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1501.
23 March.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 3.
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293. Queen Isabella to De Puebla.
Has received his letters of the 23d of December and 23d of
February and the letters of Henry and of the Prince of Wales,
together with the attestation that the marriage ceremonies
have been once more performed. Although a fresh ratification
by the Princess of Wales is not necessary, she ratifies the
new act of marriage in a letter to the Prince of Wales.
Writes a letter to Henry, which contains her ratification,
and that of King Ferdinand.
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Preparations for
the reception of the
Princess.
The Princess of Wales will go to England as soon as possible,
and certainly within the time which has been agreed upon.
"I am told that the King, my brother, has ordered great preparations
to be made, and that much money will be spent
upon her reception and her wedding.
I am pleased to hear it, because it shows the magnificent
grandeur of my brother, and because demonstrations of joy
at the reception of my daughter are naturally agreeable to
me. Nevertheless it would be more in accordance with my
feelings, and with the wishes of my Lord (King Ferdinand),
if the expenses were moderate. We do not wish that our
daughter should be the cause of any loss to England, neither
in money, nor in any other respect. On the contrary, we
desire that she should be the source of all kinds of happiness,
as we hope she will be, with the help of God. We, therefore,
beg the King, our brother, to moderate the expenses. Rejoicings
may be held, but we ardently implore him that the
substantial part of the festival should be his love ; that the
Princess should be treated by him and by the Queen as their
true daughter, and by the Prince of Wales as we feel sure
he will treat her. Say this to the King of England."
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Her journey.
Is satisfied with the clause of the last treaty, stating that
the wedding shall take place within twelve days after the
arrival of the Princess of Wales in England. Would like to
send her to London, or to Gravesend, because Henry wishes it.
But the most important consideration is the safety of the
Princess, and, as all say that Southampton is the safest harbour
in England, prefers to send her daughter to that place. No
further expenses need be incurred. The Princess and her companions
will be accustomed, during her journey through Spain,
to stay at inns and in small villages.
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Household.
Has seen the memoir concerning the persons who are to
remain with the Princess in England. They are very few.
She has added the names of some more on the margin of the
memoir. Though the Princess will certainly be well attended
by the English, still it is desirable for her to have Spaniards
about her person.
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Spanish
merchandize.
Henry is mistaken if he believe that they have issued a
warrant prohibiting all foreign vessels to ship merchandise
in Spanish ports. Have conceded to Spanish vessels only
the right to ship first. Were bound in justice to do so, as
Spanish vessels have so many onerous duties to perform.
Besides, in all other countries, national shipping enjoys the
same privilege.
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Kings of Scotland
and Denmark.
Is pleased to see that the Kings of Scotland and of Denmark
are excepted in the treaty of alliance. If the King of Denmark
accepts the clause concerning him, it must be publicly proclaimed
in his dominions, in order that Spanish and Danish
subjects may treat one another as friends at sea.
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Don Pedro de
Ayala.
Henry has asked them to let Pedro de Ayala remain
in England till the Princess of Wales arrives, and even a
little longer. Could not refuse. If Henry wish to keep
Don Pedro de Ayala in England, he must remain there ;
if not, he may leave the country.—Granada, 23rd March
1501.
Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her
ambassador in England, and of her Council."
Spanish. pp. 7.
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|
S. E. I.
L. 806. f. 9.
|
294. One of the Secretaries of Henry VII. to his Nephew,
a clergyman in Spain.
He must tell the Queen of Spain that the marriage between
the Princess Katharine and the Prince Arthur has been again
ratified in England.
The King, the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and all the Lords
and high dignitaries, are desirous to see the Princess in
England.
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Festivities
preparing for the
reception of the
Princess.
The King has sent letters to all the Lords in England, Ireland,
and Wales, enjoining them to be ready on the 25th of May to
receive the Princess of Wales in London. Invitations have
been sent to France, Flanders, and Brittany. All foreign
knights and nobles who wish to take part in the forthcoming
festivities will be hospitably received in England, and have to
pay nothing for their living.
