Henry VIII: May 1544, 11-15 | British History Online

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 19 Part 1, January-July 1544. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1903.

'Henry VIII: May 1544, 11-15', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 19 Part 1, January-July 1544, (London, 1903) pp. 310-318. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol19/no1/pp310-318 [accessed 25 April 2024]

May 1544, 11-15



11 May.	492. Lord Chancellor Wriothesley.
	See Grants in May, Nos. 31 and 41.
11 May.	493. Hertford, Lisle and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS. 32,654, f. 187. B. M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 236.	Bearer, sent to the King by sea from certain lairds in the North of Scotland, on coming to Berwick to proceed by post, was sent back hither to Legh. Hertford opened his letters and desired him to show his credence; but he refused, saying he was charged to declare it only to the King. Legh, 11 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Endd.:1544.
Longleat MS.	2. Original draft of the above in Sadler's hand, noted in Hamilton Papers, II., p. 730.
	494. Hertford to —————. (fn. n1)
Longleat MS. Hamilton Papers, ii., p. 730.	Without his knowledge their servant was stayed at Berwyk and sent back hither to him, but is now despatched to the King, from whom they may expect a good answer. Meanwhile, if, by deeds, they declare their good mind to his Highness it shall redound to their "benefits and honours."
	Draft in Sadler's hand.
11 May.	495. Layton to the Council.
R. O.	In accordance with your letters of 6 May I have travailed with the Queen and Council for your lymoners and wagons; and have at last obtained 2,400 lymoners and 2,000 wagons, and, to levy them, have sent out six Englishmen and six expert men elect by the Queen. You shall have all the wagons and lymoners in Flanders, Artoys and Hennolde, and, if necessary, some out of Julyers. I have advanced money for them, at the Queen's request. She reserves the wagons of Brabant for the Emperor. She desires a treasurer sent with speed to pay the carters, as he will be instructed here; for if paid for a month or a fortnight beforehand they would drink it in two days and then lurk away and hide. The Queen's Council have drawn a book, such as the Emperor had last year, of the order and officers for them; and the Queen is content to appoint those who were appointed last year. They promise to make the other 200 wagons and 56 lymoners, if it be possible. Broke, at the receipt of your letters, was at Handsardamme taking up hoys and playtes; but, after speaking, with the Queen, I wrote him the purport of your charge for the expedition of the hoys and playtes into Temmes mouth, &c. His commission extends to take up 300, and as many more as he thinks meet. I charged him to convent with the owners and masters to set forward at the first wind. The Queen and Council say that they have sent instructions to the Emperor's ambassador for Octavian's accusement. His accuser (fn. n2) remains here in prison, and but for detecting of him and others had suffered ere this. When his confession is fully made, I will send a book of it, which the Council promise me within two days. I delivered your box of writings to Thomas Chambrelaine for Mons. de Buren. Bruxells, 11 May. Signed.
	Pp. 2. Add. Sealed. Endd.: 1544.
11 May.	496. Edmond Harvel to Henry VIII.
R. O. St. P., ix. 668.	By his last, of 22 April, signified the rout of the Imperialists. The French have not followed the victory; but continue the obsidion of Carignan, which can endure a good part of June. Details assistance of money lent to Guasto by Milan, Andrea Doria, the Emperor and the duchess of Camarin and her husband (although the Bishop (fn. n3) is French, body and soul). Piero Stroci has assembled 3,000 men and entered the Cremonese town of Casal Magior. It is thought that the French will "ingrosse" them; but the French king has no money in Italy. The French have been repulsed from St. Damiano by the townsmen. There lately escaped, from the French, 700 Spanish prisoners who were going to the galleys. The duke of Florence has sent 2,000 footmen to Milan, and the Imperialists have also raised 6,000 foot and 400 horse about Bononye, Ferare, and Toscana.
	The Cardinal of Ferare was received here with great honor, on the 3rd inst., coming with offers to join these men with the French king, and the Turk's ambassador is daily looked for, to further the French practises. The Signory fortify their towns and provide money, but only for defence.
	Thanks for letters from the Council, of 30 March, relating the success against the Scots, and the great expeditions made against Scotland and prepared against France. Has confuted the impudent reports of the Frenchmen of discord between Henry and the Emperor. The things done this winter against the Scots are esteemed wonderful; and Henry's power has been a great stay that the Venetians dare not join his adversaries. Towards Milan are marching 4,000 Grisons and 3,000 Almains; and Guasto will shortly have 20,000 men wherewith to save Carignan. Venice, 11 May 1544.
