her labor if such conduct would be to his honor ; but as he has received the injury, he cannot sue for a remedy by mediation, either directly or indirectly, but must demand it by the sword. Must therefore refuse her mediation, and doubts not that she will employ herself to reform the error of her son. Westm., 4 April 24 Hen. VIII. Pp. 2. Copy in a Scotch hand.
5 April. R. O.Rym. XIV. 454. Pocock, II. 446.	311. The Divorce. Notarial attestation of the determination of the Convocation of Canterbury, begun 5 Nov. 1529, on the two points discussed in the King's divorce, determining,1, that the Pope has no power of dispensing in case of a marriage where the brother's widow has been cognita. The house consisted of 66 theologians. The proxies were 197 ; the negatives 19. The second question was, whether Katharine was cognita. The numbers present, 44 ; one holding the proxies of three bishops. Decided in the affirmative against five or six negatives. Dated 5 April 1533. Parchment decayed.
R. O.	2. Another copy, certified only by Potkin and Argall.
Harl. 7032, f. 141 b. B. M. Pocock, II. 449.	3. Another copy with the names of those who were present, and of the proxies ; and of the negatives, and of their proxies. Among the negatives are the bishops of Rochester and Llandaff, and the abbot of Winchcombe, Rich. Featherstone, Edw. Powell, and others. Among the canonists who voted a negative, John bishop of Bath, Adam Travers, and others. Modern copy. Lat.
R. O.	4. Draft Bill for submitting the question of the King's marriage, which the Pope has kept for years undecided, to the judgment of the Archbishops Metropolitans of England, who shall call to their assistance the bishops and clergy, and decide upon the evidence laid before the two late Legates. (fn. 1) Large paper, pp. 9. In Cromwell's hand.
R. O.	5. Draft Bill in Parliament, setting forth that the clergy in Convocation have declared Henry's VIII.'s marriage with Katharine illegal, and enabling him to marry again. Large paper, pp. 4. In Cromwell's hand.
6 April. R. O.	312. [Cromwell to the Bishop Of Ely?] The King desires him to attend the Council next term, if he can do so without danger to his health. His Grace has often lamented his absence and his infirmity. Recommends the bearer, Master Jonys, for preferment. London, 6 April. Hol. Draft. P. 1. On the back :"Remembrances for Mr. Thomas Jones to be done."A rental of the lordship of Elmelyn and Abermarles, and a commission to levy for the King as much rent as Mr. Parrot held under the barony of Carew. A letter to the Lord Chief Justice. His recognizance. Lands to be appointed for the abbot of Waltham, in lieu of Coppydhall park and the manor of Eppyng. (fn. 2) Hertford : The parsonages of Brawhyng, 24l., and Layston, 29l. per annum. Essex : The parsonages of Bromfeld, 13l. 6s. 8d., and Walkamstow, 10l. A portion of Bendishall, 5l. 10s. Of the abbot of Stratforde, 4l. Of Feryng and Taye, 17s. Of Blake Noteley, 26s. 8d. The parsonage of Tottenham, 19l. Of the abbot of Westminster, 3l. 6s. 8d. Total, 109l. 7s. In Cromwell's hand.
6 April. R. O.	313. Sir Thomas Elyot to Hackett. I thank you for your letter by Mr. Raynsford. I wish I had some comfortable news to send you, but we have hanging over us a great cloud, which is like to be a storm. The King is in good health. "I beseech God to continue it, and send his comfort of spirit unto him, and that truth may be freely and thankfully heard." I am determined to live and die therein. "Neither mine importable expenses, unrecompensed, shall so much fear me, nor the advancement of my successor, the bishop of Canterbury, so much allure me, that I shall ever decline from truth, or abuse my sovereign lord to whom I am sworn." You shall hear before long some strange things of the spiritualty. They are not agreed among themselves. Some say they digged the ditch into which they are now fallen. All other things are as you left them. Desires commendations to my lord of Palermo, the duke of Soers good grace, my lords Berghes, Molynbayse, and others, as well as to gentle Mr. Adrian and his bedfellow Mrs. Philip, "whose honesty, patience, and most gentle entertainment I cease not to advaunt among our women." London, 6 April. Hol., p. 1. Add.
