Henry VIII: November 1540, 1-10 | 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.

Citation:

'Henry VIII: November 1540, 1-10', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16, 1540-1541, ed. James Gairdner, R H Brodie( London, 1898), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol16/pp99-108 [accessed 27 July 2024].

November 1540, 1–10



1 Nov.	221. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 74.	Meeting at Windsor, 1 Nov. Present: Chancellor, Norfolk, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Winchester, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Chanc. of Augm., Chanc. of First Fruits and Tenths. Business:—Letter written to the deputy of Calais, of receipt of his and the captain of Arde's letters, willing him to follow the order prescribed for Cowbridge, and cause Thos. Fouler to pay some of the garrison with money due from the Staplers. Letter to Fouler to send estimate of the money due from the Staplers, left behind by his brother, or owing by the garrison; and meanwhile pay such wages as Deputy and Treasurer appoint. Warrant under Stamp to the Staplers. Letters to the abp. of Canterbury, to send Dr. Benger to the Tower; and to Stephen the Almain, to repair to Court.
1 Nov.	222. Biddlesden Abbey.
Harl. MS. 4714. B. M.	Registrum Chartarum Monasterii B. Mariæ de Bitlesden, from its foundation. Ending with the grant of the house and site to Sir Thos Wriothesley, 1 Oct. 32 Hen. VIII., and the subsequent indenture of sale of the same, by Wriothesley, to Edm. Peckham, cofferer, 1 Nov. 32 Hen. VIII. Parchment. A bound volume of 363 large folios.
1 Nov.	223. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 236. (Almost the whole text.)	London, 1 Nov.:—Since he wrote on the 21st ult., nothing worth writing has happened. The King, approaching this town at the end of his progress, heard of the danger there from plague and other sickness (for the parish registers show that for a month past 300 persons have died each week within the circuit of the town), and has retired to Windsor until Christmas. He has proclaimed that no one from London shall presume to enter his house until he has been eight or ten days out of any suspected place; and has recalled those of his Council who were lately here about the matter of the tax. In urgent necessity of war the English could not show more eagerness to obtain money. The amount at which the inhabitants of this town taxed themselves being thought too little, it was at once objected that they disobeyed the King, and should be punished as traitors; and the mayor and magistrates had no remedy but to cry for mercy, which they obtained on condition that if the King had not enough from what they had offered, they would pay him double. Touching the affair of the strangers, in which he was referred to the Council here for final answer; after long waiting, seeing that the magistrates of the town were summoning French subjects before them and taxing them at unreasonable amounts, Marillac repaired to the Council and desired them to say whether they had quite determined that French subjects should contribute to their tax, and, if not, whether they would consider the points he put forward, and especially certain articles of the treaty which he read. To this polite request Winchester insolently replied that they knew what they were doing; that to say they should take Marillac's reasons into consideration was to accuse them of imprudence and indecision; that they were not bound to give account of all they had done, and could only answer that they would not contravene the treaties; and that when French subjects were compelled by force to pay, it would be time to remonstrate. Replied that to register the names and property of French subjects was a sign that they should be made to pay and a reason for his remonstrance, but since Winchester made him such a retort he would speak to the King, whom he trusted to find more reasonable and gracious than his minister. This the others of the Council found very good, and reproved (redarguerent) Winchester for interpreting Marillac's words so ill. Begs that, if instruction has not already been sent, it may be sent at once, that he may know whether to persist or desist in the matter of this tax. The ambassador (fn. 1) sent to the duke of Cleves about the divorce is not yet returned, having been taken ill near Calais. The Duke's ambassador is still here waiting the end of this mystery; but the new Queen has completely acquired the King's grace, and the other is no more spoken of than if she were dead. The Emperor's ambassador has not been at Court since presenting his letters of credence and has treated nothing except this new ordinance against strangers, upon which he has had the same answer as Marillac. Wallop wrote, by a courier who arrived the day before yesterday, that the Turk had written to Francis to arbitrate between him and the Venetians, and that Francis was more inclined to gratify the Turk than the other. Since he spoke with this King, has heard no mention of the Bridge near Ardre, save that the English have again broken it. Other news here is too common or too unlikely to write. Sent by Ferrand. French. Modern transcript, pp. 7.
