Henry VIII: April 1534, 1-5 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

'Henry VIII: April 1534, 1-5', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 7, 1534, (London, 1883) pp. 177-183. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol7/pp177-183 [accessed 25 April 2024]

April 1534, 1-5



1 April.	421. The French Ambassadors at Rome to Francis I.
R. O.	Write to inform him how the sentence against the king of England is passed. The Pope “hath been therein so and so sloth” that he has clearly shown his fantasy, but after all his subtleties and dissimulations “he hath begun to brag in deed and in word,” as I of Paris will relate to you. Does not see how he could have excused himself from coming to that Consistory—the last till after the holidays; and there he was (it may be said) forced by the plurality of voices, notwithstanding all the protestations he could make, “to supersede or tarry (after six years of delay) yet six days, a word of apparence and almost an assured answer.” It was impossible to bridle the fury of that company so as to allow sentence to be deferred till next Consistory, which might have been made extraordinary. In the other assemblies at 11 o'clock everyone will break and go to dinner. “But then the obstination leaded them so to be nor hungry nor thirsty, and to go not furth out till 5 of the clock.” Insults and brags were not spared against those “that for the wealth of the Church wold had overcomen the others in sincerity of council.” Now when pressed and at their wits' end they can answer nothing but that God hath willed it so, and they see the Church “hath to suffer many fortunes.” The wiser were Trevoles, Cesis, Rodolphy, Pisan, Trani and St. Croix. Above all Trevolce triumphed, “as he doth in every reasonable thing, and as he seeth your intention to be.” The others acknowledge that upon this answer of England they have made a great fault, and can only cover themselves with a wit sack or give answer to their confusion and shame. Would that your efforts had conduced to the good of the Church as much as their fault shows the purity of your intention!
	Since the answer has been known in the Court no men were ever so shamed or decried as they who have thus precipitated matters. If by reproaching them the matter could be “redoubed,” it could be soon done, for the Pope treats them as they deserve; but he never expected things to come to a total breach in one Consistory. You may judge what sorrow it has given him, knowing that the blame will be cast on the Holy See. “He made yesterday a general congregation because that everyone went recherchant (or seeking); and him and us and all them that they thought might somewhat do for to heal this wound, he heard them, and afterwards said to them all that might had been said.” He gave them to understand that upon the remonstrances made to him he had stayed “me of Paris” for a while, and that I had agreed to it without any new commandment from you, notwithstanding the little respect shown to you, because I knew your affection to the Holy See and to the weal of Christendom, and would do my utmost to the end of my life to find a remedy; adding other remarks honorable to you and your good brother, and shameful to those who have been too busy, so that the latter have departed “as confuse fro that congregation as they were comen gayllards (or lusty or merry) to the last Consistory. And Grevaise must knowledge that, when he shall be pope, if he can no better papyse (or play the pope) than he hath done in this matter, he shall do his business as evil as possible is.” The Emperor's men here make no more fires, and are as abashed as the others, for reasons that I shall declare to you on my return, with other “purposes” that our Holy Father hath holden to me. Rome, 1 April.
	Pp. 3. Evidently a translation from the French by a Frenchman.
[1 April.]	422. William Marshall to Cromwell.
R. O.	I sent a letter to you by your servant master Covert, desiring to borrow 20l., but had no answer. I have now to repeat my request, and I had rather sell my office than break promise with you at my day. I make this request because you once offered to lend me 20l., and that I should be merry and take no thought and I should not lack money. I send you two books now finished of the Gift of Constantine. I think there was none ever better set forth for defacing of the pope of Rome. Erasmus lately wrote a work on our common creed and Ten Commandments dedicated to my lord of Wiltshire, which I will have from the printers as soon as God sends me money, and send a couple of them bound to you. I trust you will like the translation. It cost me labor and money. Pray send me the 20l. by your servant Mr. Williamson. This Tenebre Wednesday.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Right honorable.
	423. William Marshall to Cromwell.
R. O.	Whereas you promised to lend me 20l. towards the printing of Defensor Pacis, which has been translated this twelvemonth, but kept from the press for lack of money, in trust of your offer I have begun to print it. I have made an end of the Gift of Constantine and of Erasmus upon the Creed. On the book of Constantine I have laid out all the money I can make, and for lack of it cannot fetch the books from the printers. I will pay you before All Saints next, and if I obtain the money, I shall be able to print the work De veteri et novo Deo immediately after Easter. Let me have your answer by Mr. Covert.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Right honorable.
