Cecil Papers: 1578

Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1915.

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'Cecil Papers: 1578', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda, (London, 1915) pp. 153-169. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp153-169 [accessed 26 March 2024]

1578

John Asteley.
1578, April 1. Acknowledgment of receipt by John Asteley, Master of the Jewels and Plate, from the Earl of Lincoln, of 15l., for his half year's annuity out of the manors of Ashleybe and Folkingham, Lincoln.—April 1, 1578.
½ p. Much damaged. (214. 10.)
H. Lord Clynton to the [Earl of Lincoln, Lord Admiral].
[? 1578], April 20. He is sorry to understand Sir H. Sydney holds his land at such excessive price, far above his ability to pay. He must therefore rather endure the displeasures caused by their lands being intermingled than undo himself by paying 400l. or 500l. for that which will not make 40l. till the leases expire, 19 or 20 years hence. Desires to answer the matter before the Earl and the Lord President. Encloses a note on the matters of which the Earl wrote him in his last letters.—Tatershall, 20 April.
Holograph. 1 p. (186. 8.)
The Enclosure:
H. Lord Clynton to the Earl of Lincoln.
He puts into another note the causes which make him so fond of Sir H. Sydney's land, lest his letter should be discovered to Sydney, and make him more unreasonable. Gives details of extent and value of the land in question, a common called the Marsh, between the river and the town of Tattershall; and of how he proposes to deal with it. He is willing to pay 200l., and to leave the disposition of the land and the benefit to Lincoln.— Undated.
Holograph. 2 pp. (186. 9.)
Foreign Affairs.
1578, April. Instructions given to ambassadors and agents sent abroad, with the effect of the negotiations. Extends from Oct. 1575 to April, 1578.
2 pp. (141. 120.)
The second page bears the signature of "Ro. Salisbury."
Inventory.
1578, June 11. Note of the glass and other things found in the great house late in the tenure of George Skeffington, standing at the North end of the old Jurie and abutting on the West side of the inn called the Winde mill there, and now taken by the Mayor and Commonalty of the city of London of Thomas Cony of Bassingthorp, Lincoln, Esq., and Alice his wife. By James Peele, clerk of Christ's Hospital in London.— 11 June, 1578.
A roll. (208. 3.)
Musters.
1578. Schedules of persons in various counties appointed to find and put in readiness demi-lances and light horses for her Majesty's service.
The counties are: Berks, Cheshire, Cumberland, Derby, Durham, Essex, Hertford, Huntingdon, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford, Somerset, Southampton, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Warwick, Wilts, and York, the City of London and Town of Oxford, and three schedules without names of counties.—Undated.
Endorsed: 1578.
30 papers. (208. 4.)
H. Lord Clynton to the Earl of Lincoln.
[? 1578], June 28. Gives various details with regard to the manor of Horncastle, and refers to "the Bishop's" unreasonable demands. He has always desired the Earl to have the inheritance thereof, if it might be reasonably obtained, because it lies so fit for Tattershall, and the liberties and royalties of those 13 towns so near adjoining are no small credit to his dwelling here. Prays the Earl to deal with the Bishop for his impropriations at this time if he can, and he will pay the charge thereof himself.—Tattershall, 28 June.
Holograph. 2 pp. (186. 10.)
Walter Erle to the Queen.
1578, June 28. Prays for the reversion of the parsonage of Moreden, Dorset.
Note by Thomas Sekford, that the Queen grants the suit in consideration of Erle's long services.—Court at Greenwich, 28 June, 1578.
1 p. (2453.)
Symon Wheeler and others to the Same.
1578, June. They pray that the leases made to them by the Ladies Katherine and Mary Gray, of the lands of the dissolved College of Asteley, Warwick, may be confirmed to them, or renewed upon surrender.
Endorsed: June, 1578.
½ p. (2350.)
Enfield Park.
1578, July 13. Examination of Jasper Wraye, taken by William Clarke, 13 July, 1578.
