Henry VIII: July 1535, 21-25

Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 8, January-July 1535. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1885.

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Citation:

'Henry VIII: July 1535, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 8, January-July 1535, ed. James Gairdner( London, 1885), British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol8/pp423-434 [accessed 8 October 2024].

'Henry VIII: July 1535, 21-25', in Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 8, January-July 1535. Edited by James Gairdner( London, 1885), British History Online, accessed October 8, 2024, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol8/pp423-434.

"Henry VIII: July 1535, 21-25". Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 8, January-July 1535. Ed. James Gairdner(London, 1885), , British History Online. Web. 8 October 2024. https://www.british-history.ac.uk/letters-papers-hen8/vol8/pp423-434.

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July 1535, 21-25

21 July.
R. O.
1078. John Gostwyk to Cromwell.
I have done all things commanded in your letter. I have delivered your letter to Dr. Barons, and the other four letters, and directed him to prepare with all speed for his journey. He will leave on Friday or Saturday. I have delivered to Ric. Candisshe the commission for himself, Dr. Bonner, and Dr. Adam Pacey, ready sealed. They will start with all speed. I enclose a warrant for the same commission for the Lord Chancellor's discharge. I have been with Mr. Tuke for the bill for Candish and Bonner,—also with Dr. Haynes; but I cannot yet speak with Chr. Mount, the German, nor with Deryk;—but Dr. Adam told me that he was gone to the court with letters for you. I have sent your letter to Henry Polsted, and will keep in my hands the 400l. for Candissh. The abbot of St. Mary's, York, has sent here 2,200l. and more. I enclose you his letter. London, Wednesday, 21 July.
I fear I shall be much cumbered attending the Emperor's ambassador in hunting, for I am no good Latin man, and speak no part of their language. I wish some other had the room. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
21 July.
R. O.
1079. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
On Monday last the bearer was at Court to ask your advice concerning our repair to Court, and in your absence he told Mr. Norris the cause of his coming, who m[oved] the King's highness therein. He will tell you the answer. If we are to come, Mr. Justice Englefield and I will be at the Court on Monday next. We have not a little to do to scrutate every county in our commission, and I trust you will hear part of our acts in those parts where the King is now. On Tuesday we intend to be at Beaudeley, and so to Shrewsbury toward the Marches of Wales. Worcester, 21 July.
I shall not fail to follow your advice in Lord Barnes' matter. I suppose if Brabazon were at home, he could show more.
Hol., p. 1. Add. Endd.
R. O. 1080. Roland Lee, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, to Cromwell.
Thos. Rotheray has the measles. As the plague is in "Merisseis" (the Marches), I hintend to remove, and not go to Court till I know the King's pleasure. Write to the dean of the Chapel with my excuse. Wednesday.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary.
21 July.
R. O.
St. P. ii. 200.
1081. Thos. Fynglas to Cromwell.
After justice Cusake's departure to England, the Council wrote to the King about lord Thos. Fytzgerald's demeanour, by Thos. Brode, servant of the Chancellor, by whom Fynglas also wrote to Cromwell. Lord Thomas has now taken an oath of O'Conour to help him, and has given him certain towns. Some husbandmen join him for fear of loss of their goods. The bruit is that he intends to take the cattle, and burn and destroy in the English Pale, so that if the King sends an army they will have neither victuals nor houses. Would have come to England but for causes which Cace, the bearer, will show. Dublin, 21 July.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Sealed.
21 July.
Cleop. E. vi. 248.