The Dukes of Northumberland (fn. 1) , Suffolk, and Gloucester,
and the three most noble Earls of the kingdom, challenge all
comers to break three lances with them, and to exchange
three blows with the battle-axe. The jousts are to last forty
days, and to be held in London, which place is perfectly
healthy at present.
Preparations are making in all towns, villages, and seaports
to receive the Princess. As it is said that she will disembark
most probably at Southampton, or at Bristol, the Duke of
York, and "the Bishop of London, who is now Archbishop of
York," have gone to those places to superintend the preparations
for her reception. If the Princess should land at
another English seaport, she would find everything ready for
her there also. But Bristol and Southampton are the safest
harbours.
Thirteen knights of [blank] are to be created, twelve by
the Prince of Wales, and the thirteenth by the King.
The two hundred and thirty knights of the Round Table
will again assemble on this occasion. In olden times King
Arthur, on whose soul God have mercy, presided over the
Round Table. It would be difficult to describe all the foreigners
who have already come to England. The preparations of
last year cost more than one hundred thousand nobles,
but the English do not mind that ; and the expenses of this
year will be much greater. The nobles vie with one another
in splendour.
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Embassy from the
King of Scots to
King Henry.
The ambassador of the King of Scots is now in England,
arranging some things with Henry concerning the marriage
which has been concerted between the King of Scots and the
Princess Elizabeth.
It is much to be desired that the officers who are to come
with the Princess of Wales should be honourable and respectable
people. The Spaniards will have no reason to complain
of England as they have complained of Flanders. "In
Flanders many a Spaniard has died from starvation. But I
tell you that as many as like may come with the Princess
of Wales, and none of them will die of hunger. If they
die it will be from too much eating. Such a stock of
provisions is laid in, that nothing will be wanting."
The King, the Queen, and the Prince of Wales, are all well,
and occupied with nothing else except putting all things
in order for the Princess of Wales. They have great pleasure
in hearing that the Princess Katharine is beginning to speak
French. The Queen especially rejoices at the progress the
Princess is making in the French language.
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The writer's private
affairs.
The Bishop of London and many other great personages
have written to him. But his relatives, and especially his
mother, his brothers, and his sisters, have not cared to send
him a single line. They are very angry with him, and have
good reason to be so. He has already been fourteen years
abroad in the service of such great Princes as the King and
Queen of Spain, and has not yet obtained a single living. "You
have often written that the Queen and the Princess have
given you a great many church preferments, but we have now
learnt from some Englishmen that all that was a lie. You
are a lost man, you have debts, and nothing to eat. Moreover,
the Queen has deprived you of a living,—which circumstance
does not speak in your favour."
He has given up his friends, and a living in England of
more than 300 nobles, and has got no living or friends in
Spain. Thus, nothing remains to him but to hope in God.
No date. No signature.
Indorsed : "This is a translation of some letters from an
uncle of mine who is secretary to the King of England,
and from other relatives in that country."
The paper is written in most barbarous Spanish.
There are almost as many grammatical errors as
words.
Spanish. Holograph. pp. 7.
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S. E. I.
L. 806. f. 9.
|
295. English Clergyman to Queen Isabella.
[Added to the above paper is a letter to Queen Isabella,
written in the same hand.] Complains that the Archbishop of
Granada has deprived him of his living. Begs he may be
paid two years' salary as late chaplain of the Queen, and
wishes for a place in the household of the Princess of Wales.
"I would rather die, or be the slave of a Turk, than return to
England as a poor man."—No date. No signature.
Indorsed : "Memoir of the English clergyman."
pp. 2.
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8 April.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 6.
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Journey of the
Princess of Wales.
296. Queen Isabella to De Puebla.
The shortest passage from Spain to England is that from
Coruña in Galicia, where, moreover, the Princess and all her
companions can obtain the indulgence of the jubilee. Has,
therefore, settled with King Ferdinand, that the Princess
shall embark from that port. All the ships and other things
necessary for the departure of the Princess are kept in
readiness. It had been their intention to accompany their
daughter to Coruña, but at the hour of departure the news
arrived that the Moors in the Sierra of Ronda had rebelled.
