Henry VIII: December 1541, 6-10 | 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 1541, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, (London, 1898) pp. 660-671. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp660-671 [accessed 19 April 2024]

December 1541, 6–10



6 Dec.	1413. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 279.	Meeting at Westm., at Christes Chirch Place, 6 Dec. Present:— (blank space, names omitted). Business:—Letter sent to Mr. Solicitor at Horsham, the duchess of Norfolk's house, to put all things there in safety and leave Mr. Carrell in charge.
6 Dec.	1414. The Council in London to Sir. Ant. Browne and Sir Ralph Sadleyr.
R. O. St. P., i. 696.	Desire them to inform the King that, meeting yesterday at the lord Chancellor's to examine the duchess of Norfolk, they thought best to begin with Ashby, her man, being in custody of the Chancellor of Augmentations, who had written on Sunday night three or four leaves of paper. Give the important points in his confession, showing that the Duchess broke up Deram's coffers and took away all writings in them; that she had been afraid Alice Wilkes would tell lord William of the familiarity between the Queen and Deram, and intended to send to Calais to inform lord William; that she searched for “the pardon,” and said the Queen ought not to die for offences before marriage; that she broke open Damport's coffer after his committal to the Tower, and took out his papers. Her comptroller, one Boroughe, her chaplain, of whom she had the book of statutes, the clerk of her kitchen, and one Dunne, yeoman of her cellar, being named as accessories, examined the first three, but could learn nothing new. Also re-examined Jane Ratsey and examined a new matter, viz., “that the lady Anne of Cleves should be delivered of a fair boy, and whose should it be but the King's Majesty's, and gotten when she was at Hampton Court?” This abominable slander was told to Taverner, of the Signet, by his mother-in-law, wife of Lambert, the goldsmith, and by his own wife, who said they had it of Lilgrave's wife and the old lady Carowe. Taverner kept it secret till Sunday, when he told Dr. Cox, who informed the lord Privy Seal. Taverner is in custody of the bp. of Winchester and Lambert's wife in that of the chancellor of Augmentations. Word then came that Damport desired to speak with one of the Council, and Sir John Gage and Sir Ric. Riche went to him, when he said Deram once told him, “I could be sure to Mrs. Katharine an I would, but I dare not, the King beginneth to love her, but an he were dead I am sure I might marry her.” As no torture could make him confess this before, they intend to examine him and Deram again today. On this arrived your letters and those to the King out of France, which it was night before we had perused. We will today examine the Duchess and others. The lord Privy Seal will do what he can touching Mr. Southwell, and trusts to frame it according to the King's pleasure. Deram makes suit for remission of some part of the extremity of his judgment. The Comptroller was only at the breaking of Damport's coffers, which as yet the Duchess confesses not. Damport says Deram told him that the Duchess said to a gentleman in the Queen's chamber, pointing to Deram, “This is he that ran into Ireland for the Queen's sake.” The lord Privy Seal expects to learn some pithy matter of Alice Wilkes. Jane Ratsey's examination was sent yesternight. Christchurch, Tuesday morning. Signed by Cranmer, Audeley, Suffolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Gardiner, and Wriothesley. P.S.—Mr. Comptroller and Mr. Chancellor be gone to the Tower. In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 5. Add. Endd.: 6 Dec. 1541.
R. O.	2. Points from the evidence of Ashby and the duchess of Norfolk's Comptroller (fn. 1) and Borough, her chaplain, relating to her fear lest Alice Wilks should tell lord William of the familiarity between the Queen and Deram, the breaking of Deram's and Damport's coffers, and her asking whether the book of statutes contained the general pardon and sending Rice, lady Bridgewater's eldest son, for it. In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 3.
6 Dec.	1415. About Katharine Howard.
R. O.	Examination of Wm. Pewson, 6 Dec., upon five numbered questions relating to his going to Hampton Court and Combe Park; showing that he only went to buy wood. Thought he first heard of the matter of the Queen and Deram at Hampton Court, but now remembers that he heard it at home, of servants of Sir John Dudley and Dowver of the Pastry. Told it to the Duchess, adding that either they stole her key or had another, and that if “it were true that was said of the Queen, Derham, the lady of Rochforde, Culpeper, Damport and Katharine Tylnay, they were worthy to be hanged one against another, and if your Grace be true and my lord William I pass not of none of them.” At that the Duchess held up her hands and said she was as innocent as the child newborn. Pp. 2.
