Skip to main content

Full text of "Original letters, illustrative of English history : ser.1-3"

See other formats 


;ld 


;co 


!m 


$ 


■nfl-  \,m 


s^QSJ 


Sl^W? 


•tv 


E^iir 


.  ■■-,■ 


sy 


- 


HI   # 


I 


*  **£%*** 


'■*->/\ 


Qij 


ORIGINAL     LETTERS, 


ILLUSTRATIVE    OF 


ENGLISH   HISTORY. 


THIRD    SERIES. 


ORIGINAL   LETTERS, 


ILLUSTRATIVE    OF 


ENGLISH     HISTORY; 

INCLUDING 

NUMEROUS  ROYAL  LETTERS : 

FROM    AUTOGRAPHS 
IN  THE  BRITISH  MUSEUM,  THE  STATE  PAPER  OFFICE, 

AND    ONE    OR    TWO    OTHER    COLLECTIONS. 

WITH   NOTES  AND   ILLUSTRATIONS 

BY 

SIR  HENRY  ELLIS,  K.  H.  F.  R.  S.  Sec.  S.  A. 

PRINCIPAL     LIBRARIAN    OF    THE    BRITISH    MUSEUM. 

THIRD  SERIES. 
VOL.  I. 


LONDON: 

RICHARD  BENTLEY,  NEW  BURLINGTON  STREET, 
$3ubltsS&cr  m  <2hfctnari>  to  &er  iftajeStj). 


MDCCCXLVI. 


LONDON : 

Printed  by  S.  &  J.  Bentley,  Wilson,  and  Flev. 
Bangor  House,  Shoe  Lane. 


TO 
HER    MOST    SACRED    MAJESTY 

VICTORIA, 

QUEEN  OF  THE  UNITED  KINGDOM  OF 
GREAT  BRITAIN  AND  IRELAND, 

THIS 

THIRD  SERIES  OF  LETTERS 

ILLUSTRATIVE    OF 

ENGLISH  HISTORY 

IS    DEDICATED    WITH    ALL    HUMILITY 

BY 

HER    MAJESTY'S    MOST    LOYAL, 

AND    DEVOTED    SUBJECT    AND    SERVANT, 

HENRY  ELLIS. 


British  Museum, 
May  20*,  1846. 


PREFACE. 


.  Each  Series  of  the  former  Volumes  of  these 
Letters  began  with  the  Reign  of  Henry  the  Fifth, 
because  that  was  the  period  when  Letters  were  first 
written  in  English.  Till  then,  Latin  and  French 
had  been  the  languages  of  Correspondence. 

Letters  in  Latin,  illustrative  of  English  History, 
are  numerous  from  the  eleventh  to  the  fifteenth 
century.*  A  few,  of  importance,  occur  in  the  Col- 
lection of  Archbishop  Lanfranc's  Letters ;  others  are 
among  those  of  Anselm ;  and  some  relating  to  Eng- 
land in  the  time  of  Henry  the  Second  will  be  found 

1  The  earliest.  Letter  written  iu  England,  now  remaining,  is  pro- 
bably that  of  Wuldher  Bishop  of  London  to  Beretuald,  or  Birhtuald, 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  in  Latin,  preserved  in  the  Cottonian  Ma- 
nuscript Augustus  II.  art.  18,  desiring  his  advice  as  to  the  mode  of 
proceeding  at  a  Council  summoned  at  a  place  called  Breguntford, 
for  settling  certain  differences  which  had  arisen  between  the  King 
and  the  said  Council.  Birhtuald  was  Archbishop  of  Canterbury 
from  A.D.  692  to  731.  The  Letter  is  greatly  injured,  and  altogether 
too  difficult  to  be  perfectly  made  out :  a  solitary  record  of  early 
epistolary  intercourse  in  the  Saxon  times.  The  Editor  knows  of  no 
other  Letter  previous  to  the  Norman  Conquest. 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

in  the  Correspondence  of  Peter  de  Blois.  Matthew 
Paris's  "  Historia  Major "  is  full  of  such  Letters, 
and  none  can  perhaps  be  found  in  his  History  more 
graphic  in  description  than  that  from  a  Knight  in 
the  Army  of  Henry  the  Third,  in  1245,  which  de- 
tails the  particulars  of  a  conflict  with  the  Welsh. 

A  few  Letters  partly  selected  from  the  sources 
here  referred  to,  with  others  from  their  Autographs, 
are  given  in  the  opening  of  the  present  Volume  ;  not 
as  a  Collection,  but  as  specimens  of  a  mass  of  Cor- 
respondence, reaching  back  to  the  time  of  William 
the  First,  which  has  been  little,  if  at  all,  either 
known  or  consulted  by  the  English  Historians. 

The  late  Mr.  Petrie  once  intended  to  give  an 
Assemblage  of  such  Letters  as  an  Appendage  to 
his  proposed  "  Corpus  Historiarum."  What  pro- 
gress he  had  made  in  the  Collection  the  present 
Writer  is  unable  to  say;  but  the  publication  of 
such  Correspondence  in  a  collected  form,  accom- 
panied by  illustrations  and  explanatory  notes,  would 
prove  an  useful  accession  to  the  present  stores  of 
our  History.  Baronius  says  "  Epistolaris  Historia 
est  optima  Historia." 

Letter-writing  was  resorted  to  in  early  times  only 
on  occasions  of  moment ;  even  letters  of  familiarity 
frequently  took  the  shape  of  legal  instruments.  Till 
a  comparatively  late  period,  too,  vellum  was  the  sub- 


PREFACE.  IX 

stance  upon  which  they  were  written  ;b  and  scribes 
were  employed  to  endite  them.c  Even  at  a  still 
later  time,  when  English  was  the  language  used,  we 
find  Anne  Countess  of  "Warwick,  in  her  petition  to 
Parliament  from  the  Sanctuary  of  Beaulieu,  for 
the  restitution  of  her  inheritance,  stating  "  that  in 
absence  of  clerkes "  she  hath  "  wretyn  lettres  in  that 
behalfe  to  the  Kynges  Highnes  with  her  own  hand, 
and  not  onely  makyng  such  labores,  suytes,  and 
meanes  to  the  Kynges  Highnes,  sothely  also  to  the 
Quenes  good  Grace,  to  my  ryght  redoghted  Lady 
the  Kynges  moder,  to  my  lady  the  Kyng's  eldest 
doughter,  to  my  Lordes  the  Kyngs  brethren,  to  my 
Ladyes  the  Kynges  susters,  to  my  Lady  of  Bedford, 

b  Our  earliest  use  of  paper  in  epistolary  correspondence  cannot 
he  carried  further  back  than  the  reign  of  Edward  the  First,  during 
whose  time,  or  in  the  latter  part  of  his  father's  time,  it  seems  to 
have  been  brought  from  the  East  by  way  of  Italy.  It  was  one  of 
the  conveniences  of  life  for  which  we  are  indebted  to  the  Crusades. 
The  earliest  instances  of  its  use  are  to  be  found  among  what  are 
called  the  Letters  missive  at  the  Record  Office  in  the  Tower. 

c  The  Cottonian  Manuscript,  Vespasian,  F.  xiii.  fol.  21,  contains 
a  Letter  from  Joan  Countess  of  Westmorland,  daughter  of  John  of 
Gaunt,  to  her  brother  Henry  IV.,  in  favour  of  Christopher  Standish 
and  his  family,  who  had  suffered  much  in  the  King's  service.  It 
is  dated  from  Raby  Castle,  in  the  seventh  year  of  his  reign.  The 
body  of  the  Letter  is  in  the  hand  of  a  scribe ;  at  the  bottom  in  the 
Countess's  own  hand  is 

"  Voster  tres  heumble  et  obeissant 

subjete,  si  vous  plest,  J.  de  W." 

It  begins  "  Treshault,  trespuissant,  et  tresexcellent  souuerain  seig- 
neur." 

a  5 


X  PREFACE. 

moder  to  the  Quene,d  and  to  other  Ladyes  noble  of 
this  realme,"  and  threatens  she  will  continue  so  to 
do  till  she  can  obtain  her  right.6 

In  the  fourteenth  Century,  Tracts  appear  in  our 
Manuscript  Libraries,  such  as  in  later  times  would 
be  called  "  Complete  Letter- Writers,"  both  in  French 
and  Latin. 

One  of  these  for  the  former  language,  once  belong- 
ing to  the  library  of  S*.  Edmundsbury  Abbey,  is 
preserved  in  the  Harleian  Collection,  No.  4971,  of 
the  time  of  Edward  the  Third.  The  examples  of 
the  Letters  are  in  French,  but  the  rubrics  and 
directions  are  in  Latin.  After  the  rules  for  writing- 
Letters,  we  have  "  Expliciunt  Regulae  faciendi  Li- 
teras  in  Gallicis,  et  plura  alia,  secundum  novum 
usum"  The  first  Form  is  that  of  a  Letter  from 
King  Edward  the  Third  to  Henry  Duke  of  Lancas- 
ter, with  the  Answer  from  the  Duke ;  the  second  is 
from  the  Prince  to  the  Earl  of  Northampton  with 
his  answer.  The  forms  then  go  through  all  the 
known  gradations  of  society  at  that  day.  An  Earl  to 
a  Baron,  a  Baron  to  a  Knight,  the  Knight  to  an  Es- 
quire, the  Esquire  to  his  companion,  Merchant  to 
Merchant,  Father  to  Son,  Burgess  to  Burgess,  the 

d  Jaquetta  of  Luxemburgh,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  and  afterwards 
Lady  Rivers,  was  by  her  second  marriage  the  mother  of  Elizabeth 
Woodville,  Queen  of  Edward  the  Fourth.     She  died  May  30th,  12 
Edw.  IV.  a.  d.  1472. 
' e  MS.  Cotton.  Brit.  Mus.  Julius  b.  xii.  fol.  317. 


PREFACE.  XI 

Lord  to  his  Bailiff,  Friend  to  Friend,  all  with  their 
respective  Answers.  After  these,  it  is  said,  "  Nunc 
sciendum  de  Religiosis."  Then  follow  Forms  for 
an  Archbishop  to  a  Baron,  a  Bishop  to  a  Knight 
and  to  an  Abbot,  an  Abbot  to  an  Esquire,  a  Prior 
to  a  Merchant,  a  Monk  to  his  fellow  Monk,  a  Father 
to  his  Son's  Master,  &c.  &c.  A  third  division  of  the 
Manuscript  begins  "  Nunc  dicendum  est  de  Mulieri- 
bus,  et  primo  de  Regina  ad  militem ;  et  finiuntur  in 
eisdem."  The  Forms  immediately  follow,  of  a  Let- 
ter from  Queen  Philippa  to  a  Knight,  of  a  Knight 
in  prison  to  his  Lady,  from  a  Lady  to  her  Lawyer, 
from  an  Abbess  to  a  Lady,  from  a  Mother  to  her 
Son  a  student,  from  a  Sister  to  a  Sister ;  all  with 
Answers,  and  all  in  French.  Letter-writing  was 
evidently  becoming  more  frequent  through  all  the 
classes  of  Society/ 

f  A  similar  volume  of  formulae,  of  the  time  of  Richard  the  Second, 
will  be  found  in  the  Harleian  volume  3988,  clearly  designed  for 
English  use,  as  the  names  both  of  writer  and  answerer  in  every  in- 
stance are  those  of  English  persons.  It  is  preceded  in  the  volume 
by  a  Tract  to  teach  the  French  language.  "  Ci  comence  la  Maniere 
de  Language  que  tenseignera  bien  a  droit  parler  et  ecrire  doulz 
Francois,  selon  l'usage  et  la  coustume  de  France." 

The  cultivation  of  the  French  language  in  our  Monasteries  con- 
tinued till  their  Dissolution.  Chaucer's  reference  to  the  training  of 
the  young  ladies  of  noble  families  in  that  language  by  the  Nuns  of 
Stratford  is  well  known.     Of  his  "  Prioresse  "  he  says, 

"  And  Frenche  she  spake  full  fayre  and  fetisly, 
After  the  scole  of  Stratford  atte  Bowe, 
For  Frenche  of  Paris  was  to  her  unknowe." 

A  similar  remark  occurs  in  a  Letter  from  John  Ap  Rice,  one  of 


Xll  PREFACE. 

Among  the  Additional  Manuscripts  in  the  British 
Museum  there  is  another  Volume,  No.  8167,  which 
gives  not  only  the  Forms,  but  exact  instructions  for 
the  writing  of  Latin  Letters.  This  Manuscript  like- 
wise contains  the  Frames  of  Application  and  Answer 
for  every  class  and  condition  of  society.  After  enu- 
merating the  several  gradations,  it  directs  that  a  supe- 
rior writing  to  an  inferior  person  is  always  to  put  his 
own  name  at  the  head  in  the  nominative  case,  followed 
by  the  inferior's  in  the  dative  case :  and  that  the  infe- 
rior writing  to  the  superior,  is  alwajrs  to  prefix  the 
superior's  name  in  the  dative  case,  followed  by  his 
own  in  the  nominative.  If  the  correspondents  were 
"  par  pari,"  equal  in  rank,  as  a  Knight  to  a  Knight, 
or  a  Burgess  to  a  Burgess,  they  might  do  either,  as 
politeness,  or  regard  for  each  other  might  dictate. 
In  Letters  of  petition  for  favors,  however,  it  is  di- 
rected that  the  name  of  the  person  written  to,  should 
always  stand  first  in  the  dative  case,  and  that  he 
should  be  designated  "  pluraliter." 

the  Visitors  of  Religious  Houses,  to  Secretary  Cromwell,  relating  to 
the  Monastery  of  Laycock  in  Wiltshire.  He  says,  "  So  it  is  that 
we  found  no  notable  compertes  at  Laycock,  The  House  is  very 
clene,  well  repaired,  and  well  ordered ;  and  one  thing  I  observed 
worthy  th'advertisement  there.  The  Ladies  have  their  Rule,  th'In- 
stitutes  of  their  Religion,  and  ceremonies  of  the  same,  written  in  the 
Frenche  tongue,  which  they  understand  well,  and  are  very  perfitt  in 
the  same.  Albeit  that  it  varieth  from  the  vulgar  Frenche  that  is 
now  used,  and  is  moche  like  the  Frenche  that  die  Common  Lawe  is 
written  in."     Stat.  Pap.  Off.  Misc.  Corresp.  xxxv.  55. 


PREFACE.  Xlll 

The  Editor  has  now  little  more  to  do  than  to  ex- 
press his  gratitude  to  those  by  whom  the  present 
Series  has  been  aided.  First  and  foremost  he 
thanks  Sir  James  Graham,  by  whose  kind  per- 
mission, through  the  intervention  of  S.  M.  Phil- 
lipps,  Esq.,  he  has  been  admitted  to  the  free  use  of 
the  numerous  Letters  to  Wolsey  and  Lord  Cromwell, 
preserved  in  the  State  Paper  Office.  A  selection 
from  which  forms  no  uninteresting  portion  of  the 
present  Work. 

To  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  he 
yields  his  most  especial  thanks  for  the  permission  to 
engrave  the  memorable  double  Portrait  of  Charles 
the  First  and  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  by  Sir  Peter 
Lely,  at  Sion  House ;  which  was  allowed  to  be 
brought  to  town  for  the  convenience  of  the  Artist. 

To  the  President  and  Council  of  the  Society  of 
Antiquaries  he  returns  his  thanks  for  their  permis- 
sion to  engrave  the  Portraits  of  Edward  the  Fourth 
and  Richard  the  Third,  bequeathed  to  them  by  the 
late  Rev.  Thomas  Kerrich :  and  to  the  Governors 
of  St.  Bartholomew's  Hospital,  for  similar  permis- 
sion to  engrave  the  Portrait  of  King  Henry  the 
Eighth  preserved  in  their  Court  Room. 


CONTENTS. 


VOL.  I. 


LETTER  PAGE 

I.  Archbishop  Lanfranc  to  Roger  Earl  of  Hereford, 
when  his  fidelity  to  the  Conqueror  became  sus- 
pected           3 

ii.  Lanfranc's  second  Letter  of  exhortation  to  Earl 

Roger    6 

in.         Lanfranc  announces  to  Earl  Roger  that  he  is  placed 

under  an  Ecclesiastical  interdict 7 

iv.         Lanfranc  to  the  King. — Ralph  Guader  defeated. . .       8 
v.  Archbishop  Lanfranc's  second  Letter  to  the  King. 

— The   Castle   of  Norwich  surrendered. — The 

Rebellion  at  an  end 'J 

vi.  Lanfranc  to  Walcher,  Bishop  of  Durham,  an- 
nouncing that  the  Kingdom   was  restored  to 

tranquillity    10 

vii.  Archbishop  Lanfranc  to  Remigius  Bishop  of  Dor- 
chester :  that  the  King  heeds  not  the  detractors 

of  the  Bishop     12 

viii.  Lanfranc  to  Pope  Gregory.  He  gives  due,  but 
not  unlimited  obedience  to  the  See  of  Rome. 
The  King,  as  well  by  word  of  mouth  to  the 
Pope's  Legate,  as  by  his  letters,  will  answer  the 

Pope's  remonstrance 13 

ix.         William  the  Conqueror  to  Pope  Gregory  the  Se- 
venth, who  had  claimed  him  as  a  feudatory  of 

the  Papal  See  15 

x.  Lanfranc  to  Odo  Bishop  of  Baieux,  excusing  the 
attendance  of  Abbot  Baldwin  at  a  plea,  which, 
as  the  King's  Justiciary,  the  Bishop  was  about 
to  hold  16 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

LETTER  PAGE 

xi.  King  Henry  the  First  to  Archbishop  Anselm  then 
abroad,  upon  his  accession  to  the  throne,  and  on 
the  unwillingness  with  which  he  had  been  con- 
secrated King  by  other  hands  than  those  of  the 
Primate,     a.  d.  1100    18 

xii.  Henry  Bishop  of  Winchester  to  the  Prior  and 
and  Convent  of  Worcester,  threatening  them,  in 
the  absence  of  the  Bishop,  with  an  interdict, 
unless  the  tax  of  the  Peter-pence  for  the  church 
and  diocese  of  Worcester  be  paid  within  fifteen 
days  22 

xm.  Archbishop  Becket  to  Ala  Countess  of  Warren, 
upon  the  detention  from  the  Monks  of  Lewes  of 
the  tithes  arising  from  the  lands  of  her  dower. . .     23 

xiv.  William  de  Avrenches  and  Cecily  his  mother  to 
William  Earl  of  AVarren,  William  de  Albini 
Earl  of  Sussex,  and  Gilbert  de  Aquila,  to  be  wit- 
nesses to  a  deed    25 

xv.         William  de  Potern  to  the  Prior  of  Bath,  with  an 

Extract  from  the  Domesday  Survey     26 

xvi.  King  Edward  the  First  to  the  Prior  and  Prioress 
of  Alvingham  in  Lincolnshire,  to  admit  one  or 
more  of  the  children  of  Llewellin  ap  Griffith 
late  Prince  of  Wales,  or  of  his  brother  David, 

into  their  house    27 

xvii.  Letter  on  the  Preparations  made  by  France  in  fa- 
vour of  David  Bruce,  a. d.  1336   29 

xviii.       Letter  presenting  a  Journal  of  Edward  the  Third's 

last  expedition  against  the  Scots,  a.d.  1336 33 

xix.  The  Magistrates  of  Florence  to  Edward  III.,  inter- 
ceding for  the  "  Societas  Bardorum,"  who  had 
been  ruined  by  the  advances  of  money  they  had 
made  to  him  to  support  his  wars 39 

xx.  Galeazzo  Visconti  of  Milan  to  King  Edward  the 
Third,  with  the  promise  of  a  Falcon :  circa 
An.  1370  43 

xxi.  John  Lord  Welles  to  Mons1' John  Helyng  to  accom- 
pany him  in  the  wars  of  Edward  III 45 


CONTENTS. 


XV11 


LETTER 
XXII. 


XXIII. 


XXIV. 


XXV. 
XXVI. 


XXVII. 


XXVIII. 


XXIX. 


XXX. 


XXXI. 


PAGE 

Anthony  Bembo  to  King  Henry  IV.,  requesting 
him  to  cause  restitution  to  be  made  of  a  sum  of 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  ducats,  which  he  had 
lent  to  the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  when  going  to  the 
Holy  Land 46 

Michael  Steno,  Doge  of  Venice,  to  King  Henry  the 
Fourth,  stating  the  particulars  of  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk's  debt  to  Antonio  Bembo  and  Gio- 
vanni Cane,     a. d.  1403    49 

Thomas  Earl  of  Arundel  and  Surrey  to  King  Henry 
the  Fourth,  requesting  that  the  living  of  Stoken- 
ham  in  Devonshire  may  be  given  to  Adam  Dam- 
port,  Chancellor  to  the  Queen  of  Portugal ; 
and  also  a  respite  for  a  payment,  on  account  of 
his  poverty  and  losses  in  Wales  52 

King  Henry  the  Fourth  to  Timur  Beg.    a.d.  1402.     54 
Henry  the  Fifth  to  his  Privy  Council,  from  the 
Camp  before    Rouen,   desiring  to   know   how 
John  of  Bavaria  had  conducted  himself  toward 
England,     a.d.  1417    01 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham, 
his  Chancellor,  from  before  Falaise  ;  for  the 
payment  of  such  money  as  was  due  to  John 
Hull,  Esquire,  one  of  his  Ambassadors  in  Spain. 
a.d.  1418  63 

Hugh  Stafford  to  the  Earl  of  March  and  Ulster. 
Reports  his  having  executed  his  orders,  and  de- 
sires his  cousin  Clyfford  may  be  sent  over  to 

him    64 

The  Her  George  and  Dr.  John  Stokes  to  King 
Henry  the  Fifth:  from  Heidelberg,  after  the 
Treaty  of  1420  66 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  to 
provide  the  Queen's  physician  with  some  bene- 
fice         71 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham, 
Chancellor,  to  make  out  letters  patents  for  the 
Masters  of  his  great  ships,  carracks,  barges,  and 
balengers,  to  have  annuities    72 


XVI 11 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER 
XXXII. 


XXXIII. 


XXXIV. 


XXXV. 


XXXVI. 


XXXVII. 


XXXVIII. 


XXXIX. 


XL. 


XLI. 


XLII. 


PACE 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham, 
respecting  his  Uncle  of  Exeter,  and  directing 
certain  preferments  74 

King  Henry  the  Sixth  to  the  Abbot  of  St.  Edmunds- 
bury,  for  the  immediate  payment  of  a  benevo- 
lence       75 

King  Henry  the  Sixth  to  the  Abbot  of  St.  Edmunds- 
bury,  for  the  loan  of  a  hundred  marks  prepara- 
tory to  his  marriage.     A.  D.  1443 78 

The  King  to  the  Abbot  of  Bury,  for  horses  against 
the  Queen's  arrival,     a. d.  1443  81 

Richard  Earl  of  Warwick,  captain  of  Calais,  Ed- 
ward Earl  of  March,  Richard  Earl  of  Salisbury, 
and  William  Nevil  Lord  Fauconbridge,  to  the 
Bishop  of  Teramo,  the  papal  Legate,  prior  to 
their  entering  upon  the  Expedition  which  de- 
throned King  Henry  the  Sixth,     a.d.  1460 82 

Francesco  Coppini,  the  papal  Legate,  to  King 
Henry  the  Sixth,  offering  his  mediation  between 
the  King  and  the  Lords  from  Calais,   a.d.  1460.     88 

The  Chancellor  and  University  of  Oxford  to  Sir 
John  Say,  to  repay  a  hundred  Shillings  which 
they  had  advanced  to  his  brother  when  Proctor 
of  the  University,  for  a  purpose  not  performed. . .     98 

John  De  la  Pole  Duke  of  Suifolk,  to  his  Bailiff 
of  his  manor  of  Mandevilles 99 

King  Richard  the  Third's  Privy  Seal,  granting  to 
Ralph  Banastre  the  manor  of  Yalding  in  Kent, 
late  belonging  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  in  re- 
ward for  bringing  the  Duke  into  the  King's  hands  100 

Louis  the  Eleventh  of  France  to  King  Richard  the 
Third,  thanking  him  for  News,  apparently  his 
Accession  to  the  Throne  103 

Richard  the  Third  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Privy  Seal, 
to  prepare  Letters  of  Commission  for  the  altera- 
tion of  the  Coin  of  Ireland,  and  settling  the  places 
of  Mintage  :  the  Irish  money  having  been  circu- 
lated in  England,  to  the  damage  and  inconveni- 
ence of  the  English  subjects 103 


CONTENTS. 


XIX 


LETTER 
XLIII. 


XLIV. 


XLV. 


XLVI. 


XLVII. 


XLVIII. 

XLIX. 

L. 

LI. 


LII. 


LIII. 


LIV. 


LV. 


LVI. 

LVII. 


PAGE 

The  King  to  Sir  John  Hussey,  Knt.,  Chief  Justice 
of  the  King's  Bench,  granting  to  him  the  ward 
and  marriage  of  the  daughter  of  Sir  John  Sal- 

vayn,  Knt 106 

James  the  Third  of  Scotland  to  King  Richard  the 
Third,  desiring  a  safe-conduct  for  certain  Lords 
of  his  realm  to  come  in  embassy  to  conclude  a 

Peace    109 

King  Richard  the  Third's  answer  to  the  King  of 
Scots  concerning  the  safe-conduct  which  he 
granted ;  but  staying  the  Abstinence  from  War 
desired  in  the  same  Letter,  till  the  arrival  of  the 

Scots  Embassy Ill 

Richard  the  Third  to  the  Authorities  of  the  Town 
of  Gloucester,  with  permission  to  wear  his  Li- 
very      113 

King  Henry  the  Seventh  to  the  Prior  and  Convent 
of  Christ-Church,  Canterbury,  nominating  War- 
ham   Bishop   of    London  to   the   Metropolitan 

See     115 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  Thomas  Killingworth  117 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  the  same    124 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  his  "  Steward" 125 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  some  one  whom  he  calls  his 
Cousin ;  probably  the  Lord  Chevers,  or  the 
Lord  Vele 127 

Richard  de  la  Pole  to  his  brother  the  Earl  of  Suffolk, 
in  poverty  and  distress 129 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  one  whom  he  addresses  as 
Don  Peter ;  one  of  his  Agents 130 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  John  Growet,  one  of  his 
agents,  or  servants    132 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  Thomas  Killingworth  :  ap- 
parently after  the  death  of  his  aunt,  the  Duchess 
of  B  u  rgundy 134 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  Gilkyn 137 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  the  Bastard  van  Oyskerke; 
complainin  g  of  the  usage  he  receives   1 37 


XX 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER 
l.VIII. 


I.IX. 
LX. 

LXI. 

LXII. 


LXIII. 


LXIV, 


LXV. 


LXVI. 


LXVII. 


LXVIII. 


LXIX. 


LXX. 
LXXI. 


LXXII. 


PAGE 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  .... ;  apparently  in  Janu- 
ary 150G-7,  immediately  before  he  came  prisoner 
to  England    140 

Richard  de  la  Pole  to  Erhard  Bishop  of  Liege    ...   141 

Sir  Edward  Howard,  Lord  Admiral,  to  Cardinal 
Wolsey,  shewing  the  ill-victualling  of  the  Navy  145 

Queen  Katherine  to  Master  Almoner.  The  coming 
hither  of  the  Duke  de  Longueville   152 

Thomas  Lord  Howard,  eldest  son  of  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk,  and  Lord  Admiral,  to  Wolsey ;  written 
immediately  after  succeeding  to  his  brother's 
command  in  that  office 154 

Thomas  Lord  Howard  to  Wolsey.  The  difficulties 
which  he  has  to  encounter  as  Lord  Admiral    ...  157 

Edmund  Howard,  third  son  of  Thomas  second 
Duke  of  Norfolk,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey ;  over- 
whelmed in  debt,  and  entreating  for  employment 
in  the  King's  service 160 

Another  Account  of  the  Battle  of  Floddon,  a.d. 
1513,  in  a  Letter  from  Dr.  William  Knight,  the 
English  Minister  at  the  Court  of  Margaret 
Duchess  of  Burgundy,  to  Cardinal  Bainbridge 
at  Rome     163 

King  Henry  the  Eighth  to  Pope  Leo  the  Tenth,  in 
favour  of  the  Observant  Friars 165 

The  University  of  Cambridge  to  Wolsey,  recently 
made  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  pressing  him  to  accept 
their  Chancellorship 168 

Wolsey's  reply  to  the  University  of  Cambridge, 
declining  the  honour  offered  to  him 170 

Richard  Pace  to  Wolsey.  The  Cost  of  the  Cardi- 
nal's Bulls 172 

Pace  to  Wolsey  in  continuation  of  the  former  Letter   176 

Richard  Pace  recommending  Wolsey  to  seek  the 
Cardinalate    177 

Nicholas  West,  Bishop  of  Ely,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey, 
on  the  dilapidated  state  in  which  he  found  his 
Cathedral  at  his  Visitation.  State  of  the  Fen 
at  Wisbeach 180 


CONTENTS. 


XXI 


LETTER 
LXXIII. 


LXXIV. 


LXXV. 


LXXVI. 


LXXVII. 


LXXVIII. 


LXXIX. 


LXXX. 


LXXXI. 


LXXXII. 


LXXXIII. 


LXXXIV, 


LXXXV. 


PAGE 

Richard  Pace  to  Wolsey.  The  King  determined 
not  to  have  the  Prior  of  St.  Bartholomew's  made 

Bishop  of  St.  Asaph 184 

Pace  to  Wolsey.  The  King  himself  reads  all  the 
contents  of  Wolsey 's  pacquets.     Appoints  Dr. 

Standish  Bishop  of  St.  Asaph  187 

Dean  Colet  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  for  the  promotion 
of  the  Under-Master  of  his  School  to  some  Ec- 
clesiastical preferment 1 90 

Extract  of  an  imperfect  Letter  from  Sir  John  Stile 
to  King  Henry, VIII.  from  Valladolid,  11  Feb. 

1518 ' 191 

Richard  Pace  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  The  King  has 
ordered  Letters  to  be  written  to  the  Bishop  of 
London,  for  Pace  to  be  preferred  to  the  Arch- 
deaconry of  Colchester 193 

Richard  Pace  to  my  Lord  Legates.  His  interview 
with  the  King  at  Penshurst,  whom  he  found 
playing  with  the  French  hostages.    The  King's 

intention  to  remove  to  Otford    194 

Richard  Pace  to  my  Lord  Legate.     The  Hostages 

conveyed  to  Sir  Thomas  Lovel's  house  at  Enfield   197 
Richard  Pace  to  Wolsey.     The  King  has  received 
Letters  from  my  Lady  Margaret.     Dean  Colet 

"  in  extremis  " 198 

Pace  to  Wolsey.     The  King  hath  good  pastime  by 

the  new  player  on  the  Clavicordes  199 

The  Duke  of  Suffolk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in  favor 

of  the  Abbot  of  St.  Benetof  Hulme 200 

The  Earl  of  Worcester  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  re- 
specting a  proposed  enterprise  against  Richard 

DelaPole    202 

Edward  Duke  of  Buckingham  to  Sir  Edward 
Chamberleyn  respecting  the  latter's  claim  to  the 

Manor  of  Penshurst  in  Kent    213 

The  Duke  of  Buckingham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  en- 
treating his  interference  with  the  King  to  allow 
him  to  be  a  Challenger,  not  an  Answerer,  at  the 
Justs  which  the  King  had  ordered  to  be  held. 


XX 11 


CONTENTS* 


LETTER 


PAGE 


227 


228 


230 


His   great  reluctance  to  be  compelled  to  run 
against  the  King's  person 214 

lxxxvi.     Archbishop  Warham  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham ; 

upon  the  latter  deferring  an  intended  Visit 218 

lxxxvii.  Andrew  Wyndesore,  afterwards  the  first  Baron  of 
that  name,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting  a 
Wood  in  Agmondesham,  in  the  County  of  Bucks, 
which  had  belonged  to  the  late  Duke  of  Buck- 
ingham   

lxxxviii.  Archbishop  Warham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  remon- 
strating against  an  alleged  command  from  the 
King's  Council,  to  have  stabling  for  his  Grace's 
horses  to  be  kept  at  livery  within  the  Monastery 
of  Christ  Church  Canterbury 

lxxxix.  Cuthbert  Tunstal,  Master  of  the  Rolls,  to  Cardinal 
Wolsey  from  Lucca,  requesting  leave  to  detain 
Nicholas  Cratzer,  one  of  the  King's  servants 
absent  upon  leave,  who  was  on  his  return  home 
Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Under- 
takes to   procure  hangings  for  the   Rooms  at 

Hampton  Court 232 

Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Card.  Wolsey,  requesting 
a  Licence  for  himself  and  two  of  his  Brethren  to 

extend  their  trading 235 

Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respect- 
ing the  seizure  of  a  Cargo  of  Wheat,  which  he 
was  intending  to  bring  to  England,  by  order  of 
the  Archduchess  Margaret.  Has  obtained  Hang- 
ings of  Cloth  of  Gold  for  the  Cardinal's  own 
Closet  at  Hampton  Court 237 

xciii.  Archbishop  Warham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  upon  the 
spreading  of  Martin  Luther's  doctrines  in  the 

University  of  Oxford 239 

xciv.  Archbishop  Warham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Thanks 
him  for  a  rich  Jewel  which  he  had  sent  as  an 
offering  to  St.  Thomas  of  Canterbury.  Intends 
perusing  certain  works  of  Luther  which  he  had 
received  by  the  hands  of  Wolsey's  chaplain,  Dr. 
Sampson,  without  delay,  at  Otford  :  proposes 


xc. 


xci. 


xcn. 


CONTENTS. 


XX111 


LETTER 


xcv. 


XCVI. 


XCVII. 


XCVIII. 


XCIX. 


CI. 


CII. 


s^  cm. 


CIV. 


PAGE 

returning  in  ten  days  to  Lambeth,  and  will  then 

confer  with  Wolsey  upon  them 245 

JohnLongland,  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  to  Cardinal  Wol- 
sey, in  relation  to  a  Monk  of  St.  Edmundsbury 
who  had  preached  at  St.  Peter's  in  the  East  at 

Oxford 217 

John  de  Maiano,  a  sculptor,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey, 
requesting  payment  for  works  done  at  Hampton 

Court 249 

John  Longland,  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  to  Wolsey. 
Alarmed  at  the  havoc  made  by  the  Plague,  and 
by  the  Sweating  sickness.  Promises  a  pilgrim- 
age to  our  Lady  of  Walsingham.  Has  two  Lu- 
therans in  his  house.  Proposes  riding  to  Oxford 

"  for  the  ordering  thereof" 251 

John  Clerk  to  my  Lord  Cardinal,  from  Rome.  Has 
a  day  promised  him  by  the  Pope  for  the  pre- 
sentation of  the  King's  Book  against  Luther  in 

the  "  open  Consistory  " 25 1 

John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey ;  Copies  of  the 
King's  Book  against  Luther  presented  to  the 

Pope  at  a  private  Audience 256 

Clerk  to  Wolsey.  The  Public  delivery  of  the  pre- 
sentation Copy  of  the  King's  Book  to  the  Pope 

in  the  Consistory 262 

Cuthbert  Tunstal  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Intrigues 
against  the  ministers  of  the  King  Catholick  sus- 
pected.    Invents  a  Cypher  which  he  forwards, 

as  no  trust  is  to  be  put  in  the  Posts 271 

Richard  Pace  to  Wolsey,  detailing  the  Interview 
between  Henry  the  Eighth  and  a  deputation  of 
the  Monks  of  St.  Albans  at  Windsor  Castle,  upon 
the  death  of  their  Abbot,  petitioning  for  licence 

to  choose  a  new  Abbot 274 

John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  announcing  the 

death  of  Pope  Leo  the  Tenth 278 

Cardinal  Wolsey,  on  his  return  from  Bruges,  to 
Clerk,  after  the  King's  Book  had  been  presented 
in  the  Consistory.    The  King  had  given  him  the 


XXIV 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER 


CV. 


CM. 


CVII. 


CVIII. 


CIX. 


CX. 


CXI. 


CXII. 


CXHI. 


CXIV. 


PAGE 

Abbey  of  St.  Albans  in  commendam.    The  Pope 
to  be  solicited  in  Wolsey's  favor.   An  abstinence 

of  War  proposed   282 

The  Duke  of  Albany  to  Lord  Thomas  Dacre,  re- 
questing a  passport  for  his  Secretary  Gaultier 
Malyne  to  go  to  London   287 

The  Earl  of  Angus  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  requesting 
that  his  Uncle  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  may  be 
well  treated  in  England  28S 

Lord  Thomas  Dacre  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  acquaint- 
ing him  that  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  is  summon- 
ed to  Rome 291 

Gawin  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  to  Cardinal  Wolsey. 
Announces  his  arrival  as  a  negociator  on  the  part 
of  the  Earl  of  Angus,  and  of  the  other  Lords  and 
great  personages  of  his  party  in  Scotland 293 

Gawin  Douglas,  Bishop  of  Dunkeld,  to  Cardinal 
Wolsey,  cautioning  him  against  Gauthier  the 
Duke  of  Albany's  Secretary 294 

The  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  cau- 
tioning him  against  John  Duncanson  and  Evan- 
gilista  sent  by  Albany  and  the  Archbishop  of 
Glasgow 296 

Gawin  Douglas  to  Wolsey  ;  his  disappointment  at 
the  failure  of  his  Mission 298 

John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  from  Rome.  The 
Proceedings  of  the  Conclave  at  the  Election  of 
Pope  Adrian  VI.  In  a  third  Scrutiny  Wolsey 
had  nineteen  voices.  The  copies  of  Henry's 
Book  against  Luther,  which  had  been  sent  to 
Pope  Leo,  remain  undistributed,    a.d.  1522 304 

Dr.  William  Knight  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  mention- 
ing the  kindness  of  the  Archduchess  of  Savoy 
towards  him  ;  and  the  seizure  of  an  English  Spy 
of  Richard  de  la  Pole 316 

Richard  Fox,  bishop  of  Winchester,  to  Wolsey,  in 
answer  to  inquiries  concerning  Ordinances  of 
War  made  by  Henry  VIIth.,  when  going  against 
the  Scots  ;  and  as  to  the  form  and  nature  of  the 


CONTENTS. 


XXV 


LETTER 


CXV. 


CXV I . 


CXV1I. 


CXVIII. 


CXIX. 


cxx. 


CXXI. 


cxxn. 

CXXIII. 


CXXIV, 


cxxv. 


CXXVI. 


cxxvn. 


VOL.  I 


PAGE 

Indentures   for   keeping   the    Marches   towards 
Scotland 319 

Richard  Pace  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  enclosing  the 
transcript  of  a  Paper  shewing  that  the  Duke  of 
Albany  and  Richard  de  la  Pole  were  come  into 
Scotland  to  invade  England 324 

Sir  William  Bulmer  to  the  Lord  Treasurer,  to  ap- 
prize him  of  the  Duke  of  Albany's  march  to- 
wards England.     Oct.  22,  1523 326 

Charles  Duke  of  Suffolk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in 
favour  of  the  Priory  of  Coningshead  in  Lanca- 
shire    330 

Edward  Baxter  to  Master  Thomas  Cromwell,  to 
negotiate  for  some  Ecclesiastical  promotion  for 
one  of  his  sons,  at  present  abroad 332 

Richard  Croke,  the  Duke  of  Richmond's  school- 
master, to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting  the  ar- 
rangements for  his  pupil's  education 333 

Gregory  Cromwell  to  his  Father,  Mr.  Thomas 
Cromwell 338 

Gregory  Cromwell  to  his  Father.  A  second  Letter 
of  duty 339 

Gregory  Cromwell,  again  to  his  Father 340 

Henry  Dowes,  Gregory  Cromwell's  preceptor,  to 
Secretary  Cromwell.  Details  Gregory's  advances 
in  education 34 1 

Henry  Dowes  to  Secretary  Cromwell,  with  further 
details 343 

Stevyn  Gardyner  to  Card.  Wolsey.  The  King  de- 
clines going  to  the  More  upon  the  Cardinal's  in- 
vitation, the  "Swet"  having  lately  prevailed  in 
its  neighbourhood ;  but  in  the  stead  will  go  to 
Tittenhanger,  another  of  the  Cardinal's  seats 345 

Dr.  Sampson  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  from  Madrid, 
chiefly  relating  to  Wolsey's  opening  Charles  the 
Fifth's  Ambassador's  Letters,  previous  to  the 
battle  of  Pavia 347 

Archbishop  Warham  to  Sir  Thomas  Boleyn  and  Sir 
Henry  Guldeford,  respecting  the  Contribution 

b 


XXVI 


CONTENTS. 


LETTER 


cxxvur. 


I XX1\. 


PAGE 


demanded  from  the  People  of  Rent  to  enable  the 
King  to  go  upon  his  expedition  to  France 

Archbishop  VVarhani  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  The 
state  of  Kent  in  regard  to  the  "  Amicable 
Grant  "  demanded  by  the  King's  Commission- 
ers, preparatory  to  the  same  intended  Voyage... 

The  Duke  of  Norfolk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Visits 
Norwich  as  Chief  Commissioner  for  the  "  Ami- 
cable Grant " 376 


359 


36/ 


SPECIMENS 

OF 

EARLY  CORRESPONDENCE 
IN  ENGLAND 

PRIOR  TO  THE  TIME   WHEN  THE 
ENGLISH  LANGUAGE  WAS  USED  FOR  THAT  PURPOSE: 


COMPRISING    THE   PERIOD 


FROM 


WILLIAM  THE  CONQUEROR  TO  KING  HENRY  V 


VOL.  I.  E 


Among  the  Epistolary  Documents  which  throw  light  upon  the 
Reign  of  WILLIAM  the  CONQUEROR,  such  Letters  of  Archbi- 
shop Laufranc  as  relate  to  his  time  in  Englaud  must  not  go  unno- 
ticed. Several  of  them  were  printed  in  D'Achery's  Collection  of 
Lanfranc's  Works,  folio,  Paris,  1648 ;  but  two  or  three  are  yet  ine- 
dited,  with  one  Letter,  of  no  inelegant  character  in  its  composition, 
from  the  Conqueror  himself  to  the  Pope. 

Lanfranc  was  born  at  Pavia  in  1005  :  accident  caused  his  admis- 
sion into  the  Monastery  of  Bee  ;  whence,  in  10G2,  William  Duke 
of  Normandy  drew  him  to  preside  over  his  recently  founded  Abbey 
of  St.  Stephen  at  Caen.  The  Conquest  of  England  was  achieved 
a  few  years  after  ;  and  in  1070,  on  the  deposition  of  Stigand,  Wil- 
liam, who  had  formed  a  just  estimate  of  Lanfranc's  talents,  called 
him  to  the  See  of  Canterbury. 

In  learning,  few  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived  came  near  him  ;  a 
treatise  on  the  Real  Presence,  against  Berenger,  spread  his  fame 
through  Europe.  To  the  See  of  Canterbury  he  was  an  especial 
benefactor:  he  asserted  its  right  to  the  primacy  of  England  suc- 
cessfully ;  recovered  many  of  the  possessions  of  which  it  had  been 
disseised ;  and  rebuilt  its  cathedral.  It  was  not  with  the  Con- 
queror only  that  he  was  in  favour.  He  retained  the  direction  of 
affairs  in  Church  and  State  in  this  country  to  the  latest  period  of 
his  life.     It  ended  May  23rd,  1089. 

The  manuscript  from  which  the  following  Letters  of  Lanfranc 
have  been  transcribed  is  a  small  quarto,  written  in  a  hand  of  the 
early  part  of  the  twelfth  century  :  not  far  from  Lanfranc's  time. 


ORIGINAL   LETTERS, 

ETC. 


LETTER  I. 

Archbishop   Lanfranc    to   Roger  Earl  of  Hereford, 
when  his  fidelity  to  the  Conqueror  became  suspected. 

[MS.  COTTON.  BRIT.  MUS.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  25.] 

***  This  is  the  first  Letter  which  Lanfranc  wrote,  after  he  had 
received  intelligence  that  Earl  Roger  had  engaged  in  Guader's  re- 
bellion. The  Saxon  Chronicle  places  this  event  in  1074,  and  gives 
the  following  statement  of  the  facts. 

The  Conqueror  had  given  the  daughter  of  William  Fitz  Osburne 
in  marriage  to  Earl  Ralph.  Ralph  was  a  Breton  on  his  mother's 
side  ;  but  his  father,  whose  name  was  also  Ralph,  was  English, 
born  in  Norfolk.  It  was  on  this  account  that  the  King  gave  the 
son  the  Earldom  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk  ;  and  Ralph  took  his  wife 
to  Norwich,  where  the  bridal  feast  became  a  source  of  mischief. 
Earl  Roger  and  Earl  Waltheof  attended  it,  with  bishops  and  ab- 
bots, and  there  they  laid  their  plot  to  force  the  King  from  his 
throne.  This,  in  short  time,  was  reported  to  the  King  in  Nor- 
mandy. He  was  told  that  Earl  Roger  and  Earl  Ralph  were  the 
heads  of  the  conspiracy,  that  they  had  enticed  a  body  of  Bretons  to 
their  side,  and  had  sent  to  Denmark  for  a  fleet  to  assist  them.  Earl 
Roger  departed  westward  to  his  earldom,  and  gathered  his  people, 
to  the  King's  annoyance  as  he  thought,  but  it  was  to  his  own ;  he 
was  checked  in  his  attempt.  Earl  Ralph  also,  being  in  his  earl- 
dom, would  have  marched  forth  with  his  people ;  but  the  men  of 

h  2 


4  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  Castles,  as  well  as  the  people  of  the  land,  were  against  him,  and 
prevented  his  effecting  anything.  On  this  he  took  ship  at  Norwich, 
and  escaped  ;  but  his  w  ife  remained  in  the  castle  there,  and  held  it 
till  she  had  made  terms.  She  then  departed  from  England,  with 
such  of  her  adherents  as  were  willing  to  go  with  her. 

The  King  came  after  this  to  Englaud,  and  put  Earl  Roger  in 
prison.  Earl  Waltheof  had  crossed  the  sea,  and  asked  forgiveness, 
and  proffered  a  ransom ;  and  the  King  let  him  off  for  a  time,  but 
seized  him  on  his  return. 

The  King  was  at  Westminster  during  Christmas;  and  then  such 
Bretons  as  remained,  who  had  been  guests  when  the  bridal  feast 
was  held  at  Norwich,  were  brought  to  justice.  Some  were  blinded, 
and  others  banished.  It  was  thus  that  the  rebels  to  King  William 
were  subdued. 


Lanfranc  in  the  present  letter  salutes  Earl  Roger  in  the  King's 
name  ;  expresses  his  personal  regard  for  the  Earl,  and  reminds  him 
of  the  loyalty  of  his  father's  life ;  and  acquaints  him  that  the  King 
had  commanded  that  any  pleas  before  the  sheriff  relating  to  the 
Earl's  lands  should  be  deferred  till  his  return  from  Normandy, 
when  he  would  himself  hear  them.  He  lastly  asks  for  a  conference 
with  Earl  Roger  wherever  he  would  name,  that  he  might  converse 
with  him  upon  his  own  as  well  as  on  the  King's  affairs ;  requests 
that  the  bearer  of  the  letter  may  receive  justice  in  respect  of  a  horse 
he  alleged  to  have  been  taken  from  him ;  and  trusts  that  God  will 
give  his  blessing  to  the  Earl,  and  dispose  his  life  to  goodness. 


Lanfrancus  gratia  Dei  Archiepiscopus  dilectis- 
simo  filio  et  araico  R.  Comiti,  salutem  et  benedic- 
tionem.  Dominus  noster  Anglorum  Rex  salutat 
vos,  et  nos  omnes,  sicut  fideles  suos,  in  quibus  mag- 
nam  fiduciam  habet,  et  mandat  ut  quantum  possumus 
curam  habeamus  de  Castellis  suis,  ne,  quod  Deus 
avertat,  inimicis  suis  tradantur.     Propterea  rogo  vos, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  O 

sicut  rogare  debeo  carissimum  filium  raeum,  quern, 
teste  Deo,  toto  corde  diligo  et  servire  desidero,  et 
cujus  patrem  sicut  meam  animam  dilexi,  quatinus  de 
hac  re  et  de  omni  fidelitate  domini  nostri  Regis  talem 
curam  geratis,  ut  a  Deo  et  ab  eo  et  omnibus  bonis 
hominibus  laudem  habeatis.  In  memoria  vestra  sem- 
per tenete  qualiter  gloriosus  Pater  vester  vixit,  et 
quam  ndeliter  Domino  suo  servivit,  et  cum  quanta 
strenuitate  multa  adquisivit,  et  adquisita  magno  ho- 
nore  retinuit.  Item  mandavit  Rex  ne  sui  Viceco- 
mites  aliqua  Placita  in  vestris  terris  teneant  quoad- 
usque  Ipse  mare  transeat,  et  inter  vos  et  ipsos  Vice- 
comites  per  semetipsum  causas  vestras  audiat.  Li- 
benter  vellem  vobiscum  loqui.  De  qua  re  si  vobis 
voluntas  est,  mandate  mihi  ad  quern  locum  possimus 
convenire,  et  de  rebus  vestris,  ac  domini  nostri  Regis, 
colloquium  habere.  Ego  vero  paratus  sum  venire 
vobis  obviam  quocunque  preceperitis.  Rogo  ut  ha- 
rum  Litterarum  portitori,  nomine  Beringerio,  justi- 
ciam  faciatis  de  illis  hominibus  super  quos  clamorem 
fecit  pro  equo  suo  quern  furto  sibi  ablatum  dicit. 
Omnipotens  Dominus  vos  benedicat,  et  vitam  Yes- 
tram  in  omni  bonitate  disponat. 


(>  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  II. 

Lanfrancs  second  Letter  of  exhortation  to  Earl 

Roger. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  25  b.] 

***  The  report  had  spread  that  Earl  Roger  was  in  arms.  Lan- 
franc's  grief  is  deeper  than  he  can  express.  He  again  reminds  the 
Earl  of  his  fathers  high  character,  and  wishes  him  to  imitate  his 
fidelity ;  entreats  him  as  a  son  and  friend,  for  God's  sake  and  his 
own  honour,  if  he  has  fallen  into  error,  to  retract :  "  Si  culpam  de 
tali  re  habes  resipiscas,  si  vero  non  habes  manifestissimis  docu- 
ments te  non  habere  ostendas."  Whether  criminal  or  not,  he  still 
asks  an  interview,  and  promises  that  both  in  coming  and  returning 
the  Earl  shall  find  no  impediment  either  from  himself  or  from  the 
King's  troops.     He  again  invokes  a  blessing  on  the  Earl. 


Lanfrancus,  gratia  Dei  Archiepiscopus,  dilectis- 
simo  filio  et  amico  R.  Comiti,  salutem  et  benedic- 
tionem.  Auditis  de  te  qua?  audire  nollem,  doleo 
quantum  dicere  non  possum.  Neque  enim  deceret 
ut  films  Willelmi  comitis,  cujus  prudentia  et  bonitas 
et  erga  Dominum  suum  et  omnes  amicos  suos  fide- 
litas  multis  terris  innotuit,  infidelis  diceretur,  et  de 
perjurio  vel  fraude  aliqua  infamiam  pateretur.  Im- 
mo  conveniret  potius  ut  films  tanti  viri,  imitator 
patris  existeret,  et  omnis  bonitatis  et  fidelitatis  aliis 
exemplum  preberet.  Propterea  rogo  te  dulcissime 
fili,  et  carissime  amice,  quatinus  propter  Deum  et 
honorem  tuum  si  culpam  de  tali  re  habes  resipiscas, 
si  vero  non  habes  manifestissimis  documentis  te  non 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  / 

habere  ostendas.  Quicquid  vero  sit,  rogo  ut  ad  me 
venias,  securus  proculdubio,  quod  neque  in  eundo 
neque  in  redeundo  per  nos  vel  per  regios  homines 
impediment!  aliquid  patieris.  Omnipotens  Dominus 
te  benedicat. 


LETTER  III. 


Lanfranc  announces  to  Earl  Roger  that  he  is  placed 
under  an  Ecclesiastical  interdict. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VI.  fol.  20.] 

*m*  Persuasion  having  failed,  a  third  Letter  announces  to  Earl 
Roger  that  he  and  his  followers  are  excommunicated,  and  that  the 
sentence  has  been  proclaimed  through  England.  From  the  tenor  of 
the  latter  part,  it  should  seem  that,  after  the  defeat  of  Earls  Ralph 
and  Roger,  the  latter  had  proffered  a  repentance. 


Lanfranctjs  gratia  Dei  Archiepiscopus  dilectis- 
simo  quondam  filio  et  amico  R.  Comiti,  bene  intelli- 
gere  et  salubrem  de  anima  sua  curam  habere.  Doleo 
pro  te  quantum  dici  non  potest,  quia  teste  Deo  te 
amabam,  et  te  amare  et  tibi  servire  toto  corde  desi- 
derabam.  Sed  quia  instinctu  demonis  et  consilio 
pravorum  hominum  ea  molitus  es  quae  te  moliri  mi- 
nime  oportuerat,  necessitate  coactus,  mentem  mutavi, 
et  dilectionem  non  in  odium  tantum,  quantum  in 
rancorem  mentis  et  justam  severitatem  converti.  Le- 
gatis  tamen  et  litteris  semel  et  iterum  te  invitavi  ut 
ad  me  venires,  et  consilium  animae  tuas  a  me  sicut  a 


8  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

patre  spirituali  et  amico  sincero  acciperes,  atque  a 
stulto  proposito  quod  conceperas  consilio  meliore 
desisteres.  Tu  vero  id  facere  recusasti ;  Canonica 
igitur  auctoritate,  te  et  omnes  adjutores  tuos  male- 
dixi  et  excommunicavi ;  atque  a  liminis  sanctae  Ec- 
clesias  et  consortio  fidelium  separavi,  et  per  totam 
Anglicam  terram  hoc  idem  pastorali  auctoritate  fieri 
imperavi.  Ab  hoc  vinculo  anathematis  ahsolvere 
non  possum  nisi  misericordiam  domini  mei  Regis  re- 
quiras,  sibique  et  aliis  quorum  res  injuste  predatus 
es  justiciam  facias.  Mandasti  quod  ad  me  venire 
velles.  Hoc  ego  libentissime  vellem,  nisi  regalem 
iram  pro  hac  re  me  incursurum  metuerem.  Sed  le- 
gato et  litteris  pcenitudinem  tuam  et  humilitatem  et 
preces  ei  intimabo,  et  te,  salva  ejus  fidelitate  prout 
melius  potero,  adjuvabo.  Interim  rogo  et  moneo  ut 
quiescas,  nee  aliquid  coneris  facere  unde  majorem 
ejus  iram  incurras. 


LETTER  IV. 

Lanfranc  to  the  King. — Malph  Guader  defeated. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  2G  b.] 

%*  In  this  Letter  Lanfranc  tells  his  Sovereign  he  need  not 
hasten  to  return.  Guader  had  been  defeated  ;  his  army  was  in 
flight;  and  the  King's  troops  following  up  their  success. 


Domino  suo  Anglorum  regi  Wil.  fidelis  suus  L. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  9 

fidele  servitium  et  fideles  orationes.  Libenter  vos 
videremus  sicut  angelum  Dei,  sed  hoc  tempore  nolu- 
mus  vos  mare  transire,  quia  magnum  dedecus  nobis 
faceretis  si  pro  talibus  perjuris  et  latronibus  vincen- 
dis  ad  nos  veniretis.  Rodulfus  comes,  immo  Rodul- 
fus  traditor,  et  totus  exercitus  ejus  in  fugam  versi 
sunt,  et  nostri  cum  infmita  multitudine  Francigena- 
rum  et  Anglorum  eos  insequuntur,  et  ante  paucos 
dies,  sic  mihi  mandaverunt  principes  nostri,  aut  ipsi 
perjuri  de  terra  vestra  per  mare  fugient,  aut  eos 
vivos  vel  mortuos  habebunt.  Cetera  per  hunc  mo- 
nachum  vobis  mando,  cui  bene  credere  potestis,  quia 
fidelitatem  mihi  fecit.  Omnipotens  Dominus  vos  be- 
nedicat. 


LETTER  V 


Archbishop  Lanfrancs  second  Letter  to  the  King. — 
The  Castle  of  Norwich  surrendered. — The  Rebellion 
at  an  end. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  26  b.] 

%*  This  is  probably  the  earliest  specimen  which  English  His- 
tory can  produce  of  a  military  despatch. 


Gloriosissimo  domino  suo  Anglorum  Regi  W. 
fidelis  suus  L.  fidele  servitium  cum  orationibus. 
Gloria  in  excelsis  Deo,  cujus  misericordia  regnum 
vestrum  purgatum  est  spurcicia  Britonum.  Castrum 
Noruuich  redditum  est,  et  Britones  qui  in  eo  erant 


B    5 


10  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

et  terras  in  Anglica  terra  habebant,  concessa  eis  vita 
cum  membris.  Juraverunt  quod  infra  quadraginta  dies 
de  regno  vestro  exirent,  et  amplius  sine  vestra  licentia 
in  illud  non  introirent.  Qui  vero  Rodulfo  traditori 
et  sociis  ejus  sine  terra  pro  solidis  servierunt,  ad  hoc 
faciendum  unius  mensis  spacium  multis  precibus  im- 
petraverunt.  In  ipso  castro  remanserunt  Episcopus 
Gausfridus,  W.  de  Warenna,  Robertus  Malet,  et  tre- 
centi  lorieati  cum  eis,  cum  balistariis  et  artificibus 
machinarum  multis.  Omnis  strepitus  bellorum,  mi- 
serante  Deo,  in  Anglica  terra  quievit.  Omnipotens 
Dominus  vos  benedicat. 


LETTER  VI. 

Lanfranc  to  Walcher  Bishop  of  Durham,  announcing 
that  the  Kingdom  was  restored  to  tranquillity. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  27.] 

%*  AValcher,  or  Walcherus,  Bishop  of  Durham,  consecrated  in 
1072,  was  a  native  of  Lorraine,  and  a  great  favourite  with  the  Con- 
queror, who,  after  the  execution  of  Waltheof,  gave  him  the  Earldom 
of  Northumberland  in  addition  to  his  bishoprick.  He  is  supposed  to 
have  been  the  first  who,  either  by  grant  or  tacit  permission,  assumed 
the  Palatine  powers  of  the  See.  The  insecurity  of  the  Northern  pro- 
vince and  the  vicinity  of  Scotland  were  sufficient  motives  both  for 
delegating  and  continuing  so  extensive  a  privilege.  "Walcher  was 
slain  at  Gateshead,  at  a  Council,  in  the  month  of  May  10S0,  by  the 
Northumbrians,  at  the  instigation  of  that  memorable  piece  of  ad- 
vice: 

"  Short  rede,  good  rede,  slay  ye  the  Bishop." 

William  the  Conqueror,  in  revenging  his  death,  spared  neither  age 
nor  sex. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  11 

Lanfrancus  peccator  et  indignus  antistes  venera- 
bili  fratri  et  co-episcopo  Walchero  salutem.  Letatus 
sum  in  his  quae  dicta  sunt  mini  a  vobis.  Pacem  vos 
vestris  litteris  habere  didicimus  quam  procul  a  nobis 
esse  multis  multorum  relationibus  territi  credeba- 
mus.  Nos  vero  expulsis  Britonibus,  et  sedatis  om- 
nibus bellis,  in  tanta  tranquillitate  vivimus,  ut  post- 
quam  Rex  mare  transiit  tranquillius  nos  vixisse  ne- 
quaquam  meminerimus.  Res  domini  nostri  Regis  in 
summa  prosperitate  esse,  et  eum  ad  presens  ad  nos 
transire  certissime  sciatis.  Dani  ut  Rex  nobis  man- 
davit  revera  veniunt.  Castrum  itaque  vestrum,  et 
hominibus,  et  armis,  et  alimentis  vigilanti  cura  mu- 
niri  facite.  Omnipotens  autem  Dominus  ab  omni 
malo  vos  defendat. 


From  this,  as  well  as  from  one  of  the  preceding  Letters  to  Earl 
Roger,  it  is  evident  that  the  Conqueror  relied  mainly  on  the  strength 
of  his  castles  for  the  preservation  of  his  power  in  England.  It  was 
the  want  of  such  places  that  had  facilitated  his  success,  and  the 
multiplication  of  them  gave  him  the  strongest  assurance  that  he 
would  be  able  permanently  to  overawe  his  English  subjects  ; 
"  Castrum  itaque  vestrum,  et  hominibus,  et  armis,  et  alimentis 
vigilanti  cura  muniri  facite  :"  and  in  the  first  Letter  to  Earl  Roger, 
"  Mandat  (Rex)  ut  quantum  possimus  curam  habeamus  de  Castellis 
suis,  ne  quod  Deus  avertat  inimicis  suis  tradautur." 

The  castles  of  the  Conqueror  s  own  time  were  those  of  Canter- 
bury, Tunbridge,  and  Rochester,  in  Kent ;  Hastings,  Arundel, 
Brembre,  and  Lewes,  in  Sussex ;  (Pevensey  had  been  erected  in 
the  Roman  times ;)  in  Hampshire,  Carisbrooke  in  the  Isle  of 
Wight ;  Walingford  and  Windsor,  in  Berkshire  ;  Wareham,  in  Dor- 
setshire ;  Exeter  and  Okehampton,  in  Devonshire  ;  Dunhevet  and 
Trematon,  in  Cornwall ;  Gloucester  and  Berkeley,  in  Gloucester- 


12  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

shire  ;  Chepstow,  in  Monmouthshire  ;  Dudley,  in  Worcestershire ; 
in  Herefordshire,  Wigmore,  Clifford,  and  Ewias  ;  the  castles  of 
Cambridge,  Huntingdon,  and  Lincoln  ;  Rockingham,  in  Northamp- 
tonshire ;  Warwick  ;  Tutbury,  iu  Staffordshire ;  Shrewsbury  and 
Montgomery  castles,  in  Shropshire  ;  Ruthlan,  in  Flintshire ;  Pen- 
vardant,  between  the  Ribble  and  the  Mersey ;  the  Peak  castle  in 
Derbyshire  ;  two  castles  at  York  ;  Pomfret  and  Richmond  castles  ; 
Clitheroe ;  Raleygh,  iu  Essex ;  Norwich  castle ;  and  Eye,  in  Suf- 
folk. 

Of  these,  nearly  the  whole  of  which  are  mentioned  in  the  Domes- 
day Survey,  eight  are  known,  either  on  the  authority  of  that  record 
or  of  our  old  historians,  to  have  been  built  by  the  Conqueror  him- 
self; ten  are  entered  as  erected  by  greater  barons,  aud  one  by  an 
under-tenant.  Eleven  more,  of  whose  builders  we  have  no  parti- 
cular account,  are  noticed  in  the  Survey,  either  expressly  or  by  in- 
ference, as  new. 

It  is  singular  that  the  ruins  which  are  now  remaining  of  almost 
all  these  castles  have  preserved  one  feature  of  uniformity.  They 
are  each  distinguished  by  a  mount  and  keep,  marking  the  peculiar 
style  of  architecture  introduced  into  our  castellated  fortifications  by 
the  Conqueror  and  his  adherents. 

The  castles  of  Dovor,  Nottingham,  and  Durham,  known  to  have 
been  built  by  the  Conqueror,  with  the  White  Tower  in  the  Tower  of 
London,  are  unnoticed  in  the  Domesday  Survey. 


LETTER  VII. 

Archbishop  Lanfranc  to  Remigius  Bishop  of  Dorches- 
ter :  that  the  King  heeds  not  the  detractors  of  the 
Bishop. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fill.  27.] 

*.£*  Remigius  de  Fescainp  was  the  last  Bishop  of  Dorchester, 
and  the  translator  of  that  See  to  Lincoln.  He  succeeded  Wlfin,who 
died  in  10G7.  The  removal  to  Lincoln  met  with  much  obstruction, 
and  was  not  effected  earlier  than  the  year  1085.  The  building  of 
the  cathedral  was  not  completed  till  1092  ;  and  Remigius  died  a 
few  days  before  its  consecration.     He  was  one  of  the  Conqueror's 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  13 

Commissioners  for  the  formation  of  the  Domesday  Survey.  To 
what  particular  circumstances  the  following  Letter  relates,  the  Editor 
has  not  discovered  ;  but  it  is  clear  that  the  Bishop  had  busy 
enemies. 

Matthew  Paris  says,  "  Erat  quidem  Remigius  statura  parvus, 
sed  animo  magnus,  colore  fuscus,  sed  non  operibus,  de  Regia  quo- 
que  proditioue  aliquando  accusatus,  sed  famulus  suus  igniti  judicio 
ferri  dominum  purgans,  regio  amori  restituit,  et  maculam  dedecoris 
pontificalis  detersit.  Hoc  autem  authore,  hoc  tempore,  et  his  de 
causis  iucepta  est  Ecclesia  moderna  Lincolniensis." 


Lanfrancus  gratia  Dei  archiepiscopus  dilecto  fra- 
tri  et  amico  Remigio  salutem.  Cum  multi  de  te 
multa  perversa  dicant,  et  perpauci  sint  qui  verba 
detrahentium  ingenita  liberalitate  contradicant,  scias 
tameu  dominum  nostrum  Regem  nullius  detrahentis 
contra  te  verba  recipere,  sed  potius  contra  omnes 
maledicos  regali  te  auctoritate  defendere.  Itaque 
expedit  ei  si  prope  es  et  licitum  babes  quatinus  ad 
me  venias,  et  ea  quae  pro  sui  prolixitate  breviter 
scribi  non  jDossunt,  ore  ad  os  audias. 


LETTER  VIII. 

Lanfranc  to  Pope  Gregory.  He  gives  due,  but  not 
unlimited,  obedience  to  the  See  of  Rome.  The  King, 
as  well  by  word  of  mouth  to  the  Pope's  Legate,  as  by 
his  letters,  will  answer  the  Pope's  remonstrance. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  27  b.] 

Reverendo   sanctse  universalis  Ecclesiae   summo 


14  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

pastori  Gregorio,  peccator  ct  indignus  antistes  L. 
servitium  cum  debita  subjectione.  Litteras  Ex- 
cellentiae  vestrse  per  Hubertum  sacri  palatii  vestri 
subdiaconum  porrectas,  qua  decuit  humilitate,  sus- 
cepi.  In  quarum  fere  omni  contextu  paterna  me 
dulcedine  reprehendere  studuistis,  quod  in  Episco- 
pali  honor e  positus  sanctam  Romanam  Ecclesiam, 
vosque  ob  ejus  reverentiam,  minus  diligam  quam 
ante  ipsius  honoris  susceptionem  diligere  quondam 
solebam,  presertim  cum  apostolicae  sedis  auctoritate 
ad  ipsius  apicem  honoris  me  pervenisse  non  dubitem, 
nee  quenquam  dubitare  existimo.  Et  quidem  vene- 
rande  pater,  verbis  tuis  calumniam  ingerere  nee  volo 
nee  debeo.  Ego  tarn  en  teste  conscientia  mea  in  me- 
metipso  intelligere  non  possum  quod  vel  corporalis 
absentia  vel  locorum  tanta  intercapedo  aut  ipsa  qua- 
liscunque  honorum  sullimitas  in  hac  parte  vindicare 
sibi  quicquam  prevaleat ;  quin  mens  mea  preceptis 
vestris  in  omnibus  et  per  omnia  secundum  Canonum 
precepta  subjaceat,  et  si  praestante  Deo  presens  pre- 
senti  loqui  quandoque  valerem  me  amando  crevisse. 
Vos  vero  quod  pace  vestra  dictum  sit  a  pristino 
amore  nonnulla  ex  parte  defecisse,  non  tarn  verbis 
quam  rebus  ipsis  ostenderem.  Verba  legationis  ves- 
trae  cum  prefato  legato  vestro  prout  melius  potui  do- 
mino meo  Regi  suggessi,  suasi,  sed  non  persuasi. 
Cur  autem  voluntati  vestrae  omnifariam  non  assense- 
rit,  ipsemet  vobis  tarn  verbis  quam  litteris  innotescit. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


15 


From  this  Letter  it  is  clear  that  Lanfranc's  reverence  to  the 
Church  of  Rome  was  suspected  by  his  Holiness.  What  William's 
words  to  the  Legate  were,  we  know  not :  but  his  Letter,  which 
follows,  marks  the  Conqueror's  character. 


LETTER  IX. 


William  the  Conqueror  to  Pope  Gregory  the  Seventh, 
who  had  claimed  him  as  a  feudatory  of  the  Papal 
See. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  28.] 

***  When  William  projected  the  invasion  of  England,  Pope 
Alexander  the  .Second  blessed  the  expedition,  and  sent  him  a  con- 
secrated banner.*  It  was  probably  on  this  account  that  Gregory 
the  Seventh,  his  immediate  successor,  claimed  William  as  a  feuda- 
tory. The  answer  was  laconic, "  Fidelitatem  facere  nolui  uec  volo, 
quia  nee  ego  promisi,  nee  antecessores  meos  antecessoribus  tuis  id 
fecisse  comperio."  That  which  his  predecessors  had  not  done  to 
former  Popes,  he  would  not  do. 

The  payment  of  Peter-pence  to  the  See  of  Rome  was  a  different 
consideration.  The  earliest  notice  of  tins  tax  goes  back  to  the  time 
of  the  Heptarchy.  While  William  was  in  Normandy,  the  payment 
had  been  deferred.  The  King  had  come  back.  What  had  been  re- 
ceived should  be  sent  by  the  Pope's  ambassador  at  his  return.  The 
rest  through  Lanfranc's  means,  as  opportunity  might  offer. 

The  payment  of  Peter-pence,  though  stopped  at  several  periods, 
did  not  finally  cease  till  the  Reformation. 


Excellentissimo  sanctae  Ecclesiae  pastori  GR. 
gratia  Dei  Anglorum  rex  et  dux  Normannorum  W. 
salutem  cum   amicitia,     Hubertus  legatus  tuus  reli- 

a  Alexandrum  papam  consuluit,  cui  jus  quod  in  regno  Anglise  sibi  competeret, 
demonstravit.  Unde  dux  vexillo  cum  sanctorum  reliquiis  ab  ipso  Papa  recepto, 
Principes  Normannife  convocavit,  a  quibus  ad  Angliam  couquirendam  auxilium 
petiit  et  favorem."  Twysd.  Script.  Chron.  Jo.  Bromton,  col.  958. 


16  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

giose  pater  ad  me  veniens  ex  tua  parte  me  admonuit 
quatinus  tibi  et  successoribus  tuis  fidelitatem  face- 
rem,  et  de  pecunia  quam  antecessores  mei  ad  Roma- 
nam  Ecclesiam  mittere  solebant  melius  cogitarem. 
Unum  admisi,  alterum  non  admisi ;  fidelitatem  facere 
nolui  nee  volo,  quia  nee  ego  promisi  nee  antecessores 
meos  antecessoribus  tuis  id  fecisse  comperio.  Pecu- 
nia tribus  ferme  annis,  in  Galliis  me  agente,  negli- 
genter  collecta  est,  nunc  vero  divina  misericordia,  me 
in  regnum  meum  reverso,  quod  collectum  est  per 
prefatum  legatum  mittitur,  et  quod  reliquum  est  per 
legatos  Laufranci  arcbiepiscopi,  fidelis  nostri,  cum 
opportunum  fuerit  transmittetur.  Orate  pro  nobis 
et  pro  statu  regni  nostri,  quia  antecessores  vestros 
dileximus,  et  vos  prae  omnibus  sincere  diligere  et 
obedienter  audire  desideramus. 


LETTER  X. 


Lanfranc  to  Odo  Bishojj  of  Baieux,  excusing  the  at- 
tendance of  Abbot  Baldwin  at  a  plea,  ivhich,  as  the 
King's  Justiciary,  the  Bishop  was  about  to  hold. 

[MS.  COTTON'.  NERO  A.  VII.  fol.  30.] 

*#*  Baldwin,  Abbot  of  St.  Edmundsbury,  the  chief  subject  of 
this  Letter,  was  a  person  held  no  less  in  estimation  by  the  Con- 
queror than  by  Edward  the  Confessor.  He  was  originally  a  monk 
of  the  Abbey  of  St.  Denis  near  Paris,  whence  he  was  sent  for  to 
England  in  1056,  to  preside  over  the  Priory  of  Deerhurst  in  Glou- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  17 

cestershire,  which  Edward  the  Confessor  had  just  refounded,  and 
made  a  cell  to  the  foreign  monastery.  In  1065  he  was  chosen  Abbot 
of  St.  Edmundsbury  in  Suffolk,  where,  beside  the  general  care 
which  he  took  of  the  monastery,  he  was  pre-eminent  for  his  skill  in 
medicine.  The  Annals  of  St.  Edmundsbury  (Harl.  MS.  447)  style 
him  "  Medicus  Edwardi  Regis  ;"  and  the  present  Letter  shews, 
that  in  the  same  capacity  his  skill  was  relied  upon  by  the  Con- 
queror. The  King  advised  Lanfranc  in  his  sickness  to  go  to  Faken- 
ham  to  be  near  the  Abbot,  and  personally  enjoined  the  latter  to 
exert  his  skill  in  effecting  Lanfranc's  cure.  Abbot  Baldwin  died 
in  1097,  above  eighty  years  of  age.  This  Letter  must  have  been 
written  before  1081,  as  after  that  time  Odo,  to  whom  it  is  addressed, 
was  no  longer  the  King's  Justiciary. 


Lanfrancus  indignus  antistes,  O.  digno  antistiti 
salutem  cum  orationibus.  Ad  Frachenam  villain  nos- 
tram  quae  Coenobio  Sancti  Edmundi  proxima  est 
veni,  in  qua,  Rege  precipiente  et  corporis  mei  in- 
flrmitate  urgente,  aliquam  accipere  Medicinam  dis- 
posui ;  pro  qua  re  Abbatem  Baklvinum  detineo,  cui 
Rex  curandae  hujus  egritudinis  curam  suo  ore  in- 
junxit,  qui  contra  Ricardum  ad  hunc  conventum  de 
quibusdam  querelis  placitum  accepit.  Sed  abbate 
apud  vos  et  apud  eum  de  hoc  Itinere  excusato, 
causam  ipsam  dilatam  esse  volo  et  rogo  quoad  usque 
alio  tempore  in  unum  conveniamus,  et  pari  studio  et 
pariter  ipsum  negotium  sine  aliquo  partium  favore 
definiamus.  Omnipotens  Dominus  vos  benedicat,  et 
in  omnibus  vestris  negotiis  promptus  vobis  auxiliator 
assistat. 


18  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XL 

King  Henry  the  First  to  Archbishop  Anselm  then 
abroad,  upon  his  accession  to  the  throne,  and  on  the 
unwillingness  with  which  he  had  been  consecrated 
King    by   other  hands  than   those  of  the  Primate. 

A.D.   1100. 

[MS.  COTTON.  CLAUD.  A.  XI.  fol.  101.] 

***  The  manuscript  from  which  the  following  Letter  has  been 
taken,  is  one  of  great  curiosity.  It  was  a  legacy  from  John  de 
Grandison,  Bishop  of  Exeter,  to  the  Archbishops  of  Canterbury, 
that  they  might  keep  him  in  remembrance.  A  leaf,  after  the  table 
of  contents,  holds  the  following  Inscription  as  a  sort  of  title  : 
"  Registrum  Epistokea  beati  Anselmi  Cantuar.  Archiepscopi. 
"J.  deG.  Ex. 

"  Do  et  lego  cui  cunque  Archiepiscopo  Cant,  ut  memor  sit  miseri 
Johannis  de  Grandissono  Exonieus.  qui  hoc  manu  sua  scripsit. 

"  Hie  iufra  potest  videri  status  tarn  Ecclesise  quam  Regni  Angliae, 
utinam  renovetur,  per  Christum  Dominum  nostrum  qui  vivit  et  reg- 
nat  Rex  Regum,  et  summus  Sacerdos  et  Pontifex  in  eternum. 
Amen.  Amen. 

"  Anno  Domini  m°.ccc°.  lx°iiij°.  et  aetatis  mese  lxx°iij°.  et  officii 
mei  xxx°viij°.     Mense  Aprili  die  nono." 

A  hand-writing  of  equal  age,  on  the  reverse  of  the  first  leaf,  says, 

"  Sciendum  quod  beatus  Anselmus  in  Epistolis,  vel  aliis  libris 
suis,  non  est  multum  Rethoricus  sicut  beatus  Gregorius,  sed  sen- 
tenciosus  et  logicus,  prout  legentibus  et  intelligentibus  satis  patet." 

Archbishop  Cranmer's  signature  occurs  upon  the  leaf  which  con- 
tains the  first  Letter.  How  the  manuscript  got  from  Lambeth  into 
Sir  Robert  Cotton's  Library  does  not  appear.  It  is  now  the  Cotto- 
nian  Manuscript  Claudius  a.  xi.  The  title-page  may  be  considered 
as  one  of  our  oldest  ecclesiastical  autographs. 


William  Rufus  was  slain  on  Thursday,  the  day  after  Lammas 
day,  and  buried  on  the  Friday.     "After  he  was  buried,"  says  the 

s  sc.  Epistolarum. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  19 

Saxon  Chronicle,  "  the  statesmen  who  were  nigh  at  hand  chose  his 
brother  King ;  and  on  the  Sunday  following,  before  the  altar  at 
Westminster,  he  promised  God  and  the  people  to  annul  all  the  un- 
righteous acts  which  had  taken  place  in  his  brother's  time,  and  to 
maintain  the  best  laws  which  had  stood  in  any  King's  day  before 
him.  And  after  this,  Maurice  Bishop  of  London  consecrated  him 
King;  and  all  in  the  land  submitted  to  him,  and  took  their  oaths, 
and  became  his  men.  Then,  before  Michaelmas,  came  the  Archbishop 
Anselm  of  Canterbury  hither,  King  Henry,  by  the  advice  of  his  mi- 
nisters, having  sent  after  him  ;  for  he  had  gone  away  on  account  of 
the  great  wrongs  that  had  been  done  unto  him  by  King  William." 

The  Letter  before  the  reader  was  that  which  was  sent  to  Anselm. 
Henry  would  gladly  have  been  consecrated  by  him,  but  feared  to 
wait.  He  pleads  the  necessity  which  existed  for  proceeding  quickly 
to  the  coronation.  "  Necessitas  fuit  talis  quia  inimici  insurgere 
volebant  contra  me  et  populum  quantum  habeo  ad  gubernandum  ; 
et  ideo  barones  mei  et  idem  populus  noluerunt  amplius  earn  prote- 
lari."  Malmesbury  assures  us  that  dissensions  had  arisen  among 
the  nobility.  It  is  remarkable  that  no  allusion  should  have  been 
made  in  this  Letter  either  to  the  manner  or  to  the  suddenness  of 
Rufus's  death. 

Henricus  Dei  gratia  Rex  Anglorum  piissimo 
patri  suo  spirituali,  Anselmo  Cantuariensi  Archiepi- 
scopo,  salutem  et  omnis  amitiaea  exhibitionem.  Scias 
pater  karissime  quod  frater  metis  rex  Guillermus 
mortuus  est,  et  ego  nutu  Dei  a  clero  et  a  populo 
Angliae  electus,  et  quainvis  invitus,  propter  absen- 
tiam  tui,  Rex  jam  consecratus,  requiro  te  sicut  pa- 
trem  cum  omni  populo  Angliae  quatinus  mihi  filio 
tuo  et  eiclem  populo,  cujus  tibi  animarum  cura  com- 
missa  est,  quam  citius  poteris  venias  ad  consulendum. 
Meipsum  quidem  ac  totius  regni  Angliae  populum 
tuo  eorumque  consilio  qui  tecum  milii  consulere  de- 

a  sc.  amicitiEe. 


20  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

bent  committo.  Et  precor  ne  tibi  displiceat  quod 
regiam  benedictionem  absque  te  suscepi,  de  quo  si 
fieri  posset  libentius  earn  susciperem  quara  de  alio 
aliquo.  Sed  necessitas  fuit  talis  quia  inimici  insur- 
gere  volebant  contra  me  et  populum  quantum  liabeo 
ad  gubernandum,  et  ideo  Barones  mei  et  idem  po- 
pulus  noluerunt  amplius  protelari.  Hac  itaque  oc- 
casione  a  tuis  vicariis  illam  accepi.  Misissem  qui- 
dem  ad  te  a  meo  latere  aliquos,  per  quos  tibi  de  mea 
pecunia  destinassem,  sed  pro  morte  fratris  mei  circa 
regnum  Angliae  ita  totus  orbis  concussus  est,  ut  nul- 
latenus  ad  te  salubriter  pervenire  potuissent.  Laudo 
ergo  et  mando  ne  per  Normanniam  venias,  sed  per 
Witsand,  et  ego  apud  Doveram  obviam  habebo  tibi 
barones  meos,  et  pecuniam  ad  te  recipiendum,  et  in- 
venies  Deo  juvante  unde  bene  persolvere  poteris  quic- 
quid  mutuo  accepisti.  Festina  igitur  Pater  venire, 
ne  mater  nostra  Cantuariensis  Ecclesia  diu  fluctuans 
et  desolata,  causa  tui  amplius  animarum  sustineat 
detrimenta.  Teste  Girardo  episcopo,  et  Guillermo 
"Wintoniensi  episcopo  electo,  et  Guillermo  de  Warel- 
wast,  et  Comite  Henrico,  et  Roberto  filio  Haimonis, 
et  Hamone  Dapifero,  et  aliis  tarn  Episcopis  quam 
Baronibus  meis.     Valete. 


Henry  enjoins  Anselm  not  to  come  through  Normandy,  but  to 
pass  by  Wissant,  and  he  would  himself  be  ready  to  receive  him  at 
Dover. 

In  early  times,  the  passage  froir  Dover  to  France  seems  always 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


21 


to  have  been  made  by  this  port.  The  Annals  of  St.  Edmundsbury, 
already  quoted,  speaking  of  Eustace  Earl  of  Boulogne,  in  the  time 
of  Edward  the  Confessor,  say,  "  Eustachius  ergo  transfretato  mari 
de  Witsand  in  Doveram,  regem  Edwardum,  nescio  qua  de  causa, 
adiit."  The  Saxon  Chronicle,  under  the  year  1095,  says,  "  In  this 
year  was  the  King  William  the  first  four  days  of  Christmas  at 
Whitsand,  and  after  the  fourth  day  came  hither  and  lauded  at 
Dover."  (edit.  Ingr.  p.  310.)  Simeon  of  Durham,  when  Henry  the 
First  married  his  daughter  Matilda  to  Henry  the  Emperor,  a.  d. 
1110,  says,  "  Misit  earn  a  Dovere  usque  ad  Witsand  in  initio  Qua- 
dragesimae,  quod  fuit  iiij.  idus  Aprilis."  (Sim.  Duuelm.  Script. 
Twysd.  x.  col.  232.)  Matthew  Paris,  in  the  "Tabula  itineraria 
ab  urbe  Londinum  ad  Neapolin,  et  extremitatem  Apuleae,"  prefixed 
to  the  manuscript  copies  of  his  History,  draws  it  out  in  the  illu- 
minations as  the  then  regular  point  of  transit.  In  his  History 
also,  under  the  year  1251,  he  says,  "  diebus  insuper  sub  eisdem, 
Comes  Legriae  Symon  cum  uxore  ejus,  adducens  secum  Guidonem 
de  Lizinnum  Comitem,  domini  Regis  fratrem  uterinum  tertium, 
navem  ascendit  apud  Witsand,  ut  in  Angliam  transfretaret.  Et 
cum  prospere  velificans,  fere  portum  attigisset,  mutato  vento  in 
contrarium  cum  magno  periculo  repulsus,  apud  Witsand  est  appul- 
sus."  (Mat.  Paris,  edit.  1684,  p.  714.)  Simon  de  Montefort  also  trans- 
ported horses  and  arms  by  way  of  Witsand,  when  he  gathered 
forces  to  oppose  Henry  III.  in  England,  in  1200.  (Rym.  Feed. 
new  ed.  i.  396.)  In  the  Wardrobe  Account,  28th  Edw.  I.  p.  56,  a 
payment  is  set  down  to  Reynold  Arnaldi  going  to  the  Earl  of 
Savoy  on  the  King's  business,  "  Et  custuma  soluta  per  eandem  tarn 
apud  Dovorr  quam  apud  Whitsand,  eundo  et  redeundo,  sicut  patet 
per  particulos ,"  &c.  The  Patent  17  Edw.  II.  p.  2.  m.  29,  entitled 
"  Confirmatio  Concordiae  factac  inter  Barones  de  Dovorr  pro  pro- 
ficuo  passagii  inter  Dovorr  et  Witsand  capiendo,"  is  the  settlement 
of  the  Constable  of  Dover  Castle  and  the  co-Barons  of  Dover  as  to 
the  port-dues  to  be  paid  by  the  vessels  called  "  Passagers,"  in 
crossing  to  and  from  Witsand.  They  were  evidently  the  ordinary 
vessels  of  passage  from  the  one  port  to  the  other,  and,  from  one 
paragraph  in  the  instrument,  seem  usually  to  have  carried  not  more 
than  twelve  persons  at  a  time.  As  late  as  the  5th  of  Edw.  III.  we 
find  Witsand  mentioned  as  the  place  of  disembarkation  in  the  Com- 
potus  Egidii  de  Ispana.     (Archasolog.  vol.  xxvii.  p.  288.) 

When  Calais  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  and  Edward  the 


22  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Third  made  that  place  an  integral  part  of  his  dominions,  by  an  in- 
strument dated  4th  April,  1348,  he  changed  the  route,  and  made 
the  passage  to  Picardy  by  way  of  Calais  imperative.  (Itym.  Foed. 
iii.  p.  158.) 

Blount  in  his  Tenures,  last  edit.  p.  76,  says,  "  Solomon  de  Cam- 
pis  holds  certain  lauds  called  Coperland  and  Atterton,  in  the  county 
of  Kent,  of  our  Lord  the  King  in  capite,  by  the  serjeauty  and  ser- 
vice of  holding  the  head  of  our  said  Lord  the  King  between  Dover 
and  Wit  sand,  as  often  as  he  should  happen  to  pass  over  sea  be- 
tween those  ports."  This  was  in  the  time  of  Edward  the  First. 
(Plac.  Coron.  21  Edw.  I.  rot.  45.  Kane.) 

There  can  be  little  doubt  but  that  AVissant  was  the  Portus  Iccius 
of  Cajsar,  and  that,  from  his  time  to  the  capture  of  Calais,  it  was 
the  only  regular  port  of  approach  from  Dover. 


LETTER  XII. 


Henry  Bishop  of  Winchester  to  the  Prior  and  Con- 
vent of  Worcester,  threatening  them,  in  the  absence 
of  the  Bishop,  with  an  interdict,  unless  the  tax  of 
the  Peter-pence  for  the  church  and  diocese  of  Wor- 
cester be  paid  within  fifteen  days. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  e.  iv.  fol.  203  b.] 

%*  Henry  Bishop  of  Winchester,  half-brother  of  Stephen,  be- 
came Papal  Legate  in  1136:  about,  or  socn  after  which  this  letter 
must  be  dated.     He  died  August  the  6th,  1171. 


Henricus  Dei  gratia  Wintonensis  Episcopus  et 
apostolicae  Seclis  Legatus  Priori  ct  Conventui  Sanctas 
Mariae  Wisfornensis  Ecclesias  salutem.  Miramur 
multum  quod  denarium  Sancti  Petri  de  Ecclesia  et 
Parrochia  Ecclesise  vestrae  nondum  reddistis,  cum  ab 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


23 


omnibus  Episcopis  secundum  condictum  eis  termi- 
num  jam  eum  receperimus.  Unde  mandamus  vobis 
et  apostolica  auctoritate  precipimus  ut,  visis  Litteris 
istis,  infra  xv.  dies  eundem  beati  Petri  denarium  Win- 
tonias  mittatis,  aut  ne  exinde  in  Ecclesia  vel  Parro- 
chia  vestra  divinum  fiat  officium  interdicimus,  ex- 
cepto  viatico  et  baptisterio.  Episcopo  enim  vestro 
et  Archidiacono  absentibus  non  habemus  nisi  vos 
quibus  de  hac  re  scribere  debeamus.     Valete. 


LETTER  XIII. 


Archbishop  Bechet  to  Ala  Countess  of  Warren,  upon 
the  detention  from  the  Monks  of  Lewes  of  the  tithes 
arising  from  the  lands  of  her  dower. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  f.  xni.  fol.  3.  Orig.  on  vellum.] 

*#*  Ala  Countess  of  Warren,  daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Belesme, 
was  wife  of  William  the  third  Earl  of  Warren  of  the  name,  who 
died  in  the  Holy  Land  on  the  ides  of  January,  1148,  leaving  an  in- 
fant daughter  his  heiress. 

The  Priory  of  Lewes  was  of  the  foundation  of  the  Earls  of  War- 
ren, who  for  three  generations  had  confirmed  to  the  Monks  of  that 
house  the  tithes  of  their  lands  in  Sussex  generally.  Ala,  after  her 
husband's  death,  refused  the  payment  of  those  which  arose  from  the 
lands  of  her  dower.  The  Monks,  after  long  remonstrance,  made  an 
appeal  to  Becket,  who  addressed  the  following  Letter  of  admoni- 
tion to  her.  Cruel  indeed,  and  next  to  sacrilege  would  it  be,  he 
says,  if  that  which  has  been  once  offered  on  the  altar  is  to  be  re- 
claimed and  turned  to  secular  use. 


Thomas  Dei  gratia  Cantuariensis  Archiepiscopus, 


24  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Anglorum  primas  et  apostolicae  seclis  Legatus,  dilec- 
tse  filiEe  Ala?  Comitissas  Warennae  salutem.  Pervenit 
ad  aures  nostras  religiosorum  fratrum  Lewensis  Ec- 
clesiae  Monachorum  stupenda  queremonia,  quod  cum 
ipsi  ex  antiqua  donatione  Comitum  Warennae,  vide- 
licet avi  et  patris  Willelmi  viri  tui,  et  sui  ipsius, 
etiam  antequam  dotem  tuam  consecuta  fuisses,  de 
omnibus  dominiis  Comitis  decimationem  denariorum 
semper  inconcusse,  tanquam  Ecclesiae  sua?  dotem 
possederint,  Tu  post  perceptam  dotis  tuae  investi- 
turam  eisdem  fratribus  decimationem  qua?  ad  dotem 
tuam  spectabat  subtraxeris.  Quod,  si  ita  est  vehe- 
menter  admiramur,  cum  eorum  qua?  Deo  et  Ecclesiae 
suae  in  elemosinam  collata  esse  noscuntur  nihil  Doti 
tuae  vendicare  debeas  nee  possis.  Crudele  enim  est 
et  sacrilegio  proximum  quod  super  divinum  Altare 
semel  devote  oblatum  est  iterum  repetere  et  ad  secu- 
laria  transferre.  Perinde  tibi  salubriter  consulimus, 
et  in  Domino  admonemus,  quatinus  sicut  vis  jus 
tuum  tibi  a  Deo  libere  conservari,  ita  jus  suum  cum 
integritate  Monachis  relinquas,  et  nullatenus  datam 
eis  denariorum  decimationem  dotis  tuas  retineas : 
alioquin  eis  in  justitia  deesse  non  poterimus,  cujus 
debitores  omnibus  existimus.a     Valete. 


***  Becket  became  Archbishop  in  1162,  between  which  year  and 
1174  this  Letter  must  have  been  written.  In  all  probability  the 
Countess  was  unmoved  by  it  to  the  restoration  of  the  tithes.  The 
Monks  of  Lewes  were  minute  in  chronicling  the  charters  of  their 

a  Sic  in  orig. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  25 

benefactors;  and  no  deed  of  gift  or  privilege  whatever  from  the 
Countess  Ala  is  recorded  in  the  Register  of  the  Priory.  The  only 
notice  of  her  states  simply  who  she  was;  that  she  died  on  the  4th  of 
the  ides  of  December  1174,  twenty- six  years  after  her  husband,  and 
that  it  was  not  known  where  she  was  interred.* 


LETTER  XIV. 

William  de  Avrenches  and  Cecil//  liis  mother  to  Wil- 
liam Earl  of  Warren,  William  de  Albini  Earl  of 
Sussex,  and  Gilbert  de  Aquila,  to  be  witnesses  to  a 
deed. 

[from  the  original,  in  the  possession  of  t.  D.  HARDY,  ESQ.] 

%*  The  following  short  Letter,  of  the  reign  of  John,  is  interest- 
ing, as  illustrative  of  the  mode  by  which  the  names  of  witnesses 
were  sometimes  obtained  to  be  affixed  to  deeds. 

William  de  Abrincis,  or  Averenches,  one  of  the  rebellious  Barons, 
became  a  prisoner,  in  the  l"th  year  of  John,  in  Rochester  Castle, 
whence  he  was  conveyed  to  Corfe  Castle  in  Dorsetshire.  The 
King  subsequently  gave  him  his  liberty  upon  condition  of  paying  a 
ransom  ;  to  raise  money  in  part  of  payment  of  which,  he  and  his 
mother  Cecily  sold  the  manor  of  Sutton  in  Sussex,  near  Seaford, 
to  the  Abbot  and  Monks  of  Robertsbridge.  Previous  to  the  deed  of 
transfer  being  drawn  up,  they  affixed  their  seals  to  this  Letter,  in 
which  they  entreat  William  Earl  of  Warren,  William  de  Albini 
Earl  of  Sussex,  and  Gilbert  de  Aquila,  as  those  persons  could  not 
be  present  at  the  publication  of  the  deed,  to  allow  their  names  to 
stand  as  witnesses  to  it.  William  de  Avrenches'  seal,  and  his  mo- 
ther's, of  green  wax,  are  appended  to  the  original. 


Karissimis  Dominis  suis,  domino  Willelmo  Coniiti 
Warenniae,  domino  Willelmo  de  AubeneioComitiSus- 

a  "  Doniina  Ala  Comitissa  Surregiaj,  filia  Comitis  de  Belesme  et  uxor  Willielmi 
tertii.  Obiit  quarto  Idus  Decembris  Anno  gratia?  Millesimo  clxsiiij.  et  anno  xxvito 
post  virum  suum.     Ubi  sepulta  est  nescitur."     Reg.  Priorat.  Lewes,  fol.  107  b. 

VOL.    I.  C 


2G  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

sexia?,  domino  Gilcbcrto  de  Aquila,  Willelmus  de 
Avcrenchis  et  Cecilia  mater  ejusdem,  salutem.  Quia 
ad  Cartas  faciendas  inter  nos  et  Abbatem  et  Mona- 
chos  de  Ponte  Roberti,  super  Manerio  de  Suttona 
juxta  Sefordiam,  presentiam  vestram  habere  non  po- 
tuimus,  precamur  et  obnixe  rogamus  ut  de  Cartis 
nostris  in  quibus  ob  securitatem  obtinendam  testes 
estis  ascripti,  testes  esse  velitis.     Valete. 


LETTER  XV. 


William  de  Potern  to  the  Prior  of  Bath,  with  an  Ex- 
tract from  the  Domesday  Survey. 

[MS.  REG.  MUS.  BRIT.  6  C.  XI.] 

%*  William  de  Potern  probably  had  the  custody  of,  or  at  all 
events  was  solicited  by  the  Prior  of  Bath  to  examine  the  Record  of 
Domesday,  to  ascertain  the  terms  in  which  the  Town  of  Bath  was 
described.  Robert,  the  Prior  to  whom  this  Letter  is  addressed, 
held  that  office  from  the  year  1198  to  the  year  1223.  The  manu- 
script, on  a  leaf  at  the  end  of  which  it  occurs,  is  preserved  in  the 
old  Royal  Collection  at  the  Museum,  and  is  an  ancient  volume  of 
St.  Jerome's  and  St.  Austin's  Letters.  Potern  s  Letter  itself  is  in 
a  hand  of  the  early  part  of  the  thirteenth  century.  It  adds  another 
to  the  various  proofs  already  adduced,  that  Latin  was  the  chief 
language  in  which  letters  of  business  of  every  kind  were  at  that 
time  most  usually  endited. 


Karissimo  Domino  R.  Priori  Bath.  Will,  de  Po- 
terna  salutem.  Inveni  in  Libro  de  Domesdai  quod 
Villa  de  Bath  cum  Estona  solebat  geldare  cum  Sira 
de  Sumersett  pro  xx.  hidis.     Sunt  etiam  in  eadem 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  27 

villa  xl.  mesuagia  quae  reddunt  per  annum  iiij.  libr. 
Sunt  ibidem  VII.  domus  vacuas  et  una  domus  quam 
quidam  interpres  tenet  pro  duobus  solidis.  Barones 
etiam  Provineiae  habent  in  eadem  Villa  l.  sol.  Va- 
lete. 


LETTER  XVI. 

King  Edward  the  First  to  the  Prior  and  Prioress  of 
Alvingham  in  Lincolnshire,  to  admit  one  or  more 
of  the  children  of  Llewellin  op  Griffith  late  Prince 
of  Wales,  or  of  his  brother  David,  into  their  House. 

[FROM  THE  REGISTER  OF  ALVINGHAM  PRIORY,  MS.  BIBL.  BODL.] 

***  The  Monastery  of  Alvingham  was  of  the  Sempringham  or 
Gilbertine  Order,  many  of  the  houses  of  which  were  founded  for 
Religious  of  both  sexes ;  who,  though  they  lived  under  one  roof,  had 
no  ordinary  communication  with  each  other.  Alvingham  was  one 
of  these. 

In  the  following  Letter  of  privy-seal,  the  King  sends  to  the  Prior 
and  Prioress  greeting.  He  states  that,  although  in  looking  back  to 
times  past,  and  closely  into  the  merits  of  individuals,  he  did  not 
feel  bound  to  do  much  for  the  children  of  Llewellin  ap  Griffith  and 
of  his  brother  David  (the  treachery  of  both  of  whom  was  fresh  in 
all  men's  recollection);  yet,  having  the  fear  of  God  before  him,  and 
pitying  their  age  and  sex,  lest  the  innocent  should  seem  to  suffer 
punishment  for  the  crimes  of  the  wicked,  for  charity's  sake,  he  in- 
tends to  provide  for  them  advantageously.  Whence,  trusting  in  the 
devotion  of  the  joint  Convent,  and  looking  to  the  conversation  of  their 
Order,  he  with  earnest  prayers  desires  them  to  admit  into  it  and  to 
the  Habit  of  their  house  one  or  more  of  the  sons  of  the  said  Llewel- 
lin or  of  David  his  brother,  whom  or  whichever  he  might  think  fit 
to  be  named  to  them  ;  requesting  that  they  will  write  back  before 
the  ensuing  feast  of  the  Nativity,  or  at  least  on  that  day,  to  say 
what  further  shall  be  done.  Dated  at  Ludlow  in  the  eleventh  year 
of  his  reign,  a.d.  1283. 

c  2 


28  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Edwardus  Dei  gratia  Rex  Angliae,  &c.  dilectis 
sibi  in  Christo  Priori  de  Alvingham  et  Priorissae  et 
eorum  Conventions  salutem.     Licet  si  ad  retroacta 
convertamns  intnitum  mentis  nostras  et  quorundam 
merita  interius  advertamus  liberis  Leuelini  filii  Grif- 
fini    quondam  Principis  Wallias    et  Davidis    fratris 
ejus,  quorum  perfidia  apud  omnes  retinetur,  recenter 
et  memoriter  recitatur,  subvenire,  modicum  tenea- 
mur ;  Dominum  tamen  habentes  pi  as  oculis,  ipsorum 
etiam  compatientes  sexui  et  aetati,  ne  forsan  inno- 
centes  et  inscii  iniquitates  et  scelera  impiorum  luere 
videantur  ;  ipsis,  caritatis  intuitu  duximus  salubriter 
providere  ;   quocirca,  de  vestra  devotione  confisi  ves- 
trique  conversationem  Ordinis  proecipue  contemplan- 
tes  dilectionem  vestram  votivis  precibus  exoramus, 
quatinus  aliquem  vel  aliquos  de  nliis  dictorum  Le- 
welini   et  Davidis  fratris  sui,  quern  vel  quos  vobis 
duxerimus  nominandos,  velitis  admittere  ad  Ordinem 
et  habitum  domus  vestrae,  et  quid  de  hoc  duxeritis 
faciendum  nobis   citra  festum    Natalis   Domini,  vel 
saltern  in  ipso   festo,  per  vestras  literas  rescribatis. 
Datum  sub  privato  sigillo  nostro  apud  Ludelow  xj°. 
die  Novembris  Aimo  regni  nostri  undecimo. 


%*  What  was  the  result  of  this  correspondence,  or  what  became 
of  the  children  of  Llewellin  and  his  brother,  is  unrecorded  in  the 
Register  of  Alvingham.  Six  years  afterwards,  however,  we  have 
an  instrument  "  De  statu  et  custodia  filiarum  Lewelini  filii  Griftini 
et  David  fratris  ejus,  sub  habitu  moniali  in  Ordine  de  Sempringe- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  29 

ham  commorantium."  Pat.  17  Edw.  I.  m.  9.  in  Turr.  Lond.  a.d. 
1289.     It  is  as  follows  : 

"Rex  dilecto  et  fideli  suo  Thoma;  de  Normanvill,  salutem.  Vo- 
lentes  super  statu  et  custodia  filiarum  Leulini  filii  Griflini  et  David 
fratris  ejus,  sub  habitu  moaiali  inOrdine  de  Sempringeham  commo- 
rantium per  vos  certiorari  ad  plenum.  Vobis  mandamus,  quod,  ad 
loca  in  quibus  predicts  filiae  commorantur,  persoualiter  accedentes, 
ipsas  videatis :  et  facta,  tam  super  statu  quam  custodia  earumdem, 
diligenti  examinatione,  nos  inde,  in  proximo  Parliamento  nostro, 
distincte  et  aperte  reddatis  in  omnibus  certiores :  et  hoc  omnibus, 
quorum  interest,  scire  volumus  per  presentes.  In  cujus,  &c. 
Teste  Rege,  apud  Ralegh,  ij°  die  Septembris." 

In  the  10th  of  Edw.  II.,  1317,  we  find  Wenciliana,  a  daughter  of 
Llewellin,  spoken  of  in  a  Letter  to  the  Pope,  as  a  nun  of  Sempring- 
ham.  (Rym.  Foed.  ii.  313.  Rot.  Rom.  &  Franc.  10  Edw.  II.  in 
Turr.  Lond.)  Edward  III.  in  the  first  year  of  his  reign  granted 
her  a  pension  of  twenty  pounds  a  year  as  Wenthliana  the  daughter 
of  Llewellin,  still  a  nun  there,  payable  at  Easter  and  Michaelmas 
in  equal  portions,  by  the  Sheriff  of  Lincolnshire,  out  of  the  proceeds 
of  the  county.  (Rym.  Foed.  ii.  719.  Claus.  1  Edw.  III.  p.  3.  m. 
14.  in  Turr.  Lond.)  1327.  The  same  sum  was  ordered  to  be  paid 
in  1328,  the  2d  Edw.  III. ;  the  instrument  tested  by  the  King  him- 
self at  Sempryngham,  4th  April.  (Ibid.  p.  738.  Claus.  2  Edw.  III. 
m.  31.  in  Turr.  Lond.)  The  Sheriff's  Account  upon  the  Chancellor's 
or  Pipe  Roll,  2  Edw.  III.,  refers  to  this  pension  as  first  granted  by 
Kino-  Edw.  II. 


LETTER  XVII. 

Letter  on  the  Preparations  made  by  France  in  favour 

of  David  Bruce,  a.d.  1336. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  f.  vii.  fol.  10  b.  Orig.  on  vellum.] 

***  Neither  this  nor  the  succeeding  Letter  have  any  claim  upon 
the  reader's  notice  for  their  elegance ;  nor  entirely  for  grammatical 
construction  :  but  both  are  important  to  the  illustration  of  our  his- 
tory. One  details  the  rumours  which  determined  Edward  the  Third 
to  make  his  last  expedition  against  Scotland.    The  other  gives  what 


.'JO  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

has  hitherto  been  unknown,  the  journal  of  his  march  and  ravages. 
Both  are  evidently  addressed  to  the  same  person,  and  both  are  in  the 
same  hand- writing ;  but  neither  the  name  of  the  writer,  nor  that  of 
the  person  to  whom  they  were  addressed,  are  apparent  in  the  let- 
ters. Edward  the  Third,  at  this  time,  had  two  chief  ministers ;  John 
Stratford,  archbishop  of  Canterbury,  his  chancellor,  and  John  Bour- 
chier,  bishop  of  Lincoln,  his  treasurer.  Walsingham,  at  the  close 
of  the  events  of  1335,  tells  us  that  the  King  kept  the  archbishop  of 
Canterbury  constantly  near  him.a  The  treasurer,  who  was  at  a  dis- 
tance, was  in  all  probability  the  person  to  whom  they  were  addressed. 
The  opening  of  the  second  Letter,  "Reverendissime  Pater,  et  Domine 
peramande,"  shews  at  all  events  that  that  Letter  was  addressed  to  a 
churchman.  Both  are  dated  from  York;  one,  June  19th,  the  other 
the  3d  of  August,  1336.  The  second  Letter  contains  the  detail  of 
the  King's  exploits  as  it  had  come  to  the  Queen  at  Pontefract  on 
the  day  preceding. 

The  opening  of  the  present  Letter  refers  to  the  interview  between 
Philip  de  Yalois  and  Pope  Benedict  XII.  at  Avignon,  when  they 
at  least  pretended  to  project  a  crusade  against  the  Turk. 


Rex  Franciae  fuit  in  Curia  in  medio  Quadragesi- 
mae,  et  continuit  ita  secrete  cum  Papa  quod  nullus 
percipere  potuit  eorum  consilium  ;  sed  ad  instantiam 
Regis  Papa  concessit  gratiam  omnibus  tunc  in  Curia 
existentibus.  Et  postea,  in  Pascba,  Rex  stetit  Lug- 
duni,  et  ibidem  habuit  tractatum  cum  Scotis,  et  pro- 
misit  eis  totum  posse  suum  ad  conducendum  David 
de  Bruys  in  Scotia ;  ita  quod  nautarum  dicunt  sunt 
apud  Harflour  et  Lure  in  Normannia  ijM,  et  ccc. 
naves  in  quarum  quibuslibet  secundum  majus  et  mi- 
nus con  tine  tur  hominum  armatorum  xjxx.  Et  sunt 
xxx.  Galeae  ferreae  roboratae,  ita  quod  nulla  navis 

a  "Rex  auteni  non  permisit  Joanneni  archie  pis  copum  Cantuariensem  ab  ipso 
longe  distari."     Walsingh.  Hist.  p.  119. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  31 

possit  eis  resistere.  Insuper  apud  Lure  peritius  fue- 
runt  compositae  balistae,  et  scutellata  ad  cooperien- 
dum  tres  armatos,  et  sunt  Balistarii  circa  x.  millia,  et 
Bombatia  alia  cum  platis  ferreis  circa  xiiijMU.  quae 
vix  penetrari  possint  per  sagittas,  lanceas,  vel  alias 
armaturas.  Insuper,  die  annunciationis  beatae  Mariae 
Virginis,  naves  plenae  armaturis  ductae  fuerunt  in 
Normannia  ijcc,  et  v.  dolia  quarellorum.  Et  sunt 
conductores  Regis  Franciae  ordinati  domino  Consta- 
bulario  Franciae,  videlicet  dominus  Mathaeus  de  Try, 
dominus  Thomas  de  Bertram,  ductores  in  rnari,  et 
Johannes  le  Mir'  de  Haukeneys  Hereuaniae.  Cives 
Parisienses  proponunt  quod  una  pars  exercitus  arri- 
piet  iter  versus  Portsmouth,  et  alia  pars  versus  Sco- 
tiam,  applicando  in  loco  ubi  Balliolf  applicuit.  Duc- 
tores de  Scotia  versus  Angliam  sunt  dominus  Alex- 
ander de  Seton,  Magister  Thomas  de  Twynam  cleri- 
cus,  Johannes  de  Swecia  armiger.  Assignati  sunt 
dies  arripiendi  a  die  Sanctae  Crucis  in  Mayo  proxime 
transacto. 

