|
Jan. 1.
Tower of
London. |
1. Ph. Williams to Lord Treas. Burghley. It were more acceptable to betray such a treason as Sir John Perrot is accused of, than
to kill an army of foreign enemies. Would be an idiot to endure
what he does for the sake of Sir John, who hates him. Would
not have lain nine months in prison, in fear of branding with F.S.,
false secretary, as Sir John threatened, could he have convicted him
of treason; gives other proofs that he knew of no treason. Sir John,
though he sometimes broke into bad speeches, yet when reprehended by Her Majesty, urged his revocation, and Lord St. John,
the late Earl of Rutland, Sir P. Sydney, or Sir W. Fitzwilliam
was expected in his place. Wished for dismissal before their quarrel,
knowing that Sir John had written to Dr. Powell to provide him
another secretary, so was not likely to share treason with him. The
words written to his wife, in fear and in prison, should not be
hardly taken. |
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Complains of the Archbishop of Dublin speaking to his prejudice;
is troubled about several things he has said or written about Sir
John Perrot, but prisoners are specially apt to err. Corrects a few
particulars in his declaration of October 1590, about Sir John. Sir
John did favour Orwork, and quarrelled with Sir Richard Bingham
partly for his sake; Sir Nich. White was interpreter between Orwork and Sir John. On receipt of Her Majesty's graciously penned
letters about the Spanish purposes, Sir John expected to have more
command, and boasted of what he could do if he might have his own
will, and then when disappointed used the words "Doth she think to
over-rule me now?" The writer's letters from prison in May 1587,
and from London in August 1587 will witness what he had then to
charge Sir John with. [2 pages.] |
Jan. 2.
[Raglan.] |
2. W. Sterrell to Thos. Phelippes. Thought to have been in
London before this, and answered his letter, but his Lord was
diverted by young Lord Compton, who has come there to keep his
Christmas; is revived by Cloudesley's return, but he has foolishly
delivered the writer's letters wrong, giving Owen's to Westmoreland,
and Westmoreland's to Holt, which may do hurt, they being of
divers factions. Wonders to have only had one letter from Throgmorton, unless it be that Holt will not deal in Owen's secrets. The
letter Sherwood sent was an answer to a former one sent to Bruges,
where he was; he dares not trust Cloudesley with any letter mentioning Fitzherbert, as he was Owen's man. Sherwood's letter is
after his old cozening vein, to draw money; will send it to Fitzherbert, to confirm him if he should doubt the writer. |
|
Thinks Cloudesley has no letters for him, and that Bisley counterfeits; sends the bearer purposely with directions for correspondence;
an eye should be kept upon Cloudesley, as they [abroad] must trust
him, or he could hardly have returned without playing the knave.
Suspicious circumstances about him and Bisley. Phelippes will do
well to employ Cloudesley about the prisons, and let him find out
Daniell, who is either employed for the Queen, or is a notable knave
in no mean matters. Thinks Cloudesley has received a letter from
Sherwood, and delivered it to Holt; desires continuance of his
credit until he has got something by those two knaves that so
often cozened him. Has credit with Fitzherbert; wants to go to
Dieppe, to be near him. Hopes the ill fortune of Sir John Norris
in Brittany, which they hear of in Wales, is not true, and that
the Lord Treasurer's sickness may be short. If Phelippes wishes to
see him, he is to ask leave of Lord [Worcester], and signify that the
writer must be used in Her Majesty's service; his Lordship will
then not only be content with his absence, but pay him his stipend
as if resident, and grant him a lodging in his house in London;
wishes he could be with some of the Council, for then they would
deal more roundly with him; has hired the bearer for eight days;
hopes Phelippes will understand his Welsh English, as he comes out
of the mountains. Sends Cloudesley's letter and his reply to it.
[1½ pages.] |
| Jan. 2. |
3. Estimate, by Sir John Hawkins, of the charge of the Crane, in
victuals, sails, &c., and wages for bringing her from Portsmouth to
Chatham; total, 1,072l. 13s. 4d.; with note that Sir Walter Raleigh
is content to furnish this for 1,000l. |
| Jan. 4. |
4. Similar estimate, with a note [by Lord Burghley], directing a
warrant to be made for a privy seal to pay 1,000l. to Sir John
Hawkins for furnishing the said ship, to be delivered to the order of
Sir Walter Raleigh. |
| Jan. 4. |
5. Report, by Dr. Taylor, of conferences with Sir Dennis
Rowghane. On 30 Oct. attended the Queen's Counsel at Mr. Attorney's house, Chancery Lane; was asked what he thought of a very
profuse sweat that Sir Dennis had; replied that it was the strangest
thing he ever heard of; went to Sir Dennis, who was lying in
bed, and appeared lusty and strong, and said that he was used to
it three or four times in the year; calling on him a fortnight afterwards, found him in great anger with his attendant, for saying that
he, the Doctor, would have nothing more to do with him, without
an express order from Sir Geoffrey Fenton; told him he was commanded to this, but denied saying Sir Dennis was a strange man, &c.
