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: December 1515, 26-30', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 2, 1515-1518, (London, 1864) pp. 361-375. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol2/pp361-375 [accessed 25 April 2024]
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December 1515
| 26 Dec. Vit. B. XVIII. 232. B. M. |
1342. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to WOLSEY. |
|---|---|
| Wrote on the 13th inst. from the vill[age of Nestilbank], and on the 22nd received a packet [of letters, of which] one was to Sion, one to [the Emperor], and one to himself, dated the 5th ... which he deferred answering till .. [It] was the 24th before Pace and he met, as the [former] has explained in his letter in cipher. Will apply himself to execute the charge contained in Wolsey's letter in cipher, by the guidance of the Cardinal. Contrary to what he wrote on the 21st to the King after the said ... it was thought advisable that Galeas should remain here for his estimation among the Swiss. Notwithstanding the rumor [of Pace] being the King's ambassador, which was spread abroad in Switzerland by the "lavas" tougue of Michael [de Abbate], in the expectation that it would animate the Emperor and the Duke of Barry's friends, he has done nothing to give it foundation, showing in this great wisdom and dexterity, considering the manner of his charge. It is wonderful that he has escaped alive: but the religion of a good servant makes dangers sweet to him. | |
| Wrote to the King on the 21st about the succours the Emperor had prepared for Brescia. The army which was to pass by the mountains, to the number of 8,000 men, under Lord Rokyndolffe, were stopped by a sluice or passage named Amphe, garrisoned by the Venetians; and afterwards, according to news received this day, by two other passages, both of which they have won. On the 11th the French King [came to Bologna], and on Saint Lucy's day (13th Dec.) the Pope sang hig[h mass, and] "communed the said King at the same; and thrice ... personally together and continued at every time ... of an hour and a half." On the 15th the French King left to return to Milan, and on the 16th the Pope for Florence ... "that the magnifike Julian's wife was at Bono[nia]..though so be that it is thought verily that her h[usband] can never escape the sickness that he is in now; and [if he had] been in heaven three years past, I esteem he had been we[ll out] of the way, but all must be as God will have it." [Ravesbourge (fn. 1) ] in Swave, 26 Dec. 1515. | |
| Hol., pp. 3, mutilated. Add.: My lord Cardinal's grace. | |
| 26 Dec. R.O. |
1343. CARDINAL SION to WOLSEY. |
| Has written to Wingfield and Pace all matters respecting the Swiss and the Emperor. The French give out that Pace's mission is a fiction, and that it is all a plot of Sion's. Pace's withdrawal from the parts of Switzerland for a time has given an apparent confirmation to the rumor. Ravespurgh, vii. kal. Jan. 1516. Signed. | |
| Lat., pp. 2. Add. T. titulo Sti. Ciriaci presbytero Cardinali Eboracensi. | |
| 27 Dec. R.O. |
1344. [CARDINAL SION to WOLSEY.] |
| P.S. of a letter.—Refers him to his Archdeacon Langus, who is going to England. Ravenspurgh, vi. kal. Jan. 1516. | |
| Lat., p. 1. | |
| 27 Dec. Vit. B. XVIII. 234. B. M. |
1345. CARDINAL SION, SIR ROB. WINGFIELD, and PACE to [WOLSEY]. |
| .. Reverendissime domine, amp;c. amp;c. Singulis quisque nostrum perlegit et ... magnitudo rei postulat omnia quæ Reverendissima Dominatio vestra sup ... tractando secretario suo scripsit. In primis autem illum ... quod Rma D. vestra nihil vult nomine Regis sui sed suo ... causas quas caute provide et prudenter allegat. timent [ne quid] mali Christianissimo Regi nostro inde possit pervenire. Nos igitu[r] .. fidelissimi subditi et servitores regii unanimiter ante hac illud ... et quia facto nostro mandatum D. vestræ Rmæ est adjunctum tan ... nobis ejus rei cura. Verumtamen ut, fidelissime honori ... majestatis Regis prospicientes, sententiam nostram hac in re Reverendissimæ aperiamus, et significamus atque affirmamus ... nunc talem esse, ut judicio nostro majestas Regia non err ... aperte ageret contra Gallum in Elvetiis ab amicitia et feder e amovendis. Quod ut scribanus tres causæ nos mo[vent, una] quod majestas ejus istud illœso honore suo potest facere .. Elvetios comprehendit, tanquam amicos, in proxima sua cum ... composita pace. Altera causa tangit non modo securitatem [et] .. litatem Regni majestatis ejus, sed etiam totius orbis Christian[i] ut Elvetii post hane recentem Gallorum victoriam cum Rege [liga] ... et fœdere conjungerentur. Nos non videmus quo pacto poss[int reprimi] .. incredibilis Gallorum superbia et ambitio, quæ magis ac magi[s indies] crescunt. Propterea sicut Gallorum Rex jactat se habere sc ... Anglorum, ita majestas Christianissimi Regis nostri posset he ... in perniciem Gallorum. Tertia est hæc, si majestas Re[gia senten]ciarum prudentia sua segregaret Elvitios a Gallis com .. hac via omnium Christianorum principum et præcipue Cesar[is] .. incredibilem amorem quid omnes principes timent n[e Rex Gallorum] reconciliet et fœdere secum conjungat Elvetios. Et null ... hoc impedire, sed hoc in solo Christianissimo rege nostro...sicut dicti Elvetii de aliis principibus valde conque[runtur] .. se ab eis fuisse deceptos, ita in Rege nostro Christianissimo ... et potentissimo plurimum confidunt. Ad hoc ista [liga] vero utilissima esset majestati regiæ, sive pacem vellet sive bellum. Nam si pacem vellet Galli non possent illam interrumpere timore Elvetiorum; si bellum, ultra Elvetios, qui sufficerent, alios quoque amicos haberet. Diximus sententiam nostram quam D. O. R. examinandam, et si opus erit castigandam, relinquimus. From Augsburg, the 27th day of December. | |
