Queen Elizabeth - Volume 262: January 1597

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1595-97. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 262: January 1597', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1595-97, (London, 1869) pp. 342-355. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1595-7/pp342-355 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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January 1597

1597. 1. Account by Richd. Pottman of the charge to the receiver, &c., to pay the rents of the suppressed lands of the manors of Milton and Marden; total of assize and other rents, 154l. 14s. ld.; noting other profits that might be discovered from perusal of the bailiff's books and court rolls; as the manor house, worth 200l. a year, chesnut wood, worth 300l., perquisites of courts, waifs and strays, felon's goods, &c. [1½ pages.]
Jan. 4. 2. Estimate by Wm. Borough, of the charge for transporting 800 quarters of corn from London to Develiri, in Ireland, in two English ships, to be taken up in the Thames, including the wages and victuals of 24 mariners in each, for three months; total, 382l. 4s.
Jan. 5. Grant to Ralph Smith, the Queen's servant, of the keeping of the game of hare, pheasant, partridge, heron, and other wild fowl, near Westminster Palace; fee, 8d. a day and 26s. 8d. yearly for livery. [Doequet.]
Jan. 5. Lease on surrender, by the Commissioners, to John Dix alias Ramsay, for 21 years, of demesne lands in Barningham, Matlask, and Itteringham, co. Norfolk; rent, 13l. 17s. 4d.; fine, 13l. 17s. 4d. [Doequet.]
Jan. 6. 3. Wm. Stallenge to Sec. Cecil. Capt. Legatt has brought in a Plymouth. Spanish prize from Galicia, which reports that of the 100 ships which sailed from Lisbon with the Adelantado, 24 with 100 men were cast away near Cape Finisterre. Capt. Suriago, then at Vigo, with 40 ships, was to have joined the Adelantado off Bayonne, and the whole fleet was to have come for England, but for bad weather and sickness, by which they lost 600 men before they came to Ferrol. There are now there 130 sail, but chiefly Flemish ships, taken up by force. The soldiers are lodged at the King's charges, within 20 leagues of Ferrol, the Adelantado four leagues off, because of the sickness in the ships, where they die very fast. It is said that the King had every fifth man taken for this service, but in Galicia only mariners. Capt. Suriago has gone to Biscay, to fetch eight gallons to Ferrol.
Jan. 7. 4. Examination, in answer to interrogatories, of Bartholomew Steere, of Hampton-Gay, carpenter —
1. Was told by Jas. Bradshaw that between 40 and 60 men had been to Lord Norris, at Rycott, and had threatened to pull down the hedges and knock down gentlemen, if they could not have remedy. Knows that divers people did go to his Lordship, and petitioned for some corn to relieve their distress, and for putting down enclosures, but does not remember the time.
2. Agreed with Roger Symonds, a carpenter, Bradshaw, and others named, to get up a rising, pull down the enclosures, and knock down Mr. Power and other gentlemen.
3. Settled with Bradshaw that the rising should be at Enslow Hill, having heard of a former rising there. Told Symonds that before, the risers were persuaded to go home, and were then hanged like dogs; but now, if they were once up they would never yield, but go through with it. Conferred several times with Symonds and others; Bradshaw, being a miller and travelling the country, undertook to persuade others to join.
4. Arranged for the rising as early as might be, that is, the Monday after St. Hugh's day; denies that Bradshaw told him that Mr. Pudsey was to be their leader, although he said he was a tall and lusty man.
5, 6, 7. Told Bradshaw and Symonds that after they had risen, if they found themselves weak, they should go towards London, as he thought the apprentices there would take their part; was induced to think so by the late intended insurrection in London, when certain apprentices were hanged; Bradshaw and Symonds approved this. Told them there was armour for 100 men at Lord Norris's, and two field pieces, and that if they could get enough to join them, they would take these things.
8. At the time appointed, went with Thos. Horne and — Burton to Enslow Hill, each of them being armed; there they met Bompas, who said he knew half a score of good fellows at Kirtleton that he could fetch to join them; they waited on the hill from 9 to 11 at night, expecting company, and none coming, they departed.
9. Nothing.
10 At the time of his first determination to get up a rising, served Lord Norris, and was a single man, and therefore stood in no need, but meant to have risen to help his poor friends, and other poor people who lived in misery.
11 and 12. Nothing.
13. Mr. Power has enclosed much; Mr. Frere has destroyed the whole town of Water-Eaton; Sir Wm. Spencer has enclosed common fields, and many about Banbury and other places have done the same.