1 Nov.	224. Baron Jeorjus ab Heideck to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 469.	Thanks for the letters the King has deigned to write him. The king of the Romans having entered Hungary and captured several castles has made an agreement for the Kingdom. The Emperor has appointed the Diet for the feast of the Three Kings (fn. 2) at Ratisbon. In the mean time envoys from both parties meet at Worms. The French king is not pleased with the Emperor's delaying the restitution of Milan, and this breach seems to tend to war. Will write future news and the result of the Diet. Neuburg in Bavaria, 1 Nov. 1540. Signed. Lat. Add. Endd.
2 Nov.	225. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 75.	Meeting at Windsor, 2 Nov. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. No business recorded.
2 Nov.	226. The Privy Council to Lord Maltravers.
R. O.	The King has received your letters of the 28th, “of this present,” with copies of the letters of the captain of Arde and your answer. 1. Touching the matter of the passage of Cowbridge, you shall follow the instructions you have already received. 2. As to payment of the garrison, Thos. Fouler, at his last being here, told certain of us that there was money due of the revenues of years past remaining in the hands of the garrison which, joined with the money due from the Staplers, would suffice for the discharge of the garrison at this payment. We are to write to Fowler to send us a certificate of the said debts and the money which remained in his brother's hands at his departure. In the mean time he may, by the advice of you and Mr. Wotton, pay the money to be received of the Staplers to such as you think most convenient. To your other advertisements you shall shortly receive the King's answer, “and likewise Mr. Wotton's,” whom we require you to assure of the King's favour. Draft corrected by Wriothesley, pp. 2. Endd.. “Minute from the Council to my lord Deputy of Calays, ij^o Novemb.”
2 Nov.	227. Wriothesley to Lord Maltravers.
R. O.	In the “common letters” of the Council you are required to follow the King's former instructions as to Cowbridge. The meaning of this is “ye shall forbear, considering the matter consisteth now in so good terms, to meddle any further with the said passage” until you have the King's command to the contrary. Draft, p. 1. Endd.: “Minute from Mr. Secret. to my lord Deputy of Callys, ij^o Novemb.”
2 Nov.	228. The Chancellor of France to Marillac.
R. O. Kaulek, 239. (Abstract.)	2 Nov.:—Has received his letters and the article of the treaty, and has communicated with the King, who desires Marillac to pursue this affair as graciously as he can and to keep watch for new enterprises there. Desires answer to his last letters. French. Modern transcript, p. 1.
3 Nov.	229. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 75.	Meeting at Windsor, 3 Nov. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler, Business:—John Anthony, of Thanet, Sir Jas. Pyeres, priest, and John Mere, of Cambridge, appeared upon summons; also Sir Thos. Champe, priest, and Thos. Frenche, of Canterbury.
3 Nov.	230. Charles V. to Aguilar.
Add. MS. 28,592, f. 221. B. M.	Condoles with him on the death of his brother, the Cardinal. Ghent, 3 Nov. 1540. P.S.—Conversation with the Nuncio, suggested by the rumored marriage of Victoria Farnese with Guise, in which the Emperor spoke of previous negociations for that lady's marriage as intended to induce him to offer more, and said the Pope was not dealing as he ought. Cortray, 3 Nov. 1540. Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 8. See Spanish Calendar, VI., i., No. 137.
3 Nov.	231. Irish Bishoprics.
Vatican MS.	Note that in Consistory, 3 Nov. 1540, the Pope appointed John Odeyer, (fn. 3) clk., of Elphin, to the united churches of Cork and Cloyne (Cluanensis), void by the death, at Rome, of brother Lewis (fn. 4); with retention of all [benefices]. Also John Magpradicius, clk., of Kilmore, to the church of Kilmore, in Ireland, void by the death of the “quondam Teruntii” (fn. 5); with retention. Latin. From a modern transcript in R. O.
4 Nov.	232. The Court of First Fruits. See Grants in November, Nos. 11, 63 and 64.
4 Nov.	233. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 76.	Meeting at Windsor, 4 Nov. Present: Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. No business recorded.