| "D. v. humilimo servitores, | |
| "M. Cardinalis Sedunensis. | |
| "Wingfield, R. S. | |
| "Ricardus Paceus." | |
| Copy, badly mutilated. | |
| 27 Dec. R.O. |
1346. CARDINAL SION to [SIR ROB. WINGFIELD,] English ambassador with the Emperor. |
| Received the annexed letters of the Bp. of Veroli from the Swiss. He will see how well measures succeed. Is to urge the sending of money, and the succour of brescia. Begs he will give the annexed letters of Veroli to the prothonotary de Milis; and transmit to the Archdeacon in England (Langus) the long letter of news received from Italy and their spies, with what has been done and concluded touching Bologna. Ravenspurgh, vi. kal. Jan. 1515. Signed. | |
| Lat., p. 1. Add.: Dno apud Cæs. Maj. Anglico oratori nostro tanquam [fra]tri honorifico. | |
| 27 Dec. R.O. |
1347. CARDINAL SION to [SIR ROB. WINGFIELD]. |
| Has communicated to him in writing the news from Italy. The Pope and the French King are secretly agreed. At their meeting at Bologna Francis received the Communion from the Pope's hand on St. Lucia's day (13 Dec.), and in a public consistory they restored Cardinal San Severino to all his former dignities. Has heard that an attempt was made to deprive him of his Cardinalate for the part (conflictum) he had taken against France, though he had only done so at the command of the Pope. Considers the proceedings altogether inconsistent with the Papal honor. Heard a Spaniard from Brescia say, in the Emperor's presence, that he had seen a brief of the present Pope dispensing with a vow made by Peter of Navarre, who had bound himself never to fight against any Christian prince, permitting him to fight the enemies of the French in Italy. After the consistory, San Severin had a magnificent banquet with a lady of Savoy, a relative of the Pope. Ravespurgh, vi. kal. Jan. 1516. Signed. | |
| Lat., pp. 3. Add.: Illo D. apud S.M. Cæsarem Anglico oratori. | |
| Vit. B. XIX. 1. B. M. |
1348. 1348. _ to WOLSEY. |
| Will say nothing as to the form of the letters of the Cardinal of Sion to the Pope and College of Cardinals, "quia non est meum docere Minervam ... est quod sua Imperialis Majestas affectat ptum (prædictum) reverendissimum dominum Sedunenaem crea ... archiepiscopatibus Moguntinen., Collonien, et Treveren., cum eorum ... diœcesibus, attinentiis et dependentiis; in quo sua sanctitas non debet fac[ere ... fa]cultatem tum quia est in imperio, tum quia erit aliqua pars emendæ ... factionis injuriæ suæ reverendissimæ dominationi collatæ, privando eam de sua Beat[itudine] ... Apostolica tam bene meritam, et restituendo Cardinalem illum S. Severini ... in episcopatum Novariensem. "Et super his vestra Reverendissima Dominatio poterit concipere pro ... libuerit dictas literas quas expeditas habemus transmittere suæ Majestati ... quæ pariformiter scribet non solum suæ Beatitudini et Cardinalibus in commune ... et particulariter omnibus amicis suis in Urbe existentibus. Ex ædibus in Londonio." | |
| Addressed: Reverendissimo in Christo patri ac illustriasimo domino meo observatissimo vandissimo domino Cardinali Eboracensi. | |
| P. 1, badly mutilated. | |
| 27 Dec. Vit. B.II. 197. B. M. |
1349. GALEAZZO VISCONTI to HENRY VIII. |
| Has been very anxious to visit him. Was prepared for the journey. Wished to consult him about the matters of Fras. Sforza and the Swiss, which could not be committed to writing. Had, however, received a message from the Emperor not to stir, in consequence of letters which had come from Wolsey to Wingfield and Pace. None of the Swiss will make a composition with France. If that scamp Mich. de Abbatis had told the truth, as he said he would, and not calumniated the writer, well as matters are, they would have been better. At the commencement of the war was chosen captain-general of the Swiss and representative of Max. Duke of Milan; kept the army in the field at the passes of Piedmont to prevent the passage of the French into Italy. Would have. succeeded, had not three of the states, Berne, Friburg, and Soleure, gone home for want of pay. Brought the army to Milan to form a union with Raimond de Cardona Viceroy of Naples. The French now crossed the Alps to prevent the union, at St. Julian's, three miles from Marignano and seven from Milan. Here some of the Swiss were bribed, some wavered; the rest resolved to fight, though no more than 6,000 foot. The battle began at dinner time on 13 Sept. against the writer's advice, who wished to have marched to Pavia and occupied the passes, when the enemy would have been on the left and he on the right, and could easily have formed a union. At the first onset they captured fifteen great guns, and compelled the enemy to retreat half a mile, when night came on. The enemy retreated into a valley protected by a ditch full of water and were at daybreak attacked by the Swiss. Against the writer's protestations the battle continued till the middle of Friday. It was astonishing that for nearly two days and a night they remained under arms without food, and if they had had two hours of daylight they would have gained the victory. The loss on their side was 4,000 Swiss and 500 Grisons; on