14, 15, and 16. Nothing Also,
Like examination of Jas. Bradshaw, miller:—
1. Bartholomew Steere first talked to him about a rising at Hampton-Poyle in the presence of John Steere, his father, and John, his brother, when the latter said there were 100 in Witney who would go with them to throw down enclosures, and Bartholomew Steere said it would never be well until the gentry were knocked down.
2. After this, had speech with William —, baker to Sir Wm. Spencer, who said that corn would not be cheaper until the hedges were thrown down; Sir Wm. Spencer's carter, a smith of Yarnton, and Heath, of the same place, said the same, and agreed to join in any rising for that purpose.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Nothing.
10. At the time of his first conference with Steere, was household servant to Sir Wm. Spencer, and therefore had no need to attempt such an act, being unmarried and in a good place.
11 and 12. Nothing.
13. Power has enclosed much; confesses nothing of any other enclosures.
14, 15, 16, 17. Nothing. Also,
Jan. 8. Like examination of Roger Symonds, of Hampton-Gay —
1 and 2. Met Bartholomew Steere, who asked him how he did this hard year, and how he maintained his wife and children, having seven sons; told him he did so by hard work, and could hardly find them bread and water. Steere replied, "care not for work, for we shall bave a merrier world shortly; there be lusty fellows abroad, and I will get more, and I will work one day and play the other," adding, that there was once a rising at Enslow Hill, when they were entreated to go down, and after were hanged like dogs, but now they would never yield, but go through with it; that he knew where there was harness for 100 men; that servants were so held in and kept like dogs, that they would be ready to cut their master's throats, and that Sir Wm. Spencer had two sound fellows in his house. Made the less account of these speeches as when he went to market, he commonly heard the poor people say that they were ready to famish for want of corn, and thought they should be forced by hunger to take it out of men's houses.
Steere also said there were 100 who would come out of Witney, and that there was a mason who could make balls of wild-fire, and had a sling to fling the same, whereby he could fire houses as occasion should serve; also that there was a farmer who had 80 quarters of corn, and that poor men could not have a bushel under 4s. 2d., and their want of 2d. was often the occasion of their not having any; but if they would come to him, he would sell them some at 4s.; that there was an armourer in Thame, who knew where the best armour was in Oxfordshire; that when they had risen, they would go to Lord Norris's, and get wine and beer, and take two of his brass ordnance, and set them upon coach wheels, and so proceed. Refused to go with him, and said he had always lived like an honest man, and this was the way to undo himself and family.
Discovered all this to Mr. Berry, exminate's landlord, on his return from Northampton fair, and he hardly believed it; told him John Horne and Wm. Dowley, two of his own men, talked of it, whereupon Mr. Berry examined all his servants. Horne was angry, and wished to charge examinate with the matter.
3. Steere said that when they were up, the London apprentices would join them; that they would murder Mr. Power, as also Mr. Berry and his daughter, and spoil Rabone, the yeoman, Geo. Whilton, Sir Hen. Lee, Sir Wm. Spencer, Mr. Frere, and Lord Norris, and then go to London, and that it would only be a month's work to overrun the realm; and that the poor once rose in Spain and cut down the gentry, since which they had lived merrily.
13. Admits that Mr. Power, Mr. Frere, and Sir Wm. Spencer have enclosed.
To all the rest he can say nothing. Also,
Jan. 8. Examination of John Ibill of Hampton-Gay. Was told by Barth. Steere that there would be a rising of the people on a Sunday night, when they would pull down the enclosures, whereby the ways were stopped, and arable lands enclosed, and lay them open again; told it to John Belcher, who admonished him how he spoke of it, as it might bring him into trouble. [6½ pages.]
Jan. 9. 5. Estimate by Wm. Borough of the charge for setting forth, for sea service for four months, 29 of the Queen's ships, one galley, six pinnaces, 12 hoys, with 10 fly-boats for victuallers, and 9,200 men; total, 46,835l.; with particulars of the times and manner of paying the money, and note by Lord Admiral Howard, that 24,720l. is to be paid to the paymaster, at the end of the service. [3 pages.]
Jan. 9. Warrant to pay 5,520l. to the merchants with whom Council has bargained for 2,300 qrs. of wheat at 48s. the quarter; also 1,002l. to the Admiralty officers, for shipping to transport it to Ireland, and further sums necessary for lading and taking charge of the corn for the army there. Also to pay 195l. to Sir Hen. Wallop, or to — Weston of Dublin, for fish for the army. [Docquet.]
