Henry VIII: January 1536, 6-10

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1887.

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Citation:

'Henry VIII: January 1536, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1887), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp12-26 [accessed 7 October 2024].

'Henry VIII: January 1536, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Edited by James Gairdner( London, 1887), British History Online, accessed October 7, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp12-26.

"Henry VIII: January 1536, 6-10". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 10, January-June 1536. Ed. James Gairdner(London, 1887), , British History Online. Web. 7 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol10/pp12-26.

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January 1536, 6-10

6 Jan.
R. O.
31. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
Send me that great rebel and outlaw David Lloyd or Place and his fellow John ap Richard Hokulton, now in Westminster, where they fled out of Wales at my persecution, and I shall end the maliciousness of these parts. If he will challenge sanctuary, he shall have the same according to the King's laws, but I trust to prove he has had sanctuary before, and has since stolen, burned, and killed without mercy. Help me now as ye love me. On his examination, by the advice of Mr. Vernon, I trust to hang 20 resetters, whereby the field is won. Let me have the thief that killed the man at Monmouth, Richard ap Howell, alias Sumner. Thank John Edwards for espying the said thieves. I marvel not a little that Mr. Kingston would send a commission to inquire of the conversation of Thos. ap Griffith, contrary to his trial here. He has been a great resetter, and his two cousins are in the wood, and he has been admonished by me and the Council to bring in the thieves, his kinsmen. If the laws are to be stopped on the bare assertion of other thieves who are his kin, that he is a true man, when there is not a true man in that country, it will be folly in me to attempt reformation. Ludlow, Twelfth day. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
6 Jan.
R. O.
32. Wm. Lord Sandys to Cromwell.
I beg your favour for the bearer Mr. Augustine and his preferment to the King's service. He says you are his special good master. He has done a great cure upon me, else I had not troubled you. He is cunning in the science of physic, and has seen much, and with your old good mastership towards him, I beg he may have a determinate end in these his suits. There is a man who sometimes attends on you who does not use me well, and has slandered me. I trust you will have this reformed. At the Vine, 6 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
6 Jan.
R. O.
33. Sir Brian Tuke to Lord Lisle.
I received lately a letter from you with a bill of certain passages made with Sir John Walop's servants and of some other messages sent to England and Flanders from Calais, from May Anno 26 to Dec. last, which bill your Lordship has subscribed and desires me to pay. I have no warrant to pay it as treasurer of the King's chamber, and it has nothing to do with my charge as master of the posts. It is true I have paid passage money for the King's ordinary posts, but not for special men without special warrant. I sent word of this to Wallop both by Barnabe and by Nich. Alexander, and I bade Thos. Twichet at his going hence also to inform you.
Apart from this I should have been compelled to write to your Lordship of your own matter. During the seven years and more that I have been treasurer of the King's chamber, I have not received a penny of your debts to the King. I hope you take me for your friend, but being the King's debt if I do not receive it or tell the King, what shall I do? Or how would you esteem a servant that served you so ? The debt is great, and I hoped when the King was at Calais you would have taken an end with him. I have since urged you to make friends with my lord of Norfolk or write to Mr. Secretary. Afterwards it was said you would come hither yourself. I have prevented suits against you and retained privy seals in my hands without speaking about it to anyone. But I must discharge myself somehow London, 6 Jan. 1535.
Pp. 3, great part in Tuke's own hand. Add. Endd.
6 Jan. 34. Cochlæus to Henry VIII.
Misled by a false rumour of Henry's reconciliation to his wife, desired to confirm him in his good intentions by a book which he has addressed to Paul III. on the subject of the King's marriage. Does not regret his labor, though Henry will not thank him for it. Will not betray the truth which Henry's bribed supporters in France and Italy have assailed and in England have persecuted with so much cruelty. Is encouraged by the constancy of Fisher and More, whom Henry has put to death. Enlarges on the crimes into which the King has been led by his lawless passion. "Ex Misna Civitate, viii. idus Januarii 1536."
Lat.
*** The above letter is printed at signature Q iij. of a tract published by Cochlæus at Leipzig in 1536, entitled "Antiqua et insignis Epistola Nicolai Pape I. ad Michaelem Imperatorem Augustum ante annos DC data . . ., ejusdem Nicolai PP. Decreta ex grandi Decretorum volumine in compendium redacta . . . ., Brevis historiarum illius temporis commemoratio ex Reginone vetusto Chronographo ad Regem Angliæ Henricum viij, Defensio Joannis Episcopi Roffensis et Thome Mori, adversus Richardum Samsonem Anglum. Per Joannem Cochleum. Fragmenta'quarundam Tho. Mori Epistolarum ad Erasmum Rot. et ad Joannem Coc[hleum]."
6 Jan.
Vatican Archives.
