Henry VIII: March 1540, 1-10 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 15, 1540. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

'Henry VIII: March 1540, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 15, 1540, (London, 1896) pp. 118-132. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol15/pp118-132 [accessed 24 April 2024]

March 1540, 1–10



1 March.	283. To John Amerye, late monk of Myssenden.
R. O.	Annuity of 113s. 4d. till he obtain benefices of like value; payable by the Treasurer of Augmentations. Westm., 1 March 31 Hen. VIII. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
1 March.	284. Sir Thomas Wharton to Cromwell.
R. O.	Has received Cromwell's letters both by Robert Graym, called Gayres, and by George Graym to the same effect, which he will execute. The West Marches are quiet except that Ledesdalle is now in the chief order of Andrew Carre, called Dand Carre of Ferneest, which, before the last meeting and agreements at Coldstream, the lord Maxwell had as head officer. Fears the King's subjects of the West Marches will have worse redress thereby, as he is an old and impotent man living far from the West Marches, and the inhabitants of Ledesdalle will not obey him, for the most notable Tendalles are “resetted” there, as the bearer, Wharton's brother, Sir Thomas Curwen, can declare. York, 1 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd.
2 March.	285. Cromwell to Wallop.
R. O. St. P. viii., 276.	The King has heard Norfolk's report and seen Wallop's letter of 27 Feb. of his conferences with the Queen of Navarre. As she thinks Francis will nowise break with the Emperor, Wallop shall say to her that Norfolk thanks her for her gentleness, and that the King esteems her his good friend, and though the Emperor be now high, yet he is but mortal. She must take patience and wait till time works something to her commodity. The King does not envy the Emperor's felicity, but is sorry to see him so greedy that he cares not by what means he gets what he wants. By his words to Mr. Wyat, he evidently thinks himself peerless, and the King is sorry to see him take such advantage of his good brother (Francis). The investiture of Milan is the very way to make the Duke of Orleans the Emperor's vassal, and create dissension between him and his brother, the Dolphin. This latter point Wallop should also touch upon with the Dolphin. Wallop must learn occurrences from the Queen of Navarre and Madame d'Estampes, for whose names a cipher is enclosed. When occasion offers, he must tell Francis that Norfolk has reported his good will to the King, and say it is reported that the Emperor, when in Paris, asked Francis' aid against the Duke of Gueldres, and that Francis replied that if the King of England assisted the Duke he would aid the Emperor, but otherwise, no. Cannot believe that Francis would speak thus; but let him frankly answer if he did so, and remind him that Henry can give such aid without infringing any of his treaties with the Emperor. Let him also consider what Henry ought to do for the Duke, whose sister he has married, if the Emperor attempt to win Gueldres by force. Torre is imprisoned in Flanders, but why, the King knows not. As he has served the French king, you shall labour there for his deliverance, and get him restored to his room. Further directions about the matter of Grueldres. Norfolk brought no answer of the French king's advice touching the Emperor's words upon the term “ingratitude,” which was a chief cause of his legation, and the words of his ambassador here admit of no good interpretation; the King therefore earnestly desires his good brother's advice, for the words sound so evil that they should not be left unanswered. London, 2 March. Endd. The minute of my L.P.S. letter to Mr. Wallop, 2 March.
2 March.	286. T. [lord] Wentworth to Cromwell.
R. O.	The lady Garrarde died this morning. The custody of her was by me undesired; and, now that I cannot again deliver her, I am very pensive and sorry, because there depends an inheritance by her towards my wife. (fn. 1) “I am sure I shall not escape virulent tongues which will speak of us, I take God to record, otherwise than ever we thought or meant.” Begs Cromwell to send a doctor of physic to examine the causes of her death in presence of the honest [men of] (fn. 2) the shire. Netyllsted, 2 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Crumwell. Endd.: Mr. Wentworth.
2 March.	287. James V. to Charles V.
Royal MS. 18 B. vi., 201. B. M.	Desires him to order an enquiry into the case of Thos. Udert, a Scot, whose ship was seized in the port of Dunkirk, a little over three years ago. Edinburgh, 2 March, 1539. Lat. Copy, p. 1.
3 March.	288. Ireland. See Grants in March, No. 13.
3 March.	289. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 167. (fn. 3) (Abstract.)	[London], 3 March:—Norfolk arrived the day before yesterday, well satisfied with his reception in France and the success of his mission. This King being too occupied elsewhere, Marillac has communicated to Norfolk and the chief ministers the Emperor's reply to Wyat, and Francis' advice, which was received with gratitude. The ministers promised to reply to Wyat in the most suitable way, and have been two days consulting upon the answer, to be sent by a gentleman of Wyat's (fn. 4) who came about this affair. This King leaves to-day for Hampton Court, ten miles off, where he will be until the beginning of Parliament, which is appointed for the 26th April. The bruit of war has ceased and there is no more preparing of ships or interdicting of navigation. The work of the ramparts where an enemy could land is not hastened, but continues slowly, especially at the port of the Chambre near Rye, where, of late, Captain Claude put in, awaiting a fair wind to continue his voyage. Merchants of Flanders were lately, in all haste, withdrawing their goods and the English doing no less to secure themselves; but now a contrary opinion prevails and there is as much commerce between them as ever. This King, four days ago, despatched a gentleman named Mr. Ray to Scotland in all diligence, and lately a gentlemen of the Long Robe is [gone] to (et vers) the duke of Cleves. It is understood that duke Philip of Bavaria, whose departure Marillac has before written of, having gone by sea with two ships well armed, had landed in the confines of Gueldres at a place (fn. 5) little frequented and rather dreaded by mariners, rather a roadstead than a port, and had gone towards Cologne, where he has now arrived and continues his journey homewards. Two days ago a master of requests of this King (fn. 6) and two most distinguished ministers of justice (fn. 7) have been put in the Tower for having counselled a private affair to the prejudice of the King's rights and revenues. French. Modern transcript, pp. 4.