	1416. The Duchess of Norfolk.
R. O.	Notes of answers made by, and questions to be put to [the duchess of Norfolk]. She denies having any suspicion of evil between the Queen and Deram, also the 20l. to buy a stock of sheep of which Damporte speaks, the finding of Deram and her together when she struck them, and that she knew of his going into Ireland. Lady Bridgewater and lady Howard sued to her to speak to the Queen for Dereham. “Whether the Queen sent for her and willed her to bring Deram with her?” The Queen said to her that sh[e had] an Almoner that … she was displeased that she had put a[way] her porter with this question, Did you not mistrust Deram and me? Whereunto she answered …” Denies ever saying “This is he that went into Ireland for the Queen's sake.” Who told her Deram was indicted in Southwark? Nobody spoke with her touching the pardon. Whether she would have had Ashby take a satin coat of Deram's for 30s. 8d. which he owed him? “My l. of N. bade the saddler bring the male to her.” She denies carrying the writings into her chamber. When she opened the coffers she knew not that Deram was committed for treason. “She told Sir Francis Brian, coming to her for K. H. (Kath. Howard's) 500 mks., that she would have bonds for the restitution of it if she died before she were married, saying that she heard that Culpeper was in love with her.” Has heard since that she “would go abroad to banquet half a mile from her house having a good company with her.” “Of whom [she has] heard that the King's Majesty [did cast a fantasy to Katharine] Haward the first t[ime] that ever (?) [he saw] her?” It is to be remembered that lord William has threatened Manox and railed on him and his wife at their own door ever since the contention between Deram and Manox for writing the letter laid in my lady of Norfolk's pew. In Wriothesley's hand. Mutilated, pp. 2.
R. O.	2. [Notes of confessions making against the duchess of Norfolk]. Deram says the duchess of Norfolk once found him with Kath. Haward in his arms [and kissing her], (fn. 2) and she beat her and gave Bulmer also a stroke, who stood by; and often she blamed him and the Queen for “keeping company together, saying he would never be out of Katharine Howard's chamber.” Kath. Tylney says she was there when the Duchess “found them in arms kissing,” and that the Duchess “gave also Deram a blow.” Bulmer. (Blank space left for her evidence.) Alice Wylkes confesses as Tylney does. Walgrave says he heard the Duchess say divers times, “Where is Derham? I am sure he is sleeping in the gentlewomen's chamber”; and often she sent to prove it, and he was found upon one bed or another. Kath. Tylney says the Duchess used to say, “I warrant you if you seek him,” &c. (The remainder of her deposition of 30 Nov., see No. 1385.) The lady Howard says that, being at Court about Allhallontyde was twelve months, the Queen asked her where Deram was. She replied, “Madam, he is here with my lord.” And the Queen said, “My lady of Norfolk hath desired me to be good unto him, and so I will.”
	ii. “This was after she had been with the Council and knew the treason laid to Deram.” Ashby says the Duchess caused Deram's coffers to be opened and took out certain ballads and carried them to her chamber to read at leisure, and did the like with the writings in his male. She would have had Ashby take a satin coat of Deram's for 30s. 8d. which Deram owed him. She said, “If there be none offence sithence the marriage, she cannot die for that was done before”; demanding how the pardon served for her and for those who knew of their naughtiness before. She would have sent to Calays to warn lord William Howard of this matter if she had not been advised to the contrary. She brake up Damporte's coffers after she knew he was in the Tower and took away and read his letters. “M[emorandum] the Comptroller saith that Ashby and she read them.” Deram confesses that the Queen sent to the Duchess to come to Court and bring Deram. He was told this by Damporte at Croydon and afterwards by the Duchess. Damport, “of Deram's report, says the Duchess told a gentlewoman in the Queen's chamber that Deram “ran away into Ireland for the Queen's sake.” Stafford heard a like report, but knows not whether the Duchess or lady Howard said it. “Deram saith the Queen told him in the time of the lady Anne of Cleves that my lady of Norfolk told, as he remembreth, to my l. Baynton that Katharine Howard was th'occasion of his going into Ireland. “For my lord William Howard, look his wife's deposition with Katharine Tylney's; and remember Minster Chamber and Philip. “For Bridgewater to be examined. “For the resolution of the King's Majesty's question.” In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 6. Faded.
