Border Papers volume 2: December 1595

Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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'Border Papers volume 2: December 1595', in Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603, (London, 1896) pp. 82-94. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-border-papers/vol2/pp82-94 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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In this section

173. Huntingdon to Burghley. [Dec.]

"Thease are to advertyse your lordship, after I dyd receave hyr Majestys lettres datyd the of broughte to me by the Lord Ewre, I was in mynde to have sent for sum of the pryncypalle gentlemen of the Myddle Marchys. But hearynge as I dyd, by sundrye meanes, of the bad state therof mannye wayes, I resolvyd in end to goo my selfe to Newcastle, wheare I myghte with more ease to them, and lesse perryll to that cuntrye, convent more of the principalle men before me then I coulde well calle hythyr, consydrynge what was tolde me of the daylye spoyles theare. And understandynge after my laste cummynge hythyr, that no muster had ben takyn in all Northumberland as by my lordes lettres datyd the of, which I sent thythyr, as I dyd to the other countyes wythyn my charge, I resolvyd to have all the horssemen mustryd in that countye, sparynge to deale with the footemen at thys tyme, because the harvest theare was then so bad and bakewarde. And for the takynge of thys muster in the Myddle Marchys, I dyd apoynt to everye place 3 gentlemen, wherof one of thys countye of Yorke, another of the countye of Duresme, and a 3d of the countye of Northumberland. Thys muster was takyn by these 9 gentlemen the daye before my cummynge to Newcastle. And the nexte daye they broughte in theare severalle certyfycates, which I found to dyffer so farre from that I sent unto my lordes laste, as yt dyd a" [Ends abruptly here]. (fn. 1)

pp. Holograph: much altered. Indorsed: "Dec. 1595. Copie of a lettre intended to have been written to the Lord Thesaurer by the Erle of Huntingdon towching the border cawses" (and by Burghley), "The Erles own hand."

174. Eure to Burghley. [Dec. 3.]

On Tuesday the 25th November Lord Huntingdon came to Newcastle, where he conferred with the gentlemen of the Myddle Marches for union among themselves, which I hope will end in better service to her Majesty. The day before, a general muster of light horse in the three wards had been taken by 3 muster masters in each—whose certificate was sent to the Earl while at Newcastle, and will doubtless be shortly in your hands—showing great decay since last muster "anno 93."

I have received by the commissioners from Sir John Forster, certain bills of complaint, his book of indents with the opposite warden, and the Commissioners' book agreed on "anno 63." I see many more bills due, neither redressed nor inrolled, and refer to your lordship whether commissioners should not be authorised to meet with opposite commissioners as in former times, to satisfy all these bills before my time—the particulars whereof I will send in my next.

The safest and speediest remedy I can devise, by the advice of experienced men here, is to have a general watch of the fords and passages of the whole March; which is now begun, and will be continued so long as we find it "dothe any good," though from the general terror of the people, daily murders, &c., it is feared it will not be to the effect I wish. Newcastle. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Flyleaf and address lost.

175. Crane and Acrigge to Burghley. [Dec. 6.]

Sir William Reed and his men being appointed to lie at Carlisle, and there being a "great brute" of the coming of the enemy, who would find the Holy and Fern islands, if they took them (as God forbid), the fittest havens for ships and men in these parts, not to be recovered without heavy charges to her Majesty and loss of many men's lives—and he, having great care and regard for these places in his absence, having required us to report defects greatly needing amendment, we find, first—there are 2 pieces of great ordnance there so full of "flawes and hunycombes," that they dare not be shot off more than once for fear of bursting, and killing the gunners and servers, leaving the haven mouth undefended. Sir William has often desired to exchange them, but the master of the ordnance here dare not without your warrant. Also the upper court or platform in the fort at Holy island, is so broken and full of holes, that the pieces cannot be brought to the loops to be shot off, "nor reverse," without breaking their stocks and carriages, unless more men be allowed. We leave the remedy to your lordship's consideration. Berwick. Signed: John Crane, Will'm Acrigge. "Post scripte.—. . . If the Spaniardes should land, Sir William Reed would be veary loth to be absent . . . and for that his credite in service hath bene at all tymes in diverse offices of good callinge, with good discharg therof, and now to be removed from his so necessary a chardg into the West Borders upon so small service as is there to be done, itt is a thing thought veary inconvenient."

