Letters and Papers: December 1539, 1-5

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 2, August-December 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1895.

'Letters and Papers: December 1539, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 2, August-December 1539, (London, 1895) pp. 226-233. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no2/pp226-233 [accessed 20 April 2024]

December 1539



1 Dec. R.O.	621. MONKS OF THORNEY.
	Names of the late abbot and monks of Thorney, Camb., with their pensions, assigned by the commissioners; which monastery surrendered 1 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII., viz.:—
	Robt. Blytt, bp. of Downe in Ireland, having the monastery in commendam, confirmed by letters patent, 200l., Maurice Carter, prior, 9l., Thos. Hake, steward, Alan Kendale Wm. Stalworth, and John Everard, 6l. 13s. 4d. each; Wm. Lee, late prior of Depyng, 8l.; Thos. Noble, John Gymlett and Roger Bucke, 6l. each: Robt. Huytt, Robt. Thacker, Wm. Alborne alias Chamberleyn, John Smyth, Simon Lewes, Martin Clypsham, Griffith Stephenson, Robt. Harpyn, Robt. Hewett alias Yorke, 5l. 6s. 8d. each; Robt. Bayte, "being no priest," 40s. Signed: Phylyp Parys: Jo. Tregonwell: Jo. Hughes.
	P. 1.
1 Dec. R.O.	622. GREGORY CROMWELL to CROMWELL.
	Since leaving Ledes on Friday, has been here at Dover, partly waiting for the lord Admiral and partly for wind and weather to cross to Calais. Has seen the castle and the blockhouses and other fortresses.
	On Sunday, about 9 a.m., my lord and all his train started, but for lack of wind returned after four hours. The same tide three of the King's ships the Lyon, the Prymerose, the Gennette, arrived, and my lord intends to cross to night in the Lyon. All the gentlemen were "extremely vexed with sickness" except my lord and the writer. The ambassador, (fn. 1) whose coming Mr. Meautes abides here for, came to Calais last night after the gates were shut, so that he is looked for tonight. Dover, Monday, 1 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd.
1 Dec. Close Roll, p. 4, No. 18. Rym. XIV., 668.	623. ST. LEONARD'S, YORK.
	Surrender (by Thomas Magnus, master, and the fellows) of the hospital and all its possessions in the city of York, and in cos. York, Westmld., and Cumb., and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. 1 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	Acknowledged, same day, before Ric. Layton and Thos. Leigh, two of the clerks of Chancery.
R.O.	2. Names of the late brethren of St. Leonard's "to be remembered with pensions":—
	Edw. Smythe, cellarer, and Robt. Hall, receiver, 6l. 13s. 4d. each; Ric. Calverde David Bell, Wm. Shutte, and Ric. Thompson, who have been professed there a long time, 5l. 6s. 8d. each; Wm. Doughty, late canon of Hawton Price, and John Grayson, late canon of Drax, who were professed at St. Leonard's and continued there more than, three years, 5l. each; Jeffrey Adamson, John Turner, and Ric. Holme, "conductes," who have been there two years and more, 4l. each; Anne Barton, Joan Menwell, Kath. Mychell, and Marg. Hardle, sisters professed there a long time, 4l. 6s. 8d. each; the poor bedefolk called "cremetes," as blind, lame, bedridden, and very old bodies who had 26s. 8d. apiece yearly, and numbered of late 50 and now about 44, 26s. 8d. each as long as they live, but no new to be chosen till the King's further pleasure.
	Mr. Magnus, master of the said hospital, to have the dwelling house there, 60 loads of wood and 3 "bokes" of turf, the grange of Benynborough with the piscary of Newton worth 26l. 13s. 4d. yearly, also 73l. 6s. 8d. and goods worth 26l. 13s. 4d. at the appointment of Leonard Beckwith. Signed by Sir Ric. Riche.
	Pp. 3, the pensions and last paragraph in Riche's hand.
R.O.	3. For Thos. Magnus, master of St. Leonard's hospital, York. (fn. 2)
	Licence to take sheep pastures to farm, to the yearly value of _ (blank) in and about Yorkyswolde, Yorksh., for the use of the hospital, notwithstanding the statute of 21 Hen. VIII.
	Pp. 2.
1 Dec. Corpus Reform., III., 842.	624. MELANCTHON to JO. WEINLAUB.
	Recommends highly Alesius the Scot for the post of a prælector in the university of Franckfort. He understands German, but cannot preach. * * * 1 Dec. 1539.
	Lat. Add.: Chancellor of the Marquis, &c.