The same night that Peacock's man was hurt, he lay at his mother's house at Edmonton, with Gunstone and Thomas Wraye, his brother, and there remained till next day. Then all three went towards the chase to an alehouse at Winsmorehill [Winchmore Hill], and there met with Augustyne the keeper, who showed them there was manslaughter committed near the great park. Examinate said he thought the hurt man came out of the park to take a purse, and so was hurt; the rest smiled, and said he was too bold to come so far from his charge. Immediately after they returned to his mother's house, where they lay all night. Next morning they came to the White Lion in Shoreditch, one Stevenson's house. For their hunting in Enfield Chase, he says the same night they hunted there came to his house at St. Mary Axe in London one Luntley, Gunstone and Thomas Reade, persuading him to go with them hunting, to which he consented. Gunston rode before to Edmonton. Luntley rode by examinate and Reade, they going on foot, and that night they came to Thomas Wray's to Edmonton, and there found Gunston, Thomas Wray and Richard Moar, Thomas Wray's man, and there agreed to go into the Chase. They there killed a sorrel, which Luntley carried to an inn in London, and after it was brought to examinate's house, half a haunch eaten there, and the rest bestowed among their friends. He has sundry times been moved by Luntley and others to go hunting, which he always refused.
Endorsed by Burghley. 1 p. (202. 139.)
Elizabeth Mason to Lord Burghley.
1578, July 16. The ass is with Mr. Burdet of Sonning, and shall be with Burghley on Thursday next. Refuses recompense. If the ass stands Burghley in stead, she will be right glad of it. Wintney, 16 July, 1578.
Signed. Endorsed: The Lady Mason.
(202. 140.)
Earl of Northumberland to the Same.
1578, July 17. Thanks him for his dealing with the Lord Chamberlain, and for his friendly advice, which he minds to follow. Is here to coin some money for this journey. Desires Burghley to let him know if there is any alteration of the progress: otherwise he will keep his day.—My house in St. Martin's, 17 July, 1578.
Holograph. ½ p. (202. 141.)
Peter Osborne to the Same.
1578, July 20. One Dorrell of Kent has found the late Serjeant Barham's house and land to be concealed, and seeks to buy it. It is rated in Farnham's book, which is now to pass. The cause of the concealment is that Barham had it of Peter Maplesden, whose father was attainted for Wyatt's rebellion. Advertises his Lordship thereof on behalf of the poor widow and her son.—Ivy Lane, 20 July, 1578.
1 p. (2435.)
Enfield Park.
1578, July 28. Examinations touching hunting in Enfield Park and shooting a keeper's man, wherein Thomas Wraye, Umfrey Gunston and others were concerned.—28 July, 1578.
3 pp. (213. 102.)
The Same.
1578, July 30. The names of such as have hunted in Enfield Park, confessed by John Rice.
In Burghley's hand.
Endorsed: 30 July, 1578.
1 p. (202. 142.)
Vincent Skynner to Lord Burghley.
1578, Aug. 1. According to your L. pleasure I have attended on my L. of Essex to Cambridge, and delivered to Mr. Wright as your L. gave me in commandment, which henceforth I think will be observed: betwixt whom and Writtington I found there had been great and long stomaching for the most part of these two years, and that the same was grown to such extremity that it behoved to have the same quieted speedily. For which cause chiefly I tarried one whole day at Cambridge, and have left them both in that good tune that they have each promised before me and given hands to other to forget all unkindnesses by-past, and return to the ancient love and amity that was at the beginning of their acquaintance in service about his Lordship. A matter I thought very necessary to be brought to pass, considering his L. is presently going into the country, where the like had happened heretofore. Besides many other inconveniences, I perceived it might do much hurt to the young Earl by example to be so daily acquainted with quarrels.
Mr. Dean of Ely entered into some speech with me touching a letter which he wrote to your L. concerning D. Fecknam's confession and conformity in yielding to the two points of her Majesty's authority sovereign and the prayers in the vulgar tongue, whereunto he refuseth nevertheless for some slender reason to subscribe, and by your L. means he thinketh than by all men's else may be rather drawn, which in this progress time he thinketh if he might be drawn unto would be a matter of singular consequence; and he told me of divers as D. Still and others who are witnesses of such his yielding, that in case he could not be drawn to subscription, yet if before your L. and other honorables, and in presence of some of the said witnesses, before whom he could not with honesty or credit deny his former confessions, he should in words acknowledge as much, and the same be notified under the testimony of your L. and other honorables, it would prove a matter of marvellous good consequence, and deject the minds and courages of many a Papist, the number and power whereof is greater in those parts where the progress is appointed than it is to be wished they were.
One of that sort who are termed precise whom my L. of Ely appointed to have conference with the said D. Fecknam told me that the persuasions of some that dealt with him and their reasons were so weak that he declared to him that they confirmed his opinion, that in the book of Common Prayer authorised there was nothing but warrantable by Scripture and most of it translated out of the Latin service. Yea, said he, though I knew it not before, yet I thought it likely so, that as well in that as in use of our church ornaments you could be able to devise little of yourselves without borrowing of us with such like. Of the which reason as a good motive the said party seemed reasonably to like, to have used to some simple ignorant person, but not to so strong and stout an adversary.
