Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1890.
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'Henry VIII: April 1537, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1890), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol12/no1/pp367-399 [accessed 11 December 2024].
'Henry VIII: April 1537, 6-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537. Edited by James Gairdner( London, 1890), British History Online, accessed December 11, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol12/no1/pp367-399.
"Henry VIII: April 1537, 6-10". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1, January-May 1537. Ed. James Gairdner(London, 1890), , British History Online. Web. 11 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol12/no1/pp367-399.
April 1537, 6–10
[6 April.] R. O. |
835. LORD CHANCELLOR AUDELEY to CROMWELL. |
---|---|
Not hearing from Cromwell this morning, supposes that lord Darcy is not come. Will therefore not expect Cromwell or the other lords. Asks when he will come. Repeats his suit for the deanery of Exeter for Dr. Brewoode, for then Audeley's poor kinsman, a scholar of Cambridge, who has come to him today, would have his prebend. Dr. Brewoode will give Cromwell 100l. for it, and Audeley will give him 10l. for two tuns of wine. Cannot come to the court to day for suitors. Friday after Easter. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add: Lord Privy Seal. | |
6 April. R. O. |
836. WILLIAM, PRIOR OF THETFORD, to CROMWELL. |
Cromwell has written to the prior for the farm of their cell in Wangford to one Mr. Freston. Begs Cromwell to take no displeasure; he and his brethren have made a pregrant and lease of the same to Mr. Rouce, treasurer of the duke of Norfolk, their founder. Thetford, 6 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
6 April. R. O. |
837. EWELME. |
Court held there 6 April 28 Henry VIII. The whole homage finds that Hacheman has ploughed and sown part of their common ground. Ordained that he show evidence of his claim at Midsummer, or else the King's bailey is to distrain the corn growing thereon, till the title be tried before the King's Council. Signed by Thomas Carter, surveyor, and Edmund Powell, under-steward there. | |
P. 1. Endd.: Hucheman. | |
6 April. R. O. |
838. MAYOR AND BRETHREN OF NEW SARUM to CROMWELL. |
Have received his letters for Mr. Madowell, the preacher. Have taken sureties by obligation of him, as they have done of Wm. Ferreys, for their personal appearance and good behaviour. Sends the obligations. Cromwell complains that they have not proceeded against Ferreys as he thought they would. Are ready to do as he commands. Can prove the articles sent. Madowell is a Scot and has used himself uncharitably and slanderously against them. Salisbury, 6 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
6 April. R. O. |
839. SIR WILLIAM EURE to CROMWELL. |
The borders in his rule are now at a good point, and redress proceeds effectually. There have been few attempts on either side. As for the Middle Marches under Sir John Wetherington, proceedings are taken for redress between Liddisdale in Scotland and Tyndale and Riddisdale in England, according to the late meeting at Coldstream, which he hears the king of Scots has commanded his officers to see effectually executed. | |
Since Mr. Sadler's return there has been no news beyond what was at his departing hence. Intends within eight days to send Berwick pursuivant into Scotland with a letter to the Council on business of his own; by whom he may learn occurrants. Berwick, 6 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
Calig. B. I 130. B. M. |
2. "Instructions to be declared unto Henry Ray, pursuivant of Berwick, for the delivery of letters to the Regents of Scotland and others his demeanours to be used in his said journey." |
(1.) Is to deliver "my" letter to the Chancellor or Regents, and if asked if he have any further credence to say No, for he received the letter at Berwick and saw not me since my last being at this town. (2.) If asked for news is to say he knows none, but that the kingdom was never quieter, that the King had assembled great part of the prelates and learned men to establish matters touching religion like a Catholic prince, and by reports from London would come to York in August; and that, though he dare not affirm it true, the Queen was thought to be with child, which gave the greatest possible satisfaction, "every man rejoicing and thinking to have his part therein." (3.) If they enquire further, is to say he hears no more news from me, but understands that the Scotchmen, especially the Borderers, expect war when their King comes home, though wise men do not believe that he would go against his uncle. (4.) Is to make diligent inquiry as to the disposition of the people and whether they wish for war. (5.) How they are content with the new levies of money, and whether of late insurrections were likely to have arisen beyond Fife, and why the lords were summoned thither with a good number of men. (6.) Is to bear these instructions in mind, by no means to carry them in writing, and to pretend to have no message, "but only answer of my letter, using by your discretion some cracks after the custom of those parties of the King's power and riches, and that I am here ready to withstand the malice of enemies, if need shall require." | |
Pp. 2. | |
* Another copy, endorsed by Wriothesley, is in Calig. B. III. f. 248. | |
6 April. Cleop. E. IV. 244. B. M. |
840. SUSSEX and Others to HENRY VIII. |
On Easter eve received your letters, dated Westminster, 28 March, (fn. 1) containing your pleasure touching Furnes, both for a further trial of the truth of those matters and for the committal to ward of the abbot and such of the monks as we should find faulty till further orders. After closely examining the abbot and monks, committed two, "which was all we could find faulty," to Lancaster Castle. There seemed no likelihood of finding anything further that would serve the purpose except things done before the pardon. Sussex accordingly having considered if one way would not serve, by what other means the monks might be rid from the said abbey, "and consequently the same might be at your gracious pleasure," caused the abbot to be sent for to Whalley, and after they had examined him together, and found they could get no other matter, Sussex "assayed him" of himself to know if he would be content to surrender his house. Found him very facile, as the paper enclosed (fn. 2) showing the gift of the same will show, the abbot believing that he and we together could easily obtain the ratification of the convent under their seal. Sent immediately Sir Thomas Butler, Sir John Byron, and Sir Ric. Houghton, to take the rule of the house into their hands, and prevent anything being embezzled till Sussex goes thither, as he intends to do on Monday next. We would have been sooner, but are hourly looking for answer from your Highness to our letters about this house of Whalley. | |
Late yesterday night Mr. Fitzherbert came hither and approved of what we had done, but the abbot and convent would have to give the same to your Grace, your heirs and assigns for ever by deed inrolled according to draft here inclosed. | |
Hopes the King will approve their proceedings. They still intend, at their coming to Furness, to learn as much as possible by examinations of the corruption of the said monks. Having dispatched this business and that of Whalley, and after receipt of the King's letters for transferring the monks to other houses, Sussex thinks the country is now so quiet that there can be no occasion for him to remain. Will therefore, after charging the justices to be vigilant, take his journey to attend the King on St. George's day. The prior here, of whom they wrote that he was impotent and aged, petitions now that he may be one of the two priests whom the house is bound to keep within the parish church of Whalley, "the parishioners whereof is above 3,000 people," with a stipend of 6l. or 7l. Think it would be charitable to grant it, as he has been over 50 years a monk, and is almost 80 years old, and is not likely long to continue. If Furness be suppressed, desire instructions as to the bestowal of the monks, who are in number xxxii[i]. My lord of Derby, Mr. Port, and the other of your Counsel are now sitting upon matters of justice at Preston, owing to the adjournment of the oyer and terminer made before Easter. Whalley Abbey, 6 April. Signed: Robert Sussex—Anthony Fitzherbert—William Leyla[nd]—Henr' Farryngton, k.—John Clayden, preste. | |
In Derby's hand, pp. 3. Add. Endd. | |
R. O. | 841. THE MONKS OF FURNESS. |
"At Furne[ss] ... xxviijth ye[ar of the reign of our] Lord King [Henry VIII.]" | |
"Dan Christopher Mershe Rudder ... and examin[ed] afore my ... deposeth and [sai]th by the ... dan John ... ton ... common borde ... Kings highn[es] and that he bade h[im] h ... he said and that ... present at that same time ... | |
"Item, that Dan Henry Sall[ey] ... world is this that this fre ... worldly man next God wh ... confessed, and this was the ... | |
"Item, the said deponent saith ... of his bredern at divers ty[mes] ... went not forward their ... | |
"Item, ... [a]mongs themself ... suppression of the monas[tery] ... as were taken against ... they would with words ... as they durst persuade th ... | |
"Item, th'abbot at his departing ... bredern that they should do ... commons, and he would go ... with the King. | |
"Item, he saith that Dan Joh[n] ... in Chapter House that ca[me] ... convent from Lathom, bu[t] ... tenor thereof." | |
P. 1. Very mutilated, more than half being lost. Endd.: "Copy of Xpofer Mershe Rudders confession." | |
R. O. | 2. "The saying of the vicar of Dalton." |
First, Michael Hammerton, Chr. Broun, and other two brethren of Furness met the [re]bellers against your Highness "and agreed with them and ca[me to D]al[to]n," and when certain tenants there asked for advice they said, "Agree with them as we have done." This I heard Thomas Walchman and others of the "said Dalton" say. This was on Allhallow eve or the day before. (2.) The brethren of Furness Abbey gave money to the commons at that time, as they themselves have confessed. | |
(3.) The prior and Dan John Grene commanded divers tenants of the abbey on pain of death or pulling down their houses to meet the commons in their best array; as tenants of Waney, the Stanke and Dalton will record. This was on Allhallow even. (4.) The brethren were miscontent with them that did stick truly to your Grace, especially with Robert Leget, whom they would not suffer to read a lecture of Holy Scripture to them, and with me because I fled into the w[oo]ds and would not be sworn, and told Sir Wm. Rede I had better have been at home on Allhallows day. (5.) The abbot and brethren have not kept the injunctions of the visitors to hear a lecture of Scripture and keep a schoolmaster; nor do they "distribute the reversion of their [bro]ken [me]ate at dinner and supper to the poor, but hath taken in [youn]g men for their tenements, which they call their beadmen; and thus they bestow all the broken meat on young men and lusty, as John Wynfell, which they received in so this year, and hath sold his tenement to James Begins, and they re ... one called John Lang for his tenant right the year last pas[t and a]nother called William Tomson which is able to work." This is all I know of the abbot and brethren against our Prince, which I disclose because of my book oath. | |
Pp. 2. Mutilated. Endd.: "Copy of the vicar of Dalton." | |
R. O. | 3. "The depositions of Robert Legate, friar": added by Thomas Derby, "put into that monastery of Furness to read and preach to the brethren." |
Headed by Derby: "Ante Indulgenciam."—The abbot of Furness, before your Grace's visitors came to the abbey, commanded the brethren to tell them nothing. Some have since told me "they did sigh every day in their harte because they toke somoch upon their conscience," saying that if all had confessed what they were bound to do they should have been a sorry house. This Chr. Masrudder and Anthony Plummer told me the week after Michaelmas. | |
Bria[n] Ga[rner prior (fn. 3) and] John Grene, monk, commanded their tenants, on pain of pulling down their houses and death, to come before Gilpyn, the captain of the commons, on Allhallow even; witness the bailiff of Dalton, Laure[nce] Leys and others. Item, John Grene on Friday after St. Martin's day, said, in hearing of Sir Wm. Rede, John Leonard, John Fell, and myself, that the King should never make them an abbot but they would choose their own. Item, Dan John Harrington, Dan John Broughton, (fn. 4) and others have a prophesy, viz., "in England shall be slain the decorat Rose in his mother's belly," which they interpret that your Grace shall die by the hands of priests; for their Church is your mother. I have often heard this, but not since Christmas. Item, (fn. 5) I have heard the bailiff of Dalton say the monks encouraged the commons, saying: "Now must they stick to it or else never, for if they sit down both you and Holy Church is undone; and if they lack, company we will go with them and live and die with them to defend their most godly pilgrimage." The prior and brethren gave them 20l. Item, Chr. Masrudder told me he heard one of the brethren say the King was not right heir to the cro[wn, for] his father came in by the sword. This shows what love they have unto you. Item, John Broughton (fn. 6) said before Ant. Plummer and me, that the bp. of Rome was unjustly put down, and that in three years all would be changed, and the new laws annulled. We laid a wager upon it. | |