	*** Another letter (undated) to like effect is printed in Corp. Reform., III., 871, in which Melanchthon says he has advised the Scot to go to the Prince (marquis of Brandenburg) and see if his services are required.
1 Dec. R.O.	625. SIR GILES RUSSELL to LORD RUSSELL.
	Hears from his brother, Sir John Russell, that his Lordship favours him. Sir Clement West was deprived in the time of Philippe de Villers, about seven years ago, and other Turcopoliers made. He was declared unable to be of the Council or hold any dignity. He therefore made friends, and, after Villers' death, the next master, (fn. 3) at the duke of Norfolk's request, restored him by a council ordinary, which nothing but a chapter general could do. If he had governed himself well he might have been confirmed, but he has ever since so misbehaved himself toward the lieutenant master and most of the lords of the religion, and the lord master that now is, (fn. 4) that they commanded him to remain in his chamber. At the last chapter, Sept. 3, sentence was given that he was not rightly restored, and was incapable to hold any dignity. On 10 Nov., Si r Giles was elected Turcopolier. Is therefore eligible for one of the "dignities of our nation" which are the prioralties of St. John's and Kylmaynham, and the bayleage of the Egyl. Asks lord Russell to assist him when time shall require. Malta, 1 Dec. 1539. Signs: "by yours to his power Sir Gylis Russell k. Torkoplier and commander of Tempul Brewer."
	Hol. pp. 3. Add. Endd.
2 Dec. R.O.	626. CROMWELL to SIR ALEXANDER RATCLIFF, Sheriff of Cheshire.
	The enclosed bill was lately exhibited to the King and Council on behalf of Eliz. Blundell, wife of William Blundell, of Cheshire, against John Glegge, also of Cheshire, for wrongfully expelling her from her house, her husband being at present in the King's service in Ireland. Ratcliff is to examine the matter and, if the premises be true, restore the woman. London, 2 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.
2 Dec. Cleop. E. IV., 267. B. M. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 231.	627. ROBT. SOUTHWELL, EDW. CARNE, JOHN LONDON, RIC. POULET, and WM. BERNERS to [CROMWELL].
	Have taken surrender of the priory of Christchurch Twynham, where the prior was honest and conformable and the house well furnished. Describe the plate. In the church was a chapel and a monument curiously made of Caen stone, prepared by the late (sic) mother of Raynold Pole for her burial, which they have defaced. Have been delayed by surveying the lands; but are now on their way to Amysbury and will certify "your lordship" of their doings there. Christchurch, 2 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1.
2 Dec. Harl. MS. 282, f. 133. B. M. Nott's Wyatt, 350.	628. WYATT to HENRY VIII.
	Wrote to the lord Privy Seal, the 28th ult., from Paris, reporting only where he was, his little speed by the weather, his opinion of the Emperor's speed hitherward, a post scripta received from a courier who left him, 22nd Nov., at Burgos ready to start next day, and what Wyatt meant to do after consulting my lord of London. As he then wrote, overtook my lord of London at Orleans on Sunday last, and after "participating" with him his instructions rode with him till the next post. Because of the French king's moving from Schamborow next day, Monday, 1 Dec., towards Blays, and the difficulty of following him, determined to "prevent" his coming to Blays. Wyatt did so; and my lord of London made such speed that he rode three posts that day. Arriving at Blays, sent Mr. Mason to the cardinal of Lorraine to say that a servant of Henry's had arrived with letters and credence to the King and desired audience. As soon as the King arrived, the Cardinal appointed them after supper for their access.