1 April.	424. John Rokewood to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Excuses himself for not writing oftener by his continual sickness. Was never so sick in his life as this day. It is a sickness that many have in the head and stomach. Mr. Bayngton is in great danger from it, and many a one dies. There is no news to write but what every one knows. All the King's physicians and the Queen's were with me six days together, and now they have given me over, so I trust only in the High Physician, by whose help I still hope this summer to make good cheer with your lordship and my lady at the town of Marke. Canon Row, Westminster, 1 April. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. Endd.
2 April.	425. London Tithes.
Harl. MS. 442, f. 121. B. M. Soc. Ant. 69.	Writ to the mayor and sheriffs of London, ordering them to enforce the award of Thos. archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Thos. Awdley, chancellor, the bishop of Winchester, Thos. Cromwell, master of the Jewels, and the two chief justices, in the variance between the clergy and parishioners of London concerning tithes. Westm., 2 April 25 Hen. VIII.
Harl. MS. 442, f. 121. B. M. Soc. Ant. 69.	Later copy.
2 April.	426. Goodrich Bishop of Ely.
2 April.	See Grants in April 25 Hen. VIII., Nos. 1—3, and 28.
[2 April.]	427. The Bishop of Ely.
R. O.	Oath taken by [Thos. Goodrich] on becoming bishop of Ely, acknowledging the King as supreme head of the Church of England.
R. O.	P. 1. Large paper. Headed: “This is the oath that every person elected or presented to any archbishopric or bishopric within this realm, or within any other the King's dominions, shall swear to the King's majesty.”
2 April.	428. John Husee the younger to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Forwards the statutes from Rokewood, who cannot write because he is sick. As Bryan is not here, has spoken to Norres to move the King for Lisle's harness. Sends a satin cap and my lady's bonnet. If the cap do not suit will have it changed. London, 2 April 1534.
	Cheriton is here with certain wines coming. Has not yet seen Swyfte.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
2 April.	429. Count of Cifuentes to Charles V.
Add. MS. 28,586, f. 213. B. M.	Wrote on the 25th ult. by Rodrigo Davalos, and sent a copy of the sentence. Five days after the sentence was given, met the bishop of Paris at the house of a cardinal. He told me he had not come to prevent justice being done to the Queen, nor to act as an advocate for the King; his charge was to tell the Pope what was passing in England, and his danger of losing that country if he did not find some remedy. Answered nothing, except what the Pope and Cardinals had said to him, that the French king was displeased by what the king of England had done, and it was to be hoped he would try and bring him back to the obedience of the Church, which no doubt the Bishop himself had tried to do during his stay in England and in Rome. The Bishop told me he thought it very inconvenient that the sentence had been given, as not four hours after a courier came from England with a letter from the King saying that he would renounce his sin (atentado) and submit to the Church, on condition that the cause should be tried at Cambray; and he exaggerated the King's services to the Pope, and what the latter had lost by giving sentence. Replied that I believed that they had written what he said, but it was all done to delay the sentence; if the King wished to return to his obedience, he could have done so much better when the Pope was at Marseilles; I marvelled that the Bishop could effect by a letter what he could not do by his presence when in England, in a case in which the Pope could not accept conditional submission. He replied that then the King did not understand the case, but now the Holy Spirit had enlightened him. Replied that if it was the Holy Spirit that moved him, He would do it better now since the sentence had been given, (que si el Espiritu Sancto le movia que meior lo haria agora despues de dada la sentencia).
	This seems to be the French way of dealing. The same day that the sentence was given, the cardinal of Sancta Cruz said to two Cardinals that now the sentence was given the French had to announce that they had a mandate. If this is an invention to prevent the sentence being obtained, I wish to procure it in due form as soon as possible, and will therefore take up 2,500 ducats for the necessary rewards (propinas). A memorial from the lawyers is enclosed, concerning further proceedings. Executorials and the invocation of the secular arm should be speedily procured.
	Rewards should be sent to cardinals Matera, Naples, Campeggio, La Valle, Gaetano, Sancta Cruz and Farnese. The last will be satisfied with a gracious letter. Ortiz, Juan Luis Aragonia and Anguiano have done well.
	* * * * *
	The diet of Augsburg was concluded at the end of last month. It is reported that the kings of France and England are sending money to raise troops in Germany.
	Heard from the Pope that the French king is negotiating a marriage between his eldest daughter and the king of Scotland, and that the king of England, on hearing of it, offered him the English princess with much money and land taken from Scotland, on condition that they renounce all title to England. Replied that the king of England would not dare to do this, even if the title was renounced. Rome, 2 April 1534.
	Sp. Modern copy, pp. 12.
Ib., f. 205. B. M.	2. “Relacion de lo que escrive el conde de Cifuentes a 2 de Abril de 1534.”
