Henry VIII: February 1541, 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: February 1541, 11-20', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, (London, 1898) pp. 254-261. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp254-261 [accessed 19 April 2024]

February 1541, 11–20



11 Feb.	529. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 130.	Note that on 7 Feb. the King went to London, with his Privy Chamber, leaving the Queen and the rest of the Household at Hampton Court. He returned to Hampton Court on the 10th, and on the 11th the Council did not sit.
11 Feb.	530. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 521.	On the 8th the French King left Fontaine de Bleawe for Bleez and Amboyez, where he will tarry until the Emperor's departure from the Diet into Italy. To the Diet Francis sends his premier advocate M. de Reymon to answer if the matter of Savoy be spoken of, showing his title to Milan and Naples. Into Piedmont he sends Marshall Hannyball, who is governor there, “doubting the Emperor's coming into those parts.” The bp. of Rome sends to the Diet, as legate, Card. Cunterryne and will himself not leave Rome so soon as reported. I hear he travails for an interview between the Emperor and French king at Cassayle in Monferrate not far from Turin; but some say he is not in such credit with the King. However, I advertised my lord of Winchester to be vigilant, from whom I had letters yesterday in answer to my former letters, but containing no news worth writing. The King of Navarro has gone to his own country and the Queen will shortly follow him. They will be back at Easter to conclude the marriage of the Duke of Cleves, who will then be here, with their daughter. As to Lady Margaret, the French king's daughter, there is no more said. Thinks “that bruit” was only raised to feel what the Emperor would say thereto. The Admiral's process is ended contrary to the expectation of his friends, who are sore grieved by the Chancellor's conduct therein. He remains in Mellun castle awaiting sentence and is not likely to come to Court or enjoy long the room of Admiralty, being found culpable in many things. Pallamydes, his secretary, and others are like to smart for these. Paris, 11 Feb. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
12 Feb.	531. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 130.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 12 Feb. Present: Gt. Chamb., Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. Business:—They perused letters from Hertford and Kerne touching the matters of Cowbridge and Couswade, and letters from Hertford, the lord Deputy and Council of Calais touching the treasons of Robt. Harvie, commissary there, revealed by one Broket and Thos. Tey, curate of St. Mary's church.
12 Feb.	532. Henry VIII. to the Earl of Hertford.
R. O. St. P., viii. 523.	Has received his letters of the 5th and writings touching the Commissary, with the orders taken for the watch and for weapons, and the schedule sent to the Lord Chancellor showing the King's title to Arde. As to the Commissary, sends a commission of oyer and determiner and an indictment ready drawn containing matter sufficient in law (though not the whole of his traitorous sayings) upon which alone he is to be arraigned and executed. Pardons the other priest, Sir Thos. Tye; but he must be arraigned upon like indictment and condemned, and then reprieved until his pardon be passed. By his said letter to the Chancellor it appears that Hertford misinterprets the “exception for the churches” contained in the treaty between Prince Edward and Charles, the son of King John, which was found here in the Tower of London. Explains that it must refer to the churches mentioned before in the treaty, otherwise it might, as well refer to Rome as to the abbey of Ardern or any other in France. This Mr. Kerne will no doubt perceive. In their treating with Mons. de Beez about the Cowbridge and Cowswade, in which, by Hertford's letter of the 8th, the French proceed but slenderly, showing no antique proofs but trusting to the report of the country, they must say that they have brought out no trifles but the very treaties between the princes, which cannot be refuted with bare words. If De Beez then show no further matter of weight, they shall say they would be sorry for such trifles as the pitching of a post for a bridge to raise a claim for other things not yet mentioned, but that in seeking proofs in this they have found the English title to Arde itself, which seems to be unanswerable, unless they would allege the treaty of Perpetual Peace, and if they allege that they must observe all the facts contained therein, such as the payment of Henry's pension, which is far behind. As in the French king's commission the promise to ratify their conclusions under the Great Seal of France is omitted, they must demand to have this amended. The matters of the Commissary show great familiarity between him and the Porter there, (fn. 1) so that they probably have had lewd conferences together. Harvy, Tye, and Broket must be secretly examined about conferences with or in presence of the Porter and “what the communications were that Tye said it abhorred him to hear.” Keep this secret except to the Deputy and others engaged in the examination. Draft, pp. 15. Headed by Wriothesley. Minute of the letter sent to my lord of Hertford, 12 Feb.
