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

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

'Henry VIII: December 1540, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, (London, 1898) pp. 145-151. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp145-151 [accessed 12 April 2024]

December 1540, 1–10



1 Dec.	306. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 491.	Has, since writing last 16 Nov., by Thadey, amassed news, but thought it best to verify it by sending his secretary to the queen of Navarre, (fn. 1) whom he always keeps in store for things “not facile otherwise to come by.” Of late M. de Veyley, ambassador with the Emperor, arrived in post, although he had only been gone little over a month. The same day the Emperor's ambassador was at Court, but could not speak with the King or the Constable, although that day neither went abroad. Knowing of De Veyliez being there, he was the more anxious to speak with the King. He therefore returned hither, 4 leagues; and, having new letters from the Emperor mentioning nothing of de Veyliez' coming, went to Court next day and was at the King's dinner, and expected the Constable would present him to the King, as the custom is. The King called for a “certain platte,” and remained devising upon it for an hour; after which the Constable carried it away without noticing the ambassador, who thereupon presented himself. Wallop went next day to ask him about Veyliez' coming. He said his letters from the Emperor said nothing of it. The French king had told him that, the Emperor being at Artois, Veyley crossed the frontier to see an abbey of his own, and being so near Court came on hither to order his private affairs. Next day Veyley returned hence in post, and the Portuguese ambassador coming from Paris met him, but got the same answer from him as the King gave the Emperor's ambassador. Wallop, suspecting something important, sent to the queen of Navarre. She said Veyley's coming was for certain important overtures made by the Emperor to the French king, and the latter had said, on despatching Veyley, that he and the Emperor were now good friends, and he would not trouble with such new practices. A friend of Wallop's, who went to ask her about the affair, got the same answer as the King and Veyley himself had given. This shows her sincerity to Henry. Of late arrived Crewzerus, ambassador from the duke of Cleves, and Wallop sent to the Queen to learn his news and how the affair went between her and the Duke for the marriage of her daughter. She said matters rested as they were, and, as the Emperor's practices with the Duke had ceased, there was no need for haste. Since Wallop's being here, the Admiral's trial has continued before 12 presidents, 24 councillors, and 3 masters of requests, the Chancellor himself sitting amongst them two days. It was bruited that his accusers contradicted themselves. Told his secretary to ask the queen of Navarre about it, and she said the Admiral would prove himself an honest man; many of the witnesses were false; but some articles were proved against him “as in things criminal and taking of money.” The King favours him. She said also that the marriage of Mons. de Guysez' son and the bp. of Rome's niece was uncertain, for the Bishop could do nothing without the Emperor's consent. The Bishop is now well satisfied with the Emperor, who has “commanded his daughter to her husband his nephew, having lain together three nights and the matrimony consummated, as it is said.” The Emperor has, for marriage of the duchess of Milan, lately practised with the duke of Lorraine, presumably for his son. This is all he can learn from the queen of Navarre. Henry should send her a letter of thanks. She again asks for his picture and those of the Queen and Prince, and Henry's two daughters. Four days ago the Venetian ambassador had letters announcing peace with the Turk. The French king rejoiced at it. Something secret between the French, the Turk, and the Venetians is suspected. The Venetians fortify their towns, doubting the Emperor's coming to Italy. Francis has sent the captains of Piedmont back to their garrisons, Turin, &c., and has sent 100,000 crs. to Venice. At the Emperor's being in Italy, Francis will go to Piedmont or at least to Lyons or Grenoble. As the Emperor hastens thitherward he will do the same. Myllune, 1 Dec. Signed. Pp. 6. Add. Endd.
Add. 25,114. f. 309. B. M.	2. Copy of the preceding. Pp. 6.
1 Dec.	307. Flanders.
R. O.	Commission to the Scouttet of Antwerp and Maragraf of Ryen (in consideration that in England it is forbidden to lade goods in any but English bottoms), to proclaim forthwith in Antwerp that no one shall henceforth lade goods in English ships or crayers upon penalty of 100 guldens Carolus for each offence. Brussels, 1 Dec. 1540, “subscribed by the Emperor in his Council, and subsigned Boudewyns.” English translation of a copy certified by “Grapheus,” p. 1, Endd. The prohibition to lade, &c.