7 April. Nero, B. VI. 122. B. M.	314. Wynter to Cromwell. Prefers to ask for an increase of his kindness rather than to seem ungrateful by a cold offering of thanks. His journey cost 156 cr. Was also obliged to provide two additional horses, and would have had to buy a third, unless Pole had given him one. On arriving at Padua, could get no respectable person to receive them into his house. Stayed a fortnight at an inn, and then, by the advice of Casalis, the King's ambassador, hired a house for 36 cr., which seemed to them very little. Spent 150 cr. in furniture, &c., and clothing himself and servants, and buying books. Has but little money left, and knows not where to get any, except from Cromwell. Would not willingly sell any of his plate in pledge with Cromwell, but would rather part with it than be burdened with debt. Wants 200 cr., and suggests that Cromwell should keep his plate and send him the profits of his benefices this year. Will thus be free from debt, and able to apply himself to his studies more quietly. Those dedicated to learning should be free from want, and the fear of want. Cromwell may wonder why, when wanting only 200 cr., he asks for the whole of his profits ; but it is for the purpose of laying in a store of necessaries. Would be much pleased to hear that help could be afforded him from the benefice of Rudby. Is encouraged by Cromwell's influence with the King, and his knowledge that the bishop of Winchester will be favorable to his wishes. Every thing here is dear. For two days there was no flesh for sale at Venice. Here at Padua they have flesh, but such as does not so much please the stomach as offend the nose. There are professors of all sciences here, such as he has never hitherto heard ; philosophers into whom the mind of Aristotle seems to have migrated ; and civil lawyers and physicians than whom there are none more learned. If Cromwell heard Lazarus, the professor of literature (politioris literatur), he would think Cicero had returned to Italy. Asks him to salute in his name Bonvisi and Lauson. Padua, 7 April. Signed. Lat., pp. 2. Add. : Clarissimo viro Dno. Crumwello, Londini.
7 April. R. O.	315. Wynter to Sir John Russell. Cannot pass over any opportunity of thanking him for his benefits. There is no man to whom he is more bound, except the King. As to the mighty army of the Turk, doubts not Russell knows as much as he does. It is said here that an Englishman named Robt. Brensetur, who made his fortune in Venice, was sent by the Emperor to "the king of Sophye," and is now his chief captain against the Turk. Every one says that if he speed well in this battle, he can be no less than a duke. He passed through the Turk's host with a passport which had been granted to a Venetian merchant, who gave it to him, and has been in consequence hanged and quartered by the Turk. They say that the King's grace and the French king are in league with the Turk. An Almain exile, living in Padua, who had commanded the Venetians in war, and on whose head the Emperor had set a price of 12,000 guldens, has been killed by certain Italians, who bribed his servant to let them in, and have some of his horses ready for them to escape. The servant fled with them, but they killed him also when they were a little out of the town. A book has been printed, "in the counties name of Verona," to defend the Queen's part, which he supposes will be shortly sent to England, if it is not there already. Stayed two days with the bishop of Verona, late Papal datary, who was glad to hear of Russell's welfare. Desires to be commended to Noryce, Bryan, Antony Browne, Edw. Nevel, Cheyne, Velsborne, Ratlefe, Page, Hennege, and others of the Privy Chamber. Padua, 7 April. Hol., p. 1. Add. : To the right honorable Sir John Russell, in the King's Privy Chamber.
7 April.	316. John De Hesdin. See Grants in April, 24 Hen. VIII., No. 9.
8 April. Wilkins, III. 756. (From Convoc. Register and Heylin's notes.)	317. Convocation Of Canterbury On 26 March (first day) :(1) proceedings against Latimer touching his sermon at Bristol respecting the images of saints, against his promise and submission. (2) touching the Divorce, when the president of Convocation presented certain books touching the depositions of certain witnesses in the cause, and the determinations of the universities, of which he promised to show the originals. When it was questioned whether they had a right to discuss such a matter, as it was now before the Pope, he produced a transumpt in which the Pope had desired that every one should express his opinion. After discussing the matter several days, on the 2nd April the bishop of London, as commissary, required the opinions of the Lower House as to the question, An ducere liceret uxorem cognitam a fratre decedente sine prole, et an sit provisio juris divini indispensabilis a Papa? There were 14 ayes, 7 noes, and 1 doubtful. One affirmed that it was dispensabilis with certain distinctions. April 3, the prolocutor exhibited to the president the opinion of the canonists whether carnalis copula was sufficiently proved ; and as the prolocutor (Wolman) was taken ill, Fox, archdeacon of Leicester, and Bell, archdeacon of Gloucester, were substituted for him. On 5 April, John Tregunwell, LL.D., appeared on behalf of the King, and requested that the proceedings of this Convocation should be reduced in publicam formam. On the 8th it was prorogued to the 7th June, by Dr. Clayborne, and eventually to the 31st March next year [1534].