6 Dec.	1417. Rushworth College,
R. O. Rymer, xiv. 742.	Surrender (by Geo. Wyndam, clk., master, and the fellows) of the college and all its movables, both those at present possessed by it or those by obligation or otherwise due to it; also the manors of Russheworth, Brettenham, and Larlingforth, Norf., the manor of Elvenden, Suff., the rectory of Russheworth and all other possessions of the college in cos. Norf. or Suff. or elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. 6 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII. Signed by Wyndam and three others. [See Eighth Report of Dep. Keeper of Pub. Records, App. ii., 39.] Seal broken. Enrolled [Cl. Roll, p. 3, No. 18], as acknowledged, same day, before Sampson Michell, one of the clerks of Chancery.
7 Dec.	1418. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 280.	Meeting at Christchurch Place, 7 Dec. Present: “As before.” Business:—Read letters from Mr. Pagett to the King and to the Council.
7 Dec.	1419. French Wines.
Harl. MS. 442 f. 177. B. M.	Proclamation limiting the price charged for French and Gascon wines to 5l. for best quality, and 4l. 6s. 8d. for second best quality, per tun, as fixed by the Council (fn. 3) pursuant to statute. Westm., 7 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII. Modern copy, pp. 2.
7 Dec.	1420. Kerseys.
Harl. MS. 442, f. 178.	Proclamation suspending the acts concerning kerseys until the Nativity of St. John Baptist next. Westm., 7 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII.
B. M.	Modern copy, pp. 2.
7 Dec.	1421. Henry VIII. to Sir Ric. Riche.
R. O.	Letters missive requiring him to see the bringer, John Pether, “presently admitted” to the room of schoolmaster of the cathedral church which shall shortly be established at Worcester, and this notwithstanding any previous assignment or nomination. Otelende, 7 Dec. 33 Hen. VIII. Signed at the head. P. 1. Add. Endd.
7 Dec.	1422. The Council in London to Sir Ant. Browne and Sir Ralph Sadleyr.
R. O. St. P., i. 702.	Require them to inform the King that, all yesterday, they examined the lady of Norfolk, who denied all knowledge of the abomination between the Queen and Deram and pretended that she opened the coffers in order to send anything material to the King. Her denial makes for nothing, as they have sufficient testimony otherwise. Have today collected the material points touching her and lord William Howard and conferred with the lord Chief Justice, Mr. Attorney and Mr. Pollard, who think with the lord Chancellor and chancellor of Augmentations, that misprision of treason is proved against the lady of Norfolk and lord William, and that lady Howard, lady Bridgewater, Alice Wylkes, Kath. Tylney, Damport, Walgrave, Malin Tylney, Mary Lasselles, Bulmer, Ashby, Anne Howard and Margaret Benet are in the same case. Ask what the King will have done, and whether to commit lord William and his wife. All their goods are confiscated, with the profit of their lands for life, and “their bodies to perpetual prison.” Tomorrow at the lord Privy Seal's house, will examine lady Bridgewater, and also Bulmer and Wylkes. Have sent for Mynster Chambre and one Philip, two principal witnesses against lord William and Lady Bridgewater. Christchurch, Wednesday night. P.S.—Think they have all they shall get of Deram, who cannot be brought to any piece of Damport's last confession; and would know the King's pleasure touching the execution of him and Culpeper. Signed by Cranmer, Audeley, Suffolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Gardiner, Sir John Gage, Wriothesley, and Riche. In Wriothesley's hand, pp 3. Add. Endd.: 7 Dec. 1541.
	1423. The Duchess of Norfolk.
R. O.	Wm. Assheby's third confession, viz:— That my lady of Norfolk said she would see what writings were in Dereham's chest meet to be sent to the Council, and there took certain writings and papers of ballads and a ballad book with notes for playing upon the lute. Stood with the candle at the end of the chest, and she cast back into the chest the writings she liked not, but kept those she called ballads by themselves “and another sort apart from them.” One was, she said, the bill that was laid in her pew in Lambeth church and stolen by Katharine Howard out of her gilt coffer while she was in bed. She then said that for that bill Dereham and she fell out, about the beginning of the King's progress, and she commanded him out of her gates. Told her it would do no good to keep it and that she might burn it. She laid it with the ballads, and, when she had seen all, carried them to her chamber. About eight o'clock one night she gave me a handful of bills rolled together, which she named ballads, to carry to my lord of Norfolk. Long ago she said to me that she mistrusted Katharine Howard and Derham, and I said I saw “no such cause.” “I suppose that Master Molyneux that opened the matter to her did open it to me. I have opened to your Lordships as much as I know as to my ghostly father, and beg you to pity me, thus troubled in my old age through “a willful woman.” In Assheby's own hand, pp. 2, with original foliation, ff. 17, 18. Annotated in the margin by another hand.