the French much greater. The Swiss then retreated to Milan with many of the French colours, now suspended in Italian churches; thence to Constance. (fn. 2) If they had stopped at St. Julian's or Milan the French would have fied, and never stayed till they had crossed the mountains. Begs not to be abandoned in his present unfortunate condition. Is in great distress from his losses. What he has done was entirely out of loyalty to Francis Sforza, brother of Maximilian, the true successor to Milan. Will never abandon his part, but what can he do if the Swiss make an alliance with France? Francis has treated the writer's family with consideration; has visited his wife, and told her if she will send him her husband he will treat him better than those have done to whom he has shown so much fidelity. Constance, 27 Dec. 1515. Signature burnt off. | |
| Lat., pp. 7, mutilated; the leaves transposed. Add. Endd.: The Counte Galias vto Januarii. | |
| 28 Dec. R.O. |
1350. CHRISTOPHER GARNEYS to HENRY VIII. |
| On Monday, 16 Nov., the Queen of Scots removed from Harbottle to a place of Sir Edw. Ratcliffe's called Cartington, four miles off, where she remained four days. Removed on Saturday to the abbey of Bryngborne, five miles from Cartington; on Monday to Morpeth, where she was met by the Lord Ogle, the abbot of Newminster, and other gentlemen, by appointment of the Lord Dacre. She was so feeble that she could not bear horses in the litter, but Dacre caused his servants to carry it from Harbottle into Morpeth. Next Saturday, Lady Day, the Lord Chamberlain came out of Scotland to meet her with Archibald Douglas, Dan Carr of Fernihurst, the Lord of Korrons, Will. Carmihel, Pet Singlar (Pat Sinclair) and others. Thinks if Henry heard the Lord Chamberlain explain his grievances, he would like him well. Has heard him often say, it shall not be the fear of his life or the loss of his lands that will make him turn against his natural Prince, and that he would do Henry as faithful service as any of his own subjects. Presented to the Queen that day, in presence of Dacre and Magnus, all such stuff as the King sent for her, with the credence, which she was glad to hear. "Her grace was borne in a chair out of her bed-chamber into the great chamber, to the intent that her grace would see all such stuff as your highness had sent her by me to be laid abroad. When she had seen everything, she bid the Lord Chamberlain and the other gentlemen come come in and look at it, saying, 'So, my Lord, here ye may see that the King my brother hath not forgotten me, and that he would not I should die for lack of clothes.'" On Sunday, 8 Dec., came the ambassador of France out of Scotland, sent by Albany to treat for peace, as Henry had desired him to certify him from time to time about his sister, if God had given her grace good health. Trusts that Dacre's arrangements would have been to Henry's satisfaction. | |
| Though she has not been able to set forth an account of her weakness, yet here is a great house kept. "Here is first this Christmas my Lord of Augus, my Lord Chamberlain of Scotland and the Lady Bodwell his wife, Lord Dacre, Lord Ogle, the lady his wife Lady Musgrave," and many more, who have como to see her, and to certify Henry how the Lord Dacre hath decked his castle of Morpeth to receive her. Never saw a baron's house better trimmed in all his life, "to say of all the hangings of the hall and chambers with the newest device of tapestry, and with all other manner things thereunto belonging, his cupboard all of gilt plate, with a great cup of fine gold with the cup of assay, and all the lord's board, with the board's end served all with silver vessels, lacking no manner of good victual and wild fowl to put in them, that can be gotten for money." Is sorry to write of her great sickness. "I think her one of the lowest brought ladies with her great pain of sickness, that I have seen and scape. Her grace hath such a pain in her right leg that this three weeks she may not endure to sit up while her bed is a-making, and when her grace is removed it would pity any man's heart to hear the shrieks and cries that her grace giveth." Nevertheless she has a wonderful love for apparel. She has caused the gown of cloth of gold, and the gown of cloth of tynsen sent by Henry, to be made against this time, and likes the fashion so well, that she will send for them, and have them held before her once or twice a day to look at. She has within the castle 22 gowns of cloth of gold and silks, and yet has sent to Edinburgh for more, which have come this day. She is going to have in all haste a gown of purple velvet lined with cloth of gold, a gown of right crimson velvet furred with ermine, three gowns more, and three kirtles of satin. These five or six days she has had no other mind than to look at her apparel. Dacre must have written of the death of the Prince of Scots. Fears if it came to her knowledge it would be fatal to her, for these four or five days of her own mind it hath pleased her to show unto me how goodly a child her younger son is, and her grace praiseth him more than she doth the King her eldest son." Morpeth, 28 Dec. | |
| Hol., pp. 3. Add. | |
| 28 Dec. R.O. |
1351. TUNSTAL to WOLSEY. |
