Henry VIII: September 1540, 11-20 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1898.

'Henry VIII: September 1540, 11-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, (London, 1898) pp. 12-18. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp12-18 [accessed 26 April 2024]

September 1540, 11–20



11 Sept.	40. [Cardinal Pole] to Ludovico Beccadello.
Poli Epp., iii. 62.	Fears he was wrong in writing of Cromwell's coming to his senses (resipiscentia), for his last words as printed do not give the same impression as the narrative of those who told of his end and last words. The judgment of men belongs to Christ, who knows the hidden things of the heart. Danger in Hungary if the Turk takes up the cause of king John's son. Will tomorrow follow the Pope to Bagnarea. Viterbo, 11 Sept. P.S. (in Italian):—Apologises for bad writing. Lat.
12 Sept.	41. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 34.	Meeting at Ampthill, 12 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Secr. Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Sir Thos. Seymour and Edw. Rogers bound, each in 1,000l., to keep the peace against each other. Letters brought by Thos. Carow from Wallop answering those to him touching the French ambassador's doubts upon the Act for Strangers. The commission for the Council to take recognisances and the warrant for bailing Ric. Fermer “delivered to me (fn. 1) to be registered, which followeth”—
12 Sept.	42. Sentleger to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., iii. 235.	Leaving the King, 19 July, he repaired to West Chester and tarried for wind till Thursday, 5 Aug., and, after seven days on the sea, arrived at Dublin. There the Council declared the land partly quiet with ONell, OChonnour, James of Desmond, OBrien, and others, in staying whom Brereton, Alen, and Brabazon had taken great pains. As the Cavenaghes, MacMorgho and his accomplices, had given no pledges, a journey was made upon them the Monday following; and after 10 days' burning and destroying they submitted utterly, renouncing the name of MacMorgho and promising to hold their lands of the King. Good hope of them, although the nature of Irishmen is fickle. Encloses copy of their submission. Afterwards entered Leiesse and took pledges (for peace and restitution) of OMore's sons, and of other petty lords as ODyn, ODempsy, and MacMorrice, withdrawing them from the confederacy of OChonnour, who, although he has given his son in pledge, is not to be trusted. Riot between the soldiers of Mr. Brereton and the citizens of Dublin, in which a former bailey of the town was slain with a stone. Has been with the mayor and brethren four or five days enquiring into it and find faults on both sides. The lord of Kilmainham willing to surrender, and take his pension of 500 mks. It is a goodly house. He would be much missed out of the Parliament and Council here, and all the Council desire the King to give him the title and honour of viscount of Clontaff (Clontarf) with a seat in Parliament and Council. He is very aged and not likely long to charge the King. Asks for money to pay the soldiers monthly. Now that they have sufficient wages they will do better service. The Treasurer says there is sufficient to pay them all up to Hallow Tide. The Cavenaghes and OBrienes (OByrnes) having submitted, there remain in that corner only the OTholeys, whose peace ends on Monday next. Will proceed to their utter banishment, which will be painful, as they inhabit the mountains and sow no corn, and have no habitations but the woods and marshes. This day received letters from James of Desmond and OBrien for a conference. On Lady Day last arrived Mr. Welshe and the other Commissioners. Has forwarded the King's letters to ODonell. Kilmainham, 12 Sept. Signed.
	Pp. 5. Add. Endd.
12 Sept.	43. Sentleger to the Privy Council.
R. O.	To the same effect as the preceding, but more detailed. Ormond was with them in the journey against the Kavenaghes with a small company which he had prepared for a journey in Munster, and afterwards returned to Kilkenny to accomplish his first purpose. He fears the King will not long bear the charge of the army now here, and if it be withdrawn the country will be in a worse condition than ever. If he were assured that the King would perfect the reformation of the country, which might be done in two years, he would be more earnest in his efforts. If he and the writer set about earnestly to reduce the country, and the soldiers were regularly paid, it might be done. Begs that a good store of money may be sent. Provision should be made yearly for repairs of the King's houses here, castles, manors, and abbeys. This Council intends to devise that farmers of religious houses shall furnish men at hostings, as the abbots and priors did. Evidence that the man who was killed in the riot was killed by a stone thrown by one of his own side. Dublin, 12 Sept. Signed.
	Pp. 5. Add. Endd.
12 Sept.	44. Melancthon to Conrad Heresbach.
Corpus Reform., iii. 1089.	* * * I suppose you are grieved by the crime of the English tyrant. I too have received a severe wound from another tyrant. (fn. 2) But since letters so often exhort us not to seek the friendship of tyrants, why should we not obey? It is peculiar that these deceived us by pretence of religion. * * * 12 Sept. 1540. Lat. Add.: councillor to the duke of Juliers.
