Henry VIII: May 1534, 11-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

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'Henry VIII: May 1534, 11-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534, (London, 1883) pp. 247-259. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol7/pp247-259 [accessed 25 April 2024]

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May 1534, 11–15

11 May. 639. John Bishop of Lincoln to Cromwell.
R. O. I thank you for getting me licence yesterday to go to my diocese, which I purpose to do on Wednesday; also for being so good master to my nephew the archdeacon of Lincoln. I beg that he may have your counsel in all he has to do. Holborn, 11 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary.
11 May. 640. Cranmer to Cromwell.
R. O. Letters, 289. Desires his favor to Sir Edw. Mowll, priest. He was chaplain to Dr. Benet, and continued with him whilst he was the King's ambassador in Italy. He has been ill in Piedmont for six months and is far in debt, and is a very honest man and worthy of a better fortune. Croydon, 11 (fn. 1) May. Signed.
Add.: Right worshipful. Sealed.
11 May. 641. Anthony Coope to Cromwell.
R. O. I received your letters to search into the behaviour of this priest. He has written his account with his own hand, but is subtle and crafty. I have sent up his sermon, but as it is badly written I have made a copy, annexed. You will perceive the disposition of the priest in dicing and carding. He has never said matins nor mass since Candlemas, as his servant asserts. You will see the extortions from abbeys, and the change of his name, calling himself sometimes the Queen's chaplain, &c., in some places my lord of Wiltshire's nigh kinsman. He says the King has no such mortal enemies as the abbots and priors; on which I straitly examined him to know the names of such. He mentioned the abbot of Betlisden, Bucks, as appears in his bill, which he will show the Council when he comes up; and to comfort him therein, I told him that if it be true, it will purchase him the King's favor. He says this was always his intent, but I think if he had not been thereto enforced, he would never have had it known that he had been near any of these abbeys. It appears also that he said that he had a commission to view the abbeys, as he has done. Weigh that according to your high discretion. Hardewyk, 10 May.
Advises that the poor lad the priest's servant should be discharged.
P. 1. Add.: Right honorable.
11 May. 642. Hugh Pollard to Cromwell.
R. O. According to your letters concerning the pirates in the gaol of Exeter, I have had them examined and send you their confession. Ric. Bates, one of them, has been very sick in gaol, and several prisoners have died. I was obliged therefore to wait till he was amended. Erilliston, 11 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
11 May. 643. Sir Brian Tuke to Lord Lisle.
R. O. As Mr. Baker's wife is now going thither, I write to thank you for your goodness to him, and beg you among all the suits made to your lordship by great men to remember that of your own little man, when any room falls vacant, for Mr. Baker. London, 11 May 1534.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
11 May. 644. Thos. Lord Lawarre to Lord Lisle.
R. O. Expresses great obligations to lord Lisle and his lady. I understand by Holden that your lordship has had but one letter from me since you left England. I have sent several, though they did not arrive. I have no venison or anything else but it is yours; and if I have not satisfied you, I beg you to think no unkindness. I would be more glad to see you here in England than I would be to see you and the French king together. Halffnakyd, 11 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add. Endd.: 11 May 1534.
11 May. 645. French News.
Add. MS. 28,586, f. 254. B. M. Extract from letters from Paris of 11 May.
Two English ambassadors have visited the French king. The two sovereigns are now united (vinti, qu. error for junti?) by a closer bond, as friends to friends and enemies to enemies. It is said that the Scotch ambassador has obtained the hand of the French princess for his master, and that the king of England now consents to the marriage. * * *
Ital., pp. 3. Modern copy.
11 May. 646. Sir Christopher Dacres.
R. O. Inventory of the “moveable” of Sir Christopher Dacres remaining in Blanerhassett's wife's house at Carlisle, taken 11 May 26 Hen. VIII., by the earls of Westmoreland and Cumberland and Sir Thos. Clifford, the King's commissioners, in the presence of John ap Rice their clerk appointed by the King.
i. “In the high bedchamber of the said Sir Christopher in the said house:” Various cloths and garments, a chalice and corporas case in a wainscot cupboard, bedding, &c.
ii. In the inner chamber next the same: A riding coat and certain gowns, doublets, counterpoints, &c., described. A garnish of pewter vessel, of which the wife was in doubt whether it were Dr. Hering's or Sir Christopher's; a fine counterpoint of imagery; an old Turkey carpet 3 yards long, &c.; tablecloths and other “napery.”
