Letters and Papers: December 1539, 16-20

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, 16-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 2, August-December 1539, (London, 1895) pp. 255-262. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no2/pp255-262 [accessed 26 April 2024]

December 1539



16 Dec. R. O.	690. ROBT. SOWTHWELL and Others to CROMWELL.
	Having despatched the house of Gawntes beside Bristol, no man requiring the custody thereof, they appointed Dr. Carne to be the King's tenant there. There is nothing but the bare dwelling place, and it is a very little thing. Are informed that the town of Bristol make suit for the house and lands, yet by Cromwell's favour Dr. Carne might still remain farmer there. Malmesbury, 16 December. Signed: Rob't Sowthwell: John London: John ap Rice: Rycharde Poulet: William Berners.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: The Commissioners in the West parts.
16 Dec. R. O.	691. EDW. CARNE to CROMWELL.
	Since, upon the surrender of the Gawntes of Bristowe, no one has been appointed to have the preferment, the Commissioners, at Carne's suit, have committed the custody to him at a certain rent. There is neither profit nor commodity more than the site of the house and garden, but he thought it meet for his wife to lie in while he is at the Court, as he is not able to maintain her in London with him. Has no other house on this side Severn so near London, and she will be near his poor living and among her friends. Asks Cromwell not to let him be put out of it. Malmesbury, 16 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
16 Dec. R. O.	692. CANONS OF LAUNDE.
	Names and pensions of the late prior and canons of Launde, which surrendered 16 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII., viz.:—
	John Lancaster, prior, 60l.; Wm. Stockfaston alias Beyrege, 9l.; John Atkyns and Thos. Bowman, 8l. each: Wm. Bayly, 6l. 13s. 4d.; Wm. Worth, 6l.; Wm. Barton, Hugh Helye, and Thos. Palmer, 5l. 6s. 8d.; Robt. Barrett and Ralph Cooke, 5l. each. Signed: Phylyp Parys: Jo. Tregonwell: Jo. Hughes.
	P. 1.
16 Dec. R. O.	693. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON to CROMWELL.
	The unhappy wind still keeps them in. Last night it seemed as if it would serve this morning, but this morning it veered round W. and W.N.W. "and blew as all would have gone asunder." Calais, 16 Dec., 10 a.m. Signed.
	P.1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
16 Dec. Harl. MS. 282, f. 151. B.M. Nott's Wyatt, 360.	694. WYATT to HENRY VIII.
	As my lord of London would despatch this bearer with news of the ceremonies of these princes' meeting, Wyatt, too, writes, although in his last of the 13th inst., he excused himself from troubling Henry with such small matters. Mr. Tate arrived at Amboys by post on Sunday, on which day the Emperor and Court also came thither. His coming being so near upon these Princes' meeting (it was the Friday before), and considering the command given in Spain that no man should go before the Emperor, Wyatt cannot but commend his diligence. Being, in this press, always driven on before, he is not likely to have "handsome commodity" to take his leave until they reach Paris. Doubtless he will write of his occurrants; and his industry in this Court, in passing, will not be unserviceable.
	Wrote once out of Spain for the staying of Robt. Bransetour, as he passed through France with Pole. He follows the tail here, "and [I] assure your Majesty it were for your service greatly to have him." Thinks the Emperor will not excuse him, for, once, Grandvela said he marvelled what he did at that Court, having been rewarded. The French king cannot deny him so closely upon the delivery of Adrian Cappes, "unless it be under colour of the Emperor." Has heard that ere this he was secretly once in England with the marquis of Exeter. This, "beside many other knowledges that might come out of him," shows how necessary his apprehension is. The King should write to both these princes for him, and meanwhile Wyatt will secretly trap him, and forthwith procure his apprehension or a command to all officers to assist in it; "and if I be denied that, if your Majesty command not other ways, he shall never scape my hands." Remits other things to my lord of London and Mr. Tate. On Monday, the Emperor, contrary to the first determination, tarried all day at Amboys, while Wyatt and Tate came on to Blays. Today he comes not fully to Blays, but stops at Challon castle. Blays, 16 Dec.
	Draft in Wyatt's hand, pp. 6. Endd.: Item, a letter to my lord Privy Seal.
16 Dec. R. O. St. P., VIII., 214.	695. EDMOND HARVEL to CROMWELL.
	Wrote last on the 12th. Hears from Rome that Reynold Pole is made Legate of Bononye, which is esteemed the best. Thinks it is given him to displease the King rather than from benevolence. Thinks the bp. of Rome and his adherents are more and more to be suspected, and their practises, which are secret, are "contrarious," to the King and his alliance. The adversaries seem "rabious to be venged," but, if the King and Almains are leagued, doubts not to see the Evangelical part prevail against the Papisticals, and destroy their tyranny and abusions.