35. Bishop of Faenza to M. Ambrogio.
* * * Francis said to him with great warmth, "Tell His Holiness that 1 have perfect faith in him, and let him remember he has in me a most obedient son," adding that he had 50,000 men ready to serve him at a beck, and that the Pope should remember what he and his ancestors had done for the Church. As to England, he did not approve that King's acts, nor would defend him against the Church, but if the Emperor sought to ruin that King, with a view to attaining the monarchy, he was deceived. His eyes were now open to this, and moreover, if His Holiness did not do against England his manifest duty the Emperor and not France will be the cause; for the former gives little reason for believing in his love of peace and unity while he goes on occupying first one post and then another. Vindicated the Pope, who, he assured Francis, would show his impartiality before all the world and also do his duty against England. Pressed Francis to come to the point about the Council, specifying Mantua as a convenient place, in which he acquiesced. Fears, however, if the Emperor left Rome without a conclusion the French would oppose anything he did; indeed the Admiral said so as plainly as could be. The Admiral expressed much pleasure at His Holiness's good opinion of him, and said if a council met and declared itself against England, Francis would not let any prince be before him in vindicating the honor of God, for he only looked on Henry as a heretic and malefactor; but he would say plainly that if the Emperor meant to keep what belonged to the sons of his King, and so make himself master of the world, he might be sure Francis would defend England against anything he proposed to do against it, indicating that they had delayed till now coming to other conclusions with England only out of respect for His Holiness, waiting to see what he would do at Rome. From a village by Tornus, 6 Jan. 1536.
Ital., from a modern copy, pp. 5. The original is a decipher. A modern copy of the whole letter is in Add. MS. 8715, f. 174, B.M.
7 Jan. 36. Bishopric of St. Asaph's.
See Grants in January, No 4.
7 Jan.
R. O. St. P. I. 452.
37. Sir Edw. Chamberleyn and Sir Edm. Bedyngfeld to Cromwell.
This 7th Jan., about 10 a.m., the Lady Dowager was annealed with the Holy ointment, Chamberleyn and Bedyngfeld being summoned, and before 2 p.m. she died. Wishes (fn. 1) to know the King's pleasure concerning the house, servants, and other things. The groom of the Chamber here can cere her. Will send for a plumber to close the body in lead.
Has no money. Kymboltun, about 3 p.m. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Master Secretary. Endd.
[Jan.]
R. O.
38. [Katharine of Arragon?]
Provision to be made for bowelling, coring, and enclosing the corpse in lead. For lights and other things about the corpse, in the house, or the next church or chapel, and who shall execute exequies and ceremonies. Proportions for all manner of lights, and for blacks to be distributed. What personages, aud how many personages, women, to be appointed as principal mourners. How many chariots shall follow the corpse, and what apparel shall be appointed for them. Where the body shall be interred. How many prelates shall be present at the interment. What dole shall be dealt in every place, and in pence, half groats, or groats, or in all after the diversity of the place.
Letters to be made for the appointment of such personages of honour as shall be at the same.
In Wriothesley's hand, p. 1.
[Jan.]
R. O. Arch. xvi. 23.
39. Burial of Katharine of Arragon.
"A remembrance for thenterrement of the right excellent and noble Princesse the Lady Catherin, Doughter to the right highe and mighty Prince Ferdinand, late King of Castle, and late Wief to the noble and excellent prince Arthur, Brother to our Soveraign Lorde King Henry the viijth."
Directions as to the corpse being "sered, tramayled, leded, and chested with spices, &c.;" for a hearse "with five principalles and lights." to be set in the church or chapel where the body shall first remain, and another "with nine principalls or lights" in the church where it shall be buried; for staff torches to be borne by yeomen and long torches in great towns as the body shall pass; for wax; for double barriers about the principal hearse, the inner for ladies and the outer for lords. At the removal the body is to be attended by three mutes; divers noblemen and four knights to bear a canopy over it, six knights to bear the body and six barons to assist. The chief mourner and eight others to accompany the corpse. Arrangements for nightly watch, chariot to convey the corpse, with pall and puffed image of a Princess; four gentlemen to bear at the four corners, &c. "The chief mourner on horseback, her horse trapped with black velvet to follow immediately the corpse," with eight ladies after her on palfreys trapped in black cloth. Two other chariots to follow.
ii. "The painter's charge;" for the supply of banners and scutcheons.
iii. "The charges of the wardrobe." To provide cloth for 30 ladies and gentlemen mourners, and for the noblemen present, and for her officers.
iv. "The rate of the liveries" for dukes or duchesses, earls, &c., cloth for themselves and for a number of servants according to their degrees.
v. "To be also remembered." To appoint prelates to execute for the time she shall be unburied, &c.; also touching doles and various other matters; among others what place the body shall be interred in.
" The 25th day of this present month of January, it is commanded that all such stuff as is committed to the doings of the chandler, the painter, the saddler, and all other having anything to be done touching the interment, shall be ready and bestowed in such places as be to them appointed for the same."
In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 8.
Otho. C. x.
216. B. M. Strype's Eccl. Mem. 1. pt. ii. 252.
40. Will of Katharine of Arragon.
Desires the King to let her have the goods she holds of him in gold and silver and the money due to her in time past; that her body may be buried in a convent of Observant Friars; that 500 masses be said for her soul; that some personage go to our Lady of Walsingham on pilgrimage and distribute 20 nobles on the way. Bequests: to Mrs. Darel 200l. for her marriage. To my daughter, the collar of gold which I brought out of Spain. To Mrs. Blanche 100l. To Mrs. Margery and Mrs. [Whyller] 40l. each. To Mrs. Mary, my physicians [wife, and] Mrs. Isabel, daughter to Mr. Ma[rguerite], 40l. each. To ray physician the year's coming [wages]. To Francisco Philippo all that I owe him, and 40l. besides. To Master John, my apothecary, [a year's wages] and all that is due to him besides. That Mr. Whiller be paid expenses about the making of my gown, and 20l. besides. To Philip, Anthony, and Bastian, 20l. each. To the little maidens 10l. each. That my goldsmith be paid his wages for the year coming and all that is due to him besides. That my lavander be paid what is due to her and her wages for the year coming. To Isabel of Vergas 20l. To my ghostly father his wages for the year coming. That ornaments be made of my gowns for the convent where I shall be [buried] "and the furs of the same 1 give to my daughter."