iii. In the high hall: Tapestry hangings, tablecloths, cushions, &c.; a round table of wainscot and a case of carving knives.
iv. Plate: Among other articles, a dozen spoons of the Twelve Apostles, 3 gilt spoons, one with a Christopher on the end, the second with a griffon, and the third with an H. Six spoons, whereof four with slip ends, one with an acorn and another with a piked knob. A new boll with a cover, whereof the wife claims part, because her husband gave part of the silver for it. A dozen spoons, 8 with slip ends and 4 with roses. An old double gilt pot, which the wife says is Dr. Hering's, with J. and H. on the top of the cover.
v. Stuff of the said Sir Christopher at his house at Fishergate in Carlisle, viz., in the parlor, garners, hall and parlor next the gate. Horses, 3, one of which is claimed by his chaplain Sir Ric. Chyeden.
vi. Grain at Carlisle in the Blackfriars, and at Rocliff.
All the foresaid stuff is committed to the charge of the mayor of Carlisle to the King's use.
vii. Grain in sundry places, via., Blynkecarne, Camerton, and Kirkland.
viii. Corn sold to divers persons who still owe for it, as appears by a book of Rob. Jackson, viz., at Kirkland, Bolton, Culgarth and Skirwith.
ix. Stuff at his house of Crogling, viz. in the parlor and the chamber above it, the chamber in the Tower, the garner and the barn.
x. Store of cattle: At Coolteclosse, in the keeping of Will. Molecastre. At Thevyshede, in the keeping of Ric. Matthows. At Carlayton, in the keeping of John More and Henry Newton. At Crogling Hall, in the keeping of Peter Hewetsonne. At Baron Woode, in the keeping of Jenkin Snowden. At Bloys Fell, in the keeping of Thos. Olyphaunte. At Troske Fell, in the keeping of Will. Scott. At Browne Rigg, in the keeping of Rob. Mabson. At Whitehyll, in the keeping of Thos. Stephynson. At Broun bank, in the keeping of Robin Gibbonne. At Crokegarth, in the keeping of Will. Atkynn. At Langmore, Low Browne, Byars Park and Crogling, in the keeping of Will. Murthwayt. At Norskoon, in the keeping of John Byrde and his brother Christopher. At Crogling Hall, in the keeping of Ric. Gibson. At Byars Park, in the keeping of John Browne, Edie Dobson and John Bell. At Geleyslyn, in the keeping of Ralph Vypounde. At Calthwayt, in the keeping of John Lambert (some lent to Sir Will. Musgrave). At Patterdale, in the keeping of John Walker; and in Kirkoswald.
Pp. 11. The successive pages are signed at the foot by John prior of Lanrecost, John Legh, Cuthbert Hoton, Lanslott Lancaster, John Skelton and Christopher Threlkeld, each in rotation.
11 May. 647. Scotland.
R. O. (fn. 2) Rym. XIV. 529. Treaty of peace between England and Scotland made by Will. bishop of Aberdeen and Sir Adam Otterburn of Reidhall, on the part of James V., with Sir Thos. Audley, Cromwell, Edw. Fox, John Tregunwell and Ric. Gwent on the part of Henry VIII., to continue during the joint lives of the two kings and one year longer; containing, among other things, clauses that neither prince shall infringe this treaty on pretext of any ecclesiastical censure; and that repairing, setting or breaking the Fishgarth of Esk shall not be considered an attempt requiring redress. London, 11 May 1534. Signed by the Scotch commissioners.
12 May. 648. The Cawmills.
R. O. Rym. xiv. 538. Article for the redelivery of the house or fortress of Eddringtoun or Cawmills, taken by the king of England during the last war, within 20 days after this date. 12 May 1534.
R. O. 2. Modern copy (fn. 3) of the same, pp. 2.
[12 May?] 649. Sir George Lawson to Cromwell
R. O. Reminds him of the bill to be delivered to his servant, and the warrant for the payment of the last 2,000 men levied in the north. Knows that at his coming home there will be great exclamation for it. Concerning Cawe Mylles, asks him to send a warrant to the abbot of St. Maryes to deliver as much money as will pay George Douglas, until the day that Cromwell writes that he will be discharged. Asks him to obtain the King's letter to the duke of Richmond for Lawson's fee as before, considering his great losses and charge. (fn. 4) Suggests that the duke of Norfolk should be moved therein. Hopes he will remember Mr. Holgill's matter. “At my poor caben, this Tuysdaye.”
