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July3. Berwick. |
67. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. I marvel much
that I yet cannot find so much favour among you as to be discharged of my guest. Yesterday one came into this town as a
Scotchman, desirous to pass into England; I found him to be an
Englishman, and examined him. He denied having any letters,
whereupon I had him searched, and found a number sewn up in his
hose, besides beads, agnus Deis, friars' girdles for women in labour, &c.
He had a great cloak bag in Tweedmouth, wherein I found a great
sort of English books, with English litanies, as far from God's word
as ours is to it, with a number of hypocritical and abominable
idolatrous pictures. |
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I have occupied this night in perusing his letters; some are in
cipher; many are to such as maintain that cankered faction. I trust
there will be some order taken for them, for there is no difference
between them and the rebels. I am now going to examine him
further, as I yet want that I look for, and therefore pray, if I find
cause, that I may either bring him or put him to the rack a little,
for he is able to say much. His name is Wm. Carr, base brother to
Robert and Geo. Carr. He has served Lady Northumberland since
her departure hence, left her at Louvaine, 22 June, and arrived
at Leith on Friday. Upon the Regent's departure from Leith, and
Mr. Marshal having nothing to do there, I was desirous to speak
with him; he returns to-morrow. |
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P.S.—I have sent you a piece of his writing. [1 page.] |
July 6. Berwick. |
68. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. I enclose you a packet
from Du Croc. I marvel, having sent up the Earl's answer to his
last examination, that I do not hear what I am to do with him. |
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I wrote of the apprehension of Wm. Carr, who came lately from
Lady Northumberland. His letters are only from such as serve her
there to some of their friends here in Northumberland and the
bishopric, and not important. It would not be amiss, to send him
to Newcastle, there to receive his deserts next assizes, for daring
to bring such books, beads, and other idolatries as tend to the
maintenance of the old idolatry and popery. Tell me what to
do with him, or whether to hang him here. I am sorry to understand that Her Majesty has no more will to do herself good, but I
hope that God will turn all for the best. [¾ page.] |
July 9. Berwick. |
69. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. I commend to you
Nicholas Armington, a poor gentleman whom you know well;
he is employed here in these Scottish affairs by Mr. Marshal and
me. His honest and dutiful dealing deserves advancement, as also
his friendly service to his kinsman, Thomas Swinburn, when all
other friends forsook him. Being a man not indued with much wit,
Armington has been his chief stay and kept his living together, and
delivered him of some troubles which he was in with the Bishop of
Durham. Swinburn is at this present at the mercy of God and
not long of this world; his son is 13 years old and Her Majesty's
ward, and his lands will be 30l. a year to her, all deductions allowed.
Pray bestow the wardship on Armington, being one of his nearest
kinsmen and no approved friend; it would be a help to the poor
gentleman, and no small commodity and comfort to the heir, his
house, and the other children, he being one of the supervisors of the
will, with the custody and bringing up of some of the children.
There will be divers suitors, so I have thought good thus beforehand to prevent them. [1 page.] |
July 11. Berwick. |
70. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. This day sitting
down to dinner I received yours of the 8th, which gave me my
dinner, finding myself hardly dealt with to be a carrier of a nobleman to execution, into a place where I have nothing to do. My
charge is but in this town and the east wardenry, and therefore
for me to be put to bring him to York to be executed, I can neither
think that Her Majesty deals well with me therein, nor that I have
any such friends about her as I accounted of; and surely I will
rather suffer some imprisonment than do it. Sir John Forster has
both the commodity and profit of all his lands in Northumberland,
and he is the fittest to have the carrying of him to York; I will
deliver him safely at Alnwick, but no further by my will, and
therefore—as ever I may think you bear me any good will, or that
Her Majesty has any consideration of me,—let some other be
appointed to receive him of me, either at Alnwick or Newcastle.
Although the writ has come to me, I will not stir hence with him
until I hear from you again. |
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P.S.—What changes soever happen, I look for none, and I would
I were rid of this, with Her Majesty's favour. [¾ page.] |
July 14. Antwerp. |
71. John Lee to Lord Burghley. The Countess of Northumberland has gone into a monastery, and sent letters to the French
King, beseeching him to be a means to Her Majesty for the Earl.