	P.S.—Barbarossa has left Provence in company with the French navy. His voyage is suspected to be against Toscana. The Genevoys have put double presidye in their towns. The cardinal of Ferrara offers this Signory the duke of Orleans, as hostage for his promises; the intention of the French king and Bishop being to make Orleans duke of Milan, by the help of the Venetians and the Turk, and give him the Bishop's niece.
	Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
12 May.	497. Chapuys to Charles V.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 91.]	The Council, this morning, sent word by his man that they had letters showing that their army, some days ago, landed two leagues from Esdembourt, chief town of Scotland, at the nearest port to it; and the Cardinal of Scotland assembled 12,000 or 14,000 men and took the field, but, on learning the number and equipment of the English, at once retired, leaving some pieces of artillery on the field. Thereupon, those of Esdembourt sent to deliver the town to the English; but the earl of Arfort, the Admiral and the other leaders would not accept the town without the castle, and the others were not in possession of the said fortress nor had means to get it. As the 6,000 horse which should come from the frontier had not yet joined them, and consequently they had no means of dragging their artillery, they had put off attacking Esdembourt, but meanwhile had not lost time, for they had sacked two or three towns thereabouts. The Council think that the horsemen will have been with the others since Thursday last, they having left the frontiers on Wednesday, with only 45 or 50 miles to travel. The Council also advertise Chapuys that, besides their old intelligences, certain other gentlemen have made offers to them (fn. n4); and they hope that thereby, [with] their forces and the serious illness of the Governor, all will go well there. The army arrived very à propos for lord Machuell, Earl Dhouglast and his brother and other prisoners, whom the Cardinal and his adherents would have beheaded in a few days, although those here presumed that Dhouglast and Machuel caused themselves to be taken as a ruse. The Earl of Lynnes also will not speak ill of it, who was pursued by the Cardinal and Governor extremely. The said prisoners are in Esdembourt Castle, and the Queen Dowager and Princess her daughter are in another place (fn. n5) far from thence. Heretofore the Council gave him to understand that the King's intention was that, when the army had landed, the ships should return; and, seeing the success, Chapuys thinks that that purpose will not be changed, but rather hastened, especially as the King suspects that the French are reserving men in order to invade his country in his absence (mesmes pour estre en quelque suspeçon et craincte que les François ne font si grande armee quilz ont pour invader son pays durant son absence), in which case the said army would be requisite on the West coast, opposite Normandy and Brittany. The better to resist such an enterprise the King has begun to set order for the sudden assembling of men at the principal ports of that coast, and daily sends thither commissioners and expert men to see to it, and lays posts as to the North; and, besides the ordinary men, he will make a certain number to lend succour where required. It is to be feare'd that the French will rather send men to Scotland than attempt the invasion of this realm elsewhere, unless they should have Cardinal Pole with them, by whose means affairs of this realm might be altered.
	Upon a letter which the Queen of Hungary wrote to the Deputy of Calais to detain a dealer in harness (marchant d' Arnoys), a Milanese named Octavien Bosque, upon suspicion of treason against the Emperor, the King has had him arrested here pending news from the said Queen. The King, having heard what the Emperor wrote to the Duke of Alburquerque, has sent him word that he must give up hunting, and that he shall be given a lodging near the Court, so that it may be easier to consult him. London, 12 May 1544.
	Fr. Modern transcript of the original at Vienna, pp. 3. Original endd.: receues en Spiere, le xxii^e dud. mois 1544.
12 May.	498. Chapuys to the Queen of Hungary.
R. O. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 92.]	She will see the news by the copy of his letter to the Emperor. Will only say that this Council have again sent to solicit him to write to her to advertise them as soon as possible what to do with regard to this Octavien, Italian.
	Fr. Modern note from an original at Vienna. Headed: 1544, Mai 12.
12 May.	499. William Whorwood.
Add. MS. 9,835, f. 17b. B. M.	Grant by Wm. Thynne, keeper of the King's park of Beawdeley, to Wm. Whorwood, of a buck in summer and a doe in winter, to which Thynne is entitled as keeper. 12 May, 36 Hen. VIII.
	Copy, p. 1.
May.	500. The Privy Council to Wotton.
R. O. St. P., ix. 671.	The King perceives by Wotton's letter of the 6th that the Emperor procured the payment of the 10,000 fl. to Sickengen and cannot now with honor retract it; and so the King is content. As for Wotton's own part, as he would partly perceive by Paget's letters, the King is fully satisfied. To show proceedings in Scotland, enclose copies of letters from Hertford and others, to be communicated to the Emperor or Granvelle. Wotton must procure from Mons. de Lyre a copy of payments and allowances given by the Emperor at this time, both to horsemen and footmen, and also of the ordinances which they are sworn to; which copies must be signed by De Lyre and sent with all diligence to the ambassador in Flanders, to be forwarded to such as take musters of the King's soldiers.