Jan. 9. Lease by the Commissioners to Lewis Lewknor, his wife Beatrice, and his son William, for their lives, of the grange of Selsey Isle, Sussex; rent, 20l. 6s. 8d.; fine, 26l. 13s. 4d.; with proviso that if the grange be burnt or spoiled by incursion of the enemy, by lightning, or otherwise, without fault of the lessees, on testimony of the same by four honest men, they be acquitted of the reparation thereof. [Docquet.]
Jan. 9. Grant to George Pollard, the Queen's servant, in reversion after the Earl of Pembroke, of the keepership of Pewsham and Blackmore forests, co. Wilts; fee, 15l. 13s. 4d. [Docquet.]
Jan. 10.
Westminster.
Grant to Evan Jones, an impotent soldier, of an alms-room in Worcester. [Docquet, Jan. 9.]
Jan. 10. Grant to Elizabeth widow of Capt. George Pigott, of an annuity of 20l. for life [Docquet, Jan. 9]
Jan. 10. 6 Account of moneys kept back by Sir Thos. Sherley, from apparel or on bills, or paid for him as treasurer at war in the Low Countries, between 17 Feb. 1593, and 10 Feb. 1597; total 43,437l. 18s. 7d.; besides this there is the loss of interest and exchange by the detainment of this sum, which cannot amount to less thatn 5,000l. Sir Thos. Sherley has given an assurance to pay 6,000l. on account, on the 22nd instant, by a mortgage of some of his lands. [1½ pages.]
Jan. 10.
St. Malo.
7. Fras. Lambart to Thos. Honyman, merchant, Tower Street, London. I have arrived at a very bad market; the goods I brought are not fit for the place; there is no money, and only wines offered in exchage, which I cannot deal in, they being bad, and Vittory canvas is no commodity for you; I will stay a little longer to see what can be done, and wait the coming of the ships out of Spain, which are daily expected with good wine, and send it to Bristol, a better place for them than London. Particulars of the prices which certain things fetch; all Spanish commodities are as dear here as in London, and all English cheaper. Here we have to seek out merchants to lok at our goods. If I clear this voyage well, I will never trouble this place again with such things; unless I find a better sale, we shall wish that Rich. King had been asleep when he wrote the letter to take these things. Pray attend to my business and Wiseman's; I hope to be with him early in February.
John Galvey sailed hence yesterday; I hope he will effect his business to his content; the times are troublesome, and it is dangerous travelling in Brittany, on account of the war between the King and Duke of Mercœur the truce being now ended, those of the league are up in arms, so that there is no passage or travelling in the country, without great danger from soldiers; eight days past, one of account travelling disguised from this town to Vittory, 10 leagues off, had all that he had taken from him; people dare not go a mile out of this town, which is a great hindrance. There is no news out of Spain, but those here are close in such matters, and will use little speech, but to the best for Spain. I gave John 20 crowns for his expenses and paid his charges. I wished him to go to Bluett, and thence to Nantes, to learn what they expect from Spain, and of the fleet. Some of account of this town think that the Spanish fleet, before their loss, should have gone for Ireland, and that when renewed they will proceed thither, as they came into Brittany at all times, and brought soldiers, and having so good a port as Bluett, they could go and come and pleasure. [2¼ pages.]
Jan. 11 8. Relation of Dan. Finch of Sandwich. Was taken by the Spaniards near the Havannah, being in Sir Walter Raleigh's ship, the Exchange, which was taken with the Help, another ship of Sir Fras. Drake's fleet. Was brought to Seville, and stayed there till two months since, when by help of Mr. Davies, an English merchant, he got away to St. Lucar, and thence sailed for England. There are 40 ships in the river, between Seville and St. Lucar, preparing for the Indies in March. Capts. Bowyer, Cross, Boorne, Bridges, Duffield, and Mr. Stanley, taken with himself, are still prisoners at Seville. It was reportede in Spain that Sir H. Palmer's head was cut off in England, for refusing to serve against the Spaniards at Calais, and divers pictures were made of it. Also that Dover Castle was taken by the Cardinal and the Spaniards.