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

176. Crane and Acrigge to Burghley. [Dec. 7.]

As the breach in the old town wall next the river was done last Michaelmas, also great part of the defects of the long bridge amended, so far as the season permitted, and the iron gate for the Cowgate finished, to be set up when the stone work is ready—we recommend that the stone needful be got, not at the quarries which will be chargeable, but out of the old Cowgate wall "neare hande," which will save carriage and hewing, to be done by taking in the "olde walle and rampeir at the Cowgate betwene Bedford and Hunsdon mountes, which dothe not onlie barre and condempne the flanckers in Bedford mounte and the Milne mounte, leaving the whole groyne and greatest parte of the cullyn of Bedford mounte to be unflancked, but also sundrie partes of the saide olde walle and rampeir yet standinge and subject to the prysall of thennymie, do so top and surmounte the curteins betwene the saide mountes, as the peeces to be placed theron by thennymie shall playe upon and beate thordenance house, the weast parte of the towne, and insyde of the rampeires of the mountes and curteines, bothe of Bedford and Midle mounte, with suche disadvantadge and danger, as it is moste expediente tymelie to be prevented." And the taking said old wall, mended in sundry places only with "pales of firdeales," blown down by every great wind, to the Queen's cost, will not only make up the Cowgate, but also the "vamures" of the walls all about the town, many of which are blown down, as they were lined with brick now decayed, and other needful works about the town. The earth thereof will fill up the now empty buttresses and "rampeires" of the new walls inside, and greatly strengthen that side of the town. But we wait your pleasure and warrant before meddling with the old wall.

We must also revive to your memory the need for some further proportion of timber from Chopwell wood for these works. Berwick. Signed: John Crane, Will'm. Acrigge.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

177. Charles Hasloppe to Burghley. [Dec. 8.]

The customer having showed me your lordship's letter the 5th instant, touching two packs of cloth and "carseys" seized by me as searcher on 7th October last, whereby I find that by his letter of 4th November, without my privity, he has not certified the full truth, I asked Mr Governor to stay the said packs till I showed your lordship the state of the "cawse"—which he has done. And as it will exceed a "competente lettre," I have drawn up the inclosed paper, whereby a practice to defraud her Majesty, both now and formerly will appear, between Mychell Phenley a Scottish merchant and the customer. Berwick. Signed: Charles Hasloppe "searcher of Barwicke."

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in same:—

Presumptions in behalf of her Majesty, touching the seizure of two packs of Yorkshire cloth and "Denshier" kerseys, made by the searcher of Berwick, being the goods of "Mychell Phenleye Scotisheman."

1–4. The packs were seized and brought into the Custom house 7th October—the Queen's mark put on them—and the customer informed that Robert Sympson Englishman had entered them as his own, though the goods of "an alyente," illegally, to defraud the Queen. The searcher unloosed the cords to open them, but the customer begged delay till the Scots merchant came: who acknowledged them as his, asking my favour and offering to "content" me, or it would overthrow him.

5. I refused to delay, when he confessed he had "Denshier" kerseys coming from Coventry, and feared they were in the packs—showing the customer knew this.

6. On opening them, the kerseys were there, contrary to Sympson's entry, and the customer's, in the Queen's book.

7–8. He and other officers owned the seizure good, but he delayed delivering copies of Sympson's letter, to give the Scotsman time to see him, and he also put the Queen's mark off the packs.

9. The Scotsman being "in greiffe" with himself, two of his neighbours and an Englishman said to him, "Why have you ventered your goodes, have you not the customers word nor none others for your warrant? If ther be any suche thinge, lett yt be knowen and the fault lye wher yt is." He answered if the worst be "and if he wer xx customers in one and wore velvett," he would speak, if it come to that.

10–12. These packs were the first that ever came to the customer's lodging, which might have "trubled" the searcher's eyes, but he had special news: and the customer of himself said the merchant should pay for his fault—who offered through an Englishman 20 marks sterling.

13–14. I inclose copy of Sympson's letter sent by the "caryer" to the customer to enter the packs, and of his letter to Phenley inside of a pack, showing the fraud, for Sympson never had a factor in Scotland.

14. The packs are entered in Exchequer—and I did not expect to find the customer oppose it.

15–16. I can prove that Phenley got Sympson's help before with 5 packs, but the officers stopping them, he entered them himself and paid the Queen's dues. There are other things I omit, to avoid tediousness. Signed: Charles Hasloppe "sercher of Barwicke."

pp. Holograph. Indorsed: "12 Dec. 1595. Presumptions," &c.

178. John Carey to Burghley. [Dec. 8.]

From your lordship's letter of 26th November, I am very sorry to find your opinion touching the gentleman portership differs so far from mine, but submit to your honour's pleasure. There is no great need for a gentleman porter at all, as the governor and captain of the ward have the care of the keys.