One other matter by these occasions I do further presume to offer to your Lordship hereinclosed, because your L. shall be shortly in those places where some divisions are about matters of ceremonies used in the church, for which cause some men otherwise of notable gifts and qualities, able to do much good in the church of God, and necessary in so great scarcity of good men, have offered to subscribe to the enclosed, so they may be restored again to the liberty of preaching, namely one Mr. More, a man to me unknown otherwise than by report, who is said to have framed this declaration of his mind concerning those causes, and offered subscription thereof, but cannot be received thereupon. It may please your Lordship to consider thereof as to you shall seem good.—Cambridge, 1 Aug., 1578.
[P.S.] Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Mr. D. Per, with others the heads of houses, yield to you thanks for all your very honorable favour always showed both to the whole university and to themselves particularly.
Holograph. 3 pp. (202. 143–4.)
The Enclosure:
Form of acknowledgement and confession.
Acknowledgement that the articles of religion which only concern the confession of the true Christian faith and the doctrine of the sacraments are good and godly. For the article touching ceremonies and discipline, and the government of the Church, acknowledgement that the corruptions and imperfections therein are not so great as that for the same any man ought to refuse to go to church, hear sermons, and be partakers of the sacraments. The unnecessary public treating of such questions now in controversy is wisely to be restrained and avoided, which the subscriber promises to perform. A promise to commend to God the right reverend father in God Edmond the bishop of this diocese.
1 p. (202. 143.)
Vincent Skynner to Lord Burghley.
1578, Aug. 4. Mr. Recorder and Mr. Wroth have taken the enclosed examinations of Jasper and Thomas Wraye and John Ryce and purpose to follow your pleasure as to the bailing of them; but first their meaning is to urge them to confess where Gonston may be had, and to make suit for their bailing, which the keeper of the Gatehouse is directed to move them unto, besides to recover the dog which Thomas Wraye has confessed to have been brought to an inn in London.
I have been with Mr. Nowell in the Fleet and imparted to him your pleasure. At my first entry the deputy advertised me I might in no wise be accompanied with Mr. Butler, his son-in-law, nor be seen or known to have conference with him. Whereupon I ordered the matter accordingly. And yet he is nevertheless aliened from him and his daughter, whom Butler has married, renouncing her utterly, and deserting both her, her husband and Mr. Flower, his nephew, whom you named to me, that he can scarcely endure to have them named to him, only he can be content to remain with the L. Gyles, whom he first named, or with the L. Marquess his brother. The report whereof after I had signified to Mr. Butler this bearer, I required him to deliver me the names of some gentlemen, if haply in more choice he could better like of some others, meaner persons, his friends, and such as would have tender care over him as in such his estate appertained; the which names I send you hereincluded. But he utterly refused and rejected all, not vouchsaving a good word or thought of any save only Sir William Devereux.
The letters out of Italy I send herewith, and the other letters from Lord Rutland concerning Thexton. His request was that you might be informed from the auditor what had yearly been answered to her Majesty of the profits of courts and other accidents.
To-morrow the Bishop of London appoints to be at London touching the letters from the Lords for the examination of Moreton. My suit is that I may towards the end of this month bestow a little time till Michaelmas in Lincolnshire, to take order in some causes of mine. If you shall have intention and leisure to see Burghley, I shall be most ready either there or in your progress to attend you thither.— London, 4 Aug., 1578.
Holograph. 1 p. (202. 145.)
Endorsed, with list of names, Mr. Vincent Skinner and 12 others.
Parishioners of St. James, Bury St. Edmunds, to the Same.
[1578,] Aug. 15. In favour of their preacher John Handson, who has been called in question touching his doctrine and conversation.—Bury St. Edmunds, Aug. 15.
Endorsed: "1578." Signed. 1 p. (141. 121.)
The Battle of Alcazar.
[1578, Aug.] Plot of "the rare and strange battle fought in Barbary near to Arzile between the King of Portugal, Don Sebastiano and Mullie Hamazan, King of Fez."— Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 1. 66.)
The Earl of Sussex to Lord Burghley.