Pp. 2. Mutilated.
Ibid. f. 216b. ii. The following is written in Cromwell's hand on a separate slip, not as Strype says, at the end of the will:—" Tawnton; Downton; Hendon. Richard Polerd, (fn. 2) William Portma[n], Thomas Powlet, William Peter, Tho. Lee, Raffe Sadeler."
Otho. C. x. 217. 2. French translation of the above.
Pp. 2. Mutilated.
Jan.
Otho. C. x. 219b. B. M.
41. [Sir Edmund Bedyngfeld] to Cromwell.
The bowelling and cering is already done in the best manner. The leading and chesting is prepared for, and shall be finished with all speed. We are glad of the coming of the Comptroller hither by the King's commandment to order all things for the interring, which is directed to be at Peterborough.
To the best of our power we have commanded the safe custody of the gates so that nothing can issue. The persons who had the custo[dy of her] jewels, plate, and apparel, have given us a just and plain declaration, containing much more than [we could] see or know before. Will do all we can for the entertainment of such personages of honour as repair hither by commandment. [We have] declared to the servants how good and [gracious] master you have been in obtaining the King's favour towa[rds them. They are] greatly comforted with his gracious pro[mise]. "Further[more as for] the preparation of the house, it shall be d[one] . . . . . . . and likewise the prelates and priests s . . . . . . . . . repair for the execution of all manner c[eremonies ap]pertaining for the funerals and a . . . . . . [acco]rding to your mastership's command."
P. 1. Mutilated.
M. S. Vat. 5639. in init. 42. Hieronymus Novatus to Paul III.
Transmitting the subjoined letters which will explain why the little treatise (fn. 3) in reply to the eight universities has remained unpublished five years after it was printed.
Lat. Modern copy in R. O., pp. 3.
Vat. MS. 5,639, f. e. 43. Hieronymus Novatus to Nich. Pernotti sieur de Granvelle.
Transmitting a treatise, dedicated to the Emperor in defence of the queen of England's cause, which he had begun in the days of Pope Clement, and showed to that pope and the Imperial ambassador the Count de Consentaiina (Cifuentes ?), but deferred sending to Granvelle till the merits of the principal cause had been adjudged, not wishing to say too much, seeing that the king of England was undefended, and the case was so ably managed by Dr. Peter Ortiz. Maintains the justice of the papal sentence in opposition to the opinions of eight universities, printed at London.
Lat. Modern copy in R. O., pp. 3.
Ib. f. e. 44. The Same to Charles V.
On the same subject.
Lat. Modern copy in R. O., pp. 4.
7 Jan.
R. O.
45. Henry VIII. to the Bishop of Llandaff.
Regrets that the bishop whom he considers "dedicate and addict to honesty and to the observation of our precepts," and other ministers chosen to instruct the people have not endeavoured to stop the mouths of preachers who sow sedition and disseminate false doctrine. Warns him to consider the persons authorised by him to preach and revoke the commissions of those noted for want of judgment. Eltham, 7 Jan. Signed with a stamp.
Pp. 2. Add.
7 Jan.
Cleopatra, E. iv. 7. B. M. Burnet, iv., 394.
46. Cromwell to [the Bp. of Llandaff].
You will receive herewith the King's letters to remind you of your duty touching orders to be taken for preaching that the people may be taught the truth, and not charged at first with overmany novelties, calculated to engender division rather than to remove out of their hearts the corrupt teaching of the bishop of Rome. Doubts not he will execute this commission; but as Cromwell is the King's chief minister in matters touching the clergy, has thought it right to put in a word of exhortation to avoid contrariety of preaching.
From the Rolls, 7 Jan. Signed.
Pp. 2. In the margin is the following note in a hand of the 17th cent.:— "To the Bisshop of Landaffe from Cromwell when he was vicar generall."
R. O. 47. John Abbot of Whitby to Cromwell.
I have received your letter stating that I intend to resign my place to Will. Newton, one of my monks, and you require me to remain, which doth very much comfort me, as you are so sinistrously and untruly informed. The said feigned information was invented for a crafty purpose, as Newton is my near kinsman, and nearest me in trust. Supposing me to be weary of worldly tribulation, and being in boldness of such favour as he supposed I bore him, and putting me in fear of worldly trouble, he and his carnal brethren have confederated together, and urging me to promise to resign to him, to which my conscience would never consent, as he is of age and qualities fully unmeet for it. He now brags and threatens to bring me to London, and reports that you said "that he was more worthier for my room than I was, and that I was a natural fool;" and he says further that you promised him my room, intending to put me to great trouble. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Master of the Rolls and Secretary. Endd.