3 March.	290. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 166. (Almost the whole text.)	[London], 3 March:—The king of the Romans being already at Brussels, people think that Montmorency and the cardinal of Lorraine will have already left to finish what remained to be settled between Francis and the Emperor. Has therefore put all his news in the King's letter. Count William's man has left with a cold reply that at present this King sees no need for his services. Before receiving Montmorency's letter, and since, has pointed out the benefits count William had received in France, together with his peculations (larrecins) and ingratitude. Has not been able to learn any certainty about the personage mentioned in his letter of the 16th ult., whom Cromwell thought to be one of the accomplices of Adrien, as Marillac wrote “par ung brevet encloz dans une lettre.” French. Modern transcript, pp. 2.
3 March.	291. John Husee to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Has received his letters by Nich. Eyer. The lord Privy Seal says the King has Lisle's bill, and as soon as it is signed it shall be despatched. Trusts that Mr. Hennage will help as he has written. Has not seen Mr. Bonham since Lisle's last letter. Does not think it reasonable that Mr. Acton should have his annuity, which Lisle has written to Mr. Smyth, his auditor, to allow, as he has the lands in his possession. Mr. Hare and Mr. Browne are out of the Tower on surety. None of them have been your friends hitherto. London, 3 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.
3 March.	292. John Bp. of Exeter and Others to Cromwell.
R. O.	Sends the examination made by them in accordance with Cromwell's letters to them and other justices in Devonshire, touching a murder lately committed in Plymouth by James Lanyer, of Humfflyte. Exeter, 3 March. Signed by John bp. of Exeter, Sir Hugh Pollard, and Lewis Fortescue. P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
3 March.	293. Charles V. to the Archbishop of Toledo (Tavera.). The letter noticed under this date in the Spanish Calendar Vol. VI. Pt. i., No. 105 is of the year 1541.
4 March.	294. Butcher's Meat.
Harl. MS. 442, f. 157. B. M.	Writ to the mayor and sheriffs of London to make proclamation permitting the killing and selling of calves and all manner of flesh, without weighing the same, from Easter next to the 1st Nov. following, in consideration of “the multitude, number, increase, and multiplication of our people” and “the great confluence of our nobles and subjects” to London to attend the coming Parliament; notwithstanding the Act 27 Hen. VIII. [c. 9]. Westminster, 4 March 31 Hen. VIII. Pp. 2.
4 March.	295. W. earl of Southampton to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	I have moved the King for the discharged soldiers (fn. 8) named in your letter. He is content that they shall have their rooms again under such conditions as I doubt not will satisfy you. His Grace will write to you his pleasure shortly. The King is very good lord to you and my lady, to whom I desire to be commended, and also to Mr. Marshal, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Rokewood. London, 4 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: deputy of Calais.
4 March.	296. Charles duke of Suffolk to Cromwell.
R. O.	Hearing that the King intends to sell some of his Augmentation lands, and among others the lordship of Grattfford, Linc., of the late monastery of St. Mary's, Winchester, wishes that his servant Edmond Hall, who has a farm there granted by the late abbess and convent, may be allowed to buy it. Kayhoo, 4 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: my Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
4 March.	297. John Tayler to Cromwell.
R. O.	Was certified by Mr. Wrythesley that it was Cromwell's pleasure he should examine John Dawis and John Crane, bachelors of art. Both are right able to be fellows in any college in Cambridge, yet, conscientiously, he would choose Sir Dawis as the better learned and more worthy. St. John's College in Cambridge, 4 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd.
4 March.	298. Thos. Yorke to the Council.
R. O.	Sends up John Halle, of Remmesbury, to Cromwell, in accordance with their letters dated 27 Feb. Remmesbury, 4 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal and others of the King's Council. Endd.
4 March.	299. Willebort du Mont to Peter Becwith.
R. O.	I have written to you several times, but have had no answer. I beg you will write your news. I desire also that you will come and see me at Whitsuntide, or else I will come and see you, for I wish to obtain payment from Adrian Seel of the remainder of what he owes me. Commend me to your brother Adrian. Arras, 4 March 1539. Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: A Callais.
5 March.	300. O'Donel. See Grants in March, Nos. 27, 28.
5 March.	301. Aguilar to Charles V.
Add. MS. 28,592, f. 48. B. M.	The Lutherans and the Council. Madame. Rome, 5 March 1540. Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 3.