1578, Sept. 8. I am very glad to understand by your letters of the last of August the good conformity of the Scottish Lords to have their private quarrels ended, and that they mean to send some gentlemen to the Queen's Majesty for that purpose, at whose coming I do wish her Majesty should use such stoutness and liberality towards them as thereby they might both fear and love her and the rather remain at her devotion. The report which Wrothe brought me from your Lordship that there was likelihood of a further treaty between Don John and the ambassadors doth give me some hope of a better sequel than was looked for, which I wish with all my heart, for if the wars continue I see not what will be the end of them. I do believe that Mounsr. will be directed by the Queen's Majesty so long as he hopeth to be great by her, but if he lose that hope then I think he will not for her forbear any greatness he can get otherways. I am glad to hear that Cassamyr and the States be joined in camp, but if the wars continue I fear they will not long keep together, except it be upon the Queen's charge. In the mean time it may do good to further the peace. I do not make any great reckoning of Rambollyett's return with as good words as he brought, but in my opinion it were good for the Queen that the other two did not both return with answer before her Majesty had discovered further the intentions of the Flemings, the French and Don John in the causes of the Low Countries. I am bold to scribble at adventure what I think of all things there. Your Lordship by your presence and daily hearing out of the Low Countries can better judge what is fit. I wish you a good journey and a short return to the Court.—Bath, 8 Sept., 1578.
Endorsed:—The Lord Chamberlain.
Holograph. 1½ pp. (202. 146.)
The Coinage.
1578, Sept. 11. Draft warrant to the Treasurer and Chamberlains of the Exchequer, respecting the conversion of bullion into current money.—Horeham Hall, 11 September, 20th Eliz. (1578).
Endorsed by Sir R. Cecil: "A form of a warrant for bullen."
1 p. (141. 119.)
The Earl of Rutland to Lord Burghley, Lord High Treasurer.
1578, Sept. 24. The bearer his kinsman is not a little bound to Burghley for his favours during the time of his office in Barwick, which only want forced him to be disburdened of. Prays Burghley's furtherance to get some relief for him from the Queen's hands.—Belvoyr, 24th September.
Endorsed:—"1578. The Earl of Rutland to my Lord by Sir Robert Constable."
Holograph. 1 p. (64. 51.)
Richard Ledes to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Sept. 24. Reports upon the mineral works at Keswick. The country people loath to bring in fuel till they perceive further of Daniel's success; but they have been persuaded to provide peats against his coming down. Daniel's frequent journeys to London, and his "long lying above" about these mineral suits, are a hindrance to the works. Complains as to arrears of wages. Asks Burghley's pleasure as to these matters, as he does not know Daniel's intentions. Trusts Daniel will draw the works into a good order, they being well framed both in buildings and show of good ores. Advises that the English partners should always have one man resident amongst them, to be privy to their accounts and proceedings. Advises that further trial be made of the rich lead [in] Sclateburne in the edge of Yorkshire. Advises the purchase of certain copper in the Queen's storehouse at Keswick. Because of the sickness at London, he has craved Lord Scrope's licence to pass this letter under his packet.—Keswick, 24 September, 1578.
Signed. 2 pp. (202. 147.)
Sir William Cordell to the Same.
1578, Sept. 25. With regard to a warrant of the bearer's, Sir John Smith, which Smith wishes to pass under the great seal. The warrant grants the pardon of a portion of his debt for the redemption of the land he has assured for the Queen's use, and directs the taking of a certain bond.
Heard yesternight that Burghley is greatly pained and troubled with his old disease. Is very sorry for it. Meant to have done his duty in waiting upon him this day, but dares not be out of the way, when Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower sends for him, touching their further examination and dealing with Hardinge, with whom he with others spent Tuesday last from 8 in the morning until past 5 at night, saving one hour at dinner. Could not bring him to confess any matter of weight that he was charged with. In the end brought Blower unto him face to face, who constantly charged him according to his former accusation. The said Harding as flatly denied all things. Therefore the Commissioners and he mean to use some torture unto him, but such as will neither put him in danger of life or loss of any member.—Shakellwell, 25 September, 1578.
[P.S.]—Thanks him for his letters. Is informed by his messenger that the Lord Treasurer grants Mres. Baker her suit touching the wardship of Higston.
Endorsed:—The Master of the Rolls to my L.
Signed. 2 pp. (202. 148.)
Peter Osborne and Robert Petre to Lord Burghley.
1578, Sept. 25. They learn from Sir Thomas Offeley, mayor of the Staple, that the ordinary allowance for every ship that wafted over their fleet was 80l. Sir Thomas Cotton makes out no ship of his own, but hires some well-furnished merchant's ship, with ordnance. Since the late restraint the staplers have had but two ships to waft therein. Offley thinks that Cotton will be content with 60l. Enclosed blank warrant.—Ivy Lane, 25 September, 1578.