Insuper  omnes  cissores  subtiles  Parisienses  stete- 
runt  apud  Lur'  per  xv.  septimanas  et  sex  dies  ad 
faciendum  vexilla,  tarn  Anglicana  quam  Gallicana, 
et  multi  eorum  fuerunt  Angiici,  Hibernici,  et  Gal- 
lici,  quantum  explorari  poterint  vel  dixerint.  In- 
super  multi  venerunt  de  Almanniis,  Brabancis,  Fran- 
danciis,  et  soldarii  ad  Regem  Franciae.  Assignatus 
fuit  dies  et  locus  ubi  exercitus  Scotorum  obviaret 


32  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

exercitum  Regis  Franciae,  et  sunt  ut  estimator  cum 
convenerint  xl.  mil.  armatorum  ;  et  die  Sancti  Marcae 
venerunt  rumores  Parisienses  cum  luctu  quod  Rex 
Franciae  fuit  in  mensa  cum  Duce  de  Burgundia  in 
quodam  Castro  Burgundiae.  Supervenerunt  de  im- 
peratore  de  partibus  Alemanniae  quidam  Exercitus 
magnus  et  combusserunt  civitates  et  villas  :  Preterea, 
iis  auditis  a  Rege  Franciae,  ipse  una  cum  Duce 
fugit  ad  castrum  quod  Marctio  vocatur  et  [vexit]  ci- 
baria  vasa  et  utensilia.  Persecutores  Regis  Franciae 
sunt  principales  Dux  Austriae,  Dux  Bavariae,  Comes 
Galariae,  dominus  de  Falcamod  et  de  Caloniis,  Com. 
de  Julers,  et  multi  alii,  in  numero  Mil.  lij.  magnates. 

Insuper  die  Sanctorum  Apostolorum  Philippi  et 
Jacobi  commissum  fuit  bellum  inter  Regem  Bemiae 
et  magnates  quosdam  de  Almania,  et  optinuerunt 
Almanii  victoriam,  et  ceciderunt  de  exercitu  Regis 
Bemiae  xxxix.  Mil.  Treugae  inter  Regem  Hispanise 
et  Regem  Bavariae  in  festo  Sancti  Johannis  expirant. 
Gallici  indagati  quantum  possunt  quomodo  Rex  eo- 
rum  sic  in  brigatur  nee  scire  certum  possunt,  et  nisi 
Rex  Franciae  sic  impeditus  fuisset  multa  fortunia 
Angliae  evenissent. 

Nova  de  Scotia  sunt  haec  ;  quod  nostrates  statim 
post  recessum  de  Berwico  se  in  duos  exercitus  divi- 
serant,  unus  per  forestas  et  montana  transiens  ubi 
Willelmus  Duglas  et  sui  fuerunt  cum  eo  dimicando, 
ipsum  fugando,  suos  prosternendo,  et  victualia  plura 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  33 

tam  viva  quam  mortua  capiendo.  Exercitus  Regis 
Scotia?  qui  per  planities  transibat,  apucl  Strivelyn  se 
conjunxit,  et  in  illis  partibus  habuerunt  aliqua  opera 
bellica  cum  domino  Andr.  de  Murref  quern  et  fuga- 
verunt  et  multos  ceperunt  quos  gladio  manciparunt, 
ulteriusque  transeuntes  venerunt  ad  villain  Sancti 
Joliannis  quam  eis  rebellem  et  contrariam  invenerunt 
et  vi  ceperunt,  nee  cuiquam  animse  pepercerunt  et 
pro  certo  refertur  quod  resistenciam  de  cetero  non 
liabebunt.  Thomas  Russelyn  in  quadam  villa  sagitta 
percussus  in  femore  illam  incaute  extrahens  venas  et 
nervos  rumpens  incontinenter  decessit.  Scotis  fu- 
gatis  et  dispersis,  et  distractis,  licet  sexies  plures 
erant.     Scriptum  Eboraci  xix°  die  Junij. 


LETTER  XVIII. 

Letter  presenting  a  Journal  of  Edward  the  Third's 

last  expedition  against  the  Scots,  a.  d.  1336. 

[ms.  cotton,  vesp.  f.  vii.  fol.  11.     Orig.  on  vellum.] 

%*  None  of  the  Historians  of  Scotland  give  either  the  minute  de- 
tail or  the  exact  date  of  Edward  the  Third's  fourth  aud  last  expedi- 
tion into  that  country,  as  they  are  to  be  found  in  the  present  Letter. 
Holinshed  says  Edward  had  forty  thousand  men  with  him  ;  Fordun, 
in  the  Scotichronicon,  twenty  thousand ;  but  these  must  have  been 
intended  for  the  total  number  of  his  army  in  Scotland.  The  ravages 
of  his  expedition  were  made  with  a  smaller  band,  probably  not  more 
than  a  thousand  persons  in  the  whole  ;  and  even  that  number  expe- 
rienced great  privation  toward  the  latter  part  of  their  march. 

It  was  on  the  Friday  after  the  feast  of  the  Translation  of  St.  Tho- 
mas a.  Becket,  July  12th,  133G,  that  the  King  quitted  Perth  sudden- 
ly and  secretly,  accompanied  by  four  hundred  men-at-arms,  and  as 

c  5 


34  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

many  hobelers  and  archers.  They  bivouacked  the  first  night  in  the 
open  country.  The  next  day  the  King  proceeded  northward  to 
Blair-Athol,  and  then  across  a  portion  of  the  Grampian  range  to 
Fythewyn  in  Badenoch.  On  the  Monday  his  sudden  appearance 
raised  the  siege  of  Loghendorb  Castle,  and  released  the  Countess 
of  Atliol,  whose  garrison  in  regard  to  provision  of  every  kind  was 
reduced  to  the  last  extremity.  He  thence  proceeded  to  Aberskarf  (a 
place  not  set  down  upon  the  maps);  and  on  the  Wednesday  follow- 
ing to  the  Abbey  of  Kinloss,  having  burnt  Fores.  Elgin  he  spared, 
from  reverence  to  the  Holy  Trinity,  in  whose  name  and  honour  its 
church  had  been  constructed.  He  next  crossed  the  Spey  to  Inver- 
culan  in  Banffshire  ;  was  afterwards  at  Doghwan ;  and  went  thence 
to  Aberdeen,  where  he  inflicted  punishment  on  the  inhabitants,  by 
burning  and  razing  the  place,  for  having  slain  fifty  of  his  sailors 
who  had  landed  there  on  the  Thursday  preceding.  On  the  Wed- 
nesday he  passed  through  Mernis  to  the  Castle  of  Dunnotyr  ;  and 
thence  in  a  south-westerly  direction  to  Forfar.  Whether  this  Letter, 
dated  on  the  3rd  of  August,  contains  the  completion  of  the  expedi- 
tion is  difficult  to  say  ;  as  we  do  not  find  the  King's  return  to  Perth 
mentioned  in  the  attestations  of  public  instruments  till  the  28th  of  that 
month. 

The  Countess  of  Athol  mentioned  in  this  Letter  was  Catherine 
daughter  of  Henry  Lord  Beaumont,  styled  Earl  of  Buchan,  and 
widow  of  David  twelfth  Earl  of  Athol,  who  was  killed  by  the  Earl 
of  March's  party  in  the  forest  of  Kilblair,  disdaining  quarter,  Nov. 
30th,  1335.  The  Countess  was  blockaded  in  the  Castle  of  Lochen- 
dorb  by  Sir  Andrew  Murray,  from  the  time  of  her  husband's  death 
till  Edward  released  her.  Fordun,  in  his  Scotichronicon,  says  she 
had  written  to  Edward  for  aid  :  and  makes  it  appear  as  if  the  res- 
cue of  the  Countess  was  one  of  the  chief  objects  intended  to  be  ob- 
tained by  Edward's  expedition.  It  is  stated  in  this  letter  that  the 
sudden  display  of  Edward's  banners  gave  those  in  the  Castle  of 
Lochendorb  the  first  news  of  his  approach. 


Reverentissime  Pater  et  Domine  peramande, 
Nova  de  partibus  borialibus,  quae,  secundo  die 
mensis  Augusti,  dominae  nostra?  Reginae  apud  Pon- 
tem  fractum  scriptae  fuerant,  sunt  heec.     Videlicet 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  35 

quod  dominus  noster  Rex  Anglia?  die  Veneris  proxi- 
mo post  festum  translationis  Sancti  Thoma?  Martyris 
de  villa  Sancti  Johannis  ad  distantiam  octo  leucarum 
se  movit  tarn  subito  quod  nulli  quousque  se  arma- 
ret  innotuit ;  habens  secum  iiijc.  homines  ad  arma 
et  tot  hobelarios  et  sagittarios  in  campis  eadem  nocte 
tentoria  sua  Agendo.  Dieque  Sabbati  ad  mane  ad 
castrum  de  Blar',  ad  distantiam  xx.  leucarum  equi- 
tavit.  Die  vero  Dominico  sequente,  per  medium  ma- 
jorum  fortitudinum  Dasceles  montes  Scotia?  in  altiori a 
et  fortiori b  Scotia?  pertransiens  et  equitans  illo  die 
fere  ad  xxx.  leucas  apud  Fythawyn  in  Badenaw  per- 
noctavit.  Die  Luna?  sequente,  ad  mane,  audiens  quod 
obsidium  Scottorum,  inter  quos  erat  dominus  Andr. 
de  Muref  ad  numerum  xx  M.  coram  Castro  Loghen- 
dorm  ubi  domina  Comitissa  Dasceles  morabatur, 
fuit  congregatio  ad  Ecclesiam  de  Kynkardyn  in 
Badenau  ad  distantiam  xvj.  leucarum  super  freno 
equitavit,  et  cariagium  suum  ibidem  dimittens  usque 
ad  duas  leucas  citra  Loghendorm  est  progressus  et 
vidit  eorum  tentoria  qui  dictum  Castrum  obsidebant, 
et  cum  eorum  discoopertores  nostrates  vidissent,  et 
hide  premuniti  fuissent,  usque  in  Rosse,  totaliter  se 
posuerunt  in  fugam.  Idemque  dominus  noster  iter 
suum  directe  tenuit  ad  Castrum  supradictum,  et 
erectis  et  visis  nostratuum  vexillis,  ex  tunc  in  castro 
existentes  de  adventu  dicti  domini  nostri  primo  nova 

"  sc.  alticra.  b  fortiora. 


36 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


habuerunt ;  dicta  vero  Comitissa  se  applicans  in  ba- 
tella  ad  terrain  dicto  domino  nostro  multipliciter 
regratiabatur,  de  penuria  et  adversitate  sui  et  suorum 
plenius  exponendo,  et  quod  pro  omnibus  infra  dic- 
tum castrum  constitutis  victualia  (n)ulla  supererant 
preter  dolei  (doleum)  vini  modici  seu  nullius  valoris, 
et  dimidium  quarterium  siliginis,  stramen  seu  pal- 
leam  non  habentes  aut  quicquam  aliud  super  quo 
quiescere  possent  aut  cubare.  Cui  dominus  noster 
precepit  quod  rediret  dieque  crastino  mitteret  pro 
eadem,  et  tunc  ad  cariagium  suum  est  regressus ;  quo 
die  ad  xl.  leucas  cum  toto  exercitu  suo  in  pessimo 
itinere  equitavit,  multos  equos  eodem  die  amit- 
tendo  ac  pro  se  et  toto  exercitu  suo  vix  medietas 
bovis  habebatur.  Sed  die  Martis  sequente  idem  do- 
minus noster  unara  modicaui  die  tarn  videlicet  octo 
leucarum  usque  ad  Aberkarf  gentes  suas  in  fortitu- 
dines  de  Mar  destinavit  quae  mille  bestias  et  amplius 
ad  exercitum  nostrum  reduxerunt.  Cujus  occasione 
nostrates  illaresc  erant  et  recreati,  dictaque  Comitissa 
eodem  die  dicto  domino  nostro  declinabat.  Et  die 
Mercur'  ad  Abbatbiam  de  Kynles  in  Muref  ad  dis- 
tantiam  xx.  leucarum  porrexerunt.  Villain  de  Fo- 
res quae  bona  erat,  et  totam  patriam  in  circuitu  com- 
busserunt.  In  dicta  vero  Abbatbia  vinum  cervisiam 
et  piscem  salsam,  blada,  et  alia  necessaria  sibi  inve- 
nerunt  unde  refecti  erant  nostri  et  non  modicum  con- 

c  hilares. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  37 

solati,  et  illucd  Castrum  de  Loghendorm  predictum  de 
victualibus  per  terrain  sufficientibus  erat  munitum. 
Die  vero  Jovis  sequenti  dictus -dominus  noster  ad 
Eglyn  in  Muref  ad  distantiam  octo  leucamm  pro- 
gressus  erat,  ut  patriam  ibidem  in  circuitu  de  tota 
Scotia  meliorem  et  fertiliorem  destrueret,  et  ignis 
incendio  concremaret.  Combustionem  tamen  villae  de 
Eglyn  ob  reverentiam  Sanctae  Trinitatis  in  cujus  ho- 
nore  decens  ecclesia  ibidem  est  constructa  parc(i)e- 
batur.  Die  Ven.  idem  dominus  noster  aquam  de 
Spee  pertransiens  ad  villain  de  Colane  super  mare,  ad 
distantiam  xviij.  leucarum  equitavit.  Die  Sabati  ad- 
fuit  in  Doghwan  ad  xvj.  leucas.  Die  Dominica  Cas- 
trum de  Kyldromyn  quod  a  latere  dimisit  pertransiens 
ad  villain  de  Aberden  nocte  veniebat,  ubi  villain  in- 
habitantes  supraclictam  die  Jovis  precedenti  de  nautis 
nostris  qui  ad  terrain  se  temere  applicabant  ad  nume- 
rum  L.  vel  circiter  occiderunt,  una  cum  nautis  de 
Flandria  qui  usque  ad  adventum  Regis  in  portu 
ibidem  detinebantur.  Die  Lunae  dictus  dominus  Rex 
perhabundantem  partem  ville  et  veterem  Aberden  et 
patriam  in  circuitu  fecit  concremari  ubi  bona  quam- 
plurima  repperiebantur.  Die  Martis  aquam  de  Dee 
pertransiens  cariagium  suum  de  mane  citra  aquam  mo- 
vere  faciebat  et  insuper  in  predicta  villa  de  Aberden 
personaliter  morabatur  ita  quod  in  tota  absque  cujus- 
cumque  domus  deletu e  urebatur,  licet  in  tota  Scotia 

dforsan  inde.  edelectu. 


38  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

domus  non  liabebantur  decentiores.  Die  Mercurii 
apud  Morton  en  le  Mernes  existentes  Castrum  de 
Dunoter  in  maim  domini  nostri  predicti  existens  ad 
xvj.  leucas  pro  ilia  dieta  transierunt.  Die  Jovis  ad 
distantiani  xvj.  leucarum  equitavit.  Die  Ven.  ad 
Forfar'  per  viij.  leucas  distantem  ubi  sibi  (nova)  vene* 
runt  quod  Willielmus  Douglas  cum  M1  lioininibus  in 
foresta  de  Platere  vicina  dicto  domino  nostro  latitabat ; 
nee  alium  tunc  temporis  nisi  dominum  Henr.  de 
Lance  capitaneum  fuisse  credebat.  Sed  cum  nocte 
dicti  domini  nostri  ibidem  sciebat  presentiam,  versus 
forestam  de  Bronnan  fugiens  cum  municionibus  om- 
nium castrorum  Scotiae  in  eorum  manibus  existen- 
tium  versus  Strivelyn  rediebat.  Ad  lisec  Pater  et 
Domine  scire  velitis  quod  die  Lunae  proximo  post 
confectionem  presentium  Nobilis  dominus  Comes 
Cornubiae  cum  iiijc.  hominibus  ad  anna,  de  quibus 
vij**.  mundi  et  bene  parati  de  sua  sunt  tenura  una 
cum  septem  millibus  hobelariis  et  sagittariis  de  di- 
versis  patriis  congregati  in  terrain  Scotia?  progredi- 
etur  Deo  duce  sine  mora  longiori  ita  quod  liiis  diebus 
ad  refrenandam  inimicorum  maliciam  nova  placen- 
tia  fluunt  et  refluunt  ubique.  In  partem  solicitu- 
dinis  quae  in  Deum  querendum  humeris  nostris  in- 
dies incumbit,  prout  vos  scire  credimus  et  tenemus, 
manus  vestras  providas  et  pariter  adnutrices  appo- 
nere  dignetur  vestra  paternitas  reverenda  quam  ad 
Ecclesias    suae   Sanctae    et   Rengnicolarum   regimen 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  39 

conservet    cliu    in    prosperum    pietas    Jhesu  Christi. 
Scrip  turn  Ebor.  iij°.  die  Augusti. 


LETTER  XIX. 

The  Magistrates  of  Florence  to  Edward  III.,  inter- 
ceding for  the  "  Societas  Bardorum"  who  had  been 
ruined  by  the  advances  of  money  they  had  made  to 
him  to  support  his  wars. 

[cotton,  ms.  nero  b.  vii.  fol.  11.  Orig .  on  paper.] 

%*  The  Bardi  were  one  of  the  companies  of  Italian  merchants, 
who,  in  the  13th  and  14th  centuries,  were  the  great  money-lenders 
of  Europe.  The  history  of  their  system  of  action  is  explained  in  a 
very  curious  Memoir  in  the  twenty-eighth  volume  of  the  Archaeolo- 
gia  by  E.  A.  Bond,  Esq.,  whence  the  greater  part  of  the  particulars 
which  precede  this  Letter  have  been  drawn. 

There  is  reason  to  believe,  Mr.  Bond  says,  that  the  expenses  of 
the  expedition  which  placed  Edward  the  Third  upon  the  throne 
were  partly  supplied  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Italians.  Immediately 
after  the  deposition  of  Edward  the  Second,  a  bill  of  twenty  thousand 
pounds  was  drawn  upon  the  Exchequer,  for  discharge  of  debts  con- 
tracted by  Queen  Isabella  with  merchants  abroad.  I  have  not 
succeeded  in  discovering  the  account  of  the  Keeper  of  her  ward- 
robe, by  whose  hands  the  payments  were  made:  but  it  is  evident 
that  she  had  had  dealings  with  the  Italians;  for  on  the  15th  of  De- 
cember, in  the  last  year  of  Edward  the  Second,  when  the  reins  of 
government  were  already  in  her  hands,  the  Treasurer  was  command- 
ed to  deliver  £1300  to  the  Keeper  of  her  wardrobe,  to  pay  oif  a  loan 
of  that  amount  received  from  the  Bardi  while  the  Queen  was  in 
foreign  parts.1  Within  a  month  after  the  accession  of  Edward  the 
Third,  the  same  company  received  a  bill  upon  the  Exchequer  for  two 
thousand  pounds,  for  an  equal  sum  which  the  Queen  had  borrowed 
of  them  abroad ;  and  which,  as  the  writ  of  Liberate  states,  was  paid 
into  her  own  hands. b 

"Rot.  Lib.  20  Edw.  II.  m.  1.  ■>  lb.  1  Edw.  III.  m.  5. 


10  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

The  Bardi  and  l'eruzzi  of  Florence  are  particularly  distinguished 
at  this  period ;  whilst  the  numerous  companies  occasionally  men- 
tioned under  the  reign  of  Edward  the  First,  disappear  from  view. 

It  appears  from  letters  patent  dated  on  the  25th  May,  in  his  third 
year,  that  Edward  the  Third  granted  to  the  Bardi  two  thousand 
pounds,  in  compensation  for  their  losses  in  advancing  five  thousand 
marks,  on  loan,  for  the  expenses  of  his  passage  into  France ;  and 
seven  thousand  pounds  to  be  delivered  to  John  of  Hainault,  and 
others  of  that  country,  for  their  service  in  the  King's  expedition 
against  the  Scots.0 

In  his  fourth  year  the  Bardi  undertook  to  supply  the  King  with 
twenty  pounds  daily,  for  the  space  of  one  year;  and  all  the  cus- 
toms of  the  realm  were  assigned  to  them  in  payment.*1 

In  the  following  year  the  same  company  are  represented  as  hav- 
ing engaged  to  provide  one  thousand  marks  every  month,  for  one 
year,  towards  the  expenses  of  the  household  ;  and  the  new  and  old 
customs  in  London  and  elsewhere  were  assigned  to  them  for  satis- 
faction of  the  debt.e 

In  the  sixth  year  the  Bardi  advanced  ten  thousand  pounds,  to  be 
delivered  to  Reginald  Earl  of  Gueldres,  as  the  marriage  portion  of 
Eleanor  the  King's  sister ;  and  they  received  the  King's  letters  of 
acknowledgement  for  the  debt.f 

In  the  same  year  the  King  promised  to  pay  them  four  thousand 
marks,  of  his  gift,  to  compensate  their  losses  occasioned  by  the  non- 
payment of  the  loans  they  had  advanced,  or  had  procured  from 
others  for  his  use." 

In  the  eleventh  year  they  received  a  bill  for  ten  thousand  pounds 
which  they  had  paid  at  the  King's  request  to  divers  persons  in 
foreign  parts,  to  expedite  urgent  business  which  concerned  the 
King.h 

From  this  time  to  the  twenty-first  year  scarcely  any  transactions 
as  regard  loans  are  recorded  between  Edward  the  Third  and  the 
Bardi :  though  he  appears  to  have  engaged  in  large  loans  from  the 
Peruzzi,  the  Leopardi,  and  other  Italian  merchants. 

In  his  twenty-first  year  the  Bardi  received  one  hundred  and  fifty 
pounds  in  part  payment  of  the  immense  sum  of  £'50,493,  for  which 
they  had  the  King's  letters  of  obligation.' 

c  Rym.  Foed.  tom.  ii.  p.  764.  d  Cal.  Rot.  Pat.  p   108. 

'  Ibid.  p.  113.  f  Ibid.  5  Rot.  Pat.  6  Edw.  III.  p.  1,  m.  9. 

i>  Rot.  Lib.  11  Edw.  III.  m.  6.  i  Rot.  Lib.  21  Edw.  III.  m.  2. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  41 

From  this  period  the  Liberate  Roils  cease  to  afford  continuous 
evidence  respecting  the  loans  with  which  Edward  the  Third  was 
supplied  by  these  adventurous  foreigners.  But  matters  had  now 
reached  an  extremity  with  the  most  wealthy  of  the  Italian  compa- 
nies, who  had  hitherto  proved  a  sheet-anchor  to  the  government  in 
its  exigencies,  and  had  advanced  so  much  the  commerce  of  the  king- 
dom, where  they  had  maintained  themselves  by  the  experienced  be- 
nefit of  their  power  and  intelligence.  Edward's  successes  came  too 
late  to  compensate  the  losses  of  the  long  and  doubtful  war  by  which 
they  were  preceded :  and  the  circumstances  in  which  he  was  still 
engaged,  far  from  enabling  him  to  clear  himself  of  the  debts  with 
which  he  was  encumbered,  obliged  him  largely  to  augment  them. 
The  Bardi  and  Peruzzi,  who  had  assisted  him  to  the  full  extent  of 
their  capital,  now  found  the  payment  of  their  demands  constantly 
deferred  ;  and,  no  longer  able  to  support  their  commercial  engage- 
ments, they  finally  became  bankrupts. 

The  story  of  their  ruiu  is  thus  told  by  Giovanni  Villani,  a  con- 
temporary writer : 

"  At  the  period  of  the  war  between  the  Kings  of  France  and 
England,  the  companies  of  the  Bardi  and  Peruzzi  of  Florence  were 
the  King  of  England's  merchants.  All  his  revenues  and  wools 
came  into  their  hands,  and  they  furnished  from  them  all  his  ex- 
penses. But  the  expenses  so  much  exceeded  the  revenues,  that 
the  King  of  England,  when  he  returned  home  from  the  war,  found 
himself  indebted,  for  principal,  assignments,  and  rewards,  to  the 
Bardi  more  than  180,000  marks  sterling,  and  to  the  Peruzzi  more 
than  135,000  marks.  Of  these  sums  a  considerable  portion  consist- 
ed in  assignments  which  the  King  had  made  to  them  in  times 
passed :  but  they  were  rash  enough,  whether  from  covet  of  gain,  or 
led  on  by  the  hope  of  recovering  the  entire  debt,  to  give  them  up, 
and  entrust  all  their  own  property,  and  that  of  others  in  their  keep- 
ing, to  this  one  Prince.  And  observe,  that  a  large  part  of  the 
money  they  had  lent  was  not  their  own  capital,  but  had  been  bor- 
rowed by  them,  or  received  on  trust  from  fellow-citizens  and  stran- 
gers. And  great  danger  thence  accrued,  both  to  them  and  to  the 
city  of  Florence.  For,  not  being  able  to  answer  the  calls  of  their 
creditors  in  England  and  Florence,  and  elsewhere,  where  they 
trafficked,  they  lost  their  credit  on  all  sides,  and  became  bankrupts; 
and  especially  the  Peruzzi.  Yet  they  avoided  complete  ruin  by 
their  possessions  in  the  city  and  territory  of  Florence,  and  by  the 


42  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

great  power  and  rank  which  they  held  in  the  Republic.  This 
failure,  and  the  expenses  of  the  State  of  Lombardy,  greatly  reduced 
the  wealth  and  condition  of  the  merchants  and  traders  of  Florence, 
and  of  the  whole  community.  For  the  Bardi  and  Peruzzi  had  held 
so  large  a  share  of  the  commerce  of  Christendom,  that  upon  their 
fall  every  other  merchant  was  suspected  and  distrusted.  Our  city 
of  Florence,  in  consequence,  received  a  shock  such  as  had  not  been 
experienced  before  for  many  years." 

Hence  the  following  Letter  from  the  Magistrates  of  Florence  to 
King  Edward  the  Third. 


Regum  Gloriosissime  et  Domine.    Quia  tronus  re- 
gius  dementia  roboratur  perinde  confidentius  ad  Ma- 
jestatis  vestrae  diadema  sublime  recurrimus  in  favorem 
Sociorum  liactenus  Societatis  Bardorum  de  Florentia. 
Ipsi  enim  socii  et  successores  eorum  occasione  disso- 
lute Societatis  predictae  facti  sunt  de  locupleetibus 
pauperes  et  egeni,  in  tan  turn  quod  gravati  filiis  fa- 
milies vix  sufficiunt  ad  substentamen  eorum  ;  et  hoc 
evenit   eis   propter   copiosa  servitia  quae   dicti  olim 
Socii  contulerunt  vestra?  Majestati,  ponentes  fere  to- 
tum  hesa  eorum  in  servitium  Majestatis  affataa  tem- 
pore guerras,  precipue  quo  tempore  vestra  serenitas 
pecunioso  sufrragio  indigere  dicebatur  ;  dictorum  igi- 
tur  dudum  Sociorum  iilios  et  successores  creditores 
vestrae    celsitudinis  quantum  efficacius  possumus  et 
humilius  vestro  culmini  regio  commendamus,  suppli- 
cantes  Majestati  prefatae  quatinus  in  eos  munificen- 
tise  vestra?  dexteram  extendentes  dignemini  miseri- 
corditer  agere  cum  eisdem  et  de  errariob  regio  vel 

»  ses.  *  serario. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  43 

aliter  subvenientes  eisdem  liberalitate  regia  quam 
decet  erga  servitores  suos  fore  propiciam  et  clemen- 
tem,  ut  qui  maximam  quantitatem  pecuniae  in  obse- 
quiis  regiis  efFuderunt,  restitutionis  ejusdem  vel 
saltern  subventionis  pro  manutentione  status  ipsorum 
sub  Majestatis  vestrae  trono  non  fiant  expertes.  Pre- 
dicta  quippe  honorem  subliraitatis  regiae  cernunt,  ip- 
sique  et  nos  nostraque  communitas  perinde  erimus 
ad  fidelia  obsequia  et  mandata  dispositi  regiae  volun- 
tatis quam  sospitem  conservet  Omnipotens  regno  suo. 
Data  Florentise  die  xxx.  Januarii  xa  Indict. 

Devotissimi  Majestatis  vestrae  [servitores] 

Priores  Artium  et"]  Populi  et  Communis 
Vexillani  justitiae  J  Florentise. 

Serenissimo  ac  Gloriosissimo  Principi 
et  Domino  domino  Heduardo  Dei 
gratia  Angliae  et  Francorum  Regi. 


LETTER  XX. 

Galeazzo  Visconti  of  Milan  to  King  Edward  the  Third, 
with  the  promise  of  a  Falcon:  circa  An.  1370. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO   B.  VII.  fol.  3.   Ol'igJ] 

%*  The  partiality  of  our  early  monarchs  to  the  sports  of  the 
field  cannot  but  be  known  to  every  reader :  as  well  as  that,  from  the 
Heptarchy  to  the  time  of  Charles  the  Second,  Hawking  was  the 
most  favourite  sport.  A  person  of  rank  scarcely  stirred  out  without 
a  hawk  upon  his  hand,  which,  in  old  illuminations,  and  upon  an- 
cient seals,  is  the  criterion  of  nobility.     We  have  here  a  Letter 


44  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

whence  it  appears  that  Galeazzo  Visconti  liad  presented  Edward 
with  a  falcon  named  the  Cyprian  ;  that  the  King  was  understood  to 
have  been  delighted  with  it ;  but  it  died.  Galeazzo  had  others 
equally  good,  and  better;  and  promises,  should  no  hindrance  to  the 
conveyance  happen,  that  he  will  undoubtedly  replace  it. 

Galeazzo,  the  second  of  his  name,  was  the  third  son  of  Stefano 
Visconti.  He  succeeded  to  the  town  and  territory  of  Milan  con- 
jointly with  his  brothers,  Matteo  and  Bernabo,  upon  the  death  of 
their  uncle  in  135S ;  and  had  for  his  share  Pavia  (where  he  resided, 
and  whence  the  present  Letter  is  dated,)  Asti,  Alessandria,  Tor- 
tona,  Vercelli,  Novara,  Vigevano,  and  Como.  He  is  allowed  to 
have  been  an  encourager  of  learning,  and  was  the  friend  of  Petrarch ; 
but  a  man  of  cruel  disposition.  He  died  at  Pavia  in  1378.  His 
daughter  Violante  married  Lionel  Duke  of  Clarence,  the  third  son  of 
Edward  the  Third. 


Serenissime  Princeps  et  Domine  noster,  intel- 
leximus  quod  Falchio  vocata  Cipriana  quam  Sereni- 
tati  vestras  misimus  mortua  est,  cle  quo  dolemus  quia 
de  ipsa  magnum  solatium  capiebat  ut  intelleximus 
vestra  Serenitas.  Sed  habemus  de  aliis  Falchionibus 
eque  bonis  et  melioribus,  de  quibus  si  viarum  dis- 
crimina  11011  obstabunt  procul  dubio  transmittemus 
Majestati  vestra?,  quam  conservet  Deus  per  tempora 
longiora.     Dat.  Papiae,  die  xviiij0.  Aug1. 

GALEAZ    VICECOMES    MEDIOL'l,    ETC. 

Imperialis  Vicarius  generalis. 

Serenissimo  Principi  et  Domino  nostro  Domino 
[Edwardo]  Dei  gratia  inclito  Anglia?  Regi. 


*  * 
* 


Edward  the  Third's  excessive  fondness  for  falconry  forms 
a  leading  feature  in  Froissart's  description  of  his  camp  when  he  in- 
vaded France.     "The  King  of  England,  and  the  great  men  of  his 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  45 

oost,"  he  says,  "  had  ever  with  theym  in  their  cariages  tentes,  pa- 
vilions, mylles,  ovens,  and  forges,  to  syeth  and  to  bake,  and  to  forge 
shoos  for  horses  ;  and  for  other  thynges  necessary,  they  had  -with 
them  a  yj.  M.  cartes,  every  carte  at  lest  with  foure  good  horses 
brought  out  of  Englande  ;  also  they  broght  in  these  cartes  cer- 
tayne  botes  made  of  lether,  subtilly  wrought,  and  sufficiently  every 
one  of  them  to  receyve  ij.  men,  to  row  in  water  or  rivers,  and  to 
fysshe  in  them  at  their  pleasure,  the  whiche  dyd  the  great  lorde 
muche  pleasure  in  the  Lent  season  :  also  the  Kynge  had  a  xxx. 
faukoners  a  horsbacke,  with  haukes,  and  a  lx.  couple  of  houndes, 
and  as  many  greyhoundes,  so  that  nere  every  daye  eyther  he  hunt- 
ed orhauked  at  the  ryver  as  it  pleased  hym  :  and  divers  others  of 
the  great  lordes  had  houndes  and  haukes  as  well  as  the  Kyng. 
And  ever  as  the  ost  removed,  they  went  in  thre  batailes,  and 
every  batayle  had  his  vawarde,  and  every  oost  lodged  by  them- 
selfe,  eche  a  league  from  other,  and  the  Kyng  kept  the  thirde 
batayle,  which  was  most  greatest :  that  maner  they  kepte  for  the 
tyme  they  removed  from  Calais  tyll  they  come  before  the  good 
towne  of  Chartres."  Froissart,  Lord  Berners's  transl.  4to.  Lond. 
1812,  vol.  i.  p.  251. 


LETTER  XXI. 

John  Lord  Welles  to  MonsT  John  Helyng  to  accom- 
pany him  in  the  wars  of  Edward  III. 

[FROM  GERVASE  HOLLES'S  COLLECTIONS,  MS.  LANSD.  BRIT.  MI'S.  207  A. 

p.  4C4.J 

%*  The  date  of  this  Letter  must  be  placed  about  1374.  TheHelyngs 
were  a  Lincolnshire  family  of  Helyng,  or  Heylyng,  in  that  county. 

Tresciier  compaigiioii  et  liable  amy  Sachez  que 
ay  garnissement  de  notre  tresredotez  le  Roi  par  ses 
honorablez  lettres  clestre  a  se  le  premer  jour  de  Juyn 
daler  oue  ltd  en  Fraunce,  et  jeo  desire  grantement  v'otre 
compaignie  si  vous  prie  entirement  que  si  vous  please 


4G  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

de  y  estre  en  ma  compaignie  que  vous  veullez  venir  a 
moi  a  mon  manour  de  Hellowe  aussi  tost  come  vous 
poez  boncment  pour  trattier  de  la  dite  matier.  Et 
oue  leide  Dieux  nous  accorderons  bien.  Et  que 
vous  me  veullez  certifier  votre  volunte  touchant 
ceste  matier  par  le  portor  di  cestez  et  a  quiel  jour 
vous  veullez  venir. 

Trescher  compaignon  et  fiable  amy  Dieux  vous  eit 
touz  jours  en  sa  sancte  garde. 

Escript  a  mon  Manoir  de  Hellowa  le  darrein  jour 

de  Janver, 

p.  Johan  de  Welle. 

A  mon  trescher  Compaignon  et  fiable 
amy  Monsr  Johan  Helyng. 


LETTER  XXII. 

Anthony  Bembo  to  King  Henry  IV.,  requesting  him  to 
cause  restitution  to  be  made  of  a  sum  of  seven  hun- 
dred and  fifty  ducats,  which  he  had  lent  to  the  Duke 
of  Norfolk,  when  going  to  the  Holy  Land. 

[cotton,  ms.  nero  B.  vii.  fol.  15.  Orig.  sealed.] 

%*  The  appeal  to  Providence  by  wager  of  battle  in  former  times 
was  not  uncommon  in  the  Court  of  Chivalry.  It  was  in  this  trial 
that  Henry  of  Essex  was  appealed  by  Robert  de  Montford  in  1163. 
He  was  the  hereditary  standard-bearer  of  England,  and  stood 
charged  by  Montford  with  deserting  the  standard,  and  causing  the 
King's  defeat  in  the  war  against  the  Welsh.  Vanquished  in  the 
trial,  his  life  was  spared,  but  his  lands  and  honours  were  forfeited, 
and  he  himself  shorn  a  monk  at  Reading.     Till  1398  no  second  ap- 

"  Now  Bcllew. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  47 

peal  of  such  conspicuous  character  stands  recorded  in  our  history. 
It  was  then  that  a  conversation  between  Henry  of  Lancaster  Duke 
of  Hereford,  and  Thomas  de  Mowbray  Duke  of  Norfolk  and  Earl 
Marshal,  intended  to  be  private,  was  disclosed  by  De  Mowbray  to 
the  King.    Henry  of  Lancaster  became  in  consequence  an  appellant, 
offering  to  prove  his  accuser  false  and  recreant  "  by  the  stroke  of  a 
spear  and  the  dent  of  sword."     The  King  would  have  reconciled 
the  parties,  but  they  refused  ;  and  he  then  granted  them  the  battle. 
Coventry  was  fixed  upon  as  the  field  of  trial,  and  the  combatants 
prepared  for  it  in  all  that  ostentatious  splendour  which  marked  the 
gaiety  of  the  tournament.    Henry  applied  to  Galeazzo  Duke  of  Milan 
for  harness,  who  sent  him  four  of  the  best  armourers  in  Lombardy 
to  fit  him.     De  Mowbray  employed  his  agents  in  Germany  for  the 
same  purpose.     They  came  to  the  field,  one  mounted  on  a  white 
courser,  barbed  with  blue  and  green  velvet,  embroidered  sumptu- 
ously with  swans  and  antelopes ;   the  other  had  his  horse  barbed 
with  crimson  velvet,  embroidered  with  lions  of  silver  and  mulberry- 
trees  (in  allusion  to  his  name).     As  they  approached  to  the  fight 
the  King  cast  down  his  warder ;  the  combatants  retired  to  chairs 
prepared  for  them  ;  and  the  council  took  some  hours  to  deliberate 
upon  the  best  course  which,  under  circumstances,  it  seemed  proper 
to  pursue.     The  challenge  was  for  words  only  ;  it  was  not  clear  on 
whom  the  first  blame  rested,  whilst  neither  party  was  absolutely  clear 
from  fault.     Finally,  that  neither  might  escape,  both  were  ordered 
to  be   banished.      "Yet  was   Henry  gently   dealt  withall,"  says 
Polydore  Vergil,  "  for  at  the  first  it  was  decreed  that  the  time  of  his 
exile  should  continue  ten  years,  and  afterward  but  six  years ;  but 
Mowbray  was  both  banished  for  longer  seasehi  and   into   farther 
countries."  On  the  26th  February,  1398,  he  was  committed  prisoner 
to  Windsor  Castle,  and  in  October  following  sent  away,  having 
liberty  to  transport  himself,  with  a  retinue  of  forty  persons,  from 
any  haven  between  Orwell   and  Scarborough,  and  to  go  into  Ger- 
many, Bohemia,  and  Hungary ;  he  was  to  be  allowed  no  more  than 
a  thousand  pounds  of  annual  income,  but  to  take  as  much  gold  and 
silver  plate,  jewels,  harness,  and  other  furniture  with  him  as  he 
might  think  fit. 

De  Mowbray,  however,  seems  to  have  gone  at  once  by  way  of 
Italy  to  the  Holy  Land ;  and  he  reached  Jerusalem :  but  on  his 
way  back  died  at  Venice,  some  say  of  the  pestilence  which  then 
prevailed,  others  that  it  was  from  anguish  of  mind.     He  borrowed 


48  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

money  to  pay  his  expenses  before  he  set  out,  and  this  and  the 
succeeding  Letter  solicit  repayment  from  Henry  the  Fourth,  who 
had  now  mounted  the  throne,  and  in  whose  hands  the  profits  and 
revenues  of  De  Mowbray's  estates  were  placed,  the  same  having 
been  stayed  at  the  time  of  his  sentence,  till  such  sums  had  been 
received  as  De  Mowbray  had  taken  up  of  the  King's  treasurer  "  for 
wages  of  the  garrison  of  Calais,  which  were  still  unpaid."  De 
Mowbray,  according  to  the  second  Letter,  had  acknowledged  the 
debt  to  Bembo  in  the  will  he  made  at  Venice,  and  had  given  it  a 
preference  of  payment.  Henry-  also  appears  to  have  already  given 
directions  for  the  payment  of  it  out  of  certain  customs  of  wool ;  but 
the  order  had  been  neglected.  Dugdale  says  De  Mowbray  died 
upon  the  Monday  before  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel,  in 
the  1st  Hen.  IV. 


Serenissime  et  excellentissime  Rex  et  domine, 
domine  mi  singularissime,  humillima  et  devota  recom- 
mendatione  premissa.  Alias  per  plures  et  phires 
litteras  meas  serenissimae  Regise  Majestati  vestrae 
significavi  qualiter  dum  magnificus  dominus  dominus 
Dux  Norfolchie  disposuisset  Sepulchrum  domini- 
cum  visitare,  quesivit  a  me  domestice  et  caritative 
Ducatos  septingentos  et  quinquaginta  amicitiae  causa 
et  muti  et  perfecti  amoris,  nam  tunc  indigentia  eum 
cogebat,  et  ego  dulciter  et  ob  reverentiam  sacras 
Regiae  Majestatis  motus  volui  prefato  illustri  et  mag- 
nifico  domino  Duci  in  non  modico  commodo  meo 
protinus  conrplacere,  sperans  omnino  secundum  pro- 
missionem  michi  per  eundem  factam  prestissime  re- 
stitutionem  habere,  quod  minime  factum  fuit.  Unde 
cum  transacti  sunt  jam  anni  quinque  et  ego  steterim 
in  dilatione  continue  contra  omnem  humanitatem  de- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  49 

crevi  Regiam  Majestatem  vestram  rogare  quatinus 
ob  reverentiam  Dei  et  contemplationem  et .  .  .  cionem 
Regiam  placeat  et  dignetur  Serenitas  vestra  providere 
quod  mihi  servitori  Majestatis  Regiae  plena  restitu- 
tio fiat  ut  postquam  tempus  tantum  amisi  capitale 
meae  propriae  pecuniae  non  amittam  ex  opere  tarn 
humano  quod  mihi  reputabo  ad  gratiam  singularem. 
Dat.  Venet.  die  primo  mensis  Maii  Mcccciiijor. 
Serenissimae  Regiae  Majestatis)  anthonius  bembo 
Vestrae  devot.  Servitor     )  miles. 

Serenissimo  Principi  et  Excelleutissimo  domino 
Henrico  Dei  gratia  Angljae  et  Franciae  Regi 
Illustrissimo,  Domino  suo  singularissimo. 


LETTER  XXIII. 

Michael  Steno,  Doge  of  Venice,  to  King  Henry  the 
Fourth,  stating  the  particulars  of  the  Duke  of  Nor- 
folk's debt  to  Antonio  Bembo  and  Giovanni  Cane. 
a.d.  1403. 

[cotton,  ms.  nero  B.  vii.  fol.  6.  Orig.  on  vellum.] 
Serenissimo  et  excellentissimo  domino  Henrico 
Dei  gracia  Angliae  et  Franciae  Regi  illustrissimo 
Michael  Steno  Dei  gratia  Dux  Venetiarum  &c. 
salutem  et  prosperorum  successuum  incrementa. 
Quamquam  per  alias  nostras  Serenitati  vestrae  in  re- 
commendatione  jurium  nostrorum  infrascriptorum 
civium  replicate  scripsisse  reminiscamur ;  tamen 
sperantes  in  summa  justitia  vestrae  regiae  Majestatis, 

VOL.  I.  D 


50  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

quae  cives  nostros  tam  clarum  jus  foventes  nullatenus 
derelinquere  poterit,  pro  ipsis  etiam  his  presentibus 
intercedere  non  cessamus.     Hinc   est  quod  ad  nos- 
tram  preseutiam  comparentes  viri  nobiles  Antonius 
Bembo  miles  et  Johannes  Cane,  dilecti  cives  nostri, 
nobis  exposuerunt  quod  dum  quondam  illustris  me- 
moriae dominus  Thomas  Dux  Norfolchie  reperiens  se 
Venetiis   et   indigens  pecunia  pro  expensis  Itineris 
sui  ad  visitationem  sepulchri  dominici,  amicabiliter 
requisivisset  a  predictis  certain  pecuniae  quantitatem 
de  qua  liberaliter  et  sincero  amore  serviverunt  eidem 
domino  Duci,  sicut  clare  sciunt  omnes  tunc  cum  sua 
Excellentia  Venetiis  exeuntes ;    et  de   mutuo  pre- 
dicto   apparent   etiam  ultra  latissimas  promissiones 
eisdem  civibus  nostris  factas  per  dictum  dominum 
Ducem  aliqua  publica  Instrumenta  in  manibus  nos- 
trorum  nobilium  predictorum,  qui  asserunt  quod  in 
testamento  dicti  quondam  domini  Ducis  expresse  ca- 
vetur,  quod  debita  contracta  Venetiis  prius  et  presto 
solvantur  ;  et  nichilominus  tantum  temporis  lapsum 
est,  nee  ulla  restitutio  dictis  nostris  civibus  facta  est, 
quod  cessit  ac  cedit  ad  eorum  non  parvum  incommo- 
dum  atque  damnum.     Retulerunt  etiam  nobis  cives 
nostri  predicti,  et   addiderunt  quod   anno   proxime 
elapso  dum  vestra  Majestas  literas  nostras  superinde 
descriptas  amicabiliter  inspexisset,  volens    de  solu- 
tionis remedio  Justissiaea  providere,  expresse  manda- 

»  Sic  in  orig. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  51 

vit  quod  de    costumis   mercatorum   quae    de   regno 
vestro  jamdicto  cives  nostri  vel  eorum  commissarii 
extrahere  velent  eisdem  deberet  fieri  satisfactio  de- 
biti  suprascripti ;  de  quo  mandato  plenissime  confi- 
dentes  dicti  commissarii  certas  lanas  et  alias  mercan- 
tias  emerunt  cum  proposito  illas  sine  solutione  cos- 
tumi    extrahendi,   sed   in    eo    quod  habere  debebat 
secundum  mandatum  regium  defalcandi,  quod  man- 
datum    et    propositum    regium    defectu    officialium 
quorum  intererat  executioni  missum  non  extitit,  in 
non  parvum  damnum  nostrorum  civium  predictorum. 
Quapropter  cum  Jus  et  Equitas  nos  moneat,  ut  civi- 
bus  nostris  in  tam  rationabilibus  causis  nostros  favores 
propitios  impendamus,  Celsitudinem  vestram  quam  a 
certo  scimus  justitiam  colere  et   diligere  equitatem 
afFectuose   precamur   quatinus  placeat    et   dignetur 
effectualiter  ordinare,  aut  quod  mandatum  vestrum 
regium  alias  superinde  factum  executioni  mittatur 
omnino  aut  in  bonis  quondam  prefati  domini  ducis 
Nobiles   nostri  predicti   qui  in  indigentia   ejusdem 
tam  liberaliter  et  coirfidenter  serviverunt  eidem  et 
servirent  semper  quibuslibet  subditis  vestree  Regiae 
Majestatis  satisf actionem  suam  habere  valeant  ut  est 
justum  et  de   Maj estate  vestra  speramus.      Insuper 
nobis  exposuerunt  quod  magnificus  dominus  Thomas 
de  Sornibor  pro  dicto  mutuo  extitit  fidejussor  a  quo 
vel  a  principali  suprascripto  placeat  mandare  et  or- 
dinare  cives  nostros  predictos  solutionem  et  satisfac- 


52  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

tionem  preclicti  mutui  integraliter  assequi  posse,  lit 

cotidie  non  habeant  justam  causam  nostram  audien- 

tiam    lamentationibus    fatigandi.      Asscriptum    hoc 

quamquam  equissimum  sit  ad  complacentiam  singu- 

larem. 

In  nostro  ducali  Palatio  die  primo  mensis  Maii  in- 

dictionis  duodecima. 

Serenissimo  et  Eccellentissimo  domino  Henrico 
Dei  gratia  Angliae  et  Frauciae  Regi  illustrissimo. 


LETTER  XXIV. 

Thomas  Earl  of  Arundel  and  Surrey  to  King  Henry 
the  Fourth,  requesting  that  the  living  of  Stokenham 
in  Devonshire  may  be  given  to  Adam  Damport, 
Chancellor  to  the  Queen  of  Portugal ;  and  also  a  re- 
spite for  a  payment,  on  account  of  his  poverty  and 
losses  in  Wales. 

[MS.  COTTON.  NERO  B.  I.  fol.  30.   Orig.~] 

%*  From  the  mention  of  the  Dean  of  Salisbury's  death  in  this 
Letter,  the  date  of  1403  may  be  safely  assigned  to  it.  Le  Neve, 
in  his  List  of  the  Deans,  after  noticing  Dean  Robert  de  Bray- 
brooke's  promotion  to  the  see  of  London,  says, "  Thomas  Montacute 
is  the  next  I  can  hear  of,  and  he  made  profession  of  canonical  obe- 
dience Nov.  19,  1388.a  I  hear  of  him  again  in  1398,b  and  Octob. 
6,  1402.c  But  what  became  of  him  afterwards  I  know  not."  His 
successor,  John  Chaundeler,  however,  occurs  in  1404. 


Tresexcellent  trespuissant  et  tressouerein 
seignur  Jeo  moy  recomant  a  votre  hautesse  sy  hum- 
blement  come  jeo  say  ou  pluis  puisse.     Et  trespuis- 

a  Reg.  Sarum.  b  Hist,  and  Antiq.  Oxon.  1.  i.  p.  200.  e  Reg.  Sarum. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  53 

sant  seignur  vous  please  assauoir  que  Mestre  Tho- 
mas Mountagu  le  Dean  de  Salesbire  est  a  Dieux 
comaundez,  per  qi  mort  lesglise  de  Stokenhame  en  le 
Countee  de  Deuenshire  est  ore  voide  a  la  donesoun 
de  quele  a  vous  appartient,  a  cause  del  meindre  age 
le  Conte  de  Salesbire  en  votre  garde  esteant.  Que 
please  a  votre  Roial  Mageste  graunter  la  dicte  esglise 
a  Mestre  Adam  Damport  le  Chaunceller  du  Roigne 
de  Portugal  ma  treshonure  Dame  votre  Soere.  En- 
tendantz  trespuissant  seignur  qil  mad  fait  sy  bone 
seruice  en  mes  affaires  q  jeo  suy  luy  toutefoitz  tenuz; 
et  si  ascune  chose  fuisse  en  monn  poair  de  faire  pur 
luy  ieo  luy  le  ferroie  adeites  pur  lonur  de  ma  dicte 
dame  la  Roigne  de  Portugal.  Et  trespuissant  seignur 
vous  supplie  que  vous  ne  displease  del  nonnpaiement 
de  money  que  jeo  doy  a  votre  hautesse  a  ceste  foitz, 
car  en  bone  foy  qoy  pur  le  distruccon  de  mes  terres 
en  Gales  et  la  graund  charge  que  ieo  y  porte,  et  qoy 
pur  les  graundes  charges  que  iay  encountre  la  venue 
ma  muliere  ieo  ne  suy  de  poair  de  le  faire  vnqore, 
mes  a  pluis  tost  que  ieo  le  prray  certeinement  eut 
s'rez  bn  paie  si  Dieux  plest.  Tresexcellent  tres- 
puissant et  tressouerein  seignur  luy  toutpuissaunt 
vous  ottroie  honur  ioie  et  prosperite,  bone  vie  et 
longe  a  voz  honurables  desirs.  Escript  a  mon  Chas- 
tell  Darundell  le  xxv.  jour  de  Juyn. 

Votre  humble  lige 

THOMAS  CONTE  DARUNDELL  et  DE  SURR. 


54  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XXV. 

King  Henry  the  Fourth  to  Timur  Beg.      a.d.  1402. 
[ms.  cotton,  nero  b.  xi.  fol.  172.  The  Original  draft  on  vellum.] 

***  The  Cottonian  Manuscript  here  referred  to,  contains  drafts 
of  several  Letters  which  may  not  be  inappropriately  termed  Speci- 
mens of  Henry  the  Fourth's  Eastern  Correspondence.  All  are  upon 
vellum. 

The  first  of  these,  fixed  upon  the  same  folio  with  the  present 
Letter,  is  one  from  Henry  to  the  Emperor  of  Abyssinia,  extolling 
his  intention  of  assisting  to  rescue  the  Holy  Sepulchre  from  the 
hands  of  the  Infidels.  It  mentions  the  wish  which  Henry  himself 
had  long  entertained,  and  still  encouraged,  to  visit  the  Holy  Land. 
It  also  recommends  to  the  Emperor's  kindness  John  Archbishop  of 
the  East  and  of  Ethiopia. 

Then  follows  the  present  Letter  to  Timur  Beg. 

Upon  folio  173  we  have  a  Letter  to  the  King  of  Cyprus  and  Ar- 
menia, complimental  and  seeking  intercourse  ;  followed  by  another 
to  Michael  Steno,  Doge  of  Venice.  In  both  these  Archbishop  John 
is  mentioned,  and  in  the  latter  recommended  as  "  amicum  nostrum 
sincere  dilectumqui,  pro  bono  pacis  et  augmeutatioue  fidei,  seipsum 
jam  a  diu  nonuullis  laboribus  laudabiliter  exponebat  ad  partes 
vestras — cum  servitoribus  et  subditis  suis  omnibus."  A  note,  in 
the  same  hand  with  these  drafts,  records  that  Letters  similar  in 
tenor  were  written  to  the  Emperor  of  Trebizond,  to  the  King  of 
Georgia,  and  to  the  Emperor  of  Constantinople,  "  Imperatori  Tre- 
pisundarum  et  ltegi  Gurganiae,  prout  Imperatori  Constantinopo- 
litano." 

At  folio  175  we  have  a  Letter  to  Mirassa  Amirassa,  that  is,  to 
Mirza  Miran  Schab,  the  third  son  of  Timur,  thanking  him  for  the 
kindness  as  well  as  for  the  security  which  he  had  afforded  to  Ca- 
tholics, and  especially  to  the  Christian  merchants,  both  as  to  their 
persons  and  their  dealings ;  dated  at  Hertford,  in  the  month  of 
February. 

The  same  folio  also  preserves  the  draft  of  a  Letter  to  Manuel  II.a 

a  Henry  the  Fourth  kept  up  a  good  understanding  at  Constantinople.     The  same 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  55 

at  Constantinople  :  "  Principi  Manueli  in  Christo  Deo  fideli  Im- 
peratori  Romeorum,  Paleolago,  semper  Augusto,  fratri  nostri  ca- 
rissimo,"  complaining  that  the  Catholics,  especially  the  Friars- 
Preachers,  were  molested  by  the  Greek  priesthood.  This  Letter 
likewise  recommends  Archbishop  John,  "  Johannem  Archiepis- 
copum  Soltaniensem  seu  Orientis,"  and  adds,  "  quicquid  autem 
humanitatis  aut  favoris  jam  dicta  Majestas  impendet  eidem,  nobis 
reputabimus  forisfactum." 

The  last  document  is  a  Letter  of  general  recommendation  for  this 
Archbishop,  given  under  the  privy  seal.b 

The  Letter  which  we  have  selected  from  these  documents  to  pre- 
sent to  the  reader  is  that  to  Timur  Beg ;  it  accedes  to  an  offer 
which  Timur  had  made  through  Archbishop  John,  of  a  free 
commercial  intercourse  between  the  subjects  of  Timur  and  Henry. 
It  at  the  same  time  congratulates  Timur  upon  his  victory  over  Ba- 
jazet.  This  fixes  the  date  of  the  Letter  to  1402.  The  battle  in 
which  the  Osmans  were  totally  defeated,  and  which  placed  Ba- 
jazet  in  the  hands  of  Timur,  was  fought  on  the  plains  of  Angora, 
according  to  the  best  accounts  on  July  20th,  1401. 

It  will  be  natural  now,  for  the  reader  to  enquire  who  was  John 
Archbishop  of  the  East,  Henry  the  Fourth's  missionary  ?  Wadding 
informs  us  that  he  was  an  Englishman,  a  Minorite  or  Friar 
Preacher,  of  the  name  of  John  Greenlaw.0  John,  the  second  of  the 
name,  was  made  Archbishop  of  Sultania  by  Pope  Boniface,  20th 
Oct.  1400.  Our  Archbishop  of  the  East  is  designated  by  this  ad- 
ditional title  in  the  Letter  to  Manuel  II. 

Sultania  or  Soldania  was  a  fortified  city  of  Armenia,  under  the 

volume  which  preserves  these  Letters  holds  an  original  deed  from  Manuel  II. 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  three  thousand  marks  which  Henry  had  presented  to 
him  as  a  reward  for  the  labour  and  expense  he  had  sustained  in  resisting  the  infidels. 

b  "Carissime.  Cum  venerabilis  in  Christo  pater  frater  Johannes  Ordinis  Predicato- 
rum  Soltanien.  sive  tocius  Orientis  Archiepiscopus,  qui  pro  Christi  nomine  in  Sara- 
cenorum  auribus  in  diversis  et  longinquis  transmarinis  partibus  extollendo  seipsum 
multifariis  et  pluribus  subjiciebat  erumpnis,  quique  jampridem  quasdam  de  partibus 
illis  nobis  literas  attulit  nonnulla  quae  causam  Dei  sapiant  nostris  auribus  incul- 
cando,  nunc  sedem  apostolicam  pro  jam  dicta  causa  personaliter  visitare  proponat 
et  abinde  versus  dictas  partes  gressus  suos  dirigere  necnon  pro  fide  catholica  justa 
salubriter  inchoata,  per  eum  amplius  operari  pro  viribus  ;  vobis  mandamus  quod 
literas  recommendatorias  sub  privato  sigillo  nostro  patentes  universis  Regibus,  et 
Principibus  et  aliis  pro  dicto  Archiepiscopo  merito  nobis  caro  in  forma  debita  et 
casu  consimili  consueta  fieri  faciatis.  Dat.  sub  Signeto  nostro  apud  civitatem 
nostram  London  xij.  die  ffebruarii." 

0  Annales  Minorum,  torn.  ix.  p.  248. 


56  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

dominion  of  the  Turks,  anciently  known  by  the  name  of  Tigrano- 
certa.  It  was  erected  into  an  archiepiscopal  See  by  Pope  John 
XXII.  in  the  year  1318. d 


Henricus  Dei  gratia  Rex  Anglia?  et  Franciae  ac 
Dominus  Hiberniae  magnifico  et  prepotenti  Principi 
domino  Themurbeoe  amico  nostro,  quamplurimum 
in  Deo  dilecto  salutem  et  pacem  in  omnium  Salva- 
tore.  Magnifice  Princeps,  amice  in  Deo  dileete, 
presentatis  nobis  jamdudum  per  venerabilem  in 
Christo  patrem  Archiepiscopum  Orientis,  vestrae 
celsitudinis  Uteris  non  tarn  ex  earum  forma  quam 
ex  credentia  per  vos  eidem  Archiepiscopo  com- 
missa  nobisque  per  ipsum  vivas  vocis  oraculo  de- 
clarata  perpendimus  exuberante  amicitiae  vestrae 
dulcedine  quam  erga  nostram  nullis  nostris  prece- 
dentibus  meritis  continue  geritis  Majestatem,  de 
statu  nostro  prospero  certa  nova  suscipere  corditer 
affectantes,  gavisique  quamplurimum  tunc  temporis 
cum  per  dictum  Archiepiscopum  alias  occasione 
pacis  et  unitatis  in  Frankiam  de  mandato  filii  vestri 
magnifici  destinatum  ac  inde  ad  conspectum  subli- 
mitatis  vestrae  regressum,  necnon  per  fratrem  Fran- 
ciscum  Schadern  de  Ordine  Predicatorum  de  nostra- 
rum  dilatatione  terrarum  ac  aliis  gestis  nostris  vestrae 
magnificentiae  fuerat  intimatum  et  quam  desideran- 


d  See  Oriens  Christianas    in    quatuor    Patriarchatus  digestus ;    studio  et  opera 
Michaelis  le  Quien  :  fol.  Par.  17-10,  torn.  iii.  p.  1366. 
e  The  words  Kurngan  Gazinuus  here  occur,  with  a  line  drawn  through  them. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  57 

ter  habetis  in  votis  ut  Mercatores  regnorum  nostro- 
rum  hinc  inde  valeant  in  temporibus  nostris  quem- 
admodum  nostrorum  vestrorumque  predecessorum 
temporibus  consueverant  invicem  pacifice  conve- 
nire.  Pro  quibus  omnibus  magnifice  Princeps  ami- 
citias  vestrae  referimus  .  .  .  gratiarum  eandem  ex 
corde  rogantes  de  vestra  penes  nos  et  nostros  con- 
tinuanda  benivolentia,  et  ut  nostri  mercatores  ad 
vestra  dominia  de  beneplacito  vestro  personaliter  ac- 
cedere  valeant  prout  nobis  complacet  ut  et  vestri 
mercatores  ad  nostra  dominia  poterint  se  conferre. 

Intelleximus  etiam  ex  dictarum  continentia  litte- 
rarum  qualiter  ad  partes  Thuicise  noviter  accedentes 
nostrum  vestrumque  veterem  Inimicum  Baazitam 
scilicet  et  totam  ipsius  patriam  infra  modici  temporis 
spatium  sufFragante  Domino  conculcastis.  Unde 
spiritum  consolationis  et  gaudii  suscepimus  vehe- 
menter.  Sibi  proinde  gratias  humiles  exsolventes  per 
quem  Reges  regnant,  victores  existunt,  et  potentia 
Principum  augmentatur,  cujus  nomini  studeatis  de 
tanta  victoria  celitus  vobis  dicta/ 

Ceterum  Princeps  magnifice  scire  velitis  nos  vestra? 
dilectionis  et  honoris  obtentu  prefatum  Archiepisco- 


1  Here  the  following  sentence  succeeds,  but  obliterated  by  a  line  drawn  entirely 
through  it.  "  Et  utinam  Princeps  magnifice  talis  nobis  dies  arrideat  in  qua  celsitudo 
vestra  Dominum  nostrum  Ihesum  Christum  pro  nobis  natum  morti  traditum,  ac  die 
tertia  resurgentem,  necnon  et  religionem  fidei  orthodoxa?  corde  spontaneoprofessura, 
velut  princeps  catholicus  ac  ecclesiw  Christiana?  procurator  intentus,  adversus  cru- 
ris hostes  se  potenter  exponet  inimensum  exinde  premium  in  conspectu  Altissimi 
reportando." 

D  5 


58  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

pum  per  nos  benigne  receptum  non  tarn  benivole 
quam  favorabiliter  tractavisse.  Et  idcirco  magnifi- 
centiam  vestram  petimus  ex  affectu  quatinus  eundem 
Archiepiscopum  ad  vestrae  Majestatis  presentiam 
revertentem  qui  vos  de  statu  et  gestis  nostris  regiis 
noverit  pleuius  informare  suscipere  velitis  nostras 
considerationis  intuitu  specialissime  lecommissum 
sibi  q^  in  suis  ex  parte  nostra  vestrae  celsitudini  refe- 
rendis  aurem  credulam  adhibere.  Magnifice  Princeps 
amice  in  Deo  dilecte,  &c.  (ut  in  aliis  Uteris.) 


%*  The  Harleiaii  MS.  431.  fol.  10,  preserves  a  contemporary 
copy  of  a  Letter  from  John  Paleologus  to  Henry  the  Fourth,  dated 
from  Constantinople,  1st  June,  1402,  in  which  the  services  of  cer- 
tain English  warriors  in  the  then  recent  repulse  of  the  Turks  from 
before  the  City  are  most  gratefully  acknowledged. 

This  was  not  John  Paleologus  II.,  who  succeeded  Manuel  in 
1425,  but  John  the  nephew  of  Manuel,  son  of  Andronicus  III.,  whom 
in  1399  Manuel  associated  with  himself  in  the  imperial  power.  He 
calls  himself"  Johannes  in  Christo  Deo  fidelis  Imperator  et  Mode- 
rator Romeorum  Paleologus." 


LETTERS 


FROM 


THE  REIGN  OF 


HENRY    THE    FIFTH 


TO 


THE  REIGN  OF 

HENRY   THE   SEVENTH. 


61 


LETTER   XXVI. 

Henry  the  Fifth  to  his  Privy  Council,  from  the  Camp 
before  Rouen,  desiring  to  know  how  John  of  Bava- 
ria had  conducted  himself  toward  England,  a.d. 
1417. 

pMS.  COTTON.  GALBA   B.    I.  fol.  147.   Orig.] 

%*  John  of  Bavaria,  son  of  Albert  of  Bavaria,  Count  of  Holland 
and  Hamault,  was  appointed  Prince-Bishop  of  Liege  by  the  Pope 
in  1390,  at  the  early  age  of  seventeen.  He  became  a  Subdeacon 
in  1392,  but  never  took  higher  orders,  nor  received  consecration  in 
his  See.  It  was  on  this  latter  account  that  Henry  the  Fifth  calls 
him  "  Duke  John  of  Bavaria,  sometime  Elect  of  Liege."  His 
Episcopate  was  one  of  great  trouble  to  the  Liegeois,  who  on  account 
of  the  harshness  of  his  government,  and  the  numerous  exactions 
which  he  ordered,  at  last  bestowed  upon  him  the  appellation  of 
"  Jean  sans  pitieY'  He  abdicated  his  bishoprick  of  Liege  in  the 
early  part  of  the  year  in  which  this  Letter  was  written,  and  retired 
first,  for  a  very  short  period  to  Luxemburgh,  where  he  married 
Elizabeth  de  Gorlitz,  the  then  reigning  Duchess.  He  went  thence 
to  Holland,  where  he  was  heir  presumptive,  and  became  Lieutenant 
to  his  niece,  the  Countess  Jaqueline.  Toward  the  end  of  1424  he 
went  to  Friesland  to  quell  a  tumult,  where  he  was  poisoned  by  one 
John  Vliet,  who  afterwards  suffered  for  his  crime.  His  death  oc- 
curred Jan.  6th,  1425.  Henry  the  Fifth,  from  the  tenor  of  this  Letter, 
must  have  been  well-acquainted  with  the  character  of  John  of  Ba- 
varia. 


BY  THE  KYNG. 

Right  worshipful  and  worshipful  faders  yn  God, 
right  trusty  and  welbeloved,  We  grete  yow  wel,  and 
wol  ye  wite  that  thambassiatours  of  oure  Brothir  the 
Due  of  Baire,  bringers  of  this,  have  been  here  with  us 
and  doon  theire  Ambassiat  in  suche  wyse  as  we  halde 


62  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

us  wel  apaide.  And  among  otliir  thinges  declared 
unto  us,  thei  have  desired  to  knowe  how  it  standeth 
bitwix  us  and  the  princes  of  Duchelond,  and  in  what 
wise  thei  governe  hem  towardes  us,  and  in  especial 
how  Due  Job  an  of  Baire,  sumtyme  Elit  of  Lieges 
governeth  him  anenst  us ;  for,  as  they  sey,  thereafter 
wol  oure  brother  of  Baire  governe  hinggp  the  same 
Johan.  And  for  as  muche  as  ye  knowe  better  than 
we  doo  how  the  said  Due  Johan  governeth  liim  to- 
wardes us  and  oure  Rewme  of  Englande  and  oure 
suggettes,  We  remitte  hem  to  have  ful  declaracion 
and  verrai  knaweleche  of  you  in  that  matere. 
Wherfore  we  wol  that  ye  commie  with  thaim  of  this 
matere,  latyng  hem  have  knoweleche  therof,  and 
how  yow  thinke  that  oure  brother  of  Baiere  shulde 
governe  him  anenst  the  same  Due  John ;  for  ye  mowe 
trustely  anogh  commun  with  thaim  of  suche  materes, 
as  us  thenketh  by  the  governance  that  thei  have 
shewed  to  us.  Moreover  thei  have  desired  of  us  to  be 
counseilled  be  what  weye  thai  might  best  and  most 
seurly  retourne  hoom  ayen  into  thaire  cuntre  owt  of 
oure  Rewme  of  Englande,  consideryng  that  the 
trewes  whiche  were  betwix  us  and  the  Due  of  Bour- 
goine  expired  at  Mighelmasse  last  passed.  Wher- 
fore, in  as  muche  as  ye  knowe  better  thanne  we  how 
thai  of  Flandres  and  also  of  Hollande  governe  thaim 
towardes  us  and  oure  soubgettes,  We,  desiryng  in  al 
wise  the  sauf  retournyng  hoom  of  the  said  Ambassa- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  63 

tours,  wol  that  ye  counseille  and  advise  hem  in  the 
best  wyse  that  ye  can  for  the  seurete  of  thaire  re- 
tournyng.  And  whiles  thai  tarie  yn  oure  land  we 
wol  that  there  be  shewed  unto  hem  al  these  favour 
and  chere  that  may  be  doon  yn  goodly  wyse.  And 
also  that  ye  oure  Chanceller  doo  make  unto  thaim 
soufficeant  Writtes  of  passage,  in  suche  wyse  as  thai 
may  have  redy  passage  owt  of  oure  land  from  what 
port  thai  come  too,  unto  what  port  thayme  is  levest 
to  drawe  to  by  yowre  advis.  And  Almighty  God 
have  yow  in  his  kepyng.  Yeven  under  oure  signet 
in  oure  hoost  afore  Roan  the  21  day  of  Octobre. 


LETTER   XXVII. 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  his 
Chancellor,  from  before  Falaise ;  for  the  payment  of 
such  money  as  was  due  to  John  Hull,  Esquire,  one 
of  his  Ambassadors  in  Spain,     a.d.  1418. 

[MS.  COTTON.  VESPAS.   C.  XII.  fol.  127  b.  OWg\] 

V*  John  Hull  and  William  Chanceller,  Esquires,  were  appoint- 
ed in  1415,  3  Hen.  V.,  to  convey  Murdoc  of  Fife,  the  son  and  heir 
apparent  of  the  Duke  of  Albany,  to  the  North,  who  had  been  taken 
prisoner  at  Honnldon  Hill  in  1402,  and  had  been  detained  from  that 
time  in  England. a 

Sir  John  St.  John,  Kn4.,  John  Hull,  Esq.,  and  Dr.  John  Stokes, 
were  appointed  to  treat  with  the  Ambassadors  of  the  King  of  Cas- 
tile in  December,  141C,  4th  Hen.  V.b 

a  Rym.  Feed.  torn.  ix.  p.  iig.  b  ibid.  p.  420. 


64  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

These  entries,  at  first  sight,  tally  but  little  with  the  long  time 
which  this  Letter  speaks  of,  as  to  Hull  being  in  Spain  ;  but,  even  at 
a  later  period,  two  years  was  considered  a  very  long  time  for  a  Spa- 
nish Embassy.  In  the  minute  of  a  Letter  from  Sir  Thomas  Cha- 
loner  to  Secretary  Cecil,  5th  March,  1562,  his  words  of  Spain  are  : 
"  It  is  too  much  of  very  pittie  and  conscience  in  this  villainous 
Countrie  to  keep  onie  poore  subjects  more  thau  two  yeares.  A 
liberall  prison  in  England  were  to  be  preferred."0 


Worschipful  fader  in  God,  right  trusty  and  wel- 
beloved.  ffor  as  moche  as  ourwelbelovedsquier  John 
Hull  haath  long  tyme  be  in  our  ambassiat  and  seruice 
in  the  parties  of  Spaigne,  for  the  whiche,  as  he  haath 
compleined  to  us,  he  is  endaungerd  gretly,  and  certein 
goodys  of  his  leyd  to  wedde,  Wherfor  we  wol  that 
ye  see  that  thier  be  taaken  dewe  accomptes  of  the 
said  John,  how  many  dayes  he  haath  stande  in  oure 
said  Ambassiat  and  seruice,  and  therupon  that  he 
be  contented  and  agreed  in  the  best  wyse  as  longeth 
vn  to  hym  in  this  cas.  Yeuen  vnder  ouer  Signet  in 
oure  boost  beside  oure  toun  of  Faloise  the  x.  day  of 
ffeu'er. 


LETTER    XXVIII. 

Hugh  Stafford  to  the  Earl  of  March  and  Ulster. 
Reports  his  having  executed  his  orders,  and  desires 
his  cousin  Clifford  may  be  sent  over  to  him. 

[MS.  COTTON.  CALIG.  D.  III.  fol.  155.   Orig.~\ 

%*  Edmund  Earl  of  March  and  Ulster,  to  whom  this  Letter  is 
e  MS.  Cotton.  Vespas.  c.  vii.  fol.  265  b. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  65 

addressed,  was  made  Lieutenant  of  Normandy  in  the  6th  Hen.  V. 
a.d.  1418. a  He  married  Anne,  daughter  of  Edmund  Earl  of  Staf- 
ford ;  and  died  Jan.  19th,  3  Hen.  VI.,  as  Dugdale  states,  at  the 
early  age  of  twenty-four. 

Hugh  Stafford,  the  writer  of  this  Letter,  having  married  Eliza- 
beth, daughter  and  heir  of  Bartholomew  Lord  Bourchier,  was  sum- 
moned to  Parliament  by  that  title  in  the  12th  Hen.  IV.  He  accom- 
panied the  expedition  to  France  in  the  5th  of  Henry  V.,  and  died 
in  the  9th  of  that  King.b 


My  ryzt  worschipful  Lorde  y  recomaunde  me 
vn  to  zow.  Lyke  zow  to  wete  that  I  have  receyuyd 
zoure  letter  that  ze  have  sente  to  me  zeuyng  me  in 
comaundement  of  oure  souerayn  lordys  be  halue  and 
of  zoures,  that  y  schulde  pate  ym  the  Cuntre  of  Mayn 
the  which  ys  aboute  me,  andputte  hem  in  subieccoun 
and  ellys  to  manas  hem  to  brenne,  and  to  hewe  here 
vynys,  the  which  y  schal  do  to  my  powere  as  ze 
hau  comaundyt  me.  And  yf  yt  lyke  on  to  zoure 
gracous  lordschip  that  my  cousyn  Clyfford  myzt 
come  in  to  this  Cuntre  with  swych  as  ze  left  assigne 
of  zoures,  I  wolde  truste  to  God  that  yt  schulde 
turne  to  greet  worschippe  to  zow  and  to  alle  zour 
seruauntys  the  which  ben  vndir  zow  in  this  Marchis. 
Zyf  ze  thouzt  that  yt  were  to  doon,  and  puttyng  zoor 
enemyes  in  greet  feere.  I  can  no  more,  but  as  men 
seyn  in  thys  cuntre  that  Mystodync  hath  maad  hys 
purvyaunce  in  the  Abbey  of  Saveneye  for  to  holde 
hys  Cristemasse,    the   which   Abbey  ys  but  a  lege 

»  Rot.  Norm.  torn.  i.  p.  262.  b  Dugd.  Bar.  torn.  i.  pp.  173,  174. 

c  Cotgrave  interprets  "  Mistoudin,  a  neat  fellow,  a  spruce  companion." 


66  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

ouzt  of  Mayn.  Herkenyng  vn  .  .  •  and  thos  that 
ouzte  to  be  the  kyngys  liche  men  the  which  schulden 
fetayle  vs  here,  they  hau  y  fetaylid  hym  well  and 
nothyng  vs,  the  which  Soudyours  of  this  place  weren 
ouzt  a  Cristemasse  euyn,  and  brouzt  horn  a  dosyn 
hors  lodys  of  bred  with  hem  the  which  was  ordeynyd 
for  hym.  I  can  no  more  at  this  but  that  God  have 
zow  ever  more  in  hys  kepyng.  I  writyn  at  Danfrount 
the  xxvii.  day  of  Decembr'. 

Zoure  seruaunt 


HUGH    STAFFORD. 


To  my  worschipful  lord  Erl 
of  the  March  and  of  Vlstre 
lieutenaunt  of  Normandye. 


LETTER   XXIX. 

The  Her  George  and  Dr.  John  Stokes  to  King  Henry 
the  Fifth:  from   Heidelberg,  after   the   Treaty  of 

1420. 

[ms.  cotton,  append,  xxix.  Orig.~\ 


*  * 
* 


This  Letter  is  valuable  as  a  specimen  of  Language.  Of  Dr. 
John  Stokes  the  actual  writer,  a  short  notice  has  been  already  given 
in  the  Second  Series,  vol.  i.  p.  80.  Who  the  Her  George  was,  the 
Editor  is  not  aware. 

The  Treaty  of  Peace  "  between  Henry  the  Fifth  on  the  one  party, 
and  his  father  of  France  and  the  Duke  of  Burgundy  on  the  other," 
sufficiently  points  to  1420  as  the  date  of  this  Letter.  Henry  made 
his  final  treaty  with  Charles  the  Sixth  in  that  year,  taking  Kathe- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  67 

rine  the  daughter  of  Charles  in  marriage,  and  agreeing  to  call  the 
French  King  his  father. 

"  The  Duke  your  brother,"  spoken  of  in  the  opening  of  the  Let- 
ter, was  Louis  III.,  Count  Palatine,  surnamed  the  Bearded,  who 
succeeded  to  the  Palatinate  in  1410.  He  married  to  his  first  wife, 
in  1402,  Blanche,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Henry  the  Fourth.  She 
died  in  1406  in  child-bed.  Louis's  second  wife  was  Matilda, 
daughter  of  Amadeus  of  Savoy.  He  died  at  Heidelberg,  Dec.  29, 
1436. 


Owre  most  souerain  most  myghty  and  most  dred 
lord,  We  zowr  seruitours  and  bede  men,  and  I  zowr 
humble  lyge  recomende  vs  vnto  zowr  most  heygh 
grace  as  mekely  and  as  lowly  as  we  can  or  may. 
And  gyf  it  lyke  vn  to  zow  for  to  have  in  knowlache 
aftir  the  tyme  that  we  departede  from  zowr  most 
heygh  and  moste  excellent  presence  qwat  by  lande 
and  qwat  by  water  we  came  vn  to  Hadelberg  the 
xiiij.  day  of  Juny,  qwer  vp  on  the  next  day  folwyng 
we  presentede  zowr  graciows  lettres  vn  to  the  Duk 
zowr  brother ;  and  aftirward  with  a  solempne  propo- 
sicion  dennouncede  vn  to  hym  thys  Pes  the  qwyche 
is  acorded  and  concluded  by  thwen  zow  vp  on  the 
on  partie  and  zow  fadir  of  ffraunce  and  the  Duk  of 
Burgoyn  vp  on  the  tother  syde  :  the  qwych  pes  as  I 
declarede  is  myghty  and  vertuows,  it  is  fair  and 
graciows,  and  it  is  swete  and  amorows,  with  all  othere 
circumstancez  and  allegeances  that  owte  for  to  be 
mad  and  alleggyd  and  acordyng  ther  to.  And  aftir 
all  other  thyngs  declarede  vn  to  hym  as  weel  of  hys 


68  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

comynge  vn  to  zow  as  of  othere  aftir  the  tenur  of 
owr  instruccion  vp  on  the  beste  wyse  that  we  cowde 
deuyse  aftir  owr  simple  ententes. 

Zowr  forsayde  brother  the  Duk  was  of  thys  for- 
saide  pees  as  glad,  ioyful,  and  merie  as  eny  erthely 
man  owte  for  to  be ;  and  declarede  hys  entent  how 
that  he  wele  be  comprehendyd  ther  in  as  zowr  allye, 
and  haue  it  and  halde  it  ferine  and  stable,  and  ob- 
serve it  and  make  it  for  to  be  observed  by  hym,  hys 
heires,  vasalles,  and  subgeesa  pnrpetuelly,  and  at  all 
tymes  as  mochyl  as  in  hym  is  to  execute  it  a  zens  all 
thoo  that  wele  werch  the  contrarie,  other  on  ony 
wyse  wolde  lette  the  entent  other  the  grete  gode  of 
the  same  pees,  as  hym  self  schall  doo  and  perfourme 
swyche  tyme  as  he  speketh  with  zow  in  hys  ownne 
persone. 

More  owere  and  it  lyke  vn  to  zowr  most  heygh  and 
most  graciows  lordschipe  as  towchyng  hys  coihyng 
vn  to  zow  ward  he  declarede  vn  to  vs  how  vp  on  the 
v.  day  by  fore  owr  comyng  vn  to  hym  he  hadde  sent 
forth  Mayster  Jon  Lobaim  vn  to  zow  by  the  nexte 
wey,  for  to  declar  vn  to  zow  the  tyme  of  hys  comyng, 
and  the  weyes  also  the  qwych  he  wele  holde  ;  that 
is  for  to  wete  vp  on  Marie  Magdaleyns  day  next 
comyng  he  wele  by  gynne  take  hys  iourne  and  passe 
forth  by  the  teritories  of  the  Erchebyschop  of  Trere, 
and  so  forth  by  the  Duche  of  Lucelburgh,  and  with 

a  subjects . 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  69 

the  grace  of  God  vp  on  the  vii.  day  aftir  he  wele  be 
in  the  bourdures  of  Fraunce  in  a  ton  callyd  Ifais  a 
lege  from  the  toun  of  Mosmi,  and  fro  thens  in  thre 
days  he  may  be  at  Parys.  By  these  weyes  for  to 
come  he  hath  take  hys  purpos  and  concluded  it  by 
hys  counceill  and  hys  puple  that  schall  goo  wyth 
hym,  the  qwych  purpos  he  wele  nowgt  chaunge  but 
zyf  Maister  Jon  Lobaim  brynge  hym  other  word  fro 
zow,  and  with  owte  iayle  he  scall  come  and  with  iiijc 
other  vc  gode  hors. 

Also  and  it  lyke  vn  to  zowr  moste  heygh  and  be- 
nygne  grace  for  owr  moste  redy  spede  vn  to  the 
Emperowr  zowr  brother,  We  sende  zowr  graciows 
lettres  vn  to  the  Erchebyschopys  of  Mayns,  Trere, 
and  of  Coloyne  by  Hans  Pruce  zowr  chivauchier,  suf- 
ficeahtly  instruct  and  enfourmed  of  all  thyngs  that 
schall  by  seyd  by  mowth.  And  more  ouer  for  as 
moduli  as  the  laste  tyme  qwan  I  was  vp  on  zowr  mes- 
sage with  the  Erchebischop  of  Coleine  he  declar'de 
vn  to  me,  and  hys  conceill  also,  how  that  he  wolde 
come  to  zow  and  alwey  schulde  be  redy  to  come  to 
do  zow  seruise  vp  on  hys  owne  cost,  so  that  he  myghte 
have  sure  passage  as  I  wrot  vn  to  zow  and  in  my 
comyge  declarede  by  mowthe.  Qwerfore  zyf  it  be 
plesyng  vn  to  zow  I  of  myn  owne  heuesde  have  wryte 
vn  to  hym  a  lettre  rehersyng  hys  promyse  and  hys 
byhest,  and  sterede  hym  by  swych  menes  in  the  same 
lettre  for  to  come,  that  trewly  zyf  he  come  nowt  but 


70  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

zyf  sekenesse  excuse  hym  ze  schall  mowe  resonably 
seye  how  that  he  dooth  nowgt  hys  clevoure. 

More  ouere  as  we  be  enfourmed  the  Emperour  is 
in  Berne  by  syde  Prage  at  Berne,  and  zyt  he  hath 
gret  rebellion  and  disobeisance  of  the  Lollardes,  and 
so  mochyll  a  doo  vp  on  euery  syde  that  we  can 
nowght  make  zow  sure  nother  of  hys  comyng  in  his 
owne  persone  nother  of  sendyng  by  othere,  for  as 
towchynghys  ordinaunce  of  sendynge,'  the  qwych  was 
by  gunne  by  the  Erchebischop  of  Tr're  aftir  that  he 
hadde  made  relacion  vn  to  the  Emperour  azen,  the 
matier  hath  by  layd  a  slepe  and  no  thyng  more  doo 
ther  to. 

Other  tydynges  we  can  nowght,  and  it  like  vn  to 
zow  at  thys  tyme,  but  that  of  the  grete  manhode 
myghtynesse  and  puissaunce  that  Almighty  God 
blessyd  by  his  name  hath  seet  and  put  in  zowr  chose 
persone,  zowre  victoriowse  fame  floreseth  and  regn- 
eth,  and  zowr  gloriowse  name  is  enhaunsed,  magni- 
fied, and  dred  aboue  all  erthely  Princeps  thorw  all 
the  wordb  Cristene  and  Hethene.  Most  souerayn, 
most  myghty,  and  most  dred  lord  the  Holy  Trinite 
saue  zow,  kepe,  and  mayntene  euere  more  vn  to  a 
gloriowse  victorie  of  all  zowre  enemyes.  Wryten  in 
Hadelberge  the  xvij.  day  of  the  monieth  of  Juny. 
Zowr  seruitours  an  Bedemeii, 

HER  GEORGE  and  JON  STOKES  ZOWT  lyge. 
To  the  Kynge. 

b  world. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  71 


LETTER  XXX. 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  to  pro- 
vide the  Queens  physician  tvith  some  benefice. 

[from  the  Orig.  among  the  records  in  the  tower.] 

%*  The  King  was  before  Meaux,  whence  this  Letter  is  dated,  in 
1421.     Meaux  surrendered  to  him  May  2nd,  1422. 

BY  THE  KING. 

Worshipful  fader  in  God  oure  right  trusty  and 
welbeloved.  Forasmuche  as  we  have  understande 
by  youre  lettres  late  sent  unto  us  yat  oure  Wyf 
ye  Quene  hath  spoken  unto  yow  and  desireth  yat 
hir  Phisicien  myght  have  sum  benefice  wiyowte  cure, 
of  oure  collacion,  in  ye  whiche  matere  ye  desire 
to  have  knowlege  of  oure  wil  we  signifne  unto  yow 
yat  hit  is  wel  oure  entent  whanne  any  sucche  bene- 
fice voydeth  of  oure  yifte  yat  ye  make  collacion  to 
him  yrof,  and  after  certifneth  us  what  hit  is  yat  he 
hav.  Yeven  under  oure  signet  in  oure  Oost  beside 
Meaulx  ye  xxix.  day  of  Octobre. 

CHIVYNGHAM. 

To  ye  worshipful  in  God  oure  right  trusty  and 
welbeloved  ye  Bisshop  of  Duresme  oure 
Chauceller  of  England. 


72  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XXXI. 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  Chan- 
cellor, to  make  out  letters  patents  for  the  Masters 
of  his  great  ships,  carracks,  barges,  and  balengers, 
to  have  annuities. 

[from  the  Original  among  the  records  in  the  tower.] 

BY    THE    KYNG. 

Worshipful  Fader  yn  God  We  sende  yow  closed 
wiyin  yis  lettre  a  Cedule  contenyng  ye  names  of  cer- 
tein  Maistres  for  owr  owne  grete  shippes,  carrakes, 
barges,  and  balyngers,  to  ye  whiche  Maistres  we  have 
granted  annuitees  suche  as  is  appointed  upon  eche 
of  hern  in  ye  same  Cedule,  to  take  yerely  of  owre 
grante  while  yat  us  lust  at  owr  Exchequer  of  West- 
mynster,  atte  ye  termes  of  Michelmasse  and  Ester, 
by  even  porcions.  Wherfore  we  wol  and  charge  yow 
yat  unto  eche  of  ye  said  Maistres  ye  do  make  under 
owr  Grete  Seel  beyng  in  yowre  warde  owr  lettres 
patentes  saverales  en  due  forme  after  yeffect  and 
pourport  of  owr  said  Grante.  Yeven  under  owr  sig- 
net atte  owr  Castel  of  Tonque  ye  xij.  day  of  Aoust. 

Au  reverend  Pere  en  Dieu  l'Evesque  de 
Duresme  nostre  Chanceller  Dengleterre. 


vj.1'  xiij.siiij.d  Lagrande  Nief  appellee  Ih's  dont  Joh'n 

William  est  maistre  .  .  .  vj.  mariners 

pour  la  sauf  garde  deinz  Hamuli'. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


73 


vj.1'  xiij.s  iiij.d  La  Trinite  Roiale  dont  Steph.  Thomas 

est  maistre vj .  mariners . 

vj.1'  xiij.3  iiij.d  La  Holygost  dont  Jordan  Brownyng 

est  maistre vj.  mariners. 

vj.11  xiij.s  iiij.d  La  Carrake  appellee  Le  Petre  dont 

Joh'n  Gerard  est  maistre 
vj.1' xiij.s  iiij.d  La    Carrak   appellee   Le    Paule  dont 

William  Payne  est  maistre 
vj.1'  xiij.s  iiij.d  La  Carrak  appellee  Le  Andrewe  dont 

Joh'n  Thornyng  est  maistre 
vj.1'  xiij.s  iiij.d  La  Carrak  appellee  Le  Xp'ofre  dont 

.  .  .  Tendrell  est  maistre 
vj."  xiij."  iiij.d  La  Carrak  appellee  Le  Mare  dont  Wil- 
liam Richeman  est  maistr. 
vj.11  xiij.s  iiij.d  La    Carrak  appellee   Le   Marie  dont 

William  Hethe  est  maistr. 
vj.1'  xiij.s  iiij.d  La  Carrak  appellee  Le  George  dont 
Joh'n  Mersh  est  maistr.   . 
La  Carrak  appellee   Le   Agnus  dont 

est  maistr. 

c.s  La  Nief  appellee  Nicholas  dont  Wil- 
liam Robynson  est  maistr. 
c.s  La  Nief  appellee  La  Kateryne  dont 

Joh'n  Kyngeston  est  maistr.    . 
c.s  La  Nief  appellee  La  Mare  dont  Ric. 
Walsh  est  maistr.  .... 
c.s  La  Nief  appellee  Le  Flaward  dont  Tho- 
mas Martyn  est  maistr.  . 
c.s  La  Nief  appellee  Le  Mare  dont  William 
Cheke  est  maistr.    .... 
c.s  La  Nief  appellee  Le  Xp'ofre  dont  Wil- 
liam Yalton  est  maistre   . 
lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Barge  appellee  La  Petite  Trinite 

dont  Joh'n  Piers  est  maistr. 
lxvj.sviij.d  La    Balynger  appellee   Le   Ave  dont 

Rauf  Hoskard  est  maistr. 
lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balynger  appellee  Le  Nicholas  dont 

Robert  Shad  est  maistr.  . 
lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balynger  appellee  Le  George  dont 
Edward  Hoper  est  maistr. 

VOL.  I. 


VJ. 

mariners . 

vj. 

mariners. 

vj. 

mariners. 

vj. 

mariners. 

VJ' 

mariners. 

vj. 

mariners. 

vj. 

mariners. 

ij- 

mariners. 

"J- 

mariners. 

"J- 

mariners. 

MS- 

mariners. 

iij' 

,  mariners. 

"J 

.mariners. 

»j 

.  mariners. 

»j 

.  mariners. 

»j 

.  mariners. 

»j 

.mariners. 

»j 

.  mariners. 

E 

74  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balynger   appellee   Le    Cracchere 

dont  Steph'  Welles  est  maistr.  .  iij.  mariners. 

lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balyngere  appellee  LeGabriell  dont 

Andrewe  Godefrey  est  maistr.  .  iij.  mariners. 

lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balynger  appellee  Le  Litell  Joh'n 

dont  Joh'n  Bull  est  maistr.  .  .  ij.  mariners. 
La  Balynger  appellee  Le  James  dont 

Javyn  Cossard  est  maistr.   pour  le 

Holigost ij.  mariners. 

La  Balyngere  appellee  Le  Swan    dont 

....  Rowe  est  m.  pour  la  Trinite  .  ij.  mariners. 
lxvj.s  viij.d  La  Balyngere  appellee    Le   Kateryne 

dont  Javyn  Dene  est  maistr.     .         .   ij.  mariners. 


LETTER  XXXII. 

King  Henry  the  Fifth  to  the  Bishop  of  Durham,  re- 
specting his  Uncle  of  Exeter,  and  directing  certain 
preferments. 

[from  the  Original  among  the  records  in  the  tower.] 

BY    THE    KYNG. 

Worshipful  fader  yn  God,  ryght  trusty  and  wel- 
beloved,  Yf  yer  be  eny  trewes  to  be  taken  now  yis 
wynter  betwene  us  and  ye  Scottes,  We  wold  yat  owr 
Uncle  of  Excetrea  mygt  come  to  us  wiy  his  good 
heelp,  and  pray  yow  yat  after  yowre  good  avis  and 
discrecion  ye  ordeyne  for  yis  in  ye  best  wise  yat  ye 
can,  for  yat  doon  we  wold  owre  said  Uncle  were 
wiy  us  wiy  his  good  heelp  als  sone  as  he  might  yow 
hit  were  yitte  wiy  the  fewer  meyne.  Also  we  send 
a  Lettre  to  owr  Cosin  ye  Bysshop  of  Excetre   for 

a  Thomas  Beaufort,  youngest  natural  son  of  John  of  Gaunt,  created    Duke  of 
Exeter,  A.D.  1416. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  75 

Maistre  John  Copthorne  to  come  to  us,  and  a  noyr 
to  ye  Bysshop  of  Lincoln  for  Maistre  Thomas 
Brounce  in  ye  same  wise,  the  whiche  lettres  we  pray 
you  yat  yey  be  redely  send  forye  and  yat  in  al 
haast  as  we  trust  to  yow.  And  ye  Holy  Trinite  have 
yow  alwey  in  his  kepyng.  Wreten  under  our  Signet 
atte  owr  Towne  of  Caen  ye  xxv.  day  of  Septembre. 
Ferymore  we  wol  yat  to  ye  Chirche  of  Hambury  yat 
is  voide  by  Maistre  William  Corff  yat  is  passed  to 
God,  as  hit  is  saide,  and  longey  to  owr  yifte  ye  pre- 
sented in  owr  name  John  Woborne  oon  of  ye  Prestes 
of  owr  Chapelle  yat  sojourneth  at  Wyndesore  by  owr 
lettres  therof  to  be  maad  in  due  forme.  Also  yat  ye 
do  make  lettres  patents  unto  Maistre  Richard  Holme 
to  be  Maistre  of  owr  College  of  Cambrigg  as  Maistre 
Richard  Derham  was.  Also  we  have  yeven  to  Wil- 
liam Hayton  yempension  of  Sar.  yat  whan  tyme  is 
ye    do    him    have  suche    lettres   yrupon  as   ye   cas 

asketh. 

Au  reverend  Pere  en  Dieu  Levesque  de 
Duresme  nostre  Chanceller  Dengleterre. 


LETTER  XXXIII. 

King  Henry  the  Sixth  to  the  Abbot  of  St.  Edmunds* 
bury,  for  the  immediate  payment  of  a  benevolence. 

[REGIST.    MON.    S.     EDM.    DE    BURG.    MS.    ADDIT.    BRIT.   MUS.    7096.    fol. 

99  b.] 

%*  This  Letter  was  written  in  1442,  and  shews  the  straits  to 
which  Henry  the  Sixth  was  even  then  reduced.    The  paragraph  de- 

E  2 


76  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

serving  most  notice  is  that  which  relates  to  the  storming  of  St.  Se- 
verin.  The  King  says,  the  Adversary  of  France  had  slain  there 
"  to  the  nombre  of  four  thousand  people  or  thereabouts."  The 
French  historians  make  a  slighter  mention  of  the  slaughter.  Nicole 
Gilles,  who  was  secretary  to  Louis  XT.  and  lived  near  the  time, 
says  four  hundred;3  Monstrelet,  eight  hundred. b  Either  the 
French,  to  conceal  their  cruelty,  lessened  the  number  slain ;  or  Hen- 
ry's ministers,  to  extract  money  the  quicker,  magnified  the  loss. 

St.  Sever  and  Dax  were  both  in  what  is  now  the  Department  of 
Landes. 

Belleforest  says,  "  Tartas  pris  le  Roy  fut  assieger  S.  Sever  lors 
fortifiee  de  trois  faux-bourgs  clos  et  remparez,  et  ayans  les  fossez 
larges  et  profonds,  et  ce  nonobstant  fut  la  place  emporte'e  d'assaut, 
et  les  premiers  qui  y  entrerent  furent  ceux  de  l'escadron  du 
Connestable,  lesquels  la  forcerent  du  coste"  qui  regarde  le  chemin 
de  Bourdeaux,  et  y  furent  faictes  de  grandes  cruautez,  a  cause  que 
les  assiegez  s'estoient  monstrez  par  trop  opiniastres,  et  a.  se  def- 
fendre  et  a  ne  vouloir  venir  a  composition  quelconque."c 


BY    THE    KING. 

Right  dere  in  God,  we  grete  you  hertely  wele 
and  for  asmoche  as  oure  capital  adversarie  of  France 
and  his  Soon  with  grete  puissance  beth  entrecl  in  to 
oure  Duchie  of  Guyenne,  and  have  by  force  and 
violence  geten  grete  parte  of  oure  landss  there,  and 
subdued  oure  subgittz  there,  and  in  especial  the 
good  towne  of  Seint  Severyns  where  in  thei  haue 
slain  to  the  nombre  of  iiij.  m1.  peple  or  there  aboute, 
the  whiche  Contrees  and  Towne  of  tyme  that  noo 
mynde  is,  haue  be  vndre  the  paisible  rule,  gou'n- 
ance,  and  obeisance  of  oure  progenitours  and  pre- 
decessours  Kings  of  Engelande,  and  of  vs,  withoute 

m  Annales  et  Croniques  de  France ;  fol.  Par.  1562,  torn.  ii.  fol.  99  b. 
b  Monstrelet,  Johnes's  Transl.,  4to.  edit.,  iii.  359. 

c  Les  Grandes  Annales  et  Hist.  Generale  de  France,  des  le  Iiegne  de  Philippe  de 
Valois  jusques  a  Henry  III.;  Par.  15/9,  torn.  ii.  p,  1132. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  <  < 

any  interupcion.     And  as  yit  oure  said  Aduersaire 
with  his  saide  puissance  is  in  oure  saide  Duchie,  and 
hath  geten  oure  Citie  and  Castel  of  Ax,  and  hath 
laid  siege  to  Baiori  and  dooth  that  that  he  can  to 
subdue  al  our  said  Duchie,  and  is  fully  avised  to  ley 
siege  to  oure  good  Citie  of  Burdeaux,  the  whiche 
thing  doing  is  and  shuld  be  to  grete  an  hurte,  and  to 
shameful  a  thing  vnto  vs  and  vnto  alle  oure  welle 
willing  louers  and  subgitts  ;  and  also  of  lyklyhode  to 
be  destruccion  of  the  Navie  of  this  oure  lande ;  and 
cause  of  many  othir  inconuenientes  and  hurtes  that 
myght  falle  to  this  oure  Reaume,  lordships,  and  sub- 
gittz,  that  God  forbede  :  and  on  lesse  than  hasty  pur- 
ueance  and  remedie  to  resiste  theim  by  puissance  be 
made  in  this  behalf,  to  grete  a  losse  and  shameful  a 
thing  vnto  us  and  this  our  Reaume  that  God  ne 
wolde  ne  ye  as  We  truste.     The  whiche  purveance 
cannot  soo  hastely  be  made  as  the  necessite  asketh 
with  oute  the  helpe  of  you  and  othir  oure  well  will- 
ing lowers  and  subgittz.     And  therfore  considered" 
that  that  is  aboue  saide,  and  what  losse,  hurt,  and 
greuance  the  seid  Duchie  and  strengthes  therof  being 
in  oure  saide  Aduersaries  handes  shulde  be  vn  to  vs, 
and  also  what  reproche,   shame,  and  vilanie   shulde 
be  caste   thorugh  the  worlde  vpon  vs  and  this  our 
Reaume,  lordshipps,  and  subgittz  if  it  were  not  con- 
venably  resisted  to  the  malice  of  oure  saide  Aduer- 
saire.     What  inconuenients    also   myght  falle  vnto 
oure  said  Duchie  and  subgittz  therin  if  it  were  not 


78  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

bytyme  by  puissance  relieued  and  rescued,  also  thim- 

portable  labours  and   charges  that  oure  subgittz  of 

oure  seid  Duchie  dayly  bere  and  kepe  to  be  vndre 

oure  true  obeissance.     Pray  you  therfor  hertely  that 

ye  soo  tendryng  thees  oure  necessitees  wol  lene  vnto 

vs  for  the   socours  and  relief  of  oure  seid  Duchie 

suche  a  notable  summe  of  mony  to  be  paied  in  hande 

as  oure  seruaunt  berer  of  thees  shal  desire  of  you ;  to 

whom  herein,  and  in  suche  othir   things  as  he  shal 

shewe  and  seye  vn  to  you  be  mouthe  in  this  behalf 

We  wil  and  pray  you  to  yeue  him  feith  and  credence. 

Yeuen  vndre  oure  signet  at  oure  Manoir  of  Sheen 

the  xxiiij.  day  of  August. 

To  our  right  dere  in  God 
Th'  Abbot  of  Bury. 


LETTER  XXXIV. 

King  Henry  the  Sixth  to  the  Abbot  of  St.  Edmunds- 
bury,  for  the  loan  of  a  hundred  marks  preparatory 
to  his  marriage,     a.d.  1443. 

[registr.    abb.   s.   edm.  de  BURGO.  ADDIT.  MS.  MUS.  BRIT.  7096.   fol. 

108  b.] 

%*  The  Abbot  of  St.  Edmundsbury  had  received  a  prior  letter 
dated  from  Sheen,  July  19th,  couched,  with  one  exception,  in  simi- 
lar terms.  The  Letter  before  the  reader  names  a  hundred  marks 
as  the  sum  desired,  for  which  an  Exchequer  tally  was  to  be  as- 
signed :  the  previous  one  called  for  a  "  preste  under  surety  co- 
venable  of  such  a  sum  of  money  as  should  be  specified  by  the  bearer 
of  the  letter,  to  whom  faith  and  credence  were  to  be  given."     (See 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


79 


the  same  MS.  fol.  107  b.)     Demur,  in  acceding  to  the  first  request, 
probably  occasioned  the  second  application. 


BY    THE    KYNG. 

Right  dere  in  God  we  grete  you  wele,  and  holde 
for  certain  that  it  is  not  unknowen  vn  to  you  now 
late  a  goo  we  sent  our  right  trusty  and  right  welbe- 
louyd  Cousin  Therl  of  Suff",  our  right  welbelouyd 
clerk  mais?  Adam  Moleyns  doctour  of  Lawe,  Dean 
of  Salesbury  keper  of  our  priue  seel,  and  other  with 
theim  to  our  Reaume  of  Fraunce  for  diu?s  matiers 
touching  the  prosperite  worship  and  welfare  of  vs 
and  of  our  landes  and  subgetts,  by  whos  notable  and 
aduisy  labours  and  diligences  it  hath  liked  our  Lord 
to    shewe    vs   his   grete   fauour  and  graces   in  diu?s 
maniers,  and  in  especial  to  prouide  vs  of  a  Quene  of 
heigh  and  noble  birthe  enduyd  with  yiftys  of  grace 
and  nature,  So  as  it  is  supposid  that  We  and  all  our 
trewe  subgietts  and  welwillers  haue  and  shal  haue 
cause  to  thanke  our  Lord  therfor.    And  for  as  moche 
as  it  is   not   acording  to  our  Worship  nor  to  oure 
hertis   ease  that  the  comyng  of  hir  in  to  this  our 
Reaume  be  long  taried  or  delaied,  we  purpose  with 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  to  dispose  and  ordeigne  that 
she  shal  be  conduted  vnto  vs  in  all  haste  goodly  pos- 
sible in  suche  wise  as  it  shal  be  accordyng  to  th'estate 
and  worship  of  vs,  of  hir,  and  of  this  our  Reaume : 
and  that  done  to  purveye  for  the  solempnite  of  hir 
Coronacion  in  maner  and  fourme  accustumed.     Over 


80  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

this  for  your  especial  reioising  and  eonfort  We  late 
you  wite  that  We  stande  in  right  good  truste  and 
hope  of  a  pees  finalle  to  be  concluded  and  had  be- 
twixe  vs  and  our  Oncle  of  Fraunce,  for  the  laisir  and 
oportunite  of  appointing  of  whiche  ther  is  taken  by- 
twix  vs  and  oure  Oncle  a  trewes  for  a  certain  tyme 
vndir  the  whiche  the  seid  pees  shall  mowe  behoue- 
fully  be  treted  to  a  good  conclusion  and  ende.  And 
for  asmuche  as  the  things  abouesaid  may  not  be  exe- 
cuted and  fulfilled  with  oute  ful  grete  and  notable 
sommes  of  good  and  dispenses,  and  that  the  grete  and 
importable  charges  that  We  of  longe  tyme  haueborn, 
namely  for  the  Werres  and  defense  of  this  our  Reaume, 
haue  bared  vs  gretely  of  tresore  and  redy  good,  We 
write  vn  to  you  and  pray  you  right  hertely  and  as  ye 
loue  and  tendre  the  worship  and  welfare  of  vs  and  in 
especial  of  this  our  Reaume,  ye  shewe  us  in  this  our 
necessite  and  good  wille,  easing  vs  by  wey  of  apprest 
of  the  summe  of  c.  marks,  and  that  ye  wol  sende  it  in 
to  the  Receipte  of  our  Eschequer  in  alle  goodly  haste 
after  the  sighte  of  thees,  and  at  the  ferreste  be  the 
feste  of  the  Natiuite  of  our  Lady  next  comyng,  there 
for  to  be  delivered  to  the  Tresorer  and  Chamberleins 
of  our  Eschequer  or  ellys  to  suche  a  persone  or  per- 
sones  there  as  beth  deputed  and  assigned  to  receive 
it;  lating  you  wite  that  at  the  tyme  of  the  deliverance 
therof  ther  shall  be  made  and  delivered  vn  to  the 
bringer  therof  for  you  and  in  your  name  sufficient  as- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  81 

signement  for  your  repaiement  therof  by  tailles  to  be 
rered  at  the  said  Eschequier  and  also  by  our  lettres 
patents  therupon  to  be  made.  So  that  of  reason  ye 
shal  holde  you  content  And  in  semblable  maner  and 
fourme  as  is  and  shal  be  delivered  to  every  other  per- 
sone  that  in  this  our  necessite  haue  and  wol  lene  vnto 
us  any  monneye.  And  We  pray  you  that  ye  faille  vs 
not  herfrnne  as  our  singler  truste  is  in  you,  and  as  ye 
desire  our  worship  for  and  in  thees  our  necessitees  as 
aboue.  Yeuen  vndir  our  Priue  seel  at  Westm.  the 
xvij.  day  of  August. 


LETTER  XXXV. 


The  King  to  the  Abbot  of  Bury,  for  horses  against  the 
Queen's  arrival,     a.d.  1443. 

[registr.  abb.  s.  edm.  de  BURGO.  ADDIT.  MS.  BRIT.  MUS.  7096.  fol. 

109.] 

BY    THE    KYNG. 