6 March.	302. Nicholas Wotton to Cromwell.
R. O. St. P.viii., 279.	Received, 28 Feb., Cromwell's letter of the 15th, with the King's to the Duke, and the treaty ratified under the King's Great Seal. The Duke first read his letters alone, and mused much—evidently at the point that the Emperor would not hear the King's intercession for him. Was desired to depart while he conferred about it with his Chancellor. Thinks the tidings were a great disappointment. Could get no answer till the 5th, when the Duke gave him a letter for the King and another for his ambassador in England. He thinks the article last sent might be worded less dangerously to him. He has been negociating for the marriage of his sister Amelye to the Elector's younger brother. (fn. 9) Harstus, the Duke's ambassador, who was with them at Paderburne, will know of it. The men of the country buy harness and weapons apace. The six Electors have promised to urge the Emperor not to proceed against the Duke by force but by law. Even king Ferdinand, the Duke says, has so promised, but he does not trust him. He has sent another ambassador, Dr. Bourne, to the Emperor, to demand the investiture of Gueldres. Thanks for obtaining remission of the first fruits of the archdeaconry of Gloucester and the increase of his diets. Duisseldorpe, 6 March 1539. Hol. Add. Endd.
6 March.	303. Nicholas Wotton to Wriothesley.
R. O.	Thanks for his goodness, as shown by Dr. Bellassis' letters, in suing to my lord Privy Seal to have his bills signed for remission of the first fruits of the archdeaconry of Gloucester and the augmentation of his diets. Duisseldorpe, 6 March 1539. Hol., p. 1. Add.
6 March.	304. Card. Farnese to Paul III.
Vatican MS.	Returning from Brugges, learnt from Mons. di Modena that the Lutherans had given a new memorial to the Emperor, containing two principal heads—(1) that his Majesty should ratify the recess of the diet of Francfort, and (2) that he should promise not to molest them, either with force or reasons, upon matters of faith. Modena also said that the Lutherans, who were filled with dread at the Emperor's coming, now took confidence, and hoped to have the recess of Francfort confirmed. Directed Modena to say, when next he spoke to the king of the Romans of it (which was yesterday), that the writer was astonished and grieved that the Emperor and he should have so much as considered the recess of Francfort, and that they had not repelled the memorial as impious for religion and hurtful to their Majesties, &c. The King answered that princes must hear everyone, but the recess of Francfort should never be confirmed. Modena replied that if anyone spoke to the Emperor or him about the affairs of Cleves they would not listen; and so they should do in these demands of the Religion, this cause being no less important to them than the duchy of Cleves. Describes his own conversations with Granvelle and the king of the Romans to-day on the same subject, and his own mission. Writes for money, with which Poggio has supplied him hitherto. Asked Granvelle about this six months' truce with the Turk. He said it was not to be trusted, and it finished at the season for action, so that it behoved everyone to go on making preparations. He suggested that the writer's brother should come to the Emperor, about his matter. Granvelle also complained of the Pope's delay in sending assistance to the Catholic League. Of England I hear nothing since the nuncio of France wrote the proposal by, and reply made to, Norfolk. I doubt that here too that King is held in undue respect; because the English servant (fn. 10) of the Emperor, who was taken lately in France and then released, has told me that the Emperor sends him now to Rome to stay with card. Pole until further orders. This, I imagine, is done to please the English king. The Commissioners of France (fn. 11) have not yet been called, because the Emperor and king of the Romans have only spoken of matters superficially. Knowing the French king's design that his people should be here at the middle of March, and seeing that they are not yet sent for, I fear the French king may become suspicious. I have therefore reminded Poggio to give a hint of this to the secretary Idiaquez. I hear, as a great secret, from Modena, that the English king, who lately would not give his daughter as wife to that poor duke Palatine, seeks now to give her to duke Louis of Bavaria, (fn. 12) as legitimate and with a great dot, this is “avitato” and fomented by Lutherans (just as they moved the marriage of the duke of Brunswick's daughter to the duke of Cleves), in order that Bavaria and Brunswick, being heads of the Catholics in Germany, may be alienated from us. The Emperor, esteeming the matter duly, would provide against it by opening a practice to give duke Louis the duchess of Milan. But the matter is only in outline (disegno), and known to few. The duke of Brunswick is expected shortly. Drought and famine in Spain. Ill conduct of the duke of Florence. Modena writes to the Chamberlain (Mons. R^mo nostro Camerlengo) the state of religion in Germany. Gantes, 5 March 1540. P.S. on the 6th.—It is said the Emperor and king of the Romans go this week to Brugges. Poverty of the bishop of Modena. Italian, pp. 9. From a modern copy in R. O.
7 March.	305. Cromwell to —
R. O.	Requires him to give the bearer, Jas. Lawson, the particulars of the site of the late monastery of Nesam. The Court, 7 March. Signed. P. 1. Mutilated.
7 March.	306. Marillac to Montmorency.
Add. MS. 33,514, f. 36. B. M.	Since his last despatch of the 3rd inst., has arrived here Seigneur Petro Strossio, who was in the Levant with him when the Turk was besieging Corfou, having been sent thither by M. de Roddes, then ambassador at Venice. He delivered Marillac the letters Montmorency wrote in his favour, and said he would return before Montmorency left to go to the Emperor. Strossio has visited Cromwell in his house and has been, by request, with the King at Hampton Court, and can tell what has been said to him and what he has seen. A private matter, which might become of public consequence, has occurred in the shape of a great contention about religion between the bp. of Winchester, formerly ambassador in France, and a great doctor of the law, called Bernes, principal preacher of these new doctrines. The Bishop, one of these Sundays in Lent, did marvels of preaching in St. Paul's Cathedral against the said doctrines, confirming wisely the old and sharply refuting the new. This Bernes could not endure, so that, some days after, although another was appointed to preach, he mounted the pulpit and, after long insisting on the contrary of what the Bishop had said, angrily threw his glove upon the people, as a defiance to the Bishop, against whom he would maintain what he said to the death. The King, much scandalised by this farce, has ordered both to dispute before him and the Council, in order that it may be seen who is right and who is to suffer punishment. London, 7 March 1539. French. Hol., pp. 2. Add. *** Almost the whole text of the above is printed by Kaulek, p. 168, from a copy in Marillac's letter book, of which there is a modern transcript in R. O.