He then began to rave against his keeper for giving him a mixture
of milk and sugar, and something else, which produced that monstrous sweat, &c. Told Sir Dennis that he heard a certain western
gentleman, when talking of Sir John Perrot, say, that he, Sir John,
would do well enough, as he had only a scurvy priest to accuse and
hang him, and one who accused his host, meaning Sir John Hart.
Cautioned Sir Dennis not to be so ready to accuse, for as his evidence
was important, he might thereby greatly diminish his own credit;
if Sir John Hart was faulty, he ought not to spare him, but the
Counsel would require good proofs against him. Reported all this
to the Commissioners, and they received it well. Told them that
Sir Dennis had often said his head was affected, and had asked the
writer if he never saw any tokens of madness in him, as though he
wished he had seen such. |
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Went by the Commissioners' order to Sir Dennis, at Alderman
Slaney's house. Sir Dennis complained that he could not sleep
of nights, because he saw well enough that Sir John Perrot would
be cleared, and as he, Sir Dennis, had entered into an accusation
which he neither could nor would maintain, he knew the pain of false
accusations, that the same punishment belonged to the accuser as
was due to the accused, and that if the Queen should give him 2,000l. or
4,000l. a year, what would be benefit if he lost his soul ? Told him
that though to accuse falsely was wrong, it was also an offence to
withhold witnessing for his prince and country. He said that Sir
John Hart's speech about counterfeiting came from God, and that
he had never been in quiet since. |
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Mr. Wilkes fetched Sir Dennis to his house, where the Counsel were
sitting; went also, and after waiting a long time, and being questioned on the above speeches, was thanked for his care of Sir Dennis,
and told to use his own discretion in dealing with him, without any
warrant from Sir Geoffrey Fenton or any other. Again saw Sir
Dennis, who said he had told the Commissioners that he would not
maintain his accusations, and that he knew they would use him with
all the cruelty they could, but he cared not. Told him that those
great actions could hardly be compassed without the ministry of more
than one, and that his accomplices would be produced, though he
refused; but he said that without him they could do nothing. Some
days after, on 8 November, he said that he had now gone so far
in the matter that he could not well go back. [4 pages.] |
| Jan. 5. |
6. Requisition from Rich. Young to the constables and other
officers of Middlesex, to apprehend John Roche, and bring him
before Young at his house near London Stone, to answer to
matters to be objected against him on the Queen's behalf. |
| Jan. 6. |
7. Attorney General Popham and Solicitor General Egerton to the
Lord Treasurer, Lord Admiral, Lord Chamberlain, and Lord Buckhurst. Send a note of speeches sworn to as having been used by Sir
John Perrot, with their times and occasions, that it may be the
better seen with what malice they were spoken, and how they are
to be used against him; want Her Majesty's directions thereon. Add
a note of a letter written by him to the Secretary, in October 1584,
within four months after his arrival in Ireland, showing that he
had a very undutiful conceit of Her Majesty long before he uttered
the speeches set down, and before the office of the clerkship of the
check fell to be disposed of, and before Sir Dennis Rowghane was
brought to him, upon his first apprehension, in Dec. 1584. |
|
Also send the names of the Commissioners in the several commissions of oyer and terminer, for Francis Throckmorton, Arden, and
Somervile. The Lord Chancellor of Ireland certified that Philip
Williams said that all Sir Dennis had said was nothing to what he
could say against Sir John Perrot. Williams wrote to his wife that
he wished the Queen and some of the Commissioners knew what
he knew, and then the lion's talons would be pared. On this he
was committed to the Tower, and has been often examined, but
says he referred to Sir J. Perrot's undutiful speeches against Her
Majesty. As he, Williams, is now to be used as a witness, and his
fault is but a concealment, asks that he may be removed from the
Tower, and examined on oath for matters already set down, as they
wholly concern Sir John Perrot, and not himself, except for the
concealment, which they take to be pardoned. Annexing, |
|
7. I. Statement of the matter against Sir John Perrot. He tries
to shift off the forging of the Spanish letter upon the
priest [Sir Dennis Rowghane], and has sent into Ireland to procure certificates against the priest. Sir Dennis
and Cavenough escaped prison by privity of Sir John,
who would not allow Sir Dennis to be sent back to prison
when retaken. He made his servant Seagar constable of
Dublin Castle, as being a fit man to deliver it to the
Spaniards, and said they ought to invade England, by
bringing their ships up the Thames, and landing their
forces at the Tower, and that Milford Haven was a fit
place to receive their Navy, and his son Sir Thomas
Perrot should have the trust thereof. Sir John employed the
priest to deal with Walter Reogh, a traitor, for killing Capt.