Trusty  and  welbeloued  in  God  We  grete  you 
wele,  and  for  asmuche  as  it  hath  liked  our  Lord  to 
couple  vs  by  wey  of  mariage  with  the  doughter  and 
high  mighty  Prince  our  fadir  the  King  of  Cicile  and 
Jerusalem,  and  that  for  oure  grete  comfort,  We  de- 
sire in  al  haste  our  said  moost  entierly  welbeloued 
Wifes  presence,  for  whos  conduyt  schal  be  necessary 
many  horses,  as  wele  palfreies,  as  for  chares,  charietts, 

E    5 


82  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

somtes,  and  other,  of  the  which  We  be  not  purveied 
as  yit,  We  therfor  pray  you  that  yif  ye  haue  eny 
such  horses  which  shal  be  thought  vn  to  the  bringer 
herof  necessary  and  behoueful  for  vs,  ye  wil  deliute 
thaim  vnto  him  vpon  such  price  as  shal  be  thought 
resonnable  ;  yeuyng  further  vnto  the  seid  bringer  ful 
feith  and  credence  in  that  he  shal  sey  vn  to  you  in 
this  behalue.  And  that  ye  shewe  vs  your  good  wille 
and  beniuolence  in  this  partie  as  ye  wol  desire  vs 
to  shewe  vn  to  you  the  fauor  of  our  good  grace  in 
tyme  to  come :  Yeuen  vndir  our  signet  at  our  Ma- 
noir  withinne  our  Parke  of  Wyndesore  the  xxviij. 
day  of  August. 

To  our  trusty  and  welbelouyd  in  God 
the  Abbot  of  Bury. 


LETTER  XXXVI. 

Richard  Earl  of  Warwick,  captain  of  Calais,  Edward 
Earl  of  March,  Richard  Earl  of  Salisbury,  and 
William  Nevil  Lord  Fauconbridge,  to  the  Bishop  of 
Teramo,  the  papal  Legate,  prior  to  their  entering 
upon  the  Expedition  which  dethroned  King  Henry 
the  Sixth,     a.d.  1460. 

[VATICAN    TRANSCRIPTS,    Vol.  XXXiv.    p.  92.       EX    AUTOGR.     LIBRO     ME- 

morab.  pii  ii.  pag.  xxv.     arm.  iv.  caps,  iii.] 

%*  The  following  Letter  discloses  a  circumstance,  which,  except 
in  the  Commentaries  of  Pope  Pius  the  Second,  has  beeu  hitherto  un- 
recorded: namely,  that  that  Pope  in  1459  despatched  a  Legate  to 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  83 

England,  partly  in  hope  to  reconcile  the  rival  Houses,  and  partly 
to  induce  Henry  the  Sixth  to  join  the  power  of  his  country  in  a 
Crusade . 

The  Legate  despatched  on  this  occasion  was  Francesco  de  Cop- 
pini  Bishop  of  Teramo,a  who  joined  the  party  of  the  House  of  York, 
fostered  the  dissensions  he  was  sent  to  heal,  and,  as  we  learn  from 
Pius  the  Second's  own  statement,  even  excommunicated  those  who 
adhered  to  the  royal  party.  The  present  Letter  was  one  of  great 
formality  ;  it  had  the  seals  as  well  as  the  signs-manual  of  all  the 
writers  attached  to  it.  Coppini  was  evidently  at  Calais  when  he 
received  this  Letter,  although  it  is  dated  from  thence  :  for  it  offers 
him  a  vessel  to  go  in  haste  and  press  upon  the  King  the  honour  and 
integrity  of  the  intentions  of  these  Lords,  both  to  him  and  to  the 
country,  confirmed  by  their  oath.  It  alludes  also  to  their  possession 
of  the  King's  fleet,  which  our  Chronicles  tell  us  they  had  previously 
seized  at  Sandwich. 

Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  Pope  became  incensed  at  Coppini's  per- 
version of  his  mission,  as  well  as  at  the  enormous  bribes  in  plate 
and  money  which  he  had  received.  He  recalled  him  without  de- 
lay :  imprisoned  him  in  the  Castle  of  St.  Angelo :  subsequent  to 
which,  Coppini  made  a  full  confession  of  his  guilt.  He  was  finally 
deprived  of  his  bishoprick,  and,  changing  the  name  of  Francesco  to 
Ignatius,  became  a  Monk  in  the  Benedictine  monastery  of  St.  Paul 
at  Rome,  and  died,  the  date  unrecorded,  in  obscurity. b  He  was 
succeeded  in  the  bishoprick  of  Teramo,  in  1463,  by  Louis  of  Genoa. 

1  He  was  created  bishop  by  Calixtus  III.  19th  May,  1458. 

h  The  passage  in  Pope  Pius  II. 's  Commentaries  relating  these  facts  at  length  is 
here  presented  to  the  reader.  "Angliae  regina,  quam  supra  diximus  auxiliis  a  Lu- 
dovico  rege  Francije  impetratis  in  Scotiam  navigasse,  dum  ista  fiunt,  in  parte  An- 
glise  boreali  ultra  Eboracum  bellum  innovat,  et  aliquot  castella  expugnat :  occur- 
runt  regis  Edwardi  copiee,  et  inito  certamine,  Scotos  Gallosque  fugant,  castella  re- 
cuperant :  et  intercepta  eis  prsesidia,  quae  regis  Henrici  nomen  protitcntur,  crude- 
liter  necant :  Francis,  qui  se  Ludovico  militasse  aiunt,  ut  se  redimant  potestatem 
faciunt.  Hac  victoria  consternati  omnes,  qui  partes  Henrici  tuebantur,  ad  Ed- 
wardum  defecere,  duce  Somerseti  riani  monstrante,  ac  stultum  esse  dicente,  saepius 
adversus  Dei  voluntatem  pertinaci  aninio  depugnare :  ilium,  ut  videtur,  Eduardo 
regnum  promisisse :  proinde  nolle  se  divinse  voluntati  resistere,  seque  victori  per- 
misit,  a  quo  receptus  in  gratiam,  paternam  hereditatem  consecutus  est :  Eduardo 
regnum  confirmatum  :  Henricus  in  Scotia  curarum  expers  ac  modico  contentus  re- 
mansit.     Regina  cum  filio  ad  Ludovicum  motsta  et  inopsconsilii  in  Franciam  rediit. 

"  Has  regni  Anglici  mutationes,  Galli,  et  qui  eis  consentiebant,  Francisco  Interam- 
nensi  episcopo  imputabant,  qui  missus  in  Angliam  ad  imploranda  contra  Turcas 
auxilia,  placandamque  gentem,  dissidium  excitasset,  partes  regis  excommunicasset, 


84 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


How  much  the  Earl  of  March  afterwards  considered  himself  aud 
his  cause  indebted  to  the  Legate,  may  be  seen  by  an  entry  upon 
the  Patent  Roll  of  his  first  year :  by  which  he  granted  to  this  Bishop 
of  Teramo  an  annuity  of  ,£100,  secured  upon  the  custom  duties  of 
the  ports  of  Southampton  and  London,  and  payable  at  the  Ex- 
chequer, till  he  could  be  provided  within  the  kingdom  with  eccle- 
siastical preferment :  granting  to  him  at  the  same  time,  and  to  his 

adversis  a?terna  salute  promissa  benedixisset,  nee  vanus  erat  rumor :  Ambitio  et  in- 
gentia  promissa  Franciscum  deceperant,  eui  Pontiles  recognita,  ut  ad  se  quam  pro- 
pere  reverteretur,  litteras  dedit.  Ipse  sibi  conscius  ac  timens,  Eduardi  regis  et 
alionim  principum  cominendationes  eniendicavit ;  ettanquam  procurator  Anglorum, 
ac  Francisci  Mediolanensium  ducis  eonsiliarius  ad  curiam  remearit;  multain  suani 
purgationom  adducens.  Cumque  auri  vascula  et  gemmas  pretiosas  ex  Anglia  attu- 
lisset,  quamplures  (venalem  namque  suam  legationem  fecerat)  ex  mammona  iniqui- 
tatis  amicos  sibi  paraverat,  quorum  prssidio  Pontilicis  sibi  aures  conciliaret.  in 
Apostolico  quoque  palatio  Cardinalis  Theaneusis  et  Gilifortus  Thesaurarius  veteri 
seeum  amicitia  juncti  erant,  et  amico  ne  periclitaretur  operas  navabant.  Dissimu- 
lavit  aliquandiu  Pontifex  :  at  cum  Roma  discedens  Viturviuni  petivisset,  rumorque 
in  dies  crebresceret  Interamnensem  episcopum  prteter  spem  omnium  ultionem  eva- 
sisse,  Jacobo  Ptolouiajo  ut  Episcopum  caperet,  atquein  Hadriani  mole  retineret,  oc- 
culte  mandavit,  eoque  facto  tabellioues  et  judices,  qui  reum  diligenter  examinarent, 
illico  Romam  misit :  ille  absque  tormentis  de  vexillo,  de  anathemate,  de  ceteris  ob- 
jectis  cuncta  confessus  est,  et  amplius  sunoniacK  labis  multas  turpitudines,  qui  be- 
neficia  per  pecuniam  contulisset  :  etsacros  ordines,  et  indulgentias,  et  absolutiones  : 
scripsit  confessionem  suam  manu  propria,  neque  negare  isthsec  poterat :  libri  ejus 
intercept!,  quos  ipse  dictaverat,  atque  signaverat,  eadem  continebant.  Damnabant 
Cardinales,  Pr«elatique  fere  omnes  episcopum  indemnatum  in  vineula  conjectum 
esse,  Pius  clamoribus  posthabitis  clausum  custodiri  jussit,  donee  Romam  reventum 
est :  deinde  confessionem  rei  ad  se  clam  voeatis  Auditoribus  Rotie,  ac  juramento 
adaetis  ne  quid  efferrent,  examinandam  tradidit ;  et  qua  poena  plectendus  esset  epi- 
scopus  qui  talia  commisisset  percunctatus  est :  illi  tempore  ad  deliberandum  obten- 
to,  post  dies  octo  scriptam  signatainque  Rotie  sigillo  suam  sententiam  attulere : 
qua  privandum  episcopatu  reum,  et  ab  ordine  deponendum  censuere,  et  in  aliquo 
Monasterio  detrudendum,  ubi  sua  peccata  perpetuo  defieret.  Vocatur  deinde  Con- 
sistorium  secretum,  in  quo  Pontifex  Anglicana  gesta  commemorat,  et  cruentissima 
bella  quibus  Interamnensis  episcopus  niinime  jussus  interfuerit,  et  Ecclesiae  vexil- 
lum  erexerit  sua  manu  consutum,  confessionem  ejus  producit :  deinde  Cardinalium 
sententias  exquirit :  cumque  mitiora  nonnulli  censerent,  quam  tanta  scelera  mere- 
rentur,  et  aniici  episcopi  comminuere  delict  a  conarentur,  consilium  Rota;  in  medium 
protulit :  quo  lecto  erubuere  defensores  rei,  et  pars  maxima  Cardinalium  in  Audito- 
rum  sententiam  pedibus  ivit  :  Pius  episcopum  pro  mentis  Interamnensi  privavit 
ecclesia,  et  ab  ordine  deposuit :  ille  postea  sive  religionis  zelo  accensus,  sive  quod  in 
sseculo  dignitate  privatus  vitarn  sibi  molestissimam  duceret,  a  Pontince  petiit  ut 
liceret  sibi  in  Monasterio  Sancti  Pauli  cum  monacbis  Cassinensibus,  alias  Sanctae 
Justina?  dirt  Benedicti  ordinem  profiteri  indultum  est,  et  ut  in  presbyteratus  ordine 
niinUtrare  posset,  concessum  :  nee  mora  habitus  datus,  et  pro  Francisco,  Ignatii 
nomen  assumptum,  sub  quo  in  hanc  usque  diem  sine  reprehensione  Domino  famu- 
latur:  Jlonachus  melior  quam  Episcopus,  si  cceptum  tenuerit  iter."  Comment. 
Pii  Papa?  II.;  fol.  Franc.  1614,  p.  s;7- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  85 

two  nephews,  Bartholomew  and  Thomas  Coppini,  (and  to  the  heirs 
male  and  lineal  descendants  of  each,)  the  privilege  of  bearing  in 
the  upper  portion  of  their  shield  of  arms  "  a  white  rose,  our  de- 
vice."0 

Reverendissime  in  Christo  Pater  et  Domine  D. 
Episc.  Interamnensis  Apostolicae  Sedis  Legate,  Quia 
videmus  magnam  ruinam  et  crudelissimam  caedem 
preparatara  in  regno  Angliaa  propter  injurias  quam- 
plurimas  contra  Rempublicam  perpetratas,  ac  prop- 
ter injurias  ill.  et  excel!,  domino  Duci  Eboracensi  et 
suis,  nobis  et  nostris  factas,  et  cupimus  ista  evitare, 
ideo  vocavimus  per  nostras  litteras  et  rogavimus  re- 
verendissimam  paternitatem  vestram,  quam  intellexi- 
mus  habere  potestatem  et  commissionem  ista  tractan- 
di  et  interponendi  partes  suas  ad  pacem.  Et  quamvis 
altissimo  in  favorem  nostri  ex  habundantia  gratiae 
suae  plura  placuerit  ordinare,  et  alia  multa  sint  parata 
in  favorem  nostrum,  quia  tamen  non  volumus  esse  in- 
grati  Deo,  et  ad  hoc  ut  Dominatio  vestra  in  vanum 
non  queratur  se  esse  vocatam,  sumus  contenti  habita 
reformatione  dictarum  injuriarum,  et  si  restituantur 
praefato  D.  Duci  Eboracensi  et  suis,  nobis  et  nostris, 
bona  et  dominia  sua  et  suorum,  nostra  et  nostrorum, 
et  reponantur  ;  ac  reponamur  in  statum  pristinum 
expendere  introitus  nostros  in  servitium  Regis  et 
Regni.  Et  ut  Reverenda  Dominatio  vestra  intelli- 
gere  possit  verum  zelum  et  favorem  quos  erga  Re- 
giam  Majestatem  et  Rempublicam  semper  gessimus 

'  Pat.  1  Edw.  IV.  p.  2.  m.  56. 


86  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

et  gerimus  ficleliter  serviendo,  parati  personas  nostras 
exponere,  ad  conquistandum  jura  et  terras  pertinen- 
tia  juri  regio  Angliao,  dummodo  habeamus  Classem 
maritimam  Regis  cum  nostra,  et  exercitum  compe- 
tentem  cum   sustentatione  debita.     Et  ne  in  istam 
Expeditionem,  adimpletis  supradictis  quando  place- 
bit   Regiee   Majestati,   speramus  enim  ita  et  taliter 
operari  quod  honeste  omnes  poterunt  satis  habere  et 
contentari.     Et  alia  etiam  sumus  parati  facere,  quae 
Reverendae  Dominationi  vestrae  videbuntur  honesta, 
considerata  qualitate  temporis  et  personarum,  et  veri- 
tate  justitiae   et   bonae  intentionis  nostrae  in  effectu 
quam  quaarimus,  et  parati  sumus  opere  demonstrare, 
sicut  ex  praamissis,  de  quibus  pauca  dicimus  quia 
Dominatio  vestra  reverenda  fuit  in  Anglia  et  in  Ca- 
lesio,  et  omiria  vidit  et  cognovit ;  et  speramus  in  jus- 
titia  et  bona  fama  vestra.    Alias  si  ista  non  conceden- 
tur  nobis,  vel  non  fiat  honesta  concordia,  sicut  vestra 
Dominatio   reverendissima    bene    videt,    nos    sumus 
parati,  et  habemus  favores,  et  necessitas  nos  impellit 
experiri  anna  et  fortunam  nostram,  et  speramus  in 
Domino  quia  habemus  justitiam,  et  non  incedimus 
contra  honorem  vel  statum  Regis  et  Regni,  set  pro 
honore  et  gloria  utriusque,  et  pro  bono  reipublicae, 
et   pro   nostra  justitia   laboramus,   quia   omnia  alia 
nobis  remedia  sunt  denegata.     Et  ut  non  perdamus 
tempus  nostrum,  intendimus  habere  responsum  cum 
festinantia.    Itaque  Dominatio  vestra  provideat  quod 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  87 

non  teneamur  in  verbis,  quia  non  expectabimus  dm, 
quam  res  nostrae  et  causa  nostra  non  patiuntur.  Pro- 
mittimus  autem  Deo  omnipotenti,  et  reverendse  Pa- 
ternitati  vestrae  tamquam  vero  Legato  Apostolico, 
quod  servata  fidelitate  Serenissimo  Regi  nostro  eri- 
mus  fideles  et  devoti  ac  obedientes  Sanctissimo  Patri 
et  Sedi  Apostolicae  in  omnibus  licitis  et  honestis,  et 
maxime  pro  causa  Fidei,  et  auxilio  Christianorum 
contra  Turchos,  et  omnibus  aliis  concernentibus  ho- 
norem  et  statum  Sanctae  Matris  Ecclesiae  et  Sanctae 
Sedis  Apostolicae,  ac  reverendissimae  paternitati  ves- 
trae perpetuo  Caritatis  vinculo  erimus  astricti,  et  ita 
verbo  et  opere,  juxta  posse  nostrum  conabimur  demon- 
strare  :  ita  nos  Deus  juvet  et  sancta  Dei  Evangelia, 
per  quae  juramus  in  manibus  ejusdem  Paternitatis 
vestrae  reverendissimae.  Rogamus  autem  P.  vestram 
reverendissimam  quod  dignetur  pertransire  mare,  et 
nos  providebimus  de  bono  passagio,  et  ire  cum  festi- 
nantia  ad  Regiam  Majestatem,  quam  scimus  esse 
Paternitati  vestrae  bene  affectam,  et  significare  inten- 
tionem  nostram  bonam  ei,  eidem  Majestati  nos  com- 
mendare,  et  operari  pro  bono  publico  justitias.  Et 
in  fidem  premissorum  omnium  Nos  Ricardus  Nevill 
Warvici  capitaneus  Villae  Calesiae,  Edvardus  Comes 
Marchiarum,  Ricardus  Nevill  Comes  Saresberiae  et 
Willelmus  Nevill  Dominus  de  Fauconbercre  sisril- 
lavimus  propriis  sigillis  et  signis  nostris  manualibus 
signavimus,  promittentes  etiam  facere  et  curare  cum 


88  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

effectu  quod  prefatus  111.  clominus  Dux  Eboracensis 
rata  et  grata  habebit  omnia  suprascripta.  Datum  in 
Villa  Calesia3  die  25  Junij  14G0. 


LETTER  XXXVII. 

Francesco  Coppini,  the  Papal  Legate,  to  King  Henri/ 
the  Sixth,  offering  his  mediation  between  the  King 
and  the  Lords  from  Calais,     a.d.  1460. 

[VATICAN  TRANSCRIPTS,  Vol.  XXxiv.  fol.  95.       EX  AUTOGR.  LIBRO  ME- 

morabilium  pii  ii.  p.  xxvi.     arm.  xiv.  caps,  iii.] 

%*  We  learn  from  this  Letter  that  Coppini  did  not  come  to  the 
King  in  the  vessel  which  the  preceding  Letter  offered  ;  but  that  he 
came  absolutely  in  the  train  of  the  rebel  Lords,  and  arrived  in  Lon- 
don with  them.  For  this  he  apologises  :  the  rapidity  of  their  move- 
ment, the  shortness  of  the  time,  the  insecurity  of  the  way,  were  his 
reasons.  The  Letter  of  the  Lords  to  Coppini  is  dated  at  Calais, 
25th  of  June  :  Coppini's  to  the  King,  in  London,  the  3rd  of  July. 
The  picture  which  he  incidentally  draws  of  the  tumult  and  confu- 
sion through  the  country  as  he  passed  is  forcible ;  and  his  threats 
to  terrify  the  King  are  as  menacing  as  a  Legate  might  be  supposed 
to  have  the  courage  to  utter  to  one  whom  he  thought  he  could  cajole. 
It  is  remarkable  that,  long  as  this  Letter  is,  Coppini  nowhere 
makes  the  remotest  allusion  in  it  to  the  Queen. 

Not  only  from  this  Letter,  but  from  a  Patent  preserved  in  Rymer, 
dated  Dec.  4th,  1460,  directing  that  Coppini  should  be  offered  the 
first  bishoprick  he  might  choose  which  should  become  vacant,  the 
two  archbishopricks,  and  the  Sees  of  Lincoln,  Winton,  Durham, 
and  Bath  and  Wells  only  excepted,  it  might  be  supposed  that  he 
had  ingratiated  himself  with  Henry  the  Sixth  ;  and  that  that  unfor- 
tunate King  was  disposed  to  shew  him  distinguished  favour.  But 
the  Patent  finishes,  "  Per  ipsum  Regem  et  de  data  prasdicta,  aucto- 
ritate  Parliamenti ;"  shewing  that  the  King  was  absent.  The  Metro- 
polis and  the  Parliament  were  at  that  moment  in  the  power  of  the 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  89 

Yorkists.     The  King  had  gone  northward.     The  battle  of  Wake- 
field was  fought  on  Dec.  30th. 

Edward  the  Fourth,  when  the  Pope's  recall  came,  gave  Coppini 
such  support  as  he  could,  probably  in  the  hope  to  break  his  fall,  by 
appointing  him  to  be  his  proctor  at  Rome  for  ecclesiastical  causes 
and  promotions,  by  Patent  dated  20th  of  Nov.  1461,  three  days 
only  before  the  other  Patent  already  mentioned  was  granted,  of  a 
conditional  annuity  and  an  heraldic  distinction. 


Serenissime  Princeps  et  excellentissime  Rex, 
post  humillimam  commendationem.  Ex  Brugiis  et 
ex  Calesio  jam  multis  diebus  scripsi  Serenitati  vestrae 
quomodo  isti  Domini  de  Calesio,  servitores  vestrae 
Majestatis,  me  vocaverant  rogantes  et  supplicantes  ut 
partes  meas  interponerem  ad  tractandam  et  conjicien- 
dam  pacem,  et  tollendas  civiles  discordias  in  regno 
vestro,  postquam  a  Sede  Apostolica  ita  intellexerant 
mihi  esse  commissum  et  mandatum,  affirmantes  mihi 
per  suas  litteras,  quarum  copiam  tunc  Majestati  ves- 
trae transmisi,  et  similiter  reverendissimo  D.  Cant,  ut 
per  ilium  caeteris  omnibus  dominis  innotescerent, 
qui  erant  dispositi  ad  tales  conditiones  pacis,  quod 
sine  dubio  sperabant,  me  interveniente,  Majestati 
vestrae  placituras.  Et  scripsi  eidem  Majestati,  quod 
bac  bonesta  petitione  constrictus  ibam  ad  eos  audi- 
turus  conditiones  pacis,  ut  illas  postea  Majestati  V. 
vel  per  me  ipsum  referrem,  vel  per  litteras  nuntiarem. 
Supplicabam  finaliter  E.  Majestati  vestrae,  quod 
super  istis  dignaretur  pia  meditatione  pensare,  ut  ad- 
veniente    tempore,   de   salutari  conclusione,   auctore 


90  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Domino,  provideri  posset.  Postea  vero  Se.  Princeps 
veniens  Calesiam  ex  novo  casu,  et  nova  accidentia, 
inveni  quasi  omnia  in  turbine,  et  illos  dominos  jam 
paratos  ad  transitum  in  Angliam  propter  causas  emer- 
gentes  non  posse.  Et  nihilominus  post  aliquam  com- 
municationem  cum  eis  habitam,  et  exhortationes 
meas  ad  bonum  pacis  et  obedientiae,  de  quibus  per 
literas  mihi  fidem  dederant,  inveni  eos  dispositos  et 
ad  devotionem  et  ad  obedientiam  Majestatis  vestrae, 
et  ad  illius  honorem,  et  sui  regni  bonum  publicum 
quantum  in  eis  esset  conservandum  et  augendum :  sed 
tamen  desiderantes  ad  E.  Majestatem  vestram  venire 
et  recipi  in  gratiam  et  statum  pristinum,  a  quibus 
asserebant  se  expulsos  et  exclusos  per  invidiam  emu- 
lorum,  et  post  multa  finaliter  rogantes  et  supplicantes 
ut  transire  cum  mare  vellem  et  meas  partes  interpo- 
nerem  ad  ista  componenda  ut  sanguis  effusio  vitare- 
tur,  et  offerentes  mihi  ea  omnia  facere  et  acceptare 
quae  honesta  et  justa  essent,  et  mihi  viderentur  pro 
honore  et  statu  Celsitudinis  vestrae,  et  bono  publico 
sui  Regni,  et  specialiter  quaedam  in  scriptis  sub  sigil- 
lis  propriis  ac  juramentis  tradiderunt  et  promiserunt, 
quae  postquam  fuerunt  visa  per  Se.  V.  quieto  et 
libero  animo,  credo  nrmissime  placitura  E.  Majestati 
quum  sunt  ad  gratiam  et  honorem  Coronac  vestrae, 
et  exaltationem  publicam  Regni,  et  honorem  ac  com- 
modum  Principum  ac  Dominorum.  Et  iterum  re- 
plico  si  daretur  locus  et  securitas  quieto  animo  com- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


91 


municancli  sperabam  pro  certo  ista  omnia  scandalosa 
quae  futura  tunc  videbam,  et  postea  jam  in  promptu 
parata  esse  videmus  posse  componi,  ac  cessare  cum 
laude  Dei  et  gloria  vestrae  Majestatis  et  bono  pub- 
lico totius  Regni.  Hac  igitur  spe  ductus,  cum  vide- 
rem  periculum  in  mora,  transivi  cum  eis,  cum  alium 
modum,  aut  aliam  viam  non  haberem  :  fuit  tamen  res 
eorum,  et  ipsorum  adventus  atque  cursus  magis  velox 
ac  repentinus,  quam  ab  initio  etiam  ipsi  crederent 
vel  sperarent  propter  concursum  populorum,  qui  mi- 
rabili  quodam  desiderio  illorum  adventum  et  reinte- 
grationem  et  unionem  totius  Regni  desiderare  viden- 
tur:  Propter  quas  causas  nee  ego  potui  accelerare 
magis  iter  meum  ut  ad  Se.  V.  transirem,  deficiente 
mihi  spatio  temporis,  et  etiam  impedientibus  pericu- 
lis  viarum  propter  concursum  variarum  gentium. 
Isti  enim  die  Jovis  transiverunt  mare,  et,  continuatis 
semper  itineribus  suis,  pervenerunt  Londonias,  ex 
quo  loco  cum  vellem  ire  ad  Majestatem  vestram,  ut 
officium  Pastoris  etiam  fidelis  ac  devoti  nuntii  et  me- 
diatoris  implerem,  inveni  multas  difficultates  et  multa 
pericula  quas  saluti  meae  imminent  in  via,  et  maxime 
propter  latratum  et  murmurationem,  atque  insidias 
quorumdam  qui  asserunt  se  devotos  Majestatis  ves- 
trae et  non  sunt,  qui  multis  modis  contra  Deum 
et  veritatem,  et  contra  bonum  status  vestri  oblo- 
quuntur,  volentes  et  culpare  partes  meas  et  opera- 
tiones  meas   sanctas    et    pias,   et    hoc  faciunt    quia 


92  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

sunt  inimici  pacis ;  sed  adj  uvante  Domino  spero 
quod  in  brevi  Se.  Vestra  cognoscet  et  experietur  ve- 
ritatem,  fidelitatem,  et  devotionem  meam  sinceram  et 
puram,  et  laudabit  Dominum  in  operibus  meis  quan- 
do  videbit  statum  suum  restauratum,  et  oculos  suos 
jam  apertos,  ut  fugatis  tenebris  mendacii  videat  veri- 
tatem.  Ita  operante  Deo  propter  puram  et  sanctam 
intentionem  vestram,  et  fidem  meam,  ac  piam  et 
sanctam  dispositionem  Romani  Pontificis  ad  honorem 
Dei,  et  statum  vestrum  ;  qua?  cum  ita  sint  Se.  Prin- 
ceps,  et  cum  ego  personaliter  jam  venire  non  possim 
propter  manifesta  pericula  salutis  meae  ac  meorum, 
pro  debito  officii  et  devotionis  meae  scribo  istas  literas 
Celsitudini  vestrae,  et  supplico  pro  amore  Dei  et  pro 
devotione  quam  Se.  vestra  semper  habuit,  et  quantum 
in  se  fuit  servavit  ad  res  pias  et  sanctas,  etproprietate 
et  compassione,  quas  debet  habere  ad  populum  suum 
et  cives  suos,  et  pro  debito  ad  quod  tenetur  de  obvi- 
ando  tantae  effusioni  sanguinis  jam  paratae,  cui  potest 
providere  si  velit,  et  non  providendo  esset  rea  in  con- 
spectu  Dei  in  tremendo  illo  judicio  in  quo  ego  quo- 
que  stabo,  et  requiretur  de  raanu  vestra  sanguinem 
Anglicanum  si  effundatur,  ut  velit  Serenitas  vestra 
celeriter  providere,  quod  priusquam  veniatur  ad  arma 
possim  secure  communicare  vobiscum  super  modis  et 
conditionibus  tenendis  pro  istis  malis  evitandis,  ut 
unione  componenda,  quae  pro  certo  non  est  impossi- 
bilis,  nee  etiam  multum  difficilis  si  Serenitas  vestra 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  93 

cum  suo  libero  animo  ac  judicio  promittat  se  exorari 
et  informari,  nee  attendat  Majestas  vestra  si  quis 
diceret,  quod  habetis  justam  causam  pugnandi  contra 
suos  qui  veniunt,  et  quum  po testis  sine  pugna  si  vul- 
tis  omnia  facere  justa  et  honesta  quae  cum  pugna  et 
victoria  faceretis  ;  quae  tamen  Victoria  semper  est 
periculosa,  dubia  in  bello  ut  sepissime  docet  experi- 
entia,  et  cum  sit  in  sola  manu  Dei  non  debet  Se.  V. 
sperare  illam  si  contra  suum  mandatum  pugnare  ele- 
gerit ;  contra  suum  mandatum  est  pugnare  cum  aliter 
possimus  vincere.  Isti  enim,  Serenissime  Princeps, 
ofFerunt  obedientiam  et  fidelitatem  Majestati  vestrae, 
dum  tamen  causam  eorum  exponere  possint  tute  et 
secure,  et  hoc  dicunt  non  posse  facere  nisi  manu  forti 
veniant,  sicut  notorium  est ;  tamen  ab  exercitio 
armorum  volunt  absistere  si  debitus  et  securus  audi- 
entiae  modus  concedatur;  nam  Scripturae  sententia 
est  tunc  necesse  fore  ad  arma  concurrere  cum  justitia 
apud  adversaries  aliter  locum  habere  non  potest. 

Inveniatur  ergo  Serenissime  Princeps  modus  tutus 
ut  Serenitas  vestra  audire,  et  communicare  possit 
cum  his,  qui  non  sunt  parti  ales  aut  suspecti  super 
veritate  causae  et  justitiae,  et  non  dubito  quod  omnia 
reparabuntur,  et  cum  salute  omnium  dominorum. 
Et  si  post  istam  experientiam  non  videat  M.  V.  sic 
esse,  tunc  poterit  juste  arma  exercere,  quae  ante  hanc 
experientiam  sic  oblatam,  et  maxime  per  medium 
Legati  et  Nuntii  Apostolici  essent  nefaria,  impia,  et 


94-  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

injusta,  ct  contra  honorem  et  voluntatem  ac  man  da- 
tum Dei. 

Modus  autem  iste  Se.  Princeps  communicandi  in- 
venietur  si  Serenitas  vestra  sequestratis  illis,  qui  sunt 
liinc  inde  suspecti,  homines  medios  et  neutrales  audire 
velit,  et  per  se  ipsam,  de  qua  omnes  confidunt ;  et  hoc 
totum  est  necesse  celeriter  fieri,  quia  res  dilationem 
non  patitur,  et  scandala,  homicidia.  et  infinita  Chris- 
tiani  sanguinis  effusio  sunt  parata,  quae  ascendent  ad 
conspectum  Dei,  et  clamabunt  contra  omnes  qui  im- 
pedierint  remedia,  de  quibus  supra  retuli  in  medium 
oblata.  Et  ut  nulla  sit  excusatio  coram  Deo  et  ho- 
minibus,  nee  possit  contra  ista  replicari  quae  dico,  Se- 
renissime  Princeps,  iterum  dico  et  replico,  quod  isti 
Domini  servitores  vestri,  qui  de  Calesia  venerunt 
offerunt  se  paratos  omnia  facere  et  implere  pro  bono 
et  honore  Corona?  vestras,  et  unione  ac  pace  Regni 
vestri,  qua?  mihi  videbuntur  honesta.  Et  ego  offero 
Serenitati  vestrae  quod  ilia  omnia  proponam,  et  ac- 
ceptabo  quae  vestrae  Majestati  si  libero  judicio  egerit, 
et  remotis  suspectis,  etiam  videbuntur  honesta,  et  sic 
res  est  in  tuto,  et  in  manu  Serenitatis  vestrae  ac  mea 
si  velimus. 

Ego  autem  volo,  et  me  exhibeo  si  Serenitas  vestra 
velit,  alias  ego  excusabo  me  coram  Deo  et  Sancta 
Sede  Apostolica,  et  toto  Populo  Anglicano,  et  mit- 
tam  Copiam  presentium  Litterarum  in  testimonium 
omni  populo,  quod  pro  me  non  stetit  implere  offi- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  95 

cium  veri  Apostoli  et  boni  mediatoris  et  veri  Prelati, 
et  ero  immunis  a  culpa  quicquid  casteri  faciant,  vel 
operentur.  Serenitas  vestra  me  diu  vidit,  et  cogno- 
vit progressus  meos,  et  requiro  conscientiam  vestram 
in  testimonium  si  fui  verus,  fidelis,  planus,  et  devotus. 
Et  licet  aliqui  maledicti  detrahentes,  quod  fui  in 
Calesia  et  communicavi  cum  istis,  et  quod  ideo  sum 
suspectus,  et  reliqua  etiam  mala  cumulant,  Serenitas 
vestra  bene  novit  quod  longiori  tempore  per  annum 
et  quasi  semis  fui  cum  Serenitate  vestra,  et  in  vestro 
Regno  continue  conversando,  tractando  opera  Dei  et 
Christianas  Religionis  ex  commissione  sedis  Aposto- 
lical cum  integritate  et  puritate  fidei,  et  cum  illis 
non  fui  nisi  modicum,  et  tamen  novit,  quod  est  offi- 
cium  meum  necessarium  communicare  cum  ambabus 
partibus  ad  tractandam  concordiam,  et  ita  est  in  man- 
datum  a  sede  Apostolica.  Ita  nam  requiret  et  aliter 
fieri  non  potest.  Et  debet  Serenitas  vestra  aperire  bene 
oculos  suae  mentis  quod  isti  tales  obloquentes  sunt 
secretarii  et  ministri  diaboli,  qui  non  volunt  pacem, 
non  volunt  unionem,  non  volunt  bonum,  et  integrita- 
tem  Regni  vestri.  Dixi  et  scripsi,  saepeque  Majes- 
tati  vestrae  commemoravi  verba  Evangelica,  '  Regnum 
in  se  divisum  desolabitur ;'  annuntiavi  verbo  et  lit- 
teris,  et  frequenter  idem  fecit  S.  d.  n.  Papa  pericu- 
lum  et  ruinam  status  Regni  vestri,  nisi  aliter  ad 
Deum,  et  suas  pias  causas  convertantur ;  quomodo 
illud  factum  sit,  Majestas  vestra  bene  novit.     Ecce 


96  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Deus  flagellat  cos,  pcrcutit  eos  ut  resurgant,  ut  resi- 
piscant,  ut  convertantur  etvivant.  Sed  si  obdurave- 
rint  aures  suas  sicut  surdi !  Ve  illis,  ve  etiam  Ma- 
jestati  vestra?,  quod  dolenter  dico,  nisi  provideat  cum 
pace  quando  potest.  Potest  autem  nunc  si  me  au- 
diat,  si  me  intelligat,  qui  sum  Nuntius  Dei,  Nuntius 
Apostolicus,  non  qua?rens  qua?  mea  sunt  vos  vidistis. 
Satis  estis  experti  quia  sic  est  si  me  etiam  nunc 
audire  volueritis.  Excuso  me  coram  Deo  omnipo- 
tent!, et  excusabo  coram  Sancta  Sede  Apostolica,  et 
mittam  Copiam  presentium  litterarum,  et  in  tremen- 
do  illo  judicio  surgam  contra  omnes  qui  pacem  et  re- 
parationem  istorum  malorum  impediverint.  Et  ideo 
dignetur  Majestas  vestra  bene  advertere,  et  cavere 
debet  ut  non  sit  in  illo  numero,  quia  principaliter  de 
manu  vestra  requiretur  sanguis  Anglicanus  si  effun- 
datur.  Expecto  responsum,  quid  sit  intentionis 
vestrae,  et  quid  ego  sim  facturus,  quod  cum  celeri- 
tate  est  fiendum,  quia  causa  dilationem  non  patitur. 
Datum  Londoniis  die  iij.  Julij  mcccclx. 

Commendo  me  Celsitudini  vestrae,  quam  Deus  be- 
nedicere  dignetur,  et  ad  pacem  illuminare  et  accen- 
dere,  ut  tantis  malis  et  periculis  obvietur,  et  ut  haec 
impia  arma  contra  inimicos  Crucis  convertantur  ;  om- 
nipotens  Deus  per  suam  misericordiam  illuminare 
dignetur  oculos  vestrae  mentis,-  et  suorum  ut  ad  se 
convertantur,  et  sint  memores  haereditatis  nobis  re- 
lictae  a  Doniino  et  Salvatore  nostro  Jesu  Cbristo  di- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  97 

cente  in  suo  transitu  ex  hoc  mundo  ad  Patrem, 
"  Pacem  meam  do  vobis,  pacem  meam  relinquo  vo- 
bis," et  det  vobis  gratiam  ut  hereditatem  ipsam  per 
ingratitudinem  non  perdatis.  Revertatur  ergo  Ma- 
jestas  vestra  ad  suam  primam  naturam,  bonitatem,  et 
mansuetudinem,  et  secundum  illam  solam  per  se  ip- 
sam, remotis  arbitris,  aut  cum  solis  mediatoribus  non 
suspectis  eligat  et  judicet  viam  bonam :  nam  Evan- 
gelicam,  honestam,  et  salutarem.  Si  cupit  non  argui 
a  Domino  in  illo  horribili  et  tremendo  Judicio  in  quo 
stabimus  omnes  ante  tribunal  Christi  reddituri  ra- 
tionem  de  singulis,  praecipue  de  tanto  sanguinis  An- 
glicani  diluvio  quantum  paratum  esse  ante  oculos 
videmus  et  providere  possumus  si  Majestas  V.  vo- 
luerit,  sicut  ego  supra  retuli  et  obtuli.  Dixi.  Ego 
enim  me  excusabo  testimonio  praesentium  litterarum, 
quas  per  fidelem  et  juratum  Nuntium  de  familia  V. 
Cel.  transmisi  et  etiam  ad  cautelam  in  generali  con- 
vocatione  et  Cleri  et  Populi  London  publicari  feci, 
ut  ad  vestrae  Majestatis  notitiam  pervenirent.  Et 
expecto  responsum  celeriter  per  latorem  prassentium, 
quia  materia  non  patitur  dilationem.  Ex  London. 
Die  iij.  Julij  m.cccc.lx. 

E.  M"3.  V.  franciscus  Episcopus  Interamnensis 

Apostolica?  Sedis  Legatus. 


VOL.  I. 


98  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XXXVIII. 

The  Chancellor  and  University  of  Oxford  to  Sir  John 
Say,  to  repay  a  hundred'  Shillings  which  they  had 
advanced  to  his  brother  when  Proctor  of  the  Uni- 
versity, for  a  purpose  not  performed. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  f.  xin.  fol.  50.  Orig.~] 

%.'  William  Say,  brother  of  Sir  John  Say,  was  of  New  College, 
Oxford,  and  Proctor  of  the  University  in  1440.  He  left  New  Col- 
lege in  1442,  having  been  appointed  Dean  of  the  Chapel  Royal.  He 
afterwards  took  the  degree  of  D.D.;  and  on  Nov.  21,  1457,  was 
elected  Dean  of  St.  Paul's.  He  died  Nov.  23,  1468.  The  follow- 
ing Letter  states  to  Sir  John  Say  that  in  former  Proctors'  accompts, 
remaining  "  yearly  in  remembrance,"  the  sum  of  a  hundred  shillings 
hung  upon  the  name  of  the  right  reverend  father  his  brother.  This 
Letter,  dated  Nov.  15th,  must  have  been  written  in  1469,  twenty- 
eight  years  after  William  Say  had  held  the  Proctor's  office. 


Ryght  worshipful  our  trusty  and  entierly  welbe- 
loued,  after  harty  commendacyon  Please  you  to  wite 
that  amongs  tharrerages  of  thaccomptes  of  the  Prouc- 
tours  that  haue  been  of  this  Vniuersitie  of  Oxonford, 
remayneth  yeerly  yn  remembrance  the  Sorri  of  c.s 
hangyng  apon  the  name  of  ryght  reverent  ffader  your 
Brother  late  Deane  of  Poulys,  whos  soule  God  as- 
soyle,  which  Surn  by  Record  of  our  Acts  was  de- 
lyuerid  to  your  seid  worshipful  Brother  than  beyng 
Proctor  of  this  Vniuersitie  to  an  entent  not  yet  per- 
fourmed.  We  therfor  as  wel  for  the  loue  that  we  yn 
comen  ow  to  the  honor  of  his  name  and  of  yours,  that 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  99 

wer  som  tyme  child  of  this  same  Modyr,  as  to  thes- 
chewing  of  perett  of  his  soule,  exhorte  pray  and  re- 
quyr  you  to  send  by  the  berer  her'of  the  seid  Sum  of 
c.s  to  our  gret  necessites  as  ye  may  yeue  Us  cause  to 
pray  the  mor'  tendirly  for  the  seid  soule  and  your 
good  prosperite,  to  God,  who  haue  you  yn  his  blissid 
kepyng.  Writen  yn  the  house  of  our  Congregatyon 
the  xv.  day  of  Nouembr. 

Yor  trew  and  harty  louers 

THE  CHANCELLR  AND  THUNITJ?SITIE  OF  OXONFORD. 

To  the  Ryght  Worshipful  our  trusty 
and  entierly  welbeloued  Syr  John 
Say  Knyght. 


LETTER  XXXIX. 

John  De  la  Pole  Duke  of  Suffolk,  to  his  Bailiff  oj  his 
manor  of  Mandevilles. 

[harl.  ms.  4713.     Orig.~\ 

%*  John  De  la  Pole,  having  married  the  King's  sister  Elizabeth, 
was  created  Duke  of  Suffolk  by  letters  patent,  23  March  3  Edw. 
IV.     Mandevilles  and  Westhorp  Hall  were  both  in  Suffolk. 


Thomas  Geffery  y  woll  and  charg  yoe  that  ye 
delyver  vnto  my  trusty  seruyant  Robert  Restold  the 
hole  fferme  off  my  Man'  off  Movndeuyles  off  the  yer 
last  passyd  endyd  at  Mychyllmas  and  this  byll  off  my 
awn  hande  shalbe  to  yor  suffycynt  Dyscharge   aynst 


100  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

me  and  my  heyrys.     Wryttyn  at  Westorp  iiijth  day 
off  Octobr  in  the  xxij.  yer  off  Kyng  Edward  the 

iiij"1.  SUFFOLK. 


LETTER  XL. 


King  Richard  the  Third's  Privy  Seal:  granting  to 
Ralph  Banastre  the  manor  of  Yalding  in  Kent,  late 
belonging  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  in  reioard  for 
bringing  the  Duke  into  the  King's  hands. 

[harl.  ms.  433.  fol.  133.] 

%•  Hall's  account  of  Banastre  is  not  entirely  to  be  relied  upon. 
His  first  mistake  is  in  the  name  :  he  calls  him  Humfrey,  and  not 
Ralph  Banastre.  Having  enumerated  the  precautions  which  Ri- 
chard the  Third  took  that  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  after  the  failure 
of  his  plot,  should  not  escape  apprehension,  Hall  says, 

"  He  made  Proclamation  that  what  person  could  shew  and  re- 
veal where  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  was,  should  be  highly  re- 
warded :  if  he  were  a  bondman,  he  should  be  enfranchised  and  set 
at  liberty  ;  if  he  were  of  free  blood,  he  should  have  a  general  par- 
don, and  be  remunerate  with  a  thousand  pounds."  He  then  adds, 
"  While  this  busy  search  was  diligently  applied  and  put  in  execu- 
tion, Homfrey  Banaster  (were  it  more  for  fear  of  loss  of  life  and 
goods,  or  attracted  and  provoked  by  the  avaricious  desire  of  the 
thousand  pounds)  he  bewrayed  his  guest  and  master  to  John  Mit- 
ton,  then  sherif  of  Shropshire,  which  suddenly  with  a  strong  power 
of  men  in  harness  apprehended  the  Duke  in  a  little  grove  adjoining 
to  the  mansion  of  Homfrey  Banaster,  and  in  great  haste  and  evil 
speed  conveyed  him,  apparelled  in  a  pilled  black  cloak,  to  the  city 
of  Salisbury,  where  King  Richard  then  kept  his  household. 

"  Whether  this  Banaster  bewraid  the  Duke  more  for  fear  than 
covetous,  many  men  do  doubt :  but  sure  it  is,  that,  shortly  after  he 
had  betraid  the  Duke  his  master,  his  son  and  heir  waxed  mad,  and 
so  died  in  a  boar's  stye ;  his  eldest  daughter,  of  excellent  beautie, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  101 

was  suddainly  stricken  with  a  foul  lepry ;  his  second  son,  very  mar- 
vellously deformed  of  his  limbs,  and  made  decrepit ;  his  younger 
son,  in  a  small  puddle  was  strangled  and  drowned ;  and  he,  being  of 
extreme  age,  arraigned  and  found  gilty  of  a  murder,  and  by  his 
clergy  saved.  And  as  for  his  thousand  pound,  King  Richard  gave 
him  not  one  farthing,  saying  that  he  which  rvould  be  untrue  to  so  good 
a  master  would  be  false  to  all  other.  Howbeit,  some  say  that  he  had 
a  small  office  or  a  farm  to  stop  his  mouth  withal." 

In  this  Letter,  however,  the  King  speaks  of  "  the  good  and  faith- 
ful service  of  his  well-beloved  servant  Rauff  Banastre,  Esquire," 
and  gives  him  the  revenues  of  the  lordship  of  Yalding,  with  three 
months'  retrospective  profits. 

Banastre  had  but  a  short  enjoyment  of  his  reward.  Henry  the 
Seventh  soon  after  his  accession  restored  Edward  Stafford  to  his 
father's  lands  and  honours,  and  amongst  the  former  to  the  lordship 
of  Yalding.  What  afterwards  became  of  Banastre  is  not  recorded, 
except  in  the  passage  above  quoted  from  Hall. 


Richard,  &c.  To  all  and  singler  Thofficers,  ffer- 
mors  and  Tenaunts  of  the  Manor  and  Lordship  of 
Ealding,  with  th'appurtenances  in  our  Countie  of 
Kent,  late  belonging  our  gret  rebell  and  traitor  the 
Due  of  Buckingham,  and  by  reason  of  his  rebellion 
now  in  our  yeft  and  disposicion,  and  to  all  other  our 
subgietts  thise  presents,  for  to  se  or  here,  greting. 
Wit  ye  that  in  consideracion  of  the  true  and  feithfull 
service  which  our  welbeloved  servaunt  Rauff  Banas- 
tre squier  now  late  hath  done  unto  us  for  and  about 
the  taking  and  bringing  of  our  said  rebell  into  our 
hands,  We  have  yeven  unto  the  said  Rauff  and  his 
heires  masles  for  ever  the  said  maner  and  lordship 
with  th'appertenaunces ;  he  and  his  said  heires  yeld- 


102  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

ing  and  paieng  aswele  the  rents,  services,  and  dueties 
goyng  out  of  the  same  Maner  with  th'appertenaunces, 
as  unto  Thomas  Jebbe  yerely  iiij.1'  for  terme  of  his 
lyff,  according  to  our  lettres  patents  to  him  made ; 
and  after  the  decesse  of  the  said  Thomas,  the  said 
Rauff  and  his  said  heires  to  pay  unto  us  and  our 
heires  for  ever  the  said  iiij.'1  for  Castell  warde  unto 
our  Castell  of  Rouchestre  ;    and  have  comaunded  the 
said  Rauff  to  entre  into  the  same  maner  and  lordship, 
and  the  revenues  of  the  same,  growen  and  to  growe, 
sethens  Michilmesse  last  past,  to  receive  and  take  to 
his  owin  us.     Wherfore  we  woll  and  charge  you  that 
unto  him  in  executing  theffect  of  this  our  said  gift 
and  graunt  ye  be  obeieng,  ading,  answering,  and  as- 
sisting, as  ye  and  every  of  you  woll  advoide  our  gre- 
vouse  pleasur  at  your  perills.     Yeven  under  our  sig- 
net at  our  Cite  of  London  the  xiij.  day  of  Decembre 
the  first  yere  of  our  Reigne. 


%*  The  manor  of  Yalding  was  of  the  oldest  patrimony  of  the 
Duke  of  Buckingham,  having  descended  to  him  from  Ralph  de 
Stafford,  one  of  the  first  Knights  of  the  Garter,  whom  Edward  the 
Third  had  created  Earl  of  Stafford. 

Hall  relates  a  short  anecdote,  which  may  be  worth  recording 
here.  "  Very  true  it  is  that  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  was  an  high- 
minded  man,  and  evil  could  bear  the  glory  of  another :  so  that  I 
have  heard  of  some  that  saw  it,  that  he  at  such  time  as  the  crown 
was  set  upon  the  Protector's  head,  his  eye  could  never  abide  the 
sight  thereof,  but  wryed  his  head  another  way." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  10.3 

LETTER  XLI. 

Louis  the  Eleventh  of  France  to  King  Richard  the 
Third,  thanking  him  for  News,  apparently  his  Ac- 
cession to  the  Throne. 

[harl.  ms.  433.  fol.  236  b.] 

%*  Richard  acceded  to  the  throne  June  26,  1483.     Louis  the 
Eleventh  died  August  25  following. 


Mons1".  mon  Cousin  J'ay  veu  les  Lettres  que 
m'avez  escriptez  per  vostre  herault  Blanc  Sanglier, 
et  vous  m'cye  des  nouvelles  que  m'avais  fait  savoir  et 
se  je  vous  puis  faire  quelq  seruice  je  le  feray  de  tres- 
boon  cueur  car  Je  vueil  bien  avoir  vostre  Amytie. 
A  Dieu  Monsr.  mon  Cousin.  Escript  aux  Montilz 
les  tours  le  xxjme.  jour  de  Juliet.  loys. 

Villechartre. 


LETTER  XLII. 

Richard  the  Third  to  the  Keeper  of  the  Privy  Seal,  to 
prepare  Letters  of  Commission  for  the  alteration  of 
the  Coin  of  Ireland,  and  settling  the  places  of 
Mintage :  the  Irish  money  havi7ig  been  circulated  in 
England,  to  the  damage  arid  inconvenience  of  the 
English  subjects. 

[harl.  ms.  433.  fol.  233.] 
BY  THE  KING. 

Right  trusty  and  welbeloued  We  grete  you  wele, 


101'  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  woll  and  charge  you  that  under  oure  Priue  Scale 
being  in  your  warde  ye  make  our  Lettres  in  forme 
following.  Forsomuche  as  We  doubt  not  but  afore 
this  tyme  ye  have  herd  and  understande  of  the  gret 
clamor  grugge  and  complainte  which  our  liege  peo- 
ple of  this  our  Royme  have  made  of  and  upon  the 
coigne  of  silver  made  in  our  lande  of  Irland  for  dis- 
coording  both  in  weight,  allay,  and  in  forme  the 
coigne  of  sylver  of  this  our  Royme.  And  the  which 
for  lak  of  expresse  difference  that  shuld  have  be 
graved  upon  the  same  hath  be  ignorantly  received 
here  within  this  our  Royme  in  stede  of  suche  substan- 
ciall  coigne  as  is  by  good  auctorite  coigned  within 
the  same  to  the  universall  losse  and  hurt  of  all  thoo 
to  whose  hands  it  hath  comin  in  wey  of  payment. 
Which  inconvenience  by  subtill  and  crafty  meanes  of 
coveties  persones  aswele  bringeng  out  of  this  our 
Royme  sylver  bullion  in  gret  quantete  to  our  Mynte 
of  Irland  as  ther  forging  and  streking  the  same  unto 
the  sain  deceavable  prynte  daily  encreseth  more  and 
more  and  is  like  to  bring  this  our  Royme  by  processe 
of  tyme  to  extreme  poverte  and  desolacion,  enlesse 
that  then  other  due  provision  be  had  therupon  in  all 
hast.  We  therfore  woll  and  charge  you  and  everie 
of  you  as  to  him  it  shall  or  may  apperteigne  in  the 
straytest  wise  that  incontynent  upon  the  rescept  of 
thise  our  lettres  ye  see  and  provide  that  on  either 
side  of  every  pece  of  sylver  to  be  coigned  herafter 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  105 

within  our  said  land  of  Irland  ther  be  prynted  and 
set  in  the  my  dill  therof  a  clere  and  expresse  'differ- 
ence fro  that  sylver  that  is  coigned  here' within  this 
our  Royalme,  that  is  to  say  on  the  one  side  the 
Armes  of  England  and  on  the  other  side  iij.  Crownes  ; 
damnyng  and  utterly  distroying  all  the  stamps  and 
Irons  as  touching  the  graving  that  is  in  them  wher- 
with  the  sylver  Coignes  of  that  our  lande  hath  hider- 
to  be  made  and  stryken  at  any  place  or  tyme,  Re- 
voking also  and  utterly  setting  aside  all  maner  power 
of  Coyning  in  any  place  within  the  same  our  land, 
except  our  Cite  of  Dyvelyn  and  our  Cite  of  Water- 
forde  upon  payne  of  forfaitur  of  all  that  shall  happen 
to  be  coigned  elleswhere  within  our  said  land  or 
otherwise  then  is  afore  expressed  unto  the  tyme  We 
have  otherwise  ordeigned  in  this  behalue.  And  that 
ye  certifie  us  and  our  Counsaill  by  writing  from  you 
in  all  spede  possible  how  ye  shall  have  put  you  in 
devor  touching  the  premisses.  Not  failling  herin 
as  ye  love  and  tendre  the  honnor  wele  and  profite  of 
us  and  of  all  our  subgetts.  Youen  the  xviijth  day  of 
Juyll  the  first  yere  of  our  Reigne. 


F  5 


106  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XLIII. 

The  King  to  Sir  John  Hussey,  Knt,,    Chief  Justice  of 
the  King's  Bench,  granting  to  him   the   ward  and 
marriage  of  the  daughter  of  Sir  John  Salrayn,  Knt. 
[harl.  ms.  433.  fol.  113.] 

***  This  Letter  illustrates  a  branch  of  the  royal  prerogative  now 
no  longer  known ;  but  which  was  formerly  as  oppressive  to  the  sub- 
ject as  it  was  profitable  to  the  Crown.  It  will  be  found  alluded  to 
in  various  Letters  of  the  present  volumes,  and  it  may  be  as  well  to 
throw  a  few  sentences  together,  once  for  all,  upon  the  history  of 
Wardship. 

Whenever  a  tenant  of  the  Crown  in  capite  died,  whether  an  earl, 
a  baron,  or  a  lower  vassal,  leaving  his  heir  under  age,  and  conse- 
quently incapable  of  performing  the  personal  services  due  by  his 
tenure,  the  King  took  possession  of  his  estate,  that  he  might  there- 
with support  the  heir,  and  give  him  an  education  suitable  to  his 
quality,  and  at  the  same  time  provide  a  substitute  to  perform  the 
services  required  from  his  land.  Thus  far  the  guardianship  would 
appear  to  have  been  intended  for  good.  But  the  King  had  the 
power  to  sell  it;  or  by  the  grant  of  it  he  could  enrich  a  favourite. 
The  King's  female  wards  could  not  marry  any  person,  however 
agreeable  to  themselves  and  their  relations,  without  the  consent  of 
their  royal  guardian  ;  ostensibly,  that  they  might  not  have  it  in  their 
power  to  bestow  an  estate  that  had  been  derived  from  the  crown,  on 
one  who  was  disagreeable  to  the  Sovereign.  This  was  a  cruel  and 
ignominious  servitude,  by  which  heiresses  of  the  greatest  families 
and  most  opulent  fortunes  were  exposed  to  sale,  or  obliged  to  pur- 
chase the  liberty  of  disposing  of  themselves  in  marriage  by  great 
sums  of  money,  either  from  the  King,  or  from  some  greedy  courtier 
to  whom  he  had  granted  or  sold  their  marriage. 

The  value  of  the  wardship  depended  on  the  extent  of  the  posses- 
sions, and  the  probable  duration  of  the  minority ;  and,  when  sold, 
frequently  obtained  immense  sums.  Simon  de  Montfort,  in  the  31st 
of  Henry  the  Third,  paid  ten  thousand  marks  to  the  King  to  have 
the  custody  of  the  lands  of  Gilbert  de  Unfranville  until  his  full  age, 
with  the  heir's  marriage,  and  with  advowsons  of  churches,  knights' 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  107 

fees,  and  other  appurtenances  and  escheats.  Lord  Lyttelton  con- 
sidered this  sum  equivalent  to  a  payment  of  above  a  hundred  thou- 
sand pounds  into  the  exchequer  in  his  time. 

The  guardian,  says  Hargrave  (Co.  Litt.  88.  n.  11),  was  not  ac« 
countable  for  the  profits  made  of  the  infant's  land  during  the  ward- 
ship, but  received  them  for  his  own  private  emolument,  subject 
only  to  the  bare  maintenance  of  the  infant.  And  this  guardianship, 
being  deemed  more  an  interest  for  the  profit  of  a  guardian  than  a 
trust  for  the  benefit  of  the  ward,  was  saleable  and  transferable,  like 
the  ordinary  subjects  of  property,  to  the  best  bidder;  and,  if  not 
disposed  of,  was  transmissible  to  the  lord's  personal  representatives. 
Thus  the  custody  of  the  infant's  person,  as  well  as  the  care  of  his 
estate,  might  devolve  on  the  most  perfect  stranger  to  the  infant ;  one 
prompted  by  every  pecuniary  motive  to  abuse  the  delicate  and  im- 
portant trust  of  education,  without  any  ties  of  blood,  or  regard,  to 
counteract  the  temptations  of  interest,  or  any  sufficient  authority  to 
restrain  him  from  yielding  to  their  influence. 

By  Statute  32  Hen.  VIII.  c.  46,  a  Court  of  Wards  and  Liveries 
was  established  to  superintend  the  inquests  under  which  ward- 
ships were  obtained. 

That  the  abuses  of  wardship  were  neither  removed  nor  amelio- 
rated in  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth  will  be  seen  from  the  intro- 
duction to  Sir  Humphrey  Gilbert's  plan  for  "  The  Erection  of  an 
Academy  in  London  for  education  of  Her  Majestie's  Wardes,  and 
others  the  Youth  of  Nobility  and  Gentlemen."     It  is  as  follows  : 

"  Forasmuch  as  (most  excellent  Soveraigne)  the  moste  parte  of 
Noblemen  and  Gentlemen  that  happen  to  be  your  Majestie's  Wardes, 
the  custody  of  their  bodies  being  of  bounty  graunted  to  some  in  re- 
ward of  service  or  otherwise,  not  without  your  honorable  confidence 
of  their  good  education,  yet  nevertheless  most  commonly  by  such  to 
whom  they  are  committed,  or  by  those  to  whom  such  Committees 
have  sold  them,  being  either  of  evil  religion  or  insufficient  qualities, 
are  through  the  defaults  of  their  guardians  for  the  most  part 
brought  up,  to  no  small  grief  of  their  friends,  in  idleness  and  lasci- 
vious pastimes ;  estranged  from  all  serviceable  vertues  to  their 
Prince  and  Country ;  obscurely  drowned  in  education  for  sparing 
charges,  of  purpose  to  abuse  their  minds,  least,  being  better  quali- 
fied, they  should  disdain  to  stoop  to  the  marriage  of  their  purchasers' 
daughters:  as  also  for  that  the  greatest  number  of  Young  Gentle- 
men within  this  Realme  are  most  conversant  about  London,  where 


108  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

your  Majestic' s  Courte  hath  most  ordinarie  residence,  yt  were  good 
(as  I  think)  under  your  Highness's  most  gracious  correction,  that 
for  their  better  educations  there  should  be  an  Academy  erected,  in 
sort  as  followeth."  It  was  to  be  called  "  Queen  Elizabeth's 
Academy,"  and  the  Master  of  the  Court  of  Wards,  from  time  to 
time,  was  to  be  its  chiefest  Governor.* 

What  reception  this  scheme  met  with,  we  are  not  told  ;  but  the 
granting  of  wardships  went  on,  till  finally  abolished  in  the  first 
parliament  of  Charles  the  Second  (12  Cha.  II.  c.  24):  the  preamble 
to  the  Act  which  then  passed  states  that  it  had  been  intermitted 
since  February  24,  1045  ;  meaning  that  at  that  date  a  similar  act 
had  been  passed  by  the  Lords  and  Commons  only. 

Sir  William  Hussey,  to  whom  the  present  Letter  is  addressed, 
subsequently  married  William  Hussey,  his  second  sou,  to  his  ward. b 


Richard  by  the  Grace  of  God,  &c.  To  all  our 
subgetts  greting.  Kuowe  ye  that  We  for  the  summe 
of  M1.  marcs  of  lawfull  money  of  England  have  solde 
the  keping  and  manage  of  Anne  Salveyn  doughter 
and  heir  of  Sir  John  Salvayn  Knight  to  our  trusty 
and  welbeloved  William  Husse  Knight  our  chief 
Justice  of  our  Benche  to  have  the  said  keping  and 
manage  of  the  said  Anne  to  she  come  to  the  age  of 
xvj.  yeres :  of  which  summe  of  M1.  marcs  the  said 
William  hath  paied  to  us  the  Day  of  making  of  thise 
presents  viijc.  and  1.  marcs  so  that  the  said  William 
aweth  to  us  of  the  said  summe  of  m1.  marcs  but  only 
cu.  Of  which  summe  of  viijc.  and  1.  marcs  we  con- 
fesse  us  the  said  King  to  be  paied  and  the  said  Wil- 
liam therof  agayns  us  to  be  discharged  by  thise  pre- 
sents.    And  over  this  we  promitte  and  graunt  the 

a  MS.  Lansd.  Brit.  Mus.  V.  art,  30.  b  Harl.  MS.  1437,  fol.  5. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  109 

said  William  by  thise  presents  that  We  shall  war- 
raunt  and  discharge  the  said  William  his  executors 
and  assignes  agayns  all  men  that  herafter  shall  pre- 
tende  any  title  accion  or  demaunde  for  the  said 
Custodie  and  Mariage  agains  the  said  William,  his 
executors  or  assignes  in  any  maner  forme.  And  also 
we  graunt  to  the  said  William  that  if  the  said  Anne 
dye  or  she  come  to  age  of  xvj.  yeres  and  be  not 
maried  by  the  said  William  his  Executors  nor  As- 
signes nor  by  noon  of  them  sold,  that  then  we  shall 
repay  and  content  the  said  William  the  somme  of 
yjc.  marcs  of  lawfull  money  of  England.  In  wit- 
nesse  wherof  to  these  presents  We  have  put  to  our 
signet  and  subscribed  them  with  our  hand.  Yeven 
and  written  at  our  Citee  of  York  the  viijth.  day  of 
Septembre  the  first  yere  of  our  Reigne. 


LETTER  XLIV. 

James  the  Third  of  Scotland  to  King  Richard  the 
Third,  desiring  a  safe-conduct  for  certain  Lords  of 
his  realm  to  come  in  embassy  to  conclude  a  Peace. 
[harl.  ms.  433.  fol.  248  b.] 

THE  KING  OF  SCOTTs'  LETTRE  SENT  UNTO  THE  KING. 

Right  excellent  hie  and  mighti  Prince  and  right 
trusty  and  welbeloved  Cousin  We  commennde  us 
right  hartlie  unto  you,  and  we  have  ressavit  yor  ho- 
norable lettres  written  at  your  Citye  of  York  the 
xvij.  day  of  Septembre  present  vnto  vs  by  our  Pur- 


1  10  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

sewant  Dingwell  and  understande  the  contynue  of  the 
same.  And  we,  remaining  and  abiding  in  the  good 
purpos  and  intension  till  observe  peax  amite  and  Con- 
corde with  all  Cristen  nacions  and  in  speal  with  your 
Serenite  to  the  emplesr  of  God  and  the  enschewin  of 
the  gret  dampnage  folowin  on  the  "YVerr  to  the  ac- 
complesiament  of  the  good  of  Peax  aboue  expremit 
whilk  shuld  be  envait  be  all  Cristen  princes,  desiris 
that  your  saufconduit  for  certain  Lords  spirituale 
and  temporale  of  our  Realme  tocum  in  our  Ambas- 
sait  and  Legacionne  within  your  Realme  to  comone 
avis  and  conclude  the  appointements  of  luf  amite 
concorde  and  peax  betwixt  your  Realme  and  oures 
and  the  leigis  and  subditis  of  the  same  :  Marveland 
in  a  part  that  it  liked  not  your  Cousinage  to  sende 
your  saufconduit  with  our  said  Pursewant.  How  be 
it  he  haid  in  Writ  the  names  of  the  Lords  and  per- 
sonnes  whilk  we  desired  to  be  put  in  your  saufcon- 
duit to  thentent  abouewritten.  And  that  it  wald 
emples1".  your  Cousinage  that  certaine  spialte  and  ab- 
stinence of  Werr  war  taken  betuix  your  Realme  and 
oures  by  land  and  see  to  the  xv.  day  of  the  moneth 
of  Marche  next  tocum ;  that  in  the  mesne  tyme  amite 
concorde  and  peax  may  be  avisit  appointit  and  con- 
cluded betwixt  your  Commissioners  and  oures  in  your 
presence  to  the  emplesur  of  God  and  the  good  public 
of  bath  the  Realmes.  And  we  have  gevyn  to  our 
Pursevaunt  Dyngwell  the  names  of  the  Lords  and 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  Ill 

persons  with  uthers  whilk  we  desire  your  saufcon- 
duit  to  be  gevin  to,  to  thexpedicion  of  the  good  of 
peax  aboue  expremit. 

Right  excellent  hie  and  mighti  Prince  the  blessed 
Trinite  have  you  in  keping.  Written  under  our 
Signet  at  Edenburgh  the  sixt  day  of  Nouembre. 

JAMYS    R. 


LETTER  XLV. 

King  Richard  the  Third's  answer  to  the  King  of  Scots 

concerning  the  Safe-Conduct  which  he  granted ;  but 

staging  the  Abstinence  from,  War  desired  in  the  same 

Letter,  till  the  arrival  of  the  Scots  Embassy. 

[ibid.] 

Right  high  and  mighti  Prince  right  honourable 
and  welbeloved  Cousin  we  recomaunde  vs  vnto  you 
and  wher  it  hath  pleased  your  Cousinage  to  addresse 
unto  us  your  honorable  lettres  written  at  Edinburgh 
the  xvj.  day  of  Nouembr  conteynyng  the  good  pro- 
pose that  ye  bere  to  the  weele  of  peas  betwene  thies 
both  Royaulmes  and  that  for  the  more  spedy  achiev- 
ing of  the  same  entent  ye  have  desired  a  safe  conduyt 
by  vs  to  be  made  and  graunted  to  certain  noble  and 
discrete  persones  spirituell  and  temporell  of  your 
Royaume  to  be  sent  hider  in  ambassiade,  whos  names 
have  be  deliuered  vnto  vs  and  our  Counsaill  by  your 
servaunt  and  perseuant  Dyngwell.  And  ouer  this 
that  we  wold  assent  vnto  a  certain  abstinence  and 


112  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

specialtie  to  be  had  betwene  the  lieges  of  botlie 
Roymes  both  by  lande  and  see  for  a  certain  tyme  in 
your  said  lettres  expressed.  Right  high  and  mighti 
Prince,  right  honorable  and  welbeloued  Cousyn  en- 
suyng  the  same  mynde  and  purpose  that  ye  be  of,  as 
touching  the  good  of  peas  betwene  both  Roymes  we 
have  passed  vndre  our  Grete  Seale  our  said  sauf- 
conduyt  and  the  same  deliuered  vnto  your  said  ser- 
vaunt.  And  as  for  the  abstinence  and  specialite 
aboue  remembred,  because  ther  was  noo  persone 
here  present  by  you  auctorized  to  take  it  with  us  or 
any  of  our  Commissioners,  and  that  the  Wardeyns  or 
their  Lieutenaunts  in  the  bordures  haue  not  such 
power  ne  haue  be  accustumed  to  take  any  abstynence 
so  large  as  ouere  al  by  land  and  by  see,  and  if  they  it 
so  toke  it  were  hard  to  bring  it  to  the  notise  of  al 
them  to  whome  it  shuld  apperteyne  within  suche  tyme 
as,  after  that,  any  frute  shuld  growe  of  the  said  ab- 
stynence. Therfor  we  have  respited  thexpedicion  of 
that  Article  vnto  the  comyng  of  your  ambassiade, 
doing  zour  Cousinage  ferthre  to  wite  that  vpon  the 
spedy  coniyng  of  your  saide  ambassiade,  soo  that  they 
be  wel  furnysshed  of  auctorite  and  towardnesse  to 
the  said  good  of  peas,  it  shall  not  stande  by  vs  but 
that  suche  treux  and  abstynence  shal  be  takyn  and 
concluded  as  may  best  serue  to  the  honor  of  God  and 
the  weele  of  both  Royalmes.  Right  high  and  mighty 
Prince,  right  honourable  and  welbeloved  Cousin,  the 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  113 

blessed  Trinite  haue  you  in  his  keping.  Yeuen  vndr 
our  Signet  at  our  Citie  of  London  the  secound  day 
of  Decembr.  ricardus  rex. 


LETTER  XLVI. 

Richard  the  Third  to  the  Authorities  of  the  Town  of 

Gloucester,  with  permission  to  wear  his  Livery. 

[hakl.  ms.  433.  fol.  127  b.] 

%*  The  wearing  of  Liveries  had  been  forbidden  under  the  hea- 
viest penalties  by  the  statutes  of  the  1st  and  2nd  of  Henry  the 
Fourth1;  but  the  contest  of  the  Roses  renewed  them. 

The  Livery  or  Badge  of  Cognizance  of  Richard  the  Third  was  a 
White  Boar.  Noble,  in  his  History  of  the  College  of  Arms,  says 
that  at  Richard's  coronation  eight  thousand  cognizances  of  this  kind 
were  wrought  upon  fustiau,  he  supposes  in  silver  thread,  which  cost 
£20  per  thousand. 

Collars  of  Richard's  livery,  of  a  higher  order,  consisted  of  roses 
in  the  sunbeams,  with  a  Boar  pendent.  Such  an  one  is  still  seen 
suspended  from  the  shoulders  to  the  breast  of  a  monumental  figure 
of  one  of  the  Nevils  at  Brancepeth,  in  the  County  of  Durham  :  pro- 
bably the  only  one  now  to  be  found. 

Richard,  in  allusion  to  his  badge,  gave  the  name  of  Blanc  Sanglier 
to  the  pursuivant  who  carried  his  messages.  Hall  says  this  Pur- 
suivant assisted  in  performing  a  part  of  the  last  offices  to  his  master 
after  the  battle  of  Bosworth  ;  he  bore  the  body  from  the  field,  with- 
out covering,  thrown  behind  him  across  a  horse. 


Richard,  &c.  To  the  Mair  Shireffes  and  Alder- 
men of  our  Toune  of  Gloucestre  that  nowe  be,  or 
that  herafter  for  the  tyme  shalbe,  greting.  Foras- 
moche  as  we  wele  understande  that  by  meane  of  Re- 

a  Stat,  of  the  Realm,  vol.  ii.  pp.  129,  130. 


114  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

teyndors,  and  receiving  and  wering  of  lyveres  of 
clothing,  baieux,b  and  of  signes  contrarie  to  thefFect 
of  the  statutes  by  our  noble  progenitors  heretofore 
ordeyned  and  stablished  in  that  behalve,  gret  and 
many  divisions  and  inconvenientes  have  risen  and 
growen  in  diverse  places  within  this  our  royme,  to 
the  gret  troubles  and  noyaunce  of  our  subgiettes  of 
the  same ;  and  speciali  now  of  late  amongst  you 
within  our  said  Towne,  by  evyll  disposed  Gentilmen, 
Jamys  Gyse,  John  Burdet,  Edward  Brigge,  and  other 
in  making  assault  upon  our  Officers  ;  a  Constable  of 
our  said  Towne  not  only  betyn  and  grevosux  maym- 
ed  but  also  therby  in  dispare  of  his  lyfF,  as  it  is  to  us 
showed  to  our  full  gret  displeasur.  Wherfore  we 
woll  and  charge  you  that  if  ye  have  committed  theim 
or  any  of  theim  to  prisoun  ye  do  suerly  kepe  theim 
their  without  bailie  or  maynprise,  to  suche  tyme  as 
ye  shall  understande  of  our  ferther  pleasure  in  that 
behalve  ;  and  if  noe,  to  endevoir  you  therunto  ;  and 
over  this  that  ye  in  no  wise  from  hensfurth  sufFre 
any  person  dwelling  amonges  you  in  our  said  Towne 
or  Fraunchises,  for  to  use  or  were  lyverey  of  cloth- 
ing, bagien,b  signe,  or  other  conisaunce  of  the  yefte 
of  any  maner  persone,  of  what  estate  degre  or  con- 
dicion  soever  he  be,  but  onely  oures ;  and  that  upon 
the  payne  of  forfiture  of  your  liberties  and  fraun- 
chises.    And  if  ye  shall  knowe  any  presumyng   or 

b  badges. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  115 

attempting  soe  to  doe,  that  ye  forthwith  without 
delaye  comytte  himm  likewise  to  sure  prison,'  and 
soo  to  remayne  as  ahove.  Faill  ye  not  to  accom- 
plisshe  this  at  your  uttermest  perill.  Yeven,  &c.  at 
London  the  vjth  day  of  Decembre  A0  primo. 


LETTER  XLVII. 


King  Henry  the  Seventh  to  the  Prior  and  Convent  of 
Christ- Church,    Canterbury,    nominating    Warham 
Bishop  of  London  to  the  Metrojwlitan  See. 
[misc.  corresp.  in  the  st.  paper  office,  3  Ser.  VII.  2.] 

%*  This  Letter,  at  the  first  glance,  may  seem  purely  official,  but 
the  perusal  will  leave  no  doubt  that  it  was  dictated  by  Henry  the 
Seventh  himself;  it  marks  so  strongly  the  sense  which  the  King 
entertained  of  Bishop  Warham's  services. 

William  Warham  was  of  gentle  descent ;  born  at  Okeley  in 
Hampshire,  about  the  year  1456;  bred  at  Winchester  school,  and 
afterwards  at  New  College  Oxford,  where  he  was  admitted  a  fellow 
in  1475.  In  1488  he  quitted  college,  and  soon  after  practised  in 
the  Arches.  Here  his  merit  as  a  civilian  attracted  the  notice  of 
Henry  the  Seventh,  who  in  1493  sent  him  with  Sir  Edward  Poyn- 
ings  on  an  embassy,  of  some  delicacy,  to  the  Duke  of  Burgundy;  it 
was  in  the  hope  of  withdrawing  the  protection  of  that  Prince  from 
Perkin  Warbeck.  Soon  after  his  return,  Feb.  13th,  1494,  he  was 
made  Master  of  the  Rolls.  On  August  the  11th,  1502,  he  became 
Keeper  of  the  Great  Seal ;  Bishop  of  London  on  Oct.  1st ;  and 
Lord  Chancellor  the  1st  of  January  following.  In  the  latter  part 
of  1504  he  was  translated,  as  the  present  letter  shews,  to  the  See  of 
Canterbury.  To  this  highest  honour,  in  1506,  the  Chancellorship 
of  the  University  of  Oxford  was  superadded. 

In  1515,  Warham  resigned  the  seals;  and  Wolsey,  who  had  been 
made  legate  a  latere  by  the  Pope,  succeeded  him  as  Lord  Chancellor. 

Both  before  and  after  this  time,  there  were  many  contests  as  to 


116  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

jurisdiction,  between  the  Archbishop  and  the  Cardinal,  best  seen  in 
letters  which  will  hereafter  be  placed  before  the  reader.  Wolsey's 
conduct  was  constantly  encroaching  ;  Warham's  resistance  always 
dignified.  Whilst  others  signed  their  letters  in  gross  flattery  to 
Wolsey,  Warham  had  but  one  finishing  sentence  for  his;  he  uni- 
formly wrote,  "  At  your  Grace's  commandment." 

Warham  lived  to  see  Wolsey's  fall,  and,  even  after  that  event,  to 
have  the  Seals  again  offered  to  him.  But  advanced  years  induced 
him  to  decline  the  charge.  He  died  at  Canterbury,  August  23rd, 
1532,  leaving  the  primacy  open  to  the  new  faith  and  the  new  politics 
of  Cranmer.  Warham,  from  the  very  beginning,  was  always  averse 
to  the  marriage  of  Henry  the  Eighth  with  his  brother's  widow. 


TO  OUR  TRUSTY  AND  WELBELOUED  IN  GOD,  THE 
PRIOR  AND  CONVENT  OF  CHRISTSCHURCH  IN 
CAUNTERBURY. 

Trusty  and  welbeloued  in  God,  we  grete  you 
well,  and  where  uppon  the  decese  of  your  spirituall 
pastor  and  gouerner  the  late  Archebusshop  of  Caun- 
tebury,  ye  made  vmbill  instance  vnto  vs  to  have  our 
licence  reall  to  procede  to  your  eleccon  of  a  nother 
person  to  succede  into  the  seid  prelacie  and  dignitie ; 
Wheruppon  We,  consideryng  well  the  same  to  be  the 
See  of  moost  honor,  auctorite,  and  preeminence,  by 
reason  of  the  primacy  therof,  within  this  our  realme, 
and  being  full  mynded  therfore,  and  for  other  causes 
us  movyng,  to  provyde  suche  a  substanciall  and 
discrete  man,  enduyd  with  vertue  and  cunnyng  and 
wordely a  wisdome  as  shalbe  mete  therunto,  and  habill 
not  onely  to  execute  the  charge  and  cure  therof 
both  spiritually  and  temporally  to   Godds  pleasure, 

a  worldly. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  117 

and  to  the  wele  and  honor  of  theseid  Churche,  but 
also,  besides  that,  to  do  unto  us  and  our  realme 
goode  and  acceptable  service,  have  oft  revolvide 
this  mater  in  our  mynde,  and  rype  remembraunce  ; 
and  by  good  leysure  and  deliberacion,  beholdyng  in- 
wardly, amongs  all  other,  the  profound  cunnyng, 
vertuous  conversation,  and  th'approuyd  greate  wis- 
dom whiche  the  right  reuerend  ffather  in  God  our 
right  trusty  Counceller,  the  bysshop  of  London,  ex- 
perimentally is  knowen  to  be  of,  have  therfore  and 
for  other  his  manyfold  vertuusues  and  merits,  named 
hym  as  a  person  mete  in  our  opynyon  unto  the 
foreseid  dignite  :  Wyllyng  you  therfore  to  procede 
in  your  eleccon  of  theseid  reverend  ffather  accordyng 
to  this  our  nominacion.  Wherunto  we  licence  you 
by  this  presents  ;  not  dowtyng  but  that  ye  shall 
haue  in  hym  suche  a  spirytuall  pastor  and  gouerner, 
as  by  his  demeanure  God  shalbe  singulerly  pleased ; 
We  and  our  realme  well  seruyd  ;  and  your  seid 
Churche  honouryd  and  avaunced.  Yeven  vnder  our 
Signet   at  our   Castell  of  Notyngham  the    xv.    day 

of  August.  BY    THE    KYNG. 


LETTER  XLVIII. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  Thomas  KiUingworth. 

[stat.  PAP.  off.  misc.  corresp.  3  Ser.  vol.  vi.  25.  Orig.~\ 

%*  A  few  Letters  are  now  to  be  laid  before  the  reader  from  Ed- 
mund and  Richard  de  la  Pole  in  their  exile.    Of  Richard  de  la  Pole 


118  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

more  must  be  said  hereafter  at  a  later  date.  Of  Edmund,  and  of  his 
family  generally,  it  will  be  proper  to  say  something  here. 

His  father,  John  de  la  Pole,  Duke  of  Suffolk,  married  Elizabeth 
the  eldest  daughter  of  Richard  Duke  of  York,  by  whom  he  had  the 
following  children : 

John,  the  eldest,  created  Earl  of  Lincoln  by  King  Edward  the 
Fourth,  was  by  Richard  the  Third,  after  the  death  of  his  son  Prince 
Edward,  proclaimed  heir-apparent  to  the  Throne  of  England.  Hence 
the  fears  entertained  by  Henry  the  Seventh  and  Henry  the  Eighth, 
increased  in  the  latter  reign  by  Richard  de  la  Pole  assuming  the  ap- 
pellation of"  the  White  Rose."  The  Earl  of  Lincoln,  who  supported 
the  imposture  of  Lambert  Simnel,  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Stoke 
in  1487.  He  married  Margaret  daughter  of  Thomas  Fitz-Alan 
Earl  of  Arundel,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  who  died  without 
issue. 

Edmund,  whose  Letters  are  before  the  reader,  was  the  second 
son.  He  married  Margaret  daughter  of  Richard  Lord  Scrope  of 
Bolton,  and  had  one  daughter,  who  became  a  nun  among  the 
Minoresses  by  Aldgate.  Of  him  we  shall  have  to  speak  further 
presently. 

Humphrey  de  la  Pole,  the  third  son,  was  a  churchman,  as  was 

Edward,  the  fourth  son.  Edward  was  admitted  Archdeacon  of 
Richmond,  Jan.  6th,  1484,  and  died  in  1485. 

Richard  de  la  Pole  was  the  fifth  son. 

William,  the  sixth,  married  Catherine  daughter  of  William  Lord 
Stourton  ;  but  he  had  no  issue.  He  was  for  a  while  imprisoned  in 
the  cause  of  his  brother  Edmund  ;  but  was  afterwards  released. 

Of  the  daughters,  Dorothea's  history  is  unknown.  Elizabeth, 
the  second,  married  Henry  Lovell  Lord  Morley,  but  left  no  offspring. 
Anne,  the  third,  became  the  wife  of  the  Duke  of  Rothsay,  eldest 
son  of  the  King  of  Scotland. 

Edmund  Earl  of  Suffolk  for  a  considerable  time  was  a  supporter 
of,  if  not  favoured  by,  Henry  the  Seventh.  In  the  4th  of  that  King 
1485,  he  accompanied  the  Earls  of  Derby,  Shrewsbury,  Arundel, 
Devon,  and  others,  into  Flanders,  to  aid  the  Emperor  Maximilian. 
In  1492  he  accompanied  Henry  himself  to  France,  when  he  laid 
siege  to  Boulogne.  And  in  the  12th  of  Henry  VII.,  a.d.  1496,  he 
appeared  in  arms  with  Henry  Earl  of  Essex,  the  Lord  Montjoy, 
and  others,  against  the  Cornish  rebels,  who  were  finally  vanquished 
at  Blackheath.     From  this  time  to  1501  nothing  is  recorded  of  him. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


119 


The  subsequent  and  less  fortunate  part  of  his  history  is  thus  re- 
lated by  Hall. 

"  A  few  months  before  the  marriage  of  Prince  Arthur,  Edmond 
Poole,  Earl  of  Suffolk,  *****  being  stout  and  bold  of  courage, 
and  of  wit  rash  and  heady,  was  endited  of  homicide  and  murder, 
for  slaying  of  a  mean  person  in  his  rage  and  fury.  And  although 
the  King  pardoned  him  whom  he  might  justly  have  condemned  for 
that  offence,  yet  because  he  was  brought  to  the  King's  bench  barr 
and  arraigned,  (which  fact  he  reputed  to  be  a  great  maim  and  ble- 
mish to  his  honour,)  took  it  seriously,  and  shortly  after,  for  this  dis- 
pleasure, fled  to  Flanders,  without  any  lycence  or  safe-conduct 
given  him  of  the  King,  to  the  Lady  Margaret,  his  aunt  on  the  mo- 
ther's side.  Nevertheless,  whether  he  was  stirred  by  his  privy 
friends,  thereunto  moved  by  the  King,  or  whether  he,  trusting  on 
his  unviolated  truth,  feared  no  danger  nor  penalty,  he  returned 
again,  and  excused  himself  so  to  the  King  that  he  was  thought  to 
be  gilt-less  and  inculpable  in  any  crime  that  could  be  objected  to 
him ;  and  therefore  he  was  permitted  to  go  frankly  at  his  liberty 
and  pleasure. 

"  But  when  this  marriage  of  Prince  Arthur  was  kept  at  London 
with  great  pompe  and  solemnity,  and  that  all  the  nobility  were  set 
on  pleasure  and  solace,  and  the  King  himself  was  principally  given 
to  joy  and  rejoicing,  this  Edmond,  either  for  that  he  had  been  at 
great  and  excessive  charges  at  the  same  triumph  and  solemnity,  and 
by  reason  thereof  sore  charged  with  debt ;  either  solicited,  allured, 
and  provoked  by  that  old  venomous  serpent  the  Duchess  of  Bur- 
goyne,  ever  being  the  sower  of  sedition  and  beginner  of  rebellion 
against  the  King  of  England  ;  or  else  stimulate  and  pricked  with 
envy,  which  could  not  patiently  with  open  eyes  see  and  behold  King 
Henry,  being  of  the  adverse  line  to  his  lineage,  so  long  to  reign  in 
wealth  and  felicity ;  in  conclusion,  with  his  brother  Richard,  fled 

again  into  Flanders. 

*  *  *  #  * 

"  When  the  King  understood  certainly  that  this  Earl  was  depart- 
ed and  returned  again,  he  was  not  a  little  vexed  and  unquieted,  mis- 
trusting that  some  new  tumultuous  business  should  be  begun  again; 
and  chiefly  therefore  blamed  himself  of  foolish  folly  that  he  had 
given  him  his  pardon  for  his  offence,  lately  committed.  Although 
it  was  manifest  enough  that  he  did  it  for  this  purpose,  that  he  might 
dissemble  and  wink  at  the  matter  so  long  until  such  time  he  had 


120  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

some  sure  token  and  perfect  knowledge  of  his  conjuration,  the 
which  he  perceived  now  to  be  surely  attempted  and  begun.  As 
soon  as  Edmond  de  la  Poole  was  fled  again  into  Flanders,  Sir  Ro- 
bert Curson,  whom  the  King  had  promoted  to  the  order  of  knight- 
hood, and  made  captain  of  Hammes  Castle,  a  valiant  and  a  circum- 
spect man,  dissimuling  himself  to  be  one  of  that  conspiracy,  went 
into  Flanders,  doubtless  to  espye  what  was  done  there  by  the  Lady 
Margaret  against  Ring  Henry.  This  opinion  was  settled  in  every 
man's  head  at  the  first  broaching  of  the  matter,  and  so  yet  continu- 
eth  ;  grounding  upon  this  principle,  that  he,  neither  vexed  nor  mo- 
lested with  any  point  of  displeasure  or  injury  by  his  Prince  or  any 
other,  fled  to  the  King's  enemies  :  and  after  all  things  were  known, 
opened,  pacified,  and  suppressed,  he  willingly  returned,  and  was 
received  into  high  favour  with  the  King,  his  master  and  sovereign 
lord.  Howbeit,  the  King,  lyke  a  wily  fox,  knowing  the  faithful  in- 
tent of  this  Sir  Robert,  and  intending  to  put  him  out  of  all  jealousy 
and  suspicion  with  the  Lady  Margaret  and  Edmond  de  la  Poole, 
caused  the  said  Earl,  and  the  said  Sir  Robert  Curson,  and  five  per- 
sons more,  to  be  accursed  at  Paule's  Crosse  the  first  Sunday  of  No- 
vember, as  enemies  and  rebels  to  him  and  his  realm.  But,  howso- 
ever it  chanced,  whether  it  were  for  the  easing  of  his  heart,  or  for 
some  privy  policy,  the  King,  after  the  marriage  of  his  son,  Prince 
Arthur,  was  so  vigilant,  so  circumspect,  and  so  intentive,  that  he 
espied  and  tried  out  such  as  he  knew,  partly  to  be  the  inventors  of 
mischief  against  him,  and  partly  to  bear  no  good  will  or  sincere  af- 
fection toward  his  person,  that  he  could  readily  name  and  rehearse 
their  names  and  surnames,  whereof  a  great  part  were  within  few 
days  after  apprehended  and  taken.  And  among  them,  Lord  Wil- 
liam Courtney,  son  to  Edward  Earl  of  Devonshire,  (a  man  of  great 
nobility,  estimation,  and  vertue,  which  married  Lady  Katherine, 
daughter  to  King  Edward,)  Lorde  William,  brother  to  Edmond  Earl 
of  Suffolk,  Sir  James  Tyrrell,  Sir  John  Wyndham.  Both  these  Wil- 
liams before  rehersed  were  rather  taken  of  suspicion  and  jealousy, 
because  they  were  near  of  blood  to  the  conjurators,  than  for  any- 
proved  offence  or  crime.  Wherefore  the  Lord  William,  son  to  the 
Earl  of  Devonshire,  after  the  death  of  King  Henry  the  VIItb.  was 
delivered  and  set  abroad  at  liberty.  *****  The  Lord 
William,  brother  to  Edmond  the  Earl  of  Suffolk,  had  also  greater 
favor  shewed  in  prison  than  he  had  before.  And  Sir  James  Tyrrell 
and  Sir  John  W yndham,  because  they  were  traitors,  and  so  at- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  121 

tainted,   the  6th  day  of  May   they  were    on   the  Tower-hill  be- 
headed. 

"  But  when  the  Earl  of  Suffolk  heard  that  some  of  his  friends 
were  put  to  execution,*  and  some  other  committed  to  perpetuall  pri- 
son and  captivity,  he  was  in  a  great  agony  and  fear  of  himself.  And 
so,  being  clearly  desperate  to  have  any  fortunate  success  in  his  pre- 
tensed  enterprise,  wandered  about  all  Germany  and  France  for  aid 
and  succour,  proving  if  he  could  find  any  aid  or  succour  at  their 
hands.  But  when  he  perceived  no  stedfast  ground  to  catch  anchor- 
hold  upon,  (to  th'  intent  that  in  conclusion  he  might  understand  that 
a  shameful  death  due  to  a  man  for  his  offences  and  crimes  cannot 
by  man's  help  or  man's  reason  be  either  eschewed  or  diverted  from 
him,)  he  submitted  himself  under  the  obeisance  and  defence  of 
Philip  Archduke  of  Austricke  and  Burgoyn  and  Earl  of  Flanders." 

It  was  in  1506  that  Elizabeth  Queen  of  Castile  died  without  is- 
sue male,  by  reason  whereof  the  inheritance  of  Castile  descended  to 
the  Lady  Jane,  her  eldest  daughter,  who  was  married  to  the  Arch- 
duke of  Austria  already  mentioned.  Whereupon  Philip,  now  bear- 
ing the  title  of  King  of  Castile,  sailed  with  his  wife  from  Flanders 
to  take  possession  of  their  new  kingdom  :  but  the  vessels  which  ac- 
companied them  were  dispersed  by  a  storm,  and  that  which  carried 
them,  driven  upon  the  English  coast  into  the  port  of  Weymouth. 
They  were  at  their  first  landing  received  and  entertained  by  Sir  John 
Carew  and  Sir  Thomas  Treuchard,  who  resided  in  the  neighbour- 
hood ;  and  were  afterwards  taken,  upon  invitation  from  the  King,  to 
Windsor.  Here  the  negotiation  was  entered  upon  which  ended  in 
the  Earl's  surrender. 

Holinshed  tells  us  on  this  occasion,  from  Guicciardini,  "  that 
Philip  in  all  other  things  held  himself  used  as  a  King,  yet  in  this 
one  thing  complained  that  he  was  constrained  as  a  prisoner  to  con- 
sent to  redeliver  to  King  Henry's  hands  the  Duke  of  Suffolk,  whom 
he  held  prisoner  within  the  castle  of  Namur.  Onlie  the  King  as- 
sured Philip,  by  the  faith  and  word  of  a  king,  that  he  would  not  put 
him  to  death." 

Stowe,  in  his  Annals,  describes   the  manner  in  which  he  was 

a  Stowe  says,  on  the  2nd  of  May  [1502]  were  arraigned  in  the  Guildhall  at  Lon- 
don, Sir  James  Tyrrell,  knight,  lieutenant  of  Guines  Castle,  Sir  John  Windham, 
knight,  Welborne,  servant  to  the  said  Sir  James,  and  a  ship-man,  foure  persons, 
were  indicted  of  treason  for  aiding  Sir  Edmond  de  la  Pole  Earl  of  Suffolk.  They 
were  condemned  to  be  drawn,  hanged,  and  quartered. 

VOL.    I.  G 


122  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

brought  to  England :  "  Echnond  de  la  Pole  Earl  of  Suffolk  being 
sent  (according  to  promise  to  King  Henry)  out  of  the  country  of 
Philip  King  of  Castile,  through  Flauders,  was  brought  to  Calais  on 
the  lGth  of  March,  and  so  over  into  England,  and  landed  at  Dover 
on  the  24th  of  March,  conveyed  by  Sir  Henry  AViat,  knight,  and  Sir 
John  Wilshire,  knight,  controller  of  the  town  and  marches  of  Calais, 
and  sixty  soldiers  of  Calais  all  in  harness,  where  he  was  received 
by  Sir  Thomas  Lovell  and  other,  and  conveyed  to  the  Tower  of 
London." 

The  Cottonian  MS.  Galba,  B.  11.  fol.  26,  contains  certain  In- 
structions of  Henry  the  Seventh  to  one  Wilshire,  (no  doubt  the 
Sir  John  Wilshire  here  mentioned,)  as  early  as  1502,  to  be  shewn  to 
Messire  Charles,  an  agent  in  Flanders,  to  obtain  intelligence  con- 
cerning the  King's  rebels.  The  initials  "  H.  R."  appear  both  at 
the  beginning  and  the  end,  but  the  body  of  the  Instructions  was  mu- 
tilated in  the  Cottonian  fire,  and  a  perfect  copy  cannot  be  made  of  it. 
Two  of  the  articles  relate  to  Edmund  de  la  Pole  and  his  servants. 

"  Item  trouvera  moien  au  mieulx ovra  de  praticquer 

aucuns  des  serviteurs  de  Edmond  de  la  Polle  pour  luy  faire  savoir 
tousjours  des  nouvelles,  en  luy  promettant  de  la  part  du  Roy  son 
pardon :  par  ainsi  que  il  declairera  ceulx  quil  congnoit  et  entend 
estre  de  l'affinite  du  d'  Edmond  et  ce  a  sa  venue  et  avaunce  devers 
le  Roy  nostre  dit  seigneur. 

"  Item  s'il  y  a  aucuns  des  gens  et  serviteurs  du  dit  Edmond  de 
la  Polle  qui  desirent  a  avoir  leur  pardon  et  absoluciou ;  le  Roy  est 
content  de  leur  pardonner  leurs  vies  moieunant  quilz  feront  declaira 
de  tout  ce  quilz  scayvent  et  congnoisent. " 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  continued  in  the  Tower  till  the  4th  of  Henry 
the  Eighth,  when,  previous  to  the  King's  setting  out  for  France, 
April  30th,  1513,  he  was  brought  out  and  beheaded.  Lingardsays, 
it  is  certain  that  the  ambassadors  at  foreign  courts  received  in- 
structions to  justify  his  execution,  by  alleging  the  discovery  of  a 
traitorous  correspondence  between  the  two  brothers.  But  the  Let- 
ters in  the  State  Paper  Office  do  not  corroborate  this.  The  story  of 
the  day  seems  more  probable.  Fears  were  entertained,  that,  should 
anything  untoward  occur  to  Henry  in  his  expedition,  the  friends  of 
the  House  of  York,  who  were  still  numerous,  might  take  the 
Earl  from  his  prison  and  seat  him  on  the  Throne.  Henry  the 
Eighth  seems  to  have  thought  that  the  obligation  his  father  had 
entered  into  to  preserve  the  life  of  the  Earl  of  Suffolk,  was  not 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  123 

binding  upon  himself;  or  it  might  be  that  Richard  de  la  Pole's  join- 
ing the  French  army  at  that  time  roused  that  same  dark  spirit  of 
revenge  which  afterwards  prompted  the  execution  of  the  Countess  of 
Salisbury. 

From  these  Letters  it  will  readily  be  perceived  that  the  Earl  of 
Suffolk  was  not  only  an  uneducated  man,  but,  however  variable  the 
orthography  of  his  age  might  be,  he  had  no  notion  whatever  how 
the  most  ordinary  words  of  his  native  language  should  be  spelled. 
He  wrote  "vane"  for  when,  "vat"  for  what,  "  vare  "  for  were, 
"  vele  "  for  well, "  varne  "  for  warn,  "  void  "  for  would,  like  a  man 
who  had  lived  long  enough  abroad  to  be  uncertain  even  in  the  re- 
collection of  his  mother-tongue. 

He  was  restless  and  unhappy  in  himself,  and  distrustful,  even  of 
his  brother.  Richard  de  la  Pole,  in  one  Letter,  writes,  "  Sir,  you 
deal  very  hardly  with  me,  I  being  your  brother,  in  many  things." 
Nor  was  he  adroit.  "  But  Richard  his  brother,"  says  Hall,  "  be- 
ing an  expert  and  politic  man,  so  craftily  conveyed  and  so  wisely 
ordered  himself  in  this  stormy  tempest,  that  he  was  not  entrapped 
either  with  net  or  snare." 

Richard  de  la  Pole,  even  during  his  brother's  life,  and  when 
writing  to  his  brother,  also  assumed  the  title  of"  Suffolk." 


Tomas  Kellengvert  I  send  Petterb  to  yov  and 
to  Mast'  Pole  that  he  mae  chovec  to  Pole  my  mend 
for  I  kane  vryt  ne  darehi.d  And  also  thest  ys  my 
mend  that  yov  sale  delewer  Petter  ale  thevs  mony 
as  I  thowkee  you  at  Arnamef  for  to  bee  me  mygerg 
for  he  most  go  of  my  meches,  and  come  you  to  a 
tene  by  Vaggene  wches  ys  kalled  reene  wchs  longges 
to  the  bouchoppe  of  Hovttereck h  and  vane  yov  come 
ther  send  me  werd  to  my  loggeng  be  gagee. 

EDMUND    SUFFOLK. 

b  Peter.  •  shew.  d  dare  I,  '  took.  {  Arnheim. 

«  to  buy  me  ray  geer.  h  bishop  of  Utrecht. 


G  2 


124  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  XLIX. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  the  same. 

[misc.  corresp.  3  Ser.  vi.  26.  Orig.'] 

%*  Thomas  Killiugworth,  to  whom  the  previous  Letter,  as  well 
as  this,  is  addressed,  was  the  Earl  of  Suffolk's  house-steward  ; 
in  a  Memorial  to  the  Emperor  he  calls  himself  "  Magister  cu- 
riae et  servitor  Edmundi  Ducis  Suffolchiae,"  aud  says  he  had 
quitted  his  family  and  country  to  serve  his  master.  The  Cot- 
touian  Manuscript,  Vespasian  F.  in.  fol.  102,  preserves  the  ori- 
ginal passport  or  safe-conduct  which  was  granted  to  him  by  Er- 
hard  Bishop  of  Liege,  dated  at  the  Chateau  of  Huy,  Nov.  5th, 
150G.  He  was  to  be  accompanied  "  de  quatre  servitures  au  des- 
soubz  portans  dagues,  espees,  javellines,  ou  aultre  bastons  non  def- 
fenduz,  pour  la  suretie  de  leurs  personnes  et  deffense  de  leurs 
corps." 

Tomas  Kellengvert,  Holland  came  hedder  and 
spak  with  Hans  and  sade  that  Master  Pole  void  nat 
geuf a  hem  met  and  drenke  nor  none  hedder b  thong 
as  yov  told  me,  ver  for  I  have  gret  marvele  and 
spesale  lec  that  yov  void  nat  tourn  Holland  a  gaine  to 
do  yovr  mechesd  to  Mastr  Poole.  And  Hans  sayde 
to  me  that  hee  vare  vare  leeke  to  do  and  vent  nat  a 
pane  hes  feete.  I  prae  yov  vryt  to  me  vedder  there 
be   trovthe   or   nat    that    Hans   mae    se  yovr   hand 

y* 

I  prae  yov  handele  voslee  mjr  noovld  a  quantans 
of  Ingland  that  yt  come  nat  to  leete.  I  have  sent 
for  John  Grofovnd.  If  Master  Welleame  mae  nat 
come  he  sale  handele  the  tedder  matter  ;  bovt  ef  he 

*  give.  b  other.  c  especially.  d  message.  e  well. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  125 

come  to  yov  be  yov  of  choke  of  no  theng  to  hem, 
bovt  send  hem  hedder  with  ale  haste. 

Also  vryt  yov  a  Letter  to  Edvard  and  tele  hem 
lete  hem  never  thengke  that  I  vele  leeve  hem  ther 
.  .  .  yn  .  .  .  plas  of  Master  Pole  .  .  .  nat  I  have  a 
plaes  for  hem  that   no  mane  a  levef  .  .  .  es  bovt  he 

and  I   that   sale I   prae   yov   fale 

nat  of  yovr  to  send  me  verd 


LETTER  L. 

TJie  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  his  "  Steward" 
[stat.  pap.  off.  misc.  corresp.  3  Ser.  vi.  30.  Orig.~] 
I  honderstond  be  Hestu  that  Derreke  ys  come 
hovt  of  Hongrei,  and  my  broder  nor  he  sendes  me 
novorsa  vat  the  have  done,  bovt  I  honder  stond  be 
Estvstasb  that  the  quec  has  sent  hem  a  letter  and  me 
none,  and  also  the  quec  has  sent  to  the  K.    of  Cas- 
tele   for  hem  and  nat  fore  me ;  ver  for  I  vele  you 
meddele  nat  w*  ther  Kavesd  w*  ovt  I  send  yov  vord, 
And  say  to  Derreke  for  yovr  a  sones  Derreke  chovese 
my  lord  that  yov  be  come  ;  or   thake  my  Lorde  vat 
messeo-  yov  hav  brovt  to  my  lord  Rechard  ;  I  strest 
my  lord  Rechard  void  hold  me  a  chovesed. f     I  have 
done  to  or  iij  temes  my  lord  Rechard  comand  ment 
her  at,  the   I  have  done  the  best  for  my  lord  to   my 

a  never.  b  Eustace. 

<■  Queen  Anne,  Queen  of  Ladislaus  the  Sixth  of  Hungary,  here  spoken  of,  died  in 
child-bed  in  1506.  d  cause.  *  shew.  'excused. 


126 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


povr,  thovleg  yt  hafe  nat  come  to  a  feeketh  and  I  se 
my  lord  Rechard  ys  natt  content,  ver  for  I  void  dele 
no  fvrther  w*  hem.  I  mae  choke  my  lord  .  .  .  And 
also  that  my  Lord  Rechard  send  heider  thovs  as  vele 
repente  me  as  I  doe. 

And  gevf  as  fer1  vordes  to  Derreke  as  yov  kane,  to 
sa  ef  yow  kane  gette  hem  hedder. 

Gevf  a  verd  to  the  Baster j  and  sae  parreventer  my 
lord  vele  deserk  yov  to  go  ynto  Hongrei.  I  sale 
tele  yov  mor  vane  I  have  spokkekan  with  my  lord. 
My  broder  has  povt  i  vae l  from  hem  Hevstas b  and 
Allen  and  my  thenke  he  vele  a  vae  as  fare  as  I  kane 
se.  I  prae  yov  send  me  the  mone  m  ef  yov  be  pose- 
bovle  for  my  ger  n  lies  yn  the  toune  for  the  maken.0 
And  also  geuf  Allen  to  flovrensp  and  let  hem  goe  to 
Acere  or  to  Gelderland  tele  the  teme  comes  that  ve 
be  a  greed  w*  Master  Pole. 

I  prae  yov  sae  of  my  lord  Vele  and  sae  of  my 
Lord  fenes  and  of  the  todder  my  mast'  a  parte  for 
me  for  ...  I  deser  .  .  .  edde  ther  of  to  have  to 
pase  the  tern  gevf  theme  chovs  vorddes.  I  prae  yov 
be  vele  vare  ver  yov  of  the  matter  yov  and  I  spake 
of  and  to  vond  and  remember  vele  the  spaniers  my 
a  quentans.q 

It.  monsr  delenne  rosete  boneut 

It.  my  to  banneteft  hone  forged  and  the  todder 


*  though.  h  effect.  '  fair.  .i  Bastard.  k  desire.  '  away. 

m  money.       "  gear.       "  making.       P  two  florins.       1  Spaniards  my  acquaintance . 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  127 

reed  as  I  vore  for  to  chertes/  bovt  lette  them  be 
fene,s  and  for  a  cercher.  l 

I  prae  yov  rember  vele  Mast'  Pole  for  mone : 
vaneu  yov  speke  with  hem  ef  he  vele  come  to  me, 
lette  hem  nat  for  yt. 

I  lake  iij  quarters  of  sattane  for  my  dobblet. 

And  varnev  Hans  that  he  speeke  vele  and  hon- 
nestele  with  the  basterj  and  also  with  Claus  Derrek. 
I  have  varned  Hans  of  yt  my  cheelf  Of  the  yn 
bassettervrsw  that  be  yn  Ingland.  Ef  yov  send  to 
me  concele*  send  Jagee  and  cheep y  yov  Hans  tele 
Jagee  ys  rethourn  a  gaine  to  yov,  bovt  send  hem  yn 
contenent  to  me.  I  send  yov  the  letter  my  broder 
sent  me  be  Heevstas  her  yn  closed. 

EDMUND    SUFFOLK. 

To  the  Steved.2 


LETTER  LI. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  some  one  whom  he  calls  his 

Cousin;  probably  the  Lord  Chevers,   or  the  Lord 

Vele. 

[ibid.  3  Ser.  vi.  27.  OrigJ] 

Cosen  I  deser  yov  to  chohove3  to  my  lord  my 
Cosen,  that  yt  void  pies  hem  to  remember  I  kame  to 
to  hem  for  the  lovef  and  strousteb  I  hade  to  hem 
a  bovef  ale  hedderc  Prenses,  ver  for  I  povt  my 
boddy  yn  ys  hand,  ver  apone  he  gavef  me  ys  chavf- 

r  shirts.  s  fine.  '  handkerchief.  u  when.  *  warn, 

"ambassadors.        *  counsel.        y  keep.        ■  To  the  Steward,  i.e.  KiUingworth. 
a  shew.  b  trust.  c  other. 