"Hæ c omnia post (fn. 7) regis indulgenciam." Item, where your grace suppressed certain abbeys, and sent four of the monks of Sawlley to Furness; three of them, contrary to the Act of Parliament, returned to Salley, but the fourth refusing to do so, was ordered out of the house by the abbot. Afterwards when your grace had the better of the traitors of Cumberland the brethren spoke him fair. (In margin in Derby's hand: To this the abbot answered, the three monks had capacities and [there]fore he put them out, the fourth was put out of his chamber to make room for the lords "coming at this time to Furness." He also had a capacity and confessed he was put out for this reason). Item, Henry Salley, (fn. 8) monk, said before me and Ric. Barke, monk, that no secular knave should be head of the Church. Item, the abbot knowing of this treason, did not complain to the King or Council. He knew of it; "for in the t ... y the morning after the iiijth Sunday" the bailiff of Dalton showed me that the abbot had only heard of it that morning, but would punish Salley, for my satisfaction, and he was put to silence that day, to cause me to hold my tongue. Item, on the first [Su]nday in Lent, after Mr. Holcroft had been at the abbey, the abbot commanded them to keep the injunctions of the vis[itors] and other statutes, although he had rel[ea]sed them of these statutes before the visitors came. They murmured at this, so that on Monday following he sent the prior to promise them favour if they would hold with him; for he feared Mr. Holcroft would complain of him to the Council. Item, the abbot said on the fourth Sunday in Lent that either the bailiff of Dalton or Robert Legatt had put in letters of complaint against him, and he would know which of them it was. Hæc omnia po[st indulgentia]m. | |
Item, Michael Hammerton, se[ll]e[r]er, William Rige, Chr. Broun, master of the fell, and John Broughton, monks, went to the rebels in another lordship by the consent of all the others. Ante Indulgentiam. | |
What the abbot commanded the first Sunday in Lent after Mr. Holcroft had been there. (Derby in margin: This is written afore.) Post Indulgentiam. | |
Pp. 4. Mutilated. Endd. by Derby: Copy of Robert Legate's deposition. | |
ii. Saying of Roger abbot of Furness. | |
Dan John Broughton showed him a prophecy, viz., "that a. b. c. and iij. ttt should set all in one seat and should work great marvels," and "that the red rose should die in his mother's womb." Said, "Dan John this is a marvellous and a dangerous word." Three or four days afterwards he told the brethren he could not abide there till the [rebels?] came to Furness or it would undo both himself and them. Went then to the Earl of Derby. Item, when the commons afterwards came to the Abbey, Michael Hamerton, John Broughton, William Rige, and Chr. Whalley took them 23l. 6s. 8d., to what intent he knows not. Item, Alex. Richard, bailiff of Dalton, said he heard from Robert Legate that Dan Hen. Salley had said it was never a good world since "secular men and knaves had rule upon us and the King m[ade] head of the Church." Item, Dan Thomas Settill said Henry Salley, when overcome with ale, used to speak slanderously as above. "Item, Dane [Mat]thew Ki[r]kby, Dane Willm. Forest ... Richard Metind[all] (fn. 9) did say in the kitchen to ... and other that the commons were their free ... be." Item, at his coming home from the Earl of Derby the convent wished him to sign certain articles they had made. Item, after this his brethren showed so much [aff]ection for the commons that he "durst not go to the church this winter before day" alone. Item, John Thornton, Thos. Settill, and James Foster always took the King's part and his. Item, heard before All Saints' Day that John Broughton had said the King was not right heir to the realm. | |
Pp. 2. Mutilated. Annotated by Derby in the margin and endd. by him: Copy of the saying of the abbot of Furnes. | |
Cleop. E. IV. 111.* B. M. |
4. Notes from depositions against the abbot and monks of Furness, viz.:— |
Robt. Legate, frere, accuseth the abbot of Furness of falsehood at the time of the visitation in causing his monks to be foresworn, &c. The abbot caused the monks of Salley "that were appointed to that monastery at the time of suppression" to repair home again to rebel, and discharged one of them of his chamber because he would not go, as three of his fellows did. He concealed the treason of Hen. Salley, monk, who said no secular knave should be head of the Church, and since Lent has made suit to his brethren to hold with him in all things wherewith he should be charged. | |
The vicar of Dalton accuses the abbot of not keeping his injunctions. The abbot knew of the prophecies, as John Broughton, monk, deposes. The bailiff of Dalton deposes that he wrote to his monks from Lathom that he was sure on both sides. Chr. Mershe (fn. 10) says that on going to Lathom, the abbot bade his monks do their best for the commons, which the abbot in his confession doth scant deny. | |
The prior of Furness and John Grene, monk, caused the tenants to appear before the captain of the commons on All Soulen even, and Grene said the King should make no more abbots there. | |
John Harington and John Broughton, monk, published a prophecy that "the decorate rose should be slain in his mother's belly." Chr. Rudde* says that one of the monks in the time of insurrection said the King was not right heir to the Crown, for his father came in by the sword. John Broughton, monk, said the bp. of Rome was unjustly put down and would be restored in three years. Hen. Salley, monk, said no secular knave should be head of the Church. | |
In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 2. | |
R. O. | 842. [ROBERT LEGATE to HENRY VIII.]. |
Information against some commissary who had moved the people, in defiance of the Act, both openly and secretly in hearing confessions, to pay 1d. or ½d. as Peter-pence; also complaining of his conduct at Dalton [in Furness], when a priest named Sir Wm. Rede accused another named Sir Wm. Asburner of infringing the said Act. Being displeased with Rede for speaking against the other, he blamed him for construing Erasmus' Paraphrase to his scholars, and dismissed him from keeping school. The commissary also illtreated him for showing the usurped power of the bp. of Rome in the pulpit, and took away his sermon with great threats. Thus your Grace will perceive how hopeless it is for men to be true in this country unless other manner of men be put in spiritual rooms, which your Grace may do now better than at any former time. | |
ii. Also against the abbot [of Furness], who had omitted to complain to the King's lieutenants, the earls of Derby and Sussex, of one of his monks who had repudiated the royal supremacy, but caused the bailiff of Dalton to show me that if I would not complain the said monk should be punished after the lieutenants left. He also commanded his brethren, the Sunday before their coming, in the Chapter house, that they "should not mell with them nor schewyng ony thyng at all to them." They were also exhorted by another of the abbot's friends to beware what they said, for these lords and earls would handle them very straitly if they could get anything out of them. The abbot was also displeased with those that complained of ... brethren, saying he knew full well [what was] laid against them, and bade three or four of [the] seniors come to his chamber after the chapter, who should show the articles put in against him and them, "saying in the Chapterhouse that this complaint was made amongst the young men, but if he might know any of them all to tell ony thing out of the Chapter house after that day, by Him that made him he should go to prison and never come out so long as he was abbot." I was informed since your Grace's lieutenants were in Furness that a monk called Henry Spalley, now in prison at Lancaster, said in his chamber, before Thos. Settle and Chr. Masrudder, monks, "Whereas I preached in the abbey litcll more than a week before your Grace's lieutenants came thither," commending your most just laws, he said on the Monday after it was a marvel that God did not take vengeance of us both, of him for his preaching and of us for hearing him. | |
P. 4. Mutilated. | |
6 April. R. O. |
843. SIR JOHN LOUTHER to [the EARL OF CUMBERLAND]. |
On Good Friday Robt. Gars spoke with Lord Maxwell, and on Easter Eve he told Louther that Scotland was mustering. Did not believe him, and sent "your" servant, Edw. Story, to Maxwell with the letter "your Lordship" made at Shap for Lord Dacre's man of Comryntyng. Encloses the answer, which he opened and showed to Sir Christopher Dacre. Story had a long communication with Maxwell, who told him that in all the borough towns of Scotland proclamation had been made for general musters, every man to have a jack of plate, a steel bonnet and splints, and a spear of six ells, and all who can a horse. Story supposes they will attack Carlisle or Berwick when the King comes home. Maxwell told him that the King has long been ready to come, and only waits for the weather, "and how he may escape the ships of the sea," and that the old queen of Scots had a servant who was lately with the King of England, who asked him why the King of Scots broke his promise and did not come "by him away," and said he would do him a displeasure before he came to Scotland again. When the servant returned he told the queen, who showed it to the Council, and they sent the servant immediately to the King of Scotland. Lord Maxwell said if the King had been at home when the commons were up he would not have failed to have kept his house in Carlisle before this. Neither the city nor the castle are strong, and there is neither ordnance, powder, nor gunners, of which the King should be speedily informed. Carlisle, 6 April. | |
Copy, pp. 2. | |
6 April. R. O. |
844. SIR THOMAS PALMER to CROMWELL. |
His servant, Thomas Appowell, writes that Cromwell will help him to Mr. Weythyll's pension. Thanks him, and begs full credence for Mr. Raffe Sadyller and help to one of the two things the writer has declared to Sadyller. Calais, 6 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Sealed. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. | |
[6 April.] Corpus. Reform. III, 335. |
845. MELANCHTHON to VITUS THEODORUS. |
Luther recovered from his illness, the Turk's army dissipated by sickness, &c: | |
I have given these letters to an Englishman, (fn. 11) who asked me to commend him to you. He [formerly] held land of his own in which he could raise 12,000 soldiers, and was moreover governor of Wales, but spoke rather freely against the Divorce. To him was particularly commended the daughter of the first queen, because she had the title of princess of Wales; and therefore he grieved at the contumelies put upon her. He was afterwards put in prison, from which, after a year and three months, he escaped by making a rope out of cloth. I beg you to receive and console him. His exile is long, his misfortune long, and he seems a modest man. Here he has asked for nothing. I think he takes little pleasure in the court (aulica consuetudine). Friday after Easter. | |
I will shortly send you Bernardus the Hebrew. | |
Lat. Add.: Teacher of the Gospel in the church of Nuremberg. | |
7 April. Harl. MS. 6989 f. 69 b. B. M. |
846. PRIVY COUNCIL to NORFOLK. |
Upon the matter of Wm. Levenyng's being with Darcy, Constable, and Aske after his attemptate in the new rebellion, which Norfolk signified to Cromwell, and upon discovery of other great matters against them, Darcy, Constable, and Aske are this day committed to the Tower to be justified according to law. This information Norfolk shall spread among the people to show that nothing is done to them for their offences before the pardon, but for those treasons they have committed since. As for Norfolk's repair hither which he wrote for, it is through no decay of the King's favour or want of goodwill in the writers that it is not granted, but for the necessity of affairs there, both the matters contained in the King's last letters and those to be contained in his next. | |
I, the lord Privy Seal, have sued out your pardon for the money you defrayed in the wars, and shall sue out the broad seal thereof with diligence. Where you wrote of one Rochester, a monk, whose letters enclosed in yours show him to be a rank traitor, you shall send for him, and if he persist in his opinions cause him to be justilied and executed there. As to Sir Stephen Hamerton and Nich. Tempest who, you write, will come up upon privy seals to be sent them, you shall command them to come up at liberty if you think they will not "stert," but if you have any doubt you must send them up according to the tenor of the former letters. Though we are not so light as to send for any man in such sort as was lately written for Gregory Conyers unless there were pregnant matters against him, yet, upon your letters, the King is content that Conyers shall come up at liberty if you think he will do so. Christchurch, in London, 7 April. Signed by Audeley, Suffolk, Cromwell, Beauchamp, Fox, Sampson, Fitzwilliam, Poulet, and Kingston. | |
Modern copy, pp. 3. Headed: To the Duke. Numbered cxxxiv. The orig. was endd.: Durham, 10 April. | |
R. O. | 847. DARCY, CONSTABLE, and ASKE. |
Memoranda of letters, &c. | |
[Where the dates of the following letters are not given, they are marked by Cromwell in the margin "Sithen the pardon."] | |
(1.) By a letter to Sir Robert Constable from Sir Francis Bygott, he exhorts Constable to take his part, praising his previous faithfulness to the commons, and doubts the duke of Norfolk comes rather to bring them into captivity than perform their petitions. John Hallom, his chief captain, is imprisoned at Hull. | |
(2.) In Sir Robt. Constable's answer to Bygott (in marg., 18 Jan.), he writes he is sick and the time of year unfavourable; and that Norfolk will come shortly with the King's pleasure about the Parliament and Convocation at York, and the free pardon to all. Says Norfolk will come with only his household servants, and exhorts Bigott to stay the commons till then. Prays God to guide Bygott "in his worshipful affair." (Whereby appears a consent in the same.) | |