1 p. (2434.)
Peter Osborne to Sir William Cordell, Master of the Rolls.
1578, Sept. 27. Sir John Smith has sealed the obligation to the Queen of 3,000l. for the payment of 2,000l. into the Receipt, the 29 September, 1579, so that Cordell may go on with his book, for the reassuring of his land.—Ivy Lane, 27 September, 1578.
½ p. (2433.)
Thomas Fowler to Lord Burghley.
1578, Sept. 29. Controller of the Works. Sends a plot from John Symons for Burghley Hall, and boards for the houses in the gardens at Theobalds. Progress of the works.
Signed. 1 p. (143. 99.)
Cristofer Hawle to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Sept. 29. Extremity of foul weather has severed the whole fleet, and enforced me to leave my good General in the bark Gabriel, and to return hither to Portsmouth without him in the Ayde, which if it were through my own folly I would yield myself worthy of the greatest punishment, but as there are heinous matters made of it I pray you will stand my good lord so far as that I may not be condemned upon surmises, neither believed further that the full truth of my cause by great good witness upon oath shall clear me. The bearer Mr. Edmond Stafford, his lieutenant of the Ayde, can certify the truth of the whole.—Portsmouth, September 29, 1578.
Holograph. 1 p. (202. 149.)
Robert Some to Lord Burghley.
1578, Sept. 30. Last year their President nominated one Stone to be lecturer of the [Queen's ?] College in his order. Some of the Fellows wished to call in another, but by direction from Burghley Stone was appointed. He had hoped that no disturbance would arise as to the said office; but one Arnold "nunc pene in mari est" without Burghley's favour. For although he has been reader in Rhetoric and Greek and ought to be chosen lecturer in his turn, and no large number of Fellows oppose, yet the President demands the office for another. Prays his assistance or that the whole matter be referred to the Vice-Chancellor. Arnold is the more skilled in Greek and Latin, a minister of the Word, but very poor. These arguments should have moved the President, but he is too hard.—Cambridge last of September.
Endorsed: 2 October (sic), 1578.
Latin. 1 p. (136. 17.)
George Hayes to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Sept. Process has gone out against him and his sureties for his debt to the Queen, and he begs for some reasonable estalment of the debt, for which he offers good bonds His misfortunes by the robbery of his house, and ill debtors, chiefly Mr. Worsopp, Sir William Chester and Lord Loughborough: by which he has not only consumed part of his patrimony, but a stock of ready money of 900l. in old ryalls, left him by his mother.—Undated and unsigned.
Endorsed by Burghley: George Hayes the receiver. September, 1578.
1 p. (202. 150.)
Lectureship at [Queen's College, Cambridge ?].
1578, Oct. 2. The election of our College officers was made 28 September, 1578, at which were present eleven Fellows, viz.:—
1. Mr. Some who chose Mr. Arnold head lecturer. Mr. Arnold was present but gave no voice.
2. Mr. Rockery
3. Mr. Jones
4. Mr. Goade
5. Mr. Stone
6. Mr. Swinburne
7. Mr. Garrett
8. Sr. Smith Jun.
Our Master being absent, by his letters—
1. Mr. Lawrence did choose Mr. Williams, who was absent.
2. Mr. Jegon
The reasons why those Fellows chose Mr. Arnold before Mr. Williams are—
1. Mr. Arnold is senior to Mr. Williams.
2. He is very fit for the office and well able to execute it, and in our judgments that chose him better than the other.
3. He is very poor and having passed through the inferior lectures is next in order to Mr. Stone, who was head lecturer last year.
4. Mr. Williams we understand hath besides his fellowship an ecclesiastical living; Mr. Arnold hath nothing but his bare fellowship, wherefore he needeth the more help.
Signed: Robert Some, Edmund Rockrey.
Endorsed: Oct. 2, 1578. 1 p. (136. 116.)
Sir Nicholas Bacon to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Oct. 3. Being driven from London and Gorhambury through the plague I am driven hither to Chenies, where I thank my Lord of Bedford I find myself very well placed, and being desirous to understand how your L. doth, I thought it meet immediately upon my repair hither to send this messenger. Albeit myself this night hath been touched with the gout, yet it would greatly please me to understand that my friends might be free from it. From Chenis my L. of Bedford's.—3 October, 1578.
Signed. ½ p. (202. 111.)
Lord Cobham.