128 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


condetd  to  com  ynto  ys  land,  as  vane  I  spake  with 
heme  he  promes  me  as  he  vas  a  nobovle  mane  ys 
land  chovld  be  free  fore  me,  and  noe  e  I  have  bein 
here  one  yeer  and  a  haalvf  and  hame  as  ner  novee  of 
my  departeng  hennes  as  I  vas  the  frerst  dae.  And 
also  yov  came  to  me  and  desored  me  to  povt  my 
matter  yn  my  lord  my  cosen  hand,  and  he  void 
point  me  a  dae  ef  he  .  .  .  a  nend  be  'teven  K.  H. 
and  me,  vel  ef  nat  my  lord  my  Cosen  promissed  me 
be  ys  letters  be  sent  John  daef  last  passed  he  void 
geevf  me  lessens s  to  de  parte  ys  land  ver  yt  plessed 
me  ;  and  thest  have  yov  promes  me  for  my  lord  my 
Cosen  wches  I  have  foufeled  at  the  deser  of  my 
lord  my  cosen.  Nove  my  day  ys  passed  and  a 
cordeng  to  my  lord  my  cosen  I  defer  of  yov  yovr 
lesensg  as  yov  be  come  of  nobovele  boveldh  and  as 
yow  be  a  trove  jengtelman  I  deser  yov  to  ch  .  . 
yovr  s  .  .  .  fochet  to  let  me  depart  ascordeng  to  my 
lord  my  Coson  letters  and  to  yovr  promes  that  yov 
have  mad  me. 

I  strest  my  lord  my  Cosen  vele  nat  leevef  my  her 
yn  thest  danger  ef  ys  Hemes  come  heyder  ;  wches" 
I  thoke  vele  ef  I  vare  yn  ther  handes  I  vare  bovt  as 
a  mane  hone  donek  As  ale  for  be  kaves  of  my  lord 
my  Coson  that  I  came  yn  to  hem  and  for  schol  .  .  . 
ys  .  .  .  And  also  has   done  at  my  lorde  my  cosen 

d  safe-conduct.  «  uow.  f  by  St.  John's  day. 

s  licence.  h  blood.  s  which.  '  undone. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  12V 

deser  that  I  void  nat  do  at  ther  der  I  strest  my  lord 
my  cosen  vele  remember  my  govd  hart  that  I  have 
had  and  vele  have  to  heme  as  nat  to  leev  me  her  as 
a  man  leftf  Also  ef  yt  pies  hem  to  set  me  a  dae 
of  to  ore  iij  monthes  so  I  be  yn  some  severte  ver 
yt  pies  heme  I  hame  conten  or  and  ef  yt  pies 
my  lord  my  Coson  that  I  mae  be  with  hem  and  be 
at  my  lebertte  I  vel  be  glad  to  bed  hes  pleser  And 
to  bed  ys  plas  a  yer  or  to,  and  to  thake  chevf  for- 
tovn  as  pies  God  to  send  to  heme,  my  parte  I  hame 
vele  content  to  thake  for  Affter  thest  manner  as  I 
ame  a  cerstene  mane  I  vele  nott  bed  to  dee  for  yt, 
ver  for  Cossen  as  as  yov  be  a  trove  Jengtilmane  do 
fore  me  as  I  have  geve  yov  kawes  and  that  I  be  not 
lost  thovrt  the  promes  and  chavef  conddet a  of  my  lord 
my  Coson  and  your  profer  for  my  govd  veil. 


LETTER  LII. 

Richard  de  la  Pole  to  his  brother  the  Earl  of  Suffolk, 
in  poverty  and  distress. 

[ibid.  vi.  19.  Orig.1 

*m*  Acken,  whence  this  Letter  is  dated,  is  a  small  town  of  Lower 
Saxony,  in  the  Duchy  of  Magdeburg,  two  miles  from  Dessau.  The 
date  must  have  been  about  1505. 


SIR, 

I  humbely  recomaunde  me  on  to  your  Grace 
letyng  your  Grace  to  know  that  I  have  resse  your 
Letter  be  Sir  Thomas  the  morow  after  new  erys  day 

a  safe  conduct. 


a  5 


130  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

be  the  vvheche  I  have  no  comfort,  and  here  I  ly  in 
gret  peyne  and  pouerte  for  your  Grace,  and  no 
maner  of  eomffort  I  have  of  your  Grace,  nor  off  non 
other,  nor  non  ys  comyng  as  ffere  as  I  can  see. 
Wherfor  I  pray  God  sone  to  send  me  owte  of  thys 
worde." 

Sir  as  for  the  mater  thatt  I  sent  yow  worde  of,  ye 
sent  me  worde  ye  cowde  do  nothyng  therin  for  be 
cawse  ye  were  in  the  Kyng  of  Castells  handys,  and 
the  same  answere  I  have  made,  and  as  sone  as  I  haue 
any  worde  of  hyt  I  shall  in  fforme  your  Grace  ther 
of.  Sir  I  have  put  a  wey  all  my  ffolkys,  and  the 
brynger  here  of  can  shew  you  in  what  danger  I  am 
in.  Sir  be  my  trowth  ye  dele  ffery  hardly  with 
me,  I  beyng  your  brother,  in  many  thyngs.  I 
knowe  not  what  the  menyng  ys  as  God  knowyth, 
who  preserve  your  Grace.  At  Akon  the  iiij  day  of 
Jeneii  Be  your  louyng  brother 

RYCHARD    SUFFOLK. 
To  my  lorde  my  Brother 
be  thys  delyuered. 

LETTER  LIII. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  one  ivhom  he  addresses  as  Don 

Peter;  one  of  his  Agents. 
[ibid.  vi.  24.  Orig.] 

Don  Peter,  yt  ys  so  I  vas  gon  hovt  of  Vaggene, 
as  ys  thaken  'a  gane  as  hare  of  rend  kane  chovea  yov. 

k  world.  *shew. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


131 


I  prae  yov  go  to  the  basterb  and  chov  yt  hem  and 
chove  hem  as  I  choved  yov  thovcheng  the  K.  of 
Chastels.  I  void  be  at  the  K.  comandment  ver 
so  mever  I  be  came.  And  also  I  ded  vryt  so  to  the 
stoverd0  to  cheve  the  K  yn  leeke  voes.d  As  for 
thest  kaves  I  came  hovt  the  drovsete  hade  comande- 
ment  from  the  dovke  of  gelders  that  I  chovd  chepe f 
my  logen  and  goe  to  the  chevrs, g  and  com  to  my 
logen  a  gane,  wches  comandment  the  drovset6  vele 
nat  tele  me  And  I  theke  yt  Also  I  hade  varneng 
that  the  K  and  the  dowke  of  gelders  stravee  yn  ther 
vryteng.  And  of  the  pes  wyches  the  K  sade  yt 
vas  after  hone  vae,  and  the  Dowke  of  gelders  sade 
a  noder  vae,  and  hone  grevffone  a  sarvant  of  the  K 
vas  come  to  the  Dowke  of  Gelders  to  comand  the 
Dowke  to  com  to  the  K  as  he  hade  promest,  and 
ale  thest  ded  the  drovsseete  tele  me  vane  I  came  a 
gane  to  the  ton  wches  a  void  nat  tele  me  before. 
Also  the  Dowk  of  gelders  has  thaken  t  men  mor 
yn  to  the  ton  of  Waggone  mor  thane  ther  vas,  bovt 
the  le  be  the  ferre  as  yov  go  to  Nemeygger  vard. 
And  also  I  hade  hone  come  stresth  the  same  dae 
frome  the  Douk  and  he  sede  planle  that  ale  the 
Dowk  of  gelders  sarvantes  sad  planle  he  void  nat 
com  to  the  K.  As  long  as  the  K  of  romes  ys  ther, 
wl  gret  verdes. !     And  thest  mend-*   nat  vele  for  me, 

b  Bastard.  c  steward.  d  in  like  ways. 

*  Drossaard,  the  sheriff  or  governor :  the  name  in  the  Lowlands  for  a  magistrate. 

f  keep.  s  the  Lord  Chevres.  h  straight.  '  words,  -meant. 


132  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

for  and  of  the  K  and  the  Dowke  gre  I  kare  nat, 
bovt  ef  he  gre  nat,  I  ame  as  a  mane  lost.  As  I 
strestk  the  K  vele  conseder  my  good  hart,  and  ys 
comandment  that  I  ded  to  come  hedder  at  ys  deser, 
wches  I  beches1  ys  gras  to  my  govd  lord  and  I  chale 
be  ysm  pore  sarvant  as  chale  never  be  a  greabovle 
velyels11  I  leevef  to  do  hone  theng  as  the  deser  of  the 
dowks  to  de  fore  yt.  I  have  sent  John  Grefovn  to 
the  baster  w*  part  of  thest  noves  °  bovt  nat  w*  all.  I 
prae  yov  make  delegens  tele  yov  be  w*  the  baster. 
My  mane  that  sent  me  the  brovches  that  yov  brovt 
me  frome  the  rend  sale  de  lever  p  yov  letters  frome 
vae  yov  com  agane.  Also  I  hade  for  gottovn  to  vryt 
yov  the  dowk  of  gelder  comandted  the  drovschett 
that  I  chovld  nat  have  bovt  hone  of  my  sarvants 
with  me ;  And  none  chould  come  yn  thest  tone.  I 
hav  reseved  yovr  lettesq  wches  yov  sale  have  a  nane 
servane  yov  come  a  gane.  edmund  Suffolk. 


LETTER   LIV. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  John  Growet,  one  of  his  agents, 

or  servants. 
[ibid.  vi.  23.  Orig.] 

John  Growet  yt  ys  hapend  that  as  thest  dae  I 
vas  come  hovt  of  the  tone  of  Vagena  as  thest  barrera 
kane  chove  yov  and  ys  thaken  a  gane  a  mele  vee 

k  trust.  '  beseech.  m  his.  "  whilst.  °  news. 

p  deliver.  i  letters.  J  this  bearer. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  133 

tover  teele  And  byovt  agane  to  Vagene  I  prae  yov 
send  yn  contenent  to  the  baster  and  to  Tomas  Kel- 
lengvert  And  chove  yt  them  hove  yt  ys  happend 
And  so  I  veld  the  chovld  chove  to  the  K  of  Castele 
wer  of  as  yt  ys,  and  ver  for  I  ded  yt. 

As  on  Mondaie  ther  vas  a  bede  of  of  the  dowks  of 
gelders  came  to  the  drovschet  and  avised  hem  that  I 
chovld  be  povt  yn  preson  as  yt  vas  chovd  me  be  hone 
that  that  ....  be  a  drovnker  that  toldste  yt  her 
and  cheb  toldet  me.  And  so  I  the  nesteke  daec  I 
asched  the  drovset  vedder  he  hade  hone  neves  of  the 
dowks  and  he  sead  nae.  And  thane  I  thovt  yt  vas 
reetd  tame  to  make  stom  chafre  for  my  cheelf  thest 
ys  hone  I  aodder  ys  thest  ys  hone,  sarvantes  that 
....  dale  wl  w*  me  says  planle  the  Dowke  vele 
nat  cume  be  the  K  of  Chastelle  veels  the  K  of  romes 
ys  ys  ther  And  that  the  doveke  has  so  vrytvn  to 
the  K.  of  Chastele  planle. 

Also  I  se  vele  he  forunes  thest  tone  bovt  wl  men 
and  wl  povdder  and  as  thest  dae  cappele  the  hadm.  . 
of  the  the  had  thaken  t  men  mor  yn  to  thest 

tone  ceyeng  ale   thest  I   chove 

vele  the  .  .  .  chale  nott  hold  And  I  be  ...  yn 
ys  hand  I  vele  I  vare  bovt  as  lion  don. 

And  I  hade  ment  to  a  come  to  Tele  and  the  cheelf 
fovt  men  that  vas  com  ys  to  Vagone  vye  thovk  me. 
And  vane  the  drovsseet  spake  w*  me  he  sade  to  me 

b  she.  c  next  day.  *  right. 


134  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

that  the  Dowke  of  Gelder  had  comandet  hem  that  I 
chovld  nat  goe  hovt  of  my  logen  and  to  the  chovrs 
so  I  se  vele  yn  vat  choks  I  stand  yn  a  pone  the  K. 
of  Chastle  promes  and  ys  conchele.6 

Also  I  have  sent  the  stover  to  the  K.  to  chove 
the  K.  ef  yt  so  happned  that  I  vare  hovt  of  the 
Dowks  of  Gelders  hannd  vor  so  mever  I  ver  I  vele 
be  at  ys  com  mand  ment  remember  thest  vele. 
And  also  I  proe  yov  speke  to  Yovenker  flovrems  and 
sa  I  strest  he  vele  remember  me  as  my  strovst  ys 
yn  hym.  John  treste  it  ys 

EDMUND    SUFFOLK. 


LETTER  LV. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  Thomas  Killingworth :  appa- 
rently after  the  death  of  his  aunt,  the  Duchess  of 
Burgundy. 

[ibid.  iv.  22.  Orig.] 

Tomas  Kelengvert  I  have  reseved  yovr  letter 
and  also  v  flovrens,  do  your  best  to  be  cover  of  that 
mony  of  my  lade  my  nantesa  and  also  make  as  gret 
laber  as  yov  kane  to  my  lord  de  Fienneove  wches 
ys  my  lades  detter  for  the  CCC.  flovrens,  and  make 
yov  yovre  cheelf  hone  of  the  ynnevercete  of  Lowenb 
and  w*yn  cortespasc  yov  chale   chove   more  of  me 

1  council.  »  Margaret  Duchess  of  Burgundy  died  at  Malines  in  1503. 

h  Make  you  yourself  one  of  the  University  of  Louvain.  c  short  space. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  135 

mend.d     Also  I  gavef  Welleame  the  hores     I   prae 
yov  speke  to  hem  and  lette  the  hores  be  chould  and 
thake  baug  to-fl       ....... 

And  let  Velleam  have  the  remand e  of  the  monie 
And  vane  yov  have  reseved  the  mony  of  the  sprert 
pae  yov  Welleame  the  mony  A  game.  I  prae  yov 
speke  to  Yenkerflovyed  for  Bauges  and  Bouttesford 
that  the  mae  be  at  Hattame  or  Helsver,  and  also 
deser  heme  to  be  my  frends  and  chove  yov  hem  yn 
vat  kas  I  hame  yn.  And  thest  berre  sale  chove  yov. 
I  have  wryten  a  letter  to  my  lord  Vele,  I  have 
vrytvn  a  Letter  to  my  lord  Fennes,  wche  I  voled 
yov  chould  delever  theme,  and  chove f  them  I  strestg 
the  vele  remember  me  vches  has  povt  my  hovle 
strovstg  yn  them,  and  praketesh  with  them  as  vele 
as  yov  kan.  And  also  speke  with  the  yn  basseter l 
with  the  clovbe  fovtte,  and  deser  ys  consele  her  vat 
vele  be  done  as  vele  as  yov  kane,  and  also  defer  that 
I  mae  chove  hove  the  Keng  ys  with  me,  vedder  he 
be  my  govd  lord,  and  chowe  my  lord  fiemies  and  ys 
broder  I  strest  ys  gras  vele  heelpe  me  I  have  no 
theng  to  prakttes h  with  them  that  I  mae  have  some 
mone  of  them,  and  wl  that  I  sale  hvelpe  theme  of  my 
sarwais  wches  I  vele.J 

I  vryt  yov  thest  yn  frenche  the  coppe  of  my  long 
f  .  .  .  letter  and   of  ys  .  .  .  .  cosen  yn  my  most 

d  mind.  e  remainder.  f  shew.  s  trust.  h  practice. 

1  ambassador.  J  which  I  will. 


136  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

hartelest  vesk  I  kane  I  .  .  .  me  to  yov  deserring 
yov  to  be  so  govd  frend  to  me  as  be  to  ches  the  K's 
gras  to  be  my  govd  lord.  Sa  ys  pore  sirvant  wches 
ys  her  at  yor  gras  commandment.  I  deser  of  yor 
nobovle  gras  that  I  mae  chove  be  yov  cosen  vedder 
the  K  ys  my  govd  lord  As  I  hav  never  dogn  ys 
gras  nonodder  wches    I  strest1  ys  nobovle 

gras  vele  remember,  bechesgeng  yov  as  also  my  lord 
yovr   broder   yn   al  honer  to  be  jengtelman 

that  povt  ys  hole  strovst  yn  the  Ks  nobovl  gras  and 
yn  yovr  to  handes  m  vane  1  spake  w1  yov  at  Aq  .  .  . 
and  that  yt  vele  plese  yov  to  geve  credens  to  my 
stoverd  thest  brynger. 

Vane  yov  goe  theder  go  as  crecretle  as  yov  kane 
vane  yov  spek  with.  Also  send  for  the  baster  and 
thak  ys  conchele  as  yov  vare  vont  to  do  bovt  be  vare 
of  heme.  And  sae  I  have  sent  yov  to  my  lord  Vele 
for  to  have  some  vat.  I  have  nedder  mone  nor 
clovthest"  and  let  theme  povt  hem  yn  the  K's  sarves 
for  ther  tele  hem  he  mae  deme  goud  frends  cre- 
cretle0 so  h  sale  not  chove  p  yt  and  after  that  maner 
ve  sale  be  ....  of  hem  boet  make  hem  be  leve  yov 
povt  ale  yovr  strovst1  yn  hem.  Geuf  credens  to 
thest q  berrer  forre  yt  mat  do  as  I  have  vrytvn  yt 
yt  ys  nat  so  hole  as  me  thienk  yt.  And  that  sale 
yov  vele  se  ef  the  var  hones  r  gone. 

EDMUND    SUFFOLK. 

L  heartiest  ways.  '  trust.         m  two  hands.         "  neither  money  nor  clothes, 

"secretly.  P  shew.  ")  this.  r  they  were  once. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  137 

LETTER  LVI. 
The  Earl  of  Suffolk  ...... 

[ibid.  vi.  21.  Orig.'] 

Gelgen  I  recomend  me  to  yov  I  prae  yov  re- 
comend me  to  my  cosen  my  lord  Vele  yovr  Master 
prae  yeng  yov  to  desser  my  cosen  to  be  my  frend  to 
the  Kyng  of  Castels  gras.  I  as  ys  poreve  sarvant. 
And  I  payea  yov  ef  yov  mae  come  to  me  come  for 
I  vovld  speeke  with  yov  that  yov  void  do  so  moche 
for  me  as  to  col  .  .  ve  my  cosen  you  master  my  mynd. 
Gelgen  I  paie  yov  to  gevef  order  to  thest  berar. 

Your  hold  aquantans 

EDMUND   SUFFOLK. 
To  Gilkyn. 

LETTER  LVII. 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  the  Bastard   van   Oyskerke  ; 

complaining  of  the  usage  he  receives. 
[ibid.  vi.  20.  Orig.1 

%*  The  reader  is  aware  that  in  the  middle  ages  the  term  Bastard 
was  not  always  considered  a  reproach.  The  illegitimate  offspring 
of  the  great,  trained  to  war,  occasionally  took  it  as  a  title,  accom- 
panied by  a  half  patronymic  indicating  the  nobility  of  the  House,  or 
the  rank  of  the  party  of  which  or  of  whom  they  were  the  offspring, 
making  the  very  term  appear  like  an  appellation  of  honour.  Such 
were  the  bastard  of  Orleans,  the  bastard  of  Burgoyne,  the  bastard 
Emery,  the  bastard  of  Fauconbridge,  and  numerous  others  named 
by  our  historians.  "  Le  bastard  de  Savoy  "  is  inscribed  over  the 
head  of  one  of  the  figures  in  a  curious  picture  of  the  battle  of  Pavia 
preserved  in  the  Ashmolean  Museum  at  Oxford. 

»  pray. 


138  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

In  the  present  letter,  where  we  should  now  say  "  My  Lord  "  or 
"  Sir,"  the  writer  begins  "  Bastard." 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk's  uncommon  irregularity  of  spelling  renders 
the  actual  name  of  the  person  to  whom  his  Letter  is  addressed,  at 
first  sight,  obscure  :  a  Latin  Memorial,  however,  from  Thomas 
Killingworth,  already  referred  to,  says  this  Bastard  was  a  servant  to 
the  King  of  Castile :  "  Servitor  domini  Regis  qui  vocatur  le  bastard 
van  Oysekerke."  Who  he  was,  does  not  appear  in  the  Chronicles 
of  Flanders ;  nor  further  than  this  is  he  known  to  the  Editor  of  these 
volumes.  From  a  passage  in  another  Letter,  the  Earl  of  Suffolk 
seems  to  have  distrusted  him.  Writing  to  Killingworth,  he  says, 
"  Also  send  for  the  Bastard,  and  take  his  counsel  as  you  were 
wont  to  do ;  but  beware  of  him." 

Tomas  Kel,  to  whom  this  Letter  is  addressed  jointly  with  the 
Bastard,  was,  no  doubt,  the  same  Thomas  Killingworth. 


Basterd  I  have  sent  you  alletter3  her  be  thest 
beerer,  wches  letter  I  prae  you  chove  yt  to  my  Lord 
Fennes  that  he  may  chove  yt  the  K,  for  vat  yt  ys  I 
kannat  sae  bovt  seuens  the  barges b  of  Acern  vas 
with  the  the  K.  the  be  more  harder  boethe  of  ther 
dedes,  and  also  of  the  hodder  ves c  hove  yt  comes  or 
be  vome  I  kannat  sae,  bovt  my  thenke  ef  the  K's 
counsele  hade  bene  my  frens  yt  hade  nat  ben  after 
thest  mannor,  wer  for  I  kane  se  nonodder  remede 
bovt  my  broder  and  I  bovthe  most  looke  vele  a  pone 
thest  matter  and  veldo.  d 

I  have  gret  marvele  I  her  no  vrder  fFrome  yov 
hove  my  matter  govs,  and  that  I  cheke  nat  the  K's 
plesser  yn  no  thengs.  I  have  bene  yn  the  K's  hancles 
thest  iiij  monnests  and  more,   and  yov  to  ware  the 

s  a  letter.  b  burgesses.  c  other  ways.  ''  will  do. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  139 

nectlegens  that  brovt  me  vers  frome  the  K,  that  I 
chovld  pevte  no  dovt  yn  hem,  he  vas  my  govd  lord  as 
void   do  for  me  marine   thengges,  bovt  I  kane  not 
parsevffre  yt,  bovt  I  be  her  to  my  pane  and  chame, 
as  also  spent  vat  I  kane  get  of  my  frendes,  as  I  have 
notheng  bovt  frer  vogaler,  ver  be e  I  name  as  a  mane 
hondone  be  y'ours  ...... 

And  also  my  broder  leeke  to  be  de  leveurd  to  K.  H. 
or  elses  be  dreevffen  be  forens  to  for  chake  me,  or 
els  to  be  clame  yn  the  tone  of  Acern  be  the  berges, 
and  ale  be  the  resone  of  my  be  yng  her  yn  presone, 
ver  I  mae  nat  goe  to  my  frendes  to  fend  the  remede, 
nedder  for  my  broder  nore  for  mychelf,  ver  for  my 
thenke  and  ef  the  K  vare  a  varted  of  me  and  my 
broder,  heve  ve  stond  and  ale  be  the  reson  that  I  be 
her  at  commandment.  I  povt  nodovt  ys  gras  vele  have 
some  regard  vat  danger  my  broder  ys  yn,  for  my 
cheelef f  I  deser  nat  so  gret  hast,  bowt  after  that 
maner  as  I  sente  the  K.  vord  be  roderekee  de  lae 
lane  g  and  also  be  the  baster  and  be  the  stowerd,  ver 
of  I  prae  yev  to  thake  gevd  regard.  And  chove  my 
lord  Fennes  and  my  lord  Vele  as  the  be  noboule 
mene,  to  remember  ther  promes  vches  the  made  me 
for  the  K.  as  the  vare  nobovle  men.  Vryten  the 
xxvij  dae  of  November.  edmund  Suffolk. 

To  the  basterd  Os  kerc 
and  tomas  kelle  grac. 

e  whereby.  f  self.  s  Roderic  de  la  Lane. 


140  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  LV1IL 

The  Earl  of  Suffolk  to  ....,-  apparently  in 
January  1506-7,  immediately  before  he  came  pri- 
soner to  England. 

[ibid.  vi.  29.   Orig.~] 

Her    sale   be  made  a   gret  brvt   that   I   sale   be 
cheepet  strafts  the  vele  make  the  ve  the  vele 

make  barres  and  also  the  have  varned  the  vj  men 
that  vattes  a  pone  me  that  the  sale  cheepe  govd 
vaakes  ver  be  ther  mae  come  a  gret  rumore,  bovt 

yt   goos  vele   my   fader   and  I  var  as as 

....  meet  and  scoopere  at  the  marre  of  flourengs 
hoos  ver  I  plaead  at  tenes,  yn  so  meches  vane  ve  hade 
vele  dronkone  he  chovd  me  ale.  I  prae  yov  re- 
member vele  that  John  Grefovne  goe  be  fore  with 
the  groovt  as  I  told  yov.  And  also  vane  yov  send 
hedder  let  the  messenger  come  to  the  gaate,  and  sae 
that  he  vele  speke  with  my  fadder  frome  yov.  I 
have  herdone  hevre  theng  as  vele  as  yt  ys  posebovle ; 
fale  nat  bovt  send  me  my  ger  be  to  morro  sennet  at 
the  fardest.  Vrytvn  at  Namior  the  xxviij  clae  of 
genevere.  My  fader  void  a  hade  yov  to  a  come 
hoovpe  to  me  to  the  marres  hoovs  to  scopere.  He 
void  a  hoopend  the  gattes  for  yov  vane  yt  vas  vij 
of  cloke,  bovt  I  chovd  hem  yt  vare  better  nae  for 
devers  Kavesses,  and  he  sade  ver  for  nat  vane  yt  ys 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  141 

meet  vches  of  yovr  sarvants  that  yov  vele  have  mae 
come  at  yovr  plsser.  And  w'yn  xv  daes  yov  sale 
her  better  tedeng.  edmund  Suffolk. 


LETTER  LIX. 

Richard  de  la  Pole  to  Erhard  Bishop  of  Liege. 

[ibid.  vi.  18.  Orig.~] 

%*  Erhard  de  la  Marck,  Bishop  of  Liege,  was  afterwards  Car- 
dinal and  Archbishop  of  Valencia.  He  was  the  friend  and  corre- 
spondent of  Erasmus,  and  in  great  favour  with  Charles  the  Fifth. 
He  died  in  1538.  His  life  was  written  by  John  Chapevill,  a  canon 
of  his  Cathedral  of  Liege.  See  also  Ciaconii  Vitae  et  Res  gestae 
Pontif.  Romanorum  et  S.  R.  E.  Cardinaliura  ;  fol.  Rom.  1677,  torn, 
iii.  p.  421. 

Dignissime  Presul  Princepsque  illustrissime  Ego 
tota  cordis  affectione  dignitati  vestrse  me  recomendo 
plurimas  benignitati  v.  referendo  gratias  propter 
ilium  amorem,  benevolentiam  favoremque  quos  illma. 
v.  gratia  cum  Domini  fratris  mei  ....  humanis- 
sime  ampliavit.  At  michi  revera  incertum  non  est, 
quod  et  nonnulla  alia  beneficia  ob  nostri  intuitum 
et  amorem  D.  v.  Illma.  in  eo  largissime  operata  est, 
pro  quibus  omnibus  Immortales  paternitati  v.  gratias 
sumus  habituri.  Et  sicuti  per  v.  gratiam  cum  eo 
honorabilissime  inceptum  est,  ita  (ut  res  expostulet) 
perseverare  dignetur  humillime  queso.  Et  hoc  unum 
pro  firmo  sciat  amplissima  v.  gratia  quod  et  domino 
meo  fratri  michique  profecto  (durante  nobis    vita) 


142  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

gratissimum  semper  accident,  quicquid  pro  v.  dig- 
nitate  etiam  cum  maximo  labore  et  servicio  nos  nos 
reddere  possemus.  Valeat    Illraa   gratia  v. 

principum  decus  in  prosperitate  semper  felicissima. 
Raptim  ex  Civitate  Bude  in  Hungaria  xviij0  die 
men  sis  Aprilis  Anno  dominicae  incarnationis  supra 
Miltm  quingentesimo  septimo. 

Dignitatis  v.  Consanguineus 

RYCHARD    SUFFOLK. 

Reverend) ssimo  inXp'opatri  ac  domino 
Domino  Errardo  Episcopo  Leoden. 
Duci  Bullon.ac  Comiti  Lossen  Prin- 
cipi  Illmo  et  Domino  suo  observan- 
dissimo. 


%*  Two  of  the  most  important  of  Edmund  Earl  of  Suffolk's  for- 
feited estates  in  the  county  of  Suffolk,  named  Combes  andSwannes, 
together  with  the  advowsons  of  churches,  and  all  other  their  appur- 
tenances, were  given  in  the  last  year  of  Henry  the  Seventh  to  Sir 
George  Nevyll  Lord  Bergavenny.  The  original  grant  is  preserved 
among  the  Harleian  Charters,  Cart.  Harl.  antiq.  51.  H.  18. 


LETTERS 


OF 


THE  REIGN  OF 


HENRY    THE    EIGHTH. 


145 


LETTER  LX. 

Sir  Edivard  Howard,   Lord  Admiral,    to    Cardinal 

JVolsey,  shelving  the  ill-victualling  of  the  Navy. 

[wolsey's  correspond,  vi.  161.  Orig.] 

*m*  A  mutilated  Letter  from  Sir  Edward  Howard  has  been  al- 
ready printed  in  the  Second  Series  of  these  volumes,8  addressed  to 
the  King,  by  whom  he  had  been  commanded  to  send  his  Grace 
word  "  how  every  ship  did  sail."  Sir  Edward  fulfilled  his  orders ; 
but  complains  more  than  once  in  that  Letter  of  the  deficiency  of 
victual,  and  says  he  had  written  to  Master  Almoner  for  it. 

The  Letter  now  presented  to  the  reader  is  for  victual  ;  and  it  is 
addressed  to  "  Master  Amner."  It  may,  or  it  may  not  be  the  iden- 
tical Letter  alluded  to  by  Sir  Edward :  at  all  events,  it  explains 
more  fully  than  the  Letter  already  printed  the  manner  in  which  the 
ships  of  Henry's  navy  were  supplied  when  set  afloat,  and  the  diffi- 
culties in  regard  of  movement  which  the  Lord  Admiral  had  to  en- 
counter. The  vessels  that  had  received  their  proportion  for  two 
months'  flesh,  it  appears,  could  not  bring  about  for  five  weeks  ;  the 
barrels  were  full  of  salt ;  and  when  the  pieces  should  have  been 
penny  pieces,  they  were  scant  halfpenny  pieces  ;  and  where  two 
pieces  ought  to  make  a  mess,  three  would  scarcely  serve.  Many  of 
the  vessels  came  out  of  Thames  with  a  month's  beer,  trusting  that  the 
victuallers  should  bring  the  rest,  and  there  came  none.  One  ship 
with  another,  barely  fifteen  days'  supply  could  be  reckoned  upon. 
Beer  was  the  regular  beverage.     We  have  no  mention  of  grog. 

Sir  Edward  Howard's  Letter  is  deserving  preservation,  if  it 
were  only  to  show  the  early  use  of  nautical  language. 

The  Harleian  MS.  309.  fol.  36  b.  preserves  a  brief  of  Sir  Ed- 
ward's patent  of  agreement  with  Henry  the  Eighth,  when  he  went 
as  Admiral  and  Captain-general  in  the  expedition  to  France  in  the 
fourth  of  the  King's  reign,  dated  March  18th. 

The  King  retained  him  to  be  his  Admiral,  and  chief  and  general 
Captain  of  his  army  then  appointed  to  be  set  out ;  covenanting  that 
the  Admiral  should  have  under  him  in  the  service  10,032  men,  ac- 
counting himself  for  one,  beside  those  that  furnished  the  Bristol 
»  Second  Series,  vol.  i.  pp.  213--217. 

VOL.  I.  H 


146  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

ships  ;  of  which  52  were  to  be  captains,  5471  soldiers,  50  masters, 
4015  mariners,  and  440  gunners.  The  Admiral  bound  himself  to 
do  such  service  on  the  sea  as  the  Ring's  commission  should  enjoin 
and  limit,  during  the  King's  pleasure.  To  have  for  his  wages,  diets, 
and  rewards,  10s.  per  day;  his  captains,  18d.;  every  mariner  and 
gunner,  5s.  per  month,  without  any  other  demand  for  wages,  saving 
certain  dead  shares,  as  they  were  called,  and  rewards  to  the  gunners 
for  every  particular  ship.  The  King  promised  to  victual  the  whole 
by  a  rate  agreed  upon  under  his  own  hand.  This  victual  was  to  be 
by  Indenture  delivered  in  each  instance  to  the  captain  of  the  vessel, 
and  it  was  to  be  distributed  to  the  King's  best  profit,  and  not 
wasted.  Of  all  which  wages,  &c,  the  Admiral  was  to  have  the 
pay,  with  a  month's  advancement,  by  the  hands  of  Sir  Thomas 
Windham,  treasurer  for  the  wars  for  that  service,  and  so  from 
month  to  mouth.  The  ships  were  to  be  fitted  out  as  the  King  and 
Council  should  think  best.  Inasmuch  as  that  the  King  victualled 
the  army,  the  Admiral  was  to  answer  him  half  of  all  manner  of 
gains  that  he  or  his  retinue  should  make  by  land  or  water ;  with 
all  prisoners  being  Christians ;  one  ship  of  two  huudred  tons,  fur- 
nished and  rigged  ;  and  all  artillery  in  any  other  ship  taken. 


Maister  Amner  in  my  hardest  wise  I  can  I 
recomende  me  unto  you,  certifiing  to  you  that  I  am 
now  at  the  writyng  of  this  my  Lettre  in  Plimowthe 
rode,  with  all  the  Kyngs  fleet  savyng  the  shippes 
that  be  at  Hampton,  wich  I  loke  for  this  nyght,  for 
when  I  can  open  of  the  Wighth  I  wolde  nat  goo  in 
but  sent  a  shippe  of  Comptons  to  cause  them  to 
come  in  all  hast,  and  the  wynde  hath  byn  ever  syns 
as  good  as  was  possible. 

And  as  for  our  Spanyards  that  shuld  come  oute 
of  Themys  I  here  no  worde  of  them,  Godde  sende 
us  good  tydyngs  of  them. 

Sir  I  thynke  ourbesynes  wilbe  tried  w'yn  v.  or  vj. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  147 

days  at  the  furdest,  for  an  hulke  that  cam  streight 
from  Brest  shewith  for  a  certente  that  ther  be  redy 
comyng  forward  a  c.  shippes  of  warre,  besids  the 
galeis,  and  be  prest  uppon  the  first  wynde :  and  sais 
that  they  be  very  well  trymmed  and  will  not  faill  to 
come  owte  and  fight  with  us. 

Sir  thies  be  the  gladdest  tydyngs  to  me  and  all 
my  capitayns  and  all  the  residew  of  the  Army  that 
ever  cam  to  us.     And  I  trust  on  Godde  and  saynt 
George  that  we  shall  have  a  fair  day  on  them,  and  1 
pray  Godde  that  we  lynger  no  lenger,  for  I  assure 
you  was  never  army  so  falselie  vitailled ;  they  that 
receued  ther  proportion  for  ij.  monthes  fiesche  can 
not  bryng  aboute  for  v.  weks,  for  the  barells  be  full 
of  salt.     And  when  the  peecis  kepith  the  nowmbre, 
wher  they   shulde  be  peny  peces,  they  be    scante 
halfepeny  peces.     And  wher  ij.  peces  shulde  make  a 
messe,  iij.  will  do  but  serve.     Also  many  cum  owte 
of  Temys  but  with  a  monthes  bere,  trustyng  that 
the   Vittelers    shulde    bryng    the    rest ;     and   here 
coniyth  none.     I  send  you  word  for  a  sewrty  here 
is    not   in   this   Army   one   with   another   past   xv. 
dais. 

Sir  the  Kateryn  Fortileza  hath  troubled  me  be 
yonde  reson,  she  browght  owte  of  Themys  but  for 
xiiij.  dais  vitaill,  and  no  vitelar  is  come  to  helpe 
her.  And  so  have  I  vitailled  her,  with  beere,  ever 
sens.     And  so  bryngs  my  vitallyng  bak,  for  it  is  no 

H  2 


148  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

small  thyng  that  vc  men  spendith  daily,  and  no  pro- 
vision here  for  her. 

I  have  sende  to  Plumouth  on  myne  awne  hedde 
to  gete  some  vitaill  if  it  be  possible,  I  trust  ye  will 
allow  for  hit.  I  wolde  I  had  never  a  grote  in  Eng- 
land that  I  myght  kepe  thes  West  parties  till  they 
and  I  meete. 

Sir,  ye  my  Lords  of  the  Kyngs  moost  honorable 
Counsell  wrote  to  me  of  a  proporcion  that  shulde  be 
all  redy  delyverd.  Sir  if  some  be  well  vitailled  the 
most  parte  be  nat.  And  ye  know  well  if  half 
shulde  lakke,  hit  wer  as  good  in  a  maner  that  all 
lakked.  In  consideration  to  kepe  thArmy  together 
Sir,  for  Godds  sake  sende  by  post  all  along  the  coste 
that  they  brew  bere,  and  make  bisket  that  wee  may 
have  some  refresshyng  to  kepe  us  togedor  uppon 
this  cost ;  orels  we  shalbe  dryven  to  come  agayn  in 
to  the  Downes  and  let  the  Frenchemen  take  ther 
pleasure.  And  Godde  knowith  when  we  shall  gete 
us  up  so  high  westward  agayn.  I  had  lever  then 
that  we  shulde  be  dryven  to  that  issew,  to  be  put  all 
the  dais  of  my  life  in  the  peynfullest  prison  that  is 
in  Cristendome. 

Sir  the  Kateryn  Fortileza  hath  so  many  leekis  by 
reson  of  Bedell  the  Carpynter  that  worked  in  her  at 
Wolwiche,  that  we  have  had  moche  to  do  to  kepe 
her  above  water ;  he  hath  bored  an  c  agorea  hoolis 

a  aujjur. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  149 

in  her  and  left  unstopte,  that  the  water  cam  in  as  it 
wer  in  a  seve.  Sir  this  day  I  have  all  the  calkers 
of  tharmy  on  heer,  I  trust  by  to  morow  she  shall  be 
more  stanche. 

Sir  wher  ye  write  to  me  that  ye  send  hois  to  take 
our  pipes,  Sir  thei  ar  such  men  that  they  wolde 
throw  them  that  ye  sent  with  the  vitaill  ouer  boorde. 
And  when  the  Pipes  hath  been  brought  and  they 
goon  from  us  they  throw  them  over  borde,  and  goth 
in  to  Flawnderes.  Sir  I  know  no  mannys  propor- 
cion  but  myn  awne,  nor  one  Capitayn  knowith  what 
his  purser  hath  receued,  for  we  lafte  all  our  pursers 
at  London  to  hast  furth  our  vitall,  and  nother  here 
we  of  our  pursaris  nor  our  vitaillis.  And  well  I 
wote  that  I  have  geven  such  ordre  in  dispendyng  of 
our  vitaill  that  ther  was  never  Army  so  straited,  nat 
by  one  drynkyng  in  a  day,  wich  I  know  well  hath 
byn  a  grete  sparyng,  but  for  all  this  we  be  att  issew 
that  I  shewed  you  befor. 

And  wher  as  ye  write  that  it  were  no  reason  that 
the  Kyng  shulde  pay  for  his  awne  good,  Sir  I  am  of 
the  same  opinion,  but  Sir  or  ever  I  had  knowlage  of 
any  man,  the  delyverars  of  vitell  had  receued  dyvers 
foists  of  diverse  Shippes,  and  geven  the  stewards 
iiijd  for  every  toon  drawyng,  wich  I  thought  a  pa- 
relouse  example.  Howbeit  one  that  Atclif  sent  for 
the  sealyng  of  certayn  Commissions  for  the  takyng 
and  preservyng  of  the  foists  showed  me  that  maister 


150  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Atclif  had  comaunded  them  to  pay  every  mon  iiijd. 
for  the  drawyng  of  a  ton.  And  Sir,  if  that  had  nat 
byn  I  shulde  have  seen  all  delyvered  withoute  any 
peny  takyng ;  but  Sir  never  man  complayned  to  me 
of  any  such  thyng.  Sir,  all  the  vitaill  that  shall 
come  to  us  let  it  come  to  Dartmouth,  for  ther  it  may 
lie  redy  for  us  ;  and  sewre  inough  Sir  therys  moche 
vitall  at  Sandwich,  and  they  have  no  vessels  to  bryng 
it  to  us.  Fill  some  of  yor  Spaynyards  shippes  ther 
belies  full,  iij  or  iiij  of  them  will  cary  moch,  and 
spare  not  to  spende  vitaill  apon  us  this  yere ;  for 
with  Godds  grace  the  fleete  of  Fraunce  shall  never 
do  us  hurte  after  this  yere.  And  if  they  be  so  redy 
as  the  Hulke  hath  showed  us  for  a  certente,  I  trust 
to  Godde  and  seynt  George  that  ye  shall  shoitlie 
here  good  tydyngs.  And  how  so  ever  the  mater 
gooth  I  will  make  a  fray  with  them  if  wynde  and 
wedor  will  serve,  or  x.  days  to  an  ende  ;  therfor  I 
pray  you  recomende  me  to  the  Kyngs  noble  Grace, 
and  show  hym  that  he  trust  no  tydyngs  till  here 
worde  from  me:  for  I  shalbe  the  first  that  shall 
know  it  if  I  leue, b  and  I  shalbe  the  first  that  shall 
sende  hym  word.  Sir  I  pray  you  recomende  me  to 
the  Qwene's  noble  Grace.  And  I  know  well  I  nede 
nat  to  pray  her  to  pray  for  our  good  spede  and  to 
all  good  ladies  and  gentlewomen,  and  to  my  felawes 
Sir  Charles  and  Sir   Henry  Gilforde,  and    Sir  spe- 

b  live. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  151 

ciallie  recomende  me  to  my  lorde  my  father,  be- 
sechyng  him  of  his  blessyng.  And  Sir  I  pray  you 
to  knyt  vp  all,  with  have  me  moost  humbly  recom- 
mended to  the  Kyngs  noble  Grace  as  his  moost 
bounden  servaunte  as  knowith  our  Lord,  who  ever 
more  sende  hym  victory  of  his  enemy es,  and  you 
my  speciall  frende  yor  most  harts  desire.  "Written 
in  the  Mary  Rose  the  v,h  day  of  Aprile  by  your  to 
my  litill  power,  edwarde  Howard. 

Sir  I  neede  not  to  write  unto  you  what  stormys 
we  hadde,  for  ye  know  it  well  inough.  Sir  I  saw  never 
worse,  but  thanked  be  God  all  is  weel,  savyng  the 
loss  of  one  of  our  Galeis.  All  ill  go  with  her.  Sir 
I  send  you  in  this  paquet  a  lettre  to  my  wife,  I  pray 
you  delyver  it  to  her. 

***  The  Mary  Rose,  whence  this  Letter  is  dated,  was  the  ill- 
fated  vessel  which,  in  the  month  of  July  154.3,  was  lost  by  the 
carelessness  of  her  crew,  in  permitting  her  ports,  which  were  with- 
in sixteen  inches  of  the  water,  to  remain  open,  while  on  the  short 
passage  from  Portsmouth  harbour  to  Spithead  ;  during  which,  while 
tacking,  she  heeled  so  much  upon  her  side  that  her  ports  were  forced 
under  water,  and  like  the  Royal  George  at  a  later  period,  and  about 
a  mile  from  the  same  spot,  she  sunk  below  the  wave.  Sir  George 
Carew,  her  commander,  with  near  seven  hundred  persons,  chiefly 
soldiers  and  mariners,  sunk  with  her.  A  Narrative  of  this  loss  was 
printed  at  Portsea,  16mo.  1842,  the  most  curious  particulars  of 
which  were  furnished  to  the  publisher  by  Sir  Frederic  Madden. 
Efforts  to  weigh  up  the  wreck  were  made  in  the  very  year  in  which 
the  Mary  Rose  was  lost,  and  payments  for  that  purpose  continued 
to  be  made  as  late  as  the  second  year  of  Edward  the  Sixth.  In 
1836,  and  at  several  other  subsequent  periods,  these  efforts  were  re- 
newed, and  numerous  substantial  relics  both  of  the  vessel  and  her 
stores  were  recovered,  among  which  were  some  very  beautiful  spe- 
cimens of  brass  ordnance. 


152  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  LXI. 

Queen    Katherine  to  Master  Almoner.     The  coming 

liither  of  the  Duke  de  Longueville. 

[ibid.  vii.  49.  Orig.] 

%*  The  Duke  mentioned  in  this  Letter  was  Louis  d'Orleans 
Ducde  Longueville,  who  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Guine- 
gate,  August  the  16th,  1513,  and  was  sent  to  England.  Anselme 
says  his  ransom  amounted  to  a  hundred  thousand  crowns,  for  the 
raising  of  which  he  was  obliged  to  pledge  his  lands  and  goods. 
His  captivity  was  useful  to  his  country.  He  procured  peace  by 
negotiating  the  marriage  of  Louis  the  Twelfth  with  Mary,  Henry's 
sister,  whom  he  affianced.  Three  or  four  of  his  Letters  are  pre- 
served in  the  Cottonian  Manuscript,  Calig.  D.  vi.  foil.  117, 137*,  142, 
142  b.  Two  of  them,  (one  dated  Canterbury  August  16th,  the  other 
Estampes  Sept.  2,  1514,)  are  to  3Iary,  to  hasten  her  journey  to  her 
marriage.  In  the  Cottonian  Catalogue,  in  the  notice  of  three  of  these, 
he  is  wrongly  called  "  Lewis  Duke  of  Orleans."  Hall  says,  "  This 
Duke  was  highly  entertained  in  England  of  many  noblemen,  and 
had  great  cheer  ;  but,  when  they  came  into  France  with  the  Queen, 
he  would  scarce  know  them."  He  made  his  will  July  31,  1516, 
and  died  the  next  day,  August  1st,  at  Baugency.a 

History  has  not  recorded  the  name  of  the  individual  who  took 
the  Due  de  Longueville  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Guiuegate ;  but  it 
is  preserved  upon  a  monumental  brass  in  the  church  of  Hicham  in 
Buckinghamshire. 

"ffcrrr  lictfi  Nicolas  CTIarfee  (PsQunrr  sonnr  an&  firgrr  to 
ggr  ijfofjn  Clarfer  of  a&iceton  itnggfjt  tfiat  toofer  tfie 
Dufce  of  iongrbglr  prisoner :  bjfjo  tnartrlr  tPIijabrtf) 
Kantsag  solr  trougfitrr  an&  firgrr  unto  Cfiomas  i-Jamsog 
d?f  pjgrfiam  iPsquprr  tij  tofiom  fie  fiatr  iiij.  rfiiKrrrn  namelfi 
$ane,  Siliilltam,  Dorotfiij,  antr  Jofin,  antr  trgro  of  tftc  Irtoett  in 
Cfte  tnonetft  of  Julgc  in  the  gerc  of  our  HortJe  si.ccccclj." 


Maister  Almoner   I  receyved  your   Lettre  by 
the    post,  "Wherby   I  understande  of  the  commyng 

»  See  Anselme,  Hist.  Genealog.  et  Chronologique  de  la  Maison  Royale  de  France, 
torn,  i  p.  21/. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  153 

hider  of  the  Due  :  and  how  the  King  is  content  that 
he  shalbe  in  my  houshold.  Touching  this  matier  I 
have  spoken  with  the  Counsaill  to  loke  and  appointe 
what  companye  shalbe  mete  t'attende  upon  hym. 
Here  is  noon  that  is  good  for  it  but  my  Lord  Mount- 
joye,  who  now  goeth  to  Calays  as  chief  Captain  of 
the  vc  men.  And  for  this  cause,  and  also  that  I  am 
not  soo  wel  accompaned  as  were  convenient  for  his 
kepyng  her,  it  is  thought  to  me  and  my  counsail 
that  it  shuld  bee  better  the  said  Due  bee  assone  as  he 
commeth  conveyed  to  the  Towr,  specially  the  Scotts 
being  soo  besy  as  thay  now  bee,  and  I  lokyng  for 
my  departing  every  houre,  it  shall  bee  a  grete  com- 
braunce  to  me  to  have  this  prisoner  here ;  seing  that 
according  to  the  Kings  mynde  he  must  be  conveyed 
to  the  Towr  at  my  going  forward.  I  pray  you 
shewe  this  to  the  King,  and  with  the  next  messanger 
sende  me  an  answer  of  his  pleasir. 

Mr.  Almoner  I  am  sory,  knowing  that  I  have  been 
alwayes  soo  bounde  unto  you  that  now  ye  shal  thinke 
that  I  am  myscontent  without  a  cause,  seing  that 
my  servaunt  asked  of  you  noo  lettre,  ne  brought  you 
noon  from  me.  The  cause  was,  that  ij.  dayes  befor 
I  wrote  unto  you  by  Copynger,  and  at  that  tyme  I 
had  noo  thing  further  to  write,  and  with  my  servants 
unwise  demeanur  I  am  noo  thing  wel  contente ;  ffor 
oon  of  the  grettest  comforts  that  I  have  now,  is  to 
here  by  your   lettres  of  the   Kings  helthe  ;  and  of 

II  5 


154  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

all  your  newes ;  and  soo  I  pray  you  Mr.  Almoner 
to  contynue  as  hiderto  ye  have  doon :  ffor  I  promise 
you  that  from  hensforth  ye  shal  lakke  noon  of  myn. 
And  befor  this  ye  shuld  have  had  many  moo,  but  I 
thinke  that  your  besnesse  scantly  geveth  you  leysser 
to  rede  my  lettres.  From  hens  I  have  noo  thing  to 
write  to  you,  mor  than  I  am  suer  the  Counsaill  en- 
formeth  the  King.  Prayeng  God  to  sende  us  as  good 
lukke  against  the  Scotts,  as  the  King  hath  ther. 
At  Richemount  the  ijde  day  of  Septembre. 

KATHERINE    THE    QWENE. 
To  Maister  Almoner. 


LETTER  LXII. 


Thomas  Lord  Howard,  eldest  son  of  the  Duke  of  Nor- 
folk, and  Lord  Admiral,  to  Wolsey ;  written  im- 
mediately after  succeeding  to  his  brothers  command 

in  that  office.' 

[ibid.  vi.  153.  Orig.~\ 

Myn  owne  gode  Master  Awlmosner  all  such 
matiers  as  I  have  wryten  to  the  Kyngs  Grace  off  I 
woll  leve  unwriten  to  you ;  assewring  you  that  I  have 
here  fownd  the  worst  ordered  Armye,  and  furthest 
out  of  rewle  that  ever  I  saw.  This  day  when  I  cam 
hither  I  am  sewer  ther  wer  more  then  half  the 
Armye  on  londe  ;  and  I  fere  me,  by  heryng  say  ther 
is  a  grete  nomber  stolen  away.  At  my  coinyng  to 
Exeter  I  herd  of  their   departyng  and  so  have  sent 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  155 

thorow  all  the  contre  to  bryng  them  agayne.  Never 
man  saw  men  in  greter  fere  then  all  the  Masters  and 
Maryners  be  off  the  Galies.  In  so  moche  that  in  a 
maner  they  had  as  leve  go  in  to  Purgatory  as  to  the 
trade.  But  that  notwithstondyng,  iff  the  Kyngs 
Grace  send  me  not  contrarie  comandement  I  trust 
to  be  there  by  ffryday  at  the  furthest.  Also  the 
Kyngs  lettre  sent  unto  the  Captayns  hath  gretly 
trobled  and  discoraged  them :  for  they  had  trusted 
to  have  had  grete  thanks :  and  undowted  as  many 
jantilmen  as  wer  warned  theroff,  did  as  valiauntly  as 
was  possible.  And  as  for  the  Galies  myght  have  be 
brent,  but  my  brothir,  whom  God  pardon,  was  so 
feise  that  he  wold  suffer  no  man  to  cast  in  wyldfier. 
And  the  said  Galies  dyd  our  men  but  litell  hurt :  but 
bothe  the  shorys  wer  so  well  bulwarked,  and  so  in- 
newmerable  ordinance  therin,  that  it  is  to  wonderfull 
to  here  the  report  of  them  that  saw  it. 

Gode  master  Awlmosner  cause  the  Kyngs  Grace 
to  wryght  unto  the  Captayns  som  favorable  Lettre, 
ffor  I  assewre  you  it  is  nedefull :  and  iff  any  of  them 
wold  make  labor  to  awayte  on  his  Grace  when  he 
go  the  over  See,  for  Godds  sake  stope  it :  for  and 
one  shuld  go,  all  the  resydew  wold  desire  the  same. 

Here  is  ij.  men  that  as  I  here  sey  did  their  part 
veray  ill  that  day  my  brother  was  lost.  The  one  was 
Coke  the  Qwenys  servant  in  a  row  barge,  and  thoder 
Freman  my  seid  brother  is  howshold  servant.     Iff  it 


156  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

be  off  trewth  I  shall  ponyshe  them  that  all  other 
shall  take  ensample.  I  assewryng  you  that  I  see 
veray  few  or  none,  grete  nor  small,  that  with  their 
wills  wold  go  agayne  to  the  trade.  What  the  cause 
is  as  yet  I  can  not  say,  but  shortly  I  trust  to  se  iff 
the  danger  be  so  grete  as  I  am  enformed  off.  Be- 
sechyng  you  that  the  Kyngs  Grace  take  no  dis- 
plesure  with  me  that  I  tary  here  so  long,  for  I  as- 
sewre  you  no  man  is  so  wery  theroff  as  I :  and  before 
Thursday  it  shall  not  be  possible  for  us  to  depart. 
What  for  takyng  in  off  vitell,  wherof  a  grete  part  as 
yet  is  un  come,  and  also  I  fere  we  shall  have  moche 
a  do  to  get  our  Souldiors  a  borde.  Also,  the  Anne 
Galaunt  is  in  suche  case  that  she  shall  not  be  able  to 
go  to  the  See  this  yere.  She  lieth  here  on  dry 
grownde,  and  in  her  stede  I  have  takyn  another.  I 
wold  wright  to  you  off  many  other  causys,  but  that 
I  woll  not  tary  the  post  no  longer  :  and  iff  the 
Kynges  lettres  come  to  Plymouth  when  I  am  gone, 
I  shall  leve  one  to  bryng  them  after,  with  Godds 
grace,  who  kepe  you.  Scrybeled  in  gret  hast  in  the 
Mary  Rose  at  Plymouth  half  or  after  xj.  at  night 
the  vij.  day  off  May.  Yor  owne 

THOMAS    HOWARD. 
To  Master  Awlmosner  w' 
the  Kyngs  Grace. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  LXIII. 


157 


Thomas  Lord  Howard  to   Wolsey.      The  difficulties 
which  he  has  to  encounter  as  Lord  Admiral. 

[ibid.  vi.  158.  Orig.~\ 

Master  Almoner  with  all  my  hert  I  recomande 
me  unto  you.  Gocle  Master  Almoner  I  have  fownd 
you  so  kynd  unto  me  that  me  thynk  I  can  do  no  les 
then  to  wright  unto  you  fro  tyme  to  tyme  of  all  my 
causis.  So  it  is,  thogh  I  be  unable  therfor,  it  hath 
plesed  the  Kyngs  Grace  to  yeve  this  grete  rome  and 
auctorite  more  mete  for  a  wise  expert  man  then  me. 
But  sith  it  hath  plesed  his  Grace  to  admytt  me 
thereunto,  as  fer  as  my  pore  wit  can  extende,  I  shall 
endeuor  my  selff  fro  tyme  to  tyme  to  do  all  maner 
of  seruyce  wher  I  shall  thynk  to  deserve  his  most 
desired  favor.  And  gode  master  Almoner  as  my 
most  synguler  trust  is  in  you,  sind  me  both  now  and 
at  all  other  tymes  your  gode  advyse  and  consell,  as- 
sewring  you  that  never  pore  jantilman  was  in  gretter 
fere  to  take  rebuke  and  ill  report  then  I  am  of  suche 
as  know1  not  what  may  be  done,  wich  generally  be 
the  grettest  nombre,  and  for  many  causis,  of  wich  I 
shall  reherse  a  part.  Furst  I  well  perceyve  what 
reports  both  this  yere  and  the  last  was  made  off  my 
brother,  whom  Jhesu  pardon,  because  ther  was  none 
other  servyce  done  consyderyng  what  grete  charges 


158  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  Kyng  was  at  in  kepyng  so  grete  a  navye  on  the 
See.  And  I  well  know  that  I,  nor  no  man  hath 
better  will  nor  more  hardely  durst  serve  his  master 
then  he,  as  the  proffe  hath  shewed ;  and  as  for  expe- 
rience I  am  yet  fer  fro  that  he  had,  and  yet  his  for- 
tewne  was  not  to  have  at  all  tymes  the  best  report; 
many  men  puttyng  fere  what  he  durst  do,  wich 
opynions  the  day  off  his  deth  he  well  proved  untrew. 
Alas  Master  Almoner  I  se  not  now  how  I  shall 
eskape  such  reports,  for  I  can  not  se  how  I  may  do 
any  plesant  servyce  to  my  Master :  ffor  I  see  noe 
ways  but  one  of  the  too.  The  one  is  that  at  my 
goinge  to  Brytaynge  my  fortewne  myght  have  be  so 
gode  that  either  I  myght  have  brenned  the  shippes 
at  Brest  castell,  or  els  to  have  dystroyed  the  havyn 
there  with  drownyng  of  shippes  as  I  have  before 
wryten  unto  you.  Wich  enterprises  beyng  debated 
before  His  Grace,  and  such  dangers  as  I  thoght 
myght  therof  ensew  by  me  declared  before  His 
Grace,  I  shewde  his  Grace  I  durst  not  enterprise 
the  seid  feats  onles  that  His  Grace  wold  discharge 
me  iff  any  mysfortewne  fell  by  the  same :  and  then 
hys  Grace  bad  me  not  spare  to  adventure  the  same, 
and  to  go  with  his  Armye  in  to  the  grete  water  of 
Brest.  And  now  sith  his  departure  hens  my  Lord  of 
Wynchester  and  my  Lord  Lizle  hath  deuysed  upon 
the  seid  enterprises,  and  yesterday  called  me  unto 
them  and  comaunded  me  in  the  Kyngs  name  not  to 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  159 

enter  the  water  of  Brest  till  I  knew  further  of  the 
Kyngs  plesure,  for  grete  causis  wich  they  wold  ad- 
vertise the  Kyng  and  his  consell  off:  and  so  this 
matier  takyng  none  effect,  I  se  no  way  how  I  shall 
deserve  thank  oneles  the  Skotts  and  Danys  joyne 
with  the  Frenchmen,  without  whom  I  never  thynk 
we  shall  fynd  the  Frenchmen  a  brode  :  and  therfor  I 
beseche  God  that  shortly  they  may  joyn,  wich  onely 
may  be  the  savegarde  of  my  gode  name.  And  gode 
Master  Almoner  iff  ye  se  sewerly  that  the  Skotts  and 
Danys  come  not,  let  me  have  licence  to  discharge  all 
this  armye,  save  only  the  Kyngs  shippes,  with  whom 
the  Navie  of  France  wol  not  fyght  this  yere.  And  as 
for  the  Spanyards  here,  I  assewre  you  [they]  wold  fay ne 
be  at  home  ever  sith  they  here  of  the  trewes.  And 
thus  most  hertly  I  beseche  you,  iff  my  mysfortewne 
shalbe  to  do  no  acceptable  servyce,  to  be  menys  for 
me  to  the  Kyng  and  his  consell  to  consider  that  never 
man  endured  more  payne  then  I  shall  do,  to  se  all 
other  wher  they  may  do  gode  seruyce  if  they  woll; 
and  I  can  do  none  but  his  enemyes  woll  adventure 
as  well  as  I.  And  for  Godds  sake  let  his  Grace  and 
his  consell  comande  me  to  some  herd  enterprise  to 
se  if  I  woll  folow  the  same,  being  in  dispaire,  save 
onely  off  the  Skotts  and  Danys  comyng. 

Master  Almoner  all  the  premisses  and  all  other  my 
causis  I  remit  to  your  wisdome,  ffully  trustyng  that 
ye  woll  not  onely  fro  tyme  to  tyme  yeve  me  yor  gode 


160  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

advyse  and  consell,  but  also  with  yor  frendly  words 
withstonde  all  ill  reports  undeserved  made  of  me, 
as  my  synguler  trust  is  in  you :  and  thus  or  Lord 
have  you  in  his  tuicion.  Scribled  at  Hampton  the 
v.  day  off  Juny.  Yors  asseuredly 

THOMAS    HOWARD. 
To  Master  Almoner 
with  the  Kyngs  Grace. 


LETTER  LXIV. 

Edmund  Howard,  third  son  of  Thomas  second  Duke 

of  Norfolk,  to   Cardinal  Wolsey ;  overwhelmed  in 

debt,  and  entreating  for  employment  in   the  King's 

service. 

[ibid.  vi.  160.  Orig.~\ 

My  duty  remembryd,  humebly  I  beseche  youre 
Grace  to  be  my  good  Lorde,  for  with  owt  youre 
graceus  helppe  I  am  uttyrly  ondone.  Syr  so  yt  is 
that  I  am  so  far  in  danger  off  the  Kyngs  lawys  by 
reasone  off  det  that  I  am  in,  that  I  dare  not  go  a 
brode,  nor  cume  at  myn  owne  howsse,  and  am  fayne 
to  absent  me  frome  my  wyffe  and  my  poore  chyl- 
derne,  ther  ys  sotche  wryts  off  excecuseons  owt 
ayenst  me ;  and  also  sotche  as  be  my  suretes  ar 
dayle  arestyd,  and  put  to  gret  troble,  whytche  is  to 
my  gret  shame  and  rebewke.  Syr  ther  ys  no  helpe 
but  throwgh  your  Grace  and  your  good  medeacone 
to  the  Kyngs  Grace,  in  the  whytche  ys  my  synguler 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  161 

trust:  and  your  graceus  favowre  showyd  onto  me, 
in  the  opptaynyng  of  thys  byll  that  I  now  doo  labyr 
for,  shall  not  only  be  merytoryus  but  shalbe  the  save 
garde  of  my  lyff  and  releffe  off  my  poore  wyff  and 
owre  x.  chylderne,  and  set  me  owt  of  det.  And 
humebly  I  beseche  your  Grace  for  sotche  poore 
servysse  as  I  have  done  the  Kyngs  Grace,  and  trust 
for  to  doo,  that  I  be  not  cast  awaye ;  and  if  the  Kyngs 
Grace  or  your  Grace  showlde  comaunde  me  to  doo 
eny  servysse  I  wolde  trust  to  doo  exceptable  servysse ; 
and  levyr  I  had  to  be  in  his  Grace'  servysse  at  the 
farthyst  end  of  Krystendome  then  to  leyff  thus 
wretchydly,  and  dy  with  thowght  sorowe  and  care. 
I  maye  repent  that  evyr  I  was  noble  mans  sone 
borne,  ledyng  the  sorafull  lyffe  that  I  leyff,  and  if  I 
were  a  poore  mans  sone  I  myght  dyg  and  delve  for 
my  levyng  and  my  chylderne  and  my  wyffys,  for 
whome  I  take  more  thowght  then  for  my  selff:  and 
so  maye  1  not  doo  nowe  but  to  gret  reproche  and 
shame  to  me  and  all  my  blood.  Syr  yff  there  be 
eny  creature  levyng  that  can  laye  to  me  other  trea- 
sone,  murdyr,  ffellony,  rappe,  extorseon,  brybre,  or 
in  mayntenyng  or  supportyng  of  eny  of  thes,  and  to 
be  approvyd  on  me,  then  let  me  have  the  extremety 
of  the  Kyngs  lawys  ;  and  I  trust  ther  shall  none 
laye  ayenst  me  eny  thyng  to  be  approvyd  to  my 
reprotche  but  onely  det.  Syr  I  am  enformyd  ther 
shalbe  a  vyage  made  in  to  an  newfounde  land  with 


1G2  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

dyvyrs  shypps  and  cappetayns  and  sogears  in  tliem  ; 
and  I  am  informyd  the  vyage  shalbe  honorable  and 
profitable  to  the  Kyngs  Grace  and  all  hys  reame. 
Syr  if  your  Grace  thynk  my  poore  karkes  eny  thyng 
meet  to  serve  the  Kyngs  Grace  in  the  sayde  vyage, 
for  the  byttyr  passeon  of  Kryst  be  youe  my  good 
lorde  ther  in,  for  now  I  doo  leyff  as  wretchyd  a  lyffe 
as  ever  dyd  jentylman  beyng  a  tru  man,  and  nothyng 
I  have  to  leyff  on,  nor  to  fynd  me  my  wyffe  and  my 
chylderne  met  or  drynke  ;  and  glad  I  wolde  be  to 
ventyr  my  lyffe  to  doo  the  Kyng  servysse,  and  if  I 
be  put  ther  onto  I  dowt  not  but  I  shall  doo  sotche 
servysse  as  shalbe  exceptable  and  redownd  to  hys 
Grace  honowre.  And  Syr  I  have  nothyng  to  losse 
but  my  lyff,  and  that  I  wolde  gladly  adventyr  in  his 
servysse  trustyng  therby  to  wyn  sume  honeste,  and 
to  get  sumewhat  toward  my  levyng;  and  if  yt  shall 
pleace  the  Kyngs  Grace  to  have  my  body  doo  hym 
servysse  in  the  sayd  vyage,  humebly  I  beseche  your 
Grace  that  I  maye  know  your  pleasure  therin.  Syr 
I  ensure  you  ther  shall  nothyng  nor  nother  frend 
nor  kyn  let  me,  but  with  a  wyllyng  hert  I  wyll  go, 
so  yt  shall  stand  with  the  Kyngs  pleasure  and  yours. 
The  Kyngs  Grace  beyng  so  good  lorde  to  me 
throwghe  your  good  medeacone  as  to  yeve  and  as- 
syne  my  byll  the  whytche  I  now  doo  sew  for,  or  to 
set  me  owt  off  det  sume  othyr  ways.  Syr  I  beseche 
your  Grace  to  pardon  me  that  I  came  not  to  your 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  163 

Grace  myselff  acordyng  to  my  duty,  but  surely  Syr 
I  dare  not  go  a  brode,  and  therfor  I  have  bene  thus 
bowlde  to  wryglit  to  your  Grace.  All  the  premyssys 
consyderyd  I  humebly  beseche  your  Grace  to  be  my 
good  lorde,  for  the  passeon  of  Kryste  and  in  the  waye 
of  charyte  and  pete.  I  beseche  your  Grace  to  par- 
don me  of  this  my  bowlde  wrytyng,  but  very  po- 
vyrte  and  neede  forsyth  me  thus  to  doo,  as  know* 
our  Lorde  Jhus,  who  have  youe  in  hys  blyssyd  tuys- 
seone.  Wretyn  with  the  hand  of  hym  that  ys  as- 
surydly  yours,  edmund  Howard,  knyght. 

To  my  Lorde  Cardenalls 
good  Grace,  ia  hast. 


LETTER  LXV. 

Another  Account  of  the  Baltic  of  Floddon,  a.  d.  1518, 
in  a  Letter  fiom  Dr.  William  Knight,  the  English 
Minister  at  the  Court  of  Margaret  Duchess  of  Bur- 
gundy, to  Cardinal  Bainbridge  at  Rome. 

[MS.  HARL.  3462.  fol.  32  b.] 

LITTER^E  ORATORIS  REGIS  ANGLLE  EXISTENTIS  APUD 
ILLUSTRISSIMAM  DOMINAM  MARGAR1TAM,  AD  RE- 
VERENDISSIMUM  D.  CARDINALEM  ANGLICUM,  DE 
VICTORIA  REGIS  ANGLIC  ET  CEDE  SCOTORUM 
REGIS. 

Reverendissime  in  Christo  pater  &c.     Die  pre- 
sentis  mensis  xvij.  scripsi  proximas  meas  Literas  ad 


164  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

D.  V.  reverendissimam  quae  continebant  magnam 
Victoriam  ill.  Comitis  Surren.  et  aliorum  Ducum 
contra  Scotorum  Regem ;  et  heri  Majestas  Regia 
certior  facta  fuit  a  predicto  ill.  Comite  Surren.  Sco- 
torum Regem  in  conflictu  occisum  fuisse  non  longius 
latitudine  lanceae  ab  illo.  Prefatus  Scotorum  Rex 
ductus  fuit  Barrigen.  Majestas  Regia  accepit  palu- 
damentum  ejus.  xiiM.  Scotorum  in  conflictu  occisa 
fuerunt :  omnia  tormenta  et  impedimenta  bellica 
capta,  cum  tentoriis  et  tabernaculis.  Ex  nostris 
pauciores  quingentis  occubuerunt.  Maxima  pars 
Dominorum  Scotiae  in  praelio  interfecta  fuerunt ; 
nam  in  Scotiam  praeter  Thesaurarium  rediit  nemo. 
Dominus  Sauarde3  duxit  primum  agmen  exercitus 
nostri ;  ill.  Comes  Surren.  extremum. 

Quantum  attinet  ad  Obsidionem  Tornacen.  Do- 
minus Lille  vi  cepit  unam  ex  portis  Civitatis,  et 
nocte  proxime  preterita  ingressus  est  predictam 
portam,  in  cujus  rei  signum  abduxit  duas  Imagines 
quae  inter  portas  collocabantur.  Civitas  tormentis 
ita  conquasiata  est,  ut  jampridem  miserit  ad  Ma- 
jestatem  Regiam  Nuntios  implorantes  misericordiam, 
et  hodie  eis  dabitur  Audientia. 

Postscripta.  Fuerunt  in  exercitu  Scotico  non- 
nulli  Galli,  quorum  una  pars  in  conflictu  interfecta 
fuit,  altera  trucidata  ab  ipsis  Scotis,  quia  illis  Gallis 
objecerunt  ipsos  causa  destructionis  suae  fuisse.  xxa 
Sept.  ex  Lille. 

a  Hauard,  Howard. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  LXVI. 

King  Henry  the  Eighth  to  Pope  Leo  the   Tenth,   in 
favour  of  the  Observant  Friars. 

[FROM  THE  VATICAN  TRANSCRIPTS,  Vol.  XXXvii.  fol.  17.] 

%*  The  Franciscan,  Observant,  or  Grey  Friars  were  great  fa- 
vourites with  Henry  the  Eighth  till  they  interfered  with  his  divorce. 
The  character  he  gives  of  them  in  the  present  Letter  is  fervid  and 
was  probably  dictated  not  only  by  a  kind,  but  by  a  conscientious 
feeling  at  the  immediate  moment.  How  differently  he  felt  at  an 
after  period  as  to  Friars  in  general  may  be  gathered  from  a  Song  in 
score,  still  preserved  in  the  Museum  Library,  in  one  of  his  own 
music-books,  viz. 

"  Frer  Gastkyn  wo  thou  be, 

qui  manes  hie  in  patria, 
For  all  that  her  supportyth  the, 

thou  makyst  the  way  ad  Tartara; 
Tartary  ys  a  place  trewly, 

pro  te  et  consimilibus , 
For  hym  that  lyvyth  in  Apostacy, 

absentyd  a  cluustrulibus; 
A  fysche  to  lyve  all  ways  iu  lond, 

quod  vere  mirabilius, 
A  frer  sertayn  that  so  doth  stond 

Amend,  et  mane  tuis  fratribus  ; 
Lest  the  Devyll  for  the  do  send, 

to  present  the  Demonibus. 
Et  fae  cum  consilio. 
For  he  that  made  these  reimes 

Would  all  such  were  inpelago, 
In  a  bote  full  of  holys, 

tit  ibi  cum  doloribus, 
Ther  myzth  he  ster  and  blowe  the  colys, 

tyll  he  were  sub  fluminibus. 
Show  thys,  I  care  not  to  whome, 

Priori  vel  Episcopo, 
For  all  such  frers  schold  byde  at  home, 
non  vagans  hie  in  seculo. 

Qd.  Raff  Drake." 


SANCTISSIMO      CLEMENTISSIMOQUE      DOMINO      NOSTRO 

PAP^E. 

Beatissime  Pater,    post   humillimam  commencla- 
tionem  et  devotissima  pedum  oscula  beatorum,  conati 


166  ORIGIN  VL    LETTERS. 

suraus,  nonnullis  jam  nostris  litteris,  vestrae  Sanc- 
titati  significare  peculiarem  nostram  devotionem,  ac 
ferventissimum  studium  erga  Sanctam  Familiam 
Fratrum  Minorum  de  Observantia;  sed  certe  af- 
fectum nostrum  recte  exprimere  non  valuimus,  qui 
licet  tantus  sit  quantus  esse  potest,  minor  tamen 
nobis  videtur  dictae  familiae  meritis,  in  qua  Chris- 
tianae  paupertatis,  synceritatis,  et  charitatis  exem- 
plum  nostra  sententia  maxime  elucet  haec  nostra 
sacra  Familia  a  divitiarum  spinis,  quae  multos  fru- 
giferos  olim  agros  jam  totos  obsident ;  adliuc  munda 
jejuniis,  orationibus,  sacrificiis,  hymnis,  summa  vitae 
puritate,  summa  pietate,  summis  quoque  laboribus 
diebus  ac  noctibus  est  occupata,  Deoque  pecca- 
toribus  placando  ac  reconciliando  intenta.  Porro 
adversus  vitia,  nulla  alia  religiosa  Familia  tantopere 
tamque  assidue  preliatur ;  nulla  ad  Dominici  ovilis 
custodia  tam  multos  animososque  catulos  producit : 
quare  earn  omni  favore  complectendam,  juvandam, 
ampliandam,  honestandam,  et  quasi  virtutum  plan- 
tarium  deffundendam  esse  censemus.  Cui  rei  nos 
pro  virili  nostra  omnem  operam  damus,  et  quanto 
possumus  patrocinio  die  toe  Familiae  semper  praesto 
suinus ;  ideoque  nuper  intelligentes  earn  ejusdem 
quidem  nominis,  sed  minim e  ejusdem  observationis, 
qui  Conventuales  appellantur,  continenter  vexari 
precipue  super   nonnullis  Conventibus  in  Provincia 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  167 

Coloniensi,  et  cluobus  reformatis  videlicet  Gronyn- 
geii.  et  Dordracen.  neque  non  super  Aqueii.  Lou- 
vanien.  Middelburgen.  et  Dysten  Conventibus  per 
felicis  memoriae  Julium  II.  dictae  familiae  unitis, 
auxilium  nullum  efficacius  ei  praestare  nos  posse 
judicaviraus,  quam  ipsam  vestrae  Beatitudini  toto 
corde  comrnendare,  proinde  maximum  in  modum 
vestram  Sanctitatem  rogamus  ut  dictam  Familiam 
ab  hujusmodi  litibus  alienissimam  sua  authoritate 
suoque  numine  protegere,  ac  ab  omnibus  Adversariis 
tueri,  turn  privilegia,  indulta,  et  gratias  quas  supra- 
dictus  vestrae  Sanctitatis  precessor  J  ulius  II.  eidem 
Sancta?  Familiae  concessit  corroborare,  extinctasque 
per  eundem  suum  precessorem  lites  penitus  tollere, 
et  breviter  dictae  familiae  paci,  quit  ti,  tranquillitati, 
et  incremento  modis  omnibus  consulere  dignetur, 
quod  tanto  confidentius  a  vestra  Beatitudine  non 
solum  petimus,  sed  etiam  exigimus,  quantoipsa  suis 
precessoribus  bonitate  et  vera  sanctitate  precellit. 
Huic  nostro  desiderio  si  vestra  Sanctitas  (uti  spe- 
ramus)  solita  sua  in  nos  pietate  ac  benignitate  an- 
nuerit,  ingentem  calculum  suorum  erga  nos  bene- 
ficiorum  cumvdo  adjiciet,  quae  vero  dicta  Familia  et 
nos  pro  ea  a  vestra  Sanctitate  suppliciter  petamus 
Reverendus  in  Cliristo  Pater  D.  Episcopus  "VVigor- 
niensis  noster  apud  earn  Orator  uberius,  expres- 
siusque  ipsi    declarabit.      Quae    felicissime  ac    diu- 


1GS  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

tissime  valeat.     Ex  Palatio  nostro  Grenvici  die  xij. 
Martii  m.d.xiii. 

E.  V.  S,is 
devotissimus  ac  obsequentissimus  Alius 

Dei  gratia  Rex  Angliae  et  Franciae 
ac  Dominus  Hiberniae 

henricus. 


LETTER  LXVII. 

The  University  of  Cambridge  to  JFolsey,  recently 
made  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  pressing  him  to  accept 
their  Chancellorship. 

[ms.  ADDIT.  COLE.  BRIT.  MI'S.  5783.] 

%*  John  Fawne,  the  Vice-Chancellor,  calls  himself  President  of 
the  University  in  this  Letter,  the  Chancellorship  being  vacant. 


HONORIFICENTISSIMO  DOMINO  THOMtE  lincolnle 
PRiESULI,  FLORENTISSIMI  AC  METUENDISSIMI  RE- 
GIS NOSTRI  ELEEMOSYNARIO  DIGNISSIMO,  JOHAN- 
NES FAWNE  UNIVERSITATIS  CANTABRIGLE  PR^E- 
SIDENS,  CUM  TOTO  REGENTIUM  ET  NON-REGEN- 
TIUM    CONTUBERNIO    S.    IN    D.   SEMPITERNAM. 

Quantum  Gaudii  ex  his  tuis  Honoribus,  Digni- 
tatibusque  cepere  Docti  omnes  Pater  omatissime, 
non  possumus  Literis  explicare:  nee  quidem  ab  Te, 
quandoquidem  et  literatissimus,  et  bonarum  Litera- 
rum  studiosissimus,  uno  omnium  Consensu  praedi- 
caris  :  inter  quos,  et  nos  effusissime  gaudemus,  gra- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  169 

tulamurque  Doctis  omnibus,  eum  ad  summum  Ho- 
noris fastigium  evectum,  qui  Literas  ab  Injuria  vin- 
dicare  et  possit,  et  studeat.  Neque  cuiquam  dubium 
erat,  ad  quern  Fama  tuarum  Virtutum  pervenit,  quia 
aliquando  extollereris.  Quanti  te  fecit  hujus  Prin- 
cipis  Pater,  Regum  nimirum  prudentissimus,  Nemo 
est  qui  nescit.  Verum  hujus  Filius,  Principum,  non 
modo  quos  nostra  vidit  iEtas,  sed  quos  veterum 
etiam  Annales  referunt,  cordatissimus ;  quaeque 
praecipua  Regum  virtus  est,  in  deligendo  quos  di- 
ligat,  diligentissimus :  ita  Te  fovet,  ornatque,  ut 
nihil  supra.  Cui  placuisse  absolutae  tibi  Laudis,  et 
vel  longissimi  Praeconii  instar  fuerit.  Quis  Pruden- 
tiam  et  Doctrinam  tuam  ?  Quis  Justitiam  et  Libe- 
ralitatem  ?  Quis  reliquas  Virtutes  ignorat  ?  Quibus 
gratissimus,  jucundissimusque  es  Summis,  privatis 
et  infimis  :  quibus  nos  quoque  allecti,  Te  nostrum 
Cancellarium,  nostrum  Patronum,  nostrum  denique 
Decus  et  Ornamentum  delegimus.  Sub  quo  bonae 
artes,  et  ingenua  studia  floreant,  niteantque :  in  quo 
maxime  celebrando  omnes  Literati  suos  labores, 
suasque  vigilias  ponere  debeant. 

Proinde,  Pater  amplissime,  hos  nostros  in  te  Ani- 
mos  boni  consulas,  Te  etiam,  atque  etiam  oramus, 
sinasque  hunc  Honorem,  tuis  virtutibus  longe  in- 
feriorem,  a  nobis  quam  libentissime  tibi  delatum, 
reliquis  tuis  Titulis  ornatissimis  accedere.  Quod  si 
feceris  quod   te  facturum  minime   ambigimus,  Deo 

VOL.  I.  I 


170  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Opt.  Max.  Rem  gratissimam  facies  cujus  Cultus 
per  te  magis  ac  magis  crescat,  et  Eruclitionem  am- 
plificatis,  qua  Laudes  tuas  ad  asteros  propagare 
possit.  Nos  id  unum  quod  possumus,  et  Nestoreos 
tibi  Annos,  et  perpetuum  Exemplar,  et  nos,  nos- 
tramque  Academiam  protege,  fove,  exorna. 

Iidem  tui  Clientuli 

et  in  Christo  Filioli. 

Cantabrig.  9  Cal.  Jun. 

Anno  a  Christo  nato,  1514. 


LETTER  LXVIII. 


Woheys  Reply  to  the   University   of  Cambridge,  de- 
clining the  Honour  offered  to  him. 

[MS.  BRIT.  MUS.  ADDIT.  Ut  SUpr.'] 

%*  The  University  in  the  Letter  which  precedes  this,  went  out  of 
their  way  to  select  an  individual  for  their  Chancellor,  who  was 
neither  a  member  of  their  body,  nor  had  deserved  any  thing  at  their 
hands.  Wolsey's  answer  is  dignified  and  consistent ;  full  of  ac- 
knowledgement for  the  honour  done  to  him,  with  promises  of  pa- 
tronage and  service,  which  did  not  go  unfulfilled  at  a  later  day. 

Ordinarily  the  Cardinal  had  no  objection  to  have  honours  heaped 
upon  him ;  but  in  this  instance  it  seems  fair  to  conclude  that  his 
determination  had  been  already  taken  that  the  stream  of  his  bounty 
was  to  flow  to  Oxford,  and  on  that  account  that  the  acceptance  of 
the  honour  would  have  involved  him  in  difficulty.  He  pleaded  the 
weight  of  business  in  his  Letter,  and  gave  other,  private  reasons,  to 
the  Proctors  who  came  to  invite  him,  for  them  to  detail  to  the  Uni- 
versity. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  171 

THOMAS  LINCOLN.  EPISCOPUS,  VENERABILI  CCETUI 
ET  CONGREGATIONI  REGENTIUM  ET  NON-REGEN- 
TIUM   UNIVERSITATIS    CANTABRIGIENSIS,    S.P. 

Reddit^e  mihi  fuerunt  Literaa  vestras  a  Viris 
praestantissimis,  qui,  ut  intelligo,  Remp.  vestri 
Gymnasia  hoc  anno  curant  administrantque,  quibus 
nihil  gratius,  nihil  jucundius  esse  debuit:  utpote 
prae  se  ferentes  summam  erga  me  Benevolentiam 
atque  Amorem.  Detulistis  enim  mihi  ultro  eos 
Honores,  qui  apud  vos  sunt  supremi  et  honorificen- 
tissirai :  cum  nondum  quicquam  tale  de  vestra  Uni- 
versitate  meruerim.  Studebo  igitur,  non  solum  Gra- 
tias  quas  possum  maximas  vestris  Humanitatibus 
agere,  sed  etiam  dabo  operam,  ut  quam  saepissime 
(si  quibus  in  rebus  possum)  non  tarn  vobis  pro  mea 
virili  gratificari,  quam  de  omnibus  et  singulis  ves- 
tra? Universitatis  (ubi  locus  et  tempus  erunt)  bene 
mereri.  Multo  plura  ad  vos  scribenda  decreveram, 
si  non  meura  animum  multa,  et  magna  negotia 
Regni  et  Regis  occuparent,  quo  minus  id  facere  im- 
prassentiarum  liceat.  Quamobrem  reliqua  in  man- 
datis,  vestris  Magistratibus,  horum  latoribus,  dedi, 
vobis  exponenda.  Quibus  earn  fidem  habere  ro- 
gamus,  perinde  ac  si  coram  loqueremur.     Valete. 

Totus  ad  Vota, 

T.    LINCOLN. 
Ex  scdibus  nostris 

Londini,  2  Junij,  1514. 


I  2 


172  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  LXIX. 

Richard  Pace  to  Wohey.     The  Cost  of  the  Cardinal's 

Bulls. 
[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  ix.  93.  Orig.~\ 

Most  reverende  fadre  in  Godde  aftre  most  hum- 
ble commendacions  I  have  recevide  your  Graces 
letters  datide  at  London  the  xxv.  daye  off  August, 
conteignynge  your  Graces  desyre  enempst  the  pay- 
ment off  oon  mu.cclx1S  for  th'expedition  off  your 
sayde  graces  Bullis.  My  lorde  yffe  I  were  no  more 
faytheful  and  lounge  unto  your  Grace  than  thoos 
were  that  didde  signifie  unto  you  that  I  schulde  have 
that  summe  off  mony  in  my  handis  off  my  late 
Lordis  gooddis,  your  Grace  schulde  be  greatly  dis- 
sevidde  and  lryndrydde  in  th'expedition  of  your  sayde 
Bullis :  for  upon  my  faythe  and  conscience  at  the 
receptt  off  your  Graces  lettres  i  hadde  not  oon  due' 
off  my  late  lordis  in  my  hands,  nodre  the  banke  off 
Grimaldis,  nodre  none  odre  hadde  ony  mony  off  my 
sayde  lordis :  and  all  the  stuffe  that  was  lefte  in  my 
handis  at  the  departer  off  Mr.  Burbanke  bi  inventari, 
accomptyng  desperate  detts,  doithe  not  amounte  to 
the  summe  off  me  askydde  as  itt  doithe  evidently 
appere  bi  the  accompts;  because  that  i  can  not  sett 
sum  thyngis  as  they  be  estemidde,  as  is  cloithe  sent 
owte  off  Englande,  nothynge  set  by  here  because  the 
colors  off  them  be  not  goodde  ;  yett  not  wythestond- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  173 

ynge  all  thies  difficulties  I,  beynge  most  desirose  to 
accomplysche  your  Graces  desyre  and  commaund- 
ment,  have  made  suche  schyfte  bi  the  helpe  off  my 
frendis  that  I  have  payede  unto  the  Banke  off  Gri- 
maldis  iiijM.  due'  off  golde  for  the  sayde  expedition 
off  your  Graces  Bullis.  And  because  ther  doithe 
lake  sum  money  off  the  summe  desiridde  bi  your 
Grace,  I  wull  kepe  for  the  same  certayne  ryche  vesti- 
ments  and  an  altare  cloithe  off  golde  whyche  stuffe 
didde  cost  my  late  Lorde  vc.  due'  off  golde.  Farther- 
more  I  do  wryte  at  thys  tyme  unto  Mr.  Burbanke 
for  to  presente  unto  your  Grace  oon  odre  ryche 
cloithe  off  arrace  and  sum  odre  thyngis  wurthy  to  be 
gevyn  unto  your  Grace.  So  that  bi  the  sayde 
summe  off  mony  bi  me  payede,  and  thys  forsayde 
stuffe,  your  Graces  desyre  schal  be  undoubtidly  ful- 
fyllidde  or  verraye  litle  lake,  which  I  have  wretyn 
to  Mr.  Wythers  for  to  supplie. 

And  as  touchynge  your  Grace's  desyre  that  goodde 
respecte  and  consideration  schulde  be  hadde  unto 
your  places  whyche  be  fallen  into  great  decaye,  thys 
your  Grace's  petition  is  undoubtidly  veraye  reason- 
able. For  he  that  doithe  occupie  and  exspende  the 
gooddis  off  the  Churche  schulde  off  dewtie  and  con- 
science see  diligently  that  the  byldynges  apperteign- 
ynge  unto  the  same  schulde  be  conveniently  re- 
parydde  and  upholden.  I  do  wryte  at  thys  tyme 
unto  Mr.  Wethers  off  this  matier,   and  as  principal 


174  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

executor  namidde  in  my  late  Lordis  testamente,  do 

consent  fully  that  goodde  respecte  and  consideration 

be  hadde  hereunto,  not  oonly  for  the  contentation 

off  your  Grace's  mynde,  but  also  for  the  welthe  off  my 

late  Lordis  sowle.     As  for  Mr.  Burbank  I  doubt  not 

but  he  wull  consent  to  all  thynge  determinidde  bi  me. 

My  Lorde  your  Grace  schall  undrestonde  that  I 

have  to  the  uttermust  off  my  power  accomplyschydde 

your  desyre,   for  the  love   oonly  and  faythefulnesse 

that  I  do  owe  unto  your  Grace,  and  not  inducydde 

therunto  bi  ony  mannys  crafty  wrytynge  or  promise 

made  unto  yow  :  for  Mr.  Wethers  hadde   none  au- 

toritie  for  to  make  ony  promise  for  ony  mony  to  be 

payde    off  my   late   lordis    gooddis   beyng    in    Itali, 

for  he  is  not  executor  for  the  administration  off  the 

gooddis  lefte  bi  my  sayde  late  Lorde  in  Itali ;  but  I 

alone  and  Mr.  Burbanke  :  and  all  thre  in  Englande  : 

and  as  for  me  I  am  nodre  bunde  to  geve  hym  ac- 

compte   nor  none  odre  off  the   gooddis  lefte   here. 

Albeitt  to  thintent  that  your  Grace  maye  evidently 

see  boithe  my  fay  the   and    substantial    dealynge,    I 

wull  that  yow  be  pryvey  to  every  thynge  lefte  here : 

and  as  touchyng  mony,  whatt  was  lefte,  itt  doithe 

appere  bi  the   lettres    testimonial  of  the   bancar  in 

whoos  handis  itt  laye,   whyche  lettres  your  Grace 

schall  receve  wythe  thies  :  and  also  oon  odre  lettre 

frome  my  lorde  the  Cardinal  Surrentineh   to  whome 

my  Lorde  in  hys  dethe  bedde    didde  confesse  whatt 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  175 

summe  of  mony  he  hadde  in  Itali :  and  as  for  thex- 
pences  funeral  and  odre  necessari  thyngis  aftre  my 
lordis  dethe,  secundum  ritum  Romance  Curice  itt 
schall  appere  bi  suche  substantial  accompts  as  Mr. 
Burbanke  haithe  home  wythe  hym. 

My  lorde,  for  as  muche  as  i  have  here  nothynge 
in  maner  lefte,  and  have  hadde  greate  labors  and 
paynes  wythe  in  perdie  off  my  lyfFe  synst  the  dethe 
off  my  late  lorde  (whoos  gooddis  diverse  fals  men 
doithe  aske  off  me  wrongefully,  bryngynge  in  fals 
wyttnesse  lyke  them  selfs)  I  must  most  humbly  de- 
syre  your  Grace  to  be  goodde  lorde  unto  me  in  com- 
maundynge  Mr.  Wethers  to  see  to  me  accordyngly 
boothe  for  the  goodde  and  faytheful  service  I  didde 
many  dayes  unto  my  late  lorde ;  and  also  for  the 
fayth  he  hadde  in  me  and  th'auctoritie  that  he  didde 
put  me  in  in  hys  last  wylle,  so  that  I  have  not 
fumum  tantummodo  magni  nominis,  sine  fructu  et 
utilitate  by  reason  off  myne  absence. 

As  touchynge  your  Graces  most  kynde  wrytynge 
in  oflryng  unto  me  promotion,  and  wyllynge  to  ad- 
mitte  me  unto  your  service,  I  trust  to  be  as  liable  as 
ony  odre  belongynge  to  my  late  lorde  to  do  unto 
your  Grace  acceptable  service,  odre  wythein  the 
realme  off  Englande  or  wythe  owte  itt.  I  can  no 
lesse  do  but  recommende  most  lowly  unto  your 
Grace  my  late  lordis  bredren,  kynnesmen,  and  women, 
wythe  all  odre  hys  servants,  to  thintent  they  be  not 


176  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

deprividde  off  suche  legaces  as  my  late  lorde  didde 
bequest  unto  them.  For  i  hadde  rather  have  no 
parte  off  hys  goodds,  that  evyr  itt  schulde  be  sayde 
bi  ony  man  that  i  for  myn  owne  private  profecte 
wolde  hyndre  ony  kynnesman  or  servaunte  to  my 
late  maister  off  the  value  off  an  halfe  peny.  As 
knowithe  all  myghty  Godde  whoo  preserve  your 
goode  Grace  in  longe  helthe  and  continual  prosperitie. 

Frome  Rome  the  x  off  Septembre  m.d.xiiii.  By 
your  Graces  humble  servaunte  and  headman. 

Post  scripta.  Aftre  the  wrytynge  off  my  forsayde 
Lettre  I  founde  the  means  to  paye  for  th'expedition 
off  your  Graces  bullis  oon  m11         richarde  pace. 

Thys   post  departide  so  hastyly  and   so  unwarly 

that  I  couithe  not   have  the  Cardinal  of   Surrentes 

lettres  afore  namide,  nodre  thoos  off  the  banke   of 

Saules.     Bi  the  nexte  post  your  Grace  schall   not 

favle  to  have  them.' 

Reveren.  in  Xpo  patri  ac  Domino  D.  Thomae 
Lincolinen.  Episcopo  et  Electo,  et  Domino 
suo  colendissimo. 


LETTER  LXX. 

Pace  to  Wolsey  in  continuation  of  the  former  Letter. 

[ibid.  ix.  92.  Orig.~\ 

My  Lorde  I  hadde  forgoten  to  wryte  in  my  longer 

Lettre  that  the  Popis  Holines  doethe  owe  unto  me 

vijc.  due'  off  golde  for  so  muche  plate  hadde  off  me, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


17: 


whyche  mony  I  have  desiridde  for  thex'pedition  off 
your  Gracis  Bullis  ;  but  I  can  gete  no  peny  theroffe. 
Wherfore  thoos  that  didde  wryte  unto  me  that  my 
late  Lordis  gooddis  schulde  be  sequestrate  yffe  I 
didde  not  content  your  Grace  I  wolde  they  schulde 
cause  the  sayde  vijc.  due'  to  be  sequestrate.  They 
neadide  not  to  fere  me  wythe  no  suche  wurdis  ;  for 
I  was  more  redy  to  accomplysche  your  Graces  de- 
syre  than  they,  as  all  honest  Englyschemen  in  Rome 
can  testifie.  As  for  the  poysonynge  off  my  late 
Lorde  Cardinal  itt  haithe  bene  in  the  handis  off 
the  gretest  lernidde  men  in  Rome,  and  determi- 
nidde  bi  the  most  parte  off  them  that  my  sayde 
Lorde  was  poysonydde  in  suche  maner  as  is  com- 
prisidde  in  the  commission  of  hym  that  didde  itt, 
sende  by  me  unto  the  Kyngis  Grace.  I  maye  not 
wryte  herin  that  I  do  knowe.  The  Bishoppe  off 
Worcestre  haithe  marvalose  grete  favor  ad  occul- 
tandam  veritatem.  Sed  immortalis  Deus  tarn  hor- 
rendum  scelus  videtur  odisse.      Die  xi.  Septembris. 


LETTER  LXXI. 

Richard  Pace  recommending  Wolsey  to  seek  the  Car- 

dinalate. 

[ibid.  ix.  87.  Ong-.] 

%*  It  might  be  supposed  from  this  Letter  that  Wolsey's  applica- 
tion to  be  made  a  Cardinal  originated  in  Pace's  suggestion  ;  but 

I  5 


178  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Henry  the  Eighth  had  written  to  Rome  prior  to  the  arrival  of  Pace's 
Letter.  A  copy  of  his  Epistle,  "  AngliaD  Regis  ad  Leonem  X.  pro 
Episcopo  Lincolniensi  ad  Cardinalatus  honorem  promovendo,"  will 
be  found  among  the  Vatican  Transcripts,  IMS.  Addit.  Brit.  Mus. 
15,387.  p.  449.  dated  from  Greenwich,  12  Aug.  1513. 


Most  reverende  fadre  in  Godde  aftre  most  humble 
Commendations.  Because  I  wull  not  troble  your 
Grace  wythe  many  wurdis  in  oon  miserable  and  tediose 
matier  off  the  poysonynge  off  my  late  lorde  Cardinal 
I  have  desiridde  Mr  Burbanke  (to  whome  I  have 
wretyn  theroff  at  large)  for  to  certihe  your  Grace 
off  all  the  processe  in  the  sayde  matier  hydre  too. 
Oon  odre  thynge  I  have  to  advertise  your  Grace  off, 
whyche  is  off  importance :  and  gretly  touchythe 
your  Grace's  honor.  I  have  bene  latly  advertisidde 
secretly  bi  iij.  greate  persons,  and  oon  off  them  that 
the  Popis  Holines  doithe  most  trust  in  hys  most  secrete 
causis,  that  the  Popis  Holines  didde  make  inquisition 
off  them  all  thre  off  your  Graces  qualities ;  signifiynge 
unto  them  that  they  didde  labor  in  Englande  for  to 
make  your  Grace  Cardinal,  whyche  thynge  wolde  I 
be  gladde  to  see  not  oonly  for  your  Grace's  private 
honor,  but  also  for  the  commune,  boithe  honor  and 
profecte,  off  the  hole  realme  :  for  I  assure  you  my 
Lorde  itt  is  necessari  for  the  Kyngis  Grace  to  have 
oon  or  ij.  yff  nede  were  Cardinals,  and  resident  in 
the  Courte  off  Rome,  boethe  for  knowliege  off  all 
thyngis  that  schall  succede  here ;  and  also  for  the 
creation  off  Popis ;  whyche  thynge  is  off  greate  im- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


179 


portance  to  thoos  Princes  bi  whoos  means  they  be 
create,  as  they  myght  be  bi  onr  most  Christian 
Kynge  aswell  as  odre  Princes  yffe  he  hadde  sum 
Cardinals  in  thys  Courte  as  odre  have.  My  Lorde 
I  can  not  tell  whedre  your  Grace  haithe  attemptede 
ony  suche  thynge  or  noo,  nodre  I  wull  presume  to 
knowe  itt :  but  yff  1  hadde  ony  certayntie  theroff 
I  couithe  ryght  well  schewe  unto  you  whatt  persons 
in  thys  Courte  be  most  meate  to  brynge  itt  to  passe, 
and  who  maye  most  let  itt,  yff  they  be  not  made 
frendis  for  that  intent.  Nothynge  movidde  me  thus 
to  wryte  unto  your  Grace  but  oonly  love  and  fkle- 
litie :  and  that  I  am  marvaluse  desirose  to  se  my 
late  Maisters  successor  no  lesse  in  dignitie  than  he 
was.  As  knowith  Godde  whoo  preserve  your  Grace 
in  longe  helthe  and  continual  prosperitie.  Frome 
Rome  the  xxv.  off  Septembre.  By  your  Graces 
most  faytheful  servant  and  beadman 

RICHARDE    PACE. 
Rmo.  in  Ch°.  Patri  ac  Domino  Thorn* 
Eboracen.    Archiepiscopo,  Angliae 
Primati,  Domino  suo  observantissimo. 

Post  scripta.  An  Erie  off  thys  cuntreye  haith 
wretyn  unto  the  Ambassadors  off  the  Kynge  off 
Castill  resident  here,  that  the  Frenche  Kynge  haith 
made  an  army  off  xxxM.  men  and  that  xM.  archiars 
Englyschemen  schall  junea  wyth  them,  whiche  he 
afhrmith  to  be  nowe  schippidde  redy  to  passe  the  see 

0  join. 


180  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  to  take  there  waye  towardes  Lorene.  And  the 
Frenchmen  bi  there  lies  haith  confirmidde  the  same. 
And  thoghe  that  I  am  well  assurydde  that  thys  is 
hut  a  faynydde  matier  and  especially  touchynge  the 
sayde  archiars,  as  I  have  sufficiently  declarydde,  yitt 
thys  nation  is  verraye  evyl  contentidde  wyth  the 
herynge  theroff.  And  theye  be  wurse  contentidde 
wyth  thys,  viz  that  the  Frenche  Kynge  haith  wretyn 
hydre,  that  I  am  here  other  for  to  make  hym  Em- 
peror, or  els  the  Kynge  my  mastre  for  to  let  the 
Kynge  off  Arragon  off  his  intent  and  purpose.  Your 
Grace  maye  knowe  herby  in  what  case  I  do  stonde. 
I  have  no  neade  off  thys  frenche  troble,  for  I  have 
to  muche  besidis  that,  wyth  lytle  bodyly  helth,  bi 
the  reason  off  most  feruent  heats  whyche  we  have 
now  here.  Iterum  valeat  D.  V.  Rma. 

To  my  Lord  Cardinal's  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXII. 

Nicholas  West  Bishop  of  Ely  to  Cardinal  Wolsey, 
on  the  dilapidated  state  in  which  he  found  his  Ca- 
thedral at  his   Visitation.      State   of  the   Fen   at 

Wisbeach. 

[ibid.  xvi.  84.  Orig.~\ 


* 


t*  Nicholas  West  received  the  temporalities  of  the  See  of  Ely 
May  18,  1515.  He  died  April  28,  1533.  Notwithstanding  the  pro- 
spect of  poverty  held  out  in  this  Letter,  he  is  recorded  to  have  lived 
both  at  Ely  and  elsewhere  in  the  greatest  splendor  of  any  prelate  of 
his  time  :  entertaining  in  his  family  constantly  a  hundred  domestics, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  181 

to  the  meanest  of  which  he  paid  as  wages  forty  shillings  per  annum, 
and  to  the  rest  four  pounds  :  and  to  each  of  them  he  gave  annually, 
in  summer,  three  yards  and  a  half  in  cloth  ;  and  for  their  winter 
cloaks  four  yards.  He  is  also  stated  to  have  relieved  no  fewer  than 
two  hundred  poor  people  daily  at  his  gate  with  meat  and  drink. 


My  singular  goode    Lorcle  I  humbly  recommend 
me  to  your  Grace  besechyng  you  to  contynue  my 
goode  Lorde,  and  I  schall  ever  be  as  I  am  bownden 
your   dayly  bedeman.     My  Lorde  I  have  begonne 
my  Visitacyon  in   my  Cathedrall    Churche   of  Ely, 
wher  I  have  ffounde  suche  Mysorder,  as  well  touch- 
yng  the  non  observance  of  Religion  as  allso  dilapi- 
dacyon  and  wastyng  of  the  temporall  goodes,  that 
and  yf  yt  had  nott  ben  lokyd  upon  betymes,  I  sup- 
pose yt  wold  not  have  ben  abull  to  have  contynuyd 
a  Monastery  ffower  yeres.    And  so  I  am  sweyra  your 
Grace  wolde  thynke  yf  ye  knewe  the  specyalltyes.     I 
have  leyn  ther  thys  moneth,  and  taken  muche  payne 
to  reduce  yt  to  some  goode  order,  and  for  that  pur- 
pose I  have  made  a  new  Prior  and  dyverse  other  hed 
Offycers,  whyche   by    the   grace  of   God   and  your 
ffavor  I  trust  schall  reduce  y  t  to  a  goode  state  wy  thin 
some   processe   of  tyme.     And    the  seconde   day  of 
thys  Monethe  I  departyd  from  thens  to  Wysbyche 
countreth,  for  the  draynyng  of  yt  and  the  repara- 
cyons  of  the    Seey  bankys  brokyn  by  the  Tempest 
and  wynde  thys  wynter,  wher  I  have  seen  the  py- 
teoust  syght  that  ever  I  sawe,  for  yt  ys  allmost  uni- 


a  sure. 


1S£  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

versally  drownyd  and  under  water  :  in  somuche  that 
he  that  in  a  lytell  tyme  past  myght  spend  a  hundreth 
poundes  by  yere,  may  nott  att  thys  day  spend  xx'1. 
as  the  Inhabitauntes  ther  credably  hathe   informyd 
me.     "Wherfore  I  purpose  by  the  grace  of  God  and 
the    Kyngs    Highnes    fFavor    and   yours,    to    spend 
muche  parte   of  thys  summer  for  the  remedy    and 
help   of  the   same  by  the  advyse  and  cownsayle  of 
the  wysest,  the  ayde  and  the  assystance  of  the  re- 
manent of  the  inhabytauntes  ther  of  the  Cowntreth, 
ffor  yf  yt  be  nott  helpyd  thys  Somer  I  ffere  me,  and 
so  the  comon  opynyon  ys,  that  yt  wyll  never  be  re- 
coverd ;  wherby  the   See  of  Ely  schold  lose  yerely 
att    the    least    fTyve  hundreth   marcke,    besyde    the 
great  and  importable  losse  of  many  other  gentylmen 
and  comoners  whyche    surmowntythe  the   fForsayde 
some  of  vc.  marke.     And  allbeyt   the  charge  wyll 
draw  above  a  m1.  mark,  and  that  I  att  this  owre  owe 
the  some  of  xiiij.  c  &  l1'.  and  have  not  in  my  handes, 
as  God  be  my  juge,  ffully  the  some  of  cli.     Yet  for 
the    Comon  welth,  trustyng  upon  your  ffavor,    and 
the  goode  help  of  the  Countreth,  I  wyll  enterpryse 
the  matter  thowgh  I  shold  sell  all  the  Plate  I  have, 
and  nyght  and  day  putt  all  my  study  and  dylygence 
for  the  attaynyng  of  my  purpose ;  ffor  yf  I  be  nott 
present  my  syllfe,  thei  have  so  many  froward  heddys, 
and  wyth  that  thei  loke  so  muche  upon  their  singular 
proffetts,  and  be  of  so  dyverse  opynyons,  thatyt  wyll 
never  take  effecte.     Wherfor  I  eftsones  hartely  be- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  183 

seche  your  Grace  to  be  goode  Lord  to  me  and  the 
Countreth  in  thys  behallff ;  and  that  I  may  for  thys 
pyteous  cawse  a  whyle  tarry  emongyst  them  for  the 
spedy  remedying  of  the  same  :  Moreover  your  Grace 
knowythe  that  by  your  comawndement  I  made  an 
ende  wyth  Syr  John  Stanley  for  myn  implements 
and  dylapydacyon,  in  the  whyche  ende  we  concluded 
that  Tyllesley  the  other  Executor  scholde  gyve  me 
cc1'.  and  Syr  John  Standley  ys  bownden  to  me  in 
an  Obligacyon  of  a  Thowsand  marcke  for  to  ayde 
and  assyste  me  for  the  recovery  of  the  same.  And 
my  Lorde  I  have  now  before  you  in  the  Chauncery 
the  sayde  Tyllesley  in  seute  for  the  same  suine. 
Wherfore  I  hartely  beseche  you  to  be  my  goode 
Lorde  and  consydering  my  povertye,  great  charge 
and  dett  that  hangys  upon  my  hand,  ffavorably  to 
help  me  to  recover  my  sayde  Dett,  ffor  on  my  con- 
scyence  a  thowsand  poundes  over  and  above  that  I 
have  receyved  and  schall  receyve  wyll  nott  repayre 
and  make  up  the  decayes  of  my  Maimers  and  ffermys, 
besydes  the  unreasonable  spoyle  that  hathe  ben 
made  by  the  Executors  in  the  sayde  Manoers.  And 
thys  att  the  reverence  of  God,  and  I  wyll  dayly  as  I 
am  bownden  be  your  trewe  bedeman  by  the  help  of 
Jhu  who  have  you  in  hys  tuycon.  ffrom  Wysbyche 
the  iiijth  day  of  Aprill. 

Yr  chapelayn  and  bedman         Ni.  elien. 

To  my  syngular  goode  Lorde  my  Lorde 
Cardynall  Cliaunceler  of  Iuglond. 


184  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  LXXIII. 

Richard  Pace  to   Wolsey.     The  King  determined  not 

to  have  the  Prior  of  St.  Bartholomew? s  made  Bishop 

of  St.  Asaph. 

[ibid.  ix.  7.  Orig.~] 

*»*  A  part  of  this  Letter  will  bring  to  the  reader's  mind  the  short 
Inscription  which  William  of  Wykeham  Bishop  of  Winchester 
placed  upon  several  parts  of  Windsor  Castle,  when  he  reinstated 
that  fortress  for  Edward  the  Third.   "  Hoc  fecit  Wykeham." 