July. 11 9. Memorial [by Sec. Cecil] of things to be observed and done by the Lord Admiral and the Earl of Essex, in the sea journey, viz., the 4,490 men who are to serve int he Queen's ships are to be provided with five months' victuals, estimated at 19,266l.; their wages, amounting to 15,700l., are to be paid them on their return, as suggested by the Lord Admiral, save the imprest for press, conduct, and coat money, and rigging wages. Brass ordnance is to be spared, and iron supplied. The victualling of 5,000 foot, at 6d. a day, with 2d. wages, comes to 21,400l.; but the 2d., amounting to 5,800l., is to be retaineod until their return; that sum will both discharge for one 2,000 that 2d. and also arm and furnish 1,000 men; 4,000l. is to be held in custody for relieving the army. Sir edw. Norris is to be offered to serve, and teh town to be delivered to the States; four or five companies are to come out of Flushing, two out of Bill, and the three companies; also the English servig with Sir F. Vere. The fly-boats if the Low Countries, and the 30 ships will serve for the transport of the men. Cash is to be given to each ship by the Lord Admiral, and other things remembered which will come in after reckonings.
Jan. 13. Lease in reversion to Rob. Milner and John Quarles, for 50 years, in consideration of the service of Rob. Bowes, ambassador in Scotland, of lands and tenements in cos. York, Lincoln, Northampton, and Somerset, and of a lead mine in Teesdale Forest, bishopric of Durham; rent, 40l. 9s. 11d.; no fine. [Docquet.]
Jan. 13. Lease to Hen. Brooke, son and heir of Lord Cobham, for 89 years. of the manors of Pawton, Trefusis, and Ide, co. Cornwal, without fine, in consideration of service; rent, 106l. 0s. 5½d. [Docquet.]
Jan. 13. Grant to the inhabitants of Garstang, co. Lancaster, for relief of the poor, of a weekly market and two yearly fairs. [Docquet.]
Jan. 13. Pardo for Alice Jevan, spinster of Denbigh, for cuttig purses; subscribed by Mr. Townshend, justice of assize there. [Docquet.]
Jan.? 10. Complaint of Dr. Wm. Jameas, Dean of Durham, to Lord [Burghley?]. The decay of tillage and dispeopling of villages offends God by spoiling the Church, dishonours the prince, weakens the commonwealth, &c., &c., but it is nowhere so dangerous as in the northern parts. The inhabitants' arms were wont to be the strength walls, but now there are open gaps; want and waste have crept into Northumberland, Westmoreland, and Cumberland; many have to come 60 miles fro Carlisle to Durham to buy bread, and sometimes for 20 miles there will be no inhabitant. In the bishopric of Durham, 500 ploughs have decayed in a few years, and corn has to be fetched from Newcastle, whereby the plague is spread in the northern counties; thus the moeny goes, and the people can neither pay their landlords nor store their ground. By this decay, the Queen loses 500 horsemen, who were bound with their servants to be ready armed, at an hour's warning. Also those that remain have to bear the burden of the 500 decayed. Of 8,000 acres lately in tillage, now not eight scroe are tilled; those who sold corn have to buy, and colleges and cathedrals are impoverished, because tenants cannot pay their rents; then whole families are turned out, and poor borough towns are pestered with four or five families under one roof. I beg the setting of these ploughs again, and present this to you in the absence of the Bishop, who tenderly affects this cause.
Jan. 16.
Durham.
11. Dr. William James, Dean of Durham, to Sec. Cecil. When I departed for these parts, you wished me to write you, but I have forborne, on account of your weighty occupations. This poor country and city far exceeds any other so big in poverty, and is very backward in religion, there beig 200 recusants, esquires, gentlemen, and others of meaner calling, who are indicted, besides others not yet proceeded against.
Since I came, the Bishop has thrice sat in the high commission; those convented before us generally refuse all conference, and though to reclaim them we offered to take some of the better sort into oru own houses, and remit others to their houses for instruction, all were obstinate; only on e gentlewoman has reformed herself. Some we cannot get at, and some are removed into other counties. We must endeavour their amendment, and pity their blindness, but pride and insolence may not be endured. "I fear they expect that which it were better that there were not one of them left in England than they should ever see."
The poverty of the country arises from decay of tillage; in the bishopric 500 ploughs have decayed within 50 years; in Northumberland great villages are dispeopled, and no man to stop the enemy's attempt, and people are driven to the poor port towns. If corn were not brought in at Newcastle, which now has the plague, thousands would perish for want of bread. These things will not be redressed without help; other things are in good order.
Jan. 16. 12. Assignment by Thos. Robinson, joiner of London, to John Lacy, yeoman of the guard, of the lease of his tenement on St. Mary Hill, known by the name ofr the [Red] Lion, as also all his goods and chattels, &c. within the realm of England, on condition that the said Lacy shall supp9ort and educate Elizabeth, daughter of Wm. Howell, and pay her 20l. on her marriage, or coming of age.