| Spinelly sent lately to the King, in ciphers, a memorial of important matters given him by a person thereabouts, who had been bountifully rewarded by the King at Terouenne. This person, whose name he does not write because he has no cipher, has been to Barrow, Antwerp and other places, in the King's service. Begs he may be rewarded, as they have promised him. All specialities Spinelly writes in ciphers. Await his pleasure touching the amity and intercourse. When Richmond comes, hopes Wolsey will not forget his diets. Mechlin, 28 Dec. | |
| Hol., pp. 2. Add. | |
| 28 Dec. Vit. B. XVIII. 114. B. M. |
1352. [CARDINAL SION] to _ |
| "Venerabilis et egregie amice carissime, ut te nihil coop ... datas literas accidere liceat volumus præsentes ad te perscribere. Eq ... et pecunias et victualia quæ intus fuere, non scientes capitula [quæ] ... civitatem exinde post decem dies castellanus redderet arcem: si antem infra [decem dies non] succurratur, possunt illi de civitate eis occurrere; et habitis victualibus et ... [si esset] succursus datus et capitula nulla. noluerit cum Venetis sed cum Gallo ca[pitulari] ... posse secum omnem substanciam et arma, equos et suppellectilem asportare erecti[s vexillis] ... Brixiæ quidquid fecerint contra Gallum vel Venetos et quod debent gandere omnibus ... [tam in] privato quam in universali, et si qui velint cum gentibus Cæsaris abire impu[ne, suis] nihilominus gandere bonis debent, relaxari omnes captivi per Gallos et Venetos ... vi demptis e contrario non nisi relaxari qui in Brixia forent detenti ... exigere. Item vexillis erectis abire armis cuncti et quatnor tormenta m[ilitibus] Cæsaris munita et cuilibet tam equiti quam pediti tria stipendia solva[ntur] sunt possunt reparare propugnacula, qui foris debent abstinere ab omni ... dati sunt obsides. Item sive Cæsarea Majestas sive Vicerex succurat, tune ... eorum nomine. Carent in his vino, carnibus et pulveribus tormentorum, e ... sunt attrita vestimenta eorum." Lorenzo, the bishop's nephew, is plotting deeply. The Frenchman uses all the means he can to be at peace with the Swiss. He pretends to be on good terms with the Pope; "unde si Pa[pa] ... omnino contra regnum Neapoli procedere nititur; et quia sperabat, mediante d ... quale mandatum esse dicitur de aliquo tractatu pacis inter Francos et [Papam] est, sed nune provisum quod non fiat aliquid; cupit etenim pacem cum Cæsare, et h ... et ducem Borboni, et ipse cogitat expectare quid Cæsar attemptet. Item v ... et Cæsarem esse et eandem certis omnibus commisit Triultio acceptandam tan[quam] ... esse in præmissis Brixia habenda. Francus autem medio tractatus per Archid[ucem] ... dente in dolo perditum iri per Cæsarem Brixiam et Veronam volet, et ... sine quibus minus tute se opinatur posse vel Mediolanum servare ... vel Venetorum amicitiam cessare paci anteponit, cogitat autem ... attenuari spe et viribus debilem ne etiam eo tunc melius ..." | |
| He and the Spanish [ambassador] used all their efforts for the succour of Brescia, and have [raised] 1,000 Spanish foot. The ambassador has written to Innspruck for reinforcements for that purpose, and to attack the French. Has heard today from the Bishop of Veroli that the Zurichers are well affected. The tumult of the five rustic cantons has produced this effect. Basle Schaffhausen, Grisons, St. Gall and Appenzel support the Emperor. "[Verula]nus non ibit ulterius in Angliam." [He] goes to Augsburg for money, and the writer to Constance to the diet. The Emperor will be there, and the deputies from the good Swiss cantons. Doubts not war will soon be declared. Ravenspurch, 28 Dec. 1515. | |
| Hol., Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. | |
| 28 Dec. S.B. |
1353. For SIR EDW. NEVILLE. |
| Grant of lands, amp;c. of the annual value of 40s. in Benynden, Kent, late belonging to John Gribill, in the King's hands by virtue of an inquisition taken at Bedynden, 11 Sept. 7 Hen. VIII. before John Marchall, escheator of Kent. Del. Eltham, 28 Dec. 7 Hen. VIII. | |
| Pat. 7 Hen. VIII. p. 3, m. 14. | |
| 29 Dec. Vat. Trans. XXXVII. 45. B. M. |
1354. HENRY VIII. to LEO X. |
| Has commissioned Wolsey to write to the Bp. of Worcester by Ammonius business of the gravest importance to be communicated to the Pope. Is to repose entire confidence in Wolsey. Eltham, 29 Dec. 1515. | |
| 29 Dec. Vit. B. XVIII. 235. B. M. |
1355. SIR ROB. WINGFIELD to [WOLSEY]. |
| [Wrote] on the 26th from ... The same day Master Pace [wrote letters] in ciphers, of which one was [subscribed] with Sion's hand and Wingfield's, and also with Master Pace's, along with which Sion wrote a letter himself to [Wolsey] all enclosed in a packet to Spinelly to be forwarded to Bryan [Tuke.] Next day, by agreement with Pace, went towards Augsburgh with the bill of exchange to procure a remittance of the money to Constance, whither Sion and Pace ... day. "Howbeit the Cardinal remained all t ... appeareth by the date of a letter that he w[rote unto me] the same day" (enclosed) which will show the ... made to Wingfield, and how the Pope has ...—Sends also to Tuke a letter from Sion [to the Arch]deacon of Novara (Langus), his ambassador. Same day the Spanish ambassador showed him the articles agreed upon between the Governor and Lieutenant of Brescia and John Jaques de Tryv[ulcio] right ill to read. The force under Lord Rokyndolfe had come so near Brescia that the citizens sent them word they might enter safely. Their provisions, however, will not serve them long, and the Venetians are so well supplied with horse that the two armies cannot communicate except by a great circuit. The Emperor, therefore, is levying fresh forces in the Tyrol and supplies of victuals. Expects to have something great to tell in his next, but as the Emperor is going to Constance, which is 100 English miles from Augsburg, he will be the longer in hearing news. Will let Wolsey know as soon as he arrives at Augsburg and has knowledge of the bill of exchange. Bybrak in Swabe, 29th day [December (fn. 3) ] 1515. | |