1578, Oct. 5. Accounts of the expenses of Lord Cobham, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, sent into the Low Countries on her Majesty's affairs.—June to 5 October, 1578.
At end, copy of the Privy Seal allowing him 5l. per diem for the same. [12 June, 1578.]
38 pp. Much damaged. (210. 21.)
Mr. Alderman Pipe and the Sheriffs of London to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Oct. 8. Where upon conference with our brethren it falleth out a matter doubtful whether the solemn feast which the morrow after Simon and Jude is in the "Yealdehall" of this city yearly to be kept, were fit to be continued this year, the sickness increasing and the season so contagious and perilous for concourse: it was determined that some convenient number of us should wait upon your Lordship, as well for your honourable advice and direction therein, as also to present unto you, in the absence of my Lord Keeper, me the elect Mayor: who by order am to be presented to the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper for the time being, before solemn admittance. But understanding how unwilling your Lordship is to be troubled with the access of any number, we crave your answer by this bearer.—October 8, 1578.
Signed, Richard Pype; George Bond, Alderman; Thomas Starkye, Alderman.
1 p. (202. 151.)
The Earl of Lincoln to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Oct. 9. I do humbly thank your L. for your letter, whereby I perceive you have had some knowledge of the dealing of Mr. Pelam and others, who take upon them to deal with pirates' goods, insomuch as they, when they find the goods stayed for her Majesty, they convey it from thence to such places as they may distribute and convey it to their own use, and deceive her Majesty; and for that you may better know their dealings, as well in Sussex as in the west country, I send you herewith such letters as I have received from thence, to the end you may take order for the reformation of their doings; and you shall perceive how these gentlemen that are gone to seek a voyage into the Indies do behave themselves. I have further advertisements which I will send you, but presently I cannot find my letters. I am sorry to hear that such boldness is taken to do on the sea that which is not to be allowed nor liked, whereof you shall hear more very shortly.—The Court, 9 October, 1578.
Endorsed: Touching the wreck in Sussex. Sir Humfrey Gilbert's demeanour.
Holograph. 1 p. (214. 11.)
The Earl of Essex to Lord Burghley.
1578, Oct. 14. Knowing your care of me that you desire to know not only of my health, but also of my whereabouts, I have thought it my duty to inform your lordship of the plague at Cambridge, which has driven me to a servant's house at Newington, and also of my good health, although I have before written your honour as to this by Harrison, a former servant of my father's. After his departure, I heard that the plague had broken out anew, and so retired to my servant Lucas's house, where I await your pleasure.— "Newingtonii prid. Id. Octobris, 1578."
Addressed: To my very good Lord and patron.
Holograph. Latin. ½ p. (202. 156.)
Gabriell Goodman to the Lord Treasurer.
1578, Oct. 16. I am returned to Westminster from the country as yesterday, where I find the state of the town, specially in this parish, for health to be reasonable; trusting in God that against the term it shall be better and of less danger. My Lord of Canterbury is at Croydon, and hath sent for me to come unto him, which God willing I mean to do with as much speed as I can. The schoolmaster and my scholars remain . . . I mean by God's grace that they . . . to Westminster in the end of next week, if God send health.—Westminster College, 16 October, 1578.
Holograph. 1 p. Mutilated. (202. 152.)
William Humfrey to Lord Burghley.
1578, Oct. 16. Reports his proceedings as to the mine in Wales, which he commended to Burghley and Leicester. His dealings with Mr. Chowte therein. He has ready a discourse upon the cubes of metals, and the cubes, but cannot deliver them because none of the city are allowed to approach the court by reason of the plague: but will deliver them to anyone appointed by Burghley. His impoverishment keeps him from following many good things, notwithstanding the Earl of Shrewsbury honourably executed the Queen's letter. Being prevented by the disobedience of the county people, the case grows worse and worse. Since the Queen's last letters sundry gentlemen have built houses, besides bartering ore for lead, and proceed in working only to make their private and present gain, without respect to posterity, whereby the mines will be shortly ruined. The Earl of Shrewsbury thought the best means for reformation to be by proclamation, if Burghley so liked.
He has informed the Company of the premises touching lead works, and of the benefit that would ensue, upon trust that they will be suitors for redress. Doubts not to procure them such a rent as shall content them; wishes the Queen to have a fifteenth part of all rents which may grow to the Company of all lead works that shall happen to be governed by them. There is to be drawn to the Queen, from lead works, of every 100l. disbursed for ore, 6l. 13s. 4d., whereof 3l. 6s. 8d. "de claro" over and above all customs and rent above mentioned. This benefit is so to be taken as not to be known to others than the governors of the State and the revealer.—16 October, 1578.