Jan. 16. 13. Hen. Lok to Sec. Cecil. My travels had their first grace by your countenance, and my hopes their comfort, and I doubt not but to remedy my needy state; I am encouraged by Lady Warwick to make use to her gracious inclination towards me, with your assistance, and I trust it may prove a stay to myself and poor family hereafter; I hope to testify my gratitude.
As monopolies are scandalous, reversios of office uncertain, concealments litigious and frorfeitures rarely recovered, I must beg you to procure your father's allowance in obtaining me some portion of the Crown lands, either on lease or fee farm, or some pension until an office becomes vacant. Pray excuse my boldness, since my suit is not for something to consume on vanities, but for the mere necessities of life, and discharging of honest duties.
Jan. 18. 14. List by Rich. Carmarden and four other customs' officers, of 60 Netherland or Low Country merchants of the Intercourse, residing in Aldgate and 11 others wards named, in the city of London, being merchants, or their factors or servants, not denizens nor handicraft men, who are discharged by Her Majesty from the payment of the three entire subsidies granted to her in the last Parliament.
Jan. 18. Warrant to the Master of the Great Wardrobe for the Queen's apparel and otehr encessaries, for the half-year ending Michaelmas last. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Presentation of Phil. Walker, M.A., to the parsonage of Buriton, with the chapel of Petersfield, diocese of Winchester, void by resignntion of Walter Chatfied; subscribed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Grant to John Treherne, the Queen's porker, for life, of the bailiwick of Salford, co. Lancaster, part of the duchy of Lanchaster; fee, 6l. 13s. 4d.; with revoction of a former grant to Thos. Heton, during pleasure. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Commission of review to Lord Buckhurst, Serjeant Drew, Dr. Cosin, and seven other doctors at law, in a cause of contract of matrimony by Ann Hewitt, against John Shelbury of London. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Grant in fee farm to John Athowe and Hen. Beck, of Thornham manor, rent 8l., and Pannington manor, rent, 6l. 13s. 4d.; in consideration of service by Thos. Warcup, deceased, and of 200l. paid for the same. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Warrant to Sir George Carew, lieutenant of ordnance, to deliver 20 lasts of corn gunpowder, 40,000 weight of match, and 20 fothers of lead, to persons appointed under the hands of six of the Council, to be transported from the Tower to Ireland, and committed to the Master of Ordnance there, for supply of store and service. [Docquet.]
Jan. 18. Warrant to pay to Sir George Carew 196l. 13s. 4d., for emption of 20 fother of lead, and other expenses about powder, lead, and match, to be sent to Ireland. [Docquet.]
Jan. 20.
Poole.
15. Sir Matthew Arundel and Sir Ralph Horsey to Sec. Cecil. Upon arriving here on Her Majesty's service, we met with the bearer, John Loosmore, dwelling at Tiverton in Devonshire, and just arrived from Spain; as he seemed to have something to say more worthy your knowledge than our examination, we thought it good to hasten him, by allowing him licence to take horse, and other necessaries for effecting a speedy journey.
Jan.20. 16. Memorial [by Burghley]. I think nothing so needful as to attempt some enterprise against the Spanish army in Ferrol. The Earl of Cumberland's offer is to be considered, as alos a plan by the Earl of Essex, for by one of those projects the attempt is to be made. The attempt is specially to be taken in hand to hinder the intended assailing of Ireland by the Spaniards.
The Earl of Cumberland's attempt is to have two of the Queen's ships. 20 Hollanders, and some of his own; though nio assurance can be made that he shall burn the Spanish navy, yet he may impeach them divers ways, and hinder them from going to Ireland, or pursue them thither.
The Earl of Essex's proposition is to have 10 or 12 of the Queen's ships, 20 Hollanders, and 12 of the City, manned and victualled, 2,000 men our of the Low Countries, 2,000 from France, and 1,000 from England.
Objections:—1. Doubt, whether the 4,000 men or the ships may be had in a conveninet time; 2. What service 5,000 could do against 20,000; 3. The country being woody, the enemy might fortify the landing places with trees and dikes; 4. If the enemy shall come either to England or Ireland, our fleet, holdign a different course from England to Spain, may miss them on the way, and so Ireland be attempted and England also; 5. If the attempt should not take place, or should be overthrown by the enemy, then England will be weakened of so many ships and men.
