Queen Elizabeth - Volume 268: November 1598

Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1598-1601. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1869.

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'Queen Elizabeth - Volume 268: November 1598', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Elizabeth, 1598-1601, (London, 1869) pp. 115-127. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/domestic/edw-eliz/1598-1601/pp115-127 [accessed 24 March 2024]

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November 1598

Nov. 3. 102. Note of the course to be taken for recovering surrounded grounds until the late intended Act is established. Information. is to be made by the Attorney General, in the Star Chamber, of the loss to the Commonwealth by continuing those grounds under water, and the loss and decay of outfalls to the sea; of the rich profit which would arise by their recovery, and the multitude of people which might be relieved and nourished thereby; and to desire that proceedings be allowed by decree of that Court, according to the purpose of the intended Act, until the same is established by Parliament. The decree should encourage commissioners of sewers for such laws as they shall establish, and their dealings should be ratifled against such as contradict their doings; and such as are aggrieved should exhibit their complaint within 40 days to the Privy Council, and if their surmises be untrue, costs be given against them.
It is of great necessity that upon complaint, redress be given by the Queen's prerogative in that Court, as is done against persons who in the time of scarcity absent themselves from their dwellings, or have engrossed, or otherwise extremely misbehaved. Also, when foreign artificers overgrew in the city and suburbs of London, order by decree in that Court was taken until Parliament. Lately the new buildings about London having been found to breed scarcity, and divers resorted from the country who should have maintained hospitality therein, decrees have been made by the Star Chamber to pull down some buildings, and continue others only for a time. For better strengthening the decrees of sewers, the bill may be extended to Her Majesty's own possessions, most of the grounds being of that quality. The orders against the buildings were given by proclamation. The offences were hardly punished on builders who, after proclamation, erected new tenements. [1 page.]
Nov. 3. 103. Examination of Wm. Monday before Sir John Peyton, Attorney General Coke, Solicitor General Fleming, and Fras. Bacon. Between last Whitsuntide and Midsummer, as I was in the hall of Thos. Fitzherbert at Madrid, he came in from Father Cresswell in a great rage, and said Rolls and Squier were villainous rascals to deceive the Catholic King, and undo us all, as they had betrayed a number of godly priests in England, and exposed all their secrets; and that Squier undertook to poison the Queen's saddle and Rolls to kill the Queen. Two or three days after, John Stanley told me that Father Walpole wrote a letter to Cresswell and Fitzherbert, that Rolls and Squier had played the villain, and betrayed them. I never had any speech with Squier or Rolls about any attempt against the Queen, and only understood it by the before-mentioned means. Also,
Like examination of Richard Rolls. I and Squier came from Seville towards England last June twelvemonth, and the April or May before, we received the sacrament at Walpole's hands at Seville. After I was out of prison, Walpole persuaded me to serve the King, but I refused. I was a suitor for John Crosse and other Englishmen to have leave to come to England, to sue to the Queen and Council for the exchange of others, and also that the Englishmen might have their pay and exhibition allowed; this suit was made at the earnest request of my countrymen the English prisoners. [2 pages.]
Nov. 3. Warrant to the sheriffs of cos. Somerset and Dorset to pay their accustomed fees for the year ended Michaelmas last, to the master serjeant and other officers of the harthounds. [Docquet.]
Nov. 3. Pardon to Grace Guy, Marg. Chick, and Joan Morswell, spinsters, for killing, with a stone, John Owen, butcher, all of Exeter. [Docquet.]
Nov. 3. Pardon to Nich. Baylyes, John Dutson, and David Parry, of Bodenham, co. Hereford, for stealing two geldings, price 4l., from Wm. Willis. [Docquet.]
Nov. 4?
Court at
Westminster.
104. [The Council] to the Lord President [of the North]. Rob. Beale, clerk of the Privy Council and secretary for Her Majesty in those parts, informs us that without speedy remedy, his office will be greatly impaired. First, because some are trying to get a grant of the examinership, which by his patent belongs to him; and although in Lord Huntingdon's time the instructions were altered, and the choice of examiner committed to his Lordship, yet there was no warrant to take away the fees, or that the examiners should not, as before, be accountable for them to the secretaries; but lately two examiners have been appointed, who will yield no account to the secretary. The late Lord President promised some satisfaction, but through his departure it was not performed. Now as getting patents for the examinerships is like to raise contention, he begs that his right may be considered before any such grant pass. We therefore beg you and the Council there to examine into the case, and see whether the examiners take any fees belonging to the secretaries; and meanwhile to suffer things to remain as they did before the death of the late Earl.