12 Feb.	533. Marillac to Francis I.
R. O. Kaulek, 267. (Almost the whole text.)	Two days ago this King returned from Hampton Court, where he talked of going to Dover, to see the ramparts commenced there which had been so ill founded, especially at the place where he designed to make the harbour, that the tides have demolished them and they must be rebuilt more solidly. If he goes it will be with a small company and not to stay long. Most of the ramparts made about Southampton and Portsmouth have fallen, which shows that the work had been hurriedly done because of the fear of war two years ago. Five or six days ago, the duke of Norfolk left Court for the borders of Scotland, to finish the fortresses he commenced there and repair the old. He told Marillac, on leaving, that he would be back in two months, and wished Francis to know that no man here was more affectionate to his service The principal ministers hold the same language. If the tenth part of what they promise took effect there would be cause to trust them. As to the deputies to decide the difference about the bridge between Ardres and Guisnes, was told 15 days ago that the sieur de Herfort, maternal (fn. 2) uncle of the Prince, had left for Calais, and indeed he took leave, but it is said that, only five or six days ago, he was seen 20 miles from here on his way to Dover, (fn. 3) so that he will arrive scarcely sooner than those sent from Francis. Has tried to learn the reasons upon which the English base their claim, but can only get them to declare that by a division alleged to have been made with king Louis XII. after the war of Therouenne, the border of their possessions was fixed at the river upon which the bridge stands, which should therefore be par moictie commun. Has informed Du Biez of this point, on which there is no (sic) appearance that they will principally build. By advices from merchants of Flanders, Germany and Italy, here is news agreeable to such as wish only for discord between their neighbours, in order to be freed from fear of invasion, viz., that the Emperor tries to put affairs of Germany in suspense (one of the transcripts reads “discord”) and delay, in order to hasten his journey to Italy, and that the Pope, having amassed much money, is coming to meet him, to get his son, “le seigneur damploys,” (fn. 4) made duke of Florence, to avert which the Florentines are ready to desert the Emperor and join France. The Emperor caresses Winchester much, which shows there are secret intrigues for closer amity with this King, although the Emperor's ambassador here has not spoken with the King for eight months, except once when he was called to answer about certain edicts in Flanders against the English touching the lading of ships. It was decreed that foreign merchants should contribute to a general tax imposed by Parliament last August. Upon the treaties and an instruction sent him by the Chancellor (of France), Marillac showed that French subjects should be exempt; but the English concluded that they ought to pay. Fully expected this determination would be enforced, but nothing has since been demanded of subjects of Francis and the Emperor. True, they are about to be grieved more than formerly with duties and customs, but the affair is not yet concluded. French. Two modern transcripts, pp. 5 each. Headed: London, 12 Feb. 1541.
12 Feb.	534. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 269. (Full abstract.)	It was expected that other arrests would follow that of Mr. Hoyet, but those who were suspected cleared themselves, and Marillac has therefore had no occasion to write since his last of 25 Jan. His present letter to the King gives news of the realm and of other countries, which latter is confirmed by so many letters from divers places that there must be something in it. It is said the Grand Seigneur makes marvellous preparations to invade Hungary, and will make a great army by sea to infest the Emperor's countries; which seems very probable, for this year he has rested. While the Emperor and the Grand Seigneur are thus engaged, Francis might without expense obtain what is withheld from him. From his experience of negociation in the Levant, is sure the Grand Seigneur will keep no promise to the King that is not to his own profit, and that more is to be got from the shadow of his amity than from its effects. Writes this because it is here reported that the King makes new contracts with the Grand Seigneur against the Emperor; which Marillac denies, saying the King will do nothing to the prejudice of Christendom, and it is not his fault if the Emperor and he do not remain friends, although here they are said to be about to renew the war. Apologises for writing thus, on the ground that it can at least do no harm to know opinions here. All Mr. Hoyet's goods are given (i.e., to others), which is a sign that his life is in great danger. The talk of restoring Madame de Cleves to her former state has ceased, as also that of making the swift galleys for coastiug (as Marillac hears from the master who had charge of the business) and the preparation for war. Has no cause, other than he writes to the King, to presume that the Emperor is negociating with this King. To do so he should send another minister, for this one is so gouty that he cannot stir from his chair. Reminds him that another quarter of his ordinary provision falls due at the end of this month, and that he has nothing to live upon but what the King gives him. Hears that several large benefices are vacant, and begs Montmorency to speak for one for him, or at least a pension out of one of them. French. Modern transcript, pp. 5. Headed: London, 12 Feb. 1541.