If his Lordship's proposition is allowed, then the ships should presently be made ready, and victuals provided for 5,000 men, yet so as if the attempt be not taken in hand, they may serve to furnish the navy at home. Haste must be made to have the men out of the Low Countries and France, and to have the ships ready, as also 10 or 12 from London. Some private means should be used to make the French Kig content to dismiss our men, and to colour this attempt to offend the Spaniard. If this shall not be taken in hand, yet the Earl of Cumberland's offer might be taken without great charge, and yet thereby offend the enemy. Endorsed, with calculations of numbers of men and ships. [3¼ pages.]
Jan. 21. 17. Declaration of John Loosemore of Tiverton, co. Devon, mariner. Has been in the Groyne and the country thereabouts a year and a half; lately came from Vigo in a Flemish vessel, called the Hart of Amsterdam; was put ashore in a Brazilian prize, near the Groyne, by foul weather, and was kept there ten months; then had a pass to come to England. 1 Sept. On 16 Sept, was stayed at St. Anderas by Sebure, and was a prisoner with him, until the shipping went to Ferrol five or six weeks since. There were 60 ships. Sebure had 60 gallions of the King's, besides Flemings, and his own ship was about 400 tons. Heard him confess that 36 sail were lost in the storm, and upwards of 11,000 men, most of which ships were pinnaces and small barks, save 27, which were men-of-war.
The townsmen of Vigo confessed that upwards of 3,000 soldiers and mariners have died there of sickness, and many also died at the Groyne. The Flemish and French ships are discharged, save three. The admiral of the fleet that came out of the Straits is lost, as also the St. Jago Minor. There is not a galley at Vigo the Groyne, and all Sebure's fleet have not a piece of brass, but small iron ordnance, and none so big as a demi-culverin. Some half dozen ships put into Vigo on their return from Ferrol, and are going home to the southwards, and divers other Portugal ships are discharged, and returning the same way. a fleet of 112 sail went out from Lisbon. Signed with the mark of the declarator, which he says is very well known in Devonshire.
Jan. 22. Presentation of John Palmer B.D., to the parsonage of South Somercotes, diocese of Lincoln, parcel of the duchy of Lancaster. [Docquet.]
Jan. 22. Letter to the master and fellows of Magdalen college, Cambridge, for John Payne, M.A., to be admitted to a scholar's place there, void and in the Queen's gift. [Docquet.]
Jan. 22. Letter to the master and fellows of Peterhouse, Cambridge, to admit Roger Deerham to a fellowship there; procured by Lady Warwick. [Docquet.]
Jan. 22. Warrant to pay 1,240 crowns, the Queen's usual reward, to Thos. Cordall, Wm. Garroway, Edw. Stephens, Sir Rob. Dudley, Hen. Timberley, Wm. Crafton, and Thos. Gleede, owners of five newlybuilt ships; subscribed by the Lord Admiral. [Docquet.]
Jan. 22. Like reward of 1,390 crows, for Wm. Garroway, Rob. Chamberlain, Wm. Skidmore, and Barth. Matthewson, for building five ships; subscribed by the Lord Admiral. [Docquet.]
Jan. 24.
Westminster.
18. Commission of inquisition to John Edmonds of Ringwood and three other gentleman of Hampshire, for enquiry into Crown lands concealed or detained; with power to take oaths thereon, and return a report thereof into the Exchequer at Westminster; also power to the shreiff of the county to summon juries before the commission when required. Also,
Inquisition at Alton before the said commissioners, 3 Feb. 1597, to prove that Henry Earl of Arundel was seized of the manor of Lyndhurst, with reversion to the Crown, and died 20 Aug. 1581, without heir male; but Wm. Browne, James Reynoldes, and others, have since received the proftis, worth 7l. a year. Also that 210 acres, held by Gilbert Wigton, in New Forest, worth 3l. 12s. a year, and 41 acres in the Gore, near Netley Abbey, worth 14s. a year, held by Peter Baldwin, 80 acres in the New Forest, worth 11s. held by Nich. Samerton, 16 acres worth 5s. by And. Samerton, and 112 acres by Roger Budeshorne, worth 20s., are unjustly detained from the Queen. [Latin, 9 sheets.]