4 Nov.	234. Sir Edward Wotton and Sir Edw. Ryngeley to the Privy Council.
R. O.	Received on 21 Oct., by Mr. Banester, the Council's letters, dated the More, 11 Oct., to deliver the goods of Sir John Butler to Banester and others interested in them upon bond to answer the value of them within 12 months when called for; and expressing surprise at their not having certified the cause of their seizure of them. When the late lady Banester was at point of death, there was a report that her son Sir John Butler was a sacramentary. The whole Council here determined therefore to seize such of her goods as appeared to belong to him. Had sat once for the inquiry of the Six Articles, and given day to the juries to bring in their presentments on 20 Oct., and deferred writing until then. Send a bill of lewd words spoken by Butler, presented on that day. Though the words were spoken before the Act of Six Articles, the accusement suffices to call him to answer, unless he has already recanted and abjured. He did no penance here in the place most meet. It is said he took out of St. Peter's church a gold crown with stones and jewels, given by the King's granddame. If it is the King's pleasure, will willingly re-deliver the goods to Banester, having a discharge from James Bowcer and Peter Floide, lady Banester's executors. Calais, 4 Nov. Signed. Pp. 2. Add. Endd.
4 Nov.	235. Aguilar to Charles V.
Add. MS. 28,592, f. 225. B. M.	The marriage with Guise. Death of Card. Sancta Croce, and arrangements for securing two Spanish cardinals at the expected creation in December. Perugia. The Duchess' marriage with Octavio Farnese consummated on the 18th ult. Purchase of Rocha Guillerma, and other Italian news. Rome, 4 Nov. 1540. Spanish. Modern copy from Simancas, pp. 10. See Spanish Calendar, VI., i., No. 139.
5 Nov.	236. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 76.	Meeting at Windsor, 5 Nov. Present: Norfolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Mr. of Horse, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Warrant to Tuke to pay Wm. Hunnyng 14l. given to Thadee the courier for going to Wallop. Letters under Stamp to Deputy and Council of Ireland, of the sending of 2,000l. in harp groats, with certain instructions, as appears by the minute remaining with Mr. Secr. Wriothesley.
[5 Nov.] (fn. 6)	237. Henry VIII. to the Deputy and Council of Ireland.
Titus B. xi. 397. B. M.	Has received sundry letters from him and the Council there showing the quietness of the land. In fulfilment of promise that money should be sent, sends 2,000l. in harp groats. Where he wrote for aid towards re-edifying certain fortresses against O'Chonor and the Tooles; as the time of year serves not for building, he is to send plans and estimates, with an estimate of how much aid, besides the fines he wrote of, will be required. Desires the Council to write jointly their opinion whether 50 footmen may be discharged. As it is thought that Parliament there should be kept in Lent, sends licence for it to commence in Crastino Purificationis. Has not returned the Acts to be passed, but desires, first, that the whole contents of the Acts be sent, with the transumpt of the Acts passed in last Parliament, and the King's serjeant, attorney, solicitor, or some other learned person to explain doubtful points. As for the prior of Kilmainham, has already answered in his last letters, and is content that his pension of 500 mks. should be paid there. The Act they have devised is unnecessary, as the prior is provided for in last Parliament here. Prefers to make further assurance by letters patent and desires sent hither, for signature, two bills for that and for his creation as Viscount Clontorfe. Osborne Itchingham, who has kept 12 men at his own expense, for the better executing his office of provost marshal, is to be allowed for them. Directs him to put John Travers, master of the Ordnance, in possession of the site and demesnes of St. Mary Abbey, of which the King granted him the farm; also to allow Matthew Kynge, from the time of his entering the King's service there, 12d. a day as clerk of the check of the army, with the wages often horsemen under him. Modern copy, pp. 4.
Lamb. MS., 611, p. 263.	2. Another modern copy of the preceding. Headed: Hen. 8 Ireland. The minute of the Kinges letter to Ireland, Sir Anthony St. Ledger, then lord Deputie. Pp. 3. See Carew Calendar, No. 152.