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
12 May. 650. John Coke to Cromwell.
R. O. Received today a letter from Lubeck, stating the quantity of the goods of London merchants taken last year, and now, by Cromwell's means, safely arrived at Antwerp; that Griffith ap Howell and his wife have come from Scotland to a town 10 miles from Lubeck, in the dominion of the duke of Holste; and that the town of Lubeck will send an ambassador to England. The wars lately set forward in Germany in the quarrel of the duke of Wrotenbarghe are put into the hands of four of the corvestors (Churfürste, or Electors ?) to be discussed. Proclamation has been made that all who serve in any war against the Emperor or his brother shall lose their lives and forfeit their goods. The naughty people here murmured greatly at the late execution of monks and friars in England, but when Coke told the people of their offences against God and treason against the King, and how this country within the last six weeks had burned and beheaded doctors and learned men for less crimes, they ceased, so that now every man says it was well done. A priest here gave a copy of the Pope's sentence against the King to a Fleming speaking English, that he might spread the copy of it among young men and apprentices of the company, and so it might be sent into England. Charged those who were desirous to write it out, not to meddle with it, and told the priest to keep his copy to himself, or he would complain to the lord of Barowe. This he promised to do, and has done as far as I can tell. Barowe, 12 May 1534.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
12 May. 651. Sir Clement West to [Cromwell].
Otho. C. ix. (171.) B. M. Writes by the advice of his best lovers in these parts, to give information to the King and to his special good lord [the duke of] Northfolk. Hears that Cromwell showed special favor to him in [obtaining] the King's recommendations which have not been accepted by the Master, “as . . . . . other princes in times past to enjoy their fa[vor] . . . . . divers secular persons has been given promosyo[n] . . . . . the style of the religion, as prioralties, bayl . . . . . and this recommendation for me is with the . . . . . religion, and not that withstanding, will . . . . . to restore me for all my long service, but of a st . . . . . nes against all law and reason, made process age[inst me] being sick in prison and no proctor for me and . . . . . dysmytyd me, made none but with fury . . . . . he would nowthyr all the time I was in p[rison] . . . . . only upon the sight of his most gracious [letters and] of my said good lord's grace, wherein he [showed his] inward malice and all those with in th . . . . . against me, when he dismissed me in . . . . . where was 40 voices, of the which I had . . . . . those he would none in the process. All the . . . . . of his household and of his retention and t . . . . . were the strangers with the question be . . . . . sytyng in the place of three Englishmen . . . . . suffer them. Moreover, he retained John . . . . . caused felony to be moved against him . . . . . had the mace, notwithstanding the . . . . . of his good grace declared in his . . . . . Id return without displeasure or . . . . . [consi]dering such demeanor.” Desires credence for . . . . . who will inform him of the “[u]n tru” demeanor of Sutton and the wrongful imprisonment of faithful Sir Oswold Marsyngberd, because he said he was not true to his prince to forsake his honor . . . . . commandry of Grase, and to color a stranger's illdo[ing] against his own natural country. Wherefore the . . . . . makes process against him to destroy him. Begs Cromwell to help Marsyngberd, so that he may be set at liberty. If it were the King's pleasure to se[nd fo]r us all, and none to come hither till all be prezse[nt be]fore him much untruth would be k[nown]. Malta, 1534, May 12.
Hol., pp. 2. mutilated. Begins: Right Worshipful Sir.
12 May. 652. Robert Fouler to Lord Lisle.
R. O. Master Cromwell has declared the King's pleasure touching the plate late of the lord Berners. Your lordship may have it by paying down 110l., and 50l. yearly till the whole is paid. Crumwell has left to my discretion the ordering of the household stuff. Hopes to be with him before Whitsuntide, when he shall be contented. London, 12 May.
I have delivered your gelding, received of my lord Hussey, to sergeant Rolte.
Hol., p. 1. Sealed. Add.: My lord Lisle, deputy, &c. of Calais. Endd.
12 May. 653. William Gret to Lord Lisle.
R. O. Justifies himself from the rumor of having any connection with Swyfte and Buck in Calais. Believes Buck is innocent, and has been unjustly accused by “that wrache Couke.” He is now at London to clear himself, which he trusts will be to Coke's shame. Sends him and my lady two books of marmalade. Will come home with Mr. Roukwod, and is tarrying for nothing except for the King's signature to a gift that was promised him. Greenwich, 12 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Lysle, the King's deputy of Calais. Endd.
12 May. 654. John Brwn to Lady Lisle.
R. O. I have received your token and letter. The Queen was very much pleased with your present of dotterels and your linnet that hung in your chamber. I know her Grace is good lady to you, as I shall explain more fully when I come. Greenwich, 12 May.