	Abstract of the Count's letter with marginal notes. The following paragraph is not in the copy of the letter:—
	After the sentence in the English case had been given, he thought fit to say to the lawyers that the executorials of the other [sentence] had come, because they would not keep them secret, except for fear that the principal sentence would be delayed.
	Sp. Modern copy, pp. 16.
2 April.	430. William Body.
R. O.	Money received by Thos. Cromwell, esq., to the King's use from 2 April 24 Hen. VIII. to 2 April next, as appears by the book of parcels made by his servant Wm. Bodie, 38,504l. 0s. 1d. 1 1/2q.
	Paid by the King's commands and on his affairs, 37,232l. 17s. 8d.
	Remaining in Cromwell's hands 2 April 25 Hen. VIII., 1,271l. 1s. 5d. 1 1/2q.
	P. 1. Endd.
R. O.	2. Mem. That Wm. Bodie has in his custody of his master's money, besides what is owing to the King, 2 April 25 Hen. VIII., 416l. 1s. 5 1/4d.
R. O.	P. 1.
3 April.	431. Henry Lacy to Cromwell.
R. O.	For lack of Cromwell's help, is daily like to be condemned in the court of Marke. Begs him to remember his promise. Sir Thomas Proud of Marke, his natural enemy, is come to England with lord Edmond Haward, comptroller of Calais, to procure more mischief, if he can find any nobleman to bear him therein. Reminds Cromwell of the arrears and rents that Prowde owes him, and of which he has granted Cromwell half, amounting to 100l. It will appear before the King's general surveyors of his lands that he owes the King 1,400l. or 1,500l. Calais money, since he was receiver of the lordship of Marke and Oye. It were well the King were advertised of his demeanour in giving counsel to Mr. Wingfield. He was the first deviser of building on the marsh ground, which is now said to be so dry that 40,000 men might come in a night from Ardres to Calais. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Wingfield still has the occupation thereof as he had before. If any appointment was made therein by Cromwell, it is nothing regarded.
	Thos. Prowd is lodged with his brother Wm., a draper in Canwayke Street. Calais, 3 April 1534.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Of the Council. Endd.
3 April.	432. James Layburn to Cromwell.
R. O.	Touching the gold and silver found in Fornes near Owstone (Furness near Ulverstone), a commission was directed out of the duchy to Sir Thos. Longton, Sir Thos. Hawllsaa, Sir Harry Ferryngton, Andrew Barton and myself, to make inquiry; to which we made a return on the 15th day after Easter that we could hear nothing of the gold but only three pieces and about 40 oz. of silver. Two of the gold pieces were sold to a goldsmith at York, the third we have delivered with this inscription, “Augustus C$aesar Nero.” We have bound the finders to appear at the duchy chamber, Westminster, to be examined. The baily of the abbot of Fornes and of my lord Derby made arrest of the ground the day after the treasure was found. The persons named in the enclosed list entered by night in harness the lands of my lord of Richmond, called New Hutton, in the barony of Kendal, and sowed corn and grain on John Bocke's tenement, taking an oath not to discover each other. I beg they may be brought to London, or a commission be appointed to inquire and punish. I am steward under master Parr, and therefore show you the truth.
	This day I am informed that Rob. Tarne had his arm broken and his ear smitten off by Will. Redman, keeper to master Will. Parr in the park, in the said Redman's office, and has complained to the King. Evil will is surmised against me by the means of such men. I was in London when this deed was done, and I never saw Redman, as I was displeased with him, for he was formerly my servant, and I put him to service with my lord Parr that is dead four years ago, from whom he received 4l. a year. Asheton, 3 April. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Right hon. and singular good master, Mr. Thomas Cromwell. Endd.
	ii. List referred to dated 15 March 25 Hen. VIII. Signed by Layburn.
3 April.	433. Thomas Legh to Cromwell.
R. O.	I have received your letter at Lubeck, 24 March. Although I have written three times before to you, I send you by the bearer all that is done in the King's business, with news worth pondering. I send them unsealed, that you may seal and send them as you please. I have also sent you a sum of all the answers, desiring to hear from you. Lubeck, 3 April. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Of the King's Council. Endd. by Wriothesley.
4 April.	434. Chapuys to Charles V.
Vienna Archives.	The King has prorogued Parliament to November, at which time they are again appointed to complete the ruin of the churches and churchmen, as I am informed on good authority; and for a conclusion to this last session the King has desired that those present at the said Parliament should individually sign the statutes and ordinances made against the Queen and Princess and the others passed in favor of his mistress and her posterity. This process of signing has been a thing unused hitherto, and has been resorted to to confirm the iniquity of the ordinances, the future observance of which the King has reason to doubt. What the King has got passed against the Pope and the authority of the Holy See he has not exactly required them to confirm, but only conditionally, in case between this and the feast of St. John it be in his power to annul it in whole or in part, which is a lure to induce his Holiness to consent to his desire, and the King has no little hope of doing so both by means of the French king and of the bravadoes he employs.