B. M.
1082. Tunstall to Cromwell. (fn. 1)
We have endeavoured to ascertain the values of spiritual promotions in the bishopric of Durham, in accordance with the commission issued in consequence of the Act of the King's tenth and first-fruits. We have been delayed by the auditors being occupied with Yorkshire, but now send up the books, though we should have preferred to wait for the presence of Dr. Blythman at the sealing. Two benefices and one chantry have fallen vacant in my diocese. One of them is Symonburn, the parish church of all Tyndale, in the King's patronage. The other is a vicarage of small value in Northumberland, and the chantry is in this country. I will not give any institution until the King is agreed with for his first-fruits. It were well that some one should have authority to take the bonds here, to save the expense of riding up to London. Received lately the King's letters by Sir Francis Bygod concerning the setting forth of the King's title of Supreme Head and the abolition of the authority of the bishop of Rome. I had done so myself, and caused others to do the same, before receiving the letters, but I thereupon went to Durham and preached myself. I was sore grieved by words in the letter that the King reputed that I looked for a new world or mutation. If he knew my mind as God doth, I am sure those words would not have been put in. I have been as sore against the usurpations of the bishop of Rome as any man of my degree. It is not likely that I should look for the renewing of things which I withstood heretofore, when they flourished most. I look for no mutation nor new world, but the changing of this life transitory to the life eternal; and whenever it shall happen, I hope I may leave the King to reign many years after my decease. Aukelonde, 21 July. Signed.
Pp. 3. Add. Endd.
21 July.
R. O.
1083. John Husee to Lord Lisle.
According to his wish, has moved Mr. Secretary respecting Skelle's goods. He said he had heard nothing about it. Then, calling Mr. ViceTreasurer Fowler, who happened to be present, he asked him about it. Fowler said the goods were worth little; that the wife and children should have two parts, and the King one. He asked who made that worthy law. Fowler replied it was the custom of the country. The forfeit of Skelle's goods without his life will be to no purpose. On moving Mr. Secretary touching the misbehaviour of the deputy of Guisnes, he said he should be punished and no man should disobey your Lordship. Writes of Crispe's wools. Will refer to my lord of Norfolk. Sends Robert May's bill of spices, and a warrant for Wyndsor to be signed. Graynfyld has arranged with Ryngeley, and will be at Calais 15 days before Michaelmas. Will speak to Vycars for his son. Is greatly obliged for his taking Will. Sendy into his service. The Commissioners, sc. Mr. Treasurer of the King's house, baron Walsshe of the Exchequer, Mr. Baker and Pollard, will be at Calais in 20 days. Sends the banquet dishes by Harry Drury. London, 21 July.
Hol., pp. 2. Add. Endd.
21 July.
R. O.
1084. John Husee to Lady Lisle.
I have received your sundry letters. I am sorry your gentlewoman likes you no better. Randall and I will do our best to procure such an one as you desire, which will be hard to come by. Walkley will speak with Motley himself about the five marks. Smythe is in the country. He shall have my consent as you desire, but I think he will not come to London before Bartholomew Tide. Lord Montague is recovered and walking. Touching your "mucky" (monkey?) the Queen loveth no such beasts, nor can scant abide the sight of them. Please to remember Mr. Bassett's shirts. I trust you have received from King the chest with spices, the piece of raisins and the kersey. He departed suddenly without my letters. I have sent my lord the grocer's bill. I send six doz. "backett dishes" by Harry Drywry. You shall have the reckoning of them and of the old pewter at my home coming. You shall have further news at my coming from the Court. I thank you for the offer of your stewardship, but I have no knowledge nor experience in that office. If they had a fit man for one year, it would be a precedent for ever. 20l. or 40 marks would be well bestowed in his year's wages. London, 21 July.
Hol., pp. 2. Add.
22 July.
R. O.
1085. John Whalley to Cromwell.
Hearing that the King has appointed Commissioners to go to Calais, advertises Cromwell that the mayor and aldermen of Dover have been accustomed to receive half the passage-money of passengers crossing to Calais or Boulogne, and 2d., called murage money, on each passenger, to be spent in repairing the harbour and walls of the town. This revenue, forfeited by misusage, will be taken for the King's works. Certain lands have been given to the churches of St. John, St. Martin, and St. Nicholas, to the yearly value of 10l. This also is taken by some of the principal persons of the town. Wishes the King to write to the mayor and aldermen to "surceasse, nor no longer to intermeddle with thiesse two thinges" during the King's pleasure. Has spoken with several persons about the haven, and all agree that provision must be made to take away the great quantity of pebbles which accumulate there. He and the master of the Maison Dieu are now making drags and chains for that purpose. Dov[er], 22 July.