R. O. 48. John Abbot of Whitby to Sir Fras. Bigot.
I am glad to hear you have come from London. I hear that my brother monk dan Will. [Ne]wton had made sinistrous information to you, and obtained from Mr. Secretary a letter to me, by which I perceive that the said William has told him I was content to resign my office to him. Mr. Secretary has written to me to continue, as I will do. To avoid such slanders I thought it right to let you know my mind.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
7 Jan.
R. O.
49. Sir Francis Bigod to Cromwell.
Begs he will read these letters, although somewhat long, because they touch the King, and partly his own matter with the abbot of Whitby. Since he left London and went to York, he sent his charity to the prisoners in the castle there, among whom was a monk, a priest, and Anthony Heron, who desired to speak with him. They are in prison for disobeying the King's title of supremacy. After I came to the monk and the priest sitting in strong fetters they prayed me to help them with you, saying they would be obedient servants. One of them denied he had ever used any traitorous words against the King in favor of the bishop of Rome, but was laid there by the false accusation of one of his enemies, and as for the man of Rome, he would no more regard him than one of the prisoners there tied with him. The priest said his offence arose through ignorance before the statute, and he trusted the King would have compassion upon him, which they both beseech with weeping eyes. Anthony Heron walked without in the yard; "and so there I talked longer with him because of the air." He is now very well and says he was deceived, and thanked God and the King for his correction. They said this before I spoke, and then I opened to them all such places of Scripture as I could do to establish their allegiance. They are in extreme misery and like to die for want of sustentation.
For the abbot of Whitby he is in great fear of Gregory Conyers, and has denied all such messages as the monk and I told you concerning the resignation, and has sent me letters made by Conyers without the sign manual or writing of the abbot, which I send. Yet, notwithstanding his denial before Conyers and the monks, he confesses to the young man alone that he desires to have him abbot; of which the monk says he has good witness. Conyers and others have caused him to feign sickness, and to say that if your mastership send for him to London he must die. The monks watch him like crows about a carrion, and will not suffer me or the monk to speak with him alone. Is this man fit to be an abbot, who will damn his conscience rather than displease them ? Any letters that the abbot sends now are but the device of Gregory Conyers. I pray you to send for him, giving him strict orders not to speak with Conyers till you have spoken with him yourself, the monk, his records and me face to face, else you will suspect the monk and I made it of our own heads. He once set his hand and convent seal to a false bill of complaint against me, when I could not get him up to your mastership, else he and Conyers would have been proved dishonest. The monks crack that they shall well stay your mastership, but I have no fear that you will be corrupt with meed; "for if I suspecte any such thing I would not let so to do, and likewise will do rather than I should take shame at any of their hands, as ye shall know further by this bearer, if it please you hear him speak." Begs he will stay Gresham from taking out any process against him: also Richard Lodge, dwelling at St. Anthony's, to whom this bearer will convey your letter. Trusts to content them all. Whitby, the morrow of the Epiphany.
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: Secretary.
7 Jan.
R. O.
50. Thomas Legh to Cromwell.
Whereas I intended, I was prevented by badness of the way from visiting the Charterhouse in the Isle of Axholme. (fn. 4) I sent my servant, however, with letters persuading them to compromit the election of their head into your hands; to which they were willing, considering your goodness to religious houses. They have sent up their proctor with an instrument sealed with their convent seal for that purpose. They recommend their proctor as a religious man who will tender the King's matters. I beg you to prefer him to one Myghel Mekenes, for whom my lord of Canterbury wrote to me, who is of no learning, and too simple to govern a house. The house has signed the profession concerning the King. I shall visit it next spring. Monastery of Roche, 7 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add: Secretary. Endd.
7 Jan.
R. O.
51. Roger Abbot of Furness to Cromwell.
I beg you to remember my case touching the wines of Master Daundy of Ipswich, which were brought to Furness in an outlandish vessel, and therefore forfeited and arrested by my servants to the King's use; but which, by your commands, I delivered again to Mr. Dawndy. For this Master Secton in his lifetime caused an information to be brought against me in the Exchequer, which is still pending, and puts me to great cost. My predecessor left our monastery in great debt to the executors of Sir Wm. Compton. Furnes, 7 Jan. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add: Secretary unto His Highness and our head visitor. Endd.
7 Jan.
R. O.
52. John Elyot and Will. Hawkyns to Cromwell.
Will. Sommaster came to Plymouth four days before us and menaced the witnesses against Peter Grysling, saying they had accused him of treason, and, perceiving their fear, read them the article submitted to you and the council. They said they remembered no such words, and he said they could not be discharged, except they were sworn before him and the vicar to that effect. He took their depositions and sent forth subpoenas for them all. Was told this by William Bull. They cannot deny that Grysling called Jas. Horswell naughty heretic knave, and bade Bull go and tell him so. We took them for malicious and not treasonable words, spoken in his fury and in drink. Plymouth, 7 Jan. Signed.
P. I. Add: Secretary. Endd.
7 Jan.
Paludan Müller, Aktstykker, ii. 209.
53. Boner and Caundish to the Archbishop of Bremen.
Received on 5 Jan. letters from the King, expressing indignation at the imprisonment of George Wolwever, which is said to be by the Archbishop's order, as he has done nothing to deserve it; and bidding them urge the Archbishop to have him liberated. Remind the Archbishop that the King pardoned Herman von Holt, of Bremen, at his intercession. Suggest that a refusal will alienate the King from him, his subjects and friends. Request him, therefore, to set Wolwever at liberty, and give him a safe-conduct through his country. Cannot apply to the Archbishop in person, on account of the approaching diet. Hamburg, 7 Jan, 1536.
