Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1867.
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'Henry VIII: March 1521', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523, ed. J S Brewer( London, 1867), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp446-460 [accessed 4 December 2024].
'Henry VIII: March 1521', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Edited by J S Brewer( London, 1867), British History Online, accessed December 4, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp446-460.
"Henry VIII: March 1521". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 3, 1519-1523. Ed. J S Brewer(London, 1867), , British History Online. Web. 4 December 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol3/pp446-460.
March 1521
4 March. Vit. B. IV. 83. B. M. |
1187. [CAMPEGGIO] to WOLSEY. |
---|---|
Received his letters of the 21st Jan. His new office, "ad justas supplicantium preces subscribendas," is a most important one. Assents to what Wolsey proposes, and must try to do his duty impartially. The matter of the bishopric of Badajos has, at his wish, been referred to the next consistory. When he first proposed to have it expedited, difficulties were started in the consistory against so many sees being held in commendam. Campeggio had urged that Wolsey's wish should be complied with. Will not omit to do in the matter of the bishop of Worcester what he and the King desire. The Spaniards, as he wrote in his last, who crossed the river separating Naples from the March, attacked the town called Ripæ; were defeated, and have since decamped. Rome, 4 March 1521. Signature burnt off. | |
Lat., mutilated, pp. 3. Add. Endd.: Literæ d. car. Campegii, &c. | |
5 March. Titus, B. I. 288. B. M. St. P. I. 9. |
1188. PACE to WOLSEY. |
The King has received Wolsey's letters; perceives by them that the Emperor is like to lose Spain. Chievres is a bad counsellor. He intends to revoke the Master of the Rolls. If the vicar of Croydon "had used Mr. Almoner's way (who preached the same day in the morning in the King's hall to the household), he had departed hence without trouble. For the said Mr. Almoner, in his sermon, brought in the ballads: "Passe tyme wyth goodde cumpanye," and "I love unlovydde." Newhall, March 5th. | |
Hol. Add. | |
5 March. R. O. |
1189. CLERK to WOLSEY. |
Came to Dover on Friday, where the last tempest had broken down a part of the town wall, "as long as half your gallery." The rest will be in danger at the next high spring, if the weather be rough. Remained at Dover four days unable to sail, the tides being so low that the mariners could not float their ships, till at last they made trenches and brought him next day to Calais. Calais, Tuesday, 5 March. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add.: To my lord Cardinal. Endd. | |
6 March. Calig. B. VI. 235. B. M. |
1190. DACRE'S CORRESPONDENCE. |
Dacre to James V. | |
Complains that he cannot obtain redress from the laird of Cesford, because his authority as warden of the Marches is disobeyed. Harbotell, 20 Feb. | |
Copy, pp. 2. | |
Ib. 227. | ii. James [Beton] chancellor of Scotland to Dacre. |
Has despatched his letter dated Harbottle, 20 Feb., to the King, stating that he had made an abstinence with the laird of Cesford till the 30th June; but the latter can take no redress, as he was not obeyed;—that he has appointed another meeting with the warden, who has given his brother George Car as a hostage, on the 5th March. Cesford has a commission under the Great Seal, by which he may compel obedience. The council is away on their devotions "agane this haly time of Lentren;" the King is too young to determine for himself. Begs Dacre will use his efforts to keep the peace. "At my ciete of Glasgw," last day of February. | |
P. 1. Add.: To my lord Dacre, &c. | |
Ib. 228. | iii. Dacre to the archbishop of Glasgow, chancellor of Scotland. |
Has received his letter. Complains that restitution advances no further than making of bills. Lately, when his lieutenants lord Graystock and Sir Christopher Dacre demanded redress of lord Maxwell for injuries done at "the Faldes upon Esk," he answered that he had given up the wardenship, and no redress has yet been obtained. Has sent a safe-conduct as requested. Wishes to know who is to be his ambassador upon this Low Sunday, and by what March he will enter, as he wishes to go home, where he has not been for six nights together this 12 months. Harbottle, 6 March. | |
Ib. 228 (b.) | iv. Dacre to the queen of Scotland. |
Had advertised her of the King's pleasure by his servant William Hatherington. His highness was sorry her dues were not paid according to the contract between the two Kings, expressing no doubt that the arrears should be paid by means of his grace, who is greatly displeased that she made no answer except by word of mouth. Begs a favorable audience for her old servant, the laird of Barrow, whom he now sends. | |
Ib. 230. | v. "Instructions yeven by Thomas lord of Dacre to his trusty and well beloved servant, the laird of Berrow, to be showed to the queen of Scotland. At Harbotell, the 6th day of March." |
1. That she should state, by the ambassadors about to be sent from the King her son, her complaints about disobedience and the arrears of her "conjunct fee." 2. That Albany deceives her with fair words, and paid her part of her duties to make her think he is not answerable for the breach of the contract that she should be obeyed and answered of her conjunct fee, made at her last entry into Scotland, and signed by him. 3. He claims the fourth part of that fee, viz. the earldom of March, as his inheritance, and wishes to exclude her from the new peace. 4. Her inclination to Albany is thought marvellous, as she opposed his coming into Scotland, "seeing the sudden departure of the prince her son," and that the Duke's father usurped the kingdom against his elder brother. 5. The King her husband would never acknowledge the duke of Albany. 6. The King is informed her grace is "departed from the earl of Angus, contrary to the agreement made with that virtuous father, frere Henry Chadworth;" and the talk is her grace left Edinburgh by night, and was met outside the town by Sir James Hamilton, her lord's deadly enemy, and conveyed by him to Linlithgow. 7. It is thought she has been induced to this by the fair words of Albany. 8. Her father married her into Scotland for perpetual peace between the two kingdoms. 9. It is suspected, with reason, that her son is a prisoner, as all persons about him are appointed by the Duke. 10. She should remember of what family she is, and who are her true friends. 11. She cannot expect any real help from England while she thus disregards her own interest. | |
