Border Papers volume 2: September 1595

Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1896.

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'Border Papers volume 2: September 1595', in Calendar of Border Papers: Volume 2, 1595-1603, (London, 1896) pp. 53-58. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-border-papers/vol2/pp53-58 [accessed 25 March 2024]

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In this section

117. Lady Scrope to Lord Scrope. [Sept. 3.]

"Swit lord, I find bey thes men that you have sent oup, that ther practes is onley to deshonor you, for to my self thay have outterley denayed al ther one confessions, avoing that your extrem deling with them inforsed them to do that thay dod. Wich when I hard, I thoughet best presentley to advartes you therof, that now you may thinke the better what you have to do. I wel do my best to kepe them from coming before the Cunsel tel I here from you agayne; but good my lord, worke now of a more surer grond, for in my pore openion thys plat hath ben layed from the beginning to make you forsake that plas, wich I hope you will better thinke of then in thys manner to leve et. When you have revenge you self of your enimes and settelled al thynges in better order then now thay ar, then you may voues (fn. 1) et at your plesur, befor wich tyme (for Gods sake) bare al with pasians and let them not have ther desiers in removing you of a sodain from thens. For your comming oup, I know not what to say, for I fere et will be a greatter deshonor for you to have them avow to your fayes before the Cunsel your exstremet of feling with them, and your larges promesses if thay dod your will. (For on of them dod say that you offred them Lanslet Carltons land and xxl. a yere, if he wold aver that you wold have him.) But your lordship is wise inof, and knos what to do better then I, therfor I wel atend onley for your ansur and be redey to fulfel your will, leving the rest to the report of thes barer, who was a wetnes of al that thay sayd to me, and so at thys tyme I well take my leve. From Hackne the 3 of September. Your assured loving wiffe." Signed: Philadelpha Scroope.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed: "To my lord and husband the Lord Scroope."

118. Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil. [Aug. or Sept.]

Text of letter wanting.

Addressed: "To the right honorable my most especiall good frinde Sir Robert Ceicill knight, principall secretarie," &c. Indorsed: "1595, Lord Scroope to my master. Desires the Carletons may be committed againe and some further examinacione taken of them and the Graymes." Wax signet (Scrope) broken.

119. Lord Eure to Burghley. [Sept. 6.]

I received your letter of the 1st by the post of Northallerton on the 5th. Your acceptance of my former letter binds me to honor you and doth greatly "recomforte me," the rather that I have long desired your favour, and will now endeavour to deserve its continuance.

"It pleasethe your lordship on speciall good will to me, to nominate to her Majestie amonge others, me to supplye the present weake and sicklye estate of Sir Johne Foster, in the wardenrye of the Myddle Marche, and upon that nomynation, her Majesties gratious lykinge of my service in that place under her: her Majesties further pleasure made knowen by your lordship, that I shoulde fitt my selfe for the same before Mychaellmes next."

Her Majesty's good opinion is the sole support of my poor estate, at whose feet I prostrate myself, and devote my service to her royal command. "But terryfied" to undertake such a charge, knowing my own infinite wants, without strength from her royal graces, I with all lowliness and in humblest manner submit myself to her royal pleasure, which I pray your lordship "wittnes" to her Majesty.

Your lordship knows I am "mearelye" unacquainted with these border services, and the Scottish outlaws have for years so strengthened themselves with horses and English subjects' goods, that it is thought this winter they will do greater outrages. Again, the gentlemen of Northumberland, except a few, are combined by "tryste" to save their goods, to let outlaws pass, some favouring them for "clanne or intermariage," and must be strongly resisted.

The warden has no house of her Majesty's safe and fitting to lie in, and would require for a time some horse or foot of her Majesty to break up such combination. I only speak of report, and cannot touch any name of worth.

For myself, I can no way make my removal from Ingleby in Yorkshire by Michaelmas next—for corn has to be reaped—grounds for store to be had—my own grounds far off and other things for housekeeping not to be had, winter coming on so fast, unless your lordship help. I would therefore ask whether I shall repair to Court for her Majesty's further directions, or stay here? Your lordship knows better than I what the Queen's houses, grounds and "personages" in Northumberland are, and their estate. "Except the warden, besydes the ordinary fee, have groundes and personages for helpe of hospitalitye, he shalle not be able to doe her Majestie that service he shoulde doe." Inglebye. Signed: Ra. Eure.