The Earl of Westmoreland wrote me, but being sick and doubtful
to venture myself in these dangerous times as he required, I sent
him 4l. or 5l. to support his charges hither, but have heard nothing
from him; I wonder whether despair or persuasion has altered him. |
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The Papists in the Low Countries and our English rebels are
in better hope, although their pensions are not so truly paid them;
they think the Duke of Alva will shortly appease these troubles,
and make sufficient revenge of Her Majesty, who is thought to
be the only procurer and supporter hereof. Sir John Neville has
written earnestly to the English rebels, wishing them to write a
general letter to the Pope, requesting his furtherance towards
their cause, whereof he has given them good hope. Young Tempest
has come hither to confer with Fras. Norton, but he refused to
deal that way, and reposes his whole trust and confidence in the
Earl of Leicester and you. |
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Count Lodovic defended Mount Henault most valiantly, and Capt.
Vitelli was hurt, but there is no danger; there have been three or
four of the chief of the Spanish soldiers hurt, and one slain. The
Duke of Alva is getting the ships in readiness, and forces those
mariners that come with the Duke of Medina to serve. The
English soldiers have taken 23 great pieces, which were to have
furnished the ships. Alva is greatly displeased therewith. It is
thought that the King of Spain will wholly break with Her
Majesty by the 25th inst., and that Alva will be in the camp, with
a greater power than there is any appearance of here as yet. All
the gentlemen commanded to serve according to the rate of their
revenues have refused, alleging that they are not bound unless the
King of Spain goes in person. Here is great talk of the coming of
the Prince of Orange, but it is not known where he is. Leonard
Dacre has been here four or five days together, and had conference
with certain Scotchmen, and bespoke armour for himself and men.
[2 pages. The passages in italics are in cipher undeciphered.] |
July 14. Gresham House. |
72. Sir Thomas Gresham to Lord Burghley. Thanks for the
passing of my book for the Earl of Southampton, and for the gentle
answer I had of Her Majesty. I would put you in remembrance of
the Clerks of the Signet, for writing the bonds for Her Majesty and
the city of London, that they have written above 1,200 since Her
Majesty came to the Crown; and having warrant by my instructions from Her Majesty to consider of them, upon your writ appointing the same, pray let it be done now, at your departure out
of the secretaryship; it would be no small relief to them, and great
honour to you, considering what great pains they have taken; if any
notary had had the writing of the bonds, it would have cost Her
Majesty 500l. at least. [¾ pages.] |
July 15. Carlisle. |
73. Henry Lord Scrope to Lord Burghley. It appears by letters
of Council that complaints have been made against me by some
inhabitants of this town, for licensing divers Scots' chapmen or
pedlars, to pass further than the town to sell their wares, which
before my time had not been customary, whereby the town is
injured, and requiring that I should reform the same. I replied to
these letters and have since found, by an old precedent sent me by
Geo. Turner, who had the credit of that matter from Lord Dacre,
then warden in this March, that the said matter from Lord Dacre,
then warden in this March, that the said custom has long been in
use. I trust the Lords know that I have regard to the maintenance
of the town and inhabitants, and doubt not you judge my consideration sufficient in this case. I therefore beseech that I may not
be more restrained in a matter belonging to my office, upon sinister
information, than others having the like charge here and on all the
other Marches. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
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73. I. George Turner to Nich. Lockwood, secretary to Lord
Warden Scrope. I have received Thos. Pattison's informations sent to Council, in behalf of the merchants of
Carlisle, against Lord Scrope, for giving licence to Scotch
pedlars to travel further to sell their wares than Carlisle,
by which means they allege the citizens are greatly hindered. The former wardens, Lords Dacre, Wharton, and
Conyers, used to give conducts to honest Scots to pass
within the west wardenry. Richard Monk of Carlisle, a
fellow servant with me of Lord Dacre's, often wrote for
his Lord's safe conducts for honest Scots. I send you a
note of conducts passed in Lord Dacre's time. The
Carlisle merchants often requested Lord Dacre to stay
these grants as a hindrance to the city, but he continued
them, though he would have been loath to hurt the citizens.
