Appendix: Miscellaneous 1547 | British History Online

Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1877.

'Appendix: Miscellaneous 1547', in Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 6, 1555-1558, (London, 1877) pp. 1637-1639. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol6/pp1637-1639 [accessed 25 April 2024]

Miscellaneous 1547



Feb. 26. Cancelleria Ducale, Dispacci dall' Inghilterra, Archives of Modena.	121. Lodovico Montio to Hercules II., Duke of Ferrara.
	Three hearses (depositi) were made after the fashion of the country, with wax-work, and silk, and painting, and statues, which cost a world of money; the first in Westminster, where it remained for twenty days, all the Lords of the realm going thither to the mass and offices and praying for that soul, (fn. 1) which, by reason of its excellent qualities (per le sue ottime parti), had in my opinion very little need of them. In the meanwhile gowns or cloth were given to all the servants; to the gentlemen 20 yards, to the lords 60, and to the meanest official 10 yards at least; so that with those who carried the lighted torches (they alone being on foot) in number 500, and those who accompanied them, they and their horses being all clad in mourning (vestiti a lutto), we numbered at least six thousand, and were divided into three companies (in tre gonfaloni). The body, wrought statue-wise, was very like, (fn. 2) and most sumptuously apparelled, being ornamented with so many jewels and of such great value that it would be long to tell, but on it I certainly counted upwards of 500 most important ones (importantissime); it was placed on a very stately car (carro) drawn by eight horses, all covered, like the pages, with black velvet. I say nothing of the horses covered with black and gold which accompanied the procession, nor of the many lords and princes who followed it, all of them in mourning.
	On the first day [14th February], (fn. 3) the procession got to Sion, where there was the second hearse (il segondo deposito), no less magnificent (honorata) than the first; and on the morrow to Windsor, where there was the third hearse (il terzo deposito), the grandest of all (degnissimo di tutti). Two days were spent there in constant prayer (in continove orazioni), [Thomas Cranmer] the Archbishop officiating. These ceremonies being ended, the lords broke their staves as usual, and returned in greater haste than they would have done to London, had it not been for the great urgency.
	I cannot but say that in my opinion there has died the honour, majesty, magnanimity, and wisdom of a host of lords and princes, for I know that he manifested this to the whole world at this death, by leaving his affairs, or those of his son, under such good custody and government, he having nominated certain sage persons, all of then being his elect and faithful friends, under whose guardianship his son is to remain until his eighteenth year; arranging all things so well that there can be no mistake, and they must prosper. The method used is such that not the slightest murmur has been heard amongst this fickle and self-willed population (queste genti si volubili cl voluntarosi), everything proceeding with all concord and union, and following solely the will of the great testator.
	New dukes have been created, namely, the uncle of our young King (del nostro novellino Re), and the son of the late Duke of Suffolk, and also marquises, earls, and other lords; and finally they crowned their King, in the midst of much rejoicing and felicity, and with endless pageants, jousts, and revels. The son is ten years old, and so sagely had his father prepared and adapted all the other affairs of the kingdom, that everything is provided for, and already proceeding according to his wish.
	The members, of the Council and government are 16, and the junta eight. The Protector and Governor of the realm is the Duke of Somerset, the uncle of the new King (del Re novellino), but he can do little or nothing without these 16, who are the royal executors and all moved by one will and mind, they also being those on whom the entire burden rests.
	His Majesty King Edward VI, was crowned on the 20th; he is a youth of very fine qualities, his figure and physiognomy divine, his gestures, forms, manners, and fashions most regal, and of great hope, considering his tender years, he having been so well educated that he assuredly gives promise of not differing greatly in dignity from his father, which may it please the Almighty to increase in him.
	All the peers of the realm were present at this ceremony, including 16 bishops, whose ornaments and horses are not to be told, but they were very superb and magnificent; and such is the youth's affability that he has made himself adored by such of his subjects as are so fortunate as to have seen him. Nor will I omit to mention that when the Archbishop anointed him, telling him what he was to promise and observe, and what it signified to be King, whom it behoved, amongst other things, to defend his people and the Church of God with the sword, concerning this Church he asked him “What Church?” and when the Archbishop explained to him that “the Church” signified the faithful and the gospel, he then replied that with his whole heart he would do so.
	I pass over in silence many other things, such as the entertainments, revels, jousts, games, public banquets, and other customary ceremonies, which took place without any disturbance; wherefore I perceive that at so tender an age (così tenerino) he is a King of much importance, and of far greater than is supposed; nor is this said to induce any steps on the part of your Excellency, whom alone I adore, but many princes send hither to perform offices of condolence and congratulation. Your Excellency is sage, and in your name I have already performed this office with the Lord Secretary and the Lord Protector, as I know your Excellency will infinitely regret the loss of so great a master and friend, and that you will in like manner be greatly consoled to know with what joy the coronation was solemnized of the young King (novellino Re), the son of him who was so much your lord and friend.
	London, 26th February 1547.
	P.S.—Two days ago, on the Scottish borders, our people (nostri) engaged the Scots, and so ardently that ours won the day; there being here nevertheless Scottish ambassadors, who are treating an agreement.
	[Italian, signed.]