Venice: January 1533

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1871.

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'Venice: January 1533', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533, (London, 1871) pp. 374-377. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol4/pp374-377 [accessed 9 May 2024]

January 1533

1533. Jan. 4. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 379. 839. Mons. de Montpezat, French Ambassador in England, to—.
As to the affairs of Scotland, the Scottish gentleman who came hither is gone back with a decision in favour of peace rather than of war, which both sides are waging very roughly on the borders. The King of Scotland has twice assembled the Parliament for a large army for the invasion of England, and they will decide on the 1st of this month.
London, 4th January. Registered by Sanuto 5th February. (fn. 1)
[Italian.]
Jan. 8. Mantuan Archives. 840. Henry VIII. to Frederick Duke of Mantua.
Has received the present of the mares by Ippolito Pagano, a gift most agreeable, not merely because he delights greatly in horses of that breed (illo equorum genere) but also because they were sent by his Excellency. Returns thanks, &c.
As Pagano is now returning to Italy, the King sends two English hobbies (gradarios equos) and requests him to accept them, together with assurances of his good will and affection.
From Greenwich, 8th January 1532–(33).
Signed: Vester bonus amicus, Henricus Rex.
Countersigned: Petrus Vannes.
[Latin.]
Jan. 8. Mantuan Archives. 841. Henry VIII. to Frederick Duke of Mantua.
His beloved servant, Matteo Barba, the Duke's subject, who has served the King faithfully for many years, is returning to Italy, to visit his kinsfolk; the King requests the Duke to treat him graciously.
From Greenwich, 8th January 1532–(33).
Signed: Vester bonus amicus, Henricus Rex.
[Latin.]
Jan. 11. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 394. 842. Carlo Capello, Venetian Ambassador in England, to the Signory.
Writes by way of Antwerp. During the holy days this King's forces gave battle to those of Scotland, each side numbering some 6,000 men, both incurred great loss of life. The English entered Scotland in three directions and burnt a castle, bringing back much plunder of cattle, worth 30,000 ducats. Both English and Scots are preparing for war. Dom. Cromwell has sent into those parts 30,000 pounds sterling (30,000 sterlini) to raise troops, and the Duke of Norfolk will go on the expedition. A great battle is expected shortly. The Scottish ambassador spoke haughtily to the King, threats being exchanged between them. The ambassador has departed, and told the King that if he possesses riches and treasures, his King has braver and more valiant subjects than the King of England; (fn. 2) and that if his English Majesty promises himself the support of the most Christian King, his King promises himself no less [support] than he [King Henry] does, because the late King, his father, died for the army of France; and that the English will greatly deceive themselves by relying on the Earl of Angus, as he is a rebel to his King, and detested by all Scotland. This nobleman was the husband of the Scottish Queen, the sister of the King of England, and mother of the King of Scotland; and last year he came over to England accompanied by two of his brothers, with whom he is now on the Borders. It is hoped that matters will be adjusted by means of the most Christian King; and since the arrival of the post from Scotland on the 8th, it is said that the King purposed retreating, and is willing to be pacified.
London, 11th January. Registered by Sanuto 14th February.
[Italian.]
Jan. 15. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 378. 843. Marin Giusttnian, Venetian Ambassador in France, to the Signory.
Concerning the affairs of England and Scotland, the English ambassador here (fn. 3) tells me he has received letters from the Duke of Norfolk, dated the 4th, informing him that the Scots have come to open war, the King being in the field with from 40,000 to 50,000 men, who however refused to assemble or to march until the King in person joined the army, which was within some 30 miles of the English borders, at a place called Unbarg [sic; qu. Dunbar] King Henry has mustered an equal amount of troops under the command of the Lord Chamberlain, and if necessary the Duke of Norfolk will go thither, he being in great repute there, and was also present at the death of the late King.
Paris, 15th January, 1533. Registered by Sanuto 5th February.
[Italian.]
Jan. 20. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 379. 844. Marin Giustinian to the Signory.
The understanding between France and Venice is good. Two French Cardinals had arrived at Bologna, (fn. 4) and were well received.
England and Scotland were in arms on their borders. King Francis has sent an envoy to Scotland to quiet the matter.
Paris, 20th January. Registered by Sanuto 5th February.
[Italian.]
Jan. 23. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 389. 845. The Same to the Same.