They acted in the same way in sending articles against
Lord Dacre, though he favoured the city. The country
knows that your master has tendered the citizens to his
uttermost. |
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P.S.—After my master had chartered the market at
Brampton, in Gillesland, he gave safe conducts thither,
wherewith the inhabitants of Carlisle were displeased.
Also the Lord Warden of the Middle Marches granted
licences to Scottish pedlars to pass through the wardenry,
whereby linen and other wares are cheaper than before.
[2 pages.] 9 July 1572. |
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73. II. Note of 5 conducts granted by William Lord Dacre 3 & 4
Edward VI. to sundry Scots. [1½ pages.] |
July 19. Carlisle. |
74. Henry Lord Scrope and Sir John Forster to Lord Burghley.
We beg the Queen's pardon for the persons whose names are enclosed,
on the suit of their friends, and their own humble submission and
confessing their offences, most of them for breaking out of Carlisle
castle. They offer sufficient surety for their good behaviour, and
since they broke from the castle, they have demeaned themselves
quietly; therefore we request you to favour them. [1 page.]
Enclosing, |
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74. I. List of 17 persons nominated as fit to receive the Queen's
pardon. [¾ page.] |
July 20. Berwick. |
75. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Lord Burghley. There is better
appearance of agreement in Scotland. I wonder that no order is
taken for the Earl of Northumberland. Pray have him sent somewhere else. I dare not undertake to keep him here; so if he happen
to escape, it cannot be said that I have not warned you. I am afraid
some of my unfriends procure his abode here, to procure me displeasure if he escape. If I hear not soon, I must carry him with
me to Brancepeth, where I can keep him safe. I do not believe in the
rumour of making new officers, until I hear it from you. [¾ page.] |
July 21. Carlisle. |
76. Henry Lord Scrope and Richard Bishop of Carlisle to Lord
Burghley. We send you examinations concerning Banister and the
others. Tom Hetherington, a rebel with Leonard Dacre, has offered
to bring me, Lord Scrope, a messenger who went between Banister
and his son Wm. Hetherington who, if he may have his life, can
disclose matters of importance, but I will not deal with him without your leave. |
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P.S. —I have put Richis Willie in ward, and John Hodshon at
commandment. You will hear things you shall like of their examinations. [1 page.] Enclosing, |
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76. I. Examination of Hum. Musgrave, of Hartley, co. Westmoreland, before Lord Scrope and the Bishop of Carlisle.
Was told that Lawrence Banister, Thos. Carleton, and
Wm. Hutton rode at night from Rockliffe castle to Scotland.
Leonard Musgrave, his brother, can tell important things
about them. Also, |
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Examination of George Hudson. Was at Rockliffe
castle when Banister and the others rode away to speak
with Lord Herris, as reported. Carlisle, 15 June 1572.
Also, |
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Examination of Mat. Hewet, of Rockliffe. Was cautioned a year ago, by the horsekeeper of Lawrence Banis
ter, at Greystock, not to pay rents to him, as he had no
commission to receive them, and the Duke would be in the
country soon. [1 page.] 17 June 1572. |
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76. II. Like examination of Leonard Musgrave. Lawrence
Banister made means with old Tom Hetherington's wife
to speak with her son Willie,—a rebel then in Scotland,
and now in Flanders with Leonard Dacre,—that he might
send relief that should serve his master a year; she moved
her son to come and speak with him, and herself went to
Greystock to speak with Banister Thos. Carleton, serjeant
of Gillesland, agreed with Jock Armstrong, called the
Laird's Jock, and other outlaws of Liddesdale, also with
Anthony and Edward Armstrong, traitors and rebels, to
forbear the Laird's Jock and his accomplices, in their
riding upon Chris. Dacre, and his tenants, the Queen's
subjects in England; also to suffer Ant. Armstrong to
occupy his farm in Gillesland without disturbance. |
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A year ago Carleton sold a gelding to Lord Herris, a
Scot and the Queen's enemy, and Carleton also sold three
horses to Sym. Armstrong, a Scot. [1¾ pages.] Rose Castle, 18 July 1572. |
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76. III. Like Examination of Thos. Pickering, of Threlkeld. Was
told of Banister and the others riding down from Rockliffe
castle to Scotland, after supper, to speak with Lord Herris,
and returning about midnight. Also, |
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Like examination of Edw. Elwold, of Duston, co. Westmoreland. Was asked at Rockliffe castle, by Banister, what
the prophecies said of my lord's grace (Duke of Norfolk).
