Cecil Papers: 1500-1549

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: 1500-1549', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda, ed. E Salisbury( London, 1915), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp8-27 [accessed 8 December 2024].

'Cecil Papers: 1500-1549', in Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Edited by E Salisbury( London, 1915), British History Online, accessed December 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp8-27.

"Cecil Papers: 1500-1549". Calendar of the Cecil Papers in Hatfield House: Volume 13, Addenda. Ed. E Salisbury(London, 1915), , British History Online. Web. 8 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-cecil-papers/vol13/pp8-27.

1500-1549

Subsidies.
1502, Feb. 12. Declaration by William [Siver], Bishop of Carlisle, of monies received within the county of York and other places for the King from Easter, 16, to 12 February, 17 [Henry VII]. Note at foot as to the temporalities of the Bishopric of Durham, granted to the Bishop during the voidance of the same, on certain conditions recited.
10 sheets. [See Calendar of Cecil MSS., Part I, p. 3. No. 10.] (207. 1.)
Raynham.
1506, Dec. 1. Lease of a tenement called Bolingtons, in Raynham, Essex, granted by Robert Lathum to Thomas Dockwra, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.— December 1, 1506.
Copy. Endorsed: "Mr. Taverner. Southwell." 2 pp. (2428.)
Richard Cecil.
1508, Oct. 8. Will of Richard, son of Philip Cecil, of Walterston.
Note by Burghley that David Cecil was brother to this Richard.
pp. [Incorrectly described in Part I, p. 3, No. 12, as the testament of Philip Cecil.] (141. 28.)
The Steelyard Merchants.
1508. Extract from the records of the Exchequer, concerning the recognisance of 20,000l. wherein the Stillyard merchants stood bound to the King.—23 Henry VII.
Latin. 3 pp. (247. 259.)
Channel Islands.
1510, March 5. Inspeximus with confirmation by Henry VIII of similar confirmation by Henry VII of letters patent of Edward IV confirming letters patent dated at Westminster, 8 July, 18 Richard II, granting the inhabitants of Guernsey, Sark and Alderney exemption from payment of tolls and customs in England in the same manner as natives.— Westminster, 5 March, 1 Henry VIII.
Latin. Copy on paper. (222. 25.)
The Steelyard.
1511, Oct. 16. Letters by Henry VIII, appointing Sir John Tate, alderman of London, justice for the causes of the Stilliard.—16 October, 3 Henry VIII.
Contemporary copy. Latin. Endorsed by Burghley. 1¼ pp. (247. 3.)
Cobhambury.
1513, Nov. 4. Extract of the Court roll of Cobhambery.— 4 November, 5 Henry VIII.
1 p. (145. 15.)
The Emperor Maximilian to Wassilia, Emperor of Russia.
1514, Aug. 14. ". . . . farness of the way or journey: and then some information of the matter do come unto us: we will in person go against him, or else send our captains and princes with our might and power, into his lands or dominions. Then God being merciful unto us, and our Lord God give us his help, against our enemy the 'Kyne' of Poile and mighty prince of Litan, that we may recover our castles, which injuriously he keepeth now under his subjection. We will proceed so far against the same our enemy, or whosoever shall be lord of Poiland, and of the mighty princedom of Lituania, and against all our enemies, that with you we will always be at one, or as one. And if it so do happen that our matters proceed not, against our enemy, according to our meaning and intent: yet will we from henceforth, and so long as God lendeth us life, be with you always one against him, or whosoever shall be lord of Poiland, and of the mighty Dukedom of Lituania, and all our enemies. And our messengers and merchants shall have through your countries the ways and passages free, without damage or hindrance: the like whereof shall your messengers and merchants have in all our dominions. That all above rehearsed which herein is written, by us Maximilian by God's grace emperor," &c. "And you our brother mighty Lord Wassilia by God's grace Emperor and Ruler of all Russia," &c. "For the surest witness of truth, we have kissed the Krosse, and to this most surest writing we have put to our seal, given in our town Gnumdenau, the 14th day of the month of August, in the year after Christ our Lord's birth one thousand five hundred and 'fourtyen,' of our Romain Empire the nine and twentieth, and of Hungaria the five and twenty."
1 p. Apparently portion of a contemporary translation. (214. 1.)
[The Same] to [the Same].