7 March.	307. Richard Pollard to Antony Walshe.
R. O.	I have marvelled much that you have not come up to me, as I sent you word to do, to discharge yourself of the great folly you have brought yourself in and to win your credence again. I now command you, on the King's behalf, to come up in all haste, with such friends as will do somewhat for you. By so doing I trust your honesty and credence will be saved, wherein I will be glad to take some pains myself. I will take no excuse, as sickness or other. The bearer, my servant, has authority to bring you up, whether you will or no. I could have sent a serjeant “at harmys,” but I considered that it would be to your rebuke. London, 7 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.
7 March.	308. Bp. Roland Lee to Cromwell.
R. O.	Yesternight I learned that Sir John Porte, who departed from Worcester, at the assizes there, sick, and came not hither, neither to the assizes for Herefordshire nor Shropshire, lies at Beawdeley at the mercy of God, and was yesternight “anneyled, &c.” The assizes at Gloucester were never more quiet; two executed for treason against the King and against the Prince. Ludlowe, 7 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Crumwell lord Privy Seal. Endd.: The bishop of Chester.
7 March.	309. Wotton to Henry VIII.
R. O.	The duke of Cleves, having taken possession of his counties of Ravenspurgh and Marche, came to Duisseldorpe on Monday, 24 Feb., and Wotton, while he waited there for the promised answer, received, on the 28th, the King's letter to the Duke, with the part cf the treaty sent to him by the Duke ratified under the King's Great Seal. Next morning delivered them to the Duke, who said he would consider the matters. On the 5th he sent for Wotton, and gave him a letter for the King, saying it was in answer to Henry's last, and that he had also written in cipher to his ambassador in England things to be declared to his Highness. Desired a further answer by mouth to his overtures at Lippe, and the Duke, after consultation, caused the Chancellor Ghogreve to tell him that the article last sent to him might be taken by the Emperor and the German princes “to sowne sumwhat agayne them,” and he had written to his ambassador to feel if you would allow it to be modified, so that the words might be of like effect, but could not be mistaken. He therefore could make Wotton no answer till he heard from the ambassador. After this he very soon took horse, and rode to the Duchess at Hambach. In five or six days he will be at Cleves, where he wished Wotton to follow him. He will remain about Cleves, Nymmeghe, and Arnhem till after Easter. Duisseldorpe, 7 March 1539. Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
	310. [The Elector of Saxony] to Henry VIII.
Cleop. E. v., 235. B. M. Strype, Eccl. Mem. I. ii., No. 111.	“Our Councillors, when they returned, showed us that the beginning of the marriage of your Royal Majesty was joyful and prosperous, which we desire God to bless and fortunately to continue;” and also that you were inclined to make a league, in honest causes beside the cause of religion, with the landgrave of Hesse and us, as you made with the duke of Juliers, “our alliance,” and afterwards to treat of religion. Henry's letters manifest, and the Councillors express, his loving mind to the writer, and although he would desire to be confederated with Henry (as stories testify there has been special confederacy between England and Saxony in the past), yet this league of the German princes against the tyranny of Rome, comprehends no other causes than religion, and neither Hesse nor he can, without the others, make a covenant for other causes. Reminds him how diligently, by ambassadors, orators, and letters, he (Henry) has treated for a league with them in the cause of religion; and how, last year, at the Council of Frankfort, his orators entreated with them to send orators for that purpose. At that time they did send some; but not only was the thing left unfinished, but there followed a decree of the Parliament (made by the craftiness of certain bishops, in whose mind the veneration of Roman ungodliness is rooted), with the bitterness of which the writer and others are astonied; for when Henry had clean extinct the power of the bishop of Rome, they trusted he would not suffer the bishops to establish errors brought into the Church by the ambition of the bishop of Rome. Understands that that decree is not executed, and that Henry has protested, before the writer's councillors, that he desires true doctrine to flourish, but thinks, with other learned men in England, that in some articles the Germans “do pass their bands;” and therefore desires confirmation of these articles to be sent, in order that he may weigh them and deliberate the whole matter. This wish, so worthy a wise and well learned king, has provoked him again to great hope, and he has commanded his divines to gather short confirmations of four articles, viz.: the Mass, Use of the whole Sacrament, Marriage of Priests, and Vows. These he sends, earnestly desiring Henry to ponder them, that the thing, reasoned with men of right judgment, may make England an example to other kings to reform the Church. It becomes Henry to do so, who has begun by abolishing the tyranny of Rome, taking away some idols, and commanding the people to be more purely taught. Points out that it is no wonder that the bp. of Rome seeks to repress the truth, seeing that he is the Antichrist; but when he is driven out of England, other churches may be the better helped, and although many bishops and divines there are still said to carry in their hearts a desire of the bishop of Rome, Henry can heal them or restrain them. Offers diligence, and to send picked men to commune with English divines in Gelders, Hamburg, or Bremen; and if, after that, Henry will commune face to face with some of theirs, they shall be sent. Greatly desires their new knot of affinity to profit the Church of Christ, and to that end desires God to bless Henry's marriage with the Queen, his (the writer's) alliance. Thanks him for good will declared both by Henry's letters and his (the writer's) councillors. Whereas the “letters of allowing the instruments concerning dowers sent thither” have “taken a little wet,” will gladly send another copy, signed with a greater seal. Warns him that, besides what the Landgrave notified, the bishop of Rome goes about divers things against him, and therefore he should continue watchful, and devise in what things the Germans may profit him. Prays God to keep him and the Queen. We have assembled here (fn. 13) a few days with the Landgrave, and orators and legates of other princes and states of the Empire conjoined with us, “and have deliberated to amend Christian concord in the cause of Faith, whereof Cæsar's majesty doth put us in hope or comfort.” Desire him to give no faith to unjust rumours, but believe that they sincerely desire concord and a reformation of the Church by the Word of God. Contemporary translation, pp. 8. Add.