The King had, therefore, been obliged to go to Ronda, in
order to subdue the rebels, and the departure of the Princess
was consequently delayed.
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Rebellion of the
Moors.
The rebellion is now at an end, and the King is expected
to return in five or six days. Directly after his arrival
the Princess will leave, either in their company or alone. It
is to be hoped that she will be at Coruña before the stipulated
time. But the journey is very long, and the Princess has
suffered from a low fever. Though she is better now, it
would be imprudent of her to expose herself to the fatigue
of quick travelling. She must proceed by easy journeys.
He must tell all this to the King of England, and ask
him to forgive it if the Princess of Wales should not arrive
until a few days after the stipulated time. A fresh prorogation
of one or two months would be the best. Promises,
however, that, without regard to any fresh prorogation, the
Princess of Wales shall be in England as soon as possible.
Expects a speedy answer.—Granada, 8th of April 1501.
Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her
ambassador in England, and of her Council."
Spanish. pp. 2.
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8 April.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 5.
|
Repetition of the
marriage ceremony.
297. Queen Isabella to Henry VII.
Has received his letter of the 21st of November, and read
with pleasure that the solemnization of the marriage between
the Prince and Princess of Wales, their common children, had
been repeated after the Prince of Wales had completed the
fourteenth year of his age. Has likewise received the public
instrument, signed by the Prince of Wales and sealed with
his seal, which was drawn up by two apostolic notaries in
the chapel of the castle of Ludlow, in the diocese of Hereford,
on the 22d of November last year, 1500. Ratifies, in her
name and in the name of King Ferdinand, all that De Puebla,
as proxy of the Princess of Wales, has done and promised on
that occasion, so that the marriage is now to be regarded as
undoubtedly lawful and indissoluble.
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The Princess of
Wales ready to
start for England.
The Princess of Wales is ready to leave for England. But
as she may not perhaps be able to embark before the Feast of
St. John, he is asked to concede a fresh prorogation of her
departure. Gives her word as a Queen that the Princess shall
embark for England before the time of the fresh prorogation
shall be concluded. All other stipulations between them shall
remain in full force.—Granada, 8th of April 1501.
Indorsed : "A copy of the letter of the Queen our Lady to
the King of England. I have not read it over, and do
not know whether there are any errors in it." (fn. 2)
Latin. Draft or copy. pp. 3.
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7 May.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 7.
|
298. Queen Isabella to De Puebla.
Had intended to send her last letter by Alonso de San
Juan, her king-at-arms ; but, changing her mind, has sent
another messenger, in order that her king-at-arms should
remain with the Princess of Wales. On account of this other
messenger not being very trustworthy, it seems best to send a
second letter.
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Rebellion of the
Moors.
Departure of the
Princess of Wales.
The King has been detained longer than was expected by
the rebellion of the Moors of Ronda, who are the last converts
to Christianity, and who live in the most inaccessible mountains.
Wishing to see his daughter before her departure, the
King has accepted the capitulation offered to him by the
Moors, and pardoned the rebels. It would have cost him much
more time to subdue them by force. The King is, therefore,
at liberty to leave Ronda now, and has written that he would
start this very day (Friday) for Granada. Has suffered from
fever. Her indisposition and the absence of the King are the
reasons why the departure of the Princess of Wales has been
hitherto delayed. But as soon as the King arrives, the
Princess will start by way of Santiago in Galicia, in order to
embark at Coruña.
Begs Henry to excuse the delay, and promises, on her word
as Queen, that the Princess of Wales shall arrive in England
as soon as possible.—Granada, 7th May 1501.
Addressed : "By the Queen. To Doctor De Puebla, her
ambassador in England, and of her Council."
Spanish. pp. 3.