	By this was my lord of London arrived, and they went to Court, to the Cardinal's chamber. Thanked him for his continual favour to Henry's servants. He sent to advertise the King of their coming, and, hearing music, accompanied them to the Queen's utter chamber where the King was, who came forth to them. My lord of London introduced Wyatt, who presented Henry's letters, which the King read at a cupboard, "the cardinal of Tornoun holding the quarrer unto him." Then he returned into the midst of the room and, repeating the substance of the letter, asked for the further credence. Declared Henry's congratulations "of his recovered health," the intimation which his ambassador and the Emperor's jointly made of this interview, and how glad Henry was to hear that his two principal allies were so reconciled; setting forth the goodness of peace and the harm of their dissensions, with further request to know of his good successes. He listened attentively and, putting off his bonnet, thanked his good brother for his friendly office, and said his sickness had been dangerous, but he thanked God he was again "in such point." My lord of London here said that Henry's love for him was such "that his sickness was your sickness and his amendment made ye whole again." This he seemed to take pleasantly. He said he had commanded his ambassador to intimate the interview, and no doubt it would benefit Christendom, if only "for the ceasing of so many mischiefs." Since they spoke together at Aquas Mortis, he has found the Emperor so reasonable that there is great assurance of the "performing of the things that shall be to the common quiet of Christendom." The commotions in the Low Countries, now happily appeased, brought the Emperor through his realm, and he was very joyful to have this occasion of making him good cheer, for it was the greatest honour the Emperor could do him. Wyatt replied that the Emperor knew well that he dealt with a prince of honour and virtue. "Oh, quod he, we have among us all nothing but our honour." He said that although he expected from the Emperor such things as should confirm the quiet of Christendom, yet he would not in his own realm (laying his hand on his breast) speak of them, but only make good cheer, as became the confidence reposed in him. When the Emperor reached the Low Countries, he trusted that good would ensue; and as in the past he had always done what he could to advance Henry's affairs so his good brother might be assured he would do in future. He said the Emperor was on Thursday last within his realm and should be now at Bordeaux, and that he would next day go forward, by Amboys, to Losches to meet him. Wyatt then took leave, and my lord of London, "upon your Majesty's last letters, whereof yet till then had had no audience, trifled forth by the Constable from place to place," declared that long ago, at Compiegne, Paris and Fontainebleau, he would, if he could have had audience, have declared what Henry had done for the Bretons, according to his request in his letters, and touching the apprehension and delivery of Adrian Cappes, "pretending conspiration against him and his children." Whereto, with his bonnet in his hand, he said that in any like thing, touching his person, Henry could depend upon being, by him, held "as dear as the ball of his eye." They then departed.
	Spoke with the courier that left the Emperor at Bayonne. He makes marvellous diligence, considering the weather and the mountains. Will spur on and join the Emperor's band before they meet, lest, for lack of horse, he be cast far behind. Will not be able to send much news, as it will be difficult to learn. Henry should send some matter, if any be, to give them an excuse for getting frequent access. Is coming "to that opinion that your Majesty thought the French ambassador doubted," although my lord of London on the contrary still thinks they will "make collusion." Yesterday Mr. Mason, going to speak with the Cardinal, met him that was the duke of Bourbon's almoner, who promised to come and see Wyatt, and asked what Henry thought of this Emperor's coming through France, and sware deeply that it was only to deceive them; "and thereto added how he had done with his master, and reported him unto your Majesty, and also how he had done with him, yea ! and with every man he meddleth withal." He said further that he counselled Pelow to return, as he had done, to his natural country "and leave the falsehood and tromperie of the Emperor," adding that the French king had given him 3,000 crs. a year. He said the Emperor was constrained to this friendliness, to win a passage into the Low Countries; for else he were undone by this dissension in the Low Countries and Almain, and the little friendship that his known craft has left him. The man may have heard this in some good place; for he has wit and judgment and is "a round man."
	Can only learn of the Count Gwillame that, being at great words with the Constable, he was commanded to keep his house, but has now departed, with leave, but in small favour and greatly offended, to the Duke, your brother. Blays, 2 Dec.
	Draft in Wyatt's hand, pp. 17. Endd.: Memorandum, with this a letter to my lord Privy Seal and another to Sir Thos. Poynings.
3 Dec. R.O.	629. PH. PARYS, Dr. TREGONWELL, JOHN HUGHES, WM. LYEGH and ROBT. BURGOYN to CROMWELL.
	Have accomplished the King's pleasure at Ely, Ramesey, Peterborough, and Thorney, and are now going on towards Crowlande and the rest of their circuit. Will be at Launde Abbey about the 11th inst. and do their office there according to Cromwell's expectation. Will use haste and dexterity as admonished in his late letters. At the late monastery of Thorney, 3 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
3 Dec. R.O.	630. GREGORY CROMWELL to CROMWELL.
	Yesterday, the Lord Admiral, with Gregory waiting on him, left Dover about 9 o'clock a.m. in a passenger, the King's ships being aground. Arrived at Calais between "8 and 9 this night." Was not sick. Is lodged with Mr. Surveyour, who entertains him liberally. The lord Admiral is very friendly. Calais, Wednesday, 3 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. Sealed with a head.