For victuals, I am driven to tell your lordship we are very hardly dealt with by the victualler—we look and expect, but never find. And if Lord Hume would but keep our neighbours of the Merse from victualling us, "wee ned no other seidge," for we should either have to starve or leave the town. We have long looked for Mr Vernon and Mr Swifte "whose deedes are not according to his name, for he is longe a comming." I must pray your honour to have them sent away with more speed than they themselves make, and if they excuse themselves with wind and weather, they have had warning enough on that. The continual rumour and preparation in Scotland for the Spaniards coming, makes me more earnest herein.

The comptroller and surveyor require me to entreat for your warrant for some timber for the long bridge, now in great decay—what they had having been bestowed on the Cowgate bridge. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

pp. Addressed. Indorsed. Swan wafer signet.

179. Eure to Buccleuch. [Dec. 9.]

"Understandinge by generall reporte" that your King has appointed you keeper of Liddesdale, I thought it not amiss to write these few lines to you, to understand your grant, &c., that I might frame myself to concur with you in justice. "Hopeing of your good neighbourhood herein, I wilbe ready to yeald you the lyke."—Hexham.

Copy of my letter to Sir Walter Scott knight laird of Buckclughe and keeper of Liddesdale.

"Commissioners for the Borders, out of which your lordship (fn. 2) make choise as best shall seame to your honorable wisdome."

The Lord Wharton, Sir William Mallyorye knight, Sir William Bowes knight, Sir Cuthbert Collingwood knight, Sir Thomas Fairfaxe junior knight, Richard Goodrick esq., Francis Slingsbye esq., Gerrard Lowther esqr., Captain Selbye, Thomas Carleton, Doctor Colmare, Robert Bowes junior.

(Buccleuch's reply to Eure.)

That he will be ready to concur with him in justice for Liddesdale, and asking that the necessary forms to be followed be "condiscended" on as soon as pleases him. "Hassingdean kirke this Friday the xixth of December 1595."

pp. Copies by Eure's clerk. Indorsed.

180. Eure to Sir William Carr. [Dec. 9.]

Signifying his appointment as warden of the Middle Marches, and her Majesty's commands to see justice done to her subjects, and concur with the opposite warden at days of March for mutual redress. Hexham.

The copy of my letter to Sir William Carr knight lord warden of Scotland "foranenst" the Middle Marches of England. Signed: Ra. Eure.

(The warden's reply.)

Acknowledging the letter and that he has conferred at large with Sir Cuthbert Collingwood, who has carefully signified Eure's mind to keeping good order on the Marches—complimenting him on appointment as "justicer" which the Queen would not have conferred without knowledge of his sufficiency—and that he himself will discharge his own duty when the English warden has occasion to try him.

"The coppie of Sir Robert Ker his lettre in answere of my lettre to Sir William his father, the xxijth day of December 1595." Signed: Ra. Eure.

2 pp. Written by Eure's clerk. Indorsed.

181. Scrope to Huntingdon. [Dec. 13. 1595.]

"Havinge occasion to make the post ryde," I send you the inclosed news brought by my man this day out of Scotland. Considering how unfit this country is for service, as the late muster rolls sent you show, and the "bruite" of foreign preparations for our trouble, I think it would bring this country in better order if you wrote to the gentlemen, &c., here, to certify how many men they will voluntarily muster for service, in addition to those they are charged with, and bind themselves to serve in case of extremity—as I hear is done elsewhere. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet quartered.

182. John Carey to Burghley. [Dec. 19.]

Your letter of 5th subscribed by "my Lord Buckhurst and Sir John Foscew," I received not till the 12th at 9 A.M.: containing instructions to inquire about a Hamburgh ship "parted" from London with one of Hull. The next day 13th at 9 A.M. I received from Sir Robert Cecil more particular direction, viz. to send a trusty person to confer with George Nicholson and Tusser, how to stay and bring the ship back lawfully. Whereon I at once dispatched Captain Bowyer with 2 garrison men, who used such expedition, "as the same night towardes morning he arived att Edenbroughe." Losing no time, he sent Tusser and Wayde his companion to the ship with a garrison man, to see if she "held her continnance for passadge." After they left for the other side where she lay, being a long passage, Bowyer "fitted himself" with a small English bark there, and with his people waited the tide to have gone out "and ryden by the Hamburgar as bound all one course," as Tusser and he had agreed. At which instant, Tusser returned, reporting she had sailed last tide with a fair westerly wind, and Bowyer advising with the English ship master, found it useless to follow. Having to return here, he thought to "trye and scyfte" Tusser, and having long conference together, "the capten telleth me, he founde him in such varietye and unsteadfast speches, that one his conscience, there would have bin no such thing found as Tusser had informed your honnour; perceaving him to be a most buissye person, and that if he be harkned too, his delewsiones wilbe many." He told Bowyer he was going presently to confer with the Lord Crightoun, one of the most notable factious papists there, whereby it is to be doubted this "fellowes" residence there without cause, bound by his first intentions for another place, "will prove naught." I thought it good you should know Bowyer's opinion of this man, against another time.