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21 May.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 11.
|
299. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
The Queen has written to say that the Princess of Wales
would start as soon as the King had returned from Ronda. The
King has arrived on the 15th of May, in Granada ; but as the
Princess was suffering from ague, her departure has been postponed
for a few days. On the 21st of May, however, she has
left Granada on her journey to Coruña. Have not accompanied
her, because she will travel quicker if left alone. She
will most probably arrive by the stipulated time, or at the
most a little later.—Santa Fé, 21st May 1501.
Spanish. p. 1.
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21 May.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 2.
|
Princess of Wales.
300. Almazan to De Puebla.
Memoir on the causes which have prevented the Princess
of Wales from going to England within the stipulated time.
It had been the intention of Ferdinand and Isabella to
send the Princess of Wales to England before the expiration
of the time which had been concerted with the King of England.
The unexpected news of the rebellion in the Sierra
of Ronda, however, has prevented them from executing their
design. The indisposition of the Queen and Princess have
caused a further delay of seven days. But the Princess is
now on her way to England, and the persons who accompany
her are instructed to travel as fast as possible. God knows
best that Ferdinand and Isabella have done all in their power
punctually to fulfil all their promises.—No date.
Indorsed : "Draft of the paper concerning the causes which
have delayed the departure of the Princess of Wales."
Spanish. pp. 2.
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29 May.
B. M.
MS. Vit. C. XI.
f. 47. |
301. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Twelve days after the disembarkation of the Princess of
Wales in England, the nuptials between her and the Prince
of Wales are to be solemnized. Ten days before or after the
marriage she is to be endowed by the King of England and
the Prince of Wales with certain townships and seignories.
De Puebla is to see that these two matters be accomplished.
The jewels and plate taken by the Princess to be
received on account of, and in part payment of her marriage
portion. He is to obtain an acknowledgment from the King
and the Prince of Wales of the amount received. A list is
sent of the persons who are to form the household of the
Princess. He is to endeavour to have sufficient salaries
assigned them.—Granada, 29th May 1501.
Spanish. Copy. 2 pages of print.
Printed in Gairdner's Memorials.
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5 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 11.
|
302. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla.
Have had news from the Princess of Wales. She travels
as quickly as possible ; but the heat is so great that she
cannot make long journeys. She will arrive to-day, the
5th of July, at Guadaloupe. If she continue her journey at
about the same rate, she may arrive at Coruña between the
15th and 20th of July.—Garnada, 5th July 1501.
Addressed : "By the King and the Queen. To Doctor
De Puebla, their ambassador in England, and o
their Council."
Spanish. p. ½.
|
29 July.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 12.
|
King of France ;
his attempts upon
Naples.
303. Ferdinand and Isabella to De Puebla
Seeing that we desire to impart our affairs to the King of
England, as to a brother whom we love, and to make him a
sharer in them, we give him intelligence, of which, however
he must be already aware. It is, that since the time of
King Charles of France until the present day, we have done
nothing else except endeavour to obtain, as well by deeds
of arms, when restitution was made of Naples, as by means of
negotiation, to dissuade the said King Charles, and afterwards
King Louis, who now is, from his attempts on the kingdom
of Naples. But, in spite of it all, we have never had any
gratitude shown us by King Fadrique for what we
formerly did for him, nor any amity or brotherhood, but quite
the contrary. Notwithstanding, we have not ceased to travail
for him, endeavouring by all possible means to bring about a
reconciliation between him and the King of France, in order
that he might remain secure in his kingdom, and that the
King of France might desist from the enterprise he had in
hand. Moreover, we negotiated with the Pope and the King
of the Romans, and with the Venetians, to drive away the
King of France from Naples, but could not succeed in our
endeavours.
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King Don
Fadrique seeks aid
from the Turks.
On the contrary, the Pope invited him over and aided
him ; and the King of the Romans, with the members of the
Empire, made a truce with him, and the Venetians took part
with him. On the other hand, King Don Fadrique sought
aid from the Turks, giving us notice of the same by his
ambassadors more than a year ago, and certified us of his
determination, notwithstanding that we opposed him, and
censured him, and endeavoured to turn him away from his
purpose. At last we told him that we should be his chiefest
enemies if he should persist in his purpose, but we could never
prevail upon him to relinquish it.