His second complaint is, that though that Council was established for matters of peace,—and therefore the secretary and his deputy have at times been made Masters of the Chancery to take bonds,—yet divers justices of the peace have lately terrified people from taking bonds before that Council, refused to take the Council's supersedeas, bound some to good behaviour, and committed some to prison for binding themselves before that Council, forbidding their applying to it for such causes, and summoning some before the sessions to show cause why they did so; so that they have been tossed about and put to great expense, and the bonds of offenders made of little benefit to Her Majesty. In the time of the late President, Sir Wm. Fairfax and others were punished for such attempts. As we think it not convenient that that Council and the justices should cross each other, but concur for Her Majesty's service, we wish things to remain as they did in the late Earl of Huntingdon's time, till the Queen shall appoint a president. Meanwhile writs of supersedeas shall be granted with moderation in the secretary's office, and bonds taken by justices shall be allowed by the Council; but if a party bound by Council had notice before that any warrant was awarded against him from the justices, Council shall repeal the supersedeas. [2½ pages.]
Nov. 4.
St. Jean de Luz.
105. Abstract of a letter. The Spaniards, knowing the hardness and knowledge of our mariners, offer those surprised by them large entertainment to tempt them to remain; those that go are sent away with small relief, and come to beg relief for their journey from the merchants in Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz, which being small, many are tempted to stay, and become worse than Spaniards to their country; they are made captains and officers, discover the secrets of our sea-fights, and teach them to use the same. To remedy this, one per cent or a half per cent. on reprisals should be collected; in 10,000l., 50l. or 100l. is little to spare among so many,—and a third belongs to the mariners, who will pay it with good will, since every one is subject to fall into that misery, —and the money so collected should be sent to Bayonne to relieve these poor men. This care must tie the hearts of men to their country, and bring them home, or condemn them for traitors who stay in the enemy's service. [1 page.]
Nov. 5.
Sandwich.
106. John Verall and four other residents at Sandwich to Dr. Newman, commissary to the Archbishop of Canterbury. We highly commend the teaching of Mr. Harrison, who has promised to teach in Canterbury; those whom he took in hand he has brought to such perfection that he has received 20s. each. He has taught their sons and daughters to write secretary and Roman hands very well in 14 days. Thanks to you for subscribing Harrison's licence for teaching in Sandwich. [¾ pages.]
Nov. 6. 107. John Pope to Lord Cobham. I dwell at Bromley, in a little farm of my Lady Sands', and both for my master Sir Thos. Sands, and since his time, for my Lady, I have sold all the timber there has been to sell in their woods there. Knowing you deal for my Lady, I desire to know now whether I shall sell 18 acres of timber in Lewsome Wood of 16 years' growth, as theretofore the year has been far past before I knew I was to sell, and then I could not dispose of so much, as men had provided themselves elsewhere.
Formerly I have led and driven through Mr. Anth. Asher's wood, called Bishop's Wood, to my Lady's woods called Pembels Croft and Pundes Wood, but since Sir Thomas Sands' decease, the gate has been kept locked, and I have been warned by Mr. Asher not to come that way. [¾ page.]
Nov. 8.
London.
108. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attendant on the Governor of Ostend. Transmission of letters. The Court causes are still as they were, and no places bestowed, except that Mr. Neville, in spite of his remonstrances, is to go to France, and must be ready by Christmas. The French ambassador is brother-in-law to him who was here a year ago, having married another daughter of President Harlay. The French King is sick of a carbuncle, a difficult case. A flame has broken out in Ireland, and unless there be present help, it is feared all will be lost. New conspiracies are heard of every day, and there was a plot to betray Dublin; the people, partly on account of religion, side with the rebels; the towns begin to refuse receiving garrisons. Those of Munster have set up a new Desmond (by the Pope's means it is said) and cruelly persecute the English undertakers there. The Earl of Ormond has sent in haste for 2,000 men, who are making ready; he will exert himself more now his county of Tipperary is imperilled. About spring the Earl of Essex is likely to go there as Lieut.-general, and Lord Montjoy as Lord Deputy, with other young noblemen, and most of the knights he has made, as the honour was for service done and to be done.