1 p. Closely written. Addressed. Indorsed.

120. William Selby to Burghley. [Sept. 9.]

Fearing you may think me negligent, I must certify your honour that the two years' pay is not yet effected, by reason of divers controversies between Mr Carey and Mr Bowes, and Mr Carey and Mr Vernon, and two victuallers, one called Glover, the other Coleman. Mr Asheton now in London, has promised to make known the particulars to you. When these are settled and Mr Bowes' promise performed (which Sheperdson his man says is ready) we shall proceed as directed.

Munition is come for Berwick, Carlisle and Newcastle. The officer of the Tower has not (as in Captain Erington's time) sent a copy under his hand to me (now comptroller) that I may see the master of the Ordnance justly charged with it in his account. Berwick. Signed: Willm. Selby.

½ p. Addressed. Indorsed. Wafer signet: a shield barry.

121. Sir John Selby, &c., to Burghley. [Sept. 10.]

Reminding him that their pay for the years 1588 and 1589 fell behind, and about four years since by means of Sir William Read and Captain Selby's suit to him, they obtained solely through his lordship, one half of it. That now Captain Selby having again sued for the balance, has obtained the same, only through his lordship's means, and the good help of Sir Robert "Cieccill"; and they pray for an order that the same may be paid to them. Berwick. Signed: John Selby, Thomas Parkinson, maiour [5 captains, 3 constables, 10 pensioners and 6 gunners].

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed: "The officers of Barwick to my lord."

122. Warden of the Middle Marches, his fees, &c. [Sept. 10. 1595.]

Northumberland.—Grant of the office of Warden of the English Marches towards Scotland, "viz., in partibus de le Myddle Marches ac in dominio Scocie, necnon custodie de le Tyndale et Riddesdale," to Sir John Forster knight by the Queen's letters patent dated 4th November, 2 Eliz. (1560), with wages and fees of 300l. yearly, also 10l. each for two deputies under him in said Marches, and 40s. to each of two warden sergeants therein; all during her Majesty's pleasure, payable yearly at the feasts of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Michael Archangel by equal portions—in all 324l.

Also the said warden's fee for keeping the castles of Tynedale and Ryddesdale 26l. 13s. 4d. yearly. The fee of the said Sir John Forster as bailiff and receiver of the issues, &c., of the barony of Bywell and lordship of Bulbecke (parcel of the possessions of the late Earl of Westmorland attainted) 6l. 7s. yearly during pleasure, under the Queen's letters patent of 12th July, 13 Eliz. (1571).

1 p. Latin. Indorsed (as title).

123. John Carey to Burghley. [Sept. 12.]

I have been intreated by Captain Selby and the other captains and officers here, to send "these letter" with their dutiful thanks for your favour, which they can only requite by prayers.

"The Chauncellor of Scotlande hath byn very sicke, and in such case as he was prayed for by the ministers in thire churches at Edenbroughe, but is nowe something amended. The King hath byn a great whyle at Glasco and St Johnstones, and in divers partes of the West, taking possessyone of the landes and houses of the Earle Athells, who is lately dead, and the King being his next heyre, hath entred uppon all his landes."

There is a ship new come in here with "some six score" qrs. malt for the palace, so we are well stored till Michaelmas. But I would beg your lordship consider that provision must now be made for next year, and if Mr Vernon have neither money nor credit, we shall be in worse case than before. The garrison take up their horses at Michaelmas—there are neither pease nor oats, but a few old pease, which will last but a fortnight or 3 weeks, and then they will be in same case as last year. Berwick. Signed: Jhon Carey.

1 p. Addressed. Indorsed.

124. Scrope to Burghley. [Sept. 19.]

Notwithstanding her Majesty's letter to the Scottish King, and his reply promising redress for outrages, I can see no order given by him, or willingness in his officers to enter on any course for it, and by Lord Herries' inclosed letter, I see we shall get nothing more than fair words, and therefore must press your lordship to move her Majesty to send 100 at least of the foot of Berwick with speed to this place to prevent the ruin of her poor subjects. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scrope.

pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

On flyleaf:—

Warrant by the Queen to Lord Hunsdon commanding him to choose and send 100 foot of the Berwick garrison to Carlisle to be under Scrope's orders for defence—with power to recall them to Berwick when necessary for her service there.