[? 1514.] ". . . to subjection the land of Pruse against the Dowche coasts. The like whereof he hath done in your Lordship's castle Kyan, with other your Majesty's holds, which unrightfully he holdeth under him in subjection. . . . go against our enemy Sygismonde King of Poile . . . mighty prince of Lithuania, and his friends. . . . so much as God shall help us, use our power against him as an enemy. So that we Maximilian, King of Romaines and Hungary, and our imperial majesty, will now begin on our side, with Sygismonde, King of Poyle and mighty prince of Lithuania, to do our endeavour so much as God shall help us. Also, so forth further our cause in truth without deceit according to this our writing, with you, and the castles in Prusland against the borders of the doches, that we shall recover them which unrighteously he detaineth under him. A[nd] you mighty Prince Wassilia, by God's grace Emperor and ruler of all the countries of Russia, when ye have begun with your enemy the King of Poyle and mighty prince of Litan, shall prosecute your matter so far with him, as God shall help you, for the recoverance of your lawful patrimony and heritage. So that which of us that first goeth against our enemy, shall so, and in such sort, further his matter, . . . our enemy the King of Poyle and mighty . . . of Litan, that we Maximilian King of Roamines and Hungary and our imperial majesty, or our princes and captains shall go against him, giving you knowledge thereof. So shall you yourself go about the matter, or send your princes and captains into his lands: in using the matter so with us. And if you our brother mighty prince and great Lord Wassilia by God's grace emperor and ruler of all Russys, do go against our enemy, or shall send your princes and captains, giving us knowledge thereof; then will we also truly and according to this our writing, go with you against our enemy, or send our princes and captains into his countries. And if it so do chance, by reason of the farness of the way, that we cannot give you, our brother, knowledge so soon as we do send our princes and captains, with our mighty power, into the lands of the King of Poile and mighty prince of Litan: any knowledge thereof coming to you: then shall you our brother great Lord Wassilia by God's grace emperor and ruler of all Russia do the like, going with us against him, yourself, or do send your princes with your power into his countries. Also if it be so, that you our brother mighty prince and great Lord Wassilia, emperor and ruler of all Russya, do send your princes and captains into his dominion, we having no knowledge thereof, for the . . . —Undated.
1 sheet, imperfect. Apparently another portion of the translation of the preceding letter. (210. 4.)
Wool Staple.
1522–3, Jan. 17. Treaty with the Archduke Charles with regard to the wool staple.—Calesie, 17 January, 1522.
Copy. Notes by Burghley. 9 pp. [See Calendar of Letters and Papers, Henry VIII, Vol. III, Part II, No. 2777.] (247. 205.)
Sir Thomas Lovell.
1524, Aug. 19. Note of the names and additions Sir Thomas Lovell is named by in a pardon granted by Henry VIII to Sir Richard Brooke, Sir William Paston, Francis Lovell and Jo. Charleton, Lovell's executors.—19 August, 1524.
1 p. (2136.)
Sir John Mundey.
1524, Nov. 23. Letters by the King, appointing Sir John Mundey, alderman of London, justice for the causes of the Steelyard (Stilliard).—23 November, 16 Henry VIII.
Contemporary copy. Latin. Endorsed by Burghley. 2 pp. (247. 4.)
Sir Richard Wingfield.
1525, April 5. Extract from the will of Sir Richard Wingfield.
Bequests to the prior of Lotheringham, Suffolk, for obits for Dame Katherine, Duchess of Bedford and Buckingham, his late wife; to the priory of Stonlie, Hunts, for obits and masses for the souls of his wife, himself and his ancestors, and for the maintenance of a singing canon there. Bequest to the figure of Our Blessed Lady in the chancel of the priory of Lotheringham of two brooches of gold, one of which, the Salutation of our Lady, the King gave him. Leaves his plate and household goods at Kimbolton Castle to his heir on certain conditions. —5 April, 1525.
pp. (2419.)
Manor of Base.
1528, Oct. 6. Extract from the Court rolls of the manor of Base [co. Hertford], relative to the grant to Katherine Abbot for life of a pasture called 'Shortebroomes' with remainder to John Fynche, his heirs and assigns.—Tuesday before St. Dionisius, 20 Henry VIII.
½ p. Latin. (2211.)
Treaty of Cambray.
1529 [Aug. 5]. Copy of the Treaty of Cambray retained by the three English Commissioners.
"Tractatus intercursus Cambracensis, 1529." Cf. Rymer XIV, 326.
8 pp. (137. 32.)
Christ Church College, Cambridge.
1531, Sept. 5. Extract from indenture between Henry VIII, and Henry Lokewood, clerk, master or keeper, and the fellows and scholars of Christ Church College, Cambridge, regarding lands in the town of Roydon, Essex and Herts; for which lands the master and fellows keep a yearly obit for the soul of one Edith Fowler.—September 5, 1531.
½ p. (2485.)
John Lengran.
1532, Dec. 10. Licence for the term of six years to John Lengran, "our jeweller merchant of Valecyne," and his servants to pass into and out of the realm with jewels, &c., so that the King have first choice and sight of the said jewels.—Manor of Greenwich, 10 December, 1532.
Signed by the King. Parchment. 1 p. (215. 2.)
[The King] to [the Bishop of Worcester] and the other Ambassadors in Rome.