iii. iv. and v. are copies by Dacre, pp. 6. | |
R. O. | 1191. WOLSEY to SIR WILLIAM FITZWILLIAM. |
Has received his three letters, with copies of such as Fitzwilliam has written to the King. "And assured ye may be that not only his grace and I be very glad to understand and perceive how roundly ye do fall to the matter, not doubting but within short time ye shall attain to perfect experience." Desires him to keep the King and him informed of all that occurs. Is glad Francis speaks to him so familiarly, and likes his company. Hopes he will use the opportunity to find out news. He may send his letters by the French posts to the French ambassadors here, when there is no great secresy. "If hereafter ye shall perceive by the French king's journey through Burgundy towards Lyons, that it shall be convenient and expedient that ye have a pursuivant and also cipher, being advertised thereof, ye shall not fail to be furnished accordingly." Is to tell the French king that Henry "not only loves him above all other princes, most esteeming his amity and constant dealing, but also cannot be quiet and contented in his mind till he shall eftsoons attain the sight of his person by a new, secret, loving and familiar interview." | |
Draft, in Wolsey's own hand, pp. 2. | |
7 March. R. O. |
1192. WOLSEY to [HENRY VIII.] |
Has received this day two letters from Sir William Fitzwilliam in France, which he sends. "And very glad I am to see the towardness of this young man, which in mine opinion and poor judgment falleth right well to the matter," and indites his letters to good purposes. Wrote to him yesterday to commend him on the King's behalf. After the King has read the letters, wishes to have them returned. Will write as news occurs. "From your house of Hampton Court." | |
Draft, in Wolsey's own hand, p. 1. | |
8 March. Calig. B. VI. 171*. B. M. Ellis, 3 Ser. I. 239. |
1193. WARHAM to [WOLSEY]. |
Has received letters from Oxford, stating that the university is infected with Lutheranism, and many books forbidden by Wolsey had obtained circulation there. Regrets this should have happened in a place where he was brought up, and of which he is now chancellor. The university desires him to be a mean to Wolsey, that such order may be taken for the examination of the suspected, as that it incur no infamy. Thinks it a pity that a small number of "incircumspect fools" should endanger the whole university with the charge of Lutheranism; a thing pleasant to the Lutherans beyond sea, and a great encouragement, if the two universities—one of which has been void of all heresies (Oxford), and the other boasts it has never been defiled (Cambridge)—should embrace these heretical tenets. It would create great slander if all now suspected were brought up to London; desires, therefore, some commission may sit at Oxford, to examine, not the Heads, but the novices. The university will be glad if he will request the bishops of Rochester or London to draw up a table of Lutheran writers who are to be avoided, and send it down to Oxford. Knoll, 8 March. Signed. | |
Pp. 2. | |
9 March. R. O. Ellis, 3 Ser. I. 237. |
1194. SIR RICH. GRESHAM to WOLSEY. |
Begs him to write to lady Margaret to reimburse the writer for losses sustained on certain cargoes of wheat which Gresham had bought three months since in Brabant, considering the scarcity in England. The said Lady, after allowing him to ship the wheat and freight his ships to Zealand, had countermanded the order, and compelled him to discharge the grain. As the price has now fallen he has incurred a loss of 400 marks or more. London, 9 March 1520. | |
Will bring with him eight pieces of cloth of gold for hangings of his closet at Hampton Court. | |
Hol., p. 1. Add.: My 1. Cardinal's good grace. Endd. | |
10 March. R. O. |
1195. SIR WM. SANDYS to MR. LYSTER. |
Desires him to deliver to the bearer the sum of 24l. 9s. which lord Darcy has appointed to be paid by him. This letter will be sufficient quittance. Will be glad to do anything he can for him. Calais, 10 March. Signed. | |
P. 1. Add. Endd. | |
13 March. Calig. B. VI. 229. B. M. |
1196. JAMES [BETON], chancellor of Scotland, to DACRE. |
Received his letter on the 12th, dated Harbottle, 6 March inst. Is sorry attempts should be made to the injury of the realms. Will do what he can to prevent them. Never heard of Maxwell's resignation. Thinks he would not have done it without the consent of the council. Will suggest the best remedy when the council meets. He knows probably, by Adam Otterburn and Hadryntoun his servant, that the lords appointed to go into England had declined. Begs Dacre to use his influence for the prorogation of the truce. Desires restitution, as he himself had been robbed of horses, malt and sheep. Glasgow, 13 March. Signed. | |
Pp. 2. Add.: "To my lord Dacre," &c. | |
16 March. R. O. St. P. VI. 67. |
1197. LEO X. to WOLSEY. |
Thanks him for his zeal against Luther and the newly revived heresy of the Hussites, and for forbidding the introduction of their books into England. Was informed of Wolsey's conduct by the letters of Hieronymus bp. of Ascoli, the nuncio in England, for whom he desires credence. Rome, 16 March 1521, 8 pont. Signed: Ja. Sadoletus. | |
Lat. Vellum. Add. | |
Calig. D. VIII. 21. B. M. |
1198. [FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY.] |
Master Dean of the chapel (fn. 1) arrived here on Sunday morning, 17 March, about 9 o'clock, and went the same day to the King's presence. The Admiral had ridden out and came home the same night, and the Dean spoke with him next morning, and made the King's recommendations and yours. The King's manner continues as good as can be. He has not been out hunting or hawking, except one day, without sending for me. Last time he talked with me of many things, and said the rebels of Spain were still together, and were never so strong, for they are now 18,000, and would not break till their King came, when they would make certain constitutions, "which, he said, he had as lief be no King as consent to." One was that no money should go out of the country; another, that promotions should only be given to Spaniards. He thinks that Chievres will go no more into Spain, "and I assure your grace by his words that man is nothing in his favor." | |