Commend me to my lord and captain and to all your gentlewomen. Mr. Tate and his wife, with her father also, send commendations.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
13 May. 655. Cromwell to Sampson.
R. O. As my lord of Chester is destitute of mitre, crozier and other things necessary, and will tomorrow be occupied about the King's other affairs, I require you to appoint some other bishop to execute tomorrow (fn. 5) before the King at the Court, till he is better furnished. Stepney, 13 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Dr. Sampson, dean of the King's chapel.
13 May. 656. Sir Will. Parre to Cromwell.
R. O. Twelve days ago a pursuivant arrived, who said he had brought down sundry proclamations for this shire, but when he searched among his books he could find none directed to me, though he has for all other shires. Mr. Darby said a particular letter was sent to me, which I did not receive. I have received only one bill of the succession, a copy of a commission, and the copy of an oath annexed, and according to my duty, if the others had come to my hands I should have put them in force; and I trust I may suffer no prejudice because I made not proclamation before May day, as others have done. I sent my servant to the lord Chancellor to find if any have been sent down, but he brought none. Horton, 13 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Of the King's Council.
13 May. 657. John Hennege to Cromwell.
R. O. By information of a letter from John Watts, “beying of the see,” Anthony Curtais, gentleman, and Bellowe, your servant, have taken in Humbur certain persons who are in safe keeping till your pleasure be known. I send their confessions by the bearer. Clee, 13 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Master Secretary.
[13 May.] 658. Elizabeth Elys, Widow, (fn. 6) to Cromwell.
R. O. I thank you for your kind letter, being a widow full of heaviness and one who has lost all her friends. I pray you to be good unto me for my late lord Cardinal's sake, and I send you a poor remembrance. My son is bound to pray for you. I would gladly have him at home, but he is in so much debt and danger here that he would be thrown into prison, and this would greatly augment my heaviness, as I am a woman of great age. Mr. Towneshend and Mr. Wyndham desire that my son should not yet come home, as they hope to arrange with his creditors, although neither I nor my husband were bound for his debts. Attybryg, Ascension even.
P. 1. Add.: Right honorable and good master. Endd.
13 May. R. O. 659. Leonard Cox to “the Goodman Toy, at the Sign of St. Nicholas in Powles Churchyard.”
I send you the paraphrase of Erasmus with the Epistle of St. Paul to Titus and my preface, made as you know but suddenly. I desire you to show it to Mr. Cromwell, to know his pleasure whether it shall be printed. Will, if he please, translate Erasmus on the Manner to Pray, or his paraphrase of 1 and 2 Tim. I am also translating Erasmus on the bringing up of children, which I intend to dedicate to him soon after Whitsuntide. I am told his mastership is recorder of Bristol, and if he be content with my doings, I will write to ask him for the free school there. I have many good masters in the cause, but would rather have his favor than all the others'. Reading, 13 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
13 May. 660. Leonard Smyth to Lady Lisle.
R. O. Kyne will bring her cloth to London next week. Will let her know when it comes. London, 13 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
661. Instructions for —, Ambassador to France. (fn. 7)
R. O. He is to thank the French king for his good will towards Henry, as shown by the reports of lord Rochford and Sir Wm. Fitzwilliam, and to tell him that the King is highly gratified by his answers to them concerning the meeting and otherwise. Henry will omit nothing that may serve for the conservation and continuance of amity.
Will receive benignly any person sent by Francis with further instructions, and will give him such answers as will be agreeable to the French king. Being instructed by Rochford and Fitzwilliam of the circumstances and particulars, he must declare the above in such a way that Francis may see that his answers have been not a little to the King's rejoice and singular consolation. He must also give the King's recommendations to the queen of Navarre, the Great Master, the Admiral, the bishop of Paris, Mons. Catylyon, Mons. Pomeray and Mons. Beauvoys, and request them to have the King and his cause always in their good remembrance. He must advertise the King from time to time of their proceedings and other occurrences. Is well contented with his conduct.
Copy, pp. 6. Endd.