[1531 or 1532.] We understood from your letters dated at Rome February 12 that the Pope had rejected in Consistory the allegations made by Dr. Karne as excusator, because he had produced no mandate and that the Duke of Albany was not willing to allow time for you to write to us to send the mandate and although, according to the letter of his most Christian Majesty, he had interceded most diligently with the Pope for time to be allowed and the matter proposed by Dr. Karne to be admitted, yet he had effected nothing. To such speedy settlement of the cause did everything look that they were about to proceed to judgment without waiting for the report of the commission demanded by themselves to examine certain articles in Spain. The Pope, whilst professing in words his willingness to permit delay, does in fact strongly refuse it. For, as you write, he summoned the Consistory with far greater haste than was necessary, although he could have found many reasons for not summoning it or for not summoning it so speedily. But their one aim seems to be to appear to be our best wishers whilst they take extreme measures against us. We cannot wonder enough—and we will that you boldly advise the Pope as to this—that when anything is proposed in our name which is reasonable and just and consonant with the Pope's own laws, yet it is rejected in hurried and disorderly fashion by the Consistory on the ground only that it is not in accordance with its practice (stilo). What this practice may be we know not nor are we bound to know; but the Pope's rights (jura) we ought to know and they should be true rights. What is it to us what the Court of Rome may do or admit, to us who cannot be summoned to litigate in Rome nor can wish to be, unless we would give up the privileges of our realm, a thing which neither our nobles would permit nor we would do? But opportunity is never wanting to the doer of mischief. Indeed, it has been our lot so far to be calumniated from every quarter from which calumny could come. Because our cause is favoured and justified by the laws of God, there are some at Rome, by whose counsels the Pope is led, who have thought good to say that a matrimonial cause should be decided not by the laws of God but by the canon laws. But when the canon laws are on our side, they shelter themselves behind the practice (stilum) of the Court. Names are juggled with in order to find some obstacle to us. We have informed the Pope in our letters many times that we cannot and will not be summoned to law outside our realm of England. Nor should we send a mandate to the prejudicing of what is in accordance with reason and natural equity. We are treated with indignity and suffer the most grievous wrongs, which affect us the more because they are committed in a stealthy and cunning manner. The practice (stilus) of the Court is a fine excuse for the Pope, for he can abrogate it with a single word when he likes. To our prejudice he is dispensing with public laws published throughout the world, but in our favour he dares not forego the private practice of the Court, which is known to none. We see all this and shudder at these wrongs, serious in very deed though disguised with highly-coloured phrases (verborum fuco simulatas). Is it just for an ignorant man to be bound by laws which he cannot know? And how can we learn here the practice of the Roman Court when it is so variable that no one even in Rome, as we hear, knows it exactly? Is it part of this practice to demand commissions to inquire into the truth and before this truth is found to proceed to judgment? We wish you to pursue that course which you have thought out with prudence and diligence in your dealings with the Pope, to wit, that Dr. Karne appeal to him in accordance with the procedure laid down by Capasokk' himself as though he were the injured party and that his matter being admitted there be no demand as of right for a mandate. Know that we do not wish you to exhibit a mandate unless, when everything has been tried, you see that its exhibition could be of any service to us and then with such protestation as may preserve our privileges whole and intact.
Draft or copy. Mutilated. Latin. Undated. 7½ pp. (201. 33.)
Deanery of St. Paul's, London.
1536, July 24. Confirmation by Henry VIII of the letters of dispensation of Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury permitting Richard, Bishop of Chichester, to hold the deanery of St. Paul's, London, vacant by the death of Richard Pace, to which the King desires to present him in commendam with the bishopric of Chichester; exempting him from residence, &c. —Westminster, 24 July, 28 Henry VIII.
Latin. Parchment. [See The Calendar of Cecil Papers, Part I, p. 11, under date 20 July, 1536, for the Archbishop's letter.] (222. 34.)
Sheerness and Hawkewood.
[1540.] Interrogatories on behalf of Sir George Brooke, Lord Cobham, against the Mayor, &c., of Rochester, in a question of trespass upon a mussel fishery in Shiernashe (? Sheerness) and Hawkewood, Kent.
1 sheet. (145. 107.)
Exchequer of Chester.
1542–3, March 10. Award of Sir Thomas Wriothsley in the cause between Sir Rees Manxell, chamberlain of the county palatine of Chester, and Robert Tatton and Randle Lloyd, clerks or barons of the Exchequer in that county; concerning the exercise of the office of clerkship or baronship of that Exchequer.—March 10, 34 Henry VIII.
Copy. 3 pp. (2376.)
Leases.
1543. Act of Parliament for leases made by Lord Parr, Marquis of Northampton.—1543.
Copy. 1 p. (2447.)
Exchange of Lands.
1544. "35 Henry VIII. Act of Parliament for an exchange betwixt the King, Sir Antony Denny and Rob. Dacres."
An endorsement only, in Burghley's hand. (213. 47.)
Alchemy.
1545, August. The books of Alchamyste of Geber the Arabyn.
The Glass of Alchamyste of Roger Bacon.
A correctorie of Alchamyste of Rychard of England.
The lesser rosarie of Alchamyste.
Secrets of Alchamyste of Calarde, the son of Lazichi.
A precious table and commentarye of Alchamyste of Hermes. Set furthe at Bariney, Helvetica, by Mathewe Appary, at the coste of John Peter, the Writer, at Norimburgeth. August 1545.
At end: Address by "Thomas Peter the writer to the studious reader," with list of books on alchemy.
(271.)
Treatise.
[1546 ?] A commentary on the eighth book of the De Civitate Dei, mainly devoted to the praises of King Henry VIII. The panegyric on that King in Part I, p. 48, No. 202, forms the prologue to the commentary.
Latin. 21½ pp. (277. 4.)
Public Affairs.
[Hen. VIII.] Schedule of papers relating to public affairs. Apparently temp. Henry VIII.
Three sheets fastened together. (142. 6.)
Waterford.
Hen. VII & Hen. VIII. Certified copies of letters from Henry VII and Henry VIII to the Mayor, &c., of the city of Waterford.
From Henry VII.
(1) Thanks them for the information of the arrival of Perkin Warbeck at Cork, and offering reward for his apprehension.