5 Nov.	238. Marillac to Montmorency.
R. O. Kaulek, 239. (Extracts.)	London, 5 Nov.:—Having heard this morning that this King was sending certain lords in embassy beyond sea, spent the day in inquiring into it. Could only learn that Winchester was preparing to go with 60 horses to the Emperor, and that a gentleman of the King's chamber, named Ganvet (fn. 7) (Knyvet), reckoned to leave tomorrow; to go to Francis, as a great friend of his secretly told Marillac, although it is given out that he goes to certain princes of Germany. Can learn nothing of their charge, as the English never communicate anything to the ambassadors, lest they should warn their masters and send information which ought to be known. Since he is treated as a spy he acts as one. Notes that the Emperor's ambassador knows nothing; who has only spoken once with this King, when he presented his credentials, and once with the Council, about the ordinance against strangers. He swears to know nothing of their intention, unless it be to sow discord between his master and France, and says he is not surprised at the fashion used, as the English custom is to conceal from ambassadors that which afterwards all the world knows. Some say Winchester is to follow the Emperor in Germany, to be present at the disputes about religion; but that is no matter for such secrecy, and, moreover, the Emperor is not going to hold the Diets assigned until he has visited the chief places on the frontier. Presumes it is for no good, and thinks Winchester goes to do the office with the Emperor that Norfolk did with the King, considering that he has always procured dissension between the Princes, as he did in the time of the late M. de Tharbe, reporting that Tharbe wrote things thither which were not true, insomuch that Tharbe, at his last journey hither, could not refrain from calling him in presence of the most prominent men of England, “faulx rapporteur et meschant.” As for Ganvet, he cannot be going to negotiate anything important in France, for although he is not esteemed ignorant he is young and has no experience in affairs of State, and speaks French badly, as one who has never been out of England, where he can scarcely have learnt anything but fine words and ceremonies which abound here. As the French, after having a second time restored the bridge near Ardre, themselves demolished it, the English think they have thereby gained a point. Knowing nothing certain except the brief departure of the above personages, has not written to the King. Would have delayed sending this until he knew more had he not feared that the passage would be stopped for some days, especially as Ganvet leaves tomorrow morning, if not to-night. French. Two modern transcripts, each pp. 4, one headed: Envoyees par Denis.
5 Nov.	239. Lord Maltravers to Henry VIII.
R. O.	The earl of Sussex and Sir John Gage, now Comptroller of your Household, being lately commissioners here, found great lack of one meet to be clerk of the Council here. This lack the Council still feel. Begs licence for Armygell Wade, his servant, to compound with the writer's fellow, Bryxe, “for the redemption of the same,” and that the King will accept him in the same room. Calais, 5 Nov. 1540. Signed. P. 1. Add. Endd.
5 Nov.	240. Wallop to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., viii. 470.	On the 29th received Henry's letters from Windsor of the 25th, touching the traitor that calls himself Blanche Rose and the Florentine suitor for Signor Laurentio de Medicis The Florentine chanced to come to Wallop as the letters arrived and took the answer very well, although he seemed sorry his suit took not effect. As to Henry's argument that Blanche Rose, being born of an English father must be an English subject (argument quoted); Wallop wrote, from Mauntes, that Card. Turnowe showed him that the traitor, when examined by the Chancellor and Cardinal, confessed he was born in Orleans and his mother was English. No one mentioned his father or mother except the Cardinal, who, I assure you, spoke but of his mother, as appears by my letters from thence (copy enclosed, signed by the writer of the same, my secretary then being sick, who is your servant Norfolk). Considering how it served your purpose if the Cardinal had named the father, and considering how unstable and forgetful Frenchmen are, “and so Cæsar doth write of them,” I thought to prove whether he unadvisedly named the mother for the father or named her for some policy, and so wrote to him:—“Monsieur, Jenvoyez hier cest porture mon serviture a vostre Seignory Reverendissimo pour scavoir sy le jeune compaignon que se dise estre nee et natif d'Orleance, laquel a confesse devant vostre Seignory que son pere estoit Angloies, sy sa mere nestoit pas aussy; car depuis jay entendu, estant a Rowen, yl en a dict a ung Angloies que sadicte mere estoit Angloiez sy bien que le pere, et luy natif d'Orleance,” &c. The Cardinal answered that touching the mother he could not remember, but he was sure he had told me his father was an Englishman; with which answer I was well satisfied. I assure you he named the mother to