Francis also spoke of his ships; and, if it be as he says, he has a goodly fleet: first, a ship that is to be ready by Midsummer, somewhat bigger than our ship, then the great ship of Scotland, and to the number of 16 sail in his realm, the smallest of 400 tons, or at least above 350, "and three great galleons that I never heard of such, for they draw so little water that he will bring them so near the shore that he may land out of them without a boat 500 footmen and ... horsemen, and he will have a bridge that shall be ever ca[rried with] them, so as when they be aground they shall op[en] ... and the bridge shall be put forth and so they shall land." He says also he will make galleons to sail with low decks, not to board but only to shoot. Does not hear that he intends doing any naval feat. I think he spoke to me as Vice-Admiral, and asked me how I liked them; and I praised them enough. One John Francisco Day Stamp is here, who was born in Milan, and would never come in to the French king. They say he is one of the best captains, and has done the King here great displeasure. It is said he desired money of the Emperor, and the cardinal of Seo said to the Emperor, "Sir, let not th[is man] go from you for nothing, for rather than he should, [I had] liever give 10,000 fl. Yet he is come hither, and shall have a great [pension], and they be very glad of him. I have not heard the King or the Admiral speak of him. | |
Francis has sent to the king of Denmark 1,500 foot with victuals and wages for three months, and six great pieces of ordnance, to help him to win the realm of Sweyth (Sweden), with presents of bards, harness, plumes, &c. for six men. When the men were landed in Denmark, on their return they robbed certain merchants of Denmark and Lubeck, for which the king of Denmark took their captain, the brother of the grand seneschal of Normandy, and bade him pay the money that his men had taken, by a certain day, on pain of losing his head. There was an Englishman living at Hull, who owned the ship the king of Denmark had taken for his wars, and had received money for her. Hearing that this French gentleman was to die for 400l., he said, "there was too great a friendship between their masters that he should die for that," and paid the money at once. This the King and nobles here speak much of. When the were done, the king of Denmark sent home the Frenchmen that survived without a penny in their purse, "whereof I am never a whit sorry, for I would there were never a whit greater amity between France and them. Sir, this gentleman and the merchant both showed me that the king of Denmark sayeth he will have war with the King my master, which I believe never a whit." Has ordered the merchant on his return home to report to Wolsey what he heard. Has heard a report that the Pope [is levying] 10,000 Swiss, and that there will be war between [him and] the duke of Ferrara. It was certain Francis would take no part with the duke of Ferrara. Asked the Pope's ambassador if the rumor were true, who said he heard nothing of it from Rome, though the report was current here. Francis looks very lightly upon the Pope's [ambassador]. Whether there be any pique, I know not. Perhaps it is that the Pope's ambassador is not the most pleasant man to devise withal. No date or signature. | |
Pp.4. | |
17 March. Calig. B. I. 11. B. M. |
1199. DACRE to WOLSEY. |
Has received his letter from Westminster of Feb. 22. Had sent, before the receipt of it, to the king of Scots a minute indented between himself and the warden of the Middle Marches, to which the chancellor of Scotland made but a slender answer. Sends copies. In his letter to the Chancellor had required to know the names of the ambassadors coming from Scotland to England;—received for answer that they had excused themselves from the alliance. The Chancellor had begged further prorogation of the truce without restriction. Sends copies. Advises compliance with their desires to the last of June, or else sharp annoyance to compel them to keep their word. Angus and the Homes will be of great service. Proposes to place 300 men, at 6d. a day, in divers holds along the Marches. The captain of Berwick must let him have 300 men of his retinue, and can have in their place 100 of Wolsey's tenants in Hexhamshire, and 100 from Morpeth. As the abstinence breaks up on the 9th April, will provide to lie at Wark and on the Middle Marches without any bruit. The person that comes down for the trying of the said 300 men must be in Yorkshire by the 7th. Has written a letter of credence to the queen of Scots, with certain instructions to his servant. Sends copies. Her complaint is not true that Angus holds her lands from her. He had only a house of hers, called Cowpersepeth (Cockburnspath), of five marks sterling. Great "combre" in Scotland from the death of the bishop of St. Andrew's. The prior of St. Andrew's, who "should have been bishop before, and the Duke put him down," has entered the castle of St. Andrew's. The earls of Arran and Lennox are disputing for the abbey of Dunfermline. Harbottle, 17 March. Signed and sealed. | |
Pp. 3. Add. | |
18 March. R. O |
1200. CALAIS. |
Declaration of the money received by William Brysewood, surveyor of the works in Calais, from 25 Oct. 7 to 5 Aug. 12 Hen. VIII.; viz., from Sir Hugh Conwey, treasurer; the lord of Saint John's, Poynynges and Sandes, commissioners at Calais, 10 March 7 Hen. VIII.; Thomas Prowde and Thomas Botte, farmers of Mark and Oye; and from Sir William Sandes, treasurer. Total, 4,782l. 19s. 5½d. | |
Payments for repairs at Calais:—To Robert Fowler: for repairs on the castle of Guisnes; the "counter muring" of the north side of Calais; to Sir William Skevyngton, master of the ordnance. Total, 4,696l. 5s. 6¾d. | |
Five indentures for receipts, and seven books of payments, were delivered to Mr. Tamworth on 18 March 12 Hen. VIII., put into a bag, "and laid on his shelf by mine other books in his writing house." | |
Paper roll. On the back are the signatures of Sir Robert Wingfield and Richard Weston. | |
20 March. R. O |
1201. CUTHBERT TUNSTAL to WOLSEY. |
The bearer, Master Semer, Wolsey's old servant, has been admitted to the Emperor's service with the entertainment of a gentleman's room, by recommendation of the King and Wolsey. He has now leave to revisit his friends, and he wished Tunstal to tell Wolsey of this, lest he might be wrongly informed of the cause of his departure. The Emperor and Council are well pleased with him. Worms, 20 March. Signed. | |
