Henry VIII: February 1515, 6-10

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1864.

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'Henry VIII: February 1515, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518, (London, 1864) pp. 43-51. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp43-51 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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February 1515

6 Feb.
Galba, B. III. 284. B. M.
124. SPINELLY to [HENRY VIII.]
Wrote last 31st Jan. The Lord Chievres is troubled [at their having] various communications with the ambassador of Arragon and the Lord Berghes. Lord Johan Le arrived at Brussels on the 1st. On Sunday the Prince made his entry into Mechlin, when he had an interview with Johan Le, to which the ambassador of Arragon was invited. At an interview with the Archduchess she said unto him, "almost weeping," "God knoweth the faithful mind she had borne to your grace, and what is ensued unto her thereof, and how the Emperor, without her knowledge, with the Lord Chievres, had handled the putting out of tutela of the Prince, to a great prejudice to her honor." She is compelled to let Chievres have his way. He told her that she should take the matter into her own hands as though she were the Prince's mother. She said that as soon as the King had good correspondence with Arragon she would. She says that the Emperor's letters which she had delivered to the English ambassadors had been disclosed to the French and the Pope, and he is highly displeased. He has ordered her to send the Sovereign of Flanders to England, to urge the recovery of the Queen, or else she must be recovered at the point of the sword, as the Archduchess was. The league between the Pope, the Emperor, the King of Arragon, Italy and the Swiss, except the Venetians, is concluded.
Sunday last Nassaw was to have an audience of the French King at Compiegne. The Dukes of Savoy and Lorrain, and the second son of King Frederick of Naples, have been proposed as husbands for the Queen. Yesterday Don Diego left Brussels for England. It is said that he had a yearly pension of the French Queen of Brittany deceased;—that he and his brothers were servants to the Lady Margaret of England, and much inclined to Edmund De la Pole and not to Henry VII. He is a great friend to Chievres. Has urged the Archduchess and the ambassador of Arragon to demand a sight of Johan Le's communication. The latter said that if a piece of wood came out of France it would be received for an ambassador: he will have no fellowship with him. Nothing will prevent the Prince joining with France, except Chievres be put away: his ultracuidant ambition to have the absolute rule is well known. Berghes would join in such a design, and Nassaw would not dare to oppose it. Thinks that Arragon would make terms with France, but the King of Navarre is in the way, and Arragon would not be satisfied unless the French King gave a daughter for Don Fernando. The Lord Myngovall has returned from Paris, and states that England had agreed with the late King of France to conquer and divide the Low Countries; and the slander is circulated by Chievres. Desires some charge from the King that he may have more authority. Knows the proverb, the servant is esteemed as much as his master esteems him. Wishes to hear from the King, as he cannot live there with 100l. a year. Sends two letters from Wingfield and the ambassador of Arrangon. Mechlin, 6 Feb. 1514. Signed.
Pp. 10, mutilated.
6 Feb.
Galba, B. III. 291a. B. M.
125. SPINELLY to WOLSEY.
Wrote last on the 31st Jan. Has this day written to the King, who must observe his accustomed severity and prudence towards Don Diego. He is a subtle fellow. Is secretly informed that, under the color of recommendations from Lord Fynes and Lady Ravesteyn, he will visit my Lord Buckingham and my Lord Marquis, and also Sir Thomas Boleyn. Sir Edward Guildford on his return to England will report the various matters he has heard. Wishes he was there as the King's ambassador. Expects an answer by his servant Ichyngham. Malines, 6 Feb. 1514. The Prince goes tomorrow to Antwerp. Signed.
P. 1, mutilated. Add.: Thomæ episcopo Ebor., &c.
6 Feb.
R. O.
126. SAMPSON to WOLSEY.
Richard Hansard has been informed of Wolsey's "good lordship" towards him in the office of undermarshal of Tournay. Lord Mountjoy, who arrived yesterday, has continued the old undermarshal, supposing that was Wolsey's pleasure. His experience is not so great but Hansard would equal him in a month. He is ignorant, and knows nothing but English: whereas Hansard knows French, and is an able man, as Ponynges affirmed when in England. Has not been in Flanders since Ponynges brought a new brief. Proposes to go with Ponynges to the Prince's court, as he is come of age, and the power of the Emperor and Lady Margaret is extinct. Tournay, 6 Feb. 1514.
Hol., pp. 2. Add.: To, &c. my Lord of York.