Dudley Bagnall. He boasted that he was King Henry's
son, and has great alliance in Wales; he gave the office
of clerk of the check to his cousin, Sir Thos. Williams,
in spite of the Queen's giving it to Capt. Errington; he
refused to have Dr. Creagh, a notable traitor, apprehended;
he has written since his restraint to Sir T. Williams,
about supporting him; he has drawn out a writing so
bad that Tomkins refused to read it. He wounded, and
then hung by martial law, a servant of one of the warders
of the castle. He dictated a letter so obscure that Phil.
Williams, who copied, could not understand it. |
|
Williams told the new Lord Deputy that he could lay
more against Sir John than all the priest had said. Sir
John said that the Irish had a prophecy that a bird would
do them good, and applied it to himself, he having a
parrot in his crest. Hearing the Spaniards' intention of
invasion, he spoke bitterly against the Queen, saying, "Ah,
silly woman, now she shall not curb me; now she shall
not rule me"; and on her blaming him for dealing without her privity about St. Patrick's church, he said he
thought it strange she should use him thus. Also on receiving certain letters from the Queen, brought by Sec.
Fenton, he said, "If she use me thus, she will have but
cold service, but one day she will stand in need of me,
and I wonder that that fool Fenton durst bring these
letters to me."
|
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When the succession was talked of, he said those in Ireland would do better than those in England; and when
told that God would maintain the Queen to uphold His
cause, laughed and said, "Never the more for her," and
uttered other immodest and venomous words about her.
He wrote to Sec. Walsingham that it was not safe to be so
unkind to men in trust. He said he hoped one day to
send the proudest of the Council of Ireland riding on
cowlstaves out of the Castle Street, and said he cared no
more for them than for so many dogs, and spoke scornfully of all the English Council, except the Earls of Derby
and Shrewsbury. He spoke irreverently of the Queen,
although often reproved by the Chancellor of Ireland.
Williams wrote to his wife, wishing Sir John were as
well known to Her Majesty as to him, and then his talons
would be pared, and hoping no occasion might ever
happen to set his rage at greater liberty. [In parallel
columns to the accusations are notes of the persons or
documents by which they can be proved. 8 pages.] |
Jan. 6.
London. |
8. Filippo Corsini to Lord Burghley. Received from the Judge
of the Admiralty a copy of Wm. Hall's petition concerning an
attachment made by the writer of some goods delivered to Hall as
prize. Sent an answer to the Judge, who delivered it, with the
petition, to Hall, to bring to his Lordship. Has not heard that
either have been delivered, so sends copies of them, together with
the Judge's letter, and a petition by himself, praying his Lordship
to consider the case, and give order thereon. Enclosing, |
8. I. [Dr. Julius Cœsar], Judge of the Admiralty Court, to Lord
Burghley. Sends Mr. Corsini's answer to Mr. Hall's
demand, and asks for his consideration therein. [Copy.]