7 Dec.	1424. The Duchess of Norfolk.
R. O.	“Asshebie examined the vij^th day of December a^o xxxiij^o,” showing that the duchess of Norfolk took certain writings and ballads out of Derham's coffers, among them the letter (or copy) laid in her pew by Mannox. She took out at least a dozen papers, but whether she gave them to my lord of Norfolk, examinate knows not. Three years past she told him she mistrusted that there was love between Katharine Howard and Derham. In Mason's hand, pp. 2, each signed: Will'm Assheby, with original foliation, ff. 19, 20.
7 Dec.	1425. Sir Ant. Browne and [Sir] Ralph Sadleyr to the Council in London.
R. O. St. P., i. 699.	The King has perused their letters “to us, Sir Anthony Browne and Rafe Sadleyr,” and, seeing that the Duchess broke Deram's coffers and concealed the writings, thinks the judges (if they weigh the breaking of the coffers, which is an act, with the concealment of the writings, which argues that they contained treason, and the likelihood that the Duchess knew of the former naughty life between the Queen and Deram) cannot say they have better ground to make Deram's case treason, and presume that his coming again to the Queen's service was for an ill intent, than they have to presume that the breaking of the coffers was with intent to conceal letters of treason. The Duchess is to be examined where the letters are, and Mr. Pollard shall enquire of her women whether she has recently burnt any letters. The Duchess's fear lest Wilkes told lord William of the familiarity between the Queen and Deram seems to prove that she knew of their naughty life and is a presumption of ill both in her and lord William; “and hereupon his Majesty brought in Palmer's case that warned Mr. Wallop, as your lordships do know.” If the lord Privy Seal can pick out from Wilkes anything to touch lord William, the said lord William is to be detained in London as though about affairs in France. Her search for the general pardon and question whether it would serve other that knew of their naughty life, with the breaking of Damport's coffer when he was in the Tower, also weigh against the Duchess. Damport and Deram are to be seriously examined who the gentleman was to whom the Duchess pointed out Deram as he who ran into Ireland. Deram's execution is to be stayed for a time. The King desires a copy of the interrogatories remitted to them by Mr Wriothesley, “reformed afore in some part by his Majesty at Asshiere.” As to the remission of the extremity of Deram's judgment, the King thinks he has deserved no such mercy. The matter touching the lady Anne of Cleves is to be “groundly examined,” for the King is informed that she has indeed had a child and imputes a default in her officers for not informing him. Draft in Sadler's hand, pp. 7. Endd.: Minute to the Council at London, 7 Dec. 1541.
7 Dec.	1426. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 370. (Almost the whole text.)	Received before this, by his cousin, the letters and instruction written from Fontainebleau, the 15th ult., which he has been unable to fulfil for want of the power. Has since received by the ordinary way the despatch of the 23rd, mentioning that two powers should be sent by the personage who shall come hither. There is great need for dexterity, as almost all the language ever used by this King to Marillac has tended to set Francis at war with the Emperor. Although Francis understands the trouble in this Court through these changes of Queens, there is one particular which one king may know of another, and which a servant ought to write to his master, viz., that this King has changed his love for the Queen into hatred, and taken such grief at being deceived that of late it was thought he had gone mad, for he called for a sword to slay her he had loved so much. Sitting in Council he suddenly called for horses without saving where he would go. Sometimes he said irrelevantly (hors de propoz) that that wicked woman had never such delight in her incontinency as she should have torture in her death. And finally he took to tears regretting his ill luck in meeting with such ill-conditioned wives, and blaming his Council for this last mischief. The ministers have done their best to make him forget his grief, and he is gone 25 miles from here with no company but musicians and ministers of pastime. The Council remains here for the process of Durans and Colpepre; for that of the Queen, lady Rochefort, and the rest is deferred until the Parliament, which is summoned for the 15th prox. The personages beforenamed were, five or six days ago, brought from the Tower into the great consistory of London, called Illehale(Guildhall), where the Mayor first, and beside him the Chancellor, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the rest of the Council, in presence of all who chose to attend, made anew the process of the said prisoners, and read aloud the Queen's signed deposition of what she had done with Durans before marriage, and her conversations with Colpepre. After both had been heard and examined