Lat. Add.
8 Jan.
Add. M. S. 25,114, f. 126. B. M.
54. Cromwell to Gardiner and Wallop.
Received letters yesterday of the death of the Princess Dowager, which they may mention to the French king if they see him before receiving other letters. But they must use the intelligence as they find expedient, "tempering your doings there in such matters as ye have now in treaty by the same." From the Rolls, 8 Jan. Signed.
P.S.—As the King had seen this letter he desired Cromwell to write somewhat more at length, viz.:—Considering the death of the Lady Dowager, and that as the Emperor has now no occasion of quarrel, he will seek the friendship of Henry, Gardiner is to keep himself more aloof and less ready for any modification of the King's requests, showing what advantages he may now have at the Emperor's hands, and tell the Admiral it will be good for them to hasten to an agreement before the King is pressed by the Emperor.
Pp. 3. In Wriothesley's hand. Add. and Endd.
8 Jan.
R. O.
55. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
Whereas the lordship of Landovery, late Lord Audley's, is come to the King, and has no officer; I recommend Rice ap Gwilliam, who has helped me in apprehending thieves. I beg credence for Mr. Popley, to whom I have written. Ludlow, 8 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
8 Jan.
R. O. Latimer's Rem. 371.
56. Hugh Bishop of Worcester to Cromwell.
Whereas you tell me that the King is inclined through pity to restore the prior of Worcester (fn. 5) to his office, desiring, however, to have my opinion, I rejoice not a little that the King is moved to have pity of that simple man; but there are divers degrees of pity, and if that great crime was proved against him, as you say it was, then to give him his life was great pity; to give him a competent living and one to wait on him is still greater. I wonder if his heart be so strong that such compassion cannot reconcile him sufficiently to the King. Whether, at his great age, to burden him with his office be to pity or trouble him, I cannot say; but in being pitiful to one man, the King must not be pitiless to many. If he is able to discharge that great cure, it were well that the King would extend his pity; if not it were pity to trouble him in his age with a charge he was not able to discharge in his youth. What ability is required for such an office, no man can better tell than the King. What ability this man has for it no man can tell better than my lord of Canterbury or Dr. Lee; and as I have heard you speak both of the house and of him, I think you yourself are not ignorant. If I have one to help me there I shall do more good; if not I shall "buggell" myself as well as I can. When I perceived that there was no hope to speak for this man, I named two, and the King preferred Coton, as I certified you, and the Queen has remembered you since. Sabbato post Epiphaniam proximo.
Hol. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
[8 Jan.]
R. O.
57. John Seynt John to Cromwell.
Whereas the King has appointed my poor wife to be one of the mourners for my Lady Princess Dowager, and she has been lately sick of breeding of young bones and not yet well recovered, "and besides this my being in service with my Lady Princess, having all such horses and servants with me, as my said poor wife should be furnished with all"; I trust you will obtain her excuse. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
8 Jan.
R. O.
58. Anthoine de Helfault to Lord Lisle.
As you charged Rob. Apernaut (ap Reynold), (fn. 6) man-at-arms under your charge, to pay me the remainder of the price of a horse bought of me for 60 crowns, of which I have received 30; and you have agreed with me that I am not to have more than 10, to which I make no objection; I beg you will deliver the said 10 crowns to the bearer. St. Omer, 8 Jan.
Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.
9 Jan.
Vienna Archives.
59. Chapuys to Charles V.
Just after having finished my last letter of 30 Dec. I mounted horse to go with all possible haste "selon la grande compagnie que menvoie" to see the Queen. On my arrival she called roe at once, and that it might not be supposed her sickness was feigned and also because there was a friend of Cromwell's whom the King had sent to accompany me, or rather to spy and note all that was said and done, the Queen thought best, with my consent, that my conductor and the principal persons of the house, such as the chamberlain and steward, who had not seen her for more than a year, and several others, should be at our first interview. After I had kissed hands she took occasion to thank me for the numerous services I had done her hitherto and the trouble I had taken to come and see her, a thing that she had very ardently desired, thinking that my coming would be salutary for her, and, at all events, if it pleased God to take her, it would be a consolation to her to die under ray guidance (entre mes braz) and not unprepared, like a beast. I gave her every hope, both of her health and otherwise, informing her of the offers the King had made me of what houses she would, and to cause her to be paid the remainder of certain arrears, adding, for her further consolation, that the King was very sorry for her illness; and on this I begged her to take heart and get well, if for no other consideration, because the union and peace of Christendom depended upon her life. To show this I used many arguments, as had been prearranged with another person between the Queen and me, in order that my conductor and some of the bystanders might make report of it, so that by this means they might have the greater care of her life. After some other conversation, the Queen bade me rest after the fatigue of the journey, and meanwhile she thought she could sleep a little, which she had not done for two hours altogether during the six days previous. Shortly afterwards she sent for me again, and I spent full two hours in conversation with her, and though I several times wished to leave her for fear of wearying her, I could not do so, she said it was so great a pleasure and consolation. I spent the same period of time with her every day of the four days I staid there. She inquired about the health of your Majesty and the state of your affairs, and regretted her misfortune and that of the Princess, and the delay of remedy by which all good men had suffered in person and in goods, and so many ladies were going to perdition. But, on my showing her that your Majesty could not have done better than you had done hitherto, considering the great affairs which had hindered you, and also that the delay had not been without advantages (for, besides there being some hope that the French, who formerly solicited the favour of this King, would now turn their backs, there was this, that the Pope, by reason of the death of the cardinal of Rochester, and other disorders, intended to seek a remedy in the name of the Holy See, and thus, preparations being made at the instance of the Holy See, the King could not blame her as the cause), she was quite satisfied and thought the delay had been for the best. And as to the heresies here [I said] she knew well that God said there must of necessity be heresies and slanders for the exaltation of the good and confusion of the wicked, and that she must consider that the heresies were not so rooted here that they would not soon be remedied, and that it was to be hoped that those who had been deluded would afterwards be the most firm, like St. Peter after he had tripped. Of these words she showed herself very glad, for she had previously had some scruple of conscience because [the heresies] had arisen from her affair.