14 May. 662. Chapuys to Charles V.
Vienna Archives. It is over 15 days since the Scotch ambassador came to communicate to me the articles mentioned in my letter of the 22nd ult., of which I send the two principal in a bill joined to this. Among other things he told me that he believed they would conclude the peace with England, both because they were so much stimulated to it by them and also for the necessity the King his master was in in order that the English might not invade him while he was almost destitute of aid, — a thing the French would not be sorry for, but would rather tacitly suggest in order to reduce the King his master to necessity and compel him to take such a wife as Francis and the king of England pleased; and for the King his master to arrive at his object, viz., to obtain the daughter of France in marriage, it was expedient to amuse the English by means of a peace, so that this king might not hinder it, as he had always done hitherto, and this king being assured of the said peace, would have no fear of that marriage. These words I got from him, not without mystery, and he said that whatever peace they made, when an opportunity of war arose they would find only too many lawful grounds for it, and of this he could assure me, and also that they would not treat of anything that could directly or indirectly injure the amity with your majesty's countries or the fraternity caused by the reception of the Toison, and that the English had made several overtures to them of a contrary character, which they had always rejected, saying that they wished your majesty to be comprised in the peace, and that the bishop and he had orders to that effect.
Since then the Scotch ambassadors have been in nearly continual communication with the King and Council, ever since the return of Rochford and Fitzwilliam from France, which they seemed to be waiting for to settle matters. After their return, the French ambassador, who had not been present at any of the previous consultations, was summoned, and the English began to speak in a higher tone, demanding certain land which has been adjudged to the Scotch king by innumerable treaties. The English wished that this difference, with others, should be remitted to the French king, but the Scotch refused and proposed the Pope. At this the duke of Norfolk asked angrily what popo they meant, implying that there were two, one of Rome and one of Canterbury. This gave the bishop an opportunity of speaking of the papal authority and reproving what had been done here against his Holiness. The company were not pleased and the Duke wished he had not spoken.
After much contention, it seems that the English, desirous of peace agreed to what the Scotch wished, and concluded a peace during the lives of the two Kings and four years longer. I have not been able to find out the particulars. Two days ago the ambassador sent to ask when he might come and see me, and though I offered him any time, he has not yet come, having been occupied with the Council in drawing up the treaty. The bishop has also sent to say that he wishes to talk to me for three or four hours, but we have not yet met for fear of suspicion.
Rochford and the Treasurer having returned from France, although the day was extraordinary, the King and his mistress dined in public, and after dinner, in presence of all the guests, the King said he was bound to give thanks to God for having so entirely conciliated to him such a good brother and friend as the king of France, who was always ready to share his fortune and conform to his will, which the said Rochford and Treasurer confirmed, but certainly this unusual publication makes many people suspect that the king of France begins to halt, especially as he has put off the interviews which the King was hastening for July, and some still think that they will not take place, and that the bishop of Paris or some other great personage sent by Francis will come here in order among other things to “fere lecture desdites entrevues.”
Having several times consulted the Queen how to give effect to the sentence, she wrote to me two days since the letter which I send with this, which besides explaining her advice will serve to excuse her from writing to your majesty. She thought, before that when the sentence was given the King would be converted, but now she knows it will be necessary to proceed by other remedies, which she dare not propose, both for fear her letters should be intercepted, and not to contradict what she has already written; knowing also that your majesty understands much better than anyone else what is necessary to remedy matters here. An immediate remedy is necessary, otherwise the case is irreparable. For besides that the King and others get worse every day, this new sect is increasing and gaining strength, and if it once take root even those who have hitherto held for the Queen will change their opinion, believing that what your majesty would do in the Queen's behalf was not on that account but to maintain the Pope's authority, which they call tyranny, and on this pretext the King hopes to have the support, not only of those of his own kingdom, but of a part of Germany. If your majesty knew the complaints daily made of the delay of this remedy, you would be astonished. They have been more frequent of late, since the merchants have been preparing for the coming fair in Flanders, people saying that if they were permitted henceforth to go to Flanders or Spain, all was over.