(3.) By a letter from Sir Robt. Constable and Robt. Aske to one Rudston, they would have Hallom delivered from Hull. (Wherein appears no true heart, for Hallom was then a traitor.) In marg.—N.B. "Apparent treason, as I think." | |
(4.) By a letter from Robert Aske to Lord Darcy (in marg., 18 Jan.), he desires Darcy to stay the commons till Norfolk's coming, and says he and Sir Robert Constable will do the same. (Shows a traitor's heart, in that he desires a stay only till [Norfolk's] coming.) | |
(5.) In letters by Darcy, Constable, and Aske to the commons (in marg., 16 Jan.), they exhort them to stay till Norfolk's coming with the King's pleasure for Parliament, Convocation, and general pardon, and say Norfolk comes only with a small company. (It appears that if there be not a parliament, &c., according to their "unreasonable requests," they will revive their traitors' hearts;" meanwhile they are to stay but upon the Duke's coming.) | |
(6.) By a letter from Constable to Aske (16 Jan.) he would have the commons stay till Norfolk's coming, trusting them to have reformation of certain articles by Parliament and Convocation. (Thus they yet stood in their traitorous opinions.) | |
(7.) The same appears in letters (17 and 18 Jan.) of Darcy, Constable, and Aske to one another. | |
(8.) In a letter from Robert Aske to the mayor of York, he wants money for lead, "sold by the King, of Mertyn abbey," and since Xmas., Chr. Clerk, Aske's servant, demanded the money. | |
(9.) It appears by the confession of John Folbery that Constable and Aske sent letters about the country upon Bygott's insurrection, commanding every man to stay, so that those who would have served the King could not. Constable and Aske never resisted Bygott, though the former wrote to Sir Rawyff Ellerker and Mr. Rudston that he would aid them against Bygott. (Shows their traitorous heart.) | |
(10.) Darcy, in Lent last, sent a copy of a letter my lord of Norfolk wrote him to the prior of Wally, now attainted. (Thus Darcy favoured the prior, a traitor.) | |
(11.) Bygott wrote to Mr. Worsthorp declaring the commons had no confidence in him; but Bygott wrote to Constable and Aske that the commons had great confidence in them. | |
(12.) It appears by a letter from the duke of Norfolk to my lord Privy Seal (25 March) that Levenyng, one of the principal traitors with Bygott, confessed that after his treasons he begged favour of Darcy, Constable, and Aske, saying that Bygott had compelled him. This they never disclosed. (Shows their traitorous heart.) | |
(13.) By a letter to lord Darcy from his servant Parkar (after Xmas.), signifying the state of the lord of Derby and the country about him, it appears all the North is ready to rise if any one put out the monks of Salley. Writes also of the state of Kendal and thereabouts. (Parker would not have written this if it was not lord Darcy's pleasure, and Darcy never disclosed it. "Whereby his traitorous heart appeareth.") | |
In Richard Pollard's hand, pp. 6, with marginal notes, some of them in Cromwell's hand. | |
R. O. | 848. DARCY, ASKE, and CONSTABLE. |
I. Articles against lord Darcy and others with headings in the text or margin. | |
At the beginning is added in Richard Pollard's hand in the margin: "First, the destruction of the Cardinal in the Chancery. Item, the book that the lord Darcy made against the Cardinal." | |
(1.) (fn. 12) j. Lord Darcy, 10 Feb., since the pardon:—It appears, by a letter from lord Darcy to Robert Aske, that Aske had artillery out of the castle of Pomfret which Darcy required him to return secretly and to give credence. Md., to enquire why he wished it returned secretly, and what credence he sent by the bearer. | |
(2.) ij. Darcy, 21 Jan.:—Writes to Thos. Slyngisby, &c. that the duke of Norfolk will come shortly and declare a free parliament and liberty to spiritualty and temporalty to declare their learning and show their griefs according to the bill at Doncaster. Whereby it appears lord Darcy continues in his traitorous heart; for he rejoices in the parliament, trusting to have his "unlawful desires reformed, which is well known to be high treason." | |
(3.) Copy of the pardon in Lincolnshire. Md. why and how he procured it. | |
(4.) iij. Darcy, 15 Dec.:—By letter to the duke of Suffolk he desired the appointment at Dancaster to be observed in Lincolnshire if the duke would have the ship which was detained in the North. Whereby it appears Darcy then "consisted in his traitor's heart." | |
(5.) iiij. Darcy, 21 Jan.:—By letter to Sir Oswald Wylsthorp he trusted to hear, at Norfolk's coming, of a free parliament and liberty to declare learning and grievances. Whereby appears he continues in his traitor's heart, trusting to have reformation according to his untrue and wilful mind. | |
(6.) v. Darcy, 19 Jan.:—Writes to the mayor and town of Pountfret that he will ever keep a "true part (fn. 13) " to God and the King, and be a petitioner for "all good commons' wealth." Begs credence to Thomas Wentworth, and signs "all yours faithfully, T. Darcy." Shows he continues in his traitor's heart. Md., what was the credence ? | |
(7.) vj. Darcy, since the pardon:—Bill of articles showing an intended new insurrection. Md., to examine Darcy as to who devised them, how he obtained them, and why he did not disclose them. | |
(8.) Darcy wrote to Aske (after he had been with the King) that Chalynor, Grece, and Sir Robt. Constabyll would be with Darcy next day, and asked him to come too, saying, "I trust in our being together shall stay many things, and all good men I find well minded thereunto," and signing "yours faithfull, Thomas Darcy." Md., what did he mean by the first sentence above quoted ? Md., "what commission (sic) was amongst them at their meeting ?" Md. by the words "yours faithfully," it appears "there is great fidelity betwixt the lord Darcy and Robert Aske, being but a mean person." | |
(9.) (fn. 14) Md. it will be deposed that Darcy said at the insurrection, "where they had two `showryn croanes' (shorn crowns) afore to take their part, they will have now four." | |
(10.)‡ It appears Levenyng was with Darcy after the insurrections, and he let him go. | |
(11.)‡ Md., he is here that will depose to hearing Darcy say at the last insurrection "that it is better to rule than to be ruled." | |
(12.)‡ [Md., it will be deposed that Darcy said, "Ay, be they up in Lincolnshire ? If they had risen three years past the world had been better nor it is now."] (fn. 15) | |
(13.) Aske, 8 Jan.:—Aske, writing to Darcy that the King has granted free election of knights and burgesses and liberty to the spiritualty to declare their learning, says, "Trusting your Lordship shall perceive I have done my duty as well to the King's Grace, under his favour, as also to my country, and have played my part, and thereby I trust all England shall receive it." (fn. 16) Showing he continues in his traitor's heart, and rejoices in his treasons. "And it is to be noted that he, by the writing of the same letter, committeth a new treason." Md. to enquire whether Darcy disclosed this letter to the King or Council. | |
II. "A declaration of such writings as Robert Aske had in his keeping at the time that he was committed to the Tower:"— | |
(1.) Since the pardon—It appears by a writing by Aske that he sold the lead of Mertyn abbey and bestowed 9l. 13s. 4d. in artillery, gunpowder and carriage, and the residue of the value received remains with one Copyndall. | |
(2.) Aske, 20 Jan.:—By a copy of a letter to the commons, Aske wrote "Bygott intendeth to destroy the effect of our petitions and common wealth." Whereby appears he then "consisted" in his traitor's heart. Md. It appears by the same letter that persons who had been with Bygott were afterwards with Aske, and declared they were with Bygott in the later insurrection against their wills; and Aske promised to get them their pardons. Shows him a traitor, because he did not apprehend or denounce them. | |
(3.) Aske, after he had been with the King:—In another letter to the commons are the words "your reasonable petitions shall be ordered by Parliament." So Aske then thought their petitions reasonable, and in writing it he committed treason. | |
(4.) Since Xmas.:—By a letter from Dorothy Grene to Aske it appears he had written to her husband, and that it was reported the King would not be as good as he promised concerning the Church, abbeys, &c. Md., what was in Aske's letter to her husband. | |
(5.) Aske, 22 Jan.:—Sir Ralph Ellarkar, jun., writes to Aske to come and speak with him and give credence to bearer. Md. What communication had they at their meeting, and what was the credence ? | |
(6.) Aske, 18 Jan.:—Writes to Darcy to stay the commons about him till the coming of the duke of Norfolk, and Sir Robt. Constable and he will do the same about them. Shows a traitor's heart, for he desires a stay only till the Duke's coming. | |
(7.) Sir Robert Constable, 18 Jan.:—Answer to Bygott's letter to him. Is sick and unable to go or ride, and the time of year serves not to host in; also the duke of Norfolk comes shortly with the King's pleasure, under seal, as to Parliament and Convocation to be at York, and with a general pardon to all without exception, and the Duke comes only with his household servants. Exhorts him to stay the commons till then, and prays God to be his governor "in his worshipful affair." Whereby appeareth a consent to him in the same. | |
(8.) Sir Robt. Constable, 16 Jan.:—Writes to Aske to stay the commons till Norfolk's coming with the King's pleasure for reformation of certain articles by Parliament and Convocation. Shows they yet stand in their traitor's opinions. | |
(9.) Constable and Aske:—By the confession of one Folbery, Constable and Aske sent out letters upon Bygott's insurrection commanding that no man should stir, so that those who would have served the King could not. Neither Constable nor Aske resisted Bygott. Constable promised aid to Sir Ralph Ellerkar and Mr. Rudston against him, but sent none. Whereby appears their traitor's heart. | |
(10.) Constable and Aske:—By their letter to Rudstone they would have had John Hollom delivered from Hull. Wherein appears no true heart, for Hollom was a traitor. | |
(11.) Aske:—Wrote to the mayor of York for certain money for lead sold by the King of Mertyn abbey. Since Xmas, Chr. Clerk, Aske's servant, has demanded the money. | |
(12.) The lord Darcy:—Also Darcy, this Lent past, sent a copy of a letter from Norfolk to him to the prior of Whalley, now attainted. Shows he favoured the said prior being a traitor. | |
(13.) The lord Darcy; after Christmas:—By a letter to Darcy from one Parker, servant to Darcy, signifying the state of the lord of Derby and the country about him, he writes that all the North is ready should any one put out the monks of Salley, and describes the state of Kendall and thereabouts. Which he would not have written had he not known it to be Darcy's pleasure. This letter Darcy never disclosed. Whereby his traitor's heart appeareth. | |
(14.) Darcy, Constable, and Aske; 15 March:—By a letter from the duke of Norfolk to my lord Privy Seal, it appears Levenyng, one of the principal traitors with Bygott, confessed he had afterwards gone to Darcy, Constable, and Aske, and showed that Bygott had compelled him. This they never disclosed. Shows their traitors hearts in not discovering and apprehending him. | |
(15.) Darcy, Constable, and Aske, 16 Jan.:—They, by other letters, exhorted the commons to stay till Norfolk's coming with the King's pleasure for Parliament, Convocation, and general pardon, declaring that Norfolk would come with a small company and in quiet manner. Whereby appears that if there be not a parliament, a convocation, and a general pardon according to their unreasonable requests, they will revive their traitors' hearts; and meanwhile they should be at a stay only till the Duke's coming. | |
(16.) Lord Darcy, Constable, and Aske, 17 and 18 Jan.:—Divers letters to one another express the same opinion. | |
(17.) Bygott; since the pardon:—By letter, Sir Francis Bygott exhorted Sir Robert Constable to take his part, showed that the commons trusted him, and praised his faithfulness in this matter; signifying a doubt that Norfolk would rather bring them into captivity than perform their petitions, and saying John Hallom, one of his chief captains, was imprisoned at Hull. | |
(18.) Bygott: since the pardon:—Wrote to Mr. Wylstrop declaring the commons had no trust in him, for he hath deceived them. Bygott wrote on the contrary to Constable and Aske that the commons had them in great trust. | |
Pp. 9. | |
R. O. | 849. ASKE'S REBELLION. |
"A true declaration of ... writing[s] written as well ... as the persons concern ... and insurrection that la ... and of their [do]ings since the app[oyntment] at Doncaster. | |