P.1. Add.: To, &c. the cardinal of York, [legate] de latere and [chanc]ellor of England. Endd. | |
21 March. Calig. D. VIII. 23. B. M |
1202. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY. |
Received his letter dated Hampton Court, 6 March. Is glad the King and Wolsey are pleased with his services. Hopes to keep up his familiarity with the French king, and observe what is worth the marking. Sends by the French post, as Wolsey desires, whenever he knows of its going. The Admiral has ordered that he shall be informed when they send, but he is sometimes beguiled. Begs to have a pursuivant in case the King go further than Degyon. Would be glad to have a cipher, and wishes his servants re-dispatched as soon as they arrive. Has ordered three men and three horses to go continually between himself and Wolsey. Spoke today with the French [king], and said Henry would not be contented until he obtained a sight of his person by [some] secret and loving meeting. Francis replied, "a foy day gentelho[mmes there was] no man living he loved better;" adding, "and I shu[ld not] rejoice of this amity that I have with my brother, I [know not] whereof I should rejoice, for I cannot be allied to [so great] a man in this world, for there is no King to him...they be childer, or men that be not worthy [to be] esteemed like him. He is worthy to be a king a[lonely] but for his just dealing and his virtue. Let him but send me word to meet him at Calais, and I assure you, in what place soever I be, I shall come to him in post; and if he will, no mo but Rochepott with me, or as many mo as it shall please him to appoint. And as for my lord Cardinal, I pray you recommend me unto him, and show him that I trust no less in him, and assure him he is the man I first founded me upon to keep the amity betwixt the King, my brother, and me." Francis has commanded that now, in the Queen's absence, I shall be lodged in the house where he lies, and says he will not have me ordered like an ambassador, he will use me like one of his chamber. Today the Queen and my Lady go to Paris to do their pilgrimage. The King goes towards Burgundy, but where they will meet no man can tell. Thinks he will not go over the mountains this year, though some say he will. Has been told my Lady "made her sicker than she was indeed," that the year might pass till it was too late to go. Nansee, 21 March. Signed. | |
Pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. | |
26 March. R. O |
1203. For the EXECUTORS of SIR EDWARD BELKNAPP. |
Release to his executors, Sir Edward Ferrers, William Shelley, justice of Common Pleas, brother of Sir Edward Belknap, and to William Clerke, vicar of Wolston, from all receipts, wastes, and sales. Also pardon for all destructions of houses and inclosures made by Belknapp in the manor of Dorsett, alias Clepyng Dorcett and Brytton, Warw., contrary to statutes of 4 Hen. VII. and 7 Hen. VIII. His titles and offices are fully set forth in this grant. | |
Draft, Lat., pp. 17. Endd. | |
29 March. Vit. B. IV. 84*. B. M |
1204. SIL. BISHOP OF WORCESTER to PACE. |
Wrote a few days since. Sends a pamphlet just composed by a learned man against Martin Luther. The Pope will comply with Pace's wishes in his matter, and in those of Linacre, the King's physician. They shall be sent "a v. s. sotto el Reverendo nuntio." Rome, 29 March 1521. | |
P. S. in Worcester's hand:—Desires his commendations to the dean of Ely when he arrives. | |
Ital., mutilated, p. 1. | |
"D. Ricardo Paceo, Chri. Angl. et Franc. regis primati secretario, &c., London." | |
* The following memoranda occur in Pace's hand on the back:—"...dum auxi... Credit Rex quod a d[ominis culpabilis in] venietur et attaynte. D. B (fn. 2).; et pro ea re et Hybernicis convocabit[ur] parliamentum. Vulgar' milit[es] mittendi. Monachus et Dalacou[rt] ad Turrim Lon'. Arcturus Po. (fn. 3) expe[llitur] ab aula. D. Leo. (fn. 4) confessus est quod A[rcturus] rogavit ipsum ut scriberet [de] incarceratione ducis; ne[ga]vit; ivit tamen ejusdem rogatu ad H. (fn. 5) fratres, ut in se. p[oneret] Pole quem non invenit. De D[omina] Sarum res in disc[eptatione] propter nobilitatem et bonitatem illius." | |
29 March. R. O |
1205. WARHAM to WOLSEY. |
I have made abbreviat of the depositions of the fellowship of Merton College in Mr. Rawlyns' (fn. 6) cause, and send them with the originals. The matter rests on five articles: (1.) Whether Rawlyns has been intolerable in the College ? (2.) Whether he has been unprofitable ? (3.) Whether he has diminished its state in things moveable or immoveable ? (4.) Whether he has duly observed the exercise of learning ? (5.) Whether he has diminished the number of the fellows. Ten of the fellowship have deposed against him in every article, giving various reasons which you will see from the abbreviat. Five try to excuse him. Croydon, 29 March. Signed. | |
P.1. Add.: My lord card. of York and legate de latere. | |
29 March. Calig. D. VIII. 25. B. M |
1206. FITZWILLIAM to WOLSEY. |
This afternoon Francis called me, and bid me tell my master how he had been in hand with the duke of Albany, and told him plainly he was displeased with the Scots for not sending their ambassadors to England, which he thought was owing to the Duke;—that Albany had replied, as he was a true gentleman, he had done the best he could by his writing to make them send an embassy; and that when the Duke was in hand with him for his going into Scotland, Francis told him if he went he should lose everything he had in France, and never be in favor again while he lived. Francis requests the King to make a new truce for five or six months, like that made last year, and he doubts not the Scots will send an embassy; and that Albany has promised to do his best in the matter. He has also sent to Mons. Dawbeney to remain there, if he have not left already, till this is brought to pass. The Admiral told him they would beseech the King to have this truce for a year, "and also [that they] have been these three days abouts to bring...Albany to pass, for he would none other way...would into Scotland, for he would not else save hi[mself]...when the King would say to him, as I have written, [then he] would answer and say: 'Sir, ye have penssans of my [wife's] lands that be in France, and now of my life, and... I had as lief ye took my life as to keep me here.'" He said they of the country [would never be] content unless he came; they had such debates among themselves, which only he could pacify. | |