12 Feb.	535. H. lord Maltravers to the Council.
R. O.	Received your letters of the 6th this day, with the King's resolution about the staple of victuals for Guisnes Castle, and your advertisements touching my letters of 29 Dec. about the weak furniture of that castle, and of 16 Jan. asking you to get the King's command to Thomas Fowler to “staple.” Informed Thos. Fowler, who will see to the furniture with diligence. Asks them to advise him (the writer) and point out his faults, as youth is apt to err. Explains his dealings with Fowler about the said staple. Sends no inventory of the goods of that traitor Pate, as they were received closed and forwarded unsearched. Mr. Rouse has arrived, and says he has brought most of the provision for the staple appointed to remain here in store. Calais, 12 Feb. 1540. Signed. Pp. 3. Add. Endd.: Deputy of Calais.
12 Feb.	536. Card. Contarini to Card. Pole.
Poli Epp., iii. 15.	Was very much gratified by Pole's letters which he received while staying with the Cardinal Iporigiensis. Though there is nothing new in the kind feelings expressed by Pole, would like to reply more suitably, but that he is so much occupied. Must express many thanks, however, to him and the Marchioness (fn. 5) for their prayers in his behalf. Found his litter very convenient, especially in the last day of his journey, descending the Appenines to Loiano. Refers him for further news to Ludovico's (fn. 6) letters to Priolus. Bologna, 12 Feb. 1541. Lat.
13 Feb.	537. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 130.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 13 Feb. Present: Gt. Chamb., Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. No business recorded. Notes that on 14, 15, and 16 Feb. the Council did not sit.
13 Feb.	538. E. earl of Hertford and Sir Edw. Carne to Henry VIII.
R. O.	On wednesday last we met beside Ardre, as appointed, and rode to the riverside now in contention and thence to where the Cowbridge was, and thence to a place in the Cowswade where they said the old river used to run, and thence through the Meane Broke into the river which runs under the Cowbridge, and so to the lake of Guisnes. Saw no appearance of a river having ever run there. Would have brought them to the Poile to have shown them where the river runs beyond the Poile, which is the very limit of the Pale; but Mons. Dubies could not ride “for thenundations there” and desired that two might be appointed to draw an indifferent “plat” against the Friday following. They chose M. Fuxhole, and we, Mr. Haull, who did so and made their report at the said time in Mr. Palmer's house at Campe where we had conference as follows:— Give, at length, the arguments used on both sides. Finally they separated in goodwill, but unable to conclude anything, although the right of the king of England was plain to any unprejudiced eye. Apparently the French never intended to come to any conclusion but at their own will and pleasure. Calais, 13 Feb. Signed. Pp. 5. Add. Endd.
17 Feb.	539. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 131.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 17 Feb. Present: Gt. Chamb. Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. Business:—Roger Basing, who was sent to Spain to buy jennets and mares for the King, was, on his arrival there, arrested at the suit of a Gascon for a debt of 1,400 ducats, for which, and other public matters, he was imprisoned without bail, but sent hither six jennets and four mares. The King procured of the Emperor letters to his officers in Spain for Basing's release if there were no private matter against him; and these letters were now sent, with letters from the Council advertising Basing of the receipt of the jennets and mares, and requiring him, if he came not home himself, to account for the 450l. delivered to him at his going and the 60l. paid to the bringers of the said horses. Letters sent to the Deputy of Calais, of the receipt of his letters to the King declaring the admission of Thos. Bridges to 8d. a day and the ungentle dealing with him of Banestre, one of the Gentlemen Pensioners, in a bargain for a horse, and of his letters to the Council in excuse for not sending an inventory of Pate's goods and declaring his proceeding with Thos. Fouler for the victualling of Guisnes; to the effect that the King approved his proceedings, but not those of Fouler and Banestre, and desired him to call upon Fouler to do his duty and move lord Graye and other witnesses to write to the Council of the “proud, contrary and lewd demeanour of the said Banestre.”