8 March.	311. Harry Huttoft to Cromwell.
R. O.	This day I met on the way, at Cobham, some servants of Mr. Weston's, who told me of two suspicious persons that came to his house in his absence. I found them at Cobham, and they have shown me that they took shipping at Dieppe on Tuesday night, and came to Portsmouth on Wednesday night, and that they had been in the French king's wars these four years, as they will show your Lordship. One of them is an Englishman, who claims kindred with Mr. Breket, cook for the King's mouth, who is likely to inform you of the truth of everything in those parts. Refrains, therefore, from sending purposely, as commanded, and desires further instructions by his son, Cromwell's servant. Cobham, 8 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
[8 March.]	312. [Bp. Gardiner and Barnes.]
Cleop. E. v., 98. B. M.	[A copy of the nine propositions laid before Barnes by Gardiner in their conference.] (fn. 14) Begins: “The effect of Christ's Passion hath a condition.” Ends: “Faith must be assurance to me of the promises of God made in Christ if I fulfil the condition, and love must accomplish the condition, whereupon followeth the attaining of the promise according to God's truth.” Pp. 2.
Ib 93. (fn. 13)	2. Authorities (fn. 15) of Scripture quoted to prove, “Promissiones Christi conditionem adjectam habent, nempe si precepta ejus servemus.” Latin, pp. 2.
Ib, 99.	3. The like (fn. 15) with regard to salvation. Latin, pp. 2.
8 March.	313. Thomas Spertt and William Gonson to the Earl of Southampton.
R. O.	We havev received your letter written yesterday at Hampton Court, and perceive the King is determined to buy certain masts of this bearer, Thomas Gigges. As you may see by the bill enclosed, there are 26 masts, worth 547l. 19s., of which he is content, being incontinently despatched, to abate 100l. It may please His Majesty to write to the town of Dansyke that they be for his use, “as he did at the receipt of the last masts, of which the copy remaineth with his Latin secretary.” Depforde stronde, 8 March, about noon, 1539. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Admiral. Endd.
8 March.	314. Sir Anthony Seyntleger to Cromwell. The letter noticed under this date in the Carew Calendar (No. 142) is really of the year 1538. See Vol. XIII., Pt. I., No. 455.
8 March.	315. Antwerp News.
Galba, B. x. 90. B. M.	News from Antwerp, 8 March 1539. There is no appearance here of the going of the king of the Romans into France, but I hear that, whereas the Emperor had remitted the deliberation of affairs with France until he had seen him, “he has now sened to the French king that he shall now send here to conclude the practikes between them,” and the Constable and the cardinal of Loren are appointed to be here on the 15th inst. “What they have practised it is unknown.” It is said that the duke of Orleans will marry the Emperor's daughter instead of the daughter of the king ot the Romans, with Milan for a dowry. There are also practises for the marriage of the latter with the duke of Cleves, and of the duchess of Milan with the son of the king of Denmark. The Legate Farnese came; here many days ago with Messer Marchello of Monte Pulchano, (fn. 16) the new cardinal, his governor, who will stop here all next May. Part of their business is what I wrote concerning Florence. If he is not chary of money he will doubtless obtain his purpose. The viceroy of Sicily departed before yesterday. Of the departure of the duke of Alba I wrote in my last. Don Francis Daesty, brother of the duke of Ferrara, is arrived in the Emperor's court at Gaunt. The Emperor has imprisoned some of the heads of the mutiny, but none of them are put to death. By this ordinary of Venice, Milan or Genoa, there is no news of any preparation of galleys or troops at Genoa. Andrew Doria is very ill, some say from old age, and that he begins to dote. I know not if he do it for some purpose, or if it be so indeed. The Florentine ambassadors are trying to be discharged of the pension which duke Cosymo pays to the wife of Alexander de Medicis. His Majesty has caused it to be tried by law, but secretly. I think that he who gives most will obtain it. The dukes of Saxony and Cleves, the Lanzgrave of Exen (Hesse) and other Almain princes are at a diet at Dixeldorp, where the Danish ambassadors are also. Another diet has been held at a town of the king of Denmark, where he and all the other lords were present, except the duke of Cleves, who sent ambassadors. Their conclusion is not known, but they are all united in the defence of the Duke. The Emperor continually retains more footmen, but it is not thought he will make any “impeto or novitye” against Gueldres, but he uses this Spanish craft to come to accord with more advantage. But in my opinion he that hath money hath the pass with him in his bosom. What has been done in France is not known. Some say the Emperor has concluded to marry his daughter to the duke of Orleans, so that he may be king after his father, to which the King consents; and that this has come to the Dauphin's ears, so that it seems there is a very evil and great disdain between him and his father. Even if this does not take effect it suffices for the Emperor to cause dissensions in France, especially between brothers. Desires his correspondent either to “break” this letter and send back a piece, or else to burn it. From Venice, 21 February.—Two of our merchants at Alexandria have arrived from Constantinople, where they were kept prisoners with most of our subjects. The Turk is inclined to peace with the Signory, and was sending one Fraunchis thither privily to exhort the Senate to send ambassadors. When the ambassador last sent arrives, we hope the peace will be concluded. We are looking erery day for Messer Cantelmo, a gentleman of the French king, who was ready to leave Constantinople when the merchants departed. Pp. 3. Endd.