Jan. 25. Warrant to pay to Edm. Tilney, master of the revels, 200l. for wares and works int he offices, and for the officers' wages for three years past; also 66l. 6s. 8d. yearly, as composition for defraying the charges of the office for plays only, according to a rate of a late reformation and composition for ordinary charges there. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Grant to Roger Cocksey, poor soldier, of an alms-room in Canterbury, void by resignation of Edw. Pennell; recommended by the Lord Chamberlain. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Presentation of George Warwick, M.A., to Simonsburn parsonage, diocese of Durham, subscribed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Lease in reversion to Thos. Awdley, for 31 years, of lands, tenements, tithes, mills, &c., in the towns of St. Anthony, Mollescroft, Bullford, Filton, Bodelloch, and Broughton, and of the site of the manors of Drayton Bassett and Stonydelf, cos. Cornwall, York, Wilts, Bucks, Somerset, Carnarvon, Stafford, and Warwick; rent, 61l. 16s. 11¼d.; no fine, in consideration of the service of Guillaume Bone and five others, the Queen's watchmen. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Lease in reversion to Lodowick Lloyd and John Hibberd, for 40 years, of Okelake mills, Chertsey parish, Surrey, and Knighton and Stannage parsonage, co. Radnor; rent, 19l. 6s. 8d.; no fine, in consideration of Lloyd's service as serjeant-at-arms. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Regrant to Peter Frobisher, cousin and heir of the late Sir Martin Frobisher, on payment of 500l., of Whitwood manor, co. York, and Finningley grange, co. Notts, forfeited by Sir Martin for non-payment of 500l. [Docquet.]
Jan. 25. Privilege to Hen. Stringer, the Queen's footman, for 14 years, to print certain school books, after the expiration of a former privilege to Thos. Marsh. [Docquet.]
Jan. 27. 19 Notes [by Lord Burghley]. A conference is to be had as to the projects for the attempt against the Spanish navy by sea. On the matter of the loan, warrants and letters are to be prepared; certificates of lieutenants; the city of London; the officers of Westminister Hall. Also letters for the ships carrying corn into Ireland; a reply to Sir Geo. Carew respecting ordnance; letters for the deputy lieutenants of Hertfordshire; a commission for Ireland; letters about the victualling of Berwick, &c.
Jan. 28. 20 Account by Ambrose Coppinger, one of the executors, and brother-in-law of Thos. Randolph, of moneys received from persons named, on account of rents due to the estate from the manor of Milton, and Marden, co. Kent, and from lands in the Isle of Sheppey; also from the profits of the mastership of the posts; also from interest and debts due, and from a sale of personal effects mentioned, from teh death of the testator, 8 June 1590, to 28 Jan. 1596–7, for which he stands charged, upon an account to Thos. Randolph, son and heir. [20 pages, each signed by Coppinger.]
Jan. 28. Warrant as usual to the Master of the Great Wardrobe, to deliver to Edw. Wingate, clerk of the check of the guard, 222l. for clothes for watching liveries, for 28 Eliz., given to the captain of the guard, and the yeomen, grooms, and pages of the chamber, being 208 persons. [Docquet.]
Jan. 28. Grant to George Coppin of the office of clerk of the Crown in the Court of Chancery, with the writing of pardons and writs of extent upon recognizances, from the death of Thos. Powle; fee, 60l. a year. [Docquet.]
Jan. 28. Pardon for John Norris of Old Radnor, co. Radnor, convicted for sheep stealing; subscribed by the justice of assize there. [Docquet.]
Jan. 28. Grant to Rich. Reading, on resignation of Edward Hellowes, of the office of groom of the leash; fee, four marks a year, board wages, 4d. a day, and 4l. 2s. 8d. yearly for liveries. [Docquet.]
Jan. 30. Grant to Thos. Spencer and Rob. Atkinson, assignees of Lord Compton, of the reversion and remainder of the manors of Scotton and Brereton, co. York, and other lands, &c., value 132l. 6s. 10½d., in exchange for Compton Winyates and other lands granted by Lord Compton to the Queen, value 132l. 19s. 6d. [Docquet, similar to that of Nov. 25, 1596.]
Jan. 30. Licence for erection of a free school in Thingdon, co. Northampton, to be called the free school of Rich. Walter, citizen of London, deceased, appointing 12 persons governors; also for purchase of lands in mortmain, not exceeding 100 marks a year, not holden of Her Majesty in capite or by knight's service. [Docquet.]
Jan. 30. Ratification of certain orders, acts, and ordinances made by the master, wardens, and society of Plasterers of London. [Docquet.]
Jan. 30. Pardon for William Massie, late of Rixton, co. Lancaster, convicted for burglary; subscribed by Justice Beaumont and Serjeant Drew. [Docquet.]
Jan. 30. Pardon for John Bysse, of London, clockmaker, with proviso to depart the realm within 40 days; subscribed by the Lord Chief Justice and others. [Docquet.]
