Cecil Papers: 1563

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 1, 1306-1571. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1883.

This free content was digitised by double rekeying. All rights reserved.

'Cecil Papers: 1563', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 1, 1306-1571, (London, 1883) pp. 272-288. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol1/pp272-288 [accessed 24 April 2024]

1563

877. Warrant for the payment of the Loan Money.
1562/3, Jan. 16. Warrant of Queen Elizabeth to Sir Wm. Cecil, for the issuing of divers Privy Seals for the payment of the loan money to deputies of such of the collectors as had been chosen to sit in Parliament.—Westminster, 16 Jan. 1563 (anno 5).
Original, 1½ pp.
Modern copy of preceding.
878. Sir John Mason to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1562/3, Jan. 28. Speaks of the scandal abroad concerning the case of the Earl of Hertford. Thinks that nobleman ought to be punished by the Star Chamber. Character of the Earl.—28 Jan. 1562.
1½ pp. [Haynes, p. 396. In extenso.]
879. G. Blount to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1562/3, Feb. 10. Had received his letter the 7th February, wherein he wrote that he had received a Privy Seal for the loan of a hundred pounds to the Queen, and desired the writer to prepare for the same. Will make provision for it.—London, 10 Feb. 1562.
1 p.
880. The Marriage of Lady Catherine Grey and the Earl of Hertford.
1562/3, March 12. 1. Report of Commission of Inquiry as to the validity of the marriage between Lady Catherine Grey and Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, declaring the said marriage to have been unlawful.—12 March 1562.
Latin. Modern copy. 4½ pp.
2. Rough drafts relating to the same inquiry.
Latin. 3 pp.
881. Sir Wm. Kelway.
1563, March 29. Sir Wm. Kelway's expenses at Portsmouth, 27 Sept., 4 Eliz. to 29 March, 5 Eliz.
27 pp.
882. Thomas Permot (?) to Sir Andrew Corbet.
[1563.] April 3. States his inability to contribute towards the loan.—Hords Park, 3 April.
½ p.
883. The Queen's Speech.
1563, April 10. A document endorsed, “10 April 1563, the Queen's Speech in the Parliament, uttered by the Lord Keeper.” Has reference mainly to the subject of Elizabeth's marriage.
[A further endorsement says : “In the Appendix to the Life of Queen Elizabeth, p. 663.”]
¾ p
Modern copy of preceding.
884. John Evans to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1563, April 16. Gives reasons for his inability to contribute towards the loan. Begs Sir Andrew to certify to this effect to the Council.—Salop, 16 April 1563.
1½ pp.
885. Robert Pygott to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1563, April 16. States his inability to contribute towards the loan. Desires Sir Andrew's certificate to that effect to the Council.—Chetwyn, 16 April 1563.
¾ p.
886. William Gatacre (?) to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1563, April 17. States his inability to contribute towards the loan. Recalls his own services at the time of the loan under Queen Mary.—17 April 1563.
¾ p.
887. William Yonge to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1563, April 22. States his inability to contribute towards the loan.—Caynton, 22 April 1563.
¾ p.
888. Robert Pygott to Sir Andrew Corbet.
1563, April 24. Thanking him for his willingness to grant the certificate asked for. Wishes to know Sir Andrew's pleasure regarding the course to be taken in making it.—Chetwyn, 24 April 1563.
¾ p.
889. The Office of Treasurer.
1563, May 3. A copy of the Queen's Majesty's Commission to the Lord Keeper, the Earl of Pembroke, and Sir William Cecil, to execute the office of Treasurer, during the sickness of the Marquis of Winchester.—Westminster, 3 May 1563 (anno 5).
Draft. 1 p. [Haynes, pp. 383, 384. In extenso.]
890. Siege of Havre.
1563, June 16. Rough memorandum, chiefly in Cecil's handwriting, of expenses in connexion with the siege of Newhaven [Havre].
Endorsed by Cecil :—“16 June 1563. A memorial for Newhaven,. upon consultation with Sir Hugh Paulet.”
2¼ pp. [Compare State Papers, Foreign, 1563, pp. 431–434]. Modern copy of preceding.
891. The Queen to the Earl of Sussex.
1563, June 30. Letter in favour of Thomas Stuckly, who is about to make a voyage to discover certain lands in the west towards Terra Florida. Directing the Earl how to act in the event of Stuckly being driven by a stress of weather on to the coast of Ireland; and also how to deal with any French vessels captured by him, arriving on the said coast.
Draft by Cecil. 1 p. [Haynes, p. 401. In extenso.]
892. The Parsonage of Cheshunt.
1563, June. State of the Parsonage of Cheshunt, when bought of Mr. Baesh by Sir Wm. Cecil.