The Arches, Jan. 4, 1591. |
|
8. II. Petition of William Hall, for discharge of an attachment made by Philip Corsini, on part of the goods
adjudged prize, and delivered to Hall and his consorts,
all parties being under bond to abide by the umpirage
of his Lordship and the Lord Admiral; or for a settlement of the case. [Copy.] |
|
8. III. Answer of Philip Corsini to the above petition of William
Hall. Desires that as Hall refuses to put in sureties, as
he promised, for the goods wanting to Italians, the arrest
of the goods may remain in force until their Lordships
take full order therein, or the Italian merchants will
have such as have been spoiled or embezzled by Hall or
Howell. [Copy.] |
|
8. IV. Petition of Philip Corsini to Lord Burghley, that a
survey may be made of certain goods taken as prize,
and such as shall be found to belong to Italian merchants set aside, and that his Lordship, as umpire,
will give a final decision upon the whole of the goods,
and not on a part only. The controversy between the
petitioner and Hall and Howell was referred to four
London merchants, and his Lordship and the Lord
Admiral appointed umpires, whereupon Hall and
Howell became bound to stand by the award. They
sought all possible means to alter the course, as may
appear by a writing of theirs, more like a libel than
a petition, sent to his Lordship, and by virtue of a commission out of the Admiralty Court, have had some of
the goods delivered to them. The petitioner, seeing that
Hall did not put in security for such goods, was constrained to attach the whole of them, and now Hall, by
his petition, flies again to his Lordship as umpire,
whose decision the petitioner is most willing to abide by. |
| Jan. 6. |
9. The Queen to the Lord Mayor of London. Some ships of
London, employed in consort with Her Majesty's ships under Lord
Thos. Howard, in the western seas, took goods from Spanish ships
of such value that it has been thought fit to allow the London
ships 6,000l. as their portion thereof, until the whole value can be
ascertained. As they have consented to employ such money,
and more if found due to them, in refitting these ships, and preparing others to be similarly employed next year, he is to remit
to Sir Walter Raleigh the 6,000l., either in money or goods, to
be employed by him in furnishing the said ships, and others provided by him, to make up the number of the last year, with
some increase of tonnage and men, a special charge of service
having to be performed by him this year, with some of her ships
and others of her subjects under him. [Draft, corrected by
Burghley. 1½ pages.] |
| Jan. 7. |
10. H. Saintmain to Thos. Phelippes. Hopes better success
when he next goes; wishes something drawn from Cutts and
Phillipson, to supply what he spent last time. The Italian escaped
by others' negligence, but he will undoubtedly come; meantime
would be working among them; may hear of him at Antwerp, or
without doubt will be otherwise employed, as the invasion is
certainly intended next June. Expected Lord [Worcester] would
have been called to Court; if he is, they will be busy with the
writer for intelligence, and if luck serves, he may overreach them
kindly. |
|
Asks Phelippes's pleasure about his going or staying; if he is to go
wants a licence under two councillors' hands; if Her Majesty could
be persuaded to address some plot to entrap Sir Wm. Stanley, hopes
to effectuate it, and would venture it, although he went to Spain,
where he would expect to find no small credit with Parsons, the
Jesuit; might easily go there from Calais, in one of Guerdon's ships.
Hears the commission [against recusants] is coldly executed in every
shire, except by Lord (Pembroke ?), but there is little good to be done
in Wales. The Papists' opinion of the commission is, that they will
all be killed, and as there has been much thunder and lightning
lately the recusants say it presages their death. Understands there
aremany seminaries in Lancashire, which makes him suspect somewhat; but Phelippes can guess his meaning. [1¼ pages.] |
| Jan. 7. |
11. Abstract of the patent granting for 12 years, to the Levant
Company, the sole privilege of trading to the Levant Seas, Turkey,
and Venice, and of importing the small fruits called "currantes,
being the razins of Corinth," and other Venetian produce, until
the new imposts on English merchandise in Venice shall be withdrawn; and other privileges. Hen. Farringdon and Hen. Hewitt
to be admitted into the company; also 18 others named, who have
been employed in the trade, on payment of 130l., under certain
provisions. With a marginal list of 49 members of the company.
[3 sheets.] |
| Jan. ? |
12. "Needful observations for the maintenance of the Turkey
trade;" being a statement of things necessary to be provided and
observed on sending out a new ambassador to Turkey; arguments
on the necessity of trading together in a joint stock, and of the
ships keeping in company. |
| Jan. ? |
13. "Needful observations for maintenance of the Turkish intercourse;" the Turkish and Venice companies being incorporated
in one fellowship, that a competent number of mere merchants,
not free of the company, should be joined to them, upon a reasonable
contribution, lest some of the wealthier merchants decreasing, the
rest may be unable to continue it; that to strengthen themselves
against the enemy, they should not freight any ship of less than 180 or
200 tons, should carry great ordnance, and not permit more than three
boys amongst the mariners; that during the controversy with the
Spaniard, they should not send out less than 8 or 10 ships together,
all well manned, and that the masters be bound by charter-party
to go out and return all together; that some safe port in the Straits
be named by the merchants, before they go out, where they may
all resort after they are laden, so as to come to England together;
that the company trade in those dominions with one joint capital
stock, as in the time of their former patent, for the better maintenance of the ambassador, and avoiding disorders; that the present to
the Grand Seignior and Bashaw be 2,500l., which, with Her Majesty's
letters for the confirmation of the agent in place of her ambassador,
be sent out with all expedition, lest delay alienate affection, and lest,
at the instigation of their opponents, they lose their privileges in
the Levant Seas; all things necessary should also be sent to the
ambassador. |
Jan. 10.