4 Dec. R.O.	631. MONKS OF CROWLAND.
	Names and pensions of the late abbot and monks of Crowland, which surrendered 4 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII., viz.:—
	John Wellys alias Bryggys, abbot, 133l. 6s. 8d.; Wm. Pynchebeke alias Harvard, prior, and Ric. Slyford a. Benett, B. D., 10l. each; Ant. Overton, D. D., 13l. 6s. 8d.; Ric. Waplod a. Martyn, Ric. Coventre a. Haverley, John London a. Chyld, and John Rotherham a. Clerke, 8l. each; John Boston a. Grene, and Thos. Stoke a. Alderyche, 7l.; John Ramesey a. Elyott, Wm. Gedney a. Dawson, John Ufford a. Pryor, Thos. Grantham a. Greneham, and Ric. Ufford a. Halle, 6l. 13s. 4d. each; Wm. Tofte a. Skyrbyke, Nic. Sutton a. Nune, Wm. Bardney a. Saratt, John Halyngton a. Smyth, Wm. Buknall a. Coottes, and Wm. Bough, 6l. each; Robt Stanfford a. Townesende, Peter Freeston a. Claye, Wm. Chesterton a. Gotobed, John Cotenham a. Raynes, Robt. Portyngton a. Shypton, and Wm. Denton a. Grene, 5l. 6s. 8d. or 5l. each; Thos. Crowland a. Parker to serve the cure of Crowland, with 10l. pension from the farmer there, and a chamber called the master of the works' office, with a fishing worth 5s. a year. Signed: Phylyp Parys: Jo. Tregonwell: Jo. Hughes.
	Pp. 2, both signed.
4 Dec. R.O.	632. SIR T. CHEYNE to CROMWELL.
	I thank you for your letter of this day's date; be assured that I have taken such order for provision to be made at Dover of all things necessary for our mistress that shall be (fn. 5) that there shall be no lack. I have already sent not only to Dover but all along the way Her Grace shall come. From my poor house, Thursday, 4 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: "My lord Warden."
4 Dec. R.O.	633. OUDART DU BIES to LORD LISLE.
	Understanding that you are expecting great company, I send you a boar's head and side. I have had men in the fields two or three days, hoping to take something good. Boulogne, 4 Dec. 1539.
	I wrote a few days ago of the complaint I had received from some Frenchmen who had been attacked by an English post (fn. 6) and another person, so that one of them is in great danger of his life. I have received a letter from you, in which you complain that your men had been beaten. The procureur du Roy of this town has been to inquire about it. He is not here at present, but on his return I will send him to you and he will show that your men began the quarrel. Signed.
	Fr. p. 1. Add.
4 Dec. R. O.	634. NICOLAS WOTTON to CROMWELL.
	It is purposed to send over the following persons (fn. 7) with Lady Anne, to continue with her, Mistress Gylmyn, who is taken for first of her gentlewomen, because she was sent here by the King, and four servants; also the widow of the late lord of Wissem, sister to Willik, steward of Cleves, who is "howmestrinne," i.e., governor to the other gentlewomen, with five servants; five other young gentlewomen, one being a baron's daughter called Swartzenbroch, with three to wait on them; eight pages, one being son to the earl of Waldeck, my lady's cousin germain, an aged gentleman, named Tennagel, my lady's steward, formerly the Duke's waltgrave, i.e. master of forests, with six persons, eight young gentlemen, four with two servants, and four with one. There are also a secretary, a chaplain and others. Making in all 88 persons.
	The following will come over with her but return:—The ambassadors of Saxe, the Marshal Dultzik, and the vice-chancellor Burgartus, the earl of Oversteyn, the steward Hoghesteyn, and Dr. Olisleger with their servants.
	The following will come to Calais, but not cross unless the King desires it:—The young earl of Nuenare, whose wife is a kinswoman of my lady, and would have come but that she fell sick. He speaks Latin and French well besides his own tongue. With him is a gentleman named Roussenberg. Also the elder Palant, lord of Bredebent, one of the Duke's Council, John Buren, drossart or captain of Tolhuis, Hantzeler, drossart of Millen, the younger Palant, a knight of the Sepulchre (the elder Palant of Bredebent, and he be brothers and jolly fellows both), and 26 other gentlemen. There are also 13 trumpeters sent by the elector of Saxony and other officers and servants. The lady Keteler and the elder Palant's wife are also going. Total 263 persons, with 228 horses.
	Hovemester Willik, one of the greatest men about the Duke, is left sick at Ravesteyn. Another drossart of that name also stayed at home, being diseased. He is not unlike the King in height and face, and of good knowledge and experience. The order in rank is Oversteyn, Newenare, Hoghesteyn, Olisleger, the elder Palant, and Tennagel; and of the ladies Mrs. Gylmyn, lady Keteler, the Hovemestrinne, and the elder Palant's wife. The gentlewomen's names are, Swartzenbroch, Brempt, Ossenbruch, Loe, and Willik.