5 pp.
893. The Queen's Ships.
1563, July 7. An estimate for transporting certain of the Queen's ships and galleys from Gillingham to Portsmouth.—7 July 1563.
1 p.
Modern copy of preceding.
894. Siege of [Havre?].
1563, July 14. Men, cannon, &c. to defend or assault some fortification (Havre?) : a few notes appended regarding the operation.
Endorsed by Cecil :—“14 Jul. 1563. Fosco.”
Italian, 1½ pp.
895. Siege of Havre.
1563, July 20. Memorial by Sir Wm. Cecil relative to the conduct of the French in regard to the surrender of Newhaven [Havre]. “Articles to be notified.”
¾.p
896. Sir Amyas Paulet to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, July 27. The outbreak of the pestilence at the castle. Has been required by the Captain of Hurst and others the Commissioners for Guernsey to repair unto them for their assistance in their Commission. Has not thought it his duty to leave; indeed cannot, for fear of disorders by the soldiers.—Jersey, 27th July 1563.
1 p. [Haynes, p. 402. In extenso.]
897. The Lord Admiral to the Lords of the Council.
1563, Aug. 2. According to their directions, has given order for the discharge of the men sent with him, and has reserved certain ships and barques to remain on the sea, both for the safe waftage of the men and other things from Newhaven [Havre], and to keep the seas clear for traffic : has also sent a sufficient number of ships to Havre to bring away all things that are to be taken to Portsmouth. Learns from Mr. Holstok, who came that day from Havre, that most of the men and things had been shipped there before he departed, so that he thinks all will be despatched thence by noon the next day. Assures their Lord ships that he was, and is, ignorant of the terms of the composition between the Earl of Warwick and the French. Praise given to the Earl and his soldiers. Having given order for the charge of the ships, remaining at sea, to Mr. Wynter, and having seen to all other things signified in their Lordships' letter, he intends to repair to the Court as speedily as he can.—Portsmouth, 2 Aug. 1563.
1½ pp. [Haynes, pp. 402, 403. In extenso.]
898. Sir F. Knollts to the Queen.
1563, Aug. 2. According to her command, will signify to the Earl of Warwick and his troops her Majesty's hearty thanks for their valiant services [at Havre]. Will, after receipt of the Earl's advice in that behalf, obey her command with respect to the payment of the soldiers. Mentions the sum necessary for that purpose, and the way he considers best to be taken for effecting the same. Will tell the Earl of Warwick of her pleasure that he should repair to the court as soon as possible.—Portsmouth, 2 Aug. 1563.
2 pp. [Haynes, pp. 403, 404. In extenso.]
899. Sir F. Knollys to the Lords of the Council.
1563, Aug. 2. Gives thanks for the leave of absence accorded him. Intends, after a day or two when he has conferred with Sir Adrian Poynyngs, and has made some advance in the discharge of the soldiers of Havre garrison, to go to the Isle of Wight, and stay there until he has to repair to the Court. Thanks their Lordships for approving of his doings in connexion with the discharge of the said garrison.—Portsmouth, 2 Aug. 1563.
1 p.
Modern copy of preceding.
900. Sir F. Knollys to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 2. Will do his endeavour to save charges in the despatch of the soldiers of Newhaven out of wages. Does not see how much of the money due the 14th of June may be saved, for, although many of the soldiers and some captains be dead, yet there will not want claimers of the dead soldiers' due, which would be much misliked to be denied them. In his letters to Her Highness has told what would discharge the whole pay of the garrison, and supposes that may be paid at London, whither the captains and officers will resort after the common soldiers be discharged, but trusts Cecil will not so much disgrace him as to make him an auditor thereof.—Portsmouth, 2 Aug. 1563,
Modern copy. 1½ pp.
901. Sir F. Knollys to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 2. Thanks Cecil for his consideration of him. His former letters, of that day's date, agree with those of Cecil, dated the day before, regarding the captains having forborne to receive their whole pay until they came to London. Thinks that thus the treasure at Portsmouth will serve fully to discharge the pay of the soldiers. His difficulty in getting the soldiers and some of the captains out of the town; nevertheless has proclaimed “a paye” the next day at Porchester Castle, which he thinks will bring soldiers and captains together apace. Has appointed Hugh Cownsayle to be present with money. Has also desired Sir Adrian Poynyngs to be there. His method for the payment of the soldiers, and because conduct money is to be included, therefore the soldiers must be seen “by the poule” by Sir Adrian Poynyngs and Hugh Cownsayle. Advantages of Porchester Castle for a muster. Space there also for lodging 2,000 men. Has victual there already sufficient. Has spoken for stoppage of sending country armour to Portsmouth. His last letters tell Cecil what he knows of the compact [between the French and the English garrison of Havre]. It appeared that Mr. Throckmorton had no audience in France before the compact was concluded.—Portsmouth, 2 Aug, 1563.
