Letters and Papers: January 1539, 11-15

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1894.

'Letters and Papers: January 1539, 11-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1, January-July 1539, (London, 1894) pp. 22-29. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol14/no1/pp22-29 [accessed 24 April 2024]

January 1539



11 Jan. R. O. C.'s Letters, 387.	47. CRANMER to CROMWELL.
	Sends depositions concerning the naughty communications of one Hen. Totehill concerning the bp. of Rome and Thos. Beckett, with John Alforde, the principal accuser. Has taken upon himself Cromwell's office of punishing those who break the King's injunctions; for already he has committed two priests to Canterbury castle for permitting the bp. of Rome's name in their books. One lay there till it had cost him four or five marks, and then Cranmer ordered him to give 4l. in alms after his liberation, which he refused to do, and was again committed. At length it is concluded that he shall give 40s. to his poor neighbours, at the distribution of Sir Edw. Ringeley and other justices. Keeps the other priest, a curate, in the Castle, till he is condignly punished, for he has little money to bestow in alms. Has commanded the parson where he was curate to give 40s. to the poor. Forde, 11 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O. C.'s Letters, 388.	2. Examination taken 10 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII., of words spoken by Hen. Totehill of St. Kateryn's beside the Tower Hill, shipman, in the house of Thos. Brown, of Shawltecliff, Kent.
	John Alforde, 18 years of age, says that he saw an interlude concerning King John at my lord of Canterbury's at Christmas time, and on Thursday, 2 Jan., said in Brown's house that it was a pity the bp. of Rome should reign any longer, for he would do with our King as he did with King John. Totehill answered it was pity and naughtily done to put down the Pope and St. Thomas; for the Pope was a good man and St. Thomas saved many such as this deponent was from hanging.
	Thos. Brown, of the age of 50 years, deposes that on Friday, 3 Jan., he told Totehill that he had heard, at my lord of Canterbury's, one of the best matters that ever he saw touching King John; that he had heard priests and clerks say that King John "did look like one that had run from burning of a house, but this deponent knew now that it was nothing true, for, as far as he perceived, King John was as noble a prince as ever was in England, and thereby we might perceive that he was the beginner of the putting down of the bishop of Rome, and thereof we might be all glad." Then answered Totehill that the bp. of Rome was made Pope by the clergy and consent of all the kings Christian. This deponent bade him hold his peace, for this communication was naught. Totehill said he was sorry if he had said amiss, for he thought no harm to any man. This was in Alford's presence. Totehill was drunken.
	Asked why he thought the words naughty, says because he thought he spoke them in the maintenance of the bp. of Rome.
	As to the words spoken of Thos. Beckett, agrees with the first witness.
	Anthony Marten heard John Halforde report that Totehill said it was pity that St. Thomas was put down, and the old law was as good as the new; and that the bp. of Rome was a good man. Brown told him Totehill had spoken very evil, and when he should be examined he would tell the truth.
	Pp. 2.
11 Jan. R. O.	48. SIR ROBERT DORMER to CROMWELL.
	I have done my best to take Smyth of Rysborough. He never came to his house nor into Buckinghamshire since I was last with your Lordship, when, as I now hear he was in London. He resorts to a brother of his, John Smyth, in New Fyssh Street. He promised to be at home on Wednesday or Thursday last, or I would have written before. Etheropp, 11 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
11 Jan. R. O.	49. BISHOP ROLAND LEE to CROMWELL
	I thank you for your goodness to the bearer, my trusty friend, and beg you to help him to have his lease from the chancellor of the Augmentations. Yesterday I received commissions for justice of peace in Cheshire, and my lord Chancellor's letters for the accomplishment of the same, so I am both justice of the peace and custos rotulorum. "All is quiet here and never better." Vygmore Castle, 11 Jan. Signed. Roland Co. et Lich.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