	Mons. Dannebaut, the French captain, left four days ago, and the marquis of Guasto leaves tomorrow for Milan, having obtained all he required here, and consequently has granted a great quantity of wheat to this city, which was in last need of corn. The practises are not known, but the universal voice is that the Venetians consent with the Emperor and French king against the Turk, compelled by the necessity of victuals, but being removed from that subjection, they will probably follow that counsel and government which is most to their commodity. "This State will not desist to prove by all means to agree with the Turk," and it is thought they will send new ambassadors to all princes, including the Turk. Many cannot be persuaded that the amity between the Emperor and French king can ever take good effect. Venice, 16 Dec. 1539.
	Hol., pp. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
17 Dec. Otho, C. x. 271. B.M. Hearue's Sylloge, 136.	696. PRINCESS MARY to [CROMWELL].
	My Lord, I thank you for your gentle and friendly letters. How I proceeded "touching the counsel of the same for the matter declared by Mr. Wriothesley" you will perceive by his relation and by my letters to the King. I will only add that "howsoever I am in this kind of thing affected" the King shall always find me his obedient daughter, subject, and servant, and so I beseech you, answer for me. Hartford Castle, 17 Dec., late at night.
	Begs his lordship's pardon that she writes not with her own hand. Was something weary with writing the other, and caused one of her men to supply the place of a secretary. Signature lost.
	Mutilated.
17 Dec. Otho, C. x. 272. B.M. Hearne's Sylloge, 149.	697. THOS. WRIOTHESLEY to [CROMWELL].
	Arrived at Herford Castle this afternoon about 2. Obtained access to my lady Mary and delivered the King's token, with his Grace's hearty commendations, and opened the cause to the best of his poor wit. She replied that though she would prefer never to enter that kind of religion, but continue a maid for life, yet, remembering how she was bound to the King by nature and the bond she had given of her own free will, she committed herself to his Majesty. This she will write tonight with her own hand to be sent by me tomorrow at her return. "Here can no more be desired than with all humility and obedience is offered." As he must tarry over night, thought meet to signify his procedure that the King might further determine. Went next to lady Elizabeth, who replied to the King's message with as great gravity as she had been 40 years old. If she be no worse educated than she appears she will be an honour to womanhood. Hartford Castle, Wednesday, 17 Dec.
	Hol. Mutilated. Begins: Pleaseth your lordship.
17 Dec. Howard's Letters, 276.	698. THE COUNCIL OF THE NORTH to CROMWELL.
	Signify to the King, at this present, their opinion respecting the rebels of Tynedale. Beg him to despatch the matter. Send a copy of Sir Thomas Tempest's letter, absent from illness. Thank the King for appointing them the house, which of late was called St. Mary Abbey without the city of York. York, 17 Dec. Signatures: Robert Landaffe, M. Constable, Thomas Fairfax, Robert Chetlord, (fn. 1) T. Magnus, Robert Bowis, W. Babthorp, Jo. Uvedale.
	Add.: Privy Seal.
Calig, B. III. 262. B.M.	2. A paper headed by'the writer, "For Tyndale," with a heading above that in another hand: "The opinion of Sir Thomas Tempest."
	1. To send for John Heron, "and to determine with him your matters" and hear his advice, and that with speed, so that he may be home before the moon be very bright. 2. If upon your writings passed to the King and his Council it be determined to destroy the whole country, according to the first device, it cannot be done before Lent, as the days are so short and cold, and there is neither meat nor relief for horse or man. It would harm the doers as much as the sufferers. But if it be done, "the garrison, if any such be, should first be laid in their places." 3. If pardon is to be granted to any offenders it should only be for the prise and spoil of Sir Reynold Carnaby. 4. All who are pardoned should make some form of submission to the King, and their pardon should be conditional on their obeying their keeper. 5. They shall not repair to the true countries of Durham, Northumberland, or Hexham under colour of marketing; their wives may. 6. The garrison men that Heron is to have should be laid as he thinks best on the south Tyne, as at Langley, Haltwesyll, &c., and in Hexhamshire. 7. They should be chosen by his advice and act at his commands. 8. The gentlemen of Northumberland should be ordered to accompany him against Tynedale when necessary, and should make their abode there this winter for better assistance. 9. The wives and children of the said outlaws to be spoiled and robbed when they come to market and other punishments devised for them. 10. To see that they be not harboured in Scotland, and that their houses, corn, and hay be destroyed this winter. 11. Any rebels intercepted should be committed to Newcastle gaol, and provision made for certain of the commissioners of oyer and terminer to sit and deliver them from time to time, for fear of escapes.