2 pp.
Modern copy of preceding.
902. The Earl of Warwick to the Privy Council.
1563, Aug. 4. Asks instructions as to the “Barwick bands”; whether they shall be raised to their former numbers and sent thither, or whether they shall be “cassed”; and in the latter case, what allowance shall be given to them? Asks also for orders respecting the ordnance and munitions arriving from Newhaven (in France), and the bestowal of the armour sent from the country.—From Southwick, 4 Aug. 1563.
1 p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
903. Notes of Offices.
1563, Aug. 4. Notes (in the handwriting of Sir Wm. Cecil) of the names of persons holding various offices in Ireland and elsewhere.
904. Bishop of Chichester and the Sheriff of Sussex to the Privy Council.
[1563], Aug 6. Have according to their Lordships' order proceeded in the examination of the matter between the E. of Northumberland and Sir Thos. Palmer, and hope to make their report thereof shortly.
In the meantime a sessions has been demanded by Mr. Palmer for indictments to be found which they think most inconvenient. Bequests that their Lordships' pleasure therein may be signified.—Midhurst, 6 Aug.
1 p.
Modern copy.
905. Launcelot Blundevill, one of Mr. Hamby's Clerks, to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 6. On the receipt of his letters addressed to the E. of Warwick at Stanwell on Tuesday last, travelled with such speed as to arrive at Southwick on the Wednesday night, but with the laming of one of his geldings. The Earl kept his bed, but received the letters and on the morrow sent him to Portsmouth to be employed as Mr. Ponings and Mr. Fisher should direct. They have appointed him to make out the warrants for the Earl's signature according to the order of which a copy is enclosed. All diligence is being used by Mr. Counsell to despatch soldiers.—Portsmouth, 6th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
Encloses,
The E. of Warwick to Sir Moryce Denys or Hugh Counsell. Has given full authority to Sir Adrian Ponyngs and John Fisher or either of them to give warrants for the transport of the garrison late at Newhaven. Requires them to make payment accordingly, and to make out the Captains' warrants on the Muster Rolls subscribed by the persons abovenamed.—Given at Southwick, the 4th of Aug. 1563.
Copy. 1 p.
906. Anthony Anthony to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 6. Divers persons daily demand their money for provisions supplied at the command of the Council for Newhaven in Normandy. Begs him to obtain a warrant for their payment.—London, 6th Aug. 1563.
½ p.
907. Sir Adrian Ponyngs to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 6. This afternoon at six of the clock Sir Hugh Paulet and the Marshal with the last fleet from Newhaven arrived here and to-morrow or the next day muster and discharge their men, saving the sick, who shall remain until they are somewhat relieved. Have discharged since the first arrival of the soldiers here, according to the Muster Master's report, to the number of 1,000.—Portsmouth, 6th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
908. Thos. Carew to the Captain of the Isle of Wight.
1563, Aug. 6. They have no news but of great preparation of ships in France and Brittany for war, and of great threatening to do some exploit in the islands of Guernsey and Jersey, the spoil whereof is said to be given to M. D'Estances, the Governor of Brittany. Beseeches him to communicate this with speed to Sir Francis Knolles and Sir Hugh Pawlet. Frenchmen and “Britaines” make very little or no traffic to Guernsey since his arrival; only with three or four small boats bringing with them not above eight fardells apiece. They find in their doings a labyrinth and when they shall make an end of their commission, God knoweth.—From Guernsey, the 6th of August 1563.
(Postscript.) Assures him that both the Castle and the Isle are very weak as well for want of men as of munition, &c. This day, the 8th of August, news is come that there are divers ships in Brest haven to accompany those of St. Malo. The plague is very sore in Jersey, especially in the castle. These reports cause them to have a slack and very spare sale both for ornaments or plate and for grain. Have appointed the Friars Church for the school and schoolmaster with 80 quarters of wheat, and the other part of that house for the Dean with 100 quarters for the preacher. They find the Jurats “overthawrt,” and slow to all good intents.
Endorsed :—The copy of the Captain of Hurst Castle, his letters to the Captain of the Wight.
1¼ p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
909. Memoranda by Sir Wm. Cecil of measures to be taken against the French.
1563, Aug. 7. To expostulate with the French ambassador concerning the detaining of Sir N. Th. (Sir Nicholas Throckmorton), to send to the French King to demand him, and to inform the Spanish ambassador thereof.
To procure as many as can be to set ships of war to offend France and to distress and “empeche” the Newland fishing and the herring fishing.
To put the 15 French ships that are in Portsmouth to sea.