Wolsey  was  correct  in  stating  to  his  master  that  Henry's  predeces- 
sors had  often  rewarded  their  clerks  of  the  works  with  bishopricks; 
but  Henry's  reply  that  such  rewards  were  given  not  for  their  skill  in 
building  only,  but  "  for  some  other  great  qualities  (as  profound  learn- 
ing) annexed  unto  the  same,"  had  more  Lnit  of  sound  remark.  "  Ne- 
vertheless," says  Pace,  "  His  Grace  saith  that  he  is  content  to  re- 
member the  said  Prior's  labours  with  some  other  smaller  promotions 
than  bishopricks." 

The  Prior  of  St.  Bartholomew's,  whom  Wolsey  would  have  pre- 
ferred on  this  occasion,  was  William  Bolton,  who  came  to  that  office 
in  the  21st  of  Henry  VII  a.d.  1505.  Weever,  in  his  Funeral  Mo- 
numents, p.  434,  says,  "  He  was  a  great  builder,  and  repairer  of 
the  Priory  and  the  Parish  Church,  and  of  divers  Lodgings  belong- 
ing to  the  same  :  as  also  of  new  he  builded  the  Manor  of  Canon- 
bury  (now  called  Canbury)  at  Islington,  which  belonged  to  the 
Canons  of  this  house.  This  Bolton,  and  the  rest  of  his  brethren,"  he 
adds,  "  were  portraied  upon  a  Table  sometimes  hanging  in  this 
Church ;  now  it  is  in  Sir  Robert  Cotton's  Library  ;  holding  up  their 
hands  to  a  crucifix,  under  whom  these  verses  were  depensiled. 

Gulielmo  Bolton  precibus  succurrite  vestris 

Qualis  erat  pater  hie,  Domus  hsec,  et  cietera  monstrant." 

The  only  preferment  subsequently  acquired  by  Bolton  was  the  Rec- 
tory of  Harrow  in  Middlesex,  to  which  he  was  instituted  in  1522. 
Here  also  he  is  said  to  have  exercised  his  skill  in  building,  and,  ac- 
cording to  Hall,  subjected  himself  to  popular  ridicule. 

"Inthisyere  "  (says  Hall,  lothHen.  VIII.,  a.d.  1524,)  "Through 
Books  of  Ephimerides  and  Pronostications  made  and  calculate  by 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  185 

Astronomers,  the  people  were  sore  affrayde,  for  the  said  writers  de- 
clared that  this  yere  should  be  suche  Eclipses  in  watery  signes,  and 
such  conjunctions,  that  by  waters  and  fluddes  many  people  should 
perishe.  Iusomuche  that  many  persones  vitailed  themselfes,  and 
went  to  high  groundes  for  feare  of  drounyng ;  and  specially  one 
Bolton,  which  was  Prior  of  Saint  Bartholomew's  in  Smythfeld,  budd- 
ed him  an  house  upon  Harrow-on-the-Hill,  only  for  feare  of  this 
flud,  and  thether  he  went,  and  made  provision  for  all  thinges  neces- 
sarye  within  him  for  the  space  of  two  monthes." 

Stow,  however,  in  his  Survey  of  London,  says,  "  This  was  not 
so,  indeed,  as  I  have  been  credibly  informed.  True  it  is,  that  this 
Bolton  was  parson  of  Harrow,  and  therefore  bestowed  some  small 
reparations  on  the  parsonage  house,  and  built  nothing  there  more 
than  a  dove-house,  to  serve  him  when  he  had  forgone  his  Priory." 

Camden,  in  his  Remains  concerning  Britain,  8vo.  Lond.  1674,  p. 
213,  among  the  Rebuses,  says,  "It  may  seem  doubtful  whether 
Bolton,  Prior  of  St.  Bartholomew's  in  Smithfield,  was  wiser  when 
he  invented  for  his  name  a  bird-bolt  through  a  tun,  or  when  he  built 
him  an  house  upon  Harrow  Hill,  for  fear  of  an  inundation  after  a 
great  conjunction  of  planets  in  the  watry  triplicity."  Bolton's  de- 
vice, alluded  to  by  Camden,  stood,  carved  in  stone,  inserted  in  seve- 
ral places  of  the  garden-wall  of  Canonbury  House,  in  the  remem- 
brance of  the  present  writer.  But  it  was  not  a  rebus ;  it  was  his  coat  of 
arms,  granted  to  him  by  Thomas  Benolt,  Clareucieux  King  of  Arms, 
22  March,  1529,  viz.  "  Unum  Scutum  cum  insigniis  honoris  sicut  hie 
Gallice  declarabitur,  C'est  assavoir  de  queulz  a  ung  vayceau  enfacon 
d'ung  toneau  d'argent  relie  de  mesures  perce  d'ung  matenus  d'ur  en- 
plume  d'argent."     MS.  Arundel.  Brit.  Mus.  26.  fol.  71  b. 

Weever  is  wrong  in  representing  Bolton  as  the  last  Prior  of  St. 
Bartholomew's,  and  that  he  died  in  the  fourth  of  Edward  the  Sixth. 
Fuller,  Abbot  of  Waltham,  was  the  last  Prior  of  St.  Bartholomew's. 
Bolton  died  April  15th,  1532,  and  was  succeeded  by  Fuller. 


Pleas  itt  your  Grace  as  touchynge  your  Lettres 
derectidde  unto  the  Kyngis  Highnesse  for  the  pro- 
motion off  the  Prior  off  S.  Bertholomes  to  the  bush- 
oprycke  off  S.  Assaph,  hys  Grace  haith  coiiiaundydde 
me  to  make  thys  awnsuare  that  affore  the  receptt  off 


186  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

your  Graces  lettres  he  was  myndydde  to  geve  the 
sayde  bushoprycke  to  a  freer,  and  doith  still  per- 
severe in  the  same  mynde  sayynge  that  your  Grace 
doith  knowe  the  sayde  freer  to  be  a  grete  lernydde 
man  and  an  honest  man:  and  that  bi  thiese  ij.  qua- 
lities he  must  have  better  knowliege  off  the  cure  off 
sowle  than  the  sayde  Prior,  in  whom  he  doith  not 
knowe  suche  lernynge.  And  where  as  your  Grace 
doith  make  mention  in  your  lettres  off  diverse  pre- 
sidents off  the  Kyngis  predecessors  declarynge  howe 
theye  dydde  promote  unto  lyke  dignities  the  Maistres 
off  there  werks :  hys  Grace  sayeth  that  itt  is  not 
lykely  that  they  so  dydde  for  thys  qualitie  oonly  that 
they  couith  goodde  skele  in  byldyngs,  but  for  sum 
other  greate  qualities  (as  profounde  lernynge)  an- 
nexidde  unto  the  same.  Nethelesse  hys  Grace  say- 
eth that  he  is  content  to  remembre  the  sayde  Priors 
labors  wyth  sum  other  smaller  promotions  than 
bushoprychis.  Hys  Grace  wolde  not  name  the  sayde 
freer  unto  me,  but  itt  is  suerly  Standyche  :  to  my 
greate  discomforte  in  so  muche  that  I  dydde  neuyr 
wryte  Lettres  in  my  lyffe  more  to  my  displeasor  than 
thiese  :  parte  for  your  Graces  causes,  and  parte  for 
the  sayde  Priors,  whoo  is  more  wurthy  to  have 
greter  promotion  than  thys,  than  is  the  other  to  be 
in  lyffe.  Sed  Princijnwi  voluntatibus  arduum  est 
refragari.  Your  Grace  schall  receve  agayne  suche 
wrytyngis  as  ye  desyrydde  to  be  remyttidde.     Valeat 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  187 

felicissime  Rma.  D.  V.   Cui  me  humil.   Commen.  et 
trado.     Ex  Abendon  xiiij.  Aprilis. 

E.  D.  V.  Rme.  fidelissimus  Servus 

RI.    PACEUS. 
To  my  Lord  Cardinall's  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXIV. 

Pace  to  Wolsey-.  The  King  himself  reads  all  the 
contents  of  Wolsey' s  pacquets.  Appoints  Dr.  Stand- 
ish Bishop  of  St.  Asaph. 

[ibid.  vol.  ix.  6.   OrigJ] 

%*  What  Pace  conjectured  only  in  the  preceding  Letter  is  an- 
nounced from  authority  in  this.  Henry  Standish  was  selected  by 
the  King  himself,  in  opposition  to  Wolsey's  wishes,  for  the  bishop- 
rick  of  St.  Asaph.  He  was  of  the  ancient  family  of  Standish  still 
flourishing  in  Lancashire  ;  became  a  Franciscan  or  Grey  Friar  at  an 
early  age  ;  and  studied  in  the  Convent  of  his  Order  at  Oxford.  He 
afterwards  became  Warden  of  the  Grey  Friars  in  London,  and  sub- 
sequently Provincial  of  the  Friars  Minors.  He  was  also,  at  one 
time  a  suffragan  bishop,  under  the  title  of  "  Camarensis." 

Anthony  a  Wood  and  Bishop  Tanner  are  both  at  fault  in  their 
dates  of  Standish's  preferment.  He  was  appointed  to  the  see  of  St. 
Asaph,  not  in  1519,  but  in  the  middle  of  April,  1518  ;a  and  conse- 
crated, not  as  Wood  supposes,  at  Oxford,  in  the  Church  of  the  Mi- 
norite Friars,  but  by  Archbishop  Warham  at  Otford  in  Kent,  on 
July  11th  following. 

Wood  ascribes  "  several  Sermons  "  to  him  "  preached  to  the  peo- 
ple ;"  and  a  Treatise  against  "  Erasmus's  Translation  of  the  New 
Testament."  No  Sermons,  however,  by  Standish  are  to  be  found  in 
the  libraries  in  England,  nor  any  such  Treatise  as  Wood  attributes 
to  him,  against  Erasmus. 

The  reader  is,  doubtless,  aware  that  Erasmus  had  the  distin- 
guished honour  of  giving  to  the  world  the  first  edition  of  the  New 

a  MS.  Lansd.  979.  fol.  141. 


188  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Testament  in  Greek,  folio,  Basle,  1516.  It  was  this  which  was  at- 
tacked by  Standish,  in  a  Sermon  at  Paul's  Cross,  and  the  heads  of 
the  attack  are  given  by  Erasmus  himself  in  a  Letter  to  his  friend 
Herman  Buschius,  dated  from  Louvain,  July  31,  1520,  in  which  he 
says, 

"  Standiciani  ingenii  gustum  tibi  dabo.  Non  cupit,  opinor, 
ipse  celari,  quod  publice  magna  hominum  celebritate  designavit. 
Concionabatur  in  ccemiterio  Divi  Pauli,  Londini.  Cumque  ser- 
monum  exorsus  esset  a  charitate,  subito  pudoris  omnis  simul  et 
charitatis  oblitus,  coepit  debacchari  in  nomen  ac  famam  meam,  tes- 
tatus  imminere  Christianas  religionis  iravoXedpiav,  nisi  novae  trans- 
lations omnes  subito  de  medio  tollerentur."  b 

This  Letter  in  refutation  of  Standish's  remarks  is  very  long,  and 
in  part  relates  to  another  writer,  who,  as  well  as  Standish,  had  at- 
tacked the  correctness  of  Erasmus's  text. 

In  1523  (not  1526,  as  Wood  and  Tanner  state),  Standish  and  Sir 
John  Baker  were  sent  ambassadors  to  Denmark,0  and  in  1530  he 
was  one  of  the  bishops  who  aided  and  directed  Queen  Catherine  in 
her  resistance  to  Henry's  suit  for  the  Divorce. 

Bishop  Standish  died  July  19th,  1535,  and  was  buried  in  the 
Church  of  the  Grey  Friars  in  Newgate  Street,  beneath  a  tomb,  for 
the  construction  of  which  he  had  left  £13.  6s.  8d.  He  was  esteemed 
a  learned  man  in  his  time ;  and  was  so  zealous  an  asserter  of  the 
Catholic  religion,  that  had  he  lived  a  little  longer  he  would  in  all 
probability  have  undergone  some  severe  trial  for  resistance  to  his 
patron's  will. 

In  1515,  while  the  Parliament  was  sitting,  Kedirmynster,  Abbot 
of  Winchcombe,  preached  at  Paul's  Cross,  and  maintained  in  his 
Sermon  that  the  Clergy  were  exempt  from  temporal  jurisdiction. 
This  position  was  vehemently  opposed  by  Standish  in  another  Ser- 
mon :  and  it  is  not  impossible  that  the  King  on  this  account  remem- 
bered the  Friar.  Standish  belonged  to  an  Order,  too,  for  which 
Henry  had  a  peculiar  reverence,  tdl  the  Friars  of  Greenwich  inter- 
fered so  boldly  and  boisterously  in  the  business  of  his  divorce. 


Pleas  itt  your  Grace  thys  is  to  certifie  the  same 
that  thys  same  houre  I  have  recevidde  your  Grace's 

*  Erasmi  Epist.  fol.  Lugd.  Bat.  1706.  Ep.  dxvi.      c  Rym.  Fad.  vol.  xiv.  fol.  13. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  189 

lettres  datidde  the  xvij.  off  thys  present  monyth 
wyth  a  pacquett  directidde  unto  the  Kyngis  High- 
nesse  whyche  I  schall  immediatly  deliver  unto  hys 
Grace  after  dynar,  and  then  demaunde  licence  ac- 
cordynge  to  your  Graces  commaundment  to  repare 
unto  the  same  in  all  convenient  hast.  And  where 
your  Graces  pleasor  is  that  I  schulde  move  the 
Kyngis  Highnesse  to  rede  hym  selfe  suche  lettres  as 
be  comyn  owte  of  Spayne,  your  Grace  schall  undre- 
stonde  that  no  lettres  be  sende  unto  hys  Highnesse 
undre  your  Graces  pacquett,  but  hys  Highnesse 
doith  rede  them  every  wurde.  Thys  daye  His  Grace 
haith  yevyn  the  bushopryche  off  S.  Assaph  to  Doctor 
Standyche  and  comaundydde  me  to  advertise  your 
Grace  theroff,  and  to  desyre  the  same  in  hys  name 
to  be  goodde  lorde  unto  the  sayde  doctor.d  Re- 
liqua  presens  dicam.  Valeat  felicissime  Rma.  D, 
V.  Cui  me  humil.  Cowmen.  Ex  Wudstokke  xviij. 
Aprilis. 
To  my  Lord  Cardinall's  Grace. 

d  A  copy  of  the  Latin  letter  which  Henry  the  Eighth  wrote  to  Leo  the  Tenth,  re- 
commending Standish  for  the  bishopric  of  St.  Asaph,  dated  Wodestock,  28  April 
1518,  is  among  the  Transcripts  from  the  Vatican  Archives,  lately  deposited  in  the 
British  Museum. 


190  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  LXXV. 

Dean  Colet  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  fur  the  promotion  of 
the  Under-Master  of  his  School  to  some  Ecclesias- 
tical preferment. 

[ibid.  iii.  59.  Orig.~\ 


* 
* 


JR*  The  person  for  whom  Dean  Colet  here  solicits  was  John 
Rightwise,  a  native  of  Sawle  in  Norfolk,  who  married  Dionysia, 
William  Lilly's  daughter :  and  who  succeeded  Lilly  in  the  Head- 
mastership  of  St.  Paul's  School  in  1522.  Hatcher,  in  his  History  of 
King's  College,  says,  "  He  made  the  Tragedy  of  Dido  out  of  Virgil, 
and  acted  the  same,  with  his  scholars,  before  Cardinal  Wolsey  with 
great  applause."     He  died  in  1532. 

Rightwise  was  eminent  as  a  grammarian.  He  revised,  corrected, 
and  made  some  useful  additions  to  his  father-in-law's  Latin  Gram- 
mar ;  adding  to  it  the  portions  known  as  the  "  Propria  qiue  maribus" 
and  "  As  in  prcesenti."  Lilly's  Grammar,  so  improved,  came  out 
at  Antwerp  in  1533,  the  year  after  Rightwise's  death.  "  Guilielmi 
Lilii  grammatici  et  poetas  eximii,  Paulinas  Scholae  olim  Moderatoris, 
de  Generibus  Nominum  ac  Verborum  Prasteritis  et  Supinis  Regulae 
Pueris  apprime  utiles.  Opus  recognitum  et  adauctum  cum  Nomi- 
num ac  Verborum  Interpretamentis,  per  Joannem  Righruissum 
Scholae  Paulinae  Praeceptorem.  Antverpias  apud  Michaelem  Hille- 
nium,  An.  1533,"  12mo. 

No  date  is  given  to  this  Letter :  but  it  could  not  have  been  later 
than  1519,  as  Dean  Colet  died  in  that  year. 


Rrae.  Pr.  Is  a  quo  accepisti  has  literas  est  hypo- 
didascalus  et  submagister  Scholas  nostra?  gramma- 
tices,  Vii  bonas  litteraturae  et  proculdubio  eximise 
honestatis.  Is  habet  quod  agat  cum  Rma  P.  tua. 
Egit  mecum  ut  ad  tuam  presentiam  aliquem  aditum 
habeat  per  meas  literas.  Pro  tua  bonitate  dignare 
admittere  hominem  facile  ad  conspectum  tuum,  vti 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  191 

intelligo  ejus  causa  est  de  quodam  beneficio  re- 
signato  ;  plane  est  dignus  beneficio  Ecclesiastico  vel 
magno :  quare  in  istum  virum  si  quid  contuleris  meo 
judicio  gratiam  tuam  op  time  collocabis,  antequam 
istinc  discesseris  visam  dignitatem  tuam,  cupio  ut 
semper  quam  bellissime  valeas,  atque  quo  melius 
tueare  valetudinem  tuam  opto  ut  cum  medicis,  et  cum 
medica  arte  parum  commercij  habeas,  nam  Magna 
promittunt  dumtaxat.  Vale  Ex  Londino  xviij.  die 
Decembris.  Obsermus  R.  D.  T.  Jo.  Colet. 

Rmo  in  xo  Patri  et  Dn'o  D.  Car". 
Ebor.  Du'o  meo  colendissimo. 
Hampton  Corte. 

LETTER  LXXVI. 

Extract  of  an  imperfect  Letter  from  Sir  John  Stile 
to  King  Hen.  VIII.  from  ValladoUd,  11  Feb.  1518. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  c.  i.  fol.  126.  Orig.~\ 

***** 

Also  and  it  please  your  Grace  here  is  master 
George  the  Almayne  gonner,  which  was  in  your 
royal  service  in  your  werres  of  Tiroan  and  Tourney, 
and  he  is  holden  here  for  oon  of  the  connyngst  men 
of  the  worlde  concerning  his  science  of  Gonner  and 
diviser  of  artillarye  and  forteresses  ;  and  I  your  sub- 
get  and  servant  according  to  my  dute  as  reason  is  to 
the  best  of  my  poore  mynde  your  highnes  so  being 

pleased  and  a that  your  Grace  is  the  most 

mygtiest  prince  of  the  worlde,  and  most  drad,  and 


192  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  pillor  of  Cristendome,  I  wold  that  your  highnes 
had  the  connyngest  men   in  your  royal  service   that 
coude  be  founde  in  any  parties  ;  for  as  your  highnes 
best   knoweth    oon   connyng   man    is  worthe    many 
other,  for  the  whiche  and  it  please  your  grace  I  have 
had  nowe  of  late  comunicacion  with  the  said  master 
George  gonner,  and  for  the  slak  payments  of  wages 
that  is  alwais  here,  he  wol  not  in  no  wise  serve  any 
lenger  here,   and  he  is  right  wel  mynded  for  to  be 
again  in  your  most  royal  service.     And  also  a  son  in 
lawe  of  his  a  Spanyard  born,  whicht  is  a  good  artiller 
and  also  conyng  in  orgons  and  diverse  instrumentes 
of  musike  ;  and  in  case  your  highnes  shal  please  for 
to  take  the  said  Mr  George  and  his  son  in  lawe  into 
your  royal  service,  and  your  highnes  geving  to  the 
said  master  George  for  himself  a  noble  by  the  day 
during  his  life,  and  twenty  pence  sterling  by  the  day 
to  his  said   son  in   lawe,  they  therin    knowing  the 
pleasure  of  your  Grace  wol  repaire    to  your  royal 
presence,  and  wil  bring  their  wives  and  children  with 
them  into  your  Realme  of  Englande,  notwithstand- 
ing that  they  have  land  and  housing  in  these  parties 
and  do  dwel  in  the  toun  of  Medyna  de  Roy-secko 
where    as   the    almyrant  of  Casti[le]    dwelleth    and 
there  is  holden  two  fayres  in  the  yere,  to  the  whiche 
some  of  your  subgettes  of  London  do  repaire.  And 
it  please  your    Grace  the    said    master  George  de- 
sireth  for  to  have    the    knowlege  of  the  pleasur  of 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  193 

your  highnes  in  that  behalf  by  the  fifteenth  clay  of 

the   month  of  may  next  comyng,  for   otherwise  he 

wol  go  to  serve  the  King  of  Portugale,  who  by  his 

letter  whiche,  and  it  please  your  Grace,   gretely  de- 

sireth  the  said  master  George  for  to  come  to  hym. 
***** 


LETTER  LXXVII. 

Richard  Pace  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  The  King  has 
ordered  Letters  to  be  written  to  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don, for  Pace  to  be  preferred  to  the  Archdeaconry 
of  Colchester. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  ix.  68.  Orig.~\ 
Pleas  itt  your  Grace  when  the  Kyngis  Highness 
hadde  harde  me  saye  that  your  Grace  was  so  dis- 
seasydde  wyth  the  Murre  that  ye  couith  not  holde 
uppe  your  hedde  his  Grace  answerydde  formally 
thiese  wurdis  folowynge.  viz  '  Alas,  I  am  sory  ther- 
fore,  and  I  wolde  be  gladde  to  see  hym,'  whyche  I 
sayde  schulde  be  assone  as  your  Grace  myght  go 
owte  off  your  dores. 

My  Lorde  Marquys  made  thys  daye  sute  unto  the 
Kynges  Grace  for  to  obteigne  hys  lettres  to  my 
Lorde  off  London  for  the  preferment  of  hys  broder 
to  the  Archdiaconry  off  Colchestre,  and  the  Kynge 
askydde  hym  the  value  theroff,  and  he  answerydde 
that  itt  was  wurth  yerly  an  C.  marks :  then  the 
VOL.   i.  K 


194-  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Kvngis  grace  sayde  (as  he  hym  selfe  reporteth)  that 
itt  wad  more  meate  for  hysa  Secretary,  than  for  hys 
brodre  ;  and  that  he  wolde  wryte  for  me  therin  :  and 
immediatly  comaundyde  Mr  More  to  provide  that 
hys  lettres  myght  be  wretyn  and  sent  to  my  sayde 
Lorde  off  London,  wythowte  ony  my  intercession  or 
knowliedge ;  wherofF  I  thoght  itt  convenient  to  cer- 
tifie  your  Grace,  and  most  humbly  to  desyre  the 
same  to  be  my  goodde  Lorde  therin.  And  thus 
Jesu  preserve  your  Grace  in  longe  helth  and  con- 
tinuall  prosperitie.  Wretyn  at  Gremviche  thys  xiij 
off  Fe.  By  your  Graces  most  humble  and  faythfull 
servant  ri.  pace. 

To  my  Lorde  Legats  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXVIII. 

Richard  Pace  to  my  Lord  Legate.  His  interview 
with  the  King  at  Penshurst,  whom  he  found  play- 
ing with  the  French  hostages.  The  King's  intention 
to  remove  to  Otford. 

[ibid.  ix.  12.  Orig.~\ 

%*  In  the  10th  and  11th  of  Henry  the  Eighth  certain  hostages 
were  left  in  England  for  the  payment  of  the  sums  of  money  agreed 
upon  for  the  delivery  of  Tournay  to  the  French  ;  "  whose  names," 
says  Hall,"  were  Mounsire  Memorancy,  Mounsire  Monpesart,Moun- 
sire  Moy,  Mounsire  Morret.  Of  the  which  four,  the  two  first  named 
were  of  noble  blood  ;  but  the  two  last  were  but  of  meane  houses. 

a  The  King's. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  195 

And  because  they  were  young,  there  was  auncient  gentlemen  apoynt- 
ed  governors  to  them." 

Several  passages  in  Hall  show  how  they  "  daily  resorted  to  the 
courte,  and  had  great  cheer,  and  wer  well  entertained  ;  and,  every 
time  they  moved,  they  stirred  and  required  the  King  to  passe  the 
sea,  and  to  mete  with  the  French  King  their  master." 

The  Queen  entertained  them  at  Havering  at  Bower ;  and  the 
King  seems  to  have  taken  more  than  common  pleasure  in  their 
Society.  They  have  been  already  mentioned  in  the  second  Series 
of  these  Letters,  vol.  i.  p.  178.  Compare  Hall,  edit.  1548.  foil. 
65  b.  68  b.  69  b.  

Pleas  itt  your  Grace  the  Kyngis  Highness  at 
myne  arrivall  hydre  yistirdaye  was  playynge  wyth 
the  Hostagis.  Assone  as  he  hadde  endydde  hys  playe 
hys  Grace  admittidde  me  to  audience  and  acceptidde 
me  lovyngly,  and  harde  me  at  large  declarynge  unto 
hym  all  the  busynesse  off  the  late  election  off  the 
Kynge  off  Romaynes,  whyche  declaration  I  ordery dde 
precisely  accordynge  to  suche  communication  as  was 
hadde  betwixte  your  Grace  and  me  at  my  departure 
from  you.  And  when  the  Kyngis  Highnesse  hadde 
well  percevidde  and  ponderydde  the  grete  chiarges 
and  profusion  off  mony  exspent  bi  the  sayde  Kynge 
off  Romaynes  for  the  obtent  off  that  dignitie,  his 
Grace  dydde  highly  wundre  therat,  and  sayde  that 
he  was  right  gladde  that  he  obteignydde  nott  the 
same,  and  callidde  unto  hym  the  Duke  off  Southfolke 
and  schewede  the  same  unto  hym. 

His  Grace  was  singularly  well  contentidde  to  here 
howe  honorably  I  was  recevidde  in  Almayne,  and 
callidde  the  Duke  of  Bukkyngham  to  here  that. 

K   2 


196  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

As  touchynge  the  Popis  holynesse,  I  schewede 
unto  hys  Grace  that  off  iij.  hys  orators  ij.  undoubt- 
edly were  corruptidde  bi  the  Frenche  Kyng,  express- 
ynge  the  reasons  and  evident  eausis  whye.  Wher- 
unto  his  Grace  sayde  thies  wurdis  formally  interra- 
gotive,  "  Bi  the  masse !  "  Yeuynge  firme  credence 
unto  the  same :  so  that  I  trust  verrayly  that  all  that 
matier  schalbe  layede  unto  the  sayde  orators,  and 
not  to  the  Pope. 

Aftre  thys  communication,  his  Grace  sportid.de 
wyth  me  meryly  off  my  jorneye  in  most  lovynge  and 
familiare  maner,  and  that  doon,  went  to  sopar,  and 
spake  off  me  many  better  wurdis  than  I  have  or  can 
deserve.  Other  thynge  have  I  none  to  advertise 
your  Grace  off,  but  that  the  Duke  of  Bukkyngham 
makyth  unto  the  Kynge  here  excellent  chere.  Thys 
nyght  the  Kynge  schall  lye  at  Otforde.  Your  Grace 
shall  receve  wyth  theise  My  Lorde  Stewardis  by  11 
signydde.  And  thus  Jesu  preserve  your  Grace  in 
longe  helth  and  continuall  prosperitie.  Wretyn  at 
Penshurste  thys  xi.  off  Auguste.  By  your  Graces 
most  humble  and  faythfull  servant 

RI.    PACE. 

To  my  Lorde  Legats  Grace. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  197 


LETTER  LXXIX. 

Richard  Pace  to  my   Lord  Legate.      The  Hostages 

conveyed  to  Sir  Thomas  Lovels  house  at  Enjield. 

[ibid.  ix.  52.] 

***  Sir  Thomas  Lovel  was  treasurer  of  the  King's  household. 
He  received  his  knighthood  iu  1487,  at  the  battle  of  Stoke ;  became 
K.  G.,  and  afterwards  one  of  the  executors  of  Henry  the  Seventh's 
will :  and  was  in  great  favour  with  Henry  the  Eighth.  Upon  the 
death  of  Edmund  Lord  Roos  of  Hamlake  without  issue,  in  1508,  the 
manor  ofWorcesters  in  the  parish  of  Enfield  came  to  him  in  right  of 
Isabel,  his  wife,  that  nobleman's  sister  and  coheir.  Enfield,  in  con- 
sequence, became  the  favourite  residence  of  Sir  Thomas  Lovel,  and 
he  died  there  May  25th,  1524.  He  was  buried  in  a  degree  of  splen- 
dour almost  royal,  in  the  priory  of  Haliwell  in  Shoreditch,  within 
a  chapel,  beneath  a  white  marble  tomb,  both  of  which  he  had 
himself  prepared.  Blomfield,  in  his  History  of  Norfolk,  says  the 
following  lines  were  inscribed  upon  a  wall  of  the  Priory  House : 

"  ail  ge  minus  of  ajalttorll, 
$rai?  j?c  totf)  Say  an&  m'gfjt 
jfor  tfjc  soul  of  Jrtt  fffjomas  Hobel, 
<E21f)om  iijarrj?  tfje  arrbnitf)  matre  ISntgfjt." 


Pleas  itt  your  Grace  Thys  is  to  advertise  the 
same  that  the  Frenche  Hostagis  are  conveyede  by  the 
Kyngis  comaundment  to  Enfylde  to  Sir  Thomas 
Lovell,  he  beynge  well  contentidde  therwyth.  And 
your  Graces  wrytynge  to  the  Kynge  touchynge  the 
suer  kepynge  off  the  sayde  hostagis  came  in  tyme, 
ffor  they  hadde  aboute  the  same  season  sent  for 
Whytynge,  and  desyridde  hym  to  prepare  for  them 
an  other  house  at  S.  Kateryns,  allegynge  that  oon 
off  their  servants  laye  syke  in  the  house  they  hadde 


198  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

off  the  plage.  The  sayde  Whytynge  made  unto 
them  answere  that  S.  Kateryns  was  no  meate  place 
for  them  to  dwell  in.  And  he  also  causydde  cerche 
to  be  made  by  a  Physitian  whider  the  sayde  ser- 
vante  were  syke  off  the  sayd  plage  or  nott.  And  itt 
was  founde  that  he  hadde  no  such  syknesse.  And 
the  Kynge  havynge  knowliege  off  thys  there  sus- 
piciose  dealynge,  causydde  them  to  be  conveyede  by 
Sir  John  Dauncy  to  the  house  affore  namydde  under 
the  color  off  eschewynge  off  the  greate  syknesse,  by 
themselves  devisydde.  And  thus  theye  be  there, 
wy  thoute  suspicion,  well  and  honorably  interteigny  dde, 
and  secure  espiall  is  layde  in  places  meate  for  there 
suer  kepynge.  And  thus  Jesu  preserve  your  Grace. 
Wretyn  at  Gylforde  thys  xxviij  off  Aug.  By  your 
Graces  most  humble  and  faythfull  servant 

RI.    PACE. 
To  my  Lorde  Legats  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXX. 

Richard  Pace   to   Wolsey.     The  King  has  received 

Letters  from  my  Lady  Margaret.     Dean  Colet  "  in 

extremis." 

[ibid.  ix.  66.  Orig.'] 

Pleas  itt  your  Grace  M.  Hesdyn  desirydde  me 
thys  daye  to  advertise  your  Grace  that  he  haith  re- 
cevidde  lettres  from  my  Lady  Margarete  conteygn- 
ynge  that  the  French  Kynge  makyth  extreme  labor 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  199 

that  the  Kynge  off  Romaynes  schulde  passe  bi  hys 
realme  in  to  Almayne,  and  offrith  for  the  suertie 
off  hys  parson  to  yeve  hostagis  the  Qwean  hys  wyffe 
and  all  hys  chyldren.  And  the  sayde  M.  Hesdyn 
thynkyth  that  itt  is  necessari  for  thys  respecte,  that 
the  bushoppe  of  Elua,  arrividde  nowe  at  Grauishende, 
be  well  enterteignydde  here  at  hys  furst  cumynge,  to 
thintent  he  schall  have  none  occasion  to  wryte  othre- 
wys  than  well. 

Mr.  Dean  off  Paulis  haith  lyen  continually  synst 
Thursdaye  in  extremis  and  is  not  yitt  dedde.a 

Thus  Jesu  preserve  your  Grace  in  long  helthe 
and  continuall  prosperitie.  Wretyn  at  London  thys 
xj  off  Septem.  By  your  Graces  most  humble  and 
faythfull  servand  Ri  :  pace. 

To  my  Lorde  Legats  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXXI. 

Pace  to  Wolsey.     The  King  hath  good  pastime  by  the 

new  player  on  the  Clavicordes. 

[ibid.  ix.  art.  GO.  Orig.'] 

Pleas  itt  your  Grace  in  a  Pacquett  off  Lettres 
directidde  to  my  selfe  owte  off  Itali  and  comyn  to 
my  handis  thys  mornynge,  I  founde  ij.  Lettres  di- 
rectidde to  your  Grace,  whyche  I  sende  unto  the 
same  herwyth. 

a  He  died  of  the  sweating  sickness,  Sept.  16,  1519. 


200  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

The  Kynge  haith  nowe  goode  passe  tyme  bi  the 
newe  player  uppon  the  Clavicordesb  that  M.  Roch 
potte  haith  broght  wyth  hym  (whoo  playith  excel- 
lently) and  like  wyse  bi  the  gentilman  off  Almayne 
whoo  was  wyth  hys  Grace  at  Wudstoke,  and  haith 
nowe  broght  hydre  a  newe  goodde  and  goodly  in- 
strument, and  playeth  ryght  well  uppon  the  same. 
Finem  faciam  in  instruments  Musicis,  quia  aliud  nihil 
scribendum  in  presentia  kabeo.  And  thus  Jesu  pre- 
serve your  Grace  in  longe  helth  and  continuall  pros- 
peritie.  Wretyn  at  Wyndesore  thys  iiij  off  Octo. 
By  your  Graces  most  humble  and  faythfull  servant 

ri:   PACE. 

To  my  Lord  Legate's  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXXII. 

The  Duke  of  Suffolk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in  favor  of 

the  Abbot  of  St.  Benet  of  Hulme. 

[ibid.  vol.  xi.  pt.  i.  fol.  232.  Orig.~\ 

%*  The  Abbot  of  St.  Benet  of  Hulme,  to  whom  this  Letter  re- 
lates, must  have  been  John  Redinge,  who  was  made  abbot  in  1510. 
He  occurs  in  1518,  and  again  in  1522.  We  have  no  mention  of  his 
deprivation  :  so  that  it  seems  more  than  probable  that  he  was  not 
deprived.  His  successor  was  William  Reppes,  alias  Rugge, D.D., 
who  received  the  temporalities  of  the  Monastery  July  14th,  1530. 
Six  years  after  which,  being  promoted  to  the  See  of  Norwich  by 
virtue  of  a  private  act  of  parliament,  he  parted  with  the  lands  of  his 
bishoprick  to  the  King,  in  exchange  for  the  revenues  belonging  to 
the  Abbey  of  Hulme  and  the  Priory  of  Hickling. 


b  See  the  Second  Series  of  these   Letters,  vol.  i.   p.  2"2 ;   and  the  Privy  Purse 
Expenses  of  Elizabeth  of  York,  Index  and  Notes,  p.  187. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  201 

My  very  good  Lord  in  my  most  hartiest  maner  I 
recommend  me  vnto  yor  good  lordship,  and  where  as 
I  did  lately  asserteyn  you  by  my  lettres  of  the  pry- 
vacion  of  the  Abbot  of  Saynt  Benetts  of  his  Mo- 
nastery, to  whom  I  requyred  yor  lordship  to  be  good 
lord,  wherin  as  yet  I  had  noon  answer  of  your 
pleaser :  and  as  nowe  I  vnderstond  he  hath  a 
comaundment  from  the  Kings  Grace  his  fownder 
not  to  entremedle  any  further  in  the  same  Mo- 
nastery. My  lord,  I  assure  you  I  have  herd  a  grete 
parte  of  the  moost  worshipfull  gentilmen  and  othre 
many  substancyall  persons  of  those  parties  which  of 
all  lyklyhod  shulde  haue  knowlege  or  at  the  leste 
here  of  some  Infamy  of  suche  cry  my  s  and  excessys 
as  hath  bien  objected  agaynst  him  by  his  ordynary, 
but  veryly  as  I  am  enformed  he  may  haue  all  the 
worshipfull  of  the  Cuntre  to  depose  of  his  Inno- 
cency  for  him  in  that  mater.  And  as  for  dilapidacion, 
I  vnderstond  the  house  was  endetted  at  the  tyme  of 
his  stallacion  in  grete  somes  of  mony,  wherof  he 
hath  paid  a  grete  parte,  and  now  not  in  so  grete 
daunjier  as  it  was  whan  he  cam  therunto,  notwith- 
standing the  dymes  and  other  importune  charges 
which  have  been  paid  in  hys  tyme.  Wherfor  my 
lord,  and  forasmoch  as  the  said  Abbot  hath  promysed 
me  to  be  ordred  in  euery  thing  as  yor  lordship  vvoll 
haue  him,  I  hertely  requyre  you  the  rather  to  be 
good  lord  vnto  him,  whom  I  haue  found  alwais  kynd 

k  5 


202  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  loving  towards  the  Quene  and  me  in  thies 
parties.  Wherein,  my  lord,  I  assure  you,  in  my 
mynd  ye  shall  do  a  gracious  dede,  and  bynd  him  to 
pray  for  you  his  lyf  enduring.  And  thus  our  Lord 
haue  you  my  very  good  lord  in  his  blessid  tuycion. 
Ffrom  Norwich  the  vij  day  of  January 

by  yovres  assurd 

CHARLYS    SUFFOLKE. 
To  my  Lorde  Cardinall. 


LETTER  LXXXIII. 

The  Earl  of  Worcester  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting 
a  proposed  enterprise  against  Richard  De  la  Pole. 

[MS.  COTTON.  BRIT.  MI'S.  CALIG.  D.  VII.  fol.  33.   Orig.~\ 

***  From  the  moment  that  Henry  the  Eighth  had  executed  the 
Earl  of  Suffolk,  he  spared  no  pains  to  get  Richard  de  la  Pole  into 
his  power.  De  la  Pole  had  entered  the  service  of  Louis  the  Twelfth, 
and,  the  French  historians  assure  us,  took  part  in  the  battle  of 
Guinegate  against  the  English.  According  to  Du  Bellay  he  had  the 
command  of  six  thousand  Lansquenets.3 

Previous  to  this,  however,  Henry's  desire  to  obtain  the  surren- 
der of  him  was  well  known.  The  Cottonian  MS.  Calig.  B.  vi.  pre- 
serves a  Letter  from  Lord  Thomas  Dacre  to  King  Henry,  dated 
Carlisle  July  20,  1512,  in  which  he  acquaints  the  King  that  James 
the  Fourth  was  desirous  of  peace,  and  had  written  to  him  to  that 
effect,  "  Amonge  which  I  percey  ve,"  he  says,  "  by  his  seid  writing 
to  me  send,  that  if  he  may  knowe  it  wer  your  mynde  and  pleasor 
that  further  laubor  be  by  hym  made,  he  wold  send  up  the  Bishop  of 
Murray  to  your  Grace,  and  soo  further  as  well  to  the  Frenshe  Kyng, 
for  the  delyvere  of  Richarde  de  la  Pole  your  rebel  and  traitor,  as  to 
laubor  the  Popes  holinesse  and  the  Frenshe  King  with  other 
Princes  for  oon  universall  peace." b     It  is  followed  by  another  Let- 

a  Du  Bellay,  Memoires,  fol.  Par.  1588,  p.  6.  A.D.  mdxii. 
b  Cott.  MS.  Calig.  B.  vi.  fol.  32. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  203 

ter  from  James  the  Fourth  himself  to  Henry,  dated  Edinburgh 
Aug.  18,  1512,  making  the  same  offer  of  interference  to  obtain 
Richard  de  la  Pole.c 

When  peace  was  made  with  France,  and  the  treaty  of  marriage 
was  set  on  foot  between  Henry's  sister  and  Louis  the  Twelfth,  he 
endeavoured  again  to  negotiate  for  the  delivery  up  of  Richard  de 
la  Pole. 

Daniel  says,  "  II  y  eut  trois  points  difficiles  a  re'gler,  pour  par- 
venir  a.  la  conclusion  du  Traits  :  le  premier  etoit,  que  le  roi  d'An- 
gleterre  demandoit  qu'on  lui  donnat  la  ville  de  Bologne ;  le  second, 
qu'il  demeurat  en  possession  de  Tournai ;  le  troisieme,  que  le  Roi  lui 
livrat  Richard  de  Suffolk.  Le  roi  d'Angleterre  se  relacha  sur  le 
premier  point,  et  le  roi  de  France  sur  le  second :  mais  il  ne  voulut 
jamais  conscntir  a  mettre  Richard  de  Suffolk  entre  les  mains  du  roi 
d'Angleterre.  Cet  article  fut  termine"  par  un  temperament,  qui  fut 
que  Richard  ne  demeureroit  point  en  France,  et  qu'il  se  retireroit  a 
Metz,  ou  le  roi  lui  assignaune  pension  annuelle  de  six  mille  livres.d 
There  is  a  Letter  in  the  State  Paper  Office  addressed,  apparently 
about  1514  or  1515,  in  a  foreign  hand,  directed  "Tot  de  Koning's 
grade,"  seeming  to  have  been  forwarded  by  Spinelly,  which  says, 
"  Invictissime  Rex  ille  Hans  Nagell  et  Claus  Pacher  adhuc  non 
fuerunt  apud  Ritzhardum  de  la  Puell.  Ipse  Richardus  scripsit  eis 
quod  manerent  in  loco  ubi  sunt.  Et  ipse  Ritzhardus  non  manebit 
in  Lotharingio.  Et  quam  scito  mutat  locum  suum  vult  eis  mandare 
ut  venient  ad  eum.  Et  ego  videbo  quid  sit  ad  faciendum."  The 
writer  further  adds,  "  Item  vestra  Majestas  nichil  tacit  in  Curia 
vestra  quin  Ritzhardus  iumediate  scit.  Hoc  verissimum  est."  The 
letter  finishes, "  Ego  rogo  quod  Majestas  vestra  vult  considerare 
paupertatem  meam.  Ego  dimisi  unum  Mauicordium  cum  pedale 
in  Grintwitz  :e  et  nisi  vestram  Majestatem  dredecim  Cromhornes, 
pro  talia,  non  sum  recompensatus,  sed  spero." ' 

The  Cottonian  MS.  Galba  B.  iv.  contains  a  host  of  Letters  from 
Spinelly  ;  some  to  the  King,  but  more  to  Wolsey,  detailing  his  In- 
telligences. Most  of  these  Letters  were  more  or  less  injured  in  the 
Cottonian  fire,  which  will  account  for  the  occasional  hiatuses  in  the 
following  extracts : 

"  As  thowchyng  Alamyre,  he  hayeth  been  not  at  home,  but  now 

<=  Ibid  fol.  34. 

d  Daniel.  Histoire  de  France,  ed.  Par.  1755,  4to.  torn.  viii.  p   652. 

e  Greenwich.  f  Misc.  Corresp.  3  Ser.  vi.  66. 


~'04  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  suppose  he  is  retouraed,  and  to  that  intente  thise  afternoon  going 
to  the  Corte  I  shall  passe  by  Meklyn  and  cause  hym  to  come  incon- 
tinently to  the  King.  Also  I  have  pourveyd  a  trusti  and  wise 
felow,  servante  of  the  Posts  to  go  to  Messe  s  and  inquyre  as  further 
as  he  .  .  .  of  Rychard  de  la  Poola  proceeding.  And  by  all  other 
suche  ways  as  I  shall  thinke  most  convenyent,  and  to  do  more  ser- 
vice unto  the  King,  I  wol  not  faylle  to  wse  my  best  diligence.  Et 
bene  vale  D.  vestra  Rma  cui  me  semper  humyllime  commendo.  Ex 
Andworpia  die  xxvii  May,  m.d.xv."  h 

To  the  King's  Grace,  partly  in  cypher,  but  decyphered  : 

"  Hans  Nagle  is  here  tering '  for  an  answer  from  your  Highnes, 
and  having  his  pardon  and  a  letter  of  reterne,  with  convenient  wag- 
gers.  He  is  content  to  make  thi  .  .  .  unto  your  Hyghues,  and  go  to 
Richard  de  la  Pole  and  retorne  to  ward  your  Grace  with  all  dyli- 
gence,  at  the  whyche  tyme  he  shall  showe  unto  the  same  meny  se- 
crets and  materes  of  gret  importance.  Wherfor  I  humbly  beseche 
your  Hyghnes  to  knowe  your  pleaser  therin.  Other  Newes  I  have 
non  writt.     At  Bruxells  the  xiiij  day  of  Februari,"  a.d.  1516. k 

Then  comes  a  Letter  to  the  King  of  somewhat  extraordinary  cha- 
racter. "  The  Lord  Yanlys  and  President  of  Paris  haythe  here 
publyshed  that  in  Champany  is  taken  an  Englyshmun  whyche  by  your 
Highnes  icas  sent  to  kyld  Rychard  de  la  Poola  with  the  help  of  the 
Herle  of  Cyestem,  and  as  the  Archyducesse,  goying  Mr.  Knyght  to 
take  leve  of  her,  sheicyd  unto  us.  They  have  also  the  copy  of  his  con- 
fession, wherof  your  frendes  and  servants  here  be  sorey." — "  Writ- 
ten at  Rruxelles  xxiij.  day  of  February."  ' 

To  Wolsey,  June  23,  1516,  he  says,  "Please  it  your  Grace  to 
understand  that  I  send  unto  the  same  herein  closed  a  Memory  con- 
tening  suche  newes  as  a  servant  of  the  Master  of  the  posts  who  at 
my  request  and  desyre  went  to  Messz  in  Lorraine  hath  browght  to 
me,  with  the  w  hiche  I  have  at  good  Iengte  devysed  and  demanded  if 
it  were  possyble  to  intercepte  the  Lettres  cominge  out  of  France  to 
Rychard  de  la  Poola,  wherapon  he  answered  me  that  it  wolbe 
difficyle.  Howbeit  in  case  he  shulde  be  wel  rewarded  for  his  ser- 
vice, and  his  costs  payed  befor  hand  he  wolgo  and  lay  at  Mettz  xv 
or  xxu  days  tyl  he  myght  spye  soom  of  tlioose  going  to  and  fro,  not 
doubting  that  knowen,  to  pourvey  for  accordingly.  For  he  is  baylly 
of  a  vyllage  in  Luxemborg  not  distant  a  day  an  half  frome  Mettz, 

s  Metz.  h  Galba,  B.  iv.  fol.  66.  to  Wolsey.  '  taming. 

k  Galba,  B.  iv.  fol.  48.  '  Ibid.  fol.  23. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  205 

and  haythe  meny  frendis  myte  for  suche  besynes.  Wherfor  if  the 
King's  hyghnes  haythe  any  mynde  to  it,  his  plesir  knoweu  I  shal  do 
the  best  I  can  therin. 

"  Alamyre  departed  the  xix  day  of  this  monnethe  to  ward  the 
kynge,  and  shall  at  his  fyrst  arryval  resorte  unto  your  Grace,  for 
to  have  his  further  dyrection,  the  whiche  moust  be  don  secretely  by 
reson  of  the  acquayntance  he  haythe  with  the  Kings  menxtrells  and 
the  felows  of  Hans  Nagle.  His  hyghnes  and  your  Grace  may  hyere 
him  speke  and  thake  suche  resowlucion  in  the  materre  as  be  thowght 
best,  and  I  for  my  parte  in  all  things  concerning  the  Kings  service 
wolde  allweys  my  dewty  *  * 

*  *     Jakes   Hesbek,  servant  to  the  Mr  of 

the  posts  .  .  .  Luxemborg  at  his  retourne  frome  Metz  in  Lorayne. 

"  Ffyrst  he  saythe  that  upon  x  dais  passed  he  departed  frome 
[Metz] ,  where  he  hade  taryed  six  days  and  bowght  win,  in  the  which 
season  he  saw  Rychard  de  la  Poola  going  to  the  C'hurche  with  a 
verray  poere  vysayge  and  contenance,  accompaned  wyth  semyng 
gentylmen  and  fowre  otheres. 

"  Item  he  saythe  that  he  was  loggyd  in  a  loging  nygh  to  him  and 
.  .  .  spokynne  that  the  sayd  Rychard  shulde  remove  frome  his 
howse  into  an  othere  belonging  unto  Messyre  Delamare. 

"  Item  that  within  trye  days  after  his  arrival  to  Metz  there 
ar  ....  in  his  own  logging  a  poste  coming  frome  the  Frenche 
Corte,  and  sent  immedyately  for  the  secretary  of  the  sayd  Rychard 
delyvering  him  a  paket  of  lettres 

"  Item  the  poste  shewed,  being  at  dysner,  that  the  Frenchemenn 
hade  takinne  Bresse  and  went  to  besiege  Veronne. 

"  Item  Jakes  fyndeth  occasion  and  colour  to  be  aquentyd  with  the 
sayde  poste,  and  devysing  togydre  of  the  Emperor  and  [with  those] 
of  Ytaly  as  he  thowght  best.  The  poste  seyd  that  the  King  of  Ing- 
land  monney  haythe  made  the  warre  unto  the  Frenche  King,  of  the 
whiche  he  wolbe  quyckly  revenged,  and  following  in  comunycacions 
of  Rychard  de  la  Poole  the  poste  shewyd  that  the  sayd  Frenche 
King  by  reason  of  the  besynesse  of  Ytaly  cowde  not  as  yet  helpe 
him  to  cume  to  his  righte,  but  that  at  fyrst  good  season  of  the  next 
yer  he  is  minted  to  do  it.  And  the  second  day  after,  the  poste 
coming  to  Metz,  he  was  despeched  and  retourned  into  France. 

"  Item  Jakes  saythe  that  the  day  Rychard  de  la  Poola  receyved  his 
lettres  oute  of  France,  that  he  went  unto  the  town  howse  there  and 


206  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

was  in  communycacions  with  the  gowemeurs.     Apon  what  materre 
he  cannot  tell. 

"  Item  by  cause  comonnely  the  inhabytans  of  Metz  been  Bor- 
gognons,  and  that  tliey  sec  him  to  be  intertenned  and  favored  by  the 
Frenche  King  and  all  his  frendis  there,  many  saythe  that  ooue  day 
they  shall  sowffre  therby. 

"  Item  that  being  Yakes  with  oone  borne  in  Luxemborg  of  his 
aqueintance,  the  whiche  serveth  here  to  fore  Rychard  de  la  Poola, 
they  mete  with  soom  of  his  howse,  and  talkyng  togydre  Jakes  hyerd 
like  wordis  as  the  poste  shewyd  towelling  the  French  King  mynde 
to  warde  the  sayd  Rychard,  and  how  of  late  he  hade  receyved  trye 
towsaud  crownys  of  golde  oute  of  France. 

"  Item  that  the  sayd  Richard  haythe  with  him  xvij  or  xviij 
personnes. 

"  Item  that  dayly  he  maketh  banketts  unto  the  prinsypals  of  the 
town. 

"  Item  that  his  serventz  sowghtto  bye  smalz  horsis. 

"  Item  that  haythe  contynualy  soom  body  going  to  and  fro. 

"  All  the  premyssis  I  have  caused  Yakes  to  reherse  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Mr  of  the  Rollys,  who  taketh  him  for  a  discrete  man 
of  his  degrey.     At  Bruxells  the  xxiij"1  day  of  Yune 

by  me  thomas  spinnelly." 
***** 

"  Sens  the  servant  of  the  Mr  of  the  Posts  that  went  to  Metz  hath 
ben  with  me  oft'ring  to  intercepte  the  lettres  that  cumme  from  the 
French  King  unto  Rychard  de  la  Poole,  upon  a  condicion  that  he 
shall  have  in  handes  C.  gowldin  gyldins,  and  CC.  when  he  delyuere 
the  sayd  lettres  to  me.  If  the  King  mi  Master  is  pleasid  with  the 
bargeyne,  upon  knowlage  therof  I  shall  agrey  with  the  said  Yekes 

"  Your  humble  servant 

THOMMAS    SPINNELLY." 

Spiuelly  to  Wolsey  5  July  1516.    Cott.  MS.  Galba  B.  iv.  fol.  96. 

"  Yesterday  Hans  Nagle  shewyd  me  that  John  Dyrike  van  Ret 
broder  gyueth  him  knowlege  that  Rychard  de  la  Poola  is  gon  in  to 
France  again.     Wherfor  I  haue  caused  the  servant  of  the  Mr  of  the 

Posts  dwelling  in in  Lorryne  and  bryng  to  me  the  cer- 

teynte  therof. 

"  Also  the  sayd  Hans  saythe  that  Sir  Georgy  Nevel  is  desyred 
to  go  to  France  and  by  reason  of  his  poerte,  and  that  he  can  not 
opteyu  his  pardon  frome  the  King,  he  wol  go  shortly. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  207 

"  The  Lord  Berghes  a  pon  foure  monnethes  passed,  shewyd  me 
that  a  servant  of  the  Lady  Margeryte  of  Ingland  desyred  him  in- 
stantly to  be  favorable  unto  the  sayd  Sir  Georgy  Nevel,  towarde  the 
King  that  he  myghthave  his  pardon  saing  tome  it  wer  wel  done. 

Spinelly  to  Wolsey  4  Aug.  1516.  Bruxellis,  ib.  fol.  131  b. 

"  I  understand  of  a  seurty  that  Rychard  de  la  Poola  haythe  been 
at  a  place  of  Messrs.  Robert  de  lamarcha,  and  retourned  to  Metz, 
and  not  gon  into  Frans  as  was  spokynne. 

Again  4  Oct.  1516.  Brux.  ib.  fol.  181  b.  "  Alamyre1"  is  retourned 
frome  Mettz  as  your  Grace  shal  parceyve  by  his  Lettres  herin 
clowsed.  He  hath  borowed  of  me  x.  gowldin  gyldyns  and  xxxli  I 
have  payed  to  the  servant  of  the  Mr  of  the  Posts,  for  his  last  voyage. 
If  the  Kings  pleaser  is  that  I  shulde  intende  to  such  materres,  his 
Hyghnes  must  send  me  money  and  by  that  manere  Alamyre  shalgo 
into  France.     Bruxelles  the  iiijth  day  of  October  m.d.xvi." 

The  Cottonian  Manuscript  Calig.  D.  vi.  fol.  344,  contains  what  is 
entitled  in  the  Catalogue  "  Depositions  of  some  Emissary  concern- 
ing the  French  King's  motions."  This  paper  is  imperfect  and  much 
burnt  at  the  edges.  The  second  paragraph  relates  to  Richard  de  la 
Pole.  "  Item  he  saithe  that  immediatlie  aftur  that  the  French  Kyng 
was  retornyde  from  Italy  unto  Lyons  he  sent  for  Richarde  de  la 
Pool  then  being  in  the  Citie  of  Macia  in  Florens,"  and  as  they  boith 
wer  ridyng  upon  the  said  Richards  Mooll  (the  King  bihynd  the 
said  Richard)  the  Kyng  saide  thies  wordes  unto  hym.  '  I  knowe 
that  the  King  of  Englond  is  my  vtter  enyme,  intending  to  distroy  and 
depryve  me  from  my  state  in  Italy,  sending  his  right  gret  somes  of 
money  to  the  .  .  .  and  reteignyng  the  Scottes  in  his  aide  for  that  in- 
tent. Wh  ....  glad  I  wold  be  to  serve  hym  with  like  favors. 
And  by  cause  I  know  your  title  to  be  goode  to  the  crowue  of  Eng- 
londe  I  shall  ....  but  shortlie  indevor  me  to  make  some  peax 
with  the  said  E  .  .  .  .  stablishe  my  materis  theare.  And  that 
doon  I  shall  assiste  you  boith  with  men  and  money,  for  obteignyng 
.  .  .  said  right,  and  shall  not  forsake  you  in  that  bihalf  w[hile  I 
have]  oon  crown  to  exspende.  In  the  mean  tyme  m  .  .  .  .  and 
have  pacience.'  He  saith  also  that  Marques  ....  desiride  the 
ffransh  King  with  marvalus  gret  infl  ....  wolde  graunt  vnto  the 
saide  Richarde  his  favors  and  .  .  .  promysses  whiche  Richarde  the 

m  The  same  volume,  fol.  182,  contains  a  Latin  letter  of  some  length  from  this 
Alamyre  to  Wolsey,  in  which  he  states  himself  to  have  passed  no  fewer  than  nine 
days  in  Richard  de  la  Pole's  company.  "  Metz  in  Lorraine  ? 


208  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

said  Marques  ....  cosyn.  And  the  said  King  promyside  vnto 
hym  .  .  wolde  soo  doo. 

"  He  saitli  also  that  itt  is  determynyde  by  the foure 

parsons  shalbe  sentt  secretlie  into  England fyre  by  crafty 

and  cautelous  meanes  within  the  .  .  .  his  grace  shalbe  abiding,  to 

thextent  (which  God distroy  his  most  noble  person,  and 

all  odr  ther  beinge  .  .  .  the  said  persons  for  this  their  execrable 
factt  shuld  ...  of  the  said  Ric.  foure  thousande  frankes.  Inter- 
rogatus  conatus  faciendi  et  interponendi.  He  saith  when  the  .... 
more  shorter.  And  the  primysses  he  saith  that  he  knowyth  .  .  . 
that  is  moste  secret  about  the  saide  Richarde  and  the  Kings  trew 
and  faithfull  lover,  who  hath  promysedfro  .  .  to  advertise  his  Grace 
by  som  means  and  specially  this  she  .  .  .  secret  intencons  of  the 
said  Ric.  ayansthe  his  said  Grace.'' 

Whatever  might  be  Richard  de  la  Pole's  intentions,  those  of 
Henry's  emissaries  were  not  far  behind,  as  the  Earl  of  Worcester's 
Letter,  which  follows,  will  shew. 

Mr.,  afterwards  Sir  John,  subsequently  Lord  Russell,  was,  at  the 
time  of  the  writing  of  this  Letter  the  deputy-governor  of  Tournay. 
He  journeyed  with  a  M.  Thubianville  to  Lorraine  to  receive  the  pro- 
position of  a  Scheme  for  taking  De  la  Pole,  alive  or  dead ;  a  scheme 
which  probably  could  not  have  been  kept  secret  had  it  been  plotted 
within  the  walls  of  the  city. 


Myne  especiall  gode  Lorcle  in  my  most  humble 
wise  I  recomaund  me  unto  your  Lordship.  This 
day  is  Tybanville  and  Russell  come  home,  and  have 
ben  in  Lorayne  at  Saint  Nicholas  wiche  is  iijC.  Eng- 
lish myles  out  of  this  towne  as  they  saie,  wher  the 
gentilman  that  shuld  do  the  entreprise  mett  with 
them,  and  from  thens  is  gone  to  his  owen  hows  in 
Burgoyne  nigh  one  honderd  myles  biyond,  wher  he 
woll  tarye  till  he  have  aunswer  of  that  he  hathe 
shewid  to  them  soo  that  he  may  have  it  within  this 
moneth.     Of  his  mynde,  and  howe  he  will  take  this 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  209 

entreprise,  and  what  he  askythe  for  to  do  yt,  also 
what  suerties  he  desireth,  I  send  yor  lordship  heryn 
inclosid  as  the  said  Tybanville  and  Russell  have  de- 
lyuerid  me,  wrettyn  in  Frenche  signed  with  ther 
hands ;  and  otherwise  he  wolnot  medle  withall  as 
they  saie.  And  if  this  man  doo  yt  not,  I  knowe 
nor  here  of  noon  other  that  wol  take  it  uppon  hym. 
Also  of  suche  newes  as  they  herd  of  Rcherd  de 
lapole  by  the  waye,  they  have  wrettyn  in  the  said 
bill.  If  the  Kings  Grace  will  have  the  mater  to  be 
in  hande  according  to  the  said  gentilmannes  offre 
and  desire,  if  I  may  shortely  knowe  his  plesur  by  his 
gracious  letters  or  yours,  to  my  power  I  woll  en- 
devor  me  to  accomplisshe  his  noble  comaundment, 
with  the  helpe  of  God,  whom  I  dailly  pray  to  have 
you  my  moost  especiall  gode  lord  in  his  blissid 
keping.  Wretten  at  Tournay  the  xvjth  daie  of  No- 
vembr.  Assuredly  yors  to 

C.    WORC 


%*  The  Papers  referred  to  in  this  Letter  precede  it  in  the  ar- 
rangement of  the  Cottonian  volume.  They  form,  in  truth,  but  one 
document  in  three  divisions,  each  signed  "  P.  Thubianville  "  and 
"John  Russell";  the  whole,  however,  was  too  much  injured  in  the 
Cottonian  fire  to  be  made  out  now  in  entierty,  although  the  proposi- 
tions of  reward,  and  the  general  sense  of  the  whole  are  sufficiently 
clear.0 

0  The  best  transcript  of  this  triple  document  which  could  be  made,  is  here  given : 
1 .  Memore  au  cappitainne  Thibiauville  et  au  cappitainne  Russel  de  remonstrer 
l'estat  que  je  Percheual  de  Matte  gentil  homme  de  la  Conte  de  Bourgonne  voieul 
auoir  pour  entreprendre  l'entreprinsse  entre  nous  pourparlee  et  deuisee. 

Primmerement  je  desire  auoir  deux  cens  escus  d'or  de  pension,  et  seurete  diceulx, 


210  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

The  first  division  is  the  bargain  for  recompense.  A  "  Memorandum 
to  Captain  Thubiamville  and  to  Captain  Russell  to  shew  the  condi- 
tion which  Perceval  de  Matte,  gentleman  to  the  Count  of  Burgundy, 
will  have  for  undertaking  the  enterprise  afore  spoken  of  and  devised 
between  us."  Before  any  other  consideration,  M.  Perceval  de  Matte 

dedens  la  Ville  de  Cales  durant  ma  vie  se  [je]  prens  lafaire  et  quelle  fut  decelle,  et 
que  pariceste  lafaire  ne  venist  a  effect ;  afiu  que  puisse  vivere  et  que  ne  demoure 
pas  sans  mises. 

En  oultre  pour  ce  que  lafaire  est  pesant  et  ne  le  puis  entreprendre  seul,  je  demande 
quatre  compaignons,  pour  vng  ceschun  cinq"  escus  d'or  par  an  de  pension ;  le  cas 
avenant  corame  desus  est  dite. 

Le  cas  avenant  que  l'entrepreinsse  venist  a  bon  effect ;  que  espere  fera ;  je  de- 
mande pour  vngr  gentil  hommc  qui  me  donnera  avis  secrete,  et  pour  moy,  pour  vng 
ceschun  de  nous,  quatre  cens  escus  de  pension  par  an,  nostre  vie  durant,  sus  la 
Ville  desus  nome  ;  et  bonne  seurete  diceulx. 

Item  pour  les  despens  que  U  me  faut  pour  faire  la  poursuite  de  ceste  afaire,  je  de- 
mande trois  mille  escus  dor  pour  vnne  fois. 

Et  afin  que  ne  blesse  mon  honneur,  ne  voeus  pas  entreprendre  laditte  entreprinse 
que  ne  soie  asseure  des  choses  desus  dites,  et  me  soie  declare  serviteur  du  Roy  vostre 
maistre,  et  quitte  mon  serment  que  jay  a  present  aux  Signeurs  de  Mes.  Quant  le  cas 
aviendra  il  faut  que  furnissies  argent  pour  entretenir  les  compaignons  et  moy  en 
poursuivant  cest  afaire  ;  les  quels  deniers  seront  rabatu  des  desusd  it  trois  mille 
escus.  P.  THUBIANVILLE. 

JOHN  RUSSELL. 

2.  Et  pour  donner  a  cognoistre 

le  Emprinse  et  comment 

je  le  voieul elle  ensuyt. 

Primierement  il  me  faut  espier  l'eure  que  Richart  de  la  Pol  [va]  aulx  champs,  soit 

pour  cour  les  lieveres  ou  voir  ses  cheuaulx champs:  Quant  ledit  Richart 

va  aulx  champs  souvent,  vont  un  ou  deulx  des  signeurs  de  Mes  avecq  ledit  Richart ; 
avecq  che  il  .  .  .  ses  serviteurs  avecq  luy,  qui  sont  six  ou  vuyt ;  pour  quoy  il  faut  que 
aye  quelques  pietons  sans  les  cheuauceurs  que  je  mene  avecq  moy,  et  que  les 
mette  en  vng  lieu  secret,  a  fin  destre  plus  seur  de  mon  entreprinse.  A  cause  que 
cest  forte  paus,  et  ne  prends  nuls  que  tels  en  quoy  ay  parfaite  fianche.  Et  se  ce 
uest  quil  face  que  biau  jour  diver  il  nest  possible  de  sytos  achever  l'entreprinse, 
a  cause  que  le  d'  Richart  ne  va  point  aux  champs  se  il  ne  fet  pas  bian  temps  ou 
gele :  pour  quoy  ne  me  voieul  point  hater  se  je  ne  vois  bien  mon  eure  et  quant  a 
la  mener  come  desire.  La  chose  est  bien  pesante,  mais  je  meteray  paine  a  se  faire 
plus  hardiement,  a  cause  que  le  cappitainne  des  saudars  de  cheval  de  la  dite  ville  est 
de  ceste  mon  entreprinse.  Car  quant  le  bruit  sera  en  la  dite  ville  les  signeurs  luy 
commanderont  de  aler  apres  les  entreprendeurs  ;  mais  nous  nous  entenderons  en- 
samble,  et  ne  sieuvera  point  le  train  de  ceulx  quy  meneront  ledit  de  la  Poulle.  Et 
se  je  serais  perforet  et  que  ne  le  puise  amener  a  mon  aise  vif,  je  su  .  .  .  livere  en 
fere  la  fin  :  et  que  la  main  forte  men  demoura,  de  .  .  .  le  tout  il  seroit  trop  long,  je 
men  voy  en  Bourgoinne  pour  auoir  ceulx  en  quy  je  me  fie  pour  acheuer  ceste  en- 
treprise :  et  ne  le  prenderay  point  que  ne  soie  au  roy  vostre  mestre,  et  que  naye 
serment  quittie  desdits  de  Mes  che  que  aray  bien. 

Item  sur  ce  nous  Thibauville  et  Russel  luy  auons  prommis,  deux  mois  ou  six  sep- 
mainnes  du  jour  que  partimes  de  luy  que  il  a  vescu  en  Bourgoinne  de  la  bonne 
volente  de  mon  dit  signeur  leChambrelencq  :  oultre  plus  a  falut  luy  prommettre. 


P  Here  the  upper  parts  of  the  signatures  of  Thubian ville  and  Russell  are  still  visible. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  211 

desires  to  provide  for  himself,  should  his  enterprise  fail :  in  the  event 
of  which  he  demands  to  have  two  hundred  crowns  a  year  1  assigned 
to  him  as  a  pension  for  life  ;  security  for  the  payment  of  the  same  ; 
and  an  asylum  in  the  town  of  Calais.  The  next  demand  is  for  cer- 
tain associates.  The  affair  was  one  of  weight,  and  he  could  not  ex- 
ecute it  alone.  He  requires  four  companions,  and  should  the  plot 
fail  in  success,  each  of  them  to  have  a  pension  of  fifty  crowns  a 
year,  with  like  security,  and  the  same  asylum  as  for  himself.  The 
third  demand  is  in  the  event  of  a  successful  issue  to  the  enterprise. 
He  then  requires  a  pension  of  four  hundred  crowns  a  year  for  him- 
self, and  four  hundred  more  for  a  gentleman  who  was  to  give  him 
secret  aid.  The  last  demand  of  all  is  for  the  discharge  of  expenses 
in  preparing  for  the  enterprise,  for  which  he  requires  three  thousand 
crowns  of  gold  immediately  in  hand. 

The  second  division  details  the  manner  ih  which  the  Plot  was 

3 fette  saellee  et  signee  de 

des  seaulx  de  mondit  signeur  le  Chambrelencq  avecq  ceulx  de  .  .  .  de  Ponignes ; 
luy  prommetant  que  le  fet  mis  a  execusion  nous  baillerons  en  leurs  mains  lesdis 
saeles  et  non  deuant ;  mais  il  voeult  pariellement  avoir  nostre  signe  et  saelle  de 
nous  et  .  .  deliverer  ladite  chose  acheuee,  et  leur  aidier  a  poursuivir  leur  .  .  vers 
mesdis  signeurs. 

Pour  nouvelles  sur  le  chemin  nous  ariuames  la  nuit  de  1  [a  jour  de]  tousains  a  unne 
ville  nommee  le  Pont  a  Blouson,  laquelle  est  de  Monsigneur  de  Loraine  et  est  a 
quatre  lieuues  de  Nansy,  et  sejornames  le  jour:  dont  ehedit  jour  enuoia  le  grant 
commandeur  de  Sein  Anthonne,  lequel  se  tient  audit  lieu  pour  savoir  quy  nous 
estiemes.  Et  nostre  hostesse  luy  dit  que  nous  estiemes  deux  gentils  hommes,  et 
nous  alions  a  Sainct  Nicolay  en  pelerinage.  Et  quant  il  eust  oy  la  response  il  nous 
enuoia  de  son  vin,  et  nous  fit  prier  au  souper  a  sa  maison.  Et  alames  le  soir  souper 
avecq  luy  ;  et  lapres  souper  se  commeneoit  a  deviser  de  biaucoup  de  choses  :  entre 
autres  nous  commencha  a  dire  quil  y  avoit  ung  Prinche  Dengleterre  a  Mes  de  quo;  il 
auoit  grant  pite ;  et  quil  luy  auoit  fet  depuis  trois  mois  vng  bon  service  vers  ung 
Conte  Dalemayne ;  lequel  voloit  semoure  de  sa  foy,  disaut  que  il  auoit  prommis  au 
dit  Conte  que  se  il  pouoit  taut  fere  vers  le  roy  de  Franche,  quil  eust  quelque  entrete- 
nement  dudit  roy,  quil  luy  prometoit  luy  en  donner  la  motie.  Le  dit  Conte  vint 
vers  le  Ducq  de  Loraine  et  fit  tant  que  le  ducq  luy  fit  son  entree  en  Franche : 
dont,  comme  dit  le  Commandeur,  a  Richart  de  la  Poulle  trois  escus  d'or  tous 
les  ans  du  roy  de  Franche,  et  cincq  cens  du  due  de  Loraine :  et  dit  ousy  quil  a 
quelque  pension  du  Roy  de  Hongerie.  Et  de  touttes  ches  pensions  le  Conte 
en  voloit  avoir  la  moitie,  comme  il  maintenu  que  Richart  luy  auoit  prommis.  Et  a 
ceste  cause  nosoit  aler  hors  de  la  ville.  Mais  avant  le  partement  du  due  de  Loraine 
il  envoia  ledit  Commandeur,  quy  est  prochain  parent  du  due  et  chief  de  tout  le  con- 
seil  de  Loraine,  vers  le  Conte  et  fit  lapointement ;  et  ne  craint  plus  rien  de  lafaire  du 
Conte.  et  oultre  plus  en  faisoit  vnne  grosse  estime.  Et  quant  je  l'eus  oy  parler,  je 
luy  demandy  de  quelle  chose  il  pouvoit  servir  au  roy  ny  a  monsigneur  de  Loraine  ; 
il  me  dit  que  le  roy  l'entretenoit  afin  que  se  le  roy  D'engleterre  voloit  fere  quelque 
enprinse  en  Franche  il  trouveroit  des  avis :  et  de  telles  parolles  biaucoup.  Et  me 
dit  que  on  .  .  .  gardoit  bien  vug  tel  leuerier  sept  ans  pour  vnnes  maulvaisses 
.  .  .  negies.  ....  RUSSELL.  P.  THUBIA 


i  Escus  d'or. 


212  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

proposed  to  be  carried  into  execution.  The  intention  was  to  seize 
Richard  de  la  Pole  when  lie  went  into  the  field  to  hunt  the  hares  or 
to  see  his  horses  :  and  as  he  usually  had  one  or  two  of  the  chief  per- 
sons of  Metz,  and  seven  or  eight  attendants  with  him,  it  would  be 
necessary  to  post  spies  in  concealment  to  observe  him.  Some  delay, 
it  is  stated,  might  be  occasioned  by  the  weather,  as  De  la  Pole  went 
into  the  fields  only  when  it  was  fine  or  frosty.  De  Matte  was  to 
make  the  attempt  at  the  first  opportunity.  The  captain  of  the 
guard  in  the  town  was  in  concert  with  him,  and  should  any  alarm 
reach  the  authorities,  and  they  ordered  the  captain  to  go  after  the 
perpetrators,  he  would  set  the  pursuers  on  a  wrong  track.  If  I  am 
unable  to  take  him  with  ease,  he  adds,  I  will  send  for  trusty  agents 
from  Burgundy  to  aid  me  to  make  an  end  of  the  matter  by  force. 

The  third  division  states  that  Russell  and  Thubianville  promised 
De  Matte  the  good  will  of  the  Chamberlain  to  let  him  live  in  Bur- 
gundy, and  also  letters  of  the  Chamberlain,  of  the  Sieur  de  Pouignes, 
and  their  own.  Adding  that  as  for  news  on  their  journey  they  stop- 
ped at  Pont  a  Mousson,  four  leagues  from  Nancy,  where  the  Grand 
Commander  of  the  Hospital  of  St.  Anthoiue  sent  to  enquire  who  they 
were.  They  sent  word  they  were  on  a  pilgrimage  to  St.  Nicholas. 
He  invited  them  to  sup  at  his  house  ;  and  after  supper,  among  other 
things,  he  observed  that  there  was  an  English  Prince  in  those  parts 
whom  he  greatly  pitied,  and  to  whom  he  had  been  of  service.  That 
he  (Richard  de  la  Pole)  had  obtained,  by  the  interest  of  a  certain 
Count  of  Germany,  pensions  from  the  King  of  France  and  the  Duke 
of  Lorraine,  and  also  enjoyed  another  from  the  King  of  Hungary. 
But  that  the  said  Count  claimed  half  of  all  these  pensions,  on  the 
ground  of  a  promise  from  De  la  Pole,  for  the  use  of  his  interest ;  and 
that  he,  the  Commandant,  had  adjusted  a  disagreement  between  them 
on  this  account.  He  told  them,  too,  on  enquiry,  that  Richard  de  la 
Pole  was  entertained  by  the  King  of  France  and  the  Duke  of  Lor- 
raine, that  they  might  obtain  from  him  early  advertisement  of  any 
design  on  the  part  of  the  King  of  England  of  an  invasion  of  France. 

The  pay  proposed  for  this  enterprise  was  so  enormous,  and  the 
probability  of  its  failure  so  evident,  that  there  can  be  little  doubt  but 
that  it  was  immediately  abandoned.  Richard  de  la  Pole  fell  a  few 
years  after  at  the  battle  of  Pavia,  fighting  for  France  ;  his  death 
relieved  Henry  from  fear,  and  was  perhaps  the  only  consolation  af- 
forded to  him  from  a  Victory  which  at  once  destroyed  the  proper 
balance  of  the  States  of  Europe. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  213 


LETTER  LXXXIV. 

Edivard  Duke  of  Buckingham  to  Sir  Edward  Cham- 
berleyn  respecting  the  latter  s  claim  to  the  Manor 
of  Penshurst  in  Kent. 

[ms.  egerton.  brit.  mus.  1049.  fol.  1.  Orig.] 

%*  The  name  of  Chamberlain  as  connected  with  the  manor  of 
Penshurst  by  an  intermarriage,  in  the  time  of  Henry  the  Fourth,  is 
incidentally  mentioned  by  Hasted  in  his  History  of  Kent,  vol.  i.  p. 
409 ;  but  no  further  clue  is  given  to  the  claim  on  the  part  of  Sir  Ed- 
ward Chamberlain,  which  is  here  acknowledged,  but,  as  far  as  the 
editor  can  learn,  is  no  where  else  alluded  to. 


Right  welbiloved  we  recommend  us  unto  you. 
And  touching  youre  clayme  to  the  Manor  of  Pens- 
hurst, and  other  owre  londes  in  Kent,  to  the  which 
ye  require  to  be  restored  as  youre  heritage,  We  do 
you  to  wite  that  according  to  owre  promise  made  at 
Woodstock,  we  have  caused  youre  hole  tytle  to  be 
examyned  by  our  Councell ;  by  whos  advise  we  ar 
content  to  allowe  you  a  covenable  recompence,  which 
we  do  not  somuch  for  doubte  of  youre  title,  as  for 
that  we  sett  more  by  a  frende  then  enny  profitt  or 
comoditie.  In  regard  wherof,  we  have  appointed 
Sir  Thomas  Eude  our  Surveyor  to  comon  with  you 
both  for  recompence  of  your  title,  and  also  for  the 
assurance  to  be  made  on  either  partie ;  to  whom 
you  may  geve  full   credite  in   our  behalve.     From 


214  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

our  Manor   of  Thornebery   the   xvjth   claye    of  Oc- 
tober. E.    BUKYNGHAM. 

To  our  right  welbeloued  frynde  Syr 
Edwarde  Chamberleyn  Knight. 


LETTER  LXXXV. 

The  Duke  of  Buckingham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  en- 
treating his  interference  with  the  King  to  allow 
him  to  be  a  Challenger,  not  an  Answerer,  at 
the  Justs  which  the  King  had  ordered  to  be  held. 
His  great  reluctance  to  be  compelled  to  run  against 
the  King's  person. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  1.  142.  Orig.~] 

***  This  Letter  must  have  been  written  between  1516  and  1521. 
It  was  not  till  the  first  of  these  years  that  Wolsey  was  made  a  Car- 
dinal, by  which  title  he  is  addressed  in  its  superscription.  In  May, 
1521,  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  was  beheaded.  The  actual  date,  as 
will  be  seen  from  circumstances  to  be  mentioned  presently,  may 
safely  be  placed  in  or  about  1519.  The  Earl  of  Surrey  mentioned 
in  it  was  so  created  in  1514.    He  had  married  the  Duke's  daughter. 

The  fall  of  the  Duke  of  Buckingham  has  been  already  noticed  in 
the  first  Series  of  these  volumes,  as  well  as  the  circumstances  of  the 
Interview  with  Francis  the  First,  which  caused  the  last  breach  be- 
tween Wolsey  and  the  Duke.  The  earlier  part  of  the  Duke's  career, 
particularly  as  bearing  upon  this  Letter,  is  yet  to  be  noticed. 

His  first  appearance  in  arms  was  in  1497,  when  Henry  the 
Seventh  went  out  to  meet  the  Cornish  rebels/  He  was  then  quite 
young.  Dugdale  says  he  received  the  livery  of  his  lands  in  the  fol- 
lowing year.5 

A  manuscript  in  the  College  of  Arms  preserves  the  "Articles  of 
Justes  of  Edward  Duke  of  Buckingham  at  the  marriage  of  Prince 
Arthur  in  1501,  "where  he  was  chief  chalenger,  and  Thomas  Grey 

■  Polyd.  Verg.  p.  605.  b  Dugd.  Bar.  i.  170. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  215 

Marquess  of  Dorset,  the  defender.0  He  was  present  at  the  marriage 
of  James  the  Fourth  with  Henry  the  Seventh's  eldest  daughter  in 
1503 :  and  he  carried  the  crown  at  the  coronation  of  Henry  the 
Eighth.* 

In  the  three  first  years  of  Henry  the  Eighth  we  find  him  taking 
the  lead  as  Lieutenant  at  the  feasts  of  St.  George  :e  and  two  years 
afterwards  he  accompanied  the  Ring  to  the  siege  of  Therouenne. 
Hall,  describing  the  habiliments  of  the  noblemen  who  accompanied 
the  King  from  Therouenne  to  meet  Maximilian,  says,  "  in  especiall 
the  Duke  of  Buckingham  ;  he  was  in  purple  satin,  his  apparel  and 
his  barde  full  of  antelopes  and  swans  of  fine  gold  bullion,  marvel- 
lously costly  and  pleasant  to  behold."  ' 

From  1512  to  1519  his  name  is  not  once  noticed  in  the  justs  :  in- 
deed he  says  in  the  present  letter,  that  "  saving  to  fulfil  His  Grace's 
commandment,  he  had  not  been  many  a  day  minded  to  them."  In 
1519,  however,  on  the  29th  of  May,  both  he  and  the  Earl  of  Surrey 
assisted  in  keeping  St.  George's  Feast  at  Windsor  ;S  and  though  the 
present  Letter  speaks  of  the  first  of  May,  it  is  not  improbable  that 
the  time  might  have  been  deferred,  and  that  the  present  Letter  may 
relate  to  these  justs. 


My  especiall  and  singuler  goode  lorde,  In  my 
moste  hartie  wise  I  recommende  me  vnto  youre 
good  lordeship,  and  so  thank  yon  of  youre  grete 
kyndnes  and  lawfull  flavor  at  all  tymes  heretofore 
shewde  vnto  me  in  all  my  causes,  praying  you  my 
lorde  of  youre  goode  and  lovynge  contynuaunce. 
And  where  I  recevid  yesterday,  a  letter  from  my 
lorde  of  Surrey,  beryng  date  the  xxvj111  day  of  ffe- 
bruary,  whereyn  my  seide  Lorde  of  Surrey  hath  as- 
certeyned  me  that  the  Kyngs  grace  intendith  to  have 
a  Justes  on  May  day  next  cumyng,  and  hymself  with 

«  MS.  in  Coll.  Arm.  M.  3.  fol.  24  b.        d  Ibid.  I.  7-  fol.  23  b. 
e  Ibid.  1.  M.  1/.  fol.  34.  f  Hall,  edit.  1548.  Henry  VIII.  fol.  29. 

s  MS.  Coll.  Arm.  1.  M.  17-  ut  supr.  fol.  26. 


216  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

alevyn  sucli  as  his  Grace  hath  chosyn  as  his  scholers 
to  be  the  Chalyngers,  and  wolde  that  of  the  noble 
men  of  his  Realme  there  shulde  be  twelve  Answer- 
ers ;  and  that  the  Kyngs  grace  called  hym  vnto  hym 
bifore  many  lordes  and  gentlemen,  comaundyng  hym 
to  write  vnto  me  to  be  oone  of  the  same  Answerers  ; 
sayinge  that  at  my  last  beyng  with  his  Grace  I 
shulde  promys  hym  to  be  redy  whensoever  it  shalle 
please  his  Grace  to  comaunde  me  to  ren  ;  Where- 
unto  my  seide  lord  of  Surrey,  as  I  perceve  by  his 
letter,  made  answer  that  he  was  sure  I  wolde  forber 
to  do  nothyng  wherewith  I  shulde  knowe  his  Grace 
to  be  content,  howebeit  he  dowtid  that  I  was  not  soo 
well  trymmed  as  I  wolde  desir  to  be,  and  that  he 
thought  I  wolde  not  for  a  thowsand  pounds  to  ren, 
onlesse  I  were  aswell  trymmed  as  I  have  byn  in 
tymes  past.  Whereunto  the  Kyngs  Highness  an- 
swerd  that  he  dowtid  not  but  that  I  wold  be  well 
i  nough  trymmed,  by  which  letter  my  seide  Lord  of 
Surrey  aduised  me  to  make  thereunto  myne  answer 
vnto  the  Kyngs  grace  after,  as  I  founde  my  self 
trymmed,  and  disposid  to  ren.  And  forasmoche  as 
I  wolde  be  ryght  loth  to  refuse  to  doo  any  thyng 
that  shuld  be  at  his  pleasure  that  his  Grace  com- 
aundith  me  to  doo,  for  that  I  haue  allwey  found  his 
Highnes  so  goodeand  gracious  lorde  vnto  me,  and 
specially  nowe  at  my  last  beying  with  hym  ;  and  the 
rather  through  the  ffavor  of  your  goode  Lordeship, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


217 


wher  1  offerd  his  Grace  at  my  departyng,  bifore  you 
my  Lorde,  that  I  wolde  be  redy  at  all  tymes  to  serue 
his  Grace  aswell  byyonde  the  see  as  athisside,  with 
as  goode  wille  and  herte  as  any  subiecte  or  seruaunt 
withy n  his   Realme  to  my  power;  and  bicause  his 
Grace  shulde   thynk  that  I  intend  to  performe  my 
seide  promys,  I  haue  therfor  written  vnto  his  High- 
ness and  haue   offerd  myself  to  his   Grace  by  the 
same  to  performe  his  pleasure,  and  soo  to  cum  vp  to 
London  to  prepare  me  thereunto,  though  the  tyme 
be  short,  vppon  answere  had  from  his  seide  Highnes. 
Sithens  it  is  his  pleasor  to  haue  me  oone  of  them, 
which  savyng  to  fulfyll  his  Graces  comandement  I 
haue  not  byn  many  a  day  mynded  vnto,  that  it  may 
please  his  Highnes  to  appoynt  me  as   oone  of  his 
seide  Scholers  to  ren  on  his  parte,  bicause  it  is  longe 
tyme  sith  I  exercised  any  fete  therof,  and  specially 
for  that  in  my  mynde  I  haue  avowed  neuer  to  ren 
agaynst    his    noble   persone,    if  I   may,  ootherwise 
doynge,    avoyd  his  displeasur.     Wherfor   my  lorde 
though  it  bethe  matter  that  I  am  lothe  and  darr  not 
be  bolde  to  troble  you  withall,  yut  I  shall  hartyly 
desire  youre  goode  lordsship  as  my  speciall  trust  ys 
in  you  that  it  may  please  you,  my  Lord,  to  take  the 
payne   at  suche  convenient  leysir  as  ye  may  haue, 
sumwhat  to  move  the  Kyngs  Grace  that  he  woulbe 
contentid    accordyng    to   my   humble   desire   as   ys 
aforeseid.   And  if  his  Grace  in  nowise  woull  chaunge 
VOL.  i.  L 


218  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

his  mynde  but  that  he  woull  haue  me  an  Answerer 
yut  that  ye,  my  Lord,  woull  move  his  Grace  that 
he  compel  me  not  to  ren  agaynst  his  owne  persone, 
for  I  had  leuer  by  his  comaundement  goo  to  Roome 
then  soo  to  cloo,  Insomyche  as  and  it  were  not  to 
avoyde  the  displeassr  of  his  seid  Highnes  I  haue  not 
myndid  me  thereunto  many  a  day.  As  knoweth  the 
hole  Trinite  Vho  haue  your  good  Lordship  in  his 
blessed  gouernaunce.  Writen  at  my  Manor  of 
Thornbury  the  fFyveth  day  of  Marche. 

Yorys  to  my  power 

E.    BUKYNGHAM. 

To  my  especiall  and  singler 

goode  Lorde  my  Lorde  Cardinall. 


%*  The  Duke  of  Buckingham  resided  principally  at  Thornbury 
Castle  in  Gloucestershire,  whence  both  this  and  the  preceding  Letter 
are  dated  ;  and  which  he  for  the  most  part  rebuilt  in  a  style  of 
feudal  grandeur.  Lysons,  in  his  Gloucestershire  Antiquities,  fol. 
Lond.  1804.  Plates  lxxx.  to  lxxxv.  has  given  accurate  views  both 
of  the  old  and  new  buildings  as  they  then  stood.  The  gateway 
bears  an  inscription,  with  the  date  of  1511. 


LETTER  LXXXVI. 

Archbishop    Warham   to   the  Duke  of  Buckingham ; 

upon  the  latter  deferring  an  intended  Visit. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  misc.  corresp.  3  Ser.  vi.  98.  Orig.] 

***  By  the  tenure  of  his  castle  and  estate  at  Tunbridge  in  Kent, 
the  Duke  of  Buckingham  was  bound  to  serve  as  high-steward  and 
chief-butler  at  every  inthronization-feast  of  an  Archbishop  of  Canter- 
bury.    Of  the  princely  manner  in  which  the  Duke  performed  these 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  219 

offices  at  that  of  Archbishop  Warham  in  1507,  a  minute  detail  will 
be  found  in  the  Appendix  to  the  sixth  volume  of  Leland's  Col- 
lectanea, the  edition  of  1770;  which  is  worth  the  reader's  referring 
to.  The  present  Letter,  however,  shows  that  a  friendly  as  well  as 
an  official  connection  existed  between  them. 

There  is  something  mysterious  in  this  Letter.  The  Duke  was 
evidently  uneasy  in  mind,  and  anxious  to  disburthen  it  to  Warham ; 
who,  from  the  official  arrangements  he  had  made  in  his  diocese,  was 
obliged  to  put  off  a  proposed  visit  to  a  later  appointment  than  the 
Duke  had  wished. 


My  singular  good  lorde  in  my  mooste  hertie  wise 
I  recoihende  me  to  your  good  lordeship,  ascertayn- 
yng  the  same  that  I  have  receved  your  kynde  and 
loving  Lettres  writen  the  secunde  day  of  this  instant 
moneth,  by  the  which  I  perceve  that  by  suche  in- 
fortune  that  your  lordeship  writeth  of,  ye  may  not 
be  at  Otforde  on  tuesday  next  corriyng,  wherof  I  am 
right  sory,  and  specially  of  suche  infortune  as  shuld 
put  your  good  lordeship  to  any  bodily  peyne  or  dis- 
pleasir.  And  wher  as  your  lordeship  writeth  that 
ye  have  differred  this  jorney  til  after  Whitsontide 
for  the  cause  afor  said,  My  Lorde  I  wold  be  as  glad 
as  any  man  to  see  your  good  lordeship  at  my  pouer 
lodging  at  Otforde  at  any  tyme  at  your  lordeshippes 
pleasir,  but  so  it  is  that  I  have  appoineted  the  next 
day  after  the  Nativiti  of  Sancte  of  Baptiste  next 
corriyng  to  remove  from  hens  to  Maideston,  for  di- 
uerse  and  many  causes  concernyng  the  reformation 
of  the  College  ther,  and  also  for  other  causes  con- 
cernyng the  reformation  of  certeyn  religiouse  places 


L  2 


220  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

within  my  diocese  for  whose  apparence  I  have  sent 
oute  citations,  which  I  can  not  conueniently  revoke. 
Wherfor  thies  premisses  considered,  I  hertily  be- 
seche  your  good  lordeship  that  I  may  vndrestand 
your  pleasir  and  mynde  at  what  tyme  it  may  please 
your  lordeship  to  take  the  peyne  to  be  at  my  pouer 
place  at  Otforde.  My  lorde  I  had  leuyr  lose  v.C  marke 
than  the  matier  that  is  intended  shuld  take  none 
effecte  for  diuerse  and  many  considerations  which 
wer  to  long  to  write.  Almighti  God  knoweth  best 
my  mynde  in  this  behalue  which  euer  preserue  your 
good  lordeship.  At  Otforde  the  thirde  day  of  Juny 

Ev'y  your  owne 

WILLM.    CANTUAR. 

To  my  lorde  of  Bukkinghara  is 
good  Lordeship. 

%*  The  Cottonian  Manuscript,  Titus  B.  I.  fol.  171,  contains  a 
Memorandum  of  Instructions  for  things  which  the  Duke's  chancellor 
was  to  do  or  to  direct,  dated  26th  Nov.  12th  Henry  VIII.  They 
are  entirely  in  the  Duke  of  Buckingham's  own  hand-writing,  and 
have  hitherto  been  passed  by. 

A  document,  in  point  of  time,  so  close  before  his  fall,  and  touch- 
ing upon  some  of  the  events  which  caused  that  fall,  deserves  pre- 
servation. In  several  parts  the  Duke  has  made  erasures  and  re- 
written his  orders.  In  others  he  has  crossed  over  his  directions.  In 
the  present  transcript  these  have  been  given  in  italics,  bracketted. 

"  Thornbury,  xxvite.  die  Novembris, 
A°.  xii.  Henric'  Octavi. 

"  Instrucc'ions  yevene  by  the  ryght-hygh  and  myghty  prince  Ed- 
ward Due  off  Bukyngham  &c.  to  hys  chaunceler  Mayster  Robert 
Gylbert  as  folouth. 

"  Ffyrst  we  woll  that  you  deliver  our  letters  of  credence  to  my 
lord  of  Norffolk  and  to  my  lady  hys  wyfe,  and  to  thank  them  in 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  221 

our  name  of  the  grete  kyndnes  that  they  have  ever  shewd  us, 
praying  them  of  theyre  conrynuance,  and  that  yt  may  lyke  them 
ever  to  gyve  you  boldnes  and  other  of  our  councele  at  all  tymes 
to  resorte  to  them  to  have  theyre  advyses  in  all  our  causes  as- 
surynge  them  we  have  as  grete  truste  in  them  as  eny  chyld  they 
have,  and  wol  doo  as  moche  to  doo  them  pleasure  as  eny  chyld 
they  have  acordynge  to  the  promyse  we  made  them  at  our  beynge 
with  them,  where  we  had  so  grete  and  herty  chere  that  we  woll 
not  put  yt  in  oblivione  :  praynge  them  evere  to  be  meane  to  furder 
us  in  all  our  causes  and  suets  to  the  Kynges  grace  and  my  Lord 
Cardinall,  and  yf  ther  be  eny  thynge  that  they  shal  here  that  shal  be 
agenst  our  honoure,  or  surty,  that  they  woll  advertyse  therotf  wyth 
theyre  good  advyses  what  is  best  for  us  to  doo,  trustynge  that  they 
shall  have  noo  dishonour  to  aunsuere  for  us  in  our  absence,  and 
that  they  shall  well  see  we  shall  foloe  theyre  adviseys. 

"  Item  to  make  them  privey  of  thaunswere  we  have  made  to  my 
lord  cardinall  towchynge  our  jorney  in  to  Walles. 

"  Item  that  ye  call  appone  my  lord  of  Suffolks  councell  for  re- 
storynge  of  our  obligacione  offyfe  hundred  marks  remaynynge  wyth 
my  sayd  lord  of  Suffolk. 

"  Item  we  woll  that  ye  cause  to  be  made  for  the  Kynges  new  yers 
gyfte  a  goblyt  of  gold1  with  a  cover  to  drynk  wyne  inn  of  the  beste 
fauccoune  and  contrary  to  the  facconne  of  the  cuppe  of  gold  for  ale, 
whyche  we  gave  to  hys  grace  the  laste  yere,  and  that  the  same  gob- 
lyt be  made  wyth  a  wrytynge  abowte  yt  accordynge  to  a  copye  of 
the  same  delyverd  unto  you,  and  that  the  same  goblyt  be  wyth  the 
faccoune  and  all  be  made  to  the  valw  of  xxxvj1'.  and  that  yt  be  made 
wyth  the  Kynges  badgeys,  [ And  to  order  our  servaunt  John  Borrell  to 
present  the  same  to  hys  hyghnes]  and  thus  order  our  trusty  councelour 
John  Scot  to  present  the  same  to  the  Kynges  hyghnes. 

"  Item  that  ye  cause  a  powmander  of  gold  to  be  made  wyth  the 
Kynge  and  the  quenes  badgeys  for  a  new  yers  gyfte  for  the  quene, 
and  a  chene  of  gold  to  hange  the  same  powmander  at  her  gyrdyll, 
so  that  the  powmander  and  the  chene  wyth  the  facconne  and  all  be 
of  the  value  of  x1.  [And  that  Thomas  Barnwell  receyvour  of  our  landes 
in  Kent  and  Surrey  present  the  satne  to  her  grace]  And  that  John 
Scot  delyver  the  same  to  the  Quenes  grace. 

"  Item  that  ye  cause  to  be  made  a  cuppe  of  gold  wyth  a  cover  frale 

»  In  the  Margin.  "Memorandum,  for  the  word  in  frenshe  in  the  Kynges  new  yers 
gyfte,  '  wyth  humble  trw  hert.'" 


222  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

wyth  the  wordeb  of  the  best  and  newest  facconne  wyth  my  lord 
Cardinalls  badgeys,  to  the  valew  of  xxx'1.  wyth  the  facconne  and  all 
for  his  newyers  gyft  [and  the  same  to  be  presented  to  hym  by  our 
trusty  councelour  John  Scot  and  yf  the  same  John  Scot  be  seke  or 
otherwyse  letted  that  he  kanne  not  present  the  same  than]  we  woll  that 
Mayster  Thomas  Wylloghby  present  the  same  and  yff  John  Scot  be 
seke  [that  he]  or  otherwise  letted  that  he  kanne  not  present  the  sayd 
[cup]  goblyt  of  gold  to  the  Kyngs  hyghnes  and  the  powmaunder  to 
the  Queues  grace  ;  than  we  woll  that  ye  order  the  sayd  Thomas 
Wylloghby  to  doo  the  same  ;  and  yf  ye  kanne  not  have  hym  to  per- 
forme  the  premisses  as  ys  afore  sayd  then  we  woll  ye  order  [John 
Barrett]  Thomas  Wylloghby  to  present  the  new  yer  gyfts  to  the  Kyng 
and  the  quene  and  Thomas  Barnwell  to  my  lord  Cardinal. 

"  Item  that  ye  herkynge  who  woll  make  the  beste  offer  for  our 
wode  at  Agmondeshame  [and]  forasmoche  as  we  wol  have  wode  sold 
there  to  the  valw  off  a  c1'.  [and]  and  above,  alwey  reservynge  the  fayre 
tymber  to  our  owne  use,  and  that  ye  have  Thomas  Bynks  the  car- 
pentor  of  London  to  come  thyther  wyth  you  to  helpe  to  dryve  the 
moste  to  our  proffyte. 

"Item  that  ye  delyver  our  letters  of  credence  to  my  Lord  Privey 
Seele,  the  Abbot  off  Westminster,  and  Sr  Thomas  Lovell,  and  to  de- 
syre  them  to  forbere  theyre  mony  to  crystemas  comme  twelvmonth  ; 
and  yf  the  Abbot  of  Westmynster  shall  desyre  further  surtys,  we 
woll  that  ye  promyse  hym  to  fynde  hym  more  suerty  in  the  bygyn- 
nynge  of  the  next  terme  ;  and  at  that  tyme  we  woll  ye  desyre  our 
custumers  ther  to  be  bound  to  hym  yf  he  sholl  than  so  desyre. 

"  Item  that  ye  knaw  of  my  lord  Barnnes  or  in  hys  absence  of 
Umptone  how  moche  of  the  xii  C.  xxh.  ys  unpeyde,  for  as  moche  as 
yt  ys  vi.  yers  paste  and  more  syns  the  Indenture  was  made. 

"  Item  that  ye  make  payment  to  Robert  Amadas  for  the  potts  made 
for  crystynynge  of  my  lord  of  Aburgayvenyse  chyld,  and  to  brynge 
the  same  wyth  you,  and  that  ye  boroo  of  the  same  Amadas  for  us 
agenste  crystenmas  basyns  vi.,  and  ewers  vi.,  potts  iij.  payre, 
standynge  cuppes  vi.,  and  goblytts  vi. 

"  Item  that  ye  cause  our  brode  Seale  to  be  new  made,  for  the  Aji- 
tilops  in  our  brode  seale  shuld  have  the  cronetts  abowt  theyre  nekks, 
and  a  chene  hangynge  by  the  same,  and  a  rynge  atte  ende  arte  same 
chene.c 

b  In  the  margin,  "  The  worde  in  Frensh  on  the  cup  of  gold  '  wyth  good  hert.'  " 

c  "  Memorandum  for  the  print  in  was." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  223 

"  Item  that  ye  ryde  by  Oxford  and  there  make  and  cause  to  be 
made  there  inquire  for  somme  sufficient  Prest  to  be  mayster  of  our 
workes,  and  that  ye  speke  wyth  mayster  Bentley  for  the  same,  and 
to  shew  hym  how  my  lord  Cardinall  hath  handlede  us,  wyth  all  the 
circumstance  ;  and  what  he  hath  doone  for  us  ;  and  how  Margarete 
Geddynge  hath  appon  her  othe  declared  here  sylff,  and  what  she 
sayth  of  Charles  Knyvet. 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  my  lord  Broke  yf  he  be  at  London,  and 
to  knaw  of  hym  whether  the  benyfice  of  our  gyft  in  Calilond  be  voyd, 
and  also  that  ye  have  communicatione  wyth  hym  for  the  change  off 
our  lordshype  [land  in]  off  Calilond  for  hys  lordshype  in  Wylteshyre 
called  Wardere,  acordyuge  as  we  wrote  to  hym  whot  grete  offers  we 
have  for  the  same,  whyche  we  have  as  yet  forborne  because  of  hys 
suet  made  unto  us. 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  my  lord  Ferys  for  hys  furre  of  sables, 
and  that  ye  cause  Auchet  or  Skyanes  to  see  yt,  and  that  ye  dry  \  e 
the  lowest  price  theroff,  and  to  certyfye  us  of  the  same,  and  that  ye 
make  serche  for  blak  genytts,  and  to  take  the  advyse  of  diverse 
brokers  for  the  same,  and  to  reteyne  them  to  put  you  in  knawlege  of 
suche  things  as  shall  comme  to  theyre  hands  and  that  shalbe  meete 
for  our  use. 

"  [Item  that  ye  convey  wyth  you  to  Londone  the  two  knoppes  of  our 
two  cuppes  of  gold,  and  cause  whyt  borders  to  be  made  aboute  the  armes 
of  England  in  the  same. 

"  Item  that  ye  make  payment  to  Robert  Amadas  for  the  potts  made 
for  crytennynge  of  my  lord  of  Burgayvenyse  chyld  and  to  brynge  the 
same  wyth  you,  and  to  boroofor  us  of  the  same  Amadas. 

"  Item  that  ye  bowroe  of  Robert  Amadas  two  payre  of  candelstykks, 
two  basyns,  two  imageys  of  sylver,  and  a  grete  crossefor  our  chapell  to 
serve  us  at  Crystemas  next.] 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  my  lord  of  Burgaveny  and  to  desyre  hym 
[to  be]  that  he  woll  have  communicacione  wyth  Thomas  Lewkener  to 
serve  us,  and  to  take  charge  of  our  sonne  the  lord  Stafford,  and  of 
suche  payments  as  shalbe  made  for  hym  and  to  offer  hym  vijd.  ob' 
by  the  day  and  xu.  of  fee,  and  hys  wyfe  to  be  in  our  howse  at  mete 
and  dryuke,  and  wageys  yf  he  and  she  shall  so  be  contented. 

"  Item  that  ye  require  Sr  John  Koke  late  our  Chaplene  in  our 
chapell,  and  to  cause  hym  to  be  arested  for  departyuge  frome  us  con- 
trary to  his  oth,  and  for  other  hys  mysdemeanors  in  our  howse. 

"  Item  that  ye  require  lykewyse  for  Gamme  late  of  our  chappell 


~24  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  also  to  cause  hym  to  be  send  unto  us  for  that  he  lykewyse  de- 
parted frame  us. 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  the  officers  of  the  byshope  of  Norwiche 
and  of  the  byshope  of  Exetoure,  for  the  goods  of  Sir  John  Pykrynge 
to  be  delyvred  to  our  use,  and  lykewyse  for  suche  hys  goods  that  ye 
kanne  have  knawlege  ofl'  in  eny  other  place,  and  the"  same  to  be 
arested  for  the  dett  whyche  he  awth  unto  us. 

"  [Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  Sir  Henry  Owene  and  to  knaw  whether  he 
and  my  lady  hys  wyfe  woll  comme  to  us  this  Crystenmas  and  brynge 
theyre  lytyll  doughter  wyth  them,']  and  to  knaw  of  hym  what  he  hath 
hard  of  Mayster  Bryane  how  the  Kyugs  graceys  good  lord  unto  us, 
and  yf  he  woll  send  eny  worde  to  us  frome  the  same  Mayster  Briane, 
and  for  the  beryng  of  our  Parke  of  Bredsted  that  he  woll  send  us 
word  whether  Sir  William  Wodales  sonne  woll  make  eny  further 
suete  to  us  for  the  same,  and  whether  he  woll  comme  to  us. 

"  Item  that  ye  provyd  us  of  one  good  koke  or  tweyne,  and  that  ye 
order  Fyshweke  to  comme  to  serve  us  for  the  tyme  of  thys  Crys- 
tenmas. 

"  Item  we  woll  that  after  ye  have  aunswer  of  my  lord  Cardinall,  yf 
ye  shall  perceyve  that  Margaret  Geddynge  have  not  made  mysre- 
porte  to  hym  of  us,  ye  take  the  advyse  of  my  lady  Fytzwater  whe- 
ther we  shal  take  the  sayd  Margarete  to  our  servyce  agene. 

"  [Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  mayster  countrollere  of  the  Kynges  hows- 
hold,  and  to  knaw  of  hym  whether  he  have  made  suete  to  the  Kyngs 
grace  to  wryle  to  us  for  the  kepynge  of  our  parke  of  Northlee  in  Kent. 

"  Item  that  ye  delyver  to  my  lady  of  Saleshury  our  letters  wherin 
we  have  wrytene  to  her  to  delyvre  to  your  hands  the  CCh  whyche 
sheowth  to  us  at  thys  tyme,  and  appon  the  payment  of  the  same  that  ye 
delyvere  to  her  an  acquetance  signed  and  sealed  by  us  and  herwyth 
delyverd  to  you. 

u  And  that  ye  delyver  our  letters  to  my  lady  Fitzwater  and  to  knaw 
whether  she  be  wyth  chyld,  and  to  by  suche  stuff  for  lytyll  Mary  as  my 
sayd  lady  woll  advyse  you  to  doo,  and  to  knaw  of  her  who  were  godfaders 
and  godmoders  to  the  chyld  of  our  doughter  Mary.']  Item  to  shew  her 
the  demeanor  of  my  lady  our  wyfe,  and  also  to  my  lord  Fytzwater. 
And  therfor  my  lady  Fytzwater  may  doo  us  grete  pleasure  and 
coumforth  to  purvey  us  of  a  sad  woman  to  be  abowt  her ;  for  we 
thynke  the  demeanour  of  my  lady  ys  suche  that  Margaret  Geddynge 
wol  be  loth  to  be  abowt  her,  and  to  knaw  who  told  her  of  the 
thyngs  that  we  shuld  doo  at  Southamptone,  &c. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  225 

u  Item  that  ye  lede  James  Owtred  whych  kept  our  parke  of  Pos- 
terne  to  come  to  us  and  kepe  our  new  parke  of  Thornbury. 

"  [Item  to  send  oonfro  London  to  serve  us  to  make  wafers  and  to  make 
wax  and  to  serve  us  in  our  ewry. 

"  Item  that  ye  call  appon  the  Due  of  Suffolks  counsele  for  ourobliga- 
done  of  D.  marks  reymaynynge  tvyth  to  be  deliverd  to  you  for  that  we 
payd  hyme  the  same  as  appereth  by  hys  acquietance  remaynynge  icith 

MS.] 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  with  Mayster  Lyttester,  and  where  he 
shewde  us  of  iij.  gentylwomen  that  be  the  Kyngs  wards  and  that  he 
wold  acerteyne  us  whan  eny  suche  wards  fell,  we  woll  ye  shew  hym 
that  we  desyre  hym  soo  to  doo,  and  also  to  shew  you  of  them  for 
that  we  wold  bhy  iij.  or  iiij.  suche,  and  that  he  wolbe  lovynge  to 
Pudsay  grome  of  the  Kynges  Chamber  that  he  may  have  oone  for 
hymsylff. 