The Queen has been removed to a house belonging to the heirs of Sir Ric. Wingfield, who died at Toledo. She is better lodged than she was, although the house is small. When she was about to remove, the King sent two doctors to summon her to swear to the two statutes lately made, of which I sent a copy on the 22nd; but instead of complying she intimated to the doctors the sentence lately given in her favor. Nevertheless the doctors compelled all the servants of the house to swear. Some days ago the King asked his mistress's [aunt], who has charge of the Princess, if the latter had abated her obstinacy, and on being answered “No,” he said there must be someone about her who encouraged her and conveyed news from the Queen her mother. The said gouvernante, on consideration, could suspect no one except the maid of whom I lately wrote, who had been compelled to swear, and on this suspicion she drove her out, and she has been for some days without anyone to go to or means to support herself. The Princess has been much grieved at this, for she was the only one in whom she had confidence, and by her means she had letters from me and others. The Queen also is very sorry, but still more because the King has taken from the Princess her confessor, a very good man, and given her another who is a Lutheran and a tool of his own. During the last few days the King, perceiving that neither by force nor menaces could he get his way with the said Princess, or for some other reasons, has shown her more honor than usual, and used more gracious words, begging that she would lay aside her obstinacy and he would promise her before Michaelmas to make such a bargain with her that she should enjoy a royal title and dignity; to which, among 1,000 other wise answers, she replied that God had not so blinded her as to confess for any kingdom on earth that the King her father and the Queen her mother had so long lived in adultery, nor would she contravene the ordinance of the Church and make herself a bastard. She believes firmly that this dissimulation the King uses is only the more easily to attain his end and cover poison, but she says she cares little, having full confidence in God that she will go straight to Paradise and be quit of the tribulations of this world, and her only grief is about the troubles of the Queen her mother. I have been told that within these few days the King has shown himself more cheerful than usual. I know not whether it was owing to the peace with the Scots or to the news of the troubles in Germany, which he will encourage to the utmost of his power, until he is given other things to think about.
The secretary of the Vayvode, whose despatch was put off till the return of Rochford and the Treasurer, is still here. I have not been able to learn what he is doing. London, 14 May 1534.
Fr., pp. 9. From a modern copy.
14 May. 663. William Lord Dacres.
R. O. Inventory of my lord Dacre's plate, taken 14 May 26 Hen. VIII., by Mr. Gostwyk and Mr. Richard Crumwell.
Found in a white leather bag in an iron chest of Sir Chr. Dakers, in crowns of 5s., 26l. 15s.; in angels, 40l.; in silver, 4l.; of my lord Dacre's own money, 30l.; two bracelets of gold, a gold brooch, a silver flagon, three plain silver candlesticks, a basin and ewer of silver, a silver salt with a cover of the old fashion, wherein is contained three salts; seven spoons, whereof one gilt, and two chalices with patens clean gilt.
P. 1.
14 May. 664. Anne Boleyn to Cromwell.
Cleop. E. v. 330 b. B. M. Ellis, I. ii. 45. Is credibly informed that the bearer, Ric. Herman, merchant and citizen of Antwerp, was expelled from his freedom and fellowship in the English house there in the time of the late cardinal, for, as he says, setting forth the New Testament in English. Desires Cromwell to see him restored to his pristine freedom, liberty and fellowship. Greenwich, 14 May. Signed.
Sealed. Add.: Thos. Crumwell, esq., Chief Secretary. Endd.
14 May. 665. The Royal Supremacy.
Close Roll, 23 Hen. VIII. m. 9 d. Rym. XIV. 487. Declaration of obedience to Henry VIII. and queen Anne, and of the lawfulness of their marriage, with repudiation of the bishop of Rome's authority, and acknowledgment of the King as Supreme Head of the Church, by the convents of the Franciscan, Dominican, Augustinian, Carmelite and Crutched Friars of London under the signatures of the priors, viz., of Edmund Stretham, prior [of the Crutched Friars], Rob. Strowddyll, S.T.P., prior of the Dominicans, George Burnham, prior of the Carmelites, Thos. Cudner, warden of the Friars Minors, and Geo. Browne, S.T.P., prior of the Augustinians. Dated in their chapter houses, 17 April 1534, 25 Hen. VIII. Acknowledged in Chancery by the above heads of houses before Geo. Browne, prior provincial of the Augustinians, and John Hylsey, prior provincial of the Order of Friars Preachers, on the 17th, 18th, and 20th April, anno præsenti.
Close Roll. 26 Hen. VIII. m. 15 d. Rym. XIV. 489. 2. Similar declaration by the convents of the Friars Preachers, Langley Regis, the Minors of Alisbury, the Preachers of Dunstable, the Minors of Bedford, the Carmelites of Hechynge and the Minors of Ware. Dated in their chapter houses, 5 May 1534, 26 Hen. VIII., under the signatures of Ric. Ingerth, prior of the Preachers, Langley Regis, John Vyall, S.T.P., prior of Bedford, Edward Tyley, S.T.B., [warden] of Aylesbury, John Butler, prior of the Carmelites, Hitchin, John Coton, prior of the Preachers, Dunstable, and Thos. Chapman, S.T.B., warden of Ware.