Having staid there four days, and seeing that she began to take a little sleep, and also that her stomach retained her food, and that she was better than she had been, she thought, and her physician agreed with her (considering her out of danger), that I should return, so as not to abuse the licence the King had given me, and also to request the King to give her a more convenient house, as he had promised me at my departure. I therefore took leave of her on Tuesday evening, leaving her very cheerful; and that evening I saw her laugh two or three times, and about half an hour after I left her she desired to have some pastime (soy recreer) with one of my men "que fait du plaisant." On Wednesday morning one of her chamber told me that she had slept better. Her physician confirmed to me again his good hope of her health, and said I need not fear to leave, for, if any new danger arose, he would inform me with all diligence. Thereupon I started, and took my journey at leisure, lest any further news should overtake me on the road; but none came. This morning I sent to Cromwell to know when I could have audience of the King his master to thank him for the good eheer he had caused to be shown me in my journey, and also to speak about the said house. He sent to inform me of the lamentable news of the death of the most virtuous Queen, which took place on Friday the morrow of the Kings, about 2 p.m. This has been the most cruel news that could come to me, especially as I fear the good Princess will die of grief, or that the concubine will hasten what she has long threatened to do, viz., to kill her; and it is to be feared that there is little help for it. I will do my best to comfort her, in which a letter from your Majesty would help greatly. I cannot relate in detail the circumstances of the Queen's decease, nor how she has disposed of her affairs, for none of her servants has yet come. I know not if they have been detained.
This evening, on sending to tell (qu. ask?) Cromwell what they had determined to do, that I might for my part do my duty, he told my man that just as he was entering the gate he had dispatched one of his own to inform me, on the part of the King and Council, that it was determined to give her a very solemn and honorable funeral both on account of her virtue and as having been wife of prince Arthur, and, moreover, for her lineage and relationship to your Majesty, and that, if I wished to be present, the King would send me some black cloth for myself and my servants, but that the time and place had not yet been arranged. I replied that, presuming that everything would be done duly, I agreed to be present, and that, as to the cloth, the King need not trouble himself about it, for I was provided. It is certain that they will not perform her exequies as Queen, but only as Princess, and for this reason I despatch in haste to Flanders one of my servants who will have time to go and come, that I may know how to conduct myself, for nothing will be done for 18 or 20 days. The Queen's illness began about five weeks ago, as I then wrote to your Majesty, and the attack was renewed on the morrow of Christmas day. It was a pain in the stomach, so violent that she could retain no food. I asked her physician several times if there was any suspicion of poison. He said he was afraid it was so, for after she had drunk some Welsh beer she had been worse, and that it must have been a slow and subtle poison (fn. 7) for he could not discover evidences of simple and pure poison; but on opening her, indications will be seen. London, 9 Jan. 1535.
Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 4.
9 Jan.
Add. MS. 28,588, f. 114. B. M.
60. Chapuys to Ortiz.
Received on the 29th ult. the Emperor's letter of the 3rd ult., and with them, the [account of the] receptions given to the Emperor in Micina and Naples.
Hearing that the Queen was very ill, went to ask the King for leave to visit her, which he obtained, with some trouble. Set off as soon as possible. Found that the Queen had been troubled with vomiting and pain in the stomach for a week, being unable to eat or sleep, except so little that it might be called nothing. She was so wasted that she could not support herself either on her feet or sitting in bed. During four days that he was with her she got better, and seemed to be much comforted by his visit. She did not cease to tell him that he had served her well, and shown the affection for her service, which she knew that he felt. She desired him to return and solicit her removal, in which the physician concurred, thinking her out of danger for the time. Returned as she wished, and to-day news came to the King that on the third day after his departure she had a relapse and died in twelve hours, which was the day before yesterday, Friday the 7th, at 2 p.m. Feels it deeply, and hopes the same fate will not happen to the Princess.
Will not now mention what her Highness said, and her last wishes. Refers to his letter to Cifuentes. London, 9 Jan. 1535.
Sp., pp. 3. Modern copy.
9 Jan.
R. O.
61. John Shipman to Cromwell.
This day I received your letter, by which I perceive it is the King's pleasure that all the writings I have received of Lord Audley and Wm. Owen now remaining in my custody shall be transferred to you. Yesterday Wm. Owen came to me and desired to have the said writings, for he had to go to London, and as he is retained by you, I delivered them to him before the mayor of Bristol. Bristol, 9 Jan. 1535.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary. Endd.