I think the King should grant this truce, only if it be for his own advantage; "for Scots will never do good to England [while] the world standeth. Please it your grace, nature [compelleth] me to speak somewhat roundly against them; bu[t they] slew two of my brothers." The King and Wolsey can see a thousand times further than he. Wishes to know the King's pleasure about this before his ambassador come. I have sent you two letters this week, one dated this day. I had sent off my servant before the King spoke to me. I would not, for more than I am worth, that I had done to the duke of Albany as I did on Shere Thursday, as you will see by my other letters. I will hear from the King's grace and you before I give him so much as good even or good morrow. Saussard, 29 March. Signed. | |
Pp. 3. Add.: To my lord Cardinal's grace. Endd. | |
30 March. Vit. B. IV. 86. B. M |
1207. CAMPEGGIO to HENRY VIII. |
Commending the appointment of Longland to the see of Lincoln, of whom the Pope has spoken very highly in a consistory held on the 20th. Rome, 30 March 1521. Signed. | |
Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. Add. in modern hand. | |
30 March. Vit. B. IV. 85. B. M |
1208. CAMPEGGIO to WOLSEY. |
Congratulates Wolsey on [Longland's] appointment to the see of Lincoln. Has written less frequently of late, as there has been no news. News of the Lutheran heresy has come to Rome; it has been condemned there in a synod. Sends him a copy of the decree. Will be glad if the King will write to the Emperor, as the Pope has done, to crush this pestilence entirely, and that Wolsey would write to Chievres to the same effect. Rome, 30 March 1521. Signed. | |
Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. Add. | |
Vit. B. IV. 90. B. M |
1209. [CARD. DE MEDICI to _.] |
By his last of the xx[vijth?]...The French had proceeded to their dishonest craft; the King's lieutenant with all his horse and foot had taken possession of [Reggio] under a pretext of getting possession of the Milanese exiles there, and taking the city out of the hands of the Pope, but did not succeed, as he had stated in his last, which he supposes his correspondent has shown to the King and Wolsey. Had received his letters of the 25th of the same month, stating he had written on the 20th, which last the writer had not received. Had heard from the Salviati staying at Lyons that the courier was taken prisoner near Paris, his guide slain, the letters taken from him, and a rumour circulated that it was done by robbers. In his letters of the 25th, he states that Henry is attempting to settle amicably the differences "inter Cæsarem et G[allum];"—the Pope thinks this has proceeded from the good nature of the King. It will, however, only encourage Francis, who ought to be restrained, as he has often disturbed the peace of Christendom. Has communicated with his Holiness, but as there was no suitable place for negotiation out of the town, did not utter a word of this. As they [the French] could not win over the Pope to their purpose, they had recourse to irregular means by seizing one of his towns. This insolence must be chastised, or they will proceed further. The Pope has resolved to liberate himself at all hazards from this intolerable slavery, and hopes that Henry will show the same good mind towards the Pope and his confederates that he has always done. Wolsey may secure the honor of England and his own reputation, and recover for the Emperor his own, by promoting this design. He is to tell Wolsey that this design is set on foot, not merely for the liberation of the Holy See, but of Italy, from the fangs of the wolf; and is to thank him for what he had done in urging the King no longer to write for the bishop of Worcester. The Pope has resolved not to promote him... | |
Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. | |
Vit. B. IV. 95. B. M |
1210. [CARD. DE MEDICI to _.] |
As to Wolsey's complaint that the powers he had received from Rome did not allow him to burn books of Lutheran pravity, and so show the devotion which England has always had to the Holy See, the Pope thinks that he has sufficient power to put in execution the papal decrees in which those books have been already condemned. Has ordered the writer to send to his correspondent the original bull, with certain authentic copies to that effect, requesting him to have it published in England, and condemn the works of Luther. Sends him the copy of a book put out by that damnable heretic, for which not the book but he should be condemned to the flames. Is to urge Wolsey to satisfy the Pope in this matter. He desires nothing more than the suppression of Lutheranism, and wishes the King to send an ambassador to the Emperor to urge him, vivâ voce, in this good cause. The King is the more bound to this, as he is more powerful than his predecessors. Is to press it strongly, knowing the great authority of England with the Emperor and the German princes. The Pope commends Wolsey's design of not suffering those books to be imported or sold, but thinks that remedy would not be sufficient, as so many have already got abroad, and they can be circulated by other means than the booksellers. A general bonfire would be more satisfactory. | |
II. "Ex literis antiquis, viz., de mense Februarii, in substantia." | |
The Pope complains of some of the imperial ambassadors, who, for their own private ends, talk of the Lutheran heresy as if it concerned the Pope alone, and not all Christian princes. He commends Wolsey's design of burning the Lutheran books, and hopes he will drive them all out of England. | |
Lat., mutilated, pp. 2. | |
31 March. R. O |
1211. SIR JO. PECCHE to WOLSEY. |
Received a letter from Gerard de Plancq, sieur de la Roche and Philip Haneton, requiring instant passage. They were last night at Dunkirk, and intend to be at Calais this day. Calais, 31 March. Signed. | |
P.1. "My lord cardinal's grace, [leg]ate a latere and chancellor of England." | |
R. O | 1212. HENRY VIII. to SIR WILLIAM FITZWILLIAM. |
Instructions to be declared to the French King. | |