The
Marshalsea. |
14. John Kyftte to Sir Thos. Perrot, at York House. Has set
down such things as he could remember. William English, a
prisoner since August, complains that he is vexed because he was
induced by sinister means to witness some bad cause against his
father [Sir John Perrot], and wishes to be brought before Council,
to clear his conscience, in presence of some good interpreter of
the Irish tongue. English should be examined as to who they
were that procured him to do anything against Sir John; what Sir
Dennis the priest has said to him, through Power, since he was in
prison, especially about proofs which Sir Dennis had to show
English, from parties or places beyond sea, against Sir John. English has shown these things to the writer, and to Tybott Creyffe,
who are prepared to take their oaths thereon. [2¼ pages.] |
Jan. 10.
Westminster. |
Grant to John Ballard of the escheatorship of Herefordshire;
with a dedimus potestatem to Greg. Price, Roger Bodenham, and
Jas. Boyle, to take his oaths. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 13.
Westminster. |
Innotescimus of four bills of debt from Wm. Trumbull, merchant
of London, to divers persons, for payment of 1,326l., at request of
Sir George Barne, and Sir John Hart, governors of the Russia and
Muscovy Company. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. ? |
15. "A note of certain writings required by Sir John Perrot," being
a list of papers which, by the Queen's command, he delivered to the
Lord Admiral and Lord Buckhurst, or left at the Lord Chancellor's,
when he was examined, or at the Lord Treasurer's when committed
to the Tower; including his patent as Deputy [of Ireland]; two
letters from the Queen, 26 Feb. 1586; several other papers relating to
Ireland and private affairs; copies of the forged letters
to the King of Spain and Sir William Stanley, under Sir Dennis's
hand; his recantation; a paper of his [Perrot's] journies, &c., with
notes [by Lord Buckhurst], as to the present disposal of many of the
said papers. [2½ pages.] |
| Jan. 14. |
16. List, similar in several items to the preceding, of papers
desired by Sir J. Perrot, including also several letters from Mr.
Secretary [Walsingham], and one from Sir Rich. Bingham. Also,
request for their Lordships to send for Chas. Trevor, and give him
a charge and day of hearing; allow him the air for his health, and
removal to a quiet lodging; and note that Sir Nich. White has
written to tell the Lord Treasurer that Sir Dennis, on seeing Sir J.
Perrot, would declare who had procured him to counterfeit the
letter to the King of Spain. |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Patent of attendance to the Bishop of Salisbury, with restitution
of temporalities in cos. Sussex, Somerset, Dorset, Hants, Wilts,
Gloucester, Oxon, Berks, and Lincoln; also in London, and the
Marches of Wales. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to Edw. Stone, for 21 years, of lands and tenements in
Baldesby, Rudston, Kilham, Towthorpe, and Harpham, herbage and
pannage of Ford Park, and the chantry chapel of Walpole, cos. York,
Sussex, and Norfolk; rent, 30l. 19s. 11d. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to John Cobham, for 21 years, of lands in Egleton, co.
Rutland and other counties; rent, 21l. 13s. 2¼d. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to Wm. Lewes, for 21 years, of a messuage in St. John
Maddermarket parish, Norwich; rent, 6l. 13s. 4d. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
17. Lease to Thos. Ray, for 21 years, of tenements and gardens
in New Sarum; rent, 5l. Also of the pannage of Ashridge woods;
rent, 3s. 4d., and of the Court house in the said wood; rent, 2s.