Holograph. 2 pp. (202. 153.)
Tho. Fanshaw to the Same.
1578, Oct. 16. Has considered Mr. Baron Byrche's letter touching the giving the oath to the Lord Mayor. Would have waited on Burghley this morning, but the Court of Sewers for the rivers hereabout is adjourned to this day at Hertford, where his being is somewhat needful. The citizens of London must by their charters present their Mayor at the Exchequer, which being now at Westminster the presenting must be there. There is no necessity, in his opinion, to have the learned Barons thereat, for they do no more in the allowing the election or giving the oath than the Cursitor Baron can, saving they give an exhortation to the new Mayor to look to his charge, which is not of necessity, and neither much regarded nor always well delivered. Also they give commendation to the old, sometimes when none is deserved. If it be thought necessary that one of the learned Barons must be there, supposes Mr. Baron Frevile will take the pains, for so in effect he conceived of his speech when he was with him upon Tuesday last. And if it should happen that he in the meantime become unable, then the same answer that Mr. Baron Muschamp gave to Mr. Recorder when he presented the sheriffs "in crastino Mich[ael]is" will very well serve at this presenting of the Mayor, for it answered the point fully enough, and doubts not but, being warned of the absence of the other barons, he will provide to do that well, that will be looked for at his mouth, for his care is great and his ability better than many think.—Ware Park, 16 October, 1578.
Holograph. 2 pp. (202. 154.)
Sir T. Cornwaleys to Lord Burghley.
1578, Oct. 20. Doubted that the gracious countenance shown him by the Queen and others in authority in the late progress in these parts would kindle greater envy in the breasts of his adversaries. His conjecture was not vain, for not long after they sought out some matter, as they thought, fit to draw him into displeasure, the particulars whereof his son Cornwallis, the bearer, shall make report. Desires that malice and uncharitable practices may not have power to "apayer" [impair] his poor credit.—Brome, 20 October, 1578.
Holograph. Endorsed:—Sir Tho. Cornwalleys, by his son Mr. Wm. Cornwalleys. 1 p. (202. 155.)
Thomas Horsman.
1578, Nov. 16. Warrant signed by the Queen granting to Thomas Horsman, gentleman, one of the ordinary Sewers of her Chamber, a lease in reversion of lands in the manor of Caythropp, Lincoln, now in the occupation of John Hussey.— Manor of Richmond, 16 Nov., 20 Eliz.
1 p. Sealed. (202. 157.)
Ireland.
1578, Nov. 18. Account of Lancelot Alford of the issues of the Great Seal of Ireland, etc., from 18 November, 1577, to 18 November, 1578.
Signed, "Adam Dublin."
Parchment much damaged. 1 membrane. (216. 3.)
Building Account.
1578, Dec. Amount owing for building works (? Theobalds).
Note by Burghley. 1 p. (143. 55.)
The Kings of Portugal, &c.
[1578.] Genealogy of the Kings of Portugal to Sebastian, who died 1578.
In Burghley's hand. 2 pp. (141. 35.)
[1578.] Genealogy of the Kings of Portugal, to Sebastian, who died 1578; and of the Kings of Castile and Navarre.
In Burghley's hand. 4 pp. (141. 38.)
Sir John Smith.
1578. Warrant to Lord Treasurer Burghley and Sir William Cordall, Master of the Rolls, with respect to Sir John Smith's assurance of the manors of Mugdenhaull and Graces, in the parishes of Owting, Hatfield Peverill and Little Badewe, Essex.
Notes thereon by Burghley. 3 pp. (142. 52.)
The Church of England.
1578. "Opinions of the precise Protestants." against the Church of England, the Prayer Book and services, the order of the Communion, &c., &c.
pp. (144. 106.)
[? The Queen] to the Princess of Navarre and Bearn.
[1578 ?] Where we have understood of . . . as well by report of Monsr. Bearnoise la Nowe and others . . . our good brother and yours the K. had many, as otherwise by one of our own . . . havyng cause to trade . . . Bayon, of your most . . . regard had to ma . . ., by directing of your governor of Bayon to the . . . notable trayters . . . and also to favor and defend . . . some controversy happened between . . . We cold not deferre . . . gyvyng to you our thanks . . . in ye most harty manner, praying you to continue this your disposition of so streyt amity . . ., and we will at all tymes have in memory . . . either to you or to your earnestly beloved brother, and ours . . ., of whom we are so well assured, that we know he will earnestly allow of any y[our] actions tendyng to shew us any service.