"  Item  that  ye  speke  wyth  sir  Thomas  Lovell  to  be  favorable  to  us 
in  the  same. 

"  Item  that  ye  delyver  our  letter  of  credence  to  sir  William  C'omp- 
ton,  and  to  shew  hym  that  we  woll  send  hys  evidence  to  hym  after 
Crystenmas,  and  to  desyre  that  yf  he  kanne  agre  wyth  the  partyse 
that  the  castell  of  Beverstone  and  the  parke  of  Wever  and  the  manor 
ofTokyngtone  come  to  hys  hands  that  we  may  have  them  of  hym  in 
exchaunge. 

"Item  that  ye  delyvere  our  letter  of  credence  to  Mayster  Coun- 
troller  of  the  Kyngs  howshold,  and  to  shew  hym  that  we  be  sory 
that  the  kepynge  of  our  parke  of  Northle  shalbe  no  more  proftitable 
to  hym,  and  to  desyre  to  send  us  suche  newse  as  he  hath  of  the 
Frensh  Kynge  and  the  emproure. 

"  Item  that  ye  delyver  our  letter  of  credence  to  sir  Edward  Nevell, 
and  to  desyre  hym  to  inquire  for  some  honest  man  that  wolbe  our 
baylyffof  Thonebryge  and  wolbe  bound  [tofyn]  with  sufficient  suertys 
wyth  hyme  for  the  dw  excersysynge  of  the  same  office  acordynge  to 
the  copye  of  the  bonnd  reymeynyuge  wyth  my  lord  of  Burgayveny, 
and  to  shew  hym  that  he  shal  have  instructions  frome  us,  and  a  war- 
rant for  tymber  where  he  thynketh  yt  may  be  best  had  for  the 
palynge  of  the  north  lannds. 

"  Item  to  speke  with  oon  John  Clement  of  London  for  makynge  of 
knotts  d  and  devyses  in  selynge. 

d  The  Stafford  knots.   Ed. 

L  5 


226  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

"  Item  that  ye  shew  my  lord  of  Saynt  Johanes  that  Thomas  Fytz- 
garret  hath  made  a  contracte  wyth  our  basterd  daughter,  and  that 
we  woll  that  he  shall  receyve  the  hole  proffytts  of  hys  lands  fro 
mychaelmas  last  forwards,  and  that  we  desyre  my  lord  of  Saynt 
Johanes  to  medle  no  more  wyth  the  lands,  and  for  that  mony  that  ys 
dw  to  hym  over  the  mony  that  he  hath  receyved  off  the  sayd  lands 
we  shall  pay  hym. 

"  Item  that  ye  make  Crochet  to  order  our  harnnes  of  every  kynde, 
and  makyng  aparte,  and  a  reymayne  to  be  takene  theroff. 

"  Item  that  a  remayne  be  takene  of  our  tents. 

"  Item  that  ye  cause  levys  torne  in  our  primer  to  be  new  wrytene, 
and  the  claspys  to  be  new  made  of 

"  Item  that  ye  kanne  speke  wyth  my  lord  Cardinall  that  ye  shew 
hym  for  the  credenc  in  our  letter  that  we  thank  his  Grace  of  all  hys 
grete  goodnes  towards  us,  and  that  we  intend  after  candelmas  to  re- 
sort to  our  lordships  in  Wales  yf  the  plage  of  the  grete  sekenes 
sease,  the  whiche  yet  still  reayneth  ther ;  whyche  jorney  shalbe 
moche  proftitable  unto  us  as  well  for  the  knowlege  whyche  shalbe 
gyvene  by  our  tenents  to  my  Lady  at  here  fyrst  commynge  thyther 
as  for  leveyuge  of  our  rents  and  fermes  and  lawfull  casualtyse, 
whyche  woll  not  be  leved  onlasse  we  be  there  present;  nother  jus- 
tice mynysterd,  as  our  counsayle  and  officers  have  made  reporte  unto 
us  ;  and  for  that  yt  ys  well  knowne  to  all  the  Kyngs  commissioners 
that  have  bene  ther,  and  to  our  counsayle,  that  we  kanne  not  be 
ther  for  our  suerty  with  owt  iij.  or  iiij.  hundred  men  ;  and  though 
we  shal  have  them  of  our  owne  officers  and  tenants,  yet  many  of 
them  shalbe  our  gentylmens  servaunts  of  small  stature.  And  for- 
asmuche  as  we  trust  that  the  Kyngs  Hyghnes  and  my  lord  Car- 
dinall wold  not  have  us  cast  away,  we  desyre  my  lord  Cardinall 
to  be  meane  to  the  Kyngs  Grace  that  we  have  licens  to  have  our 
harnnes  secretly  convayd  wyth  us,  and  not  to  have  yt  worne  but  in 
tyrne  of  nede  for  our  suerty." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


221 


LETTER  LXXXVII. 

Andrew  Wyndesore,  afterwards  the  first  Baron  of  that 
name,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting   a  Wood  in 
Agmondesham,  in  the  County  of  Bucks,  which  had 
belonged  to  the  late  Duke  of  Buckingham. 
[ibid,  wolsey's  corresp.  xiii.  116.  Orig.~\ 

Plese  yt  yor  Grace  to  vnderstond  that  there  is  iij. 
of  the  Kyngs  servaunts  that  make  labor  for  a 
Woodde  that  was  the  Duke  of  Buckinghams  in 
Agmondesham  in  the  countie  of  Buckingham,  callyd 
Dreynford  woodde,  whiche  of  trouthe  is  the  fayrest 
Woodde  of  tymber  within  twentie  myles  of  Wyn- 
desore ony  wey,  yff  grete  nede  shal  be  for  beyldyng 
there,  and  is  worthe  two  hundrethe  marks  to  be  soldf 
or  better.  And  besyds  that  there  hathe  bene  this 
twentie  or  thirtie  yeres  an  Ayerye  of  goosse  hawksa 
contynually  there  bredyng,  whiche  be  verrey  good 
as  ony  flee.  And  by  mysorder  they  were  put  ffrome 
bredyng  there.  This  yere  they  breede  but  a  littil 
thens.  Yt  is  noo  dowt  but  they  wyll  come  thither 
agayne  if  the  Woodde  may  stonde.  The  seid  iij.  per- 
sons make  theym  sure  of  yt,  if  your  Grace  steye  yt 
nott,  as  I  am  informed.  Yff  the  Kyngs  grace  wold 
geve  twies  as  moche  money  for  so  moche  fayre 
tymber  for  beylding,  of  a  suertie  his  Grace  can  not 
have  yt  noo  where  there  abowte.     As  knowithe  God 

»  goshawks. 


228  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

who  euer  preserue  yor  Grace,     ffrome  London  this 
Wednesday  in  Witson  Weke. 

Your  humble  seruante 

ANDREW    WYNDESORE. 

To  my  Lorde  Cardynall  Grace 
be  thys  delyuered. 


LETTER  LXXXVIII. 

Archbishop  JVarham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  remonstrat- 
ing against  an  alleged  command  from  the  King's 
Council,  to  have  stabling  for  his  Grace's  horses  to 
be   kept  at  livery  within  the  Monastery  of  Christ 

Church  Canterbury . 

[ibid.  misc.  corresp.  xvi.  Supplem.  31.  Orig.~\ 

*»*  From  the  mention  of  "  the  King's  Grace  and  th'Emperors 
late  being  at  Canterbury,"  in  this  Letter,  the  date  must  be  placed  in 
or  about  1520. 

Stowe,  in  his  Summarie  of  the  Chronicles  of  England,  24mo. 
Lond.  1598,  under  1520, says, "As  King  Henry  was  at  Canterburie 
with  the  Queene  in  readines  to  have  passed  the  sea,  hee  heard  of 
the  Emperour  Charles  comming,  with  whom  he  met  at  Dover,  and 
accompanied  him  to  Canterburie,  where,  after  the  Emperour  had 
saluted  the  Queene,  his  aunt,  hee  tooke  shipping  into  Flaunders." 


Please  it  yor  moost  honorable  Grace  to  under- 
stand that  I  heresay  by  reaport  that  a  servaunt  of 
the  Kings  Grace  is  come  to  Canturbery  at  the  com- 
aundement  of  the  Kings  Counsell  (as  he  saith)  to 
have  stabilling  for  the  Kings  horses  to  be  kept  at 
lyvery  within  the  Monastery  of  my  Churche  of  Can- 
terbery;  shewing  no  letters  of  the  Kings  Grace  or 


ORIGINAL   LETTERS.  229 

other  writings :  declaring  thesaid  comaundement. 
Suer  I  am  that  the  Kings  Hieghnes  and  your  Grace, 
well  enformed  of  the  great  charges  that  the  said 
Monastery  hath  ben  and  moost  daily  be  put  unto, 
wolbe  well  contented  to  spar  the  same  frome  any  suche 
maner  extraordinary  charges ;  ffor  the  said  Monas- 
tery hath  been  so  burdend  with  receyving  and  inter- 
taynyng  bothe  of  the  Kings  Graces  moost  noble  am- 
basitors  and  other  princes,  and  of  other  honorable 
personages  passing  by  that  way,  beside  the  Kings 
Grace  and  themperors  late  being  ther,  besyde  also 
fynding  of  men  to  war,  above  gret  subsidies  and 
great  loneys,  that  if  suche  charges  or  other  lyke 
shuld  contynue,  thesame  mought  after  be  utterly 
decayed ;  whiche  I  wold  be  very  lothe  to  see  in  my 
tyme.  And  I  trust  veryly  that  your  Grace  for  the 
gret  devotion  that  your  Grace  oweth  to  Christs 
Churche,  and  to  the  blessed  Martir  Sainct  Thomas 
wolbe  contented  of  your  goodnes  to  putt  some 
remedy  that  noo  suche  newe  charges  be  enduced, 
but  wolbe  so  gratious  to  yor  religiouse  bedemen 
there  as  to  discharge  thayme  therof,  specially  when 
the  said  Monastery  standyth  far  of  frome  the  Kings 
Grace  contynuall  abode,  to  kepe  any  lyvery  of  horse 
comodyousely  for  the  Kings  Graces  use.  And  also 
bicause  it  was  never  seen  hertofor  that  any  suche 
lyvery  hathe  been  kept  in  thesaid  Monastery  by  the 
Kings  Graces  dayes,  or  any  of  his  noble  progenitors. 


230  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  beseche  God  to  send  your  Grace  as  good  helthe 
and  as  gret  honor  in  your  jorney  boothe  going  and 
comyng  as  your  hart  can  desier,  and  as  I  trust  verily 
your  Grace  shall  have,  seing  your  entent  is  so  good 
and  so  godly.  At  Otford  the  fyveth  day  of  Julii. 
At  your  Graces  comaundement 

WILLM.    CANTUAR. 

To  the  nioost  reverende  father  in  God  and  my 
very  synguler  good  Lord  my  Lord  Cardinall 
of  Yorke,  and  Legat  de  latere,  his  good  Grace. 


LETTER  LXXXIX. 

Cutkbert   Tunstal,  Master  of  the  Rolls,  to  Cardinal 
Wolsey  from   Lucca,    requesting   leave   to   detain 
Nicholas  Cratzer,  one  of  the  King's  servants  absent 
upon  leave,  who  was  on  his  return  home. 

[ibid.  xii.  82.  Orig.] 

%*  Nicholas  Cratzer  was  a  Bavarian,  born  at  Munich,  and  edu- 
cated in  the  Universities  of  Cologne  and  Wyttenberg  till  he  was  a 
bachelor  of  Arts  :  afterwards  coming  to  England,  and  to  the  know- 
ledge of  Fox,  bishop  of  Winchester,  he  was  made  by  him  a  fellow  of 
Corpus  Christi  College,  Oxford,  where  he  was  admitted,  July  4th, 
1517.  About  the  same  time  he  read  astronomy  in  that  University  by 
command  of  Henry  the  Eighth ;  and  was  soon  after  made  by  Car- 
dinal Wolsey  his  mathematical  reader  there.  In  February  and 
March  1524,  he  took  the  degrees  in  Arts. 

He  wrote,  at  the  desire  of  William  Tyler,  one  of  the  grooms  of 
the  bedchamber  to  King  Henry  the  Eighth,  a  work  entitled 
"  Canones  Horopti,"  a  copy  of  which  in  manuscript,  bound  with 
another  work  of  his  entitled  "  De  Compositione  Horologiorum," 
still  remains  in  the  Library  of  Corpus  Christi  College :  the  latter 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  231 

followed  by  several  smaller  Tracts.  A  copy  of  "  Canoues  Horopti  " 
is  also  preserved  in  manuscript  in  the  Bodleian  Library. 

Wood  (Ath.  Oxon.  edit.  Bliss,  vol.  i.  4to.  1813.  col.  190)  says, 
"  He  made  the  old  dial  in  Corpus  Christi  College  garden  ;  and  that 
standing  on  a  pillar  in  St.  Mary's  south  churchyard,  in  the  High 
Street  of  the  city  of  Oxon.a  On  which  soon  after  was  hung  up  the 
University's  condemnation  of  the  doctrines  of  Luther." 

He  was  living  in  1550;  but  Wood  thinks  he  died  soon  after; 
and  says  many  of  his  books  came  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Dee,  and 
some  into  those  of  Dr.  Richard  Forster,  likewise  a  noted  physician 
and  mathematician. 

The  Cottonian  MS.  Vitellius  B.  XIV.  fol.  276,  preserves  a  Latin 
letter  from  Cratzer  to  Lord  Cromwell.  It  is  imperfect.  It  con- 
sists chiefly  of  foreign  news,  and  relates  partly  to  some  papers  which 
he  had  forwarded  to  Cromwell  by  Hans  Holbein.  It  is  dated  Aug. 
24,  1538,  and  signed  Nicholas  Cracerus. 

Please  it  your  Grace  to  understand  that  here  in 
these  parties  I  met  with  a  servant  of  the  Kings  called 
Nicholas  Cratzer  an  Almayne,  deviser  of  the  Kings 
Horologies,  whiche  shewed  me  howe  the  King  had 
licenced  hym  to  be  absent  for  a  season,  and  that  he 
was  redy  to  retorne  in  to  Englande :  Whome  I  de- 
sired to  tary  unto  I  might  write  unto  the  Kings 
Highnes  to  knowe  his  pleas'"  whether  he  wolde  suffer 
hym  to  be  in  company  with  me  for  a  season,  unto 
the  Assemble  of  the  Electors  were  past,  with  whom 
he  hath  (as  he  sayeth)  acqueyntance  of  many  noble 
men  being  aboute  theym.  I  thinke  if  the  Kings  Grace 
wolde  cofhaunde  hym  to  tary  for  a  season  with  me, 
he  might  at  the  saide  Assemble  do  the  King  as  goode 
service  as  if  he  were  in  Englande,  in  serening  howe 

a  Leland,  in  his  "  Encomia  illustr.  Viror  "  has  a  copy  of  Latin  verses  entitled 
"  Columna  in  Isidis  vado,  a  Nicolas  Cratzero  matheniatico  erecta." 


232  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  nobles  of  Almayne  be  mynded  concernyng  the 
afFaiers  of  the  Empier;  and  yet  he  shulde  put  the 
King  to  no  charge,  for  he  shall  have  mete  and  drynke 
with  me.  Wherein  I  beseche  your  Grace  to  knowe 
the  Kings  pleasr,  for  one  leshe  have  comaun dement 
from  the  Kings  Highness,  or  ells  your  Grace,  neither 
he  will  tary  nor  I  will  kepe  hym  here  longer.  Wher- 
for  I  beseche  your  Grace,  by  the  next  post,  in  this 
small  matier  to  knowe  the  Kings  pleas'  and  yors. 
Other  newes  then  suche  as  I  have  written  to  the 
Kyng  at  this  tyme  there  be  not,  whiche  I  shall  not 
nede  to  repete,  forasmoche  as  the  Kings  lettres  shall 
come  to  the  handes  of  your  Grace.  Whiche  Al- 
mighty .Thu  preserve  to  his  pleasr  and  yor\  ffrom 
Luke  the  xijth  daye  of  Octobre. 

By  your  Gracys  most  humble 

bedeman      cuthbert  tunstal. 


%*  This  Letter  must  have  been  written  in  October,  1520.    Tun- 
stal returned  from  his  Embassy  to  the  Emperor  in  April,  1521. 


LETTER   XC. 

Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Under- 
takes to  procure  hangings  for  the  Rooms  ai ^  Hampton 
Court. 

[STAT.  PAP.  OFF.  WOLSEY's   CORRESPONDENCE,  V.  110.  Orig.'] 

%*  Sir  Richard,  the  father  of  Sir  Thomas  Gresham,  was  born  at 
Holt  in  Norfolk,  but  brought  up  in  London,  where  he  was  appren- 
ticed to  an  eminent  mercer,  who  was  also  a  merchant  of  the  Staple 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


233 


at  Calais.  He  received  the  freedom  of  the  Mercer's  Company  in 
1507.  Mr.  Burgon,  who  has  written  an  account  of  him  in  the  "  Life 
and  Times  of  Sir  Thomas  Gresham,"  says  that  though  occasionally 
engaged  in  Flanders,  he  pursued  his  business  at  home,  and  that 
there  is  no  evidence  of  his  having  been  appointed  to  the  office  of 
Royal  Agent  in  the  Low  Countries,  as  has  been  asserted,  although 
he  was  frequently  employed  in  the  service  of  the  State  as  its  finan- 
cial agent.  Wolsey  and  Cromwell  relied  much  upon  him  for  foreign 
intelligence.  He  was  sheriff  of  London  in  1531,  and  elected  Lord 
Mayor  in  October,  1537.  Ward,  in  his  Account  of  Gresham  Col- 
lege, places  his  knighthood  in  the  former,  Burgon  puts  it  in  the  lat- 
ter year.  The  benevolence  of  his  character  was  shewn  in  a  Letter 
which  he  wrote  to  King  Henry  the  Eighth  during  the  year  of  his 
mayoralty,  suggesting  the  foundation  of  Hospitals  in  London  upon 
the  Dissolution  of  some  of  the  Monasteries ;  an  advice  which  was 
acted  upon  in  the  foundation  of  St.  Bartholomew's  Hospital.  The 
project  of  founding  a  Bourse,  too,  in  London,  afterwards  named 
the  Royal  Exchange,  was  his  before  it  was  his  son's.  Sir  Richard 
Gresham  died  at  Bethnal  Green,  where  he  ordinarily  resided,  Feb. 
21st,  1548-9. 

The  Hangings  which  form  the  subject  of  this  Letter  require  a 
separate  notice.  Mr.  Jesse,  in  his  elegant  little  Tract  entitled, "  A 
Summer  s  Day  at  Hampton  Court,"  says,  p.  25, 

"In  the  Tapestry  of  the  Hall  of  Hampton  Court  the  gold  lies  in 
broad  spaces  in  the  most  perceptible  splendour. 

"  The  early  history  of  those  magnificent  Hangings  has  not  yet 
been  ascertained,  but  works  of  such  beauty,  and  of  such  intrinsic 
value  must  have  been  carefully  recorded  in  the  Inventories  of  the 
Crown.  They  might  very  probably  have  been  part  of  the  magnifi- 
cent gifts  interchanged  between  Henry  the  Eighth  and  Francis  the 
First,  at  the  celebrated  Field  of  Cloth  of  Gold.  They  are,  in  all 
likelihood,  of  that  period ;  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  French 
monarch,  who  patronised  the  fine  arts  in  so  regal  a  manner,  had  not 
overlooked  the  works  of  the  loom.  He  engaged  Primaticcio  from 
Italy  expressly  to  make  designs  for  tapestry,  which  was  executed 
at  a  Manufactory  founded  by  this  Monarch  at  Fontainebleau,  and 
placed  by  him  under  the  direction  of  Babon  de  la  Bourdaisiere,  and 
where  the  introduction  of  gold  and  silver  thread  was  carried  to  a 
great  extent. 

"  Still  more  probable  is  it,  however,  that  these  Tapestries  were  pre- 


234  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

sentedto  Cardinal  Wolsey  by  the  Emperor  Charles  the  Fifth.  Such 
costliness  of  material  would  accord  well  with  the  splendour  of  a  po- 
tentate who  swayed  not  only  the  destinies  of  Germany  and  the  Low 
Countries,  but  of  the  Gold  Provinces  of  South  America.  There  is 
much  in  the  style  of  Raphael  in  the  treatment  of  the  subjects.  One 
boy,  in  particular,  appears  to  have  stepped  from  the  Cartoon  of  the 
Beautiful  Gate." 

This  fairy  dream,  however,  is  dissolved  in  few  words  by  this, 
and  by  the  next  letter  but  one,  from  Sir  Richard  Gresham.  Sir 
Richard  had  taken  the  measure  of  eighteen  chambers.  The  price  of 
the  Hangings  wrould  be  a  thousand  marks,  or  more  :  and  it  was  ne- 
cessary that  an  imprest  of  money  should  be  advanced  to  the  weavers. 
"  The  makers  of  them  be  but  poor  men,  and  must  have  money  to 
fore-hand,  for  provision  of  their  stuff." 

In  Letter  XCI.  we  have  a  Postscript,  "  Your  Grace  spoke  unto 
me  for  certain  cloths  of  gold  for  to  hang  your  closet  at  Hampton 
Court.  I  have  now  some  eight  pieces,  which  I  shall  bring  to  your 
Grace  next  Week." 

Such  were  the  Tapestries  of  Hampton  Court,  neither  interchang- 
ed between  Henry  the  Eighth  and  Francis  the  First  at  the  Field  of 
Cloth  of  Gold,  nor  presented  to  Wolsey  by  Charles  the  Fifth  ;  but 
ordered  by  the  Cardinal  of  the  makers,  and  paid  for  like  his  other 

furniture.  

MY    LORDE  JhuS. 

Yt  may  pleasse  your  Grace  to  wette  I  have  takyn 
the  messures  of  xviij.  Chambres  at  Ham  ton  Cortte 
and  have  made  a  Boke  of  them  that  your  Grace  shulld 
sette  your  hande.  And  wher  as  your  Grace  hade 
shuche  bessynes  that  I  cowde  nott  speke  with  your 
Grace,  and  for  the  cawsse  the  Martte  ys  alle  moste 
endyd,  I  can  nott  tarre  no  longer.  Your  Grace  shale 
undyrstond  that  I  am  departyd  toward  the  parties  of 
beyonde  the  See,  and  at  my  comynge  thedyr  God 
wyllynge  I  shale  cawse  the  sayd  Hanggyns  to  be 
made  with  deligense  a  cordyngly.     And  wher  as  the 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  235 

said  Hangyns  wyll  a  mownte  oon  M11  marks  and 
more,  and  the  makyrs  of  them  be  but  power  men, 
and  must  have  monye  to  fore  hande  for  proveycion 
of  ther  stuffe,  I  shale  laye  howtt  for  your  Grace  a 
preste  of  money  to  them  before  hande,  and  at  my 
comyng  home  I  shale  certify  yor  Grace  what  I  have 
doon. 

Yt  maye  please  your  Grace  to  be  soo  goode  lorde 
on  to  me  that  your  Grace  wylle  delyver  to  Master 
Gowstewyck  my  byll  for  the  Prevye  Seale  for  Sir 
John  Cutte,  I  must  nedys  paye  moche  monye  to  the 
Customers  for  custum  excepte  I  have  yt,  as  knowthe 
God,  ho  ever  kepe  your  Grace  in  good  helthe  Amen. 
Wrettyn  at  London  the  xiiijth  daye  of  Octobr  A0 
xvC  xx".     With  the  hande  of  your  owne  servitor 

RYCHARD    GRESSHAM. 

To  my  Lorde  Cardinalles  goode  Grace. 


LETTER  XCI. 


Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Card.  Wohey,  requesting  a 

Licence  for  himself  and  two   of  his  Brethren    to 

extend  their  trading. 

[ibid.  v.  117.  Orig.~\ 

%*  Sir  Richard  Gresham's  two  brethren,  mentioned  in  this  and 
in  another  Letter,  were  William  Gresham  of  London,  mercer  ;  and 
Sir  John  Gresham,  of  Titsey  in  Surrey,  who  was  Lord  Mayor  ten 
years  after  his  elder  brother,  in  1547.  In  a  Letter  which  will  be 
hereafter  given  he  mentions  their  imprisonment  at  Antwerp. 


236  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

My  Lorde,  yt  maye  please  your  Grace  to  have  me 
in  your  remembranse  for  the  lycense  that  I  movyd 
your  Grace  of  at  Hamton  Cortte  ;  the  effecte  of  the 
sayd  lycense  ys  that  I  and  too  of  my  Brederyn  shale 
shyppe  howtte  of  thys  Reame  and  brynge  in  to  the 
same  as  moche  goods,  wharres,  and  merchandyse  as 
the  Custom  ther  of  shale  be  dewe  to  the  Kynge  to  the 
some  of  ijM"  iiijC1'  and  for  payment  ther  of  to  paye 
every  yere  CCC  marks  tyll  the  said  somme  be  payd 
upe  on  goode  and  sufficient  Suertyes,  &c.  My  Lorde 
I  wollde  beseche  your  Grace  that  I  myght  knowe 
your  pleasser  I  shulld  sende  in  to  the  partyes  of 
Turke  a  shype  with  merchandyse  &c.  and  wher  as 
your  Grace  owt  me  CC  iiij"1'  I  am  contentyd  to  geyffe 
yt  your  Grace  for  the  sayd  leycense,  and  have  made 
your  Grace  a  generalle  quetanse  wiche  I  delyveryd 
your  Grace  at  Hamton  Cortte,  as  knowthe  God  hoo 
ever  send  your  Grace  goode  helthe  and  longe  leyfFven 
Amen.  At  London  the  xj  daye  of  Janyuer  A0  xvc 
xx''.     With  the  hande  of  your  servytor 

RYCHARD    GRESSHAM. 

I  have  delyveryd  to  Mast1"  Henage  the  sayd 
leysscense. 

To  my  Lorde  Cardinal! 's  good  Grace. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  237 

LETTER  XCII. 

Sir  Richard  Gresham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting 

the  seizure  of  a   Cargo  of  Wheat,  which   he   was 

intending   to    bring  to  England,   by   order  of  the 

Archduchess   Margaret.     Has  obtained   Hangings 

of  Cloth  of  Gold  for  the  Cardinal's  own  Closet  at 

Hampton  Court. 

[ibid.  v.  115.  Orig.] 

Pleaseth  yt  your  Grace  to  be  advertyssed  that 
aboute  the  terme  of  iij.  monethes  passyd,  considerynge 
grette  scarssitie  of  Whete  to  be  lykely  in  this  Reame, 
I  made  provisyon  and  bought  in  the  partyes  of 
Brabant  iiij  Mu  quarters  :  wher  of  I  charged  iiij. 
shyppes  of  the  same  undyr  congee  grauntyd  by  the 
Lady  Margrett  Duchesse  of  Savoy  and  the  Lords 
of  the  Conceyle  ther,  and  payd  the  charges  therof, 
with  tolles,  custums,  and  other  costs  accordyngly ; 
wyche  shyppys  so  beyng  charged  departyd  from  the 
porte  of  Andewerpe  wher  they  receyvyd  in  the  sayd 
Whete  in  to  Zetland,  abydynge  ther  aftyr  the  Wynde. 
Then  cam  contrary  commandement  downe  in  the 
name  of  the  sayde  Lady  Margaret.  Soo  that  in  noon 
weysse  the  same  Shyppes  myght  nott  departe,  but  wer 
constrayned  to  retorne  backe  a  yen  to  the  sayd  towne 
of  Andewerpe,  and  ther  to  dyscharge  in  garnetts  the 
same  whette  at  my  grette  coste  and  charges :  and 
compelled  me  further  to  paye  the  whole  freyght  that 


238  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  shullcl  have  payd  from  thens  in  to  England  con- 
trary to  good  reason  and  conscience.  Wyche  whette 
yette  remaynythe  ther  in  the  same  garnetts  unsolld 
to  myn  grette  aftyr  dele.  And  for  as  moche  as  the 
pryce  of  Whette  now  ys  fallen  in  the  sayd  parties  of 
Brabant  xvjd  sterlyng  in  every  Quarter,  andys  lyckly 
daylly  to  falle,  soo  that  in  case  I  shulld  be  constraynyd 
to  make  there  sale  therof,  I  shulld  susteyne  the  loosse 
and  dammage  of  iiijC  marks  sterlyng  or  more,  wyche 
shulld  be  to  myn  grette  hynderance.  It  maye  ther- 
fore  pleasse  your  Grace  to  be  so  goode  and  gracious 
lorde  un  to  me,  the  premysses  concidered,  to  signe 
thys  lettre  addressed  in  your  Grace's  name  unto  the 
sayd  Lady  Margarett,  in  favor  of  the  premysses  :  and 
duryng  my  lyife  I  shalle  praye  for  the  prosperite  of 
your  most  noble  Grace.  From  London  the  ixth  daye 
of  Marche  A0  xvC  Xxti. 

By  your  servytor 

RICHARD    GRESSHAM. 

Your  Grace  spake  unto  me  for  serteyn  clothes  of 
golde  for  to  hange  your  Clossett  at  Hampton  Cortte  : 
I  have  nowe  cum  viij.  peces,  wyche  I  shulle  brynge 
to  your  Grace  the  next  Weke  God  wyllynge. 
To  my  lorde  Cardynalls  goode  Grace. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  239 

LETTER  XCIII. 

Archbishop   Warham  to    Cardinal  Wolsey,  upon   the 
spreading    of  Martin     Luther  s    doctrines    in    the 
University  of  Oxford. 

[MS.  COTTON.  CALIG.  B.  VI.  fol.  171*.   OHg .] 

%*  Archbishop  Warham  was  Chancellor  of  the  University  of 
Oxford  from  1506  to  1532.  The  present  Letter,  as  will  appear 
hereafter,  was  written  in  1521.  Warham  distinctly  states  in  it,  that 
Cambridge  was  the  first  of  our  Universities  in  which  Luther's  works 
were  studied  and  his  doctrines  received ;  and  that  the  infection  had 
spread  thence  to  Oxford. 


Please  it  your  good  Grace  to  understand  that 
now  lately  I  receyvid  letters  from  the  Universitie  of 
Oxford,  and  in  thoes  same  certayne  newes  whiche  I 
am  very  sorry  to  here.  For  I  am  enformyd  that 
diverse  of  that  Universitie  be  infectyd  with  the 
heresyes  of  Luther  and  of  others  of  that  sorte,  havyng 
emong  theym  a  grete  nombre  of  books  of  the  saide 
perverse  doctrine  which  wer  forboden  by  your  Graces 
auctoritie  as  Legate  de  latere  of  the  See  apostolique, 
and  also  by  me  as  Chauncellor  of  the  saide  Univer- 
sitie, to  be  hadd,  kept,  or  redd  by  any  person  off  the 
same,  except  suche  as  wer  licenced  to  have  thayme 
to  impugne  and  convince  the  erroneus  opinions  con- 
teyned  in  theym.  But  it  is  a  sorrowful  thing  to  see 
howe  gredyly  inconstaunt  men,  and  specyally  inexpert 
youthe,  fallith  to  newe  doctrynes  be  they  never  so 


240  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

pestilent ;  and  howe  prone  they  be  to  attempt  that 
thing  that  they  be  forbeden  of  thair  superiors  for 
thair  ouyne  welthe.  I  wold  I  hadd  suffered  grete 
payne,  in  condition  this  hadd  not  fortuned  ther,  wher 
I  was  brought  up  in  lernyng  and  now  am  Chauncel- 
lor,  albeyt  unwurthy.  And  I  doubt  not  but  it  is  to 
your  good  Grace  right  pensyfull  heryng,  seyng  your 
Grace  is  the  moost  honorable  membyr  that  ever  was 
of  that  Universitie. 

And  wher  thesaid  Universitie  hathe  instantly  de- 
syred  me  by  their  Letters  to  be  a  meane  and  suter 
unto  your  Grace  for  thayme,  that  it  mought  please 
the  same  to  decre  such  ordre  to  be  taken  toching  the 
examination  of  the  saydpersones  suspectyd  of  heresey, 
that  the  said  Universitie  rune  in  as  lityll  infamy 
thereby  thorough  your  Graces  favor  and  justice  as 
may  be  after  the  qualitie  of  thoffense. 

If  this  matier  concernyd  not  the  cause  of  God  and 
his  Churche  I  wold  entierly  beseche  your  Grace  to 
tendre  the  infamy  of  the  Universitie  as  it  myghtt 
pleace  your  incomparable  wisedome  and  goodnes  to 
think  best.  For  pytie  yt  wer  that  through  the 
lewdnes  of  on  or  two  cankerd  members,  whiche  as  I 
understand  have  enducyd  no  small  nombre  of  yong 
and  incircumspect  foles  to  geve  ere  unto  thaym, 
the  hole  Universitie  shuld  run  in  thinfamy  of  soo 
haynouse  a  cryme,  the  heryng  wherof  shuld  be  right 
delectable  and  plesant  to  the  open  Lutheranes  beyond 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


241 


the  See,  and  secrete  behyther,  wherof  they  wold 
take  harte  and  confydence  that  theyr  pestilent  doc- 
trynes  shuld  encrese  and  multiply,  seyng  bothe  the 
Universities  of  Ingiande  enfectid  therewith,  wherof 
the  on  hathe  many  yeeres  been  voyd  of  all  heresyes, 
and  the  other  hathe  afore  nowe  take  apon  hyr  the 
prayse  that  she  was  never  defylyd ;  and  nevertheles 
nowe  she  is  thought  to  be  the  originall  occasion  and 
cause  of  the  fall  in  Oxford. 

By  thes  my  writing  I  entende  in  nowise  to  move, 
but  that  the  capitaynes  of  the  said  erroneus  doctrynes 
be  punishede  to  the  ferefull  example  of  all  other. 
But  if  all  the  hole  nombyr  of  yong  scolers  suspectyd 
in  this  cause  (which  as  the 'Universitie  writeth  to  me 
be  marvelouse  sory  and  repentaunt  that  ever  they 
had  any  such  boks,  or  redde  or  herde  any  of  Luthers 
opynyons,)  shuld  be  callyd  up  to  London,  yt  shuld 
engendre  grete  obloquy  and  sclandre  to  the  Univer- 
sitie,  bothe  behyther  the  See  and  beyonde,  to  the 
sorow  of  all  good  men,  and  the  pleasure  of  heretyks, 
desyering  to  have  many  folowers  of  thayr  mischef ;  and 
(as  it  is  thought)  the  lesse  brute  the  better,  ffor  tha- 
voyding  wherof  the  said  Universitie  hathe  desyred 
me  to  move  your  Grace  to  be  so  good  and  gracyouse 
unto  thaym,  to  gyve  in  commission  to  some  sadd 
father  which  was  brought  up  in  the  said  Universitie 
of  Oxford  to  syt  ther,  and  examyne,  not  the  hedds, 
(which  it  may  please  your  Grace  to  reserve  to  your 

VOL.  I.  M 


242  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

own  examination)  but  the  novicyes  which  be  not  yet 
throughly  cankerd  in  the  said  errors,  and  to  put 
thaym  to  suche  correction  as  the  qualitie  of  thair 
transgression    shall    require    and   shall   be   thought 

ed  .  .  .  .  grace. 

Item,  the  said  Universitie  hathe  desieryd  me  to 
move  your  good  Grace  to  ...  .  my  lorde  of  Roches- 
tre  or  my  lorde  of  London  to  note  out  besyde  ..... 
werks  of  Luther  condemnyd  alredy,  the  names  of  all 
other  suche  n[ames]  of  writers,  Luthers  adherents  and 
fautors,  as  they  perceyve  to  be  er[roneous]  and  re- 
pugnant to  Catholique  feythe,  and  thoes  names  de- 
scribed   table  send  downe  to  the  Universitie 

of  Oxford,  commanding  thaym,  that  [no]  man  with- 
out expresse  licence  have,  kepe,  or  rede  any  of  the 
same  boks  under  the  payne  of  excommunication. 
Whiche  in  myne  opinion  shuld  be  [a]  meritorious 
dede,  wherby  shuld  be  taken  away  the  gret  occasyon 
of  f [ailing]  hereafter  into  such  inconveniences,  for  I 
undrestand  ther  be  many  of  thos  newe  writers  as  yll 
as  Luther  And  therfor  it  needeth  this  gret  provision 
to  be  made  for  stopping  of  thaym,  as  of  Luthers. 
In  which  al  the  premisses  I  woll  not  be  so  bold  to 
move  your  Grace  to  this  present,  for  I  know  well 
your  Grace  woll  of  your  incomparable  wisedome  and 
goodnes  ordre  thoes  same  far  better  than  I  can  devise, 
move,  or  res  ...  At  Knoll  the  viij.  day  of  Marche. 
At  your  Graces  comandement 

W1LLM.    CANTUAR. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  243 


* 


j*  Wood,  in  his  Annals  of  the  University  of  Oxford,  edit. 
Gutch,  vol.  ii.  p.  19,  has  given  the  sequel  to  this  Letter.  Having 
noticed  the  University's  surrender  of  its  privileges  preparatory  to 
receiving  a  new  charter,  and  the  insults  from  the  townsmen  in  con- 
sequence, in  1521,  he  says, 

"  But  while  these  things  were  in  doing,  certain  persons  of  Martin 
Luther's  faction  (as  they  were  now  called)  were  busy  in  Oxford  in 
dispersing  his  doctrine  and  books.  So  far,  it  seems,  were  they 
spread  in  a  short  time  through  several  parts  of  the  Nation,  that  the 
Cardinal  wrote  to  the  University  to  appoint  certain  men  from  among 
them  to  go  up  to  London,  to  examine  and  search  his  opinions  that 
were  predominant  against  the  articles  of  Holy  Faith.  Whereupon, 
after  consultation  had,  they  appointed  Thomas  Brinknell  about  this 
time  of  Lincoln  College,  John  Kynton  a  minorite,  John  Roper 
lately  of  Magdalen  College,  and  John  de  Coloribus,  doctors  of  di- 
vinity, who,  meeting  at  that  place  divers  learned  men  and  bishops  in 
a  solemn  Convocation  in  the  Cardinal's  House,  and  finding  his  doc- 
trine to  be  for  the  most  part  repugnant  to  the  present  used  in  Eng- 
land, solemnly  condemned  it,  a  testimony  of  which  was  afterwards 
sent  to  Oxford,  and  fastened  on  the  dial  in  St.  Mary's  Churchyard 
by  Nicholas  Rratzer,  the  maker  and  contriver  thereof,1  and  his  books 
also  burnt  both  here  and  at  Cambridge." 

It  is  not  a  little  remarkable  that  Wolsey,  in  the  efforts  which  he 
made  in  support  of  sound  learning,  became  himself  the  unconscious 
spreader  of  Luther's  doctrines. 

A.D.  152G,  Wood  says  "In  the  mean  time  Lutherism  increased 
daily  in  the  University,  and  chiefly  in  the  Cardinal  College  by  cer- 
tain of  the  Cantabrigians  that  then  remained.  The  chiefest  Lutheran 
at  this  time  was  John  Clark,  one  of  the  junior  canons,  to  whose  pri- 
vate lectures,  and  disputations  in  public,  divers  graduats  and  scho- 
lars of  Colleges  and  Halls  resorted.  So  great  a  respect  had  they 
for  his  doctrine  and  exemplary  course  of  life  that  they  would  often 
recur  to  him  for  resolution  of  doubts  :  or  else  if  they,  through  impe- 
diment, could  not  come,  then  he,  by  certain  messengers,  and  parti- 
cularly by  one  Anthony  Delaber,  a  scholar  of  St.  Alban's  Hall,  af- 
terwards of  Gloucester  College,  would  send  their  doubts  either  by 
writing  or  word  of  month.  They  had  also  their  private  meetings, 
wherein  they  conferred  about  the  promotion  of  their  religion.  They 
prayed  together,  and  read  certain  books  containing  the  principles  of 

a  Already  mentioned,  p.  231. 

M  2 


244 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


Luther.  Divers,  as  well  religious  as  secular,  scholars  of  Colleges 
and  Hostles  were  infected  with  them,  and  in  particular  some  of 
Corpus  Christi  College,  of  whom  were  Nicholas  Owdall  or  Udall, 
John  Dyott,  and  others  ;  which  being  told  to  the  Founder  of  tha  t 
College,  was  by  him  much  resented. 

"Some  also  of  Magdalen,  others  of  Canterbury  and  Gloucester 
Colleges,  who,  persisting  in  their  opinions,  were,  some  ejected, 
others  severely  punished  till  they  recanted.  Nay,  some  also  were 
so  obstinate  as  to  dye  in  prison,  and  frye  at  the  stake,  rather  than 
to  recede.  Notwithstanding  many  eminent  men  did  dispute  and 
preach  in  the  University  against  it,  yet  the  Lutherans  proceeded, 
and  took  all  private  occasions  to  promote  their  doctrine." 

Wood,  in  his  Fasti  Oxonienses,  edit.  Bliss,  vol.  ii.  col.  72,  noticing 
the  incorporations  in  the  University  in  1526,  says, 
"  Nov.  5.  John  Clarke,  M.  of  A.  of  Cambr. 

—  John  Fryer,  M.  of  A.  of  Cambr. 

—  Godfr.  Harman,  M.  of  A.  of  Cambr. 

"  These  three  came  to  Oxon  to  be  preferred  in  Cardinal  Wolsey's 
College,  but  they,  proving  violent  Lutherans,  as  Coxe  and  Fryth 
(whom  I  shall  anon  mention)  did,  were  forced  to  leave  that  Col- 
lege. John  Fryer  was,  upon  account  of  religion,  committed  prisoner 
to  the  Master  of  the  Savoy,  where  he  did  much  solace  himself  with 
playing  on  the  lute,  having  good  skill  in  music ;  for  which  reason, 
a  friend  of  his  would  needs  commend  him  to  the  Master,  but  the 
Master  answered,  take  heed,  for  he  that  playeth  is  a  devil,  because 
he  is  departed  from  the  Catholic  faith.  Afterwards  he  was  set  at 
liberty,  and,  travelling  beyond  the  seas,  returned  to  that  religion 
wherein  he  was  educated,  was  made  doctor  of  physic,  and  after  his 
return  he  settled  in  the  parish  of  St.  Martin  Outwich  in  Bishops- 
gate  Street,  in  London,  where,  dying  in  the  winter  time,  an.  1563, 
was  buried  in  the  church  there."  Wood  subsequently  mentions 
"  Richard  Coxe  and  John  Fryth,  B.A.  of  Cambr.,  who  came  to 
Oxon.  to  be  preferred  in  Cardinal  Wolsey's  College." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  245 

LETTER  XCIV. 

Archbishop  Warham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Thanks 
him  for  a  rich  Jewel  which  he  had  sent  as  an  offering 
to  St.  Thomas  of  Canterbury.  Intends  perusing 
certain  works  of  Luther  which  he  had  received  by 
the  hands  of  Wolsey  s  chaplain,  Dr.  Sampson,  with- 
out delay,  at  Otford :  proposes  returning  in  ten 
days  to  Lambeth,  and  will  then  confer  with  Wolsey 
upon  them. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  xvi.  1.  Orig,~] 

Rme  in  Christo  Patre  et  Domine,  Domine  mi  colen- 
dissime  debitam  Com.  vestrae  Rmae  P"s  literas  humani- 
tatis  plenas  libenter  accepi,  legique  libentissime,  quae 
me  profecto  maxima  affecere  voluptate.  Quod  autem 
dignatur  Rma  Do.  V.  munusculum  meum  ad  eandem 
jamdudum  transmissum  (quod  certe  perexiguum,  ne- 
que  tanto  patre  sat  dignum  extiterat)  tarn  benigne 
acceptare  tantopereque  laudare  ;  gratias  eidem  obinde 
ago  et  habeo  immensas.  Summopere  enim  cupie- 
bam  (quod  item  nunc  cupio)  ut  Rma  D.  V.  meum 
potius  erga  eandem  animum  perpetuo  illi  dedicatum, 
quam  rem  ipsam  saltern  tam  exilem  estimare  accep- 
tareque  velit. 

Quantum  autem  ad  jocale  illud  preciosissimum 
per  venerabilem  virum  Dominum  doctorem  Sampson 
vestrae  Rmae  Do13  capellanum  jam  ad  hanc  Ecclesiam 


246  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

meam  Cant.'  missum  et  ibidem  decenter  ac  honori- 
fice  oblatum  attinet :  tarn  piam  tamque  sanctam 
ejusdem  Rmae  Dois.  V.  in  optimum  maximumque 
Deum  ac  gloriosum  ejus  martirem  divum  Thomam 
in  hac  parte  devotionem  nemo  profecto  est  qui  non 
plurima  laude  prosequatur  atque  vehementer  extollat. 
Pro  quo  quidem  tanto  tamque  munifico  munere 
preciosissimoque  thesauro,  in  dubie  sperandum  est 
ab  ipso  omnipotenti  Deo  prasfatoque  ejus  martire 
(quod  omnem  terrenam  retributionem  exuperat) 
vestras  Rmae  Dom.  copiosissime  retribuendum  fore. 
Ego  vero  et  confratres  mei  Prior  et  Commonachi 
Ecclesiae  mese  pro  vra  Rmae  pate  ob  singularem  ejus- 
dem in  hac  re  benevolentiam  summamque  liberali- 
tatem  continuas  perpetuasque  apud  Altissimum  preces 
effundemus. 

"  Quod  enim  ad  ipsa  Lutherana  damnatissima 
opera  attinet,  accepi  per  dictum  D.  doctorem  quos- 
dam  libellos  quos  diligentissime  et  legere  et  notare 
curabo ;  et  ut  diligentius  id  fiat,  me  quam  primum  ad 
Otfordiam  conferam,  ubi  quosdam  Codices  Joannis 
Wyclifae,  non  minoris  malitiag  ac  haeresis  quam  Lu- 
theranae  hereses  sint,  examinare  sedulo  studebo :  quo 
facto  ad  Lamehitham  erga  decimum  diem  instantis 
Mensis  me  recipiam,  et  sequenti  die  vestram  Rmani 
D.  (uti  debeo)  visitabo.  Et  quicquid  in  iis  rebus 
mea  opera  efficere  possit  vestra  D.  Rma.  me  paratissi- 
mum   habebit.      Non   mediocriter   profecto   Anglis 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  247 

duntaxat,  verum  etiam  universae  Religioni  Chris- 
tianas merito  congratulandum  est :  quod  Deus  talem, 
tarn  pium,  tam  sanctum,  tamque  Catholicum  Princi- 
pem  qualis  serenissima  regia  Majestas  sit  hac  tempes- 
tate  nobis  adversus  damnatissimos  Ecclesiae  liostes 
atque  hereticos,  quasi  e  celo  missum,  concesserit. 
Quod  si  sua  Majestas  ab  Ecclesia  Christi  (quod 
absit)  deficeret,  non  parva  toti  rei  pncae  Christiana? 
jactura  immineret.  Caetera  taceo,  donee  (Deo  volente) 
cum  Rma  Pte  vestra  coram  liberius  conferre  licebit. 
Ex  Ecclesia  mea  Cantuarien.  tercio  Aprilis. 

Ejusdem  Rme  Ptis. 
obsequentissimus  deditissimusque 

WILLM9    CANTUARIENS. 

Reverendissimo  in  Christo  Patri  et  Domino  domino 
Thomae  miseratione  divina  tt.  Sanctae  Ceciliae  Sa- 
crosanctae  Komanae  Ecclesiae  presbitero  Cardinali 
Eboracen.  Archiepiscopo,  AngliaePrimati  et  Apos- 
tolic* Sedis  a  latere  Legato,  Angliae  Cancellario, 
tanquam  Domino  meo. 


LETTER  XCV. 


John  Longland  Bishop  of  Lincoln  to  Cardinal  Wolsey 
in  relation  to  a  Monk  of  St.  Edmundsbury  ivho  had 
preached  at  St.  Peter's  in  the  East  at  Oxford. 
[ibid.  vii.  123.  Orig.~\ 
%  %  %  3£  $& 

Ther  is  a  moncke  of  Saint  Edmundsbury  called 
Doctor   Rowham   whiche   preched   quarta  dominica 


248  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Quadragesima  att  Sl.  Peters  in   Oxon.  the  mooste 
seditious  Sermon e  that  ye  have  herd  of,  in  raylyng 
azenste  your  Grace  and  Byshopes  for  this  sequestra- 
tion of  evyll  prechers,  maynteynyng  certayn  opyn- 
yons  of  Luther,  comfortyng  erronyous  persones  in 
ther  opynyons,  sayng  Nolite  timere  eos  qui  occidunt 
corpus,  &c.     Applying  itt  to  bold  them  in  the  same, 
with  many  other  inconvenyent  and  unfyttying  words 
in  his  said  Sermone,  whiche  I  feare  me  hath  and  will 
doo  moche  hurte.      Whose   Sermone  I   send  nowe 
unto  your  Grace  :  itt  is  that  that  is  wryten  in  Eng- 
lishe.    Albeytt  he  didde  spek  emany  moo  evill  things 
then  be  ther  wryten,  as  the  best  of  the  Universite 
will  prove.     And  they  have  bound  hym  by  oothe  to 
drawe  his  said  Sermone,  as  nighe  as  he  can,  as  he 
spake  itt,  and  bryng  itt  in  by  a  day.     Howebeytt  I 
feare  he  will  nott  a  byde  the  Aunswere  butt  will 
rather  flee  his  way.    Wherfore  your  Grace  shuld  doo 
a  mervylous  good  deade  straight  to  send  for  him  to 
Bury,  that  he  may  be  forth  corny ng  to  his  aunswere 
when  your  Grace  shall  comaund.     Thus  I  encombre 
you  with  long  mater,  saving  itt  toucheth  on  the  cause 
of  Chrystes  chirche,  wherein  we  have  oonly  you  to  be 
our  refuge  and  comforte.     Thus  the  blessyd  Trynyte 
preserve  your  noble  Grace  in  long  prosperouse  helth 
and  welfare.     Writen  in  Holborii  the     day  of  Apryll. 
Yor  moste  humble  bedisman 

JOHN    LINCOLN. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  249 


LETTER  XCVI. 

John  de  Maiano,  a  sculptor,  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  re- 
questing payment  for  works  done  at  Hampton  Court. 
[ibid.  viii.  Pt.  i.  22.  Orig.~] 

%*  The  origin  of  the  Sculpture  at  Hampton  Court  has  not  been 
less  misrepresented  than  that  of  the  Tapestry. 

"  It  is  well  known,"  says  Mr.  Jesse,  "  that  Leo  the  Tenth  sent 
Cardinal  Wolsey  terra-cotta  Busts  of  the  twelve  Roman  Emperors, 
to  decorate  his  Palace."  a 

Unfortunately  no  proof  whatever  exists  that  Leo  the  Tenth  pre- 
sented Works  of  Art  to  Wolsey  at  any  time.  But,  as  regards  the 
Busts  at  Hampton  Court,  the  following  Letter  settles  that  question. 
John  de  Maiano,  a  sculptor,  writes  to  Wolsey  that,  agreeable  to 
the  Cardinal's  order,  he  had  made  and  set  up  eight  terra-cotta 
images  in  circles,  at  his  Palace,  painted  and  gilt,  at  the  price  of 
21.  6s.  Sd.  each ;  that  he  had  also  completed  in  the  same  manner 
three  stories  of  Hercules,  at  the  price  of  4£.  each ;  and  that  he  had 
expended  more  than  twenty  shillings  in  setting  up  his  sculptures; 
making  a  total  amount  of  'ill.  13s.  4d.;  in  part  of  payment  of  which 
he  had  received  ten  pounds.  Compelled  by  necessity  alone,  he  be- 
seeches the  Cardinal  to  give  orders  for  the  remaining  2W.  13s.  Ad. 
to  be  paid  to  him.     The  Letter  is  dated  in  1521. 

Of  John  de  Maiano  the  writers  on  the  Arts  of  the  middle  Age  say 
nothing.  He  was  evidently  unknown  to  them.  But  there  were 
two  brothers  of  the  name ;  Giuliano  and  Benedetto  Maiano,  who 
lived  half  a  century  before ;  who  were  well  known  as  sculptors  and 
architects,  and  who  left  throughout  Lower  Italy,  from  Florence  to 
Naples,  many  splendid  monuments  of  their  genius.  John  de 
Maiano  was  probably  a  son  of  one  of  these  Florentines. 

Giuliano  Maiano  was  employed  by  Alphonso  of  Naples,  and  also 
by  Paul  II.  in  1471.b 


a  Gent.  Mag.  Dec.  1845. 

b  Compare,  Vasari,  Vite  de'  piu  excellenti  Pittori,  Scultori,  et  Architetti.  edit 
Rom.  4to.  1759-6(1,  torn.  i.  pp.  300,  450.  Cicognara,  Storia  deUa  Scultura  dal  suo  ri- 
sorgimento  in  Italia  sino  al  Secolo  di  Napoleone,  fol.  Ven.  1813—1818.  torn.  ii.  pp. 
116,  117. 

M  5 


250  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Rme  in  Xpo  pr'  &c.  Cum  ex  mandato  vestrse  gratia? 
fecerim  et  in  vestro  Palatio  apud  Anton  Cort  colloca- 
verim  octo  rotundas  imagines,  exterra  depictas  et 
deauratas,  pro  pretio  librarum  duarum  solidorum  vj. 
et  denariorum  octo  quamlibet  earum ;  ac  similiter 
tres  historias  Herculis,  ad  rationem  librarum  quatuor 
pro  unaquaque :  et  pro  dictis  operibus  in  ipsa  domo 
situandis  etiam  expenderim  solidos  xx.  et  ultra : 
Qua?  summa  in  totum  est  librae  xxxj.  solidi  xiij.  et 
denarii  iiij.  Ex  quibus  habui  libras  decern :  nunc 
sola  necessitate  coactus  ad  vestram  Rmam  Do.  confu- 
gio,  rogans  earn  et  obsecrans  ut  dignetur  jubere  resi- 
duum dicta?  pecuniae  mihi  solvi:  scilicet  libras  xxj. 
solidos  xiij.  et  denarios  iiij.  prefat.  Rmae  Do.V.  humi- 
liter  me  commendans;  cujus  jussis  ero  semper  obse- 
quentissimus  servus  et  fidelissimus. 

JOANNES    DE    MAIANO    Sculptor. 

xviij.  die  Junij  m.d.  xxj. 

Rm0.  D.  Car",  et  supp.  pro 
Jo.  de  Maiano  sculptore. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  251 


LETTER  XCVII. 

John  Longland,  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  to  Wolsey. 
Alarmed  at  the  havoc  made  by  the  Plague,  and 
by  the  Sweating  sickness.  Promises  a  pilgrimage 
to  our  Lady  of  Walsingham.  Has  two  Lutherans 
in  his  house.  Proposes  riding  to  Oxford  "for  the 
ordering  thereof." 

[ibid.  vii.  111.  Orig.~\ 

*m*  John  Longland,  born  at  Henley  in  Oxfordshire  in  1473,  be- 
came first  a  demy  and  afterwards  a  fellow  of  Magdalen  College, 
Oxford.  In  1505  he  was  made  Principal  of  Magdalen  Hall ;  Dean 
of  Salisbury  in  1514;  and  in  1519  Canon  of  Windsor.  Here  he 
was  received  into  such  favour,  that  the  King  made  him  his  Con- 
fessor, and,  upon  the  death  of  Bishop  Atwater,  promoted  him  to 
the  See  of  Lincoln,  to  which  he  was  consecrated  May  5th,  1521. 
In  or  about  1528,  when  Henry  the  Eighth  first  made  his  scruples  in 
regard  to  his  marriage  with  Queen  Katherine  known,  Longland, 
under  the  advice  of  Wolsey,  is  said  to  have  suggested  his  resorting 
to  a  divorce.  In  1532  he  succeeded  Archbishop  Warham  in  the 
Chancellorship  of  the  University  of  Oxford.  He  died  in  1547.  Kis 
bowels  were  interred  at  Wooburn,  whence  the  present  Letter  is 
dated  ;  his  heart  at  Lincoln ;  and  his  body  in  the  chapel  of  Eton 
College,  where  an  epitaph  still  preserves  his  memory. 

The  chief  of  his  publications  were  sermons  ;  most  of  them  preach- 
ed in  English  before  the  King  ;  but  translated  into  Latin  by  Thomas 
Key  or  Cay,  of  All  Soul's  College,  and  printed,  some  by  Pynson 
and  some  by  Redman.  He  likewise  published  two  or  three  Expo- 
sitions on  parts  of  the  Psalms.  Herbert  in  his  Typogr.  Antiq.  pp. 
553,  1547,  gives  the  Titles  of  two  Good  Friday  Sermons  published 
by  Longland  in  English,  one  preached  before  the  King  at  Richmond 
in  1536  ;  the  other  at  Greenwich,  in  1538. 


My  bounden  duety  mooste  lowly  remembrede  unto 


252  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

your  good  Grace.  Pleasith  itt  the  same  to  undre- 
stand  I  was  att  Courte  accordyng  to  your  mooste 
honorable  advertyse  on  Trynyte  Sonday,  Corpus 
Christi  Eve,  and  the  Corpus  Christi  day,  whiche 
Even  the  Kyng  his  Grace  was  shryven ;  on  the  morowe 
shrevyn  and  houseled.  I  mynystred  as  my  weykenes 
wold  serve,  in  pontificalibus.  And  I  mooste  humbly 
thanke  your  good  Grace,  I  founde  hym  especiall 
good  lord  to  me  many  ways.  And  further  itt  may 
please  you  to  be  advertysed  that  att  my  beyng  att 
London  I  lay  there  this  daungerous  tyme  of  swet- 
ing  where  many  dyyde  on  every  side  of  me,  and  yett 
I  taryed  tyll  itt  came  in  to  my  house  wThiche  forced 
me  to  flee  :  and  durste  nott  for  that  I  came  oute  of 
that  corrupte  aier  presume  to  come  in  your  presence. 
And,  when  I  came  to  my  house  att  Wooborn  poorely 
as  I  might  labor  in  a  litter,  and  some  tyme  on  a  horse, 
then  dy verse  were  lately  dede  of  the  plage,  and  iiij. 
seeke,  and  this  day  oon  sweting  in  my  house,  where 
I  dare  nott  tary  because  of  my  servaunts  and  my  self 
both.  In  consideracoii  wherof,  and  for  helth  of  my 
body,  I  wolde  mooste  humbly  beseke  your  Grace  to 
lycence  me  to  goo  to  Buckeden.  I  have  also  promysed 
Pilgremage  to  our  blessyd  Lady  of  Walsinghame  as 
sone  as  my  strengthe  will  serve  me,  where  I  shalnott 
fayle  butt  say  Masse  for  the  Kyng  and  you. 

I  have  twoo  Lutheranes  in  my  house,  the  oon  is 
the  Preste  that  wrotte  the  letter  which  I  delyvered 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  253 

your  Grace,  the  other  is  he  that  he  wrotte  itt  unto. 
The  preste  is  a  very  heretyke  as  appearith  by  his  con- 
fessions, and  hath  as  he  durste  doon  hurte  in  my 
dioces :  the  other  is  yll  butt  nott  soo  yll.  The  preste 
hath  maade  answer  to  all  the  poynts  of  his  lettre 
whiche  I  delyvered  unto  your  Grace  with  moche 
more,  a  right  lardge  confession.  I  purpose  unless 
your  Grace  comaund  contrary,  to  abjure  them  bothe, 
and  putt  them  to  open  penahce,  and  afterward  to  re- 
mayne  in  twoo  Monasterys  in  penaunce  tyll  your 
pleasr  be  knowen.  And  in  the  honor  of  God  beseche 
your  honorable  Grace  emongs  all  your  godly  labours 
and  paynes  ye  take  for  the  cofnune  welth,  to  remem- 
bre  the  infecte  persones  in  Oxenforde,  some  ordre 
and  punysshement  to  be  taken  with  them:  for  if 
sherpenes  be  nott  now  in  this  land  many  oon  shalbe 
right  bold  to  doo  yll.  And  noo  doubte  ther  arre  moo 
in  Oxenford  as  apperith  by  suche  famous  lybells  and 
bills  as  be  sett  uppe  in  night  tymes  upon  Chirche 
doores.  I  have  twoo  of  them,  and  delyvered  the 
third  to  my  Lord  of  London.  I  truste  your  Grace 
hath  seen  itt,  whereby  ye  may  perceyve  the  corrupt 
mynds,  and  if  itt  may  stand  with  your  pleaser  for 
asmoche  as  they  arre  in  this  case  de  grege  meo  and  I 
have  chardge  of  ther  soules,  I  shall  assone  as  my 
strenghe  will  serve  me  (whiche  I  thinke  wilbe  Mighel- 
mas  or  itt  will  come  eny  thing)  I  shalbe  gladde  having 
your  instruccohs.     And  knowing  your  pleaser  in  that 


254  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

behalf,  to  ride  to  Oxenford  myself  for  the  ordering 
thereof,  if  itt  so  shall  stand  with  yor  honorable  pleaser. 
And  shall  dayly  pray  to  our  Lord  God  for  the  long 
preservacion  of  your  noble  astate  long  to  endure. 
Wry  ten  att  Wooborna  the  xxvj  day  of  Junij. 

Yor  moft  humble  bedisman 

JOHN    LINCOLN. 

To  my  Lorde  Legate  his  Grace. 


LETTER  XCVIII. 


John  Clerk  to  my  Lord  Cardinal,  from  Rome.     Has 

a  day  promised  him  by  the  Tope  for  the  presentation 

of  the  King's  Book   against  Luther  in  the  "  open 

Consistory.'''' 

[ibid.  iii.  51.  Orig.~] 

%*  The  writer  of  this  and  one  or  two  succeeding  letters  en- 
acted so  prominent  a  part  in  the  business  they  refer  to,  that  the 
reader  may  very  naturally  ask  who  he  was  ? 

John  Clerk  was  one  of  Wolsey's  chaplains,  and  afterwards  the 
Cardinal's  proctor  and  the  King's  envoy  at  Rome.  His  earliest 
preferment  was  the  church  of  Porteshede,  in  the  diocese  of  Wells,  to 
which  he  was  presented  by  the  Lord  Latimer  in  1513.  In  1519, 
upon  the  resignation  of  Pace,  several  of  whose  letters  the  reader  has 
been  already  made  acquainted  with,  he  was  collated  to  the  arch- 
deaconry of  Colchester,  and  in  the  same  year  was  installed  Dean  of 
Windsor.  In  1521,  he  began  his  career  as  an  ambassador  by  the 
presentation  to  the  Pope  of  a  Book  which  Henry  the  Eighth  had 
written  against  Luther  ;  and  he  solicited  and  obtained  the  Bull  by 
which  the  Pontiff  designated  Henry  as  "  Defender  of  the  Faith." 

a  This  was  Wooburn  in  Buckinghamshire,  a  short  distance  from  Maidenhead, 
where  the  Bishops  of  Lincoln  had  a  palace.  This  residence  of  theirs  was  alienated 
from  the  See  of  Lincoln  by  Bishop  Longland's  successor  ;  and  finally  pulled  down 
in  !7a0.     In  ancient  time  it  was  surrounded  with  a  moat. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  255 

In  1522  he  was  made  Master  of  the  Rolls,  and  in  1523  rewarded 
with  the  Bishoprick  of  Bath  and  Wells.  Nevertheless,  from  1521 
to  1526  we  find  him  employed  entirely  at  Rome.  In  1526,  his  ne- 
gotiations were  transferred  to  France ;  whence,  in  1528,  when  Car- 
dinal Campeggio  passed  through  that  country,  Clerk  accompanied 
him  to  England.  He  now  engaged  on  the  King's  side  in  the  busi- 
ness of  the  divorce,  and  served  the  citation  upon  Queen  Katherine 
to  come  to  her  sentence.  His  last  embassy  was  to  the  Duke  of 
Cleve  in  1540,  to  explain,  or  rather  to  declare  the  King's  reason  for 
divorcing  himself  from  the  Duke's  sister.  In  his  return  he  fell  ill 
at  Dunkirk  ;  as  some  thought,  not  without  suspicion  of  poison.  He 
died,  after  a  lingering  illness,  Jan.  3rd,  1541.  In  his  will,  which 
he  made  whilst  laying  sick  at  Dunkirk,  he  bequeathed  his  body  to 
be  buried  in  the  great  church  of  the  town  of  Calais,  and  gave  a  short 
Latin  Inscription  which  he  ordered  to  be  placed  above  his  grave. 
The  will  was  proved  in  the  Prerogative  Court  of  Canterbury,  Jan. 
17th  in  the  same  year ;  but  we  have  no  record  of  the  interment 
having  taken  place  at  Calais.  Weever  and  Strype  both  give  an  In- 
scription for  him  in  similar  words  to  that  directed  in  his  will,  as 
remaining  in  their  time  in  the  old  church  of  St.  Botolph  Aldgate. 
Strype  supposes  it  to  have  been  removed  from  the  Church  of  the 
Minoresses  in  the  same  neighbourhood,  the  site  of  whose  house  was 
granted  in  the  31st  Hen.  VIII.  to  Clerk  and  his  successors,  Bishops 
of  Bath  and  Wells,  in  exchange  for  the  old  town  residence  of  their 
see,  called  "  Baths  Inn,"  without  Temple  Bar.  Clerk  is  said  to 
have  taken  up  his  residence  in  the  new  abode,  and,  after  all,  possi- 
bly died  there.  "  John  Clerk,  priest,"  was  his  ordinary  signature 
to  his  letters  even  after  he  became  a  bishop.  He  very  rarely  signed 
"  Bathon."  His  Letters  in  the  Cottonian  Collection  are  numerous  ; 
many  of  them  in  cypher. 

The  Popis  Holyiies  saith :  that  I  shall  haue  a  day 
this  next  Weke  to  present  the  Kyng's  booke  in  opyn 
Consistory ;  against  the  whiche  day  I  trust  to  be 
redy  with  myn  Oracion :  wherof  I  shold  now  haue 
sent  your  Grace  a  copye  by  this  corrar  had  he  nott  a 
departyd  on  day  rather  than  he  was  appoynted.     This 


256  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

almighty  God  preserve  your  Grace.     At  Rome  the 

xxv.  day  of  September  1521. 

Yowr  Grace  is  most  humbyll  Chapleyn 

and  servant 

jo  clerk  prist 
To  my  Lord  Cardinall  is  Grace. 


LETTER  XCIX. 

John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey ;  Copies  of  the  King's 
Book  against  Luther  presented  to  the  Pope  at  a 
private  Audience. 

[COTTON.  MS.  VITELLIUS  B.  IV.  fol.  165.    Orig.~\ 

%*  The  "Assertio  Septem  Sacramentorum  adversus  Martinum 
Lutherum,  aedita  ab  invictissimo  Angliae  et  Franciae  rege  et  do.  Hy- 
berniac  Henrico  ejus  nominis  Octavo,"  was  printed  at  London  by 
Richard  Pynson,  "  An.  m.dxxi.  quarto  Idus  Julij.  Cum  priuelegio 
a  rege  indulto." 

A  considerable  number  of  copies,  twenty-eight,  were  forwarded 
to  Rome,  as  we  read  in  the  present  Letter,  to  be  presented  by  the 
Pope  to  different  Potentates  and  Universities,  each  copy  signed  with 
the  King's  own  hand. 

These  were  delivered  to  the  Pope  in  the  month  of  September,  and 
on  the  second  of  October  following,  as  the  succeeding  Letter  will 
shew,  the  Pope's  own  copy,  splendidly  bound,  which  had  been  pri- 
vately delivered  at  the  first  meeting,  was  publicly  presented  to  him 
in  the  Consistory. 

The  copies  circulated  in  England  subsequent  to  this  presentation 
at  Rome,  had  Clerk's  Oration,  the  Pope's  extempore  Answer,  the 
Bull  of  Approbation,  the  Pope's  Indulgence  to  the  readers  of  the 
King's  Work,  and  another  Tract  by  Henry  against  Luther  prefixed. 
And  at  the  end,  "  Epistola  regia  ad  illustrissimos  Saxoniae  Duces 
pie  admonitoria." 

Each  of  these  Tracts  have  a  separate  series  of  signatures ;  shewing 
that  they  were  printed  after  the  "  Assertio,"  and  were  added  to  in- 
crease its  importance  in  the  circulation.   The  book  itself,  though  long 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


257 


before  prepared,  was  not  allowed  to  be  circulated  till  it  had  received 
these  adjuncts. 

Lowndes  mentions  an  edition  of  the  Assertio  printed  at  Rome,  4to. 
1521,  and  another  put  forth  by  Leo  the  Tenth,  4to.  1522.  It  was 
reprinted  at  London  by  Pynson,  4to.  "  m.dxxii.  xvii.  Kalendas  Fe- 
bruarii."  Other  editions  were,  4to.  Antwerp  "  in  sedibus  "  Mich. 
Hillenii,  anno  m.dxxii.  Kalend.  Aprilis";  4to.  Argentina?,  1522  ; 
4to.,  no  place,  1523  ;  12mo.,  without  place  or  date,  in  Berthelet's 
type;  4to.,  Romae,  apud  F.  Priscianensem  Florentinum,  1543a; 
12mo.,  Lugd.,  1561  ;  12mo.,  Par.,  1502.  A  German  translation,  in 
4to.,  was  published  as  early  as  1522. 

The  whole  of  the  Edition  of  1521,  Clerk's  Oration,  Leo  the  Tenth's 
Answer,  Bull,  &c,  translated  into  English  by  T.  W.  Gent,  was  pub- 
lished, 4to.  London,  1687. 

Collier,  in  his  Ecclesiastical  History,  vol.  ii.  pp.  11  —  17,  has 
given  a  judicious  Analysis  of  the  "  Assertio,"  such  as  may  serve 
the  reader's  purpose  who  has  no  access  to  the  original. 


Pleasitt  your  Grace  to  vndrestande  .  .  .  ot 
September  I  receyuyd  your  Grace  is  lettres  of  the 
....  and  with  them  the  Kings  Grace  is,  and  also 
your  to  the  ....  Holynes :  and  certayn  paquettis 

of  bokys  contayning  in  a nomber  of  xxviij 

mad  by  the   Kings  Grace  agaynst  the  he 

of  Martyn  Luther.  And  the  sam  day  I  went  vnto 
the  Popes  holynes,  and  accordyng  vnto  yovvr  Grace 
is  instructions :  m  .  .  .  .  fyrst  the  Kyngs  Grace  is 
humbyll  and  filiall  recomendaci  .  .  .  and  so  delyuerd 
his  lettres  declaryng  vnto  his  Holynes  the  Kynges 
Grace  is  deuote  mynd  always  borne  towardis  hym 
and  .  .  .  holy  See,  and  how  that  his  Grace  hath  nott 
only  att  all  s  .  .  .  been,  as  he  now  is,  redy  to  en- 

a  At  the  end  of  this  Edition  it  is  said,  '-Descriptus  liber  ex  eo  est,   quern  ad 
Leonem  X.  Pont.  Max.  Rex  ipse  misit." 


258  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

ploye  his  parsone  and  subs  ....  for  the  maynte- 
nance  of  Cristis  faith,  and  defence  of  his  ch  .  .  .  . 
butt  also  now  latly  hath  enployed  soche  lernyng  and 
othe  .  .  of  Grace  as  God  hath  sent  vnto  hym,  vnto 
the  sam  porp  .  .  .  puttyng  his  Holynes  in  remem- 
brance what  actis  in  tymes  past  his  Grace  had  done 
with   his  sword,  for   the    defence    of  the   churche : 

and  how  that  now  he  had  with  his  pen 

without  great  labor  and  stvdy  diuysid  and  mad  a 
....  the  confutacion  and  totall  extinction  off  the 

erronyo detestabill  opinyons    of  Martyn 

Leuther,  and  therapo Kyngs  Grace  is  be- 

halff  delyverd  his  Holynes  ij  bokys theym 

coverd  with  clothe  off  gold,  the  other  with  .... 

and with  a  very  amyabill 

.  .  .  ing  the  said  bokys  of  me  and  beholdyng  the 
porteur,  fascio  .  .  and  tryme  deckyng  of  the  said 
bokis  (whiche  he  semyd  to  lyke  veray  well)  opennyd 
the  boke  coverd  with  clothe  of  gold,  and  begynning 
the  prohem,  redde  therof  successyvely  v.  lefes  with 
owt  interruption ;  and  as  I  suppose,  if  tym  and  place 
and  other  of  no  small  importante  busynes  had  not  lett 
hym  he  wold  never  a  ceassed  tyll  he  had  redd  it  over. 
His  Holynes  in  redyng,  at  soche  place  is  as  he  lykyd 
(and  that  seemyd  to  be  att  every  second  line)  mad 
ever  some  demonstracion,  vel  nutu  vel  verbo,  whereby 
it  apperyd  that  he  had  great  pleasure  in  redyng. 
And  when  his  Holynes  had  redd  a  great  season,  I 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


259 


assur  yowr  Grace  he  gaff  the  boke  a  great  commen- 
dacion  and  sayd  there  was  therin  moche  wytt  and 
clerkly  convayance,  and  how  that  ther  wer  meny 
great  clerkis  that  had  wryten  in  the  matter,  butt  this 
boke  shold  seem  to  passe  all  thers.  His  Holynes 
sayd,  that  he  wold  nott  a  thowght  that  soche  a  boke 
shold  haue  com  from  the  Kyngis  Grace,  who  hath 
been  occapied  necessarily  in  other  feattis,  seeyng  that 
other  men  whiche  hath  occapied  them  selffis  in  stody 
all  ther  liffes,  cannot  bryng  forth  the  lyke.  I  shewyd 
his  Holynes  that  it  shold  be  for  the  Kyng's  Grace  is 
great  confort  that  his  Holynes  lykyd  his  boke  so  well, 
and  taking  the  boke  in  myn  hand,  tornyd  to  the  end 

thereof  and  sayd  vnto  his  Holy -  .  grace  to 

the  intent  that  the  affection  which  he  be  .  .  .  his 
Holynes  shold  mor  fully  apper,  had  mad  ij.  versis 
.  .  .  his  Holynes;  and  wryten  them  with  his  awn 
hand  ther  .  .  the  end  of  the  boke  :  and  by  cause  the 
Kyngs  Grace  had  wryten  the  sayd  versis  with  a  very 
small  penne  and  by  cause  I  knew  the  Pope  to  be  of 
a  very  dull  sight  I  wold  haue  redd  vnto  his  Holynes 
the  sayd  versis  and  his  Holynes,  quadam  auiditate 
legendi  toke  the  boke  from  me  and  redd  the  sayd 
versis  iij  tymes  very  promptly  to  my  great  mervail, 
and  comendyd  them  singlarly.a     I  shewyd  his  Holy- 

3  These  were  the  verses  mentioned  in  the  Letter  from  Wolsey  to  the  King,  printed 
by  Burnet,  Coll.  of  Records,  vol.  iii.  Pt.  i.  p.  8. — "  I  do  send  also  unto  jour  Highnes 
the  choyse  of  certyne  versis  to  be  written  in  the  booke  to  be  sent  to  the  Pope  of  your 
own  hande,  with  the  subscription  of  your  name,  to  remain  in  Archivis  Ecclesise  ad 
perpetuam  et  immortalem  vestrte  Majestatis  gloriam,  laudem,  et  memoriam  " 


260  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

nes  that  percase  this  boke  after  dewe  examinacion 
did  please  his  Holynes  your  Grace  thowght  it  shold 
be  greatly  for  the  Kyngs  honor  that  I  the  Kyngs 
Orator  heer,  myght  present  the  sayd  boke  to  his 
Holynes  in  publique  Consistory,  and  that  his  Ho- 
lynes ther  de  .  .  .  .  the  said  boke  by  decree  con- 
sistoriall  the  said  boke  .  .  .  nyd  to  be  sent  owt  with 

his  bullys  vnder  led,  anno all  Cristen  Prynces 

and  all  Vniuersities.  Shewyng  .  .  .  Kyngs  Grace 
had  now  sent  soche  a  nomber  off  .  .  .  bokys  signyd 
with  his  awn  hand  as  shold  suff  ....  purpose.  I 
shewyd  his  Holynes,  that  part  off  the  said  bokys  war 
richely,  and  in  no  wors  maner  coveryd  and  claspyd 
then  thos  was  whiche  all  redy  I  had  delyverd  vnto  his 
Holynes.  And  herin  the  Popis  Holynes  comendyd 
your  Grace  is  aduyse  very  well,  and  said  that  I  shold 
present  the  sayd  boke  in  the  Consistory  whon  I  wold ; 
for  he  dowtyd  nott  but  that  the  boke  was  to  be  ap- 
provyd  notwithstondyng,  seeyng  that  I  had  mo  bokys. 
His  Holynes  wyllyd  me  to  send  hym  v  or  vj  mor,  to 
the  intent  he  myght  delyver  theym  to  sundry  Cardy- 
nalls  lernyd,  saying  that  it  shold  be  for  the  Kyngs 
honor  that  they  myght  say  their  opynions  whiche 
they  shold  the  bettar  do  hauyng  a  sight  theryn  befor. 
An  as  towchyng  the  approvyng  off  the  sayd  Boke  by 
decre  consistoriall,  and  the  sendyng  forthe  to  Cristen 
Pryncys  off  the  sayd  bokys  so  approuyd,  His  Holynes 
thynkyth  this  your  Grace  is  request  nott  only  honor- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  261 

abyll  to  the  Kyng's  Grace  butt  also  to  all  cristen  pe- 
pyll  most  fructfull  and  profitabyll.  As  towchyng  tlie 
Kyngs  Grace  is  new  Tityll,  his  Holynes  was  very  glad 
when  I  shewyd  hym  that  ye  had  chosyn  that  lykyd. 
I  shewid  his  Holynes  furthermor  that  albe  it  your 

Grace gevyn    ....    thankys 

for  yowr facultees  as  be  conteynyd  in 

the  same,  yett coinandyd  me   to  giff  like 

tliankys  by  mowthe.  A  ...  I  thankyd  his  Holy- 
nes nott  only  in  your  Grace  is  name,  also  in  myn  own  : 
shewyng  that  I  so  ded,  partly  to  fulfill  your  coinand- 
ment,  partly  by  cause  all  benef  .  .  .  employd  apon 
your  Grace,  I  yowr  Grace  is  creature  most  of  dewty 
take  as  thankfully  as  thowh  they  war  employd  apon 
my  self.  His  Holynes  sayd  thes  words  '  Nos  bene 
locauimus  huius  modi  beneficium,  et  apud  qui  potest 
nobis  prestare  et  prestitit  longe  majora.  Wher  as  it 
lykyth  your  Grace  of  your  infynyte  goodnes  geff 
vnto  me  yowr  most  vnworthie  and  most  .  .  .  den 
servant  so  large  thankys  for  doyng  my  dew  ...  in 
the  enlargyng  of  your  said  legacion :  reputyng  .  .  . 
selff  in  my  dett  vntyll  suche  tyme  as  by  some  .... 
ye  haue  acquytyd  the  same.  Alas  my  good  lorde  if 
I  shold  spend  my  hart  blod  in  your  Grac  e  is  servyce 
shold  I  nott  deserve  that  that  your  Grace  hath  d  .  .  . 
me  all  redy :  butt  the  more  that  I  am  behyn  .... 

that  my  servitude the  more 

doth  it  apper  of  yowr  infinit  bonte  that  in  so  small  a 


262  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

matter  wyll  make  so  large  a  knowledge.  And  to 
retorne  to  my  porpose,  when  the  Popis  Holynes 
lokyd  apon  thes  bokys,  now  in  the  on,  now  in  the 
other,  now  shett,  now  open,  heer  on  chapitre  and 
ther  a  nother,  as  men  that  be  lothe  to  departe  do 
often  take  ther  leff.  And  when  hys  Holynes  had 
greatly  comendyd  and  praysid  the  Kyngs  wytt,  lern- 
yng,  and  wysdome,  and  also  yowr  Grace,  whom  his 
Holynes  reputyth  to  have  been  a  diligent  comfortar 
and  sterrar,  that  the  Kyngs  Grace  shold  this  employe 
his  tyme,  and  who  is  also  pemie  and  consail,  his 
Holynes  snpposid  ded  now  and  then  in  the  said  boke 
ioyne  with  the  Kyngs  Grace  is.  After  all  this  [his] 
Holynes  demandyd  of  me  what  other  tydyngs  I  had 
circa  publico  Principinn  negocia.  And  then  accord- 
ing to  your  Grace  is  instructions. 


LETTER  C. 

Cleric  to  Wolsey.  The  Public  delivery  of  the  pre- 
sentation Copy  of  the  King's  Book  to  the  Pope  in 
the  Consistory. 

[MS.  COTTON.  VITELL.  B.  IV.  fol.   1S5.    Orig.] 

Pleasith  your  Grace  to  vnders I 

was  with  the  Popis  Holynes,  and  shewyd  hy  .  .  .  . 
.  .  .  redye  with  myn  Oracion  :  and  desirid  his  Holy- 
no  t me  a  day  to  present  the  Kyngs 

Boke  in  the  Consistory.     After  comendacions  of  the 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


263 


said  Booke  his  Holynes  said  that  he  wold  call  a  Con- 
sistory only  for  that  purpose  agaynst  Wednysday  next 
folowyng,  whiche  was  the  ij.  day  of  the  monyth  of 
Octobyr ;  wherapon  I  demandyd  of  his  Holynes 
wyther  the  said  Consistorye  shold  be  publique,  as  her 
to  fore  had  ben  spokyn  of,  or  no,  wher  vnto  his 
Holynes  said  that  if  ther  shold  be  intimatt  a  pub- 
lique Consistorie  besides  prelattis  and  soche  other  of 
the  clergie  as  be  sadd  the  .  .  .  resort  thether  moche 
lay  pepull  of  all  maner  gener  .  .  .  And  wher  as  this 
matters  of  Leuther  be  now  thorow  q  .  .  .  and  mennys 
myndis  quyetyd,  this  acte  shold  putt  theym  in  freshe 
remembrance,  and  renew  the  old  sore.  Is....  his 
Holynes  that  I  belevyd  rather  that  iff  ther  war  .  .  . 
so  evyll  disposid  the  grauyte  of  this  acte,  and  the 
good  .  .  this  Boke  shold  be  of  no  small  effect  in  re- 
ducyng  .  .  reason.  His  Holynes  said,  that  this  matter 
was   no  .  .  .  forgotyn   and    the  lesse    steryng   that 

shold  be  mad amongst   the  rude  and 

comyn  pepul,  beyng  somwhatt  frowardly  disposid 
all  redye;  and  so  as  towchyng  this  publyke  Consis- 
torie, I  cowd  optayn  of  his  Holynes  no  further,  but 
that  soche  bushoppis  and  other  prelattis  as  shold  com 
to  the  Palays  that  day,  to  accompany  other  Cardinals, 
shold  be  callyd  in  att  soche  season  as  the  solempnyte 
of  this  acte  shold  be  done.  And  att  the  same  tyme  I 
ded  also  put  his  Holynes  agayn  in  remembrance  that 
your  Grace  wyllyd  me  to  move  his  Holynes  per  case 


2G4  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

this  booke  war  thowght  wortliye,  to  make  some 
deer  .  .  in  the  said  Consistorie  for  the  approbacion 
thereof,  seing  that  so  approuyd  and  sent  forthe,  it 
shold  be  of  the  more  auctoryte  and  the  bettar  ac- 
ceptyd ;  and  his  Holynes  answerd  Nos  nihil  preter- 
mittemus  eorum  quce  ad  approbationem  istius  libri 
pertincbunt,  quia  est  opus  dignissimum  et  absohdissi- 
mum.  And  immediatly  his  Holynes  demandyd  of 
me,  wherapon  myne  Oracion  shold  most  rest,  to  the 
intent  he  myght  prepare  me  an  answer  accordingly. 
I  shewyd  his  Holynes  that  I  cowd  do  no  lesse  butt 
speke  somwhat  in  the  detestation  of  Leuther  and  of 
his  heresies,  and  the  rest  was  off  the  Kyngs  Grace 
great  zell  towardis  the  Churche  and  Cristis  faith,  and 
off  his  good  mind  towardis  his  Holynes ;  which  ben 
the  chieff  causes  steryng  hym  to  take  this  notabyll 
acte  apon  hym.     Apon  Wedensday  next  after  accord- 

yng  vnto   the Popis  palays,   befor   the 

Popis  Holynes  is  masse  .  .  .  sone  as  his  Holynes 
had  hard  masse  he  callyd  for  me  ....  me  be  in  a 
redynes,  for  he  wold  straight  to  the  Consistorye  .  . 
His  Holynes  after  a  whylle  went  in  to  the  place, 
wher  con  .  .  .  ries  ben  accostomyd  to  be  kepte,  and 
with  in  a  lytill  whyle  callyd  in  soche  prelattis  as 
was  tarying  with  owt,  bushoppis  to  .  .  .  nomber  off 
xx.  And  immediatly  after,  the  Master  off  the  Cere- 
monyes  came  vnto  me,  and  informyd  me  somwha  .  . 
.  .  the   ceremonyes,   and   amongst  all  other  that  I 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  265 

shold  kneel  apon  my  knees  all  the  tyme  of  myn 
Oracion.  Wherat  I  was  somwhat  abashyd,  for  my 
thowght  I  shold  nott  have  my  harte  ne  my  spiritis 
so  moche  att  my  libertye.  I  fearyd  greatly  lest  they 
shold  nott  serve  me  so  well  kneelyng  as  they  wold 
stondyng.  How  be  it  ther  was  no  remedy  and 
nedys  I  most  do  as  the  Master  of  the  ceremonyes 
dyd  tell  me  :  and  so  folowyng  hym  I  entred  the 
place  of  th  .  .  .  wher  the  Popis  Holynes  sat  in  his 
Maiestie,  apon  a  .  .  .  .  iij.  steppis  from  the  grownd 
vnder  neth  a  clothe  ...  a  for  hym  in  a  large  qua- 
drant apon  stolys  sat  the in  ther  consistorial 

habitts  to   the  nomber  of  xx, woyd 

directly  befor  the  Popis  Holynes  whiche  the  Master 
of  the  ceremonyes  remouyd,  and  brought  me  thorow 
the  Cardynals  with  iij.  obeysances  vnto  the  Popis 
Holynes,  and  causyd  me  to  kysse  his  foott,  and  att 
myn  vprising  when  I  was  tornyng  to  my  place  agayn, 
his  Holynes  toke  me  by  the  sholders,  and  causid  me 
to  kisse,  first  the  on  cheke  and  then  the  other ;  that 
done,  after  a  loowe  obeisaunce  I  went  to  the  voyd 
place  off  the  quadrant :  wher  as  I  cam  in  amongst  the 
Cardynals,  and  ther  hauyng  the  stoole  be  for  me, 
knelyng  apon  my  knees  I  mad  myn  oracion,  whiche 
I  do  nowhe  send  vnto  yowr  Grace.  In  my  most 
humbyll  wyse  besechyng  the  same,  thowhe  it  be 
veray  rude  and  simplyll  to  take  it  a  worthe :  for 
my  witt  and  lernyng  wythowt  more  warnyng  wold 

VOL.    I.  N 


266  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

stretche  no  farther.     After  myn  Oracion  I  rose  vpe, 
and  with  iij.  obeysance  is  went  vnto  the  Pope :  and 
delyverd  him  the  Kyng's  booke,  and  immediatly  re- 
tornyd  in  to  my  place  agayn,  wher  vnto  me  knelyng, 
his  Holynes  spake  this  wordis,  or  very  like  in  effecte. 
f  Li  brum  hunc  omni  alacritate   suscipimus,  est    sane 
talis  ut  eo  ipso  nobis  et  venerabilibus  fratribus  nostris 
nihil  potuerit  mitti  gratius.    Reg  em  vero  ipsum,  poten- 
tissimum,  prudentissimum,    ac    vere   Cristianissimum 
nescimus  magis  an  admiremur,  qui  primum  armis  .   . 
.   .  ne  hostes  tunicam  Cristi  seindere  cupientes,  feiici 
success  .  .  domuit.     Et  tandem  Dei  ecclesice,   atque 
huic  sanctce    Sedi  pacem  devictis  hostibus,   restituit. 
Nunc  vero  quod  adversus  monstrum  hoc  teterrimum, 
hunc  librum  conscribere  simul  sciverit  potuerit  et  vol- 
uerit,  non  magis  se  toti  orbi  mirabilem,  ipsa  styli  e 
legantia    quam    ingenio    prestitit.       Creatori    nostro 
gratias  suppliciter  .  .  .  qui  talem  principem  Ecclesice 
sua    atque   huic    sanctce    Sedi    defensorem    concessit , 
eundem  Creator  em  nostrum  humilime  orantes  vti  tali 
suo  regi  vitam  felicem,  atque  omnia  sua  optata  multo 
benignissime  annuat,  et  post  hanc  vitam  in  regno  suo 
ccelesti  Coronam  sibi  perpetuam  asservet.     Nos  vero, 
quantum    cum    Deo    2yossumi(S    cidem  prudentissimo 
Regi,  in  concessis  nobis  a  Deo  faculta  ....  nunquam 
sumus  defuturi.,,a     The  whiche  answer  to  the  e  .  .  . 

»  The  copy  of  the  Pope's  reply,  which  Henry  the  Eighth  prefixed  to  the  "  Asaertio' ' 
at  iU  publicati N"   was  b  little  alte'".-'  from  this,  and  polishtd  as  to  diction. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  267 

your  Grace  shold  haue  the  mor  certayn  knowlege,  I 
noted  as  precislye  as  I  cowde,  and  causid  ij  or  iij 
of  my  servants  to  do  the  same,  by  cawse  I  wold 
be  sure.  I  may  well  ....  from  the  wordis,  butt  I 
assure  yowr  Grace  this  was  .  .  .  and  his  answer  was 
not  moche  lengar.  After  ....  and  made  myn 
obeysance,  and  departyd.  And  apon  Saterday,  the 
whiche  was  the  v.  day  of  this  monyth,  I  went  vnto 
his  Holynes  agayn,  and  it  lyked  his  Holynes  att  my 
fyrst  comyng  to  vse  veray  good  wordis  vnto  me 
concernyng  myn  Oracion,  and  the  pronunciacion 
therof,  and  I  thankyd  his  Holynes  for  his  benygne 
and  grate  audience,  shewyng  that  it  shold  be  veray 
pleasant  and  confortabyll  to  the  Kyngs  Highnes  when 
he  shall  vnderstond  how  honorably  and  thankfully  it 
hath  lykyd  his  Holynes  to  accepte  his  Booke,  and 
how  that  dowghtles  he  wold  thynke  his  labors  very 
well  enployd ;  how  be  it  I  said  I  stood  in  dowght 
lest  yowr  Grace  is  mynd  sholld  not  be  in  all  partys 
satisfyed,  who  as  a  membyr  of  this  See,  and  a  speciall 
servant  of  his  Holynes,  wrott  hether  as  a  Consaillor, 
that  per  case  this  booke  war  thowght  worthye,  his 
Holynes  shold  witsaff  to  confyrme  it  by  decre  in  the 
Consistory  expresslye,  wherby  nott  only  all  good  pe- 
pull  myght  the  more  a  regardyd  it,  but  also  the  Kyngs 
Highnes  and  other  men  shold  a  ben  the  bettar  encho- 
raged  to  attemptyd  like  thyngs  herafter.  His  Holy- 
nes answerd  me  that  this  See  shold  do  as  moche  for 

N  2 


268  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  confirmacion  of  this  booke  as  ever  was  done  for 
the  vvorkys  of  S.  Augustyn  or  S.  Jerome,  and  bad  me 
bryng  vnto  hyme  soche  bokys  as  I  hadde  to  be  sent 

forthe  and  the bullys  annexid  sub  plumbo, 

as  on  your  Grace  is  behalf  .  .  .  his  Holynes  befor. 
And  after  great  comendacions  of  the  Booke  his  Ho- 
lynes said  that  Ecclesia  Gallicana  in  condemp 

Leutherum  et  dogmata  ipsius,  in  hac  sua  condempna- 
tione  qua  nuper  emanavit,  ex  studio  Parisiensi  vide- 
tur  ta  .  .  .  approbasse  multas  opiniones  ipsius  Lutheri 
contra  Romanam  Ecclesiam.  How  be  it  I  ded  nott 
perceyve  that  his  Holynes  ment  any  lyke  thyng  to  be 
in  the  Kyngs  booke,  nor  I  can  nott  see  whye  he 
shold.  In  the  next  Consistorye  the  Kynges  High- 
nes  shall  haue  his  titil  gevyn  him,  and  apon  th  .  .  . 
the  bullys  speed,  and  briffis  off  thankis  as  mor  at 
large  I  shall  wryght  vnto  yor  Grace  by  the  next. 
There  is  tydyngs  come  of  certaynte  that  the  Turke 

who a  go  enterd  Hungary  with  on  hunderd 

thowsand  men  hath  taken  and  destroyd  ther  the  cas- 
tell  of  Belgrado,  whiche  is  a  very  strong  town,  and 
the  key  of  all  that  realme.  In  so  much  that  men 
fear  heer  wors  tydyngs  shortly,  for  the  Kynge  of 
Hungary  is  veray  yong,  and  as  it  is  said  his  Consail 
are  in  dissencion.  How  be  it  the  said  Kyng  is  in 
fyld  with  ....  puysance,  wherof  great  helpe  is  com 

vnto  hym It  is  all  so  reaportyd  that 

the  said  Kynge  off  Hungarye  intendith  to  make  a 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  269 

jorney  with  the  said  great  Turke  shortly e,  so  that  iff' 
ther  be  on  jorney  ther,  and  an  other  in  Italy e,  and 
the  iijde  in  France,  the  Erthe  shalbe  well  satiated 
with  Cristen  blode.  I  beseche  almyghty  God  to 
send  vs  peace,  and  preserve  yowr  Grace,  and  soche 
other  as  be  mynded  that  ways  to  your  eternal  glorye 
and  prayse  iff  ye  can  bryng  it  a  bowte. 

Her  is  no  mane  hear  in  this  coorte  for  the  realm e 
off  Scotland  butt  a  servant  off  the  Dewke  off  Albany 
is,  who  dothe  heer  all  the  feattis  off  that  realme  in 
his  masters  name.  The  archebushopryche  off  Sayncte 
Andrews  hath  ben  voyd  all  thes  viij  monythes,  and  as 
yett  ther  is  nothyng  wryten  theroff  vnto  the  coorte  of 
Rome  for  the  expedition  ther  off. 

The  quen  of  Scottis  sewith  her  husband  in  causa 
divorcij  et  dissolucionis  matrimony,  the  cause  is  com- 
ittid  in  the  root  and  the  dewk  of  Albany  is  factor  is 
promotor  in  the  cause.  This  the  almyghty  God  pre- 
serve yowr  Grace.     At  Rome  the  x.  day  of  Octobyr 

1521. 

Yor  Grace  is  most  humb\U  chapleyn 

.  .  My  Lord  Cardinal! . 


•       •       •       • 


%*  Luther  replied  to  Henry's  book  in  terms  of  great  discourtesy ,b 
and  was  himself  replied  to,  some  time  after,  by  a  Friar  of  the  name  of 

b  Thomas  Hannibal,  in  a  Letter  to  Wolsey  from  Rome,  Dee.  13,  1522,  says 
"  Luther  of  late  hath  written  agenst  the  Kings  Grace ;  whych  Book  I  send  to  you  : 
the  book  is  full  of  raylynge  agenst  the  Kyngs  Grace.  I  soght  all  Rome  to  know 
whether  wer  mor,  bot  I  coude  fynde  non.  If  any  mo  eumme,  the  Pope  hath  com- 
maundyde  that  non  shall  eumme  in  lyght.  I  shall  tak  them  all,  and  pay  for  them 
and  brent  them."     MS.  Cotton.  Vitell.  B.  v.  fol.  105. 


270 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


Murner,  who  treated  Luther  quite  as  coarsely  as  Luther  had  treat- 
ed Henry  the  Eighth.  There  is  a  Tract  of  his  in  the  Library  of  the 
British  Museum  which  is  not  mentioned  by  his  biographers,  namely, 
"  Antwort  de  Murnar  vfif  seine  frag,  Ob  der  Kiinig  vo  Eugellant 
eim  liogner  sey  oder  der  gotlich  doctor  Martinus  Luter."  4to. 
"  Datum  ex  Mithilena  insula  Anno  xxiij.,"  i.  e.  'Answer  of  Mur- 
nar to  the  Question  whether  the  King  of  England  or  Luther  is  a 
Liar.'     4to.  Mithelene.  1523. 

Wadding  in  his  "Scriptores  Ordinis  Minorum,"  fol.  1736,  p.  221, 
mentions  Murner's  "  Defensio  Libri  Henrici  Octavi  Regis  Angliae 
contra  Lutherum."  He  also  speaks  of  his  "  Kalendurium  in  quo 
Lutheranorum  mores  secundum  circulumZodiaci  describit  graphice." 
The  only  work  of  Murner  which  Zedler  notices  in  his  Grosses 
Universal  Lexicon,  is  a  tract,  "Von  dem  grossen  Lutherischen  Nar- 
ren,"  4to.  Freyburg  in  Brisgau. 

Thomas  Murner  was  a  native  of  Strasburgh,  where  lie  was  born 
in  1475  ;  and  where,  in  1520,  he  became  professor  of  Law.  He  is 
said  to  have  published  a  course  of  Logic  in  the  form  of  a  pack  of 
cards,  by  which  his  pupils  made  so  great  progress  that  he  was  sup- 
posed to  have  had  recourse  to  magic  in  devising  them.  In  1524  he 
went  as  an  envoy  to  Nuremberg,  and  in  152G  he  was  at  the  Diet  of 
Spier. 

The  Biographie  Universelle  says  that  Henry  the  Eighth  called 
him  into  England:  but  this  was  not  the  fact.  The  circumstances 
of  his  coming  to  England  are  rather  amusing,  and  are  thus  de- 
tailed by  Sir  Thomas  More  in  a  Letter  to  Wolsey,  preserved  in  the 
Cottonian  MS.  Titus  B.  i.  fol.  323,  dated  Esthamsted,  26  Aug. 
1529. 

"  Hit  may  further  lyke  your  good  Grace  to  be  advertised,  that 
one  Thomas  Murner,  a  Frere  of  Saynte  Francisce,  which  wrote  a 
booke  against  Luther  in  defence  of  the  Kinges  boke,  was  oute  of 
Almaigne  sent  in  to  England,  by  the  mean  of  a  simple  person,  an 
Almaign,  namyng  hym  selfe  servaunt  un  to  the  Kinges  Grace,  and 
affermyng  un  to  Murner  that  the  King  had  gevyn  hym  in  charge  to 
desyre  Murner  to  cum  over  to  hym  in  to  England,  and  by  occasion 
thereof  he  is  curnmen  over;  and  hath  now  bene  here  a  good  while. 
V\  herfore,  the  Kinges  Grace,  pitiyng  that  he  was  so  deceived,  and 
having  tendre  respect  to  the  goode  zele  that  he  bereth  toward  the 
feith,  and  his  good  hart  and  mynd  toward  His  Highnes,  requyreth 
Your  Grace  that  it  may  lyke  you  to  cause  hym  have  in  reward  one 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  271 

hundred  pownde,  and  that  he  may  retourn  home,  wher  his  presence 
is  very  necessary  ;  for  he  is  one  of  the  chiefe  stays  agaynst  the  fac- 
tion of  Luther  in  that  parties,  agaynst  whom  he  hath  wrytten  many 
bokis  in  the  Almayng  tong ;  and  now,  sith  his  cumming  hither,  he 
hath  translated  in  to  Latyn  the  boke  that  he  byfore  made  in  Al- 
maign,  in  defence  of  the  Kinges  boke.  He  is  Doctour  of  Divinite 
and  of  both  Lawes,  and  a  man,  for  wryting  and  preching,  of  great 
estimation  in  his  cuntre." 

Murner  was  evidently  sent  to  England  that  he  might  be  got  rid 
of  as  an  opponent ;  probably  by  some  zealous  Lutheran.  Luther 
himself  was  of  a  temper  sufficiently  frolicsome  to  have  enjoyed  such 
an  artifice.  Murner  died  in  or  about  the  year  1533.  Numerous 
as  were  his  works,  especially  against  Luther,  they  are  all  of  rarity. 


LETTER  CI. 

Cuthbert  Tunstal  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  Intrigues 
against  the  ministers  of  the  King  Catholick  sus- 
pected. Invents  a  Cypher  which  he  forwards,  as 
no  trust  is  to  be  put  in  the  Posts. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  xii.  74.  Orig.~] 

Plese  it  your  Grace  to  undirstond  that  for  as 
moch  as  I  have  at  lengthe  written  to  the  Kinge  at  this 
tyme  off  his  affaires  to  have  recourse  to  his  Let- 
tre  for  the  knowlege  of  them.  Your  Grace  may  per- 
ceyve  by  the  said  lettre  that  lettres  be  substantially 
to  be  made  and  to  be  sent  both  to  the  Kinge  Catholyk 
cheffly  and  as  me  semeth  also  to  the  Lord  Cheuers 
and  the  Chaunceler  from  the  Kinge.  Such  practise 
as  they  suspecte  to  be  made  again  them  wyl  never  be 
brogth  aboute  :   that  is  to  say  to  remove  them  out  off 


272  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

governaunce,  oonlesse  it  com  off  the  Kinge  Catholyke 
own  mynd,  for  albeyt  he  be  yonge,  yet  he  knoweth 
al  redy  how  gret  a  man  he  is  and  he  is  callyd,  as  I 
can  perceyve,  veray  fast  wher  he  lovyth  or  hatyth. 

Wherfor  by  force  he  wyl  not  be  mastery d  onlesse 
it  be  first  by  th'emperor  persuadyd  to  hym  yff  them- 
peror  wer  so  myndyd.  Your  Grace  may  se  mor  at 
large  what  I  have  written  to  the  Kinge  in  that  mater 
and  forasmoch  as  thes  men  have  now  detecte  to  have 
our  master  suspecte  to  practyse  again  them,  and  it 
may  apper  that  lettres  have  comen  to  ther  knowlege 
written  off  that  mater,  for  which  cause  they  wyl  sus- 
pect the  Kings  lettres  the  mor,  therfor  me  semyth  it 
shuld  be  wel  doon  to  write  al  to  themperor  or  to  M. 
Wyngfeld  in  syfer,  and  lykwyse  to  me  in  maters 
which  the  Kinge  wold  have  kepte  secret ;  for  ther  is 
no  trust  to  be  put  in  the  Posts :  for  which  cause  I 
have  sent  your  Grace  a  sypher  herin  inclosyd,  wher- 
unto  I  have  addyd  certain  lettres  and  names  neces- 
sary, and  also  have  chaungyd  the  ordre  off  it,  for  as 
to  the  odyr  I  had,  it  was  the  same  that  M.  Secretary 
had,  and  lakkyd  many  thyngs  necessary :  which  I 
send  to  thentent  your  Grace  may  mor  surly  write 
such  thynges  as  shal  be  necessary  to  have  kept  secret, 
or  the  Kynge  yff  it  please  hym  to  use  yt.  I  sent  M. 
Rychmont  to  Cales  with  thys  boget,  and  bycause 
that  the  sayd  sypher  may  surly  come  to  your  Graces 
hands.     I  undirstond  by  the  Chaunceler  touchynge 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  '27o 

the  Duke  of  Gelders  that  he  hath  now  late  written  a 
Lettre  to  the  Kinge  Catholyk  off  a  more  sobre  style 
then  he  was  wont  to  use,  by  which  it  may  appere  he 
makyth  overture  off  treaty  whiche  I  thynke  shal  be 
herkynyd  unto.  Your  Grace  may  aduertise  the 
Kinge  theroff  for  it  is  not  in  his  lettre.  I  have  at 
diuerse  tymes  sene  I  come  in  to  thes  parties  lent  M. 
Spinel  money  which  monteth  in  al  to  thyrty1*  ster- 
linge  and  as  yet  I  am  unpayd.  At  thys  tyme  he 
writeth,  as  he  shewyth  me,  to  your  Grace  theroff,  and 
hath  gyffen  me  a  byl  for  my  stuard  to  receyve  it  off 
M.  Heron  off  his  payment  off  his  fee  next  to  be 
payd. 

I  besech  your  Grace  to  help  the  said  sume  may  be 
payd  to  my  stuard.  I  owe  it  my  selff  in  odyr  places 
with  mor,  and  lykwyse  I  besech  your  Grace  to  be 
good  lord  to  my  por  frends  and  servaunts  in  all  ther 
suts  to  be  made  unto  your  Grace  in  my  causes  or 
therys,  and  thus  yff  ther  any  service  that  I  may  doo 
for  your  Grace  in  this  parties  yor  pleasr  knowen  I  am 
redy  as  knoweth  our  Lord,  who  ever  preserve  your 
Grace.  From  Bruxellys  the  xxvth  day  off  November. 
Your  most  humble 

bedman       cuthbert  tunstal. 

To  the  moste  reverend  fader  in  God 
and  his  moste  singler  good  Lorde 
Lord  Cardinall .  .  .  ke. 


NO 


274  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  CII. 

Richard  Pace  to  Wolsey,  detailing  the  Interview 
between  Henry  the  Eighth  and  a  deputation  of  the 
Monks  of  St.  Albans  at  Windsor  Castle,  upon  the 
death  of  their  Abbot,  petitioning  for  licence  to  choose 
a  new  Abbot. 

[ms.  cotton,  vitell.  b.  iv.  fol.  197.  Orig.] 

%*  The  signature  of  this  Letter  is  gone ;  but  no  one  who  knows 
Pace's  hand  can  mistake  for  a  moment  in  the  appropriation  of  it  to 
its  writer.  One  of  the  most  remarkable  passages  is  that  in  which 
Pace  states  the  King's  command  that  he  should  accompany  his  Ma- 
jesty "  by  his  secret  way  into  the  Park."  The  changes  which 
Windsor  Castle  has  undergone  since  Henry  the  Eighth's  time,  have 
obliterated  even  tradition  as  to  the  locality  of  this  private  staircase. 

This  Letter,  however,  is  of  greater  importance  as  pointing  out 
the  real  date  when  Wolsey  became  Abbot  of  St.  Albans. 

Firides,  in  his  Life  of  Wolsey,  p.  1G2,  under  the  year  1518  says, 
"  Cardinal  Wolsey  had  not  only  the  temporalities  of  Bath  and  Wells 
conferred  on  him  this  year,  whereof  he  was  perpetual  Commenda- 
tory, but  he  had  liberty  of  holding  it  with  the  Abbey  of  St.  Albans, 
though  the  precise  time  when  he  was  made  Abbot  of  that  place  does 
not  appear."  Browne  Willis,  in  a  Letter  to  Fiddes,  says,  "  When 
he  came  first  into  the  Abbey  of  St.  Albans  I  never  could  exactly 
find.  It  is  plain  he  succeeded  abbot  Thomas  Ramrige,  who  was 
alive  in  the  year  1514,  and  possessed  of  the  Abbacy,  but  when  Ram- 
rige died  I  could  never  discover.  I  should  judge  Wolsey  to  come 
in  the  year  151G,  by  some  circumstances,  though  it  is  plain  he  had 
not  the  temporalities  of  it  vested  in  him  till  the  7th  December,  1521, 
as  the  patents  shew."  This  was,  in  fact,  the  exact  time  when  Wol- 
sey obtained  the  Abbacy. 