Moreover, we concluded no kind of treaty or agreement,
or anything that might be construed as such, with King
Fadrique, nor in any other manner did we enter into an obligation
to give him aid. For even had we desired to aid him,
we could not have done it, on account of the peace we had
negotiated with the King of France at the beginning of his
reign. Besides we had a desire to maintain peace, and also
had no need to undertake such a war ; King Fadrique himself
having no wish that we should. Again, he never even gave us
thanks for what we had formerly done for him, nor was there
any amity or relation subsisting between us.
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Proposal of the
King of France.
Acceptance of it
by Ferdinand and
Isabella.
The Turks, also, having taken part in the matter, that
alone would have been cause sufficient for us not only to
refuse to aid King Fadrique, but to oppose him. Besides, the
King of France justified himself to us, and assured us he
had always desired to preserve our friendship. Therefore,
that no rupture might take place between us on account
of Naples, he said it would be agreeable to him if we would
divide that kingdom with him, seeing that it belonged either
to us or to him, and to no other person whatever. Being
determined, for the causes above mentioned, not to aid
King Fadrique in the defence of Naples, we thought it well
to accept the offer of the King of France. We were the
more moved to do this because we had no desire to take upon
ourselves the responsibility of so unjust a proceeding as that
of affording succour to one who had no right to the kingdom
of Naples. Further, seeing King Fadrique was and still is
determined to have recourse to the Turks, it was our duty,
for the sake of the Christian Faith, to unite ourselves with
Christian Princes. Besides, the King of Naples would not be
inconvenienced by this agreement if the King of France should
afterwards relinquish this enterprise. If, on the other hand,
the King of Naples were to lose his kingdom, it would be
much better we should take the half of it, (since the better
right is ours,) than lose the whole. For King Fadrique has
no forces wherewith to defend himself, and we have no right
to join ourselves with one who receives aid from the Turks.
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The Pope the head
of the treaty.
We have lately heard from our ambassador who is in Rome
that the Pope desires that a fresh writing should be made, in
which it should be stated that he was the head of our treaty with
the King of France in the matter of Naples. He also said that
since he had part in the affair of Naples, and that no one else
had, excepting ourselves, he wished that the writing should
be made in the name of all three, and it has accordingly been
made and published in that form. Moreover, although our
ambassadors had no authority from us for doing this, yet,
seeing that we ought always to be confederate with the Pope
and the Apostolic Chair, and so much the more in such a
cause as that of the Faith, a cause than which there could
be none more just, we have thought good to confirm the
said treaty. Besides, the affair of Naples is such that it does
not and cannot affect any one excepting ourselves and the
Pope and the King of France. If there had been anything
in it affecting the King of England, we would have communicated
it to him before making it.—Granada, 29th July
1501.
Signed by the King.
Signed by the Queen.
Signed by Almazan.
Addressed : "By the King and the Queen. To Doctor
De Puebla, of their Council, and their ambassador in
England."
The despatch is written in tivo keys of cipher, constantly
mixed up the one with the other. No key to this
cipher is extant. The deciphering is by the editor.
Spanish.
|
25 Sept.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 13.
|
Princess of Wales ;
her voyage.
304. Henry VII. to the Archbishop of Santiago and the
Count de Cabra.
Has seen their letter of the 12th of September, in which
they describe the whole progress of the Princess of Wales by
land and by sea. Is exceedingly sorry that the voyage has
been so bad, and that the Princess has been obliged to return
to Spain. Thanks them for having informed him, without
loss of time, of what has happened. A short time before the
arrival of their letter, it had been known in England that the
fleet of the Princess had been obliged to put back on account
of storms and hurricanes, but nobody had been able to tell
whether it had safely reached a harbour. Has, therefore, sent
one of his best captains, Stephen Butt (fn. 3) ", to be on the look
out for the Princess, and to convoy ber in the best way to
England.
|
Impatiently
expected in
England.