(2) Gives details of the proceedings of Perkin Warbeck in Devonshire, and of his submission. Particulars of Warbeck's origin.
(3) Makes them a grant of certain revenues.
From Henry VIII.
(4) Thanks them for their assistance during the rebellion of the Earl of Kildare, and instructing them to apprehend the rebels.—Dated, Warwick Castle, October 24, 3rd of our reign. (1511.)
(5) Confirms their former rights and liberties.
(6) Thanks them for their informations. Sends them a "bearing sword" to be borne from time to time in the city.
(7) Has sent sufficient power to repress the rebels there.
(8) Thanks for their services against Thomas FitzGarrard and his rebels.—Westminster, 9 November, 26th of our reign. (1534.)
(9) To the same effect.
Three parchments fastened together. (142. 7.)
Hand Guns and Crossbows.
[Hen. VIII.] Proclamation or warrant regulating shooting with hand guns and crossbows.
Copy. 3 pp. (142. 209.)
Maidstone College.
[Hen. VIII.] Particular of woods occupied by the late master and fellows of the late dissolved College of Maidstone.
3 pp. (145. 37.)
Lord Cobham.
[? Henry VIII.] (1) Accounts relating to the lands of George, Lord Cobham.
2 pp. (145. 39.)
(2) Particular of certain lands belonging to Lord Cobham about Maidstone.
1 p. (145. 44.)
(3) Rental of part of the Cobham property, Kent.
A roll. (145. 106.)
Cliffe, co. Kent.
[? Henry VIII.] Deposition with respect to right and interest in the woods growing in the waste grounds called Porteway, in Clyfe, Kent.
2 pp. (145. 43.)
Chalk, co. Kent.
[? Henry VIII.] Terrier of the manor of Chalk, Kent.
6 pp. (145. 45.)
Maidstone.
[? Henry VIII.] The parsonage and vicarage of Maidstone, as they are now let; also particular of lands belonging to the Mote and the lordship of Oldborrowes.
pp. (145. 49.)
The Calvacanti to [the King].
[? Henry VIII.] In order to recompense their past services to the Crown and to enable them the better to continue them, put forward the following scheme for consideration.
None of the imports into England is less charged with duty than woad (pastello). For a hundredweight which at present is worth about 3l. and ordinarily about 2l. is only valued in the Custom at a mark, which at the rate of 15d. per pound, which all commodities pay, comes only to a payment of 10d., or about 2 per cent. of its real value. The petitioners think that without giving anyone cause to complain this commodity might be charged with 2s. 2d. the hundredweight upon what comes from France and with 1s. 1d. upon what comes from Portugal. This impost they pray be conceded to them gratis and in remuneration of their services under the name of vendita colorata or ferma as may be found better.
About 6,000 bales of woad weighing about a hundredweight and a half each, are imported annually into the kingdom. The greater part comes to strangers and into the hands of one of the petitioners.
They pray for a grant of this duty for twelve years in which time they ought to refund themselves. The impost they think should not be demanded as an extraordinary charge but as an amendment of the duty. Woad paying the new duty might be allowed to come into the kingdom at any time in the ships of friendly nations and also declared free from confiscation in the event of war breaking out with the country from which it was exported.
Should the impost be considered unreasonable in view of the new friendship with France, it must be answered that it will be general. Complaints by Englishmen may be met by pointing out that they still pay less than foreigners and that the price of cloth will not be sensibly altered.
Finally, let it be considered that the Crown will recompense two of its most affectionate servants without cost to itself. In order not to endanger the honest report they believe they have in the kingdom, they pray that the grant be made not to them but to others who will transfer it to them.
Reasons given for believing the new duty will not be unjust. —Undated.
Endorsed: "Request di Calvacanti." Italian. 2½ pp. (170. 42.)
Grievances.
[? Henry VIII.] Fragment of a petition to the King, with regard to the shipment of grain or victual: as to commons: the abolition of leasemongers: that lands and tenements may be let to the occupiers, and all victual sold, as they were in King Henry the Seventh's days: disparking of parks: tanning, &c.—Undated.
1 p. (214. 2.)
Peter Vandyvall.
Henry VIII. Warrant to officers of ports, admitting Petre Vandyvall, merchant stranger, to be jeweller and licensing him to enter and depart the realm with jewellery, embroidered garments, tapestry and arras, &c.; the said goods to be first brought to the King for the first choice and sight thereof.— Undated.
Draft. Parchment. 1 p. (215. 3.)
Rutland.
[? Henry VIII.] Portion of a commission of appointment to a bailiwick, in the county of Rutland.—Undated.
Parchment. 1 p. (215. 4.)
Fortresses.
[Henry VIII.] Ordinances and statutes devised by the King for the good rule of his castles, bulwarks and other fortresses appointed to the survey of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.—Undated.
Parchment. 1 p. (215. 5.)
Hartlepool.
[? Henry VIII.] Map of Hartlepool, with the harbour, and drawings of shipping. By Robert Dromeslawer.
1 sheet. (Maps 1. 4.)
A Plot of Tents.
[? Henry VIII.] Elevations of two large tents, coloured. —Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 2. 5.)
Waltham.
[? Henry VIII.] Plan of a house, endorsed, Waltham in the Forest.—Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 1. 18.)
Dunstable.