	Notwithstanding the often requests made here, and to the Emperor and to the Regent, and the comfortable answers made that "they" (i.e. the Scots) were taken as enemies, the King cannot have them so declared in Flanders. Wotton shall declare "the untowardness of them here in the Nether Country."
	Draft in Paget's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: Mynute to Doctour Wotton, — (blank) Maii 1544.
14 May.	501. Paget to Wotton.
R. O.	Has received his letter, with another to the King and the copy of the letter sent from Aste. Perceiving Wotton's trouble for the matter of Sickengen, although Paget had already written for his contentation, the King would have him eftsoons advertised that the thing is taken in good part. "Thus you see, as you wrote, what it is to serve a good master." News here appears by the copies herewith, which should have been sent a day earlier but that Paget waited for fresh news. The earl of Hertford, my lord Admiral, the earl of Shrewsbury, the lords Cobham, Clynton, Sturton, William Haward, Dacre, Scrope and Conyers and others to the number of 15,000 entered by sea, with victuals for 56 days, 26 sail and 3,000 men of war to keep the ships. To join them there entered by land 4,000 horsemen under lord Evre; while 3,000 horsemen under lord Wharton entered upon another quarter to keep the Scots waking. The earls of Westmoreland and Cumberland had charge of the country at home in the mean season. Hourly attends news of their proceedings in Scotland. Westm., 14 May, in the morning, 1544.
	Draft in Paget's hand, pp. 2. Endd.: Mynute from Mr. Secr. Mr. Paget to Mr. Doctour Wootton, xiiij^o Maii.
14 May.	502. Chapuys to Covos.
	Gives a brief account of Hertford's invasion of Scotland. London, 14 May 1544 [so dated in Spanish Calendar, but the last paragraph could not have been written before July]. See Spanish Calendar, VII., No. 95.
14 May.	503. Colchester.
Add. Ch. 15,866. B. M.	Deed of sale by the executors of Lord Chancellor Audeley (viz. Sir Edw. North, Sir Thos. Pope, Edm. Marten, Thos. Gymblet and Thos. Awdley) of certain tithes in Colchester to the church of All Saints there, in pursuance of a bargain previously made. Dated 14 May 36 Henry VIII.
	Copy, p. 1.
14 May.	504. Tunstall and Llandaff to Hertford.
Hatfield MS. 231, No. 25. [Cal. of Cecil MSS., Pt. i.,158.] Haynes' St. Papers, 33.	Have received a letter from the Council containing a clause (quoted) to the effect that the Wardens of the Marches are to be ordered to send, forthwith, to Dover the 400 horsemen with their horses and the footmen to be horsed here, to wait upon the King into France, as was appointed, for whom Mr. Uvnedale shall pay for conduct and coats. Have written to Wharton in this, and pray Hertford to remind the Wardens of the East and Middle Marches of it. Newcastell, 14 May. Signed.
	P.S.—The residue of the 6,000l. brought by Thos. Jeffray was sent to Berwick as Hertford commanded; but here is yet no word of the 4,000l.
	P. 1. Flyleaf with address lost. Headed in a later hand: To therle of Hertforde.
14 May.	505. Layton to the Council.
R. O.	I enclose Broke's letter of his proceedings in taking up hoys and playtes; and have sent to Andwarpe for 400l., upon your letter of bank of Sir John Gresham, which shall be sent to him to the sea coast to save his coming back to Andwarpe. Enclosed also is "th'accusation of Octavian delivered unto me here by the Council." Bruxells, 14 May. Signed.
	P. 1. Add. Sealed. Endd.: 1544.
14 May.	506. Prince Philip of Spain to Chapuys.
Add. MS. 28,593, f. 321. B. M. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 93.]	Rejoiced to learn by his of 18 January what passed at the going of Don Fernando de Gonzaga and that King's determination to make every effort this spring against the common enemy. The Emperor afterwards wrote the same. The 5,000 Spaniards for Flanders are embarked and will be there as soon asthis letter. The necessary provision is made for coast defence against the armadas of the Turk and King of France at Toulon and Marseilles. Understand that the King of France means to transport forces to Italy, and although it is said that the said armadas will visit these coasts, or at least the isles of Mallorca and Ybiça, their intention is not known. Do not hear of the army by land coming this way. The Princess and the writer are well and desire news of the King and the Princess their cousin (prima), whom Chapuys shall visit on the writer's behalf.