Hol., slightly mutilated, pp. 2. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
22 July.
R. O.
1086. Simon Heynes to Cromwell.
Received your command yesterday, by Mr. Gostwike, to prepare to go on the King's affairs beyond sea. How many horses and servants shall I take? "For I am farr unlike furneshed for suche a jorney." I beseech you "(because I never went of oni such busines before)" that my instructions may be plainly and fully set forth. London, 22 July.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.: "Sir Symon Heynes clerk."
22 July.
R. O.
1087. Ric. Southwell to Cromwell.
When I last waited on you at the Court, I moved you for the order and charge of the lord Bergavenny's lands in Norfolk and Suffolk. You were pleased to grant me your favor, and would speak to the King about it. These lands lie so close to mine, that if anyone else had them they might annoy me. They are not above the yearly value, as far as I know, of 10l. From my house in Norfolk, 22 July 27 Hen. VIII.
Hol., pp. 2. Sealed. Add. Endd.
22 July.
R. O.
1088. Thos. Megges to Cromwell.
When I was last in London, attending you and the King, there fortuned a little business between Alex. Balam and my wife for the key of the gate of a certain marsh adjoining Wisbeach, through which the inhabitants of the town claimed a way; and I have always left them, a gate that any man or woman may ride through with a sack under them, and lead or drive cattle to their common. I have set in the same place another gate, that a cart may pass for carriage of my hay. Balam sent to my wife demanding the key of the cart gate, that he might carry his hay out of his meadow adjoining to my marsh; which she denied him, saying "Balam is not my husband's friend; therefore he shall not come in my grounds." Thereupon he broke open the gate; with which I am not dissatisfied. But after so doing he went into the town of Wisbeach, calling on every man to come out and claim their common, saying, if they lost it now they should lose it for ever; upon which a vast number went to the said marsh to beat or slay two of my servants who were carrying hay. They had loaden the cart, and were come away before the said persons arrived, or else perchance they had been slain. As I told you before, the said Balam is the untruest and craftiest man and the greatest extortioner that is, as the Bishop (fn. 2) knows, to whom I have proved it; so that the Bishop did "blysse" him when he saw his untruth. And yet he is of the Bishop's council, and is supported by him. As you have preferred me to the King's service I beg you will be good to me, and that I take no lack from such a fellow that is of such ill manners and conversation. I bind myself to make amends to all my neighbours for any injury I have done to them, and will abide by your decision. As you are known to be my friend, I beseech you to grant a supersedeas to discharge the said Alex. Balam for sitting by the King's commission for the peace within the Isle; and you will quiet the country, and do what is acceptable to God. Wisbeach, 22 July. Signed.
Pp. 2. Add.: Secretary. Sealed.
22 July.
R. O.
1089. John Whyte to Lord Lisle.
I rejoice to hear of the prosperity of your Lordship and my Lady. Much business has been made by Sir Robt. Wallop against your tenants in Titchfield. They have brought a writ of assize against Walter Chandler, taking advantage of your Lordship's absence and that of Chandler, who is in Flanders. The sheriff, however, sent both the writ and panel to me in London to return to him, not knowing that I was of counsel with your Lordship; and when I read the writ I saw a fault in it that their assize should not have passed. This fault their counsel also mistrusted, and would have brought me a new writ to return, but I refused, although they offered me large money for it. I caused them to ride up to London for it so many times, that at last they had no time to execute the new writ; and Mr. Mervyn desired me to write that he hopes, not withstanding both the recovery and the fine, it shall not prejudice your Lordship. Winchester, St. Mary Magdalene's Day.
Hol., p. 1. Add.: At Calais. Endd.
ii. Panel of the jury between Sir Robt. Wallop, plaintiff, and Walter Chandler and Eliz. Lake, widow, defendants.
P. 1.
22 July.
R. O.
1090. Edward Clyfford to [Lord Lisle].
As "your good Lordship" has written to Mr. Secretary and Mr. Henry Knevet in his favor, and for the better assurance of his room, informs him that at his landing at Dover he met Torne ready to take passage to Calais; but he does not know his intent, nor how he has sped. Will wait here with his letters till he knows his Lordship's further pleasure. Had no leisure to write, and asked Mr. Knyght to tell his Lordship that he was waiting here. Requests him to write to Henry Knevet to know how Torne has done. Doubts not to find friends who will move the King to stand by his promises, as he is sworn the King's servant. Hopes that his Lordship will not be hasty in admitting Torne, even if he has brought letters which cannot be denied. Dover, Mary Mawdleyn Day, at night.