Feb.
R. O.
129. JOHN SYMONS.
Resignation of a chantry in the church of Salwarp, dioc. Worc., to Silverster Bp. of Worcester, in the house of Hugh Crateford, clk. of dioc. Heref., in the parish of St. Michael, Worc., 6 Feb. 1514. Witnesses: Ric. Benys, clerk of dioc. Heref., and Ric. Perkyns, literatus of dioc. Worc.
6 Feb.
S. B.
130. For WILLIAM AP JOHN AP MEREDITH.
To be receiver within the lordship of Ruthyn alias Differencloed, Wales. Del. Westm., 6 Feb. 6 Hen. VIII.
Pat. 6 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 5.
7 Feb.
R. O.
131. SIR ROBERT WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last on the 3rd from Insbrook. The Venetians are fortifying Pado and contracting their defences. They are obstinate. The Emperor cannot stir, as he has a rheum in one of his legs. The Emperor and the King of Arragon removed, Henry is the eldest prince in Christendom. Judges, by the turn of the wheel of time, that all Christendom will hang by the hands of Henry. Joined with the Prince of Castile, he may set all Christendom in order, which otherwise were torn to pieces by three young rulers. Insbrook, 7 Feb. 1514.
Hol., pp. 2. Endd.
Feb.
[Calig. E. I. II. ?] 124. B. M.
132. SUFFOLK to [WOLSEY].
(First leaf lost.) "And, furthermore, she (Louise) showed me the great desire which the King her son had to recover the city of Tournay." Told her he had spoken to the Grand Master. She trusted that at the meeting of the Kings some plan might be arranged for it. She is the best spoken princess he has ever seen, and has great influence. Advises the King should write to her a letter of thanks. Has promised to forward the Duke's matter. Wishes him to place entire confidence in her son, which he has done. Begs Wolsey will advance it as far as he can, as all his trust is in him. Paris, .. Feb.
P.S.—Mons, de la Gwysse is not arrived. He will be despatched to England when he comes. Signed.
In Sir Richard Wingfield's hand, pp. 2, mutilated. Add.(?): [To my] Lord Abp. of York.
8 Feb.
Calig. D. VI. 161. B. M.
133. SUFFOLK to HENRY VIII.
Wrote last from Saunt Lyestes (Senlis) on the 4 (fn. 1) Feb. "We" came to Paris the next day, which was Sunday, and on Monday in the morning went to "the Queen your sister," to whom they delivered the King's letters, according to their instructions. The Queen was not a little glad, and said she was much bounden to God that had given her so good and loving a brother, and now specially in her most need, and prayed she might live no longer than that she might do that thing that should be to his contentation. To Suffolk's inquiries relative to the French King's conduct, she replied that he had been in hand with her of many matters; but on hearing that Suffolk was come, he promised to trouble her no more, and to do for her as he would for his own mother; "and prayd ... sche wold not by a knowne of non theng that h[e had spo]ken to her, noder to your grace nor me, for because your grace schold not take non onkyndnes therene." "And [moreov]ar he sayd that wher soo ewar her mend war, [that] he wold by glade to helpe her ther[ein from] hes hart; and soo semes he newar ... [other]wyes, bout as he that wold by to her [as to his m]odar; and soo, Sir, I parssayef that he had ... your grace, for I thynke h[e nold] to do ane thyng that schold dyescountent your grace, schold anne an kyndnes in whe[ch] ... your grace, that I thynke that you schall fynd hem ... a fast prynes. ar elles I wyel say that he es the moste [untrue] man that lyes; and nat he ondylle, bout hall the [nobil] men of Fraunes; for I cannot dywyes to have any spyke byettar dyn they do, nor to your honnar." The peace between the two Kings is not a little to the writer's comfort, and their meeting is desired by all the nobles. Thinks the journey will be to the King as much [honor] as ever any journey was to any king of England, the people here are so desirous to see him. When they have seen him it will never out of their hearts. As touching the affair of [the meeting], thinks there is nothing the French King will not do if Henry wish him. Dated [Paris], 8 Feb.
P.S. "... nar that es mad nhow es made by Monsser the Lansoun (d'Alençon), the Duke of Bourboun and the Count of Wandome (Vendôme), ... eche of them 12 heads, so of the challengers in number ... and there challenges to yewrre coummar (every comer) ... the tilt in such harness as they run last 4 courses with mournes and by garstawys, and in the field 2 courses with sharp staves, and the tournay with schowrdys (swords), and at the barrier on foot with the casting staff and the sword with one hand. And this shall begin on Sunday come se'nnight, and the King himself, with 11 with him, be aids unto Mons. Dyllanssoun (d'Alençon)," &c.