9 Jan.
R. O.
62. Edw. [Foxe] Bishop of Hereford to Lord Lisle.
Thanks for his good cheer at his last being at Calais. Finds the princes and noblemen here much more friendly to the King than was expected in England, so that you shall not be afraid of your neighbours. Wittenberg, 9 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add.
9 Jan.
Corpus Reform., iii. 10.
63. J. F. Duke of Saxony to Luther.
Was informed yesterday by the prefect (Landvogt) of Saxony that the English embassy would like us to send Melancthon to Wittenberg to discuss the question of the king of England's marriage with you and our other learned men. We think this unnecessary, as he has already shown his opinion, and there is need for his presence at Jena, but would like to have your advice, which, in this matter, we are willing to follow. Lochau, Sunday after Epiphany, 1536.
German.
64. Primacy of St. Peter.
R. O. A dissertation apparently upon the sixth article of some theological treatise translated (from the Latin?), the translator defending the doctrine against the author.
A fragment, pp. 16. Begins: "The Translator. As unto St. Hierom and Bede, we have showed you before their minds."
Ends: "Unto the authority of St. Augustine, which he allegeth upon John, but he telleth not where upon him, for he—." (fn. 8)
Signatures, C. 1, 2, 3, 4.
10 Jan.
Halliwell's Letters, i. 352.
65. Henry VIII. to Lady Bedingfield.
Has appointed her to be one of the principal mourners at the conveyance of the lady Katharine's corpse from Kimbolton to Peterborough. She is to be at Kimbolton on the 25th. Sends — yards of black for herself, two gentlewomen, two gentlemen, and eight women. Will send an habiliment of linen for her head and face. Greenwich, 10 Jan.
10 Jan.
Cleop. E. iv. 48 (fn. 8). B. M. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, 94.
66. John Bishop of Lincoln to Cromwell.
The poor house of Newstede beside Stamford has been void since 29 Oct. by the resignation of the late prior. As there are but two canons in the house, my lord of Rutland, their founder, has nominated Sir John Blakytt, canon, thereunto, who seems to be an honest man, and has compounded for his first fruits. As Cromwell has commanded the Bishop not to meddle with any religious houses, refers the matter to his pleasure, but desires to know by bearer whether he shall give a mandate to the archdeacon for his installation. Wooborne, 10 Jan. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Master Secretary. Endd.
10 Jan.
R. O.
67. The Mayor and Citizens of Winchester to Cromwell.
Since the expectation of our Sovereign at the ancient city of Winchester, they and the town of Southampton are pleased that they shall be no more burdened by the great exactions laid on the King's subjects by the unlawful court of Pavylyon. They are still more satisfied that the King has written to his Commissioners for due execution of the statutes of sewers, of which some part is exercised, and for other parts Master Pares, my lord of Winchester's treasurer, plainly told the Commissioners they should do what pleased them, but he would have no meddling therewith, on behalf of the Bishop. My lord of Bangor and the other Commissioners have been at Wood Mills, which you saw, and had a great part of it pulled down. Much of the waterworks yet stands to the hindrance of the stream, although a penalty of 100l. was laid upon Thos. Fyssher, farmer thereof, "for the doing thereof, which is not yet done." On Monday next the Commissioners are appointed to be there for further execution of the same. The streams are already greatly improved, and as far as they may run the lands of the abbot of Netley which were drowned are now perfectly dried, and the rivers are full of salmon kyppers. Many persons are therefore coming to inhabit the said city, and so a number of people will be employed. And though some of those who have executed the statute have been sore threatened by the great lords and their officers in these parts yet the King's commandment shall be fulfilled. Winchester, 10 Jan. Subscribed by Thos. Vyncent, Mayor, and William Hawles, Recorder.
Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Secretary.
10 Jan.
R. O.
68. Sir John Bonde, Priest, to Lady Lisle.
I have received two letters by Ric. Harres, and another by Bremelcumb. I will send the readings of my books at Easter, by him that shall bring up your rents. I will do all I can about the paling of your park, "redyng" of trenches, &c. Very little fish was taken from Mich. to St. Andrew tide, the water was so great there. As to salmon, your ltttle "keve" is full and your great "keve" half full. As to the drawing down of your weir, Bremelcumbe showed your ladyship everything. The "lathys" I sent to Bedeforde (Bideford) before Whitsuntide last, and Degory Grenfylde promised I should have no more business with them. They shall go by next boat. Thos. Norys will require timber for 16,000 of "shyndell." I am sorry your ladyship "somewhat moved" about lying in your parlour. I lie sometimes in one chamber, sometimes in another, and move my bed once every six weeks. I know not what to say about Mrs. Jane Basset. Her sisters cannot please her. Your ladyship has ordered that she shall have such things as I judged necessary, but she is not satisfied. I have delivered her two feather beds and three pair of sheets. She has also two "kee" (cows), one horse, and other things; also a greyhound, which lies on one of the beds day and night, except when she holds him in her hands. Mr. Bassett's obit shall not be forgot. Womberleh, 10 Jan.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
10 Jan.
R. O.
69. [Thos. Seyntaubyn] to Lady Lisle.