March.	316. Calais. Commission appointed. See Grants in March, No. 30.
R. O.	2. Instructions to the earl of Sussex, viscount Lisle, lord St. John, and others, now sent to Calais. (1.) In pursuance of the King's commission under the Great Seal, they are (such of them as are in England) to repair to Calais, and make inquiry touching the state of religion and observance of the laws there, and by whose means the late contentions have arisen, and call the effenders before them. If any have deserved death they shall commit them to custody and report to the King; others they may discharge of their offices, or banish from the town or punish at discretion. They shall take order to prevent abuses in time coming, and to enforce the laws already made by the earl of Southampton and others. (2.) They shall take musters of the retinues, examine the state of the fortifications, take order for present needs, and report at their return. Pp. 4. Endd.
March.	317. W. earl of Southampton to Cromwell.
R. O.	As the King was determined to have this bearer's (fn. 17) masts, I wrote to Sir Thos. Spert and Wm. Gonson to drive a price with him. They have agreed for 547l. 19s.; yet he will, so he may have his money out of hand, to go into Danske, abate 100l. On certificate from Spert and Gonson of the receipt of the masts, see him dispatched with letters to the town of Dansyke. Hamptoncourt, 9 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.: Lord Admiral.
9 March.	318. John Crowmer to Cromwell.
R. O.	Where it was deemed that Thos. Crofte, of Rodmersame, should be put upon the pillory for seditious words and have both his ears cut off; your Lordship wrote that we should put him on the pillory one hour and not nail nor cut off his ears. I have acted accordingly, showing the cause of his punishment, and send him up for further examination. 9 March. Hol., p. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd.
9 March.	319. [The Council of the North] to John Heron.
R. O.	Directing him to discharge the garrison under him now at the end of this second month, retaining 50 of the most expert men for defence against rebels, till the King's pleasure be known. York, 9 March. Copy, p. 1. Headed: “Copy of the letters sent to John Heron.”
9 March.	320. [Wyatt] to Henry VIII.
Harl. MS. 282, f. 121. B. M. Nott's Wyatt, 396.	Since coming hither to Gaunt, has done the King of Romans “the common ceremonies,” to visit him and offer services. Asked him if it were true that the truce general between the Turk and the Christian princes was taken for six months from the first of January last. He would not tell, but said he thought so; however, one Lasko, of Polone, his servant, has brought the news and he himself told the Legate. There is no news of it from Venice yet, although the ambassador affirms it. It is said that the Constable of France and cardinal of Lorraine shall be here shortly. Thinks they are called merely to make a show of amity to these Almain ambassadors. To believe “common drunkards' talks,” rumors, and merchants' reports, something is intended against England; but “if aught be thought therein, there ben many things first to be compounded and framed.” Will give his opinion. First, immediately after the Legate had his audience, the Almain ambassadors entered and had theirs; and, besides what was in the letters out of Almain, which Wyatt sent, they spake of truce. The Legate, since coming to Gaunt “(I mean the Legate's governor, that is one Marcells, (fn. 18) of late made cardinal)” told a friend that, by the Bishop's, (fn. 19) his master's, command, he moved the French king “to make difficulty a while in this conclusion, and that the necessity of the Emperor should cause him to have what he would desire.” The French king replied “that if the Emperor would live as he doth in peace and friendship,” he would do the like; but if anything further were treated it must be for “all dependents” or nothing. This reply was reported secretly to the Emperor, who found it marvellous good, and, being reminded that “all dependents” included Burgundy, Navarre, treaties of Madrid, Milan, and Piedmont, said that “of truth the things were marvellous intricate.” Being reminded that at the treating at Perpignan, he being at Barcelona, he had not wished to come to particulars, the Emperor said he was still loth to come to them, seeing the danger of unhonest conditions and discontentment. The truth of this may be tested by conferring it with what my lord of Norfolk finds in France; but Wyatt has it from a good place. It was said to the Emperor that if he tried “either by force to win the Almains, or by means to divide them,” he would fail; for the bp. of Rome's avarice would not afford him much aid, and the hatred against the bishop of Rome was common to all the Almains, who were all Evangelists at heart. And he was urged to secure their alliance, even though he did not get all that he would, rather than irritate them to make “some great inundation, by their furour, over all Italy and Christendom.” The Emperor replied that he meant to do so, and “would provide for surety, whatsoever other builded upon hazard.” Expects, therefore, an early “accord” with the Germans, and the “suspense” continued with the French. The truce, which lasts till the end of June, will give time for the accord; and if England is not comprehended in it something may be suspected. If it be true, as this Cardinal has secretly reported, that the Emperor and French king have agreed to treat nothing with England except by mutual consent, there seems to be an intention to deprive Henry of foreign assurance. Moreover, the duke of Cleves' servant tells Wyatt that they are about to give the Duke a marriage of the duchess of Milan, and that the king of Romans advised the Duke not to “insult against the Emperor, but rather to go humbly to work with him, and he should have the best mean he could.” Told him to advise his master to consult his friends. Rejoices at the escape Henry made there; for though he supposes nothing but honor in the lady, yet there is thought affection between the prince of Orange and her, “which, for her bringing up in Italy, may be noted but service which she cannot let, yet I have heard it to proceed partly from her own occasion.” Thinks, the premises considered, that the Emperor will not be long out of Almain. On Friday the town of Ghent made their submission. Ghent, 9 March. Draft in Wyatt's hand, pp. 7. Begins: “Please it your Majesty.” Endd. by Wyatt: From Gaunt, the ix. of March, by Mr. Farningham. A letter to my lord Privy Seal.