[Latin. 5 sheets.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Docquet of the above. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to Sir Thos. Jones, for 21 years, of Brekagothid Grange,
with oat stacks, &c., Llansadorn parsonage, and Llanwerda chapel,
co. Carmarthen; rent, 22l. 11s. 1d. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to John Stanhope, for 21 years, of woods in Eltham manor,
Kent; rent, 12l. 9s. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Lease to John Dalston, for 21 years, of two parks, called KirkOswald, co. Cumberland; rent, 26l. 13s. 4d. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Five commissions of inquiry renewed, concerning Jesuits, priests,
and seminaries, in cos. Kent, Middlesex, Surrey, Bucks, and Durham,
for adding new commissioners. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Two commissions of provision for Wm. Lancaster, yeoman purveyor
of the catery, to take up wheat, herrings, sprats, stock-fish,
eels, and salt. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Patent to Rich. Duckett, of the escheatorship of Cumberland
and Westmoreland; with dedimus potestatem to George Salkeld,
John Myddleton, and Thos. Brathwaite to take his oath. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Commission to Fras. Lovell and three other gentlemen of Herefordshire,
to inquire after the death of Wm. Patteshall. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Decree in Chancery, made 3 Nov. 1591, between Joan Dunscomb,
widow, and Thos. Dunscomb, plaintiffs, and Walter Wootton,
defendant, for payment by the latter of 200l. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Grant to Henry Earl of Huntingdon, and his heirs for ever, of
Ringwood manor and hundred, and Christchurch castle, co. Hants,
and Somerton manor and hundred, co. Somerset, parcel of the possessions
of Margaret, late Countess of Salisbury, and granted by
Queen Mary to Francis, late Earl of Huntingdon, and Katherine
his wife. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Grant to Edw. Webbe, of the place of a cannonier for life; fee,
10d. a day. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Protection for burning, granted to Wm. Carlill, of Southacre
parish, Norfolk, on testimonial of Justice Gawdy and Sir John
Peyton, to gather in Norfolk and Norwich. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 14. |
Protection for burning, to Peter Clymans of London, tallow
chandler, on testimonial of the Lord Mayor, Sir Rowland Hayward,
Sir John Hart, and others, to gather in London and Middlesex.
[Docquet.] |
Jan. 14.
Westminster. |
Grant to Dr. Thos. Blague, Queen's chaplain, of the deanery of
Rochester. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 15.
Westminster. |
Mandamus for installing the said Dr. Blague into the said deanery.
[Docquet, Jan. 14.] |
| Jan. 15. |
Liberate upon the aforesaid grant to Edw. Webbe. [Docquet,
Jan. 14.] |
Jan. 16.
Whitehall. |
18. Order in Council. In Nov. 1591, Her Majesty was informed
that certain Easterlings, being members of the Hanse Towns, furnished
the King of Spain with victuals, stores, &c. whilst he was
using all hostility against her and her realms by open invasions. The
Lords of the Council sent for the Alderman of the Stillyard, resident
in London, complained of such unkind dealing from ancient friends
and confederates to her crown, and willed him to give warning to
all the citizens of the Hanse Towns, &c. to forbear sending any kind
of provision into Spain or Portugal, on pain of confiscation, which
he accordingly did; but as divers of them continued the said traffic,
the Council in February following caused a further declaration
to be given in writing to the said alderman. Perceiving, however,
that the enemy is daily furnished by the said Easterlings with the
above–named prohibited things, and others which are not particularly
specified in the said declaration and orders, they now state that iron,
steel, weapons of all sorts, timber, pipe-staves, flax, tow, hemp, and
rosin are prohibited; also that the canvas prohibited means that
used for sails, not any meet for apparel. [Copy. 1½ pages.] |
| Jan. 16. |
19, 19*. Two copies of the above, omitting the explanation about
the canvas. [One endorsed in Dud. Carleton's hand.] |
| Jan. 17. |
20. Estimate of the weekly charge for 1,250 men, with their
officers, now in the Low Countries and Normandy, with 6 cannoniers
and 50 miners; total, 302l. 17s. 10d. [1½ pages.] |
| Jan. 19. |
21. The Queen to the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury. Requests
a confirmation, under their chapter seal, of a lease granted by the
Bishop of Salisbury to Her Majesty, for the behoof of Sir Walter
Raleigh, of certain lands, parcel of the manor of Sherborne, co.
Dorset. The lease does not prove so beneficial as was intended,
by reason of the Bishop's provisions, former long leases, and reservations
of rent; is pleased nevertheless to accept it, and will
remain satisfied therewith on receipt of the confirmation. [Copy.] |
| Jan. 19. |
22. Hugh Cholmley to Sir Rob. Cecil. Does not wish to live
obscured, being willing to use all his skill to serve the Queen.
Served faithfully, not seeking to rob his brother of credit; but his
brother refused to allow him a partnership, and on their undiscreet
coming over, said his honour would not have him deal further
therein. Has been reconciled twice to his brother, Rich. Cholmley.
Begs that his ambition may be overlooked, and the writer's information
kept secret. |
Jan. 23.
