Henry VIII: June 1537, 21-25 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 2, June-December 1537. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1891.

'Henry VIII: June 1537, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 2, June-December 1537, (London, 1891) pp. 42-47. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol12/no2/pp42-47 [accessed 24 April 2024]

June 1537, 21-25



21 June.	125. The War in Picardy.
Add. MS. 2103, f. 52. B. M.	"Sommaire de la prinse de St. Pol faite pour de la part" (fn. n1) (sic).
	On Monday, 11 June 1537, the Emperor's army encamped before St. Pol beside the castle of St. Martin. Finding that place unsuitable, the camp moved on Wednesday the 13th to a place called Verlong, very close to St. Pol. Two spies reported to Mons. de Molembaix, chevalier of the Toison d'Or, and the captains Libere (sic) Turk, and Thouart, a plan to attack the great bulwark lately constructed by the French. After consultation thereupon with the Duke of Arschot and the Count de Bueren, captain-general, it was resolved to make a mine. Next morning pioneers were set to work, and after working all that day and next night the mine was ready, and charged on the 15th. Meanwhile trenches had been made for the battery, and about 5 a.m. the town was summoned to surrender. The captains replied they would die first, and a frightful battery was commenced and continued until three hours after dinner, when three breaches had been made. The mine was then fired and made another great breach. (Continued at f. 67.) Seeing this the Sieur de Brederode, with two of his ensigns, ran to the assault of the bulwark, but were somewhat repulsed. Then Libert Turk, a man of valour and experience, keeping with him the Sieur de Molembaix, spoke in German to the footmen lansquenets (pietons lansquenetz), and showed them that Molembaix and he and others would live and die with them; and they took heart and returned to the assault so furiously that they gained the bulwark. Molembaix, seeing that they could not hold it, rode to the footmen of High Germany and asked if some 600 would come to the assistance of Brederode's Low German foot. They refused unless commanded by their colonel, who was in bed with a gunshot wound. Molembaix then hastened to the said Colonel Hessen, who gave orders for not only 600, but 2,000 to go; which they did, and they, with the reinforcements Brederode had sent, so pressed the enemy that they tied, and the said Germans followed them through the postern.
	Meanwhile the Sieur Dessestain had attacked another breach, but was repulsed, "et voyant que a . ." (Continued after the loss of a leaf or more at f. 55.) straightway, and in pursuing the enemies by the same side they entered also into the said town.
	This done and the castle approached, to which Captain Martin "que lon dist roy de Duittost" (?), and the bailly of Rouen with others had retired, these were so terrified by such a furious exploit that they threw their banners out of the windows, crying aloud that they surrendered to mercy. They then opened the gates and surrendered, and every German footman took his prisoner. The Germans then engaged in the pillage of the town and furiously repulsed the Walloons who would have shared it. That night, while the Germans were engaged in pillage, the French fired the town in two places, and the fire so took its course that the whole town was destroyed, with a great quantity of wine, grain, and other victuals.
	After such a furious and unpremeditated exploit, the Duke of Arschot, Count of Bueren, and Sieur de Mole[mbaix] and other experienced men in. the council of war debated whether to besiege Dourlens, Hesdin, or Monstroeul, and decided upon Monstroeul. The camp was then raised from St. Pol on the 19th June and the army marched in good order to Blangy, and next day to the village of —— (blank), and next day the 21st "icelle armee ensamble a la campe ——."
	A fragment. Fr., pp. 6, bound up in wrong order. In the same handwriting as No.
22 June.	126. John Husee to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Received his letters by the bp. of Winchester's servant. Finds he has not received the letters sent by Ratcliff. Hide's matter waits for Lisle's answer. They have threatened to put Mr. Aylmer out of Kyngston Lisle at Michaelmas. He said that Hide intends to sue you for waste. My Lord Privy Seal tells me that your suit for the priory shall certainly be rid before the King leave Hampton Court. I will speak to Mr. Bryan about it. Gives the opinion of his counsel touching the patent for Lisle's annuity. No man but Lisle shall grant passports. The King's auditor says they have been allowed in their accounts for the spial money and the annuity since lord Berners' death. When Dawncy comes to the hall he will consult him about the matter. I have promised each of them apiece of wine if they bring it to a fair conclusion. Has received a gelding from Mr. Kingston, which is "wild and kytteshe." It will not abide the stirring of a fly. Smythe of the Exchequer has at last paid the money. Has paid Morgan 8l. The bp. of Carlisle was buried yesterday. Kingston and Dawncy were his executors, Kytson and Monday overseers. Cannot tell whether the King had any of his goods. The King goes to Oking, Guildford, Esthamstede, and so to Windsor and Woodstock. London, 22 June.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
22 June.	127. John Hutton to Cromwell.
R. O.	The bearer who lately came from Rome reported in company that certain Englishmen resident there had spoken vile and slanderous words against the Kind's realm. I sent for him and he confessed it and also that he had letters from the parties to be delivered to a friar resident among the Observants here in Antwerp. I desired to see the letters and opened them, but found nothing of weight, but that one of the parties is beneficed in England. I enclose the letters. Antwerp, 22 June.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Scaled. Endd.