13 Sept.	45. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 35.	Meeting at Ampthill, 13 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Secr. Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—It was declared to John a Pryce that he should be secretary of the Council in the Marches of Wales; and to Charles Fox, that he should be clerk of the signet and of the said Council, according to the King's patent to him and his brother, Edm. Fox: their disputes for the said offices to cease.
13 Sept.	46. Commissioners of Sewers in Kent to the Council.
R. O.	In accordance with their letter dated 26th Aug., have adjourned the inquest for the sewers to 13 Dec., and have continued their order that “the land drowned should sewe at the place called the Arrowe Hedd.” Any person taking hurt by the said sewing shall be recompensed by the level there. Assheford, 13 Sept. Signed: Jamys Hales—Walter Hendle— Raynold Scott—John Norton—Thomas Kemp—John Fogges—Edward Thwaytes—Thomas Robertes—Roger Hoorne—John Coke—Will'm Goldwell —Robert Brent—Wyllyam Twysden—Peter Heyman—Thomas Strogull— Thomas Harlakynden. P. 1. Add.: To, &c., “the lord Archbishop of Canterbury, the lord Chancellor of England, and other lords of the King's most honorable Council at Westm.” Endd.: A second letter to the Council from the Commissioners [of] Sewers in the county of Kent.
14 Sept.	47. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 35.	Meeting at Ampthill, 14 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Secr. Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—The King's surgeons, Olyve and Alcok, porters Wilde and King, and Staunton, John Rogers' boy, examined touching Rogers.
14 Sept.	48. The Diet at Ratisbon.
R. O.	Summons by the Emperor to a diet at Ratisbon, on the day of the Three Kings (6 Jan.), 1541, to settle the dissensions in Religion, and treat of an expedition against the Turk and other Imperial matters. The preamble states that, his previous efforts (by Diets of the Empire) to pacify the religious dissensions having failed, the Emperor again left Spain for Germany, and, on arriving in his hereditary provinces of Lower Germany, devised with his brother the king of the Romans, and thereupon was held the Diet of Hugenoe which appointed another Diet to meet at Worms, 28 Oct. next, for a conference and colloquy on matters of Religion; at which nothing is to be concluded, but learned men of both parties are (under conditions described) to define the articles in contention, that they may be referred to the judgment of a legitimate Christian Council. Brussels, 14 Sept. 1540, Imp. 20 at regn. 25. Lat., pp. 4.
15 Sept.	49. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 36.	Meeting at Ampthill, 15 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business: Robt. Swynnerton released. Letters to Mr. Stranguish in favour of Thos. Carew, who married his daughter against his will. Letters to Sir Ric. Sowthwell, for seizing the daughters of Sir Thos. Kytsone, dec., to the King's wardship.
15 Sept.	50. Chester.
Harl. MS. 2057, f. 125. B. M.	Memorandum that, whereas Ric. Throp, bailiff errant and minister of the King's exchequer in Chester castle, upon a writ of attachment out of the said exchequer, attached Martin de Maoleo, Spaniard, merchant stranger, at the High Cross of Chester, 15 Sept. 32 Hen. VIII., contrary to the liberties of the city, he was brought before the mayor, and his prisoner discharged and himself censured. Copy, p. 1.
15 Sept.	51. Francis I. to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 221. (Abstract.)	Since writing from Rouen, has ordered the Chancellor to send Marillac a copy of the treaty of England, and prepare an instruction for him on the subject of the new proclamation in England touching strangers, both of which go with this. Wishes to know what reply is made upon this and upon Wallop's letters touching White Rose. Has not been in better health for a long time. Has lately visited this frontier of Normandy, and provided for justice and for the completion of the fortifications of Havre de Grace, and also for his navy, and is now returning to Paris. Louviers, 15 Sept. 1540. French. Modern transcript, pp. 2.
15 Sept.	52. Montmorency to Marillac.
R. O.	Sends the Chancellor's instruction for Marillac upon the Act made in England, and also a copy of the treaty, which he is not again to put into hands from which he cannot recover it. Asks how many ships the king of England has now which could be used in war. Are returning to Paris. Louviers, 15 Sept. 1540. French. Modern transcript, p. 1.