Singular,  also,  it  is,  that  Newcome  in  his  History  of  St.  Albans 
states  his  inability  to  trace  the  time  when  Abbot  Ramrige  died. 
From  some  peculiar  circumstance  or  other,  the  Muniments  of  St. 
Albans,  subsequent  to  Abbot  Whethamstede's  time,  seem  to  have 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


275 


perished.     The  real  dates  of  Abbot  Ramrige's  death,  and  of  Wol- 
sey's  accession  to  the  Abbey,  are  fixed  by  the  present  Letter. 


Pleas  it  yor  Grace  the  berar  heroff  wyth  [other] 
sadde  religiose  men  off  the  Monastery  off  St.  Albonys 
were  here  yisterdaye  wyth  the  Kynge  for  to  certifie 
hys  Grace  off  the  decesse  off  there  late  Abbate,  and 
to  dernaunde  hys  licence  to  create  anothre  in  hys 
place  :  and  they  desyridde  also  hys  fauorable  Letters 
unto  your  Grace  for  th'expedicion  of  hys  Hynesses 
Lettres  patents  uppon  the  sayde  licence.  And  hys 
Grace  was  contentidde  to  graunte  unto  them  there 
Peticion,  and  comaundydde  me  to  wryte  these  my 
Lettres  unto  your  Grace  for  the  sayde  expedicion. 
Itt  wolde  have  bene  to  your  Graces  grete  rejoyse 
and  comforte  to  have  harde  the  princely  and  godly 
mocion  geuyn  by  the  Kynge  hymselfe  .  .  ly  to  the 
sayde  religiose  men.  Hys  wordy s  formally  were 
thiese  viz.  '  We  undrestonde  that  yor  late  Abbate  is 
'  dedd,  and  that  ye  are  ciimyn  to  us  for  to  dernaunde 
'  our  licence  to  create  an  other,  whyche  licence  we  ar 
'  contentidde  to  graunte  yow,  comaundyng  yow  to 
'  electe  none  at  the  sute  of  any  temporall  or  spirituall 
'  mann,  but  suche  on  as  ye  schall  jugge  in  your  con- 
'  sciences  most  apte  and  meate  to  occupy  the  rowme 
'for  hys  vertue  and  lernynge.  Ye  must  also  have 
'  respecte  that  he  maye  have  sum  politike  wisedome, 
*  to  th'intent  that  he  therby  maye  repayre  the  decaye 


27G  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

'  off  yo1  House  whyche  as  we  ar  informydde  is  greate. 
'  And  yff  we  schall  perceyve  that  ye  have  folowed 
'  thys  our  counsayle  in  your  election,  We  schall  then 
'  wy th  goode  wyll  graunte  vuto  yow  our  royale  assent 
'  at  suche  tyme  as  ye  schall  repare  to  us  for  the  same. 
'  Yff  ye  do  contrari,  we  schal  then  do  as  itt  schall 
'  stonde  wyth  our  plesure.'  Hcec  puto  mi  Rme.  D.  V. 
ad  plenum  significanda,  proptereaque  milii  videntur 
vere  Regia,  et  viva  vox  Regis  exprimens  christianis- 
simum  animum,  mag  nam  gratiam  Mis  verbis  ad- 
didit. 

And  thus  Jesu  preserve  your  Grace  in  long  helth 
and  continuall  prosperitie.  Wretyn  att  Wyndsore 
thys  xiij.  off  Novem.  By  yor  Graces  most  humble 
and  faythful  servaunt  [richard  pace.] 

Post  scripta.  I  have  recevidde  your  Graces  [Let- 
tres]  wretyn  wyth  your  owne  hande  the  xiij.  day  off 
this  instant  monyth,  touchynge  the  Monasterye  of  S. 
Albans.  And  aftre  I  hadde  perusydde  and  diligently 
debatidde  wyth  myselfe  the  contentes  of  the  same,  I 
went  straight  to  the  Kyngis  Grace  wyth  your  Graces 
lettres  to  hym  directydde  in  the  same  matier.  And 
I  founde  him  re[dy]  to  go  owte  a  shotynge.  And 
yett  that  notwithstandynge  hys  Grace  recevidde 
[from]  me  the  sayde  lettres :  ande  as  itt  [chanced] 
happely  comandydde  me  to  go  downe  wyth  hym  by 
hys  secrete  way  unto  the  Parke,  wherby  I  hadde  as 
goodde  co[mo]ditie  as  I  couith  desyre  to  advaunce 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  277 

your  Grace's  petition  as  muche  as  the  case  [requir]- 
ydde.  And  the  Kynge  rede  your  Graces  lettres 
hym  selfe  and  made  me  privey  to  the  contents  of  the 
same.  And  the  few  wurdes  that  hys  Hyghnes  spoke 
[to  me]  in  thys  cause  were  thyese.  '  By  Godde  [my] 
'  Lorde  Cardinal  hath  susteignydde  meneye  chargis 
'  in  thys  hys  voyage,  and  exs[pendyd]  x.  thowsande 
'  powndys.'  Whyche  ....  dydde  affirme  and  schewe 
hys  Grace  off  goodde  congruence  he  owithe  vnto  you 
sum  recompence.  Whereunto  hys  Grace  ansuered 
that  he  wolde  rather  geve  unto  your  Grace  th'Abbaye 
off  S.  Albans  than  to  any  Munke.  And  theruppon  I 
sywdde  hys  Grace  to  signe  the  Popis  lettre.  And 
he  comaundydde  me  to  brynge  the  same  unto  hym  at 
evynsonge  tyme.  And  so  I  dydde.  At  whyche  tyme 
he  called  to  hys  remembrance  that  he  hadde  graunt- 
edde  to  the  Munkes  of  S'.  Albans  iv.  or  v.  dayes  past 
hys  lycence  and  cpngee  d'elire  to  chose  a  newe  Abbot, 
so  as  I  certifyede  your  Grace  the  same  time  by  the 
sayde  Munkes,  Therunto  I  schwede  unto  hys  Grace 
that  the  sayde  graunte  was  as  yett  off  none  effecte, 
because  hys  Hyghnesses  lettres  patentes  were  not 
passydde  uppon  the  sayde  graunte.  And  thys  mine 
answer  he  lykydde  welle,  and  signydde  his  lettres 
directydde  to  the  Pope,  commaundynge  me  to  wryte 
unto  your  Grace  that  he  trustyd  ye  wolde  see  to  the 
goodde  order  off  that  house,  and  to  the  observance 
off religion  in  the  same.     And  nowe  that 

VOL.   I.  x   7 


278  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  have  declarydde  unto  your  Grace  the  circumstances 
of  thys  matier,  and  acc[ompli]chede  your  desyre  to 
the  best  off  my  power  I  wyll  make  an  ende  with 
prosit  vobis,  prayinge  Godde  ye  may  longe  enjoye 
thys  and  all  other  promotions  ye  have. 

I  declarydde  to  the  Kynge  as  your  Grace  w[illed] 
me  to  do  in  your  former  lettres  your  opinion  in  .  .  . 
publication  off  the  bull  off  hys  new  Ti[tle]  thorouge 
thys  realme  at  suche  tyme  as  itt  schal  be  by  your 
Grace  sent  hydre  ;  [and]  hys  Hyghnesse  is  welle  con- 
tentedde  itt  s[cholde]  so  be  orderydde. 


LETTER  CIII. 


John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  announcing  the  death 
of  Pope  Leo  the  Tenth. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  iii.  40.  Orig.~] 

%*  This  is  a  Letter  which  the  Historian  will  consider  of  some 
importance.  It  is  dated  on  the  second  of  December,  1521,  the  day 
on  which  Leo  the  Tenth  is  most  generally  represented  to  have  died ; 
but  it  acquaints  Wolsey,  on  the  authority  of  Cardinal  Campegius, 
that  Leo  had  been  dead  eight  days.  The  death  was  so  announced 
to  Clerk  from  Campegius  on  the  morning  of  the  second  of  December. 

It  is  presumed  that  it  will  not  be  uninteresting  to  prefix  to  this 
Letter  Roscoe's  Narrative  of  the  Mystery  in  which  Pope  Leo's 
death  was  wrapped. 

"  When  the  intelligence  arrived  of  the  capture  of  Milan,  and  the 
recovery  of  Parma  and  Piacenza,  Leo  was  passing  his  time  at  his 
villa  of  Malliana.  He  immediately  returned  to  Rome,  where  he  ar- 
rived on  Sunday  the  24th  day  of  November,  for  the  purpose  of  giv- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  279 

ing  the  necessary  directions  to  his  commanders,  and  partaking  in 
the  public  rejoicings  on  this  important  victory.  It  was  at  first 
rumoured  that  the  Cardinal  de  Medici  had  prevailed  upon  Fran- 
cesco Sforza  to  cede  to  him  the  sovereignty  of  Milan  ;  in  considera- 
tion of  which  he  had  agreed  to  surrender  to  the  Duke  his  Cardinal's 
hat,  with  the  office  of  chancellor  of  the  holy  see,  and  all  his  bene- 
fices, amounting  to  the  annual  sun;  of  fifty  thousand  ducats  ;  and  it 
was  supposed  to  be  on  this  account  that  the  Pope  expressed  such 
symptoms  of  joy  and  satisfaction  as  he  had  on  no  other  occasion 
evinced,  and  gave  orders  that  the  rejoicings  should  be  continued  in 
the  city  during  three  days.  On  being  asked  by  his  master  of  the 
Ceremonies  whether  it  would  not  also  be  proper  to  return  solemn 
thanks  to  God  on  such  an  occasion,  he  desired  to  be  in  "ormed  of  the 
opinion  of  this  officer.  The  master  of  the  Ceremonies  told  the  Pope 
that  when  there  was  a  war  between  any  of  the  Christian  princes,  it 
was  not  usual  for  the  Church  to  rejoice  upon  any  victory,  unless  the 
Holy  See  derived  some  benefit  from  it ;  that  if  the  Pope  therefore 
thought  that  he  had  obtained  any  great  advantages,  he  should  mani- 
fest his  joy  by  returning  thanks  to  God;  to  which  the  Pope  smiling- 
ly replied,  'that  he  had  indeed  obtained  a  great-  prize.'  He  then 
gave  directions  that  a  Consistory  should  be  held  on  Wednesday  the 
27th  day  of  November ;  and  finding  himself  somewhat  indisposed, 
he  retired  to  his  chamber,  where  he  took  a  few  hours'  rest. 

"  The  indisposition  of  the  pontiff  excited  at  first  but  little  alarm, 
and  was  attributed  by  his  physicians  to  a  cold  caught  at  his  villa. 
The  Consistory  was  not,  however,  held ;  and  on  the  morning  of 
Sunday,  the  first  day  of  December,  the  Pope  suddenly  died.  This 
event  was  so  unexpected,  that  he  is  said  to  have  expired  without 
those  ceremonies  which  are  considered  of  such  essential  importance 
by  the  Roman  Church.  Paullus  Jovius  relates,  that  a  short  time 
before  his  death,  he  returned  thanks  to  God  with  his  hands  clasped 
together,  and  his  eyes  raised  to  heaven  ;  and  expressed  his  readi- 
ness to  submit  to  his  approaching  fate,  after  having  lived  to  see  the 
cities  of  Parma  and  Piaceuza  restored  to  the  Church,  and  the  French 
effectually  humbled  ;  but  this  narrative  deserves  little  further  credit 
than  such  as  it  derives  from  the  mere  probability  of  such  a  circum- 
stance. In  truth,  the  circumstances  attending  the  death  of  the  pon- 
tiff are  involved  in  mysterious  and  total  obscurity;  and  the  accounts 
given  of  this  event  by  Varillas,  and  similar  writers,  in  subsequent 
times,  are  the  spurious  offspring  of  their  own  imagination.     Some 


280  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

information  on  this  important  event  might  have  been  expected  from 
the  Diary  of  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  Paris  de  Grassis ;  but 
it  is  remarkable  that  from  Sunday  the  2ith  day  of  November,  when 
the  Pope  withdrew  to  his  chamber,  to  the  same  day  in  the  following 
week,  when  he  expired,  no  notice  is  taken  by  this  officer  of  the  progress 
of  his  disorder,  of  the  particulars  of  his  conduct,  or  of  the  means  adopt' 
ed  for  his  recovery.  On  the  last-mentioned  day,  Paris  de  Grassis 
was  called  upon  to  make  preparations  for  the  funeral  of  the  pontiff. 
He  found  the  body  already  cold  and  livid.  After  having  given  such 
directions  as  seemed  to  him  requisite  on  the  occasion,  he  summon- 
ed the  Cardinals  to  meet  on  the  following  day.  All  the  Cardinals 
then  in  Rome,  being  twenty-nine  in  number,  accordingly  attended  ; 
but  the  concourse  of  the  people  was  so  great  in  the  palace,  that  it 
was  with  difficulty  they  could  make  their  way  to  the  assembly.  The 
object  of  this  meeting  was  to  arrange  the  ceremonial  of  the  funeral, 
which  it  was  ordered  should  take  place  on  the  evening  of  the  same 
day. 

"  Such  is  the  dubious  and  unsatisfactory  narrative  of  the  death  of 
Leo  the  Tenth,  which  occurred  when  he  had  not  yet  completed  the 
forty-sixth  year  of  his  age  ;  having  reigned  eight  years,  eight  months, 
and  nineteen  days  ?"  a 


After  myn  most  humbyll  recomendacion  this  is 
to  aduyse  yowr  Grace,  addyng  to  that  that  yester 
nyght  I  wrott  vnto  yowr  Grace,  that  this  mornyng 
the  Cardynall  Campegius  ded  send  me  word  that  the 
Popes  Holynes  was  departyd  owt  off  thys  present 
lyff,  God  rest  his  sowll,  viij  dais  past :  what  tyme 
tydyngs  came  off  the  wynnyng  off  Mylan  his  Holynes 
was  forth  a  sportyng,  att  a  place  off  his  awn  callyd 
Manlian  vj.  mylis  owt  of  Rome,  and  the  selff  same 
day  comyng  whom  to  Rome  tooke  cold:  and  the 
next  day  feel  in  a  fever,  whiche  was  his  dethe.     At 

■  Roscoe's  Life  and  Pontificate  of  Leo  the  Tenth,  4to.  Liverp.  1805.  vol.  iv.  p. 
294—296. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  281 

his  comyng  whome  from  Manliano,  I  mett  his  Holy- 

nes,  and  my  thought  I  never  sawe  hym  mor  losty.     I 

can  wryght  yor  Grace  no  more  at  this  tym  by  cause 

off  the  short  departur  off  this  corrar,  butt  that  every 

man  heer  begynneth  to  shyfte  for  hym  selff,  by  cause 

off  soche  garboyll  and  busines  as  owt  off  all  order  is 

lyke  to  be  comytted  heer  in  this  Cite,  vntyll  soche 

tyme  as  we  be  prouydid  off  a  nother  Pope.    I  beseche 

all  mighty  God  send  vs  on  to  his  pleasur.     Heer  is 

hard  choise.     This  all  myghty  God  preserve  your 

Grace.    The  Kyngs  Grace  is  Tytill  is  vnder  ledd,  and 

signed  with  all  the  Cardynall  is  handis,  butt  and  I 

shold  never  so  fayn,  I  can  nott  gett  it  owt  off  ther 

handis,  for  they  haue  ever  answerd  me  that  they  wyll 

send  it  themselffis.     This  allmyghty  God  preserve 

yor  Grace.     From  Rome  this  mornyng  the  ij.  day  of 

December. 

Yor  Grace  is  most  humbyll  chapleyn 

jo.  clerk  priste. 
To  my  Lord  Cardinalls  good  Grace. 


%*  Ciaconius's  Account  of  the  death  of  Leo  the  Tenth,  is  more 
particular  in  minute  details  than  Roscoe's  Narrative.b 


b  "  Inter  haec  e  vita  niigravit  Leo  X.  kalendis  Decembris  anno  salutis  1521,  nam 
febris  neglecta  a  Medicis  turpiter  hie  etiam  adulantibus,  brevi  erumpente  vi  morbi 
Leonem  extinxit,  victurum  haud  dubie  longiori  sevo,  nisi  medentium  accessisset,  aut 
securitas,  aut  flagitium.  Fuere  namque  qui  existimarunt,  Leonem  indito  poculis 
veneno  fuisse  sublatum ;  nam  cor  ejus  atri  livoris  maculas  ostendit,  et  lien  prodi- 
giosae  teneritatis  est  repertus,  quasi  peculiaris,  et  occulta  veneni  potestas  viscera  ex- 
edisset.  Ob  id  conjectus  est  in  carcerem  minister  a  poculis,  non  obscuro  indicio, 
quod  Leonem  pridie  quam  decumberet,  in  crena  post  haustum  vini  calicem,  sutim 


282  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  CIV. 

Cardinal  Wolsey  on  his  return  from  Bruges,  to  Clerk, 
after  the  King's  Book  had  been  presented  in  the  Con- 
sistory. The  King  had  given  him  the  Abbey  of  St. 
Albans  in  commendam.  The  Tope  to  be  solicited  in 
Wolsey 's  favor.  An  abstinence  of  War  proposed. 
[cotton,  ms.  vitell.  b.  iv.  fol.  207.  Orig.  draft.'] 

Master  Deane  I  commende  me  vnto  you  in  my 

right   herty  m retorne   from    Brugs    I 

haue  receyued  diuerse  your  Lettres  of  sundry  dats 

by  the  way  of  Fraunce  as  of  Almayn,  wherof 

the  last  wer  dated  at the  xxiij*  day  of  Oc- 
tober. And  by  contynue  of  the  said  lettres  I  haue 
ben  aduertised  howe  thankful  and  acceptable  the 
Kings  Boke,  made  against  the  heresies  of  frere  Mar- 
then,  was  vnto  the  Poopes  Holynes ;  and  what  excel- 

obducTa,  ac  tristi  fronte  ab  eo  qusesivisse  constabat,  unde  nam  sibi  adeo  amarum,  et 
insuave  vinura  propinasset.  Adauxit  quoque  patrati  sceleris  suspicionern,  quod 
ipse  sub  auroram,  cum  septima  noctis  hora  Pontifex  expirasset,  specie  venandi  cum 
canibus  Vaticanam  portam  exivisset ;  adeo,  ut  a  Praetorianis  uti  fugitivus  eaperetur : 
his  scilicet  admirantibus  dissolutum  hominis  ingenium,  qui  intempestivas  absque 
ullo  pudore  quaereret  voluptates,  cum  tota  aula  extincto  beneficentissimo  domino, 
in  lacrymis,  et  luctu  versaretur.  Sed  Julius  Medices  cum  e  castris  ad  Comitia  in 
Urbem  esset  reversus,  insigni  prudentia  de  veneno  quaestionem  haberi  vetuit,  ne  in 
nomen  alicujus  magni  Principis  inexpiaboli  cum  invidia  quoereretur.  Sunt,  et  qui 
potius  credunt,  venenum  in  pillulis  ex  aloe  quibus  per  hebdomadam  ad  subducen- 
dam  aluum  vtebatur,  sumptum  fuisse,  decepto  scilicet  Serapico  cubiculario,  qui  eas 
in  loculo  uti  ad  frequentem  usum  negligentius  servare  consuevisset.  Nam  biduo 
antequam  Leo  moreretur,  Lesbius  abaci  praefectus  nullo  concepto  morbo  interiit, 
cum  duas  ex  his  pillulis  de  more  ad  tuendam  valetudinem  fortes  umpsisset.  Non 
defuere  tamen,  qui,  et  ministros,  et  Principes  ea  calumnia  liberatos  omnino  veUent ; 
quasi  Pontifex  obstructa  jam  plane  fistula,  et  ob  id  saniosis  humoribus  ad  prascordia 
rejectis,  lastalem  morbum  facile  conceperit,  presertim  cum,  et  illis  diebus  turbidus 
auster  nebulam  pestilentem  e  paludibus  campis  ad  villam  importune  detulisset." 
Ciaconii  Vita?  et  Res  gestae  Pontif.  Roman,  fol.  Rom.  16;7.  torn.  iii.  col  330,  331. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  283 

lent  lawde  honor  and  .  .  .  his  Grace  hathe  ad  quired 
aswel  of  the  Poope  as  of  al  the  Cardynals  and  also 
of  al  other,  for  the  compiling  and  making  of  the  said 
Boke.  I  perceyve  also  the  .  .  and  honorable  circum- 
stance whiche  was  by  the  Poopes  Holynes  taken  for 
the  presenting  of  the  said  Boke  in  open  Consistorye 
with  your  commendable  demeanor  and  eloquente 
Oracion  made  at  the  same  tyme,  and  the  Poopes  good 
and  compendious  ....  therunto  ;  and  last  of  al  the 
honorable  title  geven  to  his  Highnes  in  publique  Con- 
sistorye for  a  memory  of  his  notable  acts  and  merits 
towards  Cristes  Church.  Al  which  matiers  I  haue 
from  tyme  to  tyme  signified  at  good  length  unto  the 
Kyngs  Grace,  who  for  your  discrete,  substancial,  and 

prudent    endevor    and herin   geueth   vnto 

you  his  herty  thanks,  like  as  I  do  the  semblable.  Ye 
may  be  sure  his  Grace  wol  haue  in  his  remembraunce. 
In  sm  .  .  .  haue  cause  to  thinke  your  service  right 

wel  bestowed  and  emp put  any  helpe 

and  furtherance,  as aduertising  you  that 

necessary  it  is  ye  diligently  procure  and  solicite  that 
not  ovnely  suche  ample  and  sufficient  bulles  and 
loving  brieves  as  shal  be  requisite  for  the  said  Title  be 
incontinently  sped,  and  with  celerite  sent  vnto  the 
Kings  Grace,  if  it  be  not  alredy  don  bifore  this  tyme, 
but  that  also  al  the  Boks  with  you  remayning  may 
be  by  the  Poopes  Holynes  sent  to  the  Regions,  Uni- 
versities, and  Countries  as  they  wer  to  you  addressed 


284  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  ordred,  with  the  Poopes  bull  of  aprobacion  of  the 
same.  Whiche  thing  I  pray  you  to  remembre  and 
regarde  with  al  effect,  so  that  the  connning  of  the 
said  Boke  abrode  vnto  light  and  knowlege  through  al 
Cristendome,  may  be  with  suche  auctorite  and  honor- 
able reputacion  as  the  Kings  notable  and  excellent 
merits  have  wel  and  most  largely  deserued.  Remyt- 
tyng  therfore  the  spedy  and  substancial  doing  of  the 
premysses  vnto  your  wisedom  and  discrecion  accord- 
ingly. 

Over  this  ye  shal  shewe  vnto  the  Poopes  Holynes 
that  suche  matiers  as  at  my  being  with  th'emperor 
wer  concluded,  and  by  his  Majeste  and  me  sub- 
scribed, concernyng  the  Treaties  betwixt  the  Poope, 
themperor,  and  the  Kings  Grace  be  now  lately  here 

at  Calais  ingroced,  sealed,  and  passed  on  al 

wherin  lakketh  nothing  but  the  Poopes  ratificacion, 

and  a  newe  sufficient  to be  sent  hither  for 

the  purpose  whiche  ye  shal  move  his  Holynes 

orator  here  resident  with  delegence  for  the  assured 
and as  shal  apertein 

Pfynally  I  signifie  vnto  you  that  in  the  tyme  of 

this  my here,  the  late  abbot  of  Saint  Albans 

is  deceased.     And  the  Kings  Grace  of mere 

mocion  regarding  aswell  .  .  .  paynes,  studies,  labors, 
and  travailes  taken  and  susteyned  here,  as  excessive 
charges  and  sumptuous  expences,  hathe  without  my 
knowlege  or  desire,  for  the  better  mayntenaunce  of 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  582 

my  state,  geuen  vnto said  abbacie  in  Com- 

mendam,  for  whiche  purpose  his  Grace  hathe  directed 
his  lettres  to  the  Poopis  Holynes  in  my  favor  and 
recommendacion,  the  copie  wherof  I  sende  vnto  you 
herewith.  Signyfying  vnto  you  that  I  have  called 
unto  me  the  Poopes  Orator  here  resident  and  made 
him  privey  hereunto.  Who  upon  knowlege  therof 
right  instantely  hathe  desired  that  he  may.  haue  the 
charge  for  thexpedicion  of  that  matier.  And  albeit 
I  shewed  vnto  hym  that  you  being  in  the  corte  of 
Rome  myzt  and  wolde  at  myne  aduertisement  so- 
licite  and  spede  in  sufficient  maner  the  bulls  and 
breifis  in  this  behalf.  Yet  neuerthelas  he  so  much 
importuned  me  that  onles  ....  expresly  haue  de- 
monstred  vnto  hym  signe  of  mystrust  or  expres  de  .  . 
....  not  but  he  contented  to  commytte  the  same 
vnto  hym  like  as  I  .  .  .  thinking  good  to  advertise 

you  therof  to  thintent  ye  shulde  not 

urae  furtherance,  ye  wol  solicite 

the  good  expedicion  therof  to  the  Poopes  Holynes, 
shewing  vnto  the  same  that  only  to  do  vnto  his  Holy- 
nes seruice  and  to  his  affaires  and  those  of  themperors. 
I  have  demored  and  abiden  so  long  here,  to  my  grete 
inquietacion,  payn,  and  charge  (like  as)  I  gladly  wol 
as  al  be  redy  to  employe  my  self  to  any  thing  whiche 
may  concerne  the  honor,  suertie,  and  prosperite  of 
his  Holynes.  Praying  you  that  of  suche  newes  and 
su  ....  as  shal   happen   in   those  parties  ye  wol 


286  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

advertyse  me  from  tyme  to  tyme,  as  ye  haue  right 
thankefully  don,  as  my  special  trust  is  in  you. 

Ye  shal  furthermore  shewe  vnto  the  Poopes  Holy- 
les  that  my  long  demore  here  hathe  ben  onely  to  see 
the  successes  and  exploits  of  his  and  themperors 
Armyes  beyonde  and  on  this  side  the  mountayns ;  and 
thereafter,  as  shulde  be  thought  more  beneficial  to 
his  Holynes  and  the  said  Emperor,  to  solicite  and 
take  abstinence  of  warr  for  a  certain  tyme.  Neuer- 
theles  forasmoche  as  Founteraby  is  surprised  by  the 
Frenchemen,a  and  yet  it  is  not  knowen  certainly  howe 
the  Spanyards  do  take  the  same,  ne  yet  what  they  in- 
tende  to  do  for  the  recouery  therof.  The  said  Em- 
peror, my  consent  and  avice  concur  .  .  .  thereunto 
hathe  thought  that  it  shulde  be  moche  to  his  preiu- 
dice  to  accept  .  .  trews  til  he  wer  aduertised  of  the 
mynds  and  consents  of  the  said  Spanyards,  wherfor 
I  putting  over  this  Diet,  intende  shortly  to  transport 
myself  into  England,  and  by  sending  to  the  Kings 
Grace    aswel  from   the  said  Emperor   as  from   the 

French  King the  said  Abstinence  by 

the  Kings  Grace  the  .... 

***** 

1  Taken  by  admiral  Bonnevet  Oct.  18th,  1521. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  287 


LETTER  CV. 

The  Duke  of  Albany  to  Lord  Thomas  Dacre,  request- 
ing a  passport  for  his  Secretary  Gaultier  Malyne  to 
go  to  London. 

[MS.  COTTON.  CALIG.  B.  VI.  fol.  201.    OHg ,~\ 

%*  The  return  of  the  Duke  of  Albany  to  Scotland  in  1521  was  a 
memorable  event  in  the  History  of  that  Country.  He  arrived  at 
Gareloch,  in  Lennox, on  the  19th  of  November;  proceeded  by  easy 
journeys  to  Linlithgow,  where  he  was  joined  by  Queen  Margaret, 
and  entered  the  capital  on  the  3rd  of  December ;  on  the  following 
day  he  received  the  keys  of  Edinburgh  Castle,  and  became  Regent 
of  Scotland.  He  lost  no  time,  as  the  date  of  the  present  Letter  will 
shew,  in  opening  a  negotiation  with  England. 

Angus  and  his  party  had  previously  fled  from  Edinburgh  toward 
the  English  border :  taking  refuge  in  the  obscure  kirk  of  Steyle, 
whence  they  empowered  Angus's  uncle,  the  celebrated  Bishop  of 
Dunkeld,  to  transact  their  failing  cause  with  Henry  and  Wolsey. 
Their  instructions  to  Gawin  Douglas  were  signed  on  the  14th  of 
December. 


MY  LORD  DACRE 

For  samekut  as  I  am,  to  send  my  servand  and  se- 
cret maister  Gaultier  Malynne,  to  the  King  yor 
maister  for  certan  erands  concernyng  ye  tranquillite 
and  wele  of  baith  yir  Realmes,  theirfor  I  pray  you  y' 
ze  wil  at  yis  my  request  send  me  zor  lettres  of  passe- 
port  for  my  said  secretaire  and  sex  or  seven  personis 
in  his  cumpany,  with  yare  horsis,  &c.  in  ye  largeast 
forme  be  qlk  he  and  yai  may  surely  pass  and  repass 
without  dangier  or  impediment ;  and  sped  me  hidder 
ye  same  with  this  berar  the  sonnast  ze  may.     And 


288  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

God  haue  zou  in  keping.     At  Edinbrgh  subscrivit 
with  my  hand  the  sexth  day  of  December,  1521. 

Vostre  b5  Cousyn 

JEHAN    R. 
To  my  Cousin  Lord  Dacre,  Warden  of  the 
Inglish  Marches  foment  Scotlande. 


LETTER  CVI. 

Tlie  Earl  of  Angus  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  requesting 
that  his  Uncle  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  may  be  well 
treated  in  England. 

[ibid.  fol.  211.  Orig.'] 

%*  Gawin  Douglas,  the  well-known  Bishop  of  Dunkeld,  but  best 
known  as  the  earliest  translator  of  Virgil,  was  born  in  1475,  the 
third  son  of  Archibald  6th  Earl  of  Angus.  His  mother  was  Eliza- 
beth, daughter  to  Robert  Boyd,  at  one  time  Chancellor  of  Scotland, 
and  in  1468  one  of  the  governors  of  that  kingdom. 

Gawin  Douglas's  parents  dedicated  him  to  the  service  of  the  altar. 
His  first  preferment  in  after-life  was  the  provostship  of  the  Collegi- 
ate Church  of  St.  Giles  in  Edinburgh.  After  the  battle  of  Flodden, 
the  Queen-mother,  who  was  then  regent,  and  who  had  married  the 
Earl  of  Angus,  his  nephew,  (the  writer  of  the  present  Letter,)  pre- 
sented him  to  the  abbacy  of  Aberbrothick,  Aug.  5th,  1514.  She  would 
have  made  him  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrews  ;  and  Henry  the  Eighth 
joined  her  in  writing  to  the  Pope  on  that  occasion  ;a  but  the  request 
was  refused,  and  a  bull  for  that  dignity  granted,  at  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Duke  of  Albany,  to  Andrew  Forman ;  who  was  al- 
ready Bishop  of  Murray  in  Scotland,  and  Archbishop  of  Bourges  in 
France. 

The  Queen -Mother  finally  promoted  Gawin  Douglas  to  the 
Bishoprick  of  Dunkeld,  a  preferment  in  point  of  emolument  then 

>  A  copy  of  the  Letter  which  King  Henry  wrote,  is  preserved  among  the  Vatican 
transcripts  recently  deposited  in  the  British  Museum,  Addit.  MS.  15,387,  fol.  28. 
dated  28  Jan.  1514. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


289 


only  surpassed  by  the  two  archbishopricks,  to  which,  after  sustain- 
ing much  opposition,  he  was  consecrated  by  Beaton,  chancellor  of 
Scotland  and  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  in  1516. 

From  1516  to  1521  we  hear  but  little  of  public  interest  of  the 
bishop  of  Dunkeld.  He  was  then,  as  we  have  already  seen,  de- 
spatched to  England.  Albany,  however,  probably  fearing  his  talent 
in  negociation,  and  to  prevent  a  long  residence  on  his  part,  as  the 
Earl  of  Angus's  agent,  contrived  to  get  him  summoned  to  Rome. 

After  his  departure  from  Scotland,  too,  the  Queen,  in  her  Articles 
to  be  sheAvn  to  Henry  the  Eighth  soliciting  peace,  Edinburgh,  Jan. 
6th,  1522,  not  only  cautioned  her  brother  against  the  Bishop  of 
Dunkeld,  but  unhesitatingly  announced  that  she  had  deprived  him 
of  his  preferment.     She  first  speaks  of  the  Duke  of  Albany  : 

"  Item  ze  sail  geve  his  Grace  to  understand  of  the  gud  beriny, 
that  he  dois  towart  me,  and  quhow  he  has  put  in  my  hauds  the 
disposicion  of  ye  bischopryc  of  Dunkeld  now  vacand  for  the  delict 
of  hyme  yat  had  it,  and  has  gevine  me  the  proffits  thar  of,  and  hes 
givine  to  my  servand  ane  Abaysy  and  oyr  benefices  for  my  help  and 
fauor,  quhar  for  I  pray  his  Grace  ry«  effectuoslie  that  he  help  not 
the  said  Dunkeld,  considering  the  gret  evill  y'  he  hes  don  to  this 
Realme  be  his  evill  consill,  for  he  has  ben  the  caus  of  all  the  dissen- 
cion  and  trobill  of  this  Realme,  and  hes  maid  fals  and  evill  raport  of 
me  baitht  in  Ingland  and  Scotland,  and  for  that  effect  the  lard  of 
Wedderbum  bruder  was  send  to  zor  grace  to  that  effect ;  and  sen  I 
helpt  to  get  hyme  the  benefice  of  Dunkeld  I  sail  help  hyme  to  want 
the  sa'myn.  And  considdering  the  evill  that  he  has  don  to  this 
Realme,  and  the  displessr  yl  he  hes  don  to  me,  baitht  in  word  and 
deid,  to  my  uter  dishonor  at  his  pouer,  quhilk  he  can  not  deny,  I 
trast  yl  zor  Grace  will  not  fauor  hyme  nor  make  him  na  help  nor 
fauor  hym."  b 


My  Lord,  in  my  maist  humyll  maner  I  recomend 
my  lauthful  seruice  to  zoure  Grace,  quhom  plesit 
vnderstand  I  and  vtheris  has  presentlie  direct  this 
berar  my  derreste  uncle,  my  Lord  bischop  of  Dun- 

b  Cotton.  MS.  Calig.  B.  vi.  fol.  210. 
VOL.  I.  0 


290  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

keld,  towart  the  Kingis  Grace  zoure  Soueraine  apoun 
certane  necessare  Instruccions  the  quhilkis  I  traist 
salbe   acceptable  baith  vnto  his   Hienes  and   zoure 
Grace.     Quhairfor,  at  the  vttermaist  of  my  powere, 
I  beseyk  zoure  Grace  at  my  said  vncle  be  thankfullie 
ressauit,  and  to  haue  gude  and  haisty  expedition  of 
his   materis   and    directionnes,  and   at   zoure  grace 
plesit    zou   his   gude  Lord   and    ouris   in   that  be- 
half,  and  to  geif  to  him  na  less  credence  in  euery 
thyng  than  to  myself  presentlie   in  personn,  for  it 
is  na  lytill  besynes  causis  him  mak  sik  travale,  now 
at  sik  poynt  of  necessite,  quhen  I  and  all  his  frendis 
in    thir    partis  mycht  sa  evill  waunt  his   help  and 
gude   counsale.     Neuertheless    baith    We    and    he 
fullie  assurit  in  zoure  gudenes   and   hye  wisdome, 
beleving  fermlye  yat  his  passage  towart  the  Kings 
hyenes  and  zoure   Grace  mycht  avale   gretuly,  not 
alanerly  to  himself  and  ws,  bot  alsua  to  the  weilfare 
of  this  Realme    and  surtye    of  the    Kings   persoun 
my  Souerane,  deirest  nevo  to  the  Kings  hitnes  zoure 
maister,  has  presentlye  direct  him  fullye  instruct  in 
that  behalf  vnto  his  Majesty  as  said  is.     Beseking 
zoure  Grace  to  tak  gud  hede  to  the  mater :  and  quhat 
stede,  pleshr,  or  lauthfull  seruice  I  may  doo  or  pro- 
cure to  be  done  to  zor  plesh1"  in  thir  partis,  I  salbe 
glayd  to  fulfyll  the  samyn  at  the  comande  of  zoure 
Grace,  as  knawis  or  Lord    God,   quha   have   zoure 
Grace  in  his  blissit  keping  eternalye.     At  the  kyrk 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  291 

of  Skyll  ye  xiij.  day  of  December.     Subscriuit  with 
my  hand.  Zouris,  with  his  lauthfull  seruice, 

ARCHBALD    ERL    OF    ANGUS. 
To  my  Lord  Cardinallis  grace  of  Inglaund. 


LETTER  CVII. 


Lord  Thomas  I) acre  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  acquainting 

him  that  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  is  summoned  to 

Rome. 

[ibid.  fol.  215.  On'g-.] 

My  Lord,  pleas  it  yor  Grace  the  busshop  of  Dun- 
keld is  sommoned  to  the  Court  of  Rome  by  the 
meanes  of  the  Duke  of  Albany,  who  is  right  glad 
therof,  one  way  seing  that  his  quarrell  is  so  good, 
and  moost  speciall  that  he  may  lawbor  to  the  Kings 
Highnes  and  yor  Grace  to  let  the  Duke  of  Albany  in 
the  acheving  of  his  dampnable  mynd  and  entreprise, 
for  the  suyrtie  of  the  King  his  Souerain,  whiche  is  in 
good  beleue  that  with  the  help  of  the  Kings  Highnes 
and  yor  Grace  shall  com  out  of  the  dangeor  of  the 
said  Duke  and  his  dampnable  purpose,  without  which 
it  is  past  remedie,  but  onely  in  the  mercie  of  God. 
And  if  it  can  be  thought  good  for  that  purpose,  that 
the  said  Busshop  remane  still  and  send  his  proctor  to 
Rome  with  his  answer,  with  som  favorable  lettre  in 
his  favor  fro  yor  Grace  to  the  Kings  Orator  at  Rome, 

o  2 


202  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  trust  he  wil  be  ordred  therm  aftre  yor  gracis  pleasure, 
whom  it  will  pleas  yor  grace  to  bring  to  the  Kings  pre- 
sence, to  th' intent  that  he  may  shew  to  his  Highnes  and 
yor  grace  the  vehement  dangeor  that  the  King  his 
Souerain  stands  in;  and  also  to  declare  certain  Instruc- 
cions  made  by  Th'erle  of  Angus,  the  Lordes  Home 
and  Somervell,  on  the  behalf  of  them  self  and  other 
ther  kyn,  ffreindes,  and  partietakers,  for  the  wele 
and  suyrtie  of  ther  "Souerain ;  to  the  which  Articles, 
standing  with  the  Kings  highe  pleasure  for  the  partie 
of  the  said  Lordes,  they  ar  bodely  sworn  vpon  the 
holy  Evangelists  to  perfourme  the  same  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  said  Busshop  of  Dunkeld  and  me,  whom 
I  beseche  yor  grace  may  be  fauorably  herd.  I  haue 
graunted  to  the  said  Busshop  of  Dunkeld  a  saufcon- 
duct  by  the  auctoritie  of  myne  office  of  Wardanre ; 
because  the  tyme  was  so  shorte  and  the  dangeor  of 
his  message  grete,  he  could  not  tarie  of  going  and 
commyng  to  and  fro  the  Kings  Highnes.  Howbeit 
I  haue  writen  to  his  said  Highnes  for  a  Saufconduct, 
which  I  trust  shall  mete  hym  or  he  com  to  yor  pre- 
sence. And  the  blissed  Trinite  preserue  yor  Grace. 
At  the  Castell  of  Norham  the  xv.  daye  of  Decembr. 

Yowers  w4  es  serues 

THOMAS    DACRE. 
To  my  Lord  Cardinallis  Grace. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  CVIII. 


293 


Gaivin  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  An- 
nounces his  arrival  as  a  negotiator  on  the  part  of 
the  Earl  of  Angus,  and  of  the  other  Lords  and  great 
personages  of  his  party  in  Scotland. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  iv.  71.  Orig-.] 

%*  If  Gawin  Douglas  sat  out  upon  his  journey  on  the  day  on 
which  his  Instructions  were  dated,  he  must  have  been  near,  if  not 
quite,  ten  days  in  travelling  from  the  church  of  Steyle  to  Waltham 
Cross :  and  this  is  not  unlikely,  as,  in  the  next  Letter  but  one,  he 
speaks  of  the  Scottish  priest,  Sir  John  Duncanson,  as  "  coming 
forth  of  Scotland  with  great  diligence  in  seven  days." 

This,  and  tlje  three  subsequent  Letters  of  Gawin  Douglas,  exclu- 
sive of  any  other  interest,  afford  a  proof  how  near  the  Lowland 
Scotch  of  James  the  Fifth's  time,  in  style  of  composition,  approach- 
ed to  English. 

My  Lord  in  all  humble  and  dew  maneyr  I  re- 
coraend  my  lawfull  seruyce  onto  zor  grace,  quham 
plasyt  knaw  I  am  ciimyn  in  yis  realm,  send  from  my 
lord  erll  of  Angus,  othir  lords  of  Scotland  and  grete 
personages,  to  ye  Kyngs  Hyenes  apon  certan  neydfull 
dyrectones,  and  specially  concernyng  ye  weylfar  and 
surte  of  his  derrest  nevo  the  Kyng  my  Sou?an.  And 
gif  I  quhilk  am  onknawyn  wyt  his  Magestye  durst 
haf  presumyt  to  haf  wrytyn  onto  ye  samyn,  I  wald 
gladly,  besekyng  zor  Grace  to  support  me  in  that  he- 
half,  and  y*  it  mot  plays  zow  to  shaw  me  in  quhat 
place  and  quhat  tyme  I  sail  cum  to  zor  Grace,  and  soe 


294  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

i'urth  onto  ye  Kyngs  Hyenes,  and  I  salbe  verre  glad  to 
awayt  apon  zor  com  and.  And  gif  it  had  not  bein  for 
this  he  fest  of  Crysts  natyvyte,  and  als  y*  I  am  sum- 
part  accrasyt  by  ye  way,  I  suld  haf  cumyn  stretht  to 
zor  Grace,  besekyng  in  lyke  wys  the  samyn  to  pardon 
this  my  hamly  wrytyn,  and  to  send  answer  therof  at 
zor  plasr.  And  ye  blyssyt  Lord  preserue  zor  Grace 
in  lang  and  eternall  prosperite.  At  Waltam  Cros  this 
Crystmes  evyn     By  the  hand  of 

Zor  chaplan  wyl  his  lawfull  seruyce 

gawyn  bischop  of  Dunkeld,  &c. 
To  my  Lorde  Cardinalis  Grace. 


LETTER  CIX. 

Gawin  Douglas,  bishop  of  Dunkeld,  to  Cardinal  Wol- 
sey,  cautioning  him  against  Gauthier  the  Duke  of 
Albany's  Secretary. 

[MS.  COTTON.  CALIG.  B.  VI.  fol.  213.   Or'lg.~] 

Pleis  zoure  Graice  my  chaiplane,  quhilk  was  zis- 
terday  at  zoure  presence,  schew  me  yat  Galtere  this 
secretar  of  the  duke  of  Albanyis  has  said  to  zoure 
grace  that  I  promyst  not  to  cum  within  this  Reahne, 
and  y'for  of  his  maisteris  behalf  .  .  .  zor  grace  to 
withald  me  heyre,  and  lat  me  pass  na  farthir.  My 
Lord  I  beleyf  zor  hye  Wisdome  will  not  geif  credence 
sa  lightlye  agains  me,  and  specialie  to  the  Duke  of 
Albany  or  ony  of  his  seruandis,  quhilkis  is  capitalle 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  295 

and  dedelie  inimye  to  me  and  all  my  houss.  And 
thairfor  it  is  na  wounder  albeyt  he  say  sik  thingis  for 
my  harme,  quhilk  divers  tymez,  and  zite  daylie, 
baith  sayis  and  dois,  all  that  he  may  or  can  ymagyn 
to  my  distruccionn,  and  exterminacionn  of  all  my 
kyn.  And  as  I  sail  ansuer  to  God  and  zor  Gracie  the 
contrar  of  it  he  sayis,  is  playn  verite.  For  baith  be 
messurger  and  write  I  declarit  him  playnlie  I  wald 
pass  thro'  this  Realme,  and  na  vther  way,  and  gart 
schew  him  quhat  day  I  was  appoyntit  to  entir  in  ye 
gronde  of  Ingland  the  quhilk  I  kepit  trewlye.  And 
thus  zoure  gracie  may  consider  quhat  fauor  he  beris 
to  me,  or  how  I  suld  be  intretit  if  I  war  in  Scotland 
vnder  his  subieccion,  or  zite  gif  I  pass  to  France  or 
ony  vther  part  quhair  he  mon  sollist  ony  thing,  quhen 
he  is  sa  bald  within  this  Realme  quhairin  I  traist  he 
has  lytell  credence  as  for  to  sollist  zor  grace  in  my 
contrar.  Albeyt  ze  haif  grantit  me  the  Kings 
Hienes  saufconduct,  the  quhilk  I  traist  I  haif  not 
forfalt,  nor  zite  zoure  Grace  will  suffer  be  brokin. 
And  beside  this  the  mater  is  petious  gif  ony  Kirk 

man  suld  be gangand  to  Rome  for  his  lauthfull 

defence,  and  siimond  thiddir,  and  neththeless  zoure 
Grace  knawis  full  wele  I  may  be  lichtlie  intretit  to 
remane  here  bot  na  wayis  at  his  comande  nor  desgre 
and  full  wle  wayt  zor  k  .  .  .  wisdome  quhat  is  to  be 
done  or  considerit  .  .  .  sik  ane  peticionn  mekle 
better  gar  I  and  many  sik  can  ymagyn.     Albeyt  gif 


296  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

it  mycht  stand  with  zor  plessr  I  wald  besyk  zor  Grace 
to  ansuer  to  this  Gaiter  that  gif  ye  Duke  hes  Mais- 
tere  wilbe  content  my  accion  and  mater  be  remittit 
furth  of  Rome  to  zor  Grace,  and  befor  zor  Auditor, 
quhar  of  I  wald  be  glayd,  zoure  Gracie  suld  caus  me 
remane.  And  ellis  quhy  or  how  suld  ze  hald  me  fra 
my  lauthfull  defence,  quhilk  is  of  the  law  of  nature, 
specealie  I  havand  the  Kings  saufconduct  to  pass,  as 
said  is.  This  is  my  litill  avise  vnder  correccionn  of 
zoure  Grace,  quhom  I  beseyk  to  perdone  this  my  sa 
haymlye  wry  ting.  And  the  haly  Trinite  haf  zoure 
grace  in  his  blissit  and  eternall  keping.  At  Lundone 
this  New  yeris  day.     Subscriuit  with  the  hand  of 

zor  humble  servytor  and 

CHAPLEIN    OF    DUNKELD. 

To  the  maist  Reuerend  fader  in  God  and  his  maist 
singular  gude  Lorde  and  Maister  my  Lord  Car- 
dinallis  gracie  of  Zorke  Legate  de  Latere  and 
Chauncellar  of  Ingland,  &c. 


LETTER  CX. 


The  Bishop  of  Dunk  eld  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  caution- 
ing him  against  John  Dimcanson  and  Evangilista 
sent  by  Albany  and  the  Archbishop  of  Glasgow. 

[ibid.  fol.  424.  Orig.] 
Placyt  zor  Grace  ze  had  zistyrday  syh  byssynes 
y*  I  myt  not  schew  zor  grace  quhat  I  tho4  tazchyng 
ye  cummyng  of  this  Scotts  prest  Sr  John  Duncanson 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


297 


quha    zistyrday  presentyt  Wrytyngs  to  the   Kyngs 
hyenes  and  zor  Grace  for  an  salue  conduyt,  and  is 
cummyn  furth  of  Scotland  wy*  gret  dylligens  apon 
vij  days,  and  is  ry*  famylyar  wy*  ye  Duk  of  Albanye 
and  speciall  seruand  of  a  lang  tyme  to  ye  archbischop 
of  Glasgw ;  and  has  bro*  wyt  hym  wrytyngs  and  dy- 
rectyones   fra   thaim   bayth,    to   be   sped  in   Frans, 
Flandrs,  and  Rome,  as  I  know  by  his  words.     Als 
thar  is  cummyng  wy*  hym  an  Italian  callyt  Evangi- 
lista,  the  maner  of  a  Lombard  in  Scotland,  to  convoy 
hym  at  Merchants  hands  heyr  and  in  Flandrs.     Gyf 
zor  Grace  hed  seyn  yr  lettre  and  dyrectyones  I  trast 
ze  suld  knaw  mony  things  tharby,  and  gif  zor  hye 
prudens  thynks  spedfull  at  salue  conduct  be  sped  her 
at  ye  instance  and   subscriptyon  of  ye  said  Duk,    I 
report  me  to  zor  gret  wysdom,  or  zit  that  ye  said  bis- 
chop  of  Glasgwys  materrs  and  promocon  for  Sanct- 
andrs   suld   prosper,   consyddyryng   he    is   ye   mast 
spyciall  man  yl  manteinys  and  all  ways  hes  manteinyt 
ye  said  Duk.     I  dreyd  alsso  this  Duncanson  is  dyrek- 
kyt  in  my  contrary,  and  to  do  me  hurt,  andbeseks  zor 
Grace  to  provyd  ye  rathar  sum  remedy  tharfor,  and 
gif  it  myt  stand  wy1  zor  plessr  that  he  had  na  passage 
for  ye  causyt  forsaids  onto  ye  tyme  zor  Grace  knew 
mur  fully  his  dyrecyons,  and  gyf  zor  hye  prudens  plesys 
so  do.     I  wold  nan  knew  this  cam  by  my  desyr  be- 
cause he  fenzeis  hym  famyliar  wy*  me,  quharby  pera- 
uentur  I  sail  knaw  sumpert  mayr  of  hismynd,  albeyt 

o  5 


298  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

I  knaw  ellis  the  fynes  of  the  man  and  nayn  mayr 
dowbyll  in  our  realm.  Do  as  pless'  zo1  Grace  quham 
God  preserue.  At  Lundon  this  Epyphanye  day  wyt 
ye  hand  of  Zor  humble  Seruytor  and 

CHAPLAN    OF    DUNKELD'. 
To  my  Lord  Cardynalis  Grace,  &c. 


LETTER  CXI. 

Gawin  Douglas  to  Wolsey ;  his  disappointment  at  the 
failure  of  his  Mission. 

[stat.  pap.  off.  wolsey's  corresp.  iv.  73.  Orig.~] 

%*  The  tenour  of  this,  the  last  Letter  in  point  of  date  which  we 
are  acquainted  with  of  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld,  shews  that  he  found 
his  mission  had  failed  as  early  as  the  end  of  January,  1522.  It  is 
dated  from  the  "  Inn  of  Carlisle,"  some  hostelry  of  London,  it  may 
be  pi'esumed,  where  he  was  residing ;  and  betrays  great  anguish  of 
mind.  He  speaks  of  the  "  tidings  and  writings  of  yesterday,"  and 
complains  of  the  untruth  of  those  "  that  causid  him  to  labour  for  the 
weal  of  their  Prince,  and  for  their  security,  which  now  had  wrought 
their  own  confusion  and  perpetual  shame."  He  speaks  of  himself 
as  weary  of  life,  and  promises  to  God  and  to  the  Cardinal,  as  a  true 
priest,  that  he  will  "  never  have,  nor  take  way,  with  the  Duke  of  Al- 
bany, the  unworthy  Earl  of  Angus,  nor  with  any  other  that  assists 
the  said  Duke ;  nor  will  pass  into  Scotland  but  at  the  Cardinal's 
pleasure,  so  long  as  that  wicked  Duke  should  be  therein,  or  have 
rule  thereof." 

From  this  Letter  it  is  clear  that  information  had  arrived  of  An- 
gus's intention  to  forsake  his  own  cause,  and  to  mediate,  through 
the  Queen,  with  Albany,  for  his  pardon  and  retirement  to  France ; 
Piukerton  says,  perhaps  by  his  promise  to  consent  to  a  divorce. 
Angus  did  not  absolutely  depart  to  the  Duke  till  some  time  after. 
Gawin  Douglas  could  only  have  known  of  the  negotiation  for  the  re- 
turn ;  and  thence  he  calls  his  nephew  the"  Unworthy  Earl  of  Angus." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  299 

The  actual  departure  of  Angus  from  the  English  border  was  first 
announced  to  Wolsey  in  a  Letter  from  Lord  Thomas  Dacre,  dated 
Norham  Castle,  Feb.  18th,  1522,  and  appears  not  to  have  taken 
place  till  the  12th  of  February. 

"My  Lord,  pleas  it  your  Grace  I  have  received  your  writing  at 
Norham  the  xiiij.  day  of  this  instant  Moneth,  dated  the  xxvij.  day  of 
Januarij,  th'effcct  wherof  is  that  inasmich  as  the  Kynges  Highnes 
was  enformed  that  the  Duke  of  Albany  wald  com  dovvne  to  the 
Borders,  which  was  thought  aither  to  make  some  practise  with 
th'erle  of  Angus  and  his  partakers,  or  els  to  make  ane  Enterprise 
upon  them  with  strienth,  it  is  therfor  the  Kings  pleasure  that  in 
case  I  shall  perceive  any  Enterprise  to  be  attempted  against  them 
that  I  shall  aid  and  assist  them  with  iij.  or  iiij.  M1.  men  of  the  Bor- 
ders for  their  suyrtie,  as  at  more  lienth  is  specified  in  your  said 
Lettre.  Pleas  it  your  Grace  the  said  Erie  of  Angus  at  all  tymes 
had  all  assistance  that  he  could  of  reason  desire,  and  also  had  Gon- 
powder  with  othr  necessaryes  which  he  had  not  hymself,  like  as  in 
my  former  writing  with  my  servants  I  advertised  your  Grace  at 
lienth,  and  so  the  said  Erie  nor  his  ffrendes  shall  make  non  excuse 
of  his  and  their  vntrew  dealing,  that  he  neither  lakit  assistance  nor 
othr  necessaries  that  he  deasired.  And  vpon  Wednesday  last  past 
the  xij.  day  of  this  moneth  the  said  Erie  with  his  ffrendes,  aftre  the 
retourne  of  Maister  Clarenceux,  departed  in  to  the  Duke,  and  as  it 
is  said  he  shall  go  over  se  into  Fraunce,  and  his  brodre  John 
Som'vell  and  Cebington  with  hym.  And  as  unto  the  Humes,  Mais- 
ter Clarenceux  heard  them  speke,  which  saith  they  will  stik  at 
ther  promise,  trusting  that  the  vntroughe  of  Th'erle  of  Angus  shall 
not  hurt  them  in  the  good  quarrell ;  saing  also,  as  lang  as  they  may 
kepe  Scotland,  no  grete  puyssant  power  co'myng  of  them,  they  ar 
of  abilite  to  save  them  self.  And  if  they  be  driven  out  for  lak  of 
help  and  assistance,  then  they  have  nothing  to  bere  them  longer  in 
this  realme  without  assistance,  wherfor  they  be  desirous  to  knowe 
the  King's  pleasure  and  your  Graces  thereon."  a 


Plesit  zoure  Grace  sen  I  herd  the  tythingis  and 
wrytingis  of  Zisterday,  I  am  and  haif  bene  so  dolo- 
rous and   full  of  vehement  ennoye  that  I  dar  not 

a  MS.  Cotton.  Calig.  B.  n.  fol.  280. 


300  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

auentor  cum  in  zoure  presence,  quhilk  causis  me  thus 
wryte  to  zoure  nobill  Gracie,  beseking  the  samyn  of 
zoure  grete  goodnes  to  haif  companence  of  me  deso- 
latt  and  wofull  wyght.     Albeyt  I  grant  I  haif  de- 
seruyt  punycioun,  and  am  vnder  the  Kyngis  mercy 
and  zouris,  not  for  ony  fait  or  demeritt  of  my  avne, 
but  by  raisoun  of  thair  vntreuth  that  causit  me  labor 
for  the  wele  of  thair  Prince,  and  thair  securite,  quhilk 
now  has  wrotht  thair  avne  confusioun  and  perpetuall 
schayme ;  and  has  servit  me  as  zor  Gracie  may  con- 
siddyr,  that  sollistit  the  Kingis  Hyenes  and  zoure 
Grace  to  wrytt  and  doo  for  thame  so  often  tymez 
and  so  largely  in  diuers  sortis,  as  wele  to  thair  sup- 
port and  comfort,  quhairof  as  now  I  most  nedis  vn- 
derly  zoure  mercy.     Albeyt  I  dowte  not  bot  zor  hye 
prudence  consideris  profoundly  my  part  thairof,  and 
my  hole  treu  mynde  all  tyme  but  ony  dissimulance, 
that  in  goode  fayth  am  forthir  dissavit  in  this  mater 
then  ony  vtheris,  by  raisoun  quharof  I  am  so  full  of 
sorowe  and  displeshr  that  I  am  wery  of  my  avne  lyfe  ; 
and  promittis  to  God  and  zoure  noble  Graice,  as  zor 
humle  seruand  and  ane  trew  Cristin  preist,  that  I  sail 
neuir  have  nor  tak  way  with  the  Duke  of  Albany, 
the  vnworthy  erl  of  Anguse,  nor  na  vtheris  that  as- 
sistis  to  the  said  Duke,  but  zor  express  commande 
and  avise ;  nor  neuer  sail  pas  in  Scotland,  but  at  zor 
ptessr,  so  lang  as  this  wikkyt  Duke  is  thairin,  or  has 
rewle  thairof;  and  I  trast  my  brothre  and  vther  my 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  301 

frendis  will  vse  my  consale.  Albeyt  zon  zoung 
wytles  fwyll  has  runny n  apoun  his  avne  myscheyf  be 
con  tine  wall  persuasioune  of  wylye  subtile  men,  and 
for  lak  of  goode  counsale  shewing  to  him ;  I  dowte 
not  mony  fenzeit  Lrez  and  wounderfull  terrors  that 
the  Lord  Hwme  and  vtheris  wald  pass  in  and  lefe  him 
allane.  And  that  I  wald  be  takin  and  haldin  heyr, 
and  that  Gaiter  the  Dukis  secretar  had  appoyntit 
with  the  Kingis  Hienes  for  his  distruccion,  and  the 
Duke  to  mary  the  Qwene.  I  dowte  not  sik  thingis, 
and  mekle  mayr  has  bene  sayd,  And  with  this  the 
wrytings  at  yor  Gracie  causid  me  send  furth  of 
Hamtoun  courte  on  Sanct  Thomas  daye  tome  not  to 
him,  quhill  the  xiiij  day  of  Januar,  and  so  he  has  re- 
manyt  comfortless  in  the  menetyme  quhill  the  tother 
subtile  folkis  had  convoyit  thair  mater.  Wald  God 
I  had  send  ane  servaund  of  my  ovne  wl  tha  writings 
or  past  my  self  with  thame.  In  cais  I  had  lyin  vij 
zeris  eftir  in  preson,  for  I  fynd  absence  ane  schrew, 
and  deligence  with  expedicioun  mycht  haif  clone 
grett  goode.  Albeit  of  verite  thair  may  be  none 
raisionable  nor  honest  excuse  that  suld  caus  ony  crea- 
ture brek  his  lawte  ge  promytt.  And  I  beseyk  God 
that  I  may  see  him  really  punyst  for  his  demerritis 
and  promys  brokyn  made  to  the  Kingis  Hienes  and 
me  his  Vncle,  and  salbe  glayd  to  sollist  the  Kings 
Hienes  and  zor  Grace  to  this  effecte  at  all  my  powere. 
Noththeless  I  beseke    zor  gracie  to  remembre   the 


302  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

welefare  and  seruice  of  the  Kingis  grace  of  Scot- 
laund  my  Souerane  lord  and  maister  and  so  sollist 
the  Kyngis  Hyethnes  to  that  effect,  for  his  Grace  has 
maid  no  fait  but  is  alut'ly  Innocent.  This  is  and 
was  my  principall  direccioun  and  caus  of  my  hyddyr 
cumyng  as  your  Gracie  full  wele  vnderstandis :  albeit 
I  wald  haif  procurit  as  I  cowth  the  welfayr  of  my 
self  and  frendis,  besyde  gif  thai  had  not  wrocht  in 
the  contrar  to  thair  avne  distruccioun  and  myne  saferb 
as  in  thame  lyis.  And  gif  I  durst  be  so  bald  as  too 
sollist  zoure  Gracie  and  schew  quhat  wayis  war  best 
for  the  weylfare  of  the  zoung  Kingis  grace  my  Sou- 
verane  I  wald  be  glayd  to  endeuor  my  self  thairto  at 
the  coihande  of  zoure  Grace.  In  cais  now  I  dar  not 
auentor  to  propose  na  sik  thingis,  by  raisoun  that  I 
am  dissauit  be  my  most  tendyr  frendis  in  my  fyrst 
Interprys,  in  contrar  to  all  goode  lyklyhod  or  na- 
turall  equite.  Besekyng  zoure  Gracie  of  youre  gra- 
cious ansuer  and  quhat  ze  will  comand  me  to  doo, 
and  to  be  my  goode  Lorde,  and  to  let  me  knaw  gif  it 
be  zor  pless1"  that  I  awayt  apon  yor  seruice  and  doo 
my  devitee  as  I  aucht  of  dett,  and  wald  be  glayd  so  to 
doo.  For  furth  of  this  Realme  will  I  not  depart  so 
lang  as  I  may  remane  thairin  with  the  Kingis  plessr 
and  zouris,  quhat  penurie  and  distres  so  euir  I  sus- 
tene.  And  zoure  gracious  ansuer  her  apoun  in 
wourde  be  message  or  writing  I  humily  beseyke.     Or 

b  so  far. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  303 

gif  it  pleis  yor  Gracie  I  cum  my  self  to  zoure  no-bill 
presence  thairfor.  And  God  allmyghty  preserue  yor 
Gracie  eternalye.  At  the  In  of  Carlile  the  last  day 
of  Januar.     Subscriuit  with  the  hand  of 

zor  humble  seruytor  and  dolorus 

CHAPLAN    OF    DUNKELD. 

To  my  Lorde  Cardinallus  good  Gracie. 


%*  Vexation  now  preyd  upon  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld.  The 
plague  was  making  its  ravages  in  London  at  this  time,  and  Gawin 
Douglas  became  one  of  its  victims.  Polydore  Vergil,  who  had  but 
recently  made  his  acquaintance,  writes,  "  Verum  non  licuit  diu  uti 
frui  amico,  qui  eo  ipso  anno,  qui  fuit  salutis  humanae,  m.dxxi,c  Lon- 
dini,  pestilentia  absumptus  est."d 

He  was  buried  in  the  Church  of  the  Savoy,  where  Weever  saw 
the  following  Inscription,  partly  for  him,  and  partly  for  Bishop 
Halsal. 

"  Hicjacet  Tho.  Halsal  Leighnieng.  Episcopus,  in  Basilica  Sancti 
Petri  Roma  Nationis  Anglicorum  Penitenciarius,  summa  probitatis 
vir,  qui  hoc  solum  post  se  reliquit :  Vixit  dum  vixit  bene.  Cui  levus 
conditur  Goannes  Douglas,  Scotus,  Dunkelheng.  Presul,  patria  sua; 
exul.  1522."  e 

Erasmus,  in  his."  Adagia,"  has  given  his  character  in  few  words. 
"  Erat  ea  corporis  specie,  ut  vel  procul  Regem  posses  agnoscere ; 
ingeni  vis  mira;  incredibilis  omnium  rerum  cognitio." 

The  Cottonian  MS.  Calig.  B.  m.  fol.  309,  contains  a  very  long 
Memorandum  of  Reasons  why  Albany  should  not  be  governor  of 
Scotland,  evidently  drawn  up  by  Gawin  Douglas. 

=  i.  e.  152J.  d  Polyd.  Verg.  Hist.  edit.  Bas.  1556.  p.  53. 

e  Weev.  Fun.  Mon.  p.  446. 


304  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  CXII. 

John  Clerk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey  from  Rome.  The 
Proceedings  of  the  Conclave  at  the  Election  of  Pope 
Adrian  VI.  In  a  third  Scrutiny  Wolsey  had  nine- 
teen voices.  The  copies  of  Henry's  Book  against 
Luther  which  had  been  sent  to  Pope  Leo  remain  un- 
distributed,    a.  d.  1522. 

[COTTON.  MS.  VITELL.  B.  V.  fol.  15.] 

%*  Adrian  the  Sixth  was  bom  at  Utrecht,  and  educated  at  the 
University  of  Louvain,  of  which  he  was  afterwards  chancellor.  The 
Emperor  Maximilian  chose  him  for  preceptor  to  his  grandson,  after- 
wards Charles  the  Fifth.  Ferdinand  of  Spain  gave  him  the  bishop- 
rick  of  Tortosa ;  and  after  Ferdinand's  death  he  became  co-regent 
of  Spain  with  Cardinal  Ximenes.  Leo  the  Tenth  created  him  a 
Cardinal,  July  1st,  1517,  by  the  title  of  St.  John  and  Paul  Pamma- 
chius  ;  and  he  succeeded  Leo  as  Pope  on  the  9th  of  January,  1522, 
chiefly  by  the  interest  of  Charles  the  Fifth,  though  he  had  never 
seen  Italy. 

He  opposed  Luther  strenuously  ;  but  he  was  unpopular  with  the 
Roman  people.  His  habits  of  life  and  his  strict  economy  formed 
too  strong  a  contrast  to  the  luxury  and  prodigality  of  Leo.  He  died 
on  the  8th  of  the  kalends  of  October  (September  24th),  1523. 


Dated  at  Rome  the  xiij.  day  .... 
Pleasith  your  Grace  to  vnderstonde  that  the  ix 
of  this  moneth  of  January  was  electe  and  publisshed 
pope  .  .  .  Cardinall  Adrianus  tt  S.  Jo.  et  Pauli  Der- 
tusien  Ale  ....  who  is  in  Spayne,  and  chief  guber- 
nator  there  vnder  the  Emperor,  as  immediatly  then  I 
wrote  vnto  your  Grace  ;  and  here  vnknowen,  and 
not    spoken    of;    and    every    man    here    right    sore 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  305 

abasshed  and  very  evill  contented  in  there  mind ;  in 
so  mo-che  that  when  the  Cardinalls  came  oute  of  the 
Conclave  the  common  people  here  (savyng  your 
honor)  wh  .  .  lid  at  theym  as  they  came  by.  The 
maner  of  the  Election  as  I  vnderstand,  was  this. 
They  entred  the  Conclave  divided  principally  in  to 
two  factions,  Imperiall  and  Frenche.  The  parte  Im- 
periall  was  divided  in  two  parts,  one  parte  of  theym 
precisely  for  Medicis,  the  other  parte  precisely  against 
Medicis.  With  the  parte  that  was  against  Medicis,  in 
that  they  so  were  joyned  to  .  .  .  french  parte,  which 
two  parties  so  joyned  to  gider  werre  farre  stronger 
than  was  the  parte  of  Medicis.  Moche  a  doo  there 
was,  and  many  practises  to  Medicis  is  parte.  How- 
beit  they  were  sc  knytte  to  gither  by  promisse  and 
by  oth,  that  it  wolde  not  be.  Whervpon  Medicis 
lefte  the  labors  for  hym  self,  and  proponed  of  his 
nere  and  speciall  friends  one  or  twayne  with  whome 
he  myght  haue  disposed  at  his  pleasur'.  And  they 
were  in  the  same  predicament  that  he  was  hym  self. 
For  they  were  as  loth  to  haue  any  man  that  Medicis 
myght  rule,  as  to  haue  Medicis  hym  self.  And  no 
lesse  contradiction  was  there  in  the  one  then  in  the 
other.  Then  were  there  proponed  men  some  what 
called  indifferent.  Howbeit  rather  friendely  to  Me- 
dicis than  elles ;  and  amongs  other  the  Cardinall  of 
Valle,  and  the  Cardinall  Fernesio,  both  Romans 
borne.    In  thies  Elections  men  may  in  ipsa  Electione 


306  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

after  that  they  haue  gyuen  their  voycs  varye.  And 
where  as  they  haue  gyuen  their  voics  to  one,  they 
may  chaunge,  et  accedere  alteri  habenti  alia  Vota,  et 
ita  crescet  moments  per  accessum.  It  happened  so 
that  this  Cardinall  Farnesio  after  dyuerse  debatyngs 
and  practises,  had  in  one  scrutynye  xviij  or  xix 
voycs,  and  had  so  many  per  accessum  that  he  lacked 
but  iij.  or  fowre  voycs  to  be  Pope.  And  the  Cardi- 
nall of  Sanctorum  quatuor,  who  is  one  of  the  Farnesos 
is  chief  friends,  to  the  intente  he  wolde  animate  some 
of  the  rest  partely  for  feare  to  take  the  same  awey 
when  he  sawe  that  the  Cardinal  had  so  many  voics 
all  redy,  said,  alta  voce,  "  Papain  habemus."  And 
that  in  the  next  scrutynie  he  was  assurid  of  asmany 
moo  voycs  as  shulde  suffice  and  with  that  he  and  vj  or 
vij  moo  went  vnto  the  Cardinall  Farnesio,  and  did 
adhoure  and  worship  hym  as  Pope,  and  many  mo 
folowid  and  did  as  they  did,  as  the  maner  is,  when 
they  be  assured  that  it  is  like  to  goo  that  ways.  The 
Cardinal  Columpna  who  is  a  stoute  man,  a  Roman 
born,  et  contraries  factionis  to  the  said  Cardinall  Far- 
nesio spake,  alta  voce  vnto  theym  and  bade  they  .  .  . 
their  voics  better,  and  that  he  coude  cast  accompte  as 
well  as  they,  and  that  he  had  in  dede  cast  it,  and 
was  well  assurid  they  had  taken  their  matier  amysse. 
And  other  said  that  it  shulde  bee  seen  in  the  next 
scrutinye  and  so  at  that  tyme  they  stayed.  After  that 
there  .  .  scrutynie  made  day  by  day,  two  or  thre 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  307 

days  together,  but  the  said  Cardinal  de  Farnesio 
coude  neuer  passe  xxijth  voices  but  was  rather  euery 
day  lesse  then  ot  .  .  .  Notwithstandyng  vpon  this 
ranne  the  Rumor  whereof  I  wrote  vnto  your  Grace 
in  myne  othre  lettres,  that  he  was  chosen  Pope. 
Vpon  the  which  rumor  his  p  .  .  .  sions  here  nye 
vnto  the  citie  were  spoyled ;  and  his  Palais  here  with 
in  the  Citie  had  it  not  been  defendyd  with  armed 
men  had  been  in  like  case.  In  theis  distractions 
your  Grace  as  indifferent  and  very  mete  for  rowme 
was  proponed,  and  as  I  am  credibly  informed  had  in 
euery  scrutynye  certeyn  voyces  that  is  to  say  in  the 
first  ix  ;  in  the  seconde  xij.  in  the  iijde  xix.  And  if 
by  the  varyeng  of  any  of  the  said  Cardinalls  thre  or 
iiij.  had  made  any  accesse  to  the  said  xix  the  residue 
were  determyned  to  haue  fallen  in,  and  your  Grace, 
vndoubtedly  vnanimi  consensu  had  been  chosen  Pope. 
Thre  obiections  were  made  by  those  of  the  contrary 
parte,  saying  first  that  your  Grace  was  to  yonge. 
Secoundly  that  they  had  certeyn  knowlege  that  ye 
were  determyned  to  trouth  and  the  execucion  of 
Justice.  Et  ita  tanquam  Assueti  in  hac  ....  liber- 
tate  fy  nimia  viuendi  licencia  dyuerse  of  theym  were 
right  sore  aferde  to  come  vnder  your  disciplyne. 
Thirdly  that  ye  favored  not  all  the  best  th'emperor. 
To  the  which  obiections  the  Cardinals  de  Medicis, 
Campegius,  and  Sedunensis  shewed  vnto  me  that  they 
replied,  declaryng  your  Graces  merits  and  qualities, 


308  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

withoute  omittyng  any  parte  therof.  Assuryng  me, 
if  the  Kyngs  pleasur'  had  been  knowen,  and  that 
your  Grace  wokle  haue  accepted  the  said  rowme,  the 
matier  shulde  haue  taken  efFecte.  For  the  avaunce- 
ment  wherof  I  did  not  gretely  labor  bifor  their  entre 
into  the  Conclaue,  by  cause  your  Grace  at  my  de- 
partyng  shewed  me  precisely  that  ye  wolde  neuer 
medle  therwith.  And  on  my  faith  ware  not  the 
Kyngs  persuasions  I  shulde  stande  yet  in  greate 
doubte  whither  your  Grace  wollde  accepte  it  or  no  if 
it  ware  ofFred  you.  The  thing  is  in  such  disorder, 
ruyne,  and  decay,  and  euery  day  shalbe  mor'  and  mor', 
excepte  God  helpe,  and  Cristen  Princes  sette  their 
hands.  It  shulde  be  to  longe  to  write  vnto  your  Grace 
of  the  reaported  chidyng,  brawlyng,  and  scoldyng  be- 
twene  thies  Cardinalles,  and  of  their  greate  scisme,  dis- 
cention,  their  malicious,  vnfaithfull,  and  vncharitable 
demeanor,  one  of  theym  against  the  other,  which 
every  day  increased  while  they  were  in  the  Conclave. 
If  it  had  not  chaunced  at  this  last  season,  it  was  not 
likely  that  we  shulde  haue  had  any  Pope  of  a  greate 
season,  for  ther  was  a  sorte  that  intended  to  do 
no  thing  but  to  distroy  and  to  lette.  At  this  laste 
scrutinye  a  greate  parte  of  the  Cardinall  de  Medicis 
bande,  and  also  some  of  the  other,  named  this  man 
that  nowe  is  Pope,  so  that  he  had  xv.  voices,  which 
once  knowen,  ther  came  to  the  same  parte  per  acces- 
sion iij said  Cardinall  de  Medicis  bande 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  309 

which  had  gyv  ....  to  other  men.  Then  was  there 
other  which  had  gyuen  voices  also  to  other  men,  per- 
ceyvyng  that  this  man  had  s  .  .  .  .  aboue  that  that 
the  said  Cardinall  de  Medicis  bande  coude  .  .  .  vnto. 
And  supposyng  (Nam  dabantur  vota  secrete  quo  ad 
n  .  .  dantium)  that  ther  myght  be  moore  behynde  of 
the  Cardinall  de  Medicis  bande,  and  of  other  that  had 
gyven  thir  voices  to  other,  and  that  they  wolde 
swarve  in  like  maner  and  fall  to  the  .  .  .  ways.  They 
to  gete  thanks  by  ther  tymely  cornyng  made  like 
accesse,  so  that  he  had  xxij.  voices  shortely.  And 
then  they  cryed  Papam  habemus,  for  that  was  the 
nombre  requisite  of  xxxviij" ;  the  reste,  that  were 
Gattice  et  contrarie  factum  remayned  scorned,  and 
wist  not  what  to  sey.  Howbeit  at  the  last  (as  I 
vndirstande)  they  perceyvyng  that  their  contra  .  . 
coude  not  availe  did  fall  to  the  same  wais.  This  is 
the  ...  of  this  election  as  it  hath  been  reaported 
vnto  me  by  dyvers  persons  .  The  Cardinall  de  Me- 
dicis and  all  that  bande  s  .  .  .  nowe  that  this  election 
was  studiously  made  apon  this  .  .  .  but  and  it  like 
your  Grace  they  may  say  what  they  woll  ...  I  am 
credibly  informed  when  this  last  scrutinye  began  it 
was  no  more  thought  that  it  shulde  a  taken  any  .... 
for  this  man  then  for  me.  Howbeit  consideryng  the 
g  .  .  .  .  amytie  and  aliaunce  which  is  contracted  and 
establissed  betwixte  the  Kyngs  Highnes  and  th'em- 
peror  I  do  fermely  beleve  that  this  man  is  as  propice 


310  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

and  as  mete  for  b  .  .  .  .  their  purposes  as  any  man 
ellis  shulde  haue  been.  I  haue  been  with  the  Cardi- 
nall  de  Medicis  and  shewed  hym  howe  the  Kyngs 
Highnes  hath  sent  his  secretary  by  the  posts  with 
lettres  to  the  College,  and  dyuerse  other  Cardinals, 
for  his  preferrement  to  this  dignitie,  and  howe  the 
Secretary  beyng  let  by  the  way,  and  throwe  febilnes 
not  liable  to  ...  .  has  sent  vnto  me  hither  the  said 
lettres,  and  there  vpon  .  .  delyuerd  vnto  hym  the 
Kyngs  lettres  and  shewed  hym  such  Lettres  as  were 
written  in  his  commendacion.  And  I  assure  your 
Grace  he  moost  hartely  and  in  right  humble  maner 
thanked  the  Kyngs  Highnes  and  also  your  Grace, 
and  rekenned  hym  self  moche  bounden  vnto  you 
both,  as  well  for  other  greate  benefits  as  also  for  that 
ye  did  thinke  hym  worthy  to  so  greate  a  thinge.  He 
said  the  Kyngs  Highnes  lettres  if  they  had  come  in 
season  shulde  haue  been  of  no  smale  momente.  Not 
withstandyng  he  said  ther'  was  such  obstinacy  and 
malice  in  a  greate  meyny  of  thies  Cardinals,  that  it 
shulde  haue  been  very  harde  to  haue  broughte  theym 
to  haue  consented  in  hym.  And  after  that  shewed 
vnto  me  dyuerse  things  donne  in  the  Conclave  aswell 
concernyng  your  personne  as  his  awne,  moche  after 
that  that  all  redy  I  haue  shewed  your  Grace.  I 
thanked  hym  hartely  for  that  he  had  don  for  your 
Grace  in  this  matier,  and  said  that  I  wolde  write  vnto 
your  Grace  therof.     He  said  he  was  right  sory  that 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  311 

that  he  did  for  you  coude  take  no  better  effecte. 
Finally  he  said  your  Grace  muste  take  pacience,  for 
your  tyme  was  not  come.  And  as  for  hym  self  he 
had  no  greate  hope  therof  afor',  and  from  hens  for- 
wards he  wolde  haue  lesse.  He  gaue  this  man 
that  is  now  chosen  greate  commendacions,  and 
demaunded  of  me  whither  your  Grace  knewe  hym 
or  not ;  and  I  said  I  coude  not  tell.  He  shewed 
me  that  Francisco  Maria  Duke  of  Vrbyn,  and  the 
rebelles  of  Pervse  and  dyuerse  other  Cities  which  be 
nowe  reentred  did  make  preparacion  towards  the  Citie 
of  Sena.  And  that  they  wolde  so  to  Fflorence.  And 
shewed  me  that  he  had  spoken  with  thambassador  of 
Spayne  to  kepe  the  lands  of  the  Church,  for  the  im- 
peror's  affaires  and  the  churchis  were  nowe  so  joyned 
togider  that  the  one  coude  not  myscary  but  the  other 

shulde  smart thervpon   he  advised   the 

said  Ambassador  to  lay  out  now  xxu  thousand  ducats. 
And  that  he  wolde  cause  the  florentynes  to  lay  oute 
the  reste,  so  that  they  myght  togider  make  a  puys- 
saunce  to  resiste  thies  Rebelles.  He  said  th'ambas- 
sador  awnswered  hym  that  he  had  no  more  nor  durst 
not  medill,  for  he  had  no  coinision.  I  haue  spoken 
with  the  Cardynall  Seduneri  both  afor'  the  entre  into 
the  Conclave  and  sens,  and  moche  of  his  coinuni- 
cacion  was  howe  he  shulde  set  the  crowne  of  Fraunce 
vpon  the  Kyngs  Highnes  hed,  and  this  papall  diademe 
vpon  your  Graces  hed.     Assuryng  your  Grace  that 


312  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

for  your  advauncement  therunto  I  vnderstande  he  did 
parte  therin  mervelously  well.  He  shewed  me  also 
that  the  Bastard  of  Savoy  was  with  the  Swices  and 
had  obteyned  there  xMi  men.  But  he  saith  there  is 
such  discencion,  discorde,  and  actuall  warre  between 
the  Cantons  there,  that  he  supposith  that  the  bastard 
shall  departe  thens  re  infecta.  There  be  deputed 
for  gouernators  here,  for  this  first  moneth  of  the 
Popis  absence,  the  Cardinall  Sanctce  Crucis  primus 
Episcopus  Cardinalis,  The  Cardinall  Sedunen.  pri- 
mus Presbyter  Cardinalis,  The  Cardinall  of  Cornato 
primus  Diaconus  Cardinalis.  There  be  three  other 
Cardinallis  deputed  Legati  to  the  Pope,  viz.  the  Car- 
dinall of  Columpna,  the  Cardinall  de  Vrsinis,  and  the 
Cardinall  de  Cesarinis,  the  which  shall  present  vnto 
his  Holynes  this  Election,  and  so  conducte  him  to 
Rome.  They  shall  departe  shortely,  but  there  is  yet 
no  certeyntie  when,  in  which  weys,  for  by  Fraunce 
they  dare  not  adventure  skant  with  safeconducte,  the 
Sees  be  so  longe  and  jeobardous,  not  onely  by  cause 
of  the  tyme  of  yere  nowe  in  Wynter,  but  also  bycause 
of  pirats,  Mores,  and  other  infidels,  which  hath  doon 
moche  myschief  lately. 

As  touching  the  Popis  comyng  to  Rome,  men  sup- 
pose heer  that  it  must  be  necessarily  with  all  possible 
celerite,  not  onely  for  the  mayntenyng  of  thEmperors 
affaires  heer  in  Lumbardy  and  Naples  but  also  for  the 
preseruation   of  the   Lands   of  the   Churche  which 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  313 

hourely  be  invaded.  This  Courte  also  is  vtterly 
vndon  but  if  he  come  the  sonner ;  for  there  can  no  ex- 
pedicions  be  made  vntell  such  tyme  as  he  be  crowned. 
And  thefructs  that  doth  aryse  of  offices  and  other  expe- 
ditions here  in  the  Courte  be  nowe  all  moste  the  onely 
thing  that  he  hath  to  maynteyne  this  hie  and  chargeable 
dignite  withall.  Men  thinke  that  assone  as  the  election 
shalbe  presented  vnto  hym,  he  wolbe  crowned  with.- 
oute  any  solempnitie,  and  kepe  his  solempne  corona- 
cion  tyll  he  come  to  Rome.  And  after  he  hath  taken 
his  Crowne  without  solempnite,  he  may  depute  a  Le- 
gate here  in  Rome,  vnder  whome  expedicions  and  ma- 
tiers  both  of  Justice  and  of  Grace  shall  passe  after  the 
order  accustumed.  It  is  trouth  that  he  may  kepe  the 
See  apostolique  elliswher  if  he  will,  and  as  in  tymes 
paste  it  hath  been  kepte  in  Avignon  and  in  Fflorence, 
and  in  many  other  places,  so  likewise  nowe,  if  the 
Pope  will,  he  may  kepe  it  in  Spayne,  or  in  Almayn, 
wherin  and  also  percase  he  will  come  to  Rome. 
When  that  shalbe,  and  what  wey  he  shall  take,  men 
suppose  heer  that  the  Kyngs  Highnes  shall  haue 
a  greate  stroke  with  themperor.  In  the  orderyng  of 
all  thies  matiers,  and  percase  that  the  Pope  shall 
come  thorowe  the  French  Kyngs  dominion,  (which  is 
the  moost  expedite,  sure,  and  shortest  way)  men  sup- 
pose that  the  Kyngs  Highnes  and  your  Grace  of  all 

men  lyvyng  are  the Intermediators  in  bryng- 

yng  that  to  passe  that suretie  and  honor 

vol.  i.  p 


314  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

may  so  do.  At  my  last  beyng  with  the  Cardinall  de 
Medicis,  I  desired  hym  that  such  boks  as  .  .  .  Kyngs 
Highnes  had  sent  hither  to  be  sent  vnto  other  p  .  .  . 
and  had  been  by  the  Popis  Holynes  delyuerd  to  that 
intente  vnto  John  Matheo,  secretary  vnto  the  said 
Cardinall,  and  chief  medillar  in  all  affaires  her'  aboute 
the  Pope  (and  were  not  as  yet  sent  oute  acordyngly) 
myght  be  sente  furthe  or  delyuerd  vnto  the  Ambas- 
sadors here  with  there  Bulles  of  conformacion  an- 
nexed, that  they  myght  sende  theym  vnto  their 
Maisters.  Apon  the  whiche  requeste  the  said  Cardi- 
nall sent  immediately  for  John  Matheo,  and  axed 
what  he  had  doon  with  those  boks.  And  he  said 
that  true  it  was  that  the  Popis  Holynes  causid  those 
Boks  to  be  delyured  vnto  hym,  and  did  comaunde 
two  Bulles  to  be  made,  the  one  of  the  Kyngs  title, 
the  other  for  the  confirmacion  of  the  said  Kyngs 
boke.  The  bull  of  the  Kyngs  title  was  made  up  sub 
plumbo  bifore  the  Popis  deth ;  the  other  bicause  the 
Pope  liked  not  the  mynute  therof,  caused  it  to  be 
staied,  and  an  other  minute  to  be  made  which  was 
not  sped  bifor  his  death.  I  "said  vnto  John  Matheo 
that  the  Pope  had  shewed  me  hym  self  x  days  bifor 
his  deth  that  euery  thing  was  redy  ;  and  that  John 
Matheo  hym  self  both  afor'  the  Popis  death  and 
synnes,  at  such  sundry  tymes  as  I  both  went  and  sent 
vnto  hym  to  solicite  the  sendyng  furth  of  the  said 
bulles,  he  awnswered  me  that  I  shulde  not  care  for 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  315 

theym,  for  euery  thing  was  redy,  and  taried  nothing 
but  for  certeyn  versis  which  the  Popis  Holynes  had 
caused  to  be  made  in  the  Kyngs  praise  and  of  his 
saide  boke.a  He  said  vnto  me  that  the  thing  was 
as  he  had  now  shewed  me,  and  that  the  staying  of 
the  other  bull  was  onely  bicause  the  minute  therof 
onely  pleased  not,  and  that  they  were  bolde  to  take 
tyme  therin,  no  thinge  thinkyng  vpon  this  subdayn 
chaunce.  In  my  most  humble  maner  I  beseche  your 
Grace  to  impute  no  negligence  in  me  concernyng 
this  matier,  for,  on  my  faith,  I  haue  called  vpon  this 
man  so  importunely  for  the  sendyng  of  thies  bulles 
that  I  haue  often  tymes  mervailed  that  he  was  not 
ashamed  that  I  shulde  soo  do.  I  coude  neuer  haue 
other  awnswer  of  hym  but  that  he  bade  me  not  care, 
for  they  shulde  be  sent  furthe  all  togither  with  a 
booke  of  versis  made  in  Laudem  Regis  et  operis  to 
the  Kyngs  hie  contentation.  The  Cardinall  Medicis 
willed  me  to  desire  the  Kyngs  Highnes  and  also 
Your  Grace  to  haue  pacience,  and  how  that  it  is  to 
be  supposed  that  this  newe  Pope,  who  is  called  an 
excellent  lerned  man  will  do  asmoche  for  the  confir- 
macion  and  exaltacion  of  this  boke,  and  for  all  things 
that  may  concerne  the  Kyngs  honor  therin  as  euer  did 

a  One  of  the  copies  of  Henry's  work  which  was  sent  to  Leo,  afterwards  got  to 
Bologna,  where  it  is  still  preserved  in  the  library  of  the  "  Instituto  delle  Scienze" 
in  its  original  splendid  binding.  On  the  upper  part  of  an  ornamented  leaf  at  the 
beginning,  is  wiitten 

"  Hsec  Rosa  virtutis  de  Caelo  missasereno, 
Eternum  rlorens  regia  sceptra  ferat." 

v  2 


316  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Pope  Leo.  And  the  said  Cardinall  offred  hymself  in 
this  and  in  all  other  the  Kyngs  affaires  and  yours,  to 
do,  speke,  and  procur'  asmoche  as  in  hym  shulde  lie, 
knowlegyng  hym  self  with  very  large  words  most 
bounde  so  to  do  of  very  dutie. 


LETTER  CXIII. 


Dr.  William  Knight  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  mentioning 
the  kindness  of  the  Archduchess  of  Savoy  towards 
him ;  and  the  seizure  of  an  English  Spy  of  Richard 
de  la  Pole. 

[MS.  COTTON.  GALB.   B.  VIII.  fol.  28.    Orig .] 

Please  it  your  Grace  to  understond  that  yestreday 
my  lady  Margarete  dyd  send  for  me  and  shewed  that 
she  had  receved  letters  from  the  Emperors  ambassador 
resident  in  Englond,  wherebi  she  was  enformed  of  the 
good  woordes  that  your  Grace  had  unto  hym,  of  her 
and  of  Monsieur  de  Hoogstrate,  and  in  this  she  hath 
taken  grete  pleasure,  and  ys  veari  glad,  saiyng  that  as 
she  hath  bene  allwaiys  utterly  enclyned  and  deter- 
mynd  to  studye  for  the  encrease  of  honor  weale  and 
suerte  of  the  Kinges  Highnesse  so  she  will  contynue 
her  lyfe  duryng.  And  towardes  your  Grace  she  will 
nevyr  chaunge,  but  shew  effectuelly  that  she  ys  and 
shalbe  as  a  moste  lovyng  modre  shuld  be  unto  her 
most  dere  sonne ;  and  in  confirmacion  of  the  premis- 
ses, and  that  your  {xrace  shall  perceyve  that  she  ten- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  317 

dreth  the  Kinges  and  yours  honor,  weale,  and  suerte 
as  moche  as  the  Emperors  and  her  owen.  She  hath 
discovred  unto  me  that  a  gentleman  of  the  cumpanie 
of  Monsieur  le  marquise  de  Arescot  hath  lateli  taken 
upon  the  frontiers  of  Valentiens  an  Englishman  be- 
yng  espye  for  Richart  de  la  Pole,  which  espye  pur- 
posed towardes  Englond,  but  he  beyng  taken  and  ex- 
amynd,  was  put  in  torture  because  he  varied ;  whose 
confession  in  Frenshe  and  a  grete  parte  like  but  not 
so  ample  confession  writen  in  Englishe  of  his  owen 
hand,  my  lady  cawsed  to  be  delivred  unto  me. 
Which  bothe  aswell  of  Frenche  as  of  Englishe  I  send 
unto  your  grace  with  this  present.  Moreovyr  she 
ofFred  unto  me  that  whatsoevyr  I  wolde  have  doone 
with  the  saide  prisonere  for  the  kinges  suerte  and 
yours  shuld  be  doone.  Whereupon  I  desyred  her 
that  he  might  be  sent  in  all  haste  possible  as  secretly 
and  closeli  as  it  might  be  doone  unto  Burborowz 
besides  Gravelinges.  Whereunto  she  hath  condes- 
cended, and  both  she  and  I  have  writen  unto  Mon- 
sieur le  marquise  d' Arescot  that  the  same  gentleman 
that  toke  hym  may  convaye  hym  to  the  forsaide  place 
wher  he  shall  faule  to  be  upon  monday  next.  I  have 
also  writen  unto  Sir  Robert  Wyngfelde  to  be  at  the 
saide  place  upon  monday  to  receipve  hym,  convaiyng 
hym  secretlie,  to  kepe  hym  till  such  tyme  as  he  shall 
know  further  of  your  graces  pleasure.  Furthermore 
I  have  promysed  unto  the  gentleman  that  toke  the 


318  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

spye,  which  shall  suyrli  convaye  hym  unto  Burbo- 
rowz  that  the  paynes  and  charges  shalbe  sene  unto ; 
wherein  it  may  please  your  grace  to  have  sum  respect 
with  such  reward  as  ye  shall  think  good,  of  parte  of 
such  money  as  restith  her  in  William  Lylgraves 
handes,  for  so  doyng  the  gentlemen  belonging  unto 
Monsieur  le  marquise  which  lyeth  upon  the  frontiers 
of  the  Cambrisise  will  make  such  quete  that  lyke 
espyes  shall  not  lighth  passe  withowte  daunger. 

Moreovyr  it  may  like  your  grace  to  know  that  the 
duke  of  Holesteen  late  elect  king  of  Denmarke  hath 
sent  into  thiese  partes  two  persons  the  one  called 
doctor  Brent,  and  the  other  Dyrick  van  Reight,  which 
was  sum  tyme  servant  in  the  highe  partes  unto  Ed- 
mund de  la  Pole,  and  thei  have  sent  hither  a  messen- 
ger with  a  letter  directed  unto  the  Kinges  Highnesse 
from  the  saide  Duke,  desyring  a  sauf  conduyct  to 
passe  into  the  reame,  wher  thei  wolde  treate  upon 
certaine  charges  that  thei  have  to  be  comuned  with 
your  Grace.  I  have  answered  this  messenger,  and 
sayde  that  sithyns  the  Emperor  and  the  Kinges  High- 
nesse hath  joynctly  sent  thair  ambassadors  unto  the 
dyet  at  Hamborowh  I  cowde  not  suppose  that,  the 
saide  dyet  contynnyng,  the  king  or  yow  wolde  gyve 
audience  unto  the  saide  dukes  ambassadors  but  rather 
remyt  theym  unto  the  Dyet.  Nevyrthelesse  at  his 
desir,  and  inasmoche  as  it  was  thowht  good  by  my 
Lady  that  I  shuld  so  doo,  I  was  content  to  advertise 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  319 

your  Grace  for  knowlege  of  your  pleasure,  for  which 
the  saide  messenger  abideth  here.  Thus  the  Holi- 
goste  preserve  your  good  grace.  At  Antwerp,  this 
xiijth  day  of  April. 

Your  moost  humble  bedesman 

WILLIAM  KNIGHTE. 


LETTER  CXIV. 


Richard  Fox,  bishop  of  Winchester,  to  Wolsey,  in  an- 
swer to  inquiries  concerning  Ordinances  of  War 
made  by  Henry  VIIth.,  when  going  against  the  Scots ; 
and  as  to  the  form  and  nature  of  the  Indentures  for 
keeping  the  Marches  towards  Scotland. 

[ms.  cotton,  calig.  b.  vi.  fol.  249.  Orig.~\ 

%*  Bishop  Fox  enjoyed  the  unlimited  confidence  of  Henry  the 
Seventh,  and  was  at  the  head  of  affairs  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign 
of  Henry  the  Eighth  ;  but  in  1515,  disgusted  with  the  arrogance  of 
Wolsey,  whom  he  had  helped  to  raise,  he  resigned  his  office  of 
keeper  of  the  privy-seal,  and  retired  from  Court.  On  taking  leave 
of  the  King,  Fox  presumed  to  caution  him  "  not  to  make  any  of  his 
subjects  greater  than  himself  :"  to  which  Henry  sternly  replied, 
that "  he  knew  how  to  keep  all  his  subjects  in  subjection."  Wolsey, 
however,  never  failed  to  resort  to  Fox's  experience  ;  and  Fox,  with 
that  mildness  of  character  which  marked  his  life,  was  ever  ready  to 
give  advice  with  openness  and  candour. 

Fox's  last  appearance  in  Parliament  was  in  1523.  He  had  then 
been  nearly  five  years  deprived  of  his  sight.  His  latter  days  were 
spent  in  prayer  and  meditation,  which  at  length  became  almost  un- 
interrupted, both  day  and  night.     He  died  Sept.  14,  1528. 

In  the  present  Letter,  Fox  speaks  of  his  former  residence  in  Nor- 
ham  Castle.  This  was  as  Bishop  of  Durham,  when  he  defended 
that  fortress,  in  person,  against  the  Scots,  in  1497. 


320  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

He  also  speaks  of  "  the  Insurrection  that  began  in  Cornwall  and 
Devonshire  by  reason  of  the  Blacksmith."  The  Legend  of  Michael 
Joseph  will  be  found  in  the  Mirror  for  Magistrates,  "  The  Wilfull 
Fall  of  the  Blacksmith,  and  the  foolish  end  of  the  Lord  Awdeley,  in 
June,  Anno  Dora.  1496." 


My  most  syngular  good  Lord  in  my  right  humble 
wyse  I  recommend  me  to  your  Grace,  please  it  the 
same  t'ondrestond  that  this  evynnyng  after  viith  of  the 
clock  I  receyved  your  lettre  by  this  berer,  by  the 
whiche  your  Grace  willeth  and  desyreth  me  to  shewe 
you  the  knowledge  that  I  have  in  twoo  matiers ; 
wherof  the  furst  is  whether  the  Kyng  that  dede  is 
(whose  soule  God  pardone)  made  any  entrepryse  or 
ordynances  for  the  subduyng  of  the  Scottes  when  the 
werre  was  betwixt  hym  and  theme ;  and  yf  he  any 
suche  made,  and  that  I  have  any  wrytyng  therof,  I 
shuld  then  sende  it  to  your  Grace ;  or  yf  I  noone 
suche  have,  that  then  I  shuld  shewe  you  yf  I  have 
any  knowlege  of  the  said  entreprise  or  ordynances, 
and  what  that  shuld  be. 

My  most  syngular  good  Lord,  for  myne  answere  in 
this  byhalf  yt  is  of  very  trawthe  that  when  the  werre 
was  bytwixt  the  Kyng  that  dede  is  and  the  said 
Scottes,  I  was  duryng  the  said  werre,  that  is  to  say 
byfore  the  begynnyng  therof  and  at  the  begynnyng 
thereof,  and  soo  contynewally  to  thende  therof  was 
made  by  a  treaty  of  peaxe,  lyeng  and  abydyng  in  the 
Bisshopricke  of  Durysne,  Northumberland,  and  Ber- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  321 

wick,  and  some  tyme  with  my  lord  of  Northfolke  in 
the  Castell  of  Alnewick,  and  for  a  great  parte  with 
my  housolde  in  the  Castell  of  Norhm  .  And  thus 
my  lord,  duryng  the  said  werre,  I  cam  not,  nor  was 
with  the  Kyng  that  dede  is ;  and  as  towchyng  the 
said  Entrepryse  or  Ordynances,  I  neyther  have  nor 
never  see  any  wry  ting  therof.  But  soo  it  is,  that  the 
said  Kyng  that  dede  is  dide  ordeyn  that  my  lord 
Dawbney,  which  was  then  his  chambrelayn,  shulde 
have  come  with  a  great  puyssance  unto  Northumbre- 
land  and  soo  to  have  invaded  Scotland,  and  for  the 
furnysshyng  of  the  same  hoste  with  vitale,  the  towne 
of  Berwick  was  sufficiently  providede  with  all  thingesr 
necessary  in  that  byhalf ;  as  William  Pawne  can  more 
specially  shewe  you  then  I ;  and  the  said  entreprise 
was  broken  by  thinsurrexion  that  began  in  Cornwell 
and  Devonshire  by  reason  of  the  black  smyth ;  and  of 
this  entrepryse  I  doubt  not  my  lord  Chambrelayn 
and  Mr.  Lovell,  and  suche  other  as  nowe  be  lyvyng 
and  were  then  attendyng  uppon  the  Kyng  that  dede 
is,  can  perfytly  enforme  your  Grace.  And  this  is  all 
that  I  knowe  towelling  the  said  entreprise,  or  any 
ordinances  made  for  the  same. 

The  seconde  matier  wherof  your  Grace  desyreth 
me  to  put  you  in  knowlege,  concerneth  Indentures 
made  for  the  keping  of  the  marches  of  this  Realme 
in  the  tyme  of  werre  ayenst  Scotland. 

My  most  syngular  good  Lord,  as  in  this  matier  I 

P  5 


322  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

knowe  not  that  in  the  werre  that  was  bytwixt  the 

King  that  dede  is  and  Scotland  there  were  any  suche 

indentures  made,  or  that  any  person  indented  for  the 

keping  of  the  Marches  for  the  said  tyme  of  werre  : 

and  to  my  knowlege  noo  persone  indented  for  this 

matier  sens  the  deth  of  Th'erle  of  Northumbreland, 

father  to  Th'erle  of  Nothumberland  that  now  ys  ;  the 

which  indented  with  the  Kyng  that  dede  is,  in  the 

furste  ye  re  of  his  reigne,   byfore   that  I  kept  the 

pryvye  seall ;  and  the  said  Erie  indented  not  only  for 

the  kepyng   of  the  said   marches  but  also  for   the 

keping  of  the  towne  of  Berwick  at  his  hole  costes 

and  chargies ;  and  as  I  remembre  he  had  for  the  sup- 

portacion  of  the  said  chargeis  three  thowsand  markes, 

or  three  thowsand  powndes,  I   remembre   not  well 

whether;    wherof  the  said   King  being  wery,  toke 

Berwick  into  Ins  owne  handes,  and  made  Sir  William 

Tyler  Capitaigne   thereof.     And  sens  that  tyme   I 

trowe  noo  man  indented  for  the  keping  of  the  said 

Borders  for  the  tyme  of  werre. 

I  doubt  not  my  lord  it  shalbe  right  necessary  that 
the  Kynges  Grace  make  a  warden  for  the  Este 
and  mydle  marches,  for  it  shalbe  to  muche  for 
any  oon  persone  to  bere  the  burdeyn  of  all  three 
marches  in  the  tyme  of  werre ;  and  it  shalbe  right 
expedient  that  he  be  a  very  hable  man  that 
shalbe  wardeyn  of  the  said  Este  and  mydle  marches 
in  the  tyme  of  werre  :  for  uppon  the  Este  marches 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  323 

shalbe  the  moste  busynesse  of  the  werre ;  savyng 
that  if  my  lord  Dacre  wold  leve  his  sone  and 
his  brother  uppon  the  weste  marches,  wherby  the 
Scottes  have  not  muche  with  a  great  army  invaded 
those  party es,  and  lodge  hym  self  in  the  Este  marches, 
in  myne  opynyon,  for  the  great  experyence,  acquaynt- 
ance,  and  landes  which  he  hath  in  Northumbreland, 
he  shuld  be  right  meit  to  kepe  the  said  Este  and 
mydle  marches  ;  and  whoo  soo  ever  shalbe  now  war- 
den of  them,  he  owght  not  to  looke  to  have  the  fees 
that  the  said  Erie  of  Northumbreland  had;  seyng 
that  he  had  the  said  fees,  as  above  is  said,  not  only 
for  the  keping  of  the  said  Este  and  mydle  marches, 
but  also  for  the  keping  of  the  said  towne  of  Berwick, 
which  towne  is  nowe  in  the  Kinges  handes  and  at  his 
propre  costes  and  chargies ;  and  in  my  pouer  opynyon 
the  fees  that  the  said  warden  shall  have  owght,  of 
reason,  to  be  cessed  much  aftur  the  nowmbre  of  the 
Souldyers  whiche  he  will  bynde  hym  to  have  con- 
tynually  attendante  and  servinge  in  the  werre  uppon 
the  said  borders. 

And  this  is  the  knowelege  that  I  have  of  the 
said  entrepryse  and  indentures,  with  my  pouer 
opynyon  concernyng  the  Fees  for  the  said  warden 
in  the  tyme  of  werre ;  wherwith  I  beseche  your 
grace  to  be  contented,  assuryng  the  same  that  yf  I 
had  any  wry  ting  concernyng  the  said  entrepryse  or 
Indentures  for  the  werre,  yf  ye  cowde  noone  other- 


324  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

wyse  have  them,  I  wold  rather  bryng  you  them  uppon 
my  fote  then  ye  shulde  fayll  of  theme  ;  as  knowith 
our  Lord  whoo  send  your  Grace  as  good  prosperite 
and  spede  in  all  your  causes  as  your  own  good  harte 
wold  wisshe.  At  Wynchestre  this  Thursday  after 
ix"1  of  the  clock  in  the  nyght. 

Your  humble  preste  and  bedeman 

R.    WYNTON. 

To  my  most  syngular  good  lord,  my  lord  Cardinall 
of  Yorke,  Chauucellor  of  England  and  Legate 
of  the  same. 


LETTER  CXV. 

Richard  Pace  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  enclosing  the  tran- 
script of  a  Paper  shewing  that  the  Duke  of  Albany 
and  Richard  de  la  Pole  were  come  into  Scotland  to 
invade  England. 

[ibid.  fol.  221.  Orig.~] 

Pleasitt  your  Grace  thys  same  houre  arriuydde 
here  a  messenger  off  the  Kyngis  cumyne  owte  off 
Lincolnsschire,  and  haith  broght  wyth  hym  a  byll, 
intendynge  to  delivre  the  same  vnto  the  Kynge 
assone  as  he  conueniently  maye.  And  because 
the  Kyngis  Grace  was  takynge  hys  rest  at  the 
cumynge  off  the  sayde  messanger  hydre,  he  schewede 
vnto  me  the  sayde  byll,  whyche  conteignyth  strange 
newes :  and  no  parte  (as  I  do  iugge)  trewe  off  the 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  325 

same,  as  your  Grace  schall  perceve  bi  the  copy  off  the 
sayde  byll  herinclosydde  more  at  large. 

The  sayde  messenger,  namydde  Wylliam  gentilman, 
demaundydde  bi  Me,  off  whoine  he  hadde  the  sayde 
byll,  answerde,  that  itt  was  deliurydde  viito  hym  at 
Thorneton  Abbaye  in  Lyncolne  schire  bi  the  cellarer 
off  the  place  there,  namydde  Hutte,  and  thys  sayde 
Hutte  hadde  the  sayde  byll  off  oon  namydde  Mun- 
forde,  who  ridies  abowte  the  cuntreye  namynge 
him  selfe  oon  off  the  Kyngis  messangers,  and  berith 
hys  Grac's  armis,  and  is  no  messanger  in  deade :  as 
the  sayde  Wylliam  gentihnan  reaportith,  whoo  haith 
also  schewede  vnto  me,  that  at  hys  late  beynge  in 
Yorke  schire,  wythin  thiese  x.  dayes,  he  harde  there 
nother  brute  nor  wurde  off  ony  suche  matiers  as  be 
comprisydde  in  the  sayde  byll.  The  King  intendith 
to  be  at  Wyndesore  uppon  Mundaye  nexte  ensuynge, 
Godde  wyllynge,  whoo  preserve  your  Grace  in  longe 
helth  and  continuall  prosperitie.  Frome  Redyng, 
thys  Myghelmas  daye.  By  your  Grac's  most  humble 
and  faythfull  seruant.  ri.  pace. 

The  Copy  of  the  Byll  corruptly  wretyn  in  sum 
placs. 

There  be  cumyn  in  to  Scotlande  iiij.  grete  men, 
and  they  be  in  Dunbarre  :  the  oon  is  namydde  the 
Duke  of  Albanye,  and  the  othre  Richarde  de  la  Pole, 
the  thyrde  is  the  Duke  off  Albanys  brothre,  the  iiij. 
is  Sir  Mowncery  Mowe,  wyth  whome  ther  is  cumyn 


326  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

a  greate  ciipanye  to  the  numbre  off'  ijc.  that  landyn 
ar  wyth  them.  Whatt  there  meanynge  is  we  can  nott 
tell  for  there  docowtis  fast  in  Dunbarre  for  the  bor- 
derers doith  saye,  wyth  that  theye  wull  make  a  felde 
wythin  Scotlande.  There  purpose  is  to  make  oon  off 
thiese  men  Kynge  of  Scotlande :  for  their  be  turn- 
ydde  to  them  a  greate  multitude  off  Scotts. 