The King is much pleased with "the diligent and substantial acquitaile that he hath used" in declaring the charges committed to him, and in informing him of all the news in France. Desires him to continue in the same discreet manner, using always the most pleasant words to the French king in the declaration of the King's fraternal love. After "affectuous recommendation" to Francis on the King's behalf, is to thank him for his kindness in sending "loving writing, pleasant presents and goodly sovenaunces" from time to time;—for the interest he takes in Henry's affairs;—his promises to do nothing of importance without Henry's advice; all of which he has heard of by Francis' letters to Marny, the ambassador here resident, and by the reports of Fitzwilliam and others;—the sending his ambassadors to Scotland to persuade them to keep the duke of Albany in France, and promise of assistance if the Scots continue in their perversity. He will find Henry like-minded towards himself; for Henry will take no steps concerning Scotland without his advice. Thanks him also for the Scotch news; which, however, he had already heard from the warden of the marches. | |
Although during the minority of the king of Scots many outrages have been committed on Henry's subjects, under pretence of a truce, which should have been revenged, from time to time, but for the intercession of Francis; and although numerous truces have been broken by the Scots, who promise to send ambassadors, and do not (as, of late, they desired a truce for six months, and promised to send ambassadors within fourteen days after Easter), as Francis has heard; still, notwithstanding this opportunity of making war by sea and land, the King has postponed it, considering the trouble Francis has taken to bring them to order, and feeling sure that he will abandon the Scots if they continue in their perverse purposes. Fitzwilliam is to report Francis's advice on this matter. If he offer to write to the Scots, advising them to send ambassadors to Henry, Fitzwilliam is not to oppose it, but say he has no further commission, except to learn his advice, and supposes the King will be agreeable in this and other matters, not doubting that hissaid brother will ponder his honor in that behalf. That Fitzwilliam may better understand the King's intentions, the King does not wish to make war on Scotland now, although it has given him much occasion, because, owing to the many quarrels between Francis and the Emperor, an invasion by one party seems inevitable; and in that case the King must assist the party attacked. He would then have to maintain armies in Scotland, Ireland and on the continent; an insupportable expense, considering the scarcity of victuals. For these reasons he does not wish to invade Scotland till the variances between the Emperor and Francis are appeased; and, therefore, he would be glad if any way could be found whereby ambassadors might be sent to him from Scotland for peace, provided it were done without the expression of a desire on his part. He would even agree to a truce till St. Andrew's Day, by which time it will be known how the matters between Francis and the Emperor will be concluded. These matters must be secretly handled, that there may be no appearance of a desire for peace with Scotland, but rather the opposite. This will induce the French king to persuade the Scots to peace; because, in case of war, he would be compelled to assist one, and so lose the other, which he would be loath to do, the matters in Christendom standing as they do. Fitzwilliam, therefore, is to endeavor to persuade Francis to keep Albany in France, who is the cause of all the disturbances, and whose presence in Scotland would be very dangerous for the young King, as he is next heir. Francis can easily do this, by putting the Duke in danger of all he has in France if he leave, and by putting all the Scotchmen in fear of their pensions. Fitzwilliam may also say that the Duke may be compelled to remain in France at his own expense; "for albeit it is said he is not subject, yet he is and always hath been at the French King's commandment, as he will ever be." | |
The premises considered, the ambassador has good grounds and reasons to induce the French King not only to write to Henry for prorogation of the truce, but also to cause the Scots to sue for peace, and to retain Albany in France; for if any casualty of death happened to the young King, Albany being in Scotland, it would be ascribed to him, and consequently to the French king for allowing Albany to go thither. Henry would be much displeased if this should happen, as it would be contrary to the French king's oath. Finally, "taking opportunity of time, and calling upon the resolute advertisement of the French king, what he woll advise the King's highness to do in that case, and how he will join with his highness if they contemptuously refuse to follow his counsel, as they have heretofore expressly said to his ambassadors that they would not take peace at his hand, when they might pursue to the King's highness, and more thankfully get it there than by his means, and also putting them in remembrance of the violations of their promises now of late made," Fitzwilliam will have good opportunity to drive the French king to write to Henry for prorogation of the truce, that meanwhile deliberation may be taken for further proceedings to repress the temerity of the Scots, making always a demonstration of actual war to be attempted forthwith, and taking care that no desire for peace be shown. For the furtherance of this matter, the King has caused the Cardinal "so to behandle" Marny, by making demonstration of war against the Scots, "and in so sore manner aggrieving the same," that he will write to his master to the same effect. | |
He shall also show to the French king that Henry, through his ambassador, has persuaded the Emperor to forbear "his voyage to Italy with puissance," because by so doing he would cause war among the greatest princes of Christendom, and he can honorably attain his crown by other peaceable ways; telling him that the advice and promises of the Almains was only for their own profit, and advising him rather to pacify the disturbances in Spain than go to Italy, leaving those regions in danger. It was also expressly told him that, if he attempted any thing against the French in Milan, the King would be bound to assist the French; and he hears now, from his own ambassadors and the Emperor's resident here, that, in accordance with these reasons, and on account of the divisions at the diet, and the excessive demands made by the Almain princes, the Emperor has changed his purpose, and intends to go to Flanders soon after Easter. Henry, therefore, hopes that the attempt of the young king of Navarre to recover his realm, and the invasions of the Low Countries by the duke of Gueldres and Robt. de la Marche, which are said to be done by the French king's assistance, will be stopped by him, as Henry would be compelled unwillingly to assist the Emperor in case of any like attacks; and this would hinder the fraternal love between England and France. The ambassador must desire Francis to abstain from invading the Emperor in any of his lands, "in avoiding the inconvenients that may ensue of mutual succours as above." As the Emperor and French king are joined to Henry in amity and alliance, he will refuse no labor in pacifying any variances between them. Fitzwilliam is to send a particular account of Francis' answers. Wolsey sends a calendar of ciphers for future correspondence. | |