Stanley, Rolls, Squier, and the rest are to be arraigned to-morrow. Very foul work is said to have been attempted by them. The Imperial Count Arundel is in keeping of Dr. Herbert, on account of communications had with Stanley on his arrival. The new Countess of Southampton has a daughter; the Earl, her father, has lost 1,800 crowns at tennis in Paris. Sir Robt. Southwell is dead, leaving a rich widow. The Countess of Kildare is to have 700l. a year from the Exchequer, because her jointure is lost in Ireland. The Warden of Merton College has got a victory of his fellows, punished divers of them, and expelled Mr. Colmer, who died of grief five days after. Dr. Reynolds is head of Corpus Christi, having exchanged his deanery of Lincoln with Dr. Cole. The King of Spain has detained all Dutch ships, and all Irish ships that have not Tyrone's pass. Sir Sam. Bagnall is not dead, as was said. Ortelius' Thesaurus geographicus is too big for an ordinary messenger. Private affairs. [2½ pages. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 25–28.]
Nov. 8. 109. Information and answers in the case of the Attorney General v. Hum. Lloyd, on a charge of receiving bribes from certain persons in cos. Glamorgan, Carmarthen, and Brecon, against whom he issued processes in the courts of Star Chamber, of the Council of the Marches, &c., and then compounded for stay; also of receiving bribes as a grand juryman; also of annoying his neighbours with vexatious law suits, and in other ways frustrating justice. [4 sheets, much damaged; copiously annotated.]
Nov. 10. Grant to Frances, widow of Henry Earl of Kildare, of an annuity of 200l. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Commendam for Dr. Cotton, Bishop of Salisbury, to hold for two years the rectory of Meanstock, diocese of Winchester. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Grant in reversion to John Chambers, M.A., of a prebend in Windsor. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Warrant to pay to the Earl of Thomond 636l. 3s. 8d. for his entertainment and charges in the service in Ireland, to be charged on Sir Hen. Wallop's accounts for Ireland. [Docquet.]
Nov. 10. Warrant to pay 1,100l. to Hen. Seckford, keeper of the privy purse, to be issued by the Queen's directions. [Docquet.]
[Nov. 16.] 110. Account by Mr. Arkinstal of the revenue for the year 40 Eliz., arising from certain lands mentioned, now exchanged, of the bishopric of Ely, and situated in places named in the Isle of Ely, and cos. Cambridge, Huntingdon, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Herts; total, 1,225l. 1s. 7½d. [Latin, 4 pages.]
Nov. 19/29.
Lisbon.
Giles Van Harwick [alias W. Resould] to Peter Artson [alias Cecil]. * * * Henry Bolt, an English Jesuit, and a dangerous man, has gone for England. * * * We hear from Havannah that the Earl of Cumberland has left 300 men in garrison in Porto Rico, put forth all the Sapaniards, given liberty to the slaves who remain with the English, and means to send more forces, which puts these parts in fear of his return. * * * If the Flemings have a prosperous voyage from India, they ought to deal bountifully with Cumberland, whose detaining the carracks last year would greatly further their proceedings. If any attempt be made, it should be the surprise of Lisbon; by that, Portugal, the East Indies, Brazil, and other places would be subdued. Before peace can be concluded, the Spanish pride must be put down. If a Portugal King be placed, the security of neighbour Christian princes is effected; and if he be placed by the Queen, he will then annoy the Emperor and Germans by prohibiting their trade, as they have done the English. No doubt the Portuguese would pay some millions for charges, and a yearly trinbute for their redemption. England should begin and levy a great charge on the Flemings, for there is 100,000l. or 150,000l. worth of Portuguese goods in Amsterdam and Middleburg. The Spaniard fears for no place like this, knowing the Portuguese hope for a day of redemption. The English should be encouraged by past success, and come with 20,000 or 15,000 men at least. The Flemings should be compelled to extraordinary expense, for they have attained wealth by furnishing the King with furniture and munition against the Queen, and if they gain the East Indian trade, they would prove dangerous neighbours; yet better so than yield obedience to the Cardinal, who would then be in quiet, and join his Spainsh brother to annoy neighbour princes.
The King of Spain wants to attain the name of "Renowned King of the peace, "but I hope that as the Queen is now the ancientest prince in Christendom, both for years, long reign, and happy government, she will be Prince of peace; and as she is the principal diadem of Christendom, she should enact that as the Pope and King of Spain wish all Christians to be called Catholics, all her subjects should be termed defenders of the faith.