Hol., pp. 3, mutilated. Add.: To the King's Grace.
8 Feb.
Calig. D. VI. 163. B. M.
134. SUFFOLK to WOLSEY.
Writes nothing of the King's business, for which he refers him to letters written to the King's grace, one from himself, and another from him and his fellows together. Had been in hand with the Queen touching the matter she broke to the French King, as mentioned in his last. She had showed him that the French King made such business, that she was "soo wyrre and soo afyerd" he should go about to undo Suffolk, she thought it best to break the matter to him, and said, "Sir, I beseech you that you will let me alone and speak no more to me of the matter; and if you will promise me by your faith and truth, and as you are a true prince, that you will keep it counsel and help me, I will tell you all my whole mind. And he gave her his faith in her hand that he would keep it counsel, and that he would help her to the best of his power." Having told him her mind, and said she could not think "but the King her brother w[ould be disp]lysed (?)" with her, she besought him to get the King['s consent]. He said he would do that was in him possible, and write to the King her brother with his own hand; which agrees with what Francis himself told him, as mentioned in his last letter. Now that Wolsey knows all, beseeches his good offices as all his trust is in him, and requests [an answer ?] in all possible haste. "Also, my lord, I pray you that you will look to the ...; for I insure you that, and it be made to the honor [of our] master, as I am sure the French King will do none otherwise, it shall be the greatest honor and wealth to the King my master and the realm of England that ever came to it. Will write to Wolsey what their mind is as soon as he can perceive it, before they send it, and begs Wolsey to do the same to him, if he hear it first. Paris, 8 Feb.
P.S.—Begs to hear from Wolsey in all haste possible, and desires him to ask for him from the King a loan of 2,000l.; "and Sir Oliver shall bring to your hands preate (?) sufficient there. For, my lord, all my money is gone, and the Queen and I both must make friends, and they will not be gotten without money; and also I am fain to buy new array, for the King will have us at his coronation, and, as far as I know, to bring him in at his entry, the which shall not be a little charge. My lord, I beseech you that this may be done in all the haste possible, and deliver to Sir Oliver."
Hol., mutilated, pp. 3. Add.: To my Lord of York.
Feb. Calig. D. VI. 159. B. M. 134. * SUFFOLK to HENRY VIII.
Since his coming to [Paris], the Queen (Mary) told him that from the first the King was importunate with her in divers matters not to her honor; and also he had divers words with Francis, which made her afraid his [grace] would have done him some ill; to avoid which she brake in hand with him, and desired him, as he was a true prince, to keep her counsel and to help her to her desire; and upon that he made her promise in her hand as he was a true prince he would both keep it "scekarret" (secret). "Upon that she brake unto him, and showed unto him the good mind she bare unto me." Hearing this, Francis said he would keep his promise, and do as much as he could to the advancement thereof. He had mentioned to Suffolk, what words the Queen had used. At her request Francis had written to the King with his own hand, on a subject which Suffolk did not choose to commit to writing. Begs the King to be good lord to him, as he has ever been, and to [write] to him again with his own hand that he was content with this matter at his ryquy[est?], the which shall bind him. "And, Sir, if your grace should not, he shall be at his liberty and again in his former suttes (?), the which I and the Queen had rather be out of the world [than] to abide. And, Sir, as for me, your grace not offended, I had rather be out of the world [than] to see her in that case. Sir, as my poor mind is, there can be no way that should stand more [to your] honnor dyn to consent by desire [of the French King], seeing that you are so special good lord [unto] me that I should obtain the same. As knoweth God, who pressarf your grace," &c. Pa[ris, ...] February.
P.S.—"[Touch]yng hall oddar afyeres and the Quynes, [your] grace shall understand them by a letter [that I] and my fellows does write unto your Grace." The coming home of the Queen shall tarry nothing but the King's pleasure. Both she and Suffolk beseech him "for the passion of God" to send for her as soon as possible. As to the meeting of Henry and the French King, the latter has none other joy but to talk of it; "and therefore, Sir, you must make .. euredie (you ready?)." Begs again that the King will send for him, and not suffer him to tarry here.