	321. Cromwell's Remembrances.
R. O.	To answer the matters of Ireland, and send thither artillery and munition. To send home the son of the baron of Delvin. To despatch the poor man of Bristow called John Capes to Odonell. To speak with all the King's treasurers. To cause money to be provided for all the King's fortresses, bulwarks, and haven at Dover. To take a final end with the King's household. Item, a final end to be taken for the Pensioners, lieutenant, standardbearer, and clerk of the check. To proportion out garrisons for all the King's new castles and blockhouses in the Downs, Rye, and elsewhere. Appointment to be made for 6,000l. for the Household. The grant for the Parliament to be perfected. Commandment to be given to Mr. Tuke, and in the Exchequer, for non-payment of patents late of the King's ordinary household, till his Grace's pleasure is further known. To remember my lord Prince's removing on Friday. My lord Chancellor's suit for licence, (fn. 20) &c. Dr. Craiforde to have some preferment in Winchester. P. 1. Endd.: “My lord Prince's removing. My lord Chancellor's licence. The abbot of Westm.. The treasurers' money. Dr. Crayford.”
	322. Cromwell's Remembrances.
Titus B. i. 427. B. M.	Of my lord the Prince's passing by the way. To answer the matters of Ireland and send thither artillery and munition. Send home the baron of Delvyn's son, which is already appointed. [To dispatch the poor man (fn. 21) of Bristow to Odonell.] (fn. 22) That I have spoken with all the King's treasurers and taken order with them for money for building the King's fortresses, [bulwarks and haven at Dover], (fn. 22) and that the treasurer of the Augmentations has received great sums over and above the 10,000 mks. To take a final end for the King's household, and also for the Pensioners, the lieutenant, standardbearer, and clerk of the check. To proportion out garrisons for all the King's new castles and blockhouses in the Downs, Rye, and elsewhere. Appointment to be made for 6,000l. for the Household, and money for the weekly, monthly, and quarterly wages, for which I have taken appointment with Mr. Tuke. The grant for the Parliament to be perfected, which is now at a point. Commandment to be given to Tuke and in the Exchequer for non-payment of patents which late were of the King's ordinary household, till his pleasure may be further known, which is already done. For my lord Prince's removing, and who shall accompany him, and whether any of mine own folks shall attend him. To remember Dr. Crafforde for one of the promotions of Winchester. What the King will have further done with the late abbot of Westminster, and for delivery of—. The sum delivered to be carried with me. Touching the shipowners' complaint against the merchants and the merchants' answers, who have since concluded in a council. For oyer determiners for the city of London and the Marshalsea. Money appointed for the pier and haven of Dover, and the opinion that 200l. a month is sufficient seeing that they have already a gross provision. [My lord Chancellor's license to ride to his house in Essex.] (fn. 22) [What the King's pleasure shall be touching the learned men (fn. 23) in the Tower.] (fn. 22) [What answer shall be written to Sir John Wallop concerning Torre, &c.] (fn. 22) [What shall be written to Mr. Wyatt.] (fn. 22) [What shall be written to Ralph Sadler.] (fn. 22) The Queen's servants; how the strangers shall be paid that came over with her Grace: and take a copy thereof with me. How that I have sent to Mr. P. (fn. 24) to supply Mr. Wyatt's room, [and to know the King's pleasure], who will be shortly here. Surety taken for the learned men in the Tower, (fn. 23) every man with two sureties in 2,000 mks. to abide the King's pleasure. To take with me the letters from Calais touching the Act. Of the despatches made to Mr. Wallop, Mr. Wyatt, and Mr. Sadelar. For 500l. appointed to Calshot and the Cow. For 400l. appointed for the haven and pier of Dover. To carry all the books with me which be in Popeley's keeping. In Cromwell's hand, pp. 3.