11 Jan. Calig. B. VII. 239. B. M.	50. ROBT. BISHOP OF LLANDAFF to CROMWELL.
	Returns him the commission of oyer to be amended. Some mentioned in it are dead, others misnamed. Sends letters from the Council with such information as they could obtain touching the breaking of prison at Hexham. According to Cromwell's desire in a letter dated 22 Dec., sends information of the characters of the officers on the Borders. 1. Sir Thos. Wharton does good service, is diligent and discreet. It were pity that the disdain of his neighbours should discourage him. 2. Sir Henry Savell has been a very good sheriff in the year last past. Spialls have been made upon him, but no fault could be found. 3. Mr. Thos. Fairfax, serjeant at the law, is just and diligent. Pray help amend his living, for it is very small. 4. Sir John Wydderington of the Middle March lacks both wit and goodwill, and even when he has agreed with the Council, sometimes takes a contrary way before the Scots. He is ill matched with Dan Kayre, of Farnihurst, a shrewd old practitioner of the Border. 4. John Horsley, before giving up the shrievalty of Northumb^d., had a privy sessions and gaol delivery; when, he says, by command of the justices of peace, a poor "pykar" was put to execution for need, and a wilful murderer and two felons acquitted. Thinks he should be reprimanded for so doing. 5. Sir Reynold Carnaby is overcharged with Tynedale. It requires a strong house and a captain with a stout heart. Thinks Sir Richd. Brereton, of Lancashire, a meet man for it. Touching Richmondshire, is of the same mind as Sir Will. Eure, with whom he spoke about it before his last coming to London. Great offenders there ought not to be suffered to grow too strong. One Dixson complained to Cromwell of his servant Thorpe. They have examined and find the complaint unfounded. Watton, 11 Jan.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: "To" &c. "my lord of the Privy Seal." Endd.
11 Jan. Add. MS. 28,591, f. 5. B.M.	51. IMPERIAL AMBASSADOR IN FRANCE to CHARLES V.
	(fn. 1) The king of England makes here the same offers he makes to the Emperor; and gets the same reply. It is well known that he is only trying to alter this amity. The Emperor can assure himself, from the power sent to Tarbes three weeks ago, that nothing will here be treated with him, or with any other Christian Prince unless the Emperor approves. The French king has spoken to the writer as he is wont of the king of England, detesting his deeds, telling him the Pope was about to declare the censures against him. The Nuncio says the same; but neither says anything of an enterprise against him. The Constable indeed said a week ago that their ambassador in England wrote that considering his acts and tyranny it would be easy to satisfy alike the Pope, the Emperor, the French king, Flanders, and the king of Scotland, pointing out what was proper for each of these parties, but he said no more. The Nuncio said as much on Sunday last. The writer has only said that if these five parties made an effort the partition would not be difficult.
	Conversation with the Nuncio about the Levant expedition.
	Has delivered the Emperor's letter to Francis, who expressed confidence in the Emperor. Trusts card. Tournon and the bp. of Soixon will readily undertake the journey to Germany to persuade the reduction of the heretics. Commends the former. Affairs of King John and the German princes. The Señor and Señora de Labrit and the matter of Navarre. Attempts of certain Italians to make Francis distrust the Emperor. Report that the Emperor would make a truce with the Turk. Paris, 10 Jan. 1538.
	P.S—Has just heard that the Pope has proceeded against the king of England to deprivation, but is not certain of the news. Paris, 11 Jan.
	Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 18. See Spanish Calendar VI., Part 1., No. 35.
12 Jan. Close Roll 30 Hen. VIII., p. 1, No. 62.	52. HATFIELD.
	Grant by Thos. bp. of Ely to the Crown of the lordship and manor of Hatfield, and advowson of the parish church of Hatfield, Herts, with all appurtenances, except the manor of Tatterge within the parish of Hatfield. 5 Dec. 30 Hen. VIII.
	ii. Confirmation by the prior and convent. In their chapterhouse, 12 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII.
	iii. Memoranda of acknowledgment, 10 March, before Wm. Meye, clk., by the bishop at Downeham and by the prior and convent in their chapter-house.
	Latin.
12 Jan. R. O.	53. JOHN HUSEE to LORD LISLE.
	Received his letter by Guisnes pursuivant. Is glad he took notice of the false words bruited here by two or three caitiffs. The Council has committed to the Marshalsea the first reporter of them, who has said that the author is a servant of Anthony Brygges. I pray God send them a shameful end. Cannot get the 50l. of Mr. Pope. Hopes to have his commission for the Freres' house shortly. Mr. Polstede has promised help. Mr. Lister is not yet come. My lord Admiral is amended. The King goes to my lord Prince, removes on Tuesday next and returns on Monday following. Wyckes is suing against you. Wishes he had 6d. a day, for he is very importunate. They press for the subsidy as the King is not content at its being unpaid. London, 12 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: deputy of Calais.
12 Jan. R. O.	54. JOHN ABBOT OF CROYLAND to CROMWELL.
	I received your letter in favour of your servant Edward Watson for the cell of Freston belonging to my monastery, and wrote back my mind as desired upon the subject. When I know your pleasure I will endeavour to accomplish it. Croyland, 12 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Privy Seal.