The rebel Tyrone has his ambassador at Madrid, and is well accepted. The Irish give out daily news of his exploits. No doubt the Irish trading ships convey him treasure, letters, and advice. In London the dealers with Antwerp should be sought out, for under colour of merchandise, they are great intelligencers; Alvaro de Lima, of Dr. Hector's kindred, is one.
Jas. Porter, who came as commissioner about English prisoners, is despatched and allowed provision for the voyage. He comes out on Her Majesty's affairs, and home to serve the Spanish King, bringing with him one who may prove a Spanish spy, Francisco Spita, sent for release of Spanish subjects, but doubtless for other purposes, as he has five crowns a day for expenses; he carries a licence to trade in cloth, to cozen more English merchants, as the late commissioners Lucas, Felix, and Baynes have done. [Extracts, Spanish Corresp.]
Nov. 19.
Brussels.
111. Ri Bayley to Col. Sir Wm. Stanley, at the Camp. The two letters enclosed Father Baldwin left with me, at his going to St. Omer, to convey to you, and the other I and Mr. Owen received from Father Holt. The end of the quarrel betwixt the Lord Bothwell and one Contreras was better than was looked for, with great honour to Lord Bothwell, and without blood on either part. They had appointed a private combat, and so came to the place, accompanied with the Count John Jacomi;—the Lord Bothwell and Contreras stark naked to their waists, and with single swords only. Being ready to fight, Contreras delivered Lord Bothwell his sword, and subscribed an acknowledgment that he had injured him, with his own hand. Justice proceeded very rigourously against Contreras; he was summoned to appear, and for default thereof should have been condemned to death and degraded. Both Lord Bothwell and Father Baldwin have made humble suit to the Cardinal to stay the sentence, and procure his pardon.
The Earl of Cumberland has come home with his whole fleet, five or six ships only missing, whereof two or three are said to have miscarried, and the others to have put into some haven of Brittany, through tempests. He took Porto Rico by composition, the soldiers to depart with what they could carry with them. Those of the town all fled as soon as they saw him bear into the port, and carried with them all that was of any value. He brought from thence 50 very good brass pieces, some sugars, ginger, and cochineal, but not enough to make it a saving voyage. Howsoever he helped himself, the merchants that adventured with him would be content to take eight in the hundred of their principal; a gentleman soldier's share comes to but 10s. English, which they disdain to take, and the common soldiers go begging into their country, after the English manner, and yet some think that the Earl will be no great loser. Scarce a fourth part of his men are come home, and of 18 of his own household, that went in the same ship with him, two only returned.
Tyrone has given a blow to Sir Sam. Bagnall who, it is said, is slain; one writes by Tyrone in the same skirmish, and another that he was stabbed by an Irishman, for saying that all the Irish were traitors. One of the house of Desmond, who has been a long in Spain, is now in the province of Munster, and there keeps a foul coil. The Council, though they consult daily upon Ireland, know not what to resolve; divers English families, that inhabited there have come bag and baggage to Bristol.
There was one Stanley, who was taken prisoner by the Spaniards in Sir Fras. Drake's last voyage, and being restored to liberty, has lived in Spain ever since. He lately came into England, pretending to have fled with a packet of letters of the Pope to the King of Spain, of great importance. He came directly to the Earl of Essex, by whom he was committed, first to the custody of the Guard, and afterwards to the Tower, where he remains; it is expected that he and one Rolls and Squier shall be shortly arraigned for intending to poison the Queen. There is one Capt. Wayneman, and Bennet likewise, either committed or commanded to keep their houses. Some give out there that Lieut. Coronel [Jacques ?] has set them on that work; the poor souls have been sore racked, the Court gates are straightly watched who passes in or out, and no stranger may go into the private kitchen. One Monday is also committed to the Tower about the same matter.
Sir John Gilbert is preparing a voyage to Guiana; his whole fleet will be 13 vessels, whereof most are pinnaces, and it is said he intends to inhabit it with English people. Sir Fras. Vere is come or coming over to be governor of Brill, and has commission to take certain companies out of the garrisons in Flushing and Brill, and either to go himself with them to the States' camp, or to send them, and he to remain in Brill. Any other aid the Queen has refused to send the States, although they have required some.