"In primis, (fn. 17) a copy of a letter wherein is contained [very strange] and suspicious matter, the which is very [nec]essary to [be examined in every article], and who wrawt the sa[me and] to wh[om] it wa[s sent, for it ap]peryth [not] by the [letter]. 2. "Item, * [it appeareth] by a boo[k] that divers [knights, esquires,] and [gent]lemen promised the lor[d Da]rcy to [be] at his [leading] upon an hour's warning. [Md. to] inq[uire] what the lord Darcy intended by the [same]." 3. Item, (fn. 18) it appears by a letter ("afore the pardon" in margin) sent by R[obert Aske] u[nto the] lord Darcy, that he knew by a secret [friend] from London that 10 ships of war [had gone] from the Tower; that the King lies at Richmond, and Crum[well is only] the ruler about him, and is much hated, and the South parts desire us to come [for]wards; and the writer desires Darcy to make no further answer to my lord of No[rt]hffolk's letters till the baronage come to Pomfret, and not conclude anything "afore they have their" [general pardon]. "Yours to the [death, Ro]bert [Aske]." "Md. to examine the said Aske what secret [frien]d he had from London; and also by what [means he had] such knowledge of the South parts as [he declareth] in that letter." (fn. 19) 4. "Item, there be divers letters sent from the King's highness to the lord Darcy, and likewise from the duke of Northfolk and my lord Steward for the meeting at Doncaster, and the answers to the same, whereof I make no declaration in special[tes], for that it is well known what it is." 5. Item, it appears by a letter (In margin: "xij day [of No]vember" and in Cromwell's hand: "[Be]fore the pardon") from one Robert Nevell to lord Darcy, that Sir Harry Savell intends to go Southwards. Nevell and Sir Richard Tempest offer to take him and bring him to Darcy. Md. to inquire what answer Darcy made. 6. Item, (fn. 20) By a letter sent to the lord D[arcy by one] Thomas P., the earl of Darby and the lord [Monteagle] have a great force ready [to serve the] King. Writes also of the state of L[ancashire] and Cheshire. 7. Item, (fn. 21) it appears by the answer of [Rob]ert Aske to lord Darcy that he caused the commons to be ready at warning [for fear of the duke of Suffolk], (fn. 22) and so continued in treason (In margin: "[Since] the [appoi]ntment [at Do]ncaster). 8. Item, (fn. 23) it appears by a letter to Darcy from one Thomas Stanley, priest, that a servant of one Danester, servant to the earl of Derby, [conveyed, that] the Earl is ready with men, by the King's command, but they will not fight against the Northern men: and the writer desires credence for bearer. Thus Stanley favoured the traitors.—What was the credence and the date ? 9. Item, by a letter to Sir George Darcy from [Sir Richard] Tempest, the latter will take lord Darcy's part [against] any lord in England; and desires credence for bearer. "Whereby the untruth of the said [Sir Ri]chard Tempest appeareth [again]st the King's h[ighness]." What was the credence and the date ? 10. Item, (fn. 24) by a letter from William Babthorp to Darcy, he has sent word to Sir Robert Constable for the making of beacons, and keeping watch in church steeples. It appears Babthorp was then a traitor. 11. Item, there be six letters from the King, to divers his servants in the North, unopened. Md., to inquire how Darcy obtained them. 12. "[Item], (fn. 25) there be certain letters sent [by the King's grace to divers] his servants, to serve hys heyg[hnes-in] the compa[ny of th'erle] of Derby." Md., to inquire how Darcy obtained them. 13. "It[em, a] byll yn [articl]es of th ... [appointed by the] rebells for the [meeting] ... " 14. "Item, it appeareth by divers le[tters] sent by one [Thomas] Gryce unto the lord Darcy that he was [a great doer among the com]mons in the insurrection." 15. Item, (fn. 26) copy of a letter (in margin: 7 Nov.) from the duke of [Sou]thff[olk], Sir [Francis] Bryan, Sir John Russell, Sir Anth. Brown, Sir Wm. [Parr to] the earl of Cumberland on the King's behalf. [Md.], to inquire how Darcy [obtained] this. 16. Item, (fn. 27) in a letter (in margin: 22 Nov.) from Robert Aske to lord Darcy he named himself captain. He was then a traitor, and continued theryn." 17. [Item], a [letter was sent] (fn. 28) by one Harry Eure unto R[obert Aske by] the na[me of Rob]ert Aske, captain; whery[n he] writeth [these w]ords following, that is to say, "My lord my master (fn. 29) [is] assured and true to the commons in their [party], and y[f he be] not true I will leace my head, [and writeth that they] should [not] mistrust his lord ... [for the arch]decan of Durham and Sir William [Evers giveth him counsel] to the same for [your purpose to the utterm]ost of th[eir lives]. _ Md., to inquire whose servant the said Herry Eure was at the writing of [the] same letter, and when the letter was sent to the [said] Robert Aske." 18. Item,* by a letter to Darcy from Robert Pullen and Nicholas Musgrave, they were captains of the commonalty of Westmoreland, and were ready to serve Darcy, according to his commandment, and desired him to re[form] divers things which were against a common wealth. [Whereby] it appears Darcy "procured the commons of Westmoreland to rebel." 19. Item, by a copy of a letter (fn. 30) to the King from lord Darcy, "he did the[n know] of the insurrection of Lincolnshire, and also writeth [in his] letter that divers bruits and seditious words, which [caused the] insurrection in Lincolnshire is now come unto [Yo]rkes[hire]. Md., to enquire "of the said lord Darcy why [he did not punish] such seditious persons, and also [provide for the] oppressing of them [at the beginning]; and also to enquire" who first brought the bruits into Yorkshire, and when he first heard them. 20. "Item, the oath under the King's seal for the King's sub[jects] in the North parts, upon their humble submyssion [to the] King's Majesty." 21. Item,* by the confession of the abbot of Furness Fells, his brethren confessed their treason to him, but he never disclosed it to the King. 22. Item,* by the saying of the vicar of Dalton, the abbot and brethren of Furness maintained the rebels, thereby committing treason, 23. Item, the abbot of Furness, being with the earl of Derby, in a letter (fn. 31) to his brethren, praises "their doings ... for that their conversation was like men of religion." | |
24. "[Item, it] appeareth [by] a bill of articles declared by [Dan Chr. Mersche], o[ne] of the [mon]ks of Furness, that the abbot [commanded] his brethren, when he went to therll of [Derby], that they should do the best that they can do to the Commons a[nd] he will do the best he can with the King"; also that the said brethren (fn. 32) have committed high treason. | |
25. Item, like matter concerning the abbot and brethren is declared by Robert Legate: whereby they appear to be traitors. | |
26. Item, by a letter (in marg. "the ij Sunday of [Adv]ent") of one John Dawkyns, naming himself vicar general, the suppressed a[bbey]s shall keep possession until a further order by Parliament. | |
27. Item, by a bill (in marg. "the x[ij] of Feb[ruary]") written by one Colyns, bailey [of] Kendal, naming himself Captain of Poverty, sent [to the] Constable of Mellyng, "he, with his power, should [be at] Kendal the Tuesday next to take his part." | |
28. Item, it appears by a bill (in marg. 12 Feb.) that Rob[ert] Dodgeson and Thos. Whytton, priests, "did write certyne (?) b[ylls] in Westmoreland and Lancashire to cause the common[s] to make a new rebellion." Item, also that John Hulle[thorn] and Robert Wylson did carry the said bills. | |
29. Item, (fn. 33) by a letter (in marg. "the Monday afore Sent Luke's day") from the prior and convent of Conished to one Colyns and others, desiring [them] to be with them next day or else all they have shall be taken from them, they desire to have proclamation thereabouts "whereby they might have some help." Md. to enquire what was done; for this letter appears a great cause of that insurrection. | |
30. Item, by confession of Sir James Layborne, Nich. Leighton, and others, Anthony Leighton brought a letter (in marg. of (fn. 34) 2, Sunday after Candlemas Day), unsealed, from William Collyns of Kendal, to John Stanes, who delivered it to William Lancaster, who read it in the church of Betham: the effect was that two men of every parish should be at the Friars in Richmond on a certain day. Stanes and others gathered 7s. (fn. 35) from the parishioners of Beth[am] towards the charges of two men, who were sent accordingly. | |
31. Item, by confession of Sir James Layborne, 300 persons, after the pardon at Doncaster, wished to pull the curate out of the pulpit in Kendal church, "saying that he shall proclaim the Pope to be supreme head of the Church, or else they would cast him into the water." | |
32. (fn. 36) Item for the non furniture of the castle of Pomfret. | |
33.‡ Item, [the] confession of George Lassels for the coming of Aske to the King. | |
34. Item. (The item No. 848. I. (1).) | |
35. It appears, by a bill of certain articles, that the abp. of York and clergy of the North concluded, among other articles, that the King ought not to be supreme head of the Church (in margin "[At] Pomfret abbey"); whereby they committed high treason. | |
36. (The article No. 848. I. (13).) | |
37.‡ "Item, a letter sent by Edmund Parker of the estate of my lord of Derby." | |
38–42 correspond with items 2–6 in No. 848. I. | |
43. By a letter (in marg. "[5] day [of Janu]ary") from the bp. of York to Lord Darcy he has word from London that the Parliament and Coronation shall be at York, and Robert Aske has had good words and countenance at London, "and that the King had written to him to collect the tenth."§ Md., to enquire of the bp. why he wrote to Darcy of Aske and the collection of the tenth. | |
44. Item, a bill (in marg. 6 Feb.) of all stuff remaining in Pomfrett castle. | |
45. Item, a copy of the commission my lord of Norfolk had.—Md. to enquire how and why he obtained this. | |
46. Item, (fn. 37) it appears by a bill of articles that a new insurrection was likely. Why did Darcy not disclose it to the King? | |
47. Item,* by a letter (in marg. 7 Dec.) from one Thomas [Gree] to Lord Darcy, his cousin Ellerton (Elderton) has provided 20 ab[le horse]men to attend Lord Darcy at his request. Md. to enquire why Darcy caused the said 20 horsemen to be provided. | |
48. To enquire how Darcy obtained copies of divers letters from Bygott to the mayor of York and others, and why he did not resist him. | |
49. Item, (fn. 38) by an indenture (in marg. 1 June) Lord Darcy granted a farm to one Thomas Emmysley, who indented to serve Darcy with horse and harness when commanded. Md. to enquire why he did so covenant with Darcy. | |
50. Item, (fn. 39) by a letter (in marg. "This letter was written afore June") from Thomas Grece to Lord Darcy, he sent Darcy a "statute book."—Md. to enquire what statutes he sent and why. | |
51. By a letter from Robert Aske to the prior and convent of Watton (in margin of § 2, 14 Nov.), he thanks them for a spice plate sent him by the prior of Ellerton; "they may be assured of him to death, [fo]r he [ne]ver intended to be a [su]pp[res]sor of abbeys but [al]ways a preservator of the[m] to his death." "Hereby appeareth his proud and traitrous heart." | |
52. Item, (fn. 40) in a letter from Aske to the prior of [Eller]ton he writes of the unkindness of the house of Watton to him who has done so much for religion, and that he has just had answer from the King to the comfort of all religion. Thus Aske makes himself the chief rebel. | |
53. Item,* by a bill (in marg. 10 No[vem]ber) "signed with [the hand] of the earl of Northumberland," he, by consent of barons and commonalty, granted Robert Aske, [cap]ten (?), his castle of Wresyll with the rule of his tenants "during such ty[me as the said Aske shall] lye ther yn garysen and also gave hym [by the same] byll hys spyce plate at Watton Abbye." The earl committed high treason by thus maintaining Aske. | |
54. Item, (fn. 41) it appears by a letter from Robert Aske to the brethren of Watton "that he would appoint them a prior very shortly with whom you all shalbe contented and I shalbe your servant in the faith of Christ." | |
55. Item., by a letter from Thomas Percye to the subprior of Watton he requires 2 geldings "in his business for common wealth." (In margin: The Thursday after St. Luke's day.) | |
ii. A declaration of such writings as Robert Aske had in his keeping at the time he was committed to the Tower." | |
Here follows another copy of No. 848. ii., (1–5), with the following additions:— | |
(Between (1) and (2)). Md. also that [he had] 10l. sent him to Hull of the goods of one D[octor] Hawsworthe, "which doctor belonged to Sir Henry Savyll and was with him." Md. also that Aske made bill assigning any spoils that were made to the makers. | |
(After (5)). The item No. 848. I., 8. | |
In Richard Pollard's hand, pp. 21. Very mutilated and illegible, with marginal headings in most cases lost. Many lost words and letters have been supplied from § 2. | |
R. O. | 2. Another copy of § i. of the preceding with some variations. On what remains of the first leaf the beginnings of eight lines which perhaps formed a title are still legible, and in one place the name of Bedyll appears. |
Another title, also much mutilated, occurs at the head of the second leaf, the latter part being as follows:—" ... ng the lord ... withyn ... yn upon the same bagge thes wordes foloyng ... maters afore the metyng and conclusion at Da[ncaster]." | |
This copy contains the following additional articles:— | |
Between items 14 and 15:— | |
Item, a copy of a letter (in margin 10 Nov.) from my lord Privy Seal to Sir Ralph Evers of thanks for his good service. To inquire how Darcy obtained it. | |
Between items 17 and 18:— | |
"Item, [a book] containing divers and many le[tters and] wry[tings to] hym send by sundry persons, and lyke wy[se send] by hym and dyvers persons concernyng the insurrection in the North." | |
Between items 18 and 19:— | |
Item, a copy of the proclamation (in margin: 12 Oct.) made in Lincolnshire by the Earls of Shrewsbury, Rutland, and Huntingdon to the commons in the King's name.—To inquire how Darcy obtained it. It appears afterwards that he had it from the Earls that he might make like proclamation. [This item is cancelled.] | |
Item, it appears by a letter (in margin: 14 Oct.) se[nt by] Will. Dalyson to Darcy that one [Robert] Brokylsby, a captain in theg reat rebellion of Lincolnshire, showed him the day before that they in Lincolnshire had received a command from the King to depart to their houses upon pain of death and they should have their pardon. | |