12 Jan. R. O.	55. SIR JOHN HODDYLLSTON to CROMWELL.
	I have taken a fellow that sung a certain song by the King's good grace and by you, which song I send you. I asked him who taught him this song; he feigned and said he had it of minstrels at Braylles; so I examined him further, and he at last said the cellarer of Wynscom taught him, and told him to sing it and say he had it at Braylles. I sent for the said cellarer, who would not confess it, but the said fellow declared before me and Sir Ric. Leggens and Master Red that the said cellarer did teach him the song, and bade him sing it wherever he went. The fellow is in Gloucester Castle till the King's pleasure be known. Sowtham, 12 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Cromwell.
12 Jan. R. O.	56. H. EARL OF WORCESTER to CROMWELL.
	Sends the examination of two persons lately taken before him and his cousin, Sir Nicholas Poyntz, concerning certain words spoken in the Forest of Deane. Chepstowe, 12 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
R. O.	2. The confession of Edw. Donnyng and Edw. Prynce, of Lydney, Gloucester, husbandmen, before Hen. earl of Worcester, 3 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII.
	Being collectors of the fifteenth, they came to Lydney last Midsummer, and asked Thos. Hyett, esq., chief of that parish, how to divide the 112s. at which the parish was assessed. Though a man of 40l. lands, he would pay but 16d., and said "God's wounds, what will the King have? Poor men and gentlemen are undone by him. There was never prince that had any like exactions of us, nor half so much money of his subjects, and yet he will have money, money." When they would have distrained one Wm. Browne for 2s. he ran to James Hiett's house and complained of the collectors. Hiett told them they were knaves, and should have no money there from Browne, and "that they had consulted with the veriest knave of all in tha matter." Signed by the earl of Worcester.
	P. 1.
12 Jan. Cleop. E. IV. 256.* B. M. Wright's Suppression of the Monasteries, (fn. 2) 238.	57. BISHOP ROLAND LEE to [CROMWELL].
	Remember my suit for the continuance of the cathedral church of Coventry upon alteration, as it is my principal see and head church. Now it appears by the enclosed letters from the mayor and aldermen that Dr. London repairs thither to suppress the same. "My good Lord," help us in this that I may keep my name, and the city have the benefit of its being brought to a "college church" like Lichfield. Wigmere, 12 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1.
12 Jan. R. O.	58. SIR CHRISTOPHER MORES to CROMWELL.
	Visited the castle of Pomfryd, 11 January, and found the captain there preparing to go to London. Mores and the captain visited the piece of brass ordnance in the abbey: stock and wheels were very weak. However they agreed to have it conveyed to the castle on the writer's return homewards. The waters have been greater than for twenty years past. Had to hire guides to convey them through the waters. Jork, 12 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII. Signed.
	P. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
12 Jan. R. O. Rymer, XIV. 623.	59. TYNEMOUTH PRIORY.
	Surrender of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. Nthld., Westmld., and Cumb., or elsewhere. 12 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII. Signed by Robt. Blakeney, prior, 15 priests, and 3 novices. [See Deputy Keeper's Eighth Report, App. II. 45.]
	Seal broken.
	Enrolled [Close Roll, p. 5, No. 68] without mem. of acknowledgment.
12 Jan. R. O.	60. LORD LISLE to CROMWELL.
	The bearer Francis arrived here on Thursday at 11 p.m. and Nicholas Pelle the Saturday morning after. They would have been over but that wind and weather would not serve, and have desired me to inform you thereof. Calais, 12 Jan. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Lord Privy Seal.
12 Jan. R. O.	61. HENRY PALMERE to CROMWELL.
	Where I promised Mr. Wryseley to bring Mrs. Hootton into England I will not leave her till I have fulfilled my promise even at my own loss. Ric. Sexton, vintner and soldier here, who had the office of ranger of the king's forest of Guisnes with a groat a day, is dead, and there goeth over by next passage one that will make fervent suit for the same. I have sent this by Francisco the courier, whom I know none will override, begging your Lordship to procure me the said office of ranger because I dwell so nigh the forest. Calays, 12 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal.
12 Jan. Add. MS. 21,382 f. 137 B.M. Leonard, II. 415.	62. CHARLES V. AND FRANCIS I.
	Treaty binding themselves mutually to make no new alliances, agreements or accords with the king of England (whether for marriages of himself, the Princess his daughter, or the Prince his son, or any treaties whatsoever) without mutual consent. Concluded and signed by Covos and Granvelie on the Emperor's part and the bp. of Tarbes on the King's, at Toledo, 10 Jan. 1538.