To prohibit all buying of wines of French growth and to prohibit the carrying of Newcastle coals to France.
To appoint ships to guard the passage between the mouth of the Thames and Flanders, to set an impost on Rhenish wines, and to look well to Berwick, appointing a Captain and a Marshal there.
Endorsed :—7 August 1563. Memorial at Windsor “contra Gallos.”
1 p. [Haynes, p. 404. In extenso.]
910. Sir Hugh Poulet to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 8. Send herewith his son Amyas Poulet's letters from Jersey, where the plague has broken out in the Castle. Thus it hath pleased God to plague him and his children with plague upon plague in sundry places this year. Can do no more for his part than see the places of the dead soldiers speedily supplied with others. Urges upon him the necessity of strengthening both the Islands of Jersey and Guernsey with additional men and fortifications.—“From the poor village of Wymbering, besides Portsmouth,” the 8th of August 1563.
1 p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
911. L. Blundevil to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 10. Reports his progress in making out the captains' warrants. The number of soldiers tarrying and exclaiming for their wages is nevertheless very great, and a great charge to the town and neighbourhood. It pitieth him to see and hear of the miseries of numbers of them dying for want of relief and otherwise.—Portsmouth, 10th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
912. Sir Maurice Denys to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 12. The Earl of Warwick left Southwick for home on the 10th, leaving him, with Sir Hugh Paulet and Mr. Poynings, in charge. Details the great difficulties they meet with in paying the troops and asks for instructions and money.—Portsmouth, 12 Aug. 1563.
2 pp.
913. Sir H. Poulet, Sir Ad. Ponyngs, and Sir Maurice Denys to the Privy Council.
1563, Aug. 15. Enclosing an estimate of the probable amount required for the discharge of the debts still due to the soldiers and artificers at Portsmouth, and stating the reasons for the heaviness of the charge.—Portsmouth, 15th Aug. 1563.
1¾ pp.
Modern copy of the preceding.
914. Sir Adrian Poynings to the Privy Council.
1563, Aug. 15. Has very hardly found place for such armour and munition as has been sent from the Tower and brought from Newhaven. Incloses particulars of the same. Also sends the plot for the flooring of the church, with the charges thereof. The master carpenter thinks timber from the New Forest best for the purpose, Desires instructions. The bark Briton has been valued at 80 pounds. Notice of divers contingent expenses.—Portsmouth, 15 Aug. 1563.
2 pp. Annexed, .
1. Particulars of the armour and munition received as above.
2. A Bill for salt.
915. “God's House” at Portsmouth.
1563, Aug. 15. Charge of flooring the Church in the Hospital of God's House, Portsmouth, for stowage of armour, with a ground plan of the Church.
1½ pp., with plan and sheet.
916. Sir A. Poynings to the Council.
1563, Aug. 18. Concerning the unloading and surveying of two ships called the “Primrose” and the “Minion,” and the despatching of certain ships and men to Jersey under the command of Sir Thos. Cotton.—Portsmouth, 18 Aug. 1563.
3 pp.
917. Lord Clynton to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 20. Encloses two letters from Sir T. Cotton and Mr. Holstok concerning the spoiling of the galleys by the storm. Suggests that two other ships should accompany the fleet with Sir T. Cotton in the place of the galleys and galliots which are “no wynter ships.”—From Byfleet, 20 Aug. 1563.
1 p. Enclosures,
1. Sir Thos. Cotton to Lord Clynton, the Lord High Admiral.
Reports the damage done to several galleys, amongst the ships under his charge, in a storm which overtook them on the coast of France on the Saturday last past.—From Dover Roads, the 16th day of August 1563.
½ p.
2. Wm. Holstok to Lord Clynton
Reports the “spoiling” of two galleys by the storm on the coast of France, and asks instructions for their repair.—From Dover, the 17th of August 1563.
1 p.
Modern copies of the foregoing.
918. Minute (by Sir Wm. Cecil) of a Letter from the Privy Council to Lord John Grey.
1563, Aug. 22. Informing him that the appointed removal of the Lady Catherine Grey from the Tower to his custody is in consequence of Her Majesty's compassionate desire to place her out of danger of the plague by which the Tower is now environed, which privilege Her Majesty has upon much humble suit also granted to the E. of Hertford, meaning not that she should be at any further liberty thereby, but only to be free from the place of danger. Her Majesty thought it best, in respect that his Lordship is a nobleman and of grave consideration to regard any trust committed to him, and also the uncle of the said Lady Catherine, to commit her to his custody. Her Majesty's pleasure is further that the said lady shall remain with him and his wife as in custody during her Majesty's pleasure; nor is she to have conference with any person not being of his Lordship's household without their knowledge; which Her Majesty meaneth her to understand and observe as some part of her punishment, and therein Her Majesty meaneth to try her disposition towards obedience.