they were condemned, Durans for having not only kept the lady from the time he violated her at the age of 13 until 18, but for having since been of her chamber and brought thither the woman who had been his accomplice before, which is presumptive evidence that they continued in their first purpose, especially as the Queen had said to lady Rochefort that if Colpepre would not listen to her there was, behind the door, another “qui ne demandoit pas meilleur party.” Colpepre had like sentence, although he had not passed beyond words; for he confessed his intention to do so, and his confessed conversations, being held by a subject to a Queen, deserved death. Many people thought the publication of these foul details strange, but the intention is to prevent it being said afterwards that they were unjustly condemned. Another strange thing has been noted, viz., that Norfolk was at the judgment, and even in examining the prisoners laughed as if he had cause to rejoice. His son the earl of Sure was also there, and the brothers of the Queen and Colpepre rode about the town. It is the custom and must be done to show that they did not share the crimes of their relatives. Awaiting the execution of the condemned, which is deferred until Parliament time, the old duchess of Norfolk has been brought prisoner to the Chancellor's house, and a sister of lord William and five or six other ladies are imprisoned apart, to be examined whether the evil manners of the Queen were known before the marriage. Meanwhile Norfolk is gone back to his house, 50 leagues hence, which makes people think ill, and at least that his influence is much diminished. There is no appearance that Madame de Cleves is to be restored, except common opinion and the absence of any bruit that the King intends to take another. Thinks nothing will be decided until Parliament. Docketed: (fn. 4) “Par Henry.” French. Modern transcript, pp. 6. Headed: London, 7 Dec. 1541.
7 Dec.	1427. Paget to Henry VIII.
Caius College MS. 597, p. 12. St. P., viii. 639.	Here have been four captains of Duke Wolfgang, the Palatine's brother, the chief of whom is Erasmus Vander Hauber, who has hitherto always served the Emperor against the French king. Blanchefosse, of the Privy Chamber, who was lately sent to Duke Wolfgang and other German lords, for the appointment of an army according to the oath Duke Wolfgang made at his last being here, (fn. 5) proposed such conditions that these captains and agents of the other lords were sent hither for their alteration; which lords at Wolfgang's being here swore to serve against all men save the Empire, the Emperor, and the King of Romans. The conditions required by Blanchefosse are (1) that, notwithstanding the late edict by the Emperor (that no man should issue out of Germany to serve any foreign potentate), they should serve this King against all men except the Empire; (2) that the soldiers should be paid by Frenchmen appointed thereto, and not by the Almain captains; (3) that the bands should be ready at a given place upon one month's warning; (4) that they should give six months' warning before leaving service. On Saturday last the captains received their lord's permission to accept these terms, except the 3rd, which they altered to a promise of all convenient diligence; and on Sunday the King accepted their oath, and yesterday the captains departed. Encloses schedule of their names, and of the conditions. Hears secretly that, “this prime,” the French king means to work mysteries against the Emperor. Since his coming from Lyons, Jeronimus Dandinus, sometime secretary to Sir Gregory Cassalis and now to the bp. of Rome, has been with him to persuade him to continue the truce with the Emperor, but was scarcely heard. Now here has come one of the Bishop's principal secretaries, called Hardingellus, (fn. 6) to induce him both to the truce and to a perpetual peace, and to meet the Bishop at Turin next prime. The French king's answer was “Si la treve est rompue il fault bien qu'elle soit rompue, et s'elle ne soit rompue il ne fault pas qu'elle soit confirmée”; and, as to the peace, if the Emperor would deliver Milan, it was made already, and if not it could not be talked of. Hardingel replied that Grandvela said the Emperor would never deliver Milan, but Flanders he would. “As for Flanders, quod the King, I can have it when me list, but I will have Milan and nothing else.” As to the interview, he added, you see that the time of the year serveth not. Tell our Holy Father what I have said, and also that I do nothing but make good cheer, “sometime among ladies and gentlewomen and sometime in chase of the hart,” and yet I forget not to pick up some little money to entertain old friends and purchase new; and, though I make not such great enterprises as the Emperor, I trust God will aid me. “And turned his back, after his fashion, and went into his privy chamber.” The duke of Urbyn, who was out of favour because of the Dauphin's wife's claim upon his duchy, is now wholly French, and promises to win all Tuscany, which