While Bowyer was there, the rumour of the Spaniards coming was great, verified by Colonel Steward who then returned. They were thought to have landed in England, from Bowyer's appearing, till he told them he was only on pleasure. No letters are allowed to leave the country, on pain of death—a general muster is being made, while the King and Queen are in Edinburgh. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed: "... Towching Tussers informacion of treasure in a ship of Hamborowe."

183. John Carey to Sir Robert Cecil. [Dec. 19.]

[On the same subject, with some additional particulars.] Bowyer knowing "the Duche language" and putting himself in "the tryme of a master marryner," hoped to have got on board the Hamburger, and performed his commission by fair means or force.

Tusser being questioned about the treasure, "said that out of a barrell of corne, the tope being filled with peper, he sawe the shipper himself cast three bages in a corner that could not be lesse than eight thowsand poundes in silver. 'Why then,' quoth Bowyer, 'he must have dossen men to lifte it!'" Then he told Bowyer a Spaniard was on board, but confessed it was only a little boy. Nor could Bowyer get the name of the ship and shipper out of him, to have traced her, and he either knows not or will not tell. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

(fn. 3) Postscript.—Complaining that the postal delay had obstructed the service.

pp. Addressed: To Cecil as a privy councillor. Indorsed.

184. John Ferne to Burghley. [Dec. 22.]

In your letters of the 17th instant to the Archbishop of York and the Council here, your lordship writes you have not received mine of the 8th as to the Middle Marches, and requests me to "reiterate" the same, with farther report of Lord Huntingdon's doings and purposes in his last journey. By my letters of the 14th of this month, "presently upon his death," I wrote to you, that my letters of the 8th as to the Marches were indeed dated 11th, as I find by the original, and the error was due to forgetfulness and trouble on the loss of our "honorable, religious, faithfull, and wise president." For these letters on March matters were stayed after being sealed, as no packet could go, "my lord then livinge," without his command, and he not then in case to be spoken to. So I wrote them anew, with a second date of 11th December, and sent them by one Rideley an alderman of Beverley who rode post to London meaning to be there by the 15th—hoping you have received them. His lordship, as I have said in my letters of 16th instant, did not acquaint me with any particulars. In my first letter I told your lordship there were but four preachers in Northumberland,—little or no justice civil or martial—the law of the realm and the March contempned and almost out of use—report that wardens' courts have been held in private chambers—general complaint of violences—decay of horse, &c. "exceedinge greate"—the people without heart—ransoms as common as in war—rodes increasing in the Bishopric—eight score masters of families reckoned to have been slain since the Queen's 10th year—with my opinion that these misdemeanours were furthered by evil disposed English, by marriages with the clans and families of Scots, and sundry other causes. This was the sum of my first letter on the Marches—and as further report of my lord's doings and purposes would have lengthened this letter inconveniently, I have set them down in order of a "journeaull" as inclosed, showing my knowledge of each day's business at Newcastle. York. Signed: Your lordships most humble to be commanded, Jo. Ferne.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

(Ferne's report to Burghley.)

Report of "the late" Earl of Huntingdon's proceedings at Newcastle on the affairs of the Middle Marches.

His lordship came to Newcastle on Tuesday 25th November accompanied with the Lord Ewry.

On 26th by 12 o'clock the gentlemen of Northumberland "convented" by his lordship arrived, and after dinner, he saw the warden court books delivered to Lord Ewry by Sir Wm. Bowes, Doctor Colmor and other commissioners, as received from Sir John Foster, also the indentures between Lord Ewry and Sir John touching the receipt of said books. The Earl also received from the commissioners Sir John's answers to the articles which "I suppose" his lordship had drawn and commanded them to take—but I did not hear the particulars, which Sir William Bowes can certify—"but his lordship talking with me aparte, said that 'Sir John did winde like an eele'—that was his phrase."