| Hol., pp. 2, mutilated. | |
| 30 Dec. Vesp. C. I. 103. B. M. |
1356. FERDINAND KING OF ARRAGON to HENRY VIII. |
| Learns by his letter dated "x. kal. Nov." and by the Bp. of Elna (Eunensis), and another presented him by Ludovicus Gilabertus, the good disposition of England. Promises that himself and his fortune shall be at the King's service. Ex oppido de Xarayselo (Xarasuel), 30 Dec. 1516. Signed. | |
| P. 1. Add.: Serenissimo, amp;c. domino Henrico, &c. Endd. | |
| 30 Dec. R.O. |
1357. The CARDINAL OF SION to [WOLSEY.] |
| He will see what is doing by Pace's letter, and by the copy of his own to the Emperor. Sends likewise the letter of the Bp. of Veroli and of one of his servants, mentioning the expenditure of French money, which gives increased importance to the French designs. It is necessary Wolsey should make speedy provision. Begs to be commended to the Emperor. Constance, 30 Dec. 1515. | |
| If John Milis (?), Sion's proctor, be not there, Wolsey is to open his letters. | |
| Hol., Lat., p. 1. | |
| 30 Dec. R.O. |
1358. The CARDINAL OF SION to MAXIMILIAN. |
| It is necessary the Emperor should be at Constance by the 7th, according to the opinion of the Duke of Barri, the English secretary (Pace) and himself, because the money is at hand, and the French are urgent. An answer will be given at Lucerne on the 13th Jan. to the Imperial and English propositions, and the French allege that the Emperor knows nothing of these proceedings, and no credentials have come from England. The Duke of Bari has heard eight of the cantons are deliberating about concluding with France. They will be able to remedy all obstacles if he is there in time. Another diet is appointed at Lucerne on 15 Jan. His presence will prevent the distraction of the cantons. Galeazzo expects his Majesty. The English ambassador will tell him more. Constance, iii. kal. Jan. Not signed. | |
| Lat., p. 1. In Abbate's hand. Endd.: Res domini Pacei. | |
| Otho, C. XI. 26. B. M. |
1359. HENRY VIII. to FABRICIUS DE CARECTO, Master of Rhodes. |
| Recommending John Rauson, Prior of Kyl[mainham] in Ireland, to the preceptory of Kylsare, given by the knights to an Irishman, Edm. Cesse. The King thinks that no Irishman is fit for prefement, "ut ipsi Ilibernici, qui ex sylvestrium genere habentur ab omni mune[re et] dominio excludantur, quorum tanta quidem est feritas ut nec armis nec legibus mansues[cant]; porro immanitas ut omnia ad solitudinem redigere conentur." Commends Rauson for his good management at Kilmainham. Greenwich, ... 1515. | |
| Lat., p. 1, mutilated. In the hand of Ammonius. Add. | |
| Er. Ep. XII. 37. | 1360. ERASMUS to WARHAM ABP. OF CANTERBURY. |
| Sends him a Latin translation of Lucian's Saturnalia, as an amusement for his idle hours. "Vale, pater amplissime, et Erasmum tuum, ut facis, a monstro illo plusquam Lernæo vindicare perge." 1515. | |
| R.O. | 1361. FRIAR THOMAS, a Spanish Dominican, (fn. 4) to WOLSEY. |
| Requesting Wolsey's charity, and specially for his studies, as he is an orphan. | |
| Hol., Lat., p. 1. Add.: D. Episc. Cancellario ac Cardinali Meritissimo. | |
| R.O. | 1362. [_ to WOLSEY.] |
| P.S. of a letter desiring that thanks should be sent to Bannisius for advancing the King's causes, "quia plurimum protest hic et est vir omnium honestissimus, quicumque est in aula imperatoris." | |
| R.O. | 1363. LANDS assigned by the KING. |
| i. Assignment of lands by the King to the Queen's grace for her jointure, 4,129l. 2s. 4d.; for the expences of the King's household, 4,404l. 9s. 5½d.; for the expences of the King's great wardrobe, 1,540l.; for the augmentation of the wages and fees of the town and marches of Calais, 3,485l. 16s. 8d. | |
| ii. "Lands and possessions restored;" viz.: to Lady Salisbury, 1,599l. 19s. 10½d.; Lord Burgavenny, 253l. 7s. 11½d.; Lord Audeley, 545l. 17s. 7d.; Humphry Stafford, 36l. 19d.; Lord Fitzwater, 100l. | |
| iii. "Lands and possessions recovered out of the King's hands;" viz.: by Sir Th. Knyvett, 110l. 10s. 01½d. ("parcel of the fine made by the Countess of Warwick"); my Lord Marquis (Dorset), 56l. 11s. 7d.; Lord Derby, 46l. 11s. 8½d.; Sir Peter Eggecombe, 33l. 6s. 8d. | |
| iv. "Lands and possessions granted by the King our sovereign lord by his letters patent;" viz.: to my Lord of Norfolk, 384l. 0s. 2d.; my Lord of Suffolk, 500l. 3s. 11½d.; my Lord of Surrey, 1,037l. 16s. 10d.; my Lord Maltravers, 70l. 5s. 4d.; Sir Th. Cornewall, Rob. Knolles, Sir Ralph Egerton, my Lady of Oxford, my Lady Stanhope, Sir Philip Calthorp, Sir Th. Boleyn, Sir Wm. Compton, Sir Christ. Garnysshe, Gerard Dannett, Sir Th. Aparr, Sir John Husy, John Herper, Sir John Nevell, Sir Ralph Verney, my Lady Gwordeyn, Sir Edw. Gernyngham, Wm. Buttry, Sir Edw. Nevell, Sir Wm. Sydney, Rob. Wassbyngton, Sir Wm. Tirwhitt, Sir Edw. Darell, Sir John Sharp, Wm. Tyler, Th. Compton, and _ Wylyng, Christ. Rochester and Wm. Gower. (fn. 5) Total, 3,457l. 17s. | |
| v. "Annuities answered to our late sovereign lord and now out of the King's hands;" viz.: to Sir Th. Lovell, my Lord of Devonshire, Sir Th. Cheyney, Sir Th. Lucy, the heirs of Batons, Th. Salysbury, my Lady Grey, my Lord of Essex. Total, 975l. 13s. 4d. | |