is weary of the Emperor's bondage. Has seen letters from the count of Mirandula offering service, and showing letters which the Emperor had sent him for friendship. Count Petilyan is also become the French king's man, and lately sent him a plat of Algiere, of which Paget encloses a copy which he obtained before the French king saw it. Marshal Danebault goes very shortly into Piedmont; and the King into Picardy, as the bruit runs, and as Paget wrote in his last, to meet with Henry. A great personage has told him secretly that the King would invade Flanders, having intelligence with the Gantoys and others, and would take his passage through Liege. In confirmation of this, coming hither before the Court, finds at his lodging at Paris Dr. Johannes Jacobinus, doctor of both laws, one of the nine rulers of Liege city, in company with a French herald who was lately sent to Liege. This doctor has a “bode” with him and five other servants. Can only learn from him that the French king has “desired passage that ways.” As to Denmark, can learn nothing further than he wrote, save that the French king gives the king of Denmark 10,000 fr. pension, who, in return, is bound to furnish 5,000 footmen by land, or 1,000 in ships by sea. Blanchefosse is now hastened to Suisserlande, and another gentleman to Cleves. Within this sevennight Mons. Morillee, of the Grand Council, brother to Bochetel, is gone by sea to Scotland with Petit Guillot, who was a courier and has often been in England. Likes his despatch the worse because cardinals Turnon and Belley talked two hours with him after he left the King. It is noted that the Admiral, Chancellor, Danebault, and cardinals Turnon, Ferrare, and Bellaye sit daily in Council from before daylight to six at night. Mons. de Langey was on Sunday last made one of the Order. The bp. of Yvree in Piedmont, vice-legate at Avignon, being summoned to Rome on a charge of consenting to the conveying of the six Spaniards out of Avignon, is coming straight hither, and thus confirms the suspicion that it was the French king's act. News of the Emperor is very variable. Saw five letters which only agreed in one thing, viz., that the Emperor has by tempest, lost six galleys of Doria's, 4 of Frere Bernardyne's, 2 of the viceroy of Sicily's, and 2 of the Rhodes, and has himself escaped to Boulgie. They bruited that Barbarouza had, with 200 galleys, taken him prisoner. The Emperor's ambassador says these are all lies and practices of the Frenchmen. Has nothing more meet to be written. Paris, 7 Dec., 7 p.m., 1541. ii. “Articles agreed upon by certain captains of Almayn entertained by the French king. Giving (in Latin) the names of the captains and amounts of their pensions, with the four conditions above referred to. The names are duke Wolfgang, the counts of Altembergh and Mansfeld, baron Hadeck (in margin, “younger brother to him that was in England with duke Philip”), and Ruckerardus Hessus. Letter book copy in the hand of Paget's clerk, pp. 8.
8 Dec.	1428. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii., 280.	Meeting at Hampton Place, in London, 8 Dec. Present: Abp. of Cant., Chancellor, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Winchester, Comptroller, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—“The lady Brigewater was examined.”
8 Dec.	1429. Henry VIII. to Carne and Vaughan.
R. O. St. P., viii. 644.	Has received their letters of 5 Nov., with the Regent's answer, which is to the effect they before signified, saving that in this last answer further explanation touching the intercourse is referred to the Emperor's ambassador, a grant of king Edward III. alleged, and the treaties of amity and intercourse severed. Directs them to repair to the Regent and say the King sees she remains in the same mind as before, that neither she nor the ambassador here have made answer touching the intercourse, although the King specially desired it, and that it is right strange, considering the justice of the King's proceedings and what is “again done and promulged upon the same” there, that she should weigh the statute and the edict tegether. As to dividing the amity and the intercourse, it will be seen by conferring them together that that is impossible. As for the charter they allege of Edw. III., if they (the Flemings) have any such in store they know both of what force it is and how far out of their way it is to ratify all things that passed between England and the Low Partyes; and, therefore, all frivolous allegations apart, the ambassadors are to desire her to consider the old friendship between the states, and to annihilate the edict, and she may be sure Henry will friendly consider any reasonable thing she can desire for the good of the Emperor's countries. If she still demur they shall say that in that case they are commanded to return home; and if, thereupon, she will “grow to no round and reasonable resolution” they shall take friendly leave and return. Draft, pp. 10. Endd.: “Minute to Mr. Carne and Mr. Vaughan, viij^o Decemb. 1541, from Otelandes.”