	Kept Francisco yesterday to enquire about the bruidstuckes. Hears from Sir Michel Mercator, of Grave, that the morning after marriage, a lord or great man gives his wife a morgengave, the value at his pleasure. Mons. de Bure gave his lady the value of 1,000 franks. He also gives for bruidstuckes to the gentlewomen, proper rings or brooches, and to the men, doublets or jackets of velvet or silk, or velvet gowns. These gifts are to those who do service about the feast at the marriage, and to the rest, it is at his pleasure. Mr. Vaughan enquired of one Harman, a merchant of the Company, who says that bruidstuckes are only given by the lord to his own servants, and by the lady to hers; to the men caps or doublets, jackets or gowns, and chains to some; and to the women garlands, little rings or brooches. This is what the elector of Saxe did when he married the lady Sybil, and the Lantgrave when he married Duke George's daughter. The value is very arbitrary. Lord Buren and Ferry de Melen ..., Master of the Emperor's ordnance, are commissioners to conduct my lady to Gravelyne. Lord Buren has feasted all her train. To-day she leaves Antwerp, and trusted to be at Bruges on Saturday, but as the horses could not be put over the Schelde yesterday because of the low water, it will be Sunday before she gets there, and Thursday or Friday, at Calais.
	Have made hitherto but five miles a day. Take great thought how to pass the Selinges; specially now the weather begins to change.
	Mr. Vaughan and the merchants should be thanked for my lady's entertainment at the English house here. Lord Bure says he never saw so many people gathered in Antwerp at any entry, even the Emperor's. What with my lady's train, and Mr. Vaughan, and the merchants, it was a goodly sight. Antwerp, 4 Dec.
	Hol., pp. 6. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
5 Dec. R. O.	635. ST. ALBAN'S ABBEY.
	Surrender of the monastery and all its possessions in co. Herts and elsewhere in England. 5 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII. Signed by Ric. Stevynnache, abbot, Thos. Kyngsbere, prior, and 37 others. [See Deputy Keeper's Eighth Report, App. II., 39.]
	Fragment of seal. Endorsed: Delivered 4 June 21 Eliz., by Thos. Kerry, one of the clerks of the Privy Seal.
5 Dec. Close Roll, p. 4, No. 30. Rymer, XIV. 671.	636. NUN APPLETON PRIORY.
	Surrender (by Anna Lanketon, prioress, and the convent) of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. York, city of York, and Linc., and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. 5 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	Acknowledged, same day, before Thos. Leigh, one of the clerks of Chancery.
R. O.	2. Pensions assigned upon the dissolution of Nunappleton priory, 5 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.:—
	Elinore Normavell, subprioress, Agnes Ardyngton, and Agnes Sympson, 46s. 8d.; Joan Gore, Isabel Gascoyn, Janet Watson, Marg. Carter, Eliz. Carter, Magdalen Kylbourne, Agnes Anger, Dorothy Man, Anne Jonson, Margery Elton, and Alice Sheffelde, 40s. each; Agnes Snaynton, 3l.; Janet Fairefax, Agnes Asselaby, Eliz. Parker, and Ellen Bayne, 33s. 4d. each. Signed by Hendle, Legh, Belassys, and Watkyns, commissioners.
	P. 1.
5 Dec. Royal MS. 7 C. XVI., 145. B. M.	637. RIC. POLLARD to CROMWELL.
	Master Moyle and I, with the receiver and auditor, have finished the audit and survey of the lands at Glastonbury. Encloses a paper of the money received, but there has not been time to ascertain the full value of the lands, with the increase upon their survey. Hopes to send a true certificate in two days. Came to Reading on Thursday the 4th inst., when they will proceed as they have done at Glastonbury. Reading, 5 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: To, etc., my lord of the Privy Seal. Endd.
5 Dec. R. O.	638. GREGORY CROMWELL to CROMWELL.
	The lord Admiral and his suite have been continually feasted by the Deputy and his officers. Has given attendance on him. By the advice of Mr. Surveyor, has bidden the lord Admiral to his house to supper on Monday, which he has accepted, and sent venison and wild boar. To-day after dinner Sir Geo. Carowe and Knolles ran together at the tilt, Knolles breaking three staves and Carowe one. Tomorrow certain Spears of the town are determined to assay themselves against the coming of lady Anne. Calais, Friday, 5 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
5 Dec. Vatican MS.	639. IRISH BISHOPRICS.
	Note that in Consistory, 5 Dec. 1539, the Pope appointed brother Florentius Igeranan, of the order of Friars Minors, to the churches of "Claonensis" (fn. 8) and "Laodensis" (fn. 9) in Ireland, void by the deaths of Richard (fn. 10) and Theodoric, and to be united during the life of the said Florentius; with dispensation "super defectu natalium."
	Latin. From a modern transcript in R. O.