R. O.	2. Modern copy of the same. P. 1.
1 Dec.	308. Pate to Gardiner and Knevet.
R. O. St. P., viii. 489.	Thanks for their letter. The Emperor caught a severe cold at St. Paul's church, on St. Andrew's Eve, and his journey to Equesney, appointed for to-day, is deferred three days. There he tarries one night, and goes on by Avennes, Beumont, Soir le Chasteau, and Biens, to Ameurs. These towns are too small to lodge the Court, so the ambassadors have orders to precede the Emperor, and await him at Ameurs. The French ambassador is very friendly, and says he marvels Gardiner dare be absent, who has as much authority with the King as Cromwell had. Yesterday, after conference with the Emperor at Arras, he despatched a post to his master. Both there and here Pate is “highly entertained.” At Worms are assembled 50 doctors and learned men, “whither Bishop Vergerius is sent, as the ambassador of Venice told me, of the Queen of Navarre.” The king of the Romans has little prevailed against Buda. Your coming is interpreted to be either for some marriage or for matters of religion, and it is thought you will not go to Almain “because of your great train.” The Emperor will not leave this before Monday. His suddenness in this journey has astonished everyone, and thus he avoids his adversaries in the frontiers, where he has viewed all the castles and holds. A Roman gentleman has been with me, to help him to the King's service. Would not have him kiss the King's skirt, lest he bear like poison in his lips, as many of his nation do in their hearts, “peradventure subornated thereunto.” Philip Melancthon is chief of the Protesting party. Valentianes, 1 Dec. Hol., p 1. Add.: “ambassadors to the Emperor.” Endd.
3 Dec.	309. Parliament of Scotland.
Acts of the P. of Sc., ii. 354.	Holden at Edinburgh, 3 Dec. 1540, by David Cardinal abp. of St. Andrews; Gavin abp. of Glasgow, chancellor; Geo. bp. of Dunkeld; Wm. bp. of Aberdeen; George earl of Huntley, and nine others (named), special commissioners, together with William earl Marshal, Wm. earl of Errol, constable, Andrew Dammahoy, serjeant, and John Wilkesone, judicator. Latin.
4 Dec.	310. Sir Ric. Ryche and Walter Hendle to Edw. North.
R. O.	The King's pleasure being that his servants whose names are underwritten shall have the pensions set to their names paid quarterly, desire him to pay them from 1 Jan. 31 Hen. VIII. to Michaelmas last, and then quarterly. London, 4 Dec. 32 Hen. VIII. Names (the same as in No. 287):—Yeomen of the Chariots, Ric. Ikeill, and John Rombolde, 6l. each; grooms of the Chariots and Stable, John Payne, and 12 others named, 4l. each, except the last, Robt. Coottes, who died 1 Sept. last, and has only 53s. 4d. Signed. P. 1. Subscribed: To Edw. North, esquire, treasurer of the Augmentations.
4 Dec.	311. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 246. (The whole text.)	London, 4 Dec.:—On receiving his of the 24th ult., went to this King, who was witn a small company of 60 or 80 horse, at a little place called Hault quint (Woking) by Hantempcourt engaged in hawking (vollerie) now that the season for hunting deer is past. Found him anxious to hear the news and gave him the substance of Francis's letter, especially touching his health, the prosperity of his affairs and his intention to observe the amity; and asked when the deputies should go to Calais about the affair of the bridge at Ardres. He replied most graciously, thanking Francis for his good will, and saying that when he had spoken with his Council he would choose his deputies, who should be the most tractable councillors he had, and, in five or six days, would let Marillac know their names and when they should leave. The ambassadors have left to go to the Emperor. As Winchester lingers about Calais and Guisnes, on pretence that his horses are not all over sea, it is evident that he is to follow the Emperor into Germany, who delays longer than was expected. Suffolk's going to Calais is given up. Things seem more tranquil than when he wrote last. This King has taken a new rule of living; to rise between 5 and 6 a.m., hear mass at 7 a.m., and then ride until dinner time, which is 10 a.m. He says he feels much better thus in the country than when he resided all winter at his houses at the gates of this town (London). French. Modern transcript, pp. 4. Headed: “Envoyee par le garçon de Colin Carron.”
4 Dec.	312. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 247. (Extract.)	London, 4 Dec.:—Received his letters with joy, not having had news from France for six weeks. Thanks him for his kindness. If ever Marillac seems long in writing, it is for want of matter, especially at this season when often for fifteen or twenty days there is no talk of state affairs. Refers to the King's letters, for the gracious language the English hold. Cannot yet tell when the deputies leave about the bridge “de la Cauchoire,” but it will be soon. The Emperor's ambassador has been called before the Council, most of whom are in this town, about the ill treatment of English subjects in Spain on account of religion. Amongst others a rich English merchant, (fn. 2) who said he thought his sovereign right in leaving the Pope's obedience and suppressing the abbeys, has, after long imprisonment, been condemned to make “amende honorable,” and to lose all his goods. The said ambassador was required to inform the Emperor, that he might order that Englishmen should be better treated, or else they would prohibit traffic. The ambassador is annoyed, as he was out of favour and this will not induce them to show him better countenance. It may be the reason that they were more gracious to me than usual, (fn. 3) for commonly they form their countenance to ambassadors according as their affairs prosper. French. Modern transcript, pp. 3.