Hopes the Princess has already resumed her voyage, since the
winds have been favourable for some days past. If that, however,
should not be the case, no time is to be lost. The later the
season, the more stormy will be the weather. As the Princess
has disembarked at Laredo, flatters himself that she has already
recovered from her fatigue caused by the furious sea. She is
impatiently expected by him, by the Queen, by the Prince of
Wales, and by the whole nation. All the preparations made
for her splendid reception are ready.—Richmond, 25 th September
1501.
Addressed : "To the most Reverend, Father in Christ, the
Archbishop of Santiago, de Cornpostella, and the
illustrious Count de Cabra."
Latin : Written in an exceedingly bad hand. pp. 3.
|
4 Oct.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 14.
|
Voyage of the
Princess of Wales,
and arrival in
England.
305. The Licentiate Alcares to Queen Isabella.
The Princess of Wales embarked (fn. 4) on Monday the 27th
of September. At five o'clock in the afteroon the ship
weighed anchor, and set sail. The weather was favourable
at first, but changed after midnight. Continued their voyage
until they were off Ushant, without any great inconvenience.
The winds were variable, but the sea was not rough. When
they had passed Ushant, however, they were overtaken by a
most furious vendabal (fn. 5) , thunderstorms, and immense waves.
Had a thunderstorm every four or five hours during the rest
of the voyage. "It was impossible not to be frightened."
The following Saturday, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the
Princess entered the harbour of Plymouth, which is the firston
the coast of England. "She could not have been received
with greater rejoicings, if she had been the Saviour of the
world." As soon as she left the boat, she went in procession
to the church, where, it is to be hoped, God gave her the
possession of all these realms for such a period as would be
long enough to enable her to enjoy life, and to leave heirs
to the throne.—4th of October.
Addressed : "To the very powerful Queen of Spain, our
excellent Lady."
Spanish. Holograph, pp. 2.
|
|
Oct.
|
306. The Departure of the Princess Katharine from
Spain, and her Arrival in England.
The Princess arrives at Plymouth on the 2nd of October.
King Henry leaves Richmond on the 4th of November, in
order to meet her on her way to London. Is joined by the
Prince of Wales. The Prothonotary of Spain meets the King,
and informs him that, according to the orders of Ferdinand
and Isabella, the Princess is not to converse with him, or the
Prince of Wales, until the day of the solemnization of her
marriage.
King Henry overrules this order. Meets the Princess at
Dogmerfield. The Prince of Wales arrives there a short time
afterwards. Both see the Princess.
The Princess proceeds to Chertsey.
The King returns to Richmond. Goes on the 10th of
November to Baynard's Castle, in order to be present at the
entry of the Princess into London.
English. pp. 5, in print.
Printed in Leland's Collectanea, vol. V. p. 352.
|
|
8 Nov.
|
307. A Narrative of the Jousts, Banquets, &c. given
at the Marriage of the Princess Katharine
with the Prince of Wales.
English. pp. 17, in print.
Printed in Leland's Collectanea, vol. V. p. 356.
|
14-20 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 3. f. 28.
|
Dowry of the
Princess of Wales.
308. Arthur, Prince of Wales.
In the treaty concluded between Ferdinand and Isabella
on the one side, and Henry VII. on the other, concerning his
marriage with the Princess Katharine of Spain, it was stipulated
that the dowry of the said Princess shall consist of the third
part of the revenues of Wales, Cornwall, and Chester, and
that towns, lands, and castles to that amount should be assigned
to her within ten days before or after the solemnization of
their marriage.
Endows, therefore, the said Princess Katharine, on the day
of their wedding, that is to say, on the 14th of November
1501, at the altar of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and in
the presence of an immense multitude of people, with the
towns, manors, lands, rents, &c. herein-after enumerated.
[A detailed enumeration of all the property which forms
part of the dowry follows.]