22 June.	128. Harry Phyllypps to John Hutton.
R. O.	Have long desired, but found no means to obtain, your favour; and now a false rumour accuses me of bragging words in contempt of your displeasure. I have never spoken about you except with one Vaghon, who said you had given him a commission that went against his conscience. Your letters to him at Louvain were, in his absence, brought to me and I delivered them on his return from Brussels. In return he warned me that there were many snares "tyled" to entrap me. I wish your mastership, as the King's ambassador and agent with the Lady Mary, would call me to you that I might establish my innocence. Lovayne, 22 June.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Governor of the fellowship of Antwerp and the King's agent with the Lady Mary. Endd.
	ii. "Answer made to the same." (In Hutton's hand.)
	Asks him to come and speak with him. Antwerp, 28 June.
	P. 1.
22 June.	129. Sir Clement West to Cromwell.
R. O.	A prize arrived 15 days ago at Saragozse (Syracuse) from Barnard the Scot, "in which were Turks that were despatched in Constantinople the 17th of March," who reported that 60 galleys were ready to depart, and [the] Judeo captain. Many other galleys and ships were getting ready in haste, and Barbarossa, captain general, was in "Mar Mageor" for galleys and vessels that should make altogether 500 sail. They were to depart by May or June at the furthest for Sicily or Polle (Apulia), "and gret numbyr off men be lond, wher the gret lord wyll go yn person to Avalony." The Viceroy of Naples set two men a-land, of whom one returned 22 March saying he saw the Great Turk enter Constantinople; who came from Grannoble "with great number," and preparations for war were immediately hastened and the Judeo sent forth with 60 galleys. 30,000 horsemen go before Barbarossa to Avalony.—Further reports from Rome and Venice much to the same effect.—Barbarossa was expected to attack the Venetians because they denied him Corfu, "whych ys the pas." The Waywode in person made present to the Turk "off the getyng off Clysse," at which time was given to him 100,000 asprys of rent. Ferdinand king of the Romans sent to the Turk to know if Clysse were gotten by his commission, and 3 days after his [the messenger's?] arrival an audience was appointed him to kiss the Turk's hand.
	Describes an eruption of Mont Gebell (Etna) in Sicily. Those of Messina went in procession and thought all to have been lost. The Emperor has sent for the great ship and galleys to meet his army at Messina to resist the Turk; for which Prince Dory is gone to Spain. His return is daily looked for, and with him our Grand Master. News came from Naples lately that there were 100 galleys at Avalony and 30,000 Turkish horse, and at Corfu 150 galleys; which is not likely from other reports.
	Malta, 22 June 1537.
	This day, 24th, the brigantine sent word from Jante that 300 galleys and fusts be forth and a great number on the way by land to Avalony with the Turk in person.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add.
	ii. Further news enclosed on a slip of paper dated 8 July 1537, the most important item being after the date:—"Now is come Andru Dorya at Myssyna with 60 galleys, at Naples the rest."
23 June.	130. John Husee to Lady Lisle.
R. O.	Two days since I moved lady Rutland again concerning Mrs. Fraunces. Her ladyship is in doubt about it; but the heralds say the woman can never lose her degree but must always be taken as her father's daughter. If needful I can get their seals and hands to this. The Queen goes sometimes with placards and sometimes with stomacher, laced. Smyth of the Exchequer has paid his money with much ado, and I have paid Morgan 8l. I do not see that we can do anything with Hide if he will have possession; he is like to pay well for it. I wait an answer to what I wrote you by Raclyf. I can get no conserve dishes, for those my lady Fitzwilliam had came out of the Levant. Mr. Skutt has buried his wife, and the bp. of Carlisle is dead. They die here in every corner, but no very great death. Justyce's matter is to no purpose, for the boat he would have, which is at Winchilsea, is not the King's, but lies in gage to Bell the Mayor for 35l. for the piracies committed in her, having been arrested for robbing a merchant of Gascon wines. London, 23 June.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
23 June.	131. John Briertoune to Wriothesley, Clerk of the Signet.
Vesp. cxiii. 258. B. M. Ellis 2 S. ii. 38.	His master (fn. n2) and company have passed a long and painful journey without perishing of horse or man. Went by Lyons and Avignon to Salsees on the borders of Spain (the strongest castle in the world) and thence to Barcelona and Seragoza, where they were as extremely handled as if they had been Jews, their luggage searched and they charged for everything that was unworn. His master said he would pay no custom, as an ambassador was free everywhere, and he would ride to the Emperor and declare how he was handled. They replied that "if Christ or St. Francis came with all their flock they should not escape." The Empress lately sent a post to the Emperor at Barcelona with a little silk flower of her own making and they of Seragoza insisted upon searching the bearer. Good treatment of his muster by the Emperor. Valladolid, 23 June.