8 Dec.	1430. The Council with the King to the Council in London.
R. O. St. P., i. 703.	This morning, received their letters (fn. 7) and read them to the King, who directs them to commit the duchess of Norfolk, lord William, and his wife, lady Bridgewater, and the others noted to be in the case of misprision of treason, to the Tower, and put their houses and goods in safe custody. As this matter “came first to revelation by Mary Lasselles, who not only refused the Queen's service, but also at the first opening thereof to her brother seemed to be sorry and lament that the King's Majesty had married her,” she is, as an encouragement to others to reveal like cases, not to be troubled. As for Culpeper and Deram, if the latter can tell no more, they are (with convenient warning to prepare their souls) to be executed. Otelande the Conception of Our Lady. Signed: J. Russell: Antone Browne: Antony Wyngfeld: Rafe Sadleyr. In Sadler's hand, pp. 2. Add. Endd.
8 Dec.	1431. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 372. (The whole text.)	Has received piteous news of the expedition which the Emperor had brought to Algiers, 17 galleys and 50 other vessels being wrecked by tempest, and the Emperor forced by famine to re-embark with great loss. Where the Emperor is is not known. Some presume that he is in Bougie. As the English might think this renders Francis stronger and less desirous of their alliance, they are to be assured that neither prosperity nor adversity can alter his good will to them. Silesia and Moravia have revolted from the king of the Romans and chosen Maurice, son of duke Henry of Saxony, for their prince. For this and his other losses, the king of the Romans is fallen into such melancholy that many believe him to be dead. The Turk has retired to winter at Constantinople, and there is bruit of a truce until 24 April. Countersigned: Bayard.
	ii. Copy of letters missive of the Sieur Francisque sent to the King (Francis I.), 25 Nov. Two ships which have brought back lanzknechts to this port report the destruction (described) of the Emperor's expedition to Alger. The Emperor is supposed to be at Bougie; but another great tempest has occurred since. My father-in-law writes more amply to Maréchal Annebault, so I will only remind you of duke Charles and king Louis XI. French. Modern transcript, pp. 3. Headed: 8 Dec. 1541.
Vienna Archives.	2. Copy of the first paragraph of § 1 dated Fontainebleau, 8 Dec. 1541. Spanish Calendar, VI. i., No. 212.
9 Dec.	1432. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 280.	Meeting at Christchurch Place, 9 Dec. Present: Abp. of Cant., Chancellor, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Hertford, Winchester, Comptroller, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Gostwick and John Skinner appointed to take an inventory of goods in lord William's house at Reigate. Wriothesley, Pollard, and Mr. Attorney to take the like at Lambeth in the duchess of Norfolk's and lord William's houses. Sir Ric. Long and Sir Thos. Pope to take the like at lady Bridgewater's houses in Kent and Seuthwark. Lord William, “after a general examination,” committed to the Tower. Determined that Culpeper and Derham should suffer next day, and thereof despatched letters to the King.
9 Dec.	1433. The Council in London to the Lord Admiral and the Rest of the Council with the King.
R. O. St. P., i. 705.	Yesternight received their letters written the same day at Otelande. Upon their former letters, have conceived interrogatories for the duchess of Norfolk, which are sent herewith, with the copy of those the King amended at Assher. Have thought meet to bestow this day in calling, examining, and committing lord William, and examining the Duchess as to where her money and treasure is, before proceeding further. As she is old and testy, and might take her committal to heart so as to endanger her life, ask whether to indict her and the others, which may be done in four or five days, whereby Parliament shall have better ground to confiscate their goods if any of them should chance to die before their attainder. Think that in the case of Mary Lasselles the King has “most graciously determined,” and ask whether she shall be put in the indictment. Detain the Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Attorney, Mr. Pollard, and Mr. Solicitor, till they know the King's pleasure. Mr. Lieutenant says there are not rooms to lodge them all severally in the Tower, unless the King's and Queen's lodgings be taken. Beg that the King will send hither his double key or permit them to alter the locks, or else signify whether the great personages may be committed to the Tower and the rest to other custodies until rooms may be prepared for them. Ask whether the servants who have no friends shall be kept together and the rest despatched with rewards, or the whole discharged. All yesterday they travailed with lady Bridgewater, Bulmer, and Wylckes. Bridgewater shows herself her mother's daughter, (fn. 8) and will confess nothing. Dr. Peter was out of town and the King's solicitor went to Horsham in his place. Have sent for the officers of lady Anne of Cleves and for Dorothy, John Wingfield's wife, of her privy chamber, and committed Tavernour and Lylgrave's widow, who appears the first author of the bruit, to the Tower. Can get nothing more of Jane Ratsey, who remains in custody of the lord Chancellor. Christchurch, 9 Dec. Signed by Cranmer, Audeley, Suffolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Gardiner, Sir John Gage, Wriothesley, and Riche. P.S. by Wriothesley: Think nothing more will be got of Derham, who shall suffer tomorrow. Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1541.