Syr  Christopher  Dacar  haith  made  hys  proclama- 
tion at  Carlile,  that  every  man  see  for  hym  selfe  and 
hys  gooddis  for  a  season.  For  Sir  Christopher  haith 
broghte  awaye  hys  catalle  in  to  Engylswodde  wythin 
ij.  milis  off  Perith.  For  the  Scotts  haith  dryuen 
there  gooddis  farre  in  to  there  lande  :  for  theye  wull 
kepe  no  day  off  trewis.  My  lorde  Dacar  lyeth  at 
Warke  Castell  uppon  the  border  off  Scotlande,  for  he 
haith  made  hys  crye  lyke  as  Sir  Christopher  haith 
doon  :  for  he  trusts. 

The  vj.  daye  off  Auguste. 
To  my  Lorde  Legats  Grace. 


LETTER  CXVI. 

Sir  William  Buhner  to  the  Lord  Treasurer,  to  apprize 
him  of  the  Duke  of  Albany  s  march  towards  Eng- 
land.    Oct.  22,  1523. 

[ibid.  fol.  429.  Orig.] 
Pleas  it  your  Lordship  to  knawe  this  day  come  to 
me  Sir  William  Lisle,  who  shewith  me  that  he  soak 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  327 

with  a  Scotishman  that  is  verrey  preve  with  the  Duk 
of  Albany,  in  so  moche  he  hath  thorderyng  of  the 
Comission  made  betwen  the  ffrenshe  King  and  the 
Duk,  which  resiteth  the  Duk  to  be  bounden  to  invaid 
the  Realme  of  Englande  vpc-n  Tewisday  next  at  the 
ferrest.  And  forther  that  Richerde  Delapooll,  callede 
in  the  same  the  Duk  of  Suffolk,  shall  invaid  in  lik 
maner  with  a  certeyn  nombre  by  the  Duk  of  Albany 
his  aduice.  And  notwithstanding  if  the  said  Richerd 
Dalapooll  fortune  to  dye  or  be  seke  that  he  may  not, 
yit  the  said  Duk  of  Albany  shall  invaid.  The  said 
Sir  William  sawe  the  said  Comission. 

The  said  Scotishman  hath  promysed  hym  that  from 
tyme  to  tyme,  of  the  Duks  provision  and  purpose 
he  shal  be  acertayned,  for  the  which  he  hath  geven 
hym  a  large  rewarde  :  and  hath  promysed  hym  more. 

Wherfor  he  wold  knawe  your  lordship  pleaser, 
whether  he  shall  in  suche  causes  medle  with  hym  or 
no,  for  except  it  stands  with  your  lordship  pleaser  he 
woll  not :  and  that  he  may  have  warrant  from  your 
lordship  for  the  same. 

The  said  Scot  woll  acerten  hym,  as  he  sath  of 
every  thing,  when  non  other  espiall  canne,  for  he  sath 
ther  is  no  Scotishman  shall  haue  any  knawlege  of  the 
Duks  purpos  afore  hym. 

My  lorde  the  said  Sir  William  trusts,  if  it  be  your 
pleasr  to  get  you  a  sight  of  the  said  Comission,  or  ells 
a  copie  of  it ;  or  if  it  pleas  youe  to  haue  spech  with 


328  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  said  Scotishman,  to  come  to  your  self.  He  sath 
as  yit  the  Duk  is  uncomyn  forth  of  Edinburgh. 
Albeit  he  thinks  the  Lorde  Homylton  and  the  lords 
kept  their  musters. 

Suche  newis  as  I  haue  by  myn  espiall,  I  send 
theym  to  your  Lordship.  I  tho*  theym  of  so  small 
effecte  that  I  wold  not  post  theym  unto  your  Lord- 
ship afore  this  tyme.  My  Lord  I  haue  thre  espialles 
at  Edinburgh,  bot  as  yit  I  haue  no  woorde  from 
theym  this  thre  days.  I  am  affraedthe  chef  of  theym 
be  either  hanged,  or  som  myschef  fallen  vpon  hym  : 
for  he  com  to  me  when  the  water  was  byg,  and  left 
his  hors  on  the  Scotishsyde ;  and  ther  come  Scots 
and  took  his  hors,  and  had  hym  away.  I  sent  hym 
ageyn,  and  gaf  hym  money  to  by  hym  ane  other  hors  : 
bot  sen  I  can  not  here  of  hym.  Also  as  yet  I  here 
no  thing  nether  of  the  Priores,  Pete  Sinkler,  nor 
Sandy  Trotter,  and  therfor  I  think  thei  have  no 
thing  to  come  withall  bot  as  your  lordship  hath  hard 
heretofor. 

My  Lorde,  even  in  the  tyme  that  I  was  writing 
this  Lettre  come  to  me  one  of  myn  Espiall  wifes,  and 
shewed  me  that  hir  husband  was  suspecte,  so  that  he 
durst  not  come  hymself.  And  she  say th  playnly  that 
the  Duk  and  the  lords  is  togethers  and  comyth  forth 
of  Edinburgh  this  same  day.  And  that  the  Lorde 
Hoome  is  charged  to  kepe  the  Bordors  for  Espialls 
that  non  shall  pass.     Also  she  saith  that  the  ffoote- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


329 


men  and  ordenance  is  comyn  before :  also  he  sent  me 
woorde  that  the  Lorde  Bortik,  whom  he  is  kynsman 
to,  shew  it  hym  that  the  Duk  wold  begin  eyther  at 
Wark  or  Norham.     Also  the  said  Espiall  sent  me 
woorde  that  th'erl  of  Angueshe  is  comyn  home,  and 
that  Davy  Hoome  is  goon  to  the  Duk ;  which  neither 
of  both  I  can  belave  :    bot  I  acertain  your  Lordship 
as  I  here.     I  think  the  wedder  hath  been  so  that  it 
wold  suffre  no  man  to  passe  by  the  See.  Also  he  sent 
me  woorde  that  the  Duk  hath  apoynted  the  Lorde  of 
Swynton  to  be  Capten  of  Wark,  and  ane  other  to  be 
Capten  of  Norham,  bot  she  forgote  the  nayme  of 
hym  or  she  come  to  me  :  and  purposes  his  self  to  be 
twenty   days  in   Englande,    and  to  plenneshe  such 
holdes  as  he  may  get.     My  Lorde  I  think  no  noble- 
man wold  speke  suche  ffoolish  woords,  and  therfor  I 
think  it  be  not  trewe.     Also  the  said  Espiall  sath 
that  the  Lorde  Bortek  sent  worde  to  George  Vrde  to 
put  his  cattell  away,  for  thei  perposed  to  ryn  small 
forreys.     My   Lorde  all   that  this  Espiall  hath,  he 
hath  it  of  the  lorde  Bortek,  who  hath  comaunded 
hym  to  abide  with  hym  and  he  shall  put  hym  forth 
at  ane  ende  of  the   host,  with  certen  knawlege  of 
euery  thing. 

My  Lord,  trewth  it  is  Davy  Home  is  gon  to  the 
Duk :  for  this  night  come  Thom  Nesbet  to  the 
water  side  and  so  shewid  me  :  and  said  the  Duk  set 
forward  from  Edinburgh  this  day.     And  saith  the 


330  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

brut  is  that  he  woll  come  to  Werk  and  Norham ;  the 
certante  as  yit  is  vnknowen  therof.  As  our  Lord 
knawth,  who  preserve  your  good  lordship.  Ffrom 
Norham  the  xxijth.  day  at  night  at  sex  of  the  clok. 

W.  BULMER,  K. 

To  my  Lorde  Tresourer. 


LETTER  CXVII. 

Charles  Duke  of  Suffolk  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  in  favour 
of  the  Priory  of  Coning shead  in  Lancashire. 

[STAT.  PAP.  OFF.  WOLSEY's  CORRESP.  Vol.  xi.  Pt.  i.  Orig.~] 

%*  From  this  Letter  it  should  seem  that  Coningshead  Priory  was 
proposed  to  Wolsey  for  suppression,  preparatory  to  the  foundation 
of  his  College  at  Oxford. 

Our  Monastic  historians  say  but  little  of  this  Priory.  It  was 
founded  in  the  reign  of  Henry  the  Second,  by  Gamell  or  Gabriel  de 
Pennington,  for  a  prior  and  seven  black  canons.  Willis  adds  forty- 
eight  servants ;  but  these  must  have  been  at  a  later  period.  A  char- 
ter of  Edward  the  Second,  printed  in  the  Mouasticon,  details  the 
names  and  gifts  of  those  by  whom  this  Monastery  was  gradually 
endowed.  Its  rents  in  full,  according  to  Speed,  in  the  26th  Hen. 
VIII.,  amounted  to  124J.  2s.  Id.  per  annum :  one  of  Dodsworth's 
manuscripts  says  that  upon  a  second  valuation  the  revenues  amount- 
ed to  161?.  5s.  9d. 

The  present  Letter  speaks  a  volume  as  to  the  utility  of  the 
House  in  its  local  position :  as  well  as  to  the  good  faith  with 
which  the  religious  who  inhabited  it  maintained  the  purposes  of  its 
foundation.    It  was  not  suppressed  among  the  smaller  Monasteries. 

Tanner  makes  no  mention  of  the  person  to  whom  the  site  of  this 
House  was  granted.  Upon  the  "  Originalia"  records,  1  Edw.  VI. 
we  find  an  Instrument"  pro  homagio  Joh.  Machell  et  Will.  Machell 
pro  scitu  nuper  Prioratus  de  Conyngshed,  pro.  lie.  inde  fact."  ro. 
cviij. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  381 

Pleas  it  your  Grace,  so  it  is  as  I  am  enformed, 
vpon  malice  it  is  mocioned  vnto  your  Grace  to  take 
into  the  Kingis  handes  amongs  other  for  the  good 
entended  purpose  the  Pryory  of  Conyssed  in  the 
Countie  of  Lancast1",  where  I  vnderstonde  is  not 
oonly  good  hospitalite  kept  and  mayntened  to  the 
greate  weale  and  comfourt  of  the  countrey  ther,  but 
also  the  king  is  subgietts  passing  to  and  from  thoes 
parties  wher  the  House  is  situated,  which  is  nigh 
vnto  the  wasshes,  are  greatly  relevid  and  socored  by 
the  same  by  constitucSn  and  ordynance  of  the  said 
House,  which  the  now  Prior  there  doith  right  amply 
observe  and  accomplisshe,  who  is  also  of  a  good  reli- 
giouse  maner  and  of  good  and  vertuous  disposicon 
and  lyving.  And  for  asmuch  as  I  know  this  is  pre- 
ferrid  and  shewid  vnto  your  Grace  expressely  vpon 
malice,  I  am  the  more  bolde  to  write  vnto  your 
Grace  herin,  beseching  the  same  to  be  good  lorde 
and  to  extende  your  Graces  ffauour  vnto  the  said 
Priour  herin,  the  better  at  this  myn  intercession,  as 
my  speciall  trust  and  confidence  is  in  your  Grace. 
And  that  I  may  be  aduertissed  of  your  Grac's  plea- 
sure herin  by  the  bringere.  And  thus  o1  Lorde 
haue  your  Grace  in  his  blissid  tuicon.  Ffrom  myn 
honor  of  Eye  the  vijth.  day  of  Aprill. 

by  your  owne  assured  to  my  poer, 

CHARLYS    SUFFOLKE. 
To  ray  lorde  C'ardynal  is  Grace. 


332  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  CXVIII. 

Edward  Baxter  to  Master  Thomas  Cromwell,  to  nego- 
tiate for  some  Ecclesiastical  promotion  for  one  of 
his  sons,  at  present  abroad. 
[stat.  pap.  off.  misc.  corresp.  2  Ser.  vol.  iv.  fol.  9.  Orig.~\ 

*»*  Edward  Baxter  was  mayor  of  Newcastle  in  1517,  and  again 
in  1518,  when  Thomas  Baxter  was  sheriff.  Edward  Baxter  was 
again  Mayor  in  1522  and  1523.  He  writes  to  Cromwell  as  an  en- 
tire stranger,  ready  to  "  do  unto  my  Lord's  Grace,  and  to  him,  such 
large  pleasure  as  himself  shall  devise,  according  to  the  value  of  the 
promotion."  Henry  the  Eighth  found  better  chapmen  among  the 
merchants  and  people  in  trade,  than  amongst  his  nobility,  when  he 
came  to  sell  ecclesiastical  property. 


Right  worshipefull  Sr  in  mye  vereye  best  maner  I 
coinend  me  too  youre  Mrshipe  as  vne  acqwayntade. 
Please  yt  the  same  too  be  aduertised  I  have  twoo 
sonnes  beyonde  see  at  Scoles  at  my  great  coste  and 
chargs,  and  glade  wolde  bee  too  purvey e  fore  one  of 
theym  sume  goode  spiritual!  lyvinge,  too  be  Godds 
servaunte  and  a  Man  of  Churche.  And  fore  soo 
muche  as  I  vnderstand  ye  be  in  good  ffavors  withe 
mye  Lords  grace,  who  haithe  gyfte  and  collacione  of 
manye  goode  promotions,  I  inteerelie  desire  zou  too 
be  soo  goode  mastere  too  me  as  to  provyde  me  of 
some  substanciall  promotione  fore  one  of  mye  saide 
sonnes  at  mye  Lorde  Cardinalls  Grac's  hand.  And  I 
shall  note  onelie  beere  and  susteyne  the  chargs  too 
be  maid  thervppon,  but  alsoo  doo  vnto  mye  lords 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  333 

Grace  and  you  suche  large  pleasure  as  your  sylfe  shall 
devyse,  according  too  the  vale  we  of  the  promotione. 
And  of  zour  Answere  herin  I  desire  you  bye  this 
berar,  and  shall  from  tyme  too  tyme  wryte  you  for- 
ther  of  my  mind.  As  the  Holye  Goost  knowethe  who 
ever  kepe  you.  At  Newcastle  this  Sancte  Hillarie 
daye.  Yor  assured  own  vnacquaynted 

EDWARD    BAXTER 

Merchant  venturo1". 

Too  the  Right  Worshipfull  Mastere  Thomas  Cromewell 
servaunte  to  mye  Lorde  Cardinalls  grace  be  this  dd 
at  London. 


LETTER  CXIX. 


Richard  Croke,  the  Duke  of Richmond 's  schoolmaster ; 
to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  respecting  the  arrangements 
for  his  pupil's  education. 

[wolsey's  corresp.  iii.  93.  Orig.~] 

***  Richard  Croke,  one  of  the  first  restorers  of  the  Greek  lan- 
guage in  England,  was  a  native  of  London ;  bred  at  Eton  School ; 
and,  in  1506,  a  scholar  of  King's  College,  Cambridge.  He  after- 
wards studied  abroad  for  twelve  years,  at  the  expence  of  Arch- 
bishop Warham,  in  the  Universities  of  Paris,  Louvain,  and  Leipsic  ; 
whence  returning  an  accomplished  scholar,  he  succeeded  Erasmus 
as  Greek  lecturer  at  Cambridge.  He  likewise  became  the  public 
orator  of  that  University. 

His  appointment  as  preceptor  to  the  Duke  of  Richmond  must 
have  taken  place  about  1524. 

In  1529  Henry  the  Eighth  sent  him  to  Italy  to  influence  Padua 
and  some  of  the  other  Universities  in  the  business  of  the  divorce. 
He  was  accused,  on  that  occasion,  of  bribery ;  but  bribes  were  of 
very  common  occurrence  in  the  reign  of  Henry  the  Eighth ;  and  how 


331  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

little  Croke  was  able  to  effect  with  them,  will  be  seen  from  one  of 
his  Letters  to  the  King  hereafter. 

On  his  return  in  1532,  he  was  made  the  third  canon  upon  the  re- 
foundation of  Christ  Church  Oxford,  but  resigned  in  1545,  when  he 
retired  to  Exeter  College  upon  a  moderate  pension,  and  remained 
there  for  some  years.  Sir  Thomas  More  and  Pace  recommended 
Croke  strongly  to  the  King  for  preferment,  but  he  never  obtained  it. 
The  only  benefice  he  became  possessed  of  was  the  living  of  Long 
Buckly  in  Northamptonshire. 

Erasmus  had  early  so  good  an  opinion  of  Croke,  that,  knowing 
the  straitness  of  his  circumstances,  and  fearing  that  they  might  force 
him  to  desist  from  his  studies,  he  wrote  to  Dean  Colet  to  extend  his 
liberality  to  him.  The  passage  is  worthy  of  perusal.  "  Si  quas 
pecunias  habes  in  manibus,  in  hoc  commissas,  ut  dentur  in  subsi- 
dium,  rogo  mittas  aliquot  nobiles  Richardo  Croco,  quondam  ministro 
ac  discipulo  Grocini,  qui  nunc  Parisiis  dat  operam  bonis  Uteris. 
Juvenis  est  bonae  spei,  et  in  quern  recte  beneficium  collocaveris,  nisi 
me  plane  fallit  animus."     This  was  in  1513.a 

Sir  Thomas  More  admired  Croke's  epistolary'  writing.  "  Your 
Letters  may,  without  fear,  approach  in  the  sight  of  any  man."  b 

Croke,  to  the  last,  remained  firm  in  the  Roman  Catholic  religion. 
The  time  of  his  death  may  be  taken  from  his  will.  It  was  dated 
the  21st,  and  proved  the  29th  of  August,  1558. 

His  printed  works,  chiefly  philological,  are  few  ;  but  most  of 
them  of  extreme  rarity.  Of  his  "  Orationes  duae,  altera  a  cura,  qua 
utilitatem  laudemque  Graeca?  linguas  tractat,  altera  a  tempore,  qua 
hortatus  est  Cantabrigienses,  ne  desertores  essent  ejusdem,"  4to. 
Lut.  Par.  1520,  Maittaire  had  seen  but  one  copy,  and  that  was  in 
the  Public  Library  at  Cambridge.1-"  There  is  an  imperfect  copy,  which 
was  Dr.  Farmer's,  in  the  British  Museum.  His  "  Introductions  in 
Rudimenta  Graeca,"  printed  in  the  shop  of  Eucharius  Cervicornius 
at  Cologne  in  1520,  were  dedicated  to  Archbishop  YTarham. 

Many  of  his  Letters,  some  of  them  hereafter  to  be  referred  to,  are 
preserved  in  a  volume  of  the  Cottoniau  Manuscripts. 


Moste  humbely  besechith  your  Grace  your  Orator 

■  Erasmi  Epis.  fol.  I.ugd.  Bat.  1706.  Ep.  cxlii. 

b  More's  Life  of  Sir  Tho.  More,  p.  70.  '  Annal.  Typ.  torn.  v.  p.  31;. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  335 

and  daylie  bedeman  Richard  Croke  scole  master  to 
the  Duke  of  Richmonde,  that  yt  wo-lde  please  your 
Grace  of  your  most  habundant  goodnes  to  directe  yor 
most  gracius  lettres  of  comaundment  unto  my  Lord 
of  Richemonds  Counsell  comprysing  these  Articles 
followinge. 

Ffirst  the  quantytie  of  tyme  which  I  shall  dayle 
occupie  with  my  Lorde  in  lerenynge  by  your  Grace 
appoyntid,  the  said  Councell  parmyt  and  suffer  me  to 
have  accesse  unto  hym  oone  hower  before  masse 
and  brekefast  accordynge  to  your  Grace's  former 
comaundemente.  The  rest  of  the  tyme  of  ynstruc- 
cyon  of  my  saide  Lorde  to  be  taken  at  my  discression, 
and  as  I  shall  parceyve  most  convenyent;  and  my 
saide  Lorde  moste  apte  to  Lerne.  Provided  that  no 
more  tyme  by  me  be  occupied  in  oone  daye  then  be 
your  Grace  shalbe  appoyntid.  Ne  that  I  so  remytt 
eny  parte  of  the  same,  that  thereby  my  Lordes  lern- 
ynge  may  decay. . 

Seconde  that  where  as  my  said  Lorde  is  forced  to 
wryte  of  his  owen  hande  to  abbotts  and  meane  par- 
sons contrary  to  your  Grace's  comaundement ;  and 
that  ymedyatly  after  his  dynner  and  repast  taken ;  to 
the  grete  dullynge  of  his  wytts  sprytes  and  memory, 
and  no  litell  hurte  of  his  hed,  stomak,  and  body; 
and  that  yt  were  very  necessary  in  my  pore  judge- 
ment my  said  Lorde  shuld  wryte  noo  thyng  of  his 
owen  hande  but  in  Latten  specially  to  the  Kyngs 


336  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Highnes  and  your  moste  noble  Grace,  to  thentent  he 
myght  more  fermely  imprynte  in  his  mynde  both 
wordes  and  phrases  of  the  Latten  tonge,  and  the  soner 
frame  hym  to  some  good  stile  in  wrytinge  whereunto 
he  is  now  very  rype  ;  yt  wolde  please  your  Grace 
therefore  to  determyn  and  appoynte  both  certayne 
persons,  and  also  certayne  tymes  in  the  weke,  to 
whome  only,  and  when,  my  said  Lorde  shall  wryte 
either  in  Englishe  or  in  the  Latten  tonge,  as  your 
high  wisdom  shall  thinke  moste  convenyente.  Pro- 
vided the  said  exersise  of  his  hande  and  stile  in 
both  the  tonges  be  commytted  oonly  to  the  dis- 
cission and  ordre  of  me  his  scole  master :  and  that 
no  man  may  force  hym  to  wryte  oonles  I  be  there 
presente,  to  dyrecte  and  forme  his  said  hande  and 
stile. 

Thirdely  that  where  as  by  example  of  good  edu- 
cation, as  well  in  noryture  as  good  lernyng,  of  suche 
yonge  gentilmen  as  by  your  Graces  comaundement 
be  attendant  upon  my  said  Lorde,  the  same  myght 
more  facyly  be  induced  to  profit  in  his  lerenynge,  yt 
wolde  please  your  Grace  to  gyve  comaundemente 
that  the  Instruction  of  the  said  gentilmen  be  at  the 
only  order  and  disposicion  of  the  scole  master,  so  that 
they  be  streytely  comaundid  to  applye  their  lernynge 
at  such  tymes  as  I  shall  thinke  conuenient  without 
mayntenaunce  of  eny  man  to  the  contrary.  And  also 
that  none  of  them  ne  any  other  be  sufferid  to  con- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


337 


tynue  in  my  lordes  chamber  durynge  the  tyme  of  his 
lernynge,  but  such  only  as  the  said  scole  master  shall 
thinke  mete  for  the  furtherance  of  the  same. 

Ffourthly,  yt  wolde  please  your  Grace  in  likewise 
to  comande  that  the  tyme  of  my  lordes  lernynge  by 
yor  Grace  appoyntid  be  not  interupted  for  euery 
tryefull,  or  reasorte  of  euery  stranger,  but  only 
strangers  of  honor,  to  whome  also  if  my  said  lorde 
myght  by  the  advise  of  his  Scolemaster  exhibit  and 
make  som  shew  of  his  lernyng,  like  as  he  was  wont 
and  doth  of  his  other  pastymes,  it  shulde  greately 
encourage  hym  to  his  lernyng ;  to  the  which,  by  cause 
it  is  moste  laborious  and  tedyous  to  children,  his 
Grace  shulde  be  moste  specially  anymated  and  en- 
coraged. 

Ffynally,  that  no  wayes,  color,  ne  crafte  be  taken 
to  discorage,  alyenate,  or  averte  my  said  lordss  mynde 
from  lernyng,  or  to  extyncte  the  love  of  lernynge  in 
his  estymacion,  but  that  he  be  induced  most  highly 
to  esteme  his  boke  of  all  his  other  studies.  The 
which  thing  with  other  the  premisses  obteyned,  I 
dare  be  bolde  to  assure  your  Grace  that  his  lernyng 
at  the  sight  of  your  Grace  shall  with  no  litel  tyme, 
and  much  pleasure  of  hymselfF,  farr  surrmounte  and 
passe  the  knowledge  of  his  yeres,  tyme,  and  age, 
noone  excepte. 
To  my  Lorde  Legats  good  Grace. 

VOL.  I.  Q 


338  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  CXX. 

Gregory  Cromwell  to  his  father ,  Mr.  Thomas  Cromwell. 
[stat.  pap.  off.  misc.  corresp.  2  Ser.  vii.  168.  Orig.~] 

%*  Two  or  three  Letters  are  now  presented  to  the  reader  from 
Gregory,  afterwards  Lord  Cromwell,  to  his  father.  These,  with 
two  Letters  from  Henry  Dowes,  his  latest  preceptor,  which  follow, 
explain  the  system  of  education  pursued  at  that  time  for  boys  in 
better  life. 

The  date  of  Gregory  Cromwell's  birth  is  not  recorded;  but  it 
could  hardly  have  been  earlier  than  1520.  For  his  infant  training 
he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Prioress  of  Little  Marlow,  in 
Buckinghamshire. 

Dowes's  Letters,  being  addressed  to  Cromwell  as  Secretary,  must 
be  placed  in  or  about  1533  or  1534.  They  are  put  here,  premature- 
ly as  to  date,  that  they  may  accompany  the  Letters  from  Gregory 
Cromwell. 

Most  clere  father,   I  humbly  recomend  me  unto 

you,  and  hertily  beseche  you  of  yowr  dayly  blessyng, 

naturally  bownden  thayreunto ;   for  the  wiche,  and 

other  yowr  manifowld  benefittes  to  me  colatyt,  I  am 

and  schalbe  yowr  daly  bedman,  interely  desyryng  the 

contineweans  of  the  same ;  trustyng  soo  to  accom- 

plysse  and  fulfyll  yowr  parentall  comandments  in  the 

passage  of  myne  erudicion,  that  yow,  my  good  father, 

schall   tharewith   be   ryght    welcontentyd   by   Gods 

helpe,  the  wiche  with  hys  grace  hee  send  hus.   Amen. 

Frome  the  howse  of  yowr  bedman  Mr.  Doctor  Lee 

thys  Ester  day  in  the  mornyng. 

By  yowr  vigelante  sone 

GREGORI    CROMEWELL. 

To  hys  Right  worschipfull  father  Mr  Thomas 
Cromewel  at  London. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  339 

LETTER  CXXI. 

Gregory  Cromwell  to  his  Father.     A  second  Letter  of 

duty. 
[ibid.  vii.  fol.  169.  Orig.~\ 

Right  worschypfull  father,  I  comend  me  un   to 

you,  desyryng  you  of  youre  dayly  blessyng,  sartyfy- 

ing  you  that  I  am  in  good  helth,  wyth  my   cosens 

Bersfourd  and  Wellyfyd,  thanks  be  unto  God  omni- 

potente,  and  apply  owre  boks   dylygently,  as  shall 

appere  I  trust  to  youre  worschyp  and  owre  pronyts. 

Father,  I  besetch  you  whan  ye  mett  wyth  the  ryght 

honorable  lorde  of  Oxforth,  to  geue  thanks  un  to  hys 

Lorchyp,  for  whan  he  came  to  a  towne  callyd  Yel- 

dam,  to  the  parsons  there  of  to  hunte  the  foxe,  he 

sente   for   me  and  my  cossyns,    and   mad   us  good 

schere ;  and  lett  us  see  schuch  game  and  plesure  as  I 

never  saye  in  my  lyfe ;  more  over  father,  I  besetch 

you  to  geve  thanks  to  the  for  sayde  parson  of  Yeldani, 

which  sens  I  came  in  to  the  cuntry  hath  dyvers  tymys 

sente  for  me  and  for  my  cossyns  and  mad  us  hygb 

schere,  and  schewyd  us  gret  plesure.     For  all  other 

thyngs  consarnyng  my  rayment,  I  beseche  you  geve 

credens  to  my  synguler  good  frende  Mayster  Doctor 

Lee.     Thus  Jhesu  have  you  in  hys  kepyng.     From 

aTopsfyld  the  xvii  day  of  October.   By  your  lowly  sone 

GREGORY    CRUMWELL. 

To  hys  ryght  worschypfull  father 

Master  Crumwell  be  thys  yevne. 

a  Yeldham  mentioned  above,  and  Topsfield,  both  in  Essex. 

Q2 


340  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

LETTER  CXXII. 

Gregory  Cromwell,  again  to  his  Father. 
[ibid.  vii.  180.  Orig.~\ 

Ryght  worshypfulle  father,  as  harte  canne  thynke 
or  tong  canne  tell,  I  hartely  comende  me  vn  to  you, 
beyng  always  desyrus  to  here  of  your  prosperus  helth 
and  welfare,  whych  I  pray  Jhsu  long  contynwe  to  his 
pleasure,  and  to  your  moste  gentillyste  hartis  desyre, 
&c.  The  cause  of  my  wrytynge  vn  to  you  at  thys 
tyme  ys,  to  desyre  you  to  send  me  your  blessyng, 
which  ys  more  treasure  unto  me  then  all  the  abun- 
dance of  worldly  goods  ;  sertyfyinge  you  that  I  was 
in  good  helth  at  the  makynge  of  thys  letter,  thankyd 
be  God  omnipotent,  and  doo  apply  my  boke  deli- 
gently,  as  I  truste  in  God  shall  in  process  of  tyme 
apere  to  my  proffyte,  and  to  your  contentacion  and 
worship.  I  have  recevid  the  tokyne  that  you  sent 
by  Master  doctor  Bekynsall,  unto  whome  I  pray  you 
gyve  thanks,  for  at  his  beyng  now  at a  Topsfylde  bothe 
mad  me  gret  cheare  and  all  my  fellos,  and  gave  me  a 
crone  to  spende.  Wherfore,  I  beseche  you  father, 
have  hym  in  your  remembrance.  Thus  Jhesu  preserve 
you  in  his  goodnes.  Frome  Topsfylde  the  xxv  day 
of  October.  By  your  lowly  sone 

GREGORI    CRUMWELL. 

To  hys  Right  worshipfull  father 
Master  Crumwell  be  thys  yeven. 
4  Adam  Becansawe  was  rector  of  Topsfield,  from  1520.  till  his  death  in  1551. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  341 

LETTER  CXXIII. 

Henry  Dowes,  Gregory  CromivelVs  preceptor,  to  Secre- 
tary Cromwell.  Details  Gregory  s  advances  in 
education. 

[ibid.  ix.  390.  Orig.~] 

Pleasith  it  your  Maistershipp  to  be  advertised 
that  Mr  Gregory  with  all  his  companie  here  ar 
(thankes  be  to  God)  in  healthe ;  daylie  occupied  and 
embusied  in  the  treyne  and  exercice  of  lerninge  ;  un- 
der such  maner  and  forme  as  there  is  no  small  hope 
the  successe  therof  to  be  suche  as  shall  contente  and 
satisfie  your  good  truste  and  expectation,  beinge 
moche  more  lykelehodde  of  proffecte  and  encrease 
then  att  any  tyme  hertofore,  partely  for  cause  he  is 
now  brought  sumewhat  in  an  awe  and  dreade  redy  to 
gyve  himself  to  studie  when  he  shalbe  therunto 
requyred,  and  partelie  sithens  thinges  whiche  herto- 
fore have  alienated  and  detracted  hys  mynde  from 
labours  to  be  taken  for  th'attaignement  of  good 
lettres  are  now  subdued  and  withdrawne,  wherunto 
(as  a  thinge  nott  of  leaste  momente  and  regarde)  may 
be  addyde  the  ripenes  and  maturitie  of  his  wytte ; 
whiche  nott  beinge  of  that  hasty  sorte  that  by  and  by 
do  bringe  forth  theire  frute,  doth  dailie  growe  to  a 
more  docilitie  and  apte  redines  to  receyve  that  that 
shalbe  shewyd  him  by  his  teachers.     The  order  of 


342  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

his  studie,  as  the  houres  lymyted  for  the  Frenche 
tongue,  writinge,  plaienge  att  weapons,  castinge  of 
accomptes,  pastimes  of  instruments,  and  suche  others, 
hath  bene  devised  and  directed  by  the  prudent  wis- 
dome  of  Mr  Southwell ;  who  with  a  ffatherly  zeale 
and  amitie  muche  desiringe  to  have  hime  a  sonne 
worthy  suche  parents,  ceasseth  not  aswell  concerninge 
all  other  things  for  hime  mete  and  necessary,  as  also 
in  lerninge,  t'expresse  his  tendre  love  and  affection 
towardes  hime,  serchinge  by  all  meanes  possible  howe 
he  may  moste  proffitte,  dailie  heringe  hime  to  rede 
sumwhatt   in   thenglishe    tongue,    and   advertisenge 
hime  of  the  naturell  and  true  kynde  of  pronuntiacon 
therof,  expoundinge  also  and  declaringe  the  etimolo- 
gie  and  native  signification  of  suche  wordes  as  we 
have  borowed  of  the  Latines  or  Frenche  menne,  not 
evyn  so  comonly  used  in  our  quotidiene  speche.     Mr. 
Cheney  and  Mr.  Charles  in  lyke  wise  endevoireth  and 
emploieth  themselves,  accompanienge  Mr.  Gregory  in 
lerninge,  amonge  whome  ther  is  a  perpetuall  conten- 
tion, strife,  and  conflicte,  and  in  maner  of  an  honest 
envie  who  shall  do  beste,  not  oonlie  in  the  ffrenehe 
tongue  (wherin  Mr. a  Vallence  after  a  wonderesly  com- 
pendious, facile,  prompte,  and  redy  waye,  nott  with- 
oute  painfull  delegence  and  laborious  industrie  doth 
enstructe  them)  but  also  in  writynge,  playenge  at  wea- 

a  Peter  Vallensys,  the  same  person,  is  mentioned  in  Palsgrave's  "  Eclarcissment 
de  la  Langue  Franeoyse,''  as  the  schoolmaster  for  the  French  tongue,  about  that 
time,  to  Henry  Brandon,  Earl  of  Lincoln,  son  and  heir  apparent  to  Charles  Duke  of 
Suffolk. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  343 

pons,  and  all  other  theire  exercises,  so  that  if  continu- 
ance in  this  bihalf  may  take  place,  whereas  the  laste 
Diana,  this  shall  (I  truste)  be  consecrated  to  Apollo 
and  the  Muses,  to  theire  no  small  profecte  and  your 
good  contentation  and  pleasure.  And  thus  I  beseche 
the  Lord  to  have  you  in  his  moste  gratious  tuition. 
At  Reisinge  in  Norff  the  last  daie  of  Aprill. 

Your  faithfull  and  most  bounden  servaunte 

HENRY    DOWES. 

To  his  right  honorable  maister  Mr  Thomas  Crumwell 
chief  Secretary  vnto  the  King's  Maiestie. 


LETTER  CXXIV. 
Henry  Doioes  to  Secretary  Cromwell,  with  further  de- 
tails. 
[ibid.  fol.  40.  Orig.~\ 
After  that  it  pleased  your  Maistershipp  to  give 
me  in  charge  not  onlie  to  give  diligent  attendaunce 
uppon  Maister  Gregory,  but  also  to  instructe  hinie 
with  good  lettres,  honeste  maners,  pastymes  of  in- 
strumentes,  and  suche  other  qualities  as  sholde  be  for 
hime  mete  and  conveniente,  pleasith  it  you  to  under- 
stande  that  for  the  accomplishement  therof  I  have 
indevoured  myself  by  all  weys  possible  to  invent  and 
excogitate  howe  I  might  moste  profett  hime,  in 
whiche  bihalf  thorowgh  his  diligence  the  successe  h 
suche  as  I  truste  shalbe  to  your  good  contentation 
and  pleasure,  and  his  no  smale  profecte.    But  forcause 


344-  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


somer  was  spente  in  the  servyce  of  the  wylde  goddes 
it  is  so  nioche  to  be  regarded  after  what  fashion  yeouth 
is  educate  and  browght  upp,  in  whiche  tyme   that 
that  is  lemed   (for  the   moste   parte)   will  nott  all 
holelie  be  forgotten  in  the  older  yeres,  I  thinke  it 
my   dutie  to  asserteyne  yor  Maistershippe   how  he 
spendith  his  tyme,  so  that  if  there  be  any  thinge  con- 
trary your  good  pleasure,  after  advertisment  receyved 
in  that  bihalf  it  may  be  amended.     And  firste,  after 
he  hath  herde  Masse  he  taketh  a  lecture  of  a  Diologe 
of  Erasmus  Colloquium,  called  Pietas  puerilis,  where- 
inne  is  described  a  veray  picture  of  oone  that  sholde 
be  vertuouselie  brought  upp,  and  forcause  it  is  so 
necessary  for  hime  I  do  not  onelie  cause  him  to  rede 
it  over,  but  also  to  practise  the  preceptes  of  the  same, 
and  I  have  also  translated  it  into  Englishe,  so  that  he 
may    conferre   theime    both    to   githers,   wherof  (as 
lerned  men  affirme)  cometh  no  smalle  profecte ;  whiche 
translation  pleasith  it  you  to  receyve  by  the  bringer 
herof,  that  ye  may  judge  howe  moche  profitable  it  is 
to  be  lerned :  after  that,  he  exerciseth  Ins  hande  in 
writing   one  or  two   houres,   and  redith  uppon   Fa- 
bian's Chronicle  as  longe ;  the  residue  of  the  day  he 
doth  spende  uppon  the  lute  and  virginalls.     When 
he  rideth  (as  he  doth  very  ofte)  I  tell  hime  by  the  way 
some  historie  of  the  Romanes  or  the  Greekes,  whiche 
I  cause  him  to  reherse  agayn  in  a  tale.   For  his  recrea- 
tion he  useth  to  hawke  and  hunte,  and  shote  in  his 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  345 

long  bowe,  which  frameth  and  succedeth  so  well  with 
hime  that  he  semeth  to  be  therunto  given  by  nature. 
My  Lorde  contineweth,  or  rather  daily  augmenteth 
his  goodnes  towardes  hime.  Also  the  gentle  men  of 
the  country,  as  Sir  John  Dawne,  Sir  Henry  Delves, 
Mr.  Massey,  Mr.  Brereton  baron  of  the  Kinges  Es- 
cheker  there,  and  diverse  other  so  gently  hath  inter- 
teigned  hime  that  they  seme  to  strive  who  shold  shew 
hime  moste  pleasures;  of  all  whiche  thinges  I  thowght 
it  my  dutie  to  asserteigne  your  good  Maistershipp, 
most  humblie  desirenge  the  same  to  take  in  good 
parte  this  my  rude  boldnes.  And  thus  I  pray  the 
Trinitie  longe  to  preserve  yor  good  health  with  en- 
crease  of  moche  honor.  At  Chester  the  vjtb  daie  of 
Septembre.  Your  humble  servaunte 

HENRY    DOWES. 

To  his  moste  worshipfull  Maister 
Mr  Secretaire. 


LETTER  CXXV. 

Stevyn  Gardyner  to  Card.  Wolsey.  The  King  de- 
clines going  to  the  More  upon  the  Cardinal's  invita- 
tion, the  "  Sivet "  having  lately  prevailed  in  its 
neighbourhood;  but  in  the  stead  will  go  to  Titten- 
hanger,  another  of  the  Cardinal's  seats. 

[STAT.  PAP.  OFF.  WOLSEY's   PAPERS,  Vol.  V.  p.  92.  Orig.] 

Pleasith  it  your  Grace  to  vnderstande  that  re- 
el 5 


346  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

ceyving  your  lettres  yester  night  late  I  shewed  the 
contenue  of  them  and  also  red  the  same  vnto  the 
Kings  Highnes  this  mornyng,  saving  the  latter  parte 
concernyng  the  lettres  of  the  King  of  Denmarke. 
And  where  as  your  Grace  in  the  secoand  parte  of 
your  lettre  wrote  howe  glad  ye  wolde  be  to  receyve 
the  Kings  Highnes  at  the  More,  at  that  point  his 
Highnes  said  that  synnes  his  determination  to  goo 
thither  he  was  aduertised  howe  at  Rikemansworth 
and  other  townes  aboute  the  More,  certain  this  yere, 
and  of  late,  have  had  the  Swet ;  the  oonly  name  and 
voyce  wherof  is  soo  terrible  and  fearful  in  his  Highnes 
eeres  that  he  dare  in  noowise  approch  vnto  the  place 
where  it  is  noysed  to  have  been,  and  that  therfor  his 
Highnes  will  not  goo  thither,  but  in  the  stede  of  that 
goo  to  Titennehanger,  and  take  such  chere  of  your 
Grace  there  as  he  shulde  have  had  at  the  More ; 
mynding  according  to  his  former  gifts  to  departe  from 
Barnet  on  Saterday  cufhe  sevennight,  and  after  dyner 
to  goo  that  night  to  Titenhanger,  and  there  to  be 
Sondaye  al  daye,  and  Monday  after  brekfast  to  de- 
parte. 1  said  I  thought  Tytenhanger  to  lyte  to  re- 
ceyve nis  Highnes.  Wherunto  his  Highnes  answerd 
that  your  Grace  as  he  doubted  not  ye  wolde  removing 
for  the  tyme  with  your  company  to  Saint  Albons, 
it  shulde  serve  of  the  while  he  wolde  tarye  there. 
Which  resolution  his  Grace  willed  me  to  signifie 
vnto  you. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


347 


Your  Grace's  lettres  to  Master  Strangwish  wer 
very  well  and  thankefully  accepted  of  al  parties. 

Other  lettres  or  newes  here  be  no-one,  but  that  the 
Kings  Highnes  is  mery,  thanked  be  God,  who  pre- 
serve your  Grace. 

At  Waltham  the  iiij  day  of  August. 
»  Your  Grac's  most  humble  and  dayly  bedeman 

STEVEN    GARDYNER. 
To  my  lorde  Legates  good  Grace. 


LETTER  CXXVI. 


Dr.  Sampson  to  Cardinal  Wolsey,  from  Madrid, 
chiefly  relating  to  TVolsey's  opening  Charles  the 
Fifth's  Ambassadors  Letters,  previous  to  the  battle 
of  Pavia. 

[ms.  cotton,  vespas.  c.  hi.  fol.  129.  OrigJ] 

Pleas  it  your  Grace,  the  twenty  second  day  off 
Marche  in  the  morning  arryvid  here  Rogier  Basing 
the  Kinges  servant  with  letters  from  his  Highnesse 
off  his  own  hande  to  thEmperors  maiestie,  and  lyke- 
wyse  from  your  Grace  to  the  sam,  with  your  Graces 
lettirs  allso  to  me  off  the  twenty-first  day  of  February. 
I  received  allso  thEmperors  othir  lettirs  from  tham- 
bassador  there,  to  my  Lady  Margarete,  and  othir ;  a 
copie  off  your  Graces  lettirs  to  my  Lord  of  Bathe ; 
copies,  to  Mr.  Secretaire,  and  from  him  to  the  Kinges 
Highnesse  and  your  Grace  ;  to  Sir  John  Russell,  off 


348  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

instructions  gevyn  to  Sir  Gregorie  Cassalls ;  off  nevvis 
ofFFraunce,  off  thaffayres  off  Italie  sent  to  Joachin. 

The  twenty  fourth  day  I  was  with  his  Majestie; 
for  the  twenty-third  his  Maiestie  was  all  the  day  in 
recreations  now  aftir  his  syknesse.  I  delyveryd  the 
Kinges  lettris  with  recommendations  according,  and 
in  lyke  maner  your  Graces  ;  and  after  that  his  Maies- 
tie had  redde  them  both,  according  to  your  Graces 
lettris,  I  schewid  his  Maiestie  off  the  interception  off 
his  Ambassadors  lettres  there,  declaring  all  the  maner 
at  lenth,  assuring  his  Maiestie  that  othir  maner  was 
not  prepensyd  in  no  maner  off  wyse.  And  because 
it  schuld  the  more  clerely  apeare,  I  gave  his  Maiestie 
translatyd  in  to  Latin  the  maner  of  the  interception, 
that  it  might  be  torned  into  Frenche,  for  his  Maies- 
ties  more  perfyct  undyrstonding,  with  daungiers  allso 
that  might  chaunce  be  such  an  Ambassador,  and 
so  much  as  I  thought  was  sufficient  with  your  Graces 
lettris  and  othir  declaration  that  I  made  be  mowithe. 
The  copie  off  the  writting,  I  send  here  enclosyd  to 
your  Grace.  Themperor  aunsword  no  more,  but 
that  he  wras  very  gladde  to  know  from  the  King  his 
brodyr,  and  was  sory  that  his  Ambassador  had  not  be- 
havyd  hym  otherwyse ;  he  was  allso  right  sory  that 
his  lettris  ware  so  interceptid,  and  was  glad  that  the 
interception  was  noon  othirwyse.  Notwithstonding 
aftir  this  interception  be  such  a  chaunce,  he  mar- 
veylid    that   Iris   othir   gevyn    to    the    Fulkars   ware 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  349 

restreynid  be  evident  force,  syns  that  the  takers  off 
the  first  lettris,  how  so  evyr  it  was,  ware  right  worthy 
punisment.  To  that  I  aunsword  that  your  Grace 
now  he  this  chaunce  perceyving  the  sinistre  mynde 
off  thambassador,  thowght  that  the  othir  lettris  ware 
no  bettir.  Wherfor  onlesse  that  the  reporte  off  thos 
lettris  might  percase  doo  som  great  hurte  in  the  mean 
tyme  for  the  feithfull  service  that  your  Grace  at  all 
tymes  hath  owght  to  his  Maiestie  and  his  affayres, 
and  with  all  your  power  to  interteyne  to  entiere  love 
that  is  betwix  his  Maiestie  and  the  King  my  mastre, 
thowght  it  best  to  stoppe  allso  thos  lettris  tyll  that 
his  Maiestie  ware  advertysid  be  the  King  my  mastre 
and  your  Grace  of  these  demeanors  and  daungiers. 
His  Maiestie  seyd,  that  rathir  he  wold  have  thowght 
it  more  convenient  to  send  his  fyrst  lettris  so  takyn 
to  his  Ambassador  ageyne.  Nor  his  Ambassadors 
words  what  so  evyr  they  schuld  be  coude  cause  hym 
to  have  any  maner  off  suspition,  espetially  agenst  the 
King  his  brodyr ;  nor  yet  agenst  your  Grace ;  as 
dyvers  tyms  els  his  Maiestie  had  seyd  to  me.  And 
be  the  withholding  off  his  Ambassadors  lettris,  he  is 
not  oonly  ignorant  off  thafFayres  off  Englond  but  off 
dyvers  other  advertisements  that  he  schuld  have  be 
his  seyd  Ambassadors  lettris. 

In  this  matir  he  wold  speke  with  his  counseill,  and 
so  gyve  aunswor.  I  schewid  his  Maiestie  allso,  thow 
it  ware  now  past  be  the  othir  newis  off  the  victorie, 


350 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


that  the  Chauncelier  off  Monsieur  cle  Alanson,  was 
com  well  instructed,  and  as  it  semycl  with  convenient 
offres  for  the  fyrst  schew  wold  have  entred  well  and 
roundly.  His  Maiestie  seyd  that  before  iff  he  ware 
so  myndyd  to  doo,  now  he  wold  much  more  as  he 
hath  cause. 

The  twenty  fifth  day  off  Marche  arryved  here  the 
gentyllman  that  brought  the  newis  to  the  Kinges 
Highnesse  and  your  Grace  off  this  victorie,  be  whom 
I  received  lettris  gratulatorie  both  from  the  Kinges 
Highnesse  and  your  Grace  to  his  Maiestie. 

The  which  lettris  the  same  aftir  noon  I  delyveryd 
with  as  good  wordes  as  I  might.  His  Maiestie  was 
right  gladde  of  the  lettris,  for  he  was  desyros  to  know 
from  the  Kinges  Highnesse  aftir  the  reporte  of  this 
victorie.  And  was  very  glad  allso  that  the  Kinges 
Highnesse  wold  in  bryfe  send  an  especiall  personage 
for  the  sam,  for  twyse  he  rehersyd  there  before  certeine 
off  his  counseill  that  schortly  he  schuld  have  an  honor- 
able person  off  Englond  especially  sent.  I  schewid  his 
Maiestie  allso  that  be  the  seyd  personage  his  Maies- 
tie schuld  know  more  off  the  King  my  mastyrs  in- 
tent off  all  thinges  at  leinth.  But  yn  the  mean  tym 
the  King  my  mastre  was  most  desyros  to  know  his 
Maiesties  fortlier  pleasor  what  he  schuld  think  best 
to  be  doon  forthermore  yn  thes  matirs,  for  the  King 
my  mastre  preparyd  to  be  in  a  redynesse,  what  wey 
so  evyr  his  Maiestie  wold  folow,  wherfor  most  humbly 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  351 

I  besowght  the  sam  that  1  might  know  his  pleasour 
with  diligence  to  advertyse  the  Kinges  Highnesse 
and  your  Grace  off  the  sam.  His  Maiestie  seyd  that 
he  wold  commune  thes  matirs  now  with  his  counseyll 
and  schortly  gyve  aunswer.  I  put  ageyne  in  remem- 
brance the  matir  off  his  Ambassador  there,  most 
humbly  beseching  his  Maiestie  well  to  consydre  his 
demeanour  not  oonly  for  the  tym  past,  but  allso  what 
daungier  may  ensue  off  such  a  personage,  with  his 
sinistre  mynde  and  interpretations,  yffthat  he  schall 
contynu  his  Ambassador  there,  and  on  the  othir  syde, 
to  have  in  remembrance  what  desyros  mynde  your 
Grace  hath  had  at  all  tyms  to  doo  his  Maiestie  the 
most  honorable  service  that  you  might.  And  now 
what  so  evyr  hath  beyn  els  reportyd,  his  Maiestie 
schulde  well  perceyve  be  such  copies  off  lettris  off  I 
wold  gyve  to  his  Maiestie  that  your  Grace  hath  usyd 
as  much  diligence  and  means  for  the  suceurring  and 
mainteyning  off  his  affayres  at  this  tym  in  Italia  as 
might  be  studied  or  devysid. 

His  Maiestie  seyd  that  he  nevyr  had  ony  maner  of 
suspition  agenst  the  King  his  brodyr,  or  evyr  wold 
have,  for  wordes  or  reportes  off  ony  persons  lyving 
tyll  that  he  schall  perceyve  the  thing  evidentlye,  the 
which  he  nevyr  trusteth  to  doo  nor  yet  hath  suspectid 
it  more  or  lesse.  For  he  belevith  hym  to  vertuose  in 
any  maner  off  wyse  to  change  his  mynde  afftir  such 
entiere  amitie  and  love  as  hath  passyd  betwix  them 


352  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

too  :  with  such  causys  as  they  have  allso  to  knette 
them  to  gethirs  and  so  to  continw.  I  addyd  that  his 
Maiestie  might  trust  no  lesse  good  mynde  in  your 
Grace  towardes  hym  and  his  affayres,  and  to  doo  his 
Maiestie  all  the  sendee  that  you  might,  as  to  the 
King  my  mastre,  knowing  them  so  joynd  with  entiere 
love,  and  matirs  off  necessarie  concurrence,  and  off 
this  your  good  mynde  both  now  at  this  tym,  and  all 
othir,  your  Grace  hath  gevyn  large  experience.  His 
Maiestie  seyd  that  agenst  your  Grace  he  nevyr  hath 
had  suspicion,  thow  that  som  thinges  hath  ben  doon 
there  much  to  the  hynderance  off  his  afFayres,  not- 
withstanding wordes  that  your  Grace  hath  spokyn 
many  tyms  hath  not  sowrndyd  best,  the  which  hath 
allso  causyd  his  Ambassador  both  to  writ  and  sus- 
pecte  the  more  largely.  Yet  neverthelesse  he  accep- 
tith  your  Grace  for  his  very  frende,  syns  that  you  are 
so  feithffull  a  servant  to  the  King  his  brodyr ;  for  he 
that  is  feithffull  to  the  oon,  cannot  be  othirwise  to  the 
othir,  ther  amitie  and  affayres  being  both  as  oon. 
Notwithstanding  he  seyd  that  he  perceyvith  nothing 
in  his  lettirs  interceptid,  the  which  I  had  before  de- 
lyveryd  to  his  Maiestie,  that  schuld  move  your  Grace 
so  much,  owthir  agenst  his  Ambassador  or  to  cause 
his  othir  lettirs  to  be  revokyd  and  restreynd.  And 
he  dowtith  not  but  iff  that  he  wold  so  intercept  Am- 
bassadors lettirs,  many  tyms  he  schuld  fynde  wors 
wordes.     And  whatsoevyr  that  he  wrot  to  othir  men, 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  35S 

your  Grace  may  be  well  assuryd,  that  his  Maiestie 
intendith  not  to  revenge  ony  thing  upon  your  Grace, 
but  to  do  you  all  the  pleasour  that  he  may. 

I  schewid  his  Maiestie  allso  off  the  four  principall 
poinctis  of  the  charge  of  Monsieur  de  Bevers  and  his 
companie,  whereoff  his  Maiestie  was  well  advertysid 
before.      And   aunsword   to   no   mo    then   the    last. 
That  his  brodyr  was  desyryd  in  hostage  with  certeine 
towns,  for  delyverance  off  my  Lady  Princes.     And 
that  his  brodyr  was  emancipate,  so  that  now  he  had 
no  such  power  in  him  to  gyve  hym  in  hostage.     As 
towching  the  Towns,  thambassadors  seyd,  they  had 
no  such  commission,  nor  for  that  tym  coude  speke  in 
it  more.     To  this,  Sir,  I  seyd  off  myn  own  my nde  that 
sche  is  the  oonly  childe  and  heyre  off  the  reaulme ; 
and  that  this  was  not  demaundyd  for  ony  mystruste 
off  his  Maiestie  but  his  Maiestie  was  mortale,  God 
gyve  hym  long  lyfe,  and  iff  any  thing  schuld  fortune 
to  hym  before  the  mariage  as  sche  is  yet  yong,  the 
King  and  his  counseyll  wold  have  hyrre  suyrly  re- 
story  d.     And  thus  I  departid. 

Monsieur  de  le  Schaulx  is  now  from  hens  ambas- 
sadour  in  to  Portugale,  as  it  is  seyd  to  bring  from 
thens  the  Q-uenes  dowtyr,  the  which  at  hyrre  depart- 
ing sche  lefft  there. 

At  the  commyng  of  thes  newis  throw  France  off 
the  victorie,  the  Frenche  Kinges  modyr  wrot  both  to 
th'emperor,  Monsieur  de  Massan,  and  le  Schaulx, 


354  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  copies  wheroff  I  send  here  enclosyd  to  your 
Grace.  I  assure  your  Grace  there  was  no  maner  of 
knowleg  here  off  the  Kinges  intente  to  eyde  thEmpe- 
rors  armie  with  money  tyll  now  be  thes  lettris,  but  off 
the  fifty  thousand  crownes  to  be  gevyn  aftir  the 
batayle,  the  which  was  not  much  estemid,  for  oon ; 
crown e  before,  they  estemyd  more  then  forty  afftir. 

Monsieur  de  Meux  is  now  passid  from  hens  throw 
France  into  Italie,  to  know  what  towardnesse  may  be 
fownde  in  them  off  France  to  such  conditions  as  now 
schalbe  demandyd  be  themperor  for  his  own  partie, 
and  Monsieur  de  Burbon.  And  towching  the  Kinges 
Highnesse,  that  owthir  he  be  fully  restoryd,  or  els 
agreyd  with  hym  to  his  satisfaction. 

I  have  ben,  Sir,  with  the  chyffe  off  the  counseill 
here,  as  well  to  declare  your  Graces  diligence  in 
thEmperors  affayres  now  in  the  tym  off  nede,  with  as 
much  studie  and  good  means  as  might  be  devysid ; 
not  omitting  the  particulates  off  the  sam,  as  well 
towardes  the  Pope,  Venetians,  and  with  eyde  of 
money,  the  which  was  not  so  known  here  before ;  as 
allso  to  schew  them  the  clere  maner  of  interception 
off  thEmperors  lettris  with  the  malicius  demeanour  of 
th'ambassador,  and  great  inconveniences  that  may  en- 
sue be  such  a  man.  And  Sir,  as  touching  your 
Graces  diligence  and  singulier  good  studie  and  means 
for  the  eyde  of  thEmperors  affayres,  withowght  fayle 
both  thEmperor  and  all  thes  off  his  counseyll,  are  es- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  355 

pecially  content  with  the  sam,  graunting  that  it  was 
a  very  loving  and  feithffull  demeanor;  and  off  the 
lettris  concerning  the  Pope  they  knew  before  that  it 
was  an  espetiall  helpe,  for  before  the  Pope  was  in 
dispeyre  off  the  King  and  all  Englond,  and  the  Vene- 
tians allso.  And  for  ther  bettir  knowleg,  I  gave 
them  the  chyffe  off  your  Graces  lettirs  translatid  as  I 
might  in  hast,  the  copie  wheroff  I  send  here  enclosyd 
to  your  Grace.  And  as  concerning  the  interception 
off  the  lettirs  they  esteme  it,  Sir,  for  a  very  grevos 
matir,  as  well  for  the  deade  off  the  sellff,  as  the  ru- 
mor that  schuld  aryse  off  the  sam  to  the  enemies,  and 
all  othir  places.  And  allso  they  sey  assurydly  that 
the  currier  with  thes  lettirs  being  an  Ynglis  man,  was 
takyn  be  M.  More's  servantes,  and  so  both  he  and 
the  lettirs  closse  ware  browght  be  M.  More  to  your 
Grace.  This  the  felow  sworne  uppon  a  boke,  hath 
confessyd  before  three  bonest  persons.  The  which 
causith  them  assurydly  to  conjectour  that  a  pakett  of 
lettirs  delyveryd  to  M.  Tuke  for  my  lady  Margarete, 
was  first  takyn  and  redde  and  upon  suspition  had  be 
thos  lettirs,  thes  othir  to  thEmperor,  de  Industria 
ware  thus  interceptid.  This  is  reportid  and  belevid 
here  for  triewith.  Notwithstonding,  Sir,  that  I  have 
usyd  all  the  means  possible,  to  induce  the  triewitli 
that  your  Grace  wrot  to  me  into  there  myndes. 
And,  sir,  othir  aunswer  or  writting  is  not  made  in 
this  matir  as  I  may  perceyve,  but  be  such  lettirs  as 


356  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

themperor  writtith  now  off  his  own  hande,  to  the 
Kinges  Highnesse  and  your  Grace.  With  credence 
gevyn  to  the  sam  gentyllman  that  browght  the  newis 
in  to  Englond,  who  now  is  sent  ageyne,  as  I  may  un- 
derstonde  with  a  charge  fyrst  to  repare  to  the  Kinges 
Highnesse  and  what  his  instructions  be  forther,  I  am 
not  sure  nor  pry  vie,  but  as  it  semith  thEmperor  re- 
mittith  all  the  hole  matir  to  the  Kinges  Highnesse 
and  his  judgement. 

Wherfor,  Sir,  I  have  gevyn  charge  to  this  bearare 

the  Kinges  servante,  to  prevente  hym  in  England, 

that  your  Grace  might  be  first  advertisyd.     And  they 

confesse  here  that  there  was  much  indiscrenesse  in 

th'ambassador  so  to   writ.     And  that  he  is  worthy 

much  blame.     But  for  this  tym  in  no  maner  of  wyse 

they  wyll  here  of  Ins  removing  from  thens.     But  oon 

that  owith  his  sendee  to  your  Grace  schewid  me,  that 

iff  your  Grace  wold  dissimule  the  matir  for  three  or 

four  monithis,   means  might  be  fownde  to  change 

hym.     For  they  sey  now  to  change  hym,  coude  not 

sownde  but  to  thEmperors  dishonour,  much  and  great 

schame  to  his  Ambassador.     But  so  he  schalbe  ad- 

monischid  that  from  hensforth  he  nowthir  schalbe  so 

light  off  suspitions  with  thEmperors  most  espetiall 

frendes,  nor  yet  so  indiscrete  off  his  wordes.     Othir 

remedie,  sir,  I  perceyve  not  for  this  tym  in  no  maner 

of  wyse. 

Themperor  is  very  desiros  off  the  personage  that 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  357 

schuld  com  now.  And.  before  his  commyng  and 
knowleg  of  his  charge,  thEmperor  wyll  not  declare 
his  farther  mynde.  Notwithstonding  I  seyd,  that  iff 
it  might  pleas  his  Maiestie  to  advertise  to  the  King 
my  mastre  off  his  farther  purpos  and  intente,  the 
matirs  might  be  set  forth  in  convenient  tyme  or  els 
the  tym  of  this  personages  commyng  hithir,  and  re- 
torne  from  hens  ageyne  into  Englond  schuld  passe 
ovyr  the  best  of  the  yere.  Neverthelesse  I  knew 
that  the  King  my  mastyr,  preparyd  every  thing  to  be 
in  a  rydinesse.  It  was  answorde,  that  ther  schuld 
remayne  tym  sufficient  to  make  such  an  entree,  that 
th'armies  before  the  hard  tym  of  the  yere  might 
wynne  loginges  in  the  enemies  grownde ;  and  in 
this  mean  tym,  the  myndes  off  them  off  Fraunce 
schalbe  knowne  how  they  schalbe  inclyned,  and  ther- 
after,  thEmperour  and  the  King  may  ordre  there 
affayres ;  oon  thing,  Sir,  I  allso  percey ve  that  wher  as 
the  Kinges  Highnesse  desirith  to  have  the  eyde 
theroff  three  thousand  horsemen,  and  certeine  fote- 
men  as  they  have  schewed  me,  and  to  have  for  the 
enterteynance  off  them  from  hens  oon  hundred  or 
fifty  thousand  Ducates  ther  is  no  maner  of  trust  now 
to  opteyne  it  nor  yet  to  have  the  ordinare  garnitions 
there,  except  it  be  for  the  joyning  off  a  batayle,  iff 
they  be  there  where  they  may  be  had  in  tym  for  they 
think  that  the  Kinges  Highnesse  schuld  make  the 
reste  off  any  conqueste  with  his  own  charge,  having 


358  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

all  the  favour  off  thos  parties  els  that  may  be,  and 
allso  they  sey  that  themperor  wyll  not  oonly  enter- 
teine  his  armie  of  Italie  entierely,  but  allso  make  a 
great  puissant  entree  be  this  syde,  iff  such  cace  schall 
require  be  the  obstinacie  off  Fraunce. 

I  send  thes  othir  lettirs  allso  to  your  Grace  be 
cause  they  ware  written  before  to  send  when  so  evyr 
I  might  fynde  occasion,  with  copies  off  lettirs  allso 
writtin  from  the  French  Kinges  modyr  to  thEmperor. 
Monsieur  de  Massan,  and  Monsieur  de  la  Schaulx. 

I  send  here  allso  a  boke  printid  in  Spanis  to  your 
Grace  off  this  victorie,  but  here  it  is  seyd,  that  Mon- 
sieur de  Aloison  is  now  retornd  into  Fraunce,  and 
that  assurydly  Richard  de  la  Pole  is  slayiie  there. 
I  writ  thes  othir  lettirs  to  the  Kinges  Higlmesse 
with  the  same  boke,  and  copies  off  the  Frenche  let- 
tirs as  knowith  our  Lord  who  preserve  your  Grace  in 
most  prosperos  helth  and  honour.  At  Madryd  the 
first  day  of  Aprill  1525. 

Your  most  humble  bedeman 

RICHARD    SAMPSON. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  359 


LETTER  CXXVII. 


r 


Archbishop  Warham  to  Sir  Thomas  Boleyn  and  Si 
Henry  Guldeford,  respecting  the  Contribution  de- 
manded from  the  People  of  Kent  to  enable  the  King 
to  go  upon  his  expedition  to  France. 

[ms.  cotton,  cleop.  F.  vi.  fol.  347.  Orig.~] 

I  commend  me  hartely  to  you.      So  it  is   that 
such  persons  as  ye  and   others  the  Kinges    Graces 
Commissioners  deputed  to  enduce  the  Kings  Graces 
loving  subjecties  of  Kent  to  graunte  contribution  to 
the  Kinges  Highnes  passing  with  a  noble  armey  into 
Fraunce,  hath  been  before  me  at  diverse  tymes,  ac- 
cording to  suche  commaundment  as  ye  and  they  gave 
to  theyme.     To  whome  at  ther  commyng  I  shewed 
that   the    common    reaporte    was,    that   they   hadd 
bannded  and  promised  emonges    thaymeselfes,  that 
noone  of  thayme  should  pay  any  loving  contribution 
to  the  Kinges  Grace,  the  whiche  thay  have  utterly 
denyed ;  to  whom  I  shewed  that  in  caas  thay  hadd  so 
promised  or   banded,   and  at  any  tyme   herafter  it 
might  so  be  proved  before  the  Kinges  moost  noble 
Grace  or  his  honorable  Counsell  they  might  be  right 
well    assured  it   shuld   cooste   thayme   thaire   lives. 
And  they  aunswred  me  that  they  wer  right  well 
contented  so  to  be  ordred,  if  any  such  demeanour 
shall  herafter  be  proved  ayenst  theym. 


360  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

After  this  I  shewed  theym,  that  if  they  orels  the 
most  parte  of  they  me  wold  denye  at  this  tyme  to 
make  contribution  to  the  Kinges  Hieghnes,  ther  is 
no  wise  man  but  wool  thinke  that  they  have  made 
bandds  and  promises,  and  that  it  apperith,  seing 
they  be  thus  vntowards  that  they  be  lincked  toge- 
ther, for  commonlye  they  aggreid  in  oon  aunswer. 
Albeit  they  denyed  it,  and  said  that  they  never  in- 
deed steryd,  exhorted,  or  advised  any  person  to  the 
not  paying  of  the  Kinges  Graces  demaund,  ne  never 
lincked  themselfes  together. 

This  doone  I  shewed  to  thayme  th'effecte  of  the 

Kinges  Grac's  Instructions    declaring  at  large  how 

that  the  Kinges  Hieghnes   hathe  speciall  truste  in 

Kentishemen  above  al  other,  forasmoche  as  his  Grace 

was  born  in  Kent.     If  they  shuld  now  at  this  tyme 

withdrawe  or  use  any  untowardnes  in  this  behalfe, 

considering  that  the  Frenche  King  and  the  moste 

parte  of  his  nobles  be  in  captivitie  or  els  slayne  in 

bataile,  and  the  Kinges  Grace  having  suche  oportunitie 

as  hath  not  ben  seen  a  long  tyme,  peradventur  his 

Grace  might  take  of  their  unkindnes  suche  inward 

thowght  (as  God  forbed)  that  all  Ingland  shuld  it 

repent,    to   the  greate   rebuke  of  theym  and  thair 

kynne  they  come  of,  and  to  the  utter  reproche  and 

confusion  of  this  Realme. 

I  shewed  also  to  theym,  that  the   Kinges  Grace 
will  take  their  denayes  hevely  considering  that  all 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  361 

other  Princes  thinkithe  verely  nowe  that  the  Kinges 
Grace  will  use  this  oportunitie  of  tyme,  and  if  his 
subjectes  shuld  now  as  far  as  in  theym  is  in  not  ad- 
vauncyng  suche  sommes  as  be  demaunded,  lett  his 
Grace  not  to  use  this  oportunytie  which  belike  shall 
never  be  seen  agayne,  they  shuld  be  occasion  of 
loosing  of  Fraunce  and  causors  of  moo  inconveni- 
ences then  theire  wittes  can  perceive.  And  in  deny- 
ing of  the  said  contribution  they  deserveth  to  fall 
in  the  Kinges  Graces  perpetuall  displeasure,  whiche 
wer  to  hevy  for  thayme  to  beare.  Whereunto  they 
aunswered  that  they  have  as  good  and  loving  myndes 
as  any  subjectes  shuld  have  to  thaire  Prince.  And 
if  their  goodes  wer  according  to  thair  good  willes, 
they  would  never  denye  to  pay  the  demaund,  and 
many  of  thayme  have  declared  how  they  wer  decayed 
with  weping  tearys  in  theire  yeis.  To  whom  I  said 
that  they  bear  not  to  the  Kinges  Hieghnes  suche  love 
according  to  thair  allegaunce  as  they  spoke  of :  for 
if  they  loved  their  Prince,  they  wold  not  sticke  at 
this  demaund.  Their  deydes  should  prove  ther  love  ; 
but  wher  be  noo  deydes  of  kindnes,  ther  is  noo 
love. 

I  sayd  also  that  seing  they  will  not  be  enduced  by 
gentylnes  of  the  Kynges  Graces  Commissioners  dwell- 
ing amonges  thayme,  neither  by  me  theire  ordinary , 
neither  for  the  duetie  which  they  owe  to  thaire 
naturall  Prince  to  graunte  this  demaund,  I  marvel 

vol.  i.  R 


362 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


they  wer  not  ashamed  to  say  they  loveth  their  Prince, 
wher  they  will  nothing  do  for  hym,  specially  in  suche 
oportunytie  of  tyme  as  this  is. 

Over  this  I  shewed  unto  theym  that  I  muste 
remytt  theym  according  to  the  Kinges  Graces  in- 
structions to  the  Kinges  Hieghnes  and  his  honorable 
Counsaile.  And  in  going  frome  thaire  habitations  and 
dwelling  places  thither,  in  geving  attendaunce  thair, 
and  in  returning  home  agayne,  they  shuld  spend  as 
moche  money  as  their  contributions  shuld  amounte 
unto ;  wherby  it  appered,  that  they  lacked  witt, 
kindnes,  or  grace.  But  theis  meanes  and  many 
other  cold  not  enduce  thayme  to  graunt  suche  sommes 
as  wer  demaunded. 

Ther  wer  many  before  me  whiche  I  thought  that 
other  for  love  or  feare  they  wold  be  enduced  by 
me ;  but  they  regarded  my  saying  nothing :  whome 
herafter  if  they  have  neyde  of  me  I  shall  in  lykewise 
regard  theym,  and  so  I  shewed  thaym.  Albeit  many 
of  theym  alleging  greate  povertie  and  decaye  in  their 
gooddes,  wer  contented  to  make  lesse  graunte  then 
was  demaunded  ;  saying,  if  they  might  have  reason- 
able dayes  they  will  contribute  according  to  ther 
value  that  they  be  nowe ;  but  what  trust  is  to  be 
geven  to  their  sayinges  I  cannot  tell.  To  whome  I 
shewed  that  I  hadd  noo  auctoritie  to  accept  it. 

And  wher  they  excused  thaymeselves  by  povertie 
that  they  were  not  able  to  pay  according  to  the  said 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  363 

demaund,  I  shewed  theym  that  if  at  any  tyme  her- 
after  it  may  appere  that  they,  or  any  of  theyme,  in 
tyme  of  this  contribution  wer  able  to  pay  the  said 
demaund,  that  then  considering  their  untreuth  to- 
wardes  ther  Prince,  their  bodies  shuld  be  commytted 
to  prison  and  their  gooddes  forfecteid  to  the  King  ; 
wherwith  they  said  they  wer  contented  if  it  mought 
be  so  proved.  And  to  th'entent  they  shuld  not  varye 
frome  their  sayinges  concerning  ther  poverties,  I 
caused  ther  sayinges  to  be  writen  and  subscribed 
wythe  ther  handes,  which  shall  bynd  theym  her- 
after. 

In  good  faith  I  thinke  ther  is  a  great  povertie 
in  Kent  and  lacke  of  money,  as  hath  been  seen  many 
yeres,  or  els  theis  men  be  too  untrewe.  For  they 
allegid  before  me  (as  I  thinke  they  have  don  befor 
you)  many  mervelous  decayes  as  well  in  gooddes  as 
in  catalles ;  and  some  in  brennyng  of  their  barnes 
and  other  howses  with  stuff  therin;  and  some  by 
shrowd  debtors  be  defrauded  bi  reason  of  protec- 
tions ;  and  some  saith  that  in  paying  this  demaund, 
they  should  not  be  able  to  fynde  thair  wifes  and 
childre,  but  shuld  be  dreven  to  send  theym  a  begging, 
and  so  to  geve  up  their  fermes.  To  whom  I  said  that 
though  they  alleged  suche  poverties  befor  me,  I  hadd 
no  auctoritie  by  the  Kinges  Graces  instructions  to 
allow  it,  but  only  to  enduce  theym  to  be  conformable 
to  this  demaund. 

R   2 


o64  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Item  I  shewed  to  theym,  that  in  caas  the  Kinges 
Hieghness  wold  not  at  this  tyme  passe  into  Fraunce, 
or  els  by  any  meanes  mought  be  browght  abowte 
any  wey  of  honorable  peace,  his  Grace  entendith  to 
conserve  and  save  the  said  demaund  to  be  restored 
unto  theym  agayn.  And  they  aunswerd,  that  I  and 
other  the  Kinges  Graces  Commissioners,  promised 
that  they  shuld  be  repayed  long  or  this  tyme  of  the 
first  Loone,  and  that  be  shewed  theym  that  we  hadd 
suche  enstructions  of  the  Kinges  Grace  so  to 
promesse,  and  as  yet  they  have  receyved  nothing  of 
the  said  Lone.  And  though  we  promise  theym  in 
lykewise  at  thys  tyme,  yet  they  saithe  they  thinke 
verely  they  shall  have  no  more  repayd  of  this, 
then  is  repayed  of  the  Lone.  To  whome  I  shewed, 
that  though  payment  be  differred,  bi  reason  of  the 
great  charges  which  the  Kinges  Grace  hathe  sus- 
teyned,  yet  it  is  not  to  be  thought  or  doubted  but 
his  Grace  will  make  payment  lovingly  with  thankes 
to  theym  for  the  forbearing  of  the  same. 

Item  I  have  writen  to  diverse  the  Kinges  Graces 
Commissioners,  that  they  shuld  endevor  theymselfes 
secretely  to  make  espialles  whether  any  persons  in 
those  partes  make  any  Conventicles  or  Assembles ; 
specially  this  holydayes  and  this  whote  wether; 
which  thorow  idlenes  and  lightnes  of  ther  wittes 
mought  make  busynes.  And  in  caas  they  shall  see  any 
suspicion  therof  that  they  do  the  best  they  can  to 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  365 

represse  it,  and  to  ponishe  the  chief  assemblers  of 
theym,  and  to  advertise  me  therof  furthwith,  to  th'en- 
tent  I  may  helpe  to  the  same,  and  if  neyde  require 
to  advertise  the  Kinges  Hieghnes  and  his  honorable 
Counsell  thereof.  And  I  have  writen  also  if  the 
spyalles  be  not  secrete,  and  this  matier  verey  secretly 
handled,  ther  might  folowe  therby  more  harme  then 
good. 

Item  I  have  been  in  this  Shire  twentie  yeres  and 
above,  and  as  yet  I  have  not  seen  men  but  wold  be 
conformable  to  reason,  and  wold  be  enduced  to  good 
ordre,  tyll  this  tyme.  And  what  shuld  cause  theym 
now  to  fall  into  this  wilfull  and  indiscrete  wey  I  can- 
not tell,  excepte  povertie  and  decaye  of  substaunce 
bee  cause  of  it.  For  povertie  causeth  moche  mys- 
chefe,  some  to  robbe,  some  to  murdre,  some  to  op- 
presse  other ;  and  hard  it  is  to  enduce  a  wilfull  and 
indiscrete  multitude  to  any  reason,  which  will  folowe 
their  wittes,  and  no  wisedome  ne  yet  good  coun- 
sell. 

I  have  now  writen  unto  you  bothe  the  exhortations 
which  I  used  unto  theyme,  and  their  demeaner  and 
aunswers  to  the  same;  whiche  ye  may  shewe  unto 
the  Kinges  Grace  and  his  honorable  Counsell,  if  ye 
shall  thinke  it  requisite.  Praying  you  to  knowe  the 
Kinges  Graces  pleasure,  and  my  Lord  Cardinalles 
mynde,  whether  it  shalbe  their  pleasures  that  any  of 
the  said  untoward  persones  shall  appear  before  the 


366  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Kinges  noble  Grace  and  his  honorable  Counsell,  ac- 
cording to  the  Instructions,  and  at  what  day,  at  what 
place,  and  in  what  nomber. 

If  of  every  hundred  wer  sent  some  of  the  chief 
wringleathars  to  be  enduced  by  the  Kinges  Hiegh- 
nes  and  his  honorable  Counsell,  I  thinke  other  per- 
sons which  shall  make  ther  demore  at  home  will  the 
soner  be  enduced.  And  to  procede  to  examine 
theyme  that  shall  paye  of  thar  landes  or  moveables 
frome  twenty  pounds  downeward,  tyll  thoes  that  be 
now  examined  wilbe  enduced  and  agreable  to  this 
demaund,  I  thinke  it  shuld  not  be  profitable.  For 
alwayes  enducyng  and  examining,  and  litle  or  nothing- 
availing,  is  but  losse  of  tyme.  For  suche  povertie, 
people  that  be  of  litle  substaunce,  and  have  but  litle 
to  loose,  carith  litle  what  busynes  they  make ;  and 
wolbe  more  ready  to  do  myscheif  than  they  that  hath 
somewhat.  For  many  of  theyme  be  as  desperates, 
and  more  wrecched  then  they  be  nowe  they  cannot 
lyeghtly  bee.  Therefore  they  care  not  to  seke  fur- 
ther fortune  and  chaunce. 

Seing  men  grudgeth  to  be  towardes  in  graunting, 
it  is  to  be  feared  they  will  make  more  murmur  and 
busynes  in  the  tyme  of  payment. 

At  the  commyng  of  other  persons  appoincted  by 
the  Kinges  Graces  Commissioners  to  be  afore  me 
this  nexte  weike,  which  as  I  understand  is  a  great 
multitude,    if   I   can  any  thing  perceive  of  theyme 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  367 

worthy  writing,  I  shall  send  you  word  therof  furth- 
with ;  and  in  all  thinges  that  I  may  know  the  Kinges 
Graces  pleasure,  I  shalbe  gladd  to  accomplishe  the 
same  to  the  best  of  my  power  as  God  knoweth.  At 
Otford  the  xvth  day  of  Aprile. 

WILLM.    CANTUAR. 

To  my  loving  frendes  Sir  Thomas  Boleyne 
Knight  Thesaurer  of  the  Kinges  Graces 
most  honorable  Howshold,  and  Sir 
Henry  Guldeford  Knight  Comptroller 
of  the  same,  and  to  every  of  theym. 


LETTER  CXXVIII. 

Archbishop  Warham  to  Cardinal  Wolsey.  The  state  of 
Kent  in  regard  to  the  "Amicable  Grant"  demanded 
by  the  King's  Commissioners,  preparatory  to  the 
same  intended  Voyage. 

[COTTON  MS.  CLEOPATRA,  F.  VI.  fol.  339.  Orig.] 

***  Hall,  in  the  16th  of  Henry  the  Eighth,  1525,  gives  a  long  ac- 
count of  the  Commissions  which  were  sent  into  every  shire  to  raise 
money  against  the  time  the  King  should  pass  the  sea ;  and  "  the 
tenor  was  this,"  he  says,  "  that  the  sixth  part  of  every  man's  sub- 
stance should,  without  delay,  be  paid  in  money  or  plate  to  the  Kyng, 
for  the  furniture  of  his  war." 

The  Cardinal,  as  chief  commissioner  for  London,  undertook  to 
carry  on  the  negotiation  for  this  proposed  "  Amicable  and  Loving 
Grant,"  for  so  it  was  called,a  with  the  Mayor  and  Commonalty  of 

3  When  money  was  to  be  obtained,  Wolsey  usually  found  some  name  which  was 
thought  appropriate  to  the  demand.  In  the  15th  of  Henry  the  Eighth,  Hall  says, 
"  While  the  Duke  of  Suffolk  was  in  France,  and  the  Earl  of  Surrey  in  the  Marches 


368  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

the  Metropolis ;  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  was  to  be  the  chief 
commissioner  for  Kent ;  the  Dukes  of  Norfolk  and  Suffolk  were  to 
treat  in  the  Eastern  part  of  the  Kingdom  ;  and  others,  every  where 
chief  men,  in  other  Counties. 

The  point  which  the  King  dwelt  most  upon  in  his  Instructions  to 
his  Commissioners  was  the  complete  conquest  of  France.  The  vic- 
tory of  Pavia,  he  said,  had  given  an  opportunity  not  to  be  lost.  His 
mortal  enemies  were  either  slain  or  remained  in  captivity.  France 
was  barren,  destitute,  and  unprovided  of  men  of  war,  strength,  or 
power.  Almost  all  other  Princes  and  Potentates  of  Christendom 
were  ready  to  join  and  concur  with  his  Highness.  The  realm  of 
France,  "  by  the  purveyance  of  God,  and  in  manner  the  consent  of 
the  World,"  was  offered  to  him. 

"  His  Highness  had  lever  to  be  out  of  his  life,  as  Almighty  God 
forbide,  or  ells  all  those  of  his  subjects  that  have  ether  hart,  corage, 
zeale,  mynde,  love,  or  disposicion  to  God,  to  peax,  to  honour,  to 
their  most  benigne  and  most  gracious  soverain  lord  and  prince  and 
to  the  Realme  of  England,  must  of  good  congruence  now  shewTe  the 
same  or  never.  Straynyng  them  selfs  unto  th'uttermost  to  do  all 
the  gratuite  to  theym  possible  unto  so  excellent  a  purpose." 

In  the  present,  and  in  one  or  two  other  Letters  relating  to  this 
Commission,  which  follow,  the  murmurs  of  the  people  are  disclosed 
in  all  their  variety.  So  large  a  demand,  without  the  sanction  of  a 
Parliament,  was  deemed  monstrous.  "  They  speak  cursedly,"  says 
Archbishop  Warham,  "  as  far  as  they  dare." 

But  the  total  reduction  of  France,  so  dwelt  upon  in  Henry's  In- 
structions, was  by  no  means  a  favourite  object  with  the  people  at 
large.  The  army  abroad  could  not  but  for  the  most  part  be  supported 
by  treasure  sent  from  England,  whilst  the  nobles  and  gentry  who  ac- 
companied the  King  were  obliged  to  expend  the  revenues  of  their 
land  in  a  foreign  country :  nor  could  there  be  wanting  those  who 
foresaw  that  complete  success  might  one  day  or  other  cause  the  seat 
of  government  itself  to  be  transferred  to  France. 

With  the  army  there  wTas  no  want  of  commemoration,  at  this  time, 

of  former  glory.     In  an  "  Address  to  King  Henry  the  Eighth  for  a 

of  Scotland,  the  Cardinal  sent  out  Commissions,  in  the  month  of  October,  through 
the  realme,  that  every  man  that  was  worth  forty  pounds  should  pay  the  whole  sub- 
sidy before  granted,  out  of  hand,  andbefore  the  days  of  payment.  This  payment  was 
called  an  ANTICIPATION,  which  is  to  say,  a  thing  taken  or  a  thing  coming  before 
his  time  or  season.  This  term  was  new  to  the  Cominaltie,  but  they  payd  well  for 
their  learning,  for  their  money  was  paid  out  of  hand  without  delay." 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  369 

body  of  Laws  to  be  made  in  Latin,"  MS.  Reg.  Brit.  Mus.  18  A.  iv., 
the  writer  says,  "For  the  Victorye  that  God  gave  to  your  most 
valiaunt  predecessour  King  Henry  the  Fifte,  with  so  little  a  nom- 
ber  of  our  contreye  men  ayenst  so  great  a  multitude  of  the  Frenshe- 
nien  at  the  batell  of  Azyncourte,  your  retynwe  at  your  noble  towne 
of  Caleys,  and  others  there,  ones  yearly,  make  a  solempne  try- 
umphe,  goyng  in  procession,  laudyng  God,  shotyng  gonnes,  with 
the  noyse  and  melodye  of  trumpetts  and  other  instruments,  to  the 
great  rejoysing  of  your  subjectes  being  aged  ;  the  comforte  of  them 
that  be  able  men ;  the  encouragyng  of  young  children." 


Pleace  it  Your  Grace  to  haue  in  remembraunce 
that  at  my  late  being  with  you,  your  Grace  willed 
me  to  write  vnto  you  diligently  of  thinggs  occurraunt 
here. 

So  it  was,  at  the  meting  and  sitting  of  the  Kings 
Graces  Commissioners  here  at  Otford  the  xxx"  day 
of  the  laste  moneth,  at  which  tyme  fewe  of  the  Com- 
missioners wer  absent,  we  found  good  towardness 
in  diuerse  to  make  contribution  to  the  Kings  Grace 
Voiage  in  to  Fraunce  according  to  the  Instructions, 
and  found  in  diuerse  other  greate  vntowardnes  and 
difficultie  so  to  doo.  But,  after  long  communications 
and  the  best  persuasions  that  we  thowght  most  meytt 
to  induce  thayme  therunto,  they  all  hold  themselves 
contented,  or  at  the  leste  noone  of  theyme  said  nay 
therunto ;  albeyt  this  by  11  of  thayr  names  ande  somes 
here  enclosed  was  twyse  red  vnto  thayme,  and  they 
wer  required  to  speke  if  any  of  thayme  wold  dissent. 
Neuerthelesse  I  fear,   that  ther  was  not  so   greate 

R   5 


370  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

difficultie  to  haue  it  graunted  in  maner  forsaid,  as  it 
vvolbe  to  haue  it  lieved  nowe  shortely ;  specially  wher 
other  graunts  of  the  Parliament  bee  nowe  payable ; 
and  wher  a  good  nomebre  of  thaym  affirmed  assured- 
lye  that  they  be  not  able  to  make  so  moche  as  the 
somes  by  the  Parliament  graunted,  onles  they  shuld 
sell  thaire  lands  or  moueables.  And  in  that  caas 
they  thought  they  shuld  finde  but  fewe  that  wold  by 
theyme,  excepte  they  shuld  sell  far  vndre  the  price. 
And  some  of  thayme  said  that  albeit  it  shuld  be  to 
thair  greate  payne  to  pay  the  said  graunt,  yet  it 
shuld  be  moche  more  payne  vnto  thayme  to  practise 
with  the  people  for  thesame  to  be  graunted,  consider- 
ing ther  pouertye  and  streictnes  of  the  Instructions, 
taking  euery  man  after  th'abilitie  that  he  was  of  at 
the  Lone,  without  any  remyssion  of  that  they  bee 
sithens  decayed. 

Over  this,  inasmoch  as  I  promised  your  Grace  to 
write  vnto  you  suche  things  as  I  shuld  here  and 
knowe  in  theis  parteis,  I  thinke  I  can  do  no  lesse  but 
utter  vnto  your  Grace  such  reaports  as  my  frends 
abrode  in  the  countrey  haue  made  vnto  me  secretely, 
of  the  talking  of  the  people  vpon  the  first  rumor 
that  suche  payments  shuld  be  required  on  the  Kings 
Grace  behalf e  :  to  whome  I  have  feighfully  promised 
not  to  vtter  the  same  to  their  hurte :  which  I  entier- 
lye  beseche  your  Grace  to  kepe  to  yourselfe,  that  no 
maner  knowlege  be  hadd  that  I  vttered  any  suche 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  371 

thing  vnto  your  Grace.  For  if  it  shuld,  many  move- 
ments might  ensue :  besids  that  I  shuld  neuer  be 
made  privye  in  any  lyke  thing,  what  so  euer  secrete 
mischefe  shuld  fortune  to  be  entended,  as  God  for- 
bede  any  suche  thing  shulde. 

It  hathe  been  shewed  me  in  secrete  maner  of  my 
frends,  that  the  people  sore  grudgethe  and  mur- 
mureth,  and  spekith  cursidly  emong  theymselues  as 
far  as  they  dare  ;  seying  that  they  shall  neuer  haue 
rest  of  payments  as  long  as  some  levithe,  and  that  they 
hadd  lever  die  than  to  be  thus  contynually  handled ; 
rekonyng  themselues,  theyr  childrene,  and  wyfes,  as 
desperats,  and  not  greately  caring  what  they  doo,  or 
what  become  of  thayme. 

Item  it  hathe  ben  shewed  me,  that  some  of  the 
Commissioners  fering  the  malice  of  the  people,  en- 
tendith  to  shewe  vnto  thayme  the  Kings  Grac's 
commaundment,  but  playnely  without  any  great  fur- 
theraunce ;  and  in  caas  they  finde  any  maner  of 
sticking  or  difficultie  in  thayme,  not  to  wade  verey 
far  to  persuade  thayme,  but  to  remytt  the  hole  Hun- 
dreds to  me.  In  which  caas  I  desier  your  Grace  to 
send  me  your  counsell  in  writing  what  shalbe  best  for 
me  to  do,  for  if  they  woll  not  bee  persuaded  by  me, 
I  thinke  it  not  beste  to  send  a  multytude  to  the 
Kings  Grace  according  to  the  Instructions. 

Also  it  hath  been  shewed  me  to  my  face,  that  by 
muche  medling  and  persuading  this  matier  to  come 


372  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

to  efTecte,  I  shall  lose  the  fauor  of  the  hole  countrey; 
which  notwithstanding  I  shall  contynually  do  the 
best  I  can  possible  for  the  furtheraunce  of  the  Kings 
pleasure  in  that  behalfe,  what  so  euer  daunger  or 
displeasur  therof  ensue  vnto  me. 

Fferther  I  am  enformed,  that  ther  is  a  grudge 
newely  nowe  resuscitat  and  reviued  in  the  mynds  of 
the  people,  for  that  the  Lone  is  not  repayed  to  thayme 
vppon  the  first  receipte  of  the  graunte  of  Parliament ; 
as  it  was  promised  thayme  by  the  Commissioners, 
shewing  thayme  the  Kings  Graces  instructions  con- 
teynyng  thesame,  signed  with  his  Graces  own  hand : 
in  somoche  that  they  fere  not  to  speke,  that  they  be 
contynually  begyled,  and  no  promise  is  kepte  vnto 
thayme ;  and  theruppon  some  of  theyme  presuppose 
that  this  gifte  and  graunte  be  ons  received,  albeyt 
the  Kings  Grace  go  not  beyond  the  See,  yet  nothing 
shalbe  restored  agayne,  albeyt  they  be  shewed  the 
contrarye. 

It  is  me  enformed  that  it  is  a  common  voice  emong 
thayme  that  if  they  must  neds  give  the  Kings  Grace 
as  moche  as  is  nowe  required,  they  will  neuer  other- 
wise consent  therunto  but  that  the  Loone  shalbe 
parte  of  thesame. 

And  generally  it  is  reaported  vnto  me,  that  for  the 
most  parte  euery  man  sayeth  he  wolbe  contented  that 
the  Kings  Grace  haue  as  moche  as  he  may  spare,  but 
verely  many  say  they  be  not  able  to  do  as  they  be  re- 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


373 


quered.  And  many  denieth  nott  but  they  will  give 
the  Kings  Grace  according  to  thaire  powres,  but  they 
wo-11  in  nowise  geve  at  other  mennys  appointement 
whiche  knowith  not  thaire  neds. 

Item  some  say  that  if  suche  as  haue  money  wold 
lend  vnto  thayme  that  lakkith  money,  yet  all  the 
money  in  England  besids  that  which  is  receivyd  for 
the  Kings  vse  alredy,  shall  not  be  sufficient  to  per- 
forme  the  graunts  of  the  Parliament  not  yet  paide ; 
and  this  money  now  required,  so  moche  is  sent  and 
spent  out  of  this  Realme  already,  with  conveyaunce  of 
Englishe  gold  in  to  Flaunders  by  Englishe  merchaunts 
to  thaire  singuler  advauntaige,  by  force  wherof  some 
say  the  Kings  Grace  must  coyne  copper  and  brasse 
for  gold  and  siluer,  as  spent  and  gone,  which  shuld 
be  to  the  great  reproche  of  this  realme. 

Also  it  is  spoken  abrode,  as  I  vnderstand  by  rela- 
tion, that  it  shalbe  the  vttermust  empoverisshing  and 
vndoing  of  this  Realme,  and  the  greatest  enriching 
of  the  Realme  of  Fraunce,  if  the  Kings  Grace  shuld 
have  all  this  money  that  is  required  and  shuld  spend 
it  out  of  this  Realme  in  Fraunce,  wher  is  Grace  must 
continually  make  his  abode  a  long  season  and  kepe 
it,  if  it  fortune  hyme  to  wyne  it,  or  else  it  shall  be 
sone  lost  agayne.  Whiche  the  Kings  Grace  long 
contynuaunce  ther  wolbe  to  the  greate  decaying  and 
desolation  of  this  Realme ;  wheras  also  the  moost 
parte  of  the  nobles  of  this  Realme  must  give  attend- 


374  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

aunce  vppon  his  Grace  ther,  and  thair  spend  their 
revenues  of  thair  lands. 

I  haue  hard  say  more  ouer  that  wher  the  people  be 
commaunded  to  make  fyers  and  tokens  of  joye  for 
the  taking  of  the  Frenche  Kinge,  diuerse  of  thayme 
haue  spoken  that  they  haue  more  cause  to  wepe  than 
to  rejoyse  therat.  And  diuerse  (as  it  hath  been 
shewed  me  secretely)  haue  wisshed  openly  that  the 
Frenche  King  wer  at  his  libertie  agayne,  so  as  ther 
wer  a  good  peace,  and  the  Kings  Grace  shuld  not  at- 
tempte  to  wyne  Fraunce.  The  wynnyng  wherof 
shuld  be  more  chargefull  to  England  than  profitable: 
and  the  keping  therof  moche  more  chargefull  than 
the  wynnyng. 

Also  it  hath  been  told  me  secretely  that  diuerse 
haue  recomptid  and  repetid  what  infinite  sommes  of 
money  the  Kings  Grace  hath  spent  alredy  inuading 
Fraunce ;  ons  in  his  own  Roiall  person  ;  and  two  other 
sundry  tymes  by  his  seuerall  noble  Capitains;  and 
little  or  nothing  in  comparation  of  his  costes  hath 
preuailed :  in  somoche  that  the  Kings  Grace  at  this 
hower  hath  not  on  fote  of  land  more  in  Fraunce  than 
his  most  noble  father  hadd,  which  lakked  no  riches 
or  wisdom  to  wyne  the  kingdome  of  Fraunce  if  he 
hadd  thought  it  expedient. 

Thes  which  I  haue  rehersed  be  the  lieght  and  idle 
voices  of  the  people,  now  at  the  first  rumor  and  brute 
of  this  matier,  which  on  my  faith  hath  ben  shewed  me 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  375 

so  secretely  by  my  trends,  and  vnder  such  condition, 
that  I  wold  not  haue  thaym  farthur  vttred  but  to  your 
Grace  for  moche  good ;  for  such  causes  as  I  woll  shewe 
your  Grace  when  I  shall  nexte  come  vnto  the  same. 
I  trust  that  wher  it  is  a  prouerbe  that  a  wondre 
dureth  but  ix  dayes,  this  babling  woll  shortely  (after 
that  men  haue  remembred  and  well  aduised  them- 
selues)  cesse  and  wax  more  calme ;  orels  I  woll  fynd 
the  best  meane  that  I  can  to  represse  it  to  the  paynes 
of  thayme  that  clatereth  so  folisshely,  if  I  may  knowe 
ther  persons  and  communications  by  other  wayes 
then  by  way  of  secretie.  I  wold  that  the  tyme  wold 
haue  suffered  that  this  practising  with  the  people  for 
soe  greate  sommes  might  haue  been  spared  tyll  the 
Cockowe  tyme,  and  the  hoote  wether  (at  which  tyme 
madd  braynes  be  wont  to  be  most  busye)  had  ben 
ouer  passed,  but  wher  the  necessitie  otherwise  re- 
quireth  I  woll  for  my  parte  do  the  best  I  can.  My 
Lord,  though  I  wryte  vnto  your  Grace  herin  some 
things  whiche  be  not  of  verey  greate  importaunce, 
yet  I  do  it  to  th' en  tent  that  nothing  shalbe  said  or 
done  her  in  theis  parteis  which  shuld  be  hidd  frome 
your  Grace.  At  Otford  the  vth  day  of  Aprile. 
At  your  Graces  commaundment 

WILLM.    CANTUAR'. 

To  the  moost  reverende  fadre  in  God  and  my 
verey  singuler  good  Lord  my  Lord  Cardinall 
of  Yorke,  Legate  de  latere,  his  good  Grace. 


376  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 


LETTER  CXXIX. 

The  Duke  of  Norfolk  to  Cardinal    Wolsey.      Visits 

Norwich  as  Chief  Commissioner  for  the  "  Amicable 

Grant" 

[ibid.  fol.  336.] 

Pleas  it  your  Grace  to  bee  aduertised  of  the  cir- 
cumstaunce  howe  I  haue  procedid  and  sped  in  suche 
besines  as  the  Kingis  Highnes  sent  me  for  into  theis 
parties  at  this  tyme. 

Ffirste  before  my  comyng  I  sent  worde  to  the  Sherif 
to  cause  all  suche  gentilmen  as  bee  conteynede  in  a 
bill  here  inclosed  to  mete  me  at  Norwyche  on  Wed- 
nisday  at  night  the  xxix.  day  of  this  monethe,  and  in 
lyke  wyse  I  sent  vnto  Sr  Roger  Townesend,  and  to 
Sr  John  Shelton  to  come  hither  to  me  as  on  Tuisday 
laste  paste,  at  which  tyme  of  theire  commyng  hither, 
White  the  lerned  man  was  comyn  frome  your  Grace 
to  me  with  the  Instruccions,  Commissions,  and  Let- 
tres,  which  I  redd  to  the  said  twoo  Knightts  and 
lerned  man,  and  soo  handled  theim  that  they  were 
contentid  to  folowe  the  King's  pleasure.  And  I  en- 
sure your  Grace  they  haue  sithins  done  veary  moche 
good  to  the  vttermoste  of  theire  power  to  conduce 
the  rest  vnto  the  same. 

Upon  Wednisday  at  night  I  rode  to  Norwyche, 
where  in  the  evenyng  I  called  vnto  me  vj.  or  vij.  moo 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  377 

of  the  moste  wysiste  of  the  Shire,  and  of  those 
whiche  I  supposed  I  moght  doo  moste  with,  and 
brake  the  matire  vnto  theim  to  condiscende  vnto  the 
same :  and  in  the  morenyng  I  sent  for  vj.  or  vij. 
others,  and  soo  brought  theim  therevnto ;  and  than 
sent  for  the  rest :  and  fynally  all  they  subscribed 
a  bill  whiche  they  haue  signed  with  theire  owne 
handis,  and  with  the  rats  that  they  shall  paye  accord- 
ing to  the  rats  expressed  in  the  Instruccions,  and 
than  delyuered  theim  the  books  of  the  firste  Loone  by 
Indentures,  and  devyded  theim  into  dyuers  Hun- 
drids,  and  also  appoyntid  friers  to  bee  made  in  euery 
Towne  in  the  Shire  on  Sonday  night ;  and  in  euery 
towne  discrete  persons  to  declare  to  the  people  the 
greate  over  thro  we  of  the  Frenche  King,  and  to  doo 
the  moste  they  can  to  incorage  theim  to  this  Inva- 
sion this  Somer;  and  upon  Tuisday  next  all  those 
that  were  rated  in  the  laste  Loone  frome  lfi.  vpwarde 
shalbee  a  fore  the  Commissioners. 

And  but  for  that  I  had  knowlege  out  of  Suffblke 
that  noo  Sessing  shalbee  there  vnto  th'ending  of  the 
next  Weke  at  the  soneste,  this  matire  shuld  haue 
been  practised  frome  xxu.  vpwarde  before  Thuresday 
at  night ;  but  fearing  whether  they  wold  condiscende 
to  the  graunte  or  not,  I  haue  deferred  the  same  vnto 
the  tyme  I  may  suerly  knowe  what  day  shalbee  ap- 
poyntid in  Suffolk ;  and  soo  t'appoynt  this  Shire  on 
the  same  clay  to  th'entente  that  if  it  shall  chaunce 


378  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

any  to  make  denyali,  th'others  shalhaue  noo  knowlege 
of  the  same  to  take  any  evill  ensample  therby. 

I  have  sorena  all  the  Commissioners  not  to  disclose 
any  parte  thereof  to  any  other  creature  ;  and  in  lyke 
wyse  they  shall  swere  all  those  that  shall  come  before 
theim  vpon  Tuisday. 

After  this,  yesterday,  I  called  before  me  the  Maire 
of  Norwyche,  and  all  those  whose  names  be  specified 
in  a  bill  herein  closed,  whome  I  had  put  into  the 
Commission  in  the  voyde  place  that  was  lefte  for  that 
purpose,  and  with  the  beste  wordis  I  could  devyce  to 
speke. 

Ffirste  declareing  to  theim  the  prosperous  successe 
in  Italye,  with  all  other  persuasions  that  I  could  to 
encorage  theim  to  this  matire ;  and  than  redd  the 
lettre  to  theim  directid,  the  Commission,  and  In- 
struccions,  and  desired  theire  consent  to  this  graunte, 
as  the  gentilmen  had  doon  before  theim,  which  I 
shewed  theim  wrytten  with  theire  owne  hands. 
Wherevpon  they  desired  to  speke  together,  and  than 
to  make  me  answer,  whiche  I  was  contentid  they 
shuld  doo  after  I  had  taken  there  othes  as  I  had 
doon  of  the  gentilmen. 

After  dyner  they  retourned  to  me  and  said  that 
they  considred  well  that  the  tyme  was  veary  com- 
modious nowe  for  the  Kings  Highnes  to  invade 
Fraunce,  and  that  noo  subgetts  in  this  Reame  nor  in 
the  Worlde  wold  bee  more  desirous   than   they   to 

a  sworn. 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  379 

th'extremitie  of  theire  power  to  help  theire  souuerain 
lorde ;  but  assuredly  noone  of  theim  had  somoche 
reddy  money  as  I  desired  of  them  ;  and  so  offerd  to 
take  an  othe,  nor  they  thought  that  there  was  not 
somoche  within  the  hoole  Citie  as  shuld  extend  to 
the  rats :  yet  notwithstanding  to  th'entente  that  the 
Kings  Highnes  shuld  perfitely  knowe  that  they  were 
his  assured  loving  subgiets  they  wold  bee  contentid 
to  make  shifte  with  all  the  plate  they  haue  :  and  if  it 
woold  please  his  Grace  to  take  gilt  plate  for  iiijs.  the 
ounce,  parcell  gilt  for  iiijs.  viijd.,  and  plate  white  for 
iijs.  iiijd.  they  wolde  graunte  the  hoole  rate  for  their 
parts. 

Saying  that  the  living  of  theim  of  the  Citie  was 
moste  by  worsted  and  stamen  making,  which  was 
wroght  by  th'ands  of  many  a  thousand,  and  must  be 
paied  euery  weke  ;  and  if  they  shuld  delyuer  out  all 
theire  redy  money  they  could  not  haue  the  said 
worsted  and  stamen  made  ;  and  so  consequently  the 
Towne  shuld  fall  to  extreme  ruyne  and  the  contry 
in  like  wyse  for  lack  of  occupacon,  whiche  they  de- 
sired me  to  considre.  Wherevpon  I  shewed  theim 
that  I  wold  speke  with  dyuers  that  were  there  with 
me,  and  than  make  theim  answer :  and  so  spake  with 
Sr  Roger  Townesend,  S1"  John  Shelton,  Ellis  baron 
of  th'exchequire,  and  White  the  lerned :  and  was 
thought  by  vs  all  that  I  shuld  saye  vnto  theim  as 
here  after  clothe  ensue. 


380  ORIGINAL    LETTERS. 

Ffirste  I  shewed  theim  that  I  was  veary  ioyfull  to 
see  theim  handle  themselfs  thus  lovingly  vnto  the 
Kings  Highnes.  Notwithstanding  forasmoche  as  I 
had  noo  more  auctoritie  in  this  Commission  then  all 
they  had,  and  that  noo  power  was  geven  to  vs  to  take 
plate  for  a  lesse  valewe  than  it  was  worthe,  I  durste 
not  take  theire  hands  to  bee  sett  to  the  booke  after 
those  pryces.  Notwithstanding  I  wold  not  refuse 
theire  offre,  but  wold  aduertise  the  Kings  Highnes 
and  youre  Grace  with  the  beste  words  I  could  vse  to 
cause  theim  to  have  thanks  for  the  same ;  and  after 
knowlege  had  thereof  to  resorte  eftesones  to  theim 
and  to  declare  the  Kings  pleasure  vnto  theim. 

Than  all  they  desired  me  to  bee  a  meane  to  his 
Highnes  and  youre  Grace,  that  onles  the  other  good 
Cities  of  the  Realme  did  graunte  to  theis  rats  aswell 
as  they,  that  they  shuld  not  bee  charged  therewith  : 
and  of  trothe  the  gentilmen  of  the  Shire  desired 
me  the  same  for  theire  parts :  wherein  I  promised 
theim  to  doo  my  beste ;  beseching  youre  Grace  that 
with  all  convenyente  diligence  I  may  knowe  the 
Kings  pleasure  and  yowrs,  what  I  shall  doo  concern- 
yng  th'offre  made  of  the  said  Plate. 

And  vnder  your  Grace's  correccon  me  thinke  if 
the  losse  shuld  not  extende  to  noo  greate  valewe,  it 
shuld  bee  well  doon  to  take  plate  of  all  that  wold 
orTre  the  same,  whiche  shuld  alure  mens  herts  with 
the  bettur  will  to  condiscende  to  the  graunt :  and 


ORIGINAL    LETTERS.  381 

than  suche  a  Coyne  might  be  devised  as  were  the 
dandipratts  at  the  King  of  ded  is  going  ouer  to 
Bullen  :a  wherewith  the  Kings  Highnes  mought  re- 
compens  his  losse  and  yet  the  same  good  inough  to 
bee  spent  in  Fraunce. 

Assuring  youre  Grace  that  notwithstanding  that 
the  Commissioners  haue  grauntid,  yet  I  feare  moche 
howe  th'others  shalbe  brought  therevnto ;  for  those 
that  haue  moste  aduaunced  this  matire  with  me  doo 
shewe  vnto  me  that  they  beleve  that  there  is  skant 
somoche  money  within  the  Shire  as  the  rats  shall 
extende  vnto.  Notwithstanding,  assured  youre  Grace 
may  bee,  that  I  and  others  with  me  shall  doo  the  beste 
we  can  possible :  and  I  pray  God  that  all  the  Com- 
missioners of  the  Reame  be  as  well  my  n  did  to  serue 
the  Kings  purpose  as  these  bee  here  with  me,  and 
that  London  and  all  other  Cities  doo  noo  worse  than 
Norwych  hathe  begon.  Writen  at  Kenynghale  the 
furst  day  of  Aprill. 

Yours  most  bownden 

T.    NORFFOLK. 
To  ray  Lorde  Legats  good  Grace. 

5  Camden,  in  his  "Remains,"  edit.  16/4,  p.  244,  says  "Henry  the  Seventh 
stamped  a  small  coin  called  Dandyprats."  Sherwood  in  his  Diction.  Angl.  &  Fran- 
cois, fol.  Lond.  1650,  also  notices  this  coin,  but  says  it  had  long  been  out  of  use.  It 
is  at  present,  certainly  by  this  name,  unknown  to  the  Collectors  of  English  Coins. 

END    OF  THE    FIRST    VOLUME. 


LONDON : 
Printed  by  S.  &  J.  Bentley,  Wilson,  and  Fley, 
Bangor  House,  Shoe  Lane. 


Original    letters 


TITLE 


3rd.ser. 
vol.1 


Ellis,  °ir  Henry 
Original  letters 


DA 
25 

3rd.serJ 
vol .  1 


^ym 


7M, 


"-  ,      ■  -W,  v* 


1        .'•,■• 


Br 


II