Hol., pp. 2.
R. O. 1091. [Lisle to Cromwell.]
I have received your letter dated Stepney, 17th inst., touching Henry Turney, who was banished by the ordinance of this town, and made suit to you for his readmission to his room. I wrote to you suggesting that Mr. Treasurer at his coming might have the hearing of the matter, but I am in doubt whether you have heard the report. I beg you not to be displeased if I stay the matter till Mr. Treasurer has shown you the truth.
It touches the ordinance two ways. I cannot put out Clifford, who is admitted into Turney's room by command of the King and you. I am sworn to keep the ordinances of the town, of which oath I enclose a copy. No man would be gladder to do anything you command than I, saving my oath and poor honesty. In this case there is no remedy. If you wish him to be restored you must send the King's pardon both for his banishment and the discharge of my oath, or else great rumour and exclamation will be made upon me, and I should never be able to serve the King in executing any ordinance, but that every man would be encouraged to speak at large. I had better be out of the world than bear office if the ordinance be once broken. As for any rancour or malice that ever I bare to him, if he be a just man, he will say that I gave him as good counsel as I would have done my brother before he incurred this danger, if he would have followed it. Calais.
P. 1. Endd.: Copie. Begins: Right honorable.
R. O. 1092. [Lisle to Cromwell.]
I have received your letter dated Stepney, 21st inst., touching Henry Tourney, late soldier, who was banished when the duke of Norfolk was here, (fn. 3) by the old ordinance made by the King's progenitors. I received another letter before to send up the cause to you, which I have done. Since that time you wrote that I should admit Edward Clifford in Tourney's room, which I have done accordingly. Whereas it is the King's pleasure that Tournay should be restored, Clifford was not put into the room by me, but only by your letter. When a man is once sworn into a room I cannot discharge him unless he offend the ordinance of the town, or without the King's express commands for my discharge. In that the ordinance of the town has been executed on Tourney with favor, to which I and the Council are sworn, "which, if it should not take place, it booteth not me to put none other in execution."As Tourney was banished by the mayor, the mayor will have him under surety, as he has not brought the King's pardon. It is thought that the matter was not indifferently handled, but of malice; and if the King will direct the commissioners who are coming here to hear the matter, he shall know whether Tourney has been ordered otherwise than right.
Draft, p. 1. Begins: Right honourable.
R. O. 1093. Henry Tournay.
Brief answers of Henry Tournay, soldier, to the principal articles that the Council of Calais have written to the King's secretary against him.
1. The records of the Marshal's Court and the Exchequer books of Calais in Chr. Conway's custody are not orderly and indifferently written and certified in the said process. 2, 3. In the warrant itself there are informalities. 4. Spyce is stated to have received the money in 1529, when he was dead 10 months before. 5. The deponents were sworn in my absence, and I could get no copy of their testimony. 6. There is some mystery in the examination of Sandwych. 7–10. Allegations of tampering with certificates, interested and insufficient testimony, &c. 11. I wonder the Upper Marshal and Mr. Rockewood are named amongst others who heard the charge against me of slandering the Council, for they sat still on the bench in Council when judgment was given. 12. It is no slander to speak the truth before the faces of parties for redress of intolerable injuries. 13. My two accusers were not sworn as alleged. 14. I was kept in prison 10 days, then banished by a privy bill made in the lord Deputy's name and the mayor's, though the process supposes that the mayor only banished me; and they have sent no copy of the bill or precept on which I was condemned unless I would pay the money on sight thereof. 15. If my words deserved such punishment, they are in great danger who misreported the King's records, both of the Marshal's Court and of the Exchequer of Calais. 16. The supplication I made in writing to the Council, which led to my being accused, is not once remembered in that process, "for it is a coutagious thing to be remembered towards them that are fawty." 17. Conway's bill, made out of his books to the plaintiff five years ago, should be seen, for thereupon the plaintiff began his suit.
Pp. 2. Headed in margin, in the same hand: "1535."