Jan. 30. Lease by the Commissioners to Rob. Paddon, John Norton, and Thos. Estchurch, for their lives, of the parsonages of Tywardreth, St. Sampson, St. Blase, and Lanlyvery, co. Cornwall; rent, 36l.; fine, 13l. 6s. 8d.; heriott, 5 marks. [Docquet.]
Jan. 21. Note by Thos. Plumpton of 107 ships entered inwards in the custom house of the port of London during the month, with the nature and quantity of their lading, consisting of corn, raisins, figs, almonds, and wines; giving also the places whence they came, viz., from Stade 2, Tripoli 2, Venice 1, Spain 6, Bourdeaux 26, Caen 2, Dieppe, 1, Rouen, 1, Scotland 9, Dantzic 10, Hamburg 3, the rest from the Low Countries, of which 26 are victuallers, and 7 ships with corn.
Jan. 22. Presentment by the churchwardens, signed by Hen. Dethick, chancellor to the Bishop of Carlisle, of recusants residing at places named, within the diocese of Carlisle, who have been yearly presented to the grand juries at the assizes, for the last five years: viz., in Cumberland, Fras. Radcliffe, of Derwentwater, Lady Katherine his mother, a very old woman, Isabel his wife, his 10 children, seven of his servants named, a base-begotten daughter of Sir Geo. Radcliffe, and John Radcliffe alias Wild John; Anne wife of Thos. Denton, Geo. Skelton and Anne his wife, and Helen wife of Thos. Warwick. In Westmoreland, Frances wife of Launcelot Lancaster, Martha wife of Thos. Sandford, and Frances Teasdale his servant, Andrew Hilton, indicted long since, Alice his wife, Winifred his daughter, and Mry wife of his son John; Frances wife of Lancelot Boaste, Margaret wife of Hugh Machell, Thos. Pickering, relapsed, Anne his wife, daughter of Lady Radcliffe, and John Warriner her servant, Joan wife of Oswold Sawkell, the wife of Hen. Blenkinsop of Helbeck, Joan her maid and Wm. Colling her servant, Margaret Blenkinsop mother of Henry, and old woman, and her two daughters Maudlin and Joan, Francis her son, and Charles her cousin. [1½ pages.]
Jan.
London.
23. Fred. Genebelly to the Queen. I went as commanded to Lord Hunsdon, at the Isle of Wight, and following his ofer, surveyed the isle. I think its surety very important, for if the enemy had it, as he has Spain on one side, and the Low Countries on the other, he would be able to maintain it, not only against Her Majesty, but also against France and the Low Countries. It will be seen, by an estimate annexed, that it may be done for 4,000l. or 5,000l. Carisbrook Castle, when brought to perfection on my plan, will be one of the strongest places in Europe. There will be some of a contrary opinion, because they think, as the ditches are dry and the fort environed with mountains, it cannot be fortified. I will answer them clearly, and for the present, it suffices to say that if the question should be to assail and take Carisbrook for or Antwerp Castle by an equal force, I am ready to show that in length of time, the expugnation of the latter would be more easy than the taking of the former. Many would judge it impossible to make such a fort at so little charge; this would be true if it was built without any advantage of the situation and the ancient buildings, as in that case there would be 15,000l. or 20,000l. required instead of 2,500l.; but the situation, and the new fortification being joined within the ancient building diminishes the expense. Encloses,
23. i. Estimae of the expense of building the new fortification of Carisbrook Castle, according to a plan and prescription made by Fred. Genebelly; total, 2,500l. Of the expense of building a wall in the peninsula of Freshwater; total, 1,167l. 9s. 2d.; and of fortifying the same; total, 442l. 12s. [4 pages.]
[Jan.] 24. Sir R. Cecil to the Earl of Essex, Master of the Horse, I beg you to favour the suit of the bearer, a faithful servant of my father in his chamber. The matter is ordinary, and Lord Burghley has granted it, on condition of his obtaining your allowance thereof. Encloses,
24. i. Petition of Thos. Lawrence, servant to the Lord Treasurer, for a lease of certain coppices in King's Norton and Whittlewood forests, co. Northampton. The terms of the grant, as drawn out, will be hard upon him, both as to rent, 20l. 11s., fine, which during his lease, will amount to 500l., and terms about fostering the game and preserving the spring by enclosure. Has certified great abuses of the woodwards, in being in arrears for their wood sales, therefore craves allownce of his suit. [Abstract.]
Dec. 3, 1596.