[2]7 Nov. "In the forenoone a sermon": and in the afternoon his lordship accompanied Lord Eure to the Castle, where Lord Eure's commission was read and promulgated before a great assembly of gentlemen of Yorkshire, the Bishopric and Northumberland. His lordship doubting the truth of the musters formerly ordered by him, now appointed them to be made on one day, "viz. the 24 of that moneth as I remember," in three places by 3 gentlemen, one of each county—which nine commissioners reported to his lordship after dinner, that there were but 115 horse "furnished" in that March—but the Northumberland gentlemen thought that 45 of those "defective" in Yorkshire and the bishopric, were fit for Border service, making up 160. His lordship then advised these Northumberland gentlemen to settle their feuds and quarrels, to defend their March better, and that it was her Majesty's express command that they should leave all wrongs to "the sworde of justice," not to their private revenge. On returning to his chamber, thinking of the great defects in the musters compared with last year, his lordship "(as I gathered by his wordes) sayd 'Oh, how hath that man (betraied or abused) Queene Elizabeth!' thon of the wordes he spake, viz., either 'betraied' or 'abused,' but verily I doe not well remember which." And his countenance showed great sorrow and grief at the state of affairs; and that night, partly with the great trouble he had taken, the "travell" of his journey, but chiefly I think of grief, he was "sicke," and till next day at noon was mostly "private."

28th Nov. "He was sicke."

29th Nov. He received the answers of the Northumberland gentlemen, to the articles he gave them two days before, touching the decays and disorders of that March and their opinions on remedy, and perusing them, called me to read an article on the unjust ransoms and number slain since her Majesty's 10th year, &c., which they could not answer without conferring with the country people, so took further time. Whether these last were brought to York with him or not, is unknown to me—but I suppose the muster books and Sir John Foster's answer are in his "caskettes," which we of the Council here sealed and locked up, as before reported to your lordship. That day after dinner, his lordship set out for Durham on his way homeward.

As I never had any of his books, &c., in my hands, I can say no more than here set down. As to his purpose for bettering the Marches, I know very little, except that he said that commissioners from both princes were necessary for "justicing" both nations—if not, that her Majesty might maintain 100 horse to strengthen them, till the people recover themselves.

"His meaning was to have comen to London presently and have enformed her Majestie and your lordship of all thinges."

3 pp. Written by Ferne's clerk. Indorsed: "26 No. 1595. Mr Ferne's report of the Erle of Huntingdon's proceedinges at Newcastell."

185. Scrope to the Council. [Dec. 25.]

In the absence of Thomas Musgrave, officer of Bewcastle, presently with your lordships, I sent my servant John Musgrave his brother there. On Tuesday night last a band of 16 or 20 Scots horsemen on a foray, were discovered, and in following the fray, John Musgrave happened to kill a principal man, though "a notorious comon ryder" on the Queen's subjects. For revenge of whose death, the Scots have already threatened that office "with highe and proude boastes," which I think they will do if they can, and look daily for the "verie worste." And as the soldiers are not yet come, I have here in readiness the forces of this office for any service, intending with them "to seeke at their owne dores" any who shall attempt revenge for this man's death, unless countermanded by your lordships. I humbly beg a few horsemen to be allowed there to keep down outrages, for footmen are not "so good to defend and pursue as for offence and retyeringe themselves and companies in any service." I attend your directions with all expedition. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

186. Scrope to Burghley. [Dec. 25.]

I inclose my general letter to the Council, referring your lordship to the same. Adding only that as Bewcastle is of late so weakened, "there beinge scarce two good horses" in it, nor "not many," even when the captain himself is there, to ride out with him, and as John Musgrave his brother, in respect of this "accydente" dare not remain there—I beseech you that Thomas Musgrave may be speedily commanded to his charge, or such other as her Majesty and your lordships think meet. But if he is returned to the office, it were good that he gave assurance before leaving you, to furnish himself with and keep a fit retinue of his friends or servants, till the office is in better strength, and promise to see the office furnished with their due number of horses for defence. But better assurance must be taken than his "simple promises," for I fear his performance "will not be answerable to his promises and faire speches" while with you.

I duly acknowledge your favour in the causes I lately recommended to you "by the solicitinge of Adam Midleham, as well for her Majesties tenantes of Richemond and Midleham, as in myne owne perticuler." Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

187. Eure to Burghley. [Dec. 26.]

My delay in writing since my last of the 3d instant, was owing to the "extreame tempestious wether" on my coming to Hexham "the daie prefixed in consultacione with the gentlemen of the Middle Marche, viz. xth of December att Morpethe," to receive bills of complaints. For the most of them did not come; but it appears that the spoils besides murders, since their last return in 1593, amounted to 6369l. till my entry, and many bills not entered; if a part of which could be recovered it would help the people to furnish themselves against outrages. But without a commission from both their Majesties, it will "rarelie" be had, for the two means of justice by March law are taken away, "viz. a vower is food, (fn. 4) and none can be hadd of Scottishe, the Englishe are terryfied by there slaughters to avowe for the Scottes. Assyse is likewise taken awaie by the careles respecte of relegione, honor the warden will not be assented unto of the opposyte." Without reform of these corruptions, what redress on truce days will be had, I refer to your wisdom.