me, and the day before I wrote he could not tell my secretary whether it was the mother or the father he had named. Yesterday, being at Court, I spoke to the Cardinal, who answered rather doubtfully, but ultimately confessed he had told me the traitor's father was English. Pressed him no further, “giving God thanks that I had made him confess so much,” and determined to see if the French king would confess the same. So after dinner I told the French king I had received your letters concerning the naughty fellow calling himself Blanche Rose, in answer to mine from Mawntes, and how he had showed me that the fellow told the Chancellor and Cardinal Turnowe his father was an Englishman, trusting he remembered saying so to me. “We daw, we daw,” quoth the French king. I then said, that confession was sufficient testimony that the traitor was an English subject (quoting Henry's argument). The French king replied that, being born in France, the man was his subject by the law of France, as indeed Frenchmen born in England enjoy the privileges of Englishmen, as appeared by their being excepted out of the Act for strangers avoiding the realm. Wallop said the King would not have demanded him without sufficient ground in law. Gives their conversation, in which Francis said he would take the opinion of his Council, as Henry had done in England. Will in two or three days repair to the Chancellor to learn if the French king has spoken to his Council about it. The French king then showed me that you told his ambassador that the Deputy of Calais by your commandment should not meddle with Cowbridge, but only cut trenches on your own ground. He desired me to write to you that the Deputy had not only broken the bridge but carried pieces of timber into your ground, and must have written falsely to your Highness. I said that three or four days ago he (the Deputy?) had written me that the French had made a foot bridge. “Oy oy,” quod he, “I have caused a tree to be cast over the river for a remembrance, and to keep my possession to th'entent I might make the same bridge again at my pleasure, et je le ferray quant me semblera bon.” Reminded him that at our last conference he had suggested a reference to commissioners. He said, so he had. I did not find him so gentle as before. I think the French dangerous to meddle with and little to be trusted; and this is the opinion of all the foreign ambassadors here. Immediately after this conference the Constable presented an envoy of the duke of Cleves, a Frenchman born. Next day I sent my secretary to the Queen of Navarre to ask why he came. She was, as usual, very gracious, and said the Duke had written both to the King and to her in “most gentle sort.” She said nothing was concluded, but a good end might ensue, notwithstanding the Emperor had marvellously travailed for the duchess of Milan. The Duke was not greatly inclined that way; but the Count Palatine and duke of Brunswick were earnestly in hand with him about it. She admitted there had been a bruit a month past of the Duke's coming hither, but that he and other princes of Almain were troubled by the attacks of the Turk upon Hungary, and there was no assurance of his coming. She asked after your Highness and the Queen, and whether her Grace was with child yet, and praised your good and honourable treatment of my lady Anne. Wishes there were more like her. If the King sent her his picture and the others she desired it would please her. Paris, 5 Nov. Signed. Pp. 8. Add. Endd.
6 Nov.	241. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P.C.P., vii. 77.	Meeting at Windsor, 6 Nov. Present:—Norfolk, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Admiral, Durham, Treasurer, Comptroller, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Robt. Southwell and Dr. Peter reported that they found who burnt the first stack in Surrey but not the last. Jasper Horsey, steward, and Wymond Carew, receiver to lady Anne of Cleves, enquired touching her removing, and other things contained in a schedule. John Barkley, of Canterbury, brought his proofs of the treason opened by him on 12 Oct.; and the matter appearing false and malicious, Dr. Peter was discharged, Barkley ordered to pay costs to John Meere, beadle, of Cambridge, for coming as a witness, and Sir Jas. Piers, priest, committed to the Colehowse. Geo. Whelpeley and Elys Brooke, examined of complaints against customers, &c., had further time granted; and Gaywood, who seemed culpable, was to be ordered by Norfolk. Letters written to the Comptroller of Calais that the King approved his diligence and had commanded Ric. a Lee, surveyor, to answer the charges against him in the Comptroller's letter, who should stay all fees of superfluous surveyors there. Letter to Ric. a Lee to [answer] such things as were contained in a schedule enclosed, and do his duty. Letter to Thos. Fowler, of Calais, that the Council thought the bill he sent of the extraordinary offices was wrong, returned a copy “trahed upon some points,” and required a perfect book. Letter of justice to John Heron, of Chipchase, in favour of — (blank), at Norfolk's suit.