	Ratification of the above by the Emperor. Toledo, 12 Jan. 1538.
	French.
13 Jan. R. O.	63. DAN WALTER ALDELME and DAN HEW EGWYN to CROMWELL.
	Received on Jan. 7 his letters to the abbot and convent, dated 31 Dec., willing them to perform their grant made 23 June to William Mownsloo, mercer of London, and Ric. Rowndoll, lawyer of the Temple, so that it were not made by any manner of craft or colour. The writers have stayed their grant (1) because it might interfere with a bargain of wools made between Sir John Alen and the convent; (2) because they did not know what Cromwell means by the words "colour or craft;" (3) because one of them was bound in 3,000l. and the other in 2,000l. to procure no such letters before any surrender or suppression; and (4) because they perceived crafty conveyance between the abbot and them. Suggest that Cromwell's servant, Mr. Edw. Draycote, should be directed to examine the whole matter. Wynchelcome, 13 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
13 Jan. R. O.	64. S. VAUGHAN to CROMWELL.
	The day after the last departure of Francis the courier, I repaired to Antwerp for the 50l. your lordship lately sent me. Whilst I was thither but newly come, I received a letter from the Merchants Adventurers holding their mart at Barrow signifying they had chosen me to be their governor and praying me to repair to Barrow where my being with them three or four days would much further their affairs. I came to Barrow, 10 Jan., and told them I could not undertake such office till I knew the King's pleasure, but offered, if it might help them, to tarry with them three or four days. Please let me know the King's pleasure. The merchants, fearing pirates at the return of their ships from hence towards England, beg that they may be wafted by some good ship.
	The Gantoys (as I hear say) who have always been stiff against granting aids for the Emperor's wars, hearing that the Queen is about to withdraw their privileges, begin to shrink; so it is thought they with all the other here shall pay.
	Grain and victuals be well sold, wherewith they lade the ships going to the Emperor.
	My wife advertises me of your goodness to her in my absence, for which I thank you. Barrow, 13 Jan.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.: Lord Privy Seal. Endd.
13 Jan. Balcarres MS. IV. 45. Adv. Lib., Edin.	65. MADEMOISELLE DE TORU (?) to the QUEEN.
	She wrote lately desiring her "an la saison qui fait bon antes" to send her some "greffes." Sends a packet containing three kinds of the best prunes and two kinds of pears. Wishes she could come and cat them in this country, where they are all grieved at her absence. Has not been well herself one day since she left. 13 Jan. Signed: Vre. treshumble et tresobaissante subgete et servante, Fargeuses (?)."
	Hol., Fr., p. 1. Add.: Ala Royne. Endd. Mad. de Toru (?)
14 Jan. R. O.	66. SIR BRIAN TUKE to LORD LISLE.
	I received these Christmas holidays your kind letter of thanks, but I am far more bound to thank my lady for her gentle entertainment of me and my poor brats. I think you have of her ladyship as great a jewel as any noble man could wish. As to your own causes, you must write to the King or my lord Privy Seal,—I mean your own debts, old and new. and Francis de Bardi's debt. Your old debt I think, is 700 marks, for which you, Sir Edw. Guldeforde and Jas. Clarel stand bound, due in 11 Hen. VIII., and 100l. for which you and Nich. Maior are bound, payable 16 years past and more. Your new debt is, for Mr. Basset's ward, 200 marks, for which your lordship, Sir Thos. Arundel, Sir John Grenefelde (then esq.) and John Vivyan are bound in four payments, beginning at All Saints, 1533. Francis de Bardi's debt is 1,000l., and was due 10 Dec. 1535. In his obligation, one Chr. Morice, grocer of London is bound; whether it be the master of the ordnance I cannot tell, but if it be he may be a good solicitor by your calling on for the matter here. I would advise you to send me ready money, but if you desire to obtain favor of the King, you must not delay. You might write to my lord Privy Seal, alleging that you are on the point of outlawry. Do not suppose you cannot be outlawed because you are a lord of the Parliament or in the King's service beyond sea; for if extremity had been used you might have been outlawed more than seven years ago, but I was commanded to forbear you, though not so long. I think if you labor in time you may get indulgence about De Bardi's debt; for the King has lost by him 12,000l. more than that and he died not worth 40l. As to the rest your lordship knows it was before my time, but I can show Mr. Heron's book of it. London, 14 Jan. 1538.
	Hol., pp. 2. Add.