R. O.	2. Draft of the preceding with many corrections by Wriothesley. Pp. 5. Endd.: Minute, &c.
	1434. The Council in London to the Lord Admiral and the Rest of the Council with the King.
R. O. St. P., i. 707,	As all think Culpeper's offence very heinous, and that the execution should be notable, have ordered that he shall be drawn to Tyburn “and there only to lose his head.” Signed by Cranmer, Audeley, Suffolk, Southampton, Sussex, Hertford, Gardiner, Sir John Gage, Wriothesley, and Riche. In Wriothesley's hand, p. 1. Add.
9 Dec.	1435. Card. Pole to Card. Contarini.
Poli Epp., iii. 41.	Having sent his vice-legate to Rome, thought it unnecessary to write; but, now that the vice-legate writes that Contarini is expecting letters, he describes his delightful life here in company with Sig. Carnesecchi and M. Marco Antonio Flaminio. Has some business, but it does not take more than one or two hours a day, and leaves him that time in the morning which he enjoys for private study. Viterbo, 9 Dec. 1541. Italian.
10 Dec.	1436. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 281.	Meeting at Christchurch, 10 Dec. Present: Abp. of Cant., Chancellor, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Hertford, Winchester, Comptroller, Wriothesley. Business: — Letters received from Sir Thos. Wharton touching attemptates by Scottish men. Resolved to write to all other deputies of the said Marches to “certify in like manner.”
10 Dec.	1437. The Council with the King to the Council in London.
R. O. St. P., i. 708.	Yesternight, at 10 o'clock, received their letters, which this morning were read to the King, who desires them to seriously examine the duchess of Norfolk, thinking it better to have her own confession, and that through her more may come to light. They are to proceed with speed to the indictment, and clearly leave out Mary Lasselles. The King's and Queen's lodgings in the Tower are to be used. The King does not remember that he has any double key, and is content that the locks be altered. The households are to be discharged, the servants despatched with a quarter's wages, and the houses and goods left in safe custody. Jane Ratsey may be set at liberty. Okyng, 10 Dec. Signed: J. Russell: Antone Browne: Antony Wyngfeld: Rafe Sadleyr. P.S.—Word is come that all the stuff and plate lord William had with him in France is lost on the sea. Search is to be made whether this is true or only a device to conceal it, by sending to Mr. Wyngfeld and other captains of castles of the Downs and otherwise. In Sadler's hand, pp. 3. Add. Endd.: 1541.
R. O.	2. Draft of the preceding without the postscript. In Sadler's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: Minute, &c.
[10 Dec]	1438. Wriothesley to Sadler.
R. O. St. P., i. 709.	I send letters received this morning from Mr. Paget by bearer. Please look the minute of his instructions for the point noted in his letter to me. The names of those now appointed to ward should be signified to him with their faults “totted on their heads”; for instance, that the duchess of Norfolk, knowing the familiarity between her and Deram, commended her to the King, and afterwards was a mean to her to renew favour with Deram and when Deram was in the Tower brake up two chests and conveyed away writings which might manifest the treason, &c. Yesterday we committed lord William and his wife and Anne Howard. Lord William stood as stiff as his mother. “I did not much like his fashion.” This day go my guests and the Duchess herself. I am now going to Lambeth, with Mr. Attorney and Mr. Pollerd, to take the inventory. My woman Tylney “hath done us good service.” Westm., Saturday, about 8 o'clock. Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.: 10 Dec. 1541.