	323. The New Fortifications.
Cott. App. xxviii. 19. B. M.	“Sir Christofer Morres' book. A book of rates for captains, constables, deputies, soldiers, porters, and gunners, for the safekeeping of the King's castles and bulwarks, of late new devised by his Majesty's commandment.” The bulwark at Gravesend.—Crane, captain, 12d. a day; deputy, 8d., porter, 6d.; 2 soldiers and 6 gunners, 6d. Mr. Cobham's bulwark.—Mr. Cobham, captain, and 11 others. Th'ermitaige—Johne's bulwark in Essex side over against Gravesend.—Francis Grant, captain, and 8 others. The bulwark at Tilbury.—Boyfeld, captain, and 8 others. The bulwark of Hiegham.—Jerley, one of the Guard, captain. At the Downes—The Great Castle.—Thos. Wynkfelde, of Sandewyke, captain, and 34 others. Four bulwarks of earth in the Downs.—4 captains and 32 others. The bulwark under Dover Castle.—A captain and 3 others. The bulwark in the Cliff.—A captain and 2 others. The bulwark of earth upon the hill beyond the pier at Dover.—Edmond Moody, captain, and 11 others. The Castle at Folston.—Kayse, captain, and 18 others. The Castle at Rye.—Ph. Chutt, (fn. 25) captain, and 24 others. The town of Portsmouth.—John Chaterton, captain, and 7 others. The Wyndemyll and Mr. Chaterton's bulwarks.—One gunner to each. The Tower at Portsmouth.— John Rydley, captain, and 4 others. The bulwark of Mr. Sperte's making at Gostport side, and the blockhouse there.—Slymbye, captain, and 5 others. The Castle at Calste Point.—Wm. Shirlande, captain, and 20 others. Total, 220 men; 2,208l. 5s. per annum. (fn. 26) Besides the above, each head house is to have a trumpeter or drum, and the Great Castle both. Crane's bulwark, Th'ermitaige bulwark, the bulwark at Heigham, and the Castle and three bulwarks at Dover are furnished with ordnance and artillery. To know the King's pleasure whether the garrison at Dover Castle shall be augmented or no. Pp. 8. Endd.
	324. Wm. Fenrother to Cromwell.
R. O.	Reminds him that he promised him the room of master gunner at Portsmouth, which has been filled. Asks for the master gunnership of the Bulwark at Gravesend for himself and Anthony his son, who is servant to Cromwell's son, in survivorship. Will give him a house called the Hartyshorne at Kingston-on-Thames, comprising a stable, a barn, and one acre of ground “with a fair river thereat,” which will be very necessary for his servants and horses at his repair into these parts. Hol., p. 1. Add. Sealed. Endd.
10 March.	325. William Gonson to Cromwell.
R. O.	According to the lord Admiral's letter to Sir Thos. Sperte and himself, have communed with the bearer, Thos. Gigges, who had asked 547l. 19s. for the 26 great masts, as he had sold others like to the King in years past; but he is content to abate 100l. of the price, and my lord Admiral writes the King is content. Has therefore received them. Is so pained with the gout he cannot move. Depfordestronde, 10 March 1539. Signed. P. 1. Add.: The lord Privy Seal.
10 March.	326. Sir John Dawtrey to Cromwell.
R. O.	Has received his letter bidding him deliver evidences and other writing of Wm. Bartlott, Cromwell's servant. Was made overseer by John Bartlot, Wm's uncle, of his will, which was that Wm. should have the manor of Denne, worth 18l. a year, when 23 years old, and the residue was given to Dawtrey's sister for life, and then to the said William. As soon as Wm. Bartlot has the evidences, he will be in business with Dawtrey's sister and her husband Byerley. She would think it great unkindness in him to deliver the evidences of her portion. Asks Cromwell's advice. Petworth, 10 March. Signed. P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
10 March.	327. Lord Leonard Grey to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P. iii., 189.	Thanks for new year's gift received, 3 March, by the King's servant, Thos. Bowman. Begs licence to repair to the King; “the tender sucking child did never sorer long for his mother's pap” than he does to see his Majesty. On 2 March Sir Wm. Abrereton and John Travers, master of the Ordnance, Edward Gryffyth being sore sick, mustered lord Leonard's men. Hears that some persons here have reported ill of him to the King, and begs that no credit may be given to them until his answer be heard. Drogheda, 10 March 31 Henry VIII. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
10 March.	328. Deputy and Council of Ireland to Cromwell.
R. O.	Received your letters of 5 Feb. on 5 March, with 2,256l. by Walter Cowley and Howgh, the bearer hereof, and intend to preserve unity amongst ourselves. As to punishing Desmond, ONeyle, ODonell, and their adherents, they are vile persons in habit and manners, but far apart, and we cannot separate our power to attack both North and South at once. If they have any outward aid, as they expect, the land might be lost before the King's aid arrived. The King wrote of sending a “main array,” and we gave our advice thereupon. If it is not to come, we desire to know with speed, so as to make a stay with part of the traitors. Want 200 good horsemen well horsed, with artillery and 30 draft horses, which cannot be had here. The horsemen here threaten to leave, as they cannot live on 5l. 6s. 8d. a year. The wards, first fruits, and 20th have not come near the sum the Commissioners taxed them at. Thos. Wendam, one of the captains, is sore sick, and his physicians say he must return to England. Have given him a passport, but he will not leave until Cromwell's pleasure be known. Unless Cromwell speedily move the King in the premises, they will send over part of the Council. Kilmainham, 10 March 31 Henry VIII. Signed: Leonard Gray—John Alen, K's. Chaunceler—George Dublin.—Edward Miden.—J. Rawson, p^r of Kyllmaynā — Wyllyā Brereton — Will'm Brabason—Robert Cowley—Gerald Aylmer, justice. Add. Endd.
R. O.	2. “Exbursements made for the charges in conveying the King's treasure by me, Walter Cowley, from London into Ireland.” Charges for bags and hampers, hire of horses, and the like. Dinners, suppers, &c., at the different stages detailed. At Chester there is 2s. to the “waytes or minstrels.” To Matthew Kyng when he rode before from Chester to Conway. Mr. Richard Hogh was conductor, and the last item is 10l. paid him for freight and conveyance of the Council's letters to London. Pp. 5.