R. O.	318. Convocation. "Proviso semper quod in hujusmodi prlatorum et cleri conventione sive convocatione, nihil per te vel ..., ipsis hujusmodi prlatis et cleris in prmissis vel eorum aliquo nobis inconsultis concludetur conveniatur aut discernatur." Lat., p. 1, with partial corrections, the whole passage being also cancelled.
9 April. Harl. MS. 2057, f. 123 b. B. M.	319. Henry VIII.] to the Mayor And Aldermen Of Dublin. Hears that for three years past they have forbidden merchants loading in Dublin to take their ships to Chester, by which reason, and because they go to the creek of Lyverpole, the King is defrauded of his customs. In the time of Edward IV. there was a decree that all merchants coming from Ireland should go to Chester. Is informed that they have renewed their above-mentioned unlawful act for seven years, and he orders them to annul it on pain of 500 marks. Westm., 9 April. Copy, pp. 2.
9 April. Ibid., f. 124.	320. The Same to the Earl of Kyldare, Deputy of Ireland. Desires him to have the above letter executed. Westm., 9 April. Copy, p. 1.
9 April. R. O.	321. Edward Besteney to Cromwell. Having nothing to send, sends him 6 doz. pigeons. Soham, 9 April. P.S.The carriage is paid. Signed. P. 1. Add. : Master Cromwell. Endd. by Wriothesley.
April. Cal. B. VII. 264. B. M.	322. [Northumberland to Henry VIII.] After his return from Scotland on Saturday, the 5th of this month of April, proposed to the Council of Berwick to ride into Scotland on Tuesday. They objected. His two brothers, lord Ogle, Sir John Wydrington, Roger Lassels with his retinue, Cookedaill and Ryddisdaill, joined Sir Ralph Ellercar, Sir Thos. Wharton, and Robt. Bowes here at Wyndigo, and on Wednesday, the 9th, invaded Scotland at Howeham, where Sir Thos. Clifforthe, Sir Arthur Darcy, and Sir Will. Evers met them with the whole garrison, and burned all the towns near the water of Caill. On their return, the Scotch prickers, under Sir Jas. Hamilton, fell in with him. The earl of Murray had gone to Morehouse (Melrose). Desires credence for the bearer. Draft, pp. 2.
10 April. Vit. B. XIV. 37. B. M.	323. [James V.] to Clement VII. "Be[atissime pater] ... signa rep ... Primum r ... toties faci ... expectato ... ter intestino ... quoque dum r ... semina serit a ... studiosus et dim ... beatissime pater pav ... capita in nos tali ... advertere quam sit habitu ... id V. S. integerrime ... qui ex quo ferant sententiam caus ... um ... quantulacunque dampni magis est paritura rei pu[blic ... tum] ex Albani duce tum ex reverendissimo Ravenn rerum ... Ex regia nostra Strivilingensi decimo die mensis Aprilis [anno supra millesimum quin]gentesimum tricesimo tertio." Mutilated. Add. : Domino nostro Pap.
10 April. Vienna Archives.	324. Chapuys to Charles V. Notwithstanding the remonstrances heretofore made by the Estates of the danger to which the King exposes himself and the kingdom, they have done the very contrary as much as they could, and there was no remedy that the King by his absolute will should not have constrained them to conclude and pass what he had put forward against the Pope's authority, viz., to declare that all processes, even in the case of marriage, ought to be settled in this kingdom, without recourse to the Pope, under pain of high treason ; and that if any one in such a case bring in excommunication into this kingdom, he shall be considered as a traitor, and without any further process be sent to an ignominious death. This is only aimed at the Queen ; which some of the Parliament seeing, one of whom sat for the city of London, who had formerly been in Spain, and is my very good friend, they proposed that if the King would agree to remit the decision of the affair of the Queen and of the Pope to a General Council, they would provide among the people 200,000l. But there is no chance that the King will listen that the affair be determined otherwise than by the Archbishop, of whom he is perfectly assured, as he has performed the office of espousal (de l'esposement), as I have formerly written to you ; and he is fully resolved, as he has told many, and those of his Council publish, that immediately after Easter he will solemnize his marriage and the coronation of the Lady. The better to prepare the way, he sent yesterday the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the marquis and the earl of Ausburg (?) to the Queen, to tell her that she must not trouble herself any more, nor attempt to return to him, seeing that he is married, and that henceforth she abstain from the title of Queen, and assume the title of duchess (princess), leaving her the entire enjoyment of the goods she formerly had, and offering her more, if she needed more. The Queen would not fail to advertise me of the interview. I know not whether they are in any doubt as to the Queen's willingness to dislodge or not ; but about eight days ago, the King's council commanded my lord Mountjoy to rejoin her with all diligence, and keep watch upon her, and not leave her. Last Sunday, being Palm Sunday, the King made the bishop of Rochester prisoner, and put him under the charge of the bishop of Winchester ; which is a very strange thing, as he is the most holy and learned prelate in Christendom. The King gave out in Parliament that this was done because he had insinuated that Rochford had gone to France with a commission to present