Draft in Burghley's hand.

125. Middle Marches principal men, &c. [Sept. 29. 1595.]

"To enquire how Harbottell hath bene repayred. Lord Ogle; Henry Withrington; Fra. Ratcliff; Robert Delavale; [ ] Lawson; [ ] Mettford. The constable of Pruddo; the baylie of Bywell, Carnaby; Edward Gray, constable of Morpat; the baylie of Bedlington; constable of Warkworthe; constable of Anwyck; William Fennwycke; William Fennwycke, keper of Tyndall; the baylie of Hexam; constable of Langley."

1 p. Indorsed by Burghley: "29 7bris 1595. Principall men and officers on the Midle Marches."

126. Berwick Accounts. [Sept. 29.]

Reckoning between Robert Bowes esq. treasurer and Ralph Asheton esq., for the pay of the garrison of Berwick for the half year ending 29 Sept. 1595.

Extracts.

Received by Ashton from the receivers of York (5000l)., Northumberland (2000l)., and Lincoln (2000l)., 9,000l.
Paid by him to the governor, officers, garrison, &c. [detailed] 8,151l. 9s. 11d.
Balance remaining 848l. 10s. 1d., certified by Christopher Sheperdson for the treasurer, whereof:—
Paid by the receivers to the treasurer himself before the account made "and detayned by him" 711l. 18s. d.
Balance remaining clearly in Ashton's hands 136l. 11s. d.

Signed: Ra. Ashton.

pp. Indorsed: "The reckeoninge for Michaelmas paie for Barwick, maid the xxxth of December eodem anno 1595."

127. Statement by Vernon. [Sept. 29.]

"Remaine" at Berwick on 29 Sept. 1595.

Breadcorn and meal, 172 qrs.; malt, 178 qrs.; peas and beans, 47 qrs. In salt store—hops, 1800; ling 50; cod 3000 . . .—bay salt 7 "way."

Cattle—1 bull, 16 oxen, 5 kine, 86 "weathers."

Memorandum.—It is to be considered what has been expended of this since 29 Sept., and what has been brought thither since. Signed: Robert Vernon.

1 p. Indorsed (as title).

128. Scrope to Sir Robert Cecil. [Sept. 30.]

I send the inclosed from Scotland, hoping you will acquaint my lord your father therewith. Earnestly intreating you to procure and send me his resolution with her Majesty's pleasure as to sending soldiers here for defence, in which I have often written to him and been over troublesome—but my excuse is the urgency of the matter. Carlisle. Signed: Th. Scroope.

I must intreat speedy answer, for I find by George Nicholson in Scotland that the King has "posted over his resolucion for Border causes till the xv of the next monethe."

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

129. Report on the Middle March. [Sept.]

Reasons for some to be sent to see disorders redressed or another warden appointed.

There has been no redress for any outrage by the Scots this 6 or 7 years "but wans gon and ay gon, never to be recalid."

The chief of the country, all but three or four, are driven to pay "blake mælle" for himself and friends to some Scots thief to save him from the rest.

The poor and those unable to pay "tribut to thos caterpilers," are daily ridden upon and spoiled.

The meaner sort cannot keep horse and furniture for service—the better sort are "so patisht with riders," that they take no care to defend the country, and each man oversees his neighbour's "wrake," so he escapes hurt himself. The Middle March hitherto counted stronger than the other two together in horse and foot, is now weaker in strength, and faint in heart, and unless redress come before winter, "the cuntrey will growe wild, and the Scots will be alletogether our masters." There are at least 10,000 Scots sheep fed within England, winter and summer, besides numbers of cattle, and any man who disturbs them is sure to be delivered by our warden. And the Scots already claim and enjoy 3 or 4 "meilse" of English ground, and will encroach further if suffered. The men of account (except 3 or 4 as above) have Scotsmen dwelling in their houses, who are chief guides for the spoil of the poor.