Told him one,—that the hound should chase the white
lion to Berwick; —he replied, "Nay, Leonard Dacre is
never to be trusted of any man, for if he had done as he
promised to the Earls, things had not gone thus far, for
they had his promise, and he had theirs to help him to
his lands. Wm. Hutton came up and asked Banister to
ride, and they rode together. Did not like going to
Rockliffe, for when Leonard Dacre was there, he came to
sorrow soon after; liked not Banister's dealing, for he
was intimate with the Taylors, friends and tenants to
Leonard Dacre. Many said that the Duke would stir and
be in the country before Bartholomew tide. [1½ pages.]
21 July 1572. |
1572? July. |
77. Answer of —before Edmund Archbishop of York, to
two interrogatories upon certain words used by parson Rich. Slack
in Shenley church, on 11 Nov. 1571, relating to his subscribing the
Book of Articles; also upon MS. notes in a Geneva Bible, &c. and
in the Book of Articles. [1 sheet much damaged.] |
July ? |
78. Wm. Grene to Rich. Oseley, London. I think it pleases you
to hear of Kenn, although my writing be to no profit, as I
understand Charles Simons has been with you about the mill; but
he will never dwell upon it, as he has one or two already of you,
lets the houses, and dwells upon another man's lands. Your tenant,
old widow Lisle, died 10 June, when a person came and said he
had bought her reversion for 26 years, and Crockwill, your steward,
admitted him as tenant of the Court on 23d June. Your friend, the
Parson of Kenn, is sick. |
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P.S.—I wrote you on 26 Jan. about unlawful hunting in your
manor, and other things. [¾page.] |
1572. July. |
79. R. Lane to Lord Burghley. The mistrust that all men have
of the ambition of France, and the fear of the malice of Spain
against Her Majesty, make well-disposed subjects desirous that she
should enter into this action of Flanders. Should she find it
expedient, I submit the following, as a ready way of levying 10,000
men, at the least trouble and expense, and of saving her navy, viz.:—Three ports to be appointed, to which men who will take pay
might be commanded to repair, viz., London, Harwich, and Portsmouth, where a colonel and muster master, with other officers,
might reside for the time. Proclamation might be made in all
convenient shires, for as many as were disposed to take her pay, to
repair thither by a specified time, and upon their arrival and admittance into any band, they should also enter into pay. The colonel
should have authority over all captains and gentlemen repairing
thither, choose his own captains, and they their own officers, and as the
bands are made up, they should be dispatched away in passenger
barks, by three or four ensigns at once. Thus the charge of conduct
would be cut off, and none forced to go but such as would not stay
at home, and the whole army might be amassed at Flushing. |
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Touching the navy: If Her Majesty will not be at any charge to
have her men abroad, and yet will be thoroughly served without
adventure, proclamation might be made along the sea coasts, for all
men who can to put to sea upon pain of death, and to repair with
their shipping to her appointed General, at some known harbour upon
the coast, for instructions how to act. No French or Hamburg man,
nor any other not interfering with her league with Burgundy, to
be molested by such fleet, and no prizes taken and accounted lawful
but such as the taker is allowed cocket for at Flushing, which
cocket shall be saleable in England. The taker shall also bring with
him the certificate of the General of the Adventurers, of his good
demeanor on the seas; otherwise both his ships and goods shall be
detained as pirate, unless by weather or fight, &c. he has been
severed from the General; and until trial, his ships and prizes
shall be put in safe keeping, by the officers of the harbour where he
happens to put in. Her Majesty shall pardon all piracies heretofore
committed by any who now put their ships into this service, but
they must carry themselves well, and obey all proclamations and
orders set forth by the said General. Thus a sufficient fleet of
merchant men will be assembled, who will not only keep open
passage for victuals for our friends, but also the stream clearer of
pirates than it is at present, and Her Majesty will save 10,000l.,
besides the adventure of her own ships, to which also, if they go
abroad, the said fleet may serve as the hope forlorn. If she would
grant me the commission of General, as I am somewhat appointed
for it, I will be careful to discharge the place to her honour and
service. [1 sheet.] |