[? Henry VIII.] Plan of a house, inscribed, "the plat of Dunstabyll" (? Dunstable, Beds.).—Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 2. 22.)
Plan.
[? Henry VIII.] Ground plan, endorsed, "for a place of pleasure."—Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 1. 20.)
Norham Castle.
[Henry VIII.] Plan of Norham or Northam Castle on Tweed.—Undated.
Parchment. (Maps 1. 26.)
Military Matters.
[? Henry VIII.] Description of military duties and exercises.—Undated.
44 pp. (239. 2.)
A bill touching the marching of a battle and placing of the same.—Undated.
4 pp. (239. 10.)
Newhaven.
[? Henry VIII.] Plot of Newhaven.—Undated.
1 sheet. (Maps 1. 54.)
Exchange of Lands.
1547, July 26. Exchange between Edward VI and the Duke of Somerset.
Copy. 11 pp. (142. 8.)
J. Paynha (?) to the Princess Mary.
[1547,] July 28. Afterwriting to her Highness by Figueredo, learnt the death of the King her father and, by her letter in reply to his, "quanto lo avia sentido de que yo avia de tener la pena que era razon temendo le el amor ques razon y deseando tanto la consolacion y descanso a vuestra alteza que yo le deseo." The King, his master is sending Fernande Silveira, a gentleman of his household, to visit the King, he sends him on his part to visit her Highness. Need therefore only add that he hopes for good news of her. In answer to her letter, agrees that he has been deceived in "Myg." Silveira will tell particulars.—Lisbon, 28 July.
Spanish. 3 pp. (43. 3.)
Crown Possessions in Ireland.
[1547.] Declaration of the average yearly value of all castles, lordships, fee farms, subsidies and other possessions, both spiritual and temporal, in Ireland which are in the King's hands by inheritance or by authority of Parliament. Total, 5,348l. 13s. 4d.; whereof in costs and reprisals 5,021l. 10s. 10d.; and so there remains clear 327l. 2s. 6d. in addition to reversions of lands and possessions falling to the King on the death of the grantees of the yearly value of 500l. 8s. 4d.
Paper roll of four mems. injured at the head. (222. 32.)
Waltham Cross.
1548, April 24. Agreement of sale by Robert Burbage to John Thomson of the "Seven Stars" and the "Cross Keys," Waltham Cross.—April 24, 1548. Seal of John Thomson.
1 p. (2225.)
Ireland.
1548, Easter. Reparations done upon the King's manors in Ireland from 1541 to date.
1 p. (142. 20.)
Woad.
1548, Sept. 20. Indenture between Henry Bretayn of Monckton, Wilts, on the first part, and Thomas Heale of New Sarum and Thomas Darbie of Cranborne, Dorset, of the second part, relating to ground in Lymington, Hants, sown with "oode," demised by Heale to Darbie, with mills, &c., necessary for the grinding, weathering, drying and making of "oode." —September 20, 1548.
Parchment. 1 p. (215. 6.)
John Yong to [Somerset].
[1548.] Has of late been in parts beyond seas, principally in the dominions of Venice, the Duke of Florence, and the Swizzers, and sends "your Grace" the result of his observations. Speaks of "your Grace's" renown abroad. Sends his observations for the good service of his Majesty, as our musters are far out of order.—Undated.
Endorsed by Sir William Cecil: "A devise of John Yonge's for the musters and warres in England." 20 pp.
Iron Mills and Furnaces in Sussex.
1548, 13 Nov. to 1549, Jan. 14. (1) Commission to Thomas Carden, knight, Edward Shirley, John Thetcher, Edward Bellingham and 16 others (named), or any 6 or more of them, to examine witnesses on oath on the interrogatories enclosed. —Westminster, 13 November, 2 Edward VI.
i. First the iron mill of Robertsbridge standing within 3 miles of the salt water.
ii. The iron mill of Etchingham within 5 miles of the salt water.
iii. The iron mill of Paschely within 4 miles of the salt water.
iv. The iron hammer of Mowntfild within 4 miles of the salt water.
v. The iron hammer of Chiddingly within 4 miles of the salt water. Interlined: "beseeching your Grace to give commandment especially that it may go no longer."
vi. The iron mill of Sheffield within 7 miles of Lewes.
vii. The iron mill of Freshfield within the parish of Horstead, 6 miles of the town of Lewes.
viii. The iron mill of Bucksted within 8 miles of Lewes.
ix. The iron mill of Framfield within 6 miles of Lewes.
x. Also the 4 iron mills of Warbleton standing within 6 miles of the salt water.
(2) Petition to the Duke of Somerset, for a new commission.
Articles to be inquired of by virtue of the King's commission to be directed to certain men of Sussex concerning the hurts done by iron mills and furnaces made for the same.
1. How many iron mills and furnaces for the same be now in Sussex?
2. How much great wood by estimation is yearly destroyed by the said mills and furnaces?
3. How much the price of a load of wood is already enhanced in divers places in Sussex by occasion of the said mills and furnaces?
4. Whether the said iron mills and furnaces be occasion of great detriment as well to the inhabitants in the towns of Calais and Guisnes, Bullen (Boulogne), &c., as also to the inhabitants of many towns and parishes in Sussex concerning their fuel.