6 Nov.	242. Lord Maltravers to the Council.
R. O.	On the 4th received their letters, dated Windsor of the 1st, about the King's pleasure for Cowbridge and about a certificate to be made by Thos. Fowler of money in his hands towards this October payment of the garrison, and about paying away, with the advice of Sir Edw. Wotton, the money to be received from the Staplers. It appears by the declaration Fowler now sends “(nother of us being here able to reject the same)” that he lacks 1,605l. 3d. Considering the outcry that would be if he and Wotton paid some and not others, have deferred doing so till the rest of the money be sent, which he begs may be soon. Fowler desires to know the King's pleasure about payment and continuance of the extraordinaries of which he sent the Council particulars in former letters. Has told Wotton of the King's favour to him, to his great joy; the King could not “extend his liberality upon” a better man. Calais, 6 Nov. 1540. Signed. P. 1. Add.: The Council attending the King's person. Sealed. Endd.: Deputy of Calais.
7 Nov.	243. The Privy Council.
Nicolas' P. C. P., vii. 79.	Meeting at Windsor, 7 Nov. Present: Norfolk, Suffolk, Privy Seal, Gt. Chamb., Gt. Admiral, Durham, Winchester, the King's Chamberlain, Treasurer, Comptroller, Vice-Chamb., Wriothesley, Sadler. Business:—Letters brought from Deputy and Council of Calais that as — Butler, son and heir to lady Banestre, dec., was indicted for a sacramentary, they had seized her house and goods, and they enclosed copy of the indictment. Letters sent to the Deputy to receive Stephen the Almayn (fn. 8) at Calais, that he and the Surveyor might devise a platt of the Marches, especially about Cowbridge, but in no wise suffer him to view the secrets of the town. Letters to Treasurer and Comptroller of Calais to deliver Mr. Banestre the goods in lady Banestre's house which were found to be his, and the rest, belonging to Sir John Butler, priest, indicted for a sacramentary, upon sureties. Sir Matth. Browne's son and heir committed to the Fleet for burning the stack of wood in Surrey.
7 Nov.	244. Sir Edward Ryngeley to the Council.
R. O.	Wrote on the 26th of October last about his office and the allowances to the Surveyor, and about Robt. Shetford's room. Has now received certain books of lord Edmund's comptrollership, of which he sends an abstract showing how the Surveyor has increased the number of clerks since the 28th year. Suggests that the Surveyor takes the wages of servants whom he puts in as clerks, and in the case of Robt. Williams, of the Retinue, appointed clerk in January 28 Hen. VIII., altered the wage from 4d. to 8d. after Ryngeley's coming, “because that he knew I could neither write nor read and had young clerks that could little skill.” The Surveyor says he can put in such clerks as he thinks good. If so, there needs no comptroller. Finds the Surveyor was allowed 4s. a day for 126 days in England in the 28th year. Compares it with the allowance to Wm. Lambert, then surveyor, in 25 Hen. VIII., sent to view woods in the weald of Kent and Sussex, and to Lambert, surveyor, and Wm. Baker, warden of the masons, going into England in 23 Hen. VIII. and attending the King 35 days. Denies the need for so many clerks, and thinks the Surveyor has deceived him. Shetford died about 2½ years ago. Has, therefore, stopped the Surveyor's wages in the Exchequer for a year and a half, being since Ryngeley's coming here; but will follow the King's pleasure. Calais, 7 Nov. Signed. Pp. 3. Add.: To, etc., my Lord of the Privy Seal [and t]o all other of the King's [most] honorable Council attending on his Majesty's person. Endd.
7 Nov.	245. Melancthon to Fr. Myconius.
Corpus Reform., iii. 1,138.	The crowd at the Diet increases daily; for, as the adversaries saw at Hagenau that they were inferior in numbers, they have sought sycophants on every side. “Addunt pontifices legates Italos.” There are also a Spanish sophist, (fn. 9) and a certain blind Scot, (fn. 10) who at Paris has raged against the Christians. Cannot foresee the result; but the Emperor is said to wish for concord and the establishment of the truth. 7 Nov., at Worms, '40. Lat.. Add.: pastor of Gotha.