| vi. "Lands and possessions in our late sovereign lord's hands by reason of idiotcy and lunacy of divers persons, and now restored;" viz.: to Sir Edw. A Borough, the heirs of Assheley and Barley, the heirs of Kelyngworth. Total, 446l. 13s. 3½d. | |
| Sum total of all the parcels aforesaid, 21,221l. 19s. 1d. | |
| Endd.: A bill of lands and possessions assigned by the King's highness to divers uses. | |
| In form of a roll. | |
| R.O. | 1364. MONIES due to the KING. |
| Mem. that the indenture of Sir John Savage be overseen to have receivor appointed of his lands assigned for the payment of 250l. George Trevilion to be put in suit for the payment of 40 marks; William Carewe, 100 marks; Thomas Empson, 400 marks; Sir Edward Chambrelayn, 166l. 13s. 4d.; Sir John Hussey, 200l.; Sir William Sandes, 100l.; the Earl of Wiltishir, 1,000 marks; Thomas Lucy, 200l.; Sir Walter Carverley, 100l.; Sir John Norton, 400 marks; Sir Thomas Cornewall, 200l.; Robert Taulmache, 50 marks; Robert Clyfton, 100 marks; Lord Barnas, 350l.; Henry None, 80 marks; Lord Hasting, 300l.; Lord Willoughby, 200l.; his sureties, 400l.; Lawrence Bonvix and his sureties, 5,000l.; Lord Steward, 600 marks; Lord Fitzwater, 50l.; Sir William Griffith, 258l. 12s. 4d.; Thomas Cremer, 60l.; Sir Edward Guldeford, 200l.; Sir Philip Bothe, 20l.; William Lytton, 100l.; John Melton, 100l.; John Fortiscue, 500 marks; Lord Broke, 500l.; Lord Dudedley, 200l.; Sir John Wiseman, 40 marks; Abbot valle Crucis, 30l.; Abbot of Norton, 25 marks; Lewz Harpiffield, 500l.; Duke of Buckingham, 200l. | |
| Pp. 2. | |
| R.O. | 1365. MARCHES. |
| Monies paid to Geo. Percy, esq., Lieutenant of the East and Middle Marches, 4 Hen. VII.; to Sir Th. Darcy, Lieut. of the East Marches, 18 Hen. VII.; to Th. Lord Dacre, Warden of the West and Middle Marches, 19 Hen. VII.; to Edw. Radcliff and Fenwick, esqs., Lieutenants of the Middle Marches ...; to the same, 6 Hen. VIII.; [Th. Lord Dacre of] Graystok, Warden of the East and Middle Marches... | |
| P.1, mutilated. | |
| R. O. St. P. II. 1. |
1366. STATE OF IRELAND, and PLAN FOR ITS REFORMATION. |
| There are more than sixty counties, called regions, in Ireland, varying in size from less than half a shire to more than a shire. In these regions there are more than sixty chiefs, who live by the sword, have imperial jurisdiction in their countries, and obey none but those who can subdue them with the sword. Their names in Ulster, Leinster, Munster, Twomounde, Connaught, and Meath. | |
| Succession to the captainship is determined by force, not inheritance. The men serve the captain daily at their own cost, and pay certain customs at Christmas and Easter for the land on which they live. The armies never exceed 500 spears, 500 gallowglasses and 1,000 kerne. | |
| More than 30 captains of the English nobles follow the Irish rule, making war or peace for themselves. Such as the Earl of Desmounde, Lorde of Kerye, &c. Names of great English rebels in Connaught, Ulster, and Meath. | |
| Names of the counties subject and not subject to the King, and of English counties paying tribute to the Irish. | |
| Five half counties only are subject to English rule, yet the number of the judges is as great as when most part of the land was subject so that freeholders prefer to sell their freeholds than suffer the vexation of the courts, and by extortion of coyne and livery daily, the King's yearly subsidy, black rent and other extortions, they are worse oppressed than any in the whole country. Reasons given why the Irish should have grown so strong; as, the pestilence, the death of the Earl Marshal and the Earl of Ulster without heirs male, the King's carelessness, abandoning of English weapons by Englishmen, extortions of coyne and livery. The Lord Deputy takes with him Irish guards, and quarters them on the people, and extorts for horse and man's meat 36,000l. a year; English noblemen give their children to Irish rebels to foster. Some say the neglect of preaching by the clergy is a great cause of disorder; none will preach but the poor Friars. No learning is cultivated but the Canon Law. | |
| Remedies proposed: to ordain justices of peace in the several counties; to provide armour for all the inhabitants; and gunners to be sent to instruct the people in shooting, and musters held. Every Englishman within the pales to keep horse and arms; grants to be made of the lands of Irish rebels to the Earl of Kildare's sons, Earl of Desmond, and to all Englishmen who will dwell there; one man to be sent from every parish of England, Cornwall, and Wales to inhabit Wolster, and the lands between Dublin, Rosse and Wexford, which would increase the revenue to more than 30,000 marks. When all the King's subjects from Carlingford to Waterford are put in order for war, then the Deputy to take pledges of all the English lords and noble folk of Munster for their obedience to the King. If the King send one man from every parish in England, he will expel all the issue of Hughe Buye O'Neyll from the lands between the Green Castle and the Banne, and allow them to dwell in the forest of Keylultagh and in the Pheux. This done the King is to cross over with about 2,000 men, and he would find an army ready of 100,000 of his own subjects; but if he visit Ireland without first having set the place in order, he will do no good. | |