The Earl of Essex is in greater credit than ever in Court; the Lord Buckhurst in league with him, and likely to be Lord Treasurer, Raleigh and Essex are not reconciled, and but hollow friendship between him and the Secretary. There is an ambassador lieger come from France, who is of the long robe, learned, and a zealous Catholic; he has brought two chaplains with him, both learned men. He has hired Palavicino's house for four years. All other matters go after the old manner, and the persecution of Catholics continues. Lord Southampton has married Mrs. Vernon, whom he had got with child. Maids of the Court go scarce 20 weeks with child after they are married, and every man has liberty of conscience to play the knave.
The merchants are much perplexed that your camp has stopped the free traffic by the Rhine, and the prices of wool and cloth are already greatly a bated. They now intend in England to bend all their forces against Ireland, and to end that war, but they are like to find there a crow to pull. Lord Both well is shortly to depart towards Spain. All our poor countrymen are in the state that you left them. Mr. Whip, a Lancashire man, has been robbed by a rogue that he entertained of a round sum of money; these misfortunes come apace, but any good very slowly. With postscript [by Owen ?].—You should hear oftener if we knew how to convey the letters; this is promised to be delivered and sent by one of Mons. de Mareansarte's clerks; if is comes safe you shall have more. If you are wise, keep camp where you are this winter. [2¾ pages.]
Nov. 20. 112. Charles Paget to Thos. Barnes. I received yours of Sept. and Oct. at once. I was afraid you had been dead, and I was the more glad to hear from you, in that you give assured hope of satisfaction of the debt. I long to have an end of it, and therefore shall pray you to continue the solicitation of it. At your coming, there will be many things worth the talking of. I must tell you that Paget wrote a letter to his sister Waldgrave, by one that came from London, that not hearing from you for so long, he thought good to write to the person above named; but yet with such care to him and respect to the Queen as his true and sincere heart in affection meaneth. This person delivered the letter first to Edmondes at Paris, who sent it into England. He so betook himself in Brussels, that if Paget had known as much before his going as he did after, he had caused him to be laid by the heels. He said to Owen that Paget was wholly at the devotion of the Queen; as also that the Earl of Essex sent him to kill Sir Wm. Stanley, with such other intolerable lies, as were marvellous. It is not amiss that you inform the Earl of his behaviour, because he may bring some honest man into trouble by things of his own invention. You may guess what perplexity Paget was in with his manner of proceedings. It behoves Paget, for many respects, to go to France, and he would have been there ere this, but he waited news from you of his affairs in your hands, which he prays you will send with all speed, and in the same manner as you sent the last.
The Cardinal that is now governor here has had authority to treat absolutely of peace, and was with the King of Spain two days since; and the King has, by letters under his own hand, confirmed and ratified the marriage between his sister and the Archduke Albert, and the donation of this country, with promise of assistance to the uttermost of his power. [Copy, or probably decipher, by Phelippes, ⅓ page. Endorsed Paget to Barnes. The third person used by Paget is as a blind, or the reading of his name in cipher.]
Nov. 20 ? 113. Petition of Mary, widow of Sir Thos. Fane, to the Queen. I am the sole daughter and heir of Hen. Nevill, late Lord Aberga venny, son of Geo. Nevill, Lord Abergavenny, son of George Nevill, Lord Abergavenny, son and heir of Edw. Nevill, Lord Abergavenny, in the right of Eliz. Beauchamp, his wife, sole daughter and heir of Rich. Beauchamp. Lord Abergavenny, son and heir of Wm. Beauchamp, first created by writ of Parliament Lord Abergavenny, 16 Ric. II.; and albeit I possess lands, manors, and tenements of the clear yearly value of 20 knights' fees, by lineal descents in fee simple, of the most ancient inheritance of the said Wm. Beauchamp, first Lord Abergavenny, and of the said George, my grandfather, and Lord Henry my father, and have also manors, lands, and tenements of more yearly value assured to me for life, parcel of the inheritance of the said Sir Thos. Fane, by whom I have three sons, yet Edw. Nevill, son and heir of Edw. Nevill, son and heir of Sir Edw. Nevill attainted,—by colour of an Act of Restitution in 2 Mary, of all the honours, manors, baronies, and lands entailed by the will of the last Lord George, for want of heirs male, to the said Sir Edw. Nevill, and his heirs male,—entitles himself to the name of Baron of Abergavenny, to my great prejudice, to whom that dignity lineally descended, as it did heretofore to the said Elizabeth Beauchamp, as well by course of common law, as by ancient usage.