"Tristing" between Scots and English, which is March treason "by the establishement," is as common without the warden's leave, as our men meeting in the markets. "I am sorry that I must be forst to lay the falt where it is, but my conciens is chargid to see my cuntrey so ruind and not dooe my best to see it redrest. This cuntrey had gret neede of suche a warden as is able to take paynes, and will see wronges redrest, which Sir John Forster by no mænes is able to dooe—for his age is within 6 of a hundrid yærs ould, his memory faylles him, he is not able to stur out of his chamber, and he hathe none that medles for him in matters of the wardenrey but a basterd sun of his owne who is his debite warden, wan that is so given over to drunkennes, that if he cannot get companey, he will sit in a chayre in his chamber and drinke him self drunke before he reise! Thes be our cheffe offisers that rules our cuntrey. I reffer it to your honners discretion whether ther be not hey teyme for redres."

If by reason of Sir John Forster's bypast good service, her Majesty be unwilling in his old age he should lose his office, yet in my poor opinion she may do a charitable deed to my poor countrymen, to send down a sufficient gentleman of worth in the country to lie at Harbottell with 25 or 30 horse men during the time Sir John Forster shall live, or that she be pleased to appoint another warden—or otherwise "wo be to th'inhabitans therof, and the Quene shall lose a goodly cuntrey not to be recoverid to his former strenthe in a longe teyme agayne. Thus muche I thaought it not a mis to let your honor understand, be a mænes to releve our miserable afflictid cuntrey, and the prayers of the poore will help you to Heven." Not signed.

2 pp. In Sir Robert Carey's hand. Indorsed by Burghley: "7ber 1595. A relation of the state of the wardenry under Sir John Foster."

130. Berwick prices in 1591 and 1595. [Sept.]

A "conference" between the prices of victuals in 1591 and 1595.

Extracts.

Wheat in 1591 20s. per qr. In 1595 40s. per qr
Malt 12s. 20s.
Rye 16s. 24s.
Pease and beans 12s. 20s.
Oats 10s. 8d. 10s. 8d.
Oxen 4l. "le peece" 5l. 10s. "le peece.
Weathers in 1591 7s. 6d. "le peece," In 1595 12s. "le peece."
Butter 60s. "le barrel" 4l. "le barrel."
Cheese 40s. "le waie" 60s. "le waie."

[And some minor articles.]

The cost in 1595 exceeds that of 1591 by 2692l. 13s. 4d.

1 p. Written by Vernon's clerk. Indorsed: as title (partly by Burghley).

131. Lord Eure to the Queen. [Sept.]

"My humble sute to hir Majestie that it would please hir highnes to graunt this my peticion for the reformacion of the present abuses in the Middle March."

1. The constant incursions of the Scots have so weakened the people that they cannot keep horses as formerly and are forced to "trist" and combine with the outlaws.

2. To grant the warden "a large and severe commission" to punish all who make such "trist."

3. And a force of horsemen for defence, till the people recover their losses and furnish themselves with better horses.

4. That her highness would please to remove the officers in Redesdale and Tynedale, the bailiffs and constables of Hexham, Bywell and all other petty officers "infected" with combination or toleration of thieves.

5. And substitute Yorkshire or inland gentlemen in their places, who need not fear the outlaws—Scots or English.

6. That she would place horsemen at Harbottle and Rothbury to be led by the deputy warden living at Harbottle.

7. The chief danger to the English subject being upon South and North Tyne, "Darwett" water and "Allondaile," where some reset the outlaws and divide the spoil, and by the outlaws passing "the Waist above Bucastle" which is weak, that the warden may lie in Sir John Forster's house at Hexham with his horsemen, and ground for their horses, to defend the "Byshopbricke" and country.

8–9. As the "house of Hexham" is Sir John's, and some controversy like "to grow betwixt the inheriters of Carnabie and thos to whom Sir John will bequeath that house and landes"—that her Majesty would grant the warden some house of her own, in case Hexham be taken.

10–11. As the warden must strengthen his own people to his great charge, that her highness would increase the fee of 500l. formerly granted to Sir William Eure my great grandfather, my grandfather, to the Lord Wharton, and my father, &c., to perfect the services, and grant me "Stiford demayne" and other things which Sir John had by her gracious favour to better his estate in service.

12. To arm the country better with advice of her Council and the lord lieutenant of the north.

13. That she would bestow the parsonage of Simmonborne on the warden, now occupied by "one" Simpson, who has Haulttwisle, which is sufficient to maintain him—as Simmonborne "was bestowed upon my grandfather, then imployed in this service, and I will kepe a preacher there." Not signed.

2 pp. Broad sheets. The paragraphs numbered by Burghley. Indorsed: "Sept. 1595."

Footnotes