	This is all I can suggest about Tynedale unless I were with you. Please let me know your pleasure by bearer.
	Pp. 4.
18 Dec. R. O. C.'s Letters, 399.	699. CRANMER to CROMWELL.
	When first he was archbishop, granted the deanery of South Mallyng to Master Heath at the earl of Wiltshire's request. Heath was much slandered with the name thereof and called master dean of Southmallyng, till Cranmer gave the advowson thereof to Cromwell, whereby Herytage obtained it and Heath lost it. Hopes Cromwell will let him give it to Heath now. It is necessary for Cromwell to plant his friends about those parts, as he has so much land there. Forde, 18 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
18 Dec. Close Roll, p. 4, No. 3. Rymer, XIV., 665.	700. MOUNTGRACE PRIORY.
	Surrender (by John Wylson, prior, and the convent) of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. York, Linc., Warw., Notts, Leic., and Norf., and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. 18 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	Acknowledged, same day, before Thos. Leighe, one of the clerks of Chancery.
R. O.	2. Pensions assigned on the dissolution of Mountgrace priory, 18 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	John Wylson, prior, 60l. with the house and chapel called the Mounte; Robt. Fletcher, Hen. Ayraye, Geoff. Hodgeson, John Grise, Robt. Fuyster, Austin Fell, Robt. Marshall, and Robt. Stell, priests, 7l. each; Wm. Bee, Thos. Hargrave, Ric. Chyppyng, Thos. Dykenson, Ric. Mershall, Wm. Priest, John Thorpe, and Leonard Hall, priests, 6l. 13s. 4d. each; John Foster, John Welles, and Roger Tompson, novices, 3l. 6s. 8d. each; Jas. Nelley, Ric. Walker, Robt. Shipley, John Saunderson, converses, 40s. each; Peter Tutbagge, and Thos. Gellye, converses, 4 mks. each; John Tong, "donatus," 26s. 8d. Signed by Hendle, Legh, Belassys, and Watkyns, commissioners.
	P. 1.
18 Dec. Close Roll p. 4. No. 16. Rym. xiv., 664.	701. BLANCHLAND ABBEY, NORTHUMB.
	Surrender (by Wm. Spragen, abbot, and the convent) of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. Nthld. and Durham, and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. 18 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	Acknowledged, same day, before Ric. Layton, one of the clerks of Chancery.
R. O.	2. Pensions assigned on the dissolution of Albalanda monastery, Nthld., 21 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII.
	Wm. Spragon, abbot, 10l.; Wm. Clerke, sub-prior, Thos. Lancastre, John Crosseley Thos. Browne, Thos. Toppyng, and Thos. Baxster, sickly, priests, 4l. to 53s. 4d. each; Robt. Colpottes and Thos. Carre, novices, 20s. each. Signed by Hendle, Legh, Belassys, and Watkyns, commissioners.
	P. 1.
18 Dec. R. O.	702. SIR THOMAS WHARTON to LORD MAXWELL.
	Received, at the King's castle of Cockermouth, 18 Dec., his letter dated Edinburgh the 15th by his chaplain, Sir John Irland. Andrew Bell submitted to Wharton at Carlisle for his offences against Englishmen, part of which, his attempt against the lord of Corry, Wharton caused to be redressed, as Maxwell knows; and he protested on his submission that he never offended the realm of Scotland unless in the death of Will. Armstrong, which was done in the Scotch king's service. He says also "he was putt by the Counsell of Scotland in a gale (galley ?) to land wher shuld chaunch, without more after that to be layd to his charge." Will meet Maxwell at Tollercreke, as before arranged, on Monday 12 Jan., for final answer of the bills found at Langrake; and if fugitives of either realm are to be delivered desires Wharton to give him up Nich. Musgrave and other English rebels whose names he gave him at Batyng Buske in writing. Cockermouth, 18 Dec.
	Copy, pp. 2.
18 Dec. R. O.	703. EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON to CROMWELL.
	Opened a packet of letters from Flanders at the lady's (fn. 2) request, she thinking there might be some for her therein, in presence of Brian, Gregory Cromwell and Morison. Found only two to Cromwell and one to Vannes, which he gave to the bearer. Calais, 18 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
18 Dec. Wegener, Aarsberet- ninger IV. 154.	704. DENMARK.
	Instructions given by Christian III. to Peter Suavenius upon his mission to France.