Of their own part, as they wish that she should not long lack her Majesty's favour, but recover it by all good means, they heartily pray his Lordship to see that her demeanour in his Lordship's house is the same as if she were in the Tower until she may attain more favour of Her Majesty, for it is true that Her Majesty meant no more by this liberty than to remove her from the danger of the plague, and so they pray his Lordship to let her plainly understand.
Endorsed :—“22 August 1563. Minute of a Lre to the Ld. John Grey for ye La Cathar.”
1 p. [Haynes, p. 404. In extenso]
919. The Navy.
1563, Aug. 22. A minute of directions to be given for the fitting out and victualling of several vessels for service on the coast, and in the Channel Islands.
1 p.
920. Sir A. Pontngs to the Marquis of Winchester, the Lord Treasurer.
1563, Aug. 24. Concerning the finishing of a wharf in progress at Portsmouth, and the stowage of armour and munition there.—Portsmouth, 24th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
921. The Admiralty Court.
1563, Aug. 25. Directions for arresting the goods of Nicholas and Andrew Tremayne at the suit of William Wedington, painter of London, to remain in the custody of the Admiralty Court till the trial.
Endorsed :—“25 Aug. 1563. Sute against the Tremaines.”
½ p.
922. Edw. Baesh and E. Wynter to the Lord Admiral.
1563, Aug. 25. Concerning the victualling of certain ships and the despatching of soldiers to Jersey and Guernsey.—Portsmouth, 25th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
923. Sir A. Ponyngs to the Privy Council.
1563, Aug. 25. Advertises them of the sudden death of the treasurer, and asks what shall be done with a certain sum of her Majesty's money at Portsmouth. Recommends Hugh Counsell and others of the late treasurer's servants to their Lordship's notice.—Portsmouth, 25th Aug. 1563.
1 p.
924. Sir Adrian Poynings to the Queen.
1563, Aug. 28. Concerning the state of payments to the troops from Newhaven at the death of Sir Maurice Denis, treasurer. Her Majesty's care for the sick and wounded.—Wherwell, 28 Aug. 1563.
Seal. 1½ pp.
925. Lord Clynton to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Aug. 29. Perceives by Mr. Gonston that he hath no order given him for money for discharging the men in the ships that come presently from Portsmouth to Gillingham Water. Beseeches him to move the Council to let him have the necessary money. Mr. Gonston dare not repair to Court himself on account of the proclamation forbidding it, the plague having been lately at Deptford.—From Horsley, 29th Aug. 1563.
Enclosure,
Benjamin Gonson's letter from Deptford to the above effect, which is dated the 26th of September 1563.
A modern copy of the preceding.
926. Hugh Councell to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Sept. 2. Concerning payments to Captains Carewe and Cornwalle lately serving at Newhaven.—From St. John's, 2 Sept. 1563.
1 p.
927. Sir Thos. Cotton to Lord Clynton.
1563, Sept. 4. Acknowledges the receipt of three letters from the Privy Council with reference to the number of prizes taken, the sending of certain great ships to Gillingham, and his going to the Channel Islands.
States in reply what prizes have been taken within his knowledge. The great ships shall be sent to Gillingham with speed, which will require 300 men. Touching his going to the Islands it will be with great purpose, for there they will be able not only to discover the doings of the French, but also to annoy them if occasion serve. At his late being on the French coast gave them a great skirmish on the shore side and killed some of their men. Would have made them a better “Larom” and also have seen the Islands by this time if he had had any skilful mariners, but he had not one that he could trust with the conduct of a fishing boat.—“From aboard the Lyon, the 4th Sept. 1563.”
2½ pp.
Modern copy.
928. John Basyng to the Lord Admiral.
1563, Sept. 5. States what ships, barks, or other small vessels have been taken by him or by those under his command.—From Southsea Castle, 5 Sept. 1563.
1 p.
929. The Queen to the Lord Admiral.
1563, Sept. 5. Warrant for the removal of six great ships, that is to say, the Elizabeth Jonas, the Victory, the Minion, the Primrose, the Philip and Mary, and the Jennet from Portsmouth to Gillingham Water under the command of Sir Thos. Cotton. William Holstock and Geoftrey Bellingham to have command of the Elizabeth Jonas and of .the Victory.—Given at Windsor Castle, the 5th of September, in the 5th year of her reign.
1 p.
930. French Ships taken by Sir T. Cotton.
1563, Sept. 8. A list of the French merchant vessels taken by Sir Thos. Cotton and others on the 4th, 5th, and 8th of September 1563, stating their tonnage, cargoes, &c.
1 p.