May it please your Majesty, from whose imperial Crown all titles of honour are derived, by audience, reference, or commission, to take information of the premises, admitting me with my learned counsel to set forth my title, and also the said Edw. Nevill, now pretended Lord; that upon proofs on both sides, your Majesty may be pleased to sentence as your wisdom shall appear. [Copy, 1 page.] Also,
Nov. 20. Earl Marshal the Earl of Essex to Edw. Nevill and Lady Fane. Whereas Her Majesty, upon your petition to enjoy the honour and title of the Baron of Abergavenny, has commanded me to hear and examine your title and claim thereto, I require you to appear with your counsel, on Saturday the 25th instant, at one p.m., at my house without Temple Bar, called Essex House, when you and any other competitor shall be fully heard; also what may be said, by the laws of this realm, or the laws and customs of honour, and arms, to bar you of any such claim; that Her Majesty may know what cause there is to allow or disallow of your suit. With note that this letter was delivered to Garter King-at-arms, by Sam. Thompson, portcullis pursuivant. [Copy, 1 page.]
Nov. 20. Copy of the above. [Domestic Eliz., Vol. CCLXIX., No. 70, f. 24.]
Nov. ? 114. The names of Lord Abergavenny's lands in Sussex; yearly value, 172l, 17s. 11d.; and in Surrey, value, 52l. [¾ page.]
Nov. 22.
London.
115. John Chamberlain to Dud. Carleton, attendant on the Governor of Ostend. There are new revolts in Ireland. The English of Munster are blamed for giving way to the rebels, and among them Sir Thos. Norris, who left his station before there was need. Remedies go on slowly. The Earl of Essex is to go in February or March, with ample commission, but the conditions vary every week.
Stanley did not appear on the day for his arraignment, but sent Squier, a stable servant, who had been induced by Walpole, a Jesuit in Spain, to poison the Queen and Essex, and had gone in the Earl's own ship the last journey, and poisoned his chair, and also the Queen's saddle, with a confection received from the Jesuits, but in vain; and the priest thinking himself cheated, gave Stanley instructions to accuse him. Squier confessed, and died penitent. The Queen's attorney [Sir Edw. Coke] has married Lady Hatton; all are surprised that after many likely offers, she declined to a man of his quality. Sir John Packington has married Mrs. Barnham, a London widow. The Earl of Southampton is come home, and for his welcome is committed to the Fleet, but will soon be liberated. The Queen is come to Whitehall, and was received a mile out of town by the Lord Mayor and his brethren, with 400 velvet coats and chains of gold. Her [accession] day passed with nothing more than running and ringing. [1½ pages. Printed in Chamberlain's Letters, pp. 28–29.]
Nov. 22. 116. List by Ri. Oseley of seven privy seals, two dedimus potestatems, one injunction, three commissions, and four attachments, in legal causes. [Signed on that day. 1 page.]
Nov. 23. 117. Indenture between Elizabeth, widow of Sir John Danvers, and Roger Earl of Rutland, Charles Lord Montjoy, and Sir Thos. Cecil, whereby she grants to the said Sir Thomas a lease for 60 years of Danby manor, forest, chases, &c., co. York; Stow manor, &c., at Killingbury, co. Northampton; and Wiggistree manor, &c., co. Leicester, on payment of the customary rents. [Draft, 4 sheets.]
Nov. 24. 118. "My discourse of the name of Duke at Mr. Barker's house;" its definition, original intent, and modifications, from the earliest periods, both in England and abroad. [Draft, 12½ pages.]
Nov. 26. Chas. Paget to Thos. Barnes. Owen has informed the Cardinal Governor that Paget has intelligence with the Earl of Essex, and is wholly at the devotion of the Queen. The matter is yet dissembled, perhaps they watch to learn further news. Meantime Paget must retire to France with all diligence, and your coming to Brussels will not be convenient; but at Paris, Paget will not fail to meet you, so that you give the time when you will be there. Signify the receipt of my letters, and what you will do, and I will cause Paget to depart from hence; but if he sees danger, he may be constrained to go sooner; address your letters to Clitheroe, and Paget will take order they shall come safe to his hands. There is somebody plays false there; when Paget is in the place before named, he will say more, and write to the Earl of Essex in the meantime.