	Explaining his father's quarrel with king Christiern and his own with Frederic Count Palatine and his wife, Christiern's daughter, who, he hears, have been in France to solicit aid against him, &c. "Exarce nostra Gottorp," 18 Dec. 1539.
	Lat.
19 Dec. R. O.	705. MONKS of CIRENCESTER.
	Pensions assigned on the surrender of the late monastery of Cirencester, 19 Dec. 31 Hen. VIII., viz:—
	John Blake, abbot 200l., Ric. Woodall, prior, 13l. 6s. 8d., Wm. Warbot, cellarer, 8l., Wm. Phelippes, vicar of the parish church of Cirencester, nil, because (as appears below) he has all the tithes and profits of the said church at 53s. 4d. rent, Thos. Fissher, Thos. Hodde, John Russell, John Walle, Wm. More, Ric. Bolle, John Straunge, Thos. Logger, Ant. Chilcoke, Hen. Hankes, Jas. Perle-beien, Wm. Smyth, 6l. 13s. 4d. each; Ric. Lane, 106s. 8d. Signed: Robt. Sowthwell: Edward Carne: Ri. Gwent: John London: Rychard Poulet: John Arnold: Will'm Berners.
	Pp. 2.
R. O.	2. Certificate of Robt. Southwell, Ric. Poulett, and Wm. Be[rners], assigned for taking the surrender of the late monastery of Circestre, Glouc. The demesne lands are granted in farm to W[m.] Berners, auditor, viz.:— Ôkeley, a little house with pasture and wood, at 22l. 10s., and Barton Grange, arable land, pasture and meadow, at 14l., 13s. 2d., both described. Signed by Poulet and Berners.
	Large paper, p. 1. Endd.
19 Dec. R. O.	706. WALTER HENDLE and Others to CROMWELL.
	On executing our commission at the late monastery of St. Mary's at York, we found the late abbot and convent very obedient, and the house in good order, and we beg you will favour the said abbot's suits. Mountgrace, 19 December. Signed: Walter Hendle—Thomas Legh, LL.D.—Richard Watkyns—Leonard Bekwith—Hugh Fuller.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.: The Commissioners in the North parts.
19 Dec. R. O. .	707. GREGORY CROMWELL to CROMWELL.
	My lady Anne, my lord Admiral, and the rest are in good health. The weather has been too bad to cross, though a passenger or two have been compelled to attempt it. A Hollander hulk has been lost near Bullen, certain packs of Spanish wool and some white soap being cast ashore in the English dominions, and therefore reserved to the lord Admiral's use.
	Is well entertained by Mr. Surveyor. Sir Geo. Carowe's wife died last night and is buried today. Calais, 19 Dec. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: His singular good lord and father, my Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd.
19 Dec. Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 72. B.M. S.P. v. 161.	708. [JAMES V. to HENRY VIII.]
	Understands, by Henry's late letters and by divers others, his desire that offenders against the truce on both sides should be punished, but the greatest misrule prevails in Tynedale and Riddisdale, where his subjects daily commit outrages on the Scots, who can get no redress. Has taken steps to prevent any attempts by Scotchmen going unredressed, and committed Liddisdale, where his subjects were most misguided, to the care of persons who will make answer for them. For the punishment of the Tynedale and Riddisdale offenders, has ridden along the marches for the pastime of hawking and given strict orders to his officers to deliver up English fugitives. Falkland, 19 Dec. 27 James V.
	Pp. 2.