5. If the said iron mills and furnaces be suffered to continue, then whether thereby there shall be great lack and scarcity of timber and wood in the parts near the mills for the making of houses, ships, &c. All the wood now standing within the county is not able to satisfy the ordinary occupations and necessary fuel wood for the poor commons the space of 20 years.
6. What number of towns are like to decay if the iron mills and furnaces be suffered to continue?
7. What number of persons are like to want livings if the iron mills, &c. be suffered to continue?
8. What hurts and harms have been done by occasion of the mills? and what be like to follow if they continue?
9. Whether notwithstanding the said great number of mills iron is of a more greater (sic) price than it was at before there were so many?
10. How many of the iron mills and furnaces may conveniently be suffered to continue, and which of them the same is? (sic).
These be the names of all the parishes in Sussex which ought to be inquired of and how many men, women and children be in every of them, which parishes are next unto the sea, and 10 miles from the wood, which is like to decay for lack of timber and wood which they cannot live without.
First Pevensey, Westham, Eastbourne, Friston, Eastdean, Jevington, Westdean, Littleton, Loynton, Anfriston, Seaford, Bletchington, Bishopton, Heyghton, Denton, Myching, Pedinghow, Telscomb, Rotingdean, Ovingdean, Brighthemston, Howve, Aldrington, Southwick, Kingston Bowsee, New Shoreham, Old Shoreham, Portslade, Hangleton, West Blatchington, Petcham, Preston, Stamner, Falmer, Kingston Iford and Radmyle. And to these may be joined Hastings, Winchelsea and Rye, with all those towns that have wood, timber, lathes, board and such like from the said towns of Rye and Winchelsea, as Hythe, Dover and Sandwich, Calais, Guisnes, Hammes, Blacknes, Hambleter and Boulogne, with all the rest of the King's Majesty's towns and pieces that are on th'other side the sea which in short time shall much more feel the great incommodity that daily groweth through those iron mills that are near the sea coast than those other parishes and villages and towns on this side.
(3) The certificate made into the King's Majesty's High Court of the Chancery the quindene of St. Hilary, by John Thatcher, Thomas Morley, William Oxenbridge, Thomas Darrell, William Thrille, Richard Sharpe, John Moore, James Hobson and Thomas Birchet, commissioners with others concerning the iron mills in Sussex and by division limited to the Rape of Hastings in the said county.
The names of the jury of the townships of Rye, Winchilsea, and Hastings taken in the name of the whole inhabitants of the said towns. [Twenty-three names given.]
The presentments of the aforesaid jurors for and concerning the annoyances of the iron mills in Sussex exhibited at Battle the 14 January 2 Edward VI, as followeth:—
To the first article we present that in the Rapes of Lewes, Pevensey and Hastings are iron mills and hammers to the number of fifty and upward.
To the second we present that the iron mills and furnaces do spend yearly by estimation one with another above 500 loads of coals, allowing to every load of coals at the least three loads of wood; that is every iron mill spendeth at the least yearly 1,500 loads of great wood made into coals, besides the great and noisome spoil of the said woods which is engendered for lack of cherishing of the increase of the same so felled to the use of the iron mills.
To the third we present that not only within these seven years last past the price of a load of wood by reason of the number occupied at the iron mills is enhanced to the inhabitants of the aforesaid towns at the least 6d. upon every load, but also the sellers of the wood weighing the "skantie" of woods grown by occasion of the iron mills do bring less loads daily, and that way also besides their daily rising in price do nip the poor inhabitants of the said towns a quarter of a load of wood in every load.
To the fourth we present that the iron mills and furnaces, and especially all those that are within ten miles of the seaside, as the mills of Robertsbridge, Etchingham, Warbleton, Penhurst, Chidingly, Pascheley, Montfeld, Sheffield, Freshfield and such other within ten miles of the seaside or six miles of the Downs of Sussex will not only bring to pass, and that in short time, that the King's Majesty's towns of Boulogne, Calais, Guisnes, Hammes and other the King's Majesty's pieces and holds on the other side the sea shall have no kind of wood for their fuel out of Sussex from whence they make their chiefest provision; but the towns of Rye and Hastings with Winchelsea, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich with divers other towns and parishes that make their provision at Rye shall not have wood for their money if the iron mills stand any while, for they shall not have it to be gotten in the country.
To the fifth we present that if the iron mills be suffered to continue there will not only be such 'scantie' of timber that there will not be to build in the parts near them either houses, water mills or windmills, bridges, sluices, ships, crayers, boats, and especially for the King's Majesty's towns and pieces on the other side the sea; besides the lack of timber that will be for the making of gunstocks, wheels, arrows, pipes, hogsheads, barrels, buckets, sieves, saddletrees, 'dossers,' bellows, showles, 'skopets,' bowls, dishes, bills, spears, morrispikes with such like necessaries; but also the aforesaid towns of Hastings and Rye which are at a daily charge in making of 'jutties' and piers for defences of safeguard against the seas shall not be able to have in the country nigh by reason of the iron mills timber sufficient to maintain their piers and 'jutties.'
To the sixth we present that if remedy for the iron mills be not shortly had, the towns of Hastings and Rye for lack of timber to maintain their daily buildings against the seas, for lack of timber to repair and new build houses, and for lack of necessary wood for fuel for the relieving of the poor fishers after their arrival from their daily fishing to dry their clothes and warm their bodies, by whose trade chiefly the said towns stand, the same will shortly decay.