Pp. 24. Draft, corrected by Ruthal. | |
Vit. B. XX. 222. B. M |
1213. [WOLSEY to HENRY VIII.] |
Has received letters in cipher f[rom his ambassador] with the Emperor, the cont[ents of which he has] had deciphered, and sends. The King will see the final answer [made to] the said ambassador upon his charge, which is "far discrepant from g[ood] and congruens, fownded and contryved onely [for] delaye, whereby they be lycke more to losse than [your grace] shall, and gret sympylnes and lacke of good re[membrance] may be arrectyd to them, thus to use so wyse a[nd] expert a prince in his afferys as ye be; allegyng [that they] cannot treat of the alleance purposyd by your g[race], the honor of ther mastyr savyd, except the Po[pe] do dispence with their oath made to Fraunce; wheras both at Calyse and also Cantyrbery, they wold actually have concludyd maryage, yf your hyghnes wolde have ben therto agreable, without makyng any mencion of any such dispensation. And whereas your grace in thEmperor's prevy chambber at Calyse objectyd that thEmperor was bowndyn by the contract made with the dowghter of Frawnce, by cause he was of full age, natwithstand[ing] she was nat at lyke age, yet the Chancellor exs[pressly] denyyd the same; and thow your grace seyd accordyng to trowght a[nd] the lawe, yet by ther denyall yt manyfestly apperyd, th[at] they rekonyd ther mastyr solute, nat nedyn any suche d[ispensation] as that they nowe allege; and much the les[s that this] promyse by your grace demawndyd importe nat so [much as an actual and real contract, whereunto at all times they have shewed themselves to be agreeable, to the intent that thereby your grace] shulde breke with Fraunce...nat so do. | |
"And where as the [lord Chievres] hath fownde a newe invention. wherein [he thinketh th]at your grace should be pleasyd, that ys to say, that a dyet within [your real]me should be holden at Calyce betwyxt commyssioners [to be s]ent thither on both partes, and that they shuld [treat] as well of the said alyance as of all other matters... I can not see to what purpose that dyet shulde serve, [or] what good effect shulde come thereof, but onely thereby ye shuld be browght in suspicion with Fraunce, and by [t]he collor of the same, the Emperor the sooner and rather shuld make hys hand with the same. Wherfor, seyng thys ther untowardnes, and that thys answer is their fynall [r]esolution, yt shalbe in myn poore oppynyon well done, that the mastyr of the [R]ollys do no further prese them in this behalf; but after a lytell taryng ther to know what conclusion shalbe takyn in thys gret assemble of the astates of Almayn, and usyng to the Emperor's own person suche wordes as be conteynyd in his last instructions, he shall take hys leve and departe. And I assure your grace, may be or long to they shall on their handes and feet seke onto your highnesse; for if the French king and they be at pycke, as your grace shall perceyve they be ryght lycke to be by the copy of suche letters as the French king now wrytyth to his ambassador, which I send onto the same herewith, Spayne also contynuyng in rebellyon, they [sha]ll nat onely have nede of your favor, socor, [and] assystens, but also yf they attempt any thyng by [hosti]llytee, your grace nat consenttyng thereto, they shall be [utterly] undone. Howbeyt in thys contraversy betwext thes two princes yt shalbe a me[rvelous great prayse] and honor to your grace, so by your hye wysdo[m and authority] to passe betwen and stey them bothe, that ye be nat by ther [contention and variance brought] onto the wer, whych as I perceyve by the latter clause of the [French king's] letters, he trustyth ye wolbe in cas thEmperor sh[ould] inter it to Ytelly, and so p[lucke the crown imperial] at Rome with a great army; whereupon I dowghte nat but your grace wole take good delibe[ration] and be well advysyd, consyderyng what ye be bowndyn to do by [virtue] of such treatys as be passyd betwyxt you, or y[e] shall make any promyse to the seyd Frenche kyng in that behalf. | |
"I send onto your grace herewith as well letters from Sir Thomas Spynell as from Sir Wm. Fytz William (your ambassador with the French king), (fn. 7) all whych forseyd letters, aftyr your grace shall have rede them, yt may lycke the same to remyte them to me agayn at your good pleasure, and yf your grace thynckyth my poore oppynyon good towchyng answer to be made to the master of the Rollys, your pleasure knowne I shall nat fayle to followe the same accordyngly as our Lorde knowyth." | |
Draft in Wolsey's hand, pp. 3. | |
Vit. B. XX. 251. B. M. |
2. Fair copy of the preceding, corrected by Wolsey, also mutilated, but supplying some of the lost words of Wolsey's own draft. |
R. O | 1214. WOLSEY to TUNSTAL. |
The King has received his letters dated at _ (fn. 8) containing the final resolution of the Emperor to Tunstal's proposals, and marvels that difficulties proceeding only of untowardness should now be made, since the ambassadors here resident had declared far otherwise. If they had not expressly said that the Emperor was ready to conclude the bond of alliance demanded by Tunstal, before entering into any other treaty, no such instructions would have been sent. Whatever Chievres and the Chancellor assert, the King expressly told the said ambassadors that he would hold no communication either for the defensive league with the Pope, the entertainment of the Swiss, assisting to repress the rebellion in Spain, or a new interview, unless the alliance was first passed, as the Emperor's ambassador here resident has constantly admitted, and which he says he has often reported to his master. Considering this refusal to a proposition which redounds more to the Emperor's profit than to his, the King's pleasure is that they shall not be further pressed to it, but that after declaring his last instructions Tunstal shall take leave of them and return to England. | |
