Calais Papers: May 1547

Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1861.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Calais Papers: May 1547', in Calendar of State Papers Foreign: Edward VI 1547-1553, (London, 1861) pp. 337-338. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/foreign/edw-vi/pp337-338 [accessed 25 April 2024]

This volume has gold page scans.
Access these scans with a gold subscription. Key icon

May 1547

May 4.
The Old Man.
127. Sir Thomas Palmer to the Lord Protector, Complains that the High Marshal and Comptroller of Boulogne interfere with his authority and government in the Old Man. Details a recent dispute between him and Bridges, and incloses a copy of his original commission. [Four pages and a half.] Incloses,
127. I. Copy of his appointment, dated Greenwich, June 8, 1545. [One page and a half.]
127. II. Copy of the preceding letter. [Five pages and a half.]
May 5.
The Old Man.
128. Sir Thomas Palmer to Sir William Paget. The Marshal and Comptroller here demand more ambition than others have done before, and in his opinion rather for glory than service. Has written to the Protector on the subject, as he will see by the copy of his letter. Requests he will peruse the orders of the castle of Guisnes, as in his foolish opinion it were not ill the like were followed in other places.
May 6.
Boulogne.
129. Lord Grey to the Lord Protector. Yesterday M. Chastillon and M. D'Estrees arrived at their fort, and at their coming they shot off all their ordnance in great triumph. The latter came to visit him, intimating the desire of Chastillon to have an interview with him this morning on the other side of the water, and mentioned that the object was to confer as to the operations at the haven, which they considered to be intended for a fort. During the conversation with D'Estrees, who remained all night with him, the latter repeatedly mentioned the high opinion which his master the French King entertained of Grey, and the large sum which he would give for such another officer, whereby it seemed as if D'Estrees sought somewhat to practise with him. He also had inquired whether all in England agreed well in opinions; and being answered, "Never better,"—"I ween, quoth he, not all; for the Bishop of Winchester agreeth not with some of the rest." Grey remarked, "We make small account of him, nor a great many such; for though they were evil disposed, they can do no harm. But I know, of what opinion soever he be, his credit, to be plain with you, can neither do good nor hurt; and you must consider the thing, that it is neither this opinion nor that, that will move our men to forget their duties to their Prince." D'Estrees then inquired whether the Duke of Norfolk was dead or alive? and was informed that he was alive. Next morning Chastillon and he had their interview; the former demurring to the alleged fortress, and when shown that it was not, but only a jetty, replied that it was true, but in the event of a war it might be used for a strength, and they could not deny it; for the Tower of Order is a cavalier over it, and the base town flanks the outside. The idea of hostile intentions being repudiated, and cause of offence, if amity was bonâ fide entertained, demonstrated not to exist, Chastillon complained that they raised it with two walls, filled between like a fortress, and made it so high, that afterwards they might put men upon it without the possibility of impeachment. It was explained that the making of the haven with two walls and filling with sand, is to save stuff, or else the sea would require to have the wall all massy to the breadth of the two walls, and that the filling and the height is to raise it above the high-water mark, in order that lime and other stuff be not washed away at every full sea, as is now the case, to the great hindrance of the work. Grey farther stated, that in event of war they would rather destroy it themselves than the French should enjoy it; but being of good purpose, desired it should be so received. "Well, M. de Grey," said Chastillon, 'I will depart from you for this time, and shall be so bold to visit you again at my return this way upon Monday next, and will take a supper with you;' and thus we departed." [Six pages.]
May 20.
Calais.
130. Lord Cobham to Sir William Paget. The trumpeter of this town, whom for that purpose he had sent to Ardres this morning, assures him that no troops have arrived there, and that none are expected. The Captain of the town had also sent him by the trum peter very friendly words, affirming on his honour that no new soldiers had come there. Richard Brooke has just arrived with letters from the Council; it would be no little comfort if Paget would write to him. [Half a page.]
May 21.
Calais.
131. Same to same. Being, by reason of the rumours of French papers, placed in some doubt, desires to be informed what they hear of those in England. Entreats that Hugh Counsel may be returned hither speedily with money to pay the garrison. [Half a page.]
May. 132. The Council to [Lord Grey?] Injunctions and homilies "for the better setting forth of the true honoring of God and extinguishment of all superstitions and popery" have been issued, and copies of these are sent for delivery to the curates and others within the limits of High Boulogne. [One page. See his Majesty's Journal, in "Literary Remains of King Edward VI.," Vol. ii., p. 214, printed for the Roxburghe Club.]
Oct. 31.
Calais.
133. Assignment by John Knight, Town Clerk of Calais, to Thomas Bury, Merchant of the Staple, of his mansion in the parish of St. Mary the Virgin, in Calais, with the great wool-house adjoining, and the two gardens and all thereto pertaining. Which tenement is bounded by the mansion of Richard Lennard on the south, and that of William Stephens on the north, and was purchased by Knight from Francis Wilforth, of the City of London, gentleman, and Alice his wife. [Broadside on vellum; seal lost.]