20 Dec. R. O. St. P. III. 164.	709. J. EARL OF ORMOND to CROMWELL.
	Wrote last of the repulse of O'Brien and James FitzJohn of Desmond. Certified the Deputy and Council of their intent to revenge that reproach, and the Deputy, with Mr. Travers and his 100 hakbuteers, and Mr. Wyndeham, Haberdyn, Dudley, and Blechingdon, captains of 200 archers, came to his aid. Consulted with the lord Deputy, Mr. Travers, now one of the Council, and the Master of the Rolls, and decided to deprive OBrien of his power on this side Shannon. First took Roskree Castle which the Meaghers had seized, and which the Deputy redelivered to the writer. Next day went towards OKarroll's castle of Modren, and OKarroll gave himself and his wife as hostages to abide the Council's order between him and Callogh OKarroll, the late OKarroll's son, who also came in. Thither too came the hostages of McYbrene Arry, OKennedy, Dermot OMulryan, and ODwyres. Entered Shane Glasse's country, OBrien's chief guide, and took his hostages, Returned to Ormond's house of Thurles for 2 nights, and thither came Gerald McShane and the White Knight and put in pledges. Went then to Casshell and Clonmell for victuals, and proceeded to Youghall, where Gerot of Desmond's three sons came in. Thence to Ymokyll, delivering all the lands between Youghall and Cork (except lord Barry's, who gave a bond in 300l. to put in hostages) to lord James Fitz Maurice as the King's farmer. Cormok Oge's sons also came in. Thence to Kinsale, winning for James FitzMaurice Kyerrycurryhy, his grandfather's inheritance, "according the King's letters upon contempt of James FitzJohn of Desmond." The deputy staid but one night at Kinsale, and returned to Cork, leaving Ormond to await the coming of McCarthy Reough, whom he persuaded to accompany him to the Deputy in OKeallighan's country. Camped there 4 days, intending to cross the Awmore (fn. 3) into Limerick, but it was too swollen. To the other side of the river came James FitzJohn of Desmond, and showed himself very unconformable, saying he had combined with OBrien against Ormond, and would conclude nothing without OBrien's advice.
	The Deputy returned to Cork. Though those who came in to the Deputy were FitzJohn's strongest allies in Munster, he still trusts much in OBrien. Begs him now to carry out the reformation of Ireland by getting a main army sent over, as well as artificers and craftsmen to inhabit here. The jealousy between the Deputy and Ormond was fanned by others: the unity between them will not be broken on Ormond's side. Waterford, 20 Dec. Signed.
	Add.: Lord Cromwell lord Privy Seal.
20 Dec. Lamb. MS. 602, f. 126.	710. JOHN TRAVERS to Mr. FITZWILLIAM.
	Has had a very painful journey into Mounster, to Clonmell, Dungarvan, Youghall, Cork, and Kinsale, by which he has reinstated Jas. FitzMorishe, otherwise lord of Desmond, in possession of as many castles as he thought he could keep, and has taken away the chief strength of Jas. FitzJohn, the pretended earl. Those who were near unto him are Gerald McShane, the White Knight, lord Bare (Barry), who has not come to the Deputy for many years, Makarte Rewghe, the Rede Barey, and the Young Barey, from all of whom they have taken oaths and pledges. The Deputy and Ormond "are at this time very great, and so were they not many days here before." There has been much dissension in the Council. Asks him to send word if he hear who is coming over. Hopes it is the lord Admiral. Six thousand men divided in 3 bodies with a few craftsmen would do a great deal in one summer. There were only 400 Englishmen with the Deputy, besides Ormond's band, which was only 400 in all, horsemen, kerne and gallowglasses. Hears by his last letter he has raised 80l. from Mr. Wyndame, of which he has paid 40l. to my lord Privy Seal. Hopes he will use the rest according to his instructions. Does not expect to trouble him for money this year, with his fee as sergeant and other wages. Will send him word after Christmas what to do about his houses and farm at Ipswich. He can do as he likes about his house at London, "so that Murseye my next neighbour have it not, for that he is a knave." Sends his commendations to his sister, Fitzwilliam's wife, and his brother and sister Foske (Fortescue). (fn. 4) Has written letters to the King, my lord Privy Seal, and Mr. Broune, of the affairs of this country. Please tell me how they be accepted. Desires to be commended to John Bath and Mr. Bourn. Waterford, 20 Dec.
	Hol. pp. 2. Add.: "To Master Fitzwilliam, servant to my lord Admiral, at London or elsewhere, give this."
	See Carew Calendar, No. 137.
20 Dec. R. O.	711. GUILLAUME LE GRAS to LADY LISLE.
	I have received by the footman (pieton) your letter and the money for the loups cerviers and crapes which you have sent to my wife. You ask me to send two other loups cerviers and address them to Sieur Jaques Dufour, but I cannot get any good ones. Those I sent, if here now, would sell for 10 cr. more. You would get them cheaper at Antwerp, where the furriers of this town go to buy them. My wife thanks you for the ring. I have received a letter from your son James. Paris, 20 Dec. 1539.
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.
20 Dec. Nero B. VII. 123 . B. M.	712. PIETRO ARETINO to CROMWELL.
	Is sending his young man (questo mio giovane) to the King, and trusts Cromwell will assist him. Venice, 20 Dec. 1539. Signed.
	Italian, p. 1. Add.