Hol., pp. 2, mutilated. Add.: To the King's Grace.
Calig. D. VI. 256. B. M. 135. FRANCIS I. to HENRY VIII.
... in this town of Mon ... has been to visit the queen his "belle-mère," Henry's sister, as he used to do, to know if he could show her any attention. On his asking whether she contemplated a second marriage, she confessed the great esteem she had for the Duke of Suffolk, "que davant t[out] autre ele desyreroyt aveque [la] bonne voulonté et lamye ... maryage dele et de luy se fys[t]," and prayed him not only to give his own consent, but to write to Henry in Suffolk's favor, which he now does.
Hol., Fr., pp. 3, mutilated. Add.: A mon frère.
9 Feb.
R. O.
136. SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD AND OTHERS to WOLSEY.
He [and Spinelly] have written to the King of all occurrents. Have sent to learn the French King's pleasure whether they shall remain at Paris, or be present at his coronation. The Duke of Suffolk has sent off Wolsey's wine, red and white of Beaune, to the waterbailly of Calais. Has sent word to Clarencieux, who is gone to Rouen, and William Davy, to procure more. Will wait till he hears further touching the vessel of silver. Paris, 9 Feb. 1514.
Added in his own hand: Begs Wolsey will have the "condwytt" at Calais in remembrance. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
9 Feb.
S. B.
137. For ANDREW NORTON.
Livery of lands as s. and h. of Thomas Norton, deceased, viz., the moiety of the manor of Stathe, the third part of the manor of Kingeston Seymer, and all lands in Stathe, Kingeston Seymer and Stratton, Somers., Bristol, Haudebroke, Glouc., the city of Worcester and in Kinges Norton, Worc. Del. Westm., 9 Feb. 6 Hen. VIII.
Pat. 6 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 26.
8 Feb. (fn. 2)
Calig. D. VI. 187. B. M.
138. SUFFOLK to [WOLSEY].
Had learned from the Queen that Friar Langleye had been with her, and one day asked her to be shriven, which she declined to be at that time. He then told her he had that same day said mass, and he swore, by the Lord he had that day consecrated, "that oundre Benedicite he would show her divers things which were of truth, and of the which he had perfytt knowledge, desiring her to give him hearing and to keep the same to herself. And first said unto her that it was said in England that she should be married [to me (?)], advising her to beware of me of all men, for he knew well that you and I meddled with [the] Devil, and by the puissance of the said D[evil] we kept our master subject to all that ... And that I specially, for I had [caused] the disease of Compton's leg and ... [h]e knew the premises well, and [he c]ould not doubt but the same w[as my doing]; and said that he w[as] ... but, and she would, he [would prevent?] my voyage." The Queen gave him small comfort, and he departed. Suffolk thinks he did [not] make this overture without a school-mas[ter]. Is sure neither Wolsey nor he gave him cause for such sayings, and recommends Wolsey to find secret means to procure his return. Meanwhile advises him "to rivet a sure amity between the princes," which would secure them both in the King's favor.
(The above is in Sir Richard Wingfield's hand. What follows is in Suffolk's own.) His own affairs go on well, for the King here is as much the advancement thereof as [himself (?)]. "And, Sir, as soo as I may her from you agayn [I shall] have lyettares of hes haun hand from ... the Kyng counfyermyng the same." Paris, "v ... warre."
Hol., pp. 2.
10 Feb. Calig. D. VI. 209. B. M. 139. SUFFOLK, WEST and SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to HENRY VIII.
Came to Paris on Sunday, 4 Feb. Visited Queen Mary on Monday before noon, and according to their instructions made overtures to her, at length, of the King's wish that she should not consent to any motion of marriage in these parts nor determine to stay there. She thanked the King for sending to her "in her heaviness" my Lord of Suffolk and others, as well to comfort her as for obtaining of her dower. "She said she were an unkind sister if she should not follow your mind and pleasure in every behalf, for there was never princess so much beholden to her sovereign and brother as she is to your grace; and therefore, as touching consent to any marriage in these parts, she trusteth that your grace knoweth her mind therein; and albeit she has been sore pressed in that matter as well by the King [that now is ?] as other, yet she never consented, nor never wolde do, [but rather] suffer the extremity of death. And as touching her [stay] here, she never was nor is minded thereto, for she [counts] every day an hundred till she may see your grace." On Tuesday 6th inst., paid their compliments in the King's behalf to the French Queen that now is and thanked her for the great [good] that she had done unto the Queen her sister; who answered that [if it] did her comfort or pleasure she was right glad. The same to the Duchess of Alanson there present.