R. O. 1094. Sir Anthony Browne to Lord Lisle.
Desires to be remembered to my lady. As you wrote me in favor of one of your servants, "wyche a fanes (whose offence) was ondar 20s., "I moved the King in his favor, and his Highness was content to have pardoned him if he had done nothing else. But when the King came to the country there was great exclamation made against him. I stuck to him as if he had been my brother, and said it was done only of malice of one Thouarnay (?); on which the Council sent for 10 or 12 gentlemen, "wher off som was off there howndard Markeland," who have deposed on oath that he is an arrant old thief, who has been several times indicted, and was once imprisoned a year in the Tower, and got his pardon at the suit of Bond of the guard.
Hol., p. 1. Add.
22 July.
Ar. MS. 151, f. 197.
B. M.
Ciaconius, iii. 574.
1095. Paul III. to Ferdinand King of the Romans.
Doubts not that he has heard of, and been much moved by, the death of the cardinal bishop of Rochester.
Gives a brief account of the events which led to it. Believed that his promotion to the cardinalate would procure his safety and liberation, not his death. The King has surpassed in impiety his ancestor Henry II. Compares their conduct. One submitted to penance, the other is still a rebel and an enemy. Intends to declare him deprived of his kingdom, and asks for his assistance, together with that of his brother the Emperor and other princes, in the execution of justice. Rome, apud S. Marcum, 22 (fn. 4) July 1535.
Lat., pp. 4, copy.
23 July.
Mori Lucubrationes, 511. (Basle, 1563.)
1096. Gulielmus Covrinus Nucerinus to Philippus Montanus.
Writes to impart his grief touching the death of Sir Thomas More, though he supposes the report of it has been spread everywhere before it came to Paris. Gives an account of his trial and execution as in No. 996, derived from a news letter passed about in Paris, and written apparently by an eye-witness. Adds some particulars from the letters of friends and from rumour. A few days before viz., xv. cal. Jul. (17 June), bishop Fisher,—a man of great sanctity of life and wonderful liberality to the poor,—was taken from the Tower to Westminster Hall, partly by boat, and partly, on account of his weakness, increased by imprisonment, on horseback. There he was sentenced to death at the King's pleasure. The kind of death was horrible, and had been already inflicted on 15 Carthusians; along with whom suffered one Reginaldus (Reynolds), a Brigittine monk, a man with the countenance and spirit of an angel, and of sound judgment, as I found by his conversation when I was in England in the suite of card. Campeggio. Some of these are said to have been hanged, cut down, and to have had their bowels cut out; some to have been even burned. But the constancy of all was incredible.
On being conducted back to the Tower after that horrible sentence, the Bishop thanked the guards with a cheerful countenance for their attention to him both in going and coming. He seemed like one returning from a feast. On the x. cal. Julii (22 June) he was brought to Tower Hill, where he briefly addressed the people. He prayed for the King and kingdom, then commended himself to God, and kneeling down received the stroke of the axe upon his slender and feeble neck. Some think the full severity of the sentence was not executed on him, lest if he had been dragged so far he would have expired from sheer exhaustion in the chariot or hurdle. It was also said his death was hastened because Paul III. had made him a cardinal. Friends write to me that in Lower Germany it is reported that his head, when fixed on London Bridge, instead of shrivelling, grew more florid and life-like, so that many expected it would speak, as we read has been the case with other martyrs. The rumour, however, was suppressed, and lest the same thing should happen with More's head it was boiled in water. These and other things are written from Flanders, I know not how truly. I wish we had here the acts of Rochester as we have those of More. It is clear from More's answers that he had determined to die sooner than recant; and those put to death before him were of the same mind.
Would have liked to persuade the King to show less severity to these lights of Britain. On the other hand, if the sufferers had asked his advice, would have counselled them not openly to defy the storm. Time mends many things which force cannot mend. Those who serve kings ought to dissemble in some matters so as to gain at least a part of their object. Indulges in several other reflections, and refers to the clemency shown by Lewis XII. towards those who censured his divorce. More's death is deplored on account of his virtues—his candor, urbanity, and kindness. Who ever, even slightly learned, was dismissed by him without a present? Who was such a stranger that he did not strive to deserve well of him? Many only favor men of their own kind or nation, but he was friendly to Irishmen, Frenchmen, Germans, and Hindoos. His kindness so fixed itself in all minds that he is lamented as a parent or a brother. I have myself seen many shed tears for him who had never seen him or had anything to do with him. Tears fall even from myself unwillingly while I write this. What will Erasmus now feel, whose friendship was so close that they seemed to have but one soul? Explains the causes which ultimately led to More's execution, viz., the divorce question. Paris, x. Cal. Augusti 1535.