931. Wm. Dryver to the Privy Council.
1563, Sept. 8. Stating that the only ship taken by him during the time of his service was a vessel of 100 tons belonging to Fecamp, laden with Gascon wine, which Vas taken to Newhaven and discharged by order of the Earl of Warwick. This was in December last.—8th September 1563.
1 p.
932. W. Wynter to the Privy Council.
1563, Sept. 8. Certifying that there was no ship taken by him or by any of his consorts during the period of his service, that is to say, from the 9th of June last to the 12th of the following August.—From Deptford, 8 Sept. 1563.
1 p.
A modern copy of the preceding.
933. Sir Ad. Ponyngs to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Sept. 8. Concerning the shipping off to London of the armour left at Portsmouth, &c. Encloses a list of the daily charges of the sick and wounded at Porchester Castle, which decrease daily. — From Wharwell, 8 Sept. 1563.
Enclosure,
A note of the charges per diem of the sick and hurt at Porchester Castle, which amount to 4l. 4s. 10d.—Dated 7th Sept.
934. Jersey Castle.
1563, Sept. 20. An account of the expenditure on the works and fortifications at Jersey Castle, &c. under Sir Hugh Paulet, until the 20th Sept. 1563.
1 p.
935. “God's House” at Portsmouth.
1563, Sept. A note of the timber required for repairing and flooring the Church of the Hospital at Portsmouth called “Godeshouse” for the purpose of stowing armour there, with the cost of felling and squaring the same and of making the stages.
Endorsed :—Sept. 1563.
2 pp.
936. Ships rescued from the French.
1563, [Sept.]. A list of the English merchant vessels rescued from the French by Ralph Chamberlain, stating their cargoes, &c. and to whom they were delivered for proof of ownership.
2½ pp.
937. The Navy.
1563, Oct. 4. A memorandum of the ships “now in charge upon the seas” asking how long they are to continue in victualling after the 28th of October.
½ p.
938. Christopher Mundt (Her Majesty's Agent in Germany) to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Oct. 12. Has at last, on the 9th Oct., received Cecil's letters sent from Windsor on the 25th Aug. Suspects they have been detained at Antwerp, where like diligence has been several times exercised. On the same day he received letters from John Abel, a merchant of London, dated from Erith, near Gravesend, the 25th Sept. Suggests that Cecil should recommend more zeal and diligence to the servants of D. Gresham.
Sees at present no more expeditious method of attempting the matter of which Cecil has reminded him than to recall, as if by chance, to the Duke of Wurtemburg his own words spoken to Mundt in his palace of Stuttgard in the year 1560. If he shall perceive in him the same desire for furthering the matter, he on his part will promise to re-open the question before Cecil; but if the Duke appears to be otherwise affected he also will hold back. In short he will be guided by the circumstances. Count George of Helfensteyn would be a most fitting agent in this matter, as he would but renew the course lately discontinued by him. But he is now with the Emperor, who, with his sons, is staying at Vienna, which is more than a hundred German miles distant. Has been met also at divers times by other Imperial Councillors for the purpose of stirring up this matter, but they are all at present a long way off.
Conjunctions of this kind on which the safety of many peoples and kingdoms depends are ruled by the hand of the Lord, whose the earth is and all that dwell therein. His latest letters were sent on the 29th Sept., by which Cecil will learn his desire in this matter. The Dukes of Wurtemburg, Deuxponts, and Baden, and the ambassadors of some, other princes, have assembled not far from the Duchy of Wurtemburg. Will find some pretence to approach the Duke, to whom he will set out to-morrow.—From Strasburg, 12 Oct. 1563.
Latin, 1½ pp. [Haynes, p. 405. In extenso.]
939. The Navy.
1563, Oct. 17. A memorandum by Edward Baeshe of the ships now serving upon the seas, the victualling of which is in his charge, giving the monthly charge of such victualling, and asking if it is to be continued.
½ p.
940. The Navy.
1563, Oct. 24. A report by Edw. Baesh, General Surveyor of Victualling, of the amounts due for victualling Her Majesty's ships.
1 p.
941. The Queen to Lord Cobham.
1563, Nov. 6. Whereas during the present terms between England and France it is thought good that certain persons should be licensed on either side to go to and fro to treat for the ransom of the prisoners, for which purpose Sieur de la Malleraye, the Governor of Dieppe, and Vice-Admiral of France, have given letters of safe conduct to some of Her Majesty's subjects of the port of Rye, these are to authorise him as Warden of the Five Ports to give similar letters to as many of Dieppe as he shall judge sufficient for the purpose.—Given at Windsor, the 6th Nov., in the fifth year of our reign.
Draft. 1 p. [Haynes, p. 406. In extenso.]
942. The Queen to the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Warwick, Sir Francis Knolles, Sir Hugh Pawlet, and Mr. Edward Randolph.