On their return to the Queen's grace, "your sister," they communed with her of her household, who showed herself conformable to the advice of my Lord of [Suffolk] and the rest. "And at this point we paused; and then her grace commanded us to go to supper, which was prepared for us in a chamber apart, and to take my Lady Danyvers and Madame Hester with us." They caused Bonnivet to write to his brother, the Grand Master, to know whether it were the King's pleasure that they should repair to his grace, or he would send some of his council to hear of the communication they were charged to make touching the Queen's dower. They expect an audience upon Friday or Saturday at the uttermost. Report goes that the King will be at st. Denis on Wednesday the 14th inst., and make his entry on Thursday, "because he would end his jousts and tourneys be[fore Lent], but there is no appearance of readiness. There is no truth in the rumor that the French Queen, that now is, is with child. Her physicians do not believe it; "and also at our [being there] we saw no great appearance thereof; [and when] we showed her that your grace was right g[lad and] joyous that she was with child, she answered [that] it was not so as yet."
In their last letter, dated Saunt Leez the 3rd inst., they stated they had left a servant at Compien to witness the entertainment of the Castilian ambassadors, who came on Saturday afternoon and were met by the Prince de la Roche "Suryon," Mons. le Seneshall de Tolouse, Mons. de Chanez, chau[ncellier ?] du Roy, and Mons. de Mounuor. On Sunday they were conveyed to the court and had an audience in the same place as the English ambassadors, and there they were till it was .. o'clock at night; "but what their demeanor was, or h[ow] they were entertained, our servant could not tell, because he could not be suffered to come in." The report is that "la Royne blanche" (so the Queen's grace, "your sister," is called) shall be married to the [Duke of] Laureyn. The Spanish ambassadors departed on Monday to Sainct Leez and came to Paris, and the King himself on Wednesday. When the Council arrive they will communicate with them for the Queen's dower, desiring restitution as well of such jewels, precious stones, plate, apparel and other things that her grace brought with her, as also of the charge of her traduction which the French King received for the value of 200,000 crowns. For this purpose they request an inventory of her wardrobe from Master Wyndesor, of her jewels and plate from Master Wiott, another of the master of the horses for the stable and another of the costs and charges of her said traduction, as soon as possible. The Queen denies any knowledge of having received, by the King's will, a county over and above her dower, and refers them for information to my Lady of Bourbon, one of his executors.
On Wednesday the 7th inst. they had a communication with Bonnivet, Duvas and Daumond, touching the King's coronation. "And because we, being your grace's servants here, should ride but in our gowns, we therefore des[ired] Bonyvet to write to his brother, the Grand Master, desiring to know the King's pleasure" how they should appear. The Queen's grace has been a little indisposed that sh[e could] not write, and so their letters have been retarded these two days; "howbeit she is now in good health." Paris, Saturday, 10 Feb., 10 o'clock at night. Signed as above.
Pp. 6, mutilated.
10 Feb.
R. O.
140. SUFFOLK, WEST and SIR RICHARD WINGFIELD to WOLSEY.
By communications with Bonyvet they understand that Francis is anxious to have Tournay. Although they have given no hopes that the King will part with it, they have thought good to advertise Wolsey of it. They offer to secure to Wolsey the bishopric of Tournay in event of the surrender of the town. Paris, Saturday, 10 Feb. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
10 Feb. 141. FOR HUMPH. SHAKESHAFT, chaplain.
Presentation to the church of Poplyng, in the marches of Calais, Canterb. dioc. Westm., 10 Feb.
Pat. 6 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 27.
10 Feb.
S. B.
142. For RICHARD BROKE, serjeant-at-law, and others,
Pardon and release as tenants of the manor of Codreth, with appurtenances in Ryssheden, Sandon and Yardeley, Herts. Del. Westm., 10 Feb. 6 Hen. VIII.
Pat. 6 Hen. VIII. p. 1, m. 32.
10 Feb. 143. For SIMON WELDEN, Bachelor in Degrees.
Grant of the deanery of Medelham, York dioc., vice John Halle, who exchanges for Elsdem, Durham dioc. Westm., 10 Feb.
Pat. 6 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 22.

Footnotes

  • 1. An error for 3rd.
  • 2. So dated in Masters' MSS.