Lat.
23 July.
R. O.
1097. Victualling of London.
Permit, from the collectors of Customs of Ipswich, to John Grene, of St. Osythes, for 10 weyes of cheese and 10 qrs. wheat to be shipped in his boat of St. Osythes to London. Colchester, 23 July 27 Hen. VIII.
ii. Certificate, on the same page, by Sir John Champeneys, mayor of London, that the said wheat has been delivered to Cleton, the baker, and the cheese to James Ketell. 14 Aug.
P. 1. Seal of the Office of Customs gone.
23 July.
R. O.
1098. Sir Simon Harecourt to Cromwell.
When the King was late in this country, and I and my son attended upon him, Mr. John Peresall of Staffordshire sent some of his retinue with unlawful weapons to murder a servant of mine. He has not only behaved himself most outrageously to me, but the last summer, when the King was here, Peresall made an attack upon my son's servants because they would not allow him passage through my park. For this he was indicted, and would have had to pay a fine but for the King's pardon. I beg you will send a letter to the justices of the next session to be held on Monday next, that Peresall shall be handled according to his demerits. I propose to indict him at the next sessions at Stafford for felony and riot. I beg you will send me the patent of the fee which I promised you, and I will pay it. Staunton Harcourt, 23 July. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Secretary. Endd.
23 July.
R. O.
1099. Sir Richard Graynfeld to Lord Lisle.
Has arranged with Mr. Marshal respecting his office. "The fishing of the moats is clearly mine. I pray God send us good stuff of eels. Your part shall be in it."Let your servant receive for me of Ryngeley his great bay horse on St. Lawrence Day. If the commissioners at Calais propose to diminish my office, let me have your Lordship's favor and call on Mr. Marshal to speak boldly in it, as he has promised. I ensure you he is a very hard man, and if Master Secretary had not made an agreement between us, we should never have agreed. London, 23 July. Signed.
A commission will come to you before Bartholomew Day to take the surrender of his patent.
P. 1. Add. Endd.
24 July.
Tanner MS. 221, f. 15. Bibl. Bodl.
Ib., f. 27.
1100. The Guild of Jesus in the Crowds.
Letters patent to the Guild of Jesus in the Crowds in St. Paul's, London, to collect alms. Westm., July 24, 1535.
2. Ordinances of the above Guild.
24 July.
R. O.
1101. Richard Riche to Henry VIII.
As you commanded, I have told the duke of Suffolk that you marvelled he would make leases of those lands which your Highness is to have of him in recompence of your debt; that the manors of Ewelme and Donyngton are in great decay, and great sums will not repair them; that he has not bestowed so much money on Hokenorton as he reported; and that the reversion of Swarford, which John Verney holds, was not comprised in the bargain; nor the fee simple of certain lands which the lady Gordon has for her life. I moved him to grant these reversions to you. He answered that the never made lease of any of the premises since your first communication, except to your servants, and he hoped you would be contented with the leases without the fines; that he has spent 1,000l. on Ewelme, and 1,500l. on Hokenorton. Touching the reversions of Verney and the lady Gordon, he is willing you should have anything you please of him, considering that he owes all his estate to you, and he will be content with such recompence as you shall determine. Thos. Carter has been most diligent in furthering your pleasure concerning these reversions. The Duke says he has promised a lease for 40 years of the lady Gordon's lands whenever they fall, and hopes you will ratify it. The manor of Swarford is worth more than 30l. a year, and the lands of the lady Gordon 120l. Crokker, keeper of Hokenorton, is to keep 80 red deer for you. The Duke desires that you will not grant any part of Sir Thos. More's lands lying about Chelsea, for he wishes to have the house and the lands adjoining, which are not above the yearly value of 16l., as part recompence for the above reversion. London, 24 July.
Hol., pp. 3. Add. Endd.