To the seventh and eighth articles we present that the number of the towns and parishes that must needs decay by reason of the standing of the iron mills and furnaces is so great; and as to the number of such as lack livings and are like to lack through their mean, we cannot number, the same is and will be so great.
To the ninth we present that if the iron mills continue only there shall be but a few take commodity by them, and many a thousand not yet born feel with their parents the great hurt and incommodity engendered by their continuance.
To the tenth, that where before these number of iron mills were erected men might buy iron for 4l. the ton, iron now is worth 9l. or 10l. the ton, or better.
To the eleventh we present that those iron mills and furnaces which are above ten miles off from the seaside and 6 miles from the downs, and not within 10 miles of the sea coasts or 6 miles of the downs, may best be spared to stand.
Commissioners' seals attached.
(3) The names of the jury of the Rape of Hastings [16 names]. Presentments of the said jury to the above articles: brief and to the same effect as the above.
(4) Certificate made into the King's Majesty's High Court of Chancery the quindene of St. Hilary by Edward Shorley, John Staple, Edmund Michell, Thomas Challoner, John Batnour, Robert Morley and John Stemp commissioners with other, concerning the iron mills in Sussex, and by division limited to the rapes of Lewes and Pevensey in the said county.
The names of part of the jury of the borough and rape of Lewes, besides 80 persons sworn also with the other, taken in the name of all the whole inhabitants [35 names].
The presentment of the aforesaid jury concerning the annoyances of the iron mills in Sussex exhibited at Lewes January 12 in the year 2 Edward VI, as hereafter ensueth:—
To the first article we present that there be within the shire of Sussex to the number of 53 iron mills and furnaces.
Unto the second, that a hammer and a furnace spendeth yearly a thousand loads of coals, which amounteth to three thousand loads of wood, besides the waste, which we be not able to answer unto.
To the third article, that within 15 years last past upon the downs a load of wood was commonly bought and sold for 14d., and now by occasion of the mills and furnaces every load is enhanced to 2s. 8d. and 3s. And in the Weald among the woods a load of wood was commonly brought and sold for 4d., and now by occasion of the mills every load is enhanced to the sum of 12d.
To the fourth, the mills and furnaces do damnify and hurt as well the inhabitants of the towns of Calais, Guisnes, Boulogne and other beyond the sea as the inhabitants of Sussex.
To the fifth we present that if the mills and furnaces be suffered to continue, whereas now all manner of timber and wood for all manner of occupations as well for the sea as for the land is very scanty already, by the said mills and furnaces hereafter should be scarcity and almost none to be gotten.
To the sixth we present that if the mills and furnaces be suffered to continue all the towns and villages upon the downs between Lewes and Bramber are within a short while like to decay and not to be inhabited for lack of timber and fuel.
To the seventh, that all the inhabitants of the towns and villages abovesaid shall be driven to seek their living in other places and there utterly to forsake their dwelling, whose number we be not able to express, if the mills and furnaces be suffered to remain.
To the eighth we do present that what hurts and harms hath been done by occasion of the mills and furnaces we cannot express, it is so great, and what will follow hereafter we be not able to say.
To the ninth, whereas before so great a number of these furnaces and iron mills were erected and set up iron was at 3l. the ton, now it is enhanced to 8l. the ton and upward.
To the tenth article we present that if the mills should be suffered to continue, then within short time tanners should not be able to occupy their tanning for lack of tan, because they fell the woods out of season.
To the eleventh article, we think there may no iron mills and furnaces conveniently continue and remain within the space of 20 miles of the sea.
The names of the jury for the rape of Pevensey (30 names).
To the first ten articles we present in every point according as the jury of the rape of Lewes have presented.
To the eleventh article we do present that the furnace and the hammer now being within the forest of Worth may conveniently continue and remain: and unto all the residue we do refer us to the King's most honourable Council.
Signed and sealed by the commissioners.
(5) The information of the hurts by mean of a hammer begun to be made at Lamberhurst, which is 16 miles from the seaside.
Alexander Collyn hath begun to make a hammer for iron making in the parish of Lamberhurst in Sussex, for the which he hath obtained grant of Sir John Gresham, knight, owner of the waste ground and common wood in and nigh Corselewood in Wadhurst, and hath cut down the most part of all the oaks standing in the same wood and ground and beginneth to cut down the beeches standing and being in the same; by mean whereof in short time the same woods if that hammer do there continue will be utterly wasted and destroyed, to the utter undoing of a great number of the inhabitants and tenants in that part. And that there be in the parishes of Lamberhurst and Wadhurst three hammers and four furnaces which will spend much woods, and that the hammer if it be thoroughly occupied will spend about 400 loads of coals, and to every load of coal is required 3 wain loads of wood. And moreover for the conveyance of water for the maintaining of the same hammer the same Alexander Collyns hath caused a great ditch to be made by estimation in length 3 or 4 furlongs, which he hath made cross a highway there nigh a place called Hotheby and by the same ditch intendeth to turn the water of a common stream or river there which doth divide the King's Majesty's shires of Kent and Sussex, and also the lordships and lands of divers of the King's subjects, whereby hereafter may ensue much trouble and business in that part and great hurt and charges to the inhabitants there if speedy remedy be not had for the premisses.