15 Sept.	53. Robert Stuart, Lord d'Aubigny, to Mary of Guise.
Balcarres MS., iv. 133. Adv. Lib. Edin.	Has long since heard of the great good fortune she has brought to Scotland, and of the prince “que avez fait,” of which everybody here is very glad. No man is more glad of it than himself. Is informed by the poor religieuses de Sainte Claire in her county and town of Gien that her receiver refuses to pay them an annuity granted by the late Madame de Bourbon, and confirmed by the late Madame la Regente. Writes of it to the King, and begs her aid to them likewise. They pray unceasingly for the King and for you and the prince your son, as the card, of St. Andrew's can inform you. “De la Vevraye (?),” 15 Sept. 1540. Signed: “Robert Stuart.” Fr., pp. 2. Add.: A la Royne ma souveraine dame. Endd.. M. Daubigny.
	54. The Abbess and Sisters of St. Claire at Gien to the Duchess of Guise.
Balcarres MS., iv. 123. Adv. Lib. Edin.	Beg her intercession with the king and queen of Scotland for a continuance of the alms granted them by the late Madame Anne de Bourbon and the late Regent, mother of our King, which has been stopped for three years, since the king of Scotland became lord of the county of Gien on his marriage with the late daughter of Francis. Fr., p. 1. Add.
16 Sept.	55. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 36.	Meeting at Ampthill, 16 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—A letter sent to Mr. Pate, in Flanders, answering his to the King touching pardon of Ph. ap Henry. Letter to Sir John Alen, of the Council's opinion “of the bailing” of Sir John Clerk, parish priest of Asheford, Midd., accused to him of unseemly words. Ric. Ranshawe, serjeant-at-arms, appeared, and declared that he had not obeyed the Council's letters to him to deliver to Mr. Chancellor of Augmentations the evidences of the lands of Kath. Tattersal, widow, being lunatic, and the rents to Alex. Boloygne; because he had received neither evidences nor rents. He was ordered not to meddle with the lands of the said Katharine, her son or daughters, and to deliver her and the possession of the lands next day. Letters were written to the master of the Wards, declaring this dismissal of Ranshawe from the commission which the said master gave him. Ranshawe's expenses to be allowed. John Heron, the bastard, acknowledging his folly, was released upon his recognisance (recited, binding J. H., of Chisilherst, Kent, not to use “any manner of necromancy, astronomy, calculations, or other experiments.”)
16 Sept.	56. Henry VIII. to Wallop.
R. O. St. P. viii. 434.	Has received his letter of the 7th, and seen his letter of the 9th to Wriothesley. Approves of his services concerning Blancherose, and instructs him how to proceed, viz., to tell the French king that upon his report of the Constable's answer Henry has written blaming him for slackness, saying that after the gentle delivery of Captain Adrien Capes it is certain that Francis will not deny this request. Since Henry has written to Francis for the traitor, Wallop shall require Francis's reply in writing. If anything is said about lord Maltravers' proceedings at Cowbridge, Wallop shall say that what was done was upon the King's own ground. Sends also another letter to be shown if necessary. Ampthill, 16 Sept. 32 Hen. VIII. Draft with corrections and last paragraph in Wriothesley's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: Minute of the letters sent to Mr. Wallop, &c.
R. O.	2. Draft of the preceding in Wriothesley's hand, without the last paragraph Pp. 4. Endd.
16 Sept.	57. Henry VIII. to Wallop.
R. O.	Has seen his letters of the 7th and 9th inst., containing the Constable's answer touching “the transfuge and traitor, naming himself Blancherose.” Believes it is due to Wallop's slackness in soliciting his delivery. If he had declared that he is an English man of base sort, the French king would not have denied him, considering the recent delivery to him of Adrian Capes. Requires him again to solicit his “renvoy,” and if Francis refuses, to ask for an answer in writing. Ampthill, 16 Sept. 32 Hen. VIII. Draft, p. 1. Endd.: Minute of the counter letter sent to Mr. Wallop, xvj Sept. Anno xxxij.
17 Sept	58. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 38.	Meeting at Ampthill, 17 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Durham, Secr. Wriothesley. Business:—Thos. Claye, of Thorpe, Essex, carpenter, taken with stolen goods, committed to the Marshal's ward. Albert —, the milliner, and his fellow, sent to the lord Chancellor with a letter, and the “two letters denizens,” which they confessed to have been procured under the Great Seal without warrant, to prove their innocence therein.