Thanks for her kindness and the token she sent his wife by young Master Carewe, which, however, has not arrived, nor the heart of gold which she delivered to Richard Harris, who lost it and his money, by a subtle companion who left him at Chard, but he trusts to have tidings of it.
Has sent a firkin with a dozen puffins for her and lord Lisle, directed to the Red Lyon, in Southwark. Will do what he can for their profit at Carnkye and elsewhere. If Carnkye continues as it does since Christmas, it will be better profit this year than last. The mills at Tyhydye are not in so ill case as reported. At the last court, before cousin Dygorie, caused the tenants to see the mills, and certify defaults at the next court. Chywarton was desirous that it might be so. Dygorie has seen the paper for him and Harry, his son, signed by lady Lisle, and if he do not keep it tenantable he loses his holding. Richard Harris will begin the repairs at Tyhydie at the beginning of March. 10 Jan.
He and his wife desire to be recommended to Sir Ric. Graynfylde and his wife.
Hol., p. 1. Mutilated. Add.: At Calais.
10 Jan.
R. O. St. P. vii., 640.
70. Francesco Casale to Cromwell.
Was commissioned by his brother to persuade the Pope not to publish the bull purposed against the King. His brother (Sir Gregory) is waiting for M. Gurone from England. Understands from the Secretary and M. Latino Juvenale that the Pope is resolved to proceed as far as he can against the King, and they asked when Gurone would return, and when he would see Sir Gregory, which shows they wish for an occasion of delay. The Pope has caused Ghinucci and Simonetta to give him the bull, so that Casale has not been able to get a copy, and was afraid the Pope would publish it without its being proposed in consistory, and order it to be affixed before he could send word to the King.
The Datary (fn. 9) assures him the bull is not yet sped. Its contents are as described in the previous letter. The kingdom is given to anyone who can take it, and the King's subjects absolved from their allegiance.
The Emperor will come to Rome when he has closed the Parliament at Naples, which may be at the end of January. The Emperor made much of the duke of Florence when he arrived, and told him to go and see his wife, the Emperor's bastard daughter. These words were contrary to the promises he made to the two Cardinals and other Florentine exiles.
Does not think that there are practices of any importance between the Pope and Emperor.
The Papal Nuncio who has returned from Germany has brought news that the Prothonotary is alive, but he thinks Andrea Corsino is dead. No one is allowed to speak to the Prothonotary. They say he will be liberated when peace is made between the king of the Romans and king John; but the writer can find out nothing about the negotiations. Thinks that the King, in consequence of Gritti's death, fears that if the Turk comes to Hungary he will fall into his hands. There are at Vienna two Hungarian bishops, servants of king John, one going to the Emperor, the other to the Pope. The king of the Romans does not wish them to pass. This poor prince deserves to be pitied, for being in the middle of his enemies he can have neither help nor favor from any one. Rome, 10 Jan. 1536. Signed.
Ital., pp. 2. Add.: Secretario, &c.
10 Jan.
Add. MS. 8715, f. 181 b. B. M.
71. Bishop of Faenza to Mons. Ambrogio.
Account of a conversation with Francis about peace with the Emperor. The King and his lords wish for peace, if they can get Milan in any way, although they are arming. The English ambassadors have not come, and behave as if they were displeased. The King has been here two days, but they are 10 leagues off. It is said publicly that the Admiral will go to Rome, to conclude peace with the Emperor through the Pope.
Ital. Modern copy. Pp. 10.
Headed: Al Signor Mons. Ambrogio, da Macone, alli 10 Gennaro 1536.
10 Jan.
Add. MS. 28,588, f. 116. B. M.
72. Dr. Ortiz to the Empress.
Has received her letter of 23 Dec. Thanks her for the commendation of the cause of the queen of England to God.
The draft and form of the privation of the king of England, which the Pope lately proposed to dispatch, with an admonition of two months, has been seen by each of the Cardinals. Does not know why the thing is not settled. It is done by the See Apostolic spontaneously (de su propio officio), and not at the instance of the Queen. The King cannot therefore regard the privation as a cause of new indignation against the Queen. Notice has been sent to the Emperor, whose coming is expected in February. Chapuis writes on Dec. 14 that the Queen had been ill, and he had sent a secretary to her. She took the opportunity of writing Ortiz a letter, of which he encloses a copy. Thanks God that she is still well, and the Princess also. A servant of Chapuis has come to the Emperor from the Queen. He passed here on his return to England on Dec. 22.
Sends a copy of a proclamation made in England for burning the books and writings of the holy martyr of Rochester, whom, with sacrilegious and infernal tongue, they call traitor, and also for burning bulls granted in times past for pardons, so that the name of the See Apostolic may be rooted out of the kingdom. Rome, 10 Jan. 1536.
Sp., pp. 4. Modern copy.

Footnotes

  • 1. The letter, though signed by two, is written throughout in the first person singular,— apparently by Bedingfield, who was steward of Katharine's household, though he signs second.
  • 2. Misprinted "Richard Molend" in Strype.
  • 3. See Vol. V., No. 1099.
  • 4. Priory of Epworth.
  • 5. Will. Moore.
  • 6. See Vol. VIII. 668.
  • 7. "Poison aterminec (qu. atermoiee ?) et artificieuse."
  • 8. The two last words "for he" are catchwords.
  • 9. Barth. Guidiccioni, afterwards Cardinal.