If you brought Paget's pardon to Paris or Calais, where he would meet you, as also assurance of his living, he would be content, if it should be thought good, for a month or two, to go to England, which if it is liked, advertise the time and place, and correspondence shall be kept, and afterwards Paget may return to Paris. [Copy, or probably decipher, in Phelippes' hand, ½ page. Endorsed as from Paget to Barnes. The third person probably used as a blind, or as the reading of names in cipher in the original. Domestic Corresp. Vol. CCLXVIII., No. 111.]
Nov. 26.
Durham.
119. Examination of Wilfrid Lawson, of Gateshead, and Chris. Glover of Durham, keeper of Durham gaol, before Rob. Swift, B.L., justice of peace. Last Martinmas, Thos. Elsden, alias Heworth, prisoner in Durham gaol, affirmed that last Lady-day, four Scots came to the Reylezes, to Robert and Oswin Hall, and the next day all six rode to Mr. Middleton's at Bradforth, broke into a house and drove off eight kine, but the followers overtook and recovered the kine, and took their horses. They suffered the thieves to go, and three days after, Mr. Middleton returned the two Englishmen their horses. The Halls frequent Mr. Mansfield's company, and have received from him the Queen's pay.
They also reported John Hedworth, of Ryton Woodside, to be a man who would help thieves, hide their goods, give them food, and keep their horses till they could get away. Details of other thefts committed by the said Thos. Elsden, Percival, Michael, Thos. and Wm. Hall of Elston, Andrew and Robt. Hearon and others.
Many riders come into the bishopric to steal, and whatever is done Mr. Mansfield knows all about it within 20 days. Many Scots come over to steal, and join these riders, and when day comes, the English return home and the Scots ride away with the booty. If Mr. Mansfield did not bear so much with them, Northumberland might be as quiet as the bishopric. Mansfield imprisoned Elsden, and threatened to send him into the bishopric, but released him for a present of two kine. Elsden one night borrowed a horse to ride out and steal, and Mr. Mansfield took the horse, and would not let him have it again. [2¾ pages. Copy, Signed by the Bishop of Durham.]
Nov. 26.
Whitehall.
Earl Marshal the Earl of Essex to Sampson Lennard. I require you to appear before me at Essex House, on Nov. 29, to vindicate the title which you claim to the barony of Dacre, in right of your wife Margaret, sister and sole heir of Gregory, late Lord Dacre of the South. [Domestic Eliz., Vol. CCLXIX., No. 70, f. 37.]
Nov. 30. Chas. Paget to Thos. Barnes. I have sent you three letters in answer to your two, by which you may perceive how desirous I am that the business which you have so long given me hope of is near ended; it imports Paget that he were out of the Low Countries, and I therefore pray let me hear from you at large about the furtherance of what you have so long promised, and wherein delay profits no side. Paget could deal more freely if that were at an end. When the debt goes in hand to be accomplished, send word to Paget by two or three ways, lest one fail, and address the letters to Clitheroe, who will always forward them. If you come to Paget, name the place, and he will meet you at Calais, Paris, or Liege. He will stay at Brussels as long as he can without danger. If you come with any matter touching the peace, it would be grateful, and a passport could easily be got, and so all things better despatched; in anywise let me hear from you, and put all material points in cipher. It is a wonder what became of the letters you sent me by way of N—, for the party there assures me that there never came any to him by the name of Mons. Robert Tissue at Liege; if you could cause your letters to be delivered to him at N—, he would safely send them; you might try one that way, and another by Jaques's means; this comes by the way of N—, as we agreed.
It is said that the French King cannot live two months, and that the King of Spain has prepared 8,000 men for Ireland; also that the King of Spain has arrested the ships, mariners, and factors of the Hollanders in Spain, sent the mariners to the galleys, and made the factors prisoners. It is doubtful whether Archduke Albert pass the sea before next January. Perhaps Paget could come into England for his own business, if you brought a pardon and passport for two or three months, which is all he desires, when Calais would be the fittest place to meet; you must advertise the time, that there be no mistake. I would gladly acknowledge the favour the Earl of Essex does Paget by letter, if you advise me, and do him all the service possible while I live. If needs be I doubt not but Paget's sister will lay down such money as shall be needful, which Paget will pay again, and so you may say. Let me hear from you with all speed how all things go, and especially if Paget might come into England; it would make a notable show here.