24 July.
R. O.
1102. Sir Edward Ryngeley to Cromwell.
One of the books I had to deliver you is not yet come from Calais. I am now in such pain that I could not ride to court for 100l. I therefore propose to return and go over with the commissioners to Calais, as I have delivered one book to my lord of Norfolk, and another to you, touching Calais and the Marches. London, 24 July. Signed.
P. 1. Add.: Mr. Secretary.
24 July.
R. O.
1103. John Husee to Lord Lisle.
Sends by Henry Drywry 6 dozen banquet dishes, of which 2 dozen are pownced. My lord Howard has gotten, through the Queen's mediation and the Duke his brother, the King's part of Skell's goods, reckoned at 200 marks. Mr. Fowler told Mr. Secretary that all the belongings were not worth 100 marks; but Deane, my lord Comptroller's man, says his master shall make more than anyone else, and he asked, but in vain, for Skell's pardon. Had you sent letters to Mr. Secretary or me in season, to be delivered him, you had succeeded if the matter had been worth your asking. I suspect some juggling was played with your Lordship's letter; but the truth will be known, and so shall a false harlot another time. I am told my lord Edmund hopes to be here in the court with the King or the Queen, and have a better living. It is said the commissioners shall reform many things at Calais. London, 24 July.
24 July.
Roman Transcripts.
R. O.
1104. Bishop of Faenza to M. Ambrogio.
More was beheaded on the 6th, in the same place as Fisher, with infinite grief of the people of London. His head was placed with Fisher's on London Bridge. Has seen letters stating that the people are so angry that some just trouble might easily succeed some day in the kingdom, in consequence of these cruelties. Many other religious are imprisoned, and will endure the same punishment for persisting in saying that the Pope and not the King is the Head of that Church. There are an infinite number of that opinion, so that some tumult may be expected. Mons. Moretta has returned from England, and Mons. di Tarba remains there. Moretta was said to be under the King's displeasure since Norfolk's return to England, and twice had difficulty in getting audience. Perceives that it is known there that there is discontent between the two Kings, and more, the Imperial ambassador is much caressed.
The interview between the two Queens is expected to be held on Aug. 10. No certain news about Africa. Da Crepi in Valloys, 24 July 1535.
Ital., modern copy from the Vatican Archives, pp. 2. Another copy is in Add. 8,715, f. 99 b, B. M.
25 July.
Vienna Archives.
1105. Chapuys to Charles V.
Since the return of the duke of Norfolk and the others from Calais I have several times written to your Majesty, and, among other things, that immediately after the said return Cromwell came to notify to me that nothing had been concluded on the part of his master, of which he wished me to inform you at once; and that I agreed to despatch a messenger, provided there was other matter to convey, such as that the King would accept the overtures made by your Majesty, or make better ones. I have also written how, besides other three Carthusians who have been executed with the same cruelty as the former ones, they had beheaded the cardinal of Rochester and Master Morus, to the great grief of the whole people. I have also written how the affairs of Kildare prospered, and that the English were sending two persons to Lubeck and Denmark. At the request of the Princess I lately sent a message to Cromwell to know if she could be placed with the Queen; but he told me that the King his master would never consent to it, and there was no occasion for it, except that the said Queen was too papistical. He said the true means to get the Princess removed from where she was, and cured of her illness, would be to find a suitable match for her, provided it was not the Dauphin, to whom they had no intention of giving her, however much your Majesty might desire it; and that they were importuned by several petty princes of Germany, but this would degrade her too much. I think the King is not over anxious to marry, her; and, if we may trust the concubine, the dower will not cost much, because she is incessantly crying after the King that he does not act with prudence in suffering the Queen and Princess to live, who deserved death more than those who have been executed, and that they were the cause of all. Since Shrovetide I have sent a servant once or twice every week to the said Princess, but lately her gouvernante told my man that she was charged not to let him come in again. On this I have asked Cromwell to know the will of the King his master.