18 Feb.	540. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 132.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 18 Feb. Present: Gt. Chamb., Treasurer, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley. Business:—Mr. Tuke was required by letter to leave here money for the despatch of posts, or else appoint someone to attend here for the purpose.
18 Feb.	541. Henry VIII. to Lord William Howard.
R. O. St. P., viii. 528.	Has received his letters of the 10th. He must be very vigilant till it appear what shall follow of the matters between the Emperor and French King. In the matter of Cowbridge and the Cowswade the earl of Hertford and Sir Edward Kern have shown Mons. du Bies and M. Imbert de Saveuze proofs, both by records and by the very “plat” which Du Bies and his colleague produced; but they, adhering only to their bare allegations, have departed without concluding anything. Marvels at this when the French King said to Sir John Wallop that he would order Du Bies and his colleague to have more regard to the amity than to any small particular profit. Howard is to desire Francis, seeing that Henry's right is evident (as Du Bies and his colleague must testify), to order his officers in those parts not to molest the English officers there until the matter be settled. Sends copies of two several letters from Hertford detailing these proceedings, which Howard is to commit to memory, so as to be able to declare the justice of the matter. Revoked Wallop in order to advance him to the captainship of Guisnes, but, since then, he has been accused of treasons which necessitate his being examined before coming to the King's presence. Considering his long services, he shall be, to avoid publicity, familiarly conveyed by Sir Ric. Long to the King's house in Southwark, and there secretly examined by certain of the Privy Council, to whom he may make his declaration. If the matter be spoken of, Howard may declare this to Francis, the Constable, or any of the Council, praying them not to speak of it until there be more certainty; otherwise, even if he clear himself he will not be “without some note of infamy and slander.” Draft, pp. 15. The last paragraph added in Wriothesley's hand. Endd.: “Minute to the Lord William Haward, Februarii 18° die.”
18 Feb.	542. Cranmer to Henry VIII.
	The letter in favour of Edw. Isaac dated 1541 in the Parker Society's edition of Cranmer's letters (p. 458) is of the year 1538. See Vol. XIII., Pt. i., No. 310.
18 Feb.	543. Hertford and Others to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 527.	On the 14th inst. Hertford received the King's letters of the 12th with a commission of oyer and determiner. We (Hertford and Kerne) would have done as directed in conference with the French had they not broken so soon, as our last letters show. Have examined Broket, Tye and Hervy, as appears by the book sent herewith. As the matters contained therein have come to light by the gentle intreating of Hervy, and he might, if arraigned, renounce what he has confessed, which perhaps could not otherwise be proved, we have deferred his indictment. Calais, 18 Feb., 32 Hen. VIII. Signed by Hertford, Maltravers, Ponynges, Wotton and Carne. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
18 Feb.	544. James V. to Charles V.
Royal MS., 18 B. vi. 107b. B. M.	Has received his of 10 cal. Feb., answering James's previous letters, touching letters of reprisal desired by certain of his subjects (fn. 7) against Portugal. Explains that he will defer execution, in hope of remedy being obtained by the Emperor's means. Edinburgh, 18 Feb. 1540. Lat. Copy, pp. 2.
Ib. 206b.	2. Another copy of the first half of the preceding. Lat.
18 Feb.	545. French Explorations.
R. O.	Certificate by Jean de Tousteville, chevalier, sieur de Villebonne, la Gastine, Blauille, Boislandry, Fretigny, et Viantes, captain and bailly of Rouen, Councillor, gentleman of the King's chamber, captain of fifty men of arms and guard of the Provostry of Paris, that, on Friday, 18 Feb. 1540, he has seen and read the King's letters patent (quoted) commissioning Jean François de la Rocque, chevalier, sieur de Roberval, to fit out and conduct, as lieutenant general, an expedition having for its end the annexation and exploration of countries (not already claimed by Christian princes, as the King's good brothers the Emperor and the king of Portugal) in the vicinity of Canada, Chelaga, and Saquenay; which letters are dated at Fontainebleau, 15 Jan. 1540, 27 Fras. I., and marked with a note that De la Rocque took the necessary oaths before the Chancellor on 7 (?) Feb. 1540. French, pp. 6. Endd.. “A copy of a commission of the French king to a lieutenant of his for the searching of new islands.”