	Hol., Add.
23 June.	132. Sir Clement West to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Almost word for word the same as his letter to Cromwell of the 22d. Malta, 23 June 1537. With the same postscript on a separate slip, dated 8 July, as in his letter to Cromwell.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
24 June.	133. Henry VIII. to [Sir William Parre].
R. O. 1537.	As the King is sending down Sir Robert Constable and Robert Aske to be executed in Yorkshire where they committed their treasons, and they are to be conveyed by Sir Thomas Wentworth into Lincolnshire, delivered to the duke of Suffolk, and by him sent on to Hull, where they shall be received by the duke of Norfolk or such persons as he shall appoint, you are to put yourself with a convenient number of your servants in order to meet Wentworth at Huntingdon the—proximo to take charge of the conveyance of the said traitors to the duke of Suffolk, and under his orders convey them to Hull.
	Draft in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 3. At the head of this draft are these words in two lines The lord Darcy's words. The bill for Vaughan. A fly-leaf pasted on to the last leaf, is endorsed: The minute to my lord of Norfolk the 24th of June.
24 June.	134. Wm. Lord Sandys, to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	I thank you for the pain your Lordship took here for me on Thursday last. I desire ready passage for the bearer, Guisnes pursuivant, whom I send over with news just received touching the surrender of Montreuil, but I have no particulars. Guisnes, Midsummer morning, 8 o'c. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Deputy of Calais.
24 June.	135. Walter Brown of Malrancan, Jhon (sic) Deverus of Balmakayerne, and Alexander Ketyng of Ambrowiston, to Cromwell.
R. O.	Whereas by letters you advertised us to relate any damage done to the King; Wm. Sayntloo, and 46 persons with him, are allowed wages for defence of Wexford, 368 mks., besides the wages of Sayntloo himself and Watkin Appowell his petty captain, of 46 mks. 9s. Sayntloo has also leases of all Ketyng and Baron Newell's lands, "lately put to execution," and the aid of the inhabitants of the county. Advise that 5,000 or 6,000 men, part soldiers and part husbandmen, should inhabit the country between Dublin and Wexford, and that three or four gentlemen of the country should have 100 mks. a year apiece to defend it. The King's yearly rents in the county exceed not 250 mks. (the dime of the spiritualty excepted). Desire Cromwell to get them a lease of all these revenues and they will pay all officers' fees, &c. and 100 mks. a year into the Exchequer. Credence for bearer. Malrancan, 24 June. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
25 June.	136. Cinque Ports.
R. O.	Inquisition of the Admiralty taken on the sea shore at Sandwich, 25 June 29 Hen. VIII., before Ric. Dering, lieutenant of Sir Thos. Cheyney, constable of Dovor Castle, and warden and admiral of the Cinque Ports. Found that certain waterways and dikes between Ratcheborough (Rich-borough) and Sandwich be stopped by the owners of the marsh to the injury of the haven for lack of water. Presentment against certain persons for cutting weeds and other corruptions and casting them into the river, where they sink to the detriment of the haven. The haven is also injured by default of sustaining of two groynes that the brethren of St. Bartholomew's have hitherto maintained. Presentments for illegal exportation of wheat and malt; and of men who found articles on the shore, &c.
	Large paper, pp. 2.
25 June.	137. Sir Wm. Gascoygne to Cromwell.
R. O.	Asks Cromwell to be good lord to him touching his daughter Constable's feoffment. Paid with her for it 1,000 marks, and without his Lordship's help is not able to pursue it. Trusts he will set forward this term to Gascoygne's comfort in his old age. Gawkethorp, 25 June. Signed.
	P. 1. Add: Lord Privy Seal. Sealed. Endd. erroneously: Willm. Newdiguast."
25 June.	138. John Hutton to Lord Lisle.
R. O.	Received his letter of the 20th, complaining of the stay of two horses at Gravelines. Has written to the captain, and if it takes no effect, will repair to the Queen, who will, doubtless, write to the said captain for their delivery. The news he wrote of the Turk is confirmed by letters from Venice. Their army is 400 sail well furnished. Antwerp, 25 June.
	Begs he will advertise the King of the stoppage of the passage between Calais and Dover.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.
25 June.	139. James Basset to Lady Lisle.
R. O.	Has received her and his father's letters and the crown she sent him with the remembrances sent by his sisters, by John Donicourt. Wishes to obey her in all things. Paris, 25 June.
	Fr., p. 1, not in his own hand. Add.: Madame la Debitis a Callais.