A conspiracy has been discovered against the Queen, and I am sorry to see that men will forget their duties in such abominable manner, which makes me think the Devil is among them; but God overthrows their devices. [Copy, or probably decipher, by Phelippes, ½ page. Endorsed Paget to Barnes. The third person employed by Paget is either a blind, or the reading of the cipher for his name. Dom. Corresp., Vol. CCLXVIII., No. 111.]
Nov. ? 120. Grant to the mayor, citizens, and inhabitants of York, of remission of 300l., parcel of 819l. 3s. 3d. charged upon them for six whole fifteenths and tenths, granted last Parliament of 24 Oct. 1597, on account of the great ruin and long decay of the city, their charge in maintaining six great stone bridges, in bringing up orphans and young children, and relieving the poor and aged. [1page.]
Nov. 121. The Queen to the Lieutenants of London. As the rebellion of our subjects in Ireland is growing more general, we are forced, for preservation of that place and defence of our subjects there, and for subduing the rebels, to send thither a greater force than otherwise we would burden our subjects with, and therefore mean to use 2,000 of our soldiers in the Low Countries, and to send thither instead 2,000 men to be taken out of certain counties. We therefore command you to levy, muster, and view, within our city of London, 600 able men, and furnish them with armour, weapons, and apparel, in such sort as our Privy Council shall direct, to be ready for delivery to such captains as our Council shall send, to embark and transport them into the Low Countries. We have given order to our Council to see their coat and conduct money and other necessaries duly discharged. You are especially to have regard that the men be better chosen, both for ability of body and aptitude for war service, than heretofore, and that they be well apparelled. Endorsed with a note that the 2,000 men are to be raised in London, Kent, Essex, Sussex, Middlesex, and Surrey. [Draft, 1 page.]
Nov. 122. Copy of the above. [1¼ pages.]
Nov. 123. Similar letter, as addressed to the Lord Lieutenants of counties. [Draft, 1 page.]
[Nov.] 124. Table showing the number of men levied in the several counties of England and Wales, for the service in France in 1596, and in Ireland each year from 1594 to 1598; total, 13,996, viz., from England, 2,000 for France, 9,000 for Ireland; and from Wales 2,996 for Ireland. [1½ pages.]
Nov. 125. Copy of the above, with slight differences. [1sheet.]
[Nov.] 126. Account of all the lands whereof Sir Thos. Sherley was seized, when he became treasurer at war, and of those he has bought since, remaining in extent, with the annual value thereof; also particulars of those sold from 1596 to 1598. [1¼ pages.]
[Nov.] 127—138. Eight receipts by Rich. Clerke of Wellington, co. Hereford, and one by Ant. Nash, on his behalf, for 7l. 10s., being half a year's rent, from Nicholas Porter, of Aston-under-Edge, co. Gloucester, for lands there situate, formerly belonging to Richard Lingen, deceased, and left by him to Elinor his daughter and heir. Also one similar receipt by Elinor Lingen, and another by Walter Vaughan, also of Wellington, for a year's rent; all ranging in date from April 30, 1590 to Nov. 19, 1598. Also grant by Nich. Porter and Dorothy his wife, to Jas. Haworth and Wm. Walton, of a house, garden, six acres of meadow, and 10 of pasture, in Aston-under-Edge. [12 papers; the last in Latin.]
Nov. ? 139. Notes of the warrants, commissions, &c., addressed to the [late] Lord Treasurer, jointly with other Exchequer officers, quoting Statute 2 Eliz., authorizing the Queen's disposal of b[ishop's] lands during a vacancy, by warrant to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer; Stats. 14 Eliz. c. 6., and 18 Eliz. c. 4., where the lands of fugitives and rebels in the North are demised by the Treasurer, Chancellor, and Barons of the Exchequer; Stat. 23 Eliz. c. 4., where the same persons have power to render the Queen's lands contributory to their orders; Stat. 39. Eliz. c. 4., where the Lord Chancellor or Lord Treasurer is to be one of six of the Privy Council to banish rogues beyond seas; also, Stat. 39 Eliz. c. 7., where the Treasurer and under treasurer are to repay to tellers and receivers the overplus of their lands when sold for debts to the Queen. [1½ pages. Part of an unfinished paper, headed, "Histories, Records, Common law, Statute law. Joint authority. Sole authority.' The entries above are under the heading of joint authority.]