Leicester
Abbey. |
23. Sir Edw. Hastings to Lord Burghley. Sends an advertisement
which he has received, very prejudicial to Her Majesty's
person and the state of the realm, and offers to send a very wise
and godly gentleman to testify to it, if his Lordship desire it; but
wishes to be concealed himself until his Lordship shall think it fit
to bring the gentleman forth. Recommends Leonard Shawcross, of
Shawcross [Shalcross ?], in the High Peak, as a fit person to be put
into the commission, he being a religious and honest man, and
the only gentleman in all the Peak who is a favourer of religion,
that part of the country being mostly frequented by recusants. |
Jan. 24.
Westminster. |
Five commissions of gaol delivery, a patent of assize, a patent of
association, and a commission of oyer and terminer, in the circuit of
Baron Clarke and Serjeant Puckering. [Docquet.] |
Jan. 24.
Westminster. |
Two commissions of gaol delivery, and patents of assize and
association, in the circuit of Justices Clench and Walmsley.
[Docquet.] |
Jan. 24.
Westminster. |
Eleven commissions of gaol delivery, patents of assize and association,
and a commission of oyer and terminer, in the circuit of
Justices Gawdy and Fenner. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 24. |
Seven commissions of gaol delivery, a patent of association, and
a commission of oyer and terminer in the circuit of the Lord Chief
Justice and Justice Periam, viz., cos. Bucks, Bedford, Hunts, Cambridge,
Suffolk, and Norfolk. [Docquet, February 15.] |
| Jan. 25. |
24. Memorandum of the numbers of men to be levied in several
counties, to make up 1,000 or 1,650 to be sent into France, with the
names of their commanders. |
Jan. 25.
Derby. |
25. Note by Robert Bainbridge, of Derby, of notorious Papists
and dangerous recusants in the household of, or in great account
with, Lord Shrewsbury. Thomas Markham, of Kirby Bellars,
his chief friend and secret councillor, whose wife is chief
companion to the young Countess when she is in Nottinghamshire,
and whom she calls sister. She is no doubt a great persuader of
weak women to Popery. Sir Charles Cavendish, his Lordship's
brother-in-law, is always at his elbow, politic, and having great sway
with him. His first wife was the daughter of Sir Thos. Kitson.
and a Papist by birth, and so continued, and his second wife is
thought to be no better. Ratcliff, of Gray's Inn, his principal
intelligencer from London. Booth, his house steward, late senior
fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, but noted as a close and
subtle Papist. Nich Williamson, a great dealer in his purchases and
weighty causes in Derbyshire, who, leaving his living in Oxfordshire
for recusancy, got into a small thing of Thos. Markham's,
was preferred by him to his Lordship's service, and now carries
so great a sway that no man dares encounter him; he is maintained
in a house of his Lordship's at Sawley, in the heart of the
shire. Edw. Broughton, his chief land surveyor, a Papist of Huntingdonshire.
Kidman, M.A., and late student of King's College, Cambridge,
one of his secretaries. John Tunstead, who has lately and
since his father's death, been made bailiff of the High Peak,—an office
of much credit, by reason of the few justices inhabiting the place
through its wildness, — that he may command all the hundred;
there is no other part of Derbyshire so fraught with recusants and
seminaries; there are conjectured to be 300 recusants. Tunstead's
eldest brother is a fugitive and traitor of Anthony Babington's conspiracy;
and Godfrey Fuliamb, who married his sister, is another.
His younger brother coasts the countries, gives intelligence to
Papists beyond seas and land, and lives in the style of a gentleman.
An uncle, Humphrey Tunstead, is supposed to be a priest, and travels
about secretly. Geo. Bagshawe, of Marsh Green, Chapel parish, under
bailiff, and his sister, Widow Mellors, greatly suspected to have
seminaries, and dangerous people at her house. It was thought that
in London my Lord entertained Ant. Fitzherbert, the most noted
recusant in Derbyshire, familiar with seminaries and Jesuits, and
long a prisoner in Derby gaol. His Lordship has also a book
written by one Constable, a kinsman, wherein he makes a reconciliation
between the two religions, and which, before the Lord Chancellor's
death, he showed to many. Gives these intelligences only
from love of the gospel, and the Queen's safety. [Endorsed by Lord
Burghley. 2¾ pages.] |
Jan. 28.
Antwerp. |
26. John Bristowe [Moody] to Wm. White. Cannot learn the
author of the book, but hopes in his next to send word of that and
other matters of note, Is in too much want to perform what he
otherwise would. 40:'s relinquishing this place is uncertain, and
he yet does all in matters of weight. It is hoped that Card. Allen
will be Pope, or will come soon in those parts. Asks the banishment
of Jonas Meredith, a priest in Wisbeach Castle; being much
beholden to his brother, it would do 100 (the writer ?) good service.