| All the great Irish landlords and chiefs who shall dispend by the King's grant 1,000 marks yearly to be made lords of the Parliament and Great Council; those spending 500 marks, knights; bishops and chief landlords to be ordained justices of the peace. Every landlord to send his sons to Dublin or Drogheda to learn reading and writing and English manners and language. | |
| R. O. | 1367. DESCRIPTION OF IRELAND. |
| Ireland is 400 miles long from Knokbran[d]on in the south to St. Colman's Island (otherwise the Cornaghe) in the north, and 200 miles broad from Develyn to Croghe Patrick or St. Patrick's Mount, in Galway, which is proved by divers cartes, "whereby ye may know that Ireland is more than England 80 miles, for as much as Ireland in the south part doth point with St. Michael's Mount westerly, in the uttermost of all Cornwall, and in the north-west it bordereth with Donfryse in Scotland." It is divided into five great portions; viz., Munster, Leinster, Connaught, Meath and Ulster. In Munster are five English shires, viz. Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Kerry and Tipperary; and three Irish, Desmond, Ormond and Twomond. In Leinster are five shires; viz., Kilkenny, Wexford, Kildare, Carlaghe and Dewlyn. In Ulster and in Connaught are five shires each, 'of which portions above written, in substance, the King is lord by inheritance; besides the title of the Crown, he is also by inheritance Earl of Ulster, Lord of all Meath and all Connaught, and of the fourth part of Leinster and of the fourth part of Munster." | |
| The said five portions contain 180 miles and "four cantreds or hundreds or baronies; viz., Leinster, 31 baronies; Munster, 70; Ulster, 35; Meath, 18; Connaught, 28. There are in Ireland 5,530 towns; viz., in Leinster, 930; in Connaught, 900; in Munster, 2,000; in Ulster, 1,060; in Meath, 541. A cantred is a county containing 100 towns. Every cantred or barony contains 160 ploughlands; every town, eight ploughlands, arable and pasture, for 300 kine, and none of them shall come nigh other. The sum of the arable ploughlands is 53,080. Every ploughland contains 120 acres, each acre four roods or perches in breadth, and forty perches in length; every perch twenty-one foot of poles, and three foot is a yard. If Ireland were under due obedience to the King, like England, the King might have a subsidy of 6s. 8d. on every ploughland, amounting to 22,026l. 3s. 4d. Irish yearly, besides customs of havens and fishings, which were of old time 100,000 marks a year. The rents of Ulster used to be 32,000 marks 8s. 6¾d.; of Connaught, 28,000 marks 10s. 6½d.; of Munster, Leinster and Meath, which were in the Red Earl's days great, besides advowsons and wardships. There are four archbishops, who had formerly thirty-six bishops under them, but some of the sees are now united. | |
| P. 1. Endd.: Descriptio Hiberniæ. | |
| R. O. | 1368. WOLSEY'S RELATIVES. |
| i. Petition from "John Fayrechild, son of John Fayrechild of Sybeton, in co. Suff., gent., who hath married one Elizabeth Wulcy, mother to your said orator, and daughter to Robert Wulcy, late of Sternfeld by Farnham, in the county aforesaid," requesting the place of controller of works intended to be built by the King in the city of Tournay. | |
| P. 1. Add.: To the most reverend father in God my Lord Cardinal Abp. of York. | |
| ii. Schedule containing "part of such articles as should be exercised concerning the King's buildings to [be] constructed at Tournay." | |
| P. 1. | |
| iii. A statement of the services Fairechild is competent to perform:—He can serve as filazer, attorney or solicitor, or keep courts baron.—"These he had the speculatiff in Greyes Inne, and the practice with his father."—Can audit accounts, &c., having had experience under his father for the Duchess of Norfolk that last died; has also been in her service as clerk of the kitchen, secretary, &c. | |
| P. 1. | |
| All the above are in the same hand. | |
| R. O. | 1369. ROBERT CROMWELL. |
| "Battersay.—Hereafter ensueth payments made by Mr. Lawrence Stubbes, servant unto the right rev. father in God Thomas Abp. of York, to certain persons, remaining in creditor and unpaid, by Sir Rob. Cromvall, vicar of Battersey, of certain their duties for the time he was paymaster there, and surveyor of my said lord's reparations and buildings, as well as for the performance of such reparations as at Battersay abovesaid by the same vicar were begun and not finished, and for other there done afterwards." | |
| Payments to Th. Horsted of Wyndsour, John Bereman, carpenter, Hamlett Adderton, carpenter, Rob. Kyng, Hugh Clement, Wm. Godhelp, Th. Mulbury, James Smyth, plumber, Pate Heggyng, Ric. Rabyn, Rob. Baker, Subage, Pate, Makewell, Th. Wade and Rob. Tomson, for hewing and squaring timber; framing Battersey bridge; carriage of sand and straw to the brick-kiln at Batirsey; carriage of lome of tallwood from Comb park, and of racks, &c. from the vicarage to the place; sawing, "slitting work," and board for Battersey bridge; felling trees and making tallwood in Cobham park; attendance at the "brek" close; daubing and underpinning; lime; and loading timber at the brick close at Battersey. Sum. 9l. 0s. 2d. "Hucusque solvuntur creditores pro tempore quo vicarius de Batterszy feut solutor." | |
| "Carpenters for finishing of Battersey bridge.—Hamlett Adderton, Wm. Lutman, John Lutman, and Bernard Nobyll. Sum, 9s. | |