Sir John Forster at delivery of the rolls to the commissioners, said that all bills were answerable from 1586, when Lord Rutland and my father were at Berwick; but I hear that my lord chamberlain, &c., commissioners from her Majesty since 1588, met there, which the Scots will doubtless claim to their advantage, and if they do, the losses are great, as will appear to you by this note out of their certificate general.

Mr Slingsbie viewed Harbottle castle, and I pray your lordship to ask what decay he found. The prison is not fit for felons, nor the house for any man of worth, "eyther for saifetie or healthe." I beg some help for its repair, either by Sir John Forster repaying part of the Queen's money "not bestowed," or some other means, for my keeper lies there on service "in meane sorte."

The prison at Hexham "is ruinated, the jeastes of chamebers taken awaie, a pooer oulde catiffe hath the patent, and neyther throughe his povertie hable to keep man to gaurd the presonne, or geveth them meate in presone, neyther anie pertitions of roomes for the severall presoners, but one dungione." I pray your consideration therein with speed, for I am forced to make my house a prison meantime, and I beg I may pay the gaoler his fee for life, and place a fit man there, and if allowed 100l., and timber out of the Queen's woods in this March, I would repair it sufficiently. I sent you the breviate of the muster given to the Earl of Huntingdon at Newcastle, showing the lamentable defect. For horsemen: if her Majesty allowed me 100, to be placed as needed, at Hardbottle, Chipchase, Aydon brigg, Hawtwissle and other places, I would get better peace with my opposite neighbours, and crave commission to levy them in Yorkshire.

I wrote as directed to Sir William Carr, the opposite warden by patent, but received no answer, but a letter from Sir Robert Carr his son, who executes the office, "proferinge" justice—and a message that he could not answer for Buccleuch's government of Liddesdale, or for Fernihirst's of East Teviotdale. So "I am posted to three opposytes (and maybe untoward neighboures)," and have to answer for my whole March. I inclose copies of my letters.

I made means to learn Buccleuch's "grant," who has hitherto given no great cause of offence, but as corn this year is failed both in Scotland and Northumberland, "and meate must be hadd," I look that my March will pay part, if we are not stronger.

"Sesford and the Trumbles are in contrarie, whome Buckcloughe joyneth to Sesforthes aunoye"—procuring peace to me for a little.

My news I fear is late, being out of the fittest post way, and busy hunting out felons, English and March traitors, to keep a court to reform them, and I am a "verie stranger" in Scotland.

I hear that Sir John Forster is bailiff of Bywell by the Queen's grant, so I am hindered there and in other places for my necessary provision. Praying your lordship I may have the disposing of that "balife," and the others in Hexhamshire, and a constable in Langley, which will much further the Queen's service, now much hindered. Sir John will not let me have corn, hay, or straw for "anie money," notwithstanding the Queen's pleasure signified in your letters. So I must entreat for some grounds to keep my horses winter and summer. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

2 pp. Addressed. Indorsed (partly by Burghley) and notes by him on margin.

Inclosed in the above:—

(Note of spoils.)

Breviate out of the general certificate of decayed tenancies in the Middle Marches since 26 Elizabeth, certified to the Privy Council 1593.

The spoils since 26 Eliz. certified ut supra 8691l.
The spoils since the former certificate to this present year, 1595. 6369l.
15,060l.

I cannot "sever" the spoils done since Lord Rutland and Lord Eure's commission ended at Berwick 1586, for the years are not set down in the general certificate book. Signed: Ra. Eure.

½ p. Indorsed by Burghley.

188. Eure to Sir Robert Cecil. [Dec. 26. 1595.]

[To the same effect (in briefer terms) as to his father.] Adding—"I finde . . . not twoe paier of boultes in Hexham towne, the cheiff markett towne in that quarter of the cuntrie—officers few or none that will thrust themselves to apprehend a malifactor, but am forced to send my servantes or frendes. I coulde inlarge my petious discourse to your honour, but in trothe I neyther finde good orders established or helpe from the grave experience of my predecessor to help me."

I inclose copies of my letter to Sir William Karr opposite warden, and Sir Robert his son's reply. Hexham. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

Inclosed in the same:—

Copies of Lord Eure's letter of 9th Dec. to Sir William Carr of Cesford and reply of 22 Dec. by his son Sir Robert Carr.