Cancelled item between items 20 and 21:—By confessions of divers persons there was another rebellion in the North (margin: Since the pardon granted at Doncaster); and divers of the principal doers are executed. "And this rebellion appeareth to be first moved by the means [of] one Stanes, Colyn, and Lancaster." | |
Between items 30 and 31:— | |
Item, by the confession of Sir Jas. Leyborn, Will. Colyn, bailly of Kendal, delivered to divers persons copies of a letter (margin: The Saturday after Candlemas day) sent to him from Westmoreland, whereby the country thereabouts did newly rebel and that since the pardon at Doncaster 300 persons, &c. | |
Before item 34, is the heading: "A brief declaration of divers and sundry writings." | |
Between items 42 and 43, is an article substantially the same as item 7 in No. 848 i. | |
Between items 51 and 52:—Item, it appears by a letter (in margin, Day of St. Simon and Jude) from Aske and Thos. Percy to the brethren of Watton that they should deliver to the bearer all the goods of Will. Smyth and John Nettylton in the abbey of Watton, because the said William and John have gone from the said Aske and Percy in their pilgrimage. | |
On the back of the last page are the following cancelled entries written upside down:— | |
"Item, a book ... paper of divers and many letters sent by him [and] likewise sent to him. | |
"Item, it appeareth" by a letter from Sir Marm. Constable to Robert Aske informing him that the men of Beverley are in great rumor and will make a new insurrection, and, because Aske was in credence with them, Constable advised him to stay them. Md. to enquire what Aske did thereupon and how Lord Darcy came by the said letter and what he did for the stay thereof. | |
In Richard Pollard's hand, pp. 15. Mutilated, especially the first leaf. | |
R. O. | 3. Another copy of the articles contained in § 1 ii., as follows:— |
Md. it appears by a declaration of Robert Aske to the duke of Norfolk that he sold the King's lead of Mertyn abbey, receiving 9l. 13s. 4d. as part of the value, which he bestowed on artillery, gunpowder, and carriage: the rest remains with one Copyndall. Md. he received 10l. at Hull of the goods of Doctor Hawsworthe, who "belonged to," and was with, Sir Harry Savyll. Whenever a spoil was made he wrote bills assigning it to the makers. Md. Aske wrote to the commons, "Bygott intendeth to destroy the effect of our petitions and common wealth," which shows he continued in his false mind. (In margin: This letter was written since the later insurrection, 20 Jan.) Md., it appears by the same letter that Aske promised divers persons who had been with Bygott, as they said, against their wills, that he would get their pardon from the King, but he never informed the King of this. [Md. by a letter (in marg., since Xmas.) from one Dorothy Grean to Aske it appears he had written to her husband. She wrote it was reported that the King would not be so good as he had promised. Item, to inquire what Aske wrote to Grean.] (fn. 42) Md. again Aske wrote (after he had been with the King) to the commons, "your reasonable petitions shalbe ... by [Parl]yament." Md. Darcy wrote to Aske (after Aske had been with the King) to come to a meeting of Chalynor, Greace, Sir Robert Constabyll, and himself next day, with these words, "I trust ... being together shall stay many things; all good men I find well minded thereunto. Yours faithfully, Thomas Darcy." Md. to enquire what was done at the meeting. By the end of the letter appears "great faithfulness" between Darcy and Aske. [Md. Sir Ralph Ellerker, jun.. wrote to Aske (22 Jan.) to come and speak with him and give credence to the bearer. What did they confer on, and what was the credence?]* | |
Pp. 2, faded. In Richard Pollard's hand. | |
R. O. | 850. LORD DARCY. |
Articles against Lord Darcy. | |
1. "Of articles of petitions." 2. Two bags with writings, one before the pardon, the other after. 3. A letter written to the mayor of Pomfret. 4. A letter for the furnishing of the castle of Pomfret. 5. A letter that Parker sent to Lord Darcy. 6. Escott and Lacelles say that Lord Darcy counselled Aske. 7. For the gunpowder to burn my lord Cardinal. 8. "Richardson and Mason saith that Lord Darcy aa (?) if they _." | |
P. 1. | |
R. O. | 851. SIR ROBERT CONSTABLE. |
"Item, that according as it gen ... common law of the Church ... specially granted by privile[ge] ... and at his instance specially ... | |
"Item, that likewise ... and determined in the c[ommon l]awe of ... of England so it also specially by the Ki[ng] of England's assent and at his instance gr[anted] by special privilege unto the church of Beverle by our Holy Father the Pope of old time and since many times confirmed, that who so ever doth infringe or break or interrupt any liberties of the church of Beverle, he is in so doing accurst without any further sentence of any judge. | |
"... the said grants confirmation ... as is afore rehearsed made at ..., .. have been also executed in diverse transgress[or]s, and specially that you yourself in times past, violating and breaking the said liberties by your hunting there, knowing yourself to have fallen in the sentence of excommunication for so doing, did resort to the archbishop of York then being, to be absolved thereof, and so as you have reported were also absolved." | |
Pp. 2. Mutilated. Endd: Pars articulorum objectorum Roberto Constable, militi. | |
R. O. | 852. ASKE and DARCY. |
The declaration of Robt. Aske, touching the "seing" (saying) of the Lord Darcy. | |
The said Aske says that Darcy told him either at Pomfret or Templehurst that fifteen great men and lords had promised before this last insurrection to do their best to suppress heresy and its maintainers, but he never told him their names. (In margin: "This was spoken to put me in comfort not to fear it. The appointment took none effect.") At the last meeting at Doncaster the prior of the White Friars said that Darcy had told him the same. Thinks his brother in-law Wm. Monkton was with him. | |
ii. Concerning the articles of Lincolnshire. | |
Saw these articles first at Qwhitgift. They were brought to one Wawkington's house by two serving men "one in one poupinya (?) gren (popinjay green ?) cote," the other in an orange tawny coat, who declared to the people the number of the commons assembled in Lincolnshire. Supposed the man in green belonged to Darcy as it was his colour. Walkington can tell their names: one of them dwelt [at] Snathe. The articles were under the hands of divers knights of Lincolnshire. | |
iii. Touching the giving up of the castle of Pomfret. | |
The same night, or the night after Aske entered York, Thos. Strangwish, Darcy's steward, came to him at Sir Geo. Lawson's house, desiring to know the cause of their assembly and whether they would agree to a head captain if the articles pleased him. Next morning Aske drew up the oath and sent it to Strangwish, who departed to Pomfret. Rudston and Monketon were by. The third day after it was declared to Aske by Mansell vicar of Brayton that the commons were up at Pomfret and if he went thither the castle would be soon yielded. Went thither and it was given up on the morrow. | |
iv. Touching a letter sent to Lord Darcy to Pomfret. | |
After the castle was yielded up and the earl of Shrewsbury had mustered on Blyth Law, a letter came to Darcy while at supper at Pomfret, on reading which he gave a deep sigh. Aske reached over and read it. The tenor was "Son Thomas, this night the earl of Shrewsbury intendeth to take you sleper." There was no name to it. Assured Darcy he had "scorage inough out" to give him warning. Darcy asked him to keep Ferrybridge that night, which he did. Told the tenor of the letter to Monketon, Gervais Cawood, and others, but Darcy would never declare who wrote it. | |
In Ashe's hand, pp. 3. The two sheets found apart. | |
R. O. | 2. The names of certain persons to be examined if need shall be upon these points following. |
1. When the names of the two serving men are known, whereof one was supposed to be Darcy's servant, to know who sent them to Lincolnshire, to whom, and with whom they spake, who delivered them the articles and to whom they delivered the said articles signed with the knights' hands. 2. If their names cannot be known, examine one Walkynton of Whitgift and the honest men of Marshland. 3. To examine Thomas Strangwich, who sent him to York, of his words there, and of his repair to Pomfret castle, and especially of the confederacy of the great men. 4. To examine Parson Mansell who sent him to me to York, and who assembled the commons before Pomfret "for I know not of no such persons assembled there to his coming to me to York." 5. To examine Sir Geo. Darcy, Sir Robt. Constable and Sir Oswold Willysthorp if Lord Darcy did not declare to them of the said pact. | |
In Ashe's hand, p. 1. | |
R. O. | 853. LORD DARCY. |
Confession of William Talbot before the earl of Sussex. | |
J[ohn] late abbot of Whalley lent a horse to Nic. Tempez. Thos. ... herall and Nic. Banestre, esquires, were at Doncaster and Pomfret with the commons. When he was with Aske at Templehirst, lord Darcy's place, it was reported that Sir Brian Hastyngs would burn Snathe. Then lord Darcy said if Sir Brian burnt that or any other house of his he would "light him with a candle at all the ho[uses] he had." Also Darcy, taking off his cap, said he "set more by the King of h[eaven th]en by xx. kings, and said he might not ride but he mygh[t g]o w[here he would if] he had a horse litter, and the highest hill that he coude [fin]d there w[ol]d he be, and he wold lie in his horse litter and kneel in by[t]; and said, let them shoot go[nne]z at him and spare him not, for he cow[ld say] a prayer that wold [preser]ve both him and all his servants, and took the s ... [by] the hedde and wraslyd with him and cast him down, and swore by the ..., he waxed more 'cant' than he was of many day before. Al[so the sayd W]illiam s[ayth] that as far as he can judge, the vicar of Breyt[on] w[as the most] busy fellow that was amongst the commons and the greatest robber and pe[ler]. A[lso he sayth the] vycare of Blakeburne did say, if the commons came again in [to Lanc]ashire he would bear the cross afore them and said God speed them we[ll i]n their journey. Also [he] sayth that [Aske] did say that he had no money of the abbot of Whalley as h[e] had of ot[her abbots] and priors, but he intended to have." Aske would say when anyone made business against the com[mons] "he should gyrd theyr mare," for he had rather die in the field than be [ju]gyt like a traitor. Aske said he would be the first to fight any man that would harm the King; but as for my lord Chancellor, my lord Crumwell, the bps. of Canterbury and Worcester, and Dr. Barnys, he trusted to see them have an evil end for filling the realm with heresy. [As]ke called my lord of Derby "false flateryng boy," and said he ran away from the commons. Aske was aided by the abbots and priors of Yorkshire; Monketon, Aske's brother-in-law, and Cawwod, then receiver to the bp. of Dorram, can give names, "for they were all the doers under ... the s[ayd] William supposeth Aske was much counselled by them." One Sir Ric. Fyssher, who then dwelt in ..., can also name the abbots and priors; for he was sent to them and collected some 10l. for Aske and took five nobles for his own costs. The said William brought the abbot of Whalley a copy of Norfolk's letter "s[ent unto my] lord [Dar]cy, which he gat of one Alysaunder, servant to Aske ... e in Poclynton. The copy of the commons' oath and petition and articles of convocation one R[a]ffe Murton, the abbot's servant, brought his master: and deponent and the abbot of Pomfret wrote them. Darcy urged him to go home to his country and raise the people there and promised "to make him as good as any that is named Talbot." Aske wrote to the abbot of Whalley; thinks it was a summons to the convocation at Pomfret. Was told by one of Darcy's servants that lord Darcy had forbidden the carrying of weapons to the top of the house for defence. | |
Pp. 3. Very mutilated. Endd.: Talbot's confession against lord Darcy, traitor. | |
R. O. | 854. THE PRIOR OF DONCASTER. |
Acts of me, friar Lawrence Cooke, prior of Duncaster, at the first insurrection in Yorkshire. | |
By command of the earl of Northumberland I went to the captain of the commons, Robert Ake (sic), for a passport for my lord to go to Northumberland to his office. The captain was abroad, but a priest named Mansffelld said I should have none. I was sent for to Tykyll by Mr. Gostwyke, who sent me to ascertain the number of the commons; which I did, and returned to my lord Steward; Captain Aske said he feared them not, if they were 40,000. As for the King's treasure, it was for fear of life that I informed them of it. They sent next morning to know if it were come, and I answered No, though it was come to Tykyll. Concerning my communication with Mr. Aske at the meeting at Doncaster; I came to the vicarage where he lay, and he asked what the lords said. I answered, "they were sore therefor of that business." He said, if they had crossed the water most of them would have turned to them, "and that he knew ryght well. And I to se wat he wolld say by that dethe that [I?] schall suffer Ifallse (if false ?)," told him I had spoken with lord Darcy and bade him "stick fast," and that 15 lords were confederated to suppress heresies; "and I never dyde know onne schye in my lyffe." Begs pardon of the King and "your good Lordship." | |
When I went to the commons from Mr. Gostwyke, the captain asked if the town were taken by the King's army, and I answered No. He then said he would have it that night. | |
Pp. 2. | |
7 April. | 855. VICE-CHANCELLOR AND UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE to CROMWELL. |