1563, Nov. 8. A warrant to them or three of them (whereof the Lord High Treasurer is to be one) to consider sundry requests for payment of pretended debts by “dyvers captains and other persons that lately servid us at Newhaven; and by certein sherifs and collectors, for money which they pretende to be due unto theim for sundry kindes of maters; some of them for service at Newhaven, some for money disbursid by order of us or our Counsell for prests conducts and coates for sundry soldyours, pyoners, laborers, and such other, prestid and sent, part to Newhaven, parte to Portesmouthe, and parte towards the sea coasts;” and as far as they are just to see the same satisfied.—Given at Windsor, the 8th November, in the 5th year of our reign.
Draft. 2 pp. [Haynes, p. 406. In extenso.]
943. The Queen's Ships.
1563, Nov. 16. An estimate of the expenses of two of Her Majesty's ships, the “Swallow” and the “Willoughby,” for two months and three weeks, ending the 16th November. The expenses amount together to 468l. 2s.
½ p
944. Henryck Byllyngshusen to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Dec. 5. Beseeches him not to credit certain unjust and untrue informations that have been laid against him, but inasmuch as the Queen has graciously appointed his matter to be heard and considered by a commission, begs him to further the speedy hearing of his cause. Begs also the Queen's licence and passport, so that on the determination of his said cause he may depart on the affairs of his master the King of Denmark, without further molestation or hindrance. — London, 5 December 1563.
1 p.
945. Henryck Billingeshusen to Sir Wm. Cecil.
1563, Dec. 6. Although, in the behalf of the King of Denmark, his master, he is at this present sore spoiled of ship and goods, as Cecil well knows, yet he does and will .bear to the Queen, land, and people of England a true and good heart. Has certain matters to declare, “to be done in other countries,” with which he would not gladly credit any other but Cecil, or someone appointed by him. These matter would, he doubts not, redound to the great commodity and profit of the Queen. As he supposes Cecil “will not glady have the presence of such as come from London in this time of God's visitation,” he will, if Cecil appoints some one acquainted with the French or Dutch tongue, declare his mind unto him.—London, 6 December 1563.
Seal. 1 p.
946. The Navy.
1563, Dec. 10. An account of wages due to the mariners and gunners on board Her Majesty's ships at Chatham and Portsmouth for the year ending 31st December 1563.
1 p.
947. The Navy.
1563, Dec. 17. An account by Edw. Baeshe of the sums due for the victualling of Her Majesty's ships under his charge ; earnestly requesting an order for “some money for the pore men against Christmas.”
1 p.
948. Christopher Mundt to Sir W. Cecil.
1563, Dec, 28. On the receipt of Cecil's third letter, on the 27th November, which plunged him into deep sorrow, wrote carefully to the Duke of Wurtemburg explaining all prior action according to the tone of Cecil's letters. The Duke thereupon sent for him by his own messenger, and having read to him the letters written by the Emperor to himself on this matter (the marriage with the Archduke Charles), added that the Emperor would not interfere again in a matter in which he had once met with a repulse, to which Mundt rejoined, “Nor would the Queen ever renew the action by herself, lest she should appear to woo a husband contrary to all modesty and decorum; but certainly to no prince of the world could it be unbecoming to undergo danger and become a suppliant for such a Helen, accompanied by such a dowry and so much dignity.” Endeavoured by all means to persuade the Duke to act as mediator, and at length succeeded in obtaining his good offices in ascertaining the opinion of either party. The Duke's commissioner, to whom Mundt gave divers letters of assistance, set out again for England on the 26th.
Thinks there will not be much difficulty in any of the conditions except that of the coronation, which the Duke thinks should not be denied to him in case there should be offspring.
But inasmuch as the offspring would, like the mother, be subject to mortality, and the coronation once performed could not be undone, in this the custom of the kingdom and what is lawful and right will have to be considered. The Duke is still of opinion that the commissioners of either side should meet at some fitting intermediate place to arrange the conditions of the dowry; and although Mundt disapproved of this on the ground that the immediate consent of the estates of the realm would be necessary thereto, yet both the Duke and the Count replied that the Emperor would not again send into England unless he received a satisfactory assurance that the affair would be allowed to proceed to a point beyond recall. It would appear from the Emperor's letters that he was not in his heart averse to the negotiation, but that he feared for it an ignominious issue like that of the former.
The Cardinal of Lorraine has recounted to the Emperor a new device concerning the redemption of Ireland; saying that Ireland was only held by England as a pledge, that is to say for a debt of one hundred thousand crowns, and that he would bring it about that within three years the debt should be repaid and Ireland restored to Scotland.