an innumerable sum of money to the chancellor of France and the cardinal of Lorraine to persuade the Pope by a bribe to ratify this new marriage, or at all events to overlook it, and not proceed further ; which the King thought his Holiness would naturally do, seeing that the matter was already settled. I think that Rochford must have had this among his other charges. Not to spoil their negotiations with the Pope for that which they were soliciting in these Estates, he begged the Nuncio, by the duke of Norfolk, not to write on these matters to his Holiness. The real cause of the Bishop's detention is his manly defence of the Queen's cause. You may learn by it the gross disorder of affairs here, and the obstinacy of this King, who seems to seek for nothing else except his own perdition. Whenever they speak to him of the inconveniences likely to arise, he says that whilst England is united, it is not conquerable by any foreign prince ; but it seems to me he is doing all he can to disgust his people. You cannot imagine the fear into which all these people have fallen, great and small, imagining they are undone ; and even if they do not suffer from foreign, they will from civil war. But though their fear be great, their indignation is still greater, except with ten or twelve who hang about the Lady ; so that they are willing to incur great losses, if your Majesty would send an army and root out the poison of the Lady and her adherents. Excuse me if I speak of things concerning your service ; but I think it can hardly displease you to make an enterprise against this kingdom, considering the enormous injury done to your aunt ; for when this cursed Anne has her foot in the stirrup, you may be sure she will do the Queen all the injury she can, and the Princess likewise,of which the Queen is most afraid. The said Anne has boasted that she will have the said Princess for her lady's maid (demoiselle) ; but that is only to make her eat humble pie (manger trop), or to marry her to some varlet, which would be an irreparable injury. And the enterprise would be more justifiable to obviate the scandal which will arise from this divorce, and likewise to prevent the kingdom from alienating itself entirely from our Holy Faith and becoming Lutheran ; which will shortly come to pass without any remedy, as the King shows them the way, and lends them wings to do it ; and the archbishop of Canterbury does still worse. The attempt would be easy ; for they have no horse, nor men to lead them, nor have they the heart of the people, which is entirely in favor of you, the Queen, and the good Princess,I may say not of the mean, but of the higher classes, except Norfolk and two or three others. It will be right that the Pope should call in the secular arm ; and meanwhile, in support of the censures already executed, you might forbid negotiations in Spain and Flanders, and so induce the people to rise against the authors of this cursed marriage ; and now and then, in order to animate them, it would be right to take up ships, and secretly support the Scots with money, and prevent them treating with this nation for peace. The chief difficulty is that the Most Christian King might do something new against your coasts ; which I can hardly believe, seeing how just your quarrel is. For when the King here asked Monpesat whether his master would assist him in such a case, he said he did not know, as it was not expressed in their treaties. And if the Most Christian King wished to do mischief, seeing that the enterprise of this kingdom would be of so short duration, and doubting whether he could do anything of consequence, he would wait the issue ; and if this King, who is the right hand of the other, was punished, it would abate his pride. Moreover, as he can do nothing without the Swiss, if they were advertised of the enormity of the case, they would not assist him against your Majesty, especially if you gave them a good pot of wine. It is very true, that if the Princess were not in such danger as I have said, and that if the people here did not see you take up this affair a little warmly, they would lose heart and affection ; so it would be better to temporise a little, only not allowing them to traffick with your subjects. And, further, in that it appears that there might be some danger that the king of France might make some stir, I think that your Majesty would do well not to allow the English merchants in your realm to be ill treated, for they would be instruments of augmenting the good will of this people. I understand that the King intends to forbid any one speaking publicly or privately in favor of the Queen ; and he will then proceed further, if God and your Majesty do not remedy it. Pray, pardon me, if I thus speak out of compassion for the Queen and the Princess. The Nuncio has returned from Scotland, and says that the Scots being required by the English will condescend to the conditions they have required since the commencement ; and that they are also ready for war. Albany's secretary is here. The German of whom I spoke to you has been despatched with a letter to the Landgrave. The King will not meddle with men-of-war. The merchants here, seeing the state of affairs, are withdrawing their money. Begs to be furnished with what is necessary. London, 10 April 153[3]. Hol., Fr., pp. 7. From a modern copy.