Faustina, C. III. 455. B. M. | Wrote to him in September how the citizens of Cambridge at the last Sturbridge fair raised a dangerous sedition, and not only invaded our public office but threw into prison a certain man who had been commended to us by your letters "quo per nos inauthoratus illo munere fuugeretur." Immediately after that rose the great sedition in the North, and seeing Cromwell very busy they forbore to trouble him. But now all is appeased they urge their suit the more because the townsmen are emboldened to refuse to do their duties (which, for the sake of both university and town, have been commanded by royal letters), and neither the prefect nor other magistrates of the town can be induced to take oath before the vice-chancellor according to the royal charter (diploma). Townsmen when summoned before the vice-chancellor for injuries done to scholars now refuse to attend, and may use false weights and measures without correction. Beg a remedy, or they will be undone. Desire to have the privileges they formerly held in the name of the Pope restored to them now that the Pope's dominion is expelled. Cambridge, e Senatu nostro, 7 April. |
Latin. Hol., pp. 2. Add.: D. Privati Sigilli, &c. | |
7 April. Faustina, C. VII. 199. B. M. [1537–40.] |
856. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD to CROMWELL. |
Cromwell lately examined the causes on both sides and promised to do unbiassed justice. Beg him to spare time to finish this business and give them the tranquillity they have long looked for. Write briefly so as not to weary him, and often so as to show themselves dutiful. Oxford, 7 Id. Aprilis. | |
Latin. Hol., p. 1. Sealed. Add.: Do Crumwello, Regis Secreti Signaculi Custodi. Endd. | |
7 April. R. O. |
857. NORFOLK to HENRY VIII. |
Came to this town on Thursday night, and had before me and the Council yesterday your deputy wardens of the East and Middle Marches with other gentlemen of Northumberland. I have found Tyndale and Riddesdale not in such sort as I expected, for no restitution has been made since my departure, and no meeting held with the wardens of the Middle Marches or of the West, though Sir Wm. Evers has met twice upon the East Marches. Without further provision ill-rule will increase on those marches. Desires credence for Master Thirlby. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 7 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add. Endd. | |
R. O. | 858. THE BORDERS. |
(1.) The men of Tynedale and Redesdale had made no restitution for their spoil at the time my lord of Norfolk returned to Newcastle. They are unable to do so. (2.) It is thought they will make none till they are forced; for the Redesdale men have said they will make restitution as others shall do. (3.) The nine pledges taken by Sir John of Wytheryngton for Redesdale were kept at Harbottel, where they can be kept neither safely nor conveniently. (4.) Sir William Evers has kept two meetings in the East Marches since my lord's being in Newcastle; and none kept yet in the Middle Marches. (5.) The burning of Mr. Carnaby's servants' house and the pursuit for the same, with the disdain at the garrison left with him. (6.) They of Redesdale have made a raid in Tynedale and spoiled one Milborne. (7.) It is thought that a nobleman should rule the Marches. (8.) This nobleman my lord will not name: the King knows his nobles. (9.) The sessions at Durham on Wednesday next. | |
P. 1. Endd.: Touching the spoil made by Tynedale and Redesdale. Numbers not in original. | |
R. O. | 2. Fly leaf endorsed "Devices for punishment of Tyndale men." |
R. O. | 3. "Remembrance for Sir Ralph Ellerkar to be declared to the King's Majesty and to my lord Privy Seal by Master Doctor Therlbe." |
1. To know how I shall be demeaned for the garrison at Hull. The month expires on Saturday, 14 April. Is in arrear two whole months for 60 score (sic) soldiers at 8d. a day for two months, i.e., 112l. Whereof he has received by my lord of Watton's warrant 36l. of the 100l. which my lord Privy Seal commanded him to have when he was last in London. Owes 31l. besides. 2. To declare "my part" to the King and my lord Privy Seal touching the acquittal of Lyffyng and Lutton. 3. To desire Sir John Russell to have him in remembrance to the King. | |
Ellerker's hand, p. 1. | |
7 April. Calig. B. I. 128. B. M. |
859. [NORFOLK] to MY LORDS [OF THE COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND]. |
Has discovered that John of Charleton, Rynny Charleton, and John Dod, murderers of Roger à Fenwick, keeper of Tynedale, are recepted in Lydersdale and other places in Tevydale, in the abbey of Yedworth, and with the abbot. Requires, as the King's lieutenant in these parts, that they be delivered up either at Berwick, Norham, or Carlisle. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 7 April. | |
Copy, p. 1. | |
7 April. R. O. |
860. JOHN HUSEE to LADY LISLE. |
I send you in the barrel the old vessel came in 2 doz. saucers and 1 doz. dishes or porringers and also a great charger, which cannot be packed in the barrel. All this vessel weighs 56 lb. and the old vessel weighed 69 lb., and the pewterer says he will rebate 2 lb. because they were so foul. He delivers weight for weight and takes 1d. in the lb. for exchange. I will send the reckoning in my next, for the pewterer was not at leisure. God send you a fair son when the time comes. I hope Goodalle and the stuff sent by Candeler has arrived safe. My lord of Hertford (bp. of Hereford) told me that he sent you a dozen cramp rings. London, 7 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: in Calais. On a blank space in the letter is written in another hand: Sendye. | |
[7 April.] R. O. |
861. HENRY PALMER to LORD LISLE. |
I am content to sell my wheat for 14 groats and 2d. st., if the purchaser will send my wife 30 cr. in part payment. None so cheap can be got in Picardy. He shall have 100 lasers if he will. The Frenchmen are yet at Hesding and the French king at Meyne within a mile and a half. He has made an oath that he will not depart till he has got it. Vendome is dead at Amiens. The Flemings assemble, especially about Cassellis. Mons. de Newlet is their captain. Their saying is that they will raise the siege of Hesdin. I hope shortly to bring you the truth on my return. At Camp, Saturday morning. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. | |
7 April. Poli Epp. II. 16. |
862. STANISLAUS HOSIUS, POLONUS to CARD. POLE. |
Has hitherto been restrained from writing by shame, because he thought nothing but a production of perfect wit and finished style should be written to one of Pole's ample fortune and great erudition. Was, however, so rejoiced at hearing that Paul III. had chosen him a cardinal that he has had to break silence. Cannot congratulate him more than that he will have as his colleagues the Sadolets and Contarini, yea! Rochesters and Erasmuses, if cruel death had not envied them that honour. Prays that Peter's bark now long tossed with various waves and fierce storms may by Pole and his colleagues be guided to the wished-for quiet haven. Cracow, 7 Id. Aprilis 1537. | |
Lat. | |
8 April. R. O. |
863. HENRY VIII. to NORFOLK. |
Has received his letters of the _ (fn. 43) inst. in answer to the King's of 30 March, and read those to the lord Privy Seal, both expressing his desire to repair to the King and disputing the King's reasons to the contrary. Wonders that he can make so light of such weighty matters, or pay so little regard to the King's mere word. The King tenders Norfolk's health as much as he does himself, and would not deny his suit without great grounds. Although he has taken great pains, yet as he shall now have some quiet he can still do good service in the discussion of common causes there. Moreover, the Duke himself declared he was willing to remain till winter, and longer if convenient, that the King might visit those parts before Michaelmas; which purpose he has not yet altered. Even the reasons mentioned in the King's former letter for his stay there are sufficient. He shall cause Sir George Lawson to repair to Berwick for the victualling thereof and write to the earl of Cumberland to do the like for Carlisle Castle. Will take order for the repairing of both places. As lord Darcy, Sir Robert Constable, and Robert Aske are now committed to ward Norfolk is to cause certain honest men to repair to their houses and seize their goods to the King's use, leaving them in the custody of friends or servants on sureties by inventory "so that they may be forthcoming to our use if the said lord Darcy, Sir Robert Constable, and Robert Aske shall not be purged of the treasons whereof they be now accused." He shall also seize all rentals and evidences of their lands. Desires him to take it in good part though the King refuses his suit. | |
Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 13. Endd.: Minute of the letters sent to my 1. Norfolk, 8o Aprilis r.r. 28. | |
R. O. | 2. Earlier draft in Wriothesley's hand of part of the above, viz., the instructions to seize the goods of Darcy, Constable, and Aske. |
Pp. 2. | |
R. O. | 3. A P.S., apparently to the preceding letter. |
"After th'enclosing of these letters," arrived your letters to the lord Privy Seal touching the apprehension of the traitor Attkinson and the detection of others; which we know has ensued by your policy, for which we thank you. We think, if you should now repair up our affairs there would suffer "upon this apprehension of the lord Darcy, Sir Robert Constable, and Robert Aske, who, we doubt not, will by their confessions detect such matter touching those parts as we would trust no man there so well with the execution of as yourself." | |
In Wriothesley's hand, p. 1. | |
8 April. Harl. MS. 6989, f. 71. B. M. |
864. PRIVY COUNCIL to NORFOLK. |
By bearer, your servant, you shall receive the King's letters with his resolution upon your suit for access to his presence. We lately wrote the King's resolution touching the Borders, and the King desires to hear your further opinion therein, which we beg we may have by the next messenger. | |
Where you write that if the consciences of those who acquitted Levenyng should be examined the fear thereof might trouble others in like case; the King considering his treasons are manifest, and all the offenders in that case principals and none accessaries, thinks the matter must be boulted out, as it may reveal other important matters. You shall therefore send the names as before written and do all you can to beat out the mystery. Where you write that the sending up of all the prisoners that be written for will greatly disfurnish you, the King is content that you shall cause as many to come up at liberty as you can trust. The Rolls, 8 April. Signed by Cromwell, Audeley, Suffolk, Tunstall, Fox, Sampson, and Fitzwilliam. | |
Modern copy, pp. 2. Headed: To the Duke. The orig.was endd.: Durham, 11 April. Numbered: "cxxxv." | |
8 April. Add. MS. 25,114, f. 255. B. M. |
865. HENRY VIII. to GARDINER and SIR FRANCIS BRIAN. |
Approve of Gardiner's conduct as detailed in his letter sent by Arthur Nowell, in delivering the King's "letters certificatories" to the French king and demanding the deliverance of Reynold Pole. The French king replied that he had entered his dominions with a safe conduct, but that he would command him to leave them within ten days. Sir Francis on his arrival shall, with or without Gardiner as they may think best, act according to his instructions for Pole's delivery, reminding Francis that there is no exception of safe conduct in the treaty, and if it be admitted in this case the same thing may be attempted again. The bailly of Troyes has made no overture about the demanding of the King's money, though Gardiner said he had orders to make an overture. Bryan is, therefore, to take an opportunity to demand payment, explaining the ground of the King's claim so temperately as not to make them suppose, though they observe none of the treaties, that Henry will charge them with the breach of them. As to the servants whom Gardiner wished sent to him, has appointed the courier Francis to attend upon him. Bryan is to communicate with the Great Master and others for the payment. If the French king makes any overture for Pole's delivery, except in accordance with the treaty, they are to make the same answer that Gardiner made, viz., that they had no commission to demand him in any other way. Westminster, 8 April, 28 Hen. VIII. Signed. | |
Pp. 2. Addressed: "The bp. of Winchester and Sir Francis Bryan, our ambassadors in the French court. To be delivered at the Camp." Endd. | |
[8 April.] R. O. |
866. INSTRUCTIONS to JOHN HUTTON, the King's Agent in Flanders. |
1. He is to deliver the King's letters credential to the Regent and declare that, having signified to the King such conference as he lately had with her concerning the ship of brasyll taken out of the water of Hampton, &c., his Highness thanks her for her friendship, and has not only appointed Hutton his agent in those parts, but also to declare that he is no less inclined to the continuance of amity with the Emperor than she is. Where the King's subjects lately apprehended a Flemish man-of-war, calling himself Admiral of Sluse, for depredations which might be accounted piracy, the King out of friendship to the Emperor has committed him to the custody of the Emperor's ambassador here resident, who shall be present at his trial. And as the King's honour is touched by the taking out of the port of Hampton of the French ship with brasell, though his Grace doth nothing esteem the thing, yet he desires her to restore it as tending to the preservation of amity. Hutton shall thank her for her licence to convey hither such habiliments of war as his Grace lately procured in High Duche land. | |