The Council of Trent was concluded on the 8th December, and as all the papal superstitions are confirmed in like manner our doctrine is condemned. The two sons of Maximilian shortly set out for Spain, in order to learn the Spanish customs, the succession to that kingdom being doubtful. Requests his intercession for the payment of two years' arrears of pension, &c. to John Abel.—From Strasburg, 28 Dec. 1563,
Latin. 3 pp. [Haynes, p. 407. In extenso] Encloses,
The Emperor of Austria to the Duke of Wurtemburg.
Has received his letters dated from Stuttgard, the 17th Oct. As to their contents with reference to the renewed proposal of an English marriage, wishes him to know that he sent his ambassadors to England, not without expense, in order to ascertain the feeling of the Queen as to a marriage with his son. She, however, never gave his proposal serious consideration, but only made use of it for her own advantage with the other powers; which was contrary to his sincere wish, and even towards a person of less exalted condition it was meet that such a course should have been discontinued.
And although he might be desirous of again entertaining the project yet, considering what happened on the former occasion, he might be compelled to submit to a like issue, which would both be injurious to his credit and would render him ridiculous.
Therefore neither he nor his son have hitherto had any thoughts of this marriage, nor do they now intend to prosecute the matter further. Nevertheless, putting this question aside, they bear the greatest friendship and goodwill to the said Queen in all things as she shall experience should occasion offer.
Endorsed :—The sense of the Emperor's letters to the D. of Wurtemburg, as near as I have been able to remember.
Copy. Latin. 1¼ pp. [Haynes, p. 407. In extenso.]
949. Instructions to the Vice-Admirals and other Commissioners appointed for the Suppression of Piracy.
1563. First they are to meet together and deliberate with as little delay as possible on the best means of carrying out Her Majesty's intention.
They are to provide with especial care for the detaining of any persons arriving in any port or creek under their jurisdiction who may be suspected of plundering any subject of the King of Spain or of any friendly Power, and also for the seizure of any ship or goods which may seem to have been acquired by such means.
They are to make strict inquiry as to the armed vesssels leaving any such port since the month of June last, and as to the booty brought back by them. Also as to what restitution has been made to subjects of friendly Powers and what complaints have been made without such restitution.
They are also to see that no armed vessel except it be one of Her Majesty's ships, or otherwise properly authorised, goes to sea until either the captain or the master signs a bond, of which the form is subjoined.
Finally, the Vice-Admirals and their deputies to avoid the appearance of conniving at the piracy, of which eomplaints have been made, are not to conduct any inquiry except in conjunction with the other Commissioners appointed for that purpose.—1563.
Latin. 2 pp.
950. Newhaven.
1563. A list of those who served at Newhaven (commencing with the Earl of Warwick).
Endorsed :—“1563.—Names of men serving at Newhaven.”
1 p.
951. Wares from the Low Countries.
1563. Alphabetical list of “Wares to be brought out of the Low Countreys” arranged under the heads of “Necessarie” and “Superfluous.”
Endorsed by Cecil :—“Wares out of ye Low Countrees.”—1563
9 pp.
952. The Garrisons of the Marches.
1563. Charges of the wardens and garrisons of the East and West Marches.
7 pp.
953. Jersey and Guernsey.
1563. Report of the Commission for Jersey and Guernsey, appointed May 22, 1 Eliz. Contains survey of the coasts, of the Queen's lands, and of the religious houses; and report on the erection of a grammar school in Guernsey, &c.
92 pp.
954. Embassy to the Protestant States of Europe.
[1563]. Proposals that an embassy should be sent from England to the Protestant States of Europe, pointing out to them how the Papacy is strengthened and the King of Spain benefited by their dissensions.
Unsigned and undated. French. 1 p.
955. The Queen's Apparel and Diet.
[1563?]. Certain precautions proposed to be taken regarding the Queen's apparel and diet.
Draft by Cecil. ¾ p. [Haynes, p. 368. In extenso. See also State Papers, Domestic, 1563, August, &c.].
956. The Earl of Leicester to Lord Cobham.
[1563?]. Has showed his letter to Her Majesty and neither of them can read the name. Conceives it to be the matter he gave warning of a good while since, if so he will do well to be careful.
Suggests that, if his health permits, he should come in person and signify the man and matter to Her Majesty.
Undated. Holograph. 1 p.
957. Council of Trent.
[1563?]. Points of fasting and obedience extracted out of the Tridentine Council.
Endorsed :—“This was found in a bag in on Waldowne's chamber prisoner in ye—.”
1½ pp.
958. David Wans.
[1563?]. Safe conduct for David Wans, a Scotchman of Leith, to trade in English ports for the space of one whole year with a ship or ships of 100 tons or under.
Draft 2 pp.
PreviousTable of contentsNext