19 Feb.	546. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 133.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 19 Feb. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Chanc. of Tenths. Business:—Letter sent to the President of the Welsh Council to certify an account of sundry murders lately committed by Welshmen, and of the state of the country.
19 Feb.	547. E. earl of Hertford and Ric. Le[e] to Henry VIII.
R. O.	Have viewed at Guisnes the keep and the place where the King has devised to make the Cat and the travers wall by Whettelles Bulwark. The keep is cracked in seven places, and like to fall, unless diminished by 12 feet, as devised by the King. This they have ordered to be done, and things to be left until June, to see “whether it will stay there or fleete further;” for if anything be taken from the hill, as for the foundation of the Cat, the whole will fall. The rest of Henry's device cannot be amended. After abating the keep, will begin with Whetelles bulwark. In perusing the castle, have found things to be done which will strengthen the fortress at small cost. At Ruisbanke there would be great expense in removing the sandhill where the tower devised by the King should stand, and its removal would endanger the haven. Have devised another site which would save 2,000 marks. and meanwhile the tower and wail next the sea shall go forward. I, the earl of Hertford, will bring the plattes at my return. Calais, 19 Feb 1540. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd.: The earl of Hertford and the surveyor of Calais.
19 Feb.	548. Jo, Poggio, Nuncio, to Cardinal Sanctae Crucis.
Laemmer, Mon. Vat., 353.	* * * * Yesterday Granvelle did a great office with the ambassador (fn. 8) of England, who came to speak with him and make him offers in this Diet, insinuating that the Emperor made little account of his King. Granvelle told him that even too much respect had been shown, since he had injured the Emperor, both in his blood, by the repudiation of his aunt, and in honor touching the Pope's authority, which all Christian princes, and he most of all, were bound to defend; that notwithstanding all this he had several times offered, if he would return to the obedience of the Holy See, to sue at the Pope's feet for his pardon, but he would not; that Henry should have seen that that proceeded from love, and anew he offered to do his best to settle their affairs; and he said enough to make the Ambassador reflect that it touched him, now that God had removed that bad minister Granvel (Cromwell), who was cause of all the evil; and said so much that the Ambassador knew not what to answer. Granvelle told me he seemed to allow all that, but said it was a capital offence to move such practices to his King; and, after offering services in the Diet, took his leave. Granvelle will write to the Emperor's ambassador in England, in reply to these offers, to make the same exhortations to the King there; and if this ambassador could be made to write thither it would at least be opportune (approposito) to get his head cut off if the practice did not give satisfaction, since for little the King slaughters his most loved servants. That ribald ambassador (fn. 9) who was in Spain is in prison, and this Ambassador says they will cut his head off. Granvelle says it is well to keep this secret. Mons. di Veli wished to introduce Vergerius to Granvelle, who says he made excuses. Italian. Headed: Norimbergae, 19 Feb. 1541.
19 Feb.	549. Robert Wauchop to Cardinal Farnese.
Laemmer, Mon. Vat., 356.	Has very little hope as to the results of the Colloquy and the coming Diet. The Protestants will use past concessions to seduce others from the Church. Hopes the Legate will come soon. Begs intercession with the Pope for the money about which he wrote from Spires. Norimbergae, 19 Feb. 1541. Latin.
20 Feb.	550. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 133.	Meeting at Hampton Court, 20 Feb. Present: Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb. Wriothesley. Business:—Upon complaint by the bp. of Sarum to Wriothesley that — Darrell, who married Sir Wm. Essex's daughter, had of late hunted his park of Rammesbury without licence, the Council wrote to Darrell to repair to Sir Wm. Essex and obey his order in the matter, and also wrote to Sir Wm. to examine Darrell and counsel him to behave better in future. Sundry letters written to the commissioners of sanctuaries for a provisional order (described) to be taken for the sanctuaries until the King should signify his pleasure by letters patent.