Cromwell tried to dissemble towards me the despatches of the two persons above mentioned, but at last, not to lose his influence with me in other things, he confessed it. They have not yet left, but are only waiting weather to sail. I have not been able to discover anything about their charge, but I fear they go in order to trouble matters in case the Count Palatine aspires to the kingdom of Denmark. From one thing to another he came to say that they see clearly that your Majesty is aiming at universal monarchy, and that you had already cast down kings on all sides (que desia vre. Mate. en avoit jecte les roys de tous coustez); and that, having the seacoast of the Levant and neighbouring countries, you only required to put the Count Palatine in possession of Denmark, and all the neigbouring countries would be compelled by fear or force to obey you, but he did not see what title the Count could claim to Denmark.
Cromwell told me that he would have paid 1,000l. sterling that your Majesty had heard a sermon made by the bishop of London a few days ago on the validity of the first marriage and the usurpation of the Pope, and that he would send it to me in writing, begging me to forward it to your Majesty. Hereupon he remarked that the King would never consent to a General Council convoked by papal or any other authority than that of your Majesty, who was the lawful head of princes and of all Christendom, to whom the right of convoking it belonged by ancient custom. Your Majesty will consider what is the meaning of this. Whatever looks or words they give there is little hope of bringing them to the right way. Their obstinacy seems to increase every day; yet they rely little on the favor of the French, of whom they are continually speaking ill, and with whom they associate very little. Cromwell, even when the bishop of Tarbes came to his gate three days ago, caused him to be told that he was gone out, when he was really playing at bowls, as the said ambassador told me, who thereupon came to visit me. I hear from France that they play them a like game in return (ilz leur en jouent bien a la pareille), for they have confiscated two English ships at Rouen by virtue of a mandate which was posted up a year ago in France. If this be so, and the French insist on keeping these ships, matters will be much embroiled between them and the English. I hear on good authority that the King intends to send Dr. Fox, his almoner, at the same time as the others into Denmark, and he will pass further into Germany. London, 25 July 1535.
Fr., from a modern copy, pp. 3.
25 July.
Vienna Archives.
1106. Chapuys to [Granvelle].
Does not know what the people here have found, but they are ruder and more impracticable than ever, and especially about the Princess. Hears that the King has forbidden her household to allow any stranger to speak to her, fearing that the French may carry her off. A guard has also been placed where she is, and at the ports. If so, this will vex those who had better means of carrying her off than the French. A plan for getting her out of the house had already been made.
Lately Cromwell said that they had no news of what had been written to their ambassador to communicate to the sieur de Likerke, because Likerke was in Flanders. Chapuys replied that he envied Likerke for this, for his private affairs would be improved by his going thither, and public affairs would be no worse. Said this as a pretence, so as to manage the removal better, and for the same reason accepted the King's licence to hunt where he liked. Cromwell was astonished at his wishing to make the voyage, and asked if he intended to come back or not, for the King would not let him leave without the usual courtesies, although he had not always treated what was agreeable to him. Replied that if he had really heard what he said, there was no need to ask such a question, nor say any more. Left him in a state of suspicious apprehension, the more so as foreign merchants are daily leaving the country.
Thinks that none of the German captains and soldiers who came from Lubeck with the King's master gunner are still here.
Sends a sermon of dean Sampson, who was once ambassador in Spain and at Bologna. It must be against his conscience, from despair of obtaining the promised benefice. London, St. James's Day.
The King is 50 miles off, going towards Bristol (Bristad) to attend to Irish affairs, which seem to be going ill for him.
ii. On a separate piece of paper.
The King wishes (a ouyt, qu. a enuye?) to kill his fool because he spoke well of the Queen and Princess "et disoit reb.....(ribaulde?) a la concubine et bastarde a sa fille. "He has been banished from Court, "et le rec.... elle le grand estonnee."

Footnotes

  • 1. Two fragments containing the greater part of this letter are printed in Strype's Eccl. Mem., I. ii. pp. 219 and 206.
  • 2. Of Ely.
  • 3. In May 1535.
  • 4. This is the date both in Ciaconius and in the Arundel MS., which, though not a very good copy, is an early one. But another copy, printed by Bucholz, in his Geschichte der Regierung Ferdinands des Ersten, is dated 26 July, and will be found noticed under that date, which would seem to be the right one, for the date of the brief is also cited in Ferdinand's reply. See Bucholz, IX., 15, 16. The concurrent brief addressed to Francis I. being also dated 26 July (see No. 1117) further confirms this.