14 Jan. R. O.	67. THOMAS VACHELL to CROMWELL.
	The lord Baldewyne, Mr. Dawance, and others in commission of oyer and determiner, intend to proceed against the traitors "as ponne" Monday next. The Yelde Halle in Redyng is too "lykell" for such assembly as will be there: if the King will give the town the body of the late Friars' church for a yelde halle, the bearer Thomas Merthe, Cromwell's servant, now mayor, (fn. 3) and his brethren, will make it ready by the said day for the justices. The place is suitable, as the master of the Jewel House and Mr. Polarde can signify, who have been there and seen it. Redyng, 14 Jan.
	Hol., p. 1. Add: Lord Crumwell, lord Privy Seal. Endd.
15 Jan. R. O.	68. NEWARK PRIORY, Surrey.
	Receipts and payments at Newark "by me Thomas Legh, doctor of law and commissioner there," 15 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII., viz.:—
	Church ornaments and household stuff sold for 35l. 13s. 8d., corn, cattle, and husbandry gear for 52l. 3s. 8d. Whereof rewards to prior, 6l. 13s. 4d., and eight canons, 40s. each, forty-one servants and "hynes" for their quarter's wages and liveries, 18l. 6s. 8d., cates and horsemeat at the time of dissolving the house, 7l. Remaining due of the said sales from Sir Ant. Browne, farmer there. Plate, delivered to Mr. Williams, Master of the Jewel House, gilt 142 oz., white 169 oz. Buildings, three bells in the steeple, a clock, lead, glass, iron and stones (no details). Farm stock at Sente Barnes, and grain there, and for the parsonage of Okinge. Debts to the house (two items) 76l. 6s. 8d. Sir Ant. Browne put in possession 15 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII. Debts of the house :—To the lord Privy Seal, 10l., and to nine others smaller sums; also to Edm. Emote for keeping the house during the vacation, 18l. 1s. 8d.; borrowed of Ric. Alderton, 12l.; "to the commissioner for his fees and expenses in executing the King's commission for election as it shall please the King to allow him"; to Mr. Price, register, for his fees, 10l. 10s.; proctor's fees for asking the confirmation, 6s. 8d.; "owing to Mr. Sentulo, due at the death of every prior, a horse, bridle, and saddle, and a pair of silver spurs, price vjd.'; "due to him at the election of every prior," 25s. Total debts, 86l. 19d., besides the commissioner's fees and the horse, &c., for Mr. Sentulo, and a debt to Mr. Badesden, fishmonger, not yet known. Pensions :—Ric. Lypyscom, prior, 40l., Wm. Thectcher, 6l., John Rose (has for his pension a service in a church appropriate to the house), Wm. Blundell, Nic. White, Ric. Wode, Thos. Snellinge, John Martyne, and Thos. Garland, 5l. 6s. 8d. each.
	Pp. 4.
15 Jan. R. O. Rymer, XIV. 629.	69. COVENTRY, CATHEDRAL PRIORY.
	Surrender of the monastery and all its possessions in cos. Warw., York, Leic., and Ntht., and elsewhere in England, Wales, and the marches thereof. Appointing Ambrose Clarcke and John Gyfte, laymen, attorneys to receive and deliver the premises to John London, clk., to the King's use. 15 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII. Signed by Thos. Caswell, prior, Ric. Bernaculum (?), subprior, and eleven others. [See Deputy Keeper's Eighth Report, App. II., 17].
	Seal bad.
	Enrolled [Close Roll, p. 1, No. 54] as acknowledged, same day, before John London, King's commissioner.
Egerton MS. 2603. f. 26. B. M.	2. Inventory of relics in the Cathedral Church of Coventry.
	The shrine of St. Osborne, and his head, closed in copper and gilt. A part of the Holy Cross. Relic of St. Thomas of Canterbury. A piece of Our Lady's tomb. St. Cecilies foot. A cross with a relic of St. James. An image of St. George with a bone of his in his shield. Arms of St. Justyne, St. Jerome, St. Augustyne, and St. Sylvyne. A relic of St. Andrew. A rib of St. Lawrence. An image of one of the children of Israel. A small shrine of the apostles. A relic of St. Katharine. A barrel of relics of confessors. A relic of the three Kings of Colleyne. Four little copper crosses. Two bags of relics. Our Lady's milk in silver and gilt.
	Added in Dr. London's hand:—" And among these relics your lordship shall find a piece of the most holy jaw bone of the ass that killed Abel, with divers like."
	P. 1. Endd.