3. Acknowledged in Chancery before Browne and Hilsey, 6 and 9 May.
Ib., Rym. XIV. 490. 3. Similar declaration by the prioress and convent of Dertford, Kent, Rochester dioc., dated in their chapter house, 14 May 1534, 26 Hen. VIII., acknowledged there before the above commissioners the same day.
R. O. 4. Copy of § 3. Endd.
666. The Prioress of Dartford.
R. O. A reply to the arguments of the recorder of London, who had defended the prioress of Dartford in her refusal to surrender the lordship, manor and parsonage of Dartford, as the writer affirmed she was bound to do by the statute of farms, 21 Hen. VIII. The Recorder had asserted that she might lawfully detain the lease, as the lands of the priory were under 800 marks. On this plea she had taken the lease in question of the bishop of Rochester contrary to the meaning of the statute, as the writer contends.
At the close of the argument the writer accuses the Recorder of stating in open court that if the matter had not been great he would not have “sticked” upon it;—also that he had said he had evil luck in the court in two matters, of which this was one;—that he went to the prioress and induced her to agree with the opposite party;—that he acknowledged in Parliament that spiritual persons ought to have no farms, but that the law should not be retrospective;—his whole object being to defeat the King's highness.
In the margin of these last paragraphs are written the words “Afore Mr. Secretary.”
In Derby's hand, pp. 8.
667. Eliz. George to John George.
R. O. I send you my blessing if you do well; but then you must change your condition. I hear of you very well, more than I am well content with, for I hear that you are of the new fashion, that is to say, a heretic. Never none of your kindred were so named, and it grieves me to hear that you are the first. I heard also of the letters you sent to the nuns of Detford (Dartford), and another to your “bener.” I am sorry for it, but you are not, or you would be ashamed to write to such discreet persons, especially to those who have had to bring you up. I do not marvel greatly at it, for you keep in your company that same Bull that you cannot thrive. Also I hear in what favor you are with your prior, which grieves me much. And you send me word you will come over to me this summer, but come not unless you change your conditions, or you shall be “as welcum as water in to the schepe;” you shall have God's curse and mine, and never a penny. I had rather give my goods to a poor creature that goeth from door to door, being a good Christian man, than to you to maintain you in lewdness and heresy. You can do nothing so privily but it is known in Detforde and to your “bener.” Signed: By your mother, Elizabeth George.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: To friar John George in Cambridge. Endd.
14 May. 668. Sir Antony Wyndesore to Lord Lisle.
R. O. I have sent you by Mr. Hussey 68l. 4s. 6d. of your revenues, and will send the rest when I come to London. I have other matters to inform you of touching the manor of Subberton and Nicholas Paston's accounts, but Mr. Hussey made great haste. Commend me to my lady. Est Men, 14 May.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
14 May. 669. News from Venice.
Nero, B. VI. 101. B. M. That Corone was abandoned by the Imperialists on Good Friday, and that the Turks had entered the place. From Hungary they write that there is no news of Luigi Gritti having left Constantinople. The Signory has spoken to the Papal legate, blaming the sentence against the king of England (il Re nostro), and saying that what his Holiness has shown that he wished to do since the sentence, ought to have been done first. The Imperialists, and especially the duke of Milan, are well satisfied, thinking they are free from the fear of this triumvirate, viz., the kings of England and France and the Pope. They say that on this account there will not be good understanding between the two kings. The Venetians fear that the Pope will now be forced to side with the Emperor, and that the two may injure them. Has already written about the goodwill of the Signory to the two kings and their consent to the affair of Milan. When the kings undertake this enterprise means will be found to help them. The duke of Urbino is dissatisfied with the duke of Milan for not having kept his promises. The Signory is dissatisfied with the Emperor for having surrendered Corone without communicating with them, and they fear the Turk may attack them. The Emperor has committed the case of Montferrat to Milan, and the duke of Mantua has good hopes about it. The Imperialists are spreading a report that the king of England and his realm have become Lutherans, founded on these books, which have just come thence. Has persuaded the Signory, not without great trouble, that it is not true, and that the King only wants to show the world that the Pope's authority is not greater than that of any other bishop. The Imperialists try to show that the union between the kings of England and France is not what it was, so that the former is much less esteemed here and in Italy than he was. Thinks it would be well if the King were to show this is not so. The Pope, the Signory, the dukes of Milan, Mantua and Ferrara have banished each other's exiles, so that they are desperate and are minded to unite. Suggests that the kings of England and France might help them. News has today come from Constantinople that Barbarossa is captain of 100 galleys, with the title of Beliarbe, i.e., captain general. The Venetians are preparing a fleet in haste.