Underwritten: "Per me Thomam Darell informatorem presentis Jure."
6 membranes: parchment. (222. 31.)
Deposition of William Wightman.
1548–9, Jan. 23. Further remembers that within two or three days after his coming to the Lord Admiral's service he was commanded to draw a minute of certain letters to be written to divers gentlemen and others to learn after what sort the late King departed with those jewels and household stuff, which were from time to time delivered to the Queen, whether by way of gift or loan. This minute was penned by the advice of Mr. Weston, and after it was perfected deponent had to write one of those letters to Mr. Henneage; another to William Clerk late Mr. Henneage's servant; another, he supposes, went to James the keeper of Westminster house, and three or four more were written. One, he thinks, went to Sir Thomas Cawarden. These letters were severally answered, but their answers the Lord Admiral kept so secret that deponent never saw them. A little before Christenmas the Lord Admiral wrote a letter to the Lady Mary to learn after what sort the King departed with those jewels that his Highness delivered to the Queen at the Admiral's coming in. This letter was carried by Walter Erle. The Admiral did also at his going into Gloucestershire at Mr. Peckham's house write nine or ten letters, all of one effect to divers lawyers, desiring them to certify him in writing what judgment the law would give in two articles which he sent unto them by Mr. Weston signed with his own hand. These letters were almost all answered, and the answers sent by Mr. Weston to Sudely, who can declare the particular names of all the learned men. Deponent never saw the answers, for immediately upon the receipt of them his lord locked them up in a casket of his own. Howbeit has since understood by Mr. Weston that, if his lord could prove the gift by the King, the law was clear he ought in all their opinions to have the things given.
Remembers that when his lord sent him back from Uxbridge to Lady Browne he bade him tell her from him, that as he was lately at Hamworth looking amongst a great sort of old writings he found out his will, which he made when he went over with the King to Boulogne, whereby he had bequeathed unto her five hundred marks; so as if he had died at any time since she should have been no loser by him. Deponent was willed to travail to cause her break up house and sojourn with the Lady Elizabeth, for the saving of charges. This message he did, which to him made a show of a certain good will the Admiral bare towards her; and so much the more because at her late being at London he desired much to have spoken with her; but when deponent told her the Admiral's desire that way she prayed him to excuse her, by saying that she was purposed to go to the Lady Elizabeth's house the next morning very early. Whether the Admiral did in this give him somewhat to gaze at whiles he went about other matters or no he cannot tell; or whether he meant to have used her in any kind of practice with the Lady Elizabeth because she was wise and able to compass matters. But he never spake with her since the death of deponent's old master. At his first coming up to London after the Queen's death the Admiral had divers conferences with Mrs. Cheke at Chelsea, who came from the lady of Somerset's grace at Sion thither only as Hammond or Pigot told deponent to comfort his lord for the Queen's death, making her excuse to see Lady Herbert.— 23 January.
Endorsed in a later hand: 23 January, 1548. See Calendar of Cecil MSS., Part I, p. 61, and S.P. Dom. Edward VI, Vol. VII., No. 8.
Holograph. 2¼ pp. (176. 71.)
Princess Elizabeth to the Lord Protector.
[1548–9,] Jan. 28. As to the slanders respecting herself and the Lord Admiral.—"Written in haste from Atfelde this 28 of January. Your assured friend to my little power, Elizabeth."
Holograph. 1½ pp. (133. 4 (2).)
[The original of the letter calendared from a modern copy in Part I, p. 64, No. 269, and printed in extenso, Haynes, pp. 89, 90.]
Sir William Sharington.
[1548–9, Jan.] Interrogatories for Sir William Sharington and his answers, concerning his proceedings as Master of the Bristol Mint and as to his private affairs.—Undated.
6 pp. [Haynes, pp. 62–5.—In extenso.] (201. 69.)
Examination of John Harrington.
1548–9, Feb. 4. The Lord Admiral never rode forth to London, that he could perceive, since his last coming thither. He never saw Mrs. Ashley since the Queen died, and thinks that since that time she never spoke with the Lord Admiral. There was never conference of any love or marriage between the Lady Elizabeth and my Lord Admiral that ever he knew of or suspected. On communication of the Lady Jane, he heard the Lord Admiral say that she should not be married until such time as she should be able to bear a child, and her husband able to get one.—4 February, 1548.
pp. [Haynes, p. 94.—In extenso.] (201. 73.)
The Lord Admiral.
1548–9, Feb. Confession of Lady [Elizabeth] Tyrwhitt concerning the Lord Admiral. Detailing conversations between the Lady Elizabeth, the late Queen and the Lord Admiral. —Undated.
2 pp. [Haynes, p. 103.—In extenso.]
Confession of Sir Robert Tyrwhitt concerning the Lord Admiral. Details speeches of the Admiral's at Mortlake Park as to the marriage of the King's sisters; and conversation with the Queen's grace as to Sudeley's lands.—Undated.
2 pp. [Haynes, p. 104.—In extenso.] (201. 74.)
Maidstone College.
1549, March 25. Account of William Green of Maidstone of receipts of the lands late of the College of Maidstone, also of corn due to Lord Cobham and payments of the same.
4 pp. (145. 32.)