This is the letter described in Part II, p. 229, as from Lord Burghley.
Draft. Mostly illegible. 1 p. (147. 43.)
Jasper Wraye to Lord Burghley.
[1578 ?] Is committed to prison by Burghley. Has confessed the truth, craving his pardon and to be released, the rather that the little he has is shipped in a stranger's bottom going over the sea, and he has no friend there to receive the goods or pay the freight, so that if he remains here it will be his utter undoing.—Undated.
Endorsed by Burghley. 1 p. (186. 171.)
— to [the Countess of Shrewsbury].
1578. Madame: The cause why I have stayed to render you thanks for your most friendly letter has proceeded through a fever I was late visited withal, since the recovery whereof we have been greatly troubled with wooing matters, upon the arrival of one Monsieur de Cymiers [Simier], servant to the French King's brother, who carries himself in his charge with that modesty and temperance as he doth greatly content all this Court. But what will be the issue of his errand He only knoweth that sitteth above.
About a fortnight past I sent unto your La. a copy of the answer I received from my cousin Sidney, whereunto I prayed your Lad. that I might receive your opinion how you did like thereof. And for that I have received from you no answer it maketh me greatly to doubt that they are not come to your hands. Wherefore I have thought good to send you here enclosed another copy. The gentleman himself according to his promise is come up, whom I find very well inclined to do as I shall direct him. He asked whether your Lad. meant to bestow upon your son any of your Western land you had by Sir William Sentlowe, which if it might be brought to pass I perceive would greatly content him.
Since your departure I have not seen your son Mr. Caundishe. I would be glad he were here that my cousin might see him in case you continue affected to the match, which I suppose will both content you for the person as for the living.
Draft, undated and unsigned. Endorsed: 1578. 1 p. (202. 158.)
Norfolk.
1578. Queen's lands in Norfolk: parcel of the revenue of the Crown in the survey of the Exchequer, and parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster.—1578.
Notes by Burghley. 1 p. (202. 159.)
Isle of Grain (?).
[c. 1578.] Note of Mr. Clement Fynch's land in Greane. Includes the parsonage, tithes, &c.; of Mr John Wiseman, lands, &c., as were Sir Richard Reade's within the isle; of Richard and Peter London a messuage, &c.; land of Thomas Sperman.
Endorsed by Cobham's servant; probably concerns Cobham's lands.
1 p. (202. 160.)
Justices of the Peace.
1578. "Liber Pacis de anno regni Regine Elizabeth 20." Gives list of the Council and Commissioners of the North, and of Wales, and the justices for the various counties.
A few notes by Burghley. 96 pp. (223. 7.)
A Norfolk Libel.
[After 1578.] [Eliz.]—God save our Queen Elizabeth. For seven years the rich have fed on our flesh. Bribes make you justices blind and you are content to see us famished. What are these edicts and proclamations, which are here and there scattered in the country concerning kidders, cornmongers and those devilish cormorants, but a scabbard without the sword, for neither are those murthering maltsters nor the bloody corn-buyers stayed. We thought to have prest higher to our L. Admiral, to intreat him to shut up the gate of his gain awhile and content himself with that he hath got. Sir William Paston, who might have been called Passion for his former pity, but now is Paston because he is become as hard as a stone. Woe to Hasselt who inhabits the seacoast, that noble thief! We hear a sound of the devils whispering to persuade the rich to complain of subsidies and other great charges to sue for "out lode," and one grant of "out lode" in a year will sweep away all. There are 60,000 craftsmen in London and elsewhere, besides the poor country clown that can no longer bear, therefore their draught is in the cup of the Lord which they shall drink to the dregs, and some barbarous and unmerciful soldier shall lay open your hedges, reap your fields, rifle your coffers, and level your houses to the ground. Meantime give licence to the rich to set open shop to sell poor men's skins. Necessity hath no law.
Addressed:—To the Mayor and justices of Norfolk.
Endorsed: "A lybell in Norfolk." Copy. Undated. 1 p. (185. 129.)
Mayor and others of Hull to the Lord Treasurer.
1578–9, Jan. 12. With respect to the appointment of assistant officers of the Queen's customs at that port. They beg his furtherance of the bearers hereof, Mr. Thornton and Mr. Lewes.—Kingston on Hull, January 12, 1578.
Signatures defaced. Much damaged. 1 p. (213. 21.)