| "Laborers for scooping out of the water for setting of bridge.—John Morse, John Wodde, Ric. Grane [or Grave], and Wm. Tomson. Also payments to John Giles of Battersey, Rob. Sherlok, John Robynson, Th. Richerdson, Wm. Arnold, John Mabusevylt, carpenter, John Bradley and Ric. Dixon, Wm. Sharbow, Wm. Denshier, Hen. Long and Ric. Rabyn, carpenters; and Rob. Baker, laborer, for casting and scowring the bridge ditch; carriage of timber from Combe park and Hampton Court for the bridge; letting out the water of the mote; and work at Battersey upon 'beddes, cristyls, formes,' &c.; purchases of sixpenny and fivepenny nails; and payments to John Edgoose and John Rowley for lime. Summa lateris, 47s. 6d. | |
| "Buts.—The charge of making buts, by my lord's commandment, in the month of October, anno rr. Hen. VIII. septimo. | |
| "Payments to Rob. Makwell, Nich. Parkyn, John Acheam, laborer, John Miler, and Hen. Argentyne, for work; digging turves for the said buts, and carriage of the turves. | |
| "Charge of the boiling lead and well.—Payments to Wm. Rabyn and his servant John Burwell, serjeant plumber of the King's works, John Manfeld, and Th. Smyth of Wanesworth, for a range and fornes for the boiling lead, and for mending of the well by the kitchen; for solder spent on the boiling lead there; mending the same lead; for making a "corvere" (cover) for the well, and timber for the same; and for dressing and repairing locks and keys there. Summa lateris, 22s. 10d. | |
| "The Garthinge.—Payments to Rob. Typpyng for dressing my lord's garden there for seven days ending 13 Oct., at 6d. a day, and for 12 days' work in the garden, ending 30 Oct., at 6d. a day; and to his servant laboring with him by the same space, at 4d. a day. Summa lateris, 13s. 4d. | |
| "Total, 13l. 13s." | |
| Pp. 5. Endd. | |
| 1370. MR. HERON. | |
| "Specialities made to Mr. Heyron in his lifetime." | |
| i. Statute Staple, binding Sir Wm, Rede and Hugh Morgan of Estyllysley, Berks, to John Heron, for the payment of 300l. | |
| ii. Similar indenture, binding Sir Wm. Rede for the payment of 400 marks. | |
| iii. A paper bill, binding friar Hen. Standisshe, D.D., to Mr. Heron in 100 marks; whereof 60 marks are paid. | |
| Total, 566l. 13s. 4d.; of which it is specified, in an indenture of paper between John Jenyns and Ric. Tryce, that Sir Wm. Rede owes by one statute 119l. 11s. 4d., and by another statute 190l.; and that Dr. Standysshe owes 40 marks. | |
| "And so it seemeth that the King's grace is deceived of the rest, that is, 230l. 8s. 8d." | |
| P. 1. Endd.: Heron to be called to answer to the rest not paid, contained within this bill. | |
| R. O. | 1371. SUBSIDY. |
| Collection of the subsidy granted by the laity "...sexto Hen. VIII." in parallel columns, apparently representing the sum at which each county was rated (r.), the sum actually levied (l.), and the surplus or deficit. | |
| Dorset, rated at 1, 138l. 12s., levied ...; Nottingham town, r. 39l. 0s. 12d., 1. 12 ...; Isle of Wight, r. 150l. 4s., 1. 109l. 6s ... Beds., r. 599l. 18s. 2d., 1. 605l. 9s. 6d.; Lincoln city, r. 95l. 0s. 0d., 1. 95l. 0s. 0d.; Wilts, r. 1,629l. 7s. 8d., 1. 1,675l. 16s. 4d.; Lincoln (Holland), r. 361l. 17s. 6d., 1. 361l. 19s. 6d.; Norwich city, r. 399l. 18s. 11d., 1.399l. 19s. 8d.; Suffolk, r. 2,155l. 15s. 7d., 1.2,159l. 0s. 13d.; Kingston-upon-Hull, r. 83l. 10s., 1. 83l. 11s.; Heref., r. 309l. 0s. 12d., 1. 410l. 7s. 4d.; London, r. 4,302l. 12s., 1.4,305l. 2s. 6d.; Surrey, r. 882l. 7s. 10d., 1. 899l. 0s. 16d.; Rutland, r. 150l. 0s. 6d., 1. 153l. 16s.; Hunts, r. 526l. 2s. 6d., 1. 540l. 14s. 11d.; Worcester city, r. 147l. 9s., 1. 109l. 17s.; Cornwall, r. 604l. 0s. 20d., 1. 587l. 10s.; Lincoln (Kesteven), r. 541l. 15s. 8d., 1. 538l. 2s. 9d.; Leicester town, r. 59l. 11s., 1.56l. 3s.; Notts, r. 394l. 12s. 6d., 1. 393l. 13s. 10d.; Canterbury, r. 904l. 5s. 4d., 1. 902l. 8s. 10d.; Southampton, r. 1,538l. 15s., 1.1,470l. 6s. 4d.; Northampton, r. 1,230l. 12s. 6d., 1. 1,218l. 6s. 8d.; Oxford town, r. 72l. 14s. 6d., 1. 66l. 13s. 2d.; Bath city, r. 22l. 0s. 6d., 1. 19l. 10s. 6d.; New Salisbury city, r. 275l. Os. 10d., 1. 268l. 0s. 10d.; Coventry city, r. 205l. 10s. 6d., 1. 200l. 4s. 6d.; Bristoll town, r. 315l. 6s. 1d., 1. 297l. 9s. 4d.; Herts, r. 921l. 16s. 6d., 1. 824l. 5s. 6d.; Southampton town, r. 100l. 0s. 12d., 1. 80l. 11s. 9d. | |
| ii. The following counties made no return: | |
| York, Derby, Lincoln (Linsey), Warwick, Leicester, Shropshire, Stafford, Worcester, Gloucester, Oxford, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Norffolk, Essex, Kent, Sussex, Somerset, Devon. | |
| Pp. 3. | |
| R. O. | 1372. TENTHS. |
| Mandate to the Abbot of Sybeton, collector of a tenth granted 7 Hen. VIII. in the archdeaconries of Suffolk and Sudbury, and to James Hoberd the King's attorney, to distrain the incumbents of the benefices in schedule annexed, and seize their persons in default. | |
| P. 1. | |
| R. O. | 1373. SHERIFFS, &c. |
| Instructions by the King how sheriffs, under-sheriffs, and bailies of franchises shall truly execute the King's processes. | |
| S. B. | 1374. For SIR JOHN HUSEE. |
| To be justice of peace and custos rotulorum, in Holand, Linc., as heretofore, having been omitted from the commission as he was attendant upon the French Queen. Greenwich, 7 Hen. VIII. | |
| S. B. | 1375. For HEN. SPURR, yeoman of the Guard in Tournay. |
| To be chief bowyer and keeper of the bows of the ordnance in Turney, with 8d. a day, (being the same wages at which he holds the office of yeoman of the guard), and a man under him with 6d. a day. | |
| S. B. | 1376. TOURNAY. |
| Fragment relating to Tournay ... 1515. | |