King Henry ratifies the endowment of the Prince oi Wales.
—Westminster, 20th November 1501.
Latin. pp. 12.
|
12 Nov.
P. R. O.
|
309. Arthur, Prince of Wales.
Assignment of the dowry of the Princess Katharine.—
[Date left in blank.]
Latin. pp. 2 in print.
It is the draft of the preceding document.
Printed in Rymer.
|
28 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 3. f. 29.
|
Receipt for the first
instalment of the
marriage portion.
310. Henry VII. and Arthur, Prince of Wales.
Acknowledge, in presence of witnesses, and before Johannes
Cañazares, apostolic notary, to have received from Alphonso
de Fonseca, Archbishop of Santiago, Count de Cabra, and
other commissioners of Ferdinand and Isabella, the sum of
100,000 scudos in 92,592½ gold ducats.—Richmond, 28th of
November 1501.
Indorsed in Spanish : "This is a true copy of the original
receipt given by King Henry of England and the
Prince of Wales of the 100,000 gold scudos which
Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain,
have paid him." The original is xvritten on parchment,
signed, sealed, and authenticated by a public
notary :
For the correctness of the copy,
Diego Alvarez, clerigo, public notary, &c.
Latin. pp. 1.
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28 Nov.
S. E. T. c. I,
L. 4. f. 15.
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Arrival of the
Princess of Wales.
311. Henry VII. to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Has already told them that the Princess Katharine arrived
on the 2nd of October at the port of Plymouth. Is very
glad that the Princess and her companions are well. Had felt
great anxiety about her during her voyage from Spain to
England. Has sent some of his officers to bring her by
short and easy journeys to London. Has likewise told them
that he and the Prince of Wales went to meet the Princess
on her way. Have much admired her beauty, as well as
her agreeable and dignified manners. On the 12th of November
the Princess made her entry into the capital, accompanied
by such a multitude of prelates, high dignitaries,
nobles, and knights, and with the acclamation of such masses
of people as never before had been seen in England.
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Nuptials between
the Prince and
Princess of Wales
solemnized.
On the 14th of November the Princess was conducted,
with great splendour, to the Cathedral of St. Paul, where
both the primates of England, a great number of Bishops,
and the first secular and ecclesiastical Lords of the kingdom
were present. The Archbishop of Canterbury said high mass
before the principal altar of the church, and the Prince and
Princess of Wales were solemnly wedded. Although the
friendship between the houses of England and Spain has
been most sincere and intimate before this time, it will
henceforth be much more intimate and indissoluble.
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Rejoicings.
Great and cordial rejoicings have taken place. The whole
people have taken part in them. Begs them to banish all
sadness from their minds. Though they cannot now see the
gentle face of their beloved daughter they may be sure that
she has found a second father who will ever watch over her
happiness, and never permit her to want anything that
he can procure for her. Has already written to them about
all this, but such things cannot be too often repeated.
The Archbishop of Santiago, the Count de Cabra, the
Bishop of Majorca, and all the other ambassadors who have
accompanied the Princess, have secured for themselves his love
and esteem.
The union between the two royal families, and the two
kingdoms, is now so complete that it is impossible to make
any distinction between the interests of England and Spain.
Promises punctually to fulfil all his obligations, and even
more if they wish it. Richmond, 28th of November 1501.
Addressed : "To the most serene and most powerful
Princes, Ferdinand and Isabella, by the grace of God,
King and Queen of Spain."
Latin. pp. 6½.
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30th Nov.
S. E. T. c. I.
L. 4. f. 16.
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312. Arthur, Prince of Wales, to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Thanks them for their letters which have been delivered
to him by the Archbishop of Santiago and the Count de
Cabra.
Had never felt so much joy in his life as when he beheld
the sweet face of his bride. No woman in the world could
be more agreeable to him. Promises to make a good husband.
Richmond, 30th of November, MCCCCI. (fn. 6)
Addressed : "To the most serene and most powerful Princes,
Ferdinand and Isabella, &c."
Latin. pp. 2.
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