	Spanish, pp. 3. Modern copy from Simancas, headed: Copia de minuta de carta del Principe al embaxador en Ynglaterra, de Valladolid a 14 de Mayo 1544.
14 May.	507. Covos to Charles V.
Add. MS. 28,593, f. 316. B. M. [Spanish Calendar, vii. 94.]	* * * *
	Has seen the Emperor's answer to Cardinal Farnese. All here desire that upon the first opportunity a good peace should be made; and, as the agreement made by Don Fernando de Gonzaga in England could not be better, it is hoped that the enterprise will lead to such a peace. * * * * * * Valladolid, 14 May 1544.
	Spanish, pp. 9. Modern copy from Simancas, headed: Copia de parrafoz de descifrado de carta al Emperador, fecha en Valladolid a 14 de Mayo 1544.
	A full abstract in Spanish Calendar.
15 May.	508. The Privy Council to Hertford and Lisle.
Hatfield MS. 231, No. 98. [Cal. of Cecil MSS. Pt. i.,159.] Haynes' St. Papers, 33.	The King has received their several letters describing their landing, the repulse of Arreyn and the Cardinal, taking of Lythe, burning of Edinburgh, &c., and gives them hearty thanks for their manly and discreet handling of their charge. Where you wrote that the Scots, against your Haynes' second coming to Edinburgh had chosen a new provost, made ramparts and prepared to defend the town, you shall cause the town gates to be over-thrown for a perpetual memory of their untrue behaviour and to prevent such fortification henceforth. Remind them in their return to march in good order, and give no occasion to the enemies.
	When returned, Hertford shall appoint 2,900 of the most inland men and the lord Admiral 1,000 of those carried hence by sea, with suitable captains, to embark at Newcastle or elsewhere and pass by sea to Calays for the wars against France; leaving the frontiers well furnished for defence.
	P.S.—The lord Admiral shall see these men safely wafted, giving them notice that carriage for their tents, hales and necessaries will be provided at Calais. He shall also appoint ships, with 2,000 men in them, to keep the Narrow seas; and then, having taken order for saving such victuals as remain, he shall dismiss the other ships. Westm., 15 May 1544. Signed by Chancellor Wriothesley, Norfolk, Suffolk, Winchester, St. John, Gage, and Browne.
	Pp. 2½. Add. Endd.: rec. at Berwick, xviij^o Maii.
15 May.	509. The Privy Council to Tunstall.
Hatfield MS. 231, No. 93. [Cal. of Cecil MSS. Pt. i. 160.]	Enclose letters to the Lord Lieutenant, which he is to peruse and forward. If he has not already taken order with the Wardens for the 400 horsemen and the others on foot, he shall do so, and cause them to be sent to Dover as shortly as may be. Westminster, 15 May. Signatures (copied) of Chancellor Wriothesley, Suffolk and Paget.
	Copy, p. 1. Add.
15 May.	510. Hertford, Lisle and Sadler to Henry VIII.
Add. MS. 32,654, f. 189. B. M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 237.	Since last despatch, have daily devastated the country hereabouts and within six miles of Stirling, so that the enemies shall neither "recover this damage whiles we live" nor assemble any power this year in these parts, whatsoever aid come to them from France or Denmark. Have shipped the ordnance, which could not be carried by land, furnished the ships with men to convey them to Holy Island and Scaterode, and taken sufficient victuals to furnish the army in its return, sending the rest to Berwick; and, to-morrow, they intend to burn this town and march homewards, spoiling the country according to the King's instructions. Hertford takes with him the lord Admiral, who leaves Wm. Wodhouse to convey the ships to Scaterode and Holy Hand; where he will rejoin them and "draw to the war over seas."
	Meanwhile Angus, Sir George Douglas, Maxwell and Grey have been set at liberty; and, on Sunday last (fn. n6), Sir George came hither and seemed much to rejoice the coming of the army, saying that, but for its arrival, "his brother and he should have lost their heads, and their day prefixed for the same," whereas now they were gently delivered, with great persuasions to show themselves good Scottishmen in defence of their country like their ancestors. Sir George said he would serve as the King should appoint and he trusted that his brother would do the like. The Governor, Cardinal, Huntley and Argile were perplexed with the arrival of the King's power; but now they were recomforted by the arrival of five French ships at St. Andrews with news of aid shortly out of France, and meant to assemble their power against the 28th inst., and to convey the young Queen to Dunkell (which is already done). Sir George began to allege that fair means would win the hearts of the people, and that by fortifying this town and garrisoning Edinburgh and Stirling, so that such as declared for the King might be relieved, the whole realm would soon fall to the King's devotion, whereas this fire and sword put them in despair. In answer the writers so choked him with the untruth of the nobility of this realm that he could not deny that they deserved this punishment; but Hertford added that, although they had deserved no mercy, the King was a prince of such clemency that if the noblemen and gentlemen would come in to Hertford, as Lieutenant, with acceptable offers, he would hear and answer them. Sir George then said he came hither, with the Governor's knowledge, to seek assurance for his friends, and was required by the Governor to learn from Hertford what the King desired, and he (the Governor) would do "what he might liefully" to content his Majesty. Hertford answered that he came not to treat, but with the sword; but if the Governor and nobility would offer as aforesaid, without tract of time, he would answer them. Cannot learn however that they mean to do anything acceptable, but daily gather forces. Sir George desired the preservation of his friends, alleging that all the gentlemen of Lowdyan would serve the King; to which Hertford answered as before, and Sir George departed.