189. Report on Norham Castle. [Dec.]

As directed by your order sent by Sir Robert Carey knight now captain of her Majesty's castle of Norham, and with advice of Leonard Faireley master carpenter of Berwick, James Burrell and other skilled artificers, we have surveyed the ruins and decays there, which are very great; the walls are much decayed, and many of the towers and turrets heretofore on them, are fallen down, and no platform or place for ordnance left. "So (the owter gatehouse onlie excepted) at the entrie or goinge to the castell, there are neither lodgings, offices nor any other houses of receipt standinge in the castell, but are all fallen downe and rewynated." And if they should be "reedifyed" in their former "proportion and forme," they would cost her Majesty above 1700l. or 1800l. at least; and therefore we have only set down such lodgings and offices as are most needful for the captain and his retinue, viz.—

The captain's lodgings:—

1st. The great dungeon tower, 5 stories high, one half of which (the north part) is all fallen down to the vault: which place we think fittest and with least charge to be rebuilt for the captain, viz., a hall, a buttery, a pantry, and eight other lodgings, besides two garners for corn, and a vault for a prison underneath the same. The walls are in thickness 12 feet, in length 21 yards, in breadth within the walls, 8 yards, and in height above the vault 18 yards. Making up all which, and repairing the part of the dungeon still standing, in stone, lime, iron, glass, timber work, &c., carriage and workmanship, will cost, by estimation, 610l.
The Kitchen and offices.—A house or room adjoining, in length 18 yards, in breadth within the walls 7 yards—very necessary to be converted into a kitchen and offices—in timber work, laths, lime, slate, &c., and workmanship, will cost as above, 30l.
Bakehouse and brewhouse to be also built, in stone, lime, slate, timberwork, &c., with workmanship, will cost as above, 94l.
A stable for 20 horses to be built, being in length 18 yards, in breadth within the walls with "bayes and stalles," and a lodging at the end for the horsekeepers, of 5 yards square, which in stone, lime, slate, &c., with workmanship, will cost as above, 68l.
A powder house and gunner's lodging, in length 9 yards, in breadth within the walls, 7 yards. The west part whereof is fallen down, and will cost to repair as above, 10l.
The inner gatehouse, to the inner court, being in length 9 yards, in breadth within the walls, 7 yards, with the iron gate there (in decay) will cost as above, 18l.
Total of the above estimate, 830l.

For the above it will be requisite to have 100 tons of timber—the charges of which, felling, squaring, land and water carriage and freights, loading and unloading, are included in the estimate, and "your lordshipes warrant" only remains to be had from Chopwell wood. Signed: Wyllyam Reed, Ra. Gray, Anthony Felton, John Crane, Will'm Acrigge.

3 pp. In Crane's writing. Indorsed partly by Burghley.

190. Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil. [Dec.]

Hoping to have had more worthy matters to send, I forbore to acknowledge her Majesty's most gracious letters of licence to take amends of the Scottish spoilers opposite me, but having received the inclosed from Scotland by my man this day returned "(though he were hindered these x dayes by extremity of wether and waters)," I send them by the post. And if there is anything worth, you will impart it to my lord your father, with excuse for my not writing to him. Notwithstanding the need of the soldiers ordered here, and that 100l. is paid to them already, they are not yet come. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

"The Lowthers ar my greate adversaryes, and Gererd is now on his jorney towards London. If he shall broatche any thinge against me, that shall come to your privitie, I desier and assure my selfe that you will stand my honorable frende."

1 p. Holograph. Addressed (to Cecil as a privy councillor). Indorsed:

"Dec. 1595. Lord Scroope to my master, with certaine advertisementes out of Scotland. A pamphlett given to the King by an Irish gentleman."

191. Bowes' Accounting with Vernon.

Answers by Robert Bowes to the note exhibited by Robert Vernon to the Lord Treasurer, specifying delay in each half yearly payment.

He refers to the books and accounts mutually subscribed between them—with the farther explanation that as he himself received no more than 6000l. for the first half of each year, and did not get the remaining 9000l. of the 15,000l. necessary to pay the garrison, &c., till the end of the second half, Vernon, who was always in advance with his expenditure, was therefore not fully paid till Bowes had the money.

pp. Indorsed.