And where the King has written certain letters at this time to the Regent, requiring her to inhibit A.B., (fn. 44) being his Highness' rebel and traitor, to enter the Emperor's dominions, Hutton shall retain those letters till he hears from my lord of Winchester, and thus learns whether it is expedient to deliver them. He shall, however, at his arrival say, as of himself, that it is rumoured that such a man shall come into those parts and suggest that she ought to forbid his entering the Emperor's dominions. He shall utter this in such wise that she perceive not it comes from the King, and shall advertise the King of her reply with speed. | |
Corrected drafts in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 11. | |
R. O. | 2. Earlier draft of the first paragraph of the above and first sentence of the second. |
In Wriothesley's hand, pp. 4. | |
R. O. | 3. Modern copy of the last paragraph of the above. |
P. 1. | |
8 April. R. O. |
867. THOMAS [DAY], PRIOR OF LEDYS, to CROMWELL. |
Of late my predecessor, Mr. Arthur Sentleger, has been with me for money, affirming that it is your will that he should have 16l. and the suffragan late prior 24l. a year for their pensions. At my appointment you said my predecessor should have no pension: I desire to know your Lordship's pleasure. My predecessor left debts due to the King of 951l. 19s. 8¾d., and to his brethren Anthony and Robert Sentleger and his brother-in-law Mr. Wheler, with divers others in London and Kent, 447l. 18s. 4½d., as appears by the book I send by this bearer. The first fruits of the house of Ledys must be paid at Xmas next. I beg that the pensions of the said suffragan and my predecessor may be stayed till their debts be paid. I dare not come to your Lordship for fear of being arrested in London for the said debts. 8 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
8 April. R. O. |
868. THOMAS BENET, Priest, to CROMWELL. |
Has examined John Madowell, clk., on the three articles contained in your letters. Has sent the depositions by the bearer. Is informed that Cromwell has been paid his fee for the election of the prioress of Ambresbury. Sarum, 8 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd. | |
8 April. R. O. |
869. T. WYNGFELD to CROMWELL |
This day came Sir Francis Brian hither to Dover at 6 a.m., "who desired me to advertise you that the tide being at viij. of the clock in the morning passed to Calais by cause he would prevent the bailey of Troye for post horses" which are scarce. The bailey of Troye came hither yesterday at 12 o'clock. I had prepared a ship for him and protracted the time according to your Lordship's letter of 5 April; but the busy friar (fn. 45) that is in the chapel caused a boat to be made ready without knowledge either of the mayor, bailiff, or me, and before Mr. Brian was aboard the bailly of Troy was under sail for Boulogne. Please command the mayor to expel this lewd friar, who advertises strangers of all that is done in these parts. Dover, 8 April, at 9 a.m. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal. Endd. | |
8 April. R. O. |
870. NORFOLK AND OTHERS to HENRY VIII. |
Sends (fn. 46) the confessions taken up to this time concerning Sir John Bulmer, his pretended wife, and such other as Norfolk has already attached. Sends also, by the bearers Rudstone and Gregory Conyers, his said pretended wife and his lewd priest, steward of his house. Gregory knows how the matter first came to light. Is not aware of the matters laid to his charge there, although my lord Privy Seal has written to the Duke to send him in ward. He is not only a wise man, but somewhat learned and in great trust with young Sir Ralph Evers, his master, and when Bigod fled he pursued him and took 2 of his horses, "his sleeveless coat he ware on him, and drave him to flee on foot into the woods." Is sure he will not flee and knows not that he is mistrusted. On the Duke's return to Sheriff Hutton he will send such other persons as he is instructed, and with Sir John Bulmer shall come Sir Ralph Evers. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 8 April. Signed by Norfolk, Ralph earl of Westmoreland, Sir Wm. Eure, Sir Thomas Tempest, Sir Ralph Ellerkar, the younger, Robert Bowis, Ric. Coren, and Jo. Uvedale. | |
P. 1. Add. Endd. | |
8 April. R. O. |
871. WILLIAM MAUNSELL to MR. GRYCE, of Wakefield. (fn. 47) |
By Thomas Radeson and Ric. Tenaunte, I send word to my lord Darcy the purpose of my lord of Northumberland pretended against him at the sessions at Rotherham. Northumberland's counsel begged Maunsell's favour in the business at the sessions, and afterwards Wm. Haddylsay, Northumberland's tenant, said the business was against lord Darcy. Hoghton, 8 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add. | |
8 April. Add. Ch. 8048. B. M. |
872. HENRY and MARQUERITE, King and Queen of Navarre. |
Warrant for payment of 105 livres. Amyens, 8 April 1537, after Easter. Signed: Henry _ Marguerite. | |
French. Parchment, faded. | |
8 April. Vesp. C. VII. 69. B.M. |
873. T. BATCOK to CROMWELL. |
On 30 March last a nephew of the writer, secretary to one of the lords of the Emperor's Council, wrote that the Turk had sent to the Venetians to prepare a place for him to meet with the French king. They refused, and the Turk then asked whether they would hold with the French king or the Emperor, and they answered they would hold with the Emperor.—The Emperor's preparations.—Report that Don Lewis of Portugal will marry the lady Mary, and that Don Diego de Mendosa, brother to the marquis of Mundayar and Mons. de Hoorton, a knight of Italy, who have taken leave of the Emperor and Don Lewis, are going to England to conclude the match. If it pass, the lady Mary might ask as a boon of the Emperor that Englishmen here might "ride upon such small horses" as they can get and be treated as Spaniards are in England. The Emperor's warships on these coasts have robbed and slain many Englishmen sailing betwixt Burdes and England, and it were well that the ambassador of Spain in England and the King's ambassador with the Emperor should know of it. There was a "king of crotche" of France at Bayonne more than a month, but until the 3rd inst. he could get no licence to go to the Emperor. It is said he "goyth to the Emperowre to dyse a fy him." Trusts to write the Emperor's answer to this "king of haroch" by the next ship to Mr. White of Bristol. | |
The abp. of York that was ambassador in Spain, and Francis Marzyne, obtained for Batcok the King's licence to load certain provisions (specified) yearly for his house. Is hindered in this by Goodwyne, customer of Bristol, and begs remedy, and that Cromwell will write to Thos. White of Bristol about it. | |
The duke of Norfolk, lord Sanes, and Sir Wm. Compton, got him a licence for 140l. in money; but when "this my servant," Chr. Sankey, had begun to make his lading the Cardinal stopped the licence, and his lewd servant expended the money. The Rendry, 8 April 1537. | |
Hol., pp. 3. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. | |
[9 April.] R. O. |
874. WILLIAM [BOSTON] ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER to CROMWELL. |
I have received your letters in favour of Mr. Moryse (fn. 48) for the presentation of St. Magnus, London. "Summe dowtyst (some doubts ?) ther is in this matter," as already I have declared; but I can now judge, upon your requests, that there is not much peril, or else that your Lordship will save me and our house harmless. By this bearer I send the presentation. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
9 April. R. O. |
875. WM. POPLEY to MR. AVERY. |
Before this time my lord (fn. 49) wrote to the abbot of St. Augustin's near Bristol, for the tithe barn of Tykenham for a friend of mine who should have had the office in Bristow long since that my lord got me there, and occupies the same under me now. A light fellow named Cradock, belonging to Mr. Hennage, who was in trouble for Dr. Powell, and has made me spend for his falsehood above 40l., bragged yesterday that he could have it. Ask my lord to sign the enclosed letter to Hennage. The abbot writes to Hennage that he cannot spare the said farm, and if he should, has made a grant thereof to my lord. This must be sped today, and I will send one therewith out of hand to be there before Cradock. My ague is "on amendment." As two of my folks are buried of the plague I dare not send one of my servants. Freer the bearer has not been in my house since Twelfthtide. Pray find out how long I shall keep away from my lord's presence. Say nothing of this to Freer, who is great with Cradocke. St. Bartholomew's, 9 April. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add. | |
9 April. R. O. |
876. THOS. BRABYN, one of the Marshals of the King's Hall, to CROMWELL. |
The vicar of All Hallows in Cambridge, by name Mr. Hewyt, chaplain and trainbearer to the bp. of Ely, on Maunday Thursday ministered to part of his parishioners the Holy Sacrament under one kind after the old custom, but upon Easterday, to the great offence both of lay and learned, he ministered it to the rest as follows:—First, while he was hearing their confessions, a priest went to celebrate and the parish clerk brought him breads to consecrate when the vicar commanded them to be taken away. When the mass was done and the breads and wine laid upon the altar the vicar went to the altar and said the words of consecration in his mother tongue, first over the breads and then over the wine "without any celebration," and so ministered the Sacrament to his parishioners under both kinds; some of them, however, would not receive it and went to other places. Hearing of which he went on Low Sunday into the pulpit and said that though he was very fearful of worldly punishment yet he was strengthened by the Holy Ghost to set forth the verity of the Gospel, and that all Christians were bound to receive under both kinds notwithstanding holy councils which he called devilish. Asks Cromwell to expel such busy persons, that the people may be all of one mind, and not daily vexed with divers determinations. Cambridge, 9 April. | |
There was a vicar of Kaxton within seven miles of Cambridge, who, after he had ministered to his parishioners the very body of God, gave them ale to drink instead of wine on Easter day. Signed. | |
Pp. 2. Add.: Lord Cromwell, lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
R. O. | 877. WILLIAM HUET to [CROMWELL]. |
Writes from a knowledge of his Lordship's "mere and natural goodness" more than 15 years ago. Regrets that he has so sore offended his Lordship, for which he is now in bitter durance. His pains are intolerable, and if not mitigated he were better to be dead. Even a strange lodging is not so agreeable to a man as home; but how grievous is "a sore prison, yea a deep downgell, where all venom beasts creep about his legs, where he cannot see himself by the light of the day, no, not at noondays, there to be oppressed with gyfes and fetters revet hard to his legs, tenedd (?) up by the neck, not able once to move, neither hither nor thither, having not so much as a poor stool or bed to rest upon, not to speak of simple fare, as God knoweth unto this hour no bread hath done me, other good or hurt sith my ingression; and what it is to be always alone without company, and in continual smart and anguish, who would not think it to be a pain of Hell ?" His Lordship has had his unfeigned goodwill these 16 years. Assures him there was no sedition to be noted in Cambridge, "neither by my ministration neither by my sermon, which I so tempered to the intent of quietness the time to come, that in nowise they should mutter or grudge one against another fashion. And though, my lord, ye were informed by letters and by Master Vice-Chancellor, neither your letters, saving your Lordship's displeasure, were made indifferently (to say but so) nother Master Vice-Chancellor hath said all that he might have said not untruly in my behalf." Has been enabled to write this letter by the sufferance of his keeper who pitied him, bowing down by the post, to which he is tied day and night. Begs his Lordship to show him how the sin of sacrilege can be avoided, ministering only in one kind against the practice of the primitive Church.] | |
Hol., pp. 2. Endd. | |
9 April. R. O. |
878. ROBERT EARL OF SUSSEX to CROMWELL. |
Received this morning Cromwell's letters mentioning the apprehension of Colyns, and desiring us to report what we know against him. Sends depositions accordingly. Wrote to Norfolk 18 March, for the taking both of Colyns and of Atkinson and others who had fled these parts, as we informed the King in our letters from Preston of the 21st, in which we enclosed copies of the letter to Norfolk, and that which came from Colyns to Bethom, as appears by Stan[es'] confession, which was read by Lancaster. Transmit also a like letter sent by Colyns to the town of Melling in [case ?] the said letter that came to Bethom be out of the way; a letter of the same Colyns', by likelihood of his own [hand] without date, that was found in Conishede, dated before Christmas; and a letter directed to the same Colyns and other from the[m] of Conishede, "which be the speciallist things that we can find here to make against him," as Bethom is out of our commission. | |
John Dakyns, of whom I wrote in my last by Ric. Asheton, is vicargeneral of Richmond under Dr. Knight, and [not] to the abp. of York as I stated. Yesterday the very [copy ?] of Dakyns' letter came to my hand in pieces. | |
I have examined the vicar of Blakborn (whom we sent for from Lancaster Castle) how he came by the copy of the letter from Norfolk to Darcy found in his chamber. Send copies of his examination and that of one Will. Talbot. Send also the examinations of the monks and others of this house touching the minishing of the plate. Whalley, 8 April. | |
To-morrow I and Mr. Fitzherbert take our journey towards Furness. Thanks Cromwell for his goodness to the writer's son. Whalley, 9 April. Signed. | |