	Next day he returned with a writing subscribed by sundry gentlemen, to the effect that they would stand with the King to have the treaties of peace and marriage performed as passed by Parliament. As this did not seem sufficient, after the charge the King has been at, and these men, "being but mean gentlemen of this country," could not perform it without assistance, the writers exhibited certain articles (copy herewith) for which, Hertford promised, the King would grant them assurance and support. But no more could be obtained of them; and therefore they shall be used all after one sort, save Brunstone, who offers to serve as commanded and will come forthwith to the King, as he dare not abide here. Describe how they took Sir George apart (who told a long tale of how things had passed, blaming Maxwell as the falsest man alive), and how Hertford advised him to deliver Temptallen to the King, as the best declaration for him and his brother, telling him what the Master of Morton promised. He answered that Temptallen was his brother's, who, he thought, would not stick in that; but it were best that he should either write or go to his brother therein, and he would either cause his brother to come to Hertford to-morrow night, wheresoever the army should be encamped, or come himself with the answer. Have despatched him to his brother and intend so to encamp to-morrow as to be ready to receive Temptallen, if delivered. If their answer is not agreeable, and they come without assurance, they shall be kept and sent to the King; for their refusal to deliver Temptallen will be a plain declaration of their "crafty juggling and falsehood."
	The lord Admiral has appointed certain ships, in their return, to sail along the coast towards St. Andrews, landing men, with the Galie Subtile and the boats, to burn towns and villages. Trust that if the French ships are found there the King shall have good news of them. Legh, 15 May.
	P.S.—Hertford has received letters and articles (enclosed) from Lenoux, who seems to mind "right honestly" towards the King, and has already taken the abbot of Parseleis house. Signed.
	Pp. 7. Add. Endd.:1544.
Ib. f. 193.	2. "Certain articles, covenants and agreements promised and agreed by sundry barons and gentlemen of Scotland whose names be subscribed and underwritten" with the earl of Hertford, viscount Beauchamp and Great Chamberlain of England, lieutenant general of the King's army now in Scotland, viz.:—
	Seven articles which may be summarised as follows:— (1) That they will deliver the young Queen to the King's hands forthwith, or, if she is not delivered within —— (blank) months, will advance the King's title to Scotland, so that the realms may be united. (2) That they will then be sworn the King's subjects and serve him against France and such as resist him in Scotland, and all other nations and powers. (3) That they will take the King as their sovereign, the only protector and superior of this realm; (4) obey their governors whom the King and his successors shall appoint; (5) deliver the strongholds to the King; and (6) prevent any new fortresses being made without his consent. (7) That they will lay in such pledges for the above as Hertford will accept; and if any of them swerve from any part of these articles his pledge shall suffer such death as the King shall think good.
	Copy, pp. 4. Endd.: Articles set forth by my lord Lieutenant.
Longleat MS.	3. Original draft of § 2 in Sadler's hand, noted in Hamilton Papers, II., p. 731, as endorsed "Certain articles devised by my lord, at Leghe, to be accomplished by certain barons and gentlemen in Scotland, albeit not put in execution."
15 May.	511. Angus to Hertford.
Add. MS. 32,654, f. 185. B. M. Hamilton Papers, ii., No. 235.	My brother showed me your pleasure that I should come speak with you; and I was coming, but heard that you and the army were departed. Not knowing whether you go by sea or land I send this writing. My brother showed me ye would I should give my house of Tamtallown. All I have is at the King's command, trusting he will think my house as ready in my keeping as any man's, to do him service. Will be always ready to serve the King, and begs that Hertford will send writings for him to Blaketer or Vodderbowrn. "Written at the lord Symmarwele house of Cowhely, the 15 (?) (fn. n7) day of May." Signed.
	Add. Sealed, Endd.; x^o (sic) Maii 1544.