192. Royal Warrant for Berwick pay, &c. [Dec.]

"Elizabeth, &c. To the Treasurer and Chamberlains of our Exchequer, &c., greeting. Whereas by default of Robert Bowes treasurer of our town and garrison of Berwick, there was in arrear of their pay 5500l. for the space of two years ended at Michaelmas 1589, 31st of our reign, wherewith they being grieved and complaining to us, we were pleased for their easement till further order might be taken with the said Robert Bowes, by our warrant in May of our 33d year, to pay them 3000l. "as parcell of the said 5500l." due them by the said Robert Bowes, treasurer. And whereas the said Robert Bowes was indebted to Thomas Smyth late farmer of the customs of our port of London in 1500l., "which by our favour we allowed to be paid to us by the said Bowes as parcell of the debt of the said Smyth, which being added to the former debt due to our said garrison, doth make the full some of 7000l."—payment of which great sum we have of our favour to the said Robert Bowes been pleased "to install" and receive by 1000l. yearly from the feast of St Michael the Archangel 1593, 35th of our reign. Whereof he has answered to us of the first year ended at Michaelmas last 700l., leaving 300l. to be paid by one John Smith his assigne. And whereas the said garrison have newly made humble suit to us for payment of their arrears whereof there is still due to them 2500l., and the said Robert Bowes on being dealt with by you, has made certain offers to us for their satisfaction at Midsummer next, and for the rest of his debt of 3000l. to us to be paid yearly by 500l. from the "Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary" next coming, which we are content to accept—We command you on assurance first made by him in such sort as you our Treasurer with advice of "our councell learned" shall think good for his payments, to pay back to him the said 700l. already answered in Exchequer, making with the 300l. yet unpaid, 1000l. Also to discharge to him 1500l. to be due to us for a year and a half on the instalment ended at "the Annunciation of Our Ladie" now next ensuing, which shall be in the 38th year of our reign; "with which allowances, making in all the somme of 2500l., the said Robert Bowes hath undertaken to make full satisfaction unto our said garrison of Barwick at or before the Feast of St John Baptist next coming, for all debts and arrerages due by him to them before the Feast of St Michael, in the xxxjst year of our reigne abovementioned." Which being done, or such order taken therefor as you our Treasurer shall think meet, we command you thereon to acquit and discharge the said Robert Bowes by cancelling or by judgment of you our barons or other course of Exchequer of all his "bandes, recognisaunces," &c., to us made or recorded in Exchequer for the said 7000l. And whereas the said assurance to be granted to us by him for the yearly payment of 500l. is to "growe" chiefly out of certain saltpans erected at Sunderland in our bishopric of Durham, under a privilege heretofore granted by us to Sir Thomas Wilkes knight clerk of our Council, for making white salt within this our realm—having some years yet to run "which some have of late unduetifully impugned"—Our pleasure is that you our Treasurer and barons during the residue of the said years, aid and assist by authority of Exchequer the farmers workmen or assigns of the said Sir Thomas Wilkes and Robert Bowes, and maintain them against all who shall impeach their said privilege. Given, &c.

4 pp. Draft. Indorsed: "1595. Draught of a warrant for paying of the garrison of Barwick, and discharge of Mr Bowes assurance."

(1) Part of a draft on same business.

193. Commissioners in the North. [1595?]

The names of those joined in commission with Thomas late Archbishop of York president of the Council in the north.

The Archbishop, president; Thomas earl of Northumberland; George earl of Shrewesbery; Henry earl of Comberland; Francis earl of Bedford; James bishop of Durham; Henry lord Scrowpe; John lord Lomley; William lord Ewre; Thomas lord Wharton; John Walch a justice of the King's Bench; Nicholas Powtrell serjant at the law; Henry Percye knight; Thomas Gargrave knight; Nicholas Fayerfax knight; William Vavasoure knight; John Foster knight; George Bowes knight; Henry Gates knight; George Conyers knight; William Whittingham dean of Durham; John Rokeby doctor of laws; John Vaugham, Henry Savell, Richard Corbet, John Eglefelde, George Browne, Christofer Estoft, and Thomas Eynose, esquires. (fn. 5) These were of the Quorum—The Archbishop, John Walche, Nicholas Powtrell, Thomas Gargrave, Henry Savell, Robert Mencell, George Browne, Francis Frobiser, and Christofer Estoft. The counties of York, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmerland, the Bishopric of Durham, the cities and counties of York, and Carlisle, towns and counties of Kingston upon Hull, and Newcastle on Tyne, and Berwick on Tweed and its liberties.

1 p. Indorsed (in the second hand): "The names of the comyssyoners in the north in the tymes of the Erle of Rutteland and the Archebyshop of Yorke."

Footnotes

  • 1. Lord Huntingdon died before 14th Dec. 1595.
  • 2. Burghley.
  • 3. Holograph.
  • 4. Feud.
  • 5. On margin in another hand:—Henry erle of Ruttland president; Henry erle of Westmerland, Wylliam lord Dacres, Wylliam lord Graye, Wylliam Constable, Thomas Wharton knyght, Robert Mencell serjant at law, Francis Frobiser esquire."