4 Dec.	313. Parliament of Scotland.
Acts of the P. of Sc., ii. 354.	Holden at Edinburgh, 4 Dec. 1540, by 17 commissioners (named). The cases of Robt., son of the late James Colvile, of Est Wemys, Jas. Douglas, of Parkheid, and the widow and children of the late Robt. Leslie, deferred until 10 Dec. following. Latin.
5 Dec.	314. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
Spanish Calendar, VI. Pt. i. No. 143.	Nothing important has occurred since his last. (fn. 4) Two days ago this King's Privy Council asked earnestly that their master's subjects in Spain should be better treated by the officers of the Inquisition and others, considering the friendship between the two Crowns. Has found these Councillors really very well disposed. They ask for news of the bp. of Winchester and are continually praising him, but do not say what his charge is. The Princess, hearing from Chapuys that the late attempt to take away two of her maid servants proceeded from the new Queen (who was offended because the Princess did not treat her with the same respect as her two predecessors) has found means to conciliate her, and thinks her maids will remain. The French ambassador has sent his cousin (fn. 5) to say that the Turk, whom he calls “le Grand Seigneur,” has concluded peace with Venice, to be free to aid king John's son in Hungary. From the pleasant countenance of the cousin, the writer infers that he had been already to tell the same news to the King. London, 5 Dec. 1540 P.S.—Some soldiers and many pioneers have been sent to Calais. Rumour is that a fortress shall be built near Ardres, on the river side, where the French a few months ago built a bridge which the English demolished. Original (at Vienna) endd.: Rec., Valenciennes, 16 Dec. 1540.
7 Dec.	315. Henry VIII. to the Council at Calais.
R. O.	The Lord Chamberlain, who was captain of Guisnes, is dead. Orders “you Mr. Wotton” or “you Mr. Ryngeley,” by the advice of the lord Deputy, to go thither with a suitable company and take over command of the castle until further orders. Draft in Wriothesley's hand, p. 1. Endd.: Minute to the Deputy and Council at Calais, 7 Dec.
7 Dec.	316. Abp. Lee to the Queen.
R. O.	I received your letters, dated Windsor, 13 Nov, by Dr. Legh's servant, 5 Dec., for the advowson of the archdeaconry of York for one of your chaplains, not named, and noting that your last request for your chaplain, Dr. Mallett, took no effect. To your letters for Dr. Mallett I answered “that I never granted advowson saving at the King's command, but one, which I have many times sore repented.” Those who labour for such advowsons espy out where any man having a promotion is like to die, and having obtained the advowson of his promotion they “hearken and gape every day when he will die”; and this uncharitableness is so discrepant to the order of priesthood that I am loath to make such grants. Reminds her, as he did before, that he promised Mr. Lowe, her chaplain, the next promotion of 40l. or thereabouts that should fall. Bolton Percie, 7 Dec. 1540. Signed. Pp. 2. Add.
7 Dec.	317. H. lord Mawtravers to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 495.	Yesternight, after the gates were closed, arrived Thadde, your post, who called over to the keeper of the walls to advertise me that Lord Sandes was dead. I had a letter thrown over the walls to Thadde, willing him to write how and where he died, and whether Thadde “bare any signification thereof to Guisnes,” concluding with an order not to bruit it abroad. He wrote back that he supposed Lord Sandes died at the Vyne, that the news came to Court on Saturday morning last, and that he brought no signification to Guisnes. Upon this, as Guisnes stands not far from evil neighbours, the Council have this morning decided to send the Marshal, Treasurer, and Comptroller thither to view it, the Marshal to remain with the deputy there until the King's further pleasure be known. Calais, 7 Dec. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
8 Dec.	318. Henry VIII. to Wallop.
R. O. St. P., viii. 496.	Learns from his letters of 17 Nov. and from the French ambassador that, for the matter of Cowbridge and Couswade and other difficulties, the French king will send to Arde a knight of his Order and one of his Grand Council to confer with English commissioners at a time to be fixed by Henry. Wallop is to thank the French king for his offer of marble; and say that Henry will send a knight of his Order and one of his Grand Council, desires to know the names of Francis's councillors (that he may appoint his of like degree), and thinks the meeting should be 2 Feb. next. We have received your letters of 1 Dec. and thank you for your vigilance. Any important matter between the Emperor and French king must also be notified to the bp. of Winchester, ambassador with the Emperor. The pictures desired by “our dearest sister the Queen of Navarre,” will be sent as soon as possible, and you are to thank her for her affection to us. As to money, you shall have an advance of six months. We learnt that the Cardinal of Lorraine should have met the Emperor at Arras and will now do so at Valencyan; if he has such a journey find out the cause of it, and if not why not. Draft corrected by Wriothesley, pp. 6. Endd.: Minute to Mr. Wallop, viij^o Decemb.