7 Nov.	246. Menius to Myconius.
Corpus Reform., iii. 1,140.	The Diet has done nothing as yet, but awaits the Emperor's ambassador and others. Yesterday the ambassadors of Bremen and of the Marquis Elector (fn. 11) arrived; among them Alesius. There arrived also a Carinthian bishop and a Parisian sophist, a blind Scot, (fn. 10) who at Paris is said to have raged most fiercely against the Lutherans. Cannot say what will happen when the adversaries send such malicious men. The Emperor told an ambassador of the city of Nuremberg that he wishes the truth set forth and a firm concord established. Worms, Sunday after St. Leonard, 1540. Lat. Add.
7 Nov.	247. Florentine Ambassador in Rome to the Duke of Florence.
Add. MS. 28,592, f. 220. B.M.	Describes conversation in which the Pope openly accused the Duke of fomenting the revolution at Perugia. Rome, 3 Nov. 1540. Abstract by Bergenroth from original at Simancas, p. 1. See Spanish Calendar, VI. i., No. 138. ii. Copy of a letter of the Duke to the marquis of Guasto, forwarding copy of the preceding. Florence, 7 Nov. 1540. Abstract by Bergenroth, p. 1. See Spanish Calendar, VI. i., No. 140.
8 Nov.	248. The Council to the Deputy of Calais.
R. O.	The King desires to have a “platt” of the whole Marches, and sends the bearer, Steven the Almayn, a man very expert in those things, to “peruse” the said Marches with the Surveyor and make the said platt. He need not know any of the secrets of the town or fortresses. [Insertion in Wriothesley's hand: And in the said platt the ground about Cow Bridge and passages of the river to be specially set out; so that if the King should be disposed to make fortifications upon the same he may know the best places and the effect for defence.] Windsor, 8 Nov. Draft, p. 1. Endd.: Minute from the Council to my lord Deputy of Calais, 8 Nov.
8 Nov.	249. The Council to Sir Edw. Wotton and Sir Edw. Ringeley.
R. O.	Have received their letters of the 4th inst., with a “calf” enclosed, declaring the causes which moved them to seize the late lady Banester's goods and the presentment made against Sir John Butler, clerk. As part of the goods belong to our fellow, Mr. Banester, one of the Pensioners, who has not offended, and the rest to Sir John Butler, who is accused of a grievous offence [“whereof nevertheless he was here heretofore discharged”], (fn. 12) you are to deliver part of the goods to Banester without security, and the rest, that should come to Butler, to the said Banester on surety, as declared in our former letters from the More. Windsor — (blank). Draft, pp. 2. Endd.: “Minute from the Council to Sir Edward Wotton and Sir Edward Ringeley, the eighth of Novembre.”
8 Nov.	250. A Spanish Priest.
R. O.	Dispensation by Ant. Cardinal St. Quatuor to Peter Ladron, of Santroman (parents named), to assume the office of priest when he reaches his 23rd year, although he has not taken minor orders. Rome, at St. Peter's, sub sigillo officii primarie, 8 Nov. 7 Paul III. Latin. Parchment. Fragment of seal in tin case.
10 Nov.	251. The Diet at Worms.
Vit. B. xxi., 215.* B. M.	List of [representatives of the German princes and cities at the Diet at Worms]. Dated at the end “Ex Wormatia, 10 die Novembris.” Lat., pp. 3, including a detached fragment at f. 212. Imperfect.*
R. O.	2. List (fn. 13) of the names of those who attended the Conference at Worms, a^o 1540, on the parts of the Pope, Emperor, king of the Romans, and the electors and cities of Germany, viz.—“In primis nomine Romani Episcopi:— D. Thomas Campegius, episcopus Feltrensis; D. Episcopus Mutinensis; D. Episcopus Atrabatensis; D. Thomas, magister Pallatii Romani, Ordinis Predicatorum; D. Petrus Gerardi, Gallus, D. Robertus Vogot, (fn. 14) Scotus, doctores Parrhisii. “Ex parte Cæsaris:—D. de Grandvella; Doctor Hortis, Hispanus; Doctor Muscoso;” etc. In all 78 names. Latin, pp. 3. Headed: “Catalogus eorum qui ad constitutum Christianæ religionis colloquium Vormatiam convenerunt anno 1540.”
R. O.	3. Another but similar list, (fn. 13) commencing “Præsides in colloquio Wormacien; episcopi Treverensis et Argentinen., Comes Palatin., Elector, Ludow. Bavarus.” The names, however, differ considerably from the preceding. Latin, pp. 2.