	The day before yesterday, which was Good Friday, (fn. 1) Morette arrived here to reside as ambassador. He has not yet been to Court on account of the holy days. The sieur de la Pommeraye has not shown the same regard for them, who, coming yesterday from the Court of his master in the greatest possible haste, without speaking to Morette or any other ambassador, went immediately to Court, where he was for three or four hours. It is thought his coming is to give an account of the negotiations of the bishop of Paris at the court of Rome. I will endeavor to learn what I can about his charge. The Scotch ambassadors have done nothing since my last. London. 4 April 1533.
	Fr., from a modern copy. Pp. 3.
4 April.	435. [Cranmer to the Archbishop of York].
Harl. MS. 6,148, f. 23 b. B. M.	At the last day of the late Convocation at St. Paul's it was agreed that the reading of the general sentence commonly used at four terms of the year should be suspended until further direction be taken, which cannot be before the next meeting of Convocation. As it is convenient that there should be conformity in both provinces, requests him. to cause general monitions to be made in his province to respite the reading thereof till further direction be taken.
	From Cranmer's letter book, p. 1.
	ii. This letter is followed by the last clause of a similar letter to the bishop of Salisbury, dated Croydon, 4 April.
Lansd. MS. 1,045, f. 60 b. B. M.	2. Modern copies of the above.
4 April.	436. John Husee the younger to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Wrote by Mr. Secretary's servant. My lord Chamberlain is gone in a horse litter to Hampshire. If he had deceased, my lord Rocheford would have been captain of Guisnes. The Queen's vice-chamberlaint (fn. 1) has recovered. Hears nothing of Swyfte. Cheriton is here. He expects certain wine to the amount of 60 tuns. Thinks he might recover from him some compensation for Lisle's ordnance which he has sold. London, 4 April.
R. O.	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
4 April.	437. Charles V. to James V.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 213. B. M.	Desires credence for his ambassador Godscalcus Erycus. Toledo, 24 April 1534.
Royal MS. 18 B. VI. 213. B. M.	Lat., p. 1. Copy.
5 April.	438. John Lord Latymer to Cromwell.
R. O.	As I have been at every prorogation of Parliament nearly these four years, which has been painful and chargeable to me, as I have not yet paid the King all that is due for the livery of my lands, nor all the sums I am bound to pay by the wills of my father and my mother-in-law, I beg you will get me leave to tarry at home and be absent from the next prorogation. I shall be in better readiness to do the King service against the Scots when we in these parts are called upon. I send you a gelding by this bearer, the likeliest I could get. Synnyngton, 5 April. Signed.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Of the King's Council.
5 April.	439. The King's Scholars at Oxford to Cromwell.
R. O.	About the feast of the Purification, when two of us were sent to you for payment of the exhibition granted by the King to his scholars in Oxford, as you were at that time more than usually busy you bade them return, saying you would send it to us shortly. We would not have interrupted you again were we not constrained by necessity. It is the custom of the university to pay quarterly all creditors, but at Midsummer term next we shall be behind for a whole year, and they cannot forbear us any longer season. We are afraid we shall be compelled to sell our books, &c. to satisfy them. Procure us, therefore, the stipends granted us, as we only lack the help you promised. Oxford, 5 April.
R. O.	P. 1. Add.: Councillor. Endd.
5 April.	440. John Coke to Cromwell.
R. O.	At 9 o'clock on Easter eve, certain letters with a homely superscription, directed to the King, were given to Coke by a Dutchman, declaring that they came from Lubique, and he was ordered to give them to Coke to be forwarded. Sends them accordingly. Notwithstanding the mountains of gold found lately by the imagination of the Spaniards, the Emperor has not forsaken his old practice, for about eight days ago a finance or shift of 10,000l. was made for him here in Antwerp. Concerning the “muterie” in Holland, Hoghestrate and the provost marshal, with 40 of the guard, went thither on Thursday last to do execution on the principal transgressors and quiet the people.
	Friar Nelsam (Elston), friar Peto's companion, divulges among his acquaintances that the Spaniards are preparing an invasion of England. The duke of Gueldres has offered to the lady Regent and Council to besiege Mynster, but they have refused, fearing that after winning it, he would keep it for himself. Antwerp, 5 April 1534.
	Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.