Ital., pp. 3. Endd.: Avisi di Venetia, di 14 di Maggio.
670. [News from Venice.]
Vit. B. XIV. 112. B. M. “Item th . . . . . Seigni . . . . . their . . . . . and . . . . . return . . . . . the Turk . . . . . of the island. . . . . . captain upon . . . . . galley for his ow[n]. . . . . . to make sail towards Cowron . . . . . Bassa had concluded peace between . . . . . Sophy.
Item that the said Seigneury had received . . . . . xxiij. of March from their ambassador, which . . . . . by South Cowron, by the which he adverti[sed them that] . . . . . day there passed by a bark wherein were ij. Sp[anish knights]? of the Rhodes, which that day were departe[d] . . . . . and told him that they saw in the port there . . . . . and certain other barks laden with ordnance . . . . . of war, with many men also of the Emperor's rety[nue] . . . . . to Cecill, which said also that the Emperor had [written] to Fernando his brother that he should restore . . . . . togethers with Bude and other lands of the . . . . . Hungary, which were promised to be rendered . . . . . should render the said Cowron about the end . . . . . And that it should be the opinion of some men th[at he], knowing that he must render Cowron to hi . . . . . , goeth now about to color it by his brothe[r]. . . . . . be notorious that he hath only done it to h. . . . . . the Turque, intending to resist the French [king and his] allies in Italy, which as yet is not k . . . . . Fernando that he went . . . . . Turque and to have his . . . . . assured that Cowron . . . . . ing to the Emperor's promise . . . . . render to him again . . . . . [con]clude a peace, which being . . . . . between, the Turk, the Emperor . . . . . [Po]pe and See Apostolic should be . . . . . e peace if so it liked them.”
The bishop of Rome told the French ambassador that if the restitution were made as he thought, it was done that the Emperor might be comprehended in the peace, which he thinks more pernicious to Christendom than his war; and that the Turk cannot be making so great provision by sea for Barberosse, while they practise the peace, without intending it for some weighty purpose, which he thinks to be the conquest of Tunis, that he may the better invade Cecill. The restitution of Cowron he calls the shamefullest thing that was ever done by the Emperor against Christendom; and he says that the Venetians fear lest the Turks intend to attack them in revenge for taking certain of their galleys.
Mutilated, pp. 2.
15 May. 671. Norfolk to Lord Lisle.
R. O. The bearer of late, on report of his laudable conversation by the whole company of heralds, was created Calais pursuivant. (fn. 8) I desire you therefore to admit him to the office. London, 15 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. Sealed. Endd.
672. Dr. Thomas Legh to Lord Lisle.
R. O. Recommends the bearer, lately the writer's servant, whom the King has appointed Calais pursuivant at the motion of the duke of Norfolk and Mr. Secretary. Doubts not that Mr. Secretary would have written in his behalf but for urgent business. Is minded to visit lord Lisle. London. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
15 May. 673. John Bishop of Bangor to Lord Lisle.
R. O. He may advertise my lady that master George is in good health. Walter Rosell wishes to know where is the bond which John Paynter took of him before your lordship for keeping the peace. Hyde, 15 May. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
[15 May.] 674. John Rokewood to Lord Lisle.
R. O. I thank you for your kind and loving letters. There is no certainty about the King's coming over until an embassy comes from France, which is looked for shortly. The lord Dacres, his uncle and his bastard son are committed to the Tower. Some think they are in great danger. Also the priors of the charter-houses of London and Shene are both in the Tower. On Wednesday there was a great affray between Mr. Wyatte and the serjeants of London, in which one of the serjeants was slain. For this Mr. Wyatt is committed to the Fleet. The ambassadors of Scotland depart home next week. There is a general peace between the two kings during their joint lives, but many have small trust in it. I hope to bring you the next news myself. London, the morrow of Ascension day. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. Endd.

Footnotes

  • 1. “theleventh” misprinted “the seventh” in the Letters.
  • 2. Only a mutilated fragment of this document remains, nearly a third of the text being lost on the right-hand side and some parts in the centre.
  • 3. Another copy will be found in Harl. MS. 4,637, pt. 3, f. 94 b.
  • 4. See No. 684.
  • 5. The 14th May was Ascension Day in 1534.
  • 6. William Ellis, baron of the Exchequer, died in 1534, notwithstanding that Foss says that he continued on the bench till 1536. See Grants in April 26 Hen. VIII., No. 10.
  • 7. It seems very doubtful whether any ambassador was actually sent with these instructions.
  • 8.