The King will not consent to hold a diet at Calais, as nothing can come of it, except to make him suspected by the French king, "and the Emperor to the King's prejudice should the better and rather make his hand with the same." He is surprised that the Emperor's council should think that any ambassador sent to Calais could do more than Tunstal in the conclusion of those things committed to his charge, and supposes therefore that the said diet was devised only for the purpose aforesaid. His pleasure therefore is that Tunstal shall return as soon as he can, leaving Sir Thos. Spinelly as resident to report news. "Written from Hampton Court at the King's commandment." | |
Draft, corrected by Wolsey, pp. 3. | |
March./GRANTS | 1215. GRANTS in MARCH 1521. |
4. Sir Hen. Wyatt. Grant of the advowson and patronage of Melton church, Kent, he being proprietor of the manor of Melton near Gravesende. Del. Westm., 4 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 20. | |
4. Andrew Grenehill, of Cheltenham, Glouc. Lease of a tenement called Beryhouse on the east part of Hasildeyn, and a water mill called Bery Mille, late in the tenure of Wm. Warde, in the lordship of Ridmerely Dabitot, Worc., late of the earl of Warwick; for 21 years; rent 40s., and 40s. of increase. Del. Hampton Court, 4 March 12 Hen.VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 27. | |
4. Vincent Warmester, of Hereford-Est, draper, fishmonger, vintner and chapman. Protection for two years; going in the retinue of lord Berners, deputy of Calais. Newhall, 27 Feb. 12 Hen. VIII. Del. Hampton Court, 4 March.—P.S. | |
5. Chr. Arundell, of Blommesbury, Midd., alias of London, innholder. Protection for one year; going to prosecute certain pleas, complaints, &c. for the King, in divers courts. Del. Westm., 5 March. (No date of year.)—S.B. | |
5. Sir Edw. Nevile, the King's servant. To be one of the King's sewers, with 50 marks a year, and the King's harbinger (to appoint lodgings for attendants on the King in his great voyages and progresses), with 20 marks; on surrender of patent 24 Feb. 5 Hen. VIII., granting the same to Sir Wm. Vampage, now deceased, and Sir Wm. Kyngeston, in survivorship. Greenwich, 11 Feb. 12 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 5 March.—Pat. p. 2, m. 25. | |
5. Sir William Tiler, of the Privy Chamber. Annuity of 50 marks. Del. Hampton Court, 5 Marc 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 26. | |
7. Wm. Martyn, of London, and John Man, yeoman of the Chamber. Lease, for 21 years, of a watermill in the lordship of Erleslane, Heref., parcel of the earldom of March, lately in the tenure of Henry Eliottes; rent 26s. 8d., and 13s. 4d. increase. Del. Westm., 7 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 26. | |
8. Geo. Warcope. Lease, for 21 years, of a messuage in Persebrigge, called Esthall, parcel of the manor of Gaynefford, York, lately in the tenure of John Stevenson, and a watermill called Gaynefford Mill; rent 5l. 13s. 4d., and 6s. 8d. of increase. Del. Hampton Court, 8 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 27. | |
12. Sir Ric. Cholmeley, Rob. Shurton, clk., and Th. Watson, of Berwick. Lease of the fishery in the river Twede, called "New Water," from "Crabbe Water" to the sea; for 21 years; rent 40s. Del. Hampton Court, 12 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 27. | |
13. Sir Rob. Drury, Sir Edw. Belknapp, Anth. Fitzherbert, serjeant-at-law, and John Salter, deputy justice of N. Wales. Grant to them, their executors and assigns, of the annual rent of 100l., which was to be paid to the King by [Edw. Su]tton lord Dudley, for custody of the possessions of John Grey late lord Powes, granted to him by patent 30 Dec. 11 Hen. VII., during the minority of John Grey, son and heir of the said lord Powes; to hold the said rent from 30 Dec. 11 Hen. VII., during the minority of [Edw.], son and heir of the said John Grey, son of the said lord. Also, custody of the said possessions and wardship of the said Edward Grey lord Powes. Del. Westm., 13 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. (defaced.) | |
17. Sir Ric. Cotes. elk., minister of the Chapel Royal. Grant of the pension which the bishop elect of Lincoln is bound to give to a clerk nominated by the King till he be appointed by the bishop to a competent benefice. Greenwich, 17 March 12 Hen. VIII.—P.S. | |
20. Th. Pykyll, of the parish of St. Michael, Wood Street, London, and of the parish of St. Mary Somerset, London, merchant tailor, alias fustian-calenderer; and Wm. Estykke, of St. Sepulchre's, in Faryngdon-without-Newgate, and of St. Bride's, Fleet Street, fustian-shearer or "sherman." Protection; going in the retinue of lord Berners, deputy of Calais. Del. Westm., 20 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. | |
20. Robert Everton, of London, merchant tailor. Protection; going in the retinue of lord Berners, deputy of Calais. Newhall, 28 Feb. 12 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 20 March.—P.S. | |
21. John Wellysburn, groom of the Privy Chamber. Custody of Joan Lynd, daughter and one of the heirs of John Lynd, of Stokelynd, Oxon., and of her possessions, during her idiocy. Del. Westm., 21 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 28. | |
23. Robert Laward, alias Lord. To be receiver and feodary of the honor of Walyngford and St. Walleric, parcel of the duchy of Cornwall, on surrender of patents 19 Nov. 7 Hen. VIII., and 24 Jan. 2 Hen. VIII., granting the said offices to Geoffrey Dormer. Greenwich, 17 March 12 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 23 March.—P.S. Pat. p. 1, m. 21; and p. 2, m. 24. | |
29. Wm. Wyse, page of the Privy Chamber. Annuity of 10l., in the King's gift by the death of Th. Carvanell. Del. Westm., 29 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m.28. | |
29. Roger Radelyf, gent. usher of the Chamber. Annuity of 20l. Del. Westm., 29 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 2, m. 28. | |
30. Sir Wm. Kyngeston, knight of the Body. Grant in fee of three tenements with shops, cellars, and gardens in the parish of St. Martin near Ludgate, London, tenanted by Th. Sonnyff, Wm. Charsay and Edm. Snewyn, and in the King's hands because Scolastica Esterfyld, of Bristol, widow, deceased, bequeathed them in mortmain without licence: to hold in free and pure socage at the rent of a red rose. Del. Westm., 30 March 12 Hen. VIII.—S.B. Pat. p. 1, m. 22. |