[The italics are in cipher undeciphered.] |
| Jan. 28. |
Protection for burning to Thos. Fuller, of Chich St. Osyth's,
Essex, on testimonial of Sir Edm. Huddleston and Chris. Chiborne,
justices of peace, to gather in cos. Essex and Hertford. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 29. |
Exemplification of parcel of a patent to Thos. Keys of a messuage,
called Claybrokes, Whippingham, Isle of Wight, at request of
John Serle. [Docquet.] |
| Jan. 31. |
27, 28. Certificates of the weekly landings of eight companies in
Normandy, from 17 to 24 Jan., and from 24 to 31 Jan., showing
how many officers and men were present, and the number of dead
pays. [2 papers.] |
| Jan. ? |
29. Account of extraordinary payments to be charged upon the
accounts from Brittany, chiefly for ammunition and ordnance, from
10 April 1591 to 2 Jan. 1592. |
| Jan. ? |
30. Account of provisions to be sent from London, for the supply, for
two months, of 1,200 officers and men serving in France and the Low
Countries, viz., 72,000 biscuits instead of 300 quarters of wheat,
120 hogs for bacon and pork, 200 tuns of beer, 3 score barrels
of butter, 3 score weys of cheese, and 30 hogsheads of beef. Noted
as parcel of the licences of the Low Countries. |
| Jan. |
31. Account by Sir John Hawkins and W. Borough, of debts due
to the late Thos. Allen, Her Majesty's merchant, for masts, cordage,
&c.; total, 2,030l. 13s. 7d., whereof he has received 700l. imprest; and
request that the balance may be paid to his creditors, upon the
warrant of 19 Feb. 1590. Also, of debts due by the said Thos. Allen
to 14 persons named, for hemp, masts, and cordage delivered for the
Queen's service; total, 1,336l. 6s. [2 pages.] |
| [Jan.] |
32. Names of 11 shires, with the number of men raised in each,
making a total of 1,200; with note that after they are assembled,
the lieutenants or commanders are to have them conducted to
London, where shipping is prepared for their transportation, and
directions given for their embarking 12 Feb. The Countries are to
be at the charge of their conduct thither, and to be repaid by
Sir Thos. Sherley. They are to be conducted to London by special
persons, who are to deliver over their furniture by indenture to those
appointed to receive it. |
| Jan. |
33. Account for the Lord Treasurer, by George Nevy, surveyor,
and Thos. Frimley, master carpenter, of money paid for workmen
and materials for finishing the scaffolds erected at the stone walls
at Portsmouth, against the Queen's coming there; begun 9 Aug.,
1591, and finished 18 Jan. 1592; total, 47l. 13s. 11½d. Endorsed
with a note asking Lord Burghley to write to the receiver of
Hampshire for payment. [4 pages.] |
| Jan. |
34. Allegations on the part of Rich. Tresilian,—in a question
between him and the Queen, as to whether the castle of Launceston,
part of the duchy of Cornwall, is held by knight's service or in
soccage—that it is held by soccage. [2 pages, damaged.] |
| Jan. ? |
35. Information that at a mass at Haley's house in the Old
Change, by Mr. Wilson, a priest, who afterwards went to Lord
Montague's house, St. Mary Overy's, William Browne and others
named were present; that another mass was held at Ersley's house,
in the same street, by Mr. Williams, a priest, who went from thence
to Mr. Talbot's house at Islington; that Trawnsome, another
priest, uses Dr. Smythe's house, as did Mr. Cuthwell, a Jesuit, who
also uses Mr. Cotton's in Fleet Street; and there is another priest,
named Simon Vennell, at Sir Thos. Tressam's. A mass was also said
by Mr. Jones, a priest, at Pale's house, Clerkenwell, when Mrs.
Arundell and her waiting maid, and the woman of the house were
present. That at Edw. Gage's house, Bentley, Sussex, there are
three priests always residing, and another at Mr. Shelley's, at
Michelgrove, Sussex; also at Mr. Freman's, one Mr. Hanley, lately
come to town, who was sometime a prisoner in the Tower,
being condemned, but was saved by Sir Fras. Walsingham, after
whose death the Lord Chancellor took and kept him until he died.
There is a lot of books and papers secretly hid in Mr. Shelley's
house in Trinity Lane, and one Pencavell and two others have been
sent to Spain, by some men of calling, with letters and commendations
of great importance; their return is looked for about
Easter. Pencavell has a brother in a seminary in France, and
another in London, who is an image maker. Endorsed, "Chomley."
[2 pages.] |