In Derby's hand, pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. | |
9 April. R. O. |
879. ROBERT EARL OF SUSSEX to NICHOLAS TEMPEST. |
Charges him in the King's name to restore a chalice belonging to the chapel of Our Lady without the monastery of Whalley, which was bought by the parishioners of Billington and Dinkeley and lent to him by the "said abbot" to the said parishioners. Whalley, 9 April. Signed. | |
In Derby's hand, p. 1. Add.: Esquire. | |
9 April. R. O. |
880. FURNESS ABBEY. |
Surrender of the monastery with its lands in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and elsewhere, for the profit of the realm and for the defence and good rule of this far portion. 9 April 28 Hen. VIII. A.D. 1537. | |
Signed: Per me, Rogerum Abbatem Furnesii: Per me priorem, Brianum Garner; and 28 other signatures. [See Report VIII. of D. Keeper of Pub. Records, App. ii., 21.] | |
Sealed and delivered the same day in presence of the following commissioners as attested by their signatures on a fold of the parchment:—Robert earl of Sussex, Sir Ant. Fitzherbert, Thomas Boteler, Ryc. Hoghton, John Byron, Marmaduc Tunstall, John Clayden, priest, and Sir Thomas Langton. | |
Lat. | |
R. O. | 881. SIR MARMADUKE TUNSTALL. |
"Instructions to Sir Marmaduke Tunstall, knight, how he shall use and behave himself in his office under me, the lord Privy Seal." | |
(1.) First, the said Sir Marmaduke shall reside in or within six miles of the lordship of Lanesdale, Yorks., and, if he has to remove through sickness, must leave a deputy with four attendants. (2.) He shall on coming thither assemble the tenants and declare that I, the lord Privy Seal, have made him my deputy to have the rule of them, to execute justice, and to exact no payments, except those hitherto paid to the abbots of Furneys, and that as the King's tenants they will be better used than under the abbots. He shall charge them to assemble at the command of none but the King's officers among them, and promise that they shall not be aggrieved with any "extraordinary ingressions" or other burdens. (3.) He shall see that all curates thereabouts set forth the King's supremacy and the usurpations of the Bishop of Rome, and if any person by preaching or communication stir contention he shall commit him to ward till further direction from hence. Like order to be taken with spreaders of seditious tales. (4.) He shall see that the clerk of the court there takes no other fees than accustomed. If the fees seem excessive he shall inform the lord Privy Seal that means may be taken to moderate them. (5.) He shall cause all who are able to furnish themselves with horse, harness, and weapon ready to serve the King, but shall press no man to do so whose means are insufficient. (6.) He shall cause the accustomed courts to be kept, and in cases of doubt refer hither for the King's pleasure. He shall suffer none of the King's tenants to be [ret]ained to any other (a special oath to be devised for the same), unless they be household servants to any nobleman or gentleman. Signed: Marmaduc Tunstall k. | |
Pp. 3. Endd. | |
9 April. R. O. |
882. CUMBERLAND to HENRY VIII. |
Received this night a letter (copy enclosed) from Sir John Louther, one of his deputies at Carlisle, whom he had commissioned to make privy espial of the affairs of Scotland. Seeing that when the king of Scots has entered his realm he will assault either Carlisle or Berwick, and the town and castle of Carlisle are of little strength, if such urgent cause be there will be no remedy but to take the field. As the Scots muster so hastily, provision must be made. Skipton Castle, 9 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Sealed. Add. Endd. | |
R. O. | 2. Copy of Sir John Lowther's letter to [Cumberland], dated Carlisle, 6 April. See No. 843. |
Pp. 2. In the hand of Cumberland's clerk. | |
9 April. R. O. |
883. HEN. EARL OF CUMBERLAND to CROMWELL. |
Encloses a copy of a letter from Sir John Louther, one of his deputies at Carlisle, with a copy of the King's letter. Wishes to know the King's pleasure. Would have been glad to come to London if it had stood with the King's pleasure. Skypton Castle, 9 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
R. O. | 2. Copy of his letter to the King (undated). |
P. 1. | |
9 April. R. O. |
884. SIR FRAS. BRIAN to [CROMWELL]. |
Arrived at Dover on Sunday the [8th] April about 6 o'clock a.m, "... the French ambassador the bailiff of Troy who ... did [not seem] well pleased because I had sent [word before me that] no man should pass till my coming ... the thought I did it because ... Winkfield of Dover ha ... and conducted him ... lay in ... afore 3 quarters flood ... there ... attending for passage, of the which be[ca]use ... I took one, that seeing the said bailiff wol[d not take] the ship that prepared was for him, and as I suppose thi[nking by the] waye to prevent me, he took thother passenger that lay in the Rode," and went straight to Bollene. When half way across we saw two little "pinckes" come from the French coast towards the bailiff's ship, one made north-east and the other north-west and so they chased him. Our mariners said they were Flemings who had waited there 3 or 4 days. Hearing no news of him, I fear he is taken. "[Since] mine arrival here at Calais I ... [my lord of] Winchester with the King's letter and b ... be got by means of the men of war ... ane only them that wait for t[he] .. nke ... the here as many as shall serve me till my cu[ming] ... my lord of Winchester ... [af]fairs and thereto rem ... it is m ... to the time we know the French king's pleasure." There is no news. Calais, 9 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Mutilated. Add.: To my lord P[rivy Seal]. | |
9 April. R. O. |
885. WM. LORD SANDYS to LORD LISLE. |
I thank you for your news and would send you some again if I had any worth writing, but I am only informed by one coming between Flanders and Boulogne that Hesdin was surrendered to the French King upon covenants, the people to pass out with bag and baggage, except certain rich burgesses who must stand at the King's will. I am not sure of the report. Guisnes, 9 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais. | |
9 April. R. O. |
886. NICHOLUCCIO VINNACIESI to LORD LISLE. |
Your lordship has shown me so much favour in times past, both in England, and lately in Calais when the King was there, that I venture to write in favour of a Florentine friend of mine who desires to go to France on mercantile business. I beg you will send him as your servant, to secure his passing safely. We are daily expecting news from Italy and I will write them to your lordship. Antwerp, 9 April 1537. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add. | |
9 April. R. O. |
887. CARDINAL OF MANTUA to the DUKE OF MANTUA. |
Wrote lately that he had not thought good to read the Duke's letters of the 24th ult. to the Pope. But now, hearing the Pope was resolved to leave to-day for Mantua to open the Council, has shown the letters to the Pope and Consistory. Is commanded to write to the Duke, assuring him that there will not be so many at the Council as he thought; and on receipt of the Duke's answer it will be decided whether to go to Mantua, Bologna, or elsewhere. The Pope cannot satisfy the Duke's wish not to give up his city without a strong garrison, both because of the cost and because the Lutherans would not come to a city where the guard was in the Pope's pay. The Pope has endeavoured to get the Emperor and French king to give safe-conducts to those coming to the Council. If they do so it dissolves the writer's argument that few ultramontani will come to the Council. Encloses a chyrograph just received from the Pope's secretary, and desires that the bearer may be despatched with diligence. | |
ii. "A domino Ambrosio, Secretario." | |
The Pope considering your (the Cardinal's) chyrograph has determined to despatch this messenger to Mantua to-night for the Duke's answer, and desires you to write in conformity. | |
Copy, Lat., pp. 3. Headed: A R'mo Car'le Mantuæ die viiij. Aprilis 1537. | |
10 April. | 888. MONASTERY EXEMPTED FROM SUPPRESSION. |
See GRANTS in APRIL, 28 Henry VIII., No. 17. | |
10 April. R. O. |
889. CROMWELL to the PRIOR AND CONVENT OF WENLOCK. |
Whereas the prior lately let to farm to Thomas Crowther and William Horwode the parsonage of Clon in reversion after one John Harley, gentleman; and whereas Crowther and Horwode, with a brother of the prior's, have stolen out the convent seal and forged a new lease and cancelled the old:—as the forged lease is clearly void, desires the prior to make a lease of the benefice to Cromwell's friend, Adam Onley, brother to the attorney of the Court of Augmentations. Desires an answer in writing by the bearer. London, 10 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add. Sealed. | |
10 April. R. O. |
890. SIR RICHARD RICHE, THO. POPE, JOHN ONLEY, and ROBERT SOUTHWELL to the ABBOT OF STRATA FLORIDA. |
The bringer, Edward Beawpe and others have made suit to us for a picture of Jesus in your custody, lately belonging to the house of Combhyer, dissolved; to the intent they will build a chapel in Myllynygh in honour of Jesus, for there is no church within three miles. We require you, if you have bought the picture, to deliver it to the bearer for as much as you paid for it, and, if you have it but in keeping, deliver it and this shall be your discharge: "thus doing ye shall do very well." London, 10 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add. | |
10 April. R. O. |
891. SIR ROBERT CONSTABLE. |
Deposition of Lawrence Folbery of Newcastle, taken at Newcastle. upon Tyne 10 April 28 Henry VIII., stating that he was with his brother Dr. Folbery at Cottingham, Yorks., about Candlemas last, from whence, owing to differences between the said Doctor and Sir Robert Constable, he was sent to the said Sir Robert at his manor of Holme in Spalding More. Sir Robert offered to submit the dispute to arbitration of friends or of the duke of Norfolk at his coming; but next morning before deponent could speak with him Robert Aske was with him from London and he refused to abide by the agreement made overnight, saying that if he had sent the money the Doctor would have taken more than he demanded. On taking leave of him Sir Robert told deponent my lord William Howard had killed Richard Cromwell and the Duke would be in danger; adding that, as in the chronicles of the Romans there was a gentleman who having killed the Emperor's secretary in mistake for the Emperor, "ran unto a pan of coals," and burned off the hand that missed the Emperor; so the said lord William may burn his hand for missing of killing my lord Cromwell. Signed: Lowrans Fowlbery. | |
Pp. 3. Endd. | |
[10 April ?]. R. O. |
892. CONVERSATIONS IN LENTON ABBEY. |
Saying of Dan Ralph Swensune alias Scraptune at Xmas last in Lentune Abbey, Notts, in the misericorde while sitting by the fire on a form with Dan Hamlet (fn. 50) and the subprior and others. He said, "I hear say that the King has taken peace with the commonty till after Christenmas, but if they have done so it is alms to hang them up, for they may well know that he that will not keep no promise with God himself but pulls down His churches he will not keep promise with them; but if they had gone forth onward up and stricken off his head then had they done well, for I warrant them if he can overcome them he will do so by them." "Peace," said the subprior, "you rail you wat not whereof." "Nay," said he, "I say as it will be." "Peace," said the sub-prior, "in the virtue of obedience I command you speak no more at this time." | |
ii. Subjoined, apparently by the subprior, in the same hand:—The reason I came away so soon last time was that I was afraid of my life, because I did check two of the monks for railing at the King. On Easter week, in the misericorde, at the board end, sat Dan John Hawghtune and Dan Rawffe Swensune, and the former said, "It is a marvellous world, for the King will hang a man for a word speaking now a days." "Yea," said Dan Ralph, "but the King of Heaven will not do so, and He is King of all kings; but he that hangs a man in this world for a word speaking he shall be hanged in another world his self." I rebuked them for never speaking a good word for the King. On the morrow they told my master the prior, and he consulted with his privy council on the Tuesday. Then was I afraid for my life, for I had heard many of the monks speak ill of the King and Queen and lord Privy Seal, whom they love worst of any man in the world. "I trust unto God I shall cause them to be known as they be, or else it were great pity." The prior and his council have sat a week to imagine some untruth against me: so if any monks come up to bear false witness I desire your Lordships that they may be examined separately. | |
P. 1. Endd. | |
10 April. R.O. |
893. THOMAS LEGH to CROMWELL. |
Understands that Sir James Strangwyse and Doctor Strangwishe, who in the commotion time did the King good service, are coming to London. Begs Cromwell to thank them. "And as touching the lands in Essex ye shall find them conformable." York, 10 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. | |
10 April. R. O. |
894. LORD LEONARD GREY and BRABASON to CROMWELL. |
Received letters from the King and Cromwell on Easter Day—" rather they could not come for lack of wind"—and have summoned the Council to answer them. Cromwell writes for despatch of part of the army. When they despatched the last, they had to make such shift for money that they can borrow no more, and, therefore, Cromwell must send money. Have found little constancy in any of the Irish here, whether it be for fear they have not their pardons or no. Dublin, 10 April. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd. |