One hundred thousand crowns have been paid here to D. Joachim [Passano], ambassador from the King of England, on account of what his most Christian Majesty has to pay; and at Boulogne in Picardy, he also had a like sum on this account.
Nothing further about England; the English ambassador says that preparations are being made, and that he has letters from the Duke of Norfolk to this effect. Has also been told by a courier from Scotland that he saw the muster of the Scots; and that the King of England also has raised 12,000 infantry besides the troops already in his service on those Borders.
Paris, 23rd January. Registered by Sanuto 10th February
[Italian.]
Jan. 24. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 405. 846. Carlo Capello to the Signory.
Nothing further has taken place with regard to the affairs of Scotland; both sides are preparing for war within a few days, and King Henry will have 40,000 men in those parts, but it is thought that the two kings will be reconciled through the mediation of his most Christian Majesty. The King's viceroy in Ireland was killed lately under a castle on that island [Castle of Birr], by an harquebuse shot, from the so-called “wild Irish” (chiamati selvatici) who do not tender obedience to this King; and some gentlemen also lost their lives.
His Majesty has created Dr. Cranmer—who had been tutor to the Marchioness Anne, and lately ambassador to the Emperor—Archbishop of Canterbury; this having been done by favour of said Marchioness. The Parliament is to assemble on the 2nd of February and after hearing from the ambassadors the resolution formed at Bologna, it is said that the Cardinal of Lorraine and another cardinal, and also Philip Melancthon and some others of the most learned men in Germany, will come over to this Parliament. It is supposed that should the Pope not accede to King's Henry request about the divorce, the matter will be decided here, where they will also discuss the Council. New books are written daily; and many abbots and prelates, besides the usual members, have been summoned to attend this Parliament.
By way of France, the King has received letters dated Ferrara, the 2nd instant, from the two French cardinals, who say it is hopeless to obtain what is desired about the divorce, although his Majesty says he has also had letters, dated Bologna the 2nd, from Sir Gregory Casal, purporting that the Pope is inclined to satisfy him.
The reply made by the Signory to the Pope and the Emperor about making the new League, has been heard here, and pleased everybody, including the French ambassador.
On the 13th instant, at Greenwich, towards sunset, there fell from the sky, in the south-east, a ball of fire the size of a human head; which phenomenon, these English consider a prodigy, and draw conclusions thence.
Beseeches the Signory to elect his successor, that he may be enabled to return home.
London, 24th January. Registered by Sanuto 22nd February.
[Italian.]
Jan. 29. Sanuto Diaries, v. lvii. p. 407. 847. Carlo Capello to the Signory.
Doctor Bonner, late ambassador from his Majesty to the Emperor, arrived here on the 24th. He quitted Bologna on the 8th, and brings the King satisfactory intelligence (grate novelle). Two couriers with letters from Bologna followed him, on which account the King has sat in Council daily; and today they discuss the reply to be made to the Pope and the Emperor. According to report, the King has large offers relative to the divorce; and the Nuncio, who rarely had audience of his Majesty, now confers with him frequently; and they are preparing for him the moneys on account of the annats for the bulls of the Archbishop-elect of Canterbury—contrary to what had been determined. Is assured the Emperor would wish his Majesty to marry his (the Emperor's) sister, the Queen Maria [widow of King Lewis of Hungary], but the King chooses to be free.
The Scottish King is mustering troops on the Borders. It is said he will marry the Princess of England, and he shows great courtesy (usa gran humanità) towards King Henry.
The day before yesterday, the King created Sir Thomas Audley —who was keeper of the Great Seal—Lord Chancellor.
Private advices from Venice, received in London, announce that the Signory was awaiting the licence to send the galleys, as already transmitted by him.
Requests the Signory to elect his successor.
London, 29th January. Registered by Sanuto 22nd February.
[Italian.]

Footnotes

  • 1. From the letter of Marin Giustinian, dated Paris, 20th January 1533, it may be inferred that the foregoing was addressed to the Lord Steward of France, whose secretary probably gave a copy of it to the Venetian Ambassador.
  • 2. “Che si l'ha richeze thesori, il suo Re a più animo et valorosità di soi huomini di lui.”
  • 3. John Wallop. (See “State Papers,” vol vii. pp. 422, 423.)
  • 4. The presence at Bologna of the two French Cardinals, Tournon and Grammont, is mentioned in a letter from Benet to Henry VIII., date Bologna, 14 January 1533 (See “State Papers,” vol. vii. pp. 407–409.)