17 Sept.	59. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 221. (The whole text.)	The letters of the 10th from Rouen seem to contain three points. The first, concerning the Act against Strangers, in which he can do nothing until he receives the despatch. There is no hurry, as, since he last wrote, proclamations have been made suspending the effect of the Act until Easter; which will give time to confer it with the treaties of peace. These are against French subjects being grieved more than accustomed, as they are by a new imposition (fn. 3) upon all strangers of a shilling in the pound upon their goods in England, which he hopes to prevent, by the said treaties, if the English will listen to reason. The second point, touching Blanche Rose, has not been spoken of since, seven or eight months ago, the late Cromwell asked about it, and Marillac, not having full information, professed entire ignorance. This time it will not be forgotten, seeing the instance Wallop has made, and that the English are not accustomed to take reason in payment, if passion inclines to the contrary. For the rest, where Francis writes of what he has done for the English, and the return it has met with, such as the detaining of Modena, one of the accomplices of President Gentilz (who was once delivered to the late Mons. de Tharbe, but not permitted to be sent to France, as he was a native of Italy, although of Milan, which, they knew, belonged to Francis) fears they will allege the same reasons. Will do his best in this as in the case of a poor Breton, named Thilly, whom he has clothed and fed for a year past, and for whom Francis has written, who cannot even get them to look in his sack, and whose only remedy seems to lie in Francis giving him a letter of marque. Will keep him here some days longer, and begs that Wallop may be informed of it. As for the affair of Mons. de Rochepot, sees no hope of their changing, especially when there is question of disbursing. There is no news worth writing, the King being, with a small company, hunting, about 20 miles from this, and the nobles at their own houses until Michaelmas, when the Court will re-assemble here. London, 17 Sept. French. Modern transcript, pp. 4.
17 Sept.	60. Marillac to Montmorency.
Kaulek, 223. (The whole text.)	Two things kept him from writing sooner, viz., want of matter (nothing being spoken of here but the chase, and the banquets to the new Queen) and illness. Has been ill, ever since he wrote last, of the unhappy fevers which prevail this year, but hopes, before the despatch he expects arrives, to be able to attend to the matter of the Act touching Strangers, and of the French subjects who are seeking justice. When that despatch comes, will make representations to this King's council, especially touching Modena, about whom they are sure to make difficulty as he is an Italian. Here there is a marvellous bruit that those of Guisnes and Calais have made an irruption towards Ardres, to destroy a sluice and bank which kept the water from coming down to their towns. Not having information or instructions, has not spoken of it. Wonders at their making an attempt upon France when they stand so badly with the Emperor (who, they know, can better dissemble than pardon), have lost all hope of the Germans by repudiating the last Queen, have the Scots for very doubtful neighbours, and have only France to trust to. Either they think affairs between France and the Emperor very bad, or else they are weary of peace, and after provoking the indignation of God would irritate mankind, in order that they may not have a single friend at need. Some days ago this King's privy council wrote Marillac a letter, with seven or eight signatures, desiring him to send a special messenger for the release of an Englishman named John le Tailleur, who was imprisoned at Rouen as a criminal. Answered coldly that he could not deliver prisoners, but only write to the King to order prompt justice, and that it was not customary to send special messengers, unless the King their master commanded it; if they provided the messenger, he would give such letters as he could write. French. Modern transcript, pp. 4. Headed: 17 Sept.
18 Sept.	61. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 39.	Meeting at Ampthill, 18 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Orders given to Robt. Tyrwet, acting vice-chamberlain of the King's side, and Sir Edw. Baynton, the Queen's vice-chamberlain, and 16 other of the King's and Queen's servants, for their “sober and temperate order” in the chambers of presence and their behaviour towards the Privy Council, gentlemen of the Chamber, &c.
19 Sept.	62. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 39.	Meeting at Ampthill, 19 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Letters to the Lord Chancellor, of the two letters patent of denizens that were stolen, and the charge given to Albert and his fellow; to Thos. Fouler to pay Guisnes his wages; to the Council of Wales to admit John ap Rice as secretary and Edm. and Chas. Fox as clerks of the signet (and clerks of the Council when the office shall be void).
20 Sept.	63. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 40.	Meeting at Ampthill, 20 Sept. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Wriothesley, Chanc. of Augm. Business:—Letters brought from the Lord Privy Seal of his proceedings against Sir Geoff. Poole and his committing — (blank), labourer, of Kingston-upon-Thames, for traitorous words, depositions enclosed. Letters from Norfolk of his proceedings against John Kynton for ungracious words, depositions enclosed.
20 Sept.	64. Subsidy of the Clergy.
Royal MS. 7 F. xiv. 154. B. M.	Notarially attested intimation by Edward abp. of York that the Convocation of his province, begun at York 2 May 1539 and continued by prorogation to 13 Aug. [1540], made a decree (recited in English) granting the King (in consideration of their deliverance from the yoke of Rome and the King's excessive charges upon havens, blockhouses, and fortresses) a subsidy of 4s. in the pound, under conditions specified. Sealed, 20 Sept. 1540, 32 Hen. VIII. Notarial attestation, by Tristram Teshe, appended. Lat. Large parchment, slightly injured. Seal gone.