8 Dec.	319. The Nuncio Poggio to Card. Farnese.
R. O.	(P.S. to a letter dated, Valentiana, 8 Dec. 1540):—The bp. of Winchester and one (fn. 6) of the king of England's chamber landed at Calais at the same time as that heretic, formerly ambassador in Spain. (fn. 7) The Bishop is accompanied by more than 100 horse, and should bring some great matter. No one has come from France. Italian. Modern extract from a Vatican MS., p. 1.
8 Dec.	320. The Diet of Worms.
Harl. MS. 4,994, f. 193. B. M.	Speech (fn. 8) of the bp. of Feltri made in the assembly at Worms, exhorting them to charity to get rid of differences. In margin: “1540. 8. 10 bris.”
	ii. Reply made (fn. 9) in the name of the Emperor's ambassador and the assembled princes, accepting his exhortation in the like spirit. Lat. Modern copy, pp. 3.
10 Dec.	321. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 248. (Abstract.)	London, 10 Dec.:—Has before written that the English design new ramparts and fortifications in their places beyond sea; and that they promised to send Marillac the names of their deputies who should go to meet the French deputies about the bridge of Ardres. If they do not soon do so, will begin to solicit it; meanwhile takes advantage of a sure personage going to Boulogne to send this to M. Dubiez to forward. Since he last wrote, about 300 pioneers and other workmen have been sent over sea, as he notified M. Dubiez. Does not yet know at what place they are to be employed, as he is not acquainted with the locality, having come hither by Boulogne; but some say new ramparts are to be made outside Calais at the source of the fresh water which comes thither, lest, in case of a siege, the water should be cut off. Others say a strong place is to be made outside Guisnes, a quarter of a mile from the aforesaid bridge. Other workmen are being sought for, to be sent, so that there will be between 400 and 500 new workmen at Calais. Has nothing to add but that lord Sens, Great Chamberlain, died four days ago, who was much esteemed here and was one of the few ancient captains left. French. Modern transcript, pp. 2.
10 Dec.	322. Parliament of Scotland.
Acts of the P. of Sc., ii. 355.	Holden at Edinburgh, 10 Dec. 1540, in presence of the King himself, by commissioners, named, for clergy, barons and boroughs (71 in all), of whom 20 are “domini electi ad articulos.” (1.) The King's action in having “raised summons” upon the heirs of Robert Leslie, dec., for treason committed in his lifetime, and confiscated his goods, was confirmed by Parliament. (2.) The statutes made in last Parliament were confirmed. (3.) An addition made to the Act of cursing. (4.) The King's general revocation of all grants made by him to the prejudice of the Crown during his minority, viz., before attaining the age of 25 years; confirming an instrument (quoted) made by him at Rouen, 3 April 1537, before George Cuk, notary public. Acts (recited) made in this Parliament:— (5.) Off fredome of Halikirk. (6.) That the schireffis and utheris officiaris be present personalie at the thre heid courtis. (7.) Off setting of temporale courtis. (8.) Off deputis to schireffis and uther officiaris. (9.) Anent indorsing of letters. (10.) The ordour of summoning of all personis in civil actiouns. (11.) Off electioun of notaris. (12.) Off geving of sesingis. (13.) Off admission of notaris. (14.) That the prothogollis of all sesingis be presentit yerlie to the Chekker. (15.) Off fals notaris and witnessis. (16.) Off notaris ordinare in schireff courtis or utherwyis. (17.) Off commissionis gevin in prejudice of the ordiner. (18.) Off lesing makaris. (19.) The act of annexatioun. (20.) For ordouring of processis of forfaltouris. (21.) Wapynschawingis to be twise in the yeir. (22.) That the army of Scotland be unhorsit except greit baronis. (23.) The manere of harnes wapnis and armoure. (24.) Off armour conforme to every mannes rent and substance. (25.) That all personis present in wapinschawingis be writtin with the maner of thair armour. (26.) The premunitioun of wapinschawingis. (27.) Off chesing of capitanis in every parrochyne. (28.) Generale remissioun grantit be the Kingis grace to all his liegis. Forfeitures (process recited) of Jas. Douglas, of Parkheid, and Robt. Colvile, of Estwemys. The case of the widow and children of Robt. Leslie deferred to 2 March next. Parliament prorogued to 25 Feb. next. Partly in Latin.
Ib., ii. 401.	2. Ratification of the forfeiture of Archibald, late earl of Angus, George Douglas, his brother, the late Archibald Douglas, of Kilspinde, their uncle, John, late lord of Glamys, and the late Sir James Hamiltoun of Fynnart, sealed by the Three Estates (members named) at Edinburgh, 10 Dec. 1540, 28 Jac. V. The act of annexation (§ 1. cap. 19) scaled by the Three Estates